Discriminative stimulus properties of 8-OH-DPAT: relationship to affinity for 5HT1A receptors

Discriminative stimulus properties of the 5-HT1A receptor biased agonists NLX-101 and F13714, in rats trained to discriminate 8-OH-DPAT from saline

NLX-101 and F13714 are selective, full efficacy, biased agonists of the serotonin (5-HT1A) receptor. NLX-101 preferentially activates cortical postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, whereas F13714 preferentially activates raphe nuclei presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. We compared NLX-101 and F13714 for their efficacy and potency to substitute for the discriminative cue produced by the prototypical, nonbiased 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (racemate). Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg i.p., 20 min pretreatment) from saline using a classical two-lever drug-discrimination procedure. 8-OH-DPAT (0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently substituted for the training dose, with about 50% responding on the 8-OH-DPAT-associated lever at 0.05 mg/kg. F13714 fully and very potently substituted for the training dose of 8-OH-DPAT from 0.018 mg/kg i.p., whereas NLX-101 only achieved full substitution at 0.5 mg/kg i.p., a dose which is known to also activate presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. The 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, buspirone, partially substituted (~80%) at 1 and 2 mg/kg i.p., doses which also decreased response rates. F13714 decreased response rates at 0.05 mg/kg. The selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100 635 (1 mg/kg s.c., 40 min pretreatment) elicited almost no responding on the 8-OH-DPAT-associated lever by itself, but blocked the discriminative stimulus effects produced by administration (20 min pretreatment) of 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg), F13714 (0.025 mg/kg), NLX-101 (0.5 mg/kg) or buspirone (1 mg/kg). These data suggest that the discriminative cue produced by 0.1 mg/kg i.p. 8-OH-DPAT results from activation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. They also further demonstrate the distinct profiles in behavioral models of 5-HT1A receptor-biased agonists.

Efficacy of buspirone for attenuating cocaine and methamphetamine reinstatement in rats

BACKGROUND

There are no approved pharmacotherapies for preventing psychomotor stimulant relapse. The operant reinstatement model has been suggested as a screen for identifying candidate medications. The present study examined if the anxiolytic buspirone could attenuate reinstatement of extinguished responding in Long-Evans rats that previously self-administered intravenous cocaine or methamphetamine.

METHODS

Rats were trained in 2-h daily sessions to self-administer 0.5mg/kg cocaine or 0.1mg/kg methamphetamine infusions followed by 12 days of instrumental extinction. Reinstatement was evoked by 17mg/kg i.p. cocaine primes or response-contingent cocaine-paired cues in cocaine-reinforced rats, and by 1mg/kg i.p. methamphetamine primes or response-contingent methamphetamine-paired cues in methamphetamine-reinforced rats.

RESULTS

Buspirone (1 and 3mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) attenuated cocaine cue but not cocaine prime reinstatement. Buspirone (1 and 3mg/kg) also significantly attenuated methamphetamine cue reinstatement. Buspirone (3mg/kg) significantly attenuated methamphetamine prime reinstatement. During all reinstatement tests, 3mg/kg buspirone reduced levels of inactive lever pressing relative to those of vehicle, significantly so during the cocaine cue-induced reinstatement tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the complexity of buspirone's neuropharmacology consisting of serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist activity, and dopamine D2, D3 and D4 receptor antagonist effects, it is uncertain which of these activities or their combination is responsible for the present results. Overall, these results suggest that buspirone may reduce the likelihood of relapse to cocaine and methamphetamine use under some conditions, although this speculation must be interpreted with caution given buspirone's similar potency to attenuate inactive-lever responding.

Effects of imidazoline and non-imidazoline α-adrenergic agents on rabbit platelet aggregation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Imidazoline α2-adrenergic agents exert complex effects on mammalian platelet aggregation. Although non-adrenergic, imidazoline (I) receptors have been revealed in human platelets, there is limited information about imidazoline's action on platelet aggregation. This study aimed to investigate aggregatory and anti-aggregatory effects of various imidazoline or non-imidazoline α-adrenergic agents on rabbit platelets.

METHODS

Aggregatory responses of agents on rabbit platelets were examined by turbidimetric method. Radioligand binding assay to platelet I1 and I2 receptors was performed using [(3)H]-clonidine and [(3)H]-idazoxan, respectively.

RESULTS

Aggregation was not induced by α-adrenoceptor agonists alone. Adrenaline and noradrenaline produced dose-dependent potentiation of ADP- or collagen-induced aggregation. Imidazoline adrenoceptor agonists clonidine and p-aminoclonidine also potentiated ADP-induced platelet aggregation. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonists and/or certain imidazoline adrenergic agents inhibited adrenaline-potentiated aggregation in a dose-dependent manner, whereas α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and non-imidazoline α-adrenergic agents were either ineffective or less effective in inhibiting adrenaline-potentiated aggregation. Rabbit platelets did not have I1 receptors, but had I2 receptors, indicating that adrenaline-potentiated platelet aggregation was inhibited by idazoxan, but not by imidazoline compounds clonidine and oxymetazoline.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

These results demonstrated that α2-adrenoceptor-blocking agents and/or imidazoline α-adrenergic agents effectively inhibit adrenaline-potentiated platelet aggregation. It is proposed that imidazoline structure in part plays a role in the inhibition of adrenaline-potentiated aggregation.

Multiple receptors contribute to the behavioral effects of indoleamine hallucinogens

Serotonergic hallucinogens produce profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition. These drugs include phenylalkylamines such as mescaline and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM), and indoleamines such as (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. Despite their differences in chemical structure, the two classes of hallucinogens produce remarkably similar subjective effects in humans, and induce cross-tolerance. The phenylalkylamine hallucinogens are selective 5-HT(2) receptor agonists, whereas the indoleamines are relatively non-selective for serotonin (5-HT) receptors. There is extensive evidence, from both animal and human studies, that the characteristic effects of hallucinogens are mediated by interactions with the 5-HT(2A) receptor. Nevertheless, there is also evidence that interactions with other receptor sites contribute to the psychopharmacological and behavioral effects of the indoleamine hallucinogens. This article reviews the evidence demonstrating that the effects of indoleamine hallucinogens in a variety of animal behavioral paradigms are mediated by both 5-HT(2) and non-5-HT(2) receptors.

Evaluation of the effects of α2 adrenoceptor antagonism with the D2 receptor antagonist raclopride on conditioned avoidance responding in rats

The α2 adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, when combined with a subeffective dose of the D2 receptor antagonist raclopride or other D2 receptor antagonists, produces inhibition of conditioned avoidance responding (CAR) in rats, an effect predictive of antipsychotic effects. In other models, this treatment combination indicates putative atypical antipsychotic effects as well, and has led to a α2/D2 receptor hypothesis for atypicality. However, this hypothesis would be better supported if other α2 adrenoceptor antagonists were investigated and the role of the alternative mechanisms, particularly 5-HT1A receptor agonism, for the behavioral effects of idazoxan were evaluated. This study sought to further test the α2/D2 receptor hypothesis by assessing the effects of α2, D2 and 5-HT1A receptor ligands on CAR in rats. Raclopride significantly reduced CAR. Administration of idazoxan or the α2 adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine with a subeffective dose of raclopride also significantly reduced CAR. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 failed to significantly reverse the inhibition of CAR produced by the idazoxan and raclopride treatment combination. To the extent that 5-HT1A receptor antagonism failed to block the effects of idazoxan in combination with raclopride on CAR, α2 adrenoceptor antagonism alone appears to potentiate the putative antipsychotic effects produced through D2 receptor antagonism.

Involvement of noradrenergic neurotransmission in the stress- but not cocaine-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in mice: role for β-2 adrenergic receptors

The responsiveness of central noradrenergic systems to stressors and cocaine poses norepinephrine as a potential common mechanism through which drug re-exposure and stressful stimuli promote relapse. This study investigated the role of noradrenergic systems in the reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-induced conditioned place preference by cocaine and stress in male C57BL/6 mice. Cocaine- (15 mg/kg, i.p.) induced conditioned place preference was extinguished by repeated exposure to the apparatus in the absence of drug and reestablished by a cocaine challenge (15 mg/kg), exposure to a stressor (6-min forced swim (FS); 20-25°C water), or administration of the α-2 adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonists yohimbine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or BRL44408 (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). To investigate the role of ARs, mice were administered the nonselective β-AR antagonist, propranolol (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), the α-1 AR antagonist, prazosin (1, 2 mg/kg, i.p.), or the α-2 AR agonist, clonidine (0.03, 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) before reinstatement testing. Clonidine, prazosin, and propranolol failed to block cocaine-induced reinstatement. The low (0.03 mg/kg) but not high (0.3 mg/kg) clonidine dose fully blocked FS-induced reinstatement but not reinstatement by yohimbine. Propranolol, but not prazosin, blocked reinstatement by both yohimbine and FS, suggesting the involvement of β-ARs. The β-2 AR antagonist ICI-118551 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), but not the β-1 AR antagonist betaxolol (10 mg/kg, i.p.), also blocked FS-induced reinstatement. These findings suggest that stress-induced reinstatement requires noradrenergic signaling through β-2 ARs and that cocaine-induced reinstatement does not require AR activation, even though stimulation of central noradrenergic neurotransmission is sufficient to reinstate.

Pharmacological facilitation of fear extinction and the search for adjunct treatments for anxiety disorders--the case of yohimbine

There is current interest in identifying drugs that facilitate fear extinction, as this form of learning is the basis of certain cognitive therapies for anxiety disorders. Following an initial report several years ago that the alpha2-adrenoreceptor antagonist yohimbine facilitated extinction in mice, more recent studies have shown mixed effects or even impairment. It has become clear that the effect of yohimbine on extinction depends on a number of factors, including genetic background, contextual variables and the presence of competing behaviors. To what extent theses effects of yohimbine are mediated through the alpha2-adrenoreceptor, as opposed to other sites of action, is also uncertain. More work is needed before this drug can be approved as a pharmacological adjunct for extinction-based therapies. More generally, the case of yohimbine may serve as a model for the development of other extinction facilitators.

The MPO Study: Just a European HEMO Study or Something Very Different?

Although results from observational and epidemiological studies suggested a survival benefit associated with high-flux hemodialysis, conclusive evidence from prospective randomized clinical trials has been lacking. Both the HEMO Study in the USA and the Membrane Permeability Outcome Study (MPO Study) in Europe are randomized studies investigating the effect of high- and low-flux hemodialysis on patient outcomes, even though there were some significant differences in the design of the two studies. An earlier randomized clinical trial could not show differences on patient survival between patient groups being treated with membranes of different material and permeability, but this trial was not designed specifically to examine this particular endpoint. Based on these previous experiences, the MPO Study addressed a hemodialysis patient population which was considered to be more susceptible to the intervention with high-flux dialysis. To identify these patients with an elevated risk, low serum albumin levels were chosen as an indicator; low serum albumin is associated with malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Together with low serum albumin, patients had to be new to dialysis to be selected for the MPO Study. These particular considerations on patient selection, together with additional methodological refinements in the study design allow the conclusion that the MPO Study is valid on its own rather than being a European version of the HEMO Study.

The stimulus effects of 8-OH-DPAT: evidence for a 5-HT2A receptor-mediated component

A previous investigation in our laboratory found that the stimulus effects of the 5-HT2A agonist, LSD, are potentiated by 5-HT1A receptor agonists including the prototypic agonist, 8-OH-DPAT. Also suggestive of behaviorally relevant interactions between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors are behavioral analyses of locomotor activity, head-twitch response, forepaw treading and production of the serotonin syndrome; in some instances effects are augmented, in other, diminished. These observations led us in the present investigation to test the hypothesis that stimulus control by 8-OH-DPAT [0.2 mg/kg; 15 min pretreatment time] is modulated by 5-HT2A ligands. Stimulus control was established with 8-OH-DPAT in a group of 10 rats. A two-lever, fixed ratio 10, positively reinforced task with saline controls was employed. As shown previously, stimulus control by 8-OH-DPAT and the generalization of 8-OH-DPAT to the 5-HT1A partial agonist, buspirone, was completely blocked by the selective 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY-100635. In contrast, antagonism by the selective 5-HT2A antagonist, M100907 [0.1 mg/kg; 30 min pretreatment time], of 8-OH-DPAT and of the generalization of 8-OH-DPAT to buspirone was statistically significant but less than complete. In light of our previous conclusions regarding the interactions of 5-HT1A agonists with LSD-induced stimulus control, the present data suggest that the interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors is bidirectional in drug discrimination studies.

Contractile effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-carboxamidotryptamine in the equine jejunum

The use of human prokinetic drugs in colic horses leads to inconsistent results. This might be related to differences in gastrointestinal receptor populations. The motor effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) on the equine mid-jejunum were therefore studied. Longitudinal muscle preparations were set up for isotonic measurement. 5-HT induced tonic contractions with superimposed phasic activity; these responses were not influenced by tetrodotoxin and atropine, suggesting a non-neurogenic, non-cholinergic pathway. The 5-HT receptor antagonists GR 127935 (5-HT(1B,D)), ketanserin (5-HT(2A)), SB 204741 (5-HT(2B)), RS 102221 (5-HT(2C)), granisetron (5-HT(3)), GR 113808 (5-HT(4)) and SB 269970 (5-HT(7)) had no influence on the 5-HT-induced response; the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonists NAN 190 (pK(b)=8.13+/-0.06) and WAY 100635 (pK(b)=8.69+/-0.07), and the 5-HT(1,2,5,6,7) receptor antagonist methysergide concentration-dependently inhibited the 5-HT-induced contractile response. The 5-HT(1,7) receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) induced a contractile response similar to that of 5-HT; its effect was not influenced by tetrodotoxin and atropine, and SB 269970, but antagonised by WAY 100635. 8-OHDPAT, buspiron and flesinoxan, which are active at rat and human 5-HT(1A) receptors, had no contractile influence. These results suggest that the contractile effect of 5-HT in equine jejunal longitudinal muscle is due to interaction with muscular 5-HT receptors, which cannot be characterised between the actually known classes of 5-HT receptors.

Atipamezole, an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, has disease modifying effects on epileptogenesis in rats

Stimulation of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors delays the development of kindling, a model of epileptogenesis in humans. Blocking alpha(2)-adrenoceptors is proconvulsant, but has beneficial effects on somatomotor recovery after experimental stroke. We investigated whether atipamezole, a selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, affects the recovery process from status epilepticus (SE)-induced brain damage, which affects the risk of epileptogenesis. Vehicle or atipamezole (100 microg/kg/h) treatment was started 1 week after the induction of SE and continued for 9 weeks using Alzet minipumps (n = 70). Development and severity of epilepsy, spatial and emotional learning, and histologic analysis were used as outcome measures. There were no differences in the percentage of animals with epilepsy in the different treatment groups. In the atipamezole group, however, daily seizure frequency was lower (P < 0.01), a higher percentage of epileptic animals had mild epilepsy (<1 seizure/day; P < 0.01), and seizure frequency did not increase over time compared with the vehicle group. The atipamezole group had milder hilar cell damage (P < 0.05) and less intense mossy fiber sprouting (P < 0.05). Behavioral impairments were similar between groups. Our data indicate that chronic treatment with atipamezole does not prevent epileptogenesis. There is, however, a disease-modifying effect; that is, the epilepsy that develops is milder and non-progressive. These data warrant further studies.

SSR181507, a dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist and 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist. I: Neurochemical and electrophysiological profile

SSR181507 ((3-exo)-8-benzoyl-N-[[(2S)7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-1-yl]methyl]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3-methanamine monohydrochloride) is a novel tropanemethanamine benzodioxane derivative that possesses high and selective affinities for D2-like and 5-HT(1A) receptors (K(I)=0.8, 0.2, and 0.2 nM for human D(2), D(3), and 5-HT(1A), respectively). In vivo, SSR181507 inhibited [(3)H]raclopride binding to D(2) receptors in the rat (ID(50)=0.9 and 1 mg/kg, i.p. in limbic system and striatum, respectively). It displayed D(2) antagonist and 5-HT(1A) agonist properties in the same concentration range in vitro (IC(50)=5.3 nM and EC(50)=2.3 nM, respectively, in the GTPgammaS model) and in the same dose range in vivo (ED(50)=1.6 and 0.7 mg/kg, i.p. on striatal DA and 5-HT synthesis, respectively, and 0.03-0.3 mg/kg, i.v. on dorsal raphe nucleus firing rate). It selectively enhanced Fos immunoreactivity in mesocorticolimbic areas as compared to the striatum. This regional selectivity was confirmed in electrophysiological studies where SSR181507, given acutely (0.1-3 mg/kg, i.p.) or chronically (3 mg/kg, i.p., o.d., 22 days), increased or decreased, respectively, the number of spontaneous active DA cells in the ventral tegmental area, but not in the substantia nigra. Moreover, SSR181507 increased both basal and phasic DA efflux (as assessed by microdialysis and electrochemistry) in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, but not in the striatum. This study shows that the combination of D(2) receptor antagonism and 5-HT(1A) agonism, in the same dose range, confers on SSR181507 a unique neurochemical and electrophysiological profile and suggests the potential of this compound for the treatment of the main dimensions of schizophrenia.

Behavioral effects Of 8-OH-DPAT in chronically stressed male and female rats

The present study tested the hypothesis that chronic stress desensitizes serotonergic 5-HT(1A) receptors and alters behavioral changes following 5-HT(1A) agonist administration. Eating, acoustic startle response (ASR), and locomotor activity were measured in stressed and nonstressed male and female rats after 8-OH-DPAT administration. Stressed rats were paired and stressed by around-the-clock intermittent foot shock. Controllable stress (CS) rats could avoid/terminate shock for themselves and their yoked partners by pulling a ceiling chain, whereas their partners, the uncontrollable stress (UCS) rats, could not. Rats earned their entire daily ration of food by pressing a lever. In previous experiments, this paradigm was stressful, but not debilitating and rats continued to eat, groom, sleep, and avoid/escape greater than 99% of shock trials. Locomotor activity and ASR were measured in the present study after saline and 8-OH-DPAT administration (0.25 mg/kg, IP) before, 24 h, and 72 h after shock onset. 8-OH-DPAT only decreased food intake significantly in male and female rats after the first administration. Stress decreased food intake in both the CS and UCS rats, with UCS rats eating the least. However, the effects of stress and 8-OH-DPAT were not additive. 8-OH-DPAT significantly increased peak startle amplitude at 100 and 120 dB, and decreased latency to peak startle amplitude at 100 dB in male and female rats. In contrast, 8-OH-DPAT did not alter percent prepulse inhibition (%PPI) at 100 dB, but significantly decreased %PPI in males but not females at 120 dB. Stress did not have a consistent effect on ASR, but reduced %PPI in males, but not females. Neither stress nor 8-OH-DPAT significantly altered locomotor activity. Although the results do not show an increased sensitivity to 8-OH-DPAT in stressed rats, the unexpectedly weak effects of 8-OH-DPAT alone on the behavioral measures chosen limits the conclusions that can be drawn.

Agonist and antagonist actions of yohimbine as compared to fluparoxan at alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (AR)s, serotonin (5-HT)(1A), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D) and dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors. Significance for the modulation of frontocortical monoaminergic transmission and depressive states

Herein, we evaluate the interaction of the alpha(2)-AR antagonist, yohimbine, as compared to fluparoxan, at multiple monoaminergic receptors and examine their roles in the modulation of adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission in freely-moving rats. Yohimbine displays marked affinity at human (h)alpha(2A)-, halpha(2B)- and halpha(2C)-ARs, significant affinity for h5-HT(1A), h5-HT(1B), h5-HT(1D), and hD(2) receptors and weak affinity for hD(3) receptors. In [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding protocols, yohimbine exerts antagonist actions at halpha(2A)-AR, h5-HT(1B), h5-HT(1D), and hD(2) sites, yet partial agonist actions at h5-HT(1A) sites. In vivo, agonist actions of yohimbine at 5-HT(1A) sites are revealed by WAY100,635-reversible induction of hypothermia in the rat. In guinea pigs, antagonist actions of yohimbine at 5-HT(1B) receptors are revealed by blockade of hypothermia evoked by the 5-HT(1B) agonist, GR46,611. In distinction to yohimbine, fluparoxan shows only modest partial agonist actions at h5-HT(1A) sites versus marked antagonist actions at halpha(2)-ARs. While fluparoxan selectively enhances hippocampal noradrenaline (NAD) turnover, yohimbine also enhances striatal dopamine (DA) turnover and suppresses striatal turnover of 5-HT. Further, yohimbine decreases firing of serotonergic neurones in raphe nuclei, an action reversed by WAY100,635. Fluparoxan increases extracellular levels of DA and NAD, but not 5-HT, in frontal cortex. In analogy, yohimbine enhances FCX levels of DA and NAD, yet suppresses those of 5-HT, the latter effect being antagonized by WAY100,635. The induction by fluoxetine of FCX levels of 5-HT, DA, and NAD is potentiated by fluparoxan. Yohimbine likewise facilitates the influence of fluoxetine upon DA and NAD levels, but not those of 5-HT. In conclusion, the alpha(2)-AR antagonist properties of yohimbine increase DA and NAD levels both alone and in association with fluoxetine. However, in contrast to the selective alpha(2)-AR antagonist, fluparoxan, the 5-HT(1A) agonist actions of yohimbine suppress 5-HT levels alone and underlie its inability to augment the influence of fluoxetine upon 5-HT levels.

Influence of 5-HT1A receptors on central noradrenergic activity: microdialysis studies using (+/-)-MDL 73005EF and its enantiomers

Recent studies indicate that 5-HT1A receptor agonists stimulate noradrenaline release in the brain. Here we investigate the mechanism underlying the increase in extracellular noradrenaline induced by (+/-)-MDL 73005EF, a weak 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Extracellular noradrenaline was measured in the hippocampus of the awake rat using microdialysis. (+/-)-MDL 73005EF (0.1, 1 and 5 mg/kg s.c.) caused a dose-related increase in noradrenaline. The active S(-)- enantiomer of MDL 73005EF (1 mg/kg s.c.) also increased noradrenaline whereas the inactive R(+)- enantiomer (1 mg/kg s.c.) did not. Measurements of extracellular 5-HT in hippocampus of anaesthetised rats confirmed that the 5-HT1A receptor agonist action of (+/-)-MDL 73005EF resides in the S(-)- enantiomer. Thus, S(-)-MDL 73005EF (0.3 and 1 mg/kg s.c.) markedly decreased 5-HT, whereas R(+)-MDL 73005EF (1 mg/kg s.c.) did not. The noradrenaline response to (+/-)-MDL 73005EF (1 mg/kg s.c.) was significantly blocked by the selective 5-T1A receptor antagonist, WAY 100635 (1 but not 0.3 mg/kg s.c). The noradrenaline response to (+/-)-MDL 73005EF (1 mg/kg s.c.) was not modified by pretreatment with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine. Intra-hippocampal application of (+/-)-MDL 73005EF (10 microM in perfusion medium) did not increase noradrenaline. Although (+/-)-MDL 73005EF has moderate affinity for dopamine D2 binding sites, the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, remoxipride (1 mg/kg s.c.) did not increase noradrenaline. In conclusion, our data suggest that (+/-)-MDL 73005EF increases noradrenaline release in rat hippocampus through activation of 5HT1A receptors that appear to be located postsynaptically. These data are discussed in relation to the antidepressant/anxiolytic effects of 5-HT1A agonists.

Discriminative stimulus properties of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist BAY x 3702 in the rat

The aminomethylchroman derivative BAY x 3702 (R-(-)-2-¿4-[(chroman-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-butyl¿-1,1-dioxo-benzo[d] isothiazolone HCl) has recently been characterized as a relatively selective, high affinity 5-HT1A receptor agonist with neuroprotective, anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in animal models. It was the aim of the present study to further confirm its receptor binding profile in an in vivo assay. Rats were trained to discriminate BAY x 3702 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) from vehicle in a standard two-lever fixed ratio 10 food-reinforced procedure. All rats learned the discrimination, the median number of sessions to reach criterion being 38 (range: 22-58 sessions). Generalization tests with BAY x 3702 showed dose-dependent and complete generalization after different routes of administration; the ED50 values being: 0.030, 0.007 and 0.36 mg/kg, after i.p., i.v. and p.o. administration, respectively. Assessment of the duration of action after administration of 0.1 mg/kg BAY x 3702, i.p., resulted in a T1/2 of 65 min. Dose-dependent and complete generalization was also obtained with the 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin, ED50 in mg/kg, i.p.: 0.086), flesinoxan (0.30), SR 57746A ((4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-N-(2-(naphth-2-yl)ethyl)-1,2,3,6-tet rahydropyridine HCl, 1.0), the (+)-enantiomer of BAY x 3702 (1.3) and ipsapirone (1.8); the ED50 values being closely correlated with their respective affinities for the 5-HT1A receptor. Pretreatment with the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 ((N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexane carboxamide trihydrochloride) dose-dependently and completely blocked the discriminative effects of 0.1 mg/kg BAY x 3702 (ID50: 0.013 mg/kg, i.p.). WAY-100635, prazosin, idazoxan, raclopride, paroxetine, (-)-BAY k 8644 (methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoro-methyl-phenyl)-p yridine-5-carboxylate), ethanol, and the putative neuroprotectants MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydroxy-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-imin e), CNS 1102 (N-(1-naphthyl)-N'-(3-ethylphenyl)-N'-methyl-guanidine), CGS 19755 (cis-4-(phosphonomethyl) piperidine-2-carboxylic acid) and nimodipine did not induce more than 20% generalization. It is concluded that the BAY x 3702 cue is mediated by its agonistic activity at 5-HT1A receptors.

Facilitation of cognitive functions by a specific alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole

The present experiments investigated the effects of a specific and potent alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole (as a stimulator of the noradrenergic system) on cognitive performance in rats. Atipamezole enhanced the acquisition of a linear-arm maze test and also improved the choice accuracy of poorly performing rats in a delayed (20 min) three-choice maze test. Furthermore, atipamezole improved the achievement of a one-trial appetite-maze when injected immediately after teaching, thus having an effect on consolidation. Atipamezole clearly impaired the acquisition of the active avoidance test. The present results indicate that stimulation of noradrenergic system by atipamezole improves the performance of animals in tasks assessing relational learning and memory, possibly affecting attention, short-term memory and the speed of information processing. It has also an effect on a consolidation process unrelated to attentional or motivational mechanisms. In a stressful test. stimulation of noradrenaline release leads to impairment of performance.

Differentiation of 5-HT1A receptor ligands by drug discrimination

Pigeons were trained to discriminate 0.64 mg/kg (high dose) of 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-(2-di-n-propylamino)tetralin) from saline or were retrained to discriminate 0.16 mg/kg (low dose) of 8-OH-DPAT from saline. This resulted in a decrease of the ED50 for recognition of the 8-OH-DPAT cue from 0.14 to 0.04 mg/kg. Partial agonists for the 5-HT1A receptor (e.g., buspirone) were generalized fully in the low dose condition, but only partially in the high dose condition. Full antagonists, such as N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY-100635), antagonized the 8-OH-DPAT cue in both groups without producing generalization in either group. (-)-Pindolol produced full generalization in the low dose group, but antagonized the high dose stimulus cue. The behavioral effects of other compounds with 5-HT1A receptor activities (4-iodo-N-[2-[4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-pyridinyl-benz ami de hydrochloride (p-MPPI): (-)-1-(1H-indol-4-yloxy)-3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-propanol maleate ((-)-LY206130); racemic pindolol and idazoxan) also differed between groups. Comparing results obtained using differing training doses in the drug discrimination paradigm simplifies determination of the full agonist, partial agonist, or antagonist properties of compounds.

Comparative behavioural profiles of buspirone and its metabolite 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP) in the murine elevated plus-maze

It has been suggested that in vivo formation of the metabolite 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP) may be a major drawback in the use of buspirone as an anti-anxiety agent. To test this hypothesis, the effects of buspirone, alone or with proadifen (an inhibitor of liver microsomal enzymes) pretreatment, were contrasted with those of 1-PP in the murine elevated plus-maze test of anxiety. At 3.0 mg/kg (but not lower doses), buspirone per se had modest anxiolytic-like effects (increased percentage of open arm entries; reduced stretched-attend postures and flatback approach) that were associated with increased grooming and immobility. However, in proadifen-pretreated mice, buspirone produced behavioural depression only, with marked effects evident both at 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg. As proadifen blocks the biotransformation of buspirone to 1-PP, these data suggest that any anxiolytic activity of buspirone in the murine plus-maze may be attributable to its principal active metabolite. Consistent with this hypothesis, 1-PP (0.5-13.5 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent anti-anxiety effects on both conventional and ethological measures that were not confounded by motoric impairment. Results are discussed in relation to biochemical and electrophysiological studies suggesting that 1-PP has a direct action at 5-HT1A receptors.

The putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonist DU125530 blocks the discriminative stimulus of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist flesinoxan in pigeons

Twelve homing pigeons were trained to discriminate the 5-HT1A receptor agonist flesinoxan (0.25 mg/kg p.o.) from its vehicle in a fixed ratio (FR) 30 two-key operant drug discrimination procedure. Tests for generalization and antagonism showed that compounds with agonistic action at the 5-HT1A receptor, such as 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin), buspirone and ipsapirone all substituted for the flesinoxan cue. Compounds with mixed agonistic action at the 5-HT(1A/1B) receptor fully (eltoprazine) or partially (RU24969 (5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl-1H-indole)) substituted for flesinoxan. TFMPP (1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine) and mCPP (1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine), both acting at the 5-HT(1B/2C) receptor, did not substitute for flesinoxan, neither did the selective 5-HT re-uptake inhibitor fluvoxamine. The results of the antagonism tests showed that the 5-HT1A receptor antagonists NAN-190 (1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine), WAY 100635 ((N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclo-he xane-carboxamide) and the newly developed DU125530 (2-[4-[4-(7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-5-yl)-1-piperazinyl ]butyl]-1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one-1,1-dioxide) fully (more than 80%) blocked the flesinoxan cue without having substantial effects when given alone. WAY100135 (N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl)-2-phenylpropanamide ), (+/-)-pindolol and (S)-UH-301 ((S)-5-fluoro-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)-tetralin) all partially antagonized the flesinoxan cue. However, both WAY100135 as well as (+/-)-pindolol also partially substituted for flesinoxan in generalization tests. NAN190, (S)-UH-301, WAY100635 and DU125530 were without any activity in the generalization test at the doses tested. The putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonist S15535 (4-benzodioxan-5-yl) 1-(indan-2-yl)piperazine) was identified as a full agonist in the present procedure. Taken together these results suggest that the flesinoxan cue in pigeons is mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor and that DU125530 acts as a full antagonist on the 5-HT1A receptor.

Discriminative stimulus properties of eltoprazine

Rats were trained to discriminate eltoprazine (1-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-5-yl)-piperazine) (1.0 mg/kg p.o.) from demineralized water in a two lever operant procedure. Eltoprazine generalized to the 5-HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline (6-chloro-2-[piperidyl-4-thiol]-pyridine hydrochloride), the 5-HT(1A,1B) receptor agonists batoprazine (8-(1-piperazinyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one) and 1-NP (1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine hydrochloride), and to the 5-HT(1B/2C) receptor agonist mCPP (1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine dihydrochloride). The 5-HT1A receptor agonist flesinoxan (R(+)-N-[2[4-(2,3-dihydro-2-2-hydroxy-methyl-1,4-benzodioxin-5-yl) -1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-4-fluorobenzoamide) generalized partially and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride) failed to antagonize the eltoprazine cue, suggesting that 5-HT1A receptors are of limited importance in the discriminative stimulus properties of eltoprazine. Methiothepin, mCPP, mianserin and alprazolam did not antagonize the eltoprazine cue. The 5-HT(1A,1B,1D) receptor agonist GR46611X (3-[3-(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)-1H-indol-6-yl]-N-(4-methoxy-benzyl)acrylam ide) and the 5-HT(1B,1D) receptor antagonist GR127935T (N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) [1,1,-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide) did neither generalize to nor antagonize the eltoprazine cue, whereas (-)-alprenolol showed partial antagonism and substitution. These results show that the eltoprazine discriminative stimulus is mediated by the 5-HT1B receptor, although the lack of good 5-HT1B receptor antagonists weakens this conclusion.

8-OH-DPAT-induced mydriasis in mice: a pharmacological characterisation

8-Hydroxy(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.1-50 mg/kg i.p.) evoked a dose-dependent mydriatic response in conscious mice (ED50 = 5.8 mg/kg i.p.) which was maximal after 10 min. 8-OH-DPAT (2 mg/kg i.p.)-induced mydriasis was attenuated by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, idazoxan (1 and 3 mg/kg i.p.) and yohimbine (1 and 3 mg/kg i.p.), by the 5-HT1 receptor antagonists, pindolol (10 mg/kg i.p.) and quipazine (2 mg/kg i.p.), and by the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, (-)-N-tert-butyl-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-phenyl propionamide ((-)-WAY 100135; 1-10 mg/kg s.c.). These data argue that both central alpha 2-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the mediation of mydriasis induced by 8-OH-DPAT. The synaptic location of these receptors was determined using either N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4; 100 mg/kg i.p.) or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT; 75 micrograms i.c.v.)+p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA; 200 mg/kg i.p.); these lesioning procedures respectively produced highly significant losses of whole brain noradrenaline (72% depletion) and 5-HT (78% depletion). The former abolished 8-OH-DPAT (5 mg/kg i.p. (ED50)) mydriasis, whereas the latter was without effect. 8-OH-DPAT (0.5-5 mg/kg i.p.) also dose-dependently increased the noradrenaline metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG), in mouse whole brain minus cerebellum. Taken together these results show that 8-OH-DPAT initially stimulates 5-HT1A receptors, and it is likely that this is followed by release of noradrenaline onto postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors, the latter effect being responsible for the mydriatic response.

Role of 5-HT1A receptors in the ability of mixed 5-HT1A receptor agonist/dopamine D2 receptor antagonists to inhibit methylphenidate-induced behaviors in rats

Behavioral effects produced by the indirect-acting dopamine receptor agonist, methylphenidate (40 mg/kg i.p.) were examined in rats after administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and flesinoxan, the mixed 5-HT1A receptor agonist/dopamine D2 receptor antagonists buspirone and 1-[-4-fluorobenzoylamino)ethyl]-ethyl]-4-(7-methoxynaphthyl) piperazine (S 14506), the neuroleptics haloperidol and clozapine, and the sigma receptor ligand/partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine-butanol (BMY 14802). All of the compounds produced dose-related decreases in methylphenidate-induced stereotyped gnawing, and, as gnawing was inhibited, other methylphenidate-induced responses (i.e. sniffing, rearing and locomotion) appeared. Higher doses of haloperidol and buspirone, but none of the remaining compounds, inhibited these other responses, so that the behavior of the methyphenidate-treated animals became similar to that of normal controls. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist N-[2-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)- cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY-100635; 0.63 mg/kg s.c.) blocked the ability of 8-OH-DPAT, S 14506 and flesinoxan to inhibit methylphenidate-induced gnawing, demonstrating the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in their ability to inhibit methylphenidate-induced behaviors. In contrast, pretreatment with WAY-100635 did not alter the ability of haloperidol, clozapine, buspirone, or BMY 14802 to inhibit methylphenidate-induced gnawing, or in the case of haloperidol and buspirone, to normalize behavior. The results indicate that mixed compounds with 5-HT1A receptor agonist and dopamine receptor antagonist properties can be differentiated on the basis of the ability of WAY-100635 to reverse their effects on methylphenidate-induced behaviors.

Protective effects of maternal buspirone treatment on serotonin reuptake sites in ethanol-exposed offspring

Previous work in this laboratory demonstrated that in utero ethanol exposure is associated with abnormal development of the serotonergic system. Specific abnormalities included deficiencies of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolites, and cortical 5-HT reuptake sites. The concentration of 5-HT1A receptors was also altered. The serotonin deficit was detected in the fetal ethanol-exposed brain, at an age when 5-HT would normally function as an essential trophic factor. Thus, it was hypothesized that the early 5-HT ethanol-associated deficit of an essential trophic factor (e.g. 5-HT) could contribute to subsequent developmental abnormalities in serotonergic neurons. In the present investigation we used quantitative autoradiography (QAR) to more fully characterize the developmental abnormalities in 5-HT reuptake sites in developing offspring of ethanol-fed rats. In addition, we attempted to overcome the potential negative impact of the ethanol-associated deficit of fetal 5-HT, by administering a 5-HT1A agonist, buspirone, to pregnant rats. These investigations demonstrated that postnatal (PN) 19 and/or 35 day ethanol-exposed offspring had a significant decrease in [3H]citalopram binding to 5-HT reuptake sites in the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, lateral hypothalamus, substantia nigra, medial septum, and striatum. In contrast, [3H]citalopram binding was increased in the dorsal raphe on PN5 and in the median raphe on PN19. No significant ethanol-associated changes were detected in the hippocampus CA3 region or in the amygdala. When [3H]citalopram binding was compared in the offspring of saline- and buspirone-treated dams, it appeared that maternal treatment with buspirone prevented or reversed most of the ethanol-associated developmental abnormalities in 5-HT reuptake sites. Buspirone prevented the decline in binding of [3H]citalopram in the frontal cortex, lateral hypothalamus, substantia nigra and medial septum. Similarly, buspirone treatment prevented the ethanol-associated increase in binding in the dorsal and median raphe. Additional experiments are needed to elucidate the impact of maternal buspirone treatment on the development of other neurotransmitter systems in offspring.

Effects of the serotonin receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT and TFMPP on learning as assessed using a novel water maze

We evaluated the effects of two drugs active at serotonin receptors, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT1A agonist) and N-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (TFMPP, a 5-HT2C agonist) on learning using a novel water maze previously characterized in our laboratory. The water maze utilized is a traditional type of maze with alleyways and doors through which the rats learn to swim to reach a platform, unlike the open pool Morris water maze task. Performance is assessed by swim time required to reach the platform and errors committed. Following initial training on maze configuration A, rats were assigned to saline, TFMPP and 8-OH-DPAT treatment groups and tested for performance once per dose, 30 min after administration of drug (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg IP). Swim times were significantly increased as compared to saline for all doses for both drugs. The error rate was increased for 8-OH-DPAT at all doses, while TFMPP had no effect on error rate at any dose. Next, rats were challenged to learn new mazes following daily administration of 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg of each drug 30 min prior to each daily swim trial. Rats given 0.25 mg/kg of 8-OH-DPAT learned new maze C more slowly than saline-treated rats, while TFMPP had no effect at this dose. At the higher dose of 0.5 mg/kg, tested on new maze B, TFMPP administration significantly increased swim times but not errors, while this dose of 8-OH-DPAT markedly increased both swim time and errors. Finally, rats from all groups were tested on maze E after drug administration was discontinued, and there were no performance differences among groups. These data suggest that serotonin1A receptors may inhibit learning.

(-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol affect rat hippocampal 5-HT levels through mechanisms involving not only 5-HT1A, but also 5-HT1B receptors

The present work examined, using in vivo microdialysis, the effects of 0.16-10 mg/kg of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, (-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol, which have additional 5-HT1A receptor antagonist properties, on extracellular 5-HT levels in the ventral hippocampus of chloral hydrate-anaesthetized rats. These effects were compared with those observed when (-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol were given together with the 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.31 mg/kg i.p.). When given alone, (-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol increased 5-HT levels not only after systemic administration (at 2.5 and 10 mg/kg s.c.), but also when perfused locally through the dialysis probe (at a concentration of 10 microM). At doses equal to or lower than those that increased 5-HT when given alone, (-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol inhibited the decrease of extracellular 5-HT levels induced by 8-OH-DPAT. At higher doses, however, (-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol were less able to reverse these effects of 8-OD-DPAT. The selective beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, (+/-)-betaxolol, did not alter 5-HT levels, either when given alone or when given together with 8-OD-DPAT. Although the antagonism of the 8-OH-DPAT-induced decrease of 5-HT levels by (-)-pindolol and (+/-)-tertatolol is likely to be related to their 5-HT1A antagonist properties, their ability to increase extracellular 5-HT levels when given alone may involve interactions with 5-HT1B receptors at hippocampal 5-HT terminals.

Oral cavity absorption of (R)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and (S)-8-acetyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin in the rat

The present communication reports on the efficacy of (R)-8-OH-DPAT ((R)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) and (S)-LY-41 ((S)-8-acetyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) in displaying the 5-HT1A syndrome and decreasing body temperature after administration of the compound subcutaneously into the gastric ventricle or into the oral cavity in the rat. The dose range eliciting a clear-cut HT1A syndrome and hypothermia after oral cavity administration was 1/10-1/30 that of the gastric ventricle dose range, but 10-30 times higher than the dose range used for subcutaneous administration of both (R)-8-OH-DPAT and (S)-LY-41. Determination of the concentrations of (R)-8-OH-DPAT in plasma and brain tissue confirmed a higher bioavailability after oral cavity than after gastric ventricle administration; plasma and brain tissue concentrations of the drug were found to be approximately 3 times those after 10 mumol/kg-1 orally than after 100 mumol/kg-1 gastroventrically at 15-60 min after administration of (R)-8-OH-DPAT. These findings suggest that the oral cavity may be an important site for drug delivery of 8-OH-DPAT, LY-41 and other compounds with a low gastrointestinal bioavailability.

Discriminative stimulus effects of the 5HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT: attenuation by mu but not by kappa opioids

The ability of mu and kappa opioids to alter the discriminative-stimulus and rate-decreasing effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT was examined in rats trained to discriminate either a low (0.1 mg/kg) or a high (0.3 mg/kg) dose of 8-OH-DPAT from water using a two-lever food-reinforced drug discrimination procedure. The mu opioids, morphine and fentanyl, and the kappa opioids, U50,488 and bremazocine, failed to substitute for the 8-OH-DPAT stimulus, even when tested up to doses that substantially reduced rates of responding. During antagonism tests, selected doses of the mu opioids, morphine and fentanyl, administered at various pretreatment times, attenuated the stimulus effects of both training doses of 8-OH-DPAT. Moreover, morphine (135-min pretreat) and fentanyl (15-min pretreat) produced rightward shifts in the 8-OH-DPAT dose-effect curve that were partially surmountable and naltrexone-reversible. In contrast to the effects of the mu opioids, the kappa opioids, U50,488 and bremazocine, failed to alter the stimulus effects of the training dose of 8-OH-DPAT, regardless of dose or pretreatment time. The rate-decreasing effects of 8-OH-DPAT were not altered substantially by either the mu or kappa opioids examined. The present study demonstrates that the stimulus effects, but not the rate-decreasing effects, of 5-HT1A receptor agonists can be modulated by mu opioids, whereas neither of these effects are changed by kappa opioids.

Dose-dependent effects of buspirone on behavior and cerebral glucose metabolism in rats

In this study we compared the effects of the anxiolytic buspirone on behavior and regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) with those of the reference serotonin (5-HT)1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (DPAT). Behavioral effects were assessed by scoring the 5-HT syndrome. rCMRglc was measured in 56 brain regions by using the quantitative autoradiographic [14C]2-deoxyglucose technique, at 10 min after i.p. injection of DPAT (1 mg/kg) or buspirone (0.4, 4 and 40 mg/kg) in awake male Fischer-344 rats. Whereas DPAT produced an intense 5-HT syndrome, buspirone had no behavioral effect. A low dose (0.4 mg/kg) of buspirone reduced rCMRglc in 18 brain areas (32%), more markedly in limbic areas and raphe nuclei. These were the only rCMRglc effects buspirone had in common with the potent 5-HT1A agonist DPAT and suggest that low dose buspirone activates preferentially 5-HT1A receptors. Hence, this receptor subtype may mediate buspirone functional effects on the limbic system and, given the role of these brain areas in mood control, possibly buspirone therapeutic actions. High doses (4 and 40 mg/kg) of buspirone produced widespread rCMRglc decreases in 46 (82%) and 44 (79%) of the areas studied and increased rCMRglc in one brain area, the lateral habenula, that was not affected by DPAT or a low dose of buspirone. The topographic distribution and direction of rCMRglc changes by high doses of buspirone differ from those produced by the 5-HT1A agonist DPAT. Instead these changes resemble the rCMRglc effects of dopaminergic D2 antagonists like haloperidol and are consistent with some pharmacological and binding properties of buspirone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anxiolytic-like effects of yohimbine in the murine plus-maze: strain independence and evidence against alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediation

The influence of alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists in animal models of anxiety is quite inconsistent, with results spanning the full range of effect from anxiogenesis to anxiolysis. In the present study, an ethological technique was used to examine the effects of yohimbine (0.5-4.0 mg/kg) on plus-maze behaviour in DBA/2 mice. Results indicated significant anxiolytic-like effects on standard spatiotemporal measures at 2.0-4.0 mg/kg, and on risk assessment measures across the entire dose range. Full-scale follow-up studies with T1 and BALB/c strains confirmed that this action of yohimbine in the murine plus-maze is not peculiar to DBA/2 mice. The more selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (0.63-5.0 mg/kg), exerted much weaker behavioural effects in the maze while the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine (0.01-0.1 mg/kg), produced a profile consistent with non-specific behavioural disruption. Data are discussed in relation to the possible involvement of 5-HT1A receptor mechanisms in the observed anxiolytic-like effects of yohimbine in the murine plus-maze.

Pharmacological evidence for the involvement of sigma sites in DTG-induced contralateral circling in rats

The central distribution of sigma sites labelled by di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG), a compound which has specific affinity for sigma sites, and its ability to produce postural movements, are consistent with the hypothesis that sigma sites may play a functional role in the regulation of movement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the specificity of the circling behaviour induced by unilateral intranigral injection of DTG in rats. As previously described, DTG produced dose-dependent unilateral rotations (2.5-20 nmol/rat). A similar dose-dependent circling behaviour was observed with DMTG and (+) NANM (3-40 nmol/rat), compounds which bind to both sigma and PCP sites, and with haloperidol (3-20 nmol/rat) whereas raclopride and D,L-sulpiride did not elicit any circling (10 nmol/rat). DTG-induced circling after intranigral injection (10 nmol/rat) was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by rimcazole (20-40 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective ligand for sigma sites, and by BMY 14802 (3, 10, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), ifenprodil and eliprodil (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), non-selective sigma ligands. In contrast, naloxone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and CGS 19755 (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not change the DTG-induced circling. Eliprodil failed to inhibit circling produced by compounds devoid of any affinity for sigma sites such as APV, dizocilpine or muscimol, indicating the specificity of the inhibition observed with eliprodil on the DTG-induced circling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenoceptors and dopamine receptors are not involved in the discriminative stimulus effect of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist flesinoxan

Using a two-lever operant drug discrimination procedure, rats were trained to discriminate the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, flesinoxan (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), from saline. Hereafter, several non-serotonergic drugs were tested in generalization and antagonism tests. The flesinoxan stimulus did not generalize to the stimuli of either the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine, the dopamine receptor antagonists, haloperidol and pimozide, the benzodiazepine receptor agonist, chlordiazepoxide, nor to the peripherally acting vasodilator, hydralazine. In antagonism studies, prazosin, haloperidol, pimozide and the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan, failed to block the flesinoxan stimulus. In substitution tests, however, flesinoxan partially generalized to idazoxan and completely to the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine. The affinities of yohimbine and idazoxan for the 5-HT1A receptor may explain the latter result. The present findings suggest that the central mechanism through which flesinoxan exerts its discriminative stimulus effects does not involve alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, dopamine and benzodiazepine receptors. Finally, the results with the blood pressure lowering agents, hydralazine, clonidine and prazosin do not support the suggestion that the centrally mediated blood pressure lowering effects of flesinoxan contribute to its internal stimulus effect.

Antiemetic effects of flesinoxan in cats: comparisons with 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin

The antiemetic effects of flesinoxan were evaluated following s.c. administration in cats. Flesinoxan produced a dose-dependent suppression of motion sickness and also reduced xylazine-induced emesis at higher doses. Flesinoxan had a short latency to onset and may have a brief duration of action. It was slightly more potent that 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), in contrast to their relative potencies on most other in vivo measures. High doses of both agonists produced defensive behavior as a result of 5-HT1A receptor stimulation. (-)-Propranolol, which previously reduced 8-OH-DPAT suppression of feline motion sickness, failed to reduce the antiemetic effect of flesinoxan. The dose of 3 mg/kg of NAN-190 (1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine) produced a slight decrease in motion sickness and added to the suppression of motion sickness by low doses of flesinoxan via an uncertain mechanism. It also reduced the antiemetic effect of higher doses of flesinoxan. In contrast, NAN-190 produced additive antiemetic effects when combined with 8-OH-DPAT and little if any reduction. NAN-190 reduced the defensiveness produced by both flesinoxan and 8-OH-DPAT. Phentolamine and sulpiride reduced neither the antiemetic effect nor the defensive behavior produced by flesinoxan, thus ruling out a role for alpha-adrenoceptors and dopamine D2 receptors. Flesinoxan exerted a broad spectrum antiemetic effect by an action at 5-HT1A receptors as does 8-OH-DPAT, but differed in its response to putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonists.

Shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization in young adult rats: a model for testing putative anti-anxiety drugs

A putative animal model of anxiety based on shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization was pharmacologically validated in young adult rats. Suppression of shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization was obtained with diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, meprobamate and pentobarbital; the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin], buspirone, ipsapirone, gepirone and tandospirone; the nonselective 5-HT receptor agonists TFMPP [1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazin], mCPP [1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazin] and DOI (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane); the NMDA antagonists PCP (phencyclidine) and MK-801; the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists idazoxane, yohimbine and 1-PP (1-pyrimidinylpiperazine); and the atypical neuroleptic clozapine. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine, the 5-HT2/5-HT1C antagonist ritanserin, the 5-HT3 antagonists ondansetron and ICS-205,930, and the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine did not, or only partially, reduce ultrasonic vocalization. Tricyclic and tetracyclic, as well as some atypical antidepressants and a monoamineoxidase (MAO) inhibitor, showed no ultrasonic vocalization reducing effects, or reduced ultrasonic vocalization only at high doses. An opiate, an antimuscarinic, (pro)convulsants and typical neuroleptics did not reduce ultrasonic vocalization. The present findings suggest that the ultrasonic vocalization model specifically measures anxiolytic effects. Because ultrasonic vocalization responding develops within five days, remains stable for at least three months and gives highly reproducible results, the test appears suitable for rapid and repeated testing of new anxiolytics in the same animals.