A comparison of the effects of selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on synaptically evoked whole cell currents of rat spinal ventral horn neurones in vitro

Metabotropic glutamate 1 receptor: current concepts and perspectives

Almost 25 years after the first report that glutamate can activate receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G-proteins, tremendous progress has been made in the field of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Now, eight members of this family of glutamate receptors, encoded by eight different genes that share distinctive structural features have been identified. The first cloned receptor, the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor mGlu1 has probably been the most extensively studied mGlu receptor, and in many respects it represents a prototypical subtype for this family of receptors. Its biochemical, anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological characteristics have been intensely investigated. Together with subtype 5, mGlu1 receptors constitute a subgroup of receptors that couple to phospholipase C and mobilize Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. Several alternatively spliced variants of mGlu1 receptors, which differ primarily in the length of their C-terminal domain and anatomical localization, have been reported. Use of a number of genetic approaches and the recent development of selective antagonists have provided a means for clarifying the role played by this receptor in a number of neuronal systems. In this article we discuss recent advancements in the pharmacology and concepts about the intracellular transduction and pathophysiological role of mGlu1 receptors and review earlier data in view of these novel findings. The impact that this new and better understanding of the specific role of these receptors may have on novel treatment strategies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders is considered.

Increased efficacy of micro-opioid agonist-induced antinociception by metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists in C57BL/6 mice: comparison with (-)-6-phosphonomethyl-deca-hydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (LY235959)

RATIONALE

Recent experimental data suggest that metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists with selectivity for mGluR1 and mGluR2/3 enhance morphine-induced antinociception.

OBJECTIVES

The present study addressed the hypothesis that mGluR antagonists enhance opioid antinociception by increasing opioid efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antinociceptive effects of the partial mu-opioid receptor agonists buprenorphine and dezocine were first assessed in a hot-plate procedure under conditions of low (53 degrees C) and high (56 degrees C) stimulus intensity. Under conditions in which buprenorphine and dezocine produced submaximal antinociceptive effects, these drugs were assessed after pretreatment with the mGluR1 antagonist JNJ16259685, the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP, the mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495, and for comparison, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist LY235959.

RESULTS

Buprenorphine (0.032-3.2 mg/kg) and dezocine (0.1-10 mg/kg) were fully efficacious at 53 degrees C and produced submaximal antinociceptive effects at 56 degrees C (i.e., their effects did not exceed 50% of the maximum possible effect). Pretreatment with JNJ16259685 (1.0-3.2 mg/kg), LY341495 (1.0-3.2 mg/kg), and LY235959 (0.32-1.0 mg/kg) enhanced the antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine and dezocine at 56 degrees C, as revealed by significant increases in the peak effects of both drugs to approximately 100% maximum possible effect. In contrast, pretreatment with MPEP (1.0-3.2 mg/kg) did not modulate the antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine and dezocine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, similar to the NMDA receptor antagonist LY235959, the mGluR1 antagonist JNJ16259685 and the mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495 increase the antinociceptive efficacy of buprenorphine and dezocine.

Morphine in combination with metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists on schedule-controlled responding and thermal nociception

The present study examined the interactive effects of morphine in combination with metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor antagonists on schedule-controlled responding and thermal nociception. Drug interaction data were examined with isobolographic and dose-addition analysis. Morphine, the mGlu1 receptor antagonist JNJ16259685 [(3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano-[2,3-b]quinolin-7-yl)-(cis-4-methoxycyclohexyl)-methanone], the mGlu5 receptor antagonist MPEP [2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride], and the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 [(2S)-2-amino-2-[(1S,2S-2-carboxycycloprop-1-yl]-3-(xanth-9-yl) propanoic acid] all decreased rates of schedule-controlled responding. JNJ16259685/morphine, MPEP/morphine, and LY341495/morphine mixtures produced additive effects on this endpoint. Morphine also produced dose-dependent antinociception in the assay of thermal nociception, whereas JNJ16259685, MPEP, and LY341495 failed to produce an effect. In this assay, JNJ16259685 and LY341495 potentiated the antinociceptive effects of morphine, whereas MPEP/morphine mixtures produced additive effects. These results suggest that an mGlu1 and an mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, but not an mGlu5 receptor antagonist, selectively enhance the antinociceptive effects of morphine. In addition, these data confirm that the behavioral effects of drug mixtures depend on the endpoint under study.

Role of group II and III metabotropic glutamate receptors in rhythmic patterns of the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro

Electrophysiological recordings were used to explore the role of group II and III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in oscillatory patterns generated by the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro. Neither the group II agonist DCG-IV (and the selective antagonist EGLU), nor the group III agonist L-AP4 (and its selective antagonist CPPG) had any effect on lumbar motoneuron membrane potential or input resistance. This observation suggests that motoneurons expressed no functional group II and III mGluRs and received no network-based, tonic influence mediated by them. DCG-IV or L-AP4 strongly depressed synaptic responses evoked by single dorsal root (DR) stimuli, an effect counteracted by their respective antagonist. EGLU or CPPG per se had no effect on synaptic responses, indicating no mGluR autoreceptor-dependent control of transmitter release. L-AP4 largely depressed cumulative depolarization, windup and associated oscillations, whereas synaptic depression induced by DCG-IV waned with repeated stimuli. L-AP4 slowed down fictive locomotor patterns and arrested disinhibited bursting, which could, however, be promptly restored by DR electrical stimulation. DCG-IV had no significant effect on fictive locomotion, but it blocked disinhibited bursting. EGLU facilitated bursting, suggesting that burst termination was partly controlled by group II mGluRs. All these effects were reversible on washout. It is concluded that activation of group II and III mGluRs differentially modulated rhythmic patterns recorded from motoneurons via network-dependent actions, which probably included decrease in the release of neurotransmitters at key circuit points.

Effects of a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist on the micturition reflex pathway in urethane-anesthetized rats

AIMS

To determine a possible role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in the spinobulbospinal micturition reflex pathway in the rat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, trans-(+/-)-1-amino1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD) was administered to the lumbosacral spinal cord via an intrathecal catheter in urethane anesthetized rats. Amplitude of reflex bladder contractions evoked by bladder distension under isovolumetric condition as well as amplitude of bladder contractions elicited by electrical stimulation of the pontine micturition center (PMC) were examined before and after administration of trans-ACPD. The effect of trans-ACPD on the urethral activity during isovolumetric bladder contractions was also examined by monitoring urethral perfusion pressure and electromyography of the external urethral sphincter (EUS-EMG).

RESULTS

Trans-ACPD (3-10 microg) completely inhibited reflex bladder contractions evoked by bladder distension and the duration of inhibition was dose dependent (3 microg: 11.4 +/- 2.8 min, 5 microg: 13.2 +/- 1.3 min, 10 microg: 36.2 +/- 2.4 min). The mean amplitude of bladder contractions evoked by electrical stimulation of the PMC was reduced to 12.6 +/- 2.3% of control by 10 microg of trans-ACPD. In addition, bursting activity of EUS-EMG and corresponding high frequency oscillations of urethral pressure during isovolumetric bladder contractions were completely abolished by 10 microg of trans-ACPD.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that intrathecal administration of a selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist to the lumbosacral spinal cord has an inhibitory effect on the spinobulbospinal micturition reflex pathway in urethane-anesthetized rats. This pharmacological action is attributed at least to the inhibitory effect on the descending pathway from the PMC to the lumbosacral spinal cord.

Localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors 2/3 on primary afferent axons in the rat

The goal of the present study is to determine the relationship of metabotropic glutamate receptors 2/3 (mGluR2/3) to dorsal root ganglion cells, peripheral primary afferent fibers in digital nerves and central primary afferent fibers in the spinal cord. We demonstrate that approximately 40% of L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion cells contain mGluR2/3-like immunoreactivity. These mGluR2/3-positive cells are small in diameter (23 microm) and 76% stain for the isolectin Griffonia simplicifolia (I-B4), while 67% of I-B4 cells have mGluR2/3-like immunoreactivity. Electron microscopic analyses of mGluR2/3-like immunoreactivity in axons in digital nerves indicate that 32% of unmyelinated and 28% of myelinated axons are labeled. In the lumbar dorsal horn, mGluR2/3-like immunoreactivity is localized preferentially in lamina IIi with lighter staining in laminae III and IV. The dense mGluR2/3-like immunoreactivity in lamina IIi is consistent with the localization of these receptors in I-B4-labeled dorsal root ganglion cells. Elimination of primary afferent input following unilateral dorsal rhizotomies significantly decreases the mGluR2/3-like immunoreactivity density in the dorsal horn although some residual staining does remain, suggesting that many but not all of these receptors are located on primary afferent processes. The finding that mGluR2/3s are located on peripheral sensory axons suggests that they are involved in peripheral sensory transduction and can modulate transmission of sensory input before it reaches the spinal cord. This offers the possibility of altering sensory input, particularly noxious input, at a site that would avoid CNS side effects. Since many but not all of these receptors are located on primary afferent terminals, these receptors may also influence primary afferent transmission in the dorsal horn through presynaptic mechanisms and glutamatergic transmission in general through both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. Since these receptors are concentrated in lamina IIi and also largely co-localized with I-B4, they may have considerable influence on nociceptive processing by what are considered to be non-peptidergic primary afferent neurons.

Involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptors in excitatory amino acid and GABA release following spinal cord injury in rat

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to an increase in extracellular excitatory amino acid (EAA) concentrations resulting in glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxic events. The glutamate receptors include ionotropic (iGluRs) and metabotropic (mGluR) receptors. Of the three groups of mGluRs, group-I activation can initiate intracellular pathways that lead to further transmitter release. Groups II and III mGluRs function mainly as autoreceptors to regulate neurotransmitter release. In an effort to examine the role of mGluRs in the increase in EAAs following SCI, we administered AIDA, a potent group-I mGluR antagonist immediately after injury. To determine subtype specific roles of the group-I mGluRs, we evaluated EAA release following LY 367385 (mGluR1 antagonist) and MPEP (mGluR5 antagonist) administration. To evaluate group-II and -III mGluRs we administered APDC (group-II agonist) and L-AP4 (group-III agonist) immediately following injury; additionally, we initiated treatment with CPPG (group-II/-III antagonist) and LY 341495 (group-II antagonist) 5 min prior to injury. Subjects were adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (225-250 g), impact injured at T10 with an NYU impactor (12.5 mm drop). Agents were injected into the epicenter of injury, amino acids where collected by microdialysis fibers inserted 0.5 mm caudal from the edge of the impact region and quantified by HPLC. Treatment with AIDA significantly decreased extracellular EAA and GABA concentrations. MPEP reduced EAA concentrations without affecting GABA. Combining LY 367385 and MPEP resulted in a decrease in EAA and GABA concentrations greater than either agent alone. L-AP4 decreased EAA levels, while treatment with LY 341495 increased EAA levels. These results suggest that mGluRs play an important role in EAA toxicity following SCI.

Modulation of primary afferent-mediated neurotransmission and Fos expression by glutamate uptake inhibition in rat spinal neurones in vitro

The effect of altered endogenous levels of synaptic glutamate on neurotransmission and synaptic dorsal horn Fos expression was determined in rat spinal cord in vitro. The uptake inhibitor L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (L-PDC, 1mM) was tested against dorsal root-ventral root potentials (DR-VRP), afferent-mediated slow dorsal horn excitatory postsynaptic potentials (DR-EPSP) and nociceptive afferent-induced synaptic currents (EPSCs) of substantia gelatinosa neurones. L-PDC reduced DR-VRP fast and slow peak amplitude and duration (P<0.05), slow DR-EPSP amplitude and duration (P<0.005) and EPSC amplitude (P<0.05). The Group II/III mGluR antagonist (RS)-alpha-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (CPPG, 100 microM) reduced L-PDC inhibition of synaptic potentials. The Group II antagonist (2S)-2-amino-2-(1S,2S-2-carboxycycloprop-1-yl)-3-(xanth-9-yl)propanoic acid (LY341495, 300 nM) and the Group III antagonist (RS)-alpha-methylserine-O-phosphate (MSOP, 10 microM) partially reversed EPSC inhibition by L-PDC. The Group III agonist L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4, 30 microM) mimicked CPPG-sensitive inhibitory effects of L-PDC on DR-VRP (P<0.001) and the slow DR-EPSP (P<0.005). L-PDC (1mM) or L-AP4 (30 microM) reduced afferent-evoked dorsal horn Fos expression, this effect was reversed by CPPG. These data suggest that increased synaptic glutamate levels may activate inhibitory Group II/III mGluR receptors and impact significantly on nociceptive neurotransmission and transcriptional adaptive responses of target neurones.

Group II and group III metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists depress synaptic transmission in the rat spinal cord dorsal horn

The effects of group II and group III metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on synaptic responses evoked by primary afferent stimulation in the dorsal horn, but mostly substantia gelatinosa, neurons were studied in the spinal cord slice preparation using conventional intracellular recording technique. Bath application of a potent metabotropic glutamate receptor 2- and 3-selective agonist (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl) glycine reversibly suppressed monosynaptic and polysynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by A primary afferent fibers stimulation, the effect likely mediated by mGlu3 receptor subtype. This suppressing effect of (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl) glycine on primary afferent neurotransmission was dose dependent and reduced by (S)-alpha-ethylglutamate, a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist. (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl) glycine suppressed excitatory postsynaptic potentials without inducing detectable changes of postsynaptic membrane potential and neuronal input resistance in dorsal horn neurons. The paired-pulse depression at excitatory synapses between primary afferent fibers and dorsal horn neurons was reduced by (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2', 3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl) glycine application, suggesting a presynaptic site of action. The selective group III metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate also depressed A afferent fibers-evoked monosynaptic and polysynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. The concentration-dependence of (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate-mediated depression was most consistent with activation of mGlu receptor subtypes 4 and 7. However, on the basis of anatomical distribution of mGlu 4 and 7 subtypes, it is also possible that the (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobatanoate effect is due to interaction with mGlu 7 receptor alone. (RS)-alpha-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine a preferential antagonist at group III metabotropic glutamate receptors, completely reversed the depressant effects of (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate on both monosynaptic and polysynaptic responses. (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate reduced the paired-pulse depression at excitatory synapses between primary afferent fibers and dorsal horn neurons, but did not alter their postsynaptic membrane potential and input resistance. A clear facilitation of the (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate-induced depression of monosynaptic and polysynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the absence of gamma-aminobutyric acid-subtype A receptor- and glycine-mediated synaptic inhibition was shown. Besides the depressant effect on excitatory synaptic transmission, inhibitory actions of group II and III metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials evoked by primary afferent stimulation in dorsal horn neurons were observed. These results suggest that group II and group III metabotropic glutamate receptors are expressed at primary afferent synapses in the dorsal horn region, and activation of the receptors suppresses synaptic transmission by an action on the presynaptic site.

Groups II and III metabotropic glutamate receptors differentially modulate brief and prolonged nociception in primate STT cells

The heterogeneous family of G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) provides excitatory and inhibitory controls of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability in the nervous system. Eight mGluR subtypes have been cloned and are classified in three subgroups. Group I mGluRs can stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis and activate protein kinase C whereas group II (mGluR2 and 3) and group III (mGluR4, 6, 7, and 8) mGluRs share the ability to inhibit cAMP formation. The present study examined the roles of groups II and III mGluRs in the processing of brief nociceptive information and capsaicin-induced central sensitization of primate spinothalamic tract (STT) cells in vivo. In 11 anesthetized male monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), extracellular recordings were made from 21 STT cells in the lumbar dorsal horn. Responses to brief (15 s) cutaneous stimuli of innocuous (brush), marginally and distinctly noxious (press and pinch, respectively) intensity were recorded before, during, and after the infusion of group II and group III mGluR agonists into the dorsal horn by microdialysis. Different concentrations were applied for at least 20 min each (at 5 microliter/min) to obtain cumulative concentration-response relationships. Values in this paper refer to the drug concentrations in the microdialysis fibers; actual concentrations in the tissue are about three orders of magnitude lower. The agonists were also applied at 10-25 min after intradermal capsaicin injection. The group II agonists (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (LCCG1, 1 microM-10 mM, n = 6) and (-)-2-oxa-4-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4, 6-dicarboxylate (LY379268; 1 microM-10 mM, n = 6) had no significant effects on the responses to brief cutaneous mechanical stimuli (brush, press, pinch) or on ongoing background activity. In contrast, the group III agonist L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (LAP4, 0. 1 microM-10 mM, n = 6) inhibited the responses to cutaneous mechanical stimuli in a concentration-dependent manner, having a stronger effect on brush responses than on responses to press and pinch. LAP4 did not change background discharges significantly. Intradermal injections of capsaicin increased ongoing background activity and sensitized the STT cells to cutaneous mechanical stimuli (ongoing activity > brush > press > pinch). When given as posttreatment, the group II agonists LCCG1 (100 microM, n = 5) and LY379268 (100 microM, n = 6) and the group III agonist LAP4 (100 microM, n = 6) reversed the capsaicin-induced sensitization. After washout of the agonists, the central sensitization resumed. Our data suggest that, while activation of both group II and group III mGluRs can reverse capsaicin-induced central sensitization, it is the actions of group II mGluRs in particular that undergo significant functional changes during central sensitization because they modulate responses of sensitized STT cells but have no effect under control conditions.

Wind-up of spinal cord neurones and pain sensation: much ado about something?

Wind-up is a frequency-dependent increase in the excitability of spinal cord neurones, evoked by electrical stimulation of afferent C-fibres. Although it has been studied over the past thirty years, there are still uncertainties about its physiological meaning. Glutamate (NMDA) and tachykinin NK1 receptors are required to generate wind-up and therefore a positive modulation between these two receptor types has been suggested by some authors. However, most drugs capable of reducing the excitability of spinal cord neurones, including opioids and NSAIDs, can also reduce or even abolish wind-up. Thus, other theories involving synaptic efficacy, potassium channels, calcium channels, etc. have also been proposed for the generation of this phenomenon. Whatever the mechanisms involved in its generation, wind-up has been interpreted as a system for the amplification in the spinal cord of the nociceptive message that arrives from peripheral nociceptors connected to C-fibres. This probably reflects the physiological system activated in the spinal cord after an intense or persistent barrage of afferent nociceptive impulses. On the other hand, wind-up, central sensitisation and hyperalgesia are not the same phenomena, although they may share common properties. Wind-up can be an important tool to study the processing of nociceptive information in the spinal cord, and the central effects of drugs that modulate the nociceptive system. This paper reviews the physiological and pharmacological data on wind-up of spinal cord neurones, and the perceptual correlates of wind-up in human subjects, in the context of its possible relation to the triggering of hyperalgesic states, and also the multiple factors which contribute to the generation of wind-up.

Synaptic control of motoneuronal excitability

Movement, the fundamental component of behavior and the principal extrinsic action of the brain, is produced when skeletal muscles contract and relax in response to patterns of action potentials generated by motoneurons. The processes that determine the firing behavior of motoneurons are therefore important in understanding the transformation of neural activity to motor behavior. Here, we review recent studies on the control of motoneuronal excitability, focusing on synaptic and cellular properties. We first present a background description of motoneurons: their development, anatomical organization, and membrane properties, both passive and active. We then describe the general anatomical organization of synaptic input to motoneurons, followed by a description of the major transmitter systems that affect motoneuronal excitability, including ligands, receptor distribution, pre- and postsynaptic actions, signal transduction, and functional role. Glutamate is the main excitatory, and GABA and glycine are the main inhibitory transmitters acting through ionotropic receptors. These amino acids signal the principal motor commands from peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal structures. Amines, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, and neuropeptides, as well as the glutamate and GABA acting at metabotropic receptors, modulate motoneuronal excitability through pre- and postsynaptic actions. Acting principally via second messenger systems, their actions converge on common effectors, e.g., leak K(+) current, cationic inward current, hyperpolarization-activated inward current, Ca(2+) channels, or presynaptic release processes. Together, these numerous inputs mediate and modify incoming motor commands, ultimately generating the coordinated firing patterns that underlie muscle contractions during motor behavior.

Neuroprotection by metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on kainate-induced degeneration of motor neurons in spinal cord slices from adult rat

Research has provided evidence about the role of excitotoxicity in the pathophysiology of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and suggests that AMPA/kainate receptor activation contributes greatly in mediating glutamate injury to motor neurons. The recent finding of variable expression of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor subtypes in adult rat spinal cord has prompted us to investigate their contribution to the excitotoxic process. We report here that stimulation of mGlu receptors efficiently prevents motor neuron degeneration induced by kainate. The application of kainate to lumbar spinal cord slices from adult rats induced a massive degeneration of motor neurons which became shrunken, dark and TUNEL-positive. On the contrary, no significant neurotoxicity was observed after NMDA application. A blockade of ionotropic non-NMDA receptors by CNQX, and mGlu receptor stimulation, efficiently counteracted kainate-mediated cell death. Among the various agonists for mGlu receptors, we tested 3-hydroxyphenylglycine (3HPG), which selectively stimulates group I mGlu receptors. In addition, we tested 2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (L-CCG-I) and 4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (4C3HPG), two selective agonists for group II receptors, as well as L-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (L-AP4), a preferential agonist for group III. The results suggest that all three groups of mGlu receptors are involved in inhibiting excitotoxic phenomena mediated by kainate on spinal cord motor neurons. This was despite being localized differently and, possibly, activating different neuroprotective pathways.

Inhibition of uptake and release of a novel mGluR agonist (L-F2CCG-I) by anion transport blockers in the rat spinal cord

A new metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist, (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(2-carboxy-3,3-difluorocyclopropyl)glycine (L-F2CCG-I), induces a priming effect on (RS)-alpha-aminopimelate in the isolated spinal cord of newborn rats. Similar to (RS)-alpha-aminopimelate, L-glutamate (30-100 microM) neither affected spinal reflexes nor the resting membrane potentials of motoneurones, but preferentially potentiated the depression of monosynaptic excitation caused by L-F2CCG-I (0.4 microM). Following L-F2CCG-I treatment (1-2 microM), L-glutamate decreased the monosynaptic spinal reflexes in a concentration dependent manner, indicating a priming' effect of L-F2CCG-I. Thus L-glutamate is completely compatible with (RS)-alpha-aminopimelate in revealing the priming effect. An anion transport blocker, 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DNDS) (100 microM), markedly inhibited both the response to (RS)-alpha-aminopimelate and the induction of the L-F2CCG-I priming effect. The data suggest that L-F2CCG-I is Cl- -dependently incorporated into certain stores, and that (RS)-alpha-aminopimelate or L-glutamate must stimulate the release of L-F2CCG-I from the storage site. There were pharmacological similarities between the quisqualate and L-F2CCG-I priming effect. The physiological significance of the quisqualate or L-F2CCG-I priming is not yet established. L-F2CCG-I would be expected to be a useful pharmacological probe for elucidating the mechanism of the priming.

Pre- and/or post-synaptic localisation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1alpha (mGluR1alpha) and 2/3 (mGluR2/3) in the rat spinal cord

Using immunocytochemical techniques (light and electron microscopy), weakly stained metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) 1alpha immunoreactivity was detected in lamina I of the rat spinal cord. Immunoreactivity for mGluR2/3 was almost undetectable in this lamina and outer lamina II. In lamina II, there was mGluR1alpha immunoreactivity. Strongly stained mGluR2/3 was seen in the inner layer of lamina II and the dorsal part of lamina III. In laminae III X, weakly to moderately stained mGluR1alpha immunoreactive product was demonstrated. Similar staining for mGluR2/3 was also seen in lamina III-VI and in lamina X, but mGluR2/3 immunoreactivities were few in lamina VII-IX. With electron microscopy, mGluR1alpha immunoreactivity was seen in neuronal cell body and dendrites in lamina II of the dorsal horn. In the lateral and ventral horns, only dendrites of neurons were mGluR1alpha immunopositive. Some mGluR2/3 immunopositive dendrites were demonstrated in lamina II of the dorsal horn, lateral and ventral horns. In the ventral horn, mGluR2/3 immunopositive axon and axon terminals were demonstrated. Some mGluR2/3 immunopositive astrocytes were also demonstrated in the three areas and their strongly stained processes wrapped around neuronal cell bodies and synapses.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors: electrophysiological properties and role in plasticity

Electrophysiological research on mGluRs is now very extensive, and it is clear that activation of mGluRs results in a large number of diverse cellular actions. Studies of mGluRs and on ionic channels has clearly demonstrated that mGluR activation has a widespread and potent inhibitory action on both voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and K+ channels. Inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channels, and inhibition of Ca(++)-dependent K+ current, IAHP, and IM being particularly prominent. Potentiation of activation of both Ca2+ and K+ channels has also been observed, although less prominently than inhibition, but mGluR-mediated activation of non-selective cationic channels is widespread. In a small number of studies, generation of an mGluR-mediated slow excitatory postsynaptic potential has been demonstrated as a consequence of the effect of mGluR activation on ion channels, such as activation of a non-selective cationic channels. Although certain mGluR-modulation of channels is a consequence of direct G-protein-linked action, for example, inhibition of Ca2+ channels, many other effects occur as a result of activation of intracellular messenger pathways, but at present, little progress has been made on the identification of the messengers. The field of study of the involvement of mGluRs in synaptic plasticity is very large. Evidence for the involvement of mGluRs in one form of LTD induction in the cerebellum and hippocampus is now particularly impressive. However, the role of mGluRs in LTP induction continues to be a source of dispute, and resolution of the question of the exact involvement of mGluRs in the induction of LTP will have to await the production of more selective ligands and of selective gene knockouts.

Glutamate receptors underlying excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat's lateral superior olive studied in vitro

Glutamate receptors underlying synaptic excitation in the rat's lateral superior olive were studied by whole-cell patch clamp recordings in a brain slice preparation. Recordings from two morphological types of cells, bipolar and multipolar, identified by intracellular labeling with biocytin, showed that there were no obvious differences in responses mediated or modulated by ionotropic and metabotropic receptors between these two types of neurons. The excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) elicited by ipsilateral stimulation of the trapezoid body consisted of two components. An earlier component, which had faster rise time constant and decay time constant, was mediated by non-NMDA receptors. A later component, which had slower rise time and decay time constants, was mediated by NMDA receptors. Suprathreshold responses (action potentials), which arose from the early component, were always abolished by the non-NMDA antagonist, CNQX, but not by the NMDA antagonist, APV. These results suggest that both non-NMDA and NMDA receptors are present in LSO neurons, and that fast excitatory transmission in LSO is primarily mediated by non-NMDA receptors. The metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists, t-ACPD and L-AP4, reduced the size of EPSPs evoked by stimulation of the ipsilateral trapezoid body in LSO neurons; the reductive action of t-ACPD was reversed by the antagonist, MCPG, indicating that metabotropic glutamate receptors, probably group II and III subtypes, can modulate excitatory synaptic transmission in LSO.

(+)-MCPG blocks induction of LTP in CA1 of rat hippocampus via agonist action at an mGluR group II receptor

We investigated the effect of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) ligands on the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in CA1 of rat hippocampus, in particular the manner by which the nonsubtype selective mGluR ligand alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine [(+)-MCPG] blocks LTP induction. Normalized control LTP was blocked by (+)-MCPG (250 microM), but not by the mGluRI selective antagonist (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine (4-CPG), the mGluRII selective antagonist 1/(2S,3S, 4S)-2-methyl-2-(carboxycyclopropyl) glycine (MCCG), or the mGluRIII antagonist (S)-2-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoic acid/alpha-methyl (MAP4). In contrast the mGluRII agonist ((1S, 3S)-1-aminocyclopentante-1,3-dicarboxylic acid -(1S,3S)-ACPD-; 10 or 25 microM) completely and consistently blocked LTP. The block of LTP by both (1S,3S)-ACPD and (+)-MCPG could be prevented by preincubation with the mGluRII antagonist MCCG. These studies demonstrate that (+)-MCPG blocks LTP induction through an agonist action at an mGluRII receptor and not through a nonselective antagonist action.

Potentiation by DL-alpha-aminopimelate of the inhibitory action of a novel mGluR agonist (L-F2CCG-I) on monosynaptic excitation in the rat spinal cord

1. Neuropharmacological actions of all the possible stereoisomers of 3',3'-difluoro-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (3',3'-difluoro-CCG) were compared with those of the corresponding 2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (CCG) isomers in the isolated spinal cord of newborn rats. (2S,1'S,2'S)- and (2S,1'R,2'S)-2-(2-carboxy-3,3-difluorocyclopropyl)glycine (L-F2CCG-I and L-F2CCG-IV) were the most potent in causing depolarization, their threshold concentrations being approximately 1 microM. 2. The depolarization evoked by L-F2CCG-I (30 microM) was depressed by (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG, 1 mM (n=4)) to 17+/-3% of the control: this depolarizing action was not decreased by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 100 microM), and only slightly decreased by high concentrations of D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5, 100 microM), suggesting that L-F2CCG-I activates mainly metabotropic glutamate receptors. 3. L-F2CCG-I preferentially depressed the monosynaptic component of the spinal reflex approximately 3 times more effectively than (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (L-CCG-I). The depressant action of L-F2CCG-I (0.2 microM-0.7 microM) on monosynaptic excitation was antagonized by (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-methyl-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (MCCG, 0.3 mM-1 mM) and (S)-2-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoic acid (MAP4, 0.3 mM). 4. DL-alpha-aminopimelate (10 and 100 microM) selectively potentiated the depression of monosynaptic excitation caused by L-CCG-I (0.2 microM) and L-F2CCG-I (0.1 microM). The actions of (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2,3-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV) (50 nM-0.2 microM), L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoic acid (L-AP4) (0.3-1 microM), (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid ((1S,3R)-ACPD) (1-7 microM) and baclofen (0.1-0.7 microM) were unaffected by DL-alpha-aminopimelate. The threshold concentration for the potentiating actions of DL-alpha-aminopimelate was 3 microM. 5. The depolarization induced by quisqualate (3 microM, 10 s application) was increased to 115+/-2% and 137+/-5% of the control values during combined application of quisqualate with either 30 microM or 100 microM DL-alpha-aminopimelate, respectively. 6. Following the application and subsequent washout of L-F2CCG-I, DL-alpha-aminopimelate (3-100 microM) decreased the amplitude of the monosynaptic component of spinal reflexes in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating a 'priming' effect of L-F2CCG-I.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors depress glutamate-mediated synaptic input to rat midbrain dopamine neurones in vitro

1. Glutamate (AMPA receptor-mediated) excitatory postsynaptic potentials (e.p.s.ps.), evoked by electrical stimulation rostral to the recording site, were examined by intracellular microelectrode recording from dopamine neurones in parasagittal slices of rat ventral midbrain. 2. The e.p.s.p. was depressed by the group III metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor agonist L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4; 0.01-30 microM) by up to 60% with an EC50 of 0.82 microM. The depression induced by L-AP4 (3 microM) was reversed by the group III preferring mGlu receptor antagonist, alpha-methyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (MPPG; 250 microM). 3. The group I and II mGlu agonist, 1S,3R-aminocyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (ACPD; 3-30 microM) also depressed the e.p.s.p. in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of ACPD (10 microM) was reversed by (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG; 1 mM; 4 cells). This effect of ACPD was also partially antagonized (by 50.3+/-15.7%, 4 cells) by MPPG (250 microM). 4. The selective agonist at group I mGlu receptors, dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; 100 microM), decreased e.p.s.p. amplitude by 27.1+/-8.2% (7 cells), as did the group II mGlu receptor-selective agonist (1S,1R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2,3-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV; 1 microM) by 26.7+/-4.3% (5 cells). 5. DHPG (10-100 microM) caused a depolarization of the recorded cell, as did ACPD (3-30 microM), whereas no such postsynaptic effect of either L-AP4 or DCG-IV was observed. 6. These results provide evidence for the presence of presynaptic inhibitory metabotropic glutamate autoreceptors from the mGlu receptor groups II and III on descending glutamatergic inputs to midbrain dopamine neurones. Group I mGlu receptors mediate a postsynaptic depolarization, and can also depress glutamatergic transmission, but may not necessarily be localized presynaptically. These sites represent novel drug targets for treatment of schizophrenia and movement disorders of basal ganglia origin.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists, like GABA(B) antagonists, potentiate dorsal root-evoked excitatory synaptic transmission at neonatal rat spinal motoneurons in vitro

Recordings of whole-cell synaptic current responses elicited by electrical stimulation of dorsal roots were made from motoneurons, identified by antidromic invasion, in isolated spinal cord preparations from five- to eight-day-old Wistar rats. Supramaximal electrical stimulation of the dorsal root evoked complex excitatory postsynaptic currents with mean latencies (+/- S.E.M.) of 6.1 +/- 0.26 ms, peak amplitude of -650 +/- 47 pA and duration of 4.30 +/- 0.46 s (n=34). All phases of excitatory postsynaptic currents were potentiated to approximately 20% above control levels in the presence of the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists S-2-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoate (MAP4; 200 microM; n=15) and 2S, 1'S,2'S-2-methyl-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (MCCG; 200 microM; n=9). A similar level of potentiation was produced by the GABA(B) receptor antagonist 3-N[1-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]amino-2-(S)-hydroxypropyl-P-benzyl-p hosphinic acid (CGP55845; 200 nM; n=5). MAP4 (200 microM) produced a six-fold rightward shift in the concentration-effect plot for the depressant action of the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist S-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (L-AP4), whereas CGP55845 produced no significant change in the potency of L-AP4. MAP4 did not antagonize the depressant actions of baclofen (n=8), 1S,3S-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate (n=4) or 2-S,1'S,2'S-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (n=4). The metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists produced no change in the holding current of any of the neurons, indicating that they had no significant postsynaptic excitatory actions. These results are the first to indicate a possible physiological role for metabotropic glutamate receptors in the spinal cord. Like GABA(B) receptors, they control glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the segmental spinal pathway to motoneurons. This is likely to be a presynaptic control mechanism.

Antagonism of mGlu receptors and potentiation of EPSCs at rat spinal motoneurones in vitro

The patch-clamp technique has been used to record synaptic responses, elicited by electrical stimulation of dorsal roots, in 28 single motoneurones of in vitro spinal cord preparations from neonate (P5 to P8) rats. The effects of (RS)-alpha-methyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine (MPPG) (200 microM), a potent antagonist at L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (AP4)-sensitive receptors, and (RS)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG) (500 microM), which is a less selective antagonist of mGluRs, were tested on EPSCs alone and as antagonists of AP4-induced depression of EPSCs. The EC50 for depression of EPSCs by AP4 (1.16 +/- 0.12 microM, n = 8) was increased to 18.9 +/- 0.7 microM (n = 6) by MPPG. MCPG (500 microM) had no significant effect on the depressant potency of AP4. Under control conditions, EPSCs had mean peak amplitudes of 983 pA +/- 64 SEM and mean charge transferred of 306 +/- 37 pC (n = 28). These values were increased significantly (p < 0.05) to 1168 +/- 68 pA and 363 +/- 39 pC by MPPG (n = 6), and 1150 +/- 54 pA and 358 +/- 33 pC (n = 6) by MCPG. There was no significant difference between the enhancement of the initial peak of the EPSCs (mean latency from stimulus artifact 5.9 +/- 0.3 ms) and later components, suggesting mGluRs to be present on primary afferent terminals presynaptic to motoneurones as well as in pathways via interneurones. These results are consistent with the presence of at least two types of presynaptic mGluR that modulate release of glutamate in segmental pathways convergent onto motoneurones. These receptors appear to be activated by interstitial glutamate tonically present in the present preparations.

Pharmacology and functions of metabotropic glutamate receptors

In the mid to late 1980s, studies were published that provided the first evidence for the existence of glutamate receptors that are not ligand-gated cation channels but are coupled to effector systems through GTP-binding proteins. Since those initial reports, tremendous progress has been made in characterizing these metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), including cloning and characterization of cDNA that encodes a family of eight mGluR subtypes, several of which have multiple splice variants. Also, tremendous progress has been made in developing new highly selective mGluR agonists and antagonists and toward determining the physiologic roles of the mGluRs in mammalian brain. These findings have exciting implications for drug development and suggest that the mGluRs provide a novel target for development of therepeutic agents that could have a significant impact on neuropharmacology.

L-AP4 (L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid) induced impairment of spatial learning in the rat is antagonized by MAP4 ((S)-2-amino-2-methyl-4-phosphonobutanoic acid)

L-AP4, an agonist at the metabotrophic glutamate receptors 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 produced a selective spatial learning impairment in a water maze as well as in an 8-arm maze task when injected i.c.v. (5 microliters of a 80 mM solution), a dose previously reported to block consolidation of long-term potentiation in vivo. Acquisition and recall of the spatial water-maze task, as measured by escape latency and quadrant bias, respectively, were impaired, whereas swim speed was not affected. In contrast, ability to perform a non-spatial control task was not impaired; latency to reach a visible escape platform was not delayed in L-AP4-treated animals. No behavioral difference was visible in the open field. MAP4, an antagonist of mGluRs mediating L-AP4 induced reduction of transmitter release, when administered pretraining i.c.v. (5 microliters of an 80 mM solution) did not affect motor activity in the open field test but did impair learning of both spatial tasks. In addition, swim speed was increased. However, injecting L-AP4 and MAP4 in combination at equimolar concentrations had no effect on learning in both spatial tasks or on swim speed in the water maze. Neither latency in the visible-platform test nor behavior in the open field was affected. We conclude that L-AP4 sensitive metabotropic glutamate receptors play a selective role in learning and memory formation of the rat.

Dual action of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in spinal ventral horn neurons in vitro

A dual action of selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists on neuronal excitability and dorsal root-evoked excitatory (DR-EPSPs) and inhibitory (DR-IPSPs) neurotransmission is described for immature rat ventral horn neurons in vitro. Trans-1-Aminocyclopentane-1,3 -dicarboxylate (trans-ACPD), its stereoisomer (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate ((1S,3R)-ACPD) and (2S,3S,4S)-alpha-(carboxycyclopropyl)-glycine (L-CCG-1) produced a concentration-related and alpha-methyl-4 -carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG)-sensitive depolarisation. An (1S,3R)-ACPD- or L-CCG-1-induced increase in intrinsic neuronal excitability was apparently independent of the depolarisation and was observed as (a) a fall in the threshold current required to elicit regenerative excitation and (b) an increased number of spikes to a fixed amplitude step depolarisation. The spike after-hyperpolarisation (AHP) duration and amplitude were reduced, suggesting an mGluR agonist action on potassium channels. Synaptic responses were depressed by the mGluR agonists. (1S,3R)-ACPD or L-CCG-1 reduced the mean +/- S.E.M. peak amplitude of a subthreshold EPSP elicited by low-intensity stimuli likely to recruit only low-threshold sensory afferents. The peak amplitude of longer-latency EPSPs elicited by higher-intensity stimuli likely to recruit high-threshold afferents in addition was attenuated. (1S,3R)-ACPD- or L-CCG-1 reduced the peak amplitude of an IPSP evoked by dorsal root stimulation. These effects on synaptic transmission were likely to be due to the combined activation of postsynaptic and presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors. The implications of these data for the physiological role of spinal mGluRs is discussed.

Effect of raised Mg2+ on the antidromic activation of immature rat spinal motoneurones in vitro

Currents elicited by electrical stimulation of the ventral root were recorded from motoneurones of the immature rat spinal cord in vitro using the patch pipette technique. Control medium contained Ca2+ (1.5 mM) and Mg2+ (0.75 mM). In nine preparations the mean amplitude of antidromic current responses was 5.12 +/- 0.41 nA. Raising Mg2+ (EC50 9.6 +/- 1.1 mM) to levels up to 50 mM produced an all-or-none maximal depression of the current responses by 69 +/- 1%. These levels of Mg2+ depressed currents elicited by depolarizing command steps by only 30% and compound action potentials recorded in ventral roots by only 17%. It is concluded that raised Mg2+ caused conduction block from the initial segment to the soma dendritic region of motoneurones. This non-synaptic depressant action of raised Mg2+ should be considered when raised Mg2+ is used in order to specifically block synaptic activity in vitro.