A neuron model with pre-synaptic deletion and post-synaptic accumulation decay,and threshold behaviour

A stochastic model is proposed for a neuron which has an inhibitory stream interacting pre-synaptically with an excitatory stream. Uninhibited excitatories have a post-synaptic effect of increasing the membrane potential by random amounts, with the potential decaying linearly to zero in the absence of inputs. When the potential reaches a threshold level, the neuron fires. The Laplace transform of the probability density function of the interval between two successive firings is derived. The mean and the variance are obtained for exponential inter-arrival times and inputs as an example.     

Selective labeling of alpha-noradrenergic receptors in rat brain with [3H]dihydroergokryptine.

Using concentrations of [³H] dihydroergokryptine between 0.1 and 5 nM, saturable binding can be demonstrated in rat cerebral cortical membranes with a dissociation constant (K_D) of about 0.8 nM. α-Noradrenergic agonists and antagonists compete for the sites labeled by these low concentrations of [³H] dihydroergokryptine with relative potencies characteristics of classical α-noradrenergic receptors. The very low potency of serotonin in competing for these binding sites indicates that, in contrast to findings with higher concentrations of [³H] DHE, low concentrations do not label serotonin receptors. Moreover, the low potency of dopamine in competing for [³H] dihydroergokryptine binding in both striatal and cortical membranes indicates that no detectable portion of binding is associated with postsynaptic dopamine receptors.     

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, bicuculline, and post-synaptic binding sites

The binding of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to synaptosomal fractions of the rat cerebellar cortex has been examined at 0–4°C in the presence and absence of bicuculline, chlorpromazine, and/or Na⁺. A GABA-binding component has been demonstrated in the synaptosomal fraction which is competitively inhibited by bicuculline. In addition, this binding component persists in the absence of Na⁺ and in the presence of chlorpromazine. It seems likely that this binding component is the post-synaptic binding site or “receptor” of GABA.     

Acute changes in the state of dopamine receptors; in vitro monitoring with 3H-dopamine

Preincubation of homogenates of rat caudate nucleus at 37 degrees C induced a 3-fold increase in the saturable and stereospecific binding of 3H-dopamine in washed suspensions of the 20,000 × g pellet. EGTA prevented and CaCl2 or MgCl2 reinstated the increase in 3H-dopamine binding. Stereospecific binding was reduced by 53% in the caudate nuclei of animals given a single dose of reserpine which depleted brain dopamine. The addition of dopamine to depleted homogenates restored the effect of preincubation on 3H-dopamine binding. The binding of 3H-spiroperidol was unaffected by preincubation or by reserpine pretreatment. These results suggest that dopamine regulates the 3H-dopamine, but not the 3H-spiroperidol binding site in rat brain.     

Selective radiochemical labeling of types A and B active sites of rat liver monoamine oxidase.

By using clorgyline and deprenyl to block the types A and B active sites of monoamine oxidase, respectively, the remaining site could be selectively labeled radiochemically with [³H]pargyline. Titration of the A and B active sites in rat liver mitochondria indicated that they were present in a ratio of 1:3.3. Subunits containing the labeled A and B catalytic sites could not be separated by SDS-gel electrophoresis, and each had a molecular weight of 60,000 daltons.     

Evaluation of neurotoxicity of TIQ and MPTP and of parkinsonism-preventing effect of 1-MeTIQ by in vivo measurement of pre-synaptic dopamine transporters and post-synaptic dopamine D(2) receptors in the mouse striatum.

Parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxicity of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ), as contrasted to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), and parkinsonism-preventing effect of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-MeTIQ) have been investigated in mice by measuring their effects on the in vivo binding of radioligand to pre-synaptic dopamine transporters (DATs) or to dopamine D(2) receptors (D2R) in the striatum. A significant reduction of the ligand-DATs binding was found in the mice treated with MPTP, but not with TIQ, under the dosage inducing behavioral abnormality and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra. A slight decrease in the ligand-DATs binding was observed in the mice given a larger dose of TIQ. Compensatory up-regulation in the post-synaptic D2Rs was found in the MPTP-treated mice. Pre-treatment with (S)-enantiomer, but not (R)-enantiomer, of 1-MeTIQ prevented the degeneration of DATs to some extent. We concluded that the TIQ-induced parkinsonism model is different from the MPTP-induced model as evaluated by the radioligand-DATs binding and that (S)-1-MeTIQ has a preventing effect for the degeneration of the DATs to a certain extent.     

Selective labeling of κ2 opioid receptors in rat brain by [I]IOXY: Interaction of opioid peptides and other drugs with multiple κ2a binding sites

Recent studies from our laboratory resolved two subtypes of the κ₂ binding site, termed κ_2a and κ_2b, using guinea pig, rat, and human brain membranes depleted of μ and δ receptors by pretreatment with the site-directed acylating agents BIT (μ-selective) and FIT (δ-selective). 6β-Iodo-3,14-dihydroxy-17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5-epoxymorphinan (IOXY), an opioid antagonist that has high affinity for κ₂ sites, was radioiodinated to maximum specific activity (2200 Ci/mmol) and purified by high pressure liquid chromotography and used to characterize multiple κ₂ binding sites. The results indicated that [¹²⁵I]IOXY, like [³H]bremazocine, selectively labels κ₂ binding sites in rat brain membranes pretreated with BIT and FIT. Using 100 nM [ -Ala²-MePhe⁴,Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin to block [¹²⁵I]IOXY binding to the κ_2b site, two subtypes of the κ_2a binding site were resolved, both in the absence and presence of 50 μM 5′-guanylyimidodiphosphate. Viewed collectively, these results provide further evidence for heterogeneity of the κ opioid receptor, which may provide new targets for drug design, synthesis, and therapeutics.     

Pre- and post-synaptic structures in insect CNS: Intramembranous features and sites of α-bungarotoxin binding

The central neuropile of thoracic ganglia in the central nervous system (CNS) of the cockroach Periplaneta americana contains synapses with characteristic pre- and post-synaptic membrane specializations and associated structures. These include dense pre-synaptic T-bars surrounded by synaptic vesicles, together with post-synaptic densities of varying electron opacity. Exocytotic release of synaptic vesicles is observed only rarely near presynaptic densities, but coated pits are seen at variable distances from them, and may be involved in membrane retrieval. After freeze-fracture, paralinear arrays of intramembranous particles (IMPs) are detected on the P face of many presynaptic terminals, with associated dimples indicative of vesicular release. The E face of these membranes exhibits protuberances complementary to the P face dimples, as well as scattered larger IMPs. Post-synaptic membranes possess dense IMP aggregates on the P face, some of which may represent receptor molecules. Electrophysiological studies with biotinylated α-bungarotoxin reveal that biotinylation does not inhibit the pharmacological effectiveness of the toxin in blocking acetylcholine receptors on an identified motoneurone in the metathoracic ganglion. Preliminary thin section ultrastructural analysis of this tissue post-treated with avidin-HRP or avidin-ferritin indicates that α-bungarotoxin-binding sites are localized at certain synapses in these insect thoracic ganglia.     

Selective radioactive labeling of cell surface sialoglycoproteins by periodate-tritiated borohydride.

Low concentrations of sodium metaperiodate induce specific oxidative cleavage of sialic acids between carbon 7 and carbon 8 or carbon 8 and carbon 9. The aldehydes formed can easily be reduced with NaB3H4 to tritiated 5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-L-arabino-2-heptulosonic acid or 5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-L-arabino-2-octulosonic acid. At 0 degrees, the periodate anion penetrates the cell plasma membrane very slowly and only externally exposed sialic acids are oxidized. This was shown by (a) limited labeling of the sialoglycoproteins in a preparation of inside-out erythrocyte vesicles; (b) trapping 14C-labeled fetuin within resealed erythrocyte ghosts; fetuin was then poorly labeled, whereas the erythrocyte sialoglycoproteins were highly labeled; (c) comparison of labeled glycoproteins of mouse lymphoid cells before and after treatment with neuraminidase. This simple method of specifically introducing a radioactive label into cell surface sialic acids is useful in the study of cell surface sialic acid-containing glycoproteins.     

Insulin receptors are bivalent as demonstrated by photoaffinity labeling.

Insulin receptors in human placental membranes were photoaffinity-labeled with a radioactive human insulin-like growth factor I (hIGF-I) photoprobe N epsilon B28-monoazidobenzoyl 125I-hIGF-I either alone or together with a non-radioactive insulin photoprobe N epsilon B29-monoazidobenzoyl insulin. Precipitation of the solubilized receptors with anti-insulin antibody showed that receptors labeled with the radioactive hIGF-I photoprobe were detected in the immunoprecipitate only when photolabeling was carried out in the presence of the non-radioactive insulin photoprobe. Comparable results were obtained in converse experiments using a radioactive insulin photoprobe N epsilon B29-monoazidobenzoyl 125I-insulin, a non-radioactive hIGF-I photoprobe N epsilon B28-monoazidobenzoyl hIGF-I, and an antibody to hIGF-I. The amount of radioactive receptors precipitated by either the anti-insulin antibody or the anti-hIGHF-I antibody was close to the expected amount. These observations demonstrate that the insulin receptor is bivalent being capable of binding two molecules of ligand.     

Selective labeling of α- or ε-amino groups in peptides by the Bolton-Hunter reagent

Incorporation of N-succinimidyl-3(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate (Bolton-Hunter reagent) or its ¹²⁵I-labeled derivative into peptides can be selectively directed towards either α- or ε-amine functions by modifying the pH of the reaction. Acylation of α-amino groups is favored at pH 6.5 whereas ε-amino groups react more readily at pH 8.5. We have taken advantage of this result to prepare two new ¹²⁵I-labeled analogues of substance P and neurotensin that bind selectively and reversibly to their respective receptors. The method described here is of general interest and can be used to incorporate various reporter groups into peptide structures.     

Selective destruction of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors by neuraminidase.

The responses of isolated frog skin to 5-hydroxytryptamine (increased active sodium transport and decreased passive chloride permeability) are diminished by incubation with the enzymes neuraminidase and N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase but only in the absence of Ca2+ and presence of EDTA. The responses induced by oxytocin, adrenalin and aldosterone are unaffected by enzyme treatment.     

Clozapine: selective labeling of sites resembling 5HT6 serotonin receptors may reflect psychoactive profile.

BACKGROUND: Clozapine, the classic atypical neuroleptic, exerts therapeutic actions in schizophrenic patients unresponsive to most neuroleptics. Clozapine interacts with numerous neurotransmitter receptors, and selective actions at novel subtypes of dopamine and serotonin receptors have been proposed to explain clozapine''s unique psychotropic effects. To identify sites with which clozapine preferentially interacts in a therapeutic setting, we have characterized clozapine binding to brain membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: [3H]Clozapine binding was examined in rat brain membranes as well as cloned-expressed 5-HT6 serotonin receptors. RESULTS: [3H]Clozapine binds with low nanomolar affinity to two distinct sites. One reflects muscarinic receptors consistent with the drug''s anticholinergic actions. The drug competition profile of the second site most closely resembles 5HT6 serotonin receptors, though serotonin itself displays low affinity. [3H]Clozapine binding levels are similar in all brain regions examined with no concentration in the corpus striatum. CONCLUSIONS: Besides muscarinic receptors, clozapine primarily labels sites with properties resembling 5HT6 serotonin receptors. If this is also the site with which clozapine principally interacts in intact human brain, it may account for the unique beneficial actions of clozapine and other atypical neuroleptics, and provide a molecular target for developing new, safer, and more effective agents.     

Selective labeling of κ2 opioid receptors in rat brain by [I]IOXY: Interaction of opioid peptides and other drugs with multiple κ2a binding sites

Recent studies from our laboratory resolved two subtypes of the κ₂ binding site, termed κ_2a and κ_2b, using guinea pig, rat, and human brain membranes depleted of μ and δ receptors by pretreatment with the site-directed acylating agents BIT (μ-selective) and FIT (δ-selective). 6β-Iodo-3,14-dihydroxy-17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxymorphinan (IOXY), an opioid antagonist that has high affinity for κ₂ sites, was radioiodinated to maximum specific activity (2200 Ci/mmol) and purified by high pressure liquid chromotography and used to characterize multiple κ₂ binding sites. The results indicated that [¹²⁵I]IOXY, like [³H]bremazocine, selectively labels κ₂ binding sites in rat brain membranes pretreated with BIT and FIT. Using 100 nM [d-Ala²-MePhe⁴,Gly-ol⁵]enkephalin to block [¹²⁵I]IOXY binding to the κ_2b site, two subtypes of the κ_2a binding site were resolved, both in the absence and presence of 50 μM 5′-guanylyimidodiphosphate. Viewed collectively, these results provide further evidence for heterogeneity of the κ opioid receptor, which may provide new targets for drug design, synthesis, and therapeutics.     

Photoaffinity labeling of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate binding sites of human red cell membranes.

To identify and investigate the cAMP binding sites of human red cell membranes a photoaffinity analog of cAMP, 8-azidoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-N3cAMP), has been synthesized. This analog activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase(s) in the red cell membrane. It exhibits tight, but reversible binding to the membranes which is competitive with cAMP. Photolysis of [32P]-8-N3cAMP with red cell membranes results in covalent incorporation of radioactive label onto two specific membrane proteins. This incorporation requires activating light and is reduced to background levels with addition of low levels of cAMP. Prephotolysis of 8-N3cAMP completely abolished its ability to photolabel membrane proteins. Both the reversible and photocatalyzed binding of 8-N3cAMP show saturation kinetics. The molecular weights of the two primarily labeled proteins are approximately 49,000 and 55,000. The differential effects of cAMP, ATP, and adenosine on the photocatalyzed incorporation of [32P]-8-N3cAMP onto these two proteins suggest that they have biochemically different properties. The potential usefulness of this compound for investigating various molecular aspects of cAMP action is discussed.     

Defining pre-synaptic nicotinic receptors regulated by beta amyloid in mouse cortex and hippocampus with receptor null mutants

Disruption of neuronal signaling by soluble β-amyloid has been implicated in deficits in short-term recall in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. One potential target for β-amyloid is the synapse, with evidence for differential interaction with both pre- and post-synaptic elements. Our previous work revealed an agonist-like action of soluble β-amyloid (pM to nM) on isolated pre-synaptic terminals to increase [Ca²⁺]i, with apparent involvement of pre-synaptic nicotinic receptors. To directly establish the role of nicotinic receptors in pre-synaptic Ca²⁺ regulation, we investigated the pre-synaptic action of β-amyloid on terminals isolated from mice harboring either β2 or α7 nicotinic receptor null mutants (knockouts). Average pre-synaptic responses to β-amyloid in hippocampal terminals of α7 knockout mice were unchanged, whereas responses in hippocampal terminals from β2 knockout mice were strongly attenuated. In contrast, pre-synaptic responses to soluble β-amyloid were strongly attenuated in cortical terminals from α7 knockout mice but were moderately attenuated in cortical terminals from β2 knockout mice. The latter responses, having distinct kinetics, were completely blocked by α-bungarotoxin. The use of receptor null mutants thus permitted direct demonstration of the involvement of specific nicotinic receptors in pre-synaptic Ca²⁺ regulation by soluble β-amyloid, and also indicated differential neuromodulation by β-amyloid of synapses in hippocampus and cortex.     

Affinity labeling of AMP-ADP sites in heart phosphofructokinase by 5-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine.

The purine nucleotide derivative, 5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine (5′-FSO₂B_ZAdo) functions as an affinity label for the allosteric sites of phosphofructokinase. The modified enzyme at pH 6.9 is insensitive to allosteric inhibition by ATP, activation by AMP, c-AMP, ADP and shows no sigmoidal kinetics for fructose-6-P. The reaction does not appear to occur at the catalytic site since modification of the enzyme does not significantly affect its specific activity nor its Michaelis constant at pH 8.2. ADP, and to a much lesser degree AMP and ATP, protects the enzyme from modification by the adenosine reagent. The modified enzyme essentially does not bind significant amounts of AMP, c-AMP, ADP, but still binds an analog of ATP, AppNHp. The adenosine affinity label will be of value in studies on the nature of the AMP-ADP allosteric sites.     

A comparison of the effects of anti-psychotic drugs on pituitary, striatal and limbic system post-synaptic dopamine receptors.

Dopamine (DA) antagonists promote the secretion of prolactin (PRL) from the anterior pituitary gland by blocking the effects of DA at receptors in the pituitary itself. Thus, comparison of the properties of these receptors with DA receptors in the striatal, meso-limbic and meso-cortical regions is of interest. Evidence is presented that clozapine, RMI-81, 582 (a morphanthridine derivative), trebenzomine (CI-686, a chromanamine derivative) and sultopride (a benzamide) have much weaker effects on human and rat PRL secretion than would be predicted by their anti-psychotic potency. The reverse is true of two other benzamides, sulpiride and metoclopramide. Classical neuroleptics of the phenothiazine, butyrophenone and thioxanthene types appear to affect rat and human PRL secretion in a manner which is mainly but not entirely consistent with their known effects on striatal and meso-limbic/meso-cortical postsynaptic DA receptors. Preliminary studies indicate presynaptic receptors which affect prolactin secretion are not present in rats. Supersensitivity may develop in the tubero-infundibular (TI) system after chronic neuroleptic treatment but altered sensitivity of these receptors was not found in schizophrenics given apomorphine.     

3H]guanidinoethylmercaptosuccinic acid binding to tissue homogenates. Selective labeling of enkephalin convertase

[3H]Guanidinoethylmercaptosuccinic acid (GEMSA), a potent inhibitor of enkephalin convertase, binds to membrane and soluble fractions of tissue homogenates saturably and reversibly with a KD of 6 nM. Specific binding accounts for greater than 95% of total binding. The highest levels of [3H]GEMSA binding occur in the pituitary gland and the brain, with much lower levels in peripheral tissues. GEMSA, guanidinopropylsuccinic acid, 2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidinothiopropionic acid, aminopropylmercaptosuccinic acid, [Leu] enkephalin-Arg, and [Met]enkephalin-Arg inhibit [3H] GEMSA binding to crude rat brain homogenates, to crude bovine pituitary homogenates, and to pure enkephalin convertase with equal potencies. Their Ki values against [3H]GEMSA binding are similar to their Ki values against enkephalin convertase activity. EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline markedly inhibit both binding and enzymatic activity. The ratio of the Vmax for 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl-Phe-Leu-Arg to the Bmax (maximal number of binding sites) for [3H]GEMSA is about 2,000 min-1 in both pure enzyme preparations and crude tissue homogenates. [3H] GEMSA binding activity is found only in fractions containing enkephalin convertase during enzyme purification from bovine pituitary by L-arginine affinity chromatography. These data confirm that [3H]GEMSA binds only to enkephalin convertase in crude homogenates under our assay conditions. CoCl2 activates enzyme activity without altering the Ki of GEMSA against enzymatic hydrolysis and weakly inhibits [3H] GEMSA binding by increasing the KD.