Endothelin receptor blockers protect against ischemia/reperfusion impairment of gastrointestinal motility in rats

Intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains associated with high morbidity and mortality. The protective efficacy of the following endothelin (ET) receptor blockers: BQ-123 (ET(A) receptor), BQ-788 (ET(B)); tezosentan (dual ET blocker) was tested against the inhibition of gastrointestinal (GI) motility induced by intestinal I/R. Intestinal Evans blue transit was measured in untreated (UN) rats and animals subjected to skin incision (SI), I/R (1h superior mesenteric artery clamping followed by 2-24h reperfusion) or sham operation (SO). Surgical procedures were conducted under diethyl ether anesthesia. Anesthesia and SI did not affect the GI transit compared to UN rats. In contrast both SO and I/R significantly reduced GI motility, the latter evident at 2-24h of reperfusion. Tezosentan (1-10 mg/kg), BQ-123 and BQ-788 (0.1-1 mg/kg) protected against I/R-induced inhibition of intestinal motility in a time- and dose-dependent manner at the early and late stages of reperfusion. Furthermore tezosentan alleviated the I/R-induced decrease in the contractile response of the longitudinal jejunal smooth muscle strips to carbachol in vitro. The serum ET(1-21) level was increased at 2h but not 24h of reperfusion compared to SO animals and ET(1-21) was higher in tezosentan pretreated rats.     

Characterisation of 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in the Suncus murinus intestine.

The involvement of 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in mediating a contraction response in the isolated intestine of Suncus murinus was investigated using DOI ((+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-amino-propane, a 5-HT2 receptor agonist) which produced a bell-shaped concentration response curve that was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by methysergide (a 5-HT1/2 receptor antagonist, 1 microM) but not ketanserin (a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, 1 microM), yohimbine (a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist, 1 microM) or a combination of ondansetron (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 1 microM) plus SB204070 (8-amino-7-chloro(N-butyl-4-piperidyl) methylbenzo-1,4-dioxan-5-carboxylate hydrochloride, a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, 1 nM). The contraction response to the lower concentrations of DOI (10 nM-0.3 microM) was reduced in the presence of SB206553 (5-methyl-1-(3-pyridylcarbamoyl)-1,2,3,5-tetrahydropyrrolo[2 ,3-f]indole, a 5-HT2B/2C receptor antagonist, 1 microM), whilst conversely, the reducing response to the higher concentrations of DOI (1-30 microM) was prevented. A repeated challenge with 3 microM DOI produced a smaller response (desensitisation) and also reduced the response to 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, 0.3 microM) that was inhibited by SB206553 (1 microM). Data indicate that 5-HT2C receptors are likely candidates to mediate the contractile response to DOI and demonstrate desensitisation to repeated challenges.     

Further evidence for enigmas in adaptation mechanisms for the DOI-induced behaviors.

The acute and chronic effects of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2/1C (5-HT2/1C) receptor agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and the antagonist ketanserin were evaluated on the DOI-induced 5-HT2 receptor-mediated ear-scratch response (ESR) in mice. A challenge dose of DOI (2.5 mg/kg) administered 24 h following its first injection reduced the ESR frequency by 80-97%. The ESR score attained first injection value when the time lag between the first and the second injection was greater than 72 h. On the other hand, a single administration of ketanserin (1.0 mg/kg) caused no significant effect at 24 or 48 h but significantly reduced (51%, p < 0.05) the DOI-induced ESR 120 h following its injection. Chronic once-daily DOI injections reduced the ESR score by 80-97% throughout the treatment regimen. Following cessation from chronic treatment, the DOI-induced ESR frequency returned to control levels in a time-dependent manner. Repeated ketanserin administration significantly reduced the DOI-induced ESR score by 46% when tested 24 or 48 h following cessation of antagonist administration but had no effect at 78 h. Recently, we reported that 48 h following either a single DOI injection or termination from repeated DOI or ketanserin administration the DOI-induced head-twitch response (HTR) in mice exhibited supersensitivity. Thus, it appears that the DOI-induced behaviors exhibit differential adaptation mechanisms following either agonist or antagonist exposure. These studies further support our hypothesis that serotonergic drugs may have the ability to change independently the 5-HT-receptor sensitivity (signal transduction) and receptor density in the same or opposite directions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Stimulation of 5-HT 1A receptors increases the seizure threshold for picrotoxin in mice

To evaluate the possible role of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2A receptors in the anticonvulsant effect of swim stress, mice were pre-treated with agonists and antagonists of these receptors prior to exposure to stress and the intravenous infusion of picrotoxin. 8-OH-DPAT ((+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin) and WAY-100635 (a selective agonist and antagonist of 5-HT 1A receptors), DOI (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane) and ketanserin (a 5-HT 2A/2C receptor agonist and antagonist) were used. Results demonstrated that 1 and 3 mg/kg of 8-OH-DPAT increased the doses of picrotoxin producing running/bouncing clonus, tonic hindlimb extension and death in stressed and unstressed mice, respectively. Pre-treatment with WAY (0.3 mg/kg) prevented the effect of 8-OH-DPAT (3 mg/kg). DOI (2.5 mg/kg) and ketanserin (1 mg/kg) failed to affect the seizure threshold for picrotoxin. The results show that stimulation of 5-HT 1A receptors exerts anticonvulsant actions in stressed and unstressed mice, while stimulation of 5-HT 2A/2C receptors does not interfere with the effect of stress on picrotoxin-induced convulsions.     

Chronic treatment with (+/-)DOI, a psychotomimetic 5-HT2 agonist, downregulates 5-HT2 receptors in rat brain

(+/-)DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodo-phenylisopropylamine) is a hallucinogenic phenylalkylamine that has been characterized as a 5-HT2-selective agonist. Chronic treatment with (+/-)DOI [1.0 mg/kg/day (2.8 mumol/kg) for 8 days] significantly reduced the binding of [3H]ketanserin, [125I]LSD, and [125I]R-DOI as measured at single ligand concentrations in rat cortical homogenates. In saturation studies, chronic DOI treatment significantly lowered the Bmax of [3H]ketanserin binding and the high-affinity binding of [125I]R-DOI without altering the Kd values. In rats treated acutely with a single dose of (+/-)DOI, binding of [125I]R-DOI, [125I]LSD, and [3H]ketanserin was not significantly different from controls in membranes preincubated at 37 degrees C for 60 minutes. In all experiments nonspecific binding was determined by incubation with 1 microM ritanserin. This work demonstrates that chronic treatment with a 5-HT2-selective agonist hallucinogen reduces the number of binding sites for 5-HT2 agonists as well as for 5-HT2 antagonists.     

Effects of a 5-HT2 receptor agonist, DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine), and antagonist, ketanserin, on the performance of rats on a free-operant timing schedule

This experiment examined the effect of a 5-HT2 receptor agonist DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine), and antagonist, ketanserin, on temporal differentiation performance. Twelve rats were trained under the free-operant psychophysical procedure to press two levers (A and B) in 50-s trials in which sucrose reinforcement (0.6 mol/l, 50 microl) was provided intermittently for responding on A during the first half, and on B during the second half of the trial. Psychometric curves were derived from percent responding on B (%B), recorded in successive 5-s epochs of the trials; logistic functions were fitted to these data for the derivation of timing indices (T50 [time corresponding to %B=50%], epsilon [slope of the logistic curve], Weber fraction). Cumulative probability of switching in successive 5-s epochs was used to estimate the mean switching time, S50. DOI (0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg, s.c.) dose-dependently reduced T50 and S50. These effects of DOI (0.25 mg/kg) were antagonized by ketanserin (1.0 mg/kg). The results show that DOI alters temporal differentiation in the free-operant psychophysical procedure. The antagonistic effect of ketanserin indicates that the effect of DOI was probably mediated by 5-HT2A rather than 5-HT2C receptors, since ketanserin is relatively selective for 5-HT2A receptors. Comparison of these results with our previous findings with a 5-HT1A receptor agonist indicates that 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors mediate qualitatively similar effects on temporal differentiation.     

2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) inhibits Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced catalepsy-like immobilization in mice

The effect of the serotonin 5-HT(2A/2C)-receptor agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) on Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced catalepsy-like immobilization was studied in mice. DOI (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited the catalepsy-like immobilization induced by THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.). In contrast, the selective 5-HT(2C)-receptor agonist 8,9-dichloro-2,3,4,4a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazino[1,2-a]quinoxalin-5(6H)-one (WAY 161503) had no effect on this catalepsy-like immobilization. Moreover, the 5-HT(2A)-receptor antagonist ketanserin (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the inhibition of THC-induced catalepsy-like immobilization caused by DOI (1 mg/kg), whereas the selective 5-HT(2C)-receptor antagonist 6-chloro-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-N-[6-(2-methyl-3-pyridinyl)oxyl]-3-pyridinyl]-1H-indole-1-carboxyamide (SB 242084) did not affect this inhibitory effect of DOI. On the other hand, ketanserin (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the catalepsy-like immobilization induced by THC (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Thus, on the basis of these results, it appears that 5-HT(2A)-receptor mechanisms might be responsible for the inhibitory effect of DOI on THC-induced catalepsy-like immobilization.     

Multiple conformations of native and recombinant human 5-hydroxytryptamine(2a) receptors are labeled by agonists and discriminated by antagonists

We have expanded previous studies with the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2) receptor agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-[(125)I]iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane [(+/-)-[(125)I]DOI] in human brain that had shown biphasic competition curves for several 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists by using new selective antagonists of 5-HT(2A) (MDL100,907) and 5-HT(2C) (SB242084) receptors together with ketanserin and mesulergine. Autoradiographic competition experiments were performed with these antagonists in human brain regions where (+/-)-[(125)I]DOI labels almost exclusively 5-HT(2A) receptors (frontal cortex and striosomes). Furthermore, the effect of uncoupling receptor/G protein complexes on antagonist competition was studied with guanosine-5'-(beta,gamma-imido)triphosphate [Gpp(NH)p]. Competition experiments with (+/-)-[(3)H]1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenil)-2-aminopropane [(+/-)-[(3)H]DOB] were also performed in membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHOFA4) expressing cloned human 5-HT(2A) receptors. In both systems, ketanserin and MDL100,907 displayed biphasic competition profiles, whereas SB242084 and mesulergine competed monophasically. In absence of antagonist, 100 microM Gpp(NH)p decreased brain (+/-)-[(125)I]DOI specific binding by 40 to 50% and (+/-)-[(3)H]DOB specific binding to CHOFA4 cells by 30%. The remaining agonist-labeled uncoupled sites were still displaced biphasically by ketanserin and MDL100,907, with unaltered affinities. Saturation experiments were performed in CHOFA4 cells. (+/-)-[(3)H]DOB labeled two sites (K(d(h))= 0.8 nM, K(d(l)) = 31.22 nM). Addition of 100 microM Gpp(NH)p resulted in a single low-affinity (K(d) = 24.44 nM) site with unchanged B(max). [(3)H]5-HT showed no specific binding to 5-HT(2A) receptors. These results conform with the extended ternary complex model of receptor action that postulates the existence of partly activated receptor conformation(s) (R*) in equilibrium with the ground (R) and the activated G protein-coupled (R*G) conformations. Thus, both in human brain and CHOFA4 cells, the agonists possibly label all three conformations and ketanserin and MDL100,907 recognize with different affinities at least two of these conformations.     

Mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion-induced intestinal and vascular damage: effect of stobadine

This study examined the effects of the pyridoindole compound stobadine on intestinal and vascular injury following mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 60 min, followed by 30 min reperfusion. To characterize gut impairment, some parameters of intestinal damage and biochemical variables, such as GSH content, activity of a lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-beta-D-glucuronidase and activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, were determined. Vascular I/R-induced damage was evaluated as changes in acetylcholine evoked relaxation of mesenteric artery rings under isometric conditions. A method of amplified chemiluminescence (CL) was used to detect production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Following I/R, pronounced intestinal injury of various intensities was observed, with maximal changes occurring in the terminal ileum. The effect of I/R was expressed mainly as increased vascular permeability, with protein leakage and subsequent hemorrhagic injury of the intestine as well as impaired endothelium-dependent SMA relaxation. Vessel dysfunction was manifested by a decrease of the maximal relaxation response to acetylcholine. An increase of CL, indicative of increased ROS production, was observed in both intestinal and vascular tissue. A novel antioxidant, stobadine, was found to reduce the increased vascular permeability and the extent of small intestine injury caused by I/R, to improve biochemical alterations accompanying I/R, to protect endothelial-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries, and to attenuate the CL response. The observed beneficial effect of stobadine indicates its possible application in the preventive and/or therapeutic approach to I/R-induced pathologies.     

Regulation of 5-HT2 receptors in rat cortex. Studies with a putative selective agonist and an antagonist

The phenylisopropylamine derivative 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodo-phenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) has been suggested recently as a selective serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptor agonist. Because of the potential importance of such a tool for investigations of 5-HT2 receptor regulation, receptor binding studies were performed in rats after acute and chronic treatment with DOI, the selective 5-HT2 antagonist ketanserin, or vehicle. Single injections of 5 or 10 mg/kg DOI reduced the Bmax of cortical sites labeled with [3H]1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromo-phenyl)-2-aminopropane and [3H]ketanserin (9-32 or 32-46%, respectively). Chronic daily treatment with DOI (3-9 mg/kg) further down-regulated 5-HT2 sites in cortex identified with either [3H]ketanserin (-60%) or with [3H]DOB (-75%), without altering Kd values or affecting 5-HT1 sites. In vitro addition to the [3H]ketanserin or [3H]DOB binding assay of 10 nM to 1 microM DOI resulted in competitive inhibition, suggesting that down-regulation found in vivo was not secondary to residual drug. Chronic treatment with ketanserin (10 mg/kg) also down-regulated both [3H]ketanserin (-38%) and [3H]DOB (-58%) sites in cortex without charges in 5-HT1 sites. In naive cortex, competition experiments revealed a Ki (nM) for ( +/- )-DOI of 1.7 +/- 0.02 at sites labeled by [3H]DOB, and a KH and KL of 4.8 +/- 1.5 and 53 +/- 2 nM at sites labeled by [3H]ketanserin. These data indicate that in chronic treatment, DOI, like ketanserin, is highly selective for 5-HT2 vs 5-HT1 sites at behaviorally useful doses. However, a representative putative 5-HT2 selective agonist and antagonist have similar effects on 5-HT2 receptors labeled by agonist or antagonist radioligands.     

NR2A反义寡核苷酸对短暂性脑缺血/再灌注大鼠海马神经元损伤的保护作用

目的探讨NMDA受体亚单位2A(NR2A)反义寡核苷酸在短暂性脑缺血/再灌注大鼠海马神经元损伤中的保护作用,为研制和开发针对NR2A的特异性新药提供理论基础和形态学依据。方法健康♂SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、假手术对照组和缺血/再灌注组。经生理盐水、错义寡核苷酸和反义寡核苷酸预处理后,以四血管阻断法建立短暂性全脑缺血(15min)/再灌注(1、2、3和5d)动物模型。在确定的时间点进行灌注固定、取材、石蜡包埋和组织切片(片厚8μm),然后行TUNEL反应、焦油紫染色、原位杂交染色以及免疫组织化学染色。结果短暂性脑缺血/再灌注(I/R)3d,大鼠海马CA1区出现大量的凋亡阳性细胞;I/R5d大鼠海马CA1区细胞严重受损,与对照组相比二组差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。经NR2A反义寡核苷酸预处理后,I/R3d和I/R5d海马CA1区的细胞凋亡和细胞损伤明显减轻,与对照组相比二组差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。NR2A反义寡核苷酸能抑制I/R1d NR2A mRNA表达和I/R2d蛋白质表达,与对照组相比差异具有显著性(P<0.05)。结论短暂性全脑缺血后,NR2A反义寡核苷酸能明显地减轻缺血诱导的大鼠海马CA1区细胞凋亡和细胞损伤,且这种作用与NR2A反义寡核苷酸特异性抑制NR2A及其mRNA的表达密切相关。     

5-HT1 and 5-HT2 binding properties of derivatives of the hallucinugen 1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (2,5-DMA)

The affinities of a series of 1-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (2,5-DMA) derivatives, most of which are hallucinogenic in man, and several related agents were determined for rat cortical serotonin (5-HT) binding sites. Competition assays were performed in which these agents were competed for the 5-HT2 binding of [3H]ketanserin, or the 5-HT1 binding of [3H]LSD (in the presence of ketanserin). The R(-)-isomers of DOI, DOM and DON (i.e. the 4-iodo, -methyl and -nitro derivatives of 2,5-DMA) were found to be more potent than their racemates and demonstrated selectivity for 5-HT2 sites. These same agents in competing for [3H]ketanserin binding resulted in Hill coefficients significantly less than unity; computer-assisted analysis indicated a two-state model better fit the data. In the presence of 10(-4) M Gpp(NH)p the competition curve for R(-)-DOI produced a Hill coefficient close to unity. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that certain derivatives of 2,5-DMA, in particular R(-)-DOI, may be potent and selective agonists at 5-HT2 binding sites, sites that may constitute a serotonin receptor that is regulated by a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein. Conversely, the interactions of these agents at 5-HT1 sites was with a lower affinity and a lack of stereoselectivity. Although DOI and DOM are amongst the most potent of these agents as hallucinogens, it is still too premature to draw any conclusions regarding a possible relationship between 5-HT binding and hallucinogenic potency.     

降钙素基因相关肽对大鼠小肠缺血预适应的保护作用

目的探讨降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)在大鼠小肠缺血预适应中的作用及意义。方法①健康Wistar雄性大鼠,体质量(280±30)g,分为3组(各8只),对照组(CON):仅分离肠系膜上动脉(SMA),不夹闭,观察90 min;缺血再灌组(I/R):分离SMA,夹闭30 min,再灌注60 min,结束实验;缺血预适应组(IP):分离SMA,夹闭SMA 5 min反复3次,然后再夹闭30 min,再灌注60 min,结束实验。②利用放射免疫法测定CGRP含量,以乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、丙二醛(MDA)含量变化和形态学变化为指标,评价缺血再灌注损伤。结果缺血预适应可明显抑制大鼠小肠缺血再灌注损伤后LDH的水平增高,降低MDA的含量(P<0.01),保护小肠黏膜不受损伤。结论CGRP为大鼠小肠缺血再灌注损伤中关键性介质之一,缺血预适应可提高大鼠小肠缺血再灌注后CGRP的水平,对抗缺血再灌注损伤。     

二氮嗪后处理对缺血/再灌注心肌的保护作用及其与PI3K/Akt信号通路的关系

目的研究PI3K/Akt信号通路是否参与二氮嗪后处理减轻大鼠心肌缺血/再灌注(I/R)损伤。方法 60只♂SD大鼠随机分为5组(n=12):假手术组(S组)、I/R组、二氮嗪(D组)、wortmannin组(W组)、二氮嗪+wortmannin组(D+W组)。建立大鼠在体心脏I/R模型,除S组外,其余各组均缺血30 min,再灌注120 min。再灌注前5 min,5组分别依次经股静脉输注0.1%DMSO、0.1%DMSO、二氮嗪7mg.kg-1、wortmannin 15μg.kg-1和二氮嗪7 mg.kg-1,其中D+W组于给予二氮嗪前5 min输注wortmannin 15μg.kg-1。记录缺血前、缺血30 min和再灌注120 min时心率(HR)、左室发展压(LVDP)、左室舒张末压(LVEDP);再灌注末,2,3,5-氯化三苯基四氮唑(TTC)染色法检测心肌梗死面积、TUNEL染色法检测心肌细胞凋亡率、Western blot分析p-Akt表达水平。结果各组缺血前心功能指标HR、LVDP、LVEDP无差异(P>0.05)。再灌注120 min后,与I/R组相比,D组和D+W组LVDP明显升高、LVEDP明显降低(P<0.01或<0.05),梗死面积与凋亡率降低(P<0.01或0.05),D组p-Akt表达水平升高(P<0.01);与D组比,D+W组LVDP降低(P<0.05),梗死面积与凋亡率增高(P<0.05),p-Akt表达水平降低(P<0.01)。结论二氮嗪后处理部分通过激活PI3K/Akt信号通路减轻大鼠在体心肌I/R损伤。     

Possible involvement of endogenous 5-HT in aggravation of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the pathogenic role of endogenous 5-HT in pancreatitis. Injections of cerulein at hourly intervals caused edematous pancreatitis in mice characterized by hyperenzymemia and histological alterations. While the cerulein-induced hyperenzymemia was attenuated in mice pretreated with p-CPA, a 5-HT depletor, it was exaggerated by the preferential 5-HT2A agonist (DOI), but not by the preferential 5-HT2B agonist (BW723C86) or the preferential 5-HT2C agonist (mCPP). Selective 5-HT2A antagonists (risperidone, spiperone, ketanserin, AMI-193, and MDL 11,939) dose-dependently attenuated the hyperenzymemia; and their potency order, excepting that of ketanserin which has considerable affinity at the 5-HT2C receptor as well, paralleled their reported pKi values at the 5-HT2A receptor. Selective 5-HT2B (SB204741) and 5-HT2C (SB242084) antagonists hardly affected the hyperenzymemia. Although the non-selective 5-HT2A/2B/2C antagonists (metergoline, ritanserin, and methysergide) dose-dependently attenuated the hyperenzymemia, they were relatively less potent compared to their high pKi values at the 5-HT2A receptor. In another set of experiments, risperidone, but not SB204741 and SB242084, dose-dependently reversed the cerulein-induced histological alteration of the pancreas (inflammatory cell infiltration). These results suggest that endogenously released 5-HT activates 5-HT2A receptors to aggravate cerulein-induced pancreatitis. We propose that selective 5-HT2A antagonists may provide a new therapy for acute pancreatitis.     

Activation of 5-HT2A receptors impairs response control of rats in a five-choice serial reaction time task

The present experiments investigated the effects of agents acting at serotonin (5-HT)-2 receptors on the performance of rats in a choice serial reaction time (5-CSRT) task in order to examine the role of 5-HT2 receptors in the modulation of attention and response control. The results indicate that DOI, [(+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride; 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously], a 5-HT(2A/2C) agonist, slightly impaired the choice accuracy of the well performing rats and markedly increased their premature responding. DOI (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) had no effect on the latency to collect earned food pellets or to respond correctly, indicating that these lower doses of DOI did not reduce motivation for the food reward in this task. The selective effect of a low dose of DOI (0.1 mg/kg) on premature responding was completely blocked by ketanserin (0.2 mg/kg), a 5-HT2A antagonist, and ritanserin (0.3 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A/2C) antagonist, but only partially blocked by a high dose of SER082 (1.0 mg/kg), a 5-HT2C antagonist. In contrast to DOI, mCPP, [1-(3-phenyl)piperazine; 0.05 and 0.15 mg/kg], a 5-HT2C agonist, had no effect on choice accuracy or premature responding, but it reduced behavioral activity and/or arousal as indicated by the decreased number of trials completed and increased the probability of omissions. SER082 (1.0 mg/kg) blocked the effects of mCPP on performance. These data suggest that the overactivation of 5-HT2A receptors impairs response control in a 5-CSRT task, whereas the overactivation of 5-HT2C receptors can affect behavioral activity and/or arousal state of the animals for this food rewarded task.     

The effects of the peptide-coupling agent, EEDQ, on 5-HT2A receptor binding and function in rat frontal cortex.

This ex vivo study in rat frontal cortex determined the influence of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists on EEDQ-induced depletion of 5-HT2A binding sites and reduction in their functional coupling to phospholipid hydrolysis. Twenty-four hours after EEDQ (6 mg/kg) administration a marked reduction (66%) of cortical 5-HT2A binding sites with no change in binding affinity was observed. The 5HT2A antagonists ritanserin (1 mg/kg), ketanserin (1 and 5 mg/kg), metergoline (3 mg/kg) or the 5HT2A agonist, DOI (3 and 10 mg/kg) also significantly reduced (by 15-44%) these binding sites 24 h after injection. Thirty minute pretreatment with ritanserin, ketanserin, metergoline or DOI (at the doses above) afforded 49-65% protection against the loss of 5-HT2A binding sites induced by EEDQ (6 mg/kg). DOI (10 mg/kg) pretreatment (-24 h) decreased by 26% the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates (IPs) evoked by 5-HT (100 microM), but did not affect that produced by DOI (100 microM). Ketanserin (5 mg/kg, -24 h) decreased 5-HT- and DOI-induced IP formation by 65% and 53%, respectively. The EEDQ (6 mg/kg, -24 h)-evoked reductions (-50%) of 5-HT- and DOI-induced IP formation were not altered by DOI (10 mg/kg) or ketanserin (5 mg/kg) given 30 min before EEDQ. G-protein-stimulated IP accumulation was unaffected by EEDQ (6 mg/kg). Overall, EEDQ reduces 5-HT2A binding sites and function in rat frontal cortex, whereas its effects on binding were attenuated by various 5-HT receptor antagonists and agonists, its effects on function was unaltered by these drugs.     

SL65.0472 blocks 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced vasoconstriction in a dog hindlimb ischemia model

We have studied the ability of SL65.0472 (7-fluoro-2-oxo-4-[2-[4-(thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-1,2-dihydroquinoline-1-acetamide), a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 5-HT1B/5-HT2A receptor antagonist, to antagonise the vasoconstrictor effects of 5-HT and sumatriptan in a canine model of hindlimb ischemia. Dogs underwent right external iliac artery ligation and right superficial femoral artery excision, resulting in decreased perfusion (-31%, P<0.05) in the right hindlimb. Following pretreatment with L-NAME, phentolamine and propranolol, intra-aortic injection of 5-HT markedly reduced blood flow to the right ischemic hindlimb (-50 +/- 2%, P<0,05). 5-HT induced vasoconstriction was significantly inhibited (-66%, P<0.05) by SL65.0472 (300 microg/kg i.v.), but unaffected by ketanserin (300 microg/kg i.v.), a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. SL65.0472 also blocked sumatriptan-induced vasoconstriction in ischemic and normally perfused hindlimbs. Thus, SL65.0472 is an effective antagonist of 5-HT-receptor mediated hindlimb vasoconstriction.     

内源性抗氧化酶在异氟烷预处理离体大鼠心肌保护作用中的变化

目的观察不同浓度异氟烷预处理离体大鼠心肌的保护作用及其与内源性抗氧化酶变化的关系。方法建立大鼠离体心脏Langendorff灌流模型,随机分为6组(n=14):空白对照组(CON组)、1.44MAC异氟烷对照组(ISO组)、缺血/再灌注组(I/R组)、0.72MAC(I1组)、1.08MAC(I2组)和1.44MAC(I3组)异氟烷处理组。除CON组和ISO组外,其余各组大鼠心脏均缺血30min,再灌注60min。异氟烷预处理在心脏缺血前25min时进行,用不同浓度异氟烷充分饱和的K-H液预处理20min,冲洗5min。记录平衡末,缺血前即刻,再灌注30、60min时的心功能指标,测定再灌注末心肌组织中内源性抗氧化酶的活性,计算心肌梗死面积。并检测I2组大鼠心肌在平衡末,缺血前即刻,缺血后即刻及再灌30min组织中内源性抗氧化酶的活力。结果心肌缺血/再灌注使离体大鼠心脏的LVEDP明显升高,HR、LVDP、dp/dtmin及dp/dtmax明显降低(P<0.05)。与I/R组比较,再灌注末,I2组和I3组LVEDP和心肌梗死面积均明显降低,HR、dp/dtmin、dp/dtmax以及各抗氧化酶活性明显升高(P<0.05)。与平衡末相比,在缺血后即刻心肌组织各内源性抗氧化酶的活性明显降低;而在再灌注30和60min时,其活性较缺血后即刻升高(P<0.05),但仍未达到平衡末水平。结论异氟烷预处理可以增强内源性抗氧化酶的活性,明显改善心功能,并减少心肌梗死面积,对大鼠离体缺血/再灌注心肌有保护作用。