Receptor-mediated Inhibition Of Noradrenaline Release Research Articles

Enhanced function of inhibitory presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors on sympathetic nerves of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats.

This study was performed to examine whether hypertension affects the sympathetic transmission to resistance vessels of pithed rats via inhibitory presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors and whether endocannabinoids are involved in this response. We compared uninephrectomised rats rendered hypertensive by high salt diet and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) injections with normotensive animals (uninephrectomy only). Experiments were performed on vagotomised and pithed animals. Increases in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were induced four times (S1-S4) by electrical stimulation or phenylephrine injection. Electrical stimulation (0.75Hz, 1ms, 50V, 5 impulses) of the preganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres innervating the blood vessels more strongly increased DBP in normotensive than in DOCA-salt rats. Phenylephrine (0.01μmol/kg) induced similar increases in DBP in both groups. The cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55940 (0.01-1μmol/kg) did not modify the rises in DBP induced by phenylephrine. However, it inhibited the electrically stimulated increases in DBP, more strongly in DOCA-salt than in normotensive animals (maximally by 50 and 30%, respectively). The effect of CP55940 was attenuated by the CB1 antagonist AM251 (3μmol/kg). AM251 enhanced the neurogenic vasopressor response during S4 by itself in hypertensive rats only. URB597 (3μmol/kg), which inhibits degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide, did not modify the electrically stimulated increases in DBP. The function of inhibitory presynaptic CB1 receptors on sympathetic nerves is enhanced in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Thus, the CB1 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release from the sympathetic nerve fibres innervating the resistance vessels might play a protective role in hypertension.

Presynaptic BK type Ca 2+-activated K + channels are involved in prostanoid TP receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release from the rat gastric sympathetic nerves

Previously, we reported that prostanoid TP receptor mediates the inhibition of electrically evoked noradrenaline release from gastric sympathetic nerves in rats. Prostanoid TP receptor has been shown to activate phospholipase C (PLC), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP 3) and diacylglycerol; IP 3 triggers the release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores and diacylglycerol activates protein kinase C. In the present study, therefore, we examined whether these PLC-mediated mechanisms are involved in the TP receptor-mediated inhibition of gastric noradrenaline release using an isolated, vascularly perfused rat stomach. U-46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9α,11α-methanoepoxy PGF 2α) (a prostanoid TP receptor agonist)-induced inhibition of noradrenaline release from the stomach was reduced by U-73122 [1-[6-[[(17β)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]-amino]hexyl]-1 H-pyrrole-2,5-dine] (a PLC inhibitor) and ET-18-OCH 3 (1- O-octadecyl-2- O-methyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) (a phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC inhibitor), respectively. 2-APB (2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate) (a putative IP 3 receptor antagonist) also abolished the U-46619-induced inhibition of noradrenaline release, but Ro 31-8220 [2-{1-[3-(amidinothio)propyl]-1 H-indol-3-yl}-3-(1-methylindol-3-yl)-maleimide] (a protein kinase C inhibitor) had no effect. Furthermore, a small dose of tetraethylammonium and charybdotoxin [blockers of BK type Ca 2+-activated K + channel] abolished the U-46619-induced inhibition, but apamin (a blocker of SK-type Ca 2+-activated K + channel) had no effect. These results suggest that BK type Ca 2+-activated K + channels are involved in prostanoid TP receptor-mediated inhibition of electrically evoked noradrenaline release from the gastric sympathetic nerve terminals in rats.

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in guinea-pig vessels, but not in rat and mouse aorta

Cannabinoids exert complex effects on blood pressure related to their interference with cardiovascular centres in the central nervous system and to their direct influence on vascular muscle, vascular endothelium and heart. In view of the relative lack of information on the occurrence of CB1 receptors on the vascular postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres, the aim of the present study was to examine whether cannabinoid receptor ligands affect the electrically evoked tritium overflow in superfused vessels (tissue pieces) from the guinea-pig, the rat and the mouse preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline. The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]-pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]1,4-benzoxazinyl](1-naphthalenyl) methanone) inhibited the evoked tritium overflow in the guinea-pig aorta, but not in that of the rat or mouse. The concentration-response curve of WIN 55,212-2 was shifted to the right by the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant, yielding an apparent pA2 value of 7.9. The most pronounced (near-maximum) inhibition obtained at the highest WIN 55,212-2 concentration applied (3.2 microM) amounted to 40%. WIN 55,212-2 also inhibited the evoked overflow in guinea-pig pulmonary artery, basilar artery and portal vein, again in a manner sensitive to antagonism by rimonabant. The latter did not affect the evoked overflow by itself in the four vessels, but did increase the electrically evoked tritium overflow from superfused guinea-pig hippocampal slices preincubated with 3H-choline and from superfused guinea-pig retina discs preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline (labelling dopaminergic cells in this tissue). The inhibitory effect of 3.2 microM WIN 55,212-2 on the evoked overflow from the guinea-pig aorta was comparable in size to that obtained with agonists at the histamine H3, kappa opioid (KOP) and ORL1 (NOP) receptor (1 or 10 microM, producing the respective near-maximum effects) whereas prostaglandin E2 1 microM caused a higher near-maximum inhibition of 70%. Prostaglandin E2 also induced an inhibition by 65 and 80% in the rat and mouse aorta respectively, indicating that the present conditions are basically suitable for detecting presynaptic receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release. The results show that the postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres in the guinea-pig aorta, but not in the rat or mouse aorta, are endowed with presynaptic inhibitory cannabinoid CB1 receptors; such receptors also occur in guinea-pig pulmonary artery, basilar artery and portal vein. These CB1 receptors are not subject to an endogenous tone and the extent of inhibition obtainable via these receptors is within the same range as that of several other presynaptic heteroreceptors, but markedly lower than that obtainable via receptors for prostaglandin E2.

NPY and NPY Y 1 receptor effects on noradrenaline overflow from the rat brain in vitro

Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides play important roles in the regulation of various neuroendocrine functions particularly feeding. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a functional interaction occurs among neuropeptide Y (NPY) at NPY Y 1 receptors and noradrenaline overflow, as this may contribute to the regulation of appetite. The release of endogenous noradrenaline and its metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) were examined from hypothalamic and medullary prisms using the technique of in vitro superfusion and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with coulometric detection. Noradrenaline and DHPG overflow was investigated at rest, in response to NPY (0.1 μM) and in response to the NPY Y 1 receptor agonist, [Leu 31,Pro 34]NPY (0.1 μM). Perfusion with NPY and [Leu 31,Pro 34]NPY significantly reduced noradrenaline overflow from the hypothalamus and medulla. Perfusion with NPY and [Leu 31,Pro 34]NPY was without significant effect on hypothalamic DHPG overflow, while medullary DHPG overflow was significantly reduced by NPY and [Leu 31,Pro 34]NPY. Results from this study provide evidence of NPY Y 1 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in the hypothalamus and medulla, further illustrating a complex interaction between neurotransmitters and neuropeptides within the rat brain.

Role of K+ Channels in M2 Muscarinic Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Noradrenaline Release From the Rat Stomach

Previously we reported the cholinergic M2 muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release from the rat stomach (K. Yokotani, Y. Osumi. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1993;264:54–60). In the present study, we investigated the role of K+ channels in oxotremorine (a muscarinic receptor agonist)-induced inhibition of noradrenaline release using isolated, vascularly perfused rat stomach. The gastric postganglionic sympathetic nerves were electrically stimulated twice at 2.5 Hz for 1 min and test reagents were added during the second stimulation. The electrically evoked release of noradrenaline was augmented by tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine (non-selective K+ channel blockers) and also by charybdotoxin (a blocker of big conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel). On the other hand, apamin (a selective blocker of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels) and glibenclamide (an ATP-activated K+ channel blocker) had no effect on the evoked noradrenaline release. Oxotremorine-induced inhibition of noradrenaline release was attenuated by tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, while the inhibition was not influenced by charybdotoxin, apamin, and glibenclamide. These results suggest that tetraethylammonium- and 4-aminopyridine-sensitive K+ channels (probably voltage-activated K+ channels) are involved in the muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release from the rat stomach.

Evidence for presynaptic cannabinoid CB 1 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in the guinea pig lung

Using neurochemical method, evidence was obtained that cannabinoid CB 1 receptors are localized on noradrenergic terminals and their stimulation by WIN-55,212-2 reduces the release of [ 3H]noradrenaline evoked by axonal activity in a frequency-dependent manner. At stimulation rates of 1 and 3 Hz, there was significant inhibition of noradrenaline release, with IC 50 of WIN-55,212-2 41.5±2.6 and 320.5±28.2 nM, for 1 and 3 Hz, respectively. Cannabinoid CB 1 receptor antagonist SR 141716A completely prevented WIN-55,212-2 from reducing the release. The release of noradrenaline is negatively modulated by presynaptic α 2-adrenoceptors. Because BRL-44408, an α 2B-adrenoceptor, and prazosin, an α 1- and α 2B-adrenoceptor antagonist, both increased the release of [ 3H]noradrenaline, it seems likely that the α 2B subtype is responsible for the negative feedback modulation of noradrenaline release. In the presence of α 2-adrenoceptor antagonism, cannabinoid CB 1 receptor activation by WIN-55,212-2 was much more effective in inhibiting the release of [ 3H]noradrenaline. Using a specific antibody against the C-terminus of the rat cannabinoid CB 1 receptor and also against neuropeptide Y, ultrastructural evidence was obtained that cannabinoid CB 1 receptors are exclusively localized on neuropeptide Y-positive noradrenergic varicosities. Since the sympathetic innervation of the human airway smooth muscle is sparse, and mainly the circulating adrenaline relaxes the airways via activation of β 2-adrenoceptor localized on the smooth muscle, it is suggested that inhibition of noradrenaline release by cannabinoids, and the subsequent bronchospasm, may be limited to those cases when noradrenaline released from sympathetic varicosities is involved in airway relaxation.

Histamine H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in the human brain.

Stimulation-evoked 3H-noradrenaline release in human cerebrocortical slices was inhibited by histamine (in a manner sensitive to clobenpropit) and by imetit, suggesting H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in human brain.

H2 receptor-mediated facilitation and H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in the guinea-pig brain.

The effect of histamine and related drugs on the tritium overflow evoked electrically (0.3 Hz) or by introduction of Ca2+ ions into Ca2+-free K+-rich (25 mmol/l) medium containing tetrodotoxin was studied in superfused guinea-pig brain cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus or hypothalamus slices and in mouse brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline. The electrically evoked tritium overflow in guinea-pig cortex slices was inhibited by histamine; the H3 receptor antagonist clobenpropit reversed the effect of histamine to a slight facilitation. The facilitatory effect of histamine (obtained in the presence of clobenpropit) was not affected by the H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine but abolished by the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine. In the absence of clobenpropit, ranitidine augmented the inhibitory effect of histamine. In slices superfused in the presence of ranitidine, the evoked overflow was inhibited by histamine and, more potently, by the H3 receptor agonist R-alpha-methylhistamine in a concentration-dependent manner (maximum inhibitory effect obtained for both agonists 30-35%). The concentration-response curve of histamine was shifted to the right by the H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide. R-alpha-methylhistamine inhibited the electrically evoked tritium overflow also in guinea-pig cerebellar, hippocampal and hypothalamic slices. In cortex slices superfused in the presence of clobenpropit, the H2 receptor agonists impromidine and, less potently, R-sopromidine facilitated the evoked overflow in a concentration-dependent manner. S-Sopromidine only tended to increase the evoked overflow. The effect of impromidine was counteracted by the H2 receptor antagonists ranitidine and cimetidine. The extent of the maximum facilitatory effect of impromidine (by 15-20%) was about the same when (i) the Ca2+ concentration in the medium was reduced from 1.3 to 0.98 mmol/l, (ii) the time of exposure to impromidine was reduced from 28 to 8 min or (iii) cerebellar, hippocampal or hypothalamic slices were used instead of cortical slices. The Ca2+-induced tritium overflow in guinea-pig cortex slices was inhibited by histamine (in the presence of ranitidine); this effect was abolished by clobenpropit. In slices superfused in the presence of clobenpropit, impromidine failed to facilitate the Ca2+-evoked tritium overflow. The electrically evoked tritium overflow in mouse brain cortex slices was inhibited by histamine by about 60% (both in the absence or presence of ranitidine). The inhibitory effect of histamine was abolished (but not reversed) by clobenpropit. In conclusion, noradrenaline release in the guinea-pig brain cortex is inhibited via presynaptic H3 receptors and facilitated via H2 receptors not located presynaptically. In the mouse brain cortex, only inhibitory H3 receptors occur. The extent of the H3 receptor-mediated effect is more marked in the mouse than in the guinea-pig brain cortex.

Attenuation of adenylate cyclase-induced increases in renal sodium excretion by the dopamine D-2 receptor agonist SK&F 89124.

1. Although the existence of D-2 receptor binding sites in kidney has been identified, their functional significance in terms of influencing renal sodium excretion is not clear. In the present study we have examined the renal effects of a selective D-2 receptor agonist, SK&F 89124, in anaesthetized rats. 2. Intravenous infusion of SK&F 89124 (0.3, 1 and 3 micrograms kg-1 min-1 respectively) produced dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate and renal blood flow without causing any significant changes in urine output, urinary sodium excretion, renal vascular resistance or glomerular filtration rate. The changes in blood pressure, heart rate and renal blood flow caused by SK&F 89124 were abolished by a selective D-2 receptor antagonist, domperidone (50 micrograms kg-1 i.v. bolus; 10 micrograms kg-1 min-1). 3; Treatment with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 1 mg kg-1 bolus i.v.) or forskolin (200 micrograms kg-1 bolus i.v.) produced increases in heart rate, urine output and urinary sodium excretion, but there was no change in mean blood pressure. The natriuretic and diuretic response, but not tachycardiac response to IBMX or forskolin, was attenuated by SK&F 89124 (0.3 micrograms kg-1 min-1). 4. These results suggest that the selective D-2 receptor agonist, SK&F 89124, produced a significant decrease in blood pressure and heart rate via prejunctional D-2 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release from postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminals. Although activation of renal tubular D-2 receptors had no significant effect on renal excretory function under basal conditions, it is likely that these receptors may exert an opposing effect on cAMP-mediated increases in renal sodium and water excretion.

H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release: an investigation into the involvement of Ca2+ and K+ ions, G protein and adenylate cyclase

The present study was aimed at the identification of mechanisms following the activation of histamine H3 receptors. Mouse brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline were superfused and the (H3 receptor-mediated) effect of histamine on the electrically evoked tritium overflow was studied under a variety of conditions. The extent of inhibition produced by histamine was inversely related to the frequency of stimulation used to evoke tritium overflow and to the Ca2+ concentration in the superfusion medium. An activator (levcromakalim) and blocker (glibenclamide) of ATP-dependent K+ channels did not affect the electrically evoked tritium overflow and its inhibition by histamine. A blocker of voltage-sensitive K+ channels, tetraethylammonium (TEA), increased the evoked overflow and attenuated the inhibitory effect of histamine. TEA also reduced the inhibitory effect of noradrenaline and prostaglandin E2 on the evoked overflow. When the facilitatory effect of TEA on the evoked overflow was compensated for by reducing the Ca2+ concentration in the superfusion medium, TEA did no longer attenuate the effect of histamine. Exposure of the slices to the SH group-alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide increased the evoked overflow and attenuated the inhibitory effect of histamine; both effects were counteracted by the SH group-protecting agent dithiothreitol, which, by itself, did not affect the evoked overflow and its inhibition by histamine. Mouse brain cortex membranes were used to study the effect of the H3 receptor agonist R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine on the basal cAMP accumulation and on the accumulation stimulated by forskolin or noradrenaline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulation of neurotransmitter release via histamine H3 heteroreceptors.

Presynaptic H3 receptors occur on histaminergic neurones of the CNS (autoreceptors) and on non-histaminergic neurones of the central and autonomic nervous system (heteroreceptors). H3 heteroreceptors, most probably located on the postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibres innervating the resistance vessels and the heart, have been identified in the model of the pithed rat. Furthermore, we could show in superfusion experiments that H3 heteroreceptors also occur on the sympathetic neurones supplying the human saphenous vein and the vasculature of the pig retina and on the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurones in the brain of various mammalian species, including man. The effects of three recently described H3 receptor ligands were studied in superfused mouse brain cortex slices. The potency of the novel H3 receptor agonist imetit exceeded that of R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine (the reference H3 receptor agonist) by one log unit and that of histamine by almost two log units. Clobenpropit was shown to be a competitive H3 receptor antagonist, exhibiting a pA2 as high as 9.6 (exceeding the pA2 of the reference H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide by one log unit). The irreversible antagonism of N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) was also studied. Interactions of the H3 heteroreceptor with the dopamine autoreceptor in mouse striatal slices and the alpha 2-autoreceptor in mouse brain cortex slices could be demonstrated. Activation of alpha 2-autoreceptors decreases the H3 receptor-mediated effect. Blockade of alpha 2-autoreceptors increases the H3 receptor-mediated effect only if the alpha 2-autoreceptors are simultaneously activated by endogenous noradrenaline. The H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in mouse brain cortex slices was attenuated by the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium but this attenuation was abolished by reduction of the Ca2+ concentration in the medium (to compensate for the facilitatory effect of tetraethylammonium on noradrenaline release). Accordingly, we assume that the H3 receptors are not coupled to voltage-sensitive K+ channels. Pertussis toxin and N-ethylmaleimide attenuated the H3 receptor-mediated effect in the mouse brain cortex, suggesting that the H3 receptors are coupled to a G protein (eg Gi or Go). However, negative coupling to an adenylate cyclase does not appear to exist since an H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation was not obtained in mouse brain cortex membranes. H3 receptor ligands are currently undergoing clinical testing and might become new remedies for the treatment of disease of the gastrointestinal and bronchial system and the CNS.

Histamine H3A receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in the mouse brain cortex.

Mouse brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline were superfused with physiological salt solution containing desipramine plus a drug with alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist properties, and the effects of histamine receptor ligands on the electrically (0.3 Hz) evoked tritium overflow were studied. The evoked overflow (from slices superfused with phentolamine) was inhibited by histamine (pIC35 6.53), the H3 receptor agonist R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine (7.47) and its S-(+)-enantiomer (5.82) but not influenced by the H1 receptor agonist 2-(2-thiazolyl)-ethylamine 3.2 mumol/l and the H2 receptor agonist dimaprit 10 mumol/l. The inhibitory effect of histamine was not affected by the H1 receptor antagonist dimetindene 1 mumol/l and the H2 receptor antagonist ranitidine 10 mumol/l. The concentration-response curve of histamine (determined in the presence of rauwolscine) was shifted to the right by the H3 receptor antagonists thioperamide (apparent pA2 8.67), impromidine (7.30) and burimamide (6.82) as well as by dimaprit (6.16). The pA2 values of the four drugs were compared with their affinities for H3A and H3B binding sites in rat brain membranes (West et al. 1990 Mol Pharmacol 38:610); a significant correlation was obtained for the H3A, but not for the H3B sites. The results suggest that noradrenaline release in the mouse brain cortex is inhibited by histamine via H3A receptors and that dimaprit is an H3 receptor antagonist of moderate potency.

Histamine H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release in pig retina discs

Discs of pig retina were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline, 3H-dopamine or 3H-serotonin and then superfused. Electrical field stimulation increased the outflow of tritium from discs preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline or 3H-dopamine, but no from discs preincubated with 3H-serotonin. The tritium content at the end of superfusion was similar in discs preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline or 3H-dopamine but about tenfold lower in discs preincubated with 3H-serotonin. The tritium content in discs preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline was markedly reduced when desipramine was present during preincubation but was not affected by selective inhibitors of dopamine and serotonin uptake. The tritium content in discs preincubated with 3H-dopamine and 3H-serotonin, in contrast, was reduced or tended to be reduced by a selective dopamine and serotonin uptake inhibitor, respectively. The electrically evoked overflow of tritium from discs preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline was abolished by tetrodotoxin or omission of Ca2+. In discs superfused with desipramine, the electrically evoked overflow was enhanced by phentolamine but not affected by histamine. When both desipramine and phentolamine were present in the superfusion medium, histamine inhibited the evoked overflow (pIC15 6.85). This effect was mimicked by the histamine H3 receptor agonist R-(-)-alpha-methylhistamine as well as by its S-(+)-enantiomer (pIC15 7.85 and 5.30, respectively) but not by the H1 receptor agonist 2-(2-thiazolyl)ethylamine and the H2 receptor agonist dimaprit (each 10 mumol/l).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The adenosine receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release possibly involves an N-protein and is increased by alpha 2-autoreceptor blockade.

The stimulation-evoked overflow of [3H]-noradrenaline from slices of the rabbit hippocampus is inhibited by alpha 2-autoreceptors as well as by adenosine (A1)-receptors. Slices of rabbit hippocampus were labelled with [3H]-noradrenaline, superfused continuously and stimulated twice electrically (rectangular pulses; 2 ms, 3 Hz, 24 mA, 5 V cm-1). Treatment of hippocampal slices with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, 30 microM; 30 min), which functionally disturbs certain N-proteins, decreased the inhibitory action of adenosine receptor agonists like (-)-N6-(R-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine ((-)-PIA) and adenosine on noradrenaline release. Release inhibition caused by (-)-PIA (0.03-1 microM) was antagonized by NEM in a non-competitive manner in the absence and in the presence of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine. The adenosine receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline significantly increased the evoked noradrenaline release by about 15% in control slices by diminishing the inhibitory action of endogenous adenosine. In NEM-treated slices this effect of 8-phenyltheophylline was not seen. In the presence of (-)-PIA (0.1 microM), i.e. under conditions of an increased inhibitory tone, release facilitation by 8-phenyltheophylline was decreased by NEM compared to that in the respective controls. Occupation of the A1-receptor with (-)-PIA prior to and during the NEM treatment did not protect the A1-receptor-coupled signal transduction system from being affected by NEM. In the presence of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, the inhibitory action of (-)-PIA was strongly increased. The above results suggest the involvement of a regulatory N-protein in the A1-receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline release and an interaction between the alpha 2-autoreceptor and the A1-receptor-coupled signal transduction system, possibly at the level of a N-protein.