Evidence that 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI)-induced hyperthermia in rats is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors

The effects of various 5-HT receptor subtype-selective antagonists were studied on phenylisopropylamine hallucinogen1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI)-induced hyperthermia in Wistar rats, in an attempt to characterize the 5-HT receptor subtype mediating DOI-induced hyperthermia. Intraperitoneal administration of DOI to rats produced hyperthermia with a peak effect at 60 min. Pretreatment with propranolol (-adrenoceptor antagonist that also has binding affinity for 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_2C sites), MDL-72222 or ondansetron (5-HT₃ antagonists) did not attenuate DOI-induced hyperthermia. In contrast, pretreatment with metergoline (5-HT₁/5-HT₂ antagonist), ketanserin, LY53857, mesulergine, mianserin and ritanserin (5-HT_2C/5-HT_2A antagonists), as well as spiperone (5-HT_1A/5-HT_2A/D₂ antagonist), significantly attenuated DOI-induced hyperthermia. Furthermore, daily administration of DOI (2.5 mg/kg per day) for 17 days did not produce either tolerance to its hyperthermic effect or modifym-CPP-induced hyperthermia in rats. These findings suggest that DOI-induced hyperthermia in rats is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT_2A receptors.     

Evidence for involvement of 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors in the food intake suppressant effects of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI)

Administration of various doses of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) to rats produced dose-related decreases in 1-h food intake in the food-deprived paradigm. Pretreatment with spiperone (5-HT_1A/5-HT₂/D₂ antagonist), propranolol or CGP361A (-adrenoceptor antagonists that also have binding affinities for 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_1B sites) and MDL-72222 (5-HT₃ antagonist) did not attenuate DOI-induced suppression of food intake. In contrast, pretreatment with metergoline (5-HT₁/5-HT₂ antagonist) completely blocked whereas mesulergine, mianserin and ritanserin (5-HT_1C/5-HT₂ antagonists) partially blocked DOI's effect on food intake. On the other hand, pretreatment with MDL-72222 but not with m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) significantly potentiated DOI-induced suppression of food intake. Furthermore, the food intake suppressant effects of various doses of DOI were found to be similar in the Fawn-Hooded (FH) rat strain as compared to the Wistar rat strain. These findings suggest that DOI-induced suppression of food intake is mediated by stimulation of both 5-HT_1C and 5-HT₂ receptors.     

Effects of repeated treatment with 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) on the autoregulatory control of dorsal raphe 5-HT neuronal firing and cortical 5-HT release.

These experiments were designed to examine the effects of repeated 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) treatment on the autoregulatory control of cortical 5-HT release and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5-HT neuronal cell firing. Repeated DOI treatment decreased the behavioural responsiveness (wet-dog shakes) of 5-HT2 receptors and attenuated the inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin), on both cortical 5-HT release and DRN 5-HT neuronal firing. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of acute DOI on cortical 5-HT release and DRN 5-HT neuronal firing was unaffected by repeated DOI treatment. The results demonstrate that changes in the responsiveness of 5-HT2 receptor function may influence the responsiveness of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors regulating 5-HT neuronal function. The results also provide further evidence that the inhibition of cortical 5-HT release and DRN 5-HT neuronal firing produced by DOI is not mediated by 5-HT2 receptor activation.     

Investigation of the effects of IVth ventricular administration of the 5-HT2 agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), on autonomic outflow in the anaesthetized cat.

1. The effects of IVth ventricular injections of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) on renal, splanchnic and cardiac sympathetic nerve activities, phrenic nerve activity, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, femoral arterial conductance, tracheal and intragastric pressures were investigated in alpha-chloralose anaesthetized, neuromuscular blocked and artificially ventilated cats. 2. Cumulative doses of DOI (80, 160 and 320 nmol kg-1) injected into the IVth ventricle caused an increase in mean arterial blood pressure, a fall in femoral arterial conductance, an increase in tracheal pressure and a decrease in the rate of phrenic nerve bursts but did not affect any of the other variables recorded. 3. Even after i.v. administration of the peripheral 5-HT2 antagonist BW501C67 (2 mg kg-1) following the highest dose of DOI there was still a significant pressor response, a fall in femoral arterial conductance and small increase in tracheal pressure. 4. In control experiments, intravenous infusion of noradrenaline to raise blood pressure to the levels obtained during the cumulative doses of DOI caused large falls in renal, splanchnic and cardiac nerve activities which were all significantly lower than those recorded during the cumulative doses of DOI. 5. The results of this study provide evidence for a brainstem site of action of DOI in producing hypertension and further support the hypothesis that central 5-HT2 receptors are involved in the control of skeletal muscle and skin vascular beds.     

1-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) exerts an anorexic action that is blocked by 5-HT2 antagonists in rats

Previous literature suggests that the anorexic action of peripherally administered serotonin (5-HT) is mediated by 5-HT₂ receptors. This study, therefore, examined the effect of DOI, a non-indole 5-HT₂ agonist, on deprivation-induced feeding. Rats were first adapted to a schedule in which a milk diet was presented for 6 h daily. Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of DOI (1.0–11.2 mol/kg) inhibited feeding in a dose-related fashion (ID₅₀=2.6 mol/kg). One hour pretreatment with 6.0 mol/kg of the 5-HT₂ antagonists ketanserin and LY53857 completely reversed the anorexic action of an equimolar dose of DOI. Neither ketanserin nor LY53857, alone, altered baseline feeding. Further testing demonstrated the antagonistic effect of LY53857 (0.047–6.0 mol/kg, IP) to be dose related, with an ID₅₀ of 0.14 mol/kg. Ten minute pretreatment with 1-(1-naphthyl)-piperazine (1-NP; 2.0 or 4.0 mol/kg), a mixed-acting agent with 5HT₂ blocking actions, also attenuated the anorexic effect of 6.0 mol/kg DOI. Unlike ketanserin and LY53857, however, 1-NP did reduce food intake by itself. By contrast with ketanserin, LY53857 and 1-NP, the peripherally-acting 5-HT₂ antagonist xylamidine failed to alter the anorexic effect of DOI. Taken together, these results suggest that central 5-HT₂ receptors are important in the control of ingestive behavior.A portion of these results were presented in a preliminary report at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in November 1987.     

The effects of alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists on the inhibition of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI)-induced head shakes by 5-HT1A receptor agonists in the mouse.

1. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), gepirone, buspirone and ipsapirone dose-dependently antagonized the head-shakes induced by 1-(2,5-dimethoxy 4-iodophenyl)-2-amino propane hydrochloride (DOI) (1.0 mg kg-1) in mice, when these agents were given i.p. 10 min beforehand. 2. para-Chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) abolished the effect of 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg kg-1) and of buspirone (1.0 mg kg-1). (+/-)-Pindolol (5.0 mg kg-1) also antagonized the effect of 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg kg-1). 3. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, RX811059 (1.0 mg kg-1), idazoxan (0.5 mg kg-1), yohimbine (1.0 mg kg-1) and 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP) (2.0 mg kg-1) i.p. prevented the antagonistic effect of 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg kg-1) on DOI-head-shakes. 4. Orally-administered buspirone, given 60 min beforehand, only reduced DOI-head-shakes at doses of 60 mg kg-1 and above. However, when buspirone (1.0 mg kg-1) was administered orally twice daily for 21 days, DOI-head-shakes were significantly reduced when tested 60 min after the first daily dose on days 5, 12 and 21 and 48 h after withdrawal. 5. A single oral dose of buspirone (1.0 mg kg-1) strongly antagonized DOI-head-shakes when given 24 h after the last of 4 daily doses of 1-PP (2.0 mg kg-1, p.o.) but had no effect on DOI-head-shakes 24 h after the last of 4 daily doses of water (p.o.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

5-HT1 and 5-HT2 binding characteristics of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenyl)-2-aminopropane analogues

1-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-bromophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB; 1a) is a purported serotonin (5-HT) agonist that binds selectively to central 5-HT2 binding sites. Systematic removal of any or all of the aromatic substituents had relatively little effect on 5-HT1 binding but reduced 5-HT2 binding by approximately 2 or more orders of magnitude. Demethylation of the 2-methoxy group of 1a, or introduction of an N-n-propyl group, doubled 5-HT1-site affinity but decreased 5-HT2-site affinity by 3- and 30-fold, respectively. In tests of stimulus generalization, using rats trained to discriminate DOM from saline, the 2-demethyl and N-propyl derivatives were found to produce stimulus effects similar to those of DOB. In addition, the S-(+) isomer of the iodo analogue of 1a was found to possess one-third the affinity of its R-(-) enantiomer at 5-HT2 sites and also resulted in DOM-stimulus generalization. Of the DOB analogues examined, DOB (1a) possesses optimal selectivity for 5-HT2 binding.     

Beta-oxygenated analogues of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor agonist 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane

Activation of 5-HT(2A) serotonin receptors represents a novel approach to lowering intraocular pressure. Because 5-HT(2A) serotonin receptor agonists might also produce undesirable central effects should sufficient quantities enter the brain, attempts were made to identify 5-HT(2) serotonin receptor agonists with reduced propensity to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. 1-(4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropan-1-ol (6), an analogue of the 5-HT(2) serotonin receptor agonist 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB; 1a) bearing a benzylic hydroxyl group, was identified as a candidate structure. Of the four optical isomers of 6, the 1R,2R-isomer (6d; K(i) = 0.5 nM) was found to bind at 5-HT(2A) receptors with an affinity similar to that of R(-)DOB (K(i) = 0.2 nM). Like R(-)DOB, 6d behaved as a partial agonist (efficacy ca. 50%) in a 5-HT(2)-mediated calcium mobilization assay. However, in an in vivo test of central action (i.e., stimulus generalization with rats as subjects), 6d was >15 times less potent than R(-)DOB. O-Methylation of 6d (i.e., 7d; 5-HT(2A) K(i) = 0.3 nM) resulted in an agent that behaved as a full (93% efficacy) agonist. Intraocular administration of 300 microg of 6d and 7d to ocular hypertensive monkeys was shown to reduce intraocular pressure by 20-27%. Given the route of administration (i.e., topical), and concentrations necessary to reduce intraocular pressure, compounds such as 6d should demonstrate minimal central effects at potentially useful therapeutic doses and offer useful leads for further development.     

Imaging brain phospholipase A2 activation in awake rats in response to the 5-HT2A/2C agonist (+/-)2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-2-aminopropane (DOI).

Incorporation coefficients k(*) of intravenously injected [(3)H]arachidonic acid from blood into brain reflect the release from phospholipids of arachidonic acid by receptor-initiated activation of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)). In unanesthetized adult rats, 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) (+/-)2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-2-aminopropane (DOI), which is a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist, has been reported to produce the behavioral changes of what is known as the 5-HT(2) syndrome, but only a few small regional decrements in brain glucose metabolism. In this study, 2.5 mg/kg i.p. DOI, when administered to unanesthetized rats, produced widespread and significant increases, of the order of 60%, in k(*) for arachidonate, particularly in neocortical brain regions reported to have high densities of 5-HT(2A) receptors. The increases could be entirely blocked by chronic pretreatment with mianserin, a 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist. The results suggest that the 5-HT(2) syndrome involves widespread brain activation of PLA(2) via 5-HT(2A) receptors, leading to the release of the second messenger, arachidonic acid. Chronic mianserin, a 5-HT(2) antagonist, prevents this activation.     

(+/-)-1-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane(DOI) and alpha-methyl-5-HT: 5-HT2 receptor agonistic action on phosphatidylinositol metabolism in the rat fronto-cingulate and entorhinal cortex.

In the present study, the effects of 5-HT and two 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor agonists, (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and alpha-methyl-serotonin (alpha-Me-5-HT) on phosphoinositide hydrolysis were compared, to determine whether DOI and alpha-Me-5-HT were full agonists. Consistent with the results obtained from previous studies, both (+/-)-DOI and alpha-Me-5-HT stimulated turnover of phosphoinositide in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the response obtained with these 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor agonists was only 30-40% of that of 5-HT. The stimulation of hydrolysis of phosphoinositide, produced by both 5-HT2 receptor agonists, was potently antagonized by ritanserin (a 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor antagonist) and alpha-phenyl-1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperine methanol [(+)-MDL 11,939, a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist] but not by granisetron (BRL a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist), suggesting that the action of DOI and alpha-Me-5-HT was primarily mediated by 5-HT2 receptors. When the effect of increasing the concentration of 5-HT on turnover of phosphoinositide was measured in the presence of a 1 microM concentration of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron, the response obtained was similar to the response produced by the 5-HT2 receptor agonists, DOI and alpha-Me-5-HT. These results confirm the previous finding that 5-HT stimulates hydrolysis of phosphoinositide by interacting with 5-HT1c/5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors. Moreover, they suggest that DOI and alpha-Me-5-HT are full agonists at the 5-HT2 receptor, coupled to hydrolysis of phosphoinositide in the cortex of the rat.     

N-methyl derivatives of the 5-HT2 agonist 1-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane

1-(4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB) is a serotonin (5-HT) agonist that displays a high affinity and selectivity for a certain population of central 5-HT binding sites (i.e., 5-HT2 sites). In the present study, (a) an enantiomeric potency comparison was made for the optical isomers of DOB and (b) the activity of N-monomethyl-,N,N-dimethyl-, and N,N,N-trimethyl-DOB was examined. (R)-(-)-DOB (Ki = 0.39 nM) was found to have 6 times greater affinity than its S-(+) enantiomer at [3H]DOB-labeled (rat cortical homogenates) 5-HT2 sites; N-methylation of racemic DOB resulted in a decrease in affinity that was at least 1 order of magnitude per methyl group. Similar results were obtained in an in vivo drug discrimination paradigm with rats as subjects and (R)-(-)-DOB (0.2 mg/kg) as the training drug. Thus, the R-(-) isomer of DOB is more active than its S-(+) enantiomer and than any of the possible N-methyl derivatives of DOB, both with respect to affinity at central 5-HT2 binding sites and with respect to potency in the behavioral (i.e., stimulus generalization) studies.     

Effects of ritanserin and 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) in the murine elevated plus-maze test of anxiety: an ethopharmacological study

The 5-HT(2A/2c) receptor antagonist, ritanserin, has produced highly variable results in animal models of anxiety. The present study addressed the effects of this compound (0.5-5.0 mg/kg) and those of the 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (0.25-1.0 mg/kg), in an ethological version of the murine elevated plus-maze paradigm. In marked contrast to the potent effects produced by other compounds (anxiolytic and anxiogenic) under identical test conditions, results show that, over the dose ranges tested, neither compound significantly altered behavioural profiles. Findings are discussed in relation to the question of receptor affinities and the need for studies on compounds with more selective profiles of action.     

Role of G(q) protein in behavioral effects of the hallucinogenic drug 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane

Extensive evidence suggests that 5-HT2 receptors may play a role in mental disorders including schizophrenia. In addition, several studies indicate that G_q-coupled 5-HT_2A receptors are likely targets for the initiation of events leading to the hallucinogenic behavior elicited by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), (±)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), and related drugs. However, 5-HT_2A receptors couple to other G proteins in addition to G_q protein. To evaluate the role of the G_q signaling pathway in DOI-induced behaviors, we utilized two behavioral models of 5-HT_2A receptor activation: induction of head-twitches by DOI, a common response to hallucinogenic drugs in rodents, and DOI elicited anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze. Experimental subjects were genetically modified mice [G_q(−/−)] in which the G_q alpha gene was eliminated. G_q(−/−) mice exhibited a decrease in DOI-induced head-twitches, when compared to wild-type littermates. In addition, the DOI-induced increase in anxiolytic-like behavior was abolished in G_q(−/−) mice. These results, combined with our finding that DOI-induced FOS expression in the medial prefrontal cortex was also eliminated in G_q(−/−) mice, suggests a key role for G_q protein in hallucinogenic drug effects.     

The selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist amperozide attenuates 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane-induced inhibition of male rat sexual behavior.

This study was aimed at exploring the role of 5-HT2/5-HT1C neurotransmission in male rat sexual behavior. The administration of the 5-HT2/5-HT1C agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) (1 mg/kg), suppressed sexual activity in most of the animals. The suppressive effect of DOI was antagonized by treatment with amperozide, a selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, in doses which did not by themselves affect sexual activity. In addition, several other serotonin antagonists were tested with varying affinity profiles for 5-HT2/5-HT1C receptors, including ketanserin, ritanserin, and mesulergine. All these compounds antagonized the suppressive action of DOI. In contrast, no antagonizing effect was obtained by treatment with (-)-alprenolol, a 5-HT1A antagonist. The present findings suggest that 5-HT2/5-HT1C receptors might be involved in the neural control of male rat sexual behavior, presumably by exerting an inhibitory influence on the behavior.     

Effects of the 5-HT1C/5-5-HT2 receptor agonists DOI and alpha-methyl-5-HT on plasma glucose and insulin levels in the rat

Administration of the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4- iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI, 0.125-2.0 mg/kg i.v.) triggered dose-dependent increases in plasma glucose; plasma insulin levels remained unchanged. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor antagonists LY 53857, ritanserin, or the mixed 5-HT2/alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist ketanserin either diminished or prevented the hyperglycemic effect of DOI (0.5 mg/kg). Administration of the mixed 5-HT1C receptor agonists/5-HT2 receptor antagonists 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (mCPP) or 1-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazine level (TFMPP) did not affect plasma glucose levels. However, pretreatment with mCPP or TFMPP decreased DOI-induced hyperglycemia in a dose-dependent manner. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan and the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium both decreased DOI-induced hyperglycemia, Whilst the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin amplified the rise in plasma glucose elicited by DOI. The peripherally acting 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT (0.5-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) triggered a rise in plasma glucose levels that was associated with an increase in plasma insulin levels. Pretreatment with LY 53857 diminished alpha-methyl-5-HT-induced hyperglycemia. These data indicate that 5-HT2 receptors, but not 5-HT1C receptors, and catecholaminergic systems, mediate DOI-induced hyperglycemia. Moreover, it is suggested that the inhibition of insulin release by DOI is centrally mediated, and that activation of peripheral 5-HT2 receptors may affect glycemia.     

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.     

Effects of d-amphetamine and DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine) on timing behavior: interaction between D1 and 5-HT2A receptors

RATIONALE: The dopamine-releasing agent d-amphetamine and the 5-HT(2) receptor agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) have similar effects on free-operant timing behavior. The selective D(1) dopamine receptor antagonist 8-bromo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin-7-ol (SKF-83566), but not the D(2) dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol, can antagonize the effect of d-amphetamine, and the selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist (+/-)2,3-dimethoxyphenyl-1-(2-(4-piperidine)-methanol (MDL-100907) can antagonize the effect of DOI. However, it is not known whether the effect of d-amphetamine can be reversed by MDL-100907 and the effect of DOI by dopamine receptor antagonists. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to examine the interactions of d-amphetamine and DOI with MDL-100907, SKF-83566, and haloperidol on timing performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats (n = 12-15 per experiment) were trained under the free-operant psychophysical procedure to press two levers (A and B) in 50-s trials in which reinforcement was provided intermittently for responding on A in the first half, and B in the second half of the trial. Percent responding on B (%B) was recorded in successive 5-s epochs of the trials; logistic functions were fitted to the data from each rat for the derivation of timing indices [T (50) (time corresponding to %B = 50); Weber fraction]. Rats were treated systemically with d-amphetamine or DOI, alone and in combination with haloperidol, SKF-83566, or MDL-100907. RESULTS: d-Amphetamine (0.4 mg kg(-1)) reduced T (50) compared to vehicle; this effect was antagonized by SKF-83566 (0.03 mg kg(-1)) and MDL-100907 (0.5 mg kg(-1)), but not by haloperidol (0.05, 0.1 mg kg(-1)). DOI (0.25 mg kg(-1)) also reduced T (50); this effect was reversed by MDL-100907 (0.5 mg kg(-1)), but not by SKF-83566 (0.03 mg kg(-1)) or haloperidol (0.05 mg kg(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that both 5-HT(2A) and D(1) receptors, but not D(2) receptors, are involved in d-amphetamine's effect on timing behavior in the free-operant psychophysical procedure. DOI's effect on timing is mediated by 5-HT(2A) receptors, but neither D(1) nor D(2) receptors are involved in this effect.     

Substituent branching in phenethylamine-type hallucinogens: a comparison of 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-(2-butyl)phenyl]-2-aminopropane and 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-(2-methylpropyl)phenyl]-2-aminopropane

Two novel hallucinogen analogues related to 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM, STP) were synthesized and evaluated in the two-lever drug discrimination paradigm by using 0.08 mg/kg of LSD as the training drug stimulus. The two compounds differ from each other only with respect to the point of branching in the 4-alkyl group. However, pharmacological evaluation revealed a clear difference in difference in potency and degree of LSD generalization for the two isomers. Branching adjacent to the ring, as in the 4-(2-butyl) analogue, may provide steric interference to the formation of the drug-receptor complex, while branching one methylene unit removed from the ring, as in the 4-(2-methylpropyl) analogue, poses less of a steric problem for the drug-receptor interaction. This is consistent with the idea that formation of a charge-transfer complex between the hallucinogen molecule and the receptor may be one of the features of this drug-receptor interaction.     

Stereoselective effects of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM) on schedule-controlled behavior

The effects of R(?)?, S(+) and R, S-1-2-5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-Aminopropane (DOM) were studied using rats responding under a fixed interval two-min schedule of food presentation. All three drugs decreased average rates of responding in a dose-related manner, with R-DOM being five to six times more potent than S-DOM but only about 1.2 times more potent than R,S-DOM. Relatively high doses of R,S-DOM and S-DOM increased the low response rates occurring at the beginning of the fixed interval and decreased the higher response rates occuring at the end of the interval (rate-dependent effects). These results are discussed in terms of the stereoselective metabolism of DOM and of the structural similarities between R-DOM and the behaviorally active isomer of LSD.