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

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

Heterogeneity of muscarinic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors in the rat brain: effects of a novel M1 agonist, AF102B

The effects of oxotremorine and AF102B (cis-2-methylspiro-(1,3-oxathiolane-5,3')-quinuclidine), a novel M1-selective muscarinic agonist, on acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) release from superfused rat hippocampal and striatal synaptosomes were investigated. Synaptosomes that had been prelabeled with [3H]choline or [3H]DA were depolarized by high K+. Oxotremorine and AF102B decreased the K+-evoked [3H]ACh release from hippocampal synaptosomes and increased the K+-evoked [3H]DA release from striatal synaptosomes. The dose-response curves showed that AF102B was far less potent than oxotremorine at the hippocampal presynaptic muscarinic receptors (autoreceptors). On the other hand, AF102B was more potent than oxotremorine at the muscarinic receptors on the striatal dopaminergic terminals (heteroreceptors). Pirenzepine, a selective M1 antagonist, counteracted the effects of oxotremorine on [3H]DA release more potently than it did the effects of oxotremorine on [3H]ACh release. Our results suggest that AF102B and pirenzepine discriminate pharmacologically between muscarinic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors.     

5-HT1B receptors modulate release of [3H]dopamine from rat striatal synaptosomes

The effect of the selective r5-HT_1B agonist 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro)-4-pyridil-5-pyrrolo [3,2-b] pyril-5-one (CP93,129) on the K⁺-evoked overflow of [³H]dopamine was studied in rat striatal synaptosomes loaded with [³H]dopamine. The aim of the study was to investigate the participation of 5-HT_1B receptors in the serotonergic modulation of striatal dopaminergic transmission. The Ca²⁺-dependent, tetrodotoxin-resistant K⁺-evoked overflow of [³H]dopamine was inhibited by CP93,129 (0.01–100 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀=1.8 μM; maximal inhibition by 35.5% of control). [±]8-OH-DPAT, a 5-HT_1A receptor agonist, [+/–]DOI, a 5-HT₂ receptor agonist, and 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, a 5-HT₃ receptor agonist, at concentrations ranging from 0.01 μM to 100 μM did not show any significant effect. Neither ketanserin (1 μM and 5 μM), a selective 5-HT₂/5-HT_1D receptor antagonist, nor ondansetron (1 μM), a 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, changed the inhibitory effect of CP93,129. SB224289, GR55562, GR127935, isamoltane and metergoline, selective and non-selective 5-HT_1B receptor antagonists, in contrast, used at a concentration of 1 μM, antagonized the inhibitory effect of CP93,129 (3 μM and 10 μM). SB224289, a selective 5-HT_1B receptor antagonist, inhibited the effect of CP93,129 in a concentration-dependent manner; the calculated K _i value was 1.8 nM. Our results indicate that in rat striatal axon terminals the K⁺-evoked release of dopamine is regulated by the presynaptic 5-HT_1B heteroreceptors. Received: 7 September 1998 / Accepted: 2 November 1998     

Modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine efflux from rat cortical synaptosomes by opioids and nociceptin

The modulation of [(3)H]-5-hydroxytryptamine ([(3)H]-5-HT) efflux from superfused rat cortical synaptosomes by delta, kappa, mu and ORL(1) opioid receptor agonists and antagonists was studied. Spontaneous [(3)H]-5-HT efflux was reduced (20% inhibition) by either 0.5 microM tetrodotoxin or Ca(2+)-omission. Ten mM K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-5-HT overflow was largely Ca(2+)-dependent (90%) and tetrodotoxin-sensitive (50%). The delta receptor agonist, deltorphin-I, failed to modulate the K(+)-evoked neurotransmitter efflux up to 0.3 microM. The kappa and the mu receptor agonists, U-50,488 and endomorphin-1, inhibited K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-5-HT overflow (EC(50)=112 and 7 nM, respectively; E(max)=28 and 29% inhibition, respectively) in a norBinaltorphimine- (0.3 microM) and naloxone- (1 microM) sensitive manner, respectively. None of these agonists significantly affected spontaneous [(3)H]-5-HT efflux. The ORL(1) receptor agonist nociceptin inhibited both spontaneous (EC(50)=67 nM) and K(+)-evoked (EC(50)=13 nM; E(max)=52% inhibition) [(3)H]-5-HT efflux. The effect of NC was insensitive to naloxone (up to 10 microM), but was antagonized by [Nphe(1)]nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) (a novel selective ORL(1) receptor antagonist; pA(2)=6.7) and by naloxone benzoylhydrazone (pA(2)=6.3). The ORL(1) ligand [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]nociceptin(1-13)NH(2) also inhibited K(+) stimulated [(3)H]-5-HT overflow (EC(50)=64 nM; E(max)=31% inhibition), but its effect was partially antagonized by 10 microM naloxone. It is concluded that the ORL(1) receptor is the most important presynaptic modulator of neocortical 5-HT release within the opioid receptor family. This suggests that the ORL(1)/nociceptin system may have a powerful role in the control of cerebral 5-HT-mediated biological functions.     

Pharmacological diversity between native human 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors sited on different neurons and involved in different functions

The releases of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) and of endogenous glutamic acid and their modulation through presynaptic h5-HT1B autoreceptors and h5-HT1D heteroreceptors have been investigated in synaptosomal preparations from fresh neocortical samples obtained from patients undergoing neurosurgery. The inhibition by 5-HT of the K+ (15 mM)-evoked overflow of [3H]5-HT was antagonized by the 5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptor ligand GR 127935, which was ineffective on its own; this drug was previously found to behave as a full agonist at the h5-HT1D heteroreceptor regulating glutamate release. The recently proposed selective h5-HT1B receptor ligand SB-224289 also prevented the effect of 5-HT at the autoreceptor, being inactive on its own; in contrast, SB-224289, at 1 microM, was unable to interact with the h5-HT1D heteroreceptor. The inhibitory effect of 5-HT on the K+-evoked overflow of glutamate was antagonized by the h5-HT1D receptor ligand BRL-15572; added in the absence of 5-HT the compound was without effect. BRL-15572 (1 microM) was unable to modify the effect of 5-HT at the autoreceptor regulating [3H]5-HT release. The selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (+)-WAY 100135, previously found to be an agonist at the h5-HT1D heteroreceptor regulating glutamate release, could not interact with the h5-HT1B autoreceptor when added at 1 microM. It is concluded that native h5-HT1B and h5-HT1D receptors exhibit a hitherto unexpected pharmacological diversity.     

5-HT3 receptors are not involved in the modulation of the K(+)-evoked release of [3H]5-HT from spinal cord synaptosomes of rat.

The ability of 5-HT3 receptor agonists to modulate the resting efflux or K(+)-evoked release of [3H]5-HT from superfused synaptosomes from the spinal cord of the rat was investigated. Phenylbiguanide did not alter the resting efflux of [3H]5-HIAA or [3H]5-HT or modify the K(+)-evoked release of [3H]5-HT. 2-Methyl-5-HT (10 microM) caused an increase in resting efflux of [3H]5-HIAA, an effect that was blocked by the inhibitor of the uptake of 5-HT fluoxetine. No effect on K(+)-evoked release of tritium was observed. Bufotenine (100-1000 nM) increased the resting efflux of [3H]5-HT and [3H]5-HIAA. These effects were not antagonized by the 5-HT3 antagonist ICS 205-930 but were antagonized by fluoxetine. The drug ICS 205-930 (1 microM) did not alter resting efflux or block the ability of serotonin (30 and 100 nM) to decrease K(+)-evoked release of tritium. Quipazine, a potent antagonist of peripheral 5-HT3 receptors (subnanomolar concentrations), was also unable to alter resting or K(+)-evoked release of [3H]5-HT. It did, however, attenuate the inhibitory effect 5-HT on K(+)-evoked release. The concentrations required were in the micromolar range, consistent with the ability of the drug to antagonize the 5-HT1B autoreceptor. These results support the idea that 5-HT3 receptors do not act as nerve terminal autoreceptors in the spinal cord of the rat.     

Minaprine antagonises the serotonergic inhibitory effect of trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) on acetylcholine release

The serotonin agonist, m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), inhibited the K+-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) from rat hippocampal synaptosomes. The inhibitory effect of TFMPP was blocked by the non-selective 5-HT1 antagonist, methiothepin, but was not affected by ketanserin, mesulergine or spiperone. The 5-HT3 antagonist, MDL 72222, slightly reversed the inhibitory effect. The antidepressant, minaprine, did not modify the basal release of [3H]ACh but it antagonised the inhibitory effect of TFMPP on the K+-evoked release. The maximal reversal was found at 0.3 microM minaprine. These results suggest that minaprine interacts with heterologous presynaptic 5-HT1B receptors. A new approach is thus opened to the study of the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs.     

Role of 5-HT3 receptors in basal and K(+)-evoked dopamine release from rat olfactory tubercle and striatal slices.

1. The present study was aimed at examining the role of 5-HT3 receptors in basal and depolarization-evoked dopamine release from rat olfactory tubercle and striatal slices. [3H]-dopamine ([3H]-DA) release was measured in both brain regions and endogenous dopamine release from striatal slices was also studied. 2. The selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT (0.5-10 microM) produced a concentration-dependent increase in [3H]-DA efflux evoked by K+ (20 mM) from slices of rat olfactory tubercle. 1-Phenylbiguanide (PBG) and 5-HT also increased K(+)-evoked [3H]-DA efflux. 3. 5-HT (1-100 microM) increased in a concentration-dependent manner basal [3H]-DA release from olfactory tubercle and striatal slices as well as endogenous DA release from striatal slices. The selective 5-HT3 receptor agonists 2-methyl-5-HT and 1-phenylbiguanide were weaker releasing agents. In all cases, the release was Ca2+ independent and tetrodotoxin insensitive. 4. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as ondansetron, granisetron and tropisetron (0.2 microM) significantly blocked the enhanced K(+)-evoked [3H]-DA efflux from rat olfactory tubercle slices induced by 2-methyl-5HT. A ten fold higher concentration of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin was ineffective. 5. Much higher concentrations, up to 50 microM, of the same 5-HT3 receptor antagonists did not block the increase in basal [3H]-DA release from striatal or olfactory tubercle slices induced by 5-HT or the release of endogenous DA induced by 5-HT from striatal slices.2+ off     

Selective 5-HT1B agonists identify the 5-HT autoreceptor in lumbar spinal cord of rat

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the 5-HT autoreceptor in the lumbar spinal cord of the rat. The effect of selective 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B agonists on K+-evoked release of [3H]5-HT and the binding of [3H]5-HT were examined. The 5-HT1B compounds, mCPP and quipazine were more potent than exogenous 5-HT at decreasing K+-evoked release of [3H]5-HT in slices of spinal cord. The pEC40 values of 5-HT agonists tested, determined from release assays, significantly correlated with the relative affinities (pKD's) of these compounds for the binding of [3H]5-HT to the 5-HT1B receptor subtype in the presence of 2 microM 8-OHDPAT, as determined from radioligand binding studies (r = 0.98, P = 0.003). Conversely, the potencies of the 5-HT1A agonists 5-MeODMT and 8-OHDPAT, at the 5-HT autoreceptor, were negatively correlated (r = -0.77, P less than 0.10) with their potencies at displacing [3H]5-HT from the 5-HT1A subsite (binding of [3H]5-HT in the presence of 1 microM mCPP). Thus, the 5-HT autoreceptor in spinal cord appears to bear a significant pharmacological similarity to the 5-HT1B binding site. Further testing of the present results requires the development of new 5-HT1 agonists which are selective (1000-fold difference) for the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B subsites.     

Effects of adenosine A1 and A2A receptor activation on the evoked release of glutamate from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes

1. The effects of adenosine A2A and A1 receptor activation on the release of glutamate were studied in rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes exposed in superfusion to adenosine receptor ligands. 2. Adenosine (0.1 microM) produced a significant potentiation of the Ca2+-dependent K+ (15 mM)-evoked [3H]-D-aspartate overflow (20.4+/-3.5%), which was blocked by A2A blocker SCH58261 (0.1 microM). At higher concentrations (10 - 1000 microM) adenosine inhibited in a DPCPX-sensitive manner the Ca2+-dependent K+-evoked [3H]-D-aspartate overflow. The inhibitory effect of adenosine at 1000 microM was significantly increased by SCH58261. This inhibition was antagonized by 1 microM DPCPX. Adenosine did not produce any effect on basal release. 3. The A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 was ineffective on basal release, but stimulated the Ca2+-dependent K+-evoked overflow of [3H]-D-aspartate (EC50 approximately 1 pM). The effect of 0.01 nM CGS 21680 was totally sensitive to the A2A receptor antagonist SCH58261 (IC50 approximately 5 nM). 4. The A1 receptor agonist CCPA inhibited the Ca2+-dependent K+-evoked [3H]-D-aspartate overflow (EC50 approximately 20 nM). The effect of 100 nM CCPA was abolished by 100 nM of the A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX. 5. The K+ (15 mM)-evoked overflow of endogenous glutamate was enhanced by CGS 21680 (0.01 nM) and inhibited by CCPA (0.1 microM). The effect of CGS 21680 was abolished by SCH58261 (0.1 microM) and that of CCPA by DPCPX (0.1 microM). 6. It is concluded that adenosine and adenosine receptor agonists modulate glutamate release by activating inhibitory A1 and excitatory A2A receptors present on glutamatergic terminals of the rat cerebral cortex.     

Extracellular protons differentially potentiate the responses of native AMPA receptor subtypes regulating neurotransmitter release

1. The effects of pH changes on the basal and evoked release of [(3)H]noradrenaline ([(3)H]NA) and [(3)H]5-hydrohytryptamine ([(3)H]5-HT) from hippocampal synaptosomes and of [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA) and [(3)H]acetylcholine ([(3)H]ACh) from striatal and cortical synaptosomes were investigated in rat brain. 2. Changing pH between 6.4 and 8.0 did not affect the spontaneous release of the four [(3)H]neurotransmitters; alkalinization to pH 8.8 significantly enhanced release. Acidification to pH 6.4 augmented the AMPA-evoked overflows of [(3)H]NA, [(3)H]5-HT and [(3)H]DA, but not that of [(3)H]ACh. In contrast, lowering pH to 6.4 decreased the K(+)-evoked overflows of [(3)H]NA, [(3)H]5-HT, [(3)H]DA and [(3)H]ACh. 3. AMPA released transmitters in a Ca(2+)-dependent, exocytotic manner since its effects, at pH 7.4 or 6.4, were abolished by omitting external Ca(2+) or by depleting vesicular transmitter stores with bafilomycin A1. AMPA did not evoke carrier-mediated release because the uptake blockers nisoxetine, 6-nitroquipazine, GBR12909 and hemicholinium-3 could not inhibit the AMPA-induced release of [(3)H]NA, [(3)H]5-HT, [(3)H]DA and [(3)H]ACh. 4. Extraterminal acidification to pH 6.4 prevented the potentiating effect of cyclothiazide on the AMPA-evoked release of [(3)H]NA, [(3)H]DA and [(3)H]5-HT, whereas the proton-insensitive AMPA-evoked release of [(3)H]ACh, previously found to be cyclothiazide-insensitive at pH 7.4 was cyclothiazide-resistant also at pH 6.4. 5. To conclude, the cyclothiazide-sensitive AMPA receptors mediating release of NA, 5-HT and DA, but not the cyclothiazide-insensitive AMPA receptors mediating the release of ACh, become more responsive when external pH is lowered to pathophysiologically relevant values. The results with cyclothiazide suggest that H(+) ions may prevent desensitization of some AMPA receptor subtypes.     

5-HT2 presynaptic receptors mediate inhibition of glutamate release from cerebellar mossy fibre terminals.

'Giant' synaptosomes originating from mossy fibre terminals and having sedimentation properties different from those of standard synaptosomes were obtained from rat cerebellum. Exposure of superfused giant synaptosomes to 15 mM KCl caused the release of endogenous glutamate in a largely (about 80%) calcium-dependent manner. The K(+)-evoked overflow of glutamate was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI), but not by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The effects of 5-HT and DOI were quite potent, already reaching significant inhibition (about 25%) at 10 nM. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin counteracted the inhibitory effect of 5-HT. In cerebellar slices, ketanserin increased on its own the calcium-dependent K(+)-evoked release of glutamate and this effect was not prevented by tetrodotoxin (TTX). The results support the idea that cerebellar mossy fibres use glutamate as a transmitter and show that the release of glutamate can be inhibited via presynaptic heteroreceptors of the 5-HT2 type probably localized on the mossy fibre terminals.     

Evidence for presynaptic location of inhibitory 5-HT1D\-like autoreceptors in the guinea-pig brain cortex

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists and antagonists on tritium overflow evoked by high K⁺ were determined in superfused synaptosomes and slices, preincubated with [³H]5-HT, from guinea-pig brain cortex. In addition, we estimated the potencies of 5-HT receptor ligands in inhibiting specific [³H]5-HT binding (in the presence of 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and mesulergine to prevent binding to 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2C sites) to guinea-pig cortical synaptosomes and membranes.5-HT receptor agonists inhibited the K⁺-evoked tritium overflow from synaptosomes and slices. In synaptosomes the rank order of potencies was 2-[5-[3-(4-methylsulphonylamino)benzyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]-1H-indole-3-yl] ethylamine (L-694,247) >5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) > oxymetazoline (in the presence of idazoxan) 5-HT > sumatriptan 5-methoxy-3(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole (RU 24969). The potencies of the agonists in inhibiting tritium overflow from slices correlated with those in synaptosomes, suggesting that the same site of action is involved in both preparations. In synaptosomes the nonselective antagonist at cloned human 5-HT_1D, and 5-HT_1D receptors, methiothepin, shifted the concentration-response curve for 5-CT to the right (apparent pA₂: 7.87). In contrast, ketanserin at a concentration which should block the 5-HT_1D, but not the 5-HT_1D\, receptor did not alter the inhibitory effect of 5-CT on tritium overflow. In cortical synaptosomes and membranes, [³H]5-HT bound to a single site with high affinity. In competition experiments, 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists inhibited specific [³H]5-HT binding. In synaptosomes the rank order was L-694,247 > methiothepin >5-CT >5-methoxytryptamine >5-HT sumatriptan oxymetazoline > RU 24969 > ketanserin > ritanserin. A very similar rank order was obtained in cerebral cortical membranes. The potencies of the 5-HT receptor agonists in inhibiting tritium overflow from synaptosomes and slices correlated with their potencies in inhibiting [³H]5-HT binding to synaptosomes and membranes.In conclusion, the 5-HT receptors mediating inhibition of 5-HT release in the guinea-pig cortex are located on the serotoninergic axon terminals and, hence, represent presynaptic inhibitory autoreceptors. The [³H]5-HT binding sites in cerebral cortical synaptosomes and membranes exhibit the pharmacological properties of 5-HT_1D receptors. The correlation between the functional responses and the binding data confirms the 5-HT_1D character of the presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors. According to the results of the interaction experiment of ketanserin and methiothepin with 5-CT on 5-HT release, the presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptors can be subclassified as 5-HT_1D\-like.     

Somatostatin inhibits glutamate release from mouse cerebrocortical nerve endings through presynaptic sst2 receptors linked to the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway

The effects of somatostatin (SRIF, somatotropin release inhibiting factor) on the release of glutamate have been investigated using superfused mouse cerebrocortical synaptosomes. SRIF-14 inhibited the K+ (12 mM)-evoked overflow of preaccumulated [3H]D-aspartate as well as that of endogenous glutamate. Cyanamid 154806, a selective sst2 receptor antagonist, but not BIM-23056, an antagonist at sst5 receptors, prevented the SRIF-14 effect. Octreotide and L779976, selective agonists at sst2 receptors, mimicked SRIF-14, whereas L797591, L796778, L803087 and L362855, selective agonists at sst1, sst3, sst4 and sst5 receptor subtypes, were inactive. Activation of sst2 receptors seems to involve inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway present in glutamatergic terminals since the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor MDL-12,330A and the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 prevented the K+-evoked [3H]D-aspartate overflow. Consistent with the involvement of adenylyl cyclase, depolarization with 12 mM K+ increased synaptosomal cyclic AMP (cAMP) content, while forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, potentiated basal [3H]D-aspartate release in an octreotide-, MDL-12,330A- and H89-sensitive manner. To conclude, glutamatergic cerebrocortical nerve endings possess release-inhibiting sst2 receptors which represent potential targets for new drugs able to mitigate the effects of excessive glutamate transmission.     

Pharmacological profiles of presynaptic nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors modulating 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline release in the rat neocortex

1 The pharmacological profiles of presynaptic nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptors (NOP) modulating 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NE) release in the rat neocortex were characterized in a preparation of superfused synaptosomes challenged with 10 mM KCl. 2 N/OFQ concentration-dependently inhibited K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-5-HT and [(3)H]-NE overflow with similar potency (pEC(50) approximately 7.9 and approximately 7.7, respectively) and efficacy (maximal inhibition approximately 40%). 3 N/OFQ (0.1 micro M) inhibition of [(3)H]-5-HT and [(3)H]-NE overflow was antagonized by selective NOP receptor antagonists of peptide ([Nphe(1)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and UFP-101; 10 and 1 microM, respectively) and non-peptide (J-113397 and JTC-801; both 0.1 microM) nature. Antagonists were routinely applied 3 min before N/OFQ. However, a 21 min pre-application time was necessary for J-113397 and JTC-801 to prevent N/OFQ inhibition of [(3)H]-NE overflow. 4 The NOP receptor ligand [Phe(1)psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) ([F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2); 3 microM) did not affect K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-NE but inhibited K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-5-HT overflow in a UFP-101 sensitive manner. [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) antagonized N/OFQ actions on both neurotransmitters. 5 The time-dependency of JTC-801 action was studied in CHO cells expressing human NOP receptors. N/OFQ inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation and JTC-801, tested at different concentrations (0.1-10 microM) and pre-incubation times (0, 40 and 90 min), antagonized this effect in a time-dependent manner. The Schild-type analysis excluded a competitive type of antagonism. 6 We conclude that presynaptic NO receptors inhibiting 5-HT and NE release in the rat neocortex have similar pharmacological profiles. Nevertheless, they can be differentiated pharmacologically on the basis of responsiveness to [F/G]N/OFQ(1-13)NH(2) and time-dependent sensitivity towards non-peptide antagonists.     

Serotonin-2 receptor-mediated regulation of release of acetylcholine by minaprine in cholinergic nerve terminal of hippocampus of rat

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) inhibited the K+-induced release of [3H]acetylcholine [( 3H]ACh) from slices of the hippocampus of the rat, dose-dependently. Minaprine (3-(2-morpholinoethylamino)-4-methyl-6-phenylpyridazine, Fig. 1) had no effect on the release of [3H]ACh. However, it inhibited the (formula; see text) Fig. 1. Chemical structure of minaprine dihydrochloride. attenuation of the release of [3H]ACh by 5-HT dose-dependently. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, mianserine, methysergide and spiperone, prevented the inhibitory effect of the 5-HT, as well as did minaprine. The attenuating effect of 5-HT was not mimicked by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and was not prevented by a 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B mixed receptor antagonist, propranolol, or by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, cocaine and metoclopramide. Minaprine inhibited the bindings of [3H]5-HT, [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]ketanserin in the hippocampus. The inhibitory effect of minaprine on the binding of [3H]ketanserin was more marked than on the binding of [3H]5-HT and [3H]8-OH-DPAT, and was non-competitive. The Ki value of minaprine for the binding of [3H]ketanserin was 2.9 microM. The inhibitory effect of 5-HT on the release of [3H]ACh was observed in the presence of tetrodotoxin. By electrolytic lesioning of the medial septum, the K+-induced release of [3H]ACh from the slices of hippocampus was significantly reduced and the release was no longer inhibited by 5-HT. The lesioning significantly decreased the binding of [3H]ketanserin in the hippocampus, with hardly any reduction in the binding of [3H]5-HT and [3H]8-OH-DPAT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dopamine neurons projecting to the medial prefrontal cortex possess release-modulating autoreceptors

The ability of dopamine (DA) agonists and antagonists to modulate the K+-evoked overflow of radioactivity from superfused slices of prefrontal cortex of the rat, preincubated with [3H]DA in the presence of 1 microM desipramine, was examined. Apomorphine and the putative autoreceptor-selective DA agonist EMD 23 448 inhibited the K+-evoked overflow of radioactivity, while the DA antagonist sulpiride enhanced the evoked overflow in a dose-dependent and stereoselective manner. The latter effect was partially reversed by EMD 23 448. More than 95% of the radioactivity retained by the slices chromatographed with DA, while deaminated metabolites represented the majority of both the basal efflux (84% metabolites, 4-5% DA) and evoked overflow (84% metabolites, 14% DA) of radioactivity. These findings indicate that mesoprefrontal DA neurons possess release-modulating nerve terminal autoreceptors. Previous studies have shown that these neurons lack synthesis-modulating autoreceptors. Thus, autoreceptors on prefrontal DA terminals appear to be coupled to regulation of the release but not the synthesis of DA.     

Direct stimulatory effect of calcitonin on [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine release from the rat spinal cord

The in vitro effects of porcine, salmon and human calcitonin on the K+-evoked overflow of [Met5]enkephalin, substance P and [3H]5-HT (previously taken up) were investigated in superfusion experiments with spinal cord slices. Porcine and salmon calcitonin did not affect the release of [Met5]enkephalin and substance P but enhanced that of [3H]5-HT. In contrast, human calcitonin was inactive. The stimulatory effect of porcine and salmon calcitonin on K+-evoked [3H]5-HT overflow was found with slices from the dorsal or the ventral half of the lumbar enlargement but not with hippocampal or hypothalamic slices. The calcitonin effect on [3H]5-HT outflow persisted in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ but was totally suppressed by 5-HT uptake inhibitors such as citalopram and chlorimipramine and by the 5-HT-releasing agent, p-chloroamphetamine. Direct investigation of the possible action of porcine calcitonin on [3H]5-HT uptake and release demonstrated that the enhanced [3H]5-HT overflow resulted from a p-chloramphetamine-like 5-HT-releasing effect of the hormone at the spinal level. This action might be involved in the potent analgesic effect of intrathecal calcitonin.     

Group I mGlu receptors potentiate synaptosomal [3H]glutamate release independently of exogenously applied arachidonic acid

In the current study, we have characterized group I metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor enhancement of 4-aminopyridine (4AP)-evoked [3H]glutamate release from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes. The broad spectrum mGlu receptor agonist (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid ((1S,3R)-ACPD, 10 microM) increased 4AP-evoked [3H]glutamate release (143.32+/-2.73% control) only in the presence of exogenously applied arachidonic acid; an effect reversed by the inclusion of bovine serum albumin (BSA, fatty acid free). In contrast, the selective group I mGlu receptor agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) potentiated (EC50 = 1.60+/-0.25 microM; Emax = 147.61+/-10.96% control) 4AP-evoked [3H]glutamate release, in the absence of arachidonic acid. This potentiation could be abolished by either the selective mGlu1 receptor antagonist (R,S)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA, 1 mM) or the selective PKC inhibitor (Ro 31-8220, 10 microM) and was BSA-insensitive. The selective mGlu5 receptor agonist (R,S)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG, 300 microM) was without effect. DHPG (100 microM) also potentiated both 30 mM and 50 mM K+ -evoked [3H]glutamate release (121.60+/-12.77% and 121.50 +/-4.45% control, respectively). DHPG (100 microM) failed to influence both 4AP-stimulated 45Ca2+ influx and 50 mM K+ -induced changes in synaptosomal membrane potential. Possible group I mGlu receptor suppression of tonic adenosine A1 receptor, group II/III mGlu receptors or GABA(B) receptor activity is unlikely since 4AP-evoked [3H]glutamate release was insensitive to the selective inhibitory receptor antagonists 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine, (R,S)-alpha-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine or CGP55845A, respectively. These data suggest an 'mGlu1 receptor-like' receptor potentiates [3H]glutamate release from cerebrocortical synaptosomes in the absence of exogenously applied arachidonic acid. This PKC dependent effect is unlikely to be via modulation of synaptosomal membrane potential or voltage-activated Ca2+ channels and not via a suppression of tonically active inhibitory adenosine A1 receptor, group II/III mGlu receptors or GABA(B) receptors.     

Characterization of a 5-HT1B receptor on CHO cells: functional responses in the absence of radioligand binding.

1. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have been reported to be devoid of 5-HT receptors and have frequently been used as hosts for the expression of cloned 5-HT receptors. Unexpectedly, 5-HT was found to induce profound inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production in these cells and the aim of this study was to classify the 5-HT receptor involved. 2. In CHO(dhfr-) cells 5-HT was a potent agonist and caused 80-100% inhibition of forskolin stimulated cyclic AMP production. A study using several 5-HT1 receptor agonists revealed the following potencies (p[A50]): RU24969 (9.09 +/- 0.17) > 5-carboxamidotryptamine (8.86 +/- 0.20) > 5-HT (8.07 +/- 0.05) > CP-93,129 (7.74 +/- 0.10) > sumatriptan (5.93 +/- 0.04). All five agonists achieved a similar maximum effect. Irreversible receptor alkylation studies yielded a pKA estimate of 7.04 +/- 0.34 for 5-HT. 3. The 5-HT1A/1B antagonist, (+/-)-cyanopindolol (4-100 nM), caused parallel rightward shifts of the 5-HT concentration-effect curve with no change in asymptote. Schild analysis yielded a pKB estimate of 8.69 +/- 0.09 (Schild slope 1.13 +/- 0.10). (+/-)-Cyanopindolol actually behaved as a partial agonist with an intrinsic activity of 0.2-0.5 and a p[A50] of 8.55. 4. 5-HT (0.01-10 microM) also elicited a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular [Ca2+] in CHO(dhfr-) cells thus demonstrating that dual coupling is not a phenomenon restricted to systems in which there is overexpression of transfected receptors. 5. This agonist and antagonist profile is consistent with the presence of a 5-HT1B receptor. 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM) and renzapride (3 microM) were without effect on forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production and ketanserin (0.3 microM) did not antagonize the inhibition produced by 5-HT, thus excluding the involvement of 5-HT1A, 5-HT4, and 5-HT2 receptors. 6. The possibility that expression of a 5-HT1B receptor was associated with the dhfr- mutation was excluded since RU24969, 5-HT and CP-93,129 were also potent agonists in unmutated, CHO-K1 cells: p[A50] 9.03 +/- 0.03, 8.34 +/- 0.05, 7.69 +/- 0.07 respectively, and (+/-)-cyanopindolol (0.1 microM) shifted the 5-HT curve to the right and yielded a pA2 estimate of 8.70 +/- 0.06. 7. Little or no specific binding of [3H]-5-HT (0.1-200 nM) or of the high affinity ligand [125I]-iodocyanopindolol (0.01-3 nM) to CHO(dhfr-) cell membranes could be detected. 5-HT also failed to elicit any increase in the binding of [35S]-GTP gamma S to CHO membranes. 8. In conclusion, cultured CHO cells express 5-HT1B receptors which are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase and positively coupled to increases in intracellular calcium. The absence of radioligand binding was unexpected in view of the high potency of 5-HT and the partial agonist activity of the normally ''silent'' competitive antagonist, (+/-)-cyanopindolol. This implies very efficient receptor-effector coupling of a low density of 5-HT1B receptors. Clearly, the absence of detectable radioligand binding cannot be assumed to mean the absence of receptors capable of eliciting a significant functional response.