Excitatory Actions of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on Mouse Thalamocortical Neurons Are Mediated by VPAC2 Receptors

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 858-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang-Hun Lee ◽  
Charles L. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ◽  
Information Transfer ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Absence Epilepsy ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Thalamic Nuclei ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Relay Neurons

Thalamic nuclei can generate intrathalamic rhythms similar to those observed at various arousal levels and pathophysiological conditions such as absence epilepsy. These rhythmic activities can be altered by a variety of neuromodulators that arise from brain stem regions as well as those that are intrinsic to the thalamic circuitry. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide localized within the thalamus and strongly attenuates intrathalamic rhythms via an unidentified receptor subtype. We have used transgenic mice lacking a specific VIP receptor, VPAC2, to identify its role in VIP-mediated actions in the thalamus. VIP strongly attenuated both the slow, 2–4 Hz and spindle-like 5–8 Hz rhythmic activities in slices from wild-type mice (VPAC2+/+) but not in slices from VPAC2 receptor knock-out mice (VPAC2−/−), which suggests a major role of VPAC2 receptors in the antioscillatory actions of VIP. Intracellular recordings revealed that VIP depolarized all relay neurons tested from VPAC2+/+ mice. In VPAC2−/− mice, however, VIP produced no membrane depolarization in 80% of neurons tested. In relay neurons from VPAC2+/+ mice, VIP enhanced the hyperpolarization-activated mixed cation current, Ih, via cyclic AMP activity, but VIP did not alter Ih in VPAC2−/− mice. In VPAC2−/− mice, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating-polypeptide (PACAP) depolarized the majority of relay neurons via Ih enhancement presumably via PAC1 receptor activation. Our findings suggest that VIP-mediated actions are predominantly mediated by VPAC2 receptors, but PAC1 receptors may play a minor role. The excitatory actions of VIP and PACAP suggest these peptides may not only regulate intrathalamic rhythmic activities, but also may influence information transfer through thalamocortical circuits.

scholarly journals Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Selectively Depolarizes Thalamic Relay Neurons and Attenuates Intrathalamic Rhythmic Activity

2003 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 1224-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang-Hun Lee ◽  
Charles L. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ◽  
Information Transfer ◽  
Slow Wave Sleep ◽  
Rhythmic Activity ◽  
Absence Epilepsy ◽  
Thalamic Reticular Nucleus ◽  
Reticular Nucleus ◽  
Unit Recording ◽  
Recording Techniques ◽  
Relay Neurons

The reciprocal synaptic relationship between the relay thalamus and surrounding thalamic reticular nucleus can lead to the generation of various rhythmic activities that are associated with different levels of behavioral states as well as certain pathophysiological conditions. Intrathalamic rhythmic activities may be attenuated by numerous neuromodulators that arise from a variety of brain stem nuclei. This study focuses on the potential role of a particular neuropeptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). VIP and its receptors are localized within the thalamic circuit and thus may serve as an endogenous modulator of the rhythmic activity. Using extracellular multiple-unit recording techniques, we found that VIP strongly attenuated the slow, 2- to 4-Hz intrathalamic rhythm. This rhythm is similar to that observed during slow wave sleep and certain pathophysiological conditions such as generalized absence epilepsy. Using intracellular recording techniques, we found that VIP selectively depolarized relay neurons in the ventrobasal nucleus but had negligible actions on neurons in thalamic reticular nucleus. The VIP-mediated depolarization is produced via an enhancement of the nonselective cation conductance, Ih. The antioscillatory actions of VIP likely occur by shifting the membrane potential to decrease the probability of burst discharge by relay neurons, a requirement to maintain the rhythmic activity. Not only does VIP alter the intrathalamic rhythmic activity, this peptide that is endogenous to the thalamic circuit may also play a significant role in the regulation of information transfer through the thalamocortical circuit.

Mode of stimulation of gallbladder contraction by substance K

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (5) ◽  
pp. G838-G841
Author(s):  
W. M. Yau
Keyword(s):  
Cholinergic Neurons ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Gallbladder Contraction ◽  
Nk3 Receptor ◽  
Substance K ◽  
Nk2 Receptor ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Specific Pathway

Substance K (SK) contracted the guinea pig gallbladder in vitro by predominantly acting on the neurokinin (NK2) receptors localized on the smooth muscle. A comparison of the 50% effective dose among the tachykinins showed that SK is 20 and 176 times more active than neurokinin B (NKB) and substance P (SP), respectively. Senktide, a synthetic NKB agonist with presumably a specificity for only NK3 receptor subtype, was completely inactive even when tested at 6 x 10(-6) M. Studies on both atropine-treated tissues and [3H]acetylcholine release from myenteric plexus have revealed a minor action of SK by way of a stimulation on the intramural cholinergic neurons. There was still a residual 77.4% SK-evoked contraction that was not blocked by atropine. However, the SK-induced contraction was completely abolished in the presence of 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine, a direct protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. This latter observation suggests a link in the PKC-specific pathway of intracellular signal transduction initiated by NK2 receptor activation on the gallbladder musculature. The preponderance of NK2 receptor subtype further implies a unique functional role it may play in gallbladder contractility.

scholarly journals Characterization of the human liver vasopressin receptor. Profound differences between human and rat vasopressin-receptor-mediated responses suggest only a minor role for vasopressin in regulating human hepatic function

1991 ◽  
Vol 276 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Howl ◽  
T Ismail ◽  
A J Strain ◽  
C J Kirk ◽  
D Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Synthesis ◽  
Glycogen Phosphorylase ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Human Hepatocytes ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Vasopressin Receptor ◽  
Vasopressin Receptors ◽  
A Minor

The [Arg8]vasopressin (AVP) receptor expressed by human hepatocytes was characterized, and compared with the rat hepatic V1a vasopressin receptor subtype. In addition to determining the pharmacological profile of the human receptor, the cellular responses to AVP were measured in human and rat hepatocytes by assaying glycogen phosphorylase alpha activity and DNA synthesis. Marked differences were observed between human and rat hepatocytes regarding vasopressin receptors and the intracellular consequences of stimulation by AVP. Data presented in this paper demonstrate the following, (i) Vasopressin V1a receptors are present in low abundance on human hepatocytes. (ii) Species differences exist between human and rat V1a receptors with respect to the affinity of some selective antagonists. (iii) AVP-stimulated glycogen phosphorylase a activation in human hepatocytes was approx. 5% of that observed in rat cells. (iv) In contrast with rat hepatocytes, DNA synthesis in human cells in culture was not stimulated by AVP. It is concluded that vasopressin plays only a minor role in the regulation of human hepatic function. Furthermore, conclusions drawn from observations made with AVP and its analogues on rat hepatic function cannot be directly extrapolated to the human situation.

scholarly journals Cl− concentration changes and desensitization of GABAA and glycine receptors

2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urban Karlsson ◽  
Michael Druzin ◽  
Staffan Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Information Transfer ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Current View ◽  
Glycine Receptors ◽  
Gaba A ◽  
Current Decay ◽  
Central Neurons ◽  
Concentration Changes ◽  
A Minor

Desensitization of ligand-gated ion channels plays a critical role for the information transfer between neurons. The current view on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A and glycine receptors includes significant rapid components of desensitization as well as cross-desensitization between the two receptor types. Here, we analyze the mechanism of apparent cross-desensitization between native GABAA and glycine receptors in rat central neurons and quantify to what extent the current decay in the presence of ligand is a result of desensitization versus changes in intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i). We show that apparent cross-desensitization of currents evoked by GABA and by glycine is caused by changes in [Cl−]i. We also show that changes in [Cl−]i are critical for the decay of current in the presence of either GABA or glycine, whereas changes in conductance often play a minor role only. Thus, the currents decayed significantly quicker than the conductances, which decayed with time constants of several seconds and in some cells did not decay below the value at peak current during 20-s agonist application. By taking the cytosolic volume into account and numerically computing the membrane currents and expected changes in [Cl−]i, we provide a theoretical framework for the observed effects. Modeling diffusional exchange of Cl− between cytosol and patch pipettes, we also show that considerable changes in [Cl−]i may be expected and cause rapidly decaying current components in conventional whole cell or outside-out patch recordings. The findings imply that a reevaluation of the desensitization properties of GABAA and glycine receptors is needed.

Regional functional specialization and inhibitory nitrergic and nonnitrergic coneurotransmission in the human esophagus

2011 ◽  
Vol 300 (5) ◽  
pp. G782-G794 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Lecea ◽  
D. Gallego ◽  
R. Farré ◽  
A. Opazo ◽  
M. Aulí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ◽  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Electrical Field Stimulation ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Regional Specialization ◽  
Human Esophagus ◽  
Excitatory Responses ◽  
A Minor

The aim of this study was to explore the myenteric mechanisms of control of human esophageal motility and the effect of nitrergic and nonnitrergic neurotransmitters. Human circular esophageal strips were studied in organ baths and with microelectrodes. Responses following electrical field stimulation (EFS) of enteric motoneurons (EMNs) or through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors were compared in the esophageal body (EB) and in clasp and sling regions in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In clasp LES strips: 1) sodium nitroprusside (1 nM to 100 μM), adenosine-5′-[β-thio]diphosphate trilithium salt (1–100 μM), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (1 nM to 1 μM) caused a relaxation; 2) 1 mM Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) shifted the EFS “on”-relaxation to an “off”-relaxation, partly antagonized by 10 μM 2′-deoxy- N6-methyladenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate tetrasodium salt (MRS2179) or 10 U/ml α-chymotrypsin; and 3) nicotine-relaxation (100 μM) was mainly antagonized by l-NNA, and only partly by MRS2179 or α-chymotrypsin. In sling LES fibers, EFS and nicotine relaxation was abolished by l-NNA. In the EB, l-NNA blocked the latency period, and MRS2179 reduced “off”-contraction. The amplitude of cholinergic contraction decreased from the EB to both LES sides. EFS induced a monophasic inhibitory junction potential in clasp, sling, and EB fibers abolished by l-NNA. Our study shows a regional specialization to stimulation of EMNs in the human esophagus, with stronger inhibitory responses in clasp LES fibers and stronger cholinergic excitatory responses in the EB. Inhibitory responses are mainly triggered by nitrergic EMNs mediating the inhibitory junction potentials in the LES and EB, EFS on-relaxation in clasp and sling LES sides, and latency in the EB. We also found a minor role for purines (through P2Y1receptors) and vasoactive intestinal peptide-mediating part of nonnitrergic clasp LES relaxation.

The Effect of Path Length and Display Size on Memory for Spatial Information

2012 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Guérard ◽  
Sébastien Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Path Length ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Recall Performance ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Length Effect ◽  
Serial Memory ◽  
Fixed Reference ◽  
A Minor

In serial memory for spatial information, some studies showed that recall performance suffers when the distance between successive locations increases relatively to the size of the display in which they are presented (the path length effect; e.g., Parmentier et al., 2005) but not when distance is increased by enlarging the size of the display (e.g., Smyth & Scholey, 1994). In the present study, we examined the effect of varying the absolute and relative distance between to-be-remembered items on memory for spatial information. We manipulated path length using small (15″) and large (64″) screens within the same design. In two experiments, we showed that distance was disruptive mainly when it is varied relatively to a fixed reference frame, though increasing the size of the display also had a small deleterious effect on recall. The insertion of a retention interval did not influence these effects, suggesting that rehearsal plays a minor role in mediating the effects of distance on serial spatial memory. We discuss the potential role of perceptual organization in light of the pattern of results.

Use of Different Tissue Thromboplastins in the Control of Anticoagulant-Therapy

1958 ◽  
Vol 02 (05/06) ◽  
pp. 462-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Verstraete ◽  
Patricia A. Clark ◽  
Irving S. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Factor Vii ◽  
Rabbit Brain ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Rabbit Lung ◽  
Coagulation Mechanism ◽  
Time Test ◽  
The One ◽  
A Minor

SummaryAn analysis of the results of prothrombin time tests with different types of thromboplastins sheds some light on the problem why the administration of coumarin is difficult to standardize in different centers. Our present ideas on the subject, based on experimental data may be summarized as follows.Several factors of the clotting mechanism are influenced by coumarin derivatives. The action of some of these factors is by-passed in the 1-stage prothrombin time test. The decrease of the prothrombin and factor VII levels may be evaluated in the 1-stage prothrombin time determination (Quick-test). The prolongation of the prothrombin times are, however, predominantly due to the decrease of factor VII activity, the prothrombin content remaining around 50 per cent of normal during an adequate anticoagulant therapy. It is unlikely that this degree of depression of prothrombin is of major significance in interfering with the coagulation mechanism in the protection against thromboembolism. It may, however, play a minor role, which has yet to be evaluated quantitatively. An exact evaluation of factor VII is, therefore, important for the guidance of anticoagulant therapy and the method of choice is the one which is most sensitive to changes in factor VII concentration. The 1-stage prothrombin time test with a rabbit lung thromboplastin seems the most suitable method because rabbit brain preparations exhibit a factor VII-like activity that is not present in rabbit lung preparations.

Produktivkraft als Versprechen

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (185) ◽  
pp. 621-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Siefkes
Keyword(s):  
Private Consumption ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Progressive Reduction ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
A Minor

The ‘Fragment on Machines’ from Marx’s Grundrisse is often cited as an argument that the internal forces of capitalism will lead to its doom. But the argument that the progressive reduction of labor must doom capitalism lacks a proper foundation, as a comparison with the ‘Schemes of Reproduction’ given in Capital II shows. The latter, however, aren’t fully convincing either. In reality, more depends on the private consumption of capitalists than either model recognizes. Ultimately, most can be made of the ‘Fragment on Machines’ by reading it not as an exposure of capitalism’s internal contractions, but as a discussion of a possible communist future where labor (or work) will play but a minor role.

Effects of Myo-inositol Alone and in Combination with Seleno-Lmethionine on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Benvenga ◽  
Antonio Micali ◽  
Giovanni Pallio ◽  
Roberto Vita ◽  
Consuelo Malta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Testicular Lesions ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analyses

Background: Cadmium (Cd) impairs gametogenesis and damages the blood-testis barrier. Objective: As the primary mechanism of Cd-induced damage is oxidative stress, the effects of two natural antioxidants, myo-inositol (MI) and seleno-L-methionine (Se), were evaluated in mice testes. Methods: Eighty-four male C57 BL/6J mice were divided into twelve groups: 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day i.p.); Se (0.2 mg/kg/day per os); Se (0.4 mg/kg/day per os); MI (360 mg/kg/day per os); MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) plus vehicle; CdCl2 plus MI; CdCl2 plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); and CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, testes were processed for biochemical, structural and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: CdCl2 increased iNOS and TNF-α expression and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, lowered glutathione (GSH) and testosterone, induced testicular lesions, and almost eliminated claudin-11 immunoreactivity. Se administration at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression, maintained GSH, MDA and testosterone levels, structural changes and low claudin-11 immunoreactivity. MI alone or associated with Se at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression and MDA levels, increased GSH and testosterone levels, ameliorated structural organization and increased claudin-11 patches number. Conclusion: We demonstrated a protective effect of MI, a minor role of Se and an evident positive role of the association between MI and Se on Cd-induced damages of the testis. MI alone or associated with Se might protect testes in subjects exposed to toxicants, at least to those with behavior similar to Cd.

Extraction of strontium and barium salts by the nitrobenzene solution of dicarbolide in the presence of glymes

1985 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 581-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Vaňura ◽  
Emanuel Makrlík
Keyword(s):  
Stability Constants ◽  
Organic Phase ◽  
Equilibrium Constants ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Nitrobenzene Solution ◽  
Ligand Structure ◽  
Stability Constants Of Complexes ◽  
Separation Factors ◽  
The Stability ◽  
A Minor

Extraction of microamounts of Sr2+ and Ba2+ (henceforth M2+) from the aqueous solutions of perchloric acid (0.0125-1.02 mol/l) by means of the nitrobenzene solutions of dicarbolide (0.004-0.05 mol/l of H+{Co(C2B9H11)2}-) was studied in the presence of monoglyme (only Ba2+), diglyme, triglyme, and tetraglyme (CH3O-(CH2-CH2O)nCH3, where n = 1, 2, 3, 4). The distribution of glyme betweeen the aqueous and organic phases, the extraction of the protonized glyme molecule HL+ together with the extraction of M2+ ion and of the glyme complex with the M2+ ion, i.e., ML2+ (where L is the molecule of glyme), were found to be the dominating reactions in the systems under study. In the systems with tri- and tetraglymes the extraction of H+ and M2+ ions solvated with two glyme molecules, i.e., the formation of HL2+ and ML22+ species, can probably play a minor role. The values of the respective equilibrium constants, of the stability constants of complexes formed in the organic phase, and the theoretical separation factors αBa/Sr were determined. The effect of the ligand structure on the values of extraction and stability constants in the organic phase is discussed.

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