Functional characterization of a nonclassical nicotine receptor associated with inositolphospholipid breakdown and mobilization of intracellular calcium pools

Neurodevelopmental signatures of narcotic and neuropsychiatric risk factors in 3D human-derived forebrain organoids

It is widely accepted that narcotic use during pregnancy and specific environmental factors (e.g., maternal immune activation and chronic stress) may increase risk of neuropsychiatric illness in offspring. However, little progress has been made in defining human-specific in utero neurodevelopmental pathology due to ethical and technical challenges associated with accessing human prenatal brain tissue. Here we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate reproducible organoids that recapitulate dorsal forebrain development including early corticogenesis. We systemically exposed organoid samples to chemically defined "enviromimetic" compounds to examine the developmental effects of various narcotic and neuropsychiatric-related risk factors within tissue of human origin. In tandem experiments conducted in parallel, we modeled exposure to opiates (μ-opioid agonist endomorphin), cannabinoids (WIN 55,212-2), alcohol (ethanol), smoking (nicotine), chronic stress (human cortisol), and maternal immune activation (human Interleukin-17a; IL17a). Human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids were consequently analyzed via an array of unbiased and high-throughput analytical approaches, including state-of-the-art TMT-16plex liquid chromatography/mass-spectrometry (LC/MS) proteomics, hybrid MS metabolomics, and flow cytometry panels to determine cell-cycle dynamics and rates of cell death. This pipeline subsequently revealed both common and unique proteome, reactome, and metabolome alterations as a consequence of enviromimetic modeling of narcotic use and neuropsychiatric-related risk factors in tissue of human origin. However, of our 6 treatment groups, human-derived organoids treated with the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 exhibited the least convergence of all groups. Single-cell analysis revealed that WIN 55,212-2 increased DNA fragmentation, an indicator of apoptosis, in human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. We subsequently confirmed induction of DNA damage and apoptosis by WIN 55,212-2 within 3D human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. Lastly, in a BrdU pulse-chase neocortical neurogenesis paradigm, we identified that WIN 55,212-2 was the only enviromimetic treatment to disrupt newborn neuron numbers within human-derived dorsal forebrain organoids. Cumulatively this study serves as both a resource and foundation from which human 3D biologics can be used to resolve the non-genomic effects of neuropsychiatric risk factors under controlled laboratory conditions. While synthetic cannabinoids can differ from naturally occurring compounds in their effects, our data nonetheless suggests that exposure to WIN 55,212-2 elicits neurotoxicity within human-derived developing forebrain tissue. These human-derived data therefore support the long-standing belief that maternal use of cannabinoids may require caution so to avoid any potential neurodevelopmental effects upon developing offspring in utero.

Nicotine-induced Brain Stimulation Reward is Modulated by Melanocortin-4 Receptors in Ovariectomized Rats

Apart from reproduction, estrogen influences a multitude of processes. Increase in estrogen levels in women is known to promote reward probably mediated via the melanocortin and dopamine systems. Reduced estrogen in post-menopausal women attenuates reward, evoking the need for stimulation with greater rewarding salience. This is reflected in the well-recognized phenomena of difficulty in quitting and increased craving for nicotine in women following the onset of menopause. The present study aims at understanding the role of melanocortin receptors (MC-R) in nicotine-induced reward behavior following ovariectomy in rats. The MC4-R mRNA level was increased in ipsilateral nucleus accumbens (Acb) of the intact rats implanted with electrode in medial forebrain bundle and trained in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) paradigm. Additional groups of ICSS trained rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and subjected to reward evaluation. Trained OVX rats revealed a significant increase in threshold frequency and rightward shift in rate frequency curve, suggesting reward deficit behavior. However, pre-administration with nicotine, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) or NDP-MSH (MC4-R agonist) to OVX animals restored the rewarding activity in ICSS protocol; HS014 (MC4-R antagonist) suppressed the lever press activity. Prior treatment with sub-effective doses of α-MSH or NDP-MSH potentiated the reward effect of nicotine, but was attenuated by HS014. Alpha-MSH-immunoreactivity was decreased in the Acb shell, arcuate and paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, and ventral bed nucleus of stria terminalis in the OVX rats, while nicotine treatment restored the same. We suggest a role for the endogenous MC system, perhaps acting via MC4-R, in the nicotine-induced reward in OVX rats.

Impacts of cigarette smoking on immune responsiveness: Up and down or upside down?

Cigarette smoking is associated with numerous diseases and poses a serious challenge to the current healthcare system worldwide. Smoking impacts both innate and adaptive immunity and plays dual roles in regulating immunity by either exacerbation of pathogenic immune responses or attenuation of defensive immunity. Adaptive immune cells affected by smoking mainly include T helper cells (Th1/Th2/Th17), CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells and memory T/B lymphocytes while innate immune cells impacted by smoking are mostly DCs, macrophages and NK cells. Complex roles of cigarette smoke have resulted in numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory and autoimmune diseases, allergies, cancers and transplant rejection etc. Although previous reviews have described the effects of smoking on various diseases and regional immunity associated with specific diseases, a comprehensive and updated review is rarely seen to demonstrate impacts of smoking on general immunity and, especially on major components of immune cells. Here, we aim to systematically and objectively review the influence of smoking on major components of both innate and adaptive immune cells, and summarize cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying effects of cigarette smoking on the immune system. The molecular pathways impacted by cigarette smoking involve NFκB, MAP kinases and histone modification. Further investigations are warranted to understand the exact mechanisms responsible for smoking-mediated immunopathology and to answer lingering questions over why cigarette smoking is always harmful rather than beneficial even though it exerts dual effects on immune responses.

Influence of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage on nicotine-induced contraction of the rat basilar artery in relation to arachidonic acid metabolites signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for cerebral circulatory disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on nicotine-induced contraction (arachidonic acid metabolites) in the basilar arteries of rats.

METHODS

Rats were killed at 1 hour and 1 week after blood injection, and the basilar artery was isolated and cut into a spiral strip.

RESULTS

Testing of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors revealed no significant differences in their effects on normal and SAH (1 hour and 1 week). Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor (1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5,-dione [U-73122]) slightly inhibited contraction of SAH (1 hour and 1 week) when compared to controls. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor (manoalide) and cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) inhibitor (arachidonyltrifluoromenthylketone [AACOCF3]) more strongly attenuated contraction in SAH (1 hour and 1 week) than in controls. Secreted PLA2 (sPLA2) inhibitor (indoxam), PLC inhibitor (2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl N, N-diphenylcarbamate [NCDC]), and COX-2 inhibitors (nimesulide, (5-methanesulfonamido-6-(2,4-difluorothiophenyl)-1-indanone) [L-745337], and celecoxib) only slightly inhibited contraction of SAH (1 week) when compared to normal and SAH (1 hour). The calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) inhibitor bromoenol lactone (BEL) showed greater inhibition of contraction in SAH (1 hour) when compared to normal and SAH (1 week).

CONCLUSIONS

One week after exposure to SAH, PLC, sPLA2, and COX-2 activity were enhanced and cPLA2 activity was inhibited. One hour after exposure to SAH, PLC activity was enhanced and cPLA2 and iPLA2 activity was inhibited. Such changes of inflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites by smoking after SAH may play important roles in fatal cerebral circulatory disorders, suggesting important implications for the etiology and pathogenesis of SAH.

Ion channels and signaling in the pituitary gland

Endocrine pituitary cells are neuronlike; they express numerous voltage-gated sodium, calcium, potassium, and chloride channels and fire action potentials spontaneously, accompanied by a rise in intracellular calcium. In some cells, spontaneous electrical activity is sufficient to drive the intracellular calcium concentration above the threshold for stimulus-secretion and stimulus-transcription coupling. In others, the function of these action potentials is to maintain the cells in a responsive state with cytosolic calcium near, but below, the threshold level. Some pituitary cells also express gap junction channels, which could be used for intercellular Ca(2+) signaling in these cells. Endocrine cells also express extracellular ligand-gated ion channels, and their activation by hypothalamic and intrapituitary hormones leads to amplification of the pacemaking activity and facilitation of calcium influx and hormone release. These cells also express numerous G protein-coupled receptors, which can stimulate or silence electrical activity and action potential-dependent calcium influx and hormone release. Other members of this receptor family can activate calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a cell type-specific modulation of electrical activity. This review summarizes recent findings in this field and our current understanding of the complex relationship between voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, gap junction channels, and G protein-coupled receptors in pituitary cells.

Pharmacological nature of nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery: Involvement of arachidonic acid metabolites

The pharmacological nature of nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the endothelium dependency and involvement of arachidonic acid metabolites in nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery. The rat basilar artery was removed from the brain and cut into a spiral preparation. Nicotine (3x10(-5) to 10(-2) M) induced the concentration-dependent contraction in the rat basilar artery, and the maximal contraction was obtained at 3x10(-3) M. The contraction induced by nicotine (3x10(-3) M) was significantly attenuated by the presence of saponin (0.05 mg/ml, 15 min). Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors (NCDC and U-73122), calcium-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)) inhibitor (BEL), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors (nimesulide, L-745,337 and celecoxib), and a 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitor (ZM-230487) concentration-dependently attenuated the nicotine-induced contraction. A cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) inhibitor (AACOCF3), secretory phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)) inhibitor (indoxam), and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors (flurbiprofen and ketoprofen) did not affect the nicotine-induced contraction. From these results, it was suggested that nicotine-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery is endothelium-dependent and is due to arachidonic acid metabolites.

Microglial α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors drive a phospholipase C/IP3 pathway and modulate the cell activation toward a neuroprotective role

Microglia perform both neuroprotective and neurotoxic functions in the brain, with this depending on their state of activation and their release of mediators. Upon P2X(7) receptor stimulation, for example, microglia release small amounts of TNF, which protect neurons, whereas LPS causes massive TNF release leading to neuroinflammation. Here we report that, in rat primary cultured microglia, nicotine enhances P2X(7) receptor-mediated TNF release, whilst suppressing LPS-induced TNF release but without affecting TNF mRNA expression via activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (alpha7 nAChRs). In microglia, nicotine elicited a transient increase in intracellular Ca(2+) levels, which was abolished by specific blockers of alpha7 nAChRs. However, this response was independent of extracellular Ca(2+) and blocked by U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), and xestospongin C, a blocker of the IP(3) receptor. Repeated experiments showed that currents were not detected in nicotine-stimulated microglia. Moreover, nicotine modulation of LPS-induced TNF release was also blocked by xestospongin C. Upon LPS stimulation, inhibition of TNF release by nicotine was associated with the suppression of JNK and p38 MAP kinase activation, which regulate the post-transcriptional steps of TNF synthesis. In contrast, nicotine did not alter any MAP kinase activation, but enhanced Ca(2+) response in P2X(7) receptor-activated microglia. In conclusion, microglial alpha7 nAChRs might drive a signaling process involving the activation of PLC and Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores, rather than function as conventional ion channels. This novel alpha7 nAChR signal may be involved in the nicotine modification of microglia activation towards a neuroprotective role by suppressing the inflammatory state and strengthening the protective function.

Endocytosis function of a ligand-gated ion channel homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that respond to a variety of transmitters, including acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and glutamate [1 and 2]. These proteins play key roles in neurotransmission and are typically found in the nervous system and at neuromuscular junctions [3]. Recently, acetylcholine receptor family members also have been found in nonneuronal cells, including macrophages [4], keratinocytes [5], bronchial epithelial cells [5], and endothelial cells of arteries [6]. The function of these channels in nonneuronal cells in mammals remains to be elucidated, though it has been shown that the acetylcholine receptor alpha7 subunit is required for acetylcholine-mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor release by activated macrophages [4]. We show that cup-4, a gene required for efficient endocytosis of fluids by C. elegans coelomocytes, encodes a protein that is homologous to ligand-gated ion channels, with the highest degree of similarity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Worms lacking CUP-4 have reduced phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate levels at the plasma membrane, suggesting that CUP-4 regulates endocytosis through modulation of phospholipase C activity.

The pharmacological actions of nicotine on the gastrointestinal tract

Increasing use of tobacco and its related health problems are a great concern in the world. Recent epidemiological findings have demonstrated the positive association between cigarette smoking and several gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, including peptic ulcer and cancers. Interestingly, smoking also modifies the disease course of ulcerative colitis (UC). Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, seems to mediate some of the actions of cigarette smoking on the pathogenesis of GI disorders. Nicotine worsens the detrimental effects of aggressive factors and attenuates the protective actions of defensive factors in the processes of development and repair of gastric ulceration. Nicotine also takes part in the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis in the GI tract. In this regard, nicotine and its metabolites are found to be mutagenic and have the ability to modulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis during tumoriogenesis through specific receptors and signalling pathways. However, to elucidate this complex pathogenic mechanism, further study at the molecular level is warranted. In contrast, findings of clinical trials give promising results on the use of nicotine as an adjuvant therapy for UC. The beneficial effect of nicotine on UC seems to be mediated through multiple mechanisms. More clinical studies are needed to establish the therapeutic value of nicotine in this disease.

Endogenous ouabain-like factor (OLF) secretion is modulated by nicotinic mechanisms in rat adrenocortical cells

This study tested the hypothesis that rat adrenocortical secretion of endogenous ouabain-like factor (OLF) is regulated by nicotinic mechanisms. OLF secreted by dispersed cell suspensions of zona glomerulosa (ZG) and fasciculata/reticularis (ZFR) cells was found to co-elute with authentic ouabain by reverse phase HPLC; OLF concentrations in cell supernatants were measured by radioimmunoassay. Nicotine (10(-6) - 10(-3) M) stimulated significant OLF secretion in rat adrenocortical cells. Acetylcholine (10(-7) - 10(-4) M) and eserine (10(-7) - 10(-3) M) stimulated OLF secretion in ZG cells at lower concentrations and stimulated at higher concentrations. Acetylcholine had no effect on ZFR secretion of OLF, but eserine stimulated OLF secretion. ACTH (10(-8) M) strongly potentiated the OLF stimulatory effect of nicotine in ZG cells; however significant interactions between nicotine and ACTH or angiotensin II on OLF secretion in ZFR cells were not apparent. The ganglionic blockers hexamethonium and mecamylamine further potentiated the effect of nicotine, implicating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in regulation of OLF secretion. The alpha7-receptor antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) dose-dependently inhibited the effect of nicotine in the ZG cells, and in ZFR cells MLA potentiated nicotine-induced OLF secretion. These data suggest that nicotinic regulation may underlie OLF secretion by rat adrenocortical cells, and strongly suggest presence of functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on these cells.

Nicotine induces multi-site phosphorylation of Bad in association with suppression of apoptosis

Nicotine is an important component in cigarette smoke that can activate the growth-promoting pathways to facilitate the development of lung cancer. However, the intracellular mechanism(s) by which nicotine promotes survival of lung cancer cells remains enigmatic. Bad is a proapoptotic BH3-only member of the Bcl2 family and is expressed in both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer cells. Here we report that nicotine potently induces Bad phosphorylation at Ser112, Ser136, and Ser155 in a mechanism involving activation of MAPKs ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT, and PKA in human lung cancer cells. Nicotine-induced multi-site phosphorylation of Bad results in sequestering Bad from mitochondria and subsequently interacting with 14-3-3 in the cytosol. Treatment of cells with PKC inhibitor (staurosporine), MEK-specific inhibitor (PD98059), PI3 kinase inhibitor (LY294002), or PKA inhibitor (H89) blocks the nicotine-induced Bad phosphorylation that is associated with enhanced apoptotic cell death. The fact that beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitor (propranolol) blocks nicotine-induced activation of ERK1/2, AKT, PKA, Bad phosphorylation, and cell survival suggests that nicotine-induced Bad phosphorylation may occur through the upstream beta-adrenergic receptors. The fact that specific knockdown of Bad expression by RNA interference using short interfering RNA enhances cell survival and that nicotine has no additional survival effect on these cells suggests that Bad may act as a required target of nicotine. Thus, nicotine-induced survival may occur in a mechanism through multi-site phosphorylation of Bad, which may lead to development of human lung cancer and/or chemoresistance.

A functional role for nicotine in Bcl2 phosphorylation and suppression of apoptosis

Nicotine is not only a major component in tobacco but is also a survival agonist that inhibits apoptosis induced by diverse stimuli including chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the intracellular mechanism(s) involved in nicotine suppression of apoptosis is unclear. Bcl2 is a potent antiapoptotic protein and tumor promotor that is expressed in both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. It is possible that nicotine may regulate Bcl2 to stimulate cell survival. Here we report that nicotine can induce Bcl2 phosphorylation exclusively at the serine 70 site in association with prolonged survival of SCLC H82 cells expressing wild-type but not the phosphorylation-deficient S70A mutant Bcl2 after treatment with chemotherapeutic agents (i.e. cisplatin or VP-16). Nicotine induces activation of PKC alpha and the MAPKs ERK1 and ERK2, which are physiological Bcl2 kinases. Furthermore, ET-18-OCH3, a specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, blocks nicotine-stimulated Bcl2 phosphorylation and promotes apoptosis, suggesting that PLC may be involved in nicotine activation of Bcl2 kinases. Using a genetic approach, the gain-of-function S70E mutant, which mimics Ser(70) site phosphorylation in the flexible loop domain, potently enhances chemoresistance in SCLC cells. Thus, nicotine-induced cell survival results, at least in part, from a mechanism that involves Bcl2 phosphorylation. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies for lung cancer in which Bcl2 is expressed may be used to abrogate the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl2 by inhibiting multiple upstream nicotine-activated pathways.

Smoking and ischemic stroke: a role for nicotine?

Cigarette smoking is a preventable risk factor for ischemic stroke. The mechanisms by which smoking contributes to stroke are poorly understood and the role of nicotine in this process is controversial. Although nicotine administered transdermally and orally does not appear to have as many associated health risks as do cigarettes, nicotine does have acute vasoactive and mitogenic effects on vascular tissues. Nicotine might alter the function of the blood-brain barrier and disrupt normal endothelial cell function. Some of the detrimental effects of nicotine are prevented by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists. However, recent studies indicate that nicotine might also interact with intracellular signaling pathways that are independent of acetylcholine receptors. In light of these recent developments, the impact of nicotine on cerebrovascular pathology should not be dismissed.

Microarray analysis of nicotine-induced changes in gene expression in endothelial cells

Cigarette smoking causes vascular endothelial dysfunction and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine, a major constituent of cigarette smoke, has been shown to alter gene expression in endothelial cells; however, the regulatory pathways involved remain to be defined. We hypothesized that there might be distinct pathways that could be identified by systematic transcriptome analysis. Using the cDNA microarray approach, we ascertained the expression of over 4,000 genes in human coronary artery endothelial cells and identified a number of nicotine-modulated genes encoding a protein involving in signal transduction or transcriptional regulation. Among these were phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase and diacylglycerol kinase, which are regulators of the inositol phospholipid pathway. Changes were also detected for transcription factors cAMP response element binding protein and nuclear factor-kappaB, of which the activities of both have been previously shown to be altered in nicotine-stimulated cells. The data from this study are relevant to understanding the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological effect of nicotine and smoking, particularly on endothelial function and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Rise in intracellular calcium concentration by propylene glycol in PC12 cells

In order to elucidate the mode of excitatory actions of propylene glycol (PG) on nervous tissues, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of PC12 cells was measured on the video-imaging analysis system with fura-2. PG concentration-dependently (0.1-20%v/v) raised the [Ca2+]i. Hexamethonium and d-tubocurarine inhibited the carbamylcholine-induced [Ca2+]i rise, but these blockers had no effect on PG. High K+ potentiated the action of PG. The extent of the rise induced by PG in the differentiated cells was larger than that in the undifferentiated ones. The findings suggest that the rise in [Ca2+]i is involved in the excitatory effects of PG.

Activation of nicotinic receptor-induced postsynaptic responses to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in bullfrog sympathetic ganglia via a Na+-dependent mechanism

Nicotine at very low doses (5-30 nM) induced large amounts of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) release, which was monitored as slow membrane depolarizations in the ganglionic neurons of bullfrog sympathetic ganglia. A nicotinic antagonist, d-tubocurarine chloride, completely and reversibly blocked the nicotine-induced LHRH release, but it did not block the nerve-firing-evoked LHRH release. Thus, nicotine activated nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and produced LHRH release via a mechanism that is different from the mechanism for evoked release. Moreover, this release was not caused by Ca2+ influx through either the nicotinic receptors or the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels because the release was increased moderately when the extracellular solution was changed into a Ca2+-free solution that also contained Mg2+ (4 mM) and Cd2+ (200 microM). The release did not depend on Ca2+ release from the intraterminal Ca2+ stores either because fura-2 fluorimetry showed extremely low Ca2+ elevation (approximately 30 nM) in response to nicotine (30 nM). Moreover, nicotine evoked LHRH release when [Ca2+] elevation in the terminals was prevented by loading the terminals with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid and fura-2. Instead, the nicotine-induced release required extracellular Na+ because substitution of extracellular NaCl with N-methyl-D-glucamine chloride completely blocked the release. The Na+-dependent mechanism was not via Na+ influx through the voltage-gated Na+ channels because the release was not affected by tetrodotoxin (1-50 microM) plus Cd2+ (200 microM). Thus, nicotine at very low concentrations induced LHRH release via a Na+-dependent, Ca2+-independent mechanism.

Presynaptic nicotinic receptors facilitate monoaminergic transmission

Nicotine is reported to increase arousal and attention and to elevate mood, effects that are most often associated with changes in the function of monoaminergic neuromodulatory systems (Feldman et al., 1997). Recent studies have shown a nicotinic receptor-mediated presynaptic enhancement of fast glutamatergic (McGehee et al., 1995; Gray et al., 1996) and GABAergic (Lena and Changeux, 1997) transmission. However, the mechanism of nicotinic effects on metabotropic-mediated transmission in general, and on monoaminergic transmission in particular, is less well understood. We have examined nicotinic effects on dorsal raphe neurons of rats using whole-cell current and voltage-clamp recording techniques in vitro. In the majority of these neurons, activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors induced a depolarization mediated by norepinephrine acting on alpha1 receptors. Blockade of this response revealed a hyperpolarization mediated by serotonin acting on 5-HT1A receptors. Because the norepinephrine effect was sensitive to methyllycaconitine (100 nM), it is concluded that nicotinic receptors with an alpha7 subunit can facilitate release of norepinephrine to activate metabotropic receptors. In contrast, methyllycaconitine-insensitive nicotinic receptors can induce 5-HT release in the dorsal raphe nucleus.

Presynaptic nicotinic receptors facilitate monoaminergic transmission

Nicotine is reported to increase arousal and attention and to elevate mood, effects that are most often associated with changes in the function of monoaminergic neuromodulatory systems (Feldman et al., 1997). Recent studies have shown a nicotinic receptor-mediated presynaptic enhancement of fast glutamatergic (McGehee et al., 1995; Gray et al., 1996) and GABAergic (Lena and Changeux, 1997) transmission. However, the mechanism of nicotinic effects on metabotropic-mediated transmission in general, and on monoaminergic transmission in particular, is less well understood. We have examined nicotinic effects on dorsal raphe neurons of rats using whole-cell current and voltage-clamp recording techniques in vitro. In the majority of these neurons, activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors induced a depolarization mediated by norepinephrine acting on alpha1 receptors. Blockade of this response revealed a hyperpolarization mediated by serotonin acting on 5-HT1A receptors. Because the norepinephrine effect was sensitive to methyllycaconitine (100 nM), it is concluded that nicotinic receptors with an alpha7 subunit can facilitate release of norepinephrine to activate metabotropic receptors. In contrast, methyllycaconitine-insensitive nicotinic receptors can induce 5-HT release in the dorsal raphe nucleus.

Age-dependent muscarinic stimulation of beta-endorphin secretion from rat neurointermediate lobe in vitro

The effect of acetylcholine on the neurointermediate lobe beta-endorphin secretion was studied in the neonatal and in the adult rat in vitro. Acetylcholine stimulated beta-endorphin secretion from the 2-day- and 5-day-old neurointermediate lobe, the effect was dose dependent and more pronounced in the presence of the cholinesterase inhibitor eserine. The 10-day-, the 21-day-old and the adult rat neurointermediate lobes did not respond to acetylcholine, even in the presence of eserine. Basal beta-endorphin secretion was elevated by the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride, but acetylcholine was without effect in the 10-day-old and in the adult neurointermediate lobe even after dopamine receptor blockade. The beta-endorphin stimulatory response to acetylcholine was diminished by the M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine and blocked by the M3 > M1 antagonist 4-diamino-phenyl-piperidine (4-DAMP). The selective M2 antagonist methoctramine and nicotine had no effect. These data indicate that the neurointermediate lobe beta-endorphin secretion is under special muscarinic cholinergic regulation for a relatively short time after birth. The disappearance of this stimulatory cholinergic effect in later life might be due to changes in the intracellular secretory machinery in the IL and/or to the uncoupling of the cholinergic receptors from the intracellular signal transduction system(s) responsible for the stimulated secretion in the rat melanotrope cells.

Nicotine acts directly on pituitary GH3 cells to inhibit prolactin promoter activity

We have employed the GH3 rat pituitary cell line to investigate whether nicotine can regulate prolactin (PRL) gene expression. Nicotine strongly inhibited (45%) transient expression of a construct containing the first 187 base-pairs of the rat PRL promoter cloned upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene. This implies that nicotine acts directly on the GH3 cells to inhibit transcription directed by the PRL promoter. Expression of a control reporter construct containing the CAT gene under the control of the RSV promoter was not affected by exposure of the cells to nicotine, demonstrating that the effect of nicotine is promoter-specific. The inhibition by nicotine of PRL promoter activity was not blocked by hexamethonium, suggesting that this effect of nicotine may be mediated by a novel type of nicotine receptor previously described in frog pituitary cells. Nicotine was also observed to yield a concentration-dependent inhibition of the stimulation by thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) of PRL promoter activity, implying that nicotine can also interfere with hormonal regulation of the PRL gene. These results suggest that the reduced serum PRL levels that result from smoking may originate in part from decreased transcription of the PRL gene resulting from a direct effect of nicotine on pituitary PRL-secreting cells.