170: Do Alpha1Adrenoceptors in pig Urethra Demonstrate agonist-Specific Coupling to Distinct Second Messenger Pathways ?

2005 ◽  
Vol 173 (4S) ◽  
pp. 46-46
Author(s):  
Rachael L. Scott ◽  
Christopher Chappie ◽  
Russell Chess-Williams
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Fu ◽  
Ouyang Guo ◽  
Zhihang Zhen ◽  
Junli Zhen

Signaling from the synapse to nucleus is mediated by the integration and propagation of both membrane potential changes (postsynaptic potentials) and intracellular second messenger cascades. The electrical propagation of postsynaptic potentials allows for rapid neural information processing, while propagating second messenger pathways link synaptic activity to the transcription of genes required for neuronal survival and adaptive changes (plasticity) underlying circuit formation and learning. The propagation of activity-induced calcium signals to the cell nucleus is a major synapse-to-nucleus communication pathway. Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) is a recently discovered calcium-dependent transcription factor that regulates the activation of genes involved in the homeostatic regulation of excitatory–inhibitory balance, which is critical for neural circuit formation, function, and ongoing plasticity, as well as for defense against diseases such as epilepsy. Here, we summarize recent findings on the neuroprotective functions of Npas4 and the potential of Npas4 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the central nervous system.


2000 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 1567-1579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyle E. Fox ◽  
Philip E. Lloyd

Neuromuscular synapses in buccal muscle I3a of Aplysia are modulated by the small cardioactive peptide (SCP), a peptide cotransmitter that is intrinsic to the motor neurons, and by serotonin (5-HT) released from modulatory neurons that are extrinsic to the motor circuit. Although the modulation of excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) and contractions by 5-HT and SCP has been studied extensively in this muscle, little is known about the mechanisms that underlie the modulation. 5-HT and SCP, at 1 μM, were found to potently increase the level of cAMP in I3a. Therefore we investigated whether the activation of the cAMP pathway was sufficient to modulate EJPs and contractions. The direct activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin increased the level of cAMP, facilitated EJPs, and potentiated contractions. Indeed, the short-term effects of forskolin were very similar to all aspects of the short-term effects of 5-HT and SCP. Membrane-permeable cAMP analogues also mimicked the effects of 5-HT and SCP on EJPs and contractions. However, it seems likely that some effects of 5-HT are also mediated through other second-messenger pathways because low concentrations of 5-HT modulate EJPs and contractions but do not significantly increase cAMP levels in I3a. It is possible that lower concentrations of 5-HT function through receptors linked to protein kinase C (PKC) because phorbol, an activator of PKC, modulated EJPs and contractions without increasing the levels of cAMP. In conclusion, we provide evidence that pharmacological agents that activate the cAMP pathway mimicked most of the effects of 5-HT or SCP and that more than one second-messenger system appears to be involved in the modulation of the I3a neuromuscular system.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 70-75
Author(s):  
Lionella Palego ◽  
Annalisa Giromella ◽  
Maria Rosa Mazzoni ◽  
Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato ◽  
Donatella Marazziti

AbstractDuring the past decade, an increasing interest has been shifted from the study of neuroreceptors to their links with second-messenger pathways. In the present article, we shall briefly review the methodological tools for evaluating adenylyl cyclase activity in several human brain and peripheral models, as well as the studies suggesting its involvement in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. We shall present also some preliminary data obtained in our laboratory providing evidence for the measurement of serotonin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity in human brain postmortem.


1990 ◽  
Vol 258 (6) ◽  
pp. L369-L377 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Smith ◽  
J. D. McCann ◽  
M. J. Welsh

In canine airway epithelial cells, bradykinin increases intracellular concentrations of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). To determine the role of these second messengers in bradykinin-stimulated Cl- secretion, we studied the secretory response to this peptide using canine tracheal monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers. Bradykinin stimulated Cl- secretion [measured as short-circuit current (Isc)] when added to submucosal or mucosal surfaces; however, secretory responses differed substantially. Submucosal addition of bradykinin induced a biphasic increase in secretion; mucosal addition induced a monophasic increase in secretion. Both responses were mediated by B2 receptors. We show that activation of bradykinin receptors can stimulate Cl- secretion in two ways. 1) Bradykinin added to either surface stimulates prostaglandin synthesis and release at the basolateral surface. This leads to activation of prostaglandin E2-sensitive receptors on the basolateral surface that are coupled to cAMP production and an increase in apical membrane Cl- conductance. 2) In addition, bradykinin added to the submucosal surface increases Ins(1,4,5)P3 and [Ca2+]c levels, which enhance basolateral K+ conductance and the electrical driving force for apical Cl- exit. Whereas secretion requires activation of apical Cl- channels, the data show that Cl- secretion can also be modulated by activation of basolateral K+ channels. These data indicate that bradykinin-induced transepithelial Cl- secretion is mediated by two independent, second messenger pathways. These results provide the first evidence for expression of both pathways in a polar fashion in an epithelial monolayer.


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