Autoradiographic localization of binding sites for arginine vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide on astrocytes and neurons of cultured rat central nervous system

The Interplay between cGMP and Calcium Signaling in Alzheimer’s Disease

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger and a key molecule in many important signaling cascades in the body and brain, including phototransduction, olfaction, vasodilation, and functional hyperemia. Additionally, cGMP is involved in long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular correlate of learning and memory, and recent studies have identified the cGMP-increasing drug Sildenafil as a potential risk modifier in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD development is accompanied by a net increase in the expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthases but a decreased activity of soluble guanylate cyclases, so the exact sign and extent of AD-mediated imbalance remain unclear. Moreover, human patients and mouse models of the disease present with entangled deregulation of both cGMP and Ca²⁺ signaling, e.g., causing changes in cGMP-mediated Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular stores as well as Ca²⁺-mediated cGMP production. Still, the mechanisms governing such interplay are poorly understood. Here, we review the recent data on mechanisms underlying the brain cGMP signaling and its interconnection with Ca²⁺ signaling. We also discuss the recent evidence stressing the importance of such interplay for normal brain function as well as in Alzheimer’s disease.

Antagonists of the Vasopressin V1 Receptor and of the β(1)-Adrenoceptor Inhibit Cytotoxic Brain Edema in Stroke by Effects on Astrocytes - but the Mechanisms Differ

Brain edema is a serious complication in ischemic stroke because even relatively small changes in brain volume can compromise cerebral blood flow or result in compression of vital brain structures on account of the fixed volume of the rigid skull. Literature data indicate that administration of either antagonists of the V1 vasopressin (AVP) receptor or the β1-adrenergic receptor are able to reduce edema or infarct size when administered after the onset of ischemia, a key advantage for possible clinical use. The present review discusses possible mechanisms, focusing on the role of NKCC1, an astrocytic cotransporter of Na(+), K(+), 2Cl(-) and water and its activation by highly increased extracellular K(+) concentrations in the development of cytotoxic cell swelling. However, it also mentions that due to a 3/2 ratio between Na(+) release and K(+) uptake by the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase driving NKCC1 brain extracellular fluid can become hypertonic, which may facilitate water entry across the blood-brain barrier, essential for development of edema. It shows that brain edema does not develop until during reperfusion, which can be explained by lack of metabolic energy during ischemia. V1 antagonists are likely to protect against cytotoxic edema formation by inhibiting AVP enhancement of NKCC1-mediated uptake of ions and water, whereas β1-adrenergic antagonists prevent edema formation because β1-adrenergic stimulation alone is responsible for stimulation of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase driving NKCC1, first and foremost due to decrease in extracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Inhibition of NKCC1 also has adverse effects, e.g. on memory and the treatment should probably be of shortest possible duration.

Neurosteroids, trigger of the LH surge

Recent experiments from our laboratory are consistent with the idea that hypothalamic astrocytes are critical components of the central nervous system (CNS) mediated estrogen positive feedback mechanism. The "astrocrine hypothesis" maintains that ovarian estradiol rapidly increases free cytoplasmic calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) that facilitate progesterone synthesis in astrocytes. This hypothalamic neuroprogesterone along with the elevated estrogen from the ovaries allows for the surge release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that triggers the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. A narrow range of estradiol stimulated progesterone production supports an "off-on-off" mechanism regulating the transition from estrogen negative feedback to estrogen positive feedback, and back again. The rapidity of the [Ca(2+)](i) response and progesterone synthesis support a non-genomic, membrane-initiated signaling mechanism. In hypothalamic astrocytes, membrane-associated estrogen receptors (mERs) signal through transactivation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a (mGluR1a), implying that astrocytic function is influenced by surrounding glutamatergic nerve terminals. Although other putative mERs, such as mERβ, STX-activated mER-Gα(q), and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), are present and participate in membrane-mediated signaling, their influence in reproduction is still obscure since female reproduction be it estrogen positive feedback or lordosis behavior requires mERα. The astrocrine hypothesis is also consistent with the well-known sexual dimorphism of estrogen positive feedback. In rodents, only post-pubertal females exhibit this positive feedback. Hypothalamic astrocytes cultured from females, but not males, responded to estradiol by increasing progesterone synthesis. Estrogen autoregulates its own signaling by regulating levels of mERα in the plasma membrane of female astrocytes. In male astrocytes, the estradiol-induced increase in mERα was attenuated, suggesting that membrane-initiated estradiol signaling (MIES) would also be blunted. Indeed, estradiol induced [Ca(2+)](i) release in male astrocytes, but not to levels required to stimulate progesterone synthesis. Investigation of this sexual differentiation was performed using hypothalamic astrocytes from post-pubertal four core genotype (FCG) mice. In this model, genetic sex is uncoupled from gonadal sex. We demonstrated that animals that developed testes (XYM and XXM) lacked estrogen positive feedback, strongly suggesting that the sexual differentiation of progesterone synthesis is driven by the sex steroid environment during early development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neurosteroids'.

The Neurosteroid Progesterone Underlies Estrogen Positive Feedback of the LH Surge

Our understanding the steroid regulation of neural function has rapidly evolved in the past decades. Not long ago the prevailing thoughts were that peripheral steroid hormones carried information to the brain which passively responded to these steroids. These steroid actions were slow, taking hours to days to be realized because they regulated gene expression. Over the past three decades, discoveries of new steroid receptors, rapid membrane-initiated signaling mechanisms, and de novo neurosteroidogenesis have shed new light on the complexity of steroids actions within the nervous system. Sexual differentiation of the brain during development occurs predominately through timed steroid-mediated expression of proteins and long term epigenetic modifications. In contrast across the estrous cycle, estradiol release from developing ovarian follicles initially increases slowly and then at proestrus increases rapidly. This pattern of estradiol release acts through both classical genomic mechanisms and rapid membrane-initiated signaling in the brain to coordinate reproductive behavior and physiology. This review focuses on recently discovered estrogen receptor-α membrane signaling mechanisms that estradiol utilizes during estrogen positive feedback to stimulate de novo progesterone synthesis within the hypothalamus to trigger the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge important for ovulation and estrous cyclicity. The activation of these signaling pathways appears to be coordinated by the rising and waning of estradiol throughout the estrous cycle and integral to the negative and positive feedback mechanisms of estradiol. This differential responsiveness is part of the timing mechanism triggering the LH surge.

An interaction of oxytocin receptors with metabotropic glutamate receptors in hypothalamic astrocytes

Hypothalamic astrocytes play a critical role in the regulation and support of many different neuroendocrine events, and are affected by oestradiol. Both nuclear and membrane oestrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in astrocytes. Upon oestradiol activation, membrane-associated ER signals through the type 1a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1a) to induce an increase of free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Because the expression of oxytocin receptors (OTRs) is modulated by oestradiol, we tested whether oestradiol also influences oxytocin signalling. Oxytocin at 1, 10, and 100 nm induced a [Ca(2+)](i) flux measured as a change in relative fluorescence [DeltaF Ca(2+) = 330 +/- 17 relative fluorescent units (RFU), DeltaF Ca(2+) = 331 +/- 22 RFU, and DeltaF Ca(2+) = 347 +/- 13 RFU, respectively] in primary cultures of female post-pubertal hypothalamic astrocytes. Interestingly, OTRs interacted with mGluRs. The mGluR1a antagonist, LY 367385 (20 nm), blocked the oxytocin (1 nm)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) flux (DeltaF Ca(2+) = 344 +/- 19 versus 127 +/- 11 RFU, P < 0.001). Conversely, the mGluR1a receptor agonist, (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (100 nm), increased the oxytocin (1 nm)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) response (DeltaF Ca(2+) = 670 +/- 31 RFU) compared to either compound alone (P < 0.001). Because both oxytocin and oestradiol rapidly signal through the mGluR1a, we treated hypothalamic astrocytes sequentially with oxytocin and oestradiol to determine whether stimulation with one hormone affected the subsequent [Ca(2+)](i) response to the second hormone. Oestradiol treatment did not change the subsequent [Ca(2+)](i) flux to oxytocin (P > 0.05) and previous oxytocin exposure did not affect the [Ca(2+)](i) response to oestradiol (P > 0.05). Furthermore, simultaneous oestradiol and oxytocin stimulation failed to yield a synergistic [Ca(2+)](i) response. These results suggest that the OTR signals through the mGluR1a to release Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and rapid, nongenomic oestradiol stimulation does not influence OTR signalling in astrocytes.

Membrane estrogen receptor-alpha interacts with metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a to mobilize intracellular calcium in hypothalamic astrocytes

Estradiol, acting on a membrane-associated estrogen receptor-alpha (mERalpha), induces an increase in free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) needed for progesterone synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes. To determine whether rapid estradiol signaling involves an interaction of mERalpha with metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a (mGluR1a), changes in [Ca(2+)](i) were monitored with the calcium indicator, Fluo-4 AM, in primary cultures of female postpubertal hypothalamic astrocytes. 17beta-Estradiol over a range of 1 nm to 100 nm induced a maximal increase in [Ca(2+)](i) flux measured as a change in relative fluorescence [DeltaF Ca(2+) = 615 +/- 36 to 641 +/- 47 relative fluorescent units (RFU)], whereas 0.1 nm of estradiol stimulated a moderate [Ca(2+)](i) increase (275 +/- 16 RFU). The rapid estradiol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) flux was blocked with 1 microm of the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (635 +/- 24 vs. 102 +/- 11 RFU, P < 0.001) and 20 nmof the mGluR1a antagonist LY 367385 (617 +/- 35 vs. 133 +/- 20 RFU, P < 0.001). Whereas the mGluR1a receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (50 microm) also stimulated a robust [Ca(2+)](i) flux (626 +/- 23 RFU), combined treatment of estradiol (1 nm) plus (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (50 microm) augmented the [Ca(2+)](i) response (762 +/- 17 RFU) compared with either compound alone (P < 0.001). Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated a direct physical interaction between mERalpha and mGluR1a in the plasma membrane of hypothalamic astrocytes. These results indicate that mERalpha acts through mGluR1a, and mGluR1a activation facilitates the estradiol response, suggesting that neural activity can modify estradiol-induced membrane signaling in astrocytes.

Natriuretic peptides and their receptors in the central nervous system

Natriuretic peptides (NPs), including atrial, brain and C-type NPs, are a family of structurally related but genetically distinct peptides. These peptides, along with their receptors (NPRs), are long known to be involved in the regulation of various physiological functions, such as diuresis, natriuresis, and blood flow. Recently, abundant evidence shows that NPs and NPRs are widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), suggesting possible roles of NPs in modulating physiological functions of the CNS. This review starts with a brief summary of relevant background information, such as molecular structures of NPs and NPRs and general intracellular mechanisms after activation of NPRs. We then provide a detailed description of the expression profiles of NPs and NPRs in the CNS and an in-depth discussion of how NPs are involved in neural development, neurotransmitter release, synaptic transmission and neuroprotection through activation of NPRs.

ANP-mediated cGMP signaling and phosphodiesterase inhibition in the rat cervical spinal cord

Natriuretic peptides (NP) and the corresponding receptors are present in the rodent spinal cord. We have studied the structures which respond to atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, or C-type natriuretic peptide with an increased synthesis of cGMP. NP-responsive cGMP-producing structures were observed in laminae I-III, and X, and in addition in ependymal cells, astrocytes and a subpopulation of dorsal root ganglion cells. As the cGMP concentration is controlled by the rate of synthesis and the rate of breakdown by phosphodiesterases, we studied NP-responsive structures in spinal cord slices incubated in the presence of different phosphodiesterase inhibitors. We studied EHNA and BAY 60-7550 as selective PDE2 inhibitors, sildenafil as a selective PDE5 inhibitors, dipyridamole as a mixed type PDE5 and PDE10 inhibitor, rolipram as a PDE4 inhibitor, and SCH 81566 as a selective PDE9 inhibitor. Double immunostainings showed that cGMP-IR colocalized partial with the vesicular acetylcholine transporter molecule in lamina X, with Substance P in a subpopulation of neuronal fibers situated dorsolateral, and with a subpopulation of CGRP-IR dorsal root ganglion neurons. Colocalization of cGMP-IR was absent with parvalbumin, synaptophysin, and the vesicular transporter molecules for GABA and glutamate. It is concluded that NPs in the spinal cord are probably involved in integrating intersegmental sensory processing in the spinal cord although the greater part of the NP-responsive cGMP-producing fibers could not be characterized. PDE2, 5, and 9 are involved in regulating NP-stimulated cGMP levels in the spinal cord. NPs may have a role in regulating cerebrospinal fluid homeostasis.

Immunocytochemical localization of small-conductance, calcium-dependent potassium channels in astrocytes of the rat supraoptic nucleus

Supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons possess a prominent afterhyperpolarization (AHP) that contributes to spike patterning. This AHP is probably underlain by a small-conductance, CA2+-dependent, K+ type 3 (SK3) channel. To determine the distribution of SK3 channels within the SON, we used immunocytochemistry in rats and in transgenic mice with a regulatory cassette on the SK3 gene, allowing regulated expression with dietary doxycycline (DOX). In rats and wild-type mice, SK3 immunostaining revealed an intense lacy network surrounding SON neurons, with weak staining in neuronal somata and dendrites. In untreated, conditional SK3 knockout mice, SK3 was overexpressed, but the pericellular pattern in the SON was similar to that of rats. DOX-treated transgenic mice exhibited no SK3 staining in the SON. Double staining for oxytocin or vasopressin neurons revealed weak co-localization with SK3 but strong staining surrounding each neuron type. Electron microscopy showed that SK3-like immunoreactivity was intense between neuronal somata and dendrites, in apparent glial processes, but weak in neurons. This was confirmed by using confocal microscopy and double staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and SK3: many GFAP-positive processes in the SON, and in the ventral dendritic/glial lamina, were shown to contain SK3-like immunoreactivity. These studies suggest a prominent role of SK3 channels in astrocytes. Given the marked plasticity in glial/neuronal relationships, as well as studies suggesting that astrocytes in the central nervous system can generate prominent CA2+ transients to various stimuli, a CA2+-dependent K+ channel may help SON astrocytes with K+ buffering whenever astrocyte intracellular CA2+ is increased.

Baclofen inhibits ANP-mediated cyclic GMP synthesis in the rat cervical spinal cord

The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobuteric acid (GABA) is believed to have a controlling action on spinal locomotor networks. In spasticity, spinal locomotor networks are thought to play a role. A well known drug in the treatment of spasticity is the GABA(B) agonist Baclofen. We report an inhibitory effect of Baclofen on the ANP-mediated cGMP synthesis in the superficial dorsal horn (laminae I-III) of the rat cervical spinal cord. This inhibitory effect of Baclofen could not be detected after incubation with the NO donor SNP. The clinical effect of Baclofen on the reduction of spasticity might be explained by an enhancement of GABAergic inhibition of ANP mediated cGMP concentration in the spinal cord dorsal horn, thus reducing afferent input.

Expression of the genes encoding the vasopressin-activated calcium-mobilizing receptor and the dual angiotensin II/vasopressin receptor in the rat central nervous system

The distributions of two newly discovered receptors, the vasopressin-activated calcium-mobilizing receptor (VACM-1) and the dual angiotensin II/vasopressin receptor (AII/AVP), in the central nervous system (CNS) of the rat were determined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. The sequence of the rat VACM-1 cDNA was determined and found very homologous to the rabbit and human sequences. Both VACM-1 and AII/AVP receptor genes were widely expressed in the brain, but differed according to the cell type studied. Glial cells were very faintly labelled. The epithelial cells of the choroid plexuses, the ependymal cells and the pia mater were all labelled. Both genes were most active in neurones throughout the CNS. VACM-1 and AII/AVP receptors were detected in neurones previously shown to possess V1a and V1b vasopressin receptors, and/or the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II receptors in many brain areas. This was the case for the magnocellular neurones of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. We suggest that the VACM-1 and AII/AVP receptors may account for the V2-like responses to vasopressin by these neurones which lack a genuine V2 vasopressin receptor.

Aging modulates nitric oxide synthesis and cGMP levels in hippocampus and cerebellum. Effects of amyloid beta peptide

The biological roles of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP as inter- and intracellular messengers have been intensively investigated during the last decade. NO and cGMP both mediate physiological effects in the cardiovascular, endocrinological, and immunological systems as well as in central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) type of glutamatergic receptor induces Ca(2+)-dependent NOS and NO release, which then activates soluble guanylate cyclase for the synthesis of cGMP. Both compounds appear to be important mediators in long-term potentiation and long-term depression, and thus may play important roles in the mechanisms of learning and memory. Aging and the accumulation of amyloid beta (A beta) peptides are important risk factors for the impairment of memory and development of dementia. In these studies, the mechanism of basal- and NMDA receptor-mediated cGMP formation in different parts of adult and aged brains was evaluated. The relative activity of the NO cascade was determined by assay of NOS and guanylate cyclase activities. In addition, the effect of the neurotoxic fragment 25-35 of A beta (A beta) peptide on basal and NMDA receptor-mediated NOS activity was investigated. The studies were carried out using slices of hippocampus, brain cortex, and cerebellum from 3- and 28-mo-old rats. Aging coincided with a decrease in the basal level of cGMP as a consequence of a more active degradation of cGMP by a phosphodiesterase in the aged brain as compared to the adult brain. Moreover, a loss of the NMDA receptor-stimulated enhancement of the cGMP level determined in the presence of cGMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) was observed in hippocampus and cerebellum of aged rats. However, this NMDA receptor response was preserved in aged brain cerebral cortex. A significant enhancement of the basal activity of NOS by about 175 and 160% in hippocampus and cerebellum, respectively, of aged brain may be involved in the alteration of the NMDA receptor response. The neurotoxic fragment of A beta, peptide 25-35, decreased significantly the NMDA receptor-mediated calcium, and calmodulim-dependent NO synthesis that may then be responsible for disturbances of the NO and cGMP signaling pathway. We concluded that cGMP-dependent signal transduction in hippocampus and cerebellum may become insufficient in senescent brain and may have functional consequences in disturbances of learning and memory processes. A beta peptide accumulated during brain aging and in Alzheimer disease may be an important factor in decreasing the NO-dependent signal transduction mediated by NMDA receptors.

Peptide receptors on astrocytes

In recent years, it has become apparent that astrocytes (at least in vitro) harbor functional receptors to almost all possible neurotransmitters (with the potential noticeable exception of acetylcholine nicotinic receptors). Peptides are no exception, since receptors to all neuropeptides known to be produced in the CNS have been found on cultured astrocytes, and the presence of many of these has been confirmed on astrocytes in vivo. A variety of methodologies have been used to detect peptide receptors on astrocytes, as summarized in the current review. Special emphasis is also put on the possible roles that peptides may play in the regulation of astrocyte functions. These include proliferation, morphology, release of eicosanoids and arachidonic acid, induction of calcium transients and calcium waves, and control of internal pH, glucose uptake, glycogen metabolism, and gap junctional conductance. Recent data concerning the effects of natriuretic peptides on astrocytes are reviewed, and why these peptides may constitute priviledged tools to test the effects of peptides on astrocyte-neuron interactions is also discussed.

Region-specific developmental patterns of atrial natriuretic factor- and nitric oxide-activated guanylyl cyclases in the postnatal frontal rat brain

In the rat central nervous system, cyclic GMP can be produced by two isoforms of guanylyl cyclase: a cytosolic isoform, which is activated by nitric oxide, and a membrane-bound isoform, activated by atrial natriuretic factor. We studied the development of guanylyl cyclase activity upon maturation of the rat forebrain from postnatal days 4 to 24, using a combined immunocytochemical and biochemical approach. Atrial natriuretic factor-activated particulate guanylyl cyclase activity was found to decrease in the frontal cortex, in the lateral septum and in the piriform cortex upon maturation. A transient expression of atrial natriuretic factor-sensitive guanylyl cyclase activity was observed at postnatal day 8 in the caudate putamen complex, whereas an increase was observed in the lateral olfactory tract from postnatal days 8 to 24. Biochemical and immunocytochemical studies using the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, or the inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinaloxin-1-one, indicated high levels of endogenous nitric oxide release at postnatal days 4 and 8. This activity decreased strongly in all brain areas examined. From postnatal day 8 onwards, atrial natriuretic factor-responsive cyclic GMP-immunoreactive cells could be characterized as astrocytes, with the exception of those in the the lateral olfactory tract, where the myelinated fibers became cyclic GMP producing. Furthermore, our results on activation of both guanylyl cyclases at postnatal day 8 leads to the suggestion that both isoforms might be found in the same cells. This study shows that there are pronounced differences between various frontal brain areas in the development of the responsiveness of both the particulate and soluble isoforms of guanylyl cyclase, and lends further support to the hypothesis that natriuretic peptides have a role in neuronal growth and plasticity of the rat brain.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide protects rat-cultured cortical neurons from glutamate-induced cytotoxicity

We have investigated the effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide with 38 residues (PACAP38) on glutamate-induced neuronal cell death in rat-cultured cortical neurons. The rat-cultured neurons were obtained from E17 day-old embryos and cultured in a chemically defined medium without serum for 10 days, after which more than 95% of the cells were stained by a specific antibody against MAP-2, a specific marker for neurons. The number of viable neurons was identified by the mitochondrial conversion of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) to formazan, which was detected by the associated change in optical density at 570 nm. Glutamate-induced neuronal cell death was suppressed by PACAP38 at concentrations as low as 10(-13) M, and at 10(-11) M maximally suppressed half of the amount of glutamate-induced cell death seen in a control situation (no PACAP38). The dose-response curve was bell-shaped. Dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) also increased the number of neurons that were protected from damage with a bell-shaped dose-response curve suggesting that PACAP exerts its neuroprotective effect through the activation of a cAMP signal transduction system. However, cAMP accumulation in the media of neurons was stimulated by PACAP38 at concentrations as low as 10(-11) M, a much higher concentration than the minimal effective dose of PACAP38 required for protection against glutamate-induced neuronal cell death. Among the three neuropeptides of PACAP38, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), only PACAP38 exhibited a neurotrophic effect in the glutamate-induced neuronal cell death at the indicated concentrations. These data indicate that PACAP38 is one of the more important neuroprotective factors. The kind of intracellular signal transduction system involved in the neuroprotective effect of PACAP38 still remains to be established.

Vasopressin binding in the cerebral cortex of the Mongolian gerbil is reduced by transient cerebral ischemia

In Mongolian gerbils, the content of vasopressin in the cerebral cortex, the striatum, and the hypothalamus is increased after induction of acute cerebral ischemia. We used an iodinated vasopressin analogue and light microscopic autoradiography to study the distribution of vasopressin V1 receptors in the brain of adult male gerbils and to evaluate the effects of a transient bilateral cerebral ischemia (6 minutes) on the density of this receptor population. The animals were killed immediately or 10, 30, or 100 hours after transient bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. In control animals, specific [125I]-VPA binding sites were present in various structures of the brain (olfactory bulb, anterior olfactory nucleus, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, median preoptic area, ventral pallidum, substantia innominata, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamic mammillary nuclei, superior colliculus, subiculum, central gray, nucleus of the solitary tract, hypoglossal nucleus). The strongest labeling was detected in the cerebral cortex, layers 5-6. After 30-100 hours of survival time following ischemia there was a marked decrease in [125I]-VPA binding site density in these cerebral cortex layers. To a lesser degree, a decrease was also detected in the lateral septal nucleus. In contrast, labeling in other noncortical structures remained unchanged. All animals with 100 hours recovery showed a loss of cells in hippocampus (CA1 layer) and striatum. In addition, ischemia induced concomitant and proliferative changes in cortical and hippocampal astrocytes assessed by glial fibrillary acid protein immunoreactivity. These observations indicate a role for vasopressin in the cerebral cortex either on neurons or on glial cells and the modulation of vasopressin receptor expression by transient cerebral ischemia.

Vasopressin in the brain of a desert hibernator, the jerboa (Jaculus orientalis): presence of sexual dimorphism and seasonal variation

The distribution of vasopressin innervation in the brain of the jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) was investigated, with special attention to sex differences and seasonal variations. Vasopressin perikarya were observed in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the periventricular nucleus, the medial preoptic area, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the medial amygdaloid nucleus. In addition, vasopressin cell bodies were observed in the ventral retrochiasmatic area. After treatment with colchicine, vasopressin perikarya were also observed around the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis, in the medial diagonal band of Broca, and in the dorsal medial preoptic nucleus. Vasopressin fibers were also found to be more widespread in the jerboa brain than in other rodents. Fibers were observed in the medial diagonal band of Broca, the stria medullaris, the tuber cinerum, the area postrema, the medial vestibular nucleus, and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Sexual dimorphism and seasonal variation in vasopressin immunoreactivity were observed in areas that not only showed a testosterone-dependent vasopressin innervation in other rodents but also in the paratenial and mediodorsal thalamic nuclei, the tuber cinerum, the supramammillary complex, the zona incerta, the interpeduncular complex, and the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei. A denser vasopressin innervation was observed in spring/summer (sexual active period) than in autumn. Numerous brain structures contained vasopressin receptors (cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, substantia nigra, dentate gyrus, thalamic nuclei, superior colliculus, dorsal cochlear nucleus, and cerebellum); no sex- or season-related differences were observed. These data indicate a high level of vasopressin in the jerboa brain, which may reflect an adaptation to its harsh bioclimatic environment.

Characterization of vasopressin receptors in cultured cells derived from the region of rat brain circumventricular organs

The aim of the present study was to characterize vasopressin receptors within the two circumventricular organs located in the lamina terminalis of the rat brain, namely the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and the subfornical organ. Cells derived from both structures were isolated, cultured and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were measured in single fura-2 loaded neurons and astrocytes after application of vasopressin and various vasopressin analogues. Subsequent to Ca2+ measurements, the identification of neurons and astrocytes was verified using immunocytochemistry with cell type-specific antibodies. High proportions of subfornical organ (34%) and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (28%) neurons exhibited increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration after exposure to 1-1000 nM vasopressin. Within single cells, the response was dose-dependent. Similar results were obtained in subfornical organ (62%) and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (38%) astrocytes with minor differences in the transient amplitude and pattern distribution when compared with neurons. Since omission of extracellular Ca2+ preserved vasopressin responsiveness, it is likely that intracellular stores were the main source of mobilized Ca2+. The preincubation of neurons and astrocytes with the V1 receptor-specific antagonist d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2]8-arginine vasopressin (10-100 nM) selectively and reversibly blocked the vasopressin-mediated response. Oxytocin-induced Ca2+ transients (0.32-1000 nM), which were observed in 32% (63%) or organum vasculosum laminae terminalis and in 54% (42%) of subfornical organ neurons (astrocytes), were not affected by the V1-specific antagonist. These data indicate the presence of a V1-like vasopressin receptor and an oxytocin receptor in cultured neurons and astrocytes from both circumventricular organ structures. In addition, the exposure to the highly selective V2 receptor agonist, 1-desamino,8-D-arginine vasopressin, evoked Ca2+ transients almost exclusively in organum vasculosum laminae terminalis neurons (eight of 18 tested). Only 1 (n = 14) subfornical organ neuron and none of the astrocytes tested (n = 26) responded to 1-desamino,8-D-arginine vasopressin. Since 1-desamino,8-D-arginine vasopressin acting via "classical" V2 receptors is not expected to affect the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, these data indicate the tissue and cell type-specific expression of a 1-desamino,8-D-arginine vasopressin-sensitive vasopressin receptor in neurons of the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis. In summary, the results indicate a heterogeneity of neurohypophyseal peptide receptor subtypes in the primary cell culture of both circumventricular structures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Oxytocin and vasopressin release in the olfactory bulb of parturient ewes: changes with maternal experience and effects on acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate and noradrenaline release

Maternal behaviour and the ewe's ability to recognize her lamb depend on olfactory cues and parturition, and are facilitated by maternal experience. Parturition induces a variety of neurochemical changes in the brain and, in particular, oxytocin (OT) release. This peptide injected centrally induces maternal behaviour. Oxytocin release occurs in the olfactory bulb (OB) at parturition and yet this structure is involved in the process of selective bonding with lamb. The present study therefore investigated the possibility that oxytocin release in the OB might modulate the release of classical transmitters that are known to be important in controlling selective recognition and whether maternal experience has any effect on this. We have first used in vivo microdialysis to measure OT release, as well as that of the related peptide, arginine-vasopressin (AVP), in the OB of maternally experienced and inexperienced ewes during parturition. While OT release significantly increased in both primiparous and multiparous ewes at parturition this increase was significantly greater in multiparous ewes. No significant change of AVP release was observed in either group. However, vagino-cervical stimulation (VCS) performed at 6 h post-partum caused similar increases in OT but not AVP release in both primiparous and multiparous ewes suggesting that the first birth experience potentiates the ability of VCS to evoke OT release within 6 h of parturition. Using retrodialysis, either OT (10 microM) or AVP (10 microM) were infused into the OB of multiparous and nulliparous ewes and their effects on modulating acetylcholine (ACh), noradrenaline (NA), glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release were monitored. Both peptides produced an increase of ACh and NA in multiparous animals and this effect was either absent or less pronounced in nulliparous animals. OT, but not AVP, also increased GABA release equivalently in nulliparous and multiparous animals. Glutamate release was not altered in response to OT or AVP infusion. These results suggest that OT release in the OB at parturition may facilitate the recognition of lamb odours by modulating NA, ACh and GABA release which are of primary importance for olfactory memory. The reduced release of OT in the OB of primiparous ewes at parturition, together with its reduced ability to modulate NA and ACh release, might also partly explain why maternally inexperienced animals require a longer period to selectively bond with their lambs.

Increase of intracellular calcium induced by oxytocin in hypothalamic cultured astrocytes

A recent study demonstrated oxytocin (OT) receptors on hypothalamic cultured astrocytes (Di Scala-Guenot and Strosser, 1992). The attempt in the present paper was to determine a possible intracellular calcium mobilization induced by OT receptor activation in these cells. Using the microspectrofluorimetric technique with fura-2, as calcium indicator, brief applications of OT on single astrocytes induced a transient and reversible dose-dependent increase of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in most of the cells tested. In a few cells, OT application triggered intracellular calcium oscillations. Repetitive applications of OT generally produced a decreasing calcium signal, suggesting a desensitization of the receptor. OT-induced calcium release was prevented by a prior or simultaneous application of an OT antagonist. The origin of the calcium mobilization was assessed during conditions where no extracellular calcium was available. Neither removal of extracellular calcium nor addition of a calcium channel blocker, cadmium 100 microM, in the bathing solution, did affect the calcium response to OT, demonstrating that release of intracellular calcium is solely involved in the OT-induced [Ca2+]i increase. The OT-induced calcium mobilization was abolished after thapsigargin application (100 nM). This indicates that the calcium response to OT application was principally associated with activation of the IP3-sensitive calcium stores. Taken together these results demonstrate that OT receptors previously detected on hypothalamic cultured astrocytes are functional receptors which transduction pathways involve calcium mobilization from IP3-sensitive stores.

Peptide receptors in astroglia: focus on angiotensin II and atrial natriuretic peptide

Astroglial cells derived from the mammalian central nervous system contain a wide variety of peptide receptors, including specific sites for angiotensin II (AII) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). The AII receptors present in these cells are primarily of the AT1 subtype. The ANP receptors present in these cells consist of a mix of ANP-A and ANP-B sites ("biological receptors") and also ANP-C sites ("clearance receptors"). Available evidence indicates that activation of AII receptors results in a stimulation of astroglial proliferation, whereas ANP has an antiproliferative effect in these cells. Intracellular pathways which may mediate these effects of AII and ANP on cell proliferation are discussed, including the presentation of novel data on the activation of protein kinase C and of glucose uptake by AII. We also consider the possibility that the opposing actions of AII and ANP on astroglial proliferation may represent another facet of the mutual antagonism between these two peptides, which has been observed throughout mammalian systems.

Autoradiographic localization of binding sites for arginine vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide on astrocytes and neurons of cultured rat central nervous system

The cellular localization of binding sites for [125I]arginine vasopressin and [125I]atrial natriuretic peptide was studied in explant cultures of rat spinal cord, brain stem and cerebellum by means of autoradiography. In brain stem cultures, especially in the nucleus of the solitary tract, a great number of neurons revealed binding sites for both peptides. In spinal cord cultures, many neurons of various sizes were labelled by [125I]arginine vasopressin, whereas only a small number of cells showed binding sites for [125I]atrial natriuretic peptide. Neurons in cerebellar cultures revealed little or no binding for the peptides. In addition to neurons, binding sites for [125I]arginine vasopressin and [125I]atrial natriuretic peptide were also observed on glial cells. Simultaneous staining of the cultures with glial fibrillary acidic protein has shown that the labelled cells were glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive and could therefore be identified as astrocytes. Labelling of the cells by [125I]arginine vasopressin and [125I]atrial natriuretic peptide was more intense in spinal cord and brain stem cultures than in cultures of cerebellum, providing evidence for a heterogeneity of astrocytes in different regions of the central nervous system. Binding of both [125I]arginine vasopressin and [125I]atrial natriuretic peptide to neurons and astrocytes could be competed by the unlabelled peptides, suggesting specific binding of the radioligands. Our autoradiographic studies provide good evidence that in addition to neurons, astrocytes also express receptors for arginine vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide.