云南汉族人群5-羟色胺转运体基因启动子区多态性与酒精依赖的相关性

为了探讨云南汉族人群中5-羟色胺转运体基因启动子区多态性(5-HTTLPR)与酒精依赖的关联性, 文章采用PCR扩增和DNA测序技术, 对云南地区118例酒精依赖患者和214例健康对照个体进行了5-HTTLPR的基因多态性分析。结果表明: 酒精依赖患者组和正常对照组的5-HTTLPR的基因型分布存在显著性差异, L/L和L/S基因的携带者人群嗜酒发生率显著低于S/S基因型人群(OR: 0.581, P=0.026)。S和L等位基因频率在两组间无统计学差异(χ²=2.594, P=0.107), 但其分布存在种族差异性。因此, 云南地区人群中5-HTTLPR多态与酒精依赖存在相关性, L/L和L/S基因型可能是降低酒精依赖发病的影响因子之一。     

选择性5-羟色胺再摄取抑制剂的临床应用进展

5-羟色胺(5-hydroxy tryptamine,5-HT)是中枢及外周神经系统中一种重要的神经递质。5-羟色胺转运体(5-HT transporter,5-HTT)可将5-HT再摄取,降低细胞外5-HT浓度,从而调节神经信号传导。5-HTT异常在某些精神疾病的发病中起重要作用。近年来选择性5-羟色胺再摄取抑制剂(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,SSRIs)在临床上的应用日趋广泛,如治疗抑郁症、焦虑症、抑郁和焦虑共病等常见的精神疾病。氟西汀、帕罗西汀、舍曲林、氟伏沙明和西酞普兰是目前临床上最常用的五种SSRIs,被誉为抗抑郁药的"五朵金花"。本文详细介绍近年来在临床上药物治疗抑郁症取得的成果以及这类药物的药效学、药动学、不良反应和相互作用等,并简要介绍SSRIs在其它疾病领域取得的应用进展。     

5-羟色胺转运体基因异体表达模型的建立

目的:探讨建立5-羟色胺转运体(5-HTT)基因异体表达模型的可行性,且为进一步探讨5-羟色胺重摄取的动力过程和条件以及其功能的调控机制奠定基础.方法:利用体外转录cRNA技术将克隆至pOTV中的5-HTT的cDNA转录、合成5HTT的cRNA,通过显微注射技术将该cRNA注入成熟雌性非洲爪蟾卵母细胞的胞质中,使其表达以建立5-羟色胺转运体(SERT)的异体表达模型,并用电压钳技术检测其转运功能.结果:爪蟾卵母细胞可被用做5-HTT的异体表达模型,其转运功能呈浓度依赖性并具饱和现象,转运过程可被特异阻断剂Desipramine阻断.结论:非洲爪蟾卵母细胞可作为5-羟色胺等单胺类神经递质转运体的异体表达系统,为进一步研究转运体蛋白的功能和调控提供了有效工具.     

选择性5-羟色胺再摄取抑制剂的临床应用进展

5-羟色胺（5-hydroxy tryptamine,5-HT）是中枢及外周神经系统中一种重要的神经递质。5-羟色胺转运体（5-HT transporter,5-HTT）可将5．HT再摄取,降低细胞外5-HT浓度,从而调节神经信号传导。5-HTT异常在某些精神疾病的发病中起重要作用。近年来选择性5．羟色胺再摄取抑制剂（selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,SSRIs）在临床上的应用日趋广泛,如治疗抑郁症、焦虑症、抑郁和焦虑共病等常见的精神疾病。氟西汀、帕罗西汀、舍曲林、氟伏沙明和西酞普兰是目前临床上最常用的五种SSRIs,被誉为抗抑郁药的“五朵金花”。本文详细介绍近年来在临床上药物治疗抑郁症取得的成果以及这类药物的药效学、药动学、不良反应和相互作用等,并简要介绍SSRIs在其它疾病领域取得的应用进展。     

BDNF或5HTTLPR与抑郁症的研究

抑郁症是以抑郁为主要临床表征的一种精神疾病,近年抑郁症发病率正呈逐年上升趋势,如不加以干预,对患者及患者家庭、社会都会产生重大影响.对于抑郁症发病机制目前尚无定论,现有研究均停留在假说阶段.众多假说中脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)和5-羟色胺转运体基因连锁多肽性区域(5-HTTLPR)参与抑郁症的病理生理过程,分别发挥重要作用,其基因也是抑郁症的候选基因,本研究对BDNF、5-HTTLPR在抑郁症及抗抑郁治疗等方面的作用进行文献综述.     

冷应激小鼠十二指肠5-羟色胺免疫活性细胞的免疫组织化学研究(英文)

采用ABC(avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex)免疫组织化学方法,观察冷应激小鼠十二指肠内5-羟色胺免疫反应阳性(5-HTIR)细胞的形态、分布位置及数量。结果显示:冷应激小鼠十二指肠内5-HTIR细胞主要分布于肠上皮细胞间,细胞形态多样,除圆形和锥形外,还具有条形和梭形。冷应激小鼠十二指肠内5-HTIR细胞数量(3.83±1.29)与对照组小鼠十二指肠内5-HTIR细胞数量(2.37±1.10)有显著差异(P=0.000)。分析表明,冷应激对小鼠十二指肠5-HTIR细胞的分布具有一定影响。     

5-羟色胺与Toll样受体及肠道菌群之间关系的研究

5-羟色胺(5-HT)是参与调节胃肠道运动、内脏敏感性、分泌等功能的重要神经递质和信号分子。肠道菌群对5-HT的产生有重要影响,已发现一些产芽孢细菌(spore-forming bacteria,SP)类肠道微生物能刺激肠嗜铬细胞(enterochromaffin cell,EC)产生5-HT。微生物通过Toll样受体(Toll-like receptors,TLR)激活神经分泌机制来调节胃肠运动,某些TLR通过作用于5-HT受体调节小鼠回肠的自主收缩和5-HT诱导的收缩反应。通过调节肠道菌群可以对5-HT综合征及其相关生理和病理状况产生重要影响。因此,对5-HT与TLR及肠道菌群相互之间的关系进行进一步的研究有重要意义。     

研究: 慢性脱水中的脑甲醛代谢失调与学习迟缓

慢性脱水是阿尔茨海默病患者的临床表现之一,慢性脱水不但可以造成血清渗透压升高,同时也引起中枢神经系统代谢失调和认知损伤.本文通过配制4%Na Cl溶液作为C57 BL/6小鼠饮用水,连续喂养3个月,建立慢性脱水动物模型.慢性脱水(实验组)小鼠出现血清渗透压和Na+浓度升高、体重减轻等脱水症状.实验组小鼠在"穿梭箱"行为范式中表现学习迟缓,同时其脑内5-羟色胺显著降低,甲醛浓度升高,产生甲醛的氨基脲敏感氨氧化酶(SSAO)活性升高,并且活性升高的程度(脱水组酶活/对照组酶活)显著高于甲醛脱氢酶3(ADH3)的变化程度.腹腔注射甲醛溶液7天(每天1次)也导致小鼠的"穿梭箱"学习过程迟缓,并伴有脑内5-羟色胺下降;但在相同条件下,连续7天注射4%Na Cl溶液的小鼠组未见学习迟缓和5-羟色胺水平的降低.这些结果提示,慢性脱水导致小鼠脑内甲醛升高,5-羟色胺下降,可能是引起小鼠"穿梭箱"学习迟缓的原因之一.     

乌灵胶囊对抑郁大鼠脑组织中乙酰化H3 及5-HTT、TH 表达的影响

目的:观察乌灵胶囊对抑郁大鼠脑组织中乙酰化组蛋白H3及5-羟色胺受体(5-HTT)、酪氨酸羟化酶(tyrosine hydroxylase,TH)表达的影响。方法:SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组及乌灵胶囊低、高剂量组。取大鼠脑组织,分别采用实时荧光定量PCR法和western blot法检测脑组织中乙酰化组蛋白H3、组蛋白H3,5-HTT、TH蛋白和mRNA的表达。结果:乌灵胶囊明显增强大鼠脑组织中乙酰化组蛋白比例和5-HTT、TH蛋白和mRNA的表达(P<0.05)。结论:乌灵胶囊治疗抑郁症的机制可能与升高脑组织乙酰化组蛋白含量,从而促进5-HTT、TH的表达有关。     

SLC6A4基因多态性与海洛因依赖的关联性研究

目的:探讨5-羟色胺转运体基因(solute carrier family 6 member 4,SLC6A4)基因4个单核苷酸多态性(single nucleotide polymorphism,SNP)位点与海洛因依赖之间的关系。方法:严格按照诊断标准,选取无亲缘关系的海洛因依赖个体397例(病例组)及健康对照个体402例(对照组)提取基因组DNA,采用SNaPshot SNP分型技术对SLC6A4基因4个SNP位点(rs1042173,rs3813034,rs6354,rs7224199)进行基因分型,比较病例-对照组间各位点等位基因、基因型频率的差异。结果:病例组和对照组SLC6A4基因rs1042173和rs3813034位点的基因型和等位基因频率比较存在显著性差异(P0.05),rs1042173的C等位基因(P=0.031,OR=1.317,95%CI=1.026-1.691)及rs3813034的C等位基因(P=0.013,OR=1.375,95%CI=1.069-1.768)是海洛因依赖的危险因素。病例组TCC单倍型(rs7224199、rs3813034和rs1042173)的比例较对照组显著增高(P0.05)。结论:SLC6A4基因rs1042173和rs3813034多态性可能与海洛因成瘾有关,携带有rs1042173的C等位基因和rs3813034的C等位基因的个体及携带TCC单倍型的个体可能更容易对海洛因产生依赖。     

Abnormal anxiety-related behavior in serotonin transporter null mutant mice: the influence of genetic background

Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) null mutant mice provide a model system to study the role genetic variation in the 5-HTT plays in the regulation of emotion. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in 5-HTT null mutants with the mutation placed on either a B6 congenic or a 129S6 congenic background. Replicating previous findings, B6 congenic 5-HTT null mutants exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior and reduced exploratory locomotion on the light ↔ dark exploration and elevated plus-maze tests. In contrast, 129S6 congenic 5-HTT null mutant mice showed no phenotypic abnormalities on either test. 5-HTT null mutants on the 129S6 background showed reduced 5-HT_1A receptor binding (as measured by quantitative autoradiography) and reduced 5-HT_1A receptor function (as measured by 8-OH-DPAT-indcued hypothermia). These data confirm that the 5-HTT null mutation produced alterations in brain 5-HT function in mice on the 129S6 background, thereby discounting the possibility that the absence of an abnormal anxiety-like phenotype in these mice was due to a suppression of the mutation by 129 modifier genes. Anxiety-like behaviors in the light ↔ dark exploration and elevated plus-maze tests were significantly higher in 129S6 congenic +/+ mice as compared to B6 congenic +/+ mice. This suggests that high baseline anxiety-like behavior in the 129S6 strain might have precluded detection of the anxiety-like effects of the 5-HTT null mutation on this background. Present findings provide further evidence linking genetic variation in the 5-HTT to abnormalities in mood and anxiety. Furthermore, these data highlight the utility of conducting behavioral phenotyping of mutant mice on multiple genetic backgrounds.     

Brain region-specific alterations of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in serotonin transporter knockout mice

The aim of the present studies was to determine the effects of reduced or absent serotonin (5-HT) transporters (5-HTTs) on 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. The density of 5-HT2C receptors was significantly increased in the amygdala and choroid plexus of 5-HTT knockout mice. On the other hand, the density of 5-HT2A receptors was significantly increased in the hypothalamus and septum, but reduced in the striatum, of 5-HTT knockout mice. However, 5-HT2A mRNA was not changed in any brain region measured. 5-HT2C mRNA was significantly reduced in the choroid plexus and lateral habenula nucleus of these mice. The function of 5-HT2A receptors was evaluated by hormonal responses to (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI). Oxytocin, but not adrenocorticotrophic hormone or corticosterone, responses to DOI were significantly greater in 5-HTT knockout mice. In addition, Gq and G11 proteins were not significantly changed in any brain region measured. The present results suggest that the constitutive alteration in the function of 5-HTTs changes the density of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in a brain region-specific manner. These changes may not be mediated by alterations in their gene expression or in the level of Gq/11 proteins. The alterations in these receptors may be related to the altered behaviors of 5-HTT knockout mice.     

Unaltered susceptibility to scrapie in serotonin transporter deficient mice

The serotonergic system has been hypothesized to play an important role in prion diseases. Specifically, hyperactivity of the serotonergic system in prion diseases is suggested by an increase in the turnover rate of the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in human and experimental prion diseases. The 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) determines the duration of serotonergic neurotransmission by way of reuptake of 5-HT from the extracellular space. 5-HTT availability is reduced in brains of patients with the human prion disease familial fatal insomnia. To further clarify a possible role of the 5-HTT in prion diseases we investigated whether mice lacking the 5-HTT display an altered susceptibility to experimental scrapie infection. Surprisingly, 5-HTT knockout mice developed mouse scrapie in a time course similar to wildtype control mice with accumulation of the pathological prion protein, PrP(Sc) and with typical pathological hallmarks of the disease. These findings argue against a major role of the 5-HTT in the pathogenesis of prion diseases in mice.     

Exaggerated effect of fluvoxamine in heterozygote serotonin transporter knockout mice

Clearance rates for serotonin (5-HT) in heterozygote (+/-) and homozygote (-/-) serotonin transporter (5-HTT) knockout (KO) mice have not been determined in vivo. Moreover, the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on 5-HT clearance in these mice has not been examined. In this study, the rate of clearance of exogenously applied 5-HT was measured in the CA3 region of the hippocampus of anesthetized mice using high-speed chronoamperometry. Compared with wild-type mice, the maximal rate of 5-HT clearance from extracellular fluid (ECF) was decreased in heterozygotes and more markedly so in KO mice. Heterozygote mice were more sensitive to the 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluvoxamine, resulting in longer clearance times for 5-HT than in wild-type mice; as expected, the KO mice were completely unresponsive to fluvoxamine. There were no associated changes in norepinephrine transporter density, nor was there an effect of the norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, desipramine, on 5-HT clearance in any genotype. Thus, adaptive changes in the norepinephrine transport system do not occur in the CA3 region of hippocampus as a consequence of 5-HTT KO. These data highlight the potential of the heterozygote 5-HTT mutant mice to model the dynamic in vivo consequences of the human 5-HTT polymorphism.     

Social defeat: impact on fear extinction and amygdala-prefrontal cortical theta synchrony in 5-HTT deficient mice

Emotions, such as fear and anxiety, can be modulated by both environmental and genetic factors. One genetic factor is for example the genetically encoded variation of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression. In this context, the 5-HTT plays a key role in the regulation of central 5-HT neurotransmission, which is critically involved in the physiological regulation of emotions including fear and anxiety. However, a systematic study which examines the combined influence of environmental and genetic factors on fear-related behavior and the underlying neurophysiological basis is missing. Therefore, in this study we used the 5-HTT-deficient mouse model for studying emotional dysregulation to evaluate consequences of genotype specific disruption of 5-HTT function and repeated social defeat for fear-related behaviors and corresponding neurophysiological activities in the lateral amygdala (LA) and infralimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in male 5-HTT wild-type (+/+), homo- (-/-) and heterozygous (+/-) mice. Naive males and experienced losers (generated in a resident-intruder paradigm) of all three genotypes, unilaterally equipped with recording electrodes in LA and mPFC, underwent a Pavlovian fear conditioning. Fear memory and extinction of conditioned fear was examined while recording neuronal activity simultaneously with fear-related behavior. Compared to naive 5-HTT+/+ and +/- mice, 5-HTT-/- mice showed impaired recall of extinction. In addition, 5-HTT-/- and +/- experienced losers showed delayed extinction learning and impaired recall of extinction. Impaired behavioral responses were accompanied by increased theta synchronization between the LA and mPFC during extinction learning in 5-HTT-/- and +/- losers. Furthermore, impaired extinction recall was accompanied with increased theta synchronization in 5-HTT-/- naive and in 5-HTT-/- and +/- loser mice. In conclusion, extinction learning and memory of conditioned fear can be modulated by both the 5-HTT gene activity and social experiences in adulthood, accompanied by corresponding alterations of the theta activity in the amygdala-prefrontal cortex network.     

Regional changes in density of serotonin transporter in the brain of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B knockout mice, and of serotonin innervation in the 5-HT1B knockout

5-HT1A knockout (KO) mice display an anxious-like phenotype, whereas 5-HT1B KOs are over-aggressive. To identify serotoninergic correlates of these altered behaviors, autoradiographic measurements of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B serotonin (5-HT) receptors and transporter (5-HTT) were obtained using the radioligands [3H]8-OH-DPAT, [125I]cyanopindolol and [3H]citalopram, respectively. By comparison to wild-type, density of 5-HT1B receptors was unchanged throughout brain in 5-HT1A KOs, and that of 5-HT1A receptors in 5-HT1B KOs. In contrast, decreases in density of 5-HTT binding were measured in several brain regions of both genotypes. Moreover, 5-HTT binding density was significantly increased in the amygdalo-hippocampal nucleus and ventral hippocampus of the 5-HT1B KOs. Measurements of 5-HT axon length and number of axon varicosities by quantitative 5-HT immunocytochemistry revealed proportional increases in the density of 5-HT innervation in these two regions of 5-HT1B KOs, whereas none of the decreases in 5-HTT binding sites were associated with any such changes. Several conclusions could be drawn from these results: (i) 5-HT1B receptors do not adapt in 5-HT1A KOs, nor do 5-HT1A receptors in 5-HT1B KOs. (ii) 5-HTT is down-regulated in several brain regions of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B KO mice. (iii) This down-regulation could contribute to the anxious-like phenotype of the 5-HT1A KOs, by reducing 5-HT clearance in several territories of 5-HT innervation. (iv) The 5-HT hyperinnervation in the amygdalo-hippocampal nucleus and ventral hippocampus of 5-HT1B KOs could play a role in their increased aggressiveness, and might also explain their better performance in some cognitive tests. (v) These increases in density of 5-HT innervation provide the first evidence for a negative control of 5-HT neuron growth mediated by 5-HT1B receptors.     

Serotonin transporter expression is predicted by early life stress and is associated with disinhibited behavior in infant rhesus macaques

Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) expression patterns may contribute to the risk for adverse psychological outcomes following early life stress. The present study investigated whether two types of early life stress, maternal and social aggression, and a serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism ( rh5-HTTLPR ) predicted lower post-stressor peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) 5-HTT expression in infant rhesus macaques. We further probed the relationships among these factors and infant behavioral disinhibition within a stressful situation. Fifty-three infants residing with mothers in large, complex social groups were observed over the first 12 postnatal weeks, during which time the rate of aggression received by the infant from their mothers and social group members was recorded. At 90–120 days of age, infants underwent a 25-h maternal separation/biobehavioral assessment, which included standardized behavioral assessments and blood sampling. Infants' rh5-HTTLPR genotypes were determined, and infant 5-HTT expression was quantified from PBMCs collected 8 h after separation. Receipt of aggression from the mother, but not from social group members, was associated with lower post-stressor 5-HTT expression. Lower post-stressor 5-HTT expression, but not receipt of aggression, was associated with disinhibited behavior during assessment. Rh5-HTTLPR genotype was unrelated to any measure. We conclude that 5-HTT regulation is linked with specific, presumably stressful early experiences in infant rhesus macaques. Further, 5-HTT expression predicted behavioral disinhibition, presumably via parallel processes that operate in the brain.     

Serotonin transporter deficient mice are vulnerable to escape deficits following inescapable shocks

Modulation of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) function causes changes in affective behavior, both in humans and rodents. Stressful life events likewise affect emotional behavior. In humans, a low-expressing genetic 5-htt variant, the s allele of the 5-htt linked promoter region, has been associated with increased risk for depression only where there was a history of stressful life events. To investigate this gene by environment interaction in mice, we compared the effects of inescapable shocks on the behavior of wild-type (5-htt+/+), heterozygote (5-htt+/-) and serotonin transporter deficient (5-htt-/-) mice. Inescapable shocks induce behavioral changes including a shock escape deficit, in a subsequent test when escape is possible. Confirming a gene by environment interaction, we found that stress increases escape latencies in a gene-dose dependent manner (5-htt-/->5-htt+/->5-htt +/+), where as there were no differences among the genotypes in the unstressed condition. The vulnerability to increased escape latency could not be accounted for by enhanced fear learning, as 5-htt-/- mice did not show heightened fear conditioning. The interaction of 5-htt genotype and stress appeared to produce a selective behavioral vulnerability, because no interaction of 5-htt genotype and stress was observed in other measures of anxiety and depression-linked behavior, including the open field, novelty suppressed feeding, and forced swim tests. We replicated prior findings that the 5-htt-/- displays heightened anxiety and depression-like behavior at baseline (unstressed condition). In conclusion, our data offer the possibility for future investigation of the neural basis underlying 5-htt genotype-by-stress interaction shown here.     

Cellular and molecular alterations in mice with deficient and reduced serotonin transporters

The function of serotonin transporters (SERTs) is related to mood regulation. Mice with deficient or reduced SERT function (SERT knockout mice) show several behavioral changes, including increased anxiety-like behavior, increased sensitivity to stress, and decreases in aggressive behavior. Some of these behavioral alterations are similar to phenotypes found in humans with short alleles of polymorphism in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR). Therefore, SERT knockout mice can be used as a tool to study 5-HTTLPR-related variations in personality and may be the etiology of affective disorders. This article focuses on the cellular and molecular alterations in SERT knockout mice, including changes in 5-HT concentrations and its metabolism, alterations in 5-HT receptors, impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis, developmental changes in the neurons and brain, and influence on other neurotransmitter transporters and receptors. It also discusses the possible relationships between these alterations and the behavioral changes in these mice. The knowledge provides the foundation for understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate the SERT-related mood regulation, which may have significant impact on understanding the etiology of affective disorders and developing better therapeutic approaches for affective disorders.