A new 5-hydroxy-indole derivative with preferential affinity for 5-HT1B binding sites

The roles of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors in the effects of 5-MeO-DMT on locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition in rats

RATIONALE

The hallucinogen 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) is structurally similar to other indoleamine hallucinogens such as LSD. The present study examined the effects of 5-MeO-DMT in rats using the Behavioral Pattern Monitor (BPM), which enables analyses of patterns of locomotor activity and exploration, and the prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI) paradigm.

OBJECTIVES

A series of interaction studies using the serotonin (5-HT)(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg), the 5-HT(2A) antagonist M100907 (1.0 mg/kg), and the 5-HT(2C) antagonist SER-082 (0.5 mg/kg) were performed to assess the respective contributions of these receptors to the behavioral effects of 5-MeO-DMT (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/kg) in the BPM and PPI paradigms.

RESULTS

5-MeO-DMT decreased locomotor activity, investigatory behavior, the time spent in the center of the BPM chamber, and disrupted PPI. All of these effects were antagonized by WAY-100635 pretreatment. M100907 pretreatment failed to attenuate any of these effects, while SER-082 pretreatment only antagonized the PPI disruption produced by 5-MeO-DMT.

CONCLUSIONS

While the prevailing view was that the activation of 5-HT(2) receptors is solely responsible for hallucinogenic drug effects, these results support a role for 5-HT(1A) receptors in the effects of the indoleamine hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT on locomotor activity and PPI in rats.

Reduced density of functional 5-HT1A receptors in the brain, medulla and spinal cord of monoamine oxidase-A knockout mouse neonates

Abnormally high brain 5-HT levels in monoamine oxidase-A knockout (MAO-A KO) mouse neonates raise the question of whether the distribution and density of the 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1AR) expressed in the brain by postnatal day P7 are affected and, if so, whether the 5-HT1A autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe are modified in the same way as the postsynaptic 5-HT1AR present in raphe target structures. [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding and quantitative autoradiography were performed to answer these questions. Binding specificity was first confirmed in adult wild-type mice and rat brain sections. 5-HT1AR binding was then analyzed in four MAO-A mutant vs. five wild-type neonatal brains, from olfactory bulb to cervical cord. Among 12 structures expressing postsynaptic 5-HT1AR in wild-type neonates, the highest densities involved the retrosplenial cortex, entorhinal cortex, and septum (52-46 fmol/mg tissue); low densities occurred in the hippocampus and spinal cord (24 fmol/mg tissue); in addition, the raphe autoreceptor density was only 20 fmol/mg tissue. In mutants, the distribution of postsynaptic 5-HT1AR was unchanged, but an overall decrease in density occurred (-32% to -63%); the raphe autoreceptors decreased in mutants by at least -79%. Data are discussed with reference to the ectopic 5-HT uptake and accumulation reported to occur during the first 10 postnatal days in wild-type and MAO-A KO mice. As previously suggested to explain the raphe autoreceptor loss in 2-month-old MAO-A KO mice, the overall 5-HT1AR down-regulation in mutant pups probably results from extracellular 5-HT excess in both raphe and target structures. The greater the 5-HT excess, the more the functional receptor density decreases.

Abnormal phrenic motoneuron activity and morphology in neonatal monoamine oxidase A-deficient transgenic mice: possible role of a serotonin excess

In rodent neonates, the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) modulates the activity of both the medullary respiratory rhythm generator and the cervical phrenic motoneurons. To determine whether 5-HT also contributes to the maturation of the respiratory network, experiments were conducted in vitro on the brainstem-spinal cord preparation of neonatal mice originating from the control strain (C3H) and the monoamine oxidase A-deficient strain, which has a brain perinatal 5-HT excess (Tg8). At birth, the Tg8 respiratory network is unable to generate a respiratory pattern as stable as that produced by the C3H network, and the modulation by 5-HT of the network activity present in C3H neonates is lacking in Tg8 neonates. In addition, the morphology of the phrenic motoneurons is altered in Tg8 neonates; the motoneuron dendritic tree loses the C3H bipolar aspect but exhibits an increased number of spines and varicosities. These abnormalities were prevented in Tg8 neonates by treating pregnant Tg8 dams with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine or a 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist but were induced in wild-type neonates by treating C3H dams with a 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist. We conclude that 5-HT contributes, probably via 5-HT(2A) receptors, to the normal maturation of the respiratory network but alters it when present in excess. Disorders affecting 5-HT metabolism during gestation may therefore have deleterious effects on newborns.

5-HT receptor knockout mice: pharmacological tools or models of psychiatric disorders

The molecular diversity of cloned serotonin receptor subtypes in the brain makes it difficult to understand the specific modulatory roles played by different receptors. In order to understand the role of the 5-HT1B receptor subtype in behavior and neuropsychiatric disorders, we have been studying genetic knockout mice lacking the 5-HT1B receptor. The 5-HT1B knockout mice show evidence of increased aggression and impulsivity, behavioral patterns that are also associated with reduced 5-HT function. They also show reduced or absent locomotor stimulation to some serotoninergic drugs, indicating that the locomotor effects of these drugs require the 5-HT1B receptor. However, in some cases, data obtained with knockout mice conflicts with the pharmacological data. The 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice show a phenotype of increased vulnerability to drugs of abuse such as cocaine. However, pharmacological studies suggest that 5-HT1B stimulation enhances the effects of cocaine, while 5-HT1B blockade can attenuate some of the effects of cocaine. Compensations that enhance dopamine function appear to be responsible for the drug-vulnerable phenotype of 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice. By studying these compensations and changes in neural function, we can learn more about the fundamental mechanisms underlying addiction. The 5-HT1B knockout mice should be considered a model for the disease state of vulnerability to drugs of abuse, rather than a direct pharmacological model of 5-HT1B receptor function.

Bufo toads and bufotenine: fact and fiction surrounding an alleged psychedelic

This paper investigates the supposedly psychedelic Bufo toad and the allegedly psychedelic drug bufotenine, which is contained in the skin and glands of this toad. The bufo toad has held a place in human mythologies and medicines worldwide since archaic times. Used by ancient peoples for a variety of purposes, its most spectacular effects, according to lore, involve magical and shamanic or occult uses for casting spells and for divination. In the Middle Ages, the Bufo toad was celebrated as a panacea and persecuted as a powerful poison. More recently, in the 1960s the Bufo toad was resurrected as a countercultural icon, with people purportedly licking or smoking the secretions to get high. Bufotenine has been at the center of a scientific debate since its discovery in 1893. This paper examines the extensive literature surrounding the Bufo toad and bufotenine, and untangles many of the myths and the misinformation that continue to vex both science and popular reporting. Finally, to promote further investigation, a comprehensive bibliography is provided that charts the history of the Bufo toad and bufotenine.

5-HT1B receptor knock out--behavioral consequences

Serotonin is a neuromodulator that is involved in a number of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and impulsive violence. In an attempt to dissect the contribution of individual 5-HT receptor subtypes to behavior, we have generated by homologous recombination, mutant mice lacking the 5-HT1B receptor. These mice did not exhibit any obvious developmental or behavioral defect. However, the hyperlocomotor effect of the 5-HT1A/1B agonist, RU 24969 was completely absent in mutant mice, indicating that this effect is mediated by 5-HT1B receptors. Moreover, when confronted with an intruder, isolated mutant mice attacked the intruder faster and more intensely than wild-type mice, suggesting an involvement of 5-HT1B receptors in the modulation of aggressive behavior. These data might be related to the fact that a class of 5-HT1 agonists, termed serenics, have anti-aggressive properties, and with the findings that certain impulsive aggressive behaviors are associated with deficits in central serotonin.

Non 5-HT1A/5-HT1C [3H]5-HT binding sites in the hamster, opossum, and rabbit brain show similar regional distribution but different sensitivity to beta-adrenoceptor antagonists

We have used receptor autoradiography to investigate the distribution and pharmacological profile of non 5-HT1A/5-HT1C[3H]5-hydroxytryptamine binding sites in the brain of rabbits, hamsters and opossums. These data were compared to those found under similar conditions in the brain of rats and guinea pigs, species which are known to possess 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors, respectively. In the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT and mesulergine, the regional distribution of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine binding sites was very similar in the brain of all species investigated; densest labelling was observed in the globus pallidus, substantia nigra and superior colliculus. In all species, 5-carboxamidotryptamine competed for the labelled sites in a biphasic manner and metergoline displayed a subnanomolar affinity. In contrast, the beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents (-)propranolol, (-)pindolol, and (+/-)SDZ 21009 were potent displacers only in the rat, hamster and opossum brains. These data indicate that non 5-HT1A/5-HT1C[3H]5-HT binding sites display a high affinity for these agents in a particular rodent suborder as well as in opossum, a phylogenetically unrelated species.

"5-HT1R" or 5-HT1D sites? Evidence for 5-HT1D binding sites in rabbit brain

Radioligand binding studies were performed in membranes of rabbit whole brain and striatum using the novel iodinated radioligand for 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D sites, Serotonin-5-O-Carboxymethyl-Glycyl[125I]Tyrosinamide ([125I]GTI). [125I]GTI labelled a finite number of high affinity sites in rabbit brain membranes, Bmax = 191 +/- 47 fmol/mg protein, pKD (-log mol/l) = 8.50 +/- 0.13, n = 5. The pharmacological profile of [125I]GTI binding was fully comparable to that reported previously in human and other brain preparations known to possess 5-HT1D sites (using either [3H]5-HT or [125I]GTI) and displayed a characteristic rank order of affinity: 5-carboxamido-tryptamine greater than 5-HT = dihydroergotamine greater than or equal to ergotamine greater than or equal to sumatriptan greater than or equal to CGS 12066 greater than or equal to metergoline greater than yohimbine greater than or equal to methysergide greater than ICYP greater than 8-OH-DPAT greater than or equal to CP 93129 greater than (-)pindolol greater than ketanserin greater than isamoltane greater than mesulergine greater than corynanthine greater than buspirone greater than MDL 72222. Autoradiographic studies were performed on rabbit brain slices using [3H]5-HT in the presence of 100 nmol/l 8-OH-DPAT and mesulergine (in order to mask 5-HT1A and 5-HT1C binding sites) and [125I]CYP (iodocyanopindolol) in the presence of 3 mumol/l isoprenaline and 100 nmol/l 8-OH-DPAT (in order to mask beta adrenoceptor and 5-HT1A binding sites). There was no detectable specific binding of [125I]CYP through the brain, thus excluding the presence of 5-HT1B sites in rabbit brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-HT1D binding sites in various species: similar pharmacological profile in dog, monkey, calf, guinea-pig and human brain membranes

Radioligand binding studies were performed in membranes of calf caudate, guinea-pig cortex, dog caudate and whole brain, monkey caudate and whole brain, and human caudate using the novel iodinated radioligand, Serotonin-5-O-Carboxymethyl-Glycyl[125I] Tyrosinamide (abbreviated [125I]GTI for the sake of simplicity), a ligand known to label 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D sites. In all membrane preparations tested, [125I]GTI labelled high affinity sites with the following rank order of affinity: 5-carboxamidotryptamine greater than 5-HT = DHE = ergotamine greater than or equal to sumatriptan greater than or equal to metergoline = CGS 12066 greater than or equal to yohimbine = methysergide greater than or equal to methiothepin greater than 8-OH-DPAT greater than or equal to mianserin greater than or equal to CP 93129 greater than or equal to (-)pindolol = ketanserin greater than or equal to isamoltane = mesulergine greater than or equal to corynanthine = spiperone greater than MDL 72222. The affinity profiles were very similar in the membranes of the different species, especially in dog, monkey and human brain. The pharmacological profile of [125I]GTI binding (determined with up to 25 different drugs) was fully comparable to the binding profile reported previously in human substantia nigra (using [125I]GTI) or in a variety of brain preparations known to contain 5-HT1D sites using [3H]5-HT as a radioligand.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of serotonin-O-carboxymethylglycyl[125I]iodotyrosinamide, a new radioiodinated probe for 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D binding sites

There is a lack of radioactive probes, particularly radioiodinated probes, for the direct labeling of serotonin-1B (5-HT1B) and serotonin-1D (5-HT1D) binding sites. Serotonin-O-carboxymethylglycyltyrosinamide (S-CM-GTNH2) was shown previously to be specific for these two subtypes; we, therefore, linked a 125I to its tyrosine residue. Biochemical and pharmacological properties of S-CM-G[125I]TNH2-binding sites were studied by quantitative autoradiography on rat and guinea pig brain sections. S-CM-G[125I]TNH2 binding is saturable and reversible with a KD value of 1.3 nM in the rat and 6.4 nM in the guinea pig. Binding is heterogeneous, paralleling the anatomical distribution of 5-HT1B sites in the rat and of 5-HT1D sites in the guinea pig. The binding of 0.02 nM S-CM-G[125I]TNH2 was inhibited by low concentrations of 5-HT, S-CM-GTNH2, CGS 12066 B, 5-methoxytryptamine, and tryptamine in both species. Propranolol inhibited the radioligand binding with a greater affinity in the rat than in the guinea pig. Conversely, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin inhibited S-CM-G[125I]TNH2 binding with a greater affinity in the guinea pig than in the rat. Other competitors, specific for 5-HT1C, 5-HT2, 5-HT3, and adrenergic receptors, inhibited S-CM-G[125I]TNH2 binding in rat and guinea pig substantia nigra and in other labeled structures known to contain these receptors, but only at high concentrations. S-CM-G[125I]TNH2 is then a useful new probe for the direct study of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D binding sites.

Direct visualization of serotonin1D receptors in the human brain using a new iodinated radioligand

The development of the new ligand serotonin-5-O-carboxymethyl-glycyl [125I]tyrosinamide (abbreviated [125I]GTI) allows for the direct visualization of serotonin1B and serotonin1D (5-HT1B/1D) sites. Autoradiographic techniques were used to demonstrate the selective binding of this ligand to 5-HT1D sites in human post-mortem brain materials. The distribution of [125I]GTI binding sites was compared to [3H]5-HT sites in the presence of different displacers. The results show the selective binding of [125I]GTI to sites in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra which corresponds to 5-HT1D receptors.

Homogeneous 5-HT1D recognition sites in the human substantia nigra identified with a new iodinated radioligand

The novel iodinated radioligand, serotonin-5-O-carboxymethyl-glycyl[125I] tyrosinamide, was used for binding studies with membranes of human substantia nigra. Evidence is provided for the existence in this tissue of a homogeneous population of recognition sites with the pharmacological profile of the 5-HT1D site.