5-HT及其2A受体在大鼠丘脑前核的表达

目的研究5-羟色胺(5-HT)及其5-羟色胺2A受体(5-HT2AR)在大鼠丘脑前核的表达,探讨两者参与学习记忆的形态学依据。方法免疫组织化学ABC法观察5-HT及5-HT2AR在丘脑前核内的表达情况。包埋前免疫电镜技术观察丘脑前核群的5-HT能投射纤维终末。结果免疫组化结果显示:在大鼠丘脑前核群的前、中、后部均可见阳性的5-HT能神经元及大量串珠状的投射纤维终末,其中背侧核(AD)的神经元着色较深,胞体较大,纤维密集,平均光密度值(A值)与腹侧核(AV)的比较差异显著(P0.05);5-HT阳性反应产物主要定位于胞浆内,胞核不着色。包埋前免疫电镜显示:阳性5-HT能轴突终末与树突形成非对称性的轴-树突触。在AD、AV内可见黄色的5-HT2AR阳性神经元,其中AD的神经元胞体较大,着色较AV深,阳性产物灰度值二者比较差异显著(P0.05);阳性产物主要定位于神经元胞膜,胞核不着色。结论 5-HT和5-HT2AR在大鼠丘脑前核表达,在AD、AV的表达强度不同。     

Distribution of serotonin 5-HT2C receptors in the ventral tegmental area

Serotonin 2C receptors (5-HT2CR) appear to exert tonic inhibitory influence over dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the origin of the mesolimbic DA system, thought to be important in psychiatric disorders including addiction and schizophrenia. Current literature suggests that the inhibitory influence of 5-HT2CR on DA neurotransmission occurs via indirect activation of GABA inhibitory neurons, rather than via a direct action of 5-HT2CR on DA neurons. The present experiments were performed to establish the distribution of 5-HT2CR protein on DA and GABA neurons in the VTA of male rats via double-label immunofluorescence techniques. The 5-HT2CR protein was found to be co-localized with the GABA synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), confirming the presence of the 5-HT2CR on GABA neurons within the VTA. The 5-HT2CR immunoreactivity was also present in cells that contained immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the DA synthetic enzyme, validating the localization of 5-HT2CR to DA neurons in the VTA. While the degree of 5-HT2CR+GAD co-localization was similar across the rostro-caudal levels of VTA subnuclei, 5-HT2CR+TH co-localization was highest in the middle relative to rostral and caudal levels of the VTA, particularly in the paranigral, parabrachial, and interfascicular subnuclei. The present results suggest that the inhibitory influence of the 5-HT2CR over DA neurotransmission in the VTA is a multifaceted and complex interplay of 5-HT2CR control of the output of both GABA and DA neurons within this region.     

5-HT1A, but not 5-HT2 and 5-HT7, receptors in the nucleus raphe magnus modulate hypoxia-induced hyperpnoea

Aim: In the present study, we assessed the role of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptors (5‐HT_1A, 5‐HT₂ and 5‐HT₇) in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) on the ventilatory and thermoregulatory responses to hypoxia. Methods: To this end, pulmonary ventilation (V_E) and body temperature (T_b) of male Wistar rats were measured in conscious rats, before and after a 0.1 μL microinjection of WAY‐100635 (5‐HT_1A receptor antagonist, 3 μg 0.1μL^?1, 56 mm ), ketanserin (5‐HT₂ receptor antagonist, 2 μg 0.1μL^?1, 36 mm ) and SB269970 (5‐HT₇ receptor antagonist, 4 μg 0.1 μL^?1, 103 mm ) into the NRM, followed by 60 min of severe hypoxia exposure (7% O₂). Results: Intra‐NMR microinjection of vehicle (control rats) or 5‐HT antagonists did not affect V_E or T_b during normoxic conditions. Exposure of rats to 7% O₂ evoked a typical hypoxia‐induced anapyrexia after vehicle microinjections, which was not affected by microinjection of WAY‐100635, SB269970 or ketanserin. The hypoxia‐induced hyperpnoea was not affected by SB269970 and ketanserin intra‐NMR. However, the treatment with WAY‐100635 intra‐NRM attenuated the hypoxia‐induced hyperpnoea. Conclusion: These data suggest that 5‐HT acting on 5‐HT_1A receptors in the NRM increases the hypoxic ventilatory response.     

5-羟色胺转运体在酗酒人脑干头侧中缝核群的表达

目的:观察酗酒人脑标本脑干头侧中缝核群5-羟色胺转运体(SERT)的表达变化。方法:应用免疫放射自显影的方法,显示SERT免疫反应强度在酗酒人脑标本脑干头侧中缝核群的变化,并与健康人脑标本比较。结果:健康组SERT免疫反应强标记信号在脑桥头侧和中脑主要集中分布在与中缝核群相同的区域。在酗酒人脑标本,正常分布于脑干头侧中缝核群的SERT免疫反应标记信号减弱;中缝正中核、中缝背核尾侧部、中缝背核束间部、中缝背核腹侧部、中缝背核背侧部的SERT免疫反应含量强度与健康组相应区域比较显著降低。结论:酗酒者头侧中缝核群SERT蛋白表达降低。     

Itch-associated response induced by intradermal serotonin through 5-HT2 receptors in mice

Serotonin (5-HT) is pruritogenic in humans and suggested to be involved in some pruritic diseases. Our experiments were carried out to determine whether an intradermal injection of 5-HT would elicit itch-associated response in mice and to elucidate the 5-HT receptor subtypes involved in this 5-HT action. 5-HT (14.1-235 nmol site(-1)) injected intradermally into the rostral back elicited scratching of the injected site, with bell-shaped dose-response relationship. The scratching induced by 5-HT (100 nmol site(-1), peak effective dose) was suppressed by capsaicin (repeated administration) and the opioid antagonist naloxone, features being similar to human itching. Scratching was also elicited by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methylserotonin, but not by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist R(+)-8-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin nor the 5-HT3 receptor agonists 2-methylserotonin and 1-phenylbiganide. Scratching induced by 5-HT and alpha-methylserotonin was inhibited by peroral pretreatment with 5-HT1/2 receptor antagonists methysergide and cyproheptadine. 5-HT-induced scratching was also inhibited by intradermal injection of methysergide. Peroral pretreatment with 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ondansetron and 3-tropanyl-3, 5-dichrobenzoate did not significantly suppress 5-HT-induced scratching. The results suggest that scratching induced by intradermal injection of 5-HT is itch-associated response. The 5-HT action may be mediated at least partly by cutaneous 5-HT2 receptors.     

Role of 5-HT2C receptors in the enhancement of c-Fos expression induced by a 5-HT2B/2C inverse agonist and 5-HT2 agonists in the rat basal ganglia

Some non-selective serotonin2C (5-HT_2C) agonists or inverse agonists enhance the product of the proto-oncogene c-Fos within the basal ganglia, a group of brain regions involved in motor behavior and in the ability of these drugs to promote abnormal movements. The role of 5-HT_2C receptors in these effects is unclear. The 5-HT_2C antagonist SB243,213 (1 mg/kg), which enhanced Fos per se in the striatum and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) only, was used to study the implication of 5-HT_2C receptors. The agonists Ro 60-0175 (3 mg/kg) and m-CPP (1 mg/kg) and the inverse agonist SB206,553 (10 mg/kg) enhanced Fos expression in the STN and faintly in the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN, the internal globus pallidus in primate). The effects of these drugs differed mainly in the striatum regarding the magnitude (m-CPP > Ro 60-0175> SB243,213 > SB206,553) or the striatal quadrants (faint to no labeling in lateral striatum) and in the substantia nigra. None of these compounds enhanced Fos expression by themselves in the globus pallidus or in the EPN when combined with SB243,213. Their Fos effect in the STN was reduced significantly by SB243,213 only in the case of m-CPP. In the ventromedial striatum, SB243,213 reduced the effects of m-CPP while SB206,553 reduced the effects of SB243,213. The results show that opposite pharmacological agents alter similarly Fos expression in the EPN or the STN. Although some of the effects of 5-HT agents are related to targets other than 5-HT_2C receptors, the study confirms the existence of multiple 5-HT_2C receptor-dependent controls recruited by these drugs upon basal ganglia activity.     

The serotonin 5-HT7 receptors: two decades of research

Like most neurotransmitters, serotonin possesses a simple structure. However, the pharmacological consequences are more complex and diverse. Serotonin is involved in numerous functions in the human body including the control of appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, mood, behavior, cardiovascular function, muscle contraction, endocrine regulation, and depression. Low levels of serotonin may be associated with several disorders, namely increase in aggressive and angry behaviors, clinical depression, Parkinson’s disease, obsessive–compulsive disorder, eating disorders, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, tinnitus, and bipolar disease. These effects are mediated via different serotonin (5-HT) receptors. In this review, we will focus on the last discovered member of this serotonin receptor family, the 5-HT₇ receptor. This receptor belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and was cloned two decades ago. Later, different splice variants were described but no major functional differences have been described so far. All 5-HT₇ receptor variants are coupled to Gα_s proteins and stimulate cAMP formation. Recently, several interacting proteins have been reported, which can influence receptor signaling and trafficking.     

Effect of antagonists and agonists of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 serotonin receptors on the predator aggressiveness of wild norway rats

The effect of agonists of serotonin receptors on predator aggressiveness (the “mouse killing” test) is studied on Norway rats. Ipsapirone and eltoprazine are found to have no effect on predator aggressiveness. 1-[3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine×HCl (TFMPP) considerably reduces aggressiveness. The serotonin precursor 5-hydroxyptryptophan also lowers it, while the antagonist of 5-HT_2A receptors ketanserin abolishes the inhibitory effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan. Presumably, the inhibitory effects of serotonin on predator aggressiveness are realized via the 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2C brain serotonin receptors. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 121, No. 5, pp. 687–689, June, 1996     

Expression of serotonin2A receptors in Purkinje cells of the developing rat cerebellum

Previous physiological and pharmacological studies have shown that the serotonin_2A (5-HT_2A) receptor is involved in cerebellar functions. However, the expression of 5-HT_2A receptors in the developing cerebellum has not been elucidated to date. In the present immunohistochemical study, we examined developmental changes of the distribution of 5-HT_2A receptors in Purkinje cells of the rat cerebellum from embryonic day 18 (E18) to postnatal day 21 (P21). The weak immunoreaction to 5-HT_2A receptors was found in the deep cerebellar nuclei on E19. In the cerebellar cortex of the hemisphere and the posterior vermis, somata of Purkinje cells became weakly immunoreactive on P0. With the dendritic elongation and arborization, the immunoreaction appeared in the proximal parts of Purkinje cell dendrites. Distal parts of the dendrites became immunoreactive after P12, and were strongly immunolabeled by P21. The present study may provide a structural basis to investigate the roles of 5-HT_2A receptors during the cerebellar development.     

Effect of chronic activation of 5-HT3 receptors on 5-HT3, 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptors functional activity and expression of key genes of the brain serotonin system

The dopamine D3 receptor gene (DRD3) is considered being one of the candidate genes contributing to the development of tardive dyskinesia (TD). In a recent meta-analysis with mixed ethnicities, only a barely positive association was found between the functional DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism and TD in patients with schizophrenia (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-1.37; p = 0.041). To further evaluate the controversial association between the polymorphism and TD using only Japanese subjects, we tested the association in a case-control design. We also conducted a meta-analysis including 8 studies with 3 East Asian populations (Japanese, Chinese, and Korean). In our Japanese case-control sample (43 with TD/157 without TD), we found no association between the DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism in schizophrenia and TD (genotype: p = 0.92; allele: p = 1.00). Furthermore, no significant difference in the mean AIMS score among the three genotypic groups was observed in our sample. The meta-analysis comprising 1291 East Asian subjects also showed no association between the polymorphism and TD; the Mantel-Haenszel pooled OR for TD among carriers of the DRD3 Ser9Gly of the eight Asian studies was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.78-1.12). Overall, our results suggest that the DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism may not confer susceptibility to TD in East Asian populations. Given that the Ser9Gly variant may play a putative role in the DRD3 function, further studies on the DRD3 are warranted.     

5-HT reuptake and 5-HT2 receptors modulate capsaicin-evoked hypothermia in rats

Numerous studies support a role for the endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system in the hypothermic effect of capsaicin. None of those studies, however, selectively delineate a role for 5-HT reuptake or 5-HT receptors in this regard. In the present investigation, we determined if the blockade of 5-HT reuptake or the activation of 5-HT_1A or 5-HT₂ receptors modulates capsaicin-evoked hypothermia. The administration of capsaicin (0.2–1 mg/kg, i.m.) produced dose-related hypothermia. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), did not affect body temperature. For combined administration, pretreatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated the hypothermia caused by capsaicin (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.m.). For the 5-HT receptor experiments, we pretreated rats with either WAY 100635, a 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, or mianserin, a 5-HT₂ receptor antagonist, and then administered a fixed, hypothermic dose of capsaicin (1 mg/kg, i.m.). WAY 100635 (1 mg/kg, s.c.) administration did not affect capsaicin-evoked hypothermia. This indicates that 5-HT_1A receptor activation does not play a major role in the hypothermic effect of capsaicin. In contrast, pretreatment with mianserin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the hypothermic effect of capsaicin (1 mg/kg, i.m.). The present data reveal that capsaicin-evoked hypothermia in rats is attenuated by the blockade of 5-HT reuptake and enhanced by the antagonism of 5-HT₂ receptors.     

大鼠海马内5-羟色胺及其受体5-HT2A的表达

目的:观察5-羟色胺(5-HT)纤维和5-HT2A受体在大鼠海马CA1、CA2和CA3三个区域的分布特点.方法:用5-HT递质和5-HT2A受体特异性抗体的免疫组织化学显色以及图像处理与分析.结果:在海马内,抗5-HT2A受体的免疫反应阳性产物主要位于锥体细胞的细胞膜和树突,树突染色较深;5-HT2A受体的阳性胞体在C...     

5-HT activates vagal afferent cell bodies in vivo: role of 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors

Occipital artery (OA) injections of 5-HT elicit pronounced reductions in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in urethane-anesthetized rats by activation of vagal afferent cell bodies in the ipsilateral nodose ganglion. In contrast, internal carotid artery (ICA) and i.v. injections elicit similar cardiovascular responses by activation of peripheral vagal afferent terminals. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of 5-HT3 and 5-HT2 receptors in the 5-HT-induced activation of vagal afferent cell bodies and peripheral afferent terminals in urethane-anesthetized rats. OA, ICA and i.v. injections of 5-HT elicited dose-dependent reductions in heart rate and MAP that were virtually abolished after i.v. administration of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, MDL 7222 or ICS 205-930. The responses elicited by the OA injections of 5-HT were markedly diminished after i.v. injection of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, xylamidine or ketanserin, whereas the responses elicited by i.v. or ICA injections of 5-HT were not affected. The present findings suggest that (1) 5-HT3 and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists gain ready access to nodose ganglion cells upon i.v. administration, and (2) functional 5-HT3 and 5-HT2 receptors exist on the cell bodies of vagal afferent neurons mediating the cardiovascular responses elicited by OA injections of 5-HT. These findings also support a wealth of evidence that 5-HT3 receptors exist on the peripheral terminals of vagal afferents, and although they do not discount the possibility that 5-HT2 receptors exist on peripheral vagal afferent terminals, it appears that activation of these receptors does not have pronounced effects on 5-HT3 receptor activity on terminals that mediate the hemodynamic responses to 5-HT.     

Identification of a new polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of the human serotonin receptor 2C (5-HT2C) gene

We identified a polymorphism (2831T > G) in the 3'-untranslated region of 5-HT2C receptor gene, approximately 100 kb from a previously reported coding sequence polymorphism, 796G > C (C23S). Allele frequencies were 0.90 (T) and 0.10 (G) and cosegregation analysis of the alleles at the two loci demonstrated frequencies of 0.82 (GT), 0.08 (CT), 0.10 (GG), and 0 (CC). The increased informativity gained by analysis of both polymorphisms will prove useful for future studies of this gene in X-linked neuropsychiatric disorders.     

GABAergic synaptic communication in the GABAergic and non-GABAergic cells in the deep cerebellar nuclei

The deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) are the final integrative units of the cerebellar network. The strongest single afferent to the DCN is formed by GABAergic Purkinje neuron axons whose synapses constitute the majority of all synapses in the DCN, with their action strongly regulating the intrinsic activity of their target neurons. Although this is well established, it remains unclear whether all DCN cell groups receive a functionally similar inhibitory input. We previously characterized three types of mouse DCN neurons based on the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform 67 (GAD67), their active membrane properties and morphological features. Here we describe the GABAergic synapses in these cell groups and show that spontaneous GABAergic synaptic activity can be seen in all three cell types. Since the majority of DCN neurons fire action potentials spontaneously at high frequencies both in vivo and in vitro, we expected that spontaneous GABAergic synaptic activities mediated by intra-DCN synaptic connections could be uncovered by their sensitivity to TTX. However, TTX had little effect on spontaneous synaptic activity. It seems, therefore that functional GABAergic connectivity within the DCN is sparse and/or weak at least under our experimental conditions. Even though present in all cell types, the spontaneous GABAergic events showed significant differences between the cell types. The synaptic currents in GABAergic cells had lower amplitude, lower frequency and slower kinetics than those of non-GABAergic cells. These differences could not be sufficiently explained by considering only cell size differences or a differential GABA(A)-receptor alpha-subunit composition. Rather, the main differentiating factor appears to be the dendritic localization of GABAergic synapses in the GABAergic cells.     

A double dissociation in the effects of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors on the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat in Syrian hamsters

Previous research indicates that serotonin enhances the development of stress-induced changes in behavior, although it is unclear which serotonin receptors mediate this effect. 5-HT2 receptors are potential candidates because activation at these receptors is associated with increased fear and anxiety. In this study, we investigated whether pharmacological treatments targeting 5-HT2 receptors would alter the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat. Conditioned defeat is a social defeat model in Syrian hamsters in which individuals display increased submissive and defensive behavior and a loss of territorial aggression when tested with a novel intruder 24 hours after an acute social defeat. The nonselective 5-HT2 receptor agonist mCPP (0.0, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) was injected either prior to social defeat training or prior to conditioned defeat testing. Also, the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 11,939 (0.0, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/kg) was injected either prior to social defeat training or prior to conditioned defeat testing. Injection of mCPP prior to testing increased the expression of conditioned defeat, but injection of mCPP prior to training did not alter the acquisition of conditioned defeat. Conversely, injection of MDL 11,939 prior to training reduced the acquisition of conditioned defeat, but injection of MDL 11,939 prior to testing did not alter the expression of conditioned defeat. Our data suggest that mCPP activates 5-HT2C receptors during testing to enhance the display of submissive and defensive behavior, whereas MDL 11,939 blocks 5-HT2A receptors during social defeat to disrupt the development of the conditioned defeat response. In sum, these results suggest that serotonin acts at separate 5-HT2 receptors to facilitate the acquisition and expression of defeat-induced changes in social behavior.     

The role of calcium channels and serotonin (5-HT2) receptors for tumour cell lodgement in the liver

The effect of blockade of calcium channels and/or 5-HT receptors on the hepatic lodgement of intraportally injected fibrosarcoma cells was studied in rats. The calcium channel blocker verapamil and the 5-HT₂ antagonist ketanserin each had a significant lodgement reducing effect. The pure 5-HT₂ antagonist R 56413 was most effective and dose-dependent in its tumour cell lodgement reducing effect. At the highest dose tested (2·5 mg/kg body weight) R 56413 was as effective as thrombocytopenia, indicating that 5-HT is the most important platelet-released product that influences tumour cell lodgement.