Fluoxetine-induced inhibition of synaptosomal [3H]5-HT release: possible Ca(2+)-channel inhibition

Paroxetine increases delta opioid responsiveness in sensory neurons

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved delta opioid receptor (DOR)-selective agonists, despite having fewer side effects in rodents and non-human primates compared to traditional mu opioid receptor (MOR) therapeutics (Vanderah, 2010). Targeting peripheral receptors is an attractive strategy to reduce abuse potential. However, peripheral opioid receptors do not readily respond to agonists unless primed by inflammation, which would limit their efficacy in non-inflammatory pain patients (Stein et al., 1989). It was recently identified that G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) maintains DOR incompetence in non-inflamed nociceptors (Brackley et al., 2016; Brackley et al., 2017). Here, we report that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and potent GRK2 inhibitor (Thal et al., 2012), reduces chronic GRK2 association with membrane DOR, thereby enhancing peripheral DOR-mediated analgesic competence in the absence of inflammation. Interestingly, paroxetine's effects on GRK2 in vivo are limited to peripheral tissues in the male rat. The effects of paroxetine on DOR competence are notably antagonized by GRK2 overexpression. This is the first study to suggest that paroxetine induces peripheral DOR analgesic competence through a GRK2-dependent mechanism, improving analgesic efficacy in non-inflamed tissue. Because paroxetine targets the protein that governs peripheral opioid receptor responsiveness, and does so in the absence of inflammation, we propose that paroxetine may be suitable as a co-therapy with peripherally-restrictive doses of opioids to improve analgesic efficacy in non-inflammatory pain conditions.Significance StatementOpioids that target MOR represent the gold-standard for analgesic healthcare, despite widespread abuse potential and the ongoing opioid-epidemic. Work herein uncovers the therapeutic potential of targeting peripheral DOR for analgesic utility with an FDA-approved GRK2 inhibitor paroxetine to boost efficacy and reduce side effect profiles. Analgesic pain management targeting DOR with increased efficacy through adjuvant paroxetine treatment could reduce over-reliance on MOR agonist opioids for pain relief and usher in new options for analgesia.

Fluoksetinin sıçan torasik aort düz kasındaki vazoaktif etkileri

Amaç: Literatürdeki çalışmaların çoğu fluoksetinin kardiyo/serebrovasküler sistemler üzerindeki etkilerine odaklanmış olsa da, vazomotor etkisi hakkında bilinenler hala sınırlıdır. Bu çalışma, fluoksetinin sıçan torasik aort halkalarında düz kas üzerindeki vazoaktif etkilerini deneysel bir düzende araştırmak için planlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: 24 adet yetişkin Wistar albino rat iki gruba ayrıldı. Grup1-Endotel sağlam grup, Grup2-Endotel hasarlı grup. Servikal dislokasyon sonrası torasik aort izole edildi. Aort halkaları hemen Krebs solüsyonu içeren organ banyosu haznelerine yerleştirildi. Aort halkalarının izometrik gerimindeki değişiklikler kaydedildi. Fenilefrin 10-6M uygulandı ve kasılmalar kaydedildi. Daha sonra Grup 1'e kümülatif dozlarda (0.01, 0.1, 1, 2 mM) fluoksetin uygulandı. Grup 2'de endotel hasarı oluşturuldu. Asetilkolin 10-6M ile endotel hasarı kontrol edildikten sonra, halkalar bir saat yıkanarak ikinci doz fenilefrin hazneye eklendi. Ardından Grup 2'ye kümülatif olarak fluoksetin uygulanıp kasılmalar kaydedildi. Bulgular: Fluoksetinin doza bağımlı ana vazodilatör etkisi anlamlı olarak farklıyken [F (5.110) =72.740, p

Small-Molecule G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase Inhibitors Attenuate G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2-Mediated Desensitization of Vasoconstrictor-Induced Arterial Contractions

Vasoconstrictor-driven G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)/phospholipase C (PLC) signaling increases intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration to mediate arterial contraction. To counteract vasoconstrictor-induced contraction, GPCR/PLC signaling can be desensitized by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs), with GRK2 playing a predominant role in isolated arterial smooth muscle cells. In this study, we use an array of GRK2 inhibitors to assess their effects on the desensitization of UTP and angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated arterial contractions. The effects of GRK2 inhibitors on the desensitization of UTP- or AngII-stimulated mesenteric third-order arterial contractions, and PLC activity in isolated mesenteric smooth muscle cells (MSMC), were determined using wire myography and Ca²⁺ imaging, respectively. Applying a stimulation protocol to cause receptor desensitization resulted in reductions in UTP- and AngII-stimulated arterial contractions. Preincubation with the GRK2 inhibitor paroxetine almost completely prevented desensitization of UTP- and attenuated desensitization of AngII-stimulated arterial contractions. In contrast, fluoxetine was ineffective. Preincubation with alternative GRK2 inhibitors (Takeda compound 101 or CCG224063) also attenuated the desensitization of UTP-mediated arterial contractile responses. In isolated MSMC, paroxetine, Takeda compound 101, and CCG224063 also attenuated the desensitization of UTP- and AngII-stimulated increases in Ca²⁺, whereas fluoxetine did not. In human uterine smooth muscle cells, paroxetine reversed GRK2-mediated histamine H₁ receptor desensitization, but not GRK6-mediated oxytocin receptor desensitization. Utilizing various small-molecule GRK2 inhibitors, we confirm that GRK2 plays a central role in regulating vasoconstrictor-mediated arterial tone, highlighting a potentially novel strategy for blood pressure regulation through targeting GRK2 function.

Antidepressants Rescue Stress-Induced Disruption of Synaptic Plasticity via Serotonin Transporter-Independent Inhibition of L-Type Calcium Channels

BACKGROUND

Long-term synaptic plasticity is a basic ability of the brain to dynamically adapt to external stimuli and regulate synaptic strength and ultimately network function. It is dysregulated by behavioral stress in animal models of depression and in humans with major depressive disorder. Antidepressants have been shown to restore disrupted synaptic plasticity in both animal models and humans; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear.

METHODS

We examined modulation of synaptic plasticity by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in hippocampal brain slices from wild-type rats and serotonin transporter (SERT) knockout mice. Recombinant voltage-gated calcium (Ca²⁺) channels in heterologous expression systems were used to determine the modulation of Ca²⁺ channels by SSRIs. We tested the behavioral effects of SSRIs in the chronic behavioral despair model of depression both in the presence and in the absence of SERT.

RESULTS

SSRIs selectively inhibited hippocampal long-term depression. The inhibition of long-term depression by SSRIs was mediated by a direct block of voltage-activated L-type Ca²⁺ channels and was independent of SERT. Furthermore, SSRIs protected both wild-type and SERT knockout mice from behavioral despair induced by chronic stress. Finally, long-term depression was facilitated in animals subjected to the behavioral despair model, which was prevented by SSRI treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that antidepressants protected synaptic plasticity and neuronal circuitry from the effects of stress via a modulation of Ca²⁺ channels and synaptic plasticity independent of SERT. Thus, L-type Ca²⁺ channels might constitute an important signaling hub for stress response and for pathophysiology and treatment of depression.

Fluoxetine suppresses synaptically induced [Ca²⁺]i spikes and excitotoxicity in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Fluoxetine is a widely used antidepressant with an action that is primarily attributed to the inhibition of serotonin re-uptake into the synaptic terminals of the central nervous system. Fluoxetine also has blocking effects on various ion channels, including Ca(2+) channels. It remains unclear, however, how fluoxetine may affect synaptically induced [Ca(2+)](i) spikes. We investigated the effects of fluoxetine on [Ca(2+)](i) spikes, along with the subsequent neurotoxicity that is synaptically evoked by lowering extracellular Mg(2+) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Fluoxetine inhibited the synaptically induced [Ca(2+)](i) spikes in p-chloroamphetamine-treated and non-treated neurons, in a concentration-dependent manner. However, other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as paroxetine and citalopram, did not significantly affect the spikes. Pretreatment with fluoxetine for 5 min inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) increases induced by glutamate, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, and N-methyl-d-aspartate. Fluoxetine also inhibited α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-induced currents. In addition, fluoxetine decreased the [Ca(2+)](i) responses induced by the metabotrophic glutamate receptor agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine or the ryanodine receptor agonist caffeine. Fluoxetine inhibited [Ca(2+)](i) responses induced by 20mM KCl. Fluoxetine decreased the release of FM1-43 induced by electric field stimulation. Furthermore, fluoxetine inhibited 0.1mM [Mg(2+)](o)-induced cell death. Collectively, our results suggest that fluoxetine suppresses the spikes and protects neurons against excitotoxicity, particularly in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, presumably due to both direct inhibition of presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic glutamate receptor-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) signaling. In addition to an indirect inhibitory effect via 5-HT levels, these data suggest a new, possibly direct inhibitory action of fluoxetine on synaptically induced [Ca(2+)](i) spikes and neuronal cell death.

Norfluoxetine and fluoxetine have similar anticonvulsant and Ca2+ channel blocking potencies

Norfluoxetine is the most important active metabolite of the widely used antidepressant fluoxetine but little is known about its pharmacological actions. In this study the anticonvulsant actions of norfluoxetine and fluoxetine were studied and compared to those of phenytoin and clonazepam in pentylenetetrazol-induced mouse epilepsy models. Pretreatment with fluoxetine or norfluoxetine (20mg/kg s.c.), as well as phenytoin (30 mg/kg s.c.) and clonazepam (0.1mg/kg s.c.) significantly increased both the rate and duration of survival, demonstrating a significant protective effect against pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy. These effects of norfluoxetine were similar to those of fluoxetine. According to the calculated combined protection scores, both norfluoxetine and fluoxetine were effective from the concentration of 10mg/kg, while the highest protective action was observed with clonazepam. Effects of norfluoxetine and fluoxetine on voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were evaluated by measuring peak Ba2+ current flowing through the Ca2+ channels upon depolarization using whole cell voltage clamp in enzymatically isolated rat cochlear neurons. The current was reduced equally in a concentration-dependent manner by norfluoxetine (EC50=20.4+/-2.7 microM, Hill coefficient=0.86+/-0.1) and fluoxetine (EC50=22.3+/-3.6 microM, Hill coefficient=0.87+/-0.1). It was concluded that the efficacy of the two compounds in neuronal tissues was equal, either in preventing seizure activity or in blocking the neuronal Ca2+ channels.

The antidepressant drug fluoxetine is an inhibitor of human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) potassium channels

Fluoxetine is a commonly prescribed antidepressant compound. Its action is primarily attributed to selective inhibition of the reuptake of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in the central nervous system. Although this group of antidepressant drugs is generally believed to cause fewer proarrhythmic side effects compared with tricyclic antidepressants, serious concerns have been raised by case reports of tachycardia and syncopes associated with fluoxetine treatment. To determine the electrophysiological basis for the arrhythmogenic potential of fluoxetine, we investigated the effects of this drug on cloned human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) potassium channels heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. We found that fluoxetine blocked HERG channels with an IC(50) value of 3.1 microM. Inhibition occurred fast to open channels with very slow unbinding kinetics. Analysis of the voltage dependence of block revealed loss of inhibition at membrane potentials greater than 40 mV, indicating that channel inactivation prevented block by fluoxetine. No pronounced changes in electrophysiological parameters such as voltage dependence of activation or inactivation, or inactivation time constant could be observed, and block was not frequency-dependent. This is the first study demonstrating that HERG potassium channels are blocked by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. We conclude that HERG current inhibition might be an explanation for the arrhythmogenic side effects of this drug.

Inhibition of K(+)-evoked release of rat striatal 5-hydroxytryptamine by an atypical antidepressant: trazodone

Using microdialysis, extracellular concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were determined in the striatum of rats. In rats given trazodone, m-chlorophenylpiperazine dihydrochloride, or imipramine, the concentrations of 5-HT were unchanged. 5-HIAA in trazodone- or imipramine-treated rats, however, was respectively, decreased to 80 or 65% of preinjections levels. When the potassium concentration (K(+)) was increased up to 150 mmol/l in the perfusate, the concentrations of 5-HT increased to about ten times the basal levels in the rats given saline. In rats treated with trazodone, K(+)-evoked elevations of 5-HT were less than five times the basal level. Multiple trazodone administrations prolonged the duration of inhibition of 5-HT release. In rats treated with other drugs, the K(+)-evoked 5-HT release was not affected. These observations suggest that trazodone itself might reduce 5-HT neural transmission.

Influence of castration on the response of the rat vas deferens to fluoxetine

Antidepressant drugs such as desipramine and fluoxetine increase norepinephrine (NE) contractile response in rat vas deferens by inhibiting neuronal amine uptake. Fluoxetine, unlike other antidepressants, also inhibits calcium fluxes, which results in an inhibition of maximal NE effect. Since the contractile response of the reproductive tract is under the influence of testosterone, the effect of fluoxetine could be modified according to the endocrine status of the animal. In the present study we evaluated the influence of castration and testosterone replacement (1 mg per 100 g body wt.) on the peripheral action of fluoxetine. Castration was followed by a decrease in vas deferens weight and the appearance of spontaneous activity. Testosterone replacement reversed these effects. Concentration-response curves to NE and calcium were obtained in the absence and the presence of fluoxetine in vasa deferentia from normal, castrated and testosterone-treated castrated rats. After castration the effect of fluoxetine on vas deferens contractility was markedly altered. The spontaneous activity that appears after castration was prevented by fluoxetine and the stimulatory effect on NE-induced contractions was not observed. In contrast, the inhibitory action of fluoxetine on maximal NE effect was increased. Testosterone replacement restored vas deferens response to NE in the presence of fluoxetine. Fluoxetine did not modify the binding parameters of [(3)H]prazosin in vasa deferentia from normal or castrated animals. Cocaine shifted the NE concentration-response curve to the left in all groups, suggesting that the changes in fluoxetine effect following castration were not the result of an alteration of the neuronal uptake mechanism. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NMMA did not modify vas deferens response to NE in castrated animals either in the absence or presence of fluoxetine. An increased sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of fluoxetine was observed in the calcium concentration-response curves in vasa deferentia from castrated rats, an effect that was reversed by testosterone replacement. The results suggest that the alteration in the responsiveness of vasa deferentia from castrated rats to calcium could be responsible for increased sensitivity to the inhibitory effect of fluoxetine. It is concluded that vas deferens contractile response is testosterone dependent and that this behaviour modifies the effect of drugs such as fluoxetine that have dual effect on contractility.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine decreases arteriolar myogenic tone by reducing smooth muscle [Ca2+]i

Previous studies showed that the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) dilates skeletal muscle and cerebral arterioles independent of the endothelium. We hypothesized that fluoxetine affects the contractile activity of arteriolar smooth muscle by interfering with Ca2+ signaling pathways. The effects of fluoxetine on pressure-induced tone of isolated rat skeletal muscle arterioles (approximately 110 microm) were investigated by videomicroscopy. Changes in smooth muscle [Ca2+]i were measured simultaneously by the fura-2 ratiometric method. Elevation of intraluminal pressure (from 20 to 120 mm Hg) increased (by approximately 20%) the smooth muscle calcium fluorescence ratio (R(Ca)) and resulted in a significant myogenic constriction (approximately 40%). Fluoxetine and nifedipine significantly decreased R(Ca) (by approximately 30%) and abolished pressure-induced arteriolar tone (EC50, 3.1 x 10(-6) and 6.0 x 10(-9) M, respectively). Constrictions to the L-type Ca2+ channel opener Bay K 8644 also were inhibited and abolished by increasing doses of fluoxetine (3 x 10(-6) and 10(-5) M, respectively). In the presence of 10(-5) M fluoxetine, a concentration that elicited submaximal (approximately 80%) dilation, elevation of extracellular Ca2+ concentration (from 2.5 to 15 mM) normalized R(Ca) and restored arteriolar myogenic tone. Thus, fluoxetine reduces [Ca2+]i and tone of arteriolar smooth muscle, likely by interfering with Ca2+ entry. We speculate that the "calcium antagonist" effect of fluoxetine may be an additional element in the therapeutic actions of this drug.

Inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels by fluoxetine in rat hippocampal pyramidal cells

Fluoxetine, an antidepressant which is used world-wide, is a prominent member of the class of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Recently, inhibition of voltage-gated Na(+) and K(+) channels by fluoxetine has also been reported. We examined the effect of fluoxetine on voltage-gated calcium channels using the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration. In hippocampal pyramidal cells, fluoxetine inhibited the low-voltage-activated (T-type) calcium current with an IC(50) of 6.8 microM. Fluoxetine decreased the high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium current with an IC(50) between 1 and 2 microM. Nifedipine and omega-conotoxin GVIA inhibited the HVA current by 24% and 43%, respectively. Fluoxetine (3 microM), applied in addition to nifedipine or omega-conotoxin, further reduced the current. When fluoxetine (3 microM) was applied first neither nifedipine nor omega-conotoxin attenuated the remaining component of the HVA current. This observation indicates that fluoxetine inhibits both L- and N-type currents. In addition, fluoxetine inhibited the HVA calcium current in carotid body type I chemoreceptor cells and pyramidal neurons prepared from prefrontal cortex. In hippocampal pyramidal cells high K(+)-induced seizure-like activity was inhibited by 1 microM fluoxetine; the mean burst duration was shortened by an average of 44%. These results provide evidence for inhibition of T-, N- and L-type voltage-gated calcium channels by fluoxetine at therapeutically relevant concentrations.

Fluoxetine modulates norepinephrine contractile effect on rat vas deferens

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the antidepressant drug fluoxetine could modify rat vas deferens response to norepinephrine (NE), and to compare its effect with that of desipramine and cocaine. Results showed that 10(-5)m fluoxetine produced a super-sensibility of vas deferens to NE. This result was the same as those obtained for 10(-6)m desipramine or cocaine. Since the effect was Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent, an inhibitory mechanism of neuronal NE transport was suggested. Fluoxetine did not modify [(3)H]prazosin K(d) or B(max) in rat vas deferens, reinforcing the hypothesis of a pre-synaptic site of action. On the other hand fluoxetine inhibited NE maximal effect. This inhibitory effect could be related to an antagonism of calcium entry through the voltage-dependent calcium channel, since it was partially reverted by increasing calcium concentration and, besides, the drug was able to inhibit the calcium concentration-response curve also. Contractions induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were not modified in the presence of fluoxetine. It is concluded that fluoxetine modulates rat vas deferens response to low NE concentrations in the same manner as the selective inhibitor of NE neuronal uptake desipramine. This peripheral effect could participate in the modulation of the male reproductive tract observed by these drugs when used in clinical trials.

Fluoxetine dilates isolated small cerebral arteries of rats and attenuates constrictions to serotonin, norepinephrine, and a voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel opener

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent clinical observations question that the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine (Prozac) can be explained solely with serotonin reuptake inhibition in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that fluoxetine affects the tone of vessels and thereby modulates cerebral blood flow.

METHODS

A small branch of rat anterior cerebral artery (195+/-15 microm in diameter at 80 mm Hg perfusion pressure) was isolated, cannulated, and pressurized (at 80 mm Hg), and changes in diameter were measured by videomicroscopy.

RESULTS

Fluoxetine dilated small cerebral arteries with an EC(50) of 7.7+/-1.0x10(-6) mol/L, a response that was not affected by removal of the endothelium or application of 4-aminopyridine (an inhibitor of aminopyridine-sensitive K(+) channels), glibenclamide (an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels), or tetraethylammonium (a nonspecific inhibitor of K(+) channels). The presence of fluoxetine (10(-6) to 3x10(-5) mol/L) significantly attenuated constrictions to serotonin (10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L) and norepinephrine (10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L). Increasing concentrations of Bay K 8644 (a voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel opener, 10(-10) to 10(-6) mol/L) elicited constrictions, which were markedly reduced by 2x10(-6) and 10(-5) mol/L fluoxetine, whereas 3x10(-5) mol/L fluoxetine practically abolished the responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoxetine elicits substantial dilation of isolated small cerebral arteries, a response that is not mediated by endothelium-derived dilator factors or activation of K(+) channels. The finding that fluoxetine inhibits constrictor responses to Ca(2+) channel opener, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine, suggests that fluoxetine interferes with the Ca(2+) signaling mechanisms in the vascular smooth muscle. We speculate that fluoxetine increases cerebral blood flow in vivo, which contributes to its previously described beneficial actions in the treatment of mental disorders.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, dilates isolated skeletal muscle arterioles. Possible role of altered Ca2+ sensitivity

1. Inhibitors of serotonin reuptake in the central nervous system, such as fluoxetine, may also affect the function of vascular tissues. Thus, we investigated the effect of fluoxetine on the vasomotor responses of isolated, pressurized arterioles of rat gracilis muscle (98 +/- 4 microns in diameter at 80 mmHg perfusion pressure). 2. We have found that increasing concentrations of fluoxetine dilated arterioles up to 155 +/- 5 microns with an EC50 of 2.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(-6) M. 3. Removal of the endothelium, application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, an inhibitor of aminopyridine sensitive K+ channels), or use of glibenclamide (an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K+ channels) did not affect the vasodilator response to fluoxetine. 4. In the presence of 10(-6), 2 x 10(-6) or 10(-5) M fluoxetine noradrenaline (NA, 10(-9)-10(-5) M) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10(-9)-10(-5)M)-induced constrictions were significantly attenuated resulting in concentration-dependent parallel rightward shifts of their dose-response curves (pA2 = 6.1 +/- 0.1 and 6.9 +/- 0.1, respectively). 5. Increasing concentrations of Ca2+ (10(-4) 3 x 10(-2) M) elicited arteriolar constrictions (up to approximately 30%), which were markedly reduced by 2 x 10(-6)M fluoxetine, whereas 10(-5)M fluoxetine practically abolished these responses. 6. In conclusion, fluoxetine, elicits substantial dilations of isolated skeletal muscle arterioles, a response which is not mediated by 4-AP- and ATP-sensitive K+ channels or endothelium-derived dilator factors. The findings that fluoxetine had a greater inhibitory effect on Ca2+ elicited constrictions than on responses to NA and 5-HT suggest that fluoxetine may inhibit Ca2+ channel(s) or interfere with the signal transduction by Ca2+ in the vascular smooth muscle cells.

Inhibition of K+-induced Ca2+ uptake in rat hippocampus synaptosomes by mianserin enantiomers

In order to test potential links with other stereospecific neurobiological effects of mianserin, the present study explored the stereospecificity for inhibition of depolarization-induced Ca2+ uptake by mianserin. Synaptosomes from rat hippocampus were incubated with 45Ca2+ in either resting or depolarizing (60 mM K+) choline medium, in the absence or presence (0.6-200 microM) of a mianserin enantiomer. The enantiomers were equipotent (IC50 approximating 50 microM) at inhibiting net depolarization-induced Ca2+ uptake. This finding, therefore, cannot help to explain the stereoselective enhancement of noradrenaline release by S(+)-mianserin; it is also not in keeping with the stereospecificity exhibited by mianserin in acute tests predictive of antidepressant activity, thus suggesting that the calcium-channel blocking activity of mianserin is not linked to its antidepressant effect.

Block by fluoxetine of volume-regulated anion channels

1. We have used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to study the effect of fluoxetine, a commonly used antidepressant drug, on the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) in calf pulmonary artery endothelial (CPAE) cells. We also examined its effects on other Cl- channels, i.e. the Ca2(+)-activated Cl- current (I(Cl,Ca) and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to assess the specificity of this compound for VRAC. 2. At pH 7.4 fluoxetine induced a fast and reversible block of the volume-sensitive chloride current (I(Cl,swell)), with a Ki value of 6.0+/-0.5 microM (n = 6-9). The blocking efficiency increased with increasing extracellular pH (Ki= 0.32+/-0.01 microM at pH 8.8, n = 3-9), indicating that the blockade is mediated by the uncharged form of fluoxetine. 3. Fluoxetine inhibited Ca2(+)-activated Cl(-) currents, I(Cl,Ca), activated by loading CPAE cells via the patch pipette with 1000 nM free Ca2+ (Ki= 10.7+/-1.6 microm at pH 7.4, n=3-5). The CFTR channel, transiently transfected in CPAE cells, was also inhibited with a Ki value of 26.9+/-9.4 microM at pH 7.4 (n = 3). 4. This study describes for the first time the effects of fluoxetine on anion channels. Our data reveal a potent block of VRAC at fluoxetine concentrations close to plasma concentrations. The results suggest a hydrophobic interaction with high affinity between uncharged fluoxetine and volume-activated chloride channels. Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents and CFTR are also blocked by fluoxetine, revealing a novel characteristic of the drug as a chloride channel modulator.

The role of calcium in the etiology of the affective disorders

Calcium abnormalities are some of the more consistent findings in platelets of affective disorder patients. While medication status does not correlate with this finding, antidepressants do modulate intracellular calcium. This, in combination with reports that calcium channel inhibitors may have antidepressant potential, suggests that calcium may play an important role in this disorder. This paper reviews the specificity of calcium abnormalities for the affective disorders and also discusses possible mechanisms of action.

Effect of fluoxetine on a neuronal, voltage-dependent potassium channel (Kv1.1)

1. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is widely used as an antidepressant drug and is assumed to be a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Claims that its beneficial psychotropic effects extend beyond those in treatment of depression have drawn clinical and popular attention to this compound, raising the question of whether there is anything exceptional about the supposed selective actions. 2. We have used the voltage clamp technique to study the effect of fluoxetine on a neuronal, voltage-dependent potassium (K+) channel (RCK1; Kv1.1), expressed in p6nopus laevis oocytes. This channel subunit is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system and K+ channels containing this subunit are involved in the repolarization process of many types of neurones. 3. Blockade of the K+ currents by fluoxetine was found to be use- and dose-dependent. Wash-out of this compound could not be achieved. Fluoxetine did not affect the ion selectivity of this K+ channel, as the reversal potential was unaltered. 4. Slowing of both activation and deactivation kinetics of the channel by fluoxetine was observed, including tail current crossover upon repolarization. 5. Hodgkin-Huxley type of models and more generalized Markov chain models were used to fit the kinetics of the data. Based upon a Markov kinetic scheme, our data can be interpreted to mean that blockade of fluoxetine consists of two components: a voltage-independent occurring in the last closed, but available state of the channel, and a voltage-dependent occurring in the open state. 6. This study describes the first biophysical working model for the mechanism of action of fluoxetine on a neuronal, voltage-dependent K+ channel, RCK1. Although this channel is not very potently blocked by fluoxetine when expressed in oocytes, this study may help us to understand some of the clinical symptoms seen with elevated serum concentrations of this SSRI.

Effect of Prozac on whole cell ionic currents in lens and corneal epithelia

Prozac (fluoxetine), a compound used therapeutically in humans to combat depression, has substantial effects on ionic conductances in rabbit corneal epithelial cells and in cultured human lens epithelium. In corneal epithelium, it reduces the current due to the large-conductance potassium channels that dominate this preparation. Its effects seem largely to decrease the open probability while leaving the single-channel current amplitude unaltered. In cultured human epithelium, currents from calcium-activated potassium channels and inward rectifiers are unaffected by Prozac. Delayed-rectifier potassium currents are reduced by Prozac in a complicated way that involves both gating and single-channel current amplitude. Fast tetrodotoxin-blockable sodium currents are also decreased by Prozac in this preparation. For all of these ion conductance effects, Prozac concentrations of 10(-5) to 10(-4) M are required. Whereas these levels are 10- to 100-fold higher than the plasma levels achieved in therapeutic use in humans, they are comparable to or less than levels needed for many other blockers of the ionic conductances studied here.

Effects of fluoxetine on basal and K(+)-induced tritium release from synaptosomes preloaded with [3H]serotonin

Synaptosomes from rat brain cortex and spinal cord were preloaded with [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT), superfused and exposed to fluoxetine and/or 15 mM K+. In both regions 10 microM, but not 1 microM fluoxetine evoked a marked tritium overflow, about 2 min later than the immediate [3H]5-HT release induced by K+, and mainly (73%) due to the efflux of a tritiated metabolite of 5-HT, possibly [3H]5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid. These findings confirm previous data in the rat hippocampus and are probably due to fluoxetine interacting with the 5-HT storage vesicles. One microM fluoxetine significantly reduced the d-fenfluramine-induced [3H]5-HT overflow, in accordance with its action as 5-HT uptake blocker, but did not affect the K(+)-induced [3H]5-HT overflow. This latter finding does not confirm that fluoxetine inhibits the depolarization-induced Ca(2+)-influx, suggested to involve a drug interaction with the L-type Ca(2+)-channels. Thus, the overflow induced by 10 microM fluoxetine was additive with the depolarization-induced overflow, when the two stimuli were applied together. When 10 microM fluoxetine was added 7 min before 15 mM K+, there was no depolarization-induced overflow. Such inhibition might be only apparent and due either to the fluoxetine-induced loss of vesicular 5-HT or to a fluoxetine-induced alterations of synaptic vesicles. The in vivo relevance of the fluoxetine releasing effect remains to be assessed.

Facilitation of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor desensitization by fluoxetine

Effect of fluoxetine on the desensitization of the inward current mediated by 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptors in rat nodose ganglion neurons was investigated with whole cell patch-clamp recording. 5-Hydroxytryptamine3 current desensitization was best fitted in most experiments by a single exponential function and showed little dependence on membrane potential. Fluoxetine greatly facilitated the rate of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 current desensitization in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of fluoxetine was gradual, long-lasting, voltage-independent and the recovery was incomplete. The IC50 value for the decrease of the desensitization time-constant by fluoxetine was 0.171 microM and the Hill coefficient was 1.1. Fluoxetine also inhibited the peak and steady-state 5-hydroxytryptamine3 current with the latter being more sensitive to fluoxetine. The IC50 value for the effect of fluoxetine on peak current was 1.27 microM and that on steady-state current was 0.172 microM. There is a highly significant correlation between the two effects of fluoxetine on current desensitization and on current amplitudes: r-values for the correlation between the decrease in time-constant and the reduction in peak and steady-state current amplitudes were 0.82 and 0.88, respectively (P < 0.001). This action of fluoxetine on 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptors may be involved in the behavioral effects of fluoxetine.

Inhibitory effect of imipramine on depolarization-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ of rat cortical neurons

We examined the effects of imipramine on the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by elevated K+ in cultured neurons of rat cortex. Imipramine (100 nM-200 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of [Ca2+]i increases induced by 25 mM K+ with an IC50 value of 32 microM. Imipramine had no effect on resting [Ca2+]i levels. When the cells were incubated with imipramine in the presence of a voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel (VSCC) blocker, either nicardipine (10 microM), verapamil (10 microM), or omega-conotoxin GVIA (1 microM), the combinations of imipramine and each blocker resulted in an additive inhibition of 25 mM K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i increases. The IC50 values were 44, 29 and 24 microM, respectively, which were similar to those found when incubating the cells with imipramine alone. The presence or the absence of imipramine (30 microM) in an incubation with Bay K 8644 (100 nM), a VSCC agonist, showed similar potentiation of the [Ca2+]i increases induced by 15 mM K+ (66 and 52%, respectively). On the other hand, when the cells were incubated with imipramine in the presence of Ni2+ (300 microM) or La3+ (0.3 microM), inorganic Ca(2+)-channel blockers, the IC50 values of inhibition of 25 mM K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i increases were much lower than with imipramine alone (3.2 and 16 microM, respectively). However, incubations with Ni2+ combined with nicardipine or verapamil resulted in an additive inhibition of 25 mM K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i increases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)