K+ channel and adenylate cyclase involvement in regulation of Ca2+-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from synaptosomes

In superfused striatal synaptosomes, previously unexposed to Ca2+ during isolation and superfusion, 1.25 mM Ca2+ evokes the release of [3H]dopamine. This Ca2+-evoked release is produced without elevating K+ (4.5 mM) before or after Ca2+ exposure, can be blocked by the Na+ channel antagonist tetrodotoxin, and modulated by dopamine (D2) receptor agonists and antagonists. We now present evidence that functional K+ channels regulate Ca2+-evoked [3H]dopamine release and may be necessary for the dopamine (D2) modulation of this release. The K+ channel blocker tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) could partially prevent D2 agonist (LY-171555) inhibition of Ca2+-evoked release in both olfactory tubercle and striatal synaptosomes. Another K+ channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine, also partially blocked dopamine (D2) agonist inhibition of release. When both 5 mM tetraethyl ammonium and 0.1 mM 4-aminopyridine were employed, by, dopamine (D2) inhibition of Ca2+-evoked [3H]dopamine release was prevented. However, with both K+ channel blockers present, only the initial portion of the release could be blocked by tetrodotoxin. These results are consistent with what might be expected if K+ channels were linked to dopamine (D2) receptors. In additional experiments we found that stimulation of adenylate cyclase by 1 microM forskolin with 0.25 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine present potentiated Ca2+-evoked [3H]dopamine release but that this combination did not affect dopamine (D2) inhibition of [3H]dopamine release. Furthermore, although the protein alkylator n-ethylmaleimide could block dopamine (D2) inhibition of release, pertussis toxin, a specific inactivator of the inhibitory protein regulating adenylate cyclase, had little effect on dopamine (D2) inhibition. Therefore, dopamine (D2) inhibition of dopamine release may not be coupled to adenylate cyclase activity.     

Alpha-2 adrenergic inhibition of Ca(++)-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release from synaptosomes is blocked by depolarization

The Ca(++)-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine was used in these studies to investigate presynaptic regulation of norepinephrine release. In hippocampal synaptosomes, previously unexposed to Ca++ during isolation and superfusion, 1.25 mM Ca++ evoked a modest (4 to 7% of total stores) release of [3H]norepinephrine with 4.5 mM [K+] present. The alpha-2 adrenergic agonist clonidine inhibited 60% of the Ca(++)-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release. The alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists idazoxan and yohimbine reversed clonidine inhibition of release whereas the alpha-1 antagonist prazosin did not. Increasing the [K+] before Ca++ exposure increased [3H]norepinephrine release, and at 20 [K+] the release increased to over 20% of total stores. However, at [K+] above 9 mM, inhibition of Ca(++)-evoked release by clonidine decreased, and by 20 mM [K+] clonidine no longer inhibited release. Release was unaffected by 5 microM idazoxan or the opiate antagonist naloxone at 15 or 20 mM [K+]. The K+ channel blockers tetraethylammonium (5 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (0.1 mM) increased Ca(++)-evoked release almost 4-fold above control (4.5 mM [K+] present). Neither clonidine nor idazoxan affected Ca(++)-evoked release with the K+ channel blockers present. Therefore, even though K+ channel blockers and 20 mM [K+] increase neurotransmitter release, it is not autoreceptor activation by released endogenous norepinephrine that is responsible for blocking alpha-2 inhibition, but the depolarization produced by these treatments. The 20 mM [K+] blockade of alpha-2 inhibition was decreased by lowering the [Ca++] in the superfusion buffer. Therefore, synaptosomal accumulation of Ca++ may partially explain the loss of alpha-2 inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Aspartate-releasing nerve terminals in rat striatum possess D-2 dopamine receptors mediating inhibition of release

The release of endogenous aspartic acid has been investigated using synaptosomes from rat corpus striatum. Exposure in superfusion to a depolarizing concentration of KCl (15 mM) evoked an overflow of aspartate which was almost entirely calcium-dependent. When added to the superfusion medium, dopamine (DA) and the selective DA D-2 receptor agonists quinpirole (LY-171555) and pergolide inhibited the K+ -evoked aspartate release in a concentration-dependent manner. The natural agonist DA was very potent (IC50 = 1 nM). The selective D-1 receptor agonist SK&F 38393 had no effect on the release of aspartate. The selective D-2 receptor antagonist S-sulpiride, but not the R-enantiomer, antagonized the DA-induced inhibition of aspartate release. The DA effect was unaltered by SCH 23390, a selective dopamine D-1 receptor antagonist. The findings that 1) the release of endogenous aspartate evoked by depolarization was calcium-dependent and 2) the release of aspartate was potently modulated through D-2 receptors are compatible with the idea that aspartate is released as a transmitter from striatal axon terminals. The possibility that aspartate and glutamate are coreleased from these terminals is discussed.     

Inhibitory effects of amphetamine on potassium-stimulated release of [3H]dopamine from striatal slices and synaptosomes

Amphetamine, 10(-7) M or greater, evoked the release of [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) and inhibited subsequent K+-evoked [3H]DA release from striatal synaptosomes superfused at a flow rate (1 ml/min) that prevented reuptake. Amphetamine inhibited the K+-evoked release of [3H]DA to a lesser extent in striatal slices or in synaptosomes superfused at a flow rate (0.35 ml/min) that allowed reuptake. The observed decrease in amphetamine inhibition of K+-evoked release was primarily due to amphetamine blocking [3H]DA reuptake. Interneuronal interactions may account for some of the inhibitory effects of amphetamine on K+-evoked release in the slice. Inhibition of K+-evoked release from either slices or synaptosomes was still evident when 10(-6) M amphetamine was removed from the superfusion buffer and the spontaneous release had returned to control levels. The presence of Ca++ during amphetamine exposure was required for subsequent inhibition of K+-evoked release in synaptosomes. Amphetamine in the presence of Ca++ did not affect the subsequent release of [3H]DA evoked by the Ca++ ionophore, A23187. Therefore, amphetamine inhibition of the K+-evoked release of [3H]DA cannot be explained by prior depletion of Ca++-releasable pools. Nifedipine, 1 microM, failed to block either the Ca++-dependent release of [3H]DA or the inhibition of K+-evoked release by amphetamine. However, 1 mM cobalt inhibited the Ca++-dependent release of [3H]DA by amphetamine and antagonized the inhibition of K+-evoked release after amphetamine exposure. This suggests that amphetamine may open voltage-dependent Ca++ channels sensitive to cobalt but not nifedipine. Amphetamine may desensitize these voltage-dependent Ca++ channels and inhibit their activation by K+ depolarization.     

Modulation of the Ca++-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from striatal synaptosomes by dopamine (D2) agonists and antagonists

Release of [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) from striatal synaptosomes is evoked most commonly by elevating potassium levels in the presence of calcium. However, it has been difficult to show that DA agonists or antagonists can modify K+-evoked release of [3H]DA. DA. In this study [3H]DA release evoked by exposure of synaptosomes (isolated and superfused previously with 0.0 mM Ca++ and 0.1 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid) to 1.25 mM Ca++ can be modulated by the DA (D2) agonists apomorphine, pergolide and quinpirole and antagonists l-sulpiride and domperidone. The release was evoked under low potassium (6 mM or less) concentrations and the potassium concentration in the superfusion medium was not elevated before or during Ca++ exposure. Analysis of the superfusates obtained during Ca++ exposure revealed that approximately 80% of the tritium released was [3H]DA. The ability of DA (D2) agonists to inhibit the Ca++-evoked release from synaptosomes superfused with 9 mM K+ was greatly reduced. Therefore, prolonged depolarization may block DA (D2) regulation of [3H]DA release from synaptosomes. The Ca++-evoked release of [3H]DA was reduced greatly when 1 microM tetrodotoxin was present indicating sodium channels play a role in triggering the processes involved in Ca++-evoked [3H]DA release.     

Amperometric measurement of glutamate release modulation by gabapentin and pregabalin in rat neocortical slices: role of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ α2δ-1 subunit

Gabapentin (GBP; Neurontin) and pregabalin (PGB; Lyrica, S-(+)-3-isobutylgaba) are used clinically to treat several disorders associated with excessive or inappropriate excitability, including epilepsy; pain from diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia; and generalized anxiety disorder. The molecular basis for these drugs' therapeutic effects are believed to involve the interaction with the auxiliary α(2)δ subunit of voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel (VSCC) translating into a modulation of pathological neurotransmitter release. Glutamate as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system contributes, under conditions of excessive glutamate release, to neurological and psychiatric disorders. This study used enzyme-based microelectrode arrays to directly measure extracellular glutamate release in rat neocortical slices and determine the modulation of this release by GBP and PGB. Both drugs attenuated K(+)-evoked glutamate release without affecting basal glutamate levels. PGB (0.1-100 μM) exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of K(+)-evoked glutamate release with an IC(50) value of 5.3 μM. R-(-)-3-Isobutylgaba, the enantiomer of PGB, did not significantly reduce K(+)-evoked glutamate release. The decrease of K(+)-evoked glutamate release by PGB was blocked by the l-amino acid l-isoleucine, a potential endogenous ligand of the α(2)δ subunit. In neocortical slices from transgenic mice having a point mutation (i.e., R217A) of the α(2)δ-1 (subtype) subunit of VSCC, PGB did not affect K(+)-evoked glutamate release yet inhibited this release in wild-type mice. The results show that GBP and PGB attenuated stimulus-evoked glutamate release in rodent neocortical slices and that the α(2)δ-1 subunit of VSCC appears to mediate this effect.     

Serotonergic modulation of the release of endogenous norepinephrine from rat hypothalamic slices

Ca+(+)-dependent release of endogenous norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine from superfused rat hypothalamic slices was stimulated by 40 mM K+. 20 mM K+ released only NE. Two consecutive exposures to 20 mM K+ (S1 and S2, respectively) produced NE release of similar magnitude (S2/S1 = 1.03 +/- 0.08). Serotonin (5-HT), 3 to 10 microM, in the presence of methylsergide or ritanserin (antagonists at 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptors), caused a concentration-dependent decrease of K(+)-evoked NE release. 5-HT alone did not alter K(+)-evoked NE release. 2-Methyl-serotonin, 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, 3 to 10 microM (a selective 5-HT3 agonist), mimicked the 5-HT response in the presence and in the absence of ritanserin. A highly selective 5-HT3 antagonist, (3 alpha-tropanyl)1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester (ICS 205-930), 1 nM, inhibited the effect of both agonists. The isomers of another highly selective 5-HT3 antagonist, zacopride, inhibited the effect of 2-methyl-serotonin, 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, at a concentration range, 0.03 to 20 nM, characteristic of their interaction with 5-HT3 receptors. alpha-Methyl-serotonin, alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, a selective 5-HT1-like/5-HT2 agonist, failed to affect the K(+)-evoked NE release, but antagonized the effect of 2-methyl-serotonin, 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine. These observations provide direct evidence that, in rat hypothalamus, 5-HT modulates release of endogenous NE through activation of 5-HT3 and, possibly, 5-HT1C receptors.     

Selective depression by general anesthetics of glutamate versus GABA release from isolated cortical nerve terminals

The role of presynaptic mechanisms in general anesthetic depression of excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission and facilitation of GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission is unclear. A dual isotope method allowed simultaneous comparisons of the effects of a representative volatile (isoflurane) and intravenous (propofol) anesthetic on the release of glutamate and GABA from isolated rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Synaptosomes were prelabeled with L-[(3)H]glutamate and [(14)C]GABA, and release was determined by superfusion with pulses of 30 mM K(+) or 1 mM 4-aminopyridine (4AP) in the absence or presence of 1.9 mM free Ca(2+). Isoflurane maximally inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent 4AP-evoked L-[(3)H]glutamate release (99 +/- 8% inhibition) to a greater extent than [(14)C]GABA release (74 +/- 6% inhibition; P = 0.023). Greater inhibition of L-[(3)H]glutamate versus [(14)C]GABA release was also observed for the Na(+) channel antagonists tetrodotoxin (99 +/- 4 versus 63 +/- 5% inhibition; P < 0.001) and riluzole (84 +/- 5 versus 52 +/- 12% inhibition; P = 0.041). Propofol did not differ in its maximum inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent 4AP-evoked L-[(3)H]glutamate release (76 +/- 12% inhibition) compared with [(14)C]GABA (84 +/- 31% inhibition; P = 0.99) release. Neither isoflurane (1 mM) nor propofol (15 microM) affected K(+)-evoked release, consistent with a molecular target upstream of the synaptic vesicle exocytotic machinery or voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels coupled to transmitter release. These findings support selective presynaptic depression of excitatory versus inhibitory neurotransmission by clinical concentrations of isoflurane, probably as a result of Na(+) channel blockade.     

Inhibition of [3H] γ-aminobutyric acid release from guinea-pig hippocampal synaptosomes by serotonergic agents

We studied the effects of (m-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) and quipazine on the K(+)-evoked [3H]GABA release from guinea-pig hippocampal synaptosomes loaded with [3H]GABA.TFMPP and quipazine inhibited the K(+)-evoked release of [3H]GABA dose-dependently (IC50 = 153 and 123 microM, respectively). Serotonergic antagonists such as methiothepin (0.1, 0.3 and 1 microM), ketanserin (0.1, 0.3 and 1 microM), dihydroergotamine (0.1 microM), metergoline (0.1 and 0.3 microM), methysergide (0.3 microM), propranolol (1 microM) and yohimbine (1 microM) did not significantly alter the inhibitory effect of TFMPP on [3H]GABA release suggesting that neither 5-HT1 nor 5-HT2 receptors are involved in this process. By contrast, the effect of TFMPP was diminished by selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist: MDL 72222 (0.3 microM), tropisetron (0.3 and 1 microM), ondansetron (0.3 microM) and metoclopramide (1 microM). Tropisetron (1 microM) and ondansetron (0.3 microM) also inhibited significantly the quipazine effect whereas methiothepin (1 microM), dihydroergotamine (0.1 microM), yohimbine (1 microM) and ketanserin (1 microM) were ineffective on the quipazine inhibition of [3H]GABA release. Our results show a serotonergic modulatory effect on the K(+)-evoked [3H]GABA release from guinea-pig hippocampal synaptosomes by receptors which are neither 5-HT1, 5-HT2 or 5-HT4. They appear to be pharmacologically related to the 5-HT3 type but different from the 5-HT3 ionic channel receptors.     

Volatile anesthetic effects on glutamate versus GABA release from isolated rat cortical nerve terminals: 4-aminopyridine-evoked release

Inhibition of glutamatergic excitatory neurotransmission and potentiation of GABA-mediated inhibitory transmission are possible mechanisms involved in general anesthesia. We compared the effects of three volatile anesthetics (isoflurane, enflurane, or halothane) on 4-aminopyridine (4AP)-evoked release of glutamate and GABA from isolated rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Synaptosomes were prelabeled with l-[(3)H]glutamate and [(14)C]GABA, and release was evoked by superfusion with pulses of 1 mM 4AP in the absence or presence of 1.9 mM free Ca(2+). All three volatile anesthetics inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent glutamate and GABA release; IC(50) values for glutamate were comparable to clinical concentrations (1-1.6x MAC), whereas IC(50) values for GABA release exceeded clinical concentrations (>2.2x MAC). All three volatile anesthetics inhibited both Ca(2+)-independent and Ca(2+)-dependent 4AP-evoked glutamate release equipotently, whereas inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent 4AP-evoked GABA release was less potent than inhibition of Ca(2+)-independent GABA release. Inhibition of Ca(2+)-independent 4AP-evoked glutamate release was more potent than that of GABA release for isoflurane and enflurane but equipotent for halothane. Tetrodotoxin inhibited both Ca(2+)-independent and Ca(2+)-dependent 4AP-evoked glutamate and GABA release equipotently, consistent with Na(+) channel involvement. In contrast to tetrodotoxin, volatile anesthetics exhibited selective effects on 4AP-evoked glutamate versus GABA release, consistent with distinct mechanisms of action. Preferential inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent 4AP-evoked glutamate release versus GABA release supports the hypothesis that reduced excitatory neurotransmission relative to inhibitory neurotransmission contributes to volatile anesthetic actions.     

Muscarinic receptors mediating inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid release in rat corpus striatum and their pharmacological characterization

The effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and of cholinergic agonists on the release of tritiated gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) were studied in superfused synaptosomes prepared from rat corpus striatum and prelabeled with the radioactive amino acid. ACh, oxotremorine or (-)-nicotine, all tested at 100 microM had no effect on the spontaneous outflow of [3H]GABA. The depolarization-evoked overflow obtained by exposing the synaptosomes to 9 mM KCl was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by ACh, oxotremorine, oxotremorine-M or carbachol. The maximal inhibition caused by ACh was 50%. The EC50 (agonist concentration causing half-maximal effect) amounted to 1 microM. Oxotremorine and oxotremorine-M were almost equipotent to ACh, whereas the concentration-response curve of carbachol was slightly (although not significantly) shifted to the right with respect to that of ACh. (-)-Nicotine (100 microM) did not affect the K(+)-evoked [3H]GABA overflow. ACh also inhibited the K(+)-evoked release of endogenous GABA. The inhibitory effect of 10 microM ACh on the release of [3H]GABA evoked by 9 mM KCl was insensitive to the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine (10 microM) but it was potently blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine (IC50 = 5 nM) and weakly antagonized by pirenzepine, dicyclomine and AF-DX 116. The pharmacological profile of this receptor was very similar to that of the muscarinic autoreceptors regulating [3H]ACh release. The extent of [3H]GABA release inhibition caused by ACh did not differ between dorsal and ventral striatum. The inhibitory effect of ACh was much less pronounced in hippocampus and cortex than in the striatum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

D-2 dopamine receptors inhibit release of aspartate and glutamate in rat retina.

Release of endogenous Asp, Glu and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been investigated using synaptosomes prepared from rat retina. Exposure in superfusion to a depolarizing concentration of KCl (30 mM) evoked overflow of Asp and Glu, which were almost entirely Ca-dependent. However, 70% of the GABA release was Ca-independent. Dopamine (DA) almost completely inhibited the K(+)-evoked release of Asp and Glu in a concentration-dependent manner, but the release of GABA was only partly inhibited. The potencies of DA (IC50) to Asp and Glu release were 12 and 30 nM, respectively. A selective D-2 receptor antagonist, S-sulpiride, counteracted the DA-induced inhibition of Asp and Glu release, but a selective D-1 antagonist, SCH 23390, showed no effect. The data suggest that D-2 dopamine receptors located on the Asp and Glu neurons in rat retina may inhibit the release of these excitatory amino acids.     

The Na(+)-dependent release of endogenous dopamine and noradrenaline from rat brain synaptosomes

The involvement of intrasynaptosomal-free Ca++ concentration [( Ca++]i) in Na(+)-dependent release of endogenous dopamine and noradrenaline from rat brain synaptosomes was studied. The release of endogenous dopamine and noradrenaline from rat whole brain synaptosomes were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector. The change of [Ca++]i was measured fluorometrically using a Ca++ indicator, Quin-2. Whether extracellular Ca++ was present or not, 30 microM veratridine, a Na(+)-ionophore, increased the release of endogenous dopamine and noradrenaline. In the presence of 1.25 mM Ca++, 30 microM veratridine increased [Ca++]i. In contrast, in the absence of extracellular Ca++, veratridine did not affect [Ca++]i. Ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) increased the release of dopamine and noradrenaline in Ca-Mg-free medium. This stimulatory effect of EGTA seemed to be the result of an increase in the influx of Na+ through Ca++ channels in the absence of divalent cation. In Ca-Mg-free medium, EGTA caused a slight decrease in [Ca++]i. The EGTA-stimulated release of dopamine and noradrenaline was blocked by La which also significantly blocked the decrease in [Ca++]i observed after the addition of EGTA. These results suggest that the Na(+)-dependent release of dopamine and noradrenaline may not depend on a change in [Ca++]i. Veratridine (30 microM)-induced release of dopamine and noradrenaline were detected simultaneously. However, the time needed to induce the maximal stimulatory effect of veratridine on the release of dopamine was apparently shorter than that of noradrenaline. This delay might suggest that the Na(+)-dependent release process of dopamine is not similar to that of noradrenaline.     

A further evaluation of the effects of K+ depolarization on glutamate-evoked [3H]dopamine release from striatal slices.

Exogenous glutamate will evoke dopamine (DA) release from striatal slices in vitro. To further characterize glutamate-evoked DA release from striatal slices, experiments were designed to: 1) determine if sufficient endogenous glutamate can be released in vitro to presynaptically mediate [3H]DA release in the absence of Mg++ and 2) reevaluate how K+ depolarization affects glutamate-evoked [3H]DA release. Removal of Mg++ to potentiate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated DA release increased 15 mM K(+)-evoked [3H]DA release to about 200% of control. The potentiation of this release was probably not mediated by NMDA receptors because it was not blocked by the glutamate receptor antagonists MK-801, 6,7-dinitroquinoxalinedione (DNQX) or kynurenate. Furthermore, the removal of Mg++ increased DA release substantially (200%) in the presence of 5 microM sulpiride and 10 microM nomifensine, indicating that DA reuptake and DA D2 autoreceptors are not primarily responsible for increased DA release. In the absence of Mg++, depolarization produced by 20 mM or greater [K+] inhibited DA released by exogenous glutamate, whereas a much higher [K+] was necessary to evoke endogenous glutamate release. In the presence of 1.5 mM Mg++, a reduction of the "Mg++ blockade" of NMDA receptors by 15 mM K+ depolarization during glutamate-evoked DA release was evaluated with and without the DA reuptake inhibitor nomifensine and the DA D2 antagonist sulpiride. DA released by K+ depolarization (Mg++ present) was markedly increased by 1 mM glutamate, but this effect was only partially reversed by kynurenate or high concentrations of either MK-801 (25 microM) or DNQX (100 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Functional evidence for multiple gamma-aminobutyric acidB receptor subtypes in the rat cerebral cortex.

The aim of this work was the identification of pharmacologically distinct subtypes of gamma-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptors in the central nervous system. Inasmuch as GABAB receptors are often sited on axon terminals where they mediate inhibition of transmitter release, we chose as models the GABAB receptors mediating inhibition of release of 1) endogenous GABA; 2) endogenous glutamate; and 3) somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SRIF-LI). The experimental set up consisted of rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes depolarized in superfusion with 12 or 15 mM KCl. Endogenous GABA and glutamate were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and SRIF-LI by radioimmunoassay. The selective GABAB receptor agonist (-)-baclofen inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the K(+)-evoked release of GABA, glutamate and SRIF-Ll with similar potencies and efficacies [EC50 values, 1.1-1.5 microM; maximal inhibition, 45-50% at about 10 microM (-)-baclofen]. The GABAB receptor antagonist phaclofen concentration-dependently reduced the effects of (-)-baclofen on the release of GABA and SRIF-Ll but not on the release of glutamate, where it was ineffective up to 1000 microM. The rank order of potency (Ki values are shown in parentheses) are: SRIF-Ll (7.8 microM); GABA (10.4 microM); and glutamate (greater than 115 microM). The novel GABAB receptor antagonist 3-aminopropyl(diethoxymethyl) phosphinic acid (CGP 35348) displayed a different pattern on the three release systems examined (Ki values are shown in parentheses): SRIF-Ll (0.38 microM); glutamate (0.48 microM); and endogenous GABA (greater than 115 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Interaction acetylcholine-glutamate in rat hippocampus: involvement of two subtypes of M-2 muscarinic receptors

The effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on the release of endogenous glutamic acid (GLU) and of [3H]ACh have been investigated comparatively in superfused rat hippocampal synaptosomes. Exogenous ACh added to the superfusion fluid inhibited the Ca++-dependent K+ (15 mM)-evoked release of GLU in a concentration-dependent manner (the maximal inhibition was about 50%). Carbachol and oxotremorine mimicked, although less potently, the action of ACh. The inhibition of GLU release caused by 10 microM ACh was antagonized by 0.1 microM atropine but not by 10 microM mecamylamine. It also was insensitive to the M-1 receptor antagonists pirenzepine or dicyclomine (both at 1 microM). In contrast, the novel M-2 muscarinic antagonist AF-DX 116 [(11-[(2-[diethylamino]methyl)-1-piperidinyl]acetyl)-5-11-dihydro-6 H-pyrido-[2-3-b][1,4]benzo-diazepine-6-one] was as potent as atropine in blocking the inhibition of GLU release brought about by ACh. The autoreceptor-mediated inhibition of [3H]ACh release observed in presence of ACh (10 microM) was totally antagonized by atropine (0.1 microM). It was insensitive to mecamylamine (10 microM), dicyclomine (1 microM) or pirenzepine (1 microM). However, it was much less sensitive to AF-DX 116 (80-100 times) than the cholinergic inhibition of GLU release. It is concluded that 1) the release of GLU in rat hippocampus can be inhibited through a muscarinic receptor and 2) this novel muscarinic receptor belongs to the M-2 subtype but it seems to differ pharmacologically from the M-2 autoreceptor.     

Endothelin (ET)-1-induced inhibition of ATP release from PC-12 cells is mediated by the ETB receptor: differential response to ET-1 on ATP, neuropeptide Y, and dopamine levels

During sympathetic neurotransmitter release, there is evidence for differential modulation of cotransmitter release by endothelin (ET)-1. Using nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated PC12 cells, the effects of ET-1 on K(+)-stimulated release of ATP, dopamine (DA), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were quantified using high-pressure liquid chromatography or radioimmunoassay. ET-1, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited the release of ATP, but not DA and NPY. Preincubation with the ET(A/B) antagonist, PD 142893 (N-acetyl-beta-phenyl-D-Phe-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ile-Trp), reversed the inhibitory effect of ET-1 on ATP release, which remained unaffected in the presence of the ET(A)-specific antagonist BQ123 [cyclo(D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu-D-Trp)]. The ET(B) agonists, sarafotoxin 6c (Cys-Thr-Cys-Asn-Asp-Met-Thr-Asp-Glu-Glu-Cys-Leu-Asn-Phe-Cys-His-Gln-Asp-Val-Ile-Trp), BQ 3020 (N-acetyl-[Ala(11,15)]-endothelin 1 fragment 6-21Ac-Leu-Met-Asp-Lys-Glu-Ala-Val-Tyr-Phe-Ala-His-Leu-Asp-IIe-IIe-Trp), and IRL 1620 (N-succinyl-[Glu(9), Ala(11,15)]-endothelin 1 fragment 8-21Suc-Asp-Glu-Glu-Ala-Val-Tyr-Phe-Ala-His-Leu-Asp-Ile-Ile-Trp), decreased K(+)-stimulated release of ATP in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was reversed by the ET(B) antagonists RES 701-1 [cyclic (Gly1-Asp9) (Gly-Asn-Trp-His-Gly-Thr-Ala-Pro-Asp-Trp-Phe-Phe-Asn-Tyr-Tyr-Trp)] and BQ 788 (N-[N-[N-[(2,6-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl)carbonyl]-4-methyl-l-leucyl]-1-(methoxycarbonyl)-D-tryptophyl]-D-norleucine sodium salt). Preincubation of PC12 cells with pertussis toxin reversed the ET-1-induced inhibition of the K(+)-evoked ATP release. Real-time intracellular calcium level recordings were performed on PC-12 cell suspensions, and ET-1 induced a dose-dependent decrease in the K(+)-evoked calcium levels. Nifedipine, the L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel antagonist, caused inhibition of the K(+)-stimulated ATP release, but the N-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist, omega-conotoxin GVIA, did not reverse the effect on ATP release. These data suggest that ET-1 modulates the release of ATP via the ET(B) receptor and its associated G(i/o) G-protein through attenuation of the influx of extracellular Ca(2+) through L-type channels.     

gamma-Aminobutyric acidB receptors mediate inhibition of somatostatin release from cerebrocortex nerve terminals.

The effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and of various GABA receptor agonists and antagonists on the calcium-dependent depolarization-evoked release of somatostatin (SRIF) from rat cerebrocortex synaptosomes have been studied by a superfusion technique. GABA (0.3-30 microM) decreased the K+ (15 mM)-evoked overflow of SRIF-like immunoreactivity (SRIF-LI) in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 1.3 microM; maximal inhibition, 45% reached at 10 microM GABA). The effect of the amino acid was insensitive to the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. Accordingly, the K(+)-evoked SRIF-LI release was not affected by muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, up to 100 microM. The effect of GABA was mimicked by the GABAB receptor agonist (-)-baclofen (EC50 = 1.2 microM; maximal effect, about 45% reached at 10 microM). The effect of baclofen was stereoselective, the (+)-enantiomer being inactive up to 100 microM. The inhibition of SRIF-LI release brought about by GABA was sensitive to the GABAB receptor antagonists 2-hydroxy-saclofen and CGP 35348 [3-aminopropyl(diethoxymethyl)phosphinic acid]. Also, the effect of (-)-baclofen was antagonized by CGP 35348 (IC50 = 4.8 microM). It is concluded that GABA can inhibit the depolarization-evoked release of SRIF by activating receptors which are located on SRIF-releasing nerve terminals and belong to the GABAB type.     

High glutamate concentrations evoke Ca(++)-independent dopamine release from striatal slices: a possible role of reverse dopamine transport.

Glutamate stimulated the efflux of dopamine from slices of rat striatum superfused with a Krebs' bicarbonate buffer containing a physiological concentration of Mg++ (1.2 mM). This effect was observed in the presence of high concentrations of glutamate (3-10 mM), but not at lower concentrations (0.01-1 mM). The response was not accompanied by increased lactate dehydrogenase activity, a measure of glutamate neurotoxicity. At 10 mM, glutamate increased dopamine efflux by more than 9-fold. This was reduced to about 34% of the control response by either the competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (100 microM) or the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK 801 [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenso[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10- imine hydrogen maleate] (1-10 microM), but was unaffected by a kainate/quisqualate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (10-100 microM). Glutamate-stimulated dopamine efflux also was unaffected by tetrodotoxin (0.5 microM), withdrawal of extracellular Ca++ [and addition of 1 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid] or systemic administration of reserpine (5 mg/kg, 24 hr before the experiment), an inhibitor of the vesicular storage of dopamine. In contrast, nomifensine (10 microM), an inhibitor of high-affinity dopamine transport, reduced glutamate-induced dopamine efflux to 15% of the control response. Moreover, the response to glutamate was blocked by deleting NaCl from the medium. Collectively, these results suggest that, at high concentrations and in the presence of Mg++, glutamate can stimulate the release of dopamine by a mechanism that does not use Ca(++)-dependent exocytosis but instead involves a reversal of the dopamine transport system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Interactions of MK-801 with glutamate-, glutamine- and methamphetamine-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from striatal slices.

The interactions of MK-801 [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine], glutamate and glutamine with methamphetamine (METH)-evoked release of [3H]dopamine were assessed in vitro to determine whether MK-801 inhibition of METH neurotoxicity might be mediated presynaptically, and to evaluate the effects of glutamatergic stimulation on METH-evoked dopamine release. MK-801 inhibition of glutamate- or METH-evoked dopamine release might reduce synaptic dopamine levels during METH exposure and decrease the formation of 6-hydroxydopamine or other related neurotoxins. Without Mg++ present, 40 microM and 1 mM glutamate evoked a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated [3H]dopamine and [3H]metabolite (tritium) release of 3 to 6 and 12 to 16% of total tritium stores, respectively, from striatal slices. With 1.50 mM Mg++ present, 10 mM glutamate alone or in combination with the dopamine uptake blocker nomifensine released only 2.1 or 4.2%, respectively, of total tritium stores, and release was only partially dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors. With or without 1.50 mM Mg++ present, 0.5 or 5 microM METH evoked a substantial release of tritium (5-8 or 12-21% of total stores, respectively). METH-evoked dopamine release was not affected by 5 microM MK-801 but METH-evoked release was additive with glutamate-evoked release. Without Mg++ present, 1 mM glutamine increased glutamate release and induced the release of [3H]dopamine and metabolites. Both 0.5 and 5 microM METH also increased tritium release with 1 mM glutamine present. When striatal slices were exposed to 5 microM METH this glutamine-evoked release of glutamate was increased more than 50%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)