Protein kinase C regulates ionic conductance in hippocampal pyramidal neurons: electrophysiological effects of phorbol esters

Aging-Related Alterations to Persistent Firing in the Lateral Entorhinal Cortex Contribute to Deficits in Temporal Associative Memory

With aging comes a myriad of different disorders, and cognitive decline is one of them. Studies have consistently shown a decline amongst aged subjects in their ability to acquire and maintain temporal associative memory. Defined as the memory of the association between two objects that are separated in time, temporal associative memory is dependent on neocortical structures such as the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe structures. For this memory to be acquired, a mental trace of the first stimulus is necessary to bridge the temporal gap so the two stimuli can be properly associated. Persistent firing, the ability of the neuron to continue to fire action potentials even after the termination of a triggering stimulus, is one mechanism that is posited to support this mental trace. A recent study demonstrated a decline in persistent firing ability in pyramidal neurons of layer III of the lateral entorhinal cortex with aging, contributing to learning impairments in temporal associative memory acquisition. In this work, we explore the potential ways persistent firing in lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) III supports temporal associative memory, and how aging may disrupt this mechanism within the temporal lobe system, resulting in impairment in this crucial behavior.

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a neuropeptide with cellular actions in arousal and anxiety-related nuclei: Functional implications for effects of NPS on wakefulness and mood

Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a peptide recently recognized to be present in the CNS, and believed to play a role in vigilance and mood control, as behavioral studies have shown it promotes arousal and has an anxiolytic effect. Although NPS precursor is found in very few neurons, NPS positive fibers are present throughout the brain stem. Given the behavioral actions of this peptide and the wide innervation pattern, we examined the cellular effects of NPS within two brain stem nuclei known to play a critical role in anxiety and arousal: the dorsal raphe (DR) and laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT). In mouse brain slices, NPS increased cytoplasmic levels of calcium in DR and LDT cells. Calcium rises were independent of action potential generation, reduced by low extracellular levels of calcium, attenuated by IP₃ - and ryanodine (RyR)-dependent intracellular calcium store depletion, and eliminated by the receptor (NPSR) selective antagonist, SHA 68. NPS also exerted an effect on the membrane of DR and LDT cells inducing inward and outward currents, which were driven by an increase in conductance, and eliminated by SHA 68. Membrane actions of NPS were found to be dependent on store-mediated calcium as depletion of IP₃ and RyR stores eliminated NPS-induced currents. Finally, NPS also had actions on synaptic events, suggesting facilitation of glutamatergic and GABAergic presynaptic transmission. When taken together, actions of NPS influenced the excitability of DR and LDT neurons, which could play a role in the anxiolytic and arousal-promoting effects of this peptide.

PKC-A DIFFERENTIALLY AFFECTS RUTABAGA AND WILD-TYPE DROSOPHILA NEURONAL POTASSIUM CURRENT

Learning and memory are defective in the Drosophila mutant rutabaga, which has a low intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration. The aim of this study was to compare modulation effects of protein kinase C activator (PKC-A) on the delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKDR) in wild-type and rutabaga neurons. IKDR was measured from cultured (2 days) wild-type and rutabaga neurons. The authors examined the effects of PKC-A on IKDR in wild-type and rutabaga neurons. IKDR was measured from neurons before and after addition of PKC-A to the external solution. IKDR was smaller in rutabaga neurons (380 +/- 25 pA) than in wild-type neurons (529 +/- 44 pA). IKDR was reduced by PKC-A more in wild-type (decreasing 55 +/- 6%) than in rutabaga (decreasing 35 +/- 8%) neurons (single-cell studies). In the presence of PKC-A, there was no difference in IKDR between wild-type (229 +/- 31 pA) and rutabaga (242 +/- 26 pA) neurons (population studies). These results indicate that PKC-A differentially affects the delayed-rectifier channel in wild-type rutabaga.

Impact of protein kinase C activation on epileptiform activity in the hippocampal slice

There is evidence suggesting that protein kinase C (PKC) activation can prevent the enhanced network excitability associated with status epilepticus and group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-induced epileptogenesis. However, we observed no suppression of mGluR-induced burst prolongation in the guinea pig hippocampal slice when applied in the presence of the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). Furthermore, PDBu alone converted picrotoxin-induced interictal bursts into ictal-length discharges ranging from 2 to 6s in length. This effect could not be elicited by the inactive analog 4-alpha-PDBu and was suppressed with the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, indicating PKC dependence. PKC activation can enhance neurotransmitter release, and both glutamate and acetylcholine are capable of eliciting similar prolonged synchronized discharges. However, neither mGluR1 nor NMDA receptor antagonist suppressed PDBu-driven burst prolongation, suggesting that increased glutamate release alone is unlikely to account for the PKC-induced expression of ictaform discharges. Similarly, atropine, a broad-spectrum muscarinic receptor antagonist, had no effect on PKC-induced burst prolongation. By contrast, AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist abolished PKC-induced burst prolongation, and mGluR5 antagonist significantly blunted the maximum burst length induced by PKC. These data suggest that PKC-induced prolongation of epileptiform bursts is dependent on changes specific to mGluR5 and AMPA/kainate receptors and not mediated simply by a generalized increase in transmitter release.

Involvement of protein kinase C and IP3-mediated Ca2+ release in activity modulation by paraoxon in snail neurons

We have previously reported that paraoxon, an organophosphate compound, at submicromolar concentrations effectively suppresses Ca2+ action potentials and modulates the activity of snail neurons. This effect was unrelated to acetylcholinesterase inhibition but was found to involve the direct or indirect modulation of ion channels [Vatanparast, J., Janahmadi, M., Asgari, A.R., Sepehri, H., Haeri-Rohani, A., 2006a. Paraoxon suppresses Ca2+ action potential and afterhyperpolarization in snail neurons: Relevance to the hyperexcitability induction. Brain Res. 1083 (1), 110-117]. In the present work, the interaction of paraoxon with protein kinase C (PKC) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ release, on the modulation of Ca2+ action potentials and neuronal activity was investigated. Phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PdBu), the activator of PKC, suppressed afterhyperpolarization and increased the activity of snail neurons without any significant effect on the Ca2+ action potential duration. Pretreatment with PKC activator attenuated the suppressing effect of paraoxon on the duration of Ca2+ action potentials. Staurosporine, a selective blocker of PKC, did not block the effect of paraoxon on Ca2+ action potential suppression and hyperexcitability induction. Our findings did not support the involvement PKC in the paraoxon induced Ca2+ action potential suppression and neuronal activity modulation, although activation of this protein kinase could attenuate some effects of paraoxon. Pretreatment with 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (TMB-8), an antagonist of IP3-mediated Ca2+ release, abolished the secondary silencing effect of paraoxon, which is observed after primary paraoxon-induced hyperexcitability. It was concluded that slow activation of intracellular cascades by paraoxon could induce an IP3 mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and participate to its secondary silencing effect by mechanisms dependent on intracellular calcium homeostasis.

Inositol trisphosphate and calcium mobilization

Calcium-mobilizing agonists act by stimulating the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns4,5P2) to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol (DG). In response to such agonists cells also produce inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate but this isomer is unlikely to influence calcium mobilization. Application of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins1,4,5P3) to permeabilized cells results in a rapid release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum. Structure-activity studies reveal that the vicinal phosphates on the 4- and 5-positions are essential for releasing calcium whereas the phosphate on the opposite side enhances the affinity of Ins1,4,5P3 for its putative receptor. The flow of calcium across the endoplasmic reticulum appears to be electrogenic and requires an opposite flow of potassium to neutralize charge movements. Diacylglycerol, acting through protein kinase C, does not play a direct role in calcium signalling but it does modulate various aspects of the InsP3/Ca2+ pathway. The DG/protein kinase C pathway can influence both the formation and hydrolysis of PtdIns4,5P2 and can alter the responsiveness of various processes to the action of calcium. The Ins1,4,5P3/Ca2+ signal pathway functions throughout the life history of cells to regulate such diverse activities as egg maturation and fertilization, growth, secretion, metabolism, neural activity, and perhaps excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle.

Learning, aging and intrinsic neuronal plasticity

In vitro experiments indicate that intrinsic neuronal excitability, as evidenced by changes in the post-burst afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and spike-frequency accommodation, is altered during learning and normal aging in the brain. Here we review these studies, highlighting two consistent findings: (i) that AHP and accommodation are reduced in pyramidal neurons from animals that have learned a task; and (ii) that AHP and accommodation are enhanced in pyramidal neurons from aging subjects, a cellular change that might contribute to age-related learning impairments. Findings from in vivo single-neuron recording studies complement the in vitro data. From these consistently reproduced findings, we propose that the intrinsic AHP level might determine the degree of synaptic plasticity and learning. Furthermore, it seems that reductions in the AHP must occur before learning if young and aging subjects are to learn a task successfully.

Role of protein kinase C in modulation of excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the rat

Biochemical and in situ hybridization studies demonstrated that the levels of protein kinase C variants were significantly increased in the hippocampus of the experimental models of epilepsy in rats. In addition it has been demonstrated that protein kinase C plays an important role in modulating synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. We examined the effects of activating of protein kinase C on the excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons and synaptic transmission, using whole-cell current-clamp and extracellular field potential recording techniques. Indolactam V (1 microM) a novel protein kinase C activator, increased the excitability of CA1 neurons acting at both pre- and post-synaptic sites. Indolactam V, acting postsynaptically, significantly reduced the threshold for initiation of action potential from -42+/-3.8 mV to -51+/-3.1 mV and selectively inhibited the slow afterhyperpolarizing potential. Indolactam V also altered the neuronal firing properties in response to prolonged depolarizing pulse by eliminating the spike frequency accommodation. Our data indicate that indolactam V potentiated both amplitudes of Shaffer-collateral stimulation evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents and disynaptically evoked inhibitory evoked postsynaptic currents. However, the potentiation of inhibitory evoked postsynaptic currents amplitudes was not observed after blockade of NMDA and AMPA/kainate currents suggesting it was due to excitatory activity driving inhibitory neurons. The results indicate that the potentiation of pharmacologically isolated excitatory postsynaptic currents (215% of control) and amplitudes of population spikes (290% of control) was due to action of indolactam V presynaptically since the agonist reduced the paired-pulse ratio and the potentiating effect was not blocked by dialyzing the postsynaptic neuron through the recording electrode with a specific protein kinase C inactivator calphostin C. These findings suggest that protein kinase C increases the amplitude of epileptiform activity by causing potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission, increasing the excitability of postsynaptic neurons and reducing negative feed back provided by slow afterhyperpolarizing potential.

The effects of protein kinase C activity on synaptic transmission in two areas of rat hippocampus

The effects of three protein kinase C (PKC) agonists (phorbol ester, ingenol and indolactam-V) and two PKC antagonists (D-erythro-sphingosine and chelerythrine) on input-output (I-O) relations in the Schaffer collateral pathway to CA1 (SC-CA1) and mossy fiber pathway to CA3 (MF-CA3) were determined in rat hippocampus brain slices. In the SC-CA1 pathway, phorbol esters and indolactam-V had only small effects on field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSP) in slices from 60-day animals, although ingenol, an activator of novel PKC isozymes, caused a significant decrease of the field excitatory post-synaptic potentials amplitude in 60-day animals, but not in 30-day animals. In contrast, in the MF-CA3 pathway, PKC agonists induced a significant increase in the field excitatory post-synaptic potentials. PKC antagonists depressed the field excitatory post-synaptic potentials in the SC-CA1 pathway, but had no significant effect in the MF-CA3 pathway. In the MF-CA3 pathway, paired-pulse facilitation was abolished by PKC agonists and unaffected by antagonists. In SC-CA1, it was depressed by agonists to levels below control, whereas it was significantly increased by chelerythine. We conclude that PKC plays important but different roles in both regions. In the SC-CA1 pathway, PKC is almost maximally active under control circumstances, and PKC antagonists significantly reduce synaptic responses. In contrast, in the MF-CA3 pathway, there is no apparent activation under resting circumstances, but significant potentiation of synaptic transmission is induced when PKC is activated. There are developmental changes in the pattern of PKC isozymes, and both pre- and post-synaptic actions are important.

Expression and functional properties of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in bovine chromaffin cells

We demonstrate the presence and functional properties of Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) expressed in chromaffin cells. Immunocytochemical techniques revealed that two mGluR subtypes (mGluR1alpha and mGluR5) are expressed in chromaffin cells, located in both the cytoplasmic membrane and the cytosol surrounding the nucleus. These mGluRs are functionally active on catecholamine (CA) secretion in chromaffin cells because both (1S, 3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (t-ACPD) and the specific agonist of Group I mGluRs, (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), were able to stimulate the release of CAs (adrenaline and noradrenaline) in a dose-response manner. These effects were specifically reversed by L-(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3), a selective antagonist of the Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. t-ACPD induced an increase in CA secretion in both the presence and absence of extracellular calcium, the former effect being accompanied by cell membrane depolarization. Noradrenaline (NA) release was higher in the presence of extracellular calcium than in its absence, whereas adrenaline release was of the same order under both conditions. These results indicate that different subtypes of Group I mGluRs are present in noradrenergic and adrenergic cells. Fluorescence imaging techniques in single cells showed different t-ACPD-induced increases in intracellular calcium in different chromaffin cells: in chromaffin cells, 67% expressed functional metabotropic glutamate receptors and with nicotinic receptors, whereas the remaining 33% expressed only nicotinic receptors. In the absence of external calcium, only about 25% of cells responded to t-ACPD-increased intracellular calcium by increasing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) concentration and subsequent calcium mobilization from intracellular stores, whereas the remaining 75% increased intracellular calcium by promoting Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular medium through L- and N- but not P/Q voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Modulation of afterpotentials and firing pattern in guinea pig CA3 neurones by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors

Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) alters the firing patterns of individual CA3 pyramidal cells in guinea pig hippocampal slices. Following addition of the selective group I agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) to the bathing solution, pyramidal cells initially firing regular, single action potentials switched to firing in brief bursts. This change in firing pattern resulted from modulation by mGluRs of three afterpotentials. The medium and slow afterhyperpolarizations (m and sAHPs) were blocked by mGluR activation. In addition, a voltage-dependent after depolarization (ADP) was induced. Recordings from mutant mice lacking phospholipase C(beta1) (PLC(beta1)) showed that mGluR block of the mAHP, as well as induction of the ADP, depended on the phosphoinositide hydrolysis pathway. Block of the sAHP, however, was partly spared in the absence of PLC(beta1). Optical recordings of post spike intracellular Ca(2+) rises showed that mGluR block of the AHP was not mediated by alterations of action potential-associated Ca(2+) increases (Ca(2+) transients). The mGluR induction of an ADP was also independent of any changes in the Ca(2+) transient. The mGluR-induced change in the firing pattern of hippocampal pyramidal cells is thus the result of multiple mechanisms, including suppression of both m and sAHPs and activation of an ADP, that act together to produce a specific excitatory effect, namely an increased likelihood that a single action potential will lead immediately to one or more following action potentials.

Evidence Against a Role for Protein Kinase C in the Inhibition of the Calcium-activated Potassium Current IAHP by Muscarinic Stimulants in Rat Hippocampal Neurons

The possible role of protein kinase C activation in the inhibitory action of cholinergic transmitters on the slow Ca-dependent afterhyperpolarizing current (IAHP) in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons was investigated using hippocampal slice cultures. IAHP was inhibited reversibly by methacholine (100 - 600 nM) and irreversibly by the protein kinase C activator, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu, 10 nM to 1 microM). The inhibitory action of PDBu was antagonized by prior (15 - 60 min) exposure to staurosporin (1 microM). In contrast, the inhibitory effect of methacholine on IAHP was not reduced after up to 3 h of exposure to this compound. In addition, methacholine produced a reversible inward current at the holding potential, which was augmented by staurosporin. However, prior exposure to PDBu reduced the effect of methacholine on IAHP and occluded the methacholine-induced inward current. This effect of PDBu was also observed in the presence of staurosporin, suggesting that it might be exerted through a protein kinase C-independent pathway. Noradrenalin (2 - 5 microM) and 8-bromo cyclic adenosine 3',5'monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP, 1 mM) also produced a reversible block of IAHP. Their action was antagonized by staurosporin, probably via its effect on protein kinase A. Thus the present experiments suggest that the action of muscarinic agonists on IAHP cannot be explained by an effect on protein kinase C, but support a role for protein kinase A in mediating the action of noradrenalin.

Reduction of Potassium Conductances Mediated by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Rat CA3 Pyramidal Cells Does Not Require Protein Kinase C or Protein Kinase A

Metabotropic glutamate receptors, unlike ionotropic receptors, exert their actions on ion channels via G-proteins coupled to second messenger systems. In the hippocampus stimulation of metabotropic receptors can lead to decreased potassium channel conductance, decreased accommodation of cell firing and inhibition of the slow calcium-dependent afterhyperpolarizing current (IAHP). Using the single-electrode voltage-clamp technique in hippocampal slice cultures of the rat, the role of protein kinases in mediating these metabotropic glutamate responses was investigated. In the presence of staurosporin, protein kinase C activation by phorbol esters and protein kinase A activation by 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate were blocked. Under these conditions, the inhibition of IAHP by 1-amino-cyclopentyl-trans-dicarboxylate (ACPD), a metabotropic agonist, was unchanged, whilst the inward current elicited by ACPD was enhanced. These results demonstrate that, in the hippocampus, metabotropic glutamate responses persist during inhibition of protein kinase A and C activation. Furthermore, these responses are insensitive to pertussis toxin, confirming previous observations.

Hyperalgesia induced by peripheral inflammation is mediated by protein kinase C betaII isozyme in the rat spinal cord

We have addressed the molecular mechanism(s) of hyperalgesia, which depends on increased excitability of dorsal horn neurons and on sensitization of primary afferent nociceptors, during peripheral inflammation. Following unilateral adjuvant-induced inflammation in the rat hind paw, time-course changes in behavioral hyperalgesia and functional activities of Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C isozymes were examined. Inflammation was characterized by increase in paw diameter, and behavioral hyperalgesia was quantified as paw withdrawal latency from a radiant heat source. Behavioral hyperalgesia on the injected paw was significantly increased. This was accompanied by a significant increase in total functional membrane-associated protein kinase C activity, whereas total cytosolic protein kinase C activity was unchanged on the sides of the lumbar spinal cord both contralateral and ipsilateral to the inflammation. Importantly, on the side of lumbar cord ipsilateral to the inflamed paw, the activity of membrane-associated protein kinase CbetaII was increased following the same time-course as the paw withdrawal latency decrease, suggesting an increased translocation of protein kinase Cbetall to the membrane related to behavioral hyperalgesia. A defined mixture of purified gangliosides, which inhibits intracellular protein kinase C translocation and activation, decreased inflammation-induced paw withdrawal latency, and specifically decreased the activity of membrane-associated protein kinase Cbetall on the side of the spinal cord ipsilateral to the inflammation. Quantitative immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated intensified protein kinase CbetaII-like immunoreactivity on the side of the spinal cord ipsilateral to the inflammation. Time-course for increases in the activity of membrane-associated protein kinase CbetaII, and in intensity of protein kinase CbetaII-immunoreactivity, paralleled inflammation-mediated changes in paw withdrawal latency and paw diameter. Our findings indicate an apparent involvement of protein kinase CbetaII isozyme specifically in the molecular mechanism(s) of thermal hyperalgesia.

Intracellular ATP increases capsaicin-activated channel activity by interacting with nucleotide-binding domains

Capsaicin (CAP)-activated ion channel plays a key role in generating nociceptive neural signals in sensory neurons. Here we present evidence that intracellular ATP upregulates the activity of capsaicin receptor channel. In inside-out membrane patches isolated from sensory neurons, application of CAP activated a nonselective cation channel (i(cap)). Further addition of ATP to the bath caused a significant increase in i(cap), with a K(1/2) of 3.3 mm. Nonhydrolyzable analogs of ATP, adenylimidodiphosphate and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thio)-triphosphate, also increased i(cap). Neither Mg(2+)-free medium nor inhibitors of various kinases blocked the increase in i(cap) induced by ATP. The enhancing effect of ATP was also observed in inside-out patches of oocytes expressing vanilloid receptor 1, a cloned capsaicin receptor. Single point mutations (D178N, K735R) within the putative Walker type nucleotide-binding domains abolished the effect of ATP. These results show that ATP increases i(cap) in sensory neurons by direct interaction with the CAP channel without involvement of phosphorylation.

Phorbol ester-induced inhibition of potassium currents in rat sensory neurons requires voltage-dependent entry of calcium

The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to examine the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation (via the phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate, PDBu) on the modulation of potassium currents (I(K)) in cultured capsaicin-sensitive neurons isolated from dorsal root ganglia from embryonic rat pups and grown in culture. PDBu, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, reduced I(K) measured at +60 mV by approximately 30% if the holding potential (V(h)) was -20 or -47 mV but had no effect if V(h) was -80 mV. The PDBu-induced inhibition of I(K) was blocked by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I and I(K) was unaffected by 4-alpha phorbol, indicating that the suppression of I(K) was mediated by PKC. The inhibition of I(K) by 100 nM PDBu at a V(h) of -50 mV was reversed over several minutes if V(h) was changed to -80 mV. In addition, intracellular perfusion with 5 mM bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) or pretreatment with omega-conotoxin GVIA or Cd(2+)-Ringer, but not nifedipine, prevented the PDBu-induced suppression of I(K) at -50 mV, suggesting that a voltage-dependent influx of calcium through N-type calcium channels was necessary for the activation of PKC. The potassium channel blockers tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 3 mM and 30 microM) reduced I(K), but only TEA attenuated the ability of PDBu to further inhibit the current, suggesting that the I(K) modified by PDBu was sensitive to TEA. Interestingly, in the presence of 3 mM or 30 microM 4-AP, 100 nM PDBu inhibited I(K) when V(h) was -80 mV. Thus 4-AP promotes the capacity of PDBu to reduce I(K) at -80 mV. We find that activation of PKC inhibits I(K) in rat sensory neurons and that voltage-dependent calcium entry is necessary for the development and maintenance of this inhibition.

Intracellular ATP increases capsaicin-activated channel activity by interacting with nucleotide-binding domains

Capsaicin (CAP)-activated ion channel plays a key role in generating nociceptive neural signals in sensory neurons. Here we present evidence that intracellular ATP upregulates the activity of capsaicin receptor channel. In inside-out membrane patches isolated from sensory neurons, application of CAP activated a nonselective cation channel (i(cap)). Further addition of ATP to the bath caused a significant increase in i(cap), with a K(1/2) of 3.3 mm. Nonhydrolyzable analogs of ATP, adenylimidodiphosphate and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thio)-triphosphate, also increased i(cap). Neither Mg(2+)-free medium nor inhibitors of various kinases blocked the increase in i(cap) induced by ATP. The enhancing effect of ATP was also observed in inside-out patches of oocytes expressing vanilloid receptor 1, a cloned capsaicin receptor. Single point mutations (D178N, K735R) within the putative Walker type nucleotide-binding domains abolished the effect of ATP. These results show that ATP increases i(cap) in sensory neurons by direct interaction with the CAP channel without involvement of phosphorylation.

Apamin-sensitive conductance mediates the K(+) current response during chemical ischemia in CA3 pyramidal cells

Pyramidal cells typically respond to ischemia with initial transient hyperpolarization, which may represent a neuroprotective response. To identify the conductance underlying this hyperpolarization in CA3 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampal organotypic slice cultures, recordings were obtained using the single-electrode voltage-clamp technique. Brief chemical ischemia (2 mM 2-deoxyglucose and 3 mM NaN(3), for 4 min) induced a response mediated by an increase in K(+) conductance. This current was blocked by intracellular application of the Ca(2+) chelator, bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), reduced with low external [Ca(2+)], and inhibited by a selective L-type Ca(2+) channel inhibitor, isradipine, consistent with the activation of a Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) conductance. Experiments with charybdotoxin (10 nM) and tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1 mM), or with the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12,13-diacetate (PDAc; 3 microM), ruled out an involvement of a large conductance-type or an apamin-insensitive small conductance, respectively. In the presence of apamin (1 microM), however, the outward current was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate that in rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons an apamin-sensitive Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) conductance is activated in response to brief ischemia generating a pronounced outward current.

Presynaptic mechanism for phorbol ester-induced synaptic potentiation

Phorbol ester facilitates transmitter release at a variety of synapses, and the phorbol ester-induced synaptic potentiation (PESP) is a model for presynaptic facilitation. To address the mechanism underlying PESP, we have made paired whole-cell recordings from the giant presynaptic terminal, the calyx of Held, and its postsynaptic target in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in rat brainstem slices. Phorbol ester potentiated EPSCs without affecting either presynaptic calcium currents or potassium currents. Protein kinase C inhibitors applied from outside or injected directly into the presynaptic terminal attenuated the PESP. Furthermore, presynaptic loading of a synthetic peptide with the sequence of the N-terminal domain of Doc2alpha interacting with Munc13-1 (Mid peptide) significantly attenuated PESP, whereas mutated Mid peptide had no effect. We conclude that the target of the presynaptic facilitatory effect of phorbol ester resides downstream of calcium influx and may involve both protein kinase C and Doc2alpha - Munc13-1 interaction.

Presynaptic mechanism for phorbol ester-induced synaptic potentiation

Phorbol ester facilitates transmitter release at a variety of synapses, and the phorbol ester-induced synaptic potentiation (PESP) is a model for presynaptic facilitation. To address the mechanism underlying PESP, we have made paired whole-cell recordings from the giant presynaptic terminal, the calyx of Held, and its postsynaptic target in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body in rat brainstem slices. Phorbol ester potentiated EPSCs without affecting either presynaptic calcium currents or potassium currents. Protein kinase C inhibitors applied from outside or injected directly into the presynaptic terminal attenuated the PESP. Furthermore, presynaptic loading of a synthetic peptide with the sequence of the N-terminal domain of Doc2alpha interacting with Munc13-1 (Mid peptide) significantly attenuated PESP, whereas mutated Mid peptide had no effect. We conclude that the target of the presynaptic facilitatory effect of phorbol ester resides downstream of calcium influx and may involve both protein kinase C and Doc2alpha - Munc13-1 interaction.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the hippocampus, neocortex and amygdala: a review of immunocytochemical localization in relation to learning and memory

Immunocytochemical mapping studies employing the extensively used monoclonal anti-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) antibody M35 are reviewed. We focus on three neuronal muscarinic cholinoceptive substrates, which are target regions of the cholinergic basal forebrain system intimately involved in cognitive functions: the hippocampus; neocortex; and amygdala. The distribution and neurochemistry of mAChR-immunoreactive cells as well as behaviorally induced alterations in mAChR-immunoreactivity (ir) are described in detail. M35+ neurons are viewed as cells actively engaged in neuronal functions in which the cholinergic system is typically involved. Phosphorylation and subsequent internalization of muscarinic receptors determine the immunocytochemical outcome, and hence M35 as a tool to visualize muscarinic receptors is less suitable for detection of the entire pool of mAChRs in the central nervous system (CNS). Instead, M35 is sensitive to and capable of detecting alterations in the physiological condition of muscarinic receptors. Therefore, M35 is an excellent tool to localize alterations in cellular cholinoceptivity in the CNS. M35-ir is not only determined by acetylcholine (ACh), but by any substance that changes the phosphorylation/internalization state of the mAChR. An important consequence of this proposition is that other neurotransmitters than ACh (especially glutamate) can regulate M35-ir and the cholinoceptive state of a neuron, and hence the functional properties of a neuron. One of the primary objectives of this review is to provide a synthesis of our data and literature data on mAChR-ir. We propose a hypothesis for the role of muscarinic receptors in learning and memory in terms of modulation between learning and recall states of brain areas at the postsynaptic level as studied by way of immunocytochemistry employing the monoclonal antibody M35.

Serotonergic modulation of the hyperpolarizing spike afterpotential in rat jaw-closing motoneurons by PKA and PKC

Intracellular recordings were obtained from rat jaw-closing motoneurons (JCMNs) in slice preparations to investigate the effects of serotonin (5-HT) on the postspike medium-duration afterhyperpolarization (mAHP) and an involvement of protein kinases in the effects. Application of 50 microM 5-HT caused membrane depolarization and increased input resistance in the most cells without affecting the mAHP, whereas not only membrane depolarization and an increase in input resistance, but also the suppression of the mAHP amplitude was induced by higher dose of 5-HT (100 or 200 microM). On the other hand, when the mAHP amplitude was increased by raising [Ca(2+)](o) from 2 to 6 mM, 5-HT-induced attenuation of the mAHP amplitude was enhanced, and even 50 microM 5-HT reduced the mAHP amplitude. This 5-HT-induced suppression of the mAHP could be mimicked by application of membrane-permeable cAMP analogue 8-Bromo-cAMP, potentiated by the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro 20-1724 and antagonized by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. The enhancement of the mAHP attenuation induced by 50 microM 5-HT under raised [Ca(2+)](o) was blocked by a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine, suggesting an involvement of PKC in this enhancement. On the other hand, the attenuation of the mAHP induced by PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was blocked almost completely by H89, suggesting that the PKC action on the mAHP requires PKA activation. Neither 5-HT(1A) antagonist NAN-190 or 5-HT(4) antagonist SB 203186 blocked 5-HT-induced attenuation of the mAHP. We conclude that 5-HT induces dose-dependent attenuation of the mAHP amplitude through cAMP-dependent activation of PKA and that PKC-dependent PKA activation is also likely to be involved in the enhancement of 5-HT-induced attenuation of the mAHP under raised [Ca(2+)](o). Because the slope of the linear relationship between firing frequency and injected current was increased only when the mAHP amplitude was decreased by 5-HT, it is suggested that the relation between incoming synaptic inputs and firing output in JCMNs varies according to serotonergic effects on JCMNs and calcium-dependent modulation of its effects.

Role of muscarinic receptors, G-proteins, and intracellular messengers in muscarinic modulation of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission

Previously, we reported that activation of muscarinic receptors modulates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in auditory neocortex [Aramakis et al. (1997a) Exp Brain Res 113:484-496]. Here, we describe the muscarinic subtypes responsible for these modulatory effects, and a role for G-proteins and intracellular messengers. The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (oxo-M), at 25-100 microM, produced a long-lasting enhancement of NMDA-induced membrane depolarizations. We examined the postsynaptic G-protein dependence of the modulatory effects of oxo-M with the use of the G-protein activator GTP gamma S and the nonhydrolyzable GDP analog GDP beta S. Intracellular infusion of GTP gamma S mimicked the facilitating actions of oxo-M. After obtaining the whole-cell recording configuration, there was a gradual, time-dependent increase of the NMDA receptor-mediated slow-EPSP, and of iontophoretic NMDA-induced membrane depolarizations. In contrast, intracellular infusion of either GDP beta S or the IP3 receptor antagonist heparin prevented oxo-M mediated enhancement of NMDA depolarizations. The muscarinic receptor involved in enhancement of NMDA iontophoretic responses is likely the M1 receptor, because the increase was prevented by pirenzepine, but not the M2 antagonists methoctramine or AF-DX 116. Oxo-M also reduced the amplitude of the pharmacologically isolated slow-EPSP, and this effect was blocked by M2 antagonists. Thus, muscarinic-mediated enhancement of NMDA responses involves activation of M1 receptors, leading to the engagement of a postsynaptic G-protein and subsequent IP3 receptor activity.

Delayed neuronal migration of protein kinase Cgamma immunoreactive cells in hippocampal CA1 area after 48 h of moderate hypoxemia in the near term ovine fetus

The brain is uniquely sensitive to disturbances in energy and oxygen supply, particularly during the early stage of life. Since hypoxemia can indirectly activate the intracellular messenger protein kinase C (PKC), we studied the PKCgamma-immunoreaction in the fetal hippocampal CA1 region of naive (n=4), instrumented control (n=7), and instrumented hypoxemic fetuses (n=14), at a mean gestational age of 127 days. Forty-eight hours of mild to moderate hypoxemia, were followed by a 48-h recovery period. Hypoxemia resulted in an increase in carotid blood flow (137% of control), and a shift towards a higher percentage of high-voltage electrocortical activity. After recovery, the fetal brain was fixated by perfusion of both carotid arteries, sectioned and immunostained for PKCgamma. The distribution of PKCgamma-immunoreactive cells was significantly changed after 48 h of hypoxemia in that the migration of cells (from the ventricular region towards the stratum pyramidale) was delayed (p<0.01) compared to naive and instrumented control animals. In contrast to the distribution, the relative total optical density of PKCgamma-ir cells and fibres in the CA1 hippocampal area was not significant different between the animal groups. We conclude that hypoxemia delayed migration of PKCgamma-ir cells, without neuronal degeneration.

Glucocorticoid block of protein kinase C signalling in mouse pituitary corticotroph AtT20 D16:16 cells

1. The regulation of large conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) currents by activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) and glucocorticoid signalling pathways was investigated in AtT20 D16:16 clonal mouse anterior pituitary corticotroph cells. 2. Maximal activation of PKC using the phorbol esters, 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA), phorbol 12, 13 dibutyrate (PDBu) and 12-deoxyphorbol 13-phenylacetate (dPPA) elicited a rapid, and sustained, inhibition of the outward steady-state voltage- and calcium- dependent potassium current predominantly carried through BK channels. 3. The effect of PMA was blocked by the PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide I (BIS; 100 nM) and chelerythrine chloride (CHE; 25 microM) and was not mimicked by the inactive phorbol ester analogue 4alpha-PMA. 4. PMA had no significant effect on the 1 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA)-insensitive outward current or pharmacologically isolated, high voltage-activated calcium current. 5. PMA had no significant effect on steady-state outward current in cells pre-treated for 2 h with 1 microM of the glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone. Dexamethasone had no significant effect on steady-state outward current amplitude or sensitivity to 1 mM TEA and did not block PMA-induced translocation of the phorbol ester-sensitive PKC isoforms, PKCalpha and PKCepsilon, to membrane fractions. 6. Taken together these data suggest that in AtT20 D16:16 corticotroph cells BK channels are important targets for PKC action and that glucocorticoids inhibit PKC signalling downstream of PKC activation.

Mediation by membrane protein kinase C of zinc-induced oxidative neuronal injury in mouse cortical cultures

Transsynaptic movement of endogenous zinc may play a key role in selective neuronal death after brain ischemia and prolonged seizures. As to the mechanism, we have reported recently that zinc-induced neuronal death occurs mainly by oxidative stress in cortical cultures. Here we present evidence supporting the idea that activation of membrane protein kinase C (PKC) in neurons is likely to play a key role in zinc-induced oxidative neuronal injury. Exposure of cortical cultures to 300 microM zinc for 15 min induced increases in the activity, without changing the amount, of membrane PKC to two- to threefold of control values, followed by neuronal death over the next day. Addition of a zinc chelator, Ca-EDTA, or PKC inhibitors with zinc completely abolished the zinc-induced increase in the membrane PKC activity. Indicating the participation of PKC in zinc-induced oxidative stress and neuronal death, the selective PKC inhibitor GF109203X attenuated both. Furthermore, as in zinc-induced neuronal death, activation of PKC with phorbol esters induced free radical generation and neuronal death, which were blocked by GF109203X or an antioxidant, Trolox. The present results support the idea that zinc influx activates PKC in the membrane, which contributes to free radical generation and neuronal death. As an increasing body of evidence suggests that zinc neurotoxicity is an important mechanism of pathological neuronal death, timely prevention of PKC activation after acute brain insult may prove useful in ameliorating this type of neuronal death.

Differential induction of long-lasting potentiation of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials by theta patterned stimulation versus 100-Hz tetanization in hippocampal pyramidal cells in vitro

Tetanization of Schaffer collaterals, which induces long-term potentiation of excitatory transmission in the hippocampus of the rat, also affects local inhibitory circuits. Mechanisms controlling plasticity of early and late components of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in CA1 pyramidal cells were studied using intracellular recordings and Ca2+ imaging in rat hippocampal slices. High-frequency stimulation (100 Hz/s) of Schaffer collaterals resulted in no change in the mean amplitude of early or late inhibitory postsynaptic potentials 30 min post-tetanus. However, intracellular injection of the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetate unmasked a significant increase in mean amplitude of both inhibitory postsynaptic potentials 30 min post-tetanus and the induction of this potentiation was blocked by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist(+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphopentanoic acid. In contrast to high-frequency tetanization, "theta-burst" stimulation in normal medium resulted in a significant potentiation of the mean amplitude of both early and late inhibitory postsynaptic potentials 30 min post-tetanus. This potentiation was blocked by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. The more physiological tetanization pattern, which mimics the endogenous theta rhythm, therefore resulted in an N-methyl-D-aspartate-dependent increase in inhibition 30 min post-tetanus. Calcium imaging during whole-cell recordings from pyramidal cells revealed differences in the Ca2+ signal associated with high-frequency and theta-burst stimulations. During theta-burst stimulation of Schaffer collaterals, the mean time to peak of Ca2+ signals was significantly longer, and the mean peak amplitude and area under the Ca2+ response were larger than during high-frequency stimulation. These results indicate that tetanization induces long-lasting synaptic plasticity in hippocampal inhibitory circuits. This plasticity involves an interaction between a Ca2(+)-mediated postsynaptic depression and an N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated potentiation of GABAA and GABAB inhibition, and these processes are differentially sensitive to tetanization parameters.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor-modulated signaling pathways in neurons

Mammalian brain contains high densities of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptors, localized mainly to specific nuclei within the hypothalamus and brainstem regions. Neuronal AT1 receptors within these areas mediate the stimulatory actions of central Ang II on blood pressure, water and sodium intake, and vasopressin secretion, effects that involve the modulation of brain noradrenergic pathways. This review focuses on the intracellular events that mediate the functional effects of Ang II in neurons, via AT1 receptors. The signaling pathways involved in short-term changes in neuronal activity, membrane ionic currents, norepinephrine (NE) release, and longer-term neuromodulatory actions of Ang II are discussed. It will be apparent from this discussion that the signaling pathways involved in these events are often distinct.

Regulation of the readily releasable vesicle pool by protein kinase C

Modulation of the size of the readily releasable vesicle pool has recently come under scrutiny as a candidate for the regulation of synaptic strength. Using electrophysiological and optical measurement techniques, we show that phorbol esters increase the size of the readily releasable pool at glutamatergic hippocampal synapses in culture through a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanism. Phorbol ester activation of PKC also increases the rate at which the pool refills. These results identify two powerful ways that activation of the PKC pathway may regulate synaptic strength by modulating the readily releasable pool of vesicles.

Neuronal ion channel signalling pathways: modulation by angiotensin II

The brain contains both angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) and Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptors. Neuronal AT1 receptors mediate the stimulatory actions of Ang II on blood pressure, water and salt intake, and secretion of vasopressin. In contrast, neuronal AT2 receptors have been implicated in the stimulation of apoptosis and as being antagonistic to AT1 receptors. The physiological actions of Ang II in the brain, whether mediated by AT1 or AT2 receptors, involve changes in neuronal activity that are initiated by changes in the activity of membrane ionic currents and channels. This review focusses on the intracellular signalling pathways that couple neuronal AT1 and AT2 receptors to changes in the activity of membrane K+ and Ca2+ currents and channels. As will become clear from our discussion, the signalling pathways that are modulated by neuronal AT1 and AT2 receptors are quite distinct.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors limit adenylyl cyclase-mediated effects in rat hippocampus via protein kinase C

Glutamate receptors of the metabotropic type (mGluRs) activate protein kinase C in hippocampus, but few physiological functions of this pathway are known. The present data show that mGluRs utilize protein kinase C to inhibit another second messenger system, the adenylyl cyclase pathway, in neurons of the CA1 area of hippocampus. Activation of mGluRs prevented beta-adrenergic receptors, which couple to adenylyl cyclase, from blocking the slow Ca2+-dependent afterhyperpolarization (AHP). Since the afterhyperpolarization modulates neuronal responsiveness, crosstalk between protein kinase C and the adenylyl cyclase pathway is likely to have physiological consequences. Moreover, mGluRs themselves block the afterhyperpolarization, so the observed interference with the beta-adrenergic response constitutes a hierarchical relationship in which mGluRs are dominant over beta-adrenergic receptors.

Protein kinase C modulates ischemia-induced amino acids release in the striatum of hypertensive rats

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in mediating the ischemia-induced release of amino acids in the striatum was studied using an in vivo brain dialysis technique in the striatum of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Using HPLC combined with fluorescence detection methods, we investigated the concentrations of amino acids in the dialysates produced by 20 min of transient forebrain ischemia. We studied the effects of an inhibitor of PKC, 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H7) and another isoquinoline analog (HA1004) with less inhibitory effect on the C kinase in ischemia-induced amino acids release. Bilateral carotid artery occlusion caused a marked reduction in the striatal blood flow by 91 +/- 6%. The extent of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction were essentially the same among H7-, HA1004-, and the vehicle-treated groups. Forebrain ischemia produced a marked increase in glutamate (21-fold of the basal concentration), aspartate (19-fold) and taurine (16-fold). Pretreatment with H7 markedly attenuated the ischemia-in-duced release of these three amino acids to 3, 3 and 4-fold of the basal values, respectively. Increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was also attenuated by H7 (vehicle; 2.46 +/- 1.26 microM, H7; 0.62 +/- 0.75 mM). HA1004 did not affect the release of glutamate, aspartate or GABA during ischemia. The ischemia-induced release of taurine was significantly inhibited by HA1004 but the effect was much smaller than that of H7. These results thus indicate that PKC plays a major role in the ischemia-induced release of amino acids in the striatum of SHR.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor activation in cerebellar Purkinje cells as substrate for adaptive timing of the classically conditioned eye-blink response

To understand how the cerebellum adaptively times the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response (NMR), a model of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) second messenger system in cerebellar Purkinje cells is constructed. In the model, slow responses, generated postsynaptically by mGluR-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium release from intracellular stores, bridge the interstimulus interval (ISI) between the onset of parallel fiber activity associated with the conditioned stimulus (CS) and climbing fiber activity associated with unconditioned stimulus (US) onset. Temporal correlation of metabotropic responses and climbing fiber signals produces persistent phosphorylation of both AMPA receptors and Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels. This is responsible for long-term depression (LTD) of AMPA receptors. The phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels leads to a reduction in baseline membrane potential and a reduction of Purkinje cell population firing during the CS-US interval. The Purkinje cell firing decrease disinhibits cerebellar nuclear cells, which then produce an excitatory response corresponding to the learned movement. Purkinje cell learning times the response, whereas nuclear cell learning can calibrate it. The model reproduces key features of the conditioned rabbit NMR: Purkinje cell population response is timed properly; delay conditioning occurs for ISIs of up to 4 sec, whereas trace conditioning occurs only at shorter ISIs; mixed training at two different ISIs produces a double-peaked response; and ISIs of 200-400 msec produce maximal responding. Biochemical similarities between timed cerebellar learning and photoreceptor transduction, and circuit similarities between the timed cerebellar circuit and a timed dentate-CA3 hippocampal circuit, are noted.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor activation in cerebellar Purkinje cells as substrate for adaptive timing of the classically conditioned eye-blink response

To understand how the cerebellum adaptively times the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response (NMR), a model of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) second messenger system in cerebellar Purkinje cells is constructed. In the model, slow responses, generated postsynaptically by mGluR-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium release from intracellular stores, bridge the interstimulus interval (ISI) between the onset of parallel fiber activity associated with the conditioned stimulus (CS) and climbing fiber activity associated with unconditioned stimulus (US) onset. Temporal correlation of metabotropic responses and climbing fiber signals produces persistent phosphorylation of both AMPA receptors and Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels. This is responsible for long-term depression (LTD) of AMPA receptors. The phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels leads to a reduction in baseline membrane potential and a reduction of Purkinje cell population firing during the CS-US interval. The Purkinje cell firing decrease disinhibits cerebellar nuclear cells, which then produce an excitatory response corresponding to the learned movement. Purkinje cell learning times the response, whereas nuclear cell learning can calibrate it. The model reproduces key features of the conditioned rabbit NMR: Purkinje cell population response is timed properly; delay conditioning occurs for ISIs of up to 4 sec, whereas trace conditioning occurs only at shorter ISIs; mixed training at two different ISIs produces a double-peaked response; and ISIs of 200-400 msec produce maximal responding. Biochemical similarities between timed cerebellar learning and photoreceptor transduction, and circuit similarities between the timed cerebellar circuit and a timed dentate-CA3 hippocampal circuit, are noted.

Evidence that Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase mediates the modulation of the Ca2+-dependent K+ current, IAHP, by acetylcholine, but not by glutamate, in hippocampal neurons

Muscarinic and metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists increase the excitability of hippocampal and other cortical neurons by suppressing the Ca2+-activated K+current, IAHP, which underlies the slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and spike frequency adaptation. We have examined the mechanism of action of a muscarinic agonist (carbachol) and a metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (1-Aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid; t-ACPD) on IAHP in hippocampal CA1 neurons in slices, by using highly specific protein kinase inhibitors. We found that inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) with the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogue Rp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic phosphorothioate Rp-cAMPS, did not prevent the muscarinic and glutamatergic suppression of IAHP. In contrast, two specific peptide inhibitors of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-K II), each partially blocked the effect of carbachol, but not the effect of t-ACPD on IAHP. We conclude that CaM-K II, but not PKA, is involved in mediating the muscarinic suppression of IAHP, although other pathways may also contribute. In contrast, neither CaM-K II nor PKA seems to mediate the metabotropic glutamate receptor action on IAHP.

Serotonin and protein kinase C modulation of a rat brain inwardly rectifying K+ channel expressed in xenopus oocytes

In Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with rat brain poly(A)+ RNA, perfusion with a high-K+ solution (96 mM KCl) generated an inward current (IHK) which was absent in water-injected oocytes. Part of IHK was blocked by low concentrations of Ba2+ (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50: 4.2 +/- 0.5 microM). When serotonin (5-HT) was applied to these oocytes a transient inward oscillating Cl- current arising from activation of Ca2+ -dependent Cl- channels, ICl (Ca), was observed. When this response decayed, a 30% reduction of IHK could be detected. Electrophysiological characterization of the K+ channel down-modulated by 5-HT revealed that it is an inward rectifier. Anti-sense suppression experiments revealed that the 5-HT2C receptor mediates the down-modulatory effect of 5-HT. The nature of the modulatory pathway was investigated by application of phorbol esters and intracellular injection of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, ethylenebis (oxonitrilo)tetraacetate (EGTA) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The results demonstrate that PKC is responsible for the down-modulatory effect.

Cholinergic modulation of the action potential in rat hippocampal neurons

The cholinergic input to the hippocampus from the medial septum is important for modulating hippocampal activity and functions, including theta rhythm and spatial learning. Neuromodulation by transmitters in central nervous system neurons usually affects cell excitability by modifying the membrane potential, discharge pattern and spike frequency. Here we describe another type of neuromodulation: changing the action potential waveform. During intracellular recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices from rats, the cholinergic agonist carbachol caused several reversible changes in the action potential: low doses (2 microM) caused an increase in spike duration; high doses (10-40 microM) or long-lasting applications also reduced the spike amplitude and rate of rise, and raised the spike threshold. These effects are similar to those of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists or phorbol esters, both of which activate protein kinase C. The effects were blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine, and were prevented by Ca(2+)-free medium and by Ca(2+)-channel blockers. However, the cholinergic spike modulation was not occluded or mimicked by blocking the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ currents IC or IAHP, suggesting that these K+ currents are not involved in the modulation. We conclude that muscarinic receptor activation modulates the action potential in CA1 pyramidal cells via a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism, possibly involving protein kinase C. This modulation and the similar effects mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptors to our knowledge provide the only examples of neuromodulation of the action potential in the vertebrate central nervous system-a form of modulation known to regulate Ca2+ influx and transmitter release, and to mediate synaptic plasticity and learning in invertebrates.

Whole-cell voltage-clamp investigation of the role of PKC in muscarinic inhibition of IAHP in rat CA1 hippocampal neurons

Muscarinic, cholinergic inputs, largely from the medial septum, have pronounced effects on hippocampal cell excitability. A major effect of synaptically released ACh is block of the slow Ca(2+)-dependent potassium current, called IAHP. Protein kinase C exists in the hippocampus in high concentrations, its activation blocks IAHP, and it has been suggested as a mediator of the muscarinic-receptor-(mAChR)-mediated actions. Using conditions that produce a stable postspike afterhyperpolarizing current (IAHP) in whole-cell recordings from CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the slice preparation, we have investigated the role of PKC in the cholinergic inhibition of IAHP mediated by mACHRs. Bath application of the general kinase inhibitor, H7, had no effect on inhibition of IAHP by carbachol, although H7 dramatically reduced inhibition of IAHP by the phorbol ester, phorbol-12, 13-diacetate (PDA). Another muscarinic response thought to be mediated by PKC-inhibition of GABAB-mediated hyperpolarization-was reduced by extracellular H7 treatment, suggesting that the coupling between mAChRs and protein kinase activity was maintained in whole-cell recordings. We also discovered that PDA does not mediate its effects on IAHP directly. Intracellular perfusion of high concentrations of H7 (10 mM) or the specific PKC inhibitor, PKCI(19-31) (1 mM), did not prevent inhibition of IAHP by PDA. These results are consistent with an indirect, presynaptic action of phorbol esters on IAHP, possibly mediated through enhanced release of neurotransmitter from surrounding cells.

Calcium-dependent, slowly inactivating potassium currents in cultured neurons of rat neocortex

Slowly inactivating outward currents were examined in neurons from rat anterior cortex dissociated at postnatal day 1 and recorded after 7-48 days in vitro by the use of whole-cell patch-clamp technique, in the presence of 0.5-0.8 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX). 50 microM carbachol and 1-5 mM CsCl2. Experiments were often carried out in the additional presence of 1-5 mM CsCl2, which blocks the anomalous, inwardly rectifying IQ, the fast Ca(2+)-dependent K+ current (IC), and 50 microM carbachol, which depresses the IM current. These currents were evoked by depolarizing steps to -40 +/- 5 mV from a conditioning hyperpolarization to -110 +/- 10 mV. Their sensitivity to elevation from 2.5 to 12.5 mM in extracellular K+ concentration, together with their sensitivity to 5-15 mM tetraethylammonium, suggests that they are mainly carried by K+ ions. Their activation and inactivation curves show that the threshold for activation is -65 mV, that their inactivation is achieved at -75 mV and that potentials more negative than -120 mV are needed to abolish it. The time-dependence of de-inactivation gives a maximal current amplitude for conditioning hyperpolarizations of 2 s and is best described by a monoexponential function with a time constant of 0.7 s. Slow transient K+ currents were depressed by low doses of 4-aminopyridine (30-100 microM), which indicates the occurrence of an ID-type component in the recorded K+ currents. No slowly declining K+ current was expressed when a recording solution containing 10 mM 1,2-bis (2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'-N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), instead of 1-5 mM BAPTA, was used. When recorded without Ca2+ chelator in the pipette, slowly declining K+ currents were blocked by bath-applied 40-50 microM BAPTA-aminoethoxy, revealing a large-amplitude, rapidly inactivating outward current. This residual component is insensitive to 50 microM 4-aminopyridine and may include a current more related to the IA-type. Our data provide evidence that, in cultured cortical neurons from rat, the expression of an ID-like K+ current is highly dependent on internal Ca2+ concentration.

Synchronization and cooperative interaction in brain activity

A conception is advanced according to which synchronization and the cooperative interaction of plastic processes at the level of the individual cell and of cell units of varying degrees of complexity form a principle of cerebral integration. The triggering and unfolding of plastic reorganizations which take place with the participation of motivational-emotional structures are realized through the mechanism of alteration of cell excitability. These influences are widely distributed throughout the cerebral cortex, but are selective in relation to the current need of the organism.

BIMT 17, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist/5-HT2A receptor antagonist, directly activates postsynaptic 5-HT inhibitory responses in the rat cerebral cortex

BIMT 17 (1-[2-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl phenyl) piperazin-1-yl] ethyl] benzimidazol- [1H]-2-one), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist/5-HT2A receptor antagonist (see Borsini et al., accompanying paper), in a dose range of 1-10 mg/kg i.v., dose-dependently inhibited the electrical activity of rat medial prefronto-cortical neurons, whereas buspirone, in a dose range of 0.1-1000 micrograms/kg, increased it. 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and 1-[2-(2-thenoylamino)ethyl]-4-[1-(7-methoxynaphthyl)] piperazine (S 14671) presented biphasic patterns of response; they increased electrical activity at doses in the range of 0.1-10 micrograms/kg and 0.1-3 micrograms/kg i.v. respectively, and reduced it at high doses, 30-300 micrograms/kg and 10-30 micrograms/kg i.v., respectively. The inhibitory effect of BIMT 17 on the firing rate of neurons in the frontal cortex was antagonized by the 5-HT1A antagonists tertatolol and WAY 100135, and was still present after destruction of serotonin (5-HT) containing neuronal endings by the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT; 150 micrograms/rat, given intraventricularly), which reduced the cortical 5-HT content by 85%. This destruction of 5-HT neurons, while suppressing the ability of 8-OH-DPAT to inhibit the firing rate at high doses, did not change the excitatory action of this compound at low doses. The addition of ritanserin, a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, potentiated both the excitatory and inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT on neuronal electrical activity. Direct microiontophoretic application (100 nA/20 s) of 5-HT and BIMT 17, but not that of 8-OH-DPAT, onto medial prefronto-cortical neurons, decreased the firing rate of these neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Depression of the spontaneous activity by phorbol esters in young embryonic chick cardiomyocytes

Effects of phorbol esters, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB), that stimulate protein kinase C (PK-C) on the spontaneous action potential and the ionic currents in cultured embryonic chick ventricular cardiomyocytes were examined using whole-cell voltage-clamp and current-clamp modes. Experiments were performed at room temperature (22 degrees C). The firing rate of spontaneous activity was 61.7 +/- 1.6 beats/min (n = 12). Phorbol esters (100 nM and 1 microM) caused a negative chronotropic effect, and they inhibited the maximum rate of depolarization and the action potential amplitude. The action potential duration (at 50% repolarization) tended to decrease, and the maximum diastolic potential was unaffected. In whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments, both TPA and PDB inhibited the L-type Ca2+ current and the delayed rectifier K+ current. The fast time constant of the inactivation phase for the Ca2+ current was decreased, but the slow component was unaffected. In addition, PDB (100 nM) enhanced the T-type Ca2+ current, accompanied with an increase in its time constant. In contrast, 4-alpha-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (PDD), an inactive analogue on PK-C, failed to produce significant changes. These results suggest that the PK-C stimulation induced by phorbol esters might affect the ionic currents and modulate the [Ca]i, resulting in regulation of the spontaneous activity of embryonic chick heart cells.

Oxidant-induced activation of protein kinase C in UC11MG cells

Free radical formation and subsequent lipid peroxidation may participate in the pathogenesis of tissue injury, including the brain injury induced by hypoxia or trauma and cardiac injury arising from ischemia and reperfusion. However, the exact cellular mechanisms by which the initial oxidative insult leads to the ultimate tissue damage are not known. A number of reports have indicated that protein kinase C (PKC) may be activated following oxidative stress and that this enzyme may play an important role in the steps leading to cellular damage. In this work, we have examined in a cell model whether PKC is activated following oxidative exposure. UC11MG cells, a human astrocytoma cell line, were treated with H2O2. Incubation with 0.5 mM H2O2 increased malondialdehyde levels by as early as 15 minutes. To assess the effects of H2O2 treatment on PKC activation, we measured phosphorylation of an endogenous PKC substrate, the MARCKS (myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate) protein. Treatment of cells with 0.2-1.0 mM H2O2 resulted in a rapid increase in MARCKS phosphorylation. Phosphorylation was stimulated approximately 2.5-fold following treatment with 0.5 mM H2O2 for ten minutes. Treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a PKC activator, increased MARCKS phosphorylation approximately 4-fold. The H2O2-induced MARCKS phosphorylation was inhibited by the addition of the kinase inhibitors H-7 and staurosporine. Furthermore, specific down-regulation of PKC by phorbol ester also inhibited H2O2-induced MARCKS phosphorylation. These results indicate that PKC is rapidly activated in cells following an oxidative exposure and that this cell system may be a good model to further investigate the role of PKC in regulating oxidative damage in the cell.

Localization of protein kinase C alpha, beta and gamma subspecies in sensory axon terminals of the rat muscle spindle

The localization of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha, beta and gamma subspecies in sensory axon terminals of muscle spindles in the plantar lumbrical muscles of rat was investigated by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Immunoreactivity for these subspecies was detected specifically in sensory axon terminals which wound spirally around the intrafusal muscle fibres of the muscle spindle. Immunostaining was found to be stronger with polyclonal than with monoclonal antibodies. By electron microscopy, immunoreactivity for alpha, beta and gamma subspecies was almost diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm of the axon terminal, and the overall pattern of distribution of immunoreactivity was similar for all three subspecies. In the cases of alpha and beta subspecies, some intensely immunostained regions were found in the cytoplasm, but no definite subcellular structures corresponding to such regions could be identified. Considering that PKC plays a crucial role in the regulation of ion channels, it is suggested that PKC might be involved in the control of mechanoelectric transduction in sensory axon terminals.

Histamine modulates three types of K+ current in a human intestinal epithelial cell line

K+ conductance species in a human intestinal epithelial cell line (Intestine 407) were studied in connection with their sensitivities to an intestinal secretagogue, histamine, using the tight-seal whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Applications of positive command pulses rapidly induced outward K+ currents. The conductance became progressively larger with increasing command voltages, exhibiting an outwardly rectifying current voltage relation. Inward K+ currents were also rapidly activated upon applications of hyperpolarizing pulses at potentials negative to the equilibrium potential of K+ (EK), and the conductance inwardly rectified. Application of a Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin, brought about activation of additional K+ currents. An inhibitor of protein kinase C, polymyxin B, did not affect the ionomycin-induced response. Histamine (10-200 microM) also activated a similar K+ current which was abolished by cytosolic Ca2+ chelation. Under conditions where Ca2+ mobilization was minimized, histamine was found to significantly augment inwardly rectifying K+, but suppress outwardly rectifying K+, currents. Polymyxin B blocked these effects of histamine. An activator of protein kinase C, 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol, mimicked the histamine effects. It is concluded that the intestinal epithelial cell has three distinct types of K+ conductance and that histamine modulates not only Ca(2+)-activated K+ conductance via Ca2+ mobilization, but also inward- and outward-rectifier K+ conductances via activation of protein kinase C.

Kindled amygdaloid seizures in rats cause immediate and transient increase in protein kinase C activity followed by transient suppression of the activity

Protein kinase C (PKC) activity in hippocampus and amygdala was measured during kindled seizures and 30 min, 3, 24, and 48 h, and 2 weeks after seizures in amygdaloid-kindled rats. Sham-operated rats not subjected to kindling were used as controls. During kindled seizures, membrane-bound PKC activity in bilateral hippocampi was significantly increased, with a slight reduction in cytosolic PKC activity, but there was no change in either membrane-bound or cytosolic PKC activity in bilateral amygdala. Thirty minutes after seizures, PKC activity in both fractions was significantly increased in bilateral hippocampi and amygdala. Three hours after seizures, PKC activity in both fractions was markedly decreased in bilateral hippocampi. In bilateral amygdala, a similar and significant decrease in membrane-bound PKC activity was noted, with no marked change in the cytosolic fraction. Twenty-four hours after seizures, a significant decrease in membrane-bound PKC activity in bilateral hippocampi and amygdala was again noted, although cytosolic PKC activity was unchanged. Forty-eight hours after the seizures, PKC activity in both fractions had returned to control levels. Two weeks after the last seizure, there was no significant change in PKC activity in either fraction in any region, except for a slight increase in membrane-bound PKC activity in unilateral hippocampus contralateral to the kindled amygdala. These results suggest that kindled amygdaloid seizures cause an immediate and transient increase in PKC activity in limbic structures, followed by suppression of enzyme activity, and that PKC in hippocampus responds to kindled seizures more readily and preferentially than it does in amygdala.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)