A single amino acid difference accounts for the pharmacological distinctions between the rat and human 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptors

Aminergic GPCR-Ligand Interactions: A Chemical and Structural Map of Receptor Mutation Data

The aminergic family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) plays an important role in various diseases and represents a major drug discovery target class. Structure determination of all major aminergic subfamilies has enabled structure-based ligand design for these receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis data provides an invaluable complementary source of information for elucidating the structural determinants of binding of different ligand chemotypes. The current study provides a comparative analysis of 6692 mutation data points on 34 aminergic GPCR subtypes, covering the chemical space of 540 unique ligands from mutagenesis experiments and information from experimentally determined structures of 52 distinct aminergic receptor-ligand complexes. The integrated analysis enables detailed investigation of structural receptor-ligand interactions and assessment of the transferability of combined binding mode and mutation data across ligand chemotypes and receptor subtypes. An overview is provided of the possibilities and limitations of using mutation data to guide the design of novel aminergic receptor ligands.

Receptor binding profiles and behavioral pharmacology of ring-substituted N,N-diallyltryptamine analogs

Substantial effort has been devoted toward understanding the psychopharmacological effects of tryptamine hallucinogens, which are thought to be mediated by activation of 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_1A receptors. Recently, several psychoactive tryptamines based on the N,N-diallyltryptamine (DALT) scaffold have been encountered as recreational drugs. Despite the apparent widespread use of DALT derivatives in humans, little is known about their pharmacological properties. We compared the binding affinities of DALT and its 2-phenyl-, 4-acetoxy-, 4-hydroxy-, 5-methoxy-, 5-methoxy-2-methyl-, 5-fluoro-, 5-fluoro-2-methyl-, 5-bromo-, and 7-ethyl-derivatives at 45 receptor and transporter binding sites. Additionally, studies in C57BL/6 J mice examined whether these substances induce the head twitch response (HTR), a 5-HT_2A receptor-mediated response that is widely used as a behavioral proxy for hallucinogen effects in humans. Most of the test drugs bound to serotonin receptors, σ sites, α₂-adrenoceptors, dopaminergic D₃ receptors, histaminergic H₁ receptors, and the serotonin transporter. DALT and several of the ring-substituted derivatives were active in the HTR assay with the following rank order of potency: 4-acetoxy-DALT > 5-fluoro-DALT > 5-methoxy-DALT > 4-hydroxy-DALT > DALT > 5-bromo-DALT. 2-Phenyl-DALT, 5-methoxy-2-methyl-DALT, 5-fluoro-2-methyl-DALT, and 7-ethyl-DALT did not induce the HTR. HTR potency was not correlated with either 5-HT_1A or 5-HT_2A receptor binding affinity, but a multiple regression analysis indicated that 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_1A receptors make positive and negative contributions, respectively, to HTR potency (R² = 0.8729). In addition to supporting the established role of 5-HT_2A receptors in the HTR, these findings are consistent with evidence that 5-HT_1A activation by tryptamine hallucinogens buffers their effects on HTR. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.

The 5-HT1B receptor - a potential target for antidepressant treatment

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The serotonin hypothesis may be the model of MDD pathophysiology with the most support. The majority of antidepressants enhance synaptic serotonin levels quickly, while it usually takes weeks to discern MDD treatment effect. It has been hypothesized that the time lag between serotonin increase and reduction of MDD symptoms is due to downregulation of inhibitory receptors such as the serotonin 1B receptor (5-HT1BR). The research on 5-HT1BR has previously been hampered by a lack of selective ligands for the receptor. The last extensive review of 5-HT1BR in the pathophysiology of depression was published 2009, and based mainly on findings from animal studies. Since then, selective radioligands for in vivo quantification of brain 5-HT1BR binding with positron emission tomography has been developed, providing new knowledge on the role of 5-HT1BR in MDD and its treatment. The main focus of this review is the role of 5-HT1BR in relation to MDD and its treatment, although studies of 5-HT1BR in obsessive-compulsive disorder, alcohol dependence, and cocaine dependence are also reviewed. The evidence outlined range from animal models of disease, effects of 5-HT1B receptor agonists and antagonists, case-control studies of 5-HT1B receptor binding postmortem and in vivo, with positron emission tomography, to clinical studies of 5-HT1B receptor effects of established treatments for MDD. Low 5-HT1BR binding in limbic regions has been found in MDD patients. When 5-HT1BR ligands are administered to animals, 5-HT1BR agonists most consistently display antidepressant-like properties, though it is not yet clear how 5-HT1BR is best approached for optimal MDD treatment.

Ring substituents on substituted benzamide ligands indirectly mediate interactions with position 7.39 of transmembrane helix 7 of the D4 dopamine receptor

In an effort to delineate how specific molecular interactions of dopamine receptor ligand classes vary between D2-like dopamine receptor subtypes, a conserved threonine in transmembrane (TM) helix 7 (Thr7.39), implicated as a key ligand interaction site with biogenic amine G protein-coupled receptors, was substituted with alanine in D2 and D4 receptors. Interrogation of different ligand chemotypes for sensitivity to this substitution revealed enhanced affinity in the D4, but not the D2 receptor, specifically for substituted benzamides (SBAs) having polar 4- (para) and/or 5- (meta) benzamide ring substituents. D4-T7.39A was fully functional, and the mutation did not alter the sodium-mediated positive and negative allostery observed with SBAs and agonists, respectively. With the exception of the non-SBA ligand (+)-butaclamol, which, in contrast to certain SBAs, had decreased affinity for the D4-T7.39A mutant, the interactions of numerous other ligands were unaffected by this mutation. SBAs were docked into D4 models in the same mode as observed for eticlopride in the D3 crystal structure. In this mode, interactions with TM5 and TM6 residues constrain the SBA ring position that produces distal steric crowding between pyrrolidinyl/diethylamine moieties and D4-Thr7.39. Ligand-residue interaction energy profiles suggest this crowding is mitigated by substitution with a smaller alanine. The profiles indicate sites that contribute to the SBA binding interaction and site-specific energy changes imparted by the D4-T7.39A mutation. Substantial interaction energy changes are observed at only a few positions, some of which are not conserved among the dopamine receptor subtypes and thus seem to account for this D4 subtype-specific structure-activity relationship.

Tachyphylaxis to the sumatriptan-induced contractile effect in the human uterine artery but not in human cerebral blood vessels: pharmacological demonstration of the 5-HT(1B) receptor functionality loss

The in vitro contractile response of the human uterine artery to sumatriptan was compared to that of human cerebral blood vessels. Artery rings were prepared for isometric contraction. Tachyphylaxis to the triptan-induced vascular contraction was observed in the uterine artery, but not in basilar and middle cerebral arteries. To evaluate 5-HT(1) receptor subtypes functionality, concentration-response curves to sumatriptan were performed at 0 and 24 h after uterine artery isolation. Both 10 μmol/l cyanopindolol and 63 nmol/l SB 224,289 (5-HT(1B) receptor antagonists) significantly antagonized the contractile response induced by sumatriptan at 0 h but not after 24 h of uterine artery isolation. The 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist BRL 15,572 at 10 μmol/l significantly antagonized the sumatriptan contractile response at both experimental conditions. We conclude that the tachyphylaxis to sumatriptan observed in the non-cerebral blood vessels, and not in the cerebral ones, may be due to loss of functionality of the 5-HT(1B) receptor subtype, increasing the safety of triptans.

Propentofylline, a CNS glial modulator does not decrease pain in post-herpetic neuralgia patients: in vitro evidence for differential responses in human and rodent microglia and macrophages

There is a growing body of preclinical evidence for the potential involvement of glial cells in neuropathic pain conditions. Several glial-targeted agents are in development for the treatment of pain conditions. Here we report the failure of a glial modulating agent, propentofylline, to decrease pain reported in association with post-herpetic neuralgia. We offer new evidence to help explain why propentofylline failed in patients by describing in vitro functional differences between rodent and human microglia and macrophages. We directly compared the proinflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without propentofylline using rat postnatal microglia, rat peritoneal macrophages, human fetal microglia, human peripheral macrophages and human immortalized THP-1 cells. We measured tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and nitrite release (as an indicator of nitric oxide (NO)) as downstream indicators. We found that LPS treatment did not induce nitrite in human microglia, macrophages or THP-1 cells; however LPS treatment did induce nitrite release in rat microglia and macrophages. Following LPS exposure, propentofylline blocked TNF-α release in rodent microglia with all the doses tested (1-100 μM), and dose-dependently decreased TNF-α release in rodent macrophages. Propentofylline partially decreased TNF-α (35%) at 100 μM in human microglia, macrophages and THP-1 macrophages. Propentofylline blocked nitrite release from LPS stimulated rat microglia and inhibited nitrite in LPS-stimulated rat macrophages. IL-1β was decreased in LPS-stimulated human microglia following propentofylline at 100 μM. Overall, human microglia were less responsive to LPS stimulation and propentofylline treatment than the other cell types. Our data demonstrate significant functional differences between cell types and species following propentofylline treatment and LPS stimulation. These results may help explain the differential behavioral effects of propentofylline observed between rodent models of pain and the human clinical trial.

Regulation of dorsal raphe nucleus function by serotonin autoreceptors: a behavioral perspective

Neurotransmission by serotonin (5-HT) is tightly regulated by several autoreceptors that fine-tune serotonergic neurotransmission through negative feedback inhibition at the cell bodies (predominantly 5-HT(1A)) or at the axon terminals (predominantly 5-HT(1B)); however, more subtle roles for 5-HT(1D) and 5-HT(2B) autoreceptors have also been detected. This review provides an overview of 5-HT autoreceptors, focusing on their contribution in animal behavioral models of stress and emotion. Experiments targeting 5-HT autoreceptors in awake, behaving animals have generally shown that increasing autoreceptor feedback is anxiolytic and rewarding, while enhanced 5-HT function is aversive and anxiogenic; however, the role of serotonergic activity in behavioral models of helplessness is more complex. The prevailing model suggests that 5-HT autoreceptors become desensitized in response to stress exposure and antidepressant administration, two seemingly opposite manipulations. Thus there are still unresolved questions regarding the role of these receptors-and serotonin in general-in normal and pathological states.

Synthesis, 3D-QSAR, and structural modeling of benzolactam derivatives with binding affinity for the D(2) and D(3) receptors

A series of 37 benzolactam derivatives were synthesized, and their respective affinities for the dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors evaluated. The relationships between structures and binding affinities were investigated using both ligand-based (3D-QSAR) and receptor-based methods. The results revealed the importance of diverse structural features in explaining the differences in the observed affinities, such as the location of the benzolactam carbonyl oxygen, or the overall length of the compounds. The optimal values for such ligand properties are slightly different for the D(2) and D(3) receptors, even though the binding sites present a very high degree of homology. We explain these differences by the presence of a hydrogen bond network in the D(2) receptor which is absent in the D(3) receptor and limits the dimensions of the binding pocket, causing residues in helix 7 to become less accessible. The implications of these results for the design of more potent and selective benzolactam derivatives are presented and discussed.

Chronic reductions in serotonin transporter function prevent 5-HT1B-induced behavioral effects in mice

BACKGROUND

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses and/or repetitive stereotypical behavior. Obsessive-compulsive disorder patients exhibit reduced prepulse inhibition (PPI) and symptom exacerbation after challenge with 5-HT1B receptor agonists. Recently, gain-of-function alleles of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) have been associated with OCD. We tested the hypothesis that reducing 5-HTT function chronically, either genetically or via serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) treatment, attenuates PPI deficits and perseverative hyperlocomotion induced by 5-HT1B agonists in mice.

METHODS

Mice received subchronic or chronic pretreatment with the SRI fluoxetine and acute treatment with RU24969 (5-HT1A/1B agonist) or 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A agonist) and were assessed for PPI, locomotor activity, and spatial patterns of locomotion. The same measures were evaluated in 5-HTT wild-type (WT), heterozygous (HT), and knockout (KO) mice after RU24969 treatment. The effects of WAY100635 (5-HTA antagonist) or GR127935 (5-HT1B/D antagonist) pretreatment on RU24969-induced effects were evaluated. Finally, 5-HT1B binding and functional coupling were assessed in 5-HTT-WT, -HT, and -KO mice, and normal fluoxetine-treated mice.

RESULTS

Chronic, but not subchronic, fluoxetine treatment prevented RU24969-induced PPI deficits and perseverative hyperlocomotion. These RU24969-induced effects were mediated via 5-HT1B and not 5-HT1A receptors. 5-HTT-KO mice showed no effects of RU24969, and 5-HTT-HT mice exhibited intermediate phenotypes. 5-HT1B binding and functional coupling were reduced in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra of 5-HTT-KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that chronic, but not subchronic, fluoxetine treatment and 5-HTT knockout robustly attenuate 5-HT1B agonist-induced PPI deficits and perseverative hyperlocomotion. These results may have implications for the etiology and treatment of OCD.

Characterization of the human basilar artery contractile response to 5-HT and triptans

To study the contractile responses of the human basilar artery to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), sumatriptan, zolmitriptan and naratriptan, and to characterize the 5-HT receptor subtypes involved on those responses, human basilar artery rings were prepared for isometric contraction, protein isolation and Western blotting analysis. Concentration-response (CR) curves were made for all agonists in the absence or in the presence of selective antagonists at 5-HT1B (cyanopindolol), 5-HT1D (BRL 15,572) and 5-HT2 (ketanserin) receptors. We also used anti-5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor antibodies to search for the expression of protein of these receptor subtypes. From the CR curves, the relative intrinsic activity and potency of these agonists were determined. The ranking order for the intrinsic activity was 5-HT > or = sumatriptan > zolmitriptan > or = naratriptan, whereas that for the potency was zolmitriptan > or = 5-HT > or = sumatriptan > naratriptan. Our results also show that the human basilar artery seems to have a mixed population of 5-HT1B/1D receptors mediating the contractile response to triptans, which is also suggested by the expression of both receptor subtypes. There is also a population of 5-HT2 receptors for which the antimigraine drugs used have no apparent affinity. From this study, one can conclude that the second generation triptans have lower contractile capacity than sumatriptan, suggesting that they have a better cerebrovascular safety profile.

Functional Pharmacology in Human Brain

Most neurological and psychiatric disorders involve selective or preferential impairments of neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, studies of functional transmitter pathophysiology in human brain are of unique importance in view of the development of effective, mechanism-based, therapeutic modalities. It is well known that central nervous system functional proteins, including receptors, transporters, ion channels, and enzymes, can exhibit high heterogeneity in terms of structure, function, and pharmacological profile. If the existence of types and subtypes of functional proteins amplifies the possibility of developing selective drugs, such heterogeneity certainly increases the likelihood of interspecies differences. It is therefore essential, before choosing animal models to be used in preclinical pharmacology experimentation, to establish whether functionally corresponding proteins in men and animals also display identical pharmacological profiles. Because of evidence that scaffolding proteins, trafficking between plasma membrane and intracellular pools, phosphorylation and allosteric modulators can affect the function of receptors and transporters, experiments with human clones expressed in host cells where the environment of native receptors is rarely reproduced should be interpreted with caution. Thus, the use of neurosurgically removed fresh human brain tissue samples in which receptors, transporters, ion channels, and enzymes essentially retain their natural environment represents a unique experimental approach to enlarge our understanding of human brain processes and to help in the choice of appropriate animal models. Using this experimental approach, many human brain functional proteins, in particular transmitter receptors, have been characterized in terms of localization, function, and pharmacological properties.

Toward the active conformations of rhodopsin and the beta2-adrenergic receptor

Using sets of experimental distance restraints, which characterize active or inactive receptor conformations, and the X-ray crystal structure of the inactive form of bovine rhodopsin as a starting point, we have constructed models of both the active and inactive forms of rhodopsin and the beta2-adrenergic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The distance restraints were obtained from published data for site-directed crosslinking, engineered zinc binding, site-directed spin-labeling, IR spectroscopy, and cysteine accessibility studies conducted on class A GPCRs. Molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of either "active" or "inactive" restraints were used to generate two distinguishable receptor models. The process for generating the inactive and active models was validated by the hit rates, yields, and enrichment factors determined for the selection of antagonists in the inactive model and for the selection of agonists in the active model from a set of nonadrenergic GPCR drug-like ligands in a virtual screen using ligand docking software. The simulation results provide new insights into the relationships observed between selected biochemical data, the crystal structure of rhodopsin, and the structural rearrangements that occur during activation.

DNA variation and psychopharmacology of the human serotonin receptor 1B (HTR1B) gene

One of the neurotransmitter serotonin's receptors, HTR1B, is of interest for many neuropsychiatric traits, illnesses and treatments for multiple reasons, especially its tissue distribution, pharmacological profile and findings from mice lacking the receptor, along with reasons generally implicating serotonin. Eight mutation scans have uncovered sixteen polymorphisms in the coding sequence and surrounding 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions and much is now known of the distribution of these polymorphisms in various ethnic groups and their linkage disequilibrium relationships. Thus far, evidence exists that the uncommon missense T371G (Phe124Cys) and the common promoter region A-161T polymorphisms may exhibit functional effects and possibly that the common synonymous G861C (or more likely a variant in linkage disequilibrium with G861C) does as well. From the eighteen reported population-based case control studies of HTR1B to multiple disorders, several facts stand out. There exists preliminary evidence for association of G861C with i) antisocial alcoholism in the Finnish; ii) alcoholism in the presence of inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 in the Japanese; iii) a history of suicide attempts in European-American personality disorder patients; and iv) minimum lifetime body mass index in Canadian bulimia nervosa patients. From the three reported family-based case control studies of HTR1B to various disorders, one provides preliminary evidence for association of G861C with obsessive compulsive disorder. Although many association studies have been completed, positive results should still be considered preliminary. As these preliminary reports are tested for replication with larger, more powerful samples, there should be increased clarity as to which findings remain robust; in some cases this will require the application of meta-analytic techniques.

The binding site of aminergic G protein-coupled receptors: the transmembrane segments and second extracellular loop

In the current chapter, we review approaches to the identification of the residues forming the binding sites for agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators in the family of aminergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We then review the structural bases for ligand binding and pharmacological specificity based on the application of these methods to muscarinic cholinergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and histaminergic receptors, using the high resolution rhodopsin structure as a template. Furthermore, we propose a critical role of the second extracellular loop in forming the binding site for small molecular weight aminergic ligands, much as this loop dives down into the binding-site crevice and contacts retinal in rhodopsin.

Multiplicity of mechanisms of serotonin receptor signal transduction

The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors have been divided into 7 subfamilies by convention, 6 of which include 13 different genes for G-protein-coupled receptors. Those subfamilies have been characterized by overlapping pharmacological properties, amino acid sequences, gene organization, and second messenger coupling pathways. Post-genomic modifications, such as alternative mRNA splicing or mRNA editing, creates at least 20 more G-protein-coupled 5-HT receptors, such that there are at least 30 distinct 5-HT receptors that signal through G-proteins. This review will focus on what is known about the signaling linkages of the G-protein-linked 5-HT receptors, and will highlight some fascinating new insights into 5-HT receptor signaling.

The endocannabinoid nervous system: unique opportunities for therapeutic intervention

The active principle in marijuana, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been shown to have wide therapeutic application for a number of important medical conditions, including pain, anxiety, glaucoma, nausea, emesis, muscle spasms, and wasting diseases. Delta(9)-THC binds to and activates two known cannabinoid receptors found in mammalian tissue, CB1 and CB2. The development of cannabinoid-based therapeutics has focused predominantly on the CB1 receptor, based on its predominant and abundant localization in the CNS. Like most of the known cannabinoid agonists, Delta(9)-THC is lipophilic and relatively nonselective for both receptor subtypes. Clinical studies show that nonselective cannabinoid agonists are relatively safe and provide therapeutic efficacy, but that they also induce psychotropic side effects. Recent studies of the biosynthesis, release, transport, and disposition of anandamide are beginning to provide an understanding of the role of lipid transmitters in the CNS. This review attempts to link current understanding of the basic biology of the endocannabinoid nervous system to novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This new knowledge may facilitate the development of cannabinoid receptor-targeted therapeutics with improved safety and efficacy profiles.

Pharmacological properties of the naturally occurring Phe-124-Cys variant of the human 5-HT1B receptor: changes in ligand binding, G-protein coupling and second messenger formation

The aim of this study was to analyse whether substitution of phenylalanine in position 124 of the human (h) 5-HT1B receptor by cysteine, a naturally occurring variant of this receptor, modifies not only ligand binding, but also G-protein coupling and second messenger formation. Stably transfected rat C6 glioma cells, which express either the h5-HT1B variant receptor (VR) or the wild-type receptor (WTR) were used. In saturation experiments with [3H]5-carboxamidotryptamine ([3H]5-CT), the maximum binding (Bmax) of the VR amounted to only 60% of that to WTR. In competition experiments with 1 nM [3H]5-CT, the following 5-HT receptor ligands exhibited a higher affinity for the mutant receptor than for the WTR: L-694,247, 5-CT, 5-HT, sumatriptan (agonists listed at decreasing order of potency) and SB-224289 (a selective h5-HT1B receptor inverse agonist with competitive antagonistic properties). In contrast, the mixed 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR-127935 exhibited equal affinity for both isoforms. The efficacy of L-694,247, 5-CT, 5-HT and sumatriptan in stimulating [35S]GTPgammaS binding (a measure of G protein coupling) to membranes of cells expressing the VR was approximately 50-65% lower compared to membranes of cells expressing the WTR, but their potency was 2.8-3.6-fold higher. SB-224289, which decreased [35S]GTPgammaS binding when given alone, but not GR-127935, was more potent in antagonizing the stimulatory effect of 5-CT on [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes expressing the VR compared to membranes expressing the WTR. In whole cells expressing the VR, 5-CT and sumatriptan inhibited the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation 3.2-fold more potently than in cells expressing the WTR. In conclusion, our data suggest that the Phe-124-Cys mutation modifies the pharmacological properties of the h5-HT1B receptor and may account for pharmacogenetic differences in the action of h5-HT1B receptor ligands. Thus, the sumatriptan-induced vasospasm which occurs at low incidence as a side-effect in migraine therapy may be related to the expression of the (124-Cys)h5-HT1B receptor in patients with additional pathogenetic factors such as coronary heart disease.

The augmentation hypothesis for improvement of antidepressant therapy: is pindolol a suitable candidate for testing the ability of 5HT1A receptor antagonists to enhance SSRI efficacy and onset latency?

The development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) provided a major advancement in the treatment of depression. However, these drugs suffer from a variety of drawbacks, most notably a delay in the onset of efficacy. One hypothesis suggests that this delay in efficacy is due to a paradoxical decrease in serotonergic (5-HT) neuronal impulse flow and release, following activation of inhibitory presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors, following acute administration of SSRIs. According to the hypothesis, efficacy is seen only when this impulse flow is restored following desensitization of 5-HT1A autoreceptors and coincident increases in postsynaptic 5-HT levels are achieved. Clinical proof of this principal has been suggested in studies that found a significant augmenting effect when the beta-adrenergic/5-HT1A receptor antagonist, pindolol, was coadministered with SSRI treatment. In this article, we review preclinical electrophysiological and microdialysis studies that have examined this desensitization hypothesis. We further discuss clinical studies that utilized pindolol as a test of this hypothesis in depressed patients and examine preclinical studies that challenge the notion that the beneficial effect of pindolol is due to functional antagonism of the 5-HT1A autoreceptors.

The role of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B/1D) receptors on the modulation of acute fluoxetine-induced changes in extracellular 5-HT: the mechanism of action of (+/-)pindolol

Some clinical evidence has suggested that (+/-)pindolol can be effective at producing a shortened time to onset of antidepressant activity when co-administered with a serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This effect has been attributed to the antagonist effects of pindolol at the 5-HT(1A) receptor. In the present study, we compared the pharmacology of (+/-)pindolol, WAY-100635 (a 5-HT(1A) antagonist), GR127935 (a 5-HT(1B/1D) antagonist), and isamoltane (a 5-HT(1B) antagonist), when given acutely in combination with fluoxetine, using in vivo microdialysis in the frontal cortex of the freely moving rat. We have determined that the acute fluoxetine-induced increases in extracellular 5-HT can be augmented by (+/-)pindolol, WAY100635, GR127935 and isamoltane with maximum increases of 216+/-32%, 235+/-49%, 240+/-18% and 171+/-47% of preinjection control levels, respectively. Combination of both 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B/1D) autoreceptor antagonists with fluoxetine produced additive increases in extracellular 5-HT (i.e. WAY100635+GR127935+fluoxetine and WAY100635+isamoltane+fluoxetine produced a four- and five-fold potentiation, respectively), suggesting that this strategy may be useful in further augmenting the action of a SSRI in the treatment of depression. In addition, by comparing the combined administration of (+/-)pindolol with either WAY100635, GR127935 or isamoltane, we have determined that (+/-)pindolol produces much of its acute potentiation of fluoxetine-induced increases in extracellular 5-HT via its action at the 5-HT(1B/D) receptor in addition to any activity it has at the presynaptic 5-HT(1A) receptor.

A review of central 5-HT receptors and their function

It is now nearly 5 years since the last of the currently recognised 5-HT receptors was identified in terms of its cDNA sequence. Over this period, much effort has been directed towards understanding the function attributable to individual 5-HT receptors in the brain. This has been helped, in part, by the synthesis of a number of compounds that selectively interact with individual 5-HT receptor subtypes--although some 5-HT receptors still lack any selective ligands (e.g. 5-ht1E, 5-ht5A and 5-ht5B receptors). The present review provides background information for each 5-HT receptor subtype and subsequently reviews in more detail the functional responses attributed to each receptor in the brain. Clearly this latter area has moved forward in recent years and this progression is likely to continue given the level of interest associated with the actions of 5-HT. This interest is stimulated by the belief that pharmacological manipulation of the central 5-HT system will have therapeutic potential. In support of which, a number of 5-HT receptor ligands are currently utilised, or are in clinical development, to reduce the symptoms of CNS dysfunction.

Humanization of mouse 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor gene by homologous recombination: in vitro and in vivo characterization

We replaced the coding region of the murine 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1B receptor by the human 5-HT1B receptor using homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells and generated and characterized homozygous transgenic mice that express only the human (h) 5-HT1B receptor. The distribution patterns of h5-HT1B and murine (m) 5-HT1B receptor mRNA and binding sites in brain sections of transgenic and wild-type mice were identical as measured by in situ hybridization histochemistry and radioligand receptor autoradiography. When measured in parallel under identical conditions, the h5-HT1B receptor expressed in mouse brain had the same pharmacological characteristics as that in human brain. Stimulation by 5-HT1B agonists of [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding in brain sections demonstrated the functional coupling of the h5-HT1B receptor to G proteins in mouse brain. In tissue slices from various brain regions, electrically stimulated [3H]5-HT release was not modified by 5-HT1B agonists in tissue from either transgenic and wild-type mice; a 5-HT1B antagonist enhanced electrically stimulated [3H]5-HT release in wild-type mouse brain, but was ineffective in the transgenics. The centrally active 5-HT1A/5-HT1B agonist RU24969 induced hypothermia but did not increase locomotor activity in the transgenic mice. The ineffectiveness of RU24969 in the transgenic mice could be due to the lower affinity of the compound for the h5-HT1B receptor compared with the m5-HT1B receptor. The present study demonstrates a complete replacement of the mouse receptor by its human receptor homolog and a functional coupling to G proteins. However, modulation of [3H]5-HT release could not be shown. Furthermore, behavioral effects were not clearly observed, which may be due to a lack of appropriate tools.

Structural organization of G-protein-coupled receptors

Atomic-resolution structures of the transmembrane 7-alpha-helical domains of 26 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) (including opsins, cationic amine, melatonin, purine, chemokine, opioid, and glycoprotein hormone receptors and two related proteins, retinochrome and Duffy erythrocyte antigen) were calculated by distance geometry using interhelical hydrogen bonds formed by various proteins from the family and collectively applied as distance constraints, as described previously [Pogozheva et al., Biophys. J., 70 (1997) 1963]. The main structural features of the calculated GPCR models are described and illustrated by examples. Some of the features reflect physical interactions that are responsible for the structural stability of the transmembrane alpha-bundle: the formation of extensive networks of interhelical H-bonds and sulfur-aromatic clusters that are spatially organized as 'polarity gradients'; the close packing of side-chains throughout the transmembrane domain; and the formation of interhelical disulfide bonds in some receptors and a plausible Zn2+ binding center in retinochrome. Other features of the models are related to biological function and evolution of GPCRs: the formation of a common 'minicore' of 43 evolutionarily conserved residues; a multitude of correlated replacements throughout the transmembrane domain; an Na(+)-binding site in some receptors, and excellent complementarity of receptor binding pockets to many structurally dissimilar, conformationally constrained ligands, such as retinal, cyclic opioid peptides, and cationic amine ligands. The calculated models are in good agreement with numerous experimental data.

Effects of PNU-109,291, a selective 5-HT1D receptor agonist, on electrically induced dural plasma extravasation and capsaicin-evoked c-fos immunoreactivity within trigeminal nucleus caudalis

We studied the effects of PNU-109291 [(S)-(-)-1-[2-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-methyl-isoc hroman-6-carboxamide], a receptor agonist showing 5000-fold selectivity for primate 5-HT1D versus 5-HT1B receptors (Ennis et al., J. Med. Chem. 41, 2180-2183), on dural neurogenic inflammation and on c-fos like immunoreactivity within trigeminal nucleus caudalis evoked by electrical and chemical activation of trigeminal afferents, respectively. Subcutaneous injection of PNU-109291 in male guinea pigs dose-dependently reduced dural extravasation of [125I]-labeled bovine serum albumin evoked by trigeminal ganglion stimulation with an IC50 of 4.2 nmol kg(-1). A dose of 73.3 nmol kg(-1) blocked the response completely. The selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR-127935 (> or = 2 micromol kg(-1) i.v.) prevented this effect. In addition, the number of c-fos immunoreactive cells within guinea pig trigeminal nucleus caudalis induced by chemical meningeal stimulation (intracisternally administered capsaicin) was reduced by more than 50% with PNU-109291 (> or = 122.2 nmol kg(-1) administered s.c. 45 min before and 15 min after capsaicin). These data indicate that the 5-HT1D receptor subtype plays a significant role in suppressing meningeal neurogenic inflammation and attenuating trigeminal nociception in these guinea pig models. Since 5-HT1D receptor mRNA and protein are expressed in trigeminal ganglia but not vascular smooth muscle, the 5-HT1D receptor subtype may become a useful therapeutic target for migraine and related headaches.

Magnitude of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1A receptor activation in guinea-pig and rat brain: evidence from sumatriptan dimer-mediated [35S]GTPgammaS binding responses

The present study reports on G-protein activation by recombinant 5-HT receptors and by native 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in guinea-pig and rat brain using agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding responses mediated by a new 5-HT ligand, a dimer of sumatriptan. Dimerization of sumatriptan increased the binding affinity for h 5-HT1B (pKi: 9.22 vs. 7.79 for sumatriptan), h 5-HT1D (9.07 vs. 8.08) and also h 5-HT1A receptors (7.80 vs. 6.40), while the binding affinity for h 5-ht1E (6.67 vs. 6.19) and h 5-ht1F (7.37 vs. 7.78) receptors was not affected. Sumatriptan dimer (10 microM) stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding mainly in the superficial gray layer of the superior colliculi, hippocampus and substantia nigra of guinea-pig and rat coronal brain sections. This fits with the labelling by the 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist [3H] GR 125743. The observed [35S]GTPgammaS binding responses in the substantia nigra are likely to be mediated by stimulation of the 5-HT1B receptor subtype, since they were antagonized by the 5-HT1B inverse agonist SB 224289 (10 microM), and not by the 5-HT2A/1D antagonist ketanserin (10 microM). Quantitative assessment of the [35S]GTPgammaS binding responses in the substantia nigra of rat showed highly efficacious responses for both sumatriptan dimer and its monomer. In contrast, less efficacious agonist responses (51+/-10% and 35+/-13%, respectively) were measured in the guinea-pig substantia nigra. This may suggest that the G-protein coupling efficacy of 5-HT1B receptors is different between the substantia nigra of both species. In addition, the sumatriptan dimer also activated guinea-pig and rat hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors with high efficacy in contrast to sumatriptan. Therefore, dimerization of sumatriptan can be considered as a new approach to transform a partial 5-HT1A agonist into a more efficacious agonist. In conclusion, the sumatriptan dimer stimulates G-protein activation via 5-HT1B receptors besides 5-HT1A receptors in guinea-pig and rat brain. The magnitude of the 5-HT1B receptor responses is superior for sumatriptan and its dimer in rat compared to guinea-pig substantia nigra.

The molecular biology of serotonin receptors: therapeutic implications for the interface of mood and psychosis

This review summarizes the molecular biology of serotonin (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine) receptors and indicates the potential relevance of this information for the treatment of mood and psychotic disorders. At least 15 separate subtypes of 5-HT receptors have been identified by molecular cloning techniques to be distinct genetic entities. Subtle differences in the primary amino acid sequences of these receptors can yield large differences in ligand selectivity. Additionally, it has recently been discovered that drugs such as atypical antipsychotic drugs and serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors may interact with a large number of heretofore unknown 5-HT receptors. Thus clozapine, for instance, has high affinity for at least four separate 5-HT receptors, and it is unknown which of these receptors is essential for its unique therapeutic efficacy. One way to approach these questions is to test subtype-selective agents, although there are few of these currently available. Approaches to the design of subtype-selective ligands are described, including structure-based drug design and combinatorial approaches. Modes of regulation of 5-HT receptors are also summarized, and it is emphasized that antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants likely exert their effects via nontranscriptional and posttranslational means. Understanding the cellular mechanisms by which 5-HT receptors are regulated by psychopharmacologic agents is likely to yield novel insights into drug action.

Effects of maturation, artery size, and chronic hypoxia on 5-HT receptor type in ovine cranial arteries

To test the hypothesis that variations in cerebrovascular reactivity to 5-HT among arteries of different size or type, during maturation, or during acclimatization to high altitude involve differences in serotonergic receptor subtype, we determined relative agonist potency orders and antagonist affinities in common carotid (Com), main branch middle cerebral (Main), and second branch middle cerebral (2BR) arteries from term fetal lambs and nonpregnant adult sheep acclimatized at sea level or at an altitude of 3,820 m for approximately 110 days. In normoxic adult Com segments, agonist potency order was 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) > 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) >/= 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetraline (8-OH-DPAT); sumatriptan (Suma) produced no contractile response; and antagonist dissociation constant (pKb) values were 9.4 and 9.5 for ketanserin against 5-HT and 5-CT, 7.5 for GR-127935 against 5-HT, and 7.2 for SB-206553 against 5-HT. In normoxic adult Main segments, agonist potency order was 5-HT > 5-CT >/= Suma >/= DPAT, and pKb values were 9.1 and 9.2 for ketanserin against 5-HT and 5-CT and 7.4 and 8.5 for GR-127935 against 5-HT and Suma, respectively. In the 2BR segments from normoxic adults, agonist potency order was 5-CT > 5-HT > Suma > DPAT and pKb values were 7.4 and 7.2 for ketanserin against 5-HT and 5-CT and 10.0 and 8.7 for GR-127935 against 5-HT and Suma, respectively. Compared with normoxic adults, none of these values were significantly different in hypoxic adults and in fetuses only the pKb values for ketanserin against 5-HT in the 2BR segments (8.8) were greater. From these results we propose that the ratio of 5-HT2 to 5-HT1 receptors is greatest in the Com and decreases progressively to its smallest values in 2BR or smaller segments. Because this gradient appears stable and relatively resistant to the effects of maturation and chronic hypoxia, changes in reactivity associated with these perturbations may involve alterations in receptor density and/or coupling efficiency for 5-HT in ovine cranial arteries.

Human 5-HT1B receptor stimulated inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in CHO cells: synergy with Gq-coupled receptors

We have previously reported that the transfected Gi/Go protein-coupled human adenosine A1 receptor (expressed at 200 fmol/mg of protein) and the endogenous 5-HT1B receptor (not detectable using radioligand binding) suppress forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation and stimulate increases in [Ca2+]i in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). In addition, co-activation of the adenosine A1 receptor (but not the 5-HT1B receptor) potentiates the hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids elicited by receptors coupled to Gq-proteins (Dickenson and Hill, 1996. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 320, 141-151). In order to establish whether this difference in ability to modulate Gq-coupled receptor responses is a consequence of low 5-HT1B receptor density, we have stably transfected CHO-KI cells with the human 5-HT1Dbeta cDNA (the human homologue of the rodent 5-HT1B receptor). We initially isolated a clonal cell line (designated CHO5-HT1B cells) displaying moderate specific [3H]5-HT binding (pKd of 8.17+/-0.07 and a Bmax of 140 fmol/mg protein). In CHO5-HT1B cells, the selective human 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist sumatriptan produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation (pEC50=7.92+/-0.04). Sumatriptan also elicited a moderate and pertussis toxin-sensitive increase in [3H]inositol phosphate formation in CHO-5HT1B cells (pEC50=6.51+/-0.05). Finally, sumatriptan synergistically enhanced P2U purinoceptor stimulated [3H]inositol phosphate accumulation through a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. These findings clearly show the significance of 5-HT1B receptor expression level in determining whether 5-HT1B receptor activation can modulate the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates elicited by a Gq-protein coupled receptor. The observation that 5-HT1B receptor activation can potentiate Gq-coupled receptor stimulated second messenger responses may have an important physiological role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle contraction.

Development and characterisation of human 5-HT1B- or 5-HT1D-receptor specific antibodies as unique research tools

The serotonin 5-HT1B/1D-receptor family comprises of two closely related receptors encoded by two distinct genes. There are no pharmacological ligands which can adequately distinguish between these two receptor subtypes in human tissues. Therefore, we have developed human 5-HT1B- and 5-HT1D-receptor subtype specific polyclonal antibodies. Rabbits were immunised with synthetic peptides identical to unique amino acid sequences located in the third intracellular loops of these receptors. Polyclonal antibodies were subjected to immunoaffinity purification and were characterised using ELISA, dot blot analysis and immunostaining of stably-transfected CHO cell lines expressing either human 5-HT1B-receptors or 5-HT1D-receptors and in human trigeminal ganglia. The antibodies were specific for either the 5-HT1B- or 5-HT1D-receptors and did not cross-react. Both 5-HT1B- and 5-HT1D-immunoreactivities were detected on cell bodies in human trigeminal ganglia. In the absence of selective pharmacological agents, these antibodies represent unique and essential research tools to study the anatomical distribution of 5-HT1B/1D-receptor subtypes in human tissue.

Pharmacological analysis of G-protein activation mediated by guinea-pig recombinant 5-HT1B receptors in C6-glial cells: similarities with the human 5-HT1B receptor

1. The guinea-pig recombinant 5-hydroxytryptamine1B (gp 5-HT1B) receptor stably transfected in rat C6-glial cells was characterized by monitoring G-protein activation in a membrane preparation with agonist-stimulated [35S]-GTPgammaS binding. The intrinsic activity of 5-HT receptor ligands was compared with that determined previously at the human recombinant 5-HT1B (h 5-HT1B) receptor under similar experimental conditions. 2. Membrane preparations of C6-glial/gp 5-HT1B cells exhibited [3H]-5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and [3H]-N-[4-methoxy-3,4-methylpiperazin-1-yl) phenyl]-3-methyl-4-(4-pyridinyl)benzamide (GR 125743) binding sites with a pKd of 9.62 to 9.85 and a Bmax between 2.1 to 6.4 fmol mg(-1) protein. The binding affinities of a series of 5-HT receptor ligands determined with [3H]-5-CT and [3H]-GR 125743 were similar. Ligand affinities were comparable to and correlated (r2: 0.74, P<0.001) with those determined at the recombinant h 5-HT1B receptor. 3. [35S]-GTPgammaS binding to membrane preparations of C6-glial/gp 5-HT1B cells was stimulated by the 5-HT receptor agonists that were being investigated. The maximal responses of naratriptan, zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, N-methyl-3-[pyrrolidin-2(R)-ylmethyl]-1H-indol-5-ylmethyl sulphonamide (CP 122638), rizatriptan and dihydroergotamine were between 0.76 and 0.85 compared to 5-HT. The potency of these agonists showed a positive correlation (r2: 0.72, P=0.015) with their potency at the recombinant h 5-HT1B receptor. 1-naphthylpiperazine, (+/-)-cyanopindolol and (2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl[1,2,4] oxadiazole-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid [4-methoxy-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]amide (GR 127935) elicited an even smaller response (Emax: 0.32 to 0.63). 4. The ligands 1'-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole-3-yl) biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3-f]indole-3-spiro-4'-piperidine] (SB224289), methiothepin and ritanserin displayed inhibition of basal [35S]-GTPgammaS binding at concentrations relevant to their binding affinity for the gp 5-HT1B receptor. Methiothepin and SB224289 behaved as competitive antagonists at gp 5-HT1B receptors; pA2 values were 9.74 and 8.73, respectively when 5-HT was used as an agonist. These estimates accorded with the potencies measured in antagonism of zolmitriptan-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP formation. Ketanserin acted as a weak antagonist (pK(B): 5.87) at gp 5-HT1B receptors. 5. In conclusion, the recombinant gp 5-HT1B receptor shares important pharmacological similarities with the recombinant h 5-HT1B receptor. The finding that negative activity occurs at these receptors further suggests that SB224289, methiothepin and ritanserin are likely to be inverse agonists.

2-(1-Naphthyloxy)ethylamines with enhanced affinity for human 5-HT1D beta (h5-HT1B) serotonin receptors

Although the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (1) binds at rodent 5-HT1B serotonin receptors, it displays low affinity (Ki > 10,000 nM) for its species homologue 5-HT1D beta (i.e., h5-HT1B) receptors. The structure of propranolol was systematically modified in an attempt to enhance its affinity for the latter population of receptors. Removal of the alkyl hydroxyl group, shortening of the O-alkyl chain from three to two methylene groups, and variation of the terminal amine substituent resulted in compounds, such as N-monomethyl-2-(1-naphthyloxy)-ethylamine (11; Ki = 26 nM), that display significantly higher h5-HT1B affinity than propranolol. Compound 11 was shown to bind equally well at human 5-HT1D alpha (h5-HT1D) receptors (Ki = 34 nM) and was further demonstrated to possess h5-HT1B agonist character in an adenylate cyclase assay. It would appear that such (aryloxy)alkylamines may represent a novel class of 5-HT1D receptor agonists.

The selectivity of MDL 74,721 in models of neurogenic versus vascular components of migraine

MDL 74,721 (R)-2-(N1,N1-dipropylamino)-8-methylaminosulfonylmethyl-1,2,3,4-te trahydronaphthalene, a sulfonamidotetralin, has been found to exhibit a 10,000-fold greater potency in neurogenic versus vascular models of migraine. Sumatriptan, a relatively pure 5-HT1D/5-HT1B receptor agonist, also showed higher potency versus neurogenic inflammation. However, for sumatriptan the potency difference (100-fold) in the two pathophysiological models was less pronounced than seen for MDL 74,721. The affinity profile of MDL 74,721 at 5-HT1 receptor subtypes may in part explain its ability to differentiate these two physiological responses. MDL 74,721 demonstrated nanomolar affinity for 5-HT1A (12.7 +/- 0.3 nM) and 5-HT1D (41.3 +/- 10.9 nM) but considerably lower affinity for 5-HT1B receptors (> 1000 nM). Serotonin-like activity was seen in in vitro functional assays including inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in human 5-HT1D receptor-transfected fibroblasts or eliciting vasoconstriction in isolated human pial arteries. The intrinsic activity (relative to 5 - HT[E(Amax)]) and affinity (pD2) for the human cerebrovascular 5-HT receptors were: 5-HT (100%, 7.51 +/- 0.09), sumatriptan (94%, 6.85 +/- 0.1) and MDL 74,721 (66%, 5.70 +/- 0.23). In anaesthetised cats, treatment with MDL 74,721 resulted in a dose-related reduction in the percentage of carotid flow going through the arteriovenous anastomoses to the lungs, with an ED50 of 0.3 mg/kg i.v., the same as sumatriptan. However, in the guinea-pig neurogenic model, MDL 74,721 inhibited plasma protein extravasation with an ED50 of 0.023 microg/kg compared to 2.5 microg/kg for sumatriptan. MDL 74,721 was also effective in this model (in rats) after oral administration. In conclusion, MDL 74,721 demonstrates a preclinical profile consistent with anti-migraine efficacy. Its marked preference for inhibiting neurogenic inflammation makes this compound a useful tool for assessing the relative contribution of this pathophysiological mechanism to the human disease state.

Mutations of transmembrane IV and V serines indicate that all tryptamines do not bind to the rat 5-HT2A receptor in the same manner

Two mutations of the rat serotonin 5-HT2A receptor were made, expressed and examined for their ability to bind and be stimulated by certain tryptamines as well as their ability to bind antagonists. Mutation of Ser207 to an Ala (S207A) resulted in no substantial changes in binding of either 5-HT2A antagonists or agonists. In contrast, mutation of Ser239 to an Ala (S239A) resulted in significant changes in the 5-HT2A receptor with some but not all agonists and antagonists examined. Specifically, 5-HT had decreased affinity for the S239A mutated 5-HT2A receptor, showing over a 10-fold decrease in receptor-binding displacement, while still being capable of stimulating IP3 formation. However, the agonists tryptamine, 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT), and N-1-isopropyl-5-methoxytryptamine; and the antagonists ketanserin, LY 86057, and LY 53857 were significantly less affected by a S239A mutation. These results suggest that while 5-HT might have a direct interaction with the Ser239 of the 5-HT2A receptor, tryptamine and 5-MeOT interact with this receptor in a different manner.

Functional characteristics of heterologously expressed 5-HT receptors

Over the past 10 years, molecular cloning has revealed the presence of 15 serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptor subtypes, which can be subdivided in seven subfamilies. Except for the 5-HT3 receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels, all 5-HT receptors belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. The large multiplicity of 5-HT receptor subtypes has been suggested to be a direct result of the evolutionary age of the 5-HT system. Molecular information on G-protein-coupled 5-HT receptors is currently available for several mammalian species as well as for a limited number of invertebrate species (insects, molluscs). The aim of this review is to give an overview of all cloned 5-HT receptor subtypes belonging to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors with specific emphasis on the pharmacological and signaling properties of the receptors upon expression in several heterologous expression systems.

Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical visualization of 5-HT1B receptors in the rat brain

Specific antipeptide antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical visualization of 5-HT1B receptors in the rat brain. A dense, specific 5-HT1B receptor-like immunoreactivity was found in the globus pallidus, the dorsal subiculum and the substantia nigra. At the light microscope level, immunostaining was diffuse within the neuropil but absent from cell bodies. Observations at the electron microscope level in the substantia nigra showed immunoperoxidase staining in fine unmyelinated axons and nerve terminals.

Study of the interaction between aryloxypropanolamines and Asn386 in helix VII of the human 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor

We studied the stereoselective interaction between aryloxypropanolamines and the human 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor. R- and S-enantiomers of propranolol, penbutolol, and alprenolol were investigated for their ability to bind to human 5-HT1A wild-type and Asn386Val mutant receptors. Asn386 seemed to act as a chiral discriminator. Although both aryloxypropanol enantiomers displayed lower affinity for the mutant receptors, the affinities for the S-enantiomers were more affected. Receptor affinities of other structurally unrelated 5-HT1A ligands were not decreased by the mutation of Asn386 to valine. In addition, a series of analogues of propranolol with structural variation in the oxypropanolamine moiety was synthesized, and affinities for wild-type and Asn386Val mutant 5-HT1A receptors were determined. Both the hydroxyl and the ether oxygen atoms of the oxypropanol moiety seem to be required for binding at wild-type 5-HT1A receptors. The hydroxyl group of propranolol probably directly interacts with Asn386. The ether oxygen atom may be important for steric reasons but can also be involved in a direct interaction with Asn386. These findings are in agreement with the interactions of aryloxypropanolamines with Asn386 in rat 5-HT1A receptors that we previously proposed. The loss of affinity for propranolol by the Asn386Val mutation could be regained by replacement of the hydroxyl group of the ligand by a methoxy group. This modification of the propranolol structure has no effect on the affinity of both enantiomers for the wild-type 5-HT1A receptor, which provides an alternative hypothesis for the interaction of Asn386 with the oxypropanol oxygen atoms. According to this novel hypothesis, the oxypropanol oxygen atoms may both act as hydrogen bond acceptors from the NH2 group of Asn386.

Molecular cloning and pharmacological characterization of guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors

Human 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors have been implicated as molecular targets for the treatment of acute migraine based upon the pharmacological actions and clinical efficacy of sumatriptan, an agonist for human 5-HT1B/1D receptors. The guinea pig has served as an animal model to assess 5-HT1B/1D receptor function, most recently in evaluating 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists as potential anti-migraine agents. Since two distinct, but closely-related receptors displaying "5-HT1D receptor pharmacology" have been cloned previously from most mammalian species, the genes encoding these receptors were isolated from a guinea pig liver genomic DNA library using oligonucleotide probes targeted to nonconserved regions of recombinant human 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. Sequence analysis indicates that guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors are comprised 390 and 378 amino acids, respectively. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes show that they display overall and transmembrane (TM) identities of 63% and 77%, respectively. Both clones contain a conserved threonine residue in TM7, a structural feature imparting "5-HT1D receptor pharmacology". Guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor genes were transiently expressed in Cos-7 cells and their binding properties were evaluated using [3H]5-HT. Both cloned receptor subtypes displayed "5-HT1D receptor pharmacology" with the following rank order of binding affinities: 5-CT > 5-HT > sumatriptan > 8-OH-DPAT > (-)-pindolol. Ketanserin displayed modest (five-fold) 5-HT1D receptor selectivity, while methiothepin exhibited a similar selectivity for the 5-HT1B subtype. In particular, ketanserin exhibits profound differences in 5-HT1D receptor affinity (and selectivity) across species. High correlations were observed between the binding affinities of serotonergic ligands for 5-HT1D binding sites measured in guinea pig cortical membranes and both cloned guinea pig 5-HT1B (r2 = 0.88) and 5-HT1D (r2 = 0.80) receptors, indicating that the development of subtype selective compounds (i.e. 5-HT1B versus 5-HT1D) using native tissues may be more difficult to achieve without the advantage of using recombinant receptor subtypes. Additionally, there is a good correspondence between binding profiles of recombinant guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes and to their respective cloned human homologs. However, species differences in binding affinities of a subset of compounds are evident. These data extend previous observations that subtype selective (i.e. 5-HT1D) compounds identified in one species may not discriminate between closely related receptors (i.e. 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D) in all animal model systems.

Cloning and characterization of the guinea pig 5-HT1F receptor subtype: a comparison of the pharmacological profile to the human species homolog

The anti-migraine compound, sumatriptan, has been shown to have substantial affinity for the cloned human 5-HT1F receptor suggesting that, in addition to 5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptor subtypes, the 5-HT1F receptor may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of migraine. Several investigators have used the guinea pig plasma extravasation model to evaluate potential anti-migraine drugs. Since species differences in the pharmacology of serotonin receptors are well known, we compared the pharmacological profiles of the cloned human and guinea pig 5-HT1F receptors in order to validate the usefulness of the in vivo model in predicting anti-migraine activity of compounds targeted for humans. We have cloned the guinea pig 5-HT1F by homology to the human 5-HT1F receptor and evaluated its pharmacological profile using radioligand binding assays. The cloned guinea pig 5-HT1F gene exhibited 94% amino acid identity to the corresponding human homolog. High affinity (Kd approximately 10 nM) [3H]5-HT binding was detected to membranes obtained from Cos-7 cells transiently expressing the guinea pig 5-HT1F receptor. The cloned guinea pig receptor displayed typical 5-HT1F receptor pharmacology with the following rank order of binding affinities: 5-HT > sumatriptan > 1-NP = DHE > alpha-methyl 5-HT > metergoline > methiothepin > 5-CT. The pharmacological profiles of the cloned guinea pig and human 5-HT1F receptors were very similar as reflected by the high correlation (r2 = 0.72, slope = 0.76) observed between the binding affinities of compounds for these two species homologs. In situ hybridization studies in guinea pig tissue revealed 5-HT1F receptor mRNA expression in the neurons of the trigeminal ganglion, suggesting that the 5-HT1F receptor may play a role in the presynaptic inhibition of neuropeptide release at the level of the intracranial vasculature, thereby blocking the development of neurogenic inflammation. Dorsal root ganglion cells also moderately expressed the 5-HT1F transcripts. The localization of the 5-HT1F receptor to areas involved in the mediation and transfer of nociceptive information implies a role for this receptor in pain processing. These findings indicate that a selective 5-HT1F agonist may be a novel approach to treat migraine.

Locally formed 5-hydroxytryptamine stimulates phosphate transport in cultured opossum kidney cells and in rat kidney

Renal proximal tubular cells have been shown to express aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (L-AAAD), which converts L-dopa into dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptophan [(OH)Trp] into 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin). Because 5-HT receptors have been demonstrated in proximal cells, we hypothesized that 5-HT may act as an autocrine/paracrine modulator of proximal transport. We evaluated this possibility in opossum kidney (OK) cells, a renal epithelial cell line with a proximal phenotype expressing 5-HT1B receptors, and in intact anaesthetized rats. 5-HT synthesis by OK cells increased with incubation time and (OH)Trp concentration, and was abolished by benserazide, an L-AAAD inhibitor. 5-HT reversed parathyroid hormone (PTH)-induced cAMP accumulation in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner and reduced the PTH inhibition of P(i) uptake without affecting the NaP(i)-4 mRNA level. The effects of 5-HT on cAMP generation and Na-P(i) co-transport were reproduced by (OH)Trp, except in the presence of benserazide, and by L-propranolol and dihydroergotamine, two 5-HT1B receptor agonists. In rats, (OH)Trp and dihydroergotamine decreased fractional P(i) excretion. Benserazide abolished the effect of (OH)Trp but not that of dihydroergotamine.

IN CONCLUSION

(i) locally generated 5-HT blunts the inhibitory effect of PTH on Na-P(i) co-transport in OK cells; (ii) endogenous 5-HT decreases P(i) excretion in rats; and (iii) 5-HT is a paracrine modulator involved in the physiological regulation of renal P(i) transport.

Dopamine and serotonin receptors: amino acid sequences, and clinical role in neuroleptic parkinsonism

This review summarizes the amino acid sequences of the human dopamine and serotonin receptors and their human variants. The review also examines the receptor basis of the atypical antipsychotic drugs that elicit less parkinsonism than the typical antipsychotics. Because the dissociation constant of a drug varies with the radioligand, the dissociation constants of many neuroleptics are here summarized for the dopamine D2-, D4- and serotonin S2A-receptors using different radioligands. Radioligands of low solubility in the membrane (having low tissue/buffer partition) result in lower values for the neuroleptic dissociation constants, compared to radioligands of high membrane solubility. Such studies yield the intrinsic K value for a neuroleptic in the absence of a competing ligand. Clozapine, for example, has an intrinsic K value of 1.6 nM at the D4-receptor, in agreement with the value of 1.6 nM when directly measured with [3H]clozapine at D4. However, because clozapine competes with endogenous dopamine, the in vivo clozapine concentration to occupy 75% of the dopamine D4-receptors is derived to be approximately 13 nM. This agrees with the value of 12 to 20 nM in the plasma water (or spinal fluid) observed in treated patients. Moreover, in L-DOPA psychosis (in Parkinson's disease), the clozapine concentration for 75% blockade of D4 is predicted to be approximately 3 nM. This agrees with the value of approximately 1.2 nM observed by Meltzer et al. in plasma water (Neuropsychopharmacology, 12, 39-45 (1995)). This analysis supports the concept and practical value of the intrinsic K values. Some atypical neuroleptics (remoxipride, clozapine, perlapine, seroquel and melperone) have high intrinsic K values (ranging from 30 to 88 nM) at the D2-receptor, making them displaceable by high levels of endogenous dopamine in the caudate/putamen. In contrast, however, typical neuroleptics (i.e., those that typically cause parkinsonism) have intrinsic K values of 0.3 to 6 nM, making them less displaceable by endogenous dopamine. A relationship exists between the neuroleptic doses for rat catalepsy and the D2/D4 ratio of the intrinsic K values. Thus, the atypical neuroleptics appear to fall into two groups, those that bind loosely to D2 and those that are selective at D4.

Alignment of receptor nomenclature with the human genome: classification of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes

The continuing rapid progress towards a complete database of structural information on the human genome creates a challenge of ensuring that current schemes for classifying and naming receptors and ion channels effectively integrate this information with functional data to provide unambiguous principles for classification. In this article, Paul Hartig and colleagues review the recent deliberations of the Serotonin Club Nomenclature Committee and outline a number of its recommendations aimed at encouraging consistency in current and future receptor nomenclature. Based on these principles, the present classification of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors is reconsidered, and a revised nomenclature for 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes is suggested.

Migraine to the year 2000

Although migraine is inextricably bound up with 5-hydroxytryptamine and its many receptors, its precise mechanisms continue to elude us and there is still no clear evidence supporting either a vascular or neurogenic hypothesis unequivocally. What appears to distinguish migraine sufferers from normal subjects may be a greater gentic sensitivity to a wide variety of triggering agents--even including nitric oxide and the migraine aura, as well as those more usually recognized. Attention is drawn to a possible role for neurotrophins, such as the hyperalgesia-provoking nerve growth factor (NGF) in particular, as well as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes in vertebrates and invertebrates

In the last few years, molecular biology has led to the cloning and characterization of several 5-HT receptors (serotonin receptors) in vertebrates and in invertebrates. These studies have allowed identification not only of 5-HT receptors already described but also of novel subtypes. The molecular cloning of 13 different mammalian receptor subtypes revealed an unexpected heterogeneity among 5-HT receptors. Except for the 5-HT3 receptors which are ligand-gated ion channel receptors, all the other 5-HT receptors belong to the large family of receptors interacting with G proteins. Based on their amino acid sequence homology and coupling to second messengers these receptors can be divided into distinct families: the 5-HT1 family contains receptors that are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase: the 5-HT2 family includes receptors that stimulate phospholipase C; the adenylyl cyclase stimulatory receptors are a heterogeneous group including the 5-HT4 receptor which has not yet been cloned, the Drosophila 5-HTdro1 receptor and two mammalian receptors tentatively named 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 receptors. The 5-HT5A and 5-HT5B receptors might constitute a new family of 5-HT receptors whose effectors are unknown. This review focusses on the molecular characteristics of the cloned 5-HT receptors such as their structure, their effector systems and their distribution within the central nervous system. The existence of a large number of receptors with distinct signalling properties and expression patterns might enable a single substance like 5-HT to generate simultaneously a large panel of effects in many brain structures. The availability of the genes encoding these receptors has already allowed a partial characterization of their structure-function relationship and will probably allow in the future a dissection of the contribution of each of these receptor subtypes to physiology and behaviour.

Molecular biology of serotonin (5-HT) receptors

The hypothesis that multiple serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptors exist was first developed in the 1950s. However, unequivocal proof of 5-HT receptor multiplicity required the availability of molecular biological technologies. Indeed, the multiplicity of 5-HT receptor subtypes, both within and between species, has far exceeded most of the predictions that might have been made on the basis of pharmacological data. Over the past few years, and especially in 1992 and 1993, numerous "new" 5-HT receptors were reported. In this review, the extensive data generated in the past few years are summarized in an evolutionary context.

Locating ligand-binding sites in 7TM receptors by protein engineering

Over the past year, mutational analysis of peptide receptors has started to change our understanding of the interaction between G protein coupled receptors and their ligands, an area previously almost totally dominated by results from studies of monoamine receptors. A picture is currently emerging, in which small ligands appear to bind in three (more or less) overlapping ligand-binding pockets in between the transmembrane segments. In contrast, contact residues for peptide and protein ligands have mainly been found in exterior regions of peptide and protein receptors. It is also becoming increasingly clear that agonists and antagonists may interact in vastly different manners, even though they are competitive ligands for a common receptor.