Differential actions of serotonin antagonists on two behavioral models of serotonin receptor activation in the rat

Ligand binding studies have identified certain serotonin (5-HT) antagonists with selective affinity for 5-HT2 receptors and other serotonin antagonists with affinity for both 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. This study compared the actions of ketanserin and pipamperone, selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, with metergoline and methysergide, nonselective 5-HT antagonists, on two behavioral responses in rats that are produced by the activation of 5-HT receptors: 1) the head shake response and 2) the 5-HT syndrome. Both the selective and the nonselective 5-HT antagonists blocked the head shake response produced by 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. The order of relative potency was: metergoline greater than ketanserin greater than pipamperone greater than methysergide. All four antagonists also blocked the head shake response produced by the 5-HT agonist quipazine. In contrast, the symptoms of the 5-HT syndrome produced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine were blocked by pretreatment with the nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonists but not by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists. The differential actions of 5-HT antagonists on these behavioral responses suggest that different 5-HT receptors are involved in the head shake response and the 5-HT syndrome. That the order of relative potency for these drugs to block the head shake response was the same as their reported affinity for the 5-HT2 receptor suggests that the 5-HT2 receptor is involved in the head shake response. In contrast, the ability of 5-HT antagonists with affinity for the 5-HT1 receptor to block the 5-HT syndrome and the inability of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists to block the syndrome suggests that this behavioral response probably involves the activation of 5-HT1 receptors.     

Beta adrenergic antagonists inhibit serotonin uptake by pulmonary vascular cells in culture.

Beta adrenergic antagonists have been demonstrated to show stereoselective affinity for serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the central nervous system, and competitively inhibit 5-HT transport of platelets, but have not previously been evaluated for their influence on either 5-HT receptors or 5-HT transport systems of vascular cells. We have reported stimulation of 5-HT uptake by subjection of endothelial (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) to anoxia. We now report that (+/-)-propranolol inhibits 5-HT uptake by both room air- and anoxia-exposed EC and SMC in culture. The effect on SMC was more marked than that on EC and showed a similar inhibition as ketanserin. The relative inhibitory potencies of beta adrenergic antagonists and ketanserin on uptake of 5-HT by SMC were as follows: (+/-)-propranolol = ketanserin greater than alprenolol = pindolol greater than oxprenolol = atenolol. The beta adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol, in the presence of isobutylmethylxanthine, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, produced a high elevation of cyclic AMP in SMC along with a cellular configurational change and partially inhibited uptake of 5-HT. Propranolol inhibited 5-HT uptake both in the presence and absence of isoproterenol plus isobutylmethylxanthine, suggesting that its inhibitory effect was not mediated through its interaction at the beta adrenergic receptor. Kinetic analyses of the effect of propranolol on 5-HT uptake indicated that propranolol reduced 5-HT uptake by noncompetitive inhibition. We conclude that beta adrenergic antagonists block vascular cell uptake of 5-HT through an action other than interaction with the beta adrenergic receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Regulation of serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptors labeled with [3H]spiroperidol by chronic treatment with the antidepressant amitriptyline

Recently, we reported that chronic administration of several antidepressants of different classes produced larger reductions in numbers of serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptors in rat brain labeled by [3H[spiroperidol than in beta adrenergic receptors. In the present study, we examine detailed properties of 5-HT2 receptor regulation by chronic treatment with amitriptyline. Chronic but not acute treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline reduces binding to 5-HT2 receptors by [3H]spiroperidol and beta adrenergic receptor binding of [3H]dihydroalprenolol in brain membranes. The decrease is time-dependent, gradually reversible and represents a change in the number of binding sites with no alteration in drug affinities for 5-HT2 receptors. The effect can be observed at daily doses of 2.5 mg/kg, similar to clinically effective doses in humans. At all doses and time intervals, the decrease in 5-HT2 receptors is more marked than the concurrent change in total beta adrenergic receptor binding. The properties of 5-HT2 receptor reduction after chronic antidepressant treatment indicate that this alteration could be associated with therapeutic response.     

Functional subsensitivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine1C or alpha 2 adrenergic heteroreceptors mediating clonidine-induced growth hormone release in the Fawn-Hooded rat strain relative to the Wistar rat strain.

Administration of various doses of clonidine increased plasma growth hormone levels. Pretreatment with the alpha 2 adrenergic antagonists, yohimbine and 1-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine, completely blocked clonidine's effect on growth hormone levels. Pretreatment with the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, MDL-72222, the 5-HT1A/5-HT2 antagonist, spiperone, and the mixed beta adrenergic/5-HT1B antagonists, l-propranolol and CGP361A, did not attenuate clonidine-induced increases in growth hormone levels. In contrast, pretreatment with the non-selective 5-HT1/2 antagonist, metergoline, and the 5-HT1C/5-HT2-selective antagonist, mesulergine, reduced clonidine-induced increases in growth hormone levels 81 to 87% without affecting clonidine-induced decreases in locomotor activity. Two other 5-HT1C/5-HT2 antagonists, ritanserin and mianserin, also attenuated (47%) clonidine-induced increases in growth hormone levels. Pretreatment with the noradrenergic neurotoxin, DSP4, did not block clonidine's effect on growth hormone levels. Clonidine administration decreased locomotor activity in both the Fawn-Hooded and the Wistar rat strains to the same extent. On the other hand, clonidine administration failed to increase growth hormone levels in the Fawn-Hooded rat strain. These findings suggest that clonidine stimulates growth hormone secretion by activation of alpha 2 adrenergic heteroreceptors present on 5-HT nerve terminals which, in turn, enhance 5-HT activity via stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1C receptors to promote growth hormone releasing factor. Furthermore, either 5-HT1C receptors or alpha 2 adrenergic heteroreceptors or both are functionally sub-sensitive in the Fawn-Hooded rat strain relative to the Wistar rat strain.     

Denervation-induced changes in alpha and beta adrenergic receptors of the rat submandibular gland.

Denervation resulted in a marked increase in the beta adrenergic response and isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate accumulation of dispersed cells prepared from a rat submandibular gland. This increase in beta adrenergic response was paralleled by an increase in the density of beta adrenergic receptors in membranes prepared from these glands. Denervation also produced a moderate increase in alpha adrenergic receptor density in membranes prepared from whole glands. However, the alpha adrenergic response in cells, epinephrine-induced release of potassium, appeared unaltered by denervation. Furthermore, membranes prepared from denervated dispersed cells did not show the increase in alpha adrenergic receptor density seen in membranes from an intact denervated gland. These data demonstrate that removal of noradrenergic nerve terminals affects alpha and beta adrenergic receptors differently. While it is clear that beta adrenergic membrane receptors participate in denervation-induced supersensitivity, the changes in alpha adrenergic membrane receptors are more complex and may not contribute to the supersensitivity seen after denervation. On the basis of competitive binding studies, the adrenergic receptors in membranes from intact submandibular glands were subclassified as beta-1 and alpha-2. Denervation did not alter the binding characteristics of the alpha-2 receptors in this gland, demonstrating that alpha-2 adrenergic membrane receptors can be postsynaptic in this adrenergically innervated tissue.     

Presynaptic modulation of beta adrenergic receptors in rat cerebral cortex after treatment with antidepressants.

Treatment with desmethylimipramine (DMI), a tricyclic antidepressant, for 7 to 21 days resulted in a 35 to 45% decrease in the accumulation of adenosine cyclic 3':5'-monophosphate (cAMP) in response to a maximally effective concentration of (-)-isoproterenol (ISO) in rat cerebral cortical slices. The EC50 for ISO-stimulated cAMP accumulation was not affected by DMI administration. The diminution in responsiveness to catecholamines was accompanied by a 35 to 40% decrease in the density of beta adrenergic receptors as measured by the binding of [125I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol. Decreases in ISO-sensitive cAMP accumulation and in beta adrenergic receptor density were temporally correlated, maximal decreases being observed within 5 to 7 days. Within 7 days after cessation of chronic DMI treatment ISO-stimulated cAMP accumulation and beta adrenergic receptor density returned to normal. The role of presynaptic nerve terminals in mediating these phenomena was also investigated. Treatment of newborn rats with 6--hydroxydopamine inhibited the development of noradrenergic nerve terminals in the cerebral cortex and blocked the effects of DMI on cortical cAMP accumulation and on beta adrenergic receptor density. The administration of the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol led to increases in maximal ISO-stimulated cAMP accumulations and beta adrenergic receptor density in the rat cerebral cortex. This increase was not affected by the simultaneous administration of propranolol and DMI. Thus, the effect of DMI appears to be mediated through an action of norepinephrine at beta adrenergic receptors. Chronic treatment with two other clinically effective antidepressants, pargyline and iprindole, led to effects similar to those observed with DMI administration. Pretreatment of neonates with 6-hydroxydopamine blocked the effect of iprindole on beta adrenergic receptors. Preincubation of cortical membranes with guanosinetriphosphate before determination of the density of beta adrenergic receptors had no effect on the decreased number of receptors had no effect on the decreased number of receptors seen in DMI-treated animals. These experiments suggest that antidepressants, acting presynaptically, increase the concentration of transmitter at noradrenergic synapses and induce a compensatory decrease in the density of beta adrenergic receptors.     

Mechanism by which serotonin attenuates contractile response of canine mesenteric arterial smooth muscle

We investigated the mechanism by which prior exposure to serotonin (5-HT) attenuates contractile response to norepinephrine (NE) in dog mesenteric artery. Helically cut strips from dog mesenteric artery were mounted in muscle baths for isometric force recording. Prior treatment with 5-HT (10(-8) to 2 X 10(-7) M) attenuated the response to 2.5 X 10(-7) M NE by 26 to 61%. The attenuation lasted approximately 30 min. The attenuation is not affected by adrenergic denervation, endothelial removal, propranolol, indomethacin or arachidonate. Prior treatment with 5-HT also attenuated responses to: methoxamine, clonidine, prostaglandin F2 alpha, KCl and 5-HT itself. Inhibition of sodium influx by amiloride or inhibition of the electrogenic pump by ouabain diminished the NE attenuation. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, diminished the attenuation by 5-HT whereas ryanodine, an intracellular calcium release blocker, had no effect. Prior treatment with 5-HT caused a reduction in the 45Ca influx stimulated by NE. Ketanserin, a 5-HT blocker, exaggerated the attenuation of the NE response caused by 5-HT. Methysergide and cyproheptadine, also 5-HT blockers, diminished the attenuation. These results are compatible with the following interpretation: 1) 5-HT attenuates both receptor- and nonreceptor-mediated contractions of vascular smooth muscle; 2) this attenuation is the result of an increased sodium influx that stimulates the electrogenic sodium pump to cause membrane hyperpolarization and decreased stimulated calcium influx; and 3) the effects of 5-HT are mediated by 5-HT receptors that are blocked by methysergide and cyproheptadine but not by ketanserin.     

Characterization of a bromoacetylated derivative of pindolol as a high affinity, irreversible beta adrenergic antagonist in cultured cells

We have utilized cultured cell lines to test the utility of N8-(bromoacetyl)-N1-[3-(4-indolyoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]-(Z)-1,8-diam ino- p-menthane, BIM, a recently synthesized, irreversible beta adrenergic antagonist. Previously available irreversible antagonists of beta adrenergic receptors have generally exhibited low affinity (typical IC50 values greater than or equal to 1 microM). By contrast, S49 lymphoma cells incubated with 10 nM BIM for 120 min and then washed extensively showed a 70% loss in beta adrenergic receptors, as measured by [125I]iodocyanopindolol binding. This loss, which could be prevented by propranolol, represented a decrease in receptor number without a change in affinity of the remaining receptors for [125I]iodocyanopindolol. The BIM-induced decrease in binding sites was persistent in membranes incubated for several hours after BIM treatment. BIM did not inactivate alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on Madin Darby canine kidney cells, alpha-2 adrenergic receptors on human erythroleukemia cells, nor did BIM treatment alter guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate-mediated regulation of agonist binding to the beta adrenergic receptors in S49 cell membranes. BIM treatment decreased cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in S49 cells in response to the beta adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, but increased prostaglandin E1-stimulated cAMP accumulation (P = .09) without altering cAMP production in response to forskolin. The inactivation of beta receptors in S49 cells by BIM (IC50 = 0.30 nM) correlated closely with the loss in beta adrenergic receptor-mediated cAMP accumulation in these cells (IC50 = 0.59 nM), implying the absence of substantial receptor reserve for this response. We conclude that BIM is a potent, irreversible, selective beta adrenergic antagonist for the study of beta adrenergic receptors in cultured cells.     

Single exposure to a serotonin 1A receptor agonist, (+)8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin, produces a prolonged heterologous desensitization of serotonin 2A receptors in neuroendocrine neurons in vivo

We previously demonstrated colocalization of serotonin 1A (5-HT(1A)) and serotonin 2A (5-HT(2A)) receptors in oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing factor neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Because a functional imbalance between hypothalamic 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, in this study we investigated whether acute in vivo activation of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the PVN results in desensitization of 5-HT(2A) receptor signaling. Functional desensitization of hypothalamic 5-HT(2A) receptors was assessed via a reduction in oxytocin and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) responses to the 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist (-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl [(-)DOI]. We report here that a single systemic injection of the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin [(+)8-OH-DPAT] (200 microg/kg) significantly reduced the 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated oxytocin responses for at least 72 h. Direct intraparaventricular injection of (+)8-OH-DPAT (0.2 nmol) 24 h before a submaximal dose of (-)DOI (0.35 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated increases in both oxytocin and ACTH (-39 and -16%, respectively). In addition, the (+)8-OH-DPAT-induced desensitization of the 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated oxytocin but not the ACTH response was inhibited in rats pretreated with either a systemic (0.1 mg/kg) or intraparaventricular (10 nmol) injection of the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY100635). This is the first in vivo demonstration of a prolonged heterologous intracellular desensitization of 5-HT(2A) receptors after acute activation of 5-HT(1A) receptors. These findings may provide insight into the long-term heterologous interactions between 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor signaling that could occur in response to antidepressants, antipsychotics, or drugs of abuse that target these receptor subtypes.     

Serotonin-induced relaxation in canine coronary artery smooth muscle.

Serotonin (5-HT) is a potent contractile agonist in canine coronary artery devoid of endothelium; however, in higher concentrations 5-HT produces concentration-dependent relaxation by activating an as yet uncharacterized receptor. This study explored the possibility that 5-HT-induced relaxation was mediated by interaction with a member of the 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3, or 5-HT4 receptor family. 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine and 5-methoxytryptamine produced concentration-dependent relaxation in vitro in tissues precontracted with prostaglandin F2 alpha (10 microM). The agonist rank order potency for relaxation was 5-carboxamidotryptamine > 5-HT > 5-MeOT. 8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT), dipropyl-5-CT, 5-methyltryptamine, sumatriptan, alpha-methyl-5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT did not produce significant relaxation. The 5-HT1/beta adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (1 microM) did not antagonize 5-HT-induced relaxation. 5-HT-induced relaxation was not blocked by tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM), suggesting that neuronal depolarization to release mediators from nerves was not responsible for the relaxation. Neither ketanserin (1 microM) nor ritanserin (1 microM) antagonized 5-HT-induced relaxation, suggesting that 5-HT2 and 5-HT1C receptors do not mediate relaxation. ICS 205-930 (10 microM), a 5-HT3/5-HT4 receptor antagonist, shifted the 5-HT concentration-response curve modestly to the right (pKB = 5.1 +/- 0.1). Cisapride, a 5-HT4 receptor agonist, was not effective either as an agonist (up to 10 microM), or as an antagonist (1 microM) of 5-HT-induced relaxation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of pindolol and propranolol on beta adrenergic receptors on human lymphocytes

The cardiovascular supersensitivity observed after discontinuation of administration of beta adrenergic receptor antagonists may be explained by an increase in the density of beta adrenergic receptors. Thus, a change in the density of receptors has been observed in human lymphocytes after administration of propranolol (Aarons et al., 1980). The effects of pindolol, a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, were compared with those of propranolol or placebo. Pindolol (10 mg q.i.d.), propranolol (40 mg q.i.d.) or placebo were administered to 12 subjects for 8 days. The density of beta adrenergic receptors was determined by Scatchard analysis of the specific binding of [125I]iodopindolol on membranes prepared from human lymphocytes. Administration of pindolol resulted in a 30 to 50% decrease in the density of beta adrenergic receptors. This decrease was apparent within 1 day of beginning pindolol administration and it persisted for at least 8 days after discontinuation of drug administration. The reversibility of the decrease in receptors observed after pindolol administration was studied in 27 subjects given propranolol, pindolol or placebo for 4 days in a double-blind cross-over trial. Propranolol consistently induced a small increase in the density of beta adrenergic receptors. The density of receptors returned to predrug values within 2 days after discontinuation of propranolol administration. Pindolol induced a 30 to 50% decrease in the density of receptors which, as observed previously, persisted for at least 10 days after discontinuation of treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Agonist-induced serotonin 2A receptor desensitization in the rat frontal cortex and hypothalamus

This study examined the time course and possible mechanisms of agonist-induced desensitization of 5-hydroxytryptamine serotonin 2A receptors in the rat frontal cortex and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus after 1, 4, and 7 days of treatment with (-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)2-aminopropane HCl [(-)-DOI] (1 mg/kg i.p.), a selective 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist. In the frontal cortex, 5-HT-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) enzyme activity decreased by 24 to 30% after 4 to 7 days of (-)-DOI treatment without any significant changes in the guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate-mediated PLC enzyme activity. Additionally, treatment with (-)-DOI did not significantly change the levels of G(alpha11), regulator of G protein signaling (RGS)4, or RGS7 proteins in the frontal cortex, whereas G(alphaq) protein levels in the frontal cortex decreased (47%) only after 7 daily (-)-DOI injections. The functional status of 5-HT(2A) receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus was examined using 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated increases in plasma hormone levels. Plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and oxytocin measurements showed that 5-HT(2A) receptor desensitization began after only 1 day of (-)-DOI treatment, and the desensitization continued to increase after 4 and 7 days of treatment (ACTH response decreased 64.2-67.7%; oxytocin response decreased 82.3-90.1%). There were no significant alterations in levels of G(alphaq) or G(alpha11) lamic paraventricular proteins in the hypothanucleus. In conclusion, these results suggest that chronically administered (-)-DOI induces desensitization of 5-HT(2A) receptors in vivo, via a reduction in the ability of 5-HT(2A) receptors to activate G proteins without consistently altering levels of G(alpha) proteins or RGS proteins.     

Multiple beta adrenergic receptor subclasses mediate the l-isoproterenol-induced lipolytic response in rat adipocytes.

l-Isoproterenol has been proposed to stimulate lipolysis in rat epididymal adipocytes via atypical beta adrenergic receptors, whereas radioligand binding studies only revealed the presence of beta 1 adrenergic receptors on adipocyte membranes. We have made use of the unique properties of CGP12177 to evidence that both the beta 1 and the atypical beta adrenergic receptor subtypes are mediating the lipolytic response of rat epididymal adipocytes to l-isoproterenol. CGP12177, an antagonist with high affinity for beta 1 receptors, triggers lipolysis by specifically stimulating the atypical receptors. For this response, CGP12177 displays low potency (EC50 = 68 nM), but high intrinsic activity (94% relative to l-isoproterenol). At low concentrations (3 nM), CGP12177 inhibits the lipolytic response to 10 nM l-isoproterenol by 43%, indicating that at least this fraction of the response is beta 1 receptor-mediated. The response to BRL37344, which is a selective agonist for the atypical receptors, is not inhibited by CGP12177. The pA2 values of the beta adrenergic antagonists propranolol, metoprolol and atenolol were calculated from the rightward shifts that they impose on dose-response curves of both l-isoproterenol and CGP12177. With l-isoproterenol, these values (6.54, 5.83 and 5.07, respectively) are lower than those expected for beta 1 and beta 2 receptors, indicating that atypical receptors are also involved in the lipolytic response to this agonist. With CGP12177, the pA2 values of propranolol, metoprolol and atenolol are even lower (5.80, 5.03 and 4.06, respectively), and are likely to be a more accurate reflection of their affinities for the atypical receptors.     

Effects of adrenergic stimulation on ventilation in man

The mechanism by which catecholamines affect ventilation in man is not known. Ventilatory responses to catecholamines were observed in normal subjects before and after adrenergic receptor blockade. Intravenous infusions of norepinephrine and isoproterenol caused significant increases in minute volume and decreases in end-tidal P(Co2) which were blocked by the administration of propranolol, a beta adrenergic receptor blocker. The hyperventilatory response to hypoxia was not altered by propranolol.Intravenous infusion of phenylephrine caused a small but significant decrease in minute volume which was antagonized by phentolamine, an alpha adrenergic receptor blocker. Angiotensin, a nonadrenergic pressor agent, also decreased minute volume significantly.100% oxygen was administered to suppress arterial chemoreceptors. Increases in minute volume and decreases in arterial P(Co2) in response to norepinephrine and isoproterenol were blocked by breathing 100% oxygen. The decrease in minute volume during phenylephrine was not altered by 100% oxygen.THE RESULTS INDICATE THAT: (a) beta adrenergic receptors mediate the hyperventilatory response to norepinephrine and isoproterenol but not to hypoxia. (b) the pressor agents phenylephrine and angiotensin decrease ventilation, and (c) suppression of chemoreceptors blocks the ventilatory response to norepinephrine and isoproterenol but not to phenylephrine. Implications concerning the interaction of adrenergic receptors and chemoreceptors with respect to the hyperventilatory response to catecholamines are discussed.     

Effects of various serotonin receptor subtype-selective antagonists alone and on m-chlorophenylpiperazine-induced neuroendocrine changes in rats.

Administration of m-chlorophenylpiperazine [m-CPP, a serotonin (5-HT) agonist] to rats increases plasma concentrations of prolactin and corticosterone. Pretreatment with various doses of ritanserin (5-HT1C/5-HT2 antagonist), ICS 205-930 and MDL-72222 (5-HT3 antagonists), iodocyanopindolol or CG361A (beta adrenoceptor antagonists) and spiperone (5-HT1A/5-HT2 antagonist) did not attenuate m-CPP-induced increases in plasma concentrations of prolactin. In contrast, pretreatment with various doses of metergoline (5-HT1/5-HT2 antagonist), propranolol (beta adrenoceptor antagonist that also has binding affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C sites), mesulergine and mianserin (5-HT1C/5-HT2 antagonists) attenuated m-CPP-induced increases in plasma prolactin. On the other hand, m-CPP-induced increases in corticosterone concentrations were attenuated only by pretreatment with a low dose of mianserin and a high dose of spiperone. When administered without m-CPP, metergoline, mesulergine, ritanserin, ICS 205-930 and high doses of mianserin, spiperone and propranolol increased plasma corticosterone secretion. On the other hand, none of the antagonists used in the present study, except spiperone, had any significant effect on plasma prolactin secretion. These findings suggest that m-CPP-induced prolactin secretion is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT1C receptors while corticosterone secretion may be mediated either by an antagonistic effect at 5-HT3 receptor subtype or by nonserotonergic mechanisms. Alternatively, enhancement of corticosterone secretion by the 5-HT antagonists when administered alone may be responsible for their failure to block m-CPP-induced corticosterone secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Biochemical and pharmacological properties of SR 46349B, a new potent and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptor antagonist.

A new potent, selective and p.o. active serotonergic [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT2)] receptor antagonist, SR 46349B [trans, 4-([3Z)3-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)oxyimino-3(2-flurophenyl++ +)propen-1-yl]phenol hemifumarate) has been characterized by a series of "in vitro" and "in vivo" methods. Based upon binding studies with 5-HT2 receptors in rat brain cortical membranes and blockade of 5-HT-induced contractions in isolated tissues (rabbit thoracic aorta, rat jugular vein, rat caudal artery, rat uterus and guinea pig trachea), SR 46349B showed high affinity for 5-HT2 receptors. Furthermore, SR 46349B displayed moderate affinity for the 5-HT1C receptor and had no affinity for the other 5-HT1 subclass (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B or 5-HT1D), dopamine (D1 or D2), "alpha" adrenergic (alpha-1 or alpha-2), sodium and calcium channel and histamine (H1) receptors. It did not interact with histamine (H1), alpha-1 adrenergic and 5-HT3 receptors in smooth muscle preparations. No inhibition of the uptake of norepinephrine, dopamine or 5-HT was seen. Based upon blockade of pressor responses to 5-HT in pithed rats and in vivo binding studies in mice, SR 46349B was found to be a potent and p.o. active 5-HT2 receptor antagonist with a relatively long duration of action. Behavioral experiments, including mescaline- and 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced head twitches and learned helplessness, as well as sleep-waking cycle and EEG spectral parameter studies, indicated that SR 46349B has a classical 5-HT2 psychopharmacological antagonist profile.     

Regionally specific neural adaptation of beta adrenergic and 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptors after antidepressant administration in the forced swim test and after chronic antidepressant drug treatment

In the present investigation, experiments were performed in order to determine whether antidepressants are capable of inducing regionally specific adaptation of beta adrenergic and 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptors after chronic administration or when combined with the forced swim test. The drugs tested were imipramine, amitriptyline, pargyline and nomifensine. The regional pattern of beta adrenergic or 5-HT2 receptor binding changes induced after chronic treatment with these antidepressants was not uniform. All of the drugs reduced [3H]dihydroalprenolol binding to cortical membranes after chronic treatment but only two, imipramine and pargyline, did so in hippocampus. All of the antidepressants reduced cortical, but not hippocampal, beta adrenergic receptor binding after 2 days of treatment, indicating that the rate of antidepressant-induced neural adaptation is regionally specific. All of the drugs, except nomifensine, induced down regulation of both cortical and hippocampal 5-HT2 receptors after chronic treatment, as measured by [3H]ketanserin binding. The forced swim test accelerated the reduction of [3H] dihydroalprenolol binding in hippocampus induced by imipramine and pargyline while producing no further effect on cortical beta adrenergic receptors. The down-regulation of hippocampal, but not cortical 5-HT2 receptors by imipramine and pargyline was also facilitated in rats processed in the forced swim test. These results provide further support for the view that the forced swim antidepressant drug screen may be of heuristic value as a model of the adaptive neural mechanisms that accompany chronic antidepressant drug treatment. Furthermore, these data provide evidence that multiple neural mechanisms may be involved in the adaptive changes after antidepressant drug treatment.     

Electrophysiological characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptors in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

The aim of the present study was to characterize 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptors in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFc) by single cell recording and microiontophoretic techniques. This was accomplished using 5-HT2 receptor agonists 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane [(+/-)-DOI] and 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenyl]-2-aminopropane [(+/-)-DOB]. DOI ejected at a low current (0.5 nA) potentiates glutamate (GLU)-induced activation of mPFc neurons and this effect is blocked by spiperone. At higher currents. DOI invariably inhibits GLU-induced neuronal activity. The microiontophoretic ejection of both DOI and DOB predominantly inhibits spontaneously active mPFc cells. The inhibitory action of DOI on spontaneously active cells is dose-dependent and is blocked by putative 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, with a rank order of potency as follows: ritanserin greater than metergoline approximately LY-53857 greater than spiperone greater than mesulergine greater than mianserin approximately ketanserin. Interestingly, ketanserin and mianserin only weakly block the effect of DOI. The suppressant action of DOI is probably not related to its interaction with 5-HT10 sites as spiperone, which has low affinity for these sites, potently blocks the effect of DOI. The suppressant effect of DOI is not blocked by other receptor antagonists such as BRL-43694 (5-HT3), (+/-)-pindolol (5HT 1a,1b, beta adrenergic, beta), prazosin (adrenergic1, alpha-1), pyrilamine (histamine1, H1), l-sulpiride (dopamine2, D2) or SR 95103 (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABAA). Overall our results indicate that DOI predominantly inhibits mPFc cells in a direct manner and this effect is mediated by 5-HT2 receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lysergic acid diethylamide and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine are partial agonists at serotonin receptors linked to phosphoinositide hydrolysis

Based on electrophysiological, radioligand binding, and behavioral studies in laboratory animals, it is generally believed that the psychotomimetic effects of the phenethylamine and indolealkylamine hallucinogens are mediated by central serotonin (5-HT) receptors, in particular the 5-HT-2 subtype. Agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis was utilized to determine the potency and efficacy of racemic 1-(2,5)-dimethoxy-4-methyl-phenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM), and d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) at the 5-HT-2 receptor in rat cerebral cortex and the 5-HT-1c receptor in rat choroid plexus. Both DOM and LSD stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cerebral cortex. These effects were blocked by the 5-HT-2 antagonists, ketanserin and spiperone, but not by antagonists of muscarinic, alpha-1 adrenergic or histaminergic receptors. The maximum responses of DOM and LSD, respectively, were 76% and 25% of the maximum response to 5-HT. However, LSD was 500 times more potent than was racemic DOM. Consistent with a partial agonist effect, LSD partially blocked the effect of 5-HT, with a maximal inhibition equivalent to the intrinsic activity of LSD alone. In choroid plexus, DOM and LSD stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and both responses were blocked by mianserin and less effectively by spiperone. The maximum effect of DOM was 67% of that of 5-HT, whereas the maximum effect of LSD was only 34% of the maximum response of 5-HT. LSD was 50 times more potent than was racemic DOM. LSD partially antagonized the effect of 5-HT in the choroid plexus, consistent with a partial agonist effect at the 5-HT-1c receptor in this tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)