Hypothalamic Synaptosomes Research Articles

α2δ-1 protein promotes synaptic expression of Ca2+ permeable-AMPA receptors by inhibiting GluA1/GluA2 heteromeric assembly in the hypothalamus in hypertension.

Glutamate AMPA receptors (AMPARs) lacking GluA2 subunit are calcium permeable (CP-AMPARs), which are increased in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and maintain sympathetic outflow in hypertension. Here, we determined the role of α2δ-1, an NMDA receptor-interacting protein, in regulating synaptic CP-AMPARs in the hypothalamus in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Co-immunoprecipitation showed that levels of GluA1/GluA2, but not GluA2/GluA3, protein complexes in hypothalamic synaptosomes were reduced in SHR compared with Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The level of GluA1/GluA2 heteromers in endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions of the hypothalamus was significantly lower in SHR than in WKY, which was restored by inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin. Gabapentin also switched AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (AMPAR-EPSCs) from inward rectifying to linear and attenuated the inhibitory effect of IEM-1460, a selective CP-AMPAR blocker, on AMPAR-EPSCs in spinally projecting PVN neurons in SHR. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation revealed that α2δ-1 directly interacted with GluA1 and GluA2 in the hypothalamus of rats and humans. Levels of α2δ-1/GluA1 and α2δ-1/GluA2 protein complexes in the hypothalamus were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. Disrupting the α2δ-1-AMPAR interaction with an α2δ-1 C terminus peptide normalized GluA1/GluA2 heteromers in the endoplasmic reticulum of the hypothalamus diminished in SHR. In addition, α2δ-1 C terminus peptide diminished inward rectification of AMPAR-EPSCs and the inhibitory effect of IEM-1460 on AMPAR-EPSCs of PVN neurons in SHR. Thus, α2δ-1 augments synaptic CP-AMPARs by inhibiting GluA1/GluA2 heteromeric assembly in the hypothalamus in hypertension. These findings extend our understanding of the molecular basis of sustained sympathetic outflow in neurogenic hypertension.

Coupling of GABA Metabolism to Mitochondrial Glucose Phosphorylation.

Glucose and oxygen (O2) are vital to the brain. Glucose metabolism and mitochondria play a pivotal role in this process, culminating in the increase of reactive O2 species. Hexokinase (HK) is a key enzyme on glucose metabolism and is coupled to the brain mitochondrial redox modulation by recycling ADP for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). GABA shunt is an alternative pathway to GABA metabolism that increases succinate levels, a Krebs cycle intermediate. Although glucose and GABA metabolisms are intrinsically connected, their interplay coordinating mitochondrial function is poorly understood. Here, we hypothesize that the HK and the GABA shunt interact to control mitochondrial metabolism differently in the cortex and the hypothalamus. The GABA shunt stimulated mitochondrial O2 consumption and H2O2 production higher in hypothalamic synaptosomes (HSy) than cortical synaptosomes (CSy). The GABA shunt increased the HK coupled to OXPHOS activity in both population of synaptosomes, but the rate of activation was higher in HSy than CSy. Significantly, malonate and vigabatrin blocked the effects of the GABA shunt in the HK activity coupled to OXPHOS. It indicates that the glucose phosphorylation is linked to GABA and Krebs cycle reactions. Together, these data shed light on the HK and SDH role on the metabolism of each region fed by GABA turnover, which depends on the neurons' metabolic route.

Mitochondria-Bound Hexokinase (mt-HK) Activity Differ in Cortical and Hypothalamic Synaptosomes: Differential Role of mt-HK in H2O2 Depuration.

Glucose and oxygen are vital for the brain, as these molecules provide energy and metabolic intermediates that are necessary for cell function. The glycolysis pathway and mitochondria play a pivotal role in cell energy metabolism, which is closely related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Hexokinase (HK) is a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism that modulates the level of brain mitochondrial ROS by recycling ADP for oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Here, we hypothesize that the control of mitochondrial metabolism by hexokinase differs in distinct areas of the brain, such as the cortex and hypothalamus, in which ROS might function as signaling molecules. Thus, we investigated mitochondrial metabolism of synaptosomes derived from both brain regions. Cortical synaptosomes (CSy) show a predominance of glutamatergic synapses, while in the hypothalamic synaptosomes (HSy), the GABAergic synapses predominate. Significant differences of oxygen consumption and ROS production were related to higher mitochondrial complex II activity (succinate dehydrogenase-SDH) in CSy rather than to mitochondrial number. Mitochondrial HK (mt-HK) activity was higher in CSy than in HSy regardless the substrate added. Mitochondrial O2 consumption related to mt-HK activation by 2-deoxyglucose was also higher in CSy. In the presence of substrate for complex II, the activation of synaptosomal mt-HK promoted depuration of ROS in both HSy and CSy, while ROS depuration did not occur in HSy when substrate for complex I was used. The impact of the mt-HK inhibition by glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) was the same in synaptosomes from both areas. Together, the differences found between CSy and HSy indicate specific roles of mt-HK and SDH on the metabolism of each brain region, what probably depends on the main metabolic route that is used by the neurons.

Peripheral chemerin administration modulates hypothalamic control of feeding

Chemerin is a recently identified adipokine that is involved in the regulation of adipogenesis, energy metabolism, and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of chemerin on food intake, body weight and hypothalamic peptidergic and aminergic modulators which play a pivotal role in feeding regulation in rats. Male adult Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected, daily for 17 days at 9.00am, with either vehicle (saline; N=12) or chemerin (8μg/kg; N=12) and (16μg/kg; N=12). Food intake was recorded 24h after each administration. Animals were sacrificed 24h after the last injection. Total RNA was extracted from hypothalami and reverse transcribed to evaluate gene expression of agouti-related peptide (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), orexin-A, corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of chemerin on dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin steady state concentrations in rat hypothalamus homogenate, and monoamine release from rat hypothalamic synaptosomes. Chemerin administration (8 and 16μg/kg) decreased both food intake and body weight compared to vehicle, possibly associated with a significant increase in serotonin synthesis and release, in the hypothalamus. On the other hand, the pattern of gene expression following chemerin administration indicates a minor role played by chemerin as a peripheral appetite-regulating signal.

Synthesis and neuromodulatory effects of TRH-related peptides: inhibitory activity on catecholamine release in vitro

BackgroundA detailed comprehension of central mechanisms underlying feeding behavior holds considerable promise for the treatment of alimentary disorders MethodsIn order to elucidate the tight interrelationships occurring at the hypothalamic neuronal endings between aminergic neurotransmitters and co-localized appetite modulators, we initially studied the effects of two anorexigenic peptides structurally related to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, 1), namely cyclo(His-Pro) (CHP, 2) and pGlu-His-Gly-OH (3), on [3H]-norepinephrine and [3H]-dopamine release from perfused rat hypothalamic synaptosomes. Furthermore, a number of TRH and CHP analogues were synthesized and tested for their ability to influence neurotransmitter release in the selected neuronal model ResultsPeptide 3 showed only a slight inhibitory activity on norepinephrine release, whereas no effect was observed for compound 2. TRH analogue 8, metabolically stabilized by the replacement of pyroglutamate with the pyrohomocysteic acid (pHcs), was found to be inactive. Conversely, a significant inhibitory effect on dopamine and norepinephrine release was observed for the CHP-related diketopiperazines cyclo(Leu-Pro) (11) and cyclo(His-Gly) (14) ConclusionsThese results suggest a potential role for cyclo-dipeptides 11 and 14 in the hypothalamic modulation of appetite suppressant circuitry

Orexigenic effects of omentin-1 related to decreased CART and CRH gene expression and increased norepinephrine synthesis and release in the hypothalamus

Omentin-1, a visceral fat depot-specific secretory protein, is inversely correlated with obesity and insulin resistance. We investigated, in rats, the effects of chronic omentin-1 administration (8μg/kg, intraperitoneally, once daily for 14-days) on feeding behavior and related hypothalamic peptides and neurotransmitters. Food intake and body weight were recorded daily throughout the study. We found a significantly increased food intake compared to controls, but only in days 10–14, while body weight significantly increased since day 12 (P<0.05). Compared with vehicle, omentin-1 treatment led to a significant reduction in both cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) (P<0.05) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) (P<0.05) gene expression, while pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and orexin-A gene expression were not modified with respect to vehicle-treated rats. We also found an increase in hypothalamic levodopa (l-dopa) (P<0.05) and norepinephrine (NE) (P<0.01) synthesis, without any effect on dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) metabolism. Furthermore, in hypothalamic synaptosomes, omentin-1 (10–100ng/ml) stimulated basal NE release (ANOVA, P<0.0001; post hoc, P<0.001 vs. vehicle), in a dose-dependent manner, leaving unaffected both basal and depolarization-induced DA and 5-HT release. Finally, when synaptosomes were co-perfused with leptin and omentin-1, we observed that leptin was able to reverse omentin-1-induced stimulation of NE. In conclusion, the orexigenic effects of omentin-1 could be related, at least in part, to decreased CART and CRH gene expression and increased NE synthesis and release in the hypothalamus.

Ghrelin inhibited serotonin release from hippocampal slices

Ghrelin (Ghr) is a peptide produced peripherally and centrally. It participates in the modulation of different biological processes. In our laboratory we have shown that (a) Ghr administration, either intracerebroventricular or directly into the hippocampus enhanced memory consolidation in a step down test in rats (b) the effect of Ghr upon memory decreases in animals pretreated with a serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor, Fluoxetine, suggesting that Ghr effects in the hippocampus could be related to the availability of 5-HT. It has been demonstrated that Ghr inhibits 5-HT release from rat hypothalamic synaptosomes. Taking in mint these evidences, we studied the release of radioactive 5-HT to the superfusion medium from hippocampal slices treated with two doses of Ghr (0.3 and 3nm/μl). Ghr inhibited significantly the 5-HT release in relation to those superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) (H=9.48, df=2, p≤0.05). In another set of experiments, Ghr was infused into the CA1 area of hippocampus of the rats immediately after training in the step down test and the 5-HT release from slices was studied 24h after Ghr injection showing that in this condition also the 5-HT release was inhibited (H=11.72, df=1, p≤0.05). In conclusion, results provide additional evidence about the neurobiological bases of Ghr action in hippocampus.

Presynaptic α-block and inhibition of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine reuptake by a series of compounds related to mianserin

A structure-activity relationship study was undertaken for a variety of structural analogues of the tetracyclic antidepressant mianserin. Presynaptic alpha-blocking activity in vitro was evaluated measuring the potentiation of depolarization-induced noradrenaline (NA) release from rat cerebral cortex slices. Inhibition of NA and 5-hydroxytryptamine reuptake was measured in rat hypothalamic or striatal synaptosomes, respectively. Presynaptic alpha-blockade was only found in molecules with an overall bent shape. Flat rigid molecules or flexible ones were not active. Six-membered, chair-formed D-rings (containing the -NCH3 moiety) appeared better than 5- or 7-membered ones. Heteroatom substitution, but not hydroxylation or methylation, of the bridge between the two aromatic rings left presynaptic alpha-blockade unaffected. N-Demethylation and aromatic methyl- or chlorine-substitution reduced presynaptic alpha-blockade. In pyridine ring-substituted analogues the localization of the heteroatom appeared to be crucial. 5-Hydroxytryptamine reuptake inhibitory activity was only found in desmethylmianserin. NA uptake inhibition was found in many mianserin analogues, especially those with an exocyclic-N(CH3)2 moiety. Structure activity relationships for NA reuptake inhibition differed from those for presynaptic alpha-blockade and were generally less stringent. For both properties simple additivity relationships appeared to be absent.

SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 Inhibit Reuptake of Serotonin by Rat Hypothalamic Synaptosomes

Background/Aims: Both the dopamine receptor D₁ agonist SKF 38393 and the antagonist SCH 23390 are benzazepine derivatives that have been widely used as pharmacological tools and radioligands. Evidence suggests that behavioral effects of both compounds do not always correspond to their established receptor subtype selectivity. Here, we assessed the effects of SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 on the synaptosomal uptake of tritiated serotonin. Methods: Uptake experiments were performed by using [³H]serotonin and synaptosomal fractions prepared from the hypothalamus of rat brain. Results: Both SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 inhibited synaptosomal uptake of [³H]serotonin, with IC₅₀ values of 910 ± 60 nmol/l and 1,400 ± 80 nmol/l, respectively. Clomipramine, a known inhibitor of serotonin uptake, and (+)-amphetamine, a weak inhibitor, had IC₅₀ values of 14 ± 1 nmol/l and more than 10,000 nmol/l, respectively, under the same experimental conditions. The IC₅₀ values for SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 fall within the broad range of corresponding values for antidepressants that have been shown to inhibit the uptake of serotonin. This finding indicates that SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 can enhance the activity of the serotonergic system in the brain, a mechanism that may be responsible for some of the effects of these drugs. Conclusion: SKF 38393 and SCH 23390 are useful tools to differentiate D₁ from D₂ receptors, but their indirect effects on serotonergic mechanisms have to be considered.

Deconstructing Antiobesity Compound Action: Requirement of Serotonin 5-HT2B Receptors for Dexfenfluramine Anorectic Effects

The now-banned anorectic molecule, dexfenfluramine, promotes serotonin release through a serotonin transporter-dependent mechanism, and it has been widely prescribed for the treatment of obesity. Previous studies have identified that 5-HT(2B) receptors have important roles in dexfenfluramine side effects, that is, pulmonary hypertension, plasma serotonin level regulation, and valvulopathy. We thus investigated a putative contribution of 5-HT(2B) receptors in dexfenfluramine-dependent feeding behavior in mice. Interestingly, the hypophagic response to dexfenfluramine (3-10 mg/kg) observed in wild-type mice (1-4 h) was eliminated in mice lacking 5-HT(2B) receptors (5-HT(2B)(-/-)). These findings were further validated by the lack of hypophagic response to dexfenfluramine in wild-type mice treated with RS127445, a highly selective and potent antagonist (pKi=8.22 ± 0.24). Using microdialysis, we observed that in 5-HT(2B)(-/-) awake mice, the dexfenfluramine-induced hypothalamic peak of serotonin release (1 h) was strongly reduced (fourfold) compared with wild type. Moreover, using hypothalamic synaptosomes, we established the serotonergic neuron autonomous properties of this effect: a strong serotonin release was observed upon dexfenfluramine stimulation of synaptosome preparation from wild type but not from mice lacking active 5-HT(2B) receptors. These findings strongly suggest that activation of presynaptic 5-HT(2B) receptors is a limiting step in the serotonin transporter dependent-releasing effect of dexfenfluramine, whereas other serotonin receptors act downstream with respect to feeding behavior.

Obestatin inhibits dopamine release in rat hypothalamus

We have investigated the effects of the gastric peptide obestatin injected into the arcuate nucleus of the rat hypothalamus on the hypothalamic mRNA expression of peptides which play master roles as feeding behavior modulators. We have also evaluated the effects of obestatin on dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin release from rat hypothalamic synaptosomes in vitro. After 4 daily intrahypothalamic injections of obestatin (1 nmol/kg), we recorded a significant reduction of daily caloric intake and body weight gain. Gene expressions of either anorexigenic (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, corticotropin releasing hormone, proopiomelanocortin) or orexigenic (agouti-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, orexin-A) peptide mRNAs in the hypothalamus, as evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR, were not different in respect to vehicle treated rats. Moreover, ghrelin/obestatin prepropeptide gene expression in the hypothalamus was not affected by obestatin treatment. In hypothalamic synaptosomes perfused with obestatin (1–100 nM), we found a dose-dependent inhibition of depolarization-induced dopamine release, while norepinephrine and serotonin releases were not modified by obestatin treatment. When ghrelin (1 nM) and obestatin (1 nM) were co-perfused, we observed that ghrelin reversed obestatin-induced inhibition of dopamine release, and obestatin was able to block ghrelin-induced inhibition of serotonin release. We can conclude that obestatin plays an anorectic role in the hypothalamus which could be partially mediated by the acute inhibition of dopamine release, with the possible involvement of antagonism of the hypothalamic serotonin inhibitory effects of ghrelin.

Mechanism of CCK‐induced oxytocin release from hypothalamic synaptosomal preparation

Previously we have reported that both KCl and CCK‐8 cause oxytocin release from spinal cord synaptosomes. We have also demonstrated the involvement of mitochondria in this release process. Mitochondria could modulate OT release either as a source of Ca2+ or as a source of ATP or both. The current experiments were designed to determine if ATP has some modulatory role in this release mechanism. Present experiments were conducted with hypothalamic synaptosomes prepared from hypothalamic block obtainedfrom freshly sacrificed rats containing both PVN and SON. Synaptosomes were purified by discontinuous percoll gradient (23%,15%,10% &amp;3%). The interface between 23% &amp;15 % was collected and used for the release study. For the current experiments ATP was used as a stimulant. ATP in a concentration of 10nM, 50 nM and 100 nM caused release of oxytocin 90%,364% &amp; 77% rtespectively.. Thus, these results suggest that inhibition of oxytocin release from spinal cord synaptosomes following treatment with electron transport chain inhibitors was probably due to lack of ATP and not due to lack of Ca2+

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (7–36) amide (GLP-1) and exendin-4 stimulate serotonin release in rat hypothalamus

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) amide (GLP-1) and exendin-4 are gastrointestinal hormones as well as neuropeptides involved in glucose homeostasis and feeding regulation, both peripherally and at the central nervous system (CNS), acting through the same GLP-1 receptor. Aminergic neurotransmitters play a role in the modulation of feeding in the hypothalamus and we have previously found that peripheral hormones and neuropeptides, which are known to modulate feeding in the central nervous system, are able to modify catecholamine and serotonin release in the hypothalamus. In the present paper we have evaluated the effects of GLP-1 and exendin-4 on dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin release from rat hypothalamic synaptosomes, in vitro. We found that glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) amide and exendin-4 did not modify either basal or depolarization-induced dopamine and norepinephrine release; on the other hand glucagon-like peptide 1 (7-36) amide and exendin-4 stimulated serotonin release, in a dose dependent manner. We can conclude that the central anorectic effects of GLP-1 agonists could be partially mediated by increased serotonin release in the hypothalamus, leaving the catecholamine release unaffected.

Peptide YY (3–36) inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus

Peptide YY (1–36) and peptide YY (3–36) are gut-derived hormones which are involved in feeding control in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamic mechanisms of feeding have been shown to be modulated by aminergic neurotransmitters, which could mediate the anorectic or orexigenic effects of neuropeptides and hormones. We have investigated the role of peptide YY (1–36) and peptide YY (3–36) on dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin release from hypothalamic synaptosomes in vitro. We found that peptide YY (3–36) inhibited depolarization-induced dopamine and norepinephrine release, leaving unaffected serotonin release, while peptide YY (1–36) did not modify either basal or stimulated amine release. We can hypothesize that the effects of peptide YY (3–36) could be mediated by inhibited hypothalamic dopamine and norepinephrine release, which could partially account for the anorectic activity of the peptide. On the other hand, peptide YY (1–36), which has a feeding stimulatory role, does not affect aminergic neurotransmission in the hypothalamus.

Effects of Acute, Repeated and Chronic Variable Stress on In Vivo Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity and on α2-adrenoceptor Sensitivity in the Rat Brain

We assessed the effects of a single tail pinch and two chronic stress regimes, repeated and variable, on in vivo tyrosine hydroxylase activity and on α2-adrenoceptor sensitivity in two brain regions. After administering a 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase inhibitor, tyrosine hydroxylase activity, measured as the accumulation of DOPA, and noradrenaline (NA) content were determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography. A single tail pinch for 5 min induced an enhancement of DOPA content in hippocampus (28%) and hypothalamus (67%) which was still present 24 h later. This increase could account for the lack of changes in NA content in both regions after the application of this stressor. However, tyrosine hydroxylase activity was unmodified 24 h after exposure to both repeated (5 min of tail pinch, twice daily, for 14 days) and chronic variable stress (one of 5 different stressors, once daily, for 14 days) although there was an enhancement of NA levels in hippocampus (45 and 54%, respectively) and hypothalamus (24.5 and 36%, respectively). The sensitivity of the α2-adrenoceptors which regulate [3H]-NA release in hippocampal and hypothalamic synaptosomes was not modified by the acute or chronic stress protocols assayed. The results show that both paradigms of chronic stress had similar effects on the noradrenergic indices evaluated.

Desialylated N-CAM and chromatin-derived acidic peptide effects in the hypothalamus

Chromatin-derived acidic peptides (ACPs) have been shown to acutely modulate hypothalamic catecholamine release. To investigate whether this effect is mediated through membrane polysialylated neural-cell adhesion molecule (PSA-N-CAM), we pretreated rat hypothalamic synaptosomes with neuraminidase enzyme, which partially cleaves sialic acid residues from N-CAM, and perfused them with ACP-1 (Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp-Glu-Glu-Asn) or a more lipophilic derivative, ACP-2 ([Ala-Ile-Ser-Pro]-Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp-Glu-Glu-Asn). We have found that neuraminidase completely abolish the inhibitory effect of ACP-1 on dopamine release, while the inhibitory activity of ACP-1 on norepinephrine release is partially lost. On the other hand, ACP-2 inhibition of dopamine release is not modified by neuraminidase pretreatment.

Formula omitted]-DA release evoked by low pH medium and internal H + accumulation in rat hypothalamic synaptosomes: involvement of calcium ions

The pH fluctuations have been often interpreted as an insufficient regulation or as a consequence of the onset of pathological events, such as ischemia, in which a significant decrease in pH levels occurs. Neurotransmitter release appears to be affected by pH drop significantly. In this study, we investigated the effect of an extracellular and an intracellular acidification on tritiated dopamine release ( [ 3 H] -DA release), from superfused rat hypothalamic synaptosomes. When compared to basal release, extracellular acidification, due to a reduction in the external pH of the nominally carbonic-free superfusion media, provoked a significant increase in [ 3 H] -DA release that showed a sensitiveness to calcium omission. Intraterminal acidification, obtained blocking the Na +/H + exchanger by 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA) and 5-( N, N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), induced a significant increase in [ 3 H] -DA outflow which occurred in a calcium-dependent manner (80% inhibition in absence of calcium from superfusion media). To further promote an intraterminal acidification through a H + inner accumulation, the proton ionophore nigericin was used. At every dose employed (10 μM), this compound induced a significant increase in [ 3 H] -DA outflow, compared to basal release. Nigericin-evoked [ 3 H] -DA release showed a 50% decrease when calcium was omitted from superfusion media. When BAPTA-AM, a chelator of intracellular calcium, was added, nigericin-evoked [ 3 H] -DA was completely abolished. These data indicate that [ 3 H] -DA release can be induced by extracellular acidification due to a lowering of external pH and by an intraterminal acidification due to an internal proton accumulation. The mechanism that can trigger this exocytotic process appears to depend on calcium presence, and in particular, on an increased intraterminal calcium availability.

Effects of ghrelin and amylin on dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin release in the hypothalamus

Ghrelin and amylin are gut-derived hormones that stimulate and inhibit food intake, respectively. Feeding is modulated by aminergic neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus. We have evaluated the effects of ghrelin and amylin on dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin release from rat hypothalamic synaptosomes. We found that ghrelin did not modify dopamine or norepinephrine release, but inhibited serotonin release. On the other hand, amylin inhibited dopamine release, without affecting norepinephrine or serotonin. We conclude that the appetite-stimulating activity of ghrelin could be mediated by inhibited serotonin release, while the anorectic effects of amylin could involve inhibited release of dopamine in the hypothalamus.

Effects of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide, leptin and orexins on hypothalamic serotonin release

We have studied the effects of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide-(55–102), leptin, orexin-A and orexin-B on basal and depolarization (K + 15 mM)-induced serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) release from rat hypothalamic neuronal endings (synaptosomes) in vitro. We have found that leptin and CART peptide-(55–102) have no effect on 5-HT release, while orexin-A and orexin-B inhibit depolarization-stimulated serotonin release. We can conclude that leptin and CART peptide-(55–102), which play a physiological role as feeding inhibitors, do not acutely affect 5-HT release from hypothalamic synaptosomes; on the other hand, feeding induced by orexin-A and orexin-B could be partially explained by decreased 5-HT release.

Chromatin-derived acidic peptides modulate catecholamine release in the hypothalamus☆

We have studied the neuromodulatory effects of three synthetic peptides, structurally related to chromatin-derived acidic peptides (ACPs): ACP-1 (Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp-Glu-Glu-Asn), corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of the largest subunit of eukaryotic RNA polymerase II; a more lipophilic derivative, ACP-2 (Ala-Ile-Ser-Pro-Asp-Asp-Ser-Asp-Glu-Glu-Asn); and its phosphorylated form ACP-3 (Ala-Ile-Ser-Pro-Asp-Asp-Ser(P)-Asp-Glu-Glu-Asn). Rat hypothalamic synaptosomes, loaded with [ 3H]norepinephrine or [ 3H]dopamine, were perfused with the above peptides, both basally and during a depolarizing stimulus. We have found: ACP-1 inhibited both dopamine and norepinephrine release; ACP-2 inhibited dopamine release, without affecting norepinephrine release; ACP-3 was almost ineffective, except for a weak dopamine inhibiting effect only at a higher concentration.