Release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from blood platelets

Synthesis, transport, and metabolism of serotonin formed from exogenously applied 5-HTP after spinal cord injury in rats

Spinal cord transection leads to elimination of brain stem-derived monoamine fibers that normally synthesize most of the monoamines in the spinal cord, including serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) synthesized from tryptophan by enzymes tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH, synthesizing 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP) and aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC, synthesizing 5-HT from 5-HTP). Here we examine whether spinal cord caudal to transection remains able to manufacture and metabolize 5-HT. Immunolabeling for AADC reveals that, while most AADC is confined to brain stem-derived monoamine fibers in spinal cords from normal rats, caudal to transection AADC is primarily found in blood vessel endothelial cells and pericytes as well as a novel group of neurons (NeuN positive and GFAP negative), all of which strongly upregulate AADC with injury. However, immunolabeling for 5-HT reveals that there is no detectable endogenous 5-HT synthesis in any structure in the spinal cord caudal to a chronic transection, including in AADC-containing vessels and neurons, consistent with a lack of TPH. In contrast, when we applied exogenous 5-HTP (in vitro or in vivo), AADC-containing vessels and neurons synthesized 5-HT, which contributed to increased motoneuron activity and muscle spasms (long-lasting reflexes, LLRs), by acting on 5-HT2 receptors (SB206553 sensitive) located on motoneurons (TTX resistant). Blocking monoamine oxidase (MAO) markedly increased the sensitivity of the motoneurons (LLR) to 5-HTP, more than it increased the sensitivity of motoneurons to 5-HT, suggesting that 5-HT synthesized from AADC is largely metabolized in AADC-containing neurons and vessels. In summary, after spinal cord injury AADC is upregulated in vessels, pericytes, and neurons but does not endogenously produce 5-HT, whereas when exogenous 5-HTP is provided AADC does produce functional amounts of 5-HT, some of which is able to escape metabolism by MAO, diffuse out of these AADC-containing cells, and ultimately act on 5-HT receptors on motoneurons.

Role of serotonin in thromboxane A2-induced coronary chemoreflex

We reported previously that the thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) mimetic U-46619 stimulates cardiac vagal afferent nerves, eliciting a reflex decrease in heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (ABP). The present experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that TxA(2) evokes these changes via the release of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and activation of the 5-HT(3) receptor. Injections of the 5-HT(3) antagonist tropisetron (1 mg of 3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate or ICS-205-930) attenuated the decreases in HR and ABP induced by left atrial injections of U-46619 (20 microg). Tropisetron administration also eliminated the U-46619-induced increase in impulse frequency in a majority of cardiac, vagal afferent units tested. Measurement of serum 5-HT levels revealed an elevation in serum 5-HT levels after U-46619 injection in those rabbits that displayed a significant HR change following injection of U-46619. These results indicate that although other factors may also contribute to these reflex responses, the release of 5-HT and stimulation of the 5-HT(3) receptor plays a significant role in coronary reflexes induced by TxA(2).

Seizure activity and hyperthermia potentiate the increases in dopamine and serotonin extracellular levels in the amygdala during exposure to d-amphetamine

Behavioral stereotypy, hyperthermia, and convulsive activity produced by exposure to multiple doses of d-amphetamine (AMPH) were related to changes in the extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) in the amygdala, using the technique of microdialysis in awake and freely moving rats. Hyperactivity and stereotypy, as well as increases in microdialysis dopamine levels ranging from 100-300% of pre-AMPH basal microdialysate levels (BL), occurred during exposure to 3 doses of 2.5 mg/kg (3 x 2.5 mg/kg) AMPH. Three doses of 5 mg/kg produced a more intense stereotypic behavior as well as hyperthermia, and resulted in large increases in the peak dopamine levels (700% BL) while 5-HT levels were increased to a lesser extent (300% BL). The highest doses tested of 3 x 15 mg/kg produced convulsive activity, seizures, intense stereotypy and hyperthermia with peak microdialysate dopamine (1300% BL) and 5-HT levels (1800% BL) that were 2-fold and 6-fold greater, respectively, than those at the 3 x 5-mg/kg doses. Microdialysate glutamate levels were not changed by AMPH exposure. Rats that did not become hyperthermic when dosed with 15 mg/kg AMPH in a cold environment (10 degrees C) exhibited some hyperactivity and stereotypic behavior, but not overt convulsive behavior. Dopamine and 5-HT levels in these rats were significantly reduced by about 75% and 60%, respectively, compared to the room-temperature group. Inclusion of 2 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX) in the microdialysis buffer significantly reduced the 15-mg/kg AMPH-induced increases in dopamine by 30% and the increase in 5-HT levels by 70% at room temperature. These results indicate that a smaller portion of the dopamine release evoked by doses of AMPH that induce seizure activity is neuronal impulse-dependent while the majority of 5-HT released is impulse-dependent. Irrespective of impulse activity, the hyperthermia alone markedly potentiated dopamine release but had a lesser effect on 5-HT release. Thus, there are differences in the regulation of dopamine and serotonin release in the amygdala from high doses of AMPH, which are known to produce neurotoxicity. Further studies are necessary to determine the impact of these differences in release on AMPH neurotoxicity.

Serotonin metabolism in the fetus in preeclampsia

We investigated serotonin (5-HT) metabolism in the fetus in preeclampsia by measuring free 5-HT, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and tryptophan concentrations in umbilical cord plasma and amniotic fluid, and 5-HT content in platelets by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Free 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in umbilical cord plasma were significantly higher in the severe preeclamptic group (S) than those in the non-preeclamptic group (N). The plasma 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in group S was significantly lower than that in group N. Platelet 5-HT content in group S tended to be lower than that in group N. Mean plasma beta-thromboglobulin concentration in group S was significantly higher than that in group N. There was no significant difference in plasma tryptophan levels between group S and N. These findings suggest that the higher levels of plasma free 5-HT in umbilical cord plasma in preeclampsia are attributable to excess release of 5-HT from platelets as well as lower monoamine oxidase activity.

Blood serotonin levels in postmenopausal women: effects of age and serum oestradiol levels

This study investigated the effect of ageing and reduction in ovarian function on whole blood serotonin levels and the effect of the oestrogen replacement in postmenopausal women on blood serotonin levels. Amenorrheic, natural postmenopausal and ovariectomised women had lower blood serotonin levels than regularly menstruating women. Blood serotonin levels increased after oestrogen replacement in postmenopausal women to values similar to those observed in regularly menstruating women. In ovariectomised women, the blood serotonin levels were inversely correlated with age (P < 0.01). In women with different serum oestradiol levels ranging 30-1335 pg/ml, a direct relationship was observed between serum oestradiol levels and whole blood serotonin levels (P < 0.001). It was concluded that whole blood serotonin concentration is reduced during menopause by suppression of ovarian function but may also be an effect of ageing.

Involvement of catecholamines and serotonin in human hypertension

Lumber cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of metabolites of noradrenaline, adrenaline and serotonin were estimated in patients of sustained hypertension (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 15). Platelet uptake of serotonin and its basal contents were also estimated in the same individuals. CSF 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid level (5-HIAA) (major metabolite of serotonin) was significantly higher in hypertensives than controls (p less than .01). CSF 3-methoxy, 5-hydroxy phenyl glycol (MHPG) (major metabolite of adrenaline and noradrenaline) level was also raised significantly in cases of hypertension (p less than .01). However, platelet uptake of serotonin as well as its basal contents in hypertension were significantly lower than controls (p less than .01). It can thus be postulated that there exists an increased central serotonergic and catecholaminergic activity in hypertension. Furthermore, alterations observed in platelet serotonin uptake and its basal content suggest the involvement of platelet serotonergic system in hypertension.

Serotonin in toxaemia of pregnancy

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) contents of maternal blood, fetal cord blood, and placenta from thirty-five patients with toxaemia of pregnancy and forty normal pregnant subjects were estimated. Placental monoamine oxidase activity from ten normal and ten toxaemic cases were also estimated. An increased content and uptake of serotonin by platelets in maternal blood from toxaemic patients were observed and there was a concomitant reduction in platelet count. Raised levels of serotonin and a decrease in monoamine oxidase levels were observed in placentas of the toxaemic group. The levels of serotonin in fetal cord blood were significantly higher than those in normal maternal blood. It is suggested that the fetus could be the source of increased serotonin in this syndrome, due to the decrease in monoamine oxidase activity in the toxaemic placenta. An abnormality in indole amine metabolism may contribute to the pathology associated with toxaemia of pregnancy.

The uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine in endothelial cells cultured from the pulmonary artery in rats. A cytochemical study

Endothelial cells from the rat pulmonary artery were cultured and identified ultrastructurally and immunocytochemically by the presence of factor VIII antigens. Monolayers of cultured cells were treated according to the Hillarp-Falck technique and studied cytofluorimetrically to estimate intracellular serotonin (5-HT) levels. An uptake of 5-HT from the incubation medium was demonstrated at a concentration of 10(-3) M. However, after inhibition of monoamine oxidase (nalamide 5 X 10(-4) M) to prevent intracellular degradation of the amine an uptake could be demonstrated at 10(-5) M. The amine uptake into endothelial cells utilizes an active pumpmechanism, since it was effectively antagonized by either imipramine (10(-4) M) or ouabain (10(-5) M). These in vitro findings contrast earlier cytofluorimetric in vivo studies, where 5-HT uptake predominantly occurred in interstitial mast cells.

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of endogenous serotonin released from aggregating platelets

High performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was developed for the determination of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) in rabbit platelet and plasma. A peak from tissue extract (peak a) was identified as serotonin based on retention time on the chromatogram, using a potential that gave limiting current on both a current-potential curve and gas chromatography-mass spectrum, as compared with that of authentic serotonin. For the assay of serotonin, 5-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine was used as an internal standard and the extraction recovery of the serotonin added to the platelet-rich plasma was almost total. Furthermore, using this highly sensitive method, it has been demonstrated that the release of endogenous serotonin from rabbit platelets occurs during collagen-induced platelet aggregation but not during adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation. The procedures described should prove to be simple and useful for pharmacological and physiological investigations on the relationship between platelet aggregation and release reaction.

The effects of neuroleptic drugs on 5-hydroxytryptamine induced platelet aggregation in schizophrenic patients

1 The effects of treatment with a range of neuroleptic drugs on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced platelet aggregation in vivo were examined in a group of recently admitted psychiatric patients and in a larger group of chronic schizophrenic patients. 2 Five of seven recently admitted patients treated with chlorpromazine showed enhanced aggregation. Four of seven patients treated with fluphenazine, flupenthixol, trifluoperazine and haloperidol showed enhancement. 3 Enhanced aggregation responses were observed in only 20% of chronic schizophrenic patients being treated with a neuroleptic drug. 4 The relationship between changes in platelet aggregation and clinical changes in recently admitted patients was variable and platelet aggregation responses were not predictive of response to treatment. 5 Chronic schizophrenic patients with enhanced aggregation showed significant week to week variation in platelet aggregation response. Variability of responses was not related to the drug used or to the dose administered. There was some evidence that higher plasma concentrations of neuroleptic drugs were associated with enhanced platelet aggregation responses. 6 Treatment with neuroleptic drugs leads to enhancement of platelet aggregation responses induced by 5-HT. The frequency and reliability with which such responses can be elicited is unpredictable and the value of platelet aggregation responses as an empirical guide to treatment with neuroleptic drugs is therefore open to question.

Effects of reserpine and propranolol on urinary excretion of histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in severe cold exposure in normal and cold-acclimated Guinea-pigs

The effects of cold-acclimation, reserpine and propranolol were investigated on the survival time, rectal temperature and urinary excretion of histamine and 5-HT in guinea-pigs at -20 degrees C. Both reserpine and propranolol shortened survival time by 3 hours and 1.5 hours respectively, the shortest time being in the cold-acclimated reserpine-treated animals. There was a trend in severe cold exposure to increased excretion of histamine both in the non-acclimated and in cold-acclimated animals. Reserpine did not change the excretion but increased the concentration of histamine from 0.08 to 0.25 microgram/ml. Propranolol proved to be a histamine liberator by increasing the excretion in non-acclimated from 0.10 to 1.40 microgram/h and concentration from 0.10 to 4.52 microgram/ml and in cold-acclimated animals the excretion from 0.20 to 2.85 microgram/h and the concentration from 0.08 to 3.23 microgram/ml. Severe cold increased the excretion of 5-HT in the non-acclimated animals from 0.08 to 0.21 microgram/h and cold acclimation increased this to 0.17 microgram/h. Reserpine diminished the excretion from 0.08 to 0.03 microgram/h in the non-acclimated animals, but propranolol had no effect. The results showed that the excretion of histamine and 5-HT into urine are changed in cold and can be modified with drugs. The application of the findings in proving a cold stress deserves further study.

A common uptake system for serotonin and dopamine in human platelets

Kinetic and pharmacologic properties of uptake of serotonin and dopamine by normal human platelets have been investigated to test whether platelets can be employed as a model system for the reuptake of serotonin and dopamine in brain. Uptake of serotonin into platelets closely resembles reuptake of serotonin into serotonergic neurons. In contrast, uptake of dopamine into platelets appears to be mediated inefficiently via the specific serotonin uptake mechanism, based upon several lines of evidence. Serotonin and dopamine compete with each other, Antidepressant drugs, which are competitive inhibitors of uptake of both of these neurotransmitters, act at the same concentration of drug despite large differences in the Km values. Serotonin antagonists inhibit both serotonin and dopamine uptake. Finally, a serotonin-specific uptake inhibitor (fluoxetine) blocks dopamine, as well as serotonin, uptake.

Release of platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine by some anorexic and other sympathomimetics and their acetyl derivatives

The effect on 5-hydroxytryptamine release from rabbit platelets to plasma of ten known sympathomimetic or anorectic phenethylamines and eight N- or O-acetyl derivatives of these substances were studied in order to find possible structure-action relationships and a possible correlation to the pulmonary hypertension inducing ability of some anorexigens. Among the mainly indirectly acting sympathomimetics amphetamine and ephedrine showed a similar high 5HT-releasing effect. Tyramine was slightly weaker, while the direct acting phenylephrine (metaoxedrine) and orciprenaline were much weaker. Acetylation increased the 5HT releasing effect of amphetamine, ephedrine and tyramine but decreased this effect of phenylephrine and orciprenaline. Among the anorectic phenethylamines the 5HT-releasing effect decreased in the following order, aminorex, amphetamine, clophorex, chlorphentermine, diethylpropion (amphepramon), phentermine. With regard to aminorex, which is a releaser of platelet 5HT and an inhibitor of both MAO activity and 5HT uptake in pulmonary tissue, it seems possible that the pulmonary hypertension can be caused by high concentration of free 5HT.

Effects of mazindol and d-fenfluramine of 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake, storage and metabolism in blood platelets

Mazindol induced a dose-related inhibition of the uptake of labelled 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by guinea pig blood platelets. It was more potent than d-fenfluramine. Mazindol and d-fenfluramine decreased 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid formation in intact platelets but not in sonicated ones. The inhibitory effects of both drugs appeared to the competitive in nature and were markedly reduced in platelets suspended in plasma instead of in Tyrode solution. Mazindol neither decreased the stored endogenous 5-HT nor caused efflux of the labelled amine from preloaded platelets, whereas d-fenfluramine induced a significant release of the amine. It is concluded that mazindol, like d-fenfluramine, competes with 5-HT for the same transport mechanisms at the cytoplasmic membrane level but this effect is not accompanied, as is the case with d-fenfluramine, by a concomitant release of the amine.

Shape change and aggregation of blood platelets: interaction between the effects of adenosine and diphosphate, 5-hydroxytryptamine and adrenaline

1 The interaction of effects between 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) on human or rabbit platelets was investigated in vitro. The initial platelet shape change and their aggregation were measured in stirred, citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at 37 degrees C by recording the rate and extent of changes in light scattering and light transmission. 2 Both the velocity and extent of aggregation and the velocity and extent of the rapid morphological change caused by ADP were enhanced by simultaneous addition of 5-HT. Methysergide but not imipramine inhibited the 5-HT effects. 3 Platelets were made refractory to the aggregating and shape changing effect of either ADP or 5-HT by repeated aggregation with the particular agent; platelets made refractory to ADP retained their responsiveness to 5-HT and platelets made refractory to 5-HT responded to ADP. Platelets pre-incubated for 3-10 min with 5-HT without aggregation showed greatly reduced aggregation on subsequent addition of ADP. Methysergide inhibited all the effects of 5-HT whilst imipramine was inactive. 4 When the shape change or aggregation of platelets induced by ADP was submaximal, addition of 5-HT increased it further. Pre-incubation of PRP with 5-HT before the addition of ADP resulted in failure of the secondary induction of aggregation or shape change by 5-HT. The secondary induction by 5-HT also did not occur in the presence of methysergide; imipramine had no inhibitory effect. Similar secondary induction of aggregation was shown by adrenaline injected during aggregation by ADP; the adrenaline effect was removed by phentolamine but not by propranolol. 5 Our results show that the initial change in shape of platelets and their aggregation can be induced by ADP or 5-HT in specific manner. The interaction of the effect of these substances on platelets can result in either increase in platelet sensitivity or, under certain conditions, decrease in platelet responsiveness. The increase or depression of platelet reactivity appears to be a highly specific effect and is probably mediated at specific receptors involved with platelet activation.

Uptake and liberation of mepacrine in blood platelets

1. Isolated platelets of guinea pigs incubated in Tyrode showed a rapid accumulation of 14C-mepacrine which was less dependent on temperature than that of 14C-5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT). 2. The uptake of mepacrine was not inhibited by imipramine, cocaine, ouabain, KCN, NaF, and reserpine. 3. Various 5HT-liberating drugs, e.g. Ro 4-1284 (benzoquinolizine derivative with reserpine-like action), amphetamine, tyramine and imipramine did not markedly affect the 14C-mepacrine content of platelets previously loaded with this compound. 4. Thrombin and chlorpromazine caused a liberation of 14C-mepacrine from the platelts which was however, less pronounced than that of 14C-5HT. 5. From these and previous findings it is concluded that 14C-mepacrine accumulates in the 5HT storage organelles by a reserpine-insensitive mechanism not dependent on an active transport at the cytoplasmatic membrane level.

Effect of fenfluramine on 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake and release by rat blood platelets

1. (+)-Flenfluramine reduces the central stores of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by a poorly understood mechanism. 2. Rat blood platelets have been used in this study as a simple model for serotoninergic nerve endings. 3. (+)-Fenfluramine shows a dual effect: it inhibits the uptake of (14C)-5-HT by platelets and it releases newly absorbed (14C)-5-HT from platelets. 4. The inhibition of (14C)-5-HT uptake induced by (+)-fenfluramine appears very rapidly, is concentration-dependent and seems not to be competitive. (+)-Fenfluramine is ten times less effective than chloroimipramine but tem times more effective than (+)-amphetamine; (+)-fenfluramine is more active than its (-)isomer or its metabolite norfenfluramine ((+)- or (-)-form). 5. The release of (14C)-5-HT from platelets induced by (+)-fenfluramine is concentration-dependent but increases wtih increased incubation time. Both chloroimipramine and (+)-amphetamine are in comparison very poor release inducers; (+)-fenfluramine is more active than its (-)-isomer or its metabolites. 6. The effect on (14C)-5-HT uptake exerted by (+)-fenfluramine and chloroimipramine in vitro could not be observed in vivo. 7. The observed effect on fenfluramine on the uptake and release of 5-HT may explain the lowering action of fenfluramine on the brain 5-HT level, an effect considered of importance for the anoretic effect on this drug.

A new modification for studying 5-HT uptake by blood platelets: a re-evaluation of tricyclic antidepressants as uptake inhibitors

The effect of imipramine and other antidepressive drugs on 5-HT uptake by rabbit platelets was re-evaluated, since it had become obvious that, in previous studies, too high substrate concentrations and too long incubation times had been used. A Km of 1·8 times 10−7m was obtained for 5-HT uptake when 1 min incubation in plasma was used. Imipramine caused a half-maximal inhibition at 10−7m or lower concentration. When the platelet-rich plasma was diluted with buffer solution, only about 2 times 10−8m imipramine was required for 50% inhibition. This concentration is only 1/500 to 1/100 of concentrations described in most earlier data. In this study, other tricyclic drugs and phenothiazine derivatives were also much more effective than previously demonstrated. Their rank of potency order was, however, very similar to that earlier described. The correlation of uptake inhibition in platelets with 5-HT uptake inhibition in brain synaptosomes was found to be highly significant. It is concluded that the previous studies give valuable information on the relative potency of different drugs inhibiting 5-HT uptake. When the technique is modified as suggested by the present results, the level of uptake-inhibiting potency in an absolute sense is close to that described for other tissues, especially brain synaptosomes or slices. Therefore, platelets can more reliably be used as an easily obtainable model for nerve endings in uptake studies.

Storage of ATP and 5-hydroxytryptamine in blood platelets of guinea-pigs

1. By density gradient centrifugation of homogenized blood platelets of guinea-pigs, subcellular organelles have been isolated which exhibit much higher concentrations (mumole/mug protein) of ATP than the whole platelets.2. The organelles also store endogenous 5-HT whose concentration is, however, considerably inferior to that of ATP.3. Investigated by electron microscopy most of the isolated organelles look empty and only very few show dense osmiophilic cores indicating the presence of 5-HT. Accordingly the occurrence of dense osmiophilic organelles in the whole platelets is also very rare.4. Exogenous 5-HT taken up by the platelets markedly accumulates in the subcellular fraction containing the organelles storing ATP. Concomitantly, the platelets show a rise in the number of osmiophilic organelles and the frequency of osmiophilic cores in the isolated organelles is increased.5. From these and previous in vitro experiments it is concluded that the so called 5-HT storage organelles of blood platelets primarily store ATP and only subsequently accumulate 5-HT.

The effect of drugs upon the uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine and metaraminol by human platelets

The abilities of some tricyclic and bicyclic antidepressive drugs and an α-receptor blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, to inhibit the uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and (—)-metaraminol into human platelets have been compared in vitro. All the drugs inhibited the uptake both of 5-HT and of metaraminol into platelets. But there were differences in their abilities to inhibit the uptake of these two monoamines. The desmethylated antidepressive drugs were more potent inhibitors of metaraminol uptake than were their tertiary analogues, whereas imipramine, a tertiary amine, was by far the best inhibitor of 5-HT uptake. The order of the activities of the antidepressive drugs in inhibiting the uptake of 5-HT and metaraminol into platelets paralleled their potencies in blocking the uptake of 5-HT, and noradrenaline or metaraminol into nerve endings. It is suggested that the uptake of 5-HT and metaraminol into platelets is a useful model for the neuronal uptake of 5-HT and noradrenaline, respectively.