SPTSSA variants alter sphingolipid synthesis and cause a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia

Sphingolipids are a diverse family of lipids with critical structural and signalling functions in the mammalian nervous system, where they are abundant in myelin membranes. Serine palmitoyltransferase, the enzyme that catalyses the rate-limiting reaction of sphingolipid synthesis, is composed of multiple subunits including an activating subunit, SPTSSA. Sphingolipids are both essential and cytotoxic and their synthesis must therefore be tightly regulated. Key to the homeostatic regulation are the ORMDL proteins that are bound to serine palmitoyltransferase and mediate feedback inhibition of enzymatic activity when sphingolipid levels become excessive. Exome sequencing identified potential disease-causing variants in SPTSSA in three children presenting with a complex form of hereditary spastic paraplegia. The effect of these variants on the catalytic activity and homeostatic regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase was investigated in human embryonic kidney cells, patient fibroblasts and Drosophila. Our results showed that two different pathogenic variants in SPTSSA caused a hereditary spastic paraplegia resulting in progressive motor disturbance with variable sensorineural hearing loss and language/cognitive dysfunction in three individuals. The variants in SPTSSA impaired the negative regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase by ORMDLs leading to excessive sphingolipid synthesis based on biochemical studies and in vivo studies in Drosophila. These findings support the pathogenicity of the SPTSSA variants and point to excessive sphingolipid synthesis due to impaired homeostatic regulation of serine palmitoyltransferase as responsible for defects in early brain development and function.

Bi-allelic ATG4D variants are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by speech and motor impairment

Autophagy regulates the degradation of damaged organelles and protein aggregates, and is critical for neuronal development, homeostasis, and maintenance, yet few neurodevelopmental disorders have been associated with pathogenic variants in genes encoding autophagy-related proteins. We report three individuals from two unrelated families with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by speech and motor impairment, and similar facial characteristics. Rare, conserved, bi-allelic variants were identified in ATG4D, encoding one of four ATG4 cysteine proteases important for autophagosome biogenesis, a hallmark of autophagy. Autophagosome biogenesis and induction of autophagy were intact in cells from affected individuals. However, studies evaluating the predominant substrate of ATG4D, GABARAPL1, demonstrated that three of the four ATG4D patient variants functionally impair ATG4D activity. GABARAPL1 is cleaved or "primed" by ATG4D and an in vitro GABARAPL1 priming assay revealed decreased priming activity for three of the four ATG4D variants. Furthermore, a rescue experiment performed in an ATG4 tetra knockout cell line, in which all four ATG4 isoforms were knocked out by gene editing, showed decreased GABARAPL1 priming activity for the two ATG4D missense variants located in the cysteine protease domain required for priming, suggesting that these variants impair the function of ATG4D. The clinical, bioinformatic, and functional data suggest that bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in ATG4D contribute to the pathogenesis of this syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder.

Continuing a search for a diagnosis: the impact of adolescence and family dynamics

The "diagnostic odyssey" describes the process those with undiagnosed conditions undergo to identify a diagnosis. Throughout this process, families of children with undiagnosed conditions have multiple opportunities to decide whether to continue or stop their search for a diagnosis and accept the lack of a diagnostic label. Previous studies identified factors motivating a family to begin searching, but there is limited information about the decision-making process in a prolonged search and how the affected child impacts a family's decision. This study aimed to understand how families of children with undiagnosed diseases decide whether to continue to pursue a diagnosis after standard clinical testing has failed. Parents who applied to the Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. The 2015 Supportive Care Needs model by Pelenstov, which defines critical needs in families with rare/undiagnosed diseases, provided a framework for interview guide development and transcript analysis (Pelentsov et al in Disabil Health J 8(4):475-491, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.DHJO.2015.03.009 ). A deductive, iterative coding approach was used to identify common unifying themes. Fourteen parents from 13 families were interviewed. The average child's age was 11 years (range 3-18) and an average 63% of their life had been spent searching for a diagnosis. Our analysis found that alignment or misalignment of parent and child needs impact the trajectory of the diagnostic search. When needs and desires align, reevaluation of a decision to pursue a diagnosis is limited. However, when there is conflict between parent and child desires, there is reevaluation, and often a pause, in the search. This tension is exacerbated when children are adolescents and attempting to balance their dependence on parents for medical care with a natural desire for independence. Our results provide novel insights into the roles of adolescents in the diagnostic odyssey. The tension between desired and realistic developmental outcomes for parents and adolescents impacts if, and how, the search for a diagnosis progresses.

Altered Osteocyte-Specific Protein Expression in Bone after Childhood Solid Organ Transplantation

Background

Bone fragility is common post solid organ transplantation but little is known about bone pathology on a tissue level. Abnormal osteocytic protein expression has been linked to compromised bone health in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and immunosuppressant medications may impact osteocyte function.

Methods

Transiliac bone biopsies were obtained from 22 pediatric solid organ allograft recipients (average age 15.6 years) an average of 6.3 ± 1.2 years after transplantation and from 12 pediatric pre-dialysis CKD patients (average age 13.2 years). Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry for FGF23, DMP1, sclerostin, and osteopontin were performed on all biopsies.

Results

FGF23 and sclerostin were increased in transplant recipients relative to non-transplant CKD, regardless of the type of allograft received and despite, in the case of liver and heart recipients, a higher GFR. Bone DMP1 expression was higher in liver or heart than in kidney recipients, concomitant with higher serum phosphate values. Osteopontin expression was higher in CKD than in transplant recipients (p<0.01). Bone FGF23 and sclerostin correlated directly (r = 0.38, p<0.05); bone FGF23 expression and osteoid thickness correlated inversely (r = - 0.46, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Solid-organ transplantation is associated with increased FGF23 and sclerostin expression. The contribution of these findings to compromised bone health post transplantation warrants further evaluation.

Procholinergic and memory enhancing properties of the selective norepinephrine uptake inhibitor atomoxetine

Atomoxetine has been approved by the FDA as the first new drug in 30 years for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a selective norepinephrine uptake inhibitor and a nonstimulant, atomoxetine has a different mechanism of action from the stimulant drugs used up to now for the treatment of ADHD. Since brain acetylcholine (ACh) has been associated with memory, attention and motivation, processes dysregulated in ADHD, we investigated the effects of atomoxetine on cholinergic neurotransmission. We showed here that, in rats, atomoxetine (0.3-3 mg/kg, i.p.),--increases in vivo extracellular levels of ACh in cortical but not subcortical brain regions. The marked increase of cortical ACh induced by atomoxetine was dependent upon norepinephrine alpha-1 and/or dopamine D1 receptor activation. We observed similar increases in cortical and hippocampal ACh release with methylphenidate (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.)--currently the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of ADHD--and with the norepinephrine uptake inhibitor reboxetine (3-30 mg/kg, i.p.). Since drugs that increase cholinergic neurotransmission are used in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and dementias, we also investigated the effects of atomoxetine on memory tasks. We showed that, consistent with its cortical procholinergic and catecholamine-enhancing profile, atomoxetine (1-3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly ameliorated performance in the object recognition test and the radial arm-maze test.

Minocycline prevents nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, decreased striatal dopamine levels, and consequent extrapyramidal motor dysfunction. We now report that minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline, recently shown to have neuroprotective effects in animal models of stroke/ischemic injury and Huntington's disease, prevents nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Minocycline treatment also blocked dopamine depletion in the striatum as well as in the nucleus accumbens after MPTP administration. The neuroprotective effect of minocycline is associated with marked reductions in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and caspase 1 expression. In vitro studies using primary cultures of mesencephalic and cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) and/or glia demonstrate that minocycline inhibits both 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+))-mediated iNOS expression and NO-induced neurotoxicity, but MPP(+)-induced neurotoxicity is inhibited only in the presence of glia. Further, minocycline also inhibits NO-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in CGN and the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, blocks NO toxicity of CGN. Our results suggest that minocycline blocks MPTP neurotoxicity in vivo by indirectly inhibiting MPTP/MPP(+)-induced glial iNOS expression and/or directly inhibiting NO-induced neurotoxicity, most likely by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Thus, NO appears to play an important role in MPTP neurotoxicity. Neuroprotective tetracyclines may be effective in preventing or slowing the progression of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A increases norepinephrine outflow in the rat anterior hypothalamus

The effects of the selective cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide-hydrochloride (SR141716A) on extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were assessed by in vivo microdialysis in the anterior hypothalamus of freely moving rats. SR14716A (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently increased norepinephrine efflux to about 300% of baseline, without affecting 5-HT levels. This increase in norepinephrine outflow could play an important role in the pharmacological and potentially therapeutic actions of SR141716A.

Acute increases in monoamine release in the rat prefrontal cortex by the mGlu2/3 agonist LY379268 are similar in profile to risperidone, not locally mediated, and can be elicited in the presence of uptake blockade

Our recent work (Cartmell et al., Journal of Neurochemistry, 75 (2000) 1147-1154) demonstrated that systemic injection of the potent, selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, LY379268, acutely increased extracellular levels of dopamine, its metabolites DOPAC and HVA, and the 5-HT metabolite, 5-HIAA, in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we compared the acute effects of LY379268 with those of clozapine and risperidone (atypical antipsychotics) on extracellular levels of both dopamine and 5-HT in the mPFC of freely-moving rats. Uptake blockers were included to minimize metabolism of monoamines near the probe area. One hour after injection, LY379268 (10 mg/kg s.c.), clozapine (10 mg/kg s.c.) or risperidone (1 mg/kg s.c.) maximally increased dopamine by 224, 257 and 234% of basal levels. These effects were followed by maximal increases in DOPAC and HVA levels 2 to 3.5 hours after administration. LY379268, at 3 and 10 mg/kg s.c., and risperidone (1 mg/kg s.c.) also increased dialysate 5-HT to 169, 179 and 140% of basal levels and 5-HIAA to 144, 154 and 121% of basal levels, respectively. These neurochemical changes in the mPFC could not be mimicked when LY379268 (3 or 30 microM) was administered locally via the microdialysis probe. These data demonstrate that increases in extracellular monoamines in the rat prefrontal cortex evoked acutely by the mGlu2/3 agonist, LY379268, are similar in profile to risperidone, not locally mediated, and can be elicited in the presence of uptake blockade.

The muscarinic agonist xanomeline increases monoamine release and immediate early gene expression in the rat prefrontal cortex

BACKGROUND

The muscarinic agonist xanomeline has been shown to reduce antipsychotic-like behaviors in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Because atypical antipsychotic agents increase dopamine release in prefrontal cortex and induce immediate early gene expression in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, the effect of xanomeline was determined on these indices.

METHODS

The effect of xanomeline on extracellular levels of monoamines in brain regions was determined using a microdialysis technique, and changes in expression of the immediate early genes c-fos and zif/268 in brain regions were evaluated using in situ hybridization histochemistry.

RESULTS

Xanomeline increased extracellular levels of dopamine in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens but not in striatum. Xanomeline increased expression of c-fos and zif/268 in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. There was no change in immediate early gene expression in striatum.

CONCLUSIONS

Xanomeline increased extracellular levels of dopamine, which is similar to the effects of the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and olanzapine. The regional pattern of immediate early gene expression induced by xanomeline resembled that of atypical antipsychotic agents. Based on the antipsychotic-like activity of xanomeline in Alzheimer's patients and the similarity to atypical antipsychotic agents, we suggest that xanomeline may be a novel antipsychotic agent.

Dopamine and 5-HT turnover are increased by the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 in rat medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and striatum

We have shown, using in vivo microdialysis sampling, that systemic administration of the selective group II metabotropic (mGlu) receptor agonist LY379268, like the atypical antipsychotic clozapine, increased extracellular levels of dopamine, dopamine metabolites DOPAC and HVA, and the major 5-HT metabolite 5-HIAA, in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we have compared the effects of LY379268 with clozapine as well as risperidone on ex vivo tissue levels of dopamine, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in multiple brain regions. One to two hours following administration of LY379268, mPFC tissue levels of DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Increases evoked by LY379268 (10 mg/kg s.c.) at the 2 h point were 189, 245 and 139% of basal levels, respectively. These effects were reversed within 4 h of administration. Clozapine (10 mg/kg s.c.) and risperidone (1 mg/kg s. c.) also increased levels of the dopamine metabolites to a similar extent but were without significant effect on tissue levels of 5-HIAA. LY379268 (10 mg/kg s.c.) also increased tissue levels of DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA by 169, 221 and 134% of basal levels in nucleus accumbens, respectively, and by 131, 179 and 132% of basal levels in striatum, respectively. These data show that activation of mGlu2/3 receptors can increase the turnover of dopamine and 5-HT in the areas of the brain implicated in the actions of atypical antipsychotics.

Synergistic effects of olanzapine and other antipsychotic agents in combination with fluoxetine on norepinephrine and dopamine release in rat prefrontal cortex

To understand the mechanism of the clinical efficacy of olanzapine and fluoxetine combination therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), we studied the effects of olanzapine and other antipsychotics in combination with the selective serotonin uptake inhibitors fluoxetine or sertraline on neurotransmitter release in rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) using microdialysis. The combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine produced robust, sustained increases of extracellular levels of dopamine ([DA](ex)) and norepinephrine ([NE](ex)) up to 361 +/- 28% and 272 +/- 16% of the baseline, respectively, which were significantly greater than either drug alone. This combination produced a slightly smaller increase of serotonin ([5-HT](ex)) than fluoxetine alone. The combination of clozapine or risperidone with fluoxetine produced less robust and persistent increases of [DA](ex) and [NE](ex). The combination of haloperidol or MDL 100907 with fluoxetine did not increase the monoamines more than fluoxetine alone. Olanzapine plus sertraline combination increased only [DA](ex). Therefore, the large, sustained increase of [DA](ex), [NE](ex), and [5-HT](ex) in PFC after olanzapine-fluoxetine treatment was unique and may contribute to the profound antidepressive effect of the olanzapine and fluoxetine therapy in TRD.

The potent, selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 increases extracellular levels of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid in the medial prefrontal cortex of the freely moving rat

Previous work has shown that the potent, selective metabotropic glutamate mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 acts like the atypical antipsychotic clozapine in behavioral assays. To investigate further the potential antipsychotic actions of this agent, we examined the effects of LY379268 using microdialysis in awake, freely moving rats, on extracellular levels of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) in rat medial prefrontal cortex. Systemic LY379268 increased extracellular levels of dopamine, DOPAC, HVA, and 5-HIAA in a dose-dependent, somewhat delayed manner. LY379268 (3 mg/kg s.c. ) increased levels of dopamine, DOPAC, HVA, and 5-HIAA to 168, 170, 169, and 151% of basal, respectively. Clozapine (10 mg/kg) also increased dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA levels, with increases of 255, 262, and 173%, respectively, but was without effect on extracellular 5-HIAA levels by 3 mg/kg LY379268 were reversed by the selective mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 (1 mg/kg). Furthermore, LY379268 (3 mg/kg)-evoked increases in DOPAC and HVA were partially blocked and the increase in 5-HIAA was completely blocked by local application of 3 microM tetrodotoxin. Therefore, we have demonstrated that mGlu2/3 receptor agonists activate dopaminergic and serotonergic brain pathways previously associated with the action of atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine and other psychiatric agents.

Activation of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system by stimulation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the ventral tegmental area

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the function of muscarinic receptors in the ventral tegmental area in vivo, the release of endogenous monoamines was simultaneously measured in the somatodendritic (ventral tegmental area) and terminal (frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens) regions of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system in rats, using dual probe microdialysis.

METHODS

Rats were implanted with dual microdialysis probes ipsilaterally into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAC) or frontal cortex (FC).

RESULTS

Intrategmental infusion of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine M (OXO M, 0.1 and 1 mM) increased extracellular levels of dopamine and serotonin, but not noradrenaline, in the VTA to a maximum of 200% over baseline in both urethane-anaesthetized and unanaesthetized rats. In freely moving animals, this effect was accompanied by strong motor agitation. Both VTA dopamine and serotonin levels dropped to 60% or less of baseline when the perfusion medium was replaced by a calcium-free medium containing OXO M. In the NAC and FC, a similar increase in extracellular dopamine, but not serotonin and noradrenaline, was observed during OXO M infusion in the VTA. The removal of calcium during OXO M infusion in the VTA did not cause a decrease in NAC dopamine levels. Activation of serotonin and dopamine release by OXO M in the VTA and FC was dramatically reduced or prevented by the co-infusion of the muscarinic antagonist N-methylscopolamine (0.1 mM).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that VTA dopamine cells possess functional muscarinic receptors whose activation stimulates the release of dopamine in the VTA, NAC and FC. These results also suggest that muscarinic receptors may modulate the synaptic release of serotonin in the VTA.

Difference in the in vivo influence of serotonin1A autoreceptors on serotonin release in prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus of the same rat treated with fluoxetine

Recent studies have demonstrated that antagonism of somatodendritic serotonin1A (5-HT1A) autoreceptors can potentiate the increase of extracellular 5-HT concentrations induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including fluoxetine. The present study was conducted to uncover any functional difference between the 5-HT1A autoreceptors located on the cell bodies of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal (DRN) and median (MRN) raphe nuclei. The investigational approach used in the present study was to detect extracellular 5-HT concentrations in two terminal areas, prefrontal cortex (Pfc) and dorsal hippocampus (Dhp), which are mainly innervated by the 5-HT neurons located in the DRN and MRN respectively. To avoid possible variation between individual animals a dual-probe microdialysis procedure was applied to determine 5-HT concentrations in both brain areas of the same rat. Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) alone produced a smaller increase in the extracellular 5-HT concentration in the Pfc than Dhp of the same rat (maximal 5-HT concentrations were 183% and 223% of the baseline values in Pfc and Dhp respectively). However, an antagonist of 5-HT1A receptors, WAY100635, subsequently injected (s.c.) at 1 mg/kg brought the 5-HT concentrations to similar levels in the Pfc (332%) and Dhp (308%). Since the 5-HT concentrations immediately before the injection of WAY100635 were lower in the Pfc (102%) than Dhp (186%), WAY100635 induced a larger 5-HT net increase in the Pfc (332%-102%=230%) than Dhp (308%-186%=122%). On the other hand, WAY100635 alone did not significantly change the extracellular 5-HT concentrations in both areas. Furthermore, extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) and two DA metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, in both areas were not altered by the administrations of fluoxetine and WAY100635. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the antagonist of 5-HT1A receptors, WAY100635, produced a more robust potentiation in the fluoxetine-induced 5-HT increases in the Pfc than Dhp. Since Pfc and Dhp are predominately innervated by 5-HT neurons located in the DRN and MRN respectively, this result may indicate a functional difference between the 5-HT1A autoreceptors located on the cell bodies of 5-HT neurons in the DRN and MRN.

Olanzapine: a basic science update

Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has a broad receptor binding profile, which may account for its pharmacological effects in schizophrenia. In vitro receptor binding studies showed a high affinity for dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptors; all 5-HT2 receptor subtypes and the 5-HT6 receptor; muscarinic receptors, especially the M1 subtype: and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. In vivo studies showed that olanzapine had potent activity at D2 and 5-HT2A receptors, but much less activity at D1 and muscarinic receptors, and that it inhibited dopaminergic neurons in the A10 but not the A9 tract, suggesting that this agent will not cause extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS). Microdialysis studies showed that olanzapine increased the extracellular levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, but not 5-HT, in the prefrontal cortex, and increased extracellular dopamine levels in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens, areas of the brain associated with schizophrenia. Studies of gene expression showed that olanzapine 10 mg/kg also increased Fos expression in the prefrontal cortex, the dorsolateral striatum, and the nucleus accumbens. These findings are consistent with the effectiveness of olanzapine on both negative and positive symptoms and suggest that, with careful dosing, olanzapine should not cause EPS.

Interactive modulation by dopamine and serotonin neurons of receptor sensitivity of the alternate neurochemical system

Ontogenetic dopaminergic denervation of rat forebrain is associated with latent supersensitization of dopamine (DA) receptors that is unmasked only by a priming process entailing repeated DA agonist treatments. Similar denervation supersensitivity holds for serotonin (5-HT) and most other neurochemical systems. Because DA and 5-HT neurons compete for target sites in the brain and mimic or replicate actions of the others, we investigated the modulatory influence of DA neurons on 5-HT receptor sensitivity; and role of 5-HT neurons in modulating DA receptor sensitivity. In these studies rats were lesioned with the DA neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, i.c.v.; desipramine pretreatment) or 5-HT neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT, i.c.v.; desipramine pretreatment) either at 3 days after birth or in adulthood. Responses to DA and 5-HT agonists were determined in several behavioral paradigms in adulthood. In assessing oral responses to agonists, we found that the D1 agonist (+/-)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol (SKF 38393) profoundly induced activity if rats were lesioned neonatally with 6-OHDA, but not if rats were co-lesioned as neonates or as adults with 5,7-DHT. The D2 agonist quinpirole induced profound oral activity, but only if rats were lesioned as neonates with 5,7-DHT; or if rats were lesioned with both 6-OHDA (neonatally administered) and 5,7-DHT (adult stage). In all rats lesioned as neonates with 6-OHDA, the 5-HT2 agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine produced enhanced activity, regardless of 5,7-DHT treatment. These findings demonstrate that DA neurons modulate receptor sensitivity status of both DA and 5-HT receptors; and 5-HT neurons do so similarly. This phenomenon is pertinent to animal models of human disorders and in the syndrome spectrum and treatment approach of human neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. parkinsonism, tardive dyskinesia), developmental disorders (e.g. hyperkinetic activity) and psychiatric disorders.

Olanzapine increases in vivo dopamine and norepinephrine release in rat prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and striatum

The in vivo effects of olanzapine on the extracellular monoamine levels in rat prefrontal cortex (Pfc), nucleus accumbens (Acb) and striatum (Cpu) were investigated by means of microdialysis. Sequential doses of olanzapine at 0.5, 3 and 10 mg/kg (s.c.) dose-dependently increased the extracellular dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels in all three brain areas. The increases appeared 30 min after olanzapine administration, reached peaks around 60-90 min and lasted for at least 2 h. The highest DA increases in the Acb and Cpu were induced by olanzapine at 3 mg/kg but at 10 mg/kg in the Pfc. The peak DA increase in the Pfc (421% +/- 46 of the baseline) was significantly larger than those in the Acb (287% +/- 24) and Cpu (278% +/- 28). Similarly, the highest NE increase in the Pfc (414% +/- 40) induced by 10 mg/kg olanzapine was larger than those in the Acb (233% +/- 39) and Cpu (223% +/- 24). The DA and NE increases in the Pfc induced by olanzapine at 3 and 10 mg/kg (s.c.) were slightly larger than those induced by clozapine at the same doses. In contrast, haloperidol (0.5 and 2 mg/kg, s.c.) did not change Pfc DA and NE levels. Extracellular levels of a DA metabolite, DOPAC, and tissue concentrations of a released DA metabolite, 3-methoxytyramine, were also increased by olanzapine, consistent with enhanced DA release. However, olanzapine at the three sequential doses did not alter the extracellular levels of either 5-HT or its metabolite, 5-HIAA, in any of the three brain areas. In conclusion, the present studies demonstrate that in the case of sequential dosing olanzapine more effectively enhances DA and NE release in the Pfc than in the subcortical areas, which may have an impact on its atypical antipsychotic actions.

Fluoxetine increases norepinephrine release in rat hypothalamus as measured by tissue levels of MHPG-SO4 and microdialysis in conscious rats

The selective serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p.) increased tissue levels of the norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol sulfate (MHPG-SO4) in rat hypothalamus, indicating an increased release of norepinephrine. Microdialysis studies in conscious rats showed that fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p.) increased extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the hypothalamus. In contrast, desipramine (10 mg/kg i.p.) increased extracellular concentration of norepinephrine but not serotonin in the hypothalamus. Consistent with its mechanism of being a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor, local perfusion of fluoxetine (10 microM) caused a 7-fold increase in hypothalamic extracellular serotonin and a small non-significant increase in extracellular norepinephrine. The subsequent systemic injection of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg s.c.) after local perfusion caused a 3-fold increase in extracellular norepinephrine, indicating that fluoxetine's action leading to an increase in extracellular norepinephrine was not occurring in the terminal areas of the hypothalamus but elsewhere in the brain, possibly cell bodies in the locus coeruleus.

Vasopressin/serotonin interactions in the anterior hypothalamus control aggressive behavior in golden hamsters

Studies in several species of rodents show that arginine vasopressin (AVP) acting through a V1A receptor facilitates offensive aggression, i.e., the initiation of attacks and bites, whereas serotonin (5-HT) acting through a 5-HT1B receptor inhibits aggressive responding. One area of the CNS that seems critical for the organization of aggressive behavior is the basolateral hypothalamus, particularly the anterior hypothalamic region. The present studies examine the neuroanatomical and neurochemical interaction between AVP and 5-HT at the level of the anterior hypothalamus (AH) in the control of offensive aggression in Syrian golden hamsters. First, specific V1A and 5-HT1B binding sites in the AH are shown by in vitro receptor autoradiography. The binding for each neurotransmitter colocalizes with a dense field of immunoreactive AVP and 5-HT fibers and putative terminals. Putative 5-HT synapses on AVP neurons in the area of the AH are identified by double-staining immunocytochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. These morphological data predispose a functional interaction between AVP and 5-HT at the level of the AH. When tested for offensive aggression in a resident/intruder paradigm, resident hamsters treated with fluoxetine, a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, have significantly longer latencies to bite and bite fewer times than vehicle-treated controls. Conversely, AVP microinjections into the AH significantly shorten the latency to bite and increase biting attacks. The action of microinjected AVP to increase offensive aggression is blocked by the pretreatment of hamsters with fluoxetine. These data suggest that 5-HT inhibits fighting, in part, by antagonizing the aggression-promoting action of the AVP system.

Persistent spontaneous oral dyskinesias in haloperidol-withdrawn rats neonatally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine: absence of an association with the Bmax for [3H]raclopride binding to neostriatal homogenates

To investigate the influence of dopamine (DA) nerves on haloperidol (HAL)-induced oral dyskinesias, rats were first injected at 3 days after birth with 6-hydroxydopamine HBr (200 micrograms i.c.v., salt form; 6-OHDA) or vehicle, after desipramine HCl (20 mg/kg i.p., 1 hr) pretreatment. Two months later HAL (1.5 mg/kg/day, 2 days a week for 4 weeks, then daily for 10 months) was added to the drinking water of half the rats. Numbers of vacuous chewing movements, recorded in 1-min increments every 10 min for 1 hr, increased from < 5 to about 17 oral movements per session in intact rats, 14 weeks after instituting HAL (P < .01 vs. intact rats drinking tap water). In HAL-treated 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, oral activity increased to > 30 oral movements per session (P < .01 vs. HAL-treated intact rats). These levels of oral activity persisted in intact and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats as long as HAL was administered. After 11 months of HAL treatment, but 8 or 9 days after HAL withdrawal, DA was found to be reduced 97%, whereas serotonin was increased 29% in the striatum of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In HAL-treated intact and lesioned rats the Bmax for DA D2 binding sites was elevated about 70%. With reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA level for DA D2L but not D2S receptors was also found to be elevated about 70%. In a fraction of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats that were observed for 8 months after HAL withdrawal, oral activity persisted without decrement and was not accompanied by a change in the Bmax or mRNA level for DA D2 receptors. These findings demonstrate that in rats largely DA-denervated as neonates, long-term HAL treatment produces an unusually high number of oral movements that persists for 8 months after HAL withdrawal and is not accompanied by an increase in DA D2 receptor expression.

On the in-vivo modulation of neostriatal dopamine release by fluoxetine and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan in conscious rats

To help determine the nature of serotonergic regulation of dopamine activity in the brain an in-vivo microdialysis study has been performed in conscious rats to investigate the modulation of dopamine release in the neostriatum by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, and the 5-HT precursor, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP), were used to produce an increase in extracellular 5-HT concentration Systemic administration of fluoxetine (10 mg kg-1, s.c.) produced a 2- to 3-fold increase in extracellular 5-HT concentration but did not change extracellular dopamine concentration in the neostriatum. Co-administration of fluoxetine and 5-HTP (40 mg kg-1, s.c.; 60-90 min after fluoxetine) caused a highly significant tenfold increase in extracellular 5-HT concentration in the neostriatum with a slight but non-significant decrease in extracellular dopamine concentration. Pergolide, a dopamine D2 agonist, given systemically caused a dramatic decrease in extracellular dopamine concentration demonstrating the responsiveness of the neurons. These results demonstrate that high concentrations of extracellular 5-HT do not modulate dopamine release in the neostriatum. The possibility that different 5-HT receptor subtypes may mediate different regulation of dopamine release remains to be explored.

Enhancement of fluoxetine-dependent increase of extracellular serotonin (5-HT) levels by (-)-pindolol, an antagonist at 5-HT1A receptors

The somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor is known to regulate activity of 5-HT neurons and consequently 5-HT release. Administration of a selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor, fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) increased extracellular 5-HT levels in rat hypothalamus up to 260 percent of basal levels. (-)-Pindolol, and antagonist at the somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor, dose-dependently (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg, s.c.) potentiated the fluoxetine dependent increase up to 458 percent of basal 5-HT levels for approximately 1.5 hours. Continuous infusion of ( +/- )-pindolol at 30 mg/kg/h s.c. enhanced the fluoxetine dependent elevation of extracellular 5-HT concentrations in hypothalamus up to 464 percent of basal levels and lasted for 3 hours. Thus, the combination of 5-HT uptake inhibition with antagonism at the somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor can enhance 5-HT release to levels beyond those achieved with uptake inhibition alone. The present findings are consistent with the hypothesis that blockade of somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors removes the inhibitory effect exerted by the elevated 5-HT levels resulting from uptake inhibition.

Control of gastrointestinal parasitism in calves with albendazole delivered via an intraruminal controlled-release device

The efficacy of albendazole in an intraruminal controlled-release device against gastrointestinal nematodes in calves was evaluated under field conditions. Calf productivity was monitored during the first and second grazing seasons. Two groups of parasite-naive Holstein Friesian heifer calves were grazed from May to October on adjacent, similarly contaminated paddocks. One group was given a Captec bolus at turnout, the group was left untreated. Pasture larval counts peaked on the paddock grazed by the untreated calves at 23,000 1 kg-1 dry matter in October. This precipitated clinical parasitic gastro-enteritis in the untreated calves with a mean peak faecal egg count of 335 epg, high blood pepsinogen and gastrin concentrations and a mean worm burden of 79,614 at 100 days post-turnout. Pasture larval counts on the paddock grazed by the treated calves remained less than 3000 1 kg-1 DM and the mean faecal egg count was zero until mid-August, peaking at 146 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) in October. The treated calves had body liveweight advantage of 19 kg at the end of September. During the second grazing season the first season untreated calves were refractory to infection. The first season treated calves showed signs of parasitic gastro-enteritis, although not to the extent exhibited by a group of first season parasite-naive tracer calves which were grazed on the same paddock.

Neurochemical evidence for antagonism by olanzapine of dopamine, serotonin, alpha 1-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in vivo in rats

The ability of the atypical antipsychotic drug candidate olanzapine to antagonize dopamine, serotonin, alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in vivo was assessed by various neurochemical measurements in rat brain. Olanzapine increased the concentrations of the dopamine metabolites DOPAC and HVA in striatum and nucleus accumbens. Olanzapine antagonized the pergolide-induced decrease of striatal DOPA concentrations in rats treated with gammabutyrolactone and NSD1015 and increased striatal 3-methoxytyramine concentrations in nomifensine-treated rats (but not after gammabutyrolactone administration), suggesting that olanzapine blocked terminal and somatodendritic autoreceptors on dopamine neurons. Inactivation of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors by EEDQ was antagonized by olanzapine. The ex vivo binding of the 5HT2 radioligand [3H]-ketanserin was inhibited by olanzapine treatment, as was quipazine-induced increases in MHPG-SO4, evidence suggesting that olanzapine antagonized 5HT2 receptors. At higher doses, olanzapine increased the concentrations of the norepinephrine metabolite, MHPG-SO4, probably by blocking alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. Olanzapine inhibited ex vivo binding of the muscarinic antagonist radioligand [3H]-pirenzepine and lowered concentrations of striatal, but not hippocampal, acetylcholine levels. The findings provide evidence that olanzapine antagonized dopamine, serotonin, alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in vivo, consistent with its high affinity for these receptor sites in vitro.

Antagonism of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors potentiates the increases in extracellular monoamines induced by duloxetine in rat hypothalamus

In the current study we examined the effects of coadministration of a serotonin 5-HT1A antagonist, (+-)-1-(1H-indol-4-yloxy)-3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-propanol maleate (LY 206130), and a dual 5-HT and norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor, duloxetine, on extracellular levels of NE, 5-HT, dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in rat hypothalamus microdialysates. LY 206130 (3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) alone significantly increased NE and DA levels by 60 and 34%, respectively, without affecting 5-HT levels. Duloxetine administration at 4.0 mg/kg, i.p. alone produced no significant changes in levels of 5-HT, NE, or DA. In contrast, when LY 206130 and duloxetine were coadministered at 3.0 mg/kg, s.c. and 4.0 mg/kg, i.p., respectively, 5-HT, NE, and DA levels increased to 5.7-, 4.8-, and threefold over their respective basal levels. These data demonstrate that antagonism of somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors and concomitant inhibition of 5-HT and NE uptake with duloxetine may promote synergistic increases in levels of extracellular 5-HT, NE, and DA in hypothalamus of conscious, freely moving rats.

Serum corticosterone increases reflect enhanced uptake inhibitor-induced elevation of extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine in rat hypothalamus

The increase in extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in rat hypothalamus following administration of fluoxetine, a 5-HT-uptake inhibitor, was enhanced by the injection of LY206130(1-[1-H-indol-4-yloxy]-3-[cyclohexylamino]-2-prop ano l maleate), a 5HT1A receptor antagonist, or by L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP), the 5-HT precursor. Elevation of serum corticosterone, measured as a functional output of hypothalamic 5-HT pathways, was greater in rats treated with fluoxetine plus LY206130 or with fluoxetine plus L-5-HTP than in rats treated with the agents alone. Synergism between effects of fluoxetine and L-5HTP has often been reported, but this is the first report of an increased functional effect when a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist is combined with a 5-HT uptake inhibitor to augment the increase in extracellular 5-HT.

Dopamine and 5-HT receptor sensitivity does not correlate with neostriatal dopamine or 5-HT content

To explore associations of neostriatal (NST) endogenous levels of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) with sensitivity of their receptors, graded doses of 6-hydroxydopamine HBr (0 to 400 micrograms, ICV; 6-OHDA; desipramine pretreatment, 20 mg/kg IP) were given to rats between birth (P 0) and P 42. Numbers of vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) induced by SKF 38393 or m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), respective DA D1 and 5-HT2 agonists, were subsequently determined. Enhanced SKF 38393-induced VCMs occurred when NST DA was reduced 97%-98% by high dose 6-OHDA (100-134 micrograms) at P 0 or P 3, but not in rats with 95%-97% loss in DA produced by 6-OHDA at P7 (134 micrograms) or P3 (67 micrograms). Enhanced m-CPP-induced VCMs occurred even when NST 5-HT content was not elevated after 6-OHDA (134 micrograms at P 10). Accordingly, D1 and 5-HT receptor sensitivity is not correlated with respective NST DA and 5-HT contents. The stage of ontogeny at the time of DA denervation may be the governing influence on receptor sensitivity.

Persistence of long-lasting serotonin depletion by p-chloroamphetamine in rat brain after 6-hydroxydopamine lesioning of dopamine neurons

In rats that had been treated neonatally with 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) to deplete striatal dopamine more than 95%, a single injection of p-chloroamphetamine (pCA) (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in depletion of striatal and hippocampal serotonin at 1 week to a similar extent as in control rats. These findings suggest that striatal dopamine is not essential to the long-lasting depletion of brain serotonin by pCA in rats.

Simultaneous increases of extracellular monoamines in microdialysates from hypothalamus of conscious rats by duloxetine, a dual serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor

Duloxetine (LY248686, [+]-N-methyl-3-(1-napthalenyloxy)-2-thiophene-propanamine) is a potent dual inhibitor of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) uptake in hypothalamus and cerebral cortex of rat brain (Wong et al. 1993; Fuller et al. 1994). Consistent with the dual mechanisms of inhibiting 5-HT and NE uptake, duloxetine at 15 mg/kg IP produced large increases in extracellular levels of 5-HT (250%) and NE (1,100%) 30 minutes after systemic administration. Levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylethyleneglycol (MHPG) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), metabolites of NE and 5-HT, respectively, were reduced, whereas those of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were not significantly altered. Duloxetine at 7 mg/kg produced less pronounced increases while no consistent effects were observed at 4 mg/kg. In this dose range, duloxetine inhibited 5-HT uptake in platelets ex vivo without inhibiting striatal dopamine (DA) uptake. In the present study we also found that the primary amine (a racemate) of duloxetine is about one-fourth as active as duloxetine to inhibit 5-HT and NE uptake. The potential primary amine metabolite of duloxetine might contribute, in part, to the inhibition of 5-HT and NE uptake in vivo. Thus the ability to produce robust increases of extracellular 5-HT and NE levels suggests that duloxetine may potentially be a highly effective antidepressant agent.

Tissue distribution, metabolism and effects of bufotenine administered to rats

Bufotenine (N, N-dimethyl-5-hydroxytryptamine) is a serotonin analog reported to be hallucinogenic. Bufotenine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection after the s.c. injection of bufotenine (1, 30 or 100 mg/kg) into rats. At 1 hr, bufotenine was high in lung, heart and blood and lower in brain and liver. No N-monomethyl-5-hydroxytryptamine was detected, but 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) was increased due to bufotenine metabolism. Bufotenine disappeared nearly completely by 8 hr. Bufotenine concentrations were slightly higher in hypothalamus and brain stem than in striatum or cortex; serotonin was slightly decreased, and 5HIAA was increased in these brain regions. Pargyline reduced concentrations of 5HIAA in blood and tissues after bufotenine injection; LY51641 but not deprenyl mimicked pargyline, suggesting type A not type B monoamine oxidase metabolizes bufotenine. Bufotenine injection increased serum corticosterone concentration, an effect not blocked by metergoline at a dose that blocked a similar increase elicited by quipazine. Although only 2% of the serotonin was found in platelet-poor plasma, more than 99% of the bufotenine was found in platelet-poor plasma, indicating that bufotenine is not stored in platelets. These experiments indicate that bufotenine is rapidly eliminated, in part by type A monoamine oxidase, after its injection into rats and that bufotenine penetrates the blood-brain barrier poorly.

Supersensitization of the oral response to SKF 38393 in neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats is eliminated by neonatal 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine treatment

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 5-HT2c receptors mediate the enhanced oral activity response to the dopamine (DA) D1 agonist, (+/-)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol (SKF 38393) in neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. To study the possible involvement of 5-HT fibers on this process, the effect of the 5-HT neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) was determined. Rats were treated at 3 days after birth with desipramine (20 mg/kg i.p., base) 1 hr before intracerebroventricular vehicle, 6-OHDA (134 micrograms, base) and/or 5,7-DHT (50 micrograms, base). Oral activity was observed at 7 weeks and later. In neonatal 6-OHDA-lesioned rats oral activity dose-effect responses were increased by SKF 38393, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (m-CPP) and pilocarpine-respective DA D1, 5-HT2c and muscarinic receptor agonists. Rats treated neonatally with 5,7-DHT had agonist-induced responses resembling that of the saline control group. However, in rats treated neonatally with both 5,7-DHT and 6-OHDA, oral activity responses were reduced at nearly all doses of SKF 38393 and pilocarpine vs. that of the 6-OHDA group. The response of the 5,7-DHT + 6-OHDA group to m-CPP was reduced at only the 1.0 mg/kg dose. Of a variety of stereotyped behaviors that were observed in separate test sessions, m-CPP-induced grooming activity was less in the 5,7-DHT + 6-OHDA group vs. the 6-OHDA group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Glucose and L-lactate metabolism in pregnant and in lactating ewes fed barley- or ground maize-based diets

The contribution of glucose absorbed from the small intestine to whole-body glucose metabolism was examined in ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation, using diets based on ground barley or ground maize. Glucose and L-lactate turnover in the whole body and the mesenteric-drained viscera were investigated in these ewes using isotope dilution techniques. The net absorption of glucose by the mesenteric-drained viscera and whole-body glucose turnover were unaffected by diet or reproductive status. Arterial and mesenteric venous blood glucose concentrations, arterial and mesenteric venous L-lactate concentrations and whole-body lactate turnover were all significantly higher in lactation than in pregnancy. The whole-body rates of lactate conversion to glucose and to other products were significantly higher in lactation than in pregnancy. Using a two-pool model of whole-body glucose and lactate metabolism, a relatively high percentage of glucose was converted to lactate (64-84%), accounting for 60-80% of whole-body lactate turnover. A model of glucose and lactate metabolism by the mesenteric-drained viscera was constructed. Both the calculated endogenous glucose production and the visceral conversion of glucose to lactate were greater in lactation than in pregnancy when barley was fed. Calculated total glucose absorption was relatively constant, contributing between 26 and 59% of whole-body glucose turnover. Diet had little effect on glucose and lactate metabolism in either the mesenteric-drained viscera or the whole-body of breeding ewes.

Proposed animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Dopamine (DA) neurons are implicated in the hyperlocomotion of neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats, an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because serotonin (5-HT) neurons mediate some DA agonist effects, we investigated the possible role of 5-HT neurons on locomotor activity. Rats were treated at 3 days after birth with vehicle or 6-OHDA (134 micrograms ICV; desipramine pretreatment, 20 mg/kg IP, 1 h), and at 10 weeks with vehicle or 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT; 75 micrograms ICV; pretreatment with desipramine and pargyline, 75 mg/kg IP, 30 min), to destroy DA and/or 5-HT fibers. Intense spontaneous hyperlocomotor activity was produced in rats lesioned with both 6-OHDA and 5,7-DHT. Locomotor time in this group was 550 +/- 17 s in a 600 s session, vs. 127 +/- 13 s in the 6-OHDA group and < 75 s in 5,7-DHT and intact control groups (p < 0.001). Oral activity dose-effect curves established that 5,7-DHT attenuated DA D1 receptor supersensitivity and further sensitized 5-HT2c receptors. Acute treatment with dextroamphetamine (0.25 mg/kg SC) reduced locomotor time in 6-OHDA + 5,7-DHT-lesioned rats to 76 +/- 37 s (p < 0.001). Striatal DA was reduced by 99% and 5-HT was reduced by 30% (vs. 6-OHDA group). Because combined 6-OHDA (to neonates) and 5,7-DHT (to adults) lesions produce intense hyperlocomotion that is attenuated by amphetamine, we propose this as a new animal model of ADHD. The findings suggest that hyperactivity in ADHD may be due to injury or impairment of both DA and 5-HT neurons.

Dose-related effects of a neonatal 6-OHDA lesion on SKF 38393- and m-chlorophenylpiperazine-induced oral activity responses of rats

Neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment of rats is associated with concurrent supersensitization of dopamine (DA) D1 and serotonin 5-HT1C receptors, for agonist-induced oral activity. The present study was conducted to determine if graded reduction of striatal DA content and/or graded elevation of striatal 5-HT content by 6-OHDA would alter sensitivity of either receptor type, and thereby influence oral activity responses to DA and 5-HT agonists. At 3 days after birth, groups of rats were pretreated with desipramine (20 mg/kg i.p.), 1 h before administration of a range of doses of 6-OHDA HBr (15, 30, 60, 100, 150 and 200 micrograms, i.c.v., salt form; half in each lateral ventricle) or the vehicle, saline (0.85%)-ascorbic acid (0.1%). Between 2 and 4 months, a series of challenge doses of SKF 38393 HCl (0.30 to 3.0 mg/kg i.p.) and m-chlorophenylpiperazine 2HCl (0.30 to 6.0 mg/kg i.p.; m-CPP 2HCl) were administered to each group of rats and oral activity was observed. Oral activity was determined for 1 min every 10 min during a 60-min period, starting 10 min after injection of agonist or vehicle. SKF 38393 dose-response curves demonstrated enhanced oral activity responses in rats lesioned neonatally with 150 or 200 micrograms of 6-OHDA. m-CPP dose-response curves demonstrated enhanced oral activity responses in these 2 groups of rats, as well as those lesioned neonatally with 100 micrograms of 6-OHDA. Striatal DA content was reduced by > 97% in these 3 groups of rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ontogenetic SKF 38393 treatments sensitize dopamine D1 receptors in neonatal 6-OHDA-lesioned rats

Neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment of rats is associated with supersensitization of the dopamine (DA) D1 agonist induction of stereotyped and locomotor behaviors. The present study was conducted to determine whether ontogenetic treatments of these rats with the DA D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393, would produce a maximal DA D1 receptor supersensitivity, as measured by locomotor behavior in adulthood. Rat pups were treated daily with SKF 38393-HCl (3.0 mg/kg per day, i.p.) or saline vehicle for 28 consecutive days from birth. These animals were additionally treated at 3 days after birth with 6-OHDA-HBr (100 micrograms, in each lateral ventricle, salt form) or its vehicle. Between 6 and 9 weeks locomotor activity or stereotyped behaviors were observed after weekly challenge doses of SKF 38393-HCl (3.0 mg/kg, i.p.). In the neonatal 6-OHDA group, successive SKF 38393 treatments produced progressively greater locomotor activity. In the group of rats treated during postnatal ontogeny with both 6-OHDA and SKF 38393 daily treatments, the first adult challenge dose of SKF 38393 produced an enhanced locomotor response, greater than that seen in other groups (P < 0.01). Subsequent SKF 38393 treatments of this group produced increasingly greater locomotor responses. SKF 38393-induced stereotyped behavioral effects were greater in the 6-OHDA-lesioned groups, whether or not SKF 38393 was administered ontogenetically. Profound reductions (> 99%) of DA and its metabolites were found in the striatum of neonatal 6-OHDA treated rats, regardless of whether SKF 38393 was co-administered ontogenetically.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age-dependence of a 6-hydroxydopamine lesion on SKF 38393- and m-chlorophenylpiperazine-induced oral activity responses of rats

Neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment is associated with destruction of dopamine (DA) fibers and subsequent sprouting of serotonin (5-HT) fibers in the striatum of rats. Enhanced oral activity responses to SKF 38393 and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), respective agonists for the DA D1 receptor complex and 5-HT2C receptor complex, ensue. To study the ontogenetic nature of this effect, rats were treated at birth, 3 days, 7 days, 10 days or 14 days with 6-OHDA-HBr (200 micrograms i.c.v.; salt form), following desipramine-HCl pretreatment (20 mg/kg i.p., 1 h; base form). Another group of rats was treated at 35 days and again at 42 days with 6-OHDA-HBr (300 micrograms i.c.v.), following desipramine-HCl (20 mg/kg i.p., 1 h) and pargyline-HCl (50 mg/kg i.p., 30 min). In rats treated from birth to 10 days, 6-OHDA reduced striatal DA content at 5 months by > or = 94%. Striatal 5-HT content was elevated by 28% to 51%, but only in rats treated with 6-OHDA at 7 days from birth or earlier. An enhanced oral activity response to SKF 38393-HCl (0.03 to 1.0 mg/kg i.p.) was absent in rats treated 7 days or later, and the change in SKF 38393 effect was correlated with a change in striatal DA content. An enhanced response to m-CPP.2HCl (0.3 to 6.0 mg/kg i.p.) was absent after treatment at 14 or 35 days, when striatal DA content was reduced only 44% to 63% and 5-HT content was not changed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Possible involvement of dopamine in the long-term serotonin depletion by p-chloroamphetamine and beta,beta-difluoro-p-chloroamphetamine in rats

The role of dopamine in the long-term depletion of serotonin in rat brain by p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) and related compounds was investigated by comparing effects of beta,beta-difluoro-p-chloroamphetamine (beta,beta-difluoro-PCA) and 4-methyl-alpha-ethyl-meta-tyramine (H75/12), reported to cause only short-term serotonin depletion, with those of PCA. A single dose of beta,beta-difluoro-PCA had no long-term effects on serotonin in whole rat brain, even after pretreatment with proadifen which decreased the rate at which beta,beta-difluoro-PCA disappeared from brain. The possibility that proadifen might antagonize serotonin depletion was ruled out; proadifen did not prevent long-term serotonin depletion by PCA. Long-term depletion of brain serotonin was found after repeated injections of beta,beta-difluoro-PCA (five injections 4 hr apart) and was prevented by fluoxetine pretreatment. beta,beta-Difluoro-PCA given after the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline or after carbidopa/L-dopa also caused long-term serotonin depletion, although H75/12 did not. At early times after single doses producing the same initial depletion of serotonin, PCA caused a large increase in dopamine and a large decrease in the metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in whole brain, thereby increasing the ratio dopamine/3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic, and the other two drugs caused smaller effects. Extracellular dopamine was increased markedly by PCA, less by beta,beta-difluoro-PCA, and not at all by H75/12. These results suggest an association between dopamine release and long-term depletion of serotonin and add to evidence that dopamine release by PCA may be essential to its neurotoxic actions on brain serotonin neurons.

Extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine concentration in rat hypothalamus after administration of fluoxetine plus L-5-hydroxytryptophan

Fluoxetine (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) caused a three- to fourfold increase in extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration measured by microdialysis in hypothalamus of freely moving rats. The addition of L-5-hydroxytryptophan at 20 or 40 mg kg-1, i.p. doses, magnified the increase in extracellular 5-HT to as much as 16 times basal levels, although these doses of L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone had only small effects on extracellular 5-HT. The increased formation of 5-HT following L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration appears to overcome homeostatic mechanisms that limit the increases in extracellular 5-HT caused by uptake inhibition.

Supersensitization of the oral response to SKF 38393 in neonatal 6-OHDA-lesioned rats is mediated through a serotonin system

To study possible interactions between dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurochemical systems in the D-1 supersensitized induction of oral activity in neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats, the effects of a series of 5-HT agonists and antagonists were determined. At 3 days after birth rats were treated with desipramine HCl (20 mg/kg i.p., base form, 1 hr) and 6-OHDA HBr (100 micrograms, salt form, in each lateral ventricle). Rats were observed individually as adults, once a minute every 10 min over a 1-hr period after challenge with a DA or 5-HT receptor agonist. The respective 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B agonists, (+/-)-8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin (0.50 mg/kg s.c.) and CGS 12066B maleate (7-trifluoromethyl-4(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo[1, 2-alquinoxaline], 1:2 maleate salt; 3.0 mg/kg i.p.), did not increase oral activity. The mixed 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptor agonist, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), produced a slight increase in oral activity in control rats and a marked increase in oral activity in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In the 6-OHDA group the peak effect of 76.5 +/- 4.1 oral movements occurred with an m-CPP 2-HCl dose of 4.0 mg/kg. Pindolol (1.0 mg/kg i.p.), ketanserin tartrate (5 mg/kg i.p.) and MDL-72222 (3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate; 10 mg/kg s.c.), antagonists with high affinity for 5-HT1A,1B, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors, respectively, did not attenuate m-CPP actions. However, mianserin HCl (1.0 mg/kg s.c.), an antagonist with high affinity for 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors, attenuated the oral response to m-CPP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of fluoxetine on serotonin and dopamine concentration in microdialysis fluid from rat striatum

Fluoxetine injected i.p. into rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg rapidly increased serotonin concentration in microdialysis fluid from the striatum by at least 4-fold, an increase that was maintained throughout the 3 hr observation period. Dopamine concentration in the microdialysis fluid did not change. The concentration of the two dopamine metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, was not changed in the microdialysis fluid, whereas the concentration of the serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, was significantly decreased after fluoxetine injection. The increased extracellular concentration of serotonin no doubt resulted from inhibition of the serotonin uptake carrier by fluoxetine, and the lack of change in dopamine is evidence for the specificity of action of this uptake inhibitor.

NMDA receptor antagonists suppress behaviors but not norepinephrine turnover or locus coeruleus unit activity induced by opiate withdrawal

Pretreatment with the non-competitive NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist MK801 (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) suppressed the behavioral signs of withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats. However, the same doses of MK801 that suppressed morphine withdrawal also simultaneously produced phencyclidine (PCP)-like behaviors. Pretreatment with the competitive NMDA antagonist LY274614 (25, 50, 100 mg/kg i.p.) also suppressed the behavioral signs of withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats but did not produce PCP-like behavioral effects. Single unit recordings were made from noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) and, at doses that suppressed morphine withdrawal behaviors, neither MK801 nor LY274614 blocked the withdrawal-induced activation of LC neurons. Biochemical analysis indicated that, at the same behaviorally relevant doses, neither MK801 nor LY274614 blocked the withdrawal-induced increase in norepinephrine turnover in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, or hypothalamus. These results indicate that NMDA antagonists attenuate the behavioral signs of morphine withdrawal without blocking the withdrawal-induced increase in norepinephrine turnover or the withdrawal-induced increase in LC unit activity. In addition, non-competitive NMDA antagonists, like MK801, may not be useful to alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms in man because of their PCP-like side effects. However, competitive NMDA antagonists, like LY274614, could be of great benefit for alleviating opiate withdrawal symptoms in man.

Effect of fluoxetine pretreatment on plasma and tissue concentrations of desipramine in rats

Because of clinical reports that fluoxetine co-administration has led to increased blood concentrations of desipramine and adverse clinical effects in depressed patients treated with desipramine, we investigated the effect of fluoxetine on desipramine metabolism by rat liver microsomes in vitro and on blood and brain concentrations of desipramine in rats treated with desipramine. Fluoxetine caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the 2-hydroxylation and N-demethylation of desipramine in vitro. Fluoxetine increased blood and brain concentrations of desipramine and prolonged the half-life of desipramine in blood and brain in rats in vivo. The inhibition of desipramine metabolism by fluoxetine probably led to the increased blood levels of desipramine in the clinical cases and may have contributed to the acceleration of cortical beta adrenoreceptor downregulation reported in rats when desipramine and fluoxetine were co-administered.

Decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover in striatum and other brain regions after administration of 5-methoxy-3-(di-n-propylamino)chroman to rats

5-Methoxy-3-(di-n-propylamino)chroman (5-MeO-DPAC) caused a dose-dependent decrease in the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan after decarboxylase inhibition in rat striatum, hippocampus and frontal cortex. The decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) turnover may have resulted from activation of 5-HT receptors on cell bodies of 5-HT neurons that project to the striatum and other brain regions, since 5-MeO-DPAC had earlier been reported to lack affinity for striatal binding sites.

Determination of brain concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A liquid chromatographic method using electrochemical detection is described for the assay of brain concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), centrally acting serotonin agonists selective for the 5HT-1A subtype of serotonin receptors. The method is sensitive to approximately 5 ng/g concentrations. After a 1mg/kg s.c. dose of 8-OH-DPAT in rats, its concentration in whole brain declined rapidly during the first 4 hr with a half-life of 26 min. At 30 min after a 1 mg/kg s.c. dose of 8-OH-DPAT, concentrations were approximately equal in hypothalamus, striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum and brain stem but were slightly lower in midbrain. 8-OH-DPAT disappeared from hypothalamus, midbrain and hippocampus at similar rates during the first 90 min after a 1 mg/kg s.c dose. Concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT in whole brain were markedly higher after s.c. than after i.p. administration of 8-OH-DPAT, consistent with earlier data showing 8-OH-DPAT to be more potent when given s.c. than when given i.p. in decreasing brain concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Pretreatment with proadifen (SKF-525A), an inhibitor of microsomal drug metabolism, slightly increased brain concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT. Pindolol, which antagonized the elevation of serum corticosterone concentration by 8-OH-DPAT, did not alter brain concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT. The analytical method should be useful in correlating brain concentrations of 8-OH-DPAT with various neurochemical, behavioral or other functional effects that have been described for this compound.

Effects of buspirone and its metabolite, 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine, on brain monoamines and their metabolites in rats

Buspirone, an anxiolytic drug with selective affinity for the 5-HT-1A subtype of serotonin receptors, caused a dose-related decrease in 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) concentration in rat hypothalamus after doses of 1 to 10 mg/kg s.c. The decrease in 5-HIAA concentration after a 3 mg/kg s.c. dose of buspirone persisted at 4 hr but not at 7 hr. The decrease was due apparently to a reduced turnover of serotonin; the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan after decarboxylase inhibition was also suppressed by buspirone, not only in hypothalamus but also in brain stem, hippocampus and striatum. 1-(2-Pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP), a major metabolite of buspirone, did not affect hypothalamic 5-HIAA concentration at doses up to 10 mg/kg s.c. Both buspirone and 1-PP increased hypothalamic concentrations of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG) sulfate, the norepinephrine metabolite, the effect being more pronounced with 1-PP but occurring after doses as low as 0.3 mg/kg s.c. with each compound. The increase in MHPG sulfate concentration persisted for at least 4 hr after a 3 mg/kg s.c. dose of each compound. The increase in MHPG sulfate produced by buspirone may have been due partly to 5-HT-1A receptor activation, inasmuch as other serotonin agonists have been found to cause a similar increase. 1-PP is reported to lack affinity for 5-HT-1A receptors so its elevation of MHPG sulfate concentration may have resulted from alpha-2 receptor blockade. The increase in MHPG sulfate concentration after buspirone injection may have been due at least partly to formation of the metabolite, 1-PP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tissue concentrations of MPTP and MPP+ in relation to catecholamine depletion after the oral or subcutaneous administration of MPTP to mice

One hour after MPTP was given to mice at a dose of 30 mg/kg s.c., its concentration in tissues varied in the order kidney greater than liver greater than lung greater than brain greater than heart. When the same dose of MPTP was given orally, concentrations in most tissues were much lower at 1 hr than after s.c. administration, although the MPTP concentration in liver was only slightly lower. The concentrations of MPP+ (a metabolite of MPTP) at 1 hr were as high or higher than those of MPTP in all tissues except kidney, and MPP+ disappeared from the various tissues with half-lives from 3-20 hrs. The highest concentrations of MPP+, both absolute and relative to MPTP, were in heart. After oral administration of MPTP, no MPP+ was found in brain, and MPP+ concentrations in other tissues were lower than those after s.c. dosing. The depletion of heart norepinephrine was similar after MPTP administration by either route of administration even though MPTP and MPP+ concentrations in heart were lower after oral administration, suggesting that other metabolites of MPTP might also contribute to heart norepinephrine depletion.

Deprenyl antagonizes acute lethality of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice

In Charles River CFW mice, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) caused lethality with an LD50 of 53.8 mg/kg s.c. In mice pretreated with deprenyl, no lethality occurred with MPTP doses up to 110 mg/kg s.c. MPTP alone at doses of 30 to 90 mg/kg s.c. caused marked salivation, licking and grooming, hyperlocomotion, hyperreactivity and convulsions during the 1st hr, followed by depression, continued salivation and respiratory distress at 2 to 3 hr and at longer times, with death occurring at the higher doses. In deprenyl-pretreated mice, MPTP produced only mild and transient effects. 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) was more potent in causing lethality than was MPTP, and deprenyl did not affect its lethality. MPTP lethality was not antagonized by EXP 561 [4-phenyl-bicyclo-(2,2,2)octan-1-amine hydrochloride monohydrate], an uptake inhibitor that prevented the neurotoxic effects of a lower dose of MPTP on striatal dopamine and cortical norepinephrine neurons. In addition to deprenyl, other monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors effective in inhibiting MAO-B (MD 240928 (R-3-[4-((3-chlorophenyl)methoxy)phenyl]-5-[(methylamino)methyl]-2- oxazolidinone methanesulfonate) and pargyline) protected against MPTP-induced lethality, but LY 51641 (N-[2-(o-chlorophenoxy)ethyl]cyclopropylamine hydrochloride) (a selective inhibitor of MAO-A) did not. The protective effect of deprenyl against MPTP-induced lethality was dose-dependent over a dose range of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg; in this range deprenyl inhibited MAO type B (MAO-B) in brain and liver. A 10-mg/kg i.p. dose of deprenyl antagonized MPTP-induced lethality as long as 14 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of protein intake on gastrin secretion in ruminants

Plasma gastrin concentrations were measured in portal and peripheral circulations in sheep and in cows in response to feeding diets of varying protein content. Mean plasma gastrin concentrations did not increase in response to feeding at either sampling site in contrast with the known response in non-ruminants. Plasma gastrin levels were similar when feeding diets of varying protein content to both sheep and cows and also when comparing portal and peripheral concentrations in sheep. Basal jugular venous gastrin concentrations in the cow at 40.5 +/- 4.13 pg gastrin 17/ml were lower than values measured in sheep portal blood at 67.6 +/- 12.70. The latter, however, was comparable with known values for humans.

Serotonin concentration and turnover in cerebellum and other brain regions of pcd mutant mice

The Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mutant mouse is characterized by a loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Loss of granule cells occurs and is severe in pcd mutants after 9 months of age. Since Purkinje cells and granule cells represent two groups of target cells for serotonin neurons projecting from raphe nuclei and other brain areas, the content and turnover of serotonin in the cerebellum were determined in pcd mice aged 3-15 months. The content of serotonin was not decreased in pcd mouse cerebellum but tended to be slightly increased after 7 months. The ratio of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) to serotonin was significantly decreased in cerebellum at 7-15 months but not at 3 or 6 months. The decrease in this ratio is indicative of decreased serotonin turnover. Similar changes were not seen in brainstem or hypothalamus in mice up to 14 months old, but slight decreases were observed at 15 months. Another index of turnover, the accumulation of 5-HIAA after administration of probenecid to block its efflux from brain, was decreased by 46% in 7-month-old pcd mice in the cerebellum but not in the brainstem or hypothalamus. The decrease in serotonin turnover in pcd mouse cerebellum occurs subsequent to and perhaps due to the loss of the target Purkinje and granule cells.