Translational evaluation of JNJ-18038683, a 5-hydroxytryptamine type 7 receptor antagonist, on rapid eye movement sleep and in major depressive disorder

In rodents 5-hydroxytryptamine type 7 (5-HT(7)) receptor blockade has been shown to be effective in models of depression and to increase the latency to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and decrease REM duration. In the clinic, the REM sleep reduction observed with many antidepressants may serve as a biomarker. We report here the preclinical and clinical evaluation of a 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist, (3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-1-(phenylmethyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]azepine 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate) (JNJ-18038683). In rodents, JNJ-18038683 increased the latency to REM sleep and decreased REM duration, and this effect was maintained after repeated administration for 7 days. The compound was effective in the mouse tail suspension test. JNJ-18038683 enhanced serotonin transmission, antidepressant-like behavior, and REM sleep suppression induced by citalopram in rodents. In healthy human volunteers JNJ-18038683 prolonged REM latency and reduced REM sleep duration, demonstrating that the effect of 5-HT(7) blockade on REM sleep translated from rodents to humans. Like in rats, JNJ-18038683 enhanced REM sleep suppression induced by citalopram in humans, although a drug-drug interaction could not be ruled out. In a double-blind, active, and placebo-controlled clinical trial in 225 patients suffering from major depressive disorder, neither treatment with pharmacologically active doses of JNJ-18038683 or escitalopram separated from placebo, indicating a failed study lacking assay sensitivity. Post hoc analyses using an enrichment window strategy, where all the efficacy data from sites with an implausible high placebo response [placebo group Montgomery-?sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) < = 12] and from sites with no placebo response (MADRS > = 28) are removed, there was a clinically meaningful difference between JNJ-18038683 and placebo. Further clinical studies are required to characterize the potential antidepressant efficacy of JNJ-18038683.     

Regulation of extracellular concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in mouse striatum by 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors

The ability of selective serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists to reduce the extracellular concentration of 5-HT was examined in the striatum of awake, unrestrained mice by in vivo microdialysis. Systemic administration of either 8-OH-PIPAT (R-(+)-trans-8-hydroxy-2-[N-n-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)] aminotetralin), a novel 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, or CP 94,253, a selective 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist, resulted in significant dose-related reductions of striatal 5-HT. The effect of 8-OH-PIPAT (1.0 mg/kg) was blocked by pretreatment with WAY 100635 (0.1 mg/kg), a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, but it was not blocked by pretreatment with GR 127935 (0.056 mg/kg), a selective 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist. The effect of CP 94,253 (1.0 mg/kg) was blocked by pretreatment with GR 127935 (0.056 mg/kg) but was not blocked by pretreatment with WAY 100635 (0.1 mg/kg). Neither WAY 100635 nor GR 127935 altered extracellular 5-HT levels at the doses that were able to completely block the effects of either 8-OH-PIPAT or CP 94,253. The present findings suggest that, on systemic administration, both 8-OH-PIPAT and CP 94,253 are potent and selective agonists at the somatodendritic 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor and terminal 5-HT(1B/1D) autoreceptor, respectively, and are each able to cause decreases in extracellular levels of 5-HT in the mouse striatum by activating a distinct set of receptors.     

Central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors in blood pressure regulation.

Both intravenous and central administration of ketanserin, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, decrease blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity, suggesting a central origin of its effects. However, ketanserin also possesses alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking properties. Selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonists devoid of alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking properties, e.g. LY 53857 and cinanserin, fail to reduce blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity. In addition, 5-HT2 receptor agonists increase blood pressure and sympathetic nerve discharge. Therefore, it seems improbable that blockade of central 5-HT2 receptors alone could lead to a reduction in blood pressure. In contrast, the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT and flesinoxan decrease blood pressure and heart rate by a centrally-mediated decrease in sympathetic tone and an increase in vagal tone. The sympatho-inhibitory effects of 5-HT1A receptor agonists result from the stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors within the ventrolateral pressor area. These results suggest that selective 5-HT1A receptor agonists acting in the central nervous system could be developed for the treatment of hypertension. Indeed, drugs such as flesinoxan and urapidil are effective in this setting.     

Temporal regulation of agonist efficacy at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A and 5-HT 1B receptors

Coactivation of purinergic (P 2Y) receptors reduces agonist efficacy at serotonin 1B (5-HT 1B), but not 5-HT 1A receptors. Herein, we report that pretreatment for 5 min with the P 2Y receptor agonist ATP reduced agonist responsiveness at the 5-HT 1A, but not at the 5-HT 1B, receptor. The effect of ATP pretreatment on the 5-HT 1A receptor response rapidly reversed within a 10 min time frame between P 2Y receptor and 5-HT 1A receptor activation. ATP pretreatment effects on 5-HT 1A agonist responsiveness were blocked by the protein kinase inhibitors staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide, suggesting that the ATP-mediated temporal regulation involves activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Moreover, the temporal effect of ATP was blocked by incubation with 1% ethanol, suggesting that consequences of phospholipase D (PLD) activation play a role. ATP pretreatment blocked the inhibitory effect produced by 5-HT 2C receptor activation on the 5-HT 1A, but not the 5-HT 1B, receptor response, suggesting that the 5-HT 1A receptor itself was the target for PLD/PKC action. Finally, ethanol did not block the reduction in responsiveness of the 5-HT 1A receptor system produced by activation of PKC with phorbol ester treatment, suggesting that PKC activation lies downstream of PLD. Taken together, these data suggest that activation of P 2Y receptors can reduce responsiveness of the 5-HT 1A receptor system via a PLD/PKC-dependent mechanism that is highly dependent upon the temporal pattern of receptor activation. Moreover, this work underscores the importance of time as a variable in receptor signaling cross talk and serves to further illustrate differences between the 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 1B receptor systems.     

Emesis and defecations induced by the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor antagonist zacopride in the ferret

Three antiemetic compounds (zacopride, batanopride, granisetron [BRL43694]) were evaluated for the production of gastrointestinal side effects in the conscious ferret after i.v. or p.o. administration. Zacopride evoked multiple emetic and defecatory responses at clinically relevant doses (0.003-0.3 mg/kg) and in a dose-dependent manner. The oral route was the more potent one for eliciting emesis (ED50 0.033 mg/kg). At 0.3 mg/kg p.o., zacopride reliably evoked an 80 to 100% incidence of emesis and a 40 to 80% incidence of defecation. In contrast, batanopride and BRL43694 i.v. evoked a small (10%) incidence of these side effects, but only at 0.1 to 10 mg/kg doses. When given p.o. (0.00003-10 mg/kg), these latter compounds never evoked emesis and significantly reduced (P less than .05) the incidence of defecation below that of vehicle. Responses to zacopride (0.3 mg/kg p.o.) were challenged by i.p. pretreatment with the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist 2-methyl serotonin, the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist BRL43694, the quaternary atropine derivative glycopyrrolate, the dopamine receptor antagonist domperidone or selective abdominal vagotomies. All compounds and either bilateral or dorsal vagotomy significantly reduced the incidence of emesis, but did not abolish it. Latency to first emesis was delayed by BRL43694, domperidone or dorsal vagotomy. The data suggest that the emetic response to p.o. zacopride is mediated in part by 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors residing on either enteric neurons or vagal afferents. However, the underlying pharmacology of the response may also include activation of cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways.     

Increase of capsaicin-induced trigeminal Fos-like immunoreactivity by 5-HT(7) receptors

Objective.— To explore whether pharmacological stimulation of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine₇ (5‐HT₇) receptor modulates Fos‐like immunoreactivity in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis of rats. Background.— The serotonin 5‐HT₇ receptor was proposed to be involved in migraine pathogenesis and evidence suggests it plays a role in peripheral nociception and hyperalgesia through an action on sensory afferent neurons. Methods.— The potential activating or sensitizing role of 5‐HT₇ receptors on trigeminal sensory neurons, as visualized by Fos‐like immunoreactivity in the superficial layers of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis in rats, was investigated using the 5‐HT₇ receptor agonist, LP‐211, in the absence and the presence of intracisternal capsaicin, respectively. The agonist effect was characterized with the 5‐HT₇ receptor antagonist, SB‐656104. Male Wistar rats received a subcutaneous injection of LP‐211, SB‐656104, and SB‐656104 + LP‐211. They were then anesthetized and prepared to receive an intracisternal injection of capsaicin or its vehicle. Animals were perfused and brains removed; sections of the brain stem from the area postrema to the CI level were obtained and processed for Fos immunohistochemistry. Results.— Capsaicin but not its vehicle induced Fos‐like immunoreactivity within laminae I and II of trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Pretreatment with LP‐211 had no effect on Fos‐like immunoreactivity but strongly increased the response produced by capsaicin; this effect was abolished by SB‐656104. Interestingly, capsaicin‐induced Fos‐like immunoreactivity was abolished by SB‐656104 pretreatment thus suggesting involvement of endogenous 5‐HT. Conclusions.— Data suggest that 5‐HT₇ receptors increase activation of meningeal trigeminovascular afferents and/or transmission of nociceptive information in the brain stem. This mechanism could be relevant in migraine and its prophylactic treatment.     

Antagonism of 5-hydroxytryptamine(4) receptors attenuates hyperactivity induced by cocaine: putative role for 5-hydroxytryptamine(4) receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell.

The localization of 5-hydroxytryptamine(4) (5-HT(4)) receptors suggests their role in the regulation of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, a speculation that has been supported by neurochemical studies. Mesolimbic DA systems play a prominent role in mediating the behavioral effects of the abused psychostimulant cocaine, and the intent of the present study was to assess the role of 5-HT(4) receptors in the control of spontaneous and cocaine-induced activity. Systemic administration of the 5-HT(4) receptor partial agonist 1-(4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-3-[1-butyl-4-piperidinyl]1-propa none hydrochloride (RS 67333; 0.0001-1 mg/kg) or the 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-benzoic acid-(diethylamino)ethyl ester hydrochloride (SDZ 205,557; 0.0001-1 mg/kg) did not significantly alter spontaneous activity, whereas SDZ 205,557 significantly attenuated cocaine-induced horizontal activity and rearing. To test the hypothesis that cocaine-elicited behaviors were modulated by 5-HT(4) receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, two separate groups of male rats were implanted with bilateral cannulas aimed at the NAc shell. Intra-NAc shell microinjections of either RS 67333 (1 or 3 microgram/0.2 microliter/side) or SDZ 205,557 (1-5 microgram/0.2 microliter/side) did not alter spontaneous activity observed after a systemic saline injection but did significantly attenuate the hyperactivity induced by systemic cocaine injection (10 mg/kg). These results support an involvement of 5-HT(4) receptors, particularly those in the NAc shell, in the locomotor stimulatory effects of cocaine. Furthermore, these data suggest that 5-HT(4) receptors may regulate behavioral processes dependent on mesolimbic DA pathways and may provide a novel target for the development of medications useful in the treatment of both drug dependence and psychiatric disorders.     

Functional selectivity of hallucinogenic phenethylamine and phenylisopropylamine derivatives at human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A and 5-HT2C receptors

2,5-Dimethoxy-4-substituted phenylisopropylamines and phenethylamines are 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) (5-HT)(2A/2C) agonists. The former are partial to full agonists, whereas the latter are partial to weak agonists. However, most data come from studies analyzing phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated responses, although additional effectors [e.g., phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))] are associated with these receptors. We compared two homologous series of phenylisopropylamines and phenethylamines measuring both PLA(2) and PLC responses in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells expressing human 5-HT(2A) or 5-HT(2C) receptors. In addition, we assayed both groups of compounds as head shake inducers in rats. At the 5-HT(2C) receptor, most compounds were partial agonists for both pathways. Relative efficacy of some phenylisopropylamines was higher for both responses compared with their phenethylamine counterparts, whereas for others, no differences were found. At the 5-HT(2A) receptor, most compounds behaved as partial agonists, but unlike findings at 5-HT(2C) receptors, all phenylisopropylamines were more efficacious than their phenethylamine counterparts. 2,5-Dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine activated only the PLC pathway at both receptor subtypes, 2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine was selective for PLC at the 5-HT(2C) receptor, and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-nitrophenethylamine was PLA(2)-specific at the 5-HT(2A) receptor. For both receptors, the rank order of efficacy of compounds differed depending upon which response was measured. The phenylisopropylamines were strong head shake inducers, whereas their phenethylamine congeners were not, in agreement with in vitro results and the involvement of 5-HT(2A) receptors in the head shake response. Our results support the concept of functional selectivity and indicate that subtle changes in ligand structure can result in significant differences in the cellular signaling profile.     

Role of peripheral 5-HT(4), 5-HT(6), and 5-HT(7) receptors in development and maintenance of secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia

The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)₄, 5-HT₆, and 5-HT₇ receptors in formalin-induced secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in rats was assessed. Formalin produced acute nociceptive behaviors (flinching and licking/lifting) followed by long-term secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Pretreatment (−10 min) with cromoglycate (195-1950 nmol/paw) partially inhibited acute nociceptive behaviors and completely prevented secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia on day 6 after injection. Ipsilateral peripheral pretreatment with the selective 5-HT₄ (ML-10302, 1-100 nmol/paw), 5-HT₆ (EMD-386088, 0.001-0.01 nmol/paw), and 5-HT₇ (LP-12, 0.01-100 nmol/paw) receptor agonists significantly increased secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. In contrast, ipsilateral peripheral pretreatment with the selective 5-HT₄ (GR-125487, 1-100 nmol/paw), 5-HT₆ (SB-258585, 0.00001-0.001 nmol/paw), and 5-HT₇ (SB-269970, 0.1-10 nmol/paw) receptor antagonists significantly prevented formalin-induced secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. The pronociceptive effect of ML-10302 (100 nmol/paw), EMD-386088 (0.01 nmol/paw), and LP-12 (100 nmol/paw) were completely prevented by GR-125487 (5-HT₄ antagonist, 1 nmol/paw), SB-258585 (5-HT₆ antagonist, 0.00001 nmol/paw), and SB-269970 (5-HT₇, antagonist, 0.01 nmol/paw), respectively. Ipsilateral peripheral posttreatment with cromoglycate or GR-125487 (1-100 nmol/paw), SB-258585 (0.001-0.1 nmol/paw), and SB-269970 (0.1-10 nmol/paw) reversed formalin-induced secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. Results suggest that a barrage of afferent input induced by 5-HT at peripheral 5-HT₄, 5-HT₆, and 5-HT₇ receptors participate in the development and maintenance of formalin-induced long-term secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in the rat.     

Relationship between receptors mediating serotonin (5-HT) contractions in the canine basilar artery to 5-HT1, 5-HT2 and rat stomach fundus 5-HT receptors

The receptors responsible for contraction to serotonin (5-HT) in the canine basilar artery have not been definitively established to date. Several selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonists (spiperone, ketanserin and LY53857) did not inhibit markedly 5-HT-induced contractions in the canine basilar artery in doses higher than required for substantial inhibition of 5-HT2 receptor-mediated responses. These data suggest that the receptors mediating 5-HT-induced contractions in the basilar artery are not 5-HT2 receptors. Using a series of 5-HT antagonists with relatively high affinity at 5-HT1 sites, over a 1000-fold difference occurred in their ability to block 5-HT receptors in the canine basilar artery, in spite of the similar and high affinity of the antagonists at 5-HT1 binding sites. These data support the contention that 5-HT receptors in the canine basilar artery are not 5-HT1 receptors as defined by ligand binding studies in brain cortical membranes. Similarity of the contractile effects of 5-HT in the rat stomach fundus and in the basilar artery coupled to the previous observations that receptors mediating 5-HT-induced contractions in the fundus were not 5-HT1, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B or 5-HT2 led us to consider the possibility that 5-HT receptors in the canine basilar artery may resemble those in the rat stomach fundus. The affinity of several 5-HT antagonists determined in the canine basilar artery correlated extremely well (correlation coefficient = 0.96) with the affinities obtained for the same antagonists in the rat stomach fundus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Selective and divergent regulation of cortical 5-HT(2A) receptors in rabbit.

It is well established that repeated administration of both 5-hydroxytryptamine(2) (5-HT(2)) receptor agonists and antagonists decreases the density of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors. However, the regulation of these two receptors has not been studied in the same tissue. Therefore, we examined the effects of repeated daily injections of the 5-HT(2) receptor agonists (+/-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the antagonists d-2-bromolysergic acid diethylamide hydrogen tartrate (BOL) and alpha-phenyl-2-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinemethanol (MDL 11,939) on rabbit cortical 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors. Repeated administration of DOI, LSD, or BOL decreased cortical 5-HT(2A) receptor density but had no effect on the density of cortical 5-HT(2C) receptors. Repeated administration of the selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist MDL 11,939 significantly increased 5-HT(2A) receptor density. This unexpected outcome also occurred without any change in cortical 5-HT(2C) receptor density. The down-regulation of 5-HT(2A) receptors produced by chronic administration of BOL was associated with a decrease in DOI-elicited head bobs, whereas 5-HT(2A) receptor up-regulation produced by MDL 11,939 was associated with an increase in DOI-elicited head bobs compared with controls. These studies demonstrate that 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists can both down- and up-regulate the density of cortical 5-HT(2A) receptors and these changes in receptor density have functional consequences for 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated behaviors. Furthermore, because DOI, LSD, and BOL have approximately equal affinities for the 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors, these results suggest that different mechanisms regulate 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptor density, in that chronic occupation of 5-HT(2C) receptors does not modulate their density in rabbit frontal cortex.     

LY215840, a potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 receptor antagonist, blocks vascular and platelet 5-HT2 receptors and delays occlusion in a rabbit model of thrombosis.

Certain ergolines are potent and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 receptor antagonists. Previous studies with two ergoline esters, LY53857 and sergolexole, documented their potency as 5-HT2 receptor antagonists and their metabolism in rats to a less active metabolite, 1-isopropyl dihydrolysergic acid. LY215840, an ergoline amide, has been identified as a potent 5-HT2 receptor antagonist that is not hydrolyzed to 1-isopropyl dihydrolysergic acid. In the rat jugular vein, LY215840 (3 x 109-10) to 10(-8) M) blocked 5-HT2 receptors mediating contraction to 5-HT in vitro. After i.v. and p.o. administration to rats, LY215840 was a potent 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, documented by its ability to block the pressor response to 5-HT administered i.v. Furthermore, after i.v. and p.o. administration of LY215840, blockade of vascular 5-HT2 receptors persisted in excess of 2 and 6 hr, respectively. LY215840 also blocked vascular 5-HT2 receptors in doses that did not affect alpha-1, beta-1 receptors or angiotensin II pressor responses, documenting the selectivity of LY215840 as an inhibitor of 5-HT2 and not other vascular receptors that modulate vasoconstriction. In addition to inhibiting vascular 5-HT2 receptors, LY215840 also inhibited 5-HT-amplified, ADP-induced aggregation (another 5-HT2 receptor-mediated response) in both rabbit and human platelets. Because of its ability to block both platelet and vascular 5-HT2 receptors, we studied the effectiveness of LY215840 in the rabbit carotid artery model of vascular occlusion. Low i.v. doses of LY215840 markedly prolonged time to vascular occlusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Reduction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A)-mediated temperature and neuroendocrine responses and 5-HT(1A) binding sites in 5-HT transporter knockout mice

The aim of the present study was to determine whether alterations in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A) receptors would be found in knockout mice lacking the serotonin transporter (5-HTT). Hypothermic and neuroendocrine responses to the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetraline (8-OH-DPAT) were used to examine the function of 5-HT(1A) receptors. Initial studies evaluated the dose-response and time course of 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia and hormone secretion in normal CD-1 mice (the background strain of the 5-HTT knockout mice). 8-OH-DPAT dose-dependently produced hypothermic responses that peaked at 20 min postinjection. 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia was blocked by the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635. 8-OH-DPAT dose-dependently increased the concentrations of plasma oxytocin, corticotropin, and corticosterone. In the 5-HTT knockout (-/-) mice, the hypothermic response to 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg s.c.) was completely abolished. Furthermore, 5-HTT-/- mice had significantly attenuated plasma oxytocin and corticosterone responses to 8-OH-DPAT. No significant changes in the hypothermic or hormonal responses to 8-OH-DPAT were observed in heterozygous (5-HTT+/-) mice. [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT- and [(125)I]MPPI [4-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2"-pyridinyl)-iodobenzamido]ethyl] pip erazine]-binding sites in the hypothalamus and [(125)I]MPPI-binding sites in the dorsal raphe were significantly decreased in 5-HTT-/- mice. The results indicate that lack of the 5-HTT is associated with a functional desensitization of 5-HT(1A) receptor responses to 8-OH-DPAT, which may be a consequence, at least in part, of the decrease in density of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the hypothalamus and dorsal raphe of 5-HTT-/- mice.     

The time-course for up- and down-regulation of the cortical 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor density predicts 5-HT2A receptor-mediated behavior in the rabbit

5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin; 5-HT)2 receptor agonists such as (+/-)-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) injected systemically or directly into frontal cortex, elicit stereotyped head movements that are mediated by 5-HT2A receptors. Chronic administration of 5-HT2A receptor antagonists can produce either a down-regulation, e.g., d-2-bromolysergic acid diethylamide (BOL) or an up-regulation, e.g., alpha-phenyl-10(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinemethanol (MDL11,939) of cortical 5-HT2A receptors in the rabbit with no change in the density of the 5-HT2C receptor. We examined the degree to which the time course for the onset and offset of changes in cortical 5-HT2A receptor density was correlated with functional changes as measured by the magnitude of DOI elicited, 5-HT2A receptor-mediated head movements (head bobs). First, the magnitude of DOI-elicited head bobs was measured over 1 to 8 days after chronic BOL (5.8 micromol/kg), MDL11,939 (10 micromol/kg), or vehicle administration. Second, rabbits were injected with BOL, MDL11,939, or vehicle once daily for 8 days, and then, 1 to 8 days after the cessation of drug or vehicle, DOI-elicited head bobs were determined. Samples of frontal cortex were obtained for each animal immediately following behavioral testing, and 5-HT2A receptor density was measured using [3H]ketanserin. Thus, each animal provided a value for receptor density and number of head bobs, and these two measures showed a high degree of correlation between 0.94 for BOL and 0.95 for MDL11,939. This study establishes that the density of 5-HT2A receptors in cortex reflects their functional status.     

Spinal 5-HT(2) and 5-HT(3) receptors mediate low, but not high, frequency TENS-induced antihyperalgesia in rats

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a form of non-pharmacological treatment for pain. Involvement of descending inhibitory systems is implicated in TENS-induced analgesia. In the present study, the roles of spinal 5-HT and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in TENS analgesia were investigated in rats. Hyperalgesia was induced by inflaming the knee joint with 3% kaolin-carrageenan mixture and assessed by measuring paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to heat before and 4 h after injection. The (1). alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine (30 microg), (2). 5-HT antagonist methysergide (5-HT(1). and 5-HT(2). 30 microg), one of the 5-HT receptor subtype antagonists, (3). NAN-190 (5-HT(1A), 15 microg), (4). ketanserin (5-HT(2A), 30 microg), (5). MDL-72222 (5-HT(3), 12 microg), or (6). vehicle was administered intrathecally prior to TENS treatment. Low (4 Hz) or high (100 Hz) frequency TENS at sensory intensity was then applied to the inflamed knee for 20 min and PWL was determined. Selectivity of the antagonists used was confirmed using respective agonists administered intrathecally. Yohimbine had no effect on the antihyperalgesia produced by low or high frequency TENS. Methysergide and MDL-72222 prevented the antihyperalgesia produced by low, but not high, frequency TENS. Ketanserin attenuated the antihyperalgesic effects of low frequency TENS whereas NAN-190 had no effect. The results from the present study show that spinal 5-HT receptors mediate low, but not high, frequency TENS-induced antihyperalgesia through activation of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(3) receptors in rats. Furthermore, spinal noradrenergic receptors are not involved in either low or high frequency TENS antihyperalgesia.     

F 11356, a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) derivative with potent, selective, and unique high intrinsic activity at 5-HT1B/1D receptors in models relevant to migraine.

F 11356 (4-[4-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-yloxyl]acetyl]piperazinyl-1-yl] ben zonitrile) was designed to take advantage of the superior potency and efficacy characteristics of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) compared with tryptamine at 5-HT1B/1D receptors. F 11356 has subnanomolar affinity for cloned human and nonhuman 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors, and its affinity for 5-HT1A and other 5-HT receptors, including the 5-ht1F subtype, is 50-fold lower and micromolar, respectively. In C6 cells expressing human 5-HT1B or human 5-HT1D receptors, F 11356 was the most potent compound in inhibiting forskolin-induced cyclic AMP formation (pD2 = 8.9 and 9.6), and in contrast to tryptamine and derivatives, it produced maximal enhancement of [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate-specific binding equivalent to 5-HT. F 11356 was equipotent to 5-HT (pD2 = 7.1 versus 7.2) and more potent than tryptamine derivatives in contracting rabbit isolated saphenous vein. In isolated guinea pig trigeminal ganglion neurons, F 11356 was more potent (pD2 = 7.3 versus 6.7) and induced greater increases in outward hyperpolarizing Ca2+-dependent K+ current than sumatriptan. In anesthetized pigs, F 11356 elicited highly cranioselective, more potent (from 0.16 microgram/kg i.v.) and greater carotid vasoconstriction than tryptamine derivatives. Decreases in carotid blood flow were observed in conscious dogs from 0.63 mg/kg oral F 11356 in the absence of changes in heart rate or behavior. Oral activity was confirmed when hypothermic responses were elicited in guinea pigs (ED50 = 1.6 mg/kg), suggesting that F 11356 also accesses the brain. F 11356 thus is a selective, high-potency agonist at 5-HT1B/1D receptors, which distinguishes itself from tryptamine and derivatives in exerting high intrinsic activity at these receptors in vascular and neuronal models relevant to migraine.     

The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes and plasticity in the 5-HT systems in the regulation of nociceptive sensitivity

This review shows that the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the regulation of nociception depends on the 5-HT receptor subtypes involved and on long-term functional changes in the 5-HT receptors. Stimulation of the 5-HT₁ receptors, as well as of the 5-HT₂ and 5-HT₃ receptors, may reduce nociceptive sensitivity. In addition, activation of 5-HT₂ and 5-HT₃ receptors may also enhance nociceptive sensitivity. Up- or down-regulation of the 5-HT receptors may result in long-lasting changes, plasticity, in the 5-HT systems. Lesioning of 5-HT neurons induces denervation supersensitivity to 5-HT, and prolonged stimulation of 5-HT receptors may produce subsensitivity to 5-HT. In the spinal cord denervation supersensitivity to 5-HT may depend on reduced release of substance P (SP). An increase in the release of SP, on the other hand, may reduce the effects of 5-HT receptor activation. Long-term treatment with antidepressants which are used in clinical pain therapy appears to up-regulate the 5-HT₁ receptors and to down-regulate the 5-HT₂ receptors.     

The novel melatonin agonist agomelatine (S20098) is an antagonist at 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptors,blockade of which enhances the activity of frontocortical dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways

Agomelatine (S20098) displayed pKi values of 6.4 and 6.2 at native (porcine) and cloned, human (h)5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2C receptors, respectively. It also interacted with h5-HT2B receptors (6.6), whereas it showed low affinity at native (rat)/cloned, human 5-HT2A (<5.0/5.3) and 5-HT1A (<5.0/5.2) receptors, and negligible (<5.0) affinity for other 5-HT receptors. In antibody capture/scintillation proximity assays, agomelatine concentration dependently and competitively abolished h5-HT2C receptor-mediated activation of Gq/11 and Gi3 (pA2 values of 6.0 and 6.1). As measured by [3H]phosphatidylinositol depletion, agomelatine abolished activation of phospholipase C by h5-HT2C (pKB value of 6.1) and h5-HT2B (pKB value of 6.6) receptors. In vivo, it dose dependently blocked induction of penile erections by the 5-HT2C agonists (S)-2-(6-chloro-5-fluoroindol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine (Ro60,0175) and 1-methyl-2-(5,8,8-trimethyl-8H-3-aza-cyclopenta[a]inden-3-yl) ethylamine (Ro60,0332). Furthermore, agomelatine dose dependently enhanced dialysis levels of dopamine in frontal cortex of freely moving rats, whereas they were unaffected in nucleus accumbens and striatum. Although the electrical activity of ventrotegmental dopaminergic neurons was unaffected agomelatine, it abolished their inhibition by Ro60,0175. Extracellular levels of noradrenaline in frontal cortex were also dose dependently enhanced by agomelatine in parallel with an acceleration in the firing rate of adrenergic cell bodies in the locus coeruleus. These increases in noradrenaline and dopamine levels were unaffected by the selective melatonin antagonist N-[2-(5-ethyl-benzo[b]thien-3-yl)ethyl] acetamide (S22153) and likely flect blockade of 5-HT2C receptors inhibitory to frontocortical dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways. Correspondingly, distinction to agomelatine, melatonin showed negligible activity 5-HT2C receptors and failed to modify the activity of adrenergic and dopaminergic pathways. In conclusion, in contrast to melatonin, agomelatine behaves as an antagonist at 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors: blockade of the latter reinforces frontocortical adrenergic and dopaminergic transmission.     

An excitatory role for 5-HT in spinal inflammatory nociceptive transmission; state-dependent actions via dorsal horn 5-HT(3) receptors in the anaesthetized rat

The involvement of 5-HT(3) receptor mediated modulation of formalin and carrageenan induced inflammatory transmission was investigated. The effects of the selective 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist ondansetron on the electrically evoked responses of dorsal horn neurones in normal animals were compared to those following carrageenan. The effect of pre-treatment on the formalin response was also studied. Ondansetron had no significant effect on the electrically evoked responses of dorsal horn neurones in normal animals or following carrageenan induced inflammation, but significantly inhibited both phases of the formalin response. Our results suggest that 5-HT(3) receptors in the spinal cord have no significant role under normal conditions. However, during formalin (but not carrageenan) induced inflammation this system is activated, maintaining the response of nociceptive spinal neurones to peripheral formalin.     

Reconsideration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(7) receptor distribution using [(3)H]5-carboxamidotryptamine and [(3)H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetraline: analysis in brain of 5-HT(1A) knockout and 5-HT(1A/1B) double-knockout mice

The characterization and anatomical distribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(7) receptor binding sites in brain tissue has been hampered by the lack of a specific radioligand. In the present autoradiographic study, we took advantage of 5-HT(1A) knockout and 5-HT(1A/1B) double-knockout mice to revisit the pharmacological characterization and anatomical localization of 5-HT(7) binding sites in mouse brain using [(3)H]5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and [(3)H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetraline (8-OH-DPAT). The distribution pattern of [(3)H]5-CT binding sites (2 nM) in the brain of mice lacking the 5-HT(1A/1B) receptor was scarce and confined to the septum, globus pallidus, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, cortex, and substantia nigra. The low densities of [(3)H]5-CT binding sites detected in septum, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and cortex were displaced by 10 microM of the selective 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist (R)-3-(2-(2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl) ethyl)pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl) phenol (SB-269970). The SB-269970-insensitive [(3)H]5-CT binding sites detected in globus pallidus and substantia nigra of 5-HT(1A/1B) knockout mice were displaced by N-[3-(2-dimethylamino)ethoxy-4-methoxy-phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'- (5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-carboxamide hydrochloride (SB-216641) (1 microM), demonstrating the 5-HT(1D) nature of these binding sites. In contrast to the low densities of [(3)H]5-CT binding sites, high-to-moderate densities of [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites (10 nM) were found throughout the brain of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1A/1B) knockout mice (olfactory system, septum, thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, CA3 field of the hippocampus, cortical mantle, and central gray). These [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites were displaced by 10 microM SB-269970, risperidone, and methiothepin but not by pindolol, N-tert-butyl-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-phenylpropanamide (WAY- 100135), or citalopram. We conclude that despite its high affinity for the 5-HT(7) receptor in tissue homogenates, [(3)H]5-CT is not a good tracer for measuring 5-HT(7) receptor binding sites autoradiographically. Also, the lower affinity ligand [(3)H]8-OH-DPAT is a much better tracer for autoradiographic studies at the 5-HT(7) receptor binding sites.