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Amigo J, Garro-Martinez E, Vidal Casado R, Compan V, Pilar-Cuéllar F, Pazos A, Díaz A, Castro E. 5-HT 4 Receptors Are Not Involved in the Effects of Fluoxetine in the Corticosterone Model of Depression. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2036-2044. [PMID: 33974408 PMCID: PMC8459452 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
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Clinical
and preclinical studies report the implication of 5-hydroxytryptamine
4 receptors (5-HT4Rs) in depression and anxiety. Here,
we tested whether the absence of 5-HT4Rs influences the response to
the antidepressant fluoxetine in mice subjected to chronic corticosterone
administration, an animal model of depression and anxiety. Therefore,
the effects of chronic administration of fluoxetine in corticosterone-treated
wild-type (WT) and 5-HT4R knockout (KO) mice were evaluated
in the open-field and novelty suppressed feeding tests. As 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) and brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF) are critically involved in depression and anxiety, we
further evaluated 5-HT1A receptor functionality by [35S]GTPγS autoradiography and BDNF mRNA expression by in situ hybridization techniques. We found that 5-HT4R KO and WT mice displayed anxiety- and depressive-like behavior
following chronic administration of corticosterone, as evidenced in
the open-field and novelty suppressed feeding tests. In the open-field,
a decreased central activity was observed in naïve and
corticosterone-treated mice of both genotypes following chronic fluoxetine
administration. In the novelty suppressed feeding test, a predictive
paradigm of antidepressant activity, chronic treatment with fluoxetine
reverted the latency to eat in both genotypes. The antidepressant
also potentiated the corticosterone-induced desensitization of the
5-HT1AR in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Further, chronic fluoxetine
increased BDNF mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus
in corticosterone-treated mice of both genotypes. Therefore, our findings
indicate that the behavioral effects of fluoxetine in the corticosterone
model of depression and anxiety appear not to be dependent on 5-HT4Rs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Amigo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Garro-Martinez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Vidal Casado
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Red de Trastornos Adictivos del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Fuencisla Pilar-Cuéllar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Pazos
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Díaz
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Castro
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Li K, Zhang H, Wang B, Yang Y, Zhang M, Li W, Li X, Lv L, Zhao J, Zhang H. Hippocampal functional network: The mediating role between obsession and anxiety in adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2020; 21:685-695. [PMID: 32174208 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1733082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anxiety is a very common symptom and closely related to obsessive-compulsive symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the association between anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms at the hippocampus network level remains unclear. METHODS This study enrolled 42 patients with OCD and 42 healthy controls (HCs), who underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and clinical evaluation. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the behavioural significance and interactive effects of obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptoms on the hippocampus functional connectivity (HFC). The mediation analysis model was used to explore whether the hippocampus functional connectivity (FC) network indirectly mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety. RESULTS Results showed that the FCs with the cerebellum, middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) were increased in the hippocampus FC network in patients with OCD compared with those in HCs. The regions of interactive effects between anxiety and obsession, which are mainly located in the prefrontal cortex and MTG, were positively correlated. The mediation effect is 0.018 between obsession and anxiety on the HFC networks in patients with OCD. CONCLUSIONS The FC between the hippocampus and MTG plays a key role in the relationship between anxiety and obsession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Haisan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Bi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Psychology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Xianrui Li
- School of Psychology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Luxian Lv
- Department of Psychiatry, Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China.,Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, P. R. China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China.,Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, Xinxiang, P. R. China.,School of Psychology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, P. R. China
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3
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Comparing the efficacy of ondansetron and granisetron augmentation in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2019; 34:222-233. [PMID: 31058716 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of ondansetron vs. granisetron in patients with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. A randomized clinical trial conducted on 135 patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, who were treatment-resistant and receiving stable treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotic, received 14 weeks (phase I, intervention period) of placebo (n = 45), ondansetron (n = 45, 4 mg), and granisetron (n = 45, 2 mg) daily augmentations. Patients were rated every 2 weeks using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. Upon completion of intervention course, patients were followed for 4 weeks (phase II, discontinuation period). The collected data were analyzed in SPSS Version 22, with χ test; Fisher's exact test and independent t-test, according to the intention-to-treat principle. Two-factor repeated measure analysis of variance was used to compare score changes over phases. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. At week 14, reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores in ondansetron, granisetron and placebo groups was 41.5%, 39.7% and 15.2%, respectively (P = 0.001). Complete response in the ondansetron group was significantly higher than in the granisetron group ((P = 0.041), risk ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.33 (1.18-3.045)]. Relapse occurred by three (7.31%) patients in the granisetron group, whereas it was not seen in the ondansetron group [P < 0.001, risk ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.81 (1.016-4.51)]. The results of this present study confirm the benefit of using ondansetron and granisetron as augmenting agents in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our results supported the potential superiority of ondansetron compared to granisetron. This needs to be confirmed in further placebo-controlled augmentation studies. RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:: IRCT20130726014170N2.
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Pytka K, Głuch-Lutwin M, Kotańska M, Waszkielewicz A, Kij A, Walczak M. Single Administration of HBK-15-a Triple 5-HT 1A, 5-HT 7, and 5-HT 3 Receptor Antagonist-Reverses Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model of Depression Induced by Corticosterone. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:3931-3945. [PMID: 28550529 PMCID: PMC5884906 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0605-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest that the blockade of 5-HT1A, 5-HT7, and 5-HT3 receptor may increase the speed of antidepressant response. 1-[(2,6-Dimethylphenoxy)ethoxyethyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (HBK-14) and 1-[(2-chloro-6-methylphenoxy)ethoxyethyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (HBK-15), dual 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 antagonists, showed significant antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like properties in our previous tests in rodents. In this study, we aimed to investigate their antidepressant potential using mouse model of corticosterone-induced depression. We chose sucrose preference test, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze to determine anhedonic-, antidepressant-, and anxiolytic-like activities. We also evaluated the influence of the active compound on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the hippocampus. Moreover, for both compounds, we performed biofunctional (5-HT3 receptor) and pharmacokinetic studies. We found that HBK-14 and HBK-15 were potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. HBK-14 (2.5 mg/kg) and HBK-15 (1.25 mg/kg) after intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration permeated the blood-brain barrier with brain/plasma ratio lower than 1. The bioavailability of studied compounds after i.p. administration was 15% for HBK-14 and 54% for HBK-15. Chronic administration of HBK-15 (1.25 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) protected corticosterone-treated mice from anhedonic-, depressive-, and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as decreases in BDNF and NGF levels in the hippocampus. HBK-14 (2.5 mg/kg) counteracted anxiety-like behaviors in corticosterone-treated mice. Single administration of HBK-15 (1.25 mg/kg) and ketamine (1 mg/kg) reversed depression-like behavior and regulated decreased BDNF level in the hippocampus in corticosterone-treated mice. Our results suggest that simultaneous blockade of serotonergic 5-HT1A, 5-HT7, and 5-HT3 receptors might accelerate antidepressant response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pytka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Monika Głuch-Lutwin
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kotańska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Waszkielewicz
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kij
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Bobrzyńskiego 14, 30-348, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Walczak
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Bobrzyńskiego 14, 30-348, Krakow, Poland
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5
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Brito AF, Fajemiroye JO, Neri HFS, Silva DM, Silva DPB, Sanz G, Vaz BG, de Carvalho FS, Ghedini PC, Lião LM, Menegatti R, Costa EA. Anxiolytic-like effect of 2-(4-((1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethan-1-ol is mediated through the benzodiazepine and nicotinic pathways. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:432-442. [PMID: 28160425 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we proposed the design, synthesis of a new compound 2-(4-((1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (LQFM032), and pharmacological evaluation of its anxiolytic-like effect. This new compound was subjected to pharmacological screening referred to as Irwin test, prior to sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep, open-field and wire tests. The anxiolytic-like effect of this compound was evaluated using elevated plus maze and light-dark box tests. In addition, the mnemonic activity was evaluated through step-down test. In sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep test, LQFM032 decreased latency and increased duration of sleep. In the open-field test, LQFM032 altered behavioral parameter, that suggested anxiolytic-like activity, as increased in crossings and time spent at the center of open field. In the plus maze test and light-dark box test, the LQFM032 showed anxiolytic-like activity, increased entries and time spent on open arms, and increased in number of transitions and time spent on light area, respectively. Those effects was antagonized by flumazenil but not with 1-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-4-(4-phthalimidobutyl)piperazine (NAN-190). The LQFM032 did not alter mnemonic activity. Moreover, the anxiolytic-like activity of LQFM032 was antagonized by mecamylamine. In summary, LQFM032 showed benzodiazepine and nicotinic pathways mediated anxiolytic-like activity without altering the mnemonic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane F Brito
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - James O Fajemiroye
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Hiasmin F S Neri
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Dayane M Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Daiany P B Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Germán Sanz
- Chemistry Institute, Laboratory of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Boniek G Vaz
- Chemistry Institute, Laboratory of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo C Ghedini
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Luciano M Lião
- Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Goias, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Menegatti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Medicinal Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Elson A Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, ICB, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
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Gupta D, Prabhakar V, Radhakrishnan M. 5HT3 receptors: Target for new antidepressant drugs. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 64:311-25. [PMID: 26976353 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
5HT3 receptors (5HT3Rs) have long been identified as a potential target for antidepressants. Several studies have reported that antagonism of 5HT3Rs produces antidepressant-like effects. However, the exact role of 5HT3Rs and the mode of antidepressant action of 5HT3R antagonists still remain a mystery. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of 5HT3Rs: (a) regional and subcellular distribution of 5HT3Rs in discrete brain regions, (b) preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the antidepressant effect of 5HT3R antagonists, and (c) neurochemical, biological and neurocellular signaling pathways associated with the antidepressant action of 5HT3R antagonists. 5HT3Rs located on the serotonergic and other neurotransmitter interneuronal projections control their release and affect mood and emotional behavior; however, new evidence suggests that apart from modulating the neurotransmitter functions, 5HT3R antagonists have protective effects in the pathogenic events including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis hyperactivity, brain oxidative stress and impaired neuronal plasticity, pointing to hereby unknown and novel mechanisms of their antidepressant action. Nonetheless, further investigations are warranted to establish the exact role of 5HT3Rs in depression and antidepressant action of 5HT3R antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Gupta
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
| | - Visakh Prabhakar
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
| | - Mahesh Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
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Gupta D, Radhakrishnan M, Thangaraj D, Kurhe Y. Pharmacological evaluation of novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, QCM-13 (N-cyclohexyl-3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-carboxamide) as anti-anxiety agent in behavioral test battery. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2015; 7:103-8. [PMID: 25883513 PMCID: PMC4399007 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.154429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In the last few decades, serotonin type-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists have been identified as potential targets for anxiety disorders. In preclinical studies, 5-HT3 antagonists have shown promising antianxiety effects. In this study, a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, QCM-13(N-cyclohexyl-3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-carboxamide) was evaluated for anxiolytic-like activity in rodent behavioral test battery. Materials and Methods: Mice were given QCM-13 (2 and 4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]) or diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle and after 30 min, mice were subjected to four validated behavioral test batteries viz. elevated plus maze, hole board, light-dark and open field tests. Interaction study of QCM-13 with m-chlorophenyl piperazine (mCPP) (mCPP, a 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and buspirone (BUS, a partial 5-HT1A agonist, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) were performed to assess the pharmacological mechanism of the drug. Results: QCM-13 expressed potential anxiolytic effect with significant (P < 0.05) increase in behavioral parameters measured in aforementioned preliminary models. Besides, QCM-13 was unable to reverse the anxiogenic effect of mCPP, but potentiated anxiolytic affect of BUS. Conclusion: The results suggest that QCM-13 can be a potential therapeutic candidate for the management of anxiety-like disorders and combination doses of novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with standard anxiolytics may improve therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Gupta
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mahesh Radhakrishnan
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Devadoss Thangaraj
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
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Serata D, Kotzalidis GD, Rapinesi C, Janiri D, Di Pietro S, Callovini G, Piacentino D, Gasperoni C, Brugnoli R, Ferri VR, Girardi N, Tatarelli R, Ferracuti S, Angeletti G, Girardi P, Del Casale A. Are 5-HT3 antagonists effective in obsessive-compulsive disorder? A systematic review of literature. Hum Psychopharmacol 2015; 30:70-84. [PMID: 25676060 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this literature database search-based review was to critically consider and evaluate the findings of literature focusing on efficacy and safety of 5-HT3 antagonists in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), so as to test whether preclinical data match clinical therapeutic trials. DESIGN The PubMed database has been searched for papers on 5-HT3 antagonists and OCD in humans and for animal models of OCD and 5-HT3 receptors. RESULTS Of the clinically tested 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, ondansetron has been used to treat OCD in five therapeutic studies, whereas granisetron only in one recent trial. Both showed some efficacy in open studies and superiority to placebo in double-blind studies, along with fair safety. No animal OCD model directly implicated 5-HT3 receptors. CONCLUSIONS Overall, results indicate some utility, but the available literature is too scanty to allow for valid conclusions to be drawn. The mismatch between animal models of obsessive-compulsive disorder and clinical data with 5-HT3 antagonists needs more clinical data to ensure that it is not an artefact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Serata
- Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NeSMOS) Department, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, UOC Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Roma, Italy; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Villa Rosa Suore Ospedaliere of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Viterbo, Italy
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Dhar AK, Mahesh R, Jindal A, Bhatt S. Piperazine Analogs of Naphthyridine-3-carboxamides and Indole-2-carboxamides: Novel 5-HT3Receptor Antagonists with Antidepressant-Like Activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2015; 348:34-45. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201400293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arghya K. Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan India
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahesh
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- School of Medicine; University of New Mexico; Albuquerque USA
| | - Shvetank Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan India
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Dhar AK, Mahesh R, Jindal A, Devadoss T, Bhatt S. Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 2-(4-substituted piperazin-1-yl)1, 8 Naphthyridine 3-Carboxylic Acids as 5-HT3Receptor Antagonists for the Management of Depression. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 84:721-31. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arghya K. Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Radhakrishnan Mahesh
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Thangaraj Devadoss
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Shvetank Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
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Mahesh R, Dhar AK, Jindal A, Bhatt S. Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Novel 2-Methoxy 1, 8 Naphthyridine 3-Carboxamides as 5-HT3Receptor Antagonists. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 83:583-91. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Mahesh
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Arghya Kusum Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
| | - Shvetank Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy; FD-III; Birla Institute of Technology & Science; Pilani Rajasthan 333 031 India
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Mahesh R, Dhar AK, Jindal A, Bhatt S. 2-(4-substituted piperazin-1-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acids: Novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonists with anxiolytic-like activity in rodent behavioral models. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2013; 91:848-54. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic potential of a series of novel carboxylic acid based 1,8 naphthyridines as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The pA2 values of all the compounds were determined against agonist 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations from guinea pig ileum. Compounds with higher pA2 values, particularly those greater than ondansetron, a standard 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and optimal log P values were screened in mice by using behavioral tests such as a light–dark (L/D) aversion test, elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and an open field test (OFT). In the L/D test, compounds 7a, 7b, 7d, 7e, and 7i (2 mg/kg body mass, intraperitoneal) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the latency time to leave the light compartment, total time spent in the light compartment, and the number of transitions between the light and dark compartments. Compounds 7a, 7d, 7f, 7h, and 7i (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time spent in the open arms and the number of entries into the open arms in the EPM test. In addition, compounds 7a, 7d, 7e, 7f, and 7h (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the ambulation scores and the frequency of rearing in the OFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Mahesh
- Department of Pharmacy, FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333 031, India
| | - Arghya Kusum Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy, FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333 031, India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Pharmacy, FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333 031, India
| | - Shvetank Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy, FD-III, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Rajasthan 333 031, India
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Antidepressant and anxiolytic potential of the multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) assessed by behavioural and neurogenesis outcomes in mice. Neuropharmacology 2013; 73:147-59. [PMID: 23721744 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) is an investigational novel antidepressant with multimodal activity that functions as a 5-HT3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT(1D) receptor antagonist, 5-HT(1B) receptor partial agonist, 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist and inhibitor of the 5-HT transporter in vitro. Here we explore its anxiolytic and antidepressant potential in adult mice. Vortioxetine was assessed in BalB/cJ@RJ mice using the open-field and forced-swim tests (acute: p.o. 1 h, repeated: daily p.o. 21 days), and in 129S6/SvEvTac mice using the novelty suppressed feeding paradigm (acute: p.o. 1 h, sustained: daily p.o. 14 or 21 days). Fluoxetine and diazepam were controls. Acute and repeated dosing of vortioxetine produced more pronounced anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activities than fluoxetine. Vortioxetine significantly increased cell proliferation and cell survival and stimulated maturation of immature granule cells in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus after 21 days of treatment. After 14 days, a high dose of vortioxetine increased dendritic length and the number of dendrite intersections, suggesting that vortioxetine accelerates the maturation of immature neurons. Vortioxetine displays an antidepressant and anxiolytic profile following repeated administration associated with increased neurogenesis at several stages. Vortioxetine effects were observed at low levels of 5-HT transporter occupancy, suggesting an alternative mechanism of action to 5-HT reuptake inhibition.
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Askari N, Moin M, Sanati M, Tajdini M, Hosseini SMR, Modabbernia A, Najand B, Salimi S, Tabrizi M, Ashrafi M, Hajiaghaee R, Akhondzadeh S. Granisetron adjunct to fluvoxamine for moderate to severe obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. CNS Drugs 2012; 26:883-92. [PMID: 22873680 DOI: 10.2165/11635850-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several small studies have shown beneficial effects of ondansetron, a serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The efficacy of other 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists in patients with OCD is still unclear. Granisetron does not alter cytochrome P450 activity and might have a lower risk of drug interactions, a longer duration of action and a better tolerability profile than other 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of granisetron augmentation of fluvoxamine in patients with OCD. STUDY DESIGN This was a two-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study conducted from November 2011 to March 2012. STUDY SETTING The study setting was outpatient clinics of two large referral centres. PATIENTS Study participants were men and women, aged 18-60 years, who met the diagnostic criteria of OCD based on the DSM-IV-TR and who had a Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score of at least 21. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomly assigned to granisetron (Kytril(®); SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA, USA) 1 mg every 12 hours or placebo every 12 hours in addition to fluvoxamine for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Patients were assessed using the Y-BOCS at baseline, second, fourth, sixth and eighth weeks. The primary outcome measure was the difference in the score change of Y-BOCS total score from baseline to week 8 between the two groups. We also compared changes in the obsession and compulsion subscales of the Y-BOCS, and frequencies of partial response (≥25% reduction in Y-BOCS score), complete response (≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS score) and remission (Y-BOCS score ≤16) between the two groups. RESULTS Of the 42 included patients, 39 (20 in the placebo group, 19 in the granisetron group) completed the study. Significant time X treatment interaction was observed for total Y-BOCS (F [2.097, 79.678] = 4.941, p = 0.009), obsession (F [2.337, 88.799] = 4.938, p = 0.006) and compulsion (F [2.050, 77.899] = 4.674, p = 0.012) subscales. By week 8, complete response and remission were achieved by 20 (100%) and 18 (90%) patients in the granisetron group and by 7 (35%) patients in the placebo group (p-value of Fisher's exact test <0.001, risk ratio (RR) [95% CI] = 3.857 [2.039, 7.297]). There was no significant difference in the tolerability between the two regimens. CONCLUSION Granisetron is an efficacious adjunct for the short-term treatment of patients with moderate to severe OCD and is well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER IRCT201202041556N32.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Askari
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Discovery of new anti-depressants from structurally novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 3-ethoxyquinoxalin-2-carboxamides. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:1253-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. Relations between open-field, elevated plus-maze, and emergence tests in C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice injected with GABA- and 5HT-anxiolytic agents. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2009; 24:365-76. [PMID: 19735300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2009.00772.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Two 5HT(1A) receptor agonists and chlordiazepoxide were examined in open-field, elevated plus maze, and emergence tests. At doses with no effect in the open-field, chlordiazepoxide increased open and open/total arm visits as well as open arm duration in the elevated plus maze, whereas 5HT(1A) receptor agonists showed an anxiolytic response on a single measure. The anxiolytic action of chlordiazepoxide was limited to the less active BALB/c strain. Unlike the 5HT(1A) receptor agonists, chlordiazepoxide was also anxiolytic in the emergence test, once again only in BALB/c and not C57BL/6J mice. Significant correlations were found between emergence latencies and specific indicators of anxiety in the elevated plus-maze in chlordiazepoxide-treated but not in mice treated with buspirone and 8-OH-DPAT. These results indicate that elevated plus-maze and emergence tests depend on benzodiazepine receptors. In contrast, 5HT(1A) receptor agonists were ineffective in the emergence test and no correlation was found between emergence latencies and specific indicators of anxiety in the elevated plus-maze. Though superficially similar, the emergence test seems to tap into a partially separate facet of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal/St-Luc, Unité de Recherche en Sciences Neurologiques, Montréal, Québec, Canada H2X 3J4.
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Morley KC, Arnold JC, McGregor IS. Serotonin (1A) receptor involvement in acute 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) facilitation of social interaction in the rat. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2005; 29:648-57. [PMID: 15908091 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The current study assessed whether various co-administered serotonin (5-HT) receptor antagonists could prevent some of the acute behavioral effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") in rats. In the social interaction test, MDMA (5 mg/kg) significantly increased the duration of total social interaction between two conspecifics meeting for the first time. Microanalysis showed that MDMA increased adjacent lying and approach behaviours while reducing anogenital sniffing. MDMA (5 mg/kg) also caused elements of the serotonin syndrome including low body posture and piloerection. In the emergence test, MDMA significantly increased hide time and emergence latency indicating increased anxiety-like behavior. Pretreatment with the 5HT 1A receptor antagonist, WAY 100635 (1 mg/kg), prevented MDMA-induced increases in social interaction and markers of the serotonin syndrome while the 5-HT 1B receptor antagonist GR 55562 (1 mg/kg) and 5-HT 2A receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 mg/kg) were ineffective. The 5-HT 2B/2C receptor antagonist, SB 206553 (2 mg/kg), prevented MDMA-induced prosocial effects but caused pronounced thigmotaxis (hyperactivity at the periphery of the testing chamber). The anxiogenic effect of MDMA on the emergence test was not prevented by pretreatment with any of the 5-HT receptor antagonists tested. These results indicate that prosocial effect of MDMA may involve 5-HT 1A and possibly 5-HT 2B/2C receptors. In contrast, MDMA-induced generalised anxiety, as measured by the emergence test, seems unlikely to involve the 5-HT 1A, 5-HT 1B or 5-HT 2A, 5-HT 2B or 5-HT 2C receptors.
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Benzimidazole derivatives. Part 5: design and synthesis of new benzimidazole-arylpiperazine derivatives acting as mixed 5-HT1A/5-HT3 ligands. Bioorg Med Chem 2005; 12:5181-91. [PMID: 15351401 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2004.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2004] [Accepted: 07/09/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A series of new mixed benzimidazole-arylpiperazine derivatives were designed by incorporating in general structure III the pharmacophoric elements of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(3) receptors. Compounds 1-11 were synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity at both serotoninergic receptors, all of them exhibiting high 5-HT(3)R affinity (K(i)=10-62nM), and derivatives with an o-alkoxy group in the arylpiperazine ring showing nanomolar affinity for the 5-HT(1A)R (K(i)=18-150nM). Additionally, all the synthesized compounds were selective over alpha(1)-adrenergic and dopamine D(2) receptors (K(i)>1000-10,000nM). Compound 3 was selected for further pharmacological characterization due to its interesting binding profile as mixed 5-HT(1A)/5-HT(3) ligand with high affinity for both receptors (5-HT(1A): K(i)=18.0nM, 5-HT(3): K(i)=27.2nM). In vitro and in vivo findings suggest that this compound acts as a partial agonist at 5-HT(1A)Rs and as a 5-HT(3)R antagonist. This novel mixed 5-HT(1A)/5-HT(3) ligand was also effective in preventing the cognitive deficits induced by muscarinic receptor blockade in a passive avoidance learning test, suggesting a potential interest in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.
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López-Rodríguez ML, Benhamú B, Morcillo MJ, Tejada I, Avila D, Marco I, Schiapparelli L, Frechilla D, Del Río J. Design and synthesis of new benzimidazole-arylpiperazine derivatives acting as mixed 5-HT1A/5-HT3 ligands. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2003; 13:3177-80. [PMID: 12951088 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(03)00706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A series of new benzimidazole-arylpiperazine derivatives III were designed, synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity at serotoninergic 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(3) receptors. Compound IIIc was identified as a novel mixed 5-HT(1A)/5-HT(3) ligand with high affinity for both serotonin receptors and excellent selectivity over alpha(1)-adrenergic and dopamine D(2) receptors. This compound was characterized as a partial agonist at 5-HT(1A)Rs and a 5-HT(3)R antagonist, and was effective in preventing the cognitive deficits induced by muscarinic receptor blockade in a passive avoidance learning test.
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Affiliation(s)
- María L López-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica I, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Gingrich JA, Ansorge MS, Merker R, Weisstaub N, Zhou M. New lessons from knockout mice: The role of serotonin during development and its possible contribution to the origins of neuropsychiatric disorders. CNS Spectr 2003; 8:572-7. [PMID: 12907920 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852900018848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) modulates numerous processes in the central nervous system that are relevant to neuropsychiatric function and dysfunction. It exerts significant effects on anxiety, mood, impulsivity, sleep, ingestive behavior, reward systems, and psychosis. Serotonergic dysfunction has been implicated in several psychiatric conditions but efforts to more clearly understand the mechanisms of this influence have been hampered by the complexity of this system at the receptor level. There are at least 14 distinct receptors that mediate the effects of 5-HT as well as several enzymes that control its synthesis and metabolism. Pharmacologic agents that target specific receptors have provided clues regarding the function of these receptors in the human brain. 5-HT is also an important modulator of neural development and several groups have employed a genetic strategy relevant to behavior. Several inactivation mutations of specific 5-HT receptors have been generated producing interesting behavioral phenotypes related to anxiety, depression, drug abuse, psychosis, and cognition. In many cases, knockout mice have been used to confirm what has already been suspected based on pharmacologic studies. In other instances, mutations have demonstrated new functions of serotonergic genes in development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Gingrich
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychobiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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Harmer CJ, Rogers RD, Tunbridge E, Cowen PJ, Goodwin GM. Tryptophan depletion decreases the recognition of fear in female volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2003; 167:411-7. [PMID: 12677354 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-003-1401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2002] [Accepted: 01/06/2003] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Serotonergic processes have been implicated in the modulation of fear conditioning in humans, postulated to occur at the level of the amygdala. The processing of other fear-relevant cues, such as facial expressions, has also been associated with amygdala function, but an effect of serotonin depletion on these processes has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the effects of reducing serotonin function, using acute tryptophan depletion, on the recognition of basic facial expressions of emotions in healthy male and female volunteers. METHODS A double-blind between-groups design was used, with volunteers being randomly allocated to receive an amino acid drink specifically lacking tryptophan or a control mixture containing a balanced mixture of these amino acids. Participants were given a facial expression recognition task 5 h after drink administration. This task featured examples of six basic emotions (fear, anger, disgust, surprise, sadness and happiness) that had been morphed between each full emotion and neutral in 10% steps. As a control, volunteers were given a famous face classification task matched in terms of response selection and difficulty level. RESULTS Tryptophan depletion significantly impaired the recognition of fearful facial expressions in female, but not male, volunteers. This was specific since recognition of other basic emotions was comparable in the two groups. There was also no effect of tryptophan depletion on the classification of famous faces or on subjective state ratings of mood or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm a role for serotonin in the processing of fear related cues, and in line with previous findings also suggest greater effects of tryptophan depletion in female volunteers. Although acute tryptophan depletion does not typically affect mood in healthy subjects, the present results suggest that subtle changes in the processing of emotional material may occur with this manipulation of serotonin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Harmer
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
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