A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: applications in the assay of peptides, steroids, and cyclic nucleotides

Indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) that can be used to quantify several types of small, bioactive molecules, including peptides, steroids, and cyclic nucleotides, are described. The assays require no special expertise to perform, and the sensitivities are very high, equally or exceeding what is commonly achieved in radioimmunoassay (RIA). The molecule to be assayed or a synthetic derivative is coupled to a protein carrier (= conjugate). The conjugate is adsorbed to the wells of a microtiter plate where it is bound by antibody in inverse proportion to free hapten in a sample or standard. Bound antibody is then quantified with enzyme-labeled anti-immunoglobulin and appropriate substrate. The assay of peptides is illustrated for the sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide, in which an ED50 of 20 fmol (2 x 10(-10) M in 100 microliters assay volume) is attained. The ED50's and slopes of the dose-response curves in the steroid and cyclic nucleotide ELISAs are compared with those parameters obtained earlier by RIA using the same antisera. This comparison indicates that a steroid, ecdysone, can be quantified with no apparent participation of the bridging group of the conjugate in the competitive assay. Furthermore, the ED50's in the ecdysone assays (ecdysone 2 beta, 3 beta, 14 alpha, 22R, 25-pentahydroxy-5 beta-cholest-7-en-6-one, 7.7 fmol; 20-hydroxyecdysone, 16 fmol) are 19- to 38-fold lower for ELISA than for RIA. In the cyclic nucleotide assay, the bridge of a cAMP conjugate (homologous with the bridge of the immunogen) decreases the slope of the dose-response curve. This effect is minimized by the use of short incubations with anti-cAMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Temporal sequence of neurotransmitter expression by developing neurons of fetal monkey visual cortex

The developing fetal monkey visual cortex was studied immunocytochemically from 110-155 days post-conception in order to localize cell populations immunoreactive (ir) for gamma-aminobutyric acid, Substance P, cholecystokinin-octapeptide, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, and proenkephalin A peptide (BAM-18). The area 17/18 border and all cortical laminae identified in the adult visual cortex were discernible from the youngest age examined. All ir-cell populations studied were present at each fetal age. However, despite a relatively adult-like cytoarchitecture, all ir-cell populations studied displayed patterns of immunostaining which were unlike those described in adult visual cortex, and showed significant changes in laminar distribution, morphology, and numbers over the time course of gestation examined. Despite the differences in the patterns of immunostaining between the fetal and adult visual cortex, ir-cell populations intrinsic to the developing visual cortex exhibited adult-like combinations of co-localized transmitters and peptides. The developing monkey cortex also contains ir-cell populations, particularly BAM-18-ir cells, which have not been detected immunocytochemically in the adult monkey cortex. Differences between the fetal and the adult ir-cell populations might be accounted for by cell death, morphological transformation, secondary migration or changes in gene expression for neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.

Distribution and chromatographic characterisation of gastrin and cholecystokinin in the rat central nervous system

Two tissue extraction techniques and two radioimmunoassays were used to study the distribution of gastrin and cholecystokinin in rat brain. Small amounts of gastrin were found in extracts of neurohypophysis, but in neither ice-cold 90% methanol nor in boiling water-acetic acid extracts of the other 33 brain areas studied. Cholecystokinin was found in equivalent amounts in both types of extract of 31 areas. The distribution was similar to that in previous studies. The components of cholecystokinin immunoreactivity were characterised in 10 rat CNS tissues using four tissue extraction methods in conjunction with gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. The results demonstrated that gastrins were present only in the neurohypophysis and that in all other rat CNS tissues the main molecular component was indistinguishable from the sulphated octapeptide of cholecystokinin. Minor immunoreactive components were observed in all types of extract of all tissues with the properties of the desulphated octapeptide and the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide, suggesting they are genuine tissue components, not extraction artefacts. Large molecular forms of cholecystokinin were not detected in any tissue. The results emphasise the necessity of using two or more extraction methods and two or more chromatography systems in such a study.

Principles of rat subcortical forebrain organization: a study using histological techniques and multiple fluorescence labeling

In the present study, we introduce new views on neuro- and chemoarchitectonics of the rat forebrain subcortex deduced from traditional and current concepts of anatomical organization and from our own results. It is based on double and triple immunofluorescence of markers for transmitter-related enzymes, calcium-binding proteins, receptor proteins, myelin basic protein (MBP) and neuropeptides, and on histological cell/myelin stains. The main findings can be summarized as follows: (i) the dorsal striatum of rat and other myomorph rodents reveals a small caudate equivalent homotopic to the caudate nucleus (C) of other mammals, and a large putamen (Pu). (ii) Shell and core can be distinguished also in the 'rostral pole' of nucleus accumbens (ACC) with the calretinin/calbindin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunostaining. The shell reveals characteristics of a genuine striatal but not of an extended amygdala (EA) subunit. (iii) EA and lateral septum show striking similarities in structure and fiber connections and may therefore represent a separate parastriatal complex. (iv) The meandering dense layer (DL) of olfactory tubercle (OT) forms longitudinal gyrus- and sulcus-like structures converging in its rostral pole. (v) The core regions of the islands of Calleja that border the ventral pallidum (VP) sharing some of its features are invaded by myelinated fibers of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). The island of Calleja magna is also apposed to an inconspicuous, slender dorsal appendage of VP. (vi) The VP is composed of a large dorsal reticulated part traversed by the myelinated GABAergic parvalbumin-immunoreactive axons of the MFB and a slender ventral non-reticulate part close to the islands of Calleja. (vii) Considering their close association to the limbic system, ventral striatum (VS) and VP may represent the oldest part of basal ganglia, whereas dorsal striatopallidal subunits were progressively developed in parallel to the growing neocortical influence on motor behavior.

Coexistence of acetylcholinesterase and somatostatin-immunoreactivity in neurons cultured from rat cerebrum

Cultures derived from rat cerebral hemispheres were sequentially stained for acetylcholinesterase activity and for either somatostatin-like immunoreactivity or cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity. Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity was found to coexist with acetylcholinesterase activity in individual neurons of several morphological subtypes, but cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity and acetycholinesterase activity were never seen in the same neurons. These findings suggest a specific anatomical association, perhaps even an overlap, of the cholinergic and somatostatinergic systems in the mammalian cerebrum, and indicate that the combined deficiencies of somatostatin and cholinergic markers in Alzheimer's dementia and senile dementia of the Alzheimer type may be of pathophysiological importance.

Pharmacological study on the mixed CCK8/DA meso-nucleus accumbens pathway: evidence for the existence of storage sites containing the two transmitters

The mixed CCK8/DA meso-nucleus accumbens pathway was used as a model to study the effects of some pharmacological treatments on the two coexisting transmitters. Reserpine (7 mg/kg i.p.), which depletes monoamine vesicles, induced as early as 1 h following its injection a selective decrease (36%) of CCK8 levels in the posterior part of the nucleus accumbens, an area innervated by the mixed CCK8/DA projection. In contrast, this treatment was without effect on CCK8 levels in the anterior nucleus accumbens and the ventral striatum, two areas which contain distinct CCK8 and DA innervations. Apomorphine (5 mg/kg i.p.), which is known to inhibit the firing rate of DA cells, did not block the reserpine- induced decrease in CCK8 levels suggesting that reserpine is acting on CCK8 storage. This mechanism of action was further substantiated by results obtained with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MpT, 200 mg/kg i.p.) since no change in CCK8 levels was observed 4 h after this treatment. However, a selective decrease (35%) in CCK8 levels was found in the posterior part of the nucleus accumbens 20 h after two successive alpha-MpT injections. This suggested that long-term interruption of DA transmission resulted in an activation of CCK8/DA cells leading to a release of CCK8. The partial effect of reserpine on total CCK8 stores in CCK8/DA fibers suggests that the peptide is distributed in two types of storage compartments, one of them being sensitive to reserpine and possibly corresponding to mixed CCK8/DA vesicles.

Gastrin receptor genes are expressed in gastric parietal and enterochromaffin-like cells of Mastomys natalensis

Although gastric enterochromaffin-like (ECL) carcinoid tumors are known to develop in patients with long-standing hypergastrinemia, the expression of the gastrin receptor gene in ECL cells has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, this study was designed to examine gastrin receptor gene expression in ECL cells. Mastomys gastric mucosal cells isolated by enzyme dispersion were separated into 10 fractions (F1-10) by centrifugal elutriation. Each fraction was examined histologically to determine whether they contained ECL and/or parietal cells and Northern blot analysis was used to confirm the presence of histidine decarboxylase and H+, K(+)-ATPase gene expression. ECL cells were found only in fractions 1 and 2, whereas parietal cells were detected in fractions 6-10. Gastrin receptor gene expression was demonstrated in both parietal cell-rich and ECL cell-rich fractions. In addition, the gastrin receptor cDNA sequences obtained from the two of the fractions (F1 and 8) were identical. These results suggest that gastrin receptor genes are expressed in ECL cells as well as in parietal cells and that these receptors are identical.

Distributions of certain neuropeptides in the primate thalamus

The distributions of fibers and terminals immunoreactive for somatostatin (SRIF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK), were studied in the diencephalon of cynomolgus monkeys. Immunoreactivity for all 4 peptides is found in extrinsic afferent fibers innervating the dorsal thalamus, ventral thalamus and epithalamus. The distributions of such fibers are more extensive than previously described and include many relay nuclei in their zones of terminations. SP fibers are particularly concentrated in the ventral posteromedial nucleus. All peptides are especially concentrated in fibers in the intralaminar and reticular nuclei. Afferent fibers immunoreactive for each of the 4 peptides approach the thalamus by two pathways. An anterior route is formed by the classical periventricular system ascending from the hypothalamus to the epithalamus. A posterior pathway ascends in the lateral midbrain tegmentum and provides innervation to posterior, intralaminar, and many relay nuclei, plus the ventral thalamus. A basal forebrain pathway, containing SRIF and NPY immunoreactive fibers, enters the thalamus in association with the ansa lenticularis and SP fibers also ascend from the substantia nigra.

Immunocytochemical identification of long ascending peptidergic neurons contributing to the spinoreticular tract in the rat

In the present study, we examined the peptidergic content of lumbar spinoreticular tract neurons in the colchicine-treated rat. This was accomplished by combining the retrograde transport of the fluorescent dye True Blue with the immunocytochemical labeling of neurons containing cholecystokinin-8, dynorphin A1-8, somatostatin, substance P or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. After True Blue injections into the caudal bulbar reticular formation, separate populations of retrogradely labeled cells were identified as containing cholecystokinin-like, dynorphin-like, substance P-like or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like immunoreactivity. Retrogradely labeled somatostatin-like neurons were not identified in any of the animals examined. Each population of double-labeled cells showed a different distribution in the lumbar spinal cord. The highest yield of double-labeling occurred for cholecystokinin, with 16% of all intrinsic cholecystokinin-like neurons containing True Blue. These double labeled neurons were found predominantly at the border between lamina VII and the central canal region. About 11% of intrinsic vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like neurons in the lumbar spinal cord were retrogradely labeled from the bulbar reticular formation. These neurons were found mostly in the lateral spinal nucleus, with only a few double-labeled cells located deep in the gray matter. Dynorphin-like double-labeled neurons were localized predominantly near the central canal; a smaller population was also seen in the lateral spinal nucleus. It was found that double-labeled dynorphin-like neurons made up 8% of all intrinsic dynorphin-like neurons. Retrogradely-labeled substance P-like neurons were rare; the few double-labeled neurons were found in the lateral spinal nucleus and lateral lamina V. These findings suggest a significant role for spinal cord peptides in long ascending systems beyond their involvement in local circuit physiology.

Gastric/intestinal electrical stimulation modulates appetite regulatory peptide hormones in the stomach and duodenum in rats

BACKGROUND

Gastric/intestinal electrical stimulation (GIES) has been used to suppress appetite in the treatment of obesity with promising results. However, the mechanisms by which GIES benefits obese patients are not completely understood. This study investigated the acute effects of GIES on gastric and intestinal tissue levels of peptide hormones related to satiety and appetite in rats.

METHODS

32 rats were divided into 4 groups: 1) sham stimulation, 2) gastric electrical stimulation (GES) with pulse trains, 3) GES with long pulse, and 4) duodenal electrical stimulation (DES) with pulse trains. After 2 hours of GIES, the rats were sacrificed immediately, and gastric fundus, duodenum and distal colon were harvested and extracted. Hormone levels of ghrelin, obestatin, cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) and peptide YY (PYY) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA).

RESULTS

1) The mean gastric fundus ghrelin level was 1789.04+/-362.81 pg/mg in the sham stimulation and significantly decreased with GES of pulse trains (597.85+/-195.33 pg/mg, P=0.012), GES of long pulse (754.6+/-282.6 pg/mg, P=0.039) and DES (731.69+/-110.84 pg/mg, P=0.037). 2) The mean duodenal CCK-8 concentration was 413.27+/-42.14 pg/mg in the sham stimulation and significantly increased by DES (762.6+/-98.75 pg/mg, P=0.013) but not in others. 3) Neither gastric obestatin nor distal colonic PYY was altered by any of GES or DES.

CONCLUSIONS

GIES significantly impacts appetite-related peptide hormones in gastric and duodenal tissues. Acute GIES-induced manipulation of gut peptide hormones related to appetite and satiety is a nonpharmacologic, well-tolerated clinical procedure that could substantially contribute to the successful treatment and long-term management of obesity.

Gastrointestinal hormones in birds: morphological, chemical, and developmental aspects

Historically, the enterochromaffin cell was the first endocrine cell type detected in avian gut; subsequently, a number of types of such cells were distinguished on the basis of the ultrastructural features of the secretory granules. More recently, immunocytochemical procedures have revealed somatostatin-, pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-, polypeptide YY-, glucagon-, secretin-, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-, gastrin-, cholecystokinin-, neurotensin-, bombesin-, substance P-, enkephalin-, motilin-, and FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity in avian gastrointestinal endocrine cells. Most endocrine cells are located in the antrum; there are a number in the proventriculus and small intestine but few in the gizzard, cecum, and rectum. Several avian gastroenteropancreatic hormones, including glucagon, VIP, secretin, bombesin, neurotensin, and PP, have been isolated and sequenced. They resemble the equivalent mammalian peptides in terms of molecular size but differ in amino acid composition and sequence; some (e.g., VIP) differ only in minor respects, others (e.g., secretin) more radically. Gastrointestinal endocrine cells appear late in development; available data indicate that few types are recognized by either immunocytochemistry or electron microscopy before 16 days of incubation. Experimental evidence has shown that at least the majority of gut endocrine cells are of endodermal origin and are not derived from the neural crest or neuroectoderm as earlier proposed. In early embryos, the progenitors of gastrointestinal endocrine cells are more widespread than are the differentiated cells in chicks at hatching. This, along with other observations, raises the question of factors that might influence the differentiation of gut endocrine cells.

Cytotoxic and antimitotic effects of N-containingMonascus metabolites studied using immortalized human kidney epithelial cells

Recently the first Monascus metabolites with a pyridine ring were detected, the monascopyridines A and B. They are formally dehydrogenated derivatives of the red rice pigments rubropunctamine and monascorubramine. Because of their structural similarity, the toxicological effects of these secondary metabolites were studied using immortalized human kidney epithelial cells. The cytotoxicity was determined with the following different endpoint detection methods: metabolic activity, trypan blue exclusion, and electronic cell counting. The compounds led to EC(50) values between 11 and 31 micromol/L but the pigments caused a stronger reduction of the cell viability. Also, the apoptotic potential was examined by measuring caspase 3 activity and detecting apoptotic bodies, but none of the tested compounds induced apoptosis. All four substances caused a rise of the mitotic index to about 9% (100 micromol/L monascopyridine A and B) and 20% (25 micromol/L rubropunctamine and monascorubramine). The significant decrease of the ratio of cells in the ana- and telophase to cells in the prometa- and metaphase proved a stop of the mitosis at the meta- to anaphase control point. The compounds caused mitotic arrest and the formation of structural damages like c-mitosis through interaction with the mitotic spindle. These effects point to an aneuploidy inducing potential, which is linked to cancer formation.

Cholecystokinin innervation of rat thalamus, including fibers to ventroposterolateral nucleus from dorsal column nuclei

The distribution of cholecystokinin octapeptide immunoreactive fibers and puncta in the adult rat thalamus was studied using immunocytochemical methods. Small to moderate numbers of immunoreactive fibers were present in the lateral habenular nucleus, ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, zona incerta, parataenial, mediodorsal, medioventral, and submedial nuclei, the rhomboid, paracentral, central lateral and parafascicular nuclei, and in the medial geniculate and dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei. Moderate to large numbers of cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive fibers were present in the paraventricular nuclei, the reticular nucleus, the anteroventral, anteromedial, and central medial nuclei, and in the rostral extension of the internal medullary lamina between the parataenial and anteroventral nuclei. Dense concentrations of immunoreactive fibers were also found in a principal sensory relay nucleus, the ventroposterolateral nucleus (VPL), of the ventrobasal complex. The number of CCK-positive fibers in VPL showed a marked unilateral decrease in rats which had received lesions of the contralateral gracile and cuneate nuclei. The results of this study demonstrate that CCK-immunoreactive fibers and puncta are widely distributed in the rat thalamus, and that the source of these fibers in VPL is probably the dorsal column nuclei.

Kainic acid seizures cause enhanced expression of cholecystokinin-octapeptide in the cortex and hippocampus of the rat

Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques were used for investigating changes in cholecystokinin immunoreactivity and mRNA in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus after kainic acid-induced limbic seizures in the rat. Marked increases in cholecystokinin mRNA concentrations were observed in layers II/III and V/VI of the cerebral cortex, in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, and in presumptive basket cells of the dentate gyrus 1 and 2 days after the acute seizures. Whereas cholecystokinin mRNA contents returned to normal in the cerebral cortex and the CA1 sector at later intervals, high concentrations were observed in basket cells even 2 months after the initial seizures. Accordingly, cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity was intensified in the cerebral cortex, CA1 sector and in presumed basket cells of the hippocampus 30 days after kainic acid. Besides its high content in basket cells, cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity was primarily present in neuronal fibers or diffusely distributed in the respective brain area. In the hippocampus, strongly enhanced staining for cholecystokinin was also observed in the alveus, the stratum lacunosum moleculare, and in the inner molecular layer, suggesting increased concentrations of the peptide in afferent and efferent fibers of the hippocampus. The present experiments suggest a strong activation of cholecystokinin systems in the brain after kainic acid-induced limbic seizures in the rat. This is indicated by pronounced increases in cholecystokinin mRNA in the cortex and individual cell types of the hippocampus (basket cells, granule cells, and CA1 pyramidal neurons). The subsequent increases in cholecystokin immunoreactivity even surpass those in mRNA. The observed changes may be part of the self-defense mechanisms that protect the animals during subsequent epileptic episodes.

Immunocytochemical evidence of vertebrate bioactive peptide-like molecules in the immuno cell types of the freshwater snail Planorbarius corneus (L.) (Gastropoda, Pulmonata)

An immunocytochemical investigation was carried out on round and spreading hemocytes of Planorbarius corneus by using 20 antisera to vertebrate bioactive peptides. The immunotests showed the presence of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin-bombesin-, calcitonin-, CCK-8 (INC)-, CCK-39-, gastrin-, glucagon-, Met-enkephalin-, neurotensin-, oxytocin-, somatostatin-, substance P-, VIP-, and vasopressin-immunoreactive molecules in the spreading hemocytes. The round hemocytes were only positive to anti-bombesin, anticalcitonin, anti-CCK-8 (INC), anti-CCK-39, anti-neurotensin, anti-oxytocin, anti-substance P and anti-vasopressin antibodies. No immunostaining was observed with anti-CCK-8 (Peninsula), anti-insulin, anti-prolactin, anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroxin (T4) antibodies. As probably in vertebrates, these bioactive peptides may modulate immuno cell function.

Distribution of calcitonin-gene-related peptide, neuropeptide-Y, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, cholecystokinin-8, substance P and islet peptides in the pancreas of normal and diabetic rats

Neuropeptides and peptides are particularly important in the co-ordination of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine secretions. In diabetes mellitus, pancreatic endocrine secretion is particularly impaired. This study investigates whether there is a change in the pattern of distribution of neuropeptides including calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide-Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8), substance P (SP), and islet peptides including insulin (INS), glucagon (GLU), somatostatin (SOM) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) in the pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. After the onset of diabetes, the pattern of distribution of INS, GLU, SOM and PP cells was deranged. CGRP was demonstrated in ganglion cells of both normal and diabetic pancreas. CGRP was also localized in nerve fibres innervating the blood vessels of both normal and diabetic pancreas. The pancreata of both normal and diabetic rats contained numerous NPY-immunopositive varicose nerve fibres in the wall of blood vessels. In normal pancreatic tissue, VIP-immunopositive nerve fibres were observed in all areas of the pancreas. After the onset of diabetes, VIP-positive nerve fibres were still discernible in the interacinar regions of the pancreas. CCK-8 was identified in nerve fibres innervating both the normal and diabetic rat pancreata. These CCK-8-immunopositive nerves were varicose in nature and distributed in the wall of blood vessels. SP was demonstrated in neurons located in the interlobular areas of normal tissue and in fine varicose nerve fibres of the interacinar region of STZ-induced diabetic pancreas. In conclusion, CGRP, NPY, VIP, CCK-8 and SP are well distributed in both normal and diabetic pancreas.

Immunohistochemical study on the neuroendocrine system of the digestive tract of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), infected by Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa)

In recent years a new parasite, causing severe losses, has been detected in farmed turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), in Northwestern Spain. Dead fish showed emaciation and cachexia caused by severe necrotizing enteritis, which affected all areas of the digestive tract. The parasite was classified as a myxosporean and named Enteromyxum scophthalmi. This study was designed to assess the response of the turbot neuroendocrine system against E. scophthalmi infection. Immunohistochemical tests were applied to sections of the gastrointestinal tract of uninfected and E. scophthalmi-infected turbot, and the presence of cholecystokinin (CCK-8), serotonin (5-HT), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were documented. A higher abundance of both endocrine epithelial cells (ECs) and nerve cell bodies and fibres for CCK-8, 5-HT and SP were recorded in the gastrointestinal tract of infected turbot, whereas VIP-like substance decreased. The results indicate that E. scophthalmi infection in turbot induced changes in the neuroendocrine system, which may cause alterations in gut motility, electrolyte and fluid secretion, and vascular and immune functions.

High concentration of cholecystokinin neurons in the newborn human entorhinal cortex

Numerous cholecystokinin (CCK)-immunoreactive cells are detected in the newborn human entorhinal cortex. They are located essentially in layer II and in the superficial part of layer III. Their shape and size indicate that they are interneurons. Most of them are vertically oriented and have beaded processes reaching layer I and the deep part of layer III. The cell type most frequently observed are bipolar cells with an ovoid cell body measuring 8-10 microns across and 15 microns in length. No CCK immunoreactivity is seen in the large stellate and pyramidal cells.

Determination of cholecystokinin tetrapeptide and cholecystokinin octapeptide sulfate in different rat brain regions by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A method for the determination of cholecystokinins in biological material, based on high-pressure liquid chromatography with direct electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC), is described. Using this method, the levels of cholecystokinin tetrapeptide and octapeptide sulfate in rat brain cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and brain stem were measured and found to be comparable to those reported using radioimmunoassay methods. We show that HPLC-EC is sensitive enough to accurately determine neuropeptides in brain tissue without prior derivatization and is therefore, due to its simplicity, an attractive alternative to existing methods.

Lipofectin-facilitated transfer of cholecystokinin gene corrects behavioral abnormalities of rats with audiogenic seizures

To evaluate the potential for lipofectin-mediated central nervous system gene transfer, the plasmid coding for cholecystokinin was administered intracerebroventricularly to rats, which have congenital audiogenic seizures and high responses to peripheral electric stimulation-induced analgesia. Previous studies had shown that low brain cholecystokinin levels may be the neurochemical variable of rat's audiogenic seizure and high responses to the analgesia because cholecystokinin is an anticonvulsant and anti-opioid neuropeptide. Gene transfer of cholecystokinin corrected the increased susceptibility to audiogenic seizures and the high responses to analgesia for about one week. Similar administration of plasmid expressing beta-galactosidase indicated that the vector mainly transfected ependymal cells lining the ventricle and pia mater cells. The increased cholecystokinin messenger RNA and immunoreactivity in the hippocampus following stereotactic intrahippocampal administration of cholecystokinin plasmid was also demonstrated with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry techniques. These results suggest that lipofectin-mediated gene transfer will be useful for studies of brain function, the modification of behavior and gene therapy for central nervous system disorders.

Do neuropeptides in the dorsal horn change if the dorsal root ganglion cell death that normally accompanies peripheral nerve transection is prevented?

Peripheral nerve section causes the death of dorsal root ganglion cells and changes in neuroactive peptides in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The relationship between these 2 events has not been previously studied, however. One approach would be to prevent sensory cell death and then determine changes in peptide immunoreactivity. To do this, transected rat sciatic nerve stumps were placed in an impermeable silicone tube for one month. The tube was then removed and after 30 additional days the cells were counted. The data indicate that no cell death occurred. We conclude that the sensory cells are first saved due to some factor present in the tube, and then after 30 days, the cells become independent of the tube and its contents. In these same animals, all of the peptides we examined were significantly changed. Four of the peptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK) and galanin (GAL) were significantly depleted in the medial L4-L5 superficial dorsal horn, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was significantly increased. We conclude that there are major changes in spinal peptide systems following peripheral nerve transection even if there is no accompanying death of sensory neurons. Thus we suggest that dramatic central changes in peptide immunoreactivity following peripheral nerve transection are independent of the sensory cell death that usually occurs in response to this injury.

Cholecystokinin-associated COOH-terminal peptides are fully sulfated in pig brain

A radioimmunoassay was developed to detect the cholecystokinin (CCK)-associated nonapeptide (CAP-9) that forms the COOH terminus of pig preproCCK. This peptide (Ser-Ala-Glu-Glu-Tyr-Glu-Tyr-Thr-Ser) is presumably produced at the time that the tyrosine-sulfated octapeptide CCK8(s) is cleaved from preproCCK. Radioimmunoassay of a dried methanol extract of pig brain revealed no detectable CAP-9 immunoreactivity, whereas acid desulfation of the dried methanol extract prior to radioimmunoassay resulted in easily measurable concentrations of CAP-9 immunoreactivity. Two peptides, CAP-9 and des-Ser9-CAP-9, were purified from a methanol extract of 8 kg of commercially obtained whole pig brains. Amino acid analysis showed that each peptide has both tyrosines sulfated. Thus, the likely sequence of CCK post-translational processing events is sulfation of the three tyrosines in the COOH terminus of preproCCK followed by peptide cleavage and appearance of CCK8(s) and CAP-9(s,s).

Cholecystokinin turnover in brain

Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) occurs in relatively large amounts in some neurons of the cerebral cortex. Unlike most other mammalian neuropeptides, this compound contains a sulfate ester. We injected radiolabelled inorganic sulfate [( 35S]sulfate) into rat cerebral cortex and measured the formation and elimination of radiolabelled CCK-8 using HPLC. The data allow the first calculation of the turnover rate of a putative transmitter neuropeptide in brain. The turnover of CCK-8 (half-life = 16 h) is considerably slower than that of the biogenic amines and amino acid neurotransmitters (half-lives less than 4 h).