PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Maj

Publications and source records attributed to J Maj.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The effect of (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline administered repeatedly on the dopamine system.

The behavioural and biochemical effects of repeated (14 and 28 days) treatment with (+)-oxaprotiline (a noradrenaline uptake inhibitor) and (-)-oxaprotiline (levoprotiline, without influence on noradrenaline uptake; the clinically active antidepressant) were studied in rats. Both those enantiomers given repeatedly increased the locomotor and exploratory activity and reduced the immobility time in Porsolt's test. The D-amphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity, as well as the stereotypies induced by D-amphetamine and apomorphine, were increased by the oxaprotilines. Single-dose treatment with both the oxaprotilines was not effective in the tests mentioned above. Repeated (+)-oxaprotiline administration reduced the binding (Bmax but not KD) to dopamine D-1 receptors in the striatum and limbic system; levoprotiline was inactive. The binding to dopamine D-2 receptors was not changed by either drug. Both the enantiomers showed only low affinity for brain dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in vitro. The obtained results indicate that chronic treatment with (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline increases behavioural responsiveness of the dopamine mesolimbic and striatal systems.

Animals↗

Some central pharmacological effects of the calcium channel antagonist flunarizine.

Our earlier studies showed that dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists have some central pharmacological effects. Flunarizine is considered to be a calcium channel antagonist; therefore this study was aimed at investigating the effect of flunarizine (given in single doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg p.o.) in behavioural models in which calcium channel antagonists of the dihydropyridine type were previously studied. Flunarizine inhibited the apomorphine-induced stereotypy and yawning behaviour in rats. It decreased the hypothermia induced by a low dose of apomorphine in mice, but not that one induced by high dose of it. The quinpirole-induced hypothermia was also reduced. In the tests used for evaluation of the effect on the serotonergic system, flunarizine decreased the 5-HTP-induced head twitches and partly antagonized the fenfluramine- and quipazine-induced hyperthermias (at a high ambient temperature). In the forced swimming test flunarizine was inactive in mice and rats. The obtained results indicate that flunarizine exerts central antagonistic effects on the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and has no antidepressant activity. Flunarizine differs from calcium channel antagonists of the dihydropyridine type, which have no dopamine-antagonistic activity and show anti-depressant-like properties.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

The effect of repeated treatment with brofaromine, moclobemide and deprenyl on alpha 1-adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors in the rat brain.

The binding of [3H]prazosin to alpha 1-adrenoreceptors, as well as of [3H]SCH 23390 (R(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine-7-o l) to dopamine D1 receptors, and [3H]spiperone to D2 receptors was studied following repeated administration of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) brofaromine, moclobemide and deprenyl to rats. Scatchard analysis showed no change in the density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) of [3H]prazosin sites, yet the ability of phenylephrine (an alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist) to compete for [3H]antagonist binding sites was enhanced in the cerebral cortex after repeated brofaromine administration, as well as in the hippocampus of rats pretreated with moclobemide and deprenyl. The density and the binding affinity of dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors were not affected by repeated treatment with all the MAOI used. The results seem to indicate that a small increase in the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist affinity occurs after repeated administration of MAOI.

Animals↗

Oxaprotiline enantiomers given repeatedly and brain alpha-adrenoceptors.

The influence of (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline (OXA) given repeatedly on the behavioural effects mediated by alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors as well as on the binding to brain alpha 1-adrenoceptors was studied. (+)-OXA given repeatedly for 14 days (but not 3 or 7 days) enhanced exploratory hyperactivity of rats induced by methoxamine injected intracerebroventricularly; (-)-OXA given for 3, but not 7 or 14 days, increased the methoxamine-induced exploration in rats. The locomotor hyperactivity induced in mice by d,1-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine was increased by repeated (14 days) (-)-OXA but not (+)-OXA. Neither OXA enantiomers given repeatedly modified the clonidine-induced locomotor hypoactivity in mice. Both enantiomers given repeatedly did not change the binding of [3H] prazosin to alpha 1-adrenoceptors (Bmax, KD) in the thalamus and hippocampus. Repeated (+)-OXA increased the affinity of alpha 1-adrenoceptors for phenylephrine in the cortex, thalamus and hippocampus. A similar effect of (-)-OXA was observed in the hippocampus only. The results indicate that both OXA enantiomers are able to enhance the responsiveness of brain alpha 1-adrenergic system, probably via the increase in the affinity of alpha 1-adrenoceptors for their agonists.

Animals↗

Some central pharmacological effects of (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline.

The central action of oxaprotiline (OXA) enantiomers, administered in a single dose, was studied in rats and mice. (+)-OXA and (-)-OXA attenuated reserpine- and apomorphine-induced hypothermia [(+)-OXA in a more potent manner] in mice and reduced the immobility time in the behavioural despair test in rats. Both OXA enantiomers inhibited locomotor activity in mice and rats, and enhanced and prolonged amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced stereotypy in rats. (-)-OXA potentiated the amphetamine hyperactivity in rats, but not in mice. Nomifensine hyperactivity in rats was unaffected by either enantiomer, and locomotor hypoactivity induced by low doses of apomorphine was also unchanged, as was L-DOPA-induced locomotor hyperactivity in mice. Apomorphine-induced climbing in mice was attenuated by (+)-OXA. Clonidine locomotor hypoactivity and hypothermia were unchanged, and clonidine-induced aggressiveness was attenuated by (+)-OXA. Neither OXA enantiomer affected the action of oxotremorine. In some tests the effect of OXA was stronger at 3 h than at 1 h after administration. The above results indicate that both OXA enantiomers--in particular (-)-OXA--increase some dopaminergic behavioural effects in rats.

Animals↗

Behavioural and neurochemical effects of Ro 40-7592, a new COMT inhibitor with a potential therapeutic activity in Parkinson's disease.

Behavioural and some neurochemical effects of Ro 40-7592 (3,4-dihydroxy-4'-methyl-5-nitrobenzophenone), a new COMT inhibitor, were studied in rats and mice. Ro 40-7592 increased the effect of L-DOPA (plus benserazide) on locomotor activity, reserpine-induced hypothermia, and catalepsy induced by pimozide, haloperidol and fluphenazine. Locomotor hyperactivity induced by amphetamine or nomifensine, as well as stereotypy induced by amphetamine (but not apomorphine), were also increased by Ro 40-7592. The drug stimulated exploratory activity in the open field test. It decreased the levels of HVA and 3-MT, increased the level of DOPAC but did not change the levels of dopamine in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. These results indicate that Ro 40-7592 may improve the therapy with L-DOPA (plus decarboxylase inhibitor) of Parkinson's disease.

Animals↗

Some behavioral effects of repeated administration of calcium channel antagonists.

The effect of the calcium channel antagonists nifedipine, nimodipine, and diltiazem (10 mg/kg PO) was studied after single and repeated administration to rats. All the compounds administered repeatedly reduced significantly the duration of immobility in the forced swimming test. At the same time the locomotor activity of rats was reduced (nifedipine, nimodipine) or unchanged (diltiazem). All the calcium channel antagonists studied did not modify the behavior of normal or phenylephrine-stimulated rats in the open field test. Only nimodipine, given repeatedly, was able to antagonize the clonidine-induced behavioral inhibition in the latter test. The results indicate that, like antidepressants, calcium channel antagonists given repeatedly to rats reduce the immobility time in the forced swimming test, but do not change the responsiveness of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors to their agonists.

Animals↗

[The effect of the deprivation of paradoxical sleep on the rotational and stereotyped behavior induced by selective agonists of the dopamine receptors].

The ability of selective D1 and D2 agonists of dopamine (DA) receptors SKE-38393 and Ly-171555 to induce rotational and stereotypes behaviour were studied in rats with unilateral striatal kainic acid lesion before and after procedure of REM sleep deprivation (REMSD) lasting for 5 days. It was found that REMSD SKF-38393 given along induced the ipsilateral rotation. REMSD increased the circling and decreased an oral stereotype simultaneously when SKF-38393 and Ly-171555 were given together. The depletion of brain DA in part with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) in nondeprived rats fails to influence the rotational behaviour and stereotype when SKF 38393 was injected 30 min following Ly-171555. After REMSD the AMPT pretreatment prevents the rotational behaviour caused by Ly-171555 which restores SKF-38393. The results suggest that prolonged REMSD may induce nonidentical changes in the sensitivity of the postsynaptic D1 and D2 receptors.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗

The influence of repeated treatment with imipramine, (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline on behavioural effects of dopamine D-1 and D-2 agonists.

The paper examined the action of imipramine, (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline, administered repeatedly to rats, on the behavioural effects of the dopamine D-1 and D-2 agonists, SKF 38393 and quinpirole, respectively. The three antidepressants studied, given in the single dose or repeatedly, attenuate the enhanced grooming evoked by SKF 38393. The locomotor hyperactivity, evoked by quinpirole administered s.c., is increased by repeated but not single-dose treatment with imipramine and (+)-oxaprotiline [but not with (-)-oxaprotiline]. Quinpirole at a low dose produces the locomotor hypoactivity which is attenuated by repeated, but not single-dose, treatment with the anti-depressants studied here. Repeated imipramine and (+)-oxaprotiline [but not (-)-oxaprotiline] increase the locomotor activity effect of quinpirole injected into the nucleus accumbens. The results indicate that the enhanced responsiveness of the dopamine system, observed previously after repeated treatment with antidepressants, may be mediated by the dopamine D-2 receptors.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗

Antidepressants given repeatedly increase the behavioural effect of dopamine D-2 agonist.

The effects of single or repeated doses of antidepressant drugs (imipramine, amitriptyline, citalopram, mianserin) on rat locomotor hyperactivity induced by quinpirole, a dopamine D-2 receptor agonist, was investigated. Single doses of antidepressants do not change the effect of quinpirole, but enhance it when they are administered repeatedly. This enhancement is inhibited by (+/-)-sulpiride, a dopamine D-2 receptor antagonist. The results obtained indicate that the enhancement of dopaminergically-stimulated hyperactivity induced by repeated doses of antidepressants is mediated by dopamine D-2 receptors.

Amitriptyline↗

Exploratory hypoactivity induced by m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP).

The action of m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), inhibiting the exploratory activity (ambulation and peeping) of the rat was studied in the open field test. The effects of both these drugs were antagonized by mesulergine, metergoline and mianserin, and partly by methysergide. Spiperone showed an antagonistic action in one (mean) dose only. The effects of TFMPP and m-CPP were not antagonized by ipsapirone, gepirone, cyanopindolol, compound 21009, cyproheptadine, ritanserine, ICS 205930, idazoxan or atropine. The lesion produced by p-chloramphetamine attenuated the effects of TFMPP and abolished those of m-CPP. The obtained results permit an assumption that the TFMPP- and m-CPP-induced decrease in the exploratory activity is mediated probably by 5-HT1C receptors.

Animals↗

Dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists as antidepressant drugs in mice and rats.

A pharmacological profile of the effects of nimodipine, nifedipine and nitrendipine (2.5-20 mg/kg p.o.) in several models which are indicative of possible antidepressant activity, was tested in mice and rats. These compounds, as well as verapamil (short-lasting effect), but not diltiazem, reduced the hypothermia induced by a large dose of apomorphine in mice. Nimodipine and nifedipine slightly increased the behavioural action of L-DOPA in mice, and nimodipine facilitated the action of imipramine in the L-DOPA test. Nimodipine, nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem slightly reduced the clonidine-induced hypoactivity in rats. The hypothermia induced by reserpine or clonidine in mice was not changed by these drugs. Various antidepressants (imipramine, amitriptyline, citalopram, mianserin) used in the behavioural despair test in mice, in doses which were not effective by themselves, increased the immobility-reducing effect when given jointly with 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists (5 mg/kg). The above results indicate that the psychopharmacological profile of nimodipine, nifedipine and nitrendipine resembles that of antidepressants in some tests only; moreover, these results support the assumption that concomitant administration of antidepressants and 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists may result in a greater antidepressant efficacy.

Animals↗

Repeated administration of antidepressants enhances agonist affinity for mesolimbic D2-receptors.

Studies have shown an increased responsiveness of the dopaminergic system after repeated administration of a variety of antidepressant drugs. In the present study, the effect of repeated administration (twice daily for 14 days) of imipramine and mianserin on the affinity of dopamine D2-receptors for quinpirole, a D2-agonist, and on the quinpirole-induced locomotor hyperactivity was examined in rats. Repeated doses of imipramine and mianserin increased the affinity of quinpirole for [3H]spiperone binding sites in membranes prepared from the limbic system but not the striatum. The locomotor hyperactivity induced by quinpirole was enhanced by chronic treatment with both antidepressants. The data indicate that the enhanced responsiveness of the dopaminergic system in rats, observed after chronic treatment with antidepressants, may result from an increased affinity of agonists at D2-receptors in the mesolimbic system.

Animals↗

BAY K 8644 enhances immobility in the mouse behavioral despair test, an effect blocked by nifedipine.

The effect of the dihydropyridine calcium channel agonist, BAY K 8644 (0.05, 0.1, 0.5 mg/kg i.p.), in the mouse behavioral despair test was investigated. BAY K 8644 dose dependently prolonged the duration of immobility. The BAY K 8644 (0.1 mg/kg)-induced prolongation of immobility was antagonized by the dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, nifedipine, but not by the non-dihydropyridine type antagonists, verapamil and diltiazem. The effect of BAY K 8644 was also antagonized by desipramine and imipramine but not by citalopram and iprindole. Therefore we suggest that central dihydropyridine binding sites play a role in despair behavior.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

The influence of oxaprotiline enantiomers given repeatedly on the behavioural effects of d-amphetamine and dopamine injected into the nucleus accumbens.

The effects of (+)- and (-)-oxaprotiline, given repeatedly (10 mg/kg p.o., twice daily, 14 days), on the behavioural action of d-amphetamine and dopamine injected bilaterally into the nucleus accumbens were studied in rats. Repeated but not acute treatment with (+)- or (-)-oxaprotiline enhanced the d-amphetamine-induced locomotor hyperactivity. Both enantiomers, given repeatedly but not acutely, attenuated the inhibition of exploration activity induced by dopamine and potentiated the stimulating effect of dopamine as assessed in the open field test. The results indicate that, like other antidepressants studied previously, both oxaprotilines increase the responsiveness of the dopamine mesolimbic system (nucleus accumbens) of the rat.

Animals↗

Hypothermia induced by m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine or m-chlorophenylpiperazine: an effect mediated by 5-HT1B receptors?

In the present study we examined the effect of different drugs on the m-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP)- and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP)-induced hypothermia in mice. Both the hypothermias studied are blocked or reversed by pindolol, cyanopindolol and compound 21-009, but not by atenolol. Neither hypothermia is antagonized by 5-HT1A antagonists (ipsapirone, spiperone), a 5-HT1C antagonist (mesulergine), 5-HT2 antagonists (cyproheptadine, mianserin, methysergide), 5-HT3 antagonists (ICS 205930, metoclopramide). The examined hypothermias are not antagonized by other antihypothermic agents (pimozide, idazoxan, atropine). The 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia is not affected by cyanopindolol or compound 21009. The obtained results indicate that the TFMPP- and m-CPP-induced hypothermias in mice are mediated by 5-HT1B. These hypothermias may be a good screening test for evaluation of the 5-HT1B-agonistic and 5-HT1B-antagonistic activity.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗