5HT-1A receptors and anxiety-like behaviours: studies in rats with constitutionally upregulated/downregulated serotonin transporter

Omeprazole affects the expression of serotonin-1A in the brain regions and alleviates anxiety in rat model of immobilization-induced stress

Omeprazole, a drug of choice for the management of gastric hyperacidity, influences serotonergic neurotransmission in brain regions and its long-term use is known to cause stress-related behavioral deficits including anxiety. Aim of the current study was to explore the effects of omeprazole treatment on immobilization-induced anxiety in rats, specifically on the role of serotonin (5-HT). In view of the role of serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) autoreceptor in the availability of 5-HT in brain regions, mRNA expression of this autoreceptor was performed in raphe nuclei. Similarly, because of the role of hippocampal 5-HT neurotransmission in anxiety-like disorders, expression of the 5-HT1A heteroreceptors was determined in this region. We found that the treatment with omeprazole reduces anxiety-like behavior in rats, increases the expression of 5-HT1A autoreceptor in the raphe and decreases the hippocampal expression of 5-HT1A heteroreceptor. This suggests a role of 5-HT1A receptor types in omeprazole-induced behavioral changes. It also indicates a potential role of omeprazole in the management of serotonergic disorders.

Ceftriaxone Inhibits Conditioned Fear and Compulsive-like Repetitive Marble Digging without Central Nervous System Side Effects Typical of Diazepam-A Study on DBA2/J Mice and a High-5HT Subline of Wistar-Zagreb 5HT Rats

Background: Ceftriaxone upregulates GLT1 glutamate transporter in the brain and may have anti-CFC and anti-OCD effects. Methods: Twenty WZ-5HT rats were used to investigate the effects of ceftriaxone on obsessive-compulsive (OCD)-like behaviour in the marble-burying (MB) test, freezing behaviour in contextual fear conditioning (CFC) and expression of GLT1 protein in the hippocampus or amygdala using immunoblots. Fifteen DBA/2J mice were used in the MB test. We also compared diazepam with ceftriaxone in open-field, beam-walking, and wire-hanging tests on 47 DBA/2J mice. Ceftriaxone (200 mg/kg) and saline were applied intraperitoneally, once daily for 7 (rats) or 5 (mice) consecutive days. A single dose of diazepam (1.5-3.0 mg/kg) or saline was injected 30 min before the behavioural tests. Results: Ceftriaxone significantly diminished OCD-like behaviour (↓ number of marbles buried) and freezing behaviour in CFC context session (↑ latencies, ↓ total duration, ↓ duration over four 2 min periods of the session) but increased GLT1 protein expression in the amygdala and hippocampus of rats. Diazepam induced sedation, ataxia and myorelaxation in mice. Ceftriaxone did not have these side effects. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the anti-CFC and anti-OCD effects of ceftriaxone, which did not produce the unwanted effects typical of diazepam.

Epilepsy is more than a simple seizure disorder: Causal relationships between epilepsy and its comorbidities

This review draws connections between the pathogenesis of canine epilepsy and its most commonly recognised comorbidities: cognitive impairment (CI), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behaviour, fear and anxiety. Uni/bidirectional causalities and the possibility of a common aetiology triggering both epilepsy and the associated diseases are considered. Research on this topic is sparse in dogs, so information has been gathered and assessed from human and laboratory animal studies. Anatomical structures, functional connections, disrupted neurotransmission and neuroinflammatory processes collectively serve as a common foundation for epilepsy and its comorbidities. Specific anatomical structures, especially parts of the limbic system, such as the amygdala and the hippocampus, are involved in generating seizures, as well as cognitive- and behavioural disorders. Furthermore, disturbances in inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission influence neuronal excitability and networks, leading to underlying brain dysfunction. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), and electroencephalography (EEG) have demonstrated functional brain connections that are related to the emergence of both epilepsy and its various comorbidities. Neuroinflammatory processes can either cause or be a consequence of seizures, and inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, can equally evoke mood disorders. The extensive relationships contributing to the development and progression of seizures and comorbid cognitive and behavioural conditions illustrate the complexity of the disease that is epilepsy.

Constitutive Serotonin Tone as a Modulator of Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis: A Rat Study

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), an important regulator of thermogenic and metabolic processes, is considered a promising target to combat metabolic disorders. The neurotransmitter and hormone serotonin (5HT) is a major modulator of energy homeostasis, with its central and peripheral pools acting in opposing ways. To better understand how individual variations in 5HT homeostasis influence the thermogenic functionality of BAT, we used a rat model consisting of two sublines with constitutively increased (high-5HT) or decreased (low-5HT) whole-body 5HT tone, developed by selective breeding for platelet 5HT parameters. We have shown that animals with constitutively low 5HT activity maintained at a standard housing temperature (22 °C) have greater interscapular BAT (iBAT) mass and higher iBAT metabolic activity (as evidenced by measurements of iBAT temperature and glucose uptake), accompanied by increased iBAT mRNA expression of key thermogenic genes, compared to animals with high 5HT tone. In response to further thermogenic challenges-intermittent cold exposure or treatment with a β₃-adrenergic agonist-5HT sublines show several functional and molecular differences linking constitutively low endogenous 5HT tone to higher BAT activity/capacity. Overall, the results support a role of 5-HT in the control of BAT thermogenesis They also suggest that individuals with lower 5HT activity may be more sensitive to β3-adrenergic drugs.

Could peripheral 5-HT level be used as a biomarker for depression diagnosis and treatment? A narrative minireview

The serotonin hypothesis of depression is still influential, but the relationship between peripheral 5-HT levels and depression is still unknown. This review aimed to verify whether peripheral 5-HT levels could be used as a biomarker for depression diagnosis and treatment. PubMed and EMBASE were searched using terms appropriate to the area of research. Articles from 1957 to 2022 in the following terms were identified: depression, 5-HT, serotonin and peripheral (serum, plasma, blood platelets). 33 studies were included: seven clinical trials about periphery 5-HT levels in depressive patients compared to normal subjects, 15 clinical trials about changes of peripheral 5-HT levels in patients with depression after drug treatment and 11 animal experiments about peripheral 5-HT levels in animal models of depression. Peripheral 5-HT levels presented three different outcomes before and after antidepressant treatments: increased, decreased and no significant change. In conclusion, changes in peripheral 5-HT levels did not show consistent results among these studies. Peripheral 5-HT level could not be used as a biomarker both for depression diagnosis and for antidepressant efficacy evaluation.

Metabolic and Molecular Response to High-Fat Diet Differs between Rats with Constitutionally High and Low Serotonin Tone

Maintaining energy balance is a complex physiological function whose dysregulation can lead to obesity and associated metabolic disorders. The bioamine serotonin (5HT) is an important regulator of energy homeostasis, with its central and peripheral pools influencing energy status in opposing ways. Using sublines of rats with constitutionally increased (high-5HT) or decreased (low-5HT) whole-body 5HT tone, we have previously shown that under standard diet constitutionally higher 5HT activity is associated with increased body weight, adiposity, and impaired glucose homeostasis. Here, we investigated the response of 5HT sublines to an obesogenic diet. Consistent with previous findings, high-5HT animals fed a standard diet had poorer metabolic health. However, in response to a high-fat diet, only low-5HT animals increased body weight and insulin resistance. They also showed more pronounced changes in blood metabolic parameters and the expression of various metabolic genes in hypothalamus and adipose tissue. On the other hand, high-5HT animals appeared to be protected from major metabolic disturbances of the obesogenic diet. The results suggest that constitutionally low 5HT activity is associated with higher susceptibility to harmful effects of a high-energy diet. High-5HT subline, which developed less adverse metabolic outcomes on hypercaloric diets, may prove useful in understanding metabolically healthy obesity in humans.

Metabolic Disturbances in Rat Sublines with Constitutionally Altered Serotonin Homeostasis

Central and peripheral serotonin (5HT) have opposing functions in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Both increasing 5HT signaling in the brain and decreasing 5HT signaling in the periphery have been proposed as potential treatments for obesity. This study investigates the relationship between constitutionally high or low 5HT activity and systemic net energy balance. Two sublines of rats with high and low whole-body 5HT tone, obtained by selective breeding for platelet 5HT parameters, were examined for fat accumulation in different white adipose tissue (WAT) depots, glucose/insulin tolerance, blood metabolic parameters, and expression of various metabolic genes. High-5HT animals, unlike their low-5HT counterparts, developed widespread intra-abdominal obesity associated with glucose and insulin intolerance, which worsened with age. They also had elevated blood glucose and lipid parameters but showed no significant changes in circulating leptin, resistin, and adipsin levels. Surprisingly, adiponectin levels were increased in plasma but reduced in the WAT of high-5HT rats. A limited number of metabolic genes belonging to different functional classes showed differential expression in WAT of high-5HT compared to low-5HT rats. Overall, a constitutive increase in 5HT tone is associated with a positive energy balance acting through subtle dysregulation of a broad spectrum of metabolic pathways.

Therapeutic potential of diosmin, a citrus flavonoid against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity via suppression of NOX 4 and its subunits

OBJECTIVES:

Water contaminated with arsenic affected millions of people worldwide and arsenic exposure is related to various neurological disorders. Hence, the current study was planned to investigate the neuroprotective activity of diosmin (DSN) against arsenic induced neurotoxicity as an attempt to identify therapeutic intervention to combat arsenicism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sodium arsenite an inducer of neurotoxicity was administered orally (13 mg/kg) and DSN treatment at two selected doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) was done for 21 days. Behavioral and biochemical variations were examined by various parameters. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies were done with the brain sections.

RESULTS:

The behavioral studies evidenced that arsenic has suppressed the exploratory behavior and motor coordination in rats and DSN treatment has recovered the behavioral changes to normal. Arsenic administration has also found to induce oxidative stress and DSN co-treatment has ameliorated the oxidative stress markers. Interestingly, depleted levels of neurotransmitters were observed with the arsenic and it was restored back by the DSN treatment. Histopathological alterations like pyknosis of the neuronal cells were identified with arsenic exposure and subsided upon DSN co administration. Immunohistochemical studies have revealed the expression of NOX4 and its gp91^phox and P47^phox subunits and its suppression by DSN treatment may be the key therapeutic factor of it.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment with DSN showed a beneficial effect in protecting against arsenic-induced neurotoxicity by suppressing the toxicity changes and the antioxidant effect of DSN might be attributed to its ability of suppressing NOX4 and its subunits.

Constitutive Serotonin Tone Modulates Molecular and Behavioral Response to Chronic Fluoxetine Treatment: A Study on Genetic Rat Model

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of mood disorders. Yet, individual response to SSRIs is highly variable, with only a portion of patients showing the desired therapeutic effect. To better understand the molecular basis underlying individual variability in response to SSRIs, here we comparatively studied behavioral and molecular consequences of chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a widely used SSRI, in two sublines of rats with constitutionally different serotonin (5HT) homeostasis: the high-5HT and low-5HT sublines. Platelet 5HT levels, a recognized indicator of SSRI efficacy, were decreased by fluoxetine treatment in both 5HT-sublines. On the other hand, biologically active plasma 5HT levels were reduced only in high-5HT rats. The anxiolytic effect of fluoxetine was also evident only in high-5HT rats, as supported by spatio-temporal and ethological behavioral measures in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test and exploratory behavior measures in the open field (OF) test. None of the behavioral EPM or OF measures were significantly altered by fluoxetine treatment in low-5HT rats. Unexpectedly, 5HT levels in cerebral cortices tended to be reduced only in low-5HT rats. Moreover, the effects of fluoxetine on cortical expression levels of 5HT-related proteins were also present only in low-5HT rats, with serotonin transporter (5HTT) and serotonin receptor type 1a (Htr1a) being down-regulated, while serotonin receptor type 4 (Htr4) was up-regulated by fluoxetine treatment. The obtained results support a role of individual 5HT tone as an important influencing factor on the biological actions of SSRI antidepressants.

Constitutionally High Serotonin Tone Favors Obesity: Study on Rat Sublines With Altered Serotonin Homeostasis

Central and peripheral pools of biogenic monoamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5HT]) exert opposite effects on the body weight regulation: increase in brain 5HT activity is expected to decrease body weight, whereas increase in peripheral 5HT activity will increase body weight and adiposity. In a genetic model of rats with constitutionally high- or low-5HT homeostasis (hyperserotonergic/hyposerotonergic rats), we have studied how individual differences in endogenous 5HT tone modulate net energy balance of the organism. The high-5HT and low-5HT sublines of the model were developed by selective breeding toward extreme platelet activities of 5HT transporter, a key molecule determining 5HT bioavailability/activity. In animals from high-5HT and low-5HT sublines, we assessed physiological characteristics associated with body weight homeostasis and expression profile of a large scale of body weight–regulating genes in hypothalamus, a major brain region controlling energy balance. Results showed that under standard chow diet animals from the high-5HT subline, as compared to low-5HT animals, have lifelong increased body weight (by 12%), higher absolute daily food intake (by 9%), and different pattern of fat distribution (larger amount of white adipose tissue and lower amount of brown adipose tissue). A large number of body weight–regulating hypothalamic genes were analyzed for their mRNA expression: 24 genes by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 9–10 rats/subline) including neuropeptides and their receptors, growth factors, transcriptional factors, and receptors for peripheral signals, and a total of 84 genes of various classes by polymerase chain reaction array (pools of six rats/subline). Only few genes showed significant differences in mRNA expression levels between 5HT sublines (e.g. neuropeptide Y receptor, fibroblast growth factor 10), but high-5HT animals displayed a clear trend to upregulation of mRNAs for a number of orexigenic signaling peptides, their receptors, and other molecules with orexigenic activity. Receptors for peripheral signals (leptin, insulin) and molecules in their downstream signaling were not altered, indicating no changes in central insulin/leptin resistance. At the protein level, there were no differences in the content of hypothalamic leptin receptor between 5HT sublines, but significant sex and age effects were observed. Results show that higher constitutive/individual 5HT tone favors higher body weight and adiposity probably due to concurrent upregulation of several hypothalamic orexigenic pathways.

Cannabidiol modulates phosphorylated rpS6 signalling in a zebrafish model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes and is characterized by widespread tumour growth, intractable epilepsy, cognitive deficits and autistic behaviour. CBD has been reported to decrease seizures and inhibit tumour cell progression, therefore we sought to determine the influence of CBD on TSC pathology in zebrafish carrying a nonsense mutation in the tsc2 gene. CBD treatment from 6 to 7 days post-fertilization (dpf) induced significant anxiolytic actions without causing sedation. Furthermore, CBD treatment from 3 dpf had no impact on tsc2^-/- larvae motility nor their survival. CBD treatment did, however, reduce the number of phosphorylated rpS6 positive cells, and their cross-sectional cell size. This suggests a CBD mediated suppression of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity in the tsc2^-/- larval brain. Taken together, these data suggest that CBD selectively modulates levels of phosphorylated rpS6 in the brain and additionally provides an anxiolytic effect. This is pertinent given the alterations in mTOR signalling in experimental models of TSC. Additional work is necessary to identify upstream signal modulation and to further justify the use of CBD as a possible therapeutic strategy to manage TSC.

Proteome and Transcriptome Analysis of Ovary, Intersex Gonads, and Testis Reveals Potential Key Sex Reversal/Differentiation Genes and Mechanism in Scallop Chlamys nobilis

Bivalve mollusks exhibit hermaphroditism and sex reversal/differentiation. Studies generally focus on transcriptional profiling and specific genes related to sex determination and differentiation. Few studies on sex reversal/differentiation have been reported. A combination analysis of gonad proteomics and transcriptomics was conducted on Chlamys nobilis to provide a systematic understanding of sex reversal/differentiation in bivalves. We obtained 4258 unique peptides and 93,731 unigenes with good correlation between messenger RNA and protein levels. Candidate genes in sex reversal/differentiation were found: 15 genes differentially expressed between sexes were identified and 12 had obvious sexual functions. Three novel genes (foxl2, β-catenin, and sry) were expressed highly in intersex individuals and were likely involved in the control of gonadal sex in C. nobilis. High expression of foxl2 or β-catenin may inhibit sry and activate 5-HT receptor and vitellogenin to maintain female development. High expression of sry may inhibit foxl2 and β-catenin and activate dmrt2, fem-1, sfp2, sa6, Amy-1, APCP4, and PLK to maintain male function. High expression of sry, foxl2, and β-catenin in C. nobilis may be involved in promoting and maintaining sex reversal/differentiation. The downstream regulator may not be dimorphic expressed genes, but genes expressed in intersex individuals, males and females. Different expression patterns of sex-related genes and gonadal histological characteristics suggested that C. nobilis may change its sex from male to female. These findings suggest highly conserved sex reversal/differentiation with diverged regulatory pathways during C. nobilis evolution. This study provides valuable genetic resources for understanding sex reversal/differentiation (intersex) mechanisms and pathways underlying bivalve reproductive regulation.

Serotonin synthesis rate and the tryptophan hydroxylase-2: G-703T polymorphism in social anxiety disorder

It is disputed whether anxiety disorders, like social anxiety disorder, are characterized by serotonin over- or underactivity. Here, we evaluated whether our recent finding of elevated neural serotonin synthesis rate in patients with social anxiety disorder could be reproduced in a separate cohort, and whether allelic variation in the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) G-703T polymorphism relates to differences in serotonin synthesis assessed with positron emission tomography. Eighteen social anxiety disorder patients and six healthy controls were scanned during 60 minutes in a resting state using positron emission tomography and 5-hydroxy-L-[β -(11)C]tryptophan, [(11)C]5-HTP, a substrate of the second enzymatic step in serotonin synthesis. Parametric images were generated, using the reference Patlak method, and analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8). Blood samples for genotyping of the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism were obtained from 16 social anxiety disorder patients (T carriers: n=5, GG carriers: n=11). A significantly elevated [(11)C]5-HTP accumulation rate, indicative of enhanced decarboxylase activity and thereby serotonin synthesis capacity, was detected in social anxiety disorder patients compared with controls in the hippocampus and basal ganglia nuclei and, at a more lenient (uncorrected) statistical threshold, in the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex. In patients, the serotonin synthesis rate in the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex was significantly elevated in TPH2 T carriers in comparison with GG homozygotes. Our results support that social anxiety disorder entails an overactive presynaptic serotonergic system that, in turn, seems functionally influenced by the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism in emotionally relevant brain regions.

Amphetamine Withdrawal Differentially Increases the Expression of Organic Cation Transporter 3 and Serotonin Transporter in Limbic Brain Regions

Amphetamine withdrawal increases anxiety and stress sensitivity related to blunted ventral hippocampus (vHipp) and enhances the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) serotonin responses. Extracellular serotonin levels are regulated by the serotonin transporter (SERT) and organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), and vHipp OCT3 expression is enhanced during 24 hours of amphetamine withdrawal, while SERT expression is unaltered. Here, we tested whether OCT3 and SERT expression in the CeA is also affected during acute withdrawal to explain opposing regional alterations in limbic serotonergic neurotransmission and if respective changes continued with two weeks of withdrawal. We also determined whether changes in transporter expression were confined to these regions. Male rats received amphetamine or saline for two weeks followed by 24 hours or two weeks of withdrawal, with transporter expression measured using Western immunoblot. OCT3 and SERT expression increased in the CeA at both withdrawal timepoints. In the vHipp, OCT3 expression increased only at 24 hours of withdrawal, with an equivalent pattern seen in the dorsomedial hypothalamus. No changes were evident in any other regions sampled. These regionally specific changes in limbic OCT3 and SERT expression may partially contribute to the serotonergic imbalance and negative affect during amphetamine withdrawal.

Sexual dimorphisms in swimming behavior, cerebral metabolic activity and adrenoceptors in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Sexually dimorphic behaviors and brain sex differences, not only restricted to reproduction, are considered to be evolutionary preserved. Specifically, anxiety related behavioral repertoire is suggested to exhibit sex-specific characteristics in rodents and primates. The present study investigated whether behavioral responses to novelty, have sex-specific characteristics in the neurogenetic model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio), lacking chromosomal sex determination. For this, aspects of anxiety-like behavior (including reduced exploration, increased freezing behavior and erratic movement) of male and female adult zebrafish were tested in a novel tank paradigm and after habituation. Male and female zebrafish showed significant differences in their swimming activity in response to novelty, with females showing less anxiety spending more time in the upper tank level. When fish have habituated, regional cerebral glucose uptake, an index of neuronal activity, and brain adrenoceptors' (ARs) expression (α2-ARs and β-ARs) were determined using in vivo 2-[(14)C]-deoxyglucose methodology and in vitro neurotransmitter receptors quantitative autoradiography, respectively. Intriguingly, females exhibited higher glucose utilization than males in hypothalamic brain areas. Adrenoceptor's expression pattern was dimorphic in zebrafish telencephalic, preoptic, hypothalamic nuclei, central gray, and cerebellum, similarly to birds and mammals. Specifically, the lateral zone of dorsal telencephalon (Dl), an area related to spatial cognition, homologous to the mammalian hippocampus, showed higher α2-AR densities in females. In contrast, male cerebellum included higher densities of β-ARs in comparison to female. Taken together, our data demonstrate a well-defined sex discriminant cerebral metabolic activity and ARs' pattern in zebrafish, possibly contributing to male-female differences in the swimming behavior.

Functional Selectivity and Antidepressant Activity of Serotonin 1A Receptor Ligands

Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays an important role in physiological functions. 5-HT has been implicated in sleep, feeding, sexual behavior, temperature regulation, pain, and cognition as well as in pathological states including disorders connected to mood, anxiety, psychosis and pain. 5-HT1A receptors have for a long time been considered as an interesting target for the action of antidepressant drugs. It was postulated that postsynaptic 5-HT1A agonists could form a new class of antidepressant drugs, and mixed 5-HT1A receptor ligands/serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitors seem to possess an interesting pharmacological profile. It should, however, be noted that 5-HT1A receptors can activate several different biochemical pathways and signal through both G protein-dependent and G protein-independent pathways. The variables that affect the multiplicity of 5-HT1A receptor signaling pathways would thus result from the summation of effects specific to the host cell milieu. Moreover, receptor trafficking appears different at pre- and postsynaptic sites. It should also be noted that the 5-HT1A receptor cooperates with other signal transduction systems (like the 5-HT1B or 5-HT2A/2B/2C receptors, the GABAergic and the glutaminergic systems), which also contribute to its antidepressant and/or anxiolytic activity. Thus identifying brain specific molecular targets for 5-HT1A receptor ligands may result in a better targeting, raising a hope for more effective medicines for various pathologies.

Investigation of allyphenyline efficacy in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms

We have recently demonstrated that allyphenyline, behaving as α2C-adrenoceptor/serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist and α2A-adrenoceptor antagonist, in mice enhanced morphine analgesia, attenuated morphine withdrawal symptoms, showed significant antidepressant-like activity and was devoid of sedative side effects. Opioid and alcohol withdrawal shares several common neurobiological and molecular mechanisms. Therefore, in this study we expanded our analysis of the pharmacological properties of allyphenyline by investigating its ability to prevent the expression of somatic withdrawal signs, anxiety-like behavior and hyperlocomotion associated with chronic ethanol intoxication. Rats were subjected to induction of ethanol dependence via repeated daily intragastric ethanol (20%) administration for 4 consecutive days. Twelve hours after the last alcohol administration, somatic alcohol withdrawal signs were scored. Results revealed a significant expression of physical withdrawal signs that were not affected by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of allyphenyline at the doses of 0.05, 0.275 and 0.5 mg/kg. In contrast, allyphenyline (0.05 and 0.275 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced hyperanxiety-like behavior observed 6 days after alcohol intoxication as measured using the defensive burying test. Allyphenyline also reduced open field hyperlocomotor activity associated with alcohol withdrawal. Notably, the anxiolytic effect of the compound, as well as the already reported antidepressant action, was observed at very low doses, suggesting the involvement of its α2C-adrenoceptor/serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonism. Therefore, the present investigation suggests that allyphenyline might represent an interesting pharmacological tool to investigate the potential of compounds exhibiting α2C-adrenoceptor/serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonism and α2A-adrenoceptor antagonism in the treatment of hyperanxiety and hyperlocomotion occurring during alcohol withdrawal in dependent subjects.

Midbrain raphe 5-HT1A receptor activation alters the effects of ghrelin on appetite and performance in the elevated plus maze

Prior research suggests that midbrain serotonergic signaling and hypothalamic ghrelinergic signaling both play critical roles in appetitive and emotional behaviors. In the present study, we investigated the effects of median raphe nucleus (MRN) somatodentritic 5-HT1A receptor activation on the feeding-stimulant and anxiogenic action of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) ghrelin. In an initial experiment, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with either ghrelin (200-800 pmol) into the PVN or 8-OH-DPAT (2.5-10 nmol), a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, into the MRN. Performance on the elevated plus maze (EPM) was then assessed. In separate rats, MRN 8-OH-DPAT (2.5-5 nmol) was administered 5 min prior to PVN injection of ghrelin (400 pmol) followed by EPM testing. The orexigenic effects of MRN 8-OH-DPAT (0.1-1.6 nmol) paired with PVN ghrelin (50 pmol) were also examined. When administered alone into the PVN, ghrelin significantly decreased the number of entries and time spent in the open arms of the EPM. This anxiogenic effect was blocked if rats were allowed to eat immediately after ghrelin administration and then tested in the plus maze. MRN injections of 8-OH-DPAT were anxiolytic, and when rats were pretreated with 8-OH-DPAT prior to ghrelin, the anxiogenic action of the peptide was attenuated. In contrast, MRN administration of 8-OH-DPAT potentiated the eating-stimulant effect of PVN ghrelin. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ghrelinergic and serotonergic circuits interact in the neural control of eating and anxiety-like behaviors, with 5-HT1A receptor mechanisms potentiating the orexigenic action of ghrelin while inhibiting ghrelin-induced anxiogenesis as measured via the EPM.

Interactions of a standardized flavonoid fraction from Tilia americana with Serotoninergic drugs in elevated plus maze

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tilia americana var. mexicana (Schltdl) Hardin (Tiliaceae) aerial parts (bracts and flowers) are used in the traditional Mexican medicine to treat nervous disorders, as sedative and to treat insomnia. A fraction of this species called FC1 (organic fraction from this plant) was proposed, described as anxiolytic and characterized by the presence of flavonoids. In the present work, this fraction was standardized, and its interaction with different serotonergic drugs was tested. We used the elevated plus maze model as anxiety test and the open field test so as to observe a possible effect on mice׳s motor behavior.

MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY

HPLC technique was used to quantify the flavonoids contained in a fraction called F1C. Different doses of F1C were administered to ICR mice (12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50mg/kg, oral pathway) then they were exposed to elevated plus maze or open field test. After, each dose of F1C fraction was co-administered with different drugs, in order to evaluate the animal׳s behavior: DOI agonist (2.0mg/kg) and KET antagonist (0.03mg/kg) of 5-HT2A receptors; 8-OH-DPAT (0.1mg/kg) selective agonist and WAY100635 (0.5mg/kg) antagonist of 5HT1 receptors.

RESULTS

The HPLC quantitative analysis revealed the F1C composition (mg/g of extract): tiliroside (28.56), glucoside of quercetin (16.25), quercitrin (7.96), rutin (3.93), Kaempferol (2.83). The Emax for F1C curve was 80.6% for time to open arms with an ED50 of 15.09 mg/kg. The combination of F1C with DOI gives a significant increase of the F1C anxiolytic effect (Emax=111% and ED50=13.51 mg/kg), while KET blocks it completely (Emax=12.25% and ED50=2.4 mg/kg). The administration of F1C with 8-OH-DPAT does not generate significant changes on the time to open arms, although it does induce a decrement in F1C potency (Emax=83.3% and ED50=33.3mg/kg). When F1C and WAY-100365 are combined, the anxiolytic activity of the fraction decreases (Emax=33.3% and ED50=102.10mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

The medicinal use attributed to Tilia americana for their effect on central nervous system, could be in part in the flavonoid fraction (F1C) with anxiolytic activity which is dose dependent, and has the ability to interact with the serotonergic system. It is necessary to advance in the study of the mechanism of action, using other techniques such in vitro analysis.

Molecular characterization and analysis of a putative 5-HT receptor involved in reproduction process of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata

5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin) has been linked to a variety of biological roles including gonad maturation and sequential spawning in bivalve molluscs. To gain a better understanding of the effects of 5-HT on developmental regulation in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata, the isolation, cloning, and expression of the 5-HT receptor was investigated in this study. A full-length cDNA (2541 bp) encoding a putative 5-HT receptor (5-HTpf) of 471 amino acids was isolated from the ovary of the pearl oyster. It shared 71% and 51% homology, respectively, with the Crassostrea gigas 5-HT receptor and the Aplysia californica 5-HT1ap. The 5-HTpf sequence possessed the typical characteristics of seven transmembrane domains and a long third inner loop. Phylogenetic analysis also indicated that 5-HTpf was classified into the 5-HT1 subtype together with other invertebrate 5-HT1 receptors. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that 5-HTpf is widely expressed in all tissues tested, is involved in the gametogenesis cycle, embryonic and larval development stages, and expression is induced by E2 in ovarian tissues. These results suggest that 5-HTpf is involved in the reproductive process, specifically in the induction of oocyte maturation and spawning of P. fucata.

Serotonergic modulation of pain and analgesic responses: a study in rats with constitutionally altered serotonin transporters

BACKGROUND

A role of the serotonin (5HT) transporter, a key regulator of serotonergic transmission, in the physiology, pharmacology and genetics of pain responses has been proposed recently. The present study aimed to explore the impact of constitutive differences in the activity of the serotonin transporter, and 5HT homeostasis in general, on the modulation on pain sensitivity and analgesic responses to drugs that utilize 5HT mechanisms.

METHODS

A novel genetic animal model, Wistar-Zagreb 5HT rats, obtained by selective breeding of animals for extreme activity of the platelet serotonin transporter was used. As a consequence of breeding, two sublines of this model, termed high-5HT and low-5HT, differ in both central and peripheral serotonin homeostasis. Thermal pain sensitivity of 5HT sublines was assessed at baseline and following administration of analgesic drugs, as determined by paw withdrawal latency to radiant heat stimulation.

RESULTS

Animals from 5HT sublines show differences in both basal pain sensitivity and analgesic responses. Rats with the low-5HT phenotype displayed decreased baseline paw withdrawal latencies (hyperalgesia) in comparison to their high-5HT counterpart (25%; p < 0.001). They also showed better analgesic response to acute and prolonged treatment with tramadol (p = 0.027) and clomipramine (p = 0.019), respectively, whereas administration of fluvoxamine did not produce an analgesic effect in either 5HT subline.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the idea that functionality of the serotonin transporter is one of the physiological/genetic determinants of individual differences in pain responses and modulation. They also validate Wistar-Zagreb 5HT rats, with constitutionally up-regulated/down-regulated serotonin transporter, as a potential new genetic model for studying serotonergic modulation of pain responses.

5-HT(1A) receptor: an old target as a new attractive tool in drug discovery from central nervous system to cancer

The serotonin receptor subtype 5-HT(1A) was one of the first serotonin receptor subtypes pharmacologically characterized. This receptor subtype has long been object of intense research and is implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders. In recent years, new chemical entities targeting the 5-HT(1A) receptor (alone or in combination with other molecular targets) have been proposed for novel therapeutic uses in neuroprotection, cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, pain treatment, malignant carcinoid syndrome, and prostate cancer. This Perspective compares existing data on expression and signaling activity of the 5-HT(1A) receptor to a ligand with an intrinsic agonist or antagonist profile. Our purpose is also to make a complete overview, useful for underlining the features needed to select a specific pharmacological profile rather than another one. This aspect could be really interesting to consider and justify the 5-HT(1A) receptor as a new attractive target for drug discovery.

Differential expression of rat hippocampal microRNAs in two rat models of chronic pain

The two most common forms of chronic pain are inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of these pain conditions and their therapeutic responses are poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate cell genes, and thus control cell proliferation, inflammation and metabolism. In the present study, we examined gene expression in the hippocampus of rats in two models of chronic pain. In addition, we used the left hindpaw procedure to identify differences in the bilateral hippocampus. We divided the rats into the 4 following groups: the group with chronic constriction injury (CCI), the sham-operated group, the group injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and the group injected with normal saline. miRNA expression profiles were analyzed using TaqMan low-density array (TLDA). We observed 54 miRNAs (22.7%) in the rats with CCI rats that were differentially expressed, including 7 miRNAs that were downregulated compared with the sham-operated rats. In the CFA-injected rats, 40 miRNAs (16.8%) were differentially expressed, including 8 miRNAs that were downregulated compared with the normal saline-injected rats. Pearson's correlation co-efficient for all detected miRNAs in the rat hippocampus failed to identify differences between the hippocampi bilaterally. An unsupervised cluster analysis produced separate clusters between the control and experimental groups. In this study, we demonstrate the differential expression of hippocampal miRNAs in two rat models of chronic pain; however, no significant differences were observed bilaterally in hippocampal miRNA expression. Further research is required to determine the correlation among miRNAs, messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and proteins.

The miRNA and mRNA changes in rat hippocampi after chronic constriction injury

OBJECTIVE

We elaborated the rat hippocampi in order to assess for central nervous system changes following a peripheral neuropathic injury.

DESIGN, SETTING, SUBJECTS

We examined the gene changes in the hippocampi of chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats with TaqMan® low-density array analysis (TLDA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of miR-125b, -132, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of neuropeptide Y, brain-derived neural factor, N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate 2A receptor, gamma-aminobutyric acid A a1 receptor, gamma-aminobutyric acid A b1 receptor, gamma-aminobutyric acid B b2 receptor, serotonin 1A receptor, serotonin 2A receptor, serotonin 2C receptor, and serotonin 3A receptor on days 0, 7, and 15 after surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Two behavioral tests (thermal and mechanical stimulation tests) were performed three times at 5-minute intervals to assess pain thresholds. MicroRNA (miRNA) changes were examined by TLDA. mRNA changes were examined by qRT-PCR. Statistical significance was determined by Tukey-Kramer's method and paired t-test.

RESULTS

All rats showed mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity on the ipsilateral side. Out of 373 miRNAs analyzed, 237 were expressed, and 51 changed their expressions after CCI. By TLDA, cluster analysis found obvious miRNA changes on day 7 that tended to recover by day 15. For miR-125b, the relative expression decreased to 0.70 ± 0.30 at day 7 and recovered to 1.65 ± 0.19 at day 15. The miR-132 relative expressions were 0.69 ± 0.30 and 0.70 ± 0.15, respectively. The mRNA changes followed the miRNA changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the peripheral nerve injury altered rat hippocampal miRNA.

Interaction of the natural anxiolytic Galphimine-B with serotonergic drugs on dorsal hippocampus in rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

Galphimine-B (G-B) is a nor-seco triterpene with an anxiolytic-like effect obtained from the plant species Galphimia glauca Cav. By means of a double blind clinical trial, it has been demonstrated that the extract from this plant, standardized in G-B content, possesses therapeutic effectiveness in patients with generalized anxiety. The mechanism of action of this compound remains unknown to date, but it has already demonstrated a non interaction with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system. For this reason, the objective of this work was to evaluate the pharmacological interaction between G-B with the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5HT(1A)) and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5HT(2A)) serotonergic receptors on CA1 neurons of hippocampus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electrophysiological records were performed as the frequency of discharge of in vivo CA1 cells from dorsal hippocampus in rats.

RESULTS

G-B was able to increase the frequency of discharge of neurons of the CA1 cells with some characteristics that support an interaction with the serotonergic system in this zone. It was demonstrated that this triterpene modulates the induced response of 5HT(1A) receptors, in an allosteric manner.

CONCLUSION

This effect demonstrated an interaction between G-B and the serotonergic system in dorsal hippocampus and evidenced that the mechanism of action of this compound could involve a complex series of actions on different neurotransmitter systems related with the anxiety disorder.