Temporal changes in amine synthesizing enzymes of rat extrapyramidal structures after hemitransections or 6-hydroxydopamine administration

The kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway in the role of zebrafish courtship and aggressive behavior induced by azoxystrobin

Azoxystrobin, a strobilurin widely used to control rice diseases, has raised concerns about possible adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. At present, very little is known about the effects of azoxystrobin on courtship and aggressive behavior and the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, after exposing adult male and female zebrafish to worst-case scenario concentrations of azoxystrobin (0, 2 μg/L, 20 μg/L, and 200 μg/L) for 42 d, we observed a decrease in courtship behavior and an increase in aggressive behavior in both male and female zebrafish. In addition, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the behavioral effects of azoxystrobin, we quantified the changes in the concentrations of kisspeptin, 5-HT, GnIH, and their corresponding receptor mRNA expression in the brain. The results showed that 200 μg/L azoxystrobin decreased the concentrations of kisspeptin and increased the concentration of GnIH in both male and female zebrafish brain. In addition, azoxystrobin also significantly reduced 5-HT concentration in female zebrafish brain. Further investigation revealed that altered courtship and aggressive behavior were associated with the expression levels of genes (kiss1, kiss2, gnrh3, gnrhr3, 5ht1a, and 5ht2a) involved in kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study suggested that azoxystrobin may impair courtship and aggressive behavior in zebrafish by interfering with the kisspeptin-GnIH signaling pathway, which may have more profound effects on natural zebrafish populations.

Tributyltin impaired reproductive success in female zebrafish through disrupting oogenesis, reproductive behaviors and serotonin synthesis

Tributyltin (TBT), an organotin acting as aromatase (Cyp19a1) inhibitor, has been found to disrupt gametogenesis and reproductive behaviors in several fish species. However, few studies addressing the mechanisms underlying the impaired gametogenesis and reproduction have been reported. In this study, female adults of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were continuously exposed to two nominal concentrations of TBT (100 and 500 ng/L, actual concentrations: 90.8 ± 1.3 ng/L and 470.3 ± 2.7 ng/L, respectively) for 28 days. After exposures, TBT decreased the total egg number, reduced the hatchability and elevated the mortality of the larvae. Decreased gonadosomatic index (GSI) and altered percentages of follicles in different developmental stages (increased early-stage follicles and reduced mid/late-stage follicles) were also observed in the ovary of TBT-treated fish. TBT also lowered the plasma level of 17β-estradiol and suppressed the expressions of cyp19a1a in the ovary. In treated fish, up-regulated expressions of aldhla2, sycp3 and dmc1 were present in the ovary, indicating an enhanced level of meiosis. The mRNA level of vtg1 was dramatically suppressed in the liver of TBT-treated fish, suggesting an insufficient synthesis of Vtg protein, consistent with the decreased percentage of mid/late-stage follicles in the ovaries. Moreover, TBT significantly suppressed the reproductive behaviors of the female fish (duration of both sexes simultaneously in spawning area, the frequency of meeting and the visit in spawning area) and down-regulated the mRNA levels of genes involved in the regulation of reproductive behaviors (cyp19a1b, gnrh-3 and kiss 2) in the brain. In addition, TBT significantly suppressed the expressions of serotonin-related genes, such as tph2 (encoding serotonin synthase), pet1 (marker of serotonin neuron) and kiss 1 (the modulator of serotonin synthesis), suggesting that TBT might disrupt the non-reproductive behaviors of zebrafish. The present study demonstrated that TBT may impair the reproductive success of zebrafish females probably through disrupting oogenesis, disturbing reproductive behaviors and altering serotonin synthesis. The present study greatly extends our understanding on the reproductive toxicity of TBT on fish.

Localization of putative transmitters in the hippocampal formation: with a note on the connections to septum and hypothalamus

Biochemical assays on microdissected samples, denervation studies, subcellular fractionation, and light and electron microscopic autoradiography of high affinity uptake have been performed to study the cellular localization of transmitter candidates in the rat hippocampal formation. High affinity uptake of glutamate and aspartate is localized in the terminals of several excitatory systems, such as the entorhino-dentate fibres (perforant path), mossy fibres (from granular cells) and pyramidal cell axons. Thus, in stratum radiatum and oriens of CA1, 85% of glutamate and asparate uptake and 40% of glutamate and aspartate content are lost after lesions of ipsilateral plus commissural fibres from CA3/CA4. Hippocampal efferents also take up aspartate and glutamate, since these activities are heavily reduced in the lateral septum and mamillary bodies after transection of fimbria and the dorsal fornix. The synthesis (by glutamic acid decarboxylase), content and high affinity uptake of gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) are not reduced after lesions of these or other projection fibre systems. A localization in intrinsic neurons is confirmed by a selective loss of glutamic acid decarboxylase after local injections of kainic acid. Peak concentrations of the enzyme occur near the pyramidal and granular cell bodies, corresponding to the site of the inhibitory basket cell terminals, and in the outer parts of the molecular layers. Some 85% of glutamic acid decarboxylase is situated in 'nerve ending particles'. Acetylcholine synthesis (by choline acetyltransferase) disappears after lesions of septo-hippocampal fibres. Since 80% of the hippocampal choline acetyltransferase is in 'nerve ending particles', the characteristic topographical distribution of this enzyme should reflect the distribution of cholinergic septo-hippocampal afferents. Serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and histamine are located/synthesized in afferent fibre systems. Some monoamine-containing afferents to the hippocampal formation pass via the septal area, others via the amygdala. The hippocampal formation also contains nerve elements reacting with antibodies against neuroactive peptides, such as enkephalin, substance P, somatostatin and gastrin/cholecystokinin.

Role of Dopaminergic D2 Receptors in the Regulation of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Messenger RNA in the Striatum of the Rat

Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and preproenkephalin (PPE) were measured by Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses in the striatum of the rat, after chronic injections of two neuroleptics, sulpiride and haloperidol. The Northern blot analysis showed that the chronic injection of sulpiride at high doses (80 mg/kg, twice a day, 14 days) increased striatal GAD and PPE mRNA levels by 120% and 78% respectively, when compared to vehicle-injected rats. Haloperidol injections at relatively low doses (1 mg/kg, once a day, 14 days) produced parallel increases in GAD (40%) and PPE (52%) mRNA levels. After in situ hybridization densitometric measurements were performed on autoradiograms from rats treated with sulpiride, haloperidol or vehicle. The distribution of GAD and PPE mRNA signals in control rats was homogeneous along the rostrocaudal extension of the striatum. A similar increase was found along this axis after sulpiride (20%) and haloperidol (30%) treatments. The cellular observation of hybridization signals showed that grain density for GAD mRNA was increased in a majority of striatal cells after both treatments. By contrast, the PPE mRNA hybridization signal only increased in a subpopulation of neurons. The effects of such treatments were also analysed by measuring GAD activity in the striatum and in its output structures, the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra. After the administration of sulpiride, GAD activity was not modified in the striatum but increased in the globus pallidus (by 17%). After haloperidol treatment, GAD activity was increased in the globus pallidus (20%) and the substantia nigra (17%). It is concluded that the interruption of dopaminergic transmission, more precisely the D2 receptor blockade, promotes in striatopallidal neurons an increase in GAD mRNA accompanied by an increase in GAD activity and PPE mRNA. A possible regulation of GAD mRNA and GAD activity in striatonigral neurons is also discussed.

Orphan neurones and amine excess: the functional neuropathology of Parkinsonism and neuropsychiatric disease

The aetiology and treatment of Parkinsonism is currently conceptualised within a dopamine (DA) deficiency-repletion framework. Loss of striatal DA is thought to cause motor impairment of which tremor, bradykinaesia and rigidity are prominent features. Repletion of deficient DA should at least minimise parkinsonian signs and symptoms. In Section 2, based on extensive pre-clinical and clinical findings, the instability of this approach to Parkinsonism is scrutinised as the existing negative findings challenging the DA deficiency hypothesis are reviewed and reinterpreted. In Section 3 it is suggested that Parkinsonism is due to a DA excess far from the striatum in the area of the posterior lateral hypothalamus (PLH) and the substantia nigra (SN). This unique area, around the diencephalon/mesencephalon border (DCMCB), is packed with many ascending and descending fibres which undergo functional transformation during degeneration, collectively labelled 'orphan neurones'. These malformed cells remain functional resulting in pathological release of transmitter and perpetual neurotoxicity. Orphan neurone formation is commonly observed in the PLH of animals and in man exhibiting Parkinsonism. The mechanism by which orphan neurones impair motor function is analogous to that seen in the diseased human heart. From this perspective, to conceptualise orphan neurones at the DCMCB as 'Time bombs in the brain' is neither fanciful nor unrealistic [E.M. Stricker, M.J. Zigmond, Comments on effects of nigro-striatal dopamine lesions, Appetite 5 (1984) 266-267] as the DA excess phenomenon demands a different therapeutic approach for the management of Parkinsonism. In Section 4 the focus is on this novel concept of treatment strategies by concentrating on non-invasive, pharmacological and surgical modification of functional orphan neurones as they affect adjacent systems. The Orphan neurone/DA excess hypothesis permits a more comprehensive and defendable interpretation of the interrelationship between Parkinsonism and schizophrenia and other related disorders.

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase: biological characterization and functional role

1. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase is the enzyme responsible for the decarboxylation step in both the catecholamine and the indolamine synthetic pathways. Immunological and molecular biological studies suggest that it is a single enzyme with one catalytic site but with different locations for attachment of the substrates. The enzyme is widely distributed in the brain and in peripheral tissues. 2. Recent investigations have shown that the enzyme is regulated by short term mechanisms that may involve activation of adenyl cyclase or protein kinase C. In addition, a long-term mechanism of activation by altered gene expression has also been suggested.

Striatal dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase protein in idiopathic Parkinson's disease and dominantly inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy

We measured the levels of dopamine, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein, and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase (DDC) protein in the striatum of 10 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and 23 patients with dominantly inherited olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). The levels of dopamine were markedly reduced (2% of control) in the striatum of the patients with PD, whereas striatal dopamine in the patients with OPCA ranged from normal (> 60% of control) to moderately reduced (20-60% of control) to severely depleted (< 20% of control). Both TH and DDC protein levels were significantly lower than those of the controls in the striatum of all of the patients with PD and in the subgroup of patients with OPCA having severely depleted dopamine. In contradistinction, TH but not DDC protein levels were reduced in those patients with OPCA having moderately reduced dopamine levels. This suggests that in the early stage of nigrostriatal dopamine neurone degeneration, DDC levels may be less susceptible to neurodegenerative influences than is TH synthesis or, alternatively, DDC synthesis may be more aggressively upregulated. Unexpectedly, from the blot immunolabeling analysis an additional DDC-immunoreactive band of slightly lower apparent molecular mass was detected in two of the patients with PD and in 12 of the patients with OPCA. This additional DDC band, which was not present in any of the control subjects, may reflect posttranslational modification(s) of DDC related to the neurodegenerative process.

Correlation of striatal fluorodopa uptake in the MPTP monkey with dopaminergic indices

Striatal 18F-6-fluorodopa (FD) uptake constants were measured by positron emission tomography in (1) normal cynomolgus monkeys and (2) a series of cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys that had received intracarotid infusions of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). After the animals were killed, the number and average size of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta were measured. Striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites, and the striatal activities of the dopaminergic synthetic enzymes, were also determined. The striatal FD uptake constants showed highly significant positive correlations with both number and size of dopaminergic neurons, indicating atrophy of surviving neurons in MPTP-treated animals. The uptake constants also showed significant positive correlations with striatal levels of dopamine, total catecholamines, and the activities of the synthetic enzymes. Both histochemical and biochemical data on tyrosine hydroxylase suggested some contralateral enzyme loss in these MPTP-treated monkeys, as well as decreased enzyme activity in surviving neurons on the lesioned side. However, residual enzyme activities were apparently not rate limiting to striatal FD uptake. It is concluded that PET-FD measurements by positron emission tomography provide a good index of the integrity of the nigrostriatal pathway.

Conceptual history of the nigrostriatal dopamine system

The history of the nigrostriatal dopamine system may provide a prime example of the two faces of scientific development. First, a given concept is replaced by another simply as a result of methodologies being improved, and second, successive technical improvements make seemingly settled controversies even more complicated and disputable. The nigrostriatal pathway, which had been unrecognizable with Nauta's silver impregnation method, became apparent by use of the more sensitive silver impregnation method of Fink-Heimer. The sensitivity of the latter method, however, was still insufficient to reveal the whole extent of another ascending dopamine system, the mesocortical dopamine system, until its existence was established through the application of glyoxylic acid fluorescent histochemistry. Electron microscopic analysis of nigrostriatal dopamine synapses in properly fixed tissue was initiated by the demonstration of dark type terminal degeneration, which was induced by either electrolytic lesions or chemical destruction with a specific toxin (6-hydroxydopamine) of the substantia nigra and medial forebrain bundle. The degenerating terminal boutons, thus produced, invariably formed postsynaptic membrane specializations of asymmetric type. However, the asymmetric nature of the synaptic morphology, although later confirmed by the combined study of chemical lesions and autoradiographic anterograde tracing, was seriously challenged with the introduction of electron microscopic immunohistochemistry. The latter method has consistently revealed that symmetric en passant synapses or axonal varicosities with no synaptic membrane specializations are the only tissue compartments immunoreactive to antibodies against dopamine and its synthetic enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. In view of the fact that more than 95% of the nigrostriatal projection neurons are dopaminergic, it is difficult to satisfactorily interpret all the available and seemingly paradoxical fine structural data. In this context, a novel concept has emerged in the process of eliminating all the possible alternative interpretations. The concept is that single nigrostriatal neurons form two chemically distinct types of synapses, one dopaminergic symmetric en passant bouton and another non-dopaminergic (still chemically unclassified) asymmetric terminal bouton. If the concept is a valid one, it contradicts Dale's long standing principle, as defined by Eccles: at all the axonal branches of a neuron there is liberation of the same transmitter substance or substances. Furthermore, a certain population of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons has recently been recognized to be immunoreactive to both dopamine synthetic tyrosine hydroxylase and GABA synthetic glutamate decarboxylase. These single neurons send projections to both the striatum and superior colliculus by way of axon collaterals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Antiparkinson-like effects of neurotensin in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of neurotensin in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Bilateral administration of 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle at the level of the posterolateral hypothalamus of rats resulted in the appearance of the 3 principal neurological signs of PD: hypokinesia, rigidity and tremor. These symptoms were accompanied by severe losses of dopamine and its main metabolites in terminal regions of well-known dopamine pathways. Norepinephrine concentrations were also decreased in several regions but to a lesser extent than dopamine. Intracerebroventricular administration of neurotensin, in doses ranging from 7.5 to 120.0 micrograms, resulted in dose related attenuations of both muscular rigidity and tremors of animals. However, hypokinesia, defined as decreased motor activity was not significantly affected by the peptide. Administration of 120.0 micrograms of [Ala]NT, an inactive analogue of neurotensin, failed to alter any of the 3 neurological signs. Together, these results reveal selective antiparkinson-like effects of neurotensin in an animal model. The theoretical significance of these findings is discussed.

Glutamate modulates dopamine release in the striatum as measured by brain microdialysis

Brain microdialysis plus high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection were employed to study whether glutamate exerts direct presynaptic facilitation of dopamine (DA) release in the rat striatum. The perfusion of the dialysis probe with high-K+ Ringer solution (70 mM) increased DA and glutamate release 380.6 +/- 69.2% and 323.0 +/- 46.6% of preperfusion levels, respectively. Perfusion of 1 mM glutamate stimulated DA release by 250.7 +/- 30.6%, and coadministration of 2 mM glutamic acid diethylester (glutamate receptor blocking agent) significantly antagonized the glutamate response. The present results indicate presynaptic facilitation of the release of DA in the striatum by glutamate.

Cholinergic projections to the substantia nigra from the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei

The cholinergic innervation of the compact and reticular parts of the substantia nigra in the rat was investigated by use of highly sensitive retrograde and anterograde tract-tracing methods in combination with choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry. The fluorescent tracers True Blue, propidium iodide, or fluorogold were infused preferentially into either nigral subnucleus. Cells positive for choline acetyltransferase and retrograde tracer were found in both the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei, although considerably more double-labeled somata were observed in the former than in the latter component of the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex. Approximately 2-3 times more cholinergic cells were labeled in the peduculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei when tracer injections were centered in the compact nigral subdivision than when infusions of about the same size were confined totally to the reticular part. Infusions of the anterogradely transported tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex resulted in uptake and transport of that label to both nigral subnuclei, and some of the Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin-accumulating somata and proximal processes also demonstrated choline acetyltransferase-like immunoreactivity. The Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin-labeled entities in the substantia nigra exhibited terminal-like profiles that were reminiscent of the pattern of nigral choline acetyltransferase-positive puncta demonstrated immunohistochemically by use of nickel ammonium sulfate enhancement of the final reaction product in the avidin-biotin procedure. These observations strongly support the contention that the pontomesencephalotegmental cholinergic complex is the major source of cholinergic projections to both the compact and reticular portions of the rat substantia nigra.

Effects of the unilateral striatal lesion on neurotransmitter markers in the contralateral striatum and both substantia nigrae of the rat

We investigated quantitative changes in possible neurotransmitters and their biosynthetic enzymes in the contralateral striatum and both substantia nigrae following unilateral electrothermic lesions of the striatum in the rat. Two types of changes were observed: (1) the first ones were long-lasting (up to 56 post-operative days) effects and consisted in a decrease of GABA content and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the ipsilateral substantia nigra due to the anterograde and retrograde degeneration of striatal efferent and afferent fibres, respectively, and in a marked increase of glutamate and GABA contents in the contralateral striatum resulting possibly from a modified activity of the collaterals of the glutamatergic corticostriatal fibres and a subsequent secondary increase of GABA. The latter interpretation was supported by the finding that the changes observed were abolished by an additional callosal transection; (2) the second series of changes were transient (only found at 3-7 post-operative days) effects represented by an increase in GABA content, a decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and a decrease of dopamine content, which mostly appeared in the contralateral substantia nigra. The decrease of dopamine markers may be a subsequent secondary effect of the increase of GABA in the substantia nigra. These results suggest that the contralateral increase of the amino acid transmitters in the striatum and the increase followed by decrease of transmitter markers in the contralateral substantia nigra could be a "plastic" or "compensatory" biochemical response to the unilateral striatal lesions.

Depletion of cholinergic habenulo-interpeduncular neurons by selectively timed methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) treatment during pregnancy

Methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) was injected to female rats at the beginning of the 17th day of gestation. Resulting offspring showed a remarkable decrease in the size of the medial habenula while the interpeduncular nucleus, whose neurons are generated before the time of MAM treatment, appeared anatomically unaffected. Choline acetyltransferase was significantly reduced in the habenulae and in the interpeduncular nucleus suggesting that MAM treatment had depleted a portion of the cholinergic neurons of the medial habenula which project to the interpeduncular nucleus. Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase significantly increased in the interpeduncular nucleus, a likely effect of monoaminergic hyperinnervation in response to partial cholinergic deprivation. MAM strategy can be usefully adopted for the study of general aspects of brain development when connected nuclei showing no overlapping in neuronal generation times are involved.

D-dopa and L-dopa similarly elevate brain dopamine and produce turning behavior in rats

In the intact rat, intragastric administration of D-dihydroxyphenylalanine (D-DOPA) together with carbidopa (alpha-methyldopa hydrazine, a peripheral dopadecarboxylase inhibitor) increased striatal dopamine concentration to the same extent as a similar treatment with L-DOPA plus carbidopa. In rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesions of their substantia nigra, both stereoisomers of DOPA produced significant increases in dopamine and its metabolites in the intact striata. Although dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striata did not change, a significant increase in dopamine metabolites was observed, indicating some extraneuronal formation of dopamine. These results suggest that D-DOPA can be converted to dopamine in the normal striatum as well as in the striatum devoid of dopamine nerve terminals. D- and L-DOPA produced turning behavior in unilaterally lesioned rats with a similar efficacy. The onset of turning after D-DOPA was delayed compared with L-DOPA. Turning behavior elicited by these amino acids was attributed to stimulation of supersensitive dopamine receptors in the lesioned striata by the extraneuronally formed dopamine. Preliminary results suggest that D-DOPA is converted to dopamine via transamination and/or D-amino acid oxidation to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpyruvic acid which upon further transamination gives rise to L-DOPA and hence dopamine. The relatively fast and slow onset of stimulation of dopamine receptors L-DOPA and D-DOPA respectively suggests that the use of the racemic mixture of DOPA combined with a peripheral dopadecarboxylase inhibitor may prove useful in the treatment of parkinsonism.

Kinetics of in vitro decarboxylation and the in vivo metabolism of 2-18F- and 6-18F-fluorodopa in the hooded rat

The metabolisms of L-18F-2-fluoro-DOPA (L-2-18F-DOPA) and L-18F-6-fluoro-DOPA (L-6-18F-DOPA) were compared in vitro and in vivo in the carbidopa-pretreated male hooded rat. In vivo, the sole metabolites in plasma were O-methylated derivatives. The peripheral formation of the O-methylated derivative of L-2-18F-DOPA was approximately twice as great as that for the 6-isomer. Animals were killed at 10 and 60 min after administration of the 18F-DOPAs, and samples of striatum and vermis were analyzed by HPLC. L-2-18F-DOPA passed less readily into brain than did L-6-18F-DOPA. Whereas significant amounts of 6-18F-fluorodopamine and metabolites were formed in the striatum, no decarboxylated derivatives of L-2-18F-DOPA were found. Determination of the Michaelis-Menten kinetic constants for aromatic amino acid decarboxylase AADC, EC 4.1.1.26) indicated that the Km for L-2-18F-DOPA (982 +/- 115 microM) was considerably higher than that for L-6-18F-DOPA (101 +/- 22 microM). The low substrate affinity for AADC and the relatively more rapid rate of O-methylation in the periphery account for the lack of formation of 2-18F-fluorodopamine in vivo. The ratio of total radioactivity between striatum and other brain regions is related to the decarboxylation of radiolabeled tracer and the relative persistence of the decarboxylated derivatives in the striatum. Since L-2-18F-DOPA is not decarboxylated in rat striatum, it is not a promising agent for the study of cerebral DOPA metabolism in humans by means of positron emission tomography.

Decarboxylation of DL-2,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (2,4-DOPA) to 2,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine in mouse striatal slices

Decarboxylation of an unnatural analogue of DOPA by brain aromatic amino acid decarboxylase was measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Incubation of striatal slices with DL-2,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (2,4-DOPA) resulted in biosynthesis and accumulation of 2,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine, which was completely blocked by carbidopa. 2,4-DOPA induced a significant decrease in endogenous dopamine, but the loss was not prevented by carbidopa. Since 2,4-DOPA is a potential pro-drug for melanoma chemotherapy, further evaluation of its neurobiologic properties is needed.

Cellular localization of MAO A and B in brain: evidence from kainic acid lesions in striatum

The cellular localization of the two forms of monoamine oxidase (MAO A and MAO B) was studied by measuring their activities in rat striatum following unilateral stereotaxic injection of kainic acid to produce selective degeneration of striatal neurons and subsequent proliferation of astrocytes. The results demonstrated a persistent loss of 15-20% in MAO A activity, whereas MAO B activity decreased initially by 25% and then increased to more than twice the control value by 54 days after lesions. The changes in activity were compared to parallel estimates of the postsynaptic neuronal enzyme markers glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), astroglial enzyme markers glutamine synthetase (GS) and non-neuronal enolase (NNE), and the presynaptic enzyme marker DOPA decarboxylase (DDC). The results suggest that a small amount of striatal MAO A is present in kainic acid-sensitive postsynaptic striatal neurons and that MAO B is probably localized in both neurons and astrocytes.

Ultrastructural localization of acetylcholinesterase in substantia nigra: a comparison between rat and guinea pig

The distribution and ultrastructural localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was examined in the substantia nigra of rat and guinea pig. Although the pars compacta, in both species, is clearly defined when stained with thionin, there is an apparent discrepancy in the distribution of AChE at the light microscope level. In the rat substantia nigra the enzyme appears to be concentrated mainly in the pars compacta, whereas in the guinea pig the AChE seems homogeneous throughout the entire substantia nigra. Ultrastructural studies, however, reveal a close correspondence in the morphology of rat and guinea pig substantia nigra. The subcellular localization of AChE is also similar. The between-species discrepancy seen with the light microscope was attributed to relative differences in level of intensity of staining for AChE. In both rat and guinea pig, the enzyme is localized in two types of neuron and in the extracellular space. The ultrastructural distribution of AChE is discussed with reference to neurochemical studies on its release from nigral neurons.

Effect of a sulfonium analog of dopamine on the depolarization-induced release of [3H]acetylcholine from mouse striatal slices

P3 have synthesized a chemical analog or dopamine in which the amino group has been replaced by a charged dimethylsulfonium group. The dopaminergic activity of this drug was evaluated by determining its ability to inhibit the depolarization-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine from mouse striatal slices. The slices were preincubated with [3H]choline (0.1 microM) and then superfused in physiological medium. [3H]Acetylcholine release was induced by exposure of the slices to a high potassium medium (12.5 mM) for 5 min. The sulfonium analog of dopamine, dopamine, and apomorphine inhibited the evoked [3H]acetylcholine release with IC50 values of approximately 10, 2.0, and 0.3 microM respectively. The inhibition by the sulfonium analog was reversed by fluphenazine (1 microM), suggesting that the inhibition of [3H]acetylcholine release was due to the activation of dopaminergic receptors. The sulfonium analog also inhibited the uptake of [3H]dopamine into striatal slices and caused the release of exogenously taken up [3H]dopamine from these slices. The release of [3H]dopamine by the sulfonium analog was inhibited by cocaine (3 microM), suggesting that the drug-induced release of [3H]dopamine was dependent on the carrier-mediated uptake of the sulfonium analog into dopaminergic neurons. The inhibition of the evoked [3H]acetylcholine release by high concentrations (30 and 60 microM) of the sulfonium analog did not appear to be mediated by endogenous dopamine release, since the analog still inhibited [3H]acetylcholine release from slices after reserpine-alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine treatment. However, the inhibitory effect of the sulfonium analog at 10 microM was reduced by reserpine-alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine treatment, suggesting that the inhibition at lower concentrations was mediated through endogenous DA release. These results suggest that a charged compound can act as a substrate for the dopamine carrier and can activate the dopamine receptor regulating acetylcholine release. They also indicate that the nitrogen on the dopamine molecule is not essential for dopamine agonist activity.

Comparative morphology of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area in the monkey, cat and rat

Four types of neurons were identified in the substantia nigra (SN) of the monkey, cat, and rat. The compacta-type neurons, characterized by unevenly distributed and intensely stained Nissl substance, display many shapes and sizes. The reticulata-type neurons, characterized by the presence of discrete Nissl bodies, are triangular or round. The intermediary-type neurons contain less intensely stained but more diffusely distributed Nissl substance. These triangular or fusiform neurons have thinner processes than the compacta- and reticulata-type cells. The globular-type neurons, characterized by a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, are much smaller than the three other types of SN neurons. The total number of neurons of the SN, which is much greater in the macaque (n=73,508) than in the cat (n=38,366) and the rat (n=22,532), is comprised mainly of the compacta type neurons (n=62,624; 22,323; and 9.925 in the three species, respectively). The reticulata-type neurons are more abundant in the cat, and the intermediary and globular types are more numerous in the rat. The compacta-type neurons have a particular distribution in each species. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains numerous globular-type neurons and a number of compacta-like or transitional type neurons which constitute the foyer pédiculaire of the central linear nucleus and the paranigral nucleus. The rostral linear nucleus is unique to the cat brain.

Evoked release of proteins from central neurons in vivo

Push-pull cannulae were implanted in both substantiae nigrae and caudate nuclei of the halothane-anesthetized cat. The release of total protein, acetylcholinesterase, and nonspecific cholinesterases was examined. Following direct application of potassium to one substantia nigra, changes occurred in the local release of total protein and acetylcholinesterase, but not nonspecific cholinesterases; changes also were observed in both caudate nuclei and the contralateral substantia nigra. The local evoked release of acetylcholinesterase and of total protein differed in the extent to which they were calcium-dependent. Control studies suggest that release of these compounds, both spontaneous and evoked, is related, at least in part, to neuronal activity. The significance of the neuronal release of proteins is discussed.

Low CSF concentrations of cyclic GMP in schizophrenia

Increasing evidence suggests that the concentrations of cyclic guanosine 3'5'-monophosphate (cGMP) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may reflect central cholinergic activity. When the concentrations of this nucleotide in the CSF from 28 schizophrenic patients (13 without and 15 with neuroleptic treatment) and 16 psychiatrically healthy controls was determined the schizophrenics showed significantly lower CSF levels of cGMP as compared to controls. As dopamine and homovanillic acid concentrations were not altered in these CSF samples, this finding of reduced cGMP suggests a cholinergic-dopaminergic imbalance in schizophrenia, with a reduction of the former and consequently a relative dominance of the latter.

Release of acetylcholinesterase and aminopeptidase in vivo following infusion of amphetamine into the substantia nigra

Push-pull cannulae were implanted acutely in both substantiae nigrae and both caudate nuclei of the rabbit under urethane anesthesia. Direct infusion of d-amphetamine (10(-6) M) to one substantia nigra evoked a release of acetylcholinesterase and aminopeptidase not only locally, but also from the contralateral caudate nucleus and substantia nigra. The spontaneous release of acetylcholinesterase was reduced in the ipsilateral caudate nucleus. Gel electrophoresis showed that only one molecular form of each enzyme was released. Since the electrophoretic mobilities of these two enzymic activities were different, the released acetylcholinesterase and aminopeptidase belong to separate molecular species. As amphetamine is known to modify dopamine metabolism the evoked release of these two enzymes is probably related to the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal system.

Monoaminergic-cholinergic relationships and the chemical communication matrix of the substantia nigra and neostriatum

The historical development of histochemical methods for monoamines and chemicals involved with cholinergic function is reviewed. The use of these methods to elucidate neurochemical interactions in the substantia nigra and caudate-putamen complex is then discussed. Three hypotheses accounting for the localization of acetylcholinesterase within and/or on substantia nigra, pars compacta neurons are presented and evaluated: (a) to catabolize acetylcholine released from afferent cholinergic fibers, (b) to catabolize substance P released from some neostriato-nigral axon terminals, and/or (c) to serve as a communication link with nigral vasculature. Despite experimental evidence in favor of each of these possibilities, none have met with unqualified acceptance. Possible mechanisms and morphologic substrates accounting for dopaminergic-cholinergic, serotonergic-cholinergic, GABAergic-cholinergic, enkephalinergic-cholinergic, and cholinergic-cholinergic interactions in the caudate-putamen complex are discussed. These include synaptic and non-synaptic relationships, dendroaxonic information flow, and mutual regulatory processes.

Neurotransmitter receptor ligand binding and enzyme regional distribution in the pigeon visual system

The relative importance of acetylcholine, dopamine, endogenous opiates, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, glycine, noradrenaline, and serotonin as transmitters in the pigeon visual system was estimated by measuring the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAD) as well as the binding of dihydroalprenolol, etorphine, kainic acid, muscimol, serotonin, spiroperidol, strychnine, and quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) in the tectum opticum, nucleus rotundus, ectostriatum, dorsolateral thalamus, and hyperstriatum (Wulst). As a nonvisual reference structure, the paleostriatal complex was included in the examination. The regional distribution of most of these parameters was very similar to data reported in the mammalian CNS supporting the hypothesis that the avian tectofugal and thalamofugal visual systems are homologous to the mammalian tecto-thalamo-cortical and retino-geniculo-striate pathways, respectively. On the basis of the low values of their parameters, some transmitters can be excluded as significant contributors in a number of structures. As a hypothesis for further investigations, the presence of cholinergic and serotoninergic systems in the Wulst, possibly originating in the dorsolateral thalamus and nucleus raphe, respectively, and of glycinergic and dopaminergic terminals in the paleostriatal complex is proposed.

Evidence for a role of the caudate nucleus in the sequential organization of behavior

Behavioural effects of the cholinergics carbachol and atropine given by means of telestimulation were studied in small groups of freely moving Java monkeys. The sequential structure of behavior was analyzed by assessing the contribution of the preceding behaviours of the treated monkey and its partners to the subsequent behaviour of the treated monkey, in terms of information-theoretical statistics. Carbachol increased the overall variability of behaviour in the treated monkey, enhanced the dependency between the preceding and subsequent behaviour of the treated monkey, and slightly decreased the dependency between the current behaviour of the treated monkey and the preceding behavior of its partners. Atropine only increased the dependency between the treated monkey's current behaviour and the preceding behaviour of its partners. The morphology of overt behaviour remained unaffected following the chosen treatments. Analysis of changes in the frequencies of behaviours belonging to different motivational categories (maintenance, sex, aggression, submission and affiliation) revealed that, after intracaudate injections, all categories were affected to the same degree; in contrast, amygdala injections only affected the categories 'aggression' and 'submission'. It is concluded that the caudate nucleus establishes the relative priority of intra-individual and inter-individual constraints on the programming of behaviour, thereby providing flexibility in the execution of ongoing behaviour; the caudate nucleus is not primarily involved in motor control, nor in the control of particular categories of behaviour.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) content of rat striatum: modification by drugs and lesions

Two hours after injection, D-amphetamine sulfate (10 mg/kg, i.p.) lowered thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) levels in rat striatum by 50%, but produced no significant changes in the TRH contents of hypothalamus, septum, brain stem or preoptic area. The effect peaked 2 h after amphetamine injection and declined slowly thereafter. The amphetamine-induced decrease in striatal TRH could be blocked by pretreatment with haloperidol or alpha-methyltyrosine, or by production of a 6-hydroxy-dopamine lesion in the ipsilateral substantia nigra. Amphetamine did not act by inhibiting protein synthesis in as much as cycloheximide did not similarly decrease striatal TRH. Kainic acid injected into the striatum lowered TRH by 30% after 5 days. In contrast, partial deafferentiation of the striatum (by cerebral hemitransection at mid-hypothalamic level) increased striatal TRH 2-3-fold, while lesions of the dorsal raphe did not significantly change striatal TRH. Thus TRH levels in rat striatum are closely regulated by dopaminergic and other neurotransmitter systems.

Sulpiride and the role of dopaminergic receptor blockade in the antipsychotic activity of neuroleptics

It is now generally recognized that dopamine receptors exist in the CNS as different subtypes: D1 receptors, associated with adenylyl cyclase activity, and D2 receptor, uncoupled to a cyclic AMP generating system. In order to understand the role of D1 and D2 receptors in the antipsychotic action of neuroleptics, we have performed subchronic treatment with haloperidol, a drug which acts on D1 receptors, and sulpiride, a selective antagonist to D2 receptors. Long-term treatment with haloperidol does not induce significant supersensitivity of the D2 receptors. In fact under these conditions 3H-(-)-sulpiride binding, which is a marker of D2 receptor function, does not increase in rat striatum, while the long-term administration of sulpiride itself produces supersensitivity of D2 receptors. Moreover, sulpiride does not induce supersensitivity of the D1 receptors, characterized by 3H-spiroperidol binding. These data suggest that both types of dopamine receptors may be involved in the clinical antipsychotic effects of neuroleptics. Unilateral lesion of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway produces an increase of striatal dopaminergic receptors, measured either by 3H-spiroperidol and 3H-(-)-sulpiride binding. These findings suggest that D1 and D2 receptors are present in postsynaptic membranes while it is still not known whether they exist in the same cellular elements.

A Golgi study on the globus pallidus of the mouse

The globus pallidus (GP) of the mouse was studied by the rapid Golgi silver impregnation method. The GP was composed of large and medium-sized neurons. The large neurons had stellate cell bodies with a mean diameter of 25 micron by 28 micron and five to seven primary dendrites. The somata of the medium-sized neurons were spindle or fusiform in shape, measured 19 micron by 27 micron in average and emitted three to five primary dendrites. The large neurons were located mainly in the central part of the GP, whereas the medium-sized neurons were observed in the peripheral part of the GP. Some GP neurons extended their dendrites into the caudatoputamen complex, sublenticular region or internal capsule. The axons of the GP neurons were seen most frequently to course medially or mediocaudally and to enter the internal capsule or fiber bundles traversing the GP; they were rarely observed to run laterally and to travel into the caudatoputamen complex. Some axons of the GP neurons were also observed to emit intra- or extra-nuclear collaterals extending into the sublenticular region. Four groups of afferent fibers to the GP were observed; (1) fibers descending within the internal capsule or caudatoputamen complex to terminate or to give axon-collaterals to the GP; (2) fibers ascending within the internal capsule or fiber bundles traversing the GP to enter the GP from its medial aspects; (3) fibers traversing the internal capsule laterally to terminate in the GP; and (4) fibers running dorsally through the sublenticular region to terminate in the GP. In addition to these four groups of afferent fibers, terminal branches were seen to arise numerously from many fibers running through the GP.

Nonaminergic striatal neurons convert exogenous L-dopa to dopamine in parkinsonism

In intact striatum, the enzyme dopa decarboxylase is localized predominantly in dopaminergic nerve terminals. In Parkinson disease, loss of dopaminergic neurons is associated with massive depletion of striatal decarboxylase activity. Nevertheless, efficacy of exogenous L-dopa in parkinsonism is generally believed to result from its enzymatic decarboxylation to dopamine in the corpus striatum. It has previously been suggested that, after degeneration of nigrostriatal pathways, decarboxylation of administered L-dopa may occur mainly at such striatal sites as surviving dopaminergic terminals, serotonergic neurons, or capillaries; but currently available data do not favor these hypotheses. Recent experimental studies indicate that a substantial amount of decarboxylase activity is localized in striatal interneurons or efferent neurons that may not normally synthesize monoamines. We propose that after depletion of dopaminergic terminals, these nonaminergic striatal neurons may contain a large fraction of residual dopa decarboxylase activity and may represent an important locus for conversion of administered dopa to functional dopamine in the parkinsonian corpus striatum.

Partial lesions of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in rat brain: biochemical characterization

Various doses of 6-hydroxydopamine injected into the rat substantia nigra produced partial, dose-dependent lesions of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal tract. The resulting reduction in striatal dopamine concentrations and tyrosine hydroxylase activities tended to be proportional, allowing these measurements to serve as indices for lesion severity in any particular animal. Lesions destroying two-thirds or more of the nigrostriatal neurons accelerated dopamine's synthesis in, and release from, surviving neurons, as indicated by increased striatal levels of the dopamine metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid. Formation of these metabolites was also enhanced in dendrites of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Supersensitivity of striatal postsynaptic receptors, as judged by induction of rotational behavior after apomorphine or L-DOPA administration, occurred when 90% or more of the nigrostriatal neurons had been destroyed. In contrast, rotational behavior could be induced by amphetamine in animals with only 50% of these neurons destroyed.

Tyrosine administration increases striatal dopamine release in rats with partial nigrostriatal lesions

Partial, unilateral nigrostriatal lesions of varying severity were produced in rats by injecting graded doses of 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra. Formation of the dopamine metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid in each surviving nigrostriatal neuron (estimated by the ratios of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid to dopamine and homovanillic acid to dopamine in the striatum) increased significantly when dopamine concentrations in striata containing lesions had been reduced to 25% or less of control values, but remained unchanged in rats with less severe lesions. These findings suggest that, in rats with severe damage of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, surviving neurons increase their firing rates and accelerate dopamine synthesis and release. In rats that had lesions and enhanced striatal dopamine release, but not in rats with lesser lesions (i.e., which reduced ipsilateral dopamine concentrations by less than 75%), administration of tyrosine (250 mg/kg) caused further significant increases in formation of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid. These findings provide further evidence that tyrosine availability can enhance dopamine synthesis in and release from nigrostriatal neurons if the firing rates of these neurons are accelerated.

The decarboxylation of DOPA in the parkinsonian brain: in vivo studies on an animal model

The site of decarboxylation of exogenously administered L-DOPA was studied in corpora striata of rats with near-total unilateral nigrostriatal lesions. After DOPA administration, the absolute increases in dopamine (DA) levels were lower in lesioned than in unlesioned striata, suggesting that, in the intact striatum, a major part of exogenous DOPA is decarboxylated in DA neurons. DOPA can also be decarboxylated outside DA neurons, however, as shown by our finding that relatively higher DOPA decarboxylase than tyrosine hydroxylase activity or DA concentration remains in striata after the nigrostriatal lesions. Also, the percentage increases in DA formation after DOPA administration were much higher in lesioned than in control striata. Rats with both raphé and nigrostriatal lesions failed to exhibit further reductions in striatal DOPA decarboxylase activity or diminished biochemical or behavioral (turning behavior) reactions to DOPA. Inhibition of the DOPA decarboxylase contained in brain capillary endothelial cells did not abolish DA formation in lesioned striata or circling behavior after DOPA administration. These findings all suggest an additional cell type in the striatum as the site of DOPA's decarboxylation in the absence of DA neurons.

Evidence for a GABAergic projection from the substantia nigra to the ventromedial thalamus and to the superior colliculus of the rat

Unilateral intranigral infusion of kainic acid (1.5 microgram) produced neuronal loss in the lateral two-thirds of the nigra while sparing axons en passage. Fink-Heimer silver impregnation revealed dense terminal degeneration in the nigra itself (both in the compacta and in the reticulata) and in areas of non-dopaminergic nigral projection such as the ventromedial (VM) nucleus of the thalamus, the superior colliculus and the reticular formation; only spare terminal degeneration was found in areas of dopaminergic projection such as the caudate and septum. In order to clarify the nature of the transmitter of the nigrothalamic and nigrocollicular neurons, the activity of glutamic decarboxylase (GAD), the marker of cholinergic neurons, was measured in the VM and ventrobasal (VB) thalamus and in the nigra of each side, 7 days after unilateral intranigral injection of kainic acid. GAD activity was reduced significantly in the VM-thalamus (-33%), in the superior colliculus (-40%) and in the substantia nigra (-18%) but not in the VB-thalamus of the lesioned side. CAT remained unchanged in these areas. Similar results were obtained in the thalamus and in the superior colliculus after electrocoagulative lesions of the nigra. The results indicate the existence of a nigrothalamic and of a nigrocollicular GABAergic pathway. This projection might play an important role in motor coordination and gaze control.