Serotonin receptors in the human brain. I. Characterization and autoradiographic localization of 5-HT1A recognition sites. Apparent absence of 5-HT1B recognition sites

Comparison of acute and chronic treatment of various serotonergic agents with those of diazepam and idazoxan in the rat elevated X-maze

The aim of this study was to use the elevated X-maze to compare acute and chronic treatments of a 5-HT1A partial agonist, ipsapirone, a 5-HT2 antagonist, ritanserin, and a 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron, with those of established anxiolytic (diazepam) and anxiogenic (idazoxan) compounds. Acute diazepam (5 mg/kg IP) produced a significant increase in the percentage open:total entries and time and time spent in the end of the open arms (anxiolytic profile) on the elevated X-maze. Chronic treatment with diazepam (5 mg/kg IP twice daily for 14 days) still produced an anxiolytic profile which was not apparent 24 h after cessation of chronic treatment (withdrawal). In contrast, idazoxan given both acutely (0.25 mg/kg IP) and chronically (0.8 mg/kg/h at a flow rate of 5.5 microliters/h for 14 days, via osmotic minipumps) resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage open:total entries and time and time spent in the end of the open arms (anxiogenic profile). Acute administration of ipsapirone had no effect on any of the behavioural parameters at doses of 0.01 and 1 mg/kg IP, while 0.1 mg/kg IP produced a significant anxiogenic profile. Chronic treatment with ipsapirone (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg IP twice daily for 14 days) had no significant effect on rat behaviour on the X-maze but 24 h after ending treatment, ipsapirone at the highest dose used (1 mg/kg) produced a significant anxiogenic profile which was absent when the animals were tested 7 days after cessation of treatment. Ritanserin (0.05 and 0.25 mg/kg IP) had no effect acutely on any of the parameters measured but chronic treatment (0.25 mg/kg IP, twice daily for 14 days) produced a significant anxiolytic effect which was still present 24 h but not 7 days after cessation of treatment. Acute ondansetron (0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg IP) had no effect while chronic ondansetron (0.01 mg/kg IP, twice daily for 14 days) produced a significant anxiolytic profile which was not a result of handling during the chronic dosing schedule, an effect was not measureable 24 h after treatment ended. The results demonstrate that the X-maze can detect anxiolytic activity in non-benzodiazepine drugs, as ritanserin and ondansetron showed anxiolytic profiles but only after chronic treatment. In contrast, the X-maze failed to detect any anxiolytic activity with the 5-HT1A partial agonist ipsapirone after either acute or chronic treatment.

5-HT1C receptor antagonists have anxiolytic-like actions in the rat social interaction model

The effects of a range of 5-HT receptor antagonists were examined in an animal model of anxiety--the social interaction test. Six antagonists with high affinity for 5-HT1C receptors; mianserin, (+) mianserin, 1-naphthyl piperazine, ICI 169 369, pizotifen and LY 53857 all increased the time spent in active social interaction by pairs of weight-matched rats under high light unfamiliar conditions. As locomotion was only increased by 1-NP and then only at high doses, the effect of the drugs is consistent with anxiolysis. These properties were shared by the benzodiazepine anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide but not by the specific 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin and altanserin, nor by the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B antagonists cyanopindolol and pindolol. Similarly, neither the adrenergic alpha 2 antagonist idazoxan, the alpha 2 antagonist and putative 5-HT1D partial agonist yohimbine nor the H1 antagonist mepyramine had any significant effect. Since (+)mianserin, LY 53857 and ICI 169 369 at least have low affinity for 5-HT3 receptors these receptors are also unlikely to be involved. The results therefore imply that the observed anxiolytic effects of the drugs are likely to be mediated by 5-HT1C receptor blockade.

Pharmacological characterization of RP 62203, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT2 receptor antagonist

1. RP 62203 (2-[3-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazinyl)propyl]naphto[1,8- ca]isothiazole-1,1-dioxide) is a novel naphtosultam derivative which shows very high affinity for 5-HT2 receptors in the rat cerebral cortex (Ki = 50.0 pM). 2. RP 62203 is relatively selective for this sub-type of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor, having lower affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor and very low affinity for the 5-HT, receptor. RP 62203 displayed low to moderate affinity for alpha 1-adrenoceptors, dopamine D2 receptors and histamine H1 receptors. 3. In vivo binding experiments demonstrated that oral administration of low doses of RP 62203 led to a long-lasting (greater than 6 h) occupation of cortical 5-HT2 receptors (ID50 = 0.39 mgkg-1). 4. In cortical slices from the neonatal rat, RP 62203 potently inhibited inositol phosphate formation evoked by 5-HT, with an IC50 of 7.76 nM. 5. The activity of neurones in the raphé and their responses to microiontophoretically applied 5-HT were studied with extracellular recording electrodes in the anaesthetized rat. RP 62203 potently and dose-dependently blocked excitations evoked by 5-HT when administered at doses of 0.5-4.0 mg kg-1, i.p. In contrast, neither 5-HT-evoked depressions nor glutamate-evoked excitations of raphé neuronal firing were blocked by RP 62203 at doses as high as 8.0 mg kg-1, i.p. 6. Head twitches induced by 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) could be abolished by low doses of RP 62203 in mice (ED50 = 0.44 mg kg-1, p.o.) and in rats (ED50 = 1.54 p.o.). Similar results were obtained with mescaline and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 7. The potency of RP 62203 was compared with that of three other 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, ritanserin, ICI 169,369 and ICI 170,809. In all models, RP 62203 showed similar activity to ritanserin, whilst either ICI 169,369 or ICI 170,809 was several fold less active. 8. It is concluded that RP 62203 is a potent and selective antagonist at 5-HT2 receptors in the rodent central nervous system.

Brainstem 5-hydroxytrytamine1A binding sites are not down-regulated by agonists which induce tolerance in the rat: myoclonus and other serotonergic behaviors

To study the regulation of 5-HT1A receptors in the brainstem, the region most relevant to the serotonin syndrome and to serotonin-responsive human myoclonic disorders, we chronically treated rats with various 5-HT1A agonists and labeled 5-HT1A sites with [3H]8-OH-DPAT. Daily injection for 30 consecutive days of 10 mg/kg ip 8-OH-DPAT (pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT1A agonist) significantly decreased 8-OH-DPAT-evoked flat body posture, forelimb myoclonus, and hypothermia compared to chronic vehicle injection. There was no cross tolerance to 8-OH-DPAT in rats chronically injected with ipsapirone or buspirone (presynaptic 5-HT1A agonists). However, none of the 5HT1A agonists significantly altered Bmax of brainstem 5-HT1A binding sites. Chronic injection with other drugs such as 1-propranolol, (+/-) pindolol and spiperone (5-HT1A and 5-HT2 antagonists), methysergide (5-HT1 and 5-HT2 antagonist), and agonists and antagonists at various other 5-HT receptors also had no effect on binding parameters. These data demonstrate lack of cross-tolerance between pre- and post-synaptically acting 5-HT1A agonists and absence of down-regulation of presynaptic 5-HT1A sites at doses which induced tolerance of 5-HT1A-mediated behaviors of the serotonin syndrome. They suggest changes in the post-synaptic cell rather than the receptor recognition site as the mechanism of tolerance.

Autoradiographic distribution of alpha 2 adrenoceptors, NAIBS, and 5-HT1A receptors in human brain using [3H]idazoxan and [3H]rauwolscine

The regional distribution of [3H]idazoxan and [3H]rauwolscine was studied autoradiographically in human brain. [3H]Idazoxan binds with high affinity to alpha 2 adrenoceptors as well as to non-adrenergic sites (NAIBS). [3H]Rauwolscine, besides binding to alpha 2 adrenoceptors, also binds to 5-HT1A receptors. Both radioligands labelled the same population of alpha 2 adrenoceptors, defined as the epinephrine-displaceable binding component. The highest densities of alpha 2 adrenoceptors occur in the leptomeninges, cerebral cortex and claustrum; lower densities were visualised in the basal ganglia, thalamus, pons, substantia nigra, cerebellum and medulla oblongata; no alpha 2 adrenoceptors were detected in amygdala and nucleus ruber. NAIBS were present in all the examined brain areas, with the highest densities found in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra. The finding that certain brain regions, such as the amygdala, contained NAIBS but no detectable alpha 2 adrenoceptors, suggests that the binding sites are independent from each other. The regional distribution of 5-HT1A receptors labelled by [3H]rauwolscine is in agreement with previous studies using [3H]8-OH-DPAT.

m-Chlorophenylpiperazine as a probe of serotonin function

m-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) is the most extensively used probe of serotonin function in psychiatry. This article reviews its in vitro and in vivo properties in animals, normal human subjects, and psychiatric patients. mCPP is a safe, reliable, direct 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonist, which may be used to evaluate 5HT receptor sensitivity. It causes a consistent, dose-dependent elevation of ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin levels in both animals and humans, as well as increased body temperature in man. It also causes a variety of behavioral effects, depending on the population studied. These effects are probably 5HT receptor-related, although specific 5HT receptor subtype mechanisms have not yet been established. mCPP may be considered an important addition to armamentarium of 5HT receptor probes, which is especially useful until more selective 5HT receptor agonists have been tested.

Behavioral, sleep-waking and EEG power spectral effects following the two specific 5-HT uptake inhibitors zimeldine and alaproclate in cats

Sleep, waking and EEG power spectra were studied in cats for 15 h following peroral administration of placebo or 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of the 5-HT reuptake inhibitors zimeldine and alaproclate. Behavior was also observed during the initial period following drug administration. Both drugs had effects on motor behavior and initiated hallucinatory like behavior. Zimeldine increased latency to stable sleep and to SWS-2. Alaproclate increased latency to SWS-1. Both drugs increased SWS (NREM sleep) and particularly SWS-2. REM sleep latency was increased and REM sleep was reduced following both drugs. EEG slow wave activity was increased following zimeldine. It is concluded that the 5-HT stimulation caused by the drugs yields complex effects on the sleep-waking axis, both sleep incompatible and sleep promoting effects.

Involvement of serotonergic neuronal systems in the anti-amnesic action of naftidrofuryl oxalate

The effects of naftidrofuryl oxalate on cycloheximide- and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced amnesia were investigated using a passive avoidance task in mice. Naftidrofuryl oxalate significantly improved the cycloheximide-induced amnesia. This effect of naftidrofuryl oxalate was antagonized by 5-HTP, a serotonin (5-HT) precursor, and by p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), a 5-HT releaser. Single administration of 5-HTP in combination with pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, induced amnesia (5-HTP-induced amnesia). This amnesia was attenuated by ritanserin, a 5-HT2-selective antagonist, but not by pindolol, a 5-HT1-selective antagonist. Naftidrofuryl oxalate also attenuated the 5-HTP-induced amnesia. A binding study revealed that naftidrofuryl oxalate inhibited the binding of [3H]ketanserin to 5-HT2 receptors in mouse brain synaptic membrane in a dose-dependent fashion (IC50 = 1.42 x 10(-7) M), but did not inhibit that of [3H]serotonin to 5-HT1 receptors. These results suggest that naftidrofuryl oxalate may attenuate cycloheximide- and 5-HTP-induced amnesia by blocking 5-HT2 receptor subtypes.

The MCPP challenge test in schizophrenia: hormonal and behavioral responses

In a neuroendocrine challenge paradigm, the present study investigated responses of schizophrenic patients to m-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP), a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) agonist. In an oral dose of 0.25 mg/kg, MCPP was administered in a placebo-controlled double-blind design to male schizophrenic patients (n = 7) and normal male controls (n = 8). Behavioral (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; PANSS) and hormonal (cortisol, prolactin) variables were measured over the subsequent 210 min. The schizophrenic patients experienced an overall exacerbation of psychopathology on MCPP as compared with placebo (p less than 0.05), with specific worsening of PANSS-positive symptoms (p less than 0.025) and PANSS activation (p less than 0.001). In addition, the schizophrenic patients showed significantly lower cortisol (p less than 0.05) and prolactin (p less than 0.05) responses than the normal subjects. The schizophrenic patients had lower peak MCPP blood levels than the normal subjects, although this difference was not statistically significant. The findings are discussed in terms of 5HT receptor(s) sensitivity and the pharmacokinetics of MCPP in schizophrenia.

Serotonergic measures in suicide brain: 5-HT1A binding sites in frontal cortex of suicide victims

The density of 5-HT1A binding using 3H-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) as binding ligand, was studied in human frontal cortex of suicide victims and normal controls who died due to medical disease or accidentally. There was no difference in the maximum number of binding site (Bmax) or Kd (an inverse measure of affinity) of 5-HT1A receptor binding sites between normal controls and the entire group of suicide victims. However, nonviolent suicides had significantly higher Bmax (22-25%) compared to both controls and violent suicides. A negative correlation between age and Bmax of 5-HT1A binding sites was found in male controls but not in female controls or suicide victims. This relationship was less apparent among the male controls over age 60.

Species differences in the distribution of central 5-HT1 binding sites: a comparative autoradiographic study between rat and guinea pig

In this study, we compared the localization of central 5-HT1 binding sites of rat and guinea pig. The 5-HT1B sites were absent in the guinea pig brain. Good correlations were found between species in the regional distribution of 5-HT1 sites labelled with [3H]5-HT (r = 0.73), 5-HT1A sites labelled with [3H]8-OH-DPAT (r = 0.87), and 5-HT1B versus 5-HT1D sites labelled with [3H]5-HT in the presence of ipsapirone and DOI (r = 0.76). Despite the overall similarities, species differences were observed in many brain regions. The CA1/CA2 fields of the hippocampus and the dorsal subiculum displayed significantly more 5-HT1A receptor binding in guinea pig than in rat. Conversely, the 5-HT1A binding in dorsolateral septum, cingulate cortex and laminae IV-V of the neocortex, was more pronounced in rat. Areas almost exclusively containing 5-HT1B or 5-HT1D sites, such as the ventral pallidum, globus pallidus and substantia nigra, expressed markedly more [3H]5-HT binding in rat as compared to guinea pig, while the opposite occurred in claustrum, dorsal endopiriform nucleus, lateral geniculate nucleus, and superficial grey layer of the superior colliculus. The implications of the species differences are illustrated by the binding of [3H]eltoprazine. The distribution of [3H]eltoprazine binding sites showed a good correlation with that of the 5-HT1B sites in rat (r = 0.89), and with that of the 5-HT1A sites in guinea pig (r = 0.97). The data give rise to the possibility that differences in the presence and distribution of 5-HT1 receptor sites are related to species differences in behavioural, neurochemical and physiological responses to drugs with 5-HT1 receptor affinity.

Beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the basal ganglia of patients with Huntington's chorea and Parkinson's disease

The density of [125I]iodo-cyanopindolol binding to beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors was studied in post mortem basal ganglia samples of Huntington's chorea and Parkinson's disease patients using autoradiography. Whereas no significant changes were observed in sections from Parkinson's and Huntington's chorea grade 2 patients, a nearly complete loss of beta-1 binding sites was observed in the basal ganglia of Huntington patients at later stages of the disease. The concentration of beta-2 receptors was increased by a factor 2 in the posterior putamen of all choreic cases. These results are consistent with the view that beta-1 receptors are predominantly located on a subpopulation of neurons which degenerate at late stages of Huntington's chorea, while beta-2 receptors are present mainly on glial elements.

Autoradiographic analysis of serotonin 5-HT1A receptor binding in the human brain postmortem: effects of age and alcohol

Quantitative autoradiographic analysis of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the human brain, using [3H]8-OH-DPAT as a ligand, reveals region-specific decreases in receptor labeling with age in several cortical and hippocampal regions and in the raphe nuclei. This is due to a change in receptor density (Bmax) with no apparent change in affinity (Kd) as affirmed by saturation binding analysis on representative cortical regions. The presence of alcohol is associated with decreased binding in several cortical gyri. Suicide, gender and postmortem delay had no effect on 8-OH-DPAT binding.

A pilot placebo-controlled study of chronic m-CPP administration in Alzheimer's disease

Meta-Chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), a serotonin agonist and metabolite of the anti-depressant trazodone, was administered chronically to eight moderate to severely affected Alzheimer patients to determine whether it would produce improvement in behavioral symptoms complicating this illness. In doses up to 80 mg/day for 16 days, m-CPP was well tolerated and resulted in small but significant increases in anergy and depression-related symptoms compared with placebo. The effects of chronic m-CPP in this study contrast with the reported beneficial effects of the parent compound trazodone and selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors in treating behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer patients.

Further characterization of the putative 5-HT receptor which mediates blockade of neurogenic plasma extravasation in rat dura mater

1. We describe the effects of pretreatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists and antagonists on neurogenically-mediated plasma protein extravasation ([125I]-albumin) in rat dura mater and in extracranial tissues (temporalis muscle fascia, conjunctiva, eyelid and lip) induced by electrical stimulation of the right trigeminal ganglion. 2. Leakage of [125I]-bovine serum albumin from blood vessels in dura mater following high intensity stimulation (1.2 mA, 5 ms, 5 Hz for 5 min) was significantly reduced by the intravenous administration of drugs active at 5-HT receptors with some selectivity for the 5-HT1 receptor subtypes: 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) (threshold dose, 1 ng kg-1); 5-benzyloxytryptamine (5-BT) (10, 30 or 100 micrograms kg-1); 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (300 micrograms kg-1); and as previously reported, sumatriptan (100 micrograms kg-1), dihydroergotamine (DHE) (50 micrograms kg-1); ergotamine tartrate (100 micrograms kg-1) and chronically administered methysergide (1 mg kg-1). 3. The putative 5-HT receptor antagonist, metergoline 100 micrograms kg-1, inhibited partially the effect of sumatriptan in dura mater providing additional evidence for a 5-HT1 receptor subtype-mediated mechanism, although it was not effective against 5-CT (1 ng kg-1). Methiothepin (300 micrograms kg-1) did not affect the response to sumatriptan. When administered at high concentrations (1 mg kg-1) methiothepin and metergoline decreased plasma protein extravasation in rat dura mater. 4. Pretreatment with the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists pizotifen, 300pugkg 1, or ketanserin, 300,ugkg ', or the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists MDL 72222, 300,ugkg-1, or ICS 205-930, 300pgkg-1, did not affect plasma protein leakage following electrical trigeminal stimulation. Blockade by sumatriptan of plasma protein extravasation was not inhibited by pizotifen (300,ug kg-1) or MDL 72222 (300pg kg- '). 5. The 5-HT receptor(s) mediating this response were present only on intracranial tissues innervated by the trigeminal nerve; plasma protein extravasation in extracranial tissues was not blocked by pretreatment with the equivalent or higher concentrations of the above drugs following low intensity trigeminal stimulation (0.1 mA, 5 ms, 5 Hz). 6. The putative 5-HT receptor(s) mediating this response were not present on sympathetic fibres innervating dura mater since unilateral removal of the superior cervical ganglion did not prevent the development of plasma protein extravasation nor did it affect the blockade by sumatriptan IOOpug kg- '. 7. The above pharmacological data suggest that intracranial vessels possess 5-HT receptor(s) which are coupled to inhibition of neurogenically-mediated plasma protein extravasation. These receptors cannot be detected on extracranial cephalic blood vessels innervated by the trigeminal nerve, although available evidence strongly suggests that the 5-HT receptors reside on perivascular trigeminal nerve fibres. The rank order of effective doses (threshold concentrations; 5-CT < 5-BT < DHE < sumatriptan < 8-OHDPAT) is most consistent with a 5-HTlB- or 5-HTlD-mediated response, among the known 5-HT1 family of receptors. However, the lack of effect of methiothepin against the actions of sumatriptan, or metergoline against the effects of 5-CT suggest important differences and the possibility that a previously unrecognized 5-HT receptor(s) is involved in this response.

Autoradiographic mapping of 5-HT1, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2 receptors in the rat spinal cord

The distribution of 5-HT1, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT2 receptors in the rat spinal cord was investigated with quantitative autoradiography. Receptors were labeled respectively with [3H]serotonin (5-[3H]HT),8- hydroxy-2-[N-dipropylamino-3H]tetralin (8-OH-[3H]DPAT), [125I]iodocyanopindolol and [3H]ketanserin. It is shown that 5-HT1, 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors are distributed within the spinal cord according to a rostro-caudal gradient. Both 5-HT1 and 5-HT1A receptors are mainly present in the dorsal horn and 5-HT1B is present throughout the spinal cord, exhibiting high densities in the caudal-most part of the dorsal horn in lamina X and in the sacral parasympathetic area. On the other hand, 5-HT2 receptors are shown mostly in the thoracic sympathetic area and in the thoracic ventral horn; the dorsal horn exhibits few 5-HT2 receptors. The differential involvement of 5-HT through different receptors in nociception, autonomous nervous system control and motility are discussed.

Structural determinants of 5-HT1A versus 5-HT1D receptor binding site selectivity

A structure-activity analysis was used to identify selective 5-HT1A versus 5-HT1D receptor agents. An analysis of published data identified 13 drugs which display nanomolar affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor and that have been analyzed at 5-HT1D receptor binding sites. Four agents display greater than or equal to 100-fold selectivity for the 5-HT1A receptor. Two structural features were identified which hypothetically result in selectivity for 5-HT1A versus 5-HT1D binding sites. The linkage of an indole ring to a basic nitrogen atom via the 4 position on the indole ring or the absence of an indole ring are two features which lower the affinity for the 5-HT1D receptor, but do not necessarily lower the affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor. A series of 7 agents (5 indoles, 2 quinolines) was identified which met these hypothetical selectivity criteria. These compounds were then analyzed in radioligand binding studies. These 7 agents display affinities of 1.3-170 nM for the 5-HT1A receptor binding site, and 1,800-13,000 nM for the 5-HT1D receptor binding site. All 7 agents display greater than or equal to 47-fold selectivity for the 5-HT1A versus 5-HT1D site and 4 of the agents are greater than 100-fold selective. Compound No. 1 (N,N'-bis[3-(4-indolyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]-(Z)-1,8-diamino-p-meth ane) and compound No. 2 (N8-[3-(4-indolyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]-N1-(propioloyl)-(Z)-1 ,8-diamino-p-methane) are the most selective agents yet described for 5-HT1A versus 5-HT1D receptor binding sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonists on 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia in rats and mice

The effects of three putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonists (NAN-190, BMY 7378 and WB 4101) were studied on the hypothermia induced by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). In order to control for the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist activity of NAN-190 and WB 4101, the effects of prazosin were also examined. Both NAN-190 and WB 4101 lowered body temperature in the mouse. This effect appeared to be due to their alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist effects as prazosin had a similar profile. Neither NAN-190, WB 4101 nor prazosin antagonised the hypothermic effects of 8-OH-DPAT. BMY 7378 slightly lowered body temperature but to a lesser extent than 8-OH-DPAT and, in contrast to the other compounds studied, also prevented a fall in body temperature on injection of 8-OH-DPAT. In the rat there was much less interference from alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist activity as both NAN-190 and prazosin only slightly reduced body temperature. In this species, however, NAN-190 showed marked antagonist activity against 8-OH-DPAT hypothermia. This was not due to alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist activity as prazosin had no effect. In the rat, as in the mouse, BMY 7378 had a partial agonist profile, whereas WB 4101 behaved essentially as an agonist. These results suggest that NAN-190 is a pure antagonist of 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia in rats and that BMY 7378 and WB 4101 are, respectively, a partial agonist and an agonist in this test.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A preliminary study of the effects of nighttime administration of the serotonin agonist, m-CPP, on sleep architecture and behavior in healthy volunteers

The effects of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) (0.5 mg/kg) on sleep architecture and behavior were examined in six healthy volunteers following a single oral dose of the drug in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. m-CPP reduced total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency in all subjects. Slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep were decreased and stage 1 sleep was prolonged in a majority of subjects. Prominent behavioral and psychological effects were reported in five out of six subjects following m-CPP (but not following placebo) that interfered with sleep. The sleep disruption and behavioral activation following nighttime administration of m-CPP contrasts with the sedative properties of its parent compound, trazodone, suggesting that the hypnotic effect of trazodone is not related to the agonist profile of its metabolite, m-CPP.

Identification of 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor agents using a composite pharmacophore analysis and chemical database screening

A composite pharmacophore analysis and computer-assisted chemical database screening were used to identify a previously unrecognized class of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor active agents. An analysis of published data led to the identification of 20 different chemical structures which share nanomolar affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor. From a composite pharmacophore analysis of all 20 potent agents, we hypothesized that compounds containing a novel (in terms of 5-HT1A receptor analysis) 3 ring structure might be active at the 5-HT1A receptor. To test this hypothesis, the Chemical Abstracts database, which contains over 10 million compounds, was screened electronically for compounds that contain this core structure. A series of 319 agents was identified which contain this core structure. A total of 6 compounds was then obtained commercially and evaluated in radioligand binding studies. A single agent (Compound 69/183) conformed most closely to the composite 5-HT1A pharmacophore and displayed an affinity of 20 nmol/l for the 5-HT1A receptor binding site. Two other agents displayed affinities of 170 and 500 nmol/l, respectively, for the 5-HT1A receptor site. The 3 agents which differed most significantly from the composite 5-HT1A pharmacophore displayed affinities of 1,200- greater than 10,000 nmol/l for the 5-HT1A receptor binding site. These data suggest that a composite pharmacophore analysis and computer-assisted chemical database screening can be an effective technique for the identification of previously unrecognized receptor active agents.

Beta-adrenergic receptor binding in frontal cortex of suicide victims

The high-affinity binding of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, [3H]dihydroalprenolol, was measured in homogenates of frontal cortex (Brodmann's areas 8 and 9) of suicide victims and matched controls. Suicides were classified as violent if gunshot, hanging, or jumping was the cause of death and as nonviolent if carbon monoxide poisoning or drug overdose was the cause of death. No significant difference were found between controls and nonviolent or violent suicide victims with regard to the number of beta-adrenergic receptors (Bmax), or the binding affinity (Kd) of the receptor. Beta-Adrenergic receptor binding was not significantly affected by sex, age, race, or postmortem interval. Serotonin-2 receptor binding (Bmax) in homogenates from the same tissue specimens was previously reported to be significantly increased in violent suicides (Arora and Meltzer 1989). In these sample groups, suicide by violent means appears to be associated with an increase in the number of serotonin-2, but not beta-adrenergic, receptors in frontal cortex.

Distribution of dopaminergic receptors in the primate cerebral cortex: quantitative autoradiographic analysis using [3H]raclopride, [3H]spiperone and [3H]SCH23390

A widespread distribution of dopamine D1 receptors in the neocortex is well recognized. However, the presence of dopamine D2 receptors in this structure has only recently been established [Martres et al. (1985) Eur. J. Pharmac. 118, 211-219; Lidow et al. (1989) Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86, 6412-6416]. In the present paper, a highly specific antagonist, [3H]raclopride, was used for autoradiographic determination of the distribution of D2 receptors in 12 cytoarchitectonic areas of the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the rhesus monkey. A low density of D2-specific [3H]raclopride binding (1.5-4.0 fmol/mg tissue) was detected in all layers of all cortical areas studied. Throughout the entire cortex, the highest density of binding was consistently found in layer V. This is a unique distribution not observed so far for any other neurotransmitter receptor subtype in monkey cerebral cortex, including D1 receptor. In addition, a comparison was made of the distribution of [3H]raclopride and [3H]spiperone, which has been commonly used in previous attempts to label cortical D2 receptors. We found marked differences in the distribution of these two radioligands. In the prefrontal cortex, the pattern of [3H]spiperone binding in the presence of ketanserin resembled the combined distribution of 5-HT1C serotoninergic and alpha 2-adrenergic sites as well as D2 receptors. Thus, [3H]raclopride provides a better estimation of the D2 receptor distribution than does [3H]spiperone. The distribution of D2-specific binding of [3H]raclopride was also compared with the D1-specific binding of [3H]SCH23390 in the presence of mianserin to block labeling to 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C sites. The density of D1-specific [3H]SCH23390 binding was 10-20 times higher than that of D2-specific [3H]raclopride binding throughout the cortex. The densities of both [3H]raclopride and [3H]SCH23390 binding sites display a rostral-caudal gradient with the highest concentrations in prefrontal and the lowest concentrations in the occipital cortex. However, the binding sites of these two ligands had different laminar distributions in all areas examined. In contrast to preferential [3H]raclopride binding in layer V, a bilaminar pattern of [3H]SCH23390 labeling was observed in most cytoarchitectonic areas, with the highest concentrations in supragranular layers I, II and IIIa and infragranular layers V and VI. Whereas [3H]raclopride binding was similar in all cytoarchitectonic areas, [3H]SCH23390 exhibited some region-specific variations in the primary visual and motor cortex. The different regional and laminar distributions of D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors indicates that they may subserve different aspects of dopamine function in the cerebral cortex.

Molecular design of novel ligands for 5-HT1A receptors

Serotonin (5-HT) is a potent bioactive substance known to function through a number of different receptor types and subtypes. In our attempt to develop new agents that would interact selectively at certain 5-HT receptors, especially the 5-HT1A subtype, 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) served as a template for the design of novel agents sharing aspects of the pharmacophore of 8-OH-DPAT and 5-HT. 5-HT contains no center of asymmetry, and 8-OH-DPAT shows only very modest stereospecificity for 5-HT1A receptors. To develop agents having enhanced potency and selectivity for the 5-HT1A site, several ring systems offering enhanced conformational rigidity which approximate the oxygen to nitrogen interatomic distances of 8-OH-DPAT and (to a lesser extent) 5-HT were synthesized. Exemplary ring systems include the 8-alkoxy-hexahydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrrole, 5-alkoxy-hexahydro-1H-indeno-[2,1-c]pyridine, and 9-alkoxy-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]isoindole systems. These conformationally restricted molecules demonstrated moderate stereospecificity in their interaction with the 5-HT1A binding site, which was enhanced in compounds with larger nitrogen substituents. Appropriate choice of such derivatives led to highly potent compounds selective for 5-HT1A sites compared with their activity at other 5-HT and/or adrenergic receptors. The pharmacological profile of compounds which appear to act as agonists at 5-HT1A receptors in the central nervous system to lower blood pressure in animal models of hypertension is presented.

Contractile 5-HT1 receptors in human isolated pial arterioles: correlation with 5-HT1D binding sites

1. The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor responsible for inducing vasoconstriction in human isolated pial arterioles has been pharmacologically characterized. 2. Of several 5-HT agonists tested, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) was the most potent and the rank order of agonist potency can be summarized as: 5-CT greater than 5-HT greater than RU 24969 = alpha-methyl-5-HT = methysergide much greater than MDL 72832 = 2-methyl-5-HT much greater than 2-dipropylamino-8-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene (8-OH-DPAT). With few exceptions, the maximal contractile responses of these agonists were comparable to that induced by 5-HT. 3. A correlation analysis performed between the agonists vascular potency (pD2 values) and their affinities (pKD values) published at various subtypes of 5-HT binding sites showed a positive significant correlation with rat cortical 5-HT1B (r = 0.86; P less than 0.01) and human caudate 5-HT1D (r = 0.98; P less than 0.005) subtypes. 4. Selective antagonists at 5-HT2 (ketanserin, mianserin, MDL 11939) and 5-HT3 (MDL 72222) sites were totally devoid of inhibitory activity on the 5-HT-induced contraction, an observation which agreed with the agonist data and further excluded activation of these receptors. In contrast, the 5-HT1-like/5-HT2 antagonist methiothepin and the non-selective 5-HT1D compound metergoline inhibited with high affinity the contraction induced by 5-HT with respective pA2 values of 8.55 +/- 0.16 and 6.88 +/- 0.05. This contractile response was, however, insensitive to 5-HT1B (propranolol) and 5-HT1C (mesulergine, mianserin) antagonists. 5. It is concluded that a 5-HT1-like receptor, which shares strong similarities with the 5-HTID binding sites identified in human caudate membranes, is mediating the vasocontractile action of 5-HT in human pial arterioles.

Pindolol decreases prolactin and growth hormone responses to intravenous L-tryptophan

The effects of pindolol on the prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) responses to intravenous tryptophan (LTP) were studied in eight healthy male volunteers. Pindolol pretreatment (40 mg over 48 h) markedly attenuated the GH response to LTP and modestly, but significantly, reduced the LTP-induced increase in plasma PRL. The disposition of LTP following infusion was not altered by pindolol. While the data are consistent with 5-HT1A receptor mediation of PRL and GH responses to LTP, the intrinsic sympathomimetic actions of pindolol might also be involved in the attenuation of the endocrine responses to LTP.

The 5-HT1A receptor: an overview of recent advances

Progress in the field of neuronal receptor research has accelerated during the last few years due to developments in pharmacology and molecular biology. This is particularly true in the case of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. In 1983 the very selective, high affinity 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT was developed which allowed the pharmacology and distribution of the 5-HT1A receptor in the central nervous system of the rat and man to be extensively characterized. By 1987, the gene encoding this receptor protein was cloned and sequenced, allowing not only elucidation of its structure, but also better insight into the nature of its coupling to transmembrane signal transduction systems. Thus in a short period of time considerable knowledge has accumulated on how serotonin exerts its functions in the central nervous system via the 5-HT1A receptor. In the present review we will briefly discuss some of the latest developments regarding the 5-HT1A receptor.

5-HT receptors: subtypes and second messengers

Our knowledge about 5-HT (serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine) receptors has gained significantly over the recent few years. The discovery of selective ligands and the use of new techniques have led to a significant increase in the number of recognised receptors subtypes. The present status of awareness is largely related to the use of radioligand binding studies, autoradiography, second messenger analysis and more recently, molecular biological techniques. Three main families of 5-HT receptors, of which subtypes have been described, are now accepted. This heterogeneity is further substantiated by the cloning of the cDNA's of three different 5-HT receptors. This article reviews some of the recent developments which led to the characterisation of 5-HT receptor subtypes.

Microinjection of propranolol into the dorsal periaqueductal gray causes an anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus-maze antagonized by ritanserin

The 5-HT1A/1B receptor antagonist propranolol was injected into the dorsal periaqueductal gray (DPAG) of rats exposed to the elevated plus-maze in order to investigate the participation in anxiety of 5-HT mechanisms operating in this brain region. Microinjection of D,L- or L-propranolol into the DPAG increased the percentage of total arm entries without affecting the total number of entries into either open or enclosed arms of the maze, an effect characteristic of anxiolytic drugs injected systemically. The doses of 5 nmol L-propranolol and 10 nmol D,L-propranolol caused anxiolytic effects of comparable magnitude, while the doses of 2.5 nmol of the former and 5 nmol of the latter were ineffective. Therefore, the L-isomer is likely to be the main one responsible for the pharmacological activity observed. In addition, the anxiolytic effect of 10 nmol D,L-propranolol was antagonized by 10 nmol of the 5-HT2/1C receptor antagonist ritanserin, previously injected into the DPAG. The present as well as previously reported results suggest that the anxiolytic effect of propranolol injected into the DPAG is due to increased release of 5-HT acting on post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptors, resultant from blockade of 5-HT1B autoreceptors that inhibit amine release from serotonergic nerve endings.

Localization of 3H-dihydroergotamine-binding sites in the cat central nervous system: relevance to migraine

Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is the treatment of choice in aborting the acute attack of migraine. Although its efficacy has been known for 40 years, its mechanism of action is still disputed. Data regarding the site of action of dihydroergotamine may provide an insight into its mechanism of action and thus identify a locus of potentially abnormal pathophysiology in migraine. By using in vitro and ex vivo autoradiographic techniques, the localization of specific binding sites for 3H-dihydroergotamine in the cat brain has been examined. Binding was seen in the dorsal horn of the cervical spinal cord, in the medulla, associated with the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, area postrema, and descending spinal trigeminal nucleus, and in the mesencephalon and the cerebral cortex. The highest density of binding sites was found in the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei of the midbrain. Furthermore, these same brain regions were also labeled after intravenous administration of 3H-dihydroergotamine. It is important that the brain areas specifically labeled are key nuclei involved in cranial pain transmission, suggesting that dihydroergotamine may act at these central sites in migraine.

The inhibitory effect of trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine on [3H]acetylcholine release in guinea pig hippocampal synaptosomes is mediated by a 5-hydroxytryptamine1 receptor distinct from 1A, 1B, and 1C subtypes

The effect of the serotonergic receptor agonist 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) was studied on the K(+)-evoked [3H]acetylcholine [( 3H]ACh) release from guinea pig hippocampal synaptosomes loaded with [3H]choline. TFMPP (5-1,000 microM) inhibited the evoked ACh release in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 81.8 microM). The inhibitory effect of TFMPP was mimicked by CGS-12066B (10, 30, and 100 microM), a 5-hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B)/5-HT1D receptor agonist; 1-(m-chlorophenyl)piperazine (100 microM), a 5-HT1C/5-HT1B receptor agonist; and 5-carboxamidotryptamine (10 microM), a nonselective 5-HT1 receptor agonist. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (10 and 100 microM), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, and quipazine (10 and 100 microM), a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, did not have any significant effect. Serotonergic antagonists, such as dihydroergotamine (0.1 and 1 microM), metergoline (0.1 microM), methysergide (0.5 and 1 microM), or yohimbine (1 and 10 microM), blocked the TFMPP effect dose-dependently. In contrast, methiotepine (0.3 and 1 microM), propranolol (1 microM), ketanserin (0.1 microM), mesulergine (0.1 microM), ICS 205930 (0.1 and 1 microM), and spiroperidol (1 and 7 microM) did not affect the TFMPP-induced inhibition of the evoked ACh release. These data suggest that, in guinea pig hippocampus, the K(+)-evoked ACh release is modulated by a 5-HT1 receptor distinct from the 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1C subtypes.

Effects of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and corticotropin-releasing factor containing neurons in the rat brain

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the major physiological regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. There is evidence that CRF release from the hypothalamus is under stimulatory serotonergic control. The specific 5-HT receptor subtypes that mediate this effect is unclear. Administration of the 5-HT1A agonists, 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg) and ipsapirone (4 mg/kg), to rats resulted in activation of the HPA axis as evidenced by increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations in acutely treated rats and increased plasma corticosterone concentrations in both acutely and chronically treated rats. However, chronic administration of these compounds failed to alter CRF concentrations in the medium eminence or CRF receptor number of affinity in the anterior pituitary. Chronic administration of both compounds resulted in increased CRF concentrations in the piriform cortex and hippocampus, whereas 8-OH-DPAT alone increased CRF concentrations in the amygdala and entorhinal cortex. These results suggest that both hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic CRF neurons are influenced by activation of 5-HT1A receptors.

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes

Significant advances in the molecular pharmacological analysis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes occurred in the 1980's. To a significant degree, this progress resulted from 2 independent approaches: molecular biology and molecular pharmacology. This review focuses on the pharmacological data derived from radioligand binding studies. At the present time, 5-HT receptor subtypes are often categorized into at least 3 major "families" as well as a few "orphan" receptors that cannot yet be placed into the major categories. Each "family" consists of multiple receptor subtypes which share similarities in their molecular biological, pharmacological, biochemical and physiological properties. In order to provide a comparative pharmacological analysis of the 7 most extensively characterized 5-HT receptor subtypes, potency information is presented on the 30 pharmacological agents that have been, to date, studied most extensively in the published literature.

Serotonin 5-HT1D receptors

5-HT receptors are subdivided into 3 families, 5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3, of which subtypes have been described. The 5-HT receptor field has experienced over the last 10 years a revival due to the availability of new and more selective drugs and new techniques. This communication deals essentially with the biochemical approaches to characterize 5-HT1D receptors, and their comparison with 5-HT1B receptors. The methods used include radioligand binding, in vitro autoradiography, and second messenger studies. 5-HT1 receptor subtypes are labeled with [3H]5-HT and present a large heterogeneity: no less than 4 subtypes have been characterized: 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D are labeled respectively with [125I]cyanopindolol, and [3H]5-HT under appropriate conditions. Although some similarities are evident, the pharmacology of the two receptors is clearly different. Rat 5-HT1B receptors recognize with high affinity a number of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as SDZ 21-009, cyanopindolol, pindolol, propranolol and isamoltane. In contrast, calf, pig or human 5-HT1D receptors show significantly lower affinities for these drugs. 5-HT1D receptors show high to intermediate affinities to compounds such as PAPP, DP-5-CT, 8-OH-DPAT, yohimbine and rauwolscine, whereas 5-HT1B receptors have very low affinities for these compounds. The presence of 5-HT1B receptors has been documented convincingly only in rat, mouse and hamster. 5-HT1D receptors have been demonstrated in pigeon, guinea-pig, cat, dog, pig, calf, monkey, and man. The distribution of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors in all species examined so far, is very similar: high concentrations of sites are found in the nigro-striatal pathway, caudate-putamen, globus pallidus and especially substantia nigra. The subicullum shows also high densities of sites. Similar functional correlates have been proposed to 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D sites. Thus, 5-HT1D receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in guinea-pig and calf substantia nigra, and 5-HT1B receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in rat substantia nigra. Further, it is established that terminal 5-HT autoreceptors are of the 5-HT1B type in rat cortex, and of the 5-HT1D type in guinea-pig, pig, human and possibly rabbit cortex. In the rat saphenous vein, 5-HT1B receptors mediate inhibition of noradrenaline release. Preliminary evidence suggests that the canine basilar artery and saphenous vein, described as models for "5-HT1-like" receptors, could contain 5-HT1D receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Endocrinological responses to 5-HT

There is increasing evidence that neuroendocrine and temperature responses in humans can be employed to study the functional sensitivity of different 5-HT receptor subtypes. The evidence suggests that the PRL response to LTP is mediated by 5-HT1 receptors, perhaps the 5-HT1A subtype, though further studies are needed to confirm this effect. It is uncertain whether the PRL responses to other 'presynaptic' challenges of 5-HT function, for example, fenfluramine, are mediated by the same post-synaptic 5-HT receptor subtype as that for LTP. Conversely it seems likely that agonists which stimulate 5-HT2/1C receptors increase both plasma PRL and ACTH in humans. There is also evidence that 5-HT1A receptors can increase ACTH secretion. This suggests that in humans as in animals both the 5-HT1A and 5HT2/1C receptors can facilitate ACTH release, though the significance of this dual control is not understood. It is also possible that both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2/1C receptors stimulate PRL release, but 5-HT1A receptors may have a more prominent role in GH secretion. In both human and animal studies 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor agonists may produce opposite effects on body temperature. These recent developments in 5-HT neuroendocrinology have been of great interest, but much is still uncertain. Progress in this field will be considerably advanced by the availability of new selective 5-HT receptor ligands, particularly selective receptor antagonists.

The 5-HT1B receptors

The 5-HT1B receptors have been identified by radioligand binding techniques predominantly in the basal ganglia of the rat and mouse brain. A number of 5-HT receptor agonists have been shown to display high affinity but limited selectivity for the 5-HT1B recognition site. These include 5-CT, 5-HT, RU 24969, TFMPP, MCPP, and CGS 12066B. Antagonists at the 5-HT1B site include the drugs metitepin, metergoline, cyanopindolol, isamoltane, and propranolol but none of these drugs are selective for this receptor. Functional correlates of 5-HT1B receptor activation have been most closely defined in vitro. These include inhibition of transmitter release, inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase and actions on the mouse urinary bladder strip and the rat vena cava. Many functional correlates of 5-HT1B receptor activation in vivo have been proposed, but convincing evidence from antagonist studies is generally lacking. The development of selective 5-HT1B receptor agonists and antagonists will be a key step in defining the physiological role of this receptor site in the brain and periphery of the mouse and rat although it must be realized that these compounds, if they are developed, are unlikely to have functional effects in man since the 5-HT1B recognition site is absent in the human CNS. Nevertheless many of these studies on the 5-HT1B receptor may aid the development of drugs acting at the 5-HT1D site since this receptor has been identified as being the equivalent of the 5-HT1B site in species other than the rat and mouse.

Serotonin in human eating disorders

The onset and progression of symptomatology in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is complex. It is unlikely that dysregulation of a single neurotransmitter system would be sufficient to explain the pathophysiology of these disorders. The studies reviewed above provide preliminary evidence that decreased central serotonin function may contribute to the onset or persistence of binge eating episodes in patients with bulimia nervosa, including low weight anorexic patients with bulimic symptoms. Future clinical studies will benefit from the availability of selective serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists. Longitudinal studies through progressive phases of treatment and clinical remission will be important to clarify the contribution of dietary and body weight changes to results of neurotransmitter studies with eating disorder patients.

Presynaptic serotonin receptors in the central nervous system

Presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors have been identified in any region of the mammalian CNS containing 5-HT nerve terminals that has been investigated for this purpose. They belong to the 5-HT1B receptor subclass in the rat and to the 5-HT1D subclass in the pig, guinea pig, and probably man. The presence and operation of presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors have been proven by the ability of 5-HT receptor agonists to inhibit 5-HT release and of 5-HT receptor antagonists not only to competitively antagonize this effect but also to disclose the autoinhibitory effect of endogenous 5-HT by blocking the autoreceptor, thus interrupting the negative feedback loop. There is evidence that presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors are operative in vivo. Presynaptic inhibitory 5-HT heteroreceptors have also been identified in various brain regions of the rat. DA nerve terminals in the striatum and nucleus accumbens as well as GLU nerve terminals in the cerebellum are endowed with such receptors, which were either not yet classified (DA neurone) or represent a not yet specified 5-HT1 subtype (GLU neurone). Release-inhibiting 5-HT receptors on the acetylcholine nerve terminals in the hippocampus are of the 5-HT1B subtype, and those in the striatum were not yet classified in detail. A 5-HT heteroreceptor mediating stimulation of release occurs on rat striatal DA nerve terminals; it belongs to the 5-HT3 class. Thus, presynaptic inhibitory 5-HT auto- and heteroreceptors as well as presynaptic excitatory 5-HT heteroreceptors are involved in the regulation of transmitter release in the brain.

Effects of serotonin antagonists on m-chlorophenylpiperazine-mediated responses in normal subjects

The serotonin (5HT) agonist, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP), has been used as a challenge agent to assess central 5HT receptor sensitivity in normal subjects and patients with panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depression. Adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, and prolactin responses to MCPP were among the variables measured. MCPP's usefulness as a probe of 5HT receptors, however, hinges on its 5HT selectivity. To address MCPP's selectivity for 5HT, this study tested whether two different 5HT antagonists, methysergide (4 mg p.o.) and metergoline (4 mg p.o.), could block the hormonal and behavioral effects of MCPP (0.5 mg/kg p.o.) in 10 normal male subjects in comparison to placebo. Both 5HT antagonists abolished the prolactin release to MCPP. Metergoline, the antagonist with the more potent 5HT binding affinity, significantly blocked MCPP's effect on cortisol release as compared to placebo, and methysergide showed a nonsignificant trend to that effect. MCPP alone did not have a significant effect on behavioral variables, perhaps explaining why neither 5HT antagonist affected these measures. The findings from this study suggest that both MCPP-induced prolactin release and cortisol release are indeed 5HT-mediated effects.

Pirenzepine-insensitive muscarinic autoreceptors regulate acetylcholine release in human neocortex

The release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) and its modulation mediated by autoreceptors were investigated in synaptosomes prepared from fresh human cerebral cortex prelabelled with [3H]choline ([3H]Ch) and depolarized in superfusion with 15 mM KCl. The K(+)-evoked release of tritium was almost totally accounted for by unmetabolized [3H]ACh and was largely calcium-dependent. Exogenous ACh decreased the depolarization-evoked release of [3H]ACh in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 1.5 microM). The inhibitory effect of ACh on [3H]ACh release was counteracted by the non-selective muscarinic antagonist atropine. In contrast, the selective M1 receptor antagonist pirenzepine was ineffective. It is concluded that muscarinic autoreceptors regulating the release of ACh are present on cholinergic nerve terminals of human cerebral cortex and appear to belong to a pirenzepine-insensitive subtype.

The serotonin 5-HT1D receptor: a progress review

Most of the known neurotransmitters interact with more than one type of receptor. Some of them even dispose of receptor subtypes to exert their actions. Serotonin, far from being an exception to that, possesses at least 3 classes of receptors, which have all been reported to be heterogeneous, although convincing data only exist for the 5-HT1 class. This name has been proposed in 1979, two years before the introduction of 'A' and 'B' in the nomenclature to account for the observed heterogeneity of these sites. The 5-HT1C receptor subtype was first described in 1984 and the last member of the family, named 5-HT1D, was characterized in 1987. The pharmacological profiles, the signal transducing systems and the anatomical localizations, both at the regional and cellular levels, of all these subtypes have been investigated and possible functions have been proposed for each of them. Moreover, last and most definitive demonstration of the subtype individuality, the gene or complementary DNA coding for the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1C (and 5-HT2) receptors have been cloned and sequenced. Such data are still missing for 5-HT1D (and 5-HT1B) receptors, but will certainly be provided in the next few years. However and waiting for this decisive clue, the characterization of the 5-HT1D subtype leaves no doubt concerning its significance as a function 5-HT receptor. This review will concentrate on the characteristics of this subtype of 5-HT receptor.

Chronic but not acute antidepressants interfere with serotonin (5-HT1B) receptors

Eight days of isolation induced in mice a social behavioral deficit responsive to the serotonin agonists, TFMPP (1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine), m-CPP (1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine), RU 24969. These drugs are not specific for one subtype of serotonin receptors but share the property of being able to stimulate 5-HT1B receptors. They exert their effects in this test through this receptor. Fluoxetine and phenelzine were behaviorally inactive and did not impair the TFMPP effect when given acutely. On the contrary, the chronic administration of these two antidepressant drugs significantly antagonized the TFMPP effect. These results demonstrate a link between two antidepressant drugs and a function of 5-HT1B receptors. The lack of effect of acute versus chronic treatments suggests the involvement of 5-HT1B receptors in the therapeutic effect of these drugs.

Serotonin-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potential in guinea-pig prepositus hypoglossi and feedback inhibition by serotonin

1. Intracellular recordings were made from neurones of the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi (PH) in slices of guinea-pig brain. Focal stimulation evoked an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) that was typically 10-25 mV in amplitude and 1 s in duration. The IPSP reversal potential showed a Nernstian dependence on the external potassium concentration ([K+]o). 2. Spiperone blocked the IPSP with an IC50 of 40 nM, while ketanserin and (-)sulpiride had no effect. Cocaine (1 microM) prolonged the IPSP half-duration by 157%, and increased the amplitude by 28%. 3. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) hyperpolarized PH cells with an EC50 of 8.5 microM in control, and 135 nM in cocaine (10 microM). 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) also hyperpolarized PH cells with an EC50 of 16 nM, although the maximal effect was only 81% of the maximum 5-HT hyperpolarization. Spiperone produced a parallel, right shift of the 5-HT concentration-response curve; Schild analysis gave a Kd of 10 nM. Application of 5-HT to neurones voltage-clamped near their resting potential (about -55 mV) caused an outward current and an increase in membrane conductance. 4. The amplitude of the IPSP was reversibly decreased by non-hyperpolarizing concentrations of 5-HT and by the 5-HT1 receptor agonists 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) and 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP). The IC50 values for the latter two compounds were 50 nM and 1.5 microM, respectively; the maximal effect was a 90% inhibition. Neither compound affected the membrane potential nor changed the hyperpolarization induced by 5-HT. Quipizine competitively antagonized TFMPP with an estimated Kd of 165 nM. 5. When trains of stimuli were applied, an inhibition of the IPSP was observed following the first stimulus. At a frequency of 1 Hz, the inhibition was approximately 75%. This frequency-dependent 'run-down' of the IPSP was markedly attenuated by pre-treatment with TFMPP (1 microM). 6. It is concluded that the IPSP in PH cells is caused by 5-HT acting on 5-HT1A receptors to activate a potassium conductance. The release of 5-HT can be inhibited by activation of a presynaptic 5-HT1D receptor. This presynaptic receptor appears to be at least partly responsible for the run-down phenomenon, and may be involved in the physiological regulation of 5-HT synaptic transmission.