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Biomedical subjects

I L Martin

Publications and source records attributed to I L Martin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Quaternary structure of the native GABAA receptor determined by electron microscopic image analysis.

In the transmitter-gated ion channel class of receptors, the members of which are all believed to be heterooligomers, the number and arrangement of the subunits are only known with any certainty for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo electric fish. That receptor has been shown to possess a pentameric rosette structure, with five homologous subunits (alpha 2, beta gamma delta) arranged to enclose the central ion channel. The data were obtained by electron image analysis of two-dimensional receptor arrays, which form as a consequence of that receptor's exceptionally high abundance in the Torpedo membranes and are therefore not attainable for other receptors. We have applied another direct approach to determine the quaternary structure of native ionotropic GABA receptors. We have purified those receptors from porcine brain cortex and analysed the rotational symmetry of isolated receptors visualized by electron microscopy. The results show the receptor to have a pentameric structure with a central water-filled pore, which can now be said to be characteristic of the entire superfamily.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effect of free fatty acids on GABAA receptor ligand binding.

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) treatment of synaptosomal membranes, which causes the release of fatty acids, particularly unsaturated fatty acids, inhibits the flux of chloride ions through the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) benzodiazepine receptor ion channel in response to activation by agonists. PLA2 treatment has also been shown to affect ligand binding to the receptor. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of unsaturated free fatty acids, arachidonic acid and oleic acid and saturated free fatty acids, arachidic acid and stearic acid on various characteristics of GABAA receptor ligand binding. Only the unsaturated fatty acids showed any effect: arachidonic acid and oleic acid enhanced flunitrazepam binding and muscimol binding but inhibited tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding in a dose-dependent manner. The effects on muscimol and TBPS binding were shown to be due to changes in receptor density by saturation analysis. Oleic acid and arachidonic acid also decreased the enhancement of flunitrazepam and muscimol binding by cartazolate and pentobarbital but did not affect GABA enhancement of flunitrazepam binding. These data indicate that unsaturated free fatty acids can mimic the effects of PLA2 treatment and underline the importance of the lipid microenvironment on ligand binding to the GABAA receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effects of the antidepressant/antipanic drug phenelzine on GABA concentrations and GABA-transaminase activity in rat brain.

The effects of long-term (28-day) administration of several antidepressant/antipanic drugs [imipramine, desipramine, tranylcypromine and phenelzine (PLZ)] on gamma-aminobutyric acid-tranaminase (GABA-T) activity and GABA levels were investigated in rat frontal cortex. Of the drugs investigated, only PLZ inhibited GABA-T and elevated GABA levels. Additional short-term experiments were conducted with PLZ, and they demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of GABA-T in rat whole brain. Time-response studies on inhibition of GABA-T in whole brain demonstrated that at a dose of PLZ of 15 mg/kg i.p. inhibition of GABA-T remained relatively constant from 1 to 8 hr and that the enzyme was still inhibited by 23% at 24 hr after PLZ administration.

4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase↗
PubMed1992

5-HT3 receptors in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cells: effect of the novel agonist 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide.

The effect of the novel agonist, 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide (mCPBG) was examined on 5-HT3 receptors in NG108-15 mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma hybrid cells, using whole-cell voltage-clamp and radioligand binding on intact cells. Electrophysiological studies showed that mCPBG is a partial agonist, with an EC50 of 3.1 microM. Displacement of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist [3H]GR65630 by mCPBG revealed a Ki of 14.2 nM. The study suggests that mCPBG may have a high affinity for desensitized 5-HT3 receptors and also revealed some differences between 5-HT3 receptors in NG108-15 and N1E-115 cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Multiple benzodiazepine receptors: no reason for anxiety.

Since the introduction of the benzodiazepines into clinical practice in 1960, these drugs have been widely employed as anxiolytics, sedative/hypnotics and anticonvulsants. In recent years, concern has been expressed about their side-effects, and their use has declined. During this latter period many advances have been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which these drugs produce their effects. Adam Doble and Ian Martin review this progress and highlight the possibilities that these advances may hold for the development of more efficacious and specific medicines.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Molecular properties of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor-type binding sites purified from NG108-15 cells.

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor-type binding sites were solubilised from NG108-15 mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma hybrid cells using five different detergents [n-octyl-beta-D-glucoside, Triton X-100, 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (CHAPS), sodium cholate, and deoxycholate] and the solubilisation efficiencies compared. The equilibrium binding, kinetic properties, and pharmacological profile of solubilised binding sites were similar to those of 5-HT3 receptor-type binding sites (5-HT3R) in membrane preparations determined using [3H]GR65630. The solubilised binding sites were purified using an affinity column constructed by coupling the high-affinity antagonist GR119566X to an Affi-Gel 15 resin. The affinity of purified 5-HT3R for [3H]-GR65630 was reduced threefold compared to the crude soluble preparation, but the pharmacological profile was similar. The sedimentation coefficient of the purified protein (11S, detergent: CHAPS) was determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The apparent molecular mass of the detergent/binding site complex (370 kDa) was determined by size exclusion chromatography in the presence of n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside. Gel electrophoresis of the purified protein revealed bands at apparent molecular masses of 36, 40, 50, and 76 kDa. Electron microscopy of the negatively stained purified protein showed the presence of round particles of 8-9 nm diameter with a 2-nm stained pit in the centre, closely resembling the doughnut shapes described for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Solubilization, purification, and functional reconstitution of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptors from N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptors from N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells were solubilized using 1.1% n-octylglucoside; five other detergents were less effective. Purification was achieved by affinity chromatography using immobilized GR119566X and biospecific elution with quipazine. Saturation analyses with [3H] GR67330 binding revealed high affinity binding to homogeneous populations of sites in both the solubilized (Kd = 0.05 +/- 0.02 nM) and purified (Kd = 0.10 +/- 0.04 nM) preparations. Competition experiments indicated that the solubilized and purified receptor preparations retained the characteristics observed in N1E-115 cells in vivo. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified receptor revealed a single protein band of 54.7 +/- 1.3 kDa. The purified receptor was incorporated into liposomes, and the functional integrity of the protein was demonstrated by measurement of m-chlorophenylbiguanide-stimulated 22Na uptake. Saturation analysis of the reconstituted preparation revealed a Kd of 0.24 +/- 0.07 nM and suggested that 0.2% of 5-HT3 receptors present in the original membrane preparation had been incorporated into liposomes.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The agonist properties of m-chlorophenylbiguanide and 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine on 5-HT3 receptors in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

1. The effects of 5-HT3 selective agonists have been studied in whole-cell voltage-clamped N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. 2. Application of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) results in the rapid development of a transient inward current at quasiphysiological membrane potentials. This current can be blocked by the 5-HT3 specific antagonists BRL 43694 and GR67330. 3. Application of 2-methyl-5-HT (2-Me5-HT), a 5-HT3 selective agonist, produced a qualitatively similar inward current, but with a maximum response only 20% of that produced by 5-HT. 4. In the presence of 100 microM 2-Me5-HT, the upper part of the 5-HT dose-response curve was shifted to the right but reached the same maximum value as in the absence of 2-Me5-HT. 2-Me5-HT appears therefore to be a partial agonist under these conditions. 5. The novel 5-HT3 agonist, meta-chlorophenylbiguanide (mCPBG) is a full agonist, but has a Hill coefficient (1.5) significantly less than that of 5-HT (2.3). 6. Comparison with radioligand binding data show that mCBPG is 100 times less potent than expected; it may therefore exhibit a high affinity for a desensitized state.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Characterization of 5-HT3 receptors in intact N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

The highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist [3H]GR65630 has been used to characterize 5-HT3 receptors in intact N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. Equilibrium binding analysis demonstrated high-affinity binding to a single class of receptors with a Kd of 0.69 (+/- 0.12) nM and Bmax of 31.4 (+/- 11.4) fmol/10(5) cells, equivalent to approximately 200,000 sites per cell. Specific binding was displaced by low concentrations of 5-HT3-selective ligands, and by the nicotinic antagonist d-tubocurarine.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Target size of 5-HT3 receptors in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells and rat brain.

Radiation inactivation was used to determine the molecular target size of the binding site for [3H]GR65630, a specific 5-HT3 receptor ligand, in two different neuronal tissues. Using a calibration curve of known molecular weight enzymes, the target sizes of [3H]GR65630 binding sites in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells and rat brain were 98,600 +/- 11,300 and 49,100 +/- 8,500 Da, respectively. The results suggest 5-HT3 receptors may be present as dimers in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Biochemical characterization of an isolated and functionally reconstituted gamma-aminobutyric acid/benzodiazepine receptor.

We have solubilized, affinity-purified, and functionally reconstituted the gamma-aminobutyric acid/benzodiazepine (GABA/BDZ) receptor from rat brain into natural brain lipid liposomes. The detergent, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio] 1-propanesulphonate, was employed for the isolation of the receptor in the presence of a whole rat brain lipid extract supplemented with cholesteryl hemisuccinate. The soluble and reconstituted protein showed a homogeneous [3H]flunitrazepam binding population and the allosteric modulation of this binding site by GABA, by the pyrazolopyridine, cartazolate, and by the depressant barbiturate, pentobarbital. The purified GABA/BDZ receptor when incorporated into liposomes has been visualized by electron microscopy and reveals rosette structures, 8-9 nm in diameter, which appear to have a central pore. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the reconstituted GABA/BDZ receptor reveals three major protein bands of 41, 52-56, and 59-62 kDa, the latter two of which appears as doublets. Functional receptor reconstitution is demonstrated by the measurement of GABA-stimulated 36Cl- flux into the purified GABA/BDZ receptor incorporated liposomes and its modulation by the BDZs, barbiturates, and pyrazolopyridines.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

GABA preincubation of rat brain sections increases [3H]GABA binding to the GABAA receptor and compromises the modulatory interactions.

Receptor autoradiography has been employed to investigate the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) preincubation on the interaction of the GABAA receptor with its ligands. [3H]GABA (50 nM) binding to the GABAA receptors is increased by 60% compared to control sections after GABA (100 microM) preincubation. Receptor autoradiography shows that the increase is more pronounced in certain brain areas. The allosteric interactions between the GABA and benzodiazepine recognition sites were also examined. An increase in [3H]GABA (50 nM) binding to rat brain sections by co-incubation with the benzodiazepine, flunitrazepam (FNZ) has been observed autoradiographically. This effect has been quantitated in several brain regions; the overall brain increase in [3H]GABA binding induced by 1 microM FNZ was 20%. The increase in [3H]FNZ (1 nM) binding by co-incubation with GABA has also been observed autoradiographically, and the effect quantitated in four brain regions. The overall brain increase in [3H]FNZ binding induced by 100 microM GABA was 34%. After GABA preincubation these allosteric responses are significantly reduced in size. The increase in the [3H]GABAA binding as a consequence of GABA preincubation appears to reflect an increase in receptor affinity for [3H]GABA with no significant change in the maximum number of binding sites. We suggest that GABA preincubation converts the GABAA receptor to a higher affinity desensitised receptor conformation.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Polyclonal antibodies to the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine.

Polyclonal antibodies have been raised in rabbits against the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine, coupled through a 2-amino substituent to the antigenic protein key-hole limpet haemocyanin. Strychnine binding of the predominantly immunoglobulin G (IgG) class of antibodies was measured by incubation with [3H]strychnine, followed by adsorption of IgG onto Staphylococcus aureus cells and filtration through glass-fibre filters under vacuum. Only strychnine and structurally related alkaloids or derivatives were able to inhibit [3H]strychnine binding to the IgG. A significant rank correlation was found between the potencies of these compounds to inhibit [3H]strychnine binding to the antibodies and to the glycine receptor in mouse spinal cord membranes. In contrast, preincubation of strychnine antibodies with a variety of ligands at other neurotransmitter, drug, or hormone receptors in the CNS (at 10(-4) M) failed to inhibit binding significantly. The failure of glycine to inhibit strychnine antibody binding is consistent with previous suggestions that the recognition sites for this amino acid on the CNS receptor may be conformationally distinct from those for the antagonist alkaloid. Strychnine antibodies may now help in the identification and purification of possible endogenous ligands at this alkaloid binding site in the CNS.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1988

Light microscopic autoradiographic localisation in rat brain of the binding sites for the GABAA receptor antagonist [3H]SR 95531: comparison with the [3H]GABAA receptor distribution.

Quantitative receptor autoradiography has been employed to determine the binding distribution of [3H]SR 95531 (2'-(3'-carboxy-2',3'-propyl)-3-amino-6-p-methoxyphenylpyrazinium bromide), a GABAA receptor antagonist, in the rat brain. The location showed good correspondence, in most areas, with the binding of [3H]GABA to GABAA receptors. The major exceptions were binding to cerebellum and hippocampus. We also describe here a non-GABA-associated [3H]SR 95531 binding site which is found at its highest level in the hippocampal CA1 region but also in CA2, CA3, dentate gyrus and cerebral cortex. The results support the localisation of [3H]SR 95531 sites to the GABAA receptor complex.

Animals↗