Effects of serotonergic agents on apomorphine-induced locomotor activity

The Natural Protoalkaloid Methyl-2-Amino-3-Methoxybenzoate (MAM) Alleviates Positive as well as Cognitive Symptoms in Rat and Mouse Schizophrenia Models

The development of new antipsychotics with pro-cognitive properties and less side effects represents a priority in schizophrenia drug research. In this study, we present for the first time a preclinical exploration of the effects of the promising natural atypical antipsychotic Methyl-2-Amino-3- Methoxybenzoate (MAM), a brain-penetrable protoalkaloid from the seed of the plant Nigella damascena. Using animal models related to hyperdopaminergic activity, namely the pharmacogenetic apomorphine (D2/D1 receptor agonist)-susceptible (APO-SUS) rat model and pharmacologically induced mouse and rat models of schizophrenia, we found that MAM reduced gnawing stereotypy and climbing behaviours induced by dopaminergic agents. This predicts antipsychotic activity. In line, MAM antagonized apomorphine-induced c-Fos and NPAS4 mRNA levels in post-mortem brain nucleus accumbens and dorsolateral striatum of APO-SUS rats. Furthermore, phencyclidine (PCP, an NMDA receptor antagonist) and 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI, a 5HT2A/2C receptor agonist) induced prepulse inhibition deficits, reflecting the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, which were rescued by treatment with MAM and atypical antipsychotics alike. Post-mortem brain immunostaining revealed that MAM blocked the strong activation of both PCP- and DOI-induced c-Fos immunoreactivity in a number of cortical areas. Finally, during a 28-day subchronic treatment regime, MAM did not induce weight gain, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia or hepato- and nephrotoxic effects, side effects known to be induced by atypical antipsychotics. MAM also did not show any cataleptic effects. In conclusion, its brain penetrability, the apparent absence of preclinical side effects, and its ability to antagonize positive and cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia make MAM an exciting new antipsychotic drug that deserves clinical testing.

A case-control association study of serotonin 1A receptor gene and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Serotonergic system-related genes are likely to be involved in mechanisms underlying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the association of serotonin the 1A receptor C-1019G single nucleotide polymorphism (HTR1A C-1019G SNP) and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene -703G/T (TPH2 -703G/T) SNP with ADHD. All of the ADHD subjects completed a comprehensive and standardized diagnostic and psychological evaluation battery including the parents' Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ARS). The genotype and allele frequencies of 78 ADHD patients and 107 normal controls were analyzed for 5-HTR1A C-1019G and TPH2 -703G/T. There were statistically significant differences in the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of HTR1A C-1019G between the ADHD group and the control group. The homozygous allele C frequency was significantly higher in ADHD patients than in controls. However, no differences in either genotype distribution or in allele frequencies of TPH2 -703G/T were observed between the ADHD patients and the controls. In the ADHD patients, ANCOVA revealed that there were no significant differences in the subscales and total score between the ADHD probands with the CC genotype and those with the CG and GG genotypes in ARS and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) when adjusting for age and gender. The odds ratio comparing the CC genotype group with the CG genotype group and the C allele with G was 2.12 and 1.79 respectively. Therefore, genotype CC was associated with higher risk of ADHD. Our results suggest that the HTR1A C-1019G SNP may affect susceptibility to ADHD. Further investigation with a larger number of subjects is needed in order to confirm this finding.

Dopaminergic and serotonergic autoreceptor stimulation effects are equivalent and additive in the suppression of spontaneous and cocaine induced locomotor activity

We used the D(2) receptor agonist, apomorphine (APO) and the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, 8-OHDPAT (8OH) in a low dose range to stimulate autoreceptors and in this way assess the separate and combined effects of reduced DA and 5-HT activity upon spontaneous and cocaine induced locomotor behavior. Two separate experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, separate groups of rats (N=10) were tested with either saline, 8OH, APO or 8OH plus APO (0.01, 0.025, 0.05 mg/kg). At 0.05 mg/kg, 8OH and APO induced similar dose related decreases (up to approximately 50%) in locomotor activity. The combined 8OH plus APO treatment induced dose-related decreases in locomotion (approximately 90%). At the 0.05 mg/kg dose level, the drug treatments given separately blocked cocaine induced increases in activity and the 8OH and APO inhibitory effects were again additive. In the second experiment, separate groups (N=10) received saline, 0.05 mg/kg APO, 0.05 mg/kg 8OH or 0.05 mg/kg APO plus 0.05 mg/kg 8OH. As in the first experiment, the 8OH and APO given separately reduced locomotor activity by approximately 50% and when given together, locomotor activity was virtually eliminated (reduced 80-90%). When the combined APO/8OH group also received the 5-HT(1A) antagonist, WAY 100635 (0.05 mg/kg), the effect on activity was equivalent to 0.05 mg/kg APO alone. Ex vivo neurochemical measurement of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) metabolism confirmed that the APO decreased DA turnover, 8OH decreased 5-HT turnover and the combined treatment reduced both the DA and 5-HT turnover. Thus, for both spontaneous and cocaine induced locomotor behavior, the low dose 8OH and APO treatments suppressed locomotor activity and these effects were additive. These findings indicate that DA and 5-HT systems contribute separately to motoric activation. These results suggest that it is important to consider both DA and 5-HT contributions to disorders of motoric impoverishment such as Parkinson's disease as well as to hyperkinetic states such as those induced by stimulant drugs.

5-HT1A receptor activity disrupts spontaneous alternation behavior in rats

Agonists selective for three different serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes were tested for the ability to disrupt spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) in the CD strain of rats. Rats were scored for alternation or repetition in their choice of arms of a T-maze equally baited with chocolate milk. Compared with vehicle controls, the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetraline (8-OH-DPAT; 2 mg/kg) significantly (P<.0001) increased repetitive choices (disrupted SAB). In contrast, intraperitoneal injections with the 5-HT(2) agonist R-(-)-dimethoxyiodophenylaminoethane (DOI; 1 mg/kg) or the 5-HT(3) agonist N-methyl quipazine (NMQ; 3 mg/kg) had no significant effect on SAB in CD rats. Onset of vicarious trial and error (VTE) behavior prolonged the time required for each rat to select an arm of the T-maze when injected with either 8-OH-DPAT (P<.0001) or buspirone (1-2 mg/kg), a 5-HT(1A) partial agonist. The disruption of SAB and the induction of VTE behavior were reversible with behavioral scores returning to preinjection levels within 48 h after injections. The disruption of SAB by 8-OH-DPAT was also seen with the Long-Evans rat strain. The results extend the use of the SAB model and point to a specific role of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the induction of repetitive behavioral patterns.

The serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype does not mediate apomorphine-induced aggressive behaviour in male Wistar rats

We have studied the effect of the 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists on apomorphine-induced aggressive behaviour in male Wistar rats. In acute behavioural experiments with apomorphine-pretreated (1.0 mg/kg, s.c., once daily, 2 weeks) animals, risperidone (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) inhibited aggressive behaviour, but ketanserin and ritanserin (0.5-5. 0 mg/kg) had no effect on the latency and intensity of aggressive behaviour. Concomitant risperidone (0.5 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg) administration blocked aggressive behaviour completely. In conclusion, our experiments confirm that inhibition of the apomorphine-induced aggressive behaviour is elicited by drugs with dopamine (DA) but not with 5-HT(2A) antagonistic activity. Moreover, it may be concluded that the serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptor subtype does not alter the DA-mediated behaviour.

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.

Subthalamic nucleus microinjections of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists suppress stereotypy in rats

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an important mediator of basal ganglia output. We studied the effects of STN microinjections of the serotonin-2 (5-HT2) antagonists clozapine, mesulergine and M100,907 on apomorphine-induced stereotypic activity in the rat. Each compound profoundly decreased the expression of stereotypic behavior, with particularly strong effects to reduce gnawing behavior. Because M100,907 does not have appreciable affinity for dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, and since all three agents are 5-HT2 antagonists, the current data suggest that basal ganglia output related to orofacial movements can be significantly modified by 5-HT2 receptors. The results suggest that antipsychotics with serotonergic properties may have direct actions on the STN that influence their potential to produce orofacial and other motor side effects.

Cerebrospinal fluid monoamines in Prader-Willi syndrome

BACKGROUND

The behavioral phenotype of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) suggests hypothalamic dysfunction and altered neurotransmitter regulation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there was any difference in the concentrations of monoamine metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in PWS and non-PWS comparison cases.

METHODS

The concentration of monoamine metabolites in CSF was determined in 13 children and adolescents with PWS diagnosed on clinical and genetic criteria. The concentrations were compared with those from 56 comparison cases in healthy and other contrast groups.

RESULTS

The concentrations of dopamine and particularly serotonin metabolites were increased in the PWS group. The differences were most prominent for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The increased concentrations were found in all PWS cases independently of age, body mass index, and level of mental retardation.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings implicate dysfunction of the serotonergic system and possibly also of the dopamine system in PWS individuals, and might help inform future psychopharmacologic studies.

Apomorphine-induced aggressiveness and [3H]citalopram binding after antidepressant treatment in rats

The effects of acute and repeated administration of antidepressive drugs on apomorphine-induced aggressive behavior and [3H]citalopram binding were studied. In acute behavioral experiments with apomorphine pretreated (1.0 mg/kg, once daily) animals, desipramine (10 mg/kg) and clomipramine (10 mg/kg) enhanced, buspirone (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) completely blocked, but fluoxetine, amitriptyline, imipramine (10 mg/kg), and citalopram (10 and 20 mg/kg) had no effect on the intensity of aggressive behavior. Repeated concomitant apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg) and citalopram (10 mg/kg) administration reduced the affinity (Kd) of the 5-HT transporter binding sites in three brain regions. This finding was confirmed by an additional experiment as the effect of citalopram treatment. Repeated apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg) or apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg) plus desipramine (10 mg/kg) treatment had no unidirectional effect on Kd, the maximal number of apparent binding sties (Bmax) was unchanged in all experiments. Our study indicates that the 5-HT reuptake blockade has no major influence on the apomorphine-induced aggressive behavior, but the 5-HT1A receptor subtype may be involved in the mediation of the aggressive behavior in this paradigm.

Involvement of serotonin in the modulation of cocaine-induced locomotor activity in the rat

The influence of serotonin (5-HT) antagonists and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) on cocaine-induced locomotor activity, rears, and head bobs was investigated in female Glaxo Wistar rats. The SSRI, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), and the nonselective 5-HT agent, methysergide, at the dose range of 5 and 15 mg/kg enhanced the behaviors produced by cocaine (15 mg/kg) to a similar extent. Moreover, the potentiation of cocaine-induced locomotor activity, rears, and head bobs was even greater after the combined administration of methysergide ( 15 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg). In order to investigate a possible involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in the observed potentiation by methysergide and fluoxetine, the potent and selective 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY 100635, was used. WAY 100635 (0.1 and 1.5 mg/kg) markedly reduced the behaviors induced by cocaine preceded by fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and methysergide (5 and 15 mg/kg) pretreatment, respectively, suggesting an involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in the action of fluoxetine and methysergide on cocaine-induced behaviors. An attenuation of the fluoxetine-enhanced cocaine-induced behaviors was also observed after pretreatment with the 5-HT2A antagonist ketanserin (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg). Coadministration of ketanserin (1.0 mg/kg) and WAY 100635 (1.5 mg/kg) resulted in the greatest blockade of the fluoxetine-enhanced cocaine-induced behaviors. The antagonists and the SSRI, fluoxetine, did not alter the behaviors in comparison to that of saline-treated animals. These results provide evidence for an involvement of 5-HT1A receptors in the enhancing effect of fluoxetine and methysergide on cocaine-induced locomotor activity, rears, and head bobs, and suggest a stimulatory action of methysergide at the 5-HT1A receptor. In addition, some of the actions may also be mediated by activation of the 5-HT2A receptor and/or inhibition of the 5-HT2C receptor.

Effects of buspirone on dopaminergic supersensitivity

The effects of buspirone treatment on dopaminergic supersensitivity induced by long-term haloperidol administration were studied; both spontaneous activity (locomotion and rearing frequencies) of rats observed in an open-field and apomorphine-induced stereotypy were used as experimental parameters. Buspirone per se (3.0 mg/kg, twice daily, for 30 days) did not produce dopaminergic supersensitivity. When buspirone was given in combination to haloperidol (2.0 mg/kg, once daily, for 30 days), it decreased the neuroleptic withdrawal symptoms as detected in open-field behavior but not in apomorphine-induced stereotypy. Although single administration of buspirone per se decreased both open-field and apomorphine-induced stereotypy behavior, buspirone single administration did not modify the acute effects of haloperidol on these two behavioral models. Taken together with previous behavioral results showing that buspirone reverses haloperidol-induced catalepsy, the present data suggest that buspirone co-administration may lead to important clinical advantages concerning different extrapyramidal side effects of neuroleptic treatment.

Serotonergic mechanisms in neuroleptic-induced catalepsy in the rat

The present paper reviews a series of experiments aimed at elucidating the interaction between specific dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors in the mediation of extrapyramidal motor functions in the rat. There is strong evidence to suggest that (1) the catalepsy produced by dopamine D1 or D2 receptor antagonists can be completely antagonized by the administration of 5-HT1A receptor agonists acting at 5-HT autoreceptors in the median raphe nucleus; (2) the catalepsy produced by a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist can be completely antagonized by treatment with a 5-HT2A/C receptor agonist; and (3) the catalepsy produced by blockade of either dopamine D1 or D2 receptors is not affected by the administration of a 5-HT2A/C receptor antagonist. The emerging picture of DA/5-HT receptor interactions in the mediation of extrapyramidal motor functions is of great interest in relation to present efforts to develop new atypical neuroleptics with affinity for brain 5-HT receptor subtypes, and also for the observations that new serotonin selective re-uptake inhibiting antidepressants can produce parkinson-like symptoms in vulnerable individuals.

The depletion of brain serotonin levels by para-chlorophenylalanine administration significantly alters the activity of midbrain dopamine cells in rats: an extracellular single cell recording study

In this study, we examined the effect of 5-HT depletion produced by the acute administration of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on the number of spontaneously active dopamine (DA) cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA or A10) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC or A9) in the rat. We also determined the effect of PCPA administration on the spike discharge pattern of midbrain DA cells. This was accomplished using standard extracellular single cell recording techniques. The administration of PCPA (400 mg/kg, i.p., 24 h before the experiment) produced a significant decrease in the number of spontaneously active DA cells in both the A9 (52%) and A10 (63%) areas compared to controls. The burst firing analysis indicated that there was a significant increase in the mean interspike interval of A9 and A10 DA neurons in PCPA treated animals compared to controls. Furthermore, a decrease in the percentage of A10 DA neurons exhibiting a burst firing pattern and the number of bursts was observed in the PCPA treated animals compared to controls. The intravenous (i.v.) administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (40 mg/kg) and the peripheral aromatic acid decarboxylase inhibitor benserazide (10 mg/kg) which restores 5-HT content, reversed the decrease in the number of spontaneously active A9 and A10 DA neurons, as well as the decrease in the percentage of A10 DA neurons exhibiting a bursting pattern. In contrast, the i.v. administration of benserazide (10 mg/kg) and L-DOPA (40 mg/kg) did not reverse the decrease in the number of spontaneously active midbrain DA neurons produced by PCPA treatment. The pretreatment of animals with PCPA did not alter the sensitivity of spontaneously active A9 or A10 DA cells to the intravenous administration of (+)-apomorphine (1-32 micrograms/kg) compared to controls. Overall, our results indicate that the depletion of brain 5-HT by PCPA produces a decrease in the activity of midbrain DA cells, suggesting that endogenous 5-HT is required to maintain DA tone.

Antagonism of reserpine-induced suppression of spontaneous motor activity by stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors in rats

The 5-HT1A and the DA D2 receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT (0.05-3.2 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -20 min.) and quinpirole (0.08-1.25 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -20 min.), respectively, both partially antagonized reserpine-induced (5 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -16 hr) suppression of spontaneous motor activity in the rat. Four different aspects of the spontaneous motor activity were recorded in a photocell-equipped open-field (8 x 8 photocells, 90 mm apart, defining two horizontal planes): locomotor activity (all photocell counts at the lower level); rearing (all photocell counts at the upper level); forward locomotion (the proportion movements across the arena); peripheral activity (the proportion locomotor activity as picked up by the photocell beam closest to the wall, i.e. 25 mm). As defined by these variables, the pattern of activity produced by 8-OH-DPAT or quinpirole were indistinguishable. The effects produced by 8-OH-DPAT were fully antagonized by the 5-HT1 antagonist (-) pindolol (4 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -30 min.), but not by the DA D2 receptor antagonist raclopride (2 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -30 min.) nor by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ritanserin (2 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -30 min.), whereas effects produced by quinpirole were fully antagonized by raclopride (2 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -30 min.). Effects produced by quinpirole, but not 8-OH-DPAT, were potentiated by administration of the DA D1 agonist SKF-38,393 (3 mg kg-1 subcutaneously, -20 min.). It is concluded that effects by 8-OH-DPAT on spontaneous motor activity in the reserpine treated rat primarily are due to stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.

Effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on neuroleptic-induced catalepsy in mice

Typical neuroleptics (e.g. haloperidol) can induce a cataleptic state in rodents by means of striatal DA receptor blockade. It has been shown that drugs which influence central serotonergic (5-HTergic) mechanisms can modify neuroleptic-induced catalepsy, suggesting that dopaminergic transmission is under 5-HTergic modulation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of bemesetron and granisetron, two selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, on this catalepsy in mice. Catalepsy was induced with haloperidol (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and measured at 30-min intervals by means of a bar test. Drugs (or saline, for the controls) were injected i.p. 20 min before haloperidol, with each animal used only once. Bemesetron significantly reduced catalepsy at a dose of 1 mg/kg, whilst 10 mg/kg potentiated the phenomenon and 0.1 mg/kg was found to be without effect. Granisetron inhibited catalepsy at doses of 0.04 and 0.1 mg/kg while 4 mg/kg of the antagonist significantly increased the duration of catalepsy. These data suggest that 5-HT3 receptors play a role in neuroleptic-induced catalepsy. Considering the high affinities of both antagonists for 5-HT3 receptors, it is tempting to speculate that the potentiation of catalepsy by high doses of them is due to non 5-HT3 receptor mechanisms.

Dopamine receptor antagonist properties of S 14506, 8-OH-DPAT, raclopride and clozapine in rodents

S 14506 (1-[-(4-fluorobenzoylamino)ethyl]-4-(7-methoxynaphthyl)piper azine hydrochloride), 8-OH-DPAT ((+/-)-8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide), clozapine and raclopride were compared in some behavioural models able to characterize dopamine antagonist properties. In mice treated with apomorphine (0.75 mg/kg, s.c.), stereotyped climbing and sniffing were dose dependently antagonized by S 14506, by clozapine and by raclopride, but were virtually not modified by 8-OH-DPAT. Stereotyped climbing and sniffing induced by (+)-amphetamine (1.25 mg/kg, s.c.) in mice treated with L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine 75 mg/kg, associated with benserazide, i.p.) were also dose dependently antagonized by S 14506 and by raclopride, but were only partially antagonized by clozapine and unaffected by 8-OH-DPAT. Grooming behaviour induced by SK&F 38393 ((+/-)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol hydrochloride, 1.87 mg/kg, s.c.) in mice was inhibited by low doses of S 14506 and of clozapine, and by relatively high doses of 8-OH-DPAT and of raclopride. The decreased grooming behaviour observed in apomorphine-treated mice was partly antagonized by high dose of raclopride but was significantly potentiated by S 14506, 8-OH-DPAT and clozapine. Raclopride produced the same effect in mice treated with (+)-amphetamine and L-DOPA. In rats treated with apomorphine (0.6 mg/kg, s.c.), sniffing was dose dependently antagonized by S 14506, by raclopride and by clozapine, but not by 8-OH-DPAT. Again, whereas increasing doses of raclopride allowed grooming to reappear in apomorphine (0.6 mg/kg)-treated rats, S 14506, 8-OH-DPAT and clozapine did not. Raclopride induced catalepsy in rats, whereas like clozapine, S 14506 was virtually ineffective. All the tested compounds inhibited in vitro [3H]raclopride binding in rat striatum (raclopride > S 14506 > clozapine > 8-OH-DPAT), whereas only clozapine inhibited [3H]SCH 23390 binding. Finally, S 14506 inhibited the in vivo binding of [3H]raclopride in striatum and olfactory bulbs, but did not affect the striatal in vivo binding of [3H]SCH 23390. From these data, it appears that like raclopride, S 14506 displays dopamine antagonist properties by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. However, the psychopharmacological profile of S 14506 is closer to that of clozapine than to that of raclopride, probably as a result of its actions at 5-HT receptors.

Gonadectomy does not prevent novelty or drug-induced motor hyperresponsiveness in rats with neonatal hippocampal damage

To explore the possibility that gonadal hormones are required for triggering the postpubertal emergence of enhanced dopamine-related behaviors in rats with neonatal excitotoxic lesions of the ventral hippocampus (VH), we assessed behavioral changes in castrated VH lesioned rats. The VH of rat pups was lesioned with ibotenic acid on day 7 after birth (PD7). Rats were castrated on PD21. Novelty- and amphetamine-induced locomotor activity were tested on PD56, and apomorphine-induced stereotypic behaviors and locomotion were evaluated on PD98. As demonstrated previously, the VH lesioned rats expressed enhanced novelty-, amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced hyperlocomotion (PD56) as well as potentiated apomorphine-induced stereotypic behaviors (PD98) in young adulthood as compared with sham-lesioned counterparts. Castration had no significant effect on novelty-induced locomotion or apomorphine-induced stereotypies but potentiated amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced hyperactivity in lesioned rats. These results indicate that the absence of gonadal hormones not only does not prevent the appearance in adulthood of behavioral disturbances linked to increased DA transmission in rats with neonatal lesions of the VH but even exaggerates those linked primarily to the mesolimbic DA system.

Delayed effects of neonatal hippocampal damage on haloperidol-induced catalepsy and apomorphine-induced stereotypic behaviors in the rat

The developmental effects of neonatal excitotoxic ventral hippocampal (VH) damage on behaviors related to dopaminergic (DA) transmission in the basal ganglia were investigated in the rat. Ibotenic acid (in Lesion) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (in Sham) was infused into the VH of 7-day-old (PD7) rat pups. Haloperidol-induced (1 mg/kg, i.p.) catalepsy and apomorphine-induced (0.75 mg/kg, s.c.) stereotypic behaviors as well as locomotion were assessed in Sham and Lesion rats prior to (PD35) and after puberty (PD56). On PD35, Lesion and Sham animals did not differ in induced catalepsy or stereotypy. On PD56, however, Lesion animals were less cataleptic following haloperidol injection and manifested supersensitivity to apomorphine as compared to Sham rats. At both, PD35 and PD56, locomotor activity after apomorphine was significantly increased in Lesion animals as compared with controls. These results indicate that the neonatal excitotoxic VH lesion results in a unique time-dependent pattern of behavioral changes related to striatal DA transmission. Moreover, the response to apomorphine differs qualitatively from that previously reported after the analogous lesion induced in adult animals in which stereotypy was reduced. These findings suggest that early hippocampal deafferentation affects the development of other brain regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, that are also involved in the regulation of striatal DA function.