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Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NC) is the endogenous ligand for the nociceptin receptor (NCR) which is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase to inhibit the formation of cAMP. In this study we describe the inhibitory action of the novel NC analogue, [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 on cAMP formation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human NCR. NC, NC(1-13)NH2, the pseudopeptides [Phe1psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]NC(1-17)NH2 and [Phe1psi(CH2-NH)Gly2]NC(1-13)NH2, the hexapeptide, acetyl-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Trp-Lys-NH2 and buprenorphine all produced a concentration dependent inhibition of forskolin stimulated cAMP formation. This inhibition was competitively reversed by [Nphe1]NC(1-13)NH2 with essentially identical pA2 values (6.12-6.48). [Nphe1]NC(1-13)NH2 showed per se a negligible residual agonist activity (alpha < 0.15).

Hemodynamic responses to histamine were investigated in the anesthetized rabbit. Intravenous injections of histamine induced dose-dependent decreases in systemic arterial pressure that were blocked by the H(1)-receptor antagonist pyrilamine but not the H(2) antagonist cimetidine. Injections of histamine and the H(1) agonist 6-[2-(4-imidazolyl)ethylamine]-N-(4-trifuormethylphenyl)-heptan ecardo xamide dimaleate (HTMT) into the hindlimb perfusion circuit increased hindlimb perfusion pressure, whereas the H(2) agonist dimaprit decreased perfusion pressure and the H(3)-receptor agonist R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine did not alter perfusion pressure. Pyrilamine reduced hindlimb vasoconstrictor responses to histamine and HTMT but did not alter vasodilator responses to dimaprit. Cimetidine reduced the response to dimaprit but did not alter vasoconstrictor responses to histamine or HTMT. The H(3)-receptor antagonist thioperamide was without effect on responses to the histamine agonists. These data suggest the presence of H(1) and H(2) receptors and that histamine for the most part acts by stimulating H(1) receptors to produce vasoconstriction in the hindlimb vascular bed of the rabbit. Responses to histamine, HTMT, and norepinephrine were significantly enhanced by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor at a time when vasodilator responses to dimaprit were unaltered and responses to acetylcholine were significantly reduced. Responses to histamine and the H(1) and H(2) agonists were not affected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor meclofenamate or by ATP-sensitive K(+) channel, alpha-adrenergic, or angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonists. The present data suggest that H(1) receptors mediate both systemic vasodepressor and hindlimb vasoconstrictor responses to histamine.

1 Endomorphin-1 and -2 (E-1/E-2) have been proposed as endogenous ligands for the mu-opioid receptor. The aims of this study are to characterize the binding of E-1/E-2 and the subsequent effects on cyclic AMP formation and [Ca2+]i levels in SH-SY5Y and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing endogenous and recombinant mu-opioid receptors. 2 E-1 displaced [3H]-diprenorphine ([3H]-DPN) binding in CHO micro and SH-SY5Y membranes with pKi values of 8.02+/-0.09 and 8.54+/-0.13 respectively. E-2 displaced [3H]-DPN binding in CHOmu and SH-SY5Y cells with pKi values of 7.82+/-0.11 and 8.43+/-0.13 respectively. E-1/E-2 bound weakly to CHOdelta and CHOkappa membranes, with IC50 values of greater than 10 microM. 3 In CHOmu cells, E-1/E-2 inhibited forskolin (1 microM) stimulated cyclic AMP formation with pIC50 values of 8.03+/-0.16 (Imax = 53.0+/-9. 3%) and 8.15+/-0.24 (Imax = 56.3+/-3.8%) respectively. In SH-SY5Y cells E1/E2 inhibited forskolin stimulated cyclic AMP formation with pIC50 values of 7.72+/-0.13 (Imax=46.9+/-5.6%) and 8.11+/-0.31 (Imax = 40.2+/-2.8%) respectively. 4 E-1/E-2 (1 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in fura-2 loaded CHOmu cell suspensions in a thapsigargin sensitive and naloxone reversible manner. Mean increases observed were 106+/-28 and 69+/-6.7 nM respectively. In single adherent cells E-1/E-2 (1 microM) increased [Ca2+]i with a mean 340/380 ratio change of 0.81+/-0.09 and 0.40+/-0.08 ratio units respectively. E-1/E-2 failed to increase intracellular calcium in CHOdelta, CHOkappa and SH-SY5Y cells. 5 These data show that E-1/E-2 bind with high affinity and selectivity to mu-opioid receptors and modulate signal transduction pathways typical of opioids. This provides further evidence that these two peptides may be endogenous ligands at the mu-opioid receptor.

Our aim was to identify the nociceptin receptor and its endogenous ligand, nociceptin, in human peripheral tissue. Synovial tissue was obtained from 11 patients (ASA I-III, 66-84 yr) undergoing elective total knee replacement. Synovial fluid was obtained from another 10 patients (ASA I-III, 57-81 yr). Fluid was mixed with trifluoroacetic acid and the tissue with isopentone before freezing at -70 degrees C. Nociceptin receptor identification was performed using a [3H]nociceptin binding assay and nociceptin detection by radioimmunoassay. There was no specific [3H]nociceptin binding to knee synovial tissue and radioimmunoassay did not detect nociceptin. Neither the nociceptin receptor nor nociceptin was found in human synovial tissue or fluid.

We have previously shown a stimulatory coupling of the recombinant delta-opioid receptor to phospholipase C leading to production of inositol (1,4,5) triphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] that is affected by truncation of the C-terminus of the receptor. Using a C-terminal mutant of the delta-opioid receptor lacking the final 37 amino acids (CHOdelta37), we examined its coupling to intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) compared to the full length wild type receptor (CHOdeltaWT) in transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. D-[Pen2,5]enkephalin (DPDPE) mediated increases in [Ca2+]i were measured fluorimetrically in fura-2 loaded whole cell suspensions. DPDPE produced time- and concentration-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i in CHOdeltaWT and CHOdelta37. In both cell types the DPDPE simulated increase in [Ca2+]i was naloxone reversible and pertussis toxin and thapsigargin sensitive. Removal of the C-terminus resulted in a rightward shift of the Ca2+ release concentration-response curve [pEC50 = 8.43 +/- 0.13 and 6.08 +/- 0.25 for CHOdeltaWT and CHOdelta37, respectively]. These data indicate that the C-terminus of the recombinant delta-opioid receptor is important in [Ca2+]i coupling and may be attributed to the effect of C-terminus truncation on phospholipase C coupling reported previously.

Nociceptin(NC) is the endogenous ligand for the opioid receptor like-1 receptor (NC-receptor). [Phe1(psi)(CH2-NH)Gly2]Nociceptin(1-13)NH2 ([F/G]NC(1-13)NH2) has been reported to antagonize NC actions in peripheral guinea-pig and mouse tissues. In this study, we investigated the effects of a range of NC C-terminal truncated fragments and [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2 on NC receptor binding, glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical slices (rCX), inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in CHO cells expressing the NC receptor (CHO(NCR)) and electrically evoked contractions of the rat vas deferens (rVD). In radioligand binding assays, a range of ligands inhibited [125I]-Tyr14-NC binding in membranes from rCX and CHO(NCR) cells. As the peptide was truncated there was a general decline in pKi. [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2 was as potent as NC(1-13)NH2. The order of potency for NC fragments to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation in whole CHO(NCR) cells was NCNH2> or =NC=NC(1-13)NH2>NC(1-12)NH2> >NC(1-11)NH2. [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2 was a full agonist with a pEC50 value of 8.65. NCNH2 and [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2 both inhibited K+ evoked glutamate release from rCX with pEC50 and maximum inhibition of 8.16, 48.5+/-4.9% and 7.39, 58.9+/-6.8% respectively. In rVD NC inhibited electrically evoked contractions with a pEC50 of 6.63. Although [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2, displayed a small (instrinsic activity alpha = 0.19) but consistent residual agonist activity, it acted as a competitive antagonist (pA2 6.76) in the rVD. The differences between [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2 action on central and peripheral NC signalling could be explained if [F/G]NC(1-13)NH2 was a partial agonist with high strength of coupling in the CNS and low in the periphery. An alternative explanation could be the existence of central and peripheral receptor isoforms.

Background: The authors examined the interaction of ketamine with recombinant mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors and recombinant orphan opioid receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-mu, CHO-kappa, CHO-delta, and CHO(ORL1), respectively)., Methods: CHO-mu, CHO-kappa, and CHO-delta membranes were incubated with the opioid receptor radioligand [3H]diprenorphine at room temperature. Ketamine (racemic, R(-) and S(+)) was included at concentrations covering the clinical range. CHO(ORL1) membranes were incubated with [125I]Tyr(14)nociceptin and racemic ketamine at room temperature. The effects of racemic ketamine and selective opioid receptor agonists (mu: [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5] enkephalin (DAMGO); kappa: spiradoline or delta: [D-pen2, D-pen5] enkephalin (DPDPE)) on forskolin-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate formation also were examined. Data are mean +/- SEM., Results: Racemic ketamine increased the radioligand equilibrium dissociation constant for [3H]diprenorphine from 85+/-5 to 273+/-11, 91+/-6 to 154+/-16, and 372+/-15 to 855+/-42 pM in CHO-mu, CHO-kappa, and CHO-delta, respectively. The concentration of radioligand bound at saturation was unaffected. In CHO-mu and CHO-kappa cells, racemic ketamine did not slow the rate of naloxone-induced [3H]diprenorphine dissociation. Ketamine and its isomers also displaced [3H]diprenorphine binding to mu, kappa, and delta receptors in a dose-dependent manner, with pKi values for racemic ketamine of 4.38+/-0.02, 4.55+/-0.04, and 3.57+/-0.02, respectively. S(+)-ketamine was two to three times more potent than R(-)-ketamine at mu and kappa receptors. Racemic ketamine displaced [125I]Tyr(14)nociceptin with an estimated affinity constant of 0.5 mM. Racemic ketamine inhibited the formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (naloxone insensitive) in a dose-dependent manner (concentration producing 50% inhibition approximately 2 mM) in all cell lines, including untransfected CHO cells. Ketamine (100 microM) reversed DAMGO (mu) and spiradoline (kappa) inhibition of formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate., Conclusions: Ketamine interacts stereoselectively with recombinant mu and kappa opioid receptors.

The effects of candesartan (30 microg/kg i.v.) and PD123319 (10 mg/kg i.v.) on changes in systemic arterial pressure in response to angiotensin II (AngII) were investigated in the anesthetized mouse. Intravenous injections of AngII caused dose-related increases in systemic arterial pressure. Pressor responses to AngII were attenuated by candesartan but were not altered by PD123319. Neither candesartan nor PD123319 had a significant effect on baseline systemic arterial pressure or on the increase in arterial pressure in response to norepinephrine. The present results suggest that increases in systemic arterial pressure in response to AngII in the anesthetized mouse are mediated by AT1 receptors and that AT2 receptors do not modulate the pressor response to AngII.

Purpose: Ketamine is known to interact with opioid receptors. However, because this agent does not produce opioid-like respiratory depression, it might not interact with mu(2) opioid receptors. Therefore, we have studied the interaction of ketamine with mu(2) opioid receptors expressed in SH-SY5Y cells., Methods: SH-SY5Y cells (passage 70-80) were used to obtain ketamine dose-response curves for inhibition of 0.4 nM [(3)H][D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Gly(ol)(5)] enkephalin (DAMGO) binding to mu(2) opioid receptors and of forskolin (1 microM)-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) formation., Results: Ketamine displaced [(3)H]DAMGO binding in SH-SY5Y cells with a K(i) of 12.1 microM. However, this concentrations did not inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation, although at supraclinical concentrations, significant inhibition was observed with an estimated IC(50) of 700 microM., Conclusion: The present study indicates that a clinically relevant concentration of ketamine interacts with mu(2) opioid receptors. However, no agonist activity was observed.

The effects of the nonpeptide angiotensin II (AngII) AT1 receptor blocker candesartan on responses to AngII were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat. Under constant-flow conditions, injections of AngII into the hindquarters perfusion circuit elicited dose-dependent increases in perfusion pressure. Candesartan in a dose of 3 microg/kg intravenously (i.v.) decreased vasoconstrictor responses to AngII in a surmountable manner. At doses of 30 and 300 microg/kg i.v., candesartan shifted the dose-response curve to AngII to the right in an insurmountable manner, indicating an insurmountable blockade of AT1 receptors. The inhibitory effects of the larger doses of candesartan on responses to AngII were long in duration, and the AT1 receptor blocker had little effect on baseline pressures. Candesartan was without effect on vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine, U46619, PGF2alpha, vasopressin, BAY K8644; biphasic responses to endothelin-1; or on vasodilator responses to acetylcholine, albuterol, or levcromakalim. These results indicate that candesartan is a potent and selective angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker that can induce both surmountable and insurmountable AT1 receptor blockade and provide support for the hypothesis that there are "spare" AT1 receptors in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat.

The effects of the AT1 and AT2 receptor blockers candesartan and PD123319 on hemodynamic responses to angiotensin II (AngII) were investigated in the anesthetized rat. Injections of AngII caused dose-related increases in systemic arterial and in hindquarters perfusion pressure that were reduced by candesartan. The inhibitory effects of candesartan were insurmountable, and a vasodepressor or vasodilator response to AngII was not unmasked. The AT2 receptor antagonist PD 123319 had no effect on increases in systemic arterial and hindquarters perfusion pressure in response to AngII. The present results suggest that pressor responses to AngII are mediated by the activation of AT1 receptors, and that AT2 receptors do not appear to modulate hemodynamic responses to AngII in the anesthetized rat.

1. Neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBD's) are known to produce cardiovascular side effects manifesting as brady/tachycardias. In this study we have examined the interaction of a range of steroidal NMBD's with recombinant human m1-m5 muscarinic receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Our main hypothesis is that NMBD's may interact with m2 (cardiac) muscarinic receptors. 2. All binding studies were performed with cell membranes prepared from CHO m1-m5 cells in 1 ml volumes of 20 mM HEPES, 1 mM MgCl2 at pH 7.4 for 1 h. Muscarinic receptors were labelled with [3H]-NMS and displacement studies were performed with pancuronium, vecuronium, pipecuronium, rocuronium and gallamine. In addition a range of muscarinic receptor subtype selective reference compounds were included. In order to determine the nature of any interaction the effects of pancuronium, rocuronium and vecuronium on methacholine inhibition of forskolin stimulated cyclic AMP formation in CHO m2 cells was examined. Cyclic AMP formation was assessed in whole cells using a radioreceptor assay. All data are mean +/- s.e.mean (n > or = 5). 3. The binding of [3H]-NMS was dose-dependent and saturable in all cells tested. Bmax and Kd values in m1-m5 cells were 2242+/-75, 165+/-13, 1877+/-33, 458+/-30, 127+/-2 fmol mg(-1) protein and 0.11+/-0.02, 0.15+/-0.01, 0.12+/-0.01, 0.12+/-0.01, 0.22+/-0.01 nM respectively. 4. The binding of [3H]-NMS was displaced dose dependently (pK50) by pirenzepine in CHO m1 membranes (7.97+/-0.04), methoctramine in CHO m2 membranes (8.55+/-0.1), 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl piperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) in CHO m3 membranes (9.38+/-0.03), tropicamide in CHO m4 membranes (6.98+/-0.01). 4-DAMP, pirenzepine, tropicamide and methoctramine displaced [3H]NMS in CHO m5 membranes with pK50 values of 9.20+/-0.14, 6.59+/-0.04, 6.89+/-0.05 and 7.22+/-0.01 respectively. These data confirm homogenous subtype expression in CHO m1-m5 cells. 5. [3H]NMS binding was displaced dose-dependently (pK50) by pancuronium (m1, 6.43+/-0.12; m2, 7.68+/-0.02; m3, 6.53+/-0.06; m4, 6.56+/-0.03; m5, 5.79+/-0.10), vecuronium (m1, 6.14+/-0.04; m2, 6.90+/-0.05; m3, 6.17+/-0.04; m4, 7.31+/-0.02; m5, 6.20+/-0.07), pipecuronium (m1, 6.34+/-0.11; m2, 6.58+/-0.03; m3, 5.94+/-0.01; m4, 6.60+/-0.06; m5, 4.80+/-0.03), rocuronium (m1, 5.42+/-0.01; m2, 5.40+/-0.02; m3, 4.34+/-0.02; m4, 5.02+/-0.04; m5, 5.10+/-0.03) and gallamine (m1, 6.83+/-0.05; m2, 7.67+/-0.04; m3, 6.06+/-0.06; m4, 6.20+/-0.03; m5, 5.34+/-0.03). 6. Cyclic AMP formation was inhibited dose dependently by methacholine in CHO m2 cells pEC50 for control and pancuronium (300 nM) treated cells were 6.18+/-0.34 and 3.57+/-0.36 respectively. Methacholine dose-response curves in the absence and presence of rocuronium (1 microM) and vecuronium (1 microM) did not differ significantly. Pancuronium, vecuronium and rocuronium did not inhibit cyclic AMP formation alone indicating no agonist activity. 7. With the exception of rocuronium there was a significant interaction with m2 muscarinic receptors with all NMBD's at clinically achievable concentrations suggesting that the brady/tachycardias associated with these agents may result from an interaction with cardiac muscarinic receptors. Furthermore pancuronium at clinically achievable concentrations antagonised methacholine inhibition of cyclic AMP formation in CHO m2 cells further suggesting that the tachycardia produced by this agent results from muscarinic antagonism. The mechanism of the bradycardia produced by vecuronium is unclear.

We have examined the effects of the recently described heptadecapeptide nocistatin on K+-evoked glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical slices in vitro. In vivo, nocistatin reverses the action of nociceptin. Nocistatin (100 nM, n = 7) did not inhibit K+-evoked glutamate release alone. Nociceptin (100 nM) inhibited glutamate release by 51.7 +/- 8.3% (P < 0.05, n = 6) and this was fully reversed by nocistatin (100 nM). Nocistatin also appears to be an antagonist of nociceptin action in vitro.

Opioid receptors belong to the superfamily of guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein-coupled receptors. There is now growing evidence in support of a stimulatory coupling of opioid receptors to phospholipase C (PLC), via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, leading to the generation of the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]. We have generated two C-terminal truncation mutants of the delta-opioid receptor lacking the final 15 or 37 amino acids and examined their coupling to PLC and adenylyl cyclase. D-[Pen(2,5)]-enkephalin (DPDPE) mediated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation and cyclic AMP inhibition was measured in whole cells and assayed using radioreceptor mass assays. DPDPE produced a time- and dose-dependent increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass formation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the delta(wt), delta15, and delta37 receptors. As the C terminus was truncated, the time to maximum stimulation (15 s in CHO delta(wt), 60 s in CHO delta15, and 120 s in CHO delta37) increased and removal of the C terminus resulted in a prompt return to basal Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels. Whereas the dose-response curves to Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation and cyclic AMP inhibition remained largely unaffected by C-terminal truncation, there were large differences in the pEC/IC50 values, with cyclic AMP inhibition being the more potent, perhaps indicating G(i alpha) coupling to adenylyl cyclase and G(i beta/gamma) coupling to PLC. Collectively, these data indicate that the C terminus of the delta-opioid receptor is unimportant in the acute coupling to adenylyl cyclase but may have a role to play in PLC coupling. We hypothesize that an intact C terminus is required to allow normal "strong" coupling of receptor to Gi and that truncation weakens this link as reflected in an increased time to peak. In addition, if the coupling is weak, the acute response to agonist stimulation rapidly uncouples.

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ is the endogenous agonist of the orphan receptor ORL-1. In this study, we sought to examine any possible regional differences of nociceptin binding using [125I]Tyr14-nociceptin, and of agonist induced inhibition of cAMP formation in membranes prepared from cerebrocortex, cerebellum and brainstem. The binding of [125I]Tyr14-nociceptin was concentration-dependent and saturable, with Bmax and pKd (pM) values of 179.7+/-15.3 fmol/mg protein and 10.26+/-0.09 (60.0), 12.4+/-1.8 fmol/mg protein and 10.44+/-0.07 (37.0), 52.3+/-0.8 fmol/mg protein and 10.16+/-0.08 (74.0) in cerebrocortical, cerebella and brainstem membranes, respectively. In all preparations, nociceptin up to 1 microM failed to inhibit basal and forskolin stimulated cAMP formation. In all tissues forskolin stimulated and nabilone (acting at the central cannabinoid receptor) inhibited cAMP formation. Collectively these data report regional differences in ORL-1 receptor expression and that these receptors uncouple during membrane preparation.

The effects of the nonpeptide angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan on responses to angiotensin II were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat. Under constant-flow conditions, injections of angiotensin II into the hindquarters perfusion circuit elicited dose-dependent increases in perfusion pressure. Candesartan in a dose of 3 micrograms/kg i.v. decreased vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II in a competitive manner. However, at doses of 10-1000 micrograms/kg i.v., candesartan shifted the dose-response curve to angiotensin II to the right in a nonparallel manner, suggesting a noncompetitive blockade. The inhibitory effects of candesartan on responses to angiotensin II were long in duration, and the AT1 receptor antagonist had little effect on baseline pressures. Candesartan was without effect on vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine, U46619, PGF2 alpha, and BAY K8644; on biphasic responses to endothelin-1; and on vasodilator responses to acetylcholine. Candesartan significantly attenuated hindquarters vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin III and IV with a parallel shift at the 3 micrograms/kg iv dose and a nonparallel shift to the right at the high dose of the AT1 receptor antagonist. The results of the present study indicate that candesartan is a potent angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist that can induce both competitive and noncompetitive blockade of responses to angiotensin II, III, and IV n the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat.

The endogenous peptides endomorphin 1 and 2 are newly isolated, potent, selective mu-opioid receptor agonists. In the present study, responses to the endomorphin peptides were investigated in the systemic vascular bed of the cat. Endomorphin 1 and 2 induced dose-related biphasic changes in systemic arterial pressure when injected in doses of 1-30 nmol/kg i.v. The biphasic responses to endomorphin 1 and 2 were characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease in systemic arterial pressure. In terms of relative vasodepressor activity, endomorphin 1 and 2 were similar in potency and approximately 10-fold less potent than the ORL1 ligand nociceptin (orphanin FQ) in decreasing systemic arterial pressure. The biphasic arterial pressure changes in response to endomorphin 1 and 2 were inhibited by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone in a dose of 2 mg/kg i.v. These results demonstrate that endomorphin 1 and 2 produce significant, naloxone-sensitive changes in systemic arterial pressure that are characterized by an initial increase followed by a secondary decrease in arterial pressure in the cat.

In an attempt to determine if there is any overlap in local and general anaesthetic binding sites, we have examined the effects of thiopental, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, propofol, ketamine (racemic and R(+)/S(-)), alfaxalone, etomidate and halothane on [3H]tetracaine binding to rat cerebrocortical membranes. Membranes were prepared in Tris HCI 50 mmol litre-1, pH 7.4, by homogenization and centrifugation. Binding assays were performed in 1-ml volumes of Tris HCI buffer at room temperature or 37 degrees C for halothane. Binding of [3H]tetracaine was displaced dose-dependently by unlabelled tetracaine with a mean pIC50 value of 6.91 (SEM 0.07) (123 nmol litre-1). With the exception of propofol (at high concentrations), all i.v. anaesthetic agents failed to displace the binding of [3H]tetracaine. In contrast, halothane produced a dose-dependent and statistically significant reduction in total [3H]tetracaine binding at clinically achievable concentrations (0.289, 0.885 and 1.484 mmol litre-1 equivalent to 1.0, 3.1 and 5.1 rat MAC) without markedly affecting the pIC50. Collectively these data may suggest some overlap in the binding sites for [3H]tetracaine and volatile but not i.v. general anaesthetic agents.

Vasodilator responses to human adrenomedullin (hADM), a newly discovered hypotensive peptide, human calcitonin gene-related peptide-alpha (hCGRP-alpha) and hCGRP-beta, which share structural homology with hADM, were compared in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat under constant flow conditions. Injections of hADM (0.003-1 nmol), hCGRP-alpha, and hCGRP-beta (0.003-0.3 nmol) into the perfusion circuit caused dose-related decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure. Vasodilator responses to hCGRP-alpha and hCGRP-beta were similar in potency and duration, and the doses of hCGRP-alpha and hCGRP-beta required to reduce hindlimb perfusion pressure 40 mm Hg (ED40 mm Hg) were significantly lower than the ED40 mm Hg for hADM. The duration of the hindlimb vasodilator responses to hCGRP-alpha and hCGRP-beta were significantly longer than the duration of the response to hADM. Amylin, a peptide that shares structural homology with ADM and with CGRP, had no significant effect on hindlimb perfusion pressure when injected in doses up to 1 nmol. Decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure in response to hADM, hCGRP-alpha, and hCGRP-beta were not altered by L-N5-(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine (L-NIO) in a dose of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor that decreased the vasodilator response to acetylcholine or by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, meclofenamate, in a dose that decreased the vasodilator response to archidonic acid. The present data demonstrate that hADM, hCGRP-alpha, and hCGRP-beta have potent, but relatively short-lasting, vasodilator activity, and that vasodilator responses are not dependent on the release of nitric oxide or vasodilator prostaglandins in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat.

We have examined the effects of the intravenous anaesthetic induction agent etomidate on K+ and carbachol evoked [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) release and the associated increase in [Ca2+]i in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells in a attempt to study potential anaesthetic target site(s). Preincubation with etomidate produced a dose-dependent inhibition of both K+ and carbachol evoked [3H]NA release with estimated IC50 values of 88 and 69 microM, respectively. Only K+ stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i was inhibited by etomidate preincubation with an IC50 of 146 microM. Acute addition of etomidate after K+ challenge also inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i with an IC50 of 99 microM. In addition etomidate displaced the binding of [3H]PN200-110 to L-type voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels with a Ki of 48 microM. As K+ but not carbachol evoked [3H]NA release is extracellular Ca2+ dependent and was inhibited by etomidate these data coupled with the PN200-110 displacement studies suggest that etomidate may interact with L-type voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels. The inhibition of carbachol evoked release without affecting the associated increase in [Ca2+]i suggests that etomidate may exert additional effects at either the muscarinic receptor or the secretory machinery in these cells.

We have examined the binding of the local anaesthetic agent [3H]amethocaine to rat cerebrocortical membranes. All studies were performed in Tris buffer 50 mmol litre-1 at pH 7.4. Bound and free radioligand were separated by rapid vacuum filtration. [3H]Amethocaine binding at room temperature was dose-dependent and saturable, with mean Kd and Bmax values of 153 (SEM 18) nmol litre-1 and 9.4 (1.6) pmol/mg protein, respectively. [3H]Amethocaine binding was displaced in a dose-dependent manner (pIC50) by unlabelled amethocaine (6.89), procaine (5.20), lignocaine (3.46) and prilocaine (2.81). Ropivacaine and bupivacaine did not produce 50% displacement at the highest concentrations used (10(-4) and 10(-3) mol litre-1, respectively). We examined the nature of the binding site further with a range of ion channel antagonists (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, omega-conotoxin, tetrodotoxin, tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine) and ion channel coupled receptor ligands (L-glutamate, MK801, GABA, glycine and nicotine). With the exception of tetraethylammonium (pIC50 3.07) and 4-aminopyridine (pIC50 3.68), all non-anaesthetic agents failed to displace [3H]amethocaine. Collectively our data suggest that it is unlikely that there is a single target site for all local anaesthetic agents.

This study describes the coupling of the recombinant rat kappa-opioid receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to adenylyl cyclase and the effects of receptor density. The binding of [3H]diprenorphine ([3H]DPN) was dose dependent and saturable in membranes prepared from cells of early (p4-7) and late (p14-17) passage after transfection. As passage increased the receptor numbers (Bmax) declined from 231 +/- 24 (early) to 31 +/- 2 fmol/mg protein (late) but the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) did not change. Spiradoline dose dependently displaced [3H]DPN from membranes prepared from early and late cells revealing both high (Ki[H]) and low (Ki[L]) affinity binding sites. There were no significant differences in the proportion of these sites (approximately 50% Ki(L):50% Ki[H]), and whilst spiradoline was generally less potent in late cells the differences were small and failed to reach statistical significance. In contrast, spiradoline produced a dose dependent inhibition of forskolin stimulated cAMP formation in whole cells with pIC50 of 8.62 and 8.00 in early compared with late cells. In addition, the maximum inhibition was dramatically reduced from 47 to 22%. Etorphine, (+/-)bremazocine, ICI-204,448 and (+/-)trans-U-50488 methanesulfonate (1 microM), compounds with activity at kappa-receptors, produced a greater inhibition of cAMP formation in early (42.2, 45.8, 50.2 and 50.5%, respectively) than late (12.9, 11.8, 13.5 and 7.8%, respectively) cells, indicating that expression dependent inhibition of cAMP formation was not kappa-agonist specific. Collectively, these data suggest that in CHO cells, kappa-opioid receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase is dependent on receptor expression levels.

We have examined the effects of the volatile general anaesthetic agent, halothane, on K+ and carbachol stimulated [3H]noradrenaline release and associated increases in intracellular Ca2+ in a cultured human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. K+ (but not carbachol) stimulated [3H]noradrenaline release, and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration was entirely extracellular Ca2+ dependent. Halothane produced a dose-dependent reduction in K+ evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline with significant inhibition (17%) occurring from 1.26 atm%. Basal and carbachol evoked release were unaffected. Halothane also produced a dose-dependent reduction in K+ evoked increases (measured at the peak) in intracellular Ca2+ with significant inhibition (29%) occurring from 0.88 atm%. K+ plateau, basal and carbachol evoked increases in intracellular Ca2+ were unaffected. These data suggest that halothane reduced Ca2+ entry through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels and implicate this important class of ion channel in the mechanism of anaesthesia.

Responses to rat (r) adrenomedullin (ADM) and human (h) ADM were compared in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat under conditions of controlled blood flow. Intra-arterial injections of rADM and hADM in doses of 0.03-1 nmol caused dose-related decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure. In terms of relative vasodilator activity, rADM was similar to hADM. The time course of the vasodilator response and the recovery half times (T1/2) for the vasodilator response to rADM and hADM were not significantly different. Decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure in response to rADM and hADM were not altered by the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, rCGRP(8-37), at the same time, vasodilator responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were significantly reduced. The T1/2 of the vasodilator response to rADM and hADM were significantly greater after administration of the cAMP-selective, type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor, rolipram. These data demonstrate that decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure in response to rADM and hADM are similar and that vasodilator responses to rADM are not dependent on the activation of CGRP receptors in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat. These data further suggest that decreases in hindlimb perfusion pressure in response to rADM are mediated by smooth muscle increases in cAMP levels.

1. The rat mu-opioid receptor has recently been cloned yet its second messenger coupling remains unclear. The endogenous mu-opioid receptor in SH-SY5Y cells couples to phospholipase C (PLC), increases [Ca2+]i and inhibits adenylyl cyclase (AC). We have examined the effects of mu-opioid agonists on inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3), [Ca2+]i and adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) formation in Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells transfected with the cloned mu-opioid receptor. 2. Opioid receptor binding was assessed with [3H]-diprenorphine ([3H]-DPN) as a radiolabel. Ins(1,4,5)P3 and cyclic AMP were measured by specific radioreceptor assays. [Ca2+]i was measured fluorimetrically with Fura-2. 3. Scatchard analysis of [3H]-DPN binding revealed that the Bmax varied between passages. Fentanyl (10 pM 1 microM) dose-dependently displaced [3H]-DPN, yielding a curve which had a Hill slope of less than unity (0.6 +/- 0.1), and was best fit to a two site model, with pK1 values (% of sites) of 9.97 +/- 0.4 (27 +/- 4.8%) and 7.68 +/- 0.07 (73 +/- 4.8%). In the presence of GppNHp (100 microM) and Na+ (100 mM), the curve was shifted to the right and became steeper (Hill slope = 0.9 +/- 0.1) with a pK1 value of 6.76 +/- 0.04. 4. Fentanyl (0.1 nM-1 microM) had no effect on basal, but dose-dependently inhibited forskolin (1 microM)-stimulated, cyclic AMP formation (pIC50 -7.42 +/- 0.23), in a pertussis toxin (PTX; 100 ng ml-1 for 24 h)-sensitive and naloxone-reversible manner (K1 = 1.7 nM). Morphine (1 microM) and [D-Ala2, MePhe4, gly(ol)5]-enkephalin (DAMGO, 1 microM) also inhibited forskolin (1 microM)-stimulated cyclic AMP formation, whilst [D-Pen2, D-Pen5], enkephalin (DPDPE, 1 microM) did not. 5. Fentanyl (0.1 nM-10 microM) caused a naloxone (1 microM)-reversible, dose-dependent stimulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation, with a pEC50 of 7.95 +/- 0.15 (n-5), PTX (100 ng ml-1 for 24 h) abolished, whilst Ni2 (2.5 mM) inhibited (by 52%), the fentanyl-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 response. Morphine (1 microM) and DAMGO (1 microM), but not DPDPE (1 microM), also stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation. Fentanyl (1 microM) also caused an increase in [Ca2+]i (80 +/- 16.4 nM, n-6), reaching a maximum at 26.8 +/- 2.5 s. The increase in [Ca2+]i remained elevated until sampling ended (200 s) and was essentially abolished by the addition of naloxone (1 microM). Pre-incubation with naloxone (1 microM, 3 min) completely abolished fentanyl-induced increases in [Ca2+]i. 6. In conclusion, the cloned mu-opioid receptor when expressed in CHO cells stimulates PLC and inhibits AC, both effects being mediated by a PTX-sensitive G-protein. In addition, the receptor couples to an increase in [Ca2+]i. These findings are consistent with the previously described effector-second messenger coupling of the endogenous mu-opioid receptor.

Radioligand binding studies using the L-type voltage sensitive Ca2+ channel (VSCC) antagonist (+)-[3H]PN200-110 revealed the following rank order channel density in rat brain and cultured neuronal cell homogenates: striatum > or = cerebrocortex > > cerebellum = brainstem > SH-SY5Y cell line > NG108-15 cell line > 1321N1 cell line > PC12 cell line. There were no significant differences in the equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd for (+)-[3H]PN200-110 or pK50 for nifedipine. K+ depolarization in SH-SY5Y cells and NG108-15 cells evoked a biphasic and monophasic increase in [Ca2+]i. The L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine (1 microM) produced a 66 and 87% inhibition of the K(+)-evoked rise in the peak and plateau phase [Ca2+]i in SH-SY5Y cells and abolished the monophasic response in NG108-15 cells. The L-channel activator S(-)Bay K 8644 (1 microM) enhanced the K(+)-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i in both cell lines. These data demonstrate a comparatively low density of L-VSCC in undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells, NG108-15 cells, 1321N1 cells and PC12 cells that are functionally active in at least SH-SY5Y cells and NG108-15 cells.

We have examined the interaction of procaine, prilocaine, lignocaine, bupivacaine, amylocaine and R(+) and S(-) ropivacaine with L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in rat cerebrocortical membranes. Membranes were prepared in Tris HCl 50 mmol litre-1, pH 7.4, by homogenization and centrifugation. Binding assays were performed in 1-ml volumes of Tris HCl 50 mmol litre-1, pH 7.4, for 90 min at room temperature using approximately 200 micrograms of protein. Non-specific binding was defined in the presence of nifedipine 10(-5) mol litre-1, and bound and free radioactivity were separated by vacuum filtration. The effects of local anaesthetics were determined by displacement of [3H]PN200-110 (approximately 0.2 nmol litre-1), a radiolabelled 1,4- dihydropyridine (DHP) L-channel antagonist. The concentration of displacer producing 50% displacement was corrected for the competing mass of [3H]PN200-110 to yield the affinity constant, K50. All local anaesthetics displaced [3H]PN200-110 in a dose-dependent manner with a rank order potency of (K50, mmol litre-1) bupivacaine (0.48), amylocaine (0.74), lignocaine (1.09), prilocaine (2.06) and procaine (2.09). Ropivacaine enantiomers did not show stereo-selective displacement, with K50 values of 0.99 and 0.92 mmol litre-1 for R(+) and S(-) ropivacaine, respectively. There was a significant correlation between pK50 and p (octanol:buffer partition coefficient) (r2 = 0.872, P = 0.020), pK50 and p (local anaesthetic potency) (r2 = 0.816, P = 0.036), pK50 and p (relative conduction blocking potency) (r2 = 0.843, P = 0.028) and between pK50 and p (IC50 for inhibition of cardiac output) (r2 = 0.897, P = 0.015). These data suggest that DHP binding sites may be involved in both the mechanism of local anaesthesia and the cardiotoxicity of these agents.

Responses to a newly synthesized human adrenomedullin (hADM) analog, hADM (16-31), were investigated in the rat and cat. Unlike the full-sequence peptide, which has potent hypotensive activity, hADM (16-31) had pressor activity in the rat but not in the cat. Injection of hADM (16-31) in doses of 10-300 nmol/kg i.v. induced dose-dependent increases in systemic arterial pressure in the rat, and the peptide was approximately 10-fold less potent than norepinephrine when doses are compared on a nanomole basis. In contrast, injection of hADM (16-31) in doses up to 1,000 nmol/kg i.v. had no significant effect on systemic arterial pressure in the cat. Increases in systemic arterial pressure in response to hADM (16-31) in the rat were significantly reduced after administration of phentolamine or reserpine. These data suggest that increases in systemic arterial pressure in response to hADM (16-31) are mediated by release of catecholamines and activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors in the rat. These data show that hADM (16-31) has significant pressor activity and that there are marked species differences in the response to hADM (16-31).

Responses to proadrenomedullin NH2-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) were investigated in the systemic and hindquarters vascular bed of the rat. Intravenous injections of PAMP and adrenomedullin (ADM) produced dose-related decreases in systemic arterial and hindquarters perfusion pressure, which were not altered by alpha-receptor or adrenergic nerve terminal blocking agents. PAMP was 100-fold less potent than ADM, and hindquarters vasodilator responses to both peptides were similar in innervated and denervated preparations. When baseline tone was increased with phenylephrine and U46619 or decreased with sodium nitroprusside, vasodilator responses to PAMP and ADM were correlated with the basal level of tone, suggesting that responses to both peptides are dependent on the baseline level of vasoconstrictor tone in the hindquarters vascular bed of the rat.

We describe the use of SR141716A, a central cannabinoid antagonist, in radioligand binding and adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibition studies in rat cerebella membranes. The binding of [3H]SR141716A was dose-dependent and saturable, with Kd and Bmax of 0.61 +/- 0.12 nM and 1752 +/- 294 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Kinetic analysis of [3H]SR141716A binding afforded a Kd of 0.72 nM. In addition [3H]SR141716A was displaced dose-dependently by unlabelled SR141716A yielding a pKi of 8.37 +/- 0.07. Cannabinoid receptor agonists displaced [3H]SR141716A in a dose-dependent manner, (pKi) nabilone (8.29 +/- 0.08), WIN 55,212-2 (7.75 +/- 0.15), delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (7.29 +/- 0.21), delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (6.53 +/- 0.09) and anandamide (5.92 +/- 0.04). The affinity of anandamide was increased (6.26 +/- 0.13) by co-incubation with a serine protease inhibitor. A range of 13 commonly used non-cannabinoid ligands included at 100 microM were unable to displace [3H]SR141716A. WIN 55,212-2 inhibited basal cAMP formation dose-dependently with a pIC50 of 7.61 +/- 0.12 (24.3 nM) in an SR141716A (1 microM) reversible manner.

Nociceptin, an endogenous ligand for the orphan receptor ORL1, has recently been described. In this study we have shown that nociception inhibits 46 mM K(+)-stimulated glutamate release from rat perfused cerebrocortical slices with an IC50 of 51 nM. At 100 nM the inhibition amounted to 68 +/- 14% and was naloxone (10 microM)-insensitive excluding an activation of mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors. These data demonstrate the functional coupling of ORL1 in glutamatergic neurones and implicates a role for nociceptin in glutamatergic neurotransmission.

We have examined the effects of a range of opioid receptor subtype selective agonists on K+ evoked glutamate release from perfused rat cerebrocortical slices. Dual application (S1 and S2) of K+ (46 mM) evoked dual monophasic glutamate release profiles. When areas under the release curves were calculated an S2/S1 ratio for control slices of 1.07 +/- 0.08 (n = 75) was obtained, this was reduced by 80% with EGTA (0.1 mM) treatment confirming the presence of a Ca2+ regulated release process, Morphine produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the S2/S1 ratio. At 1 microM this amounted to 78 +/- 12% (mean +/- SEM; n = 6). (D-Ala2,MePhe4,gly(ol)5)enkephalin (DAMGO; 60 +/- 12%, n = 6 at 1 microM), and spiradoline (53 +/- 14% at 1 and 71 +/- 11% at 100 microM, both n = 6) also inhibited glutamate release in a cyprodime (10 microM) and norbinaltorphimine (10 microM) reversible manner. (D-Pen2.5) enkephalin (DPDPE; 1 microM) was ineffective. All agents tested did not affect basal glutamate release. Collectively these data implicate a role for mu and kappa opioids in the control of evoked glutamate release and their potential for neuroprotective therapy.

In this study we have examined if the i.v. anaesthetic agents thiopentone, pentobarbitone, ketamine, etomidate, propofol and alphaxalone interact with the verapamil binding site on L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in rat cerebrocortical membranes. Binding assays were performed in 1 ml volumes of Tris HCl 50 mmol litre-1, pH 7.4, for 90 min at 20 degrees C, with cerebrocortical membranes (200 micrograms of protein), the verapamil binding sites of which were radiolabelled with [3H]verapamil. Non-specific binding was defined in the presence of verapamil 10(-6) mol litre-1. The interaction of i.v. anaesthetics was determined by displacement of [3H]verapamil 0.2 nmol litre-1. The mean concentrations of anaesthetic producing 25% inhibition of specific binding (corrected for the competing mass of [3H]verapamil), K25, were (mmol litre-1): thiopentone 0.68 (SEM 0.14); pentobarbitone 1.22 (0.13); propofol 0.66 (0.10); etomidate 0.24 (0.03); alphaxalone 0.19 (0.02); and ketamine 0.75 (0.04). These concentrations exceeded those seen during anaesthesia and suggest that the neuronal verapamil binding site may not be an important target for i.v. anaesthetic agents.

We have investigated the potential neurotoxicity of the catecholamine depleting agent 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4,6,7-isoquinolinetriol (TMIQ) in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. TMIQ induced a time and dose related inhibition of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; thiazoyl blue (MTT) reduction and an increase in lactate dehydrogenase release. After 72 h TMIQ (30 μM) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited MTT reduction, and significantly increased LDH release. TMIQ cytotoxicity was not prevented by the inclusion of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (clorgyline or deprenyl), antioxidants (α-tocopherol or Trolox C) or the uptake(1) inhibitor imipramine. TMIQ also induced a dose dependent stimulation of [(3)H]noradrenaline (NA) uptake, with maximum at 100 μM and EC(50) of 8 μM. This stimulation of [(3)H]NA uptake was not prevented by the inhibition of protein kinase C, or activation of adenylate or guanylate cyclases. In addition, TMIQ significantly (P < 0.05) displaced [(3)H]nisoxetine binding from the uptake(1) recognition site with a K(i) of 71 ± 8 μM. However, as this interaction occurs at concentrations of TMIQ well above the EC(50) for [(3)H]NA uptake, it is unlikely to explain TMIQ stimulated NA uptake. Furthermore, TMIQ inhibited potassium evoked [(3)H]NA release from SH-SY5Y cells, with an IC(50) of 490 μM. Thus, TMIQ is cytotoxic to SH-SY5Y cells. However, the exact mechanism of toxicity requires further investigation, since it appears not to involve monoamine oxidase bioactivation, and is not mediated through membrane based free radical damage. Furthermore, although TMIQ inhibits mitochondrial Complex I (IC(50) = 1.5 mM) with potency apparently greater than MPTP (2.7 mM), mitochondrial respiration was unaffected. The present studies suggest that the mechanism of toxicity differs from that causing depletion of catecholamines and inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase by TMIQ described in previous studies.

Previous studies have implicated the neuronal L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel (VSCC) as a target site for i.v. anaesthetic agents. It is unclear if these agents interact with the L-channel alpha-subunit 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) binding site. In this study, we have examined the interaction of thiopentone, pentobarbitone, ketamine, etomidate, propofol and alphaxalone, and the non-anaesthetic barbiturate, barbituric acid, with the DHP binding site on rat cerebrocortical membranes. Binding assays were performed in 1-ml volumes of Tris-HCl 50 mmol litre-1, pH 7.4, for 90 min at room temperature containing 200 micrograms of membrane protein with [3H]PN200-110 as a radiolabelled DHP. Non-specific binding was defined in the presence of nifedipine 10(-5) mol litre-1. The interaction of i.v. anaesthetics was determined by displacement of [3H]PN200-110 0.2 nmol litre-1. All i.v. anaesthetics showed some interaction with the DHP binding site. The concentrations of anaesthetic producing 25% inhibition of specific binding (corrected for the competing mass of [3H]PN200-110), K25 were (mumol litre-1): thiopentone 48 (SEM 2), pentobarbitone 95 (7), propofol 40 (2), etomidate 25 (2), alphaxalone 17 (3) and ketamine 198 (16). Barbituric acid was ineffective. With the exception of ketamine, there was a significant correlation between K25 and peak serum concentration during anaesthesia (P = 0.033) and serum concentrations on wakening (P = 0.018), suggesting that the L-channel DHP binding site may be a target for i.v. anaesthetic agents.

Opioids have stimulatory as well as the traditional inhibitory effects on neurotransmission, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, Darren Smart and David Lambert review the stimulatory effects of opioids on second messengers, including inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3), protein kinase C (PKC), Ca2+, and cAMP, and propose that these coordinated changes at the cellular level underlie the facilitatory effects of opioids on neurotransmission. The evidence for a possible role for these stimulatory effects, particularly the activation of PKC by opioids, in the development of tolerance is also discussed.

We have examined the effects of two intravenous anaesthetic induction agents, propofol and thiopentone, on K+ and carbachol evoked [3H]noradrenaline release from a human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. In this model, we have previously demonstrated that K+ evoked [3H]noradrenaline release was dependent on Ca2+ entry and carbachol evoked release was extracellular Ca(2+)- independent. Propofol inhibited K+ (100 mM)-evoked (IC50 of 42 +/- 11 microM), but not carbachol (1 mM)-evoked, [3H]noradrenaline release. Thiopentone inhibited both K+- and carbachol-evoked release with IC50 values of 116 +/- 15 microM and 169 +/- 39 microM, respectively. These inhibitory effects were not due to changes in the release dynamics, as assessed using perfused cells. Furthermore, thiopentone inhibition of carbachol-evoked release was not due to muscarinic receptor antagonism. Both propofol and thiopentone caused noncompetitive inhibition of K+-stimulated Ca2+ influx, with IC50 values of 127 +/- 7 microM and 121 +/- 10 microM, respectively. These effects were not due to interaction with GABAA receptors, but suggest that both compounds block voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Thiopentone, but not propofol, inhibited carbachol-stimulated increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+. However, thiopentone had no effect on carbachol-stimulated inositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate formation, suggesting that thiopentone may directly inhibit Ca2+ release from intracellular stores.

The dermorphin analogue Tyr-D-Arg2-Phe-sarcosine4 acts as a mu1-opioid receptor agonist, but as a mu2-opioid receptor antagonist, in vivo, yet the biochemical effects of Tyr-D-Arg2-Phe-sarcosine4 are unknown. Therefore, we characterized the effects of Tyr-D-Arg2-Phe-sarcosine4 on the mu-opioid receptor-mediated stimulation of inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate, and inhibition of cAMP, in SH-SY5Y cells. We report here for the first time that Tyr-D-Arg2-Phe-sarcosine4 has no effect on basal cAMP or inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate formation, but reversed the effects of fentanyl on these second messengers, consistent with Tyr-D-Arg2-Phe-sarcosine4 acting as a mu2-opioid receptor antagonist, and confirming that the mu-opioid receptors in SH-SY5Y cells are of the mu2 subtype.

delta-Opioids mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores in undifferentiated NG108-15 cells, but the mechanism involved remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of [D-Pen 2,5] enkephalin on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in these cells. [D-Pen 2,5] enkephalin caused a dose-dependent (EC50= 3.1 nM) increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation (measured using a specific radioreceptor mass assay), which peaked (25.7+/-1.2 pmol/mg of protein with 1 microM, n=9) at 30 s and returned to basal levels (10.6+/-0.9 pmol/mg of protein, n=9) within 4-5 min. This response was fully naloxone (1 microM) reversible and pertussis toxin (100ng/ml for 24 h) sensitive. Preincubation with Ni2+ (2.5 mM) or nifedipine (1 microM) had no effect on the [D-Pen 2,5] enkephalin (1 microM)-induced inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate response, and K+ (80mM) was unable to stimulate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation, indicating Ca2+ influx-induced activation of phospholipase C is not involved. Preincubation with the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (1 microM) enhanced, whereas acute expo sure to phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (1 microM) abolished, the [D-Pen 2,5] enkephalin (0.1 microM)-induced inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate response, suggesting protein kinase C exerts an autoinhibitory feedback action. [D-Pen 2,5] Enkephalin also dose-dependently (EC50 =2.8 nM) increased the intracellular [Ca2+], which was maximal (24 nM increase with 1 microM, n=5) at 30 s. This close temporal and dose-response relationship strongly suggests that delta-opioid receptor-mediated increases in intracellular [Ca2+] results from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, in undifferentiated NG108-15 cells.

Classically, opioids inhibit Ca2+ influx, but recent reports suggest opioids may also stimulate Ca2+ entry. Therefore, we have measured the effect of opioids on intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), fluorimetrically, in Fura-2-loaded SH-SY5Y cells. Fentanyl 0.3 mumol litre-1 caused a mean increase in [Ca2+]i of 18.8 (SEM 2.1) nmol litre-1 in some (30.3%) batches of SH-SY5Y cells. In responding cells, the fentanyl-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was dose-dependent, with an EC50 of 0.73 mumol litre-1. This response was naloxone-reversible, and the delta opioid agonist [D-Pen2,5]enkephalin had no effect on [Ca2+]i, suggesting the fentanyl-induced Ca2+ response was entirely mediated by the mu opioid receptor. Fentanyl 0.3 mumol litre-1 increased [Ca2+]i without preactivation of phospholipase C by another agonist, and this was markedly reduced by Ni2+ 2.5 mmol litre-1. These data suggest that mu opioids directly increase [Ca2+]i by stimulating Ca2+ influx in SH-SY5Y cells.