Characterisation of 5-HT3 recognition sites in membranes of NG 108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cells with [3H]ICS 205-930

The binding orientations of structurally-related ligands can differ; A cautionary note

Crystal structures can identify ligand-receptor interactions and assist the development of novel therapeutics, but experimental challenges sometimes necessitate the use of homologous proteins. Tropisetron is an orthosteric ligand at both 5-HT₃ and α7 nACh receptors and its binding orientation has been determined in the structural homologue AChBP (pdbid: 2WNC). Co-crystallisation with a structurally-related ligand, granisetron, reveals an almost identical orientation (pdbid; 2YME). However, there is a >1000-fold difference in the affinity of tropisetron at 5-HT₃ versus α7 nACh receptors, and α7 nACh receptors do not bind granisetron. These striking pharmacological differences prompt questions about which receptor the crystal structures most closely represent and whether the ligand orientations are correct. Here we probe the binding orientation of tropisetron and granisetron at 5-HT₃ receptors by in silico modelling and docking, radioligand binding on cysteine-substituted 5-HT₃ receptor mutants transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells, and synthetic modification of the ligands. For 15 of the 23 cysteine substitutions, the effects on tropisetron and granisetron were different. Structure-activity relationships on synthesised derivatives of both ligands were also consistent with different orientations, revealing that contrary to the crystallographic evidence from AChBP, the two ligands adopt different orientations in the 5-HT₃ receptor binding site. Our results show that even quite structurally similar molecules can adopt different orientations in the same binding site, and that caution may be needed when using homologous proteins to predict ligand binding.

•

The drugs granisetron and tropisetron are structurally similar.

•

Crystals of them bound to AChBP suggest they have similar binding orientations.

•

At 5-HT₃R, the effects of mutagenesis indicate that their orientations differ.

•

SAR on both of these drugs also supports different orientations.

Activation of nigral and pallidal dopamine D1-like receptors modulates basal ganglia outflow in monkeys

Studies of the effects of dopamine in the basal ganglia have focused on the striatum, whereas the functions of dopamine released in the internal pallidal segment (GPi) or in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) have received less attention. Anatomic and biochemical investigations have demonstrated the presence of dopamine D1-like receptors (D1LRs) in GPi and SNr, which are primarily located on axons and axon terminals of the GABAergic striatopallidal and striatonigral afferents. Our experiments assessed the effects of D1LR ligands in GPi and SNr on local gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and neuronal activity in these nuclei in rhesus monkeys. Microinjections of the D1LR receptor agonist SKF82958 into GPi and SNr significantly reduced discharge rates in GPi and SNr, whereas injections of the D1LR antagonist SCH23390 increased firing in the majority of GPi neurons. D1LR activation also increased bursting and oscillations in neuronal discharge in the 3- to 15-Hz band in both structures, whereas D1LR blockade had the opposite effects in GPi. Microdialysis measurements of GABA concentrations in GPi and SNr showed that the D1LR agonist increased the level of the transmitter. Both findings are compatible with the hypothesis that D1LR activation leads to GABA release from striatopallidal or striatonigral afferents, which may secondarily reduce firing of basal ganglia output neurons. The antagonist experiments suggest that a dopaminergic "tone" exists in GPi. Our results support the finding that D1LR activation may have powerful effects on GPi and SNr neurons and may mediate some of the effects of dopamine replacement therapies in Parkinson's disease.

Allosteric modulation of 5-HT3 serotonin receptors

[(3)H]Granisetron binding to 5-HT(3) type serotonin receptors was examined in homogenates of rat forebrain and NG 108-15 cells. We have applied an allosteric model to 5-HT(3) receptor binding for the first time. Slope factors of displacement improved the modelling. Serotonin displaced [(3)H]granisetron binding with micromolar potency in forebrain and with nanomolar potency in NG 108-15 cells. Racemic and (+)verapamil, ifenprodil and GYKI-46903 were used as representative allosteric inhibitors of 5-HT(3) receptors. They displaced [(3)H]granisetron binding with great negative cooperativity (alpha>10) and exerted great negative cooperativity with serotonin binding (beta>10). Great negative cooperativity of these agents with serotonin and [(3)H]granisetron binding cannot be distinguished from dual competitive displacement. Trichloroethanol (data from literature) had no cooperativity with [(3)H]granisetron binding (alpha~1) and exhibit positive cooperativity with serotonin (beta<1) in displacement. The allosteric model can lead to a more quantitative method in vitro to develop allosteric agents for 5-HT(3) receptors.

Serotonin hypothesis of winter depression: behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of the 5-HT(1A) receptor partial agonist ipsapirone in patients with seasonal affective disorder and healthy control subjects

Winter depressions in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are associated with central serotonergic (5-HT) dysfunction. SAD patients demonstrate rather specific, state-dependent, abnormal increases in 'activation-euphoria' ratings following intravenous infusion of the 5-HT receptor agonist meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP). Several studies are also consistent with abnormal serotonergic regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in SAD. Here, we investigated the effects of the 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist ipsapirone, which produces behavioral effects and HPA-axis activation, to further characterize the 5-HT receptor subtype-specificity of these disturbances in SAD. Eighteen SAD patients and 18 control subjects completed two drug challenges (ipsapirone 0.3 mg/kg and placebo) separated by 3-5 days in randomized order. We measured behavioral responses with the NIMH self-rating scale, and plasma ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin concentrations. Compared with placebo, ipsapirone was associated with significant increases in self-rated 'functional deficit' and 'altered self-reality', and in each of the hormones. There were no differences between groups on any measures. The level of depression in SAD patients was inversely correlated with their ipsapirone-induced cortisol responses. There were significant drug x order effects on baseline 'anxiety' scores, ACTH and cortisol concentrations, such that subjects were significantly more stressed (higher 'anxiety', ACTH and cortisol) prior to their first challenge compared with their second. In conclusion, post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors appear to function normally in SAD. The previously observed m-CPP-induced behavioral abnormality may be mediated by either 5-HT2C or 5-HT7 receptors.

Acute intravenous administration of ondansetron and m-CPP, alone and in combination, in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): behavioral and biological results

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been linked to abnormal function of brain serotonin (5-HT) pathways. Since ondansetron is a highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, the present study was undertaken to investigate 5-HT3 function in OCD. We administered m-CPP (0.08 mg/kg i.v.) and the potent 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron (0.15 mg/kg i.v.), to 11 OCD patients. All of the subjects received four separate challenges (m-CPP + placebo, m-CPP + ondansetron, ondansetron + placebo and placebo + placebo). In comparison to placebo, administration of m-CPP was associated with significant behavioral effects, particularly self-rated measures of anxiety, altered self-reality, functional deficit and OCD symptoms. Pretreatment with ondansetron did not affect any of the self-rated behavioral symptoms. After administration of m-CPP relative to placebo, significant increases in plasma cortisol and prolactin were found. These changes were not affected by ondansetron. In conclusion, our results do not support the hypotheses that 5-HT3 receptor-mediated mechanisms modulate m-CPP's behavioral and neuroendocrine effects in patients with OCD.

Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) antagonists in the prevention of emesis caused by anticancer therapy

Most anticancer drugs are cytotoxic and produce various side-effects, among which nausea and vomiting are almost ubiquitous and usually extremely distressing to the patient. Cancer chemotherapy elicits two main phases of vomiting: an intense, acute phase of vomiting that occurs almost immediately following anti-cancer therapy and a milder, delayed phase of nausea and vomiting of longer duration. The mechanisms underlying the induction of nausea and vomiting after cancer chemotherapy are poorly understood but may be mediated by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT), particularly in the acute phase. Serotonin activates 5-HT3 receptors, which function as ligand-gated ion channels located either in the periphery and/or in the central nervous system to produce emesis, among other effects. The peripheral 5-HT3 receptors may be pharmacologically distinct from the central 5-HT3 receptors and may exhibit some association with GTP-binding proteins. In addition, different populations may exist as distinct subtypes of the same receptor. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (GR 38032F) is effective in preventing the emesis induced by cytotoxic agents currently used in the treatment of many forms of cancer. Ondansetron has, comparatively, a much higher efficacy in the treatment of acute emesis following cancer chemotherapy than it does in the delayed phase, suggesting that the late phase of emesis may be mediated by other distinct mechanisms.

The effect of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on the writhing response in mice

1. The ability of several 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (MDL 72,222EF, the methyl quaternary ammonium salt of MDL 72,222, dolasetron, tropisetron, granisetron and ondansetron) to inhibit writhing induced in the mouse by either 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acetylcholine or acetic acid was examined. 2. All of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists were able to inhibit writhing induced by acetylcholine. MDL 72,222EF and tropisetron were also able to inhibit writhing induced by 5-HT and acetic acid but higher doses were required to have the same effect as against acetylcholine. Dolasetron inhibited writhes induced by 5-HT but failed to significantly affect writhes induced by acetic acid. 3. MDL 72,222EF and its quaternary salt were more potent and had a more rapid onset of action after i.p. than after s.c. administration. 4. 2-Methyl-5-HT did not induce writhing at doses up to 4 mg/kg i.p., whereas 5-HT dose-dependently induced writhing over the range 0.5-2 mg/kg. 5. These results show that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists can inhibit writhes induced by a variety of compounds and this appears to be a local action. However, the inability of 2-methyl-5-HT to induce writhing and the high doses of antagonist required indicate that further studies are required to establish a role for 5-HT3 receptors in this effect.

MDL 100,458 and MDL 102,288: two potent and selective glycine receptor antagonists with different functional profiles

Glycine receptor antagonists have been proposed to have multiple therapeutic applications, including the treatment of stroke, epilepsy, and anxiety. The present study compared the biochemical and behavioral profiles of two strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor antagonists, MDL 100,458 (3-(benzoylmethylamino)-6-chloro-1H-indole-2- carboxylic acid) and MDL 102,288 (5,7-dichloro-1,4-dihydro-4-[[[4- [(methoxycarbonyl)amino]phenyl]sulfonyl]imino]-2-quinolinecarboxylic acid monohydrate). Both compounds potently inhibited [3H]glycine binding to rat cortical/hippocampal membranes (Ki = 136, 167 nM, respectively) without showing significant activity in 18 other receptor binding assays. In an in vitro functional assay, both compounds completely antagonized N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-stimulated cGMP accumulation in rat cerebellar slices. However, in contrast to their equipotency in the glycine receptor assay, MDL 100,458 was approximately 6-fold more potent than MDL 102,288 in the cGMP assay (IC50 values = 1.25, 7.8 microM, respectively). Behavioral tests demonstrated that MDL 102,288 and MDL 100,458 exhibited strikingly different in vivo profiles. MDL 100,458 antagonized audiogenic seizures in DBA/2J mice (ED50 = 20.8 mg/kg i.p.), whereas MDL 102,288 was without effect in the dose range tested (ED50 > 300 mg/kg i.p.). Central nervous system penetration did not appear to account for this difference. For example, MDL 102,288 was not active following direct intracerebroventricular administration (ED50 > 16 micrograms; vs. 0.78 microgram for MDL 100,458). In a test of anxiolytic activity, MDL 102,288 reduced separation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations in rat pups (ED50 = 6.3 mg/kg i.p.) whereas MDL 100,458 was only weakly active (ED50 = 80.8 mg/kg i.p.). Furthermore, the anxiolytic effect of MDL 102,288 was selective in that it occurred at doses that did not produce motoric disruption as measured by an inclined-plane test (ED50 > 160 mg/kg; therapeutic index > 25.4). In contrast, the anxiolytic activity of MDL 100,458 was non-selective in that it occurred at doses that also produced motoric disruption (ED50 = 57.7 mg/kg; therapeutic index = 0.7). Thus, two glycine receptor antagonists which have similar in vitro binding profiles as selective ligands for the strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor, demonstrate different in vitro and in vivo functional profiles. The reason for these differences is not clear, though one possibility could be that the compounds may act on different NMDA receptor subtypes. These data support the possibility that different glycine receptor antagonists may have different therapeutic targets.

The interaction of trichloroethanol with murine recombinant 5-HT3 receptors

1. The effects of ethanol, chloral hydrate and trichloroethanol upon the 5-HT3 receptor have been investigated by use of electrophysiological techniques applied to recombinant 5-HT3 receptor subunits (5-HT3R-A or 5-HT3R-As) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Additionally, the influence of trichloroethanol upon the specific binding of [3H]-granisetron to membrane preparations of HEK 293 cells stably transfected with the murine 5-HT3R-As subunit and 5-HT3 receptors endogenous to NG 108-15 cell membranes was assessed. 2. Ethanol (30-300 mM), chloral hydrate (1-30 mM) and trichloroethanol (0.3-10 mM), produced a reversible, concentration-dependent, enhancement of 5-HT-mediated currents recorded from oocytes expressing either the 5-HT3R-A, or the 5-HT3R-As subunit. 3. Trichloroethanol (5 mM) produced a parallel leftward shift of the 5-HT concentration-response curve, reducing the EC50 for 5-HT from 1 +/- 0.04 microM (n = 4) to 0.5 +/- 0.01 microM (n = 4) for oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A. A similar shift, from 2.1 +/- 0.05 microM (n = 11) to 1.3 +/- 0.1 microM (n = 4), was observed in oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-As subunit. Trichloroethanol (5 mM) had little or no effect upon the maximum current produced by 5-HT for either recombinant receptor. 4. Trichloroethanol (5 mM) similarly reduced the EC50 for 2-methyl-5-HT from 13 +/- 0.4 microM (n = 4) to 4.6 +/- 0.2 microM (n = 4) and from 15 +/- 2 microM (n = 4) to 5 +/- 0.4 microM (n = 4) for oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A and 5-HT3R-As subunit respectively. Additionally, trichloroethanol (5 mM) produced a clear enhancement of the maximal current to 2-methyl-5-HT (expressed as a percentage of the maximal current to 5-HT) from 63 +/- 0.7% (n = 4) to 101 +/- 1.6% (n = 4) and from 9 +/- 0.2% (n = 4) to 74 +/- 2% (n = 4) for oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A and 5-HT3R-As subunit respectively. 5. Trichloroethanol (2.5 mM) had no effect upon the Kd, or Bmax, of specific [3H]-granisetron binding to membrane homogenates of NG 108-15 cells or HEK 293 cells. Similarly, competition for [3H]-granisetron binding by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ondansetron and tropisetron was unaffected. However, competition for [3H]-granisetron binding by the 5-HT3 receptor agonists, 5-HT, 2-methyl-5-HT and phenylbiguanide was enhanced by trichloroethanol (2.5 mM). 6 Unexpectedly, the competition for [3H]-granisetron binding by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist,quipazine, was enhanced by 2.5 mM trichloroethanol. Quipazine (1 nM-0.3 microM) antagonized 5-HT evoked currents recorded from oocytes expressing the 5-HT3R-A subunit with an IC50 of 18 +/- 3 nM(n = 4). Additionally, quipazine (30 nM-0.3 microM) produced a small inward current which was greatly enhanced by 5 mM trichloroethanol and antagonized by 100 nM ondansetron. Collectively, these observations suggest that quipazine may act as a partial agonist.7. The demonstration that a recombinant homo-oligomeric receptor, expressed in a foreign membrane,retains a sensitivity to alcohols, together with the sequencing of alcohol-insensitive 5-HT3 receptor subunits, may lead to a better definition of the alcohol binding site(s).

Organization of the mouse 5-HT3 receptor gene and functional expression of two splice variants

The structure of the mouse 5-HT3 receptor gene, 5-HT3R-A, is most similar to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) genes, in particular to the gene encoding the neuronal nAChR subunit alpha 7. These genes share among other things the location of three adjacent introns, suggesting that 5-HT3R-A and nAChR genes arose from a common precursor gene. The alternative use of two adjacent splice acceptor sites in intron 8 creates, in addition to the original 5-HT3R-A cDNA (5-HT3R-AL), a shorter isoform (5-HT3R-AS) which lacks six codons in the segment that translates into the major intracellular domain. This splice consensus sequence is not found in human genomic DNA. In mouse, we demonstrate by RNAse protection assay that 5-HT3R-AS mRNA is approximately 5 times more abundant than 5-HT3R-AL mRNA in both neuroblastoma cell lines and neuronal tissues. We used the Semliki Forest virus expression system for electrophysiological characterization of 5-HT3R-AS and 5-HT3R-AL in mammalian cells. No differences in electrophysiological characteristics, such as voltage dependence, desensitization kinetics, or unitary conductance were found between homomeric 5-HT3R-AS and 5-HT3R-AL receptors. Their properties are very similar to those of 5-HT3 receptors in mouse neuroblastoma cell lines.

Interaction between enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 at 5-HT3 receptors in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells

Stereoselective effects of mianserin and ORG3770 on serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in mouse neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells have been investigated in radioligand binding and in whole-cell voltage clamp experiments. The specific binding of [3H]GR65630 to 5-HT3 recognition sites in N1E-115 cell homogenates is reduced by mianserin and ORG3770 and their enantiomers. The pKi values of the more potent (R)enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 are 8.44 and 8.62, respectively. The (R)enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 are 15 and 37 times more potent than their respective (S)enantiomers. The racemates are only 1.9 and 3.3 times less potent than the corresponding (R)enantiomers. In voltage clamp experiments the (R)enantiomers block the 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)-induced ion current with pIC50 values of 8.52 for (R)mianserin and 8.26 for the (R)enantiomer of ORG3770. The (R)enantiomers of mianserin and ORG3770 are 24 and 145 times more potent in blocking the 5-HT-induced ion current than their respective (S)enantiomers. The racemates are 6 and 13 times less potent than the corresponding (R)enantiomers. In addition, the block of 5-HT-induced ion current by the (R)enantiomer of ORG3770 is partially reversed by a low concentration of its (S)enantiomer. The results indicate that the two enantiomers block the 5-HT3 receptor-mediated ion current in a mutually dependent manner.

Distribution and characterization of the [3H]granisetron-labelled 5-HT3 receptor in the human forebrain

The present study has demonstrated the distribution of [3H]granisetron-labelled 5-HT3 receptors in the human forebrain with relatively high levels of this receptor in homogenates of hippocampus, caudate nucleus, putamen, nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Lower levels of 5-HT3 receptors were found in other brain regions and the cervical vagus nerve. Pharmacological characterization of the labelled 5-HT3 receptor in human putamen homogenates identified a relatively low affinity for d-tubocurarine compared to the 5-HT3 receptor in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cell homogenates. In contrast, the affinities of 19 other 5-HT3 receptor ligands were not significantly different for the [3H]granisetron-labelled receptor in these two preparations. Such findings indicate that the human putamen 5-HT3 receptor displays a unique pharmacology which may have significance given the reported clinical potential of compounds active at this receptor when assessed in animal models of disease.

Stereoselective interaction of mianserin with 5-HT3 receptors

The interaction of the enantiomers of mianserin with the 5-HT3 receptor was determined. Using [3H]granisetron binding, (-)-mianserin was more potent than (+)-mianserin (pKi 8.46 and 6.95, respectively). The enantiomers competitively antagonized the depolarizing effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the rat vagus nerve preparation (pKapp: (-)-mianserin 8.13, (+)-mianserin 6.58). This stereoselectivity was maintained in-vivo as determined using ex-vivo inhibition of [3H]granisetron binding. Therefore, in contrast to its enantiomeric selectivity for the 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors, where the (+)-isomer is more potent, the enantiomeric selectivity of mianserin for the 5-HT3 receptor was reversed. This differential selectivity of the enantiomers of mianserin may be useful in elucidating its utility in anxiety states.

Characteristics of [14C]guanidinium accumulation in NG 108-15 cells exposed to serotonin 5-HT3 receptor ligands and substance P

In the presence of substance P (SP; 10 microM), serotonin (5-HT; 1 microM) triggered a cation permeability in cells of the hybridoma (mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma) clone NG 108-15 that could be assessed by measuring the cell capacity to accumulate [14C]guanidinium for 10-15 min at 37 degrees C. In addition to 5-HT (EC50 0.33 microM), the potent 5-HT3 receptor agonists 2-methyl-serotonin, phenylbiguanide, and m-chlorophenylbiguanide, and quipazine, markedly increased [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells exposed to 10 microM SP. In contrast, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists prevented the effect of 5-HT. The correlation (r = 0.97) between the potencies of 16 different ligands to mimic or prevent the effects of 5-HT on [14C]guanidinium uptake, on the one hand, and to displace [3H]zacopride specifically bound to 5-HT3 receptors on NG 108-15 cells, on the other hand, clearly demonstrated that [14C]guanidinium uptake was directly controlled by 5-HT3 receptors. Various compounds such as inorganic cations (La3+, Mn2+, Ba2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+), D-tubocurarine, and memantine inhibited [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells exposed to 5-HT and SP, as expected from their noncompetitive antagonistic properties at 5-HT3 receptors. However, ethanol (100 nM), which has been reported to potentiate the electrophysiological response to 5-HT3 receptor stimulation, prevented the effects of 5-HT plus SP on [14C]guanidinium uptake. The cooperative effect of SP on this 5-HT3-evoked response resulted neither from an interaction of the peptide with the 5-HT3 receptor binding site nor from a possible direct activation of G proteins in NG 108-15 cells. Among SP derivatives, [D-Pro9]SP, a compound inactive at the various neurokinin receptor classes, was the most potent to mimic the stimulatory effect of SP on [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells exposed to 5-HT. Although the cellular mechanisms involved deserve further investigations, the 5-HT-evoked [14C]guanidinium uptake appears to be a rapid and reliable response for assessing the functional state of 5-HT3 receptors in NG 108-15 cells.

Differential binding characteristics of agonists at 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cells labelled by [3H]-(S)-zacopride and [3H]granisetron

The pharmacological characteristics of 5-HT3 receptor (5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor) recognition sites labelled with [3H]-(S)-zacopride and [3H]granisetron in membranes prepared from NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cells were directly compared to investigate further differences in the binding characteristics of these two radioligands. Competition curves generated with increasing concentrations of 5-HT3 receptor ligands emphasized the pharmacological similarity of the two recognition sites labelled by [3H]-(S)-zacopride and [3H]granisetron. However, analysis of the nature of the competition curves indicated that 5-HT3 receptor agonists (5-hydroxytryptamine, 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, phenylbiguanide) and quipazine generated Hill coefficients greater than unity when the 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites were labelled with [3H]granisetron whilst these competing compounds displayed Hill coefficients of around unity when the sites were labelled with [3H]-(S)-zacopride. Competition for either [3H]-(S)-zacopride or [3H]granisetron binding by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists granisetron and ondansetron generated Hill coefficients around unity. Furthermore, addition of unlabelled (S)-zacopride (1.0 nM) failed to alter the nature by which quipazine competed for the [3H]granisetron-labelled 5-HT3 receptor recognition site. Consistent with 5-HT3 receptors radiolabelled in rat cortical membranes, the present studies indicate that [3H]-(S)-zacopride may label a different site on the 5-HT3-receptor complex compared to [3H]granisetron.

Labelling of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptors with a novel 5-HT3 receptor ligand, [3H]RS-42358-197

RS-42358-197[(S)-N-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-2,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1 H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-1-one hydrochloride] displaced the prototypic 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor ligand [3H]quipazine in rat cerebral cortical membranes with an affinity (pKi) of 9.8 +/- 0.1, while having weak affinity (pKi < 6.0) in 23 other receptor binding assays. [3H]RS-42358-197 was then utilized to label 5-HT3 receptors in a variety of tissues. [3H]RS-42358-197 labelled high-affinity and saturable binding sites in membranes from rat cortex, NG108-15 cells, and rabbit ileal myenteric plexus with affinities (KD) of 0.12 +/- 0.01, 0.20 +/- 0.01, and 0.10 +/- 0.01 nM and densities (Bmax) of 16.0 +/- 2.0, 660 +/- 74, and 88 +/- 12 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. The density of sites labelled in each of these tissues with [3H]RS-42358-197 was similar to that labelled with [3H]GR 65630, but was significantly less than that found with [3H]-quipazine. The binding of [3H]RS-42358-197 had a pharmacological profile similar to that of [3H]quipazine, as indicated by the rank order of displacement potencies: RS-42358-197 > (S)-zacopride > tropisetron > (R)-zacopride > ondansetron > MDL72222 > 5-HT. However, differences in 5-HT3 receptors of different tissues and species were detected on the basis of statistically significant differences in the affinities of phenylbiguanide, and 1-(m-chlorophenyl)biguanide when displacing [3H]RS-42358-197 binding. [3H]RS-42358-197 also labelled a population (Bmax = 91 +/- 17 fmol/mg of protein) of binding sites in guinea pig myenteric plexus membranes, with lower affinity (KD = 1.6 +/- 0.3 nM) than those in the other preparations. Moreover, the rank order of displacement potencies of 15 5-HT3 receptor ligands in guinea pig ileum was found not to be identical to that in other tissues. Binding studies carried out with [3H]RS-42358-197 have detected differences in 5-HT3 receptor binding sites in tissues of different species and further underscore the unique nature of the guinea pig 5-HT3 receptor.

Blockade of 5-HT3 receptor-mediated currents in dissociated frog sensory neurones by benzoxazine derivative, Y-25130

1. The effect of Y-25130, ((+-)-N-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-6-chloro-4-methyl-3-oxo-3,4-dih ydr o- 2H-1,4-benzoxazine-8-carboxamide hydrochloride), a high affinity 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor ligand, was examined on the 5-HT-induced response in dissociated frog dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones by use of the extremely rapid concentration-jump ('concentration-clamp') and the conventional whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. 2. 5-HT induced a rapid transient inward current associated with an increase in membrane conductance at a holding potential of -70 mV. The current amplitude increased sigmoidally as 5-HT concentration increased. The half-maximum value (Ka) and the Hill coefficient estimated from the concentration-response curve were 1.7 x 10(-5) M and 1.7, respectively. 3. The current-voltage (I-V) relationship of 5-HT-induced current (I5-HT) showed inward rectification at potentials more positive than -40 mV. The reversal potential (E5-HT) was -11 mV. The E5-HT value was unaffected by total replacement of intracellular K+ by Cs+, indicating that the 5-HT-gated channels might be large cation channels. 4. Both the activation and inactivation phases of I5-HT were single exponentials. The time constants of activation and inactivation (tau a and tau i) decreased with increasing 5-HT concentration. 5. The 5-HT response was mimicked by a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, but the maximum response induced was approximately 25% that of 5-HT. The 5-HT response was reversibly antagonized by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, ICS 205-930, metoclopramide and Y-25130, but not by a 5-HTIA receptor antagonist, spiperone, and a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin. The half-inhibition concentrations (IC50) were 4.9 x 10-10 M for Y-25130, 4.8 x 10-10 M for ICS 205-930 and 8.6 x 10-9 M for metoclopramide.6. Y-25130 (5 x 10-10 M) caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve for 5-HT while decreasing the maximum response.7. The results suggest that Y-25130 is a potent antagonist of the 5-HT3 receptor-channel complex.

Agonist interactions with 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites in the rat entorhinal cortex labelled by structurally diverse radioligands

1. The pharmacological properties of 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites labelled with [3H]-(S)-zacopride, [3H]-LY278,584, [3H]-granisetron and [3H]-GR67330 in membranes prepared from the rat entorhinal cortex were investigated to assess the presence of cooperativity within the 5-HT3 receptor complex. 2. In rat entorhinal cortex homogenates, [3H]-(S)-zacopride, [3H]-LY278,584, [3H]-granisetron and [3H]-GR67330 labelled homogeneous densities of recognition sites (defined by granisetron, 10 microM) with high affinity (Bmax = 75 +/- 5, 53 +/- 5, 92 +/- 6 and 79 +/- 6 fmol mg-1 protein, respectively; pKd = 9.41 +/- 0.04, 8.69 +/- 0.14, 8.81 +/- 0.06 and 10.14 +/- 0.04 for [3H]-(S)-zacopride, [3H]-LY278,584, [3H]-granisetron and [3H]-GR67330, respectively, n = 3-8). 3. Quipazine and granisetron competed for the binding of each of the radioligands in the rat entorhinal cortex preparation at low nanomolar concentrations (pIC50; quipazine 9.38-8.51, granisetron 8.62-8.03), whilst the agonists, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), phenylbiguanide (PBG) and 2-methyl-5-HT competed at sub-micromolar concentrations (pIC50; 5-HT 7.16-6.42, PBG 7.52-6.40, 2-methyl-5-HT 7.38-6.09). 4. Competition curves generated with increasing concentrations of quipazine, PBG, 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT displayed Hill coefficients greater than unity when the 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites in the entorhinal cortex preparation were labelled with [3H]-LY278,584, [3H]-granisetron and [3H]-GR67330. These competing compounds displayed Hill coefficients of around unity when the sites were labelled with [3H]-(S)-zacopride. Competition for the binding of [3H]-(S)-zacopride, [3H]-LY278,584, [3H]-granisetron and [3H]-GR67330 by granisetron generated Hill coefficients around unity.5. The nature of the interaction of competing compounds (quipazine, granisetron, PBG, 5-HT, 2-methyl-5-HT) for the [3H]-(S)-zacopride binding site in the rat entorhinal cortex preparation was not altered by the removal of the Krebs ions or the addition of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline, to the HEPES/Krebs buffer.6. In conclusion, the present studies provide further evidence towards the presence of cooperativity within the 5-HT3 receptor macromolecule and indicate that either [3H]-(S)-zacopride labels a different site on the receptor complex from [3H]-LY278,584, [3H]-granisetron or [3H]-GR67330, or it binds in such a manner as to prevent the conformatory change in the receptor protein responsible for the cooperative binding of agonists (and quipazine).

Molecular modeling of 5-HT3 receptor ligands

Ligands of various chemical classes (e.g., indoles, indazoles, benzamides, carbazoles, and quinolines) have demonstrated high affinity for the 5-HT3 receptor in radiolabeled ligand-binding studies, and have shown 5-HT3 receptor antagonistic activity in functional assays which utilize the excitatory effects of 5-HT on enteric neurons and autonomic afferents. Several 5-HT3 antagonists are currently being evaluated for potential use in the treatment of migraine, schizophrenia, and anxiety, and a few have already demonstrated high efficacy as antiemetics in cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the significant structure-affinity relationships (SAFIR) and common geometrical features among 5-HT3 receptor ligands, and to describe the three-dimensional pharmacophore for the 5-HT3 recognition site derived from computational techniques. The chemical template containing the recognition elements (functional groups) for the 5-HT3 receptor are: an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system, a coplanar carbonyl group, and a nitrogen center, interrelated by well-defined distances. Two "binding shapes" or "active shapes" for 5-HT3 ligands have been identified from detailed conformational analyses.

Characteristics of 5-HT3 binding sites in NG108-15, NCB-20 neuroblastoma cells and rat cerebral cortex using [3H]-quipazine and [3H]-GR65630 binding

1. The biochemical and pharmacological properties of 5-HT3 receptors in homogenates of NG108-15 and NCB-20 neuroblastoma cells and rat cerebral cortex have been ascertained by the use of [3H]-quipazine and [3H]-GR65630 binding. 2. In NG108-15 and NCB-20 cell homogenates, [3H]-quipazine bound to a single class of high affinity (NG108-15: Kd = 6.2 +/- 1.1 nM, n = 4; NCB-20: Kd = 3.0 +/- 0.9 nM, n = 4; means +/- s.e.means) saturable (NG108-15: Bmax = 1340 +/- 220 fmol mg-1 protein; NCB-20: Bmax = 2300 +/- 200 fmol mg-1 protein) binding sites. In rat cortical homogenates, [3H]-quipazine bound to two populations of binding sites in the absence of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake inhibitor, paroxetine (Kd1 = 1.6 +/- 0.5 nM, Bmax1 = 75 +/- 14 fmol mg-1 protein; Kd2 = 500 +/- 300 nM, Bmax2 = 1840 +/- 1040 fmol mg-1 protein, n = 3), and to a single class of high affinity binding sites (Kd = 2.0 +/- 0.5 nM, n = 3; Bmax = 73 +/- 6 fmol mg-1 protein) in the presence of paroxetine. The high affinity (nanomolar) component probably represented 5-HT3 binding sites and the low affinity component represented 5-HT uptake sites. 3. [3H]-paroxetine bound with high affinity (Kd = 0.02 +/- 0.003 nM, n = 3) to a site in rat cortical homogenates in a saturable (Bmax = 323 +/- 45 fmol mg-1 protein, n = 3) and reversible manner. Binding to this site was potently inhibited by 5-HT uptake blockers such as paroxetine and fluoxetine (pKi s = 8.6-9.9), while 5-HT3 receptor ligands exhibited only low affinity (pK; < 7). No detectable specific [3H]-paroxetine binding was observed in NG108-15 or NCB-20 cell homogenates. 4. [3H]-quipazine binding to homogenates of NG108-15, NCB-20 cells and rat cortex (in the presence of 0.1 microM paroxetine) exhibited similar pharmacological characteristics. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists competed for [3H]-quipazine binding with high nanomolar affinities in the three preparations and the rank order of affinity was: (S)-zacopride > quarternized ICS 205-930 2 granisetron > ondansetron > ICS 205-209 (R)-zacopride > quipazine > renzapride > MDL-72222 > butanopride > metoclopramide. 5. [3H]-GR65630 labelled a site in NCB-20 cell homogenates with an affinity (Kd = 0.7 + 0.1 nms n = 4) and density (B__ = 1800 + 1000 fmol mg- protein) comparable to that observed with [3H]-quipazine. Competition studies also indicated a good correlation between the pharmacology of 5-HT3 binding sites when [3H]-GR65630 and [3H]-quipazine were used in these cells. 6. In conclusion, [3H]-quipazine labelled 5-HT3 receptor sites in homogenates of NG108-15 cells, NCB-20 cells and rat cerebral cortex. In rat cortical homogenates, [3H]-quipazine also bound to 5-HT uptake sites, which could be blocked by 0.1 microM paroxetine. The pharmacological specificity of the 5-HT3 receptor labelled by [3H]-quipazine was similar in the neuroblastoma cells and rat cortex and was substantiated in NCB-20 cells by the binding profile of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, [3H]-GR65630.

The differential activities of R (+)- and S(-)-zacopride as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists

R(+)- and S(-)-zacopride were assessed as potential 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in behavioural and biochemical tests. The S(-)isomer was more potent than the R(+)isomer to antagonise the hyperactivity induced by the injection of amphetamine or the infusion of dopamine into the nucleus accumbens in the rat. In contrast, the R(+)isomer was more potent to reduce the aversive behaviour of mice to a brightly illuminated environment and in a marmoset human threat test, to facilitate social interaction in rats, to increase performance in a mouse habituation test and prevent a scopolamine-induced impairment, and to antagonise the inhibitory effect of 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine to reduce [3H]acetylcholine release in slices of the rat entorhinal cortex. In binding assays, [3H]S(-)-zacopride and [3H]R(+)-zacopride labelled homogenous populations of high-affinity binding sites in the rat entorhinal cortex, R(+)-zacopride compete for a further 10 to 20% of the binding of [3H]R(+)/S(-)-zacopride or [3H]R(+)-zacopride in excess of that competed for by (S)(-)-zacopride. It is concluded that both isomers of zacopride have potent but different pharmacological activities, with the possibility of different recognition sites to mediate their effects.

Physicochemical properties of serotonin 5-HT3 binding sites solubilized from membranes of NG 108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cells

Specific binding sites with pharmacological properties typical of serotonin 5-HT3 receptors were identified in membranes of the murine hybridoma cell line NG 108-15, using [3H]zacopride as a ligand. Optimal solubilization of these sites (yield, 50%) could be achieved using the detergent 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate (CHAPS) at 24 mM plus 0.5 M NaCl in 25 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4. Specific [3H]zacopride binding to soluble sites in the 100,000-g CHAPS extract was saturable and showed characteristics (Bmax = 425 +/- 81 fmol/mg of protein; KD = 0.19 +/- 0.02 nM) closely related to those of membrane-bound sites (Bmax = 932 +/- 183 fmol/mg of protein; KD = 0.60 +/- 0.03 nM). Determination of association (k+1 = 0.17 nM min-1) and dissociation (k-1 = 0.02 min-1) rate constants for the soluble sites gave a KD value of 0.12 nM, a result consistent with that calculated from saturation studies. As assessed from the displacement potencies (IC50) of 10 different drugs, the pharmacological profile of [3H]zacopride specific binding sites was essentially the same (r = 0.99) in the CHAPS-soluble extract and in cell membranes, although some increase in the affinity for 5-HT3 antagonists (zacopride, ICS 205-930, and MDL 72222) and decrease in the affinity for 5-HT3 agonists (2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine and phenylbiguanide) were noted for the soluble sites. Sucrose density gradient sedimentation of the CHAPS-soluble extract gave a Svedberg coefficient of 12S for the material with [3H]zacopride specific binding capacity. Chromatographic analyses using Sephacryl S-400 and wheat germ agglutinin-agarose columns indicated marked enrichment (by 2.5- and 10-fold, respectively) in [3H]zacopride specific binding activity in the corresponding eluates compared with the starting soluble extract, a finding suggesting that both steps are of potential interest for the partial purification of solubilized 5-HT3 receptors. Two soluble materials with apparent molecular masses of approximately 600 and approximately 36 kDa were found to bind [3H]zacopride specifically in the Sephacryl S-400 eluate. Interestingly, molecular mass determination by radiation inactivation of [3H]zacopride binding sites in frozen NG 108-15 cells gave a value of approximately 35 kDa.

Common pharmacological and physico-chemical properties of 5-HT3 binding sites in the rat cerebral cortex and NG 108-15 clonal cells

On account of the postulated existence of 5-HT3 receptor subtypes, the respective physico-chemical and pharmacological properties of specific binding sites for the potent 5-HT3 antagonist [3H]zacopride were compared using membranes from the rat posterior cortex or neuroblastoma-glioma NG 108-15 clonal cells. In both membrane preparations, [3H]zacopride bound to a single class of specific sites with a Kd close to 0.5 nM. However, the Bmax value in NG 108-15 cell membranes (970 +/- 194 fmol/mg protein) was approximately 50 times larger than that in cortical membranes (19 +/- 2 fmol/mg protein). The specific binding of [3H]zacopride was equally affected by temperature, pH and molarity of the assay medium, and equally insensitive to thiol- and disulfide-reagents (N-ethylmaleimide, p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid, dithiothreitol) and GTP in cortical as well as NG 108-15 cell membranes. Determination of the molecular size of [3H]zacopride specific binding sites by radiation inactivation yielded values close to 35 kDa for both membrane preparations. Finally, a highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.979) was found between the respective pKi values of 34 different drugs for their inhibition of [3H]zacopride specific binding to cortical or NG 108-15 cell membranes. Among them, the most potent was S(-)zacopride (pKi = 9.55), followed by BRL 43964, ICS 205-930, quipazine, R(+)zacopride, GR 38032F and MDL 72222. Atypical antidepressants (mianserin, amoxapine) and neuroleptics (clotiapine, loxapine and clozapine) were active in rather low concentrations (pKi less than 6.5), suggesting that recognition of 5-HT3 sites might be relevant to part of the in vivo effects of these drugs. Such identical physico-chemical and pharmacological properties of [3H]zacopride specific binding in cortical and NG 108-15 cell membranes strongly suggest that the same 5-HT3 receptor (subtype?) exists in these two preparations.

Molecular size of the 5-HT3 receptor solubilized from NCB 20 cells

The 5-HT3 hydroxytryptamine receptor from NCB 20 cells was solubilized and the molecular and hydrodynamic properties of the receptor were investigated. The receptor was identified by binding of the radioligand 3-NN'-[3H]dimethyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanyl indol-3-yl carboxylate ester [( 3H]Q ICS 205-930) to NCB 20 membranes (Bmax = 1.19 +/- 0.31 pmol/mg of protein; Kd = 0.43 +/- 0.076 nM) and was optimally solubilized with 0.5% deoxycholate. [3H]Q ICS 205-930 labelled one population of sites in solution (Bmax = 1.11 +/- 0.4 pmol/mg of protein; Kd = 0.48 +/- 0.06 nM; n = 4). The characteristics of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 binding were essentially unchanged by solubilization, and competition for [3H]Q ICS 205-930 binding by a series of 5-HT3 agonists and antagonists was consistent with binding to a 5-HT3 receptor site and was similar to that observed for 5-HT3 receptors solubilized from rat brain [McKernan, Quirk, Jackson & Ragan (1990) J. Neurochem. 54, 924-930]. Some physical properties of the solubilized receptor were investigated. The molecular size (Stokes radius) of the [3H]Q ICS 205-930-binding site was measured by gel-exclusion chromatography in a buffer containing 0.2% Lubrol and 0.5 M-NaCl and was determined as 4.81 +/- 0.15 nm (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 6). Sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation was also performed under the same detergent and salt conditions to determine the partial specific volume (v) of the detergent-receptor site complex. This was found to be 0.794 ml.g-1. Sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation was carried out in both 1H2O and 2H2O to allow correction for detergent binding to the receptor. The Mr of the 5-HT3 receptor under these conditions was calculated as 249,000 +/- 18,000 (n = 3). The size and physical properties of the 5-HT3 receptor are similar to those observed for members of the family of ligand-gated ion channels.

Antagonism of 5-HT3 receptor mediated currents in murine N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells by (+)-tubocurarine

5-HT3 receptor-mediated membrane currents were recorded from voltage-clamped clonal N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. The inward current response to ionophoretically applied serotonin (5-HT) was reversibly antagonised by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists GR 38032F and metoclopramide with IC50 values of 0.2 nM and 14 nM, respectively. Low concentrations of (+)-tubocurarine [+)-Tc) also blocked the response to 5-HT (IC50 = 0.8 nM), but other nicotinic cholinoceptor antagonists (gallamine, vecuronium and trimetaphan) were ineffective when applied at a relatively high concentration (1 microM). Blockade by (+)-Tc was neither voltage- nor use-dependent, suggesting that (+)-Tc does not block 5-HT-activated ion channels in N1E-115 cells.

Solubilisation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor from pooled rat cortical and hippocampal membranes

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptors have been identified in the rat brain using the radioligand [3H]Q ICS 205-930. We report here that these sites have been solubilised from membranes prepared from pooled rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus using various detergents. Of the six detergents tested (1% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate, 0.5% deoxycholate, 1% Lubrol, 0.5% digitonin, 1% Triton X-100, and 1% octyl glucoside), deoxycholate (0.5%) yielded the best solubilisation (54.6 +/- 6% of receptor, 70.5 +/- 4% of protein; n = 3). However, most detergents inhibited binding of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 in solution. Binding was found to be optimal after the receptor had been exchanged by gel filtration through Sephadex G-25 into the detergent Lubrol PX (0.05%). Binding of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 to these soluble sites was saturable and specific (Bmax = 46.1 +/- 6 fmol/mg of protein; KD = 0.33 +/- 0.09 nM; n = 4) and was similar to that observed in membranes. Kinetic studies of [3H]Q ICS 205-930 binding demonstrated it to be rapid, with equilibrium being achieved within 15 min at 4 degrees C. The KD determined from the rates of association and dissociation (0.38 nM) agreed well with that determined by saturation analysis. Various antagonists completed for the soluble receptors with a rank order of potency typical for binding at a 5-HT3 receptor site: zacopride (Ki = 0.26 nM) greater than quipazine (0.37 nM) = Q ICS 205-930 (0.33 nM) greater than ICS 205-930 (0.93 nM) greater than GR 38032F (2.2 nM) greater than BRL 24924 (4.1 nM) greater than MDL 72222 (23.4 nM) greater than ketanserin (6,000 nM). The agonists 5-HT and 2-methyl-5-HT also competed for [3H]Q ICS 205-930 binding with high affinity (39.6 and 55.6 nM, respectively). Therefore, we conclude that the 5-HT3 receptor of rat brain has been successfully solubilised, and this should provide a good starting point for purification of the receptor.

Nerve growth factor induces 5-HT3 recognition sites in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells

In rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, nerve growth factor (7S NGF) induced the expression of recognition sites that bind the specific 5-HT3 antagonist (S-) [3H]zacopride. Culturing PC12 cells for 8-12 days in the presence of 50 ng/ml NGF increased the density (Bmax) of (S-) [3H]zacopride binding sites in cell membranes (0-100,000 x g fraction) from 0 to 105 fmoles/mg protein. This binding exhibited high affinity for (S-) [3H]zacopride (Kd = 0.8 nM), was specific (greater than 95%), and was inhibited by 5-HT3 compounds with a rank of potency (quipazine greater than ICS 205-930 greater than GR38032F greater than BRL24924 approximately MDL 72222 greater than phenylbiguanide greater than or equal to serotonin greater than 2-methyl-serotonin greater than metoclopramide) which was distinct from neuroblastoma cells. Thus, NGF-differentiated PC12 cells possess a 5-HT3 receptor and should be useful to investigate its regulation and biochemical mechanism of action.

The gastrointestinal prokinetic benzamide derivatives are agonists at the non-classical 5-HT receptor (5-HT4) positively coupled to adenylate cyclase in neurons

We have previusly shown that a non-classical 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT4) receptor mediates the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity in mouse embryo colliculi neurons in primary culture. The pharmacological characteristics of this receptor exclude the possibility that it belongs to the known 5-HT1, 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptor types. Here we report that this 5-HT receptor can be stimulated by 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy substituted benzamide derivatives. All these compounds have been reported to be potent stimulants of gastrointestinal motility and some of them are 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The rank order of potency of these substituted benzamide derivatives in stimulating cAMP formation was: cisapride greater than BRL 24924 greater than 5-HT greater than zacopride greater than BRL 20627 greater than metoclopramide. The non-additivity of benzamide and 5-HT activities suggests that 5-HT and the substituted benzamide derivatives act on the same receptor. Only ICS 205930, a recognized 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, competitively antagonized the stimulatory effect of cisapride, zacopride and BRL 24924. However, its pKi (6-6.3) for this new receptor was very different from its pKi for 5-HT3 receptors (pKi = 8-10). Other selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists with an indole group (BRL 43694 and GR 38032F), with a benzoate group (cocaïne, MDL 72222) or with a piperazine group (quipazine) were ineffective in reversing the stimulatory effect of benzamide derivatives. Exposure of neuronal cells to potent agonists at this receptor such as BRL 24924 rapidly reduces its capacity to stimulate cAMP production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[3H]ICS 205-930 labels 5-HT3 recognition sites in membranes of cat and rabbit vagus nerve and superior cervical ganglion

The binding characteristics of [3H]ICS 205-930, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, were investigated in membranes prepared from cat and rabbit vagus nerve (VN) and superior cervical ganglion (SCG). The autoradiographic localisation of 5-HT3 recognition sites was also assessed using [3H]ICS 205-930 in slices from cat medulla oblongata, nodose ganglion and vagus nerve. [3H]ICS 205-930 bound to a homogeneous population of high affinity recognition sites in cat VN: Bmax = 201 +/- 43 fmol/mg protein, pKD = 9.26 +/- 0.17 and SCG: Bmax = 291 +/- 40 fmol/mg, pKD = 9.35 +/- 0.80 (n = 3). Competition experiments performed in membranes from cat VN and SCG with agonists and antagonists suggested the presence of a homogeneous population of [3H]ICS 205-930 recognition sites. Competition curves were steep and monophasic and were best fitted by a 1 receptor site model. The following rank order of affinity for [3H]ICS 205-930 binding sites was observed with antagonists: SDZ 206-830 = ICS 205-930 greater than BRL 43694 greater than SDZ 206-792 greater than quipazine greater than MDL 72222 greater than metoclopramide greater than mCPP and agonists: 2-methyl-5-HT = 5-HT greater than phenylbiguanide. A similar profile was observed for a limited series of compounds in rabbit membranes. Drugs acting at 5-HT1, 5-HT2 and dopamine receptors (domperidone, spiperone and metergoline) showed very low affinities for [3H]ICS 205-930 recognition sites. The sites labelled with [3H]ICS 205-930 in vagus nerve and superior cervical ganglion of both species displayed the pharmacological profile of a 5-HT3 receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-HT3 receptor binding sites are on capsaicin-sensitive fibres in the rat spinal cord

Specific binding sites for [3H]zacopride were found in the dorsal part of the rat spinal cord, particularly in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn. These binding sites had the same pharmacological profile as 5-HT3 receptors in membranes from the rat entorhinal cortex or from NG 108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cells. Administration of capsaicin (50 mg/kg s.c.) to neonatal rats to induce degeneration of unmyelinated primary sensory fibres resulted in a significant decrease in [3H]zacopride specific binding (-50%) in the dorsal zone of the spinal cord of 4 month-old rats. This decrease was as pronounced as the decrease in [3H]bremazocine and [3H]naloxone binding to opiate receptors. These data support the presynaptic location of 5-HT3 receptors, at least in part, on capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent fibres in the rat spinal cord.

Effects of serotonin receptor antagonists on PAG stimulation induced aversion: different contributions of 5HT1, 5HT2 and 5HT3 receptors

The effects of serotonin receptor antagonists with differential selectivity for the various classes of 5HT receptors (5HT1, 5HT2 and 5HT3) were tested for their effects on the response to aversive brain stimulation. Electrical stimulation was administered to the dorsal part of the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), one of the main cerebral structures subserving negative reinforcement. Stimulation frequency thresholds for escape responses were recorded before and following administration of the compounds. Ketanserin (0.32-32 mg/kg IP), trazodone (1.0-22 mg/kg), pirenperone (0.032-1.0 mg/kg) and spiperone (0.1-0.2 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased stimulation frequency thresholds necessary to induce escape responses. Opposite effects were observed with mianserin (0.01-32 mg/kg) and metergoline (0.032-10 mg/kg) which decreased threshold for escape. ICS 205-930 (0.01-10 mg/kg), did not affect the stimulation frequency threshold for escape. Prazosin (0.1-22 mg/kg) did not specifically affect aversive brain stimulation. Haloperidol (0.02-1.0 mg/kg) increased the frequency threshold for escape responses but with some motoric side effects. These data show that the various types of 5HT receptors differentially contribute to the control of central aversive systems in rats. It is suggested that blockade of 5HT2 receptors suppresses the central aversive system, whereas blockade of some 5HT1 receptors enhances aversion and overcomes the 5HT2-mediated suppression. Blockade of 5HT3 receptors has no effects. Dopamine receptor blockade further contributes to the suppression of the central aversive system. The relevance of these findings to some pathophysiological mechanisms of anxiety and depressive disorders is discussed.