Co-expression of non-selective cation channels of the transient receptor potential canonical family in central aminergic neurones

Translational Approaches to Influence Sleep and Arousal

Sleep disorders are widespread in society and are prevalent in military personnel and in Veterans. Disturbances of sleep and arousal mechanisms are common in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and affective disorders, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and substance use disorders. Sleep disturbances exacerbate suicidal ideation, a major concern for Veterans and in the general population. These disturbances impair quality of life, affect interpersonal relationships, reduce work productivity, exacerbate clinical features of other disorders, and impair recovery. Thus, approaches to improve sleep and modulate arousal are needed. Basic science research on the brain circuitry controlling sleep and arousal led to the recent approval of new drugs targeting the orexin/hypocretin and histamine systems, complementing existing drugs which affect GABA_A receptors and monoaminergic systems. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to modulate sleep and arousal are safe and show potential but require further development to be widely applicable. Invasive viral vector and deep brain stimulation approaches are also in their infancy but may be used to modulate sleep and arousal in severe neurological and psychiatric conditions. Behavioral, pharmacological, non-invasive brain stimulation and cell-specific invasive approaches covered here suggest the potential to selectively influence arousal, sleep initiation, sleep maintenance or sleep-stage specific phenomena such as sleep spindles or slow wave activity. These manipulations can positively impact the treatment of a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders by promoting the restorative effects of sleep on memory consolidation, clearance of toxic metabolites, metabolism, and immune function and by decreasing hyperarousal.

Novel localizations of TRPC5 channels suggest novel and unexplored roles: A study in the chick embryo brain

Mammalian TRPC5 channels are predominantly expressed in the brain, where they increase intracellular Ca²⁺ and induce depolarization. Because they augment presynaptic vesicle release, cause persistent neural activity, and show constitutive activity, TRPC5s could play a functional role in late developmental brain events. We used immunohistochemistry to examine TRPC5 in the chick embryo brain between 8 and 20 days of incubation, and provide the first detailed description of their distribution in birds and in the whole brain of any animal species. Stained areas substantially increased between E8 and E16, and staining intensity in many areas peaked at E16, a time when chick brains first show organized patterns of whole-brain metabolic activation like what is seen consistently after hatching. Areas showing cell soma staining match areas showing Trpc5 mRNA or protein in adult rodents (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellar Purkinje cells). Chick embryos show protein staining in the optic tectum, cerebellar nuclei, and several brainstem nuclei; equivalent areas in the Allen Institute mouse maps express Trpc5 mRNA. The strongest cell soma staining was found in a dorsal hypothalamic area (matching a group of parvicellular arginine vasotocin neurons and a pallial amygdalohypothalamic cell corridor) and the vagal motor complex. Purkinje cells showed strong dendritic staining at E20. Unexpectedly, we also describe neurite staining in the septum, several hypothalamic nuclei, and a paramedian raphe area; the strongest neurite staining was in the median eminence. These novel localizations suggest new unexplored TRPC5 functions, and possible roles in late embryonic brain development.

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1): Potential application in mood disorders: A systematic review

There is a need for innovation with respect to therapeutics in psychiatry. Available evidence indicates that the trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonist SEP-363856 is promising, as it improves measures of cognitive and reward function in schizophrenia. Hedonic and cognitive impairments are transdiagnostic and constitute major burdens in mood disorders. Herein, we systematically review the behavioural and genetic literature documenting the role of TAAR1 in reward and cognitive function, and propose a mechanistic model of TAAR1's functions in the brain. Notably, TAAR1 activity confers antidepressant-like effects, enhances attention and response inhibition, and reduces compulsive reward seeking without impairing normal function. Further characterization of the responsible mechanisms suggests ion-homeostatic, metabolic, neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory enhancements in the limbic system. Multiple lines of evidence establish the viability of TAAR1 as a biological target for the treatment of mood disorders. Furthermore, the evidence suggests a role for TAAR1 in reward and cognitive function, which is attributed to a cascade of events that are relevant to the cellular integrity and function of the central nervous system.

Orexin Receptor Activation Generates Gamma Band Input to Cholinergic and Serotonergic Arousal System Neurons and Drives an Intrinsic Ca(2+)-Dependent Resonance in LDT and PPT Cholinergic Neurons

A hallmark of the waking state is a shift in EEG power to higher frequencies with epochs of synchronized intracortical gamma activity (30-60 Hz) - a process associated with high-level cognitive functions. The ascending arousal system, including cholinergic laterodorsal (LDT) and pedunculopontine (PPT) tegmental neurons and serotonergic dorsal raphe (DR) neurons, promotes this state. Recently, this system has been proposed as a gamma wave generator, in part, because some neurons produce high-threshold, Ca(2+)-dependent oscillations at gamma frequencies. However, it is not known whether arousal-related inputs to these neurons generate such oscillations, or whether such oscillations are ever transmitted to neuronal targets. Since key arousal input arises from hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) neurons, we investigated whether the unusually noisy, depolarizing orexin current could provide significant gamma input to cholinergic and serotonergic neurons, and whether such input could drive Ca(2+)-dependent oscillations. Whole-cell recordings in brain slices were obtained from mice expressing Cre-induced fluorescence in cholinergic LDT and PPT, and serotonergic DR neurons. After first quantifying reporter expression accuracy in cholinergic and serotonergic neurons, we found that the orexin current produced significant high frequency, including gamma, input to both cholinergic and serotonergic neurons. Then, by using a dynamic clamp, we found that adding a noisy orexin conductance to cholinergic neurons induced a Ca(2+)-dependent resonance that peaked in the theta and alpha frequency range (4-14 Hz) and extended up to 100 Hz. We propose that this orexin current noise and the Ca(2+) dependent resonance work synergistically to boost the encoding of high-frequency synaptic inputs into action potentials and to help ensure cholinergic neurons fire during EEG activation. This activity could reinforce thalamocortical states supporting arousal, REM sleep, and intracortical gamma.

Involvement of histaminergic inputs in the jaw-closing reflex arc

Histamine receptors are densely expressed in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MesV) and trigeminal motor nucleus. However, little is known about the functional roles of neuronal histamine in controlling oral-motor activity. Thus, using the whole-cell recording technique in brainstem slice preparations from Wistar rats aged between postnatal days 7 and 13, we investigated the effects of histamine on the MesV neurons innervating the masseter muscle spindles and masseter motoneurons (MMNs) that form a reflex arc for the jaw-closing reflex. Bath application of histamine (100 μM) induced membrane depolarization in both MesV neurons and MMNs in the presence of tetrodotoxin, whereas histamine decreased and increased the input resistance in MesV neurons and MMNs, respectively. The effects of histamine on MesV neurons and MMNs were mimicked by an H1 receptor agonist, 2-pyridylethylamine (100 μM). The effects of an H2 receptor agonist, dimaprit (100 μM), on MesV neurons were inconsistent, whereas MMNs were depolarized without changes in the input resistance. An H3 receptor agonist, immethridine (100 μM), also depolarized both MesV neurons and MMNs without changing the input resistance. Histamine reduced the peak amplitude of postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in MMNs evoked by stimulation of the trigeminal motor nerve (5N), which was mimicked by 2-pyridylethylamine but not by dimaprit or immethridine. Moreover, 2-pyridylethylamine increased the failure rate of PSCs evoked by minimal stimulation and the paired-pulse ratio. These results suggest that histaminergic inputs to MesV neurons through H1 receptors are involved in the suppression of the jaw-closing reflex although histamine depolarizes MesV neurons and/or MMNs.

TRP channels in reproductive (neuro)endocrinology

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels have been detected in neurons that are part of the neural network controlling reproductive physiology and behavior. In this chapter we will primarily take a look at the classical/canonical TRP (TRPC) channels but will also examine some other members of the TRP channel superfamily in reproductive (neuro)endocrinology. The referenced data suggest that different TRP proteins could play functional roles at different levels of the reproductive pathway. Still, our understanding of TRP channel involvement in (neuro)endocrinology is quite limited. Due to their mechanism of activation and complex regulation, these channels are however ideally suited to be part of the transduction machinery of hormone-secreting cells.

TRPC4- and TRPC4-containing channels

TRPC4 proteins comprise six transmembrane domains, a putative pore-forming region, and an intracellularly located amino- and carboxy-terminus. Among eleven splice variants identified so far, TRPC4α and TRPC4β are the most abundantly expressed and functionally characterized. TRPC4 is expressed in various organs and cell types including the soma and dendrites of numerous types of neurons; the cardiovascular system including endothelial, smooth muscle, and cardiac cells; myometrial and skeletal muscle cells; kidney; and immune cells such as mast cells. Both recombinant and native TRPC4-containing channels differ tremendously in their permeability and other biophysical properties, pharmacological modulation, and mode of activation depending on the cellular environment. They vary from inwardly rectifying store-operated channels with a high Ca(2+) selectivity to non-store-operated channels predominantly carrying Na(+) and activated by Gαq- and/or Gαi-coupled receptors with a complex U-shaped current-voltage relationship. Thus, individual TRPC4-containing channels contribute to agonist-induced Ca(2+) entry directly or indirectly via depolarization and activation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. The differences in channel properties may arise from variations in the composition of the channel complexes, in the specific regulatory pathways in the corresponding cell system, and/or in the expression pattern of interaction partners which comprise other TRPC proteins to form heteromultimeric channels. Additional interaction partners of TRPC4 that can mediate the activity of TRPC4-containing channels include (1) scaffolding proteins (e.g., NHERF) that may mediate interactions with signaling molecules in or in close vicinity to the plasma membrane such as Gα proteins or phospholipase C and with the cytoskeleton, (2) proteins in specific membrane microdomains (e.g., caveolin-1), or (3) proteins on cellular organelles (e.g., Stim1). The diversity of TRPC4-containing channels hampers the development of specific agonists or antagonists, but recently, ML204 was identified as a blocker of both recombinant and endogenous TRPC4-containing channels with an IC50 in the lower micromolar range that lacks activity on most voltage-gated channels and other TRPs except TRPC5 and TRPC3. Lanthanides are specific activators of heterologously expressed TRPC4- and TRPC5-containing channels but can block individual native TRPC4-containing channels. The biological relevance of TRPC4-containing channels was demonstrated by knockdown of TRPC4 expression in numerous native systems including gene expression, cell differentiation and proliferation, formation of myotubes, and axonal regeneration. Studies of TRPC4 single and TRPC compound knockout mice uncovered their role for the regulation of vascular tone, endothelial permeability, gastrointestinal contractility and motility, neurotransmitter release, and social exploratory behavior as well as for excitotoxicity and epileptogenesis. Recently, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Trpc4 gene was associated with a reduced risk for experience of myocardial infarction.

Large scale expression changes of genes related to neuronal signaling and developmental processes found in lateral septum of postpartum outbred mice

Coordinated gene expression changes across the CNS are required to produce the mammalian maternal phenotype. Lateral septum (LS) is a brain region critically involved with aspects of maternal care, and we recently examined gene expression of whole septum (LS and medial septum) in selectively bred maternal mice. Here, we expand on the prior study by 1) conducting microarray analysis solely on LS in virgin and postpartum mice, 2) using outbred mice, and 3) evaluating the role of sensory input on gene expression changes. Large scale changes in genes related to neuronal signaling were identified, including four GABA_A receptor subunits. Subunits α4 and δ were downregulated in maternal LS, likely reflecting a reduction in the extrasynaptic, neurosteroid-sensitive α4/δ containing receptor subtype. Conversely, subunits ε and θ were increased in maternal LS. Fifteen K+ channel related genes showed altered expression, as did dopamine receptors Drd1a and Drd2 (both downregulated), hypocretin receptor 1 (Hcrtr1), kappa opioid receptor 1 (Oprk1), and transient receptor potential channel 4 (Trpc4). Expression of a large number of genes linked to developmental processes or cell differentiation were also altered in postpartum LS, including chemokine (C-X-C) motif ligand 12 (Cxcl12), fatty acid binding protein 7 (Fabp7), plasma membrane proteolipid (Pllp), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (Socs2). Additional genes that are linked to anxiety, such as glutathione reductase (Gsr), exhibited altered expression. Pathway analysis also identified changes in genes related to cyclic nucleotide metabolism, chromatin structure, and the Ras gene family. The sensory presence of pups was found to contribute to the altered expression of a subset of genes across all categories. This study suggests that both large changes in neuronal signaling and the possible terminal differentiation of neuronal and/or glial cells play important roles in producing the maternal state.

Persistent histamine excitation of glutamatergic preoptic neurons

Thermoregulatory neurons of the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) represent a target at which histamine modulates body temperature. The mechanism by which histamine excites a population of MnPO neurons is not known. In this study it was found that histamine activated a cationic inward current and increased the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, actions that had a transient component as well as a sustained one that lasted for tens of minutes after removal of the agonist. The sustained component was blocked by TRPC channel blockers. Single-cell reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed expression of TRPC1, TRPC5 and TRPC7 subunits in neurons excited by histamine. These studies also established the presence of transcripts for the glutamatergic marker Vglut2 and for the H1 histamine receptor in neurons excited by histamine. Intracellular application of antibodies directed against cytoplasmic sites of the TRPC1 or TRPC5 channel subunits decreased the histamine-induced inward current. The persistent inward current and elevation in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration could be reversed by activating the PKA pathway. This data reveal a novel mechanism by which histamine induces persistent excitation and sustained intracellular Ca(2+) elevation in glutamatergic MnPO neurons.

Control of sleep and wakefulness

This review summarizes the brain mechanisms controlling sleep and wakefulness. Wakefulness promoting systems cause low-voltage, fast activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Multiple interacting neurotransmitter systems in the brain stem, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain converge onto common effector systems in the thalamus and cortex. Sleep results from the inhibition of wake-promoting systems by homeostatic sleep factors such as adenosine and nitric oxide and GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, resulting in large-amplitude, slow EEG oscillations. Local, activity-dependent factors modulate the amplitude and frequency of cortical slow oscillations. Non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep results in conservation of brain energy and facilitates memory consolidation through the modulation of synaptic weights. Rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep results from the interaction of brain stem cholinergic, aminergic, and GABAergic neurons which control the activity of glutamatergic reticular formation neurons leading to REM sleep phenomena such as muscle atonia, REMs, dreaming, and cortical activation. Strong activation of limbic regions during REM sleep suggests a role in regulation of emotion. Genetic studies suggest that brain mechanisms controlling waking and NREM sleep are strongly conserved throughout evolution, underscoring their enormous importance for brain function. Sleep disruption interferes with the normal restorative functions of NREM and REM sleep, resulting in disruptions of breathing and cardiovascular function, changes in emotional reactivity, and cognitive impairments in attention, memory, and decision making.

Rat hypocretin/orexin neurons are maintained in a depolarized state by TRPC channels

In a previous study we proposed that the depolarized state of the wake-promoting hypocretin/orexin (hcrt/orx) neurons was independent of synaptic inputs as it persisted in tetrodotoxin and low calcium/high magnesium solutions. Here we show first that these cells are hyperpolarized when external sodium is lowered, suggesting that non-selective cation channels (NSCCs) could be involved. As canonical transient receptor channels (TRPCs) are known to form NSCCs, we looked for TRPCs subunits using single-cell RT-PCR and found that TRPC6 mRNA was detectable in a small minority, TRPC1, TRPC3 and TRPC7 in a majority and TRPC4 and 5 in the vast majority (∼90%) of hcrt/orx neurons. Using intracellular applications of TRPC antibodies against subunits known to form NSCCs, we then found that only TRPC5 antibodies elicited an outward current, together with hyperpolarization and inhibition of the cells. These effects were blocked by co-application of a TRPC5 antigen peptide. Voltage-clamp ramps in the presence or absence of TRPC5 antibodies indicated the presence of a current with a reversal potential close to -15 mV. Application of the non-selective TRPC channel blocker, flufenamic acid, had a similar effect, which could be occluded in cells pre-loaded with TRPC5 antibodies. Finally, using the same TRPC5 antibodies we found that most hcrt/orx cells show immunostaining for the TRPC5 subunit. These results suggest that hcrt/orx neurons are endowed with a constitutively active non-selective cation current which depends on TRPC channels containing the TRPC5 subunit and which is responsible for the depolarized and active state of these cells.

Histamine in the regulation of wakefulness

The histaminergic system is exclusively localized within the posterior hypothalamus with projection to almost all the major regions of the central nervous system. Strong and consistent evidence exist to suggest that histamine, acting via H₁ and/or H₃ receptor has a pivotal role in the regulation of sleep-wakefulness. Administration of histamine or H₁ receptor agonists induces wakefulness, whereas administration of H₁ receptor antagonists promotes sleep. The H₃ receptor functions as an auto-receptor and regulates the synthesis and release of histamine. Activation of H₃ receptor reduces histamine release and promotes sleep. Conversely, blockade of H₃ receptor promotes wakefulness. Histamine release in the hypothalamus and other target regions is highest during wakefulness. The histaminergic neurons display maximal activity during the state of high vigilance, and cease their activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The cerebrospinal levels of histamine are reduced in diseased states where hypersomnolence is a major symptom. The histamine deficient L-histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC KO) mice display sleep fragmentation and increased REM sleep during the light period along with profound wakefulness deficit at dark onset, and in novel environment. Similar results have been obtained when histamine neurons are lesioned. These studies strongly implicate the histaminergic neurons of the TMN to play a critical role in the maintenance of high vigilance state during wakefulness.

Orexins/hypocretins and aminergic systems

Orexin/hypocretin neurones in the posterior hypothalamus are mutually connected with noradrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, histaminergic, and cholinergic neurone systems. They activate these targets by direct post-synaptic and indirect pre-synaptic mechanisms and in turn receive inhibitory feedback and excitatory feed forward control. With respect to behavioural state control, orexin/hypocretin neurones are conducting the orchestra of biogenic amines. This review highlights the role of these players in the control of energy administration, sleep-wake architecture, cortical activation, plasticity, and memory functions in health and disease.

Histamine in the nervous system

Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signaling molecule in the gut, the skin, and the immune system. Histaminergic neurons in mammalian brain are located exclusively in the tuberomamillary nucleus of the posterior hypothalamus and send their axons all over the central nervous system. Active solely during waking, they maintain wakefulness and attention. Three of the four known histamine receptors and binding to glutamate NMDA receptors serve multiple functions in the brain, particularly control of excitability and plasticity. H1 and H2 receptor-mediated actions are mostly excitatory; H3 receptors act as inhibitory auto- and heteroreceptors. Mutual interactions with other transmitter systems form a network that links basic homeostatic and higher brain functions, including sleep-wake regulation, circadian and feeding rhythms, immunity, learning, and memory in health and disease.

Dual orexin actions on dorsal raphe and laterodorsal tegmentum neurons: noisy cation current activation and selective enhancement of Ca2+ transients mediated by L-type calcium channels

The hypocretin/orexins (Hcrt/Orxs) are hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate stress, addiction, feeding, and arousal behaviors. They depolarize many types of central neurons and can increase [Ca2+]i in some, including those of the dorsal raphe (DR) and laterodorsal tegmental (LDT) nuclei-two structures likely to contribute to the behavioral actions of Hcrt/Orx. In this study, we used simultaneous whole cell and Ca2+-imaging methods in mouse brain slices to compare the Hcrt/Orx-activated current in DR and LDT neurons and to determine whether it contributes to the Ca2+ influx evoked by Hcrt/Orx. We found Hcrt/Orx activates a similar noisy cation current that reversed near 0 mV in both cell types. Contrary to our expectation, this current did not contribute to the somatic Ca2+ influx evoked by Hcrt/Orx. In contrast, Hcrt/Orx enhanced the Ca2+ transients produced by voltage steps (-60 to -30 mV) by approximately 30% even in neurons lacking an inward current. This effect was abolished by nifedipine, augmented by Bay-K and abolished by bisindolylmaleimide I. Thus Hcrt/Orx has two independent actions: activation of noisy cation channels that generate depolarization and activation of a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent enhancement of Ca2+ transients mediated by L-type Ca2+ channels. Immunocytochemistry verified that both these actions occurred in serotonergic and cholinergic neurons, indicating that Hcrt/Orx can function as a neuromodulator in these key neurons of the reticular activating system. Because regulation of Ca2+ transients mediated by L-channels is often linked to the control of transcriptional signaling, our findings imply that Hcrt/Orxs may also function in the regulation of long-term homeostatic or trophic processes.

Interaction with dopamine D2 receptor enhances expression of transient receptor potential channel 1 at the cell surface

Receptor signaling is mediated by direct protein interaction with various types of cytoskeletal, adapter, effector, and additional receptor molecules. In brain tissue and in cultured neurons, activation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) has been found to impact cellular calcium signaling. Using a yeast two-hybrid approach, we have uncovered a direct physical interaction between the D2R and the transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) subtypes 1, 4 and 5. The TRPC/D2R interaction was further validated by GST-pulldown assays and coimmunoprecipitation from mammalian brain. Ultrastructural analysis of TRPC1 and D2R expression indicates colocalization of the two proteins within the cell body and dendrites of cortical neurons. In cultured cells, expression of D2Rs was found to increase expression of TRPC1 at the cell surface by 50%. These findings shed new light on the constituents of the D2R signalplex, and support the involvement of D2Rs in cellular calcium signaling pathways via a novel link to TRPC channels.

Food-induced expression of orexin receptors in rat duodenal mucosa regulates the bicarbonate secretory response to orexin-A

Presence of appetite-regulating peptides orexin-A and orexin-B in mucosal endocrine cells suggests a role in physiological control of the intestine. Our aim was to characterize orexin-induced stimulation of duodenal bicarbonate secretion and modulation of secretory responses and mucosal orexin receptors by overnight food deprivation. Lewis x Dark Agouti rats were anesthetized and proximal duodenum cannulated in situ. Mucosal bicarbonate secretion (pH stat) and mean arterial blood pressure were continuously recorded. Orexin-A was administered intra-arterially close to the duodenum, intraluminally, or into the brain ventricles. Total RNA was extracted from mucosal specimens, reverse transcribed to cDNA and expression of orexin receptors 1 and 2 (OX1 and OX2) measured by quantitative real-time PCR. OX1 protein was measured by Western blot. Intra-arterial orexin-A (60-600 nmol.h(-1).kg(-1)) increased (P < 0.01) the duodenal secretion in fed but not in fasted animals. The OX1 receptor antagonist SB-334867, which was also found to have a partial agonist action, abolished the orexin-induced secretory response but did not affect secretion induced by the muscarinic agonist bethanechol. Atropine, in contrast, inhibited bethanechol but not orexin-induced secretion. Orexin-A infused into the brain ventricles (2-20 nmol.kg(-1).h(-1)) or added to luminal perfusate (1.0-100 nM) did not affect secretion, indicating that orexin-A acts peripherally and at basolateral receptors. Overnight fasting decreased mucosal OX1 and OX2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01) as well as OX1 protein expression (P < 0.05). We conclude that stimulation of secretion by orexin-A may involve both receptor types and is independent of cholinergic pathways. Intestinal OX receptors and secretory responses are markedly related to food intake.

The orexin OX1 receptor regulates Ca2+ entry via diacylglycerol-activated channels in differentiated neuroblastoma cells

We studied the cellular response to orexin type 1 receptor (OX1R) stimulation in differentiated IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells. In vitro differentiation of IMR-32 cells with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine leads to a neuronal phenotype with long neurite extensions and an upregulation of mainly N-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Transduction of differentiated IMR-32 cells with baculovirus harboring an OX1R-green fluorescent protein cDNA fusion construct resulted in appearance of fluorescence that was confined mainly to the plasma membrane in the cell body and to neurites. Application of orexin-A to fluorescent cells led to an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i. At low nanomolar concentrations of orexin-A, the response was reversibly attenuated by removal of extracellular Ca2+, by application of a high concentration (10 mM) of Mg2+, and by the pharmacological channel blocker dextromethorphan. A diacylglycerol, dioctanoylglycerol, but not thapsigargin or depolarization with potassium, mimicked the OX1R response with regard to Mg2+ sensitivity. A reverse transcription-PCR screening identified mRNAs for all transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels, including TRPC3, TRPC6, and TRPC7, which are known to be activated by diacylglycerol. Expression of a dominant-negative TRPC6 channel subunit blunted the responses to both dioctanoylglycerol and OX1R stimulation. The results suggest that the OX1R activates a Ca2+ entry pathway that involves diacylglycerol-activated TRPC channels in neuronal cells.

D2-like dopamine receptors depolarize dorsal raphe serotonin neurons through the activation of nonselective cationic conductance

The dorsal raphe (DR) receives a prominent dopamine (DA) input that has been suggested to play a key role in the regulation of central serotoninergic transmission. DA is known to directly depolarize DR serotonin neurons, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show that activation of D2-like dopamine receptors on DR 5-HT neurons elicits a membrane depolarization and an inward current associated with an increase in membrane conductance. The DA-induced inward current (I(DA)) exhibits a linear I-V relationship and reverses polarity at around -15 mV, suggesting the involvement of a mixed cationic conductance. Consistent with this notion, lowering the extracellular concentration of sodium reduces the amplitude of I(DA) and induces a negative shift of its reversal potential to approximately -45 mV. This current is abolished by inhibiting G-protein function with GDPbetaS. Examination of the downstream signaling mechanisms reveals that activation of the nonselective cation current requires the stimulation of phospholipase C but not an increase in intracellular calcium. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of phospholipase C reduces the amplitude of I(DA). In contrast, buffering intracellular calcium has no effect on the amplitude of I(DA). Bath application of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels blockers, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and SKF96365 [1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl)-1H-imidazole], strongly inhibits I(DA) amplitude, suggesting the involvement of TRP-like conductance. These results reveal previously unsuspected mechanism by which D2-like DA receptors induce membrane depolarization and enhance the excitability of DR 5-HT neurons.

Cellular cholesterol controls TRPC3 function: evidence from a novel dominant-negative knockdown strategy

TRPC3 (canonical transient receptor potential protein 3) has been suggested to be a component of cation channel complexes that are targeted to cholesterol-rich lipid membrane microdomains. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of membrane cholesterol as a regulator of cellular TRPC3 conductances. Functional experiments demonstrated that cholesterol loading activates a non-selective cation conductance and a Ca2+ entry pathway in TRPC3-overexpressing cells but not in wild-type HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells. The cholesterol-induced membrane conductance exhibited a current-to-voltage relationship similar to that observed upon PLC (phospholipase C)-dependent activation of TRPC3 channels. Nonetheless, the cholesterol-activated conductance lacked negative modulation by extracellular Ca2+, a typical feature of agonist-activated TRPC3 currents. Involvement of TRPC3 in the cholesterol-dependent membrane conductance was further corroborated by a novel dominant-negative strategy for selective blockade of TRPC3 channel activity. Expression of a TRPC3 mutant, which contained a haemagglutinin epitope tag in the second extracellular loop, conferred antibody sensitivity to both the classical PLC-activated as well as the cholesterol-activated conductance in TRPC3-expressing cells. Moreover, cholesterol loading as well as PLC stimulation was found to increase surface expression of TRPC3. Promotion of TRPC3 membrane expression by cholesterol was persistent over 30 min, while PLC-mediated enhancement of plasma membrane expression of TRPC3 was transient in nature. We suggest the cholesterol content of the plasma membrane as a determinant of cellular TRPC3 activity and provide evidence for cholesterol dependence of TRPC3 surface expression.

Histamine excites noradrenergic neurons in locus coeruleus in rats

Histamine is implicated in the control of many brain functions, in particular the control of arousal. Histaminergic neurons send dense projections through the entire brain, including the locus coeruleus (LC)--the main noradrenergic (NAergic) nucleus. In this study, we have examined the effect of bath-applied histamine on cells in the LC by single-unit recordings in slices and the expression of histamine receptors in this area by single-cell RT-PCR. Histamine (10 microM) increased the firing of NAergic cells to 130+/-9% of control, 100 microM to 256+/-58% of control. This excitation was unaffected by blocking synaptic transmission. Histamine-mediated excitation was blocked by an H1 receptor antagonist, mepyramine, in 78% of cells and by cimetidine, an H2 receptor antagonist, in 42% of cells, but not by the H3 receptor antagonist, thioperamide. RT-PCR revealed that mRNA for the H1 receptor was expressed in 77% of isolated LC neurons, mRNA for the H2 receptor in 41% of LC neurons and H3 receptors in 29%. These findings underline the coordination between aminergic systems and suggest that the arousal induced by the histamine system could involve excitation of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus.

Orexin-A-induced Ca2+ entry: evidence for involvement of trpc channels and protein kinase C regulation

The orexins are peptide transmitters/hormones, which exert stimulatory actions in many types of cells via the G-protein-coupled OX(1) and OX(2) receptors. Our previous results have suggested that low (subnanomolar) concentrations of orexin-A activate Ca(2+) entry, whereas higher concentrations activate phospholipase C, Ca(2+) release, and capacitative Ca(2+) entry. As shown here, the Ca(2+) response to subnanomolar orexin-A concentrations was blocked by activation of protein kinase C by using different approaches (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate, dioctanoylglycerol, and diacylglycerol kinase inhibition) and protein phosphatase inhibition by calyculin A. The Ca(2+) response to subnanomolar orexin-A concentrations was also blocked by Mg(2+), dextromethorphan, and tetraethylammonium. These treatments neither affected the response to high concentrations of orexin-A nor the thapsigargin-stimulated capacitative entry. The capacitative entry was instead strongly suppressed by SKF96365. An inward membrane current activated by subnanomolar concentrations of orexin-A and the currents activated upon transient expression of trpc3 channels were also sensitive to Mg(2+), dextromethorphan, and tetraethylammonium. Responses to subnanomolar concentrations of orexin-A (Ca(2+) elevation, inward current, and membrane depolarization) were voltage-dependent with a loss of the response around -15 mV. By using reverse transcription-PCR, mRNA for the trpc1-4 channel isoforms were detected in the CHO-hOX1-C1 cells. The expression of truncated TRPC channel isoforms, in particular trpc1 and trpc3, reduced the response to subnanomolar concentrations of orexin-A but did not affect the response to higher concentrations of orexin-A. The results suggest that activation of the OX(1) receptor leads to opening of a Ca(2+)-permeable channel, involving trpc1 and -3, which is controlled by protein kinase C.

Functional diversity of ventral midbrain dopamine and GABAergic neurons

Recent findings indicate that VTA and SN dopaminergic (DA) and GABAergic neurons form subpopulations that are divergent in their electrophysiological features, vulnerability to neurodegeneration, and regulation by neuropeptides. This diversity can be correlated with the anatomical organization of the VTA and SN and their inputs and outputs. In this review we describe the heterogeneity in ion channels and firing patterns, especially burst firing, in subpopulations of dopamine neurons. We go on to describe variations in vulnerability to neurotoxic damage in models of Parkinson's disease in subgroups of DA neurons and its possible relationship to developmental gene regulation, the expression of different ion channels, and the expression of different protein markers, such as the neuroprotective marker calbindin. The electrophysiological properties of subgroups of GABAergic midbrain neurons, patterns of expression of protein markers and receptors, possible involvement of GABAergic neurons in a number of processes that are usually attributed exclusively to dopaminergic neurons, and the characteristics of a subgroup of neurons that contains both dopamine and GABA are also discussed.

Transient receptor potential-like channels mediate metabotropic glutamate receptor EPSCs in rat dopamine neurones

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels form cationic channels activated by diverse factors including mechanical stimuli, changes in osmolarity, pH and temperature, as well as the exogenous irritant, capsaicin. Metabotropic glutamate receptors have also recently been linked to TRP channel activation in neurones of the substantia nigra, hippocampus and cerebellum, suggesting a novel role for such channels in synaptic communication via endogenous neurotransmitters. We tested this for dopamine neurones in rat brain slices by characterizing the current-voltage relationship and pharmacology of EPSCs mediated by group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGluR1). Slow inward currents (273 +/- 35 pA peak amplitude, 381 +/- 25 ms latency, holding potential (V(h)) =-73 mV) representing evoked mGluR1 EPSCs were isolated in the presence of antagonists of AMPA, NMDA, GABA(A), GABA(B), muscarinic and glycine receptors. CPCCOEt (100 microM), an mGluR1 antagonist, blocked the residual EPSC in all recordings. mGluR1-activated EPSCs reversed polarity near -10 mV, consistent with the involvement of a cationic channel. Extracellular application of the non-selective TRP channel blockers SKF 96365, flufenamic acid and ruthenium red caused reversible inhibition of mGluR1-activated EPSCs. These characteristics parallel those of mGluR1 activation with an agonist and indicate the involvement of a TRP-like channel in mGluR1-mediated EPSCs.