5-HT uptake blockade prevents the increasing effect of K(ATP) channel blockers on electrically evoked [3H]-5-HT release in rat and mouse neocortical slices

To explore if prolonged--as opposed to acute--5-HT uptake blockade can lead to changes in the function of ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels, we investigated in rat and mouse neocortical slices the effects of K(ATP) channel blockers on electrically evoked [3H]-serotonin ([3H]-5-HT) release after short- and long-term exposure to 5-HT uptake blockers. Glibenclamide (1 microM), a K(ATP) channel blocker, enhanced the electrically evoked [3H]-5-HT release by 66 and by 77%, respectively, in rat and in mouse neocortex slices. This effect was confirmed in the rat by tolbutamide (1 microM), another K(ATP) channel antagonist. After short-term blockade (45 min) of 5-HT uptake, glibenclamide still increased the release of [3H]-5-HT in the rat. Glibenclamide, however, failed to enhance [3H]-5-HT release after long-term uptake blockade (210 min). In the mouse, however, both short- and long-term inhibition of 5-HT reuptake by citalopram (1 microM) prevented the facilitatory effect of glibenclamide. The Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (3.2 microM) abolished the glibenclamide-induced increase in [3H]-5-HT release in both rat and mouse, suggesting that an operative Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is a prerequisite for activation of K(ATP) channels. The terminal 5-HT(1B) autoreceptor-mediated feedback control was involved in the glibenclamide-induced increase in [(3)H]-5-HT release only in mouse neocortical tissue, as evident from the use of the 5-HT(1B) autoreceptor ligands metitepin (1 microM) and cyanopindolol (1 microM). These results suggest that in the rat long-term uptake blockade leads to an impaired activity of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, which increases intracellular ATP and consequently closes K(ATP) channels. In the mouse, however, short-term uptake blockade seems to already reduce the activity of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and thereby the consumption of ATP. Blockade of 5-HT transporters thus may close K(ATP) channels through increased intracellular ATP. The following slight depolarisation seems to facilitate 5-HT release. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the clinical time latency of antidepressant efficacy of monoamine uptake blockers.     

CB1-cannabinoid receptors are involved in the modulation of non-synaptic [3H]serotonin release from the rat hippocampus

In the present study we investigated whether serotonin release in the hippocampus is subject to regulation via cannabinoid receptors. Both rat and mouse hippocampal slices were preincubated with [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) and superfused with medium containing serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram hydrobromide (300 nM). The cannabinoid receptor agonist R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-naphthalenyl) methanone mesylate (WIN55,212-2, 1 microM) did not affect either the resting or the electrically evoked [3H]5-HT release. In the presence of the ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5, 50 microM) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione-disodium (CNQX, 10 microM) the evoked [3H]5-HT release was decreased significantly. Similar findings were obtained when CNQX (10 microM) was applied alone with WIN55,212-2. This effect was abolished by the selective cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) antagonists N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR141716, 1 microM) and 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-1-piperidinyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide trifluoroacetate salt (AM251, 1 microM). Similarly to that observed in rats, WIN55,212-2 (1 microM) decreased the evoked [3H]5-HT efflux in wild-type mice (CB1+/+). The inhibitory effect of WIN55,212-2 (1 microM) was completely absent in hippocampal slices derived from mice genetically deficient in CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1-/-). Relatively selective degeneration of fine serotonergic axons by the neurotoxin parachloramphetamine (PCA) reduced significantly the tritium uptake and the evoked [3H]5-HT release. In addition, PCA, eliminated the effect of WIN55,212-2 (1 microM) on the stimulation-evoked [3H]5-HT efflux. In contrast to the PCA-treated animals, WIN55,212-2 (1 microM) reduced the [3H]5-HT efflux in the saline-treated group. Our data suggest that a subpopulation of non-synaptic serotonergic afferents express CB1 receptors and activation of these CB1 receptors leads to a decrease in 5-HT release.     

The Inhibitory Effect of Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine on [3H]Acetylcholine Release in Guinea Pig Hippocampal Synaptosomes Is Mediated by a 5-Hydroxytryptamine1 Receptor Distinct from 1A, 1B, and 1C Subtypes

The effect of the serotonergic receptor agonist 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) was studied on the K(+)-evoked [3H]acetylcholine [( 3H]ACh) release from guinea pig hippocampal synaptosomes loaded with [3H]choline. TFMPP (5-1,000 microM) inhibited the evoked ACh release in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 81.8 microM). The inhibitory effect of TFMPP was mimicked by CGS-12066B (10, 30, and 100 microM), a 5-hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B)/5-HT1D receptor agonist; 1-(m-chlorophenyl)piperazine (100 microM), a 5-HT1C/5-HT1B receptor agonist; and 5-carboxamidotryptamine (10 microM), a nonselective 5-HT1 receptor agonist. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (10 and 100 microM), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, and quipazine (10 and 100 microM), a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, did not have any significant effect. Serotonergic antagonists, such as dihydroergotamine (0.1 and 1 microM), metergoline (0.1 microM), methysergide (0.5 and 1 microM), or yohimbine (1 and 10 microM), blocked the TFMPP effect dose-dependently. In contrast, methiotepine (0.3 and 1 microM), propranolol (1 microM), ketanserin (0.1 microM), mesulergine (0.1 microM), ICS 205930 (0.1 and 1 microM), and spiroperidol (1 and 7 microM) did not affect the TFMPP-induced inhibition of the evoked ACh release. These data suggest that, in guinea pig hippocampus, the K(+)-evoked ACh release is modulated by a 5-HT1 receptor distinct from the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1C subtypes.     

Two bombesin analogues discriminate between neuromedin B- and bombesin-induced calcium flux in a lung cancer cell line

We examined the profile of two bombesin (BN) antagonists, (CH₃)₂CHCO-His-Trp-Ala-Val- -Ala-His-Leu-NHCH₃] (ICI 216140) and [ -Phe⁶,des-Met¹⁴]BN(6–14)ethylamide (DPDM-BN EA), against neuromedin B-induced Ca²⁺ mobilization in the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) line NCI-H345. Neuromedin B (NMB), a BN-like peptide sharing sequence homology with ranatensin, elicited a concentration-dependent Ca²⁺ release (in part) from intracellular stores. Sequential addition of NMB attenuated Ca²⁺ mobilization. Desensitization occurred between BN and NMB; depletion of intracellular Ca²⁺ is a likely mechanism because thapsigargin stimulated Ca²⁺ release after a maximally desensitizing dose of NMB. ICI 216140 and DPDM-BN EA competitively inhibited BN-induced Ca²⁺ transients. In contrast, these compounds antagonized NMB-stimulated Ca²⁺ transients in a noncompetitive manner. The pharmacological profiles obtained support receptor heterogeneity for BN-like peptides on this SCLC line, underscoring the need for thorough examination of dose-response relationships when investigating effects of BN analogues on intact cells.     

Autoreceptor-mediated inhibition of 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine release from rat brain cortex slices by analogues of 5-hydroxytryptamine

Rat brain cortex slices preincubated with ³H-5-hydroxytryptamine (³H-5-HT) were superfused with physiological salt solution containing paroxetine, an inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake. The effects of various indolethylamines on the electrically evoked tritium overflow (containing 66.3% unmetabolized ³H-5-HT) were investigated (the percentage of unmetabolized ³H-5-HT was not altered by the indolethylamines or metitepin). 6,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (6,7-DHT) did not affect the stimulation-evoked tritium overflow, whereas the latter was inhibited by the other tryptamine derivatives investigated; when the compounds were compared to each other on the basis of their inhibitory potencies the following rank order was obtained: unlabelled 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine > 4-HT > 6-HT > 5,6-DHT > tryptamine > 7-HT > 5,7-DHT. The inhibitory effects of these compounds were antagonized by metitepin. It is concluded that the indolethylamines inhibit the stimulation-evoked ³H-5-HT release by activating the presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors on the 5-HT neurones of the rat brain cortex. Similarities may exist between these receptors and the postsynaptic 5-HT_l binding sites of this brain area.     

Studies on the Role of α2-Adrenoceptors in the Control of Synaptosomal [3H]5-Hydroxytryptamine Release: Effects of Antidepressant Drugs

The sensitivity of alpha 2-adrenoceptors on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve endings obtained from rat cerebral cortex was investigated following treatment with the antidepressant drugs desipramine (10 mg/kg/day for 21-28 days) or clorgyline (1 mg/kg/day for 21-28 days). [3H]5-HT (100 nM) was used to load cortical synaptosomes (P2) after experiments with uptake inhibitors confirmed that this concentration of amine ensured exclusive uptake into 5-HT nerve terminals. The sensitivity of K+-stimulated release of [3H]5-HT to alpha 2-adrenoceptor occupancy was assessed in a superfusion system by means of the dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]5-HT release by clonidine. This is blocked by yohimbine (1 microM), which, when administered alone, enhances release, suggesting that endogenous catecholamines released from other synaptosomes act on these alpha 2-heteroreceptors. The effect of addition of citalopram (1 microM) to superfusates suggests that some reuptake of [3H]5-HT occurs during superfusion. Of the tritium released into superfusates during "background" and K+-stimulated release, 17 and 90%, respectively is [3H]5-HT. The attenuation of K+-stimulated release by clonidine is apparently diminished by the chronic clorgyline regimen but not by desipramine. However, clorgyline elevates catecholamine levels, and this might increase endogenous noradrenaline (NA) efflux, which by competition with clonidine could appear to alter alpha 2-adrenoceptor sensitivity. This possibility was investigated by depleting NA with the neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4). These studies showed that the apparent effect of chronic clorgyline on alpha 2-adrenoceptor sensitivity to clonidine was due to competition with increased levels of endogenous NA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Demonstration of an Autoreceptor Modulating the Release of [3H]5-Hydroxytryptamine from a Synaptosomal-Rich Spinal Cord Tissue Preparation

A superfusion system employed to measure the K+-stimulated release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine [(3H]5-HT, [3H]serotonin) from a synaptosomal-rich spinal cord tissue preparation was carefully characterized, then used to examine the regulation of spinal 5-HT release. Spinal 5-HT release is apparently modulated by an autoreceptor. Exogenous 5-HT depressed, in a concentration-dependent manner, the K+-stimulated release of [3H]5-HT. Similarly, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) produced a concentration-dependent decrease in [3H]5-HT release. Methiothepin and quipazine blocked the inhibition of release induced by exogenous 5-HT. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonists spiperone and ketanserin failed to alter the action of 5-HT at the spinal 5-HT autoreceptor. Spiperone and ketanserin were shown, however, to alter the storage of [3H]5-HT. When used in concentrations greater than 10 nM, the drugs evoked increases in basal [3H]5-HT and [3H]5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid ( [3H]5-HIAA) effluxes which were independent of the presence of calcium ions. A good agreement existed between the potencies of drugs for modifying autoreceptor function and their abilities to compete for high-affinity [3H]5-HT binding in the spinal cord (designated 5-HT1). Furthermore quipazine, in concentrations that preferentially interact with the 5-HT1B subtype, antagonized the actions of exogenous 5-HT on K+-stimulated release. Spiperone, in a concentration that approximated the affinity constant of 5-HT1A sites for the drug, was ineffective in altering the ability of exogenous 5-HT to modulate K+-stimulated [3H]5-HT release. These results suggest that 5-HT1B sites are associated with serotonergic autoreceptor function in the spinal cord.     

Effect of Age on Brain Cortical Protein Kinase C and Its Mediation of 5-Hydroxytryptamine Release

The effects of age on the activity and translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) and on the facilitation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) release induced by PKC activation with the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were investigated. The activities of cortical PKC and its translocation in response to K+ depolarization and phorbol ester stimulation were reduced during aging in Fischer-344 rats. Parietal cortical brain slices from 6-, 12-, and 24-month-old animals were preloaded with [3H]5-HT and release was evoked by 65 mM K+ or the calcium ionophore A23187. 5-HT release induced by either K+ or A23187 was found to be reduced in 12- and 24-month-old as compared to 6-month-old animals. This decrease was not reversed by high extracellular Ca2+. Activation of PKC resulted in a facilitated transmitter release in tissue from 6- and 12-month-old animals but reduced [3H]5-HT release in slices from 24-month-old animals. These responses were prevented by the putative PKC inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), but not by increasing extracellular or intracellular Ca2+. The results demonstrate an age-related change (1) in brain PKC activity and translocation and (2) in a physiological response to PKC stimulation. These results may have implications for other PKC-mediated functions that are altered during senescence.     

Cholinergic-induced [3H] noradrenaline release in rat brain cortical slices is mediated via a pertussis toxin sensitive GTP binding protein and involves activation of protein kinase C

The involvement of a GTP-binding protein (G-protein) in the process of neurotransmitter release was examined using pertussis toxin and cholera toxin. Cholinergic agonists are shown to mediate [3H]noradrenaline release in rat brain slices via a pertussis toxin (1.2 micrograms/ml) sensitive, and cholera toxin (0.5 microgram/ml) insensitive G-protein. An indication for the involvement of a G-protein and phospholipase C activation in the release process was implied from the inhibitory effect of neomycin on K+-, veratridine- and carbachol-induced-norepinephrine release. Depolarizing agents mediate a neomycin-sensitive release, which is not which is not affected either by pertussis toxin or cholera toxin, suggesting a different mode of phospholipase C activation, unlike carbachol-induced release, which is both neomycin and pertussis toxin sensitive. Similarly, a hormone-sensitive carrier activated by phenylephrine not via alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, mediates a non-exocytosis efflux which is not affected by neomycin and is shown to be pertussis toxin-insensitive. The inhibitory action of protein kinase C inhibitors polymyxin B, K252a and H-7 [(1-(5-isoquinolinesulphonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine] on release, strongly suggests its participation in the process. Polymyxin B, a relatively selective protein kinase C inhibitor, inhibited carbachol-induced release (IC50 = 0.53 microM) as well as the K+ and the veratridine induced [3H] noradrenaline release, K252a, an inhibitor of various protein kinases at the ATP site, and H-7, another protein kinase C inhibitor, inhibited carbachol-induced noradrenaline released with IC50 = 35 nM and 3 microM respectively. Consistent with its inability to activate phospholipase C, phenylephrine-induced noradrenaline efflux was unaffected by polymyxin B (greater than 70 microM). These results offer more supportive evidence for a major role played by the dual messengers inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol (IP3/DG) in the mechanisms of neuronal release.     

Diurnal Variation in the Function of Serotonin Terminals in the Rat Hypothalamus

The high-affinity binding of [3H]imipramine is associated with the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) transporter in the brain and in platelets. In the rat hypothalamus it has been reported that the density of these sites is increased in the dark period of the day, and this could result in an alteration in the release of 5-HT. The electrically evoked release of [3H]5-HT was thus studied in preloaded hypothalamic slices prepared from rats kept under 12:12 h light/dark or dark/light schedules. The fractional release of [3H]5-HT evoked by electrical stimulation, but not by the 5-HT releasing agent fenfluramine, was significantly decreased during the dark period when compared with the light period. The effects of the 5-HT reuptake blocker citalopram, of the two 5-HT autoreceptor agonists 5-methoxytryptamine and RU 24969, and of the 5-HT autoreceptor antagonist methiothepin on the release of [3H]5-HT were the same in both groups of rats. In conclusion, the release of [3H]5-HT from prelabelled rat hypothalamic slices is decreased during the dark period of the day. This modification is not reflected by changes in the effects of citalopram, an inhibitor of 5-HT reuptake, to modify the overflow of [3H]5-HT. The sensitivity and efficacy of agonists of the 5-HT autoreceptor are the same during the light and dark periods of the day.     

Characterization of carrier-mediated efflux in human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably expressing the rat serotonin transporter: a superfusion study

Human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with the rat plasmalemmal serotonin transporter (rSERT) were incubated with 5-[3H]hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) and superfused. Substrates of the rSERT, such as p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) or methylenedioxymethamphetamine, concentration-dependently increased basal efflux of [3H]5-HT. 5-HT reuptake blockers (e.g., imipramine, citalopram) also caused an enhancement of [3H]5-HT efflux, reaching about half the maximal effect of the rSERT substrates. In uptake experiments, both groups of substances concentration-dependently inhibited 5-HT uptake. EC50 values obtained in superfusion experiments significantly correlated with IC50 values from uptake studies (r2 = 0.92). Addition of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (100 microM) to or the omission of K+ from the superfusion buffer accelerated basal efflux. The effect of PCA (10 microM) was markedly enhanced by both measures, whereas the effect of uptake inhibitors remained unchanged. When [3H]MPP+, a substrate with low affinity for the rSERT, was used instead of [3H]5-HT for labeling the cells, uptake inhibitors failed to augment efflux. By contrast, PCA accelerated [3H]MPP+ efflux, and its effect was strongly enhanced in the presence of ouabain. The results suggest that the [3H]5-HT efflux caused by substrates of rSERT is carrier-mediated, whereas efflux induced by uptake inhibitors is a consequence of interrupted high-affinity reuptake that is ongoing even under superfusion conditions.     

Substance P analogues function as bombesin receptor antagonists and inhibit small cell lung cancer clonal growth

Human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) produces and secretes BN/GRP (bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide). Because BN stimulates the growth of SCLC cells and these cells have receptors for BN-like peptides, it is important to define agents which disrupt this self-promoting autocrine growth cycle. Here, substance P analogues were evaluated as BN receptor antagonists using SCLC cell lines. (D-Arg¹, D-Pro², D-Trp^7,9, Leu¹¹) substance P [(APTTL)SP] was one of the more potent analogues tested in inhibiting BN-like peptide receptor binding with an IC₅₀ value of 1 μM. Micromolar concentrations of (APTTL)SP antagonized BN receptor mediated elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and decreased the colony formation in soft agarose. These data suggest that SP analogues function as SCLC BN receptor antagonists and may be useful in disrupting the autocrine growth function of BN-like peptides.     

Depression of potassium-evoked striatal acetylcholine release by delta-receptor activation: inhibition by cholinoactive agents

To examine the role of delta-opioid receptors in the modulation of striatal acetylcholine (ACh) release, the action of D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin, a selective delta-opioid receptor agonist, was tested on [3H]ACh release from slices of the rat caudate-putamen. Slices, incubated with [3H]choline, were superfused with a physiological buffer and stimulated twice by exposure to a high potassium (K+) concentration. In the absence of a cholinesterase inhibitor, 1 microM D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin produced a 46 and 35% decrease in the release of [3H]ACh evoked by 15 and 25 mM K+, respectively. The depressant action of the enkephalin analogue was concentration dependent, with a maximal effect on K+-evoked [3H]ACh release occurring at 1.0 microM, and was completely blocked in the presence of the delta-opioid receptor selective antagonist, ICI 174864 (1 microM). In the presence of the cholinesterase inhibitors physostigmine (10 microM) and neostigmine (10 microM), or the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine (10 microM), D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin did not depress the K+-evoked release of [3H]ACh. Atropine (1 microM) blocked the inhibitory effect of physostigmine on the depressant action of D-Pen2,L-Pen5-enkephalin. The results of this study indicate that delta-opioid receptor activation is associated with an inhibition of striatal ACh release, but this opioid-cholinergic interaction is not apparent under conditions of presynaptic muscarinic receptor activation.     

Effect of Chronic Lithium Treatment on 5-Hydroxytryptamine Autoreceptors and Release of 5-[3H]Hydroxytryptamine from Rat Brain Cortical, Hippocampal, and Hypothalamic Slices

The effect of acute and chronic lithium treatments on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) release and on its regulation by presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors was studied in [3H]5-HT preloaded superfused rat brain slices. The [3H]5-HT overflow evoked by a 30-s exposure to 65 mM K+ was increased after 3 weeks of ingestion of lithium-containing diet in the three brain areas examined. Acute injection of 4 mEq/kg lithium chloride did not affect 5-HT release. The K+-induced release observed in both control and chronically lithium-treated animals was Ca2+-dependent. Chronic lithium treatment was also found to be associated with a decrease in basal [3H]5-HT overflow in the cortex and hypothalamus but not in hippocampus [corrected]. The Ca2+-independent overflow induced by fenfluramine was also decreased in cortical slices from lithium-treated animals. The sensitivity of the inhibitory 5-HT autoreceptors was assessed by the response to the 5-HT agonist 5-methoxytryptamine. The results indicate a marked reduction in the maximal inhibition of [3H]5-HT release induced by 5-methoxytryptamine in slices obtained from animals which have been treated with lithium for 3 weeks. These data suggest that the functional down regulation of the prejunctional 5-HT sites may be responsible for the increase in K+-stimulated 5-HT overflow in brain slices of animals treated chronically with lithium.     

Effect of Taurine on Neurotransmitter Release from Insect Synaptosomes

The effect of taurine on the release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACH) and [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) from preloaded locust synaptosomes has been studied. Veratridine (100 microM) and K+ (100 mM) both evoked [3H]ACh release and this was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by taurine (5, 10, and 20 mM). In contrast to this, veratridine induced no observable release of [3H]GABA, and the response to K+ was slight. In the presence of taurine, however, a concentration-dependent enhancement of [3H]GABA release was observed. Since nipecotic acid (1 mM), an inhibitor of neuronal GABA uptake, also revealed [3H]GABA release induced by veratridine, it is suggested that both this effect and that of taurine are due to prevention of GABA reuptake. These results suggest that taurine may act as a neuromodulator in insects.     

State-dependent variation in the inhibitory effect of [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin on hippocampal serotonin release in ground squirrels.

Accumulated evidence has suggested that increased endogenous opioid activities may facilitate the onset of hibernation either directly or possibly through modulation of other neurotransmitter systems. The seasonal change of [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]-enkephalin (DADLE), a delta receptor agonist, in modulating K+ (35 mM)-induced [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release from the hippocampal and hypothalamic slices of euthermic and hibernating Richardsons' ground squirrels was therefore investigated. DADLE (0.1-10 microM) had no effect on 5-HT release in the hypothalamic slices but elicited a dose-related inhibition on [3H]-5-HT release from the hippocampal slices of the euthermic ground squirrel. The inhibitory effect of DADLE was completely reversed by naloxone (10 microM), but not by tetrodotoxin (1 microM). In contrast, DADLE failed to alter the K(+)-induced 5-HT release from the hippocampal slices of the hibernating ground squirrel. This state-dependent reduction in responsiveness to an opioid is consistent with the hypothesis that enhanced endogenous opioid activity in the hibernating phase could lead to down regulation of the opioid receptors and minimize its inhibition on hippocampal serotonergic activity. A high 5-HT activity would inhibit midbrain reticular activating system indirectly through non-serotonergic fibers, which in turn facilitate the onset or maintenance of hibernation.     

Differences in the in vivo dynamics of neurotransmitter release and serotonin uptake after acute para-methoxyamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine revealed by chronoamperometry

Illicit use of p-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) is rapidly increasing. However, little is known about the acute effects of PMA on neurotransmission in vivo. High-speed chronoamperometry was used to monitor neurotransmitter release and clearance in anesthetized rats after local application of PMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In striatum, PMA caused less neurotransmitter release than MDMA. PMA-evoked release could be partially blocked by pre-treatment with a serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor, suggesting that evoked 5-HT release contributed to the electrochemical signal and was mediated by the 5-HT transporter (SERT). MDMA-evoked release was not blocked by a SERT inhibitor, suggesting that primarily DA was released. To study the effect of these amphetamines on clearance of 5-HT mediated specifically by the SERT, clearance of exogenously applied 5-HT was measured in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. In contrast to the striatum where 5-HT is cleared by both the SERT and the dopamine transporter (DAT), 5-HT is cleared primarily by the SERT in the CA3 region. This is also a region where neither PMA nor MDMA evoked release of neurotransmitter. The maximal inhibition of 5-HT clearance was greater after PMA than MDMA. These data demonstrate in vivo (1) brain region variability in the ability of PMA and MDMA to evoke release of neurotransmitter; (2) that clearance of 5-HT in the striatum is mediated by both the SERT and the DAT; (3) distinct differences in the amount and nature of neurotransmitter released in the striatum after local application of PMA and MDMA and (4) that PMA is a more efficacious inhibitor of 5-HT clearance in the hippocampus than MDMA. These fundamental differences may account for the more severe adverse reactions seen clinically after PMA, compared to MDMA.     

Modulation of electrically evoked serotonin release in cultured rat raphe neurons

Electrically evoked release of serotonin (5-HT) and its modulation via 5-HT autoreceptors and alpha(2)-heteroreceptors was studied in primary cell cultures prepared from the embryonic (ED 15) rat mesencephalic brain region comprising the raphe nuclei. Cultures were grown for up to 3 weeks on circular glass coverslips. They developed a dense network of non-neuronal and neuronal cells, some of which were positive for tryptophan hydroxylase. To measure 5-HT release, the cultures were pre-incubated with [(3)H]5-HT (in the presence of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor oxaprotiline [1 micromol/L]), superfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit medium containing 6-nitroqipazine [1 micromol/L] and electrically stimulated using two conditions. Condition A: 360 pulses, 3 Hz, 0.5 ms, 90 mA, or condition B: 4 pulses 100 Hz, 0.5 ms, 90 mA (a condition which diminishes interactions with endogenously released transmitters during ongoing stimulation). After only 1 week in culture, the electrically evoked overflow of [(3)H] was Ca(2+) dependent and tetrodotoxin sensitive, suggesting an action-potential-induced exocytotic release of 5-HT. Using stimulation condition A in cultures grown for 2 weeks, both basal and evoked 5-HT release were strongly enhanced by methiotepine (1 micromol/L) but unaffected by the 5-HT(1B) autoreceptor agonist CP-93, 129 (1 micromol/L) and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist UK-14, 304 (1 micromol/L). Conversely, using stimulation condition B, not only CP-93, 129 (IC(50) 8.1 +/- 1.4 nmol/L) and UK-14, 304 (IC(50) 14.9 +/- 1.6 nmol/L) had inhibitory effects on cells grown for 2 weeks, but also the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin. In conclusion, we describe for the first time electrically evoked release of 5-HT from primary cultures of fetal raphe cells and its modulation via 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1A) auto- and alpha(2)-heteroreceptors. Such cultured raphe cells may represent a suitable model to study expression and development of presynaptic receptors on serotonergic neurons in-vitro.     

Serotonergic modulation of murine fundic tone

Fundic tone is maintained through a balance of excitatory and inhibitory input to fundic smooth muscle. The aim of this study was to determine the role of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HT receptors in modulating murine fundic tone. Muscle strips were prepared from the murine fundus. Intracellular recordings were made from circular smooth muscle cells, and the effects of 5-HT on tone and excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) were determined. 5-HT induced a concentration-dependent contraction and smooth muscle depolarization that was tetrodotoxin resistant. The 5-HT(1B/D) receptor antagonists GR-127935 and BRL-155172 significantly inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions. The 5-HT(1B/D) agonist sumatriptan contracted murine fundic muscle. The 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist buspirone relaxed fundic smooth muscle, and the relaxation was inhibited by WAY-100135 but not by N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine or tetrodotoxin. 5-HT enhanced both the excitatory and inhibitory responses to EFS. The 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist MDL-72222 partly inhibited both the excitatory and inhibitory response elicited by EFS, whereas the 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist GR-113808 partly inhibited the EFS-evoked inhibitory response. The 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine contracted smooth muscle strips, a contraction that was partially inhibited by GR-127935 and abolished by tetrodotoxin. In conclusion, the data suggest that 5-HT modulates murine fundic contractile activity through several different receptor subtypes. Sustained release of 5-HT maintains fundic tone through postjunctional 5-HT(1B/D) receptors. 5-HT(3) receptors modulate excitatory neural input to murine fundic smooth muscle, and both 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors modulate inhibitory neural input to murine fundic smooth muscle.     

Inhibition of gastric emptying by bombesin-like peptides is dependent upon cholecystokinin-A receptor activation.

The amphibian peptide bombesin (BN) and the related mammalian peptides gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and neuromedin B (NMB) inhibit gastric emptying in rats. Exogenous administration of BN stimulates the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a gastrointestinal peptide that also potently inhibits gastric emptying. To determine whether the inhibition of gastric emptying by BN-like peptides is mediated by a CCK-dependent mechanism, we examined the ability of the CCK-A receptor antagonist, devazepide, to block the inhibition of saline gastric emptying produced by BN, GRP18-27 and NMB. Using the same dosages as in the gastric emptying experiment, we also evaluated the effect of devazepide on feeding suppression produced by systemically administered BN. Our results showed that devazepide completely blocked the suppression of gastric emptying produced by BN, GRP18-27 and NMB but had no effect on BN-induced suppression of food intake. These results suggest that BN-like peptides inhibit gastric emptying through an indirect mechanism that is dependent upon CCK-A receptor activation. In contrast, the suppression of food intake by BN, in this experimental paradigm, is independent of CCK-A receptors.