Secretory and radioligand binding studies on muscarinic receptors in bovine and feline chromaffin cells

Adaptive remodeling of the stimulus-secretion coupling: Lessons from the 'stressed' adrenal medulla

Stress is part of our daily lives and good health in the modern world is offset by unhealthy lifestyle factors, including the deleterious consequences of stress and associated pathologies. Repeated and/or prolonged stress may disrupt the body homeostasis and thus threatens our lives. Adaptive processes that allow the organism to adapt to new environmental conditions and maintain its homeostasis are therefore crucial. The adrenal glands are major endocrine/neuroendocrine organs involved in the adaptive response of the body facing stressful situations. Upon stress episodes and in response to activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the first adrenal cells to be activated are the neuroendocrine chromaffin cells located in the medullary tissue of the adrenal gland. By releasing catecholamines (mainly epinephrine and to a lesser extent norepinephrine), adrenal chromaffin cells actively contribute to the development of adaptive mechanisms, in particular targeting the cardiovascular system and leading to appropriate adjustments of blood pressure and heart rate, as well as energy metabolism. Specifically, this chapter covers the current knowledge as to how the adrenal medullary tissue remodels in response to stress episodes, with special attention paid to chromaffin cell stimulus-secretion coupling. Adrenal stimulus-secretion coupling encompasses various elements taking place at both the molecular/cellular and tissular levels. Here, I focus on stress-driven changes in catecholamine biosynthesis, chromaffin cell excitability, synaptic neurotransmission and gap junctional communication. These signaling pathways undergo a collective and finely-tuned remodeling, contributing to appropriate catecholamine secretion and maintenance of body homeostasis in response to stress.

ATP: The crucial component of secretory vesicles

The colligative properties of ATP and catecholamines demonstrated in vitro are thought to be responsible for the extraordinary accumulation of solutes inside chromaffin cell secretory vesicles, although this has yet to be demonstrated in living cells. Because functional cells cannot be deprived of ATP, we have knocked down the expression of the vesicular nucleotide carrier, the VNUT, to show that a reduction in vesicular ATP is accompanied by a drastic fall in the quantal release of catecholamines. This phenomenon is particularly evident in newly synthesized vesicles, which we show are the first to be released. Surprisingly, we find that inhibiting VNUT expression also reduces the frequency of exocytosis, whereas the overexpression of VNUT drastically increases the quantal size of exocytotic events. To our knowledge, our data provide the first demonstration that ATP, in addition to serving as an energy source and purinergic transmitter, is an essential element in the concentration of catecholamines in secretory vesicles. In this way, cells can use ATP to accumulate neurotransmitters and other secreted substances at high concentrations, supporting quantal transmission.

Identification of muscarinic receptor subtypes involved in catecholamine secretion in adrenal medullary chromaffin cells by genetic deletion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Activation of muscarinic receptors results in catecholamine secretion in adrenal chromaffin cells in many mammals, and muscarinic receptors partly mediate synaptic transmission from the splanchnic nerve, at least in guinea pigs. To elucidate the physiological functions of muscarinic receptors in chromaffin cells, it is necessary to identify the muscarinic receptor subtypes involved in excitation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

To identify muscarinic receptors, pharmacological tools and strains of mice where one or several muscarinic receptor subtypes were genetically deleted were used. Cellular responses to muscarinic stimulation in isolated chromaffin cells were studied with the patch clamp technique and amperometry.

KEY RESULTS

Muscarinic M₁, M₄ and M₅ receptors were immunologically detected in mouse chromaffin cells, and these receptors disappeared after the appropriate gene deletion. Mouse cells secreted catecholamines in response to muscarinic agonists, angiotensin II and a decrease in external pH. Genetic deletion of M₁, but not M₃, M₄ or M₅, receptors in mice abolished secretion in response to muscarine, but not to other stimuli. The muscarine-induced secretion was suppressed by MT7, a snake peptide toxin specific for M₁ receptors. Similarly, muscarine failed to induce an inward current in the presence of MT7 in mouse and rat chromaffin cells. The binding affinity of VU0255035 for the inhibition of muscarine-induced currents agreed with that for the M₁ receptor.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Based upon the effects of genetic deletion of muscarinic receptors and MT7, it is concluded that the M₁ receptor alone is responsible for muscarine-induced catecholamine secretion.

Mechanisms and roles of muscarinic activation in guinea-pig adrenal medullary cells

Muscarinic receptors are expressed in the adrenal medullary (AM) cells of various mammals, but their physiological roles are controversial. Therefore, the ionic mechanism for muscarinic receptor-mediated depolarization and the role of muscarinic receptors in neuronal transmission were investigated in dissociated guinea-pig AM cells and in the perfused guinea-pig adrenal gland. Bath application of muscarine induced an inward current at -60 mV. This inward current was partially suppressed by quinine with an IC(50) of 6.1 μM. The quinine-insensitive component of muscarine-induced currents changed the polarity at -78 mV and was inhibited by bupivacaine, a TWIK-related acid-sensitive K(+) (TASK) channel inhibitor. Conversely, the current-voltage relationship for the bupivacaine-insensitive component of muscarine currents showed a reversal potential of -5 mV and a negative slope below -40 mV. External application of La(3+) had a double action on muscarine currents of both enhancement and suppression. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry revealed expression of TASK1 channels and cononical transient receptor potential channels 1, 4, 5, and 7 in guinea-pig AM cells. Retrograde application of atropine reversibly suppressed transsynaptically evoked catecholamine secretion from the adrenal gland. The results indicate that muscarinic receptor stimulation in guinea-pig AM cells induces depolarization through inhibition of TASK channels and activation of nonselective cation channels and that muscarinic receptors are involved in neuronal transmission from the splanchnic nerve.

Ca2+ imaging in perfused adrenal medullae

The Ca2+ imaging method was developed to explore changes in excitability in adrenal medullary (AM) cells in a large field in response to synaptic input and chemicals. The adrenal medullae of rats and guinea pigs were retrogradely loaded with Ca2+ indicator through the adrenal vein. Nerve fibers remaining in the adrenal gland were electrically stimulated to induce postsynaptic responses in AM cells, and chemicals were applied to the cells by adding to the perfusate. With this method, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was shown to increase the Ca2+ signal in almost all and 40% AM cells in guinea pigs and rats, respectively.

Paracrine role of GABA in adrenal chromaffin cells

The function of GABA in the adrenal medulla is still controversial. We will review experimental results in vivo and in vitro in adrenal chromaffin cells of various mammals to clarify what has been elucidated and what still remains to be settled.

Weak toxin WTX from Naja kaouthia cobra venom interacts with both nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Iodinated [125I] weak toxin from Naja kaouthia (WTX) cobra venom was injected into mice, and organ-specific binding was monitored. Relatively high levels of [125I]WTX were detected in the adrenal glands. Rat adrenal membranes were therefore used for analysis of [125I]WTX-binding sites. Specific [125I]WTX binding was partially inhibited by both alpha-cobratoxin, a blocker of the alpha7 and muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and by atropine, an antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR). Binding to rat adrenal nAChR had a Kd of 2.0+/-0.8 microM and was inhibited by alpha-cobratoxin but not by a short-chain alpha-neurotoxin antagonist of the muscle-type nAChR, suggesting a specific interaction with the alpha7-type nAChR. WTX binding was reduced not only by atropine but also by other muscarinic agents (oxotremorine and muscarinic toxins from Dendroaspis angusticeps), indicating an interaction with mAChR. This interaction was further characterized using individual subtypes of human mAChRs expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. WTX concentrations up to 30 microM did not inhibit binding of [3H]acetylcholine to any subtype of mAChR by more than 50%. Depending on receptor subtype, WTX either increased or had no effect on the binding of the muscarinic antagonist [3H]N-methylscopolamine, which binds to the orthosteric site, a finding indicative of an allosteric interaction. Furthermore, WTX alone activated G-protein coupling with all mAChR subtypes and reduced the efficacy of acetylcholine in activating G-proteins with the M1, M4, and M5 subtypes. Our data demonstrate an orthosteric WTX interaction with nAChR and an allosteric interaction with mAChRs.

Preconditioning stimuli that augment chromaffin cell secretion

We have investigated here whether a preconditioned stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors augmented the catecholamine release responses elicited by supramaximal 3-s pulses of 100 muM acetylcholine (100ACh) or 100 mM K(+) (100K(+)) applied to fast-perifused bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Threshold concentrations of nicotine (1-3 muM) that caused only a tiny secretion did, however, augment the responses elicited by 100ACh or 100K(+) by 2- to 3.5-fold. This effect was suppressed by mecamylamine and by Ca(2+) deprivation, was developed with a half-time (t(1/2)) of 1 min, and was reversible. The nicotine effect was mimicked by threshold concentrations of ACh, choline, epibatidine, and oxotremorine-M but not by methacholine. Threshold concentrations of K(+) caused lesser potentiation of secretion compared with that of threshold nicotine. The data are compatible with an hypothesis implying 1) that continuous low-frequency sympathetic discharge places chromaffin cells at the adrenal gland in a permanent "hypersensitive" state; and 2) this allows an explosive secretion of catecholamines by high-frequency sympathetic discharge during stress.

Hydrogen sulfide stimulates catecholamine secretion in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

We tested the hypothesis that endogenously produced hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can potentially contribute to the adrenergic stress response in rainbow trout by initiating catecholamine secretion from chromaffin cells. During acute hypoxia (water Po2= 35 mmHg), plasma H2S levels were significantly elevated concurrently with a rise in circulating catecholamine concentrations. Tissues enriched with chromaffin cells (posterior cardinal vein and anterior kidney) produced H2S in vitro when incubated with l-cysteine. In both tissues, the production of H2S was eliminated by adding the cystathionine β-synthase inhibitor, aminooxyacetate. Cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase were cloned and sequenced and the results of real-time PCR demonstrated that with the exception of white muscle, mRNA for both enzymes was broadly distributed within the tissues that were examined. Electrical field stimulation of an in situ saline-perfused posterior cardinal vein preparation caused the appearance of H2S and catecholamines in the outflowing perfusate. Perfusion with the cholinergic receptor agonist carbachol (1 × 10−6M) or depolarizing levels of KCl (1 × 10−2M) caused secretion of catecholamines without altering H2S output, suggesting that neuronal excitation is required for H2S release. Addition of H2S (at concentrations exceeding 5 × 10−7M) to the perfusion fluid resulted in a marked stimulation of catecholamine secretion that was not observed when Ca2+-free perfusate was used. These data, together with the finding that H2S-induced catecholamine secretion was unaltered by the nicotinic receptor blocker hexamethonium, suggest that H2S is able to directly elicit catecholamine secretion via membrane depolarization followed by Ca2+-mediated exocytosis.

Muscarinic excitation-secretion coupling in chromaffin cells

Excitation-secretion coupling in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells physiologically commences when acetylcholine molecules released from splanchnic nerve terminals bind to cholinergic receptors located at the cell's plasma membrane. While nicotinic acetylcholine receptors ensure a rapid and efficacious transmission of preganglionic impulses, muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are considered to play a subsidiary role mostly by facilitating the nicotinic responses. Nevertheless, the variety of effects brought about by muscarinic stimulation in chromaffin cells (release of intracellular Ca2+, activation of Ca2+ entry through non-selective cation channels and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, impairment and/or enhancement of action potential firing, etc.) and the long-lasting nature of many of them suggests that muscarinic receptors might contribute to the fine tuning of the catecholamine secretory response upon graded preganglionic stimulation and prolonged periods of time. Such a variety of effects probably reflects not only the diversity of muscarinic receptors expressed in chromaffin cells but also the existence of differences among the animal species employed in the reported investigations. Accordingly, we first review on an animal species-based approach the most relevant features of the muscarinic response in chromaffin cells from a set of mammals, and finally present a unified picture of the mechanisms of muscarinic excitation-secretion coupling in chromaffin cells.

Key role of the nicotinic receptor in neurotransmitter exocytosis in human chromaffin cells

The whole-cell secretory response evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) in human chromaffin cells was examined using a new protocol based on quickly switching from the voltage-clamp to the current-clamp (CC) configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Our experiments revealed that Ca(2+) entry through the nicotinic receptor at hyperpolarized membrane potentials contributed as much to the exocytosis (100.4 +/- 27.3 fF) evoked by 200 ms pulses of ACh, as Ca(2+) flux through voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels at depolarized membrane potentials. The nicotinic current triggered a depolarization event with a peak at +49.3 mV and a 'plateau' phase that ended at -23.9 mV, which was blocked by 10 mumol/L mecamylamine. When a long ACh stimulus (15 s) was applied, the nicotinic current at the end of the pulse reached a value of 15.45 +/- 3.6 pA, but the membrane potential depolarization still remained at the 'plateau' stage until withdrawal of the agonist. Perfusion with 200 mumol/L Cd(2+) during the 15 s ACh pulse completely abolished the plasma membrane depolarization at the end of the pulse, indicating that Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+) channels contributed to the membrane potential depolarization provoked by prolonged ACh pulses. These findings also reflect that voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels were recruited by the small current flowing through the desensitized nicotinic receptor to maintain the depolarization. Finally, muscarinic receptor activation triggered a delayed exocytotic process after prolonged ACh stimulation, dependent on Ca(2+) mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum. In summary, we show here that nicotinic and muscarinic receptors contribute to the exocytosis of neurotransmitters in human chromaffin cells, and that the nicotinic receptor plays a key role in several stages of the stimulus-secretion coupling process in these cells.

Inhibition of cholinesterase elicits muscarinic receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the rat adrenal medulla

To determine the role of acetylcholinesterase in cholinergic synaptic transmission in the adrenal medulla in vivo, we applied a dialysis technique to the adrenal medulla of anesthetized rats and examined the effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor on the contribution of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors to catecholamine release. Exogenous acetylcholine-induced epinephrine release was inhibited by atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist) as well as hexamethonium (a nicotinic receptor antagonist). Endogenous acetylcholine (nerve stimulation)-induced epinephrine release was inhibited by hexamethonium but not atropine. In the presence of neostigmine (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), both exogenous and endogenous acetylcholine-induced catecholamine release was enhanced. In either case, epinephrine release was inhibited by atropine as well as hexamethonium. In the presence of eserine (another acetylcholinesterase inhibitor), endogenous acetylcholine-induced epinephrine release was also inhibited by atropine. Exogenous or endogenous acetylcholine-induced norepinephrine release was primarily inhibited by hexamethonium regardless of whether neostigmine was absent or present. In the rat adrenal medulla, the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase not only enhanced cholinergic synaptic transmission but also elicited muscarinic receptor-mediated synaptic transmission for epinephrine release.

Cholinergic activation of glucose transport in bovine chromaffin cells involves calmodulin and protein kinase Czeta signaling

The aim of the present study was to delineate possible signaling pathways involved in acetylcholine (Ach)-induced glucose transport in chromaffin cells, a widely applied model system for sympathetic neurons. Acute Ach stimulation (10 min) enhanced the rate of glucose transport through activation of both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. The calmodulin antagonist, W13, and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, staurosporine, each partially depressed Ach-induced glucose transport, with staurosporine exhibiting the stronger inhibitory effect. Pretreating the cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to downregulate PKC activity did not affect the nicotine-induced glucose transport, but completely attenuated that activated by muscarine, suggesting that Ach activation of transport involved both diacylglycerol-independent (PKCzeta) and diacylglycerol-dependent PKCs (PKCalpha/PKCepsilon). The PI 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, diminished the Ach response, consistent with activation of the PKCs by the upstream PI 3-kinase-dependent phosphoinositide-dependent kinase, PDK1. Cholinergic activation strongly activated the ERK1/ERK2 cascade and p38 MAP kinase, but only p38 MAP kinase appeared to play a role, however minor, in nicotine-induced glucose uptake. The results are consistent with PKCs being more important than calmodulin in coupling cholinergic activation to glucose transport in chromaffin cells, but additional, yet unidentified, signaling pathways appear to be needed to obtain full activation of glucose transport in response to Ach.

Heterogeneous increases of cytoplasmic calcium: distinct effects on down-regulation of cell surface sodium channels and sodium channel subunit mRNA levels

1. Long-term (> or = 12 h) treatment of cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells with A23187 (a Ca(2+) ionophore) or thapsigargin (TG) [an inhibitor of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA)] caused a time- and concentration-dependent reduction of cell surface [(3)H]-saxitoxin (STX) binding capacity, but did not change the K:(D:) value. In A23187- or TG-treated cells, veratridine-induced (22)Na(+) influx was reduced (with no change in veratridine EC(50) value) while it was enhanced by alpha-scorpion venom, beta-scorpion venom, or Ptychodiscus brevis toxin-3, like in nontreated cells. 2. The A23187- or TG-induced decrease of [(3)H]-STX binding was diminished by BAPTA-AM. EGTA also inhibited the decreasing effect of A23187. A23187 caused a rapid, monophasic and persistent increase in intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) to a greater extent than that observed with TG. 2,5-Di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (DBHQ) (an inhibitor of SERCA) produced only a rapid monophasic increase in [Ca(2+)](i), without any effect on [(3)H]-STX binding. 3. Reduction in [(3)H]-STX binding capacity induced by A23187 or TG was attenuated by Gö6976 (an inhibitor of conventional protein kinase C) or calpastatin peptide (an inhibitor of calpain). When the internalization rate of cell surface Na(+) channels was measured in the presence of brefeldin A (an inhibitor of vesicular exit from the trans-Golgi network), A23187 or TG accelerated the reduction of [(3)H]-STX binding capacity. 4. Six hours treatment with A23187 lowered Na(+) channel alpha- and beta(1)-subunit mRNA levels, whereas TG had no effect. 5. These results suggest that elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) caused by A23187, TG or DBHQ exerted differential effects on down-regulation of cell surface functional Na(+) channels and Na(+) channel subunit mRNA levels.

The adrenergic stress response in fish: control of catecholamine storage and release

In fish, the catecholamine hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline are released into the circulation, from chromaffin cells, during numerous 'stressful' situations. The physiological and biochemical actions of these hormones (the efferent adrenergic response) have been the focus of numerous investigations over the past several decades. However, until recently, few studies have examined aspects involved in controlling/modulating catecholamine storage and release in fish. This review provides a detailed account of the afferent limb of the adrenergic response in fish, from the biosynthesis of catecholamines to the exocytotic release of these hormones from the chromaffin cells. The emphasis is on three particular topics: (1) catecholamine biosynthesis and storage within the chromaffin cells including the different types of chromaffin cells and their varying arrangement amongst species; (2) situations eliciting the secretion of catecholamines (e.g. hypoxia, hypercapnia, chasing); (3) cholinergic and non-cholinergic (i.e. serotonin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, angiotensin, adenosine) control of catecholamine secretion. As such, this review will demonstrate that the control of catecholamine storage and release in fish chromaffin cells is a complex processes involving regulation via numerous hormones, neurotransmitters and second messenger systems.

Interaction between G protein-operated receptors eliciting secretion in rat adrenals. A possible role of protein kinase C

Catecholamine release induced by angiotensin II, histamine, bradykinin and methacholine from the rat adrenal gland perfused in vitro was studied under conditions in which the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) was modified. Perfusion of glands with 10 nM bradykinin abolished, in a reversible way, the secretion induced by short pulses of angiotensin II, histamine and methacholine but did not modify the release evoked by 23.6 mM KCl (high K+). Perfusion with histamine or methacholine (30 microM) inhibited the secretion induced by the other agents by 30-50%, whereas incubation with angiotensin II (100 nM) caused little or no reduction in the release evoked by the other agents. The treatment of glands with 1 nM of the PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) suppressed the responses induced by angiotensin II, histamine and methacholine, did not affect those evoked by bradykinin, and potentiated the secretion evoked by high K+. The adenylate cyclase stimulator forskolin (1 microM) did not affect the basal secretion but strongly potentiated the release evoked by all secretagogues used, suggesting a role for protein kinase A (PKA) downstream of the receptor. The PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8220 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of bradykinin. Our results suggest that angiotensin II, histamine and muscarinic receptors share some common transduction mechanism that is regulated by PKC. PKC activity was enhanced by these agents PDBu >> bradykinin = histamine > methacholine = angiotensin II. Bradykinin receptor transduction does not appear to be regulated by PKC.

Cholinoceptor-mediated control of catecholamine release from chromaffin cells in the American eel, Anguilla rostrata

The cholinergic agonist-induced secretion of catecholamines from chromaffin cells in the American eel, Anguilla rostrata, was assessed using a saline-perfused posterior cardinal vein preparation. Direct membrane depolarization with 60 mmol.l-1 K+ caused a significant release of catecholamines (adrenaline+noradrenaline) into the perfusate which was unaffected by pre-treatment with the ganglion blocker, hexamethonium (final concentration = 10(-3) mol.l-1). The nicotinic receptor agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium iodide, evoked catecholamine release in response to several doses exceeding 10(-7) mol; at 10(-5) mol the response was abolished by pre-treatment with the ganglion blocker, hexamethonium (final concentration = 10(-3) mol.l-1). The muscarinic receptor agonist, pilocarpine, did not elicit catecholamine release in response to any of the doses administered (10(-8)-10(-4) mol). A single injection of the mixed nicotinic/muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist, carbachol (10(-5) mol), caused the release of catecholamines which was abolished by pre-treatment with hexamethonium but which was unaffected by pre-treatment with the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (final concentration = 10(-5) mol.l-1). The results of this study indicate that the process of cholinergic agonist-induced catecholamine secretion from the chromaffin cells in the American eel is mediated exclusively by activation of nicotinic receptors with no involvement of the muscarinic receptor.

Strychnine affects catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medulla chromaffin cells

The effect of strychnine on evoked release of catecholamines from a primary culture of bovine adrenal medullary cells was investigated. Strychnine at > 1 microM inhibited catecholamine release stimulated by 10 microM acetylcholine, or 10 microM nicotine, but not by excess K+ (59 mM), the sodium ionophore veratridine (100 microM) or the calcium ionophore A-23187 (10 microM). The inhibitory response elicited by exposure of the cells to strychnine was rapid (< 3 min) and competitive with acetylcholine. High concentrations of acetylcholine (1 mM) completely overcame this inhibition. Strychnine might be acting on a regulatory site of the nicotinic-cholinergic receptor, which is genetically similar to the strychnine-binding 48 KD subunit of the glycine receptor.

Modulation by L-type Ca2+ channels and apamin-sensitive K+ channels of muscarinic responses in cat chromaffin cells

In the perfused cat adrenal gland stimulated with the muscarinic agonist methacholine chloride (100 microM for 3 min), two components were detected in the catecholamine secretory response: 1) an early phasic component that peaked at 300 ng/5 s catecholamine release and 2) a tonic component whose peak was transient and declined to a plateau of about 140 ng/5 s. Apamin (0.1 microM) increased the phasic component to 1,200 ng/5 s and the tonic component to approximately 350 ng/5 s. In single fura 2-loaded cat adrenal chromaffin cells, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) also followed a biphasic pattern after stimulation with methacholine. Depletion of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the phasic [Ca2+]i peak by > 50% and the phasic secretory peak by approximately 90%; both the tonic components of [Ca2+]i and secretion were abolished. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools decreased the phasic and tonic components of [Ca2+]i and secretion with respect to control values; however, the phasic components diminished more than the tonic components of [Ca2+]i and secretion. Although 3 microM furnidipine (a dihydropyridine L-type Ca2+ channel blocker) inhibited the phasic component of [Ca2+]i and secretion, its effects were more pronounced on the tonic component. omega-Conotoxin GVIA (1 microM, an N-type Ca2+ channel blocker) did not affect the [Ca2+]i or the methacholine secretory responses. The secretion peak seems to depend on both extracellular free Ca2+ (Cao2+) entry through L-type Ca2+ channels as well as on the mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores; the plateau depends only on Cao2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histamine H1 receptor activation mediates the preferential release of adrenaline in the rat adrenal gland

Histamine elicited the release of catecholamines from "in vitro" perfused rat adrenals with an EC50 of 3 microM. This concentration was in the same range as those which caused a fall in the arterial blood pressure when infused intravenously in anaesthetized rats. Histamine stimulation was potently blocked by dexclorfeniramine (IC50 = 300 pM), but unaffected by ranitidine, suggesting the involvement of H1 receptors. Histamine release preferentially adrenaline. Mast cells were not detected within adrenal medulla by histochemical techniques. Compound 48/80 did not trigger catecholamine release. Catecholamine secretion evoked by splanchnic nerves stimulation was not modified by a combination of H1 and H2 antagonists. In conclusion, the histamine that elicited adrenaline release from rat adrenals comes from blood circulation not from local mast cells or splanchnic nerves. These effects are mediated through the activation of H1 receptors.

Autonomic control of adrenal function

Recent studies of adrenal function in conscious calves are reviewed. These have involved collecting the whole of the adrenal effluent blood from the right adrenal gland at intervals and, where necessary, prior functional hypophysectomy by destruction of the pituitary stalk under general halothane anaesthesia 3 d previously. The adrenal medulla was found to release numerous neuropeptides, in addition to catecholamines, in response to stimulation of the peripheral end of the right splanchnic nerve, which was carried out below behavioural threshold. Many of these responses were enhanced by stimulating intermittently at a relatively high frequency. Intra-aortic infusions of a relatively low dose of acetylcholine (4.5 nmol min-1 kg-1) elicited similar responses. In the adrenal cortex, agonists which either potentiated the steroidogenic response to ACTH or exerted a direct steroidogenic action included VIP, CGRP, CRF and ACh acting via muscarinic receptors. Stimulation of the peripheral end of the right splanchnic nerve strongly potentiated the steroidogenic response to ACTH and there is compelling evidence that the innervation normally plays an important part in cortisol secretion.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes in bovine adrenal medulla

Catecholamine secretion in the bovine adrenal medulla is evoked largely by nicotinic receptor activation. However, bovine adrenal medulla also contain muscarinic receptors that mediate several cell responses. To understand the physiological role of muscarinic receptors in the bovine adrenal medulla it is important to identify the pharmacological subtypes present in this tissue. For this, we analyzed the abilities of different selective muscarinic antagonists in displacing the binding of the non-selective antagonist [3H] quinuclidinyl benzylate to an enriched plasma membrane fraction prepared from bovine adrenal medulla. All the selective antagonists bind at least two bindings sites with different affinities. The binding profile of the sites with high proportion is similar to the M2 subtype and those present in low proportion have a M1 profile. However, some variation in the proportion of the sites for the different ligands suggest the presence of the third pharmacological subtype (M3). We conclude that the sites in high proportion (60-80%) correspond to M2 muscarinic subtypes, and the rest is constituted by M1 plus M3 subtypes. The presence of multiplicity of subtypes in the adrenal medulla membranes suggests a diversity of functions of muscarinic receptors in the adrenal gland.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor enhances phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis via phospholipase D in bovine chromaffin cells in culture

Although it is well-established that inositol-containing lipids serve as precursors of intracellular second messenger molecules in chromaffin cells, we describe some findings that show the formation of diacylglycerol from phosphatidylcholine in response to agonist-mediated stimulation. Stimulation of chromaffin cells by acetylcholine produced a high turnover of phosphatidylcholine, as suggested by the release of [3H]choline derived from [3H]-phosphatidylcholine in experiments performed with [3H]choline chloride-prelabeled cells. An enhanced breakdown of phosphatidylcholine was also inferred from the finding of an increased formation of [3H]diacylglycerol in chromaffin cells prelabeled with [3H]glycerol. The diacylglycerol mass that accumulated after stimulation showed a distinct temporal course and seemed to exceed the mass that has been reported to be derived from phosphatidylinositol. In keeping with the purported origin from phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol showed a high content in [3H]oleate molecular species. Phospholipase D activity measurements and experiments performed in the presence of propranolol (an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid:phosphohydrolase) suggested that phosphatidylcholine is hydrolyzed by a phospholipase D activity, producing phosphatidic acid, which is subsequently degraded to diacylglycerol, rather than by a phospholipase C. Incubation of chromaffin cells in the presence of atropine before addition of acetylcholine showed complete inhibition of the increased formation of [3H]-diacylglycerol, whereas d-tubocurarine failed to do so. Taken together, these results suggest that acetylcholine activates phosphatidylcholine breakdown and diacylglycerol formation in chromaffin cells via a muscarinic-type receptor.

Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels modulate muscarinic secretion in cat chromaffin cells

1. This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels regulate the release of catecholamines mediated by muscarinic stimulation of cat adrenal chromaffin cells. Two parameters were measured: the secretory response to brief pulses of methacholine (100 microM for 10 s) in intact cat adrenal glands perfused at a high rate with oxygenated Krebs solution; and the changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, [Ca2+]i, produced by puff applications of methacholine pulses (also 100 microM for 10 s) in isolated single cat adrenal chromaffin cells loaded with Fura-2. 2. A pulse of methacholine released 805 +/- 164 ng of catecholamines (mean of thirty-two pulses). d-Tubocurarine (DTC) increased the secretory response in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximum increase (around 1000 ng catecholamines over control values) was reached at 100 microM-DTC and the EC50 was around 10 microM. 3. The secretory responses to methacholine alone, or to the combination of methacholine plus DTC, were strongly dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]o. Thus Ca2+o removal from the perfusing solution for 5-10 min abolished catecholamine release. 4. At 0.1 microM, isradipine (an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker) inhibited by 71% the secretory response to DTC plus methacholine. At 1 microM, Bay K 8644 (an L-type Ca2+ channel activator) increased 2-fold the secretory response to DTC plus methacholine (2746 ng of catecholamines). 5. Apamin (1 microM) increased 3.5-fold the secretory response to methacholine pulses (from 500 to 1800 ng of catecholamines). 6. Methacholine pulses enhanced [Ca2+]i from the resting level of 100 nM to a peak of 1000 nM which quickly declined to basal level. DTC (100 microM) enhanced by 20% the [Ca2+]i peak and substantially prolonged its duration. 7. Apamin (1 microM) increased by 60% the [Ca2+]i peak evoked by methacholine, and delayed the initiation of decline of the [Ca2+]i peak. 8. These results are compatible with the idea that muscarinic stimulation depolarizes the cat adrenal chromaffin cell through an unidentified mechanism. Depolarization is probably counteracted by activation of Ca2+i-dependent K+ channels. Therefore, inhibition of these channels enhances depolarization and firing of action potentials which activate voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels to increase further the Ca2+i signal and the secretory response. Thus Ca2+i-dependent K+ channels, probably of the small-conductance type (SK), seem to be involved in the modulation of muscarinic-evoked catecholamine release responses in cat adrenal chromaffin cells.

Cross-talk between M2 muscarinic and D1 dopamine receptors in the cat adrenal medulla

In the study reported here we have reached two conclusions. First, the cat adrenal medulla chromaffin cell possesses a dopamine D1 receptor that seems to be coupled to an adenylyl cyclase. Second, this receptor regulates the muscarinic-mediated catecholamine release response through a negative feed-back loop which uses cyclic AMP as a second messenger. These conclusions are supported by the following findings: (i) SKF38393 (a selective D1 receptor agonist), but not quinpirole (a selective D2 agonist), inhibits the methacholine-mediated catecholamine release responses in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of around 1-2 microM). (ii) SCH23390 (a selective D1 antagonist), but not sulpiride (a selective D2 antagonist), reversed by 70% the inhibitory effects of SKF38393. (iii) Dibutyril cyclic AMP (500 microM) inhibited by 80% the secretory effects of methacholine.

Long-term activation of protein kinase C by nicotine in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Previous results from our laboratory suggest that long-term treatment of primary cultured bovine adrenal medullary (BAM) chromaffin cells with nicotine or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, either of which directly activates protein kinase C (PKC), increases the mRNA levels encoding catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes and proenkephalin. In the present study, we have examined the effects of nicotine on BAM cell PKC activity with special emphasis on long-term effects. Nicotine increased particulate PKC activity in a concentration-dependent manner when measured using in vitro enzyme assay with histone as the substrate. This effect is mediated through nicotinic cholinergic receptors, because 1,1-dimethylphenylpiperazinium, a nicotinic agonist, had a similar effect. In addition, chlorisondamine, a specific nicotine-receptor blocking drug, antagonized the effect of nicotine. Nicotine also increased specific [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PdBu) binding within 1 min, the effect of which was maximal between 3 and 12 min. This effect was reversed by chlorisondamine similarly after 12 min and after 18 h of nicotine treatment, indicating that continual nicotinic-receptor occupancy is required for persistent PKC activation. Compared to PKC activation, the onset of nicotine-stimulated diacylglycerol production was slow, and it was observed after 12 min of incubation with nicotine. The diacylglycerol levels, specific [3H]PdBu binding, and PKC activity remained significantly elevated for at least 18 h with continuous nicotine incubation. Furthermore, nicotine increased the PKC immunoreactivity of a particulate protein with a molecular mass of 82 kDa in the western blot. These results suggest that nicotinic-receptor activation increases PKC activity and immunoreactivity in BAM cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The source of calcium for muscarinic-mediated catecholamine release from cat adrenals

1. In view of conflicting reports on the source of Ca2+ needed to trigger the secretory response to muscarinic stimulation of chromaffin cells, we have reinvestigated this problem in the cat adrenal gland perfused with oxygenated Krebs solution at 37 degrees C. Above a basal rate of secretion of 60 ng/30 s of total catecholamines, 5 s pulses of 100 microM-methacholine evoked 10-fold increases of secretion. This response was entirely mediated by muscarinic receptors, since it was blocked by submicromolar concentrations of atropine but not by d-tubocurarine. 2. Delayed application of methacholine pulses after Ca2+ removal from the Krebs solution led to a progressive decline of the secretory response with a t1/2 of 15 s. Secretion was blocked by 85% after a 60 s period of Ca2+ deprivation; extension of the external Ca2+ (Ca2+o) wash-out period up to 5 min did not further reduce the secretory response. 3. When EGTA (1 mM) was present in the 0 Ca2+ solution, the rate of decline of methacholine responses, as a function of the time of exposure to 1 mM-EGTA, was similar to that obtained with 0 Ca2+. Again, about 15-20% of the secretory response was resistant even to prolonged periods of washing out with the 0 Ca(2+)-EGTA solution. 4. The Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 microM) first decreased and then accelerated the rate of decline of methacholine responses upon Ca2+o wash-out. Particularly relevant is the complete blockade of secretion when the Ca2+o wash-out is performed in the presence of this ionophore. This suggests the existence of a small intracellular functional Ca2+ store sensitive to ionomycin. 5. After abolition of the secretory response through 60 s periods of wash-out with a 0 Ca(2+)-EGTA-ionomycin solution, followed by delayed 5 s methacholine pulses after Ca2+o reintroduction, the glands instantly recovered their normal muscarinic-mediated secretory response. This suggests that upon muscarinic stimulation, Ca2+ required by the secretory machinery to trigger such response immediately comes from extracellular sources. How Ca2+o gains the cell interior so fast upon muscarinic stimulation is unknown; we have previously suggested that the muscarinic receptor in the cat chromaffin cell could be coupled to an ionophore channel which might be chemically activated by muscarinic agonists. 6. Secretory responses to 5 s pulses with 35 or 100 mM-K+ declined faster (t1/2 of 3 and 6 s, respectively) upon Ca2+o wash-out than those of methacholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Electrically-evoked catecholamine release from cat adrenals. Role of cholinergic receptors

Catecholamine (CA) release from perfused cat adrenal glands was continuously monitored using an on-line system coupled to an electrochemical detector. This highly sensitive procedure allowed the detection of small changes in the rate of secretion, even using short trains of electrical stimulation or brief acetylcholine (ACh) pulses. CA release was linear with increasing strength of ACh, transmural or splanchnic nerve stimulation. By using specific blockers, the contribution of nicotinic or muscarinic receptors to the overall secretory response to various stimuli could be established. That nicotinic receptors play a major role in mediating the secretory response to all stimuli is shown by the clear inhibition of the response with mecamylamine (10 microM). In contrast, atropine (1 microM) halved secretion evoked by ACh or nerve stimulation but had little effect on the response to trains of transmural electrical stimulation. When transmural electrical stimulation was applied continuously (instead of in trains), increasing the frequency in a step-wise manner, a bell-shaped curve was obtained; secretion reached a peak at 8 Hz and then declined sharply at 16 and 32 Hz. With this stimulation pattern, atropine decreased by 50% the secretion response at the higher frequencies (4-32 Hz). Very few studies are available which define the role of receptors and ionic channels in mediating electrically-evoked CA release. These stimulation patterns have not been used previously and are likely to mimic more closely than those used in earlier studies the physiologic firing pattern of splanchnic nerves innervating adrenomedullary cells.

Endocrine responses to intra-aortic infusions of acetylcholine in conscious calves

1. Adrenal responses to intra-aortic infusions of acetylcholine (4.5 nmol min-1 kg-1 for 10 min) have been investigated in conscious, functionally hypophysectomized, 3- to 6-week-old calves, in the presence and absence of exogenous ACTH (2 ng min-1 kg-1, I.V.). 2. Acetylcholine produced a substantial fall in adrenal vascular resistance, which was significantly reduced in the presence of exogenous ACTH, while producing minimal changes in aortic blood pressure and heart rate. 3. There was also a significant rise in right adrenal cortisol output which was sufficient to produce a measurable rise in plasma cortisol concentration. The effect could be accounted for by the increase in adrenal ACTH presentation. It was abolished by pre-treatment with atropine (0.2 mg kg-1). A small but significant rise in aldosterone output during acetylcholine infusions was also abolished in the presence of ACTH. 4. Both adrenaline and noradrenaline were released during intra-aortic acetylcholine infusions and these responses were substantially reduced, but not abolished, by pre-treatment with atropine. 5. Acetylcholine also stimulated the release of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and [Met5]enkephalins from the gland. The output of CRF was enhanced and that of free [Met5]enkephalin was significantly reduced in the presence of exogenous ACTH. All these responses were largely, but not completely, suppressed by atropine. 6. Acetylcholine also promoted the release of the pancreatic hormones glucagon, insulin and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). The amounts of pancreatic glucagon and insulin that were released were highly dependent on the concentration of glucose in the circulating plasma and all these responses were abolished by atropine. 7. It is concluded that acetylcholine is capable of stimulating the release of a wide variety of agonists from the adrenal gland when infused intra-aortically at a dose of 4.5 nmol min-1 kg-1. The increase in cortisol output appears to be secondary to an increase in blood flow whereas the adrenal medullary responses are not, and appear to be due largely, but not entirely, to activation of muscarinic receptors.

Muscarinic receptors in separate populations of noradrenaline- and adrenaline-containing chromaffin cells

We have performed binding experiments of (a)[3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate to partially purified membranes from noradrenaline- and adrenaline-containing chromaffin cells and (b) [3H]N-methyl-quinuclidinyl benzilate to acutely isolated, or 48-h cultured, chromaffin cells subpopulations. Using this approach, we obtained enough evidence to conclude (1st) that muscarinic receptors are present in both noradrenaline- and adrenaline containing cells; (2nd) that noradrenaline cells contain in fact 2-3 fold higher density of those receptors; and (3rd) that those receptors undergo plastic changes upon chronic culturing of the cells.

Muscarinic receptor is coupled with a cation channel through a GTP-binding protein in guinea-pig chromaffin cells

1. The ionic current evoked by muscarinic receptor agonists was investigated in dispersed chromaffin cells of the guinea-pig adrenal medulla using the whole-cell version of the patch-clamp procedure. 2. Muscarine or oxotremorine (0.03-10 microns) produced an inward current associated with an increase in current noise at a holding potential of -40 mV. The relationship between current and oxotremorine concentration fitted well to a rectangular hyperbole with an apparent dissociation constant (KA) of 0.23 micron. 3. The muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine (0.1 micronM) and AF-DX 116 (0.3 microM) shifted the dose-response curve to the right in a parallel manner. Dissociation constants (KB) for pirenzepine and AF-DX 116 were estimated to be 50 and 70 nM, respectively. 4. The current-voltage relation for the current induced by muscarine had a negative slope below -30 or -20 mV, and the current reversed its polarity at 0.4 +/- 0.8 mV (n = 4) in standard salt solution. Removal of Mg2+ or Ca2+ from the perfusate did not modify the muscarinic current-voltage relationship. 5. When Na+ in the bath solution was replaced with Tris, the muscarinic current-voltage relationship shifted to the left (the hyperpolarizing direction); the current reversed its polarity at -18.7 +/- 1.2 mV in a solution containing 72 mM-Na+ (three cells) and at -57.5 +/- 2.7 mV in nominally Na(+)-free solution (three cells). When Ca2+ was replaced by Mg2+, in Na(+)-free solution, an inward current was not evoked by muscarinic stimulation. 6. Tetraethylammonium (TEA; 0.03-3 mM) reduced the muscarinic current at -40 mV, and the KD value was 0.34 mM with a Hill coefficient of 1. Barium (4 mM) reduced the current to 0.69 +/- 0.06 of control (n = 3). 7. When the recording electrodes contained guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiophosphate) (GTP gamma S, 100 microM), an inward current developed at -55 mV during the first few minutes after breaking into the cell interior. This inward current was associated with an increase in noise and was not larger at -70 mV than at -55 mV; it reached a peak value about 3-4 min after breaking into the cell interior and then declined over the next 2-3 min. 8. Muscarinic agonists had no effect in those cells in which intracellular GTP gamma S had first evoked a transient inward current. The inward current caused by nicotine was unaffected by intracellular GTP gamma S.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)