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Biomedical subjects

T W Stone

Publications and source records attributed to T W Stone.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Release and actions of adenosine in the central nervous system.

Adenosine is released from active neurons into the extracellular fluid at a concentration of about 1 mumol/l. Neither the precise cellular origin nor the biochemical form of release has been firmly established, though the nucleotide is probably released partly directly, as a result of raised intracellular levels, and partly as nucleotides, which are subsequently hydrolysed. Once in the extracellular medium, adenosine markedly inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and modulatory peptides and has direct inhibitory effects on postsynaptic excitability via A1 receptors. A population of A2 receptors may mediate depolarization and enhanced transmitter release. Adenosine also modulates neuronal sensitivity to acetylcholine and catecholamines, all these effects probably contributing to the behavioural changes observed in conscious animals. As a result of their many actions, adenosine analogues are being intensively investigated for use as anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective agents.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1994

Time course of purine protection against kainate-induced increase in hippocampal [3H]-PK11195 binding.

Binding of a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand was used to quantify the reactive gliosis resulting from neuronal damage induced by systemic injections of kainic acid 7 days previously. The enhancement of binding in rat hippocampus could be prevented by injections of the purine analogue (R)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine at 25 microgram/kg up to 2 h before or after the toxin. These results indicate that the purine is able to prevent neurotoxicity by interrupting events occurring some time after kainate administration.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The effect of calcium removal on the suppression by adenosine of epileptiform activity in the hippocampus: demonstration of desensitization.

1. Previous work has suggested that presynaptic effects of adenosine may be dependent on divalent cations. The present study was undertaken to determine whether a similar requirement existed at postsynaptic sites. 2. Extracellular recordings were made in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of rat hippocampal slices following orthodromic stimulation of Schaffer collateral fibres in stratum radiatum or antidromic stimulation of the alveus. In antidromic stimulation experiments, CaCl2 was omitted (calcium-free medium) or reduced to 0.24 mM (low calcium medium) and in some experiments MgSO4 was increased to 2 mM. Kynurenic acid at concentrations of 1 and 5 mM in calcium-free medium and 1 mM in low calcium medium had no effect on secondary spike size. 3. Adenosine and baclofen induced a concentration-dependent reduction in the amplitude of orthodromic potentials with maximum effects at 20 and 5 microM respectively. 4. In nominally calcium-free medium, bursts of multiple population spikes were obtained in response to antidromic stimulation. Adenosine had little effect in reducing the secondary spike amplitude. At high concentration (2 mM) an initial depression was seen which declined within 3-5 min. 5. Sensitivity to adenosine was restored in low calcium medium or by raising magnesium. Although raising the divalent cation concentration increased the inhibitory effect of adenosine, desensitization was still seen. 6. 2-Chloroadenosine (100-500 microM) and R-PIA (50 microM), which are not substrates for either the nucleoside transporters or adenosine deaminase, were inactive in the absence of calcium. S-(2-hydroxy-5 nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine, an adenosine uptake blocker, at a concentration 100 MicroM had no effect on secondary potential size and did not restore adenosine sensitivity in calcium-free medium.7. Thapsigargin, which discharges intracellular calcium stores, had no significant effect at 1 MicroM on the bursts of action potentials and did not change the effect of 0.5 mM adenosine in calcium-free medium.8. Unlike adenosine, baclofen concentration-dependently reduced the secondary spike size in calcium free medium and no sign of recovery was observed during maintained superfusion for up to 45 min. No cross-desensitization was seen between baclofen and adenosine.9. Applications of adenosine locally by pressure to neuronal somata or dendrites still resulted in desensitized responses in calcium-free medium.10. It is concluded that the postsynaptic sensitivity to adenosine is dependent on the concentration of divalent cations in the extracellular space implying an effect of cations on adenosine receptor activation or transduction processes.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1994

The effect of theophylline on parkinsonian symptoms.

Adenosine is known to inhibit the release of dopamine from central synaptic terminals. The present open trial was therefore conducted to determine whether the adenosine receptor-antagonist theophylline would be of value in Parkinson's disease. Fifteen parkinsonian patients were treated for up to 12 weeks with a slow release oral theophylline preparation (150 mg day-1), yielding serum theophylline levels of 4.44 mg L-1 after one week. The patients exhibited significant improvements in mean objective disability scores and 11 reported moderate or marked subjective improvement. It is suggested that theophylline might be a useful adjunct to the routine therapy of parkinsonian patients.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1993

Subtypes of NMDA receptors.

1. Beginning with electrophysiological evidence for two populations of receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) which did or did not respond to the agonist quinolinic acid, evidence has grown for such subdivision. 2. Data from binding studies is consistent with differences between three NMDA receptors in the striatum, thalamus and cerebellum with respect to their preferences for agonist or antagonist binding and the modulation of binding by dizocilpine, cations and polyamines. 3. The recent isolation and sequencing of several different molecular species of NMDA receptor supports the view that at least two pharmacologically distinct sites exist, with the cerebellar receptor being unique in the brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

On the site of action and inactivation of adenosine by the rat superior cervical ganglion.

1. Using an extracellular recording technique, we have investigated the site of action of adenosine and muscarine on the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG). The adenosine-induced hyperpolarization and muscarine-induced depolarization of ganglia were localized to the cell bodies of the ganglia. Responses to muscarine and adenosine were larger when recorded via the internal carotid nerve (ICN) compared with the external carotid nerve. Depression of the response to muscarine by adenosine was similar for both nerve trunks. 2. The effects of adenosine and cyclic nucleotides on the d.c. potential and the depolarization to muscarine were examined by recording via the ICN. Adenosine at concentrations up to 1 mM produced concentration-dependent hyperpolarizations. Hyperpolarization induced by 100 microM adenosine was unaffected by 1 microM tetrodotoxin or the muscarinic M1-receptor antagonist pirenzepine (0.3 microM). In contrast, hyperpolarizations to 100 microM adenosine were significantly reduced by 10 microM 8-phenytheophylline (55 +/- 7 microV vs 15 +/- 9 microV, P < 0.01, n = 4). Two agents known to increase intracellular cAMP, i.e. 8-bromo-cyclic-adenosine-3'-5' monophosphate (8BrcAMP) and isoprenaline, depolarized ganglia. Depolarizations to 100 nM mucarine were significantly depressed by adenosine (100 microM) by 26 +/- 2% (n = 61), but unaltered by 8BrcAMP or cyclic guanosine-3'-5' monophosphate. 3. Dipyridamole and hydroxy-nitro-benzylthioguanosine (inhibitors of adenosine transport) and erythro-6-amino-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA, an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase), potentiated the depression by adenosine of the response to muscarine, and the hyperpolarization to adenosine respectively. However, there was no evidence to support the hypothesis that there was spontaneous release of endogenous adenosine under the conditions of study, as dipyridamole or EHNA did not alter the control d.c. potential or the depolarization to muscarine. 4. It is concluded that the ability of adenosine to hyperpolarize and depress the response of the rat SCG to muscarine is due to the direct activation of postsynaptic somatodendritic P1-purinoceptors and unlikely to be mediated by an increase in intracellular cAMP. In addition the rat SCG has mechanisms for both the uptake and inactivation of adenosine.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1993

Ionic mechanism of action of adenosine on the rat superior cervical ganglion.

1. The ionic mechanism responsible for hyperpolarization of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and depression of the depolarizing response to muscarine by adenosine was studied using an extracellular grease-gap recording technique. 2. Both the hyperpolarizations to adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine and the depression of the response to muscarine by adenosine were potentiated in reduced external calcium (Ca2+). Hyperpolarizations to adenosine were either unaltered or potentiated in the presence of the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonists, nitrendipine or (+)PN200 110 respectively. Hyperpolarizations to adenosine were unaltered by inorganic Ca2+ channel antagonists except for cobalt, which also antagonized hyperpolarizations to carbachol and depolarizations to muscarine. 3. Hyperpolarizations to adenosine were unaltered in nominally magnesium (Mg2+)-free or in reduced external chloride (Cl-) media. When sodium ions (Na+) were replaced by lithium ions (Li+) maximal responses to adenosine were initially enhanced, returning to pretreatment levels and subsequently reduced in their duration. In contrast, responses to adenosine were significantly enhanced in nominally potassium (K+)-free medium and reduced upon doubling the extracellular K+. 4. Hyperpolarizations were enhanced in the presence of the K+ channel antagonists, 4-aminopyridine and 3,4-diaminopyridine, and reduced by a low concentration (2 mM) of tetraethylammonium (TEA), but not in 10 mM TEA. 5. The results support the hypothesis that adenosine-mediated hyperpolarization of postganglionic neurones of the rat SCG is by a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism and is probably mediated via an increase of a K+ current. The results also indicate that adenosine-induced hyperpolarizations of the rat SCG are independent of the presence of extracellular magnesium.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1993

Inhibition by the adenosine analogue, (R-)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine, of kainic acid neurotoxicity in rat hippocampus after systemic administration.

1. Binding of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand, [3H]-PK 11195, to rat hippocampal membranes has been used to quantify the reactive gliosis resulting from neuronal death induced by intraperitoneally administered kainic acid. 2. Intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid (10 mg kg-1) caused a 350-500% increase in [3H]-PK 11195 binding measured in rat hippocampal P2 membranes 7 days later. Co-treatment with the adenosine derivative R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) (100, 25 or 10 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) abolished this elevation. The protective action of R-PIA could itself be abolished by co-treatment with 8-phenyltheophylline (1 mg kg-1). 3. Body temperatures were recorded in the antagonist experiments and no significant changes were recorded, suggesting that the protective action of R-PIA was not mediated by hypothermia. 4. Since systemic kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity has been claimed as a good model of neuronal death in temporal lobe epilepsy, the results suggest that the systemic administration of purines in low doses may provide protection against certain neurodegenerative insults.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Bicuculline-resistant paired-pulse inhibition in the rat hippocampal slice.

1. An initial observation that paired-pulse inhibition in hippocampal slices was increased rather than decreased by bicuculline prompted the present study to explore the mechanism underlying bicuculline-resistant inhibition. 2. In the presence of bicuculline, paired-pulse interactions were dependent on the interpulse interval (i.p.i.) but a medium-latency inhibition was consistently observed at an i.p.i. of 300 to 500 ms. 3. The medium-latency (300 ms) bicuculline-resistant inhibition produced by paired orthodromic stimuli was substantially reduced by 2-hydroxysaclofen and was probably largely mediated by GABAB-receptor activation. Paired-pulse inhibition produced by an orthodromic/antidromic stimulation sequence was not affected by 2-hydroxysaclofen suggesting the possibility that the GABAB-receptors involved in orthodromic inhibition may be located presynaptically on the Schaffer collateral terminals rather than on the postsynaptic surface. The medium latency inhibition was also reduced by baclofen and under some conditions, by adenosine. 4. In addition to the GABAB-component, a hydroxysaclofen-resistant depression of postsynaptic excitability contributed to bicuculline-resistant paired-pulse inhibition at the 300 ms latency.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1993

Mediation of the neuroprotective action of R-phenylisopropyl-adenosine through a centrally located adenosine A1 receptor.

1. Systemic injections of kainic acid, 10 mg kg-1, into adult rats resulted in lesions in the hippocampus, as assessed by peripheral benzodiazepine ligand binding. Co-administration of clonazepam at 1 mg kg-1 or 0.2 mg kg-1 prevented major seizures associated with kainate injections, but did not alter significantly the production of hippocampal damage. 2. The co-administration of the adenosine A1 agonist R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 25 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) abolished the lesions induced by kainic acid. 3. The presence of the selective A1 antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (250 or 50 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) abolished the R-PIA neuroprotective action. 4. The A1/A2 antagonist, 8-(p-sulphophenyl)theophylline (20 mg kg-1, i.p.) which cannot cross the blood brain barrier, did not alter significantly the neuroprotective action of R-PIA, indicating that the neuroprotective action of the purine may be predominantly central. 5. The time course of the neuroprotection was also examined. R-PIA was effective when administered 2 h before or after kainate administration. 6. The results emphasise the potential utility of systemically active adenosine A1 receptor ligands in reducing CNS gliosis induced by the activation of excitatory amino acid receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Characterization of the adenosine receptors of the rat superior cervical ganglion.

1. Adenosine analogues caused hyperpolarization and inhibition of the depolarizing response to muscarine of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion (SCG) measured by a 'grease gap' recording technique. The receptors mediating these responses have been characterized by use of a range of selective adenosine analogues and adenosine receptor antagonists. 2. In decreasing order of potency N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 2-chloroadenosine (2CA), adenosine, 2-phenylaminoadenosine (PAA), caused concentration-dependent hyperpolarizations whilst N6-(9-fluorenylmethyl)adenosine (PD 117,413) was inactive at up to 100 microM. 3. The order of potency of adenosine analogues in depressing depolarization caused by a submaximal concentration of muscarine (100 nM) was: CPA > R-PIA = 2CA > NECA > S-PIA > BZA > adenosine > PAA, where R- and S-PIA = R(-)- and S(+)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine, NECA = 5'N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine and BZA = N6-benzyladenosine. PD 117,413 was inactive at concentrations up to 100 microM. The maximum inhibitions of the muscarine-induced depolarization by CPA, 2CA, NECA and BZA were similar. R-PIA, S-PIA and PAA produced similar maximal inhibitions which were significantly smaller than those produced by CPA. 4. Hyperpolarizations caused by adenosine were antagonized by the P1-purinoceptor selective antagonist 1,3-dimethyl-8-phenylxanthine (8PT) and by the selective A1-adenosine receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-(4-((2-aminoethyl)amino)carbonylmethyloxyphenyl++ +)xanthine (XAC). Hyperpolarizations caused by CPA, adenosine and PAA were antagonized by the A1-selective antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) but not by the A2-selective antagonist, 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX). 5. Inhibition of the muscarinic-induced depolarization by CPA was antagonized by 8PT and DPCPXbut not by DMPX.6. It is concluded that the neurones of the rat SCG possess P1-purinoceptors of the Al-adenosine receptor subtype which mediate hyperpolarization and inhibition of depolarization caused by muscarine.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1993

Action of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides on the rat superior cervical ganglion.

1. Using a grease-gap technique, we have investigated the effects of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides on the d.c. potential of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion (SCG). 2. Of the purines tested, adenosine, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), beta,gamma-methylene-adenosine 5'-triphosphate (beta,gamma-MeATP) at up to 300 microM produced concentration-dependent hyperpolarizations, whereas 2-methyl-thio-ATP (2-Me.S.ATP) and alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (alpha,beta-MeATP) depolarized ganglia. Of the pyrimidines tested, uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) produced concentration-dependent depolarizations and cytosine 5'-triphosphate (CTP) at 1000 microM produced considerably smaller but significant depolarizations. In contrast uridine 5'-monophosphate (UMP) at 1000 microM hyperpolarized ganglia. The relative order of potency of purines and pyrimidines to depolarize ganglia was: UTP > alpha,beta-MeATP >> CTP > 2-Me.S.ATP and to hyperpolarize ganglia was: adenosine = beta,gamma-MeATP > ATP > UMP. 3. The ability of purines and pyrimidines to alter the depolarizing response caused by muscarine and of purines to alter depolarization induced by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was determined. The relative order of potency of nucleotides in depressing submaximal depolarization caused by muscarine (100 nM) was: adenosine = ATP > beta,gamma-MeATP whereas 2-Me.S.ATP, alpha,beta-MeATP and UTP did not significantly alter depolarization caused by muscarine. At 100 microM beta,gamma-MeATP and adenosine but not ATP potentiated GABA-induced depolarizations. 4. Hyperpolarizations caused by adenosine, ATP, beta,gamma-MeATP and UMP and depolarizations caused by alpha,beta-MeATP were enhanced in medium containing reduced concentrations of calcium (0.1 mM) and potassium (2 mM). In this medium 8-phenyltheophylline abolished hyperpolarizations caused by adenosine and reversed hyperpolarizations caused by ATP into depolarizations. Suramin (300 microM), a P2-purinoceptor antagonist, significantly reduced the depolarizing response caused by alpha,beta-MeATP and significantly increased hyperpolarizations caused by ATP and Beta,gamma-MeATP. Suramin (300 microM) did not significantly alter depolarizations caused by l,l-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (10 microM), potassium(3 mM) or muscarine (100 nM) and significantly potentiated depolarizations caused by UTP (100 microM).5.It is concluded that the rat SCG contains PI-purinoceptors that hyperpolarize the ganglion and diminish sensitivity to muscarine, and P2X-purinoceptors that depolarize the SCG. There is also some evidence to suggest the presence of receptors for UTP, i.e., pyrimidinoceptors, which depolarize SCG neurones.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1993

Neuropharmacology of quinolinic and kynurenic acids.

In a little more than 10 years, the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan have emerged from their former position as biochemical curiosities, to occupy a prominent position in research on the causes and treatment of several major CNS disorders. The pathway includes two compounds, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid, which are remarkably specific in their pharmacological profiles: one is a selective agonist at receptors sensitive to NMDA, whereas the other is a selective antagonist at low concentrations at the strychnine-resistant glycine modulatory site associated with the NMDA receptor. It has been argued that these agents cannot be of physiological or pathological relevance because their normal extracellular concentrations, in the nanomolar range, are at least 3 orders of magnitude lower than those required to act at NMDA receptors. This is a facile argument, however, that ignores at least two possibilities. One is that both quinolinate and kynurenate may be present in very high concentrations locally at some sites in the brain that cannot be reflected in mean extracellular levels. Similar considerations apply to many neuroactive agents in the CNS. The fact that both compounds appear to be synthesised in, and thus emerge from, glial cells that are well recognised as enjoying a close physical and chemical relationship with some neurones in which the intercellular space may be severely restricted may support such a view. Certainly the realisation that NMDA receptors may not be fully saturated functionally with glycine would be consistent with the possibility that even quite low concentrations of kynurenate could maintain a partial antagonism at the glycine receptor. A second possibility is that there may be a subpopulation of NMDA receptors (or, indeed, for a quite different amino acid) that possesses a glycine modulatory site with a much lower sensitivity to glycine or higher sensitivity to kynurenate, making it more susceptible to fluctuations of endogenous kynurenine levels. Whatever the specific nature of their physiological roles, the presence of an endogenous selective agonist and antagonist acting at NMDA receptors must continue to present exciting possibilities for understanding the pathological basis of several CNS disorders as well as developing new therapeutic approaches. An imbalance in the production or removal of either of these substances would be expected to have profound implications for brain function, especially if that imbalance were present chronically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The sigma ligand 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine depresses amino acid-induced excitation non-selectively in rat brain.

The sigma ligand 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) has been applied by microiontophoresis to neurones in the rat hippocampal slice and to neurones in the neocortex and hippocampus of rats anaesthetised with urethane. DTG depressed the excitatory responses of cells to both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate on a majority of the units tested, in no case causing an enhancement. Haloperidol had no consistent effect of its own and did not prevent the depressant effects of DTG. It is concluded that in the preparations used, DTG did not selectively modify neuronal sensitivity to NMDA.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1992

Nicotinylalanine increases cerebral kynurenic acid content and has anticonvulsant activity.

1. Nicotinylalanine is an analogue of kynurenine which has been reported to inhibit the enzymes kynurenine hydroxylase and kynureninase. 2. In the present study rats were given a tryptophan load together with nicotinylalanine two hours before killing, and the brain, liver and kidneys analysed by HPLC for their kynurenic acid content. 3. Tryptophan alone produced a significant elevation of kynurenate but with the additional administration of nicotinylalanine, levels rose dramatically, including a 19-fold increase in brain. 4. In mice the same dose of nicotinylalanine reduced the incidence of seizures induced by leptazol or electroshock treatment. 5. Since kynurenic acid is an antagonist at excitatory amino acid receptors the results may herald a new approach to producing a pharmacological blockade of amino acid receptors in the brain.

Alanine↗