Heterogeneity of presynaptic muscarinic receptors involved in modulation of transmitter release

The Role of the Acetylcholine System in Common Respiratory Diseases and COVID-19

As an indispensable component in human beings, the acetylcholine system regulates multiple physiological processes not only in neuronal tissues but also in nonneuronal tissues. However, since the concept of the "Nonneuronal cholinergic system (NNCS)" has been proposed, the role of the acetylcholine system in nonneuronal tissues has received increasing attention. A growing body of research shows that the acetylcholine system also participates in modulating inflammatory responses, regulating contraction and mucus secretion of respiratory tracts, and influencing the metastasis and invasion of lung cancer. In addition, the susceptibility and severity of respiratory tract infections caused by pathogens such as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can also correlate with the regulation of the acetylcholine system. In this review, we summarized the major roles of the acetylcholine system in respiratory diseases. Despite existing achievements in the field of the acetylcholine system, we hope that more in-depth investigations on this topic will be conducted to unearth more possible pharmaceutical applications for the treatment of diverse respiratory diseases.

Novel approaches to restore parasympathetic activity to the heart in cardiorespiratory diseases

Neural control of the heart is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, both opposing each other to maintain cardiac homeostasis via regulating heart rate, conduction velocity, force of contraction, and coronary blood flow. Sympathetic hyperactivity and diminished parasympathetic activity are the characteristic features of many cardiovascular disease states including hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmias that result in heart failure. Restoring parasympathetic activity to the heart has recently been identified as the promising approach to treat such conditions. However, approaches that used vagal nerve stimulation have been shown to be unsuccessful in heart failure. This review focuses on novel chemogenetic approaches used to identify the cardioprotective nature of activating neural points along the vagal pathway (both central and peripheral) while being selectively therapeutic in heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes involved in regulation of colonic motility in mice: functional studies using muscarinic receptor-deficient mice

Although muscarinic M(2) and M(3) receptors are known to be important for regulation of gastric and small intestinal motility, muscarinic receptor subtypes regulating colonic function remain to be investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize muscarinic receptors involved in regulation of colonic contractility. M(2) and/or M(3) receptor knockout (KO) and wild-type mice were used in in vivo (defecation, colonic propulsion) and in vitro (contraction) experiments. Amount of feces was significantly decreased in M(3)R-KO and M(2)/M(3)R-KO mice but not in M(2)R-KO mice. Ranking of colonic propulsion was wild-type=M(2)R-KO>M(3)R-KO>M(2)/M(3)R-KO. In vitro, the amplitude of migrating motor complexes in M(2)R-KO, M(3)R-KO and M(2)/M(3)R-KO mice was significantly lower than that in wild-type mice. Carbachol caused concentration-dependent contraction of the proximal colon and distal colon from wild-type mice. In M(2)R-KO mice, the concentration-contraction curves shifted to the right and downward. In contrast, carbachol caused non-sustained contraction and relaxation in M(3)R-KO mice depending on its concentration. Carbachol did not cause contraction but instead caused relaxation of colonic strips from M(2)/M(3)R-KO mice. 4-[[[(3-chlorophenyl)amino]carbonyl]oxy]-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-butyn-1-aminium chloride (McN-A-343) caused a non-sustained contraction of colonic strips from wild-type mice, and this contraction was changed to a sustained contraction by tetrodotoxin, pirenzepine and L-nitroarginine methylester (L-NAME). In the colon of M(2)/M(3)R-KO mice, McN-A-343 caused only relaxation, which was decreased by tetrodotoxin, pirenzepine and L-NAME. In conclusion, M(1), M(2) and M(3) receptors regulate colonic motility of the mouse. M(2) and M(3) receptors mediate cholinergic contraction, but M(1) receptors on inhibitory nitrergic nerves counteract muscarinic contraction.

A distinct trans-Golgi network subcompartment for sorting of synaptic and granule proteins in neurons and neuroendocrine cells

Golgi-to-plasma-membrane trafficking of synaptic-like microvesicle (SLMV) proteins, vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) and synaptophysin (SYN), and a large dense-core vesicle (LDCV) protein, chromogranin A (CgA), was investigated in undifferentiated neuroendocrine PC12 cells. Live cell imaging and 20°C block-release experiments showed that VAChT-GFP, SYN-GFP and CgA-RFP specifically and transiently cohabitated in a distinct sorting compartment during cold block and then separated into synaptic protein transport vesicles (SPTVs) and LDCVs, after release from temperature block. We found that in this trans-Golgi subcompartment there was colocalization of SPTV and LDCV proteins, most significantly with VAMP4 and Golgin97, and to some degree with TGN46, but not at all with TGN38. Moreover, some SNAP25 and VAMP2, two subunits of the exocytic machinery, were also recruited onto this compartment. Thus, in neuroendocrine cells, synaptic vesicle and LDCV proteins converge briefly in a distinct trans-Golgi network subcompartment before sorting into SPTVs and LDCVs, ultimately for delivery to the plasma membrane. This specialized sorting compartment from which SPTVs and LDCVs bud might facilitate the acquisition of common exocytic machinery needed on the membranes of these vesicles.

Localization of muscarinic receptors M1R, M2R and M3R in the human colon

BACKGROUND

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (MR) are involved in multiple intestinal reflexes. The cellular localization of subtypes of MRs within enteric circuits mediating muscle and mucosal reflexes remains to be demonstrated. This study aimed to localize the three functionally significant subtypes of MRs in human colon.

METHODS

Reverse transcriptase-PCR was used to determine expression levels of muscarinic receptor subtype (MRs) M1Rs, M2Rs and M3Rs in human colon. Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy was used to localize MRs in cryostat-cut sections of human colon. Sections were double labeled for multiple cellular and neurochemical markers. Western blotting was used to confirm specificity of the muscarinic antisera used.

KEY RESULTS

All three MR subtypes were expressed in human colon. Immunoreactivity (IR) for M2Rs and M3Rs was most abundant in circular and longitudinal muscle. M1R-IR was most abundant on myenteric and submucosal nerve cells, both cholinergic and nitrergic. M3R-IR was also present on populations on myenteric nerve cell bodies. Immunoreactivity for all three receptors was present on nerve fibers in the circular muscle.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

In the human colon, subtypes of MRs were present on multiple cell types within the enteric circuits underlying motility, secretory and vasoactive reflexes. The cellular distribution for MRs found in this study agrees with data from functional studies, providing insight into the role MRs have in mediating enteric cholinergic neurotransmission.

The action of high K+ and aglycaemia on the electrical properties and synaptic transmission in rat intracardiac ganglion neurones in vitro

We have investigated the action of two elements of acute ischaemia, high potassium and aglycaemia, on the electrophysiological properties and ganglionic transmission of adult rat intracardiac ganglion (ICG) neurones. We used a whole-mount ganglion preparation of the right atrial ganglion plexus and sharp microelectrode recording techniques. Increasing extracellular K⁺ from its normal value of 4.7 mm to 10 mm decreased membrane potential and action potential after-hyperpolarization amplitude but otherwise had no effect on postganglionic membrane properties. It did, however, reduce the ability of synaptically evoked action potentials to follow high-frequency (100 Hz) repetitive stimulation. A further increase in K⁺ changed both the passive and the active membrane properties of the postganglionic neurone: time constant, membrane resistance and action potential overshoot were all decreased in high K⁺ (20 mm). The ICG neurones display a predominantly phasic discharge in response to prolonged depolarizing current pulses. High K⁺ had no impact on this behaviour but reduced the time-dependent rectification response to hyperpolarizing currents. At 20 mm, K⁺ practically blocked ganglionic transmission in most neurones at all frequencies tested. Aglycaemia, nominally glucose-free physiological saline solution (PSS), increased the time constant and membrane resistance of ICG neurones but otherwise had no action on their passive or active properties or ganglionic transmission. However, the combination of aglycaemia and 20 mm K⁺ displayed an improvement in passive properties and ganglionic transmission when compared with 20 mm K⁺ PSS. These data indicate that the presynaptic terminal is the primary target of high extracellular potassium and that aglycaemia may have protective actions against this challenge.

Molecular targets for treating cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia as deficits are present in the majority of patients, frequently precede the onset of other positive symptoms, persist even with successful treatment of positive symptoms, and account for a significant portion of functional impairment in schizophrenia. While the atypical antipsychotics have produced incremental improvements in the cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia, overall treatment remains inadequate. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in developing novel strategies for treating the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, focusing on ameliorating impairments in working memory, attention, and social cognition. Here we review various molecular targets that are actively being explored for potential drug discovery efforts in schizophrenia and cognition. These molecular targets include dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex, nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, the glutamatergic excitatory synapse, various serotonin receptors, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system.

Immunohistochemical localisation of cholinergic muscarinic receptor subtype 1 (M1r) in the guinea pig and human enteric nervous system

Little is known regarding the location of cholinergic muscarinic receptor 1 (M1r) in the ENS, even though physiological data suggest that M1rs are central to cholinergic neurotransmission. This study localised M1rs in the ENS of the guinea pig ileum and human colon using fluorescence immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR in human colon. Double labelling using antibodies against neurochemical markers was used to identify neuron subytpes bearing M1r. M1r immunoreactivity (IR) was present on neurons in the myenteric and submucosal ganglia. The two antibodies gave similar M1r-IR patterns and M1r-IR was abolished upon antibody preabsorption. M1r-IR was present on cholinergic and nNOS-IR nerve cell bodies in both guinea pig and human myenteric neurons. Presynaptic M1r-IR was present on NOS-IR and VAChT-IR nerve fibres in the circular muscle in the human colon. In the submucosal ganglia, M1r-IR was present on a population of neurons that contained cChAT-IR, but did not contain NPY-IR or calretinin-IR. M1r-IR was present on endothelial cells of blood vessels in the submucosal plexus. The localisation of M1r-IR in the guinea pig and human ENS shown in this study agrees with physiological studies. M1r-IR in cholinergic and nitrergic neurons and nerve fibres indicate that M1rs have a role in both cholinergic and nitrergic transmission. M1r-IR present in submucosal neurons suggests a role in mediating acetylcholine's effect on submucosal sensory and secretomotor/vasodilator neurons. M1r-IR present on blood vessel endothelial cells suggests that M1rs may also mediate acetylcholine's direct effect on vasoactivation.

Effects of muscarinic agonists in the guinea-pig prostate

1. The contractile response to transmural stimulation of the guinea-pig prostate is largely due to activation of noradrenergic neurons but there is a small contribution from cholinergic neurons. Carbachol and acetylcholine have been reported to act via muscarinic M(1) cholinoceptors to facilitate contractions produced by neuronal stimulation of the tissue. This action of cholinomimetics was further investigated in isolated ventral lobes of the prostate. 2. Oxotremorine-M, bethanecol, pilocarpine, xanomeline and McN-A-343 produced facilitation of the response to transmural stimulation of the prostate. When carbachol was applied as the first agonist, the facilitatory response to the latter four agonists above was absent or reduced, compared with the effect observed when the other agonist was applied first, indicating that the effect of these agonists is readily desensitized. Only oxotremorine-M was unaffected by prior exposure of the tissue to carbachol. When applied first, pilocarpine and xanomeline produced a smaller degree of facilitation than carbachol indicating they were partial agonists for the effect. The facilitation produced by McN-A-343, when applied as the first agonist, was variable. In some preparations the facilitation was less than that of carbachol but in others it exceeded that produced by a subsequent application of carbachol. 3. The release of endogenous choline from the prostate was measured at rest and during transmural stimulation using a chemiluminescent technique. A statistically significant negative correlation existed between pmol mg(-1) of endogenous choline released during transmural stimulation and the mass of the ventral lobe of the prostate. As the guinea-pig prostate is known to undergo postpubertal stromal hypertrophy the finding suggests that endogenous choline release from the prostate is largely from epithelial, rather than stromal tissue. 4. The possible involvement of facilitatory M(1) autoreceptors on cholinergic neurons in the effect of cholinomimetics was investigated. Tissue was incubated with (3)H-choline to label neuronal stores of acetylcholine and the subsequent release of (3)H-choline from the tissue was measured. Carbachol per se increased the release of (3)H-choline. 5. Transmural stimulation usually increased the release of (3)H-choline but in c. 30% of preparations there was a decrease. In the presence of carbachol there was a significant increase in the release of (3)H-choline during transmural stimulation of prostate lobes. However, there was no correlation between the two effects of carbachol; facilitating contractions produced by transmural stimulation and enhancing (3)H-choline release during transmural stimulation. The finding provides no evidence that facilitatory M(1) autoreceptors on cholinergic neurons play a major role in the facilitation of contractions.

Towards a muscarinic hypothesis of schizophrenia

Although the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia, the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia fails to explain all aspects of this disorder. It is increasingly evident that the pathology of schizophrenia also involves other neurotransmitter systems. Data from many streams of research including pre-clinical and clinical pharmacology, treatment studies, post-mortem studies and neuroimaging suggest an important role for the muscarinic cholinergic system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This review will focus on evidence that supports the hypothesis that the muscarinic system is involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and that muscarinic receptors may represent promising novel targets for the treatment of this disorder.

In vivo and in vitro study of the influence of the anticholinesterase drug galantamine on motor and evacuative functions of rat gastrointestinal tract

Galantamine is efficacious for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Its application leads to some negative gastrointestinal side effects. The present study observes galantamine-induced influence on gastrointestinal motility of rats and its effects on isolated gastrointestinal smooth muscles. The gastrointestinal tract was studied by X-ray contrast examination. Functional disturbances were observed: hypertonia, increased stomach and ileal peristalsis activity, accelerated intestinal passage. In vitro, the drug caused tonic contractions in smooth muscle preparations and increased the gastric and ileal phasic amplitude. The jejunal smooth muscle strips demonstrated an opposite tendency. The reactions were a result of the interaction of galantamine-accumulated endogenic acetycholine with M- and N-acetylcholine receptors. The tonic effects were influenced in varying degree by atropine and ipratropium, whereas the phasic by atropine, ipratropium, hexametonium and methysergide. In conclusion, the in vitro effects registered satisfactorily explain in vivo examined galantamine-induced changes in the gastrointestinal tract of the treated rats and can be considered as main cause for development of such changes.

Muscarinic modulation of nitrergic neurotransmission in guinea-pig gastric fundus

Muscarinic receptor activation by (4-Hydroxy-2-butynyl)-1-trimethylammonium-m-chlorocarbanilate chloride (McN-A-343) was investigated both on NADPH-d staining and on electrically induced responses in guinea-pig gastric fundus. McN-A-343 (10 micromol L(-1)) significantly increased the optical density of NADPH-d positive neurones, while blockade of nitric oxide synthase with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) decreased it, suggesting facilitation of nitric oxide (NO) production. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 2 Hz, 0.2 ms, supramaximal current intensity, 10 s train duration) elicited on-contraction followed by off-relaxation in the circular muscle strips. McN-A-343 (10 micromol L(-1)) transformed the EFS-evoked response from on-contraction into on-relaxation, which was neurogenic, tetrodotoxin-sensitive and hexamethonium-resistant. L-NA partly reduced the EFS-evoked relaxation, revealing two components: a nitrergic and a non-nitrergic one. The effect of McN-A-343 on the amplitude of the EFS-evoked relaxation was not changed by the M(3) receptor antagonist para-fluoro-hexahydro-sila-difenidol hydrochloride, but was significantly enhanced by M(1) receptor blockade with telenzepine. In the presence of telenzepine, the L-NA-dependent nitrergic component of the EFS-induced relaxation predominates. We suggest that cholinergic receptor activation has a dual effect on nitrergic neurotransmission: (i) stimulation of NOS by muscarinic receptor(s) different from M(1) and M(3) subtype, (ii) prejunctional inhibition of NO-mediated relaxation via M(1) receptors. In addition, M(1) receptors may facilitate the non-nitrergic relaxation.

Characterization of muscarinic autoreceptors in the rabbit hippocampus and caudate nucleus

Oxotremorine-induced inhibition of electrically evoked release of 3H-acetylcholine from brain slices preincubated with 3H-choline was used to characterize muscarinic autoreceptors in rabbit hippocampus and caudate nucleus. From the shifts to the right of the concentration-response curves of oxotremorine in the presence of muscarinic receptor antagonists, the following pKB values [95% C.I.] were determined in the hippocampus: tripinamide: 8.7 [8.5, 8.8]; himbacine: 8.4 [8.3, 8.5]; AQ-RA 741: 8.3 [8.2, 8.5]; 4-DAMP: 8.2 [8.0, 8.3]; hexahydrosiladifenidol: 7.4 [7.2, 7.5]; AF-DX 116: 7.3 [7.1, 7.4]; pirenzepine: 6.8 [6.6, 7.0]; and PD102807: 6.3 [6.0, 6.5]. In the caudate nucleus: tripinamide: 9.1 [8.9, 9.2]; 4-DAMP: 8.3 [8.2, 8.5]; himbacine: 8.1 [8.0, 8.2]; AQ-RA 741: 8.1 [8.0, 8.3]; hexahydrosiladifenidol: 7.3 [7.2, 7.4]; AF-DX 116: 7.1 [7.0, 7.2]; pirenzepine: 6.7 [6.6, 6.8]; and PD102807: 6.5 [6.2, 6.8]. These pKB values fit best to literature values for M2 receptors, suggesting that the muscarinic autoreceptor of the rabbit hippocampus and caudate nucleus is the m2 gene product.

Heterogeneity of presynaptic muscarinic receptors mediating inhibition of sympathetic transmitter release: a study with M2- and M4-receptor-deficient mice

1 Presynaptic muscarinic receptors modulate sympathetic transmitter release. The goal of the present study was to identify the muscarinic receptor subtype(s) mediating inhibition of sympathetic transmitter release in mouse atria, urinary bladder and vas deferens. To address this question, electrically evoked noradrenaline release was assessed using tissue preparations from NMRI, M(2)- and M(4)-knockout, and the corresponding M(2)- and M(4)-wildtype mice, after preincubation with (3)H-noradrenaline. 2 The muscarinic agonist carbachol decreased evoked tritium overflow (20 pulses/50 Hz) in each tissue and strain investigated. After deletion of the M(2)-receptor the maximal inhibition by carbachol was significantly reduced (by 41-72%), but not abolished, in all tissues. After deletion of the M(4)-receptor a moderate and significant reduction of the maximal inhibition by carbachol (by 28%) was observed only in the vas deferens. 3 Experiments with the muscarinic antagonists methoctramine and pirenzepine confirmed that the presynaptic muscarinic receptors were predominantly M(2) in atria and bladder and probably a mixture of M(2) and M(4) in the vas deferens. 4 Experiments in the urinary bladder with the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine and the muscarinic antagonist ipratropium demonstrated that endogenously released acetylcholine predominantly acted through M(2)-receptors to inhibit noradrenaline release. However, the results do not exclude a minor contribution of M(4)-receptors to this endogenous inhibition. 5 In conclusion, our results clearly indicate that the release-inhibiting muscarinic receptors on postganglionic sympathetic axons in mouse atria, bladder and vas deferens represent mixtures of M(2)- and non-M(2)-receptors. The non-M(2)-receptors remain unknown in atria and the bladder, and may represent primarily M(4)-receptors in the vas deferens. These results reveal an unexpected heterogeneity among the muscarinic receptors mediating inhibition of noradrenaline release.

Effects of ZK 93426 on muscarinic and nicotinic antagonist or nucleus basalis lesioning-induced electrocortical slowing

The present study investigated the effects of a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, beta-carboline ZK 93426 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, IP), on scopolamine and nucleus basalis (NB) quisqualic acid lesion-induced neocortical electrocortical activity slowing in rats. Scopolamine induced a dose dependent increase in EEG spectral values and slow delta waves (0.3 < 0.9 = 2.7 mg/kg IP). ZK 93426 partially reversed EEG slowing induced by the smallest scopolamine dose (0.3 mg/kg), but had no effect on the EEG changes induced by higher doses. A combination of scopolamine at 0.3 mg/kg and mecamylamine (a centrally active nicotinic antagonist) at 10 mg/kg induced an EEG slowing that was not reversed by ZK 93426. NB lesions markedly decreased cortical choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity (-77%) and increased EEG slow waves. ZK 93426 had no effect on the NB lesion-induced slow wave activity increase. The present results support the idea that beta-carboline ZK 93426 may increase cortical cholinergic activity by disinhibiting the NB cholinergic neurons. However, if the activity of "NB to cortex" cholinergic system is greatly decreased by either a marked reduction in NB cell number (in NB-lesioned rats), a near complete cortical post-synaptic muscarinic receptor blockade (large scopolamine dose) or by a combination of nicotinic (decrease acetylcholine release) and muscarinic receptor blockade, the effects of beta-carboline ZK 93426 on EEG slowing may be negligible.

Acute toxicity screening of novel AChE inhibitors using neuronal networks on microelectrode arrays

Spontaneously active neuronal networks grown from embryonic murine frontal cortex on substrate integrated electrode arrays with 64 recording sites were used to assess acute neurobiological and toxic effects of a series of seven symmetrical, bifunctional alkylene-linked bis-thiocarbonate compounds designed to possess anticholinesterase activity. Acute functional neurotoxicity in the absence of cytotoxicity was defined as total collapse of spontaneous activity. All of the compounds were characterized as mixed inhibitors of AChE, with K(i)'s in the 10(-7)-10(-6) M range. The neuronal network assays revealed high repeatability for each compound, but surprisingly diverse effects among these closely related compounds. Six of the seven compounds produced changes in network activity at concentrations of 10-350 microM. Three of the compounds were excitatory, two were biphasic (excitatory at lower concentrations, inhibitory at higher), and one was solely inhibitory. Two of the inhibitory compounds produced irreversible inhibition of activity. Responses of cortical cultures to eserine were compared to the effects produced by the test compounds, with only one of seven providing a close match to the eserine profile. Matching of response patterns allows the classification of new drugs according to their response similarity to well-characterized agents. Spontaneously active neuronal networks reflect the interactions of multiple neurotransmitter and receptor systems, and can reveal unexpected side effects due to secondary binding. Utilizing such networks holds the promise of greater research efficiency through a more rapid recognition of physiological tissue responses.

K(ATP) channel blockers selectively interact with A(1)-adenosine receptor mediated modulation of acetylcholine release in the rat hippocampus

In this study the role of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP) channels) in the A(1) receptor mediated presynaptic inhibitory modulation of acetylcholine release was investigated in the rat hippocampus. N(6)-Cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), the selective A(1)-adenosine receptor agonist, reduced concentration-dependently the stimulation-evoked (2 Hz, 1 ms, 240 shocks) [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) release, from in vitro superfused hippocampal slices preloaded with [3H]choline, an effect prevented by the selective A(1) receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). By themselves, neither K(ATP) channel openers, i.e. diazoxide, pinacidil and cromakalim, nor glibenclamide and glipizide, the inhibitors of K(ATP) channels, exerted a significant effect on the resting and evoked release of [3H]ACh. Glibenclamide and glipizide (10-100 microM) completely prevented the inhibitory effect of 0.1 microM CHA and shifted the concentration response curve of CHA to the right. 4-Aminopyridine (10-100 microM), the non-selective potassium channel blocker, increased the evoked release of [3H]ACh, but in the presence of 4-aminopyridine, the inhibitory effect of CHA (0.1 microM) still persisted. Oxotremorine, the M(2) muscarinic receptor agonist, decreased the stimulation-evoked release of [3H]ACh, but its effect was not reversed by glibenclamide. 1,3-Diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (DPX), the selective A(1)-antagonist, effectively displaced [3H]DPCPX in binding experiments, while in the case of glibenclamide and glipizide, only slight displacement was observed. In summary, our results suggest that K(ATP) channels are functionally coupled to A(1) receptors present on cholinergic terminals of the hippocampus, and glibenclamide and glipizide, by interacting with K(ATP) channels, relieve this inhibitory neuromodulation.

M(2)/M(4)-muscarinic receptors mediate automodulation of acetylcholine outflow from mouse cortex

Acetylcholine outflow can be modulated through inhibitory presynaptic muscarinic autoreceptors. This study was to identify which subtype is involved in mouse cortex. Five muscarinic antagonists and their ability to elevate stimulation-induced (S-I) acetylcholine outflow were tested in the presence of neostigmine, which decreased S-I outflow. The potency of each antagonist was determined, expressed as a ratio of the potency of each other antagonist and compared with the potency ratios of the antagonists for each of the defined muscarinic receptors (M(1)-M(4)), as recorded in the literature. Linear regression analysis revealed that the data fitted the M(2) (r(2)>0.97) and M(4) (r(2)>0.85) subtypes best, with no correlation for the M(1) and M(3) subtypes.

The cholinergic neuronal phenotype in Alzheimer's disease

The synthesis, storage and release of acetylcholine (ACh) requires the expression of several specialized proteins, including choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT). The VAChT gene is located within the first intron of the ChAT gene. This unique genomic organization permits coordinated activation of expression of the two genes by extracellular factors. Much less is known about factors that reduce the expression of the cholinergic phenotype. A cholinergic deficit is one of the primary features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and AD brains are characterized by amyloid deposits composed primarily of A beta peptides. Although A beta peptides are neurotoxic, part of the cholinergic deficit in AD could be attributed to the suppression of cholinergic markers in the absence of cell death. Indeed, we and others demonstrated that synthetic A beta peptides, at submicromolar concentrations that cause no cytotoxicity, reduce the expression of cholinergic markers in neuronal cells. Another feature of AD is abnormal phospholipid turnover, which might be related to the progressive accumulation of apolipoprotein E (apoE) within amyloid plaques, leading perhaps to the reduction of apoE content in the CSF of AD patients. ApoE is a component of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). As a first step in investigating a potential neuroprotective function of apoE, we determined the effects of VLDL on ACh content in neuronal cells. We found that VLDL increases ACh levels, and that it can partially offset the anticholinergic actions of A beta peptides.

Function, signal transduction mechanisms and plasticity of presynaptic muscarinic receptors in the urinary bladder

Presynaptic M1 muscarinic receptors on parasympathetic nerve terminals in rat urinary bladder strips are involved in an autofacilitatory mechanism that markedly enhances acetylcholine release during continuous electrical field stimulation. The facilitatory muscarinic mechanism is dependent upon a PKC mediated second messenger pathway and influx of extracellular Ca2+ into the parasympathetic nerve terminals via L and N-type Ca2+ channels. Prejunctional muscarinic facilitation has also been detected in human bladders. The muscarinic facilitatory mechanism is upregulated in hyperactive bladders from chronic spinal cord transected rats; and the facilitation in these preparations is primarily mediated by M3 muscarinic receptors. Presynaptic muscarinic receptors represent a new target for pharmacological treatment of bladder hyperactivity. If presynaptic facilitation is restricted to the bladder and not present in other tissues then drugs acting at this site might be expected to exhibit uroselectivity.

Synaptic inhibitory effects of edrophonium on sympathetic ganglionic transmission

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of edrophonium on synaptic transmission in the superior cervical ganglion.

METHODS

In anaesthetized rats the effect of edrophonium on synaptic transmission was studied in vitro by testing whether it blocks the compound action potential recorded from postganglionic fibres evoked by stimulation of preganglionic axons. The superior cervical ganglion was excised and the cervical sympathetic trunk and internal carotid nerve were used for stimulating and recording, respectively. Drugs superfused included edrophonium (0.1-500 microM), neostigmine (0.1-10 microM), and muscarinic M1 and M2 antagonists pirenzepine and AFDX-116 (200 nM-10 microM), respectively. To evaluate a presynaptic action, the effect of edrophonium on basal and high-K+ (35 mM) evoked release of [3H]ACh from the superior cervical ganglion was studied in vitro. To evaluate a postsynaptic action, edrophonium's effect on postganglionic nerve discharge in response to arterial injection of ACh (100 micrograms) into the superior cervical ganglion was determined in vivo.

RESULTS

Edrophonium (10-500 microM) decreased the compound action potential amplitude (ED50 163.5 microM). A decrease was not produced by neostigmine, nor was it reversed by pirenzepine or AFDX-116. Edrophonium blocked postganglionic cell firing in response to exogenously administered ACh. Although edrophonium did not affect basal or high-K+ evoked ACh release, when the evoked increase was calculated as a multiple of the basal release, it caused approximately a 30% (P < 0.005) reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Edrophonium blocks ganglionic cholinergic transmission postsynaptically and, possibly, presynaptically. The mechanism(s) by which this occurs does not appear to involve inhibition of cholinesterase, or activation of M1 or M2 receptor subtypes.

Effect of tetrahydroaminoacridine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, on cognitive performance following experimental brain injury

An emerging literature exists in support of deficits in cholinergic neurotransmission days to weeks following experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, novel cholinomimetic therapeutics have been demonstrated to improve cognitive outcome following TBI in rats. We examined the effects of repeated postinjury administration of a cholinesterase inhibitor, tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA), on cognitive performance following experimental TBI. Rats were either injured at a moderate level of central fluid percussion TBI (2.1+/-0.1 atm) or were surgically prepared but not delivered a fluid pulse (sham injury). Beginning 24 h after TBI or sham injury, rats were injected (IP) daily for 15 days with an equal volume (1.0 ml/kg) of either 0.0, 1.0, 3.0, or 9.0 mg/kg THA (TBI: n = 8, 8, 10, and 7, respectively, and Sham: n = 5, 7, 8, 7, respectively). Cognitive performance was assessed on Days 11-15 after injury in a Morris water maze (MWM). Analysis of maze latencies over days indicated that chronic administration of THA produced a dose-related impairment in MWM performance in both the injured and sham groups, with the 9.0 mg/kg dose producing the largest deficit. The 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg doses of THA impaired MWM performance without affecting swimming speeds. Thus, the results of this investigation do not support the use of THA as a cholinomimetic therapeutic for the treatment of cognitive deficits following TBI.

Dependence of gamma-aminobutyric acid modulation of cholinergic transmission on nitric oxide and purines in cat terminal ileum

The possible involvement of purines and/or nitric oxide (NO) in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor-mediated effects on the spontaneous activity of isolated preparations from longitudinal and circular muscles of cat terminal ileum was investigated. GABA had biphasic effects, which were neurogenic and muscarinic. ATP and adenosine dose dependently inhibited the activity of the muscles. A contractile response evoked by the nucleotide only was also observed. The effects of the purines were equipotent and resistant to Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), tetrodotoxin and to desensitization by alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (alpha,beta-meATP), except for the contractile effect of ATP, which was abolished by alpha,beta-meATP. Pretreatment of the preparations with ATP or adenosine produced: (i) desensitization to the effects of the respective purinoceptor agonist only; and (ii) suppression of the GABA-induced responses of longitudinal and circular muscles. Hemoglobin and L-NNA greatly reduced or completely blocked the GABA(A)-induced relaxation and decreased the GABA(A)-induced contraction. Our results indicate that purines and NO, to a different extent, mediate the relaxant phase of the GABA effects in both layers. Interactions between muscarinic cholinoceptors and GABA-nitrergic pathway and a concomitant activation of postjunctional P1 and P2y purinoceptors are suggested to explain the prejunctional biphasic effects of GABA.

M4 muscarinic receptor activation modulates calcium channel currents in rat intracardiac neurons

Modulation of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels by muscarinic receptor agonists was investigated in isolated parasympathetic neurons of neonatal rat intracardiac ganglia using the amphotericin B perforated-patch whole cell recording configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Focal application of the muscarinic agonists acetylcholine (ACh), muscarine, and oxotremorine-M to the voltage-clamped soma membrane reversibly depressed peak Ca2+ channel current amplitude. The dose-response relationship obtained for ACh-induced inhibition of Ba2+ current (IBa) exhibited a half-maximal inhibition at 6 nM. Maximal inhibition of IBa amplitude obtained with 100 microM ACh was approximately 75% compared with control at +10 mV. Muscarinic agonist-induced attenuation of Ca2+ channel currents was inhibited by the muscarinic receptor antagonists pirenzepine (</=300 nM) and m4-toxin (</=100 nM), but not by AF-DX 116 (300 nM) or m1-toxin (60 nM). The dose-response relationship obtained for antagonism of muscarine-induced inhibition of IBa by m4-toxin gave an IC50 of 11 nM. These results suggest that muscarinic agonist-induced inhibition of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in rat intracardiac neurons is mediated by the M4 muscarinic receptor. M4 receptor activation shifted the voltage dependence and depressed maximal activation of Ca2+ channels but had no effect on the steady-state inactivation of Ca2+ channels. Peak Ca2+ channel tail current amplitude was reduced >/=30% at +90 mV in the presence of ACh, indicating a voltage-independent component to the muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition. Both dihydropyridine- and omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ channels were inhibited by ACh, suggesting that the M4 muscarinic receptor is coupled to multiple Ca2+ channel subtypes in these neurons. Inhibition of IBa amplitude by muscarinic agonists was also observed after cell dialysis using the conventional whole cell recording configuration. However, internal perfusion of the cell with 100 microM guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) trilithium salt (GDP-beta-S) or incubation of the neurons in Pertussis toxin (PTX) abolished the modulation of IBa by muscarinic receptor agonists, suggesting the involvement of a PTX-sensitive G-protein in the signal transduction pathway. Given that ACh is the principal neurotransmitter mediating vagal innervation of the heart, the presence of this inhibitory mechanism in postganglionic intracardiac neurons suggests that it may serve for negative feedback regulation.

Role of L- and N-type Ca2+ channels in muscarinic receptor-mediated facilitation of ACh and noradrenaline release in the rat urinary bladder

1. 3H-Noradrenaline (NA) and 14C-acetylcholine (ACh) released by electrical field stimulation were measured simultaneously in strips from the body of rat urinary bladder. 2. omega-Conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX; 20-100 nM) suppressed the non-facilitated transmitter release evoked by intermittent stimulation (IS), whereas nifedipine (1 microM) did not affect release. 3. Continuous electrical stimulation (CS) facilitated NA and ACh release via an atropine-sensitive mechanism. omega-CgTX reduced the facilitated release of NA (44% depression) but did not affect ACh release. Nifedipine depressed ACh release (43%) but not NA release. Combined administration of nifedipine and omega-CgTX (20 nM) produced a greater suppression of NA and ACh release (86 and 91%, respectively). 4. Maximal muscarinic facilitation of NA (5-fold) and ACh (17-fold) release occurred following administration of eserine, an anticholinesterase agent. Release of both NA and ACh was depressed by nifedipine (70 and 83%, respectively) but not by omega-CgTX. Combined application of omega-CgTX and nifedipine elicited a further depression of NA (95%) but not ACh release. 5. When NA and ACh release was facilitated with phorbol dibutyrate (0.5 microM), nifedipine inhibited ACh (67%) but not NA release, whereas omega-CgTX inhibited NA (73%) but not ACh release. Combined administration of both Ca2+ channel blockers did not elicit greater inhibition. 6. Bay K 8644, the L-type Ca2+ channel activator, increased ACh release in a dose-dependent manner (up to 5-fold) but did not significantly change NA release. 7. Both omega-CgTX (20-100 nM) and nifedipine (100 nM-1 microM) significantly decreased (50-80%) the neurally evoked contractions of the bladder strips. 8. It is concluded that L-type Ca2+ channels play a major role in muscarinic facilitation of NA and ACh release in the urinary bladder but are not essential for non-facilitated release. Other types of Ca2+ channels, including N-type, are involved to varying degrees in non-facilitated and facilitated release under different experimental conditions.

Side effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants: relationship to their antinicotinic and antimuscarinic actions

Since acetylcholine (ACh) is the 'master key' to different subtypes of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, and muscle relaxants (MRs) available in clinical practice are structurally related to it, MRs may exert their unwanted effects through inhibition of these receptors. Since the subunit composition of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) of pre- and/or postsynaptic location and the binding potency of MRs to these and muscarinic receptors are different, a search for selective muscle nAChR antagonists without or with less side effects seems to be promising and important for clinical practice.

Effects of ventral hippocampal galanin on spatial learning and on in vivo acetylcholine release in the rat

The neuropeptide galanin coexists in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca with a population of acetylcholine neurons which project mainly to the ventral hippocampus. The present studies investigated the role of ventral hippocampal galanin in spatial learning in the male rat using a spatial learning task. In addition, the effects of galanin on cholinergic function were monitored by in vivo microdialysis and high-performance liquid chromatography. Bilateral microinjections of galanin (3 nmol/ rat) via chronic cannulae placed into the ventral hippocampus (i.v.h.) produced a slight but significant impairment of acquisition of the spatial task, while the 1 nmol dose of galanin facilitated acquisition. The 6 nmol dose of galanin failed to affect performance. A trend for an impairment of long-term memory retention (examined seven days after the last training session) was observed after 3 nmol of galanin, while the 1 nmol dose facilitated retention performance. Scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) caused a marked impairment of acquisition. Galanin (3 nmol/rat) given i.v.h. failed to modify the acquisition impairment caused by scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.). These results suggest that galanin given i.v.h. produces a biphasic dose-dependent effects on spatial learning. In freely moving rats, galanin (3 nmol/10 microliters) given into the lateral ventricle (i.c.v.) did not affect basal acetylcholine release. In contrast, perfusion (100 min) with galanin (0.1 or 0.3 nmol/1.25 microliters/min) through the ventral hippocampal probe resulted in a reduction of basal acetycholine release which was dose-dependent and reversible. Galanin given i.c.v. (3 nmol/10 microliters) or through the probe (0.3 nmol/1.25 microliters/min) attenuated the increase in acetylcholine release evoked by the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.; 0.001 nmol/1.25 microliters/min through the probe). The galanin plus scopolamine combinations produced a 50% lower increase in the extracellular acetylcholine concentrations than scopolamine alone. This suggests that the mechanism(s) behind scopolamine- and galanin-induced stimulation of acetylcholine differ. These results indicate that ventral hippocampal galanin plays a role in cognition and that it has a powerful and modulatory effect on cholinergic transmission. However, the effects of exogenous galanin on spatial learning cannot be directly related to changes in in vivo cholinergic transmission in the ventral hippocampus. These discrepancies may relate to effects on subtypes of galanin receptors with different functional coupling. In addition, other hippocampal neurotransmitter systems (e.g. noradrenergic neurons) important for cognitive functions may also be modulated by ventral hippocampal galanin.

Effects of M2 antagonists on in vivo hippocampal acetylcholine levels

There is evidence that muscarinic receptors of the M2 subtype are presynaptic autoreceptors that modify the release of acetylcholine (ACh) through a negative feedback mechanism. Blocking these receptors by selective antagonists may therefore lead to increased ACh release. This in vivo microdialysis study examined the effects of three M2 antagonists, AF-DX 116, AF-DX 384, and AQ-RA 741, on hippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission. Drug (2, 4, 8, or 16 microM) or vehicle (Ringer's solution) was perfused via a microdialysis probe into the CA1 hippocampal region of conscious male Fischer 344 rats. Levels of ACh and choline were assessed by HPLC-EC. When the dose was expressed in K1 multiples, all drugs (except AQ-RA 741 at the two highest concentrations) were found to be on the same linear dose-response curve. Choline levels were not affected by drug administration. All three compounds elevated ACh levels in a similar K1-normalized dose-response fashion, strongly supporting the concept that the proposed presynaptic mechanism of action is indeed based on the same M2 receptor. Such elevations of ACh may not only improve performance on memory tasks, but may also have therapeutic advantages in conditions of cholinergic hypofunction, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Two types of functionally different GABAA receptors mediate GABA modulation of cholinergic transmission in cat terminal ileum

1. The effects of GABA (1 microM-2 mM) on longitudinally or circularly oriented organ bath preparations of cat terminal ileum consisted of a relaxation phase with an inhibition of the rhythmic spontaneous phasic contractions, followed by a phase of contractions characterized by an elevation in basal tone and an increase in amplitude of the spontaneous phasic contractions. 2. Muscimol (100 microM), but not baclofen (100 microM), mimicked the relaxation phase of the response to applied GABA (100 microM) in all tissue preparations. In addition, muscimol induced a phase of contractile activity in the circular muscle layer whilst baclofen exerted a 'GABA-like' contractile effect on the longitudinal muscle layer. Bicuculline (30 microM) or picrotoxinin (30 microM) antagonized the GABA- or muscimol-induced relaxations in all preparations and decreased the GABA- but not the baclofen-induced contractions of the longitudinal muscle layer. 3. Tetrodotoxin (0.5 microM) or atropine (0.1 microM) prevented the bicuculline-sensitive phases of the GABA or muscimol effects on both muscle layers but not the contractile effect of baclofen on the longitudinal muscle layer. 4. The bicuculline-sensitive phases of the GABA effect on both muscle layers were almost completely eliminated by 1 nM pirenzepine. At this concentration pirenzepine did not affect the electrically-evoked cholinergic twitch contractions or contractile responses to applied acetylcholine of both muscle layers. 5. During electrically-evoked cholinergic twitch contractions of both muscle layers, GABA (100 microM) had an inhibitory effect. The inhibition occurred in the presence of pirenzepine (1 nM) but not of bicuculline (30 microM). 6. It is suggested that two types of functionally different bicuculline-sensitive GABAA receptors mediate an exitatory presynaptic and an inhibitory prejunctional action of GABA on the cholinergic transmission in cat terminal ileum.

Muscarinic receptor modulation of acetylcholine release from rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus

An attempt to identify the muscarinic receptor subtypes involved in presynaptic modulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release from cortical and hippocampal slices was made by means of several muscarinic antagonists. Cortical and hippocampal slices prepared from adult rats were superfused with Krebs solution containing physostigmine; ACh content of the superfusate at rest and after electrical stimulation (1 Hz) was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. The antagonists were added to the Krebs at the concentration of 1 microM. ACh release at rest was enhanced only in the cortex by (+/-)-5,11-dihydro-11-([(2-[2-[(dipropylamino)methyl]-1- piperidinyl)ethyl)amino]carbonyl)-6H-pyrido[2,3-b](1,4)- benzodiazepine-6-one (AFDX384), an M2/M4 selective antagonist. The evoked ACh release from the cerebral cortex was significantly increased by AFDX384, methoctramine, pirenzepine, M2/M4, M2 and M1 selective antagonists, respectively, and scopolamine. This finding suggests that M1, M2 and M4 presynaptic receptor subtypes could regulate evoked ACh release in the cortex. In hippocampal slices, the evoked ACh release was enhanced by AFDX384, pirenzepine and scopolamine but not by methoctramine. In this region ACh release seems therefore regulated only by M1 and M4 receptor subtypes. The M3 antagonist (+/-)-p-fluorohexahydro-sila-difenidol hydrochloride did not affect ACh release.

Differential changes in cholinergic markers from selected brain regions after specific immunolesion of the rat cholinergic basal forebrain system

The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of cortical cholinergic denervation on cholinergic parameters in the cerebral cortex and basal forebrain using a novel immunotoxin (conjugate of the monoclonal antibody 192IgG against the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor armed with cytotoxin saporin) to efficiently and selectively lesion cholinergic neurons in rat basal forebrain. Seven days following an intracerebroventricular injection of the cholinergic immunotoxin 192IgG-saporin the binding levels of nicotinic and M1- and M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR), high-affinity choline uptake sites, as well as the m1-m4 mAChR mRNA were determined in coronal brain sections by both receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization, and quantified by image analysis. Hemicholinium-3 binding to high-affinity choline uptake sites was decreased by up to 45% in all cortical regions and in the hippocampus after a single injection of the immunotoxin compared to controls. In contrast, M1-mAChR sites were increased over the corresponding control value in the anterior parts of cingulate, frontal, and piriform cortex by about 20%, in the hindlimb/forelimb areas (18%), in the parietal cortex (35%), in the occipital cortex area 2 (17%), as well as in the temporal cortex (25%) following immunolesion. M2-mAChR levels were found to be significantly increased in the posterior part of the parietal cortex area 1 (by about 22%) and in the occipital cortex area 2 (20%) only. With respect to laminar cortical localization, M2-mAChRs and choline uptake sites were altered in all cortical layers, whereas M1-mAChRs were preferentially affected in the upper cortical layers by the immunolesion. The increase in M1-mAChR binding in the temporal and occipital cortex as a consequence of the immunolesion was complemented by an increase in the amount of m1 and m3 mAChR mRNA of about 20% in these regions. The elevated levels of M2-mAChR sites in the occipital and temporal cortex following immunolesion were accompanied by an increase in the m4 (by 25%) but not m2 mAChR mRNA. There was no effect of the immunolesion on the m1-m4 mAChR mRNA in frontal cortical regions. in the basal forebrain, however, immunolesioning caused about a 40% decrease in the level of m2 mAChR mRNA in the medial and lateral septum as well as in the vertical and horizontal limb of the diagonal band, whereas M1- and M2-mAChR binding and the levels of m1, m3, and m4 mAChR mRNA were not affected by the immunolesion in any of the basal forebrain nuclei studied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A toxin from the green mamba Dendroaspis angusticeps: amino acid sequence and selectivity for muscarinic m4 receptors

Muscarinic toxin 3 (MT3) (65 amino acids, four disulphides, M(r) 7379) was isolated from the venom of the African snake Dendroaspis angusticeps (green mamba) and its amino acid sequence determined. Its ability to inhibit the binding of [3H]N-methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) to Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing subtypes of muscarinic receptors was studied. MT3 displayed high affinity for the m4 receptor (pKi = 8.7 +/- 0.06), 40-fold lower affinity at ml receptors (pKi = 7.11 +/- 0.17) whereas no inhibition of [3H]NMS binding to m2, m3 and m5 receptors was observed at concentrations up to 1 microM. This makes MT3 the most selective m4 receptor ligand known to date.

Muscarinic regulation of Ca2+ currents in rat sensory neurons: channel and receptor types, dose-response relationships and cross-talk pathways

We studied, in rat sensory neurons, the modulation of high voltage-activated Ca2+ currents (ICa) mediated by the pertussis toxin-sensitive activation of muscarinic receptors, which were found to be of subtypes M2 or M4. Muscarine reversibly blocked somatic Ca2+ spikes but strong predepolarizations only partially relieved the inhibited Ca2+ current. On the other hand, the putative coupling messenger could not rapidly diffuse towards channels whose activity was recorded from a macro-patch. The perforated patch technique virtually prevented the response rundown present during whole-cell experiments. Both omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx)-sensitive channels and omega-CgTx- and dihydropyridine-resistant channels are coupled to the muscarinic receptor, but not the L-channel. When measured in the same neuron, dose-response relationships for the first and subsequent agonist applications differed; maximal inhibition, the reciprocal of half-maximal concentration and the Hill coefficient were always highest in the first trial. Muscarine and oxotremorine exhibited monotone dose-response curves, but oxotremorine-M showed non-linear relationships which became monotonic when cells were intracellularly perfused with inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC), suggesting that either PKA or receptor-induced PKC could phosphorylate and thus inactive G-proteins or other unknown proteins involved in inhibitory muscarinic actions on ICa. In summary, these data provide a preliminary pharmacological characterization of the muscarinic inhibition of the Ca2+ channels in sensory neurons, with implications about agonist specificity and the interplay between signalling pathways.

Possible mechanisms of the effect of physostigmine on the facilitation of acetylcholine release in the guinea pig myenteric plexus

The automodulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release in the guinea pig myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation was investigated by studying the electric stimulation-evoked release of radiolabeled ACh. When the release associated with neuronal activity was challenged by the muscarinic antagonist atropine, the release was not significantly enhanced. When the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) blocker physostigmine was present, the well-established muscarinic receptor-mediated autoinhibition was operative, i.e., the release was significantly reduced. However, when both drugs were added together, the release was much higher than under control conditions. Therefore, it seems likely that there is also a facilitatory system. We made an effort to clear up the mechanism of this facilitation by blocking possible nicotinic presynaptic receptors, by excluding the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated masking effect of noradrenergic heteromodulation, by preventing a possible ATP-mediated mechanism, and by attempting to prevent the direct effect of physostigmine. None of these manipulations resulted in a decrease of the surplus release. It is concluded, that when the negative feedback modulation of ACh is inhibited and AChE activity is reduced, high levels of ACh facilitates additional release of ACh from the nerve terminals, possibly through a not yet verified class of receptors.

Opposite modulation by muscarinic M1 and M3 receptors of acetylcholine release from guinea pig ileum as measured directly

Muscarinic receptor agonist and antagonist effects on acetylcholine release evoked by electrical or dimethylphenylpiperazinium stimulation from guinea pig ileum were evaluated by measuring acetylcholine with a high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector system. AF102B (cis-2-methylspiro-(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3')-quinuclidine), a muscarinic M1 receptor agonist, increased markedly the evoked release of acetylcholine. In contrast, pirenzepine decreased the evoked acetylcholine release. 4-DAMP (4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide) and p-F-HHSiD (p-fluoro-hexahydrosiladifenidol), muscarinic M3 antagonists, increased the release of acetylcholine. Atropine enhanced acetylcholine release to a similar extent while bethanechol reduced the electrically evoked acetylcholine release. This reduction was virtually unaffected by methoctramine, but was antagonized by 4-DAMP or p-F-HHSiD. The results from direct determination of acetylcholine suggest that, in contrast to autoinhibition by stimulation of muscarinic M3 receptors, stimulation of presynaptic muscarinic M1 receptors is predominantly involved in enhancement of the acetylcholine release from guinea pig ileal nerves, and that AF102B functions as a muscarinic M1 agonist in this peripheral neuron.

Postsynaptic effects of methoctramine at the mouse neuromuscular junction

Functional studies were performed to evaluate the effects of methoctramine at the neuromuscular junction of the mouse. The presynaptic control of acetylcholine release and the postsynaptic activation of the nicotinic receptor have been analysed by means of the extracellular recording with an EPC7 Patch Clamp amplifier. This electrophysiological method revealed a dose-related inhibitory effect of methoctramine on the studied parameters. The dramatic reduction of the kinetics of the quantal conductance change indicates an action at the postsynaptic level. The effects of methoctramine have been compared with those of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine. Concentration/response curves for the two drugs were obtained and the apparent EC50 values calculated. The effects of oxotremorine were not antagonized by 1 microM methoctramine. These findings suggest an interaction of some muscarinic agents on the postsynaptic receptor-ion-channel complex at the mouse neuromuscular junction.

Muscarinic modulation of neurotransmission: the effects of some agonists and antagonists

1. Functional studies were performed to evaluate the effects of some muscarinic agents at the neuromuscular junction of the mouse. 2. The presynaptic control of acetylcholine release and the postsynaptic activation of the nicotinic receptor have been analyzed by means of extracellular recording. The amplitude of spontaneous and of evoked acetylcholine release, the frequency of spontaneous acetylcholine release and the time course of the quantal release have been measured by means of an EPC7 patch clamp amplifier. 3. This electrophysiological method revealed multiple dose-related effects of some agonists and antagonists on the above parameters. Concentration-response curves related to the parameters underlying the function of this cholinergic synapse were obtained and the apparent EC50 values calculated. 4. Many of the interactions of the agonists and antagonists could inhibit neuromuscular transmission. The rank order potencies related to the inhibition of the evoked signals were carbachol > oxotremorine > d,l-muscarine for the agonists and methoctramine > 4-DAMP > l-hyoscyamine > AFDX-116 > ipratropium > pirenzepine for the antagonists. 5. These findings suggest a more complicated pattern related to the muscarinic action at the mouse neuromuscular junction with the involvement of some post-synaptic located sites.

Evidence that M1 muscarinic receptors enhance noradrenaline release in mouse atria by activating protein kinase C

1. The M1 selective muscarinic agonist, McNeil A 343, enhanced the electrically evoked release of noradrenaline from postganglionic sympathetic nerves in mouse atria. This has been found previously to be due to activation of muscarinic receptors of the M1 subtype, probably located on sympathetic nerve terminals. The present study investigated the signal transduction mechanisms involved in the release-enhancing effects of McNeil A 343. The release of noradrenaline from mouse atria was assessed by measuring the electrically-induced (3 Hz, 60 s) outflow of radioactivity from atria which had been pre-incubated with [3H]-noradrenaline. 2. 8-Bromo cyclic AMP in the presence of IBMX was used to enhance maximally S-I noradrenaline release through cyclic AMP-dependent mechanisms. However, the facilitatory effect of McNeil A 343 (10 microM) was not different from the effect in the absence of these drugs, suggesting that McNeil A 343 enhances noradrenaline release independently of the cyclic AMP system. Furthermore, the release-enhancing effect of McNeil A 343 (10 microM) on noradrenaline release was also not altered by the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, BW A4C. 3. The facilitatory effect of McNeil A 343 was not altered in the presence of drugs (trifluoperazine, W7, and calmidazolium) which inhibit calmodulin-dependent processes, suggesting that the mechanisms of action of McNeil A 343 does not depend on calmodulin. 4. It was considered likely that the facilitatory effect of McNeil A 343 on noradrenaline release may be due to activation of protein kinase C, since activators of protein kinase C enhance noradrenaline release. The facilitatory effect of McNeil A 343 was abolished by the non-selective protein kinase C inhibitor,K-252a. To investigate further the involvement of protein kinase C, mouse atria were chronically incubated (9-O h) with the protein kinase C activator, 4 beta-phorbol dibutyrate (1.0 microM) in order to down-regulate protein kinase C activity. In protein kinase C-down-regulated atria, the facilitatory effect of McNeil A 343 (30 microM) was abolished. Incubation with 4 alpha-phorbol dibutyrate which does not affect protein kinase C did not reduce the facilitatory effect of McNeil A 343. This provides evidence that activation of protein kinase C is involved in the signal transduction process of McNeil A 343.

Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on extracellular amino acid levels in vivo in rat brain regions

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) was found to have beneficial effects in senile patients. In recent years many of its effects on the nervous system have been examined, but its mechanism(s) of action remains to be elucidated. We previously reported that it causes release of dopamine in the striatum. In the present paper we report that ALCAR, when administered at intracerebral sites via microdialysis, stimulates the release of amino acids in a concentration-dependent and regionally heterogeneous manner. The effect was strong in the striatum and cerebellum, less so in the frontal cortex, and weak in the thalamus. Seven amino acids were measured: the increase in the level of aspartate, glutamate, and taurine was substantial, and the increase in the level of glycine, serine, threonine, alanine, and glutamine in the microdialysate was minor. The stimulatory effect of ALCAR on the release of amino acids in the striatum was inhibited by the muscarinic antagonist atropine, but was not inhibited by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. The effect of ALCAR on the levels of most of the amino acids tested was independent of the presence of Ca2+ in the perfusate. These results indicate that ALCAR, when administered intracerebrally at fairly high concentrations, can affect the level and the release not only of such neurotransmitters as acetylcholine and dopamine, but also of amino acids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of pertussis toxin on behavioural responses of guinea-pigs to centrally administered substance P, quinpirole, carbachol, U-50,488H, morphine and morphine withdrawal

The effects of pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) on the sedative effect of morphine administered i.c.v. (200 nmol), and on the locomotor and behavioural activation precipitated by naloxone (15 mg/kg s.c.) following treatment with a single dose of morphine (i.c.v., 200 nmol), were investigated in guinea-pigs. Responses to i.c.v. administration of substance P (50 nmol), quinpirole (200 nmol), U50,488H (100 nmol) and carbachol (2 nmol) following PTX pretreatment were also investigated. Following PTX pretreatment, morphine induced mild agitation and the onset of sedation was delayed. Pretreatment with PTX also attenuated the locomotor and some components of behavioural activation induced by substance P, U50,488H, quinpirole and naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal, but failed to attenuate the effects induced by carbachol. These results suggest the involvement of PTX-sensitive G-protein-mediated mechanisms in the sedative effect of morphine in guinea-pigs and in the central stimulating actions of acute morphine withdrawal, U50,488H, substance P, and quinpirole.

Elevation of hippocampal extracellular acetylcholine levels by methoctramine

Previous studies suggest that m2 muscarinic receptors serve as presynaptic autoreceptors. Blocking these receptors by selective antagonists may, therefore, lead to increased acetylcholine (ACh) release. This study assessed changes in extracellular ACh levels, via in vivo microdialysis, following administration of the m2 antagonist methoctramine. Drug or placebo (Ringer's solution) was perfused via a microdialysis probe into the CA1 hippocampal region of unrestrained, awake male Fischer rats. HPLC-EC was used for online analysis of the dialysates. Methoctramine significantly enhanced ACh release in a dose-dependent fashion as compared to placebo for the doses employed (0.25-16 microM). The present in vivo data corroborate studies that show increased ACh levels in vitro following application of m2 antagonists.

Mechanisms of synaptic fatigue in a developing autonomic ganglion

Synaptic transmission in developing systems has often been noted to exhibit depression or failure at moderate frequencies of stimulation. While this is often presumed to be a transient, nonspecific inability of developing systems to meet the demands of synaptic transmission, this report demonstrates that such failure in the choroidal neurons of the embryonic ciliary ganglion is due to muscarinically mediated inhibition. Although the ganglion is composed of both choroid and ciliary neurons, only the choroid neurons exhibit the muscarinic depression, and only during embryonic development. The pharmacological properties of the relevant receptor are different from those of the muscarinic receptor involved in presynaptic inhibition in adult autonomic systems. Receptor-mediated, synaptic failure during development may serve to protect immature postsynaptic neurons from potentially toxic overstimulation.

Effect of nicotine on extracellular levels of neurotransmitters assessed by microdialysis in various brain regions: role of glutamic acid

We studied the effect of local administration of nicotine on the release of monoamines in striatum, substantia nigra, cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex (frontal, cingulate), and pontine nucleus and on the release of glutamic acid in striatum of rats in vivo, using microdialysis for nicotine administration and for measuring extracellular amine and glutamic acid levels. Following nicotine administration the extracellular concentration of dopamine increased in all regions except cerebellum; serotonin increased in cingulate and frontal cortex; and norepinephrine increased in substantia nigra, cingulate cortex, and pontine nucleus. Cotinine, the major nicotine metabolite, had no effect at similar concentrations. The cholinergic antagonists mecamylamine and atropine, the dopaminergic antagonists haloperidol and sulpiride, and the excitatory amino acid antagonist kynurenic acid all inhibited the nicotine-induced increase of extracellular dopamine in the striatum. The fact that kynurenic acid almost completely prevented the effects of nicotine, and nicotine at this concentration produced a 6-fold increase of glutamic acid release, suggests that the effect of nicotine is mainly mediated via glutamic acid release.

Increase of extracellular acetylcholine level in rat frontal cortex induced by (+)N-allylnormetazocine as measured by brain microdialysis

Acute administration of (+)N-allylnormetazocine ((+) SKF-10,047) was found to increase the extracellular acetylcholine (ACh) level in rat frontal cortex, as measured by brain microdialysis in freely-moving rats. The increase elicited by (+)SKF-10,047 was dose-dependent and the increase was significant at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg, compared with the saline-treated group. On the other hand, the extracellular dopamine metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) level in the frontal cortex was not changed by (+)SKF-10,047 at 5.0 mg/kg, whereas extracellular ACh level increased markedly in this area. These results suggest that (+)SKF-10,047 can affect some central nervous system (CNS) functions through the increment of extracellular ACh level in rat frontal cortex at lower doses.