Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) controlling micturition play roles of not only a station relaying commands from the central nervous system (CNS) to effectors but also a center integrating various local infromation. A distinctive feature of the pelvic gangl...
Major pelvic ganglia (MPG) controlling micturition play roles of not only a station relaying commands from the central nervous system (CNS) to effectors but also a center integrating various local infromation. A distinctive feature of the pelvic ganglia that differentiate them from other autonomic ganglia is the colocalization of both sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons within the same ganglion capsule. Because of their relative simple anatomy and thus, ease of isolation and quantification, MPG has been used as a model system for studying physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neural control of pelvic organs such as the urinary bladder.In mature neurons of the CNS, GABA is a inhibitory neurotransmitter. However, GABA depolarized membranes of the MPG neurons from adult rat. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to examine for the first time molecular mechanism underlying excitatory GABA action in the MPG of adult rat. In this regard, various experimental techniques including gramicidin- perforated patch-clamp, RT-PCR, intranuclear microinjection of genes, and immunohistochemistry were employed.GABA currents were recorded mostly in the sympathetic MPG neurons with large capacitance and T-type Ca2+ channels and were found to be conducted through bicuculin- and picrotoxin-sensitive GABAA receptors. In addition, reversal potentials of the GABA currents (EGABA) varied in proportion to external Cl- concentration, indicating that Cl- is primarily permeable to the GABAA receptors. Immunohistochemistry revealed presence of GABA and preferential expression of GABAA receptors in TH-positive sympathetic neurons. In the sympathetic MPG neurons, application of GABA produced depolarization of which amplitude was time-dependently decreased. Conversely, the GABA action was not observed in the parasympathetic MPG neurons. Three to four hours after dissociation, EGABA was about -43 mV which was lower than resting membrane potentials. As estimated using the Nernst equation, the concentration of intracellular Cl- ion([Cl]in) was estimated at about 30 mM. The [Cl]in tended to be decreased after 24 hour culture. RT-PCR analysis showed that MPG express NKCC1 and KCC1 but not KCC2 which is critical for setting [Cl]in low. When KCC2 was overexpressed in the sympathetic MPG neurons, EGABA was negatively shifted about 30 mV and physiological [Cl]in was reduced from 22 mM to 6.5 mM. Furthermore, GABA produced hyperpolarization, which was prevented by furosemide, a KCC2 blocker in the sympathetic MPG neurons overexpressing KCC2. In addition, EGABA was not altered by external HCO3- and bumetanide, a NKCC1 blocker.Taken together, it was concluded that the excitatory GABA action arises from lack of KCC2 exprresson which is capable of lowering [Cl]in in the sympathetic MPG neurons of adult rats.