4-Aminoethylpiperazinyl aryl ketones with 5-HT₁A/5-HT₇ selectivity

The well-known 5-HT(1A)/5-HT(7) selectivity issue was tackled by a new series of 4-aminoethylpiperazinyl aryl ketones (1a-1l) specifically designed to distinguish the two hydrophobic sites centered at the anchoring salt bridge. The 4-aminoethylpiperazinyl aryl ketones showed a wide spectrum of activity and selectivity for the 5-HT receptors depending on the type of the hydrophobic groups attached at the aryl piperazinyl ketone scaffold. Docking study of the most active compounds against 5-HT(7)R and 5-HT(1A)R revealed that both receptors have two hydrophobic pockets around the anchoring salt bridge. These two binding sites are perpendicular to each other in 5-HT(7)R but parallel in 5-HT(1A)R, and this observation is well matched with the previous report which claimed that 5-HT(7)R affinity arises from bent conformation of the bound ligand whereas an extended one is best suited for 5-HT(1A)R selectivity. Also, as these pockets have different size and shape, inhibitory activity as well as selectivity of the 4-aminoethylpiperazinyl aryl ketones against 5-HT(7)R and 5-HT(1A)R seemed to be determined by combination of two hydrophobic substituents attached at both ends of the title compounds.     

A novel mechanism of modulation of 5-HT₃A receptors by hydrocortisone

Modulation of Cys-loop receptors by steroids is of physiological and therapeutical relevance. Nonetheless, its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated for serotonin (5-HT) type 3 receptors. We deciphered the mechanism of action of hydrocortisone (HC) at 5-HT type 3A receptors. Single-channel currents from the high-conductance form (∼4.7 pA, −70 mV) appear as a series of long opening events forming bursts, which group into long clusters. Although they are very infrequent, subconductance events (∼2.4 pA) are detected within clusters. HC produces a significant concentration-dependent reduction in open and burst durations, demonstrating open-channel block. In addition, it increases the appearance of subconductance levels in a concentration- and slightly voltage-dependent manner. The amplitude of the subconductance level does not change with HC concentration and its open duration is briefer than that of full amplitude events, indicating lower open-channel stability. Dual effects are distinguished from macroscopic responses: HC reduces amplitude by acting from either open or closed states, and it increases decay rates from the open state. Thus, HC acts as a negative modulator of 5-HT type 3A receptors by different mechanisms: It acts as an open-channel blocker and it favors opening to a preexisting subconductance level. The latter constitutes a novel, to our knowledge, mechanism of channel modulation, which might be applicable to other steroids and channels.     

Synthesis and structure–affinity relationships of novel small molecule natural product derivatives capable of discriminating between serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C receptor subtypes

Efforts to develop ligands that distinguish between clinically relevant 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C serotonin receptor subtypes have been challenging, because their sequences have high homology. Previous studies reported that a novel aplysinopsin belonging to a chemical class of natural products isolated from a marine sponge was selective for the 5-HT2C over the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. Our goal was to explore the 5-HT2A/2C receptor structure–affinity relationships of derivatives based on the aplysinopsin natural product pharmacophore. Twenty aplysinopsin derivatives were synthesized, purified and tested for their affinities for cloned human serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptor subtypes. Four compounds in this series had >30-fold selectivity for 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors. The compound (E)-5-((5,6-dichloro-1H-indol-3-yl)methylene)-2-imino-1,3-dimethylimidazolidin-4-one (UNT-TWU-22, 16) had approximately 2100-fold selectivity for the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor subtype: an affinity for 5-HT2C equal to 46 nM and no detectable affinity for the 5-HT1A or 5-HT2A receptor subtypes. The two most important factors controlling 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptor subtype selectivity were the combined R1,R3-alkylation of the imidazolidinone ring and the type and number of halogens on the indole ring of the aplysinopsin pharmacophore.     

荷叶中的生物碱及其对5-HT 2A和5-HT 2C受体的激动作用研究CSCD

对荷叶中的生物碱进行了分离、鉴定和调脂减肥活性研究。本研究结合传统酸提碱沉法与现代高效液相色谱制备技术,从荷叶中分离、纯化到11个生物碱,分别被鉴定为N-氧基原荷叶碱(1)、原荷叶碱(2)、莲碱(3)、降氧化北美黄连次碱(4)、荜茇宁(5)、巴婆碱(6)、O-去甲基荷叶碱(7)、N-去甲基荷叶碱(8)、荷叶碱(9)、衡州乌药碱(10)和亚美罂粟碱(11),其中,化合物1、4和5为首次从荷叶中分得。测试所得化合物对5-HT_(2A)和5-HT_(2C)受体的激动作用,结果表明11个生物碱对5-HT_(2A)受体均具有一定的激动作用,进一步揭示了荷叶调脂减肥的可能药效基础和作用机理。     

5-HT1A receptor-mediated apoptosis: death by JNK?

There is growing interest in the potential use of 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists as neuroprotective agents in stroke and traumatic brain injury. However, a new study using a recombinant 5-HT(1A) receptor cell line suggests that these agonists may promote as well as inhibit apoptotic responses. Because heterologously expressed receptors may couple promiscuously to inappropriate signal transduction pathways, the results should be interpreted with caution.     

跑台运动对攻击行为大鼠内侧下丘脑和中脑导水管周围灰质5-HT1A受体、5-HT2A受体蛋白表达的影响

目的:探讨跑台运动对攻击行为大鼠内侧下丘脑(MH)和中脑导水管周围灰质(PAG)5-HT1A受体、5-HT2A受体蛋白表达的影响,为研究运动对攻击行为改善的神经生物学机制提供实验基础.方法:3月龄雄性SD大鼠40只,体重160～180 g,随机分为4组:安静组(A)、攻击模型组(G)、攻击跑台组(GP)、入侵组(R)....     

重庆居民5-HT2A基因多态性与原发性高血压关系

以聚合酶链PCR法分析重庆市一般人群的5-HT2A基因C102T多态性(样本总数348人,其中高血压组:HT=137例,非高血压组:NT=211例)的临床指标间的相关性与频率分布。了解重庆地区汉族人群5-羟色胺受体2基因(5-hydroxytryptamine receptor gene,5-HT2A)C102T多态性与原发性高血压病(essential hypertension,EH)的关系。卡方检验结果显示5-HT2A的C102T基因多态性(P=0.549)与等位基因频率(P=0.263)在HT与NT之间没有显著性统计学差异;5-HT2A的C102T基因多态性与高血压logistic回归模型分析结果显示也未见显著性差异,卡方值(Wald)为0.399;比值比为0.884;95%的可信区间为0.603~1.296,P值为0.528。一般线性模型分析结果:5-HT2A基因C102T多态性与收缩压,舒张压之间没有显著性统计学差异,PSBP=0.868,PDBP=709。5-HT2A的C102T多态性可能与重庆汉族人群EH无关。     

中枢5-HT与酒精依赖有关

动物及临床实验表明,一些药物能选择性地与5-HT系统相互作用,从而降低机体对酒精的摄取。由酒精滥用与依赖所导致的社会及自身健康与经济上的后果给社会带来严重的问题,例如,美国1990年用于酒精滥用与依赖的经济费用就高达1363亿美元。在过去40年,对酒精滥用及酒精依赖患者主要给予抗抑郁、抗焦虑、镇静催眠等治疗精神病的药物,但效果甚微。     

New aporphinoid 5-HT2A and α1A antagonists via structural manipulations of nantenine

A series of C1, C2, C3 and N6 analogs of nantenine (2) was synthesized and evaluated in 5-HT(2A) and α(1A) receptor functional assays. Alkyl substitution of the C1 and N6 methyl groups of nantenine provided selective 5-HT(2A) and α(1A) antagonists, respectively. The C2 alkyloxy analogs studied were generally selective for α(1A) versus 5-HT(2A). The C3 bromo analog 15 is one of the most potent aporphinoid 5-HT(2A) antagonists known presently.     

Enhancement of fluoxetine-dependent increase of extracellular serotonin (5-HT) levels by (−)-pindolol,an antagonist at 5-HT1A receptors

The somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptor is known to regulate activity of 5-HT neurons and consequently 5-HT release. Administration of a selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) increased extracellular 5-HT levels in rat hypothalamus up to 260 percent of basal levels. (−)-Pindolol, an antagonist at the somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptor, dose-dependently (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.) potentiated the fluoxetine dependent increase up to 458 percent of basal 5-HT levels for approximately 1.5 hours. Continuous infusion of (±)-pindolol at 30 mg/kg/h s.c. enhanced the fluoxetine dependent elevation of extracellular 5-HT concentrations in hypothalamus up to 464 percent of basal levels and lasted for 3 hours. Thus, the combination of 5-HT uptake inhibition with antagonism at the somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptor can enhance 5-HT release to levels beyond those achieved with uptake inhibition alone. The present findings are consistent with the hypothesis that blockade of somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptors removes the inhibitory effect exerted by the elevated 5-HT levels resulting from uptake inhibition.     

Dopamine D2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT(₂A) receptors assemble into functionally interacting heteromers

In view of the co-distribution of dopamine D_2LR and 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT_2A receptors (D_2LR and 5-HT_2AR, respectively) within inter alia regions of the dorsal and ventral striatum and their role as a target of antipsychotic drugs; in this study we assessed the potential existence of D_2LR-5-HT_2AR heteromers in living cells and the functional consequences of this interaction. Thus, by means of a proximity-based bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) approach we demonstrated that the D_2LR and the 5-HT_2AR form stable and specific heteromers when expressed in HEK293T mammalian cells. Furthermore, when the D_2LR-5-HT_2AR heteromeric signaling was analyzed we found that the 5-HT_2AR-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activation was synergistically enhanced by the concomitant activation of the D_2LR as shown in a NFAT-luciferase reporter gene assay and a specific and significant rise of the intracellular calcium levels were observed when both receptors were simultaneously activated. Conversely, when the D_2LR-mediated adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibition was assayed we showed that costimulation of D_2LR and 5-HT_2AR within the heteromer led to inhibition of the D_2LR functioning, thus suggesting the existence of a 5-HT_2AR-mediated D_2LR trans-inhibition phenomenon. Finally, a bioinformatics study reveals that the triplet amino acid homologies LLT (Leu-Leu-Thr) and AIS (Ala-Ile-Ser) in TM1 and TM3, respectively of the D₂R-5-HT_2AR may be involved in the receptor interface. Overall, the presence of the D_2LR-5-HT_2AR heteromer in discrete brain regions is postulated based on the existence of D_2LR-5-HT_2A receptor-receptor interactions in living cells and their codistribution inter alia in striatal regions. Possible novel therapeutic strategies for treatment of schizophrenia should be explored by targeting this heteromer.     

5-HT受体亚型在大鼠颌下腺的免疫组织化学定位及5-HT的功能研究

目的 研究探讨了大鼠颌下腺中5-羟钩胺受体亚型的分布以及5-HT功能。方法 免疫组织化学法和免疫酶联检测法,结果 大鼠颌下腺的浆液性腺泡上皮细胞,闰管,颗粒曲管,纹状管和排泄管的管壁上皮细胞均呈5-HT1AR离体培养的颌下腺分泌神经生长因子（NGF）,但是,当外源5-HT浓度大于10^-7时却抑制NGF的分泌。结论 提示5-HT对颌下腺NGF的分泌可能起双向调节的作用。     

自杀行为候选基因5-HT2A受体基因的核酸及蛋白质分析

为阐明自杀行为的机制,在众多的自杀候选基因中,本文着重对候选基因5-HT2Α受体基因进行了生物信息学分析,结果支持候选基因及其编码蛋白质参与自杀行为的生理生化过程,为自杀行为受基因、环境的共同作用提供了间接证据,也为自杀行为机制的后续研究奠定了基础。     

Dynamic modulation of FGFR1–5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes. Agonist treatment enhances participation of FGFR1 and 5-HT1A homodimers and recruitment of β-arrestin2

New findings show that neurotrophic and antidepressant effects of 5-HT in brain can, in part, be mediated by activation of the 5-HT1A receptor protomer in the hippocampal and raphe FGFR1–5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes enhancing the FGFR1 signaling. The dynamic agonist modulation of the FGFR1–5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes and their recruitment of β-arrestin is now determined in cellular models with focus on its impact on 5-HT1AR and FGFR1 homodimerization in the heteroreceptor complexes based on BRET² assays. The findings show that coagonist treatment with 8-OH-DPAT and FGF2 but not treatment with the 5-HT1A agonist alone markedly increases the BRETmax values and significantly reduces the BRET50 values of 5HT1A homodimerization. The effects of FGF2 or FGF20 with or without the 5-HT1A agonist were also studied on the FGFR1 homodimerization of the heteroreceptor complexes. FGF2 produced a marked and rapid increase in FGFR1 homodimerization which partially declined over a 10 min period. Cotreatment with FGF2 and 5-HT1A agonist blocked this decline in FGFR1 homodimerization. Furthermore, FGF2 alone produced a small increase in the BRET² signal from the 5-HT1A-β-arrestin2 receptor–protein complex which was additive to the marked effect of 8-OH-DPAT alone. Taken together, the participation of 5-HT1A and FGFR1 homodimers and recruitment of β-arrestin2 was demonstrated in the FGFR1–5-HT1A heteroreceptor complexes upon agonist treatments.     

Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Activation Blocks TNF-α Mediated Inflammation In Vivo

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) plays a key role in inflammation, and its production and signaling contribute to many inflammatory related diseases. Recently, we discovered that selective activation of serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors with the agonist (R)-DOI produces a super-potent blockade of proinflammatory markers in primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Here, we demonstrate that systemic administration of (R)-DOI can block the systemic effects of TNF-α in whole animal, with potent anti-inflammatory effects in the aortic arch and small intestine. This includes blockade of TNF-α-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cell adhesion (Icam-1, Vcam-1), cytokine (Il-6, IL-1b), and chemokine (Mcp-1, Cx3cl1) genes, and expression of VCAM-1 protein in the intestine. Further, systemic (R)-DOI also prevents the TNF-α-induced increase of circulating IL-6. Importantly, utilizing receptor selective antagonists, we have demonstrated that the mechanism underlying the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of (R)-DOI is activation of serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors. Our results highlight a powerful new role for the serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor in inflammatory processes, and indicate that agonism of serotonin receptors may represent an effective and novel approach to develop powerful small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and conditions such as atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.     

Do imipramine and dihydroergosine possess two components--one stimulating 5-HT1 and the other inhibiting 5-HT2 receptors?

The mechanisms by which imipramine and dihydroergosine stimulate the 5-HT syndrome in rats and inhibit the head-twitch response in rats and mice were studied. Imipramine- and dihydroergosine-induced stimulation of the 5-HT syndrome was inhibited stereoselectively by propranolol, a high affinity ligand for 5-HT1 receptor sites, but not by ritanserin, a specific 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. (-)-Propranolol potentiated the inhibitory effect of imipramine, but not of dihydroergosine on the head-twitch response, while ritanserin was without effect. Neither imipramine nor dihydroergosine were able to stimulate the 5-HT syndrome in the animals pretreated with p-chlorophenylalanine. As expected, 8-OH-DPAT, a selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, stimulated, and 5-HT1B agonists CGS 12066B and 1-(trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) failed to stimulate the 5-HT syndrome induced in rats by pargyline and 5-HTP administration. A higher dose of ritanserin inhibited the syndrome. While 8-OH-DPAT alone produced all behavioral components of the 5-HT syndrome, dihydroergosine or imipramine alone even at very high doses never produced tremor or a more intensive forepaw padding as seen when these drugs were given in combination with pargyline and 5-HTP. A single administration of (-)-propranolol also inhibited the head-twitch response. This effect lasted in mice longer than after ritanserin administration. In in vitro experiments dihydroergosine expressed approximately twenty-fold higher affinity for 3H-ketanserin binding sites than imipramine. The results suggest that imipramine and dihydroergosine possess two components--one stimulating the 5-HT syndrome in rats by a presynaptic, presumably 5-HT1A-mediated mechanism, and the other inhibiting 5-HT2 binding sites.     

5-HT2A受体在尼可刹米增强新生大鼠延髓脑片呼吸放电中的作用

本文旨在探讨中枢呼吸兴奋剂尼可刹米对新生大鼠基本节律性呼吸的产生和调节的影响及5-HT2A受体在其中的作用.制作新生大鼠离体延髓脑片标本,含面神经后核内侧区(the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis,mNRF)并保留舌下神经根,灌流改良Kreb'S液(modified Kreb'S solution,MKS),记录舌下神经根呼吸相关节律性放电活动(respiratory-re-lated rhythmic discharge activity,RRDA),观察不同浓度尼可刹米、5-HT2A受体特异激动剂2,5-二甲氧基-4-碘苯基丙烷[1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane,DOI]、5-HT2A受体特异拮抗剂酮舍林(ketanserine)以及联合使用尼可刹米和酮舍林对舌下神经根RRDA的影响.结果显示,尼可刹米在0.5～7μg/mL时对延髓脑片RRDA有兴奋作用,在5 μg/mL时对吸气时程(inspiratory time,TI)、放电积分幅度(integral amplitude,IA)、呼吸周期(respiratory cycle,Re)等呼吸指标综合效果最显著.DOI明显延长TI、增强IA、缩短RC,对RRDA有兴奋作用.酮舍林明显缩短TI、减弱IA、延长RC,对RRDA有抑制作用.联合使用DOI和酮舍林对RRDA无明显作用.酮舍林可完全阻断尼可刹米对RC的作用,部分阻断尼可刹米对IA的作用,对尼可刹米引起的TI变化无明显影响.结果提示,尼可刹米增强新生大鼠离体延髓脑片舌下神经根RRDA,5-HT2A受体可能足尼可刹米作用途径之一.     

5-HT2和5-HT3受体在外周初级感觉神经末梢痛反应和痛调制中的相互作用

目的：探讨5-HT2和5-HT3受体亚型在5-HT引起外周痛反应和痛调制中的相互作用及其机制;方法：在大鼠三又神经节神经元标本上应用全细胞膜片钳技术记录5-羟色胺激活电流（15_HT）,并结合痛行为实验进行观察。结果：在大多数受检细胞（54／88,61．4％）特别是中、小型细胞外加5-HT可引起一快去敏感的内向电流,此内向电流能被5-HT,受体特异性激动剂2-甲基-5-羟色胺所模拟,被5-HT3受体拮抗剂ICS250-930可逆性阻断,而5-HT2受体激动剂α-甲基-5-羟色胺则有明显增强15-HT的作用,5-HT1受体激动剂R-（＋）-UH301无明显反应。在进一步的整体清醒动物的行为学试验中我们观察到,大鼠后肢掌底皮下注射5-HT（10-5,10-4和10-3mol／L）引起浓度依赖性的痛行为反应,而用5-HT2和5-HT3受体特异性拮抗剂Cyproheptadine和ICS250-930分别阻断相应受体亚型后,5-HT引起的痛行为反应的强度序列为：5-HT〉5-HT＋ICS〉5-HT＋Cyp。结论：本文结果提示：5-HT所引起的痛反应中,在初级感觉神经元水平5-HT3受体可能仅起着启始作用,而5-HT,受体则在伤害性信息的维持和调制过程中发挥更大的作用。     

Novel brain penetrant benzofuropiperidine 5-HT₆ receptor antagonists

7-Arylsulfonyl substituted benzofuropiperidine was discovered as a novel scaffold for 5HT(6) receptor antagonists. Optimization by substitution at C-1 position led to identification of selective, orally bioavailable, brain penetrant antagonists with reduced hERG liability. An advanced analog tested in rat social recognition model showed significant activity suggesting potential utility in the enhancement of short-term memory.     

The discovery and SAR of indoline-3-carboxamides—A new series of 5-HT6 antagonists

Antagonists of the 5-HT₆ receptor have been shown to improve cognitive function in a wide range of animal models and as such may prove to be attractive agents for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and schizophrenia. We report herein the identification and SAR around N-(2-aminoalkyl)-1-(arylsulfonyl)indoline-3-carboxamides—a novel chemotype of 5-HT₆ antagonists.