Localization of vasopressin binding sites in rat brain by in vitro autoradiography using a radioiodinated V1 receptor antagonist

The organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and subfornical organ: regulation of thirst

Thirst and water intake are regulated by the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and subfornical organ (SFO), located around the anteroventral third ventricle, which plays a critical role in sensing dynamic changes in sodium and water balance in body fluids. Meanwhile, neural circuits involved in thirst regulation and intracellular mechanisms underlying the osmosensitive function of OVLT and SFO are reviewed. Having specific Nax channels in the glial cells and other channels (such as TRPV1 and TRPV4), the OVLT and SFO detect the increased Na+ concentration or hyperosmolality to orchestrate osmotic stimuli to the insular and cingulate cortex to evoke thirst. Meanwhile, the osmotic stimuli are relayed to the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) via direct neural projections or the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) to promote the secretion of vasopressin which plays a vital role in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis. Importantly, the vital role of OVLT in sleep-arousal regulation is discussed, where vasopressin is proposed as the mediator in the regulation when OVLT senses osmotic stimuli.

Choroid plexus tissue perfusion and blood to CSF barrier function in rats measured with continuous arterial spin labeling

The choroid plexus (ChP) of the cerebral ventricles is a source of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production and also plays a key role in immune surveillance at the level of blood-to-CSF-barrier (BCSFB). In this study, we quantify ChP blood perfusion and BCSFB mediated water exchange from arterial blood into ventricular CSF using non-invasive continuous arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance imaging (CASL-MRI). Systemic administration of anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin) was used to validate BCSFB water flow as a metric of choroidal CSF secretory function. To further investigate the coupling between ChP blood perfusion and BCSFB water flow, we characterized the effects of two anesthetic regimens known to have large-scale differential effects on cerebral blood flow. For quantification of ChP blood perfusion a multi-compartment perfusion model was employed, and we discovered that partial volume correction improved measurement accuracy. Vasopressin significantly reduced both ChP blood perfusion and BCSFB water flow. ChP blood perfusion was significantly higher with pure isoflurane anesthesia (2-2.5%) when compared to a balanced anesthesia with dexmedetomidine and low-dose isoflurane (1.0 %), and significant correlation between ChP blood perfusion and BCSFB water flow was observed, however there was no significant difference in BCSFB water flow. In summary, here we introduce a non-invasive, robust, and spatially resolved in vivo imaging platform to quantify ChP blood perfusion as well as BCSFB water flow which can be applied to study coupling of these two key parameters in future clinical translational studies.

Multiple Aspects of Inappropriate Action of Renin-Angiotensin, Vasopressin, and Oxytocin Systems in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The cardiovascular system and the central nervous system (CNS) closely cooperate in the regulation of primary vital functions. The autonomic nervous system and several compounds known as cardiovascular factors, especially those targeting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), the vasopressin system (VPS), and the oxytocin system (OTS), are also efficient modulators of several other processes in the CNS. The components of the RAS, VPS, and OTS, regulating pain, emotions, learning, memory, and other cognitive processes, are present in the neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels of the CNS. Increasing evidence shows that the combined function of the RAS, VPS, and OTS is altered in neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases, and in particular in patients with depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, autism, and schizophrenia. The altered function of the RAS may also contribute to CNS disorders in COVID-19. In this review, we present evidence that there are multiple causes for altered combined function of the RAS, VPS, and OTS in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as genetic predispositions and the engagement of the RAS, VAS, and OTS in the processes underlying emotions, memory, and cognition. The neuroactive pharmaceuticals interfering with the synthesis or the action of angiotensins, vasopressin, and oxytocin can improve or worsen the effectiveness of treatment for neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative diseases. Better knowledge of the multiple actions of the RAS, VPS, and OTS may facilitate programming the most efficient treatment for patients suffering from the comorbidity of neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

Anatomical Organization of the Rat Subfornical Organ

The subfornical organ (SFO) is a sensory circumventricular organ located along the anterodorsal wall of the third ventricle. SFO lacks a complete blood-brain barrier (BBB), and thus peripherally-circulating factors can penetrate the SFO parenchyma. These signals are detected by local neurons providing the brain with information from the periphery to mediate central responses to humoral signals and physiological stressors. Circumventricular organs are characterized by the presence of unique populations of non-neuronal cells, such as tanycytes and fenestrated endothelium. However, how these populations are organized within the SFO is not well understood. In this study, we used histological techniques to analyze the anatomical organization of the rat SFO and examined the distribution of neurons, fenestrated and non-fenestrated vasculature, tanycytes, ependymocytes, glia cells, and pericytes within its confines. Our data show that the shell of SFO contains non-fenestrated vasculature, while fenestrated capillaries are restricted to the medial-posterior core region of the SFO and associated with a higher BBB permeability. In contrast to non-fenestrated vessels, fenestrated capillaries are encased in a scaffold created by pericytes and embedded in a network of tanycytic processes. Analysis of c-Fos expression following systemic injections of angiotensin II or hypertonic NaCl reveals distinct neuronal populations responding to these stimuli. Hypertonic NaCl activates ∼13% of SFO neurons located in the shell. Angiotensin II-sensitive neurons represent ∼35% of SFO neurons and their location varies between sexes. Our study provides a comprehensive description of the organization of diverse cellular elements within the SFO, facilitating future investigations in this important brain area.

Activation of V1a vasopressin receptors excite subicular pyramidal neurons by activating TRPV1 and depressing GIRK channels

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a nonapeptide that serves as a neuromodulator in the brain and a hormone in the periphery that regulates water homeostasis and vasoconstriction. The subiculum is the major output region of the hippocampus and an integral component in the networks that processes sensory and motor cues to form a cognitive map encoding spatial, contextual, and emotional information. Whereas the subiculum expresses high densities of AVP-binding sites and AVP has been shown to increase the synaptic excitability of subicular pyramidal neurons, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been determined. We found that activation of V_1a receptors increased the excitability of subicular pyramidal neurons via activation of TRPV1 channels and depression of the GIRK channels. V_1a receptor-induced excitation of subicular pyramidal neurons required the function of phospholipase Cβ, but was independent of intracellular Ca²⁺ release. Protein kinase C was responsible for AVP-mediated depression of GIRK channels, whereas degradation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was involved in V_1a receptor-elicited activation of TRPV1 channels. Our results may provide one of the cellular and molecular mechanisms to explain the physiological functions of AVP in the brain.

Neural mechanisms of AVPR1A RS3-RS1 haplotypes that impact verbal learning and memory

Converging evidence from both human and animal studies has highlighted the pervasive role of the neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is mediated by arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A), in both social and nonsocial learning and memory. However, the effect of genetic variants in AVPR1A on verbal learning and memory is unknown. The hippocampus is a heterogeneous structure that consists of several anatomically and functionally distinct subfields, and it is the principal target structure for the memory-enhancing effect of AVP. We tested the hypothesis that genetic variants in the RS3 and RS1 repeat polymorphisms may influence verbal learning and memory performance evaluated by the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II) by modulating the gray matter volume (GMV) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of whole hippocampus and its subfields in a large cohort of young healthy subjects (n = 1001). Using a short/long classification scheme for the repeat length of RS3 and RS1, we found that the individuals carrying more short alleles of RS3-RS1 haplotypes had poorer learning and memory performance compared to that of those carrying more long alleles. We also revealed that individuals carrying more short alleles exhibited a significantly smaller GMV in the left cornu ammonis (CA)2/3 and weaker rsFC of the left CA2/3-bilateral thalamic (primarily in medial prefrontal subfields) compared to those carrying more long alleles. Furthermore, multiple mediation analysis confirmed that these two hippocampal imaging measures jointly and fully mediated the relationship between the genetic variants in AVPR1A RS3-RS1 haplotypes and the individual differences in verbal learning and memory performance. Our results suggest that genetic variants in AVPR1A RS3-RS1 haplotypes may affect verbal learning and memory performance in part by modulating the left hippocampal CA2/3 structure and its rsFC with the thalamus.

Vasopressin actions in the kidney renin angiotensin system and its role in hypertension and renal disease

Vasopressin, also named antidiuretic hormone (ADH), arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the main hormone responsible for water maintenance in the body through the antidiuretic actions in the kidney. The posterior pituitary into the blood releases vasopressin formed in the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic osmotic neurons are responsible to initiate the cascade for AVP actions. The effects of AVP peptide includes activation of V2 receptors which stimulate the formation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and phosphorylation of water channels aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in the collecting duct. AVP also has vasoconstrictor effects through V1a receptors in the vasculature, while V1b is found in the nervous system. V1a and b receptors increases intracellular Ca²⁺ while activation of V2 receptors of signaling pathways are related to cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in kidney collecting ducts acting in coordination to stimulate water and electrolyte homeostasis. AVP potentiate formation of intratubular angiotensin II (Ang II) through V2 receptors-dependent distal tubular renin formation, contributing to Na+ reabsorption. On the same way, Ang II receptors are able to potentiate the effects of V2-dependent stimulation of AQP2 abundance in the plasma membrane. The role of AVP in hypertension and renal disease has been demonstrated in pathological states with the involvement of V2 receptors in the progression of kidney damage in diabetes and also on the stimulation of intracellular pathways linked to the development of polycystic kidney.

Oxytocin and vasopressin in the rodent hippocampus

The role of the hippocampus in social memory and behavior is under intense investigation. Oxytocin (Oxt) and vasopressin (Avp) are two neuropeptides with many central actions related to social cognition. Oxt- and Avp-expressing fibers are abundant in the hippocampus and receptors for both peptides are seen throughout the different subfields, suggesting that Oxt and Avp modulate hippocampal-dependent processes. In this review, we first focus on the anatomical sources of Oxt and Avp input to the hippocampus and consider the distribution of their corresponding receptors in different hippocampal subfields and neuronal populations. We next discuss the behavioral outcomes related to social memory seen with perturbation of hippocampal Oxt and Avp signaling. Finally, we review Oxt and Avp modulatory mechanisms in the hippocampus that may underlie the behavioral roles for both peptides.

The role of vasopressin in olfactory and visual processing

Neural vasopressin is a potent modulator of behaviour in vertebrates. It acts at both sensory processing regions and within larger regulatory networks to mediate changes in social recognition, affiliation, aggression, communication and other social behaviours. There are multiple populations of vasopressin neurons within the brain, including groups in olfactory and visual processing regions. Some of these vasopressin neurons, such as those in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex and retina, were recently identified using an enhanced green fluorescent protein-vasopressin (eGFP-VP) transgenic rat. Based on the interconnectivity of vasopressin-producing and sensitive brain areas and in consideration of autocrine, paracrine and neurohormone-like actions associated with somato-dendritic release, we discuss how these different neuronal populations may interact to impact behaviour.

Arginine Vasopressin Alters Both Spontaneous and Phase-Locked Synaptic Inputs to Airway Vagal Preganglionic Neuron via Activation of V1a Receptor: Insights into Stress-Related Airway Vagal Excitation

The airway vagal preganglionic neurons (AVPNs) in the external formation of the nucleus ambiguus (eNA) play a major role in the vagal control of tracheobronchial smooth muscle tone and maintenance of airway resistance. The eNA receives vasopressinergic projection from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the key node for the genesis of psychological stress. Since airway vagal excitation is reportedly to be associated with the psychological stress-induced/exacerbated airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatics, arginine vasopressin (AVP) might be involved in stress-related airway vagal excitation. However, this possibility has not been validated. This study aimed to test whether and how AVP regulates AVPNs. In rhythmically active medullary slices of newborn rats, retrogradely labeled AVPNs were identified as inspiratory-activated and inspiratory-inhibited AVPNs (IA- and II-AVPNs) using patch-clamp techniques according to their inspiratory-related firing behavior and synaptic activities. The results show that under current clamp, AVP depolarized both IA- and II-AVPNs, and significantly increased their spontaneous firing rate. Under voltage clamp, AVP elicited a slow inward current, and significantly increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in both types of AVPNs. In addition, AVP significantly enhanced the phase-locked excitatory inspiratory inward current in inspiratory-activated airway vagal preganglionic neurons (IA-AVPNs), but significantly suppressed the phase-locked inhibitory inspiratory outward current in II-AVPNs. In both types AVPNs, AVP significantly increased the frequency and amplitude of pharmacologically isolated spontaneous GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). All of the AVP-induced effects were prevented by SR49059, an antagonist of V_1a receptors, but unaffected by SSR149415, an antagonist of V_1b receptors. AVP did not cause significant changes in the miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and membrane input resistance of either type of AVPNs. These results demonstrate that AVP, via activation of V_1a receptors, enhanced the spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory inputs similarly in the two types of AVPNs, but differentially altered their phase-locked inspiratory excitatory and inhibitory inputs. The overall effects of AVP are excitatory in both types AVPNs. These results suggest that increased central AVP release may be involved in the stress-induced augmentation of airway vagal activity, and, consequently, the induction or exacerbation of some airway diseases.

Conivaptan, a Selective Arginine Vasopressin V1a and V2 Receptor Antagonist Attenuates Global Cerebral Edema Following Experimental Cardiac Arrest via Perivascular Pool of Aquaporin-4

BACKGROUND

Cerebral edema is a major cause of mortality following cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CA-evoked cerebral edema. In this study, we examined if conivaptan, a V1a and V2 antagonist, attenuates cerebral edema following CA/CPR in wild type (WT) mice as well as mice with targeted disruption of the gene encoding α-syntrophin (α-syn(-/-)) that demonstrate diminished perivascular AQP4 pool.

METHODS

Isoflurane-anesthetized adult male WT C57Bl/6 and α-syn(-/-) mice were subjected to 8 min CA/CPR and treated with either bolus IV injection (0.15 or 0.3 mg/kg) followed by continuous infusion of conivaptan (0.15 mg/kg/day or 0.3 mg/kg/day), or vehicle infusion for 48 h. Serum osmolality, regional brain water content, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption were determined at the end of the experiment. Sham-operated mice in both strains served as controls.

RESULTS

Treatment with conivaptan elevated serum osmolality in a dose-dependent manner. In WT mice, conivaptan at 0.3 mg dose significantly attenuated regional water content in the caudoputamen (81.0 ± 0.5 vs. 82.5 ± 0.4% in controls; mean ± SEM) and cortex (78.8 ± 0.2 vs. 79.4 ± 0.2% in controls), while conivaptan at 0.15 mg was not effective. In α-syn(-/-) mice, conivaptan at 0.3 mg dose did not attenuate water content compared with controls. Conivaptan (0.3 mg/kg/day) attenuated post-CA BBB disruption at 48 h in WT mice but not in α-syn(-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous IV infusion of conivaptan attenuates cerebral edema and BBB disruption following CA. These effects of conivaptan that are dependent on the presence of perivascular pool of AQP4 appear be mediated via its dual effect on V1 and V2 receptors.

Oxytocin enhances the expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats

Drug addiction is characterized by drug-seeking and drug-taking and has devastating consequences on addicts as well as on society. Environmental contexts previously associated with drug use can elicit continued drug use and facilitate relapse. Accumulating evidence suggests that the neuropeptide oxytocin might be a potential treatment for behavioral disorders, including drug addiction. Here, we investigated the effects of central oxytocin administration on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), a model for measuring the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, in male Wistar rats. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of oxytocin (0.2μg) or the specific oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA), desGly-NH2, d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)(2), Thr(4)] OVT, (0.75μg), on the conditioning days did not affect the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP. By contrast, ICV oxytocin, but not OTA, administration immediately prior to the post-conditioning session enhanced the expression of morphine-induced CPP, possibly by activation of oxytocin receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh). The oxytocin enhancement of morphine-induced CPP was not associated with any changes in the locomotor activity of morphine-conditioned rats. Together, these data suggest that central administration of exogenous oxytocin enhances the expression of morphine-induced CPP, at least in part, via activation of oxytocin receptors within the NAcSh.

Idiopathic cerebrospinal fluid overproduction: case-based review of the pathophysiological mechanism implied in the cerebrospinal fluid production

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) overproduction results from either CSF infection or choroid plexus hypertrophy or tumor, with only a single idiopathic case described so far. We report a unique case of a male infant with Crouzon syndrome who presented with intracranial hypertension, caused by up to 4-fold increase in CSF daily production. Conditions related to CSF overproduction, namely central nervous system infections and choroid plexus hypertrophy or tumor, were ruled out by repeated magnetic resonance imaging and CSF samples. Medical therapy failed to reduce CSF production and the patient underwent several shunting procedures, cranial expansion, and endoscopic coagulation of the choroid plexus. This article thoroughly reviews pertinent literature on CSF production mechanisms and possible therapeutic implications.

Glutamate microinjection into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus attenuates ulcerative colitis in rats

AIM

To investigate the effects of glutamate microinjection into hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and to explore the relevant mechanisms.

METHODS

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (100 mg/kg in 50% ethanol) was instilled into the colon of adult male SD rats to induce UC. A colonic damage score (CDS) was used to indicate the severity of the colonic mucosal damage. The pathological changes in the colonic mucosa were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, biochemical analyses or ELISA. Ten minutes before UC induction, drugs were microinjected into the relevant nuclei in rat brain to produce chemical stimulation or chemical lesion.

RESULTS

Microinjection of glutamate (3, 6 and 12 μg) into the PVN dose-dependently decreased the CDS in UC rats. This protective effect was eliminated after kainic acid (0.3 μg) was microinjected into PVN or into the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) that caused chemical lesion of these nuclei. This protective effect was also prevented when the AVP-V1 receptor antagonist DPVDAV (200 ng) was microinjected into the NTS. The discharge frequency of the vagus was markedly decreased following microinjection of glutamate into the PVN. Microinjection of glutamate into the PVN in UC rats significantly increased the cell proliferation and anti-oxidant levels, and decreased the apoptosis and Bax and caspase 3 expression levels and reduced the pro-inflammatory factors in the colonic mucosa.

CONCLUSION

The activation of hypothalamic PVN exerts protective effects against UC, which is mediated by the NTS and vagus. The effects may be achieved via anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory factors.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Secretion by the Choroid Plexus

The choroid plexus epithelium is a cuboidal cell monolayer, which produces the majority of the cerebrospinal fluid. The concerted action of a variety of integral membrane proteins mediates the transepithelial movement of solutes and water across the epithelium. Secretion by the choroid plexus is characterized by an extremely high rate and by the unusual cellular polarization of well-known epithelial transport proteins. This review focuses on the specific ion and water transport by the choroid plexus cells, and then attempts to integrate the action of specific transport proteins to formulate a model of cerebrospinal fluid secretion. Significant emphasis is placed on the concept of isotonic fluid transport across epithelia, as there is still surprisingly little consensus on the basic biophysics of this phenomenon. The role of the choroid plexus in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the central nervous system is discussed, and choroid plexus dysfunctions are described in a very diverse set of clinical conditions such as aging, Alzheimer's disease, brain edema, neoplasms, and hydrocephalus. Although the choroid plexus may only have an indirect influence on the pathogenesis of these conditions, the ability to modify epithelial function may be an important component of future therapies.

Differential effects of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic pre-autonomic neurons on circulatory control: reflex mechanisms and changes during exercise

1. The role of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic (VPergic and OTergic, respectively) projections to the brain stem in the modulation of heart rate control is discussed on the basis of both changes in the peptide content of the dorsal brain stem (DBS) and functional effects following reflex- and exercise-induced activation in the presence and/or absence of receptor blockade within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and/or peripheral autonomic block. 2. Experimental data showed a dual effect of NTS VPergic projections on reflex control: (i) to maintain tonically the reflex sensitivity; and (ii) to reset reflex bradycardia towards higher heart rate values when transiently activated. The VPergic drive causes less sympathetic inhibition during pressure increases, mainly by reducing peripheral information going to NTS second-order neurons. Treadmill running increases the vasopressin content within the DBS. This activates NTS V(1) receptors to cause a significant improvement of exercise tachycardia in both sedentary and trained rats. 3. The OTergic drive to DBS areas (NTS/dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus) is also tonic for baroreceptor reflex control: it improves reflex bradycardia by facilitating vagal outflow to the heart. An acute bout of exercise increases DBS oxytocin (OT) content in trained rats, causing a significant blunting of exercise tachycardia only in this group. In both sedentary and trained groups, basal heart rate varies inversely with DBS OT content, the resting bradycardia of trained rats being associated with higher OT content. 4. Specific coordinated activation of VPergic and OTergic suprabulbar pathways is essential to adjust heart rate and cardiac output to circulatory demand at rest and during exercise in both sedentary and trained individuals.

Body water balance and body temperature in vasopressin V1b receptor knockout mice

In an attempt to determine whether there is a specific vasopressin receptor (V(1b)) subtype involved in the regulation of body water balance and temperature, vasopressin V(1b) receptor knockout mice were used. Daily drinking behavior and renal excretory function were examined in V(1b)-deficient (V(1b)(-/-)) and control (V(1b)(+/+)) mice under the basal and stress-induced condition. In addition, body temperature and locomotor activity were measured with a biotelemetry system. The baseline daily water intake and urine volume were larger in V(1b)(-/-) mice than in V(1b)(+/+) mice. V(1b)(-/-) mice (V(1b)(-/-)) had significantly higher locomotor activity than wild-type, whereas the body temperature and oxygen consumption were lower in V(1b)(-/-) than in the V(1b)(+/+) mice. Next, the V(1b)(-/-) and V(1b)(+/+) mice were subjected to water deprivation for 48 hr. Under this condition, their body temperature decreased with the time course, which was significantly larger for V(1b)(-/-) than for V(1b)(+/+) mice. Central vasopressin has been reported to elicit drinking behavior and antipyretic action, and the V(1b) receptor has been reported to be located in the kidney. Thus, the findings suggest that the V(1b) receptor may be, at least in part, involved in body water balance and body temperature regulation.

Monitoring ligand-mediated internalization of G protein-coupled receptor as a novel pharmacological approach

Agonist activation of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) results in the redistribution of the receptor protein away from the cell surface into internal cellular compartments through a process of endocytosis known as internalization. Visualization of receptor internalization has become experimentally practicable by using fluorescent reagents such as green fluorescent protein (GFP). In this study, we examined whether the ligand-mediated internalization of a GPCR can be exploited for pharmacological evaluations. We acquired fluorescent images of cells expressing GFP-labeled GPCRs and evaluated the ligand-mediated internalization quantitatively by image processing. Using beta2-adrenoceptor and vasopressin V1a receptor as model GPCRs that couple to Gs and Gq, respectively, we first examined whether these GFP-tagged GPCRs exhibited appropriate pharmacology. The rank order of receptor internalization potency for a variety of agonists and antagonists specific to each receptor corresponded well with that previously observed in ligand binding studies. In addition to chemical ligand-induced internalization, this cell-based fluorescence imaging system successfully monitored the internalization of the proton-sensing GPCR TDAG8, and that of the free fatty acid-sensitive GPCR GPR120. The results show that monitoring receptor internalization can be a useful approach for pharmacological characterization of GPCRs and in fishing for ligands of orphan GPCRs.

Water and solute secretion by the choroid plexus

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides mechanical and chemical protection of the brain and spinal cord. This review focusses on the contribution of the choroid plexus epithelium to the water and salt homeostasis of the CSF, i.e. the secretory processes involved in CSF formation. The choroid plexus epithelium is situated in the ventricular system and is believed to be the major site of CSF production. Numerous studies have identified transport processes involved in this secretion, and recently, the underlying molecular background for some of the mechanisms have emerged. The nascent CSF consists mainly of NaCl and NaHCO(3), and the production rate is strictly coupled to the rate of Na(+) secretion. In contrast to other secreting epithelia, Na(+) is actively pumped across the luminal surface by the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase with possible contributions by other Na(+) transporters, e.g. the luminal Na(+),K(+),2Cl(-) cotransporter. The Cl(-) and HCO(3) (-) ions are likely transported by a luminal cAMP activated inward rectified anion conductance, although the responsible proteins have not been identified. Whereas Cl(-) most likely enters the cells through anion exchange, the functional as well as the molecular basis for the basolateral Na(+) entry are not yet well-defined. Water molecules follow across the epithelium mainly through the water channel, AQP1, driven by the created ionic gradient. In this article, the implications of the recent findings for the current model of CSF secretion are discussed. Finally, the clinical implications and the prospects of future advances in understanding CSF production are briefly outlined.

Food competition and social experience effects on V1a receptor binding in the forebrain of male Long-Evans hooded rats

The present study investigated the effect of social status in Long-Evans hooded rats established during food competition on V(1a) vasopressin receptor (V(1a)R) binding in the lateral septum (LS), medial preoptic area (MPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), anterior hypothalamus (AH), and central/basolateral amygdala (CeB). Serum concentration of testosterone (T) and corticosterone (CORT) was also measured. In Experiment 1, thirty-two lever-trained weight-matched rat pairs were placed in operant chambers where a single bar press provided access to milk reinforcement. A dominant-subordinate relationship, determined by the duration of drinking, was evident in 88% of the pairs. Sixteen rats were lever-trained but did not interact and served as no-treatment (NT) controls. In the LS, V(1a)R binding in the subordinate (SUB) group was significantly higher than in the dominant (DOM) group. V(1a)R binding was significantly higher in the LS, BNST, CeB, and AH in the NT group than in the other groups. The levels of CORT and T were not affected significantly by group membership. Experiment 2 investigated whether the binding effect in the LS was related to differences in fluid consumption. The results did not indicate a significant effect of fluid consumption. In the rat, V(1a)R binding in several forebrain areas seems to be affected by brief periods of social interactions, and, in the LS, it also appears to be related to dominance status.

Role of arginine vasopressin V1 and V2 receptors for brain damage after transient focal cerebral ischemia

Brain edema formation is one of the most important mechanisms responsible for brain damage after ischemic stroke. Despite considerable efforts, no specific therapy is available yet. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) regulates cerebral water homeostasis and has been involved in brain edema formation. In the current study, we investigated the role of AVP V1 and V2 receptors on brain damage, brain edema formation, and functional outcome after transient focal cerebral ischemia, a condition comparable with that of stroke patients undergoing thrombolysis. C57/BL6 mice were subjected to 60-min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 23 h of reperfusion. Five minutes after MCAO, 100 or 500 ng of [deamino-Pen(1), O-Me-Tyr(2), Arg(8)]-vasopressin (AVP V1 receptor antagonist) or [adamantaneacetyl(1), O-Et-D-Tyr(2), Val(4), Abu(6), Arg(8,9)]-vasopressin (AVP V2 receptor antagonist) were injected into the left ventricle. Inhibition of AVP V1 receptors reduced infarct volume in a dose-dependent manner by 54% and 70% (to 29+/-13 and 19+/-10 mm3 versus 63+/-17 mm3 in controls; P<0.001), brain edema formation by 67% (to 80.4%+/-1.0% versus 82.7%+/-1.2% in controls; P<0.001), blood-brain barrier disruption by 75% (P<0.001), and functional deficits 24 h after ischemia, while V2 receptor inhibition had no effect. The current findings indicate that AVP V1 but not V2 receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of secondary brain damage after focal cerebral ischemia. Although further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of neuroprotection, AVP V1 receptors seem to be promising targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Peripheral vasopressin accelerates extinction of conditioned taste avoidance

Both peripheral and central administration of vasopressin improves retention and delays extinction when given before or after acquisition of shock avoidance learning. For conditioned taste avoidance, however, vasopressin prolongs extinction when injected peripherally before acquisition tests and accelerates extinction when infused intracerebroventricularly after acquisition. The following experiments were designed to determine whether this inconsistency is based on the route of administration or timing of vasopressin treatment. Because acquisition of conditioned taste avoidance is strengthened when an agent that is capable of inducing avoidance is administered after LiCl injection, it was determined in experiment 1 that a 6 microg/kg dose of vasopressin did not induce conditioned taste avoidance when administered 50 min after consumption of a sucrose solution. In experiment 2, it was determined that this dose of vasopressin accelerated extinction of a LiCl-induced conditioned taste avoidance when given 50 min after LiCl injection. These results suggest that the inconsistency is not based on route of administration. In experiment 3, it was determined that there was a tendency for animals to show prolonged extinction when vasopressin was administered 20 min before access to a sucrose solution. All of the results taken together suggest that the differential effects of vasopressin on extinction are due to the timing of administration. It was suggested that vasopressin accelerates extinction when given after acquisition by reducing the effectiveness of LiCl and it prolongs extinction when given before acquisition by altering neural responsiveness in areas mediating conditioned taste avoidance.

Systemic salt loading decreases body temperature and increases heat-escape/cold-seeking behaviour via the central AT1 and V1 receptors in rats

Salt loading decreases body core temperature (T(core)) at neutral ambient temperature (26 degrees C) and increases heat-escape/cold-seeking behaviour in desalivated rats. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that brain angiotensin II (AII) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are associated with these responses. Surgically desalivated rats (n = 28) were administered an injection (S.C., 10 ml kg(-1)) of either normal saline (154 mM, NS) or hypertonic saline (2500 mM, HS) following an intracerebroventricular injection (10 microl kg(-1)) of an AII AT(1)-receptor antagonist (candesartan, 5 microg microl(-1)), an AVP V(1)-receptor antagonist ((beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopenta-methylene propionyl(1), O-Me-Tyr(2), Arg(8))-vasopressin, 0.5 microg microl(-1)), or normal saline (154 mM). Each rat was placed in a behaviour box, first at 26 degrees C for 1 h to allow the measurement of baseline T(core) and movement. The ambient temperature was then elevated to 40 degrees C for the next 2 h, during which time the rat was able to trigger a 0 degrees C air reward for 30 s by moving into a specific area of the box (operant behaviour). The S.C. HS significantly decreased baseline T(core) at 26 degrees C (36.5 +/- 0.1 degrees C) and increased counts of operant behaviour at 40 degrees C (57 +/- 3) compared with results obtained following S.C. NS injection (37.4 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 42 +/- 1, respectively). These responses to s.c. HS were inhibited by the intracerebroventricular injection of AT(1) (37.3 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 43 +/- 2, respectively; P < 0.05) and V(1) antagonists (37.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C and 42 +/- 2, respectively; P < 0.05), although administration of both antagonists with S.C. NS had no effect. These results suggest that brain AII and AVP are involved in the decrease in T(core) observed at neutral ambient temperature and the increase in heat-escape/cold-seeking behaviour in response to osmotic stimulation, via the central AT(1) and V(1) receptors, respectively

Brain vasopressin and sodium appetite

Intraventricular injections of vasopressin (VP) and antagonists with varying degrees of specificity for the VP receptors were used to identify the action of endogenous brain VP on 0.3 M NaCl intake by sodium-deficient rats. Lateral ventricular injections of 100 ng and 1 microg VP caused barrel rotations and a dramatic decrease in NaCl intake by sodium-deficient rats and suppressed sucrose intake. Intraventricular injection of the V(1)/V(2) receptor antagonist [d(CH(2))(5)(1),O-Et-Tyr(2),Val(4), Arg(8)]VP and the V(1) receptor antagonist [d(CH(2))(5)(1),O-Me-Tyr(2),Arg(8)]VP (MeT-AVP) significantly suppressed NaCl intake by sodium-deficient rats without causing motor disturbances. MeT-AVP had no effect on sucrose intake (0.1 M). In contrast, the selective V(2) receptor antagonist had no significant effect on NaCl intake. Last, injections of 100 ng MeT-AVP decreased mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), whereas 100 ng VP elevated MAP and pretreatment with MeT-AVP blocked the pressor effect of VP. These results indicate that the effects produced by 100 ng MeT-AVP represent receptor antagonistic activity. These findings suggest that the effect of exogenous VP on salt intake is secondary to motor disruptions and that endogenous brain VP neurotransmission acting at V(1) receptors plays a role in the arousal of salt appetite.

Receptor changes in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat after exercise training

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate neurotransmitter receptor changes in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of the rat after exercise training.

METHODS

Twelve Wistar Kyoto rats were used. Six rats were submitted to a progressive training program in which they ran on a treadmill 5 d x wk(-1) for 13 wk (trained). The other rats were kept as controls (sedentary). After this period, the rats were killed and the brains processed for quantitative receptor autoradiography. Coronal brain sections were obtained using a cryostat and were incubated with a specific buffer solution containing [(3)H]vasopressin or (3)Hp-aminoclonidine.

RESULTS

In the NTS of the trained rats, a decrease in the values of binding parameters (IC(50) and K(D)) of vasopressin receptors was observed, indicating an increase in the affinity of vasopressin receptors. On the other hand, a decreased affinity was observed for alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the NTS of the trained rats in comparison with the sedentary animals.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training leads to changes in vasopressin and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, which may explain several physiological alterations occurring during physical activity.

A nonpeptide vasopressin V(1a) receptor antagonist, SR 49059, does not prevent cisplatin-induced emesis in piglets

We determined the pharmacological and the antiemetic properties of SR 49059, a selective nonpeptide V(1a) receptor antagonist, on cisplatin-induced emesis in the piglet. Firstly, we clearly demonstrate that SR 49059 is a potent V(1a) receptor antagonist in vitro and in vivo in the piglet. In binding studies, [3H]-SR 49059 exhibited high affinity for V(1a) receptors in piglet liver membranes (K(d) of 0.76 +/- 0.12 nM and B(max) of 138 +/- 22 fmol/mg prot.). In vivo, in decerebrate piglets, SR 49059 (1 mg/kg iv) antagonized AVP (500 ng/kg iv)-induced hypertension for at least 150 min and also blocked, for at least 270 min at 3 mg/kg iv, the pressor responses to exogenous LVP. After single and repeated iv or icv administration, we studied the antiemetic properties of SR 49059 on cisplatin-induced emesis in piglets. Animals receiving an emetic dose of cisplatin (5.5 mg/kg, iv) were observed continuously for 60 h. Piglets acting as controls were iv administered with vehicle 15 min prior to cisplatin infusion (T0(-15min)), while experimental animals received a single iv administration of SR 49059 at the dose of 1 or 3 mg/kg. In additional piglets, we administered SR 49059 (3 mg/kg) every 12 h from T0(-15min) to T48(-15min) (cumulative dose, 15 mg/kg). Another set of animals - observed only during the acute phase - was administered with SR 49059 (10 mg/kg) every 3 h from T0(-15min) to T15(-15min) (cumulative dose, 60 mg/kg). Lastly, 10 piglets were given a bilateral icv injection of SR 49059 (500 microg and 1500 microg/side) 1 h prior to cisplatin infusion. In all groups treated with SR 49059, the latency of the first emetic episode and the incidence of vomiting during the acute, the delayed and the cumulative phases remained statistically similar to that observed in controls, suggesting that V(1a) receptors are not involved in the onset and completion of nausea and vomiting.

Endogenous vasopressin modulates the cardiovascular responses to exercise

The role of brain-stem vasopressinergic projections in the genesis of reflex bradycardia and in the modulation of heart rate control during exercise is discussed on the basis of both changes in endogenous peptide content and heart rate changes observed during exercise. Dynamic running caused an increase in vasopressin content specifically in dorsal and ventral brain-stem areas. Rats pretreated with vasopressin or the V1 receptor antagonist into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) showed a significant potentiation or a marked blunting of the exercise tachycardia, respectively, without any change in the blood pressure response. It is proposed that long-descending vasopressinergic pathways from the hypothalamus to the NTS serves as one link between the two main neural controllers of the circulation, that is, the central command and feedback control mechanisms driven by the peripheral receptors signals. Therefore vasopressinergic input contributes to the adjustment of heart rate response (and cardiac output) to the circulatory demand during exercise.

Stimulation of the ventral tegmental area enhances the effect of vasopressin on blood pressure in conscious rats

The mesolimbic dopamine system projects to a large number of forebrain areas and plays an important role in the regulation of locomotor activity, cognition and reward. We previously found evidence for a functional interaction between the mesolimbic dopamine system and circulating vasopressin and the present study was performed to test the hypothesis that mesolimbic dopamine stimulation modulates the cardiovascular effects of vasopressin. Sprague-Dawley rats were stereotaxically implanted with a guide cannula into the region of origin of the mesolimbic system, the ventral tegmental area, and instrumented with catheters into the abdominal aorta and jugular vein. One week later, separate groups of conscious rats were injected intravenously with 1, 3 or 10 ng kg(-1) of arginine-vasopressin or other vasopressor drugs before and after intra-ventral tegmental area injection of 10 nmol of neurotensin. Intra-ventral tegmental area injections of neurotensin had no significant effect on mean arterial pressure and heart rate but significantly potentiated the pressor response to intravenous administration of vasopressin when compared to saline-injections. However, the vasopressin-induced bradycardia was unaffected. Intravenous pretreatment with raclopride blocked the ability of neurotensin, injected into the ventral tegmental area, to potentiate the vasopressin-induced pressor response. Intra ventral tegmental area injections of neurotensin had no effect on the pressor response and bradycardia induced by intravenous angiotensin II or methoxamine. In conclusion, these results suggest that the mesolimbic dopamine system, in addition to its well-known role in the regulation of behaviour, modulates cardiovascular control by potentiating the effects of vasopressin on mean arterial pressure. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 129, 29 - 36

The role of nitric oxide in the development of morphine tolerance in rat hippocampal slices

In the present study, we investigated the effects of a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, L-arginine, on the effect of different drugs, [trans-3, 4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamid e hydrochloride] (U-50,488, a kappa-opioid receptor agonist); dPTyr(Me)AVP (a vasopressin receptor antagonist); dizocilpine (MK-801, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist), to block the development of morphine tolerance or NO release in Sprague-Dawley rat hippocampal slices (450 microm). Slices were continuously superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) or drugs at 1 ml/min. Nichrome wire electrodes were placed in the Schaffer-collateral pathway and used to deliver biphasic 0.2-ms pulses of 5-30 V (0.033 Hz). A glass microelectrode was placed in the CA1 area to record population spikes. The amount of NO released in the superfusate was measured as nitrite formation. When the slices were superfused with 10 microM morphine, the amplitude of population spikes increased 200%-300% in 30-40 min. However, this effect of morphine decreased, i.e., tolerance developed, after continuous superfusion of morphine for 2-6 h. On the other hand, the nitrite level was increased about 250% of the control level through 6 h of morphine superfusion. Co-superfusion of L-arginine with morphine could further increase the nitrite level and also facilitate the development of morphine tolerance. On the other hand, 3-Br-7-nitroindazole (a neuronal NO synthase inhibitor) decreased the nitrite level significantly and blocked the development of morphine tolerance. When either U-50,488 (200 nM) or dPTyr(Me)AVP (500 pM) or MK-801 (500 pM) was co-superfused with morphine (10 microM), the development of morphine tolerance was blocked significantly and the nitrite level decreased to 100%-150% of the control level. L-arginine (500 nM) significantly reversed the effect of these drugs to block the development of morphine tolerance or to decrease the nitrite level through 6 h of superfusion. These data suggest that NO may play a key role in the development of morphine tolerance. Drugs which suppress the synthesis or release of NO would be expected to block the development of morphine tolerance.

Differential increase in Fos immunoreactivity in hypothalamic and septal nuclei by arginine8-vasopressin and desglycinamide9-arginine8-vasopressin

Subcutaneous or intracerebroventricular injection of either arginine8-vasopressin or desglycinamide9-arginine8-vasopressin has been shown to facilitate memory, reduce or reverse the effects of amnesic drugs, and maintain tolerance to some effects of ethanol. These actions of vasopressin (and, by inference, of desglycinamide9-arginine8-vasopressin) are mediated by vasopressin V1 receptors in brain, via a c-fos-dependent mechanism, but the receptors at which the desglycinamide analog acts have not been identified. The precise central sites are also not known, but evidence of several types suggested the anterior hypothalamus and septum as probable loci of vasopressin action. In the present work, this question was studied by immunocytochemistry, using antibodies against Fos and Fos-like proteins. The numbers of Fos-immunoreactive nuclei were counted in several related brain regions and structures, after administration of arginine8-vasopressin, des-Gly9-[Arg8]-vasopressin or saline. A subcutaneous injection of vasopressin, but not of saline, enhanced Fos expression in the paraventricular, supraoptic and suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, but the desglycinamide analog stimulated Fos expression only in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Vasopressin injection significantly increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells in the intermediate lateral septum, medial septum, and dorsal and ventral divisions of the lateral septum. In contrast, the desglycinamide analog increased the numbers of Fos-immunoreactive cells in the dorsal and intermediate portions of the lateral septum, but caused no change in the medial septum, and a decrease in the ventral portion of the lateral septum. Increased Fos expression was also found in the subfornical organ after subcutaneous injection of either vasopressin or the desglycinamide analog. Double labeling with antibodies against Fos protein and against vasopressin revealed that most of the vasopressin-induced Fos-immunoreactive cells in the supraoptic, paraventricular and suprachiasmatic hypothalamic nuclei are also vasopressin immunoreactive, i.e. they are vasopressin-producing neurons. These findings suggest that a circuit involving V1 receptors in the subfornical organ, connecting fibres to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and vasopressinergic projections from the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the lateral septum, may play a central role in mediating the actions of both vasopressin and its desglycinamide analog in the maintenance of ethanol tolerance.

Localization of vasopressin (V1a) receptor binding and mRNA in the rhesus monkey brain

Centrally released arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been associated with various behavioural and cognitive effects, such as scent marking, aggression, and memory, which are believed to be mediated by the V1a subtype of the vasopressin receptor. Although the distribution of V1a receptors is conserved in a few brain regions, the pattern of expression of this receptor is, in general, highly species-specific. We have used receptor autoradiography with the linear V1a receptor ligand (125I-Phenylacetyl-D-Tyr(Me)-Phe-Gln-Asn-Arg-Pro-Arg-Tyr-NH2) to characterize the pattern of receptor binding in the rhesus monkey brain. Brain sites of V1a receptor synthesis were defined using in-situ hybridization. The regions of highest V1a receptor density included the prefrontal, cingulate, pyriform, and entorhinal cortex, as well as the presubiculum and mamillary bodies. In addition, V1a receptor binding and mRNA were detected in several regions reported to have V1a receptor in most rodents, including the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral septum, hypothalamus and the brainstem. The distribution is consistent with a role for vasopressin in higher cognitive functions, especially memory, in primates.

Vasopressin in the locus coeruleus and dorsal pontine tegmentum affects posture and vestibulospinal reflexes

Vasopressin (VP) acts on both the locus coeruleus (LC) neurons and the neighbouring dorsal pontine reticular formation (PRF) neurons by exciting them. Experiments performed in precollicular decerebrate cats have shown that microinjection of 0.25 x 10(-11) micrograms VP into the LC complex of one side increased the extensor rigidity of the ipsilateral limbs, while rigidity of the contralateral limbs remained unmodified or slightly decreased. The amplitude of modulation and thus the response gain of both the ipsilateral and the contralateral forelimb extensor triceps brachii to sinusoidal roll tilt of the animal (at 0.15 Hz, +/- 10 degrees), leading to stimulation of labyrinth receptors, decreased significantly, while there was only a slight decrease in phase lead of the responses. These effects occurred 5-10 min after the injection, were fully developed within 30 min and disappeared in about 2 h. VP activation of presumed noradrenergic LC neurons had a facilitatory influence on ipsilateral limb extensor motoneurons, either directly through the coeruleospinal (CS) pathway, or indirectly by inhibiting the dorsal PRF and the related medullary inhibitory reticulospinal (RS) neurons. Moreover, because the facilitatory CS neurons fire out-of-phase with respect to the excitatory VS neurons, we postulated that the higher the firing rate of the CS neurons in the animal at rest, the greater the disfacilitation affecting the limb extensor motoneurons during side-down animal tilt. These motoneurons would then respond less efficiently to the excitatory VS volleys elicited for the same direction of animal orientation, leading to a reduced gain of the EMG responses of the forelimb extensors to labyrinth stimulation. In contrast to these findings, unilateral injections of the same dose of VP immediately ventral to the LC, i.e., in the peri-LC alpha and the surrounding dorsal PRF, where presumed cholinergic neurons are located, decreased extensor rigidity in the ipsilateral limbs while that of the contralateral limbs either decreased or increased. The same injection also produced either a moderate or a marked increase in gain of the multiunit EMG response of the ipsilateral triceps brachii to animal tilt. In the first instance the response gain of the contralateral triceps brachii to animal tilt increased slightly, while the corresponding response pattern remained unmodified, as shown for the ipsilateral responses (increased EMG activity during ipsilateral tilt and decreased activity during contralateral tilt). In the second instance, however, the response gain of the contralateral triceps brachii showed only slight changes, while the pattern of response was reversed. These effects occurred 5-20 min after the injection, developed fully within 20-60 min and disappeared in 2-3 h. We postulated that VP increased the discharge of the dorsal PRF neurons and the related medullary inhibitory RS neurons of the injected side, leading to reduced postural activity of the ipsilateral limbs. However, because these inhibitory RS neurons fire out-of-phase with respect to the excitatory VS neurons, it appeared that the higher the firing rate of the RS neurons in the animal at rest, the greater the disinhibition affecting the limb extensor motoneurons during ipsilateral tilt. These motoneurons would then respond more efficiently to the same excitatory VS volleys elicited by given parameters of stimulation, leading to an increased gain of the EMG responses. The contralateral effects could be attributed to crossed excitation by dorsal PRF neurons of one side, either of medullary inhibitory RS neurons or of excitatory CS neurons of the opposite side, respectively. We conclude that VP controls posture and gain of the VS reflex by acting on LC neurons as well as on dorsal PRF and the related medullary inhibitory RS neurons.

Steroid hormone regulation of vasopressinergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system

Vasopressinergic neurotransmission is intimately linked to steroid hormone signaling. Both arginine vasopressin (VP) and the extrahypothalamic VP V1a receptors are regulated by steroid hormones. Here, we present work that has been done in our laboratory, investigating mechanisms underlying steroid hormone effects on the expression of both VP and its primary receptor in the brain, the VP V1a receptor. Data on VP receptors, their coupling to second messenger pathways, their localization in brain, and their regulation by peptide exposure are discussed. We also cover the regulation of the V1a receptor by adrenal hormones, and the molecular basis of this effect. Evidence for the existence of other receptors for VP in the brain is presented. Lastly, the regulation of the VP peptide by gonadal hormones is discussed at the transcriptional level in the rodent brain. Finally, the potential significance of the 'cross-talk' between the vasopressinergic system and the steroid hormone system is addressed.

Effects of vasopressin and related peptides on neurons of the rat lateral septum and ventral hippocampus

The effects of vasopressin (VP), VP fragments and propressophysin glycopeptide on neuronal activities in the septum-hippocampus complex of rats were studied in vitro and in vivo. The frequency of the hippocampus theta rhythm in Brattleboro rats homozygous for diabetes insipidus was significantly slower than that of heterozygous litter mates and normal rats. Intracerebroventricular micro-injection of des-glycine-amide vasopressin corrected for several hours the frequency deficit of the theta rhythm in the homozygous Brattleboro rats and the centrally administered VP slowed down theta rhythm in normal rats. Microinotophoretically administered VP excited single neurons in the lateral septum of ventral hippocampus, and/or facilitated the responses of these neurons to glutamate and to stimulation of the glutamatergic afferent fibers in the fimbria bundle. The excitatory effects of VP vanished within seconds after termination of the peptide administration, however, the peptide-induced enhancement of glutamate and syntatically induced excitations were sustained for up to 60 min after the peptide administration. In vitro, pM concentrations of VP, VP 4-8 and C-terminus glycopeptide of propresophysin facilitated for 30-60 min the glutamate-mediated EPSPs in neurons of the lateral septum or the ventral hippocampus. The EPSPs increase in the lateral septum neurons was not prevented by pretreatment with antagonist of the V1a type of the vasopressin receptor. The resting membrane potential and input resistance were not affected by the peptides. A low-frequency electrical stimulation in the diagonal Band of Broca or in the Bed nucleus of the stria terminals, sources of the vasopressinergic innervation of the septum, facilitated the negative wave of the filed potentials responses evoked in the lateral septum by stimulating the fimbria bundle fibers in control Long-Evans and Brattleboro rats heterozygous for diabetes insipidus. The field potential increase was sustained for several hours after the stimulation, and it was not occluded by long-term potentiation elicited by high frequency stimulation of the fimbria bundle afferent fibers. Brattleboro rats homozygous for diabetes insipidus failed to show the filed potential increase after the diagonal band stimulation. It is suggested that the long-lasting facilitation of glutamate-mediated excitations might be a physiological action of the propressophysin-derived peptides in the septum-hippocampus complex which, in concert with other forms of synaptic plasticity like the long-term potentiation, facilitates the hippocampus-mediated forms of learning and memory. This action is presumably related to the memory enhancing effect of the propressophysin-derived peptides.

Role of brain vasopressin in regulation of blood pressure

Using recent advances in brain physiological, neurohistochemical, and molecular biological techniques, it could be demonstrated that the central action of vasopressin (VP) is important in cardiovascular regulation and in the pathogenesis of hypertension. VP is now known to be located in the area of the brain involved in cardiovascular regulation. Furthermore, in various pathophysiological states, brain VP secretion is regulated separately from the peripheral VP secretion system. The role of brain VP in the regulation of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure is becoming a topic of major interest.

Vasopressin and sensory circumventricular organs

The subfornical organ, the area postrema and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis are considered to be sensory circumventricular organs as they contain neuronal somata which are located outside the blood-brain barrier and are thus capable of serving as 'sensors' for blood-borne humoral messengers. The endocrine hormone, vasopressin (VP), not only causes strong antidiuresis by acting on the kidney, but also exerts centrally mediated effects as a neuromodulator. Several lines of evidence suggest that VP can influence regulatory functions mediated by the sensory circumventricular organs, since vasopressinergic somata and terminals as well as VP receptors have been reposted to be present in these structures. These biochemical prerequisites offer the possibility that blood-borne VP might on the one hand act as a feedback signal from the periphery and, on the other hand, synaptically released or locally produced VP could modulate the known functions of sensory circumventricular organs, such as thirst, fever or cardiovascular regulation. This review focuses on the possible physiological relevance of VP acting on sensory circumventricular organs in view of recent evidence obtained from biochemical and electrophysiological studies at the cellular level.

A peptidergic basis for sexual behavior in mammals

Vasopressin (VP) is a peptide neurotransmitter in the limbic system of rats. It is synthesized in the medial amygdaloid nucleus in the presence of sex steroids, transported to other limbic structures such as the hippocampus and septum and secreted there by a calcium-dependent process. In the hippocampus, VP acts on cerebral microvessels and local circuit interneurons. Its excitatory action on the inhibitory interneurons produces near-total shutdown of electrical activity of the efferent fibers of pyramidal cells, the projection neurons of the hippocampus. Stimulation of the medial amygdala and release of the endogenous VP duplicates these effects and, since they are blocked by ventricular application of a VP antagonist, the effects are almost certainly mediated by endogenous VP. Recording from the VP-containing cell bodies or of the hippocampal action of the peptide indicates that the system is selectively involved with the early stages of sexual behavior, specifically those appetitive behaviors that anticipate coitus. Stimulation of the VP cells produces alterations in sexual behavior in a manner consistent with the hypothesis that the medial amygdala organizes the appetitive phase of recognition of an appropriate partner and sexual arousal. This role for the medial amygdala complements the proposed role of nearby structures in the consummatory, reward and learned aspects of sexual behavior. Association between VP, oxytocin (OT) and homologs with sexual behavior is very widespread among vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, primates and humans. Humans and other primates display a phenomenon called 'concealed ovulation' that may have played a role in the evolution of social structures. The review concludes with a discussion of possible experimental strategies for evaluating the possible role of VP in concealed ovulation and other conditions in which sexual behavior occurs outside of estrus.

Effects of arginine vasopressin on cell volume regulation in brain astrocyte in culture

Astrocytes initially swell when exposed to hypotonic medium but rapidly return to normal volume by the process of regulatory volume decrease (RVD). The role that arginine vasopressin (AVP) plays in hypotonically mediated RVD in astrocytes is unknown. This study was therefore designed to determine whether AVP might play a role in astrocyte RVD. With the use of 3-O-[3H]methyl-D-glucose to determine water space, AVP treatment resulted in significantly increased 3-O-methyl-D-glucose water space within 30 s of hypotonic exposure (P = 0.0001) and remained significantly elevated above baseline (1. 75 microliter/mg protein) at 5 min (P < 0.021). In contrast, in untreated cells, complete RVD was achieved by 5 min. At 30 s, cell volume with AVP treatment was 37% greater than in cells that received no treatment (2.9 vs. 2.26 microliter/mg protein, respectively; P < 0.006). The rate of cell volume increase (dV/dt) over 30 s was highly significant (0.038 vs. 0.019 microliter. mg protein-1. s-1 in the AVP-treated vs. untreated group; P = 0.0004 by regression analysis). Additionally, the rate of cell volume decrease over the next 4.5 min was also significantly greater with vasopressin treatment (-dV/dt = 0.0027 vs. 0.0013 microliter. mg protein-1. s-1; P = 0.0306). The effect of AVP was concentration dependent with EC50 = 3.5 nM. To determine whether AVP action was receptor mediated, we performed RVD studies in the presence of the V1-receptor antagonists benzamil and ethylisopropryl amiloride and the V2-receptor agonist 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). Both V1-receptor antagonists significantly inhibited AVP-mediated volume increase by 40-47% (P < 0.005), whereas DDAVP had no stimulatory effects above control. Taken together, these data suggest that AVP treatment of brain astrocytes in culture appears to increase 3-O-methyl-D-glucose water space during RVD through V1 receptor-mediated mechanisms. The significance of these findings is presently unclear.

Binding of the non-peptide vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist SR-49059 in the rat brain: an in vitro and in vivo autoradiographic study

A potent non-peptide vasopressin (AVP) antagonist, SR-49059, displaying high stability and selective affinity for the V1a AVP receptor subtype, has recently been described. The objective of this study was to assess the binding properties and the penetrability of this compound in the rat brain. Both in vitro and in vivo binding autoradiography experiments were performed. In all studies, the liver was used as a reference V1a tissue. In vitro labelling of rat brain sections with [3H]SR-49059 was similar to that previously detected with [3H]AVP, which confirms that the majority of central AVP binding sites are V1a sites similar to peripheral V1a receptors. As expected, intense specific labelling occurred mainly in the lateral septum, the fundus striatum, the hypothalamic stigmoid nucleus and the area postrema-nucleus of the solitary tract complex. In vivo binding autoradiography showed that [3H]SR-49059 injected intravenously did not enter the brain parenchyma. Specific labelling was however clearly detectable in brain regions with permeable hematoencephalic barrier, the choroid plexus and other circumventricular organs expressing V1a receptors, namely the subfornical organ, the pineal gland and the area postrema. The specificity of [3H]SR-49059 binding in the latter structures was confirmed by the fact that labelling was prevented by pretreatment of animals with high doses of nonradioactive SR-49059. In conclusion, our study shows that [3H]SR-49059 is a suitable probe to investigate V1a receptors in the rat brain. We also demonstrate that although this compound is not able to enter the brain tissue from the peripheral circulation, it does bind specifically to regions devoid of blood-brain barrier and known to be involved in autonomic regulations.

AVP V1 receptor-mediated decrease in Cl- efflux and increase in dark cell number in choroid plexus epithelium

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-generating choroid plexus (CP) has many V1 binding sites for arginine vasopressin (AVP). AVP decreases CSF formation rate and choroidal blood flow, but little is known about how AVP alters ion transport across the blood-CSF barrier. Adult rat lateral ventricle CP was loaded with 36Cl-, exposed to AVP for 20 min, and then placed in isotope-free artificial CSF to measure release of 36Cl-. Effect of AVP at 10(-12) to 10(-7) M on the Cl- efflux rate coefficient (in s-1) was quantified. Maximal inhibition (by 20%) of Cl- extrusion at 10(-9) M AVP was prevented by the V1 receptor antagonist [beta-mercapto-beta, beta-cyclopentamethyleneproprionyl1,O-Me-Tyr2,Arg8]vasopressin. AVP also increased by more than twofold the number of dark and possibly dehydrated but otherwise morphologically normal choroid epithelial cells in adult CP. The V1 receptor antagonist prevented this AVP-induced increment in dark cell frequency. In infant rats (1 wk) with incomplete CSF secretory ability, 10(-9) M AVP altered neither Cl- efflux nor dark cell frequency. The ability of AVP to elicit functional and structural changes in adult, but not infant, CP epithelium is discussed in regard to ion transport, CSF secretion, intracranial pressure, and hydrocephalus.

Effects of alcohol on the synthesis and expression of hypothalamic peptides

Studies aimed at analyzing the deleterious effects of excess alcohol in the brain have revealed structural alterations that are often associated with functional and behavioral disturbances. Among the neuronal damage related to prolonged alcohol exposure, alterations in the synthesizing capabilities and levels of expression of neuroactive peptides have been increasingly reported. Actually, such changes frequently represent the sole repercussion of acute and short-term exposure to ethanol. This review gathers the existing data on the effects of ethanol exposure on the synthesis and expression of hypothalamic peptides. Amid those that can act both as neurotransmitters and neurohormones, we allude to vasopressin, corticotropin-releasing hormone, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and pro-opiomelanocortin and related peptides produced by paraventricular, supraoptic and arcuate neurons. With respect to peptides that act exclusively as neurotransmitters, we address the effects of alcohol on vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, somatostatin and vasopressin synthesized by suprachiasmatic neurons. Hypothalamic neurons that produce peptides that act as neurotransmitters are supposed to be modulated primarily by influences exerted by neuronal afferents, whereas those producing peptides that additionally act as neurohormones are also regulated by peripheral stimuli (e.g., plasma levels of circulating hormones, osmotic challenges). These peculiar features endue the hypothalamus with characteristics that are particularly propitious to enlighten the still cryptic mechanisms underlying the ethanol effects on protein synthesis.

Treatment of brain edema with a nonpeptide arginine vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist OPC-21268 in rats

OBJECTIVE

Recent experimental evidence suggests that centrally released arginine vasopressin plays a significant role in brain capillary water permeability as well as in pathogenesis of vasogenic brain edema. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of orally administered OPC-21268, a nonpeptide arginine vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist, on cold-induced brain edema in rats.

METHODS

Cold brain injury was induced for 1 minute in 140 rats. Treatment with OPC-21268, at dosages of 100 mg (n = 20), 200 mg (n = 20), and 300 mg/kg (n = 15), or with saline (n = 17) was started 1 hour after the induction of cold injury and was continued every 8 hours for 24 hours. Two percent Evans blue in saline (1 ml/kg) was administered intravenously before cold injury in another group of rats, 15 of which were saline-treated and 55 of which were OPC-21268-treated at the above dosages. After 24 hours, brain tissue water and electrolytes, brain tissue swelling, blood-brain barrier permeability to Evans blue, and plasma electrolytes and osmolality were determined.

RESULTS

Compared with the saline-treated group, OPC-21268 treatment at the dosages of 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced brain water content in both hemispheres (P<0.01). Swelling of the traumatized hemispheres was also significantly reduced at 200 and 300 mg/kg dosages (P<0.05). Brain tissue sodium content was significantly reduced at the dosage of 300 mg/kg (P<0.05). Blood-brain barrier permeability to Evans blue was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner compared with the saline-treated group (P<0.01). No significant changes were observed in other parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that OPC-21268 predominantly exerts a protective effect in areas where the maximum amount of blood-brain barrier breakdown occurs, and it is effective in the treatment of cold-induced vasogenic brain edema.

Effects of arginine-vasopressin on neuronal interaction from the area postrema to the nucleus tractus solitarii in rat brain slices

The effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) on area postrema (AP) neurons and the neuronal connection between the AP and nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) were electrophysiologically investigated in rat medulla slices. In the AP, 27.9% of 129 neurons were excited by AVP and 20.5% were inhibited. The excitation was blocked by an V1 receptor antagonist. Synaptic transmission of the AP to the NTS was mainly mediated by non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Local application of AVP to the AP activated the NTS neurons. This excitation was also blocked by an NMDA antagonist. These results suggest that the excitation originating in the AP is conveyed to the NTS via non-NMDA receptors and then modified by NMDA receptor activation secondly. These processes may be important in the regulation of the arterial baroreceptor reflex.

Endogenous vasopressin and the central control of heart rate during dynamic exercise

The present article contains a brief review on the role of vasopressinergic projections to the nucleus tractus solitarii in the genesis of reflex bradycardia and in the modulation of heart rate control during exercise. The effects of vasopressin on exercise tachycardia are discussed on the basis of both the endogenous peptide content changes and the heart rate response changes observed during running in sedentary and trained rats. Dynamic exercise caused a specific vasopressin content increase in dorsal and ventral brainstem areas. In accordance, rats pretreated with the peptide or the V1 blocker into the nucleus tractus solitarii showed a significant potentiation or a marked blunting of the exercise tachycardia, respectively, without any change in the pressure response to exercise. It is proposed that the long-descending vasopressinergic pathway to the nucleus tractus solitarii serves as one link between the two main neural controllers of circulation, i.e., the central command and feedback control mechanisms driven by the peripheral receptors. Therefore, vasopressinergic input could contribute to the adjustment of heart rate response (and cardiac output) to the circulatory demand during exercise.

Vasopressin mediates the inhibitory effect of central angiotensin II on cerebrospinal fluid formation

Angiotensin II infused at low doses into the cerebral ventricles decreases cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production. Since central angiotensin II also activates the sympathetic nervous system and promotes vasopressin release, the roles of these two factors in mediating the inhibitory effect of angiotensin II on CSF formation were studied. CSF production was measured in rats by the ventriculocisternal perfusion method. During central angiotensin II infusion (5 pg min(-1)), the following adrenoceptor antagonists were administered intravenously (i.v.): phentolamine (alpha1/alpha2, 2 mg/kg per h), prazosin (alpha1, 1 mg/kg per h), and propranolol (beta, 1 mg/kg per h). None of these agents affected the inhibitory effect of angiotensin II on CSF formation. In comparison, in animals administered i.v., the vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)Arg-vasopressin (10 microg/kg per h), the angiotensin II-induced decrease in CSF production was abolished. Our observations indicate, therefore, that vasopressin mediates the inhibitory effect of central angiotensin II on CSF formation.

Blockade of the development of morphine tolerance by U-50,488, an AVP antagonist or MK-801 in the rat hippocampal slice

1. In this study, we investigated the effects of different drugs (a kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-50,488, a vasopressin receptor antagonist dPTyr(Me)AVP or an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801) on the development of morphine tolerance in rat hippocampal slices. 2. Hippocampal slices (450 microm) of Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 g) were used. Slices were continuously superfused with artificial CSF or drugs at 1 ml min(-1). Nichrome wire electrodes were placed in the Schaffer-collateral pathway and used to deliver biphasic 0.2 ms pulses of 5-30 V (0.033 Hz). A glass microelectrode was placed in the CA1 area to record population spikes. 3. When the slices were superfused with 10 microM morphine, the amplitude of population spikes increased 2-3 fold in 30-40 min. However, this effect of morphine decreased, i.e. tolerance developed after continuous superfusion of morphine for 2-6 h. 4. When either U-50,488 (200 nM) or dPTyr(Me) AVP (500 pM) or MK-801 (500 pM) was co-superfused with morphine (10 microM), it significantly blocked the development of morphine tolerance. Nor-BNI (a kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, 200 nM) significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of U-50,488 but not those of dPTyr(Me)AVP or MK-801 on the development of morphine tolerance. 5. These data indicate that kappa-opioid receptors, AVP receptors and NMDA receptors are all involved in the development of morphine tolerance. The suppression of kappa-opioid receptor activity after chronic morphine may occur before the activation of AVP receptors or NMDA receptors during the development of morphine tolerance.

OPC-21268, an orally effective, nonpeptide arginine vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist reduces vasogenic brain edema

We examined the effect of orally administered OPC-21268, a nonpeptide Arginine Vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist, on cold induced vasogenic brain edema in rat. Cold brain injury was induced by applying a copper rode cooled with liquid nitrogen for one minute. To mimic clinical use, one hour after induction of the cold lesion, rats were treated with orally administered OPC-21268 at doses of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg/kg every 8 hr for 24 hours. Two percent Evans blue in saline, in a volume of 1 ml/kg was given intravenously prior to cold injury. Twenty four hours after induction the cold lesion, brain water, brain tissue electrolytes, and plasma osmolality and electrolytes were measured. Quantitative evaluation of BBB permeability was performed using the Evans blue fluorescence method. The injury resulted in significant increases in the brain water and brain tissue sodium, and Evans blue concentration in both the lesioned and contralateral hemispheres (p < 0.01). OPC-21268 at doses of 200 mg and 300 mg/kg significantly decreased brain water and Evans blue concentrations in both the lesioned and contralateral hemispheres (p < 0.01). Brain tissue sodium content was significantly reduced at a dose of 300 mg/kg in the lesioned side (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in other parameters throughout the experiments. Our results indicate that OPC-21268 exerts a protective effect in areas where the maximal amount of BBB breakdown occurs.

Modulation of exercise tachycardia by vasopressin in the nucleus tractus solitarii

Our objective was to study the role of vasopressinergic synapses at the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in the modulation of exercise-induced tachycardia. We evaluated the effect of NTS administration of vasopressin (AVP) or vasopressin antagonist (AVP(ant)) on heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses during dynamic exercise in male rats with chronic arterial and NTS cannulas. Sedentary (S) and trained (T) animals were tested at three or four exercise levels (from 0.4 up to 1.4 km/h) after NTS injection of AVP or AVP(ant) 20-30 min before treadmill exercise. Plasma and regional brain levels of AVP were measured in separate groups of S and T rats at rest and immediately after acute exercise. When administered into the NTS, exogenous AVP (20 pmol) caused a small but significant decrease in baseline HR and potentiated the tachycardiac response to mild to moderate exercise intensities (on average, increases of 35-46 beats/min over control tachycardic response). The potentiation of exercise tachycardia by AVP was long lasting and more pronounced in T than in S rats. Even 2 days after NTS AVP injection, there was evidence for an alteration in the HR response to exercise. Mediation by V1 receptors was supported by the blunted tachycardiac response to exercise after administration of a V1 antagonist d(CH2)5Tyr MeAVP into the NTS in both T and S rats (average reductions of 23-34 and 13-19 beats/min below control tachycardia, respectively). No changes were observed in baseline MAP or the exercise-induced pressor responses. There were specific changes in brain stem AVP levels that were related to the exercise treatment. T rats showed a marked increase in dorsal and ventral brain stem AVP content after acute exercise. There were no changes in hypothalamus, median eminence, posterior pituitary, or plasma AVP. These data indicate that vasopressinergic synapses and V1 receptors in the NTS are involved in the potentiation of tachycardic response to exercise. The vasopressinergic mechanism operates in both S and T rats, but training alters the sensitization of V1 receptors by AVP.