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.     

Hippocampal Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor Enhances Acetylcholine Release in Conscious Rats

Abstract: We investigated changes in the extracellular levels of acetylcholine (ACh) following local application of serotonergic agents to the dorsal hippocampus of freely moving rats by means of perfusion using a microdialysis technique. Perfusion of serotonin (5-HT; 10 μM, for 30 min at a rate of 3 μl/min), dissolved in Ringer's solution containing 10 μM eserine, showed no marked effect on the extracellular levels of ACh. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 20 μM), a 5-HT_1A agonist, increased ACh levels, whereas 7-trifluoromethyl-4-(4-methyl-1 -piperazinyl)-pymoto[1,2-a]quinoxaline (CGS-12066B; 100 μM), a 5-HT_1B agonist, decreased it. Clomipramine (2 μM), an uptake inhibitor of 5-HT, had no effect on ACh levels. Following perfusion of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4- (2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine (NAN-190; 10 μM), which is a selective 5-HT_1A antagonist, the effect of 8-OH-DPAT was totally abolished, whereas CGS-12066B decreased extracellular ACh levels. 5-HT, as well as Clomipramine, had a decreasing effect on ACh levels after pretreatment with NAN-190. These results indicate that the 5-HT_1A receptor, which exists in the dorsal hippocampus, enhances the spontaneous ACh release, and that the mechanism of serotonergic modulation of ACh release partly depends on both the stimulatory control via the 5-HT_1A receptor and the suppressive one via the 5-HT_1B receptor in the dorsal hippocampus of rats.     

Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor Activation Increases Cyclic AMP Formation in the Rat Hippocampus In Vivo

Abstract: In vivo microdialysis was used to examine the efflux of cyclic AMP (cAMP) into the extracellular fluid of the ventral hippocampus in the freely moving rat. The changes in extracellular cAMP concentration were monitored in response to forskolin and the serotonin 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The basal level of hippocampal extracellular cAMP was 2.3 ± 0.2 pmol/ml (n = 6), after a 3-h postsur- gery stabilisation period. Perfusion of forskolin (100 μM) through the probe for 30 min significantly increased the efflux of cAMP, which returned to baseline levels within 90 min. 8-OH-DPAT (0.3 mg/kg s.c.) also significantly increased cAMP efflux, whereas a similar volume of saline had no effect. Desensitisation of the 8-OH-DPAT-induced increase in cAMP efflux was observed following a second administration of 8-OH-DPAT after a 4-h interval. Administration of 8-OH-DPAT did not alter the efflux of cAMP when forskolin was perfused through the probe. Pretreatment with WAY 100135 [N-tert-butyl 3–4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1 -yl-2-phenylpropanamide dihydrochloride] (5 mg/kg s.c.), a specific 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, prevented the 8-OH-DPAT-induced increase in cAMP efflux. The data indicate that the 8-OH-DPAT-induced increase in cAMP efflux in vivo is mediated by a 5-HT_1A receptor.     

Flesinoxan Dose-Dependently Reduces Extracellular 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in Rat Median Raphe and Dorsal Hippocampus Through Activation of 5-HT1A Receptors

Abstract: The effects of systemic administration of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) 5-HT_1A receptor agonists flesinoxan and 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetralin on extracellular 5-HT were measured using microdialysis probes in both median raphe nucleus and dorsal hippocampus. Both 5-HT_1A agonists dose-dependently decreased dialysate 5-HT levels from both brain regions. The effects of flesinoxan in the median raphe (0.3 mg/kg) and dorsal hippocampus (1.0 mg/kg) could be blocked by the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist N -[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]- N -(2-pyridyl)cyclohexane carboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY 100,635) at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg s.c. The antagonist itself had no effect at this dosage. Local perfusion of flesinoxan for 30 min through the dialysis probe into the median raphe region at concentrations of 20, 100, and 1,000 n M resulted in a significant decrease in dialysate 5-HT content from both regions. The effect of 100 n M flesinoxan could be blocked by coperfusion of 1,000 n M WAY 100,635. The data indicate that flesinoxan is a potent 5-HT_1A receptor agonist and also support the notion that somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptors regulate both terminal and somatodendritic 5-HT release.     

Potential Mechanisms Involved in the Negative Coupling Between Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptors and Carbachol-Stimulated Phosphoinositide Turnover in the Rat Hippocampus

Serotonin 5-HT1A receptors have been reported to be negatively coupled to muscarinic receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover in the rat hippocampus. In the present study, we have investigated further the pharmacological specificity of this negative control and attempted to elucidate the mechanism whereby 5-HT1A receptor activation inhibits the carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide response in immature or adult rat hippocampal slices. Various 5-HT1A receptor agonists were found to inhibit carbachol (10 microM)-stimulated formation of total inositol phosphates in immature rat hippocampal slices with the following rank order of potency (IC50 values in nM): 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (11) greater than ipsapirone (20) greater than gepirone (120) greater than RU 24969 (140) greater than buspirone (560) greater than 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (1,500) greater than methysergide (5,644); selective 5-HT1B, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3 receptor agonists were inactive. The potency of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists investigated as inhibitors of the carbachol response was well correlated (r = 0.92) with their potency as inhibitors of the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in guinea pig hippocampal membranes. 8-OH-DPAT (10 microM) fully inhibited the carbachol-stimulated formation of inositol di-, tris-, and tetrakisphosphate but only partially antagonized (-40%) inositol monophosphate production. The effect of 8-OH-DPAT on carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover was not prevented by addition of tetrodotoxin (1 microM), by prior destruction of serotonergic afferents, by experimental manipulations causing an increase in cyclic AMP levels (addition of 10 microM forskolin), or by changes in membrane potential (increase in K+ concentration or addition of tetraethylammonium). Prior intrahippocampal injection of pertussis toxin also failed to alter the ability of 8-OH-DPAT to inhibit the carbachol response. Carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover in immature rat hippocampal slices was inhibited by the protein kinase C activators phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10 microM) and arachidonic acid (100 microM). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT on the carbachol response was blocked by 10 microM quinacrine (a phospholipase A2 inhibitor) but not by BW 755C (100 microM), a cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitor. These results collectively suggest that 5-HT1A receptor activation inhibits carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover by stimulating a phospholipase A2 coupled to 5-HT1A receptors, leading to arachidonic acid release. Arachidonic acid could in turn activate a gamma-protein kinase C with as a consequence an inhibition of carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover. This inhibition may be the consequence of a phospholipase C phosphorylation and/or a direct effect on the muscarinic receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Cloning and Expression of a Human Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor cDNA

Abstract: Using a combination of library screening and nested PCR based on a partial human serotonin 5-HT₄ receptor sequence, we have cloned the complete coding region for a human 5-HT₄ receptor. The sequence shows extensive similarity to the published porcine 5-HT_4A and rat 5-HT_4L receptor cDNA; however, in comparison with the latter, we find an open reading frame corresponding to only 388 amino acids instead of 406 amino acids. This difference is due to a frame shift caused by an additional cytosine found in the human sequence after position 1,154. Moreover, we also found the same additional cytosine in the rat 5-HT₄ sequence. We confirmed the occurrence of the sequence by examining this part of the sequence in genomic DNA of 10 human volunteers and in rat genomic DNA. Based on a part of the genomic 5-HT₄ receptor sequence that was identified in the cloning process, there seem to be at least two possible splice sites in the coding region of the gene. The human 5-HT₄ receptor, transiently expressed in COS-7 cells, showed radioligand binding properties similar to 5-HT₄ receptors in guinea pig striatal tissue. [³H]GR 113808 revealed K _D values of 0.15 ± 0.01 n M for the human receptor and 0.3 ± 0.1 n M in the guinea pig tissue. Binding constants were determined for four investigated 5-HT₄ antagonists and three agonists, and appropriate binding inhibition constants were found in each case. Stimulation of transfected COS-7 cells with 5-HT₄-specific agonists caused an increase in cyclic AMP levels.     

Primary Structure of the Human Platelet Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor: Identity with Frontal Cortex Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor

Abstract: Previous radioligand binding studies have demonstrated human platelet serotonin_2A (5-HT_2A) receptor binding sites. Pharmacological similarities between platelet and frontal cortex 5-HT_2A receptor binding parameters have been demonstrated. However, it is not clear whether the platelet 5-HT_2A receptor primary structure is identical to that of the brain receptor. Three overlapping cDNAs were obtained to span completely the coding region of the 5-HT_2A receptor. These clones were sequenced with external and internal primers. The nucleotide sequence of human platelet 5-HT_2A cDNA was identical to that reported for the human frontal cortex 5-HT_2A receptor, except for nucleotide 102 (T → C), which has been reported to represent a normal DNA polymorphism that does not alter the amino acid sequence. This finding may have implications in the study of neuropsychiatric disorders for which altered platelet 5-HT_2A receptor binding has been demonstrated.     

Serotonin 5-HT1D and 5-HT1A Receptors Respectively Mediate Inhibition of Glutamate Release and Inhibition of Cyclic GMP Production in Rat Cerebellum In Vitro

Abstract: The K⁺-evoked overflow of endogenous glutamate from cerebellar synaptosomes was inhibited by serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT); pD₂ = 8.95], 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; pD₂ = 7.35), and sumatriptan (pD₂ = 8.43). These inhibitions were prevented by the selective 5-HT_1D receptor antagonist N -[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)(1,1-biphenyl)-4-carboxamide (GR-127935). The three agonists tested also inhibited the cyclic GMP (cGMP) response provoked in slices by K⁺ depolarization; pD₂ values were 9.37 (5-HT), 9.00 (8-OH-DPAT), and 8.39 (sumatriptan). When cGMP formation was elevated by directly activating glutamate receptors with NMDA or α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA), the inhibition of the cGMP responses displayed the following pattern: 5-HT (pD₂ values of 8.68 and 8.72 against NMDA and AMPA, respectively); 8-OH-DPAT (respective pD₂ values of 9.15 and 9.00); sumatriptan (0.1 µ M ) was ineffective. The 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist ( S )-(+) N-tert -butyl-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-phenylpropionamide dihydrochloride [(+)-WAY 100135] did not prevent the inhibition of glutamate release by 5-HT but blocked the inhibition by 8-OH-DPAT of the NMDA/AMPA-evoked cGMP responses. It is suggested that presynaptic 5-HT_1D receptors mediate inhibition directly of glutamate release and indirectly of the cGMP responses to the released glutamate; on the other hand, activation of (postsynaptic) 5-HT_1A receptors causes inhibition of the cGMP responses linked to stimulation of NMDA/AMPA receptors.     

Characterization of Pharmacologically Active Anti-Peptide Antibodies Directed Against the First and Second Extracellular Loops of the Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor

Abstract: The immunological properties and the functional role of the first (loop I) and second (loop II) extracellular loops of the human serotonin 5-HT_1A receptor were studied with three populations of anti-peptide antibodies: Ab-1 (loop I; sequence Y-Q-V-L-N-K-W-T-L-G-Q-V-T-C-D-L; residues 96–111), Ab-2 (loop II; sequence G-W-R-T-P-E-D-R-S-D-P-D-A-C-T-I-S-K-D-H-G; residues 173–193), and Ab-12 (produced against loop I but cross-reacting with loop II). Chemical modification of peptide amino acid residues revealed the importance of the polyanionic stretch near the N-terminal domain of loop II for Ab-2 antibody binding and the role of the cysteine residues in both loops for the binding of Ab-1 and Ab-12 antibodies. Antibodies Ab-2 and Ab-12 recognized only the nonglycosylated form of the receptor (42 kDa) on immunoblots with transfected HeLa cells expressing the human 5-HT_1A receptor but recognized the glycosylated forms (55 and 65 kDa) of rat 5-HT_1A receptor from hippocampus membranes. The Ab-1 antibodies recognized no protein band from any cell type studied. Preincubation of transfected HeLa cell membranes with Ab-2 antibodies revealed two affinity binding sites of the 5-HT_1A receptor (K_DH = 0.54 ± 0.09 nM and K_DL = 13.74 ± 4.9 nM) for the agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-[³H]propylamino)tetralin ([³H]8-OH-DPAT) binding, but Ab-1 and Ab-12 revealed only one site (K_D of ≈2.5 nM). In contrast to the Ab-2 antibodies, Ab-1 and Ab-12 antibodies decreased the B_max of the [³H]8-OH-DPAT binding to 42 and 31%, respectively. These findings suggest that there are at least two epitopes on the extracellular loops: one inducing a high-affinity state for agonist binding and the other interfering with the accessibility of the ligand binding pocket.     

Differential Membrane Targeting and Pharmacological Characterization of Chimeras of Rat Serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B Receptors Expressed in Epithelial LLC-PK1 Cells

Abstract: The serotonin 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_1B receptors are two structurally related but pharmacologically distinguishable 5-HT receptor types. In brain, the 5-HT_1A receptor is localized on the soma and dendrites of neurons, whereas the 5-HT_1B receptor is targeted to the axon terminals. We previously showed that these two receptors are targeted in different membrane compartments when stably expressed in the epithelial LLC-PK1 cell line. Further investigations on the mechanisms responsible for their differential targeting were done by constructing chimeras of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_1B receptors still able to bind specifically [³H]lysergic acid diethylamide and selective agonists and antagonists. Their cellular localization examined by confocal microscopy suggests that the third intracellular domain of the 5-HT_1B receptor was responsible for its Golgi-like localization in transfected LLC-PK1 cells. In contrast, the third intracellular domain of the 5-HT_1A receptor apparently allowed the sorting of the chimeras to the plasma membrane. Further inclusion of the C-terminal domain of the 5-HT_1A receptor in their sequence led to a basolateral localization, whereas that of the 5-HT_1B receptor allowed an apical targeting, suggesting the existence of a targeting signal in this portion of the receptor(s).     

A Naturally Occurring Amino Acid Substitution of the Human Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Influences Amplitude and Timing of Intracellular Calcium Mobilization

Abstract: Recently, two naturally occurring amino acid substitutions were identified in the C-terminal region of the serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor. One of these, His ⁴⁵²Tyr, has a rarer allele Tyr frequency of 9%. If ⁴⁵²Tyr alters 5-HT_2A function, it would thus be a candidate allele for human neurobehavioral variation. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential influence of the ⁴⁵²His and ⁴⁵²Tyr alleles on cellular 5-HT_2A functions. Platelet 5-HT_2A binding and 5-HT-induced Ca²⁺ response were compared in eight ⁴⁵²His/⁴⁵²His homozygous and eight ⁴⁵²His/⁴⁵²Tyr heterozygous individuals matched for sex, age, and diagnosis (all were patients with seasonal affective disorder). There was no difference in 5-HT_2A binding measured using ¹²⁵I-lysergic acid diethylamide. Nor were levels of G-protein subunits or PKC α, δ, ε, or ζ significantly altered. However, when Ca²⁺ response was stimulated by 2, 5, 10, or 25 µM 5-HT, significant differences were found. In ⁴⁵²His/⁴⁵²Tyr heterozygotes, ⁴⁵²Tyr was associated with both smaller peak amplitude in Ca²⁺ mobilization and a different time course of response, with slower peak latency and longer half-time in ⁴⁵²His/⁴⁵²Tyr heterozygotes compared with ⁴⁵²His/⁴⁵²His homozygotes. The overall difference in the response of the 5-HT_2A receptor in individuals with ⁴⁵²Tyr was a blunting of the shape of the Ca²⁺ mobilization peak. The data reported here suggest that the primary sequence of this intracellular domain is important in function of the receptor and that the ⁴⁵²His and ⁴⁵²Tyr 5-HT_2A alleles should be carefully evaluated for effects on human neurobehavioral variation.     

Detection and Characterization of the Serotonin 5-HT1D Receptor in Rat and Human Brain

In the presence of 1 microM ( +/- )-pindolol [to block 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 1B receptors] and 100 nM mesulergine (to block 5-HT 1C receptors), 2.0 nM [3H]5-HT binding to rat cortical homogenates is specific, saturable, and reversible. Scatchard analysis of [3H]5-HT binding, in the presence of 1 microM ( +/- )-pindolol and 100 nM mesulergine, produced a KD of 3.2 nM and Bmax of 43 fmol/mg protein. Distribution studies show this site to be present in most rat brain regions. This site is also detectable in human caudate. The pharmacological profile of this site is distinct from the previously identified 5-HT receptor subtypes. Compounds with high affinity for 5-HT 1A (8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin), 5-HT 1B (trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine), 5-HT 1C (mesulergine), 5-HT 2 (4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine), and 5-HT3 (ICS 205-930) receptors have low affinity for this site. These data suggest the presence of an additional, previously unidentified, 5-HT binding site in rat and human brain tissue. This putative novel 5-HT receptor has a similar pharmacology to the "5-HT 1D" site detected in bovine brain by Heuring and Peroutka.     

Hippocampal 8-[3H]Hydroxy-2-(Di-n-Propylamino)Tetralin Binding Site Densities, Serotonin Receptor (5-HT1A) Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Abundance, and Serotonin Levels Parallel the Activity of the Hypothalamopituitary-Adrenal Axis in Rat

We have previously demonstrated that susceptibility of the Lewis rat to inflammatory disease, compared with the relatively resistant Fischer F344/N rat, is related to a hyporesponsive hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis to inflammatory and other stress mediators. Because serotonin (5-HT) and the 5-HT1A receptor are important stimulators of this axis, we have investigated the levels of 8-[3H]-hydroxy-2,3-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding sites, 5-HT1A mRNA, 5-HT, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in various brain regions of Lewis, outbred Harlan Sprague Dawley, and Fischer F344/N rats. Lewis rats expressed significantly fewer hippocampal and frontal cortical 8-[3H]-hydroxy-2,3-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding sites and less 5-HT1A mRNA than Harlan Sprague Dawley and Fischer F344/N rats. Adrenalectomy increased the number of 8-[3H]hydroxy-2,3-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin binding sites and 5-HT1A mRNA expression in the hippocampus of all three strains. Levels of hippocampal 5-HT in Fischer F344/N rats were significantly greater than levels detected in the same regions from Lewis and Harlan Sprague Dawley rats. Hypothalamic 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in Harlan Sprague Dawley rats were higher than the same area from the other two strains. Adrenalectomy increased the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the hypothalamus of all three strains. We conclude that hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor densities and 5-HT levels in the rat parallel the activity and responsiveness of the hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis.     

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.     

Identification of 5-Hydroxytryptamine1A Receptor Proteins in Bovine Frontal Cortex

5-Hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor proteins were identified by a novel approach in which photoaffinity labeling technique was used in conjunction with affinity column chromatography. 5-HT1A receptors were solubilized from bovine frontal cortical membranes with 0.3% digitonin and 0.1% Nonidet P-40, and bound effectively to 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (PAPP)-coupled Affi-Gel 10 in a time-dependent manner. PAPP was shown previously to be a selective ligand for the 5-HT1A receptor. Two protein bands with molecular masses of approximately 55,000 and 38,000 daltons revealed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were eluted from the affinity column with either 1 mM 5-HT or 1 microM [3H]1-[2-(4-azidophenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)piperazine ([3H]p-azido-PAPP). [3H]p-Azido-PAPP is a selective photoaffinity labeling probe for the 5-HT1A receptor. The intensity of these two protein bands and the incorporation of [3H]p-azido-PAPP into these two proteins decreased significantly when the solubilized fraction was preincubated with excess 5-HT or PAPP (saturating all 5-HT1A receptors) prior to affinity column chromatography. These results suggest strongly that these two proteins are related to the 5-HT1A receptor protein. The isoelectric points of the photolabeled 5-HT1A receptor proteins were 6.0 and 6.5.     

Two Amino Acid Differences in the Sixth Transmembrane Domain Are Partially Responsible for the Pharmacological Differences Between the 5-HT1Dβ and 5-HT1E 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors

Abstract: 5-Hydroxytryptamine elicits its physiological effects by interacting with a diverse group of receptors. Two of these receptors, the 5-HT_1Dβ and the 5-HT_1E receptors, are ∼60% identical in the transmembrane domains that presumably form the ligand binding site yet have very different pharmacological properties. Analysis of the pharmacological properties of a series of chimeric 5-HT_1Dβ/5-HT_1E receptors indicates that sequences in the sixth and seventh transmembrane domains are responsible for the differential affinity of 5-carboxamidotryptamine for these two receptors. More detailed analysis shows that two amino acid differences in the sixth transmembrane domain (Ile³³³ and Ser³³⁴ in the 5-HT_1Dβ receptor, corresponding to Lys³¹⁰ and Glu³¹¹ in the 5-HT_1E receptor) are largely responsible for the differential affinities of some, but not all, ligands for the 5-HT_1Dβ and 5-HT_1E receptors. It is likely that these two amino acids subtly determine the overall three-dimensional structure of the receptor rather than interact directly with individual ligands.     

Native Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptors Expressed in Xenopus Oocytes Differ from Homopentameric 5-HT3 Receptors

Abstract: Efficacies of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) 5-HT₃ receptor (5-HT₃R) agonists 2-methyl-5-HT, dopamine, and m -chlorophenylbiguanide on 5-HT₃R native to N1E-115 cells and on homopentameric 5-HT₃R expressed in Xenopus oocytes were determined relative to that of 5-HT. Efficacies of 2-methyl-5-HT and dopamine on 5-HT₃R native to differentiated N1E-115 cells are high (54 and 36%) as compared with their efficacies on homopentameric 5-HT₃R-A_L and 5-HT₃R-A_s receptors expressed in oocytes (4–8%). m -Chlorophenylbiguanide does not distinguish between 5-HT₃R in N1E-115 cells and in oocytes. The distinct pharmacological profile of 5-HT₃R native to differentiated N1E-115 cells is conserved when poly(A)⁺ mRNA from these cells is expressed in oocytes. The results indicate that, apart from the known 5-HT₃R subunits, N1E-115 cells express additional proteins involved in 5-HT₃R function.     

Differential Coupling of Serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B Receptors to Activation of ERK2 and Inhibition of Adenylyl Cyclase in Transfected CHO Cells

Although the subtypes of serotonin 5-HT1 receptors have distinct structure and pharmacology, it has not been clear if they also exhibit differences in coupling to cellular signals. We have sought to compare directly the coupling of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors to adenylyl cyclase and to the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2). We found that 5-HT1B receptors couple better to activation of ERK2 and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase than do 5-HT1A receptors. 5-HT stimulated a maximal fourfold increase in ERK2 activity in nontransfected cells that express endogenous 5-HT1B receptors at a very low density and a maximal 13-fold increase in transfected cells expressing 230 fmol of 5-HT1B receptor/mg of membrane protein. In contrast, activation of 5-HT1A receptors stimulated only a 2.8-fold maximal activation of ERK2 in transfected cells expressing receptors at 300 fmol/mg of membrane protein but did stimulate a 12-fold increase in activity in cells expressing receptors at 3,000 fmol/mg of membrane protein. Similarly, 5-HT1A, but not 5-HT1B, receptors were found to cause significant inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation only when expressed at high densities. These findings demonstrate that although both 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors have been shown to couple to G proteins of the Gi class, they exhibit differences in coupling to ERK2 and adenylyl cyclase.     

High Calcium Permeability of Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptors on Presynaptic Nerve Terminals from Rat Striatum

Abstract: The serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel, has previously been shown to be present on a subpopulation of brain nerve terminals, where, on activation, the 5-HT₃ receptors induce Ca²⁺ influx. Whereas postsynaptic 5-HT₃ receptors induce depolarization, being permeant to Na⁺ and K⁺, the basis of presynaptic 5-HT₃ receptor-induced calcium influx is unknown. Because the small size of isolated brain nerve terminals (synaptosomes) precludes electrophysiological measurements, confocal microscopic imaging has been used to detect calcium influx into them. Application of 100 nM 1-(m-chlorophenyl)biguanide (mCPBG), a highly specific 5-HT₃ receptor agonist, induced increases in internal free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and exocytosis in a subset of corpus striatal synaptosomes. mCPBG-induced increases in [Ca²⁺]_i ranged from 1.3 to 1.6 times over basal values and were inhibited by 10 nM tropisetron, a potent and highly specific 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, but were insensitive to the removal of external free Na⁺ (substituted with N-methyl-d -glucamine), to prior depolarization induced on addition of 20 mM K⁺, or to voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel blockade by 10 µM Co²⁺/Cd²⁺ or by 1 µMω-conotoxin MVIIC/1 µMω-conotoxin GVIA/200 nM agatoxin TK. In contrast, the Ca²⁺ influx induced by 5-HT₃ receptor activation in NG108-15 cells by 1 µM mCPBG was substantially reduced by 10 µM Co²⁺/Cd²⁺ and was completely blocked by 1 µM nitrendipine, an L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker. We conclude that in contrast to the perikaryal 5-HT₃ receptors, presynaptic 5-HT₃ receptors appear to be uniquely calcium-permeant.     

Autoradiography of Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptor-Activated G Proteins in Guinea Pig Brain Sections by Agonist-Stimulated [35S]GTPγS Binding

Abstract: G protein activation mediated by serotonin 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_1B/D receptors in guinea pig brain was investigated by using quantitative autoradiography of agonist-stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding to brain sections. [³⁵S]GTPγS binding was stimulated by the mixed 5-HT_1A/5-HT_1B/D agonist L694247 in brain structures enriched in 5-HT_1A binding sites, i.e., hippocampus (+140 ± 14%), dorsal raphe (+70 ± 8%), lateral septum (+52 ± 12%), cingulate (+36 ± 8%), and entorhinal cortex (+34 ± 5%). L694247 caused little or no stimulation of [³⁵S]GTPγS binding in brain regions with high densities of 5-HT_1B/D binding sites (e.g., substantia nigra, striatum, central gray, and dorsal subiculum). The [³⁵S]GTPγS binding response was antagonized by WAY100635 (10 µM) and methiothepin (10 µM). In contrast, the 5-HT_1B inverse agonist SB224289 (10 µM) did not affect the L694247-mediated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding response, and the mixed 5-HT_1B/D antagonist GR127935 (10 µM) yielded a partial blockade. The distribution pattern of the [³⁵S]GTPγS binding response and the antagonist profile suggest the L694247-mediated response in guinea pig brain to be mediated by 5-HT_1A receptors. In addition to L694247, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, and flesinoxan also stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding; their maximal responses varied between 46 and 52% compared with L694247, irrespective of the brain structure being considered. Sumatriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan (10 µM) stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding in the hippocampus by 20–50%. Naratriptan, CP122638, and dihydroergotamine stimulated [³⁵S]GTPγS binding to a similar level as L694247 in hippocampus, lateral septum, and dorsal raphe. It appears that under the present experimental conditions, G protein activation through 5-HT_1A but not 5-HT_1B/D receptors can be measured in guinea pig brain sections.