Possible resolution of a paradox concerning the use of p-chlorophenylalanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan: evidence for a mode of action involving adrenaline in manipulating the surge of luteinizing hormone in rats

Comparative study of the sources of neuronal projections to the site of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone perikarya and to the anteroventral periventricular nucleus in female rats

The rat ovulatory cycle is dependent on the preoptic region encompassing the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) perikarya and the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Retrograde tract tracing was used to identify and compare the sources of inputs to these sites in female rats. Within the telencephalon and diencephalon, the incidence of retrograde labelling from both sites was moderate to abundant in the ventral lateral septum, posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdalohippocampal area and the periventricular, medial preoptic, anterodorsal preoptic, dorsomedial suprachiasmatic, arcuate, and posterior ventrolateral ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. In these regions, the incidence of retrograde labelling was either greater from the AVPV than from the GnRH perikarya site or similar from both sites. In the medial amygdaloid, parastrial, striohypothalamic, and ventral premammillary nuclei, the retrograde labelling from the AVPV greatly exceeded the sparse incidence from the GnRH perikarya site. In contrast, retrograde labelling from the GnRH perikarya site predominated in the median preoptic, lateroanterior and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei, subparaventricular zone, and retrochiasmatic area; it was abundant in the AVPV. Caudal to the diencephalon, retrograde labelling from either site was sparse, except in the lateral parabrachial nucleus, which displayed a particularly high incidence from the GnRH perikarya site. Other mesencephalic regions labelled from either site included the periaqueductal gray and dorsal and median raphe nuclei. The most caudal labelling was found in the ventrolateral medulla and region of the solitary tract nucleus; this was almost exclusively from the GnRH perikarya site. These findings further elucidate the neuroanatomical connections underlying the control of the ovulatory cycle.

Differentiation of presumed serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons in relation to behavior and wake-sleep states

Using extracellular single unit recording, either alone or in combination with microdialysis application of drugs, we examined the characteristics of presumed serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons during wake-sleep states in the freely moving cat. Recordings were made from a total of 272 neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Of these, 240 (88%) were classified as serotonergic on the basis of their typical long-duration action potential, slow discharge activity, and reduced spontaneous discharge rate during paradoxical sleep compared to during slow-wave sleep. An inhibitory response to serotonergic agonists and a slow conduction velocity were seen in all neurons of this type tested or identified by stimulation of the main ascending serotonergic pathway. These presumed serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons could be subdivided into two typical previously identified groups (types I-A and I-B) and four atypical new groups (types I-C, II-A, II-B, and II-C) according to differences in firing patterns during wake-sleep states. The typical neurons were evenly distributed in the dorsal raphe nucleus and their activity was related to the level of behavioral arousal, since they discharged regularly at a high rate during waking and at progressively slower rates during slow-wave sleep, and ceased firing either during slow-wave sleep with ponto-geniculo-occipital waves and paradoxical sleep (type I-A) or only during paradoxical sleep (type I-B). In contrast, the atypical subgroups were unevenly distributed in the dorsal raphe nucleus and exhibited firing patterns distinct from those of the typical neurons, such as sustained tonic activity during paradoxical sleep (types I-C and II-C) or showing their highest rate of tonic discharge during slow-wave sleep, with suppression of discharge during both waking and paradoxical sleep (type II-B). From these data we suggest that presumed serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons play different roles in behavioral state control and that there is functional topographic organization in the dorsal raphe nucleus.

Long term depletion of serotonin leads to selective changes in glutamate receptor subunits

The present study was carried out to clarify possible modulation mechanism of serotonin (5-HT) on glutamatergic neurotransmission in the rat cerebral cortex. 5-HT was depleted by a 5-HT metabolite blocker (para-chlorophenylalanine; pCPA) for a week. Receptor binding experiments using (S)-[(3)H]alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-propionic acid (AMPA) showed a considerable increase in B(max) value of the membrane samples prepared from the cerebral cortex of rats compared with that of control animals received saline. In contrast, B(max) value of the [(3)H]MK-801 binding experiments for NMDA receptor was not changed by pCPA-treatment. Changes in the density of each AMPA receptor subtype were examined in the cerebral cortex by immunoblot analyses using antibodies against AMPA receptor subunits. The density of immunoreactive bands with receptor subtype specific antibodies against GluR2/3 and GluR2 receptors was increased, whereas that of GluR1 receptors was decreased. Considering GluR2 receptor subtype inhibits Ca(2+) influx into neurons, the present study suggests that 5-HT appears to modulate synaptic plasticity by regulating the density of each AMPA receptor subtype.

Circadian change of VIP mRNA in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus following p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) treatment in constant darkness

Neuronal activity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is known to be regulated by two major extrinsic factors conveyed by three anatomically distinct pathways to the SCN: photic stimulus by the direct retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) and the indirect geniculohypothalamic tract (GHT), and information from the brainstem by ascending forebrain serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) tract. It has been shown that VIP mRNA level in neurons of the SCN is altered by external light, but remains stable in constant darkness. In the present study, by using the in situ hybridization technique combined with computer-assisted image analysis, we examined VIP mRNA expression in the SCN of rats in which the two major factors were eliminated, i.e. photic stimulus by exposing animals in total darkness and 5-HT transmission by three-day successive administration of p-chlorophenyl-alanine methylester (an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, 200 mg/kg, daily). In saline-treated controls, VIP mRNA levels remained almost constant throughout the day. In contrast, in PCPA-treated rats, a significant rhythm of VIP mRNA was observed with a peak at CT 4 and a trough at CT 20. These observations suggest that the removal of photic and 5-HT influence induces VIP mRNA rhythm in the SCN, indicating that VIP mRNA is controlled not only by photic information but also by the circadian clock.

Altered vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene expression in the fetal rat suprachiasmatic nucleus following prenatal serotonin deficiency

This study has evaluated the possible role of serotonin, a potential morphogen, in the regulation of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) gene expression in the target neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) before and after the onset of the serotonin neurotransmitter function. VIP gene expression was quantified by in situ hybridization of the corresponding mRNA on cryostat sections with subsequent film autoradiography and densitometry. The content of VIP mRNA was measured in the SCN in fetuses at the 21st embryonic day (E21) and in postnatal rats at day 11 (P11) following chronic depletion of serotonin by p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis. This inhibitor was daily injected to pregnant rats for E13-20 or to postnatal animals for P2-10. Results of this study indicate that prenatal serotonin depletion caused a significant increase in VIP mRNA content in the SCN compared to control fetuses. On the contrary, the same treatment performed postnatally did not change VIP mRNA levels in the SCN. These data suggest that the VIP gene expression in differentiating target neurons of the SCN might be under serotonin inhibitory control during prenatal neurogenesis, prior to the onset of the serotoninergic neurotransmission.

Stress-induced activation of CRF and c-fos mRNAs in the paraventricular nucleus are not affected by serotonin depletion

The role of serotonin in regulating the stress response is controversial. We have investigated the effects of serotonin depletion by p-chlorophenyl-alanine (PCPA) on corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA and c-fos mRNA responses in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) together with circulating levels of ACTH and corticosterone to both physical and psychological stressors in the rat. PCPA pretreatment, which resulted in a 95% depletion in hypothalamic serotonin, had no effect on basal levels of ACTH or the increase in response to the physical stress of hypertonic saline. Plasma ACTH concentrations were also not affected by serotonin depletion in response to the predominantly psychological stress of restraint. Both basal and restraint stress-induced circulating corticosterone levels were however further stimulated in the PCPA-pretreated rats suggesting a possible inhibitory serotoninergic tone at the adrenal level. C-fos mRNA was undetectable in control animals. Activation of c-fos mRNA in response to stress was unaffected by serotonin depletion and the activation of magnocellular PVN and supraoptic nucleus cells was demonstrated to be stressor dependent. Basal and stress-induced levels of CRF mRNA were unaffected by PCPA pretreatment. It appears therefore that under these experimental conditions there is little if any involvement of serotonin in either basal levels or the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in vivo.

Inhibition of methionine incorporation into brain proteins after the systemic administration of p-chlorophenylalanine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan

The effects of p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA) and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP) on local rates of plasma methionine incorporation into brain proteins were investigated by a quantitative autoradiographic method. The sequential i.v. administration of p-CPA (280 mg/kg, 42 h before the measurement) and L-5-HTP (60 mg/kg, 40 min before the measurement) resulted in an average 82% decrease of plasma methionine incorporation. The two treatments given separately also reduced the rates of plasma methionine incorporation in all the brain areas examined by 33 and 50%, respectively for p-CPA and L-5-HTP. These results indicate that: (1) p-CPA and L-5-HTP, two drugs which affect brain serotonin production in opposite ways, both produce large and general decreases of brain protein synthesis; (2) the administration of L-5-HTP does not restore the p-CPA-induced inhibition of brain protein synthesis but induces further decreases of protein synthesis. These results suggest that the reduction of brain protein synthesis in p-CPA-treated rats is mainly related to high circulating levels of p-CPA and phenylalanine; and that brain serotonin is not the only factor involved in the widespread metabolic changes observed. Such profound alterations of brain metabolism should be considered when interpreting the behavioral and neurochemical effects of p-CPA and L-5-HTP.

Decreased protein synthesis in hypothalamic nuclei following L-5-hydroxytryptophan in intact and p-chlorophenylalanine-pretreated rats

The rate of protein synthesis was estimated in individual hypothalamic nuclei by a quantitative autoradiographic technique with L-[35S]methionine. The i.v. administration of 60 mg/kg L-5-hydroxytryptophan (40 min before) resulted in a 45-55% decrease of overall protein synthesis rate in all the hypothalamic nuclei examined. In rats pretreated (42 h before) with a single i.v. injection of 280 mg/kg p-chlorophenylalanine, a drug which is known to deplete brain serotonin concentration, the administration of 60 mg/kg L-5-hydroxytryptophan resulted in a 50-75% decrease of protein synthesis rates in the hypothalamic nuclei. These results suggest that the systemic administration of large doses of L-5-hydroxytryptophan may inhibit protein synthesis in hypothalamic nuclei directly or indirectly after the conversion of this compound to serotonin.

Serotonin synthesis inhibition or receptor antagonism reduces pregnancy-induced nocturnal prolactin secretion

During early pregnancy, two surges of prolactin (PRL) designated as nocturnal (N) and diurnal (D) are displayed by the rat. We previously reported the positive influence of serotonin (5-HT) in regulating the D surge. Its role in the N surge remained inconclusive due to the contradictory results obtained with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists. This study further characterizes the involvement of 5-HT in regulating the N surge. The effectiveness of different doses of ketanserin (KET), a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, to reduce plasma PRL levels during the surge was established. Sub-threshold (1 mg/kg BW) or just maximally effective (10 mg/kg BW) doses of KET were administered to rats that had been pre-treated with PCPA (250 mg/kg BW) for 24h. The lower dose of KET was ineffective in reducing the N surge even though less 5-HT was available due to PCPA treatment 24h earlier. The higher dose was effective in blocking the surge. Subsequently, the effect of one compared to two injections of PCPA 24 hours apart on plasma PRL levels and concentrations of 5-HT, dopamine (DA) and their respective metabolites 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and the medial dorsal hypothalamus (MDH) was studied. Two injections of PCPA but not one abolished the N PRL surge. Levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were significantly (p less than .005) reduced following either one or two injections of PCPA. Nevertheless, there was a greater (50 fold) decrease in 5-HIAA following 2 injections compared to one injection (10 fold), resulting in lower 5-HT turnover as indicated by lower 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios. Levels of DA in the MBH were reduced significantly only following two injections of PCPA, suggesting that the lack of effect of PCPA after one injection on the N surge was not due to a decrease in DA.

Reversibility of para-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia by intrahypothalamic microinjection of L-5-hydroxytryptophan

Para-chlorophenylalanine, a blocker of serotonin biosynthesis by inhibiting tryptophan hydroxylase, induced total insomnia which was accompanied in cat by a permanent discharge of ponto-geniculo-occipital activity. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan microinjection (1-4 micrograms/0.5 microliters) in the anterior hypothalamus 72 h after para-chlorophenylalanine administration, restored both slow wave sleep and paradoxical sleep with variable latencies for each state of sleep. On the contrary, ponto-geniculo-occipital activity was never suppressed. The hypnogenic effects of L-5-hydroxytryptophan were always followed by a return of the para-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia. On the other hand, the temperature recording did not show any alteration of the cerebral temperature after para-chlorophenylalanine treatment but the subsequent L-5-hydroxytryptophan microinjection was followed by hyperthermia. Using immunohistochemistry for serotonin after intrahypothalamic L-5-hydroxytryptophan microinjection in parachlorophenylalanine-pretreated cat, we defined a restricted region of the anterior hypothalamus possibly responsible for the hypnogenic effect. This region included the lateral hypothalamus and the anterior hypothalamic area. It is suggested that the reversible hypersomnia after L-5-hydroxytryptophan microinjection in the anterior hypothalamus in para-chlorophenylalanine-pretreated cat is due to a neurohormonal action of serotonin: serotonin could act upon the anterior hypothalamus which secondarily inhibits a waking system located in the ventrolateral hypothalamus leading to the appearance of paradoxical sleep.

Aging alters the circadian rhythm of glucose utilization in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

We examined the possibility that alterations in the timing of cyclic luteinizing hormone (LH) release during the middle age transition to infertility reflect differences in the circadian pattern of neural function in pacemaker areas of the hypothalamus, particularly the suprachiasmatic nucleus. We measured local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) because this parameter is an index of local brain function. We assessed LCGU in several brain areas of young and middle-aged ovariectomized estradiol-treated rats since LH surges are altered when rats are middle-aged. This alteration is correlated with changes in the diurnal pattern of neurotransmitter turnover in several hypothalamic areas that regulate cyclic LH release. The data demonstrate a circadian rhythm in glucose utilization in the dorsal and ventral suprachiasmatic nucleus. In young rats, LCGU increases within 1 hr of lights-on, increases further just prior to the initiation of the LH surge, and decreases within 1 hr of lights-off. In contrast, middle-aged rats show a more gradual increase in LCGU after lights-on, with no further increase prior to the LH surge, and a premature decrease during the afternoon and evening. The data suggest that changes in the circadian pattern of LCGU may be related to the alteration in timing and amplitude of estradiol-induced LH surges in middle-aged rats. Changes in the integrity of the biological clock or in the ability of the biological clock to entrain other neurochemical events may underlie the onset of altered cyclic reproductive function and the transition to irregular estrous cyclicity.

Fetal serotoninergic transplants in the fourth ventricle of adult rodents reverse sleep disturbances induced by neonatal administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine

Rats received a neonatal (at 4 days of age) intracisternal injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine which eliminates serotonin (5-HT) throughout adulthood. Sleep recordings, performed on these rats at adult age, demonstrated significant decreases in paradoxical sleep. Dissociated fetal 5-HT cell suspensions transplanted in the IVth ventricle of these rats restored paradoxical sleep. However, fetal neuronal noradrenergic or cholinergic transplants did not restore paradoxical sleep. These results suggest that paradoxical sleep is directly or indirectly mediated through serotoninergic mechanisms.

Hypothermia induced by the putative 5-HT1A agonists LY165163 and 8-OH-DPAT is not prevented by 5-HT depletion

The putative 5-HT1A agonist 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (LY165163, PAPP) (1, 2, 4, 10 mg/kg s.c.) caused a significant and dose-dependent hypothermia in rats, 30 and 60 min after injection. The decreases of temperature were less marked than that caused by 8-OH-DPAT 1 mg/kg s.c.). Depletion of brain serotonin (5-HT) by 91% following pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) (150 mg/kg i.p. on three successive days) significantly enhanced the hypothermic effects of both 8-OH-DPAT (0.25 mg/kg s.c.) and LY165163 (4 mg/kg s.c.). LY165163-induced hypothermia was also somewhat enhanced following depletion of hypothalamic 5-HT by 76% after infusion of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) (150 micrograms) into the third ventricle. Results indicate that the hypothermia induced by the putative 5-HT1A agonists LY165163 and 8-OH-DPAT in the rat is not dependent on presynaptic 5-HT stores and is therefore probably mediated by postsynaptic 5-HT receptors.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-immunoreactive neurons in the rat brain tissue

We demonstrated the presence of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the immediate precursor of serotonin (5-HT), in the rat brain tissue using a glutaraldehyde-coupled immunohistochemical technique. The immunoreactivity of 5-HTP was intensified in the colchicine-pretreated rat. The distribution of labelled cells was the same as for 5-HT-immunoreactive cells, but they were fewer in number.

Aging changes in synaptology of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons in male rat preoptic area

This study was undertaken to examine some aspects of the anatomical substrate for reproductive senescence. Immunocytochemically identified luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons and their processes in the male rat brain preoptic area were compared in young adult (2-4 months), middle-aged (12-14 months) and old (20-23 months) animals. At the light microscopic level there were no age-dependent differences in total numbers or sizes of LHRH neurons nor in their distribution in the brain. Examination of these neurons at the electron microscopic level did reveal significant differences in certain organelles and in the degree and kind of synaptic input. Random sections of middle-aged luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons more frequently passed through the nucleolus and the incidence of nematosomes was higher than in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons from the young and old animals. Quantitative measures of synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone soma and dendrites as well as to unidentified neurons in the same thin section were made. These are reported as percent of membrane that showed synaptic structure. Dendrites of both luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and nonidentified neurons were more densely innervated than perikarya. The density of synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons was significantly greater than that to nonidentified neurons in young and middle-aged animals, but was equal to that of nonidentified neurons by old age. Age-related changes were noted in synaptic organization with the most significant change being an increased input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone perikarya. Indeed, synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone perikaryal membrane was increased three-fold by middle age and ten-fold by old age. Density of synaptic input to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone dendritic membrane did not change with age. There were no aging changes in percentage of membrane with synaptic structure in nonidentified elements. Synapses were also classified on the basis of their synaptic vesicle content. There were proportionately more synaptic boutons containing round clear than pleomorphic vesicles in the young sample. The proportion of synapses with pleomorphic vesicles increased with age onto both luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone perikarya and their dendrites. The proportion of boutons containing some electron dense-core vesicles along with clear vesicles decreased with age onto both luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and nonidentified neurons and their processes.

Effects of p-chlorophenylalanine on hypothalamic indoleamine levels and the associated changes which occur in catecholamine dynamics and LH surges in estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats

Recent studies have demonstrated that the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems are functionally and anatomically linked and both systems have been implicated as contributors to the regulation of the phasic release of LH. Consequently, perturbations within the serotonergic system could secondarily affect noradrenergic system activity and result in a loss of phasic LHRH secretion. In the present studies we examined the effects of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) on LH surges and the associated changes which occur in hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations. We also evaluated the effects of this drug on norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) initial concentrations, rate constants and turnover rates in the medial preoptic area (MPN), suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), paraventricular nuclei (PVN) and median eminence (ME). Seven days after ovariectomy, rats received estradiol (E2) capsules (day 0) and on day 1 some animals also received PCPA (250 mg/kg b. wt., i.p.) while the remainder served as controls. LH surges occurred in control animals but not in PCPA-treated rats on days 2, 3 and 4. PCPA produced a significant decline in 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in all microdissected hypothalamic regions at 09.00 and 15.00 h on day 2. In control rats, there were no significant changes in initial concentrations of NE in the MPN, PVN and ME between 09.00 and 15.00 h with the exception of the SCN where a slight decline had occurred by 15.00 h. NE rate constants and turnover rates increased during the afternoon in controls in the MPN, SCN and ME and declined in the PVN concomitant with LH surges. PCPA had variable effects in suppressing NE initial concentrations depending upon the hypothalamic area studied and the time of day. More importantly, the drug abolished the diurnal rhythm in rate constants observed in controls and consequently, neither the MPN, SCN nor ME showed any increase in NE turnover rates in the afternoon of day 2. In contrast, a significant decline in rate constants and turnover rates occurred in the PVN of both control and PCPA-treated rats during the afternoon of day 2. DA initial concentrations declined in controls between 09.00 and 15.00 h in the MPN and ME but not in the SCN or PVN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The distribution of neurotransmitter-specific cells and fibers in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus: implications for the control of gonadotropin secretion in the rat

The anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv), which lies in the periventricular zone of the preoptic region, is critical for normal phasic gonadotropin secretion since lesions of this nucleus abolish the progesterone-induced surge of luteinizing hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary, block ovulation, and induce persistent vaginal estrus in female rats. However, very little is known about the neurotransmitter-specific pathways associated with this nucleus. In the present study we evaluated the distribution of biochemically specific cells and fibers within the AVPv and adjacent regions by using an indirect immunohistochemical method with antisera to serotonin (5-HT), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), cholecystokinin-8 (CCK), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), neurotensin (NT), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), luteotropin-releasing hormone (LRH), somatostatin (SS), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), oxytocin (OXY), vasopressin (VAS), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH1-24), alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), leucine-enkephalin (L-ENK), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Our findings indicate that both cells and fibers containing these putative neurotransmitters are differentially distributed in and around the AVPv in accordance with the cytoarchitectonic organization of this part of the preoptic region. The AVPv itself appears to receive strong inputs from SP-, VAS-, CCK-, and SS-containing pathways, whereas the highest densities of L-ENK-, NT-, 5-HT-, NPY-, and DBH-immunoreactive fibers were found in the cell-sparse zone just lateral to the AVPv. The suprachiasmatic preoptic nucleus (PSCh), a small group of cells located ventral to the AVPv just dorsal to the optic chiasm, contained high densities of alpha-MSH- and ACTH-immunoreactive fibers, as well as substantial numbers of fibers containing catecholamines or NPY. In contrast, a dense plexus of VAS-stained fibers was distributed fairly evenly throughout the AVPv and PSCh. Numerous L-ENK-immunoreactive cell bodies, and moderate numbers of CCK-, NT-, and CRF-stained cell bodies were found in the AVPv. The PSCh contained many TH-stained cells (presumably dopaminergic), in addition to a moderate number of CCK-containing cell bodies, while a high density of NT- and CRF-stained cells were found in the cell-sparse zone lateral to the AVPv, in addition to several CCK-, SP-, VIP-, and TH-containing cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The effect of neonatal manipulation of hypothalamic serotonin levels on sexual activity in the adult rat

5HT and 5HIAA levels were altered in neonatal males and females by treating them with 100 mg/kg p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) or 20 mg/kg 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) over eight days 1 to 7 or 11 to 16 of life. Androgenized females (testosterone propionate given on day 1) were also treated over days 1 to 7. In adulthood the effects of these treatments on sexual behaviour were observed. None of the treatments affected feminine sexual behaviour in either sex. Reduction of 5HT activity by PCPA enhanced masculine sexual behaviour in males and potentiated the defeminizing effect of exogenous testosterone in females. Increasing 5HT by 5HTP antagonised the defeminizing effect of exogenous testosterone. These findings indicate that the lower levels of hypothalamic 5HT and 5HIAA seen in the neonatal males may have some physiological importance, since 5HT appears to antagonise the androgenizing and defeminizing effects of testosterone.

Effect of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase inhibition on serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin in pro-oestrous and ovariectomized rats

In a dose dependent manner, LY 87130, an inhibitor of adrenaline synthesis in the rat brain, either shifts the pro-oestrous surges of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone from the late afternoon to the middle of the night or blocks any occurrence of the surges and prevents ovulation. Because the pulsatile release of LH is also blocked by LY 87130, it is proposed that the role of adrenaline in the production of the preovulatory surge is concerned with the regulation of the LH pulses which constitute the surge.

Reduction of nicotine-induced hyperactivity by pCPA

Spontaneous locomotion of female Wistar rats was measured in six to ten minute sessions in an automated tunnel maze consisting of a central arena and six radially symmetrical angled arms. Nicotine (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneous, 20-30 minutes pretest) increased total arm visit frequency, but intrasession habituation and number of repetitive arm visits in the first six choices were not affected. pCPA (300 mg/kg IP three days pretest) reduced arm-visit frequency in nicotine-, but not in saline-treated rats; it had no effect on intrasession habituation or number of repetitions in either treatment group. 5-HTP (50 mg/kg IP 90 minutes pretest) reduced arm entry frequency in saline-, nicotine-, and pCPA-treated groups. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.

Quinolinic acid stimulates luteinizing hormone secretion through a serotonin-dependent mechanism

Previous results from this laboratory suggest that the tryptophan metabolite, quinolinic acid (QUIN), stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in female rats, most likely through actions on NMDA-preferring excitatory amino acid receptors. The present experiments examined whether QUIN alters LH secretion through actions requiring intact catecholaminergic or serotonergic mechanisms. Each study examined the effects of intracisternal (i.c.) injections of 25 microliter acidic saline or saline containing QUIN (500 nmol) or the synthetic analogue, N-methyl-DL-aspartate (NMA, 500 nmol), into ovariectomized, estradiol benzoate-primed rats after pharmacologic disruption of monoaminergic neurotransmission. In each experiment, animals were decapitated 5 min after QUIN or NMA administration. Experiment 1 examined whether reduction in brain serotonin (5-HT) or of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) alters the QUIN- or NMA-induced stimulation of LH secretion. Rats were pretreated with the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, FLA-63 (40 mg/kg 2 h prior). A second experiment examined the effects of the 5-HT antagonist, methysergide, on QUIN or NMA stimulation of LH secretion. Methysergide (15 mg/kg) was administered 30 min prior to experimentation. Experiment 3 examined whether selective destruction of raphe serotonergic neurons with the indoleamine neurotoxin, 5,7 dihydroxytryptamine (5,7 DHT), alters QUIN's stimulatory effects. In each study, serum LH concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Hypothalamic catecholamine and 5-HT concentrations were measured by radioenzymatic assay and liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, respectively. Depletion of brain 5-HT with PCPA significantly reduced the stimulation of LH secretion by QUIN, but not by NMA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Decreased serotonin content of embryonic raphe neurons following maternal administration of p-chlorophenylalanine: a quantitative immunocytochemical study

Previous studies from this laboratory have suggested that serotonergic (5-HT) neurons may influence the differentiation of their embryonic target cells in the developing rat brain. The present study was designed to determine whether or not maternal p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) administration could deplete serotonin (5-HT) in developing 5-HT neurons during embryonic days 13-15, when the effects of pCPA on neuronal genesis have been observed previously. For this study, pCPA was administered to timed-pregnant rats and embryos were sacrificed at two different gestational ages, embryonic days 13-14 (E13-14) and 14-15 (E14-15). Immunotitration experiments were carried out on tissue sections, using an antiserum to 5-HT-hemocyanin conjugates to obtain a relative estimate of the amount of 5-HT contained within individual 5-HT neurons of embryos from pCPA-treated and control mothers. Diminished immunoreactivity as a consequence of addition of increasing amounts of antigen was then quantitated on a relative scale by comparison with the amount of immunoreactivity present when no antigen was added to the primary antiserum. Two major findings resulted from this study: maternal pCPA treatment depleted 5-HT by approximately 50% in developing 5-HT neurons at embryonic ages E13-14 and E14-15, but depletion appeared to be greatest in the youngest embryos; developing 5-HT neurons increased their content of neurotransmitter by approximately 10-fold during this one day of embryonic development, an effect which could be observed in both pCPA-treated and control animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The distribution of monoaminergic cells and fibers in a periventricular preoptic nucleus involved in the control of gonadotropin release: immunohistochemical evidence for a dopaminergic sexual dimorphism

A small, discrete nucleus at the rostral end of the third ventricle, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv), has been reported to be involved in the control of gonadotropin release. Since monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems have also been implicated in this function we used an indirect immunohistochemical approach to examine the distribution of 3 monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems in this nucleus. Sections through the AVPv of both colchicine and non-colchicine-treated adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were processed for immunohistofluorescence with antisera directed against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), or serotonin (5-HT), and were subsequently counterstained with the fluorescent Nissl stain ethidium bromide. The distributions of TH-, DBH- and 5-HT-immunoreactive neural elements within the AVPv were evaluated and a comparison was made between males and females. In both sexes, few 5-HT-stained fibers were seen within the borders of the AVPv, in contrast to the relatively high 5-HT-stained fiber density of the surrounding region. A dramatic sexual dimorphism was found in the distribution of TH-immunoreactive fibers and cell bodies. Compared to males, the AVPv in the female contained 3-4 times as many TH-stained perikarya, and a 2- to 3-fold greater density of TH-stained fibers. A low to moderate density of DBH-immunoreactive fibers, and no DBH-stained cell bodies, were seen in the nucleus. A clear sex difference was not found in the density of DBH-stained fibers in the AVPv, indicating that the sexual dimorphism in TH-immunoreactive neural elements in this nucleus is due to a greater density of dopaminergic fibers and a greater number of dopaminergic cell bodies in the female. These results suggest that dopamine may participate in the control of gonadotropin secretion at the level of the AVPv.

Adrenaline concentration and turnover in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence during the critical period in the rat

Previous work has shown a relatively high turnover of adrenaline in the mediobasal hypothalamus during the critical period (15.00-17.00 h) of the proestrous rat. We now report that this high level of adrenergic activity can be detected in the median eminence (turnover rate 1.62 +/- 0.36 pg/micrograms protein/h) rather than the arcuate nucleus (turnover rate 0.18 +/- 0.32 pg/micrograms protein/h). In addition the median eminence was isolated as medial and lateral components and determination of catecholamine concentrations revealed a greater proportion of adrenaline (A) (59%) in the lateral median eminence whereas a larger proportion of dopamine (60%) was found in medial median eminence.

Adrenaline turnover rates in the medial preoptic area and mediobasal hypothalamus in relation to the release of luteinizing hormone in female rats

The turnover rates of adrenaline in the medial preoptic area and mediobasal hypothalamus, areas which, respectively, include the cell bodies and terminals of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone neurons, have been measured in female rats on pro-oestrus, the day of the preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone, and on dioestrus, the preceding day. A rise in the rate of turnover was found in the medial preoptic area coinciding with the surge of luteinizing hormone in the late afternoon of pro-oestrus; the rate of turnover at this time was higher than at the same time on dioestrus. No changes in turnover rate were found in the mediobasal hypothalamus within either of these days. The results indicate that the adrenaline-containing projections to the preoptic area may be actively involved in the production of the spontaneous preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone in rats.

Effects of manipulating catecholamines on the incidence of the preovulatory surge of of luteinizing hormone and ovulation in the rat: evidence for a necessary involvement of hypothalamic adrenaline in the normal or 'midnight' surge

The preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone reaches a maximum at 18.00 h on the day of pro-oestrus in female rats maintained with regular lighting from 06.00 to 20.00 h. This surge is initiated by a discharge of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone into hypophysial portal blood. In this study, drugs which affect catecholamine-mediated neurotransmission were administered on the day of pro-oestrus and the effects on serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone and on subsequent ovulation were observed. alpha-Methyl-p-tyrosine, diethyldithiocarbamate and SKF 64139 inhibit catecholamine synthesis at the level of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, respectively. Although alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine suppressed ovulation, it had a negligible effect on the incidence of the preovulatory surge. In contrast, the various treatments with diethyldithiocarbamate and SKF 64139 resulted in a minimal occurrence of the 18.00 h surge; at relatively low doses, however, these drugs frequently elicited a surge at 22.00 or 24.00 h which invariably resulted in ovulation. The failure of the surge after diethyldithiocarbamate or SKF 64139 was not associated with a loss of pituitary sensitivity to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. In terms of the hypothalamic concentration of dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine at 18.00 h on pro-oestrus, the only common effect of diethyldithiocarbamate and SKF 64139, given in a dose which blocks the surge, was a severe depletion of adrenaline; alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine failed to produce this effect despite inducing a marked depression of dopamine and a moderate loss of noradrenaline. Neither the increase in hypothalamic dopamine after diethyldithiocarbamate, nor the alpha 2 receptor blocking properties of SKF 64139 appear to be relevant in this context since injections of L-dopa or piperoxane, an alpha 2 receptor antagonist, were without effect on the surge or ovulation. The failure of the surge after prazosin, an alpha 1 receptor antagonist, indicates that the function of adrenaline may be mediated postsynaptically by alpha 1 receptors. Clonidine, an alpha 2 receptor agonist which reduces the turnover rate of hypothalamic adrenaline, had effects of the surge and ovulation which were comparable to those of diethyldithiocarbamate and SKF 64139, the relatively low doses causing some of the surges to occur at 24.00 instead of 18.00 h and higher doses suppressing the surge at both times and thus preventing ovulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)