Author
Edson X. Albuquerque
Bio: Edson X. Albuquerque is an academic researcher from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nicotinic agonist & Acetylcholine. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 16 publications receiving 2061 citations.
Papers
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TL;DR: It is demonstrated that nAChRs are targets for KYNA and suggest a functionally significant cross talk between the nicotinic cholinergic system and the kynurenine pathway in the brain.
Abstract: The tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) has long been recognized as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Here, interactions between KYNA and the nicotinic system in the brain were investigated using the patch-clamp technique and HPLC. In the electrophysiological studies, agonists were delivered via a U-shaped tube, and KYNA was applied in admixture with agonists and via the background perfusion. Exposure (≥4 min) of cultured hippocampal neurons to KYNA (≥100 nm) inhibited activation of somatodendritic α7 nAChRs; the IC50 for KYNA was ∼7 μm. The inhibition of α7 nAChRs was noncompetitive with respect to the agonist and voltage independent. The slow onset of this effect could not be accounted for by an intracellular action because KYNA (1 mm) in the pipette solution had no effect on α7 nAChR activity. KYNA also blocked the activity of preterminal/presynaptic α7 nAChRs in hippocampal neurons in cultures and in slices. NMDA receptors were less sensitive than α7 nAChRs to KYNA. The IC50 values for KYNA-induced blockade of NMDA receptors in the absence and presence of glycine (10 μm) were ∼15 and 235 μm, respectively. Prolonged (3 d) exposure of cultured hippocampal neurons to KYNA increased their nicotinic sensitivity, apparently by enhancing α4β2 nAChR expression. Furthermore, as determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection, repeated systemic treatment of rats with nicotine caused a transient reduction followed by an increase in brain KYNA levels. These results demonstrate that nAChRs are targets for KYNA and suggest a functionally significant cross talk between the nicotinic cholinergic system and the kynurenine pathway in the brain.
764 citations
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TL;DR: Differences observed in the pharmacological and functional properties of the Nicotinic currents imply the expression of at least three structurally distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in hippocampal neurons, which may involvement in the transduction of signals is discussed.
Abstract: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors present on cultured hippocampal neurons from fetal rats were characterized by means of whole-cell patch-clamp technique, using a number of structurally divergent agonists and highly selective antagonists. Based upon the decay kinetics of the currents elicited by 3 mM acetylcholine (ACh) and their sensitivities to agonists and antagonists, the neurons were shown to exhibit four current types, IA, IB, II and III. Rapidly decaying currents (type IA) that were blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin (10 nM), kappa-bungarotoxin (10 nM) and methyllycaconitine (MLA, 1 nM) were the most frequent and were found in 83% of the neurons tested. Type II currents (found in 5% of the neurons) were blocked by dihydro-beta-erythroidine (10 nM), and by high concentrations of MLA and kappa-bungarotoxin (100 nM each) but not by alpha-bungarotoxin (100 nM). Type III currents (elicited in 2% of the neurons) decayed slowly and were blocked by (+/-)-mecamylamine (1 microM) but not by alpha-bungarotoxin, kappa-bungarotoxin or MLA (each at 100 nM). Some of the cells (10% of the neurons) had mixed responses (named type IB), which were only partially blocked by MLA (1 nM) or dihydro-beta-erythroidine (10 nM) alone and were completely blocked by combination of the two agents. The order of potency of agonists in activating the currents was the following: for type IA, (+)-anatoxin-a >> 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium > (-)-nicotine > cystisine > ACh > carbachol > (+)-nicotine > arecoline > suberyldicholine; for type II, ACh > (+)-anatoxin-a > (-)-nicotine > 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenyl-piperazinium > carbachol > cytisine > (+)-nicotine > suberyldicholine > arecoline. Certain agonists were particularly useful in discriminating among the various types of currents: ACh, carbachol, (-)-nicotine and suberyldicholine for type II, and cytisine for type III currents. The EC50 of ACh was approximately 130 microM for type IA and approximately 2 microM for type II currents. A marked inward rectification was observed with type II, whereas type IA currents showed very little inward rectification. Differences observed in the pharmacological and functional properties of the nicotinic currents imply the expression of at least three structurally distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes in hippocampal neurons. The possible involvement of these currents in the transduction of signals is discussed.
561 citations
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TL;DR: It is demonstrated that CA1 interneurons, in addition to expressing functional α7 nA ChRs, also express functional α4β2-like nAChRs and that activation of both receptors facilitates an action potential-dependent release of GABA.
Abstract: Neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChR) are known to control transmitter release in the CNS. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring the diversity and localization of nAChRs present in CA1 interneurons in rat hippocampal slices. The use of a U-tube as the agonist delivery system was critical for the reliable detection of nicotinic responses induced by brief exposure of the neurons to ACh or to the alpha7 nAChR-selective agonist choline. The present study demonstrated that CA1 interneurons, in addition to expressing functional alpha7 nAChRs, also express functional alpha4beta2-like nAChRs and that activation of both receptors facilitates an action potential-dependent release of GABA. Depending on the experimental condition, one of the following nicotinic responses was recorded from the interneurons by means of the patch-clamp technique: a nicotinic whole-cell current, depolarization accompanied by action potentials, or GABA-mediated postsynaptic currents (PSCs). Responses mediated by alpha7 nAChRs were short-lasting, whereas those mediated by alpha4beta2 nAChRs were long-lasting. Thus, phasic or tonic inhibition of CA1 interneurons may be achieved by selective activation of alpha7 or alpha4beta2 nAChRs, respectively. It can also be suggested that synaptic levels of choline generated by hydrolysis of ACh in vivo may be sufficient to control the activity of the alpha7 nAChRs. The finding that methyllycaconitine and dihydro-beta-erythroidine (antagonists of alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nAChRs, respectively) increased the frequency and amplitude of GABAergic PSCs suggests that there is an intrinsic cholinergic activity that sustains a basal level of nAChR activity in these interneurons.
338 citations
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TL;DR: The discovery of functional nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in interneurons of the human cerebral cortex is reported and these mechanisms can account for the involvement of nA ChRs in cognitive functions and in certain neuropathological conditions.
Abstract: Cholinergic control of the activity of human cerebral cortical circuits has long been thought to be accounted for by the interaction of acetylcholine (ACh) with muscarinic receptors. Here we report the discovery of functional nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in interneurons of the human cerebral cortex and discuss the physiological and clinical implications of these findings. The whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique was used to record responses triggered by U-tube application of the nonselective agonist ACh and of the α7-nAChR-selective agonist choline to interneurons visualized by means of infrared-assisted videomicroscopy in slices of the human cerebral cortex. Choline induced rapidly desensitizing whole-cell currents that, being sensitive to blockade by methyllycaconitine (MLA; 50 nm), were most likely subserved by an α7-like nAChR. In contrast, ACh evoked slowly decaying whole-cell currents that, being sensitive to blockade by dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE; 10 μm), were most likely subserved by an α4β2-like nAChR. Application of ACh (but not choline) to the slices also triggered GABAergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs). Evidence is provided that ACh-evoked PSCs are the result of activation of α4β2-like nAChRs present in preterminal axon segments and/or in presynaptic terminals of interneurons. Thus, nAChRs can relay inhibitory and/or disinhibitory signals to pyramidal neurons and thereby modulate the activity of neuronal circuits in the human cerebral cortex. These mechanisms, which appear to be retained across species, can account for the involvement of nAChRs in cognitive functions and in certain neuropathological conditions.
260 citations
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01 Jan 1991TL;DR: The present results demonstrate the existence of an inwardly rectifying, snake neurotoxin-sensitive functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion channel in rat hippocampal neurons.
Abstract: The properties of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in primary cultures of hippocampal cells from fetal rats (17-18 days gestation) were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in Na(+)-external, Cs(+)-internal and nominally Mg(2+)-free solutions. The nicotinic agonists acetylcholine, (+)anatoxin-a, and (-) and (+)nicotine all evoked inward whole-cell currents in hippocampal neurons that were voltage clamped near their resting potentials. Sensitivity to (+)anatoxin-a was first detected at around day 6, and thereafter the magnitude of the response increased as a function of number of days in culture up to about 40 days. The whole-cell current waveforms consisted of more than one peak whose relative amplitude depended on the agonist concentration. These currents were reversibly blocked by micromolar concentrations of d-tubocurarine, mecamylamine, and dihydro-beta-erythroidine. At nanomolar concentrations, neuronal bungarotoxin, alpha-bungarotoxin and alpha-cobratoxin caused an irreversible blockade of the currents but they were unaffected by tetrodotoxin, atropine, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, Mg2+, and 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. In addition, the currents were also blocked in a reversible manner by methyllycaconitine at picomolar concentration. The current-voltage plots elicited by both (+)anatoxin-a and acetylcholine revealed larger inward currents and smaller or no outward currents. The present results demonstrate the existence of an inwardly rectifying, snake neurotoxin-sensitive functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion channel in rat hippocampal neurons.
81 citations
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TL;DR: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancement of functional and genetic studies in the late 1980s and the more recent revelations of the impact that the rich diversity in function and expression of this receptor family has on neuronal and nonneuronal cells throughout the body.
Abstract: The classical studies of nicotine by Langley at the turn of the 20th century introduced the concept of a “receptive substance,” from which the idea of a “receptor” came to light. Subsequent studies...
1,561 citations
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TL;DR: Alteration of the physiological mechanisms supporting SPW‐Rs leads to their pathological conversion, “p‐ripples,” which are a marker of epileptogenic tissue and can be observed in rodent models of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease.
Abstract: Sharp wave ripples (SPW-Rs) represent the most synchronous population pattern in the mammalian brain. Their excitatory output affects a wide area of the cortex and several subcortical nuclei. SPW-Rs occur during "off-line" states of the brain, associated with consummatory behaviors and non-REM sleep, and are influenced by numerous neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. They arise from the excitatory recurrent system of the CA3 region and the SPW-induced excitation brings about a fast network oscillation (ripple) in CA1. The spike content of SPW-Rs is temporally and spatially coordinated by a consortium of interneurons to replay fragments of waking neuronal sequences in a compressed format. SPW-Rs assist in transferring this compressed hippocampal representation to distributed circuits to support memory consolidation; selective disruption of SPW-Rs interferes with memory. Recently acquired and pre-existing information are combined during SPW-R replay to influence decisions, plan actions and, potentially, allow for creative thoughts. In addition to the widely studied contribution to memory, SPW-Rs may also affect endocrine function via activation of hypothalamic circuits. Alteration of the physiological mechanisms supporting SPW-Rs leads to their pathological conversion, "p-ripples," which are a marker of epileptogenic tissue and can be observed in rodent models of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's Disease. Mechanisms for SPW-R genesis and function are discussed in this review.
1,173 citations
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TL;DR: Subtypes of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are constructed from numerous subunit combinations that compose channel-receptor complexes with varied functional and pharmacological characteristics.
Abstract: Subtypes of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are constructed from numerous subunit combinations that compose channel-receptor complexes with varied functional and pharmacological characteristics. Structural and functional diversity and the broad presynaptic, postsynaptic, and nonsynaptic locations of nAChRs underlie their mainly modulatory roles throughout the mammalian brain. Presynaptic and preterminal nicotinic receptors enhance neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic nAChRs contribute a small minority of fast excitatory transmission, and nonsynaptic nAChRs modulate many neurotransmitter systems by influencing neuronal excitability. Nicotinic receptors have roles in development and synaptic plasticity, and nicotinic mechanisms participate in learning, memory, and attention. Decline, disruption, or alterations of nicotinic cholinergic mechanisms contribute to dysfunctions such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, autism, dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer's diseas...
1,119 citations
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TL;DR: Genetic studies suggest that brain mechanisms controlling waking and NREM sleep are strongly conserved throughout evolution, underscoring their enormous importance for brain function.
Abstract: This review summarizes the brain mechanisms controlling sleep and wakefulness. Wakefulness promoting systems cause low-voltage, fast activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Multiple interacting neurotransmitter systems in the brain stem, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain converge onto common effector systems in the thalamus and cortex. Sleep results from the inhibition of wake-promoting systems by homeostatic sleep factors such as adenosine and nitric oxide and GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, resulting in large-amplitude, slow EEG oscillations. Local, activity-dependent factors modulate the amplitude and frequency of cortical slow oscillations. Non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep results in conservation of brain energy and facilitates memory consolidation through the modulation of synaptic weights. Rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep results from the interaction of brain stem cholinergic, aminergic, and GABAergic neurons which control the activity of glutamatergic reticular formation neurons leading to REM sleep phenomena such as muscle atonia, REMs, dreaming, and cortical activation. Strong activation of limbic regions during REM sleep suggests a role in regulation of emotion. Genetic studies suggest that brain mechanisms controlling waking and NREM sleep are strongly conserved throughout evolution, underscoring their enormous importance for brain function. Sleep disruption interferes with the normal restorative functions of NREM and REM sleep, resulting in disruptions of breathing and cardiovascular function, changes in emotional reactivity, and cognitive impairments in attention, memory, and decision making.
1,101 citations
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TL;DR: With recently developed pharmacological agents, it is now possible to restore metabolic equilibrium and envisage novel therapeutic interventions on the basis of the kynurenine pathway.
Abstract: The essential amino acid tryptophan is not only a precursor of serotonin but is also degraded to several other neuroactive compounds, including kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid. The synthesis of these metabolites is regulated by an enzymatic cascade, known as the kynurenine pathway, that is tightly controlled by the immune system. Dysregulation of this pathway, resulting in hyper-or hypofunction of active metabolites, is associated with neurodegenerative and other neurological disorders, as well as with psychiatric diseases such as depression and schizophrenia. With recently developed pharmacological agents, it is now possible to restore metabolic equilibrium and envisage novel therapeutic interventions.
1,097 citations