Showing papers on "Serotonin published in 2010"
TL;DR: Information is provided on current and potential pharmaceuticals including small molecule natural indole alkaloids to their biological properties, structure-activity relationship studies, and especially their potential for the treatment of neurological disorders, including depression.
Abstract: The marine environment has been explored in the search for new bioactive compounds over the last 50 years, becoming a highly important and rich source of potent molecules and drug leads reported to possess a wide scope of activities. Alkaloids constitute one of the largest classes of natural products and are synthesized by terrestrial and marine organisms on all evolutionary levels. Alkaloids are usually present in an organism as a mixture consisting of several major and a few minor compounds of the same biosynthetic origin and differing only in functional groups. This group of compounds has apparently evolved as a defense mechanism against predators and as a result alkaloids are often highly potent and toxic molecules.1 Marine invertebrates have proven to be an outstanding source of active molecules, one of the most promising being indole alkaloids. Although many of these marine alkaloids closely resemble the endogenous amines (serotonin, dopamine or histamine), their potential affinity to various neurological targets and consequential impact on animal behavior is virtually unexplored.
Indole alkaloids, their activity, synthesis and potential use in medicine have been already reviewed in several articles.2 In this review we provide information on current and potential pharmaceuticals including small molecule natural indole alkaloids, their biological properties, structure-activity relationship studies, and especially their potential for the treatment of neurological disorders.
1.1. The indole moiety in drugs
The indole moiety is present in a number of drugs currently on the market. Most of these belong to triptans which are used mainly in the treatment of migraine headaches (Fig. 1). All members of this group are agonists of migraine associated 5HT1B and 5HT1D serotonin receptors. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) was developed by Glaxo for the treatment of migraines and introduced into the market as the first member of the triptan family.3 Relative to the second generation triptans, sumatriptan has lower oral bioavailability and a shorter half-life. Frovatriptan (FROVA®) was developed by Vernalis for the treatment of menstruation associated headaches. Frovatriptan's affinity for migraine specific serotonin receptors 5HT1B is believed to be the highest among all triptans.4 In addition, frovatriptan binds to 5HT1D and 5HT7 receptor subtypes.5 Zolmitriptan marketed by AstraZeneca is used to treat acute migraine attacks and cluster headaches. GlaxoSmithKline's naratriptan (Amerge) is also used in the treatment of migraines and some of its side effects include dizziness, tiredness, tingling of the hands and feet and dry mouth. All available triptans are well tolerated and effective.6 The highest incidence of central nervous system (CNS) related side effects (dizziness, drowsiness) was reported for zolmitriptan (5 mg), rizatriptan (10 mg) and eletriptan (40 mg, 80 mg).7 The differences in side-effect profiles for triptans are not likely caused by their different affinity towards serotonin receptors or other neurological receptors in the CNS. There is a positive correlation between the lipophilicity coefficient and CNS side effects; these undesired effects are also dose-dependent.
Figure 1
Currently available drugs from the triptan group.
1.2. Serotonin receptors – possible targets for neurologically active marine indole alkaloids
Given that depression affects approximately 18 million Americans annually,8 it is crucial to develop new effective treatments for this disorder. Intensive studies are being conducted in the area of new targets for antidepressant drugs,9,10 but most antidepressant drugs still target the neurotransmitter systems, mainly serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters present in the central and peripheral nervous system which plays an important role in normal brain function and regulates sleep, mood, appetite, sexual function, memory, anxiety and many others.11 Serotonin exerts its effects through seven families of receptors (5-HT1 – 5-HT7) further divided into several subclasses. Except for 5-HT3 receptor which is a ligand-gated ion channel, the serotonin receptors belong to the G-protein coupled receptor family. Due to a lack of selective ligands, there is still little known about several 5-HT receptor subclasses.12 Marine monoindole alkaloids, sharing structure similarities with serotonin, are certain to become useful tools to facilitate the understanding of serotonin receptor function and generate new drug leads for the treatment of depression, anxiety, migraines and other 5HT receptor related disorders.
1,469 citations
TL;DR: An integrated signaling pathway linking beta cell mass to anticipated insulin need during pregnancy is revealed and modulators of this pathway, including medications and diet, may affect the risk of gestational diabetes.
Abstract: During pregnancy, the energy requirements of the fetus impose changes in maternal metabolism. Increasing insulin resistance in the mother maintains nutrient flow to the growing fetus, whereas prolactin and placental lactogen counterbalance this resistance and prevent maternal hyperglycemia by driving expansion of the maternal population of insulin-producing beta cells. However, the exact mechanisms by which the lactogenic hormones drive beta cell expansion remain uncertain. Here we show that serotonin acts downstream of lactogen signaling to stimulate beta cell proliferation. Expression of serotonin synthetic enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (Tph1) and serotonin production rose sharply in beta cells during pregnancy or after treatment with lactogens in vitro. Inhibition of serotonin synthesis by dietary tryptophan restriction or Tph inhibition blocked beta cell expansion and induced glucose intolerance in pregnant mice without affecting insulin sensitivity. Expression of the G alpha(q)-linked serotonin receptor 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor-2b (Htr2b) in maternal islets increased during pregnancy and normalized just before parturition, whereas expression of the G alpha(i)-linked receptor Htr1d increased at the end of pregnancy and postpartum. Blocking Htr2b signaling in pregnant mice also blocked beta cell expansion and caused glucose intolerance. These studies reveal an integrated signaling pathway linking beta cell mass to anticipated insulin need during pregnancy. Modulators of this pathway, including medications and diet, may affect the risk of gestational diabetes.
482 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that miR-16 contributes to the therapeutic action of SSRI antidepressants in monoaminergic neurons, and that the amount of microRNA-16 can be controlled by the same uptake inhibitors used to treat depression.
Abstract: The serotonin transporter (SERT) ensures the recapture of serotonin and is the pharmacological target of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. We show that SERT is a target of microRNA-16 (miR-16). miR-16 is expressed at higher levels in noradrenergic than in serotonergic cells; its reduction in noradrenergic neurons causes de novo SERT expression. In mice, chronic treatment with the SSRI fluoxetine (Prozac) increases miR-16 levels in serotonergic raphe nuclei, which reduces SERT expression. Further, raphe exposed to fluoxetine release the neurotrophic factor S100β, which acts on noradrenergic cells of the locus coeruleus. By decreasing miR-16, S100β turns on the expression of serotonergic functions in noradrenergic neurons. Based on pharmacological and behavioral data, we propose that miR-16 contributes to the therapeutic action of SSRI antidepressants in monoaminergic neurons.
430 citations
TL;DR: Blocking constitutively active 5-HT2C receptors with SB206553 or cyproheptadine in both rats and humans largely eliminates these calcium currents and muscle spasms, providing a new rationale for antispastic drug therapy.
Abstract: Spinal cord injury leads to flaccid paralysis resulting from the loss of descending serotonergic modulation. Murray et al. demonstrate that spontaneous recovery of motoneuron excitability is associated with alternative mRNA editing and increased expression of constitutively active 5HT2C serotonin receptors. Activation of these receptors leads to large persistent calcium currents, sustained muscle contractions and restoration of locomotion. However, in the absence of descending modulation from the brain, this leads to spasticity. Inhibiting constitutive 5-HT receptor activity is effective in reducing spasticity in rats and humans following spinal cord injury.
345 citations
TL;DR: The hypothesis that CBD would have antidepressant‐like activity in mice as assessed by the forced swimming test was tested and it was investigated if these responses depended on the activation of 5‐HT1A receptors and on hippocampal expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Abstract: Background and purpose:
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa that induces anxiolytic- and antipsychotic-like effects in animal models. Effects of CBD may be mediated by the activation of 5-HT1A receptors. As 5-HT1A receptor activation may induce antidepressant-like effects, the aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that CBD would have antidepressant-like activity in mice as assessed by the forced swimming test. We also investigated if these responses depended on the activation of 5-HT1A receptors and on hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
292 citations
TL;DR: The antagonist–partial agonist properties of cariprazine at D3 and D2 receptors, with very high and preferential affinity to D3 receptors, make it a candidate antipsychotic with a unique pharmacological profile among known antipsychotics.
Abstract: Cariprazine {RGH-188; trans-N-[4-[2-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]cyclohexyl]-N',N'-dimethylurea hydrochloride}, a novel candidate antipsychotic, demonstrated approximately 10-fold higher affinity for human D(3) versus human D(2L) and human D(2S) receptors (pKi 10.07, 9.16, and 9.31, respectively). It displayed high affinity at human serotonin (5-HT) type 2B receptors (pK(i) 9.24) with pure antagonism. Cariprazine had lower affinity at human and rat hippocampal 5-HT(1A) receptors (pK(i) 8.59 and 8.34, respectively) and demonstrated low intrinsic efficacy. Cariprazine displayed low affinity at human 5-HT(2A) receptors (pK(i) 7.73). Moderate or low affinity for histamine H(1) and 5-HT(2C) receptors (pK(i) 7.63 and 6.87, respectively) suggest cariprazine's reduced propensity for adverse events related to these receptors. Cariprazine demonstrated different functional profiles at dopamine receptors depending on the assay system. It displayed D(2) and D(3) antagonism in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assays, but stimulated inositol phosphate (IP) production (pEC(50) 8.50, E(max) 30%) and antagonized (+/-)-quinpirole-induced IP accumulation (pK(b) 9.22) in murine cells expressing human D(2L) receptors. It had partial agonist activity (pEC(50) 8.58, E(max) 71%) by inhibiting cAMP accumulation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human D(3) receptors and potently antagonized R(+)-2-dipropylamino-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtalene HBr (7-OH-DPAT)-induced suppression of cAMP formation (pK(b) 9.57). In these functional assays, cariprazine showed similar (D(2)) or higher (D(3)) antagonist-partial agonist affinity and greater (3- to 10-fold) D(3) versus D(2) selectivity compared with aripiprazole. In in vivo turnover and biosynthesis experiments, cariprazine demonstrated D(2)-related partial agonist and antagonist properties, depending on actual dopaminergic tone. The antagonist-partial agonist properties of cariprazine at D(3) and D(2) receptors, with very high and preferential affinity to D(3) receptors, make it a candidate antipsychotic with a unique pharmacological profile among known antipsychotics.
274 citations
TL;DR: These studies identify IL-1R- and p38 MAPK-dependent regulation of SERT as one of the mechanisms by which environmentally driven immune system activation can trigger despair-like behavior in an animal model, encouraging future analysis of the pathway for risk factors in neuropsychiatric disorders.
263 citations
TL;DR: The existing evidence on the long-term effects of developmental SSRI exposure is reviewed, finding that the phenotypes associated with low or high functioning 5-HTT alleles in humans can result from similar developmental alterations in5-HT levels.
241 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a primary mechanism through which serotonin influences appetite and body weight is via serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT(2C)R) and serotonin 1B receptor (1B) receptor influencing the activity of endogenous melanocortin receptor agonists and antagonists at the melanocORTin 4 receptor (MC4R).
Abstract: An inverse relationship between brain serotonin and food intake and body weight has been known for more than 30 years. Specifically, augmentation of brain serotonin inhibits food intake, while depletion of brain serotonin promotes hyperphagia and weight gain. Through the decades, serotonin receptors have been identified and their function in the serotonergic regulation of food intake clarified. Recent refined genetic studies now indicate that a primary mechanism through which serotonin influences appetite and body weight is via serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT(2C)R) and serotonin 1B receptor (5-HT(1B)R) influencing the activity of endogenous melanocortin receptor agonists and antagonists at the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). However, other mechanisms are also possible and the challenge of future research is to delineate them in the complete elucidation of the complex neurocircuitry underlying the serotonergic control of appetite and body weight.
231 citations
TL;DR: Striatal serotonin projections have been implicated in levodopa‐induced dyskinesia by providing an unregulated source of dopamine release and this work set out to determine whether these projections are affected bylevodopa treatment in a way that would favor the occurrence of dyskinexia.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: Striatal serotonin projections have been implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia by providing an unregulated source of dopamine release. We set out to determine whether these projections are affected by levodopa treatment in a way that would favor the occurrence of dyskinesia. METHODS:: As an index of terminal serotonin innervation density, we measured radioligand binding to the plasma membrane serotonin transporter (SERT) in levodopa-treated dyskinetic and nondyskinetic subjects, using brain tissue from both rat and monkey models of Parkinson disease as well as parkinsonian patients. In addition, striatal tissue from dyskinetic rats was used for morphological and ultrastructural analyses of serotonin axon terminals, and for studies of stimulated [(3)H]dopamine release. RESULTS:: Across all conditions examined, striatal levels of SERT radioligand binding were significantly elevated in dyskinetic subjects compared to nondyskinetic cases. In the rat striatum, dyskinesiogenic levodopa treatment had induced sprouting of serotonin axon varicosities having a relatively high synaptic incidence. This response was associated with increased depolarization-induced [(3)H]dopamine release and with a stronger release potentiation by brain-derived neurotrophic factor. INTERPRETATION:: This study provides the first evidence that L-dopa treatment induces sprouting of serotonin axon terminals, with an increased incidence of synaptic contacts, and a larger activity-dependent potentiation of dopamine release in the dopamine-denervated striatum. Treatment-induced plasticity of the serotonin innervation may therefore represent a previously unappreciated cause of altered dopamine dynamics. These results are important for understanding the mechanisms by which L-dopa pharmacotherapy predisposes to dyskinesia, and for defining biomarkers of motor complications in Parkinsons disease. Ann Neurol 2010. (Less)
230 citations
TL;DR: This pilot study provides the first in vivo evidence suggesting a role for serotonin 2A receptors in mediating VHs via the ventral visual pathway in PD, and treatment studies should be performed using selective serotonin2A receptor antagonists.
Abstract: Background Complex visual hallucinations (VHs) occur in several pathologic conditions; however, the neural mechanisms underlying these symptoms remain unclear. Although dopamine may have a role, indirect evidence indicates that serotonin may also contribute to the pathogenesis of complex VHs, probably via involvement of the serotonin 2 receptor. Objective To examine for the first time in vivo changes in serotonin 2A receptor neurotransmission among patients having Parkinson disease (PD) with VHs. Design Case-control study. Setting Academic research. Patients Seven patients having PD with VHs and 7 age-matched patients having PD without VHs were recruited. Main Outcome Measures We used the selective serotonin 2A receptor ligand setoperone F 18 during positron emission tomography among nondemented patients having PD with VHs. Results Patients having PD with VHs demonstrate increased serotonin 2A receptor binding in the ventral visual pathway (including the bilateral inferooccipital gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, and inferotemporal cortex) as well as the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, medial orbitofrontal cortex, and insula. Conclusions This pilot study provides the first in vivo evidence suggesting a role for serotonin 2A receptors in mediating VHs via the ventral visual pathway in PD. Treatment studies should be performed using selective serotonin 2A receptor antagonists, which have important implications for the clinical management of VHs and psychosis in PD.
TL;DR: It is proposed that serotonin neurons mediate the potentially life-saving arousal response to hypercapnia, and may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, sudden infant death syndrome, and sleep apnea.
Abstract: There is a long-standing controversy about the role of serotonin in sleep/wake control, with competing theories that it either promotes sleep or causes arousal. Here, we show that there is a marked increase in wakefulness when all serotonin neurons are genetically deleted in mice hemizygous for ePet1-Cre and homozygous for floxed Lmx1b (Lmx1bf/f/p). However, this only occurs at cool ambient temperatures and can be explained by a thermoregulatory defect that leads to an increase in motor activity to generate heat. Because some serotonin neurons are stimulated by CO2, and serotonin activates thalamocortical networks, we hypothesized that serotonin neurons cause arousal in response to hypercapnia. We found that Lmx1bf/f/p mice completely lacked any arousal response to inhalation of 10% CO2 (with 21% O2 in balance N2) but had normal arousal responses to hypoxia, sound, and air puff. We propose that serotonin neurons mediate the potentially life-saving arousal response to hypercapnia. Impairment of this response may contribute to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, sudden infant death syndrome, and sleep apnea.
TL;DR: Further studies of the various transmitter/receptor systems and their balance and infraction will improve the understanding of complex brain functions and will provide more insight into the pathophysiology of neurologic and psychiatric disease interaction.
Abstract: Receptors have a prominent role in brain function, as they are the effector sites of neurotransmission at the postsynaptic membrane, have a regulatory role on presynaptic sites for transmitter reuptake and feedback, and are modulating various functions on the cell membrane. Distribution, density, and activity of receptors in the brain can be visualized by radioligands labeled for SPECT and PET, and the receptor binding can be quantified by appropriate tracer kinetic models, which can be modified and simplified for particular application. Selective radioligands are available for the various transmitter systems, by which the distribution of these receptors in the normal brain and changes in receptor binding during various physiologic activities or resulting from pathologic conditions can be visualized. The quantitative imaging for several receptors has gained clinical importance-for example, dopamine (D2)) receptors for differential diagnosis of movement disorders and for assessment of receptor occupancy by neuroleptics drugs; serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors and the 5-HT transporter in affective disorders and for assessment of activity of antidepressants; nicotinic receptors and acetylcholinesterase as markers of cognitive and memory impairment; central benzodiazepine-binding sites at the gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor complex as markers of neuronal integrity in neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy, and stroke and as the site of action of benzodiazepines; peripheral benzodiazepine receptors as indicators of inflammatory changes; opioid receptors detecting increased cortical excitability in focal epilepsy but also affected in perception of and emotional response to pain; and several receptor systems affected in drug abuse and craving. Further studies of the various transmitter/receptor systems and their balance and infraction will improve our understanding of complex brain functions and will provide more insight into the pathophysiology of neurologic and psychiatric disease interaction.
TL;DR: The results show that DA, 5-HT, and GABA play a major role in all subtypes of anxiety disorders and imply that the regulation state of DA as modulated by GABA and5-HT may be crucial for the development of anxiety- and compulsion-related disorders.
Abstract: Various factors are discussed in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders, including dysfunctions of the (DA)ergic, serotonin (5-HT)ergic and GABAergic system. We assessed the contribution of the individual synaptic constituents by subjecting all available in vivo imaging studies on patients with anxiety disorders to a retrospective analysis. On a total of 504 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), phobia, or posttraumatic stress-disorder (PTSD) and 593 controls, investigations of VMAT2, DAT, SERT, D1, D2, 5-HTIA, 5-HT2A, GABA(A), and NK1 receptor binding in neostriatum, ventral striatum, thalamus, neocortex, limbic system, cingulate, midbrain/ pons or cerebellum were performed using either PET or SPECT. Separate analyses of the individual disorders showed significant decreases of striatal D2 receptors in OCD (-18%), mesencephalic SERT in OCD (-13%), frontocortical GABAA receptors in PD (-13%) and temporocortical GABAA receptors in GAD (-16%). Pooling of all disorders yielded a significant reduction of mesencephalic SERT (-13%), mesencephalic (-27%) as well as cingulate 5-HT1A receptors (-18%), striatal D2 receptors (-21%) and frontal (-14%), temporal (-14%), occipital (-13%) and cingulate GABAA receptors (-15%). The results show that DA, 5-HT, and GABA play a major role in all subtypes of anxiety disorders. In particular, the findings imply that the regulation state of DA as modulated by GABA and 5-HT may be crucial for the development of anxiety- and compulsion-related disorders. As GABA and 5-HT inhibit DAergic neurotransmission, the reductions of GABAA, 5-HT1A and SERT can be assumed to result in an enhanced activity of the mesolimbic DAergic system. This notion is also reflected by the decrease of striatal D2 receptor binding, which is indicative of an increased availability of synaptic DA.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the anxiety-like behavior observed after uncontrollable stress is mediated by exaggerated 5-HT acting at BLA 5- HT(2C) receptors.
TL;DR: The actual state of the pharmacological knowledge concerning not only classical 5-HT(3) antagonists--the setrons--but also compounds of various substance classes targeting 5- HT( 3) receptors such as anaesthetics, opioids, cannabinoids, steroids, antidepressants and antipsychotics as well as natural compounds derived from plants are focused on.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The present review of genetic and hormonal factors regulating kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism suggests that this pathway mediates both genetic and environmental mechanisms of depression.
Abstract: The original 1969 Lancet paper proposed in depression the activity of liver tryptophan-pyrrolase is stimulated by raised blood corticosteroids levels, and metabolism of tryptophan is shunted away from serotonin production, and towards kynurenine production. Discovery of neurotropic activity of kynurenines suggested that up-regulation of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway not only augmented serotonin deficiency but also underlined depression-associated anxiety, psychosis and cognitive decline. The present review of genetic and hormonal factors regulating kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism suggests that this pathway mediates both genetic and environmental mechanisms of depression. Rate-limiting enzymes of kynurenine formation, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) are activated by stress hormones (TDO) and/or by pro-inflammatory cytokines (IDO). Simultaneous presence of high producers alleles of proinflammatory cytokines genes (e.g., interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) determines the genetic predisposition to depression via up-regulation of IDO while impact of environmental stresses is mediated via hormonal activation of TDO. Tryptophan-kynurenine pathway represents a major meeting point of gene-environment interaction in depression and a new target for pharmacological intervention.
TL;DR: Evidence is provided that serotonin is involved in tumor growth of hepatocellular cancer by activating downstream targets of mTOR, and therefore serotonin‐related pathways might represent a new treatment strategy.
TL;DR: The hypothesis that the dual role of serotonin as a neurotransmitter and a neurotrophic factor has a significant impact on behaviour and risk for neuropsychiatric disorders through altered development of limbic neurocircuitry involved in emotional processing, and development of the serotonergic neurons, during early brain development is explored.
Abstract: Brain monoamines, and serotonin in particular, have repeatedly been shown to be linked to different psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, antisocial behaviour, and dependence Many studies have implicated genetic variability in the genes encoding monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and the serotonin transporter (5HTT) in modulating susceptibility to these conditions Paradoxically, the risk variants of these genes have been shown, in vitro, to increase levels of serotonin, although many of the conditions are associated with decreased levels of serotonin Furthermore, in adult humans, and monkeys with orthologous genetic polymorphisms, there is no observable correlation between these functional genetic variants and the amount or activity of the corresponding proteins in the brain These seemingly contradictory data might be explained if the association between serotonin and these behavioural and psychiatric conditions were mainly a consequence of events taking place during foetal and neonatal brain development In this review we explore, based on recent research, the hypothesis that the dual role of serotonin as a neurotransmitter and a neurotrophic factor has a significant impact on behaviour and risk for neuropsychiatric disorders through altered development of limbic neurocircuitry involved in emotional processing, and development of the serotonergic neurons, during early brain development
TL;DR: The results suggest that hOCT3 represents a major uptake2 transporter for histamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine and may play a more important role in transporting these two neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
Abstract: The plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) and organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) are the two most prominent low-affinity, high-capacity (i.e., uptake2) transporters for endogenous biogenic amines. Using the Flp-in system, we expressed human PMAT (hPMAT) and human OCT3 (hOCT3) at similar levels in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Parallel and detailed kinetics analysis revealed distinct and seemingly complementary patterns for the two transporters in transporting monoamine neurotransmitters. hPMAT is highly selective toward serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine, with the rank order of transport efficiency (Vmax/Km) being: dopamine, 5-HT ≫ histamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine. The substrate preference of hPMAT toward these amines is substantially driven by large (up to 15-fold) distinctions in its apparent binding affinities (Km). In contrast, hOCT3 is less selective than hPMAT toward the monoamines, and the Vmax/Km rank order for hOCT3 is: histamine > norepinephrine, epinephrine > dopamine >5-HT. It is noteworthy that hOCT3 demonstrated comparable (≤2-fold difference) Km toward all amines, and distinctions in Vmax played an important role in determining its differential transport efficiency toward the monoamines. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that hPMAT is expressed at much higher levels than hOCT3 in most human brain areas, whereas hOCT3 is selectively and highly expressed in adrenal gland and skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that hOCT3 represents a major uptake2 transporter for histamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. hPMAT, on the other hand, is a major uptake2 transporter for 5-HT and dopamine and may play a more important role in transporting these two neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.
TL;DR: The signaling pathways regulated by 5-HT1A receptors are reviewed, the potential implication of these signaling pathways in 5- HT1A receptor-regulated physiological processes and behaviors is discussed, and the signaling pathways traditionally regulated by growth factors are discussed.
TL;DR: The results suggest that serotonin plays an important role in rice innate immunity and that serotonin-induced defense gene expression is mediated by the RacGTPase pathway and by the Gα subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein.
TL;DR: The serotonin molecule has some remarkable properties, and is synthesized by two different genes at two different sites, and, surprisingly, plays antagonistic functions on bone mass accrual at these two sites.
Abstract: The serotonin molecule has some remarkable properties. It is synthesized by two different genes at two different sites, and, surprisingly, plays antagonistic functions on bone mass accrual at these two sites. When produced peripherally, serotonin acts as a hormone to inhibit bone formation. In contrast, when produced in the brain, serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter to exert a positive and dominant effect on bone mass accrual by enhancing bone formation and limiting bone resorption. The effect of serotonin on bone biology could be harnessed pharmacologically to treat diseases such as osteoporosis.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of trans-resveratrol might be related to serotonergic and noradrenergic activation.
TL;DR: The apparently low numbers of coexisting messengers in mouse serotonin neurons, compared to rat, indicate considerable species differences with regard to the chemical neuronatomy of the DRN, and extrapolation of DRN physiology, and possibly pathology, from rat to mouse, and even human, should be made with caution.
Abstract: Serotonin neurons play a major role in many normal and pathological brain functions. In the rat these neurons have a varying number of cotransmitters, including neuropeptides. Here we studied, with histochemical techniques, the relation between serotonin, some other small-molecule transmitters, and a number of neuropeptides in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and the adjacent ventral periaqueductal gray (vPAG) of mouse, an important question being to establish possible differences from rat. Even if similarly distributed, the serotonin neurons in mouse lacked the extensive coexpression of nitric oxide synthase and galanin seen in rat. Although partly overlapping in the vPAG, no evidence was obtained for the coexistence of serotonin with dopamine, substance P, cholecystokinin, enkephalin, somatostatin, neurotensin, dynorphin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, or corticotropin-releasing hormone. However, some serotonin neurons expressed the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Work in other laboratories suggests that, as in rat, serotonin neurons in the mouse midline DRN express the vesicular glutamate transporter 3, presumably releasing glutamate. Our study also shows that many of the neuropeptides studied (substance P, galanin, neurotensin, dynorphin, and corticotropin-releasing factor) are present in nerve terminal networks of varying densities close to the serotonin neurons, and therefore may directly or indirectly influence these cells. The apparently low numbers of coexisting messengers in mouse serotonin neurons, compared to rat, indicate considerable species differences with regard to the chemical neuronatomy of the DRN. Thus, extrapolation of DRN physiology, and possibly pathology, from rat to mouse, and even human, should be made with caution.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that antidepressants that selectively block the reuptake of norepinephrine, but not serotonin, robustly increase hippocampal precursor activity via β-adrenergic receptors, suggesting that the activation of neurogenic precursors and stem cells via β3-adenergic receptors could be a potent mechanism to increase neuronal production, providing a putative target for the development of novel antidepressants.
Abstract: Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a critical form of cellular plasticity that is greatly influenced by neural activity. Among the neurotransmitters that are widely implicated in regulating this process are serotonin and norepinephrine, levels of which are modulated by stress, depression and clinical antidepressants. However, studies to date have failed to address a direct role for either neurotransmitter in regulating hippocampal precursor activity. Here we show that norepinephrine but not serotonin directly activates self-renewing and multipotent neural precursors, including stem cells, from the hippocampus of adult mice. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that beta(3)-adrenergic receptors, which are preferentially expressed on a Hes5-expressing precursor population in the subgranular zone (SGZ), mediate this norepinephrine-dependent activation. Moreover, intrahippocampal injection of a selective beta(3)-adrenergic receptor agonist in vivo increases the number of proliferating cells in the SGZ. Similarly, systemic injection of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol not only results in enhancement of proliferation in the SGZ but also leads to an increase in the percentage of nestin/glial fibrillary acidic protein double-positive neural precursors in vivo. Finally, using a novel ex vivo "slice-sphere" assay that maintains an intact neurogenic niche, we demonstrate that antidepressants that selectively block the reuptake of norepinephrine, but not serotonin, robustly increase hippocampal precursor activity via beta-adrenergic receptors. These findings suggest that the activation of neurogenic precursors and stem cells via beta(3)-adrenergic receptors could be a potent mechanism to increase neuronal production, providing a putative target for the development of novel antidepressants.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the 'typical'/low dose (one to two tablets/session) chronic ecstasy-polydrug user might display a highly selective mild to marked loss of serotonin transporter in cerebral cortex/hippocampus in the range of that observed in Parkinson's disease.
Abstract: Animal data indicate that the recreational drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) can damage brain serotonin neurons. However, human neuroimaging measurements of serotonin transporter binding, a serotonin neuron marker, remain contradictory, especially regarding brain areas affected; and the possibility that structural brain differences might account for serotonin transporter binding changes has not been explored. We measured brain serotonin transporter binding using [(11)C] N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-cyanophenylthio) benzylamine in 50 control subjects and in 49 chronic (mean 4 years) ecstasy users (typically one to two tablets bi-monthly) withdrawn from the drug (mean 45 days). A magnetic resonance image for positron emission tomography image co-registration and structural analyses was acquired. Hair toxicology confirmed group allocation but also indicated use of other psychoactive drugs in most users. Serotonin transporter binding in ecstasy users was significantly decreased throughout all cerebral cortices (range -19 to -46%) and hippocampus (-21%) and related to the extent of drug use (years, maximum dose), but was normal in basal ganglia and midbrain. Substantial overlap was observed between control and user values except for insular cortex, in which 51% of ecstasy user values fell below the lower limit of the control range. Voxel-based analyses confirmed a caudorostral gradient of cortical serotonin transporter binding loss with occipital cortex most severely affected. Magnetic resonance image measurement revealed no overall regional volume differences between groups; however, a slight left-hemispheric biased cortical thinning was detected in methamphetamine-using ecstasy users. The serotonin transporter binding loss was not related to structural changes or partial volume effect, use of other stimulant drugs, blood testosterone or oestradiol levels, major serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphisms, gender, psychiatric status, or self-reported hyperthermia or tolerance. The ecstasy group, although 'grossly behaviourally normal', reported subnormal mood and demonstrated generally modest deficits on some tests of attention, executive function and memory, with the latter associated with serotonin transporter decrease. Our findings suggest that the 'typical'/low dose (one to two tablets/session) chronic ecstasy-polydrug user might display a highly selective mild to marked loss of serotonin transporter in cerebral cortex/hippocampus in the range of that observed in Parkinson's disease, which is not gender-specific or completely accounted for by structural brain changes, recent use of other drugs (as assessed by hair analyses) or other potential confounds that we could address. The striking sparing of serotonin transporter-rich striatum (although possibly affected in 'heavier' users) suggests that serotonergic neurons innervating cerebral cortex are more susceptible, for unknown reasons, to ecstasy than those innervating subcortical regions and that behavioural problems in some ecstasy users during abstinence might be related to serotonin transporter changes limited to cortical regions.
TL;DR: Serotonin and histamine sensitise TRPV4 response to 4αPDD both in vivo (increased visceral hypersensitivity) and in vitro, in sensory neurons, by a PKC, PLA2, PLCβ and MAPKK-dependent mechanism.
Abstract: Background Although evidence points to a role for histamine and serotonin in visceral hypersensitivity, activation of calcium channels such as transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) also causes visceral hypersensitivity. We hypothesised that TRPV4 is important for the generation of hypersensitivity, mediating histamine- and serotonin-induced visceral hypersensitivity. Methods In response to histamine, serotonin and/or TRPV4 agonist (4aPDD), calcium signals and TRPV4 localisation studies were performed on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons projecting from the colon. To evaluate visceral nociception, colorectal distension (CRD) was performed in mice treated with serotonin or histamine and with 4aPDD. Intrathecal injection of TRPV4 silencer RNA (SiRNA) or mismatch SiRNA was used to target TRPV4 expression.
TL;DR: The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, which has no acute effect on precursor cell proliferation, causes the well-described increase in net neurogenesis upon prolonged treatment partly by promoting the survival and maturation of new postmitotic neurons.
Abstract: Serotonin (5-HT) appears to play a major role in controlling adult hippocampal neurogenesis and thereby it is relevant for theories linking failing adult neurogenesis to the pathogenesis of major depression and the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. Serotonergic drugs lacked acute effects on adult neurogenesis in many studies, which suggested a surprisingly long latency phase. Here we report that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, which has no acute effect on precursor cell proliferation, causes the well-described increase in net neurogenesis upon prolonged treatment partly by promoting the survival and maturation of new postmitotic neurons. We hypothesized that this result is the cumulative effect of several 5-HT-dependent events in the course of adult neurogenesis. Thus, we used specific agonists and antagonists to 5-HT1a, 2, and 2c receptor subtypes to analyze their impact on different developmental stages. We found that 5-HT exerts acute and opposing effects on proliferation and survival or differentiation of precursor cells by activating the diverse receptor subtypes on different stages within the neuronal lineage in vivo. This was confirmed in vitro by demonstrating that 5-HT1a receptors are involved in self-renewal of precursor cells, whereas 5-HT2 receptors effect both proliferation and promote neuronal differentiation. We propose that under acute conditions 5-HT2 effects counteract the positive proliferative effect of 5-HT1a receptor activation. However, prolonged 5-HT2c receptor activation fosters an increase in late-stage progenitor cells and early postmitotic neurons, leading to a net increase in adult neurogenesis. Our data indicate that serotonin does not show effect latency in the adult dentate gyrus. Rather, the delayed response to serotonergic drugs with respect to endpoints downstream of the immediate receptor activity is largely due to the initially antagonistic and un-balanced action of different 5-HT receptors.
TL;DR: It is proposed that there is a bifurcation of 5-HT2AR signaling that is neurotransmitter and β-arrestin2 dependent and may significantly impact drug discovery efforts for the treatment of disorders wherein hallucinations are part of the etiology, such as schizophrenia, or manifest as side effects of treatment,such as depression.
Abstract: Hallucinogens mediate many of their psychoactive effects by activating serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2AR). Although serotonin is the cognate endogenous neurotransmitter and is not considered hallucinogenic, metabolites of serotonin also have high affinity at 5-HT2AR and can induce hallucinations in humans. Here we report that serotonin differs from the psychoactive N -methyltryptamines by its ability to engage a β-arrestin2-mediated signaling cascade in the frontal cortex. Serotonin and 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan (5-HTP) induce a head-twitch response in wild-type (WT) mice that is a behavioral proxy for 5-HT2AR activation. The response in β-arrestin2 knock-out (βarr2-KO) mice is greatly attenuated until the doses are elevated, at which point, βarr2-KO mice display a head-twitch response that can exceed that of WT mice. Direct administration of N -methyltryptamines also produces a greater response in βarr2-KO mice. Moreover, the inhibition of N -methyltransferase blocks 5-HTP-induced head twitches in βarr2-KO mice, indicating that N -methyltryptamines, rather than serotonin, primarily mediate this response. Biochemical studies demonstrate that serotonin stimulates Akt phosphorylation in the frontal cortex and in primary cortical neurons through the activation of a β-arrestin2/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Src/Akt cascade, whereas N -methyltryptamines do not. Furthermore, disruption of any of the components of this cascade prevents 5-HTP-induced, but not N -methyltryptamine-induced, head twitches. We propose that there is a bifurcation of 5-HT2AR signaling that is neurotransmitter and β-arrestin2 dependent. This demonstration of agonist-directed 5-HT2AR signaling in vivo may significantly impact drug discovery efforts for the treatment of disorders wherein hallucinations are part of the etiology, such as schizophrenia, or manifest as side effects of treatment, such as depression.