Implication of the nucleus accumbens shell, but not core, in the acute and sensitizing effects of cocaine in rats

Expression of cocaine-evoked motor behaviors appears to be dependent on dopamine neurotransmission particularly in the target area of the mesolimbic system, i.e. the nucleus accumbens (NAc). To test potential anatomical component of the locomotor effects of cocaine and expression of its behavioral sensitization, male Wistar rats were implanted with bilateral cannulae aimed at the two subregions of the NAc (the shell or the core) and then intracranially injected with cocaine (locomotor activity) or injected with cocaine given either systemically or intracranially following the repeated (5 days) systemic drug administration (sensitization). Sensitization was measured at early (5-day) and late (21-day) withdrawal periods. Acute administration of intra-NAc shell cocaine (6.73-50 microg/side) in a dose-dependent manner increased locomotor activity in rats; significant hyperactivation was observed after 25 and 50 microg/side of cocaine. Intra-NAc core injection of cocaine (12.5-50 microg/side) did not change rats' locomotor activity. After 5- or 21-day withdrawal, behavioral sensitization (ca. 2 times higher locomotor activity than that after acute drug administration) was observed when cocaine was injected either systemically (10 mg/kg) or intra-NAc shell (12.5-25 microg/side) in animals repeatedly treated with cocaine (10 mg/kg). No difference was observed in the response to the challenge with intra-NAc core cocaine (12.5-25 micorg/side) in rats treated repeatedly with cocaine at either withdrawal period. The above findings show the differential regulation of motor responses to cocaine within the subregions of the NAc. They also indicate a preferential effect for the NAc shell in expression of the acute and sensitizing effects of cocaine in rats.

Role of 5-HT(1B) receptors in the sensitization to amphetamine in mice

The present study was designed to determine how 5-HT(1B) receptor ligands affected the development or the expression phase of sensitization to the amphetamine-induced locomotor response in mice. Mice were treated repeatedly (for 5 days) with amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) in combination with either vehicle, N-[3-[3-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]-4-methoxyphenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide hydrochloride (SB 216641; an antagonist of 5-HT(1B) receptors), 3-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-5-propoxypyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine (CP 94,253; an agonist of 5-HT(1B) receptors), or SB 216641+CP 94,253; afterwards, on day 10, they received a challenge dose of amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg). In another experiment, mice were given either vehicle or amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) for 5 days, and were then challenged with amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg) in combination with vehicle, SB 216641, or CP 94,253 on day 10. Locomotor hyperactivity induced by acute administration of amphetamine (day 1) was dose-dependently inhibited by SB 216641 and enhanced by CP 94,253, but not affected by a combination of SB 216641+CP 94,253. The 5-HT(1B) receptor ligands affected similarly the behavioral response to the challenge dose of amphetamine on day 10 (ca. 55-110% more potent than the response to its first administration) when they were combined with the psychostimulant during the development phase (days 1-5) of sensitization. On the other hand, neither SB 216641 nor CP 94,253 administered together with the challenge dose of amphetamine (day 10) affected its behavioral hyperactivity effect in mice treated repeatedly (days 1-5) with the psychostimulant alone. Our results suggest that 5-HT(1B) receptors may play a permissive role in the development, but not expression, of behavioral sensitization, as well as in the acute locomotor response to amphetamine in mice.

Effect of serotonin (5-HT)1B receptor ligands on cocaine sensitization in rats

Recent studies have shown that antagonists of serotonin (5-HT)1B receptors attenuate cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity, whereas agonists enhance reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of the psychostimulant. The present study was designed to determine how 5-HT1B receptor ligands affected the development or the expression phase of sensitization to the cocaine-induced locomotor response in rats. In Experiment 1, rats were treated repeatedly (for 5 days) with cocaine (10 mg/kg) in combination with either saline, GR 127935 (5-HT1B antagonist), CP 94,253 (5-HT1B agonist) or GR 127935 + CP 94,253. On day 10, they received a challenge dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg). In Experiment 2, animals received either saline or cocaine (10 mg/kg) for 5 days, and were then challenged with cocaine (10 mg/kg) in combination with saline, GR 127935, CP 94,253 or GR 127935 + CP 94,253, on day 10. In Experiment 3, rats received either saline, cocaine or CP 94,253 for 5 days; on day 10 they received challenge doses of CP 94,253 or cocaine. In rats treated repeatedly with cocaine, the locomotor hyperactivity induced by a challenge dose of the psychostimulant was about twice as high as that observed after its first administration. The effect evoked by cocaine challenge was further increased in animals treated repeatedly with CP 94,253 + cocaine, but not with GR 127935 + CP 94,253 + cocaine. No difference was observed in the response to cocaine challenge in rats treated repeatedly with cocaine or GR 127935 + cocaine (Experiment 1). In animals treated repeatedly with the psychostimulant, the behavioral response to a challenge dose of cocaine was dose-dependently increased when that drug was combined with CP 94,253, but not with GR 127935 + CP 94,253. No difference was observed in the locomotor response of rats challenged with cocaine or GR 127935 + cocaine (Experiment 2). When rats were treated repeatedly with cocaine, a challenge dose of CP 94,253 produced an about threefold increase in the locomotor effect compared to the animals treated likewise with saline (Experiment 3). Our results indicate that 5-HT1B receptors are involved in neither the development nor the expression of sensitization to cocaine-induced locomotor hyperactivity. On the other hand, they also show that pharmacological activation of 5-HT1B receptors enhances both phases of this phenomenon, and that repeated administration of cocaine leads to an increased functional reactivity of these receptors.

Effects of corticosterone and its synthesis blockade on the cocaine-induced discriminative stimulus effects in rats

Several studies have argued that the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is of significance to behavioral effects evoked by drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine). The role of the HPA axis in the subjective effects of cocaine was investigated in rats trained to discriminate cocaine (10 mg/kg, ip, -15 min) from saline (ip, -15 min) in a two-choice, water-reinforced fixed ratio (FR) 20 drug discrimination paradigm. In substitution tests, neither the exposure to a novel environment nor the social defeat stress, applied to rats after a dose of cocaine (2.5 mg/kg) which induced a ca. 42% drug-appropriate responding, influenced cocaine discrimination. Given alone, corticosterone (20 and 40 mg/kg, sc, -60 min) elicited a ca. 7% drug-appropriate responding. Combined injections of corticosterone and cocaine (0.625-5 mg/kg) did not affect the dose-response curve for cocaine. Surgical adrenalectomy did not modify the effects of cocaine; using a cumulative dosing procedure in the drug discrimination paradigm we found, that the dose-response curves for cocaine in adrenalectomized rats and sham-operated controls practically did not differ. Ketoconazole (an inhibitor of adrenocorticosteroid synthesis; 50 mg/kg, ip) given acutely (60 min) did not affect cocaine discrimination. Given subacutely (24, 16 and 1 h before tests), ketoconazole (50 mg/kg) produced a left-ward shift in the dose-response curve for cocaine and decreased its ED50 value. Another inhibitor of corticosterone secretion, metyrapone (50 mg/kg, sc), given acutely (120 min) did not affect the dose-response curve for cocaine. However, repeated injections (24, 16 and 2 h before tests) of metyrapone (50 mg/kg) with different doses of cocaine resulted in a rightward shift in the dose-response curve for cocaine and an increase in its ED50 value. The obtained results seem to exclude any role of the HPA axis in mediating subjective effects of cocaine, since neither corticosterone and stress nor adrenalectomy modified the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine in rats. The reduction and potentiation of cocaine discrimination following subacute metyrapone and ketoconazole, respectively, may depend on changes in the levels of intermediate neurosteroids "upstream" from corticosterone in its biosynthesis pathway.

Effect of adrenalectomy and corticosterone on cocaine-induced sensitization in rats

Effects of adrenalectomy (ADX) and corticosterone (CORT) on the development and expression of sensitization to the locomotor effect of cocaine (COC) were studied in rats. Sensitization was evoked by 5 daily injections of COC (10 mg/kg) and measured after a challenge dose of the drug (10 mg/kg) after a 5-day withdrawal (on day 10 of the experiment). ADX, performed before the start of COC administration, completely blocked the manifestation of COC-induced sensitization. In contrast, ADX performed on animals already sensitized to COC did not affect the sensitized locomotor activity response to a challenge dose of COC (on day 18). Pretreatment with CORT, 10 mg/kg, but not 5 mg/kg, before each of the 5 daily COC injections facilitated the development of COC sensitization, tested after a 5-day withdrawal. When pretreated with CORT alone (10 mg/kg), the challenge dose of COC administered on day 10 induced cross-sensitization to CORT. CORT (10 mg/kg) injected acutely before COC on day 10, potentiated the expression of COC sensitization. When given alone, on day 10 CORT (5-10 mg/kg) induced an increase in the locomotor activity of rats pretreated daily (5 injections) with COC. No drug treatment induced conditioned locomotion, as measured after saline challenge on day 8. Our results indicate that CORT facilitates the development and expression of COC sensitization, while ADX blocks the initiation of the behavioral phenomenon only. Moreover, there takes place cross-sensitization between CORT and COC, which indicates a close relationship between the drug-related mechanism and behavioral sensitization.

Activation of serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors inhibits amphetamine sensitization in mice

The effects of serotonin (5-HT)1A drugs on the development and expression of sensitization to the locomotor effect of amphetamine (AMPH) were studied in mice. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a 5-HT1A agonist, dose-dependently reduced the expression of AMPH (2.5 mg/kg)-induced sensitization. The latter inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT was reversed by (S)-N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-phenyl propamine (WAY 100135), a 5-HT1A antagonist. WAY 100135 given alone did not affect expression of AMPH sensitization. Combined injections of 8-OH-DPAT, but not WAY 100135, with AMPH (2.5 mg/kg) during the development of sensitization, protected against the expression of sensitization to a challenge dose of AMPH (2.5 mg/kg) 3 days after withdrawal. The above inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT on the development of AMPH sensitization was blocked by pretreatment with WAY 100135. The AMPH-induced conditioned locomotion was unaffected by pretreatment with 8-OH-DPAT. These results indicate that 5-HT1A receptors are not involved in AMPH-induced sensitization per-se, whereas their pharmacological activation leads to the inhibition of both the development and the expression of AMPH-induced sensitization.

Lack of effect of a glycine(B) receptor partial agonist on amphetamine-induced sensitization in mice

Effects of 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACPC), a partial agonist of glycine(B) receptors, on the expression and development of sensitization to the locomotor activity of amphetamine (AMPH, 2.5 mg/kg) were studied in mice. ACPC in doses of 100-400 mg/kg did not affect the expression of AMPH sensitization. Combined injections of ACPC (200-400 mg/kg) and AMPH during the development of sensitization did not change the expression of sensitization to the challenge dose of AMPH 3 days after the drug withdrawal. Acute administration of ACPC, 400 mg/kg, enhanced the locomotor hyperactivity induced by a single dose of AMPH, that effect being probably connected with its own stimulatory action of that dose of ACPC. Summing up, our results show that ACPC affects neither the development nor the expression of AMPH sensitization in mice.

Effect of kainic acid and pentetrazole administration on the activity of nitric oxide synthase in the mouse brain

The present study examined ex vivo effect of kainic acid and pentetrazole administration on the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the mouse brain. NOS activity was assayed by measuring the formation of [3H] citrulline from [3H]arginine in the homogenates of mouse hippocampus, neocortex and cerebellum. The highest basal activity of the enzyme was found in this latter brain region. Administration of kainic acid (30 mg/kg) increased the NOS activity in all brain regions examined. On the other hand, pentetrazole (60 mg/kg) did not evoke any significant changes in the NOS activity at 5 min after the administration. Only in cerebellum, at 10 min after administration of pentetrazole, the increase in the activity of the enzyme was observed. The obtained results indicate that the two particular convulsants used in this study differ not only in respect of behavioral signs of seizures which they evoke, but also in respect of the effect on mouse brain NOS activity.

Protective effects of neurosteroids against NMDA-induced seizures and lethality in mice

The effects of some neurosteroids on N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced seizures were examined in mice. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg). 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one (10 and 20 mg/kg), 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-11,20-dione (15 mg/kg), 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha-ol-17-one (10 mg/kg) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (25 mg/kg) significantly increased the dose of NMDA necessary to induce clonic convulsions in 50% of the tested animals (CD50). Furthermore, 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one, 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one, 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-11,20-dione and 5 alpha-androstan-3 alpha-ol-17-one also protected the mice against NMDA-induced mortality. Importantly, it is only at the highest doses that neurosteroids impair motor performance of the animals, as estimated by a rotorod equilibrium procedure. The other neurosteroids tested, such as 5 alpha-pregnan-3 beta-ol-20-one (5-20 mg/kg), 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha,21-diol-20-one (10 and 15 mg/kg), 5 alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione (15 mg/kg) and pregnenolone sulfate (12.5-100 mg/kg) had no significant effects on the measured parameters. In another set of experiments, we evaluated the effects of neurosteroids on D-[3H]-aspartate release from rat hippocampal slices. None of the neurosteroids tested exerted a significant effect on basal D-[3H]-aspartate release. On the other hand, K(+)-stimulated D-[3H]-aspartate release was significantly attenuated by 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one, 5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one, alphaxalone, pregnenolone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. The effect of 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one was the most potent and was distinctly concentration-dependent, whereas the other compounds were effective only at the highest concentrations used. The above results indicate that some neurosteroids administered in non-sedative doses can protect mice against NMDA-induced seizures and mortality; furthermore, they inhibit D-[3H]-aspartate release in rat hippocampal slices.

Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and molsidomine on the anticonvulsant activity of some antiepileptic drugs

The present study examined effects of the two nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), as well as of the NO donor molsidomine on the anticonvulsant activity of conventional antiepileptic drugs (diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine) and competitive (CGP 37,849) and non-competitive (dizocilpine) NMDA receptor antagonists against the maximal electroshock in mice. It was found that L-NAME (25 and 50 mg/kg) did not affect the anticonvulsant activity of either drug, having had no influence on their anticonvulsive ED50 values. 7-NI (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the anticonvulsive ED50 (augmentation of the anticonvulsant activity) of CGP 37,849 and dizocilpine, raised the anticonvulsive ED50 (attenuation of the anticonvulsant activity) of diphenylhydantoin and had no influence on the anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepine. At the same time, augmentation of the anticonvulsant activity (reduction of the ED50 values) of diphenylhydantoin, carbamazepine and CGP 37,849, but not of dizocilpine, was observed after molsidomine (100-150 mg/kg). Moreover, 7-NI (100 mg/kg) and molsidomine (100 and 150 mg/kg), but not L-NAME (25 and 50 mg/kg), raised the threshold for electroconvulsions. The obtained results indicate that alterations in the anticonvulsant activity of the investigated drugs evoked by 7-NI and mosidomine, may result from non-specific effects of the NOS inhibitor and the NO donor, having no connection with the brain NO pathway.

The role of nitric oxide in chemically- and electrically-induced seizures in mice

The effect of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) on seizures induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), pilocarpine (PIL) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), as well as on the electroconvulsive threshold was studied in mice. It was found that L-NAME and 7-NI decreased the dose of NMDA necessary to produce clonic convulsions in 50% of animals (CD50). Such a proconvulsant effect was not observed in mice pretreated with N-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME), an inactive isomer of L-NAME. Neither L-NAME nor 7-NI affected the convulsions induced by PIL (clonic seizures) or PTZ (clonic and tonic seizures), having no effect on their CD50 values. Similarly, neither NOS inhibitor affected the electroshock threshold. These results, together with some literature data, indicate that nitric oxide (NO) may be regarded as an anticonvulsant substance in relation to seizures induced by NMDA and other excitatory amino acids, but not by other agents, in mice.

Role of the serotoninergic system in the regulation of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in the rat hippocampus

Effects of 5-HT receptor agonists (8-OH-DPAT, DOI and mCPP) on the binding parameters of corticosteroid receptors in the hippocampus of adult rats were studied. Glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors were examined by an in vitro [3H]corticosterone binding in cytosol, using the selective GR agonist RU 28362 to discriminate between MR and GR. Treatment with 8-OH-DPAT and mCPP given for 7 but not 1 days increased the density of MR. None of the compounds under investigation influenced the density of GR or the affinity of MR and GR in the rat hippocampus. Our results suggest that, in contrast to the postnatal period, the 5-HT1A and/or 5-HT2C, but not 5-HT2A, receptor is mainly involved in the regulation of MR in adult rats.

Role of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes in the 1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] piperazine-induced increase in threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice

The effect of 1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] piperazine (TFMPP), a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonist, on the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions was studied in mice. TFMPP in intraperitoneal (i.p.) doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg increased the convulsive threshold (the amperage necessary to produce the hindleg tonic extensor component of seizures in 50% of animals) by 28, 60, and 85%, respectively. The effect of TFMPP (20 mg/kg) was dose-dependently blocked by 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)butyl] piperazine (NAN-190), prazosin, spiperone, mesulergine, ketanserin, and ritanserin. On the other hand, pindolol and cyanopindolol had no effect on the convulsive threshold increased by TFMPP. The results indicate that the TFMPP-induced decrease in the susceptibility to seizures is connected to stimulation of 5-HT2 or of both 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors. Moreover, alpha 1-adrenoceptors also appear to be engaged in this effect.

The effect of chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs on the corticosteroid receptor levels in the rat hippocampus

The effect of long-term (28 days) treatment with desipramine, (+)-oxaprotiline (selective inhibitors of the noradrenaline - NA - uptake), citalopram (a selective inhibitor of the serotonine - 5-HT - uptake) and mianserin (an atypical antidepressant drug, devoid of an effect on the monoamine uptake) on the binding parameters of corticosteroid receptors was studied in the rat hippocampus. Glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors were examined by an in vitro [3H]-corticosterone binding in the cytosol from the rat hippocampus, using the selective GR agonist RU 28362 to discriminate between MR and GR. Long-term treatment with desipramine significantly increased the Bmax of GR at both 2 (increase by 42%) and 72 h (increase by 27%) after its last dose, but did not change the Bmax of MR and the Kd of GR and MR. Repeated treatment with (+)-oxaprotiline, citalopram and mianserin did not modify the binding parameters of GR and MR. These results indicate that the ability to increase the Bmax of GR is not a common feature of all antidepressant drugs, and that the influence of antidepressant drugs on the GR level is not connected with their action on the uptake of NA or 5-HT.

The role of nitric oxide in the kainate-induced seizures in mice

The effect of L-arginine (L-Arg), D-arginine (D-Arg), N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on the kainate-induced seizures was studied in mice. It was found that the precursor of nitric oxide (NO) L-Arg (150-600 mg/kg i.p.) increased dose-dependently the dose of kinate necessary to produce clonic convulsions in 50% of the animals (CD50). Such an anticonvulsant effect was not observed in mice pretreated with D-Arg (150-600 mg/kg i.p.), the latter drug not being a substrate for NO formation. The inhibitors of NO synthase L-NAME and L-NMMA, both administered in doses of 30-30 mg/kg i.p., reduced the convulsive threshold by decreasing the CD50 of kainate. Moreover, L-NAME (3 mg/kg) antagonized the anticonvulsant effect of L-Arg (300 mg/kg). These results indicate that NO may play a role of an endogenous anticonvulsant substance in mice.

The effect of repeated combined treatment with nifedipine and antidepressant drugs or electroconvulsive shock on the hippocampal corticosteroid receptors in rats

The effect of nifedipine, a calcium channel antagonist, on changes in the density of glucocorticoid (GR) and/or mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), induced by long-term treatment with antidepressant drugs (imipramine and amitriptyline) or electroconvulsive shock (ECS) was investigated in the rat hippocampus. Long-term treatment with imipramine or amitriptyline significantly increased the density of GR, while chronic ECS significantly elevated the density of both GR and MR. Nifedipine administered repeatedly had no effect on the basal GR and MR levels, however when the rats were pretreated with nifedipine, the antidepressant drugs and ECS were unable to increase the density of GR, or GR and MR, respectively. These results indicate that, unlike in other models, nifedipine blocks the effects of antidepressant drugs and ECS on GR and/or MR. They also show, that antidepressant drugs and ECS differ in their effect on the density of GR and MR.

The anxiolytic-like effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists

The effect of six 5-HT3 receptor antagonists: ondansetron (0.01-3 mg/kg ip), granisetron (0.01-1 mg/kg ip), zacopride (0.01-3 mg/kg ip), tropisetron (0.001-0.1 mg/kg ip), MDL 72222 (0.01-3 mg/kg ip) and DAU 6215 (0.01-3 mg/kg sc) were examined in the conflict drinking test (Vogel test) and in the elevated plus-maze test in rats. Ondansetron (0.1-0.3 or 1 mg/kg), zacopride (0.1-1 mg/kg) and tropisetron (0.01 mg/kg) increased the punished responding in the Vogel test and showed anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze test. Their effects were limited to a narrow dose range and were not dose-dependent. Granisetron (0.1 mg/kg) exhibited an anti-conflict activity, but was ineffective in the elevated plus-maze test. MDL 72222 and DAU 6215 were ineffective in both those tests. On the other hand, diazepam (2.5-10 mg/kg), used as a reference drug, was active in either procedure and its effects were dose-dependent. These results indicate that an anxiolytic-like activity is not a common characteristic of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Moreover, even the anxiolytic action of drugs which were active in the experimental models used should be accepted with caution.

Captopril lacks the antidepressant-like activity in animal models

Captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, was evaluated for a potential antidepressive activity in several animal models. The drug administered in doses of 3-30 mg/kg ip neither affected the reserpine- or apomorphine-induced hypothermia in mice nor reduced the immobility time in the forces swimming test in mice and rats. Moreover, captopril administered repeatedly (10 mg/kg ip, twice daily for 14 days) neither changed the density or affinity of cortical beta-adrenoceptors nor modified the nomifensine-induced locomotor hyperactivity in rats. These results suggest that captopril has no antidepressant-like activity in animal models.

Some behavioral effects of repeated administration of calcium channel antagonists

The effect of the calcium channel antagonists nifedipine, nimodipine, and diltiazem (10 mg/kg PO) was studied after single and repeated administration to rats. All the compounds administered repeatedly reduced significantly the duration of immobility in the forced swimming test. At the same time the locomotor activity of rats was reduced (nifedipine, nimodipine) or unchanged (diltiazem). All the calcium channel antagonists studied did not modify the behavior of normal or phenylephrine-stimulated rats in the open field test. Only nimodipine, given repeatedly, was able to antagonize the clonidine-induced behavioral inhibition in the latter test. The results indicate that, like antidepressants, calcium channel antagonists given repeatedly to rats reduce the immobility time in the forced swimming test, but do not change the responsiveness of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors to their agonists.

The effect of repeated treatment with antidepressant drugs on the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced hyperthermia in mice

The effect of acute (single dose) or repeated (twice daily, for 14 days) administration of 10 mg kg-1 p.o. of imipramine, amitriptyline, citalopram or mianserin has been examined on the hyperthermia induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (40 mg kg-1 i.p., 2, or 2 and 72 h after single or last dose of antidepressants, respectively) in mice. Both imipramine and amitriptyline, given repeatedly, potentiated the TRH response, though the effect was observed 2 but not 72 h after the last dose of those drugs. Potentiation was also found after the single dose of imipramine or amitriptyline. On the other hand, citalopram and mianserin, administered either acutely or repeatedly, did not affect the TRH-induced hyperthermia.

Repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) reduces the isoprenaline-induced drinking in rats

The effect of acute and repeated (once daily for 10 days) treatment with ECS on drinking induced by isoprenaline (50 micrograms, intracerebroventricularly, icv) was studied in rats. It was found that repeated, but not acute, administration of ECS significantly reduced the behavioral response to isoprenaline.

Effect of repeated administration of antidepressant drugs on the isoprenaline-induced drinking in rats

The effect of acute (single dose) and repeated (twice daily, for 21 days) administration of imipramine, amitriptyline, citalopram, mianserin and rolipram (the latter drug in a dose of 5 mg/kg po, all the other drugs in a dose of 10 mg/kg po) on drinking induced by isoprenaline (50 micrograms intracerebroventricularly (icv), 2 h after the single dose, 2 and 72 h after the last does of the antidepressants) was studied in rats. It was found that repeated, but not acute, treatment with imipramine, amitriptyline and rolipram significantly reduced the response to isoprenaline. The effect of amitriptyline and rolipram was observed 2 and 72 h after their last administration, while that of imipramine only 72 h after its last dose. Citalopram and mianserin were ineffective after both acute and repeated administration.

The lack of antidepressant properties and a potent central antiserotonin activity of Org 8282

A potential antidepressant activity and an antiserotonin action of Org 8282, delta (13b, 4a), 4a-carba-mianserin, was studied in mice and rats. Org 8282 did not affect the reserpine-induced hypothermia, hypoactivity and ptosis, did not modify the apomorphine-induced hypothermia and the TRH-induced hyperthermia in mice, did not change the motor stimulation and stereotypy produced by amphetamine. It was inactive in the behavioral despair test in rats and mice. On the other hand, Org 8282 inhibited the head twitch reaction after 5-HTP in mice, the tryptamine-induced clonic convulsions of forepaws in rats, the hyperthermia produced by fenfluramine and m-CPP in rats kept at a high ambient temperature, and the quipazine-induced stimulation of the flexor reflex activity in the spinal rat. These results indicate that Org 8282 is inactive in tests commonly applied for assessment of antidepressant action but--like mianserin--it exerts an antiserotonin activity.

Chronic treatment with the potential antidepressant drug rolipram: the effect on the behavioural responses to adrenergic and dopaminergic receptor agonists with some biochemical correlates

We studied the effect of acute and chronic treatment with rolipram, a potential antidepressant drug, on the behavioural responses induced by adrenergic and dopaminergic receptor agonists in mice and rats, and on (3H)prazosin and (3H)dihydroalprenolol binding to cortical membranes and whole brain noradrenaline and dopamine utilization in rats. Chronic, but not acute, administration of rolipram potentiated a behavioural response mediated through central alpha 1-adrenoceptors, attenuated an alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated response and inhibited a beta-adrenoceptor-mediated response. Neither treatment affected the behavioural responses to dopaminergic stimulants. Repeated treatment with rolipram decreased the density of cortical (3H)dihydroalprenolol, but not (3H)prazosin bindings sites, and reduced brain noradrenaline, but not dopamine utilization. These results suggest that chronic administration of rolipram induces the down-regulation of the central beta- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors and enhances the responsiveness of the central alpha 1-adrenoceptors with no apparent changes in the alpha 1-adrenoceptor density.

Repeated treatment with antidepressant drugs prevents salbutamol-induced hypoactivity in rats

We have found earlier that a number of antidepressant drugs, administered repeatedly, prevent the salbutamol-induced hypoactivity in rats. Our further experiments show that a similar effect is produced by repeated, but not acute, treatment with other antidepressants: clomipramine, mianserin and nialamide. Two non-antidepressant psychotropic drugs, haloperidol and diazepam, were inactive after repeated administration. These results seem to support our earlier hypothesis that prevention of the salbutamol-induced hypoactivity may be regarded as functional evidence at the behavioral level for the subsitivity of beta-adrenoceptors.

Chronic treatment with electroconvulsive shock prevents the salbutamol-induced hypoactivity in rats

Several lines of evidence (binding studies, reduced responsiveness of brain adenylate cyclase to noradrenergic stimulation) indicate that chronic treatment with electroconvulsive shock (ECS) induces down-regulation of central beta-adrenoceptors. The effect of acute and chronic (10 days) treatment with ECS on salbutamol-induced suppression of exploratory activity in rats has been examined. This effect was prevented by chronic but not by acute treatment with ECS. Chronic treatment with ECS did not affect exploratory activity. The salbutamol-induced hypoactivity is mediated through central beta-adrenoceptors (antagonistic effect of (-)-propranolol but not (+)-propranolol or practolol), so the results may be regarded as functional evidence at the behavioral level for the down-regulation of beta-adrenoceptors produced by chronic treatment with ECS.

The effect of chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs on salbutamol-induced hypoactivity in rats

Several lines of evidence (binding studies, reduced responsiveness of brain adenylate cyclase to noradrenergic stimulation, electrophysiological data) indicate that chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs induces subsensitivity of central beta-adrenergic receptors. We studied the effect of acute (single dose) and chronic (14 days, twice daily) treatment with imipramine, desmethylimipramine, amitriptyline, fluvoxamine and citalopram (10 mg/kg, orally) on salbutamol-induced suppression of exploratory activity in rats. This effect of salbutamol was antagonized by chronic, but not acute treatment with antidepressants. Chronic treatment with antidepressants as a rule did not significantly affect exploratory activity. Our results may be regarded as functional evidence at the behavioural level for the subsensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptors.

Psychopharmacological profile of dexamisole

Dexamisole antagonized the reserpine-induced hypothermia but was ineffective in the apomorphine-induced hypothermia in mice. It reduced ptosis produced by reserpine in mice but this effect was very weak. The effect of dexamisole on the amphetamine-induced hyperactivity depended upon the animal species. Dexamisole reduced the duration of immobility in the despair test in rats. It did not modify the 5-HTP-induced head twitch reaction in mice but produced stimulation of the hind limb flexor reflex in spinal rats. The latter effect was blocked by phenoxybenzamine but not by cyproheptadine and metergoline. Dexamisole also exerted a sedative and hypothermic effect. The above findings indicate that the pharmacological profile of dexamisole resembles in some respects that of tricyclic antidepressants; they also point out that this drug has a central noradrenergic activity.

The effect of some new antidepressants on apomorphine-induced hypothermia in mice

Imipramine-like tricyclic antidepressants antagonize hypothermia induced by apomorphine in mice (Lapin & Samsonova 1968; Schelkunov 1968, 1977; Fuxe & Sjöqvist 1972; Maj et al 1974; Puech et al 1978); this phenomenon has been used by some authors as a test for the antidepressant activity. Therefore, we have examined the effect of some new antidepressants in this test, especially as some of them differ in their mechanism of action from imipramine-like drugs. The drugs used were: nomifensine, an inhibitor of the dopamine and noradrenaline (NA) uptake (Hunt et al 1974; Schacht & Heptner 1974), two specific inhibitors of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake, femoxetine (FG 4963) (Buus Lassen et al 1975) and poroxetine (FG 7051) (Petersen et al 1977), two other antidepressants whose main characteristic was the blockade of central 5-HT receptors, i.e. mianserin (van Riezen 1972) and trazodone (Baran et al 1979). We also included pizotifen, a drug used in migraine prophylaxis (see Speight & Avery 1972) but exerting an antidepressant effect (Standal 1977; Banki 1978) and a potent central anti 5-HT activity (Dixon et al 1977; Przegalinski et al 1979). For comparison, the effect of four tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine, amitriptyline and chlorimipramine) was also studied.

The central action of pizotifen

The central action of the potential antidepressant drug pizotifen (Sandomigran) was studied in mice, rats and rabbits. Pizotifen in doses up to 10 mg/kg i.p. was ineffective in classic tests for antidepressant activity. It neither antagonized the effects of reserpine in rats (hypothermia, ptosis) nor potentiated the effects of amphetamine (in mice and rats), nialamide or L-dopa (in mice) on locomotor activity. However, its antidepressant activitiy was found in the 'despair test' in rats. On the other hand, pizotifen inhibited the head twitch reaction induced by L-5-hydroxytryptophan in mice (ED50 = 0.009 mg/kg, i.p.) and by 5-methoxytryptamine (+ tranylcypromine) in rats (ED50 = 0.45 mg/kg, i.p.). It also antagonized tryptamine-induced clonic convulsions of fore-paws in rats (ED50 = 0.35 mg/kg, i.p.), and in doses of 5--10 mg/kg s.c. inhibited hyperthermia produced by LSD in rabbits. Finally, pizotifen (0.1--0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) inhibited or abolished LSD- or quipazine-induced stimulation of the hind limb flexor reflex of spinal rats; the above effect was not due to noradrenolytic action of the drug. These results suggest that pizotifen strongly blocks the central postsynaptic serotonin receptors.