Electrophysiological responses to dopamine of rat hypophysial cells in lactotroph-enriched primary cultures

Sodium background currents in endocrine/neuroendocrine cells: Towards unraveling channel identity and contribution in hormone secretion

In endocrine/neuroendocrine tissues, excitability of secretory cells is patterned by the repertoire of ion channels and there is clear evidence that extracellular sodium (Na⁺) ions contribute to hormone secretion. While voltage-gated channels involved in action potential generation are well-described, the background 'leak' channels operating near the resting membrane potential are much less known, and in particular the channels supporting a background entry of Na⁺ ions. These background Na⁺ currents (called here 'I_Nab') have the ability to modulate the resting membrane potential and subsequently affect action potential firing. Here we compile and analyze the data collected from three endocrine/neuroendocrine tissues: the anterior pituitary gland, the adrenal medulla and the endocrine pancreas. We also model how I_Nab can be functionally involved in cellular excitability. Finally, towards deciphering the physiological role of I_Nab in endocrine/neuroendocrine cells, its implication in hormone release is also discussed.

Common and diverse elements of ion channels and receptors underlying electrical activity in endocrine pituitary cells

The pituitary gland contains six types of endocrine cells defined by hormones they secrete: corticotrophs, melanotrophs, gonadotrophs, thyrotrophs, somatotrophs, and lactotrophs. All these cell types are electrically excitable, and voltage-gated calcium influx is the major trigger for their hormone secretion. Along with hormone intracellular content, G-protein-coupled receptor and ion channel expression can also be considered as defining cell type identity. While many aspects of the developmental and activity dependent regulation of hormone and G-protein-coupled receptor expression have been elucidated, much less is known about the regulation of the ion channels needed for excitation-secretion coupling in these cells. We compare the spontaneous and receptor-controlled patterns of electrical signaling among endocrine pituitary cell types, including insights gained from mathematical modeling. We argue that a common set of ionic currents unites these cells, while differential expression of another subset of ionic currents could underlie cell type-specific patterns. We demonstrate these ideas using a generic mathematical model, showing that it reproduces many observed features of pituitary electrical signaling. Mapping these observations to the developmental lineage suggests possible modes of regulation that may give rise to mature pituitary cell types.

TIDAL WAVES: Network mechanisms in the neuroendocrine control of prolactin release

Neuroendocrine tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons tonically inhibit pituitary release of the hormone, prolactin. Through the powerful actions of prolactin in promoting lactation and maternal behaviour while suppressing sexual drive and fertility, TIDA neurons play a key role in reproduction. We summarize insights from recent in vitro studies into the membrane properties and network behaviour of TIDA neurons including the observations that TIDA neurons exhibit a robust oscillation that is synchronized between cells and depends on intact gap junction communication. Comparisons are made with phasic firing patterns in other neuronal populations. Modulators involved in the control of lactation - including serotonin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and prolactin itself - have been shown to change the electrical behaviour of TIDA cells. We propose that TIDA discharge mode may play a central role in tuning the amount of dopamine delivered to the pituitary and hence circulating prolactin concentrations in different reproductive states and pathological conditions.

Impact of different antidopaminergic mechanisms on the dopaminergic control of prolactin secretion

Antipsychotics are the most common cause of pharmacologically induced hyperprolactinemia. Although this adverse effect was the subject of numerous observations, the mechanisms and promotive factors were not completely investigated yet. Increased awareness of clinical consequences of hyperprolactinemia implicates the necessity for further examinations. The aim of this randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study was to do a systematic examination of the effects of different antidopaminergic mechanisms on prolactin secretion in healthy volunteers. A 7-day intervention was performed with aripiprazole, haloperidol, or reserpine. Prolactin levels changed significantly in the haloperidol (from 177.2 ± 74.6 to 350.7 ± 202.6 mU/L; P < 0.0001) and in the reserpine groups (from 149.6 ± 80.2 to 540.3 ± 280.8 mU/L; P < 0.0001) but not after aripiprazole (from 160.9 ± 65.0 to 189.6 ± 209.6 mU/L; P = 0.69) or placebo (from 211.6 ± 113.4 mU/L to 196.1 ± 85.6 mU/L; P = 0.8). After haloperidol and reserpine, increases in prolactin were significantly more pronounced in women than in men. Furthermore, in women using hormonal contraception, the increase in prolactin was significantly greater than in those without additional estrogen supply. These results demonstrate that the effect of antipsychotic drugs on prolactin levels strongly depends on their mechanism of action. Reserpine, a vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 blocker, causes the most distinct increase. This implies that D₂ receptor blockade on the lactotrophs is not the sole major cause leading to hyperprolactinemia. The partial agonistic effect of aripiprazole was sufficient to maintain prolactin on physiologic levels. The strong influences of sex and hormonal contraception underline the sensitizing effect of estrogens to the antipsychotic-induced prolactin increase.

Investigating heterogeneity of intracellular calcium dynamics in anterior pituitary lactotrophs using a combined modelling/experimental approach

Cell responses are commonly heterogeneous, even within a subpopulation. In the present study, we investigate the source of heterogeneity in the Ca(2+) response of anterior pituitary lactotrophs to a Ca(2+) mobilisation agonist, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone. This response is characterised by a sharp increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration as a result of mobilisation of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, followed by a decrease to an elevated plateau level that results from Ca(2+) influx. We focus on heterogeneity of the evoked Ca(2+) spike under extracellular Ca(2+) free conditions. We introduce a method that uses the information provided by a mathematical model to characterise the source of heterogeneity. This method compares scatter plots of features of the Ca(2+) response obtained experimentally with those made from the mathematical model. The model scatter plots reflect random variation of parameters over different ranges, and matching the experimental and model scatter plots allows us to predict which parameters are most variable. We find that a large degree of variation in Ca(2+) efflux is a likely key contributor to the heterogeneity of Ca(2+) responses to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in lactotrophs. This technique is applicable to any situation in which the heterogeneous biological response is described by a mathematical model.

Dopamine inhibits basal prolactin release in pituitary lactotrophs through pertussis toxin-sensitive and -insensitive signaling pathways

Dopamine D2 receptors signal through the pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G(i/o) and PTX-insensitive G(z) proteins, as well as through a G protein-independent, beta-arrestin/glycogen synthase kinase-3-dependent pathway. Activation of these receptors in pituitary lactotrophs leads to inhibition of prolactin (PRL) release. It has been suggested that this inhibition occurs through the G(i/o)-alpha protein-mediated inhibition of cAMP production and/or G(i/o)-betagamma dimer-mediated activation of inward rectifier K(+) channels and inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. Here we show that the dopamine agonist-induced inhibition of spontaneous Ca(2+) influx and release of prestored PRL was preserved when cAMP levels were elevated by forskolin treatment. We further observed that dopamine agonists inhibited both spontaneous and depolarization-induced Ca(2+) influx in untreated but not in PTX-treated cells. This inhibition was also observed in cells with blocked inward rectifier K(+) channels, suggesting that the dopamine effect on voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel gating is sufficient to inhibit spontaneous Ca(2+) influx. However, agonist-induced inhibition of PRL release was only partially relieved in PTX-treated cells, indicating that dopamine receptors also inhibit exocytosis downstream of voltage-gated Ca(2+) influx. The PTX-insensitive step in agonist-induced inhibition of PRL release was not affected by the addition of wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and lithium, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3, but was attenuated in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which inhibits G(z) signaling pathway in a protein kinase C-dependent manner. Thus, dopamine inhibits basal PRL release by blocking voltage-gated Ca(2+) influx through the PTX-sensitive signaling pathway and by desensitizing Ca(2+) secretion coupling through the PTX-insensitive and protein kinase C-sensitive signaling pathway.

Prolactin and dopamine: what is the connection? A review article

Dopamine (DA) holds a predominant role in the regulation of prolactin (PRL) secretion. Through a direct effect on anterior pituitary lactotrophs, DA inhibits the basally high-secretory tone of the cell. It accomplishes this by binding to D2 receptors expressed on the cell membrane of the lactotroph, activation of which results in a reduction of PRL exocytosis and gene expression by a variety of intracellular signalling mechanisms. The hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons, which provide DA to the anterior pituitary gland, are themselves regulated by feedback from PRL through a 'short-loop feedback mechanism'. A variety of other modulators of prolactin secretion act at the hypothalamic level by either disinhibition of the dopaminergic tone (e.g. serotonin, GABA, oestrogens and opioids) or by reinforcing it (e.g. substance P). All typical antipsychotic medications are associated with sustained hyperprolactinaemia due to their high affinity for the D2 receptor and their slow dissociation from the receptor once bound, but atypicals differ quite dramatically in their propensity to cause prolonged high prolactin levels. Of those atypicals that are associated with prolactin elevation, the main causative factor appears to be a higher peripheral-to-central dopamine receptor potency of either the parent drug or its active metabolite (e.g. risperidone, 9-hydroxy-risperidone and amisulpride). Antipsychotics that easily cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibit fast dissociation from the dopamine receptor once bound do not result in sustained hyperprolactinaemia.

Estrogen actions on lactotroph proliferation are independent of a paracrine interaction with other pituitary cell types: a study using lactotroph-enriched cells

The mitogenic action of estrogen on estrogen-responsive tissues is suggested to be mediated by paracrine growth factors secreted from neighboring estrogen receptor-positive cells. Using pituitary lactotrophs in primary culture, on which estrogen exerts both mitogenic and antimitogenic actions in a cell context-dependent manner, we investigated whether a paracrine cell-to-cell interaction with other pituitary cell types was required for estrogen action. In pituitary cells, enriched for lactotrophs by 85% using differential sedimentation on a discontinuous Percoll gradient, 17beta-estradiol (E2) showed an antimitogenic action on lactotrophs in the presence of IGF-I, which was similar to that in control unenriched cells. Mitogenic actions were also seen in lactotroph-enriched cells when E2 was administered alone, in combination with serum, or in combination with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin. Similar results were obtained in 90% lactotroph-enriched cells collected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from transgenic rats expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of the prolactin promoter. The putative role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as a paracrine factor mediating the mitogenic action of estrogen was not supported by the results that: 1) bFGF inhibited lactotroph proliferation; 2) immunoneutralization of bFGF failed to block E2-induced proliferation; and 3) cellular bFGF levels were not altered by E2 treatment. These results suggest that the antimitogenic and mitogenic actions of estrogen on lactotrophs do not require paracrine signals from other pituitary cell types and that estrogen directly influences lactotroph proliferation.

Expression of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 in the anterior pituitary glands of adult rats

Retinoic acid (RA) plays a critical role in cell growth and tissue development and is also a regulatory factor of pituitary function. However, whether RA is generated in the pituitary gland and plays a role as a paracrine and/or autocrine factor is generally unknown. RA is synthesized from retinoids through oxidation processes. Dehydrogenases that catalyze the oxidation of retinal to RA are members of the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) family. Recently, we demonstrated that RALDH2 and RALDH3, but not RALDH1, were expressed in the developing anterior pituitary gland of rats, but the expression of RALDHs in the adult pituitary gland was not determined. Therefore, we have now examined the expression of RALDH1, RALDH2, and RALDH3 mRNAs in the pituitary gland of adult rats. Analysis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of adult pituitary glands has revealed a high level of RALDH1 mRNA but not of RALDH2 mRNA or RALDH3 mRNA. We have also detected mRNA expression for RALDH1 in the anterior pituitary gland by in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes. Double-staining for RALDH1 mRNA and pituitary hormones or S-100 protein, a marker of folliculo-stellate cells (FS-cells), has revealed RALDH1 mRNA expression in a portion of prolactin-producing cells, marginal layer cells, and FS-cells. Our results suggest that RA is generated in the adult anterior pituitary gland, and that it may act locally on pituitary cells.

Activation of Dopamine D2 Receptors Linked to Voltage-Sensitive Potassium Channels Reduces Forskolin-Induced Cyclic AMP Formation in Rat Pituitary Cells

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) D2 receptor agonists, including BHT 920 and bromocriptine, and the potassium channel opener minoxidil share the property of hyperpolarizing the plasma membrane by activating voltage-dependent potassium channels. These drugs were tested for their ability to inhibit the cyclic AMP formation induced by forskolin either in intact or in broken pituitary cells. In contrast to bromocriptine, which was active in both experimental systems, BHT 920 and minoxidil inhibited the forskolin-induced cyclic AMP formation in intact-cell but not in broken-cell preparations. The effects of BHT 920 were (a) concentration dependent, with a calculated IC50 of 0.7 microM, (b) dopaminergic in nature, being specifically antagonized by sulpiride, (c) not additive with those induced by minoxidil, and (d) less effective in the presence of potassium channel blockers, such as 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium. These data indicate that the inhibition of forskolin-induced cyclic AMP formation by BHT 920 in intact pituitary cells is not a primary consequence of receptor occupation, but a late event, possibly related to the opening of voltage-dependent potassium channels elicited by this drug through the activation of a subtype of dopamine D2 receptors uncoupled to adenylyl cyclase.

Modulation of gonadotropin II release by K+ channel blockers in goldfish gonadotropes: a novel stimulatory action of 4-aminopyridine

The effects of K+ channel blockers on basal gonadotropin II (GTH-II) release were examined in cultured goldfish gonadotropes. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) inhibited basal GTH-II release, whereas 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) increased basal release, although both K+ channel blockers generated increases in [Ca2+]i. Other K+ channel blockers had no significant effect on GTH-II release. We examined whether Ca2+ entry that arises from blockade of K+ channels by 4-AP mediates the secretory response. Secretion evoked by 4-AP was slightly reduced by TEA but was unaffected by reducing Ca2+ entry using either an inhibitor of Ca2+ channels, verapamil, or nominally Ca2+-free medium. In contrast, the Ca2+ signal evoked by 4-AP was largely blocked by Ca2+-free medium, as predicted by its inhibitory action on K+ channels. Together, these data suggest that the hormone release response to 4-AP is independent of entry of extracellular Ca2+. Finally, the mechanism of hormone release evoked by 4-AP appeared to be independent of mechanism(s) evoked by caffeine since 4-AP did not affect caffeine-evoked release and caffeine did not affect 4-AP evoked release. That both 4-AP and TEA generated Ca2+ signals but affected hormone release in either an extracellular Ca2+ independent (4-AP) or inhibitory (TEA) manner suggests that Ca2+ entry is linked to GTH-II secretion in a highly nonlinear fashion.

Prolactin: structure, function, and regulation of secretion

Prolactin is a protein hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that was originally named for its ability to promote lactation in response to the suckling stimulus of hungry young mammals. We now know that prolactin is not as simple as originally described. Indeed, chemically, prolactin appears in a multiplicity of posttranslational forms ranging from size variants to chemical modifications such as phosphorylation or glycosylation. It is not only synthesized in the pituitary gland, as originally described, but also within the central nervous system, the immune system, the uterus and its associated tissues of conception, and even the mammary gland itself. Moreover, its biological actions are not limited solely to reproduction because it has been shown to control a variety of behaviors and even play a role in homeostasis. Prolactin-releasing stimuli not only include the nursing stimulus, but light, audition, olfaction, and stress can serve a stimulatory role. Finally, although it is well known that dopamine of hypothalamic origin provides inhibitory control over the secretion of prolactin, other factors within the brain, pituitary gland, and peripheral organs have been shown to inhibit or stimulate prolactin secretion as well. It is the purpose of this review to provide a comprehensive survey of our current understanding of prolactin's function and its regulation and to expose some of the controversies still existing.

Multiple hypothalamic factors regulate pyroglutamyl peptidase II in cultures of adenohypophyseal cells: role of the cAMP pathway

In the adenohypophysis, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) is inactivated by pyroglutamyl peptidase II (PPII), a TRH-specific ectoenzyme localized in lactotrophs. TRH slowly downregulates surface PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cell cultures. Protein kinase C (PKC) activation mimics this effect. We tested the hypothesis that other hypothalamic factors controlling prolactin secretion could also regulate PPII activity in adenohypophyseal cell cultures. Incubation for 16 h with pituitary adenylate cyclase activator peptide 38 (PACAP; 10(-6) M) decreased PPII activity. Bromocryptine (10(-8) M), a D2 dopamine receptor agonist, or somatostatin (10(-6) M) stimulated enzyme activity and blocked the inhibitory effect of [3-Me-His2]-TRH, a TRH receptor agonist. Bromocryptine and somatostatin actions were suppressed by preincubation with pertussis toxin (400 ng ml(-1)). Because these hypophysiotropic factors transduce some of their effects using the cAMP pathway, we analysed its role on PPII regulation. Cholera toxin (400 ng ml(-1)) inhibited PPII activity. Forskolin (10(-6) M) caused a time-dependent decrease in PPII activity, with maximal inhibition at 12-16 h treatment; ED50 was 10(-7) M. 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or dibutiryl cAMP, caused a dose-dependent inhibition of PPII activity. These data suggest that increased cAMP down-regulates PPII activity. The effect of PACAP was blocked by preincubation with H89 (10(-6) M), a protein kinase A inhibitor, suggesting that the cAMP pathway mediates some of the effects of PACAP. Maximal effects of forskolin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate were additive. PPII activity, therefore, is independently regulated by the cAMP and PKC pathways. Because most treatments inhibited PPII mRNA levels similarly to PPII activity, an important level of control of PPII activity by these factors may be at the mRNA level. We suggest that PPII is subject to 'homologous' and 'heterologous' regulation by elements of the multifactorial system that controls prolactin secretion.

Dopamine receptors: from structure to function

The diverse physiological actions of dopamine are mediated by at least five distinct G protein-coupled receptor subtypes. Two D1-like receptor subtypes (D1 and D5) couple to the G protein Gs and activate adenylyl cyclase. The other receptor subtypes belong to the D2-like subfamily (D2, D3, and D4) and are prototypic of G protein-coupled receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase and activate K+ channels. The genes for the D1 and D5 receptors are intronless, but pseudogenes of the D5 exist. The D2 and D3 receptors vary in certain tissues and species as a result of alternative splicing, and the human D4 receptor gene exhibits extensive polymorphic variation. In the central nervous system, dopamine receptors are widely expressed because they are involved in the control of locomotion, cognition, emotion, and affect as well as neuroendocrine secretion. In the periphery, dopamine receptors are present more prominently in kidney, vasculature, and pituitary, where they affect mainly sodium homeostasis, vascular tone, and hormone secretion. Numerous genetic linkage analysis studies have failed so far to reveal unequivocal evidence for the involvement of one of these receptors in the etiology of various central nervous system disorders. However, targeted deletion of several of these dopamine receptor genes in mice should provide valuable information about their physiological functions.

Expression of dopamine D2 receptor in PC-12 cells and regulation of membrane conductances by dopamine

PC-12 cells depolarize during hypoxia and release dopamine. The hypoxia-induced depolarization is due to inhibition of an O2-sensitive K+ current. The role of dopamine released during hypoxia is uncertain, but it could act as an autocrine to modulate membrane conductance during hypoxia. The current study was undertaken to investigate this possibility. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis revealed that the D2 isoform of the dopamine receptor is expressed in rat PC-12 cells. Exogenously applied dopamine and the D2 agonist quinpirole elicited inhibition of a voltage-dependent K+ current (I(K)) that was prevented by sulpiride, a D2 receptor antagonist. Dopamine and quinpirole applied during hypoxia potentiated the inhibitory effect of hypoxia on I(K). We also found that quinpirole caused reversible inhibition of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ current (I(Ca)) and attenuation of the increase in intracellular free Ca2+ during hypoxia. Our results indicate that dopamine released from PC-12 cells during hypoxia acts via a D2 receptor to "autoregulate" I(K) and I(Ca).

Endothelin activates large-conductance K+ channels in rat lactotrophs: reversal by long-term exposure to dopamine agonist

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) inhibits PRL secretion from cultured rat lactotrophs. However, ET-1 stimulates PRL secretion after cultured lactotrophs have been exposed for 48 h to dopamine or D2 dopamine agonists. In the present study, we have used cell-attached and inside-out patch recordings to establish an ionic basis for these effects. Bath application of 20 nM ET-1 to untreated lactotrophs evoked a robust and persistent activation of large-conductance K+ channels in cell-attached patches. This effect of ET-1 had a long latency to onset, was maintained for as long as ET-1 was present, and required at least 10 min of washing in control saline before complete recovery was achieved. The stimulatory effect of 20 nM ET-1 on these channels was markedly attenuated in the presence of the selective ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ-610 (200 nM), or after pertussis toxin (200 ng/ml, 16 h) pretreatment. The unitary slope conductance of the ET-1 activated channels in cell attached patches was 165 and 95 pS when the recording electrodes contained 150 and 5.4 mM KCl, respectively. These channels were voltage-sensitive and their activity increased upon patch depolarization. Previously activated channels in cell-attached patches became quiescent immediately upon patch excision into Ca2+-free bath saline. Exposure of the intracellular surface to 0.1 microM Ca2+ restored the activity of these channels similar to the level seen before patch excision. In addition, preincubating the cells with the membrane-permeable Ca2+-chelator BAPTA-AM, or using Ca2+-free solution in the recording pipettes, prevented the activation of these channels by ET-1. The ET-1 activated large-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ (BK(Ca)) channels were blocked by 20 mM tetraethylammonium but were insensitive to the K+ channel blockers apamin (1 microM), charybdotoxin (200 nM), or iberiotoxin (200 nM). Acute application of 10 microM dopamine and 20 nM ET-1 caused activation of BK(Ca) channels with indistinguishable kinetic properties, although the effect of dopamine occurred with shorter latency. After 48-h exposure to the specific D2 dopamine receptor agonist (+/-)-2-(N-phenyl-N-propyl) amino-5-hydroxytetralin hydrochloride (PPHT, 500 nM), bath application of 20 nM ET-1 resulted in inhibition of spontaneously active BK(Ca) channels. These data suggest that both the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of ET-1 on PRL secretion are mediated, at least in part, by actions on BK(Ca) channels, and that long term exposure to dopamine or D2 agonists alters the signaling pathways from the ET(A) receptor to BK(Ca) channels.

Dopamine inhibition: enhancement of GABA activity and potassium channel activation in hypothalamic and arcuate nucleus neurons

Dopamine (DA) decreases activity in many hypothalamic neurons. To determine the mechanisms of DA's inhibitory effect, whole cell voltage- and current-clamp recordings were made from primary cultures of rat hypothalamic and arcuate nucleus neurons (n = 186; 15-39 days in vitro). In normal buffer, DA (usually 10 microM; n = 23) decreased activity in 56% of current-clamped cells and enhanced activity in 22% of the neurons. In neurons tested in the presence of glutamate receptor antagonists D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (AP5; 100 microM) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 10 microM), DA application (10 microM) revealed heterogeneous effects on electrical activity of cells, either hyperpolarization and decrease in activity (53% of 125) or depolarization and increase in spontaneous activity (22% of 125). The DA-mediated hyperpolarization of membrane potential was associated with a decrease in the input resistance. The reversal potential for the DA-mediated hyperpolarization was -97 mV, and it shifted in a positive direction when the concentration of K+ in the incubating medium was increased, suggesting DA activation of K+ channels. Because DA did not have a significant effect on the amplitude of voltage-dependent K+ currents, activation of voltage-independent K+ currents may account for most of the hyperpolarizing actions of DA. DA-mediated hyperpolarization and depolarization of neurons were found during application of the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 microM). The hyperpolarization was blocked by the application of DA D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride (1-20 microM; n = 7). In the presence of AP5 and CNQX, DA (10 microM) increased (by 250%) the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in 11 of 19 neurons and evoked IPSCs in 7 of 9 cells that had not previously shown any IPSCs. DA also increased the regularity and the amplitude (by 240%) of spontaneous IPSCs in 9 and 4 of 19 cells, respectively. Spontaneous and DA-evoked IPSCs and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were blocked by the gamma-aminobutyrate A (GABA(A)) antagonist bicuculline (50 microM), verifying their GABAergic origin. Pertussis toxin pretreatment (200 ng/ml; n = 15) blocked the DA-mediated hyperpolarizations, but did not prevent depolarizations (n = 3 of 15) or increases in IPSCs (n = 6 of 10) elicited by DA. Intracellular neurobiotin injections (n = 21) revealed no morphological differences between cells that showed depolarizing or hyperpolarizing responses to DA. Immunolabeling neurobiotin-filled neurons that responded to DA (n = 13) showed that GABA immunoreactive neurons (n = 4) showed depolarizing responses to DA, whereas nonimmunoreactive neurons (n = 9) showed both hyperpolarizing (n = 6) and depolarizing (n = 3) responses. DA-mediated hyperpolarization, depolarization, and increases in frequency of postsynaptic activity could be detected in embryonic hypothalamic or arcuate nucleus neurons after only 5 days in vitro, suggesting that DA could play a modulatory role in early development. These findings suggest that DA inhibition in hypothalamic and arcuate nucleus neurons is achieved in part through the direct inhibition of excitatory neurons, probably via DA D2 receptors acting through a Gi/Go protein on K+ channels, and in part through the enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission.

Most lactotrophs from lactating rats are able to respond to both thyrotropin-releasing hormone and dopamine

Intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured with video imaging in lactotrophs from lactating rats. The median resting [Ca2+]i was 24 nM (85 cells). The great majority of cells responded to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) with an increase in [Ca2+]i, (median peak [Ca2+]i after TRH = 298 nM; n = 73). In 77% of these cells this [Ca2+]i increase was biphasic, with [Ca2+]i remaining high after the initial peak (median [Ca2+]i 90 s after TRH application = 104 nM; n = 56); the second phase depended on calcium influx. Most cells also responded to dopamine (DA), after TRH had been applied. DA reduced or abolished TRH-induced calcium influx and also reduced resting [Ca2+]i if this was above its initial value. A few lactotrophs responded to TRH only after DA application and withdrawal. We conclude that the population of lactotrophs in lactating rats is heterogeneous, but is not composed of two distinct sub-groups defined by their responsiveness to TRH or DA.

Signal transduction pathways modulated by the D2 subfamily of dopamine receptors

The D2 subfamily of dopamine receptors includes D2A, D2B, D3, and D4 dopamine receptors. These receptors activate cellular effector systems, principally through pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins. Historically, D2-like receptors in brain tissues were recognized as the dopamine receptor subtypes that inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Recent studies, reviewed here, have shown that multiple effector systems can be activated by these receptors, and the potential involvement of these in dopaminergic neutrotransmission is discussed.

ADP-ribosylation of G alpha i and G alpha o in pituitary cells enhances their recognition by antibodies directed against their carboxyl termini

Using antibodies raised against synthetic peptides of heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins, we demonstrate the presence of G alpha s, G alpha i1,2, G alpha i3, G alpha o2, and G beta subunits in pituitary cells. Pretreatment of pituitary cells with cholera toxin diminished the immunoreactivity of G alpha s and this decrease was kinetically coupled to the rate of G alpha s ADP-ribosylation. ADP-ribosylation by islet activating protein (IAP or Bordetella pertussis toxin) of G alpha i and G alpha o enhanced their immunoreactivities to antibodies raised against synthetic decapeptides that correspond to the G alpha carboxyl termini. Such enhancement was not observed when antibodies directed against the NH2-termini were used. These findings are consistent with the fact that ADP-ribosylation by IAP occurs on the cysteine located in the carboxyl terminal part of G alpha i and G alpha o. These observations mean that the kinetics and extent of Gi and Go ADP-ribosylation by IAP in whole pituitary cells and membrane preparations can be followed. It could be that ADP-ribosylation causes conformational changes in G alpha i and G alpha o. Indeed, we observed that ADP-ribosylated G alpha i was more sensitive to trypsin proteolysis and that the ADP-ribosylation rates of G alpha i and G alpha o in whole cells were comparable to the rate of loss of coupling between inhibitory neurohormone receptors and adenylyl cyclase.

Dopamine receptors and brain function

In the central nervous system (CNS), dopamine is involved in the control of locomotion, cognition, affect and neuroendocrine secretion. These actions of dopamine are mediated by five different receptor subtypes, which are members of the large G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. The dopamine receptor subtypes are divided into two major subclasses: the D1-like and D2-like receptors, which typically couple to Gs and Gj mediated transduction systems. In the CNS, the various receptor subtypes display specific anatomical distributions, with D1-like receptors being mainly post-synaptic and D2-like receptors being both pre- and post-synaptic. D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, the most abundant subtypes in the CNS, appear to be expressed largely in distinct neurons. Substance P and dynorphin, which are expressed in D1 receptor-containing neurons, as well as pre-proenkephalin in D2 receptor-containing neurons, have been used as monitors of dopaminergic activity in the CNS. Expression of immediate early genes, in particular fos, has also been found to correlate with dopaminergic transmission. Dopamine released from the hypothalamus controls the synthesis and secretion of prolactin from the anterior pituitary via D2 dopamine receptors. As yet none of the dopamine receptor subtypes have been associated with the etiology of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. However, the recent characterization of D3 and D4 receptors which are, interestingly, expressed in areas of the CNS mediating cognition and affect or showing increased affinity for certain neuroleptics, have renewed the interest and hope of finding effective neuroleptics devoid of side effects. Finally, the recent production of genetically-derived animals lacking several of these receptor genes should help elucidate which specific physiological paradigms the receptors mediate.

Presynaptic dopamine autoreceptors and second messengers controlling tyrosine hydroxylase activity in rat brain

In brain areas enriched of dopaminergic nerve terminals presynaptic dopamine (DA) autoreceptors control the state of activation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by regulating the extent of phosphorylation of the enzyme. Evidence is presented indicating that this autoinhibitory control may involve a decrease in the cyclic AMP-dependent activation of TH through an inhibitory coupling of presynaptic DA autoreceptors to adenylate cyclase. As indicated by the insensitivity of the DA inhibition of TH to changes in the extracellular concentrations of Ca++, to the addition of the Ca++ ionophore A 23187 and of different K+ channel blockers, a reduction of Ca++ influx and an increase in the K+ channel activity do not seem to be involved in the presynaptic regulation of TH activity by DA autoreceptors at least under basal conditions.

Evidence that TRH controls prolactin release from rat lactotrophs by stimulating a calcium influx

Prolactin (PRL) release and intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i were measured in two populations of normal rat lactotrophs (light and heavy fractions) in culture. Spontaneous PRL release of heavy fraction cells was more sensitive to dihydropyridines (DHPs; Bay K 8644 and nifedipine) when compared to the light fraction lactotrophs. The stimulatory effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on PRL release from heavy fraction cells was inhibited by Cd2+ and mimicked by Bay K 8644. Indo-1 experiments revealed that TRH-increased [Ca2+]i was reversibly inhibited by Cd2+. In a Ca(2+)-free EGTA-containing medium, TRH did not modify [Ca2+]i.

Epidermal growth factor promotes uncoupling from adenylyl cyclase of the rat D2S receptor expressed in GH4C1 cells

In anterior pituitary cells or when transfected into host cell lines, the D2 dopamine receptor inhibits adenylyl cyclase and activates potassium channels. The GH-3 pituitary tumor cell line, which lacks functional D2 receptors, responds to epidermal growth factor (EGF) by expressing a D2 receptor that, paradoxically, couples to potassium channel activation but poorly inhibits adenylyl cyclase; this was correlated with a pronounced increase in alpha subunit of the G protein Gi3. In this study we have investigated the effects of EGF on the transduction mechanisms of D2 receptors in GH4C1 cells transfected and permanently overexpressing the rat short D2 receptor. Activation of D2 receptors in these cells resulted in both inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and opening of potassium channels and inhibition of prolactin release by both cyclic AMP-dependent and independent mechanisms. Exposure of the transfected GH4C1 cells to EGF caused a dramatic decrease in the coupling efficiency of the D2 receptor to inhibit cyclic AMP-dependent responses, leaving its activity toward potassium channels unchanged. The EGF treatment led to the concomitant increase in the membrane content of Gi3 protein. These results suggest that the transmembrane signaling specificity of G protein-coupled receptors can be modulated by the relative amounts of different G proteins at the cell membrane.

Dopamine receptors: molecular biology, biochemistry and behavioural aspects

The description of new dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes, D1-(D1 and D5) and D2-like (D2A, D2B, D3, D4), has given an impetus to DA research. While selective agonists and antagonists are not generally available yet, the receptor distribution in the brain suggests that they could be new targets for drug development. Binding characteristics and second messenger coupling has been explored in cell lines expressing the new cloned receptors. The absence of selective ligands has meant that in vivo studies have lagged behind. However, progress has been made in understanding the function of DA-containing discrete brain nuclei and the functional consequence of the DA's interaction with other neurotransmitters. This review explores some of the latest advances in these various areas.

Lactotrope subtypes are differentially responsive to calcium channel blockers

Pituitary cultures from adult rats contain two subtypes of prolactin (PRL) cells, small-plaque (SP) and large-plaque (LP) lactotropes, which exhibit distinct rates of basal secretion and thereby form PRL plaques of different sizes in reverse hemolytic plaque assay experiments. In the present study, we have used plaque assays to examine the effects of omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx) and nifedipine, which block Ca2+ entry through high voltage-activated (HVA) channels in the plasma membrane, on basal PRL secretion from single male rat lactotropes. We found that omega-CgTx, like nifedipine, is a potent inhibitor of PRL secretion. In addition, we observed that both drugs decrease the number of cells forming large PRL plaques, while promoting a comparable increase in the abundance of small plaque formers. The results indicate that blocking the HVA Ca channels preferentially suppresses PRL release from LP lactotropes, and suggest that the inhibited PRL secretors tend to behave functionally as SP lactotropes.

Vip-induced cross-talk between G-proteins in membranes from rat anterior pituitary cells

In order to study the activation mechanism of heterotrimeric G-proteins by agonist-liganded receptors, GTP gamma S binding to membranes was measured in rat adenohypophyseal cells after addition of dopamine (DA) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), which, respectively, inhibit and activate pituitary adenylyl cyclase. G-protein subunit present in anterior pituitary cells was characterized by either ADP-ribosylation catalysed by Bordetella pertussis and cholera toxins or by immunoblot using specific antisera. Binding of GTP gamma S was found to depend upon GTP gamma S and Mg2+ concentrations; it was sensitive to pretreatment of the cells with cholera and Bordetella pertussis toxins (IAP). DA increased binding of the nucleotide. Paradoxically, VIP decreased the rate of GTP gamma S binding; the effect was suppressed by prior treatment of the cells with either cholera toxin or IAP. VIP also increased [33P]ADPribose incorporation in Gi/Go-proteins catalysed by IAP. Forskolin was also able to decrease GTP gamma S binding, thus suggesting that the binding of forskolin with the adenylyl cyclase catalytic unit might activate Gs proteins through an increased interaction between Gs and adenylyl cyclase. Taken together, these results suggest that VIP, as well as forskolin, may both accelerate the activation of Gs and suppress the inhibitory effect of activated Gi/Go-proteins. Interactions between Gs and Gi/Go subunits mediated by beta gamma and/or adenylyl cyclase might thus result in a kinetic coupling of transduction pathways involving distinct G-proteins.

Dopamine and baclofen inhibit the hyperpolarization-activated cation current in rat ventral tegmental neurones

1. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from dopamine-containing ventral tegmental area neurones in slices of rat midbrain. An inward current (Ih) was activated by hyperpolarization from -60 mV. 2. Dopamine (30 microM) reduced the amplitude of Ih by 10-30% at potentials from -70 to -120 mV. The effect was concentration dependent, mimicked by the D2 agonist quinpirole, and prevented by the D2 antagonist (-)-sulpiride. Baclofen (0.3-3 microM) also inhibited Ih; this action was antagonized by 2-hydroxysaclofen but not by (-)-sulpiride. The decrease in Ih resulted from a reduction in the maximal current with no change in the voltage dependence. 3. The action of dopamine was unaffected by cadmium (200 microM), forskolin (10 microM), the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (100 microM), or by intracellular solution containing cyclic AMP (2 mM). 4. Ih was progressively reduced during the first 5-10 min of recording with electrodes containing guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate); after this time, dopamine had no further effect. 5. It is concluded that agonists acting at D2 receptors and GABAB receptors reduce Ih in ventral tegmental neurones.

B-HT 920 activates dopamine D2 receptors coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity

In homogenates of female rat anterior pituitary, the azepine derivative B-HT 920 inhibited the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with an EC50 value of 0.35 microM. In male rat anterior pituitary, B-HT 920 curtailed the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by vasoactive intestinal peptide with an EC50 of 0.20 microM. In synaptic plasma membranes of rat striatum, B-HT 920 significantly reduced basal adenylate cyclase activity with an EC50 of 0.68 microM. Both in pituitary and striatum, the B-HT 920 inhibition was counteracted by the dopamine (DA) D2 receptor antagonist 1-sulpiride, but not by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine. These results indicate that B-HT 920 is capable of activating DA D2 receptors negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase activity.

Differential G protein-mediated coupling of D2 dopamine receptors to K+ and Ca2+ currents in rat anterior pituitary cells

In anterior pituitary cells, dopamine, acting on D2 dopamine receptors, concomitantly reduces calcium currents and increases potassium currents. These dopamine effects require the presence of intracellular GTP and are blocked by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, suggesting that one or more G protein is involved. To identify the G proteins involved in coupling D2 receptors to these currents, we performed patch-clamp recordings in the whole-cell configuration using pipettes containing affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies raised against either Go alpha, Gi3 alpha, or Gi1,2 alpha. Dialysis with Go alpha antiserum significantly reduced the inhibition of calcium currents induced by dopamine, while increase of potassium currents was markedly attenuated only by Gi3 alpha antiserum. We therefore conclude that in pituitary cells, two different G proteins are involved in the signal transduction mechanism that links D2 receptor activation to a specific modulation of the four types of ionic channels studied here.

Calcium-activated chloride conductance of lactotrophs: comparison of activation in normal and tumoral cells during thyrotropin-releasing-hormone stimulation

We studied a chloride (Cl-) conductance activated by calcium (Ca2+) in normal rat lactotrophs and compared its activation during TRH stimulation in normal rat lactotrophs and in GH3 tumoral lactosomatotrophs cells, using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The Cl- specificity of the conductance was assessed by manipulation of internal and external Cl- concentrations. The reversal potentials were in agreement with those predicted by the Nernst equation. Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and membrane depolarizations activated the Cl- conductance. However, a feedback effect of Cl- gradient modifications on Ca2+ movements was also observed in normal lactotrophs. In the latter, TRH (100 nM) mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ activated this Cl- conductance together with the potassium (K+) conductance when both ions were present in the intracellular medium (IM) or alone when K+ was absent. Chloride conductance was not activated in the GH3 cells, where mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by TRH (100 nM) activated only Ca2(+)-dependent K+ conductance. It seems likely that the activation of Cl- conductance in these two different cell types involves different mechanisms.

Dopamine D2 receptor activation depolarizes rat supraoptic neurones in hypothalamic explants

1. Intracellular current and voltage clamp recordings were obtained from rat supraoptic nucleus neurones in superfused hypothalamic explants in order to evaluate their response to dopamine and to D1 and D2 agonists. 2. With one exception, exposure to dopamine (10-200 microM) depolarized supraoptic neurones. When tested for an effect on twenty-one spontaneously active supraoptic neurones, dopamine enhanced the firing of all eleven continuous-firing (possibly oxytocin-secreting) neurones and prolonged the burst in all ten phasic-firing (vasopressin-secreting) neurones. 3. In sixty-seven of sixty-eight neurones where current injection was used to maintain membrane potential below threshold for action potential generation, current clamp data revealed that exposure to dopamine (10-200 microM) was followed in 10-17 s by a gradual 3-7 mV membrane depolarization that lasted for 4-15 min and was accompanied by a 12-23% reduction in input resistance. Exposure to quinpirole, a D2 agonist (10-200 microM), induced a similar response with comparable onset, duration and change in input resistance. In contrast, tests on sixteen cells indicated little or no response to a D1 agonist SKF38393. 4. Under voltage clamp, dopamine was noted to induce an inward current, accompanied by a 7.5-40% increase in membrane conductance over the corresponding time course. 5. Voltage-current plots for dopamine-induced depolarizations were linear in the range -50 to -110 mV. Dopamine and quinpirole depolarizations had extrapolated mean reversal potentials of -25 +/- 10 mV (mean +/- S.D.) and -20 +/- 15 mV respectively. This approximated the mean reversal potential of -20 +/- 8 mV measured from the dopamine-induced inward current using single-electrode voltage clamp. 6. The actions of dopamine were selectively antagonized by two D2 receptor antagonists, sulpiride and spiperone, but neither influenced membrane depolarizations induced by equimolar concentrations of noradrenaline. Dopamine-induced depolarizations also persisted following selective blockade of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors by prazosin; under these conditions, noradrenaline induced membrane hyperpolarization. 7. Following complete substitution of external Na+ with Tris, the reversal potential for the dopamine-induced response was shifted to -70 +/- 9.8 mV. This value was consistently less negative than the estimated potassium equilibrium potential. 8. The depolarization action of dopamine persisted in media containing tetrodotoxin and with an external calcium concentration ([Ca2+]o) of 0 mM-Ca2+ with 6 mM-Mg2+ or Mn2+, but was abolished following intracellular injection of [1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), a Ca2+ chelator.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Chronic stimulation of D2 dopamine receptors specifically inhibits calcium but not potassium currents in rat lactotrophs

The present study examines the effect of chronic dopamine treatment, known to inhibit prolactin release from anterior pituitary, on two Ca2+ and K+ currents in cultured rat lactotrophs. K+ and Ca2+ currents were recorded using the whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique. The two types of voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents are called SD and FD (slowly deactivating and fast deactivating current component, respectively) and the two types of voltage-dependent K+ currents, IA and IK. All current types were isolated by tail current analysis. The amplitude of both normalized calcium components depended on the length of the culture (n = 48) while normalized amplitudes of both potassium currents remained constant (n = 9). Incubation of cells during 72 h with 50 microM of Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of mRNA synthesis, suggested that this increase in Ca2+ currents involved the synthesis of proteins. Long-lasting D2 receptor stimulation (8 days; 10 nM RU 24213) prevented this selective effect through activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein. We also examined whether cyclic adenosine-3',5'-cyclic-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) or Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) could affect this development of channel activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dopamine actions on calcium currents, potassium currents and hormone release in rat melanotrophs

1. Intracellular and whole-cell recordings were made from primary cultures of rat intermediate pituitary cells; beta-endorphin secretion was also measured by radioimmunoassay. The effects of dopamine receptor activation on hormone secretion, calcium currents and resting potassium conductance were compared. 2. Spontaneous sodium-dependent action potentials occurred in 82% of cells recorded with intracellular microelectrodes and 64% of cells recorded with whole-cell patch electrodes; the same proportion of cells showed spontaneous calcium-dependent depolarizations in the presence of tetrodotoxin. 3. Calcium currents recorded from holding potentials of -90 or -70 mV showed transient and sustained components, both of which activated at -40 mV and had similar current-voltage relations. Bay K 8644 (1 microM) increased both components by about 130% while nifedipine (1-10 microM) decreased them by a maximum of 30%. Nickel (500 microM) inhibited transient and sustained components by 68 and 50%; cadmium (100 microM) abolished the current. omega-Conotoxin (1 microM) reversibly inhibited the transient component by 26%. 4. The dopamine D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole (0.1-10 microM) inhibited transient and sustained components in all cells by a maximum of 40 and 25% respectively. Quinpirole did not alter the time course of the current. 5. Quinpirole (1-100 nM) hyperpolarized 90% of cells from which intracellular recordings were made and 55% of cells recorded from with whole-cell patch pipettes. Maximum hyperpolarization of 16 +/- 4 mV from a resting potential of -44 +/- 5 mV was observed with 100 nM-quinpirole; concentration producing half-maximal effect was 3 nM. The hyperpolarization resulted from an increase in potassium conductance. 6. Quinpirole (1-100 nM) decreased basal beta-endorphin secretion by 55% and abolished secretion stimulated by Bay K 8644 or isoprenaline; concentrations producing half-maximal inhibitions were 5-10 nM. Tetrodotoxin (1 microM), nifedipine (1 microM), nickel (500 microM) and cadmium (100 microM) did not alter basal or stimulated secretion although higher concentrations of cadmium did inhibit stimulated hormone release. 7. Pertussis toxin pre-treatment prevented all actions of quinpirole. 8. Thus, concentrations of quinpirole that abolished stimulated hormone secretion did not alter calcium currents; conversely, concentrations of calcium channel blockers that partially or completely inhibited calcium currents did not alter basal or stimulated secretion. These results may indicate that calcium influx through the voltage-dependent calcium channels measured in these experiments does not contribute significantly to hormone release from melanotrophs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Microencapsulation of isolated pituitary cells by polyacrylamide microlatex coagulation on agarose beads

Microlatex beads of homogenous size were made by polymerization of a mixture of acrylamide/bisacrylamide dispersed in a microemulsion. The microlatex was aggregated by dilution of the microemulsion in acrylamide solutions. The aggregates were then coagulated by polymerization at the interfaces of agarose beads circulating in a capillary tube containing paraffin oil. Biocompatibility was tested on isolated pituitary cells microencapsulated by this procedure.

Physiological characterization of two functional states in subpopulations of prolactin cells from lactating rats

1. Lactotroph cells from lactating female rat pituitary glands were dissociated, separated and enriched on a continuous gradient of bovine serum albumin at unit gravity. Two lactotroph subpopulations were observed in the light (F(3-5)) and the heavy (F(7-9)) fractions of the gradient. Both populations were maintained for at least 6 days in culture before experiments were performed. 2. Patch-clamp recordings, in the whole-cell mode, were performed on both lactotroph subpopulations in order to measure passive membrane properties and Ca2+ currents. Resting membrane potential as well as membrane capacitance values were found to be lower in light fraction cells. The two components of Ca2+ currents, called fast and slow deactivating (FD and SD) currents, were present with different proportions in each subpopulation; the ratio of current amplitudes, SD/FD, was 2.42 +/- 0.41 (n = 18) in light fraction cells and 1.17 +/- 0.27 (n = 17) in heavy fraction cells (P less than 0.02). 3. Reverse haemolytic plaque assay showed that in the light and heavy fractions, 68 and 47% of the lactotroph cells, respectively, were secreting. Population analysis of the plaque areas revealed a bimodal frequency distribution of plaque sizes consisting of small (1500 microns 2) and large plaques (3995 microns 2). A majority of light fraction cells produced large plaques whereas most of the heavy fraction cells produced small plaques. 4. Perifusion experiments performed on enriched prolactin cells showed that (1) basal prolactin (PRL) release was higher in light fraction than in heavy fraction cells, (2) the dopamine (10(-8)M)-induced inhibition of PRL release was greater in light fraction cells (86 +/- 15%) than in heavy fraction cells (41 +/- 21%), and (3) the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH, 10(-8)M)-induced increase of PRL release was 150 +/- 60% in light fraction versus 330 +/- 82% in heavy fraction cells. 5. Current-clamp recordings were performed using the intracellular technique. Lactotrophs were categorized according to their electrophysiological response following application of dopamine or TRH (both 10(-8)M). In the light fractions, the majority of the cells tested were hyperpolarized by dopamine (68%), whereas only 7% were depolarized by TRH application. In the heavy fractions, most of the cells (63%) responded to TRH application, while only 13% were dopamine sensitive. 6. Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) measurements with the fluorescent probe Indo-1 revealed two lactotroph subtypes. Most cells in the light fractions (sixteen of twenty-two tested cells) exhibited an unstable level of [Ca2+]i with values fluctuating between 114.1 +/- 34.3 and 221 +/- 50 nM (mean +/- S.D.). Application of dopamine or of the D2 receptor agonist RU 24213 (10(-8)M) resulted in the disappearance of these fluctuations and in an accompanying decrease in basal [Ca2+]i level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Differential mechanisms of dopamine and somatostatin inhibition of prolactin secretion from anterior pituitary cells

Abstract The relative potencies of dopamine and somatostatin to inhibit prolactin secretion by pituitary cells in primary culture were compared. Hormone secretion was evaluated under basal conditions as well as after challenging it with thyrotropin-releasing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide or with drugs affecting either the activity of adenylate cyclase (forskolin), and protein kinase C (phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate), or eliciting Ca(2) (+) fluxes in the cell by various ways (A23187, a Ca(2+) ionophore, the dihydropyridine agonist BAY-K-8644, or K(+) depolarization which activates voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels). In order to test whether all effects of dopamine and somatostatin were mediated by inhibitory guanosine triphosphate binding proteins, the experiments were systematically carried out in the presence or absence of pertussis toxin, an agent which selectively uncouples given subsets of G proteins from corresponding receptors. Dopamine markedly inhibited basal as well as thyrotropin-releasing hormone-, vasoactive intestinal peptide-, forskolin- and BAY-K-8644-stimulated release of prolactin. In contrast, dopamine was only able to induce partial inhibition of hormone release when secretion was triggered by tumour-promoting activator, A23187 or K(+) depolarization. Under all conditions tested, inhibition by somatostatin was significant, but of limited amplitude. Pertussis toxin completely reversed the effects of somatostatin. In contrast, complete reversal of dopamine effects by pertussis toxin was only achieved after hormone stimulation by tumour-promoting activator, alone or with A23187. Under all other conditions a residual dopamine inhibition was maintained in the presence of the toxin. The amplitude of this residual toxin resistant inhibition was comparable in all other cases to that observed for unstimulated (basal) prolactin release. It is concluded that: 1) As expected, dopamine is a potent inhibitor of secretory processes involving cyclic AMP accumulation or voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel activation. In contrast, the amine is only a partial inhibitor of exocytosis resulting from non-voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel-gated increase in Ca(2+) or direct activation of protein kinase C. 2) Somatostatin is a partial inhibitor of prolactin under all conditions tested. Dopamine and all somatostatin effects are mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. However, a small, but significant, proportion of dopamine inhibition is resistant to pertussis toxin and can thus be assumed to involve a distinct mode of action. This alternate mechanism of dopamine inhibition operates under all conditions except after treatment with tumour-promoting activator, suggesting that it can be inactivated by protein kinase C stimulation.

Opposing effects of dopamine D2 receptor stimulation on the spontaneous and the electrically evoked release of [3H]GABA on rat prefrontal cortex slices

The spontaneous and the electrically evoked release of [3H]GABA were studied in vitro on slices of rat medial prefrontal cortex. The slices were preincubated with [3H]GABA and then superfused with a Krebs' solution. The superfusion with a Ca(2+)-free medium progressively increased the spontaneous [3H]GABA release and strongly decreased the electrically evoked release of [3H]GABA (-65%). The effects of three dopaminergic D2 receptor agonists (RU24926, lisuride and LY171555) were studied on both the spontaneous and the electrically evoked [3H]GABA release. The spontaneous release of [3H]GABA was increased by exposure to each of these three D2 agonists. RU24926 produced a dose-dependent increase from 10(-9) to 3 x 10(-8) M and the maximal effect was totally abolished by the dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (10(-5) M). With lisuride a progressive increase of [3H]GABA release was observed and a plateau value was reached with concentrations between 10(-7) and 10(-6) M. These effects were totally reversed by 10(-5) M sulpiride. The dose-response relation for LY171555 was bell-shaped, with a maximal effect being obtained with 10(-9) M) LY171555. This effect decreased with a higher concentration (10(-8) M) and finally was no longer observed for 10(-7) M LY171555. The maximal increase induced by LY171555 was totally abolished by 10(-5) M sulpiride. In contrast, the electrically evoked release of [3H]GABA was inhibited by these three D2 agonists. The IC50 value of the inhibition was 4.1 x 10(-8) M for RU24926 and 2 x 10(-7) M for lisuride. Sulpiride (10(-5) M) totally abolished the effect of 10(-7) M RU24926. In the concentration range of lisuride examined, a 50% reduction of the lisuride inhibition was obtained in the presence of sulpiride (10(-5) M). The dose-response curve obtained with LY171555 had a U-shape, with a maximal inhibition reached with 10(-8) M, whereas no effect was observed with 10(-6) M. The inhibition induced by 10(-8) M LY171555 was completely antagonized by 10(-5) M sulpiride. The D2 agonist-induced inhibition of the electrically evoked release of [3H]GABA was mimicked by dopamine endogenously released by 10(-5) M amphetamine. This effect was reversed by 10(-5) M sulpiride. Our data provide further evidence for a dopaminergic control of GABA interneurons in the prefrontal cortex. This regulation implies the activation of D2 dopaminergic receptors. The possible mechanisms underlying the opposite effects of D2 agonists on the spontaneous and the electrically evoked release of [3H]GABA are discussed.

Dopamine-induced inhibition of action potentials in cultured frog pituitary melanotrophs is mediated through activation of potassium channels and inhibition of calcium and sodium channels

A patch-clamp study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of dopamine on the ionic currents in cultured frog melanotrophs. Brief applications of dopamine (1 microM) hyperpolarized the cell and inhibited the spontaneous action potentials. The hyperpolarization was accompanied by an increase in membrane conductance. Under voltage clamp, dopamine evoked a net outward current. The dopamine-induced outward current was negligible at the equilibrium potential for potassium ions. It was also observed that dopamine increased the intensity of a voltage-dependent outward potassium current monitored by constant depolarizing pulses. In addition, voltage-dependent L- and N-like calcium currents and sodium current were reduced. In the cell-attached configuration, two distinct channel types were activated and one channel type was blocked by dopamine exposure to the extrapatch membrane, which indicates the involvement of an intracellular factor in the signal transduction pathway. A higher conductance channel (100 pS) was characterized by a very low basal activity which rapidly increased upon dopamine application. A lower conductance channel (30 pS) displayed a basal activity with frequent opening events, and a delayed (30-40 s) increase of activity in response to dopamine. Both currents reversed at a deduced potential corresponding to the equilibrium potential for potassium ions. The channel type inhibited by dopamine had a low conductance of 15 pS. The inhibition of the electrical activity induced by dopamine was totally blocked by the D2 receptor antagonist S(-)-sulpiride (1 microM) but was not affected by the D1 receptor antagonist SKF-83566 (1 microM). It is concluded that dopamine activates potassium channels and inhibits calcium and sodium channels in frog melanotrophs. The results also indicate that stimulus-response coupling is mediated by intracellular messenger system(s).

Functional Lactotroph Heterogeneity in Lactating Rats and in vitro Modification by 17Beta-Estradiol

Abstract Lactotrophs from lactating rats were separated by unit gravity sedimentation on a continuous density gradient of bovine serum albumin and were identified in two populations located in the light fractions (fractions 3-5) and in the heavy fractions (fractions 7-9) of the gradient. After 7 days in vitro, the effects on prolactin release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and dopamine before and after pretreatment with 17beta-estradiol were studied by a continuous perifusion system and reverse hemolytic plaque assay. Light fraction lactotrophs spontaneously released large quantities of prolactin (22 ng/ml/2 min/10(6) cells) and this basal release was markedly elevated (51 ng/ml/2 min/10(6) cells) by pretreatment with 17beta-estradiol (10(-8) M, 48 h), while the amount of intracellular prolactin remained stable. Mean hemolytic plaque area was increased in the same manner by 17beta-estradiol pretreatment but the number of cells and the percentage of plaque-forming cells were not changed. Perifusion of dopamine-containing medium (10(-7) M) almost completely blocked basal prolactin release from light fraction cells and this inhibition was markedly reduced by 17beta-estradiol pretreatment. TRH-containing medium (10(-7) M) weakly stimulated basal prolactin release (about 190% from basal) and this response was significantly enhanced (to about 300% of basal release) by 17beta-estradiol pretreatment. Both dopaminergic inhibition and TRH-stimulatory effects were dose-dependent and their half maximal effect values were not changed by 17beta-estradiol pretreatment. Secretion of prolactin evaluated at the single cell level by the reverse hemolytic plaque assay corroborated the results obtained from perifusion experiments. Lactotrophs from heavy fractions released small amounts of prolactin (12 ng/ml/2 min/10(6) cells) and neither this basal release nor the amount of intracellular prolactin were markedly modified by 17beta-estradiol pretreatment. As opposed to the light fraction cells, lactotrophs found in heavy fractions were very sensitive to TRH (10(-7) M) stimulation with maximal stimulation reaching ten times basal release, but were less sensitive to dopamine (10(-7) M), with an inhibition of only 40% basal prolactin liberation. Pretreatment of heavy fraction lactotrophs with 17beta-estradiol induced similar effects to those observed after pretreatment of light fraction cells: the stimulation by TRH was increased (from 11 times to 16 times) whereas the inhibition by dopamine was diminished (from 35% to 60%), but cell number and the percentage of prolactin-secreting cells remained unchanged. From the above results, we suggest that: 1) lactotrophs in the lactating rat pituitary can be divided into two major subpopulations with regard to cellular size and density, prolactin production and responsiveness to TRH and dopamine; 2) 17beta-estradiol pretreatment increases basal prolactin release from light fraction cells but does not affect basal prolactin release from heavy fraction cells in this way; 3) pretreatment with 17beta-estradiol enhances TRH stimulation and reduces dopaminergic inhibition of prolactin release from lactotrophs.