Clinical methodology for testing of anxiolytic drugs

Diagnostic criteria and classification are changing. It is no longer acceptable to include patients with a general diagnosis of any anxiety, or neurotic anxiety. Regardless of the reference system used, DSM IV or ICD 10, anxiety disorders are now detailed in separate entities. General anxiety disorder, GAD, which is pivotal for the evaluation of new products, can only be claimed after the elimination of all the others, and is relatively rare. The inclusion of such outpatients is further complicated, as comorbidity is frequently associated with GAD--alcoholism, major depression, dysthymia, personality disorders, somatic disease likely to interfere with patient evaluation--and leads to exclusions, and also because the requested duration for the syndrome, prior to inclusion, is six months, which means six months without psychotropic drugs, including excessive alcohol consumption. As to patient evaluation, the reference scale remains the HAM-A. It should show a score above 20 at baseline. It has been designed to assess the level of anxiety of patients presenting with the diagnosis of anxiety, but not the diagnosis of GAD, and, clearly, in relation to the expected results obtained with BZD, which are still the standard reference drugs. The same is true for the other investigator scales and self-rating scales. Moreover, the criteria defining clinical improvement are still discussed. More generally, clinical testing in comparison with placebo and reference drugs is particularly important for anxiolytic drugs. The optimal dose range should be investigated in phase I, evidence of sedative or disinhibiting effects, and in phase II, defining the minimal active dose. Longer duration of treatment should be scrutinized in phase III, in order to check on long-term efficacy, recurrences and relapses. The effects of drug withdrawal should also be studied: withdrawal syndrome, rebound, recurrence, dependence. It currently looks difficult to market new anxiolytic drugs, and clinical research mainly provides an extension of the indications for antidepressant drugs in anxiety.

Warning! One buflomedil may hide another one!

A 75-year-old woman experienced fever and convulsions. She was treated for diabetes mellitus, angina pectoris and also for arteritis with Buflomedil Merck (3 tab/d). Further investigations failed to find any aetiology. Buflomedil dosage was elevated to 6.3 mg/l (N = 4-4.5 mg/l). The drug was discontinued and there was no recurrence of symptoms. There was no evidence of error in dosage or interaction. A failure of the generic product was suspected. Only a pharmacist solved the problem. Fonzylane (buflomedil) had recently been switched to Buflomedil Merck. The patient misunderstood the change and took both drugs! Our purpose is not to report a known effect but to emphasize the importance of extending the information given to the patient and the risk of misuse of the generic product.

Apomorphine-induced behavioural sensitization in rats: individual differences, role of dopamine and NMDA receptors

Apomorphine-induced behavioural sensitization was studied in male Wistar rats. The acute administration of apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg s.c.), a dopamine agonist, did not affect the locomotor activity of rats, but it caused stereotyped behaviour characterized by repeated gnawing, licking and sniffing. A significant increase in the locomotor activity became evident after repeated treatments with apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days). However, there were marked individual differences in the sensitization of rats to apomorphine. One third of animals did not react with increased locomotor activity even after the 2-week administration of apomorphine, whereas the other one third needed only a few injections to display increased behavioural response to apomorphine. The behavioural response of the remaining one third of rats was between weak and strong responders. Simultaneously, the stereotyped behaviour occurred earlier and its intensity tended to be lower after repeated treatment with apomorphine. Nevertheless, the established changes of stereotyped behaviour did not correlate with the increase of locomotor activity. The administration of amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.), an indirect dopamine agonist, but not a non-competitive NMDA antagonist dizocilpine (0.25 mg/kg i.p.), tended to cause a similar response profile with apomorphine in sensitized rats. The ED50 values of the dopamine antagonists blocking apomorphine-induced increase in the locomotor activity were the following: 0.09 mg/kg for raclopride (dopamine D2 antagonist), 0.023 mg/kg for SCH 23390 (dopamine D1 antagonist), 6.42 mg/kg for clozapine (dopamine D4 antagonist). This supports the involvement of D1 and D1 receptors in the expression of apomorphine-induced behavioural sensitization. The concomitant administration of dizocilpine (0.5 mg/kg), SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg), raclopride (0.1 mg/kg) and clozapine (20 mg/kg) with apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg twice daily for 2 weeks) antagonized the development of behavioural sensitization to apomorphine. Accordingly, at least three different molecular targets, namely dopamine D1 and D2, and NMDA receptors, are involved in the development of apomorphine-induced behavioural sensitization.

Effect of CCK-4 on a 35% carbon dioxide challenge in healthy volunteers

1. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a subthreshold dose of CCK-4 would enhance the vulnerability of healthy subjects to a 35% carbon dioxide challenge. 2. 27 subjects, with no prior or present psychiatric disorder and in good physical condition were challenged with a vital capacity breath of a 35% carbon dioxide mixture, immediately after an intravenous injection of 5 micrograms CCK-4 or placebo, according to a random order double blind crossover design. 3. Subjects reported significantly less panic symptoms upon carbon dioxide after premedication with CCK-4 than after placebo. 4. Both CCK-4 and carbon dioxide may act on the same neuronal pathways, but seem to inhibit rather than potentiate each other effects.

Metabolism of some "second"- and "fourth"-generation antidepressants: iprindole, viloxazine, bupropion, mianserin, maprotiline, trazodone, nefazodone, and venlafaxine

1. This review summarizes the major known aspects of the metabolism of second-generation (iprindole, viloxazine, bupropion, mianserin, maprotiline, and trazodone) and fourth-generation (nefazodone and venlafaxine) antidepressants. 2. Discussions about specific enzymes involved and about possible pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions, particularly as they relate to cytochrome P450 enzymes, are provided.

The effect of lithium administration in animal models of depression: a short review

The aim of this short review was to collate the data involving the effects of lithium alone, or in combination, with antidepressant drugs in several animal models of depression. It has been shown that lithium administration reduced immobility in the mouse forced swimming test when given 30 min, but not 45 min, before testing. Further studies indicated that this activity was probably a result of an activity on serotonin (5-HT) 1A and 1B receptor subtypes. Lithium treatment has been shown to reverse helpless behaviour in the learned helplessness model of depression after chronic treatment (30 days), where lithium was administered in the drinking water. Further studies showed that acute (5 days) administration of lithium failed to reverse behavioural deficits. In the olfactory bulbectomised rat model of depression, several immunological and enzymatic functions have been shown to be altered and these changes are regularised by antidepressant treatment as well as lithium administration for 15 days. Hypokinesia (reduced locomotor activity) is a phenomenon observed following immobilisation stress in rats. This behavioural deficit was attenuated by lithium together with a wide range of antidepressant drugs used in the treatment of unipolar depression at non-stimulant doses. In addition, a single administration of lithium slightly inhibited midbrain raphe lesion-induced muricidal behaviour (25%); however, repeated treatment (5 days) significantly attenuated this behavioural deficit. Lithium treatment has also been shown to reverse behavioural and biochemical deficits induced by reserpine together with those induced by acute administration of single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) dose of the Na, K-ATPase-inhibiting compound, ouabain. Long-term studies of lithium augmentation have not been performed, so that no clear recommendations for the duration of this therapy can be made. The points raised in this short review endorse the commencement of such studies.

[Psychopharmacological profile of venlafaxine]

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant which blocks reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin and, to a lesser extent, dopamine. These data have been confirmed by behavioral tests. It has been shown that by decreasing the overall cerebral quantity of 5-HT and NA, venlafaxine continued to have an antidepressant action in animal models. In addition, the drug has been shown to act preferentially on 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors.

Influence of age on behavioural response in the light/dark paradigm

We have compared the performance of male Swiss mice at different ages (correlated with different body weight; 12-34 g) in the light/dark test of anxiety. Mice received saline only. The best age at which control values were optimum was that of 4 weeks old. Mice at this age spent 58% of the total test duration in the dark compartment. The oldest mice (i.e., 8 weeks old) exhibited an increase in total activity characterised by increase in movements in each compartment, together with an increase in the number of transitions. An age-related effect was found suggesting caution when interpreting the results of mice in the light/dark paradigm, the best period being that of 4 weeks.

Thiopurine methyl transferase activity: new extraction conditions for high-performance liquid chromatographic assay

A new liquid-liquid extraction is described for thiopurine methyl transferase (TPMT, EC 2.1.1.67) activity determination: the use of a pH 9.5 NH4Cl buffer solution, before adding the solvent mixture, allows more rapid extraction, avoiding a centrifugation step, and reduces the global cost of analysis. After the extraction step, 6-methylmercaptopurine, synthesised during the enzymatic reaction, is determined by a liquid chromatographic assay. Analytical performance of the assay was tested on spiked erythrocyte lysates. The linear concentration range was 5-250 ng ml(-1) (r> or =0.997, slope=1.497, intercept=-0.367). The recoveries were 82.8, 89.9 and 82.2% for 75, 125 and 225 ng ml(-1), respectively. The coefficients of variation were < or =6.1% for within-day assay (n=6) and < or =9.5% for between-day assay precision (n=6; 14 days). TPMT activity was determined in a French adult Caucasian population (7 =70). The results ranged from 7.8 to 27.8 nmol h(-1) ml(-1) packed red blood cells and the frequency distribution histogram is similar to that previously published.

Psychopharmacological profile of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine: implication of noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms

The present study was designed to evaluate the psychopharmacological profile of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine, and thus assess potential noradrenergic and/or serotonergic activity. Paroxetine dose-dependently increased mobility time in the mouse forced swimming test (8, 16, 32 and 64 mg/kg, i.p.) and reduced spontaneous locomotor activity when administered at a high dose (64 mg/kg, i.p.). Prior administration of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (1 mg/kg, i.p.), (+/-) pindolol (32 mg/kg, i.p.) or 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-1H-indole (RU 24969) (1 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the antidepressant-like effects of subactive doses of paroxetine (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg, i.p.) in the mouse forced swimming test. These effects were antagonized by prior administration of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[-(2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine) (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Complementary studies suggested that RU24969-induced anti-immobility effects were a result of an increase in locomotor activity; other interactions were without increase/decrease in locomotor activity. Acute administration of paroxetine (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg, i.p.) antagonized the hypothermia induced by the D2/D1 receptor agonist, apomorphine (16 mg/kg, s.c.), while repeated treatment with paroxetine (32 mg/kg) attenuated clonidine-induced (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) hypothermia. Pre-treatment with the serotonergic neurotoxin, para-chlorophenylalanine attenuated the anti-immobility effects of low doses of paroxetine (8 and 16 mg/kg, i.p.) in the forced swimming test, whereas a higher dose of paroxetine remained active (32 mg/kg, i.p.). The results of the present study indicated that paroxetine displayed both noradrenergic-like and serotonergic-like activity in the pre-clinical psychopharmacological tests employed.

3,4-Methylenedioxy analogues of amphetamine: defining the risks to humans

The 3,4-methylenedioxy analogues of amphetamine [MDMA ("Ecstasy", "Adam"), MDA ("Love") and MDE ("Eve")] are recreational drugs that produce feelings of euphoria and energy and a desire to socialize, which go far to explain their current popularity as "rave drugs". In addition to these positive effects, the drugs are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have the reputation of being safe compared to other recreational drugs. Yet there is mounting evidence that these drugs do not deserve this reputation of being safe. This review examines the relevant human and animal literature to delineate the possible risks MDMA, MDA and MDE engender with oral consumption in humans. Following a summary of the behavioral and cognitive effects of MDMA, MDA and MDE, risks will be discussed in terms of toxicity, psychopathology, neurotoxicity, abuse potential and the potential for drug-drug interactions associated with acute and chronic use.

Metabolism of risperidone to 9-hydroxyrisperidone by human cytochromes P450 2D6 and 3A4

Risperidone is a relatively new antipsychotic drug that has been reported to improve both the positive and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and produces relatively few extrapyramidal side effects at low doses. Formation of 9-hydroxyrisperidone, an active metabolite, is the most important metabolic pathway of risperidone in human. In the present study, in vitro metabolism of risperidone (100 microM) was investigated using the recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9-arg144, CYP2C9-cys144, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 supplemented with an NADPH-generating system. 9-Hydroxyrisperidone was determined by a new HPLC method with an Hypersil CN column and a UV detector. Of these enzymes, CYPs 2D6, 3A4 and 3A5 were found to be the ones capable of metabolising risperidone to 9-hydroxyrisperidone, with activities of 7.5, 0.4 and 0.2 pmol pmol(-1) CYP min(-1), respectively. A correlation study using a panel of human liver microsomes showed that the formation of 9-hydroxyrisperidone is highly correlated with CYP2D6 and 3A activities. Thus, both CYP2D6 and 3A4 are involved in the 9-hydroxylation of risperidone at the concentration of risperidone used in this study. This observation is confirmed by the findings that both quinidine (inhibitor of CYP2D6) and ketoconazole (inhibitor of CYP3A4) can inhibit the formation of 9-hydroxyrisperidone. Furthermore, inducers of CYP can significantly increase the formation of 9-hydroxyrisperidone in rat. The formation of 9-hydroxyrisperidone is highly correlated with testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activities, suggesting that inducible CYP3A contributes significantly to the metabolism of risperidone in rat.

BOC-CCK-4, CCK(B)receptor agonist, antagonizes anxiolytic-like action of morphine in elevated plus-maze

This study investigated a role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the anxiolytic-like action of morphine, an agonist of mu-opioid receptors, in the rat plus-maze model of anxiety. The acute administration of morphine (1 mg/kg) induced a significant increase of exploratory activity in the plus-maze, but did not affect the locomotor activity in the motility test. The higher dose of morphine (2.5 mg/kg) tended to decrease the locomotor activity and, therefore, did not cause the anxiolytic-like action in the plus-maze. The other drugs (naloxone, BOC-CCK-4, L-365,260) and their combinations with morphine (0.5-1 mg/kg) did not affect the locomotor activity of rats. The opioid antagonist naloxone itself (0.5 mg/kg) did not change the exploratory activity in the plus-maze, but potently antagonized the anxiolytic-like action of morphine (1 mg/kg). An agonist of CCK(B)receptors BOC-CCK-4 (1-50 microgram/kg) induced a dose-dependent anxiogenic-like action in the plus-maze. Nevertheless, only one dose of BOC-CCK-4 (10 microgram/kg) completely reversed the action of morphine. Also, one dose of CCK(B)receptor antagonist L-365,260 (10 microgram/kg) was effective to modify the behaviour of rats in the elevated plus-maze. Namely, this dose of L-365,260 increased the ratio between open and total arm entries, a behavioural measure believed to reflect the anxiolytic-like action in the elevated plus-maze. The combination of L-365,260 (100 microgram/kg) with the sub-effective dose of morphine (0.5 mg/kg) caused the anxiolytic-like action in the plus-maze not seen if the drugs were given alone. In conclusion, morphine induces a potent anxiolytic-like action in the elevated plus-maze and CCK is acting as an endogenous antagonist of this effect of morphine.

Evidence of the activity of lithium on 5-HT1B receptors in the mouse forced swimming test: comparison with carbamazepine and sodium valproate

The use of lithium in combination with various antidepressant drugs (e.g., heterocyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors) has been reported rapidly to improve antidepressant response in otherwise treatment-resistant patients. Carbamazepine and sodium valproate have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of several forms of affective disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. The present study, using the mouse forced swimming test, was undertaken to test the hypothesis of the action of lithium, carbamazepine or sodium valproate on some 5-HT receptor subtypes. Results showed that lithium significantly potentiated the anti-immobility effects of RU 24969 (P<0.01) and anpirtoline (P<0.01). Pretreatment with lithium did not induce any significant antidepressant-like effects when tested in combination with 8-OH-DPAT, NAN-190 or (+/-) pindolol. Pretreatment with carbamazepine provoked anti-immobility effects when tested in combination with RU 24969 (P<0.01) and 8-OH-DPAT (P<0.01), whereas prior administration of sodium valproate enhanced the antidepressant-like effects of (+/-) pindolol (P<0.01), 8-OH-DPAT (P<0.01) and RU 24969 (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that lithium may be acting through 5-HT1B receptors, whereas the action of carbamazepine and sodium valproate seems to involve 5-HT1A receptors in the mouse forced swimming test. However, considering the complexity of the actions of these compounds, it is possible that other neurotransmitter systems/receptors may be involved.

Cholecystokinin receptor agonists block the jumping behaviour precipitated in morphine-dependent mice by naloxone

The aim of present study was to reveal the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the jumping behaviour induced by the opioid antagonist naloxone (30 mg/kg) after the acute administration of morphine (200 mg/kg) in mice. Treatment with caerulein (0.01-1 microg/kg), a nonselective agonist of CCK receptors, induced a large reduction of jumping frequency without parallel suppression of locomotor activity. The CCK(B) receptor agonist CCK tetrapeptide (CCK-4. 0.125-32 mg/kg) caused the same effect, but it happened at much higher doses (above 0.5 mg/kg). Devazepide (1 microg/kg), a preferential CCK(A) receptor antagonist, completely reversed the action of caerulein (0.1 gmg/kg) and CCK-4 (2 mg/kg). A preferential CCK(B) receptor antagonists LY 288,513 at a high dose (4 mg/kg) blocked the action of CCK-4, but not that of caerulein. Acetorphan (16-128 mg/kg), an inhibitor of enkephalin metabolism, did not block naloxone-precipitated jumping behaviour. However, the combination of subthreshold doses of caerulein (0.001 microg/kg) and CCK-4 (0.25 mg/kg) with acetorphan (64 mg/kg) potently antagonized the behaviour induced by naloxone. In conclusion, the antagonism of CCK agonists against naloxone-precipitated jumping behaviour is apparently mediated via the CCK(A) receptor subtype. The stimulation of CCK(A) receptors seems to increase the release of endogenous enkephalins.

5-HT-moduline, a 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor endogenous modulator, interacts with dopamine release measured in vivo by microdialysis

5-Hydroxytryptamine-moduline (5-HT-moduline) is an endogenous tetrapeptide (Leu-Ser-Ala-Leu) recently isolated and characterized from mammalian brain. This compound interacts with 5-HT1B receptors as a non-competitive, high-affinity antagonist and has the properties of an allosteric modulator. 5-HT-moduline could play an important role in the regulation of serotonergic transmission and also, through heteroreceptors, dopaminergic transmission. The aim of this work was to examine the potential ability of 5-HT-moduline to modify the basal extracellular concentration of dopamine and its metabolites (3-methoxytyramine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid), in the rat striatum and to determine its potential interaction with the stimulating activity of a specific 5-HT1B receptor agonist, 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-4-yl) pyrrolo [3,2-b] pyrid-5-one (CP-93,129), on the release of dopamine. The technique is based on in vivo microdialysis using probes implanted in the striatum of the conscious rat. Results showed that the perfusion of 5-HT-moduline directly into this structure (1.25 mM) increased the striatal level of dopamine by two-fold (104% of the absolute basal release values, P = 0.0015) and that of 3-methoxytyramine by 3-fold (293%, P = 0.0001) without any change in the terminal metabolite concentrations. The intrastriatal administration of CP-93,129 induced a statistically significant, dose-dependent increase of dopamine levels (P < 0.0001). Coperfusion of 5-HT-moduline did not significantly alter the effect of CP-93,129 at 0.1 and 0.5 mM, but appeared to have an additive effect on the lowest dose (P = 0.0406). The results obtained show that 5-HT-moduline directly administered into the striatum increases the release of dopamine in this area. Presumably, this effect results from the desensitization of 5-HT1B receptors located on dopamine terminals. However, the fact that a 5-HT1B receptor agonist (CP-93,129) also increased the release of dopamine in the striatum and that 5-HT-moduline exhibited a slight additive effect with that of a low concentration of CP-93,129 suggests that the two substances interact with different mechanisms.

Alprazolam 0.125 mg twice a day improves aspects of psychometric performance in healthy volunteers

The effects of alprazolam (0.125 mg) taken twice a day on several cognitive and performance tasks (Pictures test, Digit-Symbol Substitution Test, Choice Reaction Time [CRT], Critical Flicker Fusion [CFF]) were investigated in healthy students. A double-blind, independent group design was used to compare placebo with alprazolam (32 volunteers in each group). After random assignment, all subjects received placebo for 3 days (D) followed by 14 days of treatment with either alprazolam or placebo. Subjects completed a battery of tests at D0, D3, D7, D10, and D14. D3 performance was poorer in the alprazolam group except for CFF values (ascending values and total values), and the only significant improvement was in total reaction time on the CRT test. However, a significant improvement in performance (except in recognition reaction time) was shown at D7, D10, and D14 in the alprazolam group compared with the control group results. This study shows that repeated low doses of alprazolam produce small improvements in some aspects of psychomotor and cognitive functions. Training effect, tolerance effect, anxiolytic effect, and changes in receptor function and/or number are discussed to explain the performance improvement.

Clonidine potentiates the effects of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A/2C antagonists and 8-OH-DPAT in the mouse forced swimming test

The present study was undertaken to identify the receptor subtypes involved in clonidine's ability to enhance the effects of antidepressant drugs in the mouse forced swimming test. Clonidine (0.06 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the antidepressant-like effects of subactive doses of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg, i.p.; P<0.01); the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, NAN 190 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.; P<0.01); the 5-HT1A/1B autoreceptor antagonist, (+/-) pindolol (32 mg/kg, i.p.; P<0.01); the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, ritanserin (4 mg/kg, i.p.; P<0.01). Pretreatment with clonidine failed to increase mobility when administered in combination with the 5-HT1B receptor agonist, RU 24969 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin (8 mg/kg, i.p.). In conclusion, clonidine-induced anti-immobility effects are more likely mediated by 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors, as well as alpha-2-adrenergic autoreceptors situated on noradrenergic neurones. The results of the present study also demonstrate that serotonergic receptor function can influence alpha-2-adrenoreceptor mediated responses in the mouse forced swimming test.

Dose-dependent noradrenergic and serotonergic properties of venlafaxine in animal models indicative of antidepressant activity

The present study was undertaken to investigate thoroughly the preclinical psychopharmacological profile of venlafaxine, testing a wide range of doses in animal models indicative of antidepressant-like effects. Venlafaxine was found to be active in mouse forced swimming test (at 8, 16, 32 and 64 mg/kg) and to increase spontaneous locomotor activity (at 16, 32 and 64 mg/kg). Venlafaxine antagonised apomorphine-induced (16 mg/kg) hypothermia (at 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 mg/kg). Pretreatment with PCPA significantly attenuated the anti-immobility effects of venlafaxine (8 and 16mg/kg; P< 0.01) in the mouse forced swimming test. Venlafaxine at a dose of 32 mg/kg remained active, despite PCPA pretreatment. DSP-4 significantly attenuated the anti-immobility effects of venlafaxine (16 mg/kg; P < 0.05), whereas venlafaxine at 32 mg/kg remained active, despite DSP-4 pretreatment. Venlafaxine was active in the forced swimming test when administered at sub-effective doses in combination with (+/-) pindolol (venlafaxine: 1 and 2 mg/kg), RU 24969 (venlafaxine: 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg), 8-OH-DPAT (venlafaxine: 4 mg/kg), clonidine (venlafaxine: 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg), lithium (venlafaxine: 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) and quinine (venlafaxine: 1 and 2 mg/kg). Prior administration with NAN-190 antagonised the anti-immobility effects of venlafaxine (8, 16 and 32 mg/kg). Interaction studies did not induce changes in locomotor activity. The results of the present study indicated that, at low doses, venlafaxine inhibited serotonin reuptake, while at higher doses it inhibited both serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake.

Dose-dependent influence of buspirone on the activities of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the mouse forced swimming test

Recent clinical data suggest that buspirone may enhance the efficacy and/or reduce the latency to therapeutic effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in unipolar major depressive disorder. The present study, using the mouse forced swimming test, was performed to investigate further the mechanisms involved in the potential antidepressant-enhancing effects of buspirone. Prior administration of buspirone (0.06 mg kg(-1), i.p.) significantly enhanced the anti-immobility effects of subactive doses of fluvoxamine (4 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01), paroxetine (4 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01), citalopram (4 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01) and sertraline (2 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01) in the forced swimming test. However, pretreatment with buspirone did not induce antidepressant-like effects when tested in combination with fluoxetine (4 mg kg(-1), i.p.). Each antidepressant tested reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test [citalopram (16 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01), fluoxetine (32 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01), fluvoxamine (32 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01), paroxetine (16 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01) and sertraline (16 mg kg(-1), i.p.; P < 0.01)]. Pretreatment with buspirone (0.5 mg kg(-1), i.p.), or its major metabolite 1-PP (0.5 mg kg(-1), i.p.), attenuated all SSRI-induced anti-immobility effects (P < 0.01). Concomitant studies of locomotor activity ruled out any stimulant or sedative effects of the interactions. The results of the present study suggested that low dose buspirone enhanced the activity of subactive doses of SSRIs in the mouse forced swimming test, probably via an action at 5-HT1A receptors. On the other hand, a high dose of buspirone attenuated the antidepressant-like effects of active doses of these drugs, possibly via the generation of an active metabolite (1-PP) acting at alpha2-adrenoreceptors.

A new approach to the light/dark test procedure in mice

The effect of the known anxiolytic agents diazepam and alprazolam and a putative anxiogenic agent, FG 7142, were assessed in a fully automated and computer-integrated two-compartment light/dark apparatus. In addition, psychostimulant drugs (amphetamine, adrafinil, amineptine, and caffeine) were tested to determinate the influence of increasing locomotor activity on the indices of anxiety. Some modifications, such as using a soiled apparatus, have been made from the initial model to reduce any neophobic response to the test situation. These results have been compared to results obtained after cleaning between trials. In addition, strain differences have been assessed by comparing the effect of Swiss mice with the C57Bl/6J strain. The role of each parameter as an index of anxiety is discussed. The time spent in the lit area and exploratory behaviors seemed to be the most reliable parameter for assessing anxiolytic-like activity. Diazepam and alprazolam were found to have an anxiolytic profile. FG 7142 did not demonstrate any intrinsic effect. Amphetamine was reported to be anxiogenic, and amineptine, adrafinil, and caffeine only had a psychostimulant profile. We conclude that the light/dark test may be useful for identifying putative anxiolytic and anxiogenic agents, but an additional test such as an open field or an actimeter test must be performed as a control with regard to the problem of sedation and change in exploration. The Swiss strain of mice has been found a suitable strain to be used in the test.

Opioid antagonist naloxone potentiates anxiogenic-like action of cholecystokinin agonists in elevated plus-maze

This study investigated the interplay of cholecystokinin (CCK) and endogenous opioid peptides in the regulation of anxiety. The acute administration of non-selective CCK agonist caerulein (1 and 5 microg/kg) and a selective CCK(B) receptor agonist BOC-CCK-4 (1, 10 and 50 microg/kg) induced a dose-dependent anxiogenic-like action in the plus-maze model of anxiety. BOC-CCK-4 displayed a similar efficacy with caerulein, indicating that the described effect was mediated via CCK(B) receptor subtype. The opioid antagonist naloxone itself (0.5 mg/kg) did not change the exploratory activity of rats in the plus-maze. However, the combination of naloxone with the sub-effective doses of caerulein (1 microg/kg) and BOC-CCK-4 (1 microg/kg) induced a significant inhibition of exploratory behaviour in rats. Accordingly, CCK and endogenous opioid peptides have an antagonistic role in the exploratory model of anxiety in rats.

Pindolol does not act only on 5-HT1A receptors in augmenting antidepressant activity in the mouse forced swimming test

The present study was undertaken to identify the receptor subtypes involved in (+/-) pindolol's ability to enhance the effects of antidepressant drugs in the mouse forced swimming test. Interaction studies were performed with S 15535 (presynaptic 5-HT1A receptor agonist) and methiothepin (5-HT1B autoreceptor antagonist) in an attempt to attenuate or potentiate antidepressant-like activity. (+/-) Pindolol was tested in combination with selective agonists and antagonists at 5-HT1, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptor subtypes. Pretreatment with S 15535 and methiothepin attenuated the activity of paroxetine, fluvoxamine and citalopram (32 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.01). (+/-) Pindolol (32 mg/kg, i.p.) induced significant anti-immobility effects when tested in combination with 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-1H-indole (RU 24969) (1 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.05), 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[-(2-phthalimido) butyl]piperazine) (NAN 190) (0.5 mg/kg; P < 0.05) and ondansetron (0.00001 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.01). Pretreatment with NAN 190 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated the effects of RU 24969 (1 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.05) and (+/-) pindolol (32 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.05) in the forced swimming test, as did ondansetron (0.00001 mg/kg, i.p.). Significant additive effects were induced when RU 24969 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was tested in combination with NAN 190 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.05), (+/-) pindolol (32 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.05) and ondansetron (0.0000 mg/kg, i.p.; P < 0.05). 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or ketanserin (8 mg/kg, i.p.) did not induce significant antidepressant-like effects with any of the agonists/antagonists tested. The results of the present study suggest that pindolol is acting at presynaptic 5-HT1B serotonergic receptors, in addition to the 5-HT1A subtype, in augmenting the activity of antidepressants in the mouse forced swimming test.

Evaluation of efficacies of different classes of antidepressants in the forced swimming test in mice at different ages

1. The efficacies of different classes of antidepressants were investigated using the forced swimming test with mice at different ages. 2. Imipramine (4-32 mg/kg), desipramine (2-16 mg/kg) and bupropion (32, 64 mg/kg) showed activity in all age groups. 3. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) citalopram (16 and 32 mg) and paroxetine (4 and 8 mg) were inactive in the oldest (40 weeks) group of mice, despite showing activity at the same doses in mice ranging in age from 4-24 weeks old. 4. Both SSRIs showed anti-immobility effects at low doses, (paroxetine: 1 and 2 mg/kg; citalopram: 4 and 8 mg/kg) in the 40-week old mice. These effects were not evident in the three younger groups of mice. 5. Moclobemide, a reversible selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A, showed activity only at a high dose (128 mg/kg) and only in 12-week old animals. 6. Since SSRIs have been reported to have relatively selective effects on 5-HT1B receptors, the present results suggest that further studies comparing the effectiveness of SSRIs and other antidepressants in elderly patients should be done. Studies of the effects of aging on the density and/or affinity of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B/1D receptors are also warranted.

Effects of cholecystokinin tetrapeptide on respiratory function in healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVE

The authors evaluated respiratory response to cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in healthy volunteers.

METHOD

Subjects were randomly assigned to either a CCK-4 (N = 15) or placebo (N = 15) challenge under double-blind conditions.

RESULTS

Dyspnea was reported by all of the subjects who received CCK-4 but only one subject who received placebo. CCK-4 caused a significant increase in tidal volume and minute ventilation but had no effect on breathing frequency. Placebo had no effect on any of the respiratory measures.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the behavioral effects of CCK-4 are accompanied by changes in respiration in healthy volunteers.