Characterizing the site and mode of action of dynorphin at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses in the guinea pig

Exploring the Therapeutic Effect of Neurotrophins and Neuropeptides in Neurodegenerative Diseases: at a Glance

Neurotrophins and neuropeptides are the essential regulators of peripheral nociceptive nerves that help to induce, sensitize, and maintain pain. Neuropeptide has a neuroprotective impact as it increases trophic support, regulates calcium homeostasis, and reduces excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In contrast, neurotrophins target neurons afflicted by ischemia, epilepsy, depression, and eating disorders, among other neuropsychiatric conditions. Neurotrophins are reported to inhibit neuronal death. Strategies maintained for "brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) therapies" are to upregulate BDNF levels using the delivery of protein and genes or compounds that target BDNF production and boosting BDNF signals by expanding with BDNF mimetics. This review discusses the mechanisms of neurotrophins and neuropeptides against acute neural damage as well as highlighting neuropeptides as a potential therapeutic agent against Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), the signaling pathways affected by neurotrophins and their receptors in both standard and diseased CNS systems, and future perspectives that can lead to the potent application of neurotrophins and neuropeptides in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs).

Dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system regulation on amygdaloid circuitry: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders

Amygdaloid circuits are involved in a variety of emotional and motivation-related behaviors and are impacted by stress. The amygdala expresses several neuromodulatory systems, including opioid peptides and their receptors. The Dynorphin (Dyn)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in the processing of emotional and stress-related information and is expressed in brain areas involved in stress and motivation. Dysregulation of the Dyn/KOR system has also been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is limited information about the role of the Dyn/KOR system in regulating amygdala circuitry. Here, we review the literature on the (1) basic anatomy of the amygdala, (2) functional regulation of synaptic transmission by the Dyn/KOR system, (3) anatomical architecture and function of the Dyn/KOR system in the amygdala, (4) regulation of amygdala-dependent behaviors by the Dyn/KOR system, and (5) future directions for the field. Future work investigating how the Dyn/KOR system shapes a wide range of amygdala-related behaviors will be required to increase our understanding of underlying circuitry modulation by the Dyn/KOR system. We anticipate that continued focus on the amygdala Dyn/KOR system will also elucidate novel ways to target the Dyn/KOR system to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.

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.

Opioid Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Neurotransmission in the Brain

Opioids mediate their effects via opioid receptors: mu, delta, and kappa. At the neuronal level, opioid receptors are generally inhibitory, presynaptically reducing neurotransmitter release and postsynaptically hyperpolarizing neurons. However, opioid receptor-mediated regulation of neuronal function and synaptic transmission is not uniform in expression pattern and mechanism across the brain. The localization of receptors within specific cell types and neurocircuits determine the effects that endogenous and exogenous opioids have on brain function. In this review we will explore the similarities and differences in opioid receptor-mediated regulation of neurotransmission across different brain regions. We discuss how future studies can consider potential cell-type, regional, and neural pathway-specific effects of opioid receptors in order to better understand how opioid receptors modulate brain function.

Dynorphin/Kappa-Opioid Receptor System Modulation of Cortical Circuitry

Cortical circuits control a plethora of behaviors, from sensation to cognition. The cortex is enriched with neuropeptides and receptors that play a role in information processing, including opioid peptides and their cognate receptors. The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in the processing of sensory and motivationally-charged emotional information and is highly expressed in cortical circuits. This is important as dysregulation of DYN/KOR signaling in limbic and cortical circuits has been implicated in promoting negative affect and cognitive deficits in various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, research investigating the role of this system in controlling cortical circuits and computations therein is limited. Here, we review the (1) basic anatomy of cortical circuits, (2) anatomical architecture of the cortical DYN/KOR system, (3) functional regulation of cortical synaptic transmission and microcircuit function by the DYN/KOR system, (4) regulation of behavior by the cortical DYN/KOR system, (5) implications for the DYN/KOR system for human health and disease, and (6) future directions and unanswered questions for the field. Further work elucidating the role of the DYN/KOR system in controlling cortical information processing and associated behaviors will be of importance to increasing our understanding of principles underlying neuropeptide modulation of cortical circuits, mechanisms underlying sensation and perception, motivated and emotional behavior, and cognition. Increased emphasis in this area of study will also aid in the identification of novel ways to target the DYN/KOR system to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.

Vesicles derived via AP-3-dependent recycling contribute to asynchronous release and influence information transfer

Action potentials trigger synchronous and asynchronous neurotransmitter release. Temporal properties of both types of release could be altered in an activity-dependent manner. While the effects of activity-dependent changes in synchronous release on postsynaptic signal integration have been studied, the contribution of asynchronous release to information transfer during natural stimulus patterns is unknown. Here we find that during trains of stimulations, asynchronous release contributes to the precision of action potential firing. Our data show that this form of release is selectively diminished in AP-3b2 KO animals, which lack functional neuronal AP-3, an adaptor protein regulating vesicle formation from endosomes generated during bulk endocytosis. We find that in the absence of neuronal AP-3, asynchronous release is attenuated and the activity-dependent increase in the precision of action potential timing is compromised. Lack of asynchronous release decreases the capacity of synaptic information transfer and renders synaptic communication less reliable in response to natural stimulus patterns.

Direct inhibition of arcuate proopiomelanocortin neurons: a potential mechanism for the orexigenic actions of dynorphin

Dynorphin, an endogenous ligand of kappa (κ) opioid receptors, has multiple roles in the brain, and plays a positive role in energy balance and food intake. However, the mechanism for this is unclear. With immunocytochemistry, we find that axonal dynorphin immunoreactivity in the arcuate nucleus is strong, and that a large number of dynorphin-immunoreactive boutons terminate on or near anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) cells. Here we provide evidence from whole-cell patch-clamp recording that dynorphin-A (Dyn-A) directly and dose-dependently inhibits arcuate nucleus POMC neurons. Dyn-A inhibition was eliminated by the opioid receptor antagonist nor-BNI, but not by the μ receptor antagonist CTAP. The inhibitory effect was mimicked by the (κ)2 receptor agonist GR89696, but not by the 1 receptor agonist U69593. No presynaptic effect of (κ)2 agonists was found. These results suggest that Dyn-A inhibits POMC neurons through activation of the (κ)2 opioid receptor. In whole-cell voltage clamp, Dyn-A opened G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK)-like channels on POMC neurons. Dynorphin attenuated glutamate and GABA neurotransmission to POMC neurons. In contrast to the strong inhibition of POMC neurons by Dyn-A, we found a weaker direct inhibitory effect of Dyn-A on arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons mediated by both 1 and (κ)2 receptors. Taken together, these results indicate a direct inhibitory effect of Dyn-A on POMC neurons through activation of the (κ)2 opioid receptor and GIRK channels. A number of orexigenic hypothalamic neurons release dynorphin along with other neuropeptides. The inhibition of anorexigenic POMC neurons may be one mechanism underlying the orexigenic actions of dynorphin.

Neuropeptide transmission in brain circuits

Neuropeptides are found in many mammalian CNS neurons where they play key roles in modulating neuronal activity. In contrast to amino acid transmitter release at the synapse, neuropeptide release is not restricted to the synaptic specialization, and after release, a neuropeptide may diffuse some distance to exert its action through a G protein-coupled receptor. Some neuropeptides such as hypocretin/orexin are synthesized only in single regions of the brain, and the neurons releasing these peptides probably have similar functional roles. Other peptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY) are synthesized throughout the brain, and neurons that synthesize the peptide in one region have no anatomical or functional connection with NPY neurons in other brain regions. Here, I review converging data revealing a complex interaction between slow-acting neuromodulator peptides and fast-acting amino acid transmitters in the control of energy homeostasis, drug addiction, mood and motivation, sleep-wake states, and neuroendocrine regulation.

Dynorphin--still an extraordinarily potent opioid peptide

This issue of Molecular Pharmacology is dedicated to Dr. Avram Goldstein, the journal's founding editor and one of the leaders in the development of modern pharmacology. This article focuses on his contributions to the discovery of the dynorphins and evidence that members of this family of opioid peptides are endogenous agonists for the kappa opioid receptor. In his original publication describing the purification and sequencing of dynorphin A, Avram described this peptide as "extraordinarily potent" ("dyn" from the Greek, dynamis = power and "orphin" for endogenous morphine peptide). The name originally referred to its high affinity and great potency in the bioassay that was used to follow its activity during purification, but the name has come to have a second meaning: studies of its physiologic function in brain continue to provide powerful insights to the molecular mechanisms controlling mood disorders and drug addiction. During the 30 years since its discovery, we have learned that the dynorphin peptides are released in brain during stress exposure. After they are released, they activate kappa opioid receptors distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord, where they trigger cellular responses resulting in different stress responses: analgesia, dysphoria-like behaviors, anxiety-like responses, and increased addiction behaviors in experimental animals. Avram predicted that a detailed molecular analysis of opiate drug actions would someday lead to better treatments for drug addiction, and he would be gratified to know that subsequent studies enabled by his discovery of the dynorphins resulted in insights that hold great promise for new treatments for addiction and depressive disorders.

The dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system and its role in psychiatric disorders

The dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system has been implicated in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. In the present review, we present evidence indicating a key role for this system in modulating neurotransmission in brain circuits that subserve mood, motivation, and cognitive function. We overview the pharmacology, signaling, post-translational, post-transcriptional, transcriptional, epigenetic and cis regulation of the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system, and critically review functional neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and pharmacological evidence, suggesting that alterations in this system may contribute to affective disorders, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. We also overview the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system in the genetics of psychiatric disorders and discuss implications of the reviewed material for therapeutics development.

κ-Opioid receptor inhibition of calcium oscillations in spinal cord neurons

Mouse embryonic spinal cord neurons in culture exhibit spontaneous calcium oscillations from day in vitro (DIV) 6 through DIV 10. Such spontaneous activity in developing spinal cord contributes to maturation of synapses and development of pattern-generating circuits. Here we demonstrate that these calcium oscillations are regulated by κ opioid receptors (KORs). The κ opioid agonist dynorphin (Dyn)-A (1-13) suppressed calcium oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner, and both the nonselective opioid antagonist naloxone and the κ-selective blocker norbinaltorphimine eliminated this effect. The KOR-selective agonist (+)-(5α,7α,8β)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl]-benzeneacetamide (U69593) mimicked the effect of Dyn-A (1-13) on calcium oscillations. A κ-specific peptide antagonist, zyklophin, was also able to prevent the suppression of calcium oscillations caused by Dyn-A (1-13). These spontaneous calcium oscillations were blocked by 1 μM tetrodotoxin, indicating that they are action potential-dependent. Although the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker nifedipine did not suppress calcium oscillations, the N-type calcium channel blocker ω-conotoxin inhibited this spontaneous response. Blockers of ionotropic glutamate receptors, 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline and dizocilpine maleate (MK-801), also suppressed calcium oscillations, revealing a dependence on glutamate-mediated signaling. Finally, we have demonstrated expression of KORs in glutamatergic spinal neurons and localization in a presynaptic compartment, consistent with previous reports of KOR-mediated inhibition of glutamate release. The KOR-mediated inhibition of spontaneous calcium oscillations may therefore be a consequence of presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release.

Mossy fiber synaptic transmission: communication from the dentate gyrus to area CA3

Communication between the dentate gyrus (DG) and area CA3 of the hippocampus proper is transmitted via axons of granule cells--the mossy fiber (MF) pathway. In this review we discuss and compare the properties of transmitter release from the MFs onto pyramidal neurons and interneurons. An examination of the anatomical connectivity from DG to CA3 reveals a surprising interplay between excitation and inhibition for this circuit. In this respect it is particularly relevant that the major targets of the MFs are interneurons and that the consequence of MF input into CA3 may be inhibitory or excitatory, conditionally dependent on the frequency of input and modulatory regulation. This is further complicated by the properties of transmitter release from the MFs where a large number of co-localized transmitters, including GABAergic inhibitory transmitter release, and the effects of presynaptic modulation finely tune transmitter release. A picture emerges that extends beyond the hypothesis that the MFs are simply "detonators" of CA3 pyramidal neurons; the properties of synaptic information flow from the DG have more subtle and complex influences on the CA3 network.

Butorphanol dependence increases hippocampal kappa-opioid receptor gene expression

Butorphanol is a synthetic opioid agonist/antagonist analgesic agent, which exerts its effects mainly via kappa-opioid receptors. Characterizations of the gene expression levels of the mRNA for and protein levels of the kappa-opioid receptor in different brain regions of rats are essential for investigating possible mechanisms in the development of physical dependence on and withdrawal from butorphanol. Animals were rendered dependent by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of butorphanol (26 nmol/microl/hr) via osmotic minipumps for 3 days. Rats were sacrificed immediately (dependent group) or 7 hr after discontinuation of i.c.v. butorphanol infusion (withdrawal group). Expression levels of the mRNA for the kappa-opioid receptor, as detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis, were significantly increased in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and midbrain, including thalamus, hippocampus, and pons, in animals dependent on butorphanol. In both dependent and withdrawal groups, Western blot analysis of kappa-opioid receptor protein levels showed significant increases in the amygdaloid nucleus, paraventricular thalamus, and thalamus. However, in the withdrawal group, there were significant decreases in the hippocampus and cortical regions, including the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex. Regional changes in the mRNA for and protein levels of the kappa-opioid receptor focus attention on highly special roles for this receptor in the development of physical dependence on and the expression of withdrawal from butorphanol dependence.

Dynorphin A (2-13) improves mecamylamine-induced learning impairment accompanied by reversal of reductions in acetylcholine release in rats

Accumulating evidence indicates that the endogenous opioid peptides dynorphin A (1-17) and synthetic dynorphin A (1-13) interact not only with opioid receptors but also with as yet poorly characterized non-opioid binding sites. Dynorphin A (1-13) improved impairments of learning and memory via not only kappa-opioid receptor-mediated, but also 'non-opioid' mechanisms. In the present study, the effects of des-tyrosine(1) dynorphin A (2-13) as a non-opioid metabolite of dynorphin A, and dynorphin A (1-13) on mecamylamine-induced impairment of the acquisition of learning in rats were investigated using a step-through type passive avoidance task. Further, hippocampal acetylcholine release was examined using in vivo microdialysis. Mecamylamine significantly shortened the step-through latency when given 30 min before the acquisition trial. Not only dynorphin A (1-13) but also dynorphin A (2-13) attenuated the mecamylamine-induced impairment of the acquisition of learning. The effect of dynorphin A (2-13) was not blocked by pre-treatment with nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI), a selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist. Dynorphin A (2-13) completely abolished the decrease in the extracellular acetylcholine concentration induced by mecamylamine and this effect was not blocked by nor-BNI. Taken together with our previous findings, the present results may indicate that dynorphin A (2-13) improves impairment of learning and/or memory in 'non-opioid' mechanisms and dynorphin A (1-13) ameliorates impairment of the acquisition of learning via not only kappa-opioid receptor-mediated mechanisms but also 'non-opioid' mechanisms, by regulating the release of extracellular acetylcholine.

Interactions between asynchronous release and short-term plasticity in the nucleus accumbens slice

Glutamate synapses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) display asynchronous release in response to trains of stimulation. However, it is unclear what role this asynchronous release plays in synaptic transmission in this nucleus. This process was studied, specifically looking at the interaction between short-term depression and asynchronous release. These results indicate that synchronous and asynchronous release do not compete for a depleted readily releasable pool of vesicles.

Epilepsy, CNS viral injury and dynorphin

Epilepsy is a significant health problem. Despite the widespread use of both classic and newer pharmacological agents that target ion channels, amino acid transmission or receptors, there are numerous examples of mono- or polytherapy being ineffective. Seizures that are secondary to CNS infections are among the most refractory medically, and thus insult-specific agents are desirable. Recently, the study of the neuropharmacological actions of dynorphin in CNS viral injury has yielded new insights into epileptogenesis and epilepsy treatment. The opioid neuropeptide dynorphin modulates neuronal excitability in vitro in hippocampal slices and potentiates endogenous anti-ictal (i.e. protective) processes in animal models and humans. This work has renewed interest in the role of dysregulation of dynorphin in the pathogenesis of refractory seizures, including encephalitic seizures. The important role of dynorphin in epilepsy is also supported by new models of symptomatic epilepsies based on viral-induced seizures.

Changes in the brain kappa-opioid receptor levels of rats in withdrawal from physical dependence upon butorphanol

Changes in kappa-opioid receptor levels have been implicated in the development of physical dependence upon and withdrawal from the mixed agonist-antagonist opioid, butorphanol. Immunoblotting analysis was performed to determine the levels of kappa- and mu-opioid receptors in brain regions of rats in withdrawal from dependence upon butorphanol or morphine. Physical dependence was induced by a 72 h i.c.v. infusion with either butorphanol or morphine (26 nmol/microl/h). Withdrawal was subsequently precipitated by i.c.v. challenge with naloxone (48 nmol/5 microl/rat), administered 2 h following cessation of butorphanol or morphine infusion. Immunoblotting analysis of kappa-opioid receptors from butorphanol-withdrawal rats showed significant increases in 11 of 21 brain regions examined, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, dorsomedial hypothalamus, hypothalamus, paraventricular thalamus, thalamus, presubiculum, and locus coeruleus, when compared with saline treated, non-dependent controls. In addition, significant reductions were found in the hippocampus and in cortical brain regions, including the parietal cortex and temporal cortex from butorphanol-withdrawal rats. These findings contrasted with those from morphine-withdrawal rats, in which the only changes noted were increases in the thalamus and paraventricular thalamus. Changes in the levels of the mu-opioid receptor protein were observed in 11 of 21 brain regions examined in morphine-withdrawal rats, but only in three of 21 in butorphanol-withdrawal rats. These results implicate a substantive and largely unique role for kappa-opioid receptors in mediation of the development of physical dependence upon, and the expression of withdrawal from, butorphanol, as opposed to the prototypical opioid analgesic, morphine.

Tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein localizes to a presynaptic membrane compartment in selected terminal subsets of the rat brain

Tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein (TI-VAMP) is a vesicular soluble N-ethyl maleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE) that has been implicated in neurite outgrowth. It has previously been reported that TI-VAMP is localised in the somatodendritic compartment of neurons indicating a role in membrane fusion events within dendrites. Using a newly produced monoclonal antibody to TI-VAMP that improves signal/noise immunodetection, we report that TI-VAMP is also present in subsets of axon terminals of the adult rat brain. Four distinctive populations of labelled axon terminals were identified: 1) the hippocampal mossy fibres of the dentate gyrus and of CA3, 2) the striatal peridendritic terminal plexuses in the globus pallidus (GP), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), 3) peridendritic plexuses in the central nucleus of the amygdala, and 4) the primary sensory afferents in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The presynaptic localisation of TI-VAMP in these locations was demonstrated by co-localisation with synaptophysin. Ultrastructural studies showed TI-VAMP labelling over synaptic vesicles in the mossy fibres, whereas it was localised in tubulo-vesicular structures and multivesicular bodies in the pyramidal cell dendrites. The presynaptic localisation of TI-VAMP occurred by P15, so relatively late during development. In contrast, dendritic labelling was most prominent during the early post-natal period. Co-localisation with markers of neurotransmitters showed that TI-VAMP-positive terminals are GABAergic in the GP and SNr and glutamatergic in the mossy fibre system and in the dorsal root afferents. Most of these terminals are known to co-localise with neuropeptides. We found met-enkephalin-immunoreactivity in a sizeable fraction of the TI-VAMP positive terminals in the GP, amygdala, and dorsal horn, as well as in a few mossy fibre terminals. The function of TI-VAMP in subsets of mature axon terminals remains to be elucidated; it could participate in the exocytotic molecular machinery and/or be implicated in particular growth properties of the mature axon terminals. Thus, the presence of TI-VAMP in the mossy fibres may correspond to the high degree of plasticity that characterises this pathway throughout adult life.

Butorphanol dependence and withdrawal decrease hippocampal kappa 2-opioid receptor binding

The present study examines the degree and distribution of alterations in the expression of kappa-opioid receptor subtypes using a model of chronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of butorphanol. Autoradiographic characterization of binding for brain kappa(1) ([3H]CI-977)-, kappa(2) ([3H]bremazocine in the presence of DAMGO, DPDPE, and U-69,593)- and total kappa ([3H]bremazocine in the presence of only DAMGO and DPDPE)-opioid receptors was performed. Dependence was induced by a 72 h i.c.v. infusion with butorphanol (26 nmol/microl per hour) (butorphanol-dependent). Butorphanol withdrawal was produced by terminating the infusion of butorphanol in dependent animals. Responses were studied 7 h following termination (butorphanol-withdrawal). During both dependence and withdrawal phases, the binding signals for both kappa(1)- and kappa(2)-opioid receptors were significantly increased in certain regions, with especially marked increases in the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, parietal cortex, dorsomedial hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area and locus coeruleus. In contrast, a highly specific decrease in kappa(2)-, but increase in kappa(1)-, opioid receptor binding was noted in the hippocampus of rats in both butorphanol-dependent and-withdrawal groups. Therefore, alterations in kappa(1)- and kappa(2)-opioid receptors in the hippocampus may be differently involved in both adaptation to and recovery from chronic exposure to a mixed agonist/antagonist opioid analgesic. These results further illustrate the regional distribution of changes in binding characteristics of rat brain kappa(1)- and kappa(2)-opioid receptor subtypes in an established model of butorphanol dependence and withdrawal.

Chronic morphine treatment alters endogenous opioid control of hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic transmission

Synaptic adaptations are thought to be an important component of the consequences of drug abuse. One such adaptation is an up-regulation of adenylyl cyclase that has been shown to increase transmitter release at several inhibitory synapses. In this study the effects of chronic morphine treatment were studied on mossy fiber synapses in the guinea pig hippocampus using extracellular field potential recordings. This opioid-sensitive synapse was chosen because of the known role of the adenylyl cyclase cascade in the regulation of glutamate release. Long-term potentiation (LTP) at the mossy fiber synapse was enhanced after chronic morphine treatment. In control animals, opioid antagonists increased LTP but had no effect in morphine-treated guinea pigs. In contrast, the long-lasting depression of transmission induced by a mGluR agonist and CA1 LTP were not altered. Chronic morphine treatment neither caused tolerance to mu- and kappa-receptor-mediated inhibition at the mossy fiber synapse nor modified total hippocampal dynorphin levels. The results suggest that the phasic inhibition of glutamate transmission mediated by endogenous opioids is reduced after chronic exposure to morphine.

Role of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin in short-term synaptic plasticity

GABAergic (GABA = gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurons from different brain regions contain high levels of parvalbumin, both in their soma and in their neurites. Parvalbumin is a slow Ca(2+) buffer that may affect the amplitude and time course of intracellular Ca(2+) transients in terminals after an action potential, and hence may regulate short-term synaptic plasticity. To test this possibility, we have applied paired-pulse stimulations (with 30- to 300-ms intervals) at GABAergic synapses between interneurons and Purkinje cells, both in wild-type (PV+/+) mice and in parvalbumin knockout (PV-/-) mice. We observed paired-pulse depression in PV+/+ mice, but paired-pulse facilitation in PV-/- mice. In paired recordings of connected interneuron-Purkinje cells, dialysis of the presynaptic interneuron with the slow Ca(2+) buffer EGTA (1 mM) rescues paired-pulse depression in PV-/- mice. These data show that parvalbumin potently modulates short-term synaptic plasticity.

The multifarious hippocampal mossy fiber pathway: a review

The hippocampal mossy fiber pathway between the granule cells of the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal cells of area CA3 has been the target of numerous scientific studies. Initially, attention was focused on the mossy fiber to CA3 pyramidal cell synapse because it was suggested to be a model synapse for studying the basic properties of synaptic transmission in the CNS. However, the accumulated body of research suggests that the mossy fiber synapse is rather unique in that it has many distinct features not usually observed in cortical synapses. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the many unique features of this hippocampal pathway. We also have attempted to reconcile some discrepancies that exist in the literature concerning the pharmacology, physiology and plasticity of this pathway. In addition we also point out some of the experimental challenges that make electrophysiological study of this pathway so difficult.Finally, we suggest that understanding the functional role of the hippocampal mossy fiber pathway may lie in an appreciation of its variety of unique properties that make it a strong yet broadly modulated synaptic input to postsynaptic targets in the hilus of the dentate gyrus and area CA3 of the hippocampal formation.

Dynorphin A elicits an increase in intracellular calcium in cultured neurons via a non-opioid, non-NMDA mechanism

The opioid peptide dynorphin A is known to elicit a number of pathological effects that may result from neuronal excitotoxicity. An up-regulation of this peptide has also been causally related to the dysesthesia associated with inflammation and nerve injury. These effects of dynorphin A are not mediated through opioid receptor activation but can be effectively blocked by pretreatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, thus implicating the excitatory amino acid system as a mediator of the actions of dynorphin A and/or its fragments. A direct interaction between dynorphin A and the NMDA receptors has been well established; however the physiological relevance of this interaction remains equivocal. This study examined whether dynorphin A elicits a neuronal excitatory effect that may underlie its activation of the NMDA receptors. Calcium imaging of individual cultured cortical neurons showed that the nonopioid peptide dynorphin A(2-17) induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in intracellular calcium. This excitatory effect of dynorphin A(2-17) was insensitive to (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]-cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801) pretreatment in NMDA-responsive cells. Thus dynorphin A stimulates neuronal cells via a nonopioid, non-NMDA mechanism. This excitatory action of dynorphin A could modulate NMDA receptor activity in vivo by enhancing excitatory neurotransmitter release or by potentiating NMDA receptor function in a calcium-dependent manner. Further characterization of this novel site of action of dynorphin A may provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms of dynorphin excitotoxicity and its pathological role in neuropathy.

Metaplasticity of mossy fiber synaptic transmission involves altered release probability

Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is a fundamental feature of CNS synapses. Intriguingly, the capacity of synapses to express plastic changes is itself subject to considerable activity-dependent variation, or metaplasticity. These forms of higher order plasticity are important because they may be crucial to maintain synapses within a dynamic functional range. In this study, we asked whether neuronal activity induced in vivo by application of kainate can induce lasting changes in mossy fiber short- and long-term plasticity. Several weeks after kainate-induced status epilepticus, the mossy fiber, but not the associational-commissural pathway, exhibits a marked loss of paired-pulse facilitation, augmentation, and long-term potentiation (LTP). Because the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A cascade is involved in mossy fiber LTP induction, we have tested the integrity of this key pathway by pharmacological activation of either adenylyl cyclase or protein kinase A. These treatments resulted in LTP in control, but not in kainate-treated animals, indicating that status-induced changes occur downstream of protein kinase A. To test whether altered neurotransmitter release might account for these changes, we measured the size of the releasable pool of glutamate in mossy fiber terminals. We find that the size of the releasable pool of glutamate was significantly increased in kainate-treated rats, indicating an increased release probability at the mossy fiber-CA3 synapse. Therefore, we suggest that lasting changes in neurotransmitter release probability caused by neuronal activity may be a powerful mechanism for metaplasticity that modulates both short- and long-term plasticity in the mossy fiber-CA3 synapse after status epilepticus.

Dynorphin selectively augments the M-current in hippocampal CA1 neurons by an opiate receptor mechanism

Most electrophysiological studies of opioids on hippocampal principal neurons have found indirect actions, usually through interneurons. However, our laboratory recently found reciprocal alteration of the voltage-dependent K(+) current, known as the M-current (I(M)), by kappa and delta opioid agonists in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Recent ultrastructural studies have revealed postsynaptic delta opiate receptors on dendrites and cell bodies of CA1 and CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurons (HPNs). Reasoning that previous electrophysiological studies may have overlooked voltage-dependent postsynaptic effects of the opioids in CA1, we reevaluated their role in CA1 HPNs using the rat hippocampal slice preparation for intracellular current- and voltage-clamp recording. None of the delta and mu; receptor-selective opioids tested, including [D-Pen(2,5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE), [D-Ala(2)]-deltorphin II (deltorphin), [D-Ala(2), NMe-Phe(4), Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), and [D-Ala(2), D-Leu(5)] enkephalin (DADLE), altered membrane properties such as I(M) or Ca(2+)-dependent spikes in CA1 HPNs. The nonopioid, Des-Tyr-dynorphin (D-T-dyn), also had no effect. By contrast, dynorphin A (1-17) markedly increased I(M) at low concentrations and caused an outward current at depolarized membrane potentials. The opioid antagonist naloxone and the kappa receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nBNI) blocked the I(M) effect. However, the kappa-selective agonists U69,593 and U50,488h did not significantly alter I(M) amplitudes when averaged over all cells tested, although occasional cells showed an I(M) increase with U50,488h. Our results suggest that dynorphin A postsynaptically modulates the excitability of CA1 HPNs through opiate receptors linked to voltage-dependent K(+) channels. These findings also provide pharmacological evidence for a functional kappa opiate receptor subtype in rat CA1 HPNs but leave unanswered questions on the role of delta receptors in CA1 HPNs.

A role for cAMP in long-term depression at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses

Mossy fiber synapses on hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells, in addition to expressing an NMDA receptor-independent form of long-term potentiation (LTP), have recently been shown to express a novel presynaptic form of long-term depression (LTD). We have studied the mechanisms underlying mossy fiber LTD and present evidence that it is triggered, at least in part, by a metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated decrease in adenylyl cyclase activity, which leads to a decrease in the activity of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and a reversal of the presynaptic processes responsible for mossy fiber LTP. The bidirectional control of synaptic strength at mossy fiber synapses by activity therefore appears to be due to modulation of the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in mossy fiber boutons.

L-Type calcium channels are required for one form of hippocampal mossy fiber LTP

The requirement of postsynaptic calcium influx via L-type channels for the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) of mossy fiber input to CA3 pyramidal neurons was tested for two different patterns of stimulation. Two types of LTP-inducing stimuli were used based on the suggestion that one of them, brief high-frequency stimulation (B-HFS), induces LTP postsynaptically, whereas the other pattern, long high-frequency stimulation (L-HFS), induces mossy fiber LTP presynaptically. To test whether or not calcium influx into CA3 pyramidal neurons is necessary for LTP induced by either pattern of stimulation, nimodipine, a L-type calcium channel antagonist, was added during stimulation. In these experiments nimodipine blocked the induction of mossy fiber LTP when B-HFS was given [34 +/- 5% (mean +/- SE) increase in control versus 7 +/- 4% in nimodipine, P < 0.003]; in contrast, nimodipine did not block the induction of LTP with L-HFS (107 +/- 10% in control vs. 80 +/- 9% in nimodipine, P > 0.05). Administration of nimodipine after the induction of LTP had no effect on the expression of LTP. In addition, B- and L-HFS delivered directly to commissural/associational fibers in stratum radiatum failed to induce a N-methyl--aspartate-independent form of LTP, obviating the possibility that the presumed mossy fiber LTP resulted from potentiation of other synapses. Nimodipine had no effect on calcium transients recorded from mossy fiber presynaptic terminals evoked with the B-HFS paradigm but reduced postsynaptic calcium transients. Our results support the hypothesis that induction of mossy fiber LTP by B-HFS is mediated postsynaptically and requires entry of calcium through L-type channels into CA3 neurons.

Synaptic refractory period provides a measure of probability of release in the hippocampus

Despite extensive research, much controversy remains regarding the locus of expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) in area CA1 of the hippocampus, specifically, whether LTP is accompanied by an increase in the probability of release (p(r)) of synaptic vesicles. We have developed a novel method for assaying p(r), which utilizes the synaptic refractory period--a brief 5-6 ms period following release during which the synapse is incapable of transmission (Stevens and Wang, 1995). We show that this assay is sensitive to a battery of manipulations that affect p(r) but find no change following either NMDA receptor-dependent LTP or long-term depression (LTD).