Antagonism of 5-HT1A receptors uncovers an excitatory effect of SSRIs on 5-HT neuronal activity, an action probably mediated by 5-HT7 receptors

Both microdialysis and electrophysiology were used to investigate whether another serotonin (5‐HT) receptor subtype next to the 5‐HT_1A autoreceptor is involved in the acute effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on 5‐HT neuronal activity. On the basis of a previous study, we decided to investigate the involvement of the 5‐HT₇ receptors. Experiments were performed with the specific 5‐HT₇ antagonist SB 258741 and the putative 5‐HT₇ agonist AS19. In this study WAY 100.635 was used to block 5‐HT_1A receptors. Systemic administration of SB 258741 significantly reduced the effect of combined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and WAY 100.635 administration on extracellular 5‐HT in the ventral hippocampus as well as 5‐HT neuronal firing in the dorsal raphe nucleus. In the microdialysis study, co‐administration of AS19 and WAY 100.635 showed a biphasic effect on extracellular 5‐HT in ventral hippocampus, hinting at opposed 5‐HT₇ receptor mediated effects. In the electrophysiological experiments, systemic administration of AS19 alone displayed a bell‐shaped dose–effect curve: moderately increasing 5‐HT neuronal firing at lower doses while decreasing it at higher doses. SB 258741 was capable of blocking the effect of AS19 at a low dose. This is consistent with the pharmacological profile of AS19, displaying high affinity for 5‐HT₇ receptors and moderate affinity for 5‐HT_1A receptors. The data are in support of an excitatory effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on 5‐HT neuronal activity mediated by 5‐HT₇ receptors. It can be speculated, that the restoration of 5‐HT neuronal firing upon chronic antidepressant treatment, which is generally attributed to desensitization of 5‐HT_1A receptors alone, in fact results from a shift in balance between 5‐HT_1A and 5‐HT₇ receptor function.     

A Molecular Motor,KIF13A,Controls Anxiety by Transporting the Serotonin Type 1A Receptor

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Highlights? Kif13a^?/? mice show elevated-anxiety-like behavioral defects ? 5HT_1A receptors are not properly transported in Kif13a^?/? neurons ? The forkhead-associated domain of KIF13A associates directly with 5HT_1A receptors ? KIF13A can translocate 5HT_1A receptors in vivo and in vitro     

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.     

Metabolic and ionic dependence of serotonin-induced neuronal response in rat sensory ganglia

Intracellular recording techniques were used to investigate the effects of neuronal serotonin application, either by micropipet under pressure or by addition to the superfusing fluid, on membrane potential and conductance during experiments on spinal ganglia cells from adult rats. Serotonin action on spinal ganglia neurons induced depolarization with reduced conductance, hyperpolarization, and increased membrane conductance, as well as mixed response. Only one response pattern was examined. Depolarization response in spinal ganglia neurons sensitive to methysergide were potentiated by activating type 2 serotonin receptors (5HT₂): e- and hyperpolarizing response insensitive to methysergide, propranolol, and cocaine action was produced via type 1 serotonin receptor (5HT_1A). Neuronal response produced by serotonin (5HT₂ mediation) did not depend on change in intraneuronal concentration of cAMP and the action of pertussis toxin. The second pattern of response was inhibited in the presence of pertussis toxin and modulated considerably by change in intraneuronal cAMP concentration and tryptazine action. Findings from research on ionic dependence showed that response mediated by 5HT₂ resulted from blockade of M-current potassium channels and that brought about by 5HT_1A is associated with disturbed function of cAMP-dependent potassium ionic channels.A. M. Gorkii Medical Institute, Donetsk. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 86–93, January–February, 1989.     

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.     

Serotonergic activation of 5HT1A and 5HT2 receptors modulates sexually dimorphic communication signals in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus

Serotonin modulates agonistic and reproductive behavior across vertebrate species. 5HT_1A and 5HT_1B receptors mediate many serotonergic effects on social behavior, but other receptors, including 5HT₂ receptors, may also contribute. We investigated serotonergic regulation of electrocommunication signals in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. During social interactions, these fish modulate their electric organ discharges (EODs) to produce signals known as chirps. Males chirp more than females and produce two chirp types. Males produce high-frequency chirps as courtship signals; whereas both sexes produce low-frequency chirps during same-sex interactions. Serotonergic innervation of the prepacemaker nucleus, which controls chirping, is more robust in females than males. Serotonin inhibits chirping and may contribute to sexual dimorphism and individual variation in chirping. We elicited chirps with EOD playbacks and pharmacologically manipulated serotonin receptors to determine which receptors regulated chirping. We also asked whether serotonin receptor activation generally modulated chirping or more specifically targeted particular chirp types. Agonists and antagonists of 5HT_1B/1D receptors (CP-94253 and GR-125743) did not affect chirping. The 5HT_1A receptor agonist 8OH-DPAT specifically increased production of high-frequency chirps. The 5HT₂ receptor agonist DOI decreased chirping. Receptor antagonists (WAY-100635 and MDL-11939) opposed the effects of their corresponding agonists. These results suggest that serotonergic inhibition of chirping may be mediated by 5HT₂ receptors, but that serotonergic activation of 5HT_1A receptors specifically increases the production of high-frequency chirps. The enhancement of chirping by 5HT_1A receptors may result from interactions with cortisol and/or arginine vasotocin, which similarly enhance chirping and are influenced by 5HT_1A activity in other systems.     

5‐HT1A Activation Counteracts Cardiovascular But Not Hypophagic Effects of Sibutramine in Rats

The noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, sibutramine, gives effective weight loss, but full efficacy cannot be attained at approved doses due to cardiovascular side effects. We assessed in rats the contributions of NA and serotonin transporters to sibutramine's hypophagic and cardiovascular effects, and whether selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT_1A) receptor activation could counteract the latter without affecting the former. Food intake was assessed in freely feeding rats and cardiovascular parameters in conscious telemetered rats. Ex vivo radioligand binding was used to estimate brain monoamine transporter occupancy. Sibutramine (1–10 mg/kg p.o.) dose‐dependently reduced food intake; however, 10 mg/kg p.o. markedly elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Sibutramine gave greater occupancy of NA than serotonin reuptake sites. Coadministration of the selective 5‐HT_1A agonist F‐11440 (2.5 mg/kg p.o.) attenuated sibutramine‐induced hypertension and tachycardia without altering its food intake effects. The selective NA reuptake inhibitors, nisoxetine or reboxetine, did not alter food intake alone, but each reduced food intake when combined with F‐11440. These results suggest that sibutramine‐induced hypophagic and cardiovascular effects are largely due to increased brain synaptic NA via NA reuptake inhibition, and that 5‐HT_1A activation can counter the undesirable cardiovascular effects resulting from increased sympathetic activity. Selective NA reuptake inhibitors did not reduce food intake alone but did when combined with 5‐HT_1A activation. Hence increased synaptic serotonin, via serotonin reuptake inhibition or 5‐HT_1A activation, together with increased NA, would appear to produce hypophagia. Thus weight loss with minimal cardiovascular risk could be achieved by 5‐HT_1A activation combined with NA transporter blockade.     

The amphiphilic peptide adenoregulin enhances agonist binding to A1-adenosine receptors and [35S]GTPγS to brain membranes

Summary 1. Adenoregulin is an amphilic peptide isolated from skin mucus of the tree frog,Phyllomedusa bicolor. Synthetic adenoregulin enhanced the binding of agonists to several G-protein-coupled receptors in rat brain membranes.2. The maximal enhancement of agonist binding, and in parentheses, the concentration of adenoregulin affording maximal enhancement were as follows: 60% (20 µM) for A₁-adenosine receptors, 30% (100 µM) for A_2a-adenosine receptors, 20% (2 µM) for ₂-adrenergic receptors, and 30% (100 µM) for 5HT_1A receptors. High affinity agonist binding for A_1-, _2-, and 5HT_1A-receptors was virtually abolished by GTPS in the presence of adenoregulin, but was only partially abolished in its absence. Magnesium ions increased the binding of agonists to receptors and reduced the enhancement elicited by adenoregulin.3. The effect of adenoregulin on binding of N⁶-cyclohexyladenosine ([³H]CHA) to A₁-receptors was relatively slow and was irreversible. Adenoregulin increased the B_max value for [³H]CHA binding sites, and the proportion of high affinity states, and slowed the rate of [³H]CHA dissociation. Binding of the A₁-selective antagonist, [³H]DPCPX, was maximally enhanced by only 13% at 2 µM adenoregulin. Basal and A₁-adenosine receptor-stimulated binding of [³⁵S]GTPS were maximally enhanced 45% and 23%, respectively, by 50 µM adenoregulin. In CHAPS-solubilized membranes from rat cortex, the binding of both [³H]CHA and [³H]DPCPX were enhanced by adenoregulin. Binding of [³H]CHA to membranes from DDT₁ MF-2 cells was maximally enhanced 17% at 20 µM adenoregulin. In intact DDT₁ MF-2 cells, 20 µM adenoregulin did not potentiate the inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation mediatedvia the adenosine A₁ receptor.4. It is proposed that adenoregulin enhances agonist binding through a mechanism involving enhancement of guanyl nucleotide exchange at G-proteins, resulting in a conversion of receptors into a high affinity state complexed with guanyl nucleotide-free G-protein.     

Severe deficits in 5‐HT2A‐mediated neurotransmission in BDNF conditional mutant mice

BDNF is thought to provide critical trophic support for serotonin neurons. In order to determine postnatal effects of BDNF on the serotonin system, we examined a line of conditional mutant mice that have normal brain content of BDNF during prenatal development but later depletion of this neurotrophin in the postnatal period. These mice show a behavioral phenotype that suggests serotonin dysregulation. However, as shown here, the presynaptic serotonin system in the adult conditional mutant mice appeared surprisingly normal from histological, biochemical, and electrophysiological perspectives. By contrast, a dramatic and unexpected postsynaptic 5‐HT_2A deficit in the mutant mice was found. Electrophysiologically, serotonin neurons appeared near normal except, most notably, for an almost complete absence of expected 5‐HT_2A‐mediated glutamate and GABA postsynaptic potentials normally displayed by these neurons. Further analysis showed that BDNF mutants had much reduced 5‐HT_2A receptor protein in dorsal raphe nucleus and a similar deficit in prefrontal cortex, a region that normally shows a high level of 5‐HT_2A receptor expression. Recordings in prefrontal slice showed a marked deficit in 5‐HT_2A‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents, similar to that seen in the dorsal raphe. These findings suggest that postnatal levels of BDNF play a relatively limited role in maintaining presynaptic aspects of the serotonin system and a much greater role in maintaining postsynaptic 5‐HT_2A and possibly other receptors than previously suspected. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006     

Biphasic alterations in serotonin-1B (5-HT1B) receptor function during abstinence from extended cocaine self-administration

Alterations in 5‐HT_1B receptor function during cocaine abstinence were evaluated in rats given either limited‐ or extended access (LA and EA, respectively) to cocaine self‐administration. The locomotor response to the 5‐HT_1B/1A agonist RU24969 was significantly reduced in cocaine‐experienced animals relative to cocaine‐naïve controls following 6 h of abstinence but became sensitized over the subsequent 14 days of abstinence. Both the early phase subsensitivity and later phase supersensivity to RU 24969‐induced activity were greater in EA versus LA animals. Intra‐nucleus accumbens administration of the 5‐HT_1B agonist CP 93, 129 produced significantly greater increases in dialysate dopamine levels in EA versus control animals following 14 days of abstinence. However, there was no difference between EA and cocaine‐naïve control animals in the augmentation of cocaine‐induced increases in nucleus accumbens DA produced by intra‐VTA CP 93, 129. Collectively these findings demonstrate that 5‐HT_1B receptor function is persistently altered by cocaine self‐administration.     

Effects of serotonergic agents on plasma prolactin levels in pyridoxine-deficient adult male rats

Plasma concentration of prolactin was significantly reduced in pyridoxine-deficient as compared to control (pyridoxine-supplemented) adult male rats. Administration of pyridoxine to deficient rats resulted in a significant increase in plasma prolactin. The reduction in plasma prolactin in pyridoxine-deficient rats corresponded with the significantly reduced hypothalamic contents of pyridoxal phosphate and serotonin in pyridoxine-deficient rats. Plasma prolactin concentrations were also measured in response to serotonergic agents in both groups of rats. The administration of the 5HT_1A agonist (8-hydroxy 2-n-dipropylamino tetralin) resulted in a significant increase in plasma prolactin and that of the specific 5HT_1A antagonist spiroxatrine had the opposite effect. The results suggest that the hypothalamic serotonergic regulation of prolactin release is impaired in pyridoxine deficiency.     

Time Course of Changes in Immunoreactivities of GABA Degradation Enzymes in the Hippocampal CA1 Region after Adrenalectomy in Gerbils

Adrenalectomy (ADX) has been useful for a good in vivo model for apoptosis in the hippocampus by the absence of corticosteroids following ADX. In some neurodegenerative diseases, GABAergic neurons are more resistant to neuronal damage as compared with glutamatergic neurons. In the present study, we observed chronological changes in three GABA degradation enzymes, e.g., GABA transaminase (GABA-T), succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) and succinic semialdehyde reductase (SSAR) immunoreactivity and protein levels in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region after ADX. Changes in their immunoreactivities were distinct in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1 region. GABA-T immunoreactivity and protein level were significantly increased in the CA1 region 3 h after ADX, in contrast, SSAR and SSADH immunoreactivity and protein level were increased 12 h and 3–12 h, respectively, after ADX. These results suggest that the increases of GABA-T, SSADH and SSAR immunoreactivity and protein levels in the hippocampal CA1 region in ADX gerbils may be associated with the control of GABA levels in this region.     

Effect of Dopaminergic D1 Receptors on Plasticity Is Dependent of Serotoninergic 5-HT1A Receptors in L5-Pyramidal Neurons of the Prefrontal Cortex

Major depression and schizophrenia are associated with dysfunctions of serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems mainly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Both serotonin and dopamine are known to modulate synaptic plasticity. 5-HT_1A receptors (5-HT_1ARs) and dopaminergic type D1 receptors are highly represented on dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons (L5PyNs) in PFC. How these receptors interact to tune plasticity is poorly understood. Here we show that D1-like receptors (D1Rs) activation requires functional 5HT_1ARs to facilitate LTP induction at the expense of LTD. Using 129/Sv and 5-HT_1AR-KO mice, we recorded post-synaptic currents evoked by electrical stimulation in layer 2/3 after activation or inhibition of D1Rs. High frequency stimulation resulted in the induction of LTP, LTD or no plasticity. The D1 agonist markedly enhanced the NMDA current in 129/Sv mice and the percentage of L5PyNs displaying LTP was enhanced whereas LTD was reduced. In 5-HT_1AR-KO mice, the D1 agonist failed to increase the NMDA current and orientated the plasticity towards L5PyNs displaying LTD, thus revealing a prominent role of 5-HT_1ARs in dopamine-induced modulation of plasticity. Our data suggest that in pathological situation where 5-HT_1ARs expression varies, dopaminergic treatment used for its ability to increase LTP could turn to be less and less effective.     

Larvae of the small white butterfly,Pieris rapae,express a novel serotonin receptor

The biogenic amine serotonin ( 5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) is a neurotransmitter in vertebrates and invertebrates. It acts in regulation and modulation of many physiological and behavioral processes through G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Five 5‐HT receptor subtypes have been reported in Drosophila that share high similarity with mammalian 5‐HT_1A, 5‐HT_1B, 5‐HT_2A, 5‐HT_2B, and 5‐HT₇ receptors. We isolated a cDNA (Pr5‐HT₈) from larval Pieris rapae, which shares relatively low similarity to the known 5‐HT receptor classes. After heterologous expression in HEK293 cells, Pr5‐HT₈ mediated increased [Ca²⁺]_i in response to low concentrations (< 10 nM) of 5‐HT. The receptor did not affect [cAMP]_i even at high concentrations (> 10 μM) of 5‐HT. Dopamine, octopamine, and tyramine did not influence receptor signaling. Pr5‐HT₈ was also activated by various 5‐HT receptor agonists including 5‐methoxytryptamine, (±)‐8‐Hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino) tetralin, and 5‐carboxamidotryptamine. Methiothepin, a non‐selective 5‐HT receptor antagonist, activated Pr5‐HT₈. WAY 10635, a 5‐HT_1A antagonist, but not SB‐269970, SB‐216641, or RS‐127445, inhibited 5‐HT‐induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases. We infer that Pr5‐HT₈ represents the first recognized member of a novel 5‐HT receptor class with a unique pharmacological profile. We found orthologs of Pr5‐HT₈ in some insect pests and vectors such as beetles and mosquitoes, but not in the genomes of honeybee or parasitoid wasps. This is likely to be an invertebrate‐specific receptor because there were no similar receptors in mammals.

     

Comparative effect of lurasidone and blonanserin on cortical glutamate,dopamine, and acetylcholine efflux: role of relative serotonin (5‐HT)2A and DA D2 antagonism and 5‐HT1A partial agonism

Atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs) have been suggested to be more effective in improving cognitive impairment in schizophrenia than typical APDs, a conclusion supported by differences in receptor affinities and neurotransmitter efflux in the cortex and the hippocampus. More potent serotonin (5‐HT)_2A than dopamine (DA) D₂ receptors antagonism, and direct or indirect 5‐HT_1A agonism, characterize almost all AAPDs. Blonanserin, an AAPD, has slightly greater affinity for D₂ than 5‐HT_2A receptors. Using microdialysis and ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, we compared the abilities of the typical APD, haloperidol, three AAPDs, blonanserin, lurasidone, and olanzapine, and a selective 5‐HT_1A partial agonist, tandospirone, and all, except haloperidol, were found to ameliorate the cognitive deficits produced by the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antagonist, phencyclidine, altering the efflux of neurotransmitters and metabolites in the rat cortex and nucleus accumbens. Blonanserin, lurasidone, olanzapine, and tandospirone, but not haloperidol, increased the efflux of cortical DA and its metabolites, homovanillic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Olanzapine and lurasidone increased the efflux of acetylcholine; lurasidone increased glutamate as well. None of the compounds significantly altered the efflux of 5‐HT or its metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid, or GABA, serine, and glycine. The ability to increase cortical DA efflux was the only shared effect of the compounds which ameliorates the deficit in cognition in rodents following phencyclidine.

     

Activation of adenosine A2 receptors enhances high K+-evoked taurine release from rat hippocampus: A microdialysis study

Summary The present study was designed to examine which type of adenosine receptors was involved in enhancement of high K⁺-evoked taurine release fromin vivo rat hippocampus using microdialysis. Perfusion with 0.5 or 5.0 mM adenosine enhanced high K⁺-evoked taurine release. Perfusion with 2M R(–)-N⁶-2-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA), a selective adenosine A₁ receptor agonist, did not modulate taurine release. Perfusion with 1M 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective adenosine A₁ receptor antagonist, increased taurine release. On the other hand, perfusion with 20M 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5-N-ethyl-carboxamideadenosine (CGS21680), a selective adenosine A_2A receptor agonist, enhanced taurine release, while perfusion with 1 mM 3,7-dimethyl-propagylxanthine (DMPX), an adenosine A₂ receptor antagonist, did not affect taurine release. These results demonstrate that adenosine enhances high K⁺-evoked taurine release via activation of adenosine A_2A receptors from both neurons and glial cells ofin vivo rat hippocampus.     

Neuroprotective effect of the antiparkinsonian drug pramipexole against nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in rotenone-treated mice

Pramipexole, an agonist for dopamine (DA) D2/D3-receptors, has been used to treat both early and advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we examined the effect of pramipexole on DA neurons in a PD model of C57BL/6 mice, which were treated with rotenone (30 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 28 days. Pramipexole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected daily 30 min before each oral administration of rotenone. Chronic oral administration of rotenone caused a loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), motor deficits and the up-regulation of α-synuclein immunoreactivity in some surviving DA neurons. Pramipexole inhibited rotenone-induced DA neuronal death and motor deficits, and reduced immunoreactivity for α-synuclein. In addition, pramipexole inhibited the in vitro oligomerization of human wild-type α-synuclein by H₂O₂ plus cytochrome c. To examine the neuroprotective effect of pramipexole against oxidative stress, we used a DJ-1-knockdown SH-SY5Y cell line and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Simultaneous treatment with H₂O₂ and pramipexole resulted in the significant protection of DJ-1-knockdown cells against cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. A high concentration of pramipexole directly scavenged hydroxyl radical (OH) generated from H₂O₂ and Fe²⁺. Furthermore, pramipexole increased Bcl-2 immunoreactivity in DA neurons in the SNpc. These results suggest that pramipexole may protect DA neurons against exposure to rotenone by chronic oral administration, and this effect is mediated by multiple functions including scavenging of OH and induction of Bcl-2 protein.