Investigation of the effects of the novel anticonvulsant compound carisbamate (RWJ-333369) on rat piriform cortical neurones in vitro.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Carisbamate is being developed for adjuvant treatment of partial onset epilepsy. Carisbamate produces anticonvulsant effects in primary generalized, complex partial and absence-type seizure models, and exhibits neuroprotective and antiepileptogenic properties in rodent epilepsy models. Phase IIb clinical trials of carisbamate demonstrated efficacy against partial onset seizures; however, its mechanisms of action remain unknown. Here, we report the effects of carisbamate on membrane properties, evoked and spontaneous synaptic transmission and induced epileptiform discharges in layer II-III neurones in piriform cortical brain slices. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Effects of carisbamate were investigated in rat piriform cortical neurones by using intracellular electrophysiological recordings. KEY RESULTS: Carisbamate (50-400 micromol x L(-1)) reversibly decreased amplitude, duration and rise-time of evoked action potentials and inhibited repetitive firing, consistent with use-dependent Na+ channel block; 150-400 micromol x L(-1) carisbamate reduced neuronal input resistance, without altering membrane potential. After microelectrode intracellular Cl(-) loading, carisbamate depolarized cells, an effect reversed by picrotoxin. Carisbamate (100-400 micromol x L(-1)) also selectively depressed lateral olfactory tract-afferent evoked excitatory synaptic transmission (opposed by picrotoxin), consistent with activation of a presynaptic Cl(-) conductance. Lidocaine (40-320 micromol x L(-1)) mimicked carisbamate, implying similar modes of action. Carisbamate (300-600 micromol x L(-1)) had no effect on spontaneous GABA(A) miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents and at lower concentrations (50-200 micromol x L(-1)) inhibited Mg2+-free or 4-aminopyridine-induced seizure-like discharges. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Carisbamate blocked evoked action potentials use-dependently, consistent with a primary action on Na+ channels and increased Cl(-) conductances presynaptically and, under certain conditions, postsynaptically to selectively depress excitatory neurotransmission in piriform cortical layer Ia-afferent terminals.

Developmental changes in presynaptic muscarinic modulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in rat piriform cortex in vitro: relevance to epileptiform bursting susceptibility.

Suppression of depolarizing postsynaptic potentials and isolated GABA-A receptor-mediated fast inhibitory postsynaptic potentials by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, oxotremorine-M (10 microM), was investigated in adult and immature (P14-P30) rat piriform cortical (PC) slices using intracellular recording. Depolarizing postsynaptic potentials evoked by layers II-III stimulation underwent concentration-dependent inhibition in oxotremorine-M that was most likely presynaptic and M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated in immature, but M1-mediated in adult (P40-P80) slices; percentage inhibition was smaller in immature than in adult piriform cortex. In contrast, compared with adults, layer Ia-evoked depolarizing postsynaptic potentials in immature piriform cortex slices in oxotremorine-M, showed a prolonged multiphasic depolarization with superimposed fast transients and spikes, and an increased 'all-or-nothing' character. Isolated N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-mediated layer Ia depolarizing postsynaptic potentials (although significantly larger in immature slices) were however, unaffected by oxotremorine-M, but blocked by dl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. Fast inhibitory postsynaptic potentials evoked by layer Ib or layers II-III-fiber stimulation in immature slices were significantly smaller than in adults, despite similar estimated mean reversal potentials ( approximately -69 and -70 mV respectively). In oxotremorine-M, only layer Ib-fast inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were suppressed; suppression was again most likely presynaptic M2-mediated in immature slices, but M1-mediated in adults. The degree of fast inhibitory postsynaptic potential suppression was however, greater in immature than in adult piriform cortex. Our results demonstrate some important physiological and pharmacological differences between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic systems in adult and immature piriform cortex that could contribute toward the increased susceptibility of this region to muscarinic agonist-induced epileptiform activity in immature brain slices.

Further characterization of muscarinic agonist-induced epileptiform bursting activity in immature rat piriform cortex, in vitro.

The characteristics of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist-induced epileptiform bursting seen in immature rat piriform cortex slices in vitro were further investigated using intracellular recording, with particular focus on its postnatal age-dependence (P+14-P+30), pharmacology, site(s) of origin and the likely contribution of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist-induced post-stimulus slow afterdepolarization and gap junction functionality toward its generation. The muscarinic agonist, oxotremorine-M (10 microM), induced rhythmic bursting only in immature piriform cortex slices; however, paroxysmal depolarizing shift amplitude, burst duration and burst incidence were inversely related to postnatal age. No significant age-dependent changes in neuronal membrane properties or postsynaptic muscarinic responsiveness accounted for this decline. Burst incidence was higher when recorded in anterior and posterior regions of the immature piriform cortex. In adult and immature neurones, oxotremorine-M effects were abolished by M1-, but not M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-selective antagonists. Rostrocaudal lesions, between piriform cortex layers I and II, or layer III and endopiriform nucleus in adult or immature slices did not influence oxotremorine-M effects; however, the slow afterdepolarization in adult (but not immature) lesioned slices was abolished. Gap junction blockers (carbenoxolone or octanol) disrupted muscarinic bursting and diminished the slow afterdepolarization in immature slices, suggesting that gap junction connectivity was important for bursting. Our data show that neural networks within layers II-III function as primary oscillatory circuits for burst initiation in immature rat piriform cortex during persistent muscarinic receptor activation. Furthermore, we propose that muscarinic slow afterdepolarization induction and gap junction communication could contribute towards the increased epileptiform susceptibility of this brain area.

Sox1-deficient mice suffer from epilepsy associated with abnormal ventral forebrain development and olfactory cortex hyperexcitability.

Mutations in several classes of embryonically-expressed transcription factor genes are associated with behavioral disorders and epilepsies. However, there is little known about how such genetic and neurodevelopmental defects lead to brain dysfunction. Here we present the characterization of an epilepsy syndrome caused by the absence of the transcription factor SOX1 in mice. In vivo electroencephalographic recordings from SOX1 mutants established a correlation between behavioral changes and cortical output that was consistent with a seizure origin in the limbic forebrain. In vitro intracellular recordings from three major forebrain regions, neocortex, hippocampus and olfactory (piriform) cortex (OC) showed that only the OC exhibits abnormal enhanced synaptic excitability and spontaneous epileptiform discharges. Furthermore, the hyperexcitability of the OC neurons was present in mutants prior to the onset of seizures but was completely absent from both the hippocampus and neocortex of the same animals. The local inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission remained normal in the OC of SOX1-deficient brains, but there was a severe developmental deficit of OC postsynaptic target neurons, mainly GABAergic projection neurons within the olfactory tubercle and the nucleus accumbens shell. Our data show that SOX1 is essential for ventral telencephalic development and suggest that the neurodevelopmental defect disrupts local neuronal circuits leading to epilepsy in the SOX1-deficient mice.

Medicinal cannabis: is delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol necessary for all its effects?

Cannabis is under clinical investigation to assess its potential for medicinal use, but the question arises as to whether there is any advantage in using cannabis extracts compared with isolated Delta9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9THC), the major psychoactive component. We have compared the effect of a standardized cannabis extract (SCE) with pure Delta9THC, at matched concentrations of Delta9THC, and also with a Delta9THC-free extract (Delta9THC-free SCE), using two cannabinoid-sensitive models, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), and an in-vitro rat brain slice model of epilepsy. Whilst SCE inhibited spasticity in the mouse model of MS to a comparable level, it caused a more rapid onset of muscle relaxation, and a reduction in the time to maximum effect compared with Delta9THC alone. The Delta9THC-free extract or cannabidiol (CBD) caused no inhibition of spasticity. However, in the in-vitro epilepsy model, in which sustained epileptiform seizures were induced by the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine-M in immature rat piriform cortical brain slices, SCE was a more potent and again more rapidly-acting anticonvulsant than isolated Delta9THC, but in this model, the Delta9THC-free extract also exhibited anticonvulsant activity. Cannabidiol did not inhibit seizures, nor did it modulate the activity of Delta9THC in this model. Therefore, as far as some actions of cannabis were concerned (e.g. antispasticity), Delta9THC was the active constituent, which might be modified by the presence of other components. However, for other effects (e.g. anticonvulsant properties) Delta9THC, although active, might not be necessary for the observed effect. Above all, these results demonstrated that not all of the therapeutic actions of cannabis herb might be due to the Delta9THC content.

Investigation of the role of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in generation of the muscarinic agonist-induced slow afterdepolarization (sADP) in guinea-pig olfactory cortical neurones in vitro.

1. Intracellular recordings were made from guinea-pig olfactory cortical brain slice neurones to assess the possible role of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in the generation of the slow post-stimulus afterdepolarization (sADP) and its underlying tail current (I(ADP)), induced by muscarinic receptor activation. 2. Caffeine or theophylline (0.5 - 3 mM) reduced the amplitude of the I(ADP) (measured under 'hybrid' voltage clamp) induced in the presence of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (OXO-M, 10 microM) by up to 96%, without affecting membrane properties or muscarinic depolarization of these neurones. 3. The L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker nifedipine (1, 10 microM) also inhibited I(ADP) (by up to 46%), while ryanodine (10 microM) (a blocker of Ca(2+) release from internal stores) produced a small ( approximately 10%) reduction in I(ADP) amplitude; however, neither 10 microM dantrolene (another internal Ca(2+) release blocker) nor the intracellular Ca(2+) store re-uptake inhibitors thapsigargin (3 microM) or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 15 microM) affected I(ADP) amplitude. 4. IBMX (100 microM), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, also had no effect on I(ADP). Furthermore, inhibition of I(ADP) by caffeine was not reversed by co-application of 100 microM adenosine. 5. Caffeine (3 mM) or nifedipine (10 microM) reduced the duration of presumed Ca(2+) spikes revealed by intracellular Cs(+) loading. When applied in combination, nifedipine and caffeine effects were occlusive, rather than additive, suggesting a common site of action on L-type calcium channels. 6. We conclude that Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) from internal stores does not contribute significantly to muscarinic I(ADP) generation in olfactory cortical neurones. However caffeine and theophylline, which enhance CICR in other systems, blocked I(ADP) induction. We suggest that this action might involve a combination of L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel blockade, and a direct inhibitory action on the putative I(ADP) K(+) conductance.

Do hippocampal CA1 neurones of the adult rat possess a slow inwardly-rectifying chloride conductance?

The presence of an inwardly-rectifying Cl- current was studied in hippocampal CA1 neurones using sharp intracellular microelectrodes. Following pharmacological block of the hyperpolarization-activated Ih current, a slow depolarizing sag of hyperpolarizing electrotonic potentials appeared when the microelectrode contained KCI or CsCl, but was absent with K acetate; the sag threshold was approximately 10 mV negative to rest. Under voltage clamp, slow inward current relaxations were observed on stepping to potentials between -80 and -130 mV; the activation time constant decreased with increasing hyperpolarization (>1 s at -130 mV). This conductance (termed G(Cl,slow)) was partially depressed by 100 microM Zn2+. We propose that G(Cl,slow) can contribute significantly to the resting conductance of adult hippocampal CA1 neurones only when they are loaded with Cl- via the recording electrode.

Inward-rectifying membrane currents activated by hyperpolarization in immature rat olfactory cortex neurones in vitro.

The properties of inward-rectifying membrane currents in immature rat olfactory cortex neurones (postnatal day (P) 10-22) were analysed using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. In 78% of cells (40/51), injection of hyperpolarizing current pulses elicited graded electrotonic potentials showing a slowly developing sag in the membrane potential. Under voltage clamp, negative commands from -50 mV activated slow inward current (ISlow) relaxations whose amplitude and exponential rate of onset increased with increasing hyperpolarization (n=40); the ISlow activation time constant (tauon) ranged from 650+/-116 (mean+/-S.E.M.) ms at -70 mV to 177+/-18 ms at -120 mV; n=34). By contrast, in 11/51 neurones, similar negative commands revealed only fast-type inward rectification (IIR) with either rapid (n=9) or 'instantaneous' onset kinetics (n=2). ISlow activation threshold was at approximately -60 mV, with full activation at -120 mV; the half-maximal voltage (V0.5) and slope factor (k) of activation were: -85+/-0.4 mV and 11+/-0.5, respectively (n=13). The estimated reversal potential for ISlow was -28+/-2 mV (n=5). No obvious age-dependent changes in maximal ISlow current amplitude or density (at -120 mV) or in the proportion of cells showing IIR were found between P10 and P22. Islow was blocked by Cs+ (5 mM, n=6) or the specific h-current blocker ZD 7288 (50 microM, n=11) but not Ba2+ (500 microM, n=7); in contrast, IIR was blocked by Cs+ or Ba2+ but not ZD 7288. It is concluded that unlike adult olfactory cortical cells, immature olfactory neurones can exhibit both slow and fast-types of inward rectification: the more predominant ISlow component, resembled the h-current (Ih) previously identified in other central neurones.

Blockade of GABA(B) receptors facilitates muscarinic agonist-induced epileptiform activity in immature rat piriform cortex in vitro.

The effects of the selective GABA(B) receptor antagonist [3-[[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]aminolpropyl] (diethoxymethyl) phosphinic acid (CGP 52432) on muscarinic (mAChR) and metabotropic glutamate (mGluR) responsiveness were studied in slices of piriform cortex from both immature (P16-P22) and adult (> or =P40) rats, using a conventional intracellular recording technique. In both adult and immature slices, CGP 52432 (1 microM) had no effect on neuronal membrane properties, whereas it selectively abolished the late inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) evoked by local electrical stimulation of association fibre terminals. Age-related changes in mAChR (but not mGluR) responsiveness were also detected. In adult neurones, bath-application of the mAChR agonist oxotremorine-M (OXO-M; 10 microM), or the selective mGluR agonist 1S,3R-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD; 10 microM) evoked similar membrane depolarization and inhibition of evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). However, while 1S,3R-ACPD and OXO-M produced indistinguishable slow excitatory effects in immature slices, during superfusion with OXO-M, neurones exhibited spontaneous paroxysmal depolarizing shifts (PDSs) that were suppressed in the presence of atropine (1 microM) or the selective GABA(B) receptor agonist beta-parachlorophenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid [(-)baclofen; 10 microM]. Also, application of OXO-M resulted in a pronounced prolongation (rather than a decrease) of electrically evoked postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) which now exhibited recurrent superimposed spike discharges. In adult slices, in the continuous presence of CGP 52432 (1 microM; 20 min pre-incubation), a subsequent exposure to 10 microM OXO-M or 1S,3R-ACPD failed to induce any spontaneous epileptiform activity, and evoked PSPs were consistently suppressed. In contrast, in immature slices, after incubation in CGP 52432 (1 microM; 20 min), a subsequent application of a low dose of OXO-M (2.5 microM), which was inactive per se, was able to produce spontaneous PDSs and a prolongation of evoked PSPs. We conclude that a reduction in GABA(B)-mediated synaptic inhibition in immature slices (in co-operation with other factors) may contribute to the facilitation of excitatory neurotransmission and therefore play a role in the generation of mAChR-induced epileptiform activity.

3,5-Dihydro-4H-2,3-benzodiazepine-4-thiones: a new class of AMPA receptor antagonists.

Synthesis and evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of a series of 2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones (2) chemically related to 1-(4'-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-(methylenedioxy)-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (1, GYKI 52466) have been reported in our recent publications. Compounds 2 manifested marked anticonvulsant properties acting as 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists. In an attempt to better define the structure-activity relationships (SAR) and to obtain more potent and selective anticonvulsant agents, 1-aryl-3,5-dihydro-4H-2, 3-benzodiazepine-4-thiones 3 were synthesized from the corresponding isosteres 2. The evaluation is reported of their anticonvulsant effects, both in the audiogenic seizures test with DBA/2 mice and against the maximal electroshock- and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in Swiss mice. New derivatives 3 showed higher potency, less toxicity and longer-lasting anticonvulsant action than those of the parent compounds 2 in all tests employed. Analogous to derivatives 2, new compounds 3 do not affect the benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) while they do antagonize AMPA-induced seizures; their anticonvulsant activity is reversed by pretreatment with aniracetam but not with flumazenil, thus suggesting a clear involvement of AMPA receptors. Electrophysiological data indicate a noncompetitive blocking mechanism at the AMPA receptor sites for 3i, the most active of the series and over 5-fold more potent than 1.

Muscarinic agonist-induced burst firing in immature rat olfactory cortex neurons In vitro.

Age-related changes in pre-/postsynaptic muscarinic (mAChR) and metabotropic-glutamate (mGluR) responsiveness were studied in slices of olfactory cortex from both immature [postnatal day 16-22 (P16-P22)] and adult (>/=P40) rats, using a conventional intracellular recording technique. In adult neurons, bath application of the mAChR agonist oxotremorine-M (OXO-M; 10 microM), or the selective mGluR agonist 1-aminocyclopentane-1S-3R-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD; 10 microM) evoked sustained membrane depolarizations, increases in input resistance, intense repetitive firing, and the appearance of a slow poststimulus afterdepolarizing potential (sADP). Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked by local electrical stimulation of association fiber terminals were also depressed. In contrast, in neurons from immature slices, the 10 microM OXO-M-induced membrane depolarization was followed by the appearance of spontaneous rhythmic epileptiform activity, which was voltage independent and reversible on drug wash out. Epileptiform bursts were abolished or reduced by coapplication of tetrodotoxin (1 microM), atropine (1 microM), pirenzepine (100-200 nM), the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist -amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (-APV; 100 microM), the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 5-20 microM), the anesthetic-sedative barbiturate pentobarbitone (100 microM), or by raising the extracellular Mg2+ concentration, whereas a clear facilitatory effect was exhibited by the selective gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptor blocker (-)-bicuculline methiodide (10 microM). The epileptogenic effects induced by OXO-M were indistinguishable from those produced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 100-200 microM), although these latter actions were unaffected by atropine. In slices from immature animals, electrical stimulation of layer III association fibers in the presence of 10 microM OXO-M was accompanied by a dramatic prolongation of evoked depolarizing postsynaptic potentials (PSPs), with the appearance of recurrent superimposed spike discharges. This effect was readily reversed on wash out of OXO-M. No comparable age-dependent differences were observed in the nature or time course of 1S,3R-ACPD-evoked pre- (or post)synaptic responses, even in immature cells where muscarinic epileptiform activity had previously been demonstrated. We suggest that the overall susceptibility toward muscarinic-induced epileptiform discharge in immature olfactory cortical neurons may depend on the functional integrity of presynaptic inhibitory mAChRs; additional contributing mechanisms were also considered.

1-Aryl-3,5-dihydro-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones: novel AMPA receptor antagonists.

Our previous publication (Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1995, 294, 411-422) reported preliminary chemical and biological studies of some 2,3-benzodiazepines, analogues of 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-(methylenedioxy)-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (1, GYKI 52466), which have been shown to possess significant anticonvulsant activity. This paper describes the synthesis of new 1-aryl-3,5-dihydro-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones and the evaluation of their anticonvulsant effects. The observed findings extend the structure-activity relationships previously suggested for this class of anticonvulsants. The seizures were evoked both by means of auditory stimulation in DBA/2 mice and by pentylenetetrazole or maximal electroshock in Swiss mice. 1-(4'-Aminophenyl)- (38) and 1-(3'-aminophenyl)-3,5-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-4H-2,3-benzodiazepin- 4-one (39), the most active compounds of the series, proved to be more potent than 1 in all tests employed. In particular, the ED50 values against tonus evoked by auditory stimulation were 12.6 micromol/kg for derivative 38, 18.3 micromol/kg for 39, and 25.3 micromol/kg for 1. Higher doses were necessary to block tonic extension induced both by maximal electroshock and by pentylenetetrazole. In addition these compounds exhibited anticonvulsant properties that were longer lasting than those of compound 1 and were less toxic. The novel 2,3-benzodiazepines were also investigated for a possible correlation between their anticonvulsant activities against convulsions induced by 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA) and their affinities for benzodiazepine receptors (BZR). The 2,3-benzodiazepines did not affect the binding of [3H]flumazenil to BZR, and conversely, their anticonvulsant effects were not reversed by flumazenil. On the other hand the 2,3-benzodiazepines antagonized seizures induced by AMPA and aniracetam in agreement with an involvement of the AMPA receptor. In addition, both the derivative 38 and the compound 1 markedly reduced the AMPA receptor-mediated membrane currents in guinea-pig olfactory cortical neurons in vitro in a noncompetitive manner. The derivatives 25 and 38-40 failed to displace specific ligands from N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), AMPA/kainate, or metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes mediating slow inward tail current (IADP) induction and inhibition of synaptic transmission in olfactory cortical neurones.

1. The pharmacological features of the pre- and postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) present in the guinea-pig olfactory cortex, were examined in brain slices in vitro by use of a conventional intracellular current clamp/voltage clamp recording technique. 2. Bath-application of trans-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD) (50 microM) produced a sustained membrane depolarization, increase in cell excitability and induction of a post-stimulus inward (after depolarizing) tail current (IADP) (measured under 'hybrid' voltage clamp) similar to those evoked by the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine-M (OXO-M, 2 microM). 3. L-Glutamate (0.25 1 mM. in the presence of 20 microM 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and 100 microM-DL-amino-5-phosphono valeric acid (DL-APV)) or the broad spectrum mGluR agonists 1S,3R-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD, 10 microM), 1S,3S-ACPD (50 microM), ibotenate (Ibo; 25 microM. in the presence of 100 microM DL-APV), the selective mGluR I agonists (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine ((S)-3,5-DHPG, 10 microM), (S)-3-hydroxyphenylglycine ((S)-3HPG, 50 microM), or quisqualate (10 microM, in the presence of 20 microM CNQX), but not the mGluR II agonist 2S,1'S,2'S-2-(2'-carboxycyclopropyl)-glycine (L-CCG1,1 microM) or mGluR III agonist L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4, 1 mM), were all effective in producing membrane depolarization and inducing a post-stimulus IADP. Unexpectedly, the proposed mGluR II-selective agonist (2S,1'R,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)-glycine (DCG-IV, 10 microM, in the presence of 100 microM DL-APV) was also active. 4. The excitatory effects induced by 10 microM 1S,3R-ACPD were reversibly antagonized by the mGluR I/II antagonist (1)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine ((+)-MCPG, 0.5 1 mM), as well as the selective mGluR I antagonists (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine ((S)-4CPG) and (S)-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenyl glycine ((S)-4C3HPG) (both at 1 mM), but not the nonselective mGluR antagonist L(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3, 1 mM) or the selective mGluR III antagonist (S)-alpha-methyl-L-AP4 (MAP4, 1 mM). 5. The excitatory postsynaptic potentials (e.p.s.ps), induced by single focal stimulation of cortical excitatory fibre tracts, were markedly reduced by 1S,3R-ACPD or L-AP4 (both at 10 microM), and by the selective mGluR II agonists (mGluR 1 antagonists) (S)-4CPG or (S)-4C3HPG (both at 1 mM) but not (S)-3,5-DHPG or (S)-3HPG (both at 100 microM). 6. The inhibitory effects of 1S-3R-ACPD, but not L-AP4, were reversibly blocked by (+)-MCPG (1 mM), whereas those produced by L-AP4, but not 1S,3R-ACPD, were blocked by the selective mGluR III antagonist MAP4 (1 mM). 7. It is concluded that a group I mGluR is most likely involved in mediating excitatory postsynaptic effects, whereas two distinct mGluRs (e.g. group II and III) might serve as presynaptic inhibitory autoreceptors in the guinea-pig olfactory cortex.

Effects of felbamate on muscarinic and metabotropic-glutamate agonist-mediated responses and magnesium-free or 4-aminopyridine-induced epileptiform activity in guinea pig olfactory cortex neurons in vitro.

The effects of the anticonvulsant agent felbamate (FBM) were examined on muscarinic and metabotropic-glutamate receptor agonist-induced responses and chemically induced epilepti-form activity, in guinea pig olfactory cortex slices in vitro. FBM (100-500 microM) had little effect on neuronal membrane properties and on postsynaptic potentials evoked by electrical stimulation of lateral olfactory tract terminals, whereas it reduced the duration of presumed Ca++ spikes induced by intracellular Cs+ loading. In contrast, the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine-M (10 microM) or the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist 1-aminocyclopentane-1S-3R-dicarboxylic acid (10 microM) induced a sustained membrane depolarization with repetitive firing, an increase in input resistance and the appearance of a slow poststimulus afterdepolarizing potential. These effects were reversibly reduced in the presence of FBM (100-500 microM). After preincubation of slices with Mg+(+)-free solution or 200 microM 4-aminopyridine, neurons exhibited spontaneous and stimulus-evoked epileptiform potentials that were suppressed by FBM (1 mM). We conclude that FBM can interfere with muscarinic and metabotropic-glutamate response generation and slow after-depolarization induction in olfactory cortical neurons, most likely by blocking Ca++ influx through voltage-sensitive Ca++ channels. A possible interaction of FBM with other voltage-insensitive Ca++ conductances is also considered. We also suggest that FBM can suppress epileptiform activity induced by Mg+(+)-free or 4-aminopyridine exposure primarily through inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate-gated ion channels, although additional actions on non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor sites and/or presynaptic transmitter release mechanisms cannot be excluded.

Mechanism of block by ZD 7288 of the hyperpolarization-activated inward rectifying current in guinea pig substantia nigra neurons in vitro.

1. The effects of the novel bradycardic agent 4-(N-ethyl-N-phenylamino)-1,2-dimethyl-6-(methylamino) pyrimidinium chloride (ZD 7288) (Zeneca) were investigated on the hyperpolarization-activated cationic current (Ih) in guinea pig substantia nigra pars compacta neurons in vitro, using a single-microelectrode current-clamp/voltage-clamp technique. 2. Under current-clamp conditions, injection of large negative current pulses (0.1-0.5 nA, 400 ms) evoked a slow depolarizing "sag" in the electrotonic potential due to activation of the slow inward (anomalous) rectifier. In voltage-clamp recordings, hyperpolarizing voltage steps from a holding potential of -60 mV (close to resting potential) elicited slow inward current relaxations with kinetic properties similar to those seen for other neuronal Ihs. 3. ZD 7288 (10-100 microM) produced a consistent abolition of the electrotonic potential sag with no effect on membrane potential or spike properties. Under voltage clamp, Ih amplitude was clearly reduced in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (apparent half-maximum blocking concentration = 2 microM); full block of Ih was typically achieved after 10-15 min of exposure to 50 microM ZD 7288, with no significant recovery observed after 1 h of washing. 4. A similar (although more rapid) block of Ih was seen after application of 3-5 mM Cs+ (partially reversible after 30 min of washing). 5. Partial block of Ih by 10 microM ZD 7288 was accompanied by a reduction in the maximum amplitude of the Ih activation curve, a small negative shift in its position on the voltage axis, and a linearization of the steady-state current-voltage relationship. The estimated Ih reversal potential, however, remained unaffected. 6. In 10 microM ZD 7288, the time course of Ih activation and deactivation was significantly slowed (within the range of -70 to -120 mV for the activation time constant and -70 to -90 mV for the inactivation time constant). 7. Blockade of Ih by ZD 7288 or Cs+ was independent of prior Ih activation (i.e., non-use dependent). 8. Intracellular loading with ZD 7288 also abolished the sag in the electrotonic voltage response and Ih relaxations, suggesting an intracellular site of action. By contrast, intracellular Cs+ had no effect on Ih properties. 9. Block of Ih by ZD 7288 (but not Cs+) was relieved by prolonged cell hyperpolarization, manifested as a slowly developing (half-time approximately 20 s) inward current at a holding potential of -100 mV. 10. We propose that ZD 7288, when applied externally, may behave as a "lipophilic" quaternary cation, capable of passing into the cell interior to block Ih channels in their closed state; this compound may thus prove a useful research tool, in place of Cs+, for studying the properties and significance of Ih currents in controlling neuronal function.

Patch-clamp study of neurones in rat olfactory cortex slices: properties of a slow post-stimulus afterdepolarizing current (IADP).

Whole-cell recordings were made from neurones in slices of rat olfactory cortex (10-19 days old), using potassium methylsulphate-filled pipettes. Positive commands applied from -60 mV in the presence of oxotremorine-M (10-20 microgramM, 20 of 30 cells) or trans-ACPD (10-50 microgramM, 4 of 9 cells) evoked a slow inward tail current similar to the K+ -mediated tail current (I K,ADP) recorded with sharp electrodes. I ADP was reduced by hyperpolarization, showed a 27% decrease in input conductance at its peak and was depressed by Cd(2+), 4AP or high K+ but unaffected by Cs+, Ba(2+) or TEA (5 mM). IADP was significantly larger in cells between postnatal days 13 and 15 than in younger neurones (10-12 days). These data show that stable whole-cell recordings of I ADP can be made from olfactory neurones in cortical slices, and support our hypothesis that IADP is a slowly reactivating, Ca(2+) -sensitive K+ conductance.

Chronic (-)baclofen or CGP 36742 alters GABAB receptor sensitivity in rat brain and spinal cord.

Administration of the GABAB receptor agonist, (-)-baclofen 10 mg kg-1, i.p. daily for 21 days to rats prevented (-)-baclofen-induced hyperpolarizing responses and synaptically-evoked late inhibitory potentials (IPSPs) in olfactory cortical neurones recorded intracellularly from 450 microns brain slices. In contrast, pre-treatment with CGP 36742 induced a significant increase in (-)-baclofen-mediated post-synaptic responses and late IPSP amplitude. In the spinal cord, the potency of (-)-baclofen in inhibiting electrically-evoked substance P-like immunoreactivity or amino acid release was significantly reduced or increased in slices from rats pre-treated with the GABAB agonist or antagonist, respectively. These data suggest that functional responses to GABAB receptor activation in the mammalian central nervous system can be up- or down-regulated.

Selective blockade of the hyperpolarization-activated cationic current (Ih) in guinea pig substantia nigra pars compacta neurones by a novel bradycardic agent, Zeneca ZM 227189.

The effects of a novel bradycardic agent Zeneca ZM 227189 (4-(N-ethyl-N-phenylamino)-1,2-dimethyl-6-(methylamino) triazinium iodide) were tested on the inward rectifying properties of guinea-pig substantia nigra pas compacta (SNC) and guinea-pig olfactory cortical cells recorded in vitro. In SNC neurones, ZM 227189 (10-100 microM) produced a dose-dependent block of the slow anomalous rectifier; under voltage clamp, a clear reduction was seen in the amplitude of the slow inward current (Ih) relaxation evoked by negative voltage commands from a holding potential of -60 mV. ZM 227189 (50-100 microM) induced an irreversible block of the Ih current after 10-15 min exposure. A similar block of Ih was observed following application of 5 mM Cs+. ZM 227189 had little effect on other membrane properties. By contrast, in olfactory cortical neurones, ZM 227189 (100 microM) induced an increase in the input resistance (approximately 20%) and cell excitability, accompanied by a small (< 2 mV) hyperpolarization; these effects were also not reversible. Activation of the fast (K(+)-mediated) inward rectifier at negative membrane potentials remained unaffected. Lower concentrations (1-10 microM) of ZM 227189 had no obvious effect on cortical cell properties. Our data indicate that ZM 227189 is a potent and apparently selective blocker of Ih in substantia nigra neurones, but has no effect on the fast-type inward rectifier in olfactory cortical cells.

A comparison of the muscarinic response and morphological properties of identified cells in the guinea-pig olfactory cortex in vitro.

The electrophysiological and morphological characteristics of neurons in the guinea-pig olfactory cortex brain slice were investigated using a combined intracellular recording and neurobiotin-dye filling technique, in an attempt to show whether a clear relation existed between cell morphology and excitatory muscarinic response profile. Out of 46 sampled neurons, 25 (termed type 1), responded to bath-application of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (10 microM, 2-3 min) with a strong and persistent excitation coupled with the appearance of a slow depolarizing afterpotential (10-20 mV amplitude) following a large depolarizing stimulus. These neurons were identified as deep pyramidal cells located in cortical layer III, with characteristic pyramidal/ovoid shaped cell bodies, prominent apical dendrites with branches extending to the surface, and extensive basal dendritic trees. The cells showed a regular spiking pattern in response to injected depolarizing current, with no evidence of bursting behaviour. Nine cells (termed type 2), were strongly excited by oxotremorine-M, but only generated a weak depolarizing afterpotential (< 5 mV) following stimulation. These neurons (located in layer III or at layer II-III border) had a variable, non-pyramidal morphology with either a fusiform/tripolar, stellate/multipolar or bipolar/bi-tufted appearance, respectively. Apart from a more prominent post-spike afterhyperpolarization observed in some type 2 cells, their resting membrane properties and firing patterns were indistinguishable from those of type 1 responding cells. Twelve cells (termed type 3) showed little or no excitatory response to oxotremorine-M, and never generated a post-stimulus slow afterdepolarization. These cells (within compact layer II) had the morphological features of superficial pyramidal cells, typified by their short apical trunks and well-developed apical dendritic trees. They could be distinguished electrophysiologically by their ability to show spike fractionation during injection of large depolarizing current pulses. The morphology and laminar position of neurobiotin-filled cells was also compared with those of cells stained by the Golgi-Cox method. Some factors that may have contributed to the observed differences in muscarinic response profile are discussed. It is proposed that the selective muscarinic induction of the slow depolarizing afterpotential phenomenon in deep pyramidal cells may be important in olfactory cortical learning and memory processes.

Persistent muscarinic excitation in guinea-pig olfactory cortex neurons: involvement of a slow post-stimulus afterdepolarizing current.

The persistent excitatory effects of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M were investigated in guinea-pig olfactory cortex neurons in vitro (28-30 degrees C) using a single-microelectrode current-clamp/voltage-clamp technique. In 40% of recorded cells (type 1), bath-application of oxotremorine-M (2-10 microM; 1-2 min) induced a strong membrane depolarization, an increase in input resistance and a sustained neuronal discharge lasting over 30 min following agonist washout. A large depolarizing stimulus applied during the action of oxotremorine-M, evoked a slow post-stimulus afterdepolarization (approximately 10-15 mV) lasting approximately 30 s. Injection of steady negative current at the peak of this response produced a slow repolarization of the membrane potential (half-time approximately 0.6 min) towards a plateau level ("hyperpolarization recovery"); these effects of oxotremorine-M were slowly reversed on washout or by application of atropine (1 microM). In a second population of neurons (type 2; 39% of total), oxotremorine-M produced a large depolarization, a resistance increase and repetitive firing that did not persist after agonist washout; these neurons failed to generate a prominent slow afterdepolarization on stimulation, and showed no hyperpolarization recovery effect. Their resting membrane properties were not significantly different from those of type 1 cells. The remaining proportion of cells (type 3) elicited little or no muscarinic response to oxotremorine-M and no slow afterdepolarization; these cells showed characteristics spike fractionation (pre-potentials) during an evoked train of action potentials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)