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Differential effect of subchronic treatment with various neuroleptic agents on serotonin2 receptors in rat cerebral cortex.

In addition to antidepressant drugs, some neuroleptic (NL) drugs reduce serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptor binding sites after chronic administration. The present study was undertaken to characterize further this property of NL drugs. Scatchard analysis of [3H]spiperone binding in rat cerebral cortex revealed that 21-day treatment with chlorpromazine (CPZ), cis-flupenthixol, and thioridazine reduced 5-HT2 radioligand binding density by 60, 27, and 18%, respectively. The more selective dopamine-D2 antagonists haloperidol and sulpiride were totally ineffective in this regard. No reduction in 5-HT2 ligand binding sites occurred after 1 day of treatment with CPZ but 3-days of treatment was effective and this reduction persisted, although diminished, for at least 72 h after the last injection. cis-Flupenthixol and d-butaclamol were also effective after 3 days of treatment but trans-flupenthixol and l-butaclamol were not, indicating stereo-specificity of the response mechanism. Female rats showed the same response to CPZ as did male rats. Central 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine-induced lesions of 5-HT neurons demonstrated that intact 5-HT neurons were not required for the reduction of 5-HT2 receptor ligand binding by CPZ. Since CPZ has high affinity for many receptors, including alpha 1, histamine1, and muscarinic receptors, the role of these effects in producing 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation was considered by studying the effects of prazosin, atropine, and pyrilamine administration on 5-HT2 radioligand binding. Results indicate that no one of these actions appears to account for the down-regulation of 5-HT2 receptors by CPZ. Several of these effects, in combination, or some unique mechanism, may be involved.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Endogenous release of neuronal serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the caudate-putamen of the rat as revealed by intracerebral dialysis coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection.

Extracellular levels of endogenous serotonin (5-HT) and its major metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were measured in the caudate-putamen of anesthetized and awake rats using intracerebral microdialysis coupled to HPLC with fluorimetric detection. A dialysis probe (of the loop type) was perfused with Ringer solution at 2 microliters/min, and samples collected every 30 or 60 min. Basal indole levels were followed for up to 4 days in both intact and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) lesioned animals. Immediately after the probe implantation, the striatal 5-HT levels were about 10 times higher than the steady-state levels that were reached after 7-8 h of perfusion. The steady-state baseline levels, which amounted to 22.5 fmol/30 min sampling time, remained stable for 4 days. In 5,7-DHT-denervated animals, the steady-state levels of 5-HT, measured during the second day after probe implantation, were below the limit of detection (less than 10 fmol/60 min). However, during the first 6 h post-implantation, the 5-HT output was as high as in intact animals, which suggests that the high 5-HT levels recovered in association with probe implantation were blood-derived. As a consequence, all other experiments were started after a delay of at least 12 h after implantation of the dialysis probe. In awake, freely moving animals, the steady-state 5-HT levels were about 60% higher than in halothane-anesthetized animals, whereas 5-HIAA was unaffected by anesthesia. KCl (60 and 100 mM) added to the perfusion fluid produced a sharp increase in 5-HT output that was eight-fold at the 60 mM concentration and 21-fold at the 100 mM concentration. In contrast, 5-HIAA output dropped by 43 and 54%, respectively. In 5,7-DHT-lesioned animals, the KCl-evoked (100 mM) release represented less than 5% of the peak values obtained for the intact striata. Omission of Ca2+ from the perfusion fluid resulted in a 70% reduction in baseline 5-HT output, whereas the 5-HIAA levels remained unchanged. High concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX) added to the perfusion medium (5-50 microM) resulted in quite variable results. At a lower concentration (1 microM), however, TTX produced a 50% reduction in baseline 5-HT release, whereas the 5-HIAA output remained unchanged. The 5-HT reuptake blocker, indalpine, increased the extracellular levels of 5-HT sixfold when added to the perfusion medium (1 microM), and threefold when given intraperitoneally (5 mg/kg). By contrast, the 5-HIAA level remained unaffected during indalpine infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

In vivo measurement of extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine in hippocampus of the anaesthetized rat using microdialysis: changes in relation to 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neuronal activity.

The effect of manipulating the activity of central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurones on extracellular 5-HT in ventral hippocampus of the chloral hydrate-anaesthetized rat was studied using the brain perfusion method, microdialysis. Basal levels of 5-HT in the dialysates were close to the detection limits of our assay using HPLC with electrochemical detection. However, addition of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor citalopram (10(-6) M) to the perfusion medium produced readily measurable amounts of dialysate 5-HT. Citalopram, therefore, was used throughout our experiments. Hippocampal dialysate levels of 5-HT sharply declined over the first hour after dialysis probe implantation, but then became constant. This stable output of 5-HT was reduced by 57% in rats treated 14 days previously with intracerebroventricular injections of the 5-HT neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. Electrical stimulation (1-ms pulse width, 300 microA, 2-20 Hz) of the dorsal raphe nucleus for 20 min caused a rapid rise in hippocampal 5-HT output, which immediately declined on cessation of the stimulus and was frequency-dependent. Addition of tetrodotoxin (10(-6) M) to the perfusion medium reduced 5-HT levels to 75% of predrug values. Injection of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (0.5 and 2.5 micrograms) into the dorsal raphe nucleus caused a dose-related fall in hippocampal output of 5-HT compared to saline-injected controls. We conclude from these data that the spontaneous output of endogenous 5-HT into hippocampal dialysates, measured under our experimental conditions, predominantly originates from central 5-HT neurones and changes in accordance with their electrical activity.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Evidence for differing origins of the serotonergic innervation of major cerebral arteries and small pial vessels in the rat.

We have studied the nature and origin of the serotonergic innervation of two distinct anatomical cerebrovascular compartments, namely, small pial vessels and major cerebral arteries, in the rat. To this end, the levels of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured by HPLC in both cerebrovascular compartments after either bilateral sympathectomy or destruction of the ascending serotonergic pathways, which originate from the raphe nuclei. We first showed that the small pial vessel samples were not contaminated by underlying cortical tissues through the use of an immunohistochemical approach that revealed the glia limitans, the most superficial cortical layer. Superior cervical ganglionectomy caused a marked decrease in noradrenaline concentrations in major cerebral arteries (-77%), although the reduction was less pronounced (-34%) in small pial vessels. Sympathectomy decreased by 33% 5-HT concentrations in the major cerebral arteries but was without effect on 5-HT levels in the small pial vessels. Destruction of the ascending serotonergic pathways (via local administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the ventral tegmental area) produced a dramatic fall in 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in both vascular compartments. To establish the authenticity of the serotonergic innervation, the synthesis of 5-HT [as assessed by measuring the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) after decarboxylase inhibition] was measured in the two vascular beds under control conditions and after destruction of the ascending serotonergic pathways. The rate of accumulation of 5-HTP was higher in the small pial vessels than in major cerebral arteries, an observation that indicates an important de novo synthesis of 5-HT in small pial vessels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Different hypothalamic receptors mediate 5-hydroxytryptamine- and tryptamine-induced core temperature changes in the rat.

1 Unilateral intrahypothalamic injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) caused a dose-related fall in core temperature in rats, whereas injection of tryptamine into the same site caused a dose-related rise in core temperature. 2 The core temperature changes induced by 5-HT or tryptamine were inhibited by intrahypothalamic pretreatment with indoleamine receptor antagonists in a dose-related manner. 3 Other neurotransmitter antagonists, haloperidol, atropine, phentolamine and (-)-propranolol, had no significant effect on core temperature changes induced by 5-HT or tryptamine. 4 A differential antagonism was observed for the indoleamine receptor antagonists against 5-HT and tryptamine-induced core temperature changes. Methergoline and triflupromazine were more selective against tryptamine-induced hyperthermia, while cyproheptadine was more selective against 5-HT-induced hypothermia. 5 Intrahypothalamic pretreatment with 5,-7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) 42 nmol in 2 microliter inhibited tryptamine-induced hyperthermia, but was without effect on 5-HT-induced hypothermia. 6 These results suggest the possible existence of two different receptor populations within the preoptic anterior hypothalamus in rats; one specific for 5-HT and the other for tryptamine.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Evidence that 5-hydroxytryptamine in the forebrain is involved in naloxone-precipitated jumping in morphine-dependent rats.

A withdrawal syndrome was precipitated by naloxone in morphine-dependent rats injected with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) in the ventromedial tegmentum (VMT) at the level of the nucleus interpeduncularis. 5,7-DHT, which markedly depleted 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the forebrain but not in the brainstem, significantly reduced jumping in abstinent rats with no significant effect on other withdrawal signs. The effect of morphine 10 mg kg-1 on responses on the hot plate was unchanged in 5,7-DHT-treated rats. The findings suggest that 5-HT in the forebrain is selectively involved in the jumping of morphine-abstinent rats.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Muscimol injections in the nucleus raphé dorsalis block the antinociceptive effect of morphine in rats: apparent lack of 5-hydroxytryptamine involvement in muscimol's effect.

The effect of morphine (3 mg kg-1 subcutaneously) on tail flick in the tail immersion test was studied in rats which had received a muscimol (100 ng) injection either in the nucleus raphé dorsalis (DR) or medianus (MR). The levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in the hippocampus and striatum of muscimol-injected animals. Muscimol injections in the DR reduced 5-HIAA concentrations in the striatum but not in hippocampus, whereas in animals which had received muscimol in the MR a selective decrease in hippocampal 5-HIAA levels was found. Muscimol injections in the DR blocked the effect of morphine while no effect was seen in animals which had received muscimol in the MR. An injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (6 micrograms in 3 microliter) in the DR did not change the effect of morphine or muscimol. These findings indicate that muscimol-sensitive neurones in the DR, which are probably not 5-hydroxytryptaminergic, are involved in the effect of morphine on tail flick in tail immersion. The muscimol-sensitive neurones involved in this effect of morphine do not seem to exist in the MR.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Role of putative neurotransmitters in the central gastric antisecretory effect of prostaglandin E2 in rats.

The role of putative neurotransmitters of the central nervous system in the central gastric antisecretory effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was investigated in pylorus-ligated rats. Pretreatment of the rats with an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) prevented the antisecretory effect of the i.c.v. administration of PGE2, whereas pretreatment with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT) plus p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) had no effect. I.c.v.-administered phentolamine and idazoxan antagonized the inhibition of gastric secretion induced by i.c.v. PGE2, whereas prazosin, propranolol and sulpiride injected via the same route were ineffective. Diphenhydramine, cimetidine, naloxone and theophylline, all administered i.c.v., did not modify the antisecretory effect of i.c.v. PGE2. The results suggest that an activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the brain is involved in the central gastric antisecretory effect of PGE2, whereas neither central 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, alpha 1- or beta-adrenoceptors, D2-dopamine receptors, histamine or opioid receptors nor adenosine seem to play any role here.

5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Behavioural and adrenocortical responses to nicotine measured in rats with selective lesions of the 5-hydroxytryptaminergic fibres innervating the hippocampus.

The effects of acute and subchronic (7) injections of nicotine (0.4 mg kg-1, s.c.) and of selective lesions of the 5-hydroxytryptaminergic (5-HTergic) pathways innervating the hippocampus on the spontaneous behaviour of rats in an elevated X-maze composed of two open and two enclosed runways have been examined. Subchronic, but not acute, nicotine increased total spontaneous activity. Neither acute nor subchronic nicotine altered the ratio of open:closed runway entries. Destruction of the 5-HTergic pathways innervating the hippocampus with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine caused a reduction in the ratio of open:enclosed runway entries. Acute, but not subchronic, nicotine caused a significant increase in plasma corticosterone. The lesion had no effects on the plasma levels of this hormone. No significant interactions between the lesion and the responses to nicotine were observed. The data failed to provide any evidence that hippocampal 5-HTergic systems may be implicated in the effects of nicotine on the spontaneous behaviour of the rat.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Involvement of 5-HT2 receptors in the behaviours produced by intrathecal administration of selected 5-HT agonists and the TRH analogue (CG 3509) to rats.

1. The behavioural effects of the intrathecal injection of a thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) analogue L-orotyl-L-histidyl-prolineamide (CG 3509, 0.5 micrograms), the non-selective 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor agonist 5-methoxy-N,N'-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT, 2-100 micrograms) and the selective 5-HT2 receptor agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-alpha,4-dimethyl-benzene ethamine hydrochloride (DOM, 2-25 micrograms) were compared with the response of systemically administered 5-MeODMT (2 mg kg-1, i.p.) in rats, to establish whether the agonist-induced behaviours were mediated by bulbospinal 5-HT1 or 5-HT2 receptors. 2. Intrathecal injection of 5-MeODMT or DOM produced dose-related back muscle contractions (a previously undocumented behaviour) and wet-dog shakes which were both markedly attenuated by ritanserin pretreatment (1 mg kg-1, i.p.) indicating the involvement of 5-HT2 receptors. In contrast, reciprocal forepaw treading, flat body posture and Straub-tail were evoked by 5-MeODMT but not by DOM indicating that these behaviours were not produced by 5-HT2 receptor activation alone. However, as ritanserin pretreatment reduced the reciprocal forepaw treading induced by intrathecal 5-MeODMT, this behaviour may be facilitated by 5-HT2 receptor activation. 3. Intrathecal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT, 2 x 150 micrograms) treatment decreased thoraco-lumbar spinal cord 5-HT (-95%) and potentiated the back muscle contractions produced by intrathecal DOM injection without altering the wet-dog shake behaviour. None of the components of the 5-HT syndrome produced by 5-MeODMT (2 mg kg-1, i.p.), with the exception of a small increase in wet-dog shakes, was significantly altered by intrathecal 5,7-DHT (which reduced thoraco-lumbar spinal cord 5-HT by 84%). Taken together these data suggest that the only 5-HT agonist-induced behaviour mediated by the activation of 5-HT2 receptors located postsynaptic to bulbospinal 5-hydroxytryptaminergic (5-HTergic) neurones was back muscle contractions. 4. The wet-dog shake and forepaw licking behaviors produced by intrathecal CG 3509 (0.5 micrograms) were attenuated when ritanserin was administered intrathecally 30 min before, but not when it was given at the same time as CG 3509 and neither behaviour was altered by intrathecal 5,7-DHT. This suggests that bulbospinal 5-HTergic neurones are not involved in the production of these TRH analogue-induced behaviours and that the 5-HT2 receptors which mediate these behaviours are not located in the spinal cord.

DOM 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Methylamphetamine↗

Direct evidence for an important species difference in the mechanism of 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia.

1. Parallel series of experiments were carried out in the rat and mouse in order to investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the hypothermia induced in rodents by the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). 2. In the mouse, lesioning of central 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones (by use of the neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine; 5,7-DHT) abolished the hypothermic response to 8-OH-DPAT, and depletion of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels (with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, p-chlorophenylalanine) markedly attenuated the response in this species. These pretreatments did not significantly attenuate 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia in the rat, except for a significant attenuation of the response in 5,7-DHT-lesioned rats at the top dose of 8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg kg-1, s.c.). 3. Pharmacological pretreatments which facilitate 5-HT release (selective 5-HT uptake inhibitors, precursor (5-hydroxytryptophan) loading, or fenfluramine), markedly attenuated or abolished 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia in the mouse. These pretreatments generally had no significant effect on 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia in the rat. 4. The selective noradrenaline uptake inhibitor, desipramine, had no effect on the hypothermic response to 8-OH-DPAT in either species. The selective dopamine uptake inhibitor, nomifensin, significantly increased the hypothermic response to 8-OH-DPAT in the mouse, but did not affect the response in the rat except at high, motor stimulant doses, when the response was attenuated. 5. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia is mediated by presynaptic autoreceptors in the mouse and by postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat. Preliminary data also indicate an involvement of dopamine release in the mouse but not in the rat.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin impairs spatial learning in a water maze: role of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.

1. The effects of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, on place navigation was studied by use of two spatial tasks in a water maze. 2. In the first experiment, rats treated subcutaneously with 100 and 300 (but not 30) micrograms kg-1 8-OH-DPAT were impaired in their ability to locate a hidden platform. The probe test confirmed the impairment of spatial navigation but the effect (time spent in the training quadrant) was quantitatively different, depending on whether 8-OH-DPAT was administered only before each training session, only before the probe test or in both conditions. 3. In the second experiment, rats received 150 micrograms 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) intracerebroventricularly to destroy 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-containing neurones and 24 days later were examined for choice accuracy in a two-platform spatial discrimination task. 4. At 100 (but not 30) micrograms kg-1 8-OH-DPAT impaired rats' accuracy with no effect on latency and no errors of omission. In 5,7-DHT-treated rats, this dose had a greater effect, including errors of omission. Sham-operated rats injected with 300 micrograms kg-1 8-OH-DPAT were markedly impaired in accuracy but they had longer latencies and made more errors than controls. All the effects were increased in 5,7-DHT treated rats. 5. The results suggest that, at doses causing no apparent changes in motor behaviour or motivation, 8-OH-DPAT impairs spatial navigation by stimulating postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Mediation of the antidepressant-like effect of 8-OH-DPAT in mice by postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.

1. The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) has been evaluated in a mouse model for detecting potential antidepressants (Porsolt test). The effects of various receptor antagonists, lesions of brain monoaminergic neurones and chronic drug treatments on this 8-OH-DPAT-induced response have also been determined. 2. 8-OH-DPAT (0.3-10.0 mg kg-1, s.c.) dose-dependently increased the mobility of mice in the Porsolt test. Other selective 5-HT1A receptor ligands (0.3-30 mg kg-1, s.c.) either mimicked the 8-OH-DPAT response (ipsapirone, at 10 and 30 mg kg-1, s.c.) or were inactive (buspirone and gepirone). However, each of these compounds (< or = 100 mg kg-1, p.o.) inhibited the response to 8-OH-DPAT (3 mg kg-1, s.c.) when given concurrently. 3. The putative 5-HT1A antagonists, spiroxatrine (1-30 mg kg-1, p.o.), (+/-)-pindolol (30 mg kg-1, p.o.) and methiothepin (3-10 mg kg-1, p.o.), each attenuated the 8-OH-DPAT (3 mg kg-1, s.c.)-induced increase in mobility. 4. The dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (3-10 mg kg-1, p.o.), weakly reversed the 8-OH-DPAT response. Antagonists at 5-HTlc/5-HT2 receptors (ketanserin; 0.1-3.0 mg kg-1, p.o.),5-HT3 receptors (ondansetron; 0.03-10mg kg-1, p.o.), at-adrenoceptors (prazosin; 1-3mgkg-1, p.o.),alpha2 -adrenoceptors (idazoxan; 3-30mg kg-1, p.o.), alpha 1-adrenoceptors (metoprolol; 1-30mgkg-1, p.o.),beta 2-adrenoceptors (ICI 118,551; 1-30 mg kg-1, p.o.), dopamine D2 receptors (sulpiride; 10-300mg kg-',p.o.) and opiate receptors (naloxone; 3-100 mg kg-', p.o.) had no effect on the 8-OH-DPAT response.5. Selective destruction of 5-HT neurones with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine or inhibition of 5-HT synthesis with p-chlorophenylalanine did not change the 8-OH-DPAT response in the Porsolt test. This response was also unaltered by pretreatment with the noradrenergic neurotoxin, DSP-4.6. Administration of 8-OH-DPAT (3 mg kg-1, s.c.) twice-daily for 10 days attenuated the hypothermia,but not the increased mobility, induced by 8-OH-DPAT (3 mg kg-1, s.c.). Similarly, repeated administration of amitriptyline (3-30 mg kg-1), desipramine (3-30 mg kg-1) or dothiepin (10-100 mg kg-1) also attenuated the former, but not the latter, response.7. We conclude that 8-OH-DPAT produces an antidepressant-like effect in the Porsolt test which is mediated via postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Increase of noradrenaline release in the hypothalamus of freely moving rat by postsynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor activation.

1. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) plays a role in the regulation of noradrenergic neurones in the brain, but the precise mechanism of regulation of noradrenaline (NA) release by 5-HT1A receptors has not been defined. The present study describes the effect of a highly potent and selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 5-(3-[[(2S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)]amino]propoxy)-1,3-b enzodioxole HC1 (MKC-242), on NA release in the hypothalamus using microdialysis in the freely moving rat. 2. Subcutaneous injection of MKC-242 (0.5 mg kg-1) increased extracellular levels of NA and its metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. 3. The 5-HT1A receptor agonists, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) (0.2 mg kg-1) and buspirone (3 mg kg-1) mimicked the effect of MKC-242 in increasing NA release in the hypothalamus. 4. The effects of MKC-242 and 8-OH-DPAT in the hypothalamus were antagonized by pretreatment with WAY100135 (10 mg kg-1), a silent 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. 5. Local administration of 8-OH-DPAT (10-100 microM), citalopram (1 microM), a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, and MDL72222 (10 microM), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, into the hypothalamus, had no effect on NA release. 6. Intracerebroventricular injection with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine caused a marked reduction in brain 5-HT content, but the treatment affected neither basal NA levels nor the MKC-242-induced increase in NA release. 7. The effect of MKC-242 in increasing NA release was not attenuated by repeated treatment with the drug (0.5 mg kg-1, once a day for 2 weeks). 8. The present results suggest that activation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors increases NA release in the hypothalamus.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Effects of different monoamine oxidase inhibitors on respiratory activity in rats with chronically impaired central serotonergic function.

Resting and CO2 stimulated respiration were measured by means of a whole-body plethysmograph in rats lightly anaesthetized with halothane. Rats pretreated neonatally with intracisternal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) to destruct permanently central serotonergic neurones had significantly lower resting and CO2 stimulated respiratory frequency (RF) and minute volume (VM) than naive rats. In the 5,7-DHT pretreated rats, but not in naive rats, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors clorgyline and pargyline further reduced both resting and CO2 stimulated RF and VM, whereas 1-deprenyl stimulated respiration. The results provide additional evidence that monoaminergic mechanisms are involved in central modulation of respiration in which activation of a serotonergic neuronal system depresses, and dopaminergic activation stimulates respiration.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Presynaptic and transynaptic mechanisms involved in the subsensitivity of rat cortical noradrenergic system after long-term antidepressant treatment.

Chronic treatment with antidepressants has been shown to produce a subsensitivity of noradrenergic neurons, both at presynaptic and postsynaptic sites. Important mechanisms, whereby the activity of noradrenergic neurons is regulated, could be the sensitivity of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors and the participation of transynaptic mechanisms involving other neurons. In this report we demonstrate that transynaptic factors involving the serotonergic system may be relevant to the regulation of the function of alpha 2-receptors in antidepressant chronically treated animals. In fact, we provide evidence of a markedly deminished responsiveness of noradrenergic neurons to an alpha 2-agonist (clonidine) or antagonist (mianserin) in biochemical and behavioral studies following serotonergic denervation with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. These results indicate that a functional interrelationship between serotonergic and noradrenergic systems might play an important role in the adaptive changes which bring the noradrenergic neurons to a lower level of activity after chronic antidepressant administration.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Supersensitivity to the antinociceptive effect of a 5-HT1 receptor agonist after lesion of raphe-spinal serotonergic neurones.

The actions of the 5-hydroxytryptamine type-1B (5-HT1) receptor agonist 1(m-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) on response latencies in the tail-flick test and tail skin temperature were examined in mice after pretreatment with the 5-HT neurotoxin, 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT). All the compounds were given intrathecally. The level of 5-HT in spinal cord was reduced by 79% 4 days after intrathecal injection of 5,6-DHT (10 micrograms). There was a significant relationship between the tail-flick latency and tail skin temperature, and the reduced baseline tail-flick latencies induced by 5,6-DHT were non-significant after the change in skin temperature was taken into account. Intrathecal mCPP (5 micrograms) significantly increased the tail-flick latency and significantly reduced the tail skin temperature in 5,6-DHT pretreated animals when compared to control animals. These differences in tail-flick latencies could not be explained by alterations in skin temperature. The results provide evidence that neurotoxic lesion of descending 5-HT pathways induces supersensitivity to the antinociceptive effect of 5-HT1 receptor stimulation.

5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

Apparent hyperalgesia in the mouse tail-flick test due to increased tail skin temperature after lesioning of serotonergic pathways.

The relationship between tail skin temperature and responsiveness to noxious radiant heat in the tail-flick test was investigated in mice. A significant negative correlation between tail skin temperature and tail-flick latency was found when the tail skin temperature was increased by elevating the ambient temperature. After intracerebroventricular injection of the serotonin neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT, 80 micrograms) tail skin temperatures were increased and tail-flick latencies reduced. In contrast, administration of the tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 400 mg kg-1 for 5 consecutive days) lead to a slight lowering of tail temperatures and a tendency towards elevation of tail-flick latencies. The results show that factors which affect tail skin temperature also influence the tail-flick test in mice. The divergent effects of 5,7-DHT and PCPA on tail-flick responsiveness may be due to the different effects of these compounds on the tail skin temperature. The results suggest that the reduced tail-flick latency after partial destruction of serotonergic pathways by 5,7-DHT is due primarily to the increased tail skin temperature. The dependence of tail-flick latency on tail skin temperature limits the usefulness of the tail-flick test unless changes in tail skin temperature are controlled for.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗