Postnatal developmental regulation of neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit alpha 7 and multiple alpha 4 and beta 2 mRNA species in the rat

Impacts of Perinatal Nicotine Exposure on nAChR Expression and Glutamatergic Synaptic Transmission in the Mouse Auditory Brainstem

Exposure to nicotine in utero, often due to maternal smoking, significantly elevates the risk of auditory processing deficits in offspring. This study investigated the effects of chronic nicotine exposure during a critical developmental period on the functional expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), glutamatergic synaptic transmission, and auditory processing in the mouse auditory brainstem. We evaluated the functionality of nAChRs at a central synapse and explored the impact of perinatal nicotine exposure (PNE) on synaptic currents and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in mice. Our findings revealed developmentally regulated changes in nAChR expression in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) neurons and presynaptic Calyx of Held terminals. PNE was associated with enhanced acetylcholine-evoked postsynaptic currents and compromised glutamatergic neurotransmission, highlighting the critical role of nAChR activity in the early stages of auditory synaptic development. Additionally, PNE resulted in elevated ABR thresholds and diminished peak amplitudes, suggesting significant impairment in central auditory processing without cochlear dysfunction. This study provides novel insights into the synaptic disturbances that contribute to auditory deficits resulting from chronic prenatal nicotine exposure, underlining potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Sex differences in the nicotinic excitation of principal neurons within the developing hippocampal formation

The hippocampal formation (HF) plays an important role to facilitate higher order cognitive functions. Cholinergic activation of heteromeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) within the HF is critical for the normal development of principal neurons within this brain region. However, previous research investigating the expression and function of heteromeric nAChRs in principal neurons of the HF is limited to males or does not differentiate between the sexes. We used whole-cell electrophysiology to show that principal neurons in the CA1 region of the female mouse HF are excited by heteromeric nAChRs throughout postnatal development, with the greatest response occurring during the first two weeks of postnatal life. Excitability responses to heteromeric nAChR stimulation were also found in principal neurons in the CA3, dentate gyrus, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex layer VI (ECVI) of young postnatal female HF. A direct comparison between male and female mice found that principal neurons in ECVI display greater heteromeric nicotinic passive and active excitability responses in females. This sex difference is likely influenced by the generally more excitable nature of ECVI neurons from female mice, which display a higher resting membrane potential, greater input resistance, and smaller afterhyperpolarization potential of medium duration (mAHP). These findings demonstrate that heteromeric nicotinic excitation of ECVI neurons differs between male and female mice during a period of major circuitry development within the HF, which may have mechanistic implications for known sex differences in the development and function of this cognitive brain region.

Similar nicotinic excitability responses across the developing hippocampal formation are regulated by small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels

The hippocampal formation forms a cognitive circuit that is critical for learning and memory. Cholinergic input to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors plays an important role in the normal development of principal neurons within the hippocampal formation. However, the ability of nicotinic receptors to stimulate principal neurons across all regions of the developing hippocampal formation has not been determined. We show in this study that heteromeric nicotinic receptors mediate direct inward current and depolarization responses in principal neurons across the hippocampal formation of the young postnatal mouse. These responses were found in principal neurons of the CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex layer VI, and they varied in magnitude across regions with the greatest responses occurring in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex. Despite this regional variation in the magnitude of passive responses, heteromeric nicotinic receptor stimulation increased the excitability of active principal neurons by a similar amount in all regions. Pharmacological experiments found this similar excitability response to be regulated by small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels, which exhibited regional differences in their influence on neuron activity that offset the observed regional differences in passive nicotinic responses. These findings demonstrate that SK channels play a role to coordinate the magnitude of heteromeric nicotinic excitability responses across the hippocampal formation at a time when nicotinic signaling drives the development of this cognitive brain region. This coordinated input may contribute to the normal development, synchrony, and maturation of the hippocampal formation learning and memory network. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels regulate similar-magnitude excitability responses to heteromeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation in active principal neurons across multiple regions of the developing mouse hippocampal formation. Given the importance of nicotinic neurotransmission for the development of principal neurons within the hippocampal formation, this coordinated excitability response is positioned to influence the normal development, synchrony, and maturation of the hippocampal formation learning and memory network.

Postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors facilitate excitation of developing CA1 pyramidal neurons

The hippocampus plays a key role in learning and memory. The normal development and mature function of hippocampal networks supporting these cognitive functions depends on afferent cholinergic neurotransmission mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Whereas it is well-established that nicotinic receptors are present on GABAergic interneurons and on glutamatergic presynaptic terminals within the hippocampus, the ability of these receptors to mediate postsynaptic signaling in pyramidal neurons is not well understood. We use whole cell electrophysiology to show that heteromeric nicotinic receptors mediate direct inward currents, depolarization from rest and enhanced excitability in hippocampus CA1 pyramidal neurons of male mice. Measurements made throughout postnatal development provide a thorough developmental profile for these heteromeric nicotinic responses, which are greatest during the first 2 wk of postnatal life and decrease to low adult levels shortly thereafter. Pharmacological experiments show that responses are blocked by a competitive antagonist of α4β2* nicotinic receptors and augmented by a positive allosteric modulator of α5 subunit-containing receptors, which is consistent with expression studies suggesting the presence of α4β2 and α4β2α5 nicotinic receptors within the developing CA1 pyramidal cell layer. These findings demonstrate that functional heteromeric nicotinic receptors are present on CA1 pyramidal neurons during a period of major hippocampal development, placing these receptors in a prime position to play an important role in the establishment of hippocampal cognitive networks.

Regulation of hippocampal inhibitory circuits by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

The hippocampal network comprises a large variety of locally connected GABAergic interneurons exerting a powerful control on network excitability and which are responsible for the oscillatory behaviour crucial for information processing. GABAergic interneurons receive an important cholinergic innervation from the medial septum-diagonal band complex of the basal forebrain and are endowed with a variety of muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs) that regulate their activity. Deficits in the cholinergic system lead to the impairment of high cognitive functions, which are particularly relevant in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as in schizophrenia. Here, we highlight some recent advances in the mechanisms by which cholinergic signalling via nAChRs regulates local inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus, early in postnatal life and in adulthood. We also discuss recent findings concerning the functional role of nAChRs in controlling short- and long-term modifications of synaptic efficacy. Insights into these processes may provide new targets for the therapeutic control of pathological conditions associated with cholinergic dysfunctions.

Gestational nicotine exposure regulates expression of AMPA and NMDA receptors and their signaling apparatus in developing and adult rat hippocampus

Untimely activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) by nicotine results in short- and long-term consequences on learning and behavior. In this study, the aim was to determine how prenatal nicotine exposure affects components of glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus during postnatal development. We investigated regulation of both nAChRs and glutamate receptors for AMPA and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P63 after a temporally restricted exposure to saline or nicotine for 14 days in utero. We analyzed postsynaptic density components associated with AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signaling: calmodulin (CaM), CaM Kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα), and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), as well as presynaptically localized synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25). At P1, there was significantly heightened expression of AMPAR subunit GluR1 but not GluR2, and of NMDAR subunits NR1, NR2a, and NR2d but not NR2b. NR2c was not detectable. CaM, CaMKIIα, and PSD95 were also significantly upregulated at P1, together with presynaptic SNAP25. This enhanced expression of glutamate receptors and signaling proteins was concomitant with elevated levels of [³H]epibatidine (³H]EB) binding in prenatal nicotine-exposed hippocampus, indicating that α4β2 nAChR may influence glutamatergic function in the hippocampus at P1. By P14, neither [³H]EB binding nor the expression levels of subunits GluR1, GluR2, NR1, NR2a, NR2b, NR2c, or NR2d seemed changed with prenatal nicotine. However, CaMKIIα was significantly upregulated with nicotine treatment while CaM showed downregulation at P14. The effects of nicotine persisted in P63 young adult brains which exhibited significantly downregulated GluR2, NR1, and NR2c expression levels in hippocampal homogenates and a considerably muted overall distribution of [³H]AMPA binding in areas CA1, CA2 and CA3, and the dentate gyrus. Our results suggest that prenatal nicotine exposure can regulate the glutamatergic signaling system throughout postnatal development by enhancing or inhibiting availability of AMPAR and NMDAR or their signaling components. The persistent depression, in adults, of the requisite NR1 subunit for NMDAR assembly, and of GluR2, important for assembly, trafficking, and biophysical properties of AMPAR, indicates that nicotine may alter ionotropic glutamate receptor stoichiometry and functional properties in adults after prenatally restricted nicotine exposure.

Developmental sex differences in nicotinic currents of prefrontal layer VI neurons in mice and rats

Background

There is a large sex difference in the prevalence of attention deficit disorder; yet, relatively little is known about sex differences in the development of prefrontal attention circuitry. In male rats, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors excite corticothalamic neurons in layer VI, which are thought to play an important role in attention by gating the sensitivity of thalamic neurons to incoming stimuli. These nicotinic currents in male rats are significantly larger during the first postnatal month when prefrontal circuitry is maturing. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether there are sex differences in the nicotinic currents in prefrontal layer VI neurons during development.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using whole cell recording in prefrontal brain slice, we examined the inward currents elicited by nicotinic stimulation in male and female rats and two strains of mice. We found a prominent sex difference in the currents during the first postnatal month when males had significantly greater nicotinic currents in layer VI neurons compared to females. These differences were apparent with three agonists: acetylcholine, carbachol, and nicotine. Furthermore, the developmental sex difference in nicotinic currents occurred despite male and female rodents displaying a similar pattern and proportion of layer VI neurons possessing a key nicotinic receptor subunit.

Conclusions/Significance

This is the first illustration at a cellular level that prefrontal attention circuitry is differently affected by nicotinic receptor stimulation in males and females during development. This transient sex difference may help to define the cellular and circuit mechanisms that underlie vulnerability to attention deficit disorder.

Developmental aspects of the cholinergic system

Beyond its importance in sustaining or modulating different aspects of the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), the cholinergic system plays important roles during development. In the current review, we focus on the developmental aspects associated with major components of the cholinergic system: Acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, high-affinity choline transporter, acetylcholinesterase, nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. We describe when and where each one of these components is first identified in the CNS and the changes in their levels that occur during the course of prenatal and postnatal development. We also describe how these components are relevant to many events that occur during the development of the CNS, including progenitor cells proliferation and differentiation, neurogenesis, gliogenesis, neuronal maturation and plasticity, axonal pathfinding, regulation of gene expression and cell survival. It will be noticed that evidence regarding the developmental aspects of the cholinergic system comes mostly from studies that used agonists, such as nicotine, and antagonists, such as hemicholinium-3. Studies using immunohistochemistry and genetically altered mice also provided valuable information.

Early exposure to nicotine during critical periods of brain development: Mechanisms and consequences

Tobacco use during pregnancy continues to be a major problem with more than 16% of pregnant women in the United States continuing to smoke during pregnancy. Tobacco smoke is known to contain more than 4,000 different chemicals, and while many of these compounds have the potential to interfere with proper neurodevelopment, there is direct evidence that nicotine, the major psychoactive substance present in tobacco, acts as a neuroteratogen. Nicotine activates, and subsequently desensitizes, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes (AChRs), which are expressed in the developing central nervous system (CNS) prior to the in-growth of cholinergic neurons. Nicotinic AChRs are present by the first trimester of development in both humans and rodents, and activation of these receptors by acetylcholine is thought to play a critical role in CNS development. The purpose of the current review is to provide an overview of the role that nicotinic AChRs play in the developing CNS and to describe the effects of nicotine exposure during early development on neuronal cell biology, nicotinic AChR expression and neurotransmitter system (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) function. In particular, differences that occur as a result of the timing and duration of nicotine exposure will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on preclinical studies examining particular periods of time which correspond to periods of prenatal development in humans (i.e., first, second and third trimesters). Finally, the effects of early nicotine exposure on neurobehavioral development as it pertains to specific disorders, i.e., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and addiction, will be discussed.

Cellular distribution of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha7 subunit in rat hippocampus

The hippocampus is a region of the mammalian brain that has been extensively studied due to its role in many forms of memory. To better understand hippocampal function, significant attention has focused upon the cellular distribution of ligand-gated ion channels. Despite strong cholinergic innervation from the basal forebrain and a dense expression of nicotinic acetylchoine receptors (nAChRs), the cellular distribution of subunits forming these receptors has received little attention. We used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) to study native alpha7 subunits, which, unlike other nAChR subunits, form a homomeric receptor. Cell-surface biotinylation, cross-linking of surface proteins, and sub-cellular fractionation all revealed a very limited presence of the subunit at the plasma membrane. In contrast, subunits of other receptors displayed significant surface expression. Notably, subunits in adult hippocampal tissue were distributed in a fashion similar to that observed in OHSCs. To monitor alpha7 subunits contained in functional nAChRs, a colourimetric assay using alpha-bungarotoxin (a specific alpha7 nAChR antagonist) was developed, and revealed a majority of binding at the cell surface. To change alpha7 subunit distribution, OHSCs were treated with compounds known to affect other ionotropic receptors-insulin, genistein, and elevated external K(+); however, neither subunit surface expression nor antagonist binding was affected. Our data reveal that hippocampal neurons possess a large internal population of alpha7 subunits under basal conditions, which persists during stimuli affecting tyrosine phosphorylation or neuronal activity. The nature of the internal pool of alpha7 subunits remains to be determined, but should have important implications for hippocampal activity.

Nicotine activates and up-regulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in bronchial epithelial cells

Prenatal nicotine exposure impairs normal lung development and leads to diminished pulmonary function after birth. Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated that nicotine alters lung development by affecting a nonneuronal cholinergic autocrine loop that is expressed in lung. Bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) express choline acetyltransferase, the choline high-affinity transporter and nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor (nAChR) subunits. We now demonstrate through a combination of morphological and electrophysiological techniques that nicotine affects this autocrine loop by up-regulating and activating cholinergic signaling. RT-PCR showed the expression of alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 7, alpha 9, alpha 10, beta2, and beta 4 nAChR mRNAs in rhesus monkey lung and cultured BECs. The expression of alpha 7, alpha 4, and beta2 nAChR was confirmed by immunofluorescence in the cultured BECs and lung. The electrophysiological characteristics of nAChR in BECs were determined using whole-cell patch-clamp on cultured BECs. Both ACh and nicotine evoked an inward current, with a rapid desensitizing current. Nicotine induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC(50) of 26.7 microM. Nicotine-induced currents were reversibly blocked by the nicotinic antagonists, mecamylamine, dihydro-beta-erythroidine, and methyllcaconitine. Incubation of BECs with 1 microM nicotine for 48 hours enhanced nicotine-induced currents by roughly 26%. The protein tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitor, genistein, increased nicotine-induced currents by 58% and enhanced methyllcaconitine-sensitive currents (alpha 7 nAChR activities) 2.3-fold, whereas the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, pervanadate, decreased the effects of nicotine. These results demonstrate that chronic nicotine exposure up-regulates nAChR activity in developing lung, and that nAChR activity can be further modified by tyrosine phosphorylation.

Postnatal development of the cholinergic innervation in the dorsal hippocampus of rat: Quantitative light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical study

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunocytochemistry was used to examine the distribution and ultrastructural features of the acetylcholine (ACh) innervation in the dorsal hippocampus of postnatal rat. The length of ChAT-immunostained axons was measured and the number of ChAT-immunostained varicosities counted, in each layer of CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus, at postnatal ages P8, P16, and P32. At P8, an elaborate network of varicose ChAT-immunostained axons was already visible. At P16, the laminar distribution of this network resembled that in the adult, but adult densities were reached only by P32. Between P8 and P32, the mean densities for the three regions increased from 8.4 to 14 meters of axons and 2.3 to 5.7 million varicosities per cubic millimeter of tissue. At the three postnatal ages, the ultrastructural features of ChAT-immunostained axon varicosities from the strata pyramidale and radiatum of CA1 were similar between layers and comparable to those in adult, except for an increasing frequency of mitochondria (up to 41% at P32). The proportion of these profiles displaying a synaptic junction was equally low at all ages, indicating an average synaptic incidence of 7% for whole varicosities, as previously found in adult. The observed junctions were small, usually symmetrical, and made mostly with dendritic branches. These results demonstrate the precocious and rapid maturation of the hippocampal cholinergic innervation and reveal its largely asynaptic nature as soon as it is formed. They emphasize the remarkable growth capacities of individual ACh neurons and substantiate a role for diffuse transmission by ACh during hippocampal development.

Age-dependent changes in the functional expression of two nicotinic receptor subtypes in CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons in the rat hippocampus

Protein density measurements and mRNA analysis have provided valuable information on age-dependent changes in the distribution of different nicotinic receptor (nAChR) subtypes in various areas of the rat brain, including the hippocampus. However, very little is known regarding the functional expression of nAChRs in individual neuron types at various ages. Likewise, there is paucity of information regarding the functional and pharmacological profile of nAChRs in the mature rat hippocampus. To address these issues, we used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to record nicotinic responses from CA1 stratum radiatum (SR) interneurons in hippocampal slices from rat pups (5-19 days old) and adult rats (2-5 months old). As previously observed in the hippocampus of rat pups, CA1 SR interneurons in the hippocampus of adult rats responded to choline (10mM, 12s) with whole-cell currents that decayed to the baseline within the agonist pulse, were sensitive to inhibition by methyllycaconitine (10nM) or alpha-bungarotoxin (50 nM), and were, therefore, mediated by alpha7*(1)[1] nAChRs. Likewise, as previously observed in the hippocampus of young rats, in the adult rat hippocampus excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded from SR interneurons in response to a pulse of ACh (0.1 mM, 12s) applied in the presence of the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline. ACh-triggered EPSCs were inhibited by mecamylamine (1 microM) or choline (1 mM) and were, therefore, likely to have resulted from activation of alpha3beta4beta2* nAChR. The magnitude of alpha7* nAChR-mediated responses increased with the age of the animals. In contrast, the magnitude of alpha3beta4beta2* nAChR-mediated responses was highest at the second postnatal week. The distinct age dependency of functional expression of alpha7* and alpha3beta4beta2* nAChRs strongly suggests that the excitability of CA1 SR interneurons is differentially regulated by the nicotinic cholinergic system in the hippocampus of rat pups and adult rats.

Comparative developmental neurotoxicity of organophosphates in vivo: transcriptional responses of pathways for brain cell development, cell signaling, cytotoxicity and neurotransmitter systems

Organophosphates affect mammalian brain development through a variety of mechanisms beyond their shared property of cholinesterase inhibition. We used microarrays to characterize similarities and differences in transcriptional responses to chlorpyrifos and diazinon, assessing defined gene groupings for the pathways known to be associated with the mechanisms and/or outcomes of chlorpyrifos-induced developmental neurotoxicity. We exposed neonatal rats to daily doses of chlorpyrifos (1mg/kg) or diazinon (1 or 2mg/kg) on postnatal days 1-4 and evaluated gene expression profiles in brainstem and forebrain on day 5; these doses produce little or no cholinesterase inhibition. We evaluated pathways for general neural cell development, cell signaling, cytotoxicity and neurotransmitter systems, and identified significant differences for >60% of 252 genes. Chlorpyrifos elicited major transcriptional changes in genes involved in neural cell growth, development of glia and myelin, transcriptional factors involved in neural cell differentiation, cAMP-related cell signaling, apoptosis, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and development of neurotransmitter synthesis, storage and receptors for acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Diazinon had similar effects on many of the same processes but also showed major differences from chlorpyrifos. Our results buttress the idea that different organophosphates target multiple pathways involved in neural cell development but also that they deviate in key aspects that may contribute to disparate neurodevelopmental outcomes. Equally important, these pathways are compromised at exposures that are unrelated to biologically significant cholinesterase inhibition and its associated signs of systemic toxicity. The approach used here demonstrates how planned comparisons with microarrays can be used to screen for developmental neurotoxicity.

Postnatal upregulation of alpha4 and alpha3 nicotinic receptor subunits in the brain of alpha7 nicotinic receptor-deficient mice

The nicotinic receptor subtypes are important for several physiological functions in brain and may therefore play a critical role in brain development. The alpha7 nicotinic receptors which have high Ca2+ permeability are important for cognitive, neuroprotective and trophic functions. In this study, the brain development and the expression of alpha4, alpha3, alpha7, alpha5 and beta2 nicotinic receptors were investigated in the brains of alpha7 deficient (alpha7 -/-), alpha7 heterozygous null (alpha7 +/-) and alpha7 wild-type (alpha7 +/+) mice from postnatal days (P) 7-84. The specific binding of [3H] cytisine and [3H] epibatidine, as well as the expressions of alpha4 and alpha3 nicotinic receptor subunits at mRNA and protein levels, were significantly increased in the cortex and hippocampus of alpha7 -/- and alpha7 +/- mice compared with alpha7 +/+ mice. Furthermore, the alpha4 and alpha3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits appeared to co-assemble with the alpha5 nAChR subunit in these above brain regions of these mice. No significant change in synaptophysin level was observed. These data suggest that increased levels of alpha4, alpha3-containing nAChRs, co-assembled with the alpha5 nAChR subunit, may contribute to the normal brain development of alpha7 -/- and alpha7 +/- mice.

Nicotinic modulation of network and synaptic transmission in the immature hippocampus investigated with genetically modified mice

The hippocampus, a key structure in learning and memory processes, receives a powerful cholinergic innervation from the septum and contains nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Early in postnatal development, activation of nAChRs by nicotine or endogenous acetylcholine contributes to enhance synaptic signalling. Here, the patch-clamp technique was used to assess the contribution of alpha7 and beta2-containing (alpha7* and beta2*) nAChRs to nicotine-elicited modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic activity at the network and single-cell level in the immature hippocampus of wild-type (WT), alpha7-/- and beta2-/- mice. We found that alpha7* and beta2* nAChRs were sufficient to modulate nicotine-induced increase in frequency of spontaneously occurring giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs), which are generated at the network level by the synergistic action of glutamate and depolarizing GABA, and thought to play a crucial role in neuronal wiring. However, alpha7* but not beta2* receptors were essential in nicotine-induced increase of interictal discharge frequency recorded after postnatal day 3 in the presence of bicuculline, when GABA shifted from the depolarizing to the hyperpolarizing direction. To correlate these observations with nicotine-elicited changes in synaptic transmission, we recorded spontaneous GABAergic and glutamatergic postsynaptic currents in pyramidal cells and interneurons localized in stratum oriens, stratum pyramidale and stratum radiatum, in slices obtained from WT and knock-out animals. We found that early in postnatal life alpha7* and beta2* nAChRs exert a fine regional modulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission that underlies nicotine-elicited changes in network synchronization.

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors targeted by cholinergic developmental neurotoxicants: nicotine and chlorpyrifos

Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a role in axonogenesis, synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and are therefore potential targets for developmental neurotoxicants. We administered nicotine to neonatal rats during discrete periods spanning the onset and peak of axonogenesis/synaptogenesis, focusing on three brain regions with disparate distributions of cell bodies and neural projections: brainstem, forebrain and cerebellum. Nicotine treatment on postnatal days (PN) 1-4 had little or no effect on alpha7 nAChRs but treatment during the second (PN11-14) or third (PN21-24) weeks elicited significant decrements in receptor expression in brainstem and cerebellum, regions containing cell bodies that project to the forebrain. Exposure to chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxicant pesticide that acts partially through cholinergic mechanisms, also elicited deficits in alpha7 nAChRs during the second postnatal week but not the first week. For both nicotine and chlorpyrifos, the effects on alpha7 nAChRs were distinct from those on the alpha4beta2 subtype. Continuous prenatal nicotine exposure, which elicits subsequent, postnatal deficits in axonogenesis and synaptogenesis, also produced delayed-onset changes in alpha7 nAChRs, characterized by reductions in the forebrain and upregulation in the brainstem and cerebellum, a pattern consistent with impaired axonogenesis/synaptogenesis and reactive sprouting. Males were more sensitive to the persistent effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on alpha7 nAChRs, a pattern that mimics neurobehavioral deficits resulting from this treatment. The present findings reinforce the mechanistic involvement of alpha7 nAChRs in the actions of developmental neurotoxicants, and its biomarker potential for neuroteratogens that target neuritic outgrowth.

Neuronal nicotinic receptors: from structure to pathology

Neuronal nicotinic receptors (NAChRs) form a heterogeneous family of ion channels that are differently expressed in many regions of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system. These different receptor subtypes, which have characteristic pharmacological and biophysical properties, have a pentameric structure consisting of the homomeric or heteromeric combination of 12 different subunits (alpha2-alpha10, beta2-beta4). By responding to the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine, NAChRs contribute to a wide range of brain activities and influence a number of physiological functions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident that the perturbation of cholinergic nicotinic neurotransmission can lead to various diseases involving nAChR dysfunction during development, adulthood and ageing. In recent years, it has been discovered that NAChRs are present in a number of non-neuronal cells where they play a significant functional role and are the pathogenetic targets in several diseases. NAChRs are also the target of natural ligands and toxins including nicotine (Nic), the most widespread drug of abuse. This review will attempt to survey the major achievements reached in the study of the structure and function of NAChRs by examining their regional and cellular localisation and the molecular basis of their functional diversity mainly in pharmacological and biochemical terms. The recent availability of mice with the genetic ablation of single or double nicotinic subunits or point mutations have shed light on the role of nAChRs in major physiological functions, and we will here discuss recent data relating to their behavioural phenotypes. Finally, the role of NAChRs in disease will be considered in some details.

Alpha7 but not alpha4 AChR subunit expression is regulated by light in developing primary visual cortex

In the present paper we analyzed the expression pattern of the alpha4 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits in the rat visual cortex through postnatal development, to clarify whether their expression is developmentally regulated and whether eventual developmental changes are regulated by visual experience. We found that both alpha4 and alpha7 mRNA levels accumulate from postnatal day 12 (P12) before eye opening, to around P35. The immunohistochemical results indicated that both subunits are expressed throughout all cortical laminae, except layer I. Alpha4 subunit immunohistochemistry revealed significant increments in the number of positive cells in layers V and VI after eye opening. In the case of the alpha7 subunit, the number of immunoreactive cells increased in all cortical layers soon after eye opening, except in layer VI, matching the results found at the transcriptional level. In animals reared in darkness from P9 to P22, the relative amount of the alpha4 mRNA and the number of immunoreactive cells exhibited no changes. 3H-epibatidine binding experiments showed that the number of heteromeric nAChR subunits in dark-reared rats did not change with respect to age-matched controls, thus confirming the immunohistochemical results. The mRNA of the alpha7 subunit remained stable in dark-reared rats, whereas the number and distribution of immunoreactive cells changed. Moreover, the number of 125I alphabungarotoxin-binding nAChRs was significantly increased in dark-reared animals. These results indicate that visual cortex stimulation by visual input is an essential step for alpha7 nAChR normal expression, suggesting a possible role for these receptors in an experience-dependent fashion on the maturation of this cortical area.

Distribution and postnatal development of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the rodent lower auditory brainstem

The distribution and quantity of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) were mapped in the nuclei of the superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, and inferior colliculus in the developing and mature rat brain. Radioactive in situ hybridization and (125)I-alpha-bungarotoxin receptor binding were used to measure alpha 7 transcript and membrane-bound protein, respectively. The highest transcript and protein levels were found in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and paraolivary nucleus. More moderate levels of transcript and protein were measured in the ventral, intermediate, and dorsal nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, lateral and medial ventral posterior olivary nuclei, rostral periolivary region, lateral periolivary nucleus, caudal periolivary region, ventral and dorsal trapezoid nuclei, medial superior olive, and the lateral superior olive. Peak receptor expression generally occurred before the onset of hearing. The significant overlap of transcript and protein in these regions suggests that the alpha 7 nAChR is predominantly localized postynaptically on somata or proximal dendrites. In a separate experiment, alpha 7 transcript was quantified in the superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, and inferior colliculus of +/+ and null mutant (-/-) mice for the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene. The distribution and quantity of alpha 7 nAChR were not different in +/+ and -/- mice, suggesting that AChE may not induce or regulate alpha 7 transcription during the early postnatal period.

Development of the alpha7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor in rat hippocampal formation

The alpha7 nicotinic receptor has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of developmental processes. The goal of the present study was to assess whether the alpha7 receptor might participate in the regulation of hippocampal ontogeny by describing the spatiotemporal development of alpha7 mRNA and alpha-bungarotoxin binding in rat hippocampal formation. Message for the alpha7 receptor was initially observed in the hippocampal neuroepithelium at embryonic day 13 and in the anlage of the hippocampal formation on embryonic day 14. Binding of alpha-bungarotoxin was initially seen on embryonic day 15 in the dorsal portion of the anlage of stratum oriens and stratum radiatum-lacunosum moleculare, but was never observed in the neuroepithelium. Dramatic elevations in both alpha7 mRNA and alpha-bungarotoxin binding were observed in most regions of the hippocampal formation neonatally. The levels of both alpha7 message and protein gradually decreased during the first three postnatal weeks to adult levels in most regions. The lack of alpha-bungarotoxin binding in the neuroepithelium suggests that the alpha7 receptor does not influence neurogenesis. The early appearance and complex, prolonged pattern of development of the alpha7 receptor suggest that it may influence processes as diverse as cell migration, dendritic elaboration and apoptosis during hippocampal maturation.

Muscarinic and nicotinic presynaptic modulation of EPSCs in the nucleus accumbens during postnatal development

We have studied the modulatory effects of cholinergic agonists on excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in nucleus accumbens (nAcb) neurons during postnatal development. Recordings were obtained in slices from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P27 rats using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. EPSCs were evoked by local electrical stimulation, and all experiments were conducted in the presence of bicuculline methchloride in the bathing medium and with QX-314 in the recording pipette. Under these conditions, postsynaptic currents consisted of glutamatergic EPSCs typically consisting of two components mediated by AMPA/kainate (KA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The addition of acetylcholine (ACh) or carbachol (CCh) to the superfusing medium resulted in a decrease of 30-60% of both AMPA/KA- and NMDA-mediated EPSCs. In contrast, ACh produced an increase ( approximately 35%) in both AMPA/KA and NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs when administered in the presence of the muscarinic antagonist atropine. These excitatory effects were mimicked by the nicotinic receptor agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium iodide (DMPP) and blocked by the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine, showing the presence of a cholinergic modulation mediated by nicotinic receptors in the nAcb. The antagonistic effects of atropine were mimicked by pirenzepine, suggesting that the muscarinic depression of the EPSCs was mediated by M(1)/M(4) receptors. In addition, the inhibitory effects of ACh on NMDA but not on AMPA/KA receptor-mediated EPSC significantly increased during the first two postnatal weeks. We found that, under our experimental conditions, cholinergic agonists produced no changes on membrane holding currents, on the decay time of the AMPA/KA EPSC, or on responses evoked by exogenous application of glutamate in the presence of tetrodotoxin, but they produced significant changes in paired pulse ratio, suggesting that their action was mediated by presynaptic mechanisms. In contrast, CCh produced consistent changes in the membrane and firing properties of medium spiny (MS) neurons when QX-314 was omitted from the recording pipette solution, suggesting that this substance actually blocked postsynaptic cholinergic modulation. Together, these results suggest that ACh can decrease or increase glutamatergic neurotransmission in the nAcb by, respectively, acting on muscarinic and nicotinic receptors located on excitatory terminals. The cholinergic modulation of AMPA/KA and NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the nAcb during postnatal development could play an important role in activity-dependent developmental processes in refining the excitatory drive on MS neurons by gating specific inputs.

Nicotinic receptors regulate the release of glycine onto lamina X neurones of the rat spinal cord

Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed on neurones in the lamina X of rat spinal cord slices in order to characterize glycinergic synaptic currents and their modulation by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In the presence of TTX, bicuculline and kynurenic acid, glycine-induced currents and miniature glycinergic postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) were recorded. These currents reversed near the chloride ion equilibrium potential and were blocked by strychnine (1 microM). A selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium (DMPP), increased the frequency of glycinergic mIPSCs without altering significantly their amplitude distributions or their kinetic properties. The effects of DMPP were mimicked by different nAChRs agonists with the following apparent order of potency: ACh > DMPP > nicotine > cytisine. The effect of DMPP on mIPSCs was blocked by both d-tubocurarine and hexamethonium, and was reduced by dihydro-beta-erythroidine and methyllycaconitine (MLA), antagonists of non alpha7- and alpha7-containing nAChRs, respectively. In the absence of TTX, strychnine-sensitive glycinergic electrically evoked postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) could be recorded. DMPP blocked the appearance of electrically evoked IPSCs while still inducing the appearance of spontaneous glycine IPSCs. These data demonstrate that neurones surrounding the central canal of the spinal cord present a glycinergic synaptic transmission which is modulated by terminal nAChRs.

Fast synaptic transmission mediated by alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in lamina X neurones of neonatal rat spinal cord

Using patch clamp recordings on neonatal rat spinal cord slices, we have looked for the presence of alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) on sympathetic preganglionic neurones (SPNs) surrounding the central canal of the spinal cord (lamina X) and examined whether they were implicated in a fast cholinergic synaptic transmission. SPNs were identified either by their morphology using biocytin in the recording electrode and/or by antidromic stimulation of the ventral rootlets. The selective alpha7-containing nAChR (alpha7*nAChR) agonist choline (10 mM) induced a fast, rapidly desensitizing inward current, which was fully blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BgT; 50 nM) and strychnine (1 microM), two antagonists of alpha7*nAChRs. The I-V relationship of the choline-induced current showed a strong inward-going rectification. Electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) could be recorded. At -60 mV, eEPSCs peaked at -26.2 pA and decayed monoexponentially with a mean time constant of 8.5 ms. The current-voltage relationship for eEPSCs exhibited a strong inward rectification and a reversal potential close to 0 mV, compatible with a non-selective cationic current. The appearance of eEPSCs was entirely suppressed by the application of 100 microM ACh or nicotine. Choline (10 mM) and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP; 100 microM) both reduced the amplitude of eEPSCs, whereas cytisine (100 microM) had no effect. Strychnine (1 microM) and alpha-BgT (50 nM) both suppressed the eEPSCs. Blocking the P2X purinergic and 5-HT(3) receptors had no effect on eEPSCs. DMPP induced four types of current, which differed in their onset and desensitization rate. The most frequently encountered responses were insensitive to the action of strychnine and alpha-BgT, and were reproduced by ACh and nicotine but not by cytisine. We conclude that SPNs of the lamina X express several classes of nAChRs and in particular alpha-BgT-sensitive nAChRs. This is the first demonstration in a mammalian spinal cord preparation of a fast cholinergic neurotransmission in which alpha-BgT-sensitive nicotinic receptors are involved.

Lasting effects of adolescent nicotine exposure on the electroencephalogram, event related potentials, and locomotor activity in the rat

Tobacco smoking initiated during adolescence is often associated with rapid onset of dependence and difficulty in maintaining abstinence. Animal models have demonstrated that adolescent nicotine exposure causes cell death and altered neurochemistry in the cortex and hippocampus; however, little is known about the neurophysiological consequences of adolescent nicotine exposure in the adult. The primary objective of this study was to assess the consequences of adolescent nicotine exposure on the adult electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered nicotine (5.0 mg/kg per day) for 5 days between postnatal days 35 and 40 using transdermal nicotine patches. Following 6-7 weeks of nicotine withdrawal, EEG activity and event related potentials were assessed. Motor activity and sucrose preference were also examined during the nicotine withdrawal period. Additionally, a set of rats was exposed to multiple doses of nicotine for a single day to assess nicotine and cotinine blood levels. Transdermal nicotine produced nicotine (88+/-21.5 ng/ml) and cotinine (647.6+/-123.2 ng/ml) levels comparable to those previously reported. Reduced motor activity, decreased 1-4 Hz power in the cortical electroencephalogram, and increased cortical N1 amplitude were observed in nicotine-exposed rats compared to controls. These data demonstrate that transdermal nicotine patches provide an effective and non-invasive nicotine delivery system for the adolescent rat. The combined neurophysiological and locomotor activity changes observed in nicotine-exposed rats demonstrate that adolescent nicotine exposure has lasting neurobehavioral consequences. These changes may be indicative of a lasting 'nicotine abstinence syndrome' characterized by increased arousal, anxiety, or emotionality.

Prenatal nicotine exposure is associated with an increase in [125I]epibatidine binding in discrete cortical regions in rats

Previously, it was reported that hyperactive male offspring of dams exposed to nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) during gestation had an increase in cortical alpha4-beta2 nicotinic receptor subtype density as determined by [3H]cytisine binding in tissue homogenate [Tizabi Y, Popke EJ, Rahman MA, Nespor SM, Grunberg NE. Hyperactivity induced by prenatal nicotine exposure is associated with an increase in cortical nicotinic receptors. Pharmacol, Biochem Behav 1997;58:141-6]. [125I]Epibatidine labels alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors with higher affinity than [3H]cytisine. In the present study, using quantitative autoradiography, we evaluated the effects of in-utero exposure to nicotine (9 mg/kg/day) on [125I]epibatidine binding in 46 discrete brain regions of 36-day-old male offspring of Sprague-Dawley rats. This dosage of nicotine administered during pregnancy to same rats was shown to result in increased vertical activity in the male offspring [Tizabi Y, Russell LT, Nespor SM, Perry DC, Grunberg NE. Prenatal nicotine exposure: effects on locomotor activity and central [125I]alpha-BT binding in rats. Pharmacol, Biochem Behav (in press).]. Prenatal nicotine exposure resulted in increases in receptor densities of the somatosensory cortex (90%) and the visual cortex (107%) only. Moreover, these increases were restricted to cortical layer 1. Collectively, these results indicate that prenatal nicotine exposure affects specific nicotinic receptors in selective cortical regions of male offspring. These neurochemical effects may be responsible for some of the behavioral abnormalities seen in such offspring.

Prenatal nicotine exposure: effects on locomotor activity and central [125I]alpha-BT binding in rats

Maternal smoking during pregnancy or in utero exposure of the fetus to nicotine may result in learning difficulties and hyperactivity in the child. To elucidate possible involvement of the alpha(7) nicotinic receptor subtype in these behavioral impairments, pregnant dams were treated with nicotine (9 mg/kg/day) via osmotic minipumps throughout gestation. Male offspring were weaned at postnatal day 18, and were tested for locomotor activity at postnatal days 20-24. Pups were sacrificed on postnatal day 36-38 and 18 discrete brain areas were analyzed for [125I]alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BT) binding by quantitative autoradiography. Prenatal nicotine caused an elevation in locomotor activity (vertical movements) in offspring. [125I]alpha-BT binding was significantly reduced in the hippocampal CA1 region (29%), dentate gyrus (22%), and medial geniculate nucleus (29%). These findings suggest that some of the behavioral abnormalities induced by prenatal nicotine exposure may be due to a reduction of alpha(7) nicotinic receptors in discrete brain regions.

Epileptiform activity generated by endogenous acetylcholine during blockade of GABAergic inhibition in immature and adult rat hippocampus

We tested the effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor eserine (10 microM), an indicator of the activity of endogenous ACh, on the generation of epileptiform discharges during blockade of inhibitory GABA(A)-mediated potentials by bicuculline (10 microM), in the CA3 area of hippocampal slices from postnatal days 4-20 (P4-P20) immature and adult rats. Eserine provoked or significantly increased the frequency of spontaneous synchronous epileptiform discharges, in 6/22 (27%) P4-P10 slices, 34/35 P11-P20 slices and 18/18 adult slices, an epileptogenic effect. In immature slices, spontaneous discharges showed a stable frequency throughout perfusion with eserine, while in 5/11 adult slices an initial fast frequency was followed by a slower steady-state one. The cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh, 25 microM) provoked only transient or no spontaneous synchronous discharges in adult slices (n=8), thus suggesting that massive activation of cholinergic receptors may lead to suppression of epileptiform activity in adult brain. Stimulus-induced excitatory CA3 responses, were depressed by eserine in approximately half of 20 P4-P10, 45 P11-P20 and 11 adult slices. The depression consisted of a decrease in the amplitude, duration, and number of population spikes of the field potentials by about 30%, a minor neuroprotective effect, which did not change with maturation. The different developmental profiles of the epileptogenic and neuroprotective effects of endogenous ACh suggest that they are mediated by different mechanisms. These experiments demonstrate that, endogenous ACh is sufficient to induce epileptogenesis during a decrease or failure of GABAergic inhibition, in both >/=P10 immature and in adult hippocampus. We therefore suggest that clinical or behavioral conditions which raise the concentration of endogenous ACh may lower the threshold to seizures.