Differential sensitivity of 5-HT1B auto and heteroreceptors

The effect of the native and rodent-selective 5-HT1B receptor agonists (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and CP93,129) on the K+-evoked overflows of [3H]5-HT, [3H]dopamine (DA) and [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) was studied in synaptosome preparations obtained from rat brain striatum or hippocampus loaded with radiolabeled neurotransmitter. The aim of the study was to compare the different potencies of the specific 5-HT1B receptor agonists to stimulate the auto and heteroreceptors and to modulate the different neurotransmitter release. Results show that under the same experimental conditions, 5-HT and CP93,129 exhibited significantly higher potencies in inhibiting the K+-evoked overflow of [3H]5-HT from synaptosomes of rat striatum (IC50=2.0+/-1.8 nM and 20.5+/-3.1 nM, respectively) than in inhibiting the K+-evoked overflow of [3H]DA from synaptosomes of the same cerebral region (IC50= 0.8+/-0.2 microM and 1.8+/-0.4 microM, respectively), or [3H]ACh from synaptosomes of hippocampus (IC50=1.7+/-0.8 microM for CP93,129). The inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1B receptor agonists on [3H] K+-overflows were antagonized by the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist (SB224289), further indicating that the observed effects were 5-HT1B receptor specific. Sumatriptan, a selective r5-HT1D receptor agonist, did not show any significant effect on the K+-overflow of [3H]5-HT in the range of concentrations (10(-10) to 10(-6) M), and did not affect the K+ overflow of [3H]DA or [3H]ACh at concentrations (10(-9) to 10(-4) M), which exclude the involvement of 5-HT1D receptors. These inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1B receptor agonists were highly attenuated by pertussis toxin in the three systems studied, suggesting the involvement of Gi/Go-proteins in the transduction mechanism pathway of the receptor generated signal. In conclusion, these results suggest that 5-HT1B heteroreceptors located on dopaminergic and cholinergic terminals exhibit a lower sensitivity to 5-HT1B receptor agonist and antagonist than do 5-HT1B autoreceptors. The observed difference in functional sensitivities of 5-HT1B auto- and heteroreceptors may represent important consequences in the physiological control of the release of serotonin versus that of other neurotransmitters.     

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     

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.     

The putative 5-HT1B receptor agonist CP-93,129 suppresses rat hippocampal 5-HT release in vivo: comparison with RU 24969.

We have compared the ability of the new putatively specific 5-HT1B receptor agonist CP-93,129 (3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-4-yl)pyrrolo[3,2-b] pyrid-5-one) and the structurally related mixed 5-HT1A/5-HT1B receptor ligand RU 24969, to influence 5-HT release in brain in vivo, using microdialysis techniques in chloral hydrate-anaesthetised rats. CP-93,129 (3 or 10 microM, via the dialysis perfusion medium) caused a concentration-dependent and methiothepin (10 microM)-sensitive suppression of ventral hippocampal 5-HT output. The effect of RU 24969 on 5-HT output was dependent on whether or not the 5-HT reuptake blocker citalopram was present in the perfusion medium. Thus, RU 24969 (0.1 microM) induced a decrease, or an increase followed by a decrease (1 microM), in 5-HT output in the absence of citalopram, but monotonically decreased (1 microM) 5-HT release when citalopram (1 microM) was present. CP-93,129 decreased dialysate 5-HT in either condition. Our findings are consistent with the characterisation of CP-93,129 as a 5-HT1B receptor agonist, and may thus represent in vivo support for 5-HT1B autoreceptor-mediated feedback control of 5-HT release in the rat brain. The 5-HT1B selectivity of CP-93,129, and its lack of 5-HT reuptake blocking properties, suggests that the compound compares favourably with other purported 5-HT1B receptor agonists.     

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.     

Inhibition of amino acid release by 5-HT1B receptor agonist in the rat prefrontal cortex

In vivo microdialysis in conscious rats was used to evaluate the effect of 5-HT1A agonist (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(n-dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), 5-HT2A/2C agonist (+/-)- 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and 5-HT1B receptor agonist 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-4-yl)pyrrolo-[3,2-b]pyrid-5-one (CP 93129) on the veratridine-evoked glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) release in the rat prefrontal cortex. CP 93129 at concentrations between 50-500 microM significantly reduced Glu and Asp release. The effect of CP 93129 was attenuated by intraperitoneal (ip) administration of the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist N-[3-[3-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-4-methoxyphenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-[ 1, 1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide (SB 216641) at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Neither DOI (100 microM) nor 8-OH-DPAT given locally at concentration of 100 microM or peripherally at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg ip, influenced stimulated Glu and Asp release. We suggest that cortical glutamatergic neurons possess 5-HT1B heteroceptors and their activation may be responsible for the inhibitory effect of 5-HT on Glu and Asp release.     

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.     

Effect of cocaine and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on 5-HT-induced [3H]dopamine release from rat striatal synaptosomes.

The effect of serotonin (5-HT) on the release of tritium from striatal synaptosomes previously loaded with [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) was studied. 5-HT stimulated both the spontaneous and Ca(2+)-evoked efflux of tritium in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not mimicked by the non-selective 5-HT agonist, d-lysergic acid diethylamide. Further, the stimulatory effects of 5 muM 5-HT were unaffected by the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, MDL-72222 and GR-38032F. On the other hand, cocaine and the selective DA uptake inhibitor, nomifensine completely antagonized the effect of 5 muM 5-HT on spontaneous tritium efflux with IC50 values of 0.2 and 0.09 muM, respectively. The effect of 5-HT on Ca(2+)-evoked tritium efflux was also blocked by these DA uptake inhibitors, albeit at somewhat higher concentrations. These data support the hypothesis that 5-HT induces the release of DA from striatal nerve terminals via a mechanism involving the transport of 5-HT into the dopaminergic terminal, rather than by activating 5-HT3 receptors as has been proposed to account for the effect of 5-HT observed in striatal slices.     

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.     

Cholinergic terminals in rat hippocampus possess 5-HT1B receptors mediating inhibition of acetylcholine release

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) from rat hippocampal nerve endings were investigated using synaptosomes labelled with [3H]choline and depolarized in superfusion with 15 mM KCl. The release of [3H]ACh was concentration dependently inhibited by exogenous 5-HT. The concentration-response curve of 5-HT was shifted to the right in a parallel way by methiothepin. The 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin or methysergide did not antagonize the effect of 5-HT. The 5-HT1 agonist 5-methoxy-3-[1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl]-1H-indole (RU 24969) mimicked 5-HT, whereas the 5-HT1A selective agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) was ineffective. When used as a 5-HT1A/5-HT1B antagonist, (-)propranolol antagonized 5-HT whereas spiperone (a 5-HT1A displacer) did not. The 5-HT1C selective antagonist mesulergine was also ineffective towards 5-HT. It can be concluded that hippocampal cholinergic terminals are endowed with inhibitory 5-HT receptors which appear to belong to the 5-HT1B subtype.     

Effects of selective h5-HT1B (SB-216641) and h5-HT1D (BRL-15572) receptor ligands on guinea-pig and human 5-HT auto- and heteroreceptors

Human cerebral cortical slices and synaptosomes, guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices and human right atrial appendages were used to study the effects of SB-216641, a preferential h5-HT_1B receptor ligand, and of BRL-15572, a preferential h5-HT_1D receptor ligand, on the presynaptic h5-HT_1B and h5-HT_1B-like autoreceptors in the human and guinea-pig brain preparations, respectively, and on the presynaptic h5-HT_1D heteroreceptors in the human atrium. The brain preparations, preincubated with [³H]serotonin ([³H]5-HT), and the segments of atrial appendages, preincubated with [³H]noradrenaline, were superfused with modified Krebs’ solution and tritium overflow was evoked electrically (human and guinea-pig cerebral cortex slices and human atrial appendages) or by high K⁺ (human cerebral cortex synaptosomes). The electrically evoked tritium overflow from guinea-pig cerebral cortex slices was reduced by the 5-HT receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT). This effect was not modified by BRL-15572 (2μM; concentration 154 times higher than its K_i at h5-HT_1D receptors) but was antagonized by SB-216641 (0.1μM; concentration 100 times higher than its K_i at h5-HT_1B receptors; apparent pA₂ 8.45). SB-216641 (0.1μM) by itself facilitated, whereas BRL-15572 (2μM) did not affect, the evoked overflow. In human cerebral cortex slices SB-216641 (0.1μM) also facilitated, and BRL-15572 (2μM) again failed to affect, the electrically evoked tritium overflow. In human cerebral cortical synaptosomes, 5-CT reduced the K⁺-evoked tritium overflow. This response was unaffected by BRL-15572 (300nM) but antagonized by SB-216641 (15nM; drug concentrations 23 and 15 times higher than their K_i at h5-HT_1D and h5-HT_1B receptors, respectively). Both drugs, given alone, did not modify the K⁺-evoked tritium overflow. In human atrial appendages, the electrically evoked tritium overflow was inhibited by 5-HT in a manner susceptible to antagonism by BRL-15572 (300nM; 23 times K_i at h5-HT_1D receptors) but not by SB-216641 (30nM; 30 times K_i at h5-HT_1B receptors). Both drugs by themselves did not change the electrically evoked tritium overflow. In conclusion, SB-216641 behaves as a preferential antagonist at native human 5-HT_1B receptors and BRL-15572 as a preferential antagonist at native human 5-HT_1D receptors. These compounds are clearly useful tools for the differentiation between human 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_1D receptors in functional studies. Received: 14 March 1997 / Accepted: 18 May 1997     

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.     

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     

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.     

5-HT2 antagonists and minaprine block the 5-HT-induced inhibition of dopamine release from rat brain striatal slices

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) inhibited the K+-induced [3H]dopamine [( 3H]DA) release from slices of rat striatum. Minaprine (3-(2-morpholinoethylamino)-4-methyl-6-phenylpyridazine) attenuated the inhibitory effect of 5-HT in a dose-dependent manner. 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, ketanserin and mianserin, prevented the effect of 5-HT as well as minaprine did. The inhibitory effect of 5-HT was not mimicked by a 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. Minaprine was a potent inhibitor of the binding of [3H]ketanserin to binding sites in the striatum over the concentration range 10(-6)-10(-4) M. Lesion of the medial forebrain bundle with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) significantly reduced the K+-induced [3H]DA release from the striatum and release was no longer inhibited by 5-HT. Lesioning, however, did not change significantly the [3H]ketanserin binding in the striatum. These results suggest that minaprine suppresses the inhibitory effect of 5-HT on DA release in the striatum via the inhibition of 5-HT binding at the 5-HT2 receptor on the nerve terminal of the DA-ergic neuron and, further, that the proportion of the 5-HT2 receptor site which is located on the nerve terminal of the DA-ergic neuron is small in the striatum.     

Role of 5-HT1B receptors in the regulation of extracellular serotonin and dopamine in the dorsal striatum of mice

To test the hypothesis that 5-HT1B receptors modulate serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and dopamine release in the striatum, we used in vivo microdialysis in mice lacking 5-HT1B receptors. Local administration by reversed microdialysis of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, fluvoxamine (0.1-10 microM), concentration dependently increased 5-HT to the same extent in wildtype and in 5-HT1B knockout (KO) mice. Fluvoxamine (10 microM) increased dopamine levels similarly in both genotypes. The 5-HT releaser, fenfluramine (50 microM), increased both 5-HT and dopamine levels, but no difference was found between the genotypes. The 5-HT1B receptor agonist, 1,4-dihydro-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-5H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-5-one (CP-93,129), reduced 5-HT levels in the wildtype, but not in 5-HT1B KO mice. CP-93,129 at a concentration of 0.5 microM did not affect striatal dopamine outflow in either genotype, whereas dopamine outflow was increased 5-fold by 50 microM CP-93,129 in both genotypes. The CP-93,129-induced dopamine increase was not attenuated by ritanserin, a 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, but was completely blocked by tetrodotoxin, demonstrating that the dopamine release was of neuronal origin. In conclusion, 5-HT1B autoreceptors are functionally present in the mouse striatum, but do not appear to play a significant role in the effects of a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor on extracellular 5-HT. In addition, the results in 5-HT1B knockout mice do not support a role of 5-HT1B heteroreceptors in the striatum on dopamine outflow in this brain area of mice.     

Serotonin autoreceptor in rat hippocampus: Pharmacological characterization as a subtype of the 5-HT1 receptor

Summary The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) autoreceptors mediating inhibition of [³H]5-HT release in rat hippocampus have been characterized pharmacologically in terms of 5-HT receptor subtype by using superfused synaptosomes depolarized with 15 mM KCl. Exogenous 5-HT inhibited in a concentration-dependent way (pEC₃₀=8.74) the K⁺-evoked release of [³H]5-HT. Methiothepin shifted the concentration-response curve of 5-HT to the right (pA₂=8.62). The 5-HT₂ receptor antagonists, ketanserin, methysergide or spiperone were ineffective against 5-HT. The 5-HT₁ receptor agonist, 5-methoxy-3-[1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridin-4-yl]-1H-indole (RU 24969) mimicked 5-HT and was equipotent as an inhibitor of the release of [³H]5-HT. In contrast, the putative 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) was almost ineffective at 1 M. Finally, (–)propranolol, used as a non-selective 5-HT_1A/5-HT_1B receptor antagonist, shifted to the right (pA₂=7.91) the concentration-response curve of 5-HT whereas the 5-HT_1C receptor antagonist mesulergine was ineffective. In conclusion, 5-HT nerve terminals of rat hippocampus possess autoreceptors which appear to belong to the 5-HT_1B subtype.     

The effect of SB-269970, a 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist, on 5-HT release from serotonergic terminals and cell bodies

1. The presence of 5-HT(7) receptor mRNA and protein in 5-HT neurons suggests that this receptor may act as a 5-HT autoreceptor. In this study, the effect of the 5-HT(7) receptor antagonist, SB-269970 ((R)-1-[3-hydroxy phenyl)sulfonyl]-2-[2-(4-methyl-1-piperidinyl)ethyl]pyrrolidine), was investigated on 5-HT release in the guinea-pig and rat cortex and the rat dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), using the techniques of in vitro [(3)H]-5-HT release or fast cyclic voltammetry, respectively. 2. Cortical slices were loaded with [(3)H]-5-HT and release was evoked by electrical stimulation. 5-CT inhibited the evoked release of [(3)H]-5-HT in a concentration-dependent manner. SB-269970 had no significant effect on [(3)H]-5-HT release while the 5-HT(1B) receptor antagonist, SB-224289 significantly potentiated [(3)H]-5-HT release. In addition, SB-269970 was unable to attenuate the 5-CT-induced inhibition of release while SB-224289 produced a rightward shift of the 5-CT response, generating estimated pK(B) values of 7.8 and 7.6 at the guinea-pig and rat terminal 5-HT autoreceptors respectively. 3. Rat DRN slices were electrically stimulated and the evoked 5-HT efflux detected by voltammetric analysis. 8-OH-DPAT inhibited evoked 5-HT efflux and was fully reversed by WAY 100635. SB-269970 had no effect on either 5-HT efflux per se or 8-OH-DPAT-induced inhibition of 5-HT efflux. In addition, 5-CT inhibited 5-HT efflux in a concentration-dependent manner. SB-269970 was unable to attenuate the 5-CT-induced inhibition of 5-HT efflux. 4. In conclusion, we were unable to provide evidence to suggest a 5-HT autoreceptor role for 5-HT(7) receptors. However, investigations with more selective 5-HT(7) receptor agonists are needed to confirm the data reported here.     

Modification of serotonin neuron properties in mice lacking 5-HT1A receptors

Using null mutant mice for the 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1A-/-), extracellular electrophysiological recordings were first conducted to evaluate the impact of its genetic deletion on the firing rate of dorsal raphe 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons. Experiments were also done using brain slices to assess whether any compensation phenomenon had taken place in key receptors known to control 5-HT and norepinephrine release. The mean firing rate of 5-HT neurons was nearly doubled in 5-HT1A-/- mice, although 65% of the neurons were firing in their normal range. In preloaded brain slices, the 5-HT1D/B receptor agonist sumatriptan equally inhibited the electrically evoked release of [3H]5-HT in mesencephalic slices (containing the dorsal and median raphe) from wildtype and 5-HT1A-/- mice. The 5-HT1B receptor agonist CP 93129 (1,4-dihydro-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-5H-pyrrol (3, 2-b) pyridin-5-one) and the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist UK14,304 (5-bromo-N-(4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6-quinoxalinamine) produced the same inhibitory effect in both groups of mice in hippocampus and frontal cortex slices. No difference was observed on the UK14,304-mediated inhibition of [3H]norepinephrine from preloaded slices of the two latter structures between the two groups of mice. In conclusion, the loss of control of the 5-HT1A autoreceptor in 5-HT1A-/- mice lead to a significant enhancement of 5-HT neuronal firing, but it did not alter 5-HT or norepinephrine release in any of the brain structures examined. In addition, it was not associated with changes in the function of 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B autoreceptors and of alpha2-adrenergic heteroreceptors on 5-HT neurons, nor of that of alpha2-adrenoceptors on norepinephrine terminals.     

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.