Adrenocorticotropin/α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (ACTH/MSH)-Like Peptides Modulate Adenylate Cyclase Activity in Rat Brain Slices: Evidence for an ACTH/MSH Receptor-Coupled Mechanism

Abstract: The regulation of adenylate cyclase activity by adrenocorticotropin/α-melanocyte–stimulating hormone (ACTH/MSH)-like peptides was investigated in rat brain slices using a superfusion method. Adenylate cyclase activity was concentration-dependently increased by ACTH-(1–24), α-MSH (EC₅₀ values 16 and 6 nM, respectively), and [Nle⁴,D-Phe⁷]α-MSH (EC₅₀ value 1.6 nM), in the presence of forskolin (1 μM, optimal concentration). 1-9-Dideoxy-forskolin did not augment the response of adenylate cyclase to ACTH-(1–24). Various peptide fragments were tested for their ability to enhance [³H]cyclic AMP production. [Nle⁴,D-Phe⁷]α-MSH increased [³H]cyclic AMP formation with a maximal effect of 30% and was more potent than ACTH-(1–24), ACTH-(1–16)-NH₂, α-MSH, ACTH-(1–13)-NH₂, [MetO⁴]α-MSH, [MetO₂⁴,D-Lys⁸,Phe⁹]ACTH-(4–9), ACTH-(7–16)-NH₂, ACTH-(1–10), and ACTH-(11–24), in order of potency. This structure–activity relationship resembles that found for the previously described peptide-induced display of excessive grooming. ACTH-(1–24) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in both striatal (maximal effect, ?20%) and septal slices (maximal effect, ?40%), but not in hippocampal or cortical slices. Lesioning of the dopaminergic projections to the striatum did not result in a diminished effect of [Nle⁴,D-Phe⁷]α-MSH on [³H]cyclic AMP accumulation, which indicates that the ACTH/MSH receptor–stimulated adenylate cyclase is not located on striatal dopaminergic terminals. ACTH-(1–24) did not affect the dopamine D₁ or D₂ receptor–mediated modulation of adenylate cyclase activity. Based on the present data, we suggest that the binding of endogenous ACTH or α-MSH to a putative ACTH/MSH receptor in certain brain regions leads to the activation of a signal transduction pathway using cyclic AMP as a second messenger.     

Multiple dopamine binding sites: subcellular localization and biochemical characterization.

Abstract— The biochemical and pharmacological characteristics of dopamine agonist and antagonist binding to rat striatal subcellular fractions were studied and compared to the localization of dopamine–sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. The highest specific activity of adenylate cyclase sensitive to dopamine was associated almost exclusively with the crude synaptic membrane fraction (P₂). Using [³H]-haloperidol, [³H]apomorphine and [³H]spiroperidol as markers for the dopamine receptor, high affinity and stereoselective specific binding was observed for the crude synaptic fraction and the microsomal fraction (P₃). Analysis of the binding of [³H]haloperidol to the striatal microsomal preparation revealed a homogeneous receptor site with a K_d value of 3.0 nm . The data for [³H]haloperidol binding to the crude synaptosomal fraction showed two saturable binding sites with K_d values of 2.5 nm and 12.5 nm . A similar heterogeneous binding profile was observed in the P₂ fraction using [³H]apomorphine. The K_d values for [³H]apomorphine in this fraction were determined to be 1.2 nm and 7.2 nm . The effects of various biochemical parameters including ionic strength, salt concentration and pH on the binding of [³H]haloperidol to the P₂ fraction were also studied. Overall, these data show that the subcellular localization of multiple binding sites in the crude synaptosomal fraction and the identification of specific binding to purified synaptosomes correlate with the subcellular distribution of striatal dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity.     

6,7-Dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin (TL-99) stimulates postjunctional D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors

6,7-Dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin (TL-99) mimicks the ability of dopamine either to enhance adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of goldfish retina or to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of the intermediate lobe (IL) of the rat pituitary gland previously treated with cholera toxin. Both the dopamine stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the fish retina and the dopamine inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in the rat IL are associated with cells postjunctional to the dopaminergic neurons innervating these tissues. Therefore, the present data do not support the contention that TL-99 is a selective presynaptic dopamine receptor agonist.     

[3H]Dopamine Labeling of D3 Dopaminergic Sites in Human, Rat, and Calf Brain

Abstract: The binding of [³H]dopamine to brain regions of calf, rat, and human was investigated. The calf caudate contained the highest density of [³H]dopamine binding sites, with a B_max value of 185 fmol/mg protein, whereas rat and human striatum contained one-third this number of sites. The K_D values for [³H]dopamine in all tissues were 2–3 nM. Dopaminergic catecholamines (dopamine, apomorphine, 6,7-dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin, and N-propylnorapomorphine) inhibited the binding of [³H]dopamine in all three species, at low concentrations, with IC₅₀ values of 1.5 to 6 nM. Neuroleptics, in contrast, inhibited the binding at high concentrations (with IC₅₀ values of 200 to 40,000 nM). The [³H]dopamine binding sites were saturable, heat-labile, and detectable only in dopamine-rich brain regions; these sites differed from D₂ dopamine sites (labeled by [³H]butyrophenone neuroleptics), and from D_l dopamine sites (labeled by [³H]thioxanthene neuroleptics) associated with the dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase. We have, therefore, called these high-affinity [³H]dopamine binding sites D₃ sites. [³H]Apomorphine and [³H]ADTN also appeared to label D₃ sites. These ligands however, were less selective than [³H]dopamine, and labeled sites other than D₃ as well. Assay conditions were important in determining the parameters of [³H]dopamine binding. The optimum conditions for selective labeling of the D₃ dopaminergic sites, using [³H]dopamine, required the presence of EDTA and ascorbate.     

Competition by Estrogens for Catecholamine Receptor Binding In Vitro

Abstract: We have examined the ability of various steroids to compete for high-affinity binding of ³H-labeled ligands to catecholamine receptors in membranes prepared from rat cerebral cortex, striatum, and anterior pituitary. Ligands employed were: [³H]WB4101, [³H]prazosin, [³H]yohimbine, and [³H]clonidine (alpha-noradrenergic); [³H]dihydroalprenolol (beta-noradrenergic); [³H]spiperone and [³H]ADTN (dopaminergic). Only the 17β estrogens were effective and only binding of [³H]spiperone and [³H]ADTN in striatum and [³H]WB4101 and [³H]prazosin in cerebral cortex was reduced. Thus putative dopaminergic and alpha₁-noradrenergic sites alone appear to recognize estrogens. A slight competitive effect on [³H]spiperone binding to anterior pituitary membranes was also observed. Among the 17β estrogens tested, the most effective in all cases was the catechol estrogen 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE₂). The ability of 2-OHE₂ (IC₅₀= 20–30 μM) to inhibit ligand binding to alpha₁ receptors was comparable to that of norepinephrine (IC₅₀= 10–20 μM), whereas for dopamine receptors in striatum and pituitary 2-OHE₂ was an order of magnitude less effective than dopamine (IC₃₀= 12 μM) in reducing binding of ³H ligands. Estradiol-17β and 2-hydroxyestrone were also able to inhibit binding, but the order of steroid potency was different for alpha₁ and dopaminergic receptors. Progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone were without effect in all cases. These results show that there is specificity of steroid interactions with catecholamine receptors in the brain, both in terms of steroid structure and receptor type. The possible relevance of these interactions to neuroendocrine function is discussed.     

Effects of local anesthetics of guanyl nucleotide modulation of the catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase system and on β-adrenergic receptors

Tetracaine and other local anesthetics exert multiple actions on the catecholamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase system of frog erythrocyte membranes. Tetracaine (0.2–2.0 mM) reduces the responsiveness of adenylate cyclose to (a) guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate and (b) isoproterenol in the presence of GTP or guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate. Local anesthetics did not affect (a) basal enzyme activity, and (b) enzyme responsiveness to NaF. Tetracaine inhibited stimulation of adenylate cyclase by guanyl-5′-yl-imidodiphosphate over the whole range of nucleotide concentrations. By contrast, inhibition by tetracaine of isoproterenol activity in the presence of GTP was significant only if GTP concentrations exceeded 10^?7 M.Tetracaine also competitively inhibited binding of both the antagonist [³H]-dihydroalprenolol and the agonist [³H]hydroxybenzylisoproterenol to β-adrenergic receptors. However, it was twice as potent in inhibiting [³H]-hydroxybenzylisoproterenol as [³H]dihydroalprenolol binding. The greater potency for inhibition of agonist binding was due to the ability of the anesthetics to promote dissociation of the high-affinity nucleotide sensitive state of the β-adrenergic receptor induced by agonists.Other local anesthetics mimicked the effects of tetracaine on adenylate     

Effects of ergots on adenylate cyclase activity in the corpus striatum and pituitary

Adenylate cyclase activity was determined in homogenates of the corpus striatum and pituitary gland. Dopamine and several ergots stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis in the striatum, but no stimulation was seen in the pituitary gland. None of the ergots tested were as active as dopamine itself, and all were able to partially inhibit the dopamine-induced activation of adenylate cyclase. Lergotrile, a simple ergoline derivative which displays dopamine agonist activities in the pituitary gland and striatum, did not stimulate adenylate cyclase in either tissue. These findings show that the $\text{in vivo}$ dopaminergic activity of ergots is not reflected in the dopamine-dependent adenylate cyclase assay using either the corpus striatum or the pituitary gland. It is suggested that those dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland which mediate prolactin release are not associated with adenylate cyclase.     

Effects of neuroleptics on 3H-haloperidol and 3H-cis(Z)-flupenthixol binding and on adenylate cyclase activity in vitro.

The subcellular localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase was studied in rat brain striatum and compared to the distribution of dopamine binding sites. The highest specific activity of adenylate cyclase activities sensitive to dopamine was associated almost exclusively with synaptic membranes (mithchondrial fraction; P₂). Using [³H] haloperidol and [³H] apomorphine as markers for the dopamine receptor, specific binding was observed in both the mitochondrial (P₂) and microsomal (P₃) fractions. Data for the mitochondrial fraction revealed a heterogeneity of binding sites. Two saturable sites for [³H] haloperidol were observed with K_d values of 2.5nM and 12.5nM respectively. Overall, the localization of multiple binding sites in the crude synaptosomal fraction correlates well with the localization of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in this fraction.     

Receptor-mediated inhibition of octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the optic lobe of Octopus vulgaris

1. Inhibition of octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase was studied in the optic lobe of Octopus vulgaris.2. The octopamine antagonist, mianserin, and the dopamine D₂ agonists, PPHT and metergoline, induced dose-dependent inhibition of octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity.3. The binding of the tritiated benzazepine neuroleptic YM-09151-2 to octopus membranes and the displacement of [³H]YM-09151-2 by PPHT, metergoline and spiperone were consistent with the presence of a D₂-like dopamine receptor in the octopus optic lobe.4. The conclusion is drawn that octopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase in the octopus is negatively regulated by a dopamine D₂-like receptor.     

Characterization of an Adenylate Cyclase-Linked Serotonin (5-HT1) Receptor in a Neuroblastoma × Brain Explant Hybrid Cell Line (NCB-20)

Clonal cell line NCB-20 (a hybrid of mouse neuroblastoma N18TG2 and Chinese hamster 18-day embryonic brain expiant) expressed both high- (K_D 180 nM) and low-affinity (>3000 nM) binding sites for [³H]serotonin (5-HT) which were absent from the parent neuroblastoma. The low-affinity binding site was eliminated by 1 μM spiperone. The order of drug potency for inhibition of high-affinity [³H]5-HT binding was consistent with a 5-HT₁ receptor (5,6 - dihydroxytryptamine = 5-HT = methysergide = 5-methoxytryptamine > cyproheptadine = clozapine = mianserin > spiperone > dopamine = morphine = ketanserin = norepinephrine). [³H]5-HT binding was inhibited by guanine nucleotides (e.g., GTP and Gpp(NH)p), whereas antagonist binding was not; as-corbate was also inhibitory. A 30-min exposure of cells to 1—2 μM 5-HT or other agonists produced a three- to fivefold stimulation of cyclic AMP levels. The order of potency for 5-HT agonist stimulation of basal cyclic AMP levels and 5-HT antagonist reversal of agonist-stimulated levels was the same as the order of drug potency for inhibition of high-affinity [³H]5-HT binding, suggesting linkage of the 5-HT₁ receptor to adenylate cyclase in NCB-20 cells.     

Possible Involvement of Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive G Proteins and D2 Dopamine Receptors in the A1 Adenosine Receptor-Adenylate Cyclase System in Rat Cerebral Cortex

To identify the involvement of dopamine receptors in the transmembrane signaling of the adenosine receptor-G protein-adenylate cyclase system in the CNS, we examined the effects of pertussis toxin (islet-activating protein, IAP) and apomorphine on A1 adenosine agonist (-)N6-R-[3H]phenylisopropyladenosine ([3H]PIA) and antagonist [3H]xanthine amine congener ([3H]XAC) binding activity and adenylate cyclase activity in cerebral cortex membranes of the rat brain. Specific binding to a single class of sites for [3H]XAC with a dissociation constant (KD) of 6.0 +/- 1.3 nM was observed. The number of maximal binding sites (Bmax) was 1.21 +/- 0.13 pmol/mg protein. Studies of the inhibition of [3H]XAC binding by PIA revealed the presence of two classes of PIA binding states, a high-affinity state (KD = 2.30 +/- 1.16 nM) and a low-affinity state (KD = 1.220 +/- 230 nM). Guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate or IAP treatment reduced the number of the high-affinity state binding sites without altering the KD for PIA. Apomorphine (100 microM) increased the KD value 10-fold and decreased Bmax by approximately 20% for [3H]PIA. The effect of apomorphine on the KD value increase was irreversible and due to a conversion from high-affinity to low-affinity states for PIA. The effect was dose dependent and was mediated via D2 dopamine receptors, since the D2 antagonist sulpiride blocked the phenomenon. The inhibitory effect of PIA on adenylate cyclase activity was abolished by apomorphine treatment. There was no effect of apomorphine on displacement of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (muscarinic ligand) binding by carbachol. These data suggest that A1 adenosine receptor binding and function are selectively modified by D2 dopaminergic agents.     

Evidence for Different States of the Dopamine Dl Receptor: Clozapine and Fluperlapine May Preferentially Label an Adenylate Cyclase-Coupled State of the Dl Receptor

Abstract: It has been shown previously that typical neuroleptics have higher affinities for 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-ethylamine (dopamine) Dl receptors as labeled by(R)- (+)- 8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1 -N-3-benzazepine-7-ol ([³H]SCH 23390) than for inhibiting dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase. We now report that the atypical neuroleptics, clozapine and fluperlapine, exhibit characteristics opposite to typical neuroleptics, i.e., they have higher affinity for inhibiting dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase than [³H]SCH 23390 binding. A variety of compounds, i.e., clozapine, fluperlapine, and dopamine, were tested for their capacity to affect the rate constants of [³H]SCH 23390 binding; these experiments revealed no effect of any tested compound on on-rate or off-rate of [³H]SCH 23390 binding. Treatment of striatal membranes with phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) caused a rapid decrease in the B_max value of the [³H]SCH 23390 binding with no effect on the K_d value. The adenylate cyclase, both the unstimulated, the dopamine-, fluoride-, and forskolin-stimulated activity, was far less sensitive than [³H]SCH 23390 binding to PLA₂. Treatment of striatal membranes with filipine and (NH₄SO₄ produced, as did PLA₂ treatment, a rapid decline in [³H]SCH 23390 binding. However, opposite to PLA₂ treatment, these agents stimulated the adenylate cyclase. In conclusion, a comparison of the pharmacological characteristics of [³H]SCH 23390 binding and dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase suggests the existence of two different Dl binding sites. The rate experiments exclude the possibility of allosterically coupled sites. Instead our results favor that the Dl receptor exists in different states/conformations, i.e., both adenylate cyclase-coupled and uncoupled, and further, that the atypical neuroleptics clozapine and fluperlapine may have adenylate cyclase-coupled dopamine Dl receptors as target.     

Evidence for two types of β-adrenergic-sensitive adenylate cyclase activities in bovine cerebellum

A latent, as well as an expressed form of adenylate cyclase coupled to β-adrenergic receptors is present in intact crude synaptosomal preparations from bovine cerebellum. The latent adenylate cyclase activity was assayed in Krebs-Ringer buffer by [³H]adenine labeling and was found to be coupled to a β₁-like adrenergic receptor. The externally accessible adenylate cyclase assayed in the same with [³H]ATP was stimulated via β₂-adrenergic receptors.     

Corticotropin-releasing factor stimulates adenylate cyclase activity in the anterior pituitary gland

Ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) stimulates adenylate cyclase activity in rat anterior pituitary homogenate at an ED₅₀ value of 70 nM. GTP increases the stimulatory effect of CRF on [³²P] cyclic AMP formation in a rat adenohypophysial particulate fraction and in bovine anterior pituitary plasma membranes. The present data show that CRF stimulates adenylate cyclase activity in the anterior pituitary gland at least partly through a guanyl nucleotide-dependent mechanism.     

Dopamine-inhibited adenylate cyclase in female rat adenohypophysis

A dopamine-inhibited adenylate cyclase has been demonstrated in anterior pituitary gland of adult female rats, lactating and not lactating. This inhibitory effect was completely GTP dependent. In contrast, in the adenohypophysis of male rats, dopamine had no detectable effect on adenylate cyclase activity. In female rats the inhibition of the enzyme appears mediated by specific dopaminergic receptors: the effect of dopamine was mimicked by the dopaminergic agonists apomorphine and the ergot derivative CH 29–717, while norepinephrine was much less potent. On the other hand, the dopaminergic antagonists trifluoperazine and sulpiride competitively antagonized the dopamine inhibition of the adenylate cyclase. The possibility that the dopamine-inhibited enzyme is located in mammotrophs appears supported 1) by its observation in the female rat pituitary, which contains this type of cells in much larger proportion than the male gland (33–38% vs. < 5%); 2) by the pharmacological similarity between the dopaminergic receptors mediating the adenylate cyclase inhibition (this work) and those regulating prolactin release (which have been characterized in previous studies). The well known inhibition of prolactin release brought about by dopamine could therefore be mediated, at least in part, by a decrease in the intracellular level of cAMP.     

Desensitization of the D-2 dopamine receptor and the β2-adrenoceptor in the intermediate lobe of the rat pituitary gland

A D-2 dopamine receptor and a β₂-adrenoceptor occur in the intermediate lobe of the rat pituitary gland (IL). Exposure of intact IL tissue to a D-2 agonist diminished the ability of dopaminergic agonists [but not 5′-guanylyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)] to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity. Conversely, exposure of intact IL tissue to a β-adrenergic agonist diminished the ability of a β-adrenergic agonist (but not forskolin) to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with 17β-estradiol desensitizes the β₂-adrenoceptor but not the D-2 receptor. Desensitization of the IL catecholamine receptors is discussed within the framework of a previously published “working model” of these receptors.     

Interactions Between Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Dopamine in the Rabbit Retina: Stimulation of a Common Adenylate Cyclase

Although 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine, DA) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) have been reported to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in the rabbit retina, possible interactions between VIP-sensitive and DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase systems have not been previously investigated. To elucidate the interactions between these two putative transmitter-stimulated cyclase systems, the effects of VIP, DA, and VIP + DA on the conversion of [alpha-32P]ATP to [32P]cyclic AMP in rabbit retinal homogenates were measured. VIP stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in a biphasic manner, suggesting that two classes of VIP receptors may be involved in the induction of cyclic AMP formation. DA was less potent than VIP, and stimulated cyclase activity with a monophasic dose-response curve. When assayed together, these stimulations were partially nonadditive, implying the existence of a common adenylate cyclase pool that may be stimulated by both putative neurotransmitters. The dopaminergic antagonist (+)-butaclamol completely blocked dopaminergic stimulation, but had no significant effect on VIP-induced stimulation, indicating that VIP interacts with specific VIP receptor sites, which are distinct from the dopaminergic receptor sites. Furthermore, the specific D-2 dopaminergic receptor agonist LY141865 demonstrated no inhibitory effect on adenylate cyclase activity, suggesting that the interaction between the VIP- and DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase systems does not result from a D-2 receptor-mediated cyclase inhibition in the rabbit retina. Finally, at maximally effective concentrations, DA and VIP were less potent than fluoride or forskolin in the stimulation of cyclic AMP formation, suggesting that adenylate cyclase pools that are not sensitive to DA and VIP may also be present in this retina.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dopamine receptors in canine caudate nucleus

Summary Physiological, pharmacological, histochemical and biochemical studies indicate that dopamine receptors are heterogenous in the, central nervous system with each individual functions. This review describes pharmacological and biochemical characteristics of dopamine receptors, particularly in canine caudate nucleus, which have been studied in our laboratory with a brief comparison to the current studies by other workers in similar research fields.Two distinct dopamine receptors have been characterized by means of [³H]dopamine binding to the synaptic membranes from canine caudate nucleus. One of the receptors with a Kd of about 3 M for dopamine may be associated with adenylate cyclase and referred to as D, receptor. The other receptor with a Kd of about 10 nM for dopamine is independent of adenylate cyclase and referred to as D₂. A photochemical irreversible association of [³H]dopamine with the membraneous receptors makes it possible to separate D₁ and D₂ receptors from one another by gel filtration on a Sephadex G-200 column after solubilization with Lubrol PX. On the basis of selective inhibition of [³H]dopamine binding to D₁ and D₂ receptors, dopamine antagonists can be classified into three classes: D₁-selective (YM-09151-2), D₂-selective (sulpiride) and nonselective (haloperidol, chlorpromazine). Effects of these typical antagonists on the metabolism of rat brain dopamine suggest that D₁ receptor is more closely associated with the neuroleptic-induced increase in dopamine turnover. Studies with 28 benzamide derivatives and some classical neuroleptics reveal that apomorphine-induced stereotypy displays a greater association with D₁ than with D₂ receptors.Dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in canine caudate nucleus can be solubilized with Lubrol PX in a sensitive form to either dopamine, Gpp(NH)p or fluoride. Sephadex G-200 gel filtration separates adenylate cyclase from D₁ receptors with a concomitant loss of dopamine sensitivity. Addition of the D₁ receptor fraction to the adenylate cyclase restores the responsiveness to dopamine. The solubilized dopamine-unresponsive adenylate cyclase can be further separated into two distinct fractions by a batch-wise treatment with GTP-sepharose: a catalytic unit which does not respond to fluoride, and a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein. The regulatory protein confers distinct responsiveness to Gpp(NH)p and fluoride upon adenylate cyclase. These results indicate that dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase is composed of at least three distinct units; D₁ receptor, guanine nucleotide regulatory protein and adenylate cyclase.     

Interacting Presynaptic k-Opioid and GABAA Receptors Modulate Dopamine Release from Rat Striatal Synaptosomes

Abstract— The presynaptic regulation of stimulated dopa-mine release from superfused rat striatal synaptosomes by opioids and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied. It was found that in addition to dopamine D₂ autoreceptors, calcium-dependent K⁺-stimulated [³H]dopamine release was inhibited through activation of a homogeneous population of k -opioid receptors in view of the potent inhibitory effect of the k -selective agonist U69.593 (EC₅₀ 0.2 nM) and its antagonism by norbinaltorphimine. Neither μ-nor δ-selective receptor agonists affected release of [³H]-dopamine. In addition, GABA potently inhibited the evoked [³H]dopamine release (EC₅₀ 0.4 nM) through activation of GABA_A receptors in view of the GABA-mimicking effect of muscimol, the sensitivity of its inhibitory effect to picro-toxin and bicuculline, and the absence of an effect of the GABA_B receptor agonist baclofen. In the presence of a maximally effective concentration of GABA, U69,593 did not induce an additional release-inhibitory effect, indicating that these receptors and the presynaptic D₂ receptor are colocalized on the striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals. The excitatory amino acid agonists N-methyl-d -aspartate and kainate, as well as the cholinergic agonist carbachol, stimulated [³H]dopamine release, which was subject to k -opioid receptor-mediated inhibition. In conclusion, striatal dopamine release is under regulatory control of multiple excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter by activation of colocalized presynaptic receptors for excitatory amino acids, acetylcholine, dopamine, dynorphins, and GABA within the dopaminergic nerve terminals. Together, these receptors locally control ongoing dopamine neurotransmission.     

Development of dopamine receptor denervation supersensitivity in the neostriatum of the senescent rat

Dopamine (DA) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and [³H]-spiroperidol specific binding were assessed in the striata from mature and old rats lesioned in the left substantia nigra with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Rotational behavior following the DA releasing agent, amphetamine, and the DA receptor agonist, lergotril, was also examined at 7 and 30 days, respectively, after lesioning. Results indicated that while there were rotational behavioral deficits following amphetamine in the senescent animal, none were seen with respect to lergotril. Both old and young animals showed similar degrees of contralateral rotation (with respect to the lesion) following lergotril administration. This suggested that both old and young animals showed similar development of denervation supersensitivity in the DA receptors of the lesioned striatum. Subsequent biochemical confirmation of this hypothesis was provided by findings which showed comparable relative increases in DA stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and [³H]-spiroperidol specific binding in the striata from the lesioned hemispheres of young and old rats. Additionally, high positive correlations were found between rotation and [³H]-spiroperidol specific binding, while those between DA stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and rotation were lower and dependent upon the concentration of DA used to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity (1, 5 and 100 uM). Results are discussed in terms of the specificity of the age-related deficits seen in the striatum of the senescent animal.