Effect of fenoldopam on preconstricted isolated salt-perfused rat lungs

Using an in situ isolated salt-perfused rat lung preparation, we investigated the pulmonary vascular response to fenoldopam (a highly selective dopamine (DA1) agonist) infused at six different doses ranging from 0.1 to 10,000 micrograms/kg, during prostaglandin F2 alpha- (PGF2 alpha) induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. These experiments were repeated after selective DA1-blockade with SCH 23390. Twelve experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of fenoldopam on base-line hemodynamics. Sixty experiments were performed after PGF2 alpha vasoconstriction. Thirty lung preparations were pretreated with SCH 23390. PGF2 alpha was infused into the pulmonary inflow catheter at 2.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 to give a sustained rise in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (5.0 +/- 1.0 mmHg). Fenoldopam, at doses of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1,000, or 10,000 micrograms/kg, was injected into the pulmonary artery (n = 5 blocked and n = 5 unblocked at each dose). Fenoldopam had no effect on hemodynamics in the absence of PGF2 alpha. In the unblocked group, after PGF2 alpha vasoconstriction, fenoldopam infusion resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the mean pulmonary arterial pressure with a dose-response curve characteristic for a drug-receptor interaction [Response = -1.0 (log Dose) -1.6]. In the DA1-blocked group after PGE2 alpha vasoconstriction, the dose-response curve was shifted to the right but parallel to the unblocked group, indicating competitive receptor blockade [Response -0.8 (log Dose) -0.05]. We conclude that vasodilatory DA1-receptors are responsible for the observed results.     

Presynaptic mediation by alpha 2-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors of endogenous noradrenaline and dopamine release from slices of rat hypothalamus

Using high performance liquid chromatography with an electro-chemical detector, we studied effects of different compounds on the impulse-evoked release of endogenous noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) release from slices of the rat hypothalamus. Adrenaline (10(-7) M), with a potent alpha-agonistic action decreased both NA and DA release, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with yohimbine (10(-7 M). The alpha 2-antagonist, yohimbine alone (10(-8) - 10(-6) M) concentration-dependently increased these releases, while alpha 1-antagonist, prazosin showed weak increase on NA but not DA release at 10(-6) M. Isoproterenol (10(-10) - 10(-8) M) concentration-dependently increased these releases and the effects were antagonized by pretreatment with a non-selective beta-antagonist, 1-propranolol, a beta 1-antagonist, atenolol or a beta 2-antagonist, butoxamine. 1-Propranolol (3 X 10(-7) M) alone, but not the d-isomer inhibited the releases. Thus, in the rat hypothalamus, the release of NA and DA may be mediated via presynaptic alpha 2-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors.     

Monoamine Interactions Measured by Microdialysis in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Rats Treated Systemically with (±)-8-Hydroxy-2-(Di-n-Propylamino)tetralin

Abstract: The effect of (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a selective serotonin 5-HT_1A agonist, on levels of extracellular norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and 5-HT (measured simultaneously) was investigated by microdialysis in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of freely moving rats, and their behavioral activity was monitored. At 50 µg/kg s.c., 8-OH-DPAT reduced 5-HT levels but enhanced NE and DA levels in VTA dialysate. These effects were not altered by pretreatment with systemic idazoxan (5 mg/kg i.p.), a selective α₂ antagonist, or local sulpiride (10 µ M ), a selective D₂/D₃ antagonist. At 500 µg/kg s.c., 8-OH-DPAT further enhanced or more persistently reduced dialysate NE or 5-HT content but had little effect on dialysate DA content. Its DA level-increasing effect could be seen dramatically with local infusion of cocaine (30 µ M ) and, to a lesser extent, sulpiride (10 µ M ). Depletion of endogenous 5-HT with p -chlorophenylalanine attenuated both the 5-HT level-reducing and DA level-enhancing effects of 8-OH-DPAT without affecting its maximal NE effect and the locomotor-stimulatory effect. Partial depletion of endogenous NE with N -(2-chloroethyl)- N -ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine failed to change the monoamine response but diminished the locomotion induced by 8-OH-DPAT. These results suggested that (a) the low dose of 8-OH-DPAT may act at presynaptic 5-HT_1A receptors to modulate 5-HT and DA release, while acting at postsynaptic 5-HT_1A receptors to modulate NE release; (b) the high dose of 8-OH-DPAT may activate D₂ receptors to offset its DA level-increasing effect; and (c) the locomotor-stimulatory effect of 8-OH-DPAT might be mediated primarily by postsynaptic 5-HT_1A receptors and the NE system.     

Activation of 5-HT(1A) but not 5-HT(1B) receptors attenuates an increase in extracellular dopamine derived from exogenously administered L-DOPA in the striatum with nigrostriatal denervation

In order to determine whether L-DOPA-derived extracellular dopamine (DA) in the striatum with dopaminergic denervation is affected by activation of serotonin autoreceptors (5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors), we applied in vivo brain microdialysis technique to 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats and examined the effects of the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and the selective 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist CGS-12066 A on L-DOPA-derived extracellular DA levels. Single L-DOPA injection (50 mg/kg i.p.) caused a rapid increase and a following decrease of extracellular DA, with a peak value at 100 min after L-DOPA injection. Pretreatment with both 0.3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT (i.p.) significantly attenuated an increase in L-DOPA-derived extracellular DA and the times of peak DA levels were prolonged to 150 min and 225 min after L-DOPA injection, respectively. These 8-OH-DPAT-induced changes in L-DOPA-derived extracellular DA were antagonized by further pretreatment with WAY-100635, a selective 5-HT(1A) antagonist. In contrast, intrastriatal perfusion with the 5-HT(1B) agonist CGS-12066 A (10 nM and 100 nM) did not induce any changes in L-DOPA-derived extracellular DA. Thus, stimulation of 5-HT(1A) but not 5-HT(1B) receptors attenuated an increase in extracellular DA derived from exogenous L-DOPA. These results support the hypothesis that serotonergic neurons are primarily responsible for the storage and release of DA derived from exogenous L-DOPA in the absence of dopaminergic neurons.     

In vivo regulation of dopamine and noradrenaline release by alpha2A-adrenoceptors in the mouse nucleus accumbens

The present study investigated the role of alpha2A-adrenoceptor (alpha2A-AR) subtype in the regulation of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The effect of locally infused and systemically injected alpha2-AR agonist, dexmedetomidine (DMT), and alpha2-AR antagonist, atipamezole, on NA and DA release was investigated in alpha2A-AR knockout and control mice by using in vivo microdialysis. In addition, we compared the drug effects on DA and NA release in the NAc to their effect on locomotor activity. Baseline NA and DA concentrations did not differ between genotypes. Local infusion of DMT decreased, in a concentration-dependent manner, NA, but not DA, levels in the control mice. However, systemic injection of DMT decreased both NA and DA levels in the control mice. In both cases DMT had no effects on transmitter release in alpha2A-AR knockout mice. Our results suggest that alpha2-ARs regulate the release of NA, but not DA, at the terminal level in the NAc. However, alpha2-ARs regulate DA release in the NAc indirectly by their effect on DA neurones in the ventral tegmental area via an unknown mechanism. In both cases the regulation is mediated by alpha2A-adrenoceptor subtype. Also the modulation of locomotor activity by alpha2-AR agonist and antagonist seems to be mediated via alpha2A-adrenoceptors.     

Stimulatory effects of quinpirole hydrochloride, D2-dopamine receptor agonist, at low concentrations on prolactin release in female rats in vitro.

Dopamine (DA) has dual actions (inhibitory and stimulatory) in the regulation of prolactin (PRL) release, depending on its concentration. To investigate the stimulatory effects of DA, perifused rat anterior pituitary cells were exposed to the highly-specific DA D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole hydrochloride (LY). Very low concentrations of LY (10(-12)-10(-10) M) stimulated PRL release and potentiated thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced PRL release. Higher concentrations of LY did not stimulate. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (30 ng/ml, 24 h) completely abolished these effects of LY. The D2 receptor antagonist, metoclopramide, also blocked the potentiation by LY of TRH-induced PRL release. These data indicate that very low concentrations of dopamine stimulate PRL release via an interaction with a D2 receptor connected to a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.     

Relaxant effect of dopamine on isolated rabbit pulmonary artery

In rabbit pulmonary artery, dopamine (10(-11)-10(-5) M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the arterial strips contracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in the presence of prazosin (10(-6) M), yohimbine (10(-6) M), propranolol (10(-6) M), and methysergide (10(-6) M). SKF38393, an agonist for D1 or DA1 dopamine receptor, mimicked partially the concentration-response curve for dopamine, whereas LY171555 and apomorphine did not. The order of potency of dopamine antagonists on the inhibitory effect was: cis-flupenthixol greater than bulbo-capnine greater than metoclopramide greater than haloperidol. Sulpiride was inactive. Cis-flupenthixol did not block the relaxation induced by acetylcholine, adenosine, and papaverine. In the arterial strips of the rabbits pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine, the concentration-response curve for dopamine was similar to that in non-treated rabbits. Thus it is concluded that a specific dopamine receptor is located on the postsynaptic muscle membrane of the rabbit pulmonary artery.     

Receptor mechanisms of prenodal lymphatic constriction by dopamine

It has been proposed that alterations in lymphatic smooth muscle activity significantly impact lymphatic function. Numerous endogenous vasoactive agents are known to constrict prenodal lymph vessels. In this study, we assessed the ability of dopamine to alter lymphatic smooth muscle tone in perfused prenodal lymph vessels. Additionally, the receptor mechanisms of dopamine's actions were elucidated. Both intralymphatic (i.l.) and intra-arterial (i.a.) dopamine significantly increased lymphatic perfusion pressure. The increase in lymphatic pressure was completely blocked by i.a. phentolamine, suggesting involvement of alpha(1)- and/or alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors. Intra-arterial infusion of the specific alpha(1)-receptor antagonist prazosin completely abolished the constriction seen during i.l. phenylephrine but only attenuated that produced by dopamine. Intralymphatic infusion of the DA(1)-receptor agonist SKF 82526-J and the DA(2)-receptor agonist LY 171555 caused significant relaxation of lymph vessels that had been previously constricted by i.a. norepinephrine infusion. These data indicate that the constriction produced by dopamine, in the concentrations employed in this study, is mediated by both alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoreceptors. These lymph vessels do contain both DA(1)- and DA(2)-receptors but stimulation of these receptors results in lymphatic smooth muscle relaxation.     

In Vivo Striatal Dopamine Release by M1 Muscarinic Receptors Is Induced by Activation of Protein Kinase C

Islet-activating protein was unilaterally microinjected into rat striatum, and a dialysis cannula was implanted into the same area under anesthesia. After 2 days, various agents were perfused continuously into the striatum through the dialysis membrane, under freely moving conditions. Islet-activating protein (2 micrograms/2 microliters) treatment alone did not change in vivo striatal dopamine (DA) release and metabolism, but completely abolished the increase of striatal DA release evoked in vivo by the M1-selective agonist McN-A-343 (10(-7) M). Forskolin (10(-5) M), an adenylate cyclase activator, increased DA release and showed an additive effect on the DA release evoked by McN-A-343. Polymyxin B, a rather selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, decreased DA release and completely blocked the effect of McN-A-343. These results suggest that in vivo striatal DA release elicited by M1 muscarinic receptors is coupled with interaction with a Go protein and is induced by activation of protein kinase C.     

B-HT 920 stimulates postsynaptic D2 dopamine receptors in the normal rat: electrophysiological and behavioral evidence

The putative autoreceptor-selective dopamine (DA) agonist B-HT 920 was tested using electrophysiological and behavioral models thought to reflect actions at postsynaptic D2 DA receptors. Direct iontophoretic application of B-HT 920 onto nucleus accumbens neurons caused a current-dependent inhibition of firing which could be attenuated by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (to deplete DA) and reinstated (enabled) by concurrent administration of the selective D1 DA receptor agonist SKF 38393. These findings suggest that, like other selective D2 DA receptor agonists, the postsynaptic effects of B-HT 920 require concurrent stimulation of D1 DA receptors. Behavioral indices of postsynaptic D2 DA receptor stimulation (stereotyped sniffing and rearing) were also evident following combined treatment with B-HT 920 and SKF 38393. Moreover, similar "low-level" stereotyped behaviors were also observed when B-HT 920 was administered alone following pretreatment with the alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonists idazoxane and piperoxane, suggesting that alpha-2 agonist actions of B-HT 920, in some way, mask the expression of D2 receptor-mediated stereotyped responses. When B-HT 920 was combined with SKF 38393 following pretreatment with idazoxane, both the intensity and form (continual licking and gnawing) of stereotyped behavior was enhanced. Taken together, these electrophysiological and behavioral findings indicate that B-HT 920 possesses the properties of a selective D2 DA receptor agonist and cannot be considered as a DA autoreceptor-selective compound.     

Dopaminergic Receptors Linked to Adenylate Cyclase in Human Cerebromicrovascular Endothelium

Cultured endothelium derived from three fractions of human cerebral microvessels was used to characterize dopamine (DA) receptors linked to adenylate cyclase activity. DA or D1 agonist, (+/-)-SKF-82958 hydrobromide, stimulated endothelial cyclic AMP formation in a dose-dependent manner. The selective D1 antagonist, (+/-)SCH-23390, inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the production of cyclic AMP induced by DA. The affinity for the D1 receptor appeared to be greater in endothelium derived from large and small microvessels than from capillaries. Cholera toxin ADP-ribosylation of Gs proteins abolished the DA stimulatory effect on endothelial adenylate cyclase, whereas pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation enhanced the DA-inducible formation, indicating the presence of both D1 and D2 receptors. Agonists of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (phenylephrine, 6-fluoronorepinephrine) or serotonin (5-HT), which stimulated the production of cyclic AMP, had no additive effect on DA-stimulated cyclic AMP formation. Incubation of these agents with DA produced the same or lower levels of cyclic AMP as compared to that formed by DA alone. The effect of alpha 1-adrenergic agonists or 5-HT on DA production of cyclic AMP was partially prevented by the D2 antagonist, S(-)-sulpiride, or ketanserin (5-HT2 greater than alpha 1 greater than H1 antagonists), respectively. These findings represent the first demonstration of D1- (stimulatory) and D2- (inhibitory) receptors linked to adenylate cyclase in microvascular endothelium derived from human brain. The data also indicate that dopaminergic receptors can interact with either alpha 1-adrenergic or or 5-HT receptors in endothelium on the adenylate cyclase level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential contribution of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the mu-opioidergic immunomodulation

The study has shown that activation of mu-opioid receptors by a highly selective agonist DAGO (100 microg/kg) results in a significant increase of the immune response to antigen (SRBC, 5% 10(8)) in CBA mice. Haloperidol (2 mg/kg), a selective antagonist of the postsynaptic dopamine (DA) receptors, prevented immunostimulating effect of DAGO. In contrast, selective D1--antagonist SCH 23390 (1 mg/kg) did not affect on DAGO-induced enhancing of immune reactivity. At the same time, the blockade of both types of DA receptors (D1 and D2) caused similar immunosuppressing effects. These data suggest a possible differential role for D1 and D2 receptors in mu-opioidergic immunomodulation.     

Dopamine stimulates 45Ca2+ uptake through cAMP, PLC/PKC, and MAPKs in renal proximal tubule cells

We have examined the effect of dopamine on Ca(2+) uptake and its related signaling pathways in primary renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs). Dopamine increased Ca(2+) uptake in a concentration (>10(-10) M) and time- (>8 h) dependent manner. Dopamine-induced increase in Ca(2+) uptake was prevented by SCH 23390 (a DA(1) antagonist) rather than spiperone (a DA(2) antagonist). SKF 38393 (a DA(1) agonist) increased Ca(2+) uptake unlike the case with quinpirole (a DA(2) agonist). Dopamine-induced increase in Ca(2+) uptake was blocked by nifedipine and methoxyverapamil (L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers). Moreover, dopamine-induced increase in Ca(2+) uptake was blocked by pertussis toxin (a G(i) protein inhibitor), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor amide 14/22 (a PKA inhibitor), and SQ 22536 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor). Subsequently, dopamine increased cAMP level. The PLC inhibitors (U 73122 and neomycin), the PKC inhibitors (staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide I) suppressed the dopamine-induced increase of Ca(2+) uptake. SB 203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) and PD 98059 (a MAPKK inhibitor) also inhibited the dopamine-induced increase of Ca(2+) uptake. Dopamine-induced p38 and p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation was blocked by SQ 22536, neomycin, and staurosporine. The stimulatory effect of dopamine on Ca(2+) uptake was significantly inhibited by the NF-kappaB inhibitors SN50, TLCK, and Bay 11-7082. In addition, dopamine significantly increased the level of NF-kappaB p65, which was prevented by either SQ 22536, neomycin, staurosporine, PD 98059, or SB 203580. Thus, dopamine stimulates Ca(2+) uptake in PTCs, initially through by G(s) coupled dopamine receptors, PLC/PKC, followed by MAPK, and ultimately by NF-kappaB activation.     

Cholinergic dopamine release from the in vitro rabbit carotid body.

The aim of this study was to test whether cholinergic mechanisms regulate dopamine (DA) release from the carotid body (CB) and interact with DA D(2) autoreceptors. One hundred forty-two CBs from adult rabbits were infused in vitro in a surviving medium bubbled with O(2) (Bairam A, Marchal F, Cottet-Emard JM, Basson H, Pequignot JM, Hascoet JM, and Lahiri S. J Appl Physiol 80: 20-24, 1996). CB DA content and release were measured after 1 h of exposure to various treatments: control, cholinergic agonist (0.1-50 microM carbachol), full muscarinic antagonist (1 and 10 microM atropine), antagonists of M(1) and M(2) muscarinic receptors (1 and 10 microM pirenzepine and 10 microM AFDX-116, respectively), and the DA D(2) receptor antagonist domperidone (1 microM), alone and with carbachol (1 microM). Compared with control, the release of DA was significantly increased by carbachol (1-50 microM), AFDX-116, and domperidone and decreased by atropine (10 microM) and pirenzepine (10 microM). The effects of domperidone and carbachol were not significantly different but were clearly additive. It is concluded that, in the rabbit CB, M(1) and M(2) muscarinic receptor subtypes may be involved in the control of DA release, in addition to the DA D(2) autoreceptors.     

The alpha1-adrenergic receptor not the DA(1)-dopaminergic receptor mediates cyclosporine-SKF38393 renovascular interaction

In this study, we investigated the effect of acute exposure to cyclosporine A (CyA) on renal vasodilations evoked by the DA(1) dopaminergic agonist SKF38393 and whether dopamine DA(1) receptors are directly involved in the interaction. Changes evoked by CyA in SKF38393 vasodilations were evaluated in phenylephrine-preconstricted isolated perfused rat kidneys in the absence and presence of SCH23390, a DA(1) receptor antagonist. SKF38393 (3 x 10(-8) to 3 x 10(-6) mol) produced dose-dependent reductions in the renal perfusion pressure that were significantly attenuated in tissues pretreated with SCH23390 or CyA. Unlike SKF38393, the vasodilatory action of sodium nitroprusside, a nitrovasodilator, was not altered by CyA. The attenuating effect of CyA on SKF38393 vasodilations was preserved in preparations pretreated with SCH23390, suggesting that sites other than DA(1) receptors may be involved in CyA-SKF38393 interaction. The study was then extended to investigate the possible involvement of renal alpha1-adrenoceptors in the interaction. Blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors by prazosin (30 nmol/L) significantly reduced the vasodilatory effect of SKF38393 and virtually abolished the CyA-induced attenuation of SKF38393 responses. Further, CyA failed to alter SKF38393 vasodilations when the renal tone was raised with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), a vasoconstrictor whose effect is independent of alpha(1)-adenoceptors. Together, these findings support earlier reports that both DA(1) and alpha(1)-receptors mediate the renal vasodilatory action of SKF38393 and suggest that CyA interacts selectively with the alpha(1)-receptor component to compromise SKF38393 responses.     

The emetic effect of B-HT 920 and apomorphine in the dog: antagonism by haloperidol

Recent investigations have suggested that the alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist B-HT 920 is also a dopamine (DA) agonist with a selectivity for presynaptic receptors. In the present study, the emetic effect of B-HT 920 was investigated. Intravenous injections of B-HT 920 (0.32-10.0 micrograms/kg) and a DA2-agonist apomorphine (3.2-100.0 micrograms/kg) caused dose-dependent emesis. The ED50 of B-HT 920 and apomorphine were 3.2 and 12.3 micrograms/kg, respectively. When haloperidol (10.0-24.5 micrograms/kg i.v.), a DA2-antagonist, was given 5 minutes before B-HT 920 (10 micrograms/kg) or apomorphine (32 micrograms/kg), it caused a dose-dependent prevention of B-HT 920- and apomorphine-induced emesis. The ED50 of haloperidol in preventing the emetic effect of both drugs was identical (13.5 micrograms/kg). In contrast, haloperidol (32 micrograms/kg i.v.) did not prevent the emetic effect of ouabain (40 micrograms/kg i.v.). Neither did yohimbine (0.1 mg/kg i.v.), an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist, prevent the emetic effect of B-HT 920 (10 micrograms/kg). These results suggest that B-HT 920, acting like apomorphine, induces emesis by activating DA2-receptors probably in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema.     

Dopamine Stimulates [3H]Phorbol 12,13-Dibutyrate Binding in Cultured Striatal Cells

The effect of dopamine (DA) on the binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate ([3H]PdBu) in cultured rat striatal cells was examined. DA maximally increased specific [3H]PdBu binding by 70 +/- 10%, an increase comparable to that observed with norepinephrine (NE). This finding suggests that DA activates protein kinase C in cultured striatal cells, because increases in [3H]PdBu binding reflect translocation of protein kinase C. Half-maximal stimulation was observed with 10(-6) M DA. The peak response was observed at 2-3 min after addition of 10(-4) M DA, but [3H]PdBu binding was still increased above basal at 30 min. DA was not acting via an adrenergic receptor. Prazosin (10(-6) M) blocked the response to NE, suggesting mediation by an alpha 1-adrenergic receptor, but had little effect on the response to DA. Conversely, the D1 receptor antagonist SCH-23390 (10(-6) M) blocked the response to DA, but only partially inhibited the response to NE. Morphine (10(-6) M) inhibited the response to DA by 46 +/- 14%, but did not affect significantly the response to NE. The DA effect on [3H]PdBu binding is apparently independent of the increase in cyclic AMP seen on D1 receptor activation. Forskolin, apomorphine, and the D1 agonist SKF-38393 all increased cyclic AMP in striatal cells, but were less effective than DA in stimulating [3H]PdBu binding. The D2 agonist quinpirole was ineffective in stimulating either cyclic AMP or [3H]PdBu binding.     

D2-dopamine receptor and alpha2-adrenoreceptor-mediated analgesic response of quercetin

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid (100-300 mg/kg) produced dose dependent increase in tail-flick latency, the analgesic effect being sensitive to reversal by naloxone (1 mg/kg). Prior treatment with haloperidol (1 mg/kg), D1/D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol, sulpiride (50 mg/kg), a selective D2 receptor antagonist, yohimbine (5 mg/kg), a alpha2-adrenoreceptor antagonist but not by SCH 23390 a, selective D1 receptor antagonist blocked this response. Apomorphine (1 mg/kg) a mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptor agonist, and quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg), a selective D2 receptor agonist also produced antinociception, that was reversed by haloperidol (1 mg/kg), sulpiride (50 mg/kg), but not by yohimbine (5 mg/kg). The antinociceptive action of quercetin (200 mg/kg) was potentiated by D2 agonist quinpirole (0.2 mg/kg). Dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 (10 and 15 mg/kg) failed to alter the antinociceptive effect of quercetin (200 mg/kg). Quercetin (200 mg/kg) reversed reserpine (2 mg/kg-4 hr) induced hyperalgesia, which was reversed by sulpiride but not by yohimbine. Thus, a role of dopamine D2 and alpha2-adrenoreceptors is postulated in the antinociceptive action of quercetin.     

Halothane attenuated haloperidol and enhanced clozapine-induced dopamine release in the rat striatum

The effect of halothane anesthesia on changes in the extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites (3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and homovanillic acid (HVA)) induced by neuroleptics was studied using in vivo microdialysis techniques. Halothane attenuated haloperidol-induced dopamine release and enhanced clozapine-induced dopamine release in the rat striatum.A microdialysis probe was implanted into the right striatum of male SD rats. Rats were given saline or the same volume of 200 microg kg(-1) haloperidol (D(2) receptor antagonist), 10 mg kg(-1) sulpiride (D(2) and D(3) antagonist), or 10 mg kg(-1) clozapine (D(4) and 5-HT(2) antagonist) intraperitoneally with or without 1-h halothane anesthesia (0.5 or 1.5%). Halothane anesthesia did not change the extracellular concentration of DA, but increased the metabolite concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. The increased DA concentration induced by haloperidol was significantly attenuated by halothane anesthesia, whereas the metabolite concentrations were unaffected. Halothane had no effect on the changes in the concentrations of DA or its metabolites induced by sulpiride. The clozapine-induced increases in DA and its metabolites were enhanced by halothane anesthesia.Our results suggest that halothane anesthesia modifies the DA release modulated by antipsychotic drugs in different ways, depending on the effects of dopaminergic or serotonergic pathways.     

Selective reduction by isolation rearing of 5-HT1A receptor-mediated dopamine release in vivo in the frontal cortex of mice

Serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors modulate in vivo release of brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters which may be involved in isolation-induced aggressive behavior. The present study examined the effect of isolation rearing on the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated modulation of dopamine (DA), 5-HT and noradrenaline (NA) release in the frontal cortex of mice. The selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist (S)-5-[-[(1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino]propoxy]-1,3-benzodioxole HCl (MKC-242) increased the release of DA and NA and decreased the release of 5-HT in the frontal cortex of mice. The effect of MKC-242 on DA release was significantly less in isolation-reared mice than in group-reared mice, while effects of the drug on NA and 5-HT release did not differ between both groups. The effect of the other 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin on cortical DA release was also less in isolation-reared mice than in group-reared mice, and that of the drug on cortical 5-HT release did not differ between both groups. In contrast to MKC-242-induced DA release, amphetamine-induced increase in cortical DA release in vivo was greater in isolation-reared mice. The present findings suggest that isolation rearing enhances the activity of cortical dopaminergic neurons and reduces selectively the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated release of DA in the cortex.