A serotonergic innervation of noradrenergic neurons in nucleus locus coeruleus: demonstration by immunocytochemical localization of the transmitter specific enzymes tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase

Dopaminergic projection from nucleus raphe dorsalis to neostriatum in the rat

The existence of a dopamine (DA) projection from nucleus raphe dorsalis (RD) to neostriatum was demonstrated in the rat by combined tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry and radioautography after retrograde axonal transport of [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA). Intrastriatal injections of [3H]NA were carried out in normal rats or after ipsilateral destruction of the nigrostriatal DA system by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra. Some 1,000 TH-positive nerve cell bodies were counted within the confines of RD as defined by its content in serotonin (5-HT) neurons. These DA neurons occupied the upper third of the RD and they were part of its small cell population. In all cases, a small proportion of the TH-immunoreactive nerve cell bodies in RD were retrogradely radiolabeled. Radiolabeled but immunonegative cells were exceedingly rare. The double-labeled neurons were generally more numerous after elimination of the nigrostriatal DA innervation than in normal rats. They mostly lay within the ventral portion of the medial subdivision of RD and always predominated on the [3H]NA- injected side. Some were also present in nucleus linearis caudalis. It was concluded that [3H]NA had been taken up and retrogradely transported exclusively by catecholamine neurons; part of the DA cell group in RD projects to the neostriatum; and that most if not all non-5-HT neurons projecting from RD to neostriatum are likely to be dopaminergic.

Topographical distribution of dorsal and median raphe neurons projecting to motor, sensorimotor, and visual cortical areas in the rat

The present study was conducted to examine the spatial organization of dorsal (DR) and median (MR) raphe neurons that project to rostrocaudally aligned areas of the rat cerebral cortex. An additional goal was to determine if individual DR cells that send efferents to forelimb sensorimotor or visual regions of the neocortex also send axon collaterals to forelimb (crus II) or visual (paraflocculus) areas of the cerebellum. Long-Evans hooded rats received unilateral pressure injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in either motor (n = 4) or sensorimotor (n = 5) or visual (n = 4) cortex to determine the intranuclear location of DR and MR neurons that project to specific neocortical regions. Coronal sections (40-100 microns) through the pons and midbrain were examined by light microscopy after the tetramethyl benzidine reaction and neutral red counterstaining were carried out. The locations of retrogradely labeled cells were recorded relative to a three-dimensional biological coordinate system maintained by a computer linked to the light microscope. For double labeling studies, unilateral injections of fast blue and nuclear yellow were made in paired motor (sensorimotor cortex and crus II of the lateral cerebellum) or visual (cortical area 17 and paraflocculus) areas of the CNS. Coronal tissue sections (35 microns) were collected on coverslips and examined on a Leitz fluorescence microscope (wavelength = 365 nm). DR neurons labeled from cerebrocortical injections of HRP were concentrated in the rostral two-thirds of the nucleus. HRP-filled neurons were distributed such that individual groups of neurons projecting to motor, sensorimotor, or visual cortex were aligned in a partially overlapping, rostral to caudal array. In the dorsoventral dimension, retrogradely labeled cells were clustered in three distinct groupings such that neurons projecting to the motor, sensorimotor, and visual areas were concentrated in dorsal, intermediate, and ventral portions of the DR nucleus, respectively. For all cases, the majority of HRP-filled cells were positioned along the midline or displaced to the side of the nucleus that was ipsilateral to the cortical injection site. A small number of retrogradely labeled neurons were observed in the MR following injections in the motor cortex. Computer-assisted reconstruction of the neuroanatomical data facilitated the visualization of spatial relationships between groups of DR neocortical projection neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of p-chlorophenylalanine on cortical monoamines and on the activity of noradrenergic neurons

The catecholamines noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, the indoleamine 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT; serotonin), and some of their major metabolites were assayed, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in the neocortex of normal rats as well as in animals in which 5-HT synthesis had been inhibited with p-chlorophenylalanine. Besides important depletions in serotonin and in 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, noradrenaline levels were significantly reduced, but the content in 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol was increased, indicating an augmented utilization of this amine. The levels of dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine were also reduced, although homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels remained constant. The spontaneous unitary activity of identified noradrenergic neurons in the Locus coeruleus was increased, indicating an hyperactivity of this system. These results can be interpreted in relation to functional interactions between the catecholamines and serotonin; i.e.: a decrease in endogenous serotonin results in the loss of a negative feedback control of noradrenaline release.

Dissociation of locus coeruleus activity and blood pressure. Effects of clonidine and corticotropin-releasing factor

In order to determine whether pharmacologically-induced alterations in the spontaneous activity of neurons in the locus coeruleus are associated with changes in blood pressure, the activity of the locus coeruleus and blood pressure were recorded simultaneously in anesthetized rats after the administration of agents known to affect both of these parameters. Spontaneous activity of the locus coeruleus was decreased by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of both clonidine and St 91, [2,(2,6-diethyl-phenylimino)imidazolidine chloride], a charged analogue of clonidine. However, only clonidine decreased the mean blood pressure after intracerebroventricular administration suggesting that either the receptors mediating decreases in the activity of the locus coeruleus are different to those mediating hypotension, or that St 91 does not distribute to sites involved in the control of blood pressure even after intracerebroventricular administration. Intravenous administration of clonidine, but not of St 91, decreased the activity of the locus coeruleus and produced a prolonged hypotension, thus suggesting a central mechanism for these effects. Both clonidine and St 91 administered intravenously, produced a brief initial period of hypertension which was not associated with consistent changes in the spontaneous activity of the locus coeruleus. Thus, noradrenergic agonists can decrease the activity of the locus coeruleus without affecting blood pressure, and increase blood pressure without affecting the activity of the locus coeruleus. The spontaneous activity of cells in the locus coeruleus was increased by 100% after the intracerebroventricular administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF; 3.0 micrograms).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serotoninergic but not noradrenergic neurons in rat central nervous system adapt to long-term treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Repeated administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors induces a transient decrease in the firing rate of serotoninergic neurons followed by complete recovery, whereas it results in a persistent reduction of the firing rate of noradrenergic neurons. Under these conditions, serotoninergic, but not noradrenergic, neurons undergo a desensitization of their somatic autoreceptors. Serotoninergic neurons therefore show the capacity to free themselves from their autoregulatory control, a property which noradrenergic neurons appear to be lacking. The time course of the recovery in the firing rate of the serotoninergic neurons is consistent with the delayed antidepressant effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

A strong influence of serotonin axons on beta-adrenergic receptors in rat brain

The role of serotonin axons in modulating the norepinephrine neurotransmission system in rat brain was investigated. Selective lesions of the forebrain serotonergic system were made by injecting 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the midbrain raphe nuclei. Four to six weeks after the lesion, the uptake of 3H-labeled serotonin in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus was reduced by more than 90 percent, while neither the uptake of 3H-labeled norepinephrine nor the content of norepinephrine was affected in either tissue. The number of beta-adrenergic receptors, as measured by radioligand binding with 3H-labeled dihydroalprenolol, was increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats with lesions. Similarly, specific lesions of central serotonin axons produced by systemically administered p-chloramphetamine resulted in an increase in the binding of 3H-labeled dihydroalprenolol to beta-adrenergic receptors and in the production of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in response to isoproterenol. These results indicate that serotonin axons may regulate beta-adrenergic receptor number and function in brain.

Tryptophan 5-hydroxylase. Rapid purification from whole rat brain and production of a specific antiserum

Tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.4; L-tryptophan tetrahydropteridine: oxygen oxidoreductase) was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from whole brain supernatant using the following steps: pteridine-argarose affinity chromatography, hydrophobic and finally hydroxyapatite chromatography. Exogenous catalase was necessary throughout most of the purification procedure in order to protect the enzyme against inactivation. The iron chelator desferrioxamine at a concentration of 10 microM or higher brought about an irreversible loss of enzyme activity of a partially purified preparation containing an excess of catalase, whereas this same chelator at a lower concentration afforded considerable protection of the enzyme's activity during the final purification stage despite the quasi-total absence of catalase and the presence of an excess of ferrous iron. Antiserum raised in the rabbit to purified tryptophan 5-hydroxylase appears to be monospecific for the enzyme after immunoadsorption of anti-catalase antibodies which were present due to the trace of catalase which remained in the final enzyme preparation.

Immunocytochemical localization of serotonin in the rat periaqueductal gray: a quantitative light and electron microscopic study

The distribution of serotonin-like immunoreactivity in five regions of the rodent midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) was studied by using light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry in combination with quantitative analysis. Light microscopic analysis revealed the presence of serotonin-like immunoreactive cell bodies located in the ventrolateral and ventromedial regions of the caudal PAG and serotonin-like immunoreactive processes throughout the PAG. Ultrastructural analysis showed dendritic profiles that stained positively for serotonin primarily in ventral regions, although an occasional profile was seen dorsally. Numerous synaptic contacts between unstained axon terminals and ventral dendritic profiles were seen. Axonal profiles that contained reaction product were identified throughout the PAG, but were rarely observed to make any type of specialized contact. Ultrastructural quantification of serotonin-like immunoreactive processes indicated that the highest volume fraction of serotonin immunoreactivity occurred caudoventrally where stained processes constituted 2.6% of the neuropil volume. Rostroventrally stained processes constituted only 0.14% of the neuropil volume at the level of the posterior commissure. By contrast the amount of serotonin-like immunoreactivity found dorsally remained relatively constant at all rostrocaudal levels. Analysis of serotonin staining among PAG regions demonstrated the lowest overall volume fraction in the dorsal region and the highest overall volume fraction in the ventromedial region. No significant differences were observed between medial and lateral regions. A comparison of the results of light microscopic quantitative analysis of serotoninergic processes with electron microscopic quantitative analysis indicated that both techniques produce comparable results.

Ultrastructural relationships between serotonin and dopamine neurons in the rat arcuate nucleus and medial zona incerta: a combined radioautographic and immunocytochemical study

Combined radioautographic and immunocytochemical detection of [3H]serotonin-labeled axon terminals and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive processes in the same thin sections allowed for electron microscopic demonstration of direct appositions between serotoninergic axonal varicosities and dopaminergic nerve cell bodies and/or dendrites in the anterior part of the arcuate nucleus and in the medial zona incerta. Although no junctional specializations were apparent at the sites of contacts, it is proposed that the observed appositions may represent a serotonin input onto tubero-infundibular and incerto-hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons. This innervation could account for some of the central neuroendocrine effects of serotonin, particularly its regulatory role on prolactin and gonadotropin secretion.

Acute haloperidol increases impulse activity of brain noradrenergic neurons

Haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) increased impulse activity of every noradrenergic locus coeruleus neuron tested in chloral hydrate anesthesized rats. Mean discharge rate increased from 1.4 +/- 0.2 Hz before to 2.7 +/- 0.4 Hz at 45 min after injection, with significantly increased activity occurring by 15 min post-drug. Elevated activity was apparent for at least 2 h following haloperidol. These results reveal that haloperidol has profound effects on brain noradrenergic neurons, indicating a possible site of action for effects of this neuroleptic agent.

Nucleus locus coeruleus: evidence for alpha 1-adrenoceptor mediated hypotension in the cat

Microinjection of noradrenaline or phenylephrine into the nucleus locus coeruleus of cats induced a dose dependent and long lasting hypotension. Clonidine was required in a dose of 1 microgram for eliciting a significant hypotension while its lower doses (up to 500 ng) failed to elicit any significant cardiovascular alteration. The effects on heart rate evoked by these agents were insignificant. Microinjection of alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin, piperoxan and RX 781094 per se did not evoke any significant cardiovascular effects and only prazosin pretreatment showed dose dependent antagonism of the hypotensive effect of clonidine. Piperoxan was required in four times higher dose (20 micrograms) to partially antagonize the clonidine induced hypotension. RX 781094, a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, however, even up to a dose of 20 micrograms (four times that of prazosin) did not alter the effect of clonidine. Similar pattern of antagonism was also seen for noradrenaline and phenylephrine. The results demonstrate the presence of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the nucleus locus coeruleus, the activation of which leads to a fall in blood pressure.

Serotoninergic terminals: ultrastructure and synaptic interaction with catecholamine-containing neurons in the medial nuclei of the solitary tracts

The ultrastructural morphology of serotoninergic terminals and their synaptic relation with catecholaminergic neurons were examined in the medial nuclei of the solitary tracts (m-NTS) using combined autoradiographic and immunocytochemical methods. Adult rats were pretreated with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and subjected to a 2-hour intraventricular infusion of 50 nM tritiated 5-hydroxytryptamine (3H-5HT). At the termination of the infusion, the brains were fixed by aortic arch perfusion with a mixture of 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.5% glutaraldehyde. Coronal Vibratome sections through the NTS and more rostral raphe nuclei were immunocytochemically labeled with specific antiserum to serotonin or tyrosine hydroxylase and then processed for autoradiography. By light microscopy, concentrations of reduced silver grains indicating uptake of 3H-5HT usually paralleled the localization of peroxidase immunoreactivity for serotonin in neuronal perikarya of the rostral raphe nuclei and in varicosities in the brainstem. The 3H-5HT-containing varicosities were found throughout the medial and commissural portions of the NTS, where they were frequently associated with processes showing immunoreactivity for the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase. Ultrastructural examination of the m-NTS revealed that the silver grains for 3H-5HT were accumulated over axon terminals. The 5HT-labeled terminals contained a heterogeneous population of vesicles and formed both symmetric and asymmetric synapses with dendrites. The recipient dendrites were either, unlabeled or showed immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase. These findings support a direct serotoninergic modulation of catecholaminergic neurons within the rat m-NTS.

The effects of indalpine--a selective inhibitor of 5-HT uptake--on rat paradoxical sleep

In order to document the role of monoamines in the reduction of paradoxical sleep by antidepressant drugs, we examined the effect of indalpine , a selective inhibitor of serotonin uptake. Indalpine dose dependently decreased paradoxical sleep and delayed its first appearance. Pretreatment with parachlorophenylalanine markedly decreased the effect of indalpine . In contrast, pretreatment with alpha-methylparatyrosine potentiated the indalpine -induced depression of paradoxical sleep. The results of the study indicate that the increase of extracellular concentration of 5-HT has an inhibitory effect on paradoxical sleep, and this effect is enlarged if catecholaminergic activity is reduced.

Zimeldine: a review of its effects on ethanol consumption

This review evaluates the literature and describes an extensive series of experiments which examined the effects of zimeldine , its metabolite norzimeldine and other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on voluntary ethanol consumption in rats. The results of these experiments indicate that drugs which specifically inhibit serotonin reuptake are capable of decreasing voluntary ethanol consumption. The behavioral mechanism through which these drugs exert their effects seems to be extinction of the primary reinforcing properties of alcohol. These effects seem to be partially attenuated both by drugs which modulate the norepinephrine system as well as by the serotonin postsynaptic receptor blocker methergoline. The data presented in this review are discussed in terms of the involvement of the serotonin and norepinephrine systems in the mechanism of action of these drugs. In addition, several alternative hypotheses concerning the nature of the phenomenon are offered. Finally, the implications of these data for the possible development of a treatment procedure for problem drinkers is discussed.

Serotonin nerve fibers in the primary visual cortex of the monkey. Quantitative and immunoelectronmicroscopical analysis

A quantitative and immunoelectronmicroscopical analysis of serotonin nerve fibers in the primary visual cortex of the monkey (Macaca fuscata) was made using a sensitive immunoperoxidase method for serotonin. The overall numerical density of serotonin-containing varicosities in the primate striate cortex was approximately 770,000/mm3 and the highest concentration of immunoreactive varicosities (ca. 1,400,000/mm3) was observed in the upper portion of layer IVc, the next highest concentration being in layer IVb (ca. 1,180,000/mm3). At the ultrastructural level, the electron dense immunoreactive products were observed in the small granules (10-65 nm in diameter). The varicosities were usually small (0.5-1.0 micron in diameter) and made contact with both stellate and pyramidal cells. Serotonin fibers were often in close apposition to the poorly myelinated axons in layers IVb, V, and VI, and they rarely formed distinct synaptic structures with unlabelled neuronal elements.

Effects of serotonin agonists on lordosis, myoclonus, and cytoplasmic progestin receptors in guinea pigs

Peripheral treatment with the serotonin releaser fenfluramine or the serotonin agonist quipazine abolished lordosis behavior in ovariectomized estradiol and progesterone-primed female guinea pigs. Quipazine was also effective when administered into a lateral cerebral ventricle. The lowest dose of fenfluramine that induced myoclonus (10 mg/kg) was higher than the dose needed to inhibit lordosis (5 mg/kg). Therefore, it appears that myoclonus and lordosis are differentially sensitive to serotonin agonists. The effects of quipazine on lordosis were time dependent. Quipazine had no effect on lordosis when given prior to the onset of sexual receptivity. These data suggest that serotonin agonists might be effective only when progesterone has had sufficient time to induce sexual receptivity. Quipazine did not affect cytoplasmic progestin receptors in brain areas involved in steroid hormone effects on lordosis. This finding, and the finding that quipazine had no effect on lordosis when given prior to the onset of sexual receptivity, suggest increased serotonin transmission does not interfere with estrogen priming or sensitivity of hypothalamic cells to progesterone.

The influence of pimozide, haloperidol, alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and reserpine on the development of morphine dependence in rats

It was found that pimozide, haloperidol and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MT), drugs inhibiting central catecholaminergic (CA) transmission, increased the development of morphine dependence measured as wet dog shakes in rats. Reserpine inhibiting CA and serotoninergic (5-HT) transmission, decreased the development of morphine dependence in rats. The inhibitory effect of reserpine was reversed by 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), but not by L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). These results suggest that wet dog shakes might develop as a result of regulatory adaptation in the 5-HT neurotransmitter system.

Radioautographic investigation of monoaminergic neurons: an evaluation

This review outlines the most relevant contributions currently available on the detection and ultrastructural characterization of monoaminergic neurons by radioautography after administration of radiolabeled monoamines. It includes methodological considerations and then a critical analysis of the diagnostic value of the radioautographic method for catecholaminergic and serotoninergic neurons, emphasizing in particular its recent applications to the visualization of dopaminergic axon terminals. An attempt is then made to evaluate the method in terms of specificity, sensitivity and resolution and its possibilities with regard to quantitative analysis. Lastly, its value for approaching the dynamic and metabolic properties of monoaminergic neurons is stressed.

Supra-ependymal serotoninergic nerves in mammalian brain: morphological, pharmacological and functional studies

Supra-ependymal nerves in mammals (mainly rats) have been shown to contain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) by combined Falck-Hillarp fluorescence histochemistry, ultrastructural monoamine cytochemistry and pharmacology as well as by immunohistochemistry and autoradiography. Supra-ependymal 5-HT cells do not occur. At least in rats, virtually all supra-ependymal nerves contain 5-HT and in our opinion the occasionally described non-5-HT supra-ependymal nerve cells and their processes contribute little to the supra-ependymal nerve plexus (with the possible exception of those cells above the median eminence). The cells of origin of the supra-ependymal 5-HT nerves are situated in raphe nuclei. The axons and terminals (varicosities) contain small and large dense core vesicles in both of which 5-HT is stored. A co-transmitter has not been found among the candidates investigated so far (leu- and met-enkephalin, substance P and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)). The nerves possess uptake mechanisms specific for 5-HT and possibly GABA. Occasionally desmosome-like junctions are observed between 5-HT nerve terminals and ependymal cells but no true synapses. The function of these nerves is not known. They do not appear to regulate ciliary movement, but might influence the shape of ependymal cells.

Alterations in tyrosine hydroxylase activity elicited by raphe nuclei lesions in the rat locus coeruleus: evidence for the involvement of serotonin afferents

The time course of the variations in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity was measured in the rat locus coeruleus (LC) after lesions of the nucleus raphe dorsalis (NRD), nucleus raphe centralis superior (NRCS) and nucleus raphe pontis (NRP). A certain number of lesions were performed in the raphe magnus (RM), the caudal and rostral NRP and the caudal and rostral NRCS, lateral to raphe nuclei and in adrenalectomized animals. The serotonin (5-HT) content in the LC was also determined after these lesions. Only raphe nuclei producing significant decreases in the 5-HT content in the LC are successful in provoking increases in the TH activity in the LC, thus these results suggest that the noradrenaline (NA) synthesis in the LC may be regulated by 5-HT afferents. Moreover, intraventricular injections of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT) and administration of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) also produce significant increases in TH in the LC. After immunotitrations of TH in the LC it was shown that, with exception of a high dose of 5,6-DHT (75 micrograms), all these treatments provoke an increase in the concentration of the enzyme. It therefore seems that one of the functional roles of 5-HT in the LC could be the regulation of the concentration of TH.

Synaptic remodeling of serotonin axon terminals in rat agranular cerebellum

In order to assess the influence of the target zone on the synaptic modeling of central serotonin (5-HT) axons, the 5-HT innervation of the posterior vermal cortex was studied by high resolution radioautography in both normal and X-ray-induced agranular rat cerebella, following topical application of [3H]5-HT. Two major systems of 5-HT afferents were identified in normal cerebellar cortex: (1) typical mossy fibers confined to the granular layer and (2) fine beaded axons diffusely distributed through all layers. The density of this innervation was estimated to be approximately 240,000 varicosities/cu.mm of cortex. The labeled mossy terminals all established synaptic contacts with the dendrites of granule cells. In contrast, only 3% of the varicosities belonging to the 'diffuse system' exhibited active zones in single thin sections, implying that less than 9% were actually engaged in junctional synaptic relationships. In the agranular cerebellar cortex, all 5-HT terminals belonging to the so-called 'diffuse system'. Their density was more than 8 times higher than in normal rat (2 million/cu.mm of cortex), an increase accounted for by the smaller volume of the experimental cerebellum. Thirty-five per cent of these 5-HT varicosities were seen in synaptic contact, indicating that all established at least one junctional complex. Most of these synapses were made on the branchlet spines of Purkinje cell dendrites, but some were also observed on the dendritic shafts of Golgi cells. Thus, in the absence of granule cells, the 5-HT innervation of rat cerebellar cortex evolves from a mostly 'non-junctional' into an entirely 'junctional' input. This finding indicates that the territory of innervation can exert a determinant influence on the synaptic modeling of incoming 5-HT afferents.

Effect of modification of brain serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) on ethanol tolerance

Rats were permanently depleted of brain dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), 5-HT + norepinephrine (NE), or NE + DA by intraventricular injection of either 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) with or without pretreatment with desmethylimipramine (DMI). Following 1 week of recovery from surgery, daily treatment with ethanol (5 g/kg, PO) or isocaloric sucrose was carried out for a period of 20-25 days. Testing at 5-day intervals showed that chronic ethanol treatment produced tolerance to the hypothermic and motor impairing effects of ethanol. Depletion of 5-HT alone retarded tolerance, while depletion of NE or DA alone produced no effect. Combined depletion of both NE and 5-HT, however, completely inhibited tolerance development. The inhibition of tolerance development by combined depletion of both NE and 5-HT is discussed in terms of a reciprocal relationship between these two systems.

Evidence for the coexistence of serotonin and substance P in single raphe cells and fiber plexuses: combined immunocytochemistry and autoradiography

Combined immunocytochemistry and autoradiography after in vivo injections of monoclonal antibody to Substance P and 3H-serotonin provide convincing evidence that the soma and processes of a single neuron can contain serotonin and immunoreactivity with another putative peptide transmitter Substance P in a single permanent preparation suitable for study with light and electron microscopy. The serotonin-Substance P cells have uptake systems for low molarity 3H-serotonin that are not affected by reserpine treatment. They are sensitive to serotonin uptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the cells are destroyed by 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine. They contain endogenous stores of serotonin detectable by the Falck-Hillarp technique and microspectrofluorimetry and immunofluorescence by antibody to serotonin. Their Substance P content is identified by specific binding with monoclonal antibody, and by animal antisera against Substance P. The raphe pallidus neurons are a mixed population -- some cells have a majority of Substance P immunoreactivity with little detectable serotonin, others have considerable quantities of both Substance P immunoreactivity and serotonin, and still others have only serotonin but are innervated by Substance P immunoreactive processes. These subtle differences in neuronal content of the two compounds are made more obvious by avoiding the use of colchicine, a drug known to inhibit fast axoplasmic transport. Such differences may be an expression of the dynamic or cyclic functions of neurons with multiple putative transmitter substances. Fluctuating levels of one or both substances may depend upon parameters of rhythm, demands for one or the other mediator during specific types or phases of activity. The fundamental scheme of simultaneous injection of multiple labels, one radioactive, another a specific characterized monoclonal antibody for the detection of multiple, separate transmitter systems opens vast avenues for future investigation.

Synaptic endings and their postsynaptic targets in neostriatum: synaptic specializations revealed from analysis of serial sections

Neostriatal tissue from rat brain was examined in ribbons of serial sections, using tissue from subjects in which the synaptic marker 5-hydroxydopamine had been injected into the lateral ventricle. A total of 440 synaptic terminals, identified by the presence of a population of vesicles, was studied, including those labeled by 5-hydroxydopamine and all those unlabeled in the surrounding neuropil. Three categories of synaptic profiles innervating neostriatal dendrites could be discerned. One category contained small rounded or slightly pleomorphic vesicles and consisted of a sample of 375 endings, 53 of which exhibited light to heavy label inside the synaptic vesicles. All of these, labeled and unlabeled, showed evidence of membrane specializations and other conventional criteria of synaptic contact, mostly in the form of asymmetric synaptic contacts with the heads of dendritic spines. A second category of 40 terminals, 3 of which were lightly labeled, contained large rounded or slightly pleomorphic vesicles and made predominantly symmetric contacts with the shafts of dendritic spines or spine-free portions of dendritic membrane. None of these synaptic endings appeared to lack synaptic contact with postsynaptic targets in the neostriatum. A third category of 25 terminals, 3 of which were labeled, contained small flattened vesicles, and these endings also invariably made synaptic contact, mostly onto spine-free dendritic membrane, and were characterized by symmetric membrane thickenings at the point of apposition. Our evidence supports the view that dopaminergic and other synaptic terminals in the rat caudate-putamen make synaptic contact with postsynaptic targets in the neostriatum and, at least in the adult, do not exist in appreciable numbers in the form of terminals that are not apposed to membranes of postsynaptic targets in the neostriatum.

Characterization and radioautography of [3H]LSD binding by rat brain slices in vitro: the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine

Binding of D-[3H]lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to rat coronal brain slices and its blockade by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) had characteristics similar to those of brain homogenates in respect of KD, kinetics and reversibility of binding. Radioautography was done on slices that had been incubated in 6 nM [3H] LSD and on adjacent slices incubated in the same concentration of tritiated LSD plus 10(-5) M of 5-HT. Choroid plexus showed densest labeling of [3H] LSD. In neuropil, dense labeling occurred within parts of the hippocampal formation except for fields CA2 and CA3 which were sparsely labeled. All layers of the cortex except the posterior cingulate gyrus were labeled by LSD. 5-HT blocked labeling of choroid plexus, hippocampal formation, septum, pons, medulla and parts of cortex but only reduced labeling of most other structures. LSD binding sites may relate to some of its pharmacological effects.

Monoaminergic presynaptic axons and dendrites in rat locus coeruleus seen in reconstructions of serial sections

Locus coeruleus was studied in rats pretreated with intraventricularly administered 5-hydroxydopamine 1/2 to 3 hours prior to conventional aldehydeosmium fixation. Presynaptic profiles in locus coeruleus neuropil were classified according to the characteristics of their vesicle populations and other features, as in our previous report. Similar categories of endings were observed, and the sites of postsynaptic innervation were identical to those described previously, that is, a majority of synapses were made with dendrites between 0.5 and 2.5 micrometers in cross-sectional diameter, a significant proportion was seen ending onto somatic and dendritic spines, with a relative paucity of synapses made with spine-free membrane of somata and large dendritic trunks. There were no significant differences between different morphological categories of afferent terminals and their spatial distribution onto various postsynaptic targets on locus coeruleus neurons. In addition to various membrane-bound compartments of the cytoplasm, three categories of synaptic endings were labelled by the synaptic marker, while all others were unlabelled. One of these was identified previously as containing small, rounded synaptic vesicles and an unusually large number of large, dense core vesicles. The synaptic vesicles were lightly labelled with scattered, small, eccentrically placed opaque cores inside the synaptic vesicles, apparently randomly distributed throughout the terminal. This terminal is thought to be serotonergic. A second category of labelled synapse has been previously identified as that derived from small, unmyelinated axons having clusters of pleomorphic synaptic vesicles in which the vesicles are heavily labelled by 5-hydroxydopamine. These are believed to represent catecholaminergic synaptic endings derived from recurrent collaterals as well as extrinsic catecholaminergic innervation of locus coeruleus. A final category of heavily labelled profile was identified as presynaptic dendrites, which, along with recurrent catecholaminergic axon collaterals, probably play an important part in the intrinsic regulation of nucleus locus coeruleus. When 59 labelled synapses were examined in adjacent serial sections, every vesicle-containing profile was associated with a synaptic contact having characteristic membrane specializations. A similar result was obtained when 132 other unlabelled terminals of different categories were examined in serial sections.

Fine structure of rat locus coeruleus

Locus coeruleus of the rat was studied in material prepared by aldehyde-osmium fixation. Cell bodies of locus coeruleus neurons possess large nuclei with a prominent nucleolus, a homogeneous karyoplasm of moderate density, and occasional indentations of the nuclear membrane. The cytoplasm is rich in organelles, including an extensive network of endoplasmic reticulum which forms well organized Nissl bodies. The highly developed Golgi apparatus surrounds the nucleus and extends into large dendritic trunks. In coronal section, cell bodies appear elongated along an approximate dorso-ventral axis, and most dendrites as well as axons appear in cross-section. In parasagittal sections the cells are very elongate, with dendrites and axons in the neuropil mostly cut longitudinally. Thus, locus coeruleus neurons possess disc-shaped dendritic fields parallel to the anterior-posterior axis of the brainstem, with predominantly longitudinal axo-dendritic synaptic configurations. Presynaptic profiles in locus coeruleus neuropil were classified according to the characteristics of their vesicle populations and other features. The most frequently encountered synaptic ending was characterized by small, round, densely packed synaptic vesicles, and comprised approximately 41% of the total sample of 775 synapses. Another group having large, rounded synaptic vesicles, which could be traced in a number of instances to large myelinated axons, accounted for 20% of the sample. Synaptic endings having large, flattened vesicles were also numerous, comprising 23% of the total. Another category of presynaptic endings was identified as those possessing numerous, small, flattened vesicles and comprising about 11% of the sample. Presynaptic endings having many vesicles of mixed sizes accounted for 2% of the total, and another group of the same proportion having small, rounded synaptic vesicles but also an unusually large number of larger, dense-cored vesicles was also present. Two other categories of synaptic endings were encountered, each comprising less than 1% of the total. One of these was derived from small, unmyelinated axons and contained clusters of pleomorphic synaptic vesicles. The other consisted of dendro-dendritic synapses between locus coeruleus neurons and also displayed small clusters of pleomorphic synaptic vesicles near the zone of synaptic apposition. Quantitative analysis revealed that most afferents to the nucleus synapse onto dendrites ranging between 0.5 and 2.5 micrometers in diameter and onto spine-like appendages derived from somata and dendrites. There were no significant differences between different categories of afferent terminals and their spatial distribution onto various postsynaptic targets of locus coeruleus neurons.

Neurochemistry of the auditory system

Two areas of auditory biochemistry are reviewed: the identification and characterization of neurotransmitters in the auditory system and the biochemical approach to the study of genetic hearing disorders. Studies to identify neurotransmitters at major auditory synapses are outlined. Evidence supporting glutamate or aspartate as the neurotransmitter for the auditory nerve is presented. The application of biochemistry to the study of genetic hearing disorders is discussed.

Alteration of tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the locus coeruleus after administration of p-chlorophenylalanine

The time course of the variations in tyrosine hydroxylase activity (THA) and serotonin (5-HT) content were measured in the rat locus coeruleus after parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) administration. Highly significant decreases in the 5-HT content in LC were found 24-48 h after PCPA treatment (300 mg/kg daily). An increase in THA (in the LC) was found to be significant 4 days after 2 successive injections of PCPA and after 4 successive injections of the drug THA gradually increased, reaching a maximum around 4 days after the last injection. This maximum increase in THA was greatly reduced when 5-HTP was simultaneously administered with PCPA. These results join others which suggest that a serotonin-mediated mechanism could be one of the processes controlling noradrenaline metabolism in the locus coeruleus.

Noradrenaline inhibits depolarization-induced 3H-serotonin release from slices of rat hippocampus

The depolarization (26 mM K+)-induced release of 3H-serotonin and 3H-noradrenaline from slices of rat hippocampus was studied with a superfusion method. Exogenous NA (in the presence of 10 muM desipramine) inhibited 3H-5-HT release (EC50 3 X 10(-7) M) as well as 3H-NA release (EC50 10(-7) M) by more than 70%. Both of these effects were competitively antagonized by phentolamine, but not by propranolol. It is tentatively suggested that the inhibitory effect of NA on 3H-5-HT release from hippocampus slices reflects the activation of postsynaptic alpha-receptors which are localized on serotonergic nerve terminals.

The fine structural organization of the locus coeruleus in the rat with reference to noradrenaline contents

Combination of glyoxylic acid perfusion and postfixation in permanganate was used in an electron microscopic study of the locus coeruleus (LC) of the rat to give good preservation of fine structure and a reproducible demonstration of noradrenaline (NA) storage granules. Medium-sized LC cells (18 x 30 microns) contained a moderate number of small granular vesicles (SGV) and a few large granular vesicles (LGV), mainly near the Golgi apparatus. Dendritic branches were identified by their SGV content up to the tip. Dendrites were occasionally in close contact with each other or with the soma of LC cells, forming dendro-dendritic or dendro-somatic contacts. Numerous axon terminals containing many SGV and some LGV were observed in the neuropil, and they tended to contact dendrites and somata of LC cells or dendrites of unknown origin. These neuronal contacts were devoid of synaptic specializations except for an array of dense perpendicular lines between the juxtaposed membranes. Small oval cells (10 x 15 microns) devoid of SGV occurred frequently in the peripheral part of the nucleus, and they were occasionally in direct contact with LC cells.