Temporal trends and predictors of phthalate, phthalate replacement, and phenol biomarkers in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to many phthalates and phenols is declining as replacements are introduced. There is little information on temporal trends or predictors of exposure to these newer compounds, such as phthalate replacements, especially among pregnant populations.

OBJECTIVE

Examine temporal trends and predictors of exposure to phthalates, phthalate replacements, and phenols using single- and multi-pollutant approaches.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 900 singleton pregnancies in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study, a nested case-cohort with recruitment from 2007 to 2018. We measured and averaged concentrations of 12 phthalate metabolites, four phthalate replacement metabolites, and 12 phenols in urine at three timepoints during pregnancy. We visualized and analyzed temporal trends and predictors of biomarker concentrations. To examine chemical mixtures, we derived clusters of individuals with shared exposure profiles using a finite mixture model and examined temporal trends and predictors of cluster assignment.

RESULTS

Exposure to phthalates and most phenols declined across the study period, while exposure to phthalate replacements (i.e., di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester [DINCH] and di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate [DEHTP]) and bisphenol S (BPS) increased. For example, the sum of DEHTP biomarkers increased multiple orders of magnitude, with an average concentration of 0.92 ng/mL from 2007 to 2008 and 61.9 ng/mL in 2017-2018. Biomarkers of most chemical exposures varied across sociodemographic characteristics, with the highest concentrations observed in non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic participants relative to non-Hispanic White participants. We identified five clusters with shared exposure profiles and observed temporal trends in cluster membership. For example, at the end of the study period, a cluster characterized by high exposure to phthalate replacements was the most prevalent.

SIGNIFICANCE

In a large and well-characterized pregnancy cohort, we observed exposure to phthalate replacements and BPS increased over time while exposure to phthalates and other phenols decreased. Our results highlight the changing nature of exposure to consumer product chemical mixtures.

Examining the impacts of red deer hind body condition score and pasture forage mass on calf weaning weight

The effect of pre-calving hind body condition and the interaction with pasture forage mass during lactation on calf growth and intake to weaning were investigated. Two-hundred and forty red deer hinds (Cervus elaphus scoticus × hippelaphus) of average body condition score (BCS) 3.5 were subjected to either ad libitum or restricted feeding for the 4 weeks before the expected start of calving (31 October) to create hinds of low (2.5) or high (3.5) BCS. The hinds were then grazed continuously on pasture of either low (<1200 kg DM/ha) or high (>2400 kg DM/ha) forage mass during lactation (29 October–25 March). In a 2 × 2 crossover design liveweight, liveweight gain and pasture intake were measured in both hinds and calves. Low hind body condition score (BCS 2.5) at the onset of lactation resulted in low calf weaning weight (46.9 kg) when forage mass was low, but not when forage mass was high (57.3 kg). High BCS (3.5) in hinds resulted in intermediate calf weaning weight when on low forage mass (51.2 kg) and high calf weaning weight when forage mass was high (56.6 kg). Both BCS and forage mass influenced calculated total milk production.

Effect of conception date and hind nutrition on fetal growth trajectory and gestation length of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

This study tested the hypothesis that the negative association between gestation length and conception date in red deer is mediated by nutrition. Twenty-eight pregnant red deer were randomly allocated to four groups according to a 2 × 2 factorial design, with the factors conception date (14 March, E; 28 April, L) and level of nutrition (ad libitum, H; restricted, R). Animals were housed indoors in individual pens from early winter until calving and offered daily an ad libitum pelleted ration. The daily ration was then restricted from late winter in ER (134 days post-conception) and LR (89 days post-conception) groups, so that these hinds did not experience a seasonal increase in food intake. X-Ray computed tomography scans were taken at Days 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation (mid–late gestation) to estimate weight of various conceptus components. Growth rate of the total fetus was significantly higher in LH than in other treatments (P < 0.01) between Days 180 and 210 of gestation. Birthweight was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between treatments or calf sex. Birthweight was associated directly with change in hind liveweight (P = 0.03) and body condition score during the third trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.01), but was not significantly associated with gestation length (P = 0.34). Gestation length was 4.4 days longer in LR than LH hinds (P = 0.03) and was negatively associated with both food intake (P = 0.03) and LW gain (P = 0.02) during the final trimester of gestation. Feeding late-conceiving hinds an ad libitum diet of high-quality food during the third trimester of gestation maximises fetal growth and shortens gestation length.

Radial resolution enhancement of the NSTX Thomson scattering diagnostic

Current magnetic confinement plasma physics research has increased the demand for radial resolution in profile diagnostics, in particular in the edge and pedestal regions. On NSTX, an upgrade of the existing multi-point Thomson scattering diagnostic has been implemented in order to respond to the research program needs. Twelve new radial channels have been added bringing the total number of positions to 42. Four previously un-instrumented fiber bundles were put in service. Eight existing "active" fiber bundles were divided in two sub-bundles each in order to increase spatial resolution. Twelve radial channels now cover the pedestal region with a resolution near one centimeter. Fifteen radial channels cover the core and internal transport barrier regions. Two additional channels were added, one near the inner edge and one in the outer scrape-off layer. The intersection of the focused viewing optics field of view with a finite-width laser beam results in major-radius cross talk between adjacent fiber sub-bundles. A discussion and calculation of the cross talk will be presented.

Finite-size effects in nanocomposite thin films and fibers

Monte Carlo simulations of finite-size effects for continuum percolation in three-dimensional, rectangular sample spaces filled with spherical particles were performed. For samples with any dimension less than 10-20 times the particle diameter, finite-size effects were observed. For thin films in the finite-size regime, percolation across the thin direction of the film gave critical volume fraction (p(c)) values that differed from those along the plane of the film. Simulations perpendicular to the film for very thin samples resulted in p(c) values lower than the classical limit of ∼29% (for spheres in a three-dimensional matrix) which increased with film thickness. For percolation along thin films, while holding film thickness constant, p(c) increased with increasing sample size, which is a modification of the finite-sized scaling effect for cubic samples. For samples with a large aspect ratio (fibers) and a finite-sized cross-sectional area, the critical volume fraction increased with sample length, as the sample became quasi-one-dimensional. The results are discussed in the context of adding volume along or perpendicular to the percolation direction. From an experimental perspective, these findings indicate that sample shape, as well as relative size, influences percolation in the finite-size regime.

Evaluation of management variables to advance conception and calving date of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand venison production systems

The ability to shift the supply of New Zealand chilled venison from farmed yearling red deer stags to obtain premium prices in seasonal European markets necessitates early calving of hinds combined with high growth rates of their calves. Two studies over a three-year period evaluated three management variables that offer potential to advance calving date. Under the conditions of the studies there was no consistent evidence that the management practices of early stag introduction, early weaning and enhanced hind nutrition prior to conception (lactation) and pre-calving (third trimester of pregnancy) advanced conception date and calving date in red deer hinds. However, the nutrition effect was diminished by the difficultly in achieving the dietary contrast necessary for the targeted 5kg differentiation in hind live weight at strategic times of the year. Across all hinds there was a significant pre-mating (mid-March) live weight effect on conception day in the one year in which a 5kg difference between nutritional regimens was achieved, but the driver was live weight and not nutrition. There were significant effects of nutrition on calf growth, with the growth rates of calves weaned in mid-March significantly higher when their dams grazed a high plane of nutrition pre-conception. There were significant and consistent inverse relationships between conception day and calving date that implied variation around gestation length, with early- and late-conceiving hinds exhibiting longer and shorter gestation lengths, respectively. Across all treatments, calving date was predicted to advance by approximately 5 days for every 10-day advance in conception date. However, there was a significant carry-over effect of nutrition pre-conception on calving date, with hinds on a high plane of nutrition pre-conception exhibiting shorter (2-4 days) gestation lengths. There were also indications that hinds may manipulate gestation length in response to live weight gain pre-calving. These findings suggest that fetal growth trajectory may be the principle driver of gestation length and calving date. Although there were no direct effects of hind nutrition pre-mating on conception dates, nutrition remains an important component of the management of hinds and their calves in venison production systems. The outcomes of the 3-year program suggest that there are limited opportunities to manipulate calving date through manipulation of management variables.

The influence of high-nitrogen forages on the voluntary feed intake of sheep

The objective of this research was to examine the effect of high concentrations of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) on the voluntary food intake of sheep fed high-quality grasses. Wether lambs (n = 6 per treatment) were fed dried switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.; Exp. 1) or dried tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; Exp. 2). In both experiments, urea was added to the dried forage at 0 (control), 12, or 24 g of N/kg of DM to increase the NPN concentration. Acid detergent fiber concentrations were 305 g/kg of DM in both experiments, although DM digestibility was 663 and 618 g/ kg of DM in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively. Voluntary feed intake of the control forage was 28.2 and 19.1 g/ kg of BW in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively, and decreased for the high-urea treatments to 25.2 and 16.2 g/kg of BW in Exp. 1 (P = 0.07) and Exp 2 (P = 0.03), respectively. Total feed N concentrations increased from 29.5 g to 45.7 g of N/kg of DM in Exp. 1 (P < 0.01) and from 28.4 to 55.9 g of N/kg of DM in Exp. 2 (P < 0.01). Nonprotein N concentrations increased from 28.3 to 53.8% of the total N in switchgrass diets (Exp. 1; P < 0.01), and from 26.4 to 64.0% in tall fescue diets (Exp. 2; P < 0.01). Plasma urea concentrations of the lambs increased from 3.1 to 6.6 mM (Exp. 1; P < 0.01) and from 2.9 to 5.8 mM (Exp. 2; P < 0.01) as the amount of urea added to the diets increased. These changes resulted in an increase in plasma osmolality from 298 to 307 mOsm/kg (Exp. 1; P = 0.04), and from 299 to 307 mOsm/kg (Exp. 2; P = 0.06). Increasing feed N and NPN concentrations through the addition of urea caused a significant decrease in the voluntary feed intake of sheep fed tall fescue and switchgrass. These responses showed no significant cause-and-effect relationship between voluntary feed intake, plasma urea concentrations, and plasma osmolality.

Taking cell-matrix adhesions to the third dimension

Adhesions between fibroblastic cells and extracellular matrix have been studied extensively in vitro, but little is known about their in vivo counterparts. Here, we characterized the composition and function of adhesions in three-dimensional (3D) matrices derived from tissues or cell culture. "3D-matrix adhesions" differ from focal and fibrillar adhesions characterized on 2D substrates in their content of alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrins, paxillin, other cytoskeletal components, and tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Relative to 2D substrates, 3D-matrix interactions also display enhanced cell biological activities and narrowed integrin usage. These distinctive in vivo 3D-matrix adhesions differ in structure, localization, and function from classically described in vitro adhesions, and as such they may be more biologically relevant to living organisms.

The mechanism of spontaneous firing in histamine neurons

Histaminergic neurons project to virtually the whole central nervous system and display regular firing related to behavioral state. Electrophysiological studies of histaminergic neurons show that these neurons fire in a beating pacemaker pattern, which is intrinsic to individual neurons. Onset of an action potential occurs as the result of a slow depolarizing potential, which consists of voltage dependent calcium current(s) and non-inactivating sodium current. The calcium component is a voltage-dependent current activated by the return to threshold following the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) while the sodium current appears to be persistent. The action potential is followed by an AHP, which limits firing rate. The AHP is due to two potassium currents, one voltage-, the other calcium-dependent; it determines the amount of voltage-dependent currents available for activation. We show original results indicating that calcium current can be activated during AHP-like ramps and that the amount of calcium current near threshold is strongly dependent on the membrane potential and on the size of the AHP. The amount of calcium entering during the action potential will determine the duration of the AHP and thus, the firing rate.

Hyperpolarization-activated channels HCN1 and HCN4 mediate responses to sour stimuli

Sour taste is initiated by protons acting at receptor proteins or channels. In vertebrates, transduction of this taste quality involves several parallel pathways. Here we examine the effects of sour stimuli on taste cells in slices of vallate papilla from rat. From a subset of cells, we identified a hyperpolarization-activated current that was enhanced by sour stimulation at the taste pore. This current resembled Ih found in neurons and cardio-myocytes, a current carried by members of the family of hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic-nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. We show by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry that HCN1 and HCN4 are expressed in a subset of taste cells. By contrast, gustducin, the G-protein involved in bitter and sweet taste, is not expressed in these cells. Lowering extracellular pH causes a dose-dependent flattening of the activation curve of HCN channels and a shift in the voltage of half-maximal activation to more positive voltages. Our results indicate that HCN channels are gated by extracellular protons and may act as receptors for sour taste.

The physiology of brain histamine

Histamine-releasing neurons are located exclusively in the TM of the hypothalamus, from where they project to practically all brain regions, with ventral areas (hypothalamus, basal forebrain, amygdala) receiving a particularly strong innervation. The intrinsic electrophysiological properties of TM neurons (slow spontaneous firing, broad action potentials, deep after hyperpolarisations, etc.) are extremely similar to other aminergic neurons. Their firing rate varies across the sleep-wake cycle, being highest during waking and lowest during rapid-eye movement sleep. In contrast to other aminergic neurons somatodendritic autoreceptors (H3) do not activate an inwardly rectifying potassium channel but instead control firing by inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels. Histamine release is enhanced under extreme conditions such as dehydration or hypoglycemia or by a variety of stressors. Histamine activates four types of receptors. H1 receptors are mainly postsynaptically located and are coupled positively to phospholipase C. High densities are found especially in the hypothalamus and other limbic regions. Activation of these receptors causes large depolarisations via blockade of a leak potassium conductance, activation of a non-specific cation channel or activation of a sodium-calcium exchanger. H2 receptors are also mainly postsynaptically located and are coupled positively to adenylyl cyclase. High densities are found in hippocampus, amygdala and basal ganglia. Activation of these receptors also leads to mainly excitatory effects through blockade of calcium-dependent potassium channels and modulation of the hyperpolarisation-activated cation channel. H3 receptors are exclusively presynaptically located and are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase. High densities are found in the basal ganglia. These receptors mediated presynaptic inhibition of histamine release and the release of other neurotransmitters, most likely via inhibition of presynaptic calcium channels. Finally, histamine modulates the glutamate NMDA receptor via an action at the polyamine binding site. The central histamine system is involved in many central nervous system functions: arousal; anxiety; activation of the sympathetic nervous system; the stress-related release of hormones from the pituitary and of central aminergic neurotransmitters; antinociception; water retention and suppression of eating. A role for the neuronal histamine system as a danger response system is proposed.

Serotonin excites tuberomammillary neurons by activation of Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange

We have studied the effects of serotonin on the histaminergic neurons in the hypothalamic tuberomammillary nucleus. Intracellular recordings of the membrane potential were made with sharp electrodes from superfused rat hypothalamic slices. We found that serotonin increased the firing rate of the neurons to 224% of the control rate and depolarized them dose-dependently. Insensitivity to tetrodotoxin indicated a postsynaptic effect, which was unrelated to any conductance change. The involved receptor appeared to be a 5-HT2C receptor. The depolarization was strongly dependent on temperature and replacement of extracellular Na(+) with Li(+) or with N-methyl-D-glucamine suppressed the depolarization. Pretreatment with Ni(2+), 2',4'-dichlorobenzamil or KB-R7943 strongly attenuated the effect. These features indicate that the depolarization is the result of activation of an electrogenic Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger which leads to an net inward current. These results support the view that the Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger can play a role in determining the excitability of neurons. The results also provide a functional connection between two transmitter systems, the histaminergic and serotonergic, which modulate many physiological functions in the brain.

Histamine H(3) receptors depress synaptic transmission in the corticostriatal pathway

The effect of histamine on the main input to the striatum - the corticostriatal pathway - was studied using electrophysiological techniques in brain slices from rats and mice. Field potentials (FPs) were recorded in the striatum following stimulation at the border of the striatum and the cortex. Bath application of histamine caused a pronounced and long-lasting depression of FPs in rat slices with an IC(50) of 1.6 microM and a maximal depression of around 40%. In mouse slices histamine also depressed FPs, but to a lesser extent and more transiently. Further experiments in rat slices showed that histamine H(3) receptors were responsible for this depression since the selective H(3) receptor agonist R-alpha-methylhistamine (1 microM) mimicked the action of histamine whilst the selective H(3) receptor antagonist, thioperamide (10 microM) blocked the depression caused by histamine application. The histaminergic depression was probably not mediated indirectly through interneurons since blockade of GABA(A), GABA(B), nicotinic and muscarinic receptors or nitric oxide synthase did not prevent the histamine effect. Intracellular recordings from medium spiny neurons in the striatum revealed that histamine did not affect postsynaptic membrane properties but increased paired-pulse facilitation of excitatory synaptic responses indicating a presynaptic locus of action.

Site-directed mutagenesis of PsaA residue W693 affects phylloquinone binding and function in the photosystem I reaction center of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

To investigate the environment of the phylloquinone secondary electron acceptor A(1) within the photosystem I reaction center, we have carried out site-directed mutagenesis of two tryptophan residues (W693 and W702) in the PsaA subunit of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. One of these conserved tryptophans (W693) is predicted to be close to the phylloquinone and has been implicated in the interaction of A(1) with an aromatic residue through pi--pi stacking. We find that replacement of W702 with either histidine or leucine has no effect on the electronic structure of A(1)(*-) or on forward electron transfer from A(1)(*-) to the iron--sulfur center F(x). In contrast, the same mutations of W693 alter the electronic structure of the photoaccumulated A(1)(*-) and slow forward electron transfer as measured by the decay of the electron spin-polarized signal arising from the P700(*+)/A(1)(*-) radical pair. These results provide support for the hypothesis that W693 has a role in poising the redox potential of A(1)/A(1)(*-) so it can reduce F(x), and they indirectly provide evidence for electron transfer along the PsaA-side branch of cofactors in PSI.

Cycloheximide resistance conferred by novel mutations in ribosomal protein L41 of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Although most eukaryotic cells are sensitive to the 80S ribosome inhibitor cycloheximide (CYH), naturally occurring CYH resistance is widespread amongst yeast species. The primary determinant of resistance appears to be a single residue within ribosomal protein L41; resistance is acquired by the substitution of a conserved proline (P56) by a glutamate residue. We have isolated the L41 gene (RPL41) from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and investigated the molecular basis of CYH resistance in various mutant strains. In both the wild-type strain and the mutant act-1, a proline is found at the key position in L41. However, analysis of six independently isolated act-2 mutants reveals that all have point mutations that replace the proline with either leucine or serine. Of the two changes, the leucine mutation confers significantly higher levels of CYH resistance. This work identifies the ACT-2 locus as RPL41 and provides a possible dominant marker for nuclear transformation of C. reinhardtii.

Opposite modulation of histaminergic neurons by nociceptin and morphine

We have studied the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ on the histaminergic neurons in the tuberomammillary (TM) nucleus and compared them with the actions of opioid agonists. Intracellular recordings of the membrane potential were made with sharp electrodes from superfused rat hypothalamic slices. Nociceptin strongly inhibited the firing of the TM neurons. In the concentration range 10-300 nM, nociceptin hyperpolarized the neurons in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. Insensitivity to tetrodotoxin indicated a postsynaptic effect which was associated with decreased input resistance. Voltage-current plots suggested the involvement of a potassium conductance which was highly sensitive to Ba(2+) and decreased by Cs(+), in keeping with the activation of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel. Morphine (20-100 microM) depolarized the TM neurons and increased their firing, and this effect was blocked by tetrodotoxin. Dynorphin A(1-13) at 100-300 nM did not affect the TM neurons. Nociceptin and morphine modulate the activity of the TM neurons, and most likely histamine release, in opposite ways. Histamine has an antinociceptive effect in the brain and may be involved in opioid-induced analgesia. Nociceptin might therefore influence pain transmission by inhibiting opioid-induced histamine release from the TM nucleus and also modulate other physiological mechanisms which have been ascribed to the histaminergic system.

GABAB-receptor-mediated control of GABAergic inhibition in rat histaminergic neurons in vitro

The onset of slow wave sleep may require an inhibition of histaminergic neurons by GABAergic afferents from the ventrolateral preoptic area. We have utilized electrophysiological methods in an in vitro brain slice preparation to examine the role of GABAB receptor activation in GABAergic synaptic inhibition in histaminergic neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus. Tetrodotoxin blocked evoked GABAergic IPSPs but not miniature IPSPs or IPSCs. Evoked IPSPs varied in amplitude and exhibited failures of transmission. Baclofen reduced the amplitude of evoked IPSPs in all experiments and often caused an increase in failures of transmission. Responses elicited by application of exogenous GABA were insensitive to baclofen treatment. The action of baclofen was blocked by CGP-35348 (100 microm), a GABAB receptor antagonist, which also enhanced the amplitude of evoked IPSPs. The frequency of spontaneous and miniature IPSPs and IPSCs was reduced by baclofen. However, the amplitude distribution of mIPSCs was not altered. We conclude that GABA release onto TM neurons is under presynaptic control via GABAB receptors. This presynaptic control of transmission to tuberomammillary neurons may reduce inhibition, increasing histamine release and enhancing wakefulness.

Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated depression of corticostriatal and thalamostriatal glutamatergic synaptic potentials in vitro

Electrophysiological recordings in rat brain slices have been used to study the actions of adenosine on striatal neurons and striatal excitatory amino acid neurotransmission originating in the cortex or the thalamus. Adenosine had no effects on membrane properties of striatal neurons. Adenosine and the A1 agonist N6-Cyclopentyl adenosine reduced EPSPs of both cortical and thalamic origin by more than 50%. Depression of EPSPs was associated with an increase in paired-pulse facilitation, suggesting a presynaptic locus of action. EPSP depression was blocked by the A1 antagonist, 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropyl xanthine. The A2 agonist 5'-(N-cyclopropyl)-carboxamidoadenosine had no effect on excitatory amino acid neurotransmission. The A1 antagonist alone enhanced the synaptic component of the evoked field potential (23 +/- 12%). These results indicate that endogenous adenosine, acting via A1 receptors, limits striatal glutamatergic neurotransmission, serving a modulatory and neuroprotective role.

5-HT inhibits lateral entorhinal cortical neurons of the rat in vitro by activation of potassium channel-coupled 5-HT1A receptors

Serotonin (1-40 microM) reduced input resistance by 20.6 +/- 6% and hyperpolarized stellate and pyramidal neurons of layers two and three of the lateral entorhinal cortex. 5-Carboxamidotryptamine, a 5-HT1 agonist, and the selective 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin mimicked the action of serotonin. The reversal potential of 5-HT-mediated hyperpolarizations was sensitive to the extracellular K+ concentration, indicating a potassium conductance change. Serotonin treatment suppressed excitatory amino acid-mediated synaptic potentials (by 48%, Kd = 6.9 microM) and responses to exogenously applied glutamate (70.1 +/- 17% of control, n = 7), but did not alter paired-pulse facilitation, indicating a postsynaptic site of action. Intracellular application of QX-314, a blocker of potassium conductance, significantly reduced depression of synaptic potentials by 5-HT agonists. In cells filled with QX-314, responses to exogenously applied glutamate were not reduced by serotonin or 5-carboxamidotryptamine application. These results indicate that the observed conductance increase associated with 5-HT application accounts for most if not all of the observed depressant effects of 5-HT1A agonists on excitatory amino acid-mediated neurotransmission.

Histamine H1 receptors in C6 glial cells are coupled to calcium-dependent potassium channels via release of calcium from internal stores

We investigated the action of histamine on C6-astroglioma cells using patch clamp recording and intracellular calcium measurement. Application of 100 microM histamine hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential and increased free intracellular calcium. Membrane hyperpolarization was accompanied by a decrease in input resistance. The effect of histamine was reversible and responses persisted following repeated applications. In voltage clamp experiments histamine elicited an outward current associated with a conductance increase and a reversal potential near the Nernst potential for potassium. The action of histamine was blocked by mepyramine but not by cimetidine or thioperamide suggesting that a H1 receptor mediated the response. Quinidine and charybdotoxin, but not apamin, blocked the hyperpolarization. Buffering internal calcium with BAPTA diminished the activation of the potassium channel, suggesting a calcium-dependent K(+)-channel, which was also found to be regulated by protein kinase C and phosphatases. The increase in intracellular calcium was not dependent on external calcium or sensitive to pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, forskolin or 8-bromo-cAMP. Both the hyperpolarization and the increase in intracellular calcium were blocked by thapsigargin or the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122. These results indicate that histamine liberates calcium from internal stores by activation of phospholipase C which in turn leads to an increase of intracellular Ca2+ and thereby to the activation of a calcium-dependent potassium channel in C6 glial cells.

Glycine-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in the medial pontine reticular formation of the rat in vitro

Glycinergic neurotransmission was examined in rat medial pontine reticular formation neurons in vitro. Intracellular recordings using glass microelectrodes were made in acutely prepared brainstem slices 400 microns thick. Spontaneous and electrically evoked synaptic activity was blocked by the glycine antagonist strychnine (1-5 microM) but not by the GABA antagonists bicuculline methiodide (40 microM) or picrotoxin (40 microM). Strychnine-sensitive spontaneous and evoked postsynaptic potentials persisted in the presence of the glutamate antagonist (kynurenate, 1 mM). Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were carried out in organotypic cultures of rat brainstem. The reversal potential of synaptic currents and responses to exogenously applied glycine were similar and were sensitive to manipulations of the chloride equilibrium potential. Synaptic activity but not responses to exogenous glycine were blocked by tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM). These results indicate the presence of robust, chloride ion-mediated glycinergic inhibition of medial pontine reticular formation neurons, and suggest that glycinergic neurons play an important role in controlling pontine premotor circuitry.

Alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive nicotinic responses in rat tuberomammillary neurons

Application of acetylcholine (ACh), nicotine or 1, 1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium elicited an inward current in histaminergic neurons of the tuberomammillary nucleus. These responses were blocked by 25-50 nM alpha-bungarotoxin. Acutely dissociated neurons from the tuberomammillary nucleus displayed fast, desensitizing responses to ACh. ACh-activated currents exhibited rectification at positive membrane potentials. The Hill coefficient and half-maximally effective concentration (EC50) for ACh were 1.85 and 119 microM, respectively. Desensitization could be fitted by an exponential. Preincubation in low concentrations of ACh diminished subsequent responses to higher concentrations of ACh. The alpha-bungarotoxin sensitivity in conjunction with the low potency of ACh at this receptor are consistent with its identification as an alpha7-subunit-containing receptor. These alpha-bungarotoxin-sensitive receptors are ligand-gated cationic channels which are not thought to play a role in synaptic transmission, but they may be an important site for central actions of nicotine.

Calcium-dependent prepotentials contribute to spontaneous activity in rat tuberomammillary neurons

1. Intracellular recordings from histaminergic neurons of the tuberomammillary (TM) nucleus reveal subthreshold depolarizing potentials (DPs) which persist in the presence of tetrodotoxin. 2. Block of hyperpolarization-activated current by 1-4 mM Cs+ failed to reduce spontaneous activity or DPs. 3. In the presence of tetrodotoxin DPs are voltage dependent and are depressed by Cd2+ and Co2+. 4. Ba2+ (100 microM) treatment enhances DP amplitude and converts low-amplitude potentials to tetrodotoxin-insensitive action potentials. 5. In the presence of TTX, DPs are reduced by Ni2+. Spontaneous action potentials are also reduced by Ni2+ (100-300 microM). A low-threshold Ca2+ current is present which is sensitive to Ni2+. These results indicate the presence of calcium currents, perhaps of the low-threshold type, which contribute to activation of action potentials in TM neurons.

The bacterial phleomycin resistance gene ble as a dominant selectable marker in Chlamydomonas

A chimeric gene composed of the coding sequence of the ble gene from Streptoalloteichus hindustanus fused to the 5' and 3' untranslated regions of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii nuclear gene RBCS2 has been constructed. Introduction of this chimeric gene into the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii by co-transformation with the ARG7 marker yields Arg+ transformants of which approximately 80% possess the ble gene. Of these co-transformants, approximately 3% display a phleomycin-resistant (PmR) phenotype. Western blot analysis using antibodies against the ble gene product confirms the presence of the protein in the PmR transformants and genetic analysis demonstrates the co-segregation of the ble gene with the phenotype in progeny arising from the mating of a PmR transformant to wild-type strains. Direct selection of PmR transformants was achieved by allowing an 18-h period for recovery and growth of transformed cells prior to selection. This work represents the first demonstration of stable expression and inheritance of a foreign gene in the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii and provides a useful dominant marker for nuclear transformation.

pH-dependent modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated synaptic currents by histamine in rat hippocampus in vitro

Modulation of excitatory postsynaptic currents by histamine was examined using whole cell recording methods in the CA1 region of slices of rat hippocampus. Histamine affected the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) component of the synaptic current in a pH-dependent manner: at lowered pH (7.2) it enhanced the NMDA-mediated synaptic currents while at raised pH (7.6) it reduced them. At a pH of 7.4 there was no significant action of histamine. Histamine failed to alter the non-NMDA component of the synaptic current. These results indicate that histamine acts at a postsynaptic site to modulate NMDA mediated synaptic currents in a pH dependent manner. This mechanism may have important implications for the pathophysiology of shifts in extracellular pH.

A persistent sodium current in acutely isolated histaminergic neurons from rat hypothalamus

Histamine neurons acutely dissociated from the tuberomammillary nucleus of the rat hypothalamus were studied in whole-cell and cell-attached patch-clamp experiments. Electrophysiological properties of dissociated cells were found to be similar to those recorded in slice experiments using microelectrodes. Tuberomammillary neurons fired spontaneously and this activity persisted when Cs+ (1.5 mM) was added to, or when K+ was removed from the extracellular solution. In whole-cell experiments a persistent tetrodotoxin-sensitive inward current was recorded. In cell attached recordings voltage-gated sodium channels displayed either normal or non-inactivating behavior. These results provide a further analysis of the properties of histaminergic neurons and indicate that spontaneous activity is intrinsic to individual neurons. Evidence for a non-inactivating tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium current is presented. Single channel recordings indicate that this current is the result of non-inactivating behavior of sodium channels. Such a current is well suited for biasing tuberomammillary neurons toward spontaneous activity.

The mechanism of noradrenergic alpha 1 excitatory modulation of pontine reticular formation neurons

The alpha 1 adrenergic receptor occurs in all major divisions of the CNS and is thought to play a role in all behaviors influenced by norepinephrine (NE). In the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF), the proposed site of adrenergic enhancement of startle responses (Davis, 1984), alpha 1 agonists excite most neurons (Gerber et al., 1990). We here report that alpha 1 excitation results from a reduction of a voltage- and calcium-dependent potassium current, not previously recognized as ligand-modulated. The calcium sensitivity is suggested by its antagonism with Mg2+, Cd2+, Ba2+, low concentrations of tetraethylammonium, and charybdotoxin. The voltage sensitivity of this conductance falls within the membrane potential range critical to action potential generation. Based on this voltage sensitivity, the change in repetitive firing characteristics may be predicted according to a mathematical model of the mPRF neuronal electrophysiology. The predicted response to a 50% decrease in the phenylephrine (PE)-sensitive conductance is similar to the observed responses, with respect to both the current response under voltage-clamp conditions and alterations of the AHP and frequency/current curve. In contrast, modeling a reduction of a voltage-insensitive leak current predicts none of these changes. Thus, the noradrenergic reduction of this current depolarizes the membrane, increases the likelihood of an initial response to depolarizing input, and increases firing rate during sustained depolarization in a manner consistent with an NE role as an excitatory neuromodulator of the mPRF.

Nicotinic depolarizations of rat medial pontine reticular formation neurons studied in vitro

Either muscarinic or nicotinic cholinergic activation of the medial pontine reticular formation evokes a behavioral state, indistinguishable in most respects from that of natural rapid eye movement sleep. However, the presence of physiologically relevant nicotonic receptors has not been described. Intracellular current and single electrode voltage clamp recordings were used to analyse the electrophysiological responses of rat medial pontine reticular formation neurons to nicotinic activation in vitro. In response to the nicotonic agonist, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodine, depolarization in association with an inward current was observed in 70% of the medial pontine reticular formation neurons. This effect was insensitive to the muscarinic antagonist atropine and the nicotinic ganglionic antagonists mecamylamine and hexamethonium. However, the neuromuscular nicotinic antagonist D-tubocurare and dihydro-beta-erythroidine were effective. This is consistent with a cholinergic activation of medial pontine reticular formation neurons evoking a rapid eye movement sleep-like behavioral state, at least in part, by nicotinic receptors on these neurons.

Excitatory amino acid-mediated responses and synaptic potentials in medial pontine reticular formation neurons of the rat in vitro

Neurons of the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF) are involved in the execution of numerous behaviors including initiation of locomotion, eye movements, startle responses, and rapid eye movement sleep phenomena. Approximately half of the afferent projections to mPRF neurons come from within the reticular formation (Shammah-Lagnado et al., 1987). In spite of the importance of reticulo-reticular connections, virtually nothing is known about transmitters mediating these synapses. In order to identify a candidate excitatory neurotransmitter, the actions of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) on the membrane properties of mPRF neurons recorded in rat brainstem slices in vitro were studied. Standard intracellular recording methods, including single-electrode voltage clamp, were used to examine the postsynaptic actions of EAAs. We also tested whether EAA antagonists block EPSPs evoked by stimulation of the contralateral reticular formation in the slices. mPRF neurons responded to both non-NMDA and NMDA agonists. NMDA-induced conductances were voltage dependent and depressed by physiological concentrations of magnesium. Stimulation of the contralateral reticular formation elicited EPSPs that were depressed by the general EAA antagonist kynurenate. Evoked EPSPs were partially depressed by 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. The evoked EPSP was further reduced by the NMDA antagonist (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid in some cases. These results suggest that excitatory reticulo-reticular neurotransmission is mediated by an EAA. Both non-NMDA and NMDA receptors contribute to EAA neurotransmission in the mPRF formation and play an integral role in reticular formation function.

Serotonin1 and serotonin2 receptors hyperpolarize and depolarize separate populations of medial pontine reticular formation neurons in vitro

The action of serotonin on medial pontine reticular formation neurons was examined using intracellular electrophysiological methods in rat brainstem slices in vitro. A hyperpolarization associated with a decrease in input resistance was elicited by serotonin in 34% of the neurons, and a depolarization associated with an increase in input resistance was produced in 56% of the neurons. Both responses persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The hyperpolarization resulted from a steady-state increase in outward current which varied with the external potassium concentration in a manner consistent with a conductance increase primarily to this ion. This response was mimicked by the serotonin1 agonist, 5-carboxamidotryptamine, as well as by the serotonin1a agonist, 8-hydroxy-dipropyl aminotetralin hydrobromide, and was blocked by spiperone, an antagonist of serotonin1 sites. The depolarization resulted from a steady-state decrease in outward current which varied with external potassium. The depolarization was mimicked by the serotonin2 agonist, alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, and was blocked by the serotonin2 antagonist, ketanserin. Neither of these agents had any effect upon serotonin-induced hyperpolarizations. In conclusion, the excitability of medial pontine reticular formation neurons is influenced by serotonin acting to increase or decrease potassium conductance(s). These opposing effects reflect actions on distinct serotonin receptor subtypes that are segregated to distinct populations of medial pontine reticular formation neurons.

Muscarinic agonists activate an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance in medial pontine reticular formation neurons of the rat in vitro

Intracellular recordings were obtained from neurons in pontine reticular formation slices of the rat to characterize a cholinergic-gated increase in conductance. The conductance increase was associated with a hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and with an outward current under voltage-clamp conditions. Current-voltage relations and potassium substitution experiments indicated mediation by a change in permeability, primarily to potassium. This potassium conductance exhibited inward rectification at membrane potentials negative to resting potential, a novel finding for cholinergic actions in CNS neurons. Further characterization of this inwardly rectifying potassium conductance revealed marked sensitivity to low concentrations of barium. Cholinergically evoked currents were relatively unaffected by the presence of extracellular cesium. Cholinergic effects persisted in TTX. The outward currents elicited by carbachol or methacholine were blocked only by high concentrations of pirenzepine, a selective antagonist of the M1 muscarinic receptor. The interaction between these agents is quantitatively consistent with cholinergic action at postsynaptic muscarinic receptors of the non-M1 subtype.

Long-term potentiation of excitatory and slow inhibitory synaptic potentials in the hippocampal-septal projection of the rat

The hippocampal projection to the lateral septum was examined for use-dependent plasticity in a brain slice preparation using intracellular recording. Paired-pulse facilitation and posttetanic potentiation were present. Long-term potentiation (LTP) following high-frequency stimulation was observed after treatment with the GABAA antagonist bicuculline. A slow inhibitory synaptic potential also exhibited long-lasting potentiation after high-frequency stimulation. LTP of both components of the response was sensitive to NMDA antagonists.

Characterization of inhibition mediated by adenosine in the hippocampus of the rat in vitro

1. Intracellular recordings with single-electrode voltage clamp were employed to study the mechanism of adenosine-elicited inhibition of CA1 neurones of the rat in vitro. 2. Adenosine elicits a steady-state outward current in association with an increase in conductance. The driving force varied with external potassium concentration as predicted by the Nernst equation for a change primarily in potassium permeability. 3. Adenosine current was blocked by high concentrations of 4-aminopyridine or barium. In the majority of neurones this current was voltage insensitive. In the remainder, the current was inwardly rectifying. The rectification was blocked by tetraethylammonium. 4. When the adenosine-elicited potassium current was blocked, slow inward currents, normally carried by calcium, were unaffected by adenosine. We conclude that this adenosine inhibition is mediated by an increase in a voltage- and calcium-insensitive potassium conductance in CA1 neurones.

Structure-function studies on N-oxalyl-diamino-dicarboxylic acids and excitatory amino acid receptors: evidence that beta-L-ODAP is a selective non-NMDA agonist

Excitatory amino acids and their receptors play an important role in both normal synaptic transmission and excitotoxic-mediated neuronal death. In the present investigation we have prepared a series of glutamate analogs and examined the pharmacological specificity with which they interact with excitatory amino acid receptors. Included within this group of compounds is a potent excitotoxic amino acid, beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid (beta-L-ODAP). This excitotoxin is of particular interest because it has been identified as a major causative agent of human neurolathyrism, a disease characterized by permanent spastic paralysis. The site of action of beta-L-ODAP was delineated with both electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal slices and radioligand binding assays in synaptic plasma membranes. We report that beta-L-ODAP is a potent agonist at the non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of excitatory amino acid receptor. beta-L-ODAP interacts most potently with the quisqualate class of non-NMDA receptors (IC50 = 1.3 microM), less potently with the kainate receptor (IC50 = 17 microM), and very weakly with NMDA receptors. The specificity of this binding was consistent with physiological experiments that demonstrated that beta-L-ODAP-induced depolarizations were potently blocked by the newly identified non-NMDA receptor antagonist, CNQX, but were not affected by the NMDA antagonist D-AP5. These results extend recent studies that have focused on the contribution of NMDA receptors to excitotoxicity and highlight the potential involvement of non-NMDA receptors in excitotoxic-mediated cell death.

Excitatory actions of tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine (THA) on hippocampal pyramidal neurons

The action of tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine (THA) on guinea pig pyramidal neurons was examined using intracellular recording in an in vitro hippocampal slice preparation. THA had a powerful excitatory action on pyramidal neurons, causing depolarization, increased firing, and an increase in input resistance. This excitatory action of THA persisted in atropine and in tetrodotoxin. The estimated reversal potential of this THA effect was near -90 mV. These results indicate that THA has a direct excitatory action on pyramidal neurons independent of its anticholinesterase activity, resulting from blockade of a conductance carried predominantly by potassium ions.

Hippocampal cells primed with quisqualate are depolarized by AP4 and AP6, ligands for a putative glutamate uptake site

The glutamate analog 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (AP4), which in control slices has little effect on Schaffer synaptic responses in hippocampal area CA1, reduces Schaffer responses in slices treated with quisqualate. We have shown that this effect of AP4 is associated with depolarization of CA1 neurons and a persisting small reduction in Schaffer response amplitude. 2-Amino-6-phosphonohexanoate also depressed Schaffer responses following priming with quisqualate, but 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate did not. Treatment with alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) did not sensitize slices to AP4. The pharmacology of this 'priming effect' of quisqualate corresponds to that of a putative uptake site. We suggest the effects of AP4 (and AP6) result from exchange for previously accumulated quisqualate.

In vitro studies of the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in inhibition in the lateral septum of the rat

Focal stimulation, stimulation of the fimbria, and stimulation of the medial septal area result in an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in lateral septal neurons. Increased stimulus intensity results in the appearance of a late hyperpolarizing potential (LHP). Treatment of the slice with bicuculline methiodide or picrotoxin results in blockade of the IPSP. When present, LHPs are enhanced in the presence of bicuculline or picrotoxin. Spontaneous and evoked IPSPs reverse near -70 mV, and LHPs reverse near -90 mV. Iontophoretic application of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) results in hyperpolarizing, depolarizing, or biphasic potentials. Treatment with bicuculline or picrotoxin results in depression of biphasic GABA responses that appears selective for the depolarizing portion of the potential. At high concentrations of bicuculline, a portion of the hyperpolarizing GABA potential persists. The reversal potential of the depolarizing GABA potential is near -30 mV, and the reversal potential of monophasic hyperpolarizing GABA potential is near -70 mV. The bicuculline-resistant hyperpolarizing GABA response has a reversal potential near -90 mV. GABA activates three separate conductances on septal neurons, which are similar to those reported on hippocampal neurons. The resistance of the hyperpolarizing GABA potential to bicuculline appears to be due to the presence of a GABA-activated potassium conductance, which is similar to that activated by baclofen.

Excitatory amino acid antagonists depress transmission in hippocampal projections to the lateral septum

Antagonists of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission were tested as antagonists of septal excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) generated by stimulation of the fimbria. Septal EPSPs were depressed in a concentration-dependent manner by kynurenic acid and P-bromobenzoyl piperazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid but not by L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid or D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid. These results indicate that the hippocampal projection to the lateral septum is similar to the Schaffer collateral system and is mediated by an excitatory amino acid or a similar derivative.

Studies on the depression of gamma-aminobutyric acid potentials by phloridzin in cat dorsal root ganglion cells in vitro

Phloridzin has been used as a tool to investigate membrane transport mechanisms. We have demonstrated that phloridzin acts to depress chloride flux resulting from activation of a gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor on cat dorsal root ganglion cells. This action appears not to involve an inwardly directed chloride pump postulated for these neurons but rather affects a site associated with the GABA receptor-chloride complex.

Intracellular recordings from rat dorsolateral septal neurons, in vitro

We have made intracellular recordings from the dorsolateral septal nucleus (DLSN) in a rat brain slice. DLSN neurons fire short tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitive action potentials followed by an after-hyperpolarization. The action potential is followed by either a Ca2+-dependent depolarization or a Ca2+-dependent after-hyperpolarization. Stimulation of medial septum results in antidromic invasion of DLSN neurons while stimulation of the fimbria/fornix results in orthodromic EPSPs or action potentials.

Nonspecific excitatory effects of morphine: reverse-order precipitated withdrawal and dose-dose interactions

We recently reported that, in naive mice pretreated with naloxone, morphine can cause withdrawal-like signs that seemingly are not mediated by "opiate" receptors. Such results were confirmed and extended here with another mouse strain. Repetitive vertical jumping could occur respective of injection sequence and depended on dose and dose ratio of the two drugs.

Lymphosarcoma in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii)

Lymphosarcoma is described in a wild juvenile harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii). Gross lesions included hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Neoplastic lymphoid cells were observed histologically in lung, kidney, liver, spleen, adrenals, bone marrow and visceral and peripheral lymph nodes.

Morphine-naloxone interactions: a role for nonspecific morphine excitatory effects in withdrawal

The opiate antagonist naloxone precipitates withdrawal when given either 15 minutes after or 1 minute before a single injection of morphine in drug-naïve mice. We propose that withdrawal signs arise from a synergistic mixture of excitatory influences that are direct (agonistic action on nonspecific opiate receptors) and indirect (sensory and affective disorders, stress, hormonal and neurotransmitter dysfunction, and so forth). The predominant effects during precipitated withdrawal are assumed to be direct, whereas during abstinence in tolerant animals they are indirect.

Animal model of human disease: trypanosomiasis, sleeping sickness

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