Endogenous noradrenaline activates alpha 2-adrenoceptors on serotonergic nerve endings in human and rat neocortex

Presynaptic Adrenoceptors

Presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors are localized on axon terminals of many noradrenergic and non-noradrenergic neurons in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Their activation by exogenous agonists leads to inhibition of the exocytotic release of noradrenaline and other transmitters from the neurons. Most often, the α2A-receptor subtype is involved in this inhibition. The chain of molecular events between receptor occupation and inhibition of the exocytotic release of transmitters has been determined. Physiologically released endogenous noradrenaline elicits retrograde autoinhibition of its own release. Some clonidine-like α2-receptor agonists have been used to treat hypertension. Dexmedetomidine is used for prolonged sedation in the intensive care; It also has a strong analgesic effect. The α2-receptor antagonist mirtazapine increases the noradrenaline concentration in the synaptic cleft by interrupting physiological autoinhibion of release. It belongs to the most effective antidepressive drugs. β2-Adrenoceptors are also localized on axon terminals in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Their activation leads to enhanced transmitter release, however, they are not activated by endogenous adrenaline.

Serotonin and beyond-a tribute to Manfred Göthert (1939-2019)

Manfred Göthert, who had served Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol as Managing Editor from 1998 to 2005, deceased in June 2019. His scientific oeuvre encompasses more than 20 types of presynaptic receptors, mostly on serotoninergic and noradrenergic neurones. He was the first to identify presynaptic receptors for somatostatin and ACTH and described many presynaptic receptors, known from animal preparations, also in human tissue. In particular, he elucidated the pharmacology of presynaptic 5-HT receptors. A second field of interest included ligand-gated and voltage-dependent channels. The negative allosteric effect of anesthetics at peripheral nACh receptors is relevant for the peripheral clinical effects of these drugs and modified the Meyer-Overton hypothesis. The negative allosteric effect of ethanol at NMDA receptors in human brain tissue occurred at concentrations found in the range of clinical ethanol intoxication. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of gabapentinoids on P/Q Ca2+ channels and the subsequent decrease in AMPA-induced noradrenaline release may contribute to their clinical effect. Another ligand-gated ion channel, the 5-HT3 receptor, attracted the interest of Manfred Göthert from the whole animal via isolated preparations down to the cellular level. He contributed to that molecular study in which 5-HT3 receptor subtypes were disclosed. Finally, he found altered pharmacological properties of 5-HT receptor variants like the Arg219Leu 5-HT1A receptor (which was also shown to be associated with major depression) and the Phe124Cys 5-HT1B receptor (which may be related to sumatriptan-induced vasospasm). Manfred Göthert was a brilliant scientist and his papers have a major impact on today's pharmacology.

Role of central serotonin and noradrenaline interactions in the antidepressants' action: Electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence

The development of antidepressant drugs, in the last 6 decades, has been associated with theories based on a deficiency of serotonin (5-HT) and/or noradrenaline (NA) systems. Although the pathophysiology of major depression (MD) is not fully understood, numerous investigations have suggested that treatments with various classes of antidepressant drugs may lead to an enhanced 5-HT and/or adapted NA neurotransmissions. In this review, particular morpho-physiological aspects of these systems are first considered. Second, principal features of central 5-HT/NA interactions are examined. In this regard, the effects of the acute and sustained antidepressant administrations on these systems are discussed. Finally, future directions including novel therapeutic strategies are proposed.

Effect of combined treatment with aripiprazole and antidepressants on the MK-801-induced deficits in recognition memory in novel recognition test and on the release of monoamines in the rat frontal cortex

According to preclinical and clinical studies, the antidepressant-induced increase in the activity of atypical antipsychotics may efficiently improve the treatment of negative and some cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the antidepressants escitalopram and mirtazapine and the atypical antipsychotic drug aripiprazole, administered separately or in combination, on the MK-801-induced deficits in the recognition memory test and on the extracellular levels of monoamines and their metabolites in the rat frontal cortex. Based on the results of the behavioral tests, co-treatment with an ineffective dose of aripiprazole (0.1 mg/kg) and escitalopram (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) or mirtazapine (5 mg/kg) abolished the deficits evoked by MK-801 in the novel object recognition test, and those effects were blocked by the 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist (WAY 100,635) or the dopamine D₁ receptor antagonist (SCH 23,390). Moreover, co-treatment with aripiprazole (0.3 mg/kg) and escitalopram (5 mg/kg) significantly increased the levels of noradrenaline and serotonin, decreased the level of its metabolite, and did not alter level of dopamine, but decreased the levels of its metabolites. In addition, co-treatment with aripiprazole (0.3 mg/kg) and mirtazapine (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the level of noradrenaline, did not change the levels of dopamine and serotonin, but increased the levels of their metabolites. Based on these results, the increase in the extracellular levels of noradrenaline or serotonin in the cortex induced by co-treatment with an antidepressant and aripiprazole may be very important for the pharmacotherapy of negative and some cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Clonidine modulates the activity of the subthalamic-supplementary motor loop: evidence from a pharmacological study combining deep brain stimulation and electroencephalography recordings in Parkinsonian patients

Clonidine is an anti-hypertensive medication which acts as an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. As the noradrenergic system is likely to support cognitive functions including attention and executive control, other clinical uses of clonidine have recently gained popularity for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or Tourette syndrome, but the mechanism of action is still unclear. Here, we test the hypothesis that the noradrenergic system regulates the activity of subthalamo-motor cortical loops, and that this influence can be modulated by clonidine. We used pharmacological manipulation of clonidine in a placebo-controlled study in combination with subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in 16 Parkinson's disease patients performing a reaction time task requiring to refrain from reacting (proactive inhibition). We recorded electroencephalographical activity of the whole cortex, and applied spectral analyses directly at the source level after advanced blind source separation. We found only one cortical source localized to the supplementary motor area (SMA) that supported an interaction of pharmacological and subthalamic stimulation. Under placebo, STN-DBS reduced proactive alpha power in the SMA, a marker of local inhibitory activity. This effect was associated with the speeding-up of movement initiation. Clonidine substantially increased proactive alpha power from the SMA source, and canceled out the benefits of STN-DBS on movement initiation. These results provide the first direct neural evidence in humans that the tonic inhibitory activity of the subthalamocortical loops underlying the control of movement initiation is coupled to the noradrenergic system, and that this activity can be targeted by pharmacological agents acting on alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Human presynaptic receptors

Presynaptic receptors are sites at which transmitters, locally formed mediators or hormones inhibit or facilitate the release of a given transmitter from its axon terminals. The interest in the identification of presynaptic receptors has faded in recent years and it may therefore be justified to give an overview of their occurrence in the autonomic and central nervous system; this review will focus on presynaptic receptors in human tissues. Autoreceptors are presynaptic receptors at which a given transmitter restrains its further release, though in some instances may also increase its release. Inhibitory autoreceptors represent a typical example of a negative feedback; they are tonically activated by the respective endogenous transmitter and/or are constitutively active. Autoreceptors also play a role under pathophysiological conditions, e.g. by limiting the massive noradrenaline release occurring during congestive heart failure. They can be used for therapeutic purposes; e.g., the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist mirtazapine is used as an antidepressant and the inverse histamine H₃ receptor agonist pitolisant has been marketed as a new drug for the treatment of narcolepsy in 2016. Heteroreceptors are presynaptic receptors at which transmitters from adjacent neurons, locally formed mediators (e.g. endocannabinoids) or hormones (e.g. adrenaline) can inhibit or facilitate transmitter release; they may be subject to an endogenous tone. The constipating effect of the sympathetic nervous system or of the antihypertensive drug clonidine is related to the activation of inhibitory α₂-adrenoceptors on postganglionic parasympathetic neurons. Part of the stimulating effect of adrenaline on the sympathetic nervous system during stress is related to its facilitatory effect on noradrenaline release via β₂-adrenoceptors.

The effect of risperidone on the mirtazapine-induced changes in extracellular monoamines in the rat frontal cortex

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study was to understand the mechanism of clinical efficacy of the combination of an antidepressant and risperidone in drug-resistant depression.

METHODS

We studied the effect of an antidepressant (mirtazapine) and risperidone (atypical antipsychotic), given separately or jointly on extracellular levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) in the rat frontal cortex. The animals were given a single intraperitoneal injection of risperidone (1mg/kg) and mirtazapine (10 and 20mg/kg). The release of monoamines in the rat frontal cortex was investigated using a microdialysis in freely moving animals, and monoamine levels were assayed by HPLC with coulochemical detection.

RESULTS

Risperidone increased the cortical extracellular levels of DA, 5-HT and NA. Similarly, mirtazapine dose-dependently increased the cortical extracellular levels of the monoamines studied. A combination of mirtazapine either at the higher dose (20mg/kg) or at both doses (10 and 20mg/kg) with risperidone produced a significant effect on DA and NA release, respectively compared to the effect of any drug given alone. The increase in the DA (but not NA) release induced by mirtazapine plus risperidone was partly blocked by the selective 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635 (0.2mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that the increase of cortical extracellular levels of DA and NA by combined administration of mirtazapine and risperidone may be of crucial importance to the pharmacotherapy of drug resistant depression, and that, among other mechanisms, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, α2-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors may play some role in this effect.

Effect of addition of yohimbine (alpha-2-receptor antagonist) to the antidepressant activity of fluoxetine or venlafaxine in the mouse forced swim test

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Studies have suggested that alpha(2)-adrenoceptors strongly affect monoaminergic neurotransmission by enhancing not only noradrenergic but also serotonergic firing rates. With this background in mind, the present study was undertaken to monitor the effect of addition of yohimbine (alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist) to the effect of fluoxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or venlafaxine (dual reuptake inhibitors of both serotonin and norepinephrine) in Porsolt's forced swim test (FST) using male Laca strain mice.

METHOD

The immobility period was recorded in mouse FST during a 6-min period. Different doses of fluoxetine or venlafaxine were administered 30 min before exposing the animals to the test procedure. In the combination study, yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) was administered 15 min before the administration of different doses of fluoxetine or venlafaxine.

RESULTS

Fluoxetine (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) [F = 28.352] or venlafaxine (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg) [F = 17.842] dose-dependently inhibited the immobility period in mice. Addition of yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) potentiated the antidepressant action of fluoxetine or venlafaxine in mouse FST as the animals showed a decrease in the immobility period compared to the fluoxetine or venlafaxine per se group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study not only demonstrated the association of alpha(2)-receptors in the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine or venlafaxine, but also supports its adjuvant therapy with other antidepressant drugs.

Presynaptic opioid receptors on noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons in the human as compared to the rat neocortex

1. Electrically evoked release of [3H]-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) or [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]-5-HT) in slices of human and the rat neocortex was used to characterize presynaptic opioid receptors. 2. Release of [3H]-NA in rat neocortical slices was reduced only by the mu-receptor agonist DAMGO (pIC50: 7.27, CI95: [7.22, 7.32]; Imax: 77.6+/-1.6%; antagonized by naloxone: pA2: 8.88, CI95: [8.78, 8.98]). 3. Release of [3H]-NA in human neocortical slices was unaffected by DAMGO, but inhibited by the delta-receptor agonist DPDPE (Imax: 25.7+/-2.2%) and the kappa-receptor agonist U-50,488H (19.7+/-2.7% inhibition at 1 microM). Both effects were antagonized by naltrindole (1 microM). 4. Release of [3H]-5-HT in rat neocortical slices, was inhibited by DAMGO (10 microM) and U-50,488H (1 and 10 microM) only in the presence of the 5-HT receptor antagonist methiotepin (1 microM). 5. Release of [3H]-5-HT in human neocortical slices was unaffected by DPDPE, but U-50,488H (Imax: 40.8+/-8.3%; antagonized by 0.1 microM norbinaltorphimine) and DAMGO (16.4+/-3.9% inhibition at 1 microM; antagonized by 0.1 microM naloxone) acted inhibitory. 6. Release of [3H]-5-HT in human neocortical slices was reduced by nociceptin/orphanin (0.1 and 1 microM). These effects were antagonized by the ORL1 antagonist J-113397 (1-[(3R,4R)-1-cyclo-octylmethyl-3-hydroxymethyl-4-piperidyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one; 0.1 microM). 7. This study provides evidence for significant species differences in opioid receptor-mediated modulation of NA and 5-HT-release in human vs rat neocortex. In rats, mu-opioid receptors modulate NA release, but 5-HT release is only weakly affected by mu- and kappa-opioids. In contrast, NA release in human neocortex is modulated via delta-opioid receptors, but 5-HT release mainly via kappa-opioid receptors. In addition also the ORL1 receptor seems to be involved in 5-HT release modulation.

5-HT uptake blockade prevents the increasing effect of KATP channel blockers on electrically evoked [3H]-5-HT release in rat and mouse neocortical slices

To explore if prolonged--as opposed to acute--5-HT uptake blockade can lead to changes in the function of ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels, we investigated in rat and mouse neocortical slices the effects of K(ATP) channel blockers on electrically evoked [3H]-serotonin ([3H]-5-HT) release after short- and long-term exposure to 5-HT uptake blockers. Glibenclamide (1 microM), a K(ATP) channel blocker, enhanced the electrically evoked [3H]-5-HT release by 66 and by 77%, respectively, in rat and in mouse neocortex slices. This effect was confirmed in the rat by tolbutamide (1 microM), another K(ATP) channel antagonist. After short-term blockade (45 min) of 5-HT uptake, glibenclamide still increased the release of [3H]-5-HT in the rat. Glibenclamide, however, failed to enhance [3H]-5-HT release after long-term uptake blockade (210 min). In the mouse, however, both short- and long-term inhibition of 5-HT reuptake by citalopram (1 microM) prevented the facilitatory effect of glibenclamide. The Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (3.2 microM) abolished the glibenclamide-induced increase in [3H]-5-HT release in both rat and mouse, suggesting that an operative Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase is a prerequisite for activation of K(ATP) channels. The terminal 5-HT(1B) autoreceptor-mediated feedback control was involved in the glibenclamide-induced increase in [(3)H]-5-HT release only in mouse neocortical tissue, as evident from the use of the 5-HT(1B) autoreceptor ligands metitepin (1 microM) and cyanopindolol (1 microM). These results suggest that in the rat long-term uptake blockade leads to an impaired activity of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, which increases intracellular ATP and consequently closes K(ATP) channels. In the mouse, however, short-term uptake blockade seems to already reduce the activity of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and thereby the consumption of ATP. Blockade of 5-HT transporters thus may close K(ATP) channels through increased intracellular ATP. The following slight depolarisation seems to facilitate 5-HT release. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the clinical time latency of antidepressant efficacy of monoamine uptake blockers.

The N251K functional polymorphism in the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor gene is not associated with depression: a study in suicide completers

RATIONALE

alpha(2A)-Adrenoceptor up-regulation and supersensitivity have been described in the postmortem brains of depressed suicide victims and in the platelets of depressed subjects. The C to G transversion at nucleotide 753 (Asn to Lys change at amino acid 251 or N251K) is a low-frequency polymorphism of the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor gene that results in a gain-of-function phenotype. A previous study has suggested an association between completed suicide and this polymorphism.

OBJECTIVES

The single functional polymorphism N251K was tested in a large sample (n=214) of completed suicides, controlling for the antemortem psychiatric diagnosis, and matched controls (n=176).

METHODS

Postmortem brain DNA was extracted and the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor gene fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by a StyI restriction endonuclease digestion. Amplified products were sequenced to confirm the presence of the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor gene fragment where the polymorphism is located.

RESULTS

The N251K polymorphism was absent in both suicide victim and control groups. No association between the polymorphism and suicide or depression was established.

CONCLUSIONS

The N251K polymorphism does not represent a genetic factor to explain the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor hyperactivity in the brains of depressed suicide victims. Association between suicide and this polymorphism was not replicated.

High-Frequency Stimulation Together with Adrenoceptor Activation Facilitates the Maintenance of Long-Term Potentiation at Visual Cortical Inhibitory Synapses

Long-term potentiation (LTP) at inhibitory synapses of rat visual cortex requires firing of presynaptic cells for maintenance, at least at a low frequency. We examined the roles of adrenoceptors in this LTP maintenance. Although high-frequency stimulation (HFS) failed to produce LTP in normal Ca2+ medium, it produced pathway-specific LTP with addition of noradrenaline to the medium soon after HFS. However, this LTP disappeared after washout of noradrenaline. HFS applied during noradrenaline application produced LTP persisting even after washout, indicating that HFS together with adrenoceptor activation makes the adrenergic facilitation enduring. After washout, LTP was produced further by HFS of the conditioned, but not the unconditioned, pathway by the first HFS. Pharmacological examination demonstrated that alpha2 and beta, but not alpha1, receptors facilitated LTP maintenance synergistically. Bath application, but not postsynaptic loading, of either the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin or the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol ester facilitated LTP maintenance. These results suggest that adrenergic facilitation of LTP maintenance is mediated by presynaptic adrenoceptors via a subfamily of adenylyl cyclases stimulated by Gsalpha, Gibetagamma, and PKC. Thus, it is likely that the activity of noradrenergic afferents takes part in the control of LTP duration at visual cortical inhibitory synapses.

Addition of the alpha2-antagonist yohimbine to fluoxetine: effects on rate of antidepressant response

Electrophysiological studies suggest that alpha2-adrenoceptors profoundly affect monoaminergic neurotransmission by enhancing noradrenergic tone and serotonergic firing rates. Recent reports suggest that alpha2-antagonism may hasten and improve the response to antidepressant medications. To test this hypothesis, a randomized double-blind controlled trial was undertaken to determine if the combination of an alpha2-antagonist (yohimbine) with a selective serotonin reuptake agent (SSRI) (fluoxetine) results in more rapid onset of antidepressant action than an SSRI agent alone. In all, 50 subjects with a DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder confirmed by SCID interview were randomly assigned to receive either fluoxetine 20 mg plus placebo (F/P) or fluxetine 20 mg plus a titrated dose of yohimbine (F/Y). The yohimbine dose was titrated based on blood pressure changes over the treatment period, in a blind-preserving manner. Hamilton depression scale ratings (HDRS) and clinical global impression (CGI) ratings were obtained weekly over a period of 6 weeks. The rate of achieving categorical positive responses was significantly more rapid in the F/Y group compared to the F/P group using both the HDRS and the CGI scales as outcome measures in a survival analysis using a log-rank test (chi2(1) = 5.86, p = 0.016 and chi2(1) = 5.29, p = 0.021, respectively). At the last observed visit, 18 (69%) of the 26 F/Y subjects met the response criteria for CGI compared to 10 (42%) of 24 F/P subjects. Using the HDRS criteria, 17 (65%) of 26 F/Y subject vs 10 (42%) of 24 F/P subjects were responders. The addition of the alpha2-antagonist yohimbine to fluoxetine appears to hasten the antidepressant response. There is also a trend suggesting an increased percentage of responders to the combined treatment at the end of the 6-week trial.

Neurotransmitter receptor-mediated activation of G-proteins in brains of suicide victims with mood disorders: selective supersensitivity of alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors

Abnormalities in the density of neuroreceptors that regulate norepinephrine and serotonin release have been repeatedly reported in brains of suicide victims with mood disorders. Recently, the modulation of the [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to G-proteins has been introduced as a suitable measure of receptor activity in postmortem human brain. The present study sought to evaluate the function of several G-protein coupled receptors in postmortem brain of suicide victims with mood disorders. Concentration-response curves of the [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding stimulation by selective agonists of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, 5-HT(1A) serotonin, mu-opioid, GABA(B), and cholinergic muscarinic receptors were performed in frontal cortical membranes from 28 suicide victims with major depression or bipolar disorder and 28 subjects who were matched for gender, age and postmortem delay. The receptor-independent [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding stimulation by mastoparan and the G-protein density were also examined. The alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor-mediated stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding with the agonist UK14304 displayed a 4.6-fold greater sensitivity in suicide victims than in controls, without changes in the maximal stimulation. No significant differences were found in parameters of 5-HT(1A) serotonin receptor and other receptor-mediated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding stimulations. The receptor-independent activation of G-proteins was similar in both groups. Immunoreactive densities of G(alphai1/2)-, G(alphai3)-, G(alphao)-, and G(alphas)-proteins did not differ between suicide victims and controls. In conclusion, alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor sensitivity is increased in the frontal cortex of suicide victims with mood disorders. This receptor supersensitivity is not related to an increased amount or enhanced intrinsic activity of G-proteins. The new finding provides functional support to the involvement of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the pathogenesis of mood disorders.

Depression as a spreading adjustment disorder of monoaminergic neurons: a case for primary implication of the locus coeruleus

A model for the pathophysiology of depression is discussed in the context of other existing theories. The classic monoamine theory of depression suggests that a deficit in monoamine neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft is the primary cause of depression. More recent elaborations of the classic theory also implicitly include this postulate, other theories of depression frequently prefer to depart from the monoamine-based model altogether. We suggest that the primary defect emerges in the regulation of firing rates in brainstem monoaminergic neurons, which brings about a decrease in the tonic release of neurotransmitters in their projection areas, an increase in postsynaptic sensitivity, and concomitantly, exaggerated responses to acute increases in the presynaptic firing rate and transmitter release. It is proposed that the initial defect involves, in particular, the noradrenergic innervation from the locus coeruleus (LC). Dysregulation of the LC projection activities may lead in turn to dysregulation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Failure of the LC function could explain the basic impairments in the processing of novel information, intensive processing of irrational beliefs, and anxiety. Concomitant impairments in the serotonergic neurotransmission may contribute to the mood changes and reduction in the mesotelencephalic dopaminergic activity to loss of motivation, and anhedonia. Dysregulation of CRF and other neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y, galanin and substance P may reinforce the LC dysfunction and thus further weaken the adaptivity to stressful stimuli.

Alpha2-adrenoceptors modulating neuronal serotonin release: a study in alpha2-adrenoceptor subtype-deficient mice

1. The release-inhibiting alpha2-adrenoceptors of cerebral serotoninergic axons were studied in mice. Slices of the hippocampus or the occipito-parietal cortex from NMRI mice, from mice lacking the alpha2A/D-, the alpha2B-, the alpha2C- or both the alpha2A/D- and the alpha2C-adrenoceptor, and from mice sharing the genetic background of the receptor-deficient animals (WT) were preincubated with [3H]-serotonin and then superfused and stimulated electrically, in most experiments by trains of 8 pulses at 100 Hz. 2. The concentration-response curves of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine were virtually identical in hippocampal slices from NMRI and WT mice, with maximally 70% inhibition and an EC50 of about 2 nM. In hippocampal slices from NMRI mice, phentolamine and rauwolscine were equipotent antagonists against medetomidine. 3. The effect of medetomidine was greatly reduced, with maximally 20% inhibition, in hippocampal slices from alpha2A/D-adrenoceptor-deficient mice; was slightly reduced, with maximally 59% inhibition, in hippocampal slices from alpha2C-adrenoceptor-deficient mice; was not changed in hippocampal slices from alpha2B-adrenoceptor-deficient mice; and was abolished in hippocampal slices from mice lacking both the alpha2A/D- and the alpha2C-adrenoceptor. 3. Similar results were obtained in: (i) occipito-parietal slices from NMRI and alpha2A/D-adrenoceptor-deficient mice and (ii) hippocampal slices that were preincubated with [3H]-serotonin in the presence of oxaprotiline to rule out cross-labelling of noradrenergic axons. 5. The serotoninergic axons of the mouse brain possess both alpha2A/D-heteroreceptors, which predominate, and alpha2C-heteroreceptors but lack alpha2B-adrenoceptors. The situation resembles the coexistence of alpha2A/D- and alpha2C-autoreceptors but lack of alpha2B-autoreceptors at the noradrenergic axons of mice.

Modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine release in hippocampal slices of rats: effects of fimbria-fornix lesions on 5-HT1B-autoreceptor and alpha2-heteroreceptor function

Fimbria-fornix lesions disrupt important parts of serotonergic and noradrenergic hippocampal afferents and elicit sprouting of sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion. Since 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release in the hippocampus is modulated by 5-HT1B auto- and alpha2-heteroreceptors, we investigated whether such lesions may alter these presynaptic mechanisms. Hippocampal slices of sham-operated (SHAM) and fimbria-fornix-lesioned (LES) rats (14 months after surgery) were preincubated with [3H]5-HT, superfused continuously, and stimulated electrically using two stimulation conditions: either (a) 360 pulses 3 Hz, or (b) 20 pulses 100 Hz (2 ms, 28 mA, 4 V/chamber). The amount of [3H]5-HT taken up by slices from LES rats was significantly reduced, whereas the evoked 5-HT release (in percent of tissue-3H) was unchanged compared to that of SHAM rats. The 5-HT1B agonist CP 93,129 or the alpha2-agonist UK 14,304 reduced the evoked 5-HT release more potently in slices from LES rats, but only using stimulation condition (a), which permits inhibition by endogenously released transmitters. In LES rats, the facilitatory effect of the 5-HT antagonist metitepine was weaker, whereas that of the alpha2-antagonist idazoxane was more pronounced than in SHAM rats. In LES rats, hippocampal 5-HT content was reduced to about 45% of SHAM levels, whereas that of noradrenaline was increased by about 30% (high-performance liquid chromatography). We conclude: (1) despite LES-induced changes in tissue levels of endogenous ligands, there is no down- or upregulation of 5-HT1B-autoreceptors or alpha2-heteroreceptors on serotonergic neurons in the denervated rat hippocampus. (2) The reduced endogenous autoinhibition (by 5-HT) seems to be compensated for by an increased heteroinhibition (by noradrenaline).

Depression as a spreading neuronal adjustment disorder

The outlines of a theory of the pathophysiology of depression are presented. The classic monoamine theory of depression as well as its more recent elaborations suggests that a deficit in monoamine neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft is the primary cause of depression. We suggest that the primary defect emerges in the regulation of firing rates in brainstem monoaminergic neurons, which brings about a decrease in the tonic release of neurotransmitters in their projection areas, an increase in postsynaptic sensitivity and, concomitantly, exaggerated responses to acute increases in presynaptic firing rate and transmitter release. We propose that the initial defect involves, in particular, the noradrenergic innervation from the locus coeruleus, which in turn leads to dysregulation of 5-HT-ergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.

5-HT1D-like receptors inhibit the release of endogenously formed [3H]GABA in human, but not in rabbit, neocortex

Both human and rabbit brain contain the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1D subtype of 5-HT1 receptors. We studied the effects of 5-HT1D receptor stimulation on neocortical [3H] gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release from GABAergic neurons in these species. The 5-HT1D receptor agonist sumatriptan depressed [3H]GABA release in human neocortex and the 5-HT1 receptor antagonist metitepin prevented this depression with potencies suggesting mediation by 5-HT1D-like receptors. In rabbit neocortex, however, 5-HT1D agonists did not affect the release of [3H]GABA. Since 5-HT and GABA seem to function antagonistically in anxiety disorders their neocortical interaction may be (patho)physiologically relevant.

Functional regulation by dopamine receptors of serotonin release from the rat hippocampus: in vivo microdialysis study

The functional regulation by dopamine (DA) receptors of serotonin (5-HT) release from the rat hippocampus was investigated by use of in vivo microdialysis. Dialysate 5-HT levels were reduced by co-perfusion of 10 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX) and were elicited by K+ (60 and 120 mM) stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Local perfusion (10 microM) and peripheral administration (20 mg/kg, i.p.) of fluoxetine produced increases in 5-HT levels. These results indicate that the spontaneous 5-HT levels in the rat hippocampus can be used as indices of neuronal origin from the serotonergic nerve terminals. The nonselective dopamine (DA) receptor agonist apomorphine (1, 10 and 100 microM), when perfused through the probe over a period of 40 min, increased 5-HT release in a concentration-dependent manner. Apomorphine-induced (100 microM) increases in 5-HT release was abolished by pretreatment with the selective D2 receptor antagonist, S(-)-sulpiride (1 and 10 microM), but not prevented by pretreatment with the selective D1 receptor antagonist, R(+)-SCH-23390 (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine) (1 microM). S(-)-Sulpiride and R(+)-SCH-23390 by themselves did not alter the spontaneous 5-HT levels. The 5-HT release was elevated by perfusion of the selective DA reuptake inhibitor GBR 12909 (1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl) methoxy]ethyl]-4-[3-phenyl-propyl]piperazine) (1, 10 and 100 microM), indicating the possibility of not only exogenous but also endogenous DA-mediated facilitatory effects on 5-HT release in vivo. The 5-HT release was also elevated by perfused (+/-)-PPHT ((+/-)-2-(N-phenylethyl-N-propyl)-amino-5-hydroxytetralin) (1, 10 and 100 microM), the selective D2 receptor agonist, in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, (+/-)-PPHT (100 microM) failed to increase 5-HT release in catecholamine (CA)-lesioned rats pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)(200 micrograms/rat, i.c.v.). The (+/-)-PPHT-induced (100 microM) increase in 5-HT release was prevented not only by pretreatment with 10 microM S(-)-sulpiride but also by pretreatment with the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (10 microM). These findings suggest that the functional regulation of 5-HT release via D2 receptors exists in the rat hippocampus. Furthermore our results indicate that the facilitatory effect of 5-HT release via D2 receptors may be mediated indirectly by noradrenergic neurons, but not mediated directly through D2 receptors located on serotonergic nerve terminals.

Functional interaction between serotonin and other neuronal systems: focus on in vivo microdialysis studies

In this review, the functional interactions between serotonin (5-HT) and other neuronal systems are discussed with the focus on microdialysis studies in the mammalian brain (mainly rats). 5-HT release is negatively regulated not only by somatodendritic 5-HT1A and terminal 5-HT1B (5-HT1D) autoreceptors but also by alpha 2-adrenergic and mu-opioid heteroreceptors that are located on serotonergic nerve terminals. 5-HT by itself is involved in the inhibitory effects of noradrenaline release and the facilitatory regulation of dopamine release via multiple 5-HT receptors. Acetylcholine release appears to be regulated by inhibitory 5-HT1B heteroreceptors located on cholinergic nerve terminals. Long-term treatment with 5-HT-uptake inhibitors and noradrenaline-uptake inhibitor produces desensitization of 5-HT1A autoreceptors and alpha 2-heteroreceptors, respectively, which may be related therapeutically to the delayed onset of the effects of antidepressants. Some microdialysis studies have predicted that the combination of a 5-HT-uptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A-autoreceptor antagonist might produce much greater availability of 5-HT in the synaptic cleft in terms of much faster induction of subsensitivity of 5-HT1A autoreceptors. Clinical trials based on this hypothesis have revealed that combination therapy with a 5-HT-uptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A-autoreceptor antagonist ameliorated the therapeutic efficacy in depressive patients. Taken together, neurochemical approaches using microdialysis can contribute not only to clarification of the physiological role of the serotonergic neuronal systems but also might be a powerful pharmacological approach for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Cortical hypometabolism in injured brain: new correlations with the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems and with behavioral deficits

Changes with time after injury in behavioral deficits, as determined by the Morris swim test, and the in vivo specific binding of HEAT, a selective alpha 1-adrenoreceptor ligand, were compared with the time-course of development of cortical hypometabolism in rats with focal freezing lesions. In our trauma model, cortical hypometabolism was detectable in the lesioned hemisphere at 4 hr, became maximal (50% of normal) at 3 days and diminished towards normal on days 5 and 10 post-injury. Progressive impairment of acquisition of the Morris water maze task was demonstrated up to day 3 post-lesion with improvement thereafter. On day 3 the latency to reach criterion was 60% longer in lesioned animals than in corresponding sham-operated ones. An increase in the volume of distribution of HEAT, limited to cortical areas of the lesioned hemisphere, was demonstrable at 4 hr post-lesion and reached its maximum on day 3 (200% of normal) with subsequent return toward normal on days 5 and 10. Several types of drugs were shown previously to modify the cortical hypometabolism associated with cerebral injury. The present data indicate that the same drugs also modify the in vivo binding of HEAT and the behavioral deficits induced by brain lesions. Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, p-chlorophenylalanine, an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, ketanserin, a specific 5HT2-receptor antagonist, and prazosin, an alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blocker all normalized the in vivo binding of HEAT in the cortical areas of the lesioned hemisphere. All groups of animals treated with these drugs also showed subtle, but statistically highly significant improvements in latency to locate the platform in the Morris water maze. Taken together these results show good correlation between behavioral deficits, changes in alpha 1-noradrenergic receptor binding and cortical hypometabolism in injured brain. This supports the hypothesis that post-injury cortical hypometabolism is a reflection of cortical functional depression in which both the serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems play a role, compatible with their inhibitory effects in the cortex and their postulated involvement in cortical information processing.

The yohimbine-induced anticonflict effect in the rat, Part II. Neurochemical findings

In a companion paper the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine was found to produce a dose-dependent anticonflict effect in a modified Vogel's conflict test. The behavioral data further indicated that noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons as well as the benzodiazepine (BDZ) receptor may be involved in the anticonflict effect of yohimbine. In the present study the effects on rat brain monoamine neurochemistry and GABAA/BDZ receptor function (36Cl-uptake in corticohippocampal synaptoneurosomes) of a maximally anticonflict producing dose of yohimbine (4.0 mg/kg, i.p.) were studied. The levels of rat brain catecholamines and indoleamines were measured ex vivo using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). Yohimbine decreased noradrenaline levels both in the hippocampus and the hemispheres but instead increased DOPAC levels in these brain regions as well as in the limbic forebrain. Yohimbine also markedly enhanced DOPA accumulation in the hippocampus and the hemispheres after inhibition of 1-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase by means of NSD 1015, whereas in the limbic system only a modest increase was obtained. The yohimbine-induced effects on the catecholamine synthesis rate were largely abolished in animals severely depleted of NA by means of 6-hydroxy-dopamine (6-OH-DA) pretreatment. Yohimbine decreased both the 5-HIAA/5-HT quotient (an indicator of 5-HT turnover) and 5-HTP accumulation after NSD 1015 in the hemispheres, whereas in the hippocampus and the limbic system only 5-HTP accumulation was decreased. The yohimbine-induced effect on the indoleamine synthesis rate was not influenced by 6-OH-DA pretreatment, whereas this effect and that on the catecholamine synthesis rate were both abolished by reserpine pretreatment. Neither in vivo nor in vitro administration of yohimbine significantly altered baseline or GABA-induced accumulation of 36Cl- in corticohippocampal synaptoneurosomes. In conclusion, the present study provides neurochemical support for the suggestion that yohimbine may exert its anticonflict effect in a modified Vogel's conflict test by increasing and decreasing NA and 5-HT neurotransmission, respectively, whereas no evidence was obtained for a direct interaction of yohimbine with GABAA/BDZ receptor function.

A re-evaluation of the role of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the anxiogenic effects of yohimbine, using the selective antagonist delequamine in the rat

1. The acute behavioural effects of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonists, yohimbine, idazoxan and delequamine (RS-15385-197) were compared in two tests of exploratory behaviour in the rat, operated in tandem. These were the elevated X-maze test (5 min) and a modified holeboard test (12 min), which comprised a holeboard arena with a small roof in one corner as a 'refuge'. Rats were first placed into this corner, thus enabling measurements of initial emergence latency and the number of forays. The experiments were always done with a concomitant vehicle control group, with 10-12 rats per group, and with the treatment blinded. 2. In order to validate the tests, the effects of representatives of four classes of psychoactive agents were examined, viz. picrotoxin (anxiogenic), chlordiazepoxide (anxiolytic), (+)-amphetamine (stimulant) and diphenhydramine (sedative). The modified holeboard tended to be more sensitive than the measurement of total arm entries in the elevated X-maze at detecting drug effects on exploratory behaviour, but unlike the X-maze it could not clearly identify each class of agent. Thus, picrotoxin (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) reduced total arm entries and open arm exploration in the X-maze (P<0.02) and suppressed most measures of activity in the holeboard (P<0.05); chlordiazepoxide (7.5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) increased total arm entries and open arm exploration (P<0.02) in the X-maze, without clear-cut effects in the holeboard; (+)-amphetamine (1 mg kg(-1), i.p.) had no significant effects in the X-maze, but increased most holeboard activities (P<0.05), and diphenhydramine (30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) reduced total arm entries in the X-maze (P<0.002) and hole exploration in the holeboard (P<0.05).

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine, protects against kainic acid-induced convulsions and neuronal damage

Kainic acid (KA)-induced convulsions are accompanied by histopathological changes that are most prominent in the temporal lobe structures. In the present study, we investigated whether a selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, dexmedetomidine could attenuate KA-induced epileptic convulsions and subsequent neuronal damage in the rat hippocampus. Rats were pretreated 30 min before KA injection (9 mg/kg, i.p.) with dexmedetomidine (3 micrograms/kg, s.c.). The behavior of animals was observed for at least 3 h. Dexmedetomidine suppressed the development (p < 0.001), generalization (p < 0.05) and severity (p < 0.01) of convulsions. In addition, histological analysis revealed that dexmedetomidine-treated animals without convulsions or with only partial convulsions had no neuronal damage in the principal cell layers of the hippocampus. A selective alpha2-antagonist, atipamezole (1 mg/kg, s.c.) potentiated KA-induced convulsions and increased the mortality in status epilepticus. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that dexmedetomidine, in addition to possessing anticonvulsant properties, has a neuroprotective effect in the KA model of status epilepticus.

Effects of 5-HT receptor agonists on depolarization-induced [3H]-noradrenaline release in rabbit hippocampus and human neocortex

1. The present study attempted to determine whether noradrenaline (NA) release in rabbit hippocampus and human neocortex is modulated by presynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors. 2. Slices of rabbit hippocampus and human neocortex, loaded with [3H]-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) were superfused and the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor ligands on electrically evoked [3H]-NA release were investigated. 3. In rabbit hippocampus, 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; 32 microM) and 2-CH3-5-HT (32 microM) increased [3H]-NA release elicited with 360 pulses/3 Hz. Facilitation of transmitter release was not influenced by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, tropisetron but was prevented by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, rauwolscine. When autoinhibition was avoided by stimulating the tissue with 4 pulses/100 Hz (pseudo-one pulse-(POP) stimulation), 2-CH3-5-HT decreased evoked transmitter release, whereas 5-HT and 5-CT had no effect. Inhibition caused by 2-CH3-5-HT was not affected by tropisetron but counteracted by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor ligands, clonidine and rauwolscine. Inhibition caused by clonidine was diminished in the presence of 5-CT or 2-CH3-5-HT. 4. In human neocortex, [3H]-NA release elicited with 360 pulses/3 Hz was increased by 10 microM 5-HT and 32 microM 5-CT, whereas 2-CH3-5-HT was ineffective. [3H]-NA release evoked with a modified POP stimulation (2 bursts of 4 pulses/100 Hz, 3.5 min apart) was not affected by 2-CH3-5-HT or 5-CT. 5. The present results indicate that 5-HT, 2-CH3-5-HT and 5-CT can act on presynaptic alpha 2-autoreceptors as partial agonists (2-CH3-5-HT; in rabbit hippocampal tissue) or antagonists (5-HT and 5-CT; in tissue of rabbit hippocampus and human neocortex). Furthermore the existence of autoinhibition dictates whether these drugs cause facilitation of release, inhibition or have no effect.

Ultrastructural analysis of tryptophan hydroxylase immunoreactive nerve terminals in the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus: their associations with local blood vessels

Physiological evidence has indicated that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) could be a regulator of cerebral blood flow in various regions of the brain. In the present study, tryptophan hydroxylase immunocytochemistry was used to characterize, both at the light and electron microscopic levels, serotonergic nerve terminals and primarily their relationships with intraparenchymal microarterioles and capillaries in the rat frontoparietal cortex, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. Irrespective of the brain area, serotonergic varicosities were primarily apposed to either dendrites or nerve terminals, were on average 0.37 micron2 in surface area (0.69 micron calculated diameter) and 12-22% of them engaged in synaptic junctions, mostly with dendritic elements. Perivascular terminals (defined as immunolabelled varicosities located within a 3 micron perimeter around the vessel basal lamina) in the frontoparietal cortex represented 8-11% of all immunoreactive terminals counted, as determined by light and electron microscopy, respectively. In the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, the proportion of perivascular terminals was only determined at the ultrastructural level and corresponded to 10% and 4%, respectively. In the frontoparietal cortex, serotonergic varicosities were located significantly closer (n = 250, 0.98 +/- 0.05 micron; P < 0.001) to the blood vessels than those of the entorhinal cortex (n = 116, 1.41 +/- 0.08 microns) or hippocampus (n = 105, 1.31 +/- 0.08 microns). Of all perivascular serotonergic terminals in the frontoparietal cortex, 26% were in the immediate vicinity (0-0.25 micron) of the vessel wall, with 2.8% directly abutting on the basement membrane, while 11.6% were separated from it only by a thin astrocytic leaflet. This situation contrasts with that observed in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, where no immunoreactive varicosity was ever seen directly contacting the vessel basal lamina and with only 10-13% of the terminals being within 0.25 micron from the vessels. The surface area of perivascular serotonergic terminals was comparable in all regions studied and corresponded to 0.22 micron2; these virtually never engaged in synaptic contacts with adjacent neuronal structures. Our results indicate that tryptophan hydroxylase-immunolabelled terminals are identical to previously characterized serotonin-containing varicosities. Furthermore, the present data show intimate associations between serotonergic terminals and microvessels in the three regions examined. However, perivascular terminals in the frontoparietal cortex were more frequent and/or located much closer to local microvessels than those in the other regions, and might be more directly involved in neurogenic control of local cerebral blood flow.

Regional brain glucose metabolism after acute alpha 2-blockade by idazoxan

BACKGROUND

Several classes of antidepressant drugs act on alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Studies of patients with disorders responsive to treatment with these drugs report group differences in ex vivo measures of alpha 2-binding and in vivo responses mediated by alpha 2-receptors. Measurement of regional brain metabolic response to an alpha 2-antagonist may be a useful method for further definition of the role alpha 2-receptor regulation plays in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.

METHODS

Regional brain glucose metabolism was measured before and after infusion with 200 micrograms/kg idazoxan with use of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography in 13 healthy men. Arterial drug concentration, behavioral responses, and cardiovascular responses were also measured.

RESULTS

The absolute and normalized glucose metabolic rate significantly increased in primary visual cortex. Significant increases and decreases occurred in normalized metabolic rates in prefrontal cortical regions. Measurement of metabolic effects occurred during the peak cardiovascular response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are consistent with regionally specific effects of alpha 2-blockade. This method may be useful for the study of alpha 2-receptor function in humans.

Evidence for altered alpha 2-adrenoceptor function following isolation-rearing in the rat

This study investigated central alpha 2-adrenoceptor function in differentially reared rats. Rats reared from weaning were either housed singly or in groups of five. Measurements of spontaneous ambulatory activity at 4 weeks postweaning showed that isolates were more hyperactive on exposure to a novel environment than grouped rats. alpha 2-Adrenoceptors were investigated using alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist-induced behaviours, [3H]-idazoxan binding and measurement of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. Clonidine (0.001-1.0 mg/kg IP) induced mydriasis in both groups with no difference observed in the response between the isolation and group-reared animals. Clonidine (0.01-0.5 mg/kg IP) induced hypoactivity in both groups, with the effect significantly greater in the isolation-reared rats. Idazoxan markedly attenuated both responses, confirming their induction by alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation. Clonidine-induced hypoactivity and mydriasis are mediated by pre- and postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors, respectively; therefore the results suggest rats reared in isolation have enhanced presynaptic but unchanged postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptor function. Saturation binding experiments using [3H]-idazoxan were undertaken to determine alpha 2-adrenoceptor number (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) in membranes prepared from the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Analysis of binding data revealed an increase in receptor number in the hippocampus of isolates. Cyclic AMP accumulation was measured in hippocampal slices from differentially reared rats. Isolation-rearing did not affect cyclic AMP accumulation in response to stimulation by forskolin (30 microM). However, the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, UK14304, produced a significantly greater inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in slices from isolated rats, confirming changes in alpha 2-adrenoceptor function following isolation rearing.

Modulation of 5-HT release in the guinea-pig brain following long-term administration of antidepressant drugs

1. The aims of the present study were to determine whether long-term 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake blockade and inhibition of type-A monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) lead to an enhancement of the electrically evoked release of tritum from guinea-pig brain slices preloaded with [3H]-5-HT, and to assess the sensitivity of the terminal 5-HT1D autoreceptor, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor also located on 5-HT terminals, and the 5-HT3 receptor that modulates 5-HT release following these two types of antidepressant treatments. 2. The electrically evoked release of tritium was significantly enhanced following a 21-day treatment with the 5-HT reuptake blocker, paroxetine and the reversible MAO-A inhibitor, befloxatone, in preloaded slices of the hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex 48 h after removal of the osmotic minipumps used to deliver the drugs. 3. The inhibitory effect of the terminal 5-HT autoreceptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine, on the evoked release of tritium was attenuated in slices of the hypothalamus, hippocampus, but not frontal cortex, following the paroxetine treatment. In the befloxatone group, the effectiveness of 5-methoxytryptamine was unaltered in the same brain structures. 4. The sensitivity of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor on 5-HT terminals, assessed using UK 14.304, was attenuated in hypothalamus, hippocampus, but not frontal cortex slices prepared from befloxatone-treated guinea-pigs and preloaded with [3H]-5-HT. The paroxetine treatment did not alter the sensitivity of this alpha 2-adrenoceptor in the hypothalamus. 5. The sensitivity of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor on noradrenaline terminals, also assessed using UK 14.304, was not altered in hippocampus and hypothalamus slices preloaded with [3H]-noradrenaline following the long-term befloxatone treatment. 6. In frontal cortex slices, [3H]-5-HT uptake was no longer significantly attenuated after a 21-day treatment with paroxetine, whereas it was still markedly inhibited in hypothalamus slices. The enhancing effect of paroxetine on the evoked release of [3H]-5-HT in the superfusion medium was no longer evident in frontal cortex slices of the paroxetine group. These data indicate that long-term 5-HT reuptake blockade desensitized the 5-HT transporter in the frontal cortex. 7. The capacity of the 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2 methyl-5-HT, to enhance the electrically evoked release of tritium was not altered in hypothalamus, hippocampus, and frontal cortex slices prepared from befloxatone-treated guinea-pigs, but was significantly attenuated in the paroxetine group also treated for 21 days. Following a 2-day paroxetine treatment, the enhancing effect of 2-methyl-5-HT on tritium release was unaltered in frontal cortex slices.

Functional studies of neurotransmitter receptors in human brain

Understanding synaptic transmission in the human brain is of the uppermost importance due to the involvement of neurotransmitters in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Studies of animal pharmacology and of molecular biology are revealing that transmitter receptors are highly heterogeneous. It is therefore essential, also in view of using animal models in the development of therapeutically useful drugs, to establish if functionally corresponding receptors in men and animals also display identical pharmacological profiles. Using human brain tissue samples removed during neurosurgery and monitoring transmitter release as a functional response, a number of neurotransmitter receptors have been identified, localized and pharmacologically characterized as types and subtypes.