Towards a replacement therapy for stimulant betel quid dependence: A proof of concept study

Stimulant betel quid (SBQ) containing Piper betle leaf (L), green unripe Areca catechu nut (AN) and the alkalizing agent, slaked lime, is an addictive, carcinogenic stimulant, with no pharmacotherapy, chewed by millions of people in the Asia/Pacific region. We compared the in vivo physiological profile of chewing (1) non-stimulant P. betle leaf+AN (LAN), (2) SBQ utilizing slaked lime and (3) a novel SBQ utilizing Mg(OH)2 , as an alkalizing agent, by measuring physiological parameters of intoxication and these were correlated with in vitro levels of alkaloids measured by UHPLC-MS/MS. Chewing LAN, which contains high levels of arecoline, had no stimulatory physiological effect. Chewing SBQ containing slaked lime or novel SBQ containing Mg(OH)2 , induced equivalent stimulatory physiological responses. In vitro, slaked lime hydrolyzed muscarinic esters in LAN while Mg(OH)2 did not. The physiological stimulation induced by chewing both SBQ and the lack of physiology to chewing LAN can be explained by changes in lipid solubility of phytochemicals induced by mouth pH during chewing of basic SBQ or acidic LAN. Since antiquity people have added slaked lime to SBQ to enhance absorption of phyto-chemicals across oral membranes to stimulate physiology. The same physiological changes can be induced by substituting slaked lime for less physically and chemically destructive bases. If attitudes regarding SBQ dependence can advance towards the more progressive attitudes already used to help smokers quit tobacco, modern chemistry has the potential to make chewing SBQ safer and quitting programs may become more accessible and efficacious.

Rapid green analytical methodology for simultaneous biomonitoring of five toxic areca nut alkaloids using UHPLC-MS/MS for predicting health hazardous risks

Areca nut (AN) is a fundamental component of betel quid (BQ), an addictive and carcinogenic mixture chewed by hundreds of millions of people in India-Asia-Pacific. Chewing of BQ is associated with oral cancers due to specific carcinogenic alkaloids (arecaidine, guvacine, guvacoline, arecoline, N-Nitrosoguvacoline) in AN. To predict the hazardous health risks of short and long-term chewing of BQ, it is crucial to identify five toxic AN alkaloids in saliva and urine of BQ chewers. This study reports a green analytical methodology comprising in-syringe assisted vortex-induced salt-enhanced liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with ultra-HPLC-MS/MS for simultaneous biomonitoring of five AN alkaloids in saliva and urine. The analytical method validation results exhibited good linearities between 0.05 and 1000 ng mL^-1 with r² > 0.9930. The detection and quantification limits were between 0.01 and 1.5 and 0.05-5 ng mL^-1. Relative recoveries ranged between 87.9% and 110.1% with RSD < 9.1% for saliva samples, 81.5-115.1% with RSD < 9.7% for urine samples. The results indicated the successful identification and real-time monitoring of concentrations of five target AN alkaloids in saliva and urine of BQ chewers and demonstrated the utility of this technique as an efficient analytical protocol for routine biomonitoring of levels of toxic AN alkaloids from BQ chewers and to predict the exposure level and its harmful health risk.

Intoxication and substance use disorder to Areca catechu nut containing betel quid: A review of epidemiological evidence, pharmacological basis and social factors influencing quitting strategies

AIM

We present a systematic review of substance use disorder (SUD) to Areca catechu nut (AN) and AN containing betel quid (ANcBQ) with emphasis on dependence resulting from chewing of tobacco-free ANcBQ. We examined pharmacology of intoxication and addiction, and factors influencing quitting strategies.

METHODS

Epidemiological publications of SUD were included according to PRISMA criteria. Pharmacological publications were retrieved from the PUBMED database and websites of the WHO, United Nations, and Sigma-Aldrich.

RESULTS

Nine epidemiological studies show clear evidence of abuse and dependence in tobacco-free ANcBQ and/or ANcBQ+Tobacco chewers. Dependency is greater if ANcBQ contains tobacco. In both groups higher dependency scores were positively correlated with higher frequency of chewing. Dependency on AN+Lime is associated with altered brain morphology, resting state brain activity, neurochemistry and deterioration of working spatial memory. ANcBQ contains a complex mixture of neuroactive compounds that have the potential to act directly upon all major cerebral neurotransmitter systems. Of these compounds, only arecoline (muscarinic agonist) has been the focus of limited pharmacological investigation. In animal studies, arecoline increases dopamine transmission in the mesocorticolimbic circuit and this action may be one factor contributing to ANcBQ dependency in humans. Societal and familial acceptance of ANcBQ consumption is paramount for commencement and persistence of chewing.

CONCLUSIONS

ANcBQ SUD remains an orphan disease. The limited understanding of pharmacological basis of intoxication and SUD determines there are no pharmacological replacement therapies for ANcBQ SUD. The addictive properties of ANcBQ coupled with social acceptance of ANcBQ chewing limits the effectiveness of counseling-based quitting programs.

When Financial Information Meets Religion: Charitable-giving Behavior in Taiwan

The effects of religiosity and financial information on charitable-giving behavior were juxtaposed for examination along with other demographic variables in this study. We adopted a survey research design in which 410 adults formed the sample representing people from across Taiwan who were Christians and Buddhists, people who believed in a folk religion, and people who had no religious beliefs. The results indicate that although charitable giving may reasonably be viewed, according to theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991), as a rational behavior, it is influenced much more by religiosity than by financial information. Type of religious belief moderates the effect of religion on both the decision to give and the amount to give, with the strongest positive relationship found for those professing the Christian faith.

Characterization of the psychological, physiological and EEG profile of acute betel quid intoxication in naïve subjects

Betel quid use and abuse is wide spread in Asia but the physiological basis of intoxication and addiction are unknown. In subjects naïve to the habit of betel quid intoxication, the psychological and physiological profile of intoxication has never been reported. We compared the effect of chewing gum or chewing betel quid, and subsequent betel quid intoxication, on psychological assessment, prospective time interval estimation, numerical and character digit span, computerized 2 choice tests and mental tasks such as reading and mathematics with concurrent monitoring of ECG, EEG and face temperature in healthy, non-sleep deprived, male subjects naïve to the habit of chewing betel quid. Betel quid intoxication, dose dependently induced tachycardia (max 30 bpm) and elevated face temperature (0.7°C) (P<0.001) above the effects observed in response to chewing gum (max 12 bpm and 0.3°C) in 12 subjects. Gross behavioral indices of working memory such as numerical or character digit span in 8 subjects, or simple visual-motor performance such as reaction speed or accuracy in a two choice scenario in 8 subjects were not affected by betel quid intoxication. Betel quid intoxication strongly influenced the psychological aspects of perception such as slowing of the prospective perception of passage of a 1 minute time interval in 8 subjects (P<0.05) and perceived increased arousal (P<0.01) and perceived decreased ability to think (P<0.05) in 31 subjects. The EEG spectral profile recorded from mental states associated with open and closed eyes, and mental tasks such as reading and eyes closed mental arithmetic were significantly modified (P<0.05) relative to chewing gum by betel quid intoxication in 10 subjects. The prevalence of betel quid consumption across a range of social and work settings warrants greater investigation of this widespread but largely under researched drug.

Overwintering strategy of wild free-ranging and enclosure-housed Japanese raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides albus)

The raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, is a canid with a passive overwintering strategy in northern Europe. However, the behaviour and physiology of the Japanese subspecies, N. p. albus, which has fewer chromosomes than the other subspecies, remain unknown. We measured body temperature, body composition and blood biochemistry of wild free-ranging and fasted enclosure-housed N. p. albus during boreal winter in Hokkaido, Japan. Body temperature of N. p. albus decreased from 38 degrees C in autumn to 35.9-36.7 degrees C while maintaining a circadian rhythm in late February (n = 3). A transient 18-36% decrease in resting heart rate occurred when body temperature was low (n = 2). Despite a 33-45% decrease in body weight due to winter fasting, circulating glucose, total protein and triglyceride levels were maintained (n = 4). Serum urea nitrogen dropped by 43-45% from autumn to spring, suggesting protein conservation during fasting. The overwintering survival strategy of N. p. albus in central Hokkaido is based upon large changes in seasonal activity patterns, winter denning and communal housing without the large decrease in body temperature that is characteristic of subarctic animals exhibiting hibernation or torpor.

Mammalian cerebral metabolism and amino acid neurotransmission during hibernation

This report demonstrates that during the torpor phase of hibernation, hamsters utilize (14)C and (13)C glucose in torpor-specific brain metabolic pathways. Microdialysis of (14)C glucose into the striatum rapidly induced a steady state labeling of extracellular fluid (ECF) lactate and labeling of tissue GABA, glutamate, glutamine, and alanine in ipsilateral and contralateral striata. The same tissue metabolites were labeled in cortex, hypothalamus, and brainstem after microdialysis of (14)C lactate into the lateral ventricle. Serine, aspartate, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, and methionine were not synthesized from glucose or lactate during torpor. ECF levels of amino and organic acids were low and unchanging during torpor and increased late during arousal to cenothermia. Labeled intracellular (14)C GABA and glutamate were not communicated to the striatal ECF or ventricular space during torpor. (13)C NMR demonstrated rapid formation of lactate and functional tricarboxylic acid cycles in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, and enrichment of glutamine and alanine after i.v. (13)C glucose. Large changes in tissue levels of amino acids occur prior to or during entrance into torpor but not during torpor. It is proposed that cerebral intracellular dehydration, the enlargement of ECF and the biochemistries associated with brain water homeostasis may have a role in regulating hibernation.

Brain ECF antioxidant interactions in hamsters during arousal from hibernation

Warming from hibernation to cenothermia involves intense metabolic activity and large fluxes in regional blood flow and volume. During this transition, levels of the antioxidants, ascorbate (AA), urate and glutathione (GSH) in brain tissue, extracellular fluid (ECF) and plasma change substantially. Striatal ECF was sampled and manipulated using very slow perfusion microdialysis to examine the mechanisms that influence the changing profile of striatal ECF AA, urate and GSH levels during arousal from hibernation to cenothermia in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Omission of glucose from the perfusate had no effect upon the respective decrease, increase and transient increase in striatal ECF levels of AA, GSH and urate observed during arousal from hibernation to cenothermia. In contrast, inhibition of xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase (XOR) activity by reverse dialysis with oxypurinol, itself a free radical scavenger, decreased ECF urate and preserved ECF AA levels. This suggests that some ECF AA is oxidized by free radical products of XOR flux and/or by other free radical producing processes activated during the transition from hibernation to cenothermia. Local supplementation of ECF AA, GSH and cystiene had no effect upon the profile of transient increase of ECF urate observed during arousal from hibernation. The production of free radicals by XOR and the disappearance of AA from the ECF continues for at least 2h immediately after the hamster has attained cenothermia. The hamster, immediately after arousal from hibernation, can be utilized as a natural model to study free radical production and effective scavenging at cenothermia.

Brain antioxidant levels in hamsters during hibernation, arousal and cenothermia

Warming from hibernation to cenothermia involves intense metabolic activity coincident with large fluxes in blood flow and is considered to be a period of oxidative stress during which utilization of endogenous antioxidants prevents pathology. Very slow flow brain microdialysis enabled temperature independent sampling of the brain striatal extracellular fluid (ECF) during hibernation, arousal and cenothermia in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Brain tissue and dialysates were analyzed to provide the first profile of changes in ECF levels of ascorbate (AA), glutathione (GSH) and urate during hibernation and the transition to cenothermia. Brain tissue content of AA and GSH was unchanged between hibernation and cenothermia; however, arousal was associated with substantial oxidation of AA from the brain ECF and plasma compartments. ECF GSH increased during arousal. Brain tissue urate content was decreased 50% during hibernation. ECF urate levels were unchanged in hibernation and cenothermia but transiently increased 100% during arousal. These experiments demonstrate that arousal from hibernation is a suitable experimental model for examination of the mechanisms by which non-pathological tissue integrity is maintained in the face of the generation of free radicals during increasing metabolism, temperature and cerebral reperfusion.

Sympathetic alpha-adrenergic regulation of blood flow and volume in hamsters arousing from hibernation

Mammals arousing from hibernation display pronounced regional heterothermy, where the thoracic and head regions warm faster than the abdominal and hindlimb regions. We used laser-Doppler flowmetry to measure peripheral hind foot blood flow during hibernation and arousal and gamma imaging of technetium-labeled albumin to measure whole blood volume distribution in hamsters arousing from hibernation. It was discovered that the hibernating hamster responds to physical but not to sound or hypercapnic stimulation with rapid, 73% reduction of hind foot blood flow. Hind foot blood flow vasoconstriction was maintained from the onset of arousal until late in arousal when rectal temperature was rapidly increased. alpha-Adrenergic blockade early in arousal increased hind foot blood flow by 700%, suggesting that vasoconstriction was mediated by activation of sympathetic tone. Gamma imaging revealed that, by the early phase of arousal from hibernation, the blood volume of the body below the liver is greatly reduced, whereas blood volumes of the thorax and head are much greater than corresponding volumes in anesthetized hamsters. As arousal progresses and cardiac activity increases and regional heterothermy develops, this regional blood volume distribution is largely maintained; however, blood volume slowly decreases in the thoracic region and slowly increases in the shoulder and head regions. The rapid increase in rectal temperature, characteristic of mid- to late- arousal phases, is probably mediated, in part, by reduction of adrenergic tone on abdominal and hindlimb vasculature. Warm blood then moves into the hind body, produces an increase in temperature, blood flow, and blood volume in the hind body and compensatory reductions of blood volume in the neck, head, and thoracic regions.

Chemical polymerization of m-phenylenediamine, in the presence of glucose oxidase, produces an enzyme-retaining electrooxidisable polymer used to produce a biosensor for amperometric detection of glucose from brain dialysate

A new procedure involving chemical polymerization of a monomer of m-phenylenediamine (m-ppd) containing glucose oxidase (GOx) and subsequent electro-synthesis of the functional GOx containing polymer onto platinum needle electrodes (PTNE) was used for the amperometric analysis of glucose concentration in brain dialysates. Monomer solutions of o-phenylenediamine (o-ppd) and m-ppd were polymerized by low concentrations of glutaraldehyde (GA) and precipitated from solution. The 1,3 position of the amines on the benzene was amenable to stable polymerization by GA but polymerization of o-ppd (1,2 position) by GA was unstable and degraded. Polymerization of m-ppd appears to proceed by dehydration synthesis. GA induced polymerization of m-ppd polymer in the presence of GOx produced a polymer with strongly bound, functional GOx. This GOx-m-ppd polymer formed a stable matrix that was effectively employed in flow injection analysis (FIA) of glucose. If maintained under O(2) free atmosphere after chemical polymerization, the GOx-m-ppd polymer retained the ability to be electropolymerized. PTNE coated with GOx-m-ppd polymer by repeated dip/amperometry produced stable, sensitive amperometric glucose sensors with good interference exclusion properties and long shelf life. Scanning EM demonstrated that amperometry modified the structure of the GOx-m-ppd on the PTNE surface. GOx-m-ppd PTNE glucose sensors and bare PTNE were placed in a radial flow cell and FIA was employed for the simultaneous measurement of glucose and ascorbic acid, respectively, from dialysates of brain tissue.

Determination In Vivo of Newly Synthesized Gene Expression in Hamsters During Phases of the Hibernation Cycle

This study measured in vivo synthesis of total RNA and protein from cortex, cerebellum and midbrain/brainstem and 6 major organs from Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) during (a) 33 h of torpor (body temperature 5-6 degrees C); (b) 90 min of the early arousal; (c) 90 min of the middle arousal; (d) 90 min in cold adapted cenothermic (CEN) hamsters of the same circannual period. Appropriate physiological parameters were used to confirm the phase of the hibernation cycle during infusion and incorporation of [3H]-uridine and [14C]-leucine. In torpor, RNA synthesis was 5-25% of CEN levels depending upon tissue. In brain and heart mRNA was not preferentially synthesized. Protein was synthesized at low, tissue specific levels during torpor. Initiation of arousal and the warming of anterior organs via non-shivering thermogenesis during the early arousal occurred without measurable synthesis of RNA or proteins. Tissue specific levels of RNA and protein synthesis occurred later after shivering thermogenesis had been recruited and was strongly influenced by thermal gradients in the body. In the middle arousal phase, protein synthesis is most active in the brain despite modest synthesis of RNA and mRNA. The majority of molecular processing required for the induction and maintenance of torpor and the arousal from torpor up until the onset of shivering thermogenesis occurs during the cenothermic period before the hamster initiates the hibernation cycle.

Perfusate oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration influence basal microdialysate levels of striatal glucose and lactate in conscious rats

O(2) concentration ([O(2)]) in air equilibrated solutions at room temperature is three fold higher than that in brain extracellular fluid (ECF), and CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) is 100 times lower. Using microdialysis the ECF is routinely dialyzed against glucose free isotonic perfusates containing 200 microM O(2) and 10 microM CO(2). In conscious rats, 2 days after probe implantation, decreasing perfusate [O(2)] from 200 to 68 microM (physiologic level) for 60 min, while maintaining a low [CO(2)] (10 microM), increased striatal dialysate glucose and lactate by 12% and 33%, respectively. The same protocol on the third day essentially had no effect on monoamine metabolites. Decreasing [O(2)] concurrent with increasing [CO(2)] to 1.3 mM (physiologic level) for 60 min increased glucose and lactate by 17% and 37%, respectively. This study demonstrates for dialysis studies of glucose and lactate, perfusates that mimic physiologic ECF [O(2)] and [CO(2)] are more appropriate.

Hyperoxia caused by microdialysis perfusion decreased striatal monoamines: involvement of oxidative stress

Due to complex influence, such as utilization and permeability of arterial vessels to oxygen, there is a considerable difference of oxygen tension between extracellular fluid and perfusate usually used in microdialysis (30-60 Torr versus 145 Torr). Dialysate dopamine and monoamine metabolites-3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured under different kinds of oxygen tension solutions (145, 72, 48 Torr). In the acute and anesthetized group, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid increased 72, 93, 86 and 65%, respectively when changing the perfusate from 145 Torr to near physiological 48 Torr, while in chronic and conscious group, carried out 72 h after surgery, these compounds showed obscure increases (only homovanillic acid produced a significant change of 14%). The different effect of perfusate oxygen tension on dialysate levels of monoamines in anesthetized and conscious rats might be caused by oxidative stress triggered by hyperoxia combined with anesthesia and surgical trauma.

State-dependent regulation of cortical blood flow and respiration in hamsters: response to hypercapnia during arousal from hibernation

Hibernation is characterised by a global reduction of metabolism, body temperature and blood flow, while arousal from hibernation is achieved by the reversal of these processes. Our experiments were performed on Syrian hamsters that had been chronically implanted with a cortical thermocouple and an optical fibre over the contralateral cortex, and acutely implanted with thermocouples in the rectal, cheek pouch and interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). Measurements revealed large thermal gradients in the body of the arousing animals. Maximum whole-body metabolic rate, which was 2.4 times normal cenothermic resting metabolic rate, coincided not with rectal temperature but more closely with respiratory rate (RR) or BAT temperature. Regional cortical blood flow (rCBF), as measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry, changed in parallel with whole-body metabolic rate, peaking at 3.8 times the normal cenothermic resting levels, when rectal temperature was 15 degrees C. When BAT temperature was less than 25 degrees C, RR, rCBF and heart rate (HR) were decreased by breathing hypercapnic gas, but these parameters were unresponsive to hyperoxic gases. At cenothermia the RR and rCBF of anaesthetised hamsters was increased by exposure to hypercapnic gases. Exposure to hyperoxic gas decreased RR but had no effect on rCBF. The mechanisms regulating rCBF, HR and RR exhibit state-dependent sensitivities to hypercapnic and hyperoxic stimuli. The large increase in rCBF observed during arousal implies that cerebral autoregulation is temporarily suspended and suggests that hamsters effectively use endogenous mechanisms to minimise the pathology normally associated with dramatic increases in rCBF.

Continuous on-line measurement of cerebral hydrogen peroxide using enzyme-modified ring-disk plastic carbon film electrode

An amperometric method suitable for the continuous on-line measurement of cerebral hydrogen peroxide from a microdialysate has been successfully performed for the first time by using an enzyme-modified ring-disk plastic carbon film electrode (PCFE) in a thin-layer radial flow cell. PCFE consists of a ring electrode modified with horseradish peroxidase to detect H2O2 at 0.0 V (vs Ag/ AgCl) and a disk electrode coated with ascorbate oxidase (AOx) to preoxidize ascorbic acid (AA) and thus suppress interference via direct oxidation. Analytes in solution (brain dialysates or standards) are mixed on-line with a phosphate-buffered solution containing dissolved oxygen and chelating agent, EDTA. The buffered solution is used to provide the O2 necessary for the AOx catalytic reaction, stabilize the changes in dialysate pH that are associated with the in vivo formation of H2O2, and remove heavy metal ion impurities and thus suppress reactions between AA and H2O2. This procedure enables trace levels of H2O2 to be readily monitored, virtually interference-free from physiological levels of AA, uric acid, electroactive neurotransmitters and their principle metabolites, in a continuous-flow system.

Cyclic voltammetry characterization of metal complex imprinted polymer

Polymer capable of specific binding to Cu(2+)-2, 2'-dipyridyl complex was prepared by molecular imprinting technology. The binding specificity of the polymer to the template (Cu(2+)-2, 2'-dipyridyl complex) was investigated by cyclic voltammetric scanning using the carbon paste electrode modified by polymer particles in phosphate buffer solution. Factors that influence rebinding of the imprinted polymer were explored. The results demonstrated that cyclic voltammetry was an efficient approach to explore interactions between template and imprinted polymers.

Oxygen-sensing microdialysis probe for in vivo use

Electrochemical conditions were optimized to allow the metal tube used for the shaft of commercial microdialysis (MD) probes to be coated with gold. In in vitro tests with phosphate-buffered Ringer's solution using double differential pulse amperometry (DDPA), the gold-coated shafts were capable of specifically measuring the reduction of oxygen and the oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of high concentrations of potentially interfering endogenous substances. By using fixed-potential amperometry (FPA), the gold-plated shaft also measured oxygen with minimal interference from high concentrations of potentially interfering endogenous substances. Concentric design MD probes were constructed that used a metal shaft (O.D = 0.4 mm), fused silica inlet and outlet tubes, and a 1.5 mm dialyzing membrane (O.D = 0.2 mm). A 0.5-0.7 mm gold collar was electroplated onto the metal shaft approximately 0.5 mm above the dialyzing membrane. The nongold outer surface of the MD probe was coated with an insulating polymer. In vivo tests demonstrated that DDPA was not suitable for use with this gold microdialyzing electrode (GMDE). However, brain oxygen levels were satisfactorily measured using FPA. In urethane-anesthetized rats, the reduction current to oxygen in the striatum was increased by brief (1 min) inhalation of O2 or CO2 and decreased by inhalation of N2. Transient application of noxious stimuli (foot pinch) increased cerebral O2, whereas bilateral carotid artery occlusion and death decreased striatal O2. The responses of the GMDE were indistinguishable from the reduction current simultaneously measured from a conventional carbon fiber electrode implanted adjacent to the gold-plated area of the MD shaft. Basal levels of striatal O(2) were 20 +/- 5 microM (n = 4) for the GMDE and 30 +/- 11 microM (n = 3) for the carbon fiber. The GMDE was robust and could be used for at least three animals. This technique can be used to provide information about the oxygen status of the tissue adjacent to the dialyzing membrane without the need for implantation of an additional electrode.

Ascorbate and glutathione regulation in hibernating ground squirrels

Ground squirrels withstand up to 90% reductions in cerebral blood flow during hibernation as well as rapid reperfusion upon periodic arousals from torpor. Metabolic suppression likely plays a primary adaptive role which allows hibernating species to tolerate such phenomena. However, several other aspects of hibernation physiology are also consistent with tolerance to dramatic fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, suggesting that multiple neuroprotective adaptations may work in concert during hibernation. The purpose of the present work was to study the dynamics of the low molecular weight antioxidants, ascorbate and glutathione (GSH), during hibernation. Alterations in concentrations of ascorbate during hibernation and arousal in two species of hibernating ground squirrels suggest that it could play a protective role during hibernation or arousal. Samples were collected during the hibernation season from arctic ground squirrels (AGS; Spermophilus parryii) and 13-lined ground squirrels (TLS; S. tridecemlineatus) during prolonged torpor and in squirrels that did not hibernate or had not been hibernating for several weeks. We determined antioxidant levels in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and in frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma ascorbate concentrations increased dramatically (3-4-fold) in both species during hibernation and rapidly returned to prehibernation levels upon arousal. By contrast, plasma GSH concentrations fell slightly or remained stable during hibernation. Ascorbate levels in the CSF doubled in hibernating AGS (not determined in TLS), while brain ascorbate content fell slightly (10-15%) in both species. Substantial increases in plasma and CSF ascorbate concentrations suggest that this antioxidant could play a protective role during hibernation and reperfusion upon arousal from hibernation.

Determination of striatal extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid in non-hibernating and hibernating arctic ground squirrels using quantitative microdialysis

This study determined extracellular concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid ([GABA](ecf)) in striatum of non-hibernating and hibernating arctic ground squirrels to test the hypothesis that an increase in [GABA](ecf) was associated with profound CNS depression during hibernation. Quantitative microdialysis procedures were employed to circumvent the effects of low temperature on the relative recovery of the analyte across the dialysis membrane and yielded for the first time quantitative in vivo estimates of [GABA](ecf) in any brain region or any species. Laboratory housed, wild caught Arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) were implanted intraperitoneally with radio transmitters that enabled the telemetric monitoring of activity and core body temperature (T(b)) and bilaterally implanted with cranial guide tubes that enabled the implantation of microdialysis probes into the striatum. Striatal [GABA](ecf) was determined in unrestrained, non-hibernating ground squirrels (T(b) range 34.7-38.9 degrees C) and hibernating ground squirrels (T(b) range 2.9-3.9 degrees C) using extrapolation to zero flow and very slow flow microdialysis techniques. The results show that [GABA](ecf) in non-hibernating squirrels was 73 nM and this level was decreased by approximately 50% during hibernation thereby suggesting that an increase in [GABA](ecf) does not play a major role in CNS depression during hibernation. The reduction of [GABA](ecf) parallels a decrease in plasma and CSF [glucose] and may be related to a decrease in GABA synthesis or reduced voltage dependent release. This paper demonstrates that measurement of extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitters in animals with vastly different body temperatures is possible using microdialysis techniques of extrapolation to zero flow or very slow flow rates that enable 100% recovery. Such quantitative techniques may prove valuable in the study of the neurochemistry of the cerebral mechanisms of hibernation and tolerance to cerebral ischemia exhibited by hibernating animals.

Plastic film carbon electrodes: enzymatic modification for on-line, continuous, and simultaneous measurement of lactate and glucose using microdialysis sampling

Ring and split-disk plastic film carbon electrodes (PFCEs) were fabricated for use in thin-layer radial flow cells which were coupled to a microdialysis sampling system. PFCEs, were initially coated with osmium poly(vinylpyridine) redox polymer horseradish peroxidase (Os-gel-HRP). Then a second coat of oxidase enzyme was applied to produce enzyme bilayer (oxidase/Os-gel-HRP) PFCEs which were subsequently over-coated with cellulose acetate for use in the determination of glucose or lactate at 0 mV (vs Ag/AgCl). Split-disk electrode geometry enabled different oxidase enzymes to be immobilized on each half of a split-disk, Os-gel-HRP-coated, PFCE to facilitate the electrochemically independent yet continuous on-line determination of these two analytes from a single dialysate. In continuous-flow experiments, cellulose acetate overcoated oxidase/Os-gel-HRP cast-coated PFCEs were quick to stabilize background current and displayed linear and sensitive responses to substrates. The effect of ascorbic acid was minimal and cross talk between partner split-disk electrodes was demonstrated to be acceptable for in vivo applications. The utility of this analytical system is demonstrated by the quantitative on-line continuous assay of changes in dialysate striatal extracellular glucose and lactate from a conscious rat during (a) local stimulation of neurons by perfusion with the depolarizing agent, Veratridine, and (b) physical restraint.

Disposable, enzymatically modified printed film carbon electrodes for use in the high-performance liquid chromatographic-electrochemical detection of glucose or hydrogen peroxide from immobilized enzyme reactors

Disposable screen-printed, film carbon electrodes (PFCE) were modified with cast-coated Osmium-polyvinylpyrridine-wired horse radish peroxidase gel polymer (Os-gel-HRP) to enable the detection of the reduction at 0 mV of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) derived from a post-column immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER) containing acetylcholinesterase and choline oxidase. In another series of experiments PFCE were initially modified with cast-coated Os-gel-HRP and then treated with glucose oxidase in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to form a bi-layer glucose-Os-gel-HRP PFCE. This bi-layer glucose-Os-gel-HRP PFCE generated a reduction current at 0 mV to H2O2 derived from the reaction of glucose oxidase and glucose in solution. These enzyme-modified PFCE were housed in a radial flow cell and coupled with cation-exchange liquid chromatographic methods to temporally separate substrates in solution for the determination of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline (Ch) in the first experimental series, or glucose in the second experimental series. These two disposable enzyme-modified PFCE exhibited linear current vs. substrate relations, were durable, being usable for approximately 40 determinations, and were sufficiently sensitive to be employed in biological sampling. Both assays utilized the same HPLC equipment. The limit of detection for ACh was 16 fmol/10 microl and that for glucose was 12 micromol/7.5 microl. ACh and Ch were measured from a microdialysate from the frontal cortex of a rat. Glucose in human urine was determined using the bi-layer glucose oxidase-Os-gel-HRP PFCE.

Tolerance to catalepsy following chronic haloperidol is not associated with changes in GABA release in the globus pallidus

In vivo microdialysis was used to investigate the relationship between extracellular GABA levels in rat globus pallidus following acute (1st injection) and chronic (29th injection) haloperidol (Hal) (0.25 mg kg-1 day-1, s.c.) with the presence and absence of catalepsy, respectively. There was no difference in basal pallidal GABA levels in the drug naive and chronically treated rats. Furthermore, pallidal GABA release was not affected following injection with Hal in either group although there was a prolonged catalepsy in the drug naive group and a tolerance to catalepsy in the chronically treated group. A previous microdialysis study employing similar experiment protocol showed that Hal increases striatal GABA release in drug naive rats and increases basal striatal GABA levels following chronic treatment. The results of the current study demonstrate that these effects are not reflected in the globus pallidus and suggest that striatal GABA interneurons and/or GABA projection neurons to extrapallidal nuclei such as the substantia nigra pars reticulata may be involved in initiating catalepsy following acute Hal and mediating the tolerance to catalepsy observed following chronic Hal.

On-line, continuous measurement of extracellular striatal glucose using microdialysis sampling and electrochemical detection

A sensitive, enzymatic glucose electrode was coupled with the microdialysis sampling technique to enable the continuous, on-line measurement of dialysate glucose. The glucose sensitive electrode was fabricated by immobilizing glucose oxidase onto the surface of an osmium-polyvinylpyrridine horse radish peroxidase gel (Os-gel-HRP) which had been cast coated onto a glassy carbon electrode. This 'bilayer' electrode generated a reductive current to glucose at a potential of 0 mV thereby minimizing faradic oxidative interferences. The system utilized the continuous mixing of two fluids immediately prior to the 'bilayer' electrode. One fluid was the dialysate. The other was an oxygenated, low pH phosphate buffer which minimized oxidative interference, buffered the electrode from variations of pH and maximized enzyme efficiency. In practical terms, the 'bilayer' electrode was simple to manufacture, quick to reach stable basal currents (less than 60 min), sensitive (2.5 microM glucose could be detected in the dialysate) and durable (usable for up to 3 days). In vivo experiments, used the smallest commercially available microdialysis probes to demonstrate that on-line, continuous measurements of EC striatal glucose in the dialysate were receptive to pharmacological (local perfusion with veratridine (50 microM), systemic hyperglycemia (1.5 ml of 0.55 M glucose intraperitoneal (i.p.)) and anesthesia (Nembutal 40 mg/kg i.p.)) and behavioral (restraint) manipulations. This technique allows for greater temporal resolution than conventional HPLC procedures whilst requiring significantly less technical outlay or analytical expertise. The high sensitivity of the analytical technique could facilitate the study of EC glucose levels in very localized regions of the brain if coupled to microdialysis probes of small dimensions.

Hippocampal and striatal blood flow during behavior in rats: chronic laser Doppler flowmetry study

A technique is described for the chronic measurement of cerebral blood flow in conscious, unrestrained rodents, utilizing laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) removably coupled to an optical fiber permanently implanted into brain tissue by established stereotaxic procedures. Changes in relative blood flow in response to a range of pharmacological and behavioral challenges were measured in the hippocampus (HBF) and striatum (StBF) 24-72 h and up to 28-32 days after surgical implantation of the optical fiber. Intraseptal microinfusion of L-glutamate in artificial cerebrospinal fluid 48-96 h and 28-32 days after surgery increased HBF. Pentobarbital (Nembutal) and urethane anesthesia decreased HBF. On the day of euthanasia under urethane anesthesia, HBF was demonstrated to be responsive to alteration of blood CO2 via hyper/hypocapnia, and autoregulation was demonstrated in response to hypovolemic hypotension. In behavioral experiments, blood flow was found to increase with activity and locomotion, as well as during paradoxical (PS) and slow-wave sleep (SWS). The greatest increase in CBF was measured during PS. Although basal levels of blood flow were similar between regions, the increase in blood flow during PS was greater in the hippocampus. This simple procedure enables real-time measurement of qualitative changes in regional cerebral blood flow during behaviors in conscious, unrestrained animals. The observation that constancy of measurements was obtained for 1 month enables within-subject analysis in longitudinal studies and reduces the number of animals required for investigations.

Detection of basal acetylcholine release in the microdialysis of rat frontal cortex by high-performance liquid chromatography using a horseradish peroxidase-osmium redox polymer electrode with pre-enzyme reactor

To determine the basal acetylcholine level in the dialysate of rat frontal cortex, a horseradish peroxidase-osmium redox polymer-modified glassy carbon electrode (HRP-GCE) was employed instead of the conventional platinum electrode used in high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). In initial experiments, an oxidizable unknown compound interfered with the detection of basal acetylcholine release on HPLC-HRP-GCE. An immobilized peroxidase-choline oxidase precolumn (pre-reactor) was included in the HPLC system, to eliminate the interference from the unknown compound. This combination could detect less than 10 fmol of standard acetylcholine and basal acetylcholine levels in the dialysate from a conventional concentric design microdialysis probe, without the use of cholinesterase inhibitor, and may facilitate physiological investigation of cholinergic neuronal activity in the central nervous system.

GABAergic system inducing hyperthermia in the rat preoptic area: its independence of prostaglandin E2 system

Brain temperature of conscious freely moving rats was recorded during perfusion of the preoptic area (POA) with neuroactive compounds using the microdialysis technique. Unilateral perfusion of the POA with the sodium channel blocking agent, tetrodotoxin (1 microM), induced a pronounced hyperthermia. Of the neuroactive compounds examined, the greatest thermogenic response to local perfusion of the POA was elicited by the GABAergic agonist, muscimol. Muscimol (10, 20 and 100 microM) exhibited a dose-dependent and reversible hyperthermia. This hyperthermia was attenuated by co-perfusion with the GABAergic antagonist, bicuculline (10 microM). Muscimol-induced hyperthermia was independent of prostaglandin biosynthesis, and additive with prostaglandin E2 (10 microM)-induced hyperthermia. Prostaglandin E2-induced hyperthermia was not affected by co-perfusion with bicuculline. These data suggest the existence of two independent neurochemical systems for genesis of hyperthermia colocalized within the POA.

A GABAergic mechanism in the medial septum influences cortical arousal and locomotor activity but not a previously learned spatial discrimination task

The effect of perfusion of the medial septum (MS) with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on three consecutive daily trials was assessed on the amount of sleep/wake as determined by measurement of electro-encephalographic activity (EEG), spontaneous locomotor activity as determined by open field test and spatial discrimination task as determined by Morris water maze performance. Perfusion of the MS on the fourth trial with the GABAA agonist, muscimol (10-100 microM) produced an increase in cortical arousal and increased spontaneous locomotor activity. Perfusion with muscimol (5 microM) had an effect not distinguishable from perfusion with CSF alone. However doses of muscimol that reduced slow wave sleep (SWS) and increased locomotion had no effect on the memory and performance of a learned spatial discrimination task.

Perfusion of the preoptic area with muscimol or prostaglandin E2 stimulates cardiovascular function in anesthetized rats

The effect of unilateral perfusion of the preoptic area (POA) utilizing in vivo microdialysis with the GABAergic agonist, muscimol, or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on cardiovascular function (heart rate, blood pressure and cutaneous blood flow) was determined in halothane-anesthetized rats. Perfusion of muscimol or PGE2 increased the heart rate, 55 +/- 6 beats/min and 69 +/- 12 betas/min, respectively (P < 0.01). Cutaneous paw blood flow tended to decrease. Blood pressure did not change in response to the perfusion of muscimol, but increased 9 mmHg in response to the perfusion of PGE2 (P < 0.01). The increases in heart rate and blood pressure were blocked by systemic administration of propranolol or adrenalectomy (P < 0.01), suggesting that these effects were due to the activation of the sympathetic innervation of the heart or adrenal gland. It is proposed that the POA provides a tonic inhibitory afferent to posterior hypothalamus neurons which regulate cardiovascular function.

Acute versus chronic haloperidol: relationship between tolerance to catalepsy and striatal and accumbens dopamine, GABA and acetylcholine release

Using in vivo microdialysis, changes in extracellular dorsolateral striatum and nucleus accumbens dopamine, GABA and acetylcholine following acute and chronic haloperidol (0.25 mg/kg, s.c.) were evaluated in rats concurrent with the measurement of catalepsy. When administered to drug-naive and chronically treated rats, haloperidol was associated with a consistent and prolonged (> 150 min) increase in dorsolateral striatum and nucleus accumbens DA release and a transient (60 min) increase in dorsolateral striatum GABA release. Haloperidol was also associated with a transient (30 min) increase in dorsolateral striatum acetylcholine release in the chronically treated rats. Basal dopamine and acetylcholine levels were similar in both brain regions; however, basal dorsolateral striatum GABA levels were two-fold higher in the chronically treated rats. Administration of haloperidol was associated with a prolonged (> 150 min) catalepsy in the drug-naive rats which was greatly diminished or absent in chronically treated rats. Additionally, serum haloperidol levels were shown to be similar 120 min following administration of haloperidol in both groups. These results indicate a marked behavioral difference in the effects of haloperidol in drug-naive and chronically treated rats which is not related to an altered bioavailability of the drug and which is dissociated from both basal and haloperidol induced effects on dopamine and acetylcholine release in both brain regions. However, the selective elevation of basal dorsolateral striatum GABA release following chronic administration of haloperidol may contribute to the development of tolerance to catalepsy as well as providing an in vivo neurochemical marker of the long-term effects of haloperidol.

Behavioral activation by stimulation of a GABAergic mechanism in the preoptic area of rat

The locomotor activity and grooming of conscious freely moving rats were recorded during a 60-min unilateral perfusion of the preoptic area with neuroactive compounds using the microdialysis technique. The GABA agonist, muscimol (10, 20 and 100 microM) induced a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity and grooming which was attenuated by co-perfusion with the GABA antagonist, bicuculline (10 microM), and was blocked by systemic injection of haloperidol, a preferential dopamine D2 receptor antagonist (0.25 mg/kg). Muscimol-induced hyperactivity was associated with a simultaneous increase of striatal extracellular dopamine. These data suggest that the preoptic area is functionally linked with the extrapyramidal dopaminergic system possibly via GABAergic system.

Evidence for a substrate of neuronal plasticity based on pre- and postsynaptic neurotensin-dopamine receptor interactions in the neostriatum

The major mechanism underlying the neuroleptic action of the tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) appears to be an interaction with dopamine receptor mechanisms based on biochemical binding and behavioral experiments. In vivo microdialysis was used in conscious rats to investigate the effects of local perfusion with NT on the sensitivity of striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors for their selective agonists by monitoring extracellular dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanilic acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in the awake unrestrained male rat. Perfusion with NT (10 nM) counteracted the inhibitory effects of the dopamine D2 agonist pergolide (500 nM) on extracellular levels of dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. In contrast, NT (10 mM) significantly enhanced the reduction of extracellular striatal levels of dopamine after perfusion with the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (5 microM), and this combined treatment also resulted in a significant increase in the extracellular striatal levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid. These results provide in vivo evidence that NT regulates central dopamine transmission by reducing pre-and postsynaptic dopamine D2 and enhancing D1 receptor sensitivity possibly through an antagonistic NT receptor-D2 receptor interaction. This heteroregulation has the potential to substantially increase the plasticity within the dopamine synapse.

In vivo characterisation of extracellular dopamine, GABA and acetylcholine from the dorsolateral striatum of awake freely moving rats by chronic microdialysis

Basal extracellular (EC) DA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) were measured in dialysates from the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) of awake rats, every 30 min for 4.5 h each day over a 4-day period. The responsiveness of basal EC DA, DOPAC, HVA and GABA to local perfusion with tetrodotoxin (1 micron) was measured 1 and 4 days after implantation. In addition EC ACh was also measured 4 days after probe implantation. The results of this study indicate that EC levels of DA, DOPAC, HVA, GABA and ACh can be reliably monitored for up to 4 days after probe implantation. In addition, we show that striatal EC levels of DA, GABA and ACh may be regarded as a reflection of ongoing neuronal activity for up to 4 days after implantation of a microdialysis probe.

Effect of varying the ionic concentration of a microdialysis perfusate on basal striatal dopamine levels in awake rats

In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effects of Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ ion concentrations on basal extracellular (EC) levels of striatal DA and metabolites in awake rats on the second day (48 h) after implantation of a microdialysis probe. Basal EC striatal dopamine (DA) levels were markedly (90%) and reversibly reduced by removal and subsequent replacement of Ca2+ ions from the microdialysis perfusate. This implies that the EC DA in this preparation is primarily of synaptic origin. The addition and subsequent removal of 1.7 mM MgCl2 to the Mg2(+)-free perfusate produced a reversible decrease (20%) in basal EC DA levels. This decrease may reflect a competitive interaction between Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the process of vesicular release. Basal EC DA levels were also reduced (27%) by decreasing the K+ concentration of the perfusate from 4 mM to 3 mM. However, after restoring the K+ concentration to 4 mM, EC DA levels were slow to return to pretreatment levels. Basal EC 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid levels exhibited a parallel but diminished response to each manipulation of the ionic concentration of the perfusate. This study demonstrates that small variations in the concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ in the perfusate employed in microdialysis preparations will affect basal EC striatal DA and metabolite levels.

Angiotensin and salt appetite of BALB/c mice

The influence of systemic or intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of angiotensin II on the intakes of NaCl solution, water, and food was investigated in BALB/c mice. Systemic administration of angiotensin II had little, if any, influence on these ingestive behaviors. On the other hand, icv infusion of angiotensin II at 70 ng/day increased (P less than 0.05) intakes of NaCl solution and water by the third day of infusion. The amount of NaCl ingested daily during the infusion was two to three times body sodium content. The mean daily water intake increased to 40-60% of body weight. The vast increase in NaCl intake was not secondary to a natriuresis caused by the icv infusion of angiotensin II. The results suggest that angiotensin II has a direct effect on neural systems involved in sodium appetite in this species.

Decreased cerebral sodium concentration and sodium appetite in BALB/c mice

BALB/c mice were allowed free access to water, food, and 0.3 M NaCl. Intracerebroventricular infusion of 0.7 M mannitol in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used to reduce CSF sodium concentration. The infusion was made at 24 microliters/day, which was similar on a body weight basis to the rate that evoked a large increase in sodium appetite in sheep. Reduction of CSF sodium concentration did not increase the voluntary sodium intake of sodium-replete mice or furosemide-treated, sodium-depleted mice. Thus, in contrast to findings in sheep and cattle and similar to the findings in the laboratory rat and wild rabbits, changes in cerebral sodium concentration are apparently not involved in the sodium appetite of mice.

An in vivo microdialysis characterization of extracellular dopamine and GABA in dorsolateral striatum of awake freely moving and halothane anaesthetised rats

This study describes the results of a systematic characterization of extracellular dopamine (DA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) recovered from dorsolateral striatum using in vivo microdialysis in rats following acute (2.5 h) and chronic (1 day, 2 day and 4 day) implantation of the probe. The voltage and calcium dependence of DA and GABA overflow was characterised by perfusion with the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX 10-6M) and with Ca2(+)-free Ringers perfusion medium. In addition, the effect of halothane anaesthesia on the responsiveness of these neurotransmitter substances to TTX and Ca2(+)-free perfusion medium was investigated. Perfusion with TTX decreased basal DA levels by at least 60% in all groups. The TTX-induced decrease was most profound in halothane-anaesthetised rats, 24 h after implantation of the probe. Responsiveness of GABA to TTX infusion was different between the groups. In acutely implanted halothane-anaesthetised rats basal GABA levels were unaltered by perfusion with TTX while in the remaining groups at least a 35% reduction was observed. In awake rats 2 days following implantation of the probe removal and replacement of the Ca2+ from the perfusion medium resulted in a reversible reduction of basal DA by 87%. In addition, basal GABA levels were decreased by 52%. This decrease was delayed and was not reversed 1.5 h after the Ca2(+)-free perfusion medium was replaced with normal perfusion medium although basal GABA levels returned to pre-experimental levels by the following day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Subfornical organ lesion decreases sodium appetite in the sodium-depleted rat

The effect of subfornical organ (SFO) lesion on various models of ingestive behaviour was investigated in rats. Intake of water after 24 h water deprivation or systemic administration of hypertonic NaCl were not altered by SFO lesions. Intake of food or water after 24 h of food deprivation were not altered by SFO lesions. Intake of NaCl after furosemide-induced Na depletion was decreased by ablation of the SFO. This decrease in Na intake was ameliorated by pretreatment with a low dose of captopril. These results suggest that the SFO is involved in Na intake after Na depletion, but not in water or food intake following periods of water or food deprivation, respectively. The observation that a low dose of captopril can eliminate the decrease in Na appetite which occurred subsequent to SFO lesion suggests that other brain areas may also participate in Na-depletion-induced Na appetite.

Effect of varying the composition of CSF on urinary excretion in the conscious rat

The effect of 4 h intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of various solutions on the renal excretion of Na and K and urinary flow rate was examined in conscious unrestrained rats not water-loaded. I.c.v. infusion of iso- or hypo-osmotic solutions with low [Na] induced a diuresis but did not alter renal excretion of Na or K. I.c.v. infusion of hyperosmotic solutions with normal or elevated [Na] induced a natriuresis and kaliuresis. Hyperosmotic mannitol solutions caused a diuresis but hyperosmotic NaCl or sucrose solutions caused a diuresis only when the rats drank water and/or sodium solution during the infusion period. I.c.v. infusion of hyperosmotic NaCl but not hyperosmotic mannitol increased blood pressure. The results are consistent with the involvement of cerebral osmosensors in the control of urinary excretion of Na and K, and of cerebral Na sensors in the control of urinary flow rate. Increased blood pressure, as occurred during i.c.v. infusion of hyperosmotic NaCl, may also contribute to the increased excretion of Na and K.

Voluntary ethanol intake of individually- or pair-housed rats: effect of ACTH or dexamethasone treatment

The effect of ACTH or dexamethasone treatment on ingestion of 10% ethanol, 0.5 M NaCl and water was studied in individually- and pair-housed rats. Crowding or decreasing the amount of space per rat by increasing the number of rats per cage from 1 to 2, together with the associated increase in social interactions caused a large increase in ethanol intake. In pair-housed rats and in rats housed alone, ACTH treatment caused a large increase in Na intake but no change in ethanol intake. In pair-housed rats and in rats housed alone, dexamethasone treatment caused no change in either ethanol or Na intake. Thus, it would appear that the induction or maintenance of a high ethanol intake of rats during crowding, a presumed social stressor, can not be attributed entirely to either an increase in blood ACTH levels with the subsequent increase in glucocorticoid hormones or to a decrease in blood ACTH and natural glucocorticoid hormone levels. However, the possibility that ACTH and/or adrenocorticoid hormones, combined with other physiological or environmental factors, causes stressor-induced ethanol intake cannot be excluded.

Decrease of brain extracellular fluid [Na] and its interaction with other factors influencing sodium appetite in sheep

It has been shown previously in sheep that physiological increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) [Na] by infusion of 0.5 M NaCl artificial CSF causes a large reduction of sodium appetite of the sodium-deplete animal. Equivalent increase of CSF osmotic pressure caused by infusion 0.7 M mannitol artificial CSF which lowers CSF [Na] causes a doubling of sodium appetite. The results of the experiments here show that simple dilution of CSF [Na] with isotonic mannitol CSF, as distinct from use of hypertonic 0.7 M mannitol CSF, is an equally effective strong stimulus of sodium appetite. Lowering CSF [Na] concentration stimulates salt appetite in the severely sodium-deplete as well as in the mild to moderately sodium-deplete animal, and the effect of decrease of CSF [Na] on sodium appetite is sustained over 48 h. In addition, i.c.v. infusion of angiotensin II for the preceding 22 h at a rate which is an effective stimulus of both water and sodium solution intake in the sodium-replete animal, in fact, significantly decreased the sodium appetite stimulating effect of reduction of CSF [Na] in the Na-deplete animal.

Effect of variation of the composition of CSF in the rat upon drinking of water and hypertonic NaCl solutions

Infusing conscious unrestrained rats with either 0.5 M NaCl-CSF or 0.7 M sucrose-CSF into the lateral cerebral ventricle (IVT) at 38 microliters/hr for 4 hr induced drinking. Although the infusates were nearly equiosmotic, water drinking during the 0.5 M NaCl-CSF was greater than during 0.7 M sucrose-CSF. However, IVT infusions of 0.7 M mannitol-CSF at rates of 9.4 microliters/hr or 38 microliters/hr for 4 hr or 10 microliters/hr for 4 days failed to induce water drinking. Also, IVT infusion of 0.27 M mannitol-CSF at 38 microliters/hr for 4 hr failed to significantly alter water drinking. CSF [Na] was reduced by IVT infusion of either 0.7 M sucrose-CSF or 0.7 M mannitol-CSF. In contrast, CSF [Na] was increased by 4-hr IVT infusion of 0.5 M NaCl in rats denied access to water during the infusion. Intake of 0.5 M NaCl was not altered significantly from control intakes by any of the above IVT infusions. It is concluded that water drinking in the rat may be initiated by stimulation of either a sodium sensitive sensor alone or with an osmoreceptor system and that species specific differences in the induction of both water drinking and hypertonic saline drinking are apparent.

Inhibition of dehydration induced drinking in rats by reduction of CSF Na concentration

Male rats were dehydrated for 22 h and then given 4 h intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions which commenced 2 h prior to the beginning of a 2-h fluid access period. I.c.v. infusion of iso-osmotic 0.27 M mannitol-CSF more than halved the amount of water normally drunk by dehydrated rats during the fluid access period. Whilst i.c.v. infusion of 0.7 M mannitol-CSF did not alter the amount of water drunk during the fluid access period. Presumably both infusates reduce CSF [Na] but only 0.7 M mannitol elevates CSF osmolality. The evidence is consistent with the involvement of both sodium and osmoreceptors in thirst in the rat. A reduction of CSF [Na] will inhibit dehydration induced water drinking provided the osmotic pressure of the CSF is not greatly elevated. In addition evidence is provided to show that a contrived reduction of CSF [Na] alone is not a sufficient physiological trigger to initiate salt appetite in rats.

The role of taste in rapid sodium satiation by sodium-deficient sheep

Sheep with a parotid fistula and sodium-deprived for 24 or 48 h (Na deficit = 500-700 mmol) were trained to drink their entire requirement of sodium bicarbonate solution from a cup in their cage in a single draught for up to 2 min. The cup was connected to a reservoir by an apparatus that enabled the concentration of the solution offered to be changed after the animal had drunk the first 100 or 150 ml of fluid without interrupting the flow of fluid or disturbing the drinking sheep. Under control conditions, the concentrations of solutions in the cup and reservoir were the same, either 900 mM or 300 mM NaHCO3. On experimental days, the concentration of NaHCO3 in the cup and reservoir were different so that the concentration of fluid increased from 300 mM to 900 mM or decreased from 900 mM to 300 mM NaHCO3. On those experimental days when the concentration of NaHCO3 was increased from 300 to 900 mM, the sheep drank a volume of fluid sufficient to maintain intake commensurate with loss. However, when the concentration of NaHCO3 was decreased from 900 to 300 mM, the sheep drank a volume of fluid insufficient to correct the deficit. It is proposed that the failure of sheep to react appropriately to a decrease in NaHCO3 concentration is a consequence of taste adaptation.

Effect of variation of the composition of CSF in the rat upon drinking of water and hypertonic NaCl solutions

Infusing conscious unrestrained rats with either 0.5 M NaCl-CSF or 0.7 M sucrose-CSF into the lateral cerebral ventricle (IVT) at 38 microliters/hr for 4 hr induced drinking. Although the infusates were nearly equiosmotic, water drinking during the 0.5 M NaCl-CSF was greater than during 0.7 M sucrose-CSF. However, IVT infusions of 0.7 M mannitol-CSF at rates of 9.4 microliters/hr or 38 microliters/hr for 4 hr or 10 microliters/hr for 4 days failed to induce water drinking. Also, IVT infusion of 0.27 M mannitol-CSF at 38 microliters/hr for 4 hr failed to significantly alter water drinking. CSF [Na] was reduced by IVT infusion of either 0.7 M sucrose-CSF or 0.7 M mannitol-CSF. In contrast, CSF [Na] was increased by 4-hr IVT infusion of 0.5 M NaCl in rats denied access to water during the infusion. Intake of 0.5 M NaCl was not altered significantly from control intakes by any of the above IVT infusions. It is concluded that water drinking in the rat may be initiated by stimulation of either a sodium sensitive sensor alone or with an osmoreceptor system and that species specific differences in the induction of both water drinking and hypertonic saline drinking are apparent.

Cerebrospinal fluid pressure of anaesthetized rats during intracerebroventricular infusion

Increases in cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) were measured in the lateral ventricle in barbiturate anaesthetized male Sprague Dawley rats during intracerebroventricular (IVT) infusions into the contralateral ventricle. IVT infusions of isotonic artificial CSF (art-CSF) solutions at 10 and 38 microliters/hr increased mean CSFP from control preinfusion level of 3.6 cm H2O to 4.6 cm H20 (n.s.) and 5.2 cm H2O (p less than 0.01) respectively with CSFP appearing to attain equilibrium after 30-60 min of infusion. IVT infusion of hyperosmolar art CSF solutions (saccharide and salt solutions of approximate 1000 mOsm/kg) at 38 microliters/hr resulted in a larger increase of CSFP which equilibrated at 8.5 cm H2O (p less than 0.001) after 90 min of infusion. It is suggested that on the basis of CSFP measurements in these and other experiments cited that IVT infusions be run at infusion rates of less than 40 microliters/hr to ensure minimal physiological change.