Benzimidazolones and renzapride facilitate acetylcholine release from guinea-pig myenteric plexus via 5-HT4 receptors

The effects of the 5-HT₄ receptor agonists BIMU 8, BIMU 1, renzapride and of the 5-HT_1p receptor agonist 5-hydroxyindalpine on basal and electrically evoked outflow of tritium were studied in guinea-pig longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations preincubated with [³H]choline. Muscle contractions were recorded simultaneously.BIMU 8 caused a calcium dependent and tetrodotoxin sensitive increase in basal [³H]outflow that was assumed to represent release of [³H]acetylcholine. In addition, BIMU 8 enhanced the release of [³H]acetylcholine and twitch contractions evoked by submaximal electrical stimulation. Ondansetron (1 mol/l) did not change the effects of BIMU 8, but DAU 6285 and tropisetron (each 1 mol/l) competitively antagonized the various facilitatory effects of BIMU 8 with pA₂ values of 7.0–7.2 (DAU 6285) and 7.0–7.3 (tropisetron). The phosphodiesterase inhibitors IBMX and rolipram did not increase the effects of BIMU 8. BIMU 1 and renzapride also concentration-dependently increased basal release of acetylcholine, and release and contractions caused by submaximal stimulation. The effects of BIMU 1 and renzapride were competitively antagonized by 1 mol/l tropisetron (pA₂ 6.6–7.1). The EC₅₀ values for the increase in the evoked [³H]acetylcholine release and contractions were closely similar. 5-Hydroxyindalpine did not change basal release and slightly inhibited the evoked release of [³H]acetylcholine. Release of acetylcholine and contractions elicited by submaximal stimulation were strongly inhibited by ( + )-tubocurarine which indicates that nicotinic ganglionic transmission is involved in this kind of release.The results suggest that BIMU 8, BIMU 1 and renzapride stimulate 5-HT₄ receptors at cholinergic interneurones and thereby facilitate nicotinic ganglionic transmission in the myenteric plexus. Cyclic AMP is probably not involved in the 5-HT₄ receptor mediated facilitation of acetylcholine release.     

Modulation by 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors of the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from the guinea-pig small intestine

Summary The effects of agonists and antagonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors on the release of endogenous 5-HT from enterochromaffin cells were studied in the vascularly perfused isolated guinea-pig small intestine. The experiments were done in the presence of tetrodotoxin in order to exclude a neuronally mediated influence on 5-HT release.The 5-HT₃ receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT increased 5-HT release, and this effect was antagonized by 1 nmol/l tropisetron. Nanomolar concentrations of tropisetron, MDL 72 222 and granisetron decreased 5-HT release. Ondansetron (0.1 and 1 mol/1) did not modify 5-HT release.5-Methoxytryptamine, BIMU8 and cisapride concentration-dependently inhibited 5-HT release. BIMU8 was more potent than 5-methoxytryptamine. Micromolar concentrations of tropisetron (1 and 10 mol/1) enhanced the release, whilst methiothepine (0.1 mol/l) did not affect the release of 5-HT.The results suggest that enterochromaffin cells of the guinea-pig ileum do not contain 5-HT₁ and 5-HT₂ receptors, but are endowed with 5-HT₃ and 5-HT₄ autoreceptors. Activation of the 5-HT₃ receptors triggers a positive feedback mechanism leading to an increase of 5-HT release. The 5-HT₃ receptors on the enterochromaffin cell differ from neuronal 5-HT3 receptors on guinea-pig myenteric plexus by their high affinity for tropisetron and MDL 72 222, and their very low affinity for ondansetron. Stimulation of 5-HT₄ receptors causes inhibition of release; the inhibitory 5-HT₄ receptor mechanism appears to predominate.Correspondence to H. Kilbinger at the above address     

Further characterization of the putative 5-HT4 receptor mediating depolarization of the rat isolated vagus nerve

A putative 5-HT₄ receptor-mediated depolarization of the rat isolated vagus nerve has been studied using a grease-gap extracellular recording technique. Ondansetron (1 M) was used to block the predominant 5-HT₃ receptor mediated depolarization in this preparation and the effects of the 5-HT₄ receptor antagonists DAU 6285 (endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo [3.2.1] oct-3-y1-2,3-dihydro-6-methoxy-2-oxo-1H-benzimidazole-1-carboxylate HCl); 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 M and SDZ 205–557 (2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoic acid 2-(diethylamino)-ethyl ester HCl); 0.1, 0.3 or 1.0 M were studied on the residual, ondansetron-resistant, component of the response. The effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) and of forskolin on the ondansetron-resistant response were also studied.Both DAU 6285 and SDZ 205–557 acted as competitive antagonists of the ondansetron-resistant response to 5-HT with pA₂ values of 6.8 (6.7–7.1, n = 12) and 7.1 (6.9–7.5, n = 12) respectively. The vagus nerve was depolarized by IBMX (100 M) or forskolin (10 M), the effects being similar to the maximum response to 5-HT. In the presence of IBMX (100 M) or forskolin (10 M) the ondansetron-resistant component of the response to 5-HT was enhanced and the 5-HT₃ receptor-mediated component reduced.These results with DAU 6285 and SDZ 205-557 are consistent with a 5-HT₄ receptor-mediated mechanism of the ondansetron-resistant depolarizing response to 5-HT.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced increase in left ventricular dP/dtmax does not suggest the presence of ventricular 5-HT4 receptors in the pig

Summary Although 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) increases porcine atrial force and rate via 5-HT₄ receptors, its effect on left ventricular contractility is not known. Therefore, using the maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (LVdP/dt_max) as an index of cardiac contractility, we have attempted to analyze the possible role of ventricular 5-HT₄ receptors in the anaesthetized pig. The full agonists at 5-HT₄ receptors, 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine (each 3, 10 and 30 g · kg^–1), and the -adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline (0.01, 0.03 and 0.1 g · kg^–1), increased heart rate, LVdP/dt_max and cardiac output. For a given degree of tachycardia, the increase in LVdP/dt_max by isoprenaline was substantially more than that observed with either 5-HT or 5-methoxytryptamine. The 5-HT₄ receptor partial agonist, renzapride (3, 10, 30, 100 and 300 g · kg^–1), also increased heart rate and LVdP/dt_max dose-dependently. When the heart was paced at 150 beats · min^–1, increases in LVdP/dt_max as well as cardiac output (except with the highest doses) by 5-HT, 5-methoxytryptamine and isoprenaline were clearly attenuated. However, the magnitude of attenuation of LVdP/dt_max responses by cardiac pacing was more marked in the case of 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine than with isoprenaline.The effects of renzapride (300 g · kg^–1) and tropisetron (0.3 and 3 mg · kg^–1) on increases in heart rate and LVdP/dt_max by 5-HT, 5-methoxytryptamine and isoprenaline were also studied. In the absence of atrial pacing, both renzapride and tropisetron (3 mg · kg^–1) effectively antagonized the responses to 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine; except for some decrease in the LVdP/dt_max response by tropisetron, the effect of isoprenaline remained essentially unchanged after the antagonists. During atrial pacing, renzapride significantly antagonized the responses to the first two doses of 5-HT, but the responses to the highest 5-HT dose and to 5-methoxytryptamine remained unaffected. Though, particularly after its higher dose, tropisetron reduced the responses to 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine, isoprenaline responses were also affected.The above results show that a significant part of the increase in LVdP/dt_max by 5-HT receptor agonists in the anaesthetized pig is a consequence of tachycardia elicited by these compounds via 5-HT₄ receptors. Since the increase in LVdP/dt_max, compared to tachycardia, was much less with 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine than with isoprenaline, and since the antagonism by renzapride and tropisetron against 5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine during atrial pacing was relatively weaker and/or unspecific, it appears unlikely that the increase in LVdP/dt_max, during atria] pacing is mediated by ventricular 5-HT₄ receptors. This view is substantiated by our recent in vitro experiments where 5-HT (0.01 to 100 mol/l) failed to significantly increase contractions of porcine left ventricular trabeculae.Correspondence to P. R. Saxena at the above address     

Piglet sinoatrial 5-HT receptors resemble human atrial 5-HT4-like receptors

Summary 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and the gastrointestinal kinetic benzamides renzapride and cisapride caused tachycardia in spontaneously beating right atria of piglet in the presence of 400 nmol/l(±)-propranolol and 6 mol/l cocaine. The maximum tachycardia caused by agonists, compared to that evoked by 200 mol/l(–)-isoprenaline, was 63% for 5-HT, 50% for 5-CT, 50% for renzapride and 28% for cisapride. The rank order of potency was 5-HT > renzapride > cisapride > 5-CT. The effects of the agonists, but not those of (–)-isoprenaline, were antagonised by 3-tropanyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid (ICS 205930); the pK_B of ICS 205930 (vs 5-HT) was 6.9. These characteristics suggest that piglet sinoatrial 5-HT receptors are similar to so-called 5-HT₄ receptors previously described in mouse colliculi neurons. Piglet sinoatrial 5-HT₄-like receptors resemble the human atrial 5-HT receptors that mediate positive isotropic effects of 5-HT.Send of fprint requests to A. J. Kaumann at the above address     

A component of 5-HT-evoked depolarization of the rat isolated vagus nerve is mediated by a putative 5-HT4 receptor

Summary This study describes a component of 5-HT-evoked depolarization of the rat isolated vagus nerve which was unaffected by the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist ondansetron. A grease-gap extracellular recording technique was used. Ondansetron (10–100 nmol/1) displaced the 5-HT concentration-response curve to the right yielding a pA₂ value of 8.6 (8.5–8.8), consistent with 5-HT₃ receptor antagonism, and revealing a component of the 5-HT response which was resistant to ondansetron blockade. In the presence of ondansetron (100 nmol/1) the maximum depolarization in the resistant phase was 15.5 (12.6–19.2)% of the initial maximum response to 5-HT and the pEC₅₀ value was 7.0 (6.7–7.3). The mechanism of the ondansetron-resistant component of the 5-HT response resembled a 5-HT₄ -receptor-effect in being absent in preparations equilibrated with 5-methoxytryptamine (10 mol/1) and antagonised by ICS 205930 (tropisetron, pA₂ 6.4). 5-Methoxytryptamine alone was an agonist in the vagus nerve with a maximum response similar to that of the ondansetron resistant phase of the 5-HT response. similarly renzapride alone evoked small depolarizations of this preparation but antagonized the ondansetron resistant phase of the 5-HT response (pA₂ 7.3–7.4). These effects of 5-methoxytryptamine and renzapride are also consistent with a 5-HT₄ receptor mechanism. Ketanserin (1 mol/1) and methysergide (1 mol/1) had little effect on responses to 5-HT. The depolarization evoked by this putative 5-HT₄ receptor mechanism was small but prolonged and appears to mask and after-hyperpolarizing phase of the 5-HT response in this tissue. Correspondence to: K. F. Rhodes at the above address     

5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions of the human isolated saphenous vein: involvement of 5-HT2 and 5-HT1D-like receptors,and a comparison with grafted veins

Summary The receptors mediating the contractile effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the human isolated saphenous vein, obtained from 42 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, have been further characterized using a number of 5-HT-related drugs. The rank order of agonist potency was 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) 5-HT > methysergide sumatriptan -methyl-5-HT 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1-Hindolesuccinate (RU 24969) 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) > 2-methyl-5-HT > 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). Flesinoxan was inactive as an agonist. Ketanserin (1 mol/l) hardly affected sumatriptan-induced contractions but it caused a rightward shift of the upper part of the concentration-response curve of 5-HT and 5-CT. The same concentration of ketanserin caused a parallel rightward shift of the concentration-response curves of -methyl-5-HT and DOI with pK_B values of 7. 1 and 7.1, respectively. The responses to sumatriptan were antagonized by methiothepin (0.1 mol/l), metergoline (0.1 and 1 mol/l), rauwolscine (1 mol/l) and cyanopindolol (1 mol/l); the calculated pK_B values were 7.3, 6.9, 7.3, 6.7 and 6.5, respectively. Contractions to 5-HT were antagonized by methysergide (1 mol/l), methiothepin (0.1 mol/l; pKB = 7.1), ICS 205-930 (1 mol/l; pK_B = 5.9) and flesinoxan (30 mol/l; pK_B = 5.3). Remarkably, the contractions elicited by 2-methyl-5-HT were not attenuated by ICS 205-930, but were antagonized by methiothepin (0.1 mol/l) and, more markedly, by ketanserin (1 mol/l).There was a high correlation between the functional pD₂ values of 5-HT₁-like receptor agonists (5-CT, 5-HT, methysergide, sumatriptan, RU 24969 and 8-OH-DPAT) and their reported binding affinities for the 5-HT_1D receptor in human or calf brain membranes. Such a correlation for the antagonism of sumatriptan-induced responses was less marked than for the agonists, but of the 5-HT₁-like receptor subtypes it was the highest for the 5-HT_1D receptor identified in human or calf brain membranes.In 3 patients, undergoing heart transplantation, saphenous vein which had previously functioned as a graft for 6–11 years, was dissected out from the heart. Though the contractions to potassium were significantly smaller in the grafted veins, the pD₂ and E_max values (calculated as percentage of potassium-induced contractions) for 5-HT and sumatriptan were similar to those found in the veins obtained directly from the lower leg.It is concluded that contractions in the human isolated saphenous vein induced by 5-HT are mediated by 5-HT₂ receptors as well as by a 5-HT₁-like receptor resembling the 5-HT_1D subtype found in brain membranes. It is also to be noted that 2-methyl-5-HT, considered selective for the 5-HT₃ receptor, contracts the saphenous vein mainly via 5-HT₂ receptors.This study was supported by the Netherlands Heart Foundation, grant 89.252 Send offprint requests to W. A. Bax at the above address     

Inhibition by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists of release of cholecystokinin-like immunoreactivity from the frontal cortex of freely moving rats

Summary Effects of the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists, ondansetron and tropisetron, on the release of cholecystokipin-like immunoreactivity (CCK-LI) in rat frontal cortex were investigated in conscious, unrestrained rats using intracerebral microdialysis. The release of CCK-LI was augmented by perfusion with 100 g/ml veratrine and was fully Ca²⁺-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive. Ondansetron and tropisetron, each at 0.1–1 mol/l, decreased concentration-dependently the veratrine-evoked efflux of CCK-LI. The reduction of CCK-LI output was approximately 30%u when the antagonists were infused at 0.1 mol/l.The data suggest that 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists prevent the release of CCK evoked by endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine. These drugs may thus represent a novel therapeutic approach in disease states, like anxiety, in which an inappropriately high release of brain CCK or 5-hydroxytryptamine seems to be involved.Correspondence to M. Raiteri at the above address     

Functional 5-HT receptors in human occipital artery

5-HT receptors were studied in human occipital arteries, obtained from patients during neurosurgery. We detected mRNA for the following receptors (incidence): 5-HT_1B (14/18), 5-HT_1D (15/18), 5-HT_2A (16/18), 5-HT_2B (8/8), 5-HT_4(a) (13/18), 5-HT_4(b) (5/18), 5-HT_4(g) (7/18), 5-HT_4(i) (1/18), 5-HT_7(a/b) (10/18) and 5-HT_7(d) (12/18). 5-HT contracted and relaxed arterial rings at low (–logEC₅₀ M=7.0) and high (–logEC₅₀ M=4.2) concentrations, respectively. 5-HT-evoked contractions were antagonized partially by both 5-HT_1B-selective SB224289 (200 nM) and 5-HT_2A-selective ketanserin (1 M) but not by 5-HT_1D-selective BRL15572 (500 nM) or prazosin (1 M). Sumatriptan caused contractions (–logEC₅₀ M=6.8, intrinsic activity with respect to 5-HT=0.3). Sumatriptan-evoked contractions were antagonized by SB224289 with high potency (pK_B=9.4) but not by BRL15572. 5-HT-induced relaxations were resistant to blockade by 5-HT_1B-selective SB224289 (1 M), 5-HT_1D-selective BRL15572, 5-HT_2B-selective SB204741 (1 M), 5-HT₄-selective GR113808 (100 nM) and 5-HT₇-selective SB269970 (1 M), and a combination of SB204741 and SB269970, inconsistent with an involvement of 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_1D, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT₄ and 5-HT₇ receptors. Triton X-100 treatment of the arteries abolished acetylcholine-induced relaxations of rings precontracted by prostaglandin F₂, but a reduction of the relaxant effects of 5-HT did not reach significance. Nitro-L-arginine (1 mM) reduced 5-HT-induced relaxations, suggesting a contribution of nitric oxide released from endothelial cells. Ketanserin (1 M) prevented the relaxant effects of 5-HT. We conclude that 5-HT contracts human occipital artery through 5-HT_1B receptors at low concentrations and through 5-HT_2A receptors at high concentrations. Sumatriptan contracts mostly through 5-HT_1B receptors. These results are consistent with the 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_2A mRNA data. 5-HT-induced relaxation is mediated, in part, through ketanserin-sensitive receptors, but 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_1D, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT₄ and 5-HT₇ receptors appear not to be involved.     

Pharmacological characterisation of the agonist radioligand binding site of 5-HT<Subscript>2A</Subscript>, 5-HT<Subscript>2B</Subscript> and 5-HT<Subscript>2C</Subscript> receptors

In the present study we compared the affinity of various drugs for the high affinity agonist-preferring binding site of human recombinant 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_2B and 5-HT_2C receptors stably expressed in monoclonal mammalian cell lines. To ensure that the agonist-preferring conformation of the receptor was preferentially labelled in competition binding experiments, saturation analysis was conducted using antagonist and agonist radiolabels at each receptor. Antagonist radiolabels ([³H]-ketanserin for 5-HT_2A receptor and [³H]-mesulergine for 5-HT_2B and 5-HT_2C receptor) bound to a larger population of receptors in each preparation than the corresponding agonist radiolabel ([¹²⁵I]-DOI for 5-HT_2A receptor binding and [³H]-5-HT for 5-HT_2B and 5-HT_2C receptor binding). Competition experiments were subsequently conducted against appropriate concentrations of the agonist radiolabels bound to the agonist-preferring subset of receptors in each preparation. These studies confirmed that there are a number of highly selective antagonists available to investigate 5-HT₂ receptor subtype function (for example, MDL 100907, RS-127445 and RS-102221 for 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_2B and 5-HT_2C receptors respectively). There remains, however, a lack of highly selective agonists. (–)DOI is potent and moderately selective for 5-HT_2A receptors, BW723C86 has poor selectivity for human 5-HT_2B receptors, while Org 37684 and VER-3323 display some selectivity for the 5-HT_2C receptor. We report for the first time in a single study, the selectivity of numerous serotonergic drugs for 5-HT₂ receptors from the same species, in mammalian cell lines and using, exclusively, agonist radiolabels. The results indicate the importance of defining the selectivity of pharmacological tools, which may have been over-estimated in the past, and highlights the need to find more selective agonists to investigate 5-HT₂ receptor pharmacology.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors with a 5-HT6 receptor-like profile stimulating adenylyl cyclase activity in pig caudate membranes

This study deals with the characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) receptors positively linked to adenylyl cyclase in membranes from pig brain caudate. 5-HT and related agonists induced a concentration-dependent stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in pig caudate membranes, with the following rank order of potency (mean pEC₅₀ values): 5-HT (7.1) 5-methoxytryptamine (6.9) > 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5.6) > sumatriptan (<5). Maximal stimulation by 5-HT averaged 35 pmol cyclic AMP/min/mg protein over a basal activity of 159 pmol cyclic AMP/min/mg protein. 5-Methoxytryptamine and 5-carboxamidotryptamine had similar efficacies to that of 5-HT, whereas sumatriptan was about half efficacious. Other compounds known as agonists at some 5-HT receptors were weakly potent (mean pEC₅₀ values <5). They include the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT), the 5-HT₄ receptor agonist, renzapride and the 5-HT₂ receptor agonist, (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2 aminopropane) (DOI). In antagonist studies, methiothepin (0.1 and 1 mol/l) shifted the 5-HT curve to the right with no depression of the E_max, yielding pK_B values of 7.4–8.0. Clozapine (1 mol/l) also produced surmountable antagonism of 5-HT-induced effects (pK_B 6.9). Ketanserin (10 mol/l) weakly antagonized 5-HT (pK_B 5.0). The 5-HT₄ receptor antagonists, tropisetron (ICS 205–930) and SDZ 205–557 (2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester), each at 1 mol/l, did not significantly alter the concentration-response curve of 5-HT. The present receptor shares some characteristics of the recently cloned 5-HT₆ receptor (Monsma et al. (1993) Mol Pharmacol 43:320–327): similar pharmacological profile, location (striatum) and ability to stimulate adenylyl cyclase. It may thus represent the functional 5-HT₆ receptor in its natural environment. Correspondence to: P. Schoeffter at the above address     

A 5-HT4-like receptor in human right atrium

Summary The effects of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and the gastrokinetic benzamides renzapride and cisapride on contractile force were investigated using isolated paced right atrial appendages from patients treated with -adrenoceptor blocking agents who were undergoing open heart surgery. These effects were compared to those of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The effects of the drugs on atrial cyclic AMP levels and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase ratios were also investigated.The drugs all increased contractile force rank order of potency was 5-HT > renzapride > cisapride > 5-CT. The maximum responses, expressed as a fraction of the response to 200 mol/l (–)-isoprenaline, were 5-HT 0.6, 5-CT 0.6, renzapride 0.4 and cisapride 0.2, suggesting that the latter two are partial agonists. 5-HT, 5-CT and renzapride but not cisapride caused significant shortening of time to peak force. The effects of the four drugs were blocked by molar concentrations of ICS 205-930, suggesting an involvement of 5-HT4 receptors. As expected of partial agonists both renzapride and cisapride caused simple competitive antagonism of the positive inotropic effects of 5-HT The estimated equilibrium dissociation constants pK _p (–log mol/l K _p ) were 6.7 for renzapride and 6.2 for cisapride. 5-CT at concentrations up to 10 mol/l did not antagonise the effects of 5-HT. In the presence of (±)-propranolol 0.4 mol/I, 5-HT 10 mol/l, 5-CT 100 mol/I, renzapride 10 mol/l and cisapride 40 mol/I significantly increased cyclic AMP levels. 5-HT and renzapride also significantly increased cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity, whereas 5-CT caused only marginal stimulation and cisapride was ineffective.The results confirm the existence of a human right atrial 5-HT receptor that is similar in nature to, but not necessarily identical with, the 5-HT₄ receptor of mouse embryonic colliculi neurones. The main difference is that in human right atrium the benzamides are less potent and efficacious than 5-HT and that cisapride is less potent and less efficacious than renzapride while in mouse embryonic colliculi these two benzamides are equipotent with and more efficacious agonists than 5-HT We designate the human right atrial 5-HT receptor 5-HT₄-like. The human right atrial 5-HT₄-like receptor greatly resembles porcine sinoatrial and left atrial 5-HT₄-like receptors and also appears to be similar to 5-HT₄-like receptors of guinea-pig ileum and rat oesophagus. Send offprint requests to A. J. Kaumann at the above address     

5-HT1-like and 5-HT2A receptors mediate 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of rabbit isolated mesenteric artery

The contractions induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the 5-HT₁-like receptor agonist, sumatriptan, were investigated in the open ring preparations of rabbit mesenteric artery in order to characterize the 5-HT receptors. 5-HT induced concentration-dependent contractions. Sumatriptan did not induce any contraction of unstimulated rings, whereas it elicited concentration-dependent contractions in preparations given a moderate tone by a threshold concentration of prostaglandin F₂ (PGF₂). Pargyline, cocaine or normetanephrine were without significant effect on the contractions induced by 5-HT and sumatripan. The 5-HT concentration-effect curve was clearly biphasic. Methiothepin (0.01 M) shifted the both phases of the concentration-effect curve to the right. Ketanserin (0.1 M) shifted the second, low affinity, phase and prazosin did not alter concentration-effect curve to 5-HT. The sumatriptan concentration-effect curve was shifted by methiothepin (0.01 M) to the right (pK_B = 9.19) but not by ketanserin (1 M). Concentration-effect curves to 5-HT and sumatriptan were not affected by the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist tropisetron (1 M). These results suggest that 5-HT₁-like type receptors are responsible for the first phase of 5-HT-induced contraction and 5-HT_2A receptor for the second phase, in rabbit mesenteric artery. Sumatriptan-induced contractions appear to be mediated by 5-HT₁-like type receptors in this artery. These results also suggest that this kind of amplification may be a common feature of vascular 5-HT₁-like type receptor as has been shown in other vascular segments such as rabbit femoral, iliac and renal arteries, and guinea-pig iliac artery.     

Neuropharmacological reassessment of the discriminative stimulus properties ofd-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

The neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects ofd-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) were assessed by comparing the discriminative stimulus properties of LSD with those of agonists and antagonists that act selectively at putative serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptor subtypes (5-HT₁ and 5-HT₂). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N=23) were trained to discriminate LSD (0.08 mg/kg) from saline and given substitution tests with the following agents: 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OHDPAT; 0.02–0.64 mg/kg), Ru 24969 (0.2–3.2 mg/kg),m-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP; 0.1–1.6 mg/kg), 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP; 0.1–1.6 mg/kg), and quipazine (0.2–3.2 mg/kg). Only quipazine mimicked LSD. In combination tests, BC 105 (0.2–3.2 mg/kg), 2-bromolysergic acid diethylamide (BOL; 0.1–1.6 mg/kg), Ly 53857 (0.4–3.2 mg/kg), metergoline (0.05–0.8 mg/kg), ketanserin (0.2–3.2 mg/kg), and pipenperone (0.0025–0.08 mg/kg), all of which act as 5-HT₂ antagonists, blocked the LSD cue; only spiperone (0.02–0.32 mg/kg) was without effect. Although commonalities may exist among 5-HT agonists, the present results demonstrate that such agonists are not identical. Since putative 5-HT₁ agonists do not mimic LSD and the LSD cue is potently blocked by 5-HT₂ antagonists, it appears that 5-HT₂ neuronal systems are of greater importance than 5-HT₁ systems in mediating the discriminative stimulus and, perhaps, other effects of LSD.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1B receptors inhibiting cyclic AMP accumulation in rat renal mesangial cells

A clonal cell line derived from rat renal mesangial cells was shown to express endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) receptors that mediate inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation. These receptors were characterized as being of the 5-HT_1B receptor subtype. 5-HT₁ receptor agonists inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in rat renal mesangial cells (60–70% maximal inhibition) with the following rank order of potency (mean pEC₅₀ values±SEM, n 3): ergotamine (9.58±0.51)>RU 24969 (8.67±0.23)5-CT (8.42±0.06)CP 93129 (8.15±0.27)>5-HT (7.75±0.11) > sumatriptan (6.29±0.30) > 8-OH-DPAT (4.32±0.15). 5-HT₂ and 5-HT₄ receptor agonists were without effect. 5-HT-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation was abolished by a pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. (-)Propranolol was a partial agonist (27% maximal inhibition, pEC₅₀ 7.19±0.24, n = 3); when used as an antagonist at 1 M, it shifted the concentration-response curve of 5-HT to the right (pKB 7.22±0.35, n = 3). Methiothepin was a competitive antagonist of 5-HT (pA₂ 8.04±0.10, Schild slope 0.87±0.21, n = 3). Rauwolscine (10 M) had no antagonist activity. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.98, P = 0.0001) between the cyclic AMP data obtained in rat mesangial cells and 5-HT_1B binding data reported in rat brain cortex. The same pattern of responses was observed in early passages of primary cultures of rat mesangial cells. This study shows that rat mesangial cells can be used as a convenient source of functional 5-HT_1B receptors. It also constitutes further evidence for the widespread distribution of 5-HT_1B receptors outside the brain.     

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.     

Effects of 5-HT4 receptor stimulation on basal and electrically evoked release of acetylcholine from guinea-pig myenteric plexus

Summary The effects of 5-methoxytryptamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on both basal and electrically evoked outflow of tritium were studied in guinea-pig myenteric plexus preparations preincubated with [³H]-choline. Basal outflow. 5-Methoxytryptamine caused a transient and calcium-dependent increase in basal outflow of [³H]acetylcholine that was abolished by tetrodotoxin. Ondansetron (1 mol/1) did not affect the stimulatory response of 5-methoxytryptamine but ICS 205-930 (1 and 3 mol/1) produced parallel rightward displacements of the concentration-response curve to 5-methoxytryptamine. The PK_B value for ICS 205-930 was 6.6 suggesting an involvement of 5-HT₄ receptors. 5-HT caused an increase in basal outflow of [³H]acetylcholine and a biphasic concentration-response curve was obtained. The maximal response of the first phase to 5-HT (release of 0.98% of tissue tritium) and the maximal response to 5-methoxytryptamine (0.94% of tissue tritium) were similar but 5-methoxytryptamine (-log EC₅₀: 6.9) was less potent than 5-HT (-log EC₅₀ of the high affinity component: 7.9). ICS 205-930 (0.01–1.0 mol/1) acted as a competitive antagonist against the low affinity component of the 5-HT concentration-response curve with a pA₂ value of 8.0. It is concluded that stimulation of both 5-HT₄ receptors (by 5-methoxytryptamine and submicromolar concentrations of 5-HT) and 5-HT₃ receptors (by micromolar concentrations of 5-HT) causes a release of acetylcholine which in turn leads to smooth muscle contraction. Electrically evoked outflow. This outflow of [³H]acetylcholine was concentration-dependently inhibited by both 5-methoxytryptamine and 5-HT. ICS 205-930 (1 mol/1) reinforced the inhibitory effect of 5-methoxytryptamine but not that of 5-HT. In the presence of methiothepine (0.1 mol/1) 5-methoxytryptamine enhanced the evoked outflow of [³H]acetylcholine, an effect which was attenuated by 3 mol/1 ICS 205-930. These results suggest that 5-methoxytryptamine may both inhibit (via 5-HT₁ receptors) and facilitate (via 5-HT₄ receptors) the evoked release of acetylcholine from guinea-pig myenteric neurones. The facilitatory action is unmasked when the 5-HT₁ receptor is blocked by methiothepine. Send offprint requests to H. Kilbinger at the above address     

Blockade of the antidepressant-like effects of 8-OH-DPAT,buspirone and desipramine in the rat forced swim test by 5HT1A receptor antagonists

This study examined whether the antidepressant-like effect of serotonin (5-HT)_1A receptor agonists in the forced swim test (FST) is mediated by 5-HT_1A receptors. The 5-HT_1A receptor agonists 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and buspirone decreased immobility in the FST. The effect of 8-OH-DPAT was blocked by the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists NAN 190, BMY 7378 and pindolol. The effect of buspirone was blocked by NAN 190 and pindolol. The antagonists produced no effects on their own. The norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor desipramine (DMI) also reduced immobility, and this was also blocked by NAN 190, BMY 7378 and pindolol. The ₁, ₁ and ₂ adrenergic antagonists prazosin, betaxolol and ICI 118,551 did not block either 8-OH-DPAT or DMI, and produced no effects on their own. These results provide evidence that the antidepressant-like effects of 5-HT_1A receptor agonists in the FST are mediated through 5-HT_1A receptors, probably located postsynaptically. The finding that the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonists blocked the effect of DMI suggests that the NE and 5-HT systems interact in the FST.     

Investigation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor mediating the “transient” short-circuit current response in guinea-pig ileal mucosa

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) stimulated an increase in short-circuit current (I_sc) in guinea-pig isolated ileal mucosa over a wide concentration range (0.1 nM-0.1 mM). The concentration-response relationship was biphasic, consisting of a high potency phase (0.1 nM–1 M) and a low potency phase (3–10 M). Stimulation of Isc observed at the high potency phase tended to be sustained while responses at the low potency phase (3–10 M) contained two components, an initial transient response followed by a maintained response. Both the high potency phase (maximum stimulation 30 A cm^–2) and the low potency phase (maximum stimulation 80 A cm ^–2) 5-HT response were antagonized by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.3 M) and atropine (1 M). However, another low potency (3 M-0.1 mM, maximum stimulation 30 A cm^–2) component of the 5-HT response was revealed in the presence of TTX or atropine.In the presence of methysergide (1 M), the concentration-response relationship of 5-HT was still biphasic and tropisetron (0.1 and 10 M) antagonized both phases of the 5-HT response. In the presence of methysergide, the high potency phase 5-HT response was mimicked by 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeOT) and the selective 5-HT₄ agonist SC-53116 but not by BIMU 8. The potent 5-HT₄ antagonist GR 113808 antagonized the response to 5-MeOT in a surmountable manner with an affinity estimate of 9.6 ± 0.3 (n = 4). The 5-MeOT stimulated increase in I_sc was also antagonized in an unsurmountable manner by granisetron (1 M).In the presence of methysergide, desensitization of 5-HT₃ receptors with 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (10 M) abolished both phases of the 5-HT response. Under the same condition, desensitization of 5-HT₄ receptors with 5-MeOT (10 M) abolished only the high potency 5-HT response and dextrally shifted the low potency 5-HT response.These data show that neuronal and non-neuronal 5-HT receptors are involved in the regulation of secretion in ileal mucosa. We propose the presence of a neuronal 5-HT₄ receptor located upstream of the well characterized neuronal 5-HT₃ receptors to be responsible for the high potency 5-HT response. A schematic model is proposed to explain our findings and the relationship between this 5-HT₄ receptor and other 5-HT receptor subtypes regulating secretion that have been described in the literature.     

Inhibition of noradrenaline release via presynaptic 5-HT1Da receptors in human atrium

In segments of human right atrial appendages preincubated with [3^H]noradrenaline and superfused with physiological salt solution containing desipramine and corticosterone, we determined the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists and antagonists on tritium overflow evoked by transmural electrical stimulation (2 Hz).Tritium overflow was inhibited by 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), 5-methoxytryptamine (5-McOT), 5-methoxy-3(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H indole succinate (RU 24969) and sumatriptan. Yohimbine and oxymetazoline (in the presence of idazoxan) also inhibited tritium overflow. The inhibitory potency of the drugs was significantly correlated with their affinity for 5-HT_ID receptors in human brain and for cloned human 5-HT_1D and 5-HT_1D receptors, but not with their affinity for 5HT_1B, 5-HT_1E, 5-HT_1F, 5-HT_2A, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT_2C, 5-HT₃, 5-HT_5A, 5-HT_5B and 5-HT₇ receptors. The potency order 5-CT >5-HT >5-MeOT is opposite to the order of affinities reported for 5-HT₆ binding sites. The preferential 5-HT_1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetraline (up to 0.3 M) and the selective 5-HT₄ receptor agonist cisapride (up to 1 M) failed to inhibit tritium overflow. L-694,247, a potent 5-HT_ID receptor agonist, did not inhibit tritium overflow, but counteracted the inhibitory effect of 5-HT. Ketanserin at a concentration which should block 5-HT_1Da but not 5-HT_1D receptors and methiothepin at a concentration which may be assumed to block both 5-HT_1D and 5-HT_1D receptors antagonized the inhibitory effect of 5-HT. Propranolol and ondansetron did not modify the 5-HT-induced inhibition of release. In conclusion, noradrenaline release in human right atrial appendages is inhibited via 5-HT receptors which are located on the noradrenergic axon terminals. These inhibitory presynaptic 5-HT receptors belong to the 5-HT_ID subfamily. The ability of ketanserin to antagonize the inhibitory effect induced by activation of these receptors suggests that they can be subclassified as 5-HT_1D.