Cortical 5-HT(1A) receptor downregulation by antidepressants in rat brain

Total 5-HT binding sites and 5-HT_1A receptor density was measured in brain regions of rats treated with imipramine (5 mg/kg body wt), desipramine (10 mg/kg body wt) and clomipramine (10 mg/kg body wt), for 40 days, using [³H]5-HT and [³H]8-OH-DPAT, respectively. It was observed that chronic exposure to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) results in significant downregulation of total [³H]5-HT binding sites in cortex (42–76%) and hippocampus (35–67%). The 5-HT_1A receptor density was, however, decreased significantly (32–60%) only in cortex with all the three drugs. Interestingly, in hippocampus imipramine treatment increased the 5-HT_1A receptor density (14%). The affinity of [³H]8-OH-DPAT was increased only with imipramine treatment both in cortex and hippocampus. The affinity of [³H]5-HT to 5-HT binding sites in cortex was increased with imipramine treatment and decreased with desipramine and clomipramine treatment. 5-HT sensitive adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity was significantly increased in cortex with imipramine (72%) and clomipramine (17%) treatment, whereas in hippocampus only imipramine treatment significantly increased AC activity (50%). In conclusion, chronic treatment with TCAs results in downregulation of cortical 5-HT_1A receptors along with concomitant increase in 5-HT stimulated AC activity suggesting the involvement of cortical 5-HT_1A receptors in the mechanism of action of TCAs.     

Cortical 5-HT1A receptor downregulation by antidepressants in rat brain

Total 5-HT binding sites and 5-HT_1A receptor density was measured in brain regions of rats treated with imipramine (5 mg/kg body wt), desipramine (10 mg/kg body wt) and clomipramine (10 mg/kg body wt), for 40 days, using [³H]5-HT and [³H]8-OH-DPAT, respectively. It was observed that chronic exposure to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) results in significant downregulation of total [³H]5-HT binding sites in cortex (42–76%) and hippocampus (35–67%). The 5-HT_1A receptor density was, however, decreased significantly (32–60%) only in cortex with all the three drugs. Interestingly, in hippocampus imipramine treatment increased the 5-HT_1A receptor density (14%). The affinity of [³H]8-OH-DPAT was increased only with imipramine treatment both in cortex and hippocampus. The affinity of [³H]5-HT to 5-HT binding sites in cortex was increased with imipramine treatment and decreased with desipramine and clomipramine treatment. 5-HT sensitive adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity was significantly increased in cortex with imipramine (72%) and clomipramine (17%) treatment, whereas in hippocampus only imipramine treatment significantly increased AC activity (50%). In conclusion, chronic treatment with TCAs results in downregulation of cortical 5-HT_1A receptors along with concomitant increase in 5-HT stimulated AC activity suggesting the involvement of cortical 5-HT_1A receptors in the mechanism of action of TCAs.     

Differential protection and recovery of 5-HT1A receptors from N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) inactivation in regions of rat brain

The effect of N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on 5-HT_1A receptors was studied in Sprague Dawley rats. A single dose of EEDQ (4 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) significantly inactivated 5-HT_1A receptors, as measured by [³H]8-hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino]-tetralin ([³H]8-OH-DPAT), in cortex (64%, p < 0.0001) and hippocampus (48%, p < 0.0001). A significant (p < 0.01) increase in the affinity of 5-HT_1A receptors for radioligand was observed in both regions. A dose dependent protection of cortical 5-HT_1A receptors from EEDQ inactivation with pre-treatment of different doses of 8-OH-DPAT (4–20 mg/kg) was observed, along with recovery of affinity of [³H]8-OH-DPAT for 5-HT_1A receptors in both regions. Although, a dose of 4 mg/kg of 8-OH-DPAT failed to attenuate the effect of EEDQ on hippocampal 5-HT_1A receptors, a significant protection of these receptors was observed with 10 and 20 mg/kg of 8-OH-DPAT. Displacement studies revealed that EEDQ has more affinity for cortical (Ki = 101.3 ± 11.8 nM) than hippocampal (Ki = 133.5 ± 25.8 nM) 5-HT_1A receptors. A time dependent natural recovery of 5-HT_1A receptors from inactivation by a single dose of EEDQ (4 mg/kg) was observed more in cortex compared to hippocampus over a period from 1 day to 14 days. The results of this study suggest that 8-OH-DPAT inhibited EEDQ inactivation of cortical and hippocampal 5-HT_1A receptors in a concentration dependent manner. The synthesis and turnover of 5-HT_1A receptors differ in cortex and hippocampus, as evident by earlier recovery in the cortex.     

Inactivation of 5-HT1A and [3H]5-HT Binding Sites by N-Ethoxycarbonyl-2-Ethoxy-1, 2-Dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) in Rat Brain

Inactivation of 5-HT_1A and [³H]5-HT binding sites by N-Ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydro-quinoline (EEDQ) was studied in regions of rat brain. After exposure to EEDQ (4 mg/kg body wt.) for 7 days, it is observed that the density of 5-HT₁ receptor sites was decreased by nearly 20% in both cortex and hippocampus. The decrease, however, in 5-HT_1A sites was more significant (70%) in both the regions. The affinity of [³H]5-HT to 5-HT₁ sites was decreased significantly in both cortex and hippocampus after exposure to EEDQ, without affecting the Kd of 5-HT_1A sites. Displacement studies suggested that EEDQ has high affinity to 5-HT₁ sites with a Ki of 42.9 ± 2.4 nM. After exposure neither basal nor 5-HT stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was changed in cortex. The results of this study suggest that EEDQ decreases the density of 5-HT₁ and 5-HT_1A receptor sites but does not cause functional downregulation of these sites in rat brain.     

Hypothalamic 5-HT functional regulation through 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors during pancreatic regeneration

5-HT receptors are predominantly located in the brain and are involved in pancreatic function and cell proliferation through sympathetic nervous system. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of hypothalamic 5-HT, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptor binding and gene expression in rat model of pancreatic regeneration using 60% pancreatectomy. The pancreatic regeneration was evaluated by 5-HT content, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptor gene expression in the hypothalamus of sham operated, 72 h and 7 days pancreatectomised rats. 5-HT content was quantified by HPLC. 5-HT1A receptor assay was done by using specific agonist [3H]8-OH DPAT. 5-HT2C receptor assay was done by using specific antagonist [3H]mesulergine. The expression of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptor gene was analyzed by RT-PCR. 5-HT content was higher in the hypothalamus of 72 h pancreatectomised rats. 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors were down-regulated in the hypothalamus. RT-PCR analysis revealed decreased 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptor mRNA expression. The 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors gene expression in the 7 days pancreatectomised rats reversed to near sham level. This study is the first to identify 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptor gene expression in the hypothalamus during pancreatic regeneration in rats. Our results suggest the hypothalamic serotonergic receptor functional regulation during pancreatic regeneration.     

Dissociation of the plasticity of 5-HT1A sites and 5-HT transporter sites

To study the early effects of neonatal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions on 5-hydroxytryptamine_1A (5-HT_1A) receptors, we measured regional [³H]8-OH-DPAT-labeled 5-HT_1A sites in binding assays and compared them to our previous studies of [³H]paroxetine-labeled 5-HT transporter sites during the first month in the same rats. While there were significant time- and dose-dependent effects of 5,7-DHT on 5-HT transporter sites, there were no significant changes in 5-HT_1A sites in cortex, hippocampus, diencephalon, brainstem, cerebellum, or spinal cord. 5,7-DHT lesions also did not alter the K_i of Gpp(NH)p at brainstem 5-HT_1A sites or the K_i of 5-HT in cortex or brainstem in the presence or absence of GTPS or Gpp(NH)p. There were significant regional differences between the density of 5-HT_1A sites and 5-HT transporter sites. The ontogeny of brainstem 5-HT_1A sites was a pattern of increases until three weeks postnatal, and 5,7-DHT lesions did not alter the ontogeny of 5-HT_1A sites. These data suggest differential plasticity of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT transporter binding sites during the first month after neonatal 5,7-DHT lesions.     

Sensitization of adenylate cyclase by short-term activation of 5-HT1A receptors

Long-term (18 h) activation of 5-HT1A receptors alters 5-HT1A receptor-G protein coupling and leads to heterologous sensitization of adenylate cyclase. In contrast, the effects of short-term (2 h) 5-HT1A receptor activation on subsequent adenylate cyclase activity have not been determined. The present study examined and characterized 5-HT1A receptor-induced heterologous sensitization following short-term activation in CHO-5-HT1A cells. Short-term activation of 5-HT1A receptors with full agonists, as well as the partial agonist, buspirone, markedly enhanced subsequent forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. This heterologous sensitization was evident after 30 min treatment with 5HT and appeared to be near maximal following 2 h agonist treatment. Sensitization was characterized by a dose-dependent increase in forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation and was prevented by WAY 100635 or by pertussis toxin treatment. The ability of the 5-HT1A agonists to induce heterologous sensitization was not significantly altered by agents shown previously to modulate 5-HT1A-mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation.     

Activation of 5-HT1A receptors inhibits carbachol-stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mass accumulation in the rodent hippocampus

We have previously demonstrated that 5-HT_1A receptor agonists partially prevent the stimulation by carbachol of [³H]-phosphoinositide hydrolysis in immature rat hippocampal slices. This negative modulation has been investigated further by measuring, using a radioreceptor assay, the mass accumulation of IP₃. In hippocampal slices from developing rats and in hippocampal neurons, carbachol enhanced the accumulation of IP₃ and this response was partially inhibited by 8-OH-DPAT with a potency compatible with the affinity of this agonist for 5-HT_1A receptors. The inhibition of the carbachol response by 8-OH-DPAT was non-competitive in nature and 8-OH-DPAT did not affect the inhibitory potency of pirenzepine. The inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT was maintained after washing the slices preincubated with this compound but was not observed on the carbachol-stimulated PIP₂ hydrolysis in hippocampal membranes, suggesting that this compound induces long lasting changes of nuscarinic receptors and/or their effector mechanism by an indirect action.     

The alteration of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors is involved in neuronal apoptosis of goldfish cerebellum following traumatic experience

5-HT receptor changes remain controversial in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) models. This study looks at the relationship between traumatic injuries and the alterations in 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors in the goldfish brain. The effect of treatment with doxepin and fluoxetine, known to be selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, on 5-HT receptor expression in goldfish with fin ablation was also investigated. We demonstrated that fin ablation induced anxiety-like behavioural alterations and significant up-regulation of c-fos expression in goldfish cerebellum. The behavioural alterations correlated well with an increased expression of 5-HT(2A) receptors in the cerebellum of the fish with traumatic injury. An increase in the number of apoptotic cells and a higher caspase-8 protein level was present in the brains of goldfish with fin ablation compared to the control. Our findings suggest that neuronal apoptosis occured in the cerebellum as a result of fin ablation and may be related to the alterations of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) levels and that the beneficial clinical effects of doxepin/fluoxetine treatment are due to the down-regulation of 5-HT(2A) and up-regulation of 5-HT(2C) receptors in the brain.     

Positive coupling of atypical adenosine A3 receptors on human eosinophils to adenylyl cyclase

Adenosine A(3) receptors are reported to couple negatively to adenylyl cyclase (AC) but their mediation of anti-inflammatory effects in human eosinophils prompted us to investigate their coupling to AC. The A(3)-selective agonists IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA evoked a concentration-dependent generation of cAMP (EC(50), 3.2 and 1.8 microM, respectively) and were more potent than the A(2A) agonist CGS 21680 (EC(50)=15.4 microM) and adenosine (EC(50)=19.2 microM). The cAMP response was additive to that produced by forskolin (10 microM). The effect of IB-MECA was insensitive to A(1) and A(2A) receptor antagonists, but was antagonized by the A(3)-selective antagonist MRS 1220 (0.1-2.5 microM) in a competitive manner. The estimated K(B) of 190 nM was, however, atypical. The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, had no effect on the cAMP response. A general inverse relationship between cAMP generation and inhibition of degranulation was seen. We conclude that in human eosinophils, an atypical form of A(3) receptors positively coupled to AC may exist. The resulting cAMP generation may underlie the anti-inflammatory actions of A(3) agonists in eosinophils.     

Effects of a Chronic Lithium Treatment on Cortical Serotonin Uptake Sites and 5-HT1A Receptors

The objectives of this study were to characterize the effects of a chronic lithium (Li⁺) treatment on serotonin (5-HT) uptake sites and on 5-HT_1A receptors, and to determine the eventual reversibility of the treatment. The experiments were carried out with membranes from rat cerebral cortex using 8-hydroxy-2-(propylamino)tetralin, or [³H]8-OH-DPAT, and [³H]citalopram to label 5-HT_1A receptors and 5-HT uptake sites, respectively. Endogenous levels of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in the cingulate cortex. The saturation curves with [³H]8-OH-DPAT were always best fitted a two-site model. After a treatment with Li⁺ for 28 days, no alterations in the binding parameters of [³H]8-OH-DPAT to the high- and low-affinity binding sites could be documented. However, competition curves with 5-HT to inhibit [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding revealed a decreased proportion of sites with high affinity for the agonist, together with an increased density of sites with low affinity for 5-HT, suggesting an alteration in the coupling efficacy between 5-HT_1A receptors and their transduction systems. Saturation studies with [³H]citalopram showed an increase (>40%) in the density of 5-HT uptake sites after chronic Li⁺, suggesting a more efficient 5-HT uptake process for the treated animals, in accord with clinical observations. Although 5-HT contents in cingulate cortex remained unchanged after the treatment, 5-HIAA levels decreased (>30%), leading to a diminished (almost 50%) 5-HT turnover; and also reflecting a more efficient uptake in the treated rats, so that less 5-HT could be degraded by extracellular monoamine oxidase. All the effects revealed by [³H]8-OH-DPAT and [³H]citalopram were reversed following a recovery period of two days without Li⁺. Since symptoms of bipolar affective disorders may reappear if the chronic Li⁺ treatment is interrupted, the reversibility of the observed effects further supports the importance of central 5-HT synaptic transmission in the pathophysiology and treatment of human affective disorders.     

Short-term effects of 3,4-methylen-dioxy-metamphetamine (MDMA) on 5-HT(1A) receptors in the rat hippocampus

The first effects of 3,4-methylen-dioxy-metamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”), on serotonin 1A (5-HT_1A) receptors in rat hippocampus were determined by means of [³H]-8-hydroxy-dipropylamino-tetralin ([³H]-8-OH-DPAT) and 5′guanosine-(γ-[³⁵S]-thio)triphosphate ([³⁵S]-GTPγS) binding as well as inhibition of forskolin (FK)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity. The study was completed by [³⁵S]-GTPγS functional autoradiography experiments carried out in frontal sections of rat brain, including the hippocampal region. Results showed that MDMA was either able to displace [³H]-8-OH-DPAT binding (K_i  500 nM) or to reduce the number of specific sites (B_max) without affecting K_d. The drug also failed to change the [³⁵S]-GTPγS binding or to inhibit AC velocity, underlying its behavior as a non-competitive 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist. Further, MDMA (1 or 100 μM), partially antagonized either [³⁵S]-GTPγS binding stimulation of the agonists 5CT and 8-OH-DPAT or the AC inhibition induced by 5CT and DP-5CT. However, in contrast to binding studies, in AC assays the amphetamine displayed an effect also on EC₅₀, always being less potent than the reference antagonist WAY100,635. In functional autoradiography, MDMA behaved either as a partial 5-HT_1A antagonist in limbic areas or, added alone, as an agonist, increasing the coupling signal presumably through 5-HT release from synapses. Interestingly, the selective 5-HT re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine had no effect on MDMA [³⁵S]-GTPγS binding activation. This latter finding indicates that the amphetamine can release 5-HT via alternative mechanisms to 5-HT transporter binding, probably via membrane synaptic receptors or vesicular transporters. The release of other transmitters is not excluded. Therefore, our results encourage at extending the study of MDMA biochemical profiles, in the attempt to elucidate those amphetamine-induced pathways with a potential for neurotoxicity or psycho-stimulant activity.     

Unilateral lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway decreases the response of fast-spiking interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex to 5-HT1A receptor agonist and expression of the receptor in parvalbumin-positive neurons in the rat

5-Hydroxytryptamine_1A (5-HT_1A) receptors are expressed in the prefrontal cortical interneurons. Among these interneurons, calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV)-positive fast spiking (FS) interneurons play an important role in regulatory function of the prefrontal cortex. In the present study, the response of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) FS interneurons to the selective 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT and change in expression of 5-HT_1A receptor on PV-positive neurons were examined in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) by using extracellular recording and double-labeling immunofluorescence histochemistry. Systemic administration of 8-OH-DPAT (1-243 μg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently inhibited the mean firing rate of the FS interneurons in sham-operated and the lesioned rats, respectively. The cumulative doses producing inhibition in the lesioned rats (243 μg/kg) was significantly higher than that of sham-operated rats (27 μg/kg). Furthermore, the local application of 8-OH-DPAT (0.01 μg) in the mPFC inhibited the FS interneurons in sham-operated rats, while having no effect on firing rate of the FS interneurons in the lesioned rats. In contrast to sham-operated rats, the lesion of the SNc in rats did not cause the change of PV-positive neurons in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex, a subregion of the mPFC, whereas the lesion of the SNc markedly reduced in percentage of PV-positive neurons expressing 5-HT_1A receptors. Our results indicate that degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway results in the decreased response of FS interneurons in the mPFC to 5-HT_1A receptor stimulation, which attributes to down-regulation of 5-HT_1A receptor expression in these interneurons.     

Identification and role of serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in primary cultures of rat embryonic rostral raphe nucleus neurons

Autoregulatory mechanisms affecting serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] release and synthesis during the early period of development were investigated in dissociated cell cultures raised from embryonic rostral rat rhombencephalon. The presence of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in serotoninergic neurons was assessed using binding assays. The involvement of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in the control of the synthesis and release of [3H]5-HT was studied using biochemical approaches with several serotoninergic receptor ligands. A mean decrease of 30% in [3H]5-HT synthesis and release was observed in the presence of 5-HT (10(-8) M), the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), the 5HT1B/1A agonist 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H-indole (RU 24969), the 5-HT1B agonist 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-4-yl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrid-5-one (CP-93,129), and the 5-HT(1D/1B) agonist sumatriptan. Inhibition of 5-HT synthesis and release induced by 8-OH-DPAT was blocked by chiral N-tert-butyl-3-[1-[1-(2-methoxy)phenyl]piperazinyl]-1-phenylpropionam ide dihydrochloride quaternary-hydrate (WAY 100135) (10(7) M) or methyl 4-[4-[4-(1,1,3-trioxo-2H-1,2-benzoisothiazol-2-yl)butyl]-1-p iperazinyl]-1Hindole-2-carboxylate (SDZ 216-525) (10(-7)M), and that of CP-93,129 was blocked by methiothepin (10(-7) M). Paradoxically, extracellular levels of [3H]5-HT increased in the presence of 8-OH-DPAT and RU 24969 at 10(-6) M. 5-HT uptake experiments showed that these two agonists interacted with the 5-HT transporter. 5-HT1 binding sites (620 fmol/mg of protein) and 5-HT1A (482 fmol/mg of protein) and 5-HT1B (127 fmol/mg of protein) receptors were detected in 12-day in vitro cell cultures. Experiments carried out with tetrodotoxin suggested that 5-HT1A receptors are located on nerve cell bodies, whereas 5-HT1B receptors are located on the nerve terminals. We concluded that autoregulatory mechanisms involving 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B autoreceptors are functionally mature in cells from rostral raphe nuclei during the early period of development.     

Comparison of 5-HT4 and 5-HT7 receptor expression and function in the circular muscle of the human colon

Serotonin receptors are potential targets for treating functional bowel disorders. This study investigated the functional roles and expression of the 5-HT4 and the 5-HT7 receptor, which coexist in human colon circular smooth muscle. 5-HT3 receptor expression was also investigated. Part of the relaxant response to 5-HT was due to activation of 5-HT4 receptors as the apparent pKB value of the selective 5-HT4 antagonist, GR 113808, was 9.36. 5-HT4 mRNA levels were low in five tissues and undetectable in four others, but all responded to 5-HT with an EC50 value of 102.54+/-19.32 nM. The contribution of 5-HT7 receptors to the response was not readily demonstrated using the selective 5-HT7 antagonist, SB-269970, as its apparent pKB value of 7.19 (5-HT4 block with 1 microM GR 113808) was lower than the value obtained using the 5-HT7 guinea pig ileum assay (8.62). Nevertheless, the 5-HT7 receptor was expressed more consistently than the 5-HT4, but at similar levels. The 5-HT(3Ashort) and 5-HT(3B) subunits were co-expressed at similar levels, but the 5-HT(3Along) subunit was detected in only five of the nine samples tested. The findings show that 5-HT4-induced relaxation occurs at low to undetectable levels of tissue mRNA, as measured by qPCR. Although 5-HT7 receptor mRNA is detected at low, but consistent levels, the functional activity of this receptor is not readily identified given the currently available drugs.     

The C-terminus of Gi family G-proteins as a determinant of 5-HT(1A) receptor coupling

Using a universal signaling assay employing G-protein chimeras comprising the C-terminal five amino acids of Gi1/2, Gi3, Go, and Gz fused to Gq, the calcium mobilizing G-protein, we explored the role of the C-terminus of Gi family G-proteins as a determinant for 5-HT(1A) receptor functional coupling. Co-expression of the 5-HT(1A) receptor with each of the Gq/Gi family chimeras resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in calcium upon addition of 5-HT, although the coupling efficiency differed dramatically. Gq/Gi3 resulted in the most efficient coupling based on both potency and relative maximum response to 5-HT. Gq/Go also produced efficient coupling in terms of relative 5-HT efficacy (76% of the Gq/Gi3 maximum response), although 5-HT exhibited 4-fold lower agonist potency, and Gq/Gz and Gq/Gi1/2 conferred poor functional coupling. Agonist potencies and relative efficacies determined for a number of 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists using Gq/Gi3 coupling were significantly weaker than those described previously for coupling through the native G-protein. These results indicate the C-terminus of Gi3 as an important determinant for coupling to the 5-HT(1A) receptor, while the reduced functional agonist activities suggest additional motifs participate in receptor/G-protein coupling.     

Further Characterization of 5-HT1A Receptors in the Goldfish Retina: Role of Cyclic AMP in the Regulation of the In Vitro Outgrowth of Retinal Explants

The presence of serotonin 5-HT_1A receptors and their physiological role were further characterized in the goldfish retina. The effects of the 5-HT_6/7 receptor antagonists pimozide, fluphenazine and amoxapine, the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY-100,135, and the alkylating agent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline, on the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist [³H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding to retinal membranes, were evaluated. In addition, the effects of serotonin, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, WAY-100,135, the adenylate cyclase inhibitors SQ22536 and MDL12330A, and the cyclic AMP analog 8-bromoadenosine-3:5 cyclic monophosphate were also studied on neuritic outgrowth from retinal explants. WAY-100,135 but not 5-HT_6/7receptor antagonists inhibited [³H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding to retinal membranes N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline decreased [³H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding sites up to 70%, while receptor turnover was similar to that reported in other tissues. Serotonin and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin stimulated cyclic AMP production, both ex vivo and in vitro, and these increases were related to inhibition of neuritic outgrowth. The inhibitory effect was reduced by SQ22536 and by WAY-100,135, and was mimicked by 8-bromoadenosine-3:5cyclic monophosphate. This study supports previous findings about the role of serotonin as a regulator of axonal outgrowth during in vitro regeneration of the goldfish retina and demonstrates that this effect is mediated, at least in part, by 5-HT_1A receptors through a mechanism which involves an increase of cyclic AMP levels.     

Quantitative assay of 5-HT1A receptor gene expression in the brain

5-HT_1A receptors are involved in the regulation of various behaviors and the mechanism of action of anxiolytics and antidepressants. It is rather difficult to study the expression of the 5-HT_1A receptor gene in the brain because of the low concentration of its mRNA. A method developed for quantitating the level of 5-HT_1A receptor gene expression in brain structures involves estimation of the copy number for contaminant genomic DNA, the cDNA of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene (a housekeeping gene), and the 5-HT_1A receptor gene cDNA in a cDNA preparation. To estimate the GAPDH and 5-HT_1A receptor cDNA copy numbers, the fluorescent intensity of the corresponding PCR products is calibrated using genomic DNA standards of known concentrations. The expression of the 5-HT_1A receptor gene is corrected for the content of contaminant genomic DNA and presented as a 5-HT_1A receptor cDNA copy number per 100 copies of the GAPDH cDNA. The method was used to demonstrate for the first time that expression of the 5-HT_1A receptor gene is increased in the frontal cortex and the amygdala of mice knocked-out in the monoamine oxidase A gene.     

Involvement of betagamma subunits of G(q/11) in muscarinic M(1) receptor potentiation of corticotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in rat frontal cortex

In the present study, we investigated the involvement of betagamma subunits of G(q/11) in the muscarinic M(1) receptor-induced potentiation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes of rat frontal cortex. Tissue exposure to either one of two betagamma scavengers, the QEHA fragment type II adenylyl cyclase and the GDP-bound form of the alpha subunit of transducin, inhibited the muscarinic M(1) facilitatory effect. Moreover, like acetylcholine (ACh), exogenously added betagamma subunits of transducin potentiated the CRH-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, and this effect was not additive with that elicited by ACh. Western blot analysis indicated the expression in frontal cortex of both type II and type IV adenylyl cyclases, two isoforms stimulated by betagamma subunits in synergism with activated G(s). The M(1) receptor-induced enhancement of the adenylyl cyclase response to CRH was counteracted by the G(q/11) antagonist GpAnt-2A but not by GpAnt-2, a preferential G(i/o) antagonist. In addition, the muscarinic facilitatory effect was inhibited by membrane preincubation with antiserum directed against the C terminus of the alpha subunit of G(q/11), whereas the same treatment with antiserum against either G(i1/2) or G(o) was without effect. These data indicate that in membranes of rat frontal cortex, activation of muscarinic M(1) receptors potentiates CRH-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity through betagamma subunits of G(q/11).     

Effect of p-chloroamphetamine on 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 serotonin receptor expression in rat brain

The aim of this study was to investigate if p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), which is neurotoxic to serotonin (5-HT) nerve terminals, was able to induce, like 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a region-specific regulation of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression. The effect of PCA on the expression of 5-HT7 receptors, which share some pharmacological properties with 5-HT1A receptors, was comparatively studied. PCA (2 x 5 mg/kg) produced a lasting depletion of 5-HT content in the rat frontal cortex and hippocampus. In the hippocampus, the maximal 5-HT depletion was found on day 21 (-70%), whereas in the cortex, the highest 5-HT depletion was found on day 14 (-73%), with a partial but significant recovery on day 21. At the latter time point, 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression was increased by 80% in the cortex and decreased by 50% in the hippocampus. The 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression was also enhanced after exposure to PCA of rat cortical but not of hippocampal primary cultures. In regard to 5-HT7 receptor mRNA expression, the most remarkable change after PCA was the great increase (+200%) in the brain-stem. Binding studies to 5-HT1A receptors matched the changes in receptor mRNA expression. Gel shift assays revealed enhanced nuclear protein binding to the KB sequence with use of cortical but not hippocampal extracts of PCA-treated rats. Overall, the data show region-specific changes in 5-HT receptor-type expression that may not be entirely dependent on the neurotoxic effect of PCA on 5-HT terminals.