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The retinal pigmentation pathway in human albinism: Not so black and white. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101091. [PMID: 35729001 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Albinism is a pigment disorder affecting eye, skin and/or hair. Patients usually have decreased melanin in affected tissues and suffer from severe visual abnormalities, including foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting. Combining our data with those of the literature, we propose a single functional genetic retinal signalling pathway that includes all 22 currently known human albinism disease genes. We hypothesise that defects affecting the genesis or function of different intra-cellular organelles, including melanosomes, cause syndromic forms of albinism (Hermansky-Pudlak (HPS) and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)). We put forward that specific melanosome impairments cause different forms of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA1-8). Further, we incorporate GPR143 that has been implicated in ocular albinism (OA1), characterised by a phenotype limited to the eye. Finally, we include the SLC38A8-associated disorder FHONDA that causes an even more restricted "albinism-related" ocular phenotype with foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting but without pigmentation defects. We propose the following retinal pigmentation pathway, with increasingly specific genetic and cellular defects causing an increasingly specific ocular phenotype: (HPS1-11/CHS: syndromic forms of albinism)-(OCA1-8: OCA)-(GPR143: OA1)-(SLC38A8: FHONDA). Beyond disease genes involvement, we also evaluate a range of (candidate) regulatory and signalling mechanisms affecting the activity of the pathway in retinal development, retinal pigmentation and albinism. We further suggest that the proposed pigmentation pathway is also involved in other retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration. The hypotheses put forward in this report provide a framework for further systematic studies in albinism and melanin pigmentation disorders.
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Ugrumov MV, Pavlova EN, Kolacheva AA, Dil’mukhametova LK, Bogdanov VV, Blokhin V, Pronina TS. The Periventricular Nucleus as a Brain Center Containing Dopaminergic Neurons and Neurons Expressing Individual Enzymes of Dopamine Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126739. [PMID: 35743179 PMCID: PMC9224269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1980s, the concept of dopamine-rich brain centers as clusters of only dopaminergic neurons has been fundamentally revised. It has been shown that, in addition to dopaminergic neurons, most of these centers contain neurons expressing one of the enzymes of dopamine synthesis: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) or aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We have obtained convincing evidence that in rats, the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus (PeVN) is one of the largest dopamine-rich centers, containing dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons. Indeed, using double immunostaining for TH and AADC, the PeVN was shown to contain almost three thousand dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons. According to high-performance liquid chromatography, PeVN contains L-DOPA and dopamine, which, apparently, are synthesized in monoenzymatic TH neurons and bienzymatic neurons, respectively. According to confocal microscopy, neurons (cell bodies, fibers), which were immunopositive only to TH, only to AADC, or both, are in close topographic relationships with each other and with the 3rd ventricle. These data suggest the mutual regulation of the neurons, as well as the delivery of dopamine and L-DOPA to the third ventricle, which is confirmed by their detection in the cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, evidence has been obtained that PeVN is one of the largest dopamine-rich centers of the brain, containing dopaminergic and monoenzymatic neurons.
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Bueschbell B, Manga P, Schiedel AC. The Many Faces of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 143, an Atypical Intracellular Receptor. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:873777. [PMID: 35495622 PMCID: PMC9039016 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.873777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
GPCRs transform extracellular stimuli into a physiological response by activating an intracellular signaling cascade initiated via binding to G proteins. Orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) hold the potential to pave the way for development of new, innovative therapeutic strategies. In this review we will introduce G protein-coupled receptor 143 (GPR143), an enigmatic receptor in terms of classification within the GPCR superfamily and localization. GPR143 has not been assigned to any of the GPCR families due to the lack of common structural motifs. Hence we will describe the most important motifs of classes A and B and compare them to the protein sequence of GPR143. While a precise function for the receptor has yet to be determined, the protein is expressed abundantly in pigment producing cells. Many GPR143 mutations cause X-linked Ocular Albinism Type 1 (OA1, Nettleship-Falls OA), which results in hypopigmentation of the eyes and loss of visual acuity due to disrupted visual system development and function. In pigment cells of the skin, loss of functional GPR143 results in abnormally large melanosomes (organelles in which pigment is produced). Studies have shown that the receptor is localized internally, including at the melanosomal membrane, where it may function to regulate melanosome size and/or facilitate protein trafficking to the melanosome through the endolysosomal system. Numerous additional roles have been proposed for GPR143 in determining cancer predisposition, regulation of blood pressure, development of macular degeneration and signaling in the brain, which we will briefly describe as well as potential ligands that have been identified. Furthermore, GPR143 is a promiscuous receptor that has been shown to interact with multiple other melanosomal proteins and GPCRs, which strongly suggests that this orphan receptor is likely involved in many different physiological actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Bueschbell
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Prashiela Manga
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anke C. Schiedel,
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The effect and safety of levodopa alone versus levodopa sparing therapy for early Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurol 2021; 269:1834-1850. [PMID: 34652505 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The best choice between levodopa alone and levodopa sparing medications for early Parkinson's disease (PD) remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of levodopa alone and levodopa sparing therapy in symptom relief, neuroimage results and complications. METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials of early PD patients comparing levodopa-alone with levodopa-sparing therapy. The mean difference (MD) and the risk ratio (RR) were meta-analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-three articles with 4913 patients were included. Significantly greater benefit was detected for the levodopa group in the changes of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part II (p < 0.00001), III (p < 0.00001), and total (p < 0.00001) scores, and the between-group MD in part III score increased over time. The loss of the radioligands uptake in levodopa-alone group was also increasingly greater over time. Patients treated with levodopa alone were at higher risk for wearing-off (p < 0.001) and dyskinesia (p < 0.001), but the RR for dyskinesia between the two groups decreased after 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION Levodopa-alone therapy might be superior in motor symptom relief than levodopa-sparing therapy for early PD patients, and the motor advantage of levodopa-alone might grow over time. Sparing therapy might be associated with less risk of wearing-off and dyskinesia, but the events between the two groups might not be different in the long run. Overall, levodopa alone therapy might bring more net benefit to early PD patients compared with levodopa sparing strategies. The clinical and imaging findings are conflicting, which requires further investigation.
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Comparative Analysis of Derivatization Reagents for Catecholamines and Amino Acids. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11136217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We compared four derivatization reagents to analyze catecholamines and amino acids by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. 2,4,6-Trimethylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate (TMPy), 2,4-diphenyl-pyranylium tetrafluoroborate (DPP-TFB), 4-(anthracen-9-yl)-2-fluoro-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide (FMP-10), and triphenyl pyrilium (TPP) were used as derivatization reagents that can specifically modify primary amines or hydroxy groups in target molecules. Three derivatization reagents, not including TPP, reacted with all target molecules. The derived catecholamines dopamine and L-DOPA, and the amino acids GABA and glycine, were efficiently ionized in comparison with non-derivatized targets. Comparative analysis indicated that TMPy and FMP-10 produced general increases in signal-to-noise ratios (S/N), whereas DPP and TPP produced specific increases in the S/N of GABA and DA. Notably, TMPy is a small molecule that efficiently reacts with target molecules due to the absence of high bulk and steric hinderance.
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Genetic associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the l-DOPA receptor (GPR143) gene with severity of nicotine dependence in Japanese individuals, and attenuation of nicotine reinforcement in Gpr143 gene-deficient mice. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 144:89-93. [PMID: 32763057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) is a candidate neurotransmitter. l-DOPA is released by nicotine through nicotinic receptors. Recently, G-protein coupled receptor GPR143, was identified as a receptor for l-DOPA. In this study, genetic association studies between GPR143 genetic polymorphisms and smoking behaviors revealed that the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs6640499, in the GPR143 gene, was associated with traits of smoking behaviors in Japanese individuals. In Gpr143 gene-deficient mice, nicotine-induced hypolocomotion and rewarding effect were attenuated compared to those in wild-type mice. Our findings suggest the involvement of GPR143 in the smoking behaviors.
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Masukawa D, Yamada K, Goshima Y. Overexpression of the gene product of ocular albinism 1 (GPR143/OA1) but not its mutant forms inhibits neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2019; 141:41-48. [PMID: 31606330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurite outgrowth is a complex differentiation process regulated by external and/or internal mechanisms. Among external mechanisms, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been implicated in this process, but the pathways involved are not fully understood. L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) is considered to be inert by itself, and to relieve Parkinson's disease through its conversion to dopamine. We have proposed that l-DOPA acts as a neurotransmitter. GPR143, the gene product of ocular albinism 1 (OA1), was identified as a receptor for l-DOPA. OA1 is an X-linked disorder characterized by all typical visual anomalies associated with hypopigmentation and optic misrouting, resulting in severe reduction of visual acuity. However, the molecular basis for this phenotype remains unknown. To study the function of GPR143, we investigated the phenotypic effect of overexpression of GPR143 in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells treated with nerve growth factor. Overexpression of mouse GPR143 inhibited neurite outgrowth, and the effect was mitigated by l-DOPA cyclohexylester, an antagonist for l-DOPA. Furthermore, knockdown of G-protein Gα13 attenuated mouse GPR143 induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth. Human wild-type (wt) GPR143 also inhibited neurite outgrowth, but its mutants did not mimic the effect of wt GPR143. Our results provide a mechanism for axon guidance phenotype in ocular albinism 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Masukawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kaisei Yamada
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
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Goshima Y, Masukawa D, Kasahara Y, Hashimoto T, Aladeokin AC. l-DOPA and Its Receptor GPR143: Implications for Pathogenesis and Therapy in Parkinson's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1119. [PMID: 31632270 PMCID: PMC6785630 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) is the most effective therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease (PD). l-DOPA is traditionally believed to be an inert amino acid that exerts actions and effectiveness in PD through its conversion to dopamine. In contrast to this generally accepted idea, l-DOPA is proposed to be a neurotransmitter. Recently, GPR143 (OA1), the gene product of ocular albinism 1 was identified as a receptor candidate for l-DOPA. GPR143 is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system. GPR143 immunoreactivity was colocalized with phosphorylated α-synuclein in Lewy bodies in PD brains. GPR143 may contribute to the therapeutic effectiveness of l-DOPA and might be related to pathogenesis of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Daiki Masukawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuka Kasahara
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Aderemi Caleb Aladeokin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Goshima Y, Watanabe S, Seki E, Koga M, Masukawa D, Nakamura F, Komori T, Arai N. Immunoreactivity of a G protein-coupled l-DOPA receptor GPR143, in Lewy bodies. Neurosci Res 2018; 148:49-53. [PMID: 30590075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) has been believed to be an inert amino acid precursor of dopamine, and is the most effective therapeutic agent in Parkinson's disease (PD). We proposed l-DOPA as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Recently, the ocular albinism 1 gene product, OA1/GPR143 (GPR143), was identified as a receptor for l-DOPA. In this study, we examined by generating anti-human GPR143 antibody, the localization of GPR143-immunoreactive signals in the brains from control and PD subjects. GPR143-immunoreactive signals were detected throughout the entire midbrain including substantia nigra pars compacta. In the PD brains, we found that GPR143-immunoreactive signals were detected in Lewy bodies and were colocalized with immunoreactive signals with anti-human Ser129 phosphorylated α-synuclein antibody. Although the significance of its occurrence in the inclusion bodies is unknown, our finding suggests possible implications of GPR143 in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Shuya Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Erika Seki
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Motokazu Koga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan; Department of Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Daiki Masukawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
| | - Fumio Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.
| | - Takashi Komori
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo 183-0042, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Arai
- Laboratory of Neuropathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.
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Abstract
The trillions of synaptic connections within the human brain are shaped by experience and neuronal activity, both of which underlie synaptic plasticity and ultimately learning and memory. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play key roles in synaptic plasticity by strengthening or weakening synapses and/or shaping dendritic spines. While most studies of synaptic plasticity have focused on cell surface receptors and their downstream signaling partners, emerging data point to a critical new role for the very same receptors to signal from inside the cell. Intracellular receptors have been localized to the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosome, and mitochondria. From these intracellular positions, such receptors may couple to different signaling systems, display unique desensitization patterns, and/or show distinct patterns of subcellular distribution. Intracellular GPCRs can be activated at the cell surface, endocytosed, and transported to an intracellular site or simply activated in situ by de novo ligand synthesis, diffusion of permeable ligands, or active transport of non-permeable ligands. Current findings reinforce the notion that intracellular GPCRs play a dynamic role in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. As new intracellular GPCR roles are defined, the need to selectively tailor agonists and/or antagonists to both intracellular and cell surface receptors may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Jiin I. Jong
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Steven K. Harmon
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Karen L. O’Malley
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Jong YJI, Harmon SK, O'Malley KL. GPCR signalling from within the cell. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:4026-4035. [PMID: 28872669 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, signal transduction from GPCRs is thought to emanate from the cell surface where receptor interactions with external stimuli can be transformed into a broad range of cellular responses. However, emergent data show that numerous GPCRs are also associated with various intracellular membranes where they may couple to different signalling systems, display unique desensitization patterns and/or exhibit distinct patterns of subcellular distribution. Although many GPCRs can be activated at the cell surface and subsequently endocytosed and transported to a unique intracellular site, other intracellular GPCRs can be activated in situ either via de novo ligand synthesis, diffusion of permeable ligands or active transport of nonpermeable ligands. Current findings reinforce the notion that intracellular GPCRs play a dynamic role in various biological functions including learning and memory, contractility and angiogenesis. As new intracellular GPCR roles are defined, the need to selectively tailor agonists and/or antagonists to both intracellular and cell surface receptors may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic tools. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuh-Jiin I Jong
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steven K Harmon
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karen L O'Malley
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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L-DOPA inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius through release of dopamine. Neuroscience 2017; 360:18-27. [PMID: 28757247 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The mode of action of L-DOPA on excitatory synaptic transmission in second-order neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was studied using the rat brainstem slices. Superfusion of L-DOPA (10μM) reduced the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) without any effect on the amplitude. A low concentration (1μM) was ineffective on the mEPSCs, and the highest concentration (100μM) exerted a stronger inhibitory effect. L-DOPA (10μM) decreased the amplitude of EPSCs (eEPSCs) evoked by electrical stimulation of the tractus solitarius and increased the paired-pulse ratio. The inhibitory effects of L-DOPA on mEPSCs and eEPSCs were similar to those of dopamine (100μM). The effects of L-DOPA were blocked by a competitive antagonist, L-DOPA methyl ester (100μM) and also by a D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (10μM), while those of dopamine were blocked by the latter but not by the former. In reserpine (5mg/kg, s.c.)-treated rats, the effects of L-DOPA on both mEPSCs and eEPSCs were completely abolished, but those of dopamine remained unchanged. The present results suggest a possibility that L-DOPA may induce the release of dopamine from the axon terminals in the NTS and the released dopamine suppresses the glutamatergic transmission through activation of the presynaptic D2 receptors.
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