SB-649915-B, a novel 5-HT1A/B autoreceptor antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is anxiolytic and displays fast onset activity in the rat high light social interaction test

Socio-affective communication in Tph2-deficient rat pups: communal nesting aggravates growth retardation despite ameliorating maternal affiliation deficits

BACKGROUND

A lack of serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the brain due to deficiency of the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), was recently reported to result in impaired maternal affiliation across species, including mice, rats, and monkeys. In rodents, this was reflected in a lack of preference for maternal odors and reduced levels of isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USV), possibly contributing to a severe growth retardation phenotype.

METHODS

Here, we tested whether growth retardation, maternal affiliation deficits, and/or impairments in socio-affective communication caused by Tph2 deficiency can be rescued through early social enrichment in rats. To this aim, we compared male and female Tph2-/- knockout and Tph2+/- heterozygous rat pups to Tph2+/+ wildtype littermate controls, with litters being randomly assigned to standard nesting (SN; one mother with her litter) or communal nesting (CN; two mothers with their two litters).

RESULTS

Our results show that Tph2 deficiency causes severe growth retardation, together with moderate impairments in somatosensory reflexes and thermoregulatory capabilities, partially aggravated by CN. Tph2 deficiency further led to deficits in socio-affective communication, as evidenced by reduced emission of isolation-induced USV, associated with changes in acoustic features, clustering of subtypes, and temporal organization. Although CN did not rescue the impairments in socio-affective communication, CN ameliorated the maternal affiliation deficit caused by Tph2 deficiency in the homing test. To close the communicative loop between mother and pup, we assessed maternal preference and showed that mothers display a preference for Tph2+/+ controls over Tph2-/- pups, particularly under CN conditions. This is consistent with the aggravated growth phenotype in Tph2-/- pups exposed to the more competitive CN environment.

CONCLUSION

Together, this indicates that CN aggravates growth retardation despite ameliorating maternal affiliation deficits in Tph2-deficient rat pups, possibly due to reduced and acoustically altered isolation-induced USV, hindering efficient socio-affective communication between mother and pup.

DSP-6745, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine modulator with rapid antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and procognitive effects

BACKGROUND

Current treatment of major depressive disorder is facing challenges, including a low remission rate, late onset of efficacy, and worsening severity due to comorbid symptoms such as psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission is involved in a wide variety of psychiatric diseases and its potential as a drug target continues to attract attention.

OBJECTIVES

The present study elucidates the effects of a novel 5-HT modulator, DSP-6745, on depression and its comorbid symptoms.

RESULTS

In vitro radioligand binding and functional assays showed that DSP-6745 is a potent inhibitor of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT7 receptors. In vivo, DSP-6745 (6.4 and 19.1 mg/kg as free base, p.o.) increased the release of not only 5-HT, norepinephrine, and dopamine, but also glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex. The results of in vivo mouse phenotypic screening by SmartCube® suggested that DSP-6745 has a behavioral signature combined with antidepressant-, anxiolytic-, and antipsychotic-like signals. A single oral dose of DSP-6745 (6.4 and 19.1 mg/kg) showed rapid antidepressant-like efficacy in the rat forced swim test, even at 24 h post-dosing, and anxiolytic activity in the rat social interaction test. Moreover, DSP-6745 (12.7 mg/kg, p.o.) led to an improvement in the apomorphine-induced prepulse inhibition deficit in rats. In the marmoset object retrieval with detour task, which is used to assess cognitive functions such as attention and behavioral inhibition, DSP-6745 (7.8 mg/kg, p.o.) enhanced cognition.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that DSP-6745 is a multimodal 5-HT receptor antagonist and a 5-HT transporter inhibitor and has the potential to be a rapid acting antidepressant with efficacies in mitigating the comorbid symptoms of depression.

Mechanisms involved in the antidepressant-like action of orally administered 5-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (MTDZ) in male and female mice

RATIONALE

The compound 5-((4-methoxyphenyl)thio)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (MTDZ) has recently been shown to inhibit in vitro acetylcholinesterase activity, reduce cognitive damage, and improve neuropsychic behavior in mice, making it a promising molecule to treat depression.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the antidepressant-like action of MTDZ in mice and its potential mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

Molecular docking assays were performed and suggested a potential inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) by MTDZ. The toxicity study revealed that MTDZ displayed no signs of toxicity, changes in oxidative parameters, or alterations to biochemistry markers, even at a high dose of 300 mg/kg. In behavioral tests, MTDZ administration reduced immobility behavior during the forced swim test (FST) without adjusting the climbing parameter, suggesting it has an antidepressant effect. The antidepressant-like action of MTDZ was negated with the administration of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1A/1B, and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, implying the involvement of serotonergic pathways. Moreover, the antidepressant-like action of MTDZ was linked to the NO system, as L-arginine pretreatment inhibited its activity. The ex vivo assays indicated that MTDZ normalized ATPase activity, potentially linking this behavior to its antidepressant-like action. MTDZ treatment restricted MAO-A activity in the cerebral cortices and hippocampi of mice, proposing a selective inhibition of MAO-A associated with the antidepressant-like effect of the compound.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that MTDZ may serve as a promising antidepressant agent due to its selective inhibition of MAO-A and the involvement of serotonergic and NO pathways.

The effect of SSRIs on unconditioned anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies

RATIONALE

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first choice of treatment for anxiety-like disorders. However, which aspects of anxiety are affected by SSRIs is not yet fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically review the effect of six clinically effective SSRIs on four aspects of unconditioned anxiety: approach-avoidance behaviour (elevated plus maze), repetitive behaviour (marble burying), distress behaviour (ultrasonic vocalization), and activation of the autonomous nervous system (stress-induced hyperthermia).

METHODS

We identified publications by searching Medline and Embase databases and assessed the risk of bias. A random effects meta-analysis was performed and moderator effects were analysed with Bayesian penalized meta-regression.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 105 elevated plus maze, 63 marble burying, 11 ultrasonic vocalization, and 7 stress-induced hyperthermia articles. Meta-analysis suggested that SSRIs reduce anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze, marble burying and ultrasonic vocalization test and that effects are moderated by pre-existing stress conditions (elevated plus maze) and dose dependency (marble burying) but not by duration of treatment or type of SSRI. The reporting quality was low, publication bias was likely, and heterogeneity was high.

CONCLUSION

SSRIs seem to reduce a broad range of unconditioned anxiety-associated behaviours. These results should be interpreted with caution due to a high risk of bias, likely occurrence of publication bias, substantial heterogeneity and limited moderator data availability. Our review demonstrates the importance of including bias assessments when interpreting meta-analysis results. We further recommend improving the reporting quality, the conduct of animal research, and the publication of all results regardless of significance.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CX. Classification of Receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine; Pharmacology and Function

5-HT receptors expressed throughout the human body are targets for established therapeutics and various drugs in development. Their diversity of structure and function reflects the important role 5-HT receptors play in physiologic and pathophysiological processes. The present review offers a framework for the official receptor nomenclature and a detailed understanding of each of the 14 5-HT receptor subtypes, their roles in the systems of the body, and, where appropriate, the (potential) utility of therapeutics targeting these receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides a comprehensive account of the classification and function of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, including how they are targeted for therapeutic benefit.

Depression- and anxiogenic-like behaviors induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice are reversed by a selenium-containing indolyl compound: Behavioral, neurochemical and computational insights involving the serotonergic system

Major depression and anxiety are highly incapacitating psychiatric disorders often present simultaneously, and the causal relationship between these disorders and inflammation are under extensive investigation. The treatment for this comorbidity still relies on drugs acting on the serotonergic neurotransmission, but the modulation of immune-inflammatory pathways has attained an increasing interest in the drug discovery. We have previously demonstrated that the selenoorganic compound 3-[(4-chlorophenyl)selanyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole (CMI) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antidepressant-like effect in mice. Considering these pharmacological properties and the structural similarities between tryptophan, serotonin and CMI, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether CMI ameliorates depression- and anxiogenic-like behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Swiss male mice by modulating the serotonergic system and reducing neuroinflammation. The administration of CMI (1 mg/kg, i.g) reversed the behavioral deficits induced by LPS (0.83 mg/kg, i.p) in the tail suspension test, splash test and elevated plus maze. The pre-treatment of mice with WAY100635 (5-HT_1A receptor antagonist), ketanserin (5-HT_2A/2C receptor antagonist) and ondansetron (5-HT₃ receptor antagonist) prevented the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effect elicited by CMI treatment after the LPS challenge. The administration of CMI also counteracted the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mice challenged with LPS. Additionally, a molecular docking analysis showed that CMI binds to the active site of the serotonin transporter and IDO. These findings suggest that CMI reversed behavioral and biochemical alterations in the depression-anxiety comorbidity induced by LPS, possibly by modulation of neuroinflammatory mediators and the serotonergic system.

Helicid Ameliorates Learning and Cognitive Ability and Activities cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rats

Helicid (4-formylphenyl-O-β-D-allopyranoside), an active component found in seeds from the Chinese herb Helicia nilagirica, has been reported to exert sedative, analgesic, hypnotic and antidepressant effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant, learning and cognitive improvement effects of helicid in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in rats and to explore cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding (CREB) signaling pathway. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10): control; CUMS; CUMS + fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) and CUMS + helicid at 8, 16 and 32 mg/kg. All rats were subjected to 12 weeks of CUMS protocols and drug administration during the last 6 weeks of CUMS. Our results showed that helicid, at a dose of 32 mg/kg, significantly reversed decreases in body weight and sucrose consumption, increased the distance and number of crossings in the open-field test (OFT), reduced immobility times in the forced swimming test (FST) and improved spatial memory in the Morris water maze (MWM); all of these effects had been induced by CUMS paradigm. Immunohistochemistry showed that administration of helicid could promoted the proliferation of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions. CUMS rats treated with helicid had dramatically decreased protein levels of serotonin transporters (SERTs). In addition, CUMS resulted in a significant reduction in the expression of cAMP, PKA C-α and p-CREB, each of which were partially attenuated by helicid administration. These results indicated that helicid could improve depressive behaviors, learning and cognitive deficits and increase hippocampal neurogenesis, which may be mediated by the regulation of SERTs, activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway and upregulation of p-CREB levels in hippocampal.

Adversity in early adolescence promotes an enduring anxious phenotype and increases serotonergic innervation of the infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex

Stress during early development produces lasting effects on psychopathological outcomes. We analysed the impact of prior intermittent, physical stress (IPS) during early adolescence (PD 22-33) on anxiety-like behaviour of female rats in adulthood. After behavioural testing, we used immunohistochemistry for the 5-HT transporter (SERT) to evaluate 5-HT innervation profiles in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral hippocampus (VH). Administration of IPS (i.e., water immersion, elevated platform, foot shock) in early adolescence increased rats' anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus-maze but had no effects in the shock-probe burying test. In the social interaction test, IPS decreased social interaction, and this effect was driven by selective decreases in the frequency of playfighting with no evident changes in contact and investigative behaviours. Selective stress-induced increases in the density of SERT-ir positive fibres were found in the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the mPFC but not in the cingulate or prelimbic (PL) subregions. IPS in early adolescence did not affect 5-HT innervation profiles in any sub-fields of the VH. Our findings confirm and extend on earlier evidence that stress during early adolescence promotes the emergence of an anxious phenotype and provide novel evidence that these effects are associated with increased 5-HT innervation of the IL mPFC.

Animal to human translational paradigms relevant for approach avoidance conflict decision making

Avoidance behavior in clinical anxiety disorders is often a decision made in response to approach-avoidance conflict, resulting in a sacrifice of potential rewards to avoid potential negative affective consequences. Animal research has a long history of relying on paradigms related to approach-avoidance conflict to model anxiety-relevant behavior. This approach includes punishment-based conflict, exploratory, and social interaction tasks. There has been a recent surge of interest in the translation of paradigms from animal to human, in efforts to increase generalization of findings and support the development of more effective mental health treatments. This article briefly reviews animal tests related to approach-avoidance conflict and results from lesion and pharmacologic studies utilizing these tests. We then provide a description of translational human paradigms that have been developed to tap into related constructs, summarizing behavioral and neuroimaging findings. Similarities and differences in findings from analogous animal and human paradigms are discussed. Lastly, we highlight opportunities for future research and paradigm development that will support the clinical utility of this translational work.

Multi-target therapeutics for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders

Historically, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease treatments focused on the 'magic bullet' concept; however multi-targeted strategies are increasingly attractive gauging from the escalating research in this area. Because these diseases are typically co-morbid, multi-targeted drugs capable of interacting with multiple targets will expand treatment to the co-morbid disease condition. Despite their theoretical efficacy, there are significant impediments to clinical success (e.g., difficulty titrating individual aspects of the drug and inconclusive pathophysiological mechanisms). The new and revised diagnostic frameworks along with studies detailing the endophenotypic characteristics of the diseases promise to provide the foundation for the circumvention of these impediments. This review serves to evaluate the various marketed and nonmarketed multi-targeted drugs with particular emphasis on their design strategy.

Vilazodone for the Treatment of Depression: An Update

Vilazodone is a novel antidepressant having a selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist profile, so it has been regarded as a serotonin partial agonist-reuptake inhibitor (SPARI). We aimed to provide Vilazodone's clinical implications mainly by reviewing published clinical trials. Vilazodone has been speculated to have three potential benefits including faster onset of action, greater efficacy, and better tolerability owning to its SPARI properties. However, no studies conducted so far have directly proven the above speculations. Five initial phase II trials failed to distinguish vilazodone from placebo in the treatment of MDD, but 4 randomized clinical trials (RCT), 3 post-hoc or pooled analysis, 1 long-term open label study, and a meta-analysis showed vilazodone's superior efficacy over placebo. The studies also showed vilazodone is generally safe and tolerable. However, diarrhea, nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, and insomnia warrant close attention in clinical practice because they have been constantly noted throughout the clinical studies. 2 RCTs recently documented the efficacy and safety of vilazodone in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, which could be a start of broadening vilazodone's usage or FDA approval in diverse anxiety disorders.

The role of the serotonin receptor subtypes 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 and its interaction in emotional learning and memory

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is a multifunctional neurotransmitter innervating cortical and limbic areas involved in cognition and emotional regulation. Dysregulation of serotonergic transmission is associated with emotional and cognitive deficits in psychiatric patients and animal models. Drugs targeting the 5-HT system are widely used to treat mood disorders and anxiety-like behaviors. Among the fourteen 5-HT receptor (5-HTR) subtypes, the 5-HT_1AR and 5-HT₇R are associated with the development of anxiety, depression and cognitive function linked to mechanisms of emotional learning and memory. In rodents fear conditioning and passive avoidance (PA) are associative learning paradigms to study emotional memory. This review assesses the role of 5-HT_1AR and 5-HT₇R as well as their interplay at the molecular, neurochemical and behavioral level. Activation of postsynaptic 5-HT_1ARs impairs emotional memory through attenuation of neuronal activity, whereas presynaptic 5-HT_1AR activation reduces 5-HT release and exerts pro-cognitive effects on PA retention. Antagonism of the 5-HT_1AR facilitates memory retention possibly via 5-HT₇R activation and evidence is provided that 5HT₇R can facilitate emotional memory upon reduced 5-HT_1AR transmission. These findings highlight the differential role of these 5-HTRs in cognitive/emotional domains of behavior. Moreover, the results indicate that tonic and phasic 5-HT release can exert different and potentially opposing effects on emotional memory, depending on the states of 5-HT_1ARs and 5-HT₇Rs and their interaction. Consequently, individual differences due to genetic and/or epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role for the responsiveness to drug treatment, e.g., by SSRIs which increase intrasynaptic 5-HT levels thereby activating multiple pre- and postsynaptic 5-HTR subtypes.

Vilazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder: focusing on its clinical studies and mechanism of action

We tried to review and update clinical and preclinical studies evaluating vilazodone's role as an antidepressant for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In terms of its mechanism of actions, we sought to elaborate them mainly through preclinical animal studies. A data search was conducted in November 1, 2013, using the key terms "vilazodone" or "Viibryd," in PubMed and Medline databases. All published and unpublished studies are included and citations from publications were also reviewed for additional references. Five unpublished, phase-II and two pivotal published phase-III clinical trials with nearly identical design (8-week, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled) investigated efficacy of vilazodone, were found for the treatment of patients with MDD. Two post-hoc studies and one long-term open study were also included. Data were thoroughly reviewed to incorporate the pharmacology, action mechanism, efficacy and safety for the vilazodone in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Vilazodone is an antidepressant with novel mechanism of action because its chemical structure is unrelated to conventional antidepressant, and it has a selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist profile. Vilazodone is an effective and safe treatment option with its novel action mechanisms for patients with depression. Its putative benefits compared with other antidepressants must be thoroughly studied in adequately-powered and well-designed future clinical trials.

Prediction of overall in vitro microsomal stability of drug candidates based on molecular modeling and support vector machines. Case study of novel arylpiperazines derivatives

Other than efficacy of interaction with the molecular target, metabolic stability is the primary factor responsible for the failure or success of a compound in the drug development pipeline. The ideal drug candidate should be stable enough to reach its therapeutic site of action. Despite many recent excellent achievements in the field of computational methods supporting drug metabolism studies, a well-recognized procedure to model and predict metabolic stability quantitatively is still lacking. This study proposes a workflow for developing quantitative metabolic stability-structure relationships, taking a set of 30 arylpiperazine derivatives as an example. The metabolic stability of the compounds was assessed in in vitro incubations in the presence of human liver microsomes and NADPH and subsequently quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to obtain 30 models of the molecules, and Dragon software served as a source of structure-based molecular descriptors. For modeling structure-metabolic stability relationships, Support Vector Machines (SVM), a non-linear machine learning technique, were found to be more effective than a regression technique, based on the validation parameters obtained. Moreover, for the first time, general sites of metabolism for arylpiperazines bearing the 4-aryl-2H-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-1,3-dione system were defined by analysis of Q-TOF-MS/MS spectra. The results indicated that the application of one of the most advanced chemometric techniques combined with a simple and quick in vitro procedure and LC-MS analysis provides a novel and valuable tool for predicting metabolic half-life values. Given the reduced time and simplicity of analysis, together with the accuracy of the predictions obtained, this is a valid approach for predicting metabolic stability using structural data. The approach presented provides a novel, comprehensive and reliable tool for investigating metabolic stability, factors that affect it, and the proposed structures of metabolites at the same time. The performance of the DFT-SVM-based approach provides an opportunity to implement it in a standard drug development pipeline.

Reduced isolation-induced pup ultrasonic communication in mouse pups lacking brain serotonin

Background

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a key modulatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) that plays an important role as a developmental signal. Several lines of evidence associate altered 5-HT signaling with psychopathology in humans, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD are characterized by persistent social and communication deficits along with stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behavior, with all symptoms emerging early during development.

Methods

Here, we employed a mouse model devoid of brain 5-HT due to the lack of the gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2), the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of 5-HT synthesis in the CNS. Tph2 null mutant (Tph2^-/-) mice show normal prenatal development; however, they display for yet unknown reasons severe growth retardation during the first postnatal weeks. We investigated, therefore, whether Tph2^-/- mice display deficits in isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) as pups during early life. Isolation-induced USV are the most commonly studied behavioral measure to assess developmental delays and communication deficits in rodent models for ASD, particularly as they serve an important communicative function in coordinating mother-pup interactions.

Results

Tph2^-/- mouse pups displayed a clear deficit in the emission of isolation-induced USV, as compared to heterozygous and wildtype littermates, exactly during growth retardation onset, including reduced call numbers and deficits in call clustering and temporal organization.

Conclusions

The ultrasonic communication impairment displayed by Tph2^-/- mouse pups is likely to result in a deficient mother-infant interaction, presumably contributing to their growth retardation phenotype, and represents a prominent feature relevant to ASD.

On 'polypharmacy' and multi-target agents, complementary strategies for improving the treatment of depression: a comparative appraisal

Major depression is a heterogeneous disorder, both in terms of symptoms, ranging from anhedonia to cognitive impairment, and in terms of pathogenesis, with many interacting genetic, epigenetic, developmental and environmental causes. Accordingly, it seems unlikely that depressive states could be fully controlled by a drug possessing one discrete mechanism of action and, in the wake of disappointing results with several classes of highly selective agent, multi-modal treatment concepts are attracting attention. As concerns pharmacotherapy, there are essentially two core strategies. First, multi-target antidepressants that act via two or more complementary mechanisms and, second, polypharmacy, which refers to co-administration of two distinct drugs, usually in separate pills. Both multi-target agents and polypharmacy ideally couple a therapeutically unexploited action to a clinically established mechanism in order to enhance efficacy, moderate side-effects, accelerate onset of action and treat a broader range of symptoms. The melatonin MT1/MT2 agonist and 5-HT(2C) antagonist, agomelatine, which is effective in the short- and long-term treatment of depression, exemplifies the former approach, while evidence-based polypharmacy is illustrated by the adjunctive use of second-generation antipsychotics with serotonin reuptake inhibitors for treatment of resistant depression. Histone acetylation and methylation, ghrelin signalling, inflammatory modulators, metabotropic glutamate-7 receptors and trace amine-associated-1 receptors comprise attractive substrates for new multi-target and polypharmaceutical strategies. The present article outlines the rationale underpinning multi-modal approaches for treating depression, and critically compares and contrasts the pros and cons of established and potentially novel multi-target vs. polypharmaceutical treatments. On balance, the former appear the most promising for the elaboration, development and clinical implementation of innovative concepts for the more effective management of depression.

Tryptophan and kynurenic Acid may produce an amplified effect in central fatigue induced by chronic sleep disorder

Tryptophan (TRP) and its neuroactive metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA), are thought to play key roles in central fatigue, but the specifics are still unknown. To clarify their roles in the brain, we developed a rat model of central fatigue induced by chronic sleep disorder (CFSD) by disturbing the sleep-wake cycle. Results showed that while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration did not differ between control and CFSD groups, levels of TRP and KYNA in the CFSD group were about 2 and 5 times higher in the hypothalamus, and 2 and 3.5 times higher in the hippocampus, respectively. Moreover, CFSD-induced fatigue led to abnormal running performance (via treadmill test) and social interaction (via social-interaction test). These results support a TRP-KYNA hypothesis in central fatigue in which increased TRP concentration in the brain and subsequently synthesized KYNA may produce an amplified effect on central fatigue, with enhanced concentrations being a possible mechanism by which social-interaction deficits are generated.

Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Chrysanthemum indicum Aqueous Extract in Mice: Possible Involvement of GABAA Receptors and 5-HT1A Receptors

Chrysanthemum indicum Linne is an ancient herbal medicine used to treat bone and muscle deterioration, ocular infl ammation, headache, and anxiety in Korea, China, and Japan. Furthermore, tea derived from Chrysanthemum indicum Linne has been used to treat anxiety by facilitating relaxation and curing insomnia. However, no reports exist on the anxiolytic-like effects of Chrysanthemum indicum Linne water extract (CWE) in mice. In the present study, we investigated the anxiolytic-like effects of CWE using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in mice. CWE, at a dose of 500 mg/kg (p.o.), signifi cantly increased the time spent in the open arms of the EPM compared to a vehicle-injected control group. Moreover, the effect of CWE (500 mg/kg) was blocked by bicuculline (a selective GABA_A receptor antagonist) and WAY 100635 (a selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist). Taken together, these fi ndings suggest that the anxiolytic-like effects of CWE might be mediated by the GABA_A receptor and the 5-HT_1A receptor.

A review of current evidence for vilazodone in major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVES

This review is to inform clinicians of currently available data on vilazodone for treating patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), focusing on its differential action mechanism and extended clinical utility.

METHODS

A data search was conducted in June 2012 using the PubMed/ MEDLINE/relevant clinical trial databases with the key terms "vilazodone" or "Viibryd."

RESULTS

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vilazodone have been demonstrated in two pivotal 8-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies. Certain pharmacological characteristics of vilazodone were observed, including early onset of action, fewer sexual side effects, the absence of known cardiac toxicity, and minimal effect on weight gain, that may provide potential clinical advantages compared with currently available antidepressants. However, such possibilities should be replicated and confirmed in more well-designed and adequately powered clinical trials. Vilazodone requires dose titration up to 2 weeks to reach a target dose of 40 mg/d due to high rate of gastrointestinal side effects. No direct comparative studies with other antidepressants are currently available to confirm the aforementioned potential clinical utility.

CONCLUSION

Vilazodone is a newer antidepressant possessing different action mechanisms compared to currently available antidepressants but whether it has superiority to other class of antidepressants in terms of efficacy and safety should still warrant further evaluation through more well-controlled and direct comparison clinical trials.

Does exposure to chronic stress influence blood pressure in rats?

The principal aim of this study was to determine whether prolonged chronic footshock stress can evoke sustained changes in blood pressure in rats and to elucidate possible underlying neurochemical mechanisms as mediated by the sympathoadrenal system. Adult male Wistar rats instrumented for telemetric recording of arterial pressure, heart rate and locomotor activity were subjected to six weeks of inescapable unpredictable electrical footshocks (FS+) or were exposed to shock chambers but were not shocked (FS-). Compared to FS- animals, FS+ animals had significantly reduced body weight gain (by 30%), locomotor activity (by 25%) and social interaction time (by 30%)--symptoms commonly induced by chronic stress and depression in humans. These changes were associated with small, but significant increases in systolic blood pressure (by 7%) and pulse pressure (by 11%) in FS+ rats relative to FS- rats. We have also found neurochemical alterations in sympathoadrenal pathways (that lasted for at least one week post-stress) including about 2-3 fold increases in the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in the sympathetic ganglia and adrenal gland and a 1.8-fold increase in the expression of the Angiotensin II receptor type 1 protein in the adrenal gland of FS+ rats relative to FS- rats. We conclude that uncontrollable and unpredictable footshock stress can lead to elevation in systolic blood pressure when applied for an extended period of time (six weeks) in Wistar rats, and that these changes could be mediated by stress-induced modifications in sympathoadrenal pathways.

Benzothiazoles as probes for the 5HT1A receptor and the serotonin transporter (SERT): a search for new dual-acting agents as potential antidepressants

The synthesis and evaluation of several benzothiazole-based compounds are described in an attempt to identify novel dual-acting 5HT(1A) receptor and SERT inhibitors as new antidepressants. Binding affinities at the 5HT(1A) receptor and the serotonin transporter do not appear to be congruent and other areas of the binding sites would need to be explored in order to improve binding simultaneously at both sites. Compounds 20 and 23 show moderate binding affinity at the 5HT(1A) receptor and the SERT site and thus, have the potential to be further explored as dual-acting agents. In addition, compound 20 binds with low affinity to the dopamine transporter (DAT), the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and 5HT(2C) receptor, which are desirable properties as selectivity for SERT (and not DAT or NET) is associated with an absence of cardiovascular side effects.

Shock priming enhances the efficacy of SSRIs in the foot shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization test

Data on the effect of acutely administered serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in animal anxiety models have been inconsistent. In some of the models these compounds showed anxiolytic properties, while in others they were ineffective or even anxiogenic. In the foot shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization (USV) test in the adult rat, SSRIs were reported to be effective, however, they were only tested with protocols using multiple shocking design. In the present study, anxiolytic effects of various SSRI compounds (sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram) were tested in three distinct USV test protocols in comparison with alprazolam and 8-OH-DPAT. In the single shocking protocol, animals were exposed to one shocking session after the drug treatment. In the multiple shocking protocol, rats went through a foot shock priming session before each drug test. On priming days animals received foot shocks without drug treatment. On the test day (the day after), rats received drug treatment and then were shocked again. In the context conditioning protocol animals were exposed to foot shocks on two consecutive days before the drug test. On the third, test day, after drug treatment animals were replaced to the shocking chamber, but this time shocks were not delivered. SSRIs were ineffective using the single shocking protocol. In the context conditioned protocol, all SSRIs showed linear dose-response relationship with ED50 values of 8.5, 2.2, 0.77 and 0.93 mg/kg i.p. for fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and escitalopram, respectively. Using the multiple shocking protocol, SSRIs were only partially effective with maximum inhibitions ranging between 44% and 62%. In contrast to SSRIs, the benzodiazepine anxiolytics, alprazolam showed anxiolytic activity with linear dose-response relationship in all of the test protocols, with ED50 values varying from 1.3 to 4.0 mg/kg i.p. The serotonin 5HT1A receptor antagonist 8-OH-DPAT also showed linear dose-response relationship in all protocols, but this compound was less potent in the single shocking design (ED50 values were 0.27, 0.04 and 0.07 mg/kg i.p. in the single shocking, multiple shocking and context conditioned protocol, respectively). In conclusion, our results show that priming has a major impact on the effectiveness of SSRIs in the USV test, and the three test protocols applied in this study have different predictive and face validity.

Pharmacological effects of Lu AA21004: a novel multimodal compound for the treatment of major depressive disorder

1-[2-(2,4-Dimethylphenyl-sulfanyl)-phenyl]-piperazine (Lu AA21004) is a human (h) serotonin (5-HT)(3A) receptor antagonist (K(i) = 3.7 nM), h5-HT(7) receptor antagonist (K(i) = 19 nM), h5-HT(1B) receptor partial agonist (K(i) = 33 nM), h5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (K(i) = 15 nM), and a human 5-HT transporter (SERT) inhibitor (K(i) = 1.6 nM) (J Med Chem 54:3206-3221, 2011). Here, we confirm that Lu AA21004 is a partial h5-HT(1B) receptor agonist [EC(50) = 460 nM, intrinsic activity = 22%] using a whole-cell cAMP-based assay and demonstrate that Lu AA21004 is a rat (r) 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist (K(i) = 200 nM and IC(50) = 2080 nM). In vivo, Lu AA21004 occupies the r5-HT(1B) receptor and rSERT (ED(50) = 3.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively) after subcutaneous administration and is a 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist in the Bezold-Jarisch reflex assay (ED(50) = 0.11 mg/kg s.c.). In rat microdialysis experiments, Lu AA21004 (2.5-10.0 mg/kg s.c.) increased extracellular 5-HT, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus. Lu AA21004 (5 mg/kg per day for 3 days; minipump subcutaneously), corresponding to 41% rSERT occupancy, significantly increased extracellular 5-HT in the ventral hippocampus. Furthermore, the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, ondansetron, potentiated the increase in extracellular levels of 5-HT induced by citalopram. Lu AA21004 has antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects in the rat forced swim (Flinders Sensitive Line) and social interaction and conditioned fear tests (minimal effective doses: 7.8, 2.0, and 3.9 mg/kg). In conclusion, Lu AA21004 mediates its pharmacological effects via two pharmacological modalities: SERT inhibition and 5-HT receptor modulation. In vivo, this results in enhanced release of several neurotransmitters and antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like profiles at doses for which targets in addition to the SERT are occupied. The multimodal activity profile of Lu AA21004 is distinct from that of current antidepressants.

A fluorescence displacement assay for antidepressant drug discovery based on ligand-conjugated quantum dots

The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) transporter (SERT) protein plays a central role in terminating 5-HT neurotransmission and is the most important therapeutic target for the treatment of major depression and anxiety disorders. We report an innovative, versatile, and target-selective quantum dot (QD) labeling approach for SERT in single Xenopus oocytes that can be adopted as a drug-screening platform. Our labeling approach employs a custom-made, QD-tagged indoleamine derivative ligand, IDT318, that is structurally similar to 5-HT and accesses the primary binding site with enhanced human SERT selectivity. Incubating QD-labeled oocytes with paroxetine (Paxil), a high-affinity SERT-specific inhibitor, showed a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in QD fluorescence, demonstrating the utility of our approach for the identification of SERT modulators. Furthermore, with the development of ligands aimed at other pharmacologically relevant targets, our approach may potentially form the basis for a multitarget drug discovery platform.

Effect of xanthone from Kielmeyera coriacea stems on serotonergic neurons of the median raphe nucleus

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), known as "Pau Santo", is used to treat several tropical diseases. The hydroethanolic extract (HE) of Kielmeyera coriacea stems and its semi-pure dichloromethane constituent (DCM) produced an anti-immobility effect in rats submitted to the forced swimming test (FST), suggesting a antidepressant-like profile. This study evaluated the effect of intra-median raphe nucleus (MRN) microinjection of 1,3,7-trihydroxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-xanthone, present in large quantity in the HE from Kielmeyera coriacea stems, on immobility behaviour in the FST in rats. The effects of xanthone were compared with intra-MRN microinjections of Way100635 (5-HT1A antagonist) or (+) 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A agonist). Locomotor activity in the open-field test (OFT) was evaluated as a complementary measure. Xanthone (0.3ng) or Way100635 (2.5microg) reduced, whereas (+) 8-OH-DPAT (5.0microg) increased immobility time in the FST. Way100635 (2.5 or 5.0microg) completely reversed the effects of (+) 8-OHDPAT (5.0microg), and potentiated the anti-immobility effect of the ineffective dose of xanthone (0.2ng) in the FST. The association of effective doses of (+) 8-OH-DPAT (5.0microg) and xanthone (0.3ng) annulled the effect of each compound on immobility time. These results suggest that xanthone acts as an antagonist at 5-HT1A autoreceptors in MRN and increases serotonin (5-HT) availability in projection regions, proving to be a prototype drug that may be useful in mood isorders such as depression, or indeed be a beneficial adjunctive treatment improving the efficacy and/or accelerating the effects of antidepressant drugs in patients with major depression.

SSRI response in depression may be influenced by SNPs in HTR1B and HTR1A

OBJECTIVES

Desensitization of serotonin 1A (HTR1A) and 1B (HTR1B) autoreceptors has been proposed to be involved in the delayed onset of response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Variations in gene expression in these genes may thus affect SSRI response.

METHODS

Here, we test this hypothesis in two samples from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D), and show evidence for involvement of several genetic variants alone and in interaction. Initially, three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HTR1B gene and in the HTR1A gene were analyzed in 153 depressed patients treated with citalopram. The 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Clinician scores were evaluated over time with respect to genetic variation.

RESULTS

Individuals homozygous for the -1019 G allele (rs6295) in HTR1A showed the higher baseline 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Clinician scores (P=0.033), and by 12 weeks had a significantly lower response rate (P=0.005). HTR1B haplotypes were estimated according to the previously reported in-vitro expression levels. Individuals who were homozygous for the high-expression haplotype showed significantly slower response to citalopram (P=0.034). We then analyzed more SNPs in the extended overall STAR*D sample. Although we could not directly test the same functional SNPs, we found that homozygotes for the G allele at rs1364043 in HTR1A (P=0.045) and the C allele of rs6298 in HTR1B showed better response to citalopram over time (P=0.022). Test for interaction between rs6298 in HTR1B and rs1364043 in HTR1A was significant (overall P=0.032).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that an enhanced capacity of HTR1B or HTR1A transcriptional activity may impair desensitization of the autoreceptors during SSRI treatment.

A molecular blueprint of gene expression in hippocampal subregions CA1, CA3, and DG is conserved in the brain of the common marmoset

Recent studies in rodents have shown that there are significant differences in gene expression profiles between the hippocampal subregions CA1, CA3, and DG. These differences in molecular make-up within the hippocampus most likely underlie the differences in morphology, physiology, and vulnerability to insults that exist between the subregions of the hippocampus and are as such part of the basic molecular architecture of the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to investigate at large scale whether these subregional differences in gene expression are conserved in the hippocampus of a nonhuman primate, the common marmoset. This study is very timely, given the recent development of the first marmoset-specific DNA microarray, exclusively containing sequences targeting transcripts derived from the marmoset hippocampus. Hippocampal subregions CA1, CA3, and DG were isolated by laser microdissection and RNA was isolated, amplified, and hybridized to the marmoset-specific microarray (EUMAMA) containing more than 1,500 transcripts expressed in the adult marmoset hippocampus. Large differences in expression were observed in particular between the DG region and both pyramidal subregions. Moreover, the subregion-specific patterns of gene expression showed a remarkable conservation with the rodent brain both in terms of individual genes and degree of differential expression. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating large scale hippocampal gene expression in a nonhuman primate. The obtained expression profiles not only provide novel data on the expression of more than 1,500 transcripts per hippocampal subregion but also are of potential interest to neuroscientists interested in the role of the different subregions in learning and memory in the nonhuman primate brain.

Noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms in the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder and resilience

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized mainly by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal as a consequence of catastrophic and traumatic events that are distinguished from ordinary stressful life events. Although extensive research has already been done, the etiology of PTSD remains unclear. Research on the impact of trauma on neurobiological systems can be expected to inform the development of treatments that are directed specifically to symptoms of PTSD. During the past 25 years there has been a dramatic increase in the knowledge about noradrenergic and serotonergic mechanisms in stress response, PTSD and more recently in resilience and this knowledge has justified the use of antidepressants with monoaminergic mechanisms of action for patients with PTSD. Nevertheless, available treatments of PTSD are only to some extent effective and enhanced understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD may lead to the development of improved treatments for these patients. In the present review, we aim to close existing gaps between basic research in psychopathology, neurobiology and treatment development with the ultimate goal to translate basic research into clinically relevant findings which may directly benefit patients with PTSD.

Dual- and triple-acting agents for treating core and co-morbid symptoms of major depression: novel concepts, new drugs

The past decade of efforts to find improved treatment for major depression has been dominated by genome-driven programs of rational drug discovery directed toward highly selective ligands for nonmonoaminergic agents. Selective drugs may prove beneficial for specific symptoms, for certain patient subpopulations, or both. However, network analyses of the brain and its dysfunction suggest that agents with multiple and complementary modes of action are more likely to show broad-based efficacy against core and comorbid symptoms of depression. Strategies for improved multitarget exploitation of monoaminergic mechanisms include triple inhibitors of dopamine, serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline reuptake, and drugs interfering with feedback actions of monoamines at inhibitory 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B) and possibly 5-HT(5A) and 5-HT(7) receptors. Specific subsets of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors mediating antidepressant actions are under study (e.g., 5-HT(4) and 5-HT(6)). Association of a clinically characterized antidepressant mechanism with a nonmonoaminergic component of activity is an attractive strategy. For example, agomelatine (a melatonin agonist/5-HT(2C) antagonist) has clinically proven activity in major depression. Dual neurokinin(1) antagonists/5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and melanocortin(4) antagonists/SRIs should display advantages over their selective counterparts, and histamine H(3) antagonists/SRIs, GABA(B) antagonists/SRIs, glutamatergic/SRIs, and cholinergic agents/SRIs may counter the compromised cognitive function of depression. Finally, drugs that suppress 5-HT reuptake and blunt hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocorticotrophic axis overdrive, or that act at intracellular proteins such as GSK-3beta, may abrogate the negative effects of chronic stress on mood and neuronal integrity. This review discusses the discovery and development of dual- and triple-acting antidepressants, focusing on novel concepts and new drugs disclosed over the last 2 to 3 years.

Animal models of anxiety and anxiolytic drug action

Animal models of anxiety attempt to represent some aspect of the etiology, symptomatology, or treatment of human anxiety disorders, in order to facilitate their scientific study. Within this context, animal models of anxiolytic drug action can be viewed as treatment models relevant to the pharmacological control of human anxiety. A major purpose of these models is to identify novel anxiolytic compounds and to study the mechanisms whereby these compounds produce their anxiolytic effects. After a critical analysis of "face," "construct," and "predictive" validity, the biological context in which animal models of anxiety are to be evaluated is specified. We then review the models in terms of their general pharmacological profiles, with particular attention to their sensitivity to 5-HTIA agonists and antidepressant compounds. Although there are important exceptions, most of these models are sensitive to one or perhaps two classes of anxiolytic compounds, limiting their pharmacological generality somewhat, but allowing in depth analysis of individual mechanisms of anxiolytic drug action (e.g., GABAA agonism). We end with a discussion of possible sources of variability between models in response to 5-HTIA agonists and antidepressant drugs.

Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like effects of compounds isolated from Polygala sabulosa (Polygalaceae) in rodents: in vitro and in vivo interactions with benzodiazepine binding sites

RATIONALE

Polygala sabulosa, a folk medicine, presents dihydrostyryl-2-pyrones (DST) and styryl-2-pyrones (STY), compounds structurally similar to kavalactones. Our previous study showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EA) and these constituents present anxiolytic-like, hypno-sedative, and anticonvulsant effects in mice.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the role of benzodiazepine binding site (BDZ-bs) in the central effects of either EA or three DST (1, 2, and 3) and three STY (4, 5, and 7), using in vivo and in vitro assays.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the elevated plus-maze (EPM), flumazenil (FMZ), a BDZ antagonist, partially blocked the anxiolytic-like effect of DST-3 or STY-4 and STY-7, but not DST-1. Using electroencephalogram (EEG), EA protected against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion in rats, an effect partially blocked by FMZ, suggesting the participation of the BDZ-bs in this action. EA also protected against the maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions in mice, a profile distinct from diazepam (DZP). DST and STY compounds inhibited the [(3)H]-flunitrazepam ([(3)H]-FNZ) binding to BDZ-bs in rat cortical synaptosomes with K (i) higher than 100 microM (DST-1), 41.7 microM (DST-2), 35.8 microM (DST-3), 90.3 microM (STY-4), 31.0 microM (STY-5) and 70.0 microM (STY-7). In the saturation assay, DST-3 and STY-7 competitively inhibited the binding of [(3)H]-FNZ to BDZ-bs with a significant decrease in apparent affinity (K (d)) and no change in maximal binding (B (max)).

CONCLUSIONS

The present data support a partial BDZ-bs mediation of the anxiolytic-like and anticonvulsant effects of EA of P. sabulosa and its main isolated constituents, DST and STY.

The role of 5-HT(1A) receptors in learning and memory

The ascending serotonin (5-HT) neurons innervate the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, septum and amygdala, all representing brain regions associated with various domains of cognition. The 5-HT innervation is diffuse and extensively arborized with few synaptic contacts, which indicates that 5-HT can affect a large number of neurons in a paracrine mode. Serotonin signaling is mediated by 14 receptor subtypes with different functional and transductional properties. The 5-HT(1A) subtype is of particular interest, since it is one of the main mediators of the action of 5-HT. Moreover, the 5-HT(1A) receptor regulates the activity of 5-HT neurons via autoreceptors, and it regulates the function of several neurotransmitter systems via postsynaptic receptors (heteroreceptors). This review assesses the pharmacological and genetic evidence that implicates the 5-HT(1A) receptor in learning and memory. The 5-HT(1A) receptors are in the position to influence the activity of glutamatergic, cholinergic and possibly GABAergic neurons in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and in the septohippocampal projection, thereby affecting declarative and non-declarative memory functions. Moreover, the 5-HT(1A) receptor regulates several transduction mechanisms such as kinases and immediate early genes implicated in memory formation. Based on studies in rodents the stimulation of 5-HT(1A) receptors generally produces learning impairments by interfering with memory-encoding mechanisms. In contrast, antagonists of 5-HT(1A) receptors facilitate certain types of memory by enhancing hippocampal/cortical cholinergic and/or glutamatergic neurotransmission. Some data also support a potential role for the 5-HT(1A) receptor in memory consolidation. Available results also implicate the 5-HT(1A) receptor in the retrieval of aversive or emotional memories, supporting an involvement in reconsolidation. The contribution of 5-HT(1A) receptors in cognitive impairments in various psychiatric disorders is still unclear. However, there is evidence that 5-HT(1A) receptors may play differential roles in normal brain function and in psychopathological states. Taken together, the evidence indicates that the 5-HT(1A) receptor is a target for novel therapeutic advances in several neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by various cognitive deficits.

Assessment of luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) neuropharmacological activity

Since the discovery that certain flavonoids (namely flavones) specifically recognise the central BDZ receptors, several efforts have been made to identify naturally occurring GABA(A) receptor benzodiazepine binding site ligands. Flavonoid derivatives with a flavone-like structure such as apigenin, chrysin and wogonin have been reported for their anxiolytic-like activity in different animal models of anxiety. Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a widespread flavonoid aglycon that was reported as devoid of specific affinity for benzodiazepine receptor (BDZ-R) binding site, but its psychopharmacological activity is presently unknown. Considering (1) the close structural similarity with other active flavones, (2) the activity of some of its glycosilated derivatives and (3) the complexity of flavonoid effects in the central nervous system, luteolin was submitted to a battery of tests designed to evaluate its possible activity upon the CNS and its ability to interact with the BDZ-receptor binding sites was also analysed. Luteolin apparently has CNS activity with anxiolytic-like effects despite the low affinity for the BDZ-R shown in vitro. Our findings suggest a possible interaction with other neurotransmitter systems but we cannot rule out the possibility that luteolin's metabolites might show a higher affinity for the BDZ-R in vivo, thus eliciting the evident anxiolytic-like effects through a GABAergic mechanism.

Simultaneous blockade of 5-HT1A/B receptors and 5-HT transporters results in acute increases in extracellular 5-HT in both rats and guinea pigs: in vivo characterization of the novel 5-HT1A/B receptor antagonist/5-HT transport inhibitor SB-649915-B

RATIONALE

The delay in onset and treatment resistance of subpopulations of depressed patients to conventional serotonin reuptake inhibitors has lead to new drug development strategies to produce agents with improved antidepressant efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

We report the in vivo characterization of the novel 5-HT(1A/1B) autoreceptor antagonist/5-HT transporter inhibitor (6-[(1-{2-[(2-methyl-5-quinolinyl)oxy]ethyl}-4-piperidinyl)methyl]-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), SB-649915-B.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ex vivo binding was used to ascertain 5-HT(1A) receptor and serotonin transporter occupancy. 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperlocomotion and SKF-99101-induced elevation of seizure threshold were used as markers of central blockade of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors, respectively. In vivo electrophysiology in the rat dorsal raphe and microdialysis in freely moving guinea pigs and rats were used to evaluate the functional outcome of SB-649915-B.

RESULTS

SB-649915-B (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) produced a dose-related inhibition of 5-HT(1A) receptor radioligand binding and inhibited ex vivo [(3)H]5-HT uptake in both guinea pig and rat cortex. SB-649915-B (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) reversed both 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperlocomotor activity and SKF-99101-induced elevation of seizure threshold in the rat, demonstrating in vivo blockade of both 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors, respectively. SB-649915-B (0.1-3 mg/kg i.v.) produced no change in raphe 5-HT neuronal cell firing per se but attenuated the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT. Acute administration of SB-649915-B resulted in increases (approximately two- to threefold) in extracellular 5-HT in the cortex of rats and the dentate gyrus and cortex of guinea pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these data, one may speculate that the 5-HT autoreceptor antagonist/5-HT transport inhibitor SB-649915-B will have therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of affective disorders with the potential for a faster onset of action compared to current selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Characterization of the potent 5-HT(1A/B) receptor antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor SB-649915: preclinical evidence for hastened onset of antidepressant/anxiolytic efficacy

An increase in brain serotonin (5-HT) levels is thought to be a key mechanism of action responsible for generating antidepressant efficacy. It has been proven that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective antidepressants, but the delay to therapeutic onset of these agents is thought to be due to the time required for 5-HT1A, and possibly 5-HT1B, autoreceptors to desensitize. Therefore, an agent incorporating 5-HT reuptake inhibition coupled with 5-HT1A and/or 5-HT1B autoreceptor antagonism may provide a fast-acting clinical agent. The current studies review the profile of SB-649915 (6-[(1-{2-[(2-methylquinolin-5-yl)oxy]ethyl}piperidin-4-yl)methyl]-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), a novel compound with high affinity for human (h) 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors (pKi values of 8.6 and 8.0, respectively) as well as the (h) 5-HT transporter (SERT) (pKi value of 9.3). SB-649915 behaved as an antagonist at both 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in vitro and in vivo, reversing 5-HT, (+)8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and SKF99101-induced functional/behavioral responses. Furthermore, it inhibited [3H]5-HT reuptake in rat cortical synaptosomes, in vitro and ex vivo. In electrophysiological studies SB-649915 had no effect on rat dorsal raphe neuronal cell firing per se, but reversed 8-OH-DPAT-induced inhibition of firing both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, in a microdialysis study, it produced an acute increase in extracellular 5-HT in forebrain structures of the rat. Finally, SB-649915 demonstrated acute anxiolytic activity in both rodent and non-human primate and reduced the latency to onset of anxiolytic behavior, compared to paroxetine, in the rat social interaction paradigm. In summary, SB-649915 is a novel, potent 5-HT1A/1B autoreceptor antagonist, and 5-HT reuptake inhibitor. This particular pharmacological profile provides a novel mechanism that could offer fast-acting antidepressant activity.