Gi proteins and the response to 5-hydroxytryptamine in porcine cultured endothelial cells with impaired release of EDRF.

1. The receptor-mediated release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s) (EDRF) requires the presence of different functional G proteins in endothelial cells. Release of EDRF in response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), which involves activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi proteins, is impaired in both regenerated endothelium of the coronary artery following balloon catheterization and in porcine cultured endothelial cells. This study used porcine cultured endothelial cells as a model of regenerated endothelium to determine if the abnormal release of EDRF in response to 5-HT may be associated with the loss of functional pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi proteins. 2. Binding studies on porcine cultured endothelial cells demonstrated specific binding sites for [3H]-5-HT. Scatchard analyses revealed a single binding site for [3H]-5-HT with Kd of 7.2 +/- 3.5 nM and maximal binding (Bmax) of 121.4 +/- 51.3 fmol mg-1 protein. Binding of [3H]-5-HT was displaced by methiothepin (5-HT1 and 5-HT2 antagonist; Ki = 6.2 +/- 1.2 nM), but not by ketanserin (preferential 5-HT2 antagonist). 3. Gi alpha 1 protein was expressed in cultured but not in native endothelial cells. Gi alpha 2 and Gi alpha 3 proteins were expressed to significant levels in porcine native and cultured endothelial cells, as detected by Northern and Western blot analysis. 4. In membranes from cultured endothelial cells, two bands of 40 and 41 kDa, which corresponded to the Gi alpha 2 and the combination of Gi alpha 3-Gi alpha 1 proteins, respectively, were ADP-ribosylated by pertussis toxin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Physical evidence of the coupling of solubilized 5-HT1A binding sites with G regulatory proteins

Previous investigations (El Mestikawy et al., J Neurochem 51: 1031-1040, 1988) have shown that 5-HT1A binding sites (R[5-HT1A]) solubilized by CHAPS from rat hippocampal membranes can be modulated by guanine nucleotides, as expected from their solubilization together with associated G regulatory proteins (G). Studies of the hydrodynamic properties of solubilized R[5-HT1A] have been presently carried out in order to assess in a more direct way the presence of R[5-HT1A]-G complexes in the soluble extract. Under control conditions, the sedimentation of a CHAPS extract from hippocampal membranes through a 5-30% sucrose gradient (200,000 g, 17 hr, 4 degrees) gave two maxima of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding activity corresponding to sedimentation coefficients of 8.0 S and 10.0 S, respectively. Running the gradient in the presence of 1 microM GTP revealed a significant reduction of the 10.0 S peak, as expected from the loss of material (probably a G protein) normally associated with R[5-HT1A]. Conversely, attempts to prevent the dissociation of R[5-HT1A]-G by treatment of CHAPS soluble hippocampal extracts with the cross-linking reagent disuccinimidyl suberate (0.1 mM) resulted in a significant increase (+70%) in [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding activity associated with the appearance of a new sedimenting material with a higher coefficient (16.5 S). Furthermore, [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding became almost completely insensitive to guanine nucleotides as expected from the irreversible coupling by disuccinimidyl suberate of R[5-HT1A] with G protein(s). WGA-agarose chromatography of CHAPS soluble hippocampal extract supplemented with GTP allowed the physical separation of R[5-HT1A] from the bulk of G proteins, and a concomitant decrease of [3H]8-OH-DPAT high affinity binding capacity. Partial recovery of the latter could be achieved by reconstituting R[5-HT1A]-G complexes upon the addition of a mixture of pure bovine Gi + Go to G-deprived soluble extracts. Finally in vivo treatment with Pertussis toxin (5 micrograms intracerebroventricularly, 48 hr before killing) resulted in a significant reduction of the specific binding of [3H]8-OH-DPAT (-36%) to hippocampal membranes and corresponding CHAPS soluble extracts, and a marked decrease in the inhibitory effect of GppNHp. Accordingly the G protein associated with R[5-HT1A] belongs probably to the Gi or Go families.     

Selective effects of thiol reagents on the binding sites for imipramine and neurotransmitter amines in the rat brain.

The action of the antithyroid drugs methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) on the binding of [3H]-imipramine, [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine [3H]-5-HT) (to 5-HT1-receptors) and [3H]-spiperone (to 5-HT2-, D2-receptors) of rat brain membranes has been examined. The synaptosomal uptake of [3H]-5-HT was also studied. Micromolar concentrations of the disulphide bond reducing agents MMI, PTU, dithiothreitol (DTT) and mercaptoethanol increased both the binding of [3H]-imipramine and the uptake of [3H]-5-HT. In contrast, they decreased the number of 5-HT1-receptors, and did not affect 5-HT2-and D2-sites. Reaction with membrane-bound sulphydryl (SH) groups by micromolar concentrations of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), hydroxymercuribenzoic acid (PCMB), or Ellman's reagent (DTNB) decreased the binding of [3H]-imipramine, the number of 5-HT1-receptors, and the uptake of [3H]-5-HT. Millimolar concentrations of NEM were necessary in order to decrease partially 5-HT2- and D2-receptors. The effects of NEM on imipramine recognition sites and on the uptake of 5-HT could be prevented by DTT; protection was not obtained in other receptor systems. Three groups of receptors have been, thus, postulated, based upon their different sensitivity towards alterations in membrane [disulphide bridges in equilibrium SH] equilibrium: Group I, including imipramine recognition sites and the uptake system for 5-HT; Group II, including 5-HT1-receptors; Group III, including 5-HT2-and D2-receptors.     

Regulation of GDP and GTP binding in cardiac sarcolemma by muscarinic receptor agonists.

Regulation of GTP and GDP binding and GTPase activity of cardiac sarcolemmal guanine nucleotide-binding proteins was investigated. In purified sarcolemmal membranes, carbachol and a variety of other muscarinic receptor (MR) agonists induced increases in [3H]GTP, [gamma-32P]GTP, and [3H]GDP binding to relatively high affinity sites. Carbachol-dependent GTP and GDP binding changes were maximal within 5 sec at 30 degrees and thereafter remained at steady state. Carbachol increased GTP binding to two sites with apparent Kapp values of 50 nM and 250 nM and GDP binding to a single site with a Kapp of 100 nM. N-Ethylmaleimide attenuated carbachol-dependent GDP and GTP binding, tentatively identifying the binding sites as Gi and/or Go. Further studies showed that [3H]GDP and [3H]GTP bound to Gi/Go in the presence of carbachol rapidly exchanged with GTP and GDP in the medium. In membranes preincubated with carbachol and [gamma-32P]GTP or carbachol and [3H]GDP, postaddition of atropine resulted in complete hydrolysis of [gamma-32P]GTP bound to Gi/Go, to unlabeled GDP and 32Pi, by GTPase, within 10 sec, whereas [3H]GDP remained bound. This study also showed that bound [3H]GDP did not exchange with GDP or GTP in the absence of an MR agonist. Under identical conditions, atropine reversed adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibition by carbachol and GTP or GDP in 5-10 sec. MR agonists appear to increase the rate of dissociation of GDP from Gi/Go, which results in rapid GTP turnover on these sites by a combination of GTPase and GDP/GTP exchange reactions. Furthermore, MR-Gi/Go may be tightly coupled during AC inhibition, so that GTP hydrolysis as well as MR-Gi/Go uncoupling may be required to reverse AC inhibition.     

Protection with phencyclidine against inactivation of 5-HT2 receptors by sulfhydryl-modifying reagents

We investigated whether phencyclidine (PCP)-induced head-twitch was antagonized in rats by ritanserin, a selective serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptor antagonist, to confirm the involvement of 5-HT neurons in PCP action and to discover whether PCP could protect the binding sites of [3H]PCP and [3H]ketanserin from the inhibitory effect of protein-modifying reagents which affect sulfhydryl groups. PCP (7.5, 10 and 12.5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced head-twitch was completely antagonized by ritanserin (1 mg/kg, s.c.). Scatchard plots of specific [3H]PCP and [3H]ketanserin binding showed that sulfhydryl-modifying reagent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, 100 microM) caused a significant decrease in Bmax without changing Kd. PCP (10 microM) and ritanserin (1 microM) protected [3H]PCP and [3H]ketanserin binding sites from the decrease in the number induced by NEM (100 microM). 5-HT protected [3H]5-HT binding sites from inactivation by NEM, but PCP and ritanserin did not show any effect. On the basis of the present findings, it is concluded that PCP can interact with 5-HT2 receptors directly or allosterically, and 5-HT2 receptors may locate at PCP binding sites in membranes.     

Molecular pharmacology of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 recognition sites in rat and pig brain membranes: radioligand binding studies with [3H]5-HT, [3H]8-OH-DPAT, (-)[125I]iodocyanopindolol, [3H]mesulergine and [3H]ketanserin

The pharmacological characteristics of the binding of [3H]8-OH-DPAT ([3H]8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, [125I]CYP ((-)[125I]iodocyanopindolol) (in the presence of 30 microM (-)isoprenaline) and [3H]mesulergine to 5-HT1 recognition sites were studied in rat and pig brain membranes. [3H]8-OH-DPAT bound in rat and pig cortex to the 5-HT1A recognition site characterized by high affinity for 5-CT (5-carboxamido-tryptamine), 8-OH-DPAT, 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin) and low affinity for pirenperone, ketanserin and mesulergine. [125I]CYP bound in rat but not in pig cortex to the 5-HT1B site which shows high affinity for (-)21-009 (4[3-ter-butyl-amino-2-hydroxy-propoxy]indol-2-carbonic acid isopropyl ester), (+/-)ICYP (3-I-cyanopindolol), 5-HT, RU 24969 (5-methoxy-3-[1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridon-4-yl]1H-indole) and low affinity for 8-OH-DPAT, mesulergine and pirenperone. [3H]Mesulergine bound in pig choroid plexus and in rat cortex (besides binding to 5-HT2 sites in rat cortex) to the 5-HT1C recognition site characterized by high affinity for metergoline, mesulergine, 5-HT and methergine and low affinity for (-)21-009, ICYP, 8-OH-DPAT and spiroperidol. The pharmacological profile of 5-HT1A sites in rat and pig cortex appears to be identical; 5-HT1C sites in pig choroid plexus and rat cortex show no differences. In contrast, it was not possible to label 5-HT1B sites with [125I]CYP in pig brain membranes indicating that like 5-HT2 receptors, 5-HT1 recognition sites show species differences. The pharmacological profiles of the three 5-HT1 recognition sites are clearly different from one another. Furthermore, the pharmacological profile of each individual 5-HT1 recognition site is also different from that of the 5-HT2 receptors labelled with [3H]ketanserin in rat cortex membranes although some similarities exist between 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C sites. Finally, the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist (-)21-009 which has different affinities for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C recognition sites, yielded triphasic competition curves for [3H]5-HT binding in rat cortex membranes providing evidence that [3H]5-HT labels three distinct 5-HT1 sites in these membranes.     

Effects of N-ethylmaleimide on adenosine receptors of rat fat cells and human platelets

N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) differentially modified Ri adenosine receptors in rat fat cells and Ra adenosine receptors in human platelets. Pretreatment of rat fat cell membranes with NEM inhibited the binding of the agonist (-)N6-phenylisopropyl[3H]adenosine [( 3H]PIA), but did not affect the binding of the antagonist 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine [( 3H]DPX). The IC50-value for inhibition of [3H]PIA binding was 0.067 mM. Saturation of [3H]PIA binding revealed that NEM converts the high affinity form of the Ri receptor into a low affinity form. NEM also decreased the potency of agonists to displace [3H]DPX binding, as shown by a 74-fold shift of the Ki-value for (-)PIA, whereas antagonist-induced displacement remained unchanged. In addition, low concentrations of NEM (0.01-0.1 mM) attenuated the (-)PIA-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity of rat fat cells. At higher concentrations (0.1-1 mM) NEM reduced basal and stimulated adenylate cyclase activities in rat fat cells and human platelets, presumably by inactivation of the catalytic unit. Radioligand binding of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido[3H]-adenosine [( 3H]NECA) to Ra adenosine receptors of human platelet membranes was not changed by NEM at low radioligand concentrations. Saturation analysis of [3H]-NECA binding showed that NEM led to an apparent increase of agonist affinity with a concomitant decrease in total [3H]NECA binding sites. These results suggest that NEM reduces the affinity of Ri adenosine receptors, probably by affecting the inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Ni), whereas [3H]NECA binding sites are inversely affected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Uncoupling of gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptors from GTP-binding proteins by N-ethylmaleimide: effect of N-ethylmaleimide on purified GTP-binding proteins

Treatment of membranes from bovine cerebral cortex with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) resulted in inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding to GABAB receptors. The binding curve for increasing concentrations of agonist was shifted to the right by NEM treatment. Guanine nucleotide had little effect on the binding of GABA to NEM-treated membranes. The addition of purified GTP-binding proteins, which were the substrates of islet-activating protein (IAP), pertussis toxin, to the NEM-treated membranes caused a shift of the binding curve to the left, suggesting modification of GTP-binding proteins rather than receptors by NEM. Therefore, the effect of NEM on two purified GTP-binding proteins, Gi (composed of three subunits with molecular weight of alpha, 41,000; beta, 35,000; gamma, 10,000) and Go (alpha, 39,000; beta, 35,000; gamma, 10,000) was studied. NEM did not significantly change guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding and GTPase activity of these two proteins. In contrast, NEM-treated Gi and Go were not ADP-ribosylated by IAP and did not increase GABA binding to NEM-treated membranes. When alpha and beta gamma subunits were treated with NEM and then mixed with nontreated alpha and beta gamma to form Gi or Go, respectively, both oligomers with NEM-treated alpha-subunits lost their abilities to be IAP substrates and to couple to receptors. These results indicate that NEM uncoupled GTP-binding proteins from receptors by modifying alpha-subunits of GTP-binding proteins, and the site seemed to be on or near the site of ADP-ribosylation by IAP. When alpha and beta gamma subunits were treated with NEM and then mixed to form Gi or Go, GTP gamma S binding in the absence of Mg2+ and GTPase activity were changed, although they were not affected when oligomers were treated with NEM. The results suggest the existence of another sulfhydryl group which is protected from NEM by the association of subunits. The modification of this sulfhydryl group by NEM appeared to interfere with the interaction between alpha and beta gamma.     

Irreversible blockade of central 5-HT1A receptor binding sites by the photoaffinity probe 8-methoxy-3'-NAP-amino-PAT

A new photoaffinity ligand derived from the potent 5-HT agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, has been synthesized. In the dark, this compound, 8-methoxy-2-(N-n-propyl,N-3-(2-nitro-4-azidophenyl)aminopropyl) aminotetralin or 8-methoxy-3'-NAP-amino-PAT, displaced [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]5-HT bound to 5-HT1A and 5-HT1 sites in hippocampal membranes with IC50 values of 6.6 and 18.1 nM respectively. The apparent affinity of 8-methoxy-3'-NAP-amino-PAT for the 5-HT1A binding sites was at least 20 times higher than for the other 5-HT receptor sites (5-HT2 and 5-HT3) or the dopamine-related [3H]spiperone and [3H]7-OH-DPAT binding sites. Under UV irradiation (lambda = 366 nm), 8-methoxy-3'-NAP-amino-PAT produced an irreversible blockade of 5-HT1A sites which could be prevented by prior site occupancy by a saturating concentration (10 microM) of reversible 5-HT ligands such as 5-HT itself, 8-OH-DPAT or LSD. The blockade of 5-HT1A binding sites was concentration-dependent, and two successive irradiations of rat brain membranes in the presence of 30 nM 8-methoxy-3'-NAP-amino-PAT were found to be more efficient that a single exposure to 100 nM of the photosensitive ligand. Thus, a 55-60% irreversible blockade of 5-HT1A binding sites was achieved following 2 cumulative irradiations of hippocampal membranes with 30 nM 8-methoxy-3'-NAP-amino-PAT. Under such conditions, cortical 5-HT2 receptor binding sites as well as striatal 5-HT3 and dopamine-related binding sites remained unaltered.     

[3H]-5-carboxamidotryptamine labels 5-HT1D binding sites in bovine substantia nigra.

1. [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been shown to radiolabel at least five types of 5-HT binding sites in mammalian brain tissue, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1C, 5-HT1D and 5-HT1D and 5-HT1E (Frazer et al., 1990). Selective masking of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1C receptors, has uncovered binding sites which display both high (5-HT1D) and low (5-HT1E) affinity for 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT). By utilizing [3H]-5-CT we have eliminated a portion of the complex binding (5-HT1E) seen when [3H]-5-HT is used as a radioligand. 2. [3H]-5-CT binding to 5-HT1D sites in bovine substantia nigra was rapid, reversible and saturable, displaying high affinity (Kd = 0.38 +/- 0.04 nM) and low non-specific binding (> 90% specific binding). 3. In bovine substantia nigra, [3H]-5-CT labelled an equivalent number of binding sites to [3H]-5-CT (403 +/- 18 and 362 +/- 20 fmol mg-1 protein, respectively) and binding was sensitive to guanine nucleotides. 4. A linear correlation (r2 = 0.99) existed between the potency of compounds to displace [3H]-5-HT and [3H]-5-CT in bovine substantia nigra. 5. Therefore, [3H]-5-CT is a novel radioligand for the examination of 5-HT1-like binding sites, which under proper experimental conditions can be used to radiolabel selectively 5-HT-1D-like binding sites.     

Effects of sulfhydryl-modifying reagents, 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl compounds, on the coupling between inhibitory receptors and GTP-binding proteins Gi/Go in rat brain membranes

To gain insight into the coupling mechanism of inhibitory receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors and alpha 2-adrenoceptors, with GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in the central nervous system, we examined the effects of two 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl compounds, S-(3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl)-L-cysteine [Cys(Npys)] and N-t-butoxy-carbonyl-S-(3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl)-L-cysteine [Boc-Cys(Npys)], on 1) specific binding of [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (5-hydroxytryptamine1A agonist) and [3H]clonidine (alpha 2-agonist) to rat brain membranes, 2) [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding, and 3) pertussis toxin (islet-activating protein) (IAP)-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of purified Go (an IAP-sensitive G protein present in abundance in the mammalian brain). Treatment with Cys(Npys) led to decreased [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]clonidine binding, similar to the inhibitory effects of IAP and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) on such binding. However, further treatment of Cys(Npys)-pretreated membranes with dithiothreitol completely abolished the inhibitory effect of Cys(Npys) on the binding of both ligands. On the other hand, treatment with Boc-Cys(Npys) inhibited the effect of several GTP analogs (GTP gamma S, guanylyl-imidodiphosphate, guanylyl)-(beta, gamma-methylene)-diphosphate, and GTP) on [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]clonidine binding. Dithiothreitol and mercaptoethanol treatment of Boc-Cys(Npys)-pretreated membranes did not lead to a recovery of the effect of GTP analogs on agonist binding. Regardless of the presence or absence of GTP gamma S, agonist binding to Boc-Cys(Npys)-pretreated membranes was decreased by further addition of NEM or Cys(Npys). Cys(Npys) blocked [35S]GTP gamma S binding as well as IAP-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation in purified Go. In contrast, Boc-Cys(Npys) partially inhibited ADP-ribosylation and did not affect [35S]GTP gamma S binding. These results suggested that Cys(Npys) modifies the receptor-coupling domain in G proteins, followed by the uncoupling of inhibitory receptors from G proteins, similar to the effects of NEM and IAP. Boc-Cys(Npys), however, seems to stabilize the coupling state between the receptors and G proteins, thus abolishing the GTP gamma S effect.     

Transitional states of the neuronal serotonergic site

Binding of [³H]5-HT was studied wuing purified neuronal membranes isolted frrom horse brain striatum. It is shown that the preincubation of these membranes with an agonist (5-HT, bufotenin) followed by washibng, modifined the binding of [³H]5-GT from a low affinity to a high affinity constant. This effect was blocked by previous pretreatment of the membranes with a sulfhydryl group reagent (N-ethylmaleimide) and was reversed by guanoside 5′-triphosphate.     

5-HT1A-receptors mediate stimulation of adenylate cyclase in rat hippocampus

Serotonin (5-HT) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of rat hippocampus. This effect was pharmacologically characterised with a series of agonists and antagonists of various structural classes. These compounds where also tested in radioligand binding studies using selective ligands for the various subtypes of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C recognition sites were labelled with [3H]8-OH-DPAT([3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin) in pig cortex membranes, [125I]CYP([125I]iodocyanopindolol) in rat cortex and [3H]mesulergine in pig choroid plexus membranes, respectively. The rank order of potency of 13 agonists stimulating adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of rat hippocampus was in good agreement with the rank order of affinity of these agonists for the 5-HT1A binding site: N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine (DP-5-CT) greater than 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) greater than 8-OH-DPAT greater than 5-HT greater than 5-methoxytryptamine (5-OCH3T) greater than d-LSD greater than 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H-indole (RU 24969) greater than alpha-methylserotonin (alpha-CH3-5-HT) greater than dopamine greater than 2-methylserotonin (2-CH3-5-HT). The correlation between the respective potencies and affinities of these agonists was r = 0.934, P less than 0.001. There was no correlation between stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity by these agonists and their affinity for 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C or 5-HT2 binding sites. r = 0.381-0.108, P less than 0.20-0.73.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characteristics of the inhibition of ligand binding to serotonin receptors in rat brain membranes by verapamil

Characteristics of the interaction of verapamil with serotonin receptors were studied in rat brain membranes using a radioligand binding technique. While verapamil competed for the [3H]ketanserin binding sites at low concentrations with the Ki value of 0.41 microM, much higher concentrations were needed to inhibit the binding of [3H]serotonin to its binding sites, indicating higher affinity of verapamil binding for 5-HT2 than 5-HT1 receptors. The inhibitory action of verapamil on the [3H]ketanserin binding was stereoselective; the (-)isomer was about ten times more potent than the (+)isomer. The interaction of verapamil with [3H]-ketanserin was competitive and reversible. While D600, a verapamil derivative, also competed for the [3H]ketanserin binding sites, nifedipine and nicardipine had practically no ability to inhibit the ligand binding to 5-HT1 or 5-HT2 receptors. Although diltiazem competed for 5-HT2 receptors, the affinity was much less than verapamil and D600.     

Interaction of the D2short dopamine receptor with G proteins: analysis of receptor/G protein selectivity

The human D(2short) (D(2S)) dopamine receptor has been expressed together with the G proteins Gi2 and Go in insect cells using the baculovirus system. Levels of receptor were determined using [3H]spiperone binding. Levels of G protein heterotrimer were determined using quantitative Western blot and using [35S]GTPgammaS saturation binding experiments. Levels of the receptor and G protein and the receptor/G protein ratio were similar in the two preparations. Stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by a range of agonists occurred with higher relative efficacy and in some cases higher potency in the preparation expressing Go, indicating that interaction of the D(2S) receptor is more efficient with this G protein. The effects of various G protein-selective agents on 10,11-dihydroxy-N-n-propylnorapomorphine ([3H]NPA) binding were used to examine the receptor/G protein complex in the two preparations. Suramin inhibited [3H]NPA binding with slightly higher potency in the Gi2 preparation, whereas GppNHp inhibited [3H]NPA binding with greater potency ( approximately 6-fold) in the Go preparation. This may imply that the G protein is more readily activated in the D(2S)/Go preparation. [3H]Spiperone binding occurred with an increased B(max) in the presence of suramin in the Go preparation but not in the Gi2 preparation, suggesting a higher affinity interaction between the free receptor and this G protein. It is concluded that the higher efficiency activation of Go by the D(2S) receptor may be a function of higher affinity receptor/G protein interaction as well as a greater ability to activate the G protein.     

The binding of serotonergic ligands to the porcine choroid plexus: characterization of a new type of serotonin recognition site

The kinetic and pharmacological characteristics of the binding of [3H]5-HT (serotonin), [3H]8-OH-DPAT (8-OH-2-di-n-propylaminotetraline), [3H]LSD, [3H]ketanserin and [3H]mesulergine to membranes from frontal cortex, hippocampus and choroid plexus of pig brain were studied. The binding of these ligands to frontal cortex and hippocampus demonstrated the presence of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 sites in both tissues, although hippocampus was richer in 5-HT1 (subtype 5-HT1A) sites. [3H]5-HT, [3H]mesulergine and [3H]LSD labeled the pig choroid plexus with high affinity. The pharmacological profiles of [3H]5-HT and [3H]mesulergine binding to this tissue were closely comparable. Ligands reported as selective for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B or 5-HT2 subtypes did not show high affinity for these binding sites. Therefore, these 5-HT binding sites in pig choroid plexus could be named 5-HT1C. Other drugs with a high affinity for these sites were methysergide and mianserine. In pig frontal cortex, [3H]5-HT labeled the different subtypes of 5-HT1 sites. In contrast, [3H]mesulergine bound in pig frontal cortex to a small population of sites with pharmacological properties similar to those of the choroid plexus 5-HT1C sites. Possible physiological functions in which these sites might be involved are discussed.     

Differential sensitivity of 5-HT1B auto and heteroreceptors

The effect of the native and rodent-selective 5-HT1B receptor agonists (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and CP93,129) on the K+-evoked overflows of [3H]5-HT, [3H]dopamine (DA) and [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) was studied in synaptosome preparations obtained from rat brain striatum or hippocampus loaded with radiolabeled neurotransmitter. The aim of the study was to compare the different potencies of the specific 5-HT1B receptor agonists to stimulate the auto and heteroreceptors and to modulate the different neurotransmitter release. Results show that under the same experimental conditions, 5-HT and CP93,129 exhibited significantly higher potencies in inhibiting the K+-evoked overflow of [3H]5-HT from synaptosomes of rat striatum (IC50=2.0+/-1.8 nM and 20.5+/-3.1 nM, respectively) than in inhibiting the K+-evoked overflow of [3H]DA from synaptosomes of the same cerebral region (IC50= 0.8+/-0.2 microM and 1.8+/-0.4 microM, respectively), or [3H]ACh from synaptosomes of hippocampus (IC50=1.7+/-0.8 microM for CP93,129). The inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1B receptor agonists on [3H] K+-overflows were antagonized by the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist (SB224289), further indicating that the observed effects were 5-HT1B receptor specific. Sumatriptan, a selective r5-HT1D receptor agonist, did not show any significant effect on the K+-overflow of [3H]5-HT in the range of concentrations (10(-10) to 10(-6) M), and did not affect the K+ overflow of [3H]DA or [3H]ACh at concentrations (10(-9) to 10(-4) M), which exclude the involvement of 5-HT1D receptors. These inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1B receptor agonists were highly attenuated by pertussis toxin in the three systems studied, suggesting the involvement of Gi/Go-proteins in the transduction mechanism pathway of the receptor generated signal. In conclusion, these results suggest that 5-HT1B heteroreceptors located on dopaminergic and cholinergic terminals exhibit a lower sensitivity to 5-HT1B receptor agonist and antagonist than do 5-HT1B autoreceptors. The observed difference in functional sensitivities of 5-HT1B auto- and heteroreceptors may represent important consequences in the physiological control of the release of serotonin versus that of other neurotransmitters.     

Irreversible blockade of central 5-HT binding sites by 8-methoxy-2'-chloro-PAT

We have synthesized 8-methoxy-2-(N-2'-chloropropyl, N-propyl) aminotetralin (8-methoxy-2'-chloro-PAT), an alkylating agent derived from the potent 5-HT agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(N,N-dipropyl)-aminotetralin (PAT). As expected for an irreversible ligand, the blockade of 3H-PAT or 3H-5-HT binding to post-synaptic 5-HT1 (A and B) sites in rat hippocampal membranes pretreated with 8-methoxy-2'-chloro-PAT could not be prevented by extensive washing of membranes. Prior occupancy of 5-HT1 sites by 5-HT or PAT prevented any subsequent irreversible blockade by the alkylating agent. Similar irreversible blockade by 8-methoxy-2'-chloro-PAT was found on 3H-PAT binding to striatal membranes suggesting that presynaptic 5-HT binding sites (see Gozlan et al., Nature, Lond. 305, 140, 1983) were sensitive also to the alkylating agent. In contrast, the modifying agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) reduced markedly 3H-PAT binding to postsynaptic hippocampal 5-HT1 sites, but did not alter 3H-PAT binding to striatal presynaptic 5-HT sites. Although 8-methoxy-2'-chloro-PAT bound irreversibly to different classes of 5-HT binding sites (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, presynaptic sites), it can be considered a selective alkylating agent, since it exerted no action on 3H-spiperone binding to 5-HT2 sites, 3H-muscimol binding to GABA sites, or 3H-flunitrazepam binding to benzodiazepine sites.     

Agonist binding to M1 muscarinic receptors is sensitive to guanine nucleotides

Putative M1 (high-affinity pirenzepine) muscarinic receptors in rabbit hippocampal membranes, treated with 0.1 mM N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), were selectively labeled with [3H]pirenzepine. A single class of binding sites was labeled with a Kd of 3.4 nM, consistent with the pharmacologically-defined M1 subtype of muscarinic receptors. While full muscarinic agonists bound to high- and low-affinity states of [3H]pirenzepine-labeled M1 sites with a KL/KH ratio of approximately 100, the ratio for partial muscarinic agonists was approximately 10. The high-affinity binding of all agonists tested required divalent cations, and was interconverted to low-affinity binding in the presence of the non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue, guanylyl imidodiphosphate (GppNHp). Direct labeling of the high-affinity agonist state of M1 receptors was achieved with 5 nM [3H]oxotremorine-M by selectively uncoupling the high-affinity agonist state of M2 (low-affinity pirenzepine) receptors with NEM. The rate of dissociation of [3H]Pxotremorine-M from M1 receptors was accelerated 6-fold by GppNHp. These results provide further evidence which suggests that putative M1 muscarinic receptors activate second messenger systems by coupling to NEM-insensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins.     

5-HT1B receptors modulate release of [3H]dopamine from rat striatal synaptosomes: further evidence using 5-HT moduline, polyclonal 5-HT1B receptor antibodies and 5-HT1B receptor knock-out mice

In previous paper based on classical pharmacological tools, we identified a Gi protein-coupled presynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1B receptor causing inhibition of dopamine (DA) release in rat striatal synaptosomes. It was the aim of the present study to further explore this receptor, using 5-HT moduline, a polyclonal antibody directed against 5-HT1B receptors and 5-HT1B receptor knock-out mice. Preincubation of rat striatal synaptosomes with 5-HT moduline (0.1, 1, or 10 microM) significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of CP93,129, a selective rat 5-HT1B receptor agonist, on K+-evoked overflow of [3H]DA in a non-competitive manner: 5-HT moduline did not modify the IC50 of CP93,129, but concentration-dependently reduced the maximal inhibitory effect. Preincubation of rat striatal synaptosomes with a specific polyclonal 5-HT1B receptor antibody also resulted in a significant attenuation of the inhibitory effect of CP93,129 on K+-evoked overflow of [3H]DA. In female 129/Sv wild-type mice, CP93,129 and 5-carboxyamidotryptamine maleate (5-CT), a non-selective 5-HT1B receptor agonist, inhibited the K+-evoked [3H]DA overflow in a concentration-dependent manner. Sumatriptan, a selective rat 5-HT1D receptor agonist, did not modify the overflow of [3H]DA. SB224289, a selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist, abolished the inhibitory effects of CP93,129 and 5-CT. The inhibitory effects of CP93,129 and 5-CT were absent in synaptosomes from 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice. No compensatory inhibition effect in mutant mice was observed using sumatriptan. In conclusion, the results show that a non-competitive antagonist of the 5-HT1B receptor concentration-dependently decreases the maximal inhibitory effect of a 5-HT1B receptor agonist on the synaptosomal K+-evoked release of [3H]DA in striatum. Moreover, a specific antibody raised against the receptor and particularly directed against a region of the receptor protein involved in signal transduction, namely the coupling with the G-protein, also antagonizes the inhibitory effect of the stimulation of 5-HT1B receptor on the release of [3H]DA. Ultimately the disruption of 5-HT1B receptor gene in 5-HT1B knock-out mice leads to a total suppression of the effect of 5-HT1B receptor agonists on [3H]DA release. These observations further support our previous observations using selective agonists/antagonists, indicating that 5-HT1B receptors control the release of neuronal DA as presynaptic heteroreceptors.