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Development of adenosine-dependent cyclic AMP accumulation in the avian optic tectum
A L Ventura1, R Paes de Carvalho
1Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil.
Abstract:
The present work shows the existence of adenosine-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) accumulation in the chick optic tectum. When tecta from 18-day-old embryos were incubated with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX and RO 20-1724, the cyclic AMP level increased from 39.2 to 73.3 and 285.5 pmol/mg protein, respectively. The high level obtained with RO 20-1724 could be inhibited by increasing concentrations of IBMX or by adenosine deaminase, but not by dipyridamole. 2-Chloroadenosine promoted a dose-dependent cyclic AMP accumulation in tecta incubated with RO 20-1724 and adenosine deaminase. This effect was blocked by IBMX and varied substantially during the development of the tissue. The degree of stimulation increased after day 11 of incubation, attaining maximal levels on day 14. The effect of 2-chloroadenosine remained constant until day 18, a period when both the protein content and the basal cyclic AMP levels are increasing in the developing tectum. The cyclic AMP increase elicited by 2-chloroadenosine was greatly reduced in tecta from 20-day-old embryos and 2-day-old chicks. The putative transmitters glutamate and glycine and the neurotransmitter analogs isoproterenol and carbachol had no stimulatory effect on the cyclic AMP accumulation of tecta from 10- and 17-day-old embryos.
Insights
This study reveals adenosine-dependent cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in developing chick optic tectum. cAMP levels significantly increase with specific inhibitors and adenosine, varying with embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a crucial second messenger in neuronal signaling.
- The chick optic tectum is a model system for studying visual processing and neural development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and regulation of adenosine-dependent cAMP accumulation in the developing chick optic tectum.
- To characterize the developmental changes in cAMP signaling pathways within this brain region.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of chick optic tecta with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (IBMX, RO 20-1724) and adenosine deaminase.
- Dose-response studies with 2-chloroadenosine to assess cAMP accumulation.
- Analysis of cAMP levels at different embryonic and post-hatch developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Adenosine-dependent cAMP accumulation was confirmed in the chick optic tectum.
- RO 20-1724 significantly increased cAMP levels, an effect modulated by IBMX and adenosine deaminase.
- 2-Chloroadenosine dose-dependently increased cAMP, with peak stimulation observed around embryonic day 14, declining in later stages and post-hatch.
- Glutamate, glycine, and other neurotransmitter analogs did not stimulate cAMP accumulation.
Conclusions:
- The chick optic tectum exhibits a functional adenosine-dependent cAMP signaling pathway.
- This pathway undergoes significant developmental regulation, with maximal sensitivity during mid-embryonic development.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying neural development and function in the avian visual system.
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