Disclosure by triton X-100 of NMDA-sensitive [3H] glutamate binding sites in brain synaptic membranes

Free d-aspartate triggers NMDA receptor-dependent cell death in primary cortical neurons and perturbs JNK activation, Tau phosphorylation, and protein SUMOylation in the cerebral cortex of mice lacking d-aspartate oxidase activity

In mammals, free d-aspartate (D-Asp) is abundant in the embryonic brain, while levels remain very low during adulthood as a result of the postnatal expression and activity of the catabolizing enzyme d-aspartate oxidase (DDO). Previous studies have shown that long-lasting exposure to nonphysiological, higher D-Asp concentrations in Ddo knockout (Ddo^-/-) mice elicits a precocious decay of synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions, along with a dramatic age-dependent expression of active caspase 3, associated with increased cell death in different brain regions, including hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and substantia nigra pars compacta. Here, we investigate the yet unclear molecular and cellular events associated with the exposure of abnormally high D-Asp concentrations in cortical primary neurons and in the brain of Ddo^-/- mice. For the first time, our in vitro findings document that D-Asp induces in a time-, dose-, and NMDA receptor-dependent manner alterations in JNK and Tau phosphorylation levels, associated with pronounced cell death in primary cortical neurons. Moreover, observations obtained in Ddo^-/- animals confirmed that high in vivo levels of D-Asp altered cortical JNK signaling, Tau phosphorylation and enhanced protein SUMOylation, indicating a robust indirect role of DDO activity in regulating these biochemical NMDA receptor-related processes. Finally, no gross modifications in D-Asp concentrations and DDO mRNA expression were detected in the cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease when compared to age-matched healthy controls.

The Emerging Role of Altered d-Aspartate Metabolism in Schizophrenia: New Insights From Preclinical Models and Human Studies

Besides d-serine, another d-amino acid with endogenous occurrence in the mammalian brain, d-aspartate, has been recently shown to influence NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated transmission. d-aspartate is present in the brain at extracellular level in nanomolar concentrations, binds to the agonist site of NMDARs and activates this subclass of glutamate receptors. Along with its direct effect on NMDARs, d-aspartate can also evoke considerable l-glutamate release in specific brain areas through the presynaptic activation of NMDA, AMPA/kainate and mGlu5 receptors. d-aspartate is enriched in the embryonic brain of rodents and humans and its concentration strongly decreases after birth, due to the post-natal expression of the catabolising enzyme d-aspartate oxidase (DDO). Based on the hypothesis of NMDAR hypofunction in schizophrenia pathogenesis, recent preclinical and clinical studies suggested a relationship between perturbation of d-aspartate metabolism and this psychiatric disorder. Consistently, neurophysiological and behavioral characterization of Ddo knockout (Ddo ^-/-) and d-aspartate-treated mice highlighted that abnormally higher endogenous d-aspartate levels significantly increase NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity, neuronal spine density and memory. Remarkably, increased d-aspartate levels influence schizophrenia-like phenotypes in rodents, as indicated by improved fronto-hippocampal connectivity, attenuated prepulse inhibition deficits and reduced activation of neuronal circuitry induced by phencyclidine exposure. In healthy humans, a genetic polymorphism associated with reduced prefrontal DDO gene expression predicts changes in prefrontal phenotypes including greater gray matter volume and enhanced functional activity during working memory. Moreover, neurochemical detections in post-mortem brain of schizophrenia-affected patients have shown significantly reduced d-aspartate content in prefrontal regions, associated with increased DDO mRNA expression or DDO enzymatic activity. Overall, these findings suggest a possible involvement of dysregulated embryonic d-aspartate metabolism in schizophrenia pathophysiology and, in turn, highlight the potential use of free d-aspartate supplementation as a new add-on therapy for treating the cognitive symptoms of this mental illness.

New insights on the role of free D-aspartate in the mammalian brain

Free D-aspartate (D-Asp) occurs in substantial amounts in the brain at the embryonic phase and in the first few postnatal days, and strongly decreases in adulthood. Temporal reduction of D-Asp levels depends on the postnatal onset of D-aspartate oxidase (DDO) activity, the only enzyme able to selectively degrade this D-amino acid. Several results indicate that D-Asp binds and activates N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Accordingly, recent studies have demonstrated that deregulated, higher levels of D-Asp, in knockout mice for Ddo gene and in D-Asp-treated mice, modulate hippocampal NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial memory. Moreover, similarly to D-serine, administration of D-Asp to old mice is able to rescue the physiological age-related decay of hippocampal LTP. In agreement with a neuromodulatory action of D-Asp on NMDARs, increased levels of this D-amino acid completely suppress long-term depression at corticostriatal synapses and attenuate the prepulse inhibition deficits produced in mice by the psychotomimetic drugs, amphetamine and MK-801. Based on the evidence which points to the ability of D-Asp to act as an endogenous agonist on NMDARs and considering the abundance of D-Asp during prenatal and early life, future studies will be crucial to address the effect of this molecule in the developmental processes of the brain controlled by the activation of NMDARs.

Uptake of [3H]L-serine in rat brain synaptosomal fractions

Accumulation of [3H]L-serine in crude synaptosomal fractions freshly prepared from rat brain has been found to be temperature-sensitive and to consist of both Na(+)-dependent and Na(+)-independent components. The accumulation of [3H]L-serine measured at submicromolar concentrations had a distinct substrate selectivity, different from the uptake of [3H]L-proline, [3H]L-glutamate and [3H]GABA. It was fully inhibited by L-glutamine, L-asparagine, L-cysteine, L-alanine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine and by the synthetic marker for the large neutral amino acid transport systems 2-aminobicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid, but not influenced by beta-alanine, taurine, glycine nor was it inhibited by the marker for the A system, L-2-methylamino isobutyric acid. D-Serine at 1 mM concentration produced no significant inhibition of the accumulation of 10 nM [3H]L-serine. We conclude that L-serine uptake observed in the present study is mediated by at least two distinct transport systems: a Na(+)-dependent one of lower affinity (K(m) in mM range) and a Na(+)-independent system of higher affinity (K(m) approximately 20-100 micro M). Characteristics of [3H]L-serine accumulation displayed at low substrate concentrations suggest that it was mediated neither by the typical 'A', nor by the 'large neutral', amino acid transport systems but predominantly by transporters belonging to the recently identified LAT (L-amino acid transporter) family.

Tricyclic indole-2-carboxylic acids: highly in vivo active and selective antagonists for the glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor

A series of tricyclic indole-2-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated by the radioligand binding assay and the anticonvulsant effects in the mouse NMDA-induced seizure model. Among them, derivatives of 3S-(-)-4 such as 3a, 3f, and 3g which had certain zwitterionic anilides showed high affinity to the NMDA-glycine binding site. The absolute configuration of 3S-(-)-4 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. In particular, 3g (SM-31900) was found to be a highly active glycine antagonist for both in vitro and in vivo assays (K(i) = 1.0 +/- 0.1 nM, ED(50) = 2.3 mg/kg, iv) and also showed high selectivity for the glycine site. In addition, 3g was soluble enough in aqueous media (>10 mg/mL at pH 7.4) to use for medications by intravenous injection.

In vitro and in vivo antagonistic activities of SM-31900 for the NMDA receptor glycine-binding site

The purpose of this study was to clarify the in vitro pharmacological profile and the in vivo activity of (3S)-7-chloro-3-[2-((1R)-1-carboxyethoxy)-4-aminomethylphenyl]aminocarbonylmethyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenz[c,d]indole-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (SM-31900). SM-31900 inhibited the binding of [3H]glycine and [3H]5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid, radioligands for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor glycine-binding site, to rat brain membranes in a competitive manner, with K(i) values of 11+/-2 and 1.0+/-0.1 nM, respectively, and completely prevented the binding of [3H]dizocilpine (MK-801), a radioligand for the NMDA receptor channel site. In cultures of rat cortical neurons, SM-31900 markedly prevented the neuronal cell death induced by transient exposure to glutamate, in a concentration-dependent manner. Its neuroprotective potency was much stronger than those of other glycine-binding site antagonists (4-trans-2-carboxy-5,7-dichloro-4-phenylaminocarbonylamino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (L-689,560), 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid, and 7-chlorokynurenic acid). Furthermore, SM-31900 showed anticonvulsant activity when administered systemically, unlike other antagonists. These data indicate that SM-31900 is a systemically active antagonist with high affinity for the NMDA receptor glycine-binding site.

Characterization with [3H]quisqualate of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype in rat central and peripheral excitable tissues

Radioligand binding studies were performed to label metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) in rat brain synaptic membranes using [3H]quisqualic acid (QA) synthesized in our laboratory as a radioligand. In the presence of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) agonists, including N-methyl-D-aspartic (NMDA), DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxasole-4-propionic (AMPA) and kainic acids (KA), at concentrations maximally effective in displacing each receptor binding, the agonists for group I mGluR subtype (+/-)-1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD) and (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine ((S)-3,5-DHPG) more potently displaced [3H]QA binding in a concentration-dependent manner than their absence. The addition of these three iGluR agonists did not significantly affect potencies of (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV) and L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4) to displace [3H]QA binding. Scatchard analysis revealed that [3H]QA binding consisted of a single component with a maximal number of binding sites (B(max)) of 431.6 fmol/mg protein and a dissociation constant (K(d)) of 50.9 nM, in the presence of the three iGluR agonists. [3H]QA binding was markedly inhibited by GTP and its analogues; but not by GDP, GMP and ATP, under these conditions. Inhibition by GTP was seen in all central structures examined, but [3H]QA binding was not detectable in peripheral tissues, such as pituitary and adrenal glands. Neither reverses transcription polymerase chain reaction nor immunoblotting analysis demonstrated the expression of mGluR1 and mGluR5 subunits in the aforementioned two peripheral tissues. These results suggest that [3H]QA indeed labels group I mGluR subtype functionally coupled to GTP binding protein in rat brain synaptic membranes under the experimental conditions employed. Group I mGluR subtype seems to be selectively distributed in central structures but not in pituitary and adrenal glands.

Direct radiolabeling by [3H]quisqualic acid of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor in rat brain synaptic membranes

[3H]Quisqualic acid (QA) was synthesized and used to label metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) in rat brain synaptic membranes in the presence of three different ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists at respective saturating concentrations. Of several mGluR agonists tested, group I agonists were more potent in displacing [3H]QA binding than group II and group III agonists in the presence of the three ionotropic agonists. [3H]QA binding was markedly inhibited by guanine nucleotide analogues in a concentration-dependent manner at a concentration range of 10 nM to 1 mM. Scatchard analysis revealed that [3H]QA binding consisted of a single component with a K(d) of 50.9+/-5.3 nM and a B(max) of 431. 6+/-18.3 fmol/mg protein. These results suggest that [3H]QA indeed labels group I mGluR functionally coupled to GTP binding protein in rat brain synaptic membranes when determined under the experimental conditions employed.

Emergence of D-aspartic acid in the differentiating neurons of the rat central nervous system

The rat embryonic brain was probed with anti-d-aspartic acid (d-Asp) antiserum at different stages of development. At gestational day (E) 12, weak immunoreactivity (IR) of d-Asp was apparent at the hindbrain, midbrain and caudal forebrain, whereas it became more intense and extended over the whole brain at E20. However, IR markedly decreased after parturition. In the region of the immature forebrain at an early stage of development (E12), IR was mainly a characteristic of the cytoplasm of the neuronal cells, while in the more mature hindbrain it was localized in the axonal zone. In the more differentiated forebrain at a later stage of development (E18), the IR became restricted to zones which mainly consisted of axons and processes. Consequently, in the rat central nervous system, d-Asp first emerges during embryonic development as a feature of the cytoplasm and thereafter spreads into the axonal regions of neuronal cells, before disappearing almost completely after parturition.

Biosynthesis of D-aspartate in mammalian cells

In this communication, we demonstrate that D-aspartate (D-Asp) is synthesized in pheochromocytoma cells (PC12). To our knowledge this is the first report of biosynthesis of D-Asp in mammalian cells. Synthesis of D-Asp was demonstrated by its time-dependent accumulation in the cell culture, and by the fact that this accumulation was proportional to the number of inoculated cells. D-Asp in PC12 cells was identified by (i) co-elution with authentic D-Asp on two different HPLC columns, an octadesyl silica column and a Pirkle-type chiral column, (ii) reversed elution order of D-Asp and L-Asp on another Pirkle-type chiral column with an opposite configuration, and (iii) sensitivity to D-Asp oxidase. In the cells the amount of D-Asp was approx. 12-14% of total Asp and no other investigated D-amino acid was detected. The amount of D-Asp did not increase during the culture of mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and human neuroblastoma NB-1 cells. Immunocytochemical staining with anti-D-Asp antiserum demonstrated that D-Asp synthesized is present in the cytoplasm of the cells.

D-aspartate uptake into cultured rat pinealocytes and the concomitant effect on L-aspartate levels and melatonin secretion

Significant amounts of D-aspartate (Asp) are found in mammalian tissues and D-Asp is presumed to play some significant, but as yet undefined physiological role. However, it is not known whether D-Asp is synthesized in mammals. In this study, we addressed this issue in cultured rat pinealocytes, parenchymal cells of the pineal gland, which contain significant amounts of D-Asp. Biosynthesis of D-Asp was found to be minimal to non-existent in cultured rat pinealocytes. We then investigated the mechanism of uptake of D-Asp into these cells and its consequent effect on cell function. D-Asp was efficiently taken up into cells, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the L-Asp levels in the cells and media decreased concomitantly with the uptake of D-Asp. This decrease was not due to D-Asp cytotoxicity, since the cellular levels of othernted. D-Serine and D-alanine were not taken up efficiently into the cells and the cellular levels of L-serine and L-alanine were unchanged. Also, immunocytochemical staining with anti-D-Asp antibody showed that D-Asp, which had been taken up into the cells, was dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. In response to norepinephrine stimulation, pinealocytes, which had been pretreated with D-Asp released D-Asp as well as L-Asp. In these cells, norepinephrine-induced secretion of melatonin, a pineal hormone, was suppressed. The mechanism of this suppression is discussed here.

Nitric oxide-independent inhibition by sodium nitroprusside of the native N-methyl-D-aspartate recognition domain in a manner different from that by potassium ferrocyanide

Binding of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11 -dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) was significantly inhibited by the addition of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, at a concentration range of 0.1 microM to 0.1 mM in rat brain synaptic membranes. On the contrary, two other NO donors, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and S-nitroso-L-glutathione, did not inhibit binding even at 0.1 mM. Similarly potent inhibition of [3H]MK-801 binding was caused by the addition of potassium ferrocyanide, while potassium ferricyanide induced slight inhibition of binding at 0.1 mM. Both SNP and potassium ferrocyanide markedly inhibited binding of [3H]glutamic (Glu) and [3H]D,L-(E)-2-amino-4-propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acids, without significantly affecting that of [3H]glycine and [3H]5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid. Further addition of Glu significantly exacerbated the inhibition by both SNP and potassium ferrocyanide at concentrations of 1-10 microM. Potent inhibition was also induced for [3H]MK-801 binding by the treatment of synaptic membranes with either SNP or potassium ferrocyanide, followed by efficient washing which also inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding due to removal of endogenous agonists. By contrast, dithiothreitol clearly differentiated between inhibitory properties of SNP and potassium ferrocyanide on [3H]MK-801 binding in terms of reversibility of the inhibition following pretreatment and subsequent washing. These results suggest that SNP may interfere with opening processes of the native NMDA channel through molecular mechanisms different from those underlying the inhibition by potassium ferrocyanide at the NMDA recognition domain in a manner independent of the generation of NO radicals.

Modulation by both diphenyliodonium and diphenyleneiodonium of [3H]MK-801 binding to rat brain synaptic membranes

Binding of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801) was significantly inhibited by the addition of several different compounds related to generation of nitric oxide (NO) at 100 microM in rat brain synaptic membranes. These included sodium nitroprusside, diphenyliodonium (DI), diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and methylene blue. However, neither S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine nor S-nitroso-L-glutathione inhibited binding at 100 microM. Both DI and DPI inhibited binding in a concentration-dependent manner at a concentration range of over 1 microM, while further addition of spermidine (SPD) significantly attenuated the potency of DPI to inhibit binding without affecting that of DI. In contrast, SPD induced significant potentiation of the ability of unlabelled MK-801 to displace [3H]MK-801 binding in a fashion sensitive to antagonism by the novel polyamine antagonist bis-(3-aminopropyl)nonanediamine. This novel polyamine antagonist also prevented the reversing effect of SPD on inhibition by DPI of [3H]MK-801 binding. Moreover, DPI competitively exacerbated the ability of SPD to potentiate [3H]MK-801 binding in the presence of both L-glutamic acid and glycine at maximally effective concentrations. On the other hand, SPD was effective in reversing the inhibition by DPI in cerebellar, but not hippocampal, synaptic membranes. These results suggest that both DI and DPI may modulate synaptic responses mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor through inhibition of opening processes of the ion channel in a manner irrespective of generation of NO radicals in particular situations. Possible involvement of the polyamine domain in the inhibition by DPI is also suggested.

Free D-aspartate and D-serine in the mammalian brain and periphery

It has long been assumed that L-forms of amino acids exclusively constitute free amino acid pools in mammals. However, a variety of studies in the last decade has demonstrated that free D-aspartate and D-serine occur in mammals and may have important physiological function in mammals. Free D-serine is confined predominantly to the forebrain structure, and the distribution and development of D-serine correspond well with those of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type excitatory amino acid receptor. As D-serine acts as a potent and selective agonist for the strychnine-insensitive glycine site of the NMDA receptor, it is proposed that D-serine is a potential candidate for an NMDA receptor-related glycine site agonist in mammalian brain. In contrast, widespread and transient emergence of a high concentration of free D-aspartate is observed in the brain and periphery. Since the periods of maximal emergence of D-aspartate in the brain and periphery occur during critical periods of morphological and functional maturation of the organs, D-aspartate could participate in the regulation of these regulation of these developmental processes of the organs. This review deals with the recent advances in the studies of presence of free D-aspartate and D-serine and their metabolic systems in mammals. Since D-aspartate and D-serine have been shown to potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated transmission through the glutamate binding site and the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site, respectively, and have been utilized extensively as potent and selective tools to study the excitatory amino acid system in the brain, we shall discuss also the NMDA receptor and uptake system of D-amino acids.

Specific [3H]glutamate binding in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats during development: effect of homocysteine-induced seizures

Specific [3H]glutamate binding to synaptic membranes from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of 7-, 12- and 18-day-old rats was examined, both in control animals and during seizures induced by homocysteine. In the cerebral cortex a transient peak of glutamate binding was observed in 7-day-old group, whereas in the hippocampus it occurred in 12-day-old animals. Total specific [3H]glutamate binding was not influenced by preceding seizure activity in either of the age groups and both the studied regions. NMDA- and QA-sensitive glutamate bindings represent the highest portion of the total binding. Moreover, NMDA-sensitive binding in the cerebral cortex of 7-day-old rats is significantly higher as compared to the two more mature groups. The proportion of individual receptor subtypes on total binding in each age group was not influenced by preceding seizure activity. However, NMDA-sensitive binding in the hippocampus of 12-day-old rats, sacrificed during homocysteine-induced seizures, was significantly increased as compared to corresponding controls. In contrast to the effect of NMDA, AMPA, kainate and quisqualate which displaced to a different extent [3H]glutamate binding, homocysteine had no effect when added to membrane preparations. Similarly, [3H]CPP and [3H]AMPA bindings were not affected in the presence of homocysteine. It thus seems unlikely that homocysteine is an effective agonist for conventional ionotropic glutamate receptors. Its potential activity at some of the modulatory sites at the NMDA receptor channel complex or at metabotropic receptors has to be clarified in further experiments.

Simultaneous determination of binding of a variety of radioligands related to ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in fetal and neonatal rat brains

Expression of ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors was assessed by membrane binding assays using a variety of radioligands in fetal and neonatal rat brains. In fetal rat brain, receptors sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) exhibited delayed onset of expression during the last 7 days before birth as compared with those insensitive to NMDA. In addition, developmental increases in agonist-preferring sites preceded those in antagonist-preferring sites within the first 7 postnatal days in particular brain structures with respect to each domain on the NMDA receptor complex. Growth of animals led to drastic increments of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) binding to the NMDA channel in telencephalic regions until 21 to 28 days after birth, with concomitant desensitization to inhibition by protons of [3H]MK-801 binding in cortical membranes. By contrast, three different agonists were invariably effective in more potently potentiating [3H]MK-801 binding in cortical membranes of 14- and 28-day-old rats than in those of 5-day-old rats. These results suggest that the NMDA-sensitive subclass may play more critical roles in mechanisms underlying postnatal development of rat telencephalon than do the NMDA-insensitive subclasses.

Search for novel ligands selective at a polyamine recognition domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex using membrane binding techniques

Among over 60 polyamine derivatives tested, only N-(3-aminopropyl)octanediamine and bis-(3-aminopropyl)nonanediamine (TE393) markedly inhibited [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801) binding at equilibrium in the presence of added spermidine (SPD) in "non-washed" rat brain synaptic membranes, without affecting that in the absence of added SPD. Although TE393 significantly potentiated [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium in the presence of L-glutamic acid (Glu) alone or both Glu and glycine (Gly) added in "Triton-treated" membranes, the putative polyamine antagonists 1,10-decanediamine (DA10) and arcaine invariably inhibited binding irrespective of the addition of agonists. In the absence of added SPD, in addition, TE393 markedly enhanced abilities of both Glu and Gly to potentiate [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium. However, TE393 induced a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve of SPD for [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium. Moreover, TE393 was effective in potentiating binding of an antagonist but not an agonist radioligand to the NMDA domain and in inhibiting binding of an antagonist but not an agonist radioligand to the Gly domain. The potentiation of NMDA antagonist binding by TE393 occurred in a manner sensitive to prevention by arcaine but not by DA10. These results suggest that TE393 may be a novel ligand at the polyamine domain with an ability to interact with both the NMDA and Gly recognition domains in antagonist-preferring forms.

Behavioral studies on FR115427, a novel selective N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist

Behavioral and in vitro receptor binding methods were used to evaluate and compare the effects of FR115427 ((+)-l-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride) with those of MK801, a non-competitive NMDA antagonist. FR115427 inhibited NMDA-induced convulsions in mice by intracerebroventrical(ICV) and systematic injection. FR115427 was found to be about ten times less potent than MK801. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of FR115427 and MK801 on NMDA-induced convulsions was evaluated in time course studies in mice. MK801 exhibited a more sustained anticonvulsive activity than FR115427. In addition, PCP-like behaviors were examined in mice after ICV injection of these compounds. At the lowest dose FR115427 significantly increased locomotor activity, although the effect of this compound was about hundred times less potent than that of MK801. At higher dose a more complex pattern of behavior, e.g. head-movement and eventually ataxia was observed. In binding assays with rat brain membranes, FR115427 inhibited the binding of (3H)TCP (IC50 = 0.249 microM) and (3H)MK801 (IC50 = 0.312 microM) but did not inhibit the binding of (3H)CPP or (3H)glycine. These results suggest that FR115427 is a novel non-competitive NMDA antagonist that acts on a binding site located within the NMDA receptor associated ion channel.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and spinal nociceptive processing

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a direct action on spinal nociceptive processing in vivo with a relative order of potency which correlates with their capacity as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase activity. However, recent clinical surveys and new in vivo evidence strongly suggest that for some of these agents, centrally mediated analgesia may also be achieved by additional mechanisms, which are independent of prostaglandin synthesis inhibition. In this review we explore the likelihood for such mechanisms following an extensive survey of existing data. The implications of these mechanisms are discussed in the light of our current understanding of spinal nociceptive processing.

Possible dysfunction of ionotropic glutamate receptors in cerebellum of epileptic E1 mouse brain

Binding of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten- 5,10-imine (MK-801) to an ion channel domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain glutamate (Glu) receptors was highest in the hippocampus of the hereditary epileptogenic mutant El as well as its parent ddY strain mice, when determined before and at equilibrium in the presence of 3 different agonists at the respective domains on the NMDA receptor complex, including Glu, glycine (Gly) and spermidine (SPD). Cerebellar [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium was significantly lower in El mice than in ddY mice, while the binding was not significantly different from each other in other brain structures of both strains of mice. Kinetic analysis revealed that the association rate was significantly lower with [3H]MK-801 binding in the cerebellum of El mice than of ddY mice. In contrast to ddY mice, furthermore, Gly failed to potentiate cerebellar [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium in El mice, with SPD being active in significantly inhibiting the binding. However, saturation analysis revealed that the affinity and density of cerebellar [3H]MK-801 binding at equilibrium in El mice were not significantly different from those in ddY mice. In addition, epileptogenic El mice had significantly higher levels of [3H]SPD binding in all brain structures examined than ddY mice, whereas [3H]DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5- methylisoxazole-4-propionate binding was significantly lower in the cerebellum of El mice than of ddY mice. These results suggest that dysfunction of cerebellar Glu receptors may be at least in part responsible for a variety of abnormal symptoms observed in epileptic El mice.

Partial purification of [3H]glutamate-associating-proteins with sensitivity to displacement by N-methyl-D-aspartate from rat brain

An attempt was made to solubilize and isolate [3H]L-glutamic acid (Glu) binding sensitive to displacement by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) from rat brain. Brain synaptic membranes were solubilized by deoxycholic acid, followed by gel filtration with Sephadex G-25. In these turbid supernatants, significant but fragile binding was detected with a variety of radioligands related to ionotropic subclasses of receptors for excitatory amino acids. These included [3H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo-[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801), [3H]glycine, [3H]spermidine, [3H]Glu, [3H]DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic and [3H]kainic acids. Re-solubilization of turbid supernatants by Triton X-100 resulted in detection of [3H]Glu binding which was only stable for 24 h, with [3H]MK-801 binding being entirely lost. In these clear preparations after re-solubilization, Glu was exclusively effective in completely displacing [3H]Glu binding with other ligands being partially active. Furthermore, [3H]Glu binding displaceable by NMDA was eluted with 0.5 M KCl together with [3H]Glu binding insensitive to NMDA on DEAE-Toyopearl column chromatography, while fractions eluted with 0.2 M KCl had NMDA-insensitive [3H]Glu binding only. Chromatography on chelate (Zn)-Toyopearl resin resulted in elution of both NMDA-sensitive and NMDA-insensitive [3H]Glu binding with 10 mM EDTA. High performance liquid chromatography revealed that NMDA-sensitive [3H]Glu binding was detected at retention times of 10-20 min when eluted from an Asahipak ES-502N column with NaCl at linearly graded concentrations up to 0.5 M. In order to detect NMDA-sensitive [3H]Glu binding, however, the whole procedures needed to be completed within 24 h after re-solubilization. Accordingly, the identity of the NMDA-sensitive [3H]Glu binding partially purified here is still unclear at present. The NMDA recognition domain could be more stable than the NMDA channel domain on the NMDA receptor ionophore complex under aqueous conditions.

Supporting evidence for negative modulation by protons of an ion channel associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex in rat brain using ligand binding techniques

The addition of L-glutamic acid (Glu) alone, both Glu and glycine (Gly) or Glu/Gly/spermidine (SPD) was effective in potentiating [3H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10- imine (MK-801) binding before equilibrium to an ion channel associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex in brain synaptic membranes extensively washed and treated with Triton X-100. The binding dependent on Glu almost linearly increased in proportion to decreasing proton concentrations at a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 in external incubation medium, while a Gly-dependent portion of the binding increased with decreasing proton concentrations up to a pH of 7.5 with a plateau thereafter. In contrast, the SPD-dependent binding increased in proportion to decreasing proton concentrations up to a pH of 7.0 with a gradual decline thereafter. Similar profiles were also obtained with [3H]MK-801 binding at equilibrium, with an exception that significant binding of [3H]MK-801 was detected in the absence of any added agonists. The potency of SPD to potentiate [3H]MK-801 binding before equilibrium increased in proportion to decreasing proton concentrations, with those of both Glu and Gly being unchanged. In contrast, the ability of (+)MK-801 to displace [3H]MK-801 binding at equilibrium was not significantly affected by a decrement of external proton concentrations from pH 7.5 to pH 8.5 in the presence of Glu/Gly and Glu/Gly/SPD added. However, similar changes in external proton concentrations did not similarly affect binding of several radioligands for the NMDA and Gly domains on the receptor complex. Decreasing proton concentrations were effective in exponentially potentiating binding of [3H]SPD at a pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 without virtually altering [3H]D,L-alpha-amino-3- hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid binding. In addition, [3H]kainic acid binding markedly decreased with decreasing proton concentrations only in the presence of Ca2+ ions. These results suggest that protons negatively modulate neuronal responses mediated by the NMDA receptor ionophore complex through interference with opening mechanisms of the channel domain without disturbing association processes of the endogenous agonists with the respective recognition domains in rat brain. Moreover, possible modulation by protons of responses mediated by the kainate receptor in the presence of Ca2+ ions at concentrations that occur in vivo is also suggested.

Differential profiles of binding of a radiolabeled agonist and antagonist at a glycine recognition domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ionophore complex in rat brain

Addition of several polyamines, including spermidine and spermine, was effective in inhibiting binding of the antagonist ligand [3H]5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid ([3H]-DCKA) a Gly recognition domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor ionophore complex in rat brain synaptic membranes. In contrast, [3H]DCKA binding was significantly potentiated by addition of proposed polyamine antagonists, such as ifenprodil and (+/-)-alpha-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[(4-fluorophenyl) methyl]-1-piperidine ethanol, with [3H]Gly binding being unchanged. The inhibition by spermidine was significantly prevented by inclusion of ifenprodil. In addition, spermidine significantly attenuated the abilities of four different antagonists at the Gly domain to displace [3H]DCKA binding virtually without affecting those of four different agonists. Phospholipases A2 and C and p-chloromercuribenzosulfonic acid were invariably effective in significantly inhibiting [3H]DCKA binding with [3H]Gly binding being unaltered. Moreover, the densities of [3H]DCKA binding were not significantly different from those of [3H]-Gly binding in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, whereas the cerebellum had more than a fourfold higher density of [3H]Gly binding than of [3H]DCKA binding. These results suggest that the Gly domain may have at least two different forms based on the preference to agonists and antagonists in the rodent brain.

Further evidence for multiple forms of an N-methyl-D-aspartate recognition domain in rat brain using membrane binding techniques

Pretreatment with sulfhydryl-reactive agents, such as N-ethylmaleimide and p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid, invariably resulted in marked inhibition of the binding of DL-(E)-2-amino-4-[3H]propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid ([3H]CGP 39653), a competitive antagonist at an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of central excitatory amino acid receptors, in brain synaptic membranes extensively washed and treated with Triton X-100, but did not significantly affect the binding of L-[3H]-glutamic acid ([3H]Glu), an endogenous agonist. The pretreatment was effective in reducing the binding of [3H]-CGP 39653 at equilibrium, without altering the initial association rate, and decreased the affinity for the ligand. Pretreatment with sulfhydryl-reactive agents also enhanced the potencies of NMDA agonists to displace [3H]-CGP 39653 binding and attenuated those of NMDA antagonists, but had little effect on the potencies of the agonists and antagonists to displace [3H]Glu binding. The binding of both [3H]CGP 39653 and [3H]Glu was similarly sensitive to pretreatment with four different proteases in Triton-treated membranes, whereas pretreatment with phospholipase A2 or C markedly inhibited [3H]CGP 39653 binding without altering [3H]Glu binding. Moreover, both phospholipases not only induced enhancement of the abilities of NMDA agonists to displace the binding of [3H]CGP 39653 and [3H]Glu, but also caused diminution of those of NMDA antagonists. These results suggest that both sulfhydryl-reactive agents and phospholipases may predominantly interfere with radiolabeling of the NMDA recognition domain in a state favorable to an antagonist by [3H]CGP 39653, with concomitant facilitation of that in an antagonist-preferring form by [3H]Glu. The possible presence of multiple forms of the NMDA recognition domain is further supported by these data.

Excitatory amino acid receptor binding in hippocampus of gerbils with transient global brain ischemia

Binding of a variety of ligands for brain excitatory amino acid receptors was examined in membrane preparations extensively washed and treated with Triton X-100 that were obtained from the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of gerbils that survived for different periods after transient global brain ischemia. Bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries for 5 min did not affect the binding of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801) to an open ion channel associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass in both central structures of gerbils that survived for 1 to 4 weeks after the injury when determined at equilibrium in the presence of 3 different endogenous agonists including L-glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly) and spermidine at maximally effective concentrations. In contrast, the ischemic occlusion significantly diminished [3H]MK-801 binding when determined before equilibrium in the presence of the 3 stimulants in hippocampal membranes without altering that in cortical membrane 2 weeks after the insult, so that the initial association rates were invariably reduced by more than 60%. Moreover, the occlusion not only reduced the binding of both [3H]Glu and [3H]D,L-(E)-2-amino-4-propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid to the NMDA domain on the NMDA receptor ionophore complex, but also decreased the binding of both [3H]Gly and [3H]5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid to the Gly domain. However, the insult did not induce any detectable changes under the experimental conditions employed in either the binding of [3H]DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) to the AMPA-sensitive subclass or the binding of kainic acid (KA) to the KA-sensitive subclass in both central regions of animals that survived for 2 weeks. These results suggest that transient global brain ischemia may predominantly impair neuronal and/or glial cells enriched of the NMDA receptor ionophore complex in gerbil hippocampus.

Comparative studies on binding of 3 different ligands to the N-methyl-D-aspartate recognition domain in brain synaptic membranes treated with Triton X-100

Treatment with a low concentration of Triton X-100 almost tripled the binding of [3H]D,L-(E)-2-amino-4-propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid (CGP 39653), a novel competitive antagonist at an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain excitatory amino acid receptors, in synaptic membranes of the rat brain. The binding linearly increased with increasing protein concentrations of up to 0.4 mg/ml and also increased in proportion to incubation time with a plateau within 60 min after the initiation of incubation at 2 degrees C in Triton-treated membranes. Elevation of incubation temperature from 2 degrees C to 30 degrees C resulted in a marked decrease in the binding at equilibrium by 80%, and a maximal level was obtained within 1 min after the initiation of incubation at 30 degrees C with a gradual decline of up to 10 min. Bound [3H]CGP 39653 was rapidly dissociated by the addition of excess unlabeled L-glutamic acid (Glu), and the time required to attain complete dissociation was 60 min at 2 degrees C and 1 min at 30 degrees C, respectively. Among several agonists and antagonists tested, Glu was the most potent displacer of [3H]CGP 39653 binding with progressively less potent displacement by D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric, (+-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic (CPP), D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic, N-methyl-D-aspartic and N-methyl-L-aspartic acids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Support for radiolabeling of a glycine recognition domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ionophore complex by 5,7-[3H]dichlorokynurenate in rat brain

Pretreatment with Triton X-100 more than doubled the binding of radiolabeled 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid (DCKA), a proposed antagonist at a glycine (Gly) recognition domain on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ionophore complex, in rat brain synaptic membranes. The binding exhibited an inverse temperature dependency, reversibility, and saturability, the binding sites consisting of a single component with a high affinity (27.5 nM) and a relatively low density (2.87 pmol/mg of protein). The binding of both [3H]DCKA and [3H]Gly was similarly displaced by numerous putative agonists and antagonists at the Gly domain in a concentration-dependent manner at a concentration range of 100 nM to 0.1 mM. Among the 24 putative ligands tested, DCKA was the second most potent displacer of the binding of both radioligands with no intrinsic affinity for the binding of [3H]kainic acid and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5- [3H]methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) to the non-NMDA receptors. In contrast, the other proposed potent Gly antagonist, 5,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, was active in displacing the binding of [3H]glutamic ([3H]Glu) and D,L-(E)-2-amino-4-[3H]propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acids to the NMDA recognition domain with a relatively high affinity for the non-NMDA receptors. In addition, the proposed antagonist at the AMPA-sensitive receptor, 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)quinoxaline, not only displaced weakly the binding of both [3H]-Gly and [3H]DCKA, but also inhibited the binding of (+)-5-[3H]methyl-10,11- dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine ([3H]MK-801) to an ion channel associated with the NMDA-sensitive receptor in the presence of added Glu alone in a manner sensitive to antagonism by further added Gly. Clear correlations were seen between potencies of the displacers to displace [3H]DCKA binding and [3H]Gly binding, in addition to between the potencies to displace [3H]-DCKA or [3H]Gly binding and to potentiate or inhibit [3H]MK-801 binding. All quinoxalines tested were invariably more potent displacers of [3H]DCKA binding than [3H]Gly binding, whereas kynurenines were similarly effective in displacing the binding of both [3H]Gly and [3H]DCKA. These results undoubtedly give support to the proposal that [3H]DCKA is one useful radioligand available in terms of its high selectivity and affinity for the Gly domain in the brain. Possible multiplicity of the Gly domain is suggested by the differential pharmacological profiles between the binding of [3H]Gly and [3H]DCKA.

Binding of [3H]MK-801, NMDA-displaceable [3H]glutamate, [3H]glycine, [3H]spermidine, [3H]kainate and [3H]AMPA to regionally discrete brain membranes of the gerbil: a biochemical study

Bindings of glutamate receptor agonists and related modulators were investigated in 10 discrete tissues from gerbil brain using a biochemical technique. There appeared considerable discrepancies, in respect of intrahippocampal profiles, from reported data by autoradiography on rat brain. In the gerbil, an almost equivalent level of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-displaceable [3H]glutamate binding was found in field CA1 and the dentate gyrus, while approx 30% less in field CA3, a profile which was strikingly similar to that of (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo-[a,d]-cycloheptene-5,10-imin e maleate (MK-801) or of [3H]glycine. [3H]Kainate binding was highest in the dentate gyrus followed by field CA3 and then field CA1, the ratio of the highest to the lowest being 3 to 2. Binding of [3H]DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) differed, to a certain extent, from that of [3H]kainate and showed the dentate gyrus followed by field CA1 and then field CA3 in the rank order of decreasing binding. Taking together, intrahippocampal localization of glutamate receptor subtypes in the gerbil, when analyzed with a biochemical binding assay, looks to be less region selective than the distribution obtained on autoradiography in the rat. Thus, it is likely that these different distribution profiles show different status of receptor function respectively, or are due merely to species difference.

Inhibition by calmodulin antagonists of [3H]MK-801 binding in brain synaptic membranes

In brain synaptic membranes not extensively washed, (+)-5-[3H]methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]-cyclohepten-5, 10-imine ([3H]MK-801) binding was markedly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner (at concentrations above 1 microM) by several compounds having antagonistic activity at the Ca(2+)-binding protein calmodulin. Scatchard analysis revealed that N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7) inhibited the binding through a significant decrease in the density of binding sites without affecting the affinity at 10 microM. In membranes extensively washed and treated with a low concentration of Triton X-100, L-glutamic acid (Glu) drastically accelerated the initial association rate of [3H]MK-801 binding with glycine (Gly), almost doubling the initial association rate found in the presence of Glu alone. The addition of W-7 invariably reduced the initial association rate observed in the presence of either Glu alone or both Glu and Gly, without significantly altering the dissociation rate of bound [3H]-MK-801, irrespective of the presence of the two stimulatory amino acids. The maximal potencies of Glu, Gly, and spermidine in potentiating the binding were all attenuated by W-7. These results suggest that calmodulin antagonists may interfere with opening processes of an ion channel associated with an N-methyl-D-aspartate-sensitive subclass of excitatory amino acid receptors in rat brain.

Capillary NMDA receptors regulate blood-brain barrier function and breakdown

Polyamines and their regulatory synthetic enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) have been implicated in blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown following cryogenic injury. ODC activation and BBB breakdown are prevented by MK-801, indicating involvement of NMDA receptors. Studies in isolated rat cerebral capillaries supports the presence of NMDA receptors linked to ODC. NMDA (1-50 microM) stimulated capillary uptake of horseradish peroxidase, 2-deoxy-[14C]glucose, and 45 Ca in a receptor-, concentration-, polyamine- and Ca(2+)-dependent manner. We suggest that NMDA receptors may couple capillary transport of nutrients to glutamate-mediated neuronal excitation, and when overestimated disrupt normal BBB function.

Differential modulation by divalent cations of [3H]MK-801 binding in brain synaptic membranes

Endogenous divalent cations, such as Mg2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+, differentially affected the binding of (+)-[3H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne maleate ([3H]MK-801) to an ion channel associated with an N-methyl-D-aspartate-sensitive subclass of excitatory amino acid receptors in different preparations of brain synaptic membranes. Both Mg2+ and Ca2+ were weak inhibitors of the binding in membranes which had not been extensively washed (nonwashed membranes), over a concentration range effective in markedly potentiating the binding in the absence of any added stimulants in membranes which had been extensively washed, but not treated with a detergent (untreated membranes). In membranes extensively washed and treated with Triton X-100 (Triton-treated membranes), both cations significantly potentiated the binding in the presence of added glutamate alone. In contrast, Zn2+ was invariably active as a potent inhibitor of the binding irrespective of the membrane preparations used. In untreated membranes, Ca2+ markedly accelerated the initial association rate of [3H]MK-801 binding without affecting the binding at equilibrium in a manner similar to that found with glycine, as well as with glutamate; Mg2+, however, facilitated the initial association rate with a concomitant reduction of the binding at equilibrium. Zn2+ was effective in accelerating the initial rapid phase of association, with the initial slow phase being delayed, and in markedly reducing the binding at equilibrium. Both Mg2+ and Ca2+ also facilitated dissociation of the bound [3H]MK-801 and Zn2+ slowed the dissociation in untreated membranes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in discrete brain regions of kindled rats

A study was performed to examine the specific binding of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor subtypes in 5 brain regions of rats kindled from the amygdala or hippocampus, using extensively washed and Triton X-100-treated membranes. Seven days after the last amygdala kindled seizure, [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10- imine maleate ([3H]MK-801) binding, which labels N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive receptor-linked cation channels, decreased significantly only in the amygdala of kindled rats compared to that of controls under equilibrium assay conditions. There was no significant change in [3H]MK-801 binding in the amygdala or hippocampus 7 days after the last hippocampal kindled seizure, or 28 days after the last amygdala kindled seizure. Nor was there a significant change in NMDA-sensitive [3H]glutamate, strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine, [3H]spermidine, [3H]kainate or [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid ([3H]AMPA) binding in any brain region 7 days after the last amygdala kindled seizure, or in the hippocampus 28 days after the last amygdala kindled seizure. These results indicate that [3H]MK-801 binding sites labeling NMDA-sensitive receptor-linked cation channels in the amygdala undergo downregulation only transiently, but that none of the subcomponents of the NMDA receptor macromolecular complex exhibit enduring changes at steady state following the completion of amygdala kindling.

Screening of thiol compounds: depolarization-induced release of glutathione and cysteine from rat brain slices

Superfusates from rat brain slices were screened for thiol compounds after derivatization with monobromobimane by reversed-phase HPLC. Only glutathione and cysteine were detected. The Ca(2+)-dependent release of these compounds from slices of different regions of rat brain was investigated, applying a highly sensitive and reproducible quantification method, based on reduction of superfusates with dithiothreitol, reaction of thiols with iodoacetic acid, precolumn derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde reagent solution, and analysis with reversed-phase HPLC. This methodology allowed determination of reduced and total thiols in aliquots of the same superfusates. Mostly reduced glutathione and cysteine were released upon K+ depolarization and the Ca2+ dependency suggests that they originate from a neuronal compartment. The GSH release was most prominent in the mesodiencephalon, cortex, hippocampus, and striatum and lowest in the pons-medulla and cerebellum. This underscores a physiologically significant role for glutathione in CNS neurotransmission.

Effects of ifenprodil on the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor ionophore complex in rat brain

The effects of a cerebral anti-ischemic drug ifenprodil on the receptor ionophore complex of an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of central excitatory amino acid receptors were examined using [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10- imine (MK-801) binding in rat brain synaptic membrane preparations as a biochemical measure. The binding in membrane preparations not extensively washed was markedly inhibited not only by competitive NMDA antagonists such as (+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic, D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric and D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acids, but also by competitive antagonists at the strychnine-insensitive glycine (Gly) site including 7-chlorokynurenic acid and 6,7-dichloroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Among several proposed ligands for alpha-adrenergic receptors tested, ifenprodil most potently inhibited the binding in these membrane preparations due to a decrease in the density of the binding sites without significantly affecting the affinity. Ifenprodil also inhibited the binding of [3H]N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine as well as of [3H]MK-801 to open NMDA channels in a concentration-dependent manner at concentrations above 10 nM in membrane preparations extensively washed but not treated by a detergent, with a Hill coefficient of less than unity. Further treatment of extensively washed membrane preparations with a low concentration of Triton X-100 resulted in an almost complete abolition of [3H]MK-801 binding, and the binding was restored to the level found in membrane preparations not extensively washed following the addition of both L-glutamic acid (Glu) and Gly. Ifenprodil was effective in inhibiting [3H]MK-801 binding via reducing both initial association and dissociation rates in Triton-treated membrane preparations, irrespective of the presence of Glu and Gly added. The binding in Triton-treated membrane preparations was additionally potentiated by the polyamine spermidine in a concentration-dependent manner at concentrations above 10 microM in the presence of both Glu and Gly at maximally effective concentrations. Ifenprodil invariably diminished the abilities of these three stimulants to potentiate [3H]MK-801 binding at concentrations over 1 microM in a manner that the maximal responses each were reduced. These results suggest that ifenprodil does not interfere with the NMDA receptor complex as a specific isosteric antagonist at the polyamine domain in contrast to the prevailing view.

Excitatory amino acid receptors in brains of rats with methylazoxymethanol-induced microencephaly

We used methylazoxymethanol-acetate (MAM), a potent alkylating agent, to produce microencephaly in offspring by injecting it into pregnant rats on day 15 of gestation. Binding activities of central excitatory amino acid receptors were examined in Triton-treated membranes prepared from brains of adult offspring with MAM-induced microencephaly (MAM rats). MAM rats exhibited approximately 40-50% reductions of the wet weights of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum compared to those in controls. In the cortex and hippocampus of MAM-rats, total bindings of [3H]glutamate (Glu) (which is sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor), and strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine (Gly) and (+)-5-[3H]methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801; a noncompetitive antagonist of NMDA receptor), were reduced to approximately 40% of those in controls. Similarly, in both regions of MAM rats, total bindings of [3H]kainate and DL-alpha-amino-3-[3H]hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (an agonist of quisqualate receptors), were reduced to approximately 35-50% of those in controls. However, total bindings of these radioligands in the striatum of MAM rats were more than 65% of those in controls, despite the significant loss of striatum mass. However, specific bindings of radioligands in the striatum of MAM rats were elevated by more than 60% of those in controls, and Scatchard analysis revealed that elevations of [3H]Glu, [3H]Gly and [3H]MK-801 bindings were due to a significant increase in the densities of binding sites, with their affinities remaining unaltered. Spatial recognition ability examined by an 8-armed radial maze task was markedly impaired compared to those in controls. These results suggest that the proliferation of neurons bearing excitatory amino acid receptors (EAA) in the striatum is less affected by MAM treatment on day 15 of gestation than that in the cortex and hippocampus in spite of drastic weight loss in these brain regions. The significant reduction of EAA receptors in the cortex and hippocampus may be involved in the impairment of spatial memory observed in MAM-treated rats.

Presence of the binding of a variety of ligands related to ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors in rat retina

The binding of [3H]L-glutamic (Glu), [3H](+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic and [3H]D,L-(E)-2-amino-4-propyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acids was detected in rat retinal membranes extensively washed and treated with a low concentration of Triton X-100, in addition to the binding of both [3H]glycine (Gly) and [3H]5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid. Furthermore, retinal membranes exhibited the binding of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne in the presence of Glu, Gly and spermidine irrespective of the incubation period employed. Rat retina also contained the binding of [3H]kainic acid as well as the binding of [3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid which was sensitive to potentiation by potassium thiocyanate. In addition, the binding of both [3H](+)-3-(hydroxyphenyl)-N-(l-propyl)piperidine and [3H]1,3-di-o-tolyl-guanidine was found in rat retinal membranes extensively washed but not treated with Triton X-100. These results give support for the proposal that the rodent retina contains subclasses of ionotropic brain excitatory amino acid receptors including the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ionophore complex as well as sigma sites.

Inhibitory modulation by sodium ions of the N-methyl-D-aspartate recognition site in brain synaptic membranes

Specific binding of radiolabeled L-glutamic acid (Glu) was examined using rat brain synaptic membranes treated with a low concentration of Triton X-100. The binding drastically increased in proportion to increasing concentrations of the detergent used up to 0.1%. Addition of 100 mM sodium acetate significantly potentiated the binding in membranes not treated with Triton X-100, whereas it markedly inhibited the binding in Triton-treated membranes. The binding in Triton-treated membranes was inversely dependent on incubation temperature and reached a plateau within 10 min after the initiation of incubation at 2 degrees C, whereas the time required to attain equilibrium at 30 degrees C was less than 1 min. Sodium acetate invariably inhibited the binding detected at both temperatures independently of the incubation time via decreasing the affinity for the ligand. The binding was significantly displaced by agonists and antagonists for an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain excitatory amino acid receptors, but not by those for the other subclasses. Inclusion of sodium acetate reduced the potencies of NMDA agonists to displace the binding without virtually affecting those of NMDA antagonists. Moreover, sodium ions inhibited the ability of Glu to potentiate the binding of N-[3H] [1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine to open NMDA channels in Triton-treated membranes. These results suggest that sodium ions may play an additional modulatory role in the termination process of neurotransmission mediated by excitatory amino acids via facilitating a transformation of the NMDA recognition site from a state with high affinity for agonists to a state with low affinity.

Identification and characterization of specific binding sites of [3H]spermidine in synaptic membranes of rat brain

Synaptic membranes of rat brain contained specific binding sites of [3H]spermidine (SPD) that exhibited an inverse temperature dependency, structure selectivity, reversibility, saturability, low affinity and high density with an uneven distribution profile. The affinities were not significantly different from each other in the rodent brain, while the highest density was found in the medulla-pons among the central structures examined with progressively lower densities in the midbrain, striatum, cerebellum, hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The binding was insensitive to digestion by various proteases and glycosidases but sensitive to potentiation by phospholipases. A clear correlation was seen between the abilities of several natural and synthetic polyamines to displace [3H]SPD binding and to potentiate [3H] (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine binding to open cation channels associated with an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain excitatory amino acid receptors. Treatment of brain membranes with deoxycholic acid resulted in a significant solubilization of [3H]SPD binding sites. Furthermore, [3H]SPD markedly associated with the acidic phospholipid phosphatidylserine irrespective of the presence of synaptic membranes in a manner sensitive to inhibition by a variety of calmodulin antagonists. These results suggest that endogenous polyamines may play a stimulatory role in neuronal responses mediated by the NMDA receptor ionophore complex through an interaction between their positive charges and negative charges of membranous phosphatidylserine in rat brain.

Age-related decreases of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus

Binding activities of central excitatory amino acid receptors were examined in Triton-treated membrane preparations of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus from brains of rats at 2, 7 and 29 months after birth. Aged rats exhibited a significant reduction of [3H]glutamate (Glu) binding displaceable by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), as well as strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine binding in both central structures, as compared with those in young rats. Binding of [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne maleate (MK-801), a non-competitive NMDA antagonist used to label the activated state of ion channels linked to NMDA-sensitive receptors, also decreased with aging irrespective of the experimental conditions employed. Scatchard analysis revealed that reduction of both [3H]Glu binding and [3H]MK-801 binding were due to a significant decrease in the densities of binding sites with aging, with their affinities being unaltered. Binding of [3H]D,L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA), which is a specific agonist for quisqualate-sensitive receptors, was unchanged with aging when determined in the absence of 100 mM potassium thiocyanate (KSCN). However, AMPA binding determined in the presence of added KSCN was about 25% reduced in both brain regions of aged rats. Binding of [3H]kainate to kainate-sensitive receptors was unchanged with aging. These results suggest that glutaminergic neurotransmission mediated by NMDA-sensitive receptors may be selectively impaired with aging in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex among 3 different subclasses of excitatory amino acid receptors in the brain.

Neurochemical aspects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex

The N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain excitatory amino acid receptors is supposed to be a receptor-ionophore complex consisting of at least 3 different major domains including an NMDA recognition site, glycine (Gly) recognition site and ion channel site. Biochemical labeling of the NMDA domain using [3H]L-glutamic acid (Glu) as a radioactive ligand often meets with several critical methodological pitfalls and artifacts that cause a serious misinterpretation of the results. Treatment of brain synaptic membranes with a low concentration of Triton X-100 induces a marked disclosure of [3H]Glu binding sensitive to displacement by NMDA with a concomitant removal of other several membranous constituents with relatively high affinity for the neuroactive amino acid. The NMDA site is also radiolabeled by the competitive antagonist (+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid that reveals possible heterogeneity of the site. The Gly domain is sensitive to D-serine and D-alanine but insensitive to strychnine, and this domain seems to be absolutely required for an opening of the NMDA channels by agonists. The ionophore domain is radiolabeled by a non-competitive type of NMDA antagonist that is only able to bind to the open but not closed channels. The binding of these allosteric antagonists is markedly potentiated by NMDA agonists in a manner sensitive to antagonism by isosteric antagonists in brain synaptic membranes and additionally enhanced by further inclusion of Gly agonists through the Gly domain. Furthermore, physiological and biochemical responses mediated by the NMDA receptor complex are invariably potentiated by several endogenous polyamines, suggesting a novel polyamine site within the complex. At any rate, activation of the NMDA receptor complex results in a marked influx of Ca2+ as well as Na+ ions, which subsequently induces numerous intracellular metabolic alterations that could be associated with neuronal plasticity or excitotoxicity. Therefore, any isosteric and allosteric antagonists would be of great benefit for the therapy and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders with a risk of impairing the acquisition and formation process of memories.

[3H]thienylcyclohexylpiperidine binding activity in brain synaptic membranes treated with Triton X-100

Binding activity of [3H]thienylcyclohexylpiperidine was examined using rat brain synaptic membranes treated with Triton X-100. This compound is proposed to be a noncompetitive antagonist for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain excitatory amino acid receptors. The activity decreased in proportion to increasing concentrations of the detergent up to 0.08%. In vitro addition of L-glutamate (Glu) partially restored the decreased activity caused by this Triton treatment, whereas further addition of glycine (Gly) entirely reversed the loss of activity to the level found in membranes extensively washed but not treated with a detergent. These stimulatory effects were found to be due to the acceleration of the association of ligand. The rank order of potentiation of the activity coincided well with that of the affinity for the NMDA-sensitive subclass among numerous Glu analogs. The potentiation by Gly as well as Glu was invariably prevented by competitive NMDA antagonists, such as DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate and (+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonate, but not by strychnine. No significant difference was observed between pharmacological profiles of the activities in synaptic membranes treated and not treated with Triton X-100, except haloperidol. The potency of this sigma-ligand to inhibit the activity was greatly reduced by the Triton treatment in the presence of both Glu and Gly. These results suggest that the regulatory properties of Triton-treated synaptic membranes remain unchanged in terms of the interaction within the NMDA receptor complex.

Solubilization of spermidine-sensitive (+)-[3H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine ([3H]MK-801) binding activity from rat brain

The receptor-ionophore complex of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive receptor was solubilized by deoxycholic acid from rat brain using (+)-[3H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne ([3H]MK-801) binding as a marker for the receptor. Gel filtration of the solubilized preparations on a Sephadex G-25 column revealed significant [3H]MK-801 binding sensitive to potentiation by glutamate and glutamate/glycine, which was prevented by competitive antagonists for the NMDA and strychnine-insensitive glycine (GlyB) sites. In contrast to NMDA and glycine, spermidine markedly potentiated the amount of [3H]MK-801 binding in solubilized preparations by increasing the apparent affinity of the ligand. In the presence of all three stimulants, the solubilized preparations exhibited pharmacological profiles similar to those in the membrane preparations. These results clearly indicate that the whole macromolecular NMDA receptor-ionophore complex is solubilized under the experimental conditions used.

Competitive inhibition of NMDA-mediated responses by guanine nucleotides in brain synaptic membranes treated with Triton X-100

The effect of guanine nucleotides on physiological responses mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive subclass of brain excitatory amino acid receptors was examined by using NMDA-sensitive [3H]L-glutamic acid (Glu) binding as well as [3H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801) binding in rat brain synaptic membranes treated with a low concentration of Triton X-100. The NMDA-sensitive [3H]Glu binding was significantly inhibited by the addition of some guanine nucleotides such as GTP, GDP, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), but not by other nucleotides or nucleosides such as guanosine, cyclic GMP, adenosine, AMP, ADP, ATP, CTP, ITP and UTP. Inclusion of GTP not only attenuated the ability of NMDA to displace [3H]Glu binding in a concentration-dependent manner, but also lowered the affinity of the binding sites for [3H]Glu without altering their densities. The inhibitory potency of an antagonist highly selective to the NMDA receptors (+/-)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonate on [3H]Glu binding also deteriorated with GTP at concentrations above 10 microM. Addition of Glu induced a concentration-dependent potentiation of [3H]MK-801 binding through an activation of the NMDA-sensitive receptors, and the potency of Glu to potentiate the binding was markedly reduced by the afore-mentioned positive guanine nucleotides in a competitive manner. In contrast, GTP at 0.1 mM non-competitively weakened the stimulatory property of glycine to additionally enhance the binding found in the presence of Glu alone. These results suggest that some guanine nucleotides may have a relatively high affinity for NMDA recognition sites within the NMDA receptor complex in the brain.