Serotonin 5-HT(3) receptors in rat CA1 hippocampal interneurons: functional and molecular characterization

5-HT3Rs Maintain Hippocampal LTP in a CB1R-GABAA -Dependent Manner for Spatial Memory

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As the only ionotropic receptor in 5-HT receptor family, 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) involves in psychiatric disorders and its modulators have potential therapeutic effects for cognitive impairment in these disorders. However, it remains unclear how 5-HT3Rs shape synaptic plasticity for memory function.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Extracellular as well as whole-cell recordings were used to monitor hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices from 5-HT3AR knock-out or 5-HT3AR-GFP mice. Immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to measure receptor expression. We also assessed hippocampal dependent cognition and memory using the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition.

KEY RESULTS

We found that 5-HT3R dysfunction impaired hippocampal LTP in Schaffer collateral (SC)-CA1 pathway in hippocampal slices by facilitating GABAergic inputs in pyramidal cells. This effect was dependent on 5-HT3Rs on axon-terminals. It resulted from reduced expression and function of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) co-localized with 5-HT3Rs on axon terminals, which led to diminishment of tonic inhibition of GABA release by CB1Rs. Inhibition of CB1Rs mimicked the facilitation of GABAergic transmission by 5-HT3R disruption. Consequently, mice with hippocampal 5-HT3R disruption exhibited impaired spatial memory in Morris water maze tasks.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

These results suggest that 5-HT3Rs are crucial in enabling hippocampal synaptic plasticity via a novel CB1R-GABA_A -dependent pathway to regulate spatial memory.

Single-cell RNA-Seq characterization of anatomically identified OLM interneurons in different transgenic mouse lines

Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons create different brain activity patterns that correlate with behavioural states. In this characterizing study, we used single-cell RNA-Seq to analyse anatomically- and electrophysiologically identified hippocampal oriens-lacunosum moleculare (OLM) interneurons. OLMs express somatostatin (Sst), generate feedback inhibition and play important roles in theta oscillations and fear encoding. Although an anatomically- and biophysically homogenous population, OLMs presumably comprise of two functionally distinct types with different developmental origins, inferred from the expression pattern of serotonin type-3a (5-HT3a, or Htr3a) receptor subunit and 5-HT excitability in a set of OLMs. To broadly characterize OLM cells, we used the Sst-Cre and the BAC transgenic Htr3a-Cre mouse lines and separately analysed SstCre-OLM and Htr3aCre-OLM types. We found a surprisingly consistent expression of Npy in OLMs, which was previously not associated with the identity of this type. Our analyses furthermore revealed uniform expression of developmental origin-related genes, including transcription factors and neurexin isoforms, without providing support for the current view that OLMs may originate from multiple neurogenic zones. Together, we found that OLMs constitute a highly homogenous transcriptomic population. Finally, our results revealed surprisingly infrequent expression of Htr3a in only ~10% of OLMs and an apparently specific expression of the 5-HT3b subunit-coding gene Htr3b in Htr3aCre-OLMs, but not in SstCre-OLMs. However, additional in situ hybridization experiments suggested that the differential expression of Htr3b may represent an unexpected consequence arising from the design of the Htr3a-Cre BAC transgenic line.

BDNF val66met Polymorphism Impairs Hippocampal Long-Term Depression by Down-Regulation of 5-HT3 Receptors

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neuronal plasticity and cognitive functions. BDNF val66met polymorphism, a human single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the pro-domain of BDNF gene, is associated with deficits in activity-dependent BDNF secretion and hippocampus-dependent memory. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that in the BDNF^Met/Met mouse line mimicking the human SNP, BDNF expression in the hippocampus was decreased. There was a reduction in the total number of cells in hippocampal CA1 region, while hippocampal expression of mRNAs for NR2a, 2b, GluR1, 2 and GABA_ARβ3 subunits were up-regulated. Although basal glutamatergic neurotransmission was unaltered, hippocampal long-term depression (LTD) induced by low-frequency stimulation was impaired, which was partially rescued by exogenous application of BDNF. Interestingly, 5-HT3a receptors were down-regulated in the hippocampus of BDNF^Met/Met mice, whereas 5-HT2c receptors were up-regulated. Moreover, impaired LTD in BDNF^Met/Met mice was reversed by 5-HT3aR agonist. Thus, these observations indicate that BDNF val66met polymorphism changes hippocampal synaptic plasticity via down-regulation of 5-HT3a receptors, which may underlie cognition dysfunction of Met allele carriers.

Ventral tegmental area dopamine and GABA neurons: Physiological properties and expression of mRNA for endocannabinoid biosynthetic elements

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is involved in adaptive reward and motivation processing and is composed of dopamine (DA) and GABA neurons. Defining the elements regulating activity and synaptic plasticity of these cells is critical to understanding mechanisms of reward and addiction. While endocannabinoids (eCBs) that potentially contribute to addiction are known to be involved in synaptic plasticity mechanisms in the VTA, where they are produced is poorly understood. In this study, DA and GABAergic cells were identified using electrophysiology, cellular markers, and a transgenic mouse model that specifically labels GABA cells. Using single-cell RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, we investigated mRNA and proteins involved in eCB signaling such as diacylglycerol lipase α, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D, and 12-lipoxygenase, as well as type I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Our results demonstrate the first molecular evidence of colocalization of eCB biosynthetic enzyme and type I mGluR mRNA in VTA neurons. Further, these data reveal higher expression of mGluR1 in DA neurons, suggesting potential differences in eCB synthesis between DA and GABA neurons. These data collectively suggest that VTA GABAergic and DAergic cells have the potential to produce various eCBs implicated in altering neuronal activity or plasticity in adaptive motivational reward or addiction.

Novel fast adapting interneurons mediate cholinergic-induced fast GABAA inhibitory postsynaptic currents in striatal spiny neurons

Previous work suggests that neostriatal cholinergic interneurons control the activity of several classes of GABAergic interneurons through fast nicotinic receptor-mediated synaptic inputs. Although indirect evidence has suggested the existence of several classes of interneurons controlled by this mechanism, only one such cell type, the neuropeptide-Y-expressing neurogliaform neuron, has been identified to date. Here we tested the hypothesis that in addition to the neurogliaform neurons that elicit slow GABAergic inhibitory responses, another interneuron type exists in the striatum that receives strong nicotinic cholinergic input and elicits conventional fast GABAergic synaptic responses in projection neurons. We obtained in vitro slice recordings from double transgenic mice in which Channelrhodopsin-2 was natively expressed in cholinergic neurons and a population of serotonin receptor-3a-Cre-expressing GABAergic interneurons were visualized with tdTomato. We show that among the targeted GABAergic interneurons a novel type of interneuron, termed the fast-adapting interneuron, can be identified that is distinct from previously known interneurons based on immunocytochemical and electrophysiological criteria. We show using optogenetic activation of cholinergic inputs that fast-adapting interneurons receive a powerful supra-threshold nicotinic cholinergic input in vitro. Moreover, fast adapting neurons are densely connected to projection neurons and elicit fast, GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic current responses. The nicotinic receptor-mediated activation of fast-adapting interneurons may constitute an important mechanism through which cholinergic interneurons control the activity of projection neurons and perhaps the plasticity of their synaptic inputs when animals encounter reinforcing or otherwise salient stimuli.

5-HT3a Receptors Modulate Hippocampal Gamma Oscillations by Regulating Synchrony of Parvalbumin-Positive Interneurons

Gamma-frequency oscillatory activity plays an important role in information integration across brain areas. Disruption in gamma oscillations is implicated in cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders, and 5-HT3 receptors (5-HT3Rs) are suggested as therapeutic targets for cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders. Using a 5-HT3aR-EGFP transgenic mouse line and inducing gamma oscillations by carbachol in hippocampal slices, we show that activation of 5-HT3aRs, which are exclusively expressed in cholecystokinin (CCK)-containing interneurons, selectively suppressed and desynchronized firings in these interneurons by enhancing spike-frequency accommodation in a small conductance potassium (SK)-channel-dependent manner. Parvalbumin-positive interneurons therefore received diminished inhibitory input leading to increased but desynchronized firings of PV cells. As a consequence, the firing of pyramidal neurons was desynchronized and gamma oscillations were impaired. These effects were independent of 5-HT3aR-mediated CCK release. Our results therefore revealed an important role of 5-HT3aRs in gamma oscillations and identified a novel crosstalk among different types of interneurons for regulation of network oscillations. The functional link between 5-HT3aR and gamma oscillations may have implications for understanding the cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders.

Elevated serotonergic signaling amplifies synaptic noise and facilitates the emergence of epileptiform network oscillations

Serotonin fibers densely innervate the cortical sheath to regulate neuronal excitability, but its role in shaping network dynamics remains undetermined. We show that serotonin provides an excitatory tone to cortical neurons in the form of spontaneous synaptic noise through 5-HT3 receptors, which is persistent and can be augmented using fluoxetine, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. Augmented serotonin signaling also increases cortical network activity by enhancing synaptic excitation through activation of 5-HT2 receptors. This in turn facilitates the emergence of epileptiform network oscillations (10-16 Hz) known as fast runs. A computational model of cortical dynamics demonstrates that these two combined mechanisms, increased background synaptic noise and enhanced synaptic excitation, are sufficient to replicate the emergence fast runs and their statistics. Consistent with these findings, we show that blocking 5-HT2 receptors in vivo significantly raises the threshold for convulsant-induced seizures.

Functional α7 nicotinic ACh receptors on astrocytes in rat hippocampal CA1 slices

Although much is known about the functional expression of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in various neuronal populations in the brain and elsewhere, much less is known about their expression and functional relevance in glial cells. The expression of functional nAChRs has been reported for cultured astrocytes; however, previous work has failed to detect nAChR-mediated responses in astrocytes in acute slices. In the current study, functional α7 nAChRs on astrocytes in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus were studied in situ using whole-cell patch-clamp recording and two-photon calcium imaging techniques in acute slices. We found that astrocytes and the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan NG2-expressing (i.e., NG2) cells did express functional α7 nAChRs. Although the amplitudes of the responses were small, they could be enhanced by the α7-selective positive allosteric modulator PNU-120596. Under these conditions, we found that in comparing the properties of these responses between astrocytes, NG2, and interneurons, there were differences in the kinetics and increases in intracellular calcium levels. This is the first demonstration of functional α7 nAChR-mediated current responses in astrocytes in acute hippocampal slices, data which may shed light on the role of α7 nAChRs in neuroprotection.

Activation of cortical 5-HT(3) receptor-expressing interneurons induces NO mediated vasodilatations and NPY mediated vasoconstrictions

GABAergic interneurons are local integrators of cortical activity that have been reported to be involved in the control of cerebral blood flow (CBF) through their ability to produce vasoactive molecules and their rich innervation of neighboring blood vessels. They form a highly diverse population among which the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A receptor (5-HT_3A)-expressing interneurons share a common developmental origin, in addition to the responsiveness to serotonergic ascending pathway. We have recently shown that these neurons regroup two distinct subpopulations within the somatosensory cortex: Neuropeptide Y (NPY)-expressing interneurons, displaying morphological properties similar to those of neurogliaform cells and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)-expressing bipolar/bitufted interneurons. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of these neuronal populations in the control of vascular tone by monitoring blood vessels diameter changes, using infrared videomicroscopy in mouse neocortical slices. Bath applications of 1-(3-Chlorophenyl)biguanide hydrochloride (mCPBG), a 5-HT₃R agonist, induced both constrictions (30%) and dilations (70%) of penetrating arterioles within supragranular layers. All vasoconstrictions were abolished in the presence of the NPY receptor antagonist (BIBP 3226), suggesting that they were elicited by NPY release. Vasodilations persisted in the presence of the VIP receptor antagonist VPAC1 (PG-97-269), whereas they were blocked in the presence of the neuronal Nitric Oxide (NO) Synthase (nNOS) inhibitor, L-NNA. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that activation of neocortical 5-HT_3A-expressing interneurons by serotoninergic input could induces NO mediated vasodilatations and NPY mediated vasoconstrictions.

Serotonin receptors in hippocampus

Serotonin is an ancient molecular signal and a recognized neurotransmitter brainwide distributed with particular presence in hippocampus. Almost all serotonin receptor subtypes are expressed in hippocampus, which implicates an intricate modulating system, considering that they can be localized as autosynaptic, presynaptic, and postsynaptic receptors, even colocalized within the same cell and being target of homo- and heterodimerization. Neurons and glia, including immune cells, integrate a functional network that uses several serotonin receptors to regulate their roles in this particular part of the limbic system.

The auspicious role of the 5-HT3 receptor in depression: a probable neuronal target?

The serotonergic mechanisms have been successfully utilized by the majority of antidepressant drug discovery programmes, while the search for newer targets remains persistent. The present review focused on the serotonin type-3 receptor, the only ion channel subtype in the serotonin family. Behavioural, neurochemical, electrophysiological and molecular analyses, including the results from our laboratory, provided substantial evidence that rationalizes the correlation between serotonin type-3 receptor modulation and rodent depressive-like behaviour. Nevertheless, the reports on polymorphism of serotonin type-3 receptor genes and data from clinical studies (on serotonin type-3 receptor antagonists) were insufficient to corroborate the involvement of this receptor in the neurobiology of depression. The preclinical and clinical studies that have contradicted the antidepressant-like effects of serotonin type-3 receptor antagonists and the reasons underlying such disagreement were discussed. Finally, this critical review commended the serotonin type-3 receptor as a candidate neuronal antidepressant drug target.

3B but which 3B and that's just one of the questions: the heterogeneity of human 5-HT3 receptors

The 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor is expressed widely in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it mediates or modulates a wide range of physiological processes. The receptor is targeted by drugs administered for nausea and/or emesis and irritable bowel syndrome and has been proposed as a potential drug target in various psychiatric disorders. The 5-HT3 receptor is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel and belongs to the Cys-loop receptor family. In contrast to the immense heterogeneity characterizing other Cysloop receptors, native 5-HT3 receptors historically have been considered a much more homogenous receptor population. However, the recent discovery of additional 5-HT3 subunits and the dawning realization that central and peripheral 5-HT3 receptor populations might comprise several subtypes characterized by distinct functional properties has emphasized the complexity of human 5-HT3 receptor signaling. In this review potential implications of these findings and of the entirely new layer of interindividual diversity introduced to the 5-HT3 receptor system by genetic variations will be outlined.

Immunolabelling of the 5-HT3B receptor subunit in the central and peripheral nervous systems in rodents

The 5-HT(3) receptor is a member of the superfamily of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels involved in fast synaptic signalling and in modulation of neurotransmitter release. As for many other channel receptors, the electrophysiological properties and the functions of the 5-HT(3) receptor are determined by subunit composition of the pentameric channel. Because in situ hybridization did not allow the detection of mRNA encoding the 5-HT(3B) subunit in the rodent central nervous system, or in nearly half of the neurons expressing the 5-HT(3A) subunit in peripheral ganglia, it has been suggested that subunit composition could define at least two 5-HT(3) receptor-expressing neuronal populations. In order to challenge this hypothesis, we have developed polyclonal antibodies directed against a portion of the second intracytoplasmic loop of the mouse 5-HT(3B) subunit. Immunohistochemical analysis in the mouse and the rat revealed that immunolabelling was most prominent in peripheral ganglia, particularly in trigeminal ganglia (TG). In rats, transection or ligature of the infraorbital nerve resulted in a pronounced accumulation of immunoreactive material at the proximal side of the lesioned nerve, and an up-regulation of both subunits in 5-HT(3) receptor-expressing TG neurons. Surprisingly, nearly 100% of neurons expressing 5-HT(3A) subunits were also labelled by anti-5-HT(3B) antibodies. We also detected 5-HT(3B) immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampal CA1 layer and in scattered cortical neurons, indicating that detection of 5-HT(3) subunit mRNA by in situ hybridization might not provide really complete mapping of heteromeric 5-HT(3A/B) vs. homomeric 5-HT(3A) receptors in the peripheral and central nervous systems in rodents.

Inhibition of human 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3AB) receptors by etomidate, propofol and pentobarbital

The actions of intravenous anaesthetics on 5-HT(3AB) receptors have not been studied. Using oocyte electrophysiology, the effects of etomidate, propofol, and pentobarbital on human 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3AB) receptors were studied and compared. Inhibition of peak currents by all three compounds in both receptor subtypes was anaesthetic concentration-dependant and non-competitive. Because the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations for etomidate, propofol and pentobarbital in 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3AB) receptors were all above their respective anaesthetic concentrations, the results of our study suggest that neither 5-HT(3) receptor subtype contributes to the anaesthetic actions of etomidate, propofol or pentobarbital.

The 5-HT3 receptor as a therapeutic target

The 5-HT3 receptor is a neurotransmitter-gated ion channel. It is a member of the Cys-loop family of receptors, which also includes nicotinic acetylcholine, glycine and GABAA receptors. Each member of the family consists of an arrangement of five subunits surrounding a central ion-conducting pore. The 5-HT3 receptor binding site is composed of six loops from two adjacent subunits, and the critical ligand binding residues within these loops are well documented. There are a range of 5-HT3 receptor agonists and competitive antagonists, but it is the antagonists that dominate their clinical use. Studies have proposed a range of disease symptoms that might be amenable to 5-HT3 receptor selective compounds; however, so far only the treatment of emesis and irritable bowel syndrome have been fully realised. In this review, the authors look at the structure, function and distribution of 5-HT3 receptors and how this may influence their role in disease. The authors also describe the existing clinical applications of 5-HT3 antagonists and the future potential of these drugs.

Identification of 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B receptor subunits in human hippocampus

The pentameric 5-HT(3) receptor complex is a ligand-gated ion channel that mediates fast synaptic transmission in the brain. Expression of two subunits (5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3B) subunits) gives rise to at least two receptor isoforms (homomeric 5-HT(3A) and heteromeric 5-HT(3A/3B) receptors), which differ in their biophysical characteristics, although expression of these proteins has not been investigated in human brain. The expression of h5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3B) subunits in the human hippocampus was investigated using selective polyclonal antibodies (SDS-PAGE/Western blotting, immunohistochemistry), with expression of each subunit verified by PCR detection of subunit transcripts. 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3B) subunit immunoreactivity was identified within the human hippocampus. The cellular pattern of expression for each subunit was similar, with predominant immunoreactivity associated with pyramidal neurones in CA fields 2 and 3, and also the relatively large neurones within the hilus (CA4 field). Transcripts for each subunit were also identified in human hippocampal tissue. These findings indicate that human hippocampal neurones are capable of forming at least two, functionally different, isoforms of the 5-HT(3) receptor. Furthermore the expression pattern of 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3B) subunits in human hippocampus appears to differ with the rodent counterpart, which may underlie the differences in some of the behavioural effects of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists between these species.

A novel subpopulation of 5-HT type 3A receptor subunit immunoreactive interneurons in the rat basolateral amygdala

The amygdalar basolateral nuclear complex (BLC) has very high levels of the 5-HT type 3 receptor (5-HT(3)R). Previous studies have reported that 5-HT(3)R protein in the BLC is expressed in interneurons and that 5-HT(3)R mRNA is coexpressed with GABA and certain neuropeptides or calcium-binding proteins in these cells. However, there have been no detailed descriptions of the distribution of 5-HT(3)R+ neurons in the rat amygdala, and no quantitative studies of overlap of neurons expressing 5-HT(3)R protein with distinct interneuronal subpopulations in the BLC. The present investigation employed dual-labeling immunohistochemistry using antibodies to the 5-HT-3A receptor subunit (5-HT(3A)R) and specific interneuronal markers to address these questions. These studies revealed that there was a moderate density of nonpyramidal 5-HT(3A)R+ neurons in the BLC at all levels of the amygdala. In addition, immunostained cells were also seen in anterior portions of the cortical and medial nuclei. Although virtually all 5-HT(3A)R+ neurons in the BLC were GABA+, very few expressed neuropeptide or calcium-binding protein markers for individual subpopulations. The main interneuronal marker expressed by 5-HT(3A)R+ neurons was cholecystokinin (CCK), but only 8-16% of 5-HT(3)R+ neurons in the BLC, depending on the nucleus, were CCK+. Most of these CCK+/5-HT(3A)R+ double-labeled neurons appeared to belong to the subpopulation of large type L CCK+ interneurons. Very few 5-HT(3A)R+ neurons expressed calretinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or parvalbumin, and none expressed somatostatin or calbindin. Thus, the great majority of neurons expressing 5-HT(3A)R protein appear to constitute a previously unrecognized subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons in the BLC.

Tissue-specific alternative promoters of the serotonin receptor gene HTR3B in human brain and intestine

The serotonin receptor type 3 is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel regulating intestinal motility, nausea, and vomiting in humans. The HTR3B gene codes for the subunit B of this receptor. The HTR3B transcription start site is not unequivocally identified. In the present study we used transcription start site analyses, transcript-specific RT-PCR, and functional promoter analyses to identify the 5' structure of the HTR3B gene. According to these experiments, two alternative promoters control the expression of different HTR3B transcripts in the peripheral and central nervous system. The transcription start sites observed in the intestine corresponded to the current human genome annotation (NCBI Build 36.1, March 2006). The transcription start sites in the brain, however, were localized in a region about 4000 bp downstream. The brain transcripts lacked the coding first exon of the HTR3B structure published earlier but had an upstream-extended exon 2 containing a new potential translational start site. Reporter gene analyses showed significant promoter activity of the genomic region located 1560 bp upstream to 93 bp downstream of the brain-specific transcription start sites. This data suggests a different transcriptional regulation of the HTR3B gene in the peripheral and the central nervous system that leads to the expression of transcripts with variations in the 5' coding sequence. Further studies on the expression, structure and function of therefore expected tissue-specific 5-HT(3B) isoforms are required.

Distinguishable haplotype blocks in the HTR3A and HTR3B region in the Japanese reveal evidence of association of HTR3B with female major depression

BACKGROUND

Genetic variations in the serotonin receptor 3A (HTR3A) and 3B (HTR3B) genes, positioned in tandem on chromosome 11q23.2, have been shown to be associated with psychiatric disorders in samples of European ancestry. But the polymorphisms highlighted in these reports map to different locations in the two genes, therefore it is unclear which gene exerts a stronger effect on susceptibility.

METHODS

To determine the haplotype block structure in the genomic regions of HTR3A and HTR3B, and to examine whether genetic variations in the region show evidence of association with schizophrenia and affective disorder in the Japanese, we performed haplotype-based case-control analysis using 29 polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Two haplotype blocks each were revealed for HTR3A and HTR3B in Japanese samples. In HTR3B, haplotype block 2 that included a nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), yielded evidence of association with major depression in females (global p = .0023). Analysis employing genome-wide SNPs using the STRUCTURE program did not detect population stratification in the samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest an important role for HTR3B in major depression in women and also raise the possibility that previously proposed disease-associated SNPs in the HTR3A/B region in Caucasians are in linkage disequilibrium with haplotype block 2 of HTR3B in the Japanese.

Serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in the central nervous system

The 5-HT(3) receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel activated by serotonin (5-HT). Although originally identified in the peripheral nervous system, the 5-HT(3) receptor is also ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system. Sites of expression include several brain stem nuclei and higher cortical areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and cortex. On the subcellular level, both presynaptic and postsynaptic 5-HT(3) receptors can be found. Presynaptic 5-HT(3) receptors are involved in mediating or modulating neurotransmitter release. Postsynaptic 5-HT(3) receptors are preferentially expressed on interneurons. In view of this specific expression pattern and of the well-established role of 5-HT as a neurotransmitter shaping development, we speculate that 5-HT(3) receptors play a role in the formation and function of cortical circuits.

Detection of human and rodent 5-HT3B receptor subunits by anti-peptide polyclonal antibodies

BACKGROUND

The 5-HT3 receptor is a member of a neurotransmitter-gated ion channel family which includes nicotinic acetylcholine, GABAA, and glycine receptors. While antibodies specific for the 5-HT3A receptor subunit are plentiful, and have revealed a wealth of structural and functional information, few antisera exist for the detection of 5-HT3B receptor subunits. Here we describe the generation and characterisation of a rabbit polyclonal antiserum that specifically recognises 5-HT3B receptor subunits

RESULTS

Immunization of a rabbit with a 20-mer peptide, corresponding to the N-terminus of the human 5-HT3B receptor subunit, generated serum with polyclonal antibodies from which an IgG fraction was purified, yielding pAb77. The antibodies were shown to label 5-HT3B receptor subunits in transfected human embryonic kidney cells and rodent tissues using Western blots. Immunocytochemistry using pAb77 on these cells showed that 5-HT3B receptor subunits do not reach the plasma membrane in the absence of 5-HT3A receptor subunits. Immunohistochemical analysis of rat brain sections showed pAb77 immunoreactivity in distinct populations of cells in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that pAb77 antibodies specifically label native and recombinant 5-HT3B receptor subunits with high affinity and specificity. The antibody was shown to be useful for the determination of both receptor trafficking and also mapping 5-HT3B receptor subunit expression in the CNS.

Co-expression of the 5-HT(3B) subunit with the 5-HT(3A) receptor reduces alcohol sensitivity

Allosteric modulation of mouse 5-Hydroxytryptamine(3A) (5-HT(3A)) and 5-HT(3A/B) receptor function by ethanol and trichloroethanol (TCEt) was assessed in HEK293 cells with whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings. Ethanol enhanced 5-HT(3A) receptor function, but had no effect on mouse 5-HT(3A/B) receptor mediated currents. The enhancing action of trichloroethanol (TCEt) on mouse 5-HT(3A/B) receptor function was much less than that observed in the mouse 5-HT(3A) receptor. Where alcohol-induced increases in peak amplitude were observed, the slope of the 20-80% rising phase of current onset was also enhanced, suggesting that increases in activation rate may be one mechanism through which alcohols enhance function of the 5-HT(3) receptors.

The role of the hippocampus in the pathophysiology of major depression

Converging lines of research suggest that the hippocampal complex (HC) may have a role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Although postmortem studies show little cellular death in the HC of depressed patients, animal studies suggest that elevated glucocorticoid levels associated with MDD may negatively affect neurogenesis, cause excitotoxic damage or be associated with reduced levels of key neurotrophins in the HC. Antidepressant medications may counter these effects, having been shown to increase HC neurogenesis and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in animal studies. Neuropsychological studies have identified deficits in hippocampus-dependent recollection memory that may not abate with euthymia, and such memory impairment has been the most reliably documented cognitive abnormality in patients with MDD. Finally, data from imaging studies suggest both structural changes in the volume of the HC and functional alterations in frontotemporal and limbic circuits that may be critical for mood regulation. The extent to which such functional and structural changes determine clinical outcome in MDD remains unknown; a related, but also currently unanswered, question is whether the changes in HC function and structure observed in MDD are preventable or modifiable with effective treatment for the depressive illness.

Functional mapping and Ca2+ regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons

Diverse subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), including fast-desensitizing alpha7-containing receptors thought to be Ca2+-permeable, are expressed in the CNS, where they appear to regulate cognitive processing and synaptic plasticity. To understand the physiological role of nAChRs in regulating neuronal excitability, it is important to know the distribution of functional receptors along the surface of neurons, whether they can increase [Ca2+]i, and/or are regulated by Ca2+. We mapped the distribution of receptors on the membrane of rat hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons and pyramidal cells in acute slices by recording nAChR-mediated currents elicited by local UV laser-based photolysis of caged carbachol in patch-clamped neurons. The local application (approximately 7 microm patches) allowed mapping of functional nAChRs along the soma and dendritic tree, whereas the fast uncaging minimized the effects of desensitization of alpha7-containing nAChRs and allowed us to measure the kinetics of responses. The alpha7-containing nAChRs were the predominant subtype on interneurons, and were located primarily at perisomatic sites (<70 microm from the soma; in contrast to the more uniform distribution of glutamate receptors); no currents were detectable on pyramidal neurons. The activation of nAChRs increased [Ca2+]i, indicating that these native receptors in acute slices are significantly Ca2+-permeable, consistent with previous observations made with recombinant receptors. In addition, they exhibited strong desensitization, the rate of recovery from which was controlled by [Ca2+]i. Our results demonstrate the strategic location and Ca2+ regulation of alpha7-containing nAChRs, which may contribute to understanding their involvement in hippocampal plasticity.

Functional mapping and Ca2+ regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons

Diverse subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), including fast-desensitizing alpha7-containing receptors thought to be Ca2+-permeable, are expressed in the CNS, where they appear to regulate cognitive processing and synaptic plasticity. To understand the physiological role of nAChRs in regulating neuronal excitability, it is important to know the distribution of functional receptors along the surface of neurons, whether they can increase [Ca2+]i, and/or are regulated by Ca2+. We mapped the distribution of receptors on the membrane of rat hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons and pyramidal cells in acute slices by recording nAChR-mediated currents elicited by local UV laser-based photolysis of caged carbachol in patch-clamped neurons. The local application (approximately 7 microm patches) allowed mapping of functional nAChRs along the soma and dendritic tree, whereas the fast uncaging minimized the effects of desensitization of alpha7-containing nAChRs and allowed us to measure the kinetics of responses. The alpha7-containing nAChRs were the predominant subtype on interneurons, and were located primarily at perisomatic sites (<70 microm from the soma; in contrast to the more uniform distribution of glutamate receptors); no currents were detectable on pyramidal neurons. The activation of nAChRs increased [Ca2+]i, indicating that these native receptors in acute slices are significantly Ca2+-permeable, consistent with previous observations made with recombinant receptors. In addition, they exhibited strong desensitization, the rate of recovery from which was controlled by [Ca2+]i. Our results demonstrate the strategic location and Ca2+ regulation of alpha7-containing nAChRs, which may contribute to understanding their involvement in hippocampal plasticity.

Casein kinase ii (protein kinase ck2) regulates serotonin 5-ht(3) receptor channel function in ng108-15 cells

We have used whole-cell recording techniques in the mouse neuroblastoma X rat glioma hybrid NG108-15 cell line to test whether protein kinase CK2 (CK2; also known as casein kinase II) modulates the function of the serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor (5-HT(3)R) channel. The rapid application of 5-HT (50 microM) to NG108-15 cells elicits a 5-HT(3)R-mediated inward current response that rapidly reaches peak amplitude and then desensitizes in the continued presence of agonist. Internal dialysis with CK2 (20 micrograms/ml) via the patch pipette significantly increases the amplitude and decreases the rate of desensitization of the 5-HT(3)R-mediated responses. CK2 that had been heat-inactivated has no effect on either the amplitude or the kinetics of desensitization of the 5-HT(3)R responses. These data suggest that dialysis with protein kinase CK2 significantly enhanced current through the 5-HT(3)R channel, and that CK2 may be an important regulator of 5-HT(3)R channel function in the nervous system, possibly serving to facilitate the 5-HT-induced excitation of the cells.

5-HT3 receptors in the CNS: 3B or not 3B?

5-HT(3) receptors are widely distributed in the CNS and PNS where they participate in a variety of physiological processes. Native 5-HT(3) receptors in the CNS display functional and pharmacological heterogeneity, suggesting the existence of multiple receptor subunits. However, recent evidence suggests that of the two known subunits only the 5-HT(3A) receptor subunit (and not the 5-HT(3B) receptor subunit) is functionally present in the CNS. The molecular makeup of the 5-HT(3) receptor therefore remains an open question.

Ca2+ ions block and permeate serotonin 5-HT3 receptor channels in rat hippocampal interneurons

The serotonin 5-HT(3) receptor native to rat hippocampal CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons is blocked by Ca(2+) ions in a dose- and voltage-dependent manner, which is reflected by a region of negative slope conductance in the I-V curve. The steep dependence on the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration suggests that the channel contains more than one binding site for Ca(2+). A three barrier-two site model, based on Eyring rate theory, was used to describe the I-V curves. When extra- and intracellular K(+) and Cs(+) were substituted with Na(+), the I-V curves were accurately fit by the model, unlike the I-V curves recorded under standard ionic conditions. This suggests that the K(+) and Cs(+) permeabilities are small compared with that of Na(+). The distribution of the energy barriers and binding sites for Ca(2+) and Na(+) showed that the binding sites are located at approximately the 13' and the -4' position in the ion channel. The model predicts that at large hyperpolarized membrane potentials (more negative than -120 mV), the fractional Ca(2+) current amounts to approximately 1% of the total ion current. However, at physiologically relevant membrane potentials, the fractional Ca(2+) current is smaller (<0.1%) and the relative Ca(2+) permeability (P(Ca)/P(Na)) is estimated to be 0.10 at -60 mV.