1
|
Jacobs JT, Maior RS, Waguespack HF, Campos-Rodriguez C, Malkova L, Forcelli PA. Focal pharmacological manipulation of serotonin signaling in the amygdala does not alter social behavior. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06651-4. [PMID: 39019996 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Serotonin signaling plays critical roles in social and emotional behaviors. Likewise, decades of research demonstrate that the amygdala is a prime modulator of social behavior. Permanent excitotoxic lesions and transient amygdala inactivation consistently increase social behaviors in non-human primates. In rodents, acute systemic administration of drugs that increase serotonin signaling is associated with decreased social interactions. However, in primates, the direct involvement of serotonin signaling in the amygdala, particularly in affiliative social interaction, remains unexplored. Here, we examined the effects of serotonin manipulations within the amygdala on social behavior in eight pairs of familiar male macaques. We microinfused drugs targeting the serotonin system into either the basolateral (BLA) or central (CeA) amygdala and measured changes in social behavior. Surprisingly, the results demonstrated no significant differences in social behavior following the infusion of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, 5-HT1A agonist or antagonist, 5-HT2A agonist or antagonist, or 5-HT3 agonist or antagonist into either the BLA or CeA. These findings suggest that serotonin signaling in the amygdala does not directly contribute to the regulation of social behavior between familiar conspecifics. Future research should explore alternative mechanisms and potential interactions with other brain regions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex neural circuitry governing social behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Jacobs
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael S Maior
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Laboratory of Neurosciences and Behavior, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Hannah F Waguespack
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Ludise Malkova
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Denomme N, Hernandez CC, Bock HA, Ohana RF, Bakshi S, Sherwood AM, McCorvy JD, Daley PF, Callaway WB, Hull JM, Alt A, Isom LL, Cozzi NV. N-(4-Bromo-2,5-Dimethoxyphenethyl)-6-(4-Phenylbutoxy)Hexan-1-Amine (XOB): A Novel Phenylalkylamine Antagonist of Serotonin 2A Receptors and Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 106:92-106. [PMID: 38821630 PMCID: PMC11254453 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder impacts millions of patients in the United States but the mechanistic understanding of its pathophysiology and therapeutics is incomplete. Atypical antipsychotic serotonin2A (5-HT2A) receptor antagonists, such as quetiapine and olanzapine, and mood-stabilizing voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) blockers, such as lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and valproate, show therapeutic synergy and are often prescribed in combination for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Combination therapy is a complex task for clinicians and patients, often resulting in unexpected difficulties with dosing, drug tolerances, and decreased patient compliance. Thus, an unmet need for bipolar disorder treatment is to develop a therapeutic agent that targets both 5-HT2A receptors and VGSCs. Toward this goal, we developed a novel small molecule that simultaneously antagonizes 5-HT2A receptors and blocks sodium current. The new compound, N-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)-6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexan-1-amine (XOB) antagonizes 5-HT-stimulated, Gq-mediated, calcium flux at 5-HT2A receptors at low micromolar concentrations while displaying negligible affinity and activity at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. At similar concentrations, XOB administration inhibits sodium current in heterologous cells and results in reduced action potential (AP) firing and VGSC-related AP properties in mouse prefrontal cortex layer V pyramidal neurons. Thus, XOB represents a new, proof-of-principle tool that can be used for future preclinical investigations and therapeutic development. This polypharmacology approach of developing a single molecule to act upon two targets, which are currently independently targeted by combination therapies, may lead to safer alternatives for the treatment of psychiatric disorders that are increasingly being found to benefit from the simultaneous targeting of multiple receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The authors synthesized a novel small molecule (XOB) that simultaneously antagonizes two key therapeutic targets of bipolar disorder, 5-HT2A receptors and voltage-gated sodium channels, in heterologous cells, and inhibits the intrinsic excitability of mouse prefrontal cortex layer V pyramidal neurons in brain slices. XOB represents a valuable new proof-of-principle tool for future preclinical investigations and provides a novel molecular approach to the pharmacological treatment of complex neuropsychiatric disease, which often requires a combination of therapeutics for sufficient patient benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Denomme
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Ciria C Hernandez
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Hailey A Bock
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Rachel F Ohana
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Shreeya Bakshi
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Alexander M Sherwood
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Paul F Daley
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Wyeth B Callaway
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Jacob M Hull
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Andrew Alt
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| | - Nicholas V Cozzi
- Department of Pharmacology (N.D., S.B., A.A., L.L.I.), Michigan Psychedelic Center (M-PsyC) (N.D., L.L.I.), Life Sciences Institute (C.C.H., A.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (R.F.O.); Usona Institute, Fitchburg, Wisconsin (A.M.S.); Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (H.A.B., J.D.M.); Department of Neurology and Neurologic Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California (J.M.H.); and Alexander Shulgin Research Institute, Lafayette, California (P.F.D., W.B.C., N.V.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
M. Ro̷rsted E, Jensen AA, Smits G, Frydenvang K, Kristensen JL. Discovery and Structure-Activity Relationships of 2,5-Dimethoxyphenylpiperidines as Selective Serotonin 5-HT 2A Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7224-7244. [PMID: 38648420 PMCID: PMC11089506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Classical psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) are showing promising results in clinical trials for a range of psychiatric indications, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorder. These compounds are characterized by broad pharmacological activity profiles, and while the acute mind-altering effects can be ascribed to their shared agonist activity at the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR), their apparent persistent therapeutic effects are yet to be decidedly linked to activity at this receptor. We report herein the discovery of 2,5-dimethoxyphenylpiperidines as a novel class of selective 5-HT2AR agonists and detail the structure-activity investigations leading to the identification of LPH-5 [analogue (S)-11] as a selective 5-HT2AR agonist with desirable drug-like properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emil M. Ro̷rsted
- Lophora, Charlottenlund, Copenhagen 2920, Denmark
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken
2, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Lophora, Charlottenlund, Copenhagen 2920, Denmark
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken
2, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Gints Smits
- Latvian
Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga 1006, Latvia
| | - Karla Frydenvang
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken
2, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper L. Kristensen
- Lophora, Charlottenlund, Copenhagen 2920, Denmark
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University
of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken
2, Copenhagen Ø 2100, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Takaba R, Ibi D, Yoshida K, Hosomi E, Kawase R, Kitagawa H, Goto H, Achiwa M, Mizutani K, Maeda K, González-Maeso J, Kitagaki S, Hiramatsu M. Ethopharmacological evaluation of antidepressant-like effect of serotonergic psychedelics in C57BL/6J male mice. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3019-3035. [PMID: 37874338 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02778-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and DOI exert a hallucinatory effect through serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2A) activation. Recent studies have revealed that serotonergic psychedelics have therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive and anxiety-related disorders. However, the involvement of 5-HT2A in mediating the therapeutic effects of these drugs remains unclear. In this study, we ethopharmacologically analyzed the role of 5-HT2A in the occurrence of anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocin, an active metabolite of psilocybin, DOI, and TCB-2 in mice 24 h post-treatment. Mice with acute intraperitoneal psychedelic treatment exhibited significantly shorter immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail-suspension test (TST) than vehicle-treated control mice. These effects were eliminated by pretreatment with volinanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist. Surprisingly, the decreasing immobility time in the FST in response to acute psilocin treatment was sustained for at least three weeks. In the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), the latency to feed, an indicator of anxiety-like behavior, was decreased by acute administration of psilocin; however, pretreatment with volinanserin did not diminish this effect. In contrast, DOI and TCB-2 did not affect the NSFT performance in mice. Furthermore, psilocin, DOI, and TCB-2 treatment did not affect the spontaneous locomotor activity or head-twitch response, a hallucination-like behavior in rodents. These results suggest that 5-HT2A contributes to the antidepressant effects of serotonergic psychedelics rather than anxiolytic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rika Takaba
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502.
| | - Daisuke Ibi
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502.
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502.
| | - Keisuke Yoshida
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Eri Hosomi
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Ririna Kawase
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Hiroko Kitagawa
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Hirotaka Goto
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Mizuki Achiwa
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Kento Mizutani
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Kyosuke Maeda
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Shinji Kitagaki
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502
| | - Masayuki Hiramatsu
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502.
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan, 468-8502.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duan W, Cao D, Wang S, Cheng J. Serotonin 2A Receptor (5-HT 2AR) Agonists: Psychedelics and Non-Hallucinogenic Analogues as Emerging Antidepressants. Chem Rev 2024; 124:124-163. [PMID: 38033123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics make up a group of psychoactive compounds that induce hallucinogenic effects by activating the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Clinical trials have demonstrated the traditional psychedelic substances like psilocybin as a class of rapid-acting and long-lasting antidepressants. However, there is a pressing need for rationally designed 5-HT2AR agonists that possess optimal pharmacological profiles in order to fully reveal the therapeutic potential of these agonists and identify safer drug candidates devoid of hallucinogenic effects. This Perspective provides an overview of the structure-activity relationships of existing 5-HT2AR agonists based on their chemical classifications and discusses recent advancements in understanding their molecular pharmacology at a structural level. The encouraging clinical outcomes of psychedelics in depression treatment have sparked drug discovery endeavors aimed at developing novel 5-HT2AR agonists with improved subtype selectivity and signaling bias properties, which could serve as safer and potentially nonhallucinogenic antidepressants. These efforts can be significantly expedited through the utilization of structure-based methods and functional selectivity-directed screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Duan
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dongmei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Doesburg-van Kleffens M, Zimmermann-Klemd AM, Gründemann C. An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture. Molecules 2023; 28:7942. [PMID: 38138432 PMCID: PMC10746114 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28247942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids-such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mescaline. Here, mescaline induces the psychoactive effects of peyote through the activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and the subsequent release of calcium (Ca2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, an evaluation of the therapeutic benefits of mescaline is also currently the subject of research. It is important to consider that the outcome of taking a psychedelic drug strongly depends on the mindset of the recipient and the context (set and setting principle), including ceremonies and culture. This overview serves to summarise the current state of the knowledge of the metabolism, mechanism of action and clinical application studies of peyote and mescaline. Furthermore, the benefits of the potential of peyote and mescaline are presented in a new light, setting an example for combining a form of treatment embedded in nature and ritually enriched with our current highly innovative Western medicine.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tan HB, Zhou JY, Liu YS, Lei T, Wang SY, Hu SS, Zhang X, Xu ZG, Tang DY, Chen ZZ, Wang BC. Visible-Light-Mediated Catalyst-Free [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction for Dihydrocyclobuta[ b]naphthalene-3,8-diones Synthesis under Mild Conditions. Molecules 2023; 28:7654. [PMID: 38005375 PMCID: PMC10675681 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A facile and efficient visible-light-mediated method for directly converting 1,4-naphthoquinones into dihydrocyclo-buta[b]naphthalene-3,8-diones (DHCBNDOs) under mild and clean conditions without using any photocatalysts is reported. This approach exhibited favorable compatibility with functional groups and afforded a series of DHCBNDOs with excellent regioselectivity and high yields. Moreover, detailed mechanism studies were carried out both experimentally and theoretically. The readily accessible, low-cost and ecofriendly nature of the developed strategy will endow it with attractive applications in organic and medicinal chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Tan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Jia-Ying Zhou
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Ying-Shan Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Tong Lei
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Shi-Yu Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Shuang-Shuang Hu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Xu Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Zhi-Gang Xu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Dian-Yong Tang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Zhong-Zhu Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China; (J.-Y.Z.); (Z.-Z.C.)
| | - Bo-Chu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dearnley B, Jones M, Dervinis M, Okun M. Brain state transitions primarily impact the spontaneous rate of slow-firing neurons. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113185. [PMID: 37773749 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The spontaneous firing of neurons is modulated by brain state. Here, we examine how such modulation impacts the overall distribution of firing rates in neuronal populations of neocortical, hippocampal, and thalamic areas across natural and pharmacologically driven brain state transitions. We report that across all the examined combinations of brain area and state transition category, the structure of rate modulation is similar, with almost all fast-firing neurons experiencing proportionally weak modulation, while slow-firing neurons exhibit high inter-neuron variability in the modulation magnitude, leading to a stronger modulation on average. We further demonstrate that this modulation structure is linked to the left-skewed distribution of firing rates on the logarithmic scale and is recapitulated by bivariate log-gamma, but not Gaussian, distributions. Our findings indicate that a preconfigured log-rate distribution with rigid fast-firing neurons and a long left tail of malleable slow-firing neurons is a generic property of forebrain neuronal circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Dearnley
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Melissa Jones
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Martynas Dervinis
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Michael Okun
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK; School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pottie E, Poulie CBM, Simon IA, Harpsøe K, D’Andrea L, Komarov IV, Gloriam DE, Jensen AA, Kristensen JL, Stove CP. Structure-Activity Assessment and In-Depth Analysis of Biased Agonism in a Set of Phenylalkylamine 5-HT 2A Receptor Agonists. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2727-2742. [PMID: 37474114 PMCID: PMC10401645 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are described to have activation of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A) as their main pharmacological action. Despite their relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying the psychedelic effects induced by certain 5-HT2A agonists remain elusive. One of the proposed hypotheses is the occurrence of biased agonism, defined as the preferential activation of certain signaling pathways over others. This study comparatively monitored the efficiency of a diverse panel of 4-position-substituted (and N-benzyl-derived) phenylalkylamines to induce recruitment of β-arrestin2 (βarr2) or miniGαq to the 5-HT2A, allowing us to assess structure-activity relationships and biased agonism. All test compounds exhibited agonist properties with a relatively large range of both EC50 and Emax values. Interestingly, the lipophilicity of the 2C-X phenethylamines was correlated with their efficacy in both assays but yielded a stronger correlation in the miniGαq- than in the βarr2-assay. Molecular docking suggested that accommodation of the 4-substituent of the 2C-X analogues in a hydrophobic pocket between transmembrane helices 4 and 5 of 5-HT2A may contribute to this differential effect. Aside from previously used standard conditions (lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) as a reference agonist and a 2 h activation profile to assess a compound's activity), serotonin was included as a second reference agonist, and the compounds' activities were also assessed using the first 30 min of the activation profile. Under all assessed circumstances, the qualitative structure-activity relationships remained unchanged. Furthermore, the use of two reference agonists allowed for the estimation of both "benchmark bias" (relative to LSD) and "physiology bias" (relative to serotonin).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian B. M. Poulie
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Icaro A. Simon
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Harpsøe
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura D’Andrea
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - David E. Gloriam
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders A. Jensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L. Kristensen
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christophe P. Stove
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Ghent University, Campus Heymans, Ottergemsesteenweg
460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Takaba R, Ibi D, Yoshida K, Hosomi E, Kawase R, Kitagawa H, Goto H, Achiwa M, Mizutani K, Maede K, González-Maeso J, Kitagaki S, Hiramatsu M. Ethopharmacological evaluation of antidepressant-like effect of serotonergic psychedelics in C57BL/6J male mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3138705. [PMID: 37461593 PMCID: PMC10350166 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3138705/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide, and DOI exert a hallucinatory effect through serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor (5-HT2A) activation. Recent studies have revealed that serotonergic psychedelics have therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive and anxiety-related disorders. However, the involvement of 5-HT2A in mediating the therapeutic effects of these drugs remains unclear. In this study, we ethopharmacologically analyzed the role of 5-HT2A in the occurrence of anxiolytic-and antidepressant-like effects of serotonergic psychedelics such as psilocin, an active metabolite of psilocybin, DOI, and TCB-2 in mice. Mice with acute intraperitoneal psychedelic treatment exhibited significantly shorter immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and tail-suspension test (TST) than vehicle-treated control mice 24 h post-treatment. These effects were eliminated by pretreatment with volinanserin, a 5-HT2A antagonist. Surprisingly, the decreasing immobility time in the FST in response to acute psilocin treatment was sustained for at least three weeks. In the novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), the latency to feed, an indicator of anxiety-like behavior, was decreased by acute administration of psilocin; however, pretreatment with volinanserin did not diminish this effect. In contrast, DOI and TCB-2 did not affect the NSFT performance in mice. Furthermore, psilocin, DOI, and TCB-2 treatment did not affect the spontaneous locomotor activity or head-twitch response, a hallucination-like behavior in rodents. These results suggest that 5-HT2A contributes to the antidepressant effects of serotonergic psychedelics rather than an anxiolytic effects.
Collapse
|
11
|
Albujuq NR, Meana JJ, Diez-Alarcia R, Muneta-Arrate I, Naqvi A, Althumayri K, Alsehli M. Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Pimavanserin-Based Analogues as Potential Serotonin 5-HT 2A Receptor Inverse Agonists. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37378639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
There is concern for important adverse effects with use of second-generation antipsychotics in Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) and dementia-related psychosis. Pimavanserin is the only antipsychotic drug authorized for PDP and represents an inverse agonist of 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2AR) lacking affinity for dopamine receptors. Therefore, the development of serotonin 5-HT2AR inverse agonists without dopaminergic activity represents a challenge for different neuropsychiatric disorders. Using ligand-based drug design, we discovered a novel structure of pimavanserin analogues (2, 3, and 4). In vitro competition receptor binding and functional G protein coupling assays demonstrated that compounds 2, 3, and 4 showed higher potency than pimavanserin as 5-HT2AR inverse agonists in the human brain cortex and recombinant cells. To assess the effect of molecular substituents for selectivity and inverse agonism at 5-HT2ARs, molecular docking and in silico predicted physicochemical parameters were performed. Docking studies were in agreement with in vitro screenings and the results resembled pimavanserin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nader R Albujuq
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Itziar Muneta-Arrate
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Arshi Naqvi
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Al Munwarah 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Althumayri
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Al Munwarah 30002, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mosa Alsehli
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Al Munwarah 30002, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang JM, Lin YK, Sheng T, Hu L, Cai XP, Yu JQ. Regio-controllable [2+2] benzannulation with two adjacent C(sp 3)-H bonds. Science 2023; 380:639-644. [PMID: 37167386 PMCID: PMC10243499 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg5282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Regiocontrol in traditional cycloaddition reactions between unsaturated carbon compounds is often challenging. The increasing focus in modern medicinal chemistry on benzocyclobutene (BCB) scaffolds indicates the need for alternative, more selective routes to diverse rigid carbocycles rich in C(sp3) character. Here, we report a palladium-catalyzed double C-H activation of two adjacent methylene units in carboxylic acids, enabled by bidentate amide-pyridone ligands, to achieve a regio-controllable synthesis of BCBs through a formal [2+2] cycloaddition involving σ bonds only (two C-H bonds and two aryl-halogen bonds). A wide range of cyclic and acyclic aliphatic acids, as well as dihaloheteroarenes, are compatible, generating diversely functionalized BCBs and hetero-BCBs present in drug molecules and bioactive natural products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Min Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Yu-Kun Lin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Tao Sheng
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Liang Hu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Xin-Pei Cai
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jin-Quan Yu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang S, Zhu A, Paudel S, Jang CG, Lee YS, Kim KM. Structure-Activity Relationship and Evaluation of Phenethylamine and Tryptamine Derivatives for Affinity towards 5-Hydroxytryptamine Type 2A Receptor. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2023; 31:176-182. [PMID: 36224112 PMCID: PMC9970836 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Among 14 subtypes of serotonin receptors (5-HTRs), 5-HT2AR plays important roles in drug addiction and various psychiatric disorders. Agonists for 5-HT2AR have been classified into three structural groups: phenethylamines, tryptamines, and ergolines. In this study, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of phenethylamine and tryptamine derivatives for binding 5-HT2AR was determined. In addition, functional and regulatory evaluation of selected compounds was conducted for extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and receptor endocytosis. SAR studies showed that phenethylamines possessed higher affinity to 5-HT2AR than tryptamines. In phenethylamines, two phenyl groups were attached to the carbon and nitrogen (R3) atoms of ethylamine, the backbone of phenethylamines. Alkyl or halogen groups on the phenyl ring attached to the β carbon exerted positive effects on the binding affinity when they were at para positions. Oxygen-containing groups attached to R3 exerted mixed influences depending on the position of their attachment. In tryptamine derivatives, tryptamine group was attached to the β carbon of ethylamine, and ally groups were attached to the nitrogen atom. Oxygen-containing substituents on large ring and alkyl substituents on the small ring of tryptamine groups exerted positive and negative influence on the affinity for 5-HT2AR, respectively. Ally groups attached to the nitrogen atom of ethylamine exerted negative influences. Functional and regulatory activities of the tested compounds correlated with their affinity for 5-HT2AR, suggesting their agonistic nature. In conclusion, this study provides information for designing novel ligands for 5-HT2AR, which can be used to control psychiatric disorders and drug abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Wang
- Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61146, Republic of Korea
| | - Anlin Zhu
- Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61146, Republic of Korea
| | - Suresh Paudel
- Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61146, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Man Kim
- Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61146, Republic of Korea,Corresponding Author E-mail: , Tel: +82-62-530-2936, Fax: +82-62-530-2949
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
TCB-2, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor agonist, disrupts prepulse inhibition in the ventral pallidum and nucleus accumbens. Behav Brain Res 2023; 437:114127. [PMID: 36174843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) receptor plays an important role in schizophrenia. The 5-HT2A receptor is also involved in the regulation of prepulse inhibition (PPI) in rodents. The aim of this study was to determine whether selective 5-HT2A receptor agonizts or antagonists may alter PPI in rats and to identify the critical brain regions in which the activity of 5-HT2A receptors regulates PPI. The results showed that infusion of the 5-HT2A receptor agonist TCB-2 into the lateral ventricle disrupted PPI, but the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 had no such effect. In addition, local infusion of TCB-2 into the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum disrupted PPI, whereas the same manipulation in the medial prefrontal cortex, ventral hippocampus, and ventral tegmental area did not disrupt PPI. In conclusion, agonism of 5-HT2A receptors in the ventral pallidum and nucleus accumbens can disrupt PPI. The ventral pallidum and nucleus accumbens are critical brain regions responsible for the regulation of PPI by serotonin. These findings contribute to the extensive exploration of the molecular and neural mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of 5-HT2A receptor activity on PPI, especially the neural circuits modulated by 5-HT2A receptor activity.
Collapse
|
15
|
Nieto CT, Manchado A, Belda L, Diez D, Garrido NM. 2-Phenethylamines in Medicinal Chemistry: A Review. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020855. [PMID: 36677913 PMCID: PMC9864394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A concise review covering updated presence and role of 2-phenethylamines in medicinal chemistry is presented. Open-chain, flexible alicyclic amine derivatives of this motif are enumerated in key therapeutic targets, listing medicinal chemistry hits and appealing screening compounds. Latest reports in discovering new bioactive 2-phenethylamines by research groups are covered too.
Collapse
|
16
|
Kwan AC, Olson DE, Preller KH, Roth BL. The neural basis of psychedelic action. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1407-1419. [PMID: 36280799 PMCID: PMC9641582 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics are serotonin 2A receptor agonists that can lead to profound changes in perception, cognition and mood. In this review, we focus on the basic neurobiology underlying the action of psychedelic drugs. We first discuss chemistry, highlighting the diversity of psychoactive molecules and the principles that govern their potency and pharmacokinetics. We describe the roles of serotonin receptors and their downstream molecular signaling pathways, emphasizing key elements for drug discovery. We consider the impact of psychedelics on neuronal spiking dynamics in several cortical and subcortical regions, along with transcriptional changes and sustained effects on structural plasticity. Finally, we summarize neuroimaging results that pinpoint effects on association cortices and thalamocortical functional connectivity, which inform current theories of psychedelic action. By synthesizing knowledge across the chemical, molecular, neuronal, and network levels, we hope to provide an integrative perspective on the neural mechanisms responsible for the acute and enduring effects of psychedelics on behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex C. Kwan
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA,Correspondence: ; ; ;
| | - David E. Olson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA,Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA,Correspondence: ; ; ;
| | - Katrin H. Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Correspondence: ; ; ;
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, National Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Correspondence: ; ; ;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Odland AU, Kristensen JL, Andreasen JT. Animal Behavior in Psychedelic Research. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1176-1205. [PMID: 36180111 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy holds great promise in the treatment of mental health disorders. Research into 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist psychedelic compounds has increased dramatically over the past two decades. In humans, these compounds produce drastic effects on consciousness, and their therapeutic potential relates to changes in the processing of emotional, social, and self-referential information. The use of animal behavior to study psychedelics is under debate, and this review provides a critical perspective on the translational value of animal behavior studies in psychedelic research. Acute activation of 5-HT2ARs produces head twitches and unique discriminative cues, disrupts sensorimotor gating, and stimulates motor activity while inhibiting exploration in rodents. The acute treatment with psychedelics shows discrepant results in conventional rodent tests of depression-like behaviors but generally induces anxiolytic-like effects and inhibits repetitive behavior in rodents. Psychedelics impair waiting impulsivity but show discrepant effects in other tests of cognitive function. Tests of social interaction also show conflicting results. Effects on measures of time perception depend on the experimental schedule. Lasting or delayed effects of psychedelics in rodent tests related to different behavioral domains appear to be rather sensitive to changes in experimental protocols. Studying the effects of psychedelics on animal behaviors of relevance to effects on psychiatric symptoms in humans, assessing lasting effects, publishing negative findings, and relating behaviors in rodents and humans to other more translatable readouts, such as neuroplastic changes, will improve the translational value of animal behavioral studies in psychedelic research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin have received immense interest as potential new treatments of psychiatric disorders. Psychedelics change high-order consciousness in humans, and there is debate about the use of animal behavior studies to investigate these compounds. This review provides an overview of the behavioral effects of 5-HT2AR agonist psychedelics in laboratory animals and discusses the translatability of the effects in animals to effects in humans. Possible ways to improve the utility of animal behavior in psychedelic research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kimmey BA, Wittenberg RE, Croicu A, Shadani N, Ostroumov A, Dani JA. The serotonin 2A receptor agonist TCB-2 attenuates heavy alcohol drinking and alcohol-induced midbrain inhibitory plasticity. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13147. [PMID: 35229942 PMCID: PMC8896307 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of neuronal chloride ion (Cl- ) homeostasis has been linked to several pathological conditions, including substance use disorder, yet targeted pharmacotherapies are lacking. In this study, we explored the potential of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A R) agonism to reduce alcohol consumption in male wild-type C57Bl/6J mice and to ameliorate alcohol-induced inhibitory plasticity in the midbrain. We found that administration of the putative 5-HT2A R agonist TCB-2 attenuated alcohol consumption and preference but did not alter water or saccharin consumption. We hypothesized that the selective behavioural effects of TCB-2 on alcohol drinking were due, at least in part, to effects of the agonist on ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurocircuitry. Alcohol consumption impairs Cl- transport in VTA GABA neurons, which acts as a molecular adaptation leading to increased alcohol self-administration. Using ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, we found that exposure to either intermittent volitional alcohol drinking or an acute alcohol injection diminished homeostatic Cl- transport in VTA GABA neurons. Critically, in vivo TCB-2 administration normalized Cl- transport in the VTA after alcohol exposure. Thus, we show a potent effect of alcohol consumption on VTA inhibitory circuitry, in the form of dysregulated Cl- homeostasis that is reversible with agonism of 5-HT2A Rs. Our results provide insight into the potential therapeutic action of 5-HT2A R agonists for alcohol abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexey Ostroumov
- Co-corresponding authors: Alexey Ostroumov, Ph.D., Georgetown University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Research Building, Room W226, 3970 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington D.C. 20057, USA, Phone: (832) 641-5562, , John A. Dani, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Research Building, Room 211, 415 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, P.A. 19104, USA, Phone: (215) 898-8498,
| | - John A. Dani
- Co-corresponding authors: Alexey Ostroumov, Ph.D., Georgetown University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Research Building, Room W226, 3970 Reservoir Road, N.W., Washington D.C. 20057, USA, Phone: (832) 641-5562, , John A. Dani, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Research Building, Room 211, 415 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, P.A. 19104, USA, Phone: (215) 898-8498,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sourbron J, Lagae L. Serotonin receptors in epilepsy: novel treatment targets? Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:231-246. [PMID: 35075810 PMCID: PMC9159250 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of over 30 antiseizure medications (ASMs), there is no “one size fits it all,” so there is a continuing search for novel ASMs. There are divergent data demonstrating that modulation of distinct serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) receptors subtypes could be beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities, whereas only a few ASM, such as fenfluramine (FA), act via 5‐HT. There are 14 different 5‐HT receptor subtypes, and most epilepsy studies focus on one or a few of these subtypes, using different animal models and different ligands. We reviewed the available evidence of each 5‐HT receptor subtype using MEDLINE up to July 2021. Our search included medical subject heading (MeSH) and free terms of each “5‐HT subtype” separately and its relation to “epilepsy or seizures.” Most research underlines the antiseizure activity of 5‐HT1A,1D,2A,2C,3 agonism and 5‐HT6 antagonism. Consistently, FA, which has recently been approved for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome, is an agonist of 5‐HT1D,2A,2C receptors. Even though each study focused on a distinct seizure/epilepsy type and generalization of different findings could lead to false interpretations, we believe that the available preclinical and clinical studies emphasize the role of serotonergic modulation, especially stimulation, as a promising avenue in epilepsy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pottie E, Stove CP. In vitro assays for the functional characterization of (psychedelic) substances at the serotonin receptor 5-HT 2A R. J Neurochem 2022; 162:39-59. [PMID: 34978711 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are substances that induce alterations in mood, perception, and thought, and have the activation of serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptors (5-HT2A Rs) as a main pharmacological mechanism. Besides their appearance on the (illicit) drug market, e.g. as new psychoactive substances, their potential therapeutic application is increasingly explored. This group of substances demonstrates a broad structural variety, leading to insufficiently described structure-activity relationships, hence illustrating the need for better functional characterization. This review therefore elaborates on the in vitro molecular techniques that have been used the most abundantly for the characterization of (psychedelic) 5-HT2A R agonists. More specifically, this review covers assays to monitor the canonical G protein signaling pathway (e.g. measuring G protein recruitment/activation, inositol phosphate accumulation, or Ca2+ mobilization), assays to monitor non-canonical G protein signaling (such as arachidonic acid release), assays to monitor β-arrestin recruitment or signaling, and assays to monitor receptor conformational changes. In particular, focus lies on the mechanism behind the techniques, and the specific advantages and challenges that are associated with these. Additionally, several variables are discussed that one should consider when attempting to compare functional outcomes from different studies, both linked to the specific assay mechanism and linked to its specific execution, as these may heavily impact the assay outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Pottie
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe P Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Affiliation(s)
- Sambasivarao Kotha
- Department of Chemistry Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Powai Mumbai 400 076 India
| | | | - Yellaiah Tangella
- Department of Chemistry Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Powai Mumbai 400 076 India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gonzalez-Pons R, McRae K, Thompson JM, Watts SW. 5-HT7 Receptor Restrains 5-HT-induced 5-HT2A Mediated Contraction in the Isolated Abdominal Vena Cava. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 78:319-327. [PMID: 34029269 PMCID: PMC8460595 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although discovered as a vasoconstrictor, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) infused into man and rodent reduces blood pressure. This occurs primarily through activation of 5-HT7 receptors and, at least in part, venodilation. Vascular mechanisms by which this could occur include direct receptor activation leading to vasodilation and/or suppression of contractile 5-HT receptor activation. This study tests the hypothesis that the 5-HT7 receptor restrains activation of the 5-HT2A receptor. A subhypothesis is whether agonist-induced activation-independent of constitutive activity-of the 5-HT7 receptor is necessary for this restraint. The isolated abdominal aorta and vena cava from the normal male Sprague-Dawley rat was our model. Studies used real-time PCR and a pharmacological approach in the isolated tissue bath for measurement of isometric tone. Although 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression in both aorta and vena cava was significantly larger than that of the 5-HT7 receptor mRNA, the 5-HT7/5-HT2A receptor mRNA ratio was greater in the vena cava (0.30) than in the aorta (0.067). 5-HT7 receptor antagonism by SB266970 and DR 4458 increased maximum contraction to 5-HT in the isolated vein by over 50% versus control. The 5-HT2A receptor agonists TCB-2 and NBOH were more potent in the aorta compared with 5-HT but less efficacious, serving as partial agonists. By contrast, these same three agonists caused no contraction in the vena cava isolated from the same rats up to 10 μM agonist. Antagonism of the 5-HT7 receptor by SB269970 did not increase either the potency or efficacy of TCB-2 or NBOH. These data support that the 5-HT7 receptor itself needs to be stimulated to reduce contraction and suggest there is little constitutive activity of the 5-HT7 receptor in the isolate abdominal vena cava.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Abdominal/drug effects
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Receptors, Serotonin/drug effects
- Receptors, Serotonin/genetics
- Receptors, Serotonin/metabolism
- Serotonin/pharmacology
- Serotonin Antagonists/pharmacology
- Serotonin Receptor Agonists/pharmacology
- Vasoconstriction/drug effects
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Vena Cava, Inferior/drug effects
- Vena Cava, Inferior/metabolism
- Rats
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina Gonzalez-Pons
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hagsäter SM, Pettersson R, Pettersson C, Atanasovski D, Näslund J, Eriksson E. A Complex Impact of Systemically Administered 5-HT2A Receptor Ligands on Conditioned Fear. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:749-757. [PMID: 34228806 PMCID: PMC8453278 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though drugs binding to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors have long been claimed to influence human anxiety, it remains unclear if this receptor subtype is best described as anxiety promoting or anxiety dampening. Whereas conditioned fear expressed as freezing in rats is modified by application of 5-HT2A-acting drugs locally into different brain regions, reports on the effect of systemic administration of 5-HT2A receptor agonists and 5-HT2A antagonists or inverse agonists on this behavior remain sparse. METHODS We assessed the possible impact of systemic administration of 5-HT2A receptor agonists, 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonists, and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-per se or in combination-on the freezing displayed by male rats when re-exposed to a conditioning chamber in which they received foot shocks 7 days earlier. RESULTS The 5-HT2A receptor agonists psilocybin and 25CN-NBOH induced a reduction in conditioned fear that was countered by pretreatment with 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist MDL 100907. While both MDL 100907 and another 5-HT2A receptor inverse agonist, pimavanserin, failed to impact freezing per se, both compounds unmasked a robust fear-reducing effect of an SSRI, escitalopram, which by itself exerted no such effect. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that 5-HT2A receptor activation is not a prerequisite for normal conditioned freezing in rats but that this receptor subtype, when selectively over-activated prior to expression, exerts a marked fear-reducing influence. However, in the presence of an SSRI, the 5-HT2A receptor, on the contrary, appears to counter an anti-freezing effect of the enhanced extracellular serotonin levels following reuptake inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Melker Hagsäter
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Pettersson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Pettersson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniela Atanasovski
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Näslund
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Correspondence: Elias Eriksson, PhD, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, POB 431, SE 405 30 Sweden ()
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:202-277. [PMID: 33328244 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. Ketamine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in a new class of antidepressants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is undergoing phase III clinical trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated in several phase II and phase I clinical trials. Hence, the concept of psychedelics as therapeutics may be incorporated into modern society. Here, we discuss the main known neurobiological therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, which are thought to be mediated by the effects of these compounds on the serotonergic (via 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors) and glutamatergic [via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors] systems. We focus on 1) neuroplasticity mediated by the modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-, and early growth response-related pathways; 2) immunomodulation via effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, nuclear factor ĸB, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1, 6, and 10 production and release; and 3) modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and norepinephrinergic receptors, transporters, and turnover systems. We discuss arising concerns and ways to assess potential neurobiological changes, dependence, and immunosuppression. Although larger cohorts are required to corroborate preliminary findings, the results obtained so far are promising and represent a critical opportunity for improvement of pharmacotherapies in psychiatry, an area that has seen limited therapeutic advancement in the last 20 years. Studies are underway that are trying to decouple the psychedelic effects from the therapeutic effects of these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating improvement remains limited. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the effects of psychedelic compounds on pathways that modulate neuroplasticity, immunity, and neurotransmitter systems. This work aims to be a reference for psychiatrists who may soon be faced with the possibility of prescribing psychedelic compounds as medications, helping them assess which compound(s) and regimen could be most useful for decreasing specific psychiatric symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tsybko AS, Ilchibaeva TV, Filimonova EA, Eremin DV, Popova NK, Naumenko VS. The Chronic Treatment With 5-HT 2A Receptor Agonists Affects the Behavior and the BDNF System in Mice. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:3059-3075. [PMID: 33095437 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of many psychiatric diseases. However, the interaction between 5-HT2A and BDNF is still poorly understood. In the present paper, the effects of chronic treatment with mixed 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist DOI, highly selective 5-HT2A agonists TCB-2 and 25CN-NBOH on behavior and the BDNF system have been investigated. Chronic treatment of males of C57Bl/6 mice with DOI, TCB-2 and 25CN-NBOH (1 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days) resulted in desensitization of 5-HT2A receptors. Treatment with 25CN-NBOH significantly increased startle amplitude. At the same time all used drugs failed to affect anxiety, exploratory and stereotyped behavior as well as spatial memory and learning. TCB-2 and 25CN-NBOH increased the BDNF mRNA level. All 5-HT2A agonists increased the proBDNF level but failed to alter the mature BDNF protein level. TrkB and p75NTR mRNA levels were affected by all utilized agonists. All drugs decreased the total level as well as membrane TrkB protein one indicating downregulation of TrkB receptors. All agonists decreased the membrane p75NTR protein level. Thus, we have shown for the first time that the chronic activation of the 5-HT2A receptor with agonists has affected the BDNF system almost on all levels-transcription, proBDNF production, TrkB and p75NTR receptors' level. The obtained data suggested possible suppression in BDNF-TrkB signaling under chronic treatment with 5-HT2A agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton S Tsybko
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tatiana V Ilchibaeva
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena A Filimonova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Eremin
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sarver PJ, Bacauanu V, Schultz DM, DiRocco DA, Lam YH, Sherer EC, MacMillan DWC. The merger of decatungstate and copper catalysis to enable aliphatic C(sp3)–H trifluoromethylation. Nat Chem 2020; 12:459-467. [DOI: 10.1038/s41557-020-0436-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
27
|
Acute and Chronic Nicotine Exposures Differentially Affect Central Serotonin 2A Receptor Function: Focus on the Lateral Habenula. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051873. [PMID: 32182934 PMCID: PMC7084359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine addiction is a serious public health problem causing millions of deaths worldwide. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is involved in central nervous system (CNS) nicotine effects, and it has been suggested as a promising pharmacological target for smoking cessation. In this regard, what is particularly interesting are the 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) and the lateral habenula (LHb), a central area in nicotine addiction that we showed to be under a strong 5-HT2AR-modulation. Single-cell extracellular recording of LHb neurons was used to study the 5-HT2AR function by intravenously administrating the potent agonist TCB-2. Acute nicotine (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.) and chronic nicotine (6 mg/kg/day for 14 days) differently affected both the 5-HT2AR-immuno reactive (IR) neuron number and the 5-HT2AR immunostaining area in the different brain areas studied. After acute nicotine, TCB-2 cumulative doses (5–640 µg/kg, intravenous, i.v.) bidirectionally affected the activity of 74% of LHb recorded neurons. After chronic nicotine treatment, TCB-2 was only capable of decreasing the LHb firing rate. The expression of 5-HT2AR under acute and chronic nicotine exposure was studied in the LHb and in other brain areas involved in nicotine effects in rats by using immunohistochemistry. These data reveal that acute and chronic nicotine differentially affect the 5-HT2AR function in different brain areas and this might be relevant in nicotine addiction and its treatment.
Collapse
|
28
|
Diez-Alarcia R, Yáñez-Pérez V, Muneta-Arrate I, Arrasate S, Lete E, Meana JJ, González-Díaz H. Big Data Challenges Targeting Proteins in GPCR Signaling Pathways; Combining PTML-ChEMBL Models and [ 35S]GTPγS Binding Assays. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4476-4491. [PMID: 31618004 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also known as 7-transmembrane receptors, are the single largest class of drug targets. Consequently, a large amount of preclinical assays having GPCRs as molecular targets has been released to public sources like the Chemical European Molecular Biology Laboratory (ChEMBL) database. These data are also very complex covering changes in drug chemical structure and assay conditions like c0 = activity parameter (Ki, IC50, etc.), c1 = target protein, c2 = cell line, c3 = assay organism, etc., making difficult the analysis of these databases that are placed in the borders of a Big Data challenge. One of the aims of this work is to develop a computational model able to predict new GPCRs targeting drugs taking into consideration multiple conditions of assay. Another objective is to perform new predictive and experimental studies of selective 5-HTA2 receptor agonist, antagonist, or inverse agonist in human comparing the results with those from the literature. In this work, we combined Perturbation Theory (PT) and Machine Learning (ML) to seek a general PTML model for this data set. We analyzed 343 738 unique compounds with 812 072 end points (assay outcomes), with 185 different experimental parameters, 592 protein targets, 51 cell lines, and/or 55 organisms (species). The best PTML linear model found has three input variables only and predicted 56 202/58 653 positive outcomes (sensitivity = 95.8%) and 470 230/550 401 control cases (specificity = 85.4%) in training series. The model also predicted correctly 18 732/19 549 (95.8%) of positive outcomes and 156 739/183 469 (85.4%) of cases in external validation series. To illustrate its practical use, we used the model to predict the outcomes of six different 5-HT2A receptor drugs, namely, TCB-2, DOI, DOB, altanserin, pimavanserin, and nelotanserin, in a very large number of different pharmacological assays. 5-HT2A receptors are altered in schizophrenia and represent drug target for antipsychotic therapeutic activity. The model correctly predicted 93.83% (76 of 86) experimental results for these compounds reported in ChEMBL. Moreover, [35S]GTPγS binding assays were performed experimentally with the same six drugs with the aim of determining their potency and efficacy in the modulation of G-proteins in human brain tissue. The antagonist ketanserin was included as inactive drug with demonstrated affinity for 5-HT2A/C receptors. Our results demonstrate that some of these drugs, previously described as serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists, are not so specific and show different intrinsic activity to that previously reported. Overall, this work opens a new gate for the prediction of GPCRs targeting compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - J. Javier Meana
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Humbert González-Díaz
- Biophysics Institute, CSIC-UPV/EHU, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Halberstadt AL, Chatha M, Stratford A, Grill M, Brandt SD. Comparison of the behavioral responses induced by phenylalkylamine hallucinogens and their tetrahydrobenzodifuran ("FLY") and benzodifuran ("DragonFLY") analogs. Neuropharmacology 2019; 144:368-376. [PMID: 30385253 PMCID: PMC6863604 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, rigid analogs of phenylalkylamine hallucinogens have appeared as recreational drugs. Examples include 2-(8-bromo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-4-yl)ethan-1-amine (2C-B-FLY) and 1-(8-bromobenzo[1,2-b;4,5-b']difuran-4-yl)-2-aminopropane (Bromo-DragonFLY, DOB-DFLY). Although some rigid compounds such as DOB-DFLY reportedly have higher potency than their non-rigid counterparts, it is not clear whether the same is true for 2C-B-FLY and other tetrahydrobenzodifurans. In the present study, the head twitch response (HTR), a 5-HT2A receptor-mediated behavior induced by serotonergic hallucinogens, was used to assess the effects of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine (DOB) and its α-desmethyl homologue 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B), as well as their benzodifuranyl and tetrahydrobenzodifuranyl analogs, in C57BL/6J mice. DOB (ED50 = 0.75 μmol/kg) and 2C-B (ED50 = 2.43 μmol/kg) induced the HTR. The benzodifurans DOB-DFLY (ED50 = 0.20 μmol/kg) and 2C-B-DFLY (ED50 = 1.07 μmol/kg) had significantly higher potency than DOB and 2C-B, respectively. The tetrahydrobenzodifurans DOB-FLY (ED50 = 0.67 μmol/kg) and 2C-B-FLY (ED50 = 1.79 μmol/kg), by contrast, were approximately equipotent with their non-rigid counterparts. Three novel tetrahydrobenzodifurans (2C-I-FLY, 2C-E-FLY and 2C-EF-FLY) were also active in the HTR assay but had relatively low potency. In summary, the in vivo potency of 2,5-dimethoxyphenylalkylamines is enhanced when the 2- and 5-methoxy groups are incorporated into aromatic furan rings, whereas potency is not altered if the methoxy groups are incorporated into dihydrofuran rings. The potency relationships for these compounds in mice closely parallel the human hallucinogenic data. The high potency of DOB-DFLY is probably linked to the presence of two structural features (a benzodifuran nucleus and an α-methyl group) known to enhance the potency of phenylalkylamine hallucinogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA, 92161, USA.
| | - Muhammad Chatha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | | | - Matthias Grill
- Lipomed AG, Fabrikmattenweg 4, CH-4144, Arlesheim, Switzerland
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Heal DJ, Henningfield J, Frenguelli BG, Nutt DJ, Smith SL. Psychedelics – Re-opening the doors of perception. Neuropharmacology 2018; 142:1-6. [PMID: 30144477 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Heal
- RenaSci Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham NG1 1GF, UK; Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Jack Henningfield
- Pinney Associates, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| | | | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Archeological studies in the United States, Mexico, and Peru suggest that mescaline, as a cactus constituent, has been used for more than 6000 years. Although it is a widespread cactus alkaloid, it is present in high concentrations in few species, notably the North American peyote ( Lophophora williamsii) and the South American wachuma ( Trichocereus pachanoi, T. peruvianus, and T. bridgesii). Spanish 16th century chroniclers considered these cacti "diabolic", leading to their prohibition, but their use persisted to our days and has been spreading for the last 150 years. In the late 1800s, peyote attracted scientific attention; mescaline was isolated, and its role in the psychedelic effects of peyote tops or "mescal buttons" was demonstrated. Its structure was established by synthesis in 1929, and alternative routes were developed, providing larger amounts for pharmacological and biosynthetic research. Although its effects are attributed mainly to its action as a 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonist, mescaline binds in a similar concentration range to 5-HT1A and α2A receptors. It is largely excreted unchanged in human urine, and its metabolic products are apparently unrelated to its psychedelic properties. Its low potency is probably responsible for its relative neglect by recreational substance users, as the successful search for structure-activity relationships in the hallucinogen field focused largely on finding more potent analogues. Renewed interest in the possible therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs may hopefully lead to novel insights regarding the commonalities and differences between the actions of individual classic hallucinogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K. Cassels
- Chemobiodynamics Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7900003, Chile
| | - Patricio Sáez-Briones
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Behavior, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Afshar S, Shahidi S, Rohani AH, Komaki A, Asl SS. The effect of NAD-299 and TCB-2 on learning and memory, hippocampal BDNF levels and amyloid plaques in Streptozotocin-induced memory deficits in male rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2809-2822. [PMID: 30027497 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4973-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. The serotonergic system via the 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HT2A receptor is proposed to affect the cognitive process. OBJECTIVE In the present study, the effects of NAD-299 (5-HT1AR antagonist) and TCB-2 (5-HT2AR agonist) on learning and memory processes, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, neuronal necrosis, and Aβ plaque production have been investigated on the intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced memory deficits in rats. METHODS Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into six groups (n = 9 in each group): control, sham-operated, AD (icv-STZ (3 mg/kg, 10 μl)), AD+NAD-299 (5 μg/1 μl icv for 30 days), AD+TCB-2 (5 μg/1 μl icv for 30 days), and AD+NAD-299 + TCB-2 (NAD-299 (5 μg/0.5 μl icv) and TCB-2 (5 μg/0.5 μl icv) for 30 days). Following the treatment period, rats were subjected to behavioral tests of learning and memory. Then, hippocampal BDNF, amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque, and neuronal loss were determined by ELISA Kit, Congo red staining, and Nissl staining, respectively. RESULTS The results of behavioral tests showed that icv-STZ injection decreased the discrimination index in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. In the passive avoidance learning (PAL) task, icv-STZ injection significantly decreased step-through latency (STLr) and increased time spent in dark compartment (TDC). Treatment with NAD-299, TCB-2, and NAD-299 + TCB-2 attenuated the STZ-induced memory impairment in both NOR and PAL tasks. icv-STZ induced a decrease in hippocampal BDNF levels and increased Aβ plaques production in the brain, whereas treatment with NAD-299, TCB-2, and NAD-299 + TCB-2 reduced Aβ plaques in the brain and increased the hippocampal BDNF level. Results of Nissl staining showed that icv-STZ injection increased neuronal loss in the hippocampus, while treatment with NAD-299, TCB-2, and NAD-299 + TCB-2 reduced hippocampal neurodegeneration. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that 5-HT1AR blockade by NAD-299 and 5-HT2AR activation by TCB-2 improve cognitive dysfunction in icv-STZ-treated rats, and these drugs may potentially prevent the progression of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simin Afshar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Ali Haeri Rohani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sara Soleimani Asl
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Behavioral mechanisms underlying the maternal disruptive effect of serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor activation in Sprague-Dawley rats. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1065-1075. [PMID: 29616335 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that acute activation of 5-HT2A receptors causes a disruption of maternal behavior in rats. However, the behavioral mechanisms underlying such a disruption are not known. We addressed this issue using two behavioral approaches targeting the maternal motivational and emotional processing systems. First, we used the pup-separation technique to increase maternal motivation to see whether pup separation is capable of reducing the maternal disruptive effect of TCB-2 (a high-affinity 5-HT2A agonist) treatment. On postpartum days 4 and 6, different groups of Sprague-Dawley dams were treated with the TCB-2 (5.0 mg/kg, sc) or vehicle and their maternal behaviors were tested after either a 4-h pup-separation or no-pup-separation condition. Although acute TCB-2 injection disrupted maternal behavior, this disruption was not attenuated by pup separation, even after we optimized the timing of separation to maximize its increase on maternal motivation. Acute TCB-2 also impaired the retrieval of food pellets, suggesting a general effect on motivated behaviors. Next, we used a pup preference test and found that dams treated with TCB-2 exhibited an even stronger preference to pups over a male conspecific than vehicle-treated dams, indicating an enhanced motivational and emotional processing of the rewarding property of pups. These findings suggest that TCB-2 has a disruptive effect on rat maternal behavior, and this disruption is not likely due to the drug's effect on mothers' motivational and emotional processing of the incentive salience of pups, although this motivational suppression account cannot be completely ruled out. Future work could explore other possible behavioral mechanisms, such as the drug's effect on executive function.
Collapse
|
34
|
Delicata F, Bombardi C, Pierucci M, Di Maio R, De Deurwaerdère P, Di Giovanni G. Preferential modulation of the lateral habenula activity by serotonin-2A rather than -2C receptors: Electrophysiological and neuroanatomical evidence. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:721-733. [PMID: 29479825 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Serotonergic (5-HT) modulation of the lateral habenula (LHb) activity is central in normal and pathologic conditions such as mood disorders. Among the multiple 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) involved, the 5-HT2C R seems to play a pivotal role. Yet, the role of 5-HT2A Rs in the control of the LHb neuronal activity is completely unknown. METHODS Single-cell extracellular recording of the LHb neurons was used in rats to study the effect of the general activation and blockade of the 5-HT2C R and 5-HT2A R with Ro 60-0175 and SB242084, TCB-2 and MDL11939, respectively. The expression of both receptors in the LHb was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Cumulative doses (5-640 μg/kg, iv) of Ro 60-0175 and TCB-2 affected the activity of 34% and 63% of the LHb recorded neurons, respectively. LHb neurons were either inhibited at low doses or excited at higher doses of the 5-HT2A/C R agonists. SB242084 or MDL11939 (both at 200 μg/kg, iv) did not modify neuronal firing when injected alone, but reverted the bidirectional effects of Ro 60-0175 or TCB-2, respectively. 5-HT2C Rs and 5-HT2A Rs are expressed in less than the 20% of the LHb neurons, and they neither colocalize nor make heterodimers. Strikingly, only 5-HT2A Rs are expressed by the majority of LHb astrocyte cells. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral administration of 5-HT2A R agonist promotes a heterogeneous pattern of neuronal responses in the LHb, and these effects are more prominent than those induced by the 5-HT2C R activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis Delicata
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Cristiano Bombardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Massimo Pierucci
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Roberto Di Maio
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Unité Mixte de Recherche 5287), Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ku AF, Cuny GD. Discovery of 7-hydroxyaporphines as conformationally restricted ligands for beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:353-356. [PMID: 30108929 PMCID: PMC6083790 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00656j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A series of (-)-nornuciferidine derivatives was synthesized and the non-natural enantiomer of the aporphine alkaloid was discovered to be a potent β1- and β2-adrenergic receptor ligand that antagonized isoproterenol and procaterol induced cyclic AMP increases from adenylyl cyclase, respectively. Progressive deconstruction of the tetracyclic scaffold to less complex cyclic and acyclic analogues revealed that the conformationally restricted (6a-R,7-R)-7-hydroxyaporphine 2 (AK-2-202) was necessary for efficient receptor binding and antagonism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela F Ku
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Houston , Science and Research Building 2 , Houston , Texas 77204 , USA .
| | - Gregory D Cuny
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Houston , Science and Research Building 2 , Houston , Texas 77204 , USA .
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
This chapter will summarize structure-activity relationships (SAR) that are known for the classic serotonergic hallucinogens (aka psychedelics), focusing on the three chemical types: tryptamines, ergolines, and phenethylamines. In the brain, the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor plays a key role in regulation of cortical function and cognition, and also appears to be the principal target for hallucinogenic/psychedelic drugs such as LSD. It is one of the most extensively studied of the 14 known types of serotonin receptors. Important structural features will be identified for activity and, where possible, those that the psychedelics have in common will be discussed. Because activation of the 5-HT2A receptor is the principal mechanism of action for psychedelics, compounds with 5-HT2A agonist activity generally are quickly discarded by the pharmaceutical industry. Thus, most of the research on psychedelics can be related to activation of 5-HT2A receptors. Therefore, much of the discussion will include not only clinical or anecdotal studies, but also will consider data from animal models as well as a certain amount of molecular pharmacology where it is known.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Nichols
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hondebrink L, Zwartsen A, Westerink RHS. Effect fingerprinting of new psychoactive substances (NPS): What can we learn from in vitro data? Pharmacol Ther 2017; 182:193-224. [PMID: 29097307 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is increasing and currently >600 NPS have been reported. However, limited information on neuropharmacological and toxicological effects of NPS is available, hampering risk characterization. We reviewed the literature on the in vitro neuronal modes of action to obtain effect fingerprints of different classes of illicit drugs and NPS. The most frequently reported NPS were selected for review: cathinones (MDPV, α-PVP, mephedrone, 4-MEC, pentedrone, methylone), cannabinoids (JWH-018), (hallucinogenic) phenethylamines (4-fluoroamphetamine, benzofurans (5-APB, 6-APB), 2C-B, NBOMes (25B-NBOMe, 25C-NBOMe, 25I-NBOMe)), arylcyclohexylamines (methoxetamine) and piperazine derivatives (mCPP, TFMPP, BZP). Our effect fingerprints highlight the main modes of action for the different NPS studied, including inhibition and/or reversal of monoamine reuptake transporters (cathinones and non-hallucinogenic phenethylamines), activation of 5-HT2receptors (hallucinogenic phenethylamines and piperazines), activation of cannabinoid receptors (cannabinoids) and inhibition of NDMA receptors (arylcyclohexylamines). Importantly, we identified additional targets by relating reported effect concentrations to the estimated human brain concentrations during recreational use. These additional targets include dopamine receptors, α- and β-adrenergic receptors, GABAAreceptors and acetylcholine receptors, which may all contribute to the observed clinical symptoms following exposure. Additional data is needed as the number of NPS continues to increase. Also, the effect fingerprints we have obtained are still incomplete and suffer from a large variation in the reported effects and effect sizes. Dedicated in vitro screening batteries will aid in complementing specific effect fingerprints of NPS. These fingerprints can be implemented in the risk assessments of NPS that are necessary for eventual control measures to reduce Public Health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hondebrink
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Zwartsen
- Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.177, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Remco H S Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Division Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.177, NL-3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Di Giovanni G, De Deurwaerdère P. TCB-2 [(7R)-3-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxy-bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-yl]methanamine]: A hallucinogenic drug, a selective 5-HT 2A receptor pharmacological tool, or none of the above? Neuropharmacology 2017; 142:20-29. [PMID: 28987938 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The development of 5-HT2A receptor agonists has been considerably marginalized since the demonstration that the tryptaminergic drugs, LSD and psilocybin, or the phenylakylamine drugs, mescaline and DOI, exert their hallucinogenic properties via the stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors. Nonetheless, the ability of drugs to stimulate 5-HT2A receptors is not necessarily associated with psychedelic experience and the hallucinogenic properties are still not understood. Several studies have increased interest in stimulating 5-HT2A receptors in various CNS diseases. (7R)-3-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxy-bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-yl]methanamine (TCB-2) which was synthetized in 2006 presents a high affinity with human and rat 5-HT2A receptors. Its main feature of interest is that it preferentially stimulates the phospholipase C and not phospholipase A2 pathway, which is at variance with several hallucinogenic drugs. Preference for TCB-2 has increased in preclinical studies and it exhibits subtle differences compared to DOI or LSD in some molecular, cellular and behavioral studies. The purpose of this review is to take a position on the use of TCB-2 as a pharmacological tool. A careful reading of the literature has revealed that the suspected hallucinogenic properties of TCB-2 cannot firmly be ascertained while its pharmacological profile is unknown and likely not selective at 5-HT2A receptors. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Unité Mixte de Recherche 5287), 146 rue Léo Saignat, B.P.281, F-33000 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Activation of 5-HT 2A receptor disrupts rat maternal behavior. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:96-105. [PMID: 28965828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is widely distributed in the central nervous system and plays an important role in sensorimotor function, emotion regulation, motivation, executive control, learning and memory. We investigated its role in rat maternal behavior, a naturalistic behavior encompassing many psychological functions that the 5-HT2A receptor is involved in. We first showed that activation of 5-HT2A receptor by TCB-2 (a highly selective 5-HT2A agonist, 1, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg) disrupted maternal behavior dose-dependently, and this effect was reduced by pretreatment with a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 100907, but exacerbated by pretreatment with a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084 and a 5-HT2C receptor agonist MK212, indicating that the maternal disruptive effect of 5-HT2A activation is receptor-specific and can be modulated by 5-HT2C receptor bidirectionally. We then microinjected TCB-2 into two brain regions important for the normal expression of maternal behavior: the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and found that only acute intra-mPFC infusion of TCB-2 suppressed pup retrieval, whereas intra-mPOA had no effect. Finally, using c-Fos immunohistochemistry, we identified that the ventral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (vBNST), the central amygdala (CeA), and the dorsal raphe (DR) were additionally involved in the maternal-disruptive effect of TCB-2. These findings suggest that the 5-HT2A receptor in the mPFC and other maternally related regions is required for the normal expression of maternal behavior through its intrinsic action or interactions with other receptors (e.g. 5-HT2C). Functional disruption of this neuroreceptor system might contribute to postpartum mental disorders (e.g. depression and psychosis) that impair the quality of maternal care.
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhang G, Cinalli D, Stackman RW. Effect of a hallucinogenic serotonin 5‐HT
2A
receptor agonist on visually guided, hippocampal‐dependent spatial cognition in C57BL/6J mice. Hippocampus 2017; 27:558-569. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gongliang Zhang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei Anhui China
- Jupiter Life Science InitiativeFlorida Atlantic UniversityJupiter Florida
| | - David Cinalli
- Department of PsychologyCharles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic UniversityJupiter Florida
| | - Robert W. Stackman
- Jupiter Life Science InitiativeFlorida Atlantic UniversityJupiter Florida
- Department of PsychologyCharles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic UniversityJupiter Florida
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Classic hallucinogens share pharmacology as serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptor agonists. Unique among most other Schedule 1 drugs, they are generally non-addictive and can be effective tools in the treatment of addiction. Mechanisms underlying these attributes are largely unknown. However, many preclinical studies show that 5-HT2C agonists counteract the addictive effects of drugs from several classes, suggesting this pharmacological property of classic hallucinogens may be significant. Drawing from a comprehensive analysis of preclinical behavior, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry studies, this review builds rationale for this hypothesis, and also proposes a testable, neurobiological framework. 5-HT2C agonists work, in part, by modulating dopamine neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens (NAc) reward pathway. We argue that activation of 5-HT2C receptors on NAc shell, GABAergic, medium spiny neurons inhibits potassium Kv1.x channels, thereby enhancing inhibitory activity via intrinsic mechanisms. Together with experiments that show that addictive drugs, such as cocaine, potentiate Kv1.x channels, thereby suppressing NAc shell GABAergic activity, this hypothesis provides a mechanism by which classic hallucinogen-mediated stimulation of 5-HT2C receptors could thwart addiction. It also provides a potential reason for the non-addictive nature of classic hallucinogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clinton E Canal
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, USA
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Boroda S, Niccum M, Raje V, Purow BW, Harris TE. Dual activities of ritanserin and R59022 as DGKα inhibitors and serotonin receptor antagonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 123:29-39. [PMID: 27974147 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinase alpha (DGKα) catalyzes the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA). Recently, DGKα was identified as a therapeutic target in various cancers, as well as in immunotherapy. Application of small-molecule DGK inhibitors, R59022 and R59949, induces cancer cell death in vitro and in vivo. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds in mice, however, are poor. Thus, there is a need to discover additional DGK inhibitors not only to validate these enzymes as targets in oncology, but also to achieve a better understanding of their biology. In the present study, we investigate the activity of ritanserin, a compound structurally similar to R59022, against DGKα. Ritanserin, originally characterized as a serotonin (5-HT) receptor (5-HTR) antagonist, underwent clinical trials as a potential medicine for the treatment of schizophrenia and substance dependence. We document herein that ritanserin attenuates DGKα kinase activity while increasing the enzyme's affinity for ATP in vitro. In addition, R59022 and ritanserin function as DGKα inhibitors in cultured cells and activate protein kinase C (PKC). While recognizing that ritanserin attenuates DGK activity, we also find that R59022 and R59949 are 5-HTR antagonists. In conclusion, ritanserin, R59022 and R59949 are combined pharmacological inhibitors of DGKα and 5-HTRs in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salome Boroda
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Maria Niccum
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Vidisha Raje
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Benjamin W Purow
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| | - Thurl E Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pratt WE, Clissold KA, Lin P, Cain AE, Ciesinski AF, Hopkins TR, Ilesanmi AO, Kelly EA, Pierce-Messick Z, Powell DS, Rosner IA. A systematic investigation of the differential roles for ventral tegmentum serotonin 1- and 2-type receptors on food intake in the rat. Brain Res 2016; 1648:54-68. [PMID: 27431937 PMCID: PMC5018453 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Central serotonin (5-HT) pathways are known to influence feeding and other ingestive behaviors. Although the ventral tegmentum is important for promoting the seeking and consumption of food and drugs of abuse, the roles of 5-HT receptor subtypes in this region on food intake have yet to be comprehensively examined. In these experiments, food restricted rats were given 2-h access to rat chow; separate groups of non-restricted animals had similar access to a sweetened fat diet. Feeding and locomotor activity were monitored following ventral tegmentum stimulation or blockade of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, or 5-HT2C receptors. 5-HT1A receptor stimulation transiently inhibited rearing behavior and chow intake in food-restricted rats, and had a biphasic effect on non-restricted rats offered the palatable diet. 5-HT1B receptor agonism transiently inhibited feeding in restricted animals, but did not affect intake of non-restricted rats. In contrast, 5-HT1B receptor antagonism decreased palatable feeding. Although stimulation of ventral tegmental 5-HT2B receptors with BW723C86 did not affect hunger-driven food intake, it significantly affected palatable feeding, with a trend for an increasing intake at 2.0µg/side but not at 5.0µg/side. Antagonism of the same receptor modestly but significantly inhibited feeding of the palatable diet at 5.0µg/side ketanserin. Neither stimulation nor blockade of 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors caused prolonged effects on intake or locomotion. These data suggest that serotonin's effects on feeding within the ventral tegmentum depend upon the specific receptor targeted, as well as whether intake is motivated by food restriction or the palatable nature of the offered diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne E Pratt
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
| | - Kara A Clissold
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Peagan Lin
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Amanda E Cain
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alexa F Ciesinski
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Thomas R Hopkins
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Adeolu O Ilesanmi
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Erin A Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | | | - Daniel S Powell
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ian A Rosner
- Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sourbron J, Schneider H, Kecskés A, Liu Y, Buening EM, Lagae L, Smolders I, de Witte P. Serotonergic Modulation as Effective Treatment for Dravet Syndrome in a Zebrafish Mutant Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:588-98. [PMID: 26822114 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe epilepsy syndrome that starts within the first year of life. In a clinical study, add-on treatment with fenfluramine, a potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) releaser activating multiple 5-HT receptor subtypes, made 70% of DS children seizure free. Others and we recently confirmed the efficacy of fenfluramine as an antiepileptiform compound in zebrafish models of DS. By using a large set of subtype selective agonists, in this study we examined which 5-HT receptor subtypes can be targeted to trigger antiseizure effects in homozygous scn1Lab(-/-) mutant zebrafish larvae that recapitulate DS well. We also provide evidence that zebrafish larvae express the orthologues of all human 5-HT receptor subtypes. Using an automated larval locomotor behavior assay, we were able to show that selective 5-HT1D-, 5-HT1E-, 5-HT2A-, 5-HT2C-, and 5-HT7-agonists significantly decreased epileptiform activity in the mutant zebrafish at 7 days post fertilization (dpf). By measuring local field potentials in the zebrafish larval forebrain, we confirmed the antiepileptiform activity of the 5-HT1D-, 5-HT2C-, and especially the 5-HT2A-agonist. Interestingly, we also found a significant decrease of serotonin in the heads of homozygous scn1Lab(-/-) mutants as compared to the wild type zebrafish, which suggest that neurochemical defects might play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of DS. Taken together, our results emphasize the high conservation of the serotonergic receptors in zebrafish larvae. Modulating certain serotonergic receptors was shown to effectively reduce seizures. Our findings therefore open new avenues for the development of future novel DS therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Laboratory
for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological
Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Henning Schneider
- Department
of Biology, DePauw University, 1 East Hanna St., Greencastle, Indiana 46135, United States
| | - Angéla Kecskés
- Laboratory
for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological
Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yusu Liu
- Department
of Biology, DePauw University, 1 East Hanna St., Greencastle, Indiana 46135, United States
| | - Ellen M. Buening
- Department
of Biology, DePauw University, 1 East Hanna St., Greencastle, Indiana 46135, United States
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department
of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Center
for Neurosciences, C4N, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter de Witte
- Laboratory
for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological
Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Venzi M, David F, Bellet J, Cavaccini A, Bombardi C, Crunelli V, Di Giovanni G. Role for serotonin2A (5-HT2A) and 2C (5-HT2C) receptors in experimental absence seizures. Neuropharmacology 2016; 108:292-304. [PMID: 27085605 PMCID: PMC4920646 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Absence seizures (ASs) are the hallmark of childhood/juvenile absence epilepsy. Monotherapy with first-line anti-absence drugs only controls ASs in 50% of patients, indicating the need for novel therapeutic targets. Since serotonin family-2 receptors (5-HT2Rs) are known to modulate neuronal activity in the cortico-thalamo-cortical loop, the main network involved in AS generation, we investigated the effect of selective 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2CR ligands on ASs in the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), a well established polygenic rat model of these non-convulsive seizures. GAERS rats were implanted with fronto-parietal EEG electrodes under general anesthesia, and their ASs were later recorded under freely moving conditions before and after intraperitoneal administration of various 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2CR ligands. The 5-HT2A agonist TCB-2 dose-dependently decreased the total time spent in ASs, an effect that was blocked by the selective 5-HT2A antagonist MDL11,939. Both MDL11,939 and another selective 5-HT2A antagonist (M100,907) increased the length of individual seizures when injected alone. The 5-HT2C agonists lorcaserin and CP-809,101 dose-dependently suppressed ASs, an effect blocked by the selective 5-HT2C antagonist SB 242984. In summary, 5-HT2ARs and 5-HT2CRs negatively control the expression of experimental ASs, indicating that selective agonists at these 5-HT2R subtypes might be potential novel anti-absence drugs. 5-HT2AR activation decreases absence seizures in GAERS. 5-HT2CR activation decreases absence seizures in GAERS. 5-HT2AR blockade increases absence seizures in GAERS. 5-HT2CR blockade does not affect absence seizures in GAERS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Venzi
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - François David
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Joachim Bellet
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tuebingen University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anna Cavaccini
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Cristiano Bombardi
- University of Bologna, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, Malta.
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, Malta.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Martin-Gronert MS, Stocker CJ, Wargent ET, Cripps RL, Garfield AS, Jovanovic Z, D'Agostino G, Yeo GSH, Cawthorne MA, Arch JRS, Heisler LK, Ozanne SE. 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors as hypothalamic targets of developmental programming in male rats. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:401-12. [PMID: 26769798 PMCID: PMC4852506 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.023903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although obesity is a global epidemic, the physiological mechanisms involved are not well understood. Recent advances reveal that susceptibility to obesity can be programmed by maternal and neonatal nutrition. Specifically, a maternal low-protein diet during pregnancy causes decreased intrauterine growth, rapid postnatal catch-up growth and an increased risk for diet-induced obesity. Given that the synthesis of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is nutritionally regulated and 5-HT is a trophic factor, we hypothesised that maternal diet influences fetal 5-HT exposure, which then influences development of the central appetite network and the subsequent efficacy of 5-HT to control energy balance in later life. Consistent with our hypothesis, pregnant rats fed a low-protein diet exhibited elevated serum levels of 5-HT, which was also evident in the placenta and fetal brains at embryonic day 16.5. This increase was associated with reduced levels of 5-HT2CR, the primary 5-HT receptor influencing appetite, in the fetal, neonatal and adult hypothalamus. As expected, a reduction of 5-HT2CR was associated with impaired sensitivity to 5-HT-mediated appetite suppression in adulthood. 5-HT primarily achieves effects on appetite by 5-HT2CR stimulation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). We show that 5-HT2ARs are also anatomically positioned to influence the activity of ARC POMC neurons and that mRNA encoding 5-HT2AR is increased in the hypothalamus ofin uterogrowth-restricted offspring that underwent rapid postnatal catch-up growth. Furthermore, these animals at 3 months of age are more sensitive to appetite suppression induced by 5-HT2AR agonists. These findings not only reveal a 5-HT-mediated mechanism underlying the programming of susceptibility to obesity, but also provide a promising means to correct it, by treatment with a 5-HT2AR agonist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata S Martin-Gronert
- University of Cambridge, Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Claire J Stocker
- Clore Laboratory, Buckingham Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
| | - Edward T Wargent
- Clore Laboratory, Buckingham Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
| | - Roselle L Cripps
- University of Cambridge, Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | | | - Zorica Jovanovic
- University of Cambridge, Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | | | - Giles S H Yeo
- University of Cambridge, Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Michael A Cawthorne
- Clore Laboratory, Buckingham Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
| | - Jonathan R S Arch
- Clore Laboratory, Buckingham Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Buckingham, Hunter Street, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
| | - Lora K Heisler
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- University of Cambridge, Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Jiang CR, Zhao CL, Guo HF, He W. Organocatalytic silyl transfer from silylborane to nitroalkenes for the synthesis of β-silyl nitroalkanes and β-silyl amines. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:7862-5. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc03840a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We discovered organocatalytic silyl transfer from silylborane to nitroalkenes in a toluene/water biphasic solvent. A variety of functionalized β-silyl nitroalkanes were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, which provides access to biologically interesting β-silyl amines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Ran Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Tsinghua-Peking Joint Centers for Life Science
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | - Chun-Liang Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Tsinghua-Peking Joint Centers for Life Science
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | - Hui-Fang Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Tsinghua-Peking Joint Centers for Life Science
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | - Wei He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Tsinghua-Peking Joint Centers for Life Science
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Naito K, Tanaka C, Mitsuhashi M, Moteki H, Kimura M, Natsume H, Ogihara M. Signal Transduction Mechanism for Serotonin 5-HT 2B Receptor-Mediated DNA Synthesis and Proliferation in Primary Cultures of Adult Rat Hepatocytes. Biol Pharm Bull 2016; 39:121-9. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b15-00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kota Naito
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Chizuru Tanaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Manami Mitsuhashi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Hajime Moteki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Mitsutoshi Kimura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Hideshi Natsume
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| | - Masahiko Ogihara
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Di Giovanni G, De Deurwaerdère P. New therapeutic opportunities for 5-HT2C receptor ligands in neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 157:125-62. [PMID: 26617215 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The 5-HT2C receptor (R) displays a widespread distribution in the CNS and is involved in the action of 5-HT in all brain areas. Knowledge of its functional role in the CNS pathophysiology has been impaired for many years due to the lack of drugs capable of discriminating among 5-HT2R subtypes, and to a lesser extent to the 5-HT1B, 5-HT5, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7Rs. The situation has changed since the mid-90s due to the increased availability of new and selective synthesized compounds, the creation of 5-HT2C knock out mice, and the progress made in molecular biology. Many pharmacological classes of drugs including antipsychotics, antidepressants and anxiolytics display affinities toward 5-HT2CRs and new 5-HT2C ligands have been developed for various neuropsychiatric disorders. The 5-HT2CR is presumed to mediate tonic/constitutive and phasic controls on the activity of different central neurobiological networks. Preclinical data illustrate this complexity to a point that pharmaceutical companies developed either agonists or antagonists for the same disease. In order to better comprehend this complexity, this review will briefly describe the molecular pharmacology of 5-HT2CRs, as well as their cellular impacts in general, before addressing its central distribution in the mammalian brain. Thereafter, we review the preclinical efficacy of 5-HT2C ligands in numerous behavioral tests modeling human diseases, highlighting the multiple and competing actions of the 5-HT2CRs in neurobiological networks and monoaminergic systems. Notably, we will focus this evidence in the context of the physiopathology of psychiatric and neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, levodopa-induced dyskinesia, and epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Unité Mixte de Recherche 5293) 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Deau E, Robin E, Voinea R, Percina N, Satała G, Finaru AL, Chartier A, Tamagnan G, Alagille D, Bojarski AJ, Morisset-Lopez S, Suzenet F, Guillaumet G. Rational Design, Pharmacomodulation, and Synthesis of Dual 5-Hydroxytryptamine 7 (5-HT7)/5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A) Receptor Antagonists and Evaluation by [18F]-PET Imaging in a Primate Brain. J Med Chem 2015; 58:8066-96. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Deau
- Institut
de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d’Orléans, CNRS, UMR 7311, rue de Chartres, F-45067 Orleans, France
| | - Elodie Robin
- Centre
de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans et INSERM, rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Raluca Voinea
- Institut
de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d’Orléans, CNRS, UMR 7311, rue de Chartres, F-45067 Orleans, France
- Centrul
de Cercetare ‘Chimie Aplicată şi Inginerie de
Proces’, Universitatea din Bacău, Calea Mărăşesti,
nr. 157, 600115 Bacău, Romania
| | - Nathalie Percina
- Institut
de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d’Orléans, CNRS, UMR 7311, rue de Chartres, F-45067 Orleans, France
| | - Grzegorz Satała
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna
Street, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | - Adriana-Luminita Finaru
- Centrul
de Cercetare ‘Chimie Aplicată şi Inginerie de
Proces’, Universitatea din Bacău, Calea Mărăşesti,
nr. 157, 600115 Bacău, Romania
| | - Agnès Chartier
- Institut
de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d’Orléans, CNRS, UMR 7311, rue de Chartres, F-45067 Orleans, France
| | - Gilles Tamagnan
- Molecular NeuroImaging, 60 Temple
Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - David Alagille
- Molecular NeuroImaging, 60 Temple
Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Andrzej J. Bojarski
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna
Street, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | - Séverine Morisset-Lopez
- Centre
de Biophysique Moléculaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans et INSERM, rue Charles Sadron, 45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Franck Suzenet
- Institut
de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d’Orléans, CNRS, UMR 7311, rue de Chartres, F-45067 Orleans, France
| | - Gérald Guillaumet
- Institut
de Chimie Organique et Analytique (ICOA), Université d’Orléans, CNRS, UMR 7311, rue de Chartres, F-45067 Orleans, France
| |
Collapse
|