Activation of the β2-adrenoceptor by Formoterol induces
calcium-dependent exocytosis of synaptic vesicles at the neuromuscular
junction in a sex-specific manner
Abstract
Background and purpose: Increasing evidence suggests that the
sympathetic nervous system profoundly interacts with skeletal muscle,
influencing both muscle fiber function and composition. β2-Adrenoceptors
(β2-ARs), the predominant adrenergic receptor subtype in muscle fibers,
have been shown to enhance protein synthesis, reduce protein
degradation, facilitate muscle contraction and relaxation, and improve
neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission upon activation. In this
study, we investigated the effects of Formoterol, a highly selective
β2-AR agonist, on the presynaptic terminal of motor neurons.
Experimental Approach: We used electromyography, FM1-43 fluorescent dye
assays, and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the
neuromuscular junction following β2-receptor activation. Key Results: We
demonstrated that β2-AR activation by Formoterol enhances muscle
contractility and both spontaneous and evoked exocytosis of
acetylcholine (ACh)-containing synaptic vesicles at the mouse diaphragm
NMJ. Formoterol-induced morphological changes in diaphragmatic NMJs were
consistent with increased exo-endocytic activity. Notably,
Formoterol-evoked exocytosis displayed sexual dimorphism, with females
showing a significantly milder response compared to males. In females,
Formoterol-induced synaptic vesicles exocytosis was mediated solely by
P/Q-type voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, whereas in males, it involved
both P/Q-type channels, TRPV1 calcium channels, and an additional, yet
unidentified, component. Orchiectomized males exhibited responses to
Formoterol similar to the females., whereas ovariectomy did not modify
female drug responses, indicating that male sex-hormonal environment
orchestrates the sex-differences herein described. Conclusion and
implications: These findings not only highlight the importance of
sex-specific mechanisms but also reveal a novel effect of β2-AR
activation directly on presynaptic terminals, enhancing exocytosis at
the NMJ and thereby increasing neuromuscular transmission.