General anesthetics do not affect release of the neuropeptide cholecystokinin from isolated rat cortical nerve terminals

BACKGROUND: General anesthetics inhibit evoked release of classic neurotransmitters. However, their actions on neuropeptide release in the central nervous system have not been well characterized. METHODS: The effects of representative intravenous and volatile anesthetics were studied on the release of sulfated cholecystokinin 8 (CCK8s), a representative excitatory neuropeptide, from isolated rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Basal, elevated KCl depolarization-evoked and veratridine-evoked release of CCK8s from synaptosomes purified from rat cerebral cortex was evaluated at 35 degrees C in the absence or presence of extracellular Ca2+. CCK8s released into the incubation medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay after filtration. RESULTS: Elevation of extracellular KCl concentration (to 15-30 mM) or veratridine (10-20 microm) stimulated Ca2+ -dependent CCK8s release. Basal, elevated KCl- or veratridine-evoked CCK8s release was not affected significantly by propofol (12.5-50 microm), pentobarbital (50 and 100 microm), thiopental (20 microm), etomidate (20 microm), ketamine (20 microm), isoflurane (0.6-0.8 mM), or halothane (0.6-0.8 mMm). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant concentrations of several classes of general anesthetics did not affect basal, KCl-evoked, or veratridine-evoked CCK8s release from isolated rat cortical nerve terminals. This is in contrast to the demonstrable effects of certain general anesthetics on the release of amino acid and catecholamine transmitters. These transmitter-specific presynaptic effects of general anesthetics suggest that anesthetic-sensitive presynaptic targets are not common to all transmitter classes.     

Widespread Inhibition of Sodium Channel-dependent Glutamate Release from Isolated Nerve Terminals by Isoflurane and Propofol

Background : Controversy persists concerning the mechanisms and role of general anesthetic inhibition of glutamate release from nerve endings. To determine the generality of this effect and to control for methodologic differences between previous studies, the authors analyzed the presynaptic effects of isoflurane and propofol on glutamate release from nerve terminals isolated from several species and brain regions.

Methods : Synaptosomes were prepared from rat, mouse, or guinea pig cerebral cortex and also from rat striatum and hippocampus. Release of endogenous glutamate evoked by depolarization with 20 [mu]m veratridine (which opens voltage-dependent Na+ channels by preventing inactivation) or by 30 mm KCl (which activates voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by membrane depolarization) was monitored using an on-line enzyme-linked fluorometric assay.

Results : Glutamate release evoked by depolarization with increased extracellular KCl was not significantly inhibited by isoflurane up to 0.7 mm (~2 minimum alveolar concentration; drug concentration for half-maximal inhibition > 1.5 mm) or propofol up to 40 [mu]m in synaptosomes prepared from rat, mouse, or guinea pig cerebral cortex, rat hippocampus, or rat striatum. Lower concentrations of isoflurane or propofol significantly inhibited veratridine-evoked glutamate release in all three species (isoflurane IC50 = 0.41-0.50 mm; propofol IC50 = 11-18 [mu]m) and rat brain regions. Inhibition of veratridine-evoked release was insensitive to the [gamma]-aminobutyric acid receptor type A antagonist bicuculline (100 [mu]m) in rat cortical synaptosomes.     

Widespread inhibition of sodium channel-dependent glutamate release from isolated nerve terminals by isoflurane and propofol.

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists concerning the mechanisms and role of general anesthetic inhibition of glutamate release from nerve endings. To determine the generality of this effect and to control for methodologic differences between previous studies, the authors analyzed the presynaptic effects of isoflurane and propofol on glutamate release from nerve terminals isolated from several species and brain regions. METHODS: Synaptosomes were prepared from rat, mouse, or guinea pig cerebral cortex and also from rat striatum and hippocampus. Release of endogenous glutamate evoked by depolarization with 20 microm veratridine (which opens voltage-dependent Na+ channels by preventing inactivation) or by 30 mm KCl (which activates voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by membrane depolarization) was monitored using an on-line enzyme-linked fluorometric assay. RESULTS: Glutamate release evoked by depolarization with increased extracellular KCl was not significantly inhibited by isoflurane up to 0.7 mM ( approximately 2 minimum alveolar concentration; drug concentration for half-maximal inhibition [IC50] > 1.5 mM) [corrected] or propofol up to 40 microm in synaptosomes prepared from rat, mouse, or guinea pig cerebral cortex, rat hippocampus, or rat striatum. Lower concentrations of isoflurane or propofol significantly inhibited veratridine-evoked glutamate release in all three species (isoflurane IC50 = 0.41-0.50 mm; propofol IC50 = 11-18 microm) and rat brain regions. Glutamate release was evoked by veratridine or increased KCl (from 5 to 35 mM) to assess the involvement of presynaptic ion channels as targets for drug actions [corrected]. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflurane and propofol inhibited Na+ channel-mediated glutamate release evoked by veratridine with greater potency than release evoked by increased KCl in synaptosomes prepared from three mammalian species and three rat brain regions. These findings are consistent with a greater sensitivity to anesthetics of presynaptic Na+ channels than of Ca2+ channels coupled to glutamate release. This widespread presynaptic action of general anesthetics is not mediated by potentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors, though additional mechanisms may be involved.     

The effects of general anesthetics on norepinephrine release from isolated rat cortical nerve terminals

Intravenous and volatile general anesthetics inhibit norepinephrine (NE) release from sympathetic neurons and other neurosecretory cells. However, the actions of general anesthetics on NE release from central nervous system (CNS) neurons are unclear. We investigated the effects of representative IV and volatile anesthetics on [(3)H]NE release from isolated rat cortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Purified synaptosomes prepared from rat cerebral cortex were preloaded with [(3)H]NE and superfused with buffer containing pargyline (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor) and ascorbic acid (an antioxidant). Basal (spontaneous) and stimulus-evoked [(3)H]NE release was evaluated in the superfusate in the absence or presence of various anesthetics. Depolarization with increased concentrations of KCl (15-20 mM) or 4-aminopyridine (0.5-1.0 mM) evoked concentration- and Ca(2+)-dependent increases in [(3)H]NE release from rat cortical synaptosomes. The IV anesthetics etomidate (5-40 microM), ketamine (5-30 microM), or pentobarbital (25-100 microM) did not affect basal or stimulus-evoked [(3)H]NE release. Propofol (5-40 microM) increased basal [(3)H]NE release and, at larger concentrations, reduced stimulus-evoked release. The volatile anesthetic halothane (0.15-0.70 mM) increased basal [(3)H]NE release, but did not affect stimulus-evoked release. These findings demonstrate drug-specific stimulation of basal NE release. Noradrenergic transmission may represent a presynaptic target for selected general anesthetics in the CNS. Given the contrasting effects of general anesthetics on the release of other CNS transmitters, the presynaptic actions of general anesthetics are both drug- and transmitter-specific. IMPLICATIONS: General anesthetics affect synaptic transmission both by altering neurotransmitter release and by modulating postsynaptic responses to transmitter. Anesthetics exert both drug-specific and transmitter-specific effects on transmitter release: therapeutic concentrations of some anesthetics stimulate basal, but not evoked, norepinephrine release, in contrast to evoked glutamate release, which is inhibited.     

Inhibition by Volatile Anesthetics of Endogenous Glutamate Release from Synaptosomes by a Presynaptic Mechanism

Background: Synaptic transmission is more sensitive than axonal conduction to the effects of general anesthetics. Previous studies of the synaptic effects of general anesthetics have focused on postsynaptic sites of action. We now provide direct biochemical evidence for a presynaptic effect of volatile anesthetics on neurotransmitter release.

Methods: Rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes (isolated presynaptic nerve terminals) were used to determine the effects of general anesthetics on the release of endogenous L-glutamate, the major fast excitatory neurotransmitter. Basal and evoked (by 4-aminopyridine, veratridine, increased KCl, or ionomycin) glutamate release were measured by continuous enzyme-coupled fluorometry.

Results: Clinical concentrations of volatile halogenated anesthetics, but not of pentobarbital, inhibited 4-aminopyridine-evoked Calcium2+ -dependent glutamate release. Halothane also inhibited veratridine-evoked glutamate release but not basal, KCl-evoked, or ionomycin-evoked glutamate release. Halothane inhibited both the 4-aminopyridine-evoked and the KCl-evoked increase in free intrasynaptosomal [Calcium2+].     

Effects of Volatile Anesthetics on N-methyl-d-aspartate Excitotoxicity in Primary Rat Neuronal-Glial Cultures

Background: Volatile anesthetics are known to ameliorate experimental ischemic brain injury. A possible mechanism is inhibition of excitotoxic cascades induced by excessive glutamatergic stimulation. This study examined interactions between volatile anesthetics and excitotoxic stress.

Methods: Primary cortical neuronal-glial cultures were exposed to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) or glutamate and isoflurane (0.1-3.3 mm), sevoflurane (0.1-2.9 mm), halothane (0.1-2.9 mm), or 10 [mu]m (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]-cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrogen maleate (MK-801). Lactate dehydrogenase release was measured 24 h later. In other cultures, effects of volatile anesthetics on Ca++ uptake and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined in the presence or absence of NMDA (0-200 [mu]m).

Results: Volatile anesthetics reduced excitotoxin induced lactate dehydrogenase release by up to 52% in a dose-dependent manner. At higher concentrations, this protection was reversed. When corrected for olive oil solubility, the three anesthetics offered equivalent protection. MK-801 provided near-complete protection. Ca++ uptake was proportionally reduced with increasing concentrations of anesthetic but did not account for reversal of protection at higher anesthetic concentrations. Given equivalent NMDA-induced Ca++ loads, cells treated with volatile anesthetic had greater lactate dehydrogenase release than those left untreated. At protective concentrations, volatile anesthetics partially inhibited NMDA-induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization. At higher concentrations, volatile anesthetics alone were sufficient to induce mitochondrial depolarization.     

Differential Effects of Anesthetic and Nonanesthetic Cyclobutanes on Neuronal Voltage-gated Sodium Channels

Background: Despite their key role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells, voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels have been considered to be insensitive to general anesthetics. The authors tested the sensitivity of neuronal Na+ channels to structurally similar anesthetic (1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane; F3) and nonanesthetic (1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane; F6) polyhalogenated cyclobutanes by neurochemical and electrophysiologic methods.

Methods: Synaptosomes (pinched-off nerve terminals) from adult rat cerebral cortex were used to determine the effects of F3 and F6 on 4-aminopyridine- or veratridine-evoked (Na+ channel-dependent) glutamate release (using an enzyme-coupled spectrofluorimetric assay) and increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) (using ion-specific spectrofluorimetry). Effects of F3 and F6 on Na+ currents were evaluated directly in rat lumbar dorsal root ganglion neurons by whole-cell patch-clamp recording.

Results: F3 inhibited glutamate release evoked by 4-aminopyridine (inhibitory concentration of 50% [IC50] = 0.77 mM [~ 0.8 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)] or veratridine (IC50 = 0.42 mM [~ 0.4 MAC]), and veratridine-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i (IC50= 0.5 mM [~ 0.5 MAC]) in synaptosomes; F6 had no significant effects up to 0.05 mM (approximately twice the predicted MAC). F3 caused reversible membrane potential-independent inhibition of peak Na+ currents (70 +/- 9% block at 0.6 mM [~ 0.6 MAC]), and a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of steady state inactivation in dorsal root ganglion neurons (-21 +/- 9.3 mV at 0.6 mM). F6 inhibited peak Na+ currents to a lesser extent (16 +/- 2% block at 0.018 mM [predicted MAC]) and had minimal effects on steady state inactivation.     

Differential effects of anesthetic and nonanesthetic cyclobutanes on neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels

BACKGROUND: Despite their key role in the generation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells, voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels have been considered to be insensitive to general anesthetics. The authors tested the sensitivity of neuronal Na+ channels to structurally similar anesthetic (1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane; F3) and nonanesthetic (1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane; F6) polyhalogenated cyclobutanes by neurochemical and electrophysiologic methods. METHODS: Synaptosomes (pinched-off nerve terminals) from adult rat cerebral cortex were used to determine the effects of F3 and F6 on 4-aminopyridine- or veratridine-evoked (Na+ channel-dependent) glutamate release (using an enzyme-coupled spectrofluorimetric assay) and increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) (using ion-specific spectrofluorimetry). Effects of F3 and F6 on Na+ currents were evaluated directly in rat lumbar dorsal root ganglion neurons by whole-cell patch-clamp recording. RESULTS: F3 inhibited glutamate release evoked by 4-aminopyridine (inhibitory concentration of 50% [IC50] = 0.77 mM [approximately 0.8 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)] or veratridine (IC50 = 0.42 mM [approximately 0.4 MAC]), and veratridine-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i (IC50 = 0.5 mM [approximately 0.5 MAC]) in synaptosomes; F6 had no significant effects up to 0.05 mM (approximately twice the predicted MAC). F3 caused reversible membrane potential-independent inhibition of peak Na+ currents (70+/-9% block at 0.6 mM [approximately 0.6 MAC]), and a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of steady state inactivation in dorsal root ganglion neurons (-21+/-9.3 mV at 0.6 mM). F6 inhibited peak Na+ currents to a lesser extent (16+/-2% block at 0.018 mM [predicted MAC]) and had minimal effects on steady state inactivation. CONCLUSIONS: The anesthetic cyclobutane F3 significantly inhibited Na+ channel-mediated glutamate release and increases in [Ca2+]i. In contrast, the nonanesthetic cyclobutane F6 had no significant effects at predicted anesthetic concentrations. F3 inhibited dorsal root ganglion neuron Na+ channels with a potency and by mechanisms similar to those of conventional volatile anesthetics; F6 was less effective and did not produce voltage-dependent block. This concordance between anesthetic activity and Na+ channel inhibition supports a role for presynaptic Na+ channels as targets for general anesthetic effects and suggests that shifting the voltage-dependence of Na+ channel inactivation is an important property of volatile anesthetic compounds.     

Propofol Increases Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Myofilament Calcium Sensitivity: Role of Protein Kinase C

Background: Vascular smooth muscle tone is regulated by changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. These cellular mechanisms could serve as targets for anesthetic agents that alter vasomotor tone. This study tested the hypothesis that propofol increases myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASM) via the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway.

Methods: Canine PASM strips were denuded of endothelium, loaded with fura-2/AM, and suspended in modified Krebs- Ringer's buffer at 37[degrees]C for simultaneous measurement of isometric tension and [Ca2+]i.

Results: The KCl (30 mm) induced monotonic increases in [Ca2+]i and tension. Verapamil, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, attenuated KCl-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and tension to an equal extent. In contrast, propofol attenuated KCl-induced increases in [Ca2+]i to a greater extent than concomitant changes in tension and caused an upward shift in the peak tension-[Ca2+]i relation. Increasing extracellular Ca2+ in the presence of 30 mm KCl resulted in similar increases in [Ca2+]i in control and propofol-pretreated strips, whereas concomitant increases in tension were greater during propofol administration. The Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin (0.1 [mu]m), increased [Ca2+]i to approximately 50% of the value induced by 60 mm KCl. Under these conditions, propofol (10, 100 [mu]m) caused increases in tension equivalent to 11 +/- 2 and 28 +/- 3% of the increases in tension in response to 60 mm KCl, whereas [Ca2+]i was slightly decreased. Similar effects were observed in response to the PKC activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 [mu]m). Specific inhibition of PKC with bisindolylmaleimide I before ionomycin administration decreased the propofol- and PMA-induced increases in tension and abolished the propofol- and PMA-induced decreases in [Ca2+]i. Selective inhibition of Ca2+-dependent PKC isoforms with Go 6976 also attenuated propofol-induced increases in tension.     

Isoflurane Reduction of Carbachol-evoked Cytoplasmic Calcium Transients Is Dependent on Caffeine-sensitive Calcium Stores

Background: Many muscarinic functions are relevant to anesthesia, and alterations in muscarinic activity affect the anesthetic/analgesic potency of various drugs. Volatile anesthetics have been shown to depress muscarinic receptor function, and inhibition of the muscarinic signaling pathway alters the minimal alveolar anesthetic concentration of inhaled anesthetics. The purpose of this investigation was to determine in a neuronal cell which source of Ca2+ underlying the carbachol-evoked transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ was reduced by isoflurane.

Methods: Experiments were performed at 37[degrees]C on continuously perfused monolayers of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using Fura-2 as the cytoplasmic Ca2+ indicator. Carbachol (1 mm) was applied to evoke a transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+.

Results: Isoflurane (1 mm) reduces the carbachol-evoked transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+, and this isoflurane action is eliminated when the cells are continuously stimulated with 200 mm KCl or pretreated with 10 mm caffeine or 200 [mu]m ryanodine.     

Store-operated Ca2+ Influx in Airway Smooth Muscle: Interactions between Volatile Anesthetic and Cyclic Nucleotide Effects

Background: Volatile anesthetics produce bronchodilation in part by depleting sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in airway smooth muscle (ASM). Other bronchodilatory drugs are known to act via cyclic nucleotides (cyclic adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, cyclic guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate). Intracellular Ca2+ regulation in ASM involves plasma membrane Ca2+ influx, including that triggered by sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ depletion (store-operated Ca2+ entry [SOCE]). The authors hypothesized that anesthetics and bronchodilatory agents interact in inhibiting SOCE, thus enhancing ASM relaxation.

Methods: In enzymatically dissociated porcine ASM cells imaged using fluorescence microscopy, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ was depleted by 1 [mu]m cyclopiazonic acid in 0 extracellular Ca2+, nifedipine, and potassium chloride (preventing Ca2+ influx through L-type channels and SOCE). Extracellular Ca2+ was rapidly reintroduced to selectively activate SOCE in the presence or absence of 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane. Anesthetic interference with SOCE regulation by cyclic nucleotides was examined by activating SOCE in the presence of (1) 1 [mu]m acetylcholine, (2) 100 [mu]m dibutryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, or (3) 100 [mu]m 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate.

Results: SOCE was enhanced by acetylcholine, whereas volatile anesthetics and both cyclic nucleotides partially inhibited Ca2+ influx. Preexposure to 1 or 2 MAC anesthetic (halothane > isoflurane > sevoflurane) inhibited SOCE. Only halothane and isoflurane inhibited acetylcholine-induced augmentation of Ca2+ influx, and significantly potentiated cyclic nucleotide inhibition such that no influx was observed in the presence of anesthetics and cyclic nucleotides.     

Effect of Bupivacaine and Levobupivacaine on Exocytotic Norepinephrine Release from Rat Atria

Background: The cardiotoxic mechanism of local anesthetics may include interruption of cardiac sympathetic reflexes. The authors undertook this investigation to determine if clinically relevant concentrations of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine interfere with exocytotic norepinephrine release from cardiac sympathetic nerve endings.

Methods: Rat atria were prepared for measurements of twitch contractile force and 3[H]-norepinephrine release. After nerve endings were loaded with 3[H]-norepinephrine, the tissue was electrically stimulated in 5-min episodes during 10 10-min sampling periods. After each period, a sample of bath fluid was analyzed for radioactivity and 3[H]-norepinephrine release was expressed as a fraction of tissue counts. Atria were exposed to buffer alone during sampling periods 1 and 2 (S1 and S2). Control atria received saline (100 [mu]l each, n = 6 atria) in S3-S10. Experimental groups (n = 6 per group) received either bupivacaine or levobupivacaine at concentrations (in [mu]M) of 5 (S3-S4), 10 (S5-S6), 30 (S7-S8), and 100 (S9-S10).

Results: Bupivacaine and levobupivacaine decreased stimulation-evoked fractional 3[H]-norepinephrine release with inhibitory concentration 50% values of 5.1 +/- 0.5 and 6.1 +/- 1.3 [mu]m. The inhibitory effect of both local anesthetics (~70%) approached that of tetrodotoxin. Local anesthetics abolished the twitch contractions of atria with inhibitory concentration 50% values of 12.6 +/- 5.0 [mu]m (bupivacaine) and 15.7 +/- 3.9 [mu]m (levobupivacaine). In separate experiments, tetrodotoxin inhibited twitch contractile force by only 30%.     

Inhibition by beta-CCM of cholecystokinin-induced release of acetylcholine from the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation in the guinea-pig ileum

The antagonism between cholecystokinin (CCK) and methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM) in the nervous system was studied by measuring the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation of guinea-pig. The ACh release was assessed by measuring [3H] output from the preparation preincubated with [3H] choline. Thirty mM of KCl caused a pronounced release of [3H] ACh from the preparation. Sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) also increased the release of [3H] ACh in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations ranging from 10(-10)M to 10(-8)M. CCK8 at a concentration of 10(-8)M released [3H] ACh by about 300% of the 30 mM KCl-induced [3H] ACh release. In the presence of beta-CCM (10(-8)M to 10(-4)M), the release of [3H] ACh by KCl was not affected, but that by CCK8 was significantly inhibited depending on the concentrations of beta-CCM. These results show that the action of CCK8 to stimulate neurons in the myenteric plexus can be selectively antagonized by beta-CCM.     

Dibucaine and Tetracaine Inhibit the Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Mediated by L-type Calcium Channels in PC12 Cells

Background: An elevation of the intracellular calcium level, which is mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels both, activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway involved in synaptic modification. It has recently been suggested that MAP kinase plays a role in coupling the synaptic excitation to gene expression in the nucleus of postsynaptic neurons. Because the effects of local anesthetics on cellular signal transduction in neuronal cells are not well-known, the authors investigated whether they affect the MAP kinase signaling pathway using PC12 cells.

Methods: The cells were stimulated with either 50 mM KCl or 1 [mu]M ionomycin, and activated MAP kinase was thus immunoprecipitated. The immunocomplexes were then subjected to an Elk1 phosphorylation assay. Both the phosphorylation of MAP kinase and the induction of c-Fos were detected by immunoblotting.

Results: Pretreatment of the cells with 1 mM (ethylenedioxy)diethyl-enedinitrilotetraacetic acid or 5 [mu] nifedipine blocked the MAP kinase activation induced by 50 mM KCl, whereas pretreatment with 2 [mu]M [omega]-conotoxin GIVA did not. The expression of c-Fos induced by potassium chloride was also suppressed by dibucaine, tetracaine (concentrations that inhibited 50% of the activity of positive control [IC50s] were 16.2 +/- 0.2 and 73.2 +/- 0.7 [mu]M, respectively), and PD 98059, a mitogen-activated/extracellular receptor-regulated kinase inhibitor. Higher concentrations of dibucaine and tetracaine were needed to suppress the activation of MAP kinase induced by ionomycin (the IC50 values of dibucaine and tetracaine were 62.5 +/- 2.2 and 330.5 +/- 32.8 [mu]M, respectively) compared with potassium chloride (the IC50 values of dibucaine and tetracaine were 17.7 +/- 1.0 and 70.2 +/- 1.2 [mu]M, respectively). Although probable targets of these local anesthetics might be L-type Ca2+ channels or components between Ca2+ and Ras in MAP kinase pathway, the possibility that they directly affect MAP kinase still remains.     

Effects of Isoflurane and Propofol on Glutamate and GABA Transporters in Isolated Cortical Nerve Terminals

Background: Depression of glutamate-mediated excitatory transmission and potentiation of [gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory transmission appear to be primary mechanisms by which general anesthetics produce anesthesia. Since effects on transmitter transport have been implicated in anesthetic actions, the authors examined the sensitivity of presynaptic glutamate and GABA transporters to the effects of a representative volatile (isoflurane) and a representative intravenous (propofol) anesthetic.

Methods: A dual-isotope (l-[3H]glutamate and [14C]GABA) approach allowed simultaneous comparisons of anesthetic effects on three independent assays of glutamate and GABA transporters in adult rat cerebral cortex: transmitter uptake into isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes), transmitter binding to lysed and washed synaptosomes (synaptic membranes), and carrier-mediated release (reverse transport) of transmitter from preloaded synaptosomes using a modified superfusion system.

Results: Isoflurane produced small but statistically significant inhibition of l-[3H]glutamate and [14C]GABA uptake, while propofol had no effect. Inhibition of uptake by isoflurane was noncompetitive, an outcome that was mimicked by indirectly affecting transporter function through synaptosomal depolarization. Neither isoflurane nor propofol affected l-[3H]glutamate or [14C]GABA binding to synaptic membranes or Ca2+-independent carrier-mediated l-[3H]glutamate or [14C]GABA release (reverse transport).     

Effects of Intravenous General Anesthetics on [(3) H]GABA Release from Rat Cortical Synaptosomes

Background: Potentiation by general anesthetics of [Greek small letter gamma]-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory transmission in the central nervous system is attributed to GABAA receptor-medicated postsynaptic effects. However, the role of presynaptic mechanisms in general anesthetic action is not well characterized, and evidence for anesthetic effects on GABA release is controversial. The effects of several intravenous general anesthetics on [(3) H]GABA release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes (isolated nerve terminals) were investigated.

Methods: Purified synaptosomes were preloaded with [(3) H]GABA and superfused with buffer containing aminooxyacetic acid and nipecotic acid to inhibit GABA metabolism and reuptake, respectively. Spontaneous and elevated potassium chloride depolarization-evoked [(3) H]GABA release were evaluated in the superfusate in the absence or presence of various anesthetics, extracellular Ca2+, GABA receptor agonists and antagonists, and 2,4-diaminobutyric acid.

Results: Propofol, etomidate, pentobarbital, and alphaxalone, but not ketamine, potentiated potassium chloride-evoked [(3) H]GABA release (by 1.3 to 2.9 times) in a concentration-dependent manner, with median effective concentration values of 5.4 +/- 2.8 [micro sign]M (mean +/- SEM), 10.1 +/- 2.1 [micro sign]M, 18.8 +/- 5.8 [micro sign]M, and 4.4 +/- 2.0 [micro sign]M. Propofol also increased spontaneous [(3) H]GABA release by 1.7 times (median effective concentration = 7.1 +/- 3.4 [micro sign]M). Propofol facilitation of [(3) H]GABA release was Ca2+ dependent and inhibited by bicuculline and picrotoxin, but was insensitive to pretreatment with 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, which depletes cytoplasmic GABA pools.     

Desflurane Induces Only Minor Ca2+ Release from the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum of Mammalian Skeletal Muscle

Background: Desflurane is a weaker trigger of malignant hyperthermia than is halothane. There are very few data of the pathophysiologic background of this observation. Therefore, the authors' aim was to investigate the direct effect of desflurane on calcium release in skinned skeletal muscle fibers.

Methods: For the measurements, single saponin-skinned muscle fiber preparations of BALB/c mice were used. For Ca2+ release experiments, liquid desflurane at 0.6 and 3.5 mm was applied to weakly calcium-buffered solutions with no added Ca2+. Desflurane was diluted in strongly Ca2+-buffered solutions, with [Ca2+] between 3.0 and 24.9 [mu]m for [Ca2+]-force relations. Force transients were transformed into Ca2+ transients based on the individual [Ca2+]-force relations. As controls, 30 mm caffeine and equimolar sevoflurane were investigated in the same muscle fibers.

Results: At 3.5 mm, desflurane induced peak force transients of 8 +/- 4% (mean +/- SD) of maximal Ca2+-activated force (Tmax). These peak values were significantly smaller than those in the presence of 3.5 mm sevoflurane (24 +/- 10% of Tmax, P < 0.05), and 4 or 5 times smaller than previously reported Ca2+-release-induced force transients by equimolar halothane. Calculated peak Ca2+ transients derived from force transients and induced by 3.5 and 0.6 mm desflurane were significantly smaller than those induced by 30 mm caffeine. The [Ca2+]-force relation was shifted by desflurane, resulting in a Ca2+-sensitizing effect. The maximal Ca2+-activated force was significantly increased by 0.6 mm desflurane in comparison with the control, with no added substance (P <= 0.05).     

Isoflurane Reduces the Carbachol-evoked Ca2+ Influx in Neuronal Cells

Background: The authors previously reported that the isoflurane-caused reduction of the carbachol-evoked cytoplasmic Ca2+ transient increase ([Ca2+]cyt) was eliminated by K+ or caffeine-pretreatment. In this study the authors investigated whether the isoflurane-sensitive component of the carbachol-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient involved Ca2+ influx through the plasma membrane.

Methods: Perfused attached human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to carbachol (1 mm, 2 min) in the absence and presence of isoflurane (1 mm) and in the absence and presence of extracellular Ca2+ (1.5 mm). The authors studied the effect of the nonspecific cationic channel blocker La3+ (100 [mu]m), of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nitrendipine (10 [mu]m), and of the N-type Ca2+ channel blocker [omega]-conotoxin GVIA (0.1 [mu]m) on isoflurane modulation of the carbachol-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient. [Ca2+]cyt was detected with fura-2 and experiments were carried out at 37[degrees]C.

Results: Isoflurane reduced the peak and area of the carbachol-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient in the presence but not in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. La3+ had a similar effect as the removal of extracellular Ca2+. [omega]-Conotoxin GVIA and nitrendipine did not affect the isoflurane sensitivity of the carbachol response although nitrendipine reduced the magnitude of the carbachol response.     

Halothane Increases Smooth Muscle Protein Phosphatase in Airway Smooth Muscle

Background: Halothane relaxes airway smooth muscle, in part, by decreasing the force produced for a given intracellular [Ca2+] (i.e., Ca2+ sensitivity) during muscarinic stimulation, an effect produced by a decrease in regulatory myosin light-chain (rMLC) phosphorylation. The authors tested the hypothesis that halothane reduces rMLC phosphorylation during muscarinic stimulation at constant intracellular [Ca2+] by increasing smooth muscle protein phosphatase (SMPP) activity, without changing myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) activity.

Methods: Enzyme activities were assayed in [beta]-escin permeabilized strips of canine tracheal smooth muscle. Under conditions of constant intracellular [Ca2+], the rate of rMLC phosphorylation was measured by Western blotting during inhibition of SMPP with microcystin-LR (to assay MLCK activity) or during inhibition of MLCK by wortmannin and adenosine triphosphate depletion (to assay SMPP activity). The effect of halothane (0.8 mm) on enzyme activities and isometric force during stimulation with 0.6 [mu]m Ca2+ and 10 [mu]m acetylcholine was determined.

Results: Halothane produced a 14 +/- 8% (mean +/- SD) decrease in isometric force by significantly reducing rMLC phosphorylation (from 32 +/- 9% to 28 +/- 9%). Halothane had no significant effect on any parameter of a monoexponential relation fit to the data for the MLCK activity assay. In contrast, halothane significantly decreased the half-time for rMLC dephosphorylation in the SMPP activity assay (from 0.74 +/- 0.28 min to 0.44 +/- 0.10 min), indicating that it increased SMPP activity.     

Effects of isoflurane and propofol on glutamate and GABA transporters in isolated cortical nerve terminals

BACKGROUND: Depression of glutamate-mediated excitatory transmission and potentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory transmission appear to be primary mechanisms by which general anesthetics produce anesthesia. Since effects on transmitter transport have been implicated in anesthetic actions, the authors examined the sensitivity of presynaptic glutamate and GABA transporters to the effects of a representative volatile (isoflurane) and a representative intravenous (propofol) anesthetic. METHODS: A dual-isotope (l-[3H]glutamate and [14C]GABA) approach allowed simultaneous comparisons of anesthetic effects on three independent assays of glutamate and GABA transporters in adult rat cerebral cortex: transmitter uptake into isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes), transmitter binding to lysed and washed synaptosomes (synaptic membranes), and carrier-mediated release (reverse transport) of transmitter from preloaded synaptosomes using a modified superfusion system. RESULTS: Isoflurane produced small but statistically significant inhibition of l-[3H]glutamate and [14C]GABA uptake, while propofol had no effect. Inhibition of uptake by isoflurane was noncompetitive, an outcome that was mimicked by indirectly affecting transporter function through synaptosomal depolarization. Neither isoflurane nor propofol affected l-[3H]glutamate or [14C]GABA binding to synaptic membranes or Ca(2+)-independent carrier-mediated l-[3H]glutamate or [14C]GABA release (reverse transport). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that isoflurane and propofol at clinical concentrations do not affect excitatory glutamatergic transmission or inhibitory GABAergic transmission directly effects on their presynaptic neuronal transporters.