The role of 5‐HT2A receptor and 5‐HT2A/5‐HT1A receptor interaction in the suppression of catalepsy

In the present study, the 5‐HT_2A and 5‐HT_1A receptors functional activity and 5‐HT_2A receptor gene expression were examined in the brain of ASC/Icg and congenic AKR.CBAD13Mit76C mouse strains (genetically predisposed to catalepsy) in comparison with the parental catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J and catalepsy‐prone CBA/Lac mouse strains. The significantly reduced 5‐HT_2A receptor functional activity along with decreased 5‐HT_2A receptor gene expression in the frontal cortex was found in all mice predisposed to catalepsy compared with catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J. 5‐HT_2A agonist DOI (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced catalepsy in ASC/Icg and CBA/Lac, but not in AKR.CBAD13Mit76C mice. Essential increase in 5‐HT_1A receptor functional activity was shown in catalepsy‐prone mouse strains in comparison with catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J mice. However, in AKR.CBAD13Mit76C mice it was lower than in ASC/Icg and CBA/Lac mice. The inter‐relation between 5‐HT_2A and 5‐HT_1A receptors in the regulation of catalepsy was suggested. This suggestion was confirmed by prevention of DOI anticataleptic effect in ASC/Icg and CBA/Lac mice by pretreatment with 5‐HT_1A receptor antagonist p‐MPPI (3 mg/kg, i.p.). At the same time, the activation of 5‐HT_2A receptor led to the essential suppression of 5‐HT_1A receptor functional activity, indicating the opposite effect of 5‐HT_2A receptor on pre‐ and postsynaptic 5‐HT_1A receptors. Thus, 5‐HT_2A/5‐HT_1A receptor interaction in the mechanism of catalepsy suppression in mice was shown.     

Chronic voluntary ethanol intake hypersensitizes 5‐HT1A autoreceptors in C57BL/6J mice

Alcoholism is a complex disorder involving, among others, the serotoninergic (5‐HT) system, mainly regulated by 5‐HT_1A autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus. 5‐HT_1A autoreceptor desensitization induced by chronic 5‐HT reuptake inactivation has been associated with a decrease in ethanol intake in mice. We investigated here whether, conversely, chronic ethanol intake could induce 5‐HT_1A autoreceptor supersensitivity, thereby contributing to the maintenance of high ethanol consumption. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a progressive ethanol intake procedure in a free‐choice paradigm (3–10% ethanol versus tap water; 21 days) and 5‐HT_1A autoreceptor functional state was assessed using different approaches. Acute administration of the 5‐HT_1A receptor agonist ipsapirone decreased the rate of tryptophan hydroxylation in striatum, and this effect was significantly larger (+75%) in mice that drank ethanol than in those drinking water. Furthermore, ethanol intake produced both an increased potency (+45%) of ipsapirone to inhibit the firing of 5‐HT neurons, and a raise (+35%) in 5‐HT_1A autoreceptor‐mediated stimulation of [³⁵S]GTP‐γ‐S binding in the dorsal raphe nucleus. These data showed that chronic voluntary ethanol intake in C57BL/6J mice induced 5‐HT_1A autoreceptor supersensitivity, at the origin of a 5‐HT neurotransmission deficit, which might be causally related to the addictive effects of ethanol intake.     

Anxiety and increased 5‐HT1A receptor response in NCAM null mutant mice

Mice deficient in the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) show behavioral abnormalities as adults, including altered exploratory behavior, deficits in spatial learning, and increased intermale aggression. Here, we report increased anxiety‐like behavior of homozygous (NCAM^−/−) and heterozygous (NCAM^+/−) mutant mice in a light/dark avoidance test, independent of genetic background and gender. Anxiety‐like behavior was reduced in both NCAM^+/+ and NCAM^−/− mice by systemic administration of the benzodiazepine agonist diazepam and the 5‐HT_1A receptor agonists buspirone and 8‐OH‐DPAT. However, NCAM^−/− mice showed anxiolytic‐like effects at lower doses of buspirone and 8‐OH‐DPAT than NCAM^+/+ mice. Such increased response to 5‐HT_1A receptor stimulation suggests a functional change in the serotonergic system of NCAM^−/− mice, likely involved in the control of anxiety and aggression. However, 5‐HT_1A receptor binding and tissue content of serotonin and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindolacetic acid were found unaltered in every brain area of NCAM^−/− mice investigated, indicating that expression of 5‐HT_1A receptors as well as synthesis and release of serotonin are largely unchanged in NCAM^−/− mice. We hypothesize a critical involvement of endogenous NCAM in serotonergic transmission via 5‐HT_1A receptors and inwardly rectifying K⁺ channels as the respective effector systems. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 40: 343–355, 1999     

A single in vivo cocaine administration impairs 5‐HT1B receptor‐induced long‐term depression in the nucleus accumbens

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a crucial forebrain nucleus implicated in reward‐based decision‐making. While NAc neurons are richly innervated by serotonergic fibers, information on the functional role of serotonin 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in the NAc is still sparse. Here, we demonstrate that brief application of 5‐HT or 5‐HT_1B receptor agonist CP 93129 induced a long‐term depression (LTD) of glutamatergic transmission in NAc neurons. This LTD was presynaptically mediated and inducible by endogenous 5‐HT. Remarkably, a single cocaine exposure impaired the induction of LTD by 5‐HT or CP 93129. The inhibition was blocked when a selective dopamine D₁ receptor antagonist SCH23390 was coadministered with cocaine. Cocaine treatment resulted in increased phosphorylation of presynaptic proteins, rabphilin 3A and synapsin 1, and significantly attenuated CP 93129‐induced decrease in rabphilin 3A and synapsin 1 phosphorylation. Application of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT5720 caused a prominent synaptic depression in NAc neurons of mice with a history of cocaine exposure. Our results reveal a novel 5‐HT_1B receptor‐mediated LTD in the NAc and suggest that cocaine exposure may result in elevated phosphorylation of presynaptic proteins involved in regulating glutamate release, which counteracts the presynaptic depressant effects of 5‐HT_1B receptors and thereby impairs the induction of LTD by 5‐HT.     

Clozapine functions through the prefrontal cortex serotonin 1A receptor to heighten neuronal activity via calmodulin kinase II-NMDA receptor interactions

Aberrant dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is believed to underlie schizophrenia, but the mechanistic pathway through which a widely used antipsychotic, clozapine (Clz), evokes neurotransmitter-releasing electrical stimulation is unclear. We analyzed Clz-evoked regulation of neuronal activity in the PFC by stimulating axons in layers IV and V and recording the electrical effect in the post-synaptic pyramidal cells of layers II and III. We observed a Clz-evoked increase in population spike (PS), which was mediated by serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT(1A)-R), phospholipase Cβ, and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). Immunoblotting demonstrated that the Clz-activation of CaMKII was 5-HT(1A)-R-mediated. Intriguingly, the NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist (±)2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) eliminated the Clz-mediated increase in PS, suggesting that the 5-HT(1A)-R, NMDA-R and CaMKII form a synergistic triad, which boosts excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP), thereby enhancing PS. In corroboration, Clz as well as NMDA augmented field EPSP (fEPSP), and WAY100635 (a 5-HT(1A)-R antagonist), APV, and a CaMKII inhibitor eliminated this increase. As previously shown, CaMKII binds to the NMDA-R 2B (NR2B) subunit to become constitutively active, thereby inducing α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptor recruitment to the post-synaptic membrane and an increase in fEPSP. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Clz potentiates interactions among CaMKII, NR2B, and 5-HT(1A)-R, possibly in the membrane rafts of the post-synaptic density (PSD), because pretreatment with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD), an agent that disrupts rafts, inhibited both co-immunoprecipitation as well as fEPSP. In summary, Clz functions in the PFC by orchestrating a synergism among 5-HT(1A)-R, CaMKII, and NMDA-R, which augments excitability in the PFC neurons of layers II/III.     

Subunit‐dependent inhibition and potentiation of 5‐HT3 receptor by the anticancer drug,topotecan

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5‐HT) type 3 (5‐HT3) receptor belongs to the superfamily of Cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channels, and can be either homopentameric (5‐HT3A) or heteropentameric (5‐HT3AB) receptor. Several modulators are known, which either inhibit or potentiate this channel, but few have any appreciable selectivity between the two subtypes or can modulate one receptor differently to the other. In this study, we show that the anticancer drug, topotecan, bidirectionally modulates the 5‐HT3 receptor using a two‐electrode voltage clamp technique. Topotecan inhibited 5‐HT‐gated current through homomeric 5‐HT3A receptors. Interestingly, however, additional expression of the 5‐HT3B subunit changed the response to topotecan dramatically from an inhibitory to a potentiatory one. This effect was dependent on the level of 5‐HT3B subunit expression. Moreover, the effect was reduced in the receptors containing the 5‐HT3B(Y129S) polymorphic variant. These finding could explain individual differences in the sensitivity to topotecan‐induced nausea and vomiting.     

microRNA-665 silencing improves cardiac function in rats with heart failure through activation of the cAMP signaling pathway

Heart failure (HF) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity rate. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of HF, potentially being able to improve the cardiac function in an HF rat model. The present study was designed to define the role of miR-665 in the cardiac function of the HF rats. Following the establishm;ent of the rat models of HF, the functional role miR-665 in HF was determined using an ectopic expression and knockdown experiments. The cardiac function was evaluated with the determination of ventricular mass index and hemodynamic parameters. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining was performed, with the apoptosis of cardiac cells detected in the process. The expression of miR-665, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway-related, and apoptosis-related genes was examined. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to determine the levels of inflammation-related genes. Initially, the upregulation of miR-665, downregulation of GLP1R, and inactivation of cAMP signaling pathway were observed in HF rats. GLP1R was a target of miR-665. Forced expression of miR-665 promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited GLP1R and the cAMP signaling pathway. In addition, miR-665 overexpression has been known to impair cardiac function, promote inflammatory response while elevating malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreasing mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities. Furthermore, we also observed that the effects of miR-665 inhibition had been reversed when the cAMP signaling pathway was also inhibited. This study demonstrates that miR-665 inhibition can stabilize the cardiac function of HF rats via the cAMP signaling pathway via upregulation of the GLP1R.     

The brain 5-HT1A receptor gene expression in hibernation

Hibernation is a unique physiological state characterized by profound reversible sleep-like state, depression in body temperature and metabolism. The serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine_1A (5-HT_1A) receptor gene sequence in typical seasonal hibernator, ground squirrel ( Spermophilus undulatus ), was specified. It was found that the fragment encoding the fifth transmembrane domain showed 93.6% of homology with the analogous fragment of the mouse and rat genes and displayed 88.5% homology with the human 5-HT_1A receptor gene. Using primers designed on the basis of obtained sequence, the expression of 5-HT_1A receptor gene in the brain regions in active, entering into hibernation, hibernating and coming out of hibernation ground squirrels was investigated. Significant structure-specific changes were revealed in the 5-HT_1A messenger RNA (mRNA) level in entry into hibernation and in arousal. An increase in the 5-HT_1A gene expression was found in the hippocampus during the prehibernation period and in ground squirrels coming out of hibernation, thus confirming the idea of the hippocampus trigger role in the hibernation. Significant decrease in 5-HT_1A receptor mRNA level in the midbrain was found in animals coming out of hibernation. There was no considerable changes in 5-HT_1A receptor mRNA level in different stages of sleep–wake cycle in the frontal cortex. Despite drastically decreased body temperature in hibernating animals (about 37°C in active and 4–5°C in hibernation), 5-HT_1A receptor mRNA level in all examined brain regions remained relatively high, suggesting the essential role of this 5-HT receptor subtype in the regulation of hibernation and associated hypothermia.     

Mice overexpressing CRH show reduced responsiveness in plasma corticosterone after a5-HT1A receptor challenge

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) overproduction and serotonergic dysfunction have both been implicated in a range of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and several studies have shown interactions between these two neurotransmitter systems. In this study, we investigated the effects of CRH challenge on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in female transgenic mice overproducing CRH. Furthermore, the effects of mild stress on HPA axis activity and body temperature were investigated in these mice. Pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT_1A receptor function were studied by monitoring body temperature and plasma corticosterone levels after challenge with the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). Hypothermia in response to 8-OH-DPAT treatment did not differ between transgenic and wild type mice, indicating unaltered somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptor function in mice overproducing CRH. In wild type mice 8-OH-DPAT increased plasma corticosterone levels, but not in transgenic animals. CRH injection, however, increased corticosterone levels in both groups. These data suggest desensitization of post-synaptic, but not pre-synaptic, 5-HT_1A receptors in mice overproducing CRH. These findings resemble those seen in depressed patients following 5-HT_1A challenge, which is in accord with the hypothesized role of CRH in the pathogenesis of depression.     

针刺对缺氧缺血性脑损伤大鼠脑神经功能及5-HTR1A/cAMP/PKA信号通路的影响机制研究

摘要 目的：探讨与研究针刺对缺氧缺血性脑损伤大鼠脑神经功能及5-HTR1A/cAMP/PKA信号通路的影响机制。方法：研究时间为2022年6月到2022年12月,SPF级健康雄性SD大鼠36只平分为空白组、模型组、针刺组,每组各12只大鼠。空白组不进行造模,针刺组在造模完成1周后进行针刺治疗,空白组、模型组不进行治疗。结果：所有大鼠都顺利完成实验,无死亡大鼠出现。针刺组、模型组治疗后2周与4周的神经功能评分都显著高于空白组（P<0.05）,针刺组的神经功能评分与模型组相比显著降低(P<0.05)。针刺组、模型组治疗后2周与4周的脑缺氧缺血组织体积都高于空白组(P<0.05),针刺组的脑缺氧缺血组织体积与模型组相比显著降低（P<0.05）。针刺组、模型组治疗后2周与4周的血清超氧化物歧化酶活力低于空白组（P<0.05）,血清丙二醛含量高于空白组（P<0.05）,针刺组与模型组对比也有显著差异（P<0.05）。针刺组、模型组治疗后2周与4周的大脑组织5-HTR1A蛋白、cAMP蛋白、PKA蛋白相对表达水平明显低于空白组（P<0.05）,针刺与模型组相比显著提高（P<0.05）。结论：针刺在缺氧缺血性脑损伤大鼠的应用能激活5-HTR1A/cAMP/PKA信号通路,能提高超氧化物歧化酶活力,降低血清丙二醛含量,能改善大鼠的脑神经功能,降低脑缺氧缺血组织体积。     

Glutamate levels control HT22 murine hippocampal cell death by regulating biphasic patterns of Erk1/2 activation: role of metabolic glutamate receptor 5

Extracellular glutamate concentration is a critical determinant of neuronal cell fate. We recently demonstrated that HT22 murine hippocampal cell viability was reduced by exposure to high concentrations of glutamate, whereas low concentrations promoted cell survival. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 activation by glutamate is important for both glutamate-induced cell death and survival. In this study, we investigated the role of glutamate-induced or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced Erk1/2 activation in HT22 cell fate determination. Glutamate and H₂O₂ treatment similarly induced early (<1 h) Erk1/2 phosphorylation regardless of concentration. On the other hand, persistent Erk1/2 phosphorylation (16–24 h) was observed only in the presence of excess glutamate. Only the latter contributed to glutamate-induced cell death, which involved metabolic glutamate receptor 5. Our findings suggest that glutamate concentration modulates two distinct phases of Erk1/2 activation, which can explain the glutamate concentration-dependent determination of HT22 cell fate.     

5-HT1A receptor blockade and the motivational profile of ethanol

Although several serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes influence ethanol consumption, the motivational mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. The present experiments characterized the rewarding, aversive and stimulant effects of ethanol in combination with a specific 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (pindobind-5HT1A). In a place conditioning study, adult male Swiss-Webster mice received 6 parings of a distinctive tactile stimulus with either 2 g/kg ethanol, 2.5 mg/kg pindobind-5HT1A, or both drugs in combination. Ethanol-conditioned preference for the tactile cue was enhanced in mice also receiving pindobind-5HT1A, which did not produce cue preference in the absence of ethanol. In a taste conditioning study, Swiss-Webster mice received 4 trials consisting of access to a distinctive NaCl flavor followed by either 4 g/kg ethanol, 2.5 mg/kg pindobind-5HT1A, or both drugs. As expected, ethanol produced avoidance of the flavor. Pindobind-5HT1A did not reduce or enhance ethanol-conditioned flavor aversion. In a study characterizing locomotor activity, 2 g/kg ethanol produced stimulation, which was enhanced after 10 daily treatments. Locomotor sensitization was not altered by co-treatment with pindobind-5HT1A. Overall, the present results show specific effects of 5-HT1A blockade on ethanol reward.     

Differential Glycosylation of the 5A11/HT7 Antigen by Neural Retina and Epithelial Tissues in the Chicken

Abstract: The 5A11/HT7 antigen, a member of the immunoglobulin supergene family, has been implicated in heterotypic cell-cell interactions during retina development. Immunopurified 5A11 antigen isolated from Nonidet P-40-solubilized retina membranes had two components as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), a 45.5-kDa doublet and a 69-kDa polypeptide. Immunoreactive bands of 46-50 kDa were recognized following SDS-PAGE of detergent-solubilized membrane proteins from liver, kidney, and erythrocytes. Treatment with N-glycosidase F (EC 3.2.2.18) converted the 45.5–50-kDa immunoreactive polypeptides from all tissues to 32 kDa, indicating that the observed differences in molecular mass were due to differences in glycosylation. N-Glycosidase Ftreatment also converted the 69-kDa form from retina to 46 kDa, indicating a different polypeptide core than the 32-kDa species. Treatment with endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (EC 3.2.1.96) resulted in modest increases in electrophoretic mobility due to hydrolysis of high mannose or hybrid oligosaccharides and lack of hydrolysis of complex oligosaccharides resistant to endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase H digestion. Immunoreactivity was retained after deglycosylation. Much of the difference in molecular weight could be attributed to variations in sialylation. The higher molecular mass species of the 45.5-kDa doublet from retina and the polypeptides from other tissues were susceptible to neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18) and O-glycosidase (endo-α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase; EC 3.2.1.97) digestion. Labeling with elderberry bark lectin (specific for α2, 6-linked sialic acid) was confined to the higher molecular mass species of the 45.5-kDa doublet and was considerably greater in antigen derived from epithelia rather than neural retina. In paraffin sections of chick retina, elderberry bark lectin staining was confined to the retinal pigmented epithelium, photoreceptor cells, and bipolar cells with no staining of the Müller cells, which bear the bulk of the 5A11 antigen. These results indicate tissue-specific posttranslational modifications, particularly differences in sialylation of antigen-bearing polypeptides.     

Beta,gamma-methylene ATP-induced cAMP formation in C6Bu-1 cells: involvement of local metabolism and subsequent stimulation of adenosine A2B receptor

The mechanism underlying beta,gamma-methylene ATP (beta,gamma-MeATP)-induced cAMP elevation was investigated in rat glioma C6Bu-1 cells. Beta,gamma-MeATP increased forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in a manner sensitive to both the P1 antagonist xanthine amine congener (XAC) and the P2 antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS). Adenosine deaminase (ADA; 1 U/mL), which abolished the adenosine-induced response, did not eliminate the beta,gamma-MeATP-induced response. However, combination of ADA with alpha,beta-methylene ADP (alpha,beta-MeADP), an ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitor, blocked the beta,gamma-MeATP-induced response. AMP, the substrate for ecto-5'-nucleotidase, also induced cAMP formation in a manner sensitive to XAC and alpha,beta-MeADP inhibition. However, the AMP-induced response was not blocked by PPADS. HPLC analyses revealed that adenosine was generated from beta,gamma-MeATP and AMP. In addition, alpha,beta-MeADP inhibited the conversion of beta,gamma-MeATP and AMP to adenosine, whereas PPADS blocked adenosine formation from beta,gamma-MeATP but not from AMP. [3H]Adenosine generated from [3H]AMP was preserved on the cell surface environment even in the presence of ADA. The mRNAs for ecto-phosphodiesterase/pyrophosphatase 1 (EC 3.1.4.1), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) and adenosine A2B receptor were detected by RT-PCR. These results suggest that C6Bu-1 cells possess ecto-enzymes converting beta,gamma-MeATP to adenosine, and the locally accumulated adenosine in this mechanism efficiently stimulates A2B receptors in a manner resistant to exogenous ADA.     

Characterization of serotonin 5-HT2C receptor signaling to extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2

Serotonin 5-HT2C receptors (5-HT(2C)Rs) are almost exclusively expressed in the CNS, and implicated in disorders such as obesity, depression, and schizophrenia. The present study investigated the mechanisms governing the coupling of the 5-HT(2C)R to the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1/2, using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line stably expressing the receptor at levels comparable to those found in the brain. Using the non-RNA-edited isoform of the 5-HT(2C)R, constitutive ERK1/2 phosphorylation was observed and found to be modulated by full, partial and inverse agonists. Interestingly, agonist-directed trafficking of receptor stimulus was also observed when comparing effects on phosphoinositide accumulation and intracellular Ca2+ elevation to ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereby the agonists, [+/-]-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and quipazine, showed reversal of efficacy between the phosphoinositide/Ca2+ pathways, on the one hand, and the ERK1/2 pathway on the other. Subsequent molecular characterization found that 5-HT-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in this cellular background requires phospholipase D, protein kinase C, and activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK module, but is independent of both receptor- and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, phospholipase C, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and endocytosis. Our findings underscore the potential for exploiting pathway-selective receptor states in the differential modulation of signaling pathways that play prominent roles in normal and abnormal neuronal signaling.     

Association of cytochrome b5 with ETR1 ethylene receptor signaling through RTE1 in Arabidopsis

Ethylene plays important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses, and is perceived by a family of receptors that repress ethylene responses when ethylene is absent. Repression by the ethylene receptor ETR1 depends on an integral membrane protein, REVERSION TO ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY1 (RTE1), which acts upstream of ETR1 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and Golgi apparatus. To investigate RTE1 function, we screened for RTE1‐interacting proteins using the yeast split‐ubiquitin assay, which yielded the ER‐localized cytochrome b₅ (Cb5) isoform D. Cb5s are small hemoproteins that perform electron transfer reactions in all eukaryotes, but their roles in plants are relatively uncharacterized. Using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), we found that all four ER‐localized Arabidopsis Cb5 isoforms (AtCb5–B, ‐C, ‐D and ‐E) interact with RTE1 in plant cells. In support of this interaction, atcb5 mutants exhibited phenotypic parallels with rte1 mutants in Arabidopsis. Phenotypes included partial suppression of etr1–2 ethylene insensitivity, and no suppression of RTE1‐independent ethylene receptor isoforms. The single loss‐of‐function mutants atcb5–b, ‐c and ‐d appeared similar to the wild‐type, but double mutant combinations displayed slight ethylene hypersensitivity. Over‐expression of AtCb5–D conferred reduced ethylene sensitivity similar to that conferred by RTE1 over‐expression, and genetic analyses suggested that AtCb5–D acts upstream of RTE1 in the ethylene response. These findings suggest an unexpected role for Cb5, in which Cb5 and RTE1 are functional partners in promoting ETR1‐mediated repression of ethylene signaling.     

Density and function of central serotonin (5-HT) transporters, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, and effects of their targeting on BTBR T+tf/J mouse social behavior

BTBR mice are potentially useful tools for autism research because their behavior parallels core social interaction impairments and restricted-repetitive behaviors. Altered regulation of central serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission may underlie such behavioral deficits. To test this, we compared 5-HT transporter (SERT), 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor densities among BTBR and C57 strains. Autoradiographic [(3) H] cyanoimipramine (1 nM) binding to SERT was 20-30% lower throughout the adult BTBR brain as compared to C57BL/10J mice. In hippocampal membrane homogenates, [(3) H] citalopram maximal binding (B(max) ) to SERT was 95 ± 13 fmol/mg protein in BTBR and 171 ± 20 fmol/mg protein in C57BL/6J mice, and the BTBR dissociation constant (K(D) ) was 2.0 ± 0.3 nM versus 1.1 ± 0.2 in C57BL/6J mice. Hippocampal 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor binding was similar among strains. However, 8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [(35) S] GTPγS binding in the BTBR hippocampal CA(1) region was 28% higher, indicating elevated 5-HT(1A) capacity to activate G-proteins. In BTBR mice, the SERT blocker, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and the 5-HT(1A) receptor partial-agonist, buspirone (2 mg/kg) enhanced social interactions. The D(2) /5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, risperidone (0.1 mg/kg) reduced marble burying, but failed to improve sociability. Overall, altered SERT and/or 5-HT(1A) functionality in hippocampus could contribute to the relatively low sociability of BTBR mice.     

Chronic restraint stress disturbs meiotic resumption through APC/C-mediated cyclin B1 excessive degradation in mouse oocytes

Psychological stress, which exerts detrimental effects on human reproduction, may compromise the meiotic competence of oocytes. Meiotic resumption, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), is the first milestone to confer meiotic competence to oocytes. In the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART), the timing for GVBD is associated with the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. However, whether chronic stress compromises oocyte competence by influencing GVBD and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model was used to investigate the effects of stress on oocyte meiotic resumption, as well as the mechanisms. Following a 4-week chronic restraint stress in female mice, the percentage of abnormal bipolar spindles increased and indicated compromised oocyte competence in the CRS group. Furthermore, we identified a decreased percentage of GVBD and prolonged time of GVBD in the CRS mouse oocytes compared with the control group. CRS simultaneously reduced the expression of cyclin B1 (CCNB1), which represents a regulatory subunit of M-phase/mature promoting factor (MPF). However, MG132, an inhibitor of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), could rescue the prolonged time of GVBD and increase the expression level of CCNB1 of oocytes from the CRS mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that stress disturbed meiotic resumption through APC/C-mediated CCNB1 degradation, thus providing a novel understanding for stress-related oocyte quality decline; moreover, it may provide a non-invasive approach to select high-quality gametes and novel targets for molecular therapy to treat stress-related female infertility.