Effects of 5-HT1A receptor agonists,partial agonists and a silent antagonist on the performance of the conditioned emotional response test in the rat

In the present study, the effects of 5-HT_1A receptor ligands with varying degrees of intrinsic activity at the 5-HT_1A receptor were examined in the conditioned emotional response (CER) test and their effects compared to those of the benzodiazepine receptor agonists, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide. Diazepam (3.0 mg/kg) and chlordiazepoxide (3.0 mg/kg), and the 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonists, ipsapirone (10.0 mg/kg) and gepirone (3.0 mg/kg), alleviated conditioned suppression of lever pressing. The 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonist, buspirone (0.1–1.0 mg/kg), the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.01– 0.10 mg/kg), and the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, WAY-100635 (0.03–3.0 mg/kg), had no effects on conditioned fear. Neither enhancing the level of food deprivation nor pretreatment with the amnesic agent scopolamine induced anxiolytic-like effects in the present CER test. The anxiolytic-like effects of ipsapirone in this test were completely reversed by WAY-100635. These results indicate that 5-HT_1A agonist, but not antagonist actions, induce an anxiolytic effect in the CER test in rats. Received: 13 March 1996/Final version: 8 July 1996     

The role of 5-HT receptor subtypes in the anxiolytic effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the rat ultrasonic vocalization test

 We evaluated whether the anxiolytic effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the rat ultrasonic vocalization (USV) test are preferentially mediated by (indirect) activation of 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B/1D, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT₃ or 5-HT₄ receptors. The SSRIs, paroxetine (ED₅₀ in mg/kg, IP: 6.9), citalopram (6.5), fluvoxamine (11.7) and fluoxetine (>30), dose dependently reduced shock-induced USV. The effects of paroxetine (3.0 mg/kg, IP) were not blocked by the selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, WAY-100635 (3.0 mg/kg, IP), the 5-HT_1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR 127935 (30 mg/kg, IP), the nonselective 5-HT_2A receptor antagonists, ritanserin (3.0 mg/kg, IP) and ketanserin (1.0 mg/kg, IP), the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg, IP), or the 5-HT₄ receptor antagonist, GR 125487D (3.0 mg/kg, SC). In contrast, the selective 5-HT_2A receptor antagonist, MDL 100,907 (0.1 mg/kg, IP), completely prevented the paroxetine-induced reduction of USV. Under similar conditions, WAY-100635 blocked the anxiolytic-like effects of the selective 5-HT_1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT [(±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, 1.0 mg/kg, IP], and ritanserin, ketanserin, and MDL 100,907 blocked the anxiolytic-like effects of the mixed 5-HT_2A/2C receptor agonist, DOI [1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane, 3.0 mg/kg, IP]. WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg, IP) in combination with ritanserin (3.0 mg/kg, IP), but not ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg, IP), GR 125487D (3.0 mg/ kg, SC), or GR 127935 (30 mg/kg, IP), attenuated the USV reducing effects of paroxetine. Although the results suggest that selective stimulation of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptors produces a decrease of USV, we postulate that only 5-HT_2A receptors play a pivotal role in the effects of SSRIs in this model of anxiety. Received: 19 May 1997 / Final version: 21 July 1997     

Yohimbine produces antinociception in the formalin test in rats: involvement of serotonin1A receptors

Rationale: Previous studies have suggested that the α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine produced antinociceptive effects in the formalin test in rats. However, yohimbine is also an agonist at serotonin (5-HT)_1A receptors, suggesting the possibility that the antinociceptive effects of yohimbine might be mediated via these receptors. Objective: The purpose of the present studies was to evaluate the potential role of 5-HT_1A receptors in mediating the antinociceptive effects of yohimbine. Methods: The antinociceptive effects of yohimbine were evaluated using the formalin test in rats. Results: Yohimbine (2.5–10 mg/kg s.c.) produced dose-related antinociception during both phase I and phase II of the formalin test, and was approximately equipotent and equiefficacious to morphine. The selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY 100,635 (0.03–3.0 mg/kg s.c.) produced a partial reversal of yohimbine. In comparison, the selective 5-HT_1A receptor agonist (±)8-hydroxy- dipropylaminotetralin HBr (8OH-DPAT; 1.0 mg/kg s.c.) also produced a dose-related antinociception in the formalin test, although 8OH-DPAT was completely reversed by WAY 100,635 (3.0 mg/kg s.c.). The antinociceptive effects of yohimbine were not antagonized by the 5-HT_1B/1D antagonist GR 127935 (1.0 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg s.c.), the 5-HT₂ antagonist LY53857 (1.0 mg/kg s.c.), or the 5-HT₃ antagonist zatosetron (3.0 mg/kg s.c.). Conclusions: The present results demonstrate that yohimbine produces a dose-related antinociception in the formalin test in rats which is mediated in part by the agonistic actions at 5-HT_1A receptors. Received: 10 September 1999 / Final version: 5 November 1999     

Comparative effects of novel 5-HT1A receptor ligands, LY293284, LY315712 and LY297996, on plus-maze anxiety in mice

In contrast to the variable efficacy of 5-HT_1A receptor full and partial agonists in animal models of anxiety, recent findings in our laboratory have revealed remarkably consistent anxiolytic-like effects for 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists in the murine elevated plus-maze paradigm. In the present study, ethological techniques were used directly to compare the plus-maze profiles of three novel ligands varying in intrinsic efficacy at 5-HT_1A receptors: LY293284 (full agonist; 0.01–0.3 mg/ kg), LY315712 (partial agonist; 0.3–3.0 mg/kg), and LY297996 (antagonist; 0.03–10.0 mg/kg). At the lowest dose tested, LY293284 tended to enhance several indices of anxiety, whereas higher doses suppressed all active behaviours. Although few behavioural effects were observed with LY315712 under present test conditions, a selective reduction in risk assessment was apparent at 1.0–3.0 mg/kg. In contrast to these profiles, LY297996 (3.0–10.0 mg/kg) produced robust anxiolytic-like effects on conventional and ethological parameters but, importantly, did not alter general activity levels. These results provide further support for the anxiolytic potential of 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists and are discussed in relation to possible factors underlying inter-laboratory variation in the effects of these agents in animal models of anxiety. Received: 5 May 1997 /Final version: 4 February 1998     

Distress vocalizations in maternally separated mouse pups: modulation via 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and GABAA receptors

Rationale: Young rodents emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) when separated from their dams and littermates. Pharmacological agents that act on GABA_A and/or 5-HT receptors and that alleviate anxiety in humans reduce the emission of these calls. Objectives: 1) to investigate specific 5-HT₁ receptor subtypes that modulate maternal separation-induced USVs in mice; 2) to assess the behavioral specificity of these effects; and 3) to compare 5-HT₁ agonists with a positive neurosteroid modulator of the GABA_A receptor complex. Methods: Seven-day old CFW mouse pups were isolated from their littermates and placed onto a 20°C surface for 4 min. USVs between 30 and 80 kHz, grid crossing, and rectal temperature were measured in separate groups of mouse pups following subcutaneous administration of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_1B receptor agonists and antagonists, the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, or the benzodiazepine midazolam. Results: The 5-HT_1A agonists (+)8-OH-DPAT (0.01–0.1 mg/kg) and flesinoxan (0.3–1.0 mg/kg), the selective 5-HT_1B agonist CP-94,253 (0.03–30.0 mg/kg), and the mixed 5-HT_1B/2C receptor agonist TFMPP (0.1–10.0 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced USVs. These effects were reversed by the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY 100,635 (0.1 mg/kg) or the 5-HT_1B/D receptor antagonist GR 127935 (0.1 mg/kg). The effects of TFMPP were biphasic; low doses (i.e. 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg) increased the rate of vocalization. Midazolam and allopregnanolone also reduced USVs. The highest doses of flesinoxan, (+)8-OH-DPAT, and allopregnanolone suppressed locomotion, whereas CP-94,253, TFMPP, and midazolam stimulated motor activity. Conclusions: These experiments confirm that agonists at the 5-HT₁ receptors and a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA_A receptor complex decrease maternal separation-induced USVs in mice, with 5-HT_1B manipulations dissociating the effects on vocalizations from sedative effects. Received: 22 September 1999 / Final version: 14 December 1999     

Blockade of phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion by olanzapine, clozapine and serotonin receptor subtype selective antagonists in mice

In humans, phencyclidine (PCP) is known to produce a syndrome of behavioral effects which have many characteristics in common with schizophrenia. Therefore, antagonism of PCP effects might be evidence for antipsychotic efficacy of a compound. In the present studies, the effects of the D₂-like antagonist haloperidol, the mixed D₂-like/5-HT₂ antagonists olanzapine and clozapine, and a series of 5-HT receptor subtype selective antagonists on the hyperlocomotion produced by PCP were evaluated in mice. PCP (0.3–10 mg/kg) produced a dose-related increase in locomotor activity, with a peak effect at 3.0 mg/kg. The D₂-like antagonist haloperidol produced a dose-related decrease in locomotor activity when administered alone, and blocked the hyperactivity effects of PCP over the same dose-range (minimal effective dose, MED = 0.3 mg/kg for both effects). In contrast, olanzapine and clozapine reversed the hyperlocomotion effects of PCP at doses (MED = 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) approximately 30-and 10-fold, respectively, below those that decreased activity when administered alone (MED = 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, respectively). The selective 5-HT₂ antagonist LY53857 (0.3–3.0 mg/kg) administered alone had no effect on locomotor activity but reversed (MED = 0.1 mg/kg) the effects of PCP. Similarly, the selective 5-HT_2A/2C antagonist ritanserin (0.001–1.0 mg/kg) alone had no effect on locomotor activity, but reversed (MED = 0.01 mg/kg) the effects of PCP. The selective 5-HT_2A antagonists ketanserin (MED = 3.0 mg/kg) and MDL 100,907 (MED = 0.3 mg/kg) produced dose-related decreases in locomotor activity and ketanserin (MED = 0.1 mg/kg) and MDL 100,907 (MED = 0.003 mg/kg) reversed the effects of PCP. The selective 5-HT₃ antagonist zatosetron (0.01–10 mg/kg) and the selective 5-HT_1A antagonist WAY 100,635 (0.001–3 mg/kg) were without effects on spontaneous locomotor activity. Zatosetron reversed the effects of 3.0 mg/kg PCP at the nonselective dose of 10 mg/kg whereas WAY 100,635 (0.001–1 mg/kg) did not affect PCP-induced hyperlocomotion. The present results indicate that PCP increases locomotor activity, at least in part, due to actions at 5-HT_2A, but not 5-HT₃ or 5-HT_1A, receptors. Further, the present findings support the hypothesis that antagonism at 5-HT_2A receptors contributes to the in vivo actions of atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and clozapine. Received: 27 June 1996/Final version: 20 August 1996     

Pharmacological analysis of the heterogeneous discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol in rats using a three-choice ethanol-dizocilpine-water discrimination

The present study used a three-choice operant drug discrimination procedure to determine if NMDA-mediated discriminative stimulus effects could be separated from other stimulus effects of 2.0 g/kg ethanol. Adult male Long-Evans rats (n = 7) were trained to discriminate dizocilpine (0.17 mg/kg; IG) from ethanol (2.0 g/kg; IG) from water (4.7 ml; IG) using food reinforcement. Substitution tests were conducted following administration of the GABA_A positive modulators allopregnanolone (5.6–30.0 mg/kg; IP), diazepam (0.3–10.0 mg/kg; IP) and pentobarbital (1.0–21.0 mg/kg; IP), the non-competitive NMDA antagonist phencyclidine (0.3–10.0 mg/kg; IP), the 5-HT₁ agonists TFMPP (0.3–5.6 mg/kg; IP) and RU 24969 (0.3–3.0 mg/kg; IP), and isopropanol (0.10–1.25 g/kg; IP). Allopregnanolone, diazepam and pentobarbital substituted completely (>80%) for ethanol. Isopropanol partially (77%) substituted for ethanol. Phencyclidine substituted completely for dizocilpine. RU 24969 and TFMPP did not completely substitute for either training drug, although RU 24969 partially (62%) substituted for ethanol. Successful training of this three-choice discrimination indicates that the discriminative stimulus effects of 0.17 mg/kg dizocilpine were separable from those of 2.0 g/kg ethanol. The finding that attenuation of NMDA-mediated effects of ethanol occurred without altering significantly GABA_A- and 5-HT₁-mediated effects suggests that the NMDA component may be independent of other discriminative stimulus effects of 2.0 g/kg ethanol. Received: 18 November 1997 / Final version: 10 February 1998     

Effects of fluoxetine and buspirone on the panicolytic-like response induced by the activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in the rat dorsal periaqueductal gray

Rationale Administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)_1A and 5-HT_2A receptor agonists into the dorsal periaqueductal gray (DPAG) inhibits escape, a defensive behavior associated with panic attacks. Long-term treatment with the antipanic compound imipramine enhances the DPAG 5-HT_1A- and 5-HT_2A-receptor-mediated inhibition of escape, implicating these receptors in the mode of action of panicolytic drugs. Objectives In the present study, we investigated whether the inhibitory effect on escape elicited by the intra-DPAG injection of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptor agonists is also enhanced after treatment with fluoxetine, another widely used antipanic drug. The effects of fluoxetine were compared to those of buspirone, an anxiolytic drug without major effect on panic disorder. Methods Male Wistar rats, subchronically (3–6 days) or chronically (21–24 days) treated with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p.) or chronically treated with buspirone (0.3 mg/kg i.p.), were intra-DPAG injected with 5-HT (20 nmol), the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT; 8 nmol) or the preferential 5-HT_2A receptor agonist (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl) piperazine dihydrochloride (DOI; 16 nmol). The intensity of electrical current that applied to the DPAG-evoked escape behavior was measured before and after the microinjection of these agonists. Results The electrical current necessary to produce escape was increased after the microinjection of the three 5-HT receptor agonists in all groups of animals tested. However, this panicolytic-like effect was significantly higher in animals receiving long-term treatment with fluoxetine. Conclusions The results suggest that facilitation of the 5-HT_1A- and 5-HT_2A-receptor-mediated inhibition of DPAG neuronal activity is implicated in the beneficial effect of antidepressants in panic disorder.     

Anxiolytic-like profile of p-MPPI, a novel 5HT1A receptor antagonist, in the murine elevated plus-maze

Recent research on the effects of selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists in animal models of anxiety has yielded inconsistent findings. In the present study, the behavioural effects of the novel 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, 4-(2′-methoxy-phenyl)-1-[2′-(n-2″-pyridinyl)-p-iodobenzamido]-ethyl-piperazine (p-MPPI), were examined in male mice using an ethological version of the elevated plus-maze test. Results show that at lower doses (0.5–4.5 mg/kg), p-MPPI produced a significant and dose-related anxiolytic profile on both conventional (open arm avoidance) and ethological (risk assessment) measures. However, these effects were lost at a higher dose (13.5 mg/kg) which, instead, increased grooming and immobility. The behavioural profile of p-MPPI is contrasted with those previously obtained with other 5-HT_1A receptor ligands (agonists, partial agonists and antagonists), and it is suggested that 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists may possess therapeutic advantages in anxiety disorders. Received: 24 May 1996/Final version: 16 September 1996     

Characterization of the behavioral profile of the non-peptide CRF receptor antagonist CP-154,526 in anxiety models in rodents Comparison with diazepam and buspirone

The present series of experiments compared the behavioral effects of the novel non-peptide CRF antagonist CP-154,526 with those of diazepam and the 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonist buspirone in classical animal models of anxiety including conflict tests (punished lever pressing and punished drinking tests in rats) and exploratory models (elevated plus-maze test in rats, light/dark choice and free-exploration tests in mice), and a recently developed mouse defense test battery (MDTB) which has been validated for the screening of anxiolytic drugs. Results from both conflict procedures showed that diazepam (2.5–10 mg/kg, IP) produced clear anxiolytic-like effects, whereas buspirone (2.5 mg/kg, IP) displayed anticonflict activity in the punished drinking test only. CP-154,526 (0.6–20 mg/kg) was devoid of significant activity in both procedures. In the elevated plus-maze, diazepam (2 mg/kg, IP) produced significant effects on traditional (i.e. spatio-temporal) and ethologically derived (i.e. risk assessment and directed exploration) indices of anxiety. Buspirone (1–4 mg/kg, IP) reduced risk assessment activities only, and CP-154,526 (0.6–20  mg/kg, IP) did not modify the indices of anxiety in the elevated plus-maze. In the light/dark test, diazepam (2.5–5 mg/kg, IP) and CP-154,526 (10–40 mg/kg, IP) affected all behavioral indices of anxiety, while buspirone reduced risk assessment activities at the highest doses only (10 and 15 mg/kg, IP). In the free-exploration test, diazepam (1 mg/kg, IP) reduced avoidance responses towards novelty, as indicated by the increase in exploratory activity in a novel compartment and the decrease in risk assessment. CP-154,526 failed to affect the former behavior and weakly reduced the latter (5 and 20 mg/kg, IP). Buspirone (1.25–5 mg/kg, IP) was inactive in this test. Finally, in the MDTB, diazepam (0.5–3 mg/kg, IP) attenuated all defensive reactions of mice confronted with a rat stimulus (i.e. flight, risk assessment and defensive attack) or with a situation associated with this threat (i.e. contextual defense). Buspirone (1.25–5 mg/kg, IP) reduced defensive attack and contextual defense, while CP-154,526 (5–20 mg/kg, IP) affected all defensive behaviors, with the exception of one risk assessment measure. The finding that CP-154,526 displayed positive effects in mice but not in rats may be due to increased sensitivity to environmental stress of the strains used (i.e. BALB/c, Swiss) and/or to the fact that animals were exposed to unavoidable stress stimuli which may lead to a significant activation of the CRF system. Although in mice the anxiety-reducing potential of CP-154,526 is superior to that of the atypical anxiolytic buspirone, it is smaller in terms of the magnitude of the effects and the number of indices of anxiety affected than that of diazepam. Received: 7 September 1997/Final version: 26 November 1997     

Contribution of serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2 receptor subtypes to the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine in rats

Rationale The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) 5-HT₂ receptor (5-HT₂R) family is an important regulator of the behavioral responsiveness to cocaine. Objective The present study is an analysis of the role of the 5-HT₂R subtypes (5-HT_2AR, 5-HT_2BR, and 5-HT_2CR) in the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine. Methods Male Wistar rats were trained to discriminate cocaine (10 mg/kg) from saline in a two-lever, water-reinforced FR 20 task, and we investigated the ability of the 5-HT_2AR antagonist 1(Z)-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxyimino]-1(2-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2(E)-propene (SR 46349B), the 5-HT_2BR antagonist N-(1-methyl-5-indolyl)-N′-(3-methyl-5-isothiazolyl) urea (SB 204741), and the 5-HT_2CR antagonist [(+)-cis -4,5,7a,8,9,10,11,11a-octahydro-7H-10-methylindolo(1,7-bC)(2,6)naphthyridine (SDZ SER-082) to substitute for or to modulate the stimulus effects of cocaine. Results Pretreatment with SR 46349B (0.5–1 mg/kg) resulted in a rightward shift of the cocaine dose–response curve, while SDZ SER-082 (1 mg/kg) shifted the dose–response for cocaine to the left; SB 204741 (1–3 mg/kg) was inactive. Conclusions Our pharmacological analyses of selective antagonists of 5-HT_2AR, 5-HT_2BR, and 5-HT_2CR indicate oppositional influence of 5-HT_2AR and 5-HT_2CR on the stimulus effects of cocaine and exclude a role for the 5-HT_2BR. These data suggest that 5-HT_2AR and 5-HT_2CR may be important in modulating the subjective effects of cocaine in humans.     

Indirect in vivo 5-HT1A-agonistic effects of the new antidepressant mirtazapine

The new antidepressant mirtazapine was tested in two experimental procedures which can reveal direct or indirect 5-HT_1A receptor agonistic effects. These procedures were observation for induction of lower lip retraction in rats and comparison of stimulus properties in cross-familiarization experiments with conditioned taste aversion in mice. Mirtazapine induced lower lip retraction in rats, as did the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). However, the response to mirtazapine at doses up to 22 mg/kg remained below the maximum score obtained with 8-OH-DPAT (0.46 mg/kg). Blockade of the 5-HT_1A receptors with pindolol (10 mg/kg) caused a strong reduction of the lower lip retraction induced both with mirtazapine and 8-OH-DPAT. In the cross-familiarization conditioned taste aversion experiments it was found that the conditioned taste aversion induced by mirtazapine (0.32 mg/kg) could be prevented if the mice were pre-exposed to injections with mirtazapine (0.22 and 0.46 mg/kg), 8-OH-DPAT (0.22 and 0.46 mg/kg) and after pre-exposure to the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (22 mg/kg). No familiarization for the mirtazapine stimulus was obtained by pre-exposure to (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI) (0.46–4.6 mg/kg) and MK212 (2.2–22 mg/kg), being agonists for the 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2C receptors, respectively. With the reversed sequence, the conditioned taste aversion induced by 8-OH-DPAT (0.22 mg/kg), DOI (1.0 mg/kg) and fluoxetine could be prevented only partially by pre-exposure to mirtazapine in a dose of 1 mg/kg. The conditioned taste aversion induced by MK 212 (4.6 mg/kg) was not affected by pre-exposure to mirtazapine (0.1–1.0 mg/kg). On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that mirtazapine has indirect 5-HT_1A receptor agonistic properties which may play an important role in the therapeutic effect of this compound. Received: 24 January 1997/Final version: 24 April 1997     

Serotonin1B receptor stimulation enhances dopamine-mediated reinforcement

The effect of 5-HT_1B receptor stimulation on dopamine-mediated reinforcement in rats was investigated using intravenous self-administration of the selective dopamine uptake inhibitor GBR-12909 on an FR5 schedule of reinforcement. Pretreatment with the 5-HT_1A/1B receptor agonist CGS-12066B (1–10 mg/kg, IP) dose-dependently reduced the self-administration of GBR-12909 (83 μg/injection) by increasing the interval between drug injections, consistent with a enhancement of the reinforcing effects of GBR-12909. Additionally, CGS-12066B pretreatment (3 mg/kg, IP) shifted the dose-effect function for GBR-12909 self-administration to the left. Pretreatment with the selective 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.03– 1.0 mg/kg, SC) had no significant effect on GBR-12909 self-administration (83 μg/injection), indicating that the effect of CGS-12066B is not mediated by the 5-HT_1A receptor. Finally, CGS-12066B pretreatment (1–10 mg/kg, IP) did not alter the self-administration of cocaine (0.03–0.5 mg/injection), suggesting that the simultaneous stimulation of multiple 5-HT receptor subtypes by the indirect 5-HT agonist properties of cocaine may mask the effect of 5-HT_1B receptor stimulation on DA-mediated reinforcement. Received: 5 February 1996/Final version: 20 June 1996     

GABAergic influences on plus-maze behaviour in mice

Manipulations of GABA function have been found to produce highly variable effects in animal models of anxiety. In the present series, an ethological version of the murine elevated plus-maze was used to examine in detail the behavioural profiles of diazepam (1.5 mg/kg; positive control) and a range of GABA-related compounds: valproic acid (100–400 mg/kg), No-711 (1.25–10.0 mg/kg), muscimol (0.5–3.0 mg/ kg), (+)bicuculline (4.0–8.0 mg/kg), picrotoxin (0.25– 2.0 mg/kg), R(+)baclofen (0.375–3.0 mg/kg) and CGP 35348 (25–200 mg/kg). On both conventional and ethological indices, results confirmed the anxiolytic profile of diazepam under present test conditions, and revealed substantially similar effects for the GABA-T inhibitor, valproic acid (100–400 mg/kg), and the GABA_A receptor agonist, muscimol (2 mg/kg). The GABA reuptake inhibitor, No-711, produced weak anxiolytic-like effects at low doses (1.25–2.5 mg/kg) but disrupted behaviour at the highest dose tested (10 mg/ kg). Although the GABA_A receptor antagonists, (+)bicuculline and picrotoxin, produced changes indicative of anxiety enhancement, concomitant behavioural suppression was evident at high doses (8 mg/kg and 1–2 mg/kg, respectively). Further studies suggested that the effects observed with bicuculline may be mediated by an active metabolite, such as bicucine. In contrast to the effects of valproic acid and direct GABA_A receptor manipulations, the GABA_B receptor agonist, R(+) baclofen, non-specifically disrupted behaviour at the highest dose tested (3 mg/kg) while the GABA_B receptor antagonist, CGP 35348, was inactive over the dose range studied. Although present data confirm the sensitivity of the plus-maze to agents which modify GABA_A receptor function, further studies will be required in order more fully to characterize this relationship. Received: 8 March 1996/Final version: 28 July 1996     

5-HT1A receptor antagonists increase the activity of serotonergic cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus in rats treated acutely or chronically with citalopram

In this study we have examined the acute effects of systemic administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), citalopram, in combination with either of the two selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists, (S)-5-fluoro-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)-tetralin [(S)-UH-301] or (+)-N-tertbutyl 3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-phenylpropionamide dihydrochloride [(+)-WAY100135], on the activity of single 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of anesthetized rats using extracellular recording techniques. Acute administration of citalopram (0.3 mg/kg i.v.) significantly decreased the firing rate of DRN-5-HT cells most likely as a result of indirect stimulation of inhibitory somatodendritic 5-HT_1A autoreceptors located on 5-HT cells in the DRN. This effect of citalopram was completely reversed by (S)-UH-301 (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) and partly by (+)WAY100135 (0.5 mg/kg i.v.). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of citalopram on the activity of 5-HT neurons was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with (S)-UH-301 (0.25 mg/kg i.v.) or (+)-WAY100135 (0.25 mg/kg i.v.).We have also studied the effects of (S)-UH-301 (0.03–0.50 mg/kg i.v.) on the firing rate of single DRN5-HT cells in rats chronically treated with citalopram (20 mg/kg/day i.p. × 14 days). Administration of (S)UH-301 significantly and dose-dependently increased the activity of 5-HT cells in citalopram-treated rats, but did not affect these neurons in saline-treated (1 m1/kg/day i.p. × 14 days), control rats. Our results thus suggest that 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists can augment both the acute and chronic effects of citalopram on central serotonergic neurotransmission. Since the antidepressant effect of SSRIs is critically linked to the availability of 5-HT, these findings support the notion that 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists may not only shorten the latency of onset of SSRIs in the treatment of depression, but also increase their efficacy.     

Involvement of diazepam-insensitive benzodiazepine receptors in the suppression of DOI-induced head-twitch responses in diabetic mice

Rationale We previously reported that the head-twitch responses induced by the 5-HT₂ receptor agonist (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) (DOI-HTRs) were decreased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.Objectives We examined the involvement of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/benzodiazepine system on the suppression of DOI-HTRs in diabetic mice.Results The benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently and significantly increased DOI-HTRs in diabetic mice to the same levels as in nondiabetic mice. However, flumazenil (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.v.) did not affect DOI-HTRs in nondiabetic mice. The benzodiazepine receptor agonist diazepam (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.p.) had no effect on DOI-HTRs in either nondiabetic or diabetic mice. The GABA_A receptor antagonist bicuculline (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.p.) and the benzodiazepine receptor partial inverse agonist Ro 15-4513 (0.1–1 mg/kg, i.v.) dose-dependently and significantly suppressed DOI-HTRs in nondiabetic mice to the same levels as in diabetic mice. Ro 15-4513-induced reduction of DOI-HTRs in nondiabetic mice was completely antagonized by flumazenil (1 mg/kg, i.v.), but not diazepam (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.).Conclusions We suggest that the abnormal diazepam-insensitive benzodiazepine receptor function partly underlies the suppression of DOI-HTRs in diabetic mice.     

Characterization of the ethanol-like discriminative stimulus effects of 5-HT receptor agonists as a function of ethanol training dose

 A drug discrimination procedure was used to characterize the ethanol-like effects of a variety of 5-HT₁ agonists. Previous studies found that the degree of substitution of the 5-HT_1B/2C agonist TFMPP (m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine) depended on the training dose of ethanol. The present studies extend this initial finding to four additional 5-HT agonists with different selectivity for 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B, or 5-HT_2C receptors: CGS 12066B (7-trifluoromethyl-4(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline maleate), mCPP [1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine diHCl], RU 24969 [5-methoxy-3(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl]-1H-indole succinate and 8-OH DPAT [(±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin HBr]. Separate groups of rats were trained to discriminate 1.0 g/kg (n=7), 1.5 g/kg (n=6) or 2.0 g/kg (n=8) ethanol from water. Following training, three to five doses of each 5-HT agonist were tested twice in each rat. The most selective 5-HT_1B agonist tested, CGS 12066B (3–17 mg/kg; IP), completely substituted for the 1.0 g/kg ethanol, but not for 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg ethanol. Likewise, the 5-HT_1B/2C agonist mCPP (0.56–1.7 mg/kg; IP) completely substituted only in the 1.0 g/kg ethanol training group. The 5-HT_1A/1B agonist RU 24969 (0.1–3.0 mg/kg; IP) substituted for all training doses of ethanol, although in a lower proportion of the rats tested in the 2.0 g/kg ethanol training group. Finally, the 5-HT_1A agonist 8-OH DPAT (0.1–1.0 mg/kg; IP) did not substitute completely for any ethanol training dose. The results consistently show that agonists with 5-HT_1B activity produce discriminative stimulus effects similar to low and intermediate, but not high, ethanol training doses. Received: 10 September 1996 / Final version: 25 March 1997     

Pharmacological evaluation of a modified conflict procedure: punished drinking in non-water-deprived rats

Rationale: Conflict procedures used to detect anxiolytic-like activity of drugs often rely on maintaining strict schedules of water or food availability. It is ethically and practically desirable to reduce such states of deprivation in animal testing. Objective: The purpose of the present experiment was to develop and pharmacologically characterize a conflict drinking procedure that did not require the use of water-deprived animals. Methods: Rats were tested during daily sessions with alternating unpunished drinking (no tone: lick=sucrose solution) and signaled punished drinking (tone: lick=sucrose+shock) components, and developed individual steady baselines over a brief training period (approximately 3–4 weeks). The drugs tested i.p. were the positive allosteric modulators of γ-amino butyric acid_A (GABA)_A receptors, diazepam (0.03–30 mg/kg), chlordiazepoxide (0.03–30 mg/kg), lorazepam (0.03–10 mg/kg), zolpidem (0.3–10 mg/kg), pentobarbital (1–30 mg/kg), pregnanolone (1–30 mg/kg), and bretazenil (0.03– 10 mg/kg); the 5-hydroxy tryptamine_1A (HT)_1A-mediated anxiolytics, buspirone (1–10 mg/kg) and ipsapirone (1–17 mg/kg); and the negative controls d-amphetamine (0.3–3 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.01–0.3 mg/kg), morphine (0.3–17 mg/kg), and imipramine (0.3–30 mg/kg). Results: The experimental procedure was sensitive to increases in punished drinking by the GABA_A-positive modulators, consistent with their known or putative anxiolytic activity. Further, the 5-HT_1A-mediated anxiolytics increased punished drinking, although to a lesser extent and over a more narrow dose range than did the GABAergic drugs. In contrast, d-amphetamine, haloperidol, morphine, and imipramine failed to increase punished drinking up to doses that decreased unpunished drinking. Conclusions: The present results indicate that water deprivation is not a necessary condition to engender drinking conflict behavior or to obtain pharmacological effects similar to those obtained with other classical conflict procedures. Received: 23 November 1998 / Final version: 15 March 1999     

Mirtazapine enhances the effect of haloperidol on apomorphine-induced climbing behaviour in mice and attenuates haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats

 Activation of 5-HT_1A receptors has been shown to attenuate catalepsy induced by typical antipsychotic compounds. Since mirtazapine (Remeron; Org 3770) has indirect 5-HT_1A receptor stimulating properties as well as antagonist properties at α₂-adrenoceptors and 5-HT₂ receptors, it was of interest to investigate how the compound could modulate the effect of haloperidol on apomorphine-induced climbing behaviour in mice and haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats. In the apomorphine climbing test, it was found that mirtazapine (2.2–22 mg/kg) did not change the climbing behaviour of mice induced by 1 mg/kg of apomorphine. However, when given as a co-treatment with haloperidol, mirtazapine (1 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently augmented the inhibiting effect of haloperidol on this climbing behaviour. Co-treatment with the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg) also augmented the effect of haloperidol. Catalepsy induced by haloperidol (4.6 mg/ kg) was attenuated by mirtazapine (2.2–22 mg/kg). The strongest effect was seen at 90 min after haloperidol treament. The results obtained in these experiments suggest that co-treatment with mirtazapine may enhance the antipsychotic effect of haloperidol and reduce its extrapyramidal side effects, thereby widening its therapeutic window. Received: 6 May 1997/Final version: 10 August 1997     

mCPP-induced anxiety in the light-dark box in rats – a new method for screening anxiolytic activity

The activity of anxiolytic and other drugs in a light-dark test situation was studied in rats treated with the anxiogenic compound m-chlorophenyl-piperazine (mCPP). mCPP 0.5 mg/kg significantly diminished the exploratory activity of the animals in the light compartment of the apparatus. Drugs to be tested against mCPP-induced anxiety when studied alone (not in combination with mCPP) did not significantly alter the activity of rats in the light-dark apparatus, except yohimbine, which reduced the movement time values in the lit area. 1,4-Benzodiazepines [diazepam (0.1–4 mg/kg) and chlordiazepoxide (2–8 mg/kg)], 5-HT_2A/2C antagonists [ritanserin (0.25–8 mg/kg) and deramciclane (0.5–8 g/kg)], the 5-HT₃ antagonist MDL-72222 (3 mg/kg) and ethanol (2–4 mg/kg) significantly reduced the effect of mCPP. A dose-dependent increase in the exploratory activity of mCPP-treated animals was found in the 2,3-benzodiazepine girisopam (2.5–5 mg/kg)-treated groups. Tofisopam, another 2,3-benzodiazepine molecule, also showed activity against mCPP, although its effect was not statistically significant. The 5-HT_1A partial agonist buspirone was also active in the dose range of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg, while the 5-HT_1A full agonist 8-OH-DPAT was the only drug with presumed anxiolytic activity that clearly lacked any effect in this model. Imipramine, amitriptyline, morphine, naloxone, haloperidol, clozapine, amphetamine, yohimbine, carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin were not effective. We conclude that mCPP-induced anxiety in the light-dark box is a potent and useful method for screening and detecting anxiolytic activity of a wide range of compounds with various modes of action. Received: 2 September 1997 / Final version: 18 September 1997