Localization of GABAA receptor immunoreactivity in NO synthase positive myenteric neurones

Opportunities and Challenges for Single-Unit Recordings from Enteric Neurons in Awake Animals

Advanced electrode designs have made single-unit neural recordings commonplace in modern neuroscience research. However, single-unit resolution remains out of reach for the intrinsic neurons of the gastrointestinal system. Single-unit recordings of the enteric (gut) nervous system have been conducted in anesthetized animal models and excised tissue, but there is a large physiological gap between awake and anesthetized animals, particularly for the enteric nervous system. Here, we describe the opportunity for advancing enteric neuroscience offered by single-unit recording capabilities in awake animals. We highlight the primary challenges to microelectrodes in the gastrointestinal system including structural, physiological, and signal quality challenges, and we provide design criteria recommendations for enteric microelectrodes.

Neurally Released GABA Acts via GABAC Receptors to Modulate Ca2+ Transients Evoked by Trains of Synaptic Inputs, but Not Responses Evoked by Single Stimuli, in Myenteric Neurons of Mouse Ileum

γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and its receptors, GABAA,B,C, are expressed in several locations along the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, a role for GABA in enteric synaptic transmission remains elusive. In this study, we characterized the expression and function of GABA in the myenteric plexus of the mouse ileum. About 8% of all myenteric neurons were found to be GABA-immunoreactive (GABA+) including some Calretinin+ and some neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS+) neurons. We used Wnt1-Cre;R26R-GCaMP3 mice, which express a genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicator in all enteric neurons and glia. Exogenous GABA increased the intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i of some myenteric neurons including many that did not express GABA or nNOS (the majority), some GABA+, Calretinin+ or Neurofilament-M (NFM)+ but rarely nNOS+ neurons. GABA+ terminals contacted a significantly larger proportion of the cell body surface area of Calretinin+ neurons than of nNOS+ neurons. Numbers of neurons with GABA-induced [Ca2+]i transients were reduced by GABAA,B,C and nicotinic receptor blockade. Electrical stimulation of interganglionic fiber tracts was used to examine possible effects of endogenous GABA release. [Ca2+]i transients evoked by single pulses were unaffected by specific antagonists for each of the 3 GABA receptor subtypes. [Ca2+]i transients evoked by 20 pulse trains were significantly amplified by GABAC receptor blockade. These data suggest that GABAA and GABAB receptors are not involved in synaptic transmission, but suggest a novel role for GABAC receptors in modulating slow synaptic transmission, as indicated by changes in [Ca2+]i transients, within the ENS.

GABA and GABA receptors in the gastrointestinal tract: from motility to inflammation

Although an extensive body of literature confirmed γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as mediator within the enteric nervous system (ENS) controlling gastrointestinal (GI) function, the true significance of GABAergic signalling in the gut is still a matter of debate. GABAergic cells in the bowel include neuronal and endocrine-like cells, suggesting GABA as modulator of both motor and secretory GI activity. GABA effects in the GI tract depend on the activation of ionotropic GABAA and GABAC receptors and metabotropic GABAB receptors, resulting in a potential noteworthy regulation of both the excitatory and inhibitory signalling in the ENS. However, the preservation of GABAergic signalling in the gut could not be limited to the maintenance of physiologic intestinal activity. Indeed, a series of interesting studies have suggested a potential key role of GABA in the promising field of neuroimmune interaction, being involved in the modulation of immune cell activity associated with different systemic and enteric inflammatory conditions. Given the urgency of novel therapeutic strategies against chronic immunity-related pathologies, i.e. multiple sclerosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, an in-depth comprehension of the enteric GABAergic system in health and disease could provide the basis for new clinical application of nerve-driven immunity. Hence, in the attempt to drive novel researches addressing both the physiological and pathological importance of the GABAergic signalling in the gut, we summarized current evidence on GABA and GABA receptor function in the different parts of the GI tract, with particular focus on the potential involvement in the modulation of GI motility and inflammation.

Molecular and functional diversity of GABA-A receptors in the enteric nervous system of the mouse colon

The enteric nervous system (ENS) provides the intrinsic neural control of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and regulates virtually all GI functions. Altered neuronal activity within the ENS underlies various GI disorders with stress being a key contributing factor. Thus, elucidating the expression and function of the neurotransmitter systems, which determine neuronal excitability within the ENS, such as the GABA-GABAA receptor (GABAAR) system, could reveal novel therapeutic targets for such GI disorders. Molecular and functionally diverse GABAARs modulate rapid GABAergic-mediated regulation of neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. However, the cellular and subcellular GABAAR subunit expression patterns within neurochemically defined cellular circuits of the mouse ENS, together with the functional contribution of GABAAR subtypes to GI contractility remains to be determined. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that immunoreactivity for the GABAAR gamma (γ) 2 and alphas (α) 1, 2, 3 subunits was located on somatodendritic surfaces of neurochemically distinct myenteric plexus neurons, while being on axonal compartments of submucosal plexus neurons. In contrast, immunoreactivity for the α4-5 subunits was only detected in myenteric plexus neurons. Furthermore, α-γ2 subunit immunoreactivity was located on non-neuronal interstitial cells of Cajal. In organ bath studies, GABAAR subtype-specific ligands had contrasting effects on the force and frequency of spontaneous colonic longitudinal smooth muscle contractions. Finally, enhancement of γ2-GABAAR function with alprazolam reversed the stress-induced increase in the force of spontaneous colonic contractions. The study demonstrates the molecular and functional diversity of the GABAAR system within the mouse colon providing a framework for developing GABAAR-based therapeutics in GI disorders.

Rat submandibular gland perfusion method for clarifying inhibitory regulation of GABAA receptor

GABA is an inhibitory transmitter found in rat salivary gland. However, the inhibitory potential of GABA on salivary secretion is unclear. Using an in vivo cannulation method, intraperitoneal administration of GABA was ineffective in the absence of gabaculine, a GABA transaminase inhibitor, on pilocarpine-induced salivary secretion, suggesting that GABA was rendered metabolically inactive before reaching the salivary gland. We hypothesized that the action of a drug on the salivary glands could be measured directly using a submandibular gland perfusion system. The submandibular gland artery, veins, and duct were cannulated in situ so that physiological functions such as innervation would not be compromised. Hank's balanced salt solution (pH 7.4) was perfused at a rate of 0.5 ml/min together with 1 μM carbachol (CCh) over a 5-min period every 30 min. Amount of secreted saliva showed no change to the recurrent addition of CCh to the perfusate. GABA or muscimol dose-dependently inhibited CCh-induced salivary secretion. This effect was blocked by bicuculline, a GABA(A)-receptor (GABA(A)-R) antagonist, and enhanced by clonazepam, a central-type benzodiazepine-receptor agonist. These results suggest that salivary secretion is suppressed by GABA(A)-R in rat salivary gland and that the perfusion method used was effective in clarifying inhibitory regulation of GABA(A)-R.

Role of γ-aminobutyric acid and its receptors in carcinogenesis

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian brain and it is also expressed in the central nervous system, peripheral nerves and peripheral non-neural tissues. Recent studies have shown that GABA is involved in the proliferation and migration of tumor cells and other processes of tumor development. According to different sensitivity to agonists and antagonists, GABA receptors have been classified into three types: A, B and C. GABA receptors and their receptor subunits are involved in complicated regulation of tumor cells. Many studies have demonstrated that GABA binding to its receptors can activate or inhibit the cAMP signaling pathway and the MAPK/ERK pathway, and regulate cancer cell proliferation and migration. The potential value of GABA in cancer diagnosis, prognostic prediction and biotherapy has been gradually revealed. In the present article, we reviewed the recent progress in understanding the role of GABA and its receptors in carcinogenesis.

Effect of GABA-ergic mechanisms on synaptosomal NO synthesis and the nitrergic component of NANC relaxation in rat ileum

BACKGROUND

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts on specific neural receptors [A, B and C(Aρ)] to modulate gastrointestinal function. The precise role of GABA receptor activation in the regulation of presynaptic nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in nerve terminals is unknown.

METHODS

Rat ileal nerve terminals were isolated by differential centrifugation. Nitric oxide synthesis was analysed using a L-[(3) H]arginine assay. In vitro studies were performed under non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) conditions on isolated ileal segments.

KEY RESULTS

γ-Aminobutyric acid inhibited NO synthesis significantly (n = 6, P < 0.05) [(fmol mg(-1) min(-1)) control: 27.7 ± 1.5, 10(-6) mol L(-1): 19.7 ± 1.3; 10(-5) mol L(-1): 17.5 ± 3.0]. This effect was antagonized by the GABA A receptor antagonist bicuculline and the GABA C receptor antagonist (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA), but not by the GABA B receptor antagonist SCH 50911. The GABA A receptor agonist muscimol [(fmol mg(-1) min(-1)) control: 27.6 ± 1.0, 10(-6) mol L(-1): 19.1 ± 1.7, n = 5, P < 0.05] and the GABA C receptor agonist cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA) [(fmol mg(-1) min(-1)) control: 29.5 ± 3.2, 10(-3) mol L(-1): 20.3 ± 2.5, n = 6, P < 0.05], mimicked the GABA-effect, whereas the GABA B agonist baclofen was ineffective. Bicuculline reversed the inhibitory effect of muscimol, TPMPA antagonized the effect of CACA. In functional experiments the GABA A and C receptor agonists reduced the NANC relaxation induced by electrical field stimulation in rat ileum by about 40%. After NOS-inhibition by Nε-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) the GABA A receptor agonist had no effect, whereas the GABA C receptor agonist still showed a residual response.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

γ-Aminobutyric acid inhibits neural NO synthesis in rat ileum by GABA A and GABA C(Aρ) receptor-mediated mechanisms.

Functional evidence for different roles of GABAA and GABAB receptors in modulating mouse gastric tone

The aims of the present study were to investigate, using mouse whole stomach in vitro, the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA receptor agonists on the spontaneous gastric tone, to examine the subtypes of GABA receptors involved in the responses and to determine the possible site(s) of action. GABA induced gastric relaxation, which was antagonized by the GABA(A)-receptor antagonist, bicuculline, potentiated by phaclofen, GABA(B)-receptor antagonist, but not affected by 1,2,5,6-Tetrahydropyridin-4-yl methylphosphinic acid hydrate (TPMPA), GABA(C)-receptor antagonist. Muscimol, GABA(A)-receptor agonist, mimicked GABA effects inducing relaxation, which was significantly reduced by bicuculline, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), inhibitor of NO synthase or apamin, inhibitor of small conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels, which blocks the purinergic transmission in this preparation. It was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or l-NAME plus apamin. Baclofen, a specific GABA(B)-receptor agonist, induced an increase in the gastric tone, which was antagonized by phaclofen and abolished by TTX or atropine. Bicuculline, but not phaclofen or TPMPA, per se induced an increase in gastric tone, which was prevented by L-NAME. In conclusion, our results suggest that GABA is involved in the regulation of mouse gastric tone, through modulation of intrinsic neurons. Activation of GABA(A)-receptors mediates relaxation through neural release of NO and neurotransmitters, activating Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels, likely purines, while activation of GABA(B)-receptors leads to contraction through acetylcholine release.

Expression of NKCC2 in the rat gastrointestinal tract

NKCC2, an isoform of Na+-K+-2Cl(-) cotransporter, is principally present in the kidney and plays a critical role in salt reabsorption. Expression of NKCC2 has been found in the apical membrane of intestinal epithelial cells in a number of marine fish, however, details for expression in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract are lacking. RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to study the expression and localization of NKCC2 in the rat gastrointestinal tract. We found that mRNA transcripts, protein and immunoreactivity (IR) for NKCC2 were expressed in the stomach, small and large intestine of adult rats. NKCC2 IR was localized to the base of the gastric glands, intestinal epithelia, myenteric and submucosal plexuses. NKCC2 IR was expressed strongly in the apical membranes and weakly in the basolateral membranes of intestinal epithelial cells. In the enteric nervous system, NKCC2 IR was widely distributed and localized to enteric neurons with cholinergic, calretinin and nitrergic neuronal immunochemical codes in the myenteric plexus. It was localized to non-cholinergic secretomotor neurons in the submucosal plexus. In conclusion, this study for the first time clearly detected the expression of NKCC2 in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammalian species. Expression of NKCC2 in gastrointestinal epithelial cells suggested that this cation chloride cotransporter might be involved in gastrointestinal ion transport. Expression of NKCC2 in enteric neurons might contribute to the accumulation of Cl(-) and a more depolarized E(Cl)(-) in enteric neurons.

Functional evidence for GABA as modulator of the contractility of the longitudinal muscle in mouse duodenum: Role of GABAA and GABAC receptors

We investigated, in vitro, the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the spontaneous mechanical activity of the longitudinal smooth muscle in mouse duodenum. GABA induced an excitatory effect, consisting in an increase in the basal tone, which was antagonized by the GABA(A)-receptor antagonist, bicuculline, potentiated by (1,2,5,6-Tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid hydrate (TPMPA), a GABA(C)-receptor antagonist and it was not affected by phaclofen, a GABA(B)-receptor antagonist. Muscimol, GABA(A) receptor agonist, induced a contractile effect markedly reduced by bicuculline, tetrodotoxin (TTX), hexamethonium and atropine. Cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA), a specific GABA(C) receptor agonist, induced an inhibitory effect, consisting in the reduction of the amplitude of the spontaneous contractions and muscular relaxation, which was antagonised by TPMPA, GABA(C)-receptor antagonist, TTX or N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, but not affected by hexamethonium. In conclusion, our study indicates that GABA is a modulator of mechanical activity of longitudinal muscle in mouse duodenum. GABA may act through neuronal presynaptic receptors, namely GABA(A) receptors, leading to the release of ACh from excitatory cholinergic neurons, and GABA(C) receptors increasing the release of NO from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory neurons.

GABA-induced calcium signaling in cultured enteric neurons is reinforced by activation of cholinergic pathways

GABA is an important inhibitory transmitter in the CNS. In the enteric nervous system, however, both excitatory and inhibitory actions have been reported. Here, we investigated the effects of GABA on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of guinea-pig myenteric neurons (at 35 degrees C) using Fura-2-AM. Neurons were identified by 75 mM K+ depolarization (5 s), which evoked a transient intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase. GABA (10 s) induced a dose dependent (5 nM-1 microM) transient intracellular Ca2+ concentration rise in the majority of neurons (500 nM GABA: 251+/-17 nM, n=232/289). Interestingly, the response to 5 microM GABA (n=18) lasted several minutes and did not fully recover. GABA response amplitudes were significantly (P<0.001) reduced by GABAA and GABAB receptor antagonists (10 microM) bicuculline and phaclofen. The GABAA agonist isoguvacine (10 microM) and GABAB agonist baclofen (10 microM) induced similar responses as 50 nM GABA, while the GABAC agonist cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA) (10 microM) only elicited small responses in a minority of neurons. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished all responses while depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin (5 microM) did not alter the responses to 500 nM GABA (n=13), but reduction of Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels did. The nicotinic antagonist hexamethonium (100 microM) also reduced GABA responses by almost 70% suggesting that GABA stimulates cholinergic pathways, while the purinergic receptor blocker pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS) and the 5-HT3 receptor blocker ondansetron only had minor effects.

CONCLUSION

GABA elicits transient intracellular Ca2+ concentration responses in the majority of myenteric neurons through activation of GABAA and GABAB receptors and much of the response can be attributed to facilitation of ACh release. Thus GABA may act mainly as a modulator that sets the state of excitability of the enteric nerve network. A concentration of 5 microM GABA, although frequently used in pharmacological experiments, seems to cause a detrimental response reminiscent of the neurotoxic effects glutamate has in the CNS.

GABAergic mechanisms of gastroprotection in the rat: role of sensory neurons, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter found in both the central and the peripheral nervous systems including the gastrointestinal tract. The aims of the present studies were to examine mechanisms by which GABA exerts gastroprotective effects against ethanol- and water-restraint stress (WRS)-induced gastric mucosal injury in the rat. GABA, administered intragastrically (400 mg/kg), induced gastroprotection against ethanol and WRS by activating gastric sensory neurons to release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and promote nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and release. Furthermore, these protective effects of GABA were associated with an increase in gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) that was dependent on sensory neuron and NO systems. GABA-mediated protection involved GABAA receptor activation and prostaglandin generation. In conclusion, intraluminal GABA protects the stomach against ethanol- and WRS-induced injury by mechanisms which involve sensory neuron/CGRP/NO pathways and increases in GMBF and prostaglandin generation.

GABA and GABA receptors in the central nervous system and other organs

Gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian brain. GABA is also considered to be a multifunctional molecule that has different situational functions in the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and in some nonneuronal tissues. GABA is synthesized primarily from glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), but alternative pathways may be important under certain situations. Two types of GAD appear to have significant physiological roles. GABA functions appear to be triggered by binding of GABA to its ionotropic receptors, GABA(A) and GABA(C), which are ligand-gated chloride channels, and its metabotropic receptor, GABA(B). The physiological, pharmacological, and molecular characteristics of GABA(A) receptors are well documented, and diversity in the pharmacologic properties of the receptor subtypes is important clinically. In addition to its role in neural development, GABA appears to be involved in a wide variety of physiological functions in tissues and organs outside the brain.

Gene expression and localization of GABA(C) receptors in neurons of the rat gastrointestinal tract

The effects of GABA in the CNS are mediated by three different GABA receptors: GABA(A), GABA(B) and GABA(C) receptors. GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors, but not yet GABA(C) receptors, have been demonstrated in the enteric nervous system, where GABA has been proposed to be a transmitter. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GABA(C) receptors are present and thus may play a role in mediating the effects of GABA in the myenteric plexus of the rat gastrointestinal tract. We examined the expression of the three known GABA(C) receptor subunits, rho1, rho2 and rho3, in the rat duodenum, ileum and colon using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We determined the localization of GABA(C) receptors in the myenteric plexus of these regions using two different antisera directed against GABA(C) receptor subunits. The polymerase chain reaction revealed that all three subunits were expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. When the layers of the intestine were separated and the layer containing myenteric neurons was assayed, the rho3 subunit was found in the ileum and colon, whereas rho1 was expressed in the duodenum and weakly in the colon and rho2 was expressed in the ileum. Immunocytochemistry revealed numerous labeled neurons in the myenteric plexus of each region. Colocalization showed that a large proportion of calbindin plus calretinin immunoreactive neurons (intrinsic primary afferent neurons) were immunoreactive for the GABA(C) receptor, and that 56% of nitric oxide synthase immunoreactive neurons (inhibitory motor neurons) exhibited the receptor. These results indicate that GABA(C) receptors of differing subunit compositions are expressed by neurons in the rat gastrointestinal tract. The effects of GABA on intrinsic sensory and on inhibitory motor neurons are likely to be mediated in part through GABA(C) receptors.

Pharmacological evidence for a role of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor mechanism in modulating nitric oxide synthase activity in rat brain

The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mechanism on the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) has been investigated by measuring the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the concentration of NO in rat brain 15 min after administration of anticonvulsant doses of diazepam (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) which is known to activate GABA A receptor for its anticonvulsant action. Diazepam enhanced both NOS activity and the concentration of NO in a dose-dependent manner. A reversal has been observed in animals treated with a convulsant dose of picrotoxin (5 mg/kg) which is known to produce convulsions by blocking GABA A receptor mechanism. These results suggest that a functional interaction occurs between GABA A receptor activity and NO synthesis in the brain.

GABA in the Mammalian Enteric Nervous System

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a transmitter of enteric interneurons, targeting excitatory GABA(A) or inhibitory GABA(B) receptors that modulate motility and mucosal function. Enteric GABA may also subserve hormonal and paracrine signaling. Disruption in gastrointestinal function following perturbation of enteric GABA receptors presents potential new target sites for drug development.

GABA(A) receptor subunit messenger RNA expression in the enteric nervous system of the rat: implications for functional diversity of enteric GABA(A) receptors

GABAergic neurons occur in the myenteric plexus and submucosa and their innervations of the gut, where GABA stimulates motor neurons, and non-neural cells via "central type" GABA(A) receptors. These receptors occur on half of the neurons in the rat intestine. The GABA(A) receptor is a ligand-gated chloride channel constructed from different subunit families (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon). In rat these exist as subtypes, alpha1-6, beta1-3, gamma1-3 and delta, defining the clinically relevant pharmacological features of GABA(A) receptors. However, the identity, distribution, and abundance of enteric GABA(A) receptor subunits are unknown. To identify and map the regional expression of GABA(A) receptor subunit messenger RNAs in the enteric nervous system, we assayed enteric RNA from the ileum of Sprague-Dawley rats by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for alpha1-6, beta 1-3, gamma1-3, and delta subunit messenger RNAs. Subunit messenger RNA localization, was probed by in situ hybridization. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of RNA from myenteric and submucosal nerve layers revealed the expression alpha1, alpha3, beta2, beta3, gamma1 and gamma3 subunit messenger RNAs. Little alpha4 and alpha6 and no alpha2, beta1, gamma2 or delta subunit messenger RNA were detected. In situ hybridization revealed that transcripts for alpha1, alpha3, alpha5 and beta2 subunits occur in both myenteric and submucous ganglia. However, beta3 messenger RNA was found only in myenteric plexus. The gamma1 subunit messenger RNA was also restricted to the cells in the myenteric plexus while gamma3 was found in cells of both nerve layers. In this study of the subunit messenger RNA expression profile of GABA(A) receptors within the enteric nerve layers we show an abundant, diverse and widespread distribution that is unique in comparison to the CNS. The distinctive and heterogeneous distribution of enteric GABA(A) subunits may be important in the integration of neural control of gut function.

Cholinergic and GABAergic regulation of nitric oxide synthesis in the guinea pig ileum

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was examined in intact longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparations of the guinea pig ileum by determining the formation of [3H]citrulline during incubation with [3H]arginine. Spontaneous [3H]citrulline production after 30 min was 80-90 dpm/mg, which constituted approximately 1% of the tissue radioactivity. Electrical stimulation (10 Hz) led to a threefold increase in [3H]citrulline formation. Removal of calcium from the medium or addition of NG-nitro-L-arginine strongly inhibited both spontaneous and electrically induced production of [3H]citrulline. TTX reduced the electrically induced but not spontaneous [3H]citrulline formation. The electrically induced formation of [3H]citrulline was diminished by (+)-tubocurarine and mecamylamine and enhanced by scopolamine, which suggests that endogenous ACh inhibits, via muscarinic receptors, and stimulates, via nicotinic receptors, the NO synthesis in the myenteric plexus. The GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and GABA also reduced the electrically evoked formation of [3H]citrulline, whereas baclofen was without effect. Bicuculline antagonized the inhibitory effect of GABA. It is concluded that nitrergic myenteric neurons are equipped with GABAA receptors, which mediate inhibition of NO synthesis.

Comparison of gamma-aminobutyric acid effects in different parts of the cat ileum

The effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and those of a GABA(A) (muscimol) and a GABA(B) (baclofen) receptor agonists were determined on the spontaneous activity of longitudinally or circularly oriented preparations (segments) isolated from terminal, proximal and distal parts of the cat ileum. GABA applied at 1 microM to 2 mM caused dose-dependent biphasic changes (relaxation and contraction) in spontaneous activity of the longitudinal and circular layers in the terminal and distal parts of the cat ileum and monophasic changes (contraction) in the proximal part. The potency of GABA to elicit relaxant and/or contractile effects in different parts of the ileum showed a proximal-to-terminal increasing pattern. In the longitudinal layer of the distal and terminal ileum, muscimol (100 microM) mimicked the relaxation phase of the GABA effect, while baclofen (100 microM) simulated the contractile phase. Bicuculline, atropine and tetrodotoxin abolished GABA- and muscimol-induced relaxation and suppressed, but failed to prevent GABA- and baclofen-induced contractions. In addition, 2-hydroxysaclofen antagonized the baclofen-induced contractile effect, reduced the GABA-induced contractile phase but failed to prevent GABA- and muscimol-induced relaxation. In the circular layer of the same regions, muscimol mimicked the biphasic GABA effects, while baclofen was without effect. Bicuculline, atropine and tetrodotoxin completely prevented the GABA- and muscimol effects, while 2-hydroxysaclofen failed to antagonize them. In the longitudinal and circular layers of the proximal ileum, muscimol (100 microM) exerted a 'GABA-like' transient contractile effect, while baclofen (100 microM) did not elicit any response. Bicuculline, atropine and tetrodotoxin antagonized the GABA- and muscimol-induced contractile responses of longitudinal and circular layers, while 2-hydroxysaclofen was ineffective. The results suggested that the inhibitory and/or excitatory action of GABA on cholinergic transmission in different regions of cat ileum varies along an increasing gradient towards the terminal ileum and is mediated by GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors in the terminal and distal ileum and by GABA(A) receptors in the proximal ileum.

Rat gastroduodenal motility in vivo: interaction of GABA and VIP in control of spontaneous relaxations

Spontaneous relaxations occurring within motor activity in the rat gastroduodenum in vivo can be distinguished by their dependence on either nitric oxide (NO) or ATP. We examined the interaction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) within pathways controlling this activity in the antrum (S) and duodenum (D) of anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, using miniaturized extraluminal foil strain gauges oriented perpendicular to (S1, D1) or in the axis of (S2) the circular smooth muscle. The NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10 mg/kg iv) attenuated (P < 0.05) antral relaxations and, in the duodenum, nonpropagating "intergroup" relaxations. The GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (350 micrograms/kg sc) had similar effects. The GABAA agonist 3-amino-1-propanesulfonic acid stimulated L-NAME-sensitive relaxations at S1 and D1. Propagating "grouped" responses were unchanged. VIP (6 micrograms/kg iv) always induced a relaxation of the duodenum, which was attenuated by bicuculline and L-NAME. VIP caused simultaneous responses at S1 and S2; however, the antrum displayed either contraction or relaxation in response to VIP. All antral relaxations in response to VIP were attenuated (P < 0. 05) by L-NAME; however, only VIP-induced relaxations at S1 were sensitive to bicuculline. VIP-induced contractions were also unaffected. GABAA receptors mediate the pathway(s) controlling NO-related spontaneous relaxations of the antrum and duodenal circular muscle. All VIP-induced relaxations are mediated by NO. Spontaneous relaxations of the rat gastroduodenum include responses that involve a GABAAergic NO-related pathway, which is targeted by VIP. In addition, VIP can target NO relaxations of the antrum via other pathways.

Neurochemical characterization and distribution of enteric GABAergic neurons and nerve fibres in the human colon

GABA, somatostatin and enkephalin are neurotransmitters of enteric interneurons and comprise part of the intrinsic neural circuits regulating peristalsis. Within the relaxation phase of reflex peristalsis, nitric oxide (NO) is released by inhibitory motor neurons and perhaps enteric interneurons as well. Previously, we identified by GABA transaminase (GABA-T) immunohistochemistry, a subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons in the human colon which also contain NO synthase activity and hence produce NO. In this study, we have examined further the capacity for cotransmission within the GABAergic innervation in human colon. The expression of two important neuropeptides within GABAergic neurons was determined by combined double-labelled immunocytochemistry using antibodies for GABA-T, enkephalin and somatostatin, together with the demonstration of NO synthase-related NADPH diaphorase staining in cryosectioned colon. Both neuropeptides were found in GABAergic neurons of the colon. The evidence presented herein confirms the colocalization of NO synthase activity and GABA-T immunoreactivity in subpopulations of enteric neurons and further allows the neurochemical classification of GABAergic neurons of the human colon into three subsets: (i) neurons colocalizing somatostatin-like immunoreactivity representing about 40% of the GABAergic neurons, (ii) neurons colocalizing enkephalin-like immunoreactivity, about 9% of the GABAergic neurons and (iii) neurons colocalizing NO synthase activity, about 23% of the GABAergic neurons. This division of GABAergic interneurons into distinct subpopulations of neuropeptide or NO synthase containing cells is consistent with and provides an anatomical correlate for the pharmacology of these transmitters and the pattern of transmitter release during reflex peristalsis.

Dependence of gamma-aminobutyric acid modulation of cholinergic transmission on nitric oxide and purines in cat terminal ileum

The possible involvement of purines and/or nitric oxide (NO) in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor-mediated effects on the spontaneous activity of isolated preparations from longitudinal and circular muscles of cat terminal ileum was investigated. GABA had biphasic effects, which were neurogenic and muscarinic. ATP and adenosine dose dependently inhibited the activity of the muscles. A contractile response evoked by the nucleotide only was also observed. The effects of the purines were equipotent and resistant to Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), tetrodotoxin and to desensitization by alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (alpha,beta-meATP), except for the contractile effect of ATP, which was abolished by alpha,beta-meATP. Pretreatment of the preparations with ATP or adenosine produced: (i) desensitization to the effects of the respective purinoceptor agonist only; and (ii) suppression of the GABA-induced responses of longitudinal and circular muscles. Hemoglobin and L-NNA greatly reduced or completely blocked the GABA(A)-induced relaxation and decreased the GABA(A)-induced contraction. Our results indicate that purines and NO, to a different extent, mediate the relaxant phase of the GABA effects in both layers. Interactions between muscarinic cholinoceptors and GABA-nitrergic pathway and a concomitant activation of postjunctional P1 and P2y purinoceptors are suggested to explain the prejunctional biphasic effects of GABA.

Identification of the GABAA receptor alpha-subunit mRNA in rat intestine

We investigated the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor alpha 1-, alpha 2- and alpha 3-subunit mRNAs in the rat intestine using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. alpha 1- and alpha 3-, but not alpha 2-, subunit mRNAs were amplified from the proximal intestine, ileum, and colon. In-situ hybridization studies demonstrated the expression of alpha 1-subunit mRNA by myenteric neurons. GABA may be active via the GABAA receptor in the enteric nervous system.