Cortical pyramidal tract interneurones and their sensitivity to L-glutamic acid

The kynurenine pathway and the brain: Challenges, controversies and promises

Research on the neurobiology of the kynurenine pathway has suffered years of relative obscurity because tryptophan degradation, and its involvement in both physiology and major brain diseases, was viewed almost exclusively through the lens of the well-established metabolite serotonin. With increasing recognition that kynurenine and its metabolites can affect and even control a variety of classic neurotransmitter systems directly and indirectly, interest is expanding rapidly. Moreover, kynurenine pathway metabolism itself is modulated in conditions such as infection and stress, which are known to induce major changes in well-being and behaviour, so that kynurenines may be instrumental in the etiology of psychiatric and neurological disorders. It is therefore likely that the near future will not only witness the discovery of additional physiological and pathological roles for brain kynurenines, but also ever-increasing interest in drug development based on these roles. In particular, targeting the kynurenine pathway with new specific agents may make it possible to prevent disease by appropriate pharmacological or genetic manipulations. The following overview focuses on areas of kynurenine research which are either controversial, of major potential therapeutic interest, or just beginning to receive the degree of attention which will clarify their relevance to neurobiology and medicine. It also highlights technical issues so that investigators entering the field, and new research initiatives, are not misdirected by inappropriate experimental approaches or incorrect interpretations at this time of skyrocketing interest in the subject matter. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Kynurenine Pathway in Health and Disease'.

Interactions of glutamate receptor agonists with long-term potentiation in the rat hippocampal slice

Previous work has described the apparent desensitisation of neuronal networks in the rat neocortex to amino acid agonists, following prior exposure several minutes earlier. Since long-term potentiation is believed to involve activation of amino acid receptors, we have now sought to determine whether long-term potentiation can modify the sensitivity of neurones to glutamate receptor agonists in rat hippocampal slices. Responses were measured as the change in population spike or postsynaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) size. Two applications of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), quinolinic acid, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) or kainate, 45 min apart, did not exhibit any apparent desensitisation. However, the induction of long-term potentiation produced a marked loss of sensitivity to quinolinic acid, with smaller effects on NMDA, AMPA and kainate responses. No marked changes were obtained of e.p. s.p. size. In order to localise the cellular sites of these changes, agonists were also applied by microiontophoresis to the cell bodies or dendritic regions of CA1 neurones. Responses to quinolinic acid showed apparent desensitisation at both sites, whereas no decrease was observed in responses to NMDA or AMPA application. The induction of long-term potentiation again produced a decrease in the size of responses to NMDA and AMPA. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase prevented the long-term potentiation-induced loss of responsiveness to NMDA, but not AMPA, implying a role for NO in the loss of NMDA sensitivity. Recordings of single cell activity during the iontophoretic application of agonists and induction of long-term potentiation showed that responses to NMDA were often suppressed to a greater extent than to quinolinic acid. The results indicate that long-term potentiation can modify the sensitivity of hippocampal neurones to glutamate receptor agonists, and that differences exist in the pharmacology of NMDA and quinolinic acid.

Thalamocortical and corticocortical excitatory postsynaptic potentials mediated by excitatory amino acid receptors in the cat motor cortex in vivo

Intracellular recordings were made from neurons in the motor cortex of an anaesthetized cat, together with iontophoretic application of excitatory amino acid receptor agonists and antagonists, in order to evaluate the role of such receptors in excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked from stimulation of afferent and recurrent pathways in vivo. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials which were evoked by stimulation of the ventrolateral thalamus were found to be largely insensitive to antagonism by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, although they were susceptible to blockade by the non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Increasing the ventrolateral thalamus stimulation frequency from 0.5 or 1 to 5 Hz caused an increase of evoked excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitudes and number of action potentials. These augmented excitatory postsynaptic potentials remained insensitive to application of N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists. In contrast, recurrent excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by stimulation of the pyramidal tract were found to be sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists and/or non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in some neurons. These results demonstrate the involvement of both N-methyl-D-aspartate- and non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in synaptic responses of cat motor cortex neurons in vivo, and that the synaptic pharmacology of the thalamic input may differ from that of the local recurrent pathways.

Glutamatergic mechanisms mediating stimulant and antipsychotic drug effects

This paper presents an hypothesis regarding the functions of striatal dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. It is suggested that the principal functional role of dopaminergic neurotransmission is to regulate the efficacy of cortico-striatal and cortico-accumbens neurotransmission. Increased activity at dopamine-mediated synapses is suggested to interact with neurotransmission at adjacent cortically derived glutamate-mediated synapses, facilitating communication from the cerebral cortex, and thereby causing behavioral stimulation. Decreased activity at dopaminergic synapses, as produced by neuroleptic drugs, causes changes in the activation of cortically derived synapses in the corpus striatum and nucleus accumbens which result in behavioral sedation and decreased activity. This hypothesis suggests that activity at dopaminergic synapses produces behavioral effects only insofar as these changes modulate cortico-striatal (or cortico-accumbens) activity, and further, that the manifestations of activity in cortico-striatal systems are modulated by activity at dopaminergic synapses. It is further suggested that when neuroleptics are administered chronically, adjustments in the efficacy of cortico-striatal neurotransmission are responsible for the antipsychotic effect of neuroleptic drugs.

Effect of unilateral motor cortex ablation on activity of choline acetyltransferase and levels of amino acid transmitter candidates in the spinal cord of adult monkeys

Evidence that L-glutamate is a neurotransmitter of corticofugal fibers was sought by measuring changes in several biochemical markers of neurotransmitter function in discrete regions of spinal cord after ablation of sensorimotor cortex in monkeys. One and five weeks after unilateral cortical ablation, samples from six areas of spinal cord (ventral, lateral and dorsal regions of the left and right sides) were analysed for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity and contents of amino acid transmitter candidates-glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), glycine (Gly), taurine (Tau) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). During one to five weeks after unilateral cortical ablation of the monkey, prolonged hemiplegia in the contralateral side was observed. Histological examination of the spinal cord 5 weeks after unilateral (left) cortical ablation showed no apparent change in either control (ipsilateral, left) or affected (contralateral, right) sides of the cord as examined by the Klüver-Barrera method. The ChAT activity as a cholinergic marker was scarcely changed in any region of either left (control) or right (affected) side of the spinal cord at one and five weeks after unilateral (left side) ablation of the motor cortex. Amino acid levels in each region of the spinal cord were not significantly changed one week after unilateral ablation of the motor cortex. However, a significant decrease of Glu content was observed in the lateral column of the affected (right) side compared to the control (left) side of cervical and lumbar cord five weeks after cortical ablation of the left motor area. No concomitant alterations of other amino acids were detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Depression of purine induced inhibition during NMDA receptor mediated activation of hippocampal pyramidal cells--an iontophoretic study

Single pyramidal cells in the rat hippocampal slice preparation were stimulated by iontophoretic application of excitatory amino acids and acetylcholine. The purine adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), applied iontophoretically, readily depressed acetylcholine stimulated cell firing, was less effective on quisqualic acid stimulated cells and virtually ineffective during stimulation by N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA). Inhibition could be restored if the AMP ejection current was increased 3-fold. In contrast, the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) exerted a comparable level of inhibition under all 3 neuroexcitants. These data support previously published results which suggest that purine mediated inhibition may be reduced during NMDA receptor channel activation. This may have important implications for the action of adenosine during seizures and ischaemic events as well as neuronal phenomena such as long term potentiation.

Excitatory amino acid transmitters and their receptors in neural circuits of the cerebral neocortex

In 1954, L-glutamate (Glu) and L-aspartate (Asp) were first suggested as being excitatory synaptic transmitters in the cerebral cortex. Since then, evidence has mounted steadily in favor of the view that Glu and Asp are major excitatory transmitters in the neocortex. Many of the experimental studies which reported how Glu/Asp came to satisfy the criteria for transmitters in the neocortex are reviewed here, according to the methods employed. Since the question of which particular synaptic sites in cortical neural circuits Glu/Asp operate as excitatory transmitters has not previously been reviewed, particular attention is given to efferent, afferent and intrinsic neural circuits of the visual and somatosensory cortices, where circuitry is relatively clearly delineated. Recent studies using chemical assays of released amino acids, high-affinity uptake mechanisms of Glu/Asp from nerve terminals, the direct micro-iontophoretic administration of Glu/Asp antagonists, and immunocytochemical techniques have demonstrated that almost all corticofugal efferent projections employ Glu/Asp as excitatory synaptic transmitters. Evidence indicating that thalamocortical afferent projections, including geniculocortical projections and some intrinsic connections are glutamatergic, is also reviewed. Thus, the results highlighted here indicate that the main framework of neocortical circuitry is operated by Glu/Asp. Pharmacological studies indicate that synaptic receptors for Glu/Asp can be classified into a few subtypes, including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate/kainate (non-NMDA) types. Some evidence indicating the sites of operation of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors in neocortical circuitry is reviewed, and the distinct, functional significance of these two types of Glu/Asp receptors in information processing in the neocortex is proposed.

A slight anticonvulsant effect of CNQX and DNQX as measured by homocysteine- and quisqualate-induced seizures

CNQX and DNQX are compounds that have recently been reported to show potent non-NMDA excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist activity. Effects of these compounds on seizures induced by homocysteine thiolactone and quisqualic acid were studied in order to examine the pharmacological properties of these compounds. In a dosage of 1.16 micrograms intracerebroventricularly (ICV), CNQX prolonged the latency to the onset of quisqualate-, but not homocysteine-induced seizures. DNQX was not effective when given either ICV or systemically, although a 3.78 micrograms dose of DNQX given ICV markedly increased the variability in latency to seizure onset, suggesting a combination of pro- and anticonvulsant effects. Higher dosages of both CNQX and DNQX induced seizure-like activity after ICV injection. These data confirm that CNQX has pharmacological effects corresponding to its effects on cellular responses to quisqualate and kainate agonists, but these effects are weak and may limit its usefulness as a pharmacological tool.

Fabrication of a metal-cored multi-barrelled microiontophoresis assembly

A method is described for fabrication of 7-barrelled microiontophoresis electrodes with a center barrel of platinum-coated tungsten. The electrodes require a minimum of expensive apparatus and can be fabricated in an hour or two. The electrodes have low recording impedance (typically 100 k omega and low resistance iontophoresis barrels (typically 20-50 M omega). Compared to electrodes with a micropipette recording barrel, these electrodes are practically noise-free and can pass ionotophoretic currents of up to 200 nA without an appreciable increase in recording noise.

A possible role of AA2 excitatory amino acid receptors in the expression of stimulant drug effects

GDEE, an antagonist of the AA2 or quisqualic acid category of excitatory amino acid receptor, decreases behavioral activity and locomotor stimulation induced by cocaine and amphetamine when locally injected into the nucleus accumbens. The present experiment was intended to examine the effects of systemic GDEE and other excitatory amino acid antagonists on stimulant-induced locomotor activity. GDEE markedly attenuated the stimulant effect of amphetamine, and partially blocked the effects of phencyclidine (PCP). Apomorphine-induced cage climbing behavior was partially decreased by lower dosages of GDEE, but was almost completely blocked by the highest dosage tested. Amphetamine-induced stimulation of locomotor activity was not decreased by any of the other excitatory amino acid antagonists that were tested, including MK-801, 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (APH), or CNQX. APH decreased stereotypy only at a high dosage (250 mg/kg), which also produces ataxia. Several other compounds, including L-glutamic acid gamma ethyl ester (GMEE), L-glutamic acid, glycine, and L-glutamine did not block amphetamine-induced stimulation in molar dosages equivalent to the highest dosage of GDEE (8 mmol/kg). It is concluded that the AA2 excitatory amino acid receptor is important in the expression of activating effects of stimulant drugs.

Actions of excitatory amino acids on somatostatin release from cortical neurons in primary cultures

L-Glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), quisqualate, and kainate were found to increase endogenous somatostatin release from primary cultures of rat cortical neurons in a dose-dependent manner. The rank order of potency calculated from the dose-response curves was quisqualate greater than glutamate = NMDA greater than kainate, with EC50 values of 0.4, 20, and 40 microM, respectively. Alanine, glutamine, and glycine did not modify the release of somatostatin. The stimulation of somatostatin release elicited by L-glutamate was Ca2+ dependent, was decreased by Mg2+, and was blocked by DL-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) and thienylphencyclidine (TCP), two specific antagonists of NMDA receptors. The NMDA stimulatory effect was strongly inhibited by APV in a competitive manner (IC50 = 50 microM) and by TCP in a noncompetitive manner (IC50 = 90 nM). The release of somatostatin induced by the excitatory amino acid agonists was not blocked by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), a result suggesting that tetrodotoxin-sensitive, sodium-dependent action potentials are not involved in the effect. Somatostatin release in response to NMDA was potentiated by glycine, but the inhibitory strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor did not appear to be involved. Our data suggest that glutamate exerts its stimulatory action on somatostatin release essentially through an NMDA receptor subtype.

Attenuation of the behavioral response to quisqualic acid and glutamic acid diethyl ester by chronic haloperidol administration

Long-term neuroleptic administration produces a behavioral supersensitivity to dopamine agonists. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive synapses in the striatum are closely associated with putative glutamate-mediated synapses, on dendrites and dendritic spines of the same neuronal population. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether chronic neuroleptic administration would alter the behavioral response to glutamatergic drugs. Mice were chronically administered haloperidol for 28 days. After four days of withdrawal, behavioral activity was measured following intraventricular administration of quisqualic acid or intraperitoneal injection of glutamic acid diethyl ester. Both agents decreased behavioral activity. This response to glutamatergic drugs at low dosages was attenuated by chronic haloperidol administration. It is concluded that chronic haloperidol administration alters the behavioral responsivity of animals to glutamatergic drugs.

Purine modulation of cholinomimetic responses in the rat hippocampal slice

Iontophoretic application of carbachol caused excitation of CA1 neurones and decreased the amplitude of antidromic CA1 population spikes recorded extracellularly. Adenosine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the purine analogues N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA) and R- and S-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) reduced the effects of carbachol on single cell firing and on the population spike. Responses to excitatory amino acids were unaffected by adenosine except for a small depression of kainate and N-methyl-D-aspartate responses at high concentrations. The rank order of potency for the purine reduction of carbachol responses was R-PIA = S-PIA = NECA much greater than adenosine greater than ATP. The actions of purines and purine analogues were antagonized by 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) and other xanthine antagonists. Application of 8-PT and other xanthines without prior exposure to purines frequently resulted in marked potentiation of carbachol responses. Thus in the hippocampus, responses to the cholinomimetic carbachol are markedly and selectively reduced by purines acting at the P1 purine receptor type and it appears that endogenous levels of adenosine limit the effects of cholinergic agents.

Comparison of kynurenic acid and 2-APV suppression of epileptiform activity in rat hippocampal slices

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid [+/-)-2-APV) and kynurenic acid both suppressed spontaneous epileptiform burst discharges in the CA3 region of rat hippocampal slices. When the bursts were induced by perfusion with magnesium-free medium (+/-)-2-APV was the more potent inhibitor (ED50 66 microM for (+/-)-2-APV and 110 microM for kynurenate). When bursts were induced by picrotoxin, kynurenate was more potent with an ED50 of 132 microM, compared with 290 microM for (+/-)-2-APV. Both antagonists were selective inhibitors of responses to NMDA when examined against excitations induced by NMDA, kainate and quisqualate applied by microiontophoresis onto CA3 pyramidal cells. The results may indicate a complex receptor profile for endogenous compounds involved in epileptiform bursts, or the existence of non-pyramidal cells bearing non-NMDA receptors sensitive to kynurenic acid.

Characterization of quisqualate recognition sites in rat brain tissue using DL-[3H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) and a filtration assay

The binding of [3H]AMPA (DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid), a ligand for the putative quisqualate excitatory amino acid receptor subtype, was evaluated using centrifugation and filtration receptor binding techniques in rat brain crude synaptosomal membrane preparations. Maximal specific binding of [3H]AMPA occurred in Triton X-100 treated membranes in the presence of the chaotropic agent potassium thiocyanate (KSCN). The effects of KSCN on binding were reversible and optimal at 100 mM. Supernatant obtained from detergent-treated membranes inhibited specific [3H]AMPA and [3H]kainic acid binding, suggesting the presence of an inhibitory agent which was tentatively identified as glutamate. Using centrifugation, saturation analysis revealed two distinct binding sites in both the absence and presence of KSCN. The chaotrope was most effective in increasing binding at the low affinity binding site, enhancing the affinity (Kd) without a concommitant change in the total number of binding sites. Using filtration, a single binding site was detected in Triton-treated membranes. Like the data obtained by centrifugation, KSCN enhanced the affinity of the receptor (Kd value = 10 nM) without altering the number of binding sites (Bmax = 1.2 pmol/mg protein). The rank order of potency of various glutamate analogs in the [3H]AMPA binding assay was quisqualate greater than AMPA greater than L-glutamate greater than kainate greater than D-glutamate, consistent with the labeling of a quisqualate-type excitatory amino acid receptor subtype. L-glutamic acid diethylester, and 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7) were inactive. The present technique provides a rapid, reliable assay for the evaluation of quisqualate-type excitatory amino acid agonists and/or antagonists that may be used to discover more potent and selective agents.

Effects of topically applied excitatory amino acids on evoked potentials and single cell activity in rat cerebral cortex

The effect of topically applied excitatory amino acids and related compounds on the somatosensory evoked potential and single cell responses to iontophoretically applied compounds have been studied in the neocortex of urethane anaesthetised rats. N-methyl-aspartate (NMDLA), DL-homocysteic acid (DLH), kainic acid, quinolinic acid and carbachol produced a depression of evoked potential amplitude. L-glutamate and quisqualic acid had no effect. Tetrodotoxin and 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid prevented the effects of NMDLA, but bicuculline and theophylline derivatives did not. There was an apparent desensitisation of the depression of evoked potentials following topical application of NMDLA or DLH, the potentials recovering to control levels during the amino acid application. A second application of amino acid was then ineffective unless applied about 1 h later. Single cell responses to iontophoretically applied NMDLA behaved similarly. There was an apparent cross-desensitisation between NMDLA, DLH and quinolinic acids. The results may indicate a desensitising receptor for amino acids on superficial neocortical neurones.

Phosphonic analogues of excitatory amino acids raise the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice

2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (100 and 200 mg/kg) and 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (50-200 mg/kg i.p.) significantly elevated the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice, the latter being more effective in this respect. In contrast, neither alpha-aminoadipic acid nor L-glutamic acid diethyl ester (up to 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively) offered any protection. The present results add further evidence to support the importance of the blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor-mediated events in the suppression of seizure activity.

The excitation of frog motoneurones in vitro by the glutamate analogue, DI-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA), and the effect of amino acid antagonists

Intracellular recordings were made from motoneurones of the frog spinal cord in vitro and the excitatory effects of the glutamate analogue DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) examined. AMPA (25-100 microM) depolarized motoneurones with an increase in input conductance and an increase in spontaneous cell firing. The time-course of the AMPA response was prolonged compared to L-glutamate. D-Aminophosphonovalerate (1 microM) and D-aminoadipate (100 microM) did not antagonize AMPA-induced excitations while depressing L-glutamate responses. Glutamate diethylester up to 1 mM was not found to be a useful amino acid antagonist since it did not significantly reduce the depolarizations to quisqualate, L-glutamate and AMPA. The results are compatible with an action of AMPA on receptors distinct from those to N-methyl-D-aspartate and shared by quisqualate.

Alterations in L-glutamate binding in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases

Brain sections from patients who had died with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT), Huntington's disease (HD), or no neurologic disease were studied by autoradiography to measure sodium-independent L-[3H]glutamate binding. In brain sections from SDAT patients, glutamate binding was normal in the caudate, putamen, and claustrum but was lower than normal in the cortex. The decreased cortical binding represented a reduction in numbers of binding sites, not a change in binding affinity, and appeared to be the result of a specific decrease in numbers of the low-affinity quisqualate binding site. No significant changes in cortical binding of other ligands were observed. In brains from Huntington's disease patients, glutamate binding was lower in the caudate and putamen than in the same regions of brains from control and SDAT patients but was normal in the cortex. It is possible that development of positron-emitting probes for glutamate receptors may permit diagnosis of SDAT in vivo by means of positron emission tomographic scanning.

Effect of excitatory amino acid antagonists on the high pressure neurological syndrome in rats

The onset pressures for the tremor, myoclonus and convulsions seen in the high pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS) are increased following cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid 1 mmol/kg in the rat. Glutamic acid diethyl ester 1-3 mmol/kg has no effect on tremor or myoclonus, but increases the convulsion pressure when 3 mmol/kg is given immediately before compression. These and earlier data with 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid suggest that excitation at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor is important in HPNS tremor, and that excitation at the quisqualate receptor contributes to HPNS convulsions.

Excitant activity of methyl derivatives of quinolinic acid on rat cortical neurones

Various synthetic analogues of quinolinic acid have been tested for agonist and antagonist properties when applied by microiontophoresis to neurones in the rat cerebral cortex. Quinolinic acid 2-methylester was a weak antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quinolinic acid, but also showed agonist activity, being about half as active as quinolinic acid. The excitant effects of the compound could be antagonized by the NMDA receptor blocker, 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (2APH). N-methyl-quinolinic acid 2, 3-dimethylester showed very weak agonist and antagonist activity. Homoquinolinic acid was a potent excitant of cortical neurones, being about five times more active than quinolinic acid and approximately equipotent with NMDA. The excitations were blocked by 2APH or its pentanoate analogue (2APV). Homoquinolinic acid 2-methylester was also active as an agonist. N-methyl-DL-glutamic acid was also tested, since homoquinolinic acid is a rigid analogue of this compound. Although it did cause excitation of 5 of the 16 units tested, N-methyl-glutamate was a weaker agonist than NMDA or homoquinolinate. Phthalic acid, ejected as an anion caused excitation of 14 out of 16 units. It is therefore concluded that the ring nitrogen of quinolinic acid is not essential for excitant activity. Since homoquinolinic acid is a rigid analogue of glutamic acid, but causes excitation by acting apparently on the NMDA receptor, the results are consistent with the suggestion that activation of the NMDA receptor may require the carboxyl groups to be held in a relatively extended configuration.

Acidic amino acid binding sites in mammalian neuronal membranes: their characteristics and relationship to synaptic receptors

This review summarizes studies designed to label and characterize mammalian synaptic receptors for glutamate, aspartate and related acidic amino acids using in vitro ligand binding techniques. The binding properties of the 3 major ligands employed--L-[3H]glutamate, L-[3H]aspartate and [3H]kainate--are described in terms of their kinetics, the influence of ions, pharmacology, molecular nature, localization and physiological/pharmacological function. In addition, the binding characteristics are described of some new radioligands--[3H]AMPA, L-[3H]cysteine sulphinate, L-[35S]cysteate, D-[3H]aspartate, D,L-[3H]APB, D-[3H]APV and D,L-[3H]APH. Special emphasis is placed on recent findings which allow a unification of the existing binding data, and detailed comparisons are made between binding site characteristics and the known properties of the physiological/pharmacological receptors for acidic amino acids. Through these considerations, a binding site classification is suggested which differentiates 5 different sites. Four of the binding site subtypes are proposed to correspond to the individual receptor classes identified in electrophysiological experiments; thus, A1 = NMDA receptors; A2 = quisqualate receptors; A3 = kainate receptors; A4 = L-APB receptors; the fifth site is proposed to be the recognition site for a Na+-dependent acidic amino acid membrane transport process. An evaluation of investigations designed to elucidate regulatory mechanisms at acidic amino acid binding sites is made; hypotheses such as the Ca2+-activated protease hypothesis of long-term potentiation are assessed in terms of the new binding site/receptor classification scheme, and experiments are suggested which will clarify and expand this exciting area in the future.

Effects of amino acids on cat red nucleus neurons in vitro

Intracellular records were obtained from neurons in the region of the red nucleus (RN) of cat brain slices. Both EPSPs and IPSPs were recorded in response to local electrical stimulation and these resembled similar electrophysiological responses observed in experiments conducted in vivo. Monosynaptic and polysynaptic IPSPs were observed, suggesting the existence of inhibitory interneurons near or within the RN region. When added to the bathing solution, L-glutamate and L-aspartate depolarized RN neurons with a decrease in input resistance. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine hyperpolarized the cells with a decrease in input resistance. GABA also elicited a depolarizing response. These amino acid actions had direct postsynaptic effects, since the experiments were conducted in a low Ca2+/high Mg2+ medium which blocked synaptic transmission.

Actions of TRH and cyclo-(His-Pro) on spontaneous and evoked activity of cortical neurones

Thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) and its metabolite histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (cyclo-(His-Pro) have been applied by microiontophoresis to neurons in the rat cerebral cortex. Both TRH and cyclo-(His-Pro) had little effect on the spontaneous firing of neurons but both were able to enhance excitatory responses to acetylcholine. Both peptides also caused an enhancement of excitatory responses to quisqualic acid while having little consistent effect on responses to N-methyl-DL-aspartic acid although excitation of a small proportion of cells was enhanced. On 3 cells the increase in size of responses to quisqualate was sufficient to cause overdepolarisation. No antagonism of responses to quisqualate or N-methyl-DL-aspartate was seen.

A comparison of the effects of morphine, enkephalin, kyotorphin and D-phenylalanine on rat central neurones

1 Morphine, Met-enkephalin, kyotorphin and D-phenylalanine have been applied by microiontophoresis to neurones in the globus pallidus and cerebral cortex of rats anaesthetized with urethane. 2 In the pallidum, most cells were inhibited by all the agonists, with a high correspondence between cells inhibited by Met-enkephalin and D-phenylalanine and by Met-enkephalin and kyotorphin. Whereas responses to Met-enkephalin were readily antagonized by naloxone, responses to kyotorphin and D-phenylalanine were not. 3 In the cerebral cortex a high proportion of cells was excited by all four agonists and antagonism by naloxone was less consistent than in pallidum. 4 It is concluded that the naloxone-reversible analgesic effects of kyotorphin and D-phenylalanine may be mediated indirectly, rather through an activation of opiate receptors.

Double-barreled electrode for simultaneous iontophoresis and single unit recording during movement in awake monkeys

A double-barreled electrode for simultaneous glutamate iontophoresis and chronic single unit recording from cortical neurons in awake monkeys during voluntary movement is described. Electrode assembly consists of pulling a heated, partitioned capillary tube over a sharpened tungsten rod. Glutamate iontophoresis increased the firing rates of wrist movement related cells an average of 34 Hz during the agonist phase of movement and 27 Hz during the antagonist phase of movement. However, in no case did glutamate iontophoresis alter the detailed structure of the cell's response pattern during wrist movement. This electrode is well suited to chronic recording applications that involve methods such as cross-correlation requiring overlapping activity of neurons and/or muscles. Other applications might involve activation of totally 'silent' neurons to avoid possible sampling bias or to detect effects in post-stimulus time histograms that would otherwise be subliminal.

Quisqualic acid excitation of cortical neurones is selectively antagonized by streptomycin

Although evidence exists for at least 3 kinds of excitatory amino acid receptor in the CNS, responding to N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, kainic acid and quisqualic acid, respectively, only antagonists at the former two sites are currently available. It is now reported that when applied by microiontophoresis to neurones in the rat cerebral cortex, excitatory responses to quisqualic acid can be selectively reduced by streptomycin.

Quinolinic acid: regional variations in neuronal sensitivity

The excitatory action of quinolinic acid has been examined on neurons in different parts of the rat CNS. When applied by microiontophoresis quinolinic acid excited cells in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and neostriatum, but even when applied from electrodes which produced responses in these areas, quinolinic acid was ineffective in the cerebellum and spinal cord. Like most excitants tested in other studies, L-glutamate was excitatory to all cells examined. As an endogenous compound, therefore, quinolinic acid may merit special attention as a potential neurotransmitter in brain.

Isomers of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid as antagonists of neuronal excitants

The D(-)-isomer of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid ( (-)APH) was active as an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitation of central neurones. The L(+)-isomer was inactive. The antagonism was also selective, kainate and glutamate responses being relatively unaffected. Excitatory responses to ibotenic acid, a neurotoxic amino acid analogue, were less susceptible to blockade by (-)APH than NMDA, but more so than kainic acid. Ibotenate may therefore act partly on NMDA receptors.

The effects of cyclic dicarboxylic acids on spontaneous and amino acid-evoked activity of rat cortical neurones

1 A series of cyclic dicarboxylic acids were applied by microiontophoresis to neurones in the cerebral cortex of rats anaesthetized with urethane. The object was to examine effects on spontaneous firing rates and any ability to antagonize responses to excitatory amino acids. 2 At relatively low ejecting currents (10-25 nA) cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (cis-2,3-PDA) had no effect on spontaneous firing but selectively antagonized the excitation evoked by n-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) without affecting responses to quisqualaife or kainate. At higher ejecting currents (60-100 nA) responses to all three agonists were reduced. 3 Other cis-piperidine dicarboxylic acids and piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid had only weak and variable effects on cell firing and responses to NMDA, quisqualate, kainate, glutamate and aspartate. 4 2, 3-Pyridine dicarboxylic acid (quinolinic acid) produced excitation of all cortical neurones tested. 5 2-Amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid, an NMDA antagonist, reduced responses to quinolinate, implying that this compound can act at NMDA receptors. 6 It is suggested that quinolinic acid may be of physiological interest as a potential endogenous excitant in the nervous system and that cis-2,3-PDA and its N-methyl derivative may be of use in studies of receptor pharmacology and the identification of synaptic transmitters.

Selective retrograde transport of D-aspartate in spinal interneurons and cortical neurons of rats

Retrograde labeling of neuronal elements in the brain and spinal cord has been investigated by autoradiographic techniques following injections of D-[3H]aspartate (asp), [3H] gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the medulla and spinal cord of rats. Twenty-four hours after D-[3H]asp injections focused upon the cuneate nucleus, autoradiographic labeling is present over fibers in the pyramidal tract, internal capsule and over layer V pyramids in the forelimb representation of the sensorimotor cortex. After [3H]GABA injections in the same nucleus no labeling attributable to retrograde translocation can be detected in spinal segments, brain stem or cortex. Conversely, injections of 30% HRP in the cuneate nucleus label neurons in several brain stem nuclei, in spinal gray and in layer V of the sensorimotor cortex. These observations give further support to the proposed existence of a selective retrograde transport of D-[3H]asp and are consistent with the available evidence which indicates that the corticodorsal column nuclei path use glutamate and/or aspartate as neurotransmitter(s). D-[3H]Asp injections focused on the dorsal horn at cervical segments label a fraction of perikarya of the substantia gelatinosa and a sparser population of larger neurons in laminae IV to VI for a distance of 3-5 segments above and below the injection point. No brain stem neuronal perikarya appear labeled following spinal injections of D-[3H]asp although autoradiographic grains overlie pyramidal tract fibers on the side contralateral to the injection. This labeling however has not been observed rostral to lower pontine levels nor over cortical neurons at any of the survival times used in the present experiments (6-72 h). As in cases with cuneate injections this pattern of labeling contracts with that obtained after spinal injections of either [3H]GABA or HRP. Although labeling of neocortical neurons has not been observed after spinal injections of D [3H]asp, possibly as a result of the length of corticospinal axons, retrograde labeling of these elements for at least some distance may be taken as suggestive of a special affinity of their terminals for glutamate and/or aspartate.

Comparison of the effects of ethylenediamine analogues and gamma-aminobutyric acid on cortical and pallidal neurones

1 The actions of ethylenediamine (EDA) and structurally related compounds were investigated by microiontophoresis in Wistar rats. 2 EDA inhibited, via a bicuculline-sensitive mechanism, the spontaneous firing rate of all cortical and pallidal cells tested. 3 The results with the analogues suggest that two amine groups are required for this neuronal depressant action whereas a carboxyl grouping is not. N-substitution reduces the depressant effect. The length of the molecule is also critical, more than 3 methylene components seriously reducing its effectiveness. A rigid analogue of EDA, piperazine, was also active. In addition the apparent transport numbers of EDA and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were calculated, showing a close similarity between the two. 4 The results are discussed wih respect to the possibility that EDA may represent a new class of GABA-mimetics, or may indicate the existence of a novel diamine receptor mediating bicuculline-sensitive inhibition in the rat CNS.

Phosphonate analogues of carboxylic acids as aminoacid antagonists on rat cortical neurones

Phosphonate analogues of carboxylic acids have been tested as antagonists of excitatory aminoacids in rat cerebral cortex. (+/-)--2-Amino-7-phosphono-heptanoic acid and the (-)-D-isomer of the pentanoate derivative were more potent and selective antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) than compounds tested previously. The results support the view that a distinct population of receptors exists which are preferentially activated by NMDA.

Neuronal responses to ethylenediamine: preferential blockade by bicuculline

The effects of ethylenediamine have been compared with GABA using two systems: microiontophoretic application to rat neurones in vivo, and superfusion of rat sympathetic ganglia in vitro. Using both techniques ethylenediamine mimicked closely the responses to GABA, showing a potency of 0.044 relative to GABA = 1.0 in the ganglion. Bicuculline, but not strychnine, blocked ethylenediamine and GABA without affecting glycine, and strychnine blocked only glycine, in vivo. It was particularly clear from the in vitro experiments that bicuculline is about twice as effective an antagonist of ethylenediamine than of GABA.

Amino acids as neurotransmitters of corticofugal neurones in the rat: a comparison of glutamate and aspartate

1 The relative sensitivities to aspartate and glutamate of neurones receiving a corticofugal innervation were examined by microiontophoresis, and compared with the relative sensitivities of neurones not appearing to receive such an input.2 On all the cells tested, glutamate appeared to be a more potent excitant than aspartate in terms of neuronal response size or effective dose.3 DL-alpha-Aminoadipate (alphaAA) reduced the excitatory amino acid responses on all the neurones tested. On many of these cells a control excitation could be produced, by acetylcholine or hydrogen ions, which was in most cases unaffected by doses of alphaAA producing antagonism of amino acid excitation.4 On 70% of the cells, aminoadipate showed no selectivity for aspartate compared with glutamate but a differential action, involving blockade of aspartate but not glutamate, was apparent on the other 30%.5 Doses of alphaAA which selectively reduced responses to aspartate had no effect on short latency evoked spikes, but doses which also reduced responses to glutamate reduced the short-latency synaptic excitation induced by electrical stimulation of either the surface of the cerebral cortex, or of the pyramidal tracts in the medulla.6 These findings suggest that corticofugal neurones having an excitatory action on cells in various parts of the brain may use an amino acid, probably glutamate, as a common neurotransmitter.7 As no significant difference could be demonstrated in the potency ratios of glutamate:aspartate on monosynaptically activated cells compared with other cells, doubt is cast on the validity of drawing conclusions about transmitter identity from potency ratios alone, without the support of antagonist studies.

Selective antagonism by benzodiazepines of neuronal responses to excitatory amino acids in the cerebral cortex

1 The recently discovered benzodiazepine receptor exists in high concentration in the cerebral cortex. We have, therefore, examined the effects of diazepam and chlordiazepoxide on cortical neurone responses to excitatory and inhibitory amino acids and acetylcholine, in the cortex of rats anaesthetized with urethane.2 Chlordiazepoxide applied by microiontophoresis reduced the responses to glutamate and aspartate but acetylcholine responses were unaffected on most cells even by much higher doses of benzodiazepine. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and taurine responses were unaffected on most cells, but were reduced on 4 of 25 units. After intravenous diazepam, responses to GABA and taurine were reduced on 3 cells and unchanged on 11.3 On Purkinje cells in the cerebellum a number of cells (5 of 16) exhibited a substantial increase in responses to GABA and taurine following intravenous or iontophoretic application of benzodiazepines.4 It is suggested that the highly selective reduction of excitatory amino acid responses in the cerebral cortex may be of particular relevance to the behavioural effects of benzodiazepines.