Expression of mRNA and functional alpha(1)-adrenoceptors that suppress the GIRK conductance in adult rat locus coeruleus neurons

Pharmacological screening of a new alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, mafedine, in zebrafish

Pharmacological agents acting at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors are widely used in physiology and neuroscience research. Mounting evidence of their potential utility in clinical and experimental psychopharmacology, necessitates new models and novel model organisms for their screening. Here, we characterize behavioral effects of mafedine (6-oxo-1-phenyl-2- (phenylamino)-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-sodium olate), a novel drug with alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonistic effects, in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) in the novel tank test of anxiety and activity. Following an acute 20-min exposure, mafedine at 60 mg/L produced a mild psychostimulant action with some anxiogenic-like effects. Repeated acute 20-min/day administration of mafedine for 7 consecutive days at 1, 5 and 10 mg/L had a similar action on fish behavior as an acute exposure to 60 mg/L. Since mafedine demonstrated robust behavioral effects in zebrafish - a sensitive vertebrate aquatic model, it is likely that it may modulate rodent and human behavior as well. Thus, further studies are needed to explore this possibility in detail, and whether it may foster clinical application of mafedine and related alpha-2 adrenergic agents.

Characterization of functional μ opioid receptor turnover in rat locus coeruleus: an electrophysiological and immunocytochemical study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Regulation of μ receptor dynamics such as its trafficking is a possible mechanism underlying opioid tolerance that contributes to inefficient recycling of opioid responses. We aimed to characterize the functional turnover of μ receptors in the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We measured opioid effect by single-unit extracellular recordings of LC neurons from rat brain slices. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to evaluate μ receptor trafficking.

KEY RESULTS

After near-complete, irreversible μ receptor inactivation with β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA), opioid effect spontaneously recovered in a rapid and efficacious manner. In contrast, α₂ -adrenoceptor-mediated effect hardly recovered after receptor inactivation with the irreversible antagonist EEDQ. When the recovery of opioid effect was tested after various inactivating time schedules, we found that the longer the β-FNA pre-exposure, the less efficient and slower the functional μ receptor turnover became. Interestingly, μ receptor turnover was slower when β-FNA challenge was repeated in the same cell, indicating constitutive μ receptor recycling by trafficking from a depletable pool. Double immunocytochemistry confirmed the constitutive nature of μ receptor trafficking from a cytoplasmic compartment. The μ receptor turnover was slowed down when LC neuron calcium- or firing-dependent processes were prevented or vesicular protein trafficking was blocked by a low temperature or transport inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Constitutive trafficking of μ receptors from a depletable intracellular pool (endosome) may account for its rapid and efficient functional turnover in the LC. A finely-tuned regulation of μ receptor trafficking and endosomes could explain neuroadaptive plasticity to opioids in the LC.

Antagonistic modulation of NPY/AgRP and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus by noradrenalin

In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) satiety signaling (anorexigenic) pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing and hunger signaling (orexigenic) agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are key components of the neuronal circuits that control food intake and energy homeostasis. Here, we assessed whether the catecholamine noradrenalin directly modulates the activity of these neurons in mice. Perforated patch clamp recordings showed that noradrenalin changes the activity of these functionally antagonistic neurons in opposite ways, increasing the activity of the orexigenic NPY/AgRP neurons and decreasing the activity of the anorexigenic POMC neurons. Cell type-specific transcriptomics and pharmacological experiments revealed that the opposing effect on these neurons is mediated by the activation of excitatory α_1A - and β- adrenergic receptors in NPY/AgRP neurons, while POMC neurons are inhibited via α_2A – adrenergic receptors. Thus, the coordinated differential modulation of the key hypothalamic neurons in control of energy homeostasis assigns noradrenalin an important role to promote feeding.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25770.001

μ-Opioid receptor activation and noradrenaline transport inhibition by tapentadol in rat single locus coeruleus neurons

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tapentadol is a novel analgesic that combines moderate μ-opioid receptor agonism and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition in a single molecule. Both mechanisms of action are involved in producing analgesia; however, the potency and efficacy of tapentadol in individual neurons has not been characterized.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K(+) (KIR 3.x) currents were made from rat locus coeruleus neurons in brain slices to investigate the potency and relative efficacy of tapentadol and compare its intrinsic activity with other clinically used opioids.

KEY RESULTS

Tapentadol showed agonist activity at μ receptors and was approximately six times less potent than morphine with respect to KIR 3.x current modulation. The intrinsic activity of tapentadol was lower than [Met]enkephalin, morphine and oxycodone, but higher than buprenorphine and pentazocine. Tapentadol inhibited the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) with potency similar to that at μ receptors. The interaction between these two mechanisms of action was additive in individual LC neurons.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Tapentadol displays similar potency for both µ receptor activation and NAT inhibition in functioning neurons. The intrinsic activity of tapentadol at the μ receptor lies between that of buprenorphine and oxycodone, potentially explaining the favourable profile of side effects, related to μ receptors.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.

Persistent α1-adrenergic receptor function in the nucleus locus coeruleus causes hyperexcitability in AD/HD model rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are widely used as a model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as their ADHD-like behaviors are restored by methylphenidate. However, a postnatal neural development in SHR is unknown. We performed whole cell patch clamp recordings from locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in neonatal [postnatal day (P) 3–5], juvenile (P21–28), and adult (P 49–56) SHR and age-matched Wistar rats to evaluate α1- and α2-adrenergic receptor (ARs) activities at each developmental period. LC neurons in neonatal Wistar rats and SHR showed no difference in resting membrane potential and spontaneous firing rate, while juvenile and adult SHR LC neurons showed depolarized resting membrane potential and faster spontaneous firing rate than in Wistar rats. Blockade of α1-AR activity by prazosin hyperpolarized the membrane and abolished spontaneous firings in all developmental periods in SHR LC neurons, but not in juvenile and adult Wistar rats. α1-AR stimulation by phenylephrine evoked an inward current in juvenile LC neurons in SHR, but not in juvenile Wistar rats. This phenylephrine-induced inward current was abolished by nonselective cation channel blockers. By contrast, α2-AR stimulation-induced outward currents in the presence of an α1-AR antagonist were equivalent in SHR and Wistar LC neurons. These data suggest that Wistar LC neurons lose α1-AR function during development, whereas α1-ARs remain functional in SHR LC neurons. Thus persistent intrinsic activity of α1-ARs may be a neural mechanism contributing to developmental disorders in juvenile SHRs.

Diverse roles of G-protein coupled receptors in the regulation of neurohypophyseal hormone secretion

The magnocellular neurones in the supraoptic nucleus project to the neural lobe and release vasopressin and oxytocin into the peripheral circulation, where they act on the kidney to promote fluid retention or stimulate smooth muscles in the vasculature, uterus and mammary glands to support blood pressure, promote parturition or induce milk let-down, respectively. Hormone release is regulated by complex afferent pathways carrying information about plasma osmolality, blood pressure and volume, cervical stretch, and suckling. These afferent pathways utilise a broad array of neurotransmitters and peptides that activate both ligand-gated ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The ligand-gated ion channels induce rapid changes in membrane potential resulting in the generation of action potentials, initiation of exocytosis and the release of hormone into the periphery. By contrast, the GPCRs activate a host of diverse signalling cascades that modulate action potential firing and regulate other cellular functions required to support hormone release (e.g. hormone synthesis, processing, packaging and trafficking). The diversity of these actions is critical for integration of the distinct regulatory signals into a response appropriate for maintaining homeostasis. This review describes several diverse roles of GPCRs in magnocellular neurones, focusing primarily on adrenergic, purinergic and peptidergic (neurokinin and angiotensin) receptors.

The role of the central noradrenergic system in behavioral inhibition

Although the central noradrenergic system has been shown to be involved in a number of behavioral and neurophysiological processes, the relation of these to its role in depressive illness has been difficult to define. The present review discusses the hypothesis that one of its chief functions that may be related to affective illness is the inhibition of behavioral activation, a prominent symptom of the disorder. This hypothesis is found to be consistent with most previous neuropsychopharmacological and immunohistochemical experiments on active behavior in rodents in a variety of experimental conditions using manipulation of neurotransmission at both locus coeruleus and forebrain adrenergic receptors. The findings support a mechanism in which high rates of noradrenergic neural activity suppress the neural activity of principal neurons in forebrain regions mediating active behavior. The suppression may be mediated through postsynaptic galaninergic and adrenergic receptors, and via the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone. The hypothesis is consistent with clinical evidence for central noradrenergic system hyperactivity in depressives and with the view that this hyperactivity is a contributing etiological factor in the disorder. A similar mechanism may underlie the ability of the noradrenergic system to suppress seizure activity suggesting that inhibition of the spread of neural activation may be a unifying function.

Marked behavioral activation from inhibitory stimulation of locus coeruleus alpha1-adrenoceptors by a full agonist

alpha(1)-Adrenoceptors are concentrated in the locus coeruleus (LC) where they appear to regulate various active behaviors but have been difficult to stimulate effectively. The present study examined the behavioral, pharmacological and neural effects of possible stimulation of these receptors with 6-fluoronorepinephrine (6FNE), the only known selective alpha-agonist that has full efficacy at all brain alpha-receptors. Infusion of this compound in the mouse LC was found to produce extreme activation of diverse motivated behaviors of exploration, wheel-running and operant approach responding in different environments consistent with a global behavioral function of the dorsal noradrenergic system. Infusion of selective antagonists of alpha(1)- (terazosin) or alpha(2)- (atipamezole) receptors or of either the partial alpha(1)-agonist, phenylephrine, or full alpha(2)-agonist, dexmedetomidine, indicated that the behavioral effects of 6FNE were due largely due to activation of LC alpha(1)-receptors consistent with the known greater density of alpha(1)- than alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors in the mouse nucleus. Immunohistochemistry of fos in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive LC neurons following IV ventricular infusions indicated that 6FNE markedly depressed whereas terazosin strongly enhanced the apparent functional activity of the nucleus. The changes in fos expression following 6FNE and terazosin were significantly greater than those following dexmedetomidine and atipamezole. It is hypothesized that the alpha(1)-receptors of the mouse LC are strongly activated by 6FNE and serve to potently inhibit its tonic or stress-induced activity which in turn disinhibits prepotent motivated behaviors.

Possible dopaminergic stimulation of locus coeruleus alpha1-adrenoceptors involved in behavioral activation

alpha(1)-Adrenoceptors of the locus coeruleus (LC) have been implicated in behavioral activation in novel surroundings, but the endogenous agonist that activates these receptors has not been established. In addition to the canonical activation of alpha(1)-receptors by norepinephrine (NE), there is evidence that dopamine (DA) may also activate certain brain alpha(1)-receptors. This study examined the contribution of DA to exploratory activity in a novel cage by determining the effect of infusion of various dopaminergic and adrenergic drugs into the mouse LC. It was found that the D2/D3 agonist, quinpirole, which selectively blocks the release of CNS DA, produced a dose-dependent and virtually complete abolition of exploration and all movement in the novel cage test. The quinpirole-induced inactivity was significantly attenuated by coinfusion of DA but not by the D1 agonist, SKF38390. Furthermore, the DA attenuation of quinpirole inactivity was blocked by coinfusion of the alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor antagonist, terazosin, but not by the D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390. LC infusions of either quinpirole or terazosin also produced profound inactivity in DA-beta-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-) mice that lack NE, indicating that their behavioral effects were not due to an alteration of the release or action of LC NE. Measurement of endogenous DA, NE, and 5HT and their metabolites in the LC during exposure to the novel cage indicated an increase in the turnover of DA and NE but not 5HT. These results indicate that DA is a candidate as an endogenous agonist for behaviorally activating LC alpha(1)-receptors and may play a role in the activation of this nucleus by novel surroundings.

Eph receptor and ephrin signaling in developing and adult brain of the honeybee (Apis mellifera)

Roles for Eph receptor tyrosine kinase and ephrin signaling in vertebrate brain development are well established. Their involvement in the modulation of mammalian synaptic structure and physiology is also emerging. However, less is known of their effects on brain development and their function in adult invertebrate nervous systems. Here, we report on the characterization of Eph receptor and ephrin orthologs in the honeybee, Apis mellifera (Am), and their role in learning and memory. In situ hybridization for mRNA expression showed a uniform distribution of expression of both genes across the developing pupal and adult brain. However, in situ labeling with Fc fusion proteins indicated that the AmEphR and Amephrin proteins were differentially localized to cell body regions in the mushroom bodies and the developing neuropiles of the antennal and optic lobes. In adults, AmEphR protein was localized to regions of synaptic contacts in optic lobes, in the glomeruli of antennal lobes, and in the medial lobe of the mushroom body. The latter two regions are involved in olfactory learning and memory in the honeybee. Injections of EphR-Fc and ephrin-Fc proteins into the brains of adult bees, 1 h before olfactory conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex, significantly reduced memory 24 h later. Experimental amnesia in the group injected with ephrin-Fc was apparent 1 h post-training. Experimental amnesia was also induced by post-training injections with ephrin-Fc suggesting a role in recall. This is the first demonstration that Eph molecules function to regulate the formation of memory in insects.

Role of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors of the locus coeruleus in self-stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle

The present experiments were undertaken to clarify the role of central alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in reward processes. Rats, trained to self-stimulate via electrodes in the medial forebrain bundle of the lateral hypothalamus, were administered alpha(1)-selective drugs near the locus coeruleus (LC), a site of a dense concentration of alpha(1)-receptors. Effects on reward potency were assessed from shifts in rate-frequency curves while effects on motor response capacity were judged from changes in the maximal rates of responding. It was found that local blockade of LC alpha(1)-receptors with terazosin produced a significant dose-dependent and site-dependent rightward shift of 0.08 log units and a significant decrease of 16.3% in the maximum response rate. Both effects were completely reversed by coadministration of the alpha(1)-agonist, phenylephrine and were not attributable to terazosin's weak action at alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. It is concluded that LC alpha(1)-adrenoceptors are involved both in reward/motivational processes and operant response elaboration which are postulated to work together to facilitate goal attainment.

Electrophysiological properties of catecholaminergic neurons in the norepinephrine-deficient mouse

To determine how norepinephrine affects the basic physiological properties of catecholaminergic neurons, brain slices containing the substantia nigra pars compacta and locus coeruleus were studied with cell-attached and whole-cell recordings in control and dopamine beta-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-) mice that lack norepinephrine. In the cell-attached configuration, the spontaneous firing rate and pattern of locus coeruleus neurons recorded from Dbh -/- mice were the same as the firing rate and pattern recorded from heterozygous littermates (Dbh +/-). During whole-cell recordings, synaptic stimulation produced an alpha-2 receptor-mediated outward current in the locus coeruleus of control mice that was absent in Dbh -/- mice. Normal alpha-2 mediated outward currents were restored in Dbh -/- slices after pre-incubation with norepinephrine. Locus coeruleus neurons also displayed similar changes in holding current in response to bath application of norepinephrine, UK 14304, and methionine-enkephalin. Dopamine neurons recorded in the substantia nigra pars compacta similarly showed no differences between slices harvested from Dbh -/- and control mice. These results indicate that endogenous norepinephrine is not necessary for the expression of catecholaminergic neuron firing properties or responses to direct agonists, but is necessary for auto-inhibition mediated by indirect alpha-2 receptor stimulation.

Control of Bioamine Metabolism by 5-HT2Band α1DAutoreceptors through Reactive Oxygen Species and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Signaling in Neuronal Cells

Homeostasis of the central nervous system relies on the proper integration of cell-signaling pathways recruited by a variety of neuronal and non-neuronal factors, with the aim of tightly controlling neurotransmitter metabolism, storage, and transport. We took advantage of the 1C11 neuroectodermal cell line, endowed with the capacity to selectively differentiate into serotonergic (1C11(5-HT)) or noradrenergic (1C11(NE)) neurons, to identify functional targets of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) and norepinephrine (NE) autoreceptors possibly involved in the control of neuronal functions. We demonstrate that 5-HT(2B) and adreno alpha(1D) receptors are coupled to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through NADPH oxidase activation in 1C11(5-HT) and 1C11(NE) neuronal cells, respectively. In the signaling cascade linking 5-HT(2B) receptors to NADPH oxidase, phospholipase A2-mediated arachidonic acid production is required for ROS synthesis. ROS, in turn, act as second message signals and control the activation of TACE (TNF-alpha converting enzyme), a member of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase family. 5-HT(2B) and alpha(1D) receptor stimulation triggers TACE-dependent TNF-alpha shedding in the surrounding milieu of 1C11(5-HT) and 1C11(NE) cells. In these cells, shed TNF-alpha triggers degradation of 5-HT and NE into 5-HIAA and MHPG, respectively. Finally, we observe that 5-HT(2B) and alpha(1D) receptor couplings to the NADPH oxidase-TACE cascade are strictly restricted to 1C11-derived progenies that have implemented a complete neuronal phenotype. Altogether, our data indicate that couplings of 5-HT(2B) and alpha(1D) autoreceptors to ROS and TNF-alpha signaling control neurotransmitter metabolism in 1C11-derived neuronal cells. Eventually, we might explain the origin of oxidative stress and high level of TNF-alpha in neurodegenerative diseases as a consequence of deviation of normal signaling pathways coupled to neurotransmitters.

Signal transduction and regulation: are all alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtypes created equal?

The current manuscript reviews the evidence whether and how subtypes of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors, i.e. alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptors, differentially couple to signal transduction pathways and exhibit differential susceptibility to regulation. In both regards studies in tissues or cells natively expressing the subtypes are hampered because the relative expression of the subtypes is poorly controlled and the observed effects may be cell-type specific. An alternative approach, i.e. transfection of multiple subtypes into the same host cell line overcomes this limitation, but it often remains unclear whether results in such artificial systems are representative for the physiological situation. The overall evidence suggests that indeed subtype-intrinsic and cell type-specific factors interact to direct alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor signaling and regulation. This may explain why so many apparently controversial findings have been reported from various tissues and cells. One of the few consistent themes is that alpha(1D)-adrenergic receptors signal less effectively upon agonist stimulation than the other subtypes, most likely because they exhibit spontaneous internalization.

Synaptic activation of transient receptor potential channels by metabotropic glutamate receptors in the lateral amygdala

Classical mammalian transient receptor potential channels form non-selective cation channels that open in response to activation of phospholipase C-coupled metabotropic receptors, and are thought to play a key role in calcium homeostasis in non-excitable cells. Within the nervous system transient receptor potential channels are widely distributed but their physiological roles are not well understood. Here we show that in the rat lateral amygdala transient receptor potential channels mediate an excitatory synaptic response to glutamate. Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors on pyramidal neurons in the lateral amygdala with either exogenous or synaptically released glutamate evokes an inward current at negative potentials with a current voltage relationship showing a region of negative slope and steep outward rectification. This current is blocked by inhibiting G protein function with GTP-beta-S, by inhibiting phospholipase C or by infusing transient receptor potential antibodies into lateral amygdala pyramidal neurons. Using RT-PCR and Western blotting we show that transient receptor potential 1, transient receptor potential 4 and transient receptor potential 5 are present in the lateral amygdala. Single cell PCR confirms the presence of transient receptor potential 1 and transient receptor potential 5 in pyramidal neurons and we show by co-immunoprecipitation that transient receptor potential 1 and transient receptor potential 5 co-assemble as a heteromultimers in the amygdala. These results show that in lateral amygdala pyramidal neurons synaptically released glutamate activates transient receptor potential channels, which we propose are likely to be heteromultimeric channels containing transient receptor potential 1 and transient receptor potential 5/transient receptor potential 4.

Functional role of alpha1-adrenoceptors in the locus coeruleus: A microdialysis study

The present study elucidates the role of alpha(1)-adrenoreceptors in the locus coeruleus (LC) using a dual-probe microdialysis in conscious rats. One probe sampled noradrenaline in the LC, whereas the second probe sampled noradrenaline in a main projection area, the prefrontal cortex (PFC). To investigate a possible tonic activation of LC neurons by alpha(1)-adrenoceptor, the alpha(1)-antagonist prazosin (10 microM) was infused into the LC. Extracellular noradrenaline in the LC decreased to about 50% of basal levels but no change of noradrenaline release was detected in the ipsilateral PFC. Next, the interaction between alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors was investigated. Local administration of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (100 microM) into the LC increased the noradrenaline release in the LC to about 400%, whereas noradrenaline release in the PFC rose to 150% of basal levels. A similar effect was seen when the specific alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor antagonist BRL 44408 (10 microM) was infused: extracellular noradrenaline in the LC and PFC increased to about 400 and 120% of the basal levels, respectively. When infusions of idazoxan (100 microM) or BRL 44408 (10 microM) into the LC were combined with prazosin (10 microM), the excitatory effects of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists on the release of noradrenaline were strongly suppressed in the LC as well as in the ipsilateral PFC. It is concluded that alpha(1)-adrenoreceptors are involved in the regulation of LC activity. Apparently, alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors have opposite roles in their function as autoreceptors on LC cells.

Evidence of roles of central alpha1-adrenoceptors and epinephrine in orexin A-induced hyperactivity in mice

Previous studies have shown that central alpha1-adrenoceptor activity is necessary, acutely, for gross behavioral activity in response to novel surroundings and various psychostimulants. The present experiment tested whether it is also necessary for the hyperactivity produced by the peptide, orexin A, which is present in several central monoaminergic nuclei. Mice, pretreated intraventricularly with the alpha1-antagonist, terazosin, or the alpha2-antagonist, atipamezole, were given orexin A, intraventricularly (i.v.t.), and videotaped for gross movement and locomotion in the home cage between 30 and 60 min post-infusion. The alpha1-antagonist was found to produce a significant dose-dependent decrease of orexin A-induced activity, which was first seen at the 3 nmol dose and was near total at 30 nmol. The alpha2-antagonist, at 10 nmol, had no effect on the orexin A response. Pharmacological inhibition of the synthesis of epinephrine, a potential neurotransmitter at central motoric alpha1-adrenoceptors, with 2,3-dichloro-alpha-methylbenzylamine also significantly attenuated orexin A-induced hyperactivity. It is concluded that central alpha1-adrenoceptor activity, presumably caused by epinephrine release, is necessary for the gross behavioral activation produced by orexin A.

Reactive oxygen species‐dependent TNF‐α converting enzyme activation through stimulation of 5‐HT2Band α1Dautoreceptors in neuronal cells

A major determinant of neuronal homeostasis is the proper integration of cell signaling pathways recruited by a variety of neuronal and non-neuronal factors. By taking advantage of a neuroectodermal cell line (1C11) endowed with the capacity to differentiate into serotonergic (1C115-HT) or noradrenergic (1C11NE) neurons, we identified serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)- and norepinephrine (NE)-dependent signaling cascades possibly involved in neuronal functions. First, we establish that 5-HT2B receptors and 1D adrenoceptors are functionally coupled to reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis through NADPH oxidase activation in 1C115-HT and 1C11NE cells. This observation constitutes the prime evidence that bioaminergic autoreceptors take part in the control of the cellular redox equilibrium in a neuronal context. Second, our data identify TACE (TNF- Converting Enzyme), a member of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family, as a downstream target of the 5-HT2B and 1D receptor-NADPH oxidase signaling pathways. Upon 5-HT2B or 1D receptor stimulation, ROS fully govern TNF- shedding in the surrounding milieu of 1C115-HT or 1C11NE cells. Third, 5-HT2B and 1Dreceptor couplings to the NADPH oxidase-TACE cascade are strictly restricted to 1C11-derived progenies that have implemented a complete serotonergic or noradrenergic phenotype. Overall, these observations suggest that 5-HT2B and 1D autoreceptors may play a role in the maintenance of neuron- and neurotransmitter-associated functions. Eventually, our study may have implications regarding the origin of oxidative stress as well as up-regulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines in neurodegenerative disorders, which may relate to the deviation of normal signaling pathways.

Rate-dependent behavioral effects of stimulation of central motoric alpha(1)-adrenoceptors: hypothesized relation to depolarization blockade

AIM

The purpose of this review is to clarify how central alpha(1)-adrenoceptors control behavioral activity under varying conditions of activity and stress.

METHOD

The literature is reviewed regarding the behavioral actions of alpha(1)-agonists and antagonists, and alpha(2)-agonists and antagonists under conditions of high and low baseline activity and stress.

RESULTS

It was found that alpha(1)-receptor stimulation of active behavior has a number of similarities to rate dependency including: (1) a dependence on low-active, low-stress conditions or on the prior depletion of endogenous brain catecholamines; (2) a nonmonotonic dose-response relationship with high doses producing a fall-off or actual depression of activity; (3) a failure to be blocked at high agonist doses by alpha(1)-antagonists; and (4) a facilitation by alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists which produce an opposing hyperpolarization.

DISCUSSION

To explain these findings, it is proposed that high levels of stimulation of central alpha(1)-receptors produce, in host neurons, a depolarization block that impedes nerve impulse generation and inhibits active behavior. This effect is assumed to be precluded or mitigated by low-active, low-stress conditions, depletion of brain catecholamines, and by hyperpolarizing alpha(2)-agonists, and to be reversed at high agonist doses by alpha(1)-antagonists.

CONCLUSION

Because brain alpha(1)-receptors are not only involved in motor activity but also in the mechanism of action of antidepressant and stimulant drugs, arousal, anxiety, stress and psychosis, a depolarization block from intense stimulation of these receptors could have broad psychopharmacological consequences and underlie rate dependency to a variety of stimulant drugs.

Comparative study of the effects of desipramine and reboxetine on locus coeruleus neurons in rat brain slices

Several studies have suggested that the locus coeruleus may play an important role in the pathophysiology of depression. The aim of this study was to characterize, using single-unit extracellular recordings, the in vitro effects of the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors desipramine and reboxetine, on locus coeruleus neurons from control rats and from those chronically treated with desipramine. Bath application of desipramine (1-100 microM) and reboxetine (0.1-10 microM) decreased the firing rate of locus coeruleus neurons in a concentration-dependent manner and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist RX 821002 (10 microM) reversed these effects. In addition, reserpine (5 mg/kg, 3 h before the experiment) almost completely blocked the inhibitory effect of desipramine. Both drugs (1 microM desipramine and 0.1 microM reboxetine) potentiated the inhibitory effect of noradrenaline (10 microM). A 7-day treatment with desipramine (3 mg/kg/12 h, i.p.) caused a decrease in sensitivity to the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist bromoxidine (EC(50) increased by 3.3-fold), but not to noradrenaline or reboxetine. In contrast, this treatment potentiated the inhibitory effect of desipramine with respect to control. Moreover, 14-day treatment with desipramine (3 mg/kg/12 h, i.p.) or reboxetine (10 mg/kg/12 h, i.p.) also potentiated the in vitro effect of desipramine without modifying the in vitro effect of reboxetine. These results show that desipramine and reboxetine modulate the activity of locus coeruleus neurons by noradrenaline acting on alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, and reveal that alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-independent mechanisms may also underlie the action of noradrenaline uptake inhibitors.

Role of locus coeruleus ?1-adrenoceptors in motor activity in rats

The question of whether or not the locus coeruleus (LC) participates in the control of motor activity has been controversial due to difficulties in demonstrating permanent motor deficits after neurotoxic lesions of this nucleus or of the dorsal noradrenergic bundle (DNB). In the present experiments it was shown in rats that acute local blockade (with terazosin) or stimulation (with phenylephrine) of LC alpha(1)-adrenoceptors respectively blocked or stimulated exploratory behavior in a novel cage and the home cage. Moreover, previous lesion of the DNB by i.p. DSP4 abolished the behavioral changes to local LC alpha(1)-receptor manipulation but did not affect motor activity in the novel or home cage by itself. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the intact LC does contribute to motor activity control, exerted in part by its alpha(1)-receptors; however, the permanent loss of this nucleus is compensated for by remaining CNS motor structures.

Different alpha(2) adrenoceptor subtypes control noradrenaline release and cell firing in the locus coeruleus of wildtype and monoamine oxidase-A knockout mice

In this study, we investigated which subtype(s) of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor control stimulated noradrenaline (NA) release and noradrenergic cell firing in the locus coeruleus (LC) of monoamine oxidase-A knockout (MAO-A KO) and C3H/HeJ wildtype mice. On short stimulus trains (10 pulses, 200 Hz), the alpha(2) agonist dexmedetomidine (10 nm) reduced NA efflux by 78 +/- 8% and 51 +/- 8% in wildtype and MAO-A KO mice, respectively. In both strains, BRL 44408 (100 nm) and ARC 239 (100 nm) each partially blocked the effect of dexmedetomidine. In MAO-A KO mice, BRL 44408 (100 nm) increased evoked NA efflux on short trains while ARC 239 (100 nm) had no effect. The two antagonists in combination increased NA efflux (by 81 +/- 34%, P < 0.001), significantly more than by BRL 44408 alone. Conversely, in wildtype mice, the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonists did not significantly increase LC NA efflux. On long stimuli (30 pulses, 10 Hz), NA efflux was increased by BRL 44408 (P < 0.001) but not by ARC 239. The effect of BRL 44408 was significantly greater in MAO-A KO than wildtype mice (208 +/- 43% vs. 113 +/- 31% increase, P < 0.001). When we examined noradrenergic cell firing, we found that dexmedetomidine inhibited LC cell firing in both strains with comparable EC(50) values (2-5 nm), although E(max) was significantly lower in MAO-A KO mice (P < 0.001). The agonist effect was antagonized by BRL 44408 (P < 0.001) in wildtype but not in MAO-A KO mice, with a pK(B) of 7.75. ARC 239 had no effect on the agonist response in either strain. A combination of the antagonists was no more effective than BRL 44408 alone (in wildtypes) and had no effect in MAO-A KO mice. Neither BRL 44408 nor ARC 239 affected basal LC cell firing in wildtype or MAO-A KO mice. Collectively, these results suggest that, analogous to other monoamine cell groups, there are differences in the autoreceptor populations controlling NA efflux and LC cell firing and that important differences exist between MAO-A KO and wildtype mice.