Effect of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist ipsapirone on the local cerebral glucose utilization of the rat hippocampus

The neurotransmitter basis of cognition: psychopharmacological activation studies using positron emission tomography

The neuromodulatory effect of manipulating monoaminergic receptor function was assessed by combining a psychological and a pharmacological activation during repeated positron emission tomographic (PET) scans. The effects of buspirone (a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist) on changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) associated with free word recall were examined. A factorial design was used to demonstrate a significant interaction (changes in rCBF brought about by psychological activation which depend on drug administration) in the left parahippocampal region. This interaction was an attenuation of increases in local neuronal activity (rCBF) related to memory function. Buspirone-induced decreases in rCBF, independent of the memory effect, were seen in the left prefrontal and parietal cortices. We suggest that combined psychological and pharmacological activation is a way of measuring direct (main) drug effects and modulatory effects on neurotransmission associated with cognitive functions (interaction).

Vascular network of the rat hippocampus is not homogeneous along the septotemporal axis

Qualitative and quantitative image analysis of hippocampal vascular bed, after transcardial perfusion of India ink, reveals significant differences among hippocampal subfields and along the septotemporal axis of the rat hippocampus. Ventral hippocampus exhibits significantly higher levels of vascularization compared to dorsal hippocampus, which, however, is characterized by significantly higher capillary density. These results may explain the selective ischemia vulnerability of hippocampus along its septotemporal axis.

The effect of apomorphine and buspirone on regional cerebral blood flow during the performance of a cognitive task-measuring neuromodulatory effects of psychotropic drugs in man

Psychopharmacological activation, in conjunction with positron emission tomographic measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), was used to investigate the neurotransmitter basis of a specific cognitive function in man. Monoaminergic neurotransmission was pharmacologically manipulated during performance of auditory - verbal memory tasks. Statistical parametric mapping was used to identify the brain sites of interaction between memory-induced increases in rCBF and active drugs. Memory task-induced increases in rCBF in the left prefrontal cortex were attenuated by apomorphine, a non-selective dopamine agonist, whilst buspirone, a serotonin1A partial agonist, augmented rCBF increases in this area. In addition, apomorphine and buspirone augmented memory-induced increases in rCBF centred in the posterior cingulate cortex, whilst buspirone alone attenuated rCBF increases in the retrosplenial cortex and posterior parahippocampal gyrus. These regionally selective interactions may represent neuromodulatory effects of monoaminergic neurotransmission on a specific cognitive function in man.

Changes in rat cerebral blood volume due to modulation of the 5-HT(1A) receptor measured with susceptibility enhanced contrast MRI

Brain blood volume changes in the rat in response to 5-HT(1A) agonist and antagonist administration were measured using susceptibility contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Administration of the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT resulted in decreases in fractional brain blood volumes. Administration of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 following a dose of 8-OH-DPAT resulted in increases in fractional blood volumes greatest in hippocampus and cortex and smallest in thalamus and caudate-putamen. The magnitude of the regional increases in blood volumes paralleled the distribution of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the rat brain. Administration of WAY-100635 alone resulted in decreases in cortical blood volume and increases in cerebellar blood volume.

Serotonin, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral metabolic rate in geriatric major depression and normal aging

While there is substantial evidence for abnormalities in serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in major depressive disorder (MDD), almost all of the findings derive from studies of young adults. Moreover, relatively little research has assessed brain 5-HT transmission in vivo. Neuroendocrine studies do not permit evaluation of a range of brain regions, but only the limited circuitry associated with hormone release. Data from autopsy studies are limited by the difficulties of assessment of the acute clinical picture before death, and by post-mortem artifacts. In vivo neuroimaging techniques overcome many of the methodological limitations of both these approaches. There is a large body of imaging data indicating regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cerebral metabolic rate (rCMR) decrements both with aging and in patients with MDD. While the physiological bases for these phenomena are largely unknown, changes in brain 5-HT function may be involved. Neuroanatomical studies have revealed an intricate network of 5-HT-containing neurons within the cerebral microvasculature, with physiological evidence for serotonergic control of both rCBF and rCMR. Acute pharmacological challenges are available to probe brain 5-HT function. Such paradigms, using neuroendocrine responses as endpoints, have been of some utility in predicting outcome with antidepressant treatment. The role of 5-HT dysregulation in geriatric MDD takes on more importance given concerns regarding putative reduced efficacy of serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in this population. If this is due to diminished responsivity of 5-HT systems, then the ability to identify antidepressant nonresponders via 5-HT challenge in combination with neuroimaging measures may have important clinical utility.

Serotonin in the regulation of brain microcirculation

Manipulation of brainstem serotonin (5-HT) raphe neurons induces significant alterations in local cerebral metabolism and perfusion. The vascular consequences of intracerebrally released 5-HT point to a major vasoconstrictor role, resulting in cerebral blood flow (CBF) decreases in several brain regions such as the neocortex. However, vasodilatations, as well as changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, which are blocked by 5-HT receptor antagonists also can be observed. A lack of relationship between the changes in flow and metabolism indicates uncoupling between the two variables and is suggestive of a direct neurogenic control by brain intrinsic 5-HT neurons on the microvascular bed. In line with these functional data are the close associations that exist between 5-HT neurons and the microarterioles, capillaries and perivascular astrocytes of various regions but more intimately and/or more frequently so in those where CBF is altered significantly following manipulation of 5-HT neurons. The ability of the microvascular bed to respond directly to intracerebrally released 5-HT is underscored by the expression of distinct 5-HT receptors in the various cellular compartments of the microvascular bed. Thus, it appears that while some 5-HT-mediated microvascular functions involve directly the blood vessel wall, others would be relayed through the perivascular astrocyte. The strategic localization of perivascular astrocytes and the different 5-HT receptors that they harbor strongly emphasize their putative pivotal role in transmitting information between 5-HT neurons and microvessels. It is concluded that the cerebral circulation has full capacity to adequately and locally adapt brain perfusion to changes in central 5-HT neurotransmission either directly or indirectly via the neuronal-astrocytic-vascular tripartite functional unit. Dysfunctions in these neurovascular interactions might result in perfusion deficits and might be involved in specific pathological conditions.

Cerebral metabolic effects of serotonin drugs and neurotoxins

The functional effects of serotonin (5-HT) drugs and toxins on regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) have been determined in rats with the in vivo, quantitative, autoradiographic [14C]2-deoxyglucose technique. Serotonin agents produced rCMRglc patterns different and more specific that one would predict from binding studies. At low doses 5-HT1 agonists reduced rCMRglc in limbic areas and at high doses increased rCMRglc in brain motor regions. The 5-HT2 agonists dose-dependently decreased rCMRglc in proencephalic areas and increased it in thalamic nuclei. 5-HT3 receptor antagonism resulted in rCMRglc decreases in limbic, auditory and visual areas and agents with 5-HT3 receptor activity increased rCMRglc in brain regions with high 5-HT3 receptor densities. Serotonin anxiolytics (e.g. azapirones) and antidepressants (e.g. tryciclic and non-tryciclic 5-HT reuptake inhibitors) reduced rCMRglc selectively in limbic areas and in brainstem monoaminergic nuclei. Dose, time from administration, receptor affinity, behavioral and neurochemical correlates, 5-HT system lesion and circulating glucocorticoid were all relevant factors in determining the rCMRglc effects of 5-HT drugs. Acutely neurotoxic amphetamines markedly increased rCMRglc in brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens that are thought to mediate amphetamine reinforcing properties; on the long term, toxic or electrolytic lesions or chronic treatment with 5-HT agonists produced minimal rCMRglc alterations in spite of marked and persistent changes in 5-HT function. In lesioned or chronically treated rats, acute challanges with 5-HT and non 5-HT agonists demonstrated specific deficits that were not detected in a resting state. Serotonin neuromodulation has been studied in humans by using positron emission tomography with 15O-water. Sequential measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were obtained during combined pharmacological challange with the 5-HT1A agonist buspirone and cognitive activation. Buspirone increased a memory related rCBF activation in task specific regions. This technique can provide a strong theoretical basis for the understanding of 5-HT drug mode of action in normal human brain and in neuropsychiatric diseases. Brain metabolism studies in animals will still be needed to elucidate the factors (e.g. pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic) relevant to the cerebral response to 5-HT drugs in humans.

Dose-dependent effects of buspirone on behavior and cerebral glucose metabolism in rats

In this study we compared the effects of the anxiolytic buspirone on behavior and regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) with those of the reference serotonin (5-HT)1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (DPAT). Behavioral effects were assessed by scoring the 5-HT syndrome. rCMRglc was measured in 56 brain regions by using the quantitative autoradiographic [14C]2-deoxyglucose technique, at 10 min after i.p. injection of DPAT (1 mg/kg) or buspirone (0.4, 4 and 40 mg/kg) in awake male Fischer-344 rats. Whereas DPAT produced an intense 5-HT syndrome, buspirone had no behavioral effect. A low dose (0.4 mg/kg) of buspirone reduced rCMRglc in 18 brain areas (32%), more markedly in limbic areas and raphe nuclei. These were the only rCMRglc effects buspirone had in common with the potent 5-HT1A agonist DPAT and suggest that low dose buspirone activates preferentially 5-HT1A receptors. Hence, this receptor subtype may mediate buspirone functional effects on the limbic system and, given the role of these brain areas in mood control, possibly buspirone therapeutic actions. High doses (4 and 40 mg/kg) of buspirone produced widespread rCMRglc decreases in 46 (82%) and 44 (79%) of the areas studied and increased rCMRglc in one brain area, the lateral habenula, that was not affected by DPAT or a low dose of buspirone. The topographic distribution and direction of rCMRglc changes by high doses of buspirone differ from those produced by the 5-HT1A agonist DPAT. Instead these changes resemble the rCMRglc effects of dopaminergic D2 antagonists like haloperidol and are consistent with some pharmacological and binding properties of buspirone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transplants of embryonic cortical tissue placed in the previously damaged frontal cortex of adult rats: local cerebral glucose utilization following execution of forelimb movements

Transplantation of fetal cortical tissue into the motor cortex of adult rats was used as an experimental model to examine the functional integration of homotopic fetal neocortical grafts into the motor pathways of adult host brain. We have employed the [14C]2-deoxy-D-glucose method to analyse the metabolic activity of the transplant and host sensorimotor cortex: (i) in animals solicited to perform specific lever-pressing movements with the limb contralateral to the transplant (experimental group); and (ii) in non-solicited animals or in animals using the limb ipsilateral to the transplant (control group). Grafts in the control group displayed homogeneous uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the transplant. The local cerebral glucose utilization levels were low as compared to those of the surrounding cortex but were at least two-times higher than in the corpus callosum. Increase in 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake by the transplant cells was found only in the experimental group. In this group, 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake was higher in the caudal (AP: +3.0 to +1.7 mm, relative to Bregma) than in the rostral sectors of the transplants suggesting the existence of a topographic organization within the transplant. In addition, except in the rostral part, glucose utilization was higher in the transplant of the experimental group than in the sensorimotor areas of the non-activated cortex in the control group. Moreover, glucose utilization of the transplant cells was systematically higher in the experimental than in the control group. The transplants appear to display a certain level of metabolic integration with the host sensorimotor cortex since, in the experimental group, there was no significant differences in local cerebral glucose utilization values in the caudal sector of the transplant and in the surrounding sensorimotor cortical areas of the host. The 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake was even higher in the caudal sector of the transplant than in some of the subfields of the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. The present findings indicate for the first time that motor activation of the contralateral forelimb produces an increase in metabolic activity in distinct transplant sectors, the topographic distribution of which matches the normal topographic organization of the forelimb somatomotor map. This suggests that transplants of embryonic frontal neocortex placed in the frontal cortex of adult hosts become functionally integrated with the host motor system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Metabolic mapping of the forelimb motor system in the rat: local cerebral glucose utilization following execution of forelimb movements mainly involving proximal musculature

The present study was undertaken to establish a metabolic map of forelimb motor pathways under conditions of physiological activation. For that purpose, we used the [14C]2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) method to identify forebrain and midbrain centers showing an increase in 2-DG uptake in animals trained to execute specific lever-pressing movements with the right forelimb. Following repetitive execution of these movements, principally involving proximal (shoulder, elbow, and wrist) muscles, increases in 2-DG uptake were found contralaterally in several neocortical or subcortical centers. The largest left-right differences in local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) were found in a central region of the sensorimotor cortex composed of the caudal part of area 3 of the frontal cortex (Fr3; p < 0.01), the intermediate part of area 1 of Fr (Fr1; p < 0.01), and the forelimb cortical area (p < 0.04). Fr3 was the brain center with the highest differences in left-right LCGU. This central region of the sensorimotor cortex seems to correspond closely to the caudal forelimb area of Neafsey et al. (1986). Intermediate left-right differences in LCGU were found (1) in the just-adjoining rostral-medial areas of the motor cortex involving the intermediate part of area 2 of Fr (Fr2; p < 0.01) and the rostral part of Fr1 (p < 0.04), and (2) in the rostral part of area 1 of the parietal cortex (Par1; p < 0.01) and the caudal part of area 2 of Par (Par2; p < 0.05), both corresponding to forelimb representation. Weak (not statistically significant) left-right differences in LCGU were found in the rostral parts of Fr2 and Fr3, in the caudal parts of Fr2 and Fr1, in the hindlimb cortical area, and in the caudal part of Par1 and the rostral part of Par2. In the remaining cortical areas (cingulate; agranular and granular retrosplenial; temporal; and occipital), there was practically no difference in left-right 2-DG uptake. In addition, increased 2-DG uptake was present contralaterally in several subcortical motor-related centers. In those centers in which a somatomotor map has been established (caudate putamen, ventral lateral and ventral posterolateral thalamic nuclei, and red nucleus), increased 2-DG uptake was found in regions corresponding to forelimb representation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the effect of buspirone and 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine on cerebral glucose utilization in the rat

The novel anxiolytic and antidepressant, buspirone, and its main metabolite 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP), which is pharmacologically active, were examined for their effect on regional cerebral glucose utilization in awake rats using quantitative 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. At a dose of 1 mg/kg, buspirone reduced glucose utilization in the hippocampus by approximately 15%, whilst 1-PP at the same dose had no effect. In comparison, at a higher dose, 10 mg/kg of both buspirone and 1-PP decreased glucose utilization in the hippocampus by 20% and 27%, respectively. In addition, widespread reductions in local cerebral glucose utilization were noted with this higher dose of 1-PP; such generalized effects are compatible with those reported for alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonists. Buspirone at 1 and 10 mg/kg increased glucose utilization by 40% and 65%, respectively, in the lateral habenular nucleus, whilst 1-PP at 1 and 10 mg/kg had no effect. The findings suggest that buspirone's effects on glucose utilization cannot be attributed to 1-PP, unless high doses of buspirone are administered.

Ischemia-induced impairment of 2-deoxyglucose uptake and CA1 field potentials in rat hippocampal slices: protection by 5-HT1A receptor agonists and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists

Various in vitro models have been developed to study ischemia and/or hypoxia. In the present experiment, we examined whether hypoxia/hypoglycemia (ischemia) in rat hippocampal slices reduced the 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake and CA1 field potentials evoked by stimulation of Schaffer collaterals. Autoradiograms revealed that ischemia for 15 or 20 min reduced 2-DG uptake in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 and the dentate gyrus. Similarly, the CA1 field potentials of slices exposed to ischemia for 15 and 20 min decreased by about 70 and 90% after a 6-h washout. In the second experiment, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone, and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists cyproheptadine, mianserin and ketanserin on deficits of 2-DG uptake and Schaffer-CA1 field potentials induced by ischemia. The 5-HT1A receptor agonists and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists exhibited significant neuroprotective actions against ischemia-induced deficits. Therefore, impairments of 2-DG uptake and CA1 field potentials induced by ischemia may be good markers of ischemia-induced functional deficits. The attenuating action of 5-HT1A receptor agonists and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists were assessed using this model of ischemia.

Adrenalectomy or metyrapone-pretreatment abolishes cerebral metabolic responses to the serotonin agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) in the hippocampus

1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), a serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) agonist, elevates plasma corticosterone levels and reduces the cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (rCMRglc) in the hippocampus, a structure which possesses few 5-HT2 receptors but a large number of steroid receptors. To explore the hypothetical interaction between 5-HT and steroid mechanisms in the hippocampus, we measured rCMRglc in intact, adrenalectomized and metyrapone-pretreated rats after saline or DOI administration. Metyrapone pretreatment alone had no significant effect on rCMRglc, but adrenalectomy produced widespread rCMRglc increases in the cortex, hippocampus and monoaminergic brainstem nuclei. In intact rats, DOI 10 mg/kg reduced rCMRglc in limbic areas and increased it in the interanteromedial and paracentral thalamic nuclei. Metyrapone pretreatment and adrenalectomy abolished rCMRglc responses to DOI in hippocampal areas and enhanced those in thalamic nuclei. These results indicate that brain responses to DOI are dependent upon the functional state of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis.

Effects of the 5-HT1A partial agonists gepirone, ipsapirone and buspirone on local cerebral glucose utilization in the conscious rat

The azospirones gepirone (10 mg/kg), ipsapirone (10 mg/kg) and buspirone (10 mg/kg) were examined for their effect on regional cerebral glucose utilization in conscious rats using quantitative 2-deoxy-glucose autoradiography. All three 5-HT1A partial agonists reduced glucose utilization in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus by 20-25% and increased glucose utilization by 38-65% in the lateral habenular nucleus; an important relay between striatal/limbic areas and the mid-brain raphe nuclei. The findings emphasize the potential importance of the hippocampus as a site of action for 5-HT1A receptor active drugs in vivo and also suggest that functional activity in the striatal/limbic-habenular-raphe pathway may be influenced by gepirone, ipsapirone and buspirone.

Serotonergic innervation of the cerebral vasculature: relevance to migraine and ischaemia

Multiple and complex interactions exist between the cerebral circulation and a potent vasoactive (and neurotransmitter) agent, serotonin. The nature and bases of the real and potential relationships are often hotly contested, for example, the serotonergic innervation of brain conducting and resistance vessels. In this review, an attempt is made to reconcile the available literature and to indicate future and possibly fruitful research directions. It appears that, by its very nature, the pattern of the serotonergic innervation is singular to blood vessels of the brain and could provide a neuronal link (or coupling) between functional events within the central nervous system and its perfusion which subserves changes in brain function. Finally, there are sufficient data to suggest an involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine in different cerebrovascular pathologies.

Involvement of the dorsal hippocampus in mediation of the antianxiety action of tandospirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine1A agonistic anxiolytic

The effect of tandospirone, a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A agonist/anxiolytic, injected directly into dorsal hippocampus, on Vogel-type conflict behavior in rats was investigated and the findings were compared with the effects of diazepam and zopiclone. Tandospirone (30 micrograms/2 microliters and 60 micrograms/2 microliters) and diazepam (40 micrograms/2 microliters) but not zopiclone (20 micrograms/2 microliters), produced a potent anticonflict action in rats. The anticonflict action of tandospirone (30 micrograms/2 microliters), injected into the dorsal hippocampus, was significantly blocked by (-)-propranolol (5 mg/kg i.p.). The present findings provide evidence that suggests that tandospirone has an antianxiety action, presumably by stimulating 5-HT1A receptors in the dorsal hippocampus.

Autoradiographic localization and pharmacological characterization of [3H]tandospirone binding sites in the rat brain

The regional distribution and pharmacological properties of [3H]tandospirone binding sites in the rat brain were investigated using quantitative autoradiography. [3H]Tandospirone binding was notably high in the dentate gyrus and CA1 area of the hippocampus, lateral septum, entorhinal cortex, interpeduncular nucleus and dorsal raphe nucleus. The distribution profiles of [3H]tandospirone binding sites significantly correlated with that of serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors identified using [3H]8-OH-DPAT. In competitive binding studies, [3H]tandospirone binding was inhibited by 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT, pindolol, buspirone and N-(a,a,a-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-piperazine. The potencies of these ligands correlated with their affinities for 5-HT1A receptors. In addition, there was no significant difference in the dissociation constant of [3H]tandospirone binding between the dentate gyrus, CA1 area, dorsal raphe nucleus, lateral septum and entorhinal cortex (about 10 nM) suggesting that [3H]tandospirone binds to 5-HT1A receptors with same affinities in these brain structures. The distribution pattern of binding sites for [3H]tandospirone was also compared with that of benzodiazepine receptors identified using [3H]fludiazepam to find common effector sites for different types of anxiolytics. Some similarities were observed. It is evident in the hippocampal formation that an overlap of intense binding occurred. 5-HT1A receptors in the hippocampus may participate in the anxiolytic effects of tandospirone.

Local cerebral glucose utilization in the brain of old, learning impaired rats

The local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was measured in 63 different cortical areas and nuclei of the telencephalon, diencephalon and rhombencephalon of young adult (3 to 4-month-old) rats and of 27-month-old Wistar rats, in which learning impairments had been proven by a water maze test. The LCGU was determined by [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. In the old rats the mean LCGU of all brain regions was significantly reduced by about 10% compared with the young control group; the mean LCGU was 74.2 mumol glucose/(100 g x min) in the young and 66.7 in the old rats. Different degrees of LCGU decrease were found in the different regions. Most of the brain regions with significantly reduced LCGU values in the aged, learning impaired rats were associated with auditory and visual functions, the dopaminergic system, and structures known to be involved in learning and memory processes. Therefore, the regional pattern of LCGU reduction found in the aged, learning impaired rats did not resemble any known pattern found after lesions of a single transmitter system or systemic administration of transmitter agonists or antagonists.

Neuroanatomical structures involved in the action of the 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron: a 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic study in the rat

Local cerebral glucose utilization following the acute administration of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) was determined using [14C]2-deoxyglucose quantitative autoradiography. Ondansetron effected alterations in 13 of the 66 brain areas analyzed including limbic, auditory and visual structures. In the majority of these 13 regions ondansetron was only effective at reducing glucose use compared to control values at a dose of 0.01 mg/kg. Thus in limbic and related areas (CA2 and CA3 fields of the hippocampus, lateral habenula and septal nucleus) glucose utilization was reduced by 15-21%. Similar reductions (18-20%) were apparent in primary auditory and visual areas (auditory cortex, medial geniculate and visual cortex). However, with the exception of the ventromedial thalamic nucleus (14% reduction) glucose use in extrapyramidal and sensory motor areas was unchanged. Following larger doses of ondansetron (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg), there was no change in cerebral glucose utilization relative to control values, with the exception of the median raphe. In this structure local cerebral glucose utilization was significantly increased (P less than 0.05) following administration of 1.0 mg/kg ondansetron relative to the lower dose of 0.01 mg/kg. Changes in glucose use did not always reflect areas of high 5-HT3 receptor density. Thus, although cerebral glucose use was reduced in hippocampal layers, it was unchanged in the entorhinal cortex and the area postrema. These data suggest that under these experimental conditions ondansetron produces modest changes in glucose utilization which are primarily confined to limbic structures and those involved in sensory processing.

Evaluation of the dependence potential of the selective 5-H1A agonist ipsapirone in rats and of its effects on benzodiazepine withdrawal

Two initial studies investigated: i) the effects of withdrawal from ipsapirone [a putative non-benzodiazepine (BZ) anxiolytic] and chlordiazepoxide (CDP); and ii) effects of ipsapirone in animals withdrawn from CDP. Rats were injected b.i.d. for 21 days with saline, ipsapirone or CDP at doses up to 40 mg/kg/injection. Subsequently, controls received the treatment administered previously, other subjects received saline during withdrawal from ipsapirone or CDP. Further subjects received ipsapirone (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg b.i.d.) during CDP withdrawal. Withdrawal indices recorded were body weight and food intake. Withdrawal signs were absent after ipsapirone treatment but present after CDP treatment, when food intake and bodyweight measures fell and then recovered. At the high dose of 30 mg/kg (b.i.d.) ipsapirone potentiated CDP withdrawal signs. Potentiation of withdrawal was not seen in animals treated with ipsapirone at lower doses (3 and 10 mg/kg, b.i.d.). In a subsequent study we found that ipsapirone conditioned a taste aversion, a possible index of drug-induced "malaise", at doses as low as 7.5 mg/kg. Therefore a possible explanation for the potentiation of BZ withdrawal in subjects treated with high doses of ipsapirone was that drug-induced "malaise" reduced food intake and body weight, rather than ipsapirone causing true potentiation of BZ withdrawal. However, in a further study we showed that the ipsapirone treatment regime which potentiated BZ withdrawal did not significantly reduce food intake or body weight, suggesting that high doses of ipsapirone potentiate BZ withdrawal by a mechanism that does not simply involve "malaise".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of 5-HT1A receptor agonists on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and corticotropin-releasing factor containing neurons in the rat brain

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the major physiological regulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. There is evidence that CRF release from the hypothalamus is under stimulatory serotonergic control. The specific 5-HT receptor subtypes that mediate this effect is unclear. Administration of the 5-HT1A agonists, 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg) and ipsapirone (4 mg/kg), to rats resulted in activation of the HPA axis as evidenced by increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations in acutely treated rats and increased plasma corticosterone concentrations in both acutely and chronically treated rats. However, chronic administration of these compounds failed to alter CRF concentrations in the medium eminence or CRF receptor number of affinity in the anterior pituitary. Chronic administration of both compounds resulted in increased CRF concentrations in the piriform cortex and hippocampus, whereas 8-OH-DPAT alone increased CRF concentrations in the amygdala and entorhinal cortex. These results suggest that both hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic CRF neurons are influenced by activation of 5-HT1A receptors.

The regional difference of neuronal susceptibility in the dentate gyrus to hypoxia

The effects of hypoxia on neuronal activity in dentate gyrus granule cells were studied in submerged guinea pig hippocampal slices. In all regions of the dentate gyrus granule, the amplitude of the population spike recorded from the dentate granule cell layers, in response to electrical stimulation of the perforant path, decreased during hypoxia and recovered during reoxygenation. However, the ventral dentate gyrus granule cells (upper blade) were more susceptible to hypoxia than the dorsal ones (lower blade), indicating regional differences of neuronal susceptibility to hypoxia in the dentate gyrus.

Different metabolic changes in the lateral geniculate nucleus and the superior colliculus of adult rats after simultaneous or delayed double enucleation

By means of the [14C]deoxyglucose method the local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was measured in the lateral geniculate nucleus and the superior colliculus of rats with a simultaneous double enucleation, animals with an enucleation of the right eye between neonatal and adult stages followed by an enucleation of the left eye some months later and adult control rats. The control animals show LCGU values within the limits published by other observers. The LCGU values of the simultaneously double-enucleated rats are reduced on both sides to the same extent by about 20%. The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus shows the largest decrease. The LCGU values of the rats with the delayed double enucleation have decreased even more (up to 37%). The right sided visual brain regions have a significantly lower LCGU than the corresponding regions on the left side. These findings indicate that unilateral enucleation from neonatal to adult stages leads to adaptive changes resulting in a higher metabolic vulnerability, which is revealed by the second enucleation.

Local cerebral glucose utilization in the hippocampus of old rats

The local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was measured in the different areas and layers of the Ammon's horn and dentate gyrus of young adult (3 to 4-month-old) rats, and of 27-month-old rats with proven cognitive deficits. The LCGU was determined by quantitative [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. Compared to young animals, in the old rats the LCGU was significantly reduced by 12% to 15% in the oriens layers of CA1 and CA2, the pyramidal layers of the CA sectors 1-3, the radiatum and lacunosum-molecular layers of CA2 and CA3 and in the lucidum layer of CA3. The LCGU values of all the other layers of the Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus did not differ significantly between young and old rats. The pattern of the LCGU reduction found in the old rats roughly resembles changes found after fimbra-fornix lesions or systemic administration of scopolamine, suggesting a functionally important deficit in the cholinergic innervation of the old rats' hippocampi.

Local cerebral glucose utilization in the Ammon's horn and dentate gyrus of the rat brain

The local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was measured in different regions and layers of the Ammon's horn and dentate gyrus in the conscious rat. The LCGU was determined by quantitative [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiography using a computerized image processing system. In the hippocampus, the various regions and layers exhibited different glucose consumptions, the lowest values being found in the alveus and the highest ones in the lacunosum-molecular layers of the sectors of the Ammon's horn and the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus' external limb. Additionally, in many layers, the LCGU values of the left hemispheres were found to be higher compared with the right hemispheres. The analysis of LCGU changes in rostrocaudal direction revealed, that in sector 1 of Ammon's horn and in the dentate gyrus the glucose consumption decreased from rostral to caudal levels, whereas in sector 3 of Ammon's horn an increase was found.

The determination of the local cerebral glucose utilization with the 2-deoxyglucose method

In the adult mammalian brain, the energy metabolism is almost entirely dependent on glucose. Furthermore, a close relationship between the energy metabolism and the functional activity could be shown. Thus, the functional activity of the brain or parts thereof can be quantified by measuring the cerebral metabolic rate for glucose. Studying in vivo the fate of a radioactive labeled analogue of glucose, the 2-deoxy-D-[1-14C]glucose, and using quantitative autoradiographic techniques, it is possible to estimate the cerebral glucose utilization of every discrete brain region. The advantage of the 2-deoxyglucose method is, that the local cerebral glucose utilization represents a "metabolic encephalography" (Sokoloff 1982).