Degassing of early-formed planetesimals restricted water delivery to Earth

The timing of delivery and the types of body that contributed volatiles to the terrestrial planets remain highly debated1,2. For example, it is unknown if differentiated bodies, such as that responsible for the Moon-forming giant impact, could have delivered substantial volatiles3,4 or if smaller, undifferentiated objects were more probable vehicles of water delivery5-7. Here we show that the water contents of minerals in achondrite meteorites (mantles or crusts of differentiated planetesimals) from both the inner and outer portions of the early Solar System are ≤2 μg g-1 H2O. These are among the lowest values ever reported for extraterrestrial minerals. Our results demonstrate that differentiated planetesimals efficiently degassed before or during melting. This finding implies that substantial amounts of water could only have been delivered to Earth by means of unmelted material.

Differential trafficking of adenosine receptors in hippocampal neurons monitored using GFP- and super-ecliptic pHluorin-tagged receptors

Adenosine receptors (ARs) modulate many cellular and systems-level processes in the mammalian CNS. However, little is known about the trafficking of ARs in neurons, despite their importance in controlling seizure activity and in neuroprotection in cerebral ischaemia. To address this we examined the agonist-dependent internalisation of C-terminal GFP-tagged A(1)Rs, A(2A)Rs and A(3)Rs in primary hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we developed a novel super-ecliptic pHluorin (SEP)-tagged A(1)R which, via the N-terminal SEP tag, reports the cell-surface expression and trafficking of A(1)Rs in real-time. We demonstrate the differential trafficking of ARs in neurons: A(3)Rs internalise more rapidly than A1Rs, with little evidence of appreciable A(2A)R trafficking over the time-course of the experiments. Furthermore, the novel SEP-A(1)R construct revealed the time-course of internalisation and recovery of cell-surface expression to occur within minutes of agonist exposure and removal, respectively. These observations highlight the labile nature of A(1)R and A(3)Rs when expressed at the neuronal plasma membrane. Given the high levels of adenosine in the brain during ischaemia and seizures, internalisation of the inhibitory A(1)R may result in hyperexcitability, increased brain damage and the development of chronic epileptic states.

Fluorescent ligand binding reveals heterogeneous distribution of adrenoceptors and 'cannabinoid-like' receptors in small arteries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pharmacological analysis of synergism or functional antagonism between different receptors commonly assumes that interacting receptors are located in the same cells. We have now investigated the distribution of alpha-adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptors and cannabinoid-like (GPR55) receptors in the mouse arteries.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Fluorescence intensity from vascular tissue incubated with fluorescent ligands (alpha(1)-adrenoceptor ligand, BODIPY-FL-prazosin, QAPB; beta-adrenoceptor ligand, TMR-CGP12177; fluorescent angiotensin II; a novel diarylpyrazole cannabinoid ligand (Tocrifluor 1117, T1117) was measured with confocal microscopy. Small mesenteric and tail arteries of wild-type and alpha(1B/D)-adrenoceptor-KO mice were used.

KEY RESULTS

T1117, a fluorescent form of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist AM251, was a ligand for GPR55, with low affinity for CB(1) receptors. In mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells, alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors were predominantly located in different cells from those with beta-adrenoceptors, angiotensin receptors or cannabinoid-like (GPR55) receptors. Cells with beta-adrenoceptors predominated at arterial branches. Endothelial cells expressed beta-adrenoceptors, alpha-adrenoceptors and cannabinoid-like receptors. Only endothelial alpha-adrenoceptors appeared in clusters. Adventitia was a rich source of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly fibroblasts and nerve tracts, where Schwann cells bound alpha-adrenoceptor, beta-adrenoceptor and CB-receptor ligands, with a mix of separate receptor locations and co-localization.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Within each cell type, each GPCR had a distinctive heterogeneous distribution with limited co-localization, providing a guide to the possibilities for functional synergism, and suggesting a new paradigm for synergism in which interactions may be either between cells or involve converging intracellular signalling processes.

Leptin enhances NR2B-mediated N-methyl-D-aspartate responses via a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent process in cerebellar granule cells

It is well documented that the hormone leptin regulates energy balance via its actions in the hypothalamus. However, evidence is accumulating that leptin plays a key role in numerous CNS functions. Indeed, leptin receptors are expressed in many extrahypothalamic brain regions, with high levels found in the hippocampus and cerebellum. In the hippocampus leptin has been shown to facilitate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function and modulate synaptic plasticity. A role for leptin in cerebellar function is also indicated as leptin-deficient rodents display reduced mobility that is unrelated to obesity. Here we show that leptin receptor immunolabeling can be detected in cultured cerebellar granule cells, being expressed at the somatic plasma membrane and also concentrated at synapses. Furthermore, leptin facilitated NR2B N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx in cerebellar granule cells via a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway. These findings provide the first direct evidence for a cellular action of leptin in cerebellar neurons. In addition, given that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity in the cerebellum is crucial for normal locomotor function, these data also have important implications for the potential role of leptin in the control of movement.

Differential responses to NMDA receptor activation in rat hippocampal interneurons and pyramidal cells may underlie enhanced pyramidal cell vulnerability

Hippocampal interneurons are generally more resistant than pyramidal cells to excitotoxic insults. Because NMDA receptors play a crucial role in neurodegeneration, we have compared the response to exogenous NMDA in CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons of the stratum oriens using combined whole-cell patch-clamp recording and ratiometric Ca2+ imaging. In voltage-clamp, current-clamp or in nominally Mg2+-free medium, NMDA (10 microM; 3-5 min exposure in the presence of tetrodotoxin) induced a markedly larger inward current and Ca2+ rise in pyramidal cells than in interneurons. Pyramidal cells also showed a more pronounced voltage dependence in their response to NMDA. We hypothesized that this enhanced response to NMDA receptor activation in pyramidal cells could underlie their increased vulnerability to excitotoxicity. Using loss of dye as an indicator of degenerative membrane disruption, interneurons tolerated continuous exposure to a high concentration of NMDA (30 microM) for longer periods than pyramidal cells. This acute neurodegeneration in pyramidal cells was independent of intracellular Ca2+, because high intracellular BAPTA (20 mM) did not prolong survival time. Thus, a plausible explanation for the enhanced sensitivity of pyramidal neurons to excitotoxic insults associated with cerebral ischemia is their greater response to NMDA receptor activation, which may reflect differences in NMDA receptor expression and/or subunit composition.

Leptin: a potential cognitive enhancer?

It is well documented that the hormone leptin signals information regarding the status of fat stores to hypothalamic nuclei, which in turn control feeding behaviour and body weight. However, leptin and its receptor are widely expressed in many extra-hypothalamic brain regions, including hippocampus, brain stem and cerebellum. Moreover, evidence is accumulating that leptin has other neuronal functions that are unrelated to its effects on energy homeostasis. Indeed a role for leptin in neuronal development has been suggested as leptin-deficient rodents display abnormal brain development and leptin actively participates in the development of the hypothalamus. In the hippocampus, leptin is a potential cognitive enhancer as genetically obese rodents with dysfunctional leptin receptors display impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Moreover, direct administration of leptin into the hippocampus can facilitate hippocampal LTP (long-term potentiation) in vivo and improve memory processing in mice. At the cellular level, we have also shown that leptin has the capacity to convert short-term potentiation into LTP. Here, we review the data that leptin influences hippocampal synaptic plasticity via enhancing NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor function. We also provide evidence that rapid trafficking of NMDA receptors to the plasma membrane may underlie the effects of leptin on excitatory synaptic strength.

Leptin inhibits epileptiform-like activity in rat hippocampal neurones via PI 3-kinase-driven activation of BK channels

The obese gene product, leptin is an important circulating satiety factor that regulates energy balance via its actions in the hypothalamus. However, leptin receptors are also expressed in brain regions not directly associated with energy homeostasis, such as the hippocampus. Here, leptin inhibits hippocampal neurones via activation of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels, a process that may be important in regulating neuronal excitability. We now show that leptin receptor labelling is expressed on somata, dendrites and axons, and is also concentrated at synapses in hippocampal cultures. In functional studies, leptin potently and reversibly reduces epileptiform-like activity evoked in lean, but not leptin-resistant Zucker fa/fa rats. Furthermore, leptin also depresses enhanced Ca(2+) levels evoked following Mg(2+) removal in hippocampal cultures. The ability of leptin to modulate this activity requires activation of BK, but not K(ATP), channels as the effects of leptin were mimicked by the BK channel activator NS-1619, and inhibited by the BK channel inhibitors, iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin. The signalling mechanisms underlying this process involve stimulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), but not mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), as two structurally unrelated inhibitors of PI 3-kinase, LY294002 and wortmannin, blocked the actions of leptin. These data indicate that leptin, via PI 3-kinase-driven activation of BK channels, elicits a novel mechanism for controlling neuronal excitability. As uncontrolled excitability in the hippocampus is one underlying cause of temporal lobe epilepsy, this novel action of leptin could provide an alternative therapeutic target in the management of epilepsy.

Leptin enhances NMDA receptor function and modulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity

The obese gene product leptin is an important signaling protein that regulates food intake and body weight via activation of the hypothalamic leptin receptor (Ob-Rb; Jacob et al., 1997). However, there is growing evidence that Ob-Rb is also expressed in CNS regions, not directly associated with energy homeostasis (Mercer et al., 1996; Hakansson et al., 1998). In the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in learning and memory, we have found that leptin facilitates the induction of synaptic plasticity. Leptin converts short-term potentiation of synaptic transmission induced by primed burst stimulation of the Schaffer collateral commissural pathway into long-term potentiation. The mechanism underlying this effect involves facilitation of NMDA receptor function because leptin rapidly enhances NMDA-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) and facilitates NMDA, but not AMPA, receptor-mediated synaptic transmission. The signaling mechanism underlying these effects involves activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Src tyrosine kinases. These data indicate that a novel action of leptin in the CNS is to facilitate hippocampal synaptic plasticity via enhanced NMDA receptor-mediated Ca(2+) influx. Impairment of this process may contribute to the cognitive deficits associated with diabetes mellitus.

Agonist-induced internalization and trafficking of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in hippocampal neurons

Agonist-induced internalization of G-protein-coupled receptors is an important mechanism for regulating receptor abundance and availability at the plasma membrane. In this study we have used immunolabeling techniques and confocal microscopy to investigate agonist-induced internalization and trafficking of CB(1) receptors in rat cultured hippocampal neurons. The levels of cell surface CB(1) receptor immunoreactivity associated with presynaptic GABAergic terminals decreased markedly (by up to 84%) after exposure to the cannabinoid agonist (+)-WIN55212, in a concentration-dependent (0.1-1 microm) and stereoselective manner. Inhibition was maximal at 16 hr and abolished in the presence of SR141716A, a selective CB(1) receptor antagonist. Methanandamide (an analog of an endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide) also reduced cell surface labeling (by 43% at 1 microm). Differential labeling of cell surface and intracellular pools of receptor demonstrated that the reduction in cell surface immunoreactivity reflects agonist-induced internalization and suggests that the internalized CB(1) receptors are translocated toward the soma. The internalization process did not require activated G-protein alpha(i) or alpha(o) subunits. A different pattern of cell surface CB(1) receptor expression was observed using an undifferentiated F-11 cell line, which had pronounced somatic labeling. In these cells substantial CB(1) receptor internalization was also observed after exposure to (+)-WIN55212 (1 microm) for relatively short periods (30 min) of agonist exposure. In summary, this dynamic modulation of CB(1) receptor expression may play an important role in the development of cannabinoid tolerance in the CNS. Agonist-induced internalization at presynaptic terminals has important implications for the modulatory effects of G-protein-coupled receptors on neurotransmitter release.

Actions of cannabinoid receptor ligands on rat cultured sensory neurones: implications for antinociception

Cannabinoids modulate nociceptive processing in models of acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We have investigated the location and function of cannabinoid receptors on cultured neonatal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones and F-11 cells, a dorsal root ganglionxneuroblastoma hybridoma which displays several of the features of authentic DRG neurones. CB(1) receptor immunolabelling was observed on the cell bodies and as fine puncta on processes of both cultured DRG neurones and F-11 cells. Additionally, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis provided evidence that both CB(1) and CB(2) receptors are expressed on populations of cells within the cultured DRG and F-11 cells. The cannabinoid receptor agonist (+)-WIN55212 (10 and 100 nM) inhibited the mean voltage-activated Ca(2+) current in DRG neurones by 21% and 30%, respectively. The isomer, (-)-WIN55212 (10 and 100 nM) produced significantly less inhibition of 6% and 10% respectively. The CB(1) selective receptor antagonist SR141716A (100 nM) enhanced the peak high voltage-activated Ca(2+) current by 24% and simultaneous application of SR141716A (100 nM) and (+)-WIN55212 (100 nM) resulted in a significant attenuation of the inhibition obtained with (+)-WIN55212 alone. These data give functional evidence for the hypothesis that the analgesic actions of cannabinoids may be mediated by presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release in sensory neurones.

Role of Ca2+ stores in metabotropic L-glutamate receptor-mediated supralinear Ca2+ signaling in rat hippocampal neurons

The role of metabotropic l-glutamate (mGlu) receptors in supralinear Ca(2+) signaling was investigated in cultured hippocampal cells using Ca(2+) imaging techniques and whole-cell voltage-clamp recording. In neurons, but not glia, global supralinear Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores was observed when the mGlu receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) was combined with elevated extracellular K(+) levels (10.8 mm), moderate depolarization (15-30 mV), or NMDA (3 micrometer). There was a delay (2-8 min) before the stores were fully charged, and the enhancement persisted for a short period (up to 10 min) after removal of the store-loading stimulus. Studies with the mGlu receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine demonstrated that these effects were mediated by activation of the mGlu(5) receptor subtype. The L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine (10 micrometer) substantially reduced responses to DHPG obtained in the presence of elevated extracellular K(+) but not NMDA. This suggests that the Ca(2+) that is required to load the stores can enter either through L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels or directly through NMDA receptors. The findings that both depolarization and NMDA receptor activation can facilitate mGlu receptor Ca(2+) signaling adds considerable flexibility to the processes that underlie activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength. In particular, a temporal separation between the store-loading stimulus and the activation of mGlu receptors could be used as a recency detector in neurons.

Functional expression of cell surface cannabinoid CB(1) receptors on presynaptic inhibitory terminals in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

At present, little is known about the mechanisms by which cannabinoids exert their effects on the central nervous system. In this study, fluorescence imaging and electrophysiological techniques were used to investigate the functional relationship between cell surface cannabinoid type 1 (CB(1)) receptors and GABAergic synaptic transmission in cultured hippocampal neurons. CB(1) receptors were labelled on living neurons using a polyclonal antibody directed against the N-terminal 77 amino acid residues of the rat cloned CB(1) receptor. Highly punctate CB(1) receptor labelling was observed on fine axons and at axonal growth cones, with little somatic labelling. The majority of these sites were associated with synaptic terminals, identified either with immunohistochemical markers or by using the styryl dye FM1-43 to label synaptic vesicles that had undergone active turnover. Dual labelling of neurons for CB(1) receptors with either the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA or its synthesising enzyme glutamate decarboxylase, demonstrated a strong correspondence. The immunocytochemical data was supported by functional studies using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). The cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 (100nM) markedly inhibited (by 77+/-6.3%) the frequency of pharmacologically-isolated GABAergic mIPSCs. The effects of WIN55,212-2 were blocked in the presence of the selective CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A (100nM).In conclusion, the present data show that cell surface CB(1) receptors are expressed at presynaptic GABAergic terminals, where their activation inhibits GABA release. Their presence on growth cones could indicate a role in the targeting of inhibitory connections during development.

Leptin activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in rat CRI-G1 insulinoma cells involves disruption of the actin cytoskeleton

1. The role of the cytoskeleton in leptin-induced activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels was examined in rat CRI-G1 insulin-secreting cells using patch clamp and fluorescence imaging techniques. 2. In whole cell recordings, dialysis with the actin filament stabiliser phalloidin (10 microM) prevented KATP channel activation by leptin. 3. Application of the actin filament destabilising agents deoxyribonuclease type 1 (DNase 1; 50 microg ml-1) or cytochalasin B (10 microM) to intact cells or inside-out membrane patches also increased KATP channel activity in a phalloidin-dependent manner. 4. The anti-microtubule agents nocodazole (10 microM) and colchicine (100 microM) had no effect on KATP channel activity. 5. Fluorescence staining of the cells with rhodamine-conjugated phalloidin revealed rapid disassembly of actin filaments by cytochalasin B and leptin, the latter action being prevented by the phosphoinositide 3 (PI 3)-kinase inhibitor LY 294002. 6. Activation of KATP channels by the PI 3-kinase product phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) was also prevented by phalloidin. This is consistent with the notion that leptin activates KATP channels in these cells by an increase in PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 or a similar 3-phosphorylated phosphoinositol lipid, resulting in actin filament disruption.

A characterization of muscarinic receptor-mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in cultured rat hippocampal neurones

1. The properties of muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization were investigated in hippocampal cultures using fluorescent imaging techniques. 2. Somatic responses to carbachol (1-10 microM) were observed in 21 % of neurones under control conditions (5.4 mM K+, 1. 8 mM Ca2+, 0.5-1 microM tetrodotoxin). Smaller responses were observed in Ca2+-free medium. 3. In cells where responses to carbachol were absent under control conditions, responses were often observed following depolarization with high extracellular K+ (16. 2-25 mM). These responses decreased in magnitude with time after the depolarizing episode. Mobilization of Ca2+ from stores using caffeine (50 mM) exhibited similar properties. 4. Carbachol responses were greatly facilitated in the presence of moderate elevations in extracellular K+ or Ca2+ levels (2- or 3-fold, respectively). These conditions were usually, but not always, associated with a small increase in cytosolic Ca2+ levels (< 50 nM). 5. Muscarinic responses in 10.8 mM K+ were inhibited by 80-95 % in the presence of the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel antagonists nitrendipine (2-5 microM) or nifedipine (10 microM). Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin (2-10 microM) blocked responses. 6. Oscillatory Ca2+ mobilizing responses were observed in some cells. Their expression was facilitated by moderate cytosolic Ca2+ elevations and by increasing the duration of carbachol exposure. 7. Ca2+ mobilizing responses were also observed in dendritic regions. These were smaller than somatic responses, but had faster decay kinetics. 8. In conclusion, muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in cultured hippocampal neurones shows a strong Ca2+ dependence. Moderate intracellular Ca2+ rises greatly facilitate muscarinic responses and uncover, in some cells, oscillatory Ca2+ mobilization. These effects appear to reflect the loading state of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

The group I mGlu receptor agonist DHPG induces a novel form of LTD in the CA1 region of the hippocampus

The group I specific metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) (100 microM, 10 min) induced long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of adult rat hippocampal slices, measured using a grease-gap recording technique. In "normal" (1 mM Mg2+-containing) medium, LTD (measured 30 min after washout of DHPG) was small (13+/-3%), but LTD was enhanced if DHPG was applied when the tissue was made hyperexcitable, either by omitting Mg2+ from the perfusate (35+/-3%) or by adding the GABA(A) receptor antagonist picrotoxin (29+/-2%). The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist AP5 (100 microM) substantially reduced the generation of DHPG-induced LTD in Mg2+-free medium, but had little effect on LTD induced in the presence of picrotoxin. In Mg2+-free medium, the threshold concentration of DHPG required to induce LTD was between 1 and 3 microM. Neither agonists specific for group II (100 nM DCG-IV or 1 microM LY354740) or group III (10 microM L-AP4) mGlu receptors or a combined group I and II agonist (30-100 microM (1S,3R)-ACPD) induced LTD. However, an agonist (1 mM CHPG) which activates mGlu5 but not mGlu1 receptors did induce LTD. Surprisingly, DHPG-induced LTD was reversed by mGlu receptor antagonists, applied hours after washout of DHPG. DHPG-induced LTD did not occlude with LTD induced by synaptic activation (1200 stimuli delivered at 2 Hz), in Mg2+-free medium. These data show that activation of group I mGlu receptors (probably mGlu5) can induce LTD and that this mGlu receptor-mediated LTD may, or may not, require activation of NMDA receptors, depending on the experimental conditions.

NMDA receptor dependence of mGlu-mediated depression of synaptic transmission in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus

1. The depression of synaptic transmission by the specific metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu) agonist (1S, 3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate ((1S,3R)-ACPD) was investigated in area CA1 of the hippocampus of 4-10 week old rats, by use of grease-gap and intracellular recording techniques. 2. In the presence of 1 mM Mg2+, (1S,3R)-ACPD was a weak synaptic depressant. In contrast, in the absence of added Mg2+, (1S,3R)-ACPD was much more effective in depressing both the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated components of synaptic transmission. At 100 microM, (1S,3R)-ACPD depressed the slope of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (e.p.s.p.) by 96 +/- 1% (mean +/- s.e.mean; n = 7) compared with 23 +/- 4% in 1 mM Mg(2+)-containing medium (n = 17). 3. The depressant action of 100 microM (1S,3R)-ACPD in Mg(2+)-free medium was reduced from 96 +/- 1 to 46 +/- 6% (n = 7) by the specific NMDA receptor antagonist (R)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (AP5; 100 microM). 4. Blocking both components of GABA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission with picrotoxin (50 microM) and CGP 55845A (1 microM) in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+ also enhanced the depressant action of (1S,3R)-ACPD (100 microM) from 29 +/- 5 to 67 +/- 6% (n = 6). 5. The actions of (1S,3R)-ACPD, recorded in Mg(2+)-free medium, were antagonized by the mGlu antagonist (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine ((+)-MCPG). Thus, depressions induced by 30 microM (1S,3R)-ACPD were reversed from 48 +/- 4 to 8 +/- 6% (n = 4) by 1 mM (+)-MCPG. 6. In Mg(2+)-free medium, a group I mGlu agonist, (RS)-3, 5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG; 100 microM) depressed synaptic responses by 74 +/- 2% (n = 18). In contrast, neither the group II agonists ((2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(2'-carboxycyclopropyl)glycine; L-CCG-1; 10 microM; n = 4) and ((2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine; DCG-IV; 100 nM; n = 3) nor the group III agonist ((S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoic acid; L-AP4; 10 microM; n = 4) had any effect. 7. The depolarizing action of (1S,3R)-ACPD, recorded intracellularly, was similar in the presence and absence of Mg(2+)-AP5 did not affect the (1S,3R)-ACPD-induced depolarization in Mg(2+)-free medium. Thus, 50 microM (1S,3R)-ACPD induced depolarizations of 9 +/- 3 mV (n = 5), 10 +/- 2 mV (n = 4) and 8 +/- 2 mV (n = 5) in the three respective conditions. 8. On resetting the membrane potential in the presence of 50 microM (1S,3R)-ACPD to its initial level, the e.p.s.p. amplitude was enhanced by 8 +/- 3% in 1 mM Mg2+ (n = 5) compared with a depression of 37 +/- 11% in the absence of Mg2+ (n = 4). Addition of AP5 prevented the (1S,3R)-ACPD-induced depression of the e.p.s.p. (depression of 4 +/- 5% (n = 5)). 9. It is concluded that activation by group 1 mGlu agonists results in a depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner.

Localization of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 on the surface of living and within cultured hippocampal neurons

The distribution of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 was investigated in cultured hippocampal neurons by confocal microscopy, using polyclonal antibodies directed against either the N- or C-terminal region. On living neurons, GluR1 immunofluorescence was detected with the N-terminal antibody only. GluR1 was localized in a highly punctate manner on the surface of neuronal soma and throughout the dendritic tree. Many GluR1 puncta co-localized with the synaptic marker synaptophysin, although extrasynaptic GluR1 puncta were also observed. A comparison of GluR1 subunit distribution of living neurons labelled with N-terminal antibody with that obtained after the cells had been fixed, permeabilized and subsequently reacted with C-terminal or additional N-terminal antibody showed a number of differences. In permeabilized cells additional, diffuse labelling was observed which was very pronounced in the soma and extended into the proximal dendrites. Furthermore, some spines showed little or no labelling of their membrane surface, but labelled strongly after the cells had been fixed and permeabilized. Such spines may be the postsynaptic components of silent or suboptimal synapses.

Activation of group I mGluRs potentiates NMDA responses in rat hippocampal slices

The pharmacology of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-mediated potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked depolarisations in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices was investigated using an extracellular grease-gap method. The group I and II mGluR agonist (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid ((1S,3R)-ACPD; 10 mu M) potentiated responses to NMDA (15-25 mu M), giving a dose ratio of 0.84 +/- 0.02. The mGluR group I specific agonist (RS3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) (3-10 mu M) also induced a dose-dependent and reversible enhancement of responses to NMDA (dose ratio for 10 mu M DHPG was 0.77 +/- 0.02). In contrast, the group II selective agonist (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV; 0.5-1 mu M) and the group III specific agonist (S)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (L-AP4; 50 mu M) caused little or no potentiation of responses to NMDA. The potentiation induced by 3-5 mu M DHPG was reversibly antagonised by the group I and II antagonist (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine ((+)-MCPG; 1 mM). The present findings demonstrate that activation of group I mGluRs enhance NMDA responses in the hippocampus.

Activation of the NO-cGMP signalling pathway depresses hippocampal synaptic transmission through an adenosine receptor-dependent mechanism

Activation of the NO-cGMP pathway or adenosine receptors depresses reversibly synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Here we demonstrate, using the selective A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX, a convergence in the mechanisms of action of the NO donor SNAP, the cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast and adenosine.

The nitric oxide--cyclic GMP pathway and synaptic depression in rat hippocampal slices

The ability of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) to modify synaptic transmission was investigated in area CA1 of the rat hippocampal slice. The NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S-nitrosoglutathione (SNOG) depressed field excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by low frequency stimulation of the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway. Upon washout of the NO donors, synaptic transmission rapidly returned to control levels. A similar reversible synaptic depression was produced by SNAP when tetanic stimulation (100 Hz; 1 s) was delivered in its presence. The effect of SNAP was not mimicked by its precursor or breakdown product and was blocked by haemoglobin, indicating that the effect involved NO. Roussin's black salt, a photolabile NO donor, also depressed transiently field excitatory postsynaptic potentials following photolysis. The depression was induced rapidly following a flash of UV light (20 s duration) focused onto the slice using a confocal microscope. The depressant effect of the NO donors on synaptic transmission was mimicked by zaprinast, a specific cGMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Zaprinast depressed to a similar extent both the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated components of excitatory postsynaptic currents without affecting passive membrane properties, indicating a presynaptic locus of action. SNAP, SNOG and zaprinast all elevated cGMP levels in rat hippocampal slices. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that the cGMP accumulation was mainly in a network of varicose fibres running throughout the CA1 region, consistent with a presynaptic site of action of NO. We conclude that NO, possibly through activation of guanylate cyclase, may be involved in transient presynaptic depression in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.

Induction of LTP in the hippocampus needs synaptic activation of glutamate metabotropic receptors

Understanding the mechanisms of long-term potentiation (LTP) should provide insights into the molecular basis of learning and memory in vertebrates. Ionotropic glutamate receptors play a central role in LTP; AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate) receptors and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors mediate synaptic responses that are enhanced in LTP and, in addition, NMDA receptors are necessary for the induction of LTP in most pathways. There is also circumstantial evidence that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) may be involved in LTP because the specific mGluR agonist aminocyclopentane dicarboxylate can augment tetanus-induced LTP2 and, under certain circumstances, can itself induce a slow-onset potentiation. But the absence of any effective mGluR antagonist has prevented the determination of whether mGluRs are involved in the induction of tetanus-induced LTP. We report here that (RS)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine is a specific mGluR antagonist in the hippocampus and have used this compound to examine the nature of the involvement of mGluRs in LTP. We show that synaptic activation of mGluRs is necessary for the induction of both NMDA receptor-dependent and NMDA receptor-independent forms of LTP in the hippocampus.

Interactions between Ca2+ mobilizing mechanisms in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells

1. The interactions between IP3 receptor-mediated and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release were investigated in cerebellar granule cell bodies, using the techniques of microfluorimetry and image analysis. 2. The IP3-sensitive Ca2+ release mechanism was activated using acetylcholine (ACh) and the selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD). Caffeine was used to activate, and ryanodine to inhibit, the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release process. Thapsigargin was used to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores. 3. Transient applications of caffeine (5-50 mM), ACPD (50-500 microM) and ACh (0.05-1 microM) mobilized intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Ca2+ mobilizing responses to 50 mM caffeine and 1 microM ACh increased with time in culture until day 4. However, beyond this period the responsiveness of cells to caffeine, but not to ACh, declined markedly. 4. Responses induced by ACPD and ACh were inhibited in the presence of caffeine at concentrations below those which mobilized Ca2+ (1-5 mM). This effect was not due to Ca2+ pool depletion, elevation of cAMP or inhibition of phosphodiesterases. 5. Prior challenge with ACh or ACPD inhibited Ca2+ mobilization induced by caffeine (50 mM). Transient exposure to caffeine inhibited subsequent responses to ACh through a mechanism which involved store depletion. 6. Thapsigargin (0.1-1 microM) inhibited, to a similar extent, Ca2+ mobilization induced by caffeine, ACPD and ACh. 7. Ryanodine (10 microM) antagonized Ca2+ mobilization induced by caffeine, ACh and ACPD. However, the ability of ryanodine to block inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-linked agonist responses varied considerably between cells. The sensitivity of ACh-induced responses to ryanodine correlated with the sensitivity of the cells to caffeine. 8. The possible explanations for the pronounced interactions between IP3 receptor-mediated and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release processes in cerebellar granule cells are discussed.

L-glutamate and acetylcholine mobilise Ca2+ from the same intracellular pool in cerebellar granule cells using transduction mechanisms with different Ca2+ sensitivities

Ca2+ mobilisation induced by L-glutamate (Glu) and acetylcholine (ACh) has been studied in cultured cerebellar granule cells using digital fluorescence microscopy. The ability of Glu-receptor activation to mobilise Ca2+ was decreased when [Ca2+]o was lowered to 10 microM (from 1.8 mM). It was enhanced when [Ca2+]i was raised using 25 mM external K+ or by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), which selectively activates a distinct Glu-receptor subtype. The enhancement was dependent on entry of external Ca2+. In contrast, the ability of ACh receptor activation to mobilise Ca2+ was not affected by these conditions. Furthermore, pretreatment with pertussis toxin inhibited Ca2+ mobilisation in response to Glu-receptor activation without affecting mobilisation in response to ACh. However, activation of both receptors mobilised Ca2+ from a common, thapsigargin-sensitive pool. We conclude that there are differences in the Ca2+ mobilization pathways for the two receptor systems in cerebellar granule cells. The Ca(2+)-sensitivity of this Ca2+ mobilizing Glu receptor may have implications for its function in neuronal synaptogenesis and plasticity.

Low-frequency activation of the NMDA receptor system can prevent the induction of LTP

In rat hippocampal slices bathed in Mg2(+)-free medium tetanic stimulation generally failed to elicit long-term potentiation (LTP) in the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway. However, LTP could be induced in the same slices following the re-introduction of 1 mM Mg2+. In Mg2(+)-free medium, LTP could be induced in the presence of 20 microM D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) but was blocked by increasing the APV concentration to 200 microM. The lower concentration of APV is sufficient to prevent N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation during low-frequency transmission but not during the tetanus. We suggest therefore, that certain types of activation of the NMDA receptor system can disable the LTP induction mechanism.