Effects of antagonists on quisqualate and nicotinic receptor-mediated currents of midbrain neurones in culture

Slow excitatory synaptic currents generated by AMPA receptors

Decades of literature indicate that the AMPA-type glutamate receptor is among the fastest acting of all neurotransmitter receptors. These receptors are located at excitatory synapses, and conventional wisdom says that they activate in hundreds of microseconds, deactivate in milliseconds due to their low affinity for glutamate and also desensitize profoundly. These properties circumscribe AMPA receptor activation in both space and time. However, accumulating evidence shows that AMPA receptors can also activate with slow, indefatigable responses. They do so through interactions with auxiliary subunits that are able promote a switch to a high open probability, high-conductance 'superactive' mode. In this review, we show that any assumption that this phenomenon is limited to heterologous expression is false and rather that slow AMPA currents have been widely and repeatedly observed throughout the nervous system. Hallmarks of the superactive mode are a lack of desensitization, resistance to competitive antagonists and a current decay that outlives free glutamate by hundreds of milliseconds. Because the switch to the superactive mode is triggered by activation, AMPA receptors can generate accumulating 'pedestal' currents in response to repetitive stimulation, constituting a postsynaptic mechanism for short-term potentiation in the range 5-100 Hz. Further, slow AMPA currents span 'cognitive' time intervals in the 100 ms range (theta rhythms), of particular interest for hippocampal function, where slow AMPA currents are widely expressed in a synapse-specific manner. Here, we outline the implications that slow AMPA receptors have for excitatory synaptic transmission and computation in the nervous system.

Does kynurenic acid act on nicotinic receptors? An assessment of the evidence

As a major metabolite of kynurenine in the oxidative metabolism of tryptophan, kynurenic acid is of considerable biological and clinical importance as an endogenous antagonist of glutamate in the central nervous system. It is most active as an antagonist at receptors sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) which regulate neuronal excitability and plasticity, brain development and behaviour. It is also thought to play a causative role in hypo-glutamatergic conditions such as schizophrenia, and a protective role in several neurodegenerative disorders, notably Huntington's disease. An additional hypothesis, that kynurenic acid could block nicotinic receptors for acetylcholine in the central nervous system has been proposed as an alternative mechanism of action of kynurenate. However, the evidence for this alternative mechanism is highly controversial, partly because at least eight earlier studies concluded that kynurenic acid blocked NMDA receptors but not nicotinic receptors and five subsequent, independent studies designed to repeat the results have failed to do so. Many studies considered to support the alternative 'nicotinic' hypothesis have been based on the use of analogs of kynurenate such as 7-chloro-kynurenic acid, or putatively nicotinic modulators such as galantamine, but a detailed analysis of the pharmacology of these compounds suggests that the results have often been misinterpreted, especially since the pharmacology of galantamine itself has been disputed. This review examines the evidence in detail, with the conclusion that there is no confirmed, reliable evidence for an antagonist activity of kynurenic acid at nicotinic receptors. Therefore, since there is overwhelming evidence for kynurenate acting at ionotropic glutamate receptors, especially NMDAR glutamate and glycine sites, with some activity at GPR35 sites and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors, results with kynurenic acid should be interpreted only in terms of these confirmed sites of action.

Expression of functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in neuroepithelial bodies of neonatal hamster lung

Pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (NEB) are presumed airway chemoreceptors involved in respiratory control, especially in the neonate. Nicotine is known to affect both lung development and control of breathing. We report expression of functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in NEB cells of neonatal hamster lung using a combination of morphological and electrophysiological techniques. Nonisotopic in situ hybridization method was used to localize mRNA for the beta 2-subunit of nAChR in NEB cells. Double-label immunofluorescence confirmed expression of alpha 4-, alpha 7-, and beta 2-subunits of nAChR in NEB cells. The electrophysiological characteristics of nAChR in NEB cells were studied using the whole cell patch-clamp technique on fresh lung slices. Application of nicotine ( approximately 0.1-100 microM) evoked inward currents that were concentration dependent (EC50 = 3.8 microM; Hill coefficient = 1.1). ACh (100 microM) and nicotine (50 microM) produced two types of currents. In most NEB cells, nicotine-induced currents had a single desensitizing component that was blocked by mecamylamine (50 microM) and dihydro-beta-erythroidine (50 microM). In some NEB cells, nicotine-induced current had two components, with fast- and slow-desensitizing kinetics. The fast component was selectively blocked by methyllcaconitine (MLA, 10 nM), whereas both components were inhibited by mecamylamine. Choline (0.5 mM) also induced an inward current that was abolished by 10 nM MLA. These studies suggest that NEB cells in neonatal hamster lung express functional heteromeric alpha 3 beta 2, alpha 4 beta 2, and alpha 7 nAChR and that cholinergic mechanisms could modulate NEB chemoreceptor function under normal and pathological conditions.

Unconventional ligands and modulators of nicotinic receptors

Evidence gathered from epidemiologic and behavioral studies have indicated that neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) are intimately involved in the pathogenesis of a number of neurologic disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. In the mammalian brain, neuronal nAChRs, in addition to mediating fast synaptic transmission, modulate fast synaptic transmission mediated by the major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA, respectively. Of major interest, however, is the fact that the activity of the different subtypes of neuronal nAChR is also subject to modulation by substances of endogenous origin such as choline, the tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid, neurosteroids, and beta-amyloid peptides and by exogenous substances, including the so-called nicotinic allosteric potentiating ligands, of which galantamine is the prototype, and psychotomimetic drugs such as phencyclidine and ketamine. The present article reviews and discusses the effects of unconventional ligands on nAChR activity and briefly describes the potential benefits of using some of these compounds in the treatment of neuropathologic conditions in which nAChR function/expression is known to be altered.

Excitatory and inhibitory responses of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area to nicotine

In the present electrophysiological study the mechanisms by which nicotine activates dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were analyzed. Intravenous administration of nicotine caused a dose-dependent increase in firing rate and percentage of spikes fired in bursts of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. However, this activation was preceded by an instantaneous but short-lasting inhibition of the firing rate. The excitation of dopamine neurons by nicotine (1.5-400 microg/kg i.v.) was antagonized and even reversed into an inhibitory response by elevated levels (four-fold) of the endogenous glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid, as induced by a potent inhibitor of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase (PNU 156561A, 40 mg/kg, i.v., 5-9 h). The antagonistic action induced by PNU 156561A pretreatment was prevented by administration of D-cycloserine (128 mg/kg, i.v., 5 min). Administration of the GABA(B)-receptor antagonist CGP 35348 (200 mg/kg, i.v., 3 min) facilitated the nicotine-induced increase in burst firing activity of dopamine neurons and antagonized the short-lasting decrease in firing rate by nicotine. The results of the present study show that nicotine produces both inhibition and excitation of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons, actions that appear to be related to the release of GABA and glutamate, respectively. Whereas the excitatory action of nicotine may be associated with motivational processes underlying learning and cognitive behavior, the inhibitory action of the drug may play a more prominent role in the situation of a profound dysregulation of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system and may help to explain the high prevalence of tobacco-smoking in schizophrenics.

The brain metabolite kynurenic acid inhibits alpha7 nicotinic receptor activity and increases non-alpha7 nicotinic receptor expression: physiopathological implications

The tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) has long been recognized as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Here, interactions between KYNA and the nicotinic system in the brain were investigated using the patch-clamp technique and HPLC. In the electrophysiological studies, agonists were delivered via a U-shaped tube, and KYNA was applied in admixture with agonists and via the background perfusion. Exposure (>/=4 min) of cultured hippocampal neurons to KYNA (>/=100 nm) inhibited activation of somatodendritic alpha7 nAChRs; the IC(50) for KYNA was approximately 7 microm. The inhibition of alpha7 nAChRs was noncompetitive with respect to the agonist and voltage independent. The slow onset of this effect could not be accounted for by an intracellular action because KYNA (1 mm) in the pipette solution had no effect on alpha7 nAChR activity. KYNA also blocked the activity of preterminal/presynaptic alpha7 nAChRs in hippocampal neurons in cultures and in slices. NMDA receptors were less sensitive than alpha7 nAChRs to KYNA. The IC(50) values for KYNA-induced blockade of NMDA receptors in the absence and presence of glycine (10 microm) were approximately 15 and 235 microm, respectively. Prolonged (3 d) exposure of cultured hippocampal neurons to KYNA increased their nicotinic sensitivity, apparently by enhancing alpha4beta2 nAChR expression. Furthermore, as determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection, repeated systemic treatment of rats with nicotine caused a transient reduction followed by an increase in brain KYNA levels. These results demonstrate that nAChRs are targets for KYNA and suggest a functionally significant cross talk between the nicotinic cholinergic system and the kynurenine pathway in the brain.

The brain metabolite kynurenic acid inhibits alpha7 nicotinic receptor activity and increases non-alpha7 nicotinic receptor expression: physiopathological implications

The tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) has long been recognized as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Here, interactions between KYNA and the nicotinic system in the brain were investigated using the patch-clamp technique and HPLC. In the electrophysiological studies, agonists were delivered via a U-shaped tube, and KYNA was applied in admixture with agonists and via the background perfusion. Exposure (>/=4 min) of cultured hippocampal neurons to KYNA (>/=100 nm) inhibited activation of somatodendritic alpha7 nAChRs; the IC(50) for KYNA was approximately 7 microm. The inhibition of alpha7 nAChRs was noncompetitive with respect to the agonist and voltage independent. The slow onset of this effect could not be accounted for by an intracellular action because KYNA (1 mm) in the pipette solution had no effect on alpha7 nAChR activity. KYNA also blocked the activity of preterminal/presynaptic alpha7 nAChRs in hippocampal neurons in cultures and in slices. NMDA receptors were less sensitive than alpha7 nAChRs to KYNA. The IC(50) values for KYNA-induced blockade of NMDA receptors in the absence and presence of glycine (10 microm) were approximately 15 and 235 microm, respectively. Prolonged (3 d) exposure of cultured hippocampal neurons to KYNA increased their nicotinic sensitivity, apparently by enhancing alpha4beta2 nAChR expression. Furthermore, as determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection, repeated systemic treatment of rats with nicotine caused a transient reduction followed by an increase in brain KYNA levels. These results demonstrate that nAChRs are targets for KYNA and suggest a functionally significant cross talk between the nicotinic cholinergic system and the kynurenine pathway in the brain.

A furosemide-sensitive K+-Cl- cotransporter counteracts intracellular Cl- accumulation and depletion in cultured rat midbrain neurons

Efficacy of postsynaptic inhibition through GABAA receptors in the mammalian brain depends on the maintenance of a Cl- gradient for hyperpolarizing Cl- currents. We have taken advantage of the reduced complexity under which Cl- regulation can be investigated in cultured neurons as opposed to neurons in other in vitro preparations of the mammalian brain. Tightseal whole-cell recording of spontaneous GABAA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents suggested that an outward Cl- transport reduced dendritic [Cl-]i if the somata of cells were loaded with Cl- via the patch pipette. We determined dendritic and somatic reversal potentials of Cl- currents induced by focally applied GABA to calculate [Cl-]i during variation of [K+]o and [Cl-] in the patch pipette. [Cl-]i and [K+]o were tightly coupled by a furosemide-sensitive K+-Cl- cotransport. Thermodynamic considerations excluded the significant contribution of a Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter to the net Cl- transport. We conclude that under conditions of normal [K+]o the K+-Cl- cotransporter helps to maintain [Cl-]i at low levels, whereas under pathological conditions, under which [K+]o remains elevated because of neuronal hyperactivity, the cotransporter accumulates Cl- in neurons, thereby further enhancing neuronal excitability.

A furosemide-sensitive K+-Cl- cotransporter counteracts intracellular Cl- accumulation and depletion in cultured rat midbrain neurons

Efficacy of postsynaptic inhibition through GABAA receptors in the mammalian brain depends on the maintenance of a Cl- gradient for hyperpolarizing Cl- currents. We have taken advantage of the reduced complexity under which Cl- regulation can be investigated in cultured neurons as opposed to neurons in other in vitro preparations of the mammalian brain. Tightseal whole-cell recording of spontaneous GABAA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents suggested that an outward Cl- transport reduced dendritic [Cl-]i if the somata of cells were loaded with Cl- via the patch pipette. We determined dendritic and somatic reversal potentials of Cl- currents induced by focally applied GABA to calculate [Cl-]i during variation of [K+]o and [Cl-] in the patch pipette. [Cl-]i and [K+]o were tightly coupled by a furosemide-sensitive K+-Cl- cotransport. Thermodynamic considerations excluded the significant contribution of a Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter to the net Cl- transport. We conclude that under conditions of normal [K+]o the K+-Cl- cotransporter helps to maintain [Cl-]i at low levels, whereas under pathological conditions, under which [K+]o remains elevated because of neuronal hyperactivity, the cotransporter accumulates Cl- in neurons, thereby further enhancing neuronal excitability.

Enhancement of neurotransmitter release induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cultured hippocampal neurons

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), like other neurotrophins, has long-term effects on neuronal survival and differentiation; furthermore, recent work has shown that BDNF also can induce rapid changes in synaptic efficacy. We have investigated the mechanism(s) of these synaptic effects on cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons. In the presence of the GABAA receptor antagonist, picrotoxin, the application of BDNF (100 ng/ml) for 1-5 min increased the amplitude of evoked synaptic currents by 48 +/- 9% in 10 of 15 pairs of neurons and increased the frequency of EPSC bursts to 205 +/- 20% of the control levels. There was no detectable effect of BDNF on various measures of electrical excitability, including the resting membrane potential, input resistance, action potential threshold, and action potential amplitude. In addition, BDNF did not change the postsynaptic currents induced by the exogenous application of glutamate. BDNF did increase the frequency of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) (268.0 +/- 46.8% of control frequency), however, without affecting the mEPSC amplitude. The effect of BDNF on mEPSC frequency was blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor K252a and also by the removal of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o). Fura-2 recordings showed that BDNF elicited an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c). This effect was dependent on [Ca2+]o; it was blocked by K252a and by thapsigargin, but not by caffeine. The results demonstrate that BDNF enhances glutamatergic synaptic transmission at a presynaptic locus and that this effect is accompanied by a rise in [Ca2+]c that requires the release of Ca2+ from IP3-gated stores.

Enhancement of neurotransmitter release induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cultured hippocampal neurons

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), like other neurotrophins, has long-term effects on neuronal survival and differentiation; furthermore, recent work has shown that BDNF also can induce rapid changes in synaptic efficacy. We have investigated the mechanism(s) of these synaptic effects on cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons. In the presence of the GABAA receptor antagonist, picrotoxin, the application of BDNF (100 ng/ml) for 1-5 min increased the amplitude of evoked synaptic currents by 48 +/- 9% in 10 of 15 pairs of neurons and increased the frequency of EPSC bursts to 205 +/- 20% of the control levels. There was no detectable effect of BDNF on various measures of electrical excitability, including the resting membrane potential, input resistance, action potential threshold, and action potential amplitude. In addition, BDNF did not change the postsynaptic currents induced by the exogenous application of glutamate. BDNF did increase the frequency of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) (268.0 +/- 46.8% of control frequency), however, without affecting the mEPSC amplitude. The effect of BDNF on mEPSC frequency was blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor K252a and also by the removal of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]o). Fura-2 recordings showed that BDNF elicited an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c). This effect was dependent on [Ca2+]o; it was blocked by K252a and by thapsigargin, but not by caffeine. The results demonstrate that BDNF enhances glutamatergic synaptic transmission at a presynaptic locus and that this effect is accompanied by a rise in [Ca2+]c that requires the release of Ca2+ from IP3-gated stores.

Interactions of GYKI 52466 and NBQX with cyclothiazide at AMPA receptors: experiments with outside-out patches and EPSCs in hippocampal neurones

In outside-out patches from cultured hippocampal neurones, glutamate (1 mM) applied for 1 ms evoked currents which rose rapidly (tau(on) 451 +/- 31 micros) to a peak and then deactivated with slower kinetics (1.95 +/- 0.13 ms). Offset time constants were significantly slower with longer application durations (tau(off) 3.10 +/- 0.19, 3.82 +/- 0.25, 4.80 +/- 0.65 and 7.56 +/- 0.65 ms with 10, 20, 100 and 500 ms applications respectively). Desensitization was complete within 100 ms with a similar rate for all application durations (4.74 +/- 0.34 ms with 100 ms applications). GYKI 52466 reduced inward peak currents with an IC50 of 11.7 +/- 0.6 microM and had similar potency on steady-state currents to longer glutamate applications. GYKI 52466 had no significant effect on desensitization or deactivation time constants but caused a modest and significant prolongation of onset kinetics at higher concentrations. Cyclothiazide (100 microM) potentiated steady-state currents 25-fold at 100 ms and caused a modest but significant slowing in onset kinetics (601 +/- 49 micros with 1 ms applications) but a more pronounced prolongation of deactivation time constants (5.55 +/- 0.66 ms with 1 ms applications). In 50% of neuronal patches cyclothiazide completely eliminated desensitization. In those patches with residual desensitization, the rate was not significantly different to control (5.36 +/- 0.43 ms with 100 ms applications). Following 100 ms applications of glutamate, GYKI 52466 had IC50s of 11.7 +/- 1.1 microM and 75.1 +/- 7.0 microM in the absence and presence of cyclothiazide (100 microM) respectively. Onset kinetics were slowed from 400 +/- 20 micros to 490 +/- 30 micros by cyclothiazide (100 microM) and then further prolonged by GYKI 52466 (100 microM) to a double exponential function (tau(on1) 1.12 +/- 0.13 ms and tau(on2) 171.5 +/- 36.5 ms). GYKI 52466 did not re-introduce desensitization but concentration-dependently weakened cyclothiazide's prolongation of deactivation time constants (1 ms applications: 5.01 +/- 0.71, 4.47 +/- 0.80 and 2.28 +/- 0.64 ms with GYKI 52466 30, 100 and 300 microM respectively). NBQX reduced peak current responses with an IC50 of 28.2 +/- 1.3 nM. Paradoxically, steady-state currents with 500 ms applications of glutamate were potentiated from 3.3 +/- 1.2 pA to 29.4 +/- 6.4 pA by NBQX (1 nM). Higher concentrations of NBQX then antagonized this potentiated response. The potency of NBQX in antagonizing steady-state currents to 500 ms applications of glutamate (IC50 120.9 +/- 30.2 nM) was 2-fold less than following 100 ms applications (IC50 67.7 +/- 2.6 nM). NBQX had no effect on rapid onset, desensitization or deactivation time constants. However, a slow relaxation of inhibition was seen with longer applications. NBQX was 2-5-fold less potent against inward currents in the presence of cyclothiazide (100 microM) depending on the application duration but had no effect on the rapid onset, desensitization or deactivation time constants. The same relaxation of inhibition was seen as with NBQX alone. NBQX (1 microM) reduced AMPA receptor-mediated EPSC amplitude to 7 +/- 1% of control with no effect on kinetics. Cyclothiazide (330 microM) caused a 2.8-fold prolongation of the decay time constant (control 26.6 +/- 2.2 ms, cyclothiazide 74.2 +/- 7.6 ms, n = 9). Additional application of NBQX (1 microM) partly reversed this prolongation to 1.9 fold (47.7 +/- 2.5 ms, n = 5). These results support previous findings that cyclothiazide also allosterically influences AMPA receptor agonist/antagonist recognition sites. There were no interactions between NBQX and cyclothiazide on desensitization or deactivation time constants of glutamate-induced currents but clear interactions on EPSC deactivation kinetics. This raises the possibility that the interactions of NBQX, GYKI 52466 and cyclothiazide on AMPA-receptor-mediated EPSC kinetics observed are due to modulation of glutamate-release at presynaptic AMPA receptors.

Synaptic modulation of oscillatory activity of hypothalamic neuronal networks in vitro

1. Rhythmic bursts of action potentials in neurosecretory cells are a key factor in hypothalamic neurosecretion. Rhythmicity and synchronization may be accomplished by pacemaker cells synaptically driving follower cells or by a network oscillator. 2. In this review we describe a hypothalamic cell culture which may serve as a model for a hypothalamic network oscillator. An overview is given of neurochemical phenotypes, synaptic mechanisms and their development, properties of receptors for fast synaptic transmission, and membrane properties of cells in dissociated rat embryonic hypothalamic culture. 3. Rhythmic activity spreads in the cultured network through synapses that release glutamate, activating a heteromultimeric AMPA-type receptor containing a GluR2 subunit which is associated with a high-conductance channel for Na+ and K+. Rhythmic activity is controlled by synapses that release GABA to activate GABAA receptors. The presumed function of the two receptor types is facilitated by their respective location, GABAA receptors predominating near the soma and AMPA receptors being abundant in dendrites. 4. Network oscillators may be more reliable for the presumed function than single-cell oscillators. They are controlled through synaptic modulation, which may prove to represent a process important for the release of hormones.

Enhancement of synaptic excitation by GABAA receptor antagonists in rat embryonic midbrain culture

Alterations of synaptic excitation induced by exposure to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptor antagonists were investigated employing tight-seal whole cell recording from single neurons or pairs of neurons in rat embryonic midbrain culture. Application of GABAA receptor antagonists led to sustained depolarizations followed by synchronous paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDSs). PDSs induced a transient increase in miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents in the presence as well as in the absence of a N-methyl-aspartate receptor antagonist. The increase in glutamate release supports the excitatory drive required to reinitiate PDSs from the quiescent interburst intervals. After washout of GABAA receptor antagonists, synaptic activity remained grouped, regardless of the presence or absence of PDS blockade by tetrodotoxin (TTX). Impediment of action potential-triggered transmitter release by Cd2+ or TTX also induced grouped activity. We conclude that changes in synaptic excitation are produced by the impaired GABAA inhibition per se and by the initiation of PDSs.

Modulation of nicotinic ACh-, GABAA- and 5-HT3-receptor functions by external H-7, a protein kinase inhibitor, in rat sensory neurones

1. The effects of external H-7, a potent protein kinase inhibitor, on the responses mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid A type (GABAA)-, nicotinic acetylcholine (nicotinic ACh)-, ionotropic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3)-, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- and kainate (KA)-receptors were studied in freshly dissociated rat dorsal root ganglion neurone by use of whole cell patch-clamp technique. 2. External H-7 (1-1000 microM) produced a reversible, dose-dependent inhibition of whole cell currents activated by GABA, ACh and 5-HT. 3. Whole-cell currents evoked by ATP, 2-methylthio-ATP, NMDA and KA were insensitive to external H-7. 4. External H-7 shifted the dose-response curve of GABA-activated currents downward without changing the EC50 significantly (from 15.0 +/- 4.0 microM to 18.0 +/- 5.0 microM). The maximum response to GABA was depressed by 34.0 +/- 5.3%. This inhibitory action of H-7 was voltage-independent. 5. Intracellular application of H-7 (20 microM), cyclic AMP (1 mM) and BAPTA (10 mM) could not reverse the H-7 inhibition of GABA-activated currents. 6. The results suggest that external H-7 selectively and allosterically modulates the functions of GABAA-, nicotine ACh- and 5-HT3 receptors via a common conserved site in the external domain of these receptors.

GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition of spontaneous inhibitory synaptic currents in rat midbrain culture

1. Tight-seal, whole-cell recording was used to study GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition of spontaneous inhibitory synaptic currents in cultured rat midbrain neurones. 2. Spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) were recorded in tetrodotoxin (TTX), Cd2+ and Ba2+. (R)-(-)-baclofen reduced the frequency of mIPSCs through a presynaptic mechanism. The EC50 for this effect was 7 microM. It was antagonized by the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP55845A (0.5 microM). 3. In pertussis toxin (PTX)-treated cultures, some GABAB receptor-mediated reduction of the frequency of mIPSCs persisted. In contrast, PTX treatment totally abolished inhibition of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). 4. In PTX-treated cultures, a saturating concentration of (R)-(-)-baclofen inhibited action potential-generated IPSCs but no EPSCs. 5. PTX treatment abolished the (R)-(-)-baclofen-mediated inhibition of high voltage-activated somatic Ca2+ currents and of spontaneous IPSCs depending on presynaptic Ca2+ entry. 6. We conclude that cellular mechanisms underlying GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition of mIPSCs contribute to auto-inhibition of GABA release.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine uptake discriminates living serotonergic cells from dopaminergic cells in rat midbrain culture

Dissociated cells from embryonic rat midbrain develop in dissociated culture into glutamatergic, GABAergic and aminergic cells. The autofluorescent serotonin analogue, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), is taken up by a small population of cells that is immunoreactive to 5-hydroxytryptamine. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells do not accumulate 5,7-DHT. 5,7-DHT uptake, therefore, is well suited for the identification of living serotonergic cells and their discrimination from dopaminergic cells.

Comparative patch clamp studies on the kinetics and selectivity of glutamate receptor antagonism by 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)quinoxaline (NBQX) and 1-(4-amino-phenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methyl-endioxyl-5H-2,3-benzodiaze pine (GYKI 52466)

The glutamate antagonistic effects of NBQX [2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(F)quinoxaline] and GYKI 52466 [1-(4-amino-phenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methyl-endioxyl-5H-2,3-benzodiaze pine] were compared on inward current responses of cultured superior collicular and hippocampal neurones with the whole cell patch clamp technique. Both NBQX (8 microM) and GYKI 52466 (33 microM) selectively reduced responses to AMPA [(S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4- isoxazolepropionic acid, 50 microM] and kainate (50 microM) whilst having little effect on responses to NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate, 100 microM). The effects of the two antagonists on the kinetics of AMPA (50 microM) responses were, however, very different--NBQX dramatically slowed the rise time of responses so that peak currents (IC50 60.4 +/- 4.2 nM) were markedly more effected than desensitized plateau currents (IC50 706 +/- 99 nM) whereas GYKI 52466 antagonized plateau responses (IC50 4.44 +/- 0.21 microM) somewhat more than peak responses (IC50 6.87 +/- 0.46 microM) and had only marginal effects on kinetics. In fact, low concentrations of NBQX (50-250 nM) actually potentiated plateau AMPA responses--an effect likely to be due to a reduction in the degree of AMPA-induced desensitization. Similar effects on response kinetics, were seen with kainate such that the IC50s for NBQX in antagonizing initial and plateau components of current responses to kainate 400 microM were 18.1 +/- 2.9 nM and 298 +/- 27 nM respectively whereas the IC50s for GYKI 52466 against kainate 50 microM were 17.3 +/- 1.8 microM and 15.5 +/- 3.3 microM respectively. These differences are likely to be due to the different modes of action of the two antagonists--NBQX shifted kainate concentration responses curves to the right in a parallel fashion indicative of competitive antagonism whereas the effects of GYKI 52466 were largely noncompetitive. There was, however, some indication for a small allosteric influence of GYKI 52466 on the affinity of the glutamate recognition site of the AMPA/kainate receptor. Estimation of Kbs using the Cheng-Prussoff relationship revealed little difference in the affinity of NBQX in antagonizing plateau responses to AMPA (Kb 23.2 nM) and kainate (Kb 57.1 nM) and indicate that the effects of these two agonists are mediated at a common receptor under the experimental conditions used. Moreover, the differential effects of NBQX on peak and plateau components of AMPA (50 microM) responses was associated with a desensitization-induced, paradoxical increase in the agonist affinity and was probably not due to any change in the affinity of NBQX.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The pharmacology of the nicotinic antagonist, chlorisondamine, investigated in rat brain and autonomic ganglion

1. A single administration of the ganglion blocker, chlorisondamine (10 mg kg-1, s.c.) is known to produce a quasi-irreversible blockade of the central actions of nicotine in the rat. The mechanism of this persistent action is not known. It is also unclear whether chlorisondamine can block neuronal responses to excitatory amino acids and whether chronic blockade of nicotinic responses also occurs in the periphery. 2. Acute administration of chlorisondamine (10 mg kg-1, s.c.) to rats resulted in a blockade of central nicotinic effects (ataxia and prostration) when tested 1 to 14 days later, but caused no detectable cell death in tissue sections sampled throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the brain which were stained in order to reveal neuronal degeneration. 3. Long-term blockade of central nicotinic effects by chlorisondamine was not associated with significant alterations in the density (Bmax) of high-affinity [3H]-nicotine binding to forebrain cryostat-cut sections. 4. In cultured dissociated mesencephalic cells of the foetal rat, chlorisondamine and mecamylamine inhibited [3H]-dopamine release evoked by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 10(-4) M), but only at high concentrations (IC50 approx. 600 and 70 microM, respectively). A high concentration of chlorisondamine (10(-3) M) had no effect on responses to quisqualate (10(-5) M) and only slightly reduced responses to kainate (10(-4) M). Mecamylamine (10(-3) M) was ineffective against both agonists. 5. In adult rat hippocampal slices, chlorisondamine depressed NMDA receptor-mediated synaptically-evoked field potentials, but again only at high concentrations (10(-4)-10(-3) M). Synaptic responses that were mediated by non-NMDA excitatory amino acid receptors were less affected. 6. In rat isolated superior cervical ganglion, electrically-evoked synaptic transmission was reduced 1 h after acute in vivo administration of chlorisondamine (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c.). However, in vivo administration of a higher dose (10 mg kg-1, s.c.) did not significantly affect ganglionic transmission when tested two weeks later, despite the continued presence of central nicotinic blockade.7. These results indicate that the persistent CNS nicotinic blockade by chlorisondamine is not accompanied by changes in nicotinic [3H]-nicotine binding site density or by neuronal degeneration in the brain; that at doses sufficient to produce nicotinic receptor blockade, chlorisondamine acts in a pharmacologically selective manner; and that chronic central blockade is not accompanied by long-term peripheral ganglionic blockade.

Molecular properties of the glutamate receptor mediating synaptic excitation in rat hypothalamic neurons

AMPA-type glutamate receptors (GluRs) mediate synaptic excitation in networks of cultured rat hypothalamic neurons [18, 25]. Under voltage clamp the agonists quisqualate and AMPA induce current responses which consist of a maintained and/or transient component depending on the concentrations applied. The current-voltage relationship for both components is linear. The biphasic response patterns are due to receptor desensitization which is fast and does not require intracellular second messengers for its activation. Several GluR-subtype-encoding transcripts were found in these neurons using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. While mRNAs encoding the GluR2 and 3 flip forms are expressed early, mRNAs encoding the GluR1, 2 and 3 flop forms and the GluR4 flip form appear only in cultures older than 3 weeks. By comparison to recombinant receptors, the properties of the native receptor can be accommodated by a heteromeric receptor containing GluR2 as one of the subunits.

On the inhibitory actions of baclofen and gamma-aminobutyric acid in rat ventral midbrain culture

1. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were used to study the effects of (-)-baclofen and of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on neurones cultured from the ventral midbrain of embryonic rats. 2. Baclofen induced an outward current (IBac) at a holding potential of -60 mV. The maximal current was 80 pA, and half-maximal current was evoked by 5 microM-baclofen. The proportion of cells affected by baclofen was greater in 25-day-old cultures than in 14-day-old cultures. 3. IBac was blocked by barium (1 mM), and it reversed polarity at a potential that changed according to the Nernst equation when the extracellular potassium concentration was changed. The reversal potential was not different when recording electrodes contained caesium instead of potassium. 4. GABA (10-20 microM), in the presence of picrotoxin (50 microM) and bicuculline (50 microM), also evoked a small potassium current at -60 mV. There was no correlation between the amplitude of the potassium current caused by GABA and that caused by baclofen measured in the same neurones. 5. Spontaneous synaptic currents (up to hundreds of picoamps) were observed that were blocked by picrotoxin (20 microM; IPSCs) or by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10 microM; EPSCs); the amplitude and frequency were strongly reduced by baclofen and by GABA. 6. Spontaneous synaptic currents of lower amplitudes (up to 60 pA) remained in the presence of tetrodotoxin. IPSCs (blocked by picrotoxin, reversal at -50 mV) and EPSCs (blocked by CNQX, reversal at 0 mV) were reduced in frequency by baclofen. GABA, in the presence of bicuculline and picrotoxin, had a similar effect on the EPSCs. This action of baclofen persisted in barium (1 mM), and was observed as readily in cells cultured for 14 days as those cultured for 25 days. 7. Some spontaneous synaptic currents remained in the presence of tetrodotoxin and cadmium (100 microM). Their frequency was reduced by baclofen. The effectiveness of baclofen was greater on cells that had been longer in culture. 8. It is concluded that activation of GABAB receptors has two main effects on neurones cultured from rat ventral midbrain. These are potassium conductance increase, and inhibition of the spontaneous release of GABA and excitatory amino acids; both effects can be observed in tetrodotoxin and cadmium.

Cells from embryonic rat striatum cocultured with mesencephalic glia express dopaminergic phenotypes

To study region-specific transmitter phenotype expression, cells of embryonic day 14 (E14) rat neostriatum (ganglionic eminence plus cortical plate) or of the substantia nigra (ventral mesencephalon) were cultured on glial cells either from substantia nigra or neostriatum (E21). By antityrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting of tyrosine hydroxylase protein and quantitation of dopamine and its metabolites by HPLC, dopaminergic cells were revealed in nigral and neostriatal cultures plated on nigral glial cells. No dopaminergic cells were found among neostriatal neurons plated on neostriatal glial cells. It is concluded that glia from substantia nigra but not glia from neostriatum is capable of inducing development or promoting survival of dopaminergic cells.