Ethanol administration does not alter dopamine D1 and D2 receptor characteristics in rat brain

Ex vivo [11C]-(+)-PHNO binding is unchanged in animal models displaying increased high-affinity states of the D2 receptor in vitro

Dopamine (DA) D2 receptor supersensitivity has been linked to an increase in the density of the D2 high-affinity state as measured in vitro. The two- affinity-state model of the D2 receptor predicts that the ex vivo specific binding of [11C]-(+)-PHNO, an agonist radiotracer thought to bind selectively to the high-affinity state in vivo, should be increased in animal models that display in vitro increases in the proportion of receptors in the D2 high-affinity state. Here, we test this hypotheses by comparing the ex vivo SBR of [11C]-(+)-PHNO with that of the antagonist radiotracer [3H]-raclopride in three dopaminergically supersensitive rat models-AMPH-sensitized rats, rats withdrawn from chronic ethanol, and unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats-using ex vivo dual-radiotracer biodistribution studies. We find that in AMPH-sensitized rats and rats withdrawn from chronic ethanol treatment, models that exhibited approximately 4-fold increases in the D2 high-affinity state in vitro, the SBRs of [11C]-(+)-PHNO and [3H]-raclopride are unchanged relative to control rats. In unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, we find that the increase in [11C]-(+)-PHNO SBR is no different than that observed for the antagonist radiotracer [3H]-raclopride (54% +/- 16% and 52% +/- 14%, respectively). In addition, the effect of acute AMPH pretreatment (4 mg/kg, i.v.) on the SBRs of [11C]-(+)-PHNO and [3H]-raclopride is equivalent in AMPH-sensitized (-38% +/- 12% and -36% +/- 8%, respectively) and in control rats (-40% +/- 11% and -38% +/- 7%). These data emphasize a significant discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo measures of D2 agonist binding, indicating that the two-affinity-state model of the D2 receptor may not apply veridically to living systems. The potential implications of this discrepancy are discussed.

Effects of chronic alcohol and repeated deprivations on dopamine D1 and D2 receptor levels in the extended amygdala of inbred alcohol-preferring rats

BACKGROUND

Dopaminergic (DA) activity in the extended amygdala (EA) has been known to play a pivotal role in mediating drug and alcohol addiction. Alterations of DA activity within the EA after chronic exposure to alcohol or substances of abuse are considered a major mechanism for the development of alcoholism and addiction. To date, it is not clear how different patterns of chronic alcohol drinking affect DA receptor levels. Therefore, the current studies investigated the effects of chronic ethanol consumption, with or without deprivations, on D1 and D2 receptor densities within the EA.

METHODS

Inbred alcohol-preferring (iP) rats were divided into 3 groups with the following treatments: (1) water for 14 weeks; (2) continuous alcohol (C-Alc) for 14 weeks [24-hour concurrent access to 15 and 30% (v/v) ethanol]; or (3) repeatedly deprived of alcohol (RD-Alc) (24-hour concurrent access to 15 and 30% ethanol for 6 weeks, followed by 2 cycles of 2 weeks of deprivation of and 2 weeks of reexposure to ethanol access). At the end of 14 weeks, the rats were killed for autoradiographic labeling of D1 and D2 receptors.

RESULTS

Compared with the water control group, both the C-Alc and the RD-Alc groups displayed increases in D1 receptor binding density in the anterior region of the Acb core, whereas the RD-Alc group displayed additional increases in D1 receptor binding density in anterior regions of the lateral and intercalated nuclei of the amygdala. Additionally, both C-Alc and RD-Alc rats displayed increases in D2 receptor binding density in anterior regions of the Acb shell and core, whereas RD-Alc rats displayed additional increases in D2 receptor binding density in the dorsal striatum.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that 14-week extended alcohol drinking with continuous chronic or repeated deprivations increase binding sites of D1 and D2 receptors in specific regions of the EA with greater sensitivity in the anterior regions. The repeated deprivation has greater effect on altering D1 and D2 receptor binding sites in the Acb, dorsal striatum, and subamygdala regions. The current result indicates that the two drinking paradigms may have common as well as differential mechanisms on alteration of dopamine receptor-binding sites in specific regions of the EA.

Dopamine and alcoholism: neurobiological basis of ethanol abuse

The role of the dopamine (DA) system in brain reward mechanisms and the development of substance abuse has been well established. We review earlier animal and human studies on DA and alcoholism with some relevant issues relating to those studies. The present animal and human data suggest several alterations in the DA system in the context of alcoholism. Receptor studies imply that DA D(2) receptor density and function are lower at least among type 1 alcoholics, which suggests that they could benefit from drugs that enhance DAergic activity, such as partial DA agonists. These drugs could help to restore suboptimal levels of DAergic activity by reducing both the craving for alcohol in abstinence and the euphoria subsequent to alcohol's release of DA in the nucleus accumbens (NAC), thus providing negative reinforcement for relapse.

Very low doses of ethanol induce behavioral changes involving dopamine D2 receptors

In male rats, pretreatment for 20 days with very low (0.5, 1%, v/v) but not with high (5, 10%, v/v) oral doses of ethanol delayed the initiation and reduced the duration of narcosis induced by an acute high intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of the drug (3 g/kg in 25% saline solution). Furthermore, the treatment improved the acquisition of shuttle-box active avoidance response but did not affect the emission of ultrasonic calls, an index of emotional state of animals. These effects were inhibited by peripheral administration of the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (1 mg/kg). A higher dose of sulpiride (10 mg/kg) prolonged the duration of narcosis in rats pretreated with high-dose ethanol and reduced the number of conditioned avoidance responses in the shuttle-box paradigm. The pretreatment with the dopamine D2 receptor agonist, (+/-)-2-(N-phenethyl-N-propylamino)-5-hydroxytetralin (PPHT, 0.1 mg/kg), enhanced the effects of ethanol very low doses in delaying the initiation and reducing the duration of narcosis induced by an acute i.p. dose of the drug. A pharmacokinetic study in ethanol-pretreated animals revealed that administration of 0.5% or 1% ethanol for 20 days did not modify significantly the bioavailability of acute ethanol administered i.p. in a dose of 3 g/kg in 25% saline solution. Thus, repeated administration of ethanol very low doses may have affected the sensitivity of presynaptic dopamine D2 receptors. The influence on dopamine release through an action on presynaptic receptors may be involved in these effects of small doses of ethanol.

Ethanol drinking experience attenuates (-)sulpiride-induced increases in extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of alcohol-preferring (P) rats

BACKGROUND

The reinforcing properties of ethanol may be partly mediated through the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system. This study examines the effects of local application of the DA D(2) receptor antagonist (-)sulpiride (SUL) on ethanol drinking of alcohol-preferring (P) rats, and extracellular DA levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of P rats that were either ethanol-naive or had been chronically drinking ethanol.

METHODS

Microdialysis was used to sample NAc DA levels, and reverse microdialysis was used to locally administer the D(2) antagonist (-)sulpiride (SUL) into the NAc of adult female P rats that were either drinking ethanol (n = 17) or were ethanol-naive (n = 24). Stable intake of 15% (v/v) ethanol (>/=0.75 g/kg) was established for the ethanol-drinking group in daily 1-hr access periods over a minimum of 4 weeks before surgery. Naive and ethanol-drinking rats were implanted with bilateral guide cannulae aimed 4 mm above the NAc shell. After recovery from surgery, microdialysis probes (active area = 2 mm) were inserted bilaterally into the NAc. Two days later, rats in the ethanol-drinking and naive groups were each divided into two groups; one group was bilaterally perfused (1.0 microl/min) with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and the other group was further divided into three subgroups that were perfused with aCSF + either 50, 100, or 200 microM SUL for 240 min. During the last 60 min of perfusion, the ethanol-drinking rats were given their daily 1-hr ethanol access period. Following ethanol access, the aCSF + SUL subgroups were then given aCSF only. The entire perfusion procedure was repeated 24 hr later, but the aCSF only and aCSF + SUL group treatment conditions were transposed.

RESULTS

In ethanol-drinking rats, 100 and 200 microM SUL increased extracellular NAc DA levels to approximately 200% of basal values, but did not significantly alter ethanol intake. In ethanol-naive P rats, 100 and 200 microM SUL increased extracellular NAc DA levels significantly more (450% of basal; p < 0.05) than in the ethanol-drinking group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ethanol-drinking experience causes a desensitization or a down-regulation of D(2) autoreceptors in the NAc of P rats.

Differential propensity to ethanol sensitization is not associated with altered binding to D1 receptors or dopamine transporters in mouse brain

Behavioral sensitization to ethanol's stimulant effect has been proposed as a marker for individual abuse liability. In previous work we have demonstrated that mice showing an increased propensity to EtOH sensitization had higher levels of dopamine (DA) D2 receptor binding in localized brain areas compared to mice showing less sensitization. In the present study we examined whether altered binding to D1 or the DA transporter (DAT) might also be associated with differential propensity to develop EtOH sensitization. Male Swiss mice received 2.4 g/kg EtOH or saline intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily for 21 days, were tested weekly for locomotor activity, and then sacrificed. D1 and DAT binding were assessed by quantitative autoradiography using [(3)H]SCH-23390 and [(3)H]WIN 35,428, respectively. EtOH-treated mice were subdivided into sensitized and non-sensitized subgroups according to their locomotor activity during treatment. Analyses of brain D1 (19 regions) and DAT (12 regions) binding densities revealed no significant differences among EtOH-sensitized, -non-sensitized or saline groups in any of the regions measured (all p values > 0.32 for D1 and > 0.16 for DAT). These results suggest that brain D1 and DAT binding, unlike the recently reported changes in D2 binding, do not differentiate mice that develop behavioral sensitization to ethanol from those that do not.

Alterations in mesolimbic dopamine function during the abstinence period following chronic ethanol consumption

Previous work demonstrated that the locomotor stimulant actions of amphetamine, cocaine and nicotine were increased when these drugs were given during the abstinence phase after chronic ethanol consumption. These changes were seen at 6 days and at 2 months after cessation of alcohol. The present study examined neuronal alterations which might be related to these changes in behaviour. Markedly reduced spontaneous firing rates of dopaminergic cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in midbrain slices were seen 6 days into the abstinence period after cessation of chronic ethanol consumption, but by 2 months the firing rates had returned to control values. Increased affinity of striatal receptors for the D1-like receptor ligand 3H-SCH23390, but no change in the receptor density, was found both at the 6 day and the 2 month intervals. The binding properties of striatal D2-like receptors, of D1-like and D2-like receptors in the frontal cerebral cortex, and the release of tritiated dopamine from slices of striatum or frontal cerebral cortex, were unchanged at 6 days and 2 months. It is suggested that the decreased neuronal firing leads to a persistent increase in sensitivity of D1-like receptors and that these changes could explain the increased effects of the other drugs of abuse.

Chronic alcoholization in rats by free-choice ingestion of a hydroalcoholic solution

The present work addresses a schedule designed to render rats alcoholic by offering them free access to a 20% (v/v) ethanol solution over 6 weeks. A solid diet and water (for controls) were fully available ad lib. in the animals' cages. The treatment was observed to achieve some effects suitable for the chronic alcoholization of rats: (1) Ethanol furnished the 36% of the calories of the diet of ethanol-treated rats; (2) The daily ethanol intake achieved was 12.05 +/- 1.18 g ethanol/kg weight; (3) The morning blood ethanol level was 0.45 g/litre; (4) Ethanol-treated rats deprived of ethanol showed several withdrawal symptoms. These results agree with those obtained by standard liquid diets, suggesting that the current protocol can be used to achieve a status of chronic alcoholization in rats.

Regional CNS densities of serotonin and dopamine receptors in high alcohol-drinking (HAD) and low alcohol-drinking (LAD) rats

The densities of subtypes of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) receptors were determined in the CNS of male alcohol-naive HAD and LAD lines of rats. Autoradiographic studies were undertaken to measure the densities of (a) 5-HT1A sites labelled with 2 nM [3H]8-OH DPAT, (b) 5-HT2A sites labelled with 2 nM [3H] ketanserin, (c) D1 sites labelled with 1 nM [3H]SCH23390, and (d) D2 sites labelled with 20 nM [3H]sulpiride. Membrane binding, using tissue combined from the olfactory bulb, olfactory tubercle, and nucleus accumbens, was carried out to determine Kd and Bmax values for the binding of 0.25-8.0 nM [3H]7-OH DPAT to D3 sites. Among the 14 regions measured for densities of 5-HT1A sites, no interline differences were found in the cerebral cortical regions or in the septal nuclei; however, within the hippocampus, 15-20% lower binding of [3H]8-OH DPAT was observed in the posterior dorsal CA3 and dentate gyrus of the HAD line. There were no interline differences in any of the 10 regions examined for [3H]ketanserin binding to 5-HT2A sites, or in the densities of D1 and D2 sites in the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal DA systems, except for a 35% higher density of D2 sites in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the HAD line. There were no interline differences in the Kd or Bmax values for [3H]7-OH DPAT binding to D3 sites. Overall, these results indicate that no marked interline differences are evident in the densities of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, D1, D2, and D3 receptors within the mesolimbic system that could be associated with the disparate alcohol drinking behaviors of the HAD and LAD rats.

Dopamine receptor gene expression in an animal model of 'behavioral dependence' on ethanol

The steady-state levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) of five cloned dopamine (D) receptors were measured in five brain regions in rats in a recently developed animal model of 'behavioral dependence' on ethanol. One group of rats was given the choice between ethanol and water over a 9-month period and developed 'behavioral dependence' on ethanol (group a). This group was compared with a group given the choice between ethanol and water for only 2 months (not yet behaviorally dependent, group b), a group forced to consume ethanol as sole fluid over a 9-month period (not behaviorally dependent, group c) and ethanol-naive control rats. All groups were sacrificed 1 month after ethanol withdrawal. The concentrations of mRNA of D3-receptors in the limbic forebrain (which included the nucleus accumbens) were significantly lowered in groups a and b, but unchanged in group c. D3 mRNA levels were reduced in the hippocampus of group b and unchanged in the cortex, amygdala and striatum. No significant changes in the mRNA concentrations of D1-, D2-, D4- or D5-receptors were seen in the five brain regions in any group. In conclusion, chronic consumption of ethanol under the 'free-choice condition', which may best induce the drug-rewarding effect, leads to specific changes in the D3-receptor gene expression which were not seen after forced ethanol administration. Changes in D3 mRNA levels were, however, not a specific correlate of 'behavioral dependence', as they were also detected in rats not yet 'behaviorally dependent' (group b).

Regional CNS densities of monoamine receptors in alcohol-naive alcohol-preferring P and -nonpreferring NP rats

The densities of subtypes of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) receptors were determined in the CNS of alcohol-naive alcohol-preferring P and -nonpreferring NP lines of rats. Autoradiography studies were undertaken to measure the densities of 5-HT1B sites labelled with 100 pM [125I](-)-iodocyanopindolol, 5-HT3 sites labelled with 2 nM [3H]LY 278584, and D1 sites labelled with 1 nM[3H]SCH 23390. Membrane binding, using tissue combined from the olfactory bulb, olfactory tubercle, and nucleus accumbens, was carried out to determine Kd and B max values for the binding of 0.25-8.0 nM[3H]7-OH DPAT to D3 sites. Among the 48 regions measured for differences in 5-HT1B recognition sites, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found only in the cingulate and retrosplenial cortices, in the lateral and medial septum, and in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala, with lower values being found in the P than the NP line. There were no significant differences in the regional CNS densities of D1 or 5-HT3 sites between the P and NP lines. There were also no differences between the rat lines in the Kd or Bmax values for [3H]7-OH DPAT binding to D3 sites. The lower densities of 5-HT1B sites in the CNS of the P compared to the NP rats may be a result of reduced numbers of 5-HT1B presynaptic autoreceptors as well as postsynaptic receptors in the P line. The observation that there are no differences in the amount of radioligand binding to D1, 5-HT3, and D3 sites between the P and NP lines suggests that the disparate alcohol drinking behaviors of these two lines is not associated with an innate alteration in the densities of these receptor subtypes.

Effects of chronic ethanol treatment and ethanol withdrawal on [3H]SCH23390 binding to rat striatal membranes

The effects of chronic ethanol administration and ethanol withdrawal on the kinetic and pharmacological properties of [3H]SCH23390 binding sites and the labelling of central dopamine D-1 receptors were studied in the striatum of the rat. Chronic 40 day ethanol treatment produced a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in maximum binding (Bmax) on striatal dopamine D-1 receptors of the rat, KD remaining unaltered. The withdrawal of ethanol did not affect the kinetic binding parameters. The rank order of potency in displacing the specific [3H]SCH23390 binding of several dopamine antagonists, agonists and serotonin-related drugs was consistent with the pharmacological profile of dopamine D-1 receptors. Chronic ethanol treatment led to a statistically significant increase in receptor affinity (lower Ki than controls) for (+)-butaclamol (p < 0.05). Ethanol withdrawal for 24 hr increased the affinity of [3H]SCH23390-labeled binding sites for norepinephrine. The addition of 0.03-0.68 M ethanol in vitro had no significant effects on [3H]SCH23390 binding in striatal preparations taken from both control and ethanol-treated rats. The results show that rat striatal [3H]SCH23390-labelled binding sites are affected by different conditions of ethanol exposure, possibly suggesting the medication of striatal dopamine pathways in the responses to ethanol intoxication.

Interactions of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with the serotonin 5-HT2c receptor

Interactions of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) citalopram, fluoxetine and its main metabolite norfluoxetine, and the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) imipramine with the rat serotonin 5-HT2C receptor in a clonal cell line and in the rat choroid plexus were investigated by radioligand binding and phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis assays. For comparison, the affinities of a variety of other antidepressants of different chemical classes for the cloned rat 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptors were also determined by radioligand binding assays. Fluoxetine displayed relatively high affinity for the 5-HT2C receptor in the choroid plexus, with a Ki value for inhibition of [3H]mesulergine binding of 55.4 nM. The Ki values for imipramine, norfluoxetine and citalopram were 136 nM, 203 nM, and 298 nM, respectively. Similar rank order of potency was detected in PI hydrolysis assays, which showed that these drugs are antagonists at the 5-HT2C receptor without exhibiting inverse agonist activity. [3H]Ketanserin (5-HT2A) binding assays revealed that the SSRIs fluoxetine, norfluoxetine and citalopram show 10- to 23-fold selectivity for the 5-HT2C receptor in vitro, whereas the TCA imipramine does not. Many other TCAs also had high to intermediate affinity for both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. The present data provide evidence that fluoxetine, norfluoxetine and citalopram, along with many other antidepressant compounds, interact directly with the 5-HT2C receptor.

Effects of chronic alcohol consumption and aging on dopamine D2 receptors in Fischer 344 rats

Aging and chronic alcohol consumption are each accompanied by significant changes in dopamine and dopamine receptors. This study extended previous work by investigating the combined effects of chronic alcoholism and aging on total dopamine D2 receptors in brain areas associated with the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic systems. In addition, the effects of chronic alcohol consumption and aging on the high-affinity state of D2 receptors and their conversion to the low-affinity form is included. Quantitative autoradiography was used to assess [3H]spiperone-labeled D2 receptors in tissue sections from 5- to 14- and 24-month Fischer 344 rats that were pair-fed a control or 6.6% (v/v) ethanol-containing liquid diet for 6 weeks. In addition, D2 receptors were determined in rats given the control liquid diet ad libitum. The results of these experiments demonstrated age-related changes in the nigrostriatal system. There was an age-related loss of total dopamine D2 receptors in the rostral and caudal striatum (approximately 25% decrease in Bmax). This decline in D2 receptors may be associated with changes in motor function. Despite the age-related decline in D2 receptors, there were no significant differences in the proportion of striatal receptors in the high-affinity form or in their conversion to the low-affinity state. Both aging and chronic alcohol consumption produced significant changes in the concentration of D2 receptors in brain areas associated with the mesocorticolimbic system. That is, the specific binding of [3H]spiperone was decreased in the frontal cortex of aged rats. In addition, chronic alcoholism was associated with a significant increase (approximately 20%) in the Bmax for D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens. Nonetheless, neither age nor chronic alcohol consumption altered the proportion of high-affinity D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens or their conversion to the lower affinity state. The observed changes in D2 receptors in the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens are of interest because of the involvement of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine areas in the rewarding properties of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Although aging and chronic alcoholism both produced significant changes in dopamine D2 receptor concentrations, alcohol did not accentuate the age-related loss of D2 receptors. We cannot eliminate the possibility that a more prolonged exposure of higher ethanol dose may potentiate age-related changes in the dopaminergic system.

Effects of chronic alcohol consumption and aging on dopamine D1 receptors in Fischer 344 rats

The present study examined the hypothesis that chronic alcoholism augments the age-related loss of dopamine D1 receptors. This hypothesis was investigated because previous studies reported that both aging and chronic alcoholism produce significant changes in dopaminergic systems, and because chronic alcoholism potentiates some age-related CNS losses. In addition, this study investigated the effects of aging on D1 receptors in animals 1 and 7 days after withdrawal from chronic ethanol. Quantitative autoradiography was used to measure [3H]SCH 23390 binding to D1 receptors in brain areas associated with both the nigrostriatal and mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems. Receptors were assessed in 5-, 14-, and 24-month-old male Fischer 344 rats that were pair-fed a control or 6.6% (v/v) ethanol-containing liquid diet for 6 weeks. The results of these studies demonstrated that aging is associated with a significant decline in D1 receptors in the rostral and caudal striatum, and substantia nigra of both control and ethanol-fed rats. These receptor changes in the nigrostriatal system may be associated with motor abnormalities. In addition, there was an age-related decline in D1 receptors in two brain areas of the mesocorticolimbic system: the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. The latter findings may be important because of the involvement of this system with the rewarding properties of ethanol and other drugs of abuse. There were no age-related differences in the response of D1 receptors to ethanol withdrawal in the caudal and rostral striatum, substantia nigra, and nucleus accumbens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Striatal D2 dopamine receptor binding characteristics in vivo in patients with alcohol dependence

Striatal D2 dopamine receptor characteristics of nine male patients with alcohol dependence abstinent for 1-68 weeks and eight healthy male volunteers were studied in vivo with positron emission tomography. The selective D2 receptor ligand [11C]raclopride and equilibrium model was used for D2 receptor density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) measurements. A trend for a decreased striatal D2 receptor density and for reduced D2 receptor affinity was observed in patients with alcohol dependence. These parameters were not statistically significantly different between alcoholics and controls, but the ratio between D2 receptor density and affinity (Bmax/Kd or the striatum/cerebellum ratio from the high specific activity scan) was highly significantly lower in alcoholics than that of controls. In conclusion, the low D2 dopamine receptor Bmax/Kd ratio (striatum/cerebellum ratio) indicates that specific aspects of striatal [11C]raclopride binding in vivo are deviant in alcoholics compared to controls. The result is compatible with a reduced avidity of striatal dopamine D2 receptors in alcoholics, which is in line with the idea that D2 dopaminergic mechanisms are involved in the biology of alcohol dependence in man.

Regulation of serotonin 5-HT2C receptors in the rat choroid plexus after acute clozapine treatment

We studied the effects of acute clozapine and haloperidol treatments on 5-HT2C receptor binding characteristics and 5-HT2C receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the rat choroid plexus. Scatchard analysis (with [3H]mesulergine) showed that acute clozapine treatment (10 and 25 mg/kg) decreased the density (Bmax) of 5-HT2C receptors by 20-25% with no marked change in the affinity (Kd). Quantitative autoradiography was in accordance with homogenate binding studies showing that acute clozapine treatment, unlike haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg), decreased the number of both agonist ([125I](+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane, [125I]DOI) and antagonist ([3H]mesulergine) labeled 5-HT2C receptor binding sites. The decrease was more robust with the higher dose of clozapine. For comparison, both doses of clozapine, unlike haloperidol, decreased equally the density of 5-HT2A receptors in the frontal cortex by about 45%, whereas none of the treatments altered dopamine D2 receptor characteristics in the striatum. The Kd value of 5-HT2A receptors was significantly increased after the dose of 25 mg/kg of clozapine. These clozapine treatments failed to decrease the maximal 5-HT2C receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis response. The higher dose of clozapine increased 5-HT-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis response, but also decreased significantly the basal levels of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Haloperidol did not significantly affect the 5-HT2C receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. To summarize, the present data show that a single injection of clozapine is able to reduce the density of 5-HT2C receptors but fails to cause functional desensitization of 5-HT2C receptors in the rat choroid plexus.

Effect of chronic treatment with ethanol and withdrawal of ethanol on binding of [3H]SCH23390 to D1 dopamine receptor in rat visual cortex and hippocampus. An autoradiographic study

Male Wistar rats, treated with ethanol for 8 weeks and pair-control animals, were used to study the effects of chronic treatment with ethanol, and withdrawal of ethanol for 24 and 48 hr on [3H]SCH23390 binding. The visual cortex (Laminae III-IV and Lamina VI), the superficial grey layer of the superior colliculus, and the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were the cerebral areas analysed. Non significant changes were observed in hippocampus and Laminae III-IV of the visual cortex after treatments with alcohol. More interesting results were obtained from Lamina VI, where the chronic treatment with ethanol did not modify the binding of [3H]SCH23390, whereas the withdrawal of ethanol produced a statistically significant increase in binding values. In addition, superficial grey layer of the superior colliculus showed a significant increase in binding values between 48 hr withdrawal and ethanol treated groups. The results herein reported suggest that some structures involved in visual functions are related to responses of adaptation to ethanol.

Clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine are potent 5-HT1C receptor antagonists

The effects of the atypical antipsychotic drug, clozapine, and its two major metabolites in man, N-desmethylclozapine and clozapine N-oxide, on 5-HT1C receptor mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis were studied in rat choroid plexus. Clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine antagonized 5-HT-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis with IC50 values of 110 and 29.4 nM, respectively. Clozapine N-oxide was less potent. None of the compounds stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis per se. The Ki values for [3H]mesulergine displacement in choroid plexus were in accordance with phosphoinositide hydrolysis data. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that clozapine and one of its major metabolites in man, N-desmethylclozapine, are potent 5-HT1C receptor antagonists. These properties of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine should be considered when the atypical effects of clozapine are evaluated in vivo.

Effects of chronic ethanol intake at a low dose on the rat brain dopaminergic system

The effects of 8-week ethanol treatment (3% v/v in drinking water) on the rat brain dopaminergic system were investigated. Chronic ethanol consumption induced a significant increase in the number of dopamine D1 receptor sites in the caudate putamen. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in D2 receptor density or affinity. Biochemical results were in agreement with behavioral data, as amphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity was significantly higher in ethanol-treated rats in comparison to controls. Moreover, grooming behavior in response to SKF 38393, a selective agonist of D1 receptors was potentiated in ethanol-treated rats, whereas locomotor hyperactivity induced by LY 171555 (a selective agonist of D2 receptors) was not affected by ethanol treatment. The results indicate that changes in dopamine receptors may occur in the central nervous system at levels of ethanol intake that do not induce tolerance or dependence.

Bidirectional changes in striatal D1-dopamine receptor density during chronic ethanol intake

Results of previous studies on the effects of ethanol consumption on the properties of D1 dopamine receptors appear contradictory and inconclusive. In this study we have examined the time course of the effects of dietary ethanol on the properties of striatal D1 dopamine receptors. Chronic ethanol intake led to bidirectional changes in the maximum number (Bmax) of [3H]SCH-23390 binding to striatal D1 dopamine receptors measured 10 hrs after termination of the ethanol intake. A significant decrease (80% of control), increase (159% of control), increase (122% of control), and decrease (85% of control) after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks of ethanol intake respectively was observed. The bidirectional changes disappeared after 6 and 10 weeks of continued ethanol intake and the Bmax returned back to the control level. The receptor affinity (Kd), however, remained unaltered in all cases. These data suggest that the duration of ethanol exposure may be an important determinant in regulating D1 dopamine receptor density.

Chronic clozapine treatment down-regulates serotonin 5-HT-1c receptors in rat brain

1. The effects of chronic treatment with the atypical antipsychotic, clozapine, and classical antipsychotic, haloperidol, on serotonergic 5-HT-1c and dopamine D2 receptors in rat brain were studied with radioligand binding methods. 2. Two weeks' treatment with clozapine did not alter striatal D2 receptor characteristics measured with 3H-spiperone, but caused a 54% down-regulation of 3H-mesulergine binding to 5-HT-1c receptors in choroid plexus. 3. In contrast, two weeks' treatment with a classical neuroleptic, haloperidol increased significantly D2 receptor number in striatum, but had no effect on 5-HT-1c receptor binding. 4. In conclusion, alterations of 5-HT-1c receptor characteristics after chronic clozapine treatment may represent a mechanism that contributes to the unique clinical profile of this antipsychotic drug.

The effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine systems

Both the mesolimbic dopamine system, which is involved with the rewarding properties of several drugs of abuse, and the nigrostriatal dopamine system, which is involved with motor function, appear to be sensitive to the effects of ethanol. In order to determine which components of the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine systems are adversely affected by chronic ethanol consumption, we assessed dopamine and DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) concentration and D1 and D2 receptors in several dopaminergic brain areas. These studies demonstrated that consumption of a 6.6% (v/v) ethanol-containing lipid diet for 1 month affected several components of the mesolimbic dopamine system in 3-month-old Fisher 344 rats and fewer components of the nigrostriatal dopamine system. Specifically, there was a 1.6- to 2.6-fold increase in the concentration of DOPAC in the nucleus accumbens (NA), frontal cortex (FCX), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and substantia nigra (SN). While the increase in DOPAC in the FCX and VTA was paralleled by a similar increase in dopamine, there was a significant deficiency of dopamine in the SN. These results suggest that there is an increase in dopamine turnover in the FCX, VTA, NA, and SN, which is accompanied by increased dopamine synthesis in the former two regions. Studies of dopamine receptors in control and ethanol-fed rats demonstrated a 25% loss of D1 receptors in the NA. No significant differences were found in D1 receptors in the striatum or globus pallidus. In addition, there were no differences in the number of total D2 receptors or in the conversion of the high to low affinity state of D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and striatum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bidirectional changes in striatal D2-dopamine receptor density during chronic ethanol intake

Results of previous studies on the effects of ethanol consumption for a single fixed period on the properties of D2 dopamine receptors appear contradictory and inconclusive. In this study, we have examined the time course of the effects of dietary ethanol on the properties of striatal D2 dopamine receptor. Ethanol intake led to a significant decrease in the maximum number (Bmax) after 1 (35% of control) and 2 weeks (48% of control), but not after 3 (93% of control) or 4 weeks (97% of control) of treatment. However, there was a significant increase in Bmax after 6 (118% of control) and 10 weeks (123% of control) of ethanol consumption. The affinity (Kd) of the receptor, however, remained unaltered in all cases. In conclusion, these data show that the duration of ethanol exposure may be an important determinant regulating D2-dopamine receptor density.