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S C Cheetham

Publications and source records attributed to S C Cheetham.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Does contraversive circling in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat indicate an ability to induce motor complications as well as therapeutic effects in Parkinson's disease?

Circling behaviour in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rats is interpreted as being opposite in direction to the side of the brain with highest striatal dopaminergic activation. Ipsiversive rotation indicates an action on the intact striatum, while contraversive rotation demonstrates an effect on dopamine receptors in the denervated striatum and is taken as predictive of symptomatic benefit in Parkinson's disease. But does an equivalent behavioural outcome result from stimulating the intact and denervated striatum to the same degree? We report on the behavioural responses produced by administration of L-dopa and the monoamine uptake inhibitor BTS 74,398. These were given alone, or in combination, at doses equivalent to their ED(25), ED(50) and ED(75) for inducing circling in unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. L-dopa administered alone induced dose-dependent contraversive circling while BTS 74,398 produced ipsiversive rotation. However, L-dopa and BTS 74,398 in combination, produced the same contraversive circling response as when L-dopa was administered alone. Little or no ipsiversive rotation occurred, irrespective of the combination of doses employed. This surprising finding suggests that there are major differences in the outcome of stimulating the intact and denervated striatum with the latter dominating the behavioural response. Since repeated administration of L-dopa but not BTS 74,398, sensitises rotational responses and induces abnormal movements, it may be that contraversive rotation is predictive of both clinical response in PD and the ability to induce motor complications.

Adrenergic Agents↗

Repeated administration of the monoamine reuptake inhibitor BTS 74 398 induces ipsilateral circling in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rat without sensitizing motor behaviours.

BTS 74 398 (1-[1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-2-(3-diaminethylaminopropylthio)ethanone monocitrate) is a monoamine reuptake inhibitor that reverses motor deficits in MPTP-treated (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) common marmosets without provoking established dyskinesia. However, it is not known whether BTS 74 398 primes the basal ganglia for dyskinesia induction. In this study, the ability of BTS 74 398 to sensitize 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats for the production of abnormal motor behaviours and the induction of striatal DeltaFosB were determined in comparison with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester (L-dopa). Acute administration of BTS 74 398 induced a dose-dependent ipsilateral circling response in unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats whereas L-dopa produced dose-dependent contraversive rotation. The ipsilateral circling response to BTS 74 398 did not alter during 21 days of administration. In contrast, L-dopa treatment for 21 days caused a marked increase in rotational response. Repeated administration of both L-dopa and BTS 74 398 increased general motor activity and stereotypic behaviour. In L-dopa-treated rats, orolingual, locomotive, forelimb and axial abnormal movements developed whereas BTS 74 398 produced only locomotion with a side bias but no other abnormal movements. Sensitization of circling responses and the development of abnormal movements in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats have been associated with the potential of dopaminergic drugs to induce dyskinesia. Furthermore, striatal DeltaFosB immunoreactivity, shown to correlate with dyskinesia induction, was increased by L-dopa but was unaffected by repeated BTS 74 398 administration. The lack of such changes following repeated BTS 74 398 treatment suggests that it may be an effective antiparkinsonian therapy that is unlikely to produce involuntary movements.

Adrenergic Agents↗

Sibutramine does not decrease the number of 5-HT re-uptake sites in rat brain and, like fluoxetine, protects against the deficits produced by dexfenfluramine.

The effect of sibutramine and dexfenfluramine on 5-HT re-uptake sites, labelled with [(3)H]paroxetine, have been determined in various rat brain regions. In addition, the ability of fluoxetine and sibutramine to protect against the changes in [(3)H]paroxetine binding produced by dexfenfluramine was examined. Sibutramine (9 mg/kg, p.o.) and dexfenfluramine (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered twice daily (before 09.00 h and after 16.00 h) for four days, followed by a 14 day drug-free period. In the protection studies, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and sibutramine (9 mg/kg, p.o.) were given 1 h prior to dexfenfluramine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) using the same dosing regimen as described above. Sibutramine (9 mg/kg, p.o.; three times its ED(50) to inhibit food intake at 2 h) had no significant effect on the number or affinity of 5-HT re-uptake sites the brain regions studied. In contrast, dexfenfluramine at an equivalent dose (3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased the number of 5-HT re-uptake sites in frontal cortex (by 35%), hippocampus (by 47%) and hypothalamus (by 27%). This effect was dose-dependent with marked decreases (by 58-84%) in the number of sites following 10 mg/kg, p.o. These effects were not associated with changes in binding affinity. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) completely blocked the effect of dexfenfluramine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) without having any significant effect alone. Sibutramine (9 mg/kg, p.o.) also blocked the effects of dexfenfluramine, although the reversal was only partial in frontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Thus sibutramine, unlike dexfenfluramine, does not alter brain 5-HT re-uptake sites. Furthermore, sibutramine and fluoxetine protect against the deficits in 5-HT re-uptake sites produced by dexfenfluramine. These data provide further evidence that sibutramine is a 5-HT re-uptake inhibitor and it does not have neurotoxic potential.

Animals↗

The effects of the peptide-coupling agent, EEDQ, on 5-HT2A receptor binding and function in rat frontal cortex.

This ex vivo study in rat frontal cortex determined the influence of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists on EEDQ-induced depletion of 5-HT2A binding sites and reduction in their functional coupling to phospholipid hydrolysis. Twenty-four hours after EEDQ (6 mg/kg) administration a marked reduction (66%) of cortical 5-HT2A binding sites with no change in binding affinity was observed. The 5HT2A antagonists ritanserin (1 mg/kg), ketanserin (1 and 5 mg/kg), metergoline (3 mg/kg) or the 5HT2A agonist, DOI (3 and 10 mg/kg) also significantly reduced (by 15-44%) these binding sites 24 h after injection. Thirty minute pretreatment with ritanserin, ketanserin, metergoline or DOI (at the doses above) afforded 49-65% protection against the loss of 5-HT2A binding sites induced by EEDQ (6 mg/kg). DOI (10 mg/kg) pretreatment (-24 h) decreased by 26% the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates (IPs) evoked by 5-HT (100 microM), but did not affect that produced by DOI (100 microM). Ketanserin (5 mg/kg, -24 h) decreased 5-HT- and DOI-induced IP formation by 65% and 53%, respectively. The EEDQ (6 mg/kg, -24 h)-evoked reductions (-50%) of 5-HT- and DOI-induced IP formation were not altered by DOI (10 mg/kg) or ketanserin (5 mg/kg) given 30 min before EEDQ. G-protein-stimulated IP accumulation was unaffected by EEDQ (6 mg/kg). Overall, EEDQ reduces 5-HT2A binding sites and function in rat frontal cortex, whereas its effects on binding were attenuated by various 5-HT receptor antagonists and agonists, its effects on function was unaltered by these drugs.

Animals↗

A comparison of the effects on central 5-HT function of sibutramine hydrochloride and other weight-modifying agents.

1. Effects on 5-HT function of sibutramine and its active metabolites, BTS 54 354 and BTS 54 505, were compared with fluoxetine, (+)-fenfluramine and (+)-amphetamine. 2. In vitro sibutramine weakly inhibited [3H]-5-HT uptake into brain synaptosomes. BTS 54 354, BTS 54 505 and fluoxetine were powerful [3H]-5-HT uptake inhibitors, whereas (+)-fenfluramine and (+)-amphetamine were very much weaker. Conversely, whilst sibutramine, its metabolites and fluoxetine did not release [3H]-5-HT from brain slices at < or = 10(-5)M, (+)-fenfluramine and (+)-amphetamine concentration-dependently increased [3H]-5-HT release. 3. Sibutramine and fluoxetine had no effect on 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) accumulation in either frontal cortex or hypothalamus at doses < 10 mg kg(-1). In contrast, (+)-amphetamine ( > or = 3 mg kg(-1)) reduced 5-HTP in hypothalamus, whilst (+)-fenfluramine (> or =1 mg kg(-1)) decreased 5-HTP in both regions. 4. Sibutramine (10 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and fluoxetine (10 mg kg(-1) i.p.) produced slow, prolonged increases of extracellular 5-HT in the anterior hypothalamus. In contrast, (+)-fenfluramine (3 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and (+)-amphetamine (4 mg kg(-1) i.p.) induced rapid, short-lasting increases in extracellular 5-HT. 5. Only (+)-fenfluramine (10 mg kg(-1)) altered 5-HT2A receptors in rat frontal cortex when given for 14 days, producing a 61% reduction in receptor number and a 18% decrease in radioligand affinity. 6. These results show that sibutramine powerfully enhances central 5-HT function via its secondary and primary amine metabolites; this effect, like that of fluoxetine, is almost certainly mediated through 5-HT uptake inhibition. By contrast, (+)-fenfluramine enhances 5-HT function predominantly by increasing 5-HT release. (+)-Amphetamine, though weaker than (+)-fenfluramine, also enhances 5-HT function by release.

Amines↗

Sibutramine: a novel anti-obesity drug. A review of the pharmacological evidence to differentiate it from d-amphetamine and d-fenfluramine.

Sibutramine (BTS 54 524; N-[1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-3-methylbutyl]-N,N-dimethylamine hydrochloride monohydrate) is a novel 5-HT (serotonin) and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) anti-obesity drug. Sibutramine reduces the food intake of rodents and this effect is partially or completely reversed by pretreating with 5-HT or noradrenaline antagonists, indicating that both neurotransmitters are involved in sibutramine's hypophagic effect. In addition, fluoxetine and nisoxetine, which are selective reuptake inhibitors of 5-HT and noradrenaline, respectively, have no effect on food intake when given alone, but they profoundly inhibit food intake when given in combination (equivalent to the actions of the SNRI, sibutramine), demonstrating a synergistic interaction of those two monoamines in the control of ingestive behaviour. Sibutramine reduces food intake by enhancing the physiological response of post-ingestive satiety. This reduction of food intake is a CNS-mediated effect because it is induced by intracerebroventricular injection of sibutramine's potently active secondary and primary amine metabolites (BTS 54 354 and BTS 54 505). Sibutramine increases energy expenditure (thermogenesis) in rats. Once again, whilst fluoxetine and nisoxetine have no thermogenic effect when given alone, the combination of these two selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors profoundly enhances thermogenesis, demonstrating a synergistic interaction of 5-HT and noradrenaline neurotransmission in the regulation of energy expenditure. Sibutramine-induced thermogenesis is abolished by administration of a high non-selective dose of atenolol or ICI 118,551 which blocks beta3-adrenoceptors in addition to beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, but not by a low dose of atenolol or ICI 118,551 which blocks beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors, respectively. Glucose utilization studies demonstrate that sibutramine-induced thermogenesis is mediated via selective sympathetic activation of brown adipose tissue, and it is a centrally mediated effect because it is prevented by pretreating the animals with the ganglionic blocker, chlorisondamine. The SNRI mode of action of sibutramine is clearly differentiated from those of the two major classes of anti-obesity drugs, viz, the 5-HT releasing agents, for example, fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, and the noradrenaline + dopamine-releasing agents, for example, dexamphetamine. In the case of the 5-HT-releasing agents, this mechanism has been linked in animal studies to profound and prolonged depletion and dysfunction of CNS 5-HT neurons. With noradrenaline + dopamine-releasing agents, it is the enhancement of central dopaminergic function which is believed to be responsible for their stimulant, rewarding and reinforcing properties and it is their releasing mechanism which makes them such powerful psychostimulant drugs of abuse. By utilizing noradrenaline and 5-HT for its anti-obesity effects, sibutramine is differentiated from other weight-reducing drugs which act through either 5-HT alone or noradrenaline + dopamine. In addition, sibutramine is further differentiated because it enhances monoamine function by reuptake inhibition, rather than by monoamine release.

Animals↗

Reduced dopamine turnover in the basal ganglia of depressed suicides.

We have measured the concentrations of dopamine, and the dopamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), in five brain regions from suicide victims with a firm retrospective diagnosis of depression, and matched controls. The suicides were divided into those free of antidepressant drugs and those in whom prescription of antidepressant drugs was clearly documented. DOPAC concentrations were significantly lower in caudate, putamen and nucleus accumbens of antidepressant-free suicides compared to controls. In antidepressant-treated suicides, lower concentrations of DOPAC were observed in the basal ganglia, reaching statistical significance in caudate. Lower DOPAC concentrations were largely restricted to those suicides who died by non-violent methods. There were no significant differences in dopamine and HVA concentrations in either suicide group compared to controls, although there was a trend for HVA concentrations to be lower in suicides. This study provides evidence for reduced dopamine turnover, as judged from reduced DOPAC levels, in depressed suicides, although we cannot exclude the possibility that this may be due to ingestion of toxic agents.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Dopamine D1 and D2 receptor binding sites in brain samples from depressed suicides and controls.

Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors were measured (by saturation binding of [3H]SCH23390 and [3H]raclopride) in caudate, putamen and nucleus accumbens, obtained at post-mortem from suicide victims with a firm retrospective diagnosis of depression, and matched controls. There were no differences in the number or affinity of D1 or D2 receptors between suicides who had been free of antidepressants for at least three months prior to death, and controls. Increased numbers and decreased affinity of D2 receptors were however found in each brain region of antidepressant-treated suicides. We argue that these increases are related to concurrent treatment with neuroleptics rather than a direct effect of antidepressants. Increased numbers of D1 receptors in antidepressant-treated suicides were seen only in nucleus accumbens. This increase could not be clearly attributed to neuroleptics and may be related to antidepressant treatment.

Adolescent↗

5-HT1A receptor binding sites in post-mortem brain samples from depressed suicides and controls.

5-HT1A receptor binding sites were measured, by saturation binding with [3H]8-OH-DPAT, in frontal and occipital cortex, hippocampus and amygdala obtained at post-mortem examination from suicide victims with a firm retrospective diagnosis of depression, and matched controls. The number of 5-HT1A binding sites did not differ significantly between suicides and controls, either in the total sample or when the suicides were divided on the basis of violence of death or recent antidepressant treatment.

Adolescent↗

Dopamine uptake sites, labelled with [3H]GBR12935, in brain samples from depressed suicides and controls.

We have quantitated dopamine uptake sites, labelled with [3H]GBR12935, in caudate, putamen and nucleus accumbens of suicides with a retrospective diagnosis of depression, and age and gender-matched controls. Suicides were subdivided into those who had been free of antidepressant drugs for at least three months, and those in whom prescription of antidepressant drugs was clearly documented. We found no significant differences between controls and suicides overall, or when the suicides were divided on the basis of antidepressant treatment or violence of death. A significant negative correlation between the number of dopamine uptake sites and age was found in each region studied. Our results suggest dopamine uptake sites are not critically involved in depression or antidepressant drug action.

Adolescent↗

[3H]nisoxetine--a radioligand for noradrenaline reuptake sites: correlation with inhibition of [3H]noradrenaline uptake and effect of DSP-4 lesioning and antidepressant treatments.

Nisoxetine is a potent and selective inhibitor of noradrenaline uptake into noradrenergic neurones. [3H]Nisoxetine binding to rat frontal cortical membranes was of high affinity. The binding data of both competition and saturation studies fitted a single site binding model. [3H]Nisoxetine binding was potently inhibited by the selective noradrenaline uptake inhibitors desipramine and protriptyline. In addition, a very good correlation was obtained between the ability of 25 monoamine reuptake inhibitors and related compounds both to inhibit [3H]nisoxetine binding and to inhibit [3H]noradrenaline uptake in rat frontal cortex. DSP-4 (10-100 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently depleted cortical noradrenaline concentrations (51-100%), with no significant effects on 5-HT and dopamine. These depletions, which were used as a marker of loss of noradrenergic nerve terminals, were associated with a dose-dependent decrease in the number of [3H]nisoxetine binding sites (20-97%) with no change in binding affinity. Furthermore, a good correlation was obtained between cortical noradrenaline concentrations and the number of [3H]nisoxetine binding sites. These data support the view that [3H]nisoxetine binds to a single population of homogeneous sites associated with the noradrenaline transporter complex. Using this ligand, the effects of repeated administration of both antidepressant drugs with a range of pharmacological actions and of electroconvulsive shock on noradrenaline reuptake sites were examined. The number and affinity of [3H]nisoxetine binding sites were unaltered by all treatments. It is unlikely, therefore, that antidepressant therapy would produce adaptive changes in noradrenaline uptake sites.

Animals↗

Receptor binding and functional evidence suggest that postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat brain are of the alpha 2D subtype.

This study has determined the subtype(s) of postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat brain. This question has been addressed by using two separate approaches, i.e. ligand displacement of [3H]2-(2-methoxy)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-imidazoline ([3H]RX 821002) from membranes prepared from rat cortex after noradrenergic denervation and, secondly, by antagonism of clonidine-induced mydriasis. After rats had been lesioned using N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4; 100 mg/kg i.p., 30 min after zimeldine 10 mg/kg i.p.), noradrenaline was undetectable in the cortex 3 days later. Displacement of [3H]RX 821002 with a range of agonists and antagonists which distinguish between the known alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha 2A-2D) yielded pKi values which correlated very well with reported values for the alpha 2D-adrenoceptor (r = 0.929; P < 0.001), but not the alpha 2A (r = 0.450; P = 0.192), alpha 2B (r = 0.280, P = 0.434) or alpha 2C (r = 0.283; P = 0.460) subtypes. Similarly, the potencies of various alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists to inhibit clonidine (0.03 mg/kg i.p.)-induced mydriasis in conscious rats correlated strongly with their pKi values for alpha 2D-adrenoceptors (r = 0.899; P = 0.015) but not alpha 2A-(r = 0.369; P = 0.472), alpha 2B-(r = -0.224; P = 0.670) or alpha 2C-adrenoceptors (r = 0.253; P = 0.584). These data are, therefore, consistent and argue strongly that postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the rat cortex and Edinger-Westphal nucleus are of the alpha 2D subtype.

Adrenergic Agents↗

D1 receptor binding in rat striatum: modification by various D1 and D2 antagonists, but not by sibutramine hydrochloride, antidepressants or treatments which enhance central dopaminergic function.

[3H]SCH 23390 is a selective high affinity ligand for D1 receptors in vitro. Using this ligand persistent blockade of D1 receptors by SCH 23390 and cis-flupenthixol was shown to significantly increase the number of D1 receptor binding sites in rat striatum. In contrast, repeated administration of the D2-selective antagonist, clebopride, resulted in a small, but significant, reduction in number. No differences in binding affinity were observed and a single dose of these compounds was without effect. The D2-selective antagonist, haloperidol, the non-selective D1/D2 receptor antagonist, chlorpromazine, the dopamine reuptake inhibitors, bupropion, GBR 12909 and nomifensine, and the dopamine releasing agent, d-amphetamine, had no effect on D1 receptors. The antidepressant treatments, desipramine, zimeldine, amitriptyline, tranylcypromine, mianserin and ECS and the monoamine reuptake inhibitor, sibutramine, similarly did not alter striatal D1 sites. Thus, of the treatments investigated only chronic receptor blockade by high affinity antagonists altered D1 receptor binding in rat striatum.

Animals↗

Dopamine D2 receptors: a potential pharmacological target for nomifensine and tranylcypromine but not other antidepressant treatments.

Treatment for 1 or 14 days by IP injection with the antidepressants, amitriptyline (10 mg/kg), bupropion (30 mg/kg), desipramine (10 mg/kg), GBR 12909 (10 mg/kg), sibutramine HCl (3 mg/kg), mianserin (5 mg/kg), and zimeldine (10 mg/kg), did not affect the number or affinity of dopamine D2 receptors determined by [3H]raclopride binding to rat striatal membranes. Similarly, neither did a single, nor repeated (five times over 10 days), electroconvulsive shock, given under halothane anaesthesia, have any effect on [3H]raclopride binding parameters. By contrast, the noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, nomifensine (5 mg/kg), and the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tranylcypromine (5 mg/kg), decreased the number of dopamine D2 receptors by 12% and 11%, respectively, when given for 14 days. Administration of the D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol (1 mg/kg), for 14 days increased the number of [3H]raclopride binding sites by 17%. Thus, the data demonstrate that although nomifensine and tranylcypromine decrease D2 receptor number after 14 days administration, this adaptive change is not observed with other antidepressant treatments. However, the findings do not preclude a contribution of altered dopamine D2 receptor function to the efficacy of those drugs with potent effects on dopaminergic neuronal function.

Animals↗

[3H]paroxetine binding in rat frontal cortex strongly correlates with [3H]5-HT uptake: effect of administration of various antidepressant treatments.

Paroxetine is a selective and potent inhibitor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake into serotonergic neurones. [3H]Paroxetine binding to rat frontal cortex was of high affinity with a high percentage of specific binding. The binding data of both competition and saturation studies fitted a single site binding model. [3H]Paroxetine binding was potently inhibited by the selective 5-HT uptake inhibitors. In addition, a very good correlation was demonstrated between the ability of twenty-three compounds to inhibit [3H]paroxetine binding to rat frontal cortical membranes and [3H]5-HT uptake into rat frontal cortical synaptosomes. These data support the view that [3H]paroxetine binds to a single site which corresponds to the 5-HT uptake site. Using this ligand, the effects of repeated administration of antidepressant drugs with a wide range of pharmacological actions and electroconvulsive shock on 5-HT reuptake sites were examined. [3H]Paroxetine binding parameters (Kd and Bmax) were unaltered by all treatments. It would, therefore, appear that antidepressant therapy does not produce adaptive changes in 5-HT uptake sites.

Animals↗

Evidence that RU 24969-induced locomotor activity in C57/B1/6 mice is specifically mediated by the 5-HT1B receptor.

1. The behavioural effects of the 5-HT1B receptor agonists, RU 24969 and CGS 12066B, have been investigated in C57/B1/6 mice. 2. RU 24969 (1-30 mg kg-1) produced intense and prolonged hyperlocomotion and other behavioural changes. 3. CGS 12066B caused similar effects, but they were much less pronounced, inconsistent and transient irrespective of whether this drug was given i.p. (1-15 mg kg-1) or i.c.v. (0.2-40 micrograms). However, CGS 12066B (7.5 and 15 mg kg-1) caused a dose-related inhibition of RU 24969 (7.5 mg kg-1)-induced hyperlocomotion indicating that the former is a 5-HT1B partial agonist. 4. RU 24969 (7.5 mg kg-1 i.p.)-induced hyperlocomotion was inhibited by the (-)-, but not (+)-isomers of pindolol (4 mg kg-1) and propranolol (20 mg kg-1) but not by metoprolol (10 mg kg-1) or ICI 118,551 (5 mg kg-1), consistent with an involvement of 5-HT1A or 5-HT1B receptors. 5. The response was not altered by the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY 100135 (5 mg kg-1, s.c.), the 5-HT2A/5-HT2C receptor antagonist, ritanserin (0.1 mg kg-1), the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron (1 mg kg-1) or the non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonists methysergide (3 mg kg-1) and metergoline (3 mg kg-1). 6. Although spiroxatrine (0.1 mg kg-1) and ketanserin (1 mg kg-1) inhibited RU 24969-induced hyperlocomotion, these effects were probably due to antagonism of dopamine D2 receptors and alpha 1-adrenoceptors respectively. 7. Taken together, these results indicate that RU 24969-induced hyperlocomotion results specifically from activation of central 5-HTIB receptors.8. Lesioning of 5-HT neurones with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (75 microg, i.c.v.) or depletion with pchlorophenylalanine(200 mg kg-1, i.p. for 14 days) had no effect on RU 24969-induced hyperlocomotiondemonstrating that the 5-HTIB receptors involved are postsynaptic and that they do not show super sensitivity.9. The involvement of other monoamine neurotransmitter systems in RU 24969-induced hyperlocomotionwas also examined. The response was inhibited by the al-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin(1 mg kg-1), the dopamine DI receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.05 mg kg-1) and the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, BRL 34778 (0.03 mg kg-1), but not by the M2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan(1 mg kg-1). Lesioning noradrenergic neurones with N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine(100 mg kg-1) markedly attenuated this behaviour. These results show that the hyperlocomotion is expressed via noradrenergic and dopaminergic neurones acting on alpha 1-adrenoceptors, DI and D2 receptors.10. RU 24969 decreased brain concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid whilst simultaneously increasing 5-HT, consistent with the reduction of 5-HT neuronal activity by activation of 5-HTlA and 5-HTIB autoreceptors. RU 24969 increased brain 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, but not noradrenaline, concentrations which supports the involvement of noradrenergic neurones in the expression of hyperlocomotion. RU 24969 did not alter dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid or homovanillic acid concentrations in the nucleus accumbens suggesting that the dopaminergic neurones terminating there are not directly involved.

Animals↗

Brain beta-adrenoceptor binding sites in depressed suicide victims: effects of antidepressant treatment.

beta-Adrenoceptor binding sites were measured by saturation binding of [3H]CGP 12177 in nine brain regions from 13 suicides, with a firm retrospective diagnosis of depression, who had been receiving antidepressant drugs, and 11 matched controls. Significantly lower numbers of beta-adrenoceptor binding sites were found in thalamus and temporal cortex (Brodmann area 38), but not in other brain regions, of antidepressant-treated suicides compared to controls. The lower number of beta-adrenoceptor binding sites in thalamus appeared to be related to drug treatment, whereas lower numbers of beta-adrenoceptors in temporal cortex were also found in antidepressant-free suicides.

Adolescent↗