[3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(Di-n-Propylamino)Tetralin Binding to Pre- and Postsynaptic 5-Hydroxytryptamine Sites in Various Regions of the Rat Brain

The specific binding of [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([ 3H]8-OH-DPAT) to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-related sites was investigated in several regions of the rat brain. Marked differences were observed in the characteristics of binding to membranes from hippocampus, striatum, and cerebral cortex. Hippocampal sites exhibited the highest affinity (KD approximately 2 nM) followed by the cerebral cortex (KD approximately 6 nM) and the striatum (KD approximately 10 nM). Ascorbic acid inhibited specific [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding in all three regions but millimolar concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ enhanced specific binding to hippocampal membranes, whereas only Mn2+ increased it in the cerebral cortex and all three cations inhibited specific binding to striatal membranes. Guanine nucleotides (0.1 mM GDP, GTP) inhibited binding to hippocampal and cortical membranes only. As intracerebral 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine markedly decreased [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites in the striatum, but not in the hippocampus, the striatal sites appear to be on serotoninergic afferent fibers. In contrast, in the hippocampus the sites appear to be on postsynaptic 5-HT target cells, as local injection of kainic acid decreased their density. Both types of sites appear to be present in the cerebral cortex. The postsynaptic hippocampal [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites are probably identical to the 5-HT1A subsites, but the relationship between the presynaptic binding sites and the presynaptic autoreceptors controlling 5-HT release deserves further investigation.     

The GTP-Insensitive Component of High-Affinity [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(Di-n-Propylamino)tetralin Binding in the Rat Hippocampus Corresponds to an Oxidized State of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine1A Receptor

Previous studies on central 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptors have consistently shown the existence of a GTP-insensitive component of agonist binding, i.e., binding of [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]8-OH-DPAT) that persists in the presence of 0.1 mM GTP or guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp). The molecular basis for this apparent heterogeneity was investigated pharmacologically and biochemically in the present study. The GppNHp-insensitive component of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding increased spontaneously by exposure of rat hippocampal membranes or their 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate-soluble extracts to air; it was reduced by preincubation of solubilized 5-HT1A binding sites in the presence of dithiothreitol and, in contrast, reversibly increased by preincubation in the presence of various oxidizing reagents like sodium tetrathionate or hydrogen peroxide. In addition, exposure of hippocampal soluble extracts to short-cross-linking reagents specific for thiols produced an irreversible increase in the proportion of GppNHp-insensitive over total [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding. The pharmacological properties of this GppNHp-insensitive component of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding were similar to those of 5-HT1A sites in the absence of nucleotide. Sucrose gradient sedimentation of solubilized 5-HT1A binding sites treated by dithiothreitol or sodium tetrathionate showed that oxidation prevented the dissociation by GTP of the complex formed by the 5-HT1A receptor binding subunit (R[5-HT1A]) and a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein). Moreover, the oxidation of -SH groups by sodium tetrathionate did not prevent the inactivation of [3H]8-OH-DPAT specific binding by N-ethylmaleimide, in contrast to that expected from an interaction of both reagents with the same -SH groups on the R[5-HT1A]-G protein complex. These data suggest that the appearance of GTP-insensitive [3H]8-OH-DPAT specific binding occurs as a result of the (spontaneous) oxidation of essential -SH groups (different from those preferentially inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide) on the R[5-HT1A]-G protein complex.     

Modulation of 5-Hydroxytryptamine1A Receptor Density by Nonhydrolyzable GTP Analogues

Co-incubation of rat cortical membranes with 10(-4) M GTP results in a competitive inhibition of 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor binding sites labeled by [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [( 3H]8-OH-DPAT). Preincubation of cortical membranes with 10(-4) M GTP does not significantly change either KD or Bmax values, indicating that the effect of GTP is reversible. By contrast, GTP gamma S and 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp) are nonhydrolyzable analogues of GTP which lengthen the time course of guanine nucleotide activation of guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) and thereby alter G protein-receptor interactions. These nonhydrolyzable GTP analogues were used to characterize the effects of persistent alterations in G proteins on [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding to 5-HT1A receptors. Co-incubation of rat cortical membranes with either 10(-4) M GTP gamma S or GppNHp results in a decrease in both the affinity and apparent density of 5-HT1A binding sites. Co-incubation with the nonhydrolyzable nucleotides reduces the affinity of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding by 65-70% and lowers the density of the binding site by 53-61%. Similarly, preincubation of membranes with a 10(-4) M concentration of either GTP gamma S or GppNHp significantly increases the KD value and reduces the Bmax value of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding. These results indicate that GTP gamma S and GppNHp induce persistent changes in 5-HT1A receptor-G protein interactions that are reflected as a decrease in the density of binding sites labeled by [3H]8-OH-DPAT.     

CHAPS solubilization of a G-protein sensitive 5-HT1A receptor from bovine hippocampus

The binding of [3H] 8-OH-DPAT to membrane-bound 5-HT1A receptors from bovine hippocampus was saturable and corresponded to a single high-affinity state. Solubilization of the bovine hippocampal membranes with 10 mM CHAPS containing 200 mM NaCl, renders a preparation which binds [3H] 8-OH-DPAT with high-affinity (Kd = 1.9 nM) and is guanine nucleotide sensitive and ketanserin insensitive. 50% of [3H] 8-OH-DPAT binding activity is solubilized. The presence of GMP-P(NH)P promotes a low-affinity (Kd = 9.6 nM) state which is characteristic of receptors coupled to G-proteins. GMP-P(NH)P markedly accelerates the dissociation [3H] 8-OH-DPAT from solubilized membranes while having negligible effects on association. Thus, the agonist can activate the terniary complex rather than to promote its formation. 8-OH DPAT, WB 4101 and 5-carboxamidotryptamine dose responsively inhibit soluble [3H] 8-OH-DPAT binding with IC(50) values of 16.1, 15.6 and 1.3 nM, respectively. The CHAPS solubilized membrane preparation retains many of the [3H] 8-OH-DPAT binding characteristics of the membrane bound form.     

Pharmacological Differentiation and Characterization of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1C Binding Sites in Rat Frontal Cortex

Drug interactions with 5-HT1 (5-hydroxytryptamine type 1) binding site subtypes were analyzed in rat frontal cortex. 8-Hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT) displays high affinity (Ki 3.3 +/- 1 nM) for 29 +/- 3% of total [3H]5-HT binding in rat frontal cortex and low affinity (Ki 9,300 +/- 1,000) for 71 +/- 4% of the remaining 5-HT1 sites. Therefore, non-5-HT1A binding in rat frontal cortex was defined as specific [3H]5-HT binding observed in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT. 5-Methoxy 3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl) 1 H indole (RU 24969), 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP), mianserin, and methysergide produce shallow competition curves of [3H]5-HT binding from non-5-HT1A sites. Addition of 10(-3) M GTP does not increase the apparent Hill slopes of these competition curves. Computer-assisted iterative curve fitting suggests that these drugs can discriminate two distinct subpopulations of non-5-HT1A binding sites, each representing approximately 35% of the total [3H]5-HT binding in the rat frontal cortex. All three 5-HT1 binding site subtypes display nanomolar affinity for 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine. A homogeneous population of 5-HT1A sites can be directly labeled using [3H]8-OH-DPAT. These sites display nanomolar affinity for 8-OH-DPAT, WB 4101, RU 24969, 2-(4-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl] butyl)-1,2-benzisothiazol-3-(2H)one-1, 1-dioxidehydrochloride (TVX Q 7821), 5-methoxydimethyltryptamine, and d-lysergic acid diethylamide. The potencies of RU 24969, TFMPP, and quipazine for [3H]5-HT binding are increased by addition of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT and 3,000 nM mianserin to the [3H]5-HT binding assay. Moreover, the drugs have apparent Hill slopes near 1 under these conditions. This subpopulation of total [3H]5-HT binding is designated 5-HT1B. By contrast, methysergide and mianserin become more potent inhibitors of residual [3H]5-HT binding to non-5-HT1A sites in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT and 10 nM RU 24969. The drug competition curves under these conditions have apparent Hill slopes of near unity and these sites are designated 5-HT1C. Drug competition studies using a series of 24 agents reveals that each 5-HT1 subtype site has a unique pharmacological profile. These results suggest that radioligand studies can be used to differentiate three distinct subpopulations of 5-HT1 binding sites labeled by [3H]5-HT in rat frontal cortex.     

The 5-HT1A receptor probe [3H]8-OH-DPAT labels the 5-HT transporter in human platelets

The present study characterizes a serotonin (5-HT) binding site on human platelet membranes, using [3H]8-OH-DPAT as the radioligand. [3H]8-OH-DPAT binds specifically and saturably to a site on human platelet membranes with an average KD of 43 nM and Bmax of 1078 fmol/mg protein. Determinations of IC50 values for various serotonergic characterizing agents in platelets for displacement of [3H]8-OH-DPAT were performed. For example, 8-OH-DPAT 5HT1A had an IC50 of 117 nM; TFMPP 5HT1B (2.3 microM0 and PAPP 1A + 5HT2 (9 microM); ipsapirone 5HT1A (21.1 microM) and buspirone 5HT1A (greater than 100 microM); ketanserin 5HT2 (greater than 100 microM); 5-HT uptake inhibitors: paroxetine (13 nM); chlorimipramine (73 nM) and fluoxetine (653 nM). The pharmacological inhibitory profile of the platelet 8-OH-DPAT site is not consistent with profiles reported for brain. 8-OH-DPAT does not inhibit [3H]imipramine binding, however, it does inhibit [3H]5-HT uptake in human platelets near 5-HT's Km value (IC50 = 2-4 microM). These results suggest that the human platelet site labeled by [3H]8-OH-DPAT is pharmacologically different from the neuronal site and probably is a component of the 5-HT transporter.     

Chromatographic Analyses of the Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor Solubilized from the Rat Hippocampus

Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in rat hippocampal membranes were solubilized by 10 mM 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS) and chromatographed on various gels in an attempt to design a relevant protocol for their (partial) purification. In particular, an affinity gel made of the 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) derivative 8-methoxy-2-[(N-propyl, N-butylamino)amino]tetralin (8-MeO-N-PBAT) coupled to Affigel 202 was specially developed for this purpose. First, studies of the effects of various compounds (detergents, lipids, reducing agents, sugars, etc.) on the specific binding of [3H]8-OH-DPAT and on the rate of heat-induced inactivation of solubilized 5-HT1A sites led to a buffer composed of 50 mM Tris-HCl, 50 microM dithiothreitol, 1 mM CHAPS, 10% glycerol, 0.1 mM MnCl2, and 50 micrograms/ml of cholesteryl hemisuccinate, pH 7.4, ensuring a high degree of stability of solubilized 5-HT1A sites, compatible with chromatographic analyses for 2-4 days at 4 degrees C. Adsorption and subsequent elution of [3H]8-OH-DPAT specific binding sites were found with several chromatographic gels, including wheat germ agglutinin-agarose, phenyl-Sepharose, hydroxylapatite-Ultrogel, diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sepharose, and DEAE-Sephacel. Similarly, 8-MeO-N-PBAT-Affigel 202 allowed the adsorption and subsequent elution (by 1 mM 5-HT) of active 5-HT1A binding sites solubilized from rat hippocampal membranes. The two-step chromatography using 8-MeO-N-PBAT-Affigel 202 followed by wheat germ agglutinin-agarose gave a fraction enriched (by at least 400-fold) in 5-HT1A sites. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of this partially purified fraction revealed a major protein band with Mr close to 60,000.     

Alterations in 5-HT(1A) receptors and adenylyl cyclase response by trazodone in regions of rat brain

The in vivo effect of trazodone on the density of [(3)H]5-HT binding sites and 5-HT(1A) receptors and adenylyl cyclase (AC) response was studied in regions of rat brain. The chronic administration of trazodone (10 mg/Kg body wt, 40 days) resulted in a significant downregulation of [(3)H]5-HT binding sites and 5-HT(1A) receptors in cortex and hippocampus. Trazodone significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased the density of [(3)H]5-HT binding sites in cortex (42.6 +/- 3.6 fmol/mg protein, 65%) and hippocampus (12.6 +/- 1.6 fmol/mg protein, 87%) when compared to control values of 121.9 +/- 5.4 and 99.3 +/- 7.5 fmol/mg protein in these regions, respectively. Similarly there was a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in the density of 5-HT(1A) receptors in both cortex (7.2 +/- 0.5 fmol/mg protein, 70%) and hippocampus (6.3 +/- 1.2 fmol/mg protein, 79%) when compared to control values of 24.2 +/- 2.1 and 30.6 +/- 3.7 fmol/mg protein, in these regions respectively. However, the affinity of [(3)H]5-HT to 5-HT binding sites (1.83 +/- 0.26 nM, p < 0.0001) and [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT to 5-HT(1A) receptors (0.60 +/- 0.06 nM, p < 0.05) was significantly decreased only in cortex when compared to the control K(d) values of 0.88 +/- 0.04 nM and 0.47 +/- 0.02 nM in these regions, respectively.The basal AC activity did not alter in treated rats, where as, the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated AC activity by 5-HT (10 microM) was significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased both in cortex (43%) and hippocampus (40%) when compared to control levels. In conclusion, chronic treatment with trazodone results in downregulation of 5-HT(1A) receptors in cortex and hippocampus along with concomitant increased AC response, suggesting the involvement of 5-HT(1A) receptor-mediated AC response in the mechanism of action of trazodone.     

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.     

Pharmacological and Biochemical Characterization of Rat Hippocampal 5-Hydroxytryptamine1A Receptors Solubilized by 3–[3–(Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-Propane Sulfonate (CHAPS)

Rat hippocampal 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) binding sites were solubilized with a yield of 34% using 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS, 10 mM) as detergent. Kinetic analyses of [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]8-OH-DPAT) binding indicated that the 5-HT1A sites exhibit the same properties in the soluble form as in the membrane-bound form. Furthermore, a positive correlation (r = 0.988) was found between the respective pIC50 values of a series of agonists and antagonists to inhibit [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding to either soluble or membrane-bound 5-HT1A sites. Gel filtration through Sephacryl S-400 as well as chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-agarose did not affect the modulation by guanine nucleotides (5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate) of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding which suggests that the 5-HT1A binding subunit is a glycoprotein tightly attached to a G protein even in its soluble form. The [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding material eluted from Sephacryl S-400 had an apparent molecular mass of 155 kilodaltons, as expected from a heterodimer with one binding subunit (approximately 60 kilodaltons) and one G protein (approximately 80 kilodaltons). Marked enrichment in 5-HT1A binding sites relative to other soluble proteins was found in the peak fractions eluted from Sephacryl S-400 (by sixfold) and WGA-agarose (by 26-fold) columns, suggesting that these chromatographic steps might be of interest for the purification of central 5-HT1A receptors.     

Differentiation of pre- and postsynaptic high affinity serotonin receptor binding sites using physico-chemical parameters and modifying agents

The two³H-labeled agonists [³H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin ([³H]8-OH-DPAT) and [³H]serotonin ([³H]5-HT) have been used to examine the effects of physico-chemical parameters and modulatory agents on the high affinity 5-HT receptor binding sites in various regions of the rat central nervous system. Sites labeled by [³H]8-OH-DPAT and [³H]5-HT were differentially sensitive to changes in incubation demperature and pH, such that the optimal interaction of [³H]8-OH-DPAT with specific sites in the striatum was at 30°C and pH 7.4, whereas [³H]5-HT sites in the same region were most easily labeled at 2–23°C and pH 8.2. Micromolar concentrations of Mn²⁺ enhanced [³H]5-HT binding but inhibited markedly [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding to striatal membranes. In contrast, both [³H]5-HT and [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding were incerased by the cation in hippocampal membranes. Conversely, GTP reduced the binding of either ligand in the hippocampus but affected only [³H]5-HT binding in the striatum. Furthermore, N-ethylmaleimide inhibited equally [³H]5-HT and [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding to hippocampal membranes, but was markedly less potent against [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding to striatal     

Enhancement of hippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission through 5-HT1A receptor-mediated pathways by repeated lithium treatment in rats

Hippocampal cholinergic neuronal activity is reported to be regulated, at least partly, through serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptors. Chronic lithium treatment has been shown to alter both behavioral and neurochemical responses mediated by postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. We investigated whether long-term lithium treatment affects central cholinergic neurotransmission through 5-HT1A receptor-mediated pathways. Changes in acetylcholine (ACh) release induced by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, in the rat hippocampus were measured using a microdialysis technique and a radioimmunoassay for ACh. Administration of lithium for 21 days resulted in a serum lithium concentration of 1.03 mM and caused little change in density or affinity of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites in the hippocampus. The local application of 8-OH-DPAT into the hippocampus of lithium treated rats increased the ACh efflux in both the absence and the presence of physostigmine, a cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor, in the perfusion fluid. The basal ACh efflux of lithium treated rats was not different from that of the control rats under normal conditions, but was significantly higher than that of the controls when ChE was inhibited. These results demonstrate that chronic lithium treatment increases spontaneous ACh release in the hippocampus under conditions of ChE inhibition, but not under normal conditions, and enhances cholinergic neurotransmission through 5-HT1A receptor-mediated pathways, and suggest that activation of 5-HT1A receptor function by lithium is related to the enhancement of hippocampal cholinergic neurotransmission.     

Characterization of 5-HT transporter and receptor system in HeLaS3 cells by [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT and other serotonergic ligands

[(3)H]8-OH-DPAT is a selective ligand for labeling 5-HT(1A) receptor sites. In competition binding experiments, we found that classic biogenic amine transporter inhibitors displaced [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binding at its high-affinity binding sites in HeLaS3 cells. [(125)I]RTI-55 and [(3)H]paroxetine are known to specifically label amine transporter sites, and this was observed in our cells. Displacement studies showed that 8-OH-DPAT displayed affinity in a dose-dependent manner for the labeled amine transporter sites. These data suggest that [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binds to amine uptake sites in HeLaS3 cells. A variety of drugs targeting different classes of receptors did not significantly affect [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binding. Moreover, we determined the specific binding effects of various serotonergic ligands (i.e. [(125)I]cyanopindolol, [(3)H]ketanserin/[(3)H]mesulergine, [(3)H]GR-65630, [(3)H]GR-113808 and [(3)H]LSD) that specifically labeled 5-HT(1), 5-HT(2), 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4) and 5-HT(5-7) receptors, respectively. It is suggested that HeLaS3 cells contain distinct types of the related to 5-HT receptor recognition binding sites. These observations could help elucidate the relevant characteristics of different types of 5-HT receptors and 5-HT membrane transporters in tumor cells and their role in tumorigenesis.     

Characterization of a Novel Serotonin Receptor Subtype (5-HTls) in Rat CNS: Interaction with a GTP Binding Protein

Three pharmacologically distinct high-affinity [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) binding sites were identified in spinal cord synaptosomes. [3H]5-HT competition studies using selective 5-HT1A receptor ligands indicated that approximately 25% of high-affinity synaptosomal [3H]5-HT binding was inhibited by 5-HT1A-selective compounds, an estimate consistent with [3H](+-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]8-OH-DPAT) saturation experiments in which 5-HT1A receptors were directly labeled. [3H]5-HT competition studies using high-affinity 5-HT1B compounds performed in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT (to block 5-HT1A receptors) indicated that approximately 26% of all specific, high-affinity [3H]5-HT binding to spinal cord synaptosomes was to 5-HT1B receptors. [3H]5-HT competition studies performed in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT and 10 nM RU 24969 (to block 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors, respectively) indicated that the remaining 49% of [3H]5-HT binding did not possess the pharmacologic profile previous reported for 5-HT1C, 5-HT1D, 5-HT1E, 5-HT2, or 5-HT3 receptors. This residual 49% of [3H]5-HT binding to spinal cord synaptosomes observed in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT and 10 nM RU 24969 (subsequently referred to as "5-HT1S") displayed high affinity and saturability (KD = 4.7 nM) in association/dissociation and saturation experiments. Addition of 300 microM GTP or the nonhydrolyzable form of GTP, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, inhibited [3H]5-HT binding to 5-HT1S receptors in saturation experiments by 35 and 57%, respectively, whereas ATP was without effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Alkylation of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites in rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus

The binding of tritiated 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino)tetralin, or [³H]8-OH-DPAT, to membranes from rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus could be inhibited by serotonin (5-HT) and buspirone, and by the 5-HT antagonists propranolol, NAN-190, pindolol, pindobind-5-HT_1A, WAY100135, spiperone and ritanserin. All competition curves, except for ritanserin, best fitted a two-site model. In vitro treatment of the membranes withN-ethylmaleimide (NEM), to alkylate sulfhydryl groups, caused dose-dependent decreases of binding; the inhibition curves were biphasic, and the effects irreversible. Reduction of disulfide bonds withl-dithiothreitol (L-DTT) also decreased binding, but in a monophasic way; these effects were fully reversible in cortex, but only partially reversible in hippocampus. In the latter region, but not in cerebral cortex, previous occupancy by [³H]8-OH-DPAT partially protected binding from the effects of bothL-DTT and NEM, suggesting that the thiol groups in the receptor recognition site(s) of this brain region are readily accessible. The binding characteristics were examined with the aid of saturation curves, carried out with increasing concentrations, up to 140 nM, of [³H]8-OH-DPAT. The saturation data were suggestive of a two-site receptor model incorporating a high-affinity site (Kh of 0.3–0.5 nM) corresponding to the 5-HT_1A receptor, and a low-affinity site (Kl ofca 25 nM). After in vivo alkylations, carried out by treating rats withN-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-quinoline (EEDQ), the saturation curves from both control and EEDQ-treated rats were again best fitted to a two-site model. For EEDQ-treated animals, a drastic decrease of 5-HT_1A receptor activity was noted; this loss was greater in hippocampus than in cerebral cortex. Since the decrease in 5-HT_1A receptors was not associated with changes in low-affinity binding, the results suggest independent regulations of the two [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding proteins. Altogether, the present data further supports the notion that [³H]8-OH-DPAT, besides labelling 5-HT_1A receptors, also binds to other structures in rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Special issue dedicated to Dr. Kinya Kuriyama     

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.     

Administration of 8-Hydroxy-2-(Di-n-Propylamino)tetralin in Raphe Nuclei Dorsalis and Medianus Reduces Serotonin Synthesis in the Rat Brain: Differences in Potency and Regional Sensitivity

Following administration of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.04-5.0 micrograms/0.5 microliter) in the raphe nucleus dorsalis (DR) or medianus (MR), the synthesis of serotonin (5-HT), as assessed by the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) after decarboxylase inhibition, was measured in various regions of the rat CNS. At all doses, 8-OH-DPAT in the DR significantly reduced 5-HTP accumulation in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, cortex, and prefrontal cortex, whereas even the highest dose had no effect in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. One microgram of 8-OH-DPAT in the MR significantly reduced 5-HTP accumulation in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, and 5 micrograms had an effect in all the areas except the striatum and spinal cord. One and 5 micrograms of 8-OH-DPAT, administered in either the DR or MR, did not significantly modify the accumulation of dihydroxyphenylalanine in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. The results confirm that DR and MR have different sensitivities to 5-HT1A receptor agonists, and that activation of 5-HT1A receptors in these nuclei produces different effects on 5-HT synthesis in different brain regions.     

Differential effect of lithium on 5-HT1 receptor-linked system in regions of rat brain.

The effect of chronic administration (0.4% for 30 days) of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) on 5-HT1 receptor-linked second messenger system was studied in regions of rat brain. We observed that chronic treatment of Li2CO3, significantly decreased the density of [3H]5-HT binding sites in cortex (62%), hippocampus (64%) and striatum (65%), compared to the control levels. The affinity of [3H]5-HT to 5-HT1 binding sites was significantly decreased in all the regions. A significant decrease in the density of high affinity 5-HT1A receptor sites was observed in cortex (81%) and hippocampus (42%), without change in the affinity of [3H]8-OH-DPAT for 5-HT1A sites in these regions. 5-HT-stimulated, but not basal, adenylyl cyclase activity was significantly increased in all the regions after Li treatment. The present study concludes that the increase in the 5-HT-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity might be attributed to the functional downregulation of 5-HT1 receptors, as these are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase, suggesting the involvement of 5-HT1 receptor mediated response in the therapeutic efficacy of lithium.     

Evidence for Distinct 5-Hydroxytryptamine2 Binding Site Subtypes in Cortical Membrane Preparations

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) displays a sixfold higher affinity for 5-HT2 binding sites labeled by [3H]ketanserin in rat (IC50 = 200 +/- 40 nM) and human (IC50 = 190 +/- 50 nM) cortex than for 5-HT2 sites in bovine cortex (IC50 = 1,200 +/- 130 nM). The Hill slopes of the 5-HT competition curves are 0.67 +/- 0.04 in rat, 0.69 +/- 0.08 in human, and 0.96 +/- 0.02 in bovine cortex. Scatchard analysis of (+/-)-[3H]4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine ([3H]DOB) binding in the rat indicates a population of binding sites with a KD of 0.38 +/- 0.04 nM and a Bmax of 1.5 +/- 0.05 pmol/g tissue. In contrast, specific [3H]DOB binding cannot be detected in bovine cortical membranes. These data indicate that species variations exist in 5-HT2 binding site subtypes and that [3H]ketanserin appears to label a homogeneous population of 5-HT2 binding site subtypes in bovine cortex.     

Lack of stereoselectivity of 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino)tetralin-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in human pre- and post-synaptic brain regions

The stereoselectivity of the serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor compound 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) on forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was investigated in membranes from human 5-HT pre-synaptic (raphe nuclei) and post-synaptic (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) regions of autopsy brains. After sample incubation with agonists and antagonists, results showed that both the racemic mixture of 8-OH-DPAT or its (+) and (-) enantiomers behaved as full agonists in the tested brain regions. Enantiomer potency (EC50, nM) and efficacy (percentage of maximal inhibition, %) values were similar in all regions under investigation. However, some inter and intra-region variations in racemic 8-OH-DPAT potency and efficacy have been observed. In particular, the potency of racemic 8-OH-DPAT was higher in the prefrontal cortex and raphe nuclei than in the hippocampus, where it was in fact lower than either single enantiomers. Agonist effects were competitively reversed by 5-HT1A antagonists, although once again a different profile was revealed in the hippocampus. The data underscores the lack of stereospecificity of 8-OH-DPAT-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in either pre- or post-synaptic human brain regions. Moreover, such results have significant implication, as they support the notion that human 5-HT1A receptors might vary from one brain region to the other.