Relative efficacies of piperazines at the phosphoinositide hydrolysis-linked serotonergic (5-HT-2 and 5-HT-1c) receptors

Serotonin (5-HT)-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis is mediated by the 5-HT-2 receptor in rat cerebral cortex and by the 5-HT-1c receptor in rat choroid plexus. These systems were used to determine relative efficacies of piperazine derivatives at the 5-HT-2 and 5-HT-1c receptors. Both quipazine and 6-chloro-2-[1-piperazinyl]-pyrazine (MK-212) stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cerebral cortex, and these effects were blocked by ketanserin. The maximum responses to these agonists were 80% of the maximum response to 5-HT. m-Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), m-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP) and 1-(1-naphthyl)-piperazine (1-NP) did not stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cerebral cortex at concentrations that blocked the effect of 5-HT. In the choroid plexus, TFMPP and MCPP, as well as MK-212 and quipazine, increased phosphoinositide hydrolysis and mianserin blocked these effects. MK-212 had an efficacy which was equal to that of 5-HT, whereas quipazine, MCPP and TFMPP were partial agonists in the choroid plexus. 1-NP did not stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in choroid plexus but completely blocked the effect 5-HT. On the basis of these data, we conclude that quipazine and MK-212 are partial agonists at 5-HT-2 receptors in cerebral cortex, whereas 1-NP, TFMPP and MCPP are pure antagonists of the cortical 5-HT-2 receptor. However, TFMPP and MCPP as well as quipazine and MK-212 are agonists at the 5-HT-1c receptor, while 1-NP is a pure antagonist of the 5-HT-1c receptor in choroid plexus.     

5-HT-induced transferrin production by choroid plexus epithelial cells in culture: role of 5-HT1c receptor

Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that serotonin (5-HT) elevates transferrin production by choroid plexus epithelial cells in primary culture in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. The present study shows that 5-HT stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis in these cells and further demonstrates that the phosphoinositide hydrolysis response is mediated by the 5-HT1c receptor. To determine if the effect on transferrin is also mediated by the 5-HT1c receptor, the effects of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists were examined in choroid plexus epithelial cells in primary culture. The stereoisomers of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and the piperazine derivative 6-chloro-2-[1-piperazinyl]-piperazine (MK-212) were evaluated as potential agonists. MK-212 and (+)LSD mimicked 5-HT, increasing transferrin levels to the same extent. The levorotary isomer, (-)LSD, had no effect. This agonist profile agrees with that previously found for 5-HT1c receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Three antagonists with varying potencies to block 5-HT1c receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis were examined: ritanserin, mianserin and spiperone. The results of these studies were less clear-cut. Neither mianserin nor ritanserin significantly reduced the effects of 5-HT on transferrin, even though they markedly reduced 5-HT-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Consistent with its low potency at the 5-HT1c receptor, spiperone, a 5-HT2 and 5-HT1a antagonist, was a less effective antagonist of the phosphoinositide hydrolysis response than were ritanserin and mianserin. Spiperone also failed to block the effect of 5-HT on transferrin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Serotonin1c receptor reserve in choroid plexus masks receptor subsensitivity

This paper tests the hypothesis that spare serotonin 5-HT1c receptors are present in the rat choroid plexus and explores the possible influence of such sites on the adaptive regulation of the 5-HT1c receptor. The consequences of partial receptor inactivation were compared for the natural agonist 5-HT and the putative partial agonists trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) and (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). These studies showed approximately 50% reserve of 5-HT1c receptors in the rat choroid plexus. The calculated KA for 5-HT obtained by partial irreversible inactivation was 36 nM. Phenoxybenzamine reduced the maximum response elicited by TFMPP and LSD, without shifting the EC50 values, consistent with the interpretation that TFMPP and LSD are partial agonist at the 5-HT1c receptor in rat choroid plexus. The KA of TFMPP and LSD was 0.16 microM and 9 nM, respectively. Quantitative analysis of percentage of receptor occupancy vs. percentage of maximum response showed that 5-HT occupied only 70% of the receptors to give a maximum response, whereas a linear relationship between percentage of occupancy and response was found for TFMPP. These differences had functional consequences as demonstrated in studies of regulation of the 5-HT1c receptor. Chronic administration of the 5-HT agonist quipazine produced a 32% loss of 5-HT1c binding sites in the choroid plexus, with no change in the 5-HT-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis response. This dissociation between binding and function is likely explained by the receptor reserve that exists for the 5-HT1c receptors. Consistent with this interpretation, the TFMPP-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis signal was reduced to the same extent as the loss of binding sites. These results show that the 5-HT1c receptor in the choroid plexus adapts predictably to chronic receptor activation and suggest the possibility that the paradoxical regulation that has been described for other 5-HT receptors might be explained partially by the unrecognized existence of receptor reserve.     

(+)Lysergic acid diethylamide, but not its nonhallucinogenic congeners, is a potent serotonin 5HT1C receptor agonist.

Activation of central serotonin 5HT2 receptors is believed to be the primary mechanism whereby lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other hallucinogens induce psychoactive effects. This hypothesis is based on extensive radioligand binding and electrophysiological and behavioral studies in laboratory animals. However, the pharmacological profiles of 5HT2 and 5HT1C receptors are similar, making it difficult to distinguish between effects due to activation of one or the other receptor. For this reason, it was of interest to investigate the interaction of LSD with 5HT1C receptors. Agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in rat choroid plexus was used as a direct measure of 5HT1C receptor activation. (+)LSD potently stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in intact choroid plexus and in cultures of choroid plexus epithelial cells, with EC50 values of 9 and 26 nM, respectively. The effect of (+)LSD in both systems was blocked by 5HT receptor antagonists with an order of activity consistent with interaction at 5HT1C receptors. Neither (+)-2-bromo-LSD nor lisuride, two nonhallucinogenic congeners of LSD, were able to stimulate 5HT1C receptors in cultured cells or intact choroid plexus. In contrast, lisuride, like (+)LSD, is a partial agonist at 5HT2 receptors in cerebral cortex slices and in NIH 3T3 cells transfected with 5HT2 receptor cDNA. The present finding that (+)LSD, but not its nonhallucinogenic congeners, is a 5HT1C receptor agonist suggests a possible role for these receptors in mediating the psychoactive effects of LSD.     

Putative selective 5-HT-2 antagonists block serotonin 5-HT-1c receptors in the choroid plexus

The binding of [3H]mianserin to rat choroid plexus was characterized and compared with two other radioligands that label the 5-HT (serotonin)-1c receptor ([3H]mesulergine and [125I] lysergic acid diethylamide). [3H]Mianserin binding to a crude membrane preparation of choroid plexus from rat brain was rapid, saturable and of high affinity (Kd = 1 nM). The density of sites labeled by [3H]mianserin and [3H]mesulergine was equal. Furthermore, an excellent correlation was found between the potencies of drugs in competing for [3H]mianserin binding and for [125]lysergic acid diethylamide binding. Based on these data, it was concluded that [3H]mianserin labels the 5-HT-1c binding site. Using this ligand, the binding of the putative selective 5-HT-2 antagonist ritanserin to the 5-HT-1c site was evaluated. Ritanserin was a potent inhibitor of [3H]mianserin binding with a Ki value of 0.2 nM. Functional studies of 5-HT-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, the transmembrane signaling pathway for the 5-HT-1c receptor, showed that ritanserin blocks the effect of 5-HT and that it functions as a competitive antagonist of the 5-HT-1c receptor in intact choroid plexus. The potencies of ritanserin and several other drugs, including other 5-HT-2 antagonists, at the 5-HT-1c binding site correlated with their potencies at blocking 5-HT-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of the contractile serotonergic receptor in guinea pig trachea with agonists and antagonists.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 receptors can be partially characterized by their sensitivity to ketanserin blockade and increase in phosphoinositide turnover upon stimulation. Previously, the contraction of guinea pig trachea to 5-HT was shown to be antagonized by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists ketanserin and LY53857. However, 5-HT did not dramatically increase phosphoinositide turnover in guinea pig trachea, suggesting that the contractile receptor may be different from the classically defined 5-HT2 receptor. The present in vitro studies better characterize this receptor, using diverse serotonergic agonists and antagonists to profile in more detail the contractile serotonergic receptor in guinea pig trachea. With regard to agonists, the 5-HT2 receptor agonists DOI and alpha-methyl-5-HT contracted guinea pig trachea with greater potency than quipazine, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-carboxamidotryptamine, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin and 2-methyl-5-HT. Sumatriptan and 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (10 nM-100 microM) were inactive as agonists. A strong correlation between agonist potency (EC50) and reported 5-HT receptor binding affinities was found for both the 5-HT1C (r = 0.890) and 5-HT2 (r = 0.831) receptor. Ketanserin, spiperone, ritanserin, LY53857, 1-napthylpiperazine, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, rauwolscine, ICS 205-930, cyanopindolol and sumatriptan all blocked 5-HT-induced contractions in guinea pig trachea. As occurred with agonist potencies, strong correlations were found between reported 5-HT1C (r = 0.814) and 5-HT2 (r = 0.912) receptor binding affinities in brain membranes and apparent dissociation constants (KB) for the 10 antagonists of 5-HT induced contraction in guinea pig trachea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Autoradiographic characterization of (+-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-[125I] iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane ([125I]DOI) binding to 5-HT2 and 5-HT1c receptors in rat brain

The 5-HT2 (serotonin) receptor has traditionally been labeled with antagonist radioligands such as [3H]ketanserin and [3H]spiperone, which label both agonist high-affinity (guanyl nucleotide-sensitive) and agonist low-affinity (guanyl nucleotide-insensitive) states of this receptor. The hallucinogen 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) is an agonist which labels the high-affinity guanyl nucleotide-sensitive state of brain 5-HT2 receptors selectively. In the present study, conditions for autoradiographic visualization of (+/-)-[125I]DOI-labeled 5-HT2 receptors were optimized and binding to slide-mounted sections was characterized with respect to pharmacology, guanyl nucleotide sensitivity and anatomical distribution. In slide-mounted rat brain sections (+/-)-[125I]DOI binding was saturable, of high affinity (KD approximately 4 nM) and displayed a pharmacologic profile typical of 5-HT2 receptors. Consistent with coupling of 5-HT2 receptors in the high-affinity state to a guanyl nucleotide regulatory protein, [125I]DOI binding was inhibited by guanyl nucleotides but not by adenosine triphosphate. Patterns of autoradiographic distribution of [125I]DOI binding to 5-HT2 receptors were similar to those seen with [3H]ketanserin- and [125I]-lysergic acid diethylamide-labeled 5-HT2 receptors. However, the density of 5-HT2 receptors labeled by the agonist [125I]DOI was markedly lower (30-50%) than that labeled by the antagonist [3H]ketanserin. High densities of [125I]DOI labeling were present in olfactory bulb, anterior regions of cerebral cortex (layer IV), claustrum, caudate putamen, globus pallidus, ventral pallidum, islands of Calleja, mammillary nuclei and inferior olive. Binding in hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus was generally sparse. Of note, choroid plexus, a site rich in 5-HT1c receptors had a high density of [125I]DOI binding sites but [3H]ketanserin binding in this region was low. Studies in which [125I]DOI binding to 5-HT2 receptors was blocked with spiperone revealed persisting robust [125I]DOI binding in choroid plexus, which was guanyl nucleotide-sensitive and displayed a pharmacologic profile consistent with its binding to 5-HT1c receptors. These studies suggest that [125I]DOI may be useful as a radiolabel for visualizing the agonist high-affinity state of 5-HT2 receptors and for visualizing 5-HT1c receptors.     

Effects of various serotonin receptor subtype-selective antagonists alone and on m-chlorophenylpiperazine-induced neuroendocrine changes in rats.

Administration of m-chlorophenylpiperazine [m-CPP, a serotonin (5-HT) agonist] to rats increases plasma concentrations of prolactin and corticosterone. Pretreatment with various doses of ritanserin (5-HT1C/5-HT2 antagonist), ICS 205-930 and MDL-72222 (5-HT3 antagonists), iodocyanopindolol or CG361A (beta adrenoceptor antagonists) and spiperone (5-HT1A/5-HT2 antagonist) did not attenuate m-CPP-induced increases in plasma concentrations of prolactin. In contrast, pretreatment with various doses of metergoline (5-HT1/5-HT2 antagonist), propranolol (beta adrenoceptor antagonist that also has binding affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C sites), mesulergine and mianserin (5-HT1C/5-HT2 antagonists) attenuated m-CPP-induced increases in plasma prolactin. On the other hand, m-CPP-induced increases in corticosterone concentrations were attenuated only by pretreatment with a low dose of mianserin and a high dose of spiperone. When administered without m-CPP, metergoline, mesulergine, ritanserin, ICS 205-930 and high doses of mianserin, spiperone and propranolol increased plasma corticosterone secretion. On the other hand, none of the antagonists used in the present study, except spiperone, had any significant effect on plasma prolactin secretion. These findings suggest that m-CPP-induced prolactin secretion is mediated by stimulation of 5-HT1C receptors while corticosterone secretion may be mediated either by an antagonistic effect at 5-HT3 receptor subtype or by nonserotonergic mechanisms. Alternatively, enhancement of corticosterone secretion by the 5-HT antagonists when administered alone may be responsible for their failure to block m-CPP-induced corticosterone secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Electrophysiological characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptors in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

The aim of the present study was to characterize 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptors in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFc) by single cell recording and microiontophoretic techniques. This was accomplished using 5-HT2 receptor agonists 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane [(+/-)-DOI] and 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenyl]-2-aminopropane [(+/-)-DOB]. DOI ejected at a low current (0.5 nA) potentiates glutamate (GLU)-induced activation of mPFc neurons and this effect is blocked by spiperone. At higher currents. DOI invariably inhibits GLU-induced neuronal activity. The microiontophoretic ejection of both DOI and DOB predominantly inhibits spontaneously active mPFc cells. The inhibitory action of DOI on spontaneously active cells is dose-dependent and is blocked by putative 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, with a rank order of potency as follows: ritanserin greater than metergoline approximately LY-53857 greater than spiperone greater than mesulergine greater than mianserin approximately ketanserin. Interestingly, ketanserin and mianserin only weakly block the effect of DOI. The suppressant action of DOI is probably not related to its interaction with 5-HT10 sites as spiperone, which has low affinity for these sites, potently blocks the effect of DOI. The suppressant effect of DOI is not blocked by other receptor antagonists such as BRL-43694 (5-HT3), (+/-)-pindolol (5HT 1a,1b, beta adrenergic, beta), prazosin (adrenergic1, alpha-1), pyrilamine (histamine1, H1), l-sulpiride (dopamine2, D2) or SR 95103 (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABAA). Overall our results indicate that DOI predominantly inhibits mPFc cells in a direct manner and this effect is mediated by 5-HT2 receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Desensitization and down-regulation of 5-HT2 receptors in P11 cells.

P11 cells express a high density of 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptors coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis. The effect of exposure to 5-HT on the expression and function of 5-HT2 receptors in P11 cells was investigated. Exposure of P11 cells to 10 microM 5-HT for as short a time as 20 min led to a decrease in the ability of 5-HT to stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis. After 8 hr, phosphoinositide hydrolysis stimulated by 5-HT was greatly reduced or absent. Concentrations of 5-HT as low as 100 nM caused desensitization of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis by 6-fluoronorepinephrine, an alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, was not affected by prior exposure of cells to 5-HT. Therefore, the decrease in response to 5-HT represented a selective, homologous desensitization of 5-HT2 receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis. The density of 5-HT2 receptors in membranes prepared from P11 cells was measured using [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide. Exposure of P11 cells to 5-HT resulted in a decrease in the density of 5-HT2 receptors with no change in the affinity of the receptors for [125I]lysergic acid diethylamide. A decrease in the density of receptors was observed after exposure to 10 microM 5-HT for 1 hr, and after 24 hr the density of 5-HT2 receptors was approximately 30% of the original value. Down-regulation of 5-HT2 receptors in P11 cells may be involved in homologous desensitization of 5-HT2 receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis.     

Characterization of the serotonin receptor mediating contraction in the mouse thoracic aorta and signal pathway coupling

The purpose of this study was to characterize pharmacologically the 5-HT receptor(s) mediating contraction in the mouse aorta and the pathways these receptors are coupled with to mediate contraction. We hypothesized that a 5-HT2A receptor, as in the rat, mediates contraction by activating L-type calcium channels, phospholipase C (PLC), and tyrosine kinase(s). Endothelium-denuded aortic strips were placed in a tissue bath for measurement of isometric contractile force. 5-HT, the 5-HT2A receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT, and partial 5-HT2A receptor agonist (+/-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (+/--DOI) caused the most potent and efficacious contraction. The 5-HT(1E/1F) receptor agonist BRL 54443 also induced contraction (-log EC(50) = 6.52); however, the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin antagonized this contraction. Our hypothesis was further supported by the finding that antagonists with affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor, ketanserin, 1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine, spiperone, and LY53857, reduced 5-HT-induced contraction. A correlation of 0.927 was found between literature-derived compound binding affinities for the agonists and antagonists at the 5-HT2A receptor of the rat and the data generated in our experiments (-log EC(50) and pK(B) values). The L-type calcium channel blockers nifedipine and nitrendipine, PLC inhibitor 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl N,N-diphenylcarbamate, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and PD 098,059 all shifted and/or reduced maximum contraction to 5-HT. We conclude that contraction to 5-HT in the mouse aorta is mediated primarily by a 5-HT2A receptor and is coupled to L-type calcium channels, PLC, and tyrosine kinases.     

Serotonin-induced reduction of the calcium-dependent plateau in frog dorsal root ganglion cells is blocked by serotonergic agents acting at 5-hydroxytryptamine1A sites

Intracellular recordings from the dorsal root ganglion cells of adult frogs in the presence of tetraethylammonium display action potentials with a prominent calcium-dependent plateau. These action potentials can be altered by serotonergic agents in one of two ways. The superfusion of 5-HT (0.1-1 microM) usually produces a dose-dependent reduction of the action potential duration, whereas 8-hydroxy dipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (10-50 microM) produces a dose-dependent increase in duration. A series of 5-HT antagonists were tested for their ability to block either the 5-HT or the 8-OH-DPAT effect. The antagonists were chosen for their reported selectivity in distinguishing receptors of the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 subtypes. The antagonists' action on 5-HT narrowing [blockade by methiothepin, spiperone and spiroxitrine, but not by ketanserin or 3-tropyl-indole-3-carboxylate (ICS 205-930)] suggests that this response is mediated by 5-HT1A receptors. The widening effect produced by 8-OH-DPAT (a putative 5-HT1A agonist) was not blocked by any antagonist tested. At lower concentrations (0.1-2.5 microM) 8-OH-DPAT exhibited no agonist actions, but antagonized the 5-HT-induced narrowing. These results suggest the 5-HT receptors mediating 5-HT action potential narrowing in these cells are of the 5-HT1A subtype, but that they differ from the 5-HT1A receptors described in other tissues in which 8-OH-DPAT is an agonist or a partial agonist.     

Pharmacological characterization of a neuronal receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine in guinea pig ileum with properties similar to the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor

Experiments were undertaken to characterize pharmacologically a neuronal receptor to 5-HT in guinea pig ileum. Segments of longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations were treated with phenoxybenzamine and exposed to submaximal electrical field stimulation to evoke the cholinergically mediated "twitch" response. The ability of 5-HT to enhance the submaximal twitch response was investigated. Results using several antagonists (metergoline, spiperone, cyanopindolol, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide, N-hexanoyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide, ICS 205-930, GR 38032F, MDL 72222 and cocaine) indicate that 5-HT (3 X 10(-10) to 1 x 10(-7) M) agonizes a novel 5-HT receptor site distinct from the 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and 5-HT1P subtypes as well as the M receptor. The receptor site is located neuronally and is characterized positively by a low affinity for ICS 205-930 (pA2 = 6.5 vs. 5-HT) and by the following order of agonist potency: 5-HT greater than 5-methoxytryptamine greater than BRL 24924 greater than alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine greater than zacopride = cisapride = 5-carboxamidotryptamine. Agonist-independent pA2 estimates for ICS 205-930 (6.3-6.6) suggest a single site of agonism. 2-Methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindalpine were inactive at 1 x 10(-5) M either as agonists or antagonists. Thus, the receptor site exhibits a pharmacological profile similar to that characterizing the recently described 5-HT4 [corrected] receptor. Unlike Gaddum's M receptor, which equates with the 5-HT3 [corrected] receptor, the putative 5-HT4 [corrected] receptor site exhibits a higher sensitivity to agonism by 5-HT and is resistant to antagonism by cocaine.     

Identification of spinal 5-HT1C binding sites in the rat: characterization of [3H]mesulergine binding.

5-Hydroxytryptamine1C (5-HT1C) recognition sites were characterized in rat spinal cord using [3H]mesulergine. In competition experiments with different 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists, the rank order of drug potencies was consistent with drug affinities for the 5-HT1C receptor: mesulergine, mianserin, 5-HT greater than ketanserin, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane greater than 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)1H-indole, spiperone greater than 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, pindolol. Bmax was 3.7 +/- 0.3 pmol/g and Kd 1.7 +/- 0.1 nM, with sites found in cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral cord. Inclusion of 20 nM spiperone to block potential 5-HT2 sites did not significantly alter drug affinities. There was a high correlation between drug affinities for [3H]mesulergine-labeled 5-HT1C sites in spinal cord and those reported in pig cortex (r = 0.94) and choroid plexus (r = 0.93), but poor correlation with 5-HT2 (high or low affinity states) or other 5-HT sites. Unlike [3H]mesulergine, the specific binding of [3H]5-HT, [3H]mianserin and [3H]ketanserin was low and no saturation studies could be performed with [3H]1-4-bromo-2-5-dimethoxy phenylisopropylamine. Limited competition studies suggest that [3H]5-HT labels 5-HT1C sites, [3H]ketanserin labels spinal 5-HT2 sites and [3H]mianserin labels both sites under the assay conditions studied, but the population of spinal 5-HT2 is small and not well characterized by these [3H]radioligands. In contrast, the population of spinal 5-HT1C receptors is substantial and [3H]mesulergine is the most useful [3H]radioligand for studies of spinal 5-HT1C sites.     

Comparison of 5-hydroxytryptamine1A-mediated hyperpolarization in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal pyramidal cells.

5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) hyperpolarizes hippocampal pyramidal cells in both areas CA1 and CA3 through an increase in potassium conductance. The receptor mediating the hyperpolarization in CA1 has been characterized as the 5-HT1A receptor, but has not been identified in area CA3. Intracellular recording techniques were used to record from CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cells in a hippocampal slice preparation. 5-HT agonists and antagonists were applied in known concentrations by bath perfusion. Antagonists were tested alone and for their ability to block the hyperpolarization elicited by 5-HT. The 5-HT1 agonist 5-carboxyamidotryptamine and 5-HT were full agonists and the 5-HT1A-selective ligand 8-hydroxydipropyl-aminotetralin hydrobromide was a partial agonist in both CA3 and CA1. The rank order potency was 5-carboxyamidotryptamine > 8-hydroxydipropyl-aminotetralin hydrobromide > 5-HT for both regions. The agonists were a half-log unit less potent and the maximum response elicited by 5-carboxyamidotryptamine and 5-HT was greater in area CA3 than in area CA1. The selective 5-HT1A antagonist BMY 7378 and the 5-HT1A/2 antagonist spiperone were competitive in area CA1, but insurmountable in area CA3. Other 5-HT antagonists that were not effective in blocking the 5-HT-mediated hyperpolarization included ketanserin, odansetron and BRL 24924. Based on these results, we conclude that the hyperpolarization elicited by 5-HT in areas CA1 and CA3 is mediated by the 5-HT1A receptor. However, there are significant differences in the nature of the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated hyperpolarization that may be attributed to differences in receptor-effector number, receptor-effector coupling and/or the structure of the recognition site.     

Differential actions of serotonin antagonists on two behavioral models of serotonin receptor activation in the rat

Ligand binding studies have identified certain serotonin (5-HT) antagonists with selective affinity for 5-HT2 receptors and other serotonin antagonists with affinity for both 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. This study compared the actions of ketanserin and pipamperone, selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, with metergoline and methysergide, nonselective 5-HT antagonists, on two behavioral responses in rats that are produced by the activation of 5-HT receptors: 1) the head shake response and 2) the 5-HT syndrome. Both the selective and the nonselective 5-HT antagonists blocked the head shake response produced by 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. The order of relative potency was: metergoline greater than ketanserin greater than pipamperone greater than methysergide. All four antagonists also blocked the head shake response produced by the 5-HT agonist quipazine. In contrast, the symptoms of the 5-HT syndrome produced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine were blocked by pretreatment with the nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonists but not by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists. The differential actions of 5-HT antagonists on these behavioral responses suggest that different 5-HT receptors are involved in the head shake response and the 5-HT syndrome. That the order of relative potency for these drugs to block the head shake response was the same as their reported affinity for the 5-HT2 receptor suggests that the 5-HT2 receptor is involved in the head shake response. In contrast, the ability of 5-HT antagonists with affinity for the 5-HT1 receptor to block the 5-HT syndrome and the inability of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists to block the syndrome suggests that this behavioral response probably involves the activation of 5-HT1 receptors.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig coronary arteries is mediated by 5-HT receptors similar to the 5-HT1D receptor subtype

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor mediating endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig coronary arteries was characterized using a variety of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists. Unrubbed (with endothelium preserved) rings precontracted by prostaglandin F2 alpha in the presence of ketanserin relaxed in an endothelium-dependent manner to 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine and 5-methoxytryptamine with about equal potency and efficacy. By comparison, bufotenine, 3-(dimethylamino)ethyl-N-methyl-1H-indole-5-methane sulfonamide, (-)-alpha-methyl-5-HT,N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine and 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H indole were half-efficient and other drugs [in particular the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin] were inactive as agonists up to 0.1 mM. The effect of 5-carboxamidotryptamine was antagonized in an apparently competitive manner by 15 drugs. Among the most potent antagonists (mean pKB value) were the nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonists, methiothepin (7.30) and metergoline (6.86), the 5-HT1A/5-HT1D receptor ligand, 1-[2-(4-amino-phenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazine (7.02), the 5-HT1A/5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptor ligand, 7-trifluoromethyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo[1,2,-a]quinoxaline 1 (6.73) and yohimbine (6.37). Selective ligands for 5-HT1A receptors were either inactive [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide] or poorly active (spiperone, 4.44). Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists with affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors weakly antagonized the effect of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (pKB values less than or equal to 5.32), as did the 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, mesulergine (5.30) and the yohimbine isomer, corynanthine (4.85). Methysergide was clearly a noncompetitive antagonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Role of 5-HT2 receptors in serotonin-induced contractions of nonvascular smooth muscle

Vascular receptors responsible for serotonin-induced contractions are of the 5-HT2 subtype (site in brain cortical membranes that is preferentially radiolabeled by [3H]spiperone) whereas serotonin receptors mediating contraction in nonvascular smooth muscle have not been extensively studied. The present in vitro studies using the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists ketanserin, LY53857 and 1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine show that serotonin-induced contractions in the rat uterus and guinea-pig trachea are also mediated by interaction with 5-HT2 receptors. Prazosin, but not the serotonin receptor antagonists, blocked serotonin-induced contractions in the rat vas deferens, indicating that alpha adrenergic and not 5-HT1 or 5-HT2 receptors mediate the contractile response to serotonin in this tissue. Because selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonists did not block contractions to serotonin in the rat fundus or guinea-pig ileum, receptors in these gastrointestinal tissues are clearly not 5-HT2. However, contractions to serotonin in the fundus but not in the ileum were blocked by certain antagonists [metergoline and 1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine] demonstrating that the receptors involved in serotonin-induced contractions in the fundus are different from the ileum. Other differences between the fundus and ileum in serotonin-induced contractions include: 1) the potency of serotonin is greater in the fundus than in the ileum; and 2) the primary action of serotonin in the fundus is activation of a postsynaptic receptor on the smooth muscle whereas, in the ileum, serotonin exerts an indirect neuronal action to effect acetylcholine release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synaptic activation and properties of 5-hydroxytryptamine(3) receptors in myenteric neurons of guinea pig intestine.

The contribution of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin; 5-HT) acting at 5-HT(3) receptors to fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) and the properties of 5-HT(3) receptors in the guinea pig small intestinal myenteric plexus were investigated using electrophysiological methods. In 11% of neurons studied in the acutely isolated myenteric plexus, ondansetron (1 microM) inhibited hexamethonium (100 microM)-resistant fEPSPs. 5-HT elicited an inward current in neurons maintained in primary culture. The peak current reached maximum in <150 ms and desensitized with a double exponential time course (tau1 = 1.1 +/- 0.1 s; tau2 = 6.9 +/- 0.9 s). The whole-cell current/voltage relationship was linear, with a reversal potential of 2.7 +/- 1.5 mV. The rapidly activating and desensitizing current was completely blocked by ondansetron (1 microM) and partly inhibited by d-tubocurare (1 microM). The 5-HT(3)-receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT (100 microM), caused a peak current that was 18% of the peak current caused by 5-HT in the same cells; 2-methyl-5-HT (1 microM) inhibited currents caused by 5-HT. 5-HT-activated single-channel currents in outside-out patches; this response was blocked by ondansetron. The single-channel conductance was 17 +/- 1 pS. The single-channel current/voltage relationship was linear between -110 and 70 mV and had a reversal potential near 0 mV. These data indicate that 5-HT contributes to fEPSPs in the myenteric plexus. The 5-HT(3) receptor expressed by guinea pig myenteric neurons has pharmacological and electrophysiological properties that distinguish it from 5-HT(3) receptors expressed by other autonomic neurons and neurons in the central nervous system.