Non-classical glutamate receptors, blocked by both NMDA and non-NMDA antagonists, stimulate nitric oxide production in neurons

AMPA Induces NO-Dependent cGMP Signals in Hippocampal and Cortical Neurons via L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

The nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP signaling cascade has an established role in synaptic plasticity. However, with conventional methods, the underlying cGMP signals were barely detectable. Here, we set out to confirm the well-known NMDA-induced cGMP increases, to test the impact of AMPA on those signals, and to identify the relevant phosphodiesterases (PDEs) using a more sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based method. Therefore, a “knock-in” mouse was generated that expresses a FRET-based cGMP indicator (cGi-500) allowing detection of cGMP concentrations between 100 nM and 3 μM. Measurements were performed in cultured hippocampal and cortical neurons as well as acute hippocampal slices. In hippocampal and cortical neurons, NMDA elicited cGMP signals half as high as the ones elicited by exogenous NO. Interestingly, AMPA increased cGMP independently of NMDA receptors and dependent on NO synthase (NOS) activation. NMDA- and AMPA-induced cGMP signals were not additive indicating that both pathways converge on the level of NOS. Accordingly, the same PDEs, PDE1 and PDE2, were responsible for degradation of NMDA- as well as AMPA-induced cGMP signals. Mechanistically, AMPAR induced calcium influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels leading to NOS and finally NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase activation. Our results demonstrate that in addition to NMDA also AMPA triggers endogenous NO formation and hence cGMP production.

Interactive HIV-1 Tat and morphine-induced synaptodendritic injury is triggered through focal disruptions in Na⁺ influx, mitochondrial instability, and Ca²⁺ overload

Synaptodendritic injury is thought to underlie HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and contributes to exaggerated inflammation and cognitive impairment seen in opioid abusers with HIV-1. To examine events triggering combined transactivator of transcription (Tat)- and morphine-induced synaptodendritic injury systematically, striatal neuron imaging studies were conducted in vitro. These studies demonstrated nearly identical pathologic increases in dendritic varicosities as seen in Tat transgenic mice in vivo. Tat caused significant focal increases in intracellular sodium ([Na(+)]i) and calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) in dendrites that were accompanied by the emergence of dendritic varicosities. These effects were largely, but not entirely, attenuated by the NMDA and AMPA receptor antagonists MK-801 and CNQX, respectively. Concurrent morphine treatment accelerated Tat-induced focal varicosities, which were accompanied by localized increases in [Ca(2+)]i and exaggerated instability in mitochondrial inner membrane potential. Importantly, morphine's effects were prevented by the μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP and were not observed in neurons cultured from μ-opioid receptor knock-out mice. Combined Tat- and morphine-induced initial losses in ion homeostasis and increases in [Ca(2+)]i were attenuated by the ryanodine receptor inhibitor ryanodine, as well as pyruvate. In summary, Tat induced increases in [Na(+)]i, mitochondrial instability, excessive Ca(2+) influx through glutamatergic receptors, and swelling along dendrites. Morphine, acting via μ-opioid receptors, exacerbates these excitotoxic Tat effects at the same subcellular locations by mobilizing additional [Ca(2+)]i and by further disrupting [Ca(2+)]i homeostasis. We hypothesize that the spatiotemporal relationship of μ-opioid and aberrant AMPA/NMDA glutamate receptor signaling is critical in defining the location and degree to which opiates exacerbate the synaptodendritic injury commonly observed in neuroAIDS.

Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of motor function. An overview of behavioral, biochemical and histological studies in animal models

A compelling body of evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO), a unique gaseous neurotransmitter and neuromodulator plays a key role in the regulation of motor function. Recently, the interest of researchers concentrates on the NO - soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) - cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling pathway in the striatum as a new target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of the study is to review the available literature referring to the role of NO in the integration of basal ganglia functions. First, attention has been focused on behavioral effects of NO donors and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors in the modulation of motor behavior. Then, disturbances in the nitrergic neurotransmission in PD and its 6-OHDA animal model have been presented. Moreover, the most current data demonstrating the contribution of both dopamine and glutamate to the regulation of NO biosynthesis in the striatum have been analyzed. Finally, the role of NO in the tonic and phasic dopamine release as well as in the regulation of striatal output pathways also has been discussed.

Interleukin-1beta: a bridge between inflammation and excitotoxicity?

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a proinflammatory cytokine released by many cell types that acts in both an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion. While IL-1 is best described as an important mediator of the peripheral immune response during infection and inflammation, increasing evidence implicates IL-1 signaling in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders. The biochemical pathway(s) by which this cytokine contributes to brain injury remain(s) largely unidentified. Herein, we review the evidence that demonstrates the contribution of IL-1beta to the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic neurological disorders. Further, we highlight data that leads us to propose IL-1beta as the missing mechanistic link between a potential beneficial inflammatory response and detrimental glutamate excitotoxicity.

Frontal cortical afferents facilitate striatal nitric oxide transmission in vivo via a NMDA receptor and neuronal NOS-dependent mechanism

Striatal nitric oxide (NO) signaling plays a critical role in modulating neural processing and motor behavior. Nitrergic interneurons receive synaptic inputs from corticostriatal neurons and are activated via ionotropic glutamate receptor stimulation. However, the afferent regulation of NO signaling is poorly characterized. The role of frontal cortical afferents in regulating NO transmission was assessed in anesthetized rats using amperometric microsensor measurements of NO efflux and local field potential recordings. Low frequency (3 Hz) electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral cortex did not consistently evoke detectable changes in striatal NO efflux. In contrast, train stimulation (30 Hz) of frontal cortical afferents facilitated NO efflux in a stimulus intensity-dependent manner. Nitric oxide efflux evoked by train stimulation was transient, reproducible over time, and attenuated by systemic administration of either the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 or the neuronal NO synthase inhibitors 7-nitroindazole and NG-propyl-L-arginine. The interaction between NO efflux evoked via train stimulation and local striatal neuron activity was assessed using dual microsensor and local field potential recordings carried out concurrently in the contralateral and ipsilateral striatum, respectively. Systemic administration of the non-specific NO synthase inhibitor methylene blue attenuated both evoked NO efflux and the peak oscillation frequency (within the delta band) of local field potentials recorded immediately after train stimulation. Taken together, these observations indicate that feed-forward activation of neuronal NO signaling by phasic activation of frontal cortical afferents facilitates the synchronization of glutamate driven oscillations in striatal neurons. Thus, NO signaling may act to amplify coherent corticostriatal transmission and synchronize striatal output.

Phasic dopaminergic transmission increases NO efflux in the rat dorsal striatum via a neuronal NOS and a dopamine D(1/5) receptor-dependent mechanism

Dysfunctional neurotransmission within striatal networks is believed to underlie the pathophysiology of several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Nitric oxide (NO)-producing interneurons have been shown to play a critical role in modulating striatal synaptic transmission. These interneurons receive synaptic contacts from midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons and may be regulated by DA receptor activation. In the current study, striatal NO efflux was measured in anesthetized male rats using an NO-selective electrochemical microsensor and the role of DA in modulating NO synthase (NOS) activity was assessed during electrical or chemical (bicuculline) stimulation of the substantia nigra (SN). Electrical stimuli were patterned to approximate the natural single spike or burst firing activity of midbrain DA neurons. Electrical stimulation of the SN at low frequencies induced modest increases in striatal NO efflux. In contrast, train stimulation of the SN robustly increased NO efflux in a stimulus intensity-dependent manner. NO efflux evoked by SN stimulation was similar in chloral hydrate- and urethane-anesthetized rats. The facilitatory effect of train stimulation on striatal NO efflux was transient and attenuated by systemic administration of the neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole and the nonselective NOS inhibitor methylene blue. Moreover, the increase in NO efflux observed during chemical and train stimulation of the SN was attenuated following systemic administration of the DA D(1/5) receptor antagonist SCH 23390. SCH 23390 also blocked NO efflux induced by systemic administration of the D(1/5) agonist SKF 81297. These results indicate that neuronal NOS is activated in vivo by nigrostriatal DA cell burst firing via a DA D(1/5)-like receptor-dependent mechanism.

Nucleus accumbens nitric oxide immunoreactive interneurons receive nitric oxide and ventral subicular afferents in rats

The nitric oxide generating neurons of the nucleus accumbens exert a powerful influence over striatal function, in addition, these nitrergic inputs are in a position to regulate the dopaminergic and glutamatergic inputs on striatal projection neurons. It was the aim of this study to establish the source of the glutamatergic drive to nitric oxide synthase interneurons of the nucleus accumbens. The nucleus accumbens nitric oxide-generating neurons receive asymmetrical, excitatory, presumably glutamatergic inputs. Possible sources of these inputs could be the limbic and cortical regions known to project to this area. To identify sources of the excitatory inputs to the nitric oxide synthase-containing interneurons of the nucleus accumbens in the rat we first examined the ultrastructural morphology of asymmetrical synaptic specializations contacting nitric oxide synthase-immunohistochemically labeled interneurons in the nucleus accumbens. Neurons were selected from different regions of the nucleus accumbens, drawn using camera lucida, processed for electron microscopic analysis, and the boutons contacting nitric oxide synthase-labeled dendrites were photographed and correlated to the drawings. Using vesicle size as the criterion the source was predicted to be either the prefrontal cortex or the ventral subiculum of the hippocampus. To examine this prediction, a further study used anterograde tracing from both the prefrontal cortex and the ventral subiculum, and nitric oxide synthase immunohistochemistry with correlated light and electron microscopy. Based on appositions by anterogradely labeled fibers, selected nitric oxide synthase-labeled neurons within the nucleus accumbens, were examined with electron microscopic analysis. With this technique we confirmed the prediction that subicular afferent boutons make synaptic contact with nitric oxide synthase interneurons, and demonstrated anatomically that nitric oxide synthase boutons make synaptic contact with the dendritic arbors of nitric oxide synthase interneurons. We suggest that the subicular input may excite the nitric oxide synthase neurons synaptically, while the nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide synthase interactions underlie a nitric oxide signaling network which propagates hippocampal information, and expands the hippocampus's influence on 'gating' information flow across the nucleus accumbens.

Transmission of Arterial Baroreflex Signals Depends on Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase

Because inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the nucleus tractus solitarii blocks cardiovascular responses to activation of local glutamate receptors, and because glutamate is a neurotransmitter of baroreceptor afferent nerves, we sought to test the hypothesis that neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition would block baroreflex transmission and cause hypertension. We determined reflex heart rate responses to intravenous phenylephrine and sodium nitroprusside in 5 anesthetized rats before and after bilateral microinjection (100 nL) of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor AR-R 17477 (7.5 nmol) into the nucleus tractus solitarii. The inhibitor significantly increased mean arterial pressure without affecting heart rate, and it significantly reduced the gain of the baroreflex. After administration of the inhibitor, reflex responses of heart rate to changes in mean arterial pressure were always less than those responses to the same, or less, change in mean arterial pressure in the same animal without administration of the inhibitor. Microinjection of saline (100 nL) bilaterally into the nucleus tractus solitarii did not lead to hypertension or change baroreflex responses. These data support the hypothesis and suggest that neuronal nitric oxide synthase is critical to transmission of baroreflex signals through the nucleus tractus solitarii.

Glutamate Receptors Coupled to Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Embryonic Retina

Existing evidence suggests a role for nitric oxide (NO) in the establishment of stable synaptic connections during the embryonic development of the central nervous system. In the visual system, the participation of NO in programmed cell death, the natural elimination of photoreceptors and the modulation of photoreceptor ion channels has been documented. In the present work, the effect of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor (GluR) agonists on NO synthesis in the chick retina was studied at embryonic day (ED) 14, in which active synaptogenesis takes place, and compared with that in the mature tissue. We showed that at ED 14, N-methyl-D-aspartate, kainate and trans-(1S,3R)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylate stimulate NO formation at low concentrations, whereas high concentrations of the drugs inhibit NO synthesis. The results suggest the participation of GluR-induced NO synthesis in differentiation and synaptogenesis, and demonstrate a negative feedback of GluR stimulation on NO synthesis by nonphysiological glutamate concentrations, which could be relevant to neuronal protection from glutamate-induced toxicity in the retina during a critical period of embryonic development.

Effect of nitric oxide on excitatory amino acid-evoked discharge of neurons in NTS

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor subtypes are involved in the integration of visceral afferent inputs within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Microinjection studies indicate interactions between nitric oxide (NO) and EAA receptors within the NTS. To examine these interactions at the single cell level, this study characterized the effects of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and the NO donor 3-[2-hydroxy-2-nitroso-1-propylhydrazino]-1-propanamine (PAPA-NONOate) on the excitatory responses of vagus nerve (VN)-evoked NTS neurons to the activation of (RS)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and NMDA receptors in rats. Iontophoresis of l-NAME did not alter spontaneous or VN-evoked discharges, but significantly decreased the number of action potentials (APs) evoked by iontophoretic application of AMPA. The effects of l-NAME on NMDA-evoked discharge were variable; for the population, l-NAME did not change the number of APs evoked by NMDA. PAPA-NONOate enhanced the spontaneous discharge and the number of APs elicited by AMPA but not NMDA. Iontophoresis of the inactive enantiomers N(G)-nitro-d-arginine methyl ester and hydroxydiazenesulfonic acid 1-oxide disodium salt had no effect on AMPA-evoked discharge. Our data suggest that NO facilitates AMPA-mediated neuronal transmission within the NTS.

Nitric oxide promotes intracellular calcium release from mitochondria in striatal neurons

Overproduction of nitric oxide by NMDA receptor stimulation is implicated in calcium deregulation and neurodegeneration of striatal neurons. We investigated the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in inducing intracellular calcium release and in modifying calcium transients evoked by NMDA. NO application (4-10 microM) reversibly and repeatedly increased the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in Fura-2- or fluo-3-loaded cultured mouse striatal neurons. NO-induced [Ca2+]i responses persisted in the absence of extracellular calcium, indicating that Ca2+ was released from intracellular stores. The source of calcium was distinct from [Ca2+]i-activated (ruthenium red and ryanodine sensitive) or IP3-activated (thapsigargin-sensitive) Ca2+ stores and was not dependent on cGMP production because a cell permeant analog, 8-bromo-cGMP, did not increase basal [Ca2+]i. Glucose removal potentiated the NO-induced release of [Ca2+]i. In contrast, pretreatment with either the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or cyclosporin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, prevented the [Ca2+]i increase after NO. The rise in [Ca2+]i during NO exposure was preceded by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential that was partly reversible during washout. Repeated applications of NMDA induced irreversible [Ca2+]i responses in a subpopulation of striatal cells that were greatly reduced by the NOS inhibitor N omega-nitro-l-arginine. Calcium transients were prolonged by conjoint application of NMDA and NO. We conclude that NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]i transients are modulated by endogenous NO production, which leads to release of calcium from the mitochondrial pool. An NO-activated mitochondrial permeability transition pore may lead to cell death after overstimulation of NMDA receptors.

Regulation of striatal dopamine neurotransmission by nitric oxide: effector pathways and signaling mechanisms

An important role for the reactive gas nitric oxide (NO) in regulating striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission was identified shortly after initial observations indicated that this unorthodox neurotransmitter mediates many of the influences of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus. While the precise actions of NO on striatal presynaptic and postsynaptic elements remain to be fully characterized, the recent application of sophisticated anatomical, neurochemical, and electrophysiological approaches to the study of nitrergic signaling has revealed that NO exerts a powerful influence both on tonic extracellular dopamine (DA) levels and phasic DA neuron spike activity via the modulation of intrinsic striatal mechanisms and striatonigral feedback loops. Although the nature of the NO-mediated modulatory influence on DA neurotransmission was initially clouded by seemingly conflicting neurochemical observations, a growing body of literature and understanding of the diverse signaling mechanisms and effector pathways utilized by NO indicates that NO exerts a primary facilitatory influence over tonic and phasic dopaminergic neurotransmission under physiological conditions. A review of neurochemical and electrophysiological studies examining the influence of endogenous and exogenous NO on DA neurotransmission indicates that NO signaling exerts multiple effects on local striatal circuits and projection neurons involved in regulating basal ganglia output and nigrostriatal DA neuron activity. In addition to summarizing these influences, the current review focuses on the mechanisms utilized by striatal NO signaling pathways involved in modulating DA transmission at the level of the terminal and cell body and attempts to integrate these observations into a functional model of NO-dependent regulation of basal ganglia systems.

Adenosine acting on A1 receptors protects NO-triggered rebound potentiation and LTP in rat hippocampal slices

Exposure of hippocampal slices to nitric oxide (NO) results in a depression of CA1 synaptic transmission. Under 0.2-Hz stimulation, washout of NO leads to a persistent potentiation that depends on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and endogenous NO formation and that occludes tetanus-induced long-term potentiation (LTP). The experiments were initially aimed at determining the relationship between the NO-induced synaptic depression and rebound potentiation. The adenosine A1 antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) partially inhibited the depression produced by the NO donor diethylamine NONOate (300 microM). It also led to a complete block of both the rebound potentiation and the subsequent tetanus-induced LTP. LTP was preserved in the presence of DPCPX if the stimulation frequency was reduced to 0.033 Hz or if the NO application was omitted. The NO-triggered rebound potentiation was restored if the experiment (DPCPX followed by exogenous NO) was conducted in the presence of an NMDA antagonist. The restored potentiation was completely blocked by the NO synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine. It is concluded that the NO-induced depression is partially mediated by increased release of endogenous adenosine acting on A1 receptors. Moreover, tonic A1 receptor activation by adenosine protects LTP and the rebound potentiation from being disabled by untimely NMDA receptor activity. Hence, the NO-induced depression and rebound potentiation are linked in the sense that the depression helps to preserve the capacity of the synapses to undergo potentiation. Finally, the results give the first example of exogenous NO eliciting an enduring potentiation of hippocampal synaptic transmission that is dependent on endogenous NO formation, but not on NMDA receptors.

Epithelium-dependent effect of L-glutamate on airways: involvement of prostaglandins

We investigated the effect of the excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor agonists L-glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), (RS)-a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) and kainic acid on KCl-induced contractions of rabbit tracheal smooth muscle, as well as the role of epithelium and endogenously produced nitric oxide and prostaglandins on these responses. L-Glutamate decreased KCI-induced contractions up to 30%. This effect was attenuated by epithelium removal, tetrodotoxin, methylene blue and indomethacin but not by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. While NMDA, AMPA and kainic acid had no effect, the combination of NMDA + kainic acid decreased KCI-induced contractions. These results suggest that, in rabbit trachea, L-glutamate has, at least in part, an epithelium-dependent effect mediated via prostaglandin formation and that the EAA receptors involved are non-classical.

Inhibition of morphine withdrawal by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 in rat is age-dependent

This study investigated the effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 on the development of morphine dependence in 7-, 14-, and 21-day-old rat pups. For 6.5 days, starting at 1, 8, or 15 days of age, rats were pretreated with MK-801 (0.03 or 0.1 mg/kg, bid) or saline; 15 min later, morphine sulfate (10 mg/kg) or saline was injected to induce opiate dependence. On the afternoon of the seventh day, pups were injected with MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg) or saline and 15 min later with naltrexone (1 mg/kg) to precipitate withdrawal. Pups were then placed in a warm chamber with the litter and their behavior scan-sampled every 15 sec for a total of 15 min. MK-801 failed to inhibit morphine withdrawal in the 7-day-old rat, but did attenuate the development of morphine dependence in both the 14- and 21-day-old rats. These results suggest that the NMDA receptor is not functionally active in opiate withdrawal until around the second to third week of postnatal life in the rat and that there exists a transition period for the NMDA receptor to play a role in the development of opiate dependence and withdrawal.

Nitroxidergic influences on cardiovascular control by NTS: a link with glutamate

Glutamate (GLU) receptor activation, which is important in cardiovascular reflex transmission through the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), leads to release of nitric oxide (NO.) from central nitroxidergic neurons. Therefore, we hypothesized that GLU and NO. are linked in cardiovascular control by NTS. We first sought to determine if NO. released into NTS led to cardiovascular changes like those produced by GLU and found that the nitrosothiol S-nitrosocysteine, but not NO. itself or other NO. donors, elicited such responses in anesthetized rats. The responses were dependent on activation of soluble guanylate cyclase but, not being affected by a scavenger of NO., likely did not depend on release of NO. into the extracellular space. Responses to ionotropic GLU agonists in NTS, like those to S-nitrosocysteine, were inhibited by inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase. Inhibition of neuronal NO. synthase (nNOS) also inhibited responses to ionotropic GLU agonists. The apparent physiologic link between GLU and NO. mechanisms in NTS was further supported by anatomical studies that demonstrated frequent association between GLU-containing nerve terminals and neurons containing nNOS. Furthermore, GLU receptors were often found on NTS neurons that were immunoreactive for nNOS. The anatomical relationships between GLU and nNOS and GLU receptors and nNOS were more pronounced in some subnuclei of NTS than in others. While seen in subnuclei that are known to receive cardiovascular afferents, the association was even more prominent in subnuclei that receive gastrointestinal afferents. These studies support a role for nitroxidergic neurons in mediating cardiovascular and other visceral reflex responses that result from release of GLU into the NTS.

Capsaicin-evoked release of immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide from the spinal cord is mediated by nitric oxide but not by cyclic GMP

Recent data support a role for nitric oxide (NO) in pain processing at the level of the spinal cord, possibly via regulation of neuropeptide release. The goal of this study was to determine whether capsaicin, which selectively activates primary afferent neurons and evokes neuropeptide release, acts in an NO-dependent manner. Our results indicate that capsaicin (1 microM)-evoked release of immunoreactive calcitonin gene-related peptide (iCGRP) is significantly reduced in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (10-400 nM; F(3,45)=68.38; P<0.001) and, the selective nNOS inhibitor, 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (170-680 nM; F(5,48)=56.2; P<0. 01). D-NAME (200 nM) had no effect on capsaicin-evoked iCGRP release. Hemoglobin (an extracellular scavenger of NO; 3 mg/ml) significantly reduced the effect of capsaicin on the release of iCGRP (F(1,8)=9.12; P<0.05). The NOS substrate, L-arginine, effectively reversed the inhibitory effect of 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole on capsaicin-evoked iCGRP release. To determine whether the NO-mediated release was NMDA-driven, we superfused spinal cord slices with competitive and non-competitive NMDA antagonists in the presence and absence of capsaicin. MK-801 (0. 1-10 microM; F(4,33)=8.49; P<0.0001) and AP-5 (0.01-10 microM; F(4, 38)=3.34; P<0.05) reduced capsaicin-evoked iCGRP release. CNQX, an AMPA/kainate antagonist (10 nM-10 microM), significantly decreased capsaicin-evoked release of iCGRP (F(6,42)=8.76; P<0.01) in a dose-dependent fashion. Additionally, our results demonstrate that while capsaicin-evoked release is significantly reduced in the presence of LY-83583 (10 microM; F(2,18)=3.46; P<0.01; a cyclic GMP lowering agent), there is no effect of ODQ (a potent and selective inhibitor of guanylate cyclase). Moreover, the application of a cell permeable analog of cyclic GMP (8-bromo-cGMP; 0.01-1000 microM) is without effect on both basal and evoked iCGRP release. Finally, we observed no colocalization of immunoreactive neuronal NOS (nNOS) with CGRP in the dorsal horn. In summary, these data indicate that capsaicin evokes the release of iCGRP, in part, via the production of NO which enters the extracellular space prior to having an effect. Moreover, iCGRP and nNOS are produced in distinct populations of neurons within the dorsal horn. We conclude that capsaicin-evoked release involves the activation of the NMDA receptor but is also modified by the activation of AMPA or kainate receptors. Finally, these data suggest that while capsaicin-evoked iCGRP release is modified by NO, this release does not require the activation of guanylate cyclase and subsequent production of cyclic GMP.

Striatal nitric oxide signaling regulates the neuronal activity of midbrain dopamine neurons in vivo

A major component of the cortical regulation of the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system is known to occur via activation of striatal efferent systems projecting to the substantia nigra. The potential intermediary role of striatal nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing interneurons in modulating the efferent regulation of DA neuron activity was examined using single-unit recordings of DA neurons performed concurrently with striatal microdialysis in anesthetized rats. The response of DA neurons recorded in the substantia nigra to intrastriatal artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) or drug infusion was examined in terms of mean firing rate, percent of spikes fired in bursts, cells/track, and response to electrical stimulation of the orbital prefrontal cortex (oPFC) and striatum. Intrastriatal infusion of NOS substrate concurrently with intermittent periods of striatal and cortical stimulation increased the mean DA cell population firing rate as compared with ACSF controls. This effect was reproduced via intrastriatal infusion of a NO generator. Infusion of either a NOS inhibitor or NO chelator via reverse microdialysis did not affect basal firing rate but increased the percentage of DA neurons responding to striatal stimulation with an initial inhibition followed by a rebound excitation (IE response) from 40 to 74%. NO scavenger infusion also markedly decreased the stimulation intensity required to elicit an IE response to electrical stimulation of the striatum. In single neurons in which the effects of electrical stimulation were observed before and after drug delivery, NO antagonist infusion was observed to decrease the onset latency and extend the duration of the initial inhibitory phase induced by either oPFC or striatal stimulation. This is the first report showing that striatal NO tone regulates the basal activity and responsiveness of DA neurons to cortical and striatal inputs. These studies also indicate that striatal NO signaling may play an important role in the integration of information transmitted to basal ganglia output centers via corticostriatal and striatal efferent pathways.

Activation of nuclear factor kappaB by nitric oxide in rat striatal neurones: differential inhibition of the p50 and p65 subunits by dexamethasone

Nitric oxide (NO), an intercellular messenger in the brain, has been implicated in both neuronal plasticity and neurotoxicity. It has been suggested that NO can activate the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) family proteins in some cell types while having an inhibitory effect in others. In this study we have investigated the effect of acute NO in primary neuronal cultures of rat striatum using immunohistochemistry. Exposure of neurones to the NO-mimetic S-nitroso-n-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 200 microM) and to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 microg/ml) for 30 min increased nuclear protein expression of the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB. SNAP also enhanced nuclear protein expression of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. Simultaneously, the cytoplasmic expression of phosphorylated inhibitory protein IkappaB alpha was dramatically increased by SNAP (200 microM), LPS (10 microg/ml), and kainate (50 microM) treatment. In the adult rat, stimulation with NOR-3 (2 mg/kg), a NO donor, increased NF-kappaB DNA binding activity in the striatum after 45 min. Because glucocorticoids inhibit NF-kappaB activity, primary cultures were pretreated with dexamethasone (50 microM) before SNAP, LPS, and kainate treatment, and the effect on the protein expression level of the individual subunits p50 and p65 present in the classical form of the transcription factor NF-kappaB was assessed. Dexamethasone pretreatment resulted in a marked reduction of p65 protein in striatal neurones after SNAP, LPS, and kainate, whereas p50 expression was reduced by dexamethasone pretreatment only after an LPS stimulus. This study indicates that NO-releasing compounds can directly induce nuclear NF-kappaB subunit expression in rat striatum and that glucocorticoids selectively inhibit p65 subunit expression following exposure to NO.

In vivo studies of the cerebral glutamate receptor/NO/cGMP pathway

Overwhelming evidence indicates that the glutamate/nitric oxide (NO) synthase/soluble guanylyl cyclase system is of primary importance in a variety of physiological and pathological processes of the brain. Most of our knowledge on this neurochemical pathway derives from in vitro and ex vivo studies but the recent improvement of microdialysis techniques combined with extremely sensitive measurements of the amplified end-product cyclic GMP (cGMP) has given new impulses to the investigation of this cascade of events, its modulation by neurotransmitters and its functional relevance, in a living brain. The first reports, appeared in the early 90's, have demonstrated that microdialysis monitoring of cGMP in the extracellular environment of the cerebellum and hippocampus exactly reflects what is expected to occur at the intracellular level; thus, in vivo extracellular cGMP is sensitive to NO-synthase and soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitors, can be increased by NO-donors or phosphodiesterase blockers and is modulated by glutamate receptor stimulation in a NO-dependent fashion. Since then, other microdialysis studies have been reported showing that the brain NO synthase/guanylyl cyclase pathway is mainly controlled by NMDA, AMPA and metabotropic glutamate receptors but can be also influenced by other transmitters (GABA, acetylcholine, neuropeptides) through polysynaptic circuits interacting with the glutamatergic system. The available data indicate that this technique, applied to freely-moving animals and combined with behavioural tests, could be useful to get a better insight into the functional roles played by NO and cGMP in physiological and pathological situations such as learning, memory formation, epilepsy, cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases.

Nitric oxide and potassium chloride-facilitated striatal dopamine efflux in vivo: role of calcium-dependent release mechanisms

Previous studies investigating the calcium-dependency of nitric oxide-facilitated striatal dopamine efflux have produced conflicting results. In the current study, we have investigated the role of extracellular calcium in nitric oxide and potassium chloride-evoked striatal dopamine efflux in vivo using microdialysis. Dialysis probes were implanted in the anterior dorsal striatum of chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. Intrastriatal infusion (20 min fraction) of the nitric oxide generators sodium nitroprusside (200 microM, 500 microM, or 1 mM) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (1 mM) increased extracellular dopamine levels. The facilitatory effects of 3-morpholinosydnonimine and potassium chloride on dopamine efflux were attenuated following pretreatment (100 min) and co-infusion of calcium free artificial cerebral spinal fluid containing magnesium chloride. Local potassium chloride infusion (100 mM) administered alone elevated striatal dopamine efflux to a similar degree as potassium chloride (100 mM) delivered 60 min after 3-morpholinosydnonimine infusion. These results demonstrate that like potassium chloride, nitric oxide facilitates striatal dopamine efflux in vivo via a mechanism largely dependent on extracellular calcium. Also, as intrastriatal potassium chloride infusion evoked similar increases in extracellular dopamine levels in controls and subjects receiving pretreatment with the NO-generator 3-morpholinosydnonimine, it is unlikely that the functional integrity of DA nerve terminals is compromised via a neurotoxic disruption of plasma membrane potential following enhanced striatal NO production.

The role of nitric oxide in neurodegeneration. Potential for pharmacological intervention

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in important physiological functions of the CNS, including neurotransmission, memory and synaptic plasticity. Depending on the redox state of NO, it can act as a neurotoxin or it can have a neuroprotective action. Data suggest that NO may have a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. Additionally, these data indicate that inhibitors of the NO-synthesising enzyme, NO synthase, may be useful as neuroprotective agents in these diseases. In animal models, NOS inhibitors have been shown to prevent the neurotoxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and other dopaminergic toxins. However, the clinical effects of NOS inhibitors remain unknown.

Molecular biology of glutamate receptors in the central nervous system and their role in excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and aging

Forty years of research into the function of L-glutamic acid as a neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) have uncovered a tremendous complexity in the actions of this excitatory neurotransmitter and an equally great complexity in the molecular structures of the receptors activated by L-glutamate. L-Glutamate is the most widespread excitatory transmitter system in the vertebrate CNS and in addition to its actions as a synaptic transmitter it produces long-lasting changes in neuronal excitability, synaptic structure and function, neuronal migration during development, and neuronal viability. These effects are produced through the activation of two general classes of receptors, those that form ion channels or "ionotropic" and those that are linked to G-proteins or "metabotropic". The pharmacological and physiological characterization of these various forms over the past two decades has led to the definition of three forms of ionotropic receptors, the kainate (KA), AMPA, and NMDA receptors, and three groups of metabotropic receptors. Twenty-seven genes are now identified for specific subunits of these receptors and another five proteins are likely to function as receptor subunits or receptor associated proteins. The regulation of expression of these protein subunits, their localization in neuronal and glial membranes, and their role in determining the physiological properties of glutamate receptors is a fertile field of current investigations into the cell and molecular biology of these receptors. Both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors are linked to multiple intracellular messengers, such as Ca2+, cyclic AMP, reactive oxygen species, and initiate multiple signaling cascades that determine neuronal growth, differentiation and survival. These cascades of complex molecular events are presented in this review.

Dynamic changes in NADPH-diaphorase staining reflect activity of nitric oxide synthase: evidence for a dopaminergic regulation of striatal nitric oxide release

In fixed tissue, neuronal NADPH-diaphorase staining results from nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. Neuronal NOS only synthesizes nitric oxide once activated by the binding of Ca2+/calmodulin. We show here that neuronal NADPH-diaphorase staining is also dependent on Ca2+/calmodulin, implying that only activated NOS is detected. In addition, in bovine pulmonary endothelial cells, carbachol and bradykinin dramatically and rapidly increase the intensity of NADPH-diaphorase staining. Furthermore, administration of MK801, an NMDA antagonist, decreases neuronal NADPH-diaphorase staining. This suggests that the intensity of the NADPH-diaphorase staining is related to the level of enzyme activation at the moment of tissue fixation. The potential of exploiting this observation to detect cellular activation of NOS is illustrated by the observations that the intensity of NADPH-diaphorase staining in rat striatal neurones is decreased following systemic treatment with the D1-like dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390, and increased by the D2-like antagonist eticlopride. These results therefore provide strong evidence that the NADPH-diaphorase reaction can be used to monitor NOS activity at a cellular level of resolution, and reveal a dopaminergic regulation of NOS activity in the striatum mediated by D1-like and D2-like dopamine receptors.

Nitric oxide involvement in regulating the dopamine transport in the striatal region of rat brain

Spontaneous [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) overflow was measured from striatal slices in the presence of different glutamate (Glu) receptor agonists such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate (KA) and quisqualate (QA) and their corresponding antagonists, Dizocilpine maleate (MK-801), D-gamma-glutamyl-aminomethanesulfonic acid (GAMS) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), respectively. [3H]DA uptake and release in the presence of L-Arginine (L-Arg) and NG-nitro-arginine (L-N-Arg), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis were also evaluated. L-N-Arg alone or combined with L-Arg significantly reduced [3H]DA uptake at 10 and 100 microM from 33% to 44% from striatal slices. Whereas, in brain synaptosomal fractions L-Arg induced a biphasic effect on that [3H]DA uptake in a dose dependent manner, and L-N-Arg showed an absolute inhibition in 80-90% of this [3H]DA uptake at 1-500 microM. The amino acids, lysine, valine and histidine (100 microM) had a little effect inhibitory on [3H]DA uptake from synaptosomal fractions. Glu agonists, NMDA (10 microM) and KA (10 microM) importantly increased the spontaneous [3H]DA overflow, which was blocked by MK-801 (10 microM) and GAMS (10 microM), respectively. QA had no effect on [3H]DA release. L-Arg (10-200 microM) potentiated the spontaneous [3H]DA overflow in a dose dependent fashion from striatal slices, being reverted by 10 microM L-N-Arg alone or in combination with all other compounds; whereas, lysine, histidine and valine did not modify that spontaneous [3H]DA overflow. Results support the hypothesis related to the participation of NO on DA transport possibly synthesized at the dopaminergic (DAergic) terminals in the striatum; also that L-Arg concentration may determine alternative mechanisms to regulate the DAergic activity at the striatum.

Excitatory effects of nitric oxide within the rostral ventrolateral medulla of freely moving rats

The aim of the present study was to examine the participation of NO in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of freely moving rats. We utilized NO donors and L-arginine, which were microinjected into the RVLM. Unilateral microinjection (100 nL) of 2.5 nmol sodium nitroprusside produced a biphasic response consisting of an initial, rapid increase in arterial pressure (AP) from 125+/-5 to 161+/-8 mm Hg (P<.01) and a second, long-lasting response with a progressive increase in AP (maximum delta peak, 34+/-9 mm Hg; P<.01). Another NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 2.5 nmol), also produced immediate hypertension from 118+/-5 mm Hg to 168+/-7 mm Hg (P<.01) but without the second, long-lasting response. L-Arginine (5, 24, and 140 nmol) produced a gradual increase in AP. L-Glutamate (5 nmol) microinjected into the RVLM produced an increase in AP from 122+/-9 mm Hg to 171+/-8 mm Hg (P<.01) and bradycardia from 342+/-10 to 315+/-8 beats/min. This AP response was significantly attenuated, from 115+/-7 to 128+/-9 mm Hg (P<.05), after microinjection of methylene blue (3 nmol) without alterations in heart rate. These results indicate that NO may have an excitatory effect on the RVLM of freely moving rats, probably in association with glutamatergic synapses via cGMP mechanisms.

Glutamate, but not dopamine, stimulates stress-activated protein kinase and AP-1-mediated transcription in striatal neurons

Drugs that stimulate dopamine and glutamate receptors have been shown to induce the expression of AP-1 proteins (such as c-Fos and c-Jun) in the striatum and to induce binding of these proteins to AP-1 sites on DNA, leading to the hypothesis that AP-1-mediated transcription contributes to the long-term effects of these drugs. To examine this hypothesis, we compared the regulation of AP-1-mediated transcription to the inductions of AP-1-binding activity and genes encoding AP-1 proteins in primary cultures of striatal neurons. Although glutamate, dopamine, and forskolin (an activator of adenylate cyclase) all induce c-fos mRNA and AP-1 binding, we found, surprisingly, that only glutamate induces transcription of a transfected AP-1-driven fusion gene. To explore the basis for this discrepancy, we investigated the possibility that the phosphorylation of c-Jun may also be required for AP-1-mediated transcription in striatal neurons. Glutamate, but neither dopamine nor forskolin, raises the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun as well as the activity of a Jun kinase (SAPK/JNK) in striatal cultures. Both the glutamatergic induction of AP-1-mediated transcription and activation of SAPK/JNK appear to be mediated, at least in part, via NMDA receptors. In striatal neurons, the phosphorylation of AP-1 proteins produced by glutamate may be required to convert AP-1 protein expression and binding to transcriptional activation.

Spinal cord gray matter layers rich in NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons are refractory to ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury: a histochemical and silver impregnation study in rabbit

Silver impregnation analysis of neuronal damage and concurrent histochemical characterization of NADPH diaphorase-positive neuronal pools in the rabbit lumbosacral segments was performed during and after transient spinal cord ischemia. Strongly enhanced staining of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons and their processes appeared in the superficial dorsal horn (laminae I-III), the pericentral region (lamina X) of lower lumbar segments, the lateral collateral pathway, and mainly in neurons of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus in the S2 segment at the end of 40 min of abdominal aorta ligation or 1 day after reperfusion. Despite the development of extensive neuronal degeneration in the central gray matter (laminae IV-VII) between 1 and 4 days after ischemia, a number of nonnecrotizing neurons localized in the areas corresponding with the distribution of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons was detected, suggesting a selective resistance of these classes of neurons against transient ischemic insult. While the precise mechanism of the observed resistance is not known, it is postulated that region-specific synthesis of nitric oxide and its vasodilatatory effect during the period of incomplete spinal ischemia may account for the observed selective resistance of these spinal cord neurons to transient ischemia.

Voltage-gated calcium channel currents in human coronary myocytes. Regulation by cyclic GMP and nitric oxide

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels contribute to the maintenance of contractile tone in vascular myocytes and are potential targets for vasodilating agents. There is no information available about their nature and regulation in human coronary arteries. We used the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique to characterize Ca2+-channel currents immediately after enzymatic dissociation and after primary culture of coronary myocytes taken from heart transplant patients. We recorded a dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type current in both freshly isolated and primary cultured cells. A T-type current was recorded only in culture. The L- (but not the T-) type current was inhibited by permeable analogues of cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was mimicked by the nitric oxide-generating agents S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine which increased intracellular cGMP. Methylene blue, known to inhibit guanylate cyclase, antagonized the effect of SNAP. Inhibitions by SNAP and cGMP were not additive and seemed to occur through a common pathway. We conclude that (a) L-type Ca2+ channels are the major pathway for voltage-gated Ca2+ entry in human coronary myocytes; (b) their inhibition by agents stimulating nitric oxide and/or intracellular cGMP production is expected to contribute to vasorelaxation and may be involved in the therapeutic effect of nitrovasodilators; and (c) the expression of T-type Ca2+ channels in culture may be triggered by cell proliferation.

Functional expression of a recombinant unitary glutamate receptor from Xenopus, which contains N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptor subunits

A cDNA encoding a 100-kDa subunit (XenNR1) of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor type has been cloned from Xenopus central nervous system. When XenNR1 is coexpressed in a mammalian cell line with a recently cloned 51-kDa non-NMDA receptor subunit (XenU1), also from Xenopus, it forms a functional unitary receptor exhibiting the pharmacological properties characteristic of both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors. Firstly, XenU1 can replace NR2 subunits, in complementing XenNR1 to introduce the ligand binding properties of a complete NMDA receptor. Second, responses to both NMDA and non-NMDA receptor agonists and antagonists were obtained in patch-clamp recordings from the cotransfected cells, but no significant responses were recorded when the cells were singly transfected. Third, from solubilized cell membranes from the cotransfected cells, an antibody to the NR1 subunit coprecipitated the binding sites of the non-NMDA receptor subunit. The unitary glutamate receptor has a unique set of properties that denote intersubunit interaction, including a glycine requirement for the responses to non-NMDA as well as to NMDA receptor agonists and voltage-dependent block by Mg2+ of the non-NMDA agonist responses.

[3H]L-arginine transport and nitric oxide synthase activity in foetal hypothalamic cultures

[3H]L-arginine uptake and the conversion of [3H]L-arginine to [3H]citrulline were characterized in foetal hypothalamic cultures. [3H]L-arginine uptake was reduced by L-ornithine (10 microM-1 mM), high extracellular K+ (56 mM), L-glutamate (100 microM) and removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was increased by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, Nw-nitro-L-arginine benzyl ester (L-NABE; 1 mM). [3H]citrulline formation was inhibited by L-NABE (1 mM), increased by high extracellular K+ (56 mM) and unaffected by L-glutamate (100 microM). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced [3H]citrulline formation by mixed (neurones and glia) and neurone-enriched cultures but not by glial-enriched cells. The results suggest that [3H]L-arginine uptake into hypothalamic cultures is mediated by the system y+ transporter and is dependent on extracellular Ca2+. [3H]citrulline production in hypothalamic neuronal, but not glial, cells is also dependent on extracellular Ca2+.

Distinct regulations by septide and the neurokinin-1 tachykinin receptor agonist [pro9]substance P of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of dopamine in striosome- and matrix-enriched areas of the rat striatum

The effects of septide (a short substance P C-terminal analogue) and of the neurokinin-1 receptor agonist [Pro9]substance P on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (50 microM)-evoked release of [3H]dopamine (continuously synthesized from [3H]tyrosine) were investigated in the absence or the presence of the selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist RP 67580 in selected striosome- and matrix-enriched areas of the rat striatum. Experiments were performed in vitro using a microsuperfusion procedure described previously. At a concentration of 0.1 microM, septide and [Pro9]substance P stimulated the spontaneous release of [3H]dopamine in striosome-enriched areas similarly. However, in this compartment, these peptides induced larger and opposite effects on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (50 microM)-evoked release of [3H]dopamine (estimated in the absence of magnesium). Indeed, septide markedly enhanced the N-methyl-D-aspartate response, while [Pro9]substance P largely reduced the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]dopamine. Septide also enhanced the N-methyl-D-aspartate response in the matrix, but [Pro9]substance P was without effect. When used alone, at 0.1 or 1 microM, RP 67580 reduced by about 33% the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]dopamine in striosome-enriched areas. In contrast, in the matrix, the N-methyl-D-aspartate response was enhanced in the presence of a low concentration of the antagonist, while the higher concentration was ineffective. In striosomes, the reducing effect of [Pro9]substance P and the enhancing action of septide on the N-methyl-D-aspartate response were respectively blocked in the presence of low and high concentrations of RP 67580, while the stimulatory effect of septide on the N-methyl-D-aspartate response in the matrix was prevented with both concentrations of the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist. Finally, the co-application of [Pro9]substance P (0.1 microM) with septide (0.1 microM) abolished the enhancing effect of septide on the N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of [3H]dopamine in both striatal compartments. Altogether, these results suggest that substance P and eventually one of its metabolites, substance P(6-11) or another endogenous tachykinin released under the action of N-methyl-D-aspartate, contribute to the regulation of [3H]dopamine release in both striatal compartments. They also extend previous observations which allowed us to demonstrate that the local circuits contributing to the presynaptic regulation of [3H]dopamine release differ in striosome- and matrix-enriched areas. Furthermore, in agreement with observations made in some peripheral tissues, the present results support the existence of "septide-sensitive" tachykinin receptors in the rat striatum or alternatively of septide sensitive sites on tachykinin neurokinin-1 receptors distinct from those sensitive to neurokinin-1 receptor agonists, coupled to distinct transducing systems, and thus leading to biological responses which differ from those evoked by neurokinin-1 receptor agonists.

Desensitization of AMPA receptors and AMPA-NMDA receptor interaction: an in vivo cyclic GMP microdialysis study in rat cerebellum

1. Desensitization is an important characteristic of glutamate receptors of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) type. 2. Stimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or AMPA receptors in cerebellum results in increased production of cyclic GMP. We have investigated AMPA receptor desensitization in vivo by monitoring extracellular cyclic GMP during intracerebellar microdialysis in conscious unrestrained adult rats. 3. Local infusion of AMPA (10 to 100 microM) caused dose-related elevations of cyclic GMP levels. The effect of AMPA was prevented by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and by the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG). 4. In the absence of AMPA, DNQX lowered the basal levels of cyclic GMP whereas the NMDA receptor channel antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) was ineffective. 5. Cyclothiazide, a blocker of AMPA receptor desensitization, potentiated the cyclic GMP response to exogenous AMPA. Moreover, cyclothiazide (100-300 microM) produced on its own dose-dependent elevations of extracellular cyclic GMP. The cyclothiazide-induced response was prevented not only by DNQX but also by MK-801. 6. While the cyclic GMP response elicited by AMPA was totally insensitive to MK-801, the response produced by AMPA (10 microM) plus cyclothiazide (30 microM) was strongly attenuated by the NMDA receptor antagonist (30 microM). 7. The results suggest that (a) AMPA receptors linked to the NO-cyclic GMP pathway in the cerebellum can undergo desensitization in vivo during exposure to exogenous AMPA; cyclothiazide inhibits such desensitization; (b) AMPA receptors (but not NMDA receptors) are 'tonically' activated and kept in a partly desensitized state by endogenous glutamate; (c) if cyclothiazide is present, activation of AMPA receptors may permit endogenous activation of NMDA receptors.

Global cerebral ischemia in the rat: online monitoring of oxygen free radical production using chemiluminescence in vivo

Using online in vivo chemiluminescence (CL), we studied for the first time continuously the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after global cerebral ischemia and the relationship of ROS production to CBF. In anesthetized rats equipped with a closed cranial window, the CL enhancer, lucigenin (1 mM), was superfused onto the brain topically. CL was measured through the cranial window with a cooled photomultiplier, and CBF was measured simultaneously with laser-Doppler flowmetry. Reperfusion after 10 min (n = 8) of global cerebral ischemia led to a CL peak to 188 +/- 77% (baseline = 100%) within 10 +/- 4 min. After 2 h of reperfusion, CL had returned to 102 +/- 28%. Reperfusion after 20 min (n = 8) of ischemia increased CL to 225 +/- 48% within 12 +/- 3 min. After 2 h, CL was still increased (150 +/- 44%, p < 0.05 compared with 10 min of ischemia). CL after 10 min of ischemia was neither affected by brain topical free CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) (100 U/ml, n = 3) nor by i.v. administration of free CuZn-SOD (104 U/kg, followed by 104 U/kg/h, n = 3). The CBF hyperfusion peak on reperfusion preceded the CL peak in all experiments by several minutes. In additional in vitro experiments we investigated the source of CL: Intracellular loading of lucigenin was demonstrated in cultured CNS cells, and a very similar pattern of CL as in the in vivo preparation after ischemia developed in rat brain slices after 15 min of hypoxia, which was unaffected by free CuZn-SOD (100 U/ml) but strongly attenuated by liposome-entrapped CuZn-SOD. We conclude that lucigenin-enhanced CL is a promising tool to study ROS production continuously from the in vivo brain of experimental animals and brain slices, and that the CL signal most likely derives from the intracellular production of superoxide. The production of ROS is preceded by reperfusion, is burst-like, and is dependent on the duration of the ischemic interval.

L-glutamate-induced changes in intracellular calcium oscillation frequency through non-classical glutamate receptor binding in cultured rat myocardial cells

The effects of L-glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate (KA) and L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole proprionate (AMPA) on intracellular Ca2+ oscillation frequency were studied in cultured rat myocardial cells. Ca2+ oscillations per minute were increased as compared to control by L-glutamate (100 microM) from 3.8 +/- 2.2 to 25.7 +/- 4.3 (p < 0.001) and the NMDA-receptor agonist, NMDA (100 microM), from 1.2 +/- 0.8 to 34.8 +/- 10.1 (p < 0.011). Increases over control frequency were also seen in response to the non-NMDA receptor agonists KA (100 microM) from 5.8 +/- 2.3 to 25.6 +/- 3.2 (p < 0.001) and AMPA (10 microM) from 3.8 +/- 1.2 to 13.3 +/- 1.8 (p < 0.001). The non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK801) (10 microM), decreased the Ca2+ oscillation frequency induced by NMDA (100 microM from 36.8 +/- 12.2 to 7.2 +/- 7.2 (p < 0.05). (+/-)-2-Amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid (AP7), a competitive inhibitor at the NMDA receptor inhibited the increase in frequency induced by KA (100 microM) at all concentrations tested (0.1, 1.0, 10 and 100 microM). 6,7-Dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX), a competitive inhibitor at non-NMDA receptors, also decreased the oscillation frequency elicited by KA (100 microM) from 35.4 +/- 9.4 to 28.2 +/- 9.8, 24.8 +/- 9.8 and 11 +/- 9.5 at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 10 microM respectively. The peak amount of intracellular Ca2+ as expressed as the fluo 3 ratio, F/Frcst, was not increased by L-glutamate, NMDA or KA. These results suggest the presence of a novel glutamate receptor composed of both non-NMDA and NMDA subunits on cultured rat myocardial cells, and receptor stimulation leads to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ oscillation frequency.

Activation of the metabotropic glutamate receptor is neuroprotective during nitric oxide toxicity in primary hippocampal neurons of rats

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) can influence neuronal survival and have been shown to be neuroprotective during glutamate toxicity in retinal cells and in cortical neurons. The mechanisms that mediate protection by this group of receptors are not clear. Since nitric oxide (NO) production can lead to neuronal cell death during excessive glutamate release, we examined whether neuronal survival was directly linked to mGluR activity and the NO pathway. Treatment with the mGluR4 receptor subtype agonist, L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, in hippocampal cell cultures protected neurons during NO exposure. Treatment with L-(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid, an antagonist of the mGluR1 receptor subtype and inhibitor of inositol trisphosphate formation, did not significantly alter neuronal survival during NO administration. We conclude that activation of the mGluR4 receptor protects hippocampal neurons from NO toxicity and that the mechanism of NO induced neurodegeneration does not appear to involve inhibition of the mGluR1 receptor subtype activity or the phosphoinositide system.

Nitric oxide synthase inhibition and extracellular glutamate concentration after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transient cerebral ischemia in rats results in selective loss of neuronal viability, eg, hippocampal CA1 neurons. The neurochemical variables responsible for this selective vulnerability to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) appear to involve excitatory amino acids. In brain IR, excitatory amino acid toxicity may be modulated by endogenous nitric oxide (NO.) gas. To investigate NO. in global brain IR, we measured the effects of NO. synthase (NOS) inhibition on interstitial excitatory amino acids in rats. Changes in postischemic cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier function also were evaluated.

METHODS

Forebrain ischemia was produced by systemic hypotension and occlusion of both carotid arteries for 15 minutes. Blood flow was restored for 60 minutes by unclamping the carotids and reinfusing with blood. A microdialysis probe was placed into the cortex and hippocampus using a stereotaxic device. Interstitial glutamate concentration was measured during IR with high-performance liquid chromatography. A competitive NOS inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), was given intraperitoneally 30 minutes before ischemia in doses of 1, 4, and 20 mg/kg. Changes in cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier during IR were determined using laser-Doppler flowmetry and microdialysis with sodium fluorescein.

RESULTS

Glutamate in the dialysate during IR increased transiently 10-fold and returned to baseline levels by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Animals treated with L-NAME 30 minutes before ischemia also showed increases in glutamate concentration during ischemia, but glutamate remained elevated during reperfusion. The increase in glutamate concentration during reperfusion caused by L-NAME was prevented by L-arginine. The administration of L-arginine and L-NAME together decreased extracellular glutamate concentration during ischemia. Cerebral blood flow decreased to about 5% of baseline values during ischemia but increased approximately fourfold relative to control values on reperfusion. The hyperemic responses after ischemia were not different between IR groups treated with or without L-NAME. Brain ischemia increased the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to fluorescein; however, this change was attenuated by L-NAME administration at 20 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

NOS inhibition did not attenuate extracellular glutamate accumulation during ischemia and increased its concentration on reperfusion. The elevated glutamate concentration after IR in L-NAME-treated rats did not appear to be due to either a decrease in cerebral blood flow response after ischemia or increases in local blood-brain barrier permeability. For the most part, the blood-brain barrier was spared in the immediate postischemic period by L-NAME treatment. These data suggest that NO. production may oppose synaptic excitatory amino acid accumulation and presumably excitotoxicity during IR.

Calmodulin: effects of cell stimuli and drugs on cellular activation

The activity, localization and cellular content of CaM can be regulated by drugs, hormones and neurotransmitters. Regulation of physiological responses of CaM can depend upon local Ca(2+)-entry domains in the cells and phosphorylation of CaM target proteins, which would either decrease responsiveness of CaM target enzymes or increase CaM availability for binding to other target proteins. Despite the abundance of CaM in many cells, persistent cellular activation by a variety of substances can lead to an increase in CaM, reflected both in the nucleus and other cellular compartments. Increases in CaM-binding proteins can accompany stimuli-induced increases in CaM. A role for CaM in vesicular or protein transport, cell morphology, secretion and other cytoskeletal processes is emerging through its binding to cytoskeletal proteins and myosins in addition to the more often investigated activation of target enzymes. More complete knowledge of the physiological regulation of CaM can lead to a greater understanding of its role in physiological processes and ways to alter its actions through pharmacology.

Role of nitric oxide in modulating neurotransmitter release from rat striatum

The effect of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on the basal and stimulation-evoked release of dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) was investigated in rat striatum. The experiments were carried out in isolated superfused striatal slices, loaded with either [3H]-dopamine or [3H]-choline. We have found that L-NAME reduced the electrical field stimulation-evoked release of DA, while its enantiomer N-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME) was ineffective. In the presence of the nitric oxide (NO) precursor L-arginine, L-NAME failed to influence DA release. Furthermore, treatment with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 completely reversed the effect of L-NAME on striatal DA release. In contrast, L-NAME had no effect on either the basal or the stimulation-evoked ACh release in any experimental conditions studied. Our data indicate that endogenously produced NO is involved in the modulation of striatal DA, but not in ACh release. Furthermore, it seems likely that the modulatory effect of NO is linked to activation of presynaptic NMDA receptors located on the striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals.

Blockade of nitric oxide synthesis by tyrosine kinase inhibitors in neurones

In striatal neurones in culture, N-methyl-D-aspartate-(NMDA), kainate-(Kai) and K(+)-dependent cGMP production is entirely mediated via nitric oxide (NO). Low concentrations of lavendustin-A (< or = 0.3 microM), a highly specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, reduced irreversibly and in a time-dependent manner NMDA-stimulated cGMP production. After a preincubation period of 20 min with lavendustin-A (0.3 microM), the inhibition of NMDA-induced cGMP production was equal to 56 +/- 8% (n = 6). After the same preincubation period, the IC50 of the lavendustin-A blockade was 30 +/- 15 nM. Genistein, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor also inhibited NMDA-dependent cGMP production with high potencies (< or = 3 microM). Whatever the tyrosine kinase inhibitor tested, the basal cGMP production remained unaffected. Kai-, K(+)-, and ionomycin-induced cGMP production was also inhibited by lavendustin-A, and genistein. In contrast, tyrosine kinase inhibitors were unable to block NO donor-induced cGMP production. Using patch clamp experiments, we have also found that lavendustin-A (0.3-1 microM), the most potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor used, (a) did not reduce the NMDA receptor-mediated current, (b) only slighly affected Kai receptor-mediated current (16.4 +/- 3.4% inhibition) and (c) had a marked effect on voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel- (VSCC) mediated currents (44.4 +/- 4.9% inhibition). A reduction in VSCC activity certainly explains the inhibition of K(+)-, Kai- and possibly part of the NMDA-induced cGMP production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Responses of cerebral arterioles to kainate

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neurons release nitric oxide in response to glutamate. Glutamate acts via activation of different receptor subtypes, including N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainate receptors. This study examined the hypothesis that kainate produces dilatation of cerebral arterioles that is dependent on the formation of nitric oxide.

METHODS

Diameters of cerebral arterioles were measured by means of a closed cranial window in anesthetized rabbits. Kainate, quisqualate, acetylcholine, and NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) were applied locally in the cranial window. We also examined whether kainate elicited direct vascular effects by the use of isolated cerebral arteries in vitro.

RESULTS

Under control conditions, topical kainate (100 mumol/L) increased the diameter of arterioles by 20 +/- 5% (mean +/- SE), 27 +/- 7%, and 31 +/- 7% at 3, 5, and 9 minutes of application, respectively. After topical application of L-NNA (300 mumol/L), kainate dilated cerebral arterioles by 8 +/- 4%, 9 +/- 5%, and 8 +/- 6% at 3, 5, and 9 minutes, respectively (P < .05 versus the control response). In contrast, quisqualate (100 and 300 mumol/L) did not alter the diameter of cerebral arterioles. In rings of the middle cerebral artery studied in vitro, kainate had no effect on vascular tone, which suggests that cerebral vessels lack receptors for kainate. Thus, cerebral vasodilator effects of kainate do not appear to be due to the direct effect of the excitatory amino acid on cerebral vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that kainate produces dilatation of cerebral arterioles in vivo that is mediated by release of nitric oxide from an extravascular source.

Distribution of nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive interneurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus

The spinal trigeminal nucleus is involved in the transmission of orofacial sensory information. Neither the distribution of the neuromessenger, nitric oxide, within the trigeminal system nor the possible relationship of this simple gas with trigeminothalamic neurons has been carefully studied. Using immunocytochemical (against nitric oxide synthase) and histochemical (NADPH-diaphorase staining) techniques, we have found that nitric oxide neurons and processes are more prominent in the nucleus caudalis and the dorsomedial aspect of the nucleus oralis than in other spinal trigeminal regions. To study the relationship of nitric oxide to trigeminothalamic neurons and intertrigeminal interneurons of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, spinal trigeminal neurons were retrogradely labeled with fluorogold by thalamic injections or by injections into the junction of the nucleus interpolaris and nucleus caudalis. Medullary sections were subsequently processed with NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. None of the diaphorase-stained neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus was found to contain fluorogold; however, some diaphorase-stained processes were found in close proximity to trigeminothalamic neurons. Following spinal trigeminal nucleus injections, many diaphorase-stained neurons were found to contain fluorogold, especially in the nucleus caudalis, suggesting that nitric oxide-containing neurons in the spinal trigeminal nucleus are intertrigeminal interneurons. Collectively, these data indicate that nitric oxide is most prominent in interneurons located in nucleus caudalis and that these interneurons give rise to processes that appose trigeminothalamic neurons, raising the possibility that they may indirectly influence orofacial nociceptive processing at the level of the spinal trigeminal nucleus via nitric oxide production.