Omega-conotoxin inhibits the acute activation of tyrosine hydroxylase and the stimulation of norepinephrine release by potassium depolarization of sympathetic nerve endings

N-type calcium channel and renal injury

Accumulating evidences indicated that voltage-gated calcium channels (VDCC), including L-, T-, N-, and P/Q-type, are present in kidney and contribute to renal injury during various chronic diseases trough different mechanisms. As a voltage-gated calcium channel, N-type calcium channel was firstly been founded predominately distributed on nerve endings which control neurotransmitter releases. Since sympathetic nerve is distributed along renal afferent and efferent arterioles, N-type calcium channel blockade on sympathetic nerve terminals would bring renal dynamic improvement by dilating both arterioles and reducing glomerular pressure. In addition, large body of scientific research indicated that neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, releases by activating N-type calcium channel can trigger inflammatory and fibrotic signaling pathways in kidney. Interestingly, we recently demonstrated that N-type calcium channel is also expressed on podocytes and may directly contribute to podocyte injury in denervated animal models. In this paper, we will summarize our current knowledge regarding renal N-type calcium channels, and discuss how they might contribute to the river that terminates in renal injury.

Attenuation of renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice lacking the N-type calcium channel

The N-type Ca²⁺ channel (Cav2.2) is distributed in sympathetic nerves that innervate the tubules, the vessels, and the juxtaglomerular granular cells of the kidney. However, the role of N-type Ca²⁺ channels in renal disease remains unknown. To address this issue, Cav2.2 knockout mice were utilized. Immunoreactive Cav2.2 was undetectable in normal kidneys of C57BL/6N mice, but it became positive in the interstitial S100-positive nerve fibers after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). There were no significant differences in mean blood pressure, heart rate, and renal function between wild-type littermates and Cav2.2-knockout mice at baseline, as well as after UUO. Cav2.2 deficiency significantly reduced the EVG-positive fibrotic area, alpha-SMA expression, the production of type I collagen, and the hypoxic area in the obstructed kidneys. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker for sympathetic neurons, was significantly increased in the obstructed kidneys of wild-type mice, but not in Cav2.2-knockout mice. These data suggest that increased Cav2.2 is implicated in renal nerve activation leading to the progression of renal fibrosis. Blockade of Cav2.2 might be a novel therapeutic approach for preventing renal fibrosis.

12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate-dependent up-regulation of dopaminergic gene expression requires Ras and neurofibromin in human IMR-32 neuroblastoma

The dopaminergic transcriptional programme is highly regulated during development and in the adult, in response to activation of membrane receptor signalling cascades. Gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, is known to be regulated by receptors that act through protein kinase C (PKC) or Ras signalling. To investigate possible interactions between these two pathways before they converge on Raf activation, we evaluated whether phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, TPA)-dependent PKC activation required Ras for regulation of TH expression in IMR-32 cells. We found that long-term treatment with TPA, which induces down-regulation of PKC-alpha, led to induction of both protein and message levels of TH by autocrine factors. This was dependent on endogenous Ras, but independent of the transcription factor Nurr1. Moreover, this mechanism of action mimicked the effects of overexpression of the Ras-GAP domain of neurofibromin, GAP-related domain (GRD) I, which is part of the upstream mechanism for regulation of Ras activation and a PKC-alpha substrate. Overexpression of Ras also led to transcriptional and translational up-regulation of TH, independent of Nurr1 induction, as well as distinct phenotypic changes consistent with cell hypertrophy and increased secretory activity shown by induction of expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and synaptosomal-associated protein-25. Most interestingly, overexpression of GRDI and down-regulation of the endogenous GRDII neurofibromin led to significant increases in Nurr1 message, possibly reflecting a transcriptional hierarchy during development. Taken together, these studies suggest that PKC-alpha, neurofibromin and Ras are essential in regulation of TH gene expression in IMR-32 cells.

Chronic depolarization stimulates norepinephrine transporter expression via catecholamines

Chronic depolarization increases norepinephrine (NE) uptake and expression of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in sympathetic neurons, but the mechanisms are unknown. Depolarization of sympathetic neurons stimulates catecholamine synthesis, and several studies suggest that NET can be regulated by catecholamines. It is not clear if the depolarization-induced increase in NET is because of nerve activity per se, or is secondary to elevated catecholamines. To determine if induction of NET mRNA was a result of increased catecholamines, we used pharmacological manipulations to (i) inhibit tyrosine hydroxylase activity in neurons depolarized with 30 mm KCl, thereby preventing increased catecholamines, or (ii) stimulate tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the absence of depolarization. Inhibiting the depolarization-induced increase in catecholamines prevented the up-regulation of NET mRNA, but did not block the increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA. Furthermore, stimulating catecholamine production in the absence of depolarization elevated NE uptake, NET protein, and NET mRNA in sympathetic neurons. Similarly, elevating endogenous catecholamines in SK-N-BE2M17 neuroblastoma cells increased NE uptake and NET expression. These data suggest that chronic depolarization of sympathetic neurons induces NET expression through increasing catecholamines, and that M17 neuroblastoma cells provide a model system in which to investigate catechol regulation of NET expression.

Physiological patterns of electrical stimulation can induce neuronal gene expression by activating N-type calcium channels

Activity-dependent neuronal gene expression is thought to require activation of L-type calcium channels, a view based primarily on studies in which chronic potassium (K(+)) depolarization was used to mimic neuronal activity. However, N-type calcium channels are primarily inactivated during chronic depolarization, and their potential contribution to gene expression induced by physiological patterns of stimulation has not been defined. In the present study, electrical stimulation of dissociated primary sensory neurons at 5 Hz, or treatment with elevated K(+), produced a large increase in the percentage of neurons that express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA and protein. However, blockade of L-type channels, which completely inhibited K(+)-induced expression, had no effect on TH expression induced by patterned stimulation. Conversely, blockade of N-type channels completely inhibited TH induction by patterned stimulation, whereas K(+)-induced expression was unaffected. Similar results were obtained for depolarization-induced expression of the immediate early genes Nurr1 and Nur77. In addition, TH induction by patterned stimulation was significantly reduced by inhibitors of PKA and PKC but was unaffected by inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. On the other hand, K(+)-induced TH expression was significantly reduced by inhibition of the MAPK pathway but was unaffected by inhibitors of PKA or PKC. These results demonstrate that N-type calcium channels can directly link phasic membrane depolarization to gene expression, challenging the view that activation of L-type channels is required for nuclear responses to physiological patterns of activity. Moreover, our data show that phasic and chronic depolarizing stimuli act through distinct mechanisms to induce neuronal gene expression.

Effects of cilnidipine, a novel dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, on autonomic function, ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in patients with essential hypertension

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cilnidipine, a novel dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, on autonomic function, ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in patients with essential hypertension.

METHODS

Ten inpatients with mild to moderate essential hypertension (four men and six women; age: 44-64 years) underwent a drug-free period for 7 days and a treatment period with cilnidipine 10 mg orally for another 7 days, in a randomized crossover study. On the sixth day of each period, they underwent autonomic function tests including a mental arithmetic test, a cold pressor test and a Valsalva manoeuvre. After these tests, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, heart rate, and the electrocardiogram R-R intervals were monitored every 30 min. A power spectral analysis of R-R intervals was performed to obtain the low-and high-frequency components.

RESULTS

Cilnidipine significantly decreased the 24 h blood pressure by 6.5 +/- 1.7 mm Hg systolic (mean +/- s.e.mean; P < 0.01) and 5.0 +/- 1.1 mmHg diastolic (P < 0.01), whereas cilnidipine did not change heart rate or any indices of power spectral components. During the cold pressor test, the maximum change in systolic blood pressure and percentage changes in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower during the treatment period with cilnidipine than during the drug-free period. The baroreflex sensitivity measured from the overshoot phase of the Valsalva manoeuvre did not differ significantly between the two periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Cilnidipine is effective as a once-daily antihypertensive agent and causes little influence on heart rate and the autonomic nervous system in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Moreover, it is suggested that cilnidipine has an additional clinical benefit in the inhibition of the pressor response induced by acute cold stress.

The regulation of the retrograde axonal transport of (125)I-beta nerve growth factor is independent of calcium

Calcium has been shown to play a major role in the regulation of endocytosis and exocytosis of synaptic vesicles and retrograde axonal transport of proteins. The role of calcium in the regulation of neurotrophin retrograde axonal transport is unknown. This study aimed to determine if calcium plays a role in the uptake and retrograde axonal transport of (125)I-beta nerve growth factor ((125)I-betaNGF) within sympathetic neurons innervating the iris by comparing it with (125)I-anti-dopamine beta hydroxylase (anti-DBH). The nonspecific voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) antagonists, cadmium (200 nmol/eye) and nickel (100 nmol/eye) reduced the amount of (125)I-anti-DBH retrograde axonal transport by 90 and 70%, respectively. In contrast, cadmium (200 nmol/eye) had no effect on (125)I-betaNGF retrograde axonal transport, while nickel (100 nmol/eye) caused a significant increase in the amount transported to the ganglia. The L-type VSCC antagonist nifedipine (10 nmol/eye) and N-type VSCC antagonist omega-conotoxin (1.5 nmol/eye) both had no effect on (125)I-anti-DBH retrograde axonal transport which suggests that these types of calcium channels are not involved in the exocytosis/endocytosis of anti-DBH containing vesicles. Thapsigargin (0.2 nmol/eye), an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases also significantly inhibited (125)I-anti-DBH transport but had no effect on (125)I-betaNGF retrograde transport. This suggests that (125)I-anti-DBH and (125)I-betaNGF are internalized into different vesicle types and that the endocytosis and retrograde axonal transport of (125)I-betaNGF are not dependent upon calcium.

Role of N- and L-type calcium channels in depolarization-induced activation of tyrosine hydroxylase and release of norepinephrine by sympathetic cell bodies and nerve terminals

Multiple types of voltage-activated calcium (Ca(2+)) channels are present in all nerve cells examined so far; however, the underlying functional consequences of their presence is often unclear. We have examined the contribution of Ca(2+) influx through N- and L- type voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels in sympathetic neurons to the depolarization-induced activation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in norepinephrine (NE) synthesis, and the depolarization-induced release of NE. Superior cervical ganglia (SCG) were decentralized 4 days prior to their use to eliminate the possibility of indirect effects of depolarization via preganglionic nerve terminals. The presence of both omega-conotoxin GVIA (1 microM), a specific blocker of N-type channels, and nimodipine (1 microM), a specific blocker of L-type Ca(2+) channels, was necessary to inhibit completely the stimulation of TH activity by 55 mM K(+), indicating that Ca(2+) influx through both types of channels contributes to enzyme activation. In contrast, K(+) stimulation of TH activity in nerve fibers and terminals in the iris could be inhibited completely by omega-conotoxin GVIA alone and was unaffected by nimodipine as previously shown. K(+) stimulation of NE release from both ganglia and irises was also blocked completely when omega-conotoxin GVIA was included in the medium, while nimodipine had no significant effect in either tissue. These results indicate that particular cellular processes in specific areas of a neuron are differentially dependent on Ca(2+) influx through N- and L-type Ca(2+) channels.

Ion channels in presynaptic nerve terminals and control of transmitter release

The primary function of the presynaptic nerve terminal is to release transmitter quanta and thus activate the postsynaptic target cell. In almost every step leading to the release of transmitter quanta, there is a substantial involvement of ion channels. In this review, the multitude of ion channels in the presynaptic terminal are surveyed. There are at least 12 different major categories of ion channels representing several tens of different ion channel types; the number of different ion channel molecules at presynaptic nerve terminals is many hundreds. We describe the different ion channel molecules at the surface membrane and inside the nerve terminal in the context of their possible role in the process of transmitter release. Frequently, a number of different ion channel molecules, with the same basic function, are present at the same nerve terminal. This is especially evident in the cases of calcium channels and potassium channels. This abundance of ion channels allows for a physiological and pharmacological fine tuning of the process of transmitter release and thus of synaptic transmission.

Effect of cilnidipine, a novel dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker, on adrenal catecholamine secretion in anesthetized dogs

We investigated the effect of cilnidipine, a novel dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker possessing blocking actions on N-type and L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), in comparison with the L-type VDCC blocker nifedipine, on adrenal catecholamine secretion in response to splanchnic nerve stimulation (SNS), acetylcholine (ACh), the nicotinic receptor stimulant 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium (DMPP), and muscarine in anesthetized dogs. Ca2+ channel blockers and cholinergic agonists were infused and injected, respectively, into the adrenal gland through the phrenicoabdominal artery. Cilnidipine (0.3-3 microg/min) inhibited increases in both epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) output induced by SNS (2 Hz), ACh (1.5 microg), and DMPP (0.2 microg). However, cilnidipine inhibited increase in NE output induced by muscarine (1 microg) without affecting increase in EPI output. Nifedipine (0.3-3 microg/min) inhibited the ACh- and DMPP-induced increases in EPI and NE output without affecting the SNS- and muscarine-induced increases in EPI and NE output. From these results, it seems likely that the inhibition by cilnidipine of the SNS-induced EPI and NE secretion and of the muscarine-induced NE secretion is related to its blocking action on N-type VDCCs.

Comparison of 24-hour blood pressure, heart rate, and autonomic nerve activity in hypertensive patients treated with cilnidipine or nifedipine retard

We compared the effects of cilnidipine and nifedipine retard on 24-h blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and autonomic nerve activity in patients with essential hypertension. Cilnidipine is a novel and unique 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that has the L-type and N-type voltage-dependent calcium channel-blocking action. Fourteen hypertensive outpatients (four men and 10 women; aged 64 +/- 2 years, mean +/- SEM) were enrolled in this study. Their ambulatory BP and electrocardiogram were monitored for 24 h at intervals of 30 min with a portable recorder after a 4-week drug-free period, after a 4-week treatment period with cilnidipine (5 or 10 mg once daily), and after a 4-week treatment period with nifedipine retard (10 or 20 mg twice daily). The order of the three periods was randomized. Autonomic nerve activity was evaluated by a power spectral analysis of HR variability, by using the high-frequency (HF) component as an index of parasympathetic nerve activity and the ratio of the low-frequency (LF) component to the HF component (LF/HF) as an index of sympathovagal balance. Cilnidipine and nifedipine retard significantly reduced the 24-h BP of these patients to similar extents (cilnidipine, -11 +/- 3/-6 +/- 1 mm Hg; nifedipine retard, -15 +/- 3/-6 +/- 2 mm Hg). Cilnidipine did not change the 24-h average HR, whereas nifedipine retard significantly increased it (+3.3 +/- 1.4 beats/min; p < 0.05). Nifedipine retard significantly increased the LF/HF ratio in the daytime and the nighttime. Such changes were limited to the daytime in the treatment period with cilnidipine. These results suggest that cilnidipine is effective as a once-daily antihypertensive agent and had less influence on autonomic nervous system and HR than did nifedipine retard.

Peptide N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ blockers inhibit stimulant-induced hyperactivity in mice

omega-Conotoxin GVIA and omega-agatoxin IVA are specific peptide blockers of N- and P/Q-type calcium channel, respectively. Effects of their intracerebroventricular injection (1-3 pmol/mouse) on psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity were investigated in mice. omega-Conotoxin GVIA antagonized methylphenidate-, methamphetamine- and phencyclidine-induced hyperactivity in a dose-dependent manner. omega-Agatoxin IVA blocked methylphenidate-induced but not methamphetamine- or phencyclidine-induced hyperactivity. Neither peptides showed any effect on apomorphine-induced hyperactivity or spontaneous activity, suggesting that the inhibitory effects on psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity are not due to dopamine receptor blockage or nonspecific behavioral depression. Antagonism of calcium channels, particularly N-type, may ameliorate activation of the dopaminergic system induced by increased dopamine release.

Noradrenaline synthesis after sympathetic nerve activation in rat atria and its dependence on calcium but not CAM kinase II and protein kinases A or C

1. The biosynthesis of noradrenaline following sympathetic nerve activation was investigated in rat atria. In particular the time course of noradrenaline synthesis changes, the relationship of changes in synthesis to transmitter release and the possible roles of second messengers and protein kinases were examined. 2. Rat atria incubated with the precursor [3H]-tyrosine synthesized [3H]-noradrenaline. Synthesis was enhanced following pulsatile electrical field stimulation (3 Hz for 5 min) with the bulk of the increase occurring in the first 45 min after the commencement of electrical stimulation. In separate experiments rat atria were pre-incubated with [3H]-noradrenaline and the radioactive outflow in response to electrical field stimulation (3 Hz for 5 min) was taken as an index of noradrenaline release. 3. Stimulation-induced (S-I) noradrenaline synthesis was significantly correlated to S-I noradrenaline release for a variety of procedures which modulate noradrenaline release by mechanisms altering Ca2+ entry into the neurone (r2 = 0.99): those which decreased release: tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM), Ca(2+)-free medium, lowering the frequency of nerve activation to 1 Hz, and those which increased release, tetraethylammonium (0.3 mM), phentolamine (1 microM) and the combination of phentolamine (1 microM) and adenosine (10 microM). On the strength of this relationship we suggest that Ca2+ entry is a determining factor in S-I synthesis changes rather than the amount of noradrenaline released. Indeed the reduction in noradrenaline release with the calmodulin-dependent protein (CAM) kinase II inhibitor KN-62 (10 microM) which acts subsequent to Ca2+ entry, did not affect S-I synthesis. 4. The cell permeable cyclic AMP analogue, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (BrcAMP, 90 and 270 microM), dose-dependently increased basal [3H]-noradrenaline synthesis in unstimulated rat atria. This effect was antagonized by the selective protein kinase A (PKA) antagonist, Rp-8-chloroadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (RClcAMPS, 300 microM), suggesting that PKA activation enhances basal noradrenaline biosynthesis in sympathetic nerve terminals. 5. The protein kinase inhibitors, KN-62 (CAM kinase II, 10 microM), RClcAMPS (PKA, 300 microM), polymyxin B (protein kinase C (PKC), 21 microM) and staurosporine (PKC, PKA and CAM kinase II, (0.1 microM) did not affect S-I synthesis, although KN-62, polymyxin B and staurosporine decreased S-I release. We conclude that S-I synthesis is triggered by Ca2+ entering the neurone but that the signalling pathway does not involve classical protein kinases and appears distinct from the steps involved in transmitter release.

Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in olfactory bulb cultures: selective inhibition of depolarization-induced increase by endogenous opioids

Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by second messenger pathway activators was examined in rat olfactory bulb cell cultures. The number of TH-immunoreactive neurons was increased 2-3-fold by 36 h treatments with forskolin (Fsk, 10(-6) M) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 10(-7) M), but was not significantly increased by a depolarizing concentration of KCl (45 mM). In contrast, KCl increased media [Met5]enkephalin (ME) immunoreactivity 2-fold in these cultures, equivalent to stimulation with Fsk or PMA. The possibility was examined that ME or another opioid produced by the cultures selectively inhibited the TH response to KCl. Pretreatment with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (10(-6) M) greatly increased the number of TH-immunoreactive neurons observed in response to KCl treatment, but had no effect on basal or Fsk-stimulated TH immunostaining, nor on basal or stimulated ME release. The increase in TH-immunoreactivity observed with combined KCl plus naloxone treatment was prevented by pretreating the cultures with the calcium channel blocker nimodipine (10(-6) M), which had no effect on Fsk stimulation or basal TH immunostaining. These data suggest that endogenous opioids selectively inhibit KCl-stimulated Ca2+ entry and thus TH induction in olfactory bulb cell cultures. These cultures offer a simple model system for further study of TH regulation in dopaminergic neurons.

Omega-conotoxin-sensitive and -resistant transmitter release from the chick ciliary presynaptic terminal

1. Synaptically evoked responses to stimulation of the oculomotor nerve were recorded from the ciliary nerve in chick embryos. The postsynaptic currents in response to presynaptic stimulation (EPSCs) were also recorded under whole-cell voltage clamp of the ciliary cell. 2. The ciliary nerve response was dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o). omega-Conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTX, 100 nM) increased the [Ca2+]o necessary to evoke the half-maximal response by a factor of 1.7 without changing the slope of [Ca2+]o dependence. Dihydropyridine (DHP) derivatives, nifedipine or Bay K 8644, did not affect the [Ca2+]o sensitivity of ciliary nerve response. 3. The EPSC was usually preceded by the capacitive coupling response of the presynaptic action potential. In some records, the EPSCs were also preceded by the electrical coupling responses which were the mirror images of the presynaptic action potentials. The current-voltage relation of the EPSCs showed inward rectification. 4. The EPSC was potentiated by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) as a result of prolongation of the falling phase of presynaptic action potential. In the presence of high [Ca2+]o and 4-AP, a small fraction of EPSC was resistant to omega-CgTX. 5. The resting potential of the presynaptic terminal was changed from -69 to -57 mV by increasing [K+]o from 1 to 10 mM. The same procedure decreased the omega-CgTX-resistant EPSC by 30%, whereas the omega-CgTX-untreated EPSC in low-Ca2+ saline was not affected by the change in [K+]o. 6. The nerve-evoked increase in intracellular Ca2+ was recorded from the presynaptic terminal (delta[Ca2+]pre). The delta[Ca2+]pre was larger in a solution containing 10 mM Ca2+ and 1 mM K+ after treating with omega-CgTX than in a solution containing 2 mM Ca2+ and 16 mM Mg2+ before treating with omega-CgTX. The EPSC was, in contrast, smaller in the 10 mM Ca(2+)-1 mM K+ solution after omega-CgTX treatment than in the 2 mM Ca(2+)-16 mM Mg2+ solution before omega-CgTX treatment. 7. Similarly, the EPSC was smaller in the 10 mM Ca(2+)-1 mM K+ solution containing 5 microM La3+ than in the 2 mM Ca(2+)-16 mM Mg2+ solution, whereas the delta [Ca2+]pre was larger in the 10 mM Ca(2+)-1 mM K+ solution containing 5 micrograms La3+ than in the 2 mM Ca(2+)-16 mM Mg2+ solution. 8. It is concluded that the omega-CgTX-sensitive Ca2+ conductance of the presynaptic terminal is the principal source of Ca2+ involved in transmitter release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Omega-conotoxin GVIA inhibits the methylphenidate-induced but not methamphetamine-induced behavior

We investigated the effects of antagonists for omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX)-sensitive N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (N-channels) on methylphenidate- and methamphetamine-induced behavior. I.c.v. injection of omega-CTX or neomycin, both N-channel antagonists, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of methylphenidate-induced hypermotility in mice but failed to inhibit methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity. Further, omega-CTX inhibited the circling behavior induced by methylphenidate in rats that had kainic acid-induced unilateral striatal lesions. These results suggest that calcium influx through omega-CTX-sensitive N-channels plays an important role in methylphenidate-induced behavior.

Evidence for sympathetic neurotransmission through presynaptic N-type calcium channels in human saphenous vein

1. The specific type(s) of voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) involved in sympathetic neurotransmission have not yet been characterized in human vascular tissues. We therefore examined the functional role of the N- and L-type VSCCs in human saphenous veins. 2. Contractile response curves for transmural nerve stimulation (TNS) and for exogenously administered noradrenaline (NA) were obtained in superfused saphenous vein rings. The contractions induced by TNS, but not by NA, were inhibited by 1 microM tetrodotoxin and by 10 microM guanethidine. Both responses were substantially reduced by 1 microM phentolamine, indicating that the contractions evoked by TNS were mediated by endogenous NA released from noradrenergic nerves. 3. In the presence of 2 microM omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega Conus Geographus toxin, fraction VI A; omega-CgTx), a polypeptide with specific inhibitory activity on N- and L-type calcium channels, the neurally evoked contractions were almost completely abolished. In contrast, the responses induced by exogenous NA were not affected by the neurotoxin, thus providing evidence of the exclusive presynaptic action of omega-CgTx. 4. In the presence of the calcium antagonist verapamil (10 microM), which selectively blocks L-type VSCCs, the contractions induced by both TNS and NA were diminished to the same extent, suggesting that the organic calcium blocker is active only at the postjunctional level. 5. It is concluded that N-type calcium channels are the main pathway of calcium entry controlling the functional responses induced by activating sympathetic nerves; the role of L-type channels appears to be limited to the postjunctional level, modulating smooth muscle contractions.

Presynaptic alterations associated with enhancement of evoked release and synthesis of norepinephrine in hippocampus of chronically cold-stressed rats

We have previously demonstrated that prior exposure to chronic cold stress does not alter basal levels of norepinephrine (NE) release or synthesis in hippocampus of rat. However, in response to a subsequent novel stressor, an enhancement of both of these noradrenergic parameters is observed in the chronically stressed animals relative to naive controls. In the present experiments, we have examined whether the biochemical sensitization of NE release and synthesis produced by chronic stress can be demonstrated by local depolarization of the noradrenergic nerve terminals with elevated K+. The local application of elevated K+ in dorsal hippocampus resulted in a greater increase in extracellular NE and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in chronically stressed rats than in naive controls. It is proposed that in dorsal hippocampus, extracellular NE and DOPAC provide measures of NE release and biosynthesis, respectively. Therefore, these data suggest that local depolarization, similar to novel stress, elicits both enhanced NE release and synthesis in chronically stressed rats. One factor that is known to modulate both of these processes is the presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptor. Therefore, we examined whether a change in the sensitivity of these receptors might contribute to the altered noradrenergic responsivity observed in chronically stressed rats. Local administration of clonidine, an alpha-2 receptor agonist, produced a decrease in extracellular NE and DOPAC in both naive and chronically stressed rats. The dose-response curve for the effect of clonidine on NE was shifted to the left in the latter group. In addition, local administration of idazoxan, an alpha-2 receptor antagonist, produced a greater increase in extracellular NE and DOPAC in the chronically stressed rats than in naive controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A toxin (Aga-GI) from the venom of the spider Agelenopsis aperta inhibits the mammalian presynaptic Ca2+ channel coupled to glutamate exocytosis

Venom of the funnel web spider Agelenopsis aperta was fractionated and screened for activity against the mammalian presynaptic, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel coupled to glutamate exocytosis. A purified toxin (Aga-GI) from this venom inhibits glutamate exocytosis evoked by elevated potassium or by 4-aminopyridine but is without effect on ionomycin-evoked release. At the same time a partial inhibition of the depolarisation-evoked elevation of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ is seen. The toxin does not inhibit 4-aminopyridine- or potassium-evoked depolarisation, or block Ca(2+)-dependent, potassium-evoked [3H]noradrenaline release. The results indicate that the venom contains a toxin capable of inhibiting the presynaptic voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel coupled to glutamate exocytosis in the mammalian central nervous system. This channel is resistant to block by either omega-conotoxin GVIA or nifedipine. Thus Aga-GI is a novel tool with which to probe this elusive neuronal calcium channel.

Different effects of L-, N- and T-type calcium channel blockers on striatal dopamine release measured by microdialysis in freely moving rats

Using a microdialysis method, we have investigated effects of the voltage-dependent calcium channel blockers, verapamil, nicardipine, omega-conotoxin and flunarizine on the dopamine release and metabolism in the striatum of freely moving rat. Perfusion of verapamil (1-300 microM) and nicardipine (1-100 microM), an L-type calcium channel blocker, into the striatum through the dialysis membrane showed a dose-dependent decrease of dopamine release in the dialysate and slight increase of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels. Treatment of omega-conotoxin (0.1, 1 microM), an N-type channel blocker, decreased about 50% basal dopamine release and slightly decreased DOPAC and HVA levels. Treatment with flunarizine (10 microM), an T-type channel blocker, did not affect the dopamine release and metabolism. From these data, it appears that treatments of the L- and N-type voltage-dependent calcium channel blockers in rat striatum suppress basal dopamine release, but T-type blocker does not suppress it, suggesting that L-, N- and T-type calcium channels regulate in vivo dopamine release in a different mechanism.

N-type calcium channels are involved in the dopamine releasing effect of nicotine

Mouse striatum was incubated with [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) and superfused with and the tritium efflux induced by nicotine, electrical stimulation, or simultaneous nicotine and electrical stimulation was measured, to characterize the role of different Ca2+ channels in the transmitter release. Nicotine stimulation and electrical stimulation exerted additive effects on tritium efflux. Separation of the released radioactivity on alumina columns indicated that nicotine or electrical stimulation increases the release of [3H]DA and that the outflow of 3H-labeled metabolites was similar with the two different stimulation procedures. Removal of Ca2+ from the superfusate resulted in a marked reduction in the tritium release evoked by nicotine, whereas the electrical stimulation-evoked tritium release was completely dependent on external Ca2+. The L- and N-type calcium channel blockers omega-conotoxin GVIA and Cd2+ inhibited the tritium release from the striatum evoked by either nicotine or electrical stimulation, whereas the L-type and T-type channel blockers diltiazem and Ni2+ did not alter release of [3H]DA. We conclude that N-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels participate in striatal dopamine release, and we speculate that nicotinic receptor-operated ion channels permeable to cations such as Ca2+ and N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels may simultaneously open up, and they additively increase free intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Social isolation increases the density of [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA binding sites in the rat frontal cortex and caudate nucleus

Rats were reared from weaning either in isolation or in social groups for 12 weeks. Potential isolation-related changes in L- and N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) were assessed by the in vitro binding of [3H]isradipine (100 pM) and [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA (4 pM) to membranes prepared from three discrete central nervous system regions: frontal cortex, caudate nucleus and hippocampus. The [3H]isradipine binding was generally not affected by isolation. However, [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA binding was significantly higher in frontal cortex (52%) and caudate nucleus (75%) of isolated rats when compared with socially reared controls. The increased [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA binding reflected an elevated density of binding sites without an alteration of receptor affinity. The possible contribution of an increased density of neuronal N-VSCCs (as labeled with [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA) to the behavioral and neurochemical changes observed in 'isolation syndrome' is discussed.

Angiotensin II receptors are coupled to omega-conotoxin-sensitive calcium influx in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

The contribution of an omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega Cgtx)-sensitive Ca2+ influx pathway to the effects of angiotensin II (AII) receptor activation was examined in bovine adrenal medullary (BAM) cells. Pretreatment of BAM cells with 10(-6) M omega Cgtx blocked stimulation of exocytosis by the degradation-resistant analogue, sarcosine1-angiotensin II (S1-AII). In contrast, omega Cgtx had no effect on basal secretion, nor did it inhibit [3H]norepinephrine and [32P]ATP release in response to bradykinin, another phospholipase C-linked receptor agonist. Similarly, omega Cgtx pretreatment inhibited the stimulation of 45Ca2+ uptake by S1-AII, but did not affect the response to bradykinin. This selective inhibition did not appear to be due to blockade of AII receptors by omega Cgtx, as the accumulation of 3H-labeled inositol phosphates in response to S1-AII was not inhibited. The peak S1-AII-stimulated increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration (Cai) in fura 2-loaded BAM cells also was not significantly reduced by omega Cgtx (or by stimulating in nominally Ca(2+)-free buffer), indicating that this response is dependent on intracellular Ca2+ pools. However, a small omega Cgtx-sensitive Cai response was detected after depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools with ionomycin. This study shows that AII receptors, but not bradykinin receptors, are linked to an omega Cgtx-sensitive Ca2+ influx pathway in BAM cells.

Smithkline Beecham Prize for Young Psychopharmacologists: A review of the relationship between calcium channels and psychiatric disorders

The symptoms and etiology of most major psychiatric disorders probably represent an underlying disturbance of neurotransmitter function. Understanding the mechanisms which control neurotransmitter function, and in particular neurotransmitter release, is therefore of considerable importance in determining the appropriate pharmacological treatment for these disorders. Calcium entry into neurons triggers the release of a wide range of neurotransmitters and recently our understanding of the mechanisms which control neuronal calcium entry has increased considerably. Neuronal calcium entry occurs through either voltage-sensitive or receptor-operated calcium channels. This article reviews the different subtypes of calcium channel, with particular reference to their structure; drugs which act upon them; and the possible function of the subtypes identified to date. In addition, it reviews the potential role of calcium channel antagonists in the treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders, and concludes that these drugs may have an increasing therapeutic role particularly in the treatment of drug dependence, mood disorders and Alzheimer's disease.