Effect of neurotransmitters on axoplasmic transport: how adrenaline affects superior cervical ganglion cells.

The effect of adrenaline on the axoplasmic transport of cultured superior cervical ganglion cells was analyzed with a computer-assisted video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscope system. Adrenaline increased the axoplasmic transport reversibly in both anterograde and retrograde directions. A beta 2-antagonist, butoxamine, antagonized the increasing effects of adrenaline, but alpha-antagonists and beta 1-antagonists did not. A beta 2-agonist, albuterol, mimicked the adrenaline effect, but beta 1-, alpha 1-, alpha 2-agonists did not. The adrenaline receptor may be a beta 2-receptor. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and forskolin increased the axoplasmic transport. Therefore, adrenaline increases the axoplasmic transport by raising the cyclic AMP level. In light of our former report that acetylcholine suppresses the axoplasmic transport, neurotransmitters control axoplasmic transport and this neurotransmitter control reflects the activity of the nerve cell.