Localization of the somatostatin receptor SST2A in rat brain using a specific anti-peptide antibody

Neurochemistry of the mammillary body

The mammillary body (MB) is a component of the extended hippocampal system and many studies have shown that its functions are vital for mnemonic processes. Together with other subcortical structures, such as the anterior thalamic nuclei and tegmental nuclei of Gudden, the MB plays a crucial role in the processing of spatial and working memory, as well as navigation in rats. The aim of this paper is to review the distribution of various substances in the MB of the rat, with a description of their possible physiological roles. The following groups of substances are reviewed: (1) classical neurotransmitters (glutamate and other excitatory transmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine, serotonin, and dopamine), (2) neuropeptides (enkephalins, substance P, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, orexins, and galanin), and (3) other substances (calcium-binding proteins and calcium sensor proteins). This detailed description of the chemical parcellation may facilitate a better understanding of the MB functions and its complex relations with other structures of the extended hippocampal system.

A selective nonpeptide somatostatin receptor 5 (SST5) agonist effectively decreases insulin secretion in hyperinsulinism

Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), a beta cell disorder most commonly caused by inactivating mutations of beta cell K_ATP channels, results in dysregulated insulin secretion and persistent hypoglycemia. Children with K_ATP-HI are unresponsive to diazoxide, the only FDA-approved drug for HI, and utility of octreotide, the second line therapy, is limited because of poor efficacy, desensitization, and somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2)-mediated side effects. Selective targeting of SST5, an SST receptor associated with potent insulin secretion suppression, presents a new avenue for HI therapy. Here, we determined that CRN02481, a highly selective nonpeptide SST5 agonist, significantly decreased basal and amino acid-stimulated insulin secretion in both Sur1^-/- (a model for K_ATP-HI) and wild type mouse islets. Oral administration of CRN02481 significantly increased fasting glucose and prevented fasting hypoglycemia compared to vehicle in Sur1^-/- mice. During a glucose tolerance test, CRN02481 significantly increased glucose excursion in both WT and Sur1^-/- mice compared to control. CRN02481 also reduced glucose- and tolbutamide-stimulated insulin secretion from healthy, control human islets similar to the effects observed with SS14 and peptide somatostatin analogs. Moreover, CRN02481 significantly decreased glucose- and amino acid-stimulated insulin secretion in islets from two infants with K_ATP-HI and one with Beckwith-Weideman Syndrome-HI. Taken together, these data demonstrate that a potent and selective SST5 agonist effectively prevents fasting hypoglycemia and suppresses insulin secretion not only in a K_ATP-HI mouse model, but also in healthy human islets and islets from HI patients.

Neuropeptide System Regulation of Prefrontal Cortex Circuitry: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Neuropeptides, a diverse class of signaling molecules in the nervous system, modulate various biological effects including membrane excitability, synaptic transmission and synaptogenesis, gene expression, and glial cell architecture and function. To date, most of what is known about neuropeptide action is limited to subcortical brain structures and tissue outside of the central nervous system. Thus, there is a knowledge gap in our understanding of neuropeptide function within cortical circuits. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of various families of neuropeptides and their cognate receptors that are expressed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Specifically, we highlight dynorphin, enkephalin, corticotropin-releasing factor, cholecystokinin, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Further, we review the implication of neuropeptide signaling in prefrontal cortical circuit function and use as potential therapeutic targets. Together, this review summarizes established knowledge and highlights unknowns of neuropeptide modulation of neural function underlying various biological effects while offering insights for future research. An increased emphasis in this area of study is necessary to elucidate basic principles of the diverse signaling molecules used in cortical circuits beyond fast excitatory and inhibitory transmitters as well as consider components of neuropeptide action in the PFC as a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders. Therefore, this review not only sheds light on the importance of cortical neuropeptide studies, but also provides a comprehensive overview of neuropeptide action in the PFC to serve as a roadmap for future studies in this field.

A simple novel approach for detecting blood-brain barrier permeability using GPCR internalization

Aims

Impairment of blood–brain barrier (BBB) is involved in numerous neurological diseases from developmental to aging stages. Reliable imaging of increased BBB permeability is therefore crucial for basic research and preclinical studies. Today, the analysis of extravasation of exogenous dyes is the principal method to study BBB leakage. However, these procedures are challenging to apply in pups and embryos and may appear difficult to interpret. Here we introduce a novel approach based on agonist‐induced internalization of a neuronal G protein‐coupled receptor widely distributed in the mammalian brain, the somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2).

Methods

The clinically approved SST2 agonist octreotide (1 kDa), when injected intraperitoneally does not cross an intact BBB. At sites of BBB permeability, however, OCT extravasates and induces SST2 internalization from the neuronal membrane into perinuclear compartments. This allows an unambiguous localization of increased BBB permeability by classical immunohistochemical procedures using specific antibodies against the receptor.

Results

We first validated our approach in sensory circumventricular organs which display permissive vascular permeability. Through SST2 internalization, we next monitored BBB opening induced by magnetic resonance imaging‐guided focused ultrasound in murine cerebral cortex. Finally, we proved that after intraperitoneal agonist injection in pregnant mice, SST2 receptor internalization permits analysis of BBB integrity in embryos during brain development.

Conclusions

This approach provides an alternative and simple manner to assess BBB dysfunction and development in different physiological and pathological conditions.

Somatostatin enhances visual processing and perception by suppressing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons in V1

Somatostatin (SST) is a neuropeptide expressed in a major subtype of GABAergic interneurons in the cortex. Despite abundant expression of SST and its receptors, their modulatory function in cortical processing remains unclear. Here, we found that SST application in the primary visual cortex (V1) improves visual discrimination in freely moving mice and enhances orientation selectivity of V1 neurons. We also found that SST reduced excitatory synaptic transmission to parvalbumin-positive (PV⁺) fast-spiking interneurons but not to regular-spiking neurons. Last, using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM), we found that axons of SST⁺ neurons in V1 often contact other axons that exhibit excitatory synapses onto the soma and proximal dendrites of the PV⁺ neuron. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the neuropeptide SST improves visual perception by enhancing visual gain of V1 neurons via a reduction in excitatory synaptic transmission to PV⁺ inhibitory neurons.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Somatostatin-Based Signaling in Two Model Neural Networks, the Retina and the Hippocampus

Neural inhibition plays a key role in determining the specific computational tasks of different brain circuitries. This functional "braking" activity is provided by inhibitory interneurons that use different neurochemicals for signaling. One of these substances, somatostatin, is found in several neural networks, raising questions about the significance of its widespread occurrence and usage. Here, we address this issue by analyzing the somatostatinergic system in two regions of the central nervous system: the retina and the hippocampus. By comparing the available information on these structures, we identify common motifs in the action of somatostatin that may explain its involvement in such diverse circuitries. The emerging concept is that somatostatin-based signaling, through conserved molecular and cellular mechanisms, allows neural networks to operate correctly.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CV. Somatostatin Receptors: Structure, Function, Ligands, and New Nomenclature

Somatostatin, also known as somatotropin-release inhibitory factor, is a cyclopeptide that exerts potent inhibitory actions on hormone secretion and neuronal excitability. Its physiologic functions are mediated by five G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) called somatostatin receptor (SST)1-5. These five receptors share common structural features and signaling mechanisms but differ in their cellular and subcellular localization and mode of regulation. SST₂ and SST₅ receptors have evolved as primary targets for pharmacological treatment of pituitary adenomas and neuroendocrine tumors. In addition, SST₂ is a prototypical GPCR for the development of peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This review article summarizes findings published in the last 25 years on the physiology, pharmacology, and clinical applications related to SSTs. We also discuss potential future developments and propose a new nomenclature.

Does somatostatin have a role to play in migraine headache?

Migraine is a condition without apparent pathology. Its cardinal symptom is the prolonged excruciating headache. Theories about this pain have posited pathologies which run the gamut from neural to vascular to neurovascular, but no observations have detected a plausible pathology. We believe that no pathology can be found for migraine headache because none exists. Migraine is not driven by pathology - it is driven by neural events produced by triggers - or simply by neural noise- noise that has crossed a critical threshold. If these ideas are true, how does the pain arise? We hypothesise that migraine headache is a consequence of withdrawal of descending pain control, produced by "noise" in the cerebral cortex. Nevertheless, there has to be a neural circuit to transform cortical noise to withdrawal of pain control. In our hypothesis, this neural circuit extends from the cortex, synapses in two brainstem nuclei (the periaqueductal gray matter and the raphe magnus nucleus) and ultimately reaches the first synapse of the trigeminal sensory system. The second stage of this circuit uses serotonin (5HT) as a neurotransmitter, but the neuronal projection from the cortex to the brainstem seems to involve relatively uncommon neurotransmitters. We believe that one of these is somatostatin (SST). Temporal changes in levels of circulating SST mirror the temporal changes in the incidence of migraine, particularly in women. The SST₂ receptor agonist octreotide has been used with some success in migraine and cluster headache. A cortical to PAG/NRM neural projection certainly exists and we briefly review the anatomical and neurophysiological evidence for it and provide preliminary evidence that SST may the critical neurotransmitter in this pathway. We therefore suggest that the withdrawal of descending tone in SST-containing neurons, might create a false pain signal and hence the headache of migraine.

The role of brain somatostatin receptor 2 in the regulation of feeding and drinking behavior

Somatostatin was discovered four decades ago as hypothalamic factor inhibiting growth hormone release. Subsequently, somatostatin was found to be widely distributed throughout the brain and to exert pleiotropic actions via interaction with five somatostatin receptors (sst1-5) that are also widely expressed throughout the brain. Interestingly, in contrast to the predominantly inhibitory actions of peripheral somatostatin, the activation of brain sst2 signaling by intracerebroventricular injection of stable somatostatin agonists potently stimulates food intake and independently, drinking behavior in rodents. The orexigenic response involves downstream orexin-1, neuropeptide Y1 and μ receptor signaling while the dipsogenic effect is mediated through the activation of the brain angiotensin 1 receptor. Brain sst2 activation is part of mechanisms underlying the stimulation of feeding and more prominently water intake in the dark phase and is able to counteract the anorexic response to visceral stressors.

Preprodynorphin-expressing neurons constitute a large subgroup of somatostatin-expressing GABAergic interneurons in the mouse neocortex

Dynorphins, leumorphin, and neoendorphins are preprodynorphin (PPD)-derived peptides and ligands for κ-opioid receptors. Using an antibody to PPD C-terminal, we investigated the chemical and molecular characteristics of PPD-expressing neurons in mouse neocortex. PPD-immunopositive neuronal somata were distributed most frequently in layer 5 and less frequently in layers 2-4 and 6 throughout neocortical regions. Combined labeling of immunofluorescence and fluorescent mRNA signals revealed that almost all PPD-immunopositive neurons expressed glutamic acid decarboxylase but not vesicular glutamate transporter, indicating their γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic characteristics, and that PPD-immunopositive neurons accounted for 15% of GABAergic interneurons in the primary somatosensory area. As GABAergic interneurons were divided into several groups by specific markers, we further examined the chemical characteristics of PPD-expressing neurons by the double immunofluorescence labeling method. More than 95% of PPD-immunopositive neurons were also somatostatin (SOM)-immunopositive in the primary somatosensory, primary motor, orbitofrontal, and primary visual areas, but only 24% were SOM-immunopositive in the medial prefrontal cortex. In the primary somatosensory area, PPD-immunopositive neurons constituted 50%, 79%, 55%, and 17% of SOM-immunopositive neurons in layers 2-3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Although SOM-expressing neurons contained calretinin-, neuropeptide Y-, nitric oxide synthase-, and reelin-expressing neurons as subgroups, only reelin immunoreactivity was detected in many PPD-immunopositive neurons. These results indicate that PPD-expressing neurons constitute a large subgroup of SOM-expressing cortical interneurons, and the PPD/SOM-expressing GABAergic neurons might serve not only as inhibitory elements in the local cortical circuit, but also as modulators for cortical neurons expressing κ-opioid and/or SOM receptors.

Brain somatostatin receptor 2 mediates the dipsogenic effect of central somatostatin and cortistatin in rats: role in drinking behavior

Intracerebroventricular injection of stable somatostatin (SST) agonists stimulates food and water intake in rats. We investigated the receptor subtype(s) involved in the dipsogenic effect of intracerebroventricular injection of SST agonists, mechanisms of action, and role. In nonfasted and non-water-deprived male rats with chronic intracerebroventricular cannula, intake of water without food or food without water was monitored separately to avoid any interactions compared with intracerebroventricular vehicle. SST-14 and cortistatin (CST-14) (1 μg/rat icv) increased water intake by 3.1- and 2.7-fold, respectively, while both peptides did not alter food intake at 1 h postinjection in the light phase. By contrast, the stable pan-somatostatin agonist ODT8-SST (1 μg/rat icv) increased both water and food intake by 4.9- and 3.7-fold, respectively. S-346-011, a selective receptor 2 (sst2) agonist (1 μg/rat icv) induced water ingestion, while sst1 or sst4 agonist, injected under the same conditions, did not. The sst2 antagonist S-406-028 (1 μg/rat icv) prevented the 1-h water intake induced by intracerebroventricular ODT8-SST and CST-14. Losartan (100 μg/rat icv), an angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) antagonist, completely blocked the water consumption induced by intracerebroventricular ODT8-SST, whereas intracerebroventricular injection of S-406-028 did not modify the intracerebroventricular ANG II-induced dipsogenic response. The sst2 antagonist reduced by 40% the increase of the 3-h water intake in the early dark phase. These data indicate that SST-14 and CST-14 interact with sst2 to exert a potent dipsogenic effect, which is mediated downstream by angiotensin-AT1 signaling. These data also indicate that sst2 activation by brain SST-14 and/or CST-14 may play an important role in the regulation of drinking behavior.

Orexin-1 receptor mediates the increased food and water intake induced by intracerebroventricular injection of the stable somatostatin pan-agonist, ODT8-SST in rats

Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of the stable somatostatin pan-agonist, ODT8-SST induces a somatostatin 2 receptor (sst2) mediated robust feeding response that involves neuropeptide Y and opioid systems in rats. We investigated whether the orexigenic system driven by orexin also plays a role. Food and water intake after icv injection was measured concomitantly in non-fasted and non-water deprived rats during the light phase. In vehicle treated rats (100% DMSO, icv), ODT8-SST (1μg/rat, icv) significantly increased the 2-h food and water intake compared to icv vehicle plus saline (5.1±1.0g vs. 1.2±0.4g and 11.3±1.9mL vs. 2.5±1.2mL, respectively). The orexin-1 receptor antagonist, SB-334867 (16μg/rat, icv) completely inhibited the 2-h food and water intake induced by icv ODT8-SST. In contrast, the icv pretreatment with the selective somatostatin sst2 antagonist, S-406-028, established to block the orexigenic effect of icv ODT8-SST, did not modify the increased food and water intake induced by icv orexin-A (10.7μg/rat). These data indicate that orexin-1 receptor signaling system is part of the brain neurocircuitry contributing to the orexigenic and dipsogenic responses induced by icv ODT8-SST and that orexin-A stimulates food intake independently from brain sst2 activation.

Sleep and movement differentiates actions of two types of somatostatin-expressing GABAergic interneuron in rat hippocampus

Neuropeptides acting on pre- and postsynaptic receptors are coreleased with GABA by interneurons including bistratified and O-LM cells, both expressing somatostatin but innervating segregated dendritic domains of pyramidal cells. Neuropeptide release requires high-frequency action potentials, but the firing patterns of most peptide/GABA-releasing interneurons during behavior are unknown. We show that behavioral and network states differentiate the activities of bistratified and O-LM cells in freely moving rats. Bistratified cells fire at higher rates during sleep than O-LM cells and, unlike O-LM cells, strongly increase spiking during sharp wave-associated ripples (SWRs). In contrast, O-LM interneurons decrease firing during sleep relative to awake states and are mostly inhibited during SWRs. During movement, both cell types fire cooperatively at the troughs of theta oscillations but with different frequencies. Somatostatin and GABA are differentially released to distinct dendritic zones of CA1 pyramidal cells during sleep and wakefulness to coordinate segregated glutamatergic inputs from entorhinal cortex and CA3.

•

Bistratified and O-LM cells release GABA and somatostatin to distinct dendrites

•

During movement the two cells cooperate temporally but fire at different frequencies

•

During sleep bistratified cells are strongly active, O-LM cells decrease firing

•

Behavior differentiates GABA and somatostatin release to distinct dendritic zones

Neuropeptides in learning and memory

Dementia conditions and memory deficits of different origins (vascular, metabolic and primary neurodegenerative such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) are getting more common and greater clinical problems recently in the aging population. Since the presently available cognitive enhancers have very limited therapeutical applications, there is an emerging need to elucidate the complex pathophysiological mechanisms, identify key mediators and novel targets for future drug development. Neuropeptides are widely distributed in brain regions responsible for learning and memory processes with special emphasis on the hippocampus, amygdala and the basal forebrain. They form networks with each other, and also have complex interactions with the cholinergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic and GABA-ergic pathways. This review summarizes the extensive experimental data in the well-established rat and mouse models, as well as the few clinical results regarding the expression and the roles of the tachykinin system, somatostatin and the closely related cortistatin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), opioid peptides and galanin. Furthermore, the main receptorial targets, mechanisms and interactions are described in order to highlight the possible therapeutical potentials. Agents not only symptomatically improving the functional impairments, but also inhibiting the progression of the neurodegenerative processes would be breakthroughs in this area. The most promising mechanisms determined at the level of exploratory investigations in animal models of cognitive disfunctions are somatostatin sst4, NPY Y2, PACAP-VIP VPAC1, tachykinin NK3 and galanin GALR2 receptor agonisms, as well as delta opioid receptor antagonism. Potent and selective non-peptide ligands with good CNS penetration are needed for further characterization of these molecular pathways to complete the preclinical studies and decide if any of the above described targets could be appropriate for clinical investigations.

Somatostatin type-2 receptor activation inhibits glutamate release and prevents status epilepticus

Newer therapies are needed for the treatment of status epilepticus (SE) refractory to benzodiazepines. Enhanced glutamatergic neurotransmission leads to SE, and AMPA receptors are modified during SE. Reducing glutamate release during SE is a potential approach to terminate SE. The neuropeptide somatostatin (SST) is proposed to diminish presynaptic glutamate release by activating SST type-2 receptors (SST2R). SST exerts an anticonvulsant action in some experimental models of seizures. Here, we investigated the mechanism of action of SST on excitatory synaptic transmission at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses and the ability of SST to treat SE in rats using patch-clamp electrophysiology and video-EEG monitoring of seizures. SST reduced action potential-dependent EPSCs (sEPSCs) at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses at concentrations up to 1μM; higher concentrations had no effect or increased the sEPSC frequency. SST also prevented paired-pulse facilitation of evoked EPSCs and did not alter action-potential-independent miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). The effect of SST on EPSCs was inhibited by the SST2R antagonist cyanamid-154806 and was mimicked by the SST2R agonists, octreotide and lanreotide. Both SST and octreotide reduced the firing rate of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Intraventricular administration of SST, within a range of doses, either prevented or attenuated pilocarpine-induced SE or delayed the median time to the first grade 5 seizure by 11min. Similarly, octreotide or lanreotide prevented or attenuated SE in more than 65% of animals. Compared to the pilocarpine model, octreotide was highly potent in preventing or attenuating continuous hippocampal stimulation-induced SE in all animals within 60min of SE onset. Our results demonstrate that SST, through the activation of SST2Rs, diminishes presynaptic glutamate release and attenuates SE.

Basal forebrain administration of the somatostatin-analog octreotide does not affect cortical EEG in urethane anaesthetized rats

Basal forebrain (BF) plays an important role in the regulation of cortical activation. Somatostatin (SOM) is present both in local neurons as well as in fibers in the BF. In previous studies, SOM axons were found to innervate corticopetal cholinergic cells and SOM was found to presynaptically modulate GABA and glutamate release onto cholinergic neurons in the BF. However, no systematic analysis is available about the EEG effects of SOM or its analog, octreotide (OCTR) injected directly into the BF. In the present experiments, EEG changes were examined following an OCTR injection (0.5 microliter, 500 nmol) into the BF areas containing several choline acetyl transferase-immunoreactive neurons of urethane-anaesthetized rats. Fronto-occipital EEG was recorded on both sides and relative EEG power was calculated in the delta (0-3 Hz), theta (3-9 Hz), alpha (9-16 Hz) and beta (16-48 Hz) frequency bands. OCTR injected to the BF failed to induce significant EEG changes and did not affect tail pinch-evoked cortical activation. Lack of effect may be attributed to the urethane anaesthesia as well as to the possible complex interactions between SOM and BF cholinergic and GABAergic neurons.

Somatostatin receptor subtype 2A immunohistochemistry using a new monoclonal antibody selects tumors suitable for in vivo somatostatin receptor targeting

High overexpression of somatostatin receptors in neuroendocrine tumors allows imaging and radiotherapy with radiolabeled somatostatin analogues. To ascertain whether a tumor is suitable for in vivo somatostatin receptor targeting, its somatostatin receptor expression has to be determined. There are specific indications for use of immunohistochemistry for the somatostatin receptor subtype 2A, but this has up to now been limited by the lack of an adequate reliable antibody. The aim of this study was to correlate immunohistochemistry using the new monoclonal anti-somatostatin receptor subtype 2A antibody UMB-1 with the gold standard in vitro method quantifying somatostatin receptor levels in tumor tissues. A UMB-1 immunohistochemistry protocol was developed, and tumoral UMB-1 staining levels were compared with somatostatin receptor binding site levels quantified with in vitro I-[Tyr]-octreotide autoradiography in 89 tumors. This allowed defining an immunohistochemical staining threshold permitting to distinguish tumors with somatostatin receptor levels high enough for clinical applications from those with low receptor expression. The presence of >10% positive tumor cells correctly predicted high receptor levels in 95% of cases. In contrast, absence of UMB-1 staining truly reflected low or undetectable somatostatin receptor expression in 96% of tumors. If 1% to 10% of tumor cells were stained, a weak staining intensity was suggestive of low somatostatin receptor levels. This study allows for the first time a reliable recommendation for eligibility of an individual patient for in vivo somatostatin receptor targeting based on somatostatin receptor immunohistochemistry. Under optimal methodological conditions, UMB-1 immunohistochemistry may be equivalent to in vitro receptor autoradiography.

Targeted entry via somatostatin receptors using a novel modified retrovirus glycoprotein that delivers genes at levels comparable to those of wild-type viral glycoproteins

Here we report a novel viral glycoprotein created by replacing a natural receptor-binding sequence of the ecotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus envelope glycoprotein with the peptide ligand somatostatin. This new chimeric glycoprotein, which has been named the Sst receptor binding site (Sst-RBS), gives targeted transduction based on three criteria: (i) a gain of the use of a new entry receptor not used by any known virus; (ii) targeted entry at levels comparable to gene delivery by wild-type ecotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) G glycoproteins; and (iii) a loss of the use of the natural ecotropic virus receptor. Retroviral vectors coated with Sst-RBS gained the ability to bind and transduce human 293 cells expressing somatostatin receptors. Their infection was specific to target somatostatin receptors, since a synthetic somatostatin peptide inhibited infection in a dose-dependent manner and the ability to transduce mouse cells bearing the natural ecotropic receptor was effectively lost. Importantly, vectors coated with the Sst-RBS glycoprotein gave targeted entry of up to 1 × 10(6) transducing U/ml, a level comparable to that seen with infection of vectors coated with the parental wild-type ecotropic Moloney murine leukemia virus glycoprotein through the ecotropic receptor and approaching that of infection of VSV G-coated vectors through the VSV receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a glycoprotein that gives targeted entry of retroviral vectors at levels comparable to the natural capacity of viral envelope glycoproteins.

Somatostatin and nociceptin inhibit neurons in the central nucleus of amygdala that project to the periaqueductal grey

The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) plays an important role in modulation of the descending antinociceptive pathways. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from brain slices, we found that CeA neurons responded to the endogenous ligands somatostatin (SST) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (OFQ) via an increased K-conductance. Co-application with selective antagonists suggested that SST and OFQ act on SSTR2 and ORL1 receptors, respectively. Taking account of anatomical localisation of recorded neurons, the present study showed that many responsive neurons were located within the medial subdivision of CeA and all CeA projection neurons to the midbrain periaqueductal grey invariably responded to these peptides. Randomly selected agonist-responsive neurons in CeA predominantly classified physiologically as low-threshold spiking neurons. The similarity of SST, OFQ and, as previously reported, opioid responsiveness in a sub-population of CeA neurons suggests converging roles of these peptides to inhibit the activity of projections from CeA to vlPAG, and potentially similar antinociceptive actions in this pathway.

Pattern of Fos expression in the brain induced by selective activation of somatostatin receptor 2 in rats

Central activation of somatostatin (sst) receptors by oligosomatostatin analogs inhibits growth hormone and stress-related rise in catecholamine plasma levels while stimulating grooming, feeding behaviors, gastric transit and acid secretion, which can be mimicked by selective sst(2) receptor agonist. To evaluate the pattern of neuronal activation induced by peptide sst receptor agonists, we assessed Fos-expression in rat brain after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of a newly developed selective sst(2) agonist compared to the oligosomatostatin ODT8-SST, a pan-sst(1-5) agonist. Ninety min after injection of vehicle (10 microl) or previously established maximal orexigenic dose of peptides (1 microg=1 nmol/rat), brains were assessed for Fos-immunohistochemistry and doublelabeling. Food and water were removed after injection. The sst(2) agonist and ODT8-SST induced a similar Fos distribution pattern except in the arcuate nucleus where only the sst(2) agonist increased Fos. Compared to ODT8-SST, the sst(2) agonist induced higher Fos-expression by 3.7-times in the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, 1.2-times in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), 1.6-times in the magnocellular paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (mPVN), 4.1-times in the external lateral parabrachial nucleus, and 2.6-times in both the inferior olivary nucleus and superficial layer of the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus. Doublelabeling in the hypothalamus showed that ODT8-SST activates 36% of oxytocin, 63% of vasopressin and 79% of sst(2) immunoreactive neurons in the mPVN and 28%, 55% and 25% in the SON, respectively. Selective activation of sst(2) receptor results in a more robust neuronal activation than the pan-sst(1-5) agonist in various brain regions that may have relevance in sst(2) mediated alterations of behavioral, autonomic and endocrine functions.

Hippocampal sst(1) receptors are autoreceptors and do not affect seizures in rats

Somatostatin-14 (SRIF-14) exerts anticonvulsive effects in several rat seizure models, generally attributed to sst(2) receptor activation. Whereas sst(1) immunoreactivity has been localized to both polymorphic interneurons and principal cells in the rat hippocampus, its potential role as an inhibitory autoreceptor or as a receptor involved in mediating anticonvulsive actions remains unknown. We showed that intrahippocampal administration of the sst(1) antagonist SRA880 (1 microM) induced a robust increase in hippocampal SST-14 levels without affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in conscious rats, indicating that the sst(1) receptor acts as an inhibitory autoreceptor. SRA880 did not affect seizure severity and did not reverse the anticonvulsive action of SRIF-14 (1 microM) against pilocarpine-induced seizures, suggesting that hippocampal sst(1) receptors are not involved in the anticonvulsive effects of SRIF-14.

Expression of somatostatin and somatostatin receptor subtypes in Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) knockout mouse brain: An immunohistochemical analysis

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD) is widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous system. ApoD expression has been shown to increase in several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as during regeneration in the nervous system. Like ApoD, in the central nervous system somatostatin (SST) is widely present and functions as neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. The biological effects of SST are mediated via binding to five high-affinity G-protein coupled receptors termed SSTR1-5. Mice lacking ApoD exhibit reduced SST labeling in cortex and hippocampus and increased expression in striatum and amygdala without any noticeable changes in substantia nigra. Changes in SSTRs expressions have been described in several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. In the present study, using SSTR1-5 receptor-specific antibodies, we mapped their distribution in wild type (wt) and ApoD knockout (ApoD(-/-)) mouse brain. SSTR1-5 expression was observed both as membrane and cytoplasmic protein and display regions and receptor specific differences between wt and ApoD(-/-) mice brains. In cortex and hippocampus, SSTR subtypes like immunoreactivity are decreased in ApoD(-/-) mice brain. Unlike cortex and hippocampus, in the striatum of ApoD(-/-) mice, projection neurons showed increased SSTR immunoreactivity, as compared to wt. Higher SSTR subtypes immunoreactivity is seen in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) whereas lower in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) of ApoD(-/-) mice brains as compared to wt. Whereas, amygdala displayed SSTR subtypes changes in different nuclei of ApoD(-/-) mice in comparison to wt mice brain. Taken together, our results describe receptor and region specific changes in SST and SSTR subtypes expression in ApoD(-/-) mice brain, which may be linked to specific neurological disorders.

Function and expression of somatostatin receptors of the endocrine pancreas

Somatostatin (SST) regulates multiple biological processes via five genetically distinct, G-protein coupled receptors. Clinical interest in therapy for neuroendocrine and metabolic disorders has resulted in the development of new tools for exploring the function of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). The development of highly SSTR-selective agonists and antagonists, animal models with the deletion of individual SSTRs, as well as SSTR-specific antibodies have all been utilized in delineating SSTR functions. In the pancreas, SST is a potent regulator of insulin and glucagon secretion. Indeed, the inappropriate regulation of pancreatic A- and B-cell function in metabolic diseases provides an impetus to evaluate the SSTRs as therapeutic targets. By combining the results obtained from molecular biology, pharmacology and immunochemical studies the current review provides a summary of important recent developments which have extended our knowledge of SST actions in the endocrine pancreas.

Predator stress induces behavioral inhibition and amygdala somatostatin receptor 2 gene expression

Psychological stressors precipitate and maintain stress-induced psychopathology, and it is likely that altered amygdala function underlies some of the deleterious effects of psychological stress. To understand the mechanisms underlying the linkage between the response to psychological stressors and maladaptive or psychopathological responses, we have focused on amygdala responsivity in animal models employing species-specific psychological stressors. In the present study, we characterized the effects of a 15-min exposure to a natural predator, the ferret, on rat behavior and the expression of the somatostatin family of genes in the amygdala. We examined the somatostatin family of genes because substantial evidence shows that central somatostatin systems are altered in various neuropsychiatric illnesses. We report that rats respond to acute ferret exposure with a significant increase in fearful and anxious behaviors that is accompanied by robust amygdala activation and an increase in somatostatin receptor 2 (sst2) messenger RNA expression within the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex. These studies are the first to show stress-induced changes in amygdala sst2 expression and may represent one mechanism by which psychological stress is linked to adaptive and maladaptive behavioral responses.

Colocalization of somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR1-5) with somatostatin, NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), and tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a major site of somatostatin (SST) production and action. SST is synthesized in several hypothalamic nuclei and involved in a variety of functions. Using SST receptor (SSTR)-specific antibodies, we localized SSTR subtypes in the rat hypothalamus. In addition, we also demonstrated SSTRs colocalization with SST, NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). SSTR1 is strongly localized in neurons in all major hypothalamic nuclei as well as in nerve fibers in the zona externa of the median eminence and the ependyma of the third ventricle. SSTR2 is also well expressed in most regions but with a relatively lower abundance in comparison to SSTR1. In contrast, SSTR3 is localized primarily in the paraventricular nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and median eminence. SSTR4-like immunoreactivity is mainly confined to the arcuate nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, median eminence, and ependymal cells of third ventricle, with the rare SSTR4-positive neuron in the paraventricular nucleus. SSTR5 is the least expressed subtype occurring only in few cells in the inner layer of the median eminence. Overall, SSTR1 is the predominant subtype, followed by SSTR2, 4, 3, and 5. Combined immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry, and histochemistry were used to demonstrate SSTRs colocalization with SST, TH, and NADPH-d. SSTRs colocalization with SST, TH, and NADPH-d displays in a region and receptor specificity. Colocalization of SST and NADPH-d with SSTRs in hypothalamic regions was similar, suggesting that SST and NADPH-d producing cells are same. In contrast, TH was selectively coexpressed with SSTRs in the hypothalamus in a receptor-specific manner. Taken together, these data suggest that SSTRs may interact with NADPH-d and TH to exert a physiological role in concert within the hypothalamus.

Expression and localisation of somatostatin receptor subtypes sst1-sst5 in areas of the rat medulla oblongata involved in autonomic regulation

Somatostatin is known to modulate the activity of neurones of the medulla oblongata involved in autonomic regulation, mediated through five subtypes of G protein-coupled receptors, sst1-sst5. This study utilises reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of sst1-sst5, including the sst2(A)/sst2(B) isoforms, in the main autonomic centres of the rat medulla oblongata: nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), dorsal motor vagal nucleus (DVN) and ventrolateral medulla (VLM). In tissue from the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum all subtype mRNAs were detected, but sst5 signals were weak, and the distribution of sst1-sst5 immunoreactivities was consistent with previous reports. In the medulla, all sst mRNAs gave clear amplicons and subtype-specific antibodies produced characteristic patterns of immunolabelling, frequently in areas of somatostatinergic innervation. Anti-sst1 labelled beaded fibres, sst2(A), sst2(B), sst4 and sst5 gave somatodendritic labelling and sst3 labelled presumptive neuronal cilia. In NTS tissue, sst1, sst2(A), sst4 and sst5 mRNAs were strongly expressed, while in VLM tissue sst1, sst2(A), sst2(B) and sst4 predominated. In both areas of the medulla, neurones with intense somatodendritic sst2(A) immunoreactivity were principally catecholaminergic in phenotype, being double labelled for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine-N-methyl-transferase (PNMT). Some TH/PNMT positive neurones were also sst2(B) and sst4 immunoreactive. Cholinergic parasympathetic neurones in the DVN were immunoreactive for the sst2(A), sst2(B), sst4 and sst5 subtypes. These observations are consistent with the proposal that multiple somatostatin receptor subtypes, possibly combining as heterodimers, are involved in mediating the modulatory effects of somatostatin on autonomic function, including cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal reflex activity.

Presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release by neuropeptides: use-dependent synaptic modification

Neuropeptides are signaling molecules that interact with G-protein coupled receptors located both pre- and postsynaptically. Presynaptically, these receptors are localized in axons and terminals away from presynaptic specializations. Neuropeptides are stored in dense core vesicles that are distinct from the clear synaptic vesicles containing classic neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA. Because they require a stronger Ca(2+) signal than synaptic vesicles, dense core vesicles do not release neuropeptides with single action potentials but rather require high-frequency trains. Thus, neuropeptides only modulate strongly stimulated synapses, providing negative or positive feedback. Many neuropeptides have been found to inhibit glutamate release from presynaptic terminals, and the major mechanism is likely direct interaction of betagamma G-protein subunits with presynaptic proteins such as SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor). The use of mouse genetic models and specific receptor antagonists are beginning to unravel the function of inhibitory neuropeptides. The opioid receptors kappa and mu, which are activated by endogenous opioid peptides such as dynorphin, enkephalin, and possibly the endomorphins, are important in modulating pain transmission. Dynorphin, nociceptin/orphanin FQ, and somatostatin and its related peptide cortistatin appear to play a role in modulation of learning and memory. Neuropeptide Y has important functions in ingestive behavior and also in entraining circadian rhythms. The existence of neuropeptides greatly expands the computational ability of the brain by providing additional levels of modulation.

Therapeutic possibilities of cysteamine in the treatment of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia has complicated pathogeneses that is not able to be explained by any one supposed hypothesis, although alterations in dopamine neurotransmission have been widely accepted as the most plausible mechanism. A transition from traditional typical antipsychotics to contemporary atypical antipsychotics which have significantly improved tolerability and enhanced specific efficacy has been also made based on this dopamine hypothesis. Cysteamine is a natural product of mammalian cells and found to be useful pharmacological alternative. A number of evidence suggests that cysteamine may control directly or indirectly dopamine neurotransmission in nucleus accumbens and other schizophrenia-related brain regions. Systemic cysteamine injection mitigated the apomorphine-induced stereotypy as well as decreasing motor stimulant effects of amphetamine, which favor cysteamine over animal models of schizophrenia relative to hyperactivity of dopaminergic pathway. In addition, cysteamine showed neuroprotective effects by way of enhancing central and serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that has been proved to be altered in patients with schizophrenia. Antipsychotic drugs exert their effect partly by modifying the synthesis and distribution of BDNF in selected brain region. Cysteamine was effective to reverse a disruption in prepulse inhibition, an endophenotypic marker of schizophrenia. Cysteamine can also stimulate the release of cortical dopamine, which is interesting in that decreased dopaminergic function in the cerebral cortex has been repeatedly demonstrated in patients with schizophrenia and associated with prominent depressive and negative symptoms. Cysteamine can also increase an important antioxidant, glutathione. Finally, cysteamine treatment was found to decrease weight gain, cataleptic behavior, and serum prolactin levels, which are the major beneficial properties of contemporary atypical antipsychotics. Hence, further explorations of therapeutic implication of cysteamine for schizophrenia in preclinical studies should be warranted in future.

Somatostatin in the dentate gyrus

The neuropeptide somatostatin (SST) is expressed in a discrete population of interneurons in the dentate gyrus. These interneurons have their soma in the hilus and project to the outer molecular layer onto dendrites of dentate granule cells, adjacent to perforant path input. SST-containing interneurons are very sensitive to excitotoxicty, and thus are vulnerable to a variety of neurological diseases and insults, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and ischemia. The SST gene contains a prototypical cyclic AMP response element (CRE) site. Such a regulatory site confers activity-dependence to the gene, such that it is turned on when neuronal activity is high. Thus SST expression is increased by pathological conditions such as seizures and by natural stimulation such as environmental enrichment. SST may play an important role in cognition by modulating the response of neurons to synaptic input. In the dentate, SST and the related peptide cortistatin (CST) reduce the likelihood of generating long-term potentiation, a cellular process involved in learning and memory. Thus these neuropeptides would increase the threshold of input required for acquisition of new memories, increasing "signal to noise" to filter out irrelevant environmental cues. The major mechanism through which SST inhibits LTP is likely through inhibition of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels on dentate granule cell dendrites. Transgenic overexpression of CST in the dentate leads to profound deficits in spatial learning and memory, validating its role in cognitive processing. A reduction of synaptic potentiation by SST and CST in dentate may also contribute to the well-characterized antiepileptic properties of these neuropeptides. Thus SST and CST are important neuromodulators in the dentate gyrus, and disruption of this signaling system may have major impact on hippocampal function.

Compensatory changes in the hippocampus of somatostatin knockout mice: upregulation of somatostatin receptor 2 and its function in the control of bursting activity and synaptic transmission

Somatostatin-14 (SRIF) co-localizes with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus and regulates neuronal excitability. A role of SRIF in the control of seizures has been proposed, although its exact contribution requires some clarification. In particular, SRIF knockout (KO) mice do not exhibit spontaneous seizures, indicating that compensatory changes may occur in KO. In the KO hippocampus, we examined whether specific SRIF receptors and/or the cognate peptide cortistatin-14 (CST) compensate for the absence of SRIF. We found increased levels of both sst2 receptors (sst2) and CST, and we explored the functional consequences of sst2 compensation on bursting activity and synaptic responses in hippocampal slices. Bursting was decreased by SRIF in wild-type (WT) mice, but it was not affected by either CST or sst2 agonist and antagonist. sst4 agonist increased bursting frequency in either WT or KO. In WT, but not in KO, its effects were blocked by agonizing or antagonizing sst2, suggesting that sst2 and sst4 are functionally coupled in the WT hippocampus. Bursting was reduced in KO as compared with WT and was increased upon application of sst2 antagonist, while SRIF, CST and sst2 agonist had no effect. At the synaptic level, we observed that in WT, SRIF decreased excitatory postsynaptic potentials which were, in contrast, increased by sst2 antagonist in KO. We conclude that sst2 compensates for SRIF absence and that its upregulation is responsible for reduced bursting and decreased excitatory transmission in KO mice. We suggest that a critical density of sst2 is needed to control hippocampal activity.

Immunohistochemical Distribution and Subcellular Localization of the Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 1 (sst1) in the Rat Hypothalamus

The aim of the present study was to examine the cellular and sub-cellular distribution of the somatostatin (SRIF) receptor subtype sst1 in the rat hypothalamus. Receptors were immunolabeled using an antibody directed against an antigenic sequence in the N-terminus of the receptor. Immunopositive neuronal cell bodies and dendrites were observed throughout the mediobasal hypothalamus, including the medial preoptic area, paraventricular, periventricular, and arcuate nuclei. Immunoreactive axons and axon terminals were also observed in the median eminence, suggesting that sst1 is also located pre-synaptically. Electron microscopic examination of the arcuate nucleus revealed a predominant association of immunoreactive sst1 with perikarya and dendrites. Most immunoreactive receptors were intracellular and localized to tubulovesicular compartments and organelles such as the Golgi apparatus, but 14% were associated with the plasma membrane. Of the latter, 47% were apposed to abbuting afferent axon terminals and 20% localized immediately adjacent to an active synaptic zone. These results demonstrate a widespread distribution of sst1 receptors in rat hypothalamus. They also show that somatodendritic sst1 receptors in the arcuate nucleus are ideally poised to mediate SRIF's modulation of afferent synaptic inputs, including central SRIF effects on growth hormone-releasing hormone neurons documented in this area.

Value of immunohistochemistry for somatostatin receptor subtype sst2A in cancer tissues: lessons from the comparison of anti-sst2A antibodies with somatostatin receptor autoradiography

The somatostatin receptor sst2A is highly expressed at the cellular surface of neuroendocrine and other human tumor cells, allowing somatostatin receptor-targeted scintigraphic tumor imaging and tumor therapy. In vitro information on tumoral somatostatin receptor expression is provided mainly by receptor autoradiography, based on binding of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs to tumoral somatostatin receptors. Recent availability of anti-sst2A antibodies opens the possibility of sst2A assessment in human tumors with immunohistochemistry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of several commercial anti-sst2A antibodies for this purpose in comparison with the extensively characterized antibody R2-88 and with receptor autoradiography. sst2A immunohistochemistry was performed in 64 formalin-fixed tumors known to frequently express sst2A (pancreatic, gastrointestinal, pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, breast carcinomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas, pheochromocytomas, and paragangliomas); receptor autoradiography could be performed simultaneously in 37 of these cases. The commercial antibody SS-800 clearly identified sst2A and correlated excellently with R2-88: compared with R2-88, SS-800 immunohistochemistry generally yielded the same tissular and subcellular staining distribution. Results of R2-88 and SS-800 immunohistochemistry correlated excellently with those obtained with receptor autoradiography; compared with receptor autoradiography, immunohistochemistry with both R2-88 and SS-800 resulted in a slightly lower tumoral sst2A incidence, but a higher resolution, with frequent identification of heterogeneous sst2A distribution at high magnification. Finally, not only membranous, but also cytoplasmic, sst2A immunostaining was simultaneously observed with both antibodies in some tumors. In conclusion, the commercially available SS-800 antibody promises to be useful for the routine immunohistochemical assessment of sst2A in formalin-fixed human tumors.

Postsynaptic targets of somatostatin-containing interneurons in the rat basolateral amygdala

The basolateral amygdala contains several subpopulations of inhibitory interneurons that can be distinguished on the basis of their content of calcium-binding proteins or peptides. Although previous studies have shown that interneuronal subpopulations containing parvalbumin (PV) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) innervate distinct postsynaptic domains of pyramidal cells as well as other interneurons, very little is known about the synaptic outputs of the interneuronal subpopulation that expresses somatostatin (SOM). The present study utilized dual-labeling immunocytochemical techniques at the light and electron microscopic levels to analyze the innervation of pyramidal cells, PV+ interneurons, and VIP+ interneurons in the anterior basolateral amygdalar nucleus (BLa) by SOM+ axon terminals. Pyramidal cell somata and dendrites were selectively labeled with antibodies to calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK); previous studies have shown that the vast majority of dendritic spines, whether CAMK+ or not, arise from pyramidal cells. Almost all SOM+ axon terminals formed symmetrical synapses. The main postsynaptic targets of SOM+ terminals were small-caliber CaMK+ dendrites and dendritic spines, some of which were CaMK+. These SOM+ synapses with dendrites were often in close proximity to asymmetrical (excitatory) synapses to these same structures formed by unlabeled terminals. Few SOM+ terminals formed synapses with CaMK+ pyramidal cell somata or large-caliber (proximal) dendrites. Likewise, only 15% of SOM+ terminals formed synapses with PV+, VIP+, or SOM+ interneurons. These findings suggest that inhibitory inputs from SOM+ interneurons may interact with excitatory inputs to pyramidal cell distal dendrites in the BLa. These interactions might affect synaptic plasticity related to emotional learning.

The somatostatin sst1 receptor: an autoreceptor for somatostatin in brain and retina?

The sst1 receptor was the first of the 5 somatostatin receptors to be cloned by homology with the glucagon receptor 13 years ago. It is a 7-transmembrane domain G-protein-coupled receptor that is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase, but can also trigger other transduction pathways. The distribution of sst1 mRNA, immunolabeling, and radioligand binding are not entirely overlapping, but the recent availability of knockout (KO) mice and a (still limited) number of selective agonists/antagonists has increased our knowledge about this receptor. These new tools have helped to reveal a role for the sst1 receptor in hippocampal, hypothalamic, basal ganglia, and retinal functions. In at least the latter 3 structures, the sst1 receptor appears to act as an inhibitory autoreceptor located on somatostatin neurons, whereas in the hippocampus such a role is still based on circumstantial evidence.

A field guide to the anterior olfactory nucleus (cortex)

While portions of the mammalian olfactory system have been studied extensively, the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) has been relatively ignored. Furthermore, the existing research is dispersed and obscured by many different nomenclatures and approaches. The present review collects and assembles the relatively sparse literature regarding the portion of the brain situated between the olfactory bulb and primary olfactory (piriform) cortex. Included is an overview of the area's organization, the functional, morphological and neurochemical characteristics of its cells and a comprehensive appraisal of its efferent and afferent fiber systems. Available evidence suggests the existence of subdivisions within the AON and demonstrates that the structure influences ongoing activity in many other olfactory areas. We conclude with a discussion of the AON's mysterious but complex role in olfactory information processing.

Somatostatin receptors in the ventral pallidum/substantia innominata modulate rat locomotor activity

RATIONALE

Somatostatin and its receptors (sst(1) and sst(2)) have been localized in brain nuclei implicated in motor control, such as the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum (VP) and substantia innominata (SI).

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of somatostatin and selective sst(1) and sst(2) analogs infused in the VP/SI on the locomotor activity of the rat.

METHODS

Somatostatin (15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 ng/0.5 microl/side), CH275 (sst(1) analog; 60, 180, 240 and 480 ng/0.5 microl/side), MK678 (sst(2) analog; 120, 240 and 480 ng/0.5 microl/side), L-809,087 (sst(4) agonist, 240 ng/0.5 microl/side) or saline (vehicle) were infused bilaterally in the VP/SI of the rat and locomotor activity measured for 60 min. The effect of SRA-880 (sst(1) antagonist) and CYN-154806 (sst(2) antagonist) on somatostatin-, CH275- and MK678-mediated locomotor activity was also ascertained.

RESULTS

Somatostatin decreased locomotor activity in the first 30 min after its infusion in the VP/SI and in a dose-dependent manner. The sst(1) and sst(2) antagonists, SRA-880 and CYN-154806, respectively, reversed the somatostatin effect. The sst(1) and sst(2) agonists CH275 and MK678, respectively, mimicked somatostatin's actions, while the selective sst(4) agonist L-809,087 had no effect. Moreover, SRA-880 and CYN-154806 reversed the respective agonist action on locomotor activity.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides functional evidence for the presence of sst(1) and sst(2) receptors in the VP/SI and their implication in motor control. The mechanism via which somatostatin and agonists mediate the attenuation of locomotor activity is presently being investigated.

Different somatostatin receptor subtypes are operating in the brain of the teleost fish,Coris julis

Characterization of somatostatinergic (sst) neuronal activity through the application of nonpeptidyl agonists L-779,976 and L-817,818 which are highly specific for the sst receptors (sstr) sstr(2) and sstr(5), respectively, shows for the first time that sstr2, 5-like subtypes are the two major sstr subtypes operating in the brain of the teleost sea wrasse, Coris julis. A somewhat high but heterogeneous distribution pattern (> 30 < 180 fmol/mg wet tissue weight) of neurons expressing sstr2, 5 was reported in the different diencephalic regions plus in mesencephalon and telencephalon while low values were obtained in the cerebellum. Application of the above nonpeptidyl agonists permitted us to identify sstr2-like as the predominant subtype in telencephalic areas such as the entopeduncular nucleus (E) and postcommissural nucleus of the ventral telencephalon (Vp) as well as in hypothalamic and thalamic areas. At the same time high levels of neurons expressing sstr5-like, that greatly overlap those of sstr2-like in the diencephalic areas such as the anteroventral part of the preoptic nucleus (NPOav), the dorsal habenular nucleus (NHd) and the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus (VL), indicate that sstr2-like is very likely not the only sstr subtype acting in this fish brain. The predominance of sstr5-like in other brain areas is confirmed by the high quantities of this subtype in mesencephalic areas such as the torus longitudinalis (TLo). Overall, the discriminately differing densities of neurons expressing both subtypes seem to point to this system as a key molecular basis accounting for the distinct neurophysiological and behavioral sst-dependent activities in Coris julis.

Molecular endocrinology and physiology of the aging central nervous system

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physical and cognitive functions. The impact of age-dependent endocrine changes regulated by the central nervous system on the dynamics of neuronal behavior, neurodegeneration, cognition, biological rhythms, sexual behavior, and metabolism are reviewed. We also briefly review how functional deficits associated with increases in glucocorticoids and cytokines and declining production of sex steroids, GH, and IGF are likely exacerbated by age-dependent molecular misreading and alterations in components of signal transduction pathways and transcription factors.

Somatostatin inhibition of fictive respiration is modulated by pH

We studied the respiratory effects of the tetradecapeptide somatostatin (SST) upon fictive respiration using the in vitro brain stem spinal cord preparation from new-born mouse. We found that SST inhibits respiration, an effect that was potentiated when the chemical drive to respiration was increased. SST inhibited fictive respiration decreasing both the frequency and amplitude in a dose-dependent way. SST inhibition was not antagonized by cyclosomatostatin (cyclo [7-aminoheptanoyl-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr(Bzl)]), a putative SST antagonist, which in contrast behaved as a partial agonist. When the chemical drive to respiration was increased, by lowering the pH of the brain stem superfusion medium from 7.4 to 7.3, the inhibitory effect of SST on respiratory frequency was potentiated. These results suggest an interaction between SST and respiratory central chemoreception in new-born mouse.

The somatostatin receptor (sst1) modulates the release of somatostatin in the nucleus accumbens of the rat

The aim of the present study was to examine the function of the somatostatin receptor (sst(1)) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the basal ganglia. Radioligand binding studies were performed in rats to assess the presence of the receptor, while in vivo microdialysis studies were performed to examine its role in somatostatin release. CH-275, which is selective for sst(1), MK-678, selective for sst(2) and L-803,087, selective for sst(4) receptors displaced [(125)I]-Tyr(11)-somatostatin specific binding in a concentration-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 75, 0.21 and 11 nM, respectively. Infusion of CH-275 (10(-5), 10(-6) or 10(-7) M) in the NAc of freely moving rats resulted in a decrease in somatostatin levels only at the concentration of 10(-5) M. This effect was reversed by 10(-5) M of the selective sst(1) antagonist SRA-880. The sst(1) agonist L-797,591 (10(-5) M) mimicked the effect of CH-275, while MK-678 and L-803,087 at the same concentration were unable to influence somatostatin levels. These results provide functional evidence to demonstrate that the sst(1) receptor modulates somatostatin release in the basal ganglia.

Cellular actions of somatostatin on rat periaqueductal grey neurons in vitro

Functional studies indicate that the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) is involved in the analgesic actions of somatostatin; however, the cellular actions of somatostatin in this brain region are unknown. In the present study, whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made from rat PAG neurons in vitro. In 93% of acutely isolated neurons, somatostatin inhibited Ca(2+)-channel currents. This effect was mimicked by the sst-2 selective agonist BIM-23027, but not by the sst-1 and sst-5 selective agonists CH-275 and L-362855. In brain slices, 81% of neurons responded to somatostatin (300 nm) with an increase in K(+) conductance that reversed polarity at -114 mV. A greater proportion of somatostatin-sensitive neurons (93%) than somatostatin-insensitive neurons (53%) responded to the opioid agonist met-enkephalin (10 microm). Somatostatin also reduced the amplitude of evoked GABA(A)-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). The actions of somatostatin in brain slices were mimicked by BIM-23027, but not by CH-275. Somatostatin had a variable effect on the rate of spontaneous miniature IPSCs in normal external potassium solutions. In high external potassium solutions, somatostatin reduced the rate of miniature IPSCs in all neurons, and this inhibition was abolished by addition of Cd(2+) (30 microm). Somatostatin had no effect on the amplitude of miniature IPSCs. These results indicate that somatostatin acts via sst-2 receptors to directly inhibit a subpopulation of PAG neurons by activating a potassium conductance and inhibits GABA release within PAG via a presynaptic Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism. Thus, like opioids, somatostatin has the potential to exert pre- and postsynaptic disinhibitory effects within the PAG.

Plasticity of somatostatin and somatostatin sst2A receptors in the rat dentate gyrus during kindling epileptogenesis

Increasing evidence suggests that somatostatin may control neuronal excitability during epileptogenesis. In the hippocampus, sst2A receptors are likely to mediate somatostatin inhibitory actions but little is known about their status in kindled tissues. In the present study, sst2A receptor and somatostatin immunoreactivity were examined by confocal microscopy in the hippocampus during and after kindling acquisition. In control rats, somatostatin-positive axon terminals were mainly found in the stratum lacunosum moleculare of CA1 area and in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. sst2A receptor immunoreactivity was diffusely distributed in the strata radiatum and oriens of CA1 and in the stratum moleculare of the dentate gyrus. Immunogold electron microscopy revealed that sst2A receptors were predominantly localized postsynaptically, at the plasma membrane of dendritic shafts and spines of principal neurons. During kindling epileptogenesis, qualitative and semiquantitative analysis revealed a progressive decrease of sst2A immunoreactivity in the outer molecular layer, which was spatially associated with an increase in somatostatin immunoreactivity. No obvious changes in sst2A receptor immunoreactivity were observed in other hippocampal subfields. These results suggest that the decrease of sst2A receptor immunoreactivity in the outer molecular layer reflects receptor down-regulation in distal dendrites of granule cells in response to chronic somatostatin release. Because the sst2A receptor appears to mediate anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic effects of somatostatin, this may represent a pivotal mechanism contributing to epileptogenesis.

Role of Amphiphysin II in Somatostatin Receptor Trafficking in Neuroendocrine Cells

Amphiphysins are SH3 domain-containing proteins thought to function in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. To investigate the potential role of amphiphysin II in cellular trafficking of G protein-coupled somatostatin (SRIF) receptors, we generated an AtT-20 cell line stably overexpressing amphiphysin IIb, a splice variant that does not bind clathrin. Endocytosis of (125)I-[d-Trp(8)]SRIF was not affected by amphiphysin IIb overexpression. However, the maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of the ligand on intact cells was significantly lower in amphiphysin IIb overexpressing than in non-transfected cells. This difference was no longer apparent when the experiments were performed on crude cell homogenates, suggesting that amphiphysin IIb overexpression interferes with SRIF receptor targeting to the cell surface and not with receptor synthesis. Accordingly, immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that, in amphiphysin overexpressing cells, sst(2A) and sst(5) receptors were segregated in a juxtanuclear compartment identified as the trans-Golgi network. Amphiphysin IIb overexpression had no effect on corticotrophin-releasing factor 41-stimulated adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, suggesting that it is not involved in the regulated secretory pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that amphiphysin II is not necessary for SRIF receptor endocytosis but is critical for its constitutive targeting to the plasma membrane. Therefore, amphiphysin IIb may be an important component of the constitutive secretory pathway.

Differential effects of somatostatin on exploratory behavior after unilateral injections in to rat neostriatum

The effects of somatostatin (SRIF) microinjected unilaterally (left or right) at a dose of 10, 50, and 100 ng into the neostriatum of male Wistar rats on exploratory behavior were studied. Unilateral injections of SRIF suppressed dose-related the exploratory activity as decreased the number of horizontal and vertical movements compared to the respective controls. The effect was more pronounced when SRIF was microinjected into the right neostriatum as compared to the left neostriatum. These findings suggest some asymmetric effects of SRIF, depending on the dose and the microinjected hemisphere.

Developmental changes in the expression of somatostatin receptors (1–5) in the brain, hypothalamus, pituitary and spinal cord of the human fetus

The actions of somatostatin (SST) in the nervous system are mediated by specific high affinity SST receptors (SSTR1-5). However, the role of this hormone and the distribution of its receptor subtypes have not yet been defined in neural structures of the human fetus. We have analyzed four neural tissues (CNS, hypothalamus, pituitary and spinal cord) from early to midgestation for the expression of five human SSTR mRNAs, using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot approach. These fetal neural tissues all express mRNA for multiple SSTR subtypes from as early as 16 weeks of fetal life but the developmental patterns of expression vary considerably. Transcripts for SSTR1 and SSTR2A are the most widely distributed, being expressed in all four neural tissues. SSTR2A is often the earliest transcript to be detected (7.5 weeks in CNS). SSTR3 mRNA is confined to the pituitary, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. SSTR4 is expressed in fetal brain, hypothalamus and spinal cord but not pituitary. SSTR5 mRNA is detectable in the pituitary and spinal cord by 14-16 weeks of fetal life. This mapping of SSTR mRNA expression patterns in human fetal neural tissues is an important first step toward our goal of determining the role of SST in the nervous system during early stages in human development.

The somatostatin receptors in the normal and epileptic hippocampus of the gerbil: subtype-specific localization and its alteration

We investigated the distribution of somatostatin receptors (SSTs) in the hippocampi of SR (seizure-resistant) and SS (seizure-sensitive) gerbils in order to characterize the alterations in SST expressions induced by seizure activity. SST2A immunodensity in the hippocampus of SS gerbils was lower than that of SR gerbils, though its localization in the hippocampus was similar in both SR and SS gerbils. SST3 immunodensity in the hippocampus of SS gerbils was lower than in SR gerbils. In SR gerbils, strong SST4 immunoreactivity was detected in the dentate gyrus and in the CA3 region, in contrast little immunoreactivity was detected in these regions in SS gerbils. In SR and SS gerbils, the strong SST5 immunoreactivity in the hippocampus was also detected in the stratum oriens of the CA2-3 regions and the septal area of CA1 region. However, SST5 immunodensity in the stratum radiatum in SS gerbils was lower than in SR gerbils. These results are the first comprehensive description of the distribution of SSTs in the normal and epileptic hippocampus of gerbils, and suggest that these alterations in the hippocampus of the SS gerbil may be related with a regulatory mechanism for seizure activity in these seizure prone animals.

Immunohistochemical distribution of NTS2 neurotensin receptors in the rat central nervous system

In the present study, we localized the levocabastine-sensitive neurotensin receptor (NTS2) protein in adult rat brain by using an N-terminally-directed antibody. NTS2-like immunoreactivity was broadly distributed throughout the rat brain. At the cellular level, the reaction product was exclusively associated with neurons and predominantly, although not exclusively, with their dendritic arbors. No NTS2 signal was observed over astrocytes, as confirmed by dual confocal microscopic immunofluorescence studies using the astrocytic marker S100beta. High densities of NTS2-like immunoreactive nerve cell bodies and/or processes were detected in many regions documented to receive a dense neurotensinergic innervation, such as the olfactory bulb, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, magnocellular preoptic nucleus, amygdaloid complex, anterodorsal thalamic nucleus, substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, and several brainstem nuclei. Most conspicuous among the latter were structures implicated in the descending control of nociceptive inputs (e.g., the periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, pars alpha, lateral paragigantocellular, and raphe magnus), in keeping with the postulated role of NTS2 receptors in the mediation of neurotensin's supraspinal antinociceptive actions. However, the distribution of NTS2-like immunoreactivity largely exceeded that of neurotensin terminal fields, and some of the highest concentrations of the receptor were found in areas devoid of neurotensinergic inputs such as the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and the cerebellum, suggesting that neurotensin may not be the exclusive endogenous ligand for this receptor subtype.