Characterisation and autoradiographic localisation of 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites identified with [3H]-(S)-zacopride in the forebrain of the rat

The pharmacological characterisation and topographical distribution of [3H]-(S)-zacopride recognition sites in the forebrain of the rat was studied using homogenate and autoradiographic radioligand binding techniques. [3H]-(S)-Zacopride labelled a single, saturable, specific binding site (defined by 10.0 microM granisetron) in homogenates prepared from the entorhinal cortex of the rat (pKD = 9.51 +/- 0.08; Bmax = 104 +/- 7 fmol mg-1 protein; mean +/- SEM, n = 8). Pharmacological characterisation of the recognition site, within the entorhinal cortex, suggested that [3H]-(S)-zacopride selectively labelled the recognition site of the 5-HT3 receptor. Specific binding of [3H]-(S)-zacopride (defined by 1.0 microM granisetron) was differentially distributed throughout the forebrain of the rat; highest densities were located within sub-nuclei of the amygdala (cortical amygdaloid nucleus, amygdalohippocampal area, posterior medial cortical amygdaloid nucleus, posterior lateral amygdaloid nucleus), cortical areas (primary olfactory cortex, entorhinal cortex) and hippocampus. Non-specific binding was distributed homogeneously, although lower in myelinated structures. It is concluded that [3H]-(S)-zacopride selectively labels 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites within the forebrain of the rat; the topographical distribution of these sites, within the limbic nuclei, is consistent with the behavioural actions in animal models of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.     

The differential activities of R (+)- and S(-)-zacopride as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists

R(+)- and S(-)-zacopride were assessed as potential 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in behavioural and biochemical tests. The S(-)isomer was more potent than the R(+)isomer to antagonise the hyperactivity induced by the injection of amphetamine or the infusion of dopamine into the nucleus accumbens in the rat. In contrast, the R(+)isomer was more potent to reduce the aversive behaviour of mice to a brightly illuminated environment and in a marmoset human threat test, to facilitate social interaction in rats, to increase performance in a mouse habituation test and prevent a scopolamine-induced impairment, and to antagonise the inhibitory effect of 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine to reduce [3H]acetylcholine release in slices of the rat entorhinal cortex. In binding assays, [3H]S(-)-zacopride and [3H]R(+)-zacopride labelled homogenous populations of high-affinity binding sites in the rat entorhinal cortex, R(+)-zacopride compete for a further 10 to 20% of the binding of [3H]R(+)/S(-)-zacopride or [3H]R(+)-zacopride in excess of that competed for by (S)(-)-zacopride. It is concluded that both isomers of zacopride have potent but different pharmacological activities, with the possibility of different recognition sites to mediate their effects.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)4 receptors in post mortem human brain tissue: distribution, pharmacology and effects of neurodegenerative diseases.

1. The distribution, pharmacology and effects of neurodegenerative diseases on 5-HT4 receptors in human brain have been characterized in vitro. 2. The 5-HT4 receptor in post mortem human brain tissue was specifically labelled with [3H]-GR 113808. In human putamen, this ligand labelled a homogeneous population of sites, with an apparent affinity (-log Kd) of 10.1 and a density (Bmax) of 5.73 fmol mg-1 tissue. The pharmacology of this site was characterized by use of a series of displacing ligands, and the following rank order of apparent affinities (with mean +/- s.d. -log Ki values in parentheses) was generated: GR113808 (10.05 +/- 0.04) > SDZ 205,557 (8.65 +/- 0.08) > DAU 6285 (7.95 +/- 0.04) > BIMU-1 (7.81 +/- 0.06) > DAU 6215 (7.42 +/- 0.23) > tropisetron (7.39 +/- 0.23) > 5-HT (7.32 +/- 1.00) > BIMU-8 (7.25 +/- 0.04) > (R)-zacopride (5.82 +/- 0.04). The Hill coefficients were not significantly different from unity, consistent with an interaction at a single site. A comparison of the affinities of these compounds with those obtained from guinea-pig striatum indicated no evidence of species differences. 3. The regional distribution of 5-HT4 receptors was assessed by determining the density of binding sites for [3H]-GR 113808.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Identification and distribution of 5-HT3 recognition sites in the rat gastrointestinal tract.

1. Tritiated derivatives of the potent and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists GR65630 and LY278584 were used to identify 5-HT3 recognition sites in the rat gastrointestinal tract. 2. Binding studies were carried out in homogenates of the rat oesophagus, the cardia, fundus, body and antrum of the stomach, regions of the small intestine, caecum and large intestine. The specific binding of a single concentration of GR65630 (0.5 nM) defined by granisetron (10 microM) in these areas indicated that the density of 5-HT3 recognition sites varied from 2.4 +/- 1.0 to 10.1 +/- 1.0 fmol mg-1 protein. 3. Saturable binding of [3H]-GR65630 could only be demonstrated in the terminal regions of the small intestine (Bmax in the range of 13.83 +/- 4.54-21.19 +/- 0.89 fmol mg-1 protein; mean +/- s.e. mean) and of high affinity (Kd in the range of 0.42 +/- 0.18-0.79 +/- 0.24 nM). Use of [3H]-LY278584 revealed a similar binding density (Bmax 19.54 +/- 0.26 fmol mg-1 protein) and affinity (Kd 1.04 +/- 0.07 nM) in the terminal small intestine. 4. Binding of [3H]-GR65630 and [3H]-LY278584 to the terminal region of the small intestine was inhibited by 5-HT3 receptor ligands ondansetron and S-zacopride (and 5-hydroxytryptamine), but not by 5-HT1, 5-HT2, catecholamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and opioid receptor ligands. 5. These data demonstrate that there are regional variations in the density of 5-HT3 recognition sites within the rat gastrointestinal tract. Such data are relevant to the potential use of 5-HT3 receptor ligands to modify secretory and contraction responses in the gastrointestinal system.     

[3H] GR67330, a very high affinity ligand for 5-HT3 receptors

Summary GR67330 potently inhibited 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced depolarizations of the rat isolated vagus nerve. At the higher concentrations used (0.3 nmol/l–1 nmol/l) this was accompanied by a marked reduction in the maximum response to 5-HT. The calculated pK_B value was 10.2.The binding of the tritiated derivative of GR67330 to homogenates of rat entorhinal cortex was examined. Kinetic analysis revealed that specific [³H] GR67330 (0.1 nmol/l) binding was rapid and reversible. Association and dissociation rate constants were 1.48 ± 0.36 × 10⁸ mol/l^–1 s^–1 and 7.85 ± 0.41 × 10^–3 s^–1 respectively. Equilibrium saturation analysis revealed specific binding was to a single site (Bmax 22.6±0.21 fmol/mg protein) of high affinity (Kd 0.038±0.003 nmol/l). At low ligand concentrations, specific binding was up to 90% of total binding. If unlabelled GR67330 was used to define non-specific binding two sites were evident (Kd₁ 0.066 ± 0.007 nmol/l, Kd₂ 20.1 ± 9.7 nmol/l; Bmax₂ 31.5 ± 3.2 fmol/mg protein, Bmax₂ 1110 ± 420 fmol/mg protein). [³H] GR67330 binding was inhibited potently by 5-HT₃ antagonists and agonists. Ligands for other 5-HT receptors and other neurotransmitter receptors were either only weakly active or inactive at inhibiting binding. Hill numbers for antagonist inhibition of binding were close to unity, except for quipazine which was significantly greater than one. In common with other 5-HT₃ binding studies, all 5-HT₃ agonist tested had Hill numbers greater than one (1.51–1.71). GR38032 and GR65630 inhibited a greater proportion of binding than other 5-HT₃ antagonists, this additional binding was interpreted as inhibition from a second saturable site unrelated to the 5-HT₃ receptor.Homogenates of five areas of rat brain were examined for specific [³H]-GR67330 binding (entorhinal cortex, cingulate cortex, parietal cortex, hippocampus and nucleus accumbens/olfactory tubercle). In each brain area a site of very high affinity was labelled. Drug inhibition profiles were also very similar in each brain area. It is concluded that, because of its high affinity, [³H] GR67330 will be a useful ligand to label 5-HT₃ receptors especially in tissues with low receptor densities and to map 5-HT₃ receptors autoradiographically.Abbreviations 5-HT 5-Hydroxytryptamine - 8-OH-DPAT 8-hydroxy-2-di-N-propylaminotetralin - 5-CT 5-carboxyamidotryptamine - GR38032 (±) 1,2,3,9-tetrahydro-9-methyl-3[(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one - GR65630 3-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl) -1-propanone - GR67330 (±)1,2,3,9 - tetrahydro-9-methyl-3-[(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]-4H-carbazol-4-one - MDL72222 1H,3,5H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate - ICS 205–930 (3-tropanyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester - BRL24924 endo-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-N-(1-azabicyclo[3,3,1]non-4-yl)benzamide - BRL43694 endo-N-(9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3,3,1]non-3-yl)-1-methyl-indazole-3-carboxamide - SDZ 206-830 (3-homotropanyl)-1-methyl-5-fluoro-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester - mCPP meta-chlorophenylpiperazine Send offprint requests to G. J. Kilpatrick at the above address     

Characterization of 5-HT3 and ''atypical'' 5-HT receptors mediating guinea-pig ileal contractions in vitro.

1. Neuronal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors mediating contraction of guinea-pig ileal segments have been characterized in vitro by the use of methysergide to block 5-HT1-like and 5-HT2 receptors. Concentration-response curves to 5-HT were biphasic (first phase, defined as those responses occurring between 1 nM and 0.32 microM 5-HT, -log EC50 = 7.15 +/- 0.08; second phase, defined as these responses occurring between 0.32 microM and 32 microM 5-HT, -log EC50 = 5.32 +/- 0.03) but monophasic to 5-methoxytryptamine (-log EC50 = 7.0 +/- 0.08) and 2 methyl 5-HT (-log EC50 = 5.2 +/- 0.13). The maximal response of the first phase to 5-HT and the maximal response to 5-methoxytryptamine were 30 +/- 4% and 35 +/- 5% respectively of the maximum response to the second phase of the 5-HT concentration-effect curve (set at 100%). In contrast, the maximal response to 2-methyl-5-HT equalled that obtained with 5-HT (second phase). 2. The responses comprising the second phase of the concentration-effect curve to 5-HT were antagonized by 1 microM ICS 205-930, ondansetron, granisetron, quipazine, N-methyl-quipazine and (R,S)-zacopride and the following pKB values, with 5-HT as the agonist, were obtained at the 5-HT3 receptor: ICS 205-930 7.61 +/- 0.05, ondansetron 6.90 +/- 0.04, granisetron 7.90 +/- 0.04, (S)-zacopride 8.11 +/- 0.06, (R,S)-zacopride 7.64 +/- 0.11, and (R)-zacopride 7.27 +/- 0.06.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

3H]zacopride: ligand for the identification of 5-HT3 recognition sites

[3H]Zacopride displayed saturable binding to homogenates of the rat entorhinal cortex as measured by the inclusion of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist BRL43694 in the incubation media. Scatchard analysis indicated a single high affinity binding site (KD 0.76 +/- 0.08 nM, Bmax 77.5 +/- 6.5 fmol (mg protein)-1) with a Hill slope close to unity. Other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (zacopride, ICS 205-930, GR38032F, GR65630, metoclopramide and cocaine) also competed for the binding site displacing 60% of the total [3H]zacopride binding. 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT also were competitive antagonists for [3H]zacopride binding whereas 5-HT1/5-HT2 agonists and antagonists, and agents acting on other neurotransmitter receptors had Ki values greater than 10(-5) M. It is concluded that [3H]zacopride may prove a useful ligand for the study of 5-HT3 recognition sites.     

The potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (R)-zacopride labels an additional high affinity site in the central nervous system.

The binding characteristics of [3H](R)- and [3H](S)-zacopride were investigated in membranes from the rat entorhinal cortex and NG 108-15 clonal cells. In contrast to [3H](S)-zacopride which bound solely to 5-HT3 receptors, [3H](R)-zacopride recognized another class of binding sites, called the (R)-sites, in both membrane preparations. In addition to (R)-zacopride (Ki = 3-11 nM), only (R)-iodo-zacopride, (R)-dechloro-zacopride, prazosin and mianserin exhibited high to moderate affinity for the (R)-sites, whose possible functions remain to be established.     

Heterogeneity of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat cortex but not human platelets can be defined by 8-OH-DPAT, RU 24969 and methysergide.

1. Saturation experiments indicated that [3H]-yohimbine binding was specific, saturable and labelled a single population of sites in rat cerebral cortex (Kd 5.3 +/- 0.9 nM, Bmax 121 +/- 10 fmol mg-1 protein) and human platelets (Kd 0.7 +/- 0.1 nM, Bmax 152 +/- 10 fmol mg-1 protein). 2. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, yohimbine, rauwolscine, WY 26703, idazoxan and BDF 6143 displaced [3H]-yohimbine binding to each tissue in a simple manner, with high affinity and Hill slopes close to unity. 3. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, oxymetazoline and the antagonist prazosin inhibited the binding of [3H]-yohimbine to rat in a complex manner consistent with an interaction at more than one site. However, indoramin and WB 4101 only appeared to interact with one site. In contrast, in human platelets, all antagonists gave rise to monophasic displacement curves with Hill slopes close to unity suggesting a single site of interaction. 4. The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor ligands, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), RU 24969, and methysergide inhibited the binding of [3H]-yohimbine to rat cortex with high and low affinity, consistent with an interaction with two populations of binding sites. However, inhibition of [3H]-yohimbine binding to human platelets suggested a single site of interaction. The low affinity of 5-HT, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine (5-CT) and dipropyl-5-CT indicated that [3H]-yohimbine was not labelling a 5-HT1-like site in rat cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pharmacological characterization of the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors in the bovine ciliary muscle

We aimed to investigate the effects of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) on the bovine ciliary muscle and subsequently to characterize and identify the subtypes of 5-HT receptors involved in the serotonin-evoked contractility muscle. The binding of [3H]ketanserin, [3H]granisetron and [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]8-OH-DPAT) was analyzed. All labelled compounds bound with high affinity to a single site in the membrane preparations studied. The affinity (K(d)) of the binding site was 7.5+/-1.2 nM for [3H]ketanserin, 6.9+/-0.8 nM for [3H]granisetron and 4.4+/-0.31 nM for [3H]8-OH-DPAT. The density of receptors (B(max)) was 1062+/-43.0 fmol/mg protein for [3H]ketanserin, 566+/-2.32 fmol/mg protein for [3H]granisetron and 205+/-4.63 fmol/mg protein for [3H]8-OH-DPAT. The serotonin-induced contraction appeared to be competitively antagonized by ketanserin (0.1, 1 and 10 microM) and ondansetron (0.1, 10 and 100 microM) which produced a pA(2) value of 8.5+/-0.12 and 8.0+/-0.19, respectively. 8-OH-DPAT and 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) proved to be completely ineffective. We conclude that serotonin induces bovine ciliary muscle contraction via 5-HT(2) and 5-HT(3) receptors while the 5-HT(1A) receptors, although present, do not mediate the contractile response.     

An investigation of the 5-HT1D receptor binding affinity of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine and sumatriptan in the central nervous system of seven species.

The ability of three 5-HT1 receptor agonists, 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), 5-CT (5-carboxyamidotryptamine) and sumatriptan to inhibit the binding of [3H]5-HT, in the presence of cyanopindolol and mesulergine, from cerebral cortical and/or caudate membranes in seven species (dog, guinea-pig, rabbit, pig, human, hamster and calf) has been investigated. Under the experimental conditions used, 5-CT and sumatriptan consistently yielded displacement curves best fit to a two-site model whereas 5-HT always gave a monophasic displacement curve. The pIC50 values obtained with 5-HT displacement gave a mean of 8.1 +/- 0.1 (mean +/- S.E.M.). In contrast the biphasic displacement curves for 5-CT and sumatriptan yielded high and low affinity pIC50 values of 8.3 +/- 0.1, 5.5 +/- 0.1 and 7.6 +/- 0.1, 5.0 +/- 0.1, respectively. These data indicate that under these experimental conditions the high affinity component labelled by [3H]5-HT is the same receptor subtype, previously denoted the 5-HT1D receptor, in all seven species.     

Evidence that the atypical 5-HT3 receptor ligand, [3H]-BRL46470, labels additional 5-HT3 binding sites compared to [3H]-granisetron.

1. The radioligand binding characteristics of the 3H-derivative of the novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist BRL46470 were investigated and directly compared to the well characterized 5-HT3 receptor radioligand [3H]-granisetron, in tissue homogenates prepared from rat cerebral cortex/hippocampus, rat ileum, NG108-15 cells, HEK-5-HT3As cells and human putamen. 2. In rat cerebral cortex/hippocampus, rat ileum, NG108-15 cell and HEK-5-HT3As cell homogenates, [3H]-BRL46470 bound with high affinity (Kd (nM): 1.57 +/- 0.18, 2.49 +/- 0.30, 1.84 +/- 0.27, 3.46 +/- 0.36, respectively; mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 3-4) to an apparently homogeneous saturable population of sites (Bmax (fmol mg-1 protein): 102 +/- 16, 44 +/- 4, 968 +/- 32 and 2055 +/- 105, respectively; mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 3-4) but failed to display specific binding in human putamen homogenates. 3. In the same homogenates of rat cerebral cortex/hippocampus, rat ileum, NG108-15 cells, HEK-5-HT3As cells and human putamen as used for the [3H]-BRL46470 studies, [3H]-granisetron also bound with high affinity (Kd (nM): 1.55 +/- 0.61, 2.31 +/- 0.44, 1.89 +/- 0.36, 2.03 +/- 0.42 and 6.46 +/- 2.58 respectively; mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 3-4) to an apparently homogeneous saturable population of sites (Bmax (fmol mg-1 protein): 39 +/- 4, 20 +/- 2, 521 +/- 47, 870 +/- 69 and 18 +/- 2, respectively; mean +/- s.e. mean, n = 3-4).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Profiles of interaction of R(+)/S(-)-zacopride and anxiolytic agents in a mouse model.

The mouse black and white test box was used to measure changes in behaviour in an aversive situation where the administration of R(+)-zacopride (but not S(-)-zacopride) alone decreased aversive responding to the white area. A similar anxiolytic profile of action was observed using parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA), whose effects were antagonised by a co-treatment with R(+)-zacopride and reversed by S(-)-zacopride to an exacerbation of the aversive response. An anxiolytic profile of action was also observed using ondansetron, granisetron, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, ritanserin, 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin), E4424 (2-[4-[4-(4-chloro-l-pyrazoyl)butyl]-l-piperazinyl]-pyrimidine), umepsirone, DuP753 (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxy-methyl-1-[2(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) biphenyl-4-yl)methyl)]-imidazole), SQ29,852 ((S)-1-[6-amino-2[hydroxy)(4-phenyl-butyl)phosphinyl]-oxy)-1- nexy]-2-proline), devazepide and guanfacine, and this was retained following co-treatment with PCPA. The anxiolytic profile of action of PCPA was also retained following co-treatment with renzapride which when administered alone failed to modify behaviour. However, the ability of chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, ondansetron and E4424 (but not devazepide, DuP753 or SQ29,852) to reduce aversive responding was inhibited by co-treatment with R(+) and/or S(-)-zacopride. It is concluded that the reduction in aversive responding caused by pharmacological manipulation at the benzodiazepine, 5-HT receptor subtypes 5-HT1A, 5-HT1C/5-HT2 and 5-HT3 (but not at the cholecystokin CCKA or angiotensin receptors or inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme) can be inhibited by R(+) and S(-)-zacopride. The data is discussed in terms of zacopride having an agonist or partial agonist effect at the 5-HT3 receptor.     

Binding characteristics of GYKI-46 903, a non-competitive ligand at 5-HT3 receptors.

GYKI-46903 [(+)-(5S,6R)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-propionyloxy-1-aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]-non-3-ene-hydrochloride], a cognition enhancer identified as a non-competitive antagonist of 5-HT3receptors in isolated guinea-pig ileum, was investigated for allosteric action at 5-HT3 receptors in rat cortical membranes by using [3H]granisetron. Equilibrium and kinetic protocols were applied and the competitive antagonist granisetron was included as a negative control. In competition studies, both granisetron and GYKI-46 903 displaced the radioligand with K(i) values of 0.20 +/- 0.02 and 79.84 +/- 0.28 nM, respectively. The inhibition curve for GYKI-46 903 resulted in a Hill slope significantly greater than unity ( 1.37 +/- 0.11), whereas the slope for granisetron was 0.88 +/- 0.08, not different from unity. These results indicate non-competitive and competitive interactions, respectively. Scatchard analysis yielded a linear plot, suggesting a single population of binding sites with a Kd of 0.13 +/- 0.01 nM and a Bmax) of 13.15 +/- 0.34 fmol per mg of protein. Scatchard plots obtained in the absence and presence of granisetron (0.1-3 nM) or GYKI-46 903 (30-1000 nM) revealed a concentration-dependent increase in Kd values by either of these compounds. Granisetron left the Bmax unchanged, but there was a significant increase in the Bmax by GYKI-46 903, which could point to an atypical allosteric interaction. The Schild plot derived from the Kd shifts induced by granisetron was linear with a slope of 1.02, not different from unity, as expected from a competitive interaction. The Schild regression for GYKI-46 903 was linear with a slope of 1.20, deviating significantly from unity, which may also indicate an allosteric interaction. Both the association and dissociation curves of [3H]granisetron were monoexponential. The dissociation rate constant (K(-1)) and the association rate constant (K(+1)) were 0.32 +/- 0.01 min(-1) and 1.15 min(-1) x nM(-1), respectively. The dissociation driven by an excess concentration of ondansetron ( 1 microM) in the absence and presence of granisetron (0.1-3 nM) or GYKI-46 903 (30-10 000 nM) was not influenced by the compounds under study, as compared with the control, indicating the lack of an allosteric effect on the dissociation. Summing up, the binding profile of GYKI-46 903 may reflect a mixed type of action, including a negative allosteric interaction.     

The interaction of trichloroethanol with murine recombinant 5-HT3 receptors.

1. The effects of ethanol, chloral hydrate and trichloroethanol upon the 5-HT3 receptor have been investigated by use of electrophysiological techniques applied to recombinant 5-HT3 receptor subunits (5-HT3R-A or 5-HT3R-As) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Additionally, the influence of trichloroethanol upon the specific binding of [3H]-granisetron to membrane preparations of HEK 293 cells stably transfected with the murine 5-HT3R-As subunit and 5-HT3 receptors endogenous to NG 108-15 cell membranes was assessed. 2. Ethanol (30-300 mM), chloral hydrate (1-30 mM) and trichloroethanol (0.3-10 mM), produced a reversible, concentration-dependent, enhancement of 5-HT-mediated currents recorded from oocytes expressing either the 5-HT3R-A, or the 5-HT3R-As subunit. 3. Trichloroethanol (5 mM) produced a parallel leftward shift of the 5-HT concentration-response curve, reducing the EC50 for 5-HT from 1 +/- 0.04 microM (n = 4) to 0.5 +/- 0.01 microM (n = 4) for oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A. A similar shift, from 2.1 +/- 0.05 microM (n = 11) to 1.3 +/- 0.1 microM (n = 4), was observed in oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-As subunit. Trichloroethanol (5 mM) had little or no effect upon the maximum current produced by 5-HT for either recombinant receptor. 4. Trichloroethanol (5 mM) similarly reduced the EC50 for 2-methyl-5-HT from 13 +/- 0.4 microM (n = 4) to 4.6 +/- 0.2 microM (n = 4) and from 15 +/- 2 microM (n = 4) to 5 +/- 0.4 microM (n = 4) for oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A and 5-HT3R-As subunit respectively. Additionally, trichloroethanol (5 mM) produced a clear enhancement of the maximal current to 2-methyl-5-HT (expressed as a percentage of the maximal current to 5-HT) from 63 +/- 0.7% (n = 4) to 101 +/- 1.6% (n = 4) and from 9 +/- 0.2% (n = 4) to 74 +/- 2% (n = 4) for oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A and 5-HT3R-As subunit respectively. 5. Trichloroethanol (2.5 mM) had no effect upon the Kd, or Bmax, of specific [3H]-granisetron binding to membrane homogenates of NG 108-15 cells or HEK 293 cells. Similarly, competition for [3H]-granisetron binding by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ondansetron and tropisetron was unaffected. However, competition for [3H]-granisetron binding by the 5-HT3 receptor agonists, 5-HT, 2-methyl-5-HT and phenylbiguanide was enhanced by trichloroethanol (2.5 mM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Characterization of a human 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor type A (h5-HT3R-AS) subunit stably expressed in HEK 293 cells.

1. A cloned cDNA encoding a human 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor type A subunit (h5-HT3R-As) was transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells maintained in cell culture and a stable cell line expressing a high density of the recombinant receptor was selected. 2. Membrane homogenates prepared from transfected, but not untransfected, cells exhibited a homogeneous and saturable population (Bmax = 4.49 +/- 0.46 pmol mg-1 protein) of sites that bound the radiolabelled 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, [3H]-granisetron with high affinity (pKD = 8.87 +/- 0.08). Kinetic studies (at 37 degrees C) revealed rapid association (kappa +1 4.76 +/- 0.3 x 10(8) M-1 min-1) and dissociation (kappa -1 = 0.21 +/- 0.003 min-1) of the radioligand. 3. Selective and non-selective 5-HT3 receptor ligands competed for [3H]-granisetron binding with a rank order of potency (granisetron > ondansetron > meta-chlorophenylbiguanide > 5-HT > 2-methyl-5-HT > metoclopramide > > phenylbiguanide > cocaine > (+)-tubocurarine) identical to that established for 5-HT3 receptors endogenous to the human CNS. 4. In electrophysiological recordings performed on transfected cells, voltage-clamped at a holding potential of -60 mV, locally applied 5-HT (10 microM) evoked transient inward current responses that reversed in sign at a potential of -1.0 +/- 1.1 mV. Such responses were antagonized in a reversible manner by granisetron (1 nM). 5. The construction of a stable cell line expressing a high density of recombinant human 5-HT3 receptors which display appropriate pharmacology and function will assist in the further characterization of this receptor subtype and the exploration of species differences in 5-HT3 receptor pharmacology.     

Determination of the molecular size of the 5-HT3 receptor binding site by radiation inactivation

The radiation inactivation technique has been used to estimate the molecular size of the 5-HT3 receptor binding site labelled by [3H]zacopride, in comparison with that of the 5-HT1A receptor binding site labelled by [3H]8-OH-DPAT, in rat cortical membranes. The calculated molecular weight of the 5-HT3 site: 35.4 +/- 2.2 kDa (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 4) was significantly less than that of the 5-HT1A site: 62.9 +/- 1.8 kDa (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 4) and of other 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors of the G-protein coupled family. These data further support that the 5-HT3 receptor is not coupled to G-proteins in the rat brain.     

Pharmacological characterization of two novel and potent 5-HT4 receptor agonists, RS 67333 and RS 67506, in vitro and in vivo.

1. The pharmacology of two novel 5-HT4 receptor agonists, RS 67333 (1-(4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-3-[1(n-butyl)-4-piperidinyl]-1- propanone HCl) and RS 67506 (1-(4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-3-[1-(2-methyl sulphonylamino)ethyl-4-piperidinyl]-1-propanone HCl) have been assessed in vitro and in vivo. 2. RS 67333 and RS 67506 exhibited affinities (pKi = 8.7 and 8.8, respectively) for the 5-HT4 binding sites, labelled with [3H]-GR 113808, in guinea-pig striatum. The Hill coefficients from these displacement curves were not significantly different from unity. The compounds exhibited lower affinities (< 6.0) at several other receptors including 5-HT1A, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, dopamine D1, D2 and muscarinic M1-M3 receptors. However, RS 67333 and RS 67506 did exhibit affinities for the sigma 1 (pKi = 8.9 and 7.9, respectively) and sigma 2 (pKi = 8.0 and 7.3, respectively) binding sites. 3. At the 5-HT4 receptor mediating relaxation of the carbachol-precontracted oesophagus, RS 67333 and RS 67506 acted as potent (pEC50 8.4 and 8.6, respectively), partial agonists (intrinsic activities, with respect to 5-HT were 0.5 and 0.6, respectively) with respect to 5-HT. Relaxant responses to RS 67333 or RS 67506 were surmountably antagonized by GR 11308 (10 nM), with apparent affinities (pKB) of 9.1 and 9.0, respectively. RS 67333 and RS 67506 induced dose-dependent increases in heart rate of the anaesthetized micropig (ED50 4.9 and 5.4 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), with maximal increases of 35 and 47 beats min-1, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A pharmacological comparison of [3H]-granisetron binding sites in brain and peripheral tissues of the mouse

The affinities of a range of structurally diverse 5-HT₃ receptor agonists and antagonists for [³H]-granisetron binding sites have been measured in membrane homogenates prepared from central and peripheral tissues of the mouse. By comparing the affinities of compounds across these tissues, the question of whether intea-species 5-HT₃ receptor subtypes exist in the mouse has been addressed.In entorhinal cortex and brainstem, [³H]-granisetron bound to a single high affinity saturable binding site (K_d 0.47 ± 0.14 and 0.60 ± 0.05 nM; B _max 20 ± 6 and 7 ± 2 fmol (mg protein)^–1 respectively; mean ±SEM; n = 3). In distal and proximal colon, the specific binding of [³H]-granisetron was best fitted to a 2-site model. K_d values obtained for the high affinity site were similar to those obtained in brain tissue (distal colon: 0.47 ± 0.09 nM, n = 4; proximal colon: 0.39 ± 0.09 nM, n = 4). In salivary gland, 2-sites were evident in 2 out of 4 experiments. The K_d value (calculated from the high affinity site in the 2-site model) was approximately 10-fold less than in brain or colon (3.3 ± 1.1 nM, n = 4). B _max values were 7 ± 2, 4 ± 1 and 71 ± 16 fmol (mg protein)^–1 for distal colon, proximal colon and salivary gland respectively. For all tissues the estimated affinity of the low affinity site was variable, and B _max values could not be reliably calculated.Extensive comparative studies performed with 17 different 5-HT₃ receptor agonists and antagonists in the five tissues did not reveal differences in affinity for any compound between the entorhinal cortex and the brainstem nor between the two regions of the colon. However, MDL72222, R-zacopride, d-tubocurarine, and GR80284 apparently had significantly lower affinity for colon than brain binding sites. Also, MDL72222, 2-methyl-5-HT, GR80284, 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide, metoclopramide, and granisetron had significantly lower affinity for the salivary gland binding sites than the brain binding sites. In an attempt to replicate these observations, we conducted a second study using the compounds which had shown the largest inter-tissue differences in affinity keeping as many variables as possible constant. Simultaneous comparative assays on entorhinal cortex, colon and salivary gland homogenates taken from the same mice showed that the differences that were apparent in the initial comparative study were not maintained. In conclusion, we can find no clear evidence for the existence of tissue-specific subtypes of the 5-HT₃ high affinity binding site for [³H]-granisetron in the mouse in the tissues tested. However, a low affinity binding site for [³H]-granisetron was detected in peripheral tissues.