Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine, an endogenous brain peptide that inhibits (Na+ + K+)-ATPase

How many endobains are there?

Oxidative metabolism is very active in brain, where large amounts of chemical energy as ATP molecules are consumed, mostly required to maintain cellular Na+/K+ gradients through the participation of the sodium pump (Na+,K+-ATPase), whose activity is selectively and potently inhibited by the alkaloid ouabain. Na+/K+ gradients are involved in nerve impulse propagation, in neurotransmitter release and cation homeostasis in the nervous system. Likewise, enzyme activity modulation is crucial for maintaining normal blood pressure and cardiovascular contractility as well as renal sodium excretion. The present article reviews the progress in disclosing putative ouabain-like substances, examines their denomination according to different research teams, tissue or biological fluid sources, extraction and purification, assays, biological properties and chemical and biophysical features. When data is available, comparison with ouabain itself is mentioned. Likewise, their potential action in normal physiology as well as in experimental and human pathology is summarized.

Limited proteolysis and physiological regulation: an example from thyrotropin-releasing hormone metabolism

Proteases like trypsin, elastase, and many others play important regulatory functions by generating new biologically active molecules through limited proteolysis of larger proteins and peptides. The limited proteolysis of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by Pyroglutamate aminopeptidase yields cyclo(His-Pro) or CHP, a new biopeptide associated with a variety of pharmacological activities, including regulation of body temperature, inhibition of prolactin secretion, and modulation of motor functions. Although the mechanism by which CHP elicits these biological activities is not well understood, it appears that the cyclic peptide may function at least in part by modulating central amine transport mechanisms.

Inhibition of peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation by cardiac glycosides

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies have shown that ouabain, a cardiac glycoside that inhibits the sodium, potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+ ATPase) enzyme, downregulates phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) proliferation.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined and compared the effects of both ouabain and digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used therapeutically in humans, on PBMNC proliferation.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from healthy human subjects, incubated for 72 hours with and without PHA (2%) in the presence and absence of ouabain (10(-12) M to 10(-4) M) or digoxin (10(-9) M to 10(-6) M), and pulsed with 3H thymidine.

RESULTS

For PHA-stimulated PBMNCs in the ouabain-treated group (n = 10 subjects), the mean (+/-STD) % uptake (% 3H thymidine uptake in absence of ouabain) was 80.5 +/- 6.0 at 10(-12) M ouabain, 73.1 +/- 8.4 at 10(-10) M, 47.89 +/- 13.1 at 10(-8) M, 6.9 +/- 3.2 at 10(-6) M, and 3.4 +/- 1.6 at 10(-4) M. For PHA-stimulated cells in the digoxin-treated group (n = 9 subjects), the mean (+/-STD) % uptake (% 3H thymidine uptake in absence of digoxin) was 89.8 +/- 9.8 at 10(-9) M digoxin, 92.6 +/- 8.2 at 10(-8) M, 54.3 +/- 19.8 at 10(-7) M, and 1.0 +/- 2.4 at 10(-6) M. Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant effect of concentration of both glycosides on PBMNC proliferation (P < .01). The inhibitory effect was reversible, but was largely abbrogated if ouabain was added after 48 hours of incubation with PHA. Further, the inhibitory effect extended to PBMNCs stimulated with recall antigen (tetanus) and to fractionated PBMNCs (CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+) stimulated with mitogens. Additionally, dose-response inhibitory effects of glycosides on PBMNC Na+,K+ ATPase enzyme activity and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion by PHA-stimulated PBMNC were also noted. Neither glycoside had an effect on spontaneous PBMNC proliferation (no PHA) or trypan blue exclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that both cardiac glycosides inhibited PHA-induced PBMNC proliferation, possibly via Na+,K+ ATPase inhibition, but not via cell toxicity. The concentration range over which inhibition was observed was similar for both glycosides. The results raise the possibility that therapeutic or toxic doses of digoxin could have an effect on cell-mediated immunity in vivo.

Bioactive cyclic dipeptides

Cyclic dipeptides are among the simplest peptide derivatives commonly found in nature. Most cyclic dipeptides found to date appear to have emerged as by-products of fermentation and food processing. However, many are endogenous to members of animal and plant kingdoms; these include cyclo(Pro-Leu), cyclo(Pro-Val), cyclo(Pro-Phe), cyclo(Ala-Leu), cyclo(Pro-Tyr), cyclo(Pro-Trp), and cyclo(His-Pro). Although the five cyclic dipeptides--cyclo(His-Pro), cyclo(Leu-Gly), cyclo(Tyr-Arg), cyclo(Asp-Pro), and cyclo(Pro-Phe)--exhibit interesting physiological and/or pharmacological activities in mammals, only one of these, cyclo(His-Pro), has been conclusively shown to be endogenous to mammals. On the other hand, cyclo(Leu-Gly), cyclo(Tyr-Arg), and cyclo(Asp-Pro) are structurally related to endogenous peptides Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (melanocyte-stimulating hormone release inhibiting factor), Tyr-Arg (kyotorphin), and Val-Pro-Asp-Pro-Arg (enterostatin), respectively, which may serve as precursor peptides. It needs to be determined, however, whether these peptides can indeed result from the processing of their respective precursors. In conclusion, it appears that cyclic dipeptides are a relatively unexplored class of bioactive peptides that may hold great promise for the future.

Does cyclo(His-Pro) act like amphetamine?

In many pharmacologic tests, cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) appears to act like a dopaminergic agonist and augments the actions of amphetamine (AMP). Therefore, to determine whether CHP is an AMP-like peptide, a comparison between CHP and AMP was made using four separate tests known to be AMP-responsive. These include, food intake, locomotor activity, dopamine uptake and modulation of binding sites for amphetamine and mazindol. A decrease in food intake and increase in spontaneous locomotor activity and stereotypy was observed after peripheral administration of amphetamine but not CHP. Chronic CHP administration resulted into a decrease in striatal amphetamine - and increase in mazindol-binding sites; in contrast, chronic amphetamine decreased both amphetamine - and mazindol-binding sites. These results show a clear dissociation between CHP and AMP suggesting that CHP is not an amphetamine-like peptide.

Chronic nicotine intake decelerates aging of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons

We have evaluated the effect of chronic nicotine intake on the age-associated loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. The striatal density of dopamine (D1 and D2) receptors and DA-uptake sites decreased with age. Concomitant with these changes was a pronounced loss of many behavioral functions associated, at least in part, with dopaminergic neurotransmission. Chronic oral intake of nicotine resulted in partial restoration of the loss of receptors as well as behavioral performances. The results suggest that low doses of nicotine could have beneficial effects during aging.

Enzymatic activity of CD26 (dipeptidylpeptidase IV) is not required for its signalling function in T cells

CD26 is a proteolytic enzyme (dipeptidylpeptidase IV) expressed on the T cell surface that defines an alternative activation signal for human T lymphocytes. Crosslinking of CD26 via monoclonal antibodies triggers proliferation and cytotoxicity in preactivated T cells. In this study, we used highly specific competitive and irreversible inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase IV to study the role of the enzymatic activity in activation of CD26-transfected T cells as well as of CD26-expressing normal human T cell clones. These inhibitors at concentrations that blocked up to 95% of the enzymatic activity, did not specifically inhibit T cell activation neither via TCR/CD3 nor via CD26 itself. This demonstrates that the enzymatic activity of CD26 is not required for its T cell activating properties.

Effects of two diketopiperazines, cyclo (His-Pro) and cyclo (Asp-Phe), on striatal dopamine: a microdialysis study

The effects of two diketopiperazines, Cyclo (His-Pro) (CHP) and Cyclo (Asp-Phe) (CAP), on striatal extracellular levels of dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were examined using in vivo microdialysis in anaesthetized rats. Treatment with neither CHP (0.1-10 mg/kg IP and 0.3 mg/kg i.v.) nor CAP (0.1-10 mg/kg IP and 10 mg/kg PO) significantly changed the efflux of DA, DOPAC, HVA, or 5-HIAA when compared to the effects of treatment with saline. Our results suggest that systemic administration of CHP or CAP alone does not modify striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission. The previous findings of enhanced DA release by systemic administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) are probably not explained by formation of CHP from TRH.

In search of synaptosomal Na+, K+-ATPase regulators

The arrival of the nerve impulse to the nerve endings leads to a series of events involving the entry of sodium and the exit of potassium. Restoration of ionic equilibria of sodium and potassium through the membrane is carried out by the sodium/potassium pump, that is the enzyme Na+,K(+)-ATPase. This is a particle-bound enzyme that concentrates in the nerve ending or synaptosomal membranes. The activity of Na+,K(+)-ATPase is essential for the maintenance of numerous reactions, as demonstrated in the isolated synaptosomes. This lends interest to the knowledge of the possible regulatory mechanisms of Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in the synaptic region. The aim of this review is to summarize the results obtained in the author's laboratory, that refer to the effect of neurotransmitters and endogenous substances on Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity. Mention is also made of results in the field obtained in other laboratories. Evidence showing that brain Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity may be modified by certain neurotransmitters and insulin have been presented. The type of change produced by noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin on synaptosomal membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase was found to depend on the presence or absence of a soluble brain fraction. The soluble brain fraction itself was able to stimulate or inhibit the enzyme, an effect that was dependent in turn on the time elapsed between preparation and use of the fraction. The filtration of soluble brain fraction through Sephadex G-50 allowed the separation of two active subfractions: peaks I and II. Peak I increased Na+,K(+)- and Mg(2+)-ATPases, and peak II inhibited Na+,K(+)-ATPase. Other membrane enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase and 5'-nucleotidase were unchanged by peaks I or II. In normotensive anesthetized rats, water and sodium excretion were not modified by peak I but were increased by peak II, thus resembling ouabain effects. 3H-ouabain binding was unchanged by peak I but decreased by peak II in some areas of the CNS assayed by quantitative autoradiography and in synaptosomal membranes assayed by a filtration technique. The effects of peak I and II on Na+,K(+)-ATPase were reversed by catecholamines. The extent of Na+,K(+)-ATPase inhibition by peak II was dependent on K+ concentration, thus suggesting an interference with the K+ site of the enzyme. Peak II was able to induce the release of neurotransmitter stored in the synaptic vesicles in a way similar to ouabain. Taking into account that peak II inhibits only Na+,N(+)-ATPase, increases diuresis and natriuresis, blocks high affinity 3H-ouabain binding, and induces neurotransmitter release, it is suggested that it contains an ouabain-like substance.

Relationship between [3H]mazindol binding to dopamine uptake sites and [3H]dopamine uptake in rat striatum during aging

Certain drugs exhibit a remarkable correlation between their ability to inhibit synaptosomal uptake of dopamine and the binding of [3H]mazindol to striatal membranes. To investigate the role of mazindol binding sites in the dopamine uptake process and the fate of these sites (labeling dopaminergic neurons) during aging, we have examined the properties of mazindol binding and dopamine uptake in individual young and old rats. There was a 48% decrease (p = 0.0001) in the Bmax of mazindol binding and a 23% decrease (p = 0.0166) in the Vmax of dopamine uptake with no apparent change in their affinities with age. Regression analysis of the relationship between Bmax and Vmax exhibited a significant correlation in old (p = 0.0156) but not young rats (p = 0.1398). These data suggest that the number of mazindol binding sites decreases with age and that the number of sites on the dopamine transporter complex far exceeds the number required to elicit maximal dopamine uptake.

Neuropeptide-dopamine interactions. V. Cyclo(His-Pro) regulation of striatal dopamine transporter complex

Cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP) is a cyclic dipeptide that is ubiquitously distributed through the central nervous system, including striatum. Many biologic effects of CHP seem to be mediated through a dopaminergic mechanism. To further examine the mechanism of action of this peptide, we have studied effects of chronic CHP treatment on the properties of nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons in rats. Chronic CHP administration elicited significant increase in both KD and Bmax of striatal mazindol-binding sites (labelling DA transporter complex), but no change in either D1- or D2-type DA receptors. Chronic treatment with DA uptake blockers (e.g., benztropine, GBR 12909, bupropion, and mazindol) also produced changes in striatal mazindol-binding sites that were similar to that of chronic CHP. Furthermore, CHP led to a dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]-DA uptake by striatal synaptosomes, reaching to maximal inhibition of uptake (30%) at CHP dosage of 10 nM. The dose-response curve for CHP inhibition of DA uptake, unlike DA uptake blockers that led to a total inhibition, was partial and V-shaped. Again unlike DA uptake blockers, CHP did not inhibit the binding of [3H]-mazindol to striatal membranes. On the basis of these data we hypothesize that while CHP may inhibit DA uptake by modifying mazindol-binding locus at DA transporter complex, its primary action may be at a site other than mazindol-binding site.

Modulatory effect of some steroid hormones, their glucuronides and ouabain-like compounds on Cavia cobaya kidney Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity

1. Ouabain-like compounds (approx. mol. wt 700, 2,000 and 4,000 Da) were purified from plasma of essential hypertensive patients. 2. Dose-response experiments performed with (a) steroid hormones, (b) their glucuronides and (c) ouabain-like compounds, emphasize a modulatory effect [activation of the Na,K-ATPase at very low concentrations of ligand, inhibition at higher levels; apparent Ki: (a) between 1 and 0.5 mM; (b) between 1 and 0.5 microM; and (c) between 10 and 1 nM; maximum enhancement of the enzymatic activity: (a) +20%; (b) +45%; and (c) +100%]. 3. Displacement experiments of [3H]ouabain evidence a high competition of the ligands towards the cardioglycoside. The relative I50s are: (a) between 1 and 0.5 mM; (b) between 10 and 1 microM; and (c) between 10 and 0.01 nM.

The distribution of histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [cyclo(His-Pro)] in discrete rat hypothalamic nuclei

The distribution of Histidyl-Proline Diketopiperazine [cyclo(His-Pro)], a metabolite of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), was determined by specific RIA in Palkovits micropunch pools derived from discrete hypothalamic nuclei. Highest concentrations of cyclo(His-Pro) were identified in the anterior nucleus (3.5 ng/mg protein) and the paraventricular nucleus (2.95 ng/mg protein), while lower concentrations of cyclo(His-Pro) were seen in the other 6 nuclei. In contrast, TRH concentrations were highest in the ventromedial nucleus pars medialis (3.2 ng/mg protein) and arcuate nucleus (2.7 ng/mg protein). This qualitatively different distribution of cyclo(His-Pro) from that of TRH suggests that not all of cyclo(His-Pro) is derived exclusively from TRH.

Neuropeptide-dopamine interactions. IV. Effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on striatal dopaminergic neurons

Many biologic effects of TRH seem to be mediated via a dopaminergic mechanism. The present study examined the effects of chronic TRH administration on the properties of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Ten days, continuous subcutaneous TRH administration via an osmotic minipump led to a significant rise in striatal level of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, but not of homovanillic acid or dopamine. These treatments also did not elicit any significant changes in the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) or affinity (KD) of either D1- or D2-dopamine receptor. By contrast, TRH administration led to a significant increase in both Bmax and KD of striatal mazindol binding. This effect of TRH, however, was not observed in in vitro studies. In conclusion, these data suggest that in vivo administration of TRH may modulate dopaminergic activities by altering, directly or indirectly, dopamine release and reuptake.

Neuropeptide-dopamine interactions. II. Cyclo (His-Pro) augmentation of amphetamine- but not apomorphine-induced stereotypic behavior

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (cyclo [His-Pro]) not only exists in the basal ganglia of rodents, monkeys, and humans, but also exhibits a variety of biologic activities, some of which appear to be mediated via dopaminergic mechanisms. We investigated the potential modulation by cyclo (His-Pro) of amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced stereotypic behavior, a behavior that is associated with the activation of postsynaptic dopamine receptor. Administration of amphetamine to rats resulted in a dose-dependent increase in stereotypic behavior that was further augmented if animals were pretreated with cyclo (His-Pro). Although apomorphine also led to a dose-related progression in the stereotypic behavior, the apomorphine effects were not modified by cyclo (His-Pro) pretreatment. We conclude that cyclo (His-Pro) either acts indirectly at the presynaptic dopamine site or modulates other neurotransmitters to potentiate actions of amphetamine.

Re-evaluation of histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [cyclo(His-Pro)] effects on food intake in the rat

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [cyclo(His-Pro)], a metabolite of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), has been reported to decrease food intake of rats in a variety of feeding models following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. We have re-evaluated the anorectic effects of cyclo(His-Pro) on food deprivation-induced and spontaneous feeding. When injected ICV at the end of the light period into ad lib fed rats, neither the naturally occurring cyclo(L-His-L-Pro) isomer (14 to 1000 nmole/rat) nor any of the four cyclo(D,L-His-D,L-Pro) stereoisomers (100 nmole/rat) significantly suppressed food intake at any hour for up to 12- or 24-hr post-injection. Bombesin (0.6 nmole/rat ICV) decreased food intake in the same model by up to 86% with anorexia still apparent 15-hr post-injection (71%, p less than 0.001). In two food deprivation-induced feeding models, cyclo(L-His-L-Pro) (100 and 1000 nmole/rat ICV) did not cause anorexia while TRH (10 and 1000 nmole/rat ICV) maximally suppressed food intake by 74% (p less than 0.02) and 50% (p less than 0.01). Occasional transient increases of food consumption were observed in cyclo(His-Pro)-treated rats during both spontaneous and induced feeding. Cyclo(L-His-L-Pro) was also without effect on food intake when intraperitoneally administered at 12.5 and 30 mumole/kg to schedule fed rats. TRH at 30 mumole/kg IP transiently suppressed food intake of schedule fed rats (p less than 0.005). These findings indicate that cyclo(His-Pro) does not exhibit anorectic activity in the rat and cast doubt on the concept that TRH-induced anorexia results from conversion of TRH to an active cyclo(His-Pro) metabolite.

Neuropeptide-dopamine interactions. I. Dopaminergic mechanisms in cyclo(His-Pro)-mediated hypothermia in rats

Administration of cyclo(His-Pro) to rats produces a dose-dependent hypothermia that is attenuated by dopaminergic antagonists. Chronic treatment with cyclo(His-Pro) potentiates hypothermia induced by apomorphine. These results suggest that cyclo(His-Pro) acts via a dopaminergic mechanism to modulate body temperature.

Effects of mammalian brain extracts and chlormadinone acetate on neuronal Na+,K+-ATPase and electrogenic Na+,K+-pump activity in vitro

Acid-acetone extracts of brain (from beef and guinea pig) and chlormadinone acetate (CMA) were compared with ouabain for their ability to inhibit the electrogenic Na+,K+-pump and the Na+,K+-ATPase of neuronal tissues. The membrane potential of neurones in the paravertebral sympathetic ganglion of the bullfrog was recorded in K+-free Ringer's solution by means of the sucrose gap technique. The potassium activated hyperpolarization (K+H), induced by the re-introduction of potassium, was used as an index of electrogenic Na+, K+-pumping. The K+H was blocked by 1 microM ouabain. Na+,K+-ATPase activity was measured in microsomal membrane preparations of frog and beef brain using a continuous spectrophotometric assay. Although ouabain consistently inhibited beef brain Na+,K+-ATPase (IC50 = 2.2 microM), acid-acetone extracts prepared from guinea pig and beef brain produced only partial inhibition. Neither of the extracts significantly reduced the K+H of the frog ganglion. CMA inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase prepared from bullfrog brain and spinal cord with slightly greater potency (IC50 = 4.5 microM) than did ouabain (IC50 = 10 microM). In contrast, electrogenic Na+,K+-pumping (i.e. the K+H) in the frog ganglion was not affected by this steroid. It is concluded that although both the extracts and CMA inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase, neither can be considered ouabain-like due to their failure to affect the electrogenic Na+,K+-pump in situ.

The effects of thyrotropin releasing hormone on rats with lesions of the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine systems

We report the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), a TRH metabolite histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (DKP) and systemically administered d-amphetamine (AMP) on the locomotor activity of two groups of rats which had previously received bilateral injections of either 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or saline into the nucleus accumbens. Both TRH and AMP enhanced locomotor activity in control, but not lesioned animals, whereas DKP had very little effect. In a second experiment, the effects of ICV administration of saline, TRH and DKP were tested on rotational behaviour in rats with unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra. Neither peptide induced significant circling on its own. However, coadministration of TRH or DKP with systemically administered AMP enhanced rotation above that found after injection of AMP alone. These results suggest that TRH can act on mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine systems, either directly or by modulating the effects of other dopaminergic agents.

The effects of thyrotropin releasing hormone on a visual discrimination task in rats

The effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH, 1 and 50 micrograms) were assessed on a two-choice visual discrimination task. The data were analysed using signal detection theory techniques in order to test for changes in cognitive and response factors. No significant changes in performance were observed. In a second experiment, the effects of TRH (100 micrograms ICV) on performance were compared with amphetamine (AMP, 1 mg/kg, intra-peritoneally, IP) and a metabolite of TRH, histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (DKP, 100 micrograms ICV). No significant effects on performance as measured by standard indices were observed. However, both TRH and AMP, but not DKP, significantly increased perseverative responding on one lever with respect to saline. In keeping with recent evidence, it is concluded that the traditional non-parametric signal detection parameters of sensitivity and bias are insensitive to certain strategies. Possible mechanisms for the perseveration of responding, and its relationship to stereotypic behaviour, are discussed in the light of the known effects of each compound on dopaminergic systems.

Effect of electroacupuncture on synaptosomal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase

The action of electroacupuncture (EA) may be similar to analgesia by electrode stimulation or transcutaneous nerve stimulation. Since EA may directly stimulate nerve activity or indirectly enhance the release of opiate peptides and other neurotransmitter substances, we have used (Na+ + K+)-ATPase as a model to study the mechanism of action of EA. The membrane-bound (Na + K)-ATPase from purified synaptic plasma membranes inhibited slightly by high concentration of endorphin (30 microM), but not by met-enkephalin up to 6 X 10(-4) M. A single EA treatment for 30 min did not alter the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex. However, when rats were treated with low (4 Hz) or high (200 Hz) frequency EA 30 min daily for 3 weeks, both (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase were significantly elevated. The enhanced (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity after high frequency EA was only partially blocked by i.p. injection of naloxone prior to EA during the last week of the EA treatment program. The results indicated that EA treatment may involve some other neurotransmitter pathways besides opiate peptides.

Partial purification and properties of the inhibitors of Na, K-ATPase and ouabain-binding in bovine central nervous system

Endogenous inhibitors of Na,K-ATPase and ouabain-binding were partially purified from bovine central nervous system, and some of their properties were studied. They were eluted as low-molecular-weight fractions by gel filtration. They could be adsorbed by both Amberlite IR 120 and Amberlite IRA 400 at acidic and basic pH, respectively, indicating that they could act as both anions and cations at different pH. These inhibitors of ouabain-binding appeared to affect specific binding of ouabin, and Scatchard plot analysis showed that the inhibition was competitive, suggesting that they could bind to the same site as ouabain, presumably to Na,K-ATPase itself. The inhibitory activities were heat stable, but charring inactivated them completely.

Central administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and histidyl-proline-diketopiperazine disrupts the acquisition of a food rewarded task by a non-aversive action

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its metabolites on operant behaviour have rarely been explored. In this study, the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of TRH and histidyl-proline-diketopiperazine (DKP), a metabolite of TRH, on the acquisition of a food-rewarded lever-press task were compared with saline-treated controls. TRH and DKP severely retarded the acquisition of lever pressing. The effects of systemically administered D-amphetamine were also examined in order to test whether this result was due to any stimulant properties of these peptides. These results suggest that stimulatory effects do not adequately account for impaired acquisition. The possibility that the disruption of learning was due to an aversive effect of icv administration of these peptides was tested by means of a conditioned place paradigm. Neither peptide induced an avoidance of the environment with which it had previously been paired. Several possible reasons for the peptides' adverse effect on learning are discussed, including the possibility that TRH and DKP act on attentional mechanisms.

Dopaminergic receptors in bovine retina and their interaction with thyrotropin-releasing hormone

A superfusion technique was employed to study the release of [3H]dopamine from isolated bovine retina. Only K+-stimulated release was observed from both light- and dark-adapted retina; release by other stimuli was from dark-adapted retina only. Light-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from dark-adapted retina was blocked by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which has previously been identified as a retinal neuropeptide. TRH itself released small amounts of [3H]dopamine from dark-adapted retina. These results are interpreted as indicating that TRH acts as a modulator of dopaminergic activity in retina through the agency of presynaptic autoreceptors. Evidence of the existence of a feedback inhibition system, probably mediated by dopaminergic autoreceptors, was found by the inclusion of sulpiride, a dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist in the perfusate, which, in a stereoselective manner, enhanced spontaneous and light-evoked release of [3H]dopamine. On the other hand, dopamine (1 microM) reduced these effects. TRH did not affect the high-affinity uptake system for dopamine in retina; this, then, could not account for the effects on release. Radioligand binding showed a specific, saturable high-affinity binding system for [3H]TRH, with an apparent KD of 2.2 nM and a Bmax of 23 fmol/mg protein in bovine retinal membranes. Displacement experiments showed that specific [3H]TRH binding was displaced in the nanomolar range by spiperone and in the micromolar range by dopamine, whereas L-(--)-sulpiride was virtually inactive in displacing [3H]TRH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Actions of intracerebroventricular administration of kyotorphin and an analog on thermoregulation in the mouse

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of kyotorphin (L-Tyr-L-Arg) and cyclo (N-methyl-L-Tyr-L-Arg), its analog, produced significant dose-dependent hypothermic responses in mice at an ambient temperature of 24 degrees C. The hypothermic action of kyotorphin was much greater than that of Met-enkephalin (Met-ENK) but less than that of cyclo NMTA. This action was slightly but not significantly reversed by intraperitoneally administered naloxone (8 mg/kg), an opioid receptor antagonist. Met-ENK utilized as a control peptide in this study also produced a dose-dependent hypothermia which was slightly antagonized by naloxone (8 mg/kg, IP). Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) injected ICV produced hyperthermia dose-dependently. The hypothermia induced by kyotorphin, its cyclic analog and Met-ENK was prevented by a small dose of TRH (0.18 microgram = 0.5 nmol/animal) which by itself had little effect on body temperature. A TRH neuronal system in the brain may explain the mechanism of kyotorphin-induced hypothermia. However, there was little evidence of involvement of opioid receptors. The present study demonstrates a potent action of kyotorphin and its analog on thermoregulation.

The Na,K-ATPase hypothesis for manic-depression. I. General considerations

An hypothesis is presented to explain and integrate experimental and clinical observations on manic-depressive (bipolar or biphasic) psychosis. The model is based on alterations in the activity of the sodium, potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase) pump. A reduction in the activity of the Na,K-ATPase can be responsible for both phases of the disorder.

Evidence for the presence of immunoreactive histidyl-proline diketopiperazine [cyclo (His-Pro)] in the adult human brain

The current study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of cyclo (His-Pro) in adult human brain tissues obtained at autopsy. We found evidence for immunoreactive cyclo (His-Pro), which diluted in parallel to the radioimmunoassay standard curve and which had mobility on HPLC that was similar to synthetic cyclo (His-Pro), in several regions of the adult human brain. Whereas the levels of cyclo (His-Pro) in the pituitary stalk-median eminence were high (2.2 ng/mg protein), the concentrations in the whole hypothalamus were much lower (0.105 ng/mg protein). Among the extrahypothalamic brain regions examined, the levels of cyclo (His-Pro) were highest in the cerebellar hemisphere (0.168 ng/mg protein) and olfactory bulbs (0.180 ng/mg protein) and were lowest in the hippocampus (0.080 ng/mg protein) and occipital cortex (0.079 ng/mg protein). Thus, immunoreactive cyclo (His-Pro) has widespread distribution in the adult human brain and the potential exists for this cyclic diepeptide to play a role in human brain function.

Effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone on the accumulation of cAMP by parietal ganglia of a gastropod

1. We had previously shown that thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) can stimulate the in vitro accumulation of cAMP by the parietal ganglia of the pond snail Lymnaea emarginata (Grimm-Jørgensen, 1980). 2. The mechanism by which TRH affects cAMP metabolism in parietal ganglia was further studied. 3. The TRH-induced accumulation of cAMP is preceded by a lag period and is of long duration. 4. TRH does not stimulate basal or guanylylimidodiphosphate-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and is unable to cause an increase in cAMP accumulation when the incubation is carried out in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. 5. This finding is compatible with the hypothesis that TRH may cause an increase in cAMP accumulation by means of decreasing phosphodiesterase activity. 6. When the ganglia were incubated with 3H-TRH and the localization of the labeled TRH examined by autoradiographic techniques, reduced silver grains were present only over glial and connective tissue elements. 7. The observed effect of TRH on the cAMP metabolism in parietal ganglia may be due to its action on non-neuronal cells.

Interactions of erythrosin B (U.S. F, D & C Red 3) with rat cortical membranes

Erythrosin B inhibits Na,K-ATPase in rat brain tissue as demonstrated by studying glycoside binding, ATPase activity and ion fluxes. The potency of the noncompetitive inhibition of [3H]-ouabain binding by erythrosin B is influenced by glycoside concentration, monovalent cation concentration, and incubation time. [14C]-Erythrosin B binds to synaptic membranes prepared from rat cortex. Erythrosin B and some of its structural analogs inhibit both [3H]-ouabain and [14C]-erythrosin B binding, but ouabain and other glycosides do not inhibit the binding of [14C]-erythrosin B. Subcellular distributions of [3H]-ouabain and [14C]-erythrosin B binding in fractionated cortical tissue preparations are equivalent and parallel ATPase activity. The dissimilar response of [3H]-ouabain binding and [14C]-erythrosin B binding to changes in tissue preparation, incubation temperature, and partial solubilization of binding sites by deoxycholate (DOC) suggests two separate binding sites for erythrosin and ouabain to rat cortical membranes.

Chronic alcohol consumption increases cyclo (His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity in the rat brain

Administration of histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (cyclo (His-Pro)) to rats attenuates ethanol-induced sleep. To understand the role played by cyclo (His-Pro) in the pathophysiology of prolonged alcohol consumption, we have measured the distribution of this peptide in brains of control and alcohol-treated rats. The data show that prolonged alcohol consumption increases the concentration of cyclo (His-Pro) in hypothalamic as well as extrahypothalamic brain. These changes may reflect a physiologic adaptation of the brain during alcohol consumption.

Distribution and metabolism of cyclo (His-Pro): a new member of the neuropeptide family

Cyclo (His-Pro) is a biologically active cyclic dipeptide derived from thyrotropin-releasing hormone by its limited proteolysis. We have developed a specific radioimmunoassay for this cyclic peptide and shown its presence throughout rat and monkey brains. The normal rat brain concentration of cyclo (His-Pro) ranged from 35-61 pmols/brain. The elution profiles of rat brain cyclo (His-Pro)-like immunoreactivity and synthetic radioactive cyclo (His-Pro) following gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography were similar. An analysis of the regional distribution of cyclo (His-Pro) and TRH in rat and monkey brains exhibited no apparent precursor-product relationship. The possible additional factors determining regional differences in the endogenous cyclo (His-Pro) concentrations are discussed. The endogenous levels of brain cyclo (His-Pro) were elevated when rats were made either hypothyroid by surgical thyroidectomy or forced to drink alcohol for six weeks. These studies demonstrate that cyclo (His-Pro) is present throughout the central nervous system in physiologically relevant concentrations which can be modulated by appropriate physiological and pharmacological manipulations. These data in conjunction with earlier reports of multiple biological activities of exogenous cyclo (His-Pro), suggest that endogenous cyclo (His-Pro) is a biologically active peptide and it may play a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator role in the central nervous system.

Regional dissociation of histidyl--proline diketopiperazine (cyclo-(His--Pro)) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the rat brain

The concentration of cyclo-(His--Pro) and its precursor, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were measured in seven different areas of rat brain using specific radioimmunoassays. Although the concentration of both of these peptides was highest in the hypothalamus, their distribution patterns in all other loci of the brain were dissimilar. These results suggest that factors in addition to TRH concentrations are important in determining the unique concentration pattern of cyclo-(His--Pro) in the brain.

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine decreases food intake in rats

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine was found to suppress food intake during stress-induced eating (10(-6)--10(-8) mol), starvation-induced eating (10(-8) mol) and over an 8 h period of spontaneous eating (10(-8) mol). In contrast, other cyclic piperazines failed to alter food ingestion. The suppressive effect of histidyl-proline diketopiperazine was antagonized by the enkephalin analogue, D-Ala-Met-enkephalin, in equimolar concentrations.

TRH and histidyl-proline diketopiperazine inhibit cholesterol synthesis in dog intestine

Low concentrations of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and one of its metabolites, histidyl-proline diketopiperazine, are shown to have an inhibitory effect on the activation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase which occurs during organ culture of canine intestinal mucosa. Somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, in contrast, are shown to have no effect. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, recently shown to be present in gut mucosa, may be a physiological regulator of intestinal cholesterol synthesis. Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine, an active metabolite of the hormone, is possibly the active agent since its inhibitory effect was observed at a concentration as low as 10(-12) M. These observations demonstrate an effect on intestinal metabolism by a neurotransmitter-like hormone at potentially physiologic concentrations.

Peptidergic control of insulin-induced feeding

Subcutaneous administration of insulin(10 U/kg) produced hypoglycemia in rats with a concomitant induction of feeding. The opiate antagonist naloxone failed to alter food ingestion following insulin administration when quantitated over a 3-hour period; however, naloxone (20 mg/kg) significantly suppressed eating during the first hour of the study. Starvation-induced feeding was markedly suppressed by relatively low doses of naloxone (1 mg/kg). The dopamine antagonist haloperidol, the cholinergic antagonist atropine, and the putative satiety factors CCK-8, bombesin, histidyl-proline diketopiperazine and calcitonin suppressed insulin-induced feeding. Naloxone, CCK-8 and bombesin significantly raised blood glucose levels following insulin induced hypoglycemia.