Rapid-acting antidepressant drugs modulate affective bias in rats

How rapid-acting antidepressants (RAADs), such as ketamine, induce immediate and sustained improvements in mood in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is poorly understood. A core feature of MDD is the prevalence of cognitive processing biases associated with negative affective states, and the alleviation of negative affective biases may be an index of response to drug treatment. Here, we used an affective bias behavioral test in rats, based on an associative learning task, to investigate the effects of RAADs. To generate an affective bias, animals learned to associate two different digging substrates with a food reward in the presence or absence of an affective state manipulation. A choice between the two reward-associated digging substrates was used to quantify the affective bias generated. Acute treatment with the RAADs ketamine, scopolamine, or psilocybin selectively attenuated a negative affective bias in the affective bias test. Low, but not high, doses of ketamine and psilocybin reversed the valence of the negative affective bias 24 hours after RAAD treatment. Only treatment with psilocybin, but not ketamine or scopolamine, led to a positive affective bias that was dependent on new learning and memory formation. The relearning effects of ketamine were dependent on protein synthesis localized to the rat medial prefrontal cortex and could be modulated by cue reactivation, consistent with experience-dependent neural plasticity. These findings suggest a neuropsychological mechanism that may explain both the acute and sustained effects of RAADs, potentially linking their effects on neural plasticity with affective bias modulation in a rodent model.

Investigating neuropsychological and reward-related deficits in a chronic corticosterone-induced model of depression

Chronic stress is a known risk factor for the development of major depression (MDD) and is commonly used to induce a depression-like phenotype in rodents. Similar phenotypic effects are also observed in rodents when treated chronically with the stress hormone corticosterone. In this study, we investigated the neuropsychological consequences of chronic corticosterone treatment in male rats using two translational rodent assays of affective bias, the judgement bias task (JBT) and affective bias test (ABT). We also used the reward learning assay (RLA) and sucrose preference test (SPT) to quantify reward-related behaviours. Negative biases in decision-making were observed in the chronic corticosterone-treated group but only when the treatment was given shortly before each behavioural session. The same dose of corticosterone, when given daily after completion of the behavioural session had no effects. Chronic corticosterone treatment did not potentiate negative affective biases in the ABT induced by either an acute pharmacological or stress manipulation but both reward learning and reward sensitivity were blunted. Analysis of the brain tissue from animals receiving chronic corticosterone found reduced hippocampal neurogenesis consistent with previous studies suggesting corticosterone-induced neurotrophic deficits. Taken together, these data suggest chronic corticosterone treatment induces neuropsychological effects related to changes in reward learning, memory and negative biases in decision making, but these decision-making biases depend on whether rewarding outcomes were experienced during the acute effects of the drug. These findings suggest an important interaction between psychological and biological factors resulting in negative biases in decision-making in this model.

Symptomatic and preventive effects of the novel phosphodiesterase-9 inhibitor BI 409306 in an immune-mediated model of neurodevelopmental disorders

BI 409306, a phosphodiesterase-9 inhibitor under development for treatment of schizophrenia and attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), promotes synaptic plasticity and cognition. Here, we explored the effects of BI 409306 treatment in the polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (poly[I:C])-based mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), which is relevant to schizophrenia and APS. In Study 1, adult offspring received BI 409306 0.2, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg or vehicle to establish an active dose. In Study 2, adult offspring received BI 409306 1 mg/kg and/or risperidone 0.025 mg/kg, risperidone 0.05 mg/kg, or vehicle, to evaluate BI 409306 as add-on to standard therapy for schizophrenia. In Study 3, offspring received BI 409306 1 mg/kg during adolescence only, or continually into adulthood to evaluate preventive effects of BI 409306. We found that BI 409306 significantly mitigated MIA-induced social interaction deficits and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, but not prepulse inhibition impairments, in a dose-dependent manner (Study 1). Furthermore, BI 409306 1 mg/kg alone or in combination with risperidone 0.025 mg/kg significantly reversed social interaction deficits and attenuated amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in MIA offspring (Study 2). Finally, we revealed that BI 409306 1 mg/kg treatment restricted to adolescence prevented adult deficits in social interaction, whereas continued treatment into adulthood also significantly reduced amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion (Study 3). Taken together, our findings suggest that symptomatic treatment with BI 409306 can restore social interaction deficits and dopaminergic dysfunctions in a MIA model of neurodevelopmental disruption, lending preclinical support to current clinical trials of BI 409306 in patients with schizophrenia. Moreover, BI 409306 given during adolescence has preventive effects on adult social interaction deficits in this model, supporting its use in people with APS.

Effects of pro-depressant and immunomodulatory drugs on biases in decision-making in the rat judgement bias task

Studies in human and non-human species suggest that decision-making behaviour can be biased by an affective state, also termed an affective bias. To study these behaviours in non-human species, judgement bias tasks (JBT) have been developed. Animals are trained to associate specific cues (tones) with a positive or negative/less positive outcome. Animals are then presented with intermediate ambiguous cues and affective biases quantified by observing whether animals make more optimistic or more pessimistic choices. Here we use a high versus low reward JBT and test whether pharmacologically distinct compounds, which induce negative biases in learning and memory, have similar effects on decision-making: tetrabenazine (0.0-1.0 mg/kg), retinoic acid (0.0-10.0 mg/kg), and rimonabant (0.0-10.0 mg/kg). We also tested immunomodulatory compounds: interferon-α (0-100 units/kg), lipopolysaccharide (0.0-10.0 μg/kg), and corticosterone (0.0-10.0 mg/kg). We observed no specific effects in the JBT with any acute treatment except corticosterone which induced a negative bias. We have previously observed a similar lack of effect with acute but not chronic psychosocial stress and so next tested decision-making behaviour following chronic interferon-alpha. Animals developed a negative bias which was sustained even after treatment was ended. These data suggest that decision-making behaviour in the task is sensitive to chronic but not acute effects of most pro-depressant drugs or immunomodulators, but the exogenous administration of acute corticosterone induces pessimistic behaviour. This work supports our hypothesis that biases in decision-making develop over a different temporal scale to those seen with learning and memory which may be relevant in the development and perpetuation of mood disorders.

Whole-brain signatures of functional connectivity after bidirectional modulation of the dopaminergic system in mice

While neuropsychiatric drugs influence neural activity across multiple brain regions, the current understanding of their mechanism of action derives from studies that investigate an influence of a given drug onto a pre-selected and small number of brain regions. To understand how neuropsychiatric drugs affect coordinated activity across brain regions and to detect the brain regions most relevant to pharmacological action in an unbiased way, studies that assess brain-wide neuronal activity are paramount. Here, we used whole-brain immunostaining of the neuronal activity marker cFOS, and graph theory to generate brain-wide maps of neuronal activity upon pharmacological challenges. We generated brain-wide maps 2.5 h after treatment of the atypical dopamine transporter inhibitor modafinil (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) or the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor tetrabenazine (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg). Modafinil increased the number of cFOS positive neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, modafinil significantly reduced functional connectivity across the entire brain. Graph theory analysis revealed that modafinil decreased the node degree of cortical and subcortical regions at the three doses tested, followed by a reduction in global efficiency. Simultaneously, we identified highly interconnected hub regions that emerge exclusively upon modafinil treatment. These regions were the mediodorsal thalamus, periaqueductal gray, subiculum, and rhomboid nucleus. On the other hand, while tetrabenazine had mild effects on cFOS counts, it reduced functional connectivity across the entire brain, cortical node degree, and global efficiency. As hub regions, we identified the substantia innominata and ventral pallidum. Our results uncovered novel mechanisms of action at a brain-wide scale for modafinil and tetrabenazine. Our analytical approach offers a tool to characterize signatures of whole-brain functional connectivity for drug candidates and to identify potential undesired effects at a mesoscopic scale. Additionally, it offers a guide towards targeted experiments on newly identified hub regions.

Preclinical validation of the micropipette-guided drug administration (MDA) method in the maternal immune activation model of neurodevelopmental disorders

Pharmacological treatments in laboratory rodents remain a cornerstone of preclinical psychopharmacological research and drug development. There are numerous ways in which acute or chronic pharmacological treatments can be implemented, with each method having certain advantages and drawbacks. Here, we describe and validate a novel treatment method in mice, which we refer to as the micropipette-guided drug administration (MDA) procedure. This administration method is based on a sweetened condensed milk solution as a vehicle for pharmacological substances, which motivates the animals to consume vehicle and/or drug solutions voluntarily in the presence of the experimenter. In a proof-of-concept study, we show that the pharmacokinetic profiles of the atypical antipsychotic drug, risperidone, were similar whether administered via the MDA procedure or via the conventional oral gavage method. Unlike the latter, however, MDA did not induce the stress hormone, corticosterone. Furthermore, we assessed the suitability and validity of the MDA method in a mouse model of maternal immune activation, which is frequently used as a model of immune-mediated neurodevelopmental disorders. Using this model, we found that chronic treatment (>4 weeks, once per day) with risperidone via MDA led to a dose-dependent mitigation of MIA-induced social interaction deficits and amphetamine hypersensitivity. Taken together, the MDA procedure described herein represents a novel pharmacological administration method for per os treatments in mice that is easy to implement, cost effective, non-invasive, and less stressful for the animals than conventional oral gavage methods.

Distinct receptor subtypes mediate arginine vasopressin-dependent ACTH release and intracellular calcium mobilization in rat pituitary cells

In the present study, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release and intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) increase induced by arginine vasopressin (AVP) were characterized in collagenase-dispersed and 3-day cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. AVP and the selective vasopressin V(1b) receptor agonist, [1-deamino-4-cyclohexylalanine]AVP (d[Cha(4)]AVP) induced ACTH release with nanomolar potencies in both cell preparations, and produced a maximal stimulation that was about 1.5 fold greater in the 3-day cultured cells, indicating that the vasopressin V(1b) receptor-ACTH release pathway is enhanced over time in culture. In dispersed cells, AVP, oxytocin and d[Cha(4)]AVP induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases with nanomolar potencies. The selective vasopressin V(1a) receptors antagonist, SR49059 (100 nM), together with the selective oxytocin receptors antagonist (d(CH(2))(5)(1)Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Orn(8),Tyr-NH(2)(9)-vasotocin (100 nM), inhibited the maximal AVP response by ~70%, without affecting the response to d[Cha(4)]AVP, suggesting that the V(1b) receptor was only partially responsible for the AVP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. In contrast, in 3-day cultures, AVP induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i), while oxytocin and d[Cha(4)]AVP did not. The response to AVP was completely antagonized by SR49059, whereas the vasopressin V(1b) receptor antagonists, SSR149415 and (d(CH(2))(5)(1)Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Orn(8),Tyr-NH(2)(9))-vasotocin had no effect, indicating that the [Ca(2+)](i) increase was mediated exclusively by vasopressin V(1a) receptors. In conclusion, the enhancement of vasopressin V(1b) receptor-mediated ACTH release and the lack of a detectable vasopressin V(1b) receptor coupling to [Ca(2+)](i) increase in cultured cells suggests the activation of a different/additional signaling pathway in the molecular mechanism of ACTH release.

Strain-specific outcomes of repeated social defeat and chronic fluoxetine treatment in the mouse

Social stress is a risk factor for affective disorders in vulnerable individuals. Although the biological nature of stress susceptibility/resilience remains to be elucidated, genetic variation is considered amongst the principal contributors to brain disorders. Furthermore, genetic predisposition may be determinant for the therapeutic outcome, as proposed for antidepressant treatments. In the present studies we compared the inherently diverse genetic backgrounds of 2 mouse strains by assessing the efficacy of a chronic antidepressant treatment in a repeated social stress procedure. C57BL/6J and BalbC mice underwent 10-day social defeats followed by 28-day fluoxetine treatment (10 mg/kg/mL, p.o.). In C57BL/6J, most of the social defeat-induced changes were of metabolic nature including persistently altered feed efficiency and decreased abdominal fat stores that were ameliorated by fluoxetine. BalbC mouse behavior was persistently affected by social defeat both in the social avoidance and the forced swim tests, and in either procedure it was restored by chronic fluoxetine, whereas their endocrine parameters were mostly unaffected. The highlighted strain-specific responsivity to the metabolic and behavioral consequences of social defeat and to the chronic antidepressant treatment offers a promising research tool to further explore the underlying neural mechanisms and genetic basis of stress susceptibility and treatment response.

Different susceptibility to social defeat stress of BalbC and C57BL6/J mice

Social stress may precipitate psychopathological disorders in susceptible individuals. The present experiments were focused on the biology beyond the differential susceptibility to social stress. Social defeat, an ethologically relevant stressor known to elicit different coping strategies, was used in two mouse strains differing for baseline emotionality, such as C57BL6/J and BalbC. In separate experiments, in both strains a single social defeat decreased home-cage activity without altering social aversion; it diminished body weight only in defeated BalbC mice. In longitudinal experiments, mice experienced repeated social defeats that induced multiple long-term consequences. Defeated C57BL6/J increased their body weight and food intake; defeated BalbC mice diminished their metabolic efficiency. Only defeated BalbC subjects exhibited increased social avoidance levels; no differences from controls were seen on forced swim test response in defeated mice of either strain. No long-term effects of social defeat were detected in peripheral biomarkers of stress, metabolic, and immune responses, although the analysis of selected internal organs revealed decreases in abdominal fat and gonadal organs in all defeated subjects. These results demonstrated a strain-distinctive profile in the susceptibility to social defeat stress, either acutely or chronically, with metabolic consequences more consistently found in C57BL6/J while social aversion induced predominantly in BalbC subjects.

Functional role of Calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase 8 in adaptations to psychological stressors in the mouse: implications for mood disorders

The Ca(2+)/calmodulin stimulated adenylyl cylcase 8 (AC8) is a pure Ca(2+) sensor, catalyzing the conversion of ATP to cAMP, with a critical role in neuronal plasticity. A role for AC8 in modulating complex behavioral outcomes has been demonstrated in AC8 knock out (KO) mouse models in which anxiety-like responses were differentially modulated following repeated stress experiences, suggesting an involvement of AC8 in stress adaptation and mood disorders. To further investigate the role of this enzyme in phenotypes relevant for psychiatric conditions, AC8 KO mice were assessed for baseline behavioral and hormonal parameters, responses to repeated restraint stress experience, and long-term effects of chronic social defeat stress. The lack of AC8 conferred a hyperactive-phenotype both in home-cage behaviors and the forced swim test response as well as lower leptin plasma levels and adrenal hypertrophy. AC8 KO mice showed baseline "anxiety" levels similar to wild type littermates in a variety of procedures, but displayed decreased anxiety-like responses following repeated restraint stress. This increased stress resilience was not seen during the chronic social defeat procedure. AC8 KO did not differ from wild type mice in response to social stress; similar alterations in body weight, food intake and increased social avoidance were found in all defeated subjects. Altogether these results support a complex role of cAMP signaling pathways confirming the involvement of AC8 in the modulation of stress responses. Furthermore, the hyperactivity and the increased risk taking behavior observed in AC8 KO mice could be related to a manic-like behavioral phenotype that warrants further investigation.

Transient forebrain over-expression of CRF induces plasma corticosterone and mild behavioural changes in adult conditional CRF transgenic mice

BACKGROUND

Converging findings support a role for extra-hypothalamic CRF in the mediation of the stress response. The influence of CRF in the amygdala is well established, while less is known of its role in other areas of the forebrain where CRF and CRF(1) receptors are also expressed. In the present study CRF was genetically induced to allow forebrain-restricted expression in a temporally-defined manner at any time during the mouse lifespan. This mouse model may offer the possibility to establish a model of the pathogenesis of recurrent episodes of depression.

METHODS

Mice were engineered to carry both the rtTA transcription factor driven by the CamKII alpha promoter and the doxycycline-regulated operator (tetO) upstream of the CRF coding sequence. Molecular, biochemical and behavioural characterisation of this mouse is described.

RESULTS

Following a three-week period of transcriptional induction, double transgenic mice showed approximately 2-fold increased expression of CRF mRNA in the hippocampus and cortex, but not hypothalamus. These changes were associated with 2-fold increase in morning corticosterone levels, although responses to the dexamethasone suppression test or acute stress were unaffected. In contrast, induced mice displayed modestly altered behaviour in the Light and Dark test and Forced Swim test.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient induction of CRF expression in mouse forebrain was associated with endocrine and mild anxiety-like behavioural changes consistent with enhanced central CRF neurotransmission. This mouse allows the implementation of regimens with longer or repeated periods of induction which may model the initial stages of the pathology underlying recurrent depressive disorders.

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of novel druglike corticotropin-releasing factor 1 antagonists

To identify new CRF(1) receptor antagonists, an attempt to modify the bis-heterocycle moiety present in the top region of the dihydropyrrole[2,3]pyridine template was made following new pharmacophoric hypothesis on the CRF(1) receptor antagonists binding pocket. In particular, the 2-thiazole ring, present in the previous series of compounds, was replaced by more hydrophilic non aromatic heterocycles able to make appropriate H-bond interactions with amino acid residues Thr192 and Tyr195. This exploration, followed by an accurate analysis of the substitution of the pendant aryl ring, enabled to identify in vitro potent compounds showing excellent pharmacokinetics and outstanding in vivo activity in animal models of anxiety, both in rodents and primates.

Dihydropyrrole[2,3-d]pyridine derivatives as novel corticotropin-releasing factor-1 antagonists: mapping of the receptor binding pocket by in silico docking studies

In an effort to discover novel CRF-1 receptor antagonists exhibiting improved physicochemical properties, a dihydropirrole[2,3]pyridine scaffold was designed and explored in terms of the SAR of the substitution at the pendent phenyl ring and the nature of the heterocyclic moieties present in the upper region of the molecule. Selective and potent compounds have been discovered endowed with reduced ClogP with respect to compounds known in the literature. Of particular relevance was the finding that the in vitro affinity of the series was maintained by reducing the overall lipophilicity. The results achieved by this exploration enabled the formulation of a novel hypothesis on the nature of the receptor binding pocket of this class of CRF-1 receptor antagonists, making use of in silico docking studies of the putative nonpeptidic antagonist binding site set up in house by homology modeling techniques.

Cyclopenta[d]pyrimidines and dihydropyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent and selective corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor antagonists

Two new classes of potent and selective CRF(1) receptor antagonists are presented. Exploration of general templates 3 and 4 through modifications of the top amine and bottom phenyl substituents led to optimization of the in vitro affinity and pharmacokinetic profiles. The typical alkyl chains present in the top region of CRF(1) antagonists were replaced by substituted heteroaryl moieties, leading to a dramatic improvement of the metabolic stability. This improvement was apparent when the compounds were dosed in vivo: several compounds exhibited low plasma clearance, good oral bioavailability, and high brain penetration. As a consequence of their outstanding pharmacokinetic profiles, these CRF(1) antagonists, as exemplified by compound 4 fi (4-(4-bromo-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-7-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine), produced a dose-dependent "anxiolytic-like" effect when administered orally, decreasing the vocalization of rat pups.

CRF1 receptor activation increases the response of neurons in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala to afferent stimulation

The basolateral nucleus (BLA) of the amygdala contributes to the consolidation of memories for emotional or stressful events. The nucleus contains a high density of CRF1 receptors that are activated by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Modulation of the excitability of neurons in the BLA by CRF may regulate the immediate response to stressful events and the formation of associated memories. In the present study, CRF was found to increase the amplitude of field potentials recorded in the BLA following excitatory afferent stimulation, in vitro. The increase was mediated by CRF1 receptors, since it could be blocked by the selective, non-peptide antagonists, NBI30775 and NBI35583, but not by the CRF2-selective antagonist, astressin 2B. Furthermore, the CRF2-selective agonist, urocortin II had no effect on field potential amplitude. The increase induced by CRF was long-lasting, could not be reversed by subsequent administration of NBI35583, and required the activation of protein kinase C. This effect of CRF in the BLA may be important for increasing the salience of aversive stimuli under stressful conditions, and for enhancing the consolidation of associated memories. The results provide further justification for studying the efficacy of selective antagonists of the CRF1 receptor to reduce memory formation linked to emotional or traumatic events, and suggest that these compounds might be useful as prophylactic treatments for stress-related illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

SB-649915-B, a novel 5-HT1A/B autoreceptor antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is anxiolytic and displays fast onset activity in the rat high light social interaction test

Preclinically, the combination of an SSRI and 5-HT autoreceptor antagonist has been shown to reduce the time to onset of anxiolytic activity compared to an SSRI alone. In accordance with this, clinical data suggest the coadministration of an SSRI and (+/-) pindolol can decrease the time to onset of anxiolytic/antidepressant activity. Thus, the dual-acting novel SSRI and 5-HT(1A/B) receptor antagonist, SB-649915-B, has been assessed in acute and chronic preclinical models of anxiolysis. SB-649915-B (0.1-1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced ultrasonic vocalization in male rat pups separated from their mothers (ED(50) of 0.17 mg/kg). In the marmoset human threat test SB-649915-B (3.0 and 10 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced the number of postures with no effect on locomotion. In the rat high light social interaction (SI), SB-649915-B (1.0-7.5 mg/kg, t.i.d.) and paroxetine (3.0 mg/kg, once daily) were orally administered for 4, 7, and 21 days. Ex vivo inhibition of [(3)H]5-HT uptake was also measured following SI. SB-649915-B and paroxetine had no effect on SI after 4 days. In contrast to paroxetine, SB-649915-B (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, p.o., t.i.d.) significantly (p<0.05) increased SI time with no effect on locomotion, indicative of an anxiolytic-like profile on day 7. Anxiolysis was maintained after chronic (21 days) administration by which time paroxetine also increased SI significantly. 5-HT uptake was inhibited by SB-649915-B at all time points to a similar magnitude as that seen with paroxetine. In conclusion, SB-649915-B is acutely anxiolytic and reduces the latency to onset of anxiolytic behavior compared to paroxetine in the SI model.

Social defeat-induced contextual conditioning differentially imprints behavioral and adrenal reactivity: a time-course study in the rat

The present experiments were based on the rat resident-intruder paradigm and aimed at better understanding the long-term conditioning properties of this social stress model. Intruders were exposed to aggressive conspecifics residents. During 3 daily encounters, intruders were either defeated or threatened by residents, providing the defeated-threatened (DT) and threatened-threatened (TT) groups respectively, or exposed to a novel empty cage (EC). The effect of such exposures was assessed in 3 separate experiments 8, 14, or 21 days following the last session on both behavior and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis parameters. A specific and persistent behavioral conditioning due to social defeat but also to the sole social threat experience was observed as defensive behaviors and anxiety-like behaviors were observed respectively in DT and TT rats, highlighting a lack of habituation for the conditioning properties of this social stressor. On the other hand, at the earlier time points examined a less specific activation of the HPA axis parameters was found, starting to show habituation at day 21 in EC but not in DT or TT rats. These data give further support to the lasting effects of this social stress model, bestowing a special emphasis upon the impact of its psychological component and upon the relevance of its development and maintenance over time.

Anxiolytic-like effect of the selective neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor antagonist BIIE0246 in the elevated plus-maze

The involvement of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the pathophysiology of mood disorders has been suggested by clinical and preclinical evidence. NPY Y1 and Y2 receptors have been proposed to mediate the NPY modulation of stress responses and anxiety related behaviors. To further investigate the role of Y2 receptors in anxiety we studied the effect of BIIE0246, a selective Y2 receptor antagonist, in the elevated plus-maze test. Rats treated with 1.0 nmol BIIE0246 showed an increase in the time spent on the open arm of the maze. In addition, to study the effects of the Y2 antagonism on NPY protein level, NPY-like immunoreactivity was measured in different brain regions following treatment with BIIE0246, but no statistically significant effects were observed. These results suggest that BIIE0246 has an anxiolytic-like profile in the elevated plus-maze.

Conditioning properties of social subordination in rats: behavioral and biochemical correlates of anxiety

To develop a socially based model of anxiety, the contextual fear conditioning properties of social defeat were examined in rats. Social threat consisted of exposing intruders to aggressive residents in resident home cage, separated by a partition. During 3 daily encounters, intruders were either defeated or threatened by residents, providing the defeated-threatened (DT) and threatened-threatened (TT) groups respectively. On Day 4, both DT and TT animals were subjected to a social threat only. Additional animals received a 4-day exposure to a novel empty cage (EC group). Further DT, TT, and EC rats were confronted to a different context on Day 4. DT rats exhibited a robust and context-specific anxiety-like response, characterized by significant behavioral and biochemical alterations. DT rats showed increased risk assessment and decreased exploration compared to TT and EC rats that in turn were not different towards each other. DT and TT rats exhibited increased ACTH levels, while only DT rats showed enhanced corticosterone and decreased testosterone levels compared to EC. These differences were context-specific since they were absent confronting animals to a different context and since they were not long lasting. Overall, these data demonstrate the induction of an anxiety-like state in rats through a context conditioning process based upon social factors. The social basis of this paradigm offers good face validity with anxiety disorders, which in humans are mainly related to social factors and associated with HPA axis deregulations. The present procedure may provide a useful experimental model to further investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying anxiety-related disorders.

Characterisation of the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist SB-616234-A (1-[6-(cis-3,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)-2,3-dihydro-5-methoxyindol-1-yl]-1-[2′-methyl-4′-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methanone hydrochloride): In vivo neurochemical and behavioural evidence of anxiolytic/antidepressant activity

The 5-HT1B receptor has attracted significant interest as a potential target for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. Here we present the in vivo characterisation of a novel, selective and orally bioavailable 5-HT1B receptor antagonist, SB-616234-A (1-[6-(cis-3,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)-2,3-dihydro-5-methoxyindol-1-yl]-1-[2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methanone hydrochloride). SB-616234-A reversed the 5-HT1/7 receptor agonist, SKF-99101H-induced hypothermia in guinea pigs in a dose related manner with an ED50 of 2.4 mg/kg p.o. Using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving guinea pigs, SB-616234-A (3-30 mg/kg p.o.) caused a dose-related increase in extracellular 5-HT in the dentate gyrus. Evaluation of antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of this 5-HT1B receptor antagonist was performed in a variety of models and species. SB-616234-A produced a decrease in immobility time in the mouse forced swim test; an effect suggestive of antidepressant activity. Furthermore, SB-616234-A produced dose-related anxiolytic effects in both rat and guinea pig maternal separation-induced vocalisation models with an ED50 of 1.0 and 3.3 mg/kg i.p., respectively (vs fluoxetine treatment ED50 = 2.2 mg/kg i.p. in both species). Also a significant reduction in posturing behaviours was observed in the human threat test in marmosets; an effect indicative of anxiolytic activity. In summary, SB-616234-A is a novel, potent and orally bioavailable 5-HT1B receptor antagonist which exhibits a neurochemical and behavioural profile that is consistent with both anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like activity in a variety of species. Taken together these data suggest that SB-616234-A may have therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of affective disorders.

Selectivity of d[Cha4]AVP and SSR149415 at human vasopressin and oxytocin receptors: evidence that SSR149415 is a mixed vasopressin V1b/oxytocin receptor antagonist

1 A possible role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) V(1b) receptor subtype in stress-related disorders has been recently highlighted by the discovery of the agonist [1-deamino-4-cyclohexylalanine] AVP (d[Cha(4)]AVP) and the antagonist SSR149415. Both compounds have been proposed to target specifically V(1b) receptors, since the reported affinities for the related V(1a), V(2) and oxytocin receptors are in the micromolar or submicromolar range. In the present study, we further investigated the binding affinities of d[Cha(4)]AVP and SSR149415 at recombinant human vasopressin V(1b) (hV(1b)) and oxytocin (hOT) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and functional properties of both compounds at hV(1b), hV(1a), hV(2) and hOT receptors. 2 d[Cha(4)]AVP bound to hV(1b) receptors and hOT receptors with pK(i) values of 9.68+/-0.06 and 7.68+/-0.09, respectively. SSR149415 showed pK(i) values of 9.34+/-0.06 at hV(1b) and 8.82+/-0.16 at hOT receptors. 3 d[Cha(4)]AVP stimulated [Ca(2+)](i) increase in hV(1b)-CHO cells with a pEC(50) value of 10.05+/-0.15. It showed pEC(50) values of 6.53+/-0.17 and 5.92+/-0.02 at hV(1a) and hV(2) receptors, respectively, and behaved as a weak antagonist at hOT receptors (pK(B)=6.31+/-0.12). SSR149415 inhibited the agonist-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase with pK(B) values of 9.19+/-0.07 in hV(1b)-CHO and 8.72+/-0.15 in hOT-CHO cells. A functional pK(i) value of 7.23+/-0.10 was found for SSR1494151 at hV(1a) receptors, whereas it did not inhibit 20 nM AVP response at hV(2) receptors up to 3 microM. 4 Data obtained confirmed the high potency and selectivity of d[Cha(4)]AVP at hV(1b) receptors, but revealed that SSR149415, in addition to the high potency at hV(1b) receptors, displays a significant antagonism at hOT receptors.

Proteomic analysis of rat hippocampus after repeated psychosocial stress

Since stress plays a role in the onset and physiopathology of psychiatric diseases, animal models of chronic stress may offer insights into pathways operating in mood disorders. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular changes induced in rat hippocampus by repeated exposure to psychosocial stress with a proteomic technique. In the social defeat model, the experimental animal was defeated by a dominant male eight times. Additional groups of rats were submitted to a single defeat or placed in an empty cage (controls). The open field test was carried out on parallel animal groups. The day after the last exposure, levels of hippocampal proteins were compared between groups after separation by 2-D gel electrophoresis and image analysis. Spots showing significantly altered levels were submitted to peptide fingerprinting mass spectrometry for protein identification. The intensity of 69 spots was significantly modified by repeated stress and 21 proteins were unambiguously identified, belonging to different cellular functions, including protein folding, signal transduction, synaptic plasticity, cytoskeleton regulation and energy metabolism. This work identified molecular changes in protein levels caused by exposure to repeated psychosocial stress. The pattern of changes induced by repeated stress was quantitatively and qualitatively different from that observed after a single exposure. Several changed proteins have already been associated with stress-related responses; some of them are here described for the first time in relation to stress.

Single exposure to social defeat increases corticotropin-releasing factor and glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression in rat hippocampus

Stressful life events are able to induce long-term modifications in physiological and neuroendocrine parameters that are related to the onset of several psychiatric disorders. To gain information on molecular modifications involved in long-term changes triggered by stress, we evaluated gene expression in the hippocampus of rats exposed to a single social defeat session. In the social defeat model, the experimental animal is defeated by a dominant male. The defeat induced an increase in body temperature, in distress vocalisations, in serum corticosterone levels and in anxiety-related behaviour measured with an open field test applied 6 h after the exposure to the dominant rat. In the open field test, anxiety-related behaviours were not detectable anymore 30 h after the exposure to the dominant rat and mRNA levels were evaluated at this time-point. The mRNA levels of genes modulated by stress (corticotropin-releasing factor; corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1; corticotropin-releasing factor binding protein; mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors; Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-like kinase; Krox20; Bcl-2) and control genes (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; beta-actin and cyclophilin A) were measured with real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Corticotropin-releasing factor and glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels were significantly modulated by the stress procedure, both genes showing an increase in rats exposed to a social defeat. No expression level differences were detected for the other genes. In conclusion, we report that 30 h after an acute social stress, a modification in mRNA levels can be detected in rat hippocampus, thus suggesting potential candidate genes involved in mediating long-term responses.

Substituted tetraazaacenaphthylenes as potent CRF1 receptor antagonists for the treatment of depression and anxiety

Two isomers of the hexahydro-tetraazaacenaphthylene templates (1 and 2) are presented as novel, potent, and selective corticotropin releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor antagonists. In this paper, we report the affinity and SAR of a series of compounds, as well as pharmacokinetic characterization of a chosen set. The anxiolitic activity of a selected example (2ba) in the rat pup vocalization model is also presented.

Evaluation of the effects of lamotrigine, valproate and carbamazepine in a rodent model of mania

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric condition characterised by episodes of mania, depression, and underlying mood instability. Anticonvulsant drugs have an established place in the treatment of the disorder, but identifying novel drugs in this class is complicated by the absence of validated animal models. We have evaluated the efficacy of three anticonvulsant mood stabilising drugs (lamotrigine, valproate, and carbamazepine) in a model of mania, in which hyperactivity is induced by the combination of D-amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide. All three drugs were effective at preventing the hyperactivity. Lower doses of valproate and carbamazepine were required to prevent hyperactivity compared to doses required to block tonic-clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole. Lamotrigine was equipotent in the two models. However, the complex pharmacology of the D-amphetamine/chlordiazepoxide model means that there may be several mechanisms by which hyperactivity can be reduced, and these may have more or less relevance to the treatment of bipolar disorder. To address this issue, we also evaluated effects of the three anticonvulsants on baseline locomotion, on activity in the presence of chlordiazepoxide alone, or on activity induced by D-amphetamine alone. Based on the results, we propose that hyperactivity induced by D-amphetamine/chlordiazepoxide may arise through dopaminergic drive coupled with disinhibition caused by low doses of the benzodiazepine. The efficacy of lamotrigine may then arise through a reduction in neuronal excitability or increased glutamate transmission, these latter a consequence of the disinhibition. Carbamazepine may also reduce excitability and glutamate release, but its broader pharmacology, manifested by sedation at higher doses complicates interpretation of its efficacy and reflects its poorer tolerability in the clinic. Valproate may be effective, at least in part, through an enhancement of GABAergic transmission. The predictive validity of the D-amphetamine/chlordiazepoxide model for efficacy in bipolar disorder remains to be established, and research with a wider range of clinically tested drugs is warranted to help validate the model further. In the meantime, the model may be useful for distinguishing novel anticonvulsant drugs with different mechanisms of action.

Expression analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA isoforms after chronic and acute antidepressant treatment

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered to be a key factor for neuronal survival, differentiation and plasticity. According to a proposed hypothetical model BDNF expression might play a central role in the pathogenesis of depression. The BDNF gene is rather complex in its structure and it can express four different mRNA isoforms by alternative splicing, each producing the same protein. This might reflect fine tuning of gene regulation by different signalling networks. Since the BDNF gene has been reported to be upregulated by antidepressants, the expression of the four BDNF mRNA isoforms was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in rat hippocampi after chronic and acute treatment with the antidepressant drug fluoxetine and GR205171, a selective NK-1 receptor antagonist with anxiolytic-like properties. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of differential regulation of the mRNA isoforms by those compounds. Our results indicate that the expression of BDNF mRNA isoforms is not affected by chronic or acute treatment with fluoxetine or GR205171.

Enantiomerically pure tetrahydroquinoline derivatives as in vivo potent antagonists of the glycine binding site associated to the NMDA receptor

To identify neuroprotective agents after stroke, new substituted tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were designed as antagonists of the glycine binding site associated to the NMDA receptor, satisfying the key pharmacophoric requirements. In particular, the racemate 3c exhibited outstanding in vivo activity in the MCAo model in rats, when given iv both pre- and post-ischemia. Pure enantiomers 3c-(+) and 3c-(-) have been prepared following an original synthetic route. Despite the significant difference of activity observed in vitro, they shown similar neuroprotective profile in the MCAo model in rats.

Effects of antidepressant drugs and GR 205171, an neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, on the response in the forced swim test and on monoamine extracellular levels in the frontal cortex of the mouse

We tested fluoxetine, bupropion and GR 205171, a selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist on forced swimming test (FST) response and on levels of monoamines in frontal cortex of CD1 mice by microdialysis techniques. All drugs decreased immobility time. Fluoxetine augmented all monoamines, bupropion enhanced catecholamines, and GR 205171 was totally ineffective. Results suggest that FST response may not be related to levels of monoamines in the mouse frontal cortex.

Correlation MRI/ultrastructure in cerebral ischemic lesions: application to the interpretation of cortical layered areas

The origin and fate of cortical ischemic lesions, showing a stratified appearance at in vivo MRI-examination, was studied on rats in which a focal brain ischemia was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. One week after ischemia induction, six rats were selected in which three layers of different intensity were visible in the lesioned cortex. Two animals were sacrificed and studied by histology and electron microscopy. The external hyperintense layer was composed of pial and lesioned nervous tissue, the intermediate of degenerating nervous tissue in which an accumulation of macrophages was found, the deepest of edematous nerve tissue without a marked accumulation of macrophages. The remaining rats underwent further MRI examinations showing that, in the lesioned areas, cerebral blood volume was 14-69% lower than the contralateral healthy cortex. At histological and ultrastructural examination, a large part of the lesion was occupied by enlarged pial tissue and marginal glia. A dilatation of the ventricular cavity and cystic structures were also visible. In three animals an increase of the transverse diameter of the caudo-putamen ipsilateral to the lesion was found. The study suggests that the layered appearance is mainly due to an accumulation of macrophages in the intermediate layer and that several processes contribute to the occlusion of the space created by the removal of the necrotic tissue in stratified ischemic lesions (i.e. expansion of the pial tissue, thickening of the marginal glia; expansion of the caudo-putamen, enlargement of the ventricular cavity and development of cystic structures).

Regional changes in the contralateral "healthy" hemisphere after ischemic lesions evaluated by quantitative T2 parametric maps

Modifications in the contralateral "healthy" hemisphere in a population of rats bearing cortical infarction were studied in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the aim to investigate whether cerebral areas not directly involved in the lesion react at the presence of an ischemic lesion. The study was performed in rats in which a transtemporal approach was adopted to occlude the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). For MRI, the animals were examined at 4.7 Tesla and quantitative T2 parametric images were obtained by a multiecho sequence. Healthy rats and sham-operated animals were used as control groups. The quantitative T2 parametric images showed that in the first week after the ischemia a significant increase in the mean T2 was seen in the lesioned parietal cortex, compared to the corresponding region of healthy rats (106 msec vs. 68 msec, P < 0.001). The contralateral "healthy" hemisphere showed T2 mean values not significantly different from the corresponding hemisphere of healthy rats (71 msec vs. 70 msec). However, a statistically significant increase in the T2 values was evident in the hypothalamic region (74 msec vs. 66 msec, P < 0.001). In rats examined 1 month after the ischemia, the T2 values of the hypothalamus were lower than those observed one week after ischemia (69 msec) but remained higher than in controls. The present study demonstrates that after a cerebral ischemia areas of secondary involvement distant from the lesion are present and can be studied in vivo by quantitative MRI.

The neuroprotective activity of the glycine receptor antagonist GV150526: an in vivo study by magnetic resonance imaging

The neuroprotective activity of GV150526 (3-[2-(Phenylaminocarbonyl)ethenyl]-4,6-dichloroindole-2-carboxylic acid sodium salt), a selective glycine receptor antagonist of the NMDA receptor, has been evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The aim of the work was to evaluate, using an in vivo method, whether GV150526 was able to reduce the extent of ischemic brain damage when administered both before and after (6 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion. GV150526 was administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg i.v. T2-weighted (T2W) and diffusion weighted (DW) images were acquired at 6, 24 and 144 h after the establishment of the cerebral ischemia. Substantial neuroprotection was demonstrated at all investigated time points when GV150526 was administered before the ischemic insult. The ischemic volume was reduced by 84% and 72%, compared to control values, when measured from T2W and DW images, acquired 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Administration of the same dose of GV150526, 6 h post-ischemia, also resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) neuroprotection. The ischemic volume was reduced by 48% from control values when measured from T2W images and by 45% when measured from DW images. No significant difference was found between volumes of brain ischemia obtained by either MRI or triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. These data confirm the potential neuroprotective activity of the glycine receptor antagonist GV150526 when administered either before or up to 6 h after ischemia.

Regional cerebral blood volume mapping after ischemic lesions

The possible persistence of a microvascular deficit at long time intervals after cerebral ischemia induction is not well established. In rats, we have generated in vivo maps of the regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) at different time intervals after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) with the aim to evaluate the persistence of a rCBV deficit in the damaged area or in the surrounding regions. The rats were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at different time intervals, starting from the first day until three months after ischemia and postmortem histological and ultrastructural correlation was obtained. All MRI experiments were carried out using an imager-spectrometer equipped with a 4.7 Tesla magnet. To produce the susceptibility-weighted rCBV images, a suspension of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (AMI-25) was injected to the rat. In a control group (nonoperated or sham-operated rats), a symmetrical distribution of rCBV values was found between the two hemispheres (differences between left and right cortex below 8%). In the rats with MCAo an evident vascular asymmetry was found 24 h after ischemia (differences between left and right ranging from 22 and 77%) and reduced rCBV values were evident in the ischemic areas. In a time range following the 15th day most of the rats showed a complete recovery of the lesion while only four animals still had a small residual lesion, as probed by T2-weighted (T2W) images. In three of these four cases, the reduction of rCBV in the ipsilateral cortex with respect to the contralateral was greater than 20%. Correlation was found (Y > 0.8) between late rCBV measurement and the initial volume of the lesion (hyperintense region in T2W images). The postmortem measurements correlate much better with the rCBV data than with the T2W ones. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates that cortical lesions may result in a deficit of rCBV for long periods and that a mismatch between T2w and rCBV data can be present during the repair process.

The glio-pial system in cortical ischemic lesions

The ultrastructural features of the glio-pial system have been analyzed in an animal model of brain focal ischemic lesion. Aim of the work was to describe the relationship between glial and pial cells in a condition of ischemic neurodegeneration and the eventual involvement of these cells in removal of debris and reconstruction of the glial-limiting lamina. The study was performed in rats in which the right middle cerebral artery was occluded. The development of a lesion and its extension was controlled in vivo 24 h after the middle cerebral artery occlusion by magnetic resonance imaging. The rats were sacrificed 10 or 15 days after the occlusion and their brain was processed for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The ultrastructural examination of the lesion revealed that the nervous parenchyma was replaced by cicatricial tissue composed by glial and pial areas. The pial areas were composed mainly by leaf-like cells forming a network. Their main cytoplasmic feature was the presence of large lysosomes in which ferritine-like particles were often enclosed. The glial areas were composed by strictly packed cells which displayed at scanning electron microscopy a spider-like shape with a central body and elongated cell processes. These results suggest a role for the glio-pial system in acute ischemia. In particular, the pial cells seem to be directly involved in removal of cell debris while glial cells seem mainly devoted to the reconstruction of the glial limiting lamina.

Potent antihyperalgesic activity without tolerance produced by glycine site antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor GV196771A

Central sensitization is a condition of enhanced excitability of spinal cord neurons that contributes to the exaggerated pain sensation associated with chronic tissue or nerve injury. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are thought to play a key role in central sensitization. We have tested this hypothesis by characterizing in vitro and in vivo a novel antagonist of the NMDA receptor acting on its glycine site, GV196771A. GV196771A exhibited an elevated affinity for the NMDA glycine binding site in rat cerebral cortex membranes (pKi = 7.56). Moreover, GV196771A competitively and potently antagonized the activation of NMDA receptors produced by glycine in the presence of NMDA in primary cultures of cortical, spinal, and hippocampal neurons (pKB = 7.46, 8. 04, and 7.86, respectively). In isolated baby rat spinal cords, 10 microM GV196771A depressed wind-up, an electrical correlate of central sensitization. The antihyperalgesic properties of GV196771A were studied in a model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat sciatic nerve and in the mice formalin test. In the CCI model GV196771A (3 mg/kg twice a day p.o.), administered before and then for 10 days after nerve ligature, blocked the development of thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, GV196771A (1-10 mg/kg p.o.) reversed the hyperalgesia when tested after the establishment of the CCI-induced hyperalgesia. In the formalin test GV196771A (0.1-10 mg/kg p.o.) dose-dependently reduced the duration of the licking time of the late phase. These antihyperalgesic properties were not accompanied by development of tolerance. These observations strengthen the view that NMDA receptors play a key role in the events underlying plastic phenomena, including hyperalgesia. Moreover, antagonists of the NMDA glycine site receptor could represent a new analgesic class, effective in conditions not sensitive to classical opioids.

Upregulation of spinal glutamate receptors in chronic pain

Recent studies indicate that glutamate binding to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the spinal cord is involved in triggering the development of chronic pain However, the processes which directly underlie the increased pain remain unclear. Here we report that, following peripheral nerve injury (ligation of the sciatic nerve) in the rat, there is an increase in immunoreactive labelling of non-N-methyl-D-asparatate, AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionate), glutamate receptors in the superficial laminae of the lumbar spinal cord ipsilateral to the ligation. The increase in AMPA receptor expression peaks 14 days after nerve ligation and decreases 35 days post-ligation, corresponding to the time-course of heightened sensitivity to mechanical and thermal noxious stimuli (hyperalgesia) induced by the ligation. Given evidence that AMPA receptors in the superficial laminae mediate fast nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord, our findings suggest that an upregulation of spinal AMPA receptors contributes to hyperalgesia following peripheral nerve injury.

Characterization of [3H]-imidazenil binding to rat brain membranes

1. The binding of [3H]-imidazenil, an imidazobenzodiazepine carboxamide, to rat cerebellar membranes was characterized at different temperatures. 2. Specific binding was linear with tissue concentrations and reached maximum after 90, 30 and 5 min incubation at 0, 21 and 37 degrees C, respectively. The binding was of high affinity, specific and saturable; non linear regression and Scatchard analysis of the data was compatible with the presence of a single population of receptor sites with Bmax of 0.74 +/- 0.020, 0.90 +/- 0.011 and 1.0 +/- 0.036 pmol mg-1 protein at 0, 21 and 27 degrees C, respectively. Binding affinity decreased with increasing temperature: Kd were 0.29 +/- 0.051 nM (0 degrees C), 1.0 +/- 0.080 nM (21 degrees C) and 2.4 +/- 0.38 nM (37 degrees C). 3. At all tested temperatures, [3H]-imidazenil binding was reversible and the Kd calculated from the dissociation and association rate constants approximated the equilibrium Kd. 4. In the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Kd increased 4 fold at 0 degrees C, whereas Bmax increased, albeit slightly, at all temperatures. 5. Benzodiazepines (BZDs), imidazopyridines and methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta CCM) were effective inhibitors of [3H]-imidazenil binding. Conversely, GABAA antagonists, barbiturates, picrotoxin and peripheral BZD receptor ligands were devoid of any activity. 6. Comparing [3H]-imidazenil to [3H]-flumazenil binding in various brain areas, similar densities of recognition sites as well as like regional differences in the distribution of binding sites for both radioligands were observed (cortex = striatum > cerebellum > spinal cord). 7. The present results indicate that [3H]-imidazenil specifically binds to the BZD sites of GABAA receptors. Furthermore, the effects of GABA and temperature differentiate imidazenil from classicalBZDs. It is suggested that the characteristics of imidazenil binding may be relevant to the in vivo pharmacology of the drug.

A derivative of a rigid glutamate analog protects the retina from excitotoxicity

In the retina, the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) reduces the toxic effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). We have induced NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity in the adult rat retina by a single intraocular injection of NMDA. The damage that resulted was estimated by assessing the NMDA-induced loss of retinal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity. The new rigid glutamate analog, dimethyl ester of (+/-)-trans-azetidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (t-DMADA), with a putative mGluR-agonistic activity, protected the retina from NMDA-induced loss of ChAT activity. This study demonstrated that t-DMADA can be considered a prototype of new retino-protective agents.

Diazepam impairs place learning in native but not in maze-experienced rats in the Morris water maze

Anxiolytic benzodiazepines have been shown to impair place learning in the Morris water maze. However, a clear-cut demonstration of a direct and specific effect on mnemonic processes has not yet been offered. In the present study, the effects of diazepam on place navigation in the Morris water maze were studied in rats. Three conditions were examined: learning, reversal learning and learning after familiarisation of animals with the maze. In view of the anxiolytic and sedative properties of diazepam, appropriate doses of the drug, i.e. those that produced an anxiolytic effect but no major motor impairment, were initially selected in the water-lick conflict and rotarod tests, respectively. Doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg PO increased punished drinking in the water-lick conflict test without significantly decreasing rotarod performance. These doses were then used to assess the effects of diazepam on spatial behaviour. Diazepam, at both doses, impaired place learning in behaviourally naive rats. Such an effect appeared to be transient: diazepam-treated rats eventually reached control performance. Moreover, analysis of the probe trial at the end of training revealed adoption of a spatial strategy to locate the submerged platform. Neither reversal learning nor learning after familiarisation was affected. These results do not replicate previous findings in the Morris water maze and provide some evidence that the diazepam-induced place learning deficit may be primarily anxiolytic in nature.