Morphogenic role for acetylcholinesterase in axonal outgrowth during neural development

Isometamidium chloride alters redox status, down-regulates p53 and PARP1 genes while modulating at proteomic level in Drosophila melanogaster

As trypanocide, several side effects have been reported in the use of Isometamidium chloride. This study was therefore, designed to evaluate its ability to induce oxidative stress and DNA damage using D. melanogaster as a model organism. The LC50 of the drug was determined by exposing the flies (1-3 days old of both genders) to six different concentrations (1 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg per 10 g of diet) of the drug for a period of seven days. The effect of the drug on survival (28 days), climbing behavior, redox status, oxidative DNA lesion, expression of p53 and PARP1 (Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase-1) genes after five days exposure of flies to 4.49 mg, 8.97 mg, 17.94 mg and 35.88 mg per 10 g diet was evaluated. The interaction of the drug in silico with p53 and PARP1 proteins was also evaluated. The result showed the LC50 of isometamidium chloride to be 35.88 mg per 10 g diet for seven days. Twenty-eight (28) days of exposure to isometamidium chloride showed a decreased percentage survival in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Isometamidium chloride significantly (p < 0.05) reduced climbing ability, total thiol level, Glutathione-S-transferase, and Catalase activity. The level of H2O2 was significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The result also showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the relative mRNA levels of p53 and PARP1 genes. The in silico molecular docking of isometamidium with p53 and PARP1 proteins showed high binding energy of -9.4 Kcal/mol and -9.2 Kcal/mol respectively. The results suggest that isometamidium chloride could be cytotoxic and a potential inhibitor of p53 and PARP1 proteins.

Succinimide Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors-In Silico and In Vitro Studies

We studied the effect of succinimide derivatives on acetylcholinesterase activity due to the interest in compounds that influence this enzyme's activity, which could help treat memory issues more effectively. The following parameters were established for this purpose based on kinetic investigations of the enzyme in the presence of succinimide derivatives: the half-maximal inhibitory concentration, the maximum rate, the inhibition constant, and the Michaelis-Menten constant. Furthermore, computational analyses were performed to determine the energy required for succinimide derivatives to dock with the enzyme's active site. The outcomes acquired in this manner demonstrated that all compounds inhibited acetylcholinesterase in a competitive manner. The values of the docking energy parameters corroborated the kinetic parameter values, which indicated discernible, albeit slight, variations in the inhibitory intensity among the various derivatives.

The human acetylcholinesterase C-terminal T30 peptide activates neuronal growth through alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the mTOR pathway

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a highly conserved enzyme responsible for the regulation of acetylcholine signaling within the brain and periphery. AChE has also been shown to participate in non-enzymatic activity and contribute to cellular development and aging. In particular, enzymatic cleavage of the synaptic AChE isoform, AChE-T, is shown to generate a bioactive T30 peptide that binds to the ⍺7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) at synapses. Here, we explore intracellular mechanisms of T30 signaling within the human cholinergic neural cell line SH-SY5Y using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Proteomic analysis of cells exposed to (100 nM) T30 for 3-days reveals significant changes within proteins important for cell growth. Specifically, bioinformatic analysis identifies proteins that converge onto the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway signaling. Functional experiments confirm that T30 regulates neural cell growth via mTOR signaling and ⍺7 nAChR activation. T30 was found promote mTORC1 pro-growth signaling through an increase in phosphorylated elF4E and S6K1, and a decrease in the autophagy LC3B-II protein. These findings are corroborated in hippocampal neurons and show that T30 promotes dendritic arborization. Taken together, our findings define mTOR as a novel pathway activated by T30 interaction with the nAChR and suggest a role for this process in human disease.

A combinatorial approach to screen structurally diverse acetylcholinesterase inhibitory plant secondary metabolites targeting Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a form of Dementia known to diminish the brain's function by perturbating its structural and functional components. Though cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used to treat AD, they are limited by numbers and side effects. Hence, present study aims to identify structurally diverse Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory plant secondary metabolites (PSM) by employing high throughput screening and computational studies. AChE inhibitory activity was performed using 390 crude extracts from 63 plant parts belongs to 58 plants. The lowest IC₅₀ value was recorded by acetone extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizome at 0.5 mg/ml, followed by methanol extract of Terminalia arjuna bark (0.95 mg/ml) and water extract Acacia catechu stem (0.95 mg/ml). A virtual library containing 487 PSM belongs to 18 plants found positive for AChE inhibition (IC₅₀≤5 mg/ml) was prepared. Through ADMET analysis, 78 PSM fulfilling selected drug-likeness parameters were selected for further analysis. Molecular docking studies of selected PSM against AChE recorded a wide range of binding energy from -3.40 to -10.90 Kcal/mol. Further molecular dynamics simulation studies also recorded stabilized interactions of AChE-ligand complexes in the term of RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and hydrogen bond interaction. MMPBSA analysis revealed the binding energy of selected PSM ranging from -123.757 to -261.697 kJ/mol. Our study demonstrated the potential of 12 PSM (Sugiol, Margolone, 7-Hydroxy-3',4'-(Methylenedioxy) flavan, Beta-cyprone, Ethenone, Isomargolonone, Serpentine, Cryptolepine, Rotundone, Strictamin, Rotundenol and Nootkatone) as AChE inhibitors. Further in vitro and in vivo experimental evaluations with pure PSM could be beneficial for therapeutic uses.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Role of Acetylcholinesterase in their Pathogenesis

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases by influencing the inflammatory response, apoptosis, oxidative stress and aggregation of pathological proteins. There is a search for new compounds that can prevent the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases and slow down their course. The aim of this review is to present the role of AChE in the pathomechanism of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, this review aims to reveal the benefits of using AChE inhibitors to treat these diseases. The selected new AChE inhibitors were also assessed in terms of their potential use in the described disease entities. Designing and searching for new drugs targeting AChE may in the future allow the discovery of therapies that will be effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase as biomarker of pesticide exposure: new and forgotten insights

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) acts on the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, rapidly removing this neurotransmitter at cholinergic synapses and neuromuscular junctions as well as in neuronal growth and differentiation, modulation of cell adhesion ("electrotactins") and aryl-acylamidase activity (AAA). This enzyme is also found in erythrocyte, as 160 kDa dimer that anchors to the plasma membrane via glycophosphatidylinositol. The function of this enzyme in erythrocytes has not yet been elucidated; however, it is suspected to participate in cell-to-cell interactions. Here, a review on erythrocyte AChE characteristics and use as biomarker for organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides is presented since it is the first specific target/barrier of the action of these pesticides, besides plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). However, some past and current methods have disadvantages: (a) not discriminating the activities of AChE and BChE; (b) low accuracy due to interference of hemoglobin in whole blood samples. On the other hand, extraction methods of hemoglobin-free erythrocyte AChE allows: (a) the freezing and transporting of samples; (b) samples free of colorimetric interference; (c) data from only erythrocyte AChE activity; (d) erythrocyte AChE specific activity presents higher correlation with the central nervous system AChE than other peripheral ChEs; (e) slow spontaneous regeneration against anti-ChEs agents of AChE in comparison to BChE, thus increasing the chances of detecting such compounds following longer interval after exposure. As monitoring perspectives, hemoglobin-free methodologies may be promising alternatives to assess the degree of exposure since they are not influenced by this interfering agent.

Developmental social communication deficits in the Shank3 rat model of phelan-mcdermid syndrome and autism spectrum disorder

Mutations in the SHANK3 gene have been discovered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the intellectual disability, Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. This study leveraged a new rat model of Shank3 deficiency to assess complex behavioral phenomena, unique to rats, which display a richer social behavior repertoire than mice. Uniquely detectable emissions of ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in rats serve as situation-dependent affective signals and accomplish important communicative functions. We report, for the first time, a call and response acoustic playback assay of bidirectional social communication in juvenile Shank3 rats. Interestingly, we found that Shank3-deficient null males did not demonstrate the enhanced social approach behavior typically exhibited following playback of pro-social USV. Concomitantly, we discovered that emission of USV in response to playback was not genotype-dependent and emitted response calls were divergent in meaning. This is the first report of these socially relevant responses using a genetic model of ASD. A comprehensive and empirical analysis of vigorous play during juvenile reciprocal social interactions further revealed fewer bouts and reduced durations of time spent playing by multiple key parameters, including reduced anogenital sniffing and allogrooming. We further discovered that male null Shank3-deficient pups emitted fewer isolation-induced USV than Shank3 wildtype controls. Postnatal whole brain anatomical phenotyping was applied to visualize anatomical substrates that underlie developmental phenotypes. The data presented here lend support for the important role of Shank3 in social communication, the core symptom domain of ASD. By increasing the number of in vivo functional outcome measures, we improved the likelihood for identifying and moving forward with medical interventions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 587-601. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

LAY SUMMARY

Clinically relevant outcomes are required to demonstrate the utility of therapeutics. We introduce findings in a rat model, and assess the impact of mutations in Shank3, an autism risk gene. We found that males with deficient expression of Shank3 did not demonstrate typical responses in a bi-directional social communication test and that social interaction was lower on key parameters. Outcome measures reported herein extend earlier results in mice and capture responses to acoustic calls, which is analogous to measuring receptive and expressive communication.

Effects of Chlorpyrifos or Methyl Parathion on Regional Cholinesterase Activity and Muscarinic Receptor Subtype Binding in Juvenile Rat Brain

The effects of developmental exposure to two organophosphorus (OP) insecticides, chlorpyrifos (CPF) and methyl parathion (MPS), on cholinesterase (ChE) activity and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) binding were investigated in preweanling rat brain. Animals were orally gavaged daily with low, medium, and high dosages of the insecticides using an incremental dosing regimen from postnatal day 1 (PND1) to PND20. On PND12, PND17 and PND20, the cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, hippocampus, and medulla-pons were collected for determination of ChE activity, total mAChR density, and the density of the individual mAChR subtypes. ChE activity was inhibited by the medium and high dosages of CPF and MPS at equal levels in all four brain regions at all three ages examined. Exposure to both compounds decreased the levels of the M1, M2/M4, and M3 subtypes and the total mAChR level in all brain regions, but the effects varied by dosage group and brain region. On PND12, only the high dosages induced receptor changes while on PND17 and PND20, greater effects became evident. In general, the effects on the M1 subtype and total receptor levels appeared to be greater in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus than in the corpus striatum and medulla-pons. This did not appear to be the case for the M2/M4 and M3 subtypes effects. The differences between CPF and MPS were minimal even though in some cases, CPF exerted statistically greater effects than MPS did. In general, repeated exposure to organophosphorus insecticides can alter the levels of the various mAChR subtypes in various brain regions which could induce perturbation in cholinergic neurochemistry during the maturation of the brain regions.

Characterization of catalytic efficiency parameters of brain cholinesterases in tropical fish

Brain cholinesterases from four fish (Arapaima gigas, Colossoma macropomum, Rachycentron canadum and Oreochromis niloticus) were characterized using specific substrates and selective inhibitors. Parameters of catalytic efficiency such as activation energy (AE), k(cat) and k(cat)/k(m) as well as rate enhancements produced by these enzymes were estimated by a method using crude extracts described here. Despite the BChE-like activity, specific substrate kinetic analysis pointed to the existence of only acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain of the species studied. Selective inhibition suggests that C. macropomum brain AChE presents atypical activity regarding its behavior in the presence of selective inhibitors. AE data showed that the enzymes increased the rate of reactions up to 10(12) in relation to the uncatalyzed reactions. Zymograms showed the presence of AChE isoforms with molecular weights ranging from 202 to 299 kDa. Values of k(cat) and k(cat)/k(m) were similar to those found in the literature.

Astrocytes protect against diazinon- and diazoxon-induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth by regulating neuronal glutathione

Evidence demonstrating that human exposure to various organophosphorus insecticides (OPs) is associated with neurobehavioral deficits in children continues to emerge. The present study focused on diazinon (DZ) and its active oxygen metabolite, diazoxon (DZO), and explored their ability to impair neurite outgrowth in rat primary hippocampal neurons as a mechanism of developmental neurotoxicity. Both DZ and DZO (0.5-10 μM) significantly inhibited neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons, at concentrations devoid of any cyototoxicity. These effects appeared to be mediated by oxidative stress, as they were prevented by antioxidants (melatonin, N-t-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, and glutathione ethyl ester). Inhibition of neurite outgrowth was observed at concentrations below those required to inhibit the catalytic activity of acetylcholinesterase. The presence of astrocytes in the culture was able to provide protection against inhibition of neurite outgrowth by DZ and DZO. Astrocytes increased neuronal glutathione (GSH) in neurons, to levels comparable to those of GSH ethyl ester. Astrocytes depleted of GSH by L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine no longer conferred protection against DZ- and DZO-induced inhibition of neurite outgrowth. The findings indicate that DZ and DZO inhibit neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons by mechanisms involving oxidative stress, and that these effects can be modulated by astrocytes and astrocyte-derived GSH. Oxidative stress from other chemical exposures, as well as genetic abnormalities that result in deficiencies in GSH synthesis and regulation, may render individuals more susceptible to these developmental neurotoxic effects of OPs.

Differentiated NSC-34 motoneuron-like cells as experimental model for cholinergic neurodegeneration

Alpha-motoneurons appear to be exceedingly affected in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Morphological and physiological degeneration of this neuronal phenotype is typically characterized by a marked decrease of neuronal markers and by alterations of cholinergic metabolism such as reduced choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression. The motoneuron-like cell line NSC-34 is a hybrid cell line produced by fusion of neuroblastoma with mouse motoneuron-enriched primary spinal cord cells. In order to further establish this cell line as a valid model system to investigate cholinergic neurodegeneration, NSC-34 cells were differentiated by serum deprivation and additional treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (atRA). Cell maturation was characterized by neurite outgrowth and increased expression of neuronal and cholinergic markers, including MAP2, GAP-43 and ChAT. Subsequently, we used differentiated NSC-34 cells to study early degenerative responses following exposure to various neurotoxins (H2O2, TNF-α, and glutamate). Susceptibility to toxin-induced cell death was determined by means of morphological changes, expression of neuronal marker proteins, and the ratio of pro-(Bax) to anti-(Bcl-2) apoptotic proteins. NSC-34 cells respond to low doses of neurotoxins with increased cell death of remaining undifferentiated cells with no obvious adverse effects on differentiated cells. Thus, the different vulnerability of differentiated and undifferentiated NSC-34 cells to neurotoxins is a key characteristic of NSC-34 cells and has to be considered in neurotoxic studies. Nonetheless, application of atRA induced differentiation of NSC-34 cells and provides a suitable model to investigate molecular events linked to neurodegeneration of differentiated neurons.

Chlorpyrifos-oxon disrupts zebrafish axonal growth and motor behavior

Axonal morphology is a critical determinant of neuronal connectivity, and perturbation of the rate or extent of axonal growth during development has been linked to neurobehavioral deficits in animal models and humans. We previously demonstrated that the organophosphorus pesticide (OP) chlorpyrifos (CPF) inhibits axonal growth in cultured neurons. In this study, we used a zebrafish model to determine whether CPF, its oxon metabolite (CPFO), or the excreted metabolite trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) alter spatiotemporal patterns of axonal growth in vivo. Static waterborne exposure to CPFO, but not CPF or TCPy, at concentrations ≥ 0.03 μM from 24- to 72-h post fertilization significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase, and high-performance liquid chromatography detected significantly more TCPy in zebrafish exposed to 0.1 μM CPFO versus 1.0 μM CPF. These data suggest that zebrafish lack the metabolic enzymes to activate CPF during these early developmental stages. Consistent with this, CPFO, but not CPF, significantly inhibited axonal growth of sensory neurons, primary motoneurons, and secondary motoneurons at concentrations ≥ 0.1 μM. Secondary motoneurons were the most sensitive to axonal growth inhibition by CPFO, which was observed at concentrations that did not cause mortality, gross developmental defects, or aberrant somatic muscle differentiation. CPFO effects on axonal growth correlated with adverse effects on touch-induced swimming behavior, suggesting the functional relevance of these structural changes. These data suggest that altered patterns of neuronal connectivity contribute to the developmental neurotoxicity of CPF and demonstrate the relevance of zebrafish as a model for studying OP developmental neurotoxicity.

Changes of learning and memory ability and brain nicotinic receptors of rat offspring with coal burning fluorosis

The purpose of the investigation is to reveal the mechanism of the decreased ability of learning and memory induced by coal burning fluorosis. Ten offspring SD rats aged 30days, who were born from the mothers with chronic coal burning fluorosis, and ten offspring with same age from the normal mothers as controls were selected. Spatial learning and memory of the rats were evaluated by Morris Water Maze test. Cholinesterase activity was detected by photometric method. The expressions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) at protein and mRNA levels were detected by Western blotting and Real-time PCR, respectively. The results showed that in the rat offspring exposed to higher fluoride as compared to controls, the learning and memory ability declined; the cholinesterase activities in the brains were inhibited; the protein levels of alpha3, alpha4 and alpha7 nAChR subunits were decreased which showed certain significant correlations with the declined learning and memory ability; and the mRNA levels of alpha3 and alpha4 nAChRs were decreased, whereas the alpha7 mRNA increased. The data indicated that coal burning fluorosis can induce the decreased ability of learning and memory of rat offspring, in which the mechanism might be connected to the changed nAChRs and cholinesterase.

Developmental chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion exposure alters radial-arm maze performance in juvenile and adult rats

Although the use of organophosphate (OP) insecticides has been restricted, sufficient exposure can occur to induce detrimental neurobehavioral effects. In this study, we measured physical and reflex development and spatial learning and memory in rats repeatedly exposed to incremental doses of chlorpyrifos (CPS) and methyl parathion (MPS) from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND21. Other than decreased body weight in the higher dosage groups, no effects on physical or reflex development were observed. Significant hippocampal cholinesterase inhibition was induced in all treatment groups for up to 19 days following exposure. Beginning on PND36, working and reference memory was tested using a 12-arm radial maze, with subject animals trained and tested 4 days a week for 4 weeks. In males, working memory was decreased with the medium and high dosage of MPS but only the high dosage of CPS; while in females, no deficits were observed. For reference memory, errors were significantly increased in males exposed to the high dosage of CPS and all dosages of MPS. In females, enhanced performance was observed within the medium and high dosages of CPS but not with MPS. These data show that repeated developmental exposure to OP insecticides can induce sex-selective alterations and long-lasting changes in spatial learning and memory formation when measured using a radial arm maze and that MPS and CPS induce different neurobehavioral outcomes.

Chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-oxon inhibit axonal growth by interfering with the morphogenic activity of acetylcholinesterase

A primary role of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is regulation of cholinergic neurotransmission by hydrolysis of synaptic acetylcholine. In the developing nervous system, however, AChE also functions as a morphogenic factor to promote axonal growth. This raises the question of whether organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) that are known to selectively bind to and inactivate the enzymatic function of AChE also interfere with its morphogenic function to perturb axonogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we exposed primary cultures of sensory neurons derived from embryonic rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) to chlorpyrifos (CPF) or its oxon metabolite (CPFO). Both OPs significantly decreased axonal length at concentrations that had no effect on cell viability, protein synthesis or the enzymatic activity of AChE. Comparative analyses of the effects of CPF and CPFO on axonal growth in DRG neurons cultured from AChE nullizygous (AChE -/-) versus wild type (AChE +/+) mice indicated that while these OPs inhibited axonal growth in AChE+/+ DRG neurons, they had no effect on axonal growth in AChE -/- DRG neurons. However, transfection of AChE -/- DRG neurons with cDNA encoding full-length AChE restored the wild type response to the axon inhibitory effects of OPs. These data indicate that inhibition of axonal growth by OPs requires AChE, but the mechanism involves inhibition of the morphogenic rather than enzymatic activity of AChE. These findings suggest a novel mechanism for explaining not only the functional deficits observed in children and animals following developmental exposure to OPs, but also the increased vulnerability of the developing nervous system to OPs.

In utero methanesulfonyl fluoride differentially affects learning and maze performance in the absence of long-lasting cholinergic changes in the adult rat

There is increasing evidence that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) may have various specific developmental roles in brain development. Nevertheless, specific effects of AChE inhibition during early brain development have not been adequately described. Therefore, methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF), an irreversible AChE inhibitor that shows high selectivity for the CNS was used to produce AChE inhibition in utero to study subsequent adult behaviors, sleep, and cholinergic markers. Rats exposed to MSF in utero showed a deficit in spatial learning tasks using appetitive motivation but, surprisingly, they performed equally well or better than controls when aversive motivation was used. One hypothesis was that MSF treatment in utero affected the response to stress. Tests of anxiety however showed no differences in basal levels of anxiety. Studies of sleep behavior, however, indicated a higher level of REM sleep which is only seen during the light phase of male rats exposed to MSF in utero as compared to controls. No differences in cholinergic markers in the brains of adults were found except that females exposed to MSF in utero had a higher level of ChAT activity in the synaptosomal fraction of the hippocampus. Even so, whether cholinergic alterations accompany the in utero MSF exposure remains to be determined. The failure to find widespread changes in cholinergic markers in the adult brains suggests changes in behaviors should be further investigated by testing the participation of postsynaptic mechanisms, measuring of cholinergic markers during earlier development periods and the possible participation of other neurotransmitter systems to clearly reveal the role of the cholinergic system following in utero MSF exposure.

Microtubule-associated targets in chlorpyrifos oxon hippocampal neurotoxicity

Prolonged exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides may produce cognitive deficits reflective of hippocampal injury in both humans and rodents. Recent work has indicated that microtubule trafficking is also adversely affected by exposure to the OP pesticide chlorpyrifos, suggesting a novel mode of OP-induced neurotoxicity. The present studies examined effects of prolonged exposure to chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, immunoreactivity (IR) of microtubule-associated proteins, neuronal injury, and tubulin polymerization using in vitro organotypic slice cultures of rat hippocampus and bovine tubulin. Cultures were exposed to CPO (0.1-10 microM) in cell culture medium for 1-7 days, a regimen producing progressive reductions in AChE activity of 15-60%. Cytotoxicity (somatic uptake of the non-vital marker propidium iodide), as well as IR of alpha-tubulin and microtubule-associated protein-2 (a/b) [MAP-2], was assessed 1, 3, and 7 days after the start of CPO exposure. As early as 24 h after the start of exposure, CPO-induced deficits in MAP-2 IR were evident and progressive in each region of slice cultures at concentrations as low as 0.1 microM. CPO exposure did not alter alpha-tubulin IR at any time point. Concentration-dependent injury in the cornu ammonis (CA)1 pyramidal cell layer and to a lesser extent, CA3 and dentate cells, was evident 3 days after the start of CPO exposure (>or=0.1 microM) and was greatest after 7 days. Tubulin polymerization assays indicated that CPO (>or=0.1 microM) markedly inhibited the polymerization of purified tubulin and MAP-rich tubulin, though effects on MAP-rich tubulin were more pronounced. These data suggest that exposure to CPO produces a progressive decrease in neuronal viability that may be associated with impaired microtubule synthesis and/or function.

Concentration-Dependent Kinetics of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition by the Organophosphate Paraoxon

For decades the interaction of the anticholinesterase organophosphorus compounds with acetylcholinesterase has been characterized as a straightforward phosphylation of the active site serine (Ser-203) which can be described kinetically by the inhibitory rate constant k(i). However, more recently certain kinetic complexities in the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by organophosphates such as paraoxon (O,O-diethyl O-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate) and chlorpyrifos oxon (O,O-diethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphate) have raised questions regarding the adequacy of the kinetic scheme on which k(i) is based. The present article documents conditions in which the inhibitory capacity of paraoxon towards human recombinant acetylcholinesterase appears to change as a function of oxon concentration (as evidenced by a changing k(i)), with the inhibitory capacity of individual oxon molecules increasing at lower oxon concentrations. Optimization of a computer model based on an Ordered Uni Bi kinetic mechanism for phosphylation of acetylcholinesterse determined k(1) to be 0.5 nM(-1)h(-1), and k(-1) to be 169.5 h(-1). These values were used in a comparison of the Ordered Uni Bi model versus a k(i) model in order to assess the capacity of k(i) to describe accurately the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by paraoxon. Interestingly, the k(i) model was accurate only at equilibrium (or near equilibrium), and when the inhibitor concentration was well below its K(d) (pseudo first order conditions). Comparisons of the Ordered Uni Bi and k(i) models demonstrate the changing k(i) as a function of inhibitor concentrations is not an artifact resulting from inappropriate inhibitor concentrations.

Exposure to Diazinon Alters In Vitro Retinogenesis: Retinospheroid Morphology, Development of Chicken Retinal Cell Types, and Gene Expression

Developing embryos are more vulnerable than adults to acute cholinergic intoxication by anticholinesterases, including organophosphorus pesticides. These agents affect the process of neural development itself, leading to permanent deficits in the architecture of the nervous system. Recent evidence on direct roles of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on neuronal differentiation provides additional grounds for investigating the developmental toxicity of anticholinesterases. Therefore, the effect of the organophosphate diazinon on the development of chick retinal differentiation was studied by an in vitro reaggregate approach. Reaggregated spheres from dissociated retinal cells of the E6 chick embryo were produced in rotation culture. During the whole culture period of 10 days, experimental cultures were supplemented with different concentrations of the pesticide, from 20 to 120 microM diazinon. The pesticide-treated spheres were reduced in size, and their outer surface was irregular. More importantly, inner structural distortions could be easily traced because the structure of control spheroids can be well characterized by a histotypical arrangement of laminar parts homologous to the normal retina. Acetylcholinesterase activity in diazinon-treated spheres was reduced when compared with controls. As a dramatic effect of exposure to the pesticide, inner plexiform layer (IPL)-like areas in spheroids were not distinguishable anymore. Similarly, photoreceptor rosettes and Müller radial glia were strongly decreased, whereas apoptosis was stimulated. The expression of transcripts for choline-acetyltransferase and muscarinic receptors was affected, revealing an effect of diazinon on the cholinergic system. This further proves the significance of cholinesterases and the cholinergic system for proper nervous system development and shows that further studies of debilitating diazinon actions on development are necessary.

The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor BW284c51 is a potent blocker of Torpedo nicotinic AchRs incorporated into the Xenopus oocyte membrane

This work was aimed to determine if 1,5-bis(4-allyldimethylammoniumphenyl)pentan-3-one dibromide (BW284c51), the most selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AchEI), affects the nicotinic acetylcholine (Ach) receptor (AchR) function. Purified Torpedo nicotinic AchRs were injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes and BW284c51 effects on Ach- and carbamylcholine (Cch)-elicited currents were assessed using the voltage-clamp technique.BW284c51 (up to 1 mM) did not evoke any change in the oocyte membrane conductance. When BW284c51 (10 pM-100 microM) and Ach were co-applied, Ach-evoked currents (I(Ach)) were reversibly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner (Hill coefficient, 1; IC(50), 0.2-0.5 muM for 0.1-1000 microM Ach). Cch-elicited currents showed a similar inhibition by BW284c51.I(Ach) blockade by BW284c51 showed a strong voltage dependence, being only apparent at hyperpolarising potentials. BW284c51 also enhanced I(Ach) desensitisation.BW284c51 changed the Ach concentration-dependence curve of Torpedo AchR response from two-site to single-site kinetics, without noticeably affecting the EC(50) value. The BW284c51 blocking effect was highly selective for nicotinic over muscarinic receptors. BW284c51 inhibition potency was stronger than that of tacrine, and similar to that of d-tubocurarine (d-TC). Coapplication of BW284c51 with either tacrine or d-TC revealed synergistic inhibitory effects. Our results indicate that BW284c51 antagonises nicotinic AchRs in a noncompetitive way by blocking the receptor channel, and possibly by other, yet unknown, mechanisms. Therefore, besides acting as a selective AchEI, BW284c51 constitutes a powerful and reversible blocker of nicotinic AchRs that might be used as a valuable tool for understanding their function.

Can cholinesterase inhibitors affect neural development?

Accumulating evidence supports the view that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) can influence the proliferation and differentiation of nerve cells. AChE in particular has been found to promote neurite outgrowth in a variety of model systems, possibly by serving as an adhesion molecule. Thus one might suspect that cholinesterase inhibitors would disturb neuronal development, with long-term implications for structure and function in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The actual picture is more complex because AChE's effects on neurite outgrowth may reflect protein-protein interactions that are not directly related to catalytic function but are nonetheless influenced by ligands with special structural features. The putative structural interactions have not yet been rigorously defined, but they are likely to involve enzyme regions at or near the peripheral anionic site. In addition to such effects, some organophosphorus anticholinesterases have been reported to act by still other mechanisms to depress macromolecule synthesis and cell survival in the developing brain. Taken together, this emerging information highlights the potential importance of anticholinesterase agents in developmental neurotoxicology.

Pharmacology and toxicology of cholinesterase inhibitors: uses and misuses of a common mechanism of action

Cholinesterase inhibitors have been used in the treatment of human diseases, the control of insect pests, and more notoriously as chemical warfare agents and weapons of terrorism. Most uses of cholinesterase inhibitors are based on a common mechanism of action initiated by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Extensive inhibition of this enzyme leads to accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and enhanced stimulation of postsynaptic cholinergic receptors. This action is beneficial in cases where a reduction in cholinergic transmission contributes to clinical symptoms, e.g., low muscle tone in the autoimmune disorder myasthenia gravis due to loss of nicotinic receptors. Under normal conditions, however, extensive inhibition of AChE leads to excess synaptic acetylcholine levels, over-stimulation of cholinergic receptors, alteration of postsynaptic cell function and consequent signs of cholinergic toxicity. This biochemical cascade forms the basis for the use of anticholinesterase insecticides in pest control as well as for nerve agents in chemical warfare. Paradoxically, the short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine, an important therapeutic agent in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, was used during the Persian Gulf War to prevent the long-term clinical consequences of possible organophosphate nerve agent exposure. As shown in the attacks in Matsumoto and Tokyo, these same nerve agents can be effectively used to inflict urban terror. Cholinesterase inhibitors thus share a common mechanism of pharmacological or toxicological action, ultimately modifying cholinergic signaling through disruption of acetylcholine degradation. While the use of cholinesterase inhibitors relies on their interaction with AChE, a variety of reports indicate that a number of cholinesterase inhibitors have additional sites of action that may have pharmacologic or toxicologic relevance. A variety of esterase and non-esterase enzymes, neurotransmitter receptors and elements of cell signaling pathways are targeted by some anticholinesterases. In some cases, these actions may occur at concentrations/dosages below those affecting cholinergic transmission. Studies of interactive toxicity of binary mixtures of common organophosphorus insecticides indicate that non-cholinesterase targets may be important in cumulative toxicity. Exposure to multiple anticholinesterases having selective effects on other macromolecules could confound the assumption of additivity in cumulative risk assessment. Knowledge of such selective additional targets may aid, however, in the optimization of strategies for poisoning therapy and in the further elucidation of mechanisms of toxicity for this class of compounds.

Prenatal exposure to dichlorvos: physical and behavioral effects on rat offspring

The effects of prenatal exposure to dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate (OP) pesticide, on pups' physical and neurobehavioral developments were investigated. Forty pregnant rats were treated by gavage with 8.0 mg/kg DDVP or its vehicle (1 ml/kg) from the 6th to the 15th day of pregnancy. At birth, pups were weighed, the litters culled to eight animals (four male and four female), and then observed for physical (pinna detachment, incisor eruption, eye opening, testes descent, and vaginal opening) and neurobehavioral developments (palmar grasp, surface righting, negative geotaxis, and open-field behaviors). As adults, open-field, apomorphine-induced stereotypy, and passive avoidance behaviors were also assessed. Results showed no differences between the body weight of DDVP and control-treated groups. No differences were observed on the measures of physical and neurobehavioral development. Locomotor activity of male pups at 21 days of age was decreased by DDVP exposure. Adult experimental offspring showed a decreased locomotor frequency and an increased immobility duration on open-field behavior in relation to control animals; the apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior was decreased by the pesticide exposure as well as performance on the passive avoidance task. These data suggest that prenatal DDVP exposure was able to decrease offspring motor function (adolescence and adults) and conditioned response learning, probably by interference with the cholinergic-dopaminergic balance of activity involved with the control of motor function as well as the cholinergic system that modulates learning process.

Bioactivity of a peptide derived from acetylcholinesterase: involvement of an ivermectin-sensitive site on the alpha 7 nicotinic receptor

A peptide fragment of 14 amino acids, derived from the C-terminus of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), might underlie the now well-established noncholinergic effects of the enzyme. This peptide is bioactive in a variety of systems including acute (brain slices) and chronic (organotypic culture) preparations of hippocampus, a pivotal area in Alzheimer's disease (AD); invariably, the action of the peptide is mediated specifically via an as yet unknown receptor. In this study, the allosteric alpha 7 agent, ivermectin (IVM), had a modest inhibitory effect, whilst that of the peptide was significantly more marked. However, ivermectin rendered ineffective the toxicity of high doses of the peptide, that is, when the two were co-applied, only the smaller effects of ivermectin were seen. Ivermectin, therefore, is presumably acting at a site that is identical to, or at least strongly interactive with, the normal binding site for AChE-peptide. This observation could have important implications for eventual therapeutic targeting of the action of AChE-peptide, in neurodegeneration.

Identification of a structural site on acetylcholinesterase that promotes neurite outgrowth and binds laminin-1 and collagen IV

The cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth-promoting function of acetylcholinesterase has been localised to the area of the peripheral anionic site. In order to precisely determine the site involved, we used synthetic peptides representing sequences of the peripheral anionic site and its surrounds, and investigated their binding to a panel of monoclonal antibodies that inhibit cell adhesion/neurite outgrowth and/or to recognise the peripheral anionic site. Binding to laminin-1 and collagen IV was also investigated. A relationship between recognition of the sequence 37-50, representing a surface loop adjacent to the peripheral anionic site, and the degree of inhibition of cell adhesion was observed; both laminin-1 and collagen IV also bound this loop with high affinity. Neurite outgrowth on coverslips coated with this peptide was similar to those coated with acetylcholinesterase itself. Adhesion-inhibiting antibodies also recognised the omega loop 69-96, as did laminin-1 and collagen IV. Laminin also bound the sequences 55-66 and 340-353, recognised by the antibodies to varying degrees, but collagen did not. All these peptides were able to promote neurite outgrowth to some degree. No binding to the amyloid-binding omega loop 275-304 by the ligands was observed, nor did the antibodies recognise this consistently. No relationship was observed between the degree of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and inhibition of neurite outgrowth by the antibodies from which we conclude that the neurite outgrowth function is non-cholinergic. In conclusion, we have identified a specific conformational structure on acetylcholinesterase, comprising adjacent surface loops between residues 37-50 and 69-96, with additional involvement of the sequences 55-66 and 340-353, that mediates cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth.

Postnatal development of the basolateral complex of rabbit amygdala: a stereological and histochemical study

The aim of the study was to estimate developmental changes in the rabbit basolateral complex (BLC) by stereological and histochemical methods. Material consisted of 45 brains of New Zealand rabbits (aged from 2 to 180 days, P2 to P180) of both sexes, divided into nine groups. The following parameters were estimated: volume of the cerebral hemisphere; volume of the whole BLC and of particular BLC nuclei; neuronal density and total number of neurons in these nuclei. Developmental changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the BLC were also examined. The volume of the cerebral hemisphere increased until P30, whereas volumes of nuclei increased for longer--until P90. The density of neurons in all nuclei studied reached the level characteristic for an adult animal at about P30. The total number of neurons in the dorsolateral division of the lateral nucleus (Ldl) stabilized the earliest--between P30 and P60, whereas in the ventromedial division of the lateral nucleus (Lvm), basomedial (BM) and basolateral (BL) nuclei the number stabilized later--between P60 and P90. AChE activity appears minimal in the BLC on P2, reaches a maximum on P30 and then decreases to the level characteristic of an adult animal on P60. AChE activity was greater in BL than in other nuclei in all age groups. Reaching adult AChE activity 1 month earlier than the total number of neurons in the BLC may indicate a role of the cholinergic system in BLC maturation.

The type B brevetoxin (PbTx-3) adversely affects development, cardiovascular function, and survival in Medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos

Brevetoxins are produced by the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. The toxins are lipophilic polyether toxins that elicit a myriad of effects depending on the route of exposure and the target organism. Brevetoxins are therefore broadly toxic to marine and estuarine animals. By mimicking the maternal route of exposure to the oocytes in finfish, we characterized the adverse effects of the type B brevetoxin brevetoxin-3 (PbTx-3) on embryonic fish development and survival. The Japanese rice fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes), was used as the experimental model in which individual eggs were exposed via microinjection to various known concentrations of PbTx-3 dissolved in an oil vehicle. Embryos injected with doses exceeding 1.0 ng/egg displayed tachycardia, hyperkinetic twitches in the form of sustained convulsions, spinal curvature, clumping of the erythrocytes, and decreased hatching success. Furthermore, fish dosed with toxin were often unable to hatch in the classic tail-first fashion and emerged head first, which resulted in partial hatches and death. We determined that the LD(50) (dose that is lethal to 50% of the fish) for an injected dose of PbTx-3 is 4.0 ng/egg. The results of this study complement previous studies of the developmental toxicity of the type A brevetoxin brevetoxin-1 (PbTx-1), by illustrating in vivo the differing affinities of the two congeners for cardiac sodium channels. Consequently, we observed differing cardiovascular responses in the embryos, wherein embryos exposed to PbTx-3 exhibited persistent tachycardia, whereas embryos exposed to PbTx-1 displayed bradycardia, the onset of which was delayed.

Acetylcholinesterase level and molecular isoforms are altered in brain of Reelin Orleans mutant mice

In this study we examined changes in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) pattern in the brain of adult Reelin Orleans (RelnOrl) homozygous mutant mice. The AChE histochemistry firstly revealed an abnormal distribution of AChE-positive cells in several areas of the reeler brain, including cortices; the strongest labelling was observed in cerebellum and hippocampus when compared with controls. Biochemical determinations demonstrated an increase of 80-90% in AChE specific activity from cerebellar and hippocampal extracts. We also report that the AChE tetrameric form (G4) was selectively increased in the RelnOrl brain. The relationship between AChE and Reelin and suggested morphogenetic functions are also discussed.

Complex regulation of acetylcholinesterase gene expression in human brain tumors

To study the regulation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene expression in human brain tumors, 3' splice variants of AChE mRNA and potentially relevant transcription factor mRNAs were labeled in primary astrocytomas and melanomas. AChE-S and AChE-R mRNA, as well as Runx1/AML1 mRNA accumulated in astrocytomas in correlation with tumor aggressiveness, but neither HNF3beta nor c-fos mRNA was observed in melanoma and astrocytomas. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated nuclear Runx1/AML1 and cellular AChE-S and AChE-R in melanomas, however, only AChE-S, and not the secreted AChE-R variant, was retained in astrocyte tumor cells. Runx1/AML1 revealed weak linkage with ACHE promoter sequences, yet enhanced ACHE gene expression in co-transfected COS1 cells. The p300 co-activator and the ACHE promoter's distal enhancer facilitated this effect, which was independent of much of the Runx1/AML1 trans-activation domain. Surprisingly, GASP, a fusion product of green fluorescence protein (GFP) and ASP(67), a peptide composed of the 67 C-terminal amino acid residues of AChE-S, localized to COS1 cell nuclei. However, GARP, the corresponding fusion product of GFP with a peptide having the 51 C-terminal residues of AChE-E or GFP alone, remained cytoplasmic. Runx1/AML1 exhibited improved nuclear retention in GASP-expressing COS1 cells, suggesting modulated nuclear localization processes. Together, these findings reveal brain tumor-specific regulation of both expression and cellular retention of variant ACHE gene products.

Induction of acetylcholinesterase expression during apoptosis in various cell types

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a key role in terminating neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses. AChE is also found in tissues devoid of cholinergic responses, indicating potential functions beyond neurotransmission. It has been suggested that AChE may participate in development, differentiation, and pathogenic processes such as Alzheimer's disease and tumorigenesis. We examined AChE expression in a number of cell lines upon induction of apoptosis by various stimuli. AChE is induced in all apoptotic cells examined as determined by cytochemical staining, immunological analysis, affinity chromatography purification, and molecular cloning. The AChE protein was found in the cytoplasm at the initiation of apoptosis and then in the nucleus or apoptotic bodies upon commitment to cell death. Sequence analysis revealed that AChE expressed in apoptotic cells is identical to the synapse type AChE. Pharmacological inhibitors of AChE prevented apoptosis. Furthermore, blocking the expression of AChE with antisense inhibited apoptosis. Therefore, our studies demonstrate that AChE is potentially a marker and a regulator of apoptosis.

Rescue of the acetylcholinesterase knockout mouse by feeding a liquid diet; phenotype of the adult acetylcholinesterase deficient mouse

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC3.1.1.7) functions in nerve impulse transmission, and possibly as a cell adhesion factor during neurite outgrowth. These functions predicted that a mouse with zero AChE activity would be unable to live. It was a surprise to find that AChE -/- mice were born alive and survived an average of 14 days. The emaciated appearance of AChE -/- mice suggested an inability to obtain sufficient nutrition and experiments were undertaken to increase caloric intake. Pregnant and lactating dams (+/-) were fed 11% high fat chow supplemented with liquid Ensure. AChE -/- pups were weaned early, on day 15, and fed liquid Ensure. Although nullizygous animals showed slow but steady weight gain with survival over 1 year (average 100 days), they remained small at all ages compared to littermates. They demonstrated delays in temperature regulation (day 22 vs. 15), eye opening (day 13 vs. 12), righting reflex (day 18 vs. 12), descent of testes (week 7-8 vs. 4), and estrous (week 15-16 vs. 6-7). Significant physical findings in adult AChE -/- mice included body tremors, abnormal gait and posture, absent grip strength, inability to eat solid food, pinpoint pupils, decreased pain response, vocalization, and early death caused by seizures or gastrointestinal tract ileus. Behavioral deficits included urination and defecation in the nest, lack of aggression, reduced pain perception, and sexual dysfunction. These findings support the classical role for AChE in nerve impulse conduction and further suggest that AChE is essential for timely physical development and higher brain function.

Organochlorine pesticides directly regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone gene expression and biosynthesis in the GT1-7 hypothalamic cell line

Environmental toxicants profoundly affect growth and developmental processes. In the present study, we hypothesized that hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which regulate the reproductive axis, are targets of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals. Two organochlorine pesticides (methoxychlor and chlorpyrifos) were tested for their effects on GnRH gene expression and biosynthesis in the immortalized hypothalamic GT1-7 cells, which synthesize and secrete GnRH. GT1-7 cells were treated with methoxychlor or chlorpyrifos for 24 h in dose-response experiments, and GnRH gene expression and peptide levels were quantified. In order to examine whether these pesticides affect GnRH biosynthesis through the estrogen receptor (ER), in other experiments their effects were compared to those of estrogen, or they were co-administered with the ER antagonist, ICI 182,780 (ICI). Both methoxychlor and chlorpyrifos had significant effects on GnRH gene transcription and GnRH mRNA levels. These effects were not consistently blocked by ICI, nor did the effects of these pesticides consistently mimic those of estrogen, suggesting a mechanism independent of the ER. Chlorpyrifos and methoxychlor slightly stimulated peptide levels, and this effect was blocked by ICI, suggesting that the ER may mediate effects of pesticides on GnRH release. These results indicate that chlorpyrifos and methoxychlor alter GnRH biosynthesis in this hypothalamic cell line in vitro, suggesting that they may have endocrine disrupting effects on GnRH neurons in vivo.

Environmental toxicant effects on neuroendocrine function

Exposure to environmental toxicants can have profound effects on normal growth and development. However, the mechanisms by which these toxicants exert these effects are not well understood. Many environmental toxicants alter reproductive function and have effects on the central nervous system and behavior, yet the link between these reproductive and neurologic phenomena has not been systematically investigated. The neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis, which integrates inputs to and outputs from the nervous and reproductive systems, is functionally and anatomically situated to mediate effects of environmental toxicants, particularly those that are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), on developmental processes. This article reviews the current literature on EDC effects on the neuroendocrine system, particularly at the level of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the key cells involved in the regulation of reproductive function. The focus of this article is on two polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures (Aroclor 1221, Aroclor 1254) and two organochlorine pesticides (methoxychlor and chlorpyrifos). Some experimental data are presented for each of the four urban environmental toxicants on GnRH cells in vitro and in vivo. The results of in vitro experiments indicate that all four of the toxicants profoundly affect hypothalamic GnRH gene expression, cell survival, and neurite outgrowth, demonstrating direct effects of EDCs on a GnRH cell line. In in vivo experiments, three of the toxicants (Aroclor 1221, methoxychlor, and chlorpyrifos) caused significant alterations in GnRH mRNA levels in female rats. Both the in vitro and in vivo findings support the novel concept of chlorpyrifos as an EDC. The results, taken together with the literature, support the hypothesis that the neuroendocrine axis, and specifically GnRH neurons, are sensitive to urban environmental toxicants, and that reproductive and neurologic effects of EDCs may be mediated at this level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

Maturation-dependent effects of chlorpyrifos and parathion and their oxygen analogs on acetylcholinesterase and neuronal and glial markers in aggregating brain cell cultures

An in vitro model, the aggregating brain cell culture of fetal rat telencephalon, has been used to study the maturation-dependent sensitivity of brain cells to two organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), chlorpyrifos and parathion, and to their oxon derivatives. Immature (DIV 5-15) or differentiated (DIV 25-35) brain cells were treated continuously for 10 days. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potency for the OPs was compared to that of eserine (physostigmine), a reversible AChE inhibitor. Oxon derivatives were more potent AChE inhibitors than the parent compounds, and parathion was more potent than chlorpyrifos. No maturation-dependent differences for AChE inhibition were found for chlorpyrifos and eserine, whereas for parathion and paraoxon there was a tendency to be more effective in immature cultures, while the opposite was true for chlorpyrifos-oxon. Toxic effects, assessed by measuring protein content as an index of general cytotoxicity, and various enzyme activities as cell-type-specific neuronal and glial markers (ChAT and GAD, for cholinergic and GABAergic neurons, respectively, and GS and CNP, for astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, respectively) were only found at more than 70% of AChE inhibition. Immature compared to differentiated cholinergic neurons appeared to be more sensitive to OP treatments. The oxon derivates were found to be more toxic on neurons than the parent compounds, and chlorpyrifos was more toxic than parathion. Eserine was not neurotoxic. These results indicate that inhibition of AChE remains the most sensitive macromolecular target of OP exposure, since toxic effects were found at concentrations in which AChE was inhibited. Furthermore, the compound-specific reactions, the differential pattern of toxicity of OPs compared to eserine, and the higher sensitivity of immature brain cells suggest that the toxic effects and inhibition of AChE are unrelated.

Evidence for the direct role of acetylcholinesterase in neurite outgrowth in primary dorsal root ganglion neurons

Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons show a transient peak expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) during periods of axonal outgrowth prior to synaptogenesis, suggesting that AChE has a non-enzymatic role during development. We have previously shown that perturbation of cell surface AChE in cultured embryonic rat DRG neurons results in decreased neurite outgrowth and neurite detachment. In this report, we demonstrate a direct correlation between endogenous AChE content and neurite outgrowth in primary DRG neurons. Adenoviral vectors were constructed using full-length rat AChE(T) cDNA in either the sense or antisense orientations to overexpress or knock down AChE expression, respectively. Treatment with the sense-expressing vector produced a 2.5-fold increase in AChE expression and a 2-fold increase in neurite length compared with either untreated or null virus-treated control cells. Conversely, treatment with the antisense-expressing vector reduced AChE expression by 40% and resulted in a reduction in neurite length of similar magnitude. We also observed that overexpression of AChE resulted in greater branching at the distal tips of each primary neurite as well as an increase in cell body size. These findings further indicate that AChE expressed on the axonal surface of developing DRG neurons may modulate their adhesive properties and thereby support axonal development.

Neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells is inhibited by chlorpyrifos and its metabolites: is acetylcholinesterase inhibition the site of action?

Developmental expression of AChE has been associated with neuronal differentiation (P. G. Layer and E. Willbold, Prog. Histochem. Cytochem. 29, 1-94, 1995). In this study we used pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, a noncholinergic cell line, rich in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, to examine the effects of cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides on neural differentiation. The experimental paradigm was focused on whether alterations in cholinesterase (ChE) activity by a pesticide or its metabolites would affect neurite outgrowth, a morphological marker of neuronal differentiation. Results indicated that (1) in controls, both total ChE and AChE activities were significantly increased in NGF-primed PC12 cells compared to NGF-unprimed cells, while the basal expression of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity was much lower (1.3-7% of total ChE activity) in either the presence or the absence of NGF; (2) an increase in AChE activity was highly correlated (r(2) = 0.99) with the extension of neurite outgrowth, suggesting a link between the expression of AChE activity and the elaboration of neurite outgrowth; (3) NGF increased neurite outgrowth in a time- and concentration-dependent manner; and (4) either chlorpyrifos (CPF) or its metabolites (CPF oxon and TCP) inhibited NGF-induced neurite outgrowth (branches per cell, fragments per cell, total neurite outgrowth per cell) in PC12 cells. These data suggest that the expression of AChE activity is associated with the extension of neurite outgrowth. Both enzyme activity and neurite branching were disrupted by CPF oxon; however, CPF and its other metabolite TCP (1 microgram/ml) caused inhibition of neurite outgrowth in the absence of ChE inhibition, suggesting an alternative mechanism(s) may be involved in pesticide-induced inhibition of differentiation.

Cholinesterases in neural development: new findings and toxicologic implications

Developing animals are more sensitive than adults to acute cholinergic toxicity from anticholinesterases, including organophosphorus pesticides, when administered in a laboratory setting. It is also possible that these agents adversely affect the process of neural development itself, leading to permanent deficits in the architecture of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent observations indicate that organophosphorus exposure can affect DNA synthesis and cell survival in neonatal rat brain. New evidence that acetylcholinesterase may have a direct role in neuronal differentiation provides additional grounds for interest in the developmental toxicity of anticholinesterases. For example, correlative anatomic studies show that transient bursts of acetylcholinesterase expression often coincide with periods of axonal outgrowth in maturing avian, rodent, and primate brain. Some selective cholinesterase inhibitors effectively suppress neurite outgrowth in model systems like differentiating neuroblastoma cells and explanted sensory ganglia. When enzyme expression is altered by genetic engineering, acetylcholinesterase levels on the outer surface of transfected neurons correlate with ability to extend neurites. Certain of these "morphogenic" effects may depend on protein-protein interactions rather than catalytic acetylcholinesterase activity. Nonetheless, it remains possible that some pesticides interfere with important developmental functions of the cholinesterase enzyme family.