title: Neurotensin modulates central muscarinic receptors, an effect which does not involve the high-affinity neurotensin receptor (NTS1).
abstract: Neurotensin (NT) is a tridecapeptide distributed in central and peripheral nervous systems, which can behave as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator at central and peripheral levels. Herein we tested the potential effect of this peptide on quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]-QNB) binding to muscarinic receptor in rat CNS membranes. It was observed that NT decreased up to 50-70% ligand binding at 1x10(-7) M-1x10(-5) M concentration in cerebral cortex, cerebellum and striatum. In the hippocampus, NT exerted a biphasic effect, behaving as a stimulator in the presence of 1x10(-12) M-1x10(-10) M concentration but as an inhibitor at 1x10(-8) M-1x10(-5) M concentration. In order to test the involvement of high-affinity NT receptor (NTS1) in NT inhibitory effect, assays were carried out in the presence of 1x10(-6) M NT and/or SR 48692 (Sanofi-Aventis, U.S., Inc.), a specific antagonist for this receptor, dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) 10% v/v. As controls, membranes incubated with DMSO and/or NT 1x10(-6) M plus DMSO were processed. It was found that NT+DMSO decreased [3H]-QNB binding to cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampal membranes by 49%, 32% and 53%, respectively. This inhibition was not observed with the DMSO control group. Membrane preincubation with 1x10(-6) M SR 48692 failed to alter NT effect on binding. SR 48692 at 1x10(-6) M concentration decreased the binding by 50% only in cerebral cortex membranes, suggesting a possible direct effect of the antagonist on muscarinic receptors in this area. It was therefore concluded that the high-affinity NT receptor may not be involved in ligand binding inhibition to muscarinic receptor by NT.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias Prof. E. De Robertis, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121-Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: López Ordieres
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rodríguez de Lores Arnaiz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic / Q000378:metabolism*; D018028:Receptors, Neurotensin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011976:Receptors, Muscarinic; D018028:Receptors, Neurotensin; C114036:neurotensin type 1 receptor; D009496:Neurotensin