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Substrate transport and cocaine binding of human dopamine transporter is reduced by substitution of carboxyl tail with that of bovine dopamine transporter.

A chimeric dopamine transporter (DAT) cDNA encoding mutant human DAT (hDAT) protein in which the intracellular carboxyl-terminal tail is replaced by that of the bovine dopamine transporter (bDAT) was constructed. The chimeric hDAT cDNA was expressed in COS-7 cells, and [3H]dopamine and [3H]MPP+ uptake and [3H]CFT binding capacities were assessed. Substrate transport and ligand binding of bDAT were reduced by 32-43% as a result of substitution of the carboxyl tail in hDAT, suggesting that the functional characteristics of bDAT arise from differences in the carboxyl tail between human and bovine DAT. Thus, it appears that the sequences encoded within the carboxyl terminal of DAT would be one of the important determinants for its functions.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Dopamine D2 receptor binding, Drd2 expression and the number of dopamine neurons in the BXD recombinant inbred series: genetic relationships to alcohol and other drug associated phenotypes.

BACKGROUND: It has not been established to what extent the natural variation in dopamine systems contribute to the variation in ethanol response. The current study addresses this issue by measuring D2 dopamine (DA) receptor binding, the expression of Drd2, the number of midbrain DA neurons in the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) series and then compares these strain means with those previously reported for a variety of ethanol and other drug-related phenotypes. METHODS: Data were collected for 21 to 23 of the BXD RI strains and the parental strains. D2 DA receptor autoradiography was performed using 125I-epidepride as the ligand [ Kanes S, Dains K, Cipp L, Gatley J, Hitzemann B, Rasmussen E, Sanderson S, Silverman S, Hitzemann R (1996) Mapping the genes for haloperidol-induced catalepsy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 277:1016-1025]. Drd2 expression was measured using the Affymetrix oligoarray system. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to determine the number of midbrain DA neurons [Hitzemann B, Dains K, Hitzemann R (1994) Further studies on the relationship between dopamine cell density and haloperidol response. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 271:969-976]. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The range of difference in receptor binding for the RI strains was approximately 2-fold in all regions examined, the core, the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the dorsomedial caudate-putamen (CPu); heritability in all regions was moderate--(h2 approximately 0.35). Drd2 expression in forebrain samples from the RI and parental strains ranged 1.5- to h2-fold and was moderate-0.47. Variation in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons was moderate, 41% and 26% and h2 was low--0.19 and 0.15 for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra compacta (SNc), respectively. Significant correlations were found between D2 DA receptor binding and the low dose (1.33 g/kg) ethanol stimulant response. (p < 0.002) and between expression and conditioned place preference (CPP) (p < 0.0005). No significant correlations were detected between ethanol preference and either receptor binding or Drd2 expression; however, a significant correlation was found between preference and Ncam expression. Ncam is approximately 0.2 Mb from Drd2. Overall, the data suggest ethanol preference and CPP are associated with the expression of Drd2 or closely linked genetic loci.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Presynaptic dopamine receptors mediate the inhibitory action of dopamine agonists on stimulation-evoked pressor responses in the rat.

The effects of the dopamine agonists TL-99, M-7 (N, N-dimethyl analogues of aminotetralins) and N, N-dinpropyldopamine (NNPD) on stimulation-evoked pressor responses and tachycardia in pithed Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated when pressor responses to the compounds per se had subsided. Various antagonists were used to characterise the effects of the dopamine agonists. 2 M-7 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), and NNPD (1 mg/kg i.v.), but not TL-99 (1-30 micrograms/kg i.v.), inhibited pressor responses evoked by low frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in the pithed rat. 3 M-7 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), but neither NNPD (1 mg/kg i.v.) nor TL-99 (1-30 micrograms/kg), inhibited tachycardia evoked by low frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in the pithed rat. 4 The inhibition of stimulation-evoked pressor responses by M-7 and NNPD was prevented by pimozide, metoclopramide and sulpiride but not by yohimibine, atropine, cimetidine or propranolol. 5 The inhibition of stimulation-evoked tachycardia by M-7 was prevented by yohimbine (and to a certain extent by sulpiride) but not pimozide, metoclopramide, atropine or cimetidine. 6 Pressor responses elicited by TL-99, M-7 and NNPD were selective antagonised by yohimbine, but not by prazosin, indicating that these responses were mediated by stimulation of vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. 7 This study demonstrates that, in the rat, presynaptic dopamine receptors exist on sympathetic pre- or postganglionic nerve endings to blood vessels, but not on sympathetic pre- or postganglionic nerve endings to the heart, where inhibition by M-7 of stimulation-evoked tachycardia is mediated by stimulation of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors.

Animals↗

Dopamine receptors in rat striatum and nucleus accumbens; conformational studies using rigid analogues of dopamine.

A study was made of the actions of dopamine and of some 2-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenes on dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in homogenates of rat striatum and nucleus accumbens. The compounds were also tested for their ability to stimulate motor activity following bilateral injection into the nucleus accumbens of conscious rats. The most active compounds on adenylate cyclase from both striatum and nucleus accumbens were dopamine and 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene(6,7-diOHATN). The 5,6-dihydroxy analogue (5,6-diOHATN) was 50 times less active than 6,7-diOHATN in striatal homogenates and 350 times less active in homogenates of nucleus accumbens. All dihydroxy compounds tested were active in causing stimulation of motor activity, the most active compounds being 6,7-and5,6diOHATN. Both dimethoxy derivatives tested were inactive on the adenylate cyclase and as locomotor stimulants.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Intracellular Ca2+ regulates amphetamine-induced dopamine efflux and currents mediated by the human dopamine transporter.

Although it is clear that amphetamine-induced dopamine (DA) release mediated by the dopamine transporter (DAT) is integral to the behavioral actions of this psychostimulant, the mechanism of this release is not clear. In this study, we explored the requirement for intracellular Ca(2+) in amphetamine-induced DA efflux and currents mediated by the human DAT. The patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration was used on Na(+) and DA-preloaded human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably transfected with the human DAT (hDAT cells). Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) by inclusion of 50 microM BAPTA in the whole-cell pipette reduced the voltage-dependent amphetamine-induced hDAT current, with the greatest effect seen at positive voltages. Likewise, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) reduced amphetamine-induced DA efflux as measured by amperometry. Furthermore, preincubation of the cells with 50 microM BAPTA acetoxy methyl ester (AM) or thapsigargin also blocked amphetamine-induced release of preloaded N-methyl-4-[(3)H]phenylpyridinium from superfused hDAT cells. BAPTA-AM also reduced DA release from striatal synaptosomes. Amphetamine also led to an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) that was blocked by prior treatment with 5 microM thapsigargin or 10 microM cocaine. These studies demonstrate that amphetamine-induced DAT-mediated currents and substrate efflux require internal Ca(2+) and that amphetamine can stimulate dopamine efflux by regulating cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels through its interaction with DAT.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Locally formed dopamine stimulates cAMP accumulation in LLC-PK1 cells via a DA1 dopamine receptor.

Proximal tubules have been shown to produce dopamine (DA) from (-)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-dopa) and to express DA1 dopamine (DA1) receptors linked to inhibition of sodium transport. The LLC-PK1 renal epithelial cell line expresses proximal tubule cell-like properties in vitro. Here, we sought to determine whether the LLC-PK1 cell line would be a useful model system to study dopaminergic mechanisms in vitro. LLC-PK1 cells contained high levels of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) (Km 0.19 +/- 0.08 mM, Vmax 3.69 +/- 0.57 nmol.mg-1.min-1) and converted L-dopa to DA in a nonsaturable fashion up to 1 mM L-dopa. DA production was blocked by the AADC inhibitor carbidopa. Dopamine stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in LLC-PK1 cells in a dose-dependent manner (50% effective concentration, 1.53 +/- 0.38 microM; maximal stimulation, 46.6 +/- 10.88 pmol/mg protein); this effect was blocked by addition of DA1-receptor antagonists. L-Dopa also stimulated cAMP accumulation, and this effect was attenuated by an equimolar concentration of carbidopa and blocked by the DA1 antagonist Sch 23390. These results indicate that LLC-PK1 cells convert L-dopa to DA, which then stimulates cAMP via a DA1 receptor coupled to activation of adenylate cyclase. Moreover, the demonstration that locally formed DA can act as an autocrine/paracrine substance in LLC-PK1 cells in vitro is consistent with a role for DA as an autocrine/paracrine substance in vivo.

Animals↗

Dopamine receptors and dopamine transporter in brain function and addictive behaviors: insights from targeted mouse mutants.

Recent advances in molecular biology have resulted in a number of genetically manipulated mice with defined changes at dopamine receptor and the dopamine transporter (DAT) loci. Mice with targeted mutations at the D1 receptor (D1R) are growth-retarded and show downregulated expression of dynorphin and substance P. Behavioral assessment indicates that mutants have deficiencies in spatial learning and initiating movement, as well as in responding to novel stimuli. D1R mutants do not become locomotor activated with cocaine or show upregulated immediate early gene (IEG) expression, but D2 receptor-dependent IEG changes are intact. Acute cocaine administration increases substance P levels, suggesting that striatal expression of this neuropeptide can be modulated by D1R-independent processes. Failure of locomotor activation is also seen with repeated amphetamine treatment. Surprisingly, D1R-deficient mice retain cocaine-conditioned place preference. In contrast, D2 receptor knockout mice are bradykinetic, show increased striatal enkephalin expression and an absence of opiate rewarding effects. D3 receptor mutants are hyperactive when assessed in an exploratory assay and display reduced anxiety-associated behavior in an elevated plus maze test. The recently described D4 receptor homozygous mutants exhibit a reduction in baseline locomotor activity and were shown to be supersensitive to the locomotor activating effects of alcohol and psychostimulant drugs. As expected, DAT knockout mice are hyperactive and do not respond to cocaine or amphetamine. The observation that D2 and D4 dopamine receptor and DAT mutants show compensatory effects, together with the complicating issue of their hybrid genetic background may temper conclusions regarding the direct effects of the targeted mutation on phenotype.

Animals↗

Somatostatin and dopamine-somatostatin multiple ligands directed towards somatostatin and dopamine receptors in pituitary adenomas.

AIM: We report the comparative efficacy of octreotide, cabergoline and multiple ligands directed towards the different somatostatin subtypes (ssts), such as BIM-23A779 and SOM-230, and of chimeric analogs which bind both somatostatin and the dopamine D2 receptors (D2R), such as BIM-23A760 and BIM-23A781, in cell cultures from human growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. PROCEDURES: RT-PCR analysis of the quantitative expression of the different ssts and D2R mRNAs was performed on tumor fragments of 22 GH-secreting adenomas collected after surgery. Pharmacological studies, using the different ligands, were performed on cell cultures of such tumors. RESULTS: sst2, sst5 and D2R were constantly coexpressed in all tumors, in variable amounts. The levels of expression of sst2 and D2R mRNAs were significantly correlated with the maximal GH suppression by either octreotide or cabergoline (p < 0.001). In each tumor tested, 3 patterns of response, in terms of GH suppression, were observed. GH secretion was preferentially inhibited by the sst2 preferential compound octreotide in 61% of the tumors. In 19% of the tumors, the maximal inhibition of GH release was achieved with the sst5 preferential compound BIM-23268. The dopamine analog cabergoline was the most effective inhibitor of GH secretion in 21% of cases. Among the compounds tested, the most potent inhibitors of GH secretion were the sst2, sst5, D2R chimeric compound BIM-23A760, followed by the sst universal ligand SOM-230. CONCLUSIONS: The variable patterns of response to sst2, sst5 and dopamine D2 analogs may explain the greater efficacy of drugs which bind to the 3 receptors in suppressing GH secretion. The biological potency (EC50) and efficacy of the chimeric compound BIM-23A760 on GH secretion can be partly explained by its high affinity for sst2. The effect of multiple receptor activation on the functions of other pituitary tumor types, such as prolactinomas and corticotropinomas, is not presently analyzed, and the efficacy of multireceptor ligands remains to be elucidated.

Adenoma↗

Prolactin response to the dopamine antagonists sulpiride and domperidone. Further evidence for pituitary dopamine deficiency in hyperprolactinemic disorders of different etiology.

The PRL response to the dopamine antagonists sulpiride (100 mg i.m.) or domperidone (2 or 8 mg i.v.) was evaluated in healthy controls and in 148 patients with different hyperprolactinemic disorders (50 with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, 58 with microprolactinoma, 19 with macroprolactinoma, 2 with empty sella, 8 with acromegaly, 7 with organic lesions of the hypothalamus, and 4 with idiopathic hypopituitarism of presumed hypothalamic origin). Mean PRL response to both drugs was significantly lower in all groups of patients than in controls, and significantly higher in subjects with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia than in those with pituitary adenomas or hypothalamic disease. Absent or impaired PRL responses were found in 38% of idiopathic patients, in 91.5% of microprolactinomas and in all of the patients with either macroprolactinoma, acromegaly, or hypothalamic disorders. Since the PRL response to dopamine antagonists depends on the presence of an endogenous dopaminergic tone, it is suggested that these figures reflect the incidence of major dopamine deficiency at pituitary lactotrophs in different hyperprolactinemic states. These data suggest that the pathophysiology of hyperprolactinemia in many patients with idiopathic disease is different from that of microprolactinoma. However, the finding of a normal PRL response to sulpiride in some subjects with radiologically or surgically proven microprolactinoma indicates that this test has no diagnostic value in the individual case.

Adolescent↗

Adenosine A2A and dopamine receptor interactions in basal ganglia of dopamine denervated rats.

In the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease, blockade of A2A receptors facilitates L-dopa-induced turning behavior by antagonism of A2A transmission, which is increased after dopamine depletion. After long-term intermittent administration of doses that produced the same effect on turning behavior, SCH 58261 (5 mg/kg) + L-dopa (3 mg/kg) induced a stable turning behavior, whereas L-dopa (6 mg/kg) alone induced a sensitized turning behavior. Behavioral studies were correlated to changes in dynorphin and enkephalin mRNAs in the striatum and in glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) mRNA in the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. The expression of dynorphin and, to a lesser extent, enkephalin mRNAs was increased in the lesioned striatum of rats that received long-term L-dopa treatment but not in rats that received long-term SCH 58261 + L-dopa treatment. Similarly, GAD67 mRNA was increased in the striatum and globus pallidus by long-term L-dopa administration but not by long-term SCH 58261 + L-dopa administration. GAD67 mRNA was strongly reduced in the lesioned substantia nigra after long-term L-dopa treatment, whereas the reduction of GAD67 mRNA was less marked after SCH 58261 + L-dopa treatment. By increasing L-dopa turning behavior, A2A receptor antagonism allows the utilization of doses of L-dopa that do not produce sensitization of turning behavior, an effect correlated with the dyskinetic potential of dopamine agonist drugs. Moreover, the combination of SCH 58261 + L-dopa produces little or no change in the striatal, pallidal, and nigral expression of markers correlated with dopamine agonist dyskinetic potential.

Adenosine A2 Receptor Antagonists↗

Dopamine agonist therapy of clinically non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas. Is there a role for 123I-epidepride dopamine D2 receptor imaging?

OBJECTIVE: Clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) can express functional dopamine D2 receptors. Therapy with dopamine (DA) agonists may result in a NFPA size reduction. However, DA agonist-sensitive and -resistant NFPAs are clinically indistinguishable. We have studied the correlation between in vivo imaging of D2 receptors using (123)I-epidepride and the radiological response of NFPA to DA in 18 patients. METHODS: Patients were treated with either cabergoline (1-2 mg/week) or quinagolide (150-300 mug/day) for a mean period of 89.7 months (range, 34-187 months). RESULTS: Pituitary uptake of (123)I-epidepride varied from slight uptake classified as grade 0 to very high classified as grade 3. Grade 0 uptake was found in four patients; grade 1 in three; grade 2 in ten, and grade 3 in one. NFPA stabilization or shrinkage with DA agonist therapy showed no significant difference between grade 0, 1, and 2 tumors (mean tumor stabilization or shrinkage: 31, 30, and 36% respectively). However, when we considered a decrease in tumor size ranging from 0 to 20% as tumor stabilization and >20% decrease in tumor size as true shrinkage, one out of four NFPAs with grade 1 uptake, two out of three with grade 1 uptake, and eight out of ten with grade 2 uptake showed tumor shrinkage. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is limited clinical usefulness of dopamine D2 receptor imaging for predicting the clinical efficacy of DA agonist in selected patients with NFPAs. DA agonist therapy in NFPAs can result in tumor stabilization and shrinkage.

Adenoma↗

Lack of association between polymorphisms of the dopamine receptor D4 and dopamine transporter genes and personality traits in a Korean population.

Human personality traits have a considerable genetic component. Cloninger et al. were the first to postulate that certain personality traits, such as novelty seeking, are related to the dopamine neurotransmitter system. In this study, we investigated the associations between dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) exon III and dopamine transporter (DAT1) polymorphisms and personality traits. The DRD4 and DAT1 gene polymorphisms were genotyped in 214 healthy Korean subjects, whose personality traits were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). There were no significant differences between scores of TCI temperament dimensions (novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence, and persistence) and DRD4 gene polymorphism. The DAT1 gene polymorphisms also showed no significant association with any of the temperament subscales of the TCI. These data suggest that DRD4 and DAT1 gene polymorphism may not associated with personality traits in a Korean population.

Adult↗

[Brain dopamine receptors. Interactions between D1 and D2 receptors, and dopamine mediated behaviour].

The review begins by a brief presentation of the present state of knowledge on the multiplicity of brain dopamine receptors. The molecular basis of their distinction is reported, as well as the most specific ligands for each receptors type: D1, D2 (their isoforms A and B), D3, the putative D4 and autoreceptors. Then the review focuses on the respective location of D1 receptors (mainly linked positively to an adenylate cyclase) and of so-called D2 (lacking precision for distinguishing D2, D3 or D4), at the cellular level. The theoretical aspects of the functional interactions between these D1 and D2 receptors suggest four possibilities: Antagonism, indifference, additive synergy and potentiation. The effects resulting from the simultaneous administration of either D1 and D2 dopamine agonists or D1 and D2 dopamine antagonists were considered on various behaviours or functions. The four predicted types of interactions were found: D1/D2 antagonism on thermoregulation, D1/D2 indifference on nociception, additive synergy on the traction test, on anorexia or on the latency of the acoustic startle response, and finally potentiation on stereotypies or climbing behaviour. These data are completed by many other reported in an abundant literature about these interactions, which appear as modalities of regulation: their alterations might take part in several pathological states.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

The dopamine systems in the brain, functional classification of different dopamine receptors.

Dopamine (DA) acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The main part of the DA cell bodies are localized in the ventral mesencephalon and their axons run together in the medial forebrain bundle before diverging to different terminal areas in the forebrain, like the nucleus caudatus-putamen, nucleus accumbens, septum, amygdala, and several cortical areas like the cingulate, pyriform, entorhinal and prefrontal cortices. The functions of the dopamine systems are discussed in terms of how dopamine can modulate the functions of the area it innervates. Changes in dopaminergic transmission may be found after animals have been exposed to stress. This has implications for the discussion of whether a changed dopaminergic transmission in schizophrenia is a cause to, or a consequence of the disease. Both theories proposing a single localized anatomical site of action for the antipsychotic effect of neuroleptic drugs as well as those implicating a general effect on a number of different regions have been put forward. It is now widely accepted that there exists two classes of DA receptors, the D-1 and D-2 receptors, which have different physiological, and therefore proposed to have different clinical, characteristics. Other research implies however that a subpopulation of D-2 receptors is most important for the antipsychotic effect.

Animals↗

Presynaptic inhibitory dopamine receptors on noradrenergic nerve terminals: analysis of biphasic actions of dopamine and apomorphine on the release of endogenous norepinephrine in rat hypothalamic slices.

Electrical field stimulation (5 Hz)- or high K+ (20 mM)-evoked release of endogenous norepinephrine from superfused rat hypothalamic slices in the presence of cocaine (20 microM) was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with an electrochemical detector. Apomorphine (10-1000 nM) dose-dependently facilitated the electrically evoked release. Apomorphine (1 microM)-induced facilitation was abolished by pretreatment with yohimbine (100 nM), was converted to inhibition by yohimbine (1 microM), but was not antagonized by propranolol (300 nM). Epinephrine (100 nM) decreased the electrically evoked release and the decrease was antagonized by yohimbine (100 nM) and by apomorphine (100 nM), but not by S-sulpiride (100 nM). In the presence of yohimbine (1 microM), apomorphine (10-1000 nM) dose-dependently inhibited the electrically evoked release. Furthermore, in the presence of tetrodotoxin (300 nM), apomorphine (100 nM) also decreased the high K+-evoked release and this decrease was antagonized by S-sulpiride (100 nM). Dopamine produced biphasic actions on the electrically evoked release, a dose-dependent decrease at 30 and 100 nM and an increase at 300 and 1000 nM. Dopamine (300 nM)-induced increase was antagonized by propranolol (300 nM) but not by yohimbine (100 nM). The dopamine (100 nM)-induced decrease was antagonized by S-sulpiride (1 nM), but not by the R-isomer. S-sulpiride (10 to 100 nM) alone dose-dependently increased the electrically evoked release, whereas the R-isomer had no effect. Haloperidol (100 nM) also increased the electrically evoked release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

DARPP-32, a dopamine- and adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein enriched in dopamine-innervated brain regions. I. Regional and cellular distribution in the rat brain.

The present study documents the existence in mammalian brain of a phosphoprotein which may play a biological role in dopaminoceptive neurons. This protein has been designated DARPP-32 (dopamine- and adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein-32,000). The regional distribution of DARPP-32 in the rat brain follows the general pattern of dopaminergic innervation. DARPP-32 is present in dopaminoceptive rather than dopaminergic neurons. Moreover, it appears to be concentrated in a subpopulation of dopaminoceptive cells, namely those containing D-1 receptors (dopamine receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase activation), where it is localized in cell bodies, dendrites, axons, and nerve terminals. DARPP-32 is phosphorylated in intact cells from the caudatoputamen by dopamine and by 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate and in cell-free preparations by cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase. In two accompanying papers, we report the purification and biochemical characterization of DARPP-32 (Hemmings, H.C., Jr., A.C. Nairn, D.W. Aswad, and P. Greengard (1984) J. Neurosci. 4: 99-110) and the immunocytochemical localization of this phosphoprotein (Ouimet, C.C., P. Miller, H.C. Hemmings, Jr., S.I. Walaas, and P. Greengard (1984) J. Neurosci. 4: 111-124).

Animals↗

Blood pressure lowering effects of N,N-di-n-propyl-dopamine in rats: evidence for stimulation of peripheral dopamine receptors leading to inhibition of sympathetic vascular tone.

In conscious or pentobarbital-anesthetized hypertensive or normotensive rats, N,N-di-n-propyl-dopamine (DPDA) produced sustained decreases in mean systemic arterial blood pressure. In anesthetized normotensive animals, these responses were not significantly changed by vagotomy, desipramine, indomethacin, methylatropine, promethazine or propranolol, were markedly reduced by phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine, were entirely blocked by domperidone, haloperidol or sulpiride and were reverted to an alpha adrenoceptor-mediated pressor response after removal of central sympathetic tone. In phenoxybenzamine-pretreated pithed rats in which the blood pressure was elevated to prepithing levels with vasopressin, DPDA, in contrast to dopamine, produced no hypotensive effect. In the pithed rat, DPDA reduced the pressor responses elicited by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and this effect was inhibited by haloperidol or sulpiride. DPDA slightly enhanced the pressor effects of norepinephrine but modified neither the blood pressure increases produced by epinephrine, phenylephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine or angiotension II nor the vasodepressor effects of acetylcholine, histamine or salbutamol. Intracerebroventricular administration of DPDA produced blood pressure decreases which were slightly smaller in magnitude but longer in duration than those elicited by i.v. DPDA. However, DPDA leaked from the cerebroventricular space into the peripheral circulation. These results indicate that in the rat DPDA lowers blood pressure via activation of peripheral dopamine receptors possibly located presynaptically on vascular sympathetic neurons. The stimulation of these receptors induces a decrease in norepinephrine release which in turn is followed by a passive relaxation of the vascular beds under active sympathetic constriction.

Anesthesia↗

Extracellular catecholamine levels in rat hippocampus after a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist or a selective dopamine uptake inhibitor: evidence for dopamine release from local dopaminergic nerve terminals.

The effect of 6-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-1-H-3-benzazepine (SKF 86466), a selective nonimidazoline alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, on hippocampal release of norepinephrine and dopamine in conscious rats was investigated by in vivo microdialysis and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Additionally, extracellular concentrations of hippocampal dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE), during infusion of selective monoamine uptake inhibitors, were determined in freely moving rats. The basal concentration of NE in the dialysate was 4.9 +/- 0.3 pg/20 microliters. Intravenous administration of 5 or 10 mg/kg of SKF 86466 was associated with a transient increase (30 min) of 2-fold (12 +/- 1 pg/20 microliters; P < .05) and 8-fold (39 +/- 3 pg/20 microliters; P < .05), respectively, in dialysate NE, whereas a 1-mg/kg dose had no effect. DA was not detected in basal dialysates, but after the administration of 5 or 10 mg/kg of SKF 86466, 3.9 +/- 0.4 and 6.4 +/- 0.6 pg/20 microliters, respectively, was present in the dialysates. The maximum increase in dialysate DA was reached 60 to 90 min after SKF 86466. The DA was not derived from plasma because plasma NE was elevated after the 5 mg/kg dose of SKF 86466 whereas no plasma DA was detected. In order to determine whether DA was present in noradrenergic nerve terminals, the dopamine beta-hydroxylase inhibitor SKF 102698 was administered (50 mg/kg i.p.). The inhibitor decreased dialysate NE but DA was still not detected in the dialysate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗