Histamine and FLRFamide regulate acetylcholine release at an identified synapse in Aplysia in opposite ways

The role of specific isoforms of CaV2 and the common C-terminal of CaV2 in calcium channel function in sensory neurons of Aplysia

The presynaptic release apparatus can be specialized to enable specific synaptic functions. Habituation is the diminishing of a physiological response to a frequently repeated stimulus and in Aplysia, habituation to touch is mediated by a decrease in transmitter release from the sensory neurons that respond to touch even after modest rates of action potential firing. This synaptic depression is not common among Aplysia synaptic connections suggesting the presence of a release apparatus specialized for this depression. We found that specific splice forms of ApCaV2, the calcium channel required for transmitter release, are preferentially used in sensory neurons, consistent with a specialized release apparatus. However, we were not able to find a specific ApCaV2 splice uniquely required for synaptic depression. The C-terminus of ApCaV2 alpha1 subunit retains conserved binding to Aplysia rab-3 interacting molecule (ApRIM) and ApRIM-binding protein (ApRBP) and the C-terminus is required for full synaptic expression of ApCaV2. We also identified a splice form of ApRIM that did not interact with the ApCav2 alpha 1 subunit, but it was not preferentially used in sensory neurons.

Neurotransmission and neuromodulation systems in the learning and memory network of Octopus vulgaris

The vertical lobe (VL) in the octopus brain plays an essential role in its sophisticated learning and memory. Early anatomical studies suggested that the VL is organized in a "fan-out fan-in" connectivity matrix comprising only three morphologically identified neuron types; input axons from the median superior frontal lobe (MSFL) innervating en passant millions of small amacrine interneurons (AMs), which converge sharply onto large VL output neurons (LNs). Recent physiological studies confirmed the feedforward excitatory connectivity; a glutamatergic synapse at the first MSFL-to-AM synaptic layer and a cholinergic AM-to-LNs synapse. MSFL-to-AMs synapses show a robust hippocampal-like activity-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) of transmitter release. 5-HT, octopamine, dopamine and nitric oxide modulate short- and long-term VL synaptic plasticity. Here, we present a comprehensive histolabeling study to better characterize the neural elements in the VL. We generally confirmed glutamatergic MSFLs and cholinergic AMs. Intense labeling for NOS activity in the AMs neurites were in-line with the NO-dependent presynaptic LTP mechanism at the MSFL-to-AM synapse. New discoveries here reveal more heterogeneity of the VL neurons than previously thought. GABAergic AMs suggest a subpopulation of inhibitory interneurons in the first input layer. Clear γ-amino butyric acid labeling in the cell bodies of LNs supported an inhibitory VL output, yet the LNs co-expressed FMRFamide-like neuropeptides, suggesting an additional neuromodulatory role of the VL output. Furthermore, a group of LNs was glutamatergic. A new cluster of cells organized as a "deep nucleus" showed rich catecholaminergic labeling and may play a role in intrinsic neuromodulation. In-situ hybridization and immunolabeling allowed characterization and localization of a rich array of neuropeptides and neuromodulators, likely involved in reward/punishment signals. This analysis of the fast transmission system, together with the newly found cellular elements, help integrate behavioral, physiological, pharmacological and connectome findings into a more comprehensive understanding of an efficient learning and memory network.

Nitric oxide transforms serotonin into an inactive form and this affects neuromodulation

Nitric oxide is a highly reactive molecule, diffusible and therefore ubiquitous in the central nervous system. Consequently, nitric oxide or nitric oxide-derived nitrogen oxides must enter into contact with neuromodulators and they can modify these molecules, especially monoamines, and thus change their regulatory action on synaptic transmission. We tested this possibility on a well-known, identified cholinergic synapse of Aplysia buccal ganglion, in which we have found that evoked acetylcholine release was decreased by extracellularly applied serotonin. We show that this modulatory effect of serotonin was largely reduced not only in the presence of 3-morpholinosydnonimine, a nitric oxide donor, but also when endogenous nitric oxide synthase was activated. We have shown that this decrease in the serotonin effect is due to the formation of chemical derivatives of serotonin, mainly a symmetric serotonin dimer, 4-nitroso-serotonin and 4-nitro-serotonin, which are ineffective in reproducing the modulatory effect of serotonin. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of several central functions, such as sleep-wake activity or mood. The consequences of chemical modifications of serotonin by nitric oxide must be taken into account in physiological as well as pathological situations. In addition, our results highlight the importance of the physiological implications of interactions between free radicals and neuromediators in the nervous system.

A conotoxin from Conus textile with unusual posttranslational modifications reduces presynaptic Ca2+ influx

Cone snails are gastropod mollusks of the genus Conus that live in tropical marine habitats. They are predators that paralyze their prey by injection of venom containing a plethora of small, conformationally constrained peptides (conotoxins). We report the identification, characterization, and structure of a gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing peptide, conotoxin epsilon-TxIX, isolated from the venom of the molluscivorous cone snail, Conus textile. The disulfide bonding pattern of the four cysteine residues, an unparalleled degree of posttranslational processing including bromination, hydroxylation, and glycosylation define a family of conotoxins that may target presynaptic Ca2+ channels or act on G protein-coupled presynaptic receptors via another mechanism. This conotoxin selectively reduces neurotransmitter release at an Aplysia cholinergic synapse by reducing the presynaptic influx of Ca2+ in a slow and reversible fashion. The three-dimensional structure, determined by two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy, identifies an electronegative patch created by the side chains of two gamma-carboxyglutamic acid residues that extend outward from a cavernous cleft. The glycosylated threonine and hydroxylated proline enclose a localized hydrophobic region centered on the brominated tryptophan residue within the constrained intercysteine region.

Calcium transients and neurotransmitter release at an identified synapse

It is widely accepted that the modulation of the presynaptic Ca2+ influx is one of the main mechanisms by which neurotransmitter release can be controlled. The well-identified cholinergic synapse in the buccal ganglion of Aplysia has been used to study the modulations that affect presynaptic Ca2+ transients and to relate this to quantal evoked neurotransmitter release. Three types of Ca2+ channel (L, N and P) are present in the presynaptic neurone at this synapse. Influxes of Ca2+ through N- and P-type channels trigger the release of ACh with only N-type Ca2+ channels being regulated by presynaptic neuromodulator receptors. In addition, presynaptic Ca2+ stores, via complex mechanisms of Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release, control the Ca2+ concentration that triggers this evoked ACh release.

Distribution of histamine in the CNS of different spiders

Immunohistochemistry is used to demonstrate histamine-immunoreactivity in the CNS of spiders. We found histamine-immunoreactivity in the photoreceptors of different spiders. Therefore, we suggest that histamine is a neurotransmitter of photoreceptors in all arthropods, since it is also known to occur in the photoreceptors of the other main arthropod taxa (Merostomata, Crustacea, and Insecta). We also describe a system of only six omnisegmental histamine-immunoreactive neurons within the central nervous system. These histamine-immunoreactive neurons can be divided into two subgroups: a dorsal system with two cells per hemisphere and a ventral system with only one cell per hemisphere. All six cells have extended arborizations in both the motor and the sensory areas of all neuromeres in the suboesophageal ganglionic mass. In contrast to araneomorph spiders, two additional sets of histamine-immunoreactive neurons were detected in mygalomorph spiders. The first set consists of seventeen cells with their cell bodies located in the cheliceral ganglion and projecting to central areas of the protocerebrum. The second set contains many if not all sensory projections from the tarsal organs on all eight legs and the pedipalps to the Blumenthal neuropil.

Cyclic ADP-ribose and calcium-induced calcium release regulate neurotransmitter release at a cholinergic synapse of Aplysia

1. Presynaptic injection of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), a modulator of the ryanodine receptor, increased the postsynaptic response evoked by a presynaptic spike at an identified cholinergic synapse in the buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. 2. The statistical analysis of long duration postsynaptic responses evoked by square depolarizations of the voltage-clamped presynaptic neurone showed that the number of evoked acetylcholine (ACh) quanta released was increased following cADPR injection. 3. Overloading the presynaptic neurone with cADPR led to a transient increase of ACh release followed by a depression. 4. cADPR injections did not modify the presynaptic Ca2+ current triggering ACh release. 5. Ca2+ imaging with the fluorescent dye rhod-2 showed that cADPR injection rapidly increased the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration indicating that the effects of cADPR on ACh release might be related to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. 6. Ryanodine and 8-amino-cADPR, a specific antagonist of cADPR, decreased ACh release. 7. ADP-ribosyl cyclase, which cyclizes NAD+ into cADPR, was present in the presynaptic neurone as shown by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction experiments. 8. Application of NAD+, the substrate of ADP-ribosyl cyclase, increased ACh release and this effect was prevented by both ryanodine and 8-amino-cADPR. 9. These results support the view that Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release might be involved in the build-up of the Ca2+ concentration which triggers ACh release, and thus that cADPR might have a role in transmitter release modulation.

Opposite actions of nitric oxide on cholinergic synapses: which pathways?

Nitric oxide (NO) produced opposite effects on acetylcholine (ACh) release in identified neuroneuronal Aplysia synapses depending on the excitatory or the inhibitory nature of the synapse. Extracellular application of the NO donor, SIN-1, depressed the inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and enhanced the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked by presynaptic action potentials (1/60 Hz). Application of a membrane-permeant cGMP analog mimicked the effect of SIN-1 suggesting the participation of guanylate cyclase in the NO pathway. The guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue, blocked the NO-induced enhancement of EPSCs but only reduced the inhibition of IPSCs indicating that an additional mechanism participates to the depression of synaptic transmission by NO. Using nicotinamide, an inhibitor of ADP-ribosylation, we found that the NO-induced depression of ACh release on the inhibitory synapse also involves ADP-ribosylation mechanism(s). Furthermore, application of SIN-1 paired with cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGMP-PK) inhibitors showed that cGMP-PK could play a role in the potentiating but not in the depressing effect of NO on ACh release. Increasing the frequency of stimulation of the presynaptic neuron from 1/60 Hz to 0.25 or 1 Hz potentiated the EPSCs and reduced the IPSCs. In these conditions, the potentiating effect of NO on the excitatory synapse was reduced, whereas its depressing effect on the inhibitory synapse was unaffected. Moreover the frequency-dependent enhancement of ACh release in the excitatory synapse was greatly reduced by the inhibition of NO synthase. Our results indicate that NO may be involved in different ways of modulation of synaptic transmission depending on the type of the synapse including synaptic plasticity.

NO decreases evoked quantal ACh release at a synapse of Aplysia by a mechanism independent of Ca2+ influx and protein kinase G

1. The exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor, SIN-1, decreased the postsynaptic response evoked by a presynaptic spike at an identified cholinergic neuro-neuronal synapse in the buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. 2. The statistical analysis of long duration postsynaptic responses evoked by square depolarizations of the voltage-clamped presynaptic neurone showed that the number of evoked acetylcholine (ACh) quanta released was decreased by SIN-1, pointing to a presynaptic action of the drug. 3. Vitamin E, a scavenger of free radicals, prevented the effects of SIN-1 on ACh release. SIN-1 still decreased ACh release in the presence of superoxide dismutase, whereas haemoglobin suppressed the effects of SIN-1. These results showed that NO is the active compound. 4. 8-Bromoguanosine 3', 5' cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) mimicked the inhibitory effect of NO on ACh release suggesting the involvement of a NO-sensitive guanylate cyclase. This was reinforced by the reversibility of the effects of SIN-1 by inhibitors of guanylate cyclase, Methylene Blue, cystamine or LY83583. Methylene Blue partially reduced the inhibitory effect of NO. In addition, in the presence of superoxide dismutase, Methylene Blue blocked and cystamine significantly reduced the NO-induced inhibition of ACh release. 5. In the presence of KT5823 or R-p-8-pCPT-cGMPS, two inhibitors of protein kinase G, the reduction of ACh release by SIN-1 still took place indicating that the effects of NO most probably did not involve protein kinase G-dependent phosphorylation. 6. Presynaptic voltage-dependent Ca2+ (L-, N- and P-types) and K+ (IA and late outward rectifier) currents were unmodified by SIN-1. 7. The modulation of ACh release in opposite ways by L-arginine and N omega-nitro-L-arginine points to the involvement of an endogenous NO synthase-dependent regulation of transmitter release.

Inhibition of ACh release at an Aplysia synapse by neurotoxic phospholipases A2: specific receptors and mechanisms of action

1. Monochain (OS2) and multichain (taipoxin) neurotoxic phospholipases A2 (PLA2), purified from taipan snake venom, both inhibited ACh release at a concentration of 20 nM (90% inhibition in 2 h) at an identified synapse from buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. 2. The Na+ current was unchanged upon application of either OS2 or taipoxin. Conversely, presynaptic K+ currents (IA and IK) were increased by taipoxin but not by OS2. In addition, OS2 induced a significant decrease of the presynaptic Ca2+ current (30%) while taipoxin increased this latter current by 20-30%. 3. Bee venom PLA2, another monochain neurotoxic PLA2, also inhibited ACh release while non-toxic enzymatically active PLA2s like OS1 (also purified from taipan snake venom) or porcine pancreatic PLA2 elicited a much weaker inhibition of ACh release, suggesting a specific action of neurotoxic PLA2s versus non-toxic PLA2s on ACh release. 4. Using iodinated OS2, specific high affinity binding sites with molecular masses of 140 and 18 kDa have been identified on Aplysia ganglia. The maximal binding capacities were 55 and 300-400 fmol (mg protein)-1 for membrane preparations from whole and buccal ganglia, respectively. These binding sites are of high affinity for neurotoxic PLA2s (Kd values, 100-800 pM) and of very low affinity for non-toxic PLA2s (Kd values in the micromolar range), thus indicating that these binding sites are presumably involved in the blockade of ACh release by neurotoxic PLA2s.

A syntaxin-related protein controls acetylcholine release by different mechanisms in Aplysia

Polyclonal antibodies raised against rat syntaxin-1B and an affinity-purified fraction have been used to study the functional role of this protein in transmitter release from Aplysia neurons. In a ganglionic protein extract, this fraction recognized a 37,000 molecular weight protein which therefore might be the Aplysia homologue of rat brain syntaxin-1B. Immunoglobulins were injected in the presynaptic cell of an identified cholinergic synapse of the buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. This treatment decreased the postsynaptic response due to a reduction of the number of quanta released in relation to a decline of presynaptic Ca2+ current. When antibodies were applied extracellularly, transmitter release also decreased. In contrast to intracellular injection, this reduction was not accompanied by a decrease of the Ca2+ current but by an increase of presynaptic outward current. When injected in the presynaptic neuron, syntaxin complementary RNA also depressed Ca2+ current and transmission. This work provides evidence that Aplysia neurons express a syntaxin-like protein which is involved in the control of the presynaptic Ca2+ influx triggering acetylcholine release from terminals. This protein appears to have an extracellular segment which might interact with outward current.

Presynaptic mechanisms regulating Ca2+ concentration triggering acetylcholine release at an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of Aplysia

We have used an identified cholinergic neuro-neuronal synapse in the buccal ganglion of Aplysia to determine which types of Ca2+ channels are involved in triggering transmitter release. omega-Conotoxin as well as funnel web spider toxin partially reduced acetylcholine release indicating that both N- and P-type Ca2+ channels are involved. Nifedipine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels are also present but they are not directly implicated in acetylcholine release. We have identified presynaptic receptors to two peptides. FMRFamide and buccalin and to the neurotransmitter histamine. FMRFamide facilitates acetylcholine release by increasing the presynaptic Ca2+ influx whereas buccalin and histamine have an opposite effect. These neuromodulators control only the influx of Ca2+ through N-type Ca2+ channels since their action on transmitter release can be prevented by omega-conotoxin but not by funnel web spider toxin. FMRFamide and histamine, respectively, increased and decreased Ca2+ influx by shifting in opposite ways the voltage sensitivity to activation of the channels. Buccalin reduced Ca2+ influx by decreasing the number of available channels. 2,5-Diterbutyl 1,4-benzohydroquinone, a blocker of the reticulum Ca2+ pump, increased evoked transmitter release by increasing the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ without affecting the presynaptic Ca2+ influx. It is suggested that a reticulum-like Ca2+ buffer, in close proximity to N- and P-type Ca2+ channels, controls the intracellular concentrations of Ca2+ actually triggering acetylcholine release.

N- and P-type Ca2+ channels are involved in acetylcholine release at a neuroneuronal synapse: only the N-type channel is the target of neuromodulators

Cholinergic transmission in an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of the Aplysia buccal ganglion was depressed by application of a partially purified extract of the funnel-web-spider venom (FTx) or of its synthetic analog (sFTx). This specific blocker of voltage-dependent P-type Ca2+ channels did not interfere with the effect of the N-type Ca2+ channel blocker omega-conotoxin, which could further decrease synaptic transmission after a previous application of FTx. Similar results were obtained when the reversal order of application of these two Ca2+ channel blockers was used. Both P- and N-type Ca2+ currents trigger acetylcholine release in the presynaptic neuron. The neuromodulatory effects of FMRF-amide, histamine, and buccalin on transmitter release disappeared after the blockade of the N-type Ca2+ channels but remained still effective in the presence of FTx. These results indicate that only N-type Ca2+ channels appear to be sensitive to the neuromodulators we have identified.

Presynaptic receptors for FMRFamide, histamine and buccalin regulate acetylcholine release at a neuro-neuronal synapse of Aplysia by modulating N-type Ca2+ channels

At an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of the buccal ganglion of Aplysia, quantal release of acetylcholine (ACh) is increased by FMRFamide and decreased by histamine or buccalin. Activation of presynaptic receptors for these neuromodulators modifies a presynaptic Ca2+ current which is nifedipine-resistant and omega-conotoxin-sensitive. The voltage-sensitivity of these N-type Ca2+ channels is increased by FMRFamide and decreased by histamine through the intermediate of G proteins. Buccalin does not implicate G proteins and reduces the Ca2+ current without affecting the voltage-sensitivity of N-type Ca2+ channels. The possibility of relating the shifts in voltage-dependence of the Ca2+ current induced by FMRFamide and histamine to the phosphorylation state of the N-type Ca2+ channels is discussed. A scheme for the complex regulation of ACh release by presynaptic auto- and heteroreceptors is proposed.

Transmitter release and calcium currents at an Aplysia buccal ganglion synapse--I. Characterization

The Ca2+ current recorded in the presynaptic neuron (B4/B5) of an identified Aplysia synapse was characterized in terms of its activation, voltage sensitivity, Ca2+ dependence of inactivation and pharmacology. It was compared to that recorded in left upper quadrant abdominal ganglion neurons which, unlike B4/B5, display Ca2+ action potentials. The two Ca2+ currents could not be distinguished in terms of their activation threshold or voltage sensitivity. The Ca2+ current recorded in left upper quadrant neurons, however, displayed more important Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation. The peak Ca2+ current in B4/B5 neurons was significantly reduced (30-40%) by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonist, nifedipine, while it was increased (15-20%) by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonist, BAY K8644, although none of these agents had any effect on transmitter release from B4/B5. omega-Conotoxin similarly reduced the Ca2+ current by 30-40%, but unlike nifedipine, it also caused a 50-60% reduction in B4/B5 transmitter release. The pharmacological properties of the Ca2+ current present in left upper quadrant neurons were somewhat different, as this current was unaffected by either BAY K8644 or omega-conotoxin and moderately suppressed (20%) by nifedipine.

Transmitter release and calcium currents at an Aplysia buccal ganglion synapse--II. Modulation by presynaptic receptors

Changes in evoked acetylcholine quantal release induced by histamine, FLRFamide and buccalin were investigated at an identified neuro-neuronal synapse in the buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. Regulation of acetylcholine release by these neuromodulators was correlated with their actions on the presynaptic Ca2+ current. We have previously reported that FLRFamide and histamine, respectively, increase and decrease acetylcholine release from buccal neurons B4/B5. Buccalin, a peptide specific to the buccal ganglion, lowered the number of acetylcholine quanta released. Consistent with the synaptic effects, the presynaptic nifedipine-resistant Ca2+ current that triggers the release of acetylcholine in B4/B5 neurons [Trudeau L.-E. et al. (1993) Neuroscience 53, 571-580] was lowered by buccalin or by histamine and enhanced by FLRFamide. The analysis of tail currents showed that histamine shifts the voltage dependence of the nifedipine-resistant Ca2+ channels towards more positive voltages, whereas FLRFamide has an opposite action. Buccalin did not affect the voltage dependence of the channels but depressed the amplitude of the Ca2+ current, an effect which could be due either to a reduction of the number of available Ca2+ channels, to a decrease of their unitary conductance or to a modification of their gating. Inactivation of presynaptic G proteins prevented the modulatory actions of FLRFamide and histamine on quantal acetylcholine release and also on the voltage dependence of the nifedipine-resistant Ca2+ channels. This procedure, however, failed to prevent the suppressive effects of buccalin. The possibility of relating the voltage dependence shifts of the Ca2+ current induced by FLRFamide and histamine to the phosphorylation state of the Ca2+ channels is discussed. It is concluded that three independent presynaptic pathways initiated by histamine, FLRFamide and buccalin control presynaptic Ca2+ influx, these modulations being apparent within the physiological range of voltages required to activate Ca2+ channels.

Pre- and postsynaptic actions of nifedipine at an identified cholinergic central synapse of Aplysia

The effects of the dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca2+ channel antagonist, nifedipine, were studied on the cholinergic synapse between the presynaptic neurones B4/B5 and the postsynaptic neurones B3/B6 located in the buccal ganglion of Aplysia californica. Nifedipine (10 microM) decreased the presynaptic Ca2+ current by 30%-40%. Blockade of DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channels, however, did not affect quantal transmitter release from the presynaptic neurones. Thus, at this synapse, DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channels appear not to be involved in acetylcholine (ACh) release. The postsynaptic response to an ionophoretic application of ACh was decreased by nifedipine, pointing to a blocking action of the drug on the postsynaptic receptor/channel complex. Nifedipine was also found to activate protein kinase C, which in turn induces an increase in the nifedipine-resistant presynaptic Ca2+ influx and in the number of released ACh quanta. These effects of nifedipine could be prevented by a previous application of 1,5-(isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine (H-7), a protein kinase blocker.

The wide range of actions of the FMRFamide-related peptides and the biological importance of peptidergic messengers

The importance of peptides as intercellular messengers is discussed. The view is put forward that peptides evolved early in evolution as chemical messengers and that they have come to exert a wide range of actions. Using as an example the FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) related peptide family of molluscs, the wide range of peptide actions on membrane currents is discussed and considered in relation to co-localization of peptides with low molecular weight (or "classical") intercellular messengers.

Role of different types of Ca2+ channels and a reticulum-like Ca2+ pump in neurotransmitter release

The factors controlling the Ca2+ concentration directly responsible for triggering acetylcholine (ACh) release were investigated at an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of the Aplysia buccal ganglion. The types of presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels associated with transmitter release were determined by using selective blockers such as nifedipine, omega-conotoxin and a partially purified extract from the venom of a funnel web spider (FTx). L-type, N-type and P-type Ca2+ channels are present in the presynaptic neuron. The influx of Ca2+ through both N- and P-types induces the release of ACh whereas Ca2+ flowing through L-type channels modulates the duration of the presynaptic action potential by controlling the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ current. tBuBHQ, a blocker of the reticulum Ca2+ pump, induces a potentiation of evoked release without modifying the presynaptic Ca2+ influx. This seems to indicate that a part of the Ca2+ entering the presynaptic terminal through N- and P-type Ca2+ channels is sequestered in a presynaptic reticulum-like Ca2+ buffer preventing these ions from contributing to ACh release. To exert its control, this Ca2+ buffer must be located close to both the presynaptic Ca2+ channels and the transmitter release mechanism.

Involvement of Ca2+ uptake by a reticulum-like store in the control of transmitter release

At an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of Aplysia, 2,5-diterbutyl 1,4-benzohydroquinone, a selective blocker of the reticulum Ca2+ pump, was found to potentiate evoked quantal release of acetylcholine through an increased accumulation of Ca2+ in the presynaptic neuron during depolarization without any accompanying changes in the presynaptic Ca2+ current. We conclude that a rapid Ca2+ buffering system, similar to that associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, must be present in the nerve terminal and play a role in the control of Ca2+ which reaches the release system.

Xanthine derivatives IBMX and S-9977-2 potentiate transmission at an Aplysia central cholinergic synapse

In an attempt to investigate the role of cAMP-dependent phosphorylations on synaptic transmission at an Aplysia cholinergic buccal ganglion synapse, the effects of xanthine derivatives such as 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), which is well known to inhibit phosphodiesterase activity thereby promoting cAMP accumulation, and a novel xanthine derivative, S-9977-2 were evaluated. They were found to potentiate cholinergic transmission by significantly increasing the time constant of decay (Tc) of inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). The postsynaptic origin of the phenomenon was supported by the observation that responses to the ionophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACh) were also potentiated in duration as well as in amplitude. No effects of S-9977-2 on the ACh-gated Cl- channel conductance or mean open time were observed. The finding that responses to the hydrolysis-resistant cholinergic analogue carbachol were unaffected by the two xanthines suggested that the observed effects were at least partly caused by an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. That these substances inhibit AChE activity was confirmed in vitro. Phosphorylation processes nonetheless appear to be partly involved in the synaptic effect of the xanthines as the kinase blocker H-8 blocked part of the IPSC Tc lengthening. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

[Release of acetylcholine and its regulation]

The mechanism of acetylcholine (ACh) release and its regulation is a widely studied subject still underdebated. Although the vesicular hypothesis for ACh release is at present largely accepted, alternative theories have been proposed. ACh release is triggered by calcium influx through specific presynaptic Ca2+ channels. The modulation of this calcium influx appears as the main mechanism through which ACh release is regulated. This can be achieved by direct modification of the presynaptic Ca2+ channel opening or indirectly by a change in the polarization level of the presynaptic membrane due to the opening or closing of other presynaptic channels (usually K+ channels). The increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration that triggers ACh release is also under the control of Ca2+ membrane exchanges and intracellular Ca2+ buffers. ACh synthesis that takes place in the cytoplasm of the terminal, can itself be modulated leading to changes in the quantity of ACh available for release. All these regulatory mechanisms can be initiated by the activation of presynaptic receptors to either ACh itself (autoreceptors) or to other transmitters (heteroreceptors). Most often, these presynaptic receptors seem to require the transducing role of G proteins and the involvement of various second messengers. Some illnesses concerning the cholinergic system can be related to a disfunction of one of these presynaptic regulatory mechanisms.

G proteins are involved in the regulation of transmitter release at an Aplysia cholinergic synapse

At an identified cholinergic synapse of the Aplysia buccal ganglion, presynaptic injections of guanosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (GTP-gamma-S) depressed the amplitude of evoked postsynaptic responses. This reduction of acetylcholine (ACh) release by GTP-gamma-S, prevented by pre-injection of guanosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (GDP-beta-S) in the presynaptic neuron, was due to a reduction of the number of ACh quanta released. The mean amplitude of the evoked miniature postsynaptic current (MPSC) was unchanged. The presynaptic Ca2+ influx was lowered.

Activation of protein kinase C by presynaptic FLRFamide receptors facilitates transmitter release at an aplysia cholinergic synapse

Modulation of evoked quantal transmitter release by protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated at an identified cholinergic neuro-neuronal synapse of the Aplysia buccal ganglion. Evoked acetylcholine release was increased by a diacylglycerol analog that activates PKC and was decreased by H-7, a blocker of PKC. FLRFamide facilitated evoked quantal release by increasing presynaptic Ca2+ influx. The inhibition of PKC by H-7 prevented both the increase of presynaptic Ca2+ influx and the facilitation of evoked acetylcholine release induced by the activation of presynaptic FLRFamide receptors. These results provide evidence that the activation of PKC could be a step in the intracellular pathway by which FLRFamide receptors increase evoked quantal acetylcholine release.