Determination of Acetylcholine Release in the Striatum of Anesthetized Rats Using In Vivo Microdialysis and a Radioimmunoassay

A vertical-type in vivo microdialysis probe and a sensitive, specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) were used to study the mechanism of acetylcholine (ACh) release in the striatum of anesthetized rats. Without the use of physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, our RIA could still detect the amount of ACh present in the perfusate (5.6 +/- 0.6 fmol/min, n = 16). Tetrodotoxin (1 microM) produced a significant decrease in the amount of ACh collected in the perfusate, suggesting that basal ACh determined under the present experimental conditions was related to cholinergic neural activity. Atropine (0.1-1 microM) applied topically via the dialysis probe did not affect the amount of ACh recovered in the perfusate in the absence of physostigmine. Addition of physostigmine (10 microM) to the perfusion fluid produced about a 100-fold increase in the amount of ACh collected. In the presence of physostigmine, topical administration of atropine and pirenzepine (0.01-1 microM) through a dialysis probe produced a further three- to fourfold increase in ACh output, whereas a slight increase was produced by AF-DX 116 at the highest concentration (1 microM). These results indicate that presynaptic modulation of ACh release in the striatum does not occur under basal conditions, and that presynaptic M1 muscarinic receptors are involved in the modulation of ACh release when the ACh concentration is raised under certain conditions.     

Depression of potassium-evoked striatal acetylcholine release by delta-receptor activation: inhibition by cholinoactive agents

To examine the role of delta-opioid receptors in the modulation of striatal acetylcholine (ACh) release, the action of D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin, a selective delta-opioid receptor agonist, was tested on [3H]ACh release from slices of the rat caudate-putamen. Slices, incubated with [3H]choline, were superfused with a physiological buffer and stimulated twice by exposure to a high potassium (K+) concentration. In the absence of a cholinesterase inhibitor, 1 microM D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin produced a 46 and 35% decrease in the release of [3H]ACh evoked by 15 and 25 mM K+, respectively. The depressant action of the enkephalin analogue was concentration dependent, with a maximal effect on K+-evoked [3H]ACh release occurring at 1.0 microM, and was completely blocked in the presence of the delta-opioid receptor selective antagonist, ICI 174864 (1 microM). In the presence of the cholinesterase inhibitors physostigmine (10 microM) and neostigmine (10 microM), or the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine (10 microM), D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin did not depress the K+-evoked release of [3H]ACh. Atropine (1 microM) blocked the inhibitory effect of physostigmine on the depressant action of D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin. The results of this study indicate that delta-opioid receptor activation is associated with an inhibition of striatal ACh release, but this opioid-cholinergic interaction is not apparent under conditions of presynaptic muscarinic receptor activation.     

Regulation of cardiac cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase

An assay method based on the ability of high concentrations of Mg²⁺ to stimulate phosphorylation of histone in the presence of low concentrations of ATP was developed for the measurement of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratios (activity -cyclic GMP/activity + cyclic GMP). In tissues which contain only trace amounts of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, the basal activity ratios were high due to interference from a cyclic nucleotide-independent protein kinase. In order to study the regulation of the cardica cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, factors affecting the equilibrium between the active and inactive forms of the enzyme were determined. Since the rate of dissociation of cyclic GMP from its binding site(s) was relatively slow at 0–4°C at pH 7.0, the amount of time required to process tissue samples was the major limiting factor for preserving the equilibrium between active and inactive forms of the enzyme. Dilution of heart tissue extracts at 0–4°C did not significantly alter the activity ratio of the enzyme under conditions of basal or elevated cyclic GMP levels. Experiments using charcoal or exogenous cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in the homogenizing medium demonstrated that the release of sequestered cyclic GMP was not responsible for the elevation of the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratios by agents like acetylcholine. Therefore, the assay reflected in part, at least, the retention of kinase-bound cyclic GMP in the tissue extracts. The effects of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on cyclic GMP levels, the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratios, and force of contraction were studied in the perfused rat heart. Both agents produced rapid, dose-dependent increases in cardiac cyclic GMP. Optimal concentrations of acetylcholine produced a 2–3-fold increase in the levels of cyclic GMP and an increase in the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio. No significant effect of acetylcholine on cyclic nucleotide-independent protein kinase activity was observed. Associated witth the acetylcholine-induced protein kinase, factors affecting the equilibrium between the active and inactive forms of the enzyme were determined. Since the rate of dissociation of cyclic GMP from its binding site(s) was relatively slow at 0–4°C at pH 7.0, the amount of time required to process tissue samples was the major limiting factor for preserving the equilibrium between active and inactive forms of the enzyme. Dilution of heart tissue extracts at 0–4°C did not significantly alter the activity ratio of the enzyme under conditions of basal elevated cyclic GMP levels. Experiments using charcoal or exogenous cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase in the homogenizing medium demonstrated that the release of sequestered cyclic GMP was not responsible for the elevation of the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratios by agents like acetylcholine. Therefore, the assay reflected in part, at least, the retention of kinase-bound cyclic GMP in the tissue extracts. The effects of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on cyclic GMP levels, the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratios, and force of contraction were studied in the perfused rat heart. Both agents produced rapid, dose-dependent increases in cardiac cyclic GMP. Optimal concentrations of acetylcholine produced a 2–3-fold increase in the levels of cyclic GMP and an increase in the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio. No significant effect of acetylcholine on cyclic nucleotide-independent protein kinase activity was observed. Associated with the acetylcholine-induced increase in cyclic GMP and the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio was a reduction in the force of contraction. In contrast, nitroprusside produced little or no increase in the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio despite increasing the level of cyclic GMP 8–10-fold. Nitroprusside also had no effect on contractile force. In combination, nitroprusside and acetylcholine produced additive effects on cyclic GMP levels, but protein kinase activation and force of contraction were similar to those seen with acetylcholine alone. The results suggest that the cyclic GMP produced by acetylcholine in the rat heart is coupled to activation of the cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase, while that produced by nitroprusside is not.     

Nitric Oxide-Induced Release of Acetylcholine in the Nucleus Accumbens: Role of Cyclic GMP, Glutamate, and GABA

Abstract: We have previously shown that the basal acetylcholine release in the ventral striatum is under the enhancing influence of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) and that NO donors cause pronounced increases in the acetylcholine release rate. To investigate the role of cyclic GMP, glutamate, and GABA in the NO-induced acetylcholine release, we superfused the nucleus accumbens, (Nac) of the anesthetized rat with various compounds through a push-pull cannula and determined the neurotransmitter released in the perfusate. Superfusion of the Nac with the NO donors diethylamine/NO (DEANO; 100 µmol/L), S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 200 µmol/L), or 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1; 200 µmol/L) enhanced the acetylcholine release rate. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-(1,2,4)-oxodiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 10 µmol/L) abolished the effects of DEANO and SIN-1. 6-(Phenylamino)-5,8-quinolinedione (LY-83583; 100 µmol/L), which also inhibits cyclic GMP synthesis, inhibited the releasing effects of DEANO and of SNAP, whereas the effect of SIN-1 on acetylcholine release was not influenced. The DEANO-induced release of acetylcholine was also abolished in the presence of 20 µmol/L 6,6-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and 10 µmol/L (±)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5). Simultaneous superfusion with 50 µmol/L quinpirole and 10 µmol/L 7-bromo-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (SKF 83566) was ineffective. Superfusion with 500 µmol/L DEANO decreased the release of acetylcholine. The inhibitory effect of 500 µmol/L DEANO was reversed to an enhanced release on superfusion with 20 µmol/L bicuculline. Bicuculline also enhanced the basal release rate. These findings indicate that cyclic GMP mediates the NO-induced release of acetylcholine by enhancing the outflow of glutamate. Dopamine is not involved in this process. Only high concentrations of NO increase the output of GABA, which in turn decreases acetylcholine release. Our results suggest that cells that are able to release glutamate, such as glutamatergic neurons, are the main target of NO in the Nac.     

Choline administration: central effect mediated by stimulation of acetylcholine synthesis.

Oral administration of either choline or physostigmine to rats stimulated the metabolism of dopamine in brain. Treatment of rats with an acetylcholine receptor blocker (atropine) or an inhibitor of acetylcholine synthesis [4-(1-naphthylvinyl) pyridine] antagonized the choline-induced increase in dopamine metabolism. In contrast to its effect on the choline-induced increase in dopamine metabolism, 4-(1-naphthylvinyl) pryridine did not prevent the increase induced by physostigmine. These results indicate that oral administration of choline augments central cholinergic function, and suggest that the mechanism involves stimulation of the rate of synthesis and release of acetylcholine.     

Glutamate release is involved in PAF-increased cyclic GMP levels in hippocampus

The involvement of glutamate in PAF-increased cyclic GMP levels was studied. Glutamate treatment caused a dose-response increase of cyclic GMP levels in hippocampal slices. The presence of 1 mM glutamate did not modify the effect caused by 10(-7)M PAF. To elucidate the involvement of glutamate in this action, slices were treated with PAF in the presence of MK-801, a NMDA receptor antagonist. Results indicate that PAF-increased cyclic GMP levels were obtained by NMDA receptors activation. Finally, results obtained from the experiments performed with PAF in the presence of riluzole, to inhibit the glutamate release, demonstrated that glutamate release is a stage in the PAF-induced increase of cyclic GMP levels in hippocampus.     

Oppositional effects of acetylcholine and isoproterenol on isometric tension and cyclic nucleotide concentrations in rabbit atria.

The effects of acetylcholine chloride and isoproterenol on myocardiial cyclic GMP, cyclic AMP and on isometric tension were studied in isolated electrically driven rabbit atria. Acetylcholine (0.5 muM) produced a significant decrease in isometric force that was associated with a significant elevation in atrial cyclic GMP. Cyclic AMP was significantly lowered at 15 seconds after the addition of acetylcholine, but was only slightly decreased at earlier time periods. Both the negative inotropic action and increase in cyclic GMP after addition of acetylcholine were blocked by atropine. Isoproterenol (0.1 muM) produced a significant increase in isometric tension that was associated with a significant elevation in atrial cyclic AMP levels, whereas cyclic GMP levels were not changed. These effects were blocked by practolol. The increases in atrial cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP following addition of acetylcholine and isoproterenol, respectively, preceded the changes in isometric tension in response to these agents. These data support the hypothesis that changes in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP may mediate the positive and negative inotropic effects of adrenergic and cholinergic agents.     

Acute and chronic studies on functional aspects of coexistence

Autoinhibition of acetylcholine release by the coexisting peptide galanin in the septal afferents to the hippocampus of the rat was examined in tissue slices from the hippocampus. Galanin inhibits the evoked release of the coexisting neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the ventral hippocampus, providing an example of autoinhibition of release of a neurotransmitter by one of the coexisting neurotransmitters. The galanin mediated inhibition of the acetylcholine release is a complement to the well known strong cholinergic autoinhibition. The effects of the coexisting galanin and acetylcholine on several second messenger systems were also examined: acetylcholine acting at muscarinic receptors depresses cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and stimulates elevation of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels, whereas neither cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate nor cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels were affected by galanin (1 microM). Galanin however inhibited partly the muscarinic stimulation of phosphoinositide breakdown, suggesting that inositol phosphate(s) or diacylglycerol may act as second messenger(s) of the galanin action in the hippocampus. The effects of chronic changes in firing rate on the coexisting neurotransmitters in the rat ventral spinal cord containing serotonin, thyrotropin releasing hormone, substance P and substance K were examined. The tissue levels of the coexisting transmitters were studied in rats chronically treated with imipramine (14 days; 2 x 10 mumoles/kg/day) and zimelidine (14 days; 2 x 10 mumoles/kg/day). Upon treatment with zimelidine the tissue levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid fall by 32% while thyrotropin releasing hormone levels seem to increase 35% and substance P/substance K levels also increase 48 and 72% respectively. Imipramine treatment resulted in similar although less pronounced changes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of LY83583, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and quinacrine on cyclic GMP elevation and inhibition of tension by muscarinic agonists in rabbit aorta and left atrium

Elevation of cyclic GMP by muscarinic agonists has been suggested to be responsible for the negative inotropic effects of these agents in cardiac muscle, and for the endothelium-dependent relaxation caused by these agents in vascular smooth muscle. These relationships were studied by monitoring the effects of muscarinic agonists on tension and cyclic GMP levels in rabbit left atrial strips and aortic rings, in the presence and absence of the cyclic GMP lowering agent, LY83583. LY83583 completely blocked both the cyclic GMP increase and the relaxation caused by acetylcholine in rabbit aortic rings with intact endothelial cells. Acetylcholine-induced cyclic GMP elevation and relaxation in these preparations were also blocked by quinacrine and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), but neither response was blocked by the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor U-60257. In the experiments with rabbit left atrium, LY83583 blocked the acetylcholine-induced cyclic GMP elevation but did not block the negative inotropic effects of the drug. Quinacrine, NDGA, and a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue, failed to block either the cyclic GMP increase or the decrease in contractile force caused by carbachol in atrial strips. These results support the suggestion that an increase in cyclic GMP may be responsible for the endothelium-dependent relaxation of rabbit aorta by muscarinic agonists, but not for the direct negative inotropic effects of these drugs in rabbit atrium. Muscarinic agents appear to increase cyclic GMP levels in rabbit atrium and aorta by different mechanisms. Although both are blocked by LY83583, they differ not only in their requirements for endothelial cells, but also in their susceptibility to other blocking agents.     

Regional sensitivity of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in rat brain to central cholinergic stimulation

We determined cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels in 18 regions of rat brain following administration of two different centrally active cholinergic agonists. Administration of oxotremorine (2 mg/Kg IP), a muscarinic agonist, 10 minutes prior to sacrifice by exposure to high power microwave irradiation resulted in significant increases in cyclic GMP in cerebellum, brainstem, hippocampus, midbrain, thalamus and septal region. Cyclic AMP levels were significantly elevated in substantia nigra, nucleus interpeduncularis, hypothalamus, brainstem, midbrain and in the pituitary where a greater than tenfold increase was observed. Levels of plasma prolactin and corticosterone did not differ in any of the groups examined, but growth hormone was significantly lower in animals exposed to oxotremorine. Physostigmine (0.5 mg/Kg) a cholinesterase inhibitor, administered IP also produced elevations in cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in several of the brain regions examined. These results indicate that multiple regions of the brain are responsive to central cholinergic activation of not only cyclic GMP, but also cyclic AMP system.     

Potentiation of the carotid artery occlusion reflex by a cholinergic system in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus

Bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries of urethane-anesthetized rats evoked a pressor response of 14 ± 1 mm Hg. Injection into the lateral cerebral ventricle of neostigmine (0.2–1.0 μg) or physostigmine (10–15 μg) caused a dose-dependent increase in basal blood pressure and in the magnitude of the carotid artery occlusion (CAO) pressor reflex. Neostigmine (1 μg) and physostigmine (15 μg) caused nearly maximal and approximately equal degrees of cholinesterase inhibition in several brain regions. The recovery of the cardiovascular parameters and of brain cholinesterase activity was significantly faster following physostigmine compared to neostigmine. Prior intracerebroventricular injection of atropine (0.3 μg) or hemicholinium-3 (20 μg) prevented the increases in basal pressure and the CAO pressor response. Potentiation of the CAO reflex also followed injection of physostigmine or neostigmine into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus and of injection of physostigmine intravenously. Injection of atropine bilaterally into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus prior to intravenous injection of physostigmine prevented the potentiation of the CAO reflex but not the increase in basal blood pressure. These results indicate that acetylcholine in the posterior hypothalamic nucleus serves as a neurotransmitter in a pathway which can potentiate the pressor response to carotid artery occlusion and thus modulate baroreceptor reflexes.     

Effect of physostigmine on relative acetylcholine output induced by systemic treatment with scopolamine in in vivo microdialysis of rat frontal cortex

By means of an in vivo brain microdialysis, the effect of different concentrations of physostigmine on the acetylcholine level in the dialysate of rat frontal cortex was studied. Perfusion of the various degrees of physostigmine (eserine) concentration (10 nM−10 μM) into the cortex through the dialysis membrane increased the basal acetylcholine level in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of 10 nM, 0.1 μM and 10 μM physostigmine in the perfusate, systemic treatment with scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) increased 200, 270 and 510%, respectively, the relative acetylcholine level in the dialysates in comparison with the corresponding basal levels, while in the absence of physostigmine the treatment increased it only 40%. From these results, it appears that perfusion of physostigmine at a variety of concentrations, changes not only the basal level of acetylcholine induced by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase but also the relative acetylcholine output induced by systemic treatment with scopolamine.     

γ-Hydroxybutyrate Stimulation of the Formation of Cyclic GMP and Inositol Phosphates in Rat Hippocampal Slices

The presence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) (300-600 microM) in the incubation medium of rat hippocampal slices led to an increase of intracellular cyclic GMP and inositol phosphates. This phenomenon is dependent on the time and the dose of GHB used and might be the result of the stimulation of GHB receptor sites which are abundant in rat hippocampus. The increase of cyclic GMP and inositol phosphates is blocked by some anticonvulsants and opiate antagonists. These results seems to indicate that, like many substances inducing epileptic phenomena, GHB provokes neuronal depolarization in hippocampus which is accompanied by formation of cyclic GMP and inositol phosphates. The effect of opiate antagonists can be explained by the possible implication of an opiate synapse which mediates GHB effects in rat hippocampus.     

Evidence against cyclic GMP as a mediator of the actions of secretagogues on amylase release from guinea-pig pancreas

In dispersed acini from guinea-pig pancrease several pancreatic secretagogues increased calcium outflux, cyclic GMP and amylase secretion, whereas nitroprusside and hydroxylamide increased cyclic GMP but did not increase calcium outflux or amylase secretion and did not alter the action of secretagogues on calcium outflux or amylase secretion. Secretin and vasoactive intestinal peptide increased cyclic AMP and increased secretion but did not alter cyclic GMP. Nitroprusside and hydroxylamine did not alter cyclic AMP or the action of secretin or vasoactive intestinal peptide on cyclic AMP and enzyme secretion. Agents that increased cyclic GMP also caused release of the nucleotide into the extracellular medium; however, this release did not correlate with secretion of amylase into the extracellular medium. 8-Bromo cyclic AMP as well as 8-bromo cyclic GMP increased enzyme secretion and potentiated the increase in enzyme secretion caused by cholecystokinin or carbachol. The increase in amylase secretion caused by vasoactive intestinal peptide or secretin plus either of the cyclic nucleotide derivatives was the same as that caused by the peptide alone. These results indicate that cyclic GMP does not mediate the action of secretagogues on pancreatic enzyme secretion, that the release of cyclic GMP into the extracellular medium does not occur by exocytosis and that the increase in enzyme secretion caused by 8-bromo cyclic GMP results from its stability to mimic the action of endogenous cyclic AMP.     

Stimulatory effect of dibutyryl cyclic GMP on acid secretion in mouse isolated stomach and on histamine release in gastric mucosal cells.

We previously reported that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the peripheral control of gastric acid secretion induced by some secretagogues, and that endogenous NO is involved in the acid secretion process via histamine release from histamine-containing cells. However, the stimulus-secretion coupling in the cells remains to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effect of dibutyryl cyclic GMP on gastric acid secretion in mouse isolated stomach and on histamine release in gastric mucosal cells, in comparison with those of dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP (300 microM) produced a slight but significant increase of gastric acid secretion, which was completely inhibited by the histamine-H2 receptor antagonist famotidine. In contrast, dibutyryl cyclic GMP (1 mM) markedly inhibited histamine-induced acid secretion. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (100 microM) produced a sustained increase of gastric acid secretion. The pretreatment with famotidine partially inhibited dibutyryl cyclic AMP-induced gastric acid secretion. Dibutyryl cyclic GMP and dibutyryl cyclic AMP significantly increased the histamine release from gastric mucosal cells. These results suggest that both intracellular cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP act as second messengers for histamine release in the histamine-containing cells, probably ECL cells. On the other hand, in gastric parietal cells, cyclic AMP has a stimulatory effect on gastric acid secretion, whereas cyclic GMP has an inhibitory effect.     

Gravity and cyclic GMP levels in melanocytic cells

Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) is a major second messenger molecule, that is believed to play a role in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Here we report that hypergravity induces differential effects on cyclic GMP turnover in melanocytic cells. Nonmetastatic melanoma cells responded to long-time exposure (24 h) of hypergravity (up to 5 x g) with decrease in intracellular cyclic GMP accumulation in the presence of an universal inhibitor of phosphodiesterases (IBMX), whereas the extracellular cyclic GMP increase. In contrast, there were no changes in cyclic GMP turnover in metastatic melanocytes. The expression of the guanylyl cyclases appeared to be not affected. These results suggest that cyclic GMP signaling may be involved in adaptation of human melanocytes to altered gravity conditions.     

Amylase secretion by rabbit parotid gland. Role of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.

Amylase secretion and changes in the levels of cyclic AMP and GMP were studied in rabbit parotid gland slices incubated in vitro with a variety of neurohumoral transmitters, their analogs and inhibitors. Cyclic GMP levels increased 8-fold 5 min after exposure to carbachol (10(-4) M), without a change in cyclic AMP levels; amylase output also rose. These effects were completely inhibited by muscarinic blockade with atropine, but were unaffected by alpha-adrenergic blockade with phenoxybenzamine. Epinephrine (4 - 10(-5) M) produced a rapid increase in the levels of both cyclic nucleotides and in amylase release. The increase in cyclic GMP level was inhibited by previous exposure of the slices to phenoxybenzamine, while the cyclic AMP rise was prevented by the beta-blocking agent, propranolol. Pure alpha-adrenergic stimulation with methoxamine (4 - 10(-4) M) produced modest elevations in cyclic GMP content and amylase output, effects blocked by pre-treatment of slices with either atropine or phenoxybenzamine. At a concentration of 4 - 10(-6) M, isoproterenol (a beta-agonist) failed to affect cyclic GMP levels, but promptly stimulated increases in cyclic AMP levels, and after a short lag, amylase secretion. At a higher dose (4 - 10(-5) M) isoproterenol produced elevations in the levels of both nucleotides. The carbachol-induced effects on cyclic GMP content and amylase release were greatly potentiated by the addition of isoproterenol (4 - 10(-6) M). These data strongly suggest that cholinergic muscarinic agonists and alpha-adrenergic agonists stimulate amylase output in rabit parotid gland by mechanisms involving cyclic GMP. The atropine-sensitive intracellular events effected by alpha-stimulation may be dependent upon endogenous generation of acetylcholine. Both cyclic nucleotides seem to be required for the early rapid secretion of amylase. The unique responses achieved by the combination of carbachol and isoproterenol suggest that isoproterenol may increase the sensitivity of this tissue to the effects of cholinergic stimuli.     

Correlation of lysophosphatidylcholine-induced vs spontaneous relaxation to cyclic GMP levels in rabbit thoracic aorta

We demonstrated previously that 10(-5)M micellar solution of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) produced relaxation of rabbit thoracic aorta in a dose-dependent manner. It was also noticed that histamine (HA)-precontracted strips relaxed spontaneously in the absence of LPC. We now measured the cyclic GMP changes during these two types of relaxation. Results indicate that while LPC-induced relaxation was mediated through cyclic GMP, spontaneous relaxation was not. The vasodilating effect of LPC was not due to its interference with cellular viability by solubilizing the membrane, because repeated additions of LPC produced identical degrees of relaxation and after three consecutive additions of LPC, the strips continued to relax to the same degree with acetylcholine (Ach) demonstrating the functional integrity of the endothelium. LPC/Cholesterol dispersions (1:0.5 mole percent) relaxed the strips to the same extent as the micellar solution of LPC, while 1:1 mole percent did not. The results stress the role of cyclic GMP in LPC-induced relaxation. They further suggest that LPC/Cholesterol ratio may determine the availability of LPC and regulate LPC-mediated processes.     

BRAIN ACETYLCHOLINE AND CHOLINESTERASE: EFFECT OF PHENOTHIAZINES AND PHYSOSTIGMINE INTERACTION IN RATS1

Abstract— The effect of phenothiazines either alone or in combination with physostigmine on whole brain acetylcholine concn and cholinesterase activity has been investigated in male rats. Phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, trifluperazine and thioridazine) when injected alone had no significant effect on brain acetylcholine concentration. Pretreatment with chlorpromazine and thioridazine significantly enhanced the physostigmine-induced increase in brain acetylcholine concn and inhibition of cholinesterase activity. However, trifluperazine had no significant effect on the physostigmine-induced increase in brain acetylcholine concentration and inhibition of cholinesterase activity. The potentiation of the physostigmine-induced increase in brain acetylcholine concn by phenothiazines may be due to (1) increased acetylcholine turnover secondary to the blockade of dopamine receptors by neuroleptic drugs and.     

Effects of LF-14, THA and physostigmine in rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex

The effects of physostigmine, tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA) and LF-14 [3,3-dimethyl-1(4- amino-3-pyridyl)urea], a 3,4-diaminopyridine derivative, were compared on inhibition of acetyl- cholinesterase (AChE) activity, and release of [³H]acetylcholine (ACh) from rat brain cortical and hippocampal slices. All three compounds caused a concentration dependent inhibition of AChE, with an order of potency physostigmine > THA > LF-14. The electrically stimulated release of ACh from hippocampal and cortical slices was decreased by 10⁻⁵M physostigmine, although the effect was significant only in cortex. THA (5 × 10⁵M) caused a slight, but not significant, decrease in ACh release from both tissues. In contrast, LF-14 (5 × 10⁻⁵ M) caused an approx. 3-fold enhancement of stimulated release. When AChE was inhibited by prior addition of physostigmine, THA caused only a slight enhancement of ACh release, whereas LF-14 greatly increased release. ACh release was also reduced by stimulation of presynaptic muscarinic receptors with oxotremorine. In this case, THA had no effect on ACh release, while LF-14 was able to reverse the inhibition. This study suggests that LF-14 acts to promote ACh release through blocking K⁺ channels, and has a less potent AChE inhibitory effect. It is possible that a compound like LF-14 could be useful in treating diseases of cholinergic dysfunction such as Alzheimer's disease, by both promoting the release of ACh and inhibiting its breakdown.