Identification of a Zn2+ binding site on the murine GABAA receptor complex: dependence on the second transmembrane domain of beta subunits

1. Whole-cell currents were recorded from Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing wild-type and mutant recombinant GABAA receptors to locate a binding site for Zn2+ ions in the beta 3 subunit. 2. The Cl(-)-selective current, spontaneously gated by beta 3 subunit homomers, was enhanced by pentobarbitone and inhibited by picrotoxinin. The potencies of these agents were minimally affected by mutating histidine (H) 292 to alanine (A) in the second transmembrane domain (TM2). 3. Zn2+ inhibited the beta 3 subunit-gated conductance (IC50, 0.31 microM); the inhibition was voltage insensitive. The H292A mutation in beta 3 subunits caused a 1000-fold reduction in Zn2+ potency (IC50, 307 microM). 4. GABA-activated responses recorded from heteromeric alpha 1 beta 3 GABAA receptors were also inhibited by Zn2+ (IC50, 0.11 microM). This inhibition was reduced by mutating H292A in the beta 3 subunit (IC50, 22.8 microM). 5. H292 in TM2 of the beta 3 subunit is an important determinant of a Zn2+ binding site on the GABAA receptor. Its location in the presumed ion channel lining suggests that Zn2+ can penetrate into an anion-selective channel and that the ionic selectivity filter and channel gate are located beyond H292.

Pharmacological and physiological characterization of murine homomeric beta3 GABA(A) receptors

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA[A]) receptor beta3 subunits were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and studied using two-electrode voltage clamp. Injected oocytes exhibited an increased resting membrane conductance and more depolarized membrane potentials compared to uninjected control cells. Oocytes expressing beta3 subunits were insensitive to GABA and muscimol, but pentobarbitone increased the membrane conductance in a concentration-dependent manner. The membrane current response to pentobarbitone reversed at the Cl- equilibrium potential and at relatively high concentrations (> 500 microM), a rebound Cl- current was induced following the removal of pentobarbitone. In transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, the rebound current amplitude was reduced by desensitizing the beta3 receptor with increased durations of ligand application. Both picrotoxin (0.5 nM to 10 microM) and Zn2+ (10 nM to 100 microM) reduced the resting membrane conductance for beta3 cDNA-injected oocytes. These oocytes were insensitive to flurazepam (5 microM) and alphaxalone (10 microM), but responded with increased membrane conductance to propofol (10 microM) and pregnanolone (50 nM to 5 microM). The antagonists, bicuculline (10 microM) and strychnine (50 nM to 100 microM), also induced conductance increases in a concentration dependent manner; however, glycine (1 mM) was inactive. It was concluded that beta3 subunits form spontaneously opening ion channels that can be up-regulated by some allosteric modulators, principally by pentobarbitone and propofol and, surprisingly, by bicuculline and strychnine, whilst picrotoxin and Zn2+ acted as antagonists. Computer modelling of some kinetic schemes was used to describe the rebound current observed in transfected HEK cells. This indicated that pentobarbitone, after modulation of the conductance, is potentially capable of further binding to the beta3 receptor complex 'driving' the receptor into one or more desensitized states. This phenomenon may be of some importance for native neuronal GABA(A) receptors, where pentobarbitone can also evoke rebound current activation.

Assembly of GABAA receptors composed of alpha1 and beta2 subunits in both cultured neurons and fibroblasts

GABAA receptors are believed to be pentameric hetero-oligomers, which can be constructed from six subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, and rho) with multiple members, generating a large potential for receptor heterogeneity. The mechanisms used by neurons to control the assembly of these receptors, however, remain unresolved. Using Semliki Forest virus expression we have analyzed the assembly of 9E10 epitope-tagged receptors comprising alpha1 and beta2 subunits in baby hamster kidney cells and cultured superior cervical ganglia neurons. Homomeric subunits were retained within the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas heteromeric receptors were able to access the cell surface in both cell types. Sucrose density gradient fractionation demonstrated that the homomeric subunits were incapable of oligomerization, exhibiting 5 S sedimentation coefficients. Pulse-chase analysis revealed that homomers were degraded, with half-lives of approximately 2 hr for both the alpha1((9E10)) and beta2((9E10)) subunits. Oligomerization of the alpha1((9E10)) and beta2((9E10)) subunits was evident, as demonstrated by the formation of a stable 9 S complex, but this process seemed inefficient. Interestingly the appearance of cell surface receptors was slow, lagging up to 6 hr after the formation of the 9 S receptor complex. Using metabolic labeling a ratio of alpha1((9E10)):beta2((9E10)) of 1:1 was found in this 9 S fraction. Together the results suggest that GABAA receptor assembly occurs by similar mechanisms in both cell types, with retention in the endoplasmic reticulum featuring as a major control mechanism to prevent unassembled receptor subunits accessing the cell surface.

Regulation of neuronal and recombinant GABA(A) receptor ion channels by xenovulene A, a natural product isolated from Acremonium strictum

Xenovulene A (XR368) is a natural product exhibiting little structural resemblance with classical benzodiazepines yet is able to displace high-affinity ligand binding to the benzodiazepine site of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor. We have characterized this compound and an associated congener (XR7009) by use of radioligand binding and electrophysiological methodologies with native neurons and the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Xenovulene A, and the more potent XR7009, inhibited [3H]flunitrazepam binding to rat forebrain with Ki values of 7 and 192 nM, and 1.7 and 42 nM, respectively, each site accounting for approximately 50% of the total specific binding. In cerebellar and spinal cord membranes, these ligands identified only single binding sites. These ligands demonstrated no intrinsic agonist activity at recombinant GABA(A) receptors comprising alpha1beta1gamma2S subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes, yet at 1 microM both significantly potentiated the GABA-induced response and reduced the GABA EC50 from 10.9 (control) to 5.1 (Xenovulene A) or 2.7 microM (XR7009). The rank potency order for enhancement of the 10 microM GABA response is: XR7009 (EC50, 0.02 microM) > diazepam (0.03) > Xenovulene A (0.05) > flurazepam (0.17). The activity of XR368 and XR7009 was reduced by the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil, and absent in receptors devoid of the gamma2 subunit. These agents exhibited receptor subtype selectivity because alpha3beta1gamma2S receptors were less sensitive to these compounds relative to alpha1 subunit-containing receptors, whereas alpha6beta1gamma2S receptors were completely insensitive. Potentiation of the response to GABA on native GABA(A) receptors in cortical neurons substantiates the profile of the novel structures of Xenovulene A and XR7009 as specific benzodiazepine agonists.

Regulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter-gated ion channels by protein phosphorylation

Phosphorylation of ligand-gated ion channels is recognised as a potentially important mechanism for short- and long-term modulation of ion-channel function. Following the discovery of numerous sites of phosphorylation on ligand-gated ion channel proteins, recent studies have demonstrated that neurotransmitter-induced activation of serine/threonine, tyrosine and other kinases can result in the modulation of glutamate, type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) and glycine receptors. These findings may have important consequences for our understanding of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability.

Subcellular localization of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors is determined by receptor beta subunits

gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors are the major sites of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain. They are constructed from four subunit classes with multiple members: alpha (1-6), beta (1-4), gamma (1-4), and delta (1). The contribution of subunit diversity in determining receptor subcellular targeting was examined in polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Significant detection of cell surface homomeric receptor expression by a combination of both immunological and electrophysiological methodologies was only found for the beta 3 subunit. Expression of alpha/beta binary combinations resulted in a nonpolarized distribution for alpha 1 beta 1 complexes, but specific basolateral targeting of both alpha 1 beta 2 and alpha 1 beta 3 complexes. The polarized distribution of these alpha/beta complexes was unaffected by the presence of the gamma 2S subunit. Interestingly, delivery of receptors containing the beta 3 subunit to the basolateral domain occurs via the apical surface. These results show that beta subunits can selectively target GABAA receptors to distinct cellular locations. Changes in the spatial and temporal expression of beta-subunit isoforms may therefore provide a mechanism for relocating GABAA receptor function between distinct neuronal domains. Given the critical role of these receptors in mediating synaptic inhibition, the contribution of different beta subunits in GABAA receptor function, may have implications in neuronal development and for receptor localization/clustering.

Thiocyanate ions inhibit AMPA-activated currents in recombinant non-NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes: the role of the GluR2 subunit

The functional interaction of thiocyanate (SCN-) ions with recombinant non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors was examined by studying alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)- and kainic acid (KA)-activated currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Recombinant receptors were expressed after microinjection of oocytes with combinations of cDNAs or cRNAs encoding for GluR1, GluR2, GluR2(R586Q), GluR3 or GluR6 subunits. When the GluR2 subunit was expressed with GluR1, SCN- (2 mM) inhibited the responses to 50 microM AMPA, whereas responses to 100 microM KA were slightly increased and responses to 200 microM L-glutamate were unaffected. Equilibrium concentration-response curves for AMPA were antagonized in a non-competitive manner by SCN- with a reduction in the EC50. The inhibitory effects of SCN- were unaffected by prior reduction of receptor desensitization with either 10 microM Concanavalin-A or 0.5 mM diazoxide. AMPA-activated currents recorded from homomeric GluR1 or Glur3 receptors were not affected by SCN-, and GluR6 homomeric receptors, which are sensitive to KA but not to AMPA, were also unaffected. In contrast, AMPA activation of homomeric GluR2(R586Q) subunit receptors, or combinations of GluR1 or GluR3 + GluR2(R586Q) subunits, were markedly inhibited by SCN-. In addition, the inhibitory effect of AMPA on KA-activated responses on these heteromeric receptors, was enhanced by SCN-. These results indicate that SCN- exert an inhibitory effect on 'AMPA receptors' but only when the recombinant non-NMDA receptor is a GluR2 homomer, or when GluR2 subunits are present as part of a heteromeric combination. Moreover, this inhibitory effect was unaffected by the 'Q/R' site in the presumed second transmembrane domain, since currents mediated by the GluR2(R586Q) subunit were also susceptible to inhibition by SCN-. Thus the inhibition was not related to the rectification properties or calcium permeability of the non-NMDA receptors. It is suggested that the GluR2 subunit may have a specific binding site for anions which could modulate the function of non-NMDA receptors and that SCN- may be a useful probe for the detection of these subunits in native neurons.

Proton sensitivity of the GABA(A) receptor is associated with the receptor subunit composition

1. Modulation of GABA(A) receptors by external H(+) was examined in cultured rat sympathetic neurones, and in Xenopus laevis oocytes and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing recombinant GABA(A) receptors composed of combinations of alpha 1, beta 1, beta 2, gamma 2S and delta subunits. 2. Changing the external pH from 7.4 reduced GABA-activated currents in sympathetic neurones. pH titration of the GABA-induced current was fitted with a pH model which predicted that H(+) interact with two sites (PK(a) values of 6.4 and 7.2). 3. For alpha 1 beta 1 GABA(A) receptors, low external pH (< 7.4) enhanced responses to GABA. pH titration predicted the existence of two sites with PK(a) values of 6.6 and 7.5. The GABA concentration-response curve was shifted to the left by low pH and non-competitively inhibited at high pH (> 7.4). 4. alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2S receptor constructs were not affected by external pH, whereas exchanging the beta 1 subunit for beta 2 conferred a sensitivity to pH, with predicted PK(a) values of 5.16 and 9.44. 5. Low pH enhanced the responses to GABA on alpha 1 beta 1 delta subunits, whilst high pH caused an inhibition (PK(a) values of 6.6 and 9.9). The GABA concentration-response curves were enhanced (pH 5.4) or reduced (pH 9.4) with no changes in the GABA EC(50). 6. Immunoprecipitation with subunit and epitope-specific antisera to alpha 1, beta 1 and delta subunits demonstrated that these subunits could co-assemble in cell membranes. 7. Expression of alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2S delta constructs resulted in a 'bell-shaped' pH titration relationship. Increasing or decreasing external pH inhibited the responses to GABA. 8. The pH sensitivity of recombinant GABA(A) receptors expressed in HEK cells was generally in accordance with data accrued from Xenopus oocytes. However, rapid application of GABA to alpha 1 beta 1 constructs at high pH (> 7.4) caused an increased peak and reduced steady-state current, with a correspondingly increased rate of desensitization. 9. Modulation of GABA(A) receptor function was apparently unaffected by the internal pH. Moreover, pH values between 5 and 9.5 did not significantly affect the charge distribution on the zwitterionic GABA molecules. 10. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that external pH can either enhance, have little effect, or reduce GABA-activated responses, and this is apparently dependent on the receptor subunit composition. The potential importance of H(+) sensitivity of GABA(A) receptors is discussed.

Homomeric beta 1 gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor-ion channels: evaluation of pharmacological and physiological properties

The ubiquitous distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor beta subunits throughout the central nervous system is in accord with a vital role in receptor structure and function. Homomeric beta subunits have been reported to be either GABA-gated or capable of forming anion-selective channels that lacked GABA-gating properties. With electrophysiological recording techniques, we examined the properties of the murine Beta 1 subunit, addressed whether the homomeric receptor is expressed independently from the host cell's genome, and investigated whether these channels can open spontaneously. Murine beta 1 subunits, expressed in Xenopus oocytes or A293 cells, were unaffected by GABA or bicuculline; however, the resting membrane conductances were reduced by picrotoxin, zinc, or penicillin-G. In comparison, the expression of bovine beta1 subunits formed GABA-gated C1- channels. For murine beta 1 subunits, both pentobarbitone and propofol increased the membrane conductance, although the benzodiazepine ligands flurazepam, flumazenil, and methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4 ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate were inactive. Oocytes injected with murine beta 1 cRNA in the presence of actinomycin D (to block host cell DNA transcription) expressed beta1 channels that were indistinguishable from those derived from previous cDNA injections in cells capable of normal transcription. Single-channel recording from murin beta 1 cDNA-injected oocytes revealed spontaneously opening channels with a main state conductance of 18 pS. Picrotoxin inhibited the channel openings by reducing the probability of opening. We concluded that murine beta 1 subunits can form functional ion channels that are not gated by GABA but can be closed by some noncompetitive GABA antagonists. Interestingly, previous observations of spontaneously opening ion channels with properties similar to those found for the murine beta 1 receptor suggest that a limited expression of homomeric beta subunit-ion channels may exist in vivo.

Assembly and cell surface expression of heteromeric and homomeric gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors

The ability of differing subunit combinations of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors produced from murine alpha 1, beta 2, and gamma 2L subunits to form functional cell surface receptors was analyzed in both A293 cells and Xenopus oocytes using a combination of molecular, electrophysiological, biochemical, and morphological approaches. The results revealed that GABAA receptor assembly occurred within the endoplasmic reticulum and involved the interaction with the chaperone molecules immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein and calnexin. Despite all three subunits possessing the ability to oligomerize with each other, only alpha 1 beta 2 and alpha 1 beta 2 gamma 2L subunit combinations could produce functional surface expression in a process that was not dependent on N-linked glycosylation. Single subunits and the alpha 1 gamma 2L and beta 2 gamma 2L combinations were retained within the endoplasmic reticulum. These results suggest that receptor assembly occurs by defined pathways, which may serve to limit the diversity of GABAA receptors that exist on the surface of neurons.

Modulation of amino acid-gated ion channels by protein phosphorylation

The major excitatory and inhibitory amino acid receptors in the mammalian central nervous system are considered to be glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA), and glycine receptors. These receptors are widely acknowledged to participated in fast synaptic neurotransmission, which ultimately is responsible for the control of neuronal excitability. In addition to these receptors being regulated by endogenous factors, including the natural neurotransmitters, they also form target substrates for phosphorylation by a number of protein kinases, including serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases. The process of phosphorylation involves the transfer of a phosphate group(s) from adenosine triphosphate to one or more serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues, which are invariably found in an intracellular location within the receptor Phosphorylation is an important means of receptor regulation since it represents a covalent modification of the receptor structure, which can have important implications for ion channel function. This chapter reviews the current molecular and biochemical evidence regarding the sites of phosphorylation for both native neuronal and recombinant glutamate, GABAA and glycine receptors, and also reviews the functional electrophysiological implications of phosphorylation for receptor function.

A functional comparison of the antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxin at recombinant GABAA receptors

Allosteric modulation of GABAA receptor function by a number of ligands has been shown to be dependent on the subunit composition of the receptor complex. In this respect, modulation of GABAA receptors by the antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxin was examined in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing recombinant GABAA receptors composed of combinations of murine alpha 1, beta 1, gamma 2S and gamma 2L subunits. Bicuculline and picrotoxin reduced GABA-activated responses mediated by GABAA receptors composed of alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2S and alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L subunits in a dose-dependent manner. GABA equilibrium concentration-response curves for each receptor construct were shifted to the right by increasing concentrations of bicuculline in a competitive manner, whereas picrotoxin induced a slight lateral shift as well as a depression of the maximum response consistent with a mixed/non-competitive inhibitory mechanism. GABA concentration-response curves in the absence and presence of bicuculline were subjected to Schild analysis, which revealed similar pKB values of approximately 5.9 for alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2S and alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L receptor constructs. Concentration inhibition curves were used to estimate IC50 for picrotoxin were relatively unaffected by the GABAA receptor isoforms used in this study, and in particular, by the absence of the gamma 2 subunit in the alpha 1 beta 1 GABAA receptor complex. The similarity of the pKBs reported in this study to those previously reported using native neuronal preparations, which are likely to represent heterogeneous GABAA receptor populations, further indicates the lack of dependence on receptor subunit composition for the inhibitory action of bicuculline.

Modulation of GABAA receptors by tyrosine phosphorylation

gamma-Aminobutyric acid type-A (GABAA) receptors are the major sites of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain. They are presumed to be pentameric heteroligomers assembled from four classes of subunits with multiple members: alpha (1-6), beta (1-3), gamma (1-3) and delta (1). Here, GABAA receptors consisting of alpha 1, beta 1 and gamma 2L subunits, coexpressed in mammalian cells with the tyrosine kinase vSRC (the transforming gene product of the Rous sarcoma virus), were phosphorylated on tyrosine residues within the gamma 2L and beta 1 subunits. Tyrosine phosphorylation enhanced the whole-cell current induced by GABA. Site-specific mutagenesis of two tyrosine residues within the predicted intracellular domain of the gamma 2L subunit abolished tyrosine phosphorylation of this subunit and eliminated receptor modulation. A similar modulation of GABAA receptor function was observed in primary neuronal cultures. As GABAA receptors are critical in mediating fast synaptic inhibition, such a regulation by tyrosine kinases may therefore have profound effects on the control of neuronal excitation.

m-sulphonate benzene diazonium chloride: a novel GABAA receptor antagonist

A previously identified irreversible affinity label for the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding site in rat brain membranes, m-sulphonate benzene diazonium chloride (MSBD), was characterized in functional studies using patch clamp and two-electrode voltage clamp recording techniques. MSBD did not exhibit any agonist activity on native GABAA receptors in cultured sympathetic ganglionic neurones but acted as an antagonist of GABA-induced membrane currents. Recombinant GABAA receptors composed of alpha 1, beta 1 and gamma 2S subunits were expressed in Xenopus oocytes following microinjection with cDNAs. Equilibrium dose-response curve analyses established that MSBD was a partially reversible, apparently non-competitive GABAA receptor antagonist. The IC50 for MSBD was estimated from an inhibition curve as 87 +/- 3 microM. In addition, the onset and recovery from MSBD-induced inhibition was independent of GABAA receptor activation. The relatively simple structure of this novel GABAA receptor antagonist, MSBD, is compared with known agonists and antagonists at the GABAA receptor. MSBD may be a useful pharmacological tool which could be used to deduce further information about the structure and function of agonist and antagonist binding sites on the GABAA receptor.

Modulation of long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons by zinc

The phenomenon of long-term potentiation is frequently promulgated as an example of learning and memory mechanisms at the synaptic level in the mammalian central nervous system. In the CA3 region of the hippocampus there is an abundance of zinc, which is located in presynaptic mossy fibre nerve terminals. Stimulation of these fibres can cause the release of zinc, which interacts with excitatory amino acid receptors and may therefore modulate long-term potentiation. We now demonstrate in CA1 and CA3 neurons that zinc (100-300 microM) enhances non-N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor-mediated responses whilst reducing excitatory synaptic transmission and inhibiting long-term potentiation. However, by using zinc-chelating agents, endogenously released zinc following high-frequency stimulation in the stratum lucidum does not appear to have any modulatory role in excitatory synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation. These results indicate that an increase in the level of extracellular zinc can limit excitatory synaptic transmission in the CA1 or CA3 region and further suggests that pathologies that can be related to excessive levels of endogenous zinc may have implications for synaptic plasticity in CA3 neurons.

Modulation of GABA-mediated synaptic transmission by endogenous zinc in the immature rat hippocampus in vitro

1. Intracellular recordings from postnatal 2- to 12-day-old (P2-12) rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurones exhibited spontaneous synaptic potentials mediated by GABAA receptors. These potentials can be separated on the basis of amplitude into two classes which are referred to as small and large. 2. The large depolarizing potentials were reversibly inhibited by the Zn2+ chelator 1,2-diethyl-3-hydroxypyridin-4-one (CP94). The small inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. (IPSPs) were apparently unaffected. 3. Stimulation of the mossy fibre pathway evoked composite excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and IPSPs. Threshold stimulus-evoked synaptic potentials were mediated by GABAA receptors and were reversibly blocked by CP94. The responses evoked by suprathreshold stimulation and persisting in the presence of bicuculline or CP94 were partially inhibited by 2-amino-5-phosphonopropionic acid (AP5) and were completely blocked with 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). 4. L-Histidine, which preferentially forms complexes with Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Fe2+ > Mn2+, inhibited both naturally occurring spontaneous and evoked GABAA-mediated large synaptic potentials without affecting the neuronal resting membrane properties. Exogenously applied Zn2+ induced large spontaneous synaptic potentials and prolonged the duration of the evoked potentials. These effects were reversibly blocked by histidine. 5. The metal chelating agent diethyldithiocarbamate had little effect on the large amplitude synaptic potentials. 6. The transition metal divalent cations Fe2+ and Mn2+ did not initiate large synaptic potentials in CA3 neurones; however, Cu2+ depolarized the membrane and enhanced both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, resulting in a transient increase in the frequency of the large amplitude events. In comparison, zinc increased the frequency of the large potentials and also induced such events in neurons (P4-21) where innate potentials were absent. The postsynaptic response to ionophoretically applied GABA was either unaffected or slightly enhanced by Zn2+. 7. Under conditions favouring the activation of non-NMDA receptors, excitatory synaptic transmission was unaffected by CP94 but was depressed by Zn2+. Responses to ionophoretically applied glutamate were not inhibited by Zn2+, indicating that Zn2+ affects excitatory synaptic transmission via a presynaptic mechanism. 8. We conclude that the naturally occurring large synaptic potentials in young CA3 neurones are apparently induced by endogenous Zn2+ which can promote or synchronize the release of GABA in the immature hippocampus.

Regulation of GABAA receptor function by protein kinase C phosphorylation

GABAA receptors possess consensus sequences for phosphorylation by PKC that are located on the presumed intracellular domains of beta and gamma 2 subunits. PKC phosphorylation sites were analyzed using purified receptor subunits and were located on up to 3 serine residues in beta 1 and gamma 2 subunits. The role of phosphorylation in receptor function was studied using recombinant receptors expressed in kidney cells and Xenopus oocytes and was compared with native neuronal GABAA receptors. For recombinant and native GABAA receptors, PKC phosphorylation caused a reduction in the amplitudes of GABA-activated currents without affecting the time constants for current decay. Selective site-directed mutagenesis of the serine residues reduced the effects of phorbol esters and revealed that serine 343 in the gamma 2 subunit exerted the largest effect on the GABA-activated response. These results indicate that PKC phosphorylation can differentially modulate GABAA receptor function.

Species-dependent functional properties of non-NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with mammalian and avian brain mRNA

1. Species-dependent variation in the functional properties of non-NMDA receptors was investigated by intracellular recording in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with rat, chick and calf brain mRNA. 2. In all mRNA-injected oocytes, kainic acid (KA), domoic acid (Dom) and 5-bromowillardiine (BrW) evoked large, maintained membrane currents, in contrast to the smaller, desensitizing responses elicited by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), quisqualic acid (QA) and L-glutamic acid (L-Glu). Dose-response curves for KA in oocytes injected with calf (EC50 = 96.4 +/- 12.3 microM; mean +/- s.e. mean), chick (87.0 +/- 8.9 microM) or rat (88.7 +/- 4.3 microM) brain mRNA were similar. 3. Current-voltage (I-V) relationships determined with KA inwardly rectified in oocytes injected with calf or chick mRNA; whereas, outward rectification was observed in oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA. 4. In oocytes injected with rat brain mRNA, AMPA antagonized responses evoked by KA in a competitive manner. The absolute amplitudes of KA and AMPA responses in the same oocytes were significantly correlated, which is consistent with both agonists acting on the same receptor-ionophore complex. 5. In contrast, in oocytes injected with calf or chick brain mRNA, AMPA (QA and L-Glu) antagonized the response evoked by KA in a non-competitive manner. The response amplitudes of KA compared to AMPA, QA or L-Glu in the same oocytes were not correlated suggesting discrete receptor-ionophores. 6. This study favours the existence of distinct non-NMDA receptor subtypes that are equi-sensitive to KA. The expressed receptors from different species of mRNA may be distinguished by their voltage sensitivities and the type of antagonism exerted by AMPA on KA-activated responses. Our observations may reflect further heterogeneity of non-NMDA receptors in the central nervous system of different vertebrate species.

Interaction of zinc with ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat hippocampal slices

The actions of zinc on ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors were studied using intracellular recording in acutely prepared adult rat hippocampal slices and in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. In control Krebs, glutamate and non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) agonist-induced responses were enhanced by zinc (25-300 microM). However, under conditions favouring NMDA receptor activation, zinc inhibited glutamate- and NMDA-induced responses. Metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated responses activated in cultured slices by 1-amino-cyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate (1S,3R-ACPD) or by quisqualate, were reversibly inhibited by zinc (200 microM). These results indicate that zinc can inhibit responses induced by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors and reaffirm that zinc has a differential effect on NMDA and non-NMDA receptors.

Thiocyanate ions selectively antagonize AMPA-evoked responses in Xenopus laevis oocytes microinjected with rat brain mRNA

1 Responses to kainate (KA), willardiine and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) were recorded from rat brain mRNA-injected Xenopus laevis oocytes by use of a two-electrode voltage clamp. 2 Thiocyanate (SCN-; 50 microM-4 mM) ions reversibly and selectively inhibited the membrane current responses to AMPA in a non-competitive manner without affecting KA or willardiine-induced responses. 3 The inhibition of AMPA-induced responses by SCN- was dependent on the SCN- concentration with an estimated IC50 of 1 mM. The antagonism was not dependent on the AMPA concentration. 4 The response to a high concentration of AMPA (100-200 microM) exhibited a peak inward current which declined to a steady-state. SCN- inhibited the steady-state current more than the peak response. The inhibition was unaffected by prior incubation with concanavalin-A (Con-A; 10 microM). 5 Responses to KA were antagonized by AMPA in a competitive manner, suggesting that both agonists may activate a common receptor-channel complex. This interaction between two non-NMDA agonists was not affected by the SCN(-)-induced inhibition of the AMPA response. 6 AMPA-induced responses recorded from large cultured cerebellar neurones by whole-cell recording were also inhibited by SCN- in a non-competitive manner. The AMPA-induced peak current was less affected than the steady-state response. 7 We conclude that SCN- can inhibit the response to AMPA in expressed non-NMDA receptors in Xenopus oocytes and also in native receptors in cultured cerebellar neurones. One possible mechanism of action for SCN- inhibition of responses to AMPA may involve a Con-A-insensitive, non-NMDA receptor-mediated desensitization.

Cloning and functional expression of a brain G-protein-coupled ATP receptor

A cDNA encoding a novel member of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GCR) superfamily, an ATP receptor, has been isolated from an embryonic chick whole brain cDNA library by hybridization screening. The encoded protein has a sequence of 362 amino acids (41 kDa) and shares no more than 27% amino acid identity with any known GCR. When expressed as a complementary RNA (cRNA) in Xenopus oocytes a slowly-developing inward current was observed in response to application of ATP. The pharmacology of this expressed protein defines it as a P2Y purinoceptor.

Giant GABAB-mediated synaptic potentials induced by zinc in the rat hippocampus: paradoxical effects of zinc on the GABAB receptor

The interaction of zinc with pre- and postsynaptic GABAB receptors was studied in adult rat hippocampal slices using intracellular recording in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons. Zinc (50-300 microM) antagonized baclofen responses with a variable potency, whereas CGP-35348 (100 microM) or barium (300 microM) produced a more substantial and consistent inhibition. Zinc also induced giant GABAA-mediated depolarizing potentials (GDP) in these neurons. After blocking GABAA and excitatory synaptic transmission, monosynaptic hyperpolarizing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSP) mediated by GABAB receptors (IPSPB) were inhibited by CGP-35348 or barium; however, zinc increased the latency and prolonged the duration of the IPSPB and also induced the appearance of spontaneous giant GABAB-mediated hyperpolarizing potentials (GHP). In some cells, IPSPBs in zinc exhibited a multiphasic appearance. The early component was partially inhibited by 300 microM zinc and was followed by a late GHP. CGP-35348 at 100 microM inhibited the early monosynaptic IPSPB but not the GHP; however, at 300 microM both components were blocked. Paired-pulse inhibition of the IPSPB was used to assess the effect of zinc on presynaptic GABAB receptors. Neither the zinc-chelating agent CP94 (400 microM) nor zinc affected this phenomenon. CGP-35348, barium and polyvalent cations, such as cadmium, copper, cobalt, manganese, iron and aluminum, failed to induce giant potentials in hippocampal neurons. It is concluded that zinc is apparently unique in synchronizing the release of GABA to produce GDPs and GHPs.

Interplay between expressed non-NMDA receptors and endogenous calcium-activated chloride currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Current-voltage (I-V) relationships of glutamate receptors activated by the non-NMDA receptor agonist, kainate (KA), were determined in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with either calf or chick brain mRNA. In most injected oocytes (n = 44; 84%), I-V plots to 80 microM KA exhibited inward rectification; however, in some oocytes (n = 7; 16%), the KA-evoked membrane current showed only slight outward rectification. A comparison between the resting membrane properties of injected oocytes with the KA-evoked currents revealed that weak outward rectification was often observed in oocytes possessing predominant voltage-activated calcium-dependent chloride currents (ICl(Ca)). In these oocytes, replacement of extracellular calcium (2 mM Ca2+) with magnesium ions (Mg2+), or the addition of the chloride channel blocker, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (500 microM to 1 mM A9C), reduced ICl(Ca) and also altered the nature of the KA I-V plot revealing inward rectification. It is proposed that the responses mediated by expressed non-NMDA receptors may be influenced by the activation of endogenous calcium-dependent membrane currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Properties of GABA-mediated synaptic potentials induced by zinc in adult rat hippocampal pyramidal neurones

1. Intracellular recording techniques were used to study the actions of the transition ion, zinc, on CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurones in adult rat hippocampal slices. 2. Zinc (300 microM) hyperpolarized pyramidal neurones, increased the membrane excitability and also induced periodic, spontaneous giant depolarizing potentials associated with a conductance increase mechanism. 3. The occurrence of spontaneous giant depolarizations was dependent on the zinc concentration (10 microM-1 mM) with an apparent dissociation constant of 98 microM. The frequency of zinc-induced depolarizations was unaffected by the membrane potential from -50 to -100 mV. 4. Stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals or mossy fibre pathways evoked an excitatory and inhibitory synaptic potential complex. In the presence of zinc, nerve fibre stimulation evoked, in an all-or-none fashion, a giant depolarizing potential with an increased membrane conductance. Both spontaneous and evoked depolarizations were inhibited by 1 microM tetrodotoxin. 5. Evoked giant depolarizations were labile with too frequent stimulation resulting in a failure of generation. A minimum time of 140 s was required between stimuli to ensure successive giant depolarizations. 6. Spontaneous and evoked zinc-induced depolarizing potentials were inhibited by bicuculline (10 microM) or picrotoxin (40 microM) and enhanced by pentobarbitone (100 microM) or flurazepam (10 microM), suggesting that these potentials are mediated by activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors. 7. Ionophoretic application of GABA produced biphasic responses at -60 mV membrane potential. The reversal potentials for the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing GABA responses were -56 +/- 5 and -66 +/- 8 mV respectively. The giant depolarizations induced by zinc reversed at -57 +/- 4 mV. This suggests a dendritic location for the generation of these potentials. 8. Excitatory amino acid antagonists, 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV, 40 microM) or 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10 microM) did not affect the amplitude but slightly reduced the frequency of the giant depolarizations. 9. It is concluded that zinc induces a synchronized release of GABA, quite independent of intact excitatory synaptic transmission, which acts on GABAA receptors producing large depolarizing synaptic potentials. This increased level of GABA release may be of physiological and pathological importance since zinc is a naturally occurring metal ion endogenous to the central nervous system.