Differential and selective antagonism of the slow-inhibitory postsynaptic potential and slow-excitatory postsynaptic potential by gallamine and pirenzepine in the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit

Fluorescent styryl dyes FM1-43 and FM2-10 are muscarinic receptor antagonists: intravital visualization of receptor occupancy

The fluorescent styryl dyes FM1-43 and FM2-10 have been used to visualize the endocytic and exocytic processes involved in neurotransmission in a variety of central and peripheral nerve preparations. Their utility is limited to some extent by a poorly understood vesicular-independent labelling of cells and tissues. We show here that one likely cause of this troublesome background labelling is that FM1-43 and FM2-10 are selective and competitive antagonists at both cloned and endogenously expressed muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. In radioligand binding studies, FM1-43 and FM2-10 bound with moderate affinity (23-220 nM) to membranes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing cloned human muscarinic receptors (M1-M5). In functional studies in vitro, FM1-43 and FM2-10 inhibited electrical field stimulation (EFS) and acetylcholine-induced cholinergic contractions of guinea-pig tracheal strips (IC50: FM1-43, 0.4 +/- 0.1; FM2-10, 1.6 +/- 0.1 microM; concentration of antagonist producing a 2-fold leftward shift in the acetylcholine concentration-response curve (Kb): FM1-43, 0.3 +/- 0.1; FM2-10, 15.8 +/- 10.1 microM). Neither compound inhibited EFS-evoked, non-adrenergic non-cholinergic nerve-mediated relaxations or contractions of the airways, or contractions mediated by histamine H1 receptor or tachykinin NK2 receptor activation. Incubating freshly excised tracheal whole-mount preparations with 5 microM FM1-43 resulted in intense fluorescence labelling of the smooth muscle that was reduced by up to 90% in the presence of selective M2 and M3 receptor antagonists. The potency of the FM dyes as muscarinic receptor antagonists is within the concentration range used to study vesicular cycling at nerve terminals. Given that muscarinic receptors play a key role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release from a variety of neurones, the anticholinergic properties of FM dyes may have important implications when studying vesicular events in the nervous system. In addition, these dyes may provide a novel tool for visualizing muscarinic receptor occupancy in living tissue or cell preparations.

Presynaptic muscarinic acetylcholine receptors suppress GABAergic synaptic transmission in the intermediate grey layer of mouse superior colliculus

The intermediate grey layer (the stratum griseum intermediale; SGI) of the superior colliculus (SC) receives cholinergic inputs from the parabrachial region of the brainstem. It has been shown that cholinergic inputs activate nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors on projection neurons in the SGI. Therefore, it has been suggested that they facilitate the initiation of orienting behaviours. In this study, we investigated the effect of muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor activation on GABAergic synaptic transmission to SGI neurons using the whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique in slice preparations from mice. The GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) evoked in SGI neurons by focal electrical stimulation were suppressed by bath application of 10 microm muscarine chloride. During muscarine application, both the paired-pulse facilitation index and the coefficient of variation of IPSCs increased; however, the current responses induced by a transient pressure application of 1 mm GABA were not affected by muscarine. Muscarine reduced frequencies of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) while the amplitudes of mIPSCs remained unchanged. These results suggested that mAChR-mediated inhibition of IPSCs was of presynaptic origin. The suppressant effect of muscarine was antagonized by an M1 receptor antagonist, pirenzepine dihydrochloride (1 microM), and a relatively specific M3 receptor antagonist, 4-DAMP methiodide (50 nM). By contrast, an M2 receptor antagonist, methoctramine tetrahydrochloride (10 microM), was ineffective. These results suggest that the cholinergic inputs suppress GABAergic synaptic transmission to the SGI neurons at the presynaptic site via activation of M1 and, possibly, M3 receptors. This may be an additional mechanism by which cholinergic inputs can facilitate tectofugal command generation.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and airway diseases

Parasympathetic nerves provide the dominant autonomic innervation of the airways. Release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic nerves activates postjunctional muscarinic receptors present on airway smooth muscle, submucosal glands, and blood vessels to cause bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and vasodilatation, respectively. Acetylcholine also feeds back onto prejunctional muscarinic receptors to enhance or inhibit further acetylcholine release. In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion is increased and the airways are hyperresponsive to contractile agents. These changes are due to increased parasympathetic nerve activity. The number and function of postjunctional muscarinic receptors in the airways are unchanged in animal models of asthma. Rather, it is the supply of acetylcholine to the postjunctional cells (smooth muscle and submucosal gland) that is increased. The increase in acetylcholine release occurs because prejunctional, inhibitory M(2) muscarinic receptors on the parasympathetic nerves are dysfunctional. M(2) muscarinic receptor dysfunction and subsequent airway hyperreactivity have been demonstrated to occur in animals in response to a variety of triggers, including antigen challenge, virus infection, ozone exposure, and vitamin A deficiency. In humans, there is evidence that loss of M(2) muscarinic receptor function is related to asthma. The mechanisms by which neuronal M(2) muscarinic receptor function is lost and its relevance to human airway disease are discussed in this review.

Role of muscarinic receptors, G-proteins, and intracellular messengers in muscarinic modulation of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission

Previously, we reported that activation of muscarinic receptors modulates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in auditory neocortex [Aramakis et al. (1997a) Exp Brain Res 113:484-496]. Here, we describe the muscarinic subtypes responsible for these modulatory effects, and a role for G-proteins and intracellular messengers. The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (oxo-M), at 25-100 microM, produced a long-lasting enhancement of NMDA-induced membrane depolarizations. We examined the postsynaptic G-protein dependence of the modulatory effects of oxo-M with the use of the G-protein activator GTP gamma S and the nonhydrolyzable GDP analog GDP beta S. Intracellular infusion of GTP gamma S mimicked the facilitating actions of oxo-M. After obtaining the whole-cell recording configuration, there was a gradual, time-dependent increase of the NMDA receptor-mediated slow-EPSP, and of iontophoretic NMDA-induced membrane depolarizations. In contrast, intracellular infusion of either GDP beta S or the IP3 receptor antagonist heparin prevented oxo-M mediated enhancement of NMDA depolarizations. The muscarinic receptor involved in enhancement of NMDA iontophoretic responses is likely the M1 receptor, because the increase was prevented by pirenzepine, but not the M2 antagonists methoctramine or AF-DX 116. Oxo-M also reduced the amplitude of the pharmacologically isolated slow-EPSP, and this effect was blocked by M2 antagonists. Thus, muscarinic-mediated enhancement of NMDA responses involves activation of M1 receptors, leading to the engagement of a postsynaptic G-protein and subsequent IP3 receptor activity.

Assessment of muscarinic transmission in the superior cervical and ciliary ganglion of the cat

This study was undertaken to determine if muscarinic mechanisms are involved in synaptic transmission in the parasympathetic ciliary ganglion as has been clearly shown for sympathetic ganglia. Cats were anesthetized, and following topical ephedrine, pupillary constrictions were elicited by electrical stimulation of the intracranial oculomotor nucleus. Nictitating membrane contractions were evoked by electrical stimulation of the preganglionic cervical nerve. Frequency-response curves were repeated after infusion with hexamethonium (0.6-1.0 mg/kg min-1) and after subsequent administration of atropine (500 micrograms/kg. i.v.). In other experiments, effects of nicotinic (DMPP) and muscarinic (McN-A-343) agonists on postganglionic ciliary nerve activity were measured. Treatment with hexamethonium reduced nictitating membrane responses at all frequencies of stimulation (by about 75% at 16-32 Hz). The residual nictitating membrane contractions were subsequently blocked by the addition of atropine. In contrast, hexamethonium totally abolished miosis produced by CNS preganglionic oculomotor nerve stimulation. The nicotinic agonist, DMPP, produced nictitating membrane contractions, miosis, and increased ciliary nerve firing. In contrast, McN-A-343 contracted the nictitating membrane but failed to increase postganglionic ciliary nerve activity. These results suggest that, unlike sympathetic ganglia, a significant degree of muscarinic transmission does not occur in the parasympathetic ciliary ganglion.

Characterization of muscarinic receptors in equine tracheal smooth muscle in vitro

This study was undertaken to assess the importance of muscarinic receptor subtypes in equine airway disease. Smooth muscle strips from the mid-cervical portion of the trachea of horses were placed in tissue baths and isometric contractile force was measured. Active force was measured in response to metacholine and the selective muscarinic receptor agonists McN-A-343 (M1-selective) and pilocarpine (M2-selective) in cumulative concentrations (10(-9)M through 10(-3)M), with and without preincubation with three or four concentrations of the selective muscarinic receptor antagonists pirenzepine (M1-selective), methoctramine (M2-selective), and 4-DAMP (M3-selective). The tissues contracted in response to all muscarinic agonists. The maximum responses (mean +/- sem) were 86.7 +/- 6.2 g for metacholine, 27.1 +/- 2.5 g for McN-A-343 and 37.6 +/- 3.5 g for pilocarpine. Preincubation with the selective muscarinic receptor antagonists resulted in dose-dependent rightward shifts of the concentration-effect curves for metacholine. pA2 values (means +/- sem) were 8.88 +/- 0.30 for 4-DAMP, 6.53 +/- 0.38 for methoctramine, and 6.72 +/- 0.31 for pirenzepine. Preincubation with 10(-7) M 4-DAMP resulted in a rightward shift of the concentration-effect curves for McN-A-343 and pilocarpine. These results indicate that the most important muscarinic receptor mediating contraction of equine tracheal smooth muscle is of the M3-type. Therefore relatively low concentrations of a M3-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist will inhibit acetylcholine-induced contraction of equine airway smooth muscle.

McN-A-343 increases renal sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure by a muscarinic and a non-muscarinic mechanism in the rat

1. Intravenous administration of the putative M1 muscarinic agonist McN-A-343 to conscious rats evokes an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) which can be blocked by muscarinic receptor antagonists. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the increase in MAP and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) evoked by intravenous administration of McN-A-343 to urethane-anaesthetized rats. 2. McN-A-343 (0.1-0.3 mg kg-1) evoked a concurrent increase in MAP and RSNA which could be inhibited by the nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine or the selective M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist telenzepine. Administration of higher doses of McN-A-343 (0.3-1.2 mg kg-1) in the presence of muscarinic receptor blockade evoked brief bursts in RSNA accompanied by increases in MAP. 3. The increases in MAP, but not the increases in RSNA, evoked by all doses of McN-A-343 could be attenuated by the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. Adding the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine to prazosin did not further inhibit the pressor response to the low doses of McN-A-343. 4. The irreversible alpha-adrenoceptor and NPY receptor antagonist benextramine also attenuated the pressor response evoked by the low doses of McN-A-343 but not the increases in RSNA. However, when combined with muscarinic receptor blockade, benextramine completely inhibited the brief bursts in RSNA, and thus also the increases in MAP, evoked by the high doses of McN-A-343. 5. The pressor response remaining after the administration of high doses of McN-A-343 to rats pretreated with prazosin and methylatropine was inhibited by treatment with alpha,beta-methylene ATP. 6. These results show that McN-A-343 evokes increases in RSNA by muscarinic and non-muscarinic mechanisms. Furthermore, the subsequent increase in MAP is primarily dependent upon activation of vascular alpha 1-adrenoceptors, but may also involve activation of P2 alpha receptors.

Localization, regulation and functions of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in cervical sympathetic ganglia

Cervical sympathetic ganglia represent a suitable model for studying the establishment and plasticity of neurochemical organization in the nervous system since sympathetic postganglionic neurons: (1) express several neuromediators, i.e., short acting transmitters, neuropeptide modulators and radicals, in different combinations; (2) receive synaptic input from a limited number of morphologically and neurochemically well-defined neuron populations in the central and peripheral nervous systems (anterograde influence on phenotype); (3) can be classified morphologically and neurochemically by the target they innervate (retrograde influence on phenotype); (4) regenerate readily, making it possible to study changes in neuromediator content after axonal lesion and their possible influence on peripheral nerve regeneration; (5) can be maintained in vitro in order to investigate effects of soluble factors as well as of membrane bound molecules on neuromediator expression; and (6) are easily accessible. Acetylcholine and noradrenaline, as well as neuropeptides and the recently discovered radical, nitric oxide, are discussed with respect to their localization and possible functions in the mammalian superior cervical and cervicothoracic (stellate) paravertebral ganglia. Furthermore, mechanisms regulating transmitter synthesis in sympathetic neurons in vivo and in vitro, such as soluble factors, cell contact or electrical activity, are summarized, since modulation of transmitter synthesis, release and metabolism plays a key role in the neuronal response to environmental influences.

Autoradiographic localization of functional muscarinic receptors in the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion reveals an extensive distribution over non-synaptic surfaces of neuronal somata, dendrites and nerve endings

Fast synaptic transmission in sympathetic ganglia is mediated by acetylcholine, acting on nicotinic receptors, yet muscarinic receptors are also present and are involved in the production of slow postsynaptic potentials. In order further to elucidate the role of muscarinic receptors in ganglionic transmission their distribution in the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion was investigated autoradiographically by use of the tritiated irreversible muscarinic ligand propylbenzilylcholine mustard. It was observed that this agent blocked the carbachol-evoked hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids in the ganglion and that this response to carbachol is itself inhibitable by selective muscarinic antagonists with a potency sequence which indicates involvement primarily of M1 receptors. Light microscope autoradiography showed that labelling inhibitable by atropine and by the M1-selective muscarinic antagonist pirenzepine was essentially confined to the margins of neuronal somata and regions of dendritic arborization, which include synaptic contacts. Quantitative electron microscope autoradiography showed that binding of the radioligand, of which approximately 70% was inhibitable by atropine and 68% by pirenzepine, was associated predominantly with surface membranes of neuronal somata, dendrites, other neurites (including axons and uncharacterized dendrites) and nerve terminal profiles, in the approximate ratios 95:85:52:45. Of the inhibitable binding over neuronal membranes in the ganglion little more than 3% was found to be synaptically located, and this involved para- or peri-synaptic regions of nerve terminal contacts rather than the specialized synaptic zone. About 5% of the inhibitable binding over neuronal membranes involved non-synaptic surfaces of nerve terminals and preterminal axon segments; almost 70% was distributed over non-synaptic surfaces of neuronal somata and dendrites, and about 21% upon other neurites. Binding sites were found not to be more highly concentrated at or adjacent to synapses than over other regions of neuronal surface membranes. About 50%, possibly more, of the binding on non-synaptic surfaces of nerve endings, and about 7% of binding upon dendritic membranes, was of non-M1, possibly M2 type, inhibitable by atropine but not by pirenzepine. Non-synaptic neuro-neuronal appositions, which involve dendrites and somata and often lie adjacent to synapses, showed rather more than twice the binding expected for each membrane individually; and neuronal membrane exposed to basal lamina lining ganglionic tissue spaces showed high levels of binding. Little inhibitable binding was seen over membranes of satellite and Schwann cells, or over cytoplasmic territories or ganglionic interstitial tissue. A model was constructed of the distribution of label, which showed that the observed results for total binding could be approximately matched by assuming the following relative densities of ligand binding sites: interstitial tissue space and supporting cells 1, soma cytoplasm 3, cytoplasm of dendrites, neurites and nerve terminals 4.5, surfaces of mesodermal elements 15, surfaces of neurites and nerve endings including sites of synapse 45, surfaces of dendrites 90, surfaces of neuronal somata 120, non-synaptic neuro-neuronal appositions 180. It is concluded that functional muscarinic receptors in this sympathetic ganglion, predominantly of the M1 type linked with slow depolarizations, but including some non-M1 receptors, are widely distributed over non-synaptic surfaces of the neuronal somata and dendrites and are not concentrated at synapses. Presynaptic autoreceptors are also present, of which half or more are of non-M1, possibly M2, type which might be inhibitory. The presence of M4 receptors is not excluded...

Evidence for the presence of function of the inhibitory M2 receptors in the rabbit airways and lungs

We investigated to determine whether or not the inhibitory M2-receptors function in the rabbit lung and heart. Rabbits were anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and ventilated. Administration of gallamine, an M2-receptor antagonist, augmented an increase of PT produced by vagal stimulation with or without simultaneous administration of histamine and the increases were dose-dependent. Conversely, prior treatment with pilocarpine, an M2-receptor agonist, reduced these responses in a dose-dependent manner. The PT responses to histamine injection only were not significantly altered by administration of either gallamine or pilocarpine. The remaining bronchoconstrictor responses to the three stimuli in the presence of gallamine or pilocarpine were completely blocked by atropine. In another series of experiments, gallamine treatment enhanced bronchoconstriction evoked by vagal stimulation but reduced acetylcholine (ACh)-induced bronchoconstriction. These opposite responses were dose-dependent for gallamine. The results suggest that there are inhibitory M2-receptors in the parasympathetic nerves innervating the lungs in the rabbit. Furthermore, gallamine treatment that completely blocked bradycardia evoked by ACh administration reduced vagally-mediated bradycardia. This implies that gallamine appears to have an antagonistic action on muscarinic receptors in the rabbit heart.

mRNAs encoding muscarinic and substance P receptors in cultured sympathetic neurons are differentially regulated by LIF or CNTF

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) have previously been shown to regulate neuronal choice of neurotransmitter. In this present study, these factors were shown to specifically and differentially regulate levels of both muscarinic (subtypes m1, m2, m3, m4, and m5) and substance P receptor (SPR) mRNAs in sympathetic neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) using solution hybridization/RNase protection analysis. In vivo, neonatal rat SCG expressed predominantly m2 (10.31 +/- 0.43 pg mRNA/micrograms total RNA) and some m1 (1.54 +/- 0.84 pg/microgram) muscarinic receptor mRNA, which increased developmentally to adult levels (m2 mRNA levels being 60% higher than those in neonates). By contrast, m3, m4, and m5 subtype mRNAs were much less abundant at all time points measured. A similar developmental regulation was found in dissociated SCG neurons in vitro. After 16 days in culture, m2 mRNA increased 334% to 15.76 +/- 0.68 pg/microgram, while m1 mRNA changed little (2.03 +/- 1.00 pg/microgram). However, LIF or CNTF treatment (5 ng/ml, 14 days) in sister cultures completely blocked this developmental increase. Further, LIF treatment blocked the normal muscarinic receptor-mediated increase in intracellular calcium (fura-2 imaging), indicating a functional change in receptor phenotype. By contrast, levels of SPR mRNA, which were low in untreated cultures (0.037 +/- 0.025 pg SPR mRNA/microgram total RNA), were elevated by LIF or CNTF treatment, to 0.866 +/- 0.034 pg/microgram and 0.662 +/- 0.148 pg/microgram, respectively. These observations indicate that muscarinic and SPR receptor expression are differentially regulated by the same factors in SCG neurons and that neuronal choice of receptor phenotype may be, at least in part, specifically regulated by cytokines/growth factors in the cellular milieu.

In vivo study of the role of muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic control of rabbit colonic motility

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of the non-M1 muscarinic receptors, in the extrinsic and intrinsic nerve control of in vivo colonic motility. Experiments were performed on the proximal colon of anaesthetized rabbits. In this species, the parasympathetic innervation of the proximal colon originates from the vagus nerves. The action of methoctramine and 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide (4-DAMP) was studied on excitatory junction potentials (EJPs), and on inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) elicited in smooth muscle cells by stimulating parasympathetic efferents. The effects of the same drugs on spontaneous spiking activity were also investigated. The EJPs either decreased or disappeared after intra-arterial (i.a.) administration of 4-DAMP (45 pg to 450 ng). In the presence of 4-DAMP, further intravenous (i.v.) administration of pirenzepine (0.1 mg.kg-1) had facilitatory effects on the inhibitory pathway, i.e., after abolition of the EJPs, vagal stimulation elicited IJPs. With the highest dose of 4-DAMP, vagal stimulation immediately elicited IJPs the amplitude of which still increased after pirenzepine. In the presence of 4-DAMP, the spontaneous spike discharge was not noticeably altered. Methoctramine (0.37 to 75 micrograms, i.a. or 50 micrograms to 0.2 mg.kg-1, i.v.) increased the amplitude of the EJPs, whereas it decreased that of the IJPs. In addition, at the same doses, it either initiated or increased spike discharges that were not altered by pirenzepine up to 0.2 mg.kg-1, i.v. The so-called rebound excitation occurring after IJPs was not affected by methoctramine. No change in the EJP or IJP amplitude was observed with gallamine at sufficiently high doses to paralyse striated muscles (up to 3 mg.kg-1.h-1). It is concluded that the parasympathetic excitatory pathway to smooth muscle is blocked by 4-DAMP, whereas it is facilitated by methoctramine. 4-DAMP has no effect on the inhibitory pathway which is strongly depressed by methoctramine; however, the fact that these two drugs have opposite effects indicates that 4-DAMP and methoctramine may act on different muscarinic receptor subtypes. In addition, the facilitatory effects of pirenzepine on IJPs observed in animals pre-treated with 4-DAMP, indicates that the latter drug may act on non-M1 and non-M2 (presumably M3) muscarinic receptors. Methoctramine acts on non-M1 and non-M3 (presumably M2) receptors. The spike discharge induced by methoctramine is presumably due to an increased release of acetylcholine, and possibly also of a non-cholinergic transmitter which has excitatory effects on smooth muscle, the identification of which requires further investigations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Nucleus basalis stimulation facilitates thalamocortical synaptic transmission in the rat auditory cortex

Nucleus basalis (NB) neurons are a primary source of neocortical acetylcholine (ACh) and likely contribute to mechanisms of neocortical activation. However, the functions of neocortical activation and its cholinergic component remain unclear. To identify functional consequences of NB activity, we have studied the effects of NB stimulation on thalamocortical transmission. Here we report that tetanic NB stimulation facilitated field potentials, single neuron discharges, and monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) elicited in middle to deep cortical layers of the rat auditory cortex following stimulation of the auditory thalamus (medial geniculate, MG). NB stimulation produced a twofold increase in the slope and amplitude of the evoked short-latency (onset 3.0 +/- 0.13 ms, peak 6.3 +/- 0.21 ms), negative-polarity cortical field potential and increased the probability and synchrony of MG-evoked unit discharge, without altering the preceding fiber volley. Intracortical application of atropine blocked the NB-mediated facilitation of field potentials, indicating action of ACh at cortical muscarinic receptors. Intracellular recordings revealed that the short-latency cortical field potential coincided with a short-latency EPSP (onset 3.3 +/- 0.20 ms, peak 5.6 +/- 0.47 ms). NB stimulation decreased the onset and peak latencies of the EPSP by about 20% and increased its amplitude by 26%. NB stimulation also produced slow membrane depolarization and sometimes reduced a long-lasting IPSP that followed the EPSP. The combined effects of NB stimulation served to increase cortical excitability and facilitate the ability of the EPSP to elicit action potentials. Taken together, these data indicate that NB cholinergic neurons can modify neocortical functions by facilitating thalamocortical synaptic transmission.

Muscarinic receptors--characterization, coupling and function

At least five muscarinic receptor genes have been cloned and expressed. Muscarinic receptors act via activation of G proteins: m1, m3 and m5 muscarinic receptors couple to stimulate phospholipase C, while m2 and m4 muscarinic receptors inhibit adenylyl cyclase. This review describes the localization, pharmacology and function of the five muscarinic receptor subtypes. The actions of muscarinic receptors on the heart, smooth muscle, glands and on neurons (both presynaptic and postsynaptic) in the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system are analyzed in terms of subtypes, biochemical mechanisms and effects on ion channels, including K+ channels and Ca2+ channels.

Neuronal control of airways smooth muscle

Sensory afferent nerves relay impulses from the airways to the central nervous system so that appropriate changes in bronchomotor tone and breathing patterns may occur. The dominant efferent control of airways smooth muscle is exerted via bronchoconstrictor parasympathetic cholinergic nerves. In some species this is opposed by bronchodilator sympathetic noradrenergic nerves. In addition, there exist both excitatory bronchoconstrictor and inhibitory bronchodilator non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic pathways. This review examines the role of the different branches of the autonomic nervous system in the control of airways smooth muscle tone with particular reference to modulation of these branches and the interactions which may exist between them.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes in airways

Muscarinic receptor subtypes in the airways appear to subserve different physiological functions. M1-receptors facilitate neurotransmission through parasympathetic ganglia and enhance cholinergic reflexes, but are also localized to alveolar walls. M2-receptors act as autoreceptors on post-ganglionic cholinergic nerves and inhibit acetylcholine release. There is some evidence that they may be defective in asthma (as a consequence of airway inflammation?) and this may enhance cholinergic reflexes and account for beta-blocker-induced asthma. M2-receptors in airway smooth muscle may also counteract the bronchodilator action of beta-agonists. M3-receptors mediate contractile responses in airway smooth muscle via phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and are the predominant receptors on submucosal glands and airway vascular endothelium. M4- and M5-receptors have not been identified in human airways, but in rabbit lung M4-receptors are expressed on alveolar walls and smooth muscle. Anticholinergic drugs which selectively block M3 and M1-receptors may have an advantage over currently used non-selective antagonists in the treatment of airway obstruction.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes: implications for therapy

At least three subtypes of muscarinic receptor have been localised to human airways. M1-receptors facilitate ganglionic transmission and therefore enhance cholinergic reflexes, M2-receptors are localised to post-ganglionic cholinergic nerve terminals and inhibit the release of acetylcholine and M3-receptors on airway smooth muscle mediate constriction and on submucosal glands mediate increased mucus secretion. M3 or mixed M1/M3-receptor antagonists should be preferable to the non-selective anticholinergic drugs in current use, since they would not increase acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerves.

Differential regulation of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic receptors and their mRNAs in cultured sympathetic neurons

Mechanisms regulating expression of neuronal muscarinic and nicotinic receptors were examined in cultures of neonatal rat sympathetic neurons. Two factors known to stimulate cholinergic transmitter development in sympathetic neurons were examined for their effects on cholinergic receptor expression. A membrane associated factor (MANS46) and a diffusible factor produced by cultured rat fibroblasts (RFCM) each decreased muscarinic receptor number. By contrast, neither treatment altered levels of nicotinic receptors. Levels of muscarinic (m2) receptor mRNA were decreased by MANS but not by RFCM, indicating that effects of the two treatments were mediated by different mechanisms. Neither MANS nor RFCM altered levels of nicotinic alpha 3 or beta 2 mRNAs, consistent with the lack of change in numbers of nicotinic receptors. These observations indicate that receptor phenotype in developing neurons is subject to regulation by multiple epigenetic factors. Further, the same signals which regulate transmitter development may also regulate receptor expression in sympathetic neurons.

Neuropharmacology of the muscarinic antagonist telenzepine in myenteric ganglia of the guinea-pig small intestine

Intracellular recording methods were used to investigate the actions of the putative M1 muscarinic receptor antagonist telenzepine on the electrical and synaptic behavior of myenteric neurons. Telenzepine had no effect on resting membrane potential, input resistance, excitability and antidromic potentials in both AH/type 2 and S/type 1 neurons, when applied in concentrations of 0.1-2000 nM, although higher concentrations (10-100 microM) did have a significant non-specific effect on the postsynaptic membrane. Micromolar concentrations of telenpzepine (1-2 microM) had no effect on excitatory responses to substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium or the nicotinic action of acetylcholine. Nicotinic fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials were also unaffected by 2 microM telenzepine. In contrast, at submicromolar concentrations (100 nM), telenzepine abolished responses to either muscarine or the muscarinic component of the acetylcholine response. The excitatory effect of muscarine at postsynaptic M1 receptors was dose dependently inhibited by telenzepine (0.1-1000 nM) at concentrations which had no effect on the electrical properties of the cells. This effect was slowly reversible, usually requiring more than 60 min for significant recovery. The threshold dose of telenzepine as an antagonist of the muscarinic depolarization in AH/type 2 neurons was in the range of 0.1-1 nM. The IC50 concentration of telenzepine needed to abolish the response was 8.5 nM. A small proportion of stimulus-evoked slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in both AH/type 2 and S/type 1 cells were abolished by 1 microM telenzepine, while the majority of them remained unaffected, indicating that some slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials are mediated by the muscarinic action of released acetylcholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A pharmacological study of the responses induced by muscarinic agonists on the isolated superior cervical ganglion of the guinea-pig

We have studied the muscarinic agonist induced responses on the guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion in vitro, as recorded from the internal carotid nerve using a grease-gap. The principal response was a depolarization, but a small hyperpolarizing response could be revealed under certain conditions. We determined the pA2 of a number of muscarinic antagonists against the muscarine induced depolarization. Four selective antagonists and atropine appeared to act competitively. The rank order of their pA2s was 4-DAMP (8.5), atropine (8.4), pirenzepine (8.0), methoctramine (7.2) and AF-DX 116 (6.3). In addition to muscarine, we assessed the potency and relative maximum response of nine other muscarinic compounds to depolarize this preparation: carbachol, 5-methylfurmethide, oxotremorine, oxotremorine-M, pilocarpine, RS 86, AF102B and two novel compounds L-670548 and L-679512. L-670548 was the most potent and AF102B was the least potent agonist tested. Only AF102B evoked a maximum depolarization that was significantly smaller than muscarine. A hyperpolarizing response to carbachol (1 microM) could be recorded when the superfusing medium contained 0.3 microM pirenzepine and only 0.1 mM CaCl2 (cf. usual 2.5 mM). This response was relatively small compared to that evoked on the superior cervical ganglion of the rat. It was blocked by the cardioselective antagonists methoctramine (0.1-0.3 microM) and AF-DX 116 (0.3-1.0 microM). Of the 10 agonists tested, only carbachol, oxotremorine and oxotremorine-M reproducibly evoked a hyperpolarizing response. It was concluded that muscarinic agonists can induce a depolarization of the guinea-pig superior cervical ganglion mediated by M1 receptors. The activation of cardiac-like M2 receptors resulted in a hyperpolarizing response that was relatively small.

Differential effects of the muscarinic M2 antagonists, AF-DX 116 and gallamine, on single neurons of rabbit sympathetic ganglia

Intracellular recording techniques were used to compare the effects of the M2 muscarinic antagonists, AF-DX 116 and gallamine, on membrane potential (Vm), input resistance (Ri), responses induced by methacholine, muscarinic slow postsynaptic potentials and action potentials in the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit. Gallamine or AF-DX 116 antagonized methacholine-induced or synaptically-evoked muscarinic hyperpolarization, without having significant effect on depolarization induced by methacholine or synaptically. The drug AF-DX 116 reduced evoked muscarinic hyperpolarizing potentials, without significant change in Vm or Ri, recorded in the absence of muscarinic stimulation. In contrast to AF-DX 116, gallamine elicited a concentration-dependent depolarization of the membrane, with a corresponding increase in Ri, when tested in the absence of muscarinic stimulation. These effects of gallamine were accompanied by an increase in duration and decrease in the slope of the descending phase of the action potential. Blockade by gallamine of evoked hyperpolarization was independent of membrane depolarization and readily occurred when gallamine-induced depolarization was prevented by clamping Vm at its pre-gallamine level. The effects of gallamine were maintained during its presence and reversed upon washing with gallamine-free physiological solution. These results indicate that AF-DX 116 and gallamine have a specificity for antagonism of muscarinic responses, mediated by receptors of the M2 type in the superior cervical ganglion. However, gallamine, while an effective antagonist of M2 responses, also has the ability to modify the electrical characteristics of ganglion cells and thus may modify ganglionic transmission by mechanisms other than antagonism of receptors.

The effect of M1 muscarinic blockade on behavior and physiological responses following traumatic brain injury in the rat

Dicyclomine (1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg), scopolamine (1 mg/kg), or saline was administered intraperitoneally to rats 15 min prior to moderate fluid percussion brain injury. A variety of reflexes and responses were measured up to 60 min following injury, and body weight and several neurological measures were taken daily up to 10 days following injury. All 3 antimuscarinic treatments reduced the duration of transient behavioral suppression as assessed by these measures. It appears that blockade of the M1 muscarinic receptor can attenuate transient behavioral suppression associated with concussive brain injury. Thus, stimulation of M1 muscarinic receptors may mediate components of reversible traumatic unconsciousness following cerebral concussion. No differences were observed between saline and antimuscarinic treatments in the incidence or duration of apnea following injury. Scopolamine pretreatment significantly elevated heart rate prior to injury, but had no significant effect on the responses of heart rate and blood pressure to experimental concussion. Both doses of dicyclomine significantly reduced resting heart rate, but unlike scopolamine, significantly enhanced the cardiovascular response to fluid percussion injury. Antimuscarinic treatment significantly reduced body weight loss and certain motor deficits, including beam balance and beam walk performance, following concussive head injury. Scopolamine and both doses of dicyclomine appeared to be equally effective in reducing long-term deficits. Data from these experiments indicate that at least some of the long-term behavioral deficits following moderate levels of brain injury may involve the binding of acetylcholine to M1 muscarinic receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine modifies neuronal acoustic rate-level functions in guinea pig auditory cortex by an action at muscarinic receptors

Cholinergic modification of neuronal responsiveness in auditory cortex includes alteration of spontaneous and tone-evoked neuronal discharge. Previously it was suggested that the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and muscarinic agonists on neuronal discharge resembled those due to increases in the intensity of acoustic stimuli (Ashe et al. 1989). To determine the relationship between neuronal modifications due to ACh acting at muscarinic receptors and those due to changes in stimulus intensity, we determined acoustic rate-level functions for neurons in the auditory cortex of barbiturate-anesthetized guinea pigs before, during and after administration of ACh. ACh facilitated acoustic rate-level functions in 82% of the cells tested. In addition, during ACh administration 66% of neurons responded to stimuli that were previously subthreshold, that is, ACh decreased the response threshold. Cholinergic facilitation of rate-level functions was attenuated by the general muscarinic antagonist atropine. The nature of the muscarinic receptors involved in the actions of ACh was further examined by presenting single tones before, during, and after administration of ACh and specific muscarinic receptor subtype antagonists, either pirenzepine (M1) or gallamine (M2). ACh-induced facilitation of spontaneous and tone evoked neuronal discharge was antagonized by pirenzepine, but not by gallamine, suggesting the involvement of the M1 muscarinic receptor subtype. These data indicate that ACh can facilitate stimulus-evoked responses and decrease response thresholds for neurons in auditory cortex, possibly via activation of M1 muscarinic receptors. Such effects of ACh acting at muscarinic receptors could underly cholinergic regulation of information processing in the auditory cortex.

Identification of four brain areas each enriched in a unique muscarinic receptor subtype

The affinities of muscarinic agonists and antagonists were determined by autoradiography and image analysis in selected areas of the rat brain. IC50 values and Hill coefficients for the inhibition of the binding of 0.2 nM [3H]-QNB to dentate gyrus, superior colliculus, rhomboid thalamus and substantia nigra were measured in coronal sections. Pirenzepine displayed a high affinity for receptors in the dentate gyrus and AF-DX 116, the superior colliculus. Both pirenzepine and AF-DX 116 had high affinities for the substantia nigra and low affinities for the rhomboid thalamus. Gallamine displayed a 50-fold preference for superior colliculus over dentate gyrus receptors. Amitriptyline was less selective, showing a modest preference for substantia nigra receptors and 4-DAMP was essentially nonselective. Carbachol was the most selective agonist with a 4000-fold preference for superior colliculus over dentate gyrus receptors. Other agonists except RS 86 were also selective for superior colliculus receptors in the order carbachol much greater than arecoline greater than bethanechol greater than McN A343 = oxotremorine = pilocarpine.

Cholinergic modulation of responses to single tones produces tone-specific receptive field alterations in cat auditory cortex

Acetylcholine (ACh), acting via muscarinic receptors, is known to modulate neuronal responsiveness in primary sensory neocortex. The administration of ACh to cortical neurons facilitates or suppresses responses to sensory stimuli, and these effects can endure well beyond the period of ACh application. In the present study, we sought to determine whether ACh produces a general change in sensory information processing, or whether it can specifically alter the processing of sensory stimuli with which it was "paired". To answer this question, we restricted acoustic stimulation in the presence of ACh to a single frequency, and determined single neuron frequency receptive fields in primary auditory cortex before and after this pairing. During its administration, ACh produced mostly facilitatory effects on spontaneous activity and on responses to the single frequency tone. Examination of frequency receptive fields after ACh administration revealed receptive field modifications in 56% of the cells. In half of these cases, the receptive field alterations were highly specific to the frequency of the tone previously paired with ACh. Thus ACh can produce stimulus-specific modulation of auditory information processing. An additional and unexpected finding was that the type of modulation during ACh administration did not predict the type of receptive field modulation observed after ACh administration; this may be related to the physiological "context" of the same stimulus in two different conditions. The implications of these findings for learning-induced plasticity in the auditory cortex is discussed.

Autoradiographic localization of muscarinic receptors on cultured, peptide-containing neurones from newborn rat superior cervical ganglion

In order to identify subpopulations of cultured rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurones which express muscarinic receptors, a combination of immunocytochemistry and autoradiography was performed on these cultures. Antibodies to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were used to immunostain cultures that had previously been labelled with the irreversible muscarinic antagonist, [3H]propylbenzylylcholine mustard (PrBCM). Binding sites for [3H]PrBCM were observed on a large subpopulation of 65-85% of the ganglionic neuronal cell bodies. Specific labelling was not associated with non-neuronal cells found in these cultures. Approximately 60% of the SCG neurones were NPY-like immunoreactive (NPY-LI), a high proportion of which expressed muscarinic receptors. Five to 10% of the SCG neurones were VIP-LI, a small subpopulation of which displayed [3H]PrBCM binding sites. Receptor distribution on cell bodies was usually uniform, but occasionally, regions of high receptor density were seen. Dense networks of both varicose and non-varicose NPY-LI fibres were seen throughout the culture, a subpopulation of which expressed muscarinic receptors. Occasional VIP-LI fibres were also labelled with silver grains for [3H]PrBCM, but in less abundance than those for NPY-LI fibres. Conversely, neurones expressing muscarinic receptors were often immunonegative for either VIP or NPY: therefore, the identity of some of the neurones which express muscarinic receptors remains to be determined.

Interaction of telenzepine with muscarinic receptors in mammalian sympathetic ganglia

The interaction of the antimuscarinic drug telenzepine with muscarinic receptors was studied in rabbit and rat isolated superior cervical sympathetic ganglia. Radioligand binding demonstrated two muscarinic receptor sites in rabbit ganglia, with the characteristics of M1- and M2-receptors. Telenzepine bound to the M1 sites with a KI of 0.94 nmol/l and to the M2 sites with a KI of 17.8 nmol/l; the corresponding values for pirenzepine were 18.6 and 588 nmol/l; for AF-DX 116 the values were 891 and 33 nmol/l respectively. [3H]Telenzepine dissociated from the M1-receptors with a half time of 46 min at 37 degrees C. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that telenzepine reduced the amplitude of the extracellularly recorded slow excitatory postsynaptic potential and the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (ED50: 38 and 253 nmol/l respectively). In rat ganglia, application of muscarine or the M1-receptor agonist McN-A-343 increased the amplitude of submaximal population action potentials. This facilitation of synaptic transmission was potently blocked by telenzepine and pirenzepine but only weakly by AF-DX 116 (ED50: ca. 30, 150 and 20 mumol/l, respectively). It is concluded that telenzepine blocks the generation of the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential and the excitatory action of muscarine and McN-A-343 via an action on muscarinic M1-receptors.

Identification of M1 muscarinic receptors in pulmonary sympathetic nerves in the guinea-pig by use of pirenzepine

1. The effect of pirenzepine, a muscarinic antagonist considered to be selective for M1 receptors, was studied on bronchoconstriction and bradycardia elicited by preganglionic stimulation of the parasympathetic vagal nerves and by i.v. injections of acetylcholine (ACh) in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. Pirenzepine was equipotent in the heart and lung as an antagonist of the effects of i.v. ACh at postjunctional muscarinic receptors. Doses of pirenzepine in excess of 1 mumol kg-1 abolished all muscarinic responses consistent with non-selective blockade of M3 receptors on airway smooth muscle and M2 receptors on atrial cells. 3. In the lung, low doses of pirenzepine (1-100 nmol kg-1) increased vagally-induced bronchoconstriction despite concurrent partial blockade of the postjunctional receptors. This suggests blockade of neuronal muscarinic receptors. 4. Propranolol (1 mg kg-1) increased control bronchoconstrictor responses elicited by ACh and vagal stimulation but did not alter the potency of pirenzepine for postjunctional receptors in heart or lung. However, pirenzepine-induced enhancement of vagally-induced bronchoconstriction was abolished by propranolol, suggesting that pirenzepine may be an antagonist for muscarinic receptors located in the sympathetic nerves innervating airway smooth muscle. 5. These results confirm that bronchoconstrictor stimuli indirectly initiate activation of an opposing sympathetic reflex in the guinea-pig lung. This response is facilitated by muscarinic receptors located in the sympathetic nervous pathway. 6. The high potency of pirenzepine for the neuronal receptors in the sympathetic nerves suggests that these are M1 receptors. In contrast, the parasympathetic nerves innervating airway smooth muscle in this species contain M2 receptors which inhibit neurotransmission.

Selective antagonism of muscarinic potentials on the superior cervical ganglion of the rat

Selective antagonists have been used to classify the muscarinic receptors involved in the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential and slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential of the superior cervical ganglia of the rat, as recorded in 1 microM neostigmine, using a grease-gap method. Cardioselective M2 antagonists, e.g. AF-DX 116, depressed the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential and enhanced the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. The M1 selective antagonist pirenzepine depressed both potentials equally. The high potency of pirenzepine against the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential, however, indicates that it is mediated by M1 receptors. The slow excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were found to be pharmacologically similar to the muscarinic agonist-induced depolarisation and hyperpolarisation of this preparation, respectively. The actions of two muscarinic agonists on the postsynaptic potentials were also studied. It is concluded that the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential is mediated by M1 receptors and the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential by cardiac-like M2 receptors.

Biphasic dose-response curve to muscarine on the rat superior cervical ganglion

The dose-response curve for the muscarine-induced depolarisation of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion, studied over the concentration range of 3 nM-1 mM, was biphasic. An apparent maximum was obtained at around 1-3 microM muscarine, but this was only a plateau between the two parts of the curve. Two cardioselective antagonists, gallamine (10 microM) and AF-DX 116 (1 microM) had a complex action on this dose-response curve. The dose-response curve between 0.01 and 0.3 microM was shifted to the right, the responses around 3 microM muscarine were enhanced, but the dose-response curve over 30 microM muscarine was unaffected. The M1-selective antagonist pirenzepine (0.05 microM) depressed all parts of the dose-response curve, but it still appeared biphasic. Pretreatment of the ganglion with pertussis toxin (1 microgram/ml) enhanced the depolarisation to muscarine 0.01-1000 microM and the dose-response curve became less biphasic. Like gallamine and AF-DX 116, pertussis toxin abolished the muscarinic M2-mediated hyperpolarisation of the ganglion recorded in 0.3 microM pirenzepine. It is concluded that the presence of an underlying M2-mediated hyperpolarisation contributes to the biphasic nature of the dose-response curve to muscarine.

Cholinergic modulation of frequency receptive fields in auditory cortex: II. Frequency-specific effects of anticholinesterases provide evidence for a modulatory action of endogenous ACh

Exogenously applied muscarinic agonists--for example, acetylcholine (ACh) and acetyl-beta-methacholine (MCh)--modify frequency receptive fields in auditory cortex of unanesthetized animals in a frequency-specific rather than global manner. The present study sought to relate these findings to endogenous actions of ACh by using the anticholinesterase agents eserine sulphate and soman (0-1,2,2-trimethylpropylmethylphosphonofluoridate) to facilitate the effects of endogenous ACh. Frequency receptive fields (FRF) were determined by presenting sequences of different isointensity tones before, during, and after application of ACh, MCh, eserine, or soman; also the cholinesterase blockers were applied between applications of ACh or MCh. The major effects produced by the inhibitors were similar to those of the agonists. Predominant effects were frequency-specific changes in FRF. Further, eserine and soman, similar to ACh and MCh, produced shifts in the best frequency (BF) of FRF due mainly to coordinated depression of responses to the BF and increased responses to adjacent, non-BF. The results indicate that exogenous and endogenous ACh, acting via muscarinic receptors, can significantly influence the physiological functioning of cortical neurons and consequently their processing of sensory information.

Muscarinic excitation and inhibition of neurons in the submucous plexus of the guinea-pig caecum

Intracellular recordings were made from neurons in the submucous plexus of the guinea-pig caecum. Muscarinic agonists (acetylcholine, bethanechol and muscarine) depolarized about 70%, and hyperpolarized about 30% of the submucous plexus neurons. Low concentrations of pirenzepine reversibly antagonized both responses. The measured dissociation constants (KD) of 10-30 nM for the depolarizations and 1-3 nM for the hyperpolarizations suggest that each response was mediated by muscarinic M1 cholinoceptors. The muscarinic depolarization and hyperpolarization were associated with a decreased and an increased conductance, respectively, and the reversal potential for the muscarinic responses varied as the potassium concentration varied, always being around the potassium equilibrium potential. In cells depolarized by muscarinic agonists these agents appeared to decrease a potassium conductance that could also be inactivated by substance P. In approximately 30% of the submucous neurons, the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential, elicited in response to single or repetitive focal stimuli (1-10 pulses at 20-40 Hz), appeared to consist of a large component which was sensitive to the blocking action of idazoxan (100-300 nM) and a small component which was idazoxan-insensitive. The latter (muscarinic slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential) was completely abolished by pirenzepine. The concentrations of pirenzepine which caused a 50% depression ranged from 5 to 20 nM. The muscarinic slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential was increased in amplitude and duration by physostigmine (100-300 nM). The muscarinic slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential was accompanied by a decrease in membrane input resistance, and was reversed in polarity near the potassium equilibrium potential. When muscarine induced a hyperpolarization and/or focal stimulation elicited a muscarinic slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential in the presence of idazoxan (100-300 nM), the intracellular injection of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) produced a progressive membrane hyperpolarization during which the muscarinic hyperpolarizing responses were attenuated. It is concluded that the muscarine-induced reduction in potassium conductance is mediated through a muscarinic M1 receptor which has a relatively low affinity for pirenzepine. The muscarine-induced increase in potassium conductance is probably produced by the association of a guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein with another muscarinic M1 receptor that has a relatively high affinity for pirenzepine.

Long-term enhancement (LTE) of postsynaptic potentials following neural conditioning, in mammalian sympathetic ganglia

Orthodromic, preganglionic conditioning stimulation can consistently induce long-term enhancement (LTE) (greater than 3 h) of the muscarinically mediated slow excitatory postsynaptic potential and the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential. This was shown for superior cervical ganglia of rabbit and rat. Effective conditioning stimuli are in a physiologically observed range (3/s for 7 min, 5/s for 4 min, 10/s for 2 min, 20/s for 1 min). LTE was producible both homosynaptically and heterosynaptically. LTE can thus be associative, with conditioning synaptic input in one line inducing long-term changes in postsynaptic responses to another (heterosynaptic) input. The dopamine antagonist butaclamol depressed LTE, particularly that following the initial postconditioning period of 30 min. Adrenergic antagonists had no effect. This pharmacological evidence, coupled with the heterosynaptic induction of LTE, supports the view that neurally induced LTE may be at least partly mediated by endogenous dopamine. Another non-cholinergic but non-adrenergic transmitter (possibly a peptide) might contribute to the LTE seen in the initial 30 min postconditioning. The present, orthodromically induced LTE is clearly different from the long-term potentiation widely studied in hippocampus, etc., in the modes of induction and synaptic mediation.

Secondary late components of the muscarinic postsynaptic potentials, in rabbit superior cervical ganglion

The well known muscarinic slow excitatory polysynaptic potential (s-EPSP) of rabbit superior cervical ganglion (SCG) peaking at about 1-2 s and lasting 5-10 s, is immediately followed by an abrupt change in slope to a longer, lower depolarizing phase. A brief dip in the level of depolarization (DP) often separates the two depolarizing phases. The secondary phase of s-EPSP rises to its own peak at about 25 s; total duration 60-120 s. With repetition of orthodromic volleys secondary s-EPSP builds up more gradually than initial s-EPSP, but more rapidly than slow-slow (ss-) EPSP. The later 'secondary' depolarizing phase along with the antecedent 'dip in DP' are, like the 'initial' s-EPSP, eliminated by a muscarinic antagonist, quinuclinidyl benzilate hydrochloride (QNB). This distinguishes secondary s-EPSP from the even slower rising non-cholinergic ss-EPSP. The ss-EPSP, although relatively small in the responses to the usual 3-pulse test stimuli, rises to an extraordinary amplitude (equal to the compound action potential) during a 10 s-120 s train of pulses. Gallamine blocked most of the slow IPSP component in test responses but not initial or secondary s-EPSP. A preganglionic conditioning train (10/s for 2 min) induced a long-term-enhancement (LTE) of secondary s-EPSP lasting greater than 3 h, with maximum postconditioning percentage increases greater than for initial s-EPSP. Also enhanced was the dip in DP, now forming a deeper notch between initial and secondary s-EPSPs; this attains a maximum at about 30 min postconditioning but thereafter progressively loses the enhancement by about 90 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dual synaptic effects of activating M1-muscarinic receptors, in superior cervical ganglia of rabbits

Postsynaptic potentials elicited by various muscarinic agonists and by preganglionic stimuli in the presence of such agonists were recorded from rabbit superior cervical ganglia using sucrose-gap and air-gap methods. While methacholine and bethanechol (both at 10(-4) M) induced biphasic potential changes, McN-A-343 and a novel synthetic compound AF-102B (10(-7) M-10(-5) M) produced only a depolarizing response which was depressed by the M1-antagonist pirenzepine (10(-7) M), but not by the M2 antagonist AF-DX 116 (same concentration), indicating that these compounds act purely as M1-muscarinic agonists in this system. These agonists selectively depressed the orthodromic slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) in a dose-dependent manner without substantially affecting the fast EPSP; this is in accord with the view that their depolarizing action is on the same postsynaptic muscarinic receptor that mediates the slow EPSP. The slow inhibitory post synaptic potential (IPSP), on the other hand, was found potentiated in the presence of these agonists. This potentiation was antagonized not only by pirenzepine but also by yohimbine; the potentiation was itself enlarged by nomifensine (a dopamine-uptake inhibitor). We postulate that M1-muscarinic receptors are present not only on the postganglionic principal cells but also on the interneurons; the former were already known to be responsible for the generation of slow EPSP, but the latter may be on terminals of dopamine-containing small intensely fluorescent cells and regulate the orthodromic release of dopamine and are to be distinguished from the M2-receptors.

Muscarinic agonists modulate spontaneous and evoked unit discharge in auditory cortex of cat

The present experiments studied the effects of cholinergic agonists and antagonists on the spontaneous and acoustic-evoked discharge of auditory cortical neurons and examined whether these effects were mediated by muscarinic cholinergic receptors. A primary focus of this report is the analysis of specific effects of these agents on the spontaneous and tone-evoked discharge and on different temporal components of the evoked discharge. Single neurons were recorded in the auditory cortex of chronically prepared, awake cats with multibarrel micropipette electrodes. The responses to acoustic stimuli were obtained before, during, and following continuous ejection of cholinergic agonist or antagonists by micropressure. The mean rate of discharge of the neurons was analyzed quantitatively for spontaneous discharge and for different peaks of the tone-evoked PSTH corresponding to tone "on," "through," and "off" responses. Acetylcholine (ACh) and acetyl-beta-methacholine (MCh) produced significant effects on spontaneous activity in 72% and 68% of neurons tested, respectively. Tone-evoked responses were effected in 92% and 82% of cells tested, respectively. The ability of these agonists to modify spontaneous or evoked activity was dose-dependent. Agonist effects on spontaneous and evoked activity were often different in the same cell; however, effects on spontaneous activity did predict effects on "through" responses. The most common effect of ACh or MCh on evoked activity was facilitation of the tone "on" response. For neurons with multicomponent discharge patterns in response to tones, the agonists had nonuniform effects on different response components. However, the effects of ACh on the "on" and "off" responses covaried. Hence cholinergic agonists produce heterogeneous, selective effects on different components of the responses of auditory cortical neurons rather than simple increases or decreases in discharge level. The effects of cholinergic agonists were modified in the presence of atropine. The effects of MCh were blocked by atropine in a higher proportion of cases than those of ACh.

Modification of nicotinic ganglionic transmission by muscarinic slow postsynaptic potentials in the in vitro rabbit superior cervical ganglion

The influence of slow muscarinic postsynaptic potentials, i.e., the s-IPSP and s-EPSP, on synaptic transmission mediated through nicotinic receptors was studied in the superior cervical ganglion of the rabbit. Postganglionic spikes and synaptic potentials were elicited by delivery of conditioning and test stimulus pulses to afferent fibers. When paired stimulus volleys were separated by brief intervals (20-100 msec) or long intervals (1,000-8,000 msec), the population spike elicited by the test stimulus was larger in amplitude than that elicited by the conditioning volley. When paired stimulus volleys were separated by 250-500 msec, the amplitude of the population spike elicited by the test volley was smaller than that elicited by the conditioning stimulus. Gallamine, which selectively blocks the s-IPSP, reduced the suppression of the test spike which occurred when stimulus IPIs ranged between 250-500 msec. Pirenzepine, which selectively blocks the s-EPSP, reduced the late facilitation of test postganglionic spikes which occurred with stimulus IPIs greater than 1,000 msec. The non-selective muscarinic antagonist QNB, produced changes in postganglionic spike amplitude that were similar to the combined effects of gallamine and pirenzepine. The evidence indicates that the s-IPSP and s-EPSP modified the excitability state of the ganglionic neurons and subsequent synaptic transmission that was mediated through nicotinic receptors.

A novel muscarinic receptor antagonist AF-DX 116 differentially blocks slow inhibitory and slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the rabbit sympathetic ganglia

Muscarinic, slow postsynaptic potentials (s-epsp and s-ipsp) in the rabbit superior cervical ganglia were shown to be differentially depressed by a novel cardioselective M2-type antagonist AF-DX 116: it antagonized the s-ipsp with IC50 value of 1.5 X 10(-7) M, which is 16-fold more potent in depressing the s-ipsp than the s-epsp. A hyperpolarizing component in the biphasic potential changes induced by a muscarinic agonist, methacholine, was selectively eliminated by this antagonist. AF-DX 116 was thus shown to be an useful tool for discriminating the M2-type muscarinic responses from those of M1-type in the nervous system.

Pharmacological differences between two muscarinic responses of the rat superior cervical ganglion in vitro

1 Pharmacological differences have been observed between the muscarinic agonist-induced depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion. 2 Pirenzepine (0.3 microM) selectively reduced the depolarizing response and unmasked the hyperpolarizing response. No such selectivity was observed with a concentration of N-methylatropine which was equipotent with pirenzepine in antagonizing the depolarizing response. 3 The neuromuscular blocking agents gallamine (10 microM) and pancuronium (3 microM) exhibited the oppositive selectivity to pirenzepine, both dramatically reduced the hyperpolarization but only slightly antagonized the depolarization. 4 The potencies of a range of agonists in evoking the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses, the latter in the presence of 0.3 microM pirenzepine, have been determined. Methylfurmethide failed to hyperpolarize the ganglion at concentrations which evoked maximal depolarizations. 5 The muscarinic hyperpolarization did not appear to be mediated by the secondary release of catecholamines. 6 It was concluded that the two muscarinic responses on the rat superior cervical ganglion, the slow depolarization and faster hyperpolarization, are mediated by different muscarinic receptor subtypes.

Regulation of two ion channels by a common muscarinic receptor-transduction system in a vertebrate neuron

In bullfrog sympathetic ganglion cells, muscarine produced an inward current (Imus) through the activation of a subtype (M1) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) by suppressing an outward M-current (IM), and/or activating cation-selective current (ID; see below). The former was induced with a potency (Kd = 0.5 microM) higher than the latter (Kd = 5 microM) before and after blocking a fraction of the receptor with an irreversible blocker. Activators of protein kinase C mimicked muscarine's actions. Blocking IM by Ba2+ increased ID. These results suggest that activation of M1-mAChR both closes M-channel and opens cation-selective D-channel through phosphoinositide breakdown and the subsequent activation of protein kinase C and that a difference in potency at the last step of the cascade determines the order in which channels are regulated.

The interaction of nicotinic receptor antagonists at muscarinic receptors

1. The interaction of some neuromuscular blocking drugs such as gallamine, pancuronium and stercuronium with muscarinic receptors has several features which distinguish these compounds from competitive antagonists in functional and binding studies. 2. They also differentiate between muscarinic receptors and may produce effects on ion channels.

Pancuronium and gallamine are antagonists for pre- and post-junctional muscarinic receptors in the guinea-pig lung

The effects of atropine, pancuronium and gallamine were tested on pre- and post-junctional muscarinic receptors in the lung. Inhibition of bronchoconstriction induced by intravenous injection of acetylcholine (ACh) was used as a measure of post-junctional receptor blockade. All three antagonists reduced ACh-induced bronchoconstriction. The effects were dose-related for atropine and pancuronium and complete inhibition was obtained with 0.01 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg respectively. Gallamine was much less potent than the other two drugs; the inhibitory effect was not dose-related and never exceeded 50% even at a dose of 10 mg/kg. In contrast, blockade of pre-junctional inhibitory muscarinic receptors in pulmonary parasympathetic nerves by these three antagonists, produced potentiation of bronchoconstriction induced by vagal-nerve stimulation. Consequently, the effect of the three antagonists on vagally-induced bronchoconstriction is dependent on the balance between their pre- and post-junctional blocking activity. Gallamine was the most effective and atropine the least effective antagonist for potentiating nerve-induced bronchoconstriction. At doses which produce 100% neuromuscular blockade, both pancuronium (0.04 mg/kg) and gallamine (4 mg/kg) potentiated vagally-induced bronchoconstriction. At these doses, pancuronium doubled and gallamine caused a four-fold increase in vagally-induced bronchoconstriction, despite partial concurrent blockade of muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways.

Cholinergic excitatory synaptic potentials of neurones in mammalian lumbar paravertebral ganglia

Synaptic potentials and the electrophysiological properties of 201 cells in the 4th lumbar paravertebral ganglia of the rabbit were studied in vitro using intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques. Cells had a mean transmembrane potential of 55.1 +/- 0.8 mV, a mean input resistance of 37.0 +/- 6.6 M omega (range 29.9-61.1) and a mean membrane time constant of 6.0 +/- 0.6 ms. Synaptic potentials in ganglionic neurones were evoked by electrical stimulation of the rami communicantes, inferior lumbar splanchnic nerves and the paravertebral chain from segments both above and below the L4 ganglion. Synaptic responses consisted of a fast, hexamethonium-sensitive component and, following short periods of higher frequency stimulation, a slow, long lasting, pirenzepine and atropine-sensitive depolarization (slow-EPSP). No phenomenon corresponding to a late slow-EPSP was observed and, under our recording conditions no cells exhibited non-cholinergic slow excitatory or slow inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. It is concluded that fast excitatory synaptic events were mediated by nicotinic receptors whereas slow excitatory synaptic events were mediated by muscarinic m1 receptors. McNeil-A-343, a muscarinic agonist, produced membrane depolarization, a decrease in membrane input conductance and in some cells a repetitive discharge of action potentials. In 60% of cells tested substance P produced a depolarization of the membrane potential with an associated decrease in membrane input conductance.

A muscarinic receptor with high affinity for pirenzepine mediates vagally induced bronchoconstriction

The nature of the putative muscarinic receptor subtypes involved in vagally mediated bronchoconstriction was examined in the rabbit model utilizing the classical muscarinic antagonist atropine and the selective antagonist pirenzepine. In vivo electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerves in anesthetized rabbits resulted in a reproducible increase in pulmonary resistance indicative of bronchoconstriction and a marked negative chronotropic effect on the heart. Both atropine and pirenzepine produced dose-related inhibition of these two vagal effects. Fifty percent inhibition of the vagally induced increase in pulmonary resistance was achieved with an infusion of pirenzepine that was only 8-fold greater than the equi-effective dose of atropine. In contrast, the dose of pirenzepine required to inhibit the vagally induced decrease in heart rate by 50% was 100-fold greater than the atropine dose. Thus, pirenzepine is markedly more potent in inhibiting vagally mediated bronchoconstriction than bradycardia. In vitro inhibition of methacholine-induced contraction of bronchial rings with atropine and pirenzepine yielded pA2 values of 8.86 and 6.88 respectively (95-fold potency ratio), demonstrating that the muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle cells that mediate contraction are not of the pirenzepine-sensitive subtype.