scholarly journals Adenosine Inhibits GABAergic and Glycinergic Transmission in Adult Rat Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons

2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 2867-2877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Yang ◽  
Tsugumi Fujita ◽  
Eiichi Kumamoto

The effect of adenosine on inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) was examined in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices by using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Adenosine reversibly reduced the amplitude of GABAergic and glycinergic electrically evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 14.5 and 19.1 μM, respectively). The A1 adenosine-receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine also reduced the eIPSCs, whereas the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine reversed the inhibition produced by adenosine. In paired-pulse experiments, the ratio of the second to first GABAergic or glycinergic eIPSC amplitude was increased by adenosine, whereas the response of SG neurons to exogenous GABA or glycine was unaffected. Adenosine reduced the frequency of GABAergic and glycinergic spontaneous IPSCs without changing their amplitude. This reduction in frequency disappeared in the presence of a K+-channel blocker (4-aminopyridine) but not in the absence of Ca2+. The inhibition by adenosine disappeared in the presence of cyclic-AMP analog (8-Br-cyclic AMP) and adenylate-cyclase activator (forskolin) but not protein-kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate). We conclude that adenosine suppresses inhibitory transmission in SG neurons by activating presynaptic A1 receptors and that this action is mediated by K+ channels and cyclic AMP but not by Ca2+ channels and PKC. This inhibitory action of adenosine probably contributes to the modulation of pain transmission in the SG.

2009 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 312-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Fujita ◽  
T. Liu ◽  
T. Nakatsuka ◽  
E. Kumamoto

Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) have a unique activation mechanism in that a proteolytically exposed N-terminal region acts as a tethered ligand. A potential impact of PAR on sensory processing has not been fully examined yet. Here we report that synthetic peptides with sequences corresponding to PAR ligands enhance glutamatergic excitatory transmission in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices by using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. The frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) was increased by PAR-1 agonist SFLLRN-NH2 (by 47% at 1 μM) with small increases by PAR-2 and -4 agonists (SLIGKV-NH2 and GYPGQV-OH, respectively; at >3 μM); there was no change in its amplitude or in holding current at −70 mV. The PAR-1 peptide action was inhibited by PAR-1 antagonist YFLLRNP-OH. TFLLR-NH2, an agonist which is more selective to PAR-1 than SFLLRN-NH2, dose-dependently increased spontaneous EPSC frequency (EC50 = 0.32 μM). A similar presynaptic effect was produced by PAR-1 activating proteinase thrombin in a manner sensitive to YFLLRNP-OH. The PAR-1 peptide action was resistant to tetrodotoxin and inhibited in Ca2+-free solution. Primary-afferent monosynaptically evoked EPSC amplitudes were unaffected by PAR-1 agonist. These results indicate that PAR-1 activation increases the spontaneous release of l-glutamate onto SG neurons from nerve terminals in a manner dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Considering that sensory processing within the SG plays a pivotal role in regulating nociceptive transmission to the spinal dorsal horn, the PAR-1-mediated glutamatergic transmission enhancement could be involved in a positive modulation of nociceptive transmission.


1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (4) ◽  
pp. H1315-H1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Williamson ◽  
R. H. Kennedy ◽  
E. Seifen ◽  
J. P. Lindemann ◽  
J. R. Stimers

The purpose of this study was to determine if myocardial alpha 1a-and/or alpha 1b-adrenoceptors are involved in the increase in Na-K pump current (Ip) elicited by alpha 1-adrenergic agonists. Single rat ventricular myocytes were isolated by enzymatic disaggregation. The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to examine dose-dependent effects of phenylephrine (PE) on holding current (Ih) and to determine whether observed actions were mediated via alpha 1a-or alpha 1b-adrenergic receptors. To minimize the contribution of transsar-colemmal currents other than Ip to Ih, membrane voltage was held constant -40 mV, and cells were maintained in a Ca-free perfusate containing 1 mM Ba and 0.1 mM Cd. All experiments were conducted in the presence of 3 microM nadolol. PE elicited dose-dependent increases in Ih, with a peak effect of 0.57 +/- 0.03 pA/pF observed at 30 microM. The response to PE was dose dependently inhibited by prazosin and chloroethylclonidine and was totally eliminated by 1 mM ouabain. When used at doses selective for the alpha 1a-subtype, WB4101 failed to significantly antagonize the action of PE. These data suggest that the observed alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated increase in Ih in isolated rat ventricular myocytes is the result of an increase in Ip effected via stimulation of alpha 1b-adrenergic receptors.


2009 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 2230-2238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Qun Ma ◽  
Chao Liu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Na Xie ◽  
Jun Gu ◽  
...  

Recent evidences indicate the existence of a putative novel phosphatidylinositol (PI)-linked D1 dopamine receptor that mediates excellent anti-Parkinsonian but less severe dyskinesia action. To further understand the basic physiological function of this receptor in brain, the effects of a PI-linked D1 dopamine receptor-selective agonist 6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1-(3-methylphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (SKF83959) on high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents in primary cultured striatal neurons were investigated by whole cell patch-clamp technique. The results indicated that stimulation by SKF83959 induced an inhibition of HVA Ca2+ currents in a dose-dependent manner in substance-P (SP)-immunoreactive striatal neurons. Application of D1 receptor, but not D2, α1 adrenergic, 5-HT receptor, or cholinoceptor antagonist prevented SKF83959-induced reduction, indicating that a D1 receptor-mediated event assumed via PI-linked D1 receptor. SKF83959-induced inhibitory modulation was mediated by activation of phospholipase C (PLC), mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores and activation of calcineurin. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects were attenuated significantly by the L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine, suggesting that L-type calcium channels involved in the regulation induced by SKF83959. These findings may help to further understand the functional role of the PI-linked dopamine receptor in brain.


2011 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 2337-2349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Yuan Yue ◽  
Tsugumi Fujita ◽  
Eiichi Kumamoto

Although intrathecally administrated galanin modulates nociceptive transmission in a biphasic manner, this has not been fully examined previously. In the present study, the action of galanin on synaptic transmission in the substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices was examined, using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Galanin concentration-dependently increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC; EC50 = 2.0 nM) without changing the amplitude, indicating a presynaptic effect. This effect was reduced in a Ca2+-free, or voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker La3+-containing Krebs solution and was produced by a galanin type-2/3 receptor (GalR2/R3) agonist, galanin 2–11, but not by a galanin type-1 receptor (GalR1) agonist, M617. Galanin also concentration-dependently produced an outward current at −70 mV (EC50 = 44 nM), although this appeared to be contaminated by a small inward current. This outward current was mimicked by M617, but not by galanin 2–11. Moreover, galanin reduced monosynaptic Aδ-fiber- and C-fiber-evoked EPSC amplitude; the former reduction was larger than the latter. A similar action was produced by galanin 2–11, but not by M617. Spontaneous and focally evoked inhibitory (GABAergic and glycinergic) transmission was unaffected by galanin. These findings indicate that galanin at lower concentrations enhances the spontaneous release of l-glutamate from nerve terminals by Ca2+ entry from the external solution following GalR2/R3 activation, whereas galanin at higher concentrations also produces a membrane hyperpolarization by activating GalR1. Moreover, galanin reduces l-glutamate release onto SG neurons from primary afferent fibers by activating GalR2/R3. These effects could partially contribute to the behavioral effect of galanin.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinya Li ◽  
Qiongtao Song ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Zhonglin Wu ◽  
Xi Chu ◽  
...  

Cinobufagin (CBG), a major bioactive ingredient of the bufanolide steroid compounds of Chan Su, has been widely used to treat coronary heart disease. At present, the effect of CBG on the L-type Ca2+current (ICa-L) of ventricular myocytes remains undefined. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of CBG on intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) handling and cell contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. CBG was investigated by determining its influence onICa-L, Ca2+transient, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video-based edge-detection and dual-excitation fluorescence photomultiplier systems. The dose of CBG (10−8 M) decreased the maximal inhibition of CBG by 47.93%. CBG reducedICa-Lin a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50of 4 × 10−10 M, upshifted the current-voltage curve ofICa-L, and shifted the activation and inactivation curves ofICa-Lleftward. Moreover, CBG diminished the amplitude of the cell shortening and Ca2+transients with a decrease in the time to peak (Tp) and the time to 50% of the baseline (Tr). CBG inhibited L-type Ca2+channels, and reduced[Ca2+]iand contractility in adult rat ventricular myocytes. These findings contribute to the understanding of the cardioprotective efficacy of CBG.


2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriaki Matsumoto ◽  
Eiichi Kumamoto ◽  
Hidemasa Furue ◽  
Megumu Yoshimura

An ischemia-induced change in glutamatergic transmission was investigated in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices by use of the whole cell patch-clamp technique; the ischemia was simulated by superfusing an oxygen- and glucose-free medium (ISM). Following ISM superfusion, 21 of 37 SG neurons tested produced an outward current (23 ± 4 pA at a holding potential of −70 mV), which was followed by a slow and subsequent rapid inward current; the remaining neurons had only inward currents. During such a change in holding currents, spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were remarkably decreased in a frequency with time (half-decay time of the frequency: about 65 s). The frequency of spontaneous EPSCs was reduced to 28 ± 13% ( n = 37) of the control level during the generation of the slow inward current (about 4 min after the beginning of ISM superfusion) without a change in the amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs. When ISM was superfused together with either bicuculline (10 μM) or CGP35348 (20 μM; GABAA and GABAB receptor antagonists, respectively), spontaneous EPSC frequency reduced by ISM recovered to the control level and then the frequency markedly increased [by 325 ± 120% ( n = 22) and 326 ± 91% ( n = 17), respectively, 4 min after ISM superfusion]; this alteration in the frequency was not accompanied by a change in spontaneous EPSC amplitude. Superfusing TTX (1 μM)-containing ISM resulted in a similar recovery of spontaneous EPSC frequency and following increase (by 328 ± 26%, n = 12) in the frequency; strychnine (1 μM) did not affect ISM-induced changes in spontaneous EPSC frequency ( n = 5). It is concluded that the ischemic simulation inhibits excitatory transmission to SG neurons, whose action is in part mediated by the activation of presynaptic GABAAand GABAB receptors, probably due to GABA released from interneurons as a result of an ischemia-induced increase in neuronal activities. This action might protect SG neurons from an excessive excitation mediated by l-glutamate during ischemia.


2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aiko Maeda ◽  
Toshihiko Katafuchi ◽  
Yugo Oba ◽  
Hiroaki Shiokawa ◽  
Megumu Yoshimura

Background Substantia gelatinosa of the spinal dorsal horn is crucial for transmission and modification of noxious stimuli. Previous studies have demonstrated that intrathecal midazolam, a benzodiazepine agonist, enhanced perioperative analgesia. Not only synaptic but also extrasynaptic inhibitory currents contribute to modification of noxious stimuli. Thus, the effects of midazolam on extrasynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors in substantia gelatinosa neurons and interaction with noradrenaline, a transmitter of the descending inhibitory systems, were investigated. Methods Using whole cell patch-clamp technique in the adult rat spinal cord slices, extrasynaptic GABAergic currents were recorded in substantia gelatinosa neurons in the presence of gabazine (1 microm), which blocked synaptic GABAergic currents, and then midazolam (5 microm) and noradrenaline (20 microm) were applied. Results Bath application of midazolam induced tonic outward currents in the presence of gabazine. Although the decay time of synaptic current was prolonged, neither frequency nor amplitude was affected by midazolam. In contrast, the application of noradrenaline markedly increased both frequency and amplitude of synaptic currents with a slight enhancement of tonic currents. Coapplication of noradrenaline and midazolam markedly increased tonic currents, and the increase was much greater than the sum of currents induced by noradrenaline and midazolam. Conclusions Midazolam had much larger effects on extrasynaptic GABA type A receptors than the synaptic receptors, suggesting a role of the enhancement of GABAergic extrasynaptic currents in the midazolam-induced analgesia. Because noradrenaline is shown to increase extrasynaptic GABA concentration, simultaneous administration of noradrenaline and midazolam may enhance the increased GABA action by midazolam, thereby resulting in an increase in tonic extrasynaptic currents.


1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (1) ◽  
pp. C91-C99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunji Takeuchi ◽  
Motonori Ando

A voltage-dependent outward K+(KV) current in the intermediate cell (melanocyte) of the cochlear stria vascularis was studied using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. The KV current had an activation threshold voltage of approximately −80 mV, and 50% activation was observed at −42.6 mV. The time courses of activation and inactivation were well fitted by two exponential functions: the time constants at 0 mV were 7.9 and 58.8 ms for activation and 0.6 and 4.3 s for inactivation. The half-maximal activation time was 13.8 ms at 0 mV. Inactivation of the current was incomplete even after a prolonged depolarization of 10 s. This current was independent of intracellular Ca2+. Quinine, verapamil, Ba2+, and tetraethylammonium inhibited the current in a dose-dependent manner, but 4-aminopyridine was ineffective at 50 mM. We conclude that the KV conductance in the intermediate cell may stabilize the membrane potential, which is thought to be closely related to the endocochlear potential, and may provide an additional route for K+ secretion into the intercellular space.


1991 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-191
Author(s):  
S. Menz ◽  
J. Bumann ◽  
E. Jaworski ◽  
D. Malchow

Previous work has shown that streamer F (stmF) mutants of Dictyostelium discoideum exhibit prolonged chemotactic elongation in aggregation fields. The mutants carry an altered structural gene for cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase resulting in low activities of this enzyme. Chemotactic stimulation by cyclic AMP causes a rapid transient increase in the cyclic GMP concentration followed by association of myosin heavy chains with the cytoskeleton. Both events persist several times longer in stmF mutants than in the parental strain, indicating that the change in association of myosin with the cytoskeleton is transmitted directly or indirectly by cyclic GMP. We measured the cyclic AMP-induced Ca2+ uptake with a Ca(2+)-sensitive electrode and found that Ca2+ uptake was prolonged in stmF mutants but not in the parental strain. The G alpha 2 mutant strain HC33 (fgdA), devoid of InsP3 release and receptor/guanylate cyclase coupling, lacked Ca2+ uptake. However, the latter response and cyclic GMP formation were normal in the signal-relay mutant strain agip 53 where cyclic AMP-stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis is absent. LiCl, which inhibits InsP3 formation in Dictyostelium, blocked Ca2+ uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The data indicate that the receptor-mediated Ca2+ uptake depends on the InsP3 pathway and is regulated by cyclic GMP. The rate of Ca2+ uptake was correlated in time with the association of myosin with the cytoskeleton, suggesting that Ca2+ uptake is involved in the motility response of the cells.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradip K. Sarkar ◽  
Avijit Biswas ◽  
Arun K. Ray ◽  
Joseph V. Martin

The role of thyroid hormones (TH) in the normal functioning of adult mammalian brain is unclear. Our studies have identified synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase as a TH-responsive physiological parameter in adult rat cerebral cortex. L-triiodothyronine (T3) and L-thyroxine (T4) both inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity (but not Mg2+-ATPase activity) in similar dose-dependent fashions, while other metabolites of TH were less effective. Although both T3and theβ-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity in cerebrocortical synaptosomes in similar ways, theβ-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol did not counteract the effect of T3. Instead, propranolol further inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the effect of T3on synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase activity was independent ofβ-adrenergic receptor activation. The effect of T3on synaptosomal Na+-K+-ATPase activity was inhibited by theα2-adrenergic agonist clonidine and by glutamate. Notably, both clonidine and glutamate activateGi-proteins of the membrane second messenger system, suggesting a potential mechanism for the inhibition of the effects of TH. In this paper, we provide support for a nongenomic mechanism of action of TH in a neuronal membrane-related energy-linked process for signal transduction in the adult condition.


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