Selectivity of coronaridine congeners at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and inhibitory activity on mouse medial habenula

The inhibitory activity of coronaridine congeners on human (h) α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) is determined by Ca²⁺ influx assays, whereas their effects on neurons in the ventral inferior (VI) aspect of the mouse medial habenula (MHb) are determined by patch-clamp recordings. The Ca²⁺ influx results clearly establish that coronaridine congeners inhibit hα3β4 AChRs with higher selectivity compared to hα4β2 and hα7 subtypes, and with the following potency sequence, for hα4β2: (±)-18-methoxycoronaridine [(±)-18-MC] > (+)-catharanthine > (±)-18-methylaminocoronaridine [(±)-18-MAC] ∼ (±)-18-hydroxycoronaridine [(±)-18-HC]; and for hα7: (+)-catharanthine > (±)-18-MC > (±)-18-HC > (±)-18-MAC. Interestingly, the inhibitory potency of (+)-catharanthine (27 ± 4 μM) and (±)-18-MC (28 ± 6 μM) on MHb (VI) neurons was lower than that observed on hα3β4 AChRs, suggesting that these compounds inhibit a variety of endogenous α3β4* AChRs. In addition, the interaction of bupropion with (−)-ibogaine sites on hα3β4 AChRs is tested by [³H]ibogaine competition binding experiments. The results indicate that bupropion binds to ibogaine sites at desensitized hα3β4 AChRs with 2-fold higher affinity than at resting receptors, suggesting that these compounds share the same binding sites. In conclusion, coronaridine congeners inhibit hα3β4 AChRs with higher selectivity compared to other AChRs, by interacting with the bupropion (luminal) site. Coronaridine congeners also inhibit α3β4*AChRs expressed in MHb (VI) neurons, supporting the notion that these receptors are important endogenous targets for their anti-addictive activities.     

Acute reduction of brain substance P induced by nicotine

Ten minutes after a single injection of 0.8 mg/kg nicotine SC (free base) the level of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) was reduced by 61–73% in rat caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, and olfactory tubercle, with smaller and not significant reductions in the frontal cortex, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental area. The nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine (1.0 mg/kg IP) prevented the reductions in SPLI. The rapidity and the degree of the changes in SPLI after nicotine exceed those previously reported for other agents and implicate substance P neurotransmission as a major component of nicotinic action.Preliminary data were presented at the 17th annual meeting of the American Society for Neurochemistry, Montreal, 1986 (1).     

Isolation and characterization of substance P, substance P 5-11, and substance K from two metastatic ileal carcinoids

Using an antiserum directed at the COOH-terminus of tachykinins, we have examined postmortem tissue from two cases of metastatic ileal carcinoid for the presence of tachykinin-like immunoreactivity. The vast majority of the immunoreactive tachykinin-like material eluted from a Sephadex G-50 column as two peaks at positions corresponding to molecular weights of 1300 and 850. The 1300 dalton peak was resolved by reverse-phase-HPLC into two components which by Edman sequencing, amino acid analysis, and fast atom bombardment (FAB)-mass spectrometry criteria, were identified as substance P and substance K. The 850 dalton peak was also resolved on RP-HPLC into two peaks which were resistant to Edman degradation but from amino acid analysis and FAB-mass spectrometry criteria were identified as pyro-Glu-substance P 5-11 and oxidized pyro-Glu-substance P 5-11. In control experiments substance P 5-11 was converted to pyro-Glu-substance P 5-11 during the extraction procedure. Both tumors also contained a minor immunoreactive peak which eluted from a Sephadex G-50 sizing column at a position corresponding to a molecular weight of 4000 which probably represents neuropeptide K. These results suggest that beta-preprotachykinin is preferentially expressed in carcinoid tumors and that substance K may also play a role in the carcinoid syndrome.     

Glutamate-stimulated ATP release from spinal cord astrocytes is potentiated by substance P

ATP has recently emerged as a key molecule mediating pathological pain. The aim of this study was to examine whether spinal cord astrocytes could be a source of ATP in response to the nociceptive neurotransmitters glutamate and substance P. Glutamate stimulated ATP release from these astrocytes and this release was greatly potentiated by substance P, even though substance P alone did not elicit ATP release. Substance P also potentiated glutamate-induced inward currents, but did not cause such currents alone. When glutamate was applied alone it acted exclusively through alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionate receptors to stimulate Ca(2+) influx-dependent ATP release. However, when substance P was co-applied with glutamate, ATP release could be elicited by activation of NMDA and metabotropic glutamate receptors. Activation of neurokinin receptor subtypes, protein kinase C and phospholipases A(2), C and D were needed for substance P to bring about its effects. These results suggest that astrocytes may be a major source of ATP in the spinal cord on activation of nerve fibres that release substance P and glutamate.     

外周P物质受体介导伤害性刺激所致脊髓背角c-fos基因的表达

用免疫组化染色方法,观察了Ｐ物质受体在外周对伤害性刺激信息的介导作用。于福尔马林注入双侧后肢足底前１０ｍｉｎ,将不同浓度的ＳＰ受体特异性拮抗剂Ｌ６６８,１６９注入一侧足底,另一侧注入生理盐水。结果：１０＾－４ｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｌ６６８,１６９明显抑制了该侧脊髓背角浅层ｃ－ｆｏｓ基因的表达而对深层影响不大;     

Modulation of locomotor activity by substance P in rats

The effects of intraperitoneally or intracerebrally (DA A-10 area) administered substance P (SP) on locomotor activity of rats were studied in an exact 12-h light/12-h dark cycle changing from dark to light at 6 a.m. SP was administered either at 11 a.m. (light phase, minimal locomotor activity) or at 7 p.m. (dark phase, maximal locomotor activity). The effects of 12.5 micrograms/kg SP intracerebral and 125 micrograms/kg SP intraperitoneal were very similar. In the light phase SP produces excitation but inhibition of locomotion in darkness. Hence, the effect of SP depends on the internal mechanisms controlling motor activity and tends to level off the spontaneous circadian oscillation. We found a long lasting SP effect during both the light and dark period. The present experiments led us to the conclusion that SP has a levelling effect on locomotor activity. Probably this effect might be explained as SP's action on the dopaminergic pathway or dopamine metabolism, because the dopamine content in neurons also has a circadian rhythm.     

Modulation of membrane K+ conductance in T-lymphocytes by substance P via a GTP-binding protein

Summary Modulation of the voltage-gated K⁺ conductance in T-lymphocytes by substance P was examined. Whole-cell recordings from Jurkat E6-1 human T-lymphocytes revealed two components of substance P action on the outward K⁺ current: (i) dose- and time-dependent reduction of current peak amplitude; and (ii) acceleration of the current inactivation rate. This action was blocked by substituting Cs⁺ for K⁺ in the recording pipette and by the substance P antagonist, [d-Arg¹,d-Phe⁵,d-Trp^7.9, Leu¹¹]-substance P. As indicated by conductance-voltage relationship, the reduction in current peak amplitude as a result of substance P application was not due to a shift of the voltage dependence of the channel. Raising intracellular free calcium concentration from 2 to 200nm reversed the reduction, induced by substance P, in current peak amplitude and disclosed an apparent desensitization towards the neuropeptide action. The treatment, however, did not reverse substance P-induced acceleration of the rate of current decay. Intracellular administration of hydrolysis-resistant guanosine triphosphate (to persistently activate GTP-binding protein) and guanosine diphosphate (to competitively inhibit GTP—binding proteins) analogues mimicked and inhibited substance P-induced reduction of K⁺ conductance, respectively. The data demonstrate a modulation of T-lymphocyte K⁺ channels by substance P and substantiate a possible role for GTP-binding proteins in this modulation.     

Methadone increases intracellular calcium in SH-SY5Y and SH-EP1-halpha7 cells by activating neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

(-)-Methadone acts as an agonist at opioid receptors. Both (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of methadone have been suggested to be potent non-competitive antagonists of alpha3beta4 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In the present study, we have examined interactions of methadone with nAChRs by using receptor binding assays, patch-clamp recording and calcium fluorometry imaging with SH-SY5Y cells naturally expressing alpha7 and alpha3* nAChR subtypes and SH-EP1-halpha7 cells heterologously expressing human alpha7 nAChRs. Methadone potently inhibited binding of [3H]methyllycaconitine to alpha7 nAChRs and that of [3H]epibatidine to alpha3* nAChRs. Methadone pretreatment induced up-regulation of epibatidine binding sites in SH-SY5Y cells. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recording, both isomers of methadone activated cation currents via mecamylamine-sensitive nAChRs in SH-SY5Y cells. Nicotine and both (+)- and (-)-methadone evoked increases in [Ca2+]i in both fluo-3AM loaded cell lines, and these effects were blocked by mecamylamine and by the alpha7 selective antagonist methyllycaconitine, suggesting effects of methadone as alpha7-nAChR agonist. Sensitivity of sustained nicotine and methadone effects to blockade by CdCl2, ryanodine and xestospongin-c implicates voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ stores as downstream modulators of elevated [Ca2+]i. Collectively, our results suggest that methadone engages in complex and potentially pharmacologically significant interactions with nAChRs.     

去甲肾上腺素参与家兔脑室注射P物质的心血管效应

目的:深入探讨脑内注射SP的心血管效应及其与去甲肾上腺素能系统的关系.方法:家兔乌拉坦静脉麻醉,侧脑室注射SP或预先注射肾上腺素能受体阻断剂酚妥拉明、哌唑嗪、育亨宾.记录给药前后平均动脉血压(MAP)、左室收缩压(LVSP)、左心室收缩末期压(LVEDP)、室内压最大上升速率( dp/dtmax)和下降速率(-dp/dtmax)、心肌收缩成分实测最大缩短速度(Vpm)、心率(HR).观察脑室注射SP后小脑延髓池脑脊液中NA含量的变化.结果:①与对照组比较,icv SP可引起HR、LVSP、LVEDP、 dp/dtmax、-dp/dtmax和Vpm值明显增加(P<0.05),同时,小脑延髓池脑脊液中NA含量显著升高(P<0.05).②酚妥拉明或哌唑嗪预处理可显著减弱脑室注射SP引起心血管增强效应(P<0.05),但育亨宾预处理对注射SP引起的心血管效应无明显影响(P<0.05).结论:①脑内注射SP可增强心脏的收缩功能、升高动脉血压.②脑内α1肾上腺素能受体可能参与侧脑室注射SP的心血管增强效应.③中枢应用SP可促进NA能神经元释放NA或抑制突触前膜重摄取NA.这可能是脑内SP心血管效应的一个重要机制.     

Measles virus-substance P receptor interactions: Jurkat lymphocytes transfected with substance P receptor cDNA enhance measles virus fusion and replication

1. We have demonstrated previously (Harrowe et al., 1990), using a lymphoblastoid cell line that constitutively expresses the substance P receptor (SPR) (Payan et al., 1984, 1986), that this receptor may facilitate measles virus (MV) fusion with these cells. In order to test this hypothesis further, a stable cell line transfected with SPR cDNA has been established, and various stages of MV infection in SPR positive and negative cells compared. 2. Jurkat cells, a human T-lymphoblastoid cell line, were transfected with a cDNA clone encoding the SPR. Cells transfected with only the plasmid were used as controls. Jurkat cells and Jurkat vector control cells (J-vo) failed to demonstrate any detectable 125I-SP binding, whereas a clonally selected population of cells transfected with SPR cDNA (J-SPR) expressed about 50,000 receptors/cell (Sudduth-Klinger et al., 1992). 3. Using the J-vo- and J-SPR-transfected cell lines, the following experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of SPR expression on MV infection. To determine if MV would preferentially attach to J-SPR as compared to J-vo, we absorbed virus to cells at 37 degrees C for various times and measured bound MV using a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). Using this approach, we found that MV bound to a greater degree to J-SPR compared with J-vo. In addition to equilibrium being reached faster for J-SPR, the total amount of bound MV was higher on J-SPR. The effect was greater at lower MOIs, suggesting that there existed multiple binding sites for MV on these cells and that the affinity is higher for those cells expressing the SPR. 4. Since binding does not necessitate a successful viral infection, we needed to know if this difference in binding reflected a difference in infection. This was demonstrated by showing an approximate twofold increase in infected cells after a 2-hr binding period with J-SPR as compared to J-vo at an MOI of 1 in an infectious cell-center assay. Moreover, when both cells types were subjected to continuous infection in culture, J-SPR-infected cells produced a seven- to ninefold increase in measles viral titer in 24 hr as compared with J-vo. The observed increase in viral titer may have resulted in more of the J-SPR cells binding virus, as indicated by our binding and infectious cell-center data, or alternatively, the virus might have entered the J-SPR cells faster and begun replication before the J-vo-infected cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Functional and immunological responses of Jurkat lymphocytes transfected with the substance P receptor

1. We have transfected the rat substance P receptor (SPR) cDNA into the leukemic T-lymphocyte cell line Jurkat (J-wt) in order to study the effects of substance P (SP) on lymphocyte signaling mechanisms and the resultant neuropeptide-induced immunological changes. 2. The SPR cDNA was transfected into J-wt by the method of electroporation. Clones expressing SPRs were selected using a functional assay that measured SP-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in a fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) and by their expression of specific 125I-SP binding. 3. One clone, J-SPR, was identified and shown by Northern blot and 125I-SP saturation binding techniques to express the 2.2-kb SPR message and approximately 50,000 SPRs/cell with a Kd of 0.3 nM, respectively. Stimulation of J-SPR by SP resulted in the rapid mobilization of [Ca2+]i. This response was dose dependent in the range 10(-11)-10(-6) M SP and was maximal at 10(-7) M SP, with an EC50 of 0.3-0.5 nM SP. We further demonstrated that the SPR is rapidly desensitized following SP stimulation and by activation of the cell's T-cell receptor (TCR). Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments on J-SPR show that SP stimulation induces a Cl- current by a Ca2+ mediated process dependent on Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK). 4. Stimulation of J-SPR by SP results in changes in the cell surface expression of a number of molecules that play important roles in cell adhesion and activation: the expression of LFA-1 is decreased, and CD2 and IL-2 receptors are increased by 30 min, 6 hr, and 24 hr, respectively, following stimulation, as assessed by antibody staining in a FACS. 5. The expression of functional SPRs in Jurkat lymphocytes will not permit a detailed examination of how the activation of SPRs result in altered immune responses and further elucidate the role this neuropeptide receptor plays in inflammation.     

P物质对大鼠骶髓后连合核神经元甘氨酸激活的氯电流的调控

采用制霉菌素穿孔膜片箍技术,研究了Ｐ物质对急性分离的大鼠骶髓后的核神经元士的宁敏感性甘氨酸反应的调控作用。在箍制电压为－４０ｍＶ时,ＳＰ时１ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ－１μｍｏｌ／Ｌ之间呈浓度依赖性地增强３０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ甘氨酸激活的氯电流。ＳＰ既不改变ＩＧｌｙ的翻转电位,也不是影响Ｇｌｙ与其受体的亲和力。Ｓｐａｎｔｉｄｅ和选择性Ｎ中受体拮抗剂,Ｌ－６６８,１６９,可阻断ＳＰ的增强作用,而选择性ＮＫ２受体拮抗剂,     

Intrathecal substance P augments morphine-induced antinociception: Possible relevance in the production of substance P N-terminal fragments

The present study sought to examine the mechanism of substance P to modulate the antinociceptive action of intrathecal (i.t.) morphine in paw-licking/biting response evoked by subcutaneous injection of capsaicin into the plantar surface of the hindpaw in mice. The i.t. injection of morphine inhibited capsaicin-induced licking/biting response in a dose-dependent manner. Substance P (25 and 50 pmol) injected i.t. alone did not alter capsaicin-induced nociception, whereas substance P at a higher dose of 100 pmol significantly reduced the capsaicin response. Western blots showed the constitutive expression of endopeptidase-24.11 in the dorsal and ventral parts of lumbar spinal cord of mice. The N-terminal fragment of substance P (1–7), which is known as a major product of substance P by endopeptidase-24.11, was more effective than substance P on capsaicin-induced nociception. Combination treatment with substance P (50 pmol) and morphine at a subthreshold dose enhanced the antinociceptive effect of morphine. The enhanced effect of the combination of substance P with morphine was reduced significantly by co-administration of phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of endopeptidase-24.11. Administration of d-isomer of substance P (1–7), [d-Pro², d-Phe⁷]substance P (1–7), an inhibitor of [³H] substance P (1–7) binding, or antisera against substance P (1–7) reversed the enhanced antinociceptive effect by co-administration of substance P and morphine. Taken together these data suggest that morphine-induced antinociception may be enhanced through substance P (1–7) formed by the enzymatic degradation of i.t. injected substance P in the spinal cord.     

Further studies on the mechanism of action of substance P in rat brain,involving selective phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis

We have suggested that substance P, in cerebral cortex, causes a phosphatidylinositol (PI) breakdown by a dual mechanism suggesting the involvement of either phospholipase A₂ or phospholipase C. We have presently characterized further these effects. Substance P (65 pM) provoked an increase in lysoPI concomitant with a decrease in PI level. This finding confirms the involvement of phospholipase A₂ activation. To study the involvement of phospholipase C in the action of higher doses (0.65 M) of the peptide, we used pulse-chase experiments (where phospholipid depletion was monitored) and short-term³²P-labeled slices (where phospholipid synthesis was studied). Substance P evoked an acceleration of both hydrolysis and resynthesis of PI as early as 15 s. A prolonged exposure (30 min) resulted in stimulation of PI hydrolysis without subsequent resynthesis. The peptide did not cause any effect on inositol 1,4-bisphosphate and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. These alterations in PI metabolism take place simultaneously with a generation of diacylglycerol which showed two maxima at both indicated times.     

脑内P物质在谷氨酸兴奋腹内侧核引起的升压反应中之作用

目的：分析谷氨酸兴奋下兵脑腹内侧核（NVM）引起升压反应的机制。方法：大鼠脑内或静脉注射不同药物,记录血压和心率的变化。结果：①L－谷氨酸（Glu)兴奋NVM、P物质（SP）注入背内侧核（NDM）室旁核（NPV）或延髓头端腹外侧区（RVL）均引起升压反应;②NVM升压反应可被双侧NDM、NPV或PVL内预先注射[D-Pro^2,D-Phe^7,D-Trp^9]-P物质（SP拮抗剂）衰减,但RVL内注射阿托品无此效应;③酚妥拉明（i.v.）也能使NVM升压反应减小,而心得安或甲基阿托品（i.v.）对该升压反应无影响。结论：兴奋NVM可通过NDM（SP受体）,作用于NPV（SP受体）升压区和RVL（SP受体）－交感缩血管神经系统产生升压反应。心交感和心迷走神经不参与该反应。     

Cystatins from bovine brain: Purification,some properties,and action on substance P degrading activity

Two cystatins were purified from tissue extract of bovine brain by alkaline treatment, acetone fractionation, gel chromatography on Sephadex G-75, and affinity chromatography on S-carboxymethyl-papain-Sepharose. One of the inhibitors had a relatively high molecular mass, 25 kDa (HMM-cystatin) with pI 4.7, and the other, 11 kDa (LMM-cystatin) with pI 5.23. Both inhibitors showed considerable stability at pH 2 and 80°C. The cystatins inhibited papain, ficin, and cathepsins B and H, but not trypsin, chymotrypsin, thermolysin, nagarse, and cathepsin D. K_i values for the complexes of papain and the inhibitors were estimated to be 2.8×10^–10 M for HMM-cystatin and 1.3×10^–9 M for LMM-cystatin. Both purified cystatins prevented degradation of substance P by soluble fraction and lysosomal extract obtained from synaptosomes, but did not suppress the cleavage of the peptide by synaptosomal plasma membranes.Abbreviations HMM-cystatin high molecular mass inhibitor - LMM-cystatin low molecular mass inhibitor - SP substance P - SPM synaptosomal plasma membranes - p-CMB 4-chloromercuribenzoic acid - BK bradykinin - Bz-Arg-Nap N-benzoyl-dl-arginine--naphthylamide - Arg-Nap dl-arginine--naphthylamide - P-Pxy-Hb hemoglobin initially coupled with pyridoxal-5-phosphate     

Translocation and accumulation of nicotine via distinct spatio-temporal regulation of nicotine transporters in Nicotiana tabacum

In plants, secondary metabolites play important roles in adaptation to the environment. Nicotine, a pyridine alkaloid in Nicotiana tabacum, functions as chemical barrier against herbivores. Nicotine produced in the root undergoes long-distance transport and accumulates mainly in the leaves. Since production of such defensive compounds is costly, plants must regulate the allocation of the products to their tissues; however, the molecular mechanism of nicotine translocation remains unclear. Our recent studies identified a novel multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE)-type nicotine transporter, JAT2 (jasmonate-inducible alkaloid transporter 2). This transporter is specifically expressed in leaves, localizes to the tonoplast, and transports nicotine as its substrate. The specific induction of JAT2 expression in leaves by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment suggests that this transporter plays an important role in nicotine distribution to leaves, especially under herbivore attack, by transporting nicotine into the vacuole. Considering JAT2, together with the previously identified MATE transporters JAT1, MATE1, and MATE2, and the PUP (purine permease) transporter NUP1 (nicotine uptake permease1), we show a model of nicotine translocation and accumulation via distinct spatio-temporal regulation of nicotine transporter expression. Furthermore, we discuss the possible role of nicotine transporters in determining outcrossing rates and seed production.     

失血性休克大鼠离体淋巴管对P物质的反应性

目的:应用离体淋巴管灌流技术,观察失血性休克(HS)发展进程中淋巴管对P物质(SP)的反应性。方法:Wistar雄性大鼠随机分为对照组(仅麻醉与手术)和HS组(通过股静脉放血至平均动脉血压为40 mmHg,复制HS模型,分为休克0h、0.5 h、1 h、2h、3 h五个亚组)。各组在相应时间点分离胸导管,制备淋巴管,3 cmH2O跨壁压下行离体灌流,分别给予从低到高浓度的SP,测量淋巴管收缩末期口径、舒张末期口径、收缩频率(CF)和被动管径,计算收缩幅度(CA)、泵流分数(FPF)和紧张指数(TI),以给予SP前后淋巴管的CF、TI、CA、FPF的差值△CF、△TI、△CA、△FPF作为评价淋巴管对SP反应性的指标。结果:Shock 0 h与shock 0.5 h大鼠淋巴管对多个或一个SP浓度的△CF、△TI、△CA、△FPF显著高于对照组,shock 2 h淋巴管对SP的△CF(3×10-7mol/L)、△TI(1×10-7mol/L)以及shock 3 h淋巴管对SP的△CF(1×10-7mol/L、3×10-7mol/L)、△TI(1×10-7mol/L)、△CA(1×10-7mol/L)均显著低于对照组。结论:休克淋巴管对SP反应性呈双相变化,即早期升高,晚期降低。