Facilitation by GABA of the potassium-evoked release of 3H-noradrenaline from the rat occipital cortex

Summary The effects of GABA were studied on the release of ³H-noradrenaline (³H-NA) evoked by potassium or by tyramine from slices of the rat occipital cortex and on the release of ³H-NA elicited by nerve stimulation from the cat nictitating membrane.GABA (30–1000M) facilitated the potassium-evoked release of ³H-NA in a concentration dependent manner. This facilitatory effect was not antagonized by bicuculline (1–100 M) or by picrotoxin (1–100 M). Exposure to the GABA agonist muscimol (1–100 M) did not affect either the spontaneous or the potassium-evoked release of ³H-NA.The facilitatory effect of GABA on the release of ³H-NA elicited by potassium was observed when the occipital cortex slices were exposed to 20 mM K⁺ during 1 min. When depolarization was induced by 35 mM K⁺ exposure to GABA failed to enhance the release of the neurotransmitter. GABA 300 M did not affect the release of the labelled neurotransmitter evoked by exposure to tyramine 0.6 M.In the cat nictitating membrane prelabelled with ³H-NA, the stimulation evoked release of the labelled neurotransmitter was not affected by GABA (10–300 M).In conclusion, GABA has a facilitatory effect on the calcium-dependent, potassium evoked release of ³H-NA when the depolarization is of moderate degree. This effect of GABA appears to be selective for the central nervous system.Some of the findings described in this paper have been presented at the Meeting of the British Pharmacological Society (March, 1978, Guildford, U.K.)     

Differential effects of organotin compounds on voltage-gated potassium currents in lymphocytes and neuroblastoma cells

Effects of organotin compounds were studied on voltage-gated K⁺ current in whole-cell voltage clamped lymphocytes and in NlE-115 neuroblastoma cells. In human peripheral blood lymphocytes the immunotoxic compounds dibutyltinchloride (DBT, 2.5 M) and triphenyltinchloride (TPhT, 2.5 M) decrease the peak amplitude of the K⁺ current and prolong time to peak. Tributyltinchloride (TBT, 2.5 M) decreases the K⁺ current to a greater extent than DBT and TPhT, without affecting the time to peak. The neurotoxic organotin compound trimethyltinchloride (TMT, 2.5 M) does not affect the voltage-gated K⁺ current in lymphocytes. Similar effects of DBT were observed in freshly isolated and PHA-activated human lymphocytes and with rat thymocytes. On the other hand, in mouse NIE-115 neuroblastoma cells, none of the organotin compounds altered the voltage-dependent K⁺ current.In human lymphocytes DBT affects both the peak amplitude and the time to peak of the K⁺ current in a concentration-dependent manner. At the maximum concentration of 10 M tested, the peak amplitude of the K⁺ current was reduced to 22 ± 4% of the control current. The IC₅₀ and slope factor for block of the peak outward current by DBT amounts to 6.7 ± 0.4 M, and 2.7 ± 0.4, respectively. The delay in K⁺ current activation does not saturate. At 10 M DMT increases the time to peak to 332 ± 12% of the control value. The present results suggest that the effects by DBT originate from two separate interactions with the voltage-gated K⁺ channel at the extracellular site of the membrane: a direct effect on the closed K⁺ channel causing a delay in current activation and a membrane-related effect causing inhibition of the K⁺ current. The differential effects of the organotin compounds may relate to their differential toxicological action.     

K+-evoked release of met-enkephalin from rat striatum in vitro: Effect of putative neurotransmitters and morphine

Summary The effects of drugs on the K⁺-evoked release of met-enkephalin from superfused rat striatal slices were investigated using a specific radioimmunoassay. GABA, at concentrations of 50M and 100 M, and the GABA agonist muscimol (50 M), significantly inhibited the release. The inhibitory effect of GABA was reversed by picrotoxin suggesting that GABA inhibition is mediated by GABA receptors. Selected concentrations of the dopamine agonists apomorphine and ergonovine, as well as of haloperidol, acetylcholine, carbachol, noradrenaline, glutamic acid and substance P, had no effect on the release of metenkephalin. Increases in the evoked release (80%) and striatal enkephalin content (60%) were found in rats after chronic haloperidol administration, pointing to an increase in the synthesis and utilization of striatal enkephalin. No differences were found between the release from slices from morphine-tolerant/dependent and naive rats or after addition of naloxone to slices derived from tolerant/dependent animals. Selected concentrations of morphine and naloxone had no effect on release suggesting the absence of a mechanism for the regulation of enkephalin release involving autoreceptors.     

Vasorelaxing effect in rat thoracic aorta caused by fraxinellone and dictamine isolated from the Chinese herb Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz: comparison with cromakalim and Ca2+ channel blockers

Summary The components of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz were tested for their vasorelaxing effect on the rat aorta, and fraxinellone and dictamine were shown to be effective vasorelaxants. In high K⁺ (60 mmol/l) medium, Ca²⁺ (0.03 to 3 mmol/l)-induced vasoconstriction was inhibited concentration-dependently by both agents. The IC₅₀ for fraxinellone and dictamine were calculated to be about 25 mol/l and 15 mol/l (for Ca²⁺) concentration of (1 mmol/l), respectively. Cromakalim (0.2–10) mol/l relaxed aortic rings precontracted with 15 but not 60 mmol/l of K⁺. Fraxinellone and verapamil were more potent and effective in producing relaxation in 60 mmol/l than in 15 mmol/l K⁺-induced contraction. However, dictamine was more potent in producing relaxation in 5 mmol/l K⁺-induced contraction. Nifedipine (1 mol/l), dictamine (100 mol/l) and fraxinellone (100 mol/l) relaxed the aortic contraction caused by KCl or Bay K 8644. The tonic contraction elicited by nor adrenaline (NA, 3 mol/l) was also relaxed by dictamine (500 mol/l), but not by fraxinellone (500 mol/l) in the nifedipine (1 mol/l)-treated aorta. This relaxing effect of dictamine persisted in endothelium-denuded aorta. Glibenclamide (10 mol/l) shifted the concentration-relaxation curve of cromakalim, but not that of dictamine, to the right in rat aortic rings precontracted with NA. Dictamine (500 mol/l) did not affect tonic contraction of NA which are reduced by H-7 (1 mol/l) in Ca²⁺ depleted medium. In conclusion, fraxinellone is a selective blocker of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channel, while dictamine relaxed the rat aorta by suppressing the Ca²⁺ influx through both voltage-dependent and receptor-operated Ca²⁺ channels.This work was supported by a research grant from the Nationat Science Council of the Republic of China (NSC80-0420-B002-18) Send offprint requests to C. M. Teng, Pharmacological Institute, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Road, Sect. 1, Taipei, 10018, Taiwan     

Tolbutamide-sensitivity of the adenosine 5′-triphosphate-dependent K+ channel in mouse pancreatic B-cells

Summary The patch-clamp technique was used to examine the tolbutamide-sensitivity of the adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent K⁺ channel in mouse pancreatic B-cells. When studied at 37°C in cell-attached membrane patches, this channel had a single-channel conductance of 88 pS and was half-maximally inhibited by 2.2 mol/l tolbutamide in the presence of 3 mmol/l d-glucose and 10 mol/l nifedipine. The tolbutamide-induced decrease in the amplitude of the single-channel currents indicated that the membrane potential was sufficiently depolarized for initiation of insulin release by 30 but not by 10 mol/l of tolbutamide. Using 300 mol/l diazoxide to open the ATP-dependent K⁺ channels already closed by 3 mmol/l d-glucose alone, it was demonstrated that initiation of insulin release requires closure of more than 98% of all ATP-dependent K⁺ channels. In excised inside-out membrane patches, the K⁺ channel-blocking potency of tolbutamide was maximally enhanced by 0.3 mmol/1 adenosine 5t'-diphosphate (ADP) at the cytoplasmic side. This ADP effect required the presence of Mg²⁺. Inhibition of K⁺ channel activity by ATP, ADP (Mg²⁺-free) or their non-hydrolyzable analogues adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) and , methylene adenosine 5-diphosphate (AMP-CP) was not accompanied by enhancement of tolbutamide-sensitivity. The results suggest that cytosolic MgADP controls tolbutamide-sensitivity by interaction with a receptor site not identical with the site mediating channel closure and that this control plays a role in the intact B-cell.Some of the results described here are part of the medical theses of F. Rosenberger and K. SchefferSend offprint requests to U. Panten at the above address     

GABAergic modulation of D-1 dopamine receptor-mediated 3H-acetylcholine release from rabbit retina

Summary Dopamine evokes calcium-dependent release of ³H-acetylcholine from superfused rabbit retina labeled in vitro with ³H-choline, through activation of a D-1 dopamine receptor. This study investigates the activation of this receptor by endogenous dopamine and the modulation of the spontaneous and dopamine-evoked release of ³H-acetylcholine from rabbit retina labeled with ³H-choline by GABAergic agonists and antagonists. Endogenous dopamine, released from dopaminergic amacrine neurons by the indirect amines tyramine or D-amphetamine evoked the calcium-dependent release of ³H-acetylcholine from rabbit retina. The release of ³H-acetylcholine elicited by tyramine (10 M) or D-amphetamine (10 M) was attenuated by the selective D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 (0.1 M) and by the dopamine uptake inhibitor nomifensine (3 M). At concentrations of 1 mM and 1 M respectively, GABA and muscimol inhibited the spontaneous release of tritium from rabbit retina labeled in vitro with ³H-choline. Picrotoxin and bicuculline (10 M) increased the spontaneous release of tritium. GABA and the GABA agonist muscimol (0.01–100 M) inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the release of ³H-acetylcholine elicited by 100 M dopamine with IC₅₀ values of 4.5 M and 0.02 M respectively. The inhibition of dopamine-evoked ³H-acetylcholine release by GABA (10 M) and muscimol (0.1 M) was antagonized by the GABA antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxin. Picrotoxin and bicuculline (10 M) increased the spontaneous release of tritium, and potentiated the release of ³H-acetylcholine evoked by 100 M dopamine consistant with a tonic, inhibitory GABAergic input to the cholinergic amacrine neurons in rabbit retina. Dopamine-evoked acetylcholine release in rabbit retina may be of physiological importance as D-1 dopamine receptor-mediated increases in ³H-acetylcholine release from rabbit retina can be elicited by endogenous dopamine. In addition, activation of GABA receptor sites modulates the spontaneous and dopamine-evoked acetylcholine release from rabbit retina. Send offprint requests to M. L. Dubocovich at the above address     

Anti-cholinergic effect of verapamil on the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-gated K+ channel in isolated guinea-pig atrial myocytes

Summary Effects of verapamil on the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced K⁺ current were examined in single atrial cells, using the tight-seal whole-cell clamp technique. The pipette solution contained guanosine-5-triphosphate (GTP) or guanosine-5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-S, a non-hydrolysable GTP analogue). In GTP-loaded cells, ACh induced a specific K⁺ current, which is known to be mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding (G) proteins. Verapamil (0.1–100 M) depressed the ACh-induced K⁺ current in a concentration-dependent fashion. In GTP-S-loaded cells, the K⁺ current remained persistently after wash-out of ACh, probably due to irreversible activation of G proteins by GTP-S. Verapamil (0.1–100 M) also depressed the intracellular GTP-S-induced K⁺ current. However, the magnitude of verapamil-depression of the K⁺ current in GTP-S-loaded cells was significantly smaller than that in GTP-loaded cells at concentrations between 1 and 10 M of the drug. From these results, it is suggested that verapamil may block not only the function of muscarinic ACh receptors but also of G proteins and/or the K⁺ channel itself and thereby depress the ACh-induced K⁺ current in isolated atrial myocytes.Supported by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan and the Research Program on Ca Signal Control Send offprint requests to Y. Kurachi at the above address     

Cocaine inhibits cromakalim-activated K<Superscript>+</Superscript> currents in follicle-enclosed<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Xenopus</Emphasis> oocytes

The effect of cocaine on K⁺ currents activated by the K_ATP channel opener cromakalim was investigated in follicular cells of Xenopus oocytes. The results indicate that cocaine in the concentration range of 3–500 M reversibly inhibits cromakalim-induced K⁺ currents. The IC₅₀ value for cocaine was 96 M. Inhibition of the cromakalim-activated K⁺ current by cocaine was noncompetitive and voltage independent. Pretreatment with the Ca²⁺ chelator BAPTA did not modify the cocaine-induced inhibition of cromakalim-induced K⁺ currents, suggesting that Ca²⁺-activated second messenger pathways are not involved in the actions of cocaine. Outward K⁺ currents activated by the application of 8-Br-cAMP or forskolin were also inhibited by cocaine. The EC₅₀ and slope values for the activation of K⁺ currents by cromakalim were 184±19 M and 1.14 in the absence of cocaine as compared to 191±23 M and 1.03 in the presence of cocaine (300 M). Cocaine also blocked K⁺ currents mediated through C-terminally deleted form of Kir6.2 (KirC26) in the absence of sulfonylurea receptor with an IC₅₀ value of 87 M, suggesting that cocaine interacts directly with the channel forming Kir6.2 subunit. Radioligand binding studies indicated that cocaine (100 M) did not affect the binding characteristics of the K_ATP ligand, [³H]glibenclamide. These results demonstrate that cromakalim-activated K⁺ currents in follicular cells of Xenopus oocytes are modulated by cocaine.     

Inhibition by carbamazepine of various ion channels-mediated catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

The effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) on ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx, catecholamine secretion and cyclic GMP production were examined in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. 1 CBZ (40–120 mol/l) inhibited ²²Na⁺ influx evoked by carbachol in a concentration-dependent manner. CBZ inhibited carbachol-evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion at concentrations similar to those which suppressed ²²Na⁺ influx. 2 CBZ (4–120 mol/l) inhibited veratridine-induced ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion. 3 CBZ (12 or 40–120 mol/l) suppressed 56 mmol/1 K⁺-evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion, respectively. 4 Combination of CBZ with nitrendipine or -agatoxin-IVA produced further inhibition of 56 mmol/l K⁺ - evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion, compared to the effect of CBZ alone, whereas CBZ plus -conotoxin-GVIA did not produce any further inhibition. 5 CBZ (40 mol/1) attenuated the production of cyclic GMP caused by muscarine. These results suggest that CBZ at therapeutic concentrations (16–48 mol/l: 4–12 g/ml) inhibits catecholamine secretion by interfering with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-associated ion channels, voltage-dependent Na⁺ channels and N-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, and may have an antimuscarinic effect in adrenal medullary cells.     

Effects of ouabain on human bronchial muscle in vitro

The effects of ouabain, an inhibitor of the plasmalemmal Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, were examined in human isolated bronchus. Ouabain produced concentration-dependent contraction with –logEC₅₀=7.16±0.11 and maximal effect of 67±4% of the response to acetylcholine (1 mM). Ouabain (10 M)-induced contraction was epithelium-independent and was not depressed by inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, antagonists of muscarinic, histamine H₁-receptors and -adrenoceptors, or neuronal Na⁺ channel blockade. The inhibition of ouabain contraction in tissues bathed in K⁺-free medium, and the inhibition by ouabain of the K⁺-induced relaxation confirm that the contractile action of ouabain is mediated by inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Furthermore, depolarization (16.4±0.9 mV) was observed in human isolated bronchus by intracellular microelectrode recording. Ouabain (10 M)-induced contractions were abolished by a Ca²⁺-free solution but not by blockers of L-type Ca²⁺ channels. In human cultured bronchial smooth muscle cells, ouabain (10 M) produced a sustained increase in [Ca²⁺]_i (116±26 nM) abolished in Ca²⁺-free medium. Incubation with a Na⁺-free medium or amiloride (0.1 mM) markedly inhibited the spasmogenic effect of ouabain thus suggesting the role of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange in ouabain contraction while selective inhibitors of Na⁺/H⁺-antiport, Na⁺/K⁺/Cl^–-antiport, or protein kinase C had no effect. Ouabain (10 M) failed to increase inositol phosphate accumulation in human bronchus. Ouabain (10 M) did not alter bronchial responsiveness to acetylcholine or histamine but inhibited the relaxant effects of isoprenaline, forskolin, levcromakalim, or sodium nitroprusside. These results indicate that ouabain acts directly to produce contraction of human airway smooth muscle that depends on extracellular Ca²⁺ entry unrelated to L-type channels and involving the Na⁺/Ca²⁺-antiporter.     

Activation of presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors attenuates the inhibitory effect of μ-opioid receptor agonists on noradrenaline release from brain slices

Summary ³H-noradrenaline release from rat neocortical slices induced by 15 mM K⁺ was concentration-dependently inhibited by morphine, [D-Ala²-D-Leu⁵] enkephalin (DADLE) and the calcium entry blocker Cd²⁺. Blockade of presynaptic ₂-adrenoceptors with phentolamine, almost doubling K⁺-induced ³H-noradrenaline release, slightly enhanced the relative inhibitory effects of morphine and DADLE, whereas that of Cd²⁺ remained unaffected. In contrast, activation of presynaptic ₂-adrenoceptors with clonidine (1 M) or TL-99 (1 M), inhibiting release by about 50%, completely abolished the inhibitory effects of morphine and DADLE without affecting that of Cd²⁺. When in the presence of 1 M clonidine adenylate cyclase was activated with forskolin (10 M), which restored release to the drug-free control level, the opioids still did not display their inhibitory effects. Therefore, -opioid receptor efficacy appears to be dependent on the degree of activation of ₂-adrenoceptors in central noradrenergic nerve terminals, probably through a local receptor interaction within the nerve terminal membrane.     

Cultured chick sympathetic neurons: prostanoid EP1 receptor-mediated facilitation of noradrenaline release

Prostanoid EP receptor-mediated modulation of noradrenaline release from cultured chick sympathetic neurons was investigated. Transmitter release from dissociated cell cultures of embryonic paravertebral ganglia, loaded with [³H]-noradrenaline, was elicited either by electrical field stimulation (36 pulses/3 Hz) or by elevating the extracellular concentration of K⁺ (to 30 mM; for 2 min).Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂; 0.01–3 M) enhanced electrically evolved [³H]-noradrenaline release in a concentration-dependent manner with a maximal increase by about 50% at 1 M. Also iloprost (0.1–3 M) increased transmitter release concentration-dependently, whereas misoprostol (0.1–3 M) had no effect. Indometacin (10 M) influenced neither evoked release per se nor the enhancement caused by PGE₂. AH6809 (3 M), a selective EP₁ receptor antagonist, blocked the enhancement caused by both PGE₂ and iloprost. K⁺-evoked noradrenaline release, which was virtually insensitive to tetrodotoxin (0.3 M), was increased by PGE₂ to an extent comparable to that observed after electrical stimulation.In summary, the present data indicate that PGE₂ facilitates noradrenaline release from cultured chick sympathetic neurons by a receptor which shows the pharmacological profile of the EP₁ subtype and is probably located at the processes of the neuron.     

Effect of nicotine and tacrine on acetylcholine release from rat cerebral cortical slices

Summary The effect of nicotine (1–10 M) and tacrine (9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine; THA) on stimulation evoked release of [³H]acetylcholine from the rat brain slice preparation preincubated with [³H]choline was investigated.In these preparations, nicotine enhanced while tacrine inhibited evoked [³H]acetylcholine release. These effects were blocked by (+)tubocurarine (1 M) and atropine (0.1 M) respectively. In the presence of idazoxan (0.3 M) plus atropine (0.1 M), nicotine (3 M) continued to enhance evoked [³H]acetylcholine release while the inhibitory effect of tacrine (1 M) on evoked [³H]acetylcholine release was reversed to an enhancement. Under these circumstances the effects of both nicotine and tacrine were blocked by (+)tubocurarine (1 M).These findings demonstrate that tacrine can both inhibit or enhance [³H]acetylcholine release, most likely through its activity as a cholinesterase inhibitor. Under normal circumstances following tacrine the predominant effect of the elevated levels of acetylcholine will be activation of inhibitory presynaptic muscarine receptors on cholinergic nerves and an inhibition of evoked [³H]acetylcholine release. Under conditions where both presynaptic inhibitory muscarine and ₂-adrenoceptors are blocked, the elevated levels of acetylcholine produced by tacrine will lead to the activation of facilitatory presynaptic nicotine cholinoceptors on cholinergic nerves and an enhancement of evoked [³H]acetylcholine release. Send offprint requests to R. Loiacono at the above address     

Anticholinergic action of quinidine sulfate in the rabbit atrioventricular node

Summary Anticholinergic action of quinidine sulfate was electrophysiologically studied by recording spontaneous action potentials and membrane currents of the rabbit atrioventricular node. In the presence of 0.1 mol/l carbachol, the spontaneous activity of the atrioventricular nodal preparations was markedly inhibited, whereas subsequent addition of 1, 5 and 20 mol/l quinidine restored automaticity in a concentration-dependent manner. In some preparations, quinidine at concentrations of 5 mol/l and higher slowed the spontaneous activity by its direct membrane action even in the presence of carbachol. The dose-response curve for acetylcholine action on the spontaneous firing frequency showed that one molecule of acetylcholine bound to one muscarinic receptor of the atrioventricular node cell (Hill coefficient = 1.2). A parallel shift of this curve towards higher acetylcholine concentrations was observed at 0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mol/l but not at 1 and 3 mol/l quinidine, suggesting a noncompetitive antagonism of quinidine against acetylcholine. Voltage clamp experiments revealed that 5 mol/l quinidine reduced the slow inward current, hyperpolarization-activated inward current, and delayed rectifying K⁺ current, through its membrane actions. Quinidine at this concentration almost completely suppressed the acetylcholine-activated K⁺ current, which showed a relaxation phenomenon. Hence, the direct blockage of the acetylcholine-activated K⁺ current by quinidine was considered responsible for the anticholinergic action of this drug.We conclude that quinidine is a non-specific ionic channel blocker that inhibits all the membrane currents in the atrioventricular node including the acetylcholine-activated K⁺ current.Send offprint requests to Y. Watanabe at the above address     

Comparison of the effluxes of 42K+ and 86Rb+ elicited by cromakalim (BRL 34915) in tonic and phasic vascular tissue

Summary The cromakalim-induced effluxes of ⁴²K⁺ and ⁸⁶Rb⁺ were compared in rat aortic segments and in guinea-pig portal vein. In both vessels, low concentrations of cromakalim (0.1 M) increased the permeability to ⁸⁶Rb⁺ 3–4 times less than that to ⁴²K⁺; at 10 M the difference was about a factor of 1.3–2. In rat aorta, the threshold concentration of cromakalim for ⁴²K⁺ efflux was 0.03 M; with ⁸⁶Rb⁺ as the tracer ion it was 0.1 M. At similar concentrations, cromakalim relaxed the tension of aortic segments precontracted with 23 mM KCl (IC₅₀ = 0.06 ± 0.01 M). However, no concomitant increase in ⁴²K⁺ or ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux could be detected from this stimulated preparation at these concentrations. In guinea-pig portal vein, ⁴²K⁺ efflux measurements were performed in the presence and absence of the dihydropyridine Ca²⁺ entry blocker PN 200-110 (isradipine) yielding comparable results. In the presence of PN 200-110, where spontaneous activity and the K⁺ efflux associated with it were abolished, the threshold concentration of cromakalim for ⁴²K⁺ efflux was 0.02 M as compared to 0.06 M for ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux. In the absence of PN 200-110, spontaneous activity of the portal vein was inhibited by 70% and 90% at these concentrations. In double isotope experiments, the K⁺ channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium did not discriminate between the effluxes of ⁴²K⁺ and ⁸⁶Rb⁺ stimulated by cromakalim.It is concluded that in the two vascular tissues examined, cromakalim increased the permeability to ⁴²K⁺ more than to ⁸⁶Rb⁺, the difference being more marked at low cromakalim concentrations. The use of ⁴²K⁺ as the tracer ion narrows the apparent gap between the concentrations of cromakalim which elicit vasorelaxant effects and those which induce an observable increase in K⁺ permeability; however a significant difference persists.Part of the data was presented at the Winter Meeting of the British Pharmacological Society London 1988 [Br J Pharmacol 93 (1988) p 19] Send offprint requests to U. Quasi at the above address     

Effects of the putative P-type calcium channel blocker,R,R-(−)-daurisoline on neurotransmitter release

The alkaloid and medicinal herb constituent, R,R-(–)-daurisoline, was originally reported to be a N-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker, but newer evidence indicates that it is a blocker of P-type Ca²⁺ channels. To clarify its specificity with respect to N- and P-channels, we compared its effects on the electrically induced release of endogenous glutamate, ³H-GABA and ³H-noradrenaline, from brain slices with those of -agatoxin IVA and -conotoxin GVIA. Like -agatoxin IVA (but with about 1000-fold lower potency), and unlike -conotoxin GVIA, R,R-(–)-daurisoline inhibited the release of ³H-GABA and glutamate, with IC₅₀ values of 8 and 18 M. However, inhibition particularly of ³H-GABA release was more complete than by -agatoxin IVA, indicating interaction with one or more additional voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels, possibly the Q-type. Its potency to inhibit glutamate release elicited either electrically, by veratrine or by high concentrations of K⁺ was similar, in contrast to sodium channel blockkes. The effects of R,R-(–)-daurisoline on the release of ³H-noradrenaline, ³H-dopamine and ³H-acetylcholine were in agreement with previous knowledge from experiments with -agatoxin IVA suggesting an involvement of P-channels. A weak inhibition of ³H-noradrenaline release at 10 M, similar to that by -agatoxin IVA at 0.03 M, was occluded by ₂-antagonistic properties and could be unmasked in presence of rauwolscine. At 10 M, it also inhibited electrically evoked ³H-dopamine and ³H-5-hydroxytryptamine release and caused a marked spontaneous release of all three monoamines in a reserpine-like manner. Spontaneous and evoked release of ³H-acetylcholine was inhibited by about 25% at 10 M.In radioligand binding studies, R,R-(–)-daurisoline interacted with ₁ and ₂-adrenoceptors, 5-HT₂ and muscarinic cholinergic receptors with IC₅₀ values close to 1 M, and with opiate receptors even with 0.18 M. Atropine reduced the weak inhibitory effect of R,R-(–)-daurisoline on ³H-acetylcholine release somewhat, suggesting that it was brought about by both P channel blockade and cholinergic agonist activity. The effect on ³H-GABA release was unaffected by naloxone, indicating that the interaction of R,R-(–)-daurisoline with opiate receptors is antagonistic.The pattern of effects on neurotransmitter release observed with R,R-(–)-daurisoline resembles that of -agatoxin IVA and supports previous electrophysiological data suggesting that the compound blocks P-type voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels. However, the more complete blockade of amino acid release by R,R-(–)-daurisoline suggests interaction with additional Ca⁺ channel subtypes. Although it does also possess other pharmacological properties, we think that the compound is suitable to test whether blockade of glutamate release via voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels is a viable concept to obtain novel neuroprotective and/or anticonvulsant compounds.     

Interaction between 5-HT uptake inhibition and activation of 5-HT autoreceptors by exogenous agonists in rat cerebral cortex slices and synaptosomes

Summary Rat cerebral cortex slices or synaptosomes were labelled with ³H-5-hydroxytryptamine (³H-5-HT) and subsequently superfused. They were depolarized by electrical stimulation (slices) or with high K⁺ (slices and synaptosomes). Continuous electrical stimulation (2 Hz, 24 mA, 2 ms) and continuous or discontinuous K⁺ depolarization (15–25 mM) were used. 1. Continuous electrical stimulation or continuous K⁺-depolarization of slices evoked a steady overflow of tritium that slowly decayed with time. 2. Exposure to increasing concentrations of 5-methoxy-3(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole succinate (RU 24969) (0.001–0.1 M) during continuous electrical stimulation produced a concentration-dependent decrease in tritium overflow. Citalopram (1 M) counteracted the effect of RU 24969. 3. RU 24969 inhibited the evoked ³H-overflow and citalopram reduced the effect of RU 24969 also during continuous depolarization of slices with 20 mM K⁺. Similar results were obtained by using 5-methoxytryptamine or LSD. 4. In slices 1 M citalopram increased significantly the tritium overflow evoked by electrical stimulation or by 20 mM K⁺-depolarization. 5. Increasing the K⁺ concentration from 20 mM to 25 mM mimicked the effects of 1 M citalopram both on the RU 24969 activity and on the evoked tritium overflow. 6. RU 24969 (0.001–0.1 M) decreased in a concentration-dependent way the release of tritium from cortical synaptosomes depolarized with K⁺ (15–20 mM). The presence of 1 M citalopram did not modify significantly the effect of the agonist. Citalopram was ineffective also when the serotonin uptake carrier in superfused synaptosomes was activated by tryptamine. In conclusion, in slices of rat cerebral cortex, the action of exogenous 5-HT autoreceptor agonists is inhibited by 5-HT uptake blockers independently of the depolarizing agent (electrical stimulation or high-K⁺) used to elicit ³H-5-HT release. Increasing K⁺-concentration, which probably increases serotonin in the biophase, mimics the presence of the reuptake inhibitor. These data together with the finding that, in superfused synaptosomes, 5-HT uptake inhibition did not affect the potency of autoreceptor agonists, favours the idea that, in cerebral cortex slices, inhibitors of 5-HT reuptake prevent activation of autoreceptors by exogenous agonists by increasing the concentration of 5-HT in the autoreceptor biophase. Send offprint requests to M. Raiteri at the above address     

Selective modulation of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel by nicorandil in guinea-pig cardiac cell membrane

Summary Effects of a vasodilator, nicorandil (2-nicotinamidoethyl nitrate) on four kinds for cardiac K⁺ channels were investigated in guinea pig ventricular and atrial cells using inside-out patch recording combined with oilgate concentration jump method.Nicorandil of 300 mol/l failed to affect the inward-rectifier K⁺ channel and the Na⁺-activated K⁺ channel. The open probability of the muscarinic K⁺ channel, when activated by the application of GTP, was not changed by the drug. Nicorandil selectively increased the open probability of the ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel that was partly suppressed by intracellular ATP. The median effective concentration (EC50) of nicorandil was 74 mol/l and Hill coefficient was 1.32 in the concentration-open probability relationship. The closing rate of the K⁺ channel by ATP was markedly delayed by the drug, whereas the open rate on removal of ATP was scarcely affected. Nicorandil had only little effect on this channel after run-down. It was concluded that nicorandil selectively activates the ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel mainly by modulating the ATP-dependent gate.Send offprint requests to M. Takano at the above address     

Effects of verapamil,diltiazem and ryosidine on the release of dopamine and acetylcholine in rabbit caudate nucleus slices

Summary Slices of the rabbit caudate nucleus were preincubated with ³H-dopamine or ³H-choline and then superfused with label-free medium. Release of ³H-dopamine and ³H-acetylcholine was elicited by either electrical stimulation at 8 (in one series 2) Hz, or an increase in the K⁺ concentration by 50 mmol/l, or addition of L-glutamate 1 mmol/l. Verapamil 1 mol/l, diltiazem 1 and 10 mol/l, and ryosidine 1 mol/l failed to the reduce the electrically-, K⁺- and glutamate-evoked overflow of tritium. Verapamil 1 mol/l and diltiazem 10 mol/l also failed to reduce the electricallyevoked overflow (2 Hz) when dopamine receptors, neuronal dopamine uptake, and neuronal choline uptake were blocked by domperidone, nomifensine and hemicholinium, respectively. Inhibition of the evoked overflow of tritium was only obtained when concentrations were increased to verapamil 10 mol/l, diltiazem 100 mol/l and ryosidine 10 mol/l. The inhibition was generally small. It was more evident for slices preincubated with ³H-choline than for those preincubated with ³H-dopamine, because in the latter verapamil, diltiazem and (much less) ryosidine accelerated the basal efflux of tritium. The inhibition of the K⁺-evoked overflow of tritium was probably due to blockade of Ca²⁺ channels because this overflow was Ca²⁺-dependent but tetrodotoxin-resistant. In contrast, the inhibition of the electrically- and glutamateevoked overflow possibly involved blockade of Na⁺ channels as well. The results indicate that three calcium antagonists from different chemical classes are very weak inhibitors of Ca²⁺ entry into, and hence transmitter release from, the terminal axons of central dopaminergic and cholinergic neurones. The function of the high affinity calcium antagonist binding sites that have been identified in brain remains unknown.     

Effects of GABA,dopamine, and substance P on the release of newly synthesized 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine from rat substantia nigra in vitro

Summary The effects of GABA, substance P and dopamine on the release of newly synthesized ³H-5-HT were investigated, using slices of rat substantia nigra superfused with l-³H-tryptophan in vitro. GABA (50 M) had no inhibitory effect on the potassium-evoked-release of ³H-5-HT. Substance P (50 M) and eledoisin (50 M) stimulated the spontaneous release of ³H-5-HT. This effect seems to be indirect and is possibly mediated by dopaminergic neurones, since the dopamine antagonist drug -flupenthixol (1 M) abolished the substance P-evoked release of 5-HT. Furthermore, it was found that substance P (10 M) stimulated ³H-dopamine release from nigral slices in vitro and the dopaminergic agonist apomorphine (50 M) also stimulated ³H-5-HT release. Substance P may, therefore, activate nigral dopaminergic neurones which then release dopamine from their dendrites. The release of dopamine may in turn stimulate 5-HT release from terminals of the raphe-nigral pathway.