Biomedical subjects

H Bönisch

Publications and source records attributed to H Bönisch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Norepinephrine transporter knockout-induced up-regulation of brain alpha2A/C-adrenergic receptors.

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) is responsible for the rapid removal of norepinephrine released from sympathetic neurons; this release is controlled by inhibitory alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(2)ARs). Long-term inhibition of the NET by antidepressants has been reported to change the density and function of pre- and postsynaptic ARs, which may contribute to the antidepressant effects of NET inhibitors such as desipramine. NET-deficient (NET-KO) mice have been described to behave like antidepressant-treated mice. By means of quantitative real-time PCR we show that mRNAs encoding the alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2A)AR) and the alpha(2C)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2C)AR) are up-regulated in the brainstem, and that alpha(2C)AR mRNA is also elevated in the hippocampus and striatum of NET-KO mice. These results were confirmed at the protein level by quantitative autoradiography. The NET-KO mice showed enhanced binding of the selective alpha(2)AR antagonist [(3)H]RX821002 in several brain regions. Most robust increases (20-25%) in alpha(2)AR expression were observed in the hippocampus and in the striatum. Significant increases (16%) were also seen in the extended amygdala and thalamic structures. In an 'in vivo' test, the alpha(2)AR agonist clonidine (0.1 mg/kg) caused a significantly greater reduction of locomotor activity in NET-KO mice than in wild-type mice, showing the relevance of our findings at the functional level.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

PubMed2006

The norepinephrine transporter in physiology and disease.

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) terminates noradrenergic signalling by rapid re-uptake of neuronally released norepinephrine (NE) into presynaptic terminals. NET exerts a fine regulated control over NE-mediated behavioural and physiological effects including mood, depression, feeding behaviour, cognition, regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. NET is a target of several drugs which are therapeutically used in the treatment or diagnosis of disorders among which depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and feeding disturbances are the most common. Individual genetic variations in the gene encoding the human NET (hNET), located at chromosome 16q12.2, may contribute to the pathogenesis of those diseases. An increasing number of studies concerning the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the hNET gene and their potential association with disease as well as the functional investigation of naturally occurring or induced amino acid variations in hNET have contributed to a better understanding of NET function, regulation and genetic contribution to disorders. This review will reflect the current knowledge in the field of NET from its initial discovery until now.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed2004

Influence of sodium substitutes on 5-HT-mediated effects at mouse 5-HT3 receptors.

1 The influence of sodium ion substitutes on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced flux of the organic cation [14C]guanidinium through the ion channel of the mouse 5-HT3 receptor and on the competition of 5-HT with the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist [3H]GR 65630 was studied, unless stated otherwise, in mouse neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells. 2 Under physiological conditions (135 mm sodium), 5-HT induced a concentration-dependent [14C]guanidinium influx with an EC50 (1.3 microm) similar to that in electrophysiological studies. 3 The stepwise replacement of sodium by increasing concentrations of the organic cation hydroxyethyl trimethylammonium (choline) concentration dependently caused both a rightward shift of the 5-HT concentration-response curve and an increase in the maximum effect of 5-HT. Complete replacement of sodium resulted in a 34-fold lower potency of 5-HT and an almost two times higher maximal response. A low potency of 5-HT in choline buffer was also observed in other 5-HT3 receptor-expressing rodent cell lines (NG 108-15 or NCB 20). 4 Replacement of Na+ by Li+ left the potency and maximal effects of 5-HT almost unchanged. Replacement by tris (hydroxymethyl) methylamine (Tris), tetramethylammonium (TMA) or N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG) caused an increase in maximal response to 5-HT similar to that caused by choline. The potency of 5-HT was only slightly reduced by Tris, to a high degree decreased by TMA (comparable to the decrease by choline), but not influenced by NMDG. 5 The potency of 5-HT in inhibiting [3H]GR65630 binding to intact cells was 35-fold lower when sodium was completely replaced by choline, but remained unchanged after replacement by NMDG. 6 The results are compatible with the suggestion that choline competes with 5-HT for the 5-HT3 receptor; the increase in maximal response may be partly due to a choline-mediated delay of the 5-HT-induced desensitization. For studies of 5-HT-evoked [14C]guanidinium flux through 5-HT3 receptor channels, NMDG appears to be an 'ideal' sodium substituent since it increases the signal-to-noise ratio without interfering with 5-HT binding.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Pharmacological characteristics of the specific transporter for the endogenous cell growth inhibitor agmatine in six tumor cell lines.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study examined agmatine transport into six human intestinal tumor cell lines and compared the pharmacological properties of this transporter with those of the agmatine carrier previously characterized in human glioblastoma cells. METHODS: Carrier-mediated uptake was determined as specific accumulation of [(14)C]agmatine in the cells. The changes in intracellular agmatine concentration in the tumor cells after 24 h incubation with 1 mM agmatine was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Specific [(14)C]agmatine accumulation was found in the six human intestinal tumor cell lines Caco2, Cx1, Colo320, HT29, Colo205E, and SW480. Specific [(14)C]agmatine accumulation was inhibited by phentolamine, putrescine, spermine, clonidine, and decynium-22 but not by corticosterone, O-methylisoprenaline, or l-carnitine. Incubation with exogenous agmatine for 24 h increased intracellular agmatine content in all cell lines by a multiple of the basal endogenous content. Transfection of HEK293 cells with cDNA encoding either hOCT1, hOCT2, or hOCT3 did not enhance [(14)C]agmatine accumulation compared to nontransfected cells. CONCLUSION: All intestinal tumor cell lines investigated express a functional specific agmatine transporter which exhibit pharmacological characteristics similar to those of the agmatine transporter in glioblastoma cells. This agmatine carrier is not identical with any so far known organic cation transport system.

Agmatine↗

PubMed2003

Molecular structure of the rabbit alpha2A-adrenoceptor: a contribution to the alpha2A-adrenoceptor versus I1 imidazoline receptor controversy.

In view of the high structural and pharmacological similarities between the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors of humans and other mammalian species, it has been concluded, in particular, from experiments in rabbits that the (2A)-adrenoceptor is the exclusive site of action of central antihypertensive drugs, although the amino acid sequence of the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor of just this species was unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of the coding region of the rabbit alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor gene. Degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to regions of the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor conserved between rat and man were used in a polymerase chain reaction with genomic DNA prepared from rabbit. A 1,356-base pair product with an open reading frame of 1,353 base pairs was obtained that encodes a protein of 451 amino acids which is similar to the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors of other mammals (man, pig, rat, mouse, guinea-pig and cattle) but not to their alpha(2B)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtypes suggesting its classification as an alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor. However, the degree of amino acid sequence identity is, at best, only 80% and, thus, about 10% less than between the other mammalian species. Compared with the human sequence there are 81 substantial changes of amino acids. In conclusion, rabbit and human alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors substantially differ in their amino acid sequence which may explain the opposite pharmacodynamic properties of the central antihypertensive drug rilmenidine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonism and antagonism, respectively) reported in the literature. Hence, the present study supports the view that experiments with central antihypertensive drugs in rabbits are not reliably predictive for the site of action of such drugs in man.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Structure of the human histamine H3 receptor gene (HRH3) and identification of naturally occurring variations.

Neurotransmitter release is modulated by presynaptic histamine H(3) receptors located on histaminergic, noradrenergic and other nonhistaminergic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system. Here, we report the determination of the structure of the human histamine H(3) receptor gene (HRH3) and the identification of a missense mutation (Ala280Val) in a patient with Shy-Drager syndrome. The coding region of the gene consists of three exons interrupted by two introns of approximately 1 kb in size. Exon boundaries only partly correspond to transmembrane domain organization. The homozygous Ala280Val variation in the third intracellular loop of the histamine H(3) receptor of a patient with Shy-Drager syndrome may be related to the etiology of the illness due to altered norepinephrine release. Furthermore, knowledge of the gene structure allows the verification of alternative splicing of the receptor. The corresponding histamine H(3) receptor isoforms as reported for the guinea pig and rat histamine H(3) receptor in different brain regions are not found in the human brain.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed2002

Noradrenaline release-inhibiting receptors on PC12 cells devoid of alpha(2(-)) and CB(1) receptors: similarities to presynaptic imidazoline and edg receptors.

The aim of the present study was to classify release-inhibiting receptors on rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Veratridine-evoked [3H]noradrenaline release from PC12 cells was inhibited by micromolar concentrations of the imidazoline and guanidine derivatives cirazoline, clonidine, aganodine, 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine, BDF6143 and agmatine, and of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo-[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-yl](1-naphthalenyl)methanone mesylate), but not by noradrenaline. The inhibitory effect of clonidine was antagonized by micromolar concentrations of rauwolscine and SR141716A (N-[piperidin-1-yl]-5-[4-chlorophenyl]-1-[2,4-dichlorophenyl]-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide). The potencies of the agonists and antagonists were compatible with an action at previously characterized presynaptic imidazoline receptors. 1-Oleoyl-lysophosphatidic acid, but not sphingosine-1-phosphate, produced an inhibition of release that was antagonized by 30 microM rauwolscine, 1 microM SR141716A and 10 microM LY320135 as well as by pretreatment of the cells with 100 microM clonidine for 72 h. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments on cDNA from PC12 mRNA suggest mRNA expression of lysophospholipid receptors encoded by the genes edg2, edg3, edg5 and edg7, but not of receptors encoded by edg1, edg4, edg6 and edg8, and not of alpha(2A(-))nd CB(1) receptors. In conclusion, PC12 cells are not endowed with alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and CB(1) cannabinoid receptors, but with an inhibitory receptor recognizing imidazolines, guanidines and WIN55,212-2 similar to that on sympathetic nerves. The PCR results and the ability of 1-oleoyl-LPA to mimic these drugs (also with respect to their susceptibility to antagonists) suggest that the release-inhibiting receptor may be an edg-encoded lysophospholipid receptor.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Direct inhibition by cannabinoids of human 5-HT3A receptors: probable involvement of an allosteric modulatory site.

Excised outside-out patches from HEK293 cells stably transfected with the human (h) 5-HT3A receptor cDNA were used to determine the effects of cannabinoid receptor ligands on the 5-HT-induced current using the patch clamp technique. In addition, binding studies with radioligands for 5-HT3 as well as for cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors were carried out. The 5-HT-induced current was inhibited by the following cannabinoid receptor agonists (at decreasing order of potency): 9-THC, WIN55,212-2, anandamide, JWH-015 and CP55940. The WIN55,212-2-induced inhibition was not altered by SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist. WIN55,212-3, an enantiomer of WIN55,212-2, did not affect the 5-HT-induced current. WIN55,212-2 did not change the EC50 value of 5-HT in stimulating current, but reduced the maximum effect. The CB1 receptor ligand [3H]-SR141716A and the CB1/CB2 receptor ligand [3H]-CP55940 did not specifically bind to parental HEK293 cells. In competition experiments on membranes of HEK293 cells transfected with the h5-HT3A receptor cDNA, WIN55,212-2, CP55940, anandamide and SR141716A did not affect [3H]-GR65630 binding, but 5-HT caused a concentration dependent-inhibition. In conclusion, cannabinoids stereoselectively inhibit currents through recombinant h5-HT3A receptors independently of cannabinoid receptors. Probably the cannabinoids act allosterically at a modulatory site of the h5-HT3A receptor. Thus the functional state of the receptor can be controlled by the endogenous ligand anandamide. This site is a potential target for new analgesic and antiemetic drugs.

Allosteric Site↗

PubMed2001

Agmatine and putrescine uptake in the human glioma cell line SK-MG-1.

The pharmacological properties of a specific agmatine uptake mechanism were investigated in the human glioma cell line SK-MG-1 and compared with those of the putrescine transporter expressed by the same cells and with those of several other organic cation transport systems or ion channels reported in the literature. The specific accumulation of [14C]agmatine at 37 degrees C above nonspecific accumulation at 4 degrees C was energy-dependent and saturable with a Vmax of 64.3+/-3.5 nmol/min per mg protein and a Km of 8.6+/-1.4 microM. Specific accumulation was attenuated by replacement of extracellular Na+ by choline by 65%, not affected by lithium and enhanced by replacement by sucrose. Phentolamine, clonidine, 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine, histamine, putrescine, spermine and spermidine were inhibitors of specific [14C]agmatine accumulation. In contrast, corticosterone, desipramine, O-methylisoprenaline, cirazoline, moxonidine, L-arginine, L-lysine, verapamil, nifedipine and CdCl2 at concentrations up to 10 mM failed to inhibit specific [14C]agmatine accumulation, thus excluding that the latter is mediated by amino acid or monoamine carriers, by Ca2+ channels or by the organic cation transporters OCT1, OCT2, OCT3, OCTN1 or OCTN2. The pattern of activity of inhibitory compounds was also different from that determined for specific putrescine accumulation found in the same cells (Km 1.3+/-0.1 microM, Vmax 26.1+/-0.4 nmol/min per mg protein) ruling out an identity of the specific [14C]agmatine and [14C]putrescine accumulation mechanisms. It is concluded that specific accumulation of agmatine in human glioma cells is mediated by a specific transporter whose pharmacological properties are not identical to those of the agmatine transporter previously identified in rat brain synaptosomes and to other so far known carrier mechanisms for organic cations and ion channels. The agmatine uptake system may be important for the regulation of the extracellular concentration of agmatine in man.

Agmatine↗

PubMed2001

Effects of short- and long-term exposure to c-AMP and c-GMP on the noradrenaline transporter.

The effects of short- and long-term exposure of cells to elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP), using dibutyryl-c-AMP, 8-bromo-c-AMP, cholera toxin or forskolin, or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (c-GMP), using dibutyryl-c-GMP or 8-bromo-c-GMP, on the activity and expression of the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) were examined. Short- or long-term c-GMP elevation had no effects on (3)H-noradrenaline uptake by rat PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells or human SK-N-SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Short-term c-AMP elevation (for 17 min experiment duration) caused a decrease in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake by PC12 cells, but had no effects on SK-N-SH-SY5Y cells or COS-7 cells transfected with human or rat NAT cDNA. c-AMP did not affect (3)H-nisoxetine binding to PC12 cells. Long-term (24 h) exposure to elevated c-AMP levels caused a decrease in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake and NAT mRNA in PC12 cells, but had no effects on SK-N-SH-SY5Y cells and caused a small increase in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake in COS-7 cells heterologously expressing rat or human NAT. Hence, c-AMP, but not c-GMP, causes a cell type-dependent reduction in NAT activity after short-term exposure and a reduction in NAT expression after long-term exposure.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed2000

Determination of residues in the norepinephrine transporter that are critical for tricyclic antidepressant affinity.

The norepinephrine (NET) and dopamine (DAT) transporters are highly homologous proteins, displaying many pharmacological similarities. Both transport dopamine with higher affinity than norepinephrine and are targets for the psychostimulants cocaine and amphetamine. However, they strikingly contrast in their affinities for tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). Previous studies, based on chimeric proteins between DAT and NET suggest that domains ranging from putative transmembrane domain (TMD) 5 to 8 are involved in the high affinity binding of TCA to NET. We substituted 24 amino acids within this region in the human NET with their counterparts in the human DAT, resulting in 22 different mutants. Mutations of residues located in extra- or intracytoplasmic loops have no effect on binding affinity of neither TCA nor cocaine. Three point mutations in TMD6 (F316C), -7 (V356S), and -8 (G400L) induced a loss of TCA binding affinity of 8-, 5-, and 4-fold, respectively, without affecting the affinity of cocaine. The triple mutation F316C/V356S/G400L produced a 40-fold shift in desipramine affinity. These three residues are strongly conserved in all TCA-sensitive transporters cloned in mammalian and nonmammalian species. A strong shift in TCA affinity (IC(50)) was also observed for double mutants F316C/D336T (35-fold) and S399P/G400L (80-fold for nortriptyline and 1000-fold for desipramine). Reverse mutations P401S/L402G in hDAT did not elicit any gain in TCA affinities, whereas C318F and S358V resulted in a 3- and 10-fold increase in affinity, respectively. Our results clearly indicate that two residues located in TMD6 and -7 of hNET may play an important role in TCA interaction and that a critical region in TMD8 is likely to be involved in the tertiary structure allowing the high affinity binding of TCA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors by propofol: equilibrium and kinetic measurements.

Patch-clamp/rapid solution exchange experiments as well as tracer ([14C]-guanidinium) influx measurements were applied to investigate effects of propofol on 5-HT3 receptor channels and compare the results with those obtained with pentobarbital. Currents induced by 30 microM 5-HT were recorded in outside-out patches from N1E-115 cells. Application of propofol 45 s before and during 5-HT application inhibited peak-currents and integrated current responses in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values=14.5 and 10.5 microM; Hill coefficients -1.5 and -1.3, respectively). The inhibitory effect of propofol in the current measurements was similar to the propofol-induced inhibition in tracer influx experiments in whole N1E-115 cells (Barann et al., 1993. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 347, 125-132). Pentobarbital-induced inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors in both patch-clamp (Barann et al., 1997. Neuropharmacology 36, 655-664) and tracer influx measurements indicated a lower potency and lower slope (IC50 values=130 and 55 microM; Hill coefficients -0.8 and -0.7, respectively) compared to propofol. Propofol, in contrast to pentobarbital, showed nearly the full potency when applied to the patches exclusively 45 s before 5-HT. Propofol was least effective when administered exclusively during 5-HT. The onset of inhibition of 5-HT-induced peak currents by propofol had a time constant of 220 ms, similar to the kinetics of 5-HT-induced desensitization.

Anesthetics, General↗

PubMed2000

Exon-intron organization of the human 5-HT3A receptor gene.

The gene structure of the human 5-HT3A receptor gene was analyzed by exon to exon polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequencing. The results were confirmed by restriction analysis and genomic Southern blotting. The coding region of the human gene was found to be split by eight introns at identical positions as in the murine 5-HT3A receptor gene. All exon-intron boundaries exhibited fully conserved splice donor and acceptor consensus sequences. The alternative splice acceptor in intron eight of the murine gene was not found in the human counterpart. The length of particular introns differs markedly from the murine gene. With the exception of intron 5, all human introns are longer than their murine counterparts. From the start to the stop codon the human gene stretches over about 14.5 kb. The human exon sequences confirm one of three published human 5-HT3A receptor cDNA sequences. Knowledge of the gene structure, including 1.9 kb of the 5' noncoding region, all introns and the exon-intron boundaries of the human 5-HT3A receptor gene should facilitate investigation of its potential role in psychiatric disorders.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2000

Recombinant human 5-HT3A receptors in outside-out patches of HEK 293 cells: basic properties and barbiturate effects.

The patch-clamp technique was used on excised (outside-out) patches to characterize h5-HT3A receptors stably transfected in HEK 293 cells and to compare the effects of the barbiturate anaesthetics methohexital and pentobarbital on this ligand-gated cation channel. At negative membrane potentials 5-HT induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=8.6 microM, Hill coefficient =1.5). The mean peak current induced by 30 microM 5-HT was -110 pA at -100 mV. The 5-HT3A receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.3 nM) reversibly inhibited the 5-HT (30 microM) signal by 70% and at 3 nM it abolished the response. Methohexital and pentobarbital inhibited 5-HT-induced (30 microM) currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximal inhibition with a given methohexital or pentobarbital concentration was reached when the respective drug was applied 45 s prior to and during the 2-s 5-HT pulse (IC50 values=95 microM and 127 microM, Hill coefficient = -1.0 and -1.6, respectively). Although the barbiturates were, thus, equipotent, their effects differed substantially with respect to the dependence on the time schedule of application to the patches: the potency of methohexital was virtually maximal when the drug was applied exclusively 45 s before the agonist pulse, but its inhibitory potency decreased considerably when it was exclusively applied during the 2-s 5-HT pulse (IC50=380 microM). Conversely, pentobarbital was almost maximally potent in inhibiting the 5-HT signal when it was exclusively coapplied with this agonist, but its inhibitory potency was considerably lower (IC50 approximately 500 microM) when applied exclusively 45 s before 5-HT. Another difference between both barbiturates involves the rate of inactivation of 5-HT3 receptor-mediated currents: whereas high concentrations of methohexital (> or = 300 microM) were necessary to induce moderate (< or = twofold) acceleration of this parameter, pentobarbital produced such an effect at all concentrations and the extent of acceleration increased with increasing concentration (1.5- to fivefold). In conclusion, two barbiturates, chemically closely related but of different lipophilicity, clearly differ with respect to the kinetics of their effect on 5-HT3 receptor channels; one possible explanation involves drug access to an amphipathic site of action via both an aqueous and a hydrophobic pathway. Pentobarbital, in contrast to methohexital, inhibits hS-HT3A receptor-mediated currents at anaesthetic concentrations (approximately 90 microM).

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗

PubMed2000

Modified 5-HT3A receptor function by co-expression of alternatively spliced human 5-HT3A receptor isoforms.

Serotonin (5-HT) exerts fast excitatory responses by activation of 5-HT3 receptors, irrespective of whether they are homomerically composed of 5-HT3A subunits or heteromerically assembled of 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B subunits. Here we describe a short, truncated (h5-HT3AT) and a long (h5-HT3AL) splice variant of the human 5-HT3A (hS-HT3A) receptor subunit. The deduced protein of the short isoform consists of 238 amino acids (aa) with a single transmembrane domain (M1). Compared to the known 5-HT3A receptor, the long isoform contains 32 additional aa in the extracellular loop between M2 and M3. Both splice variants are co-expressed together with the 5-HT3A subunit in the amygdala and hippocampus, whereas in the placenta only the short variant is co-expressed. Both splice variants, when expressed in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, are not able to form functional homomeric receptors, but modify 5-HT response at heteromeric h5-HT3A receptors. Co-expression of the short variant considerably decelerates the desensitization of the 5-HT3 receptor; thus, heteromeric assemblies of h5-HT3A and the h5-HT3AT subunit exhibit 5-HT-induced cation fluxes which are much larger than those of homomeric hS-HT3A receptors. In contrast, heteromeric complexes containing the h5-HT3AL subunit display reduced cation fluxes. In conclusion, the splice variants increase the functional diversity of 5-HT3 receptors.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed2000

Effects of metformin on intestinal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release and on 5-HT3 receptors.

Nearly 30% of patients treated with metformin experience gastrointestinal side effects. Since release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) from the intestine is associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, we examined whether metformin induces 5-HT release from the intestinal mucosa. In 40% of tissue biopsy specimens of human duodenal mucosa, metformin (1, 10, and 30 microM) caused an increase in 5-HT outflow by 35, 70, and 98%, respectively. Peak increases in 5-HT outflow were observed after 10-15 min exposure to metformin, returning to baseline levels after 25 min. Tetrodotoxin (1 microM) reduced by about 50% the metformin-evoked increase in 5-HT outflow (P<0.05). Metformin-evoked release was not affected by scopolamine + hexamethonium, propranolol, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist dolasetron, naloxone, or the NK1 receptor antagonist L703606. In the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 microM), somatostatin (1 microM) further reduced metformin-induced 5-HT release by 15-20%. In view of the 5-HT releasing effects of selective 5-HT3 receptor agonists to which metformin (N-N-dimethylbiguanide) is structurally related, we investigated whether metformin directly interacts with 5-HT3 receptors. Receptor binding (inhibition of [3H]-GR65630 binding) and agonist effects (stimulation of [14C]-guanidinium influx) at 5-HT3 receptors were studied in murine neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells, which express functional 5-HT3 receptors. Metformin up to 0.3 mM failed to inhibit [3H]-GR65630 binding and to modify displacement of [3H]-GR65630 binding induced by 5-HT. 5-HT (3 microM) stimulated the influx of [14C]-guanidinium in intact N1E-115 cells. Metformin up to 1 mM failed to modify basal influx, 5-HT-induced influx, and 5-HT+ substance P-induced influx of [14C]-guanidinium. Our results indicate that metformin induces 5-HT3 receptor-independent release of 5-HT from human duodenal mucosa via neuronal and non-neuronal mechanisms. Part of the gastrointestinal side effects observed during treatment with metformin could, thus, be produced by the release of 5-HT and other neurotransmitter substances within the duodenal mucosa.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Analysis of the gene structure of the human (SLC22A3) and murine (Slc22a3) extraneuronal monoamine transporter.

The organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), also termed as extraneuronal monoamine transporter (EMT), is known to be expressed in glial cells where it is responsible for the uptake of catecholamines and neurotoxic organic cations such as 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). We have now analyzed the structure of the human and murine OCT3 gene. The coding regions of both genes consist of 11 exons and 10 introns. All exon-intron junctions contain fully conserved gt/ag consensus splice sites. The human introns are without exception larger than their murine counterparts. In both genes, the introns, apart from intron 1, are located at the same position. Mouse and human exons have the same size with exception of exon 1 which is 15 bp larger in the human gene. The organization of the human OCT3 gene also shows pronounced similarities with other genes of human organic cation transporters such as those for hOCT1, hOCTN2, hORCTL3, and hORCTL4. The genes of these transporters share about the same exon-intron structure and exon sizes, indicating that the genes may have evolved from a common anchestor gene through duplication. Knowledge of the human gene structure of the OCT3 should enable investigations of possible polymorphisms and their involvement in e.g. psychiatric disorders; and knowledge of the mouse exon-intron organization is essential for generating a knock-out mouse which should help to recognize the physiological importance of the OCT3.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Pharmacological properties of naturally occurring variants of the human norepinephrine transporter.

The human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) gene has five sequence polymorphisms that predict amino acid substitutions in the transporter protein: Val69Ile, Thr99Ile, Val245Ile, Val449Ile, and Gly478Ser. In order to functionally characterize the naturally occurring transporter variants, we used site-directed mutagenesis to establish the hNET variants and compared some basic pharmacological properties (uptake of norepinephrine and its inhibition by the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine) in COS-7 cells transiently expressing variant hNETs and wild-type hNET. None of the hNET variants displayed changes in the potency (Ki) of desipramine for inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. Furthermore, variants Val69Ile, Thr99Ile, ValZ45Ile, and Val449Ile did not affect kinetic constants (Km, Vmax) of norepinephrine uptake. However, COS-7 cells expressing the hNET variant Gly478Ser displayed an approximately four-fold increase in the Km for norepinephrine, while the Vmax was unaffected. The increase in the Km, which is equivalent to a four-fold reduction in the affinity of the variant hNET for its natural substrate norepinephrine, indicates that the glycine in position 478 is part of a substrate recognition domain. The reduced clearance of released norepinephrine by reuptake through the Gly478Ser variant might cause an increase in the synaptic and the circulating concentration of norepinephrine. Elevated norepinephrine concentrations have been associated with human diseases and it will be interesting to explore a possible contribution by the Gly478Ser variant to certain disease states.

Amino Acid Substitution↗