piperidines and anpirtoline

Aggressive outbursts that result in harm and injury present a major problem for the public health and criminal justice systems, but there are no adequate treatment options. Obstacles at the level of social policy, institutional regulation, and scientific strategy in developing animal models continue to impede the development of specific anti-aggressive agents for emergency and long-term treatments.. To be more relevant to the clinical situation, preclinical aggression research has begun to focus on the neurobiological determinants of escalated aggressive behavior that exceeds species-typical patterns. It is the goal of this review to examine novel pharmacological and molecular tools that target the neural mechanisms for different kinds of aggressive behavior more selectively than previously possible and to outline potential pharmacotherapeutic options.. (1) The preclinical focus on the behavioral characteristics and determinants of intense aggression promises to be most relevant to the clinical distinction between the proposed impulsive-reactive-hostile-affective subtypes of human aggression and the controlled-proactive-instrumental-predatory subtypes of aggression. The neural circuits for many types of human and animal aggression critically involve serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and specific receptor subtypes. (2) The dynamic changes in frontal cortical serotonin that are triggered by engaging in aggressive behavior imply that serotonergic drug effects are largely determined by the functional state of the receptors at the time of drug treatment. Of the numerous 5-HT receptors currently identified, the 5-HT(1B) receptors offer a promising target for reducing impulsive aggressive behavior, particularly if the action can be limited to sites in the central nervous system. (3) Aggressive confrontations are salient stressors, both for the aggressor as well as the victim of aggression, that are accompanied by activation of the mesocorticolimbic but not the striatal dopamine system. Dopaminergic manipulations, particularly targeting the D(2) receptor family, can influence aggressive behavior in animals and human patients, suggesting that mesocorticolimbic dopamine may have important enabling or permissive functions. (4) GABA is critical in the neurochemical control of aggressive behavior as evidenced by studies that directly modify GABAergic neurotransmission and neurochemical studies that correlate GABA measurements with aggressive behavioral responses in several animal species. The GABA(A) receptor complex is a mechanism through which certain benzodiazepines and alcohol enhance and inhibit aggressive behaviors. Social and pharmacological experiences decisively determine the effects of GABAergic positive modulators on aggression.

Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Aggression; Animals; Brain; Dopamine; Ethanol; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Oxazolidinones; Piperidines; Pregnanolone; Pyridines; Receptors, Dopamine; Receptors, GABA; Receptors, Serotonin; Reinforcement Schedule; Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Social Environment; Tryptamines

The pain relieving properties of imipramine (100 mg orally), tramadol (150 mg orally), and anpirtoline (60 mg orally) were compared in 16 healthy subjects in a cross-over, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study. Anpirtoline exhibits analgesia which is possibly mediated via serotoninergic pathways, whereas tramadol exerts its effects at opioid receptors. The pain-relieving effect of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine may involve both serotoninergic and opioid mechanisms. Chemo-somatosensory event-related potentials (CSSERP) were recorded after painful stimulation of the nasal mucosa with carbon dioxide. Subjects rated the perceived intensity of the stimuli by means of a visual analogue scale. In addition, acoustically evoked responses were recorded, the spontaneous EEG was analyzed in the frequency domain, the subjects' vigilance was assessed in a tracking task, and side effects of the drugs were monitored. Anpirtoline and tramadol produced a decrease of both CSSERP amplitudes and subjective estimates of pain, the effects of the former compound being greater. In contrast, after administration of imipramine no change of CSSERP amplitudes could be detected, whereas the subjective estimate of pain intensity decreased significantly. This was accompanied by a significant decrease of arousal indicating that pain relief produced by acute administration of imipramine was primarily related to its sedation action. The analgesic properties of anpirtoline were demonstrated in man. Tramadol was characterized as a week opioid analgesic. In contrast, imipramine appeared to produce its pain-relieving effects predominantly by non-specific actions. It is hypothesized that different analgesics may change ERP sources in a drug-specific manner.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Analgesia; Analgesics; Double-Blind Method; Electroencephalography; Evoked Potentials, Auditory; Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; Female; Humans; Imipramine; Male; Piperidines; Pyridines; Tramadol

Serotonin receptor 1B (5HTR1B) traditionally exhibits anti-proliferative activity in osteoblasts. We examined the expression and function of 5HTR1B in the COS canine osteosarcoma cell line and normal canine osteoblasts. Equal levels of 5HTR1B gene and protein expression were found between normal and malignant osteoblasts. Treatment with serotonin enhanced viability of osteosarcoma cells but not normal osteoblasts. Challenge with the 5HTR1B agonist anpirtoline caused no change in cell viability. Rather incubation with the specific receptor antagonist SB224289 caused reduction in osteoblast viability, with this effect more substantial in osteosarcoma cells. Investigation of this inhibitory activity showed 5HTR1B antagonism induces apoptosis in malignant cells. Evaluation of phosphorylated levels of CREB and ERK, transcriptional regulators associated with serotonin receptor signalling in osteoblasts, revealed aberrant 5HTR1B signalling in COS. Our results confirm the presence of 5HTR1B in a canine osteosarcoma cell line and highlight this receptor as a possible novel therapeutic target.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Survival; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Osteosarcoma; Piperidines; Piperidones; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Serotonin; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Antagonists; Signal Transduction; Spiro Compounds; Taurine; Thiadiazines

It is known that in fish the serotonergic system is part of the neural network that controls feeding and that a pharmacologically induced increase in the brain 5-HT inhibits food intake. However, nothing is known about the 5-HT receptors involved in this inhibitory effect. In this study, we investigated the effects of several 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor agonists on food intake in rainbow trout. In the first experiment, fish were injected i.p. or i.c.v. with two 5-HT1B receptor agonists, anpirtoline (2mg/kg, i.p.) and CP93129 (100 and 200μg/kg, i.c.v.). Neither of these treatments significantly altered food intake. In a second set of experiments, different groups of fish were injected i.p. (1mg/kg) or i.c.v. (30μg/kg) with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT. In both cases, administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist inhibited food intake. In a third set of experiments, we explored the effects of different 5-HT2 receptor agonists. Different groups of fish were injected i.p. or i.c.v. with the mixed 5-HT2B/2C agonist m-CPP (5mg/kg, i.p.), 5-HT2C agonist MK212 (60μg/kg, i.c.v.) and 5-HT2B agonist BW723C86 (50 and 100μg/kg, i.c.v.). Administration of the 5-HT2B/2C and 5HT2C receptor agonists significantly inhibited food intake. Administration of the lowest dose of the 5-HT2B receptor agonist did not have any significant effect, while administration of the highest dose induced a significant increase in food intake. Activation of the 5-HT1A-like (food intake inhibition) and 5-HT1B-like (no effect on food intake) receptors in the rainbow trout induced different effects on food intake from those observed in mammals. We conclude that in rainbow trout the anorexigenic actions of 5-HT are probably mediated by activation of 5-HT1A and 5-H2C-like receptors.

Topics: Animals; Eating; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Piperidines; Pyridines; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Mammalian studies have shown a link between serotonin (5-HT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the acute regulation of feeding and energy homeostasis. Taking into account that the actions of 5-HT and NPY on food intake in fish are similar to those observed in mammals, the objective of this study was to characterize a possible short-term interaction between hypothalamic 5-HT and NPY, by examining whether 5-HT regulates NPY gene expression, to help clarify the mechanism underlying the observed anorexigenic action of central 5-HT in the rainbow trout. We used qRT-PCR to determine the levels of NPY mRNA in the hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPA) of rainbow trout after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a single dose of dexfenfluramine (dFF, 3mgkg(-1); 24h-fasted and fed fish) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of 5-HT (100μgkg(-1); 24h-fasted fish). Significant suppression of food intake was observed after administration of 5-HT and dFF. No significant changes in NPY gene expression were obtained 150min after administration of 5-HT or dFF. However, administration of the 5HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline did not have any significant effect on food intake in rainbow trout. The results suggest that in fish, unlike in mammals, neither the NPY neurons of the HPA nor the 5-HT1B receptor subtype participate in the neural circuitry involved in the inhibition of food intake induced by central serotoninergic activation.

Topics: Animals; Dexfenfluramine; Feeding Behavior; Gene Expression Regulation; Hypothalamus; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Neuropeptide Y; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Piperidines; Pyridines; RNA, Messenger; Serotonin

The serotonin system has emerged as a potential target for anti-dyskinetic therapy in Parkinson's disease. In fact, serotonin neurons can convert L-DOPA into dopamine, and mediate its synaptic release. However, they lack a feedback control mechanism able to regulate synaptic dopamine levels, which leads to un-physiological stimulation of post-synaptic striatal dopamine receptors. Accordingly, drugs able to dampen the activity of serotonin neurons can suppress L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Here, we investigated the ability of the 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist anpirtoline to counteract L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in L-DOPA-primed 6-OHDA-lesioned rats and MPTP-treated macaques. Results suggest that anpirtoline dose-dependently reduced dyskinesia both in rats and monkeys; however, the effect in MPTP-treated macaques was accompanied by a worsening of the Parkinson's disease score at significantly effective doses (1.5 and 2.0mg/kg). At a lower dose (0.75mg/kg), anpirtoline markedly reduced dyskinesia in 4 out of 5 subjects, but statistical significance was prevented by the presence of a non-responsive subject. These results provide further evidence that the serotonin neurons contribute both to the pro-dyskinetic effect of L-DOPA and to its therapeutic efficacy in the rat and monkey models of Parkinson's disease.

Topics: Animals; Antiparkinson Agents; Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; Female; Levodopa; Macaca fascicularis; Parkinsonian Disorders; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is a constitutively active protein kinase in brain. Increasing evidence has shown that GSK3 acts as a modulator in the serotonin neurotransmission system, including direct interaction with serotonin 1B (5-HT1B) receptors in a highly selective manner and prominent modulating effect on 5-HT1B receptor activity. In this study, we utilized the serotonin neuron-selective GSK3β knockout (snGSK3β-KO) mice to test if GSK3β in serotonin neurons selectively modulates 5-HT1B autoreceptor activity and function. The snGSK3β-KO mice were generated by crossbreeding GSK3β-floxed mice and ePet1-Cre mice. These mice had normal growth and physiological characteristics, similar numbers of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TpH2)-expressing serotonin neurons, and the same brain serotonin content as in littermate wild type mice. However, the expression of GSK3β in snGSK3β-KO mice was diminished in TpH2-expressing serotonin neurons. Compared to littermate wild type mice, snGSK3β-KO mice had a reduced response to the 5-HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline in the regulation of serotonergic neuron firing, cAMP production, and serotonin release, whereas these animals displayed a normal response to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT. The effect of anpirtoline on the horizontal, center, and vertical activities in the open field test was differentially affected by GSK3β depletion in serotonin neurons, wherein vertical activity, but not horizontal activity, was significantly altered in snGSK3β-KO mice. In addition, there was an enhanced anti-immobility response to anpirtoline in the tail suspension test in snGSK3β-KO mice. Therefore, results of this study demonstrated a serotonin neuron-targeting function of GSK3β by regulating 5-HT1B autoreceptors, which impacts serotonergic neuron firing, serotonin release, and serotonin-regulated behaviors.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Brain; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cyclic AMP; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Motor Activity; Piperidines; Pyridines; Raphe Nuclei; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Serotonergic Neurons; Serotonin; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists

Our previous studies have showed that treating mice with piperine significantly decreased the immobility time of the animals in the forced swim test and tail suspension test, which was related to up-regulation of serotonin (5-HT) level in the brain. The purpose of this study is to explore the contribution of 5-HT receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of piperine. The results showed that pre-treating mice with methiothepin (a non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist, 0.1mg/kg, intraperitoneally), 4-(2'-methoxy-phenyl)-1-[2'-(n-2″-pyridinyl)-p-iodobenzamino-]ethyl-piperazine (a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, 1mg/kg, subcutaneously) or 1-(2-(1-pyrrolyl)-phenoxy)-3-isopropylamino-2-propanol (a 5-HT(1B) receptor antagonist, 2.5mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was found to abolish the anti-immobility effect of piperine (10mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in the forced swim test. On the other hand, a sub-effective dose of piperine (1mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect with (+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, 1mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or anpirtoline (a 5-HT(1B) receptor agonist, 0.25mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Taken together, these results suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of piperine in the mouse forced swim test may be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Alkaloids; Aminopyridines; Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Benzodioxoles; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Male; Methiothepin; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Motor Activity; Piperazines; Piperidines; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Propanolamines; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Antagonists; Swimming

In response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), the type 1 serotonin receptors (5-HT1Rs) preferentially couple to the inhibitory G protein and elicit many physiological and behavioral processes. However, their regulation by intracellular protein kinases has not been fully investigated. In this study, we identified that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) differentially regulates 5-HT1Rs. In receptor-expressing cells and brain slices, activation of both 5-HT1AR and 5-HT1BR reduced forskolin-stimulated cAMP production, but only the effect of 5-HT1BR was abolished by selective GSK3 inhibitors, deletion of GSK3beta by RNAi, or overexpression of impaired GSK3beta mutants (R96A and K85,86A). A consensus GSK3 phosphorylation sequence was identified between the serine-154 and threonine-158 in the second intracellular loop of 5-HT1BR. Mutation of either serine-154 or threonine-158 to alanine significantly reduced response of 5-HT1BR to 5-HT. Active GSK3beta interacted with resting 5-HT1BR to form a protein complex. The interaction was enhanced by receptor activation, abolished by GSK3 inhibitors, and dependent on the phosphorylation state of serine-154. In addition, regulation of 5-HT1BR by GSK3 changed the dynamics of agonist-induced cell surface receptor internalization, in which lack of phosphorylation at Ser154 resulted in sustained reduction of 5-HT1BR at the cell surface. Although the physiological consequences of selective regulation of 5-HT1BR by GSK3 remain to be identified, findings in this study reveal a new function of GSK3 as a protein kinase that is able to selectively regulate G protein-coupled receptors.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Animals; Benzamides; Benzazepines; Cell Line; CHO Cells; Cholera Toxin; Colforsin; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Cyclic AMP; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; Humans; Indoles; Male; Maleimides; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxadiazoles; Oximes; Piperidines; Piperidones; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Purines; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Roscovitine; Serotonin; Spiro Compounds

We sought to demonstrate whether the specific activation of serotonin1B (5-HT1B) heteroreceptors by systemic or local administration of the selective 5-HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline could mediate antidepressant-like effects in mice.. We confirmed the selectivity of action of anpirtoline in the forced swim test (FST) in 5-HT1B knockout mice. We then evaluated the behavioural effects of anpirtoline on 5-HT-lesioned (5,7-dihydroxytryptamine creatinine [5,7-DHT]) and 5-HT-depleted (p-CPA) mice. We estimated the depletion level and selectivity of action of 5,7-DHT and p-CPA by measuring the neurotransmitter levels and [3H]-citalopram binding. We investigated the antidepressant-like effect of anpirtoline when locally perfused in an area of the brain where the response is mainly attributable to presynaptic (cortex and hippocampus) or postsynaptic receptors (substantia nigra and caudate putamen). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist GR127935 on the activity of various antidepressants in the FST.. Anpirtoline was devoid of effects in 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice. It induced a greater effect in p-CPA and 5,7-DHT pretreated mice compared with control subjects, suggesting that the antidepressant-like activity of anpirtoline mainly depends on 5-HT1B heteroreceptor stimulation (autoreceptors being destroyed by 5,7-DHT). This observation was confirmed by the results showing the antidepressant-like effect of anpirtoline when locally perfused in areas of the brain that contain postsynaptic receptors. The blockade of 5-HT1B receptors antagonizes the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).. Our results demonstrate that the antidepressant-like effect of SSRIs in the FST requires the activation of 5-HT1B heteroreceptors.

Topics: 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine; Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Behavior, Animal; Citalopram; Dopamine; Male; Mice; Oxadiazoles; Piperazines; Piperidines; Pyridines; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin; Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Anpirtoline has been described as an agonist at 5-HT1B receptors with a relatively high potency. It also acts as an agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, but has a lower potency than at the 5-HT1B sites. There is very little known about the mechanism by which anpirtoline influences regional 5-HT synthesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acutely and chronically administered anpirtoline on 5-HT synthesis in the rat brain using the autoradiographic alpha-[14C]methyl-L-tryptophan method. In the acute study, anpirtoline (2.0 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the tracer injection. The control rats were injected with the same volume of saline. In the chronic study, anpirtoline (2 mg/kg per day) was injected subcutaneously in saline once a day for 10 days. There were no significant differences between the plasma-free and total tryptophan concentrations between the anpirtoline treatment and the respective control groups. In the acute experiment, 5-HT synthesis rates in all of the brain areas investigated were significantly decreased by anpirtoline when compared to the saline-treated group. In the chronic anpirtoline experiment, 5-HT synthesis rates of almost all of the projection areas, as well as the raphe nuclei, were normalized or had a tendency to be normalized. These results suggest that it is likely that the terminal 5-HT1B receptors are involved in the regulation of 5-HT synthesis in the projection areas and that 5-HT synthesis, in the raphe, is likely influenced by anpirtoline's 5-HT1A and/or 5-HT1B agonistic properties.

Topics: Animals; Autoradiography; Brain; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

The present study examined the role of the 5-HT1B receptor in learning and memory. The ability of the 5-HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline and the selective 5-HT1B receptor antagonist NAS-181 to affect spatial learning in the water maze (WM) and aversive learning in the passive avoidance (PA) task were examined in the rat. Anpirtoline (0.1-1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) caused a dose-dependent impairment of learning and memory in both the WM and PA tasks. NAS-181 (1.0-10 mg/kg, s.c.) failed to alter performance of the WM task, but produced a dose-dependent (0.1-20 mg/kg) facilitation of PA retention. Furthermore, treatment with NAS-181 (10 mg/kg) fully blocked the impairment of the WM and PA performance caused by anpirtoline (1.0 mg/kg). In contrast, NAS-181 (3.0-10 mg/kg) did not attenuate the spatial learning deficit and the impairment of PA retention caused by scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg in WM task, 0.3 mg/kg in PA task, s.c.), a nonselective muscarinic antagonist. Moreover, a subthreshold dose of scopolamine (0.1 mg/kg) blocked the facilitation of PA retention induced by NAS-181 (1.0-10 mg/kg). In addition, the behavioral disturbances (eg thigmotaxic swimming and platform deflections) induced by anpirtoline and scopolamine were analyzed in the WM task and correlated with WM performance. These results indicate that: (1) 5-HT1B receptor stimulation and blockade result in opposite effects in two types of cognitive tasks in the rat, and that (2) the 5-HT1B antagonist NAS-181 can facilitate some aspects of cognitive function, most likely via an increase of cholinergic transmission. These results suggest that 5-HT1B receptor antagonists may have a potential in the treatment of cognitive deficits resulting from loss of cholinergic transmission.

Topics: Animals; Avoidance Learning; Behavior, Animal; Benzopyrans; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Combinations; Drug Interactions; Escape Reaction; Male; Maze Learning; Morpholines; Motor Activity; Muscarinic Antagonists; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Retention, Psychology; Scopolamine; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Space Perception; Swimming

Experiments with social instigation or the omission of scheduled reinforcement show that serotonergic mechanisms may be involved in escalated aggression in animals. 5-HT1B receptor agonists have anti-aggressive effects in individuals who show moderate as well as high levels of aggression. The present study compared the effects of the 5-HT1B agonist anpirtoline (0.125-1.5 mg/kg) on (1) species-typical aggressive behavior in male mice, (2) aggression "instigated" or primed by prior exposure to the opponent, and (3) aggression heightened by "frustration" caused by omission of scheduled reinforcement. The effects of anpirtoline on species-typical behavior were also assessed after pretreatment with the 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR127935 (10 mg/kg). Anpirtoline, like other 5-HT1B agonists (CP-94,253, zolmitriptan), decreased both instigated and frustration-heightened aggression, while motor behavior was unaffected. The aggression-inhibiting effects of anpirtoline were blocked by pretreatment with GR127935. The current results indicate that the 5-HT(1B) receptor is critically involved in the modulation of escalated aggression.

Topics: Aggression; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Extinction, Psychological; Frustration; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Neural Inhibition; Neurons; Piperidines; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Reinforcement, Psychology; Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Social Behavior; Synaptic Transmission

The purpose of this study was to further examine the effect of activation of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors in the forced swim test in mice and to determine if activation of these receptors played a role in the mediation of the effects of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine. The 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT decreased immobility in the forced swim test in mice as previously described. Both the selective 5-HT(1B) agonist anpirtoline (1.25-5 mg/kg) and mixed 5-HT(1A/B) agonist RU24969 (0.6-2.5 mg/kg) significantly increased time spent swimming in the FST.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Animals; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Behavior, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Imipramine; Indoles; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Motor Activity; Oxadiazoles; Piperazines; Piperidines; Pyridines; Reaction Time; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Swimming

Acute effects of serotonergic drugs acting via different mechanisms were investigated by a social interaction test and subsequent determination of serotonin and dopamine metabolisms in mice housed in groups or isolated for 6 weeks. A resident/intruder test was performed with anpirtoline (5-HT1B receptor agonist in rodents; 1 mg/kg), citalopram (SSRI; 0.5 mg/kg) and saline treatment before animals were decapitated and different brain regions were frozen for subsequent HPLC-analyses. Behavioral investigations indicated a strong increase of aggressive behavior after 6 weeks of isolation housing. Acute citalopram treatment did not influence behavioral parameters of isolated and group housed mice. In contrast, anpirtoline antagonized isolation induced aggressive behavioral components in a specific manner. Analysis of dopamine and serotonin metabolism revealed that citalopram treatment did not affect dopamine metabolism, but reduced serotonin metabolism in the striatum, hippocampus, cortex and midbrain independent of housing conditions. In contrast, anpirtoline treatment increased dopamine metabolism in cortex, striatum and midbrain as well as influenced serotonin metabolism in a structure- and state-specific manner. Whereas anpirtoline decreased serotonin metabolism in the cortex, the midbrain and the hippocampus independent of housing conditions, in the striatum anpirtoline abolished the isolation induced decrease of serotonin metabolism. These results indicate that anpirtoline might induce antiaggressive effects via postsynaptic receptor- and structure-specific activation of serotonergic but also dopaminergic processes, whereas structure independent increase of synaptic serotonin via citalopram was ineffective to reverse aggressivity in isolated mice.

Topics: Aggression; Animals; Citalopram; Dopamine; Housing, Animal; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Pyridines; Receptors, Serotonin; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Social Behavior; Social Isolation

In order to model heightened aggression after alcohol consumption and to study the inhibitory influence of 5-HT1B receptors on drinking and fighting, an experimental procedure should enable self-administration of precise amounts of alcohol in a limited period of time before an aggressive confrontation.. To design a new device that can reinforce operant responding by the delivery of sweet alcohol in the resident mouse home cage, where aggressive behavior toward an intruder can subsequently be examined, and to demonstrate inhibition of alcohol-heightened aggression by 5-HT1B receptor agonist treatment.. Within one experimental session, all singly housed CFW male mice (n=26) performed a nose-poke response that was reinforced by 0.05 ml sucrose. Using the sucrose fading technique, eventually the mice consumed a 6% ethanol/4% sucrose solution after each fifth nose poke during daily 15-min experimental sessions. The number of ethanol reinforcements was adjusted so that 0.6, 1.0, 1.7, and 3.0-g/kg doses were consumed in 15 min or less. Assays confirmed blood alcohol levels at 68.1 mg/dl for intake of 1.0 g/kg. After consuming a specific dose of ethanol in the form of a fixed number of response-dependent deliveries, the response panel was removed from the home cage and, 15 min later, the resident confronted a male intruder. Anpirtoline was administered either before alcohol self-administration or before the aggressive confrontation.. After being reinforced with 1.0 g/kg or 1.7 g/kg sweet ethanol, the mice significantly increased attack and threat behavior relative to their aggressive behavior following sucrose or water consumption only. Treatment with the 5-HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) before the confrontation decreased alcohol-heightened aggression and species-typical aggression in the absence of changes in other elements of the behavioral repertoire. Anpirtoline affected ethanol-reinforced behavior only at doses that were 5-10 times higher than those producing anti-aggressive effects.. Self-administration of alcohol in the home cage of mice is readily accomplished with the aid of a simple, removable panel. The effective inhibition of high levels of aggressive behavior due to alcohol consumption after anpirtoline treatment confirm the 5-HT1B receptor as a critical site in the termination of aggression.

Topics: Aggression; Alcohol Drinking; Animals; Central Nervous System Depressants; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Self Administration; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

The serotonergic system is involved in the modulation of prepulse inhibition (PPI) and habituation of startle, which are deficient in schizophrenia patients. PPI is the reduction in startle amplitude that occurs when a weak "prepulse" precedes a startling stimulus by 30-500 msec. The roles of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors in modulating PPI and habituation were examined using wild-type (WT), 5-HT(1A) knockout (1AKO), and 5-HT(1B) knockout (1BKO) mice. The 5-HT(1A/1B) agonist RU24969 reduced PPI and habituation in WT and 1AKO, but not 1BKO mice, whereas the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT increased PPI in WT and 1BKO, but not in 1AKO mice. Similarly, the selective 5-HT(1B) agonist anpirtoline reduced PPI in WT, but not in 1BKO mice. In experiments using intact 129Sv mice, the 5-HT(1A) agonist flesinoxan increased PPI while anpirtoline decreased PPI and habituation. Findings suggest that 5-HT(1B) receptor activation decreases PPI and habituation, and 5-HT(1A) receptor activation increases PPI in mice.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Animals; Brain; Female; Habituation, Psychophysiologic; Indoles; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Neural Inhibition; Piperazines; Piperidines; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Reflex, Startle; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

New derivatives of anpirtoline and deazaanpirtoline modified in the side chain have been synthesized. The series includes compounds 3 with side-chains containing piperidine or pyrrolidine rings, compounds 4 containing 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane moiety, and compounds 5 having piperazine ring in their side-chains. Their receptor binding profiles (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B) and analgesic activity (hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing) have been studied. Optimized structures (PM3-MOPAC, Alchemy 2000, Tripos Inc.) of the synthesized compounds 3-5 were compared with that of anpirtoline.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Binding, Competitive; Brain; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Models, Molecular; Molecular Structure; Pain Measurement; Piperidines; Protein Binding; Pyridines; Pyrrolidines; Rats; Receptors, Serotonin

[1] We have previously shown that the beta-adrenergic/5-HT1 receptor partial agonist (-)-pindolol (2.0-32.0 micromol kg(-1)) enhances the increase in forward locomotion in rats produced by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist DOI (0.7 micromol kg(-1)) via net activation of post-synaptic 5-HT2 receptors. [2] It was found that neither the 5-HT1A receptor agonist and partial agonist, (+/-) 8-OH-DPAT (0.2-2.4 micromol kg(-1)) and (S)-(-)-UH-301, respectively, nor the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (0.09-1.5 micromol kg(-1)), substituted for (-)-pindolol in this in vivo behavioral model. [3] This also applies to the 5-HT1B receptor agonist and antagonist anpirtoline (0.3-4.0 micromol kg(-1)) and isamoltane (1.0-64.0 micromol kg(-1)), respectively. Neither of these compounds mimicked (-)-pindolol in its interactions with DOI. [4] The (-)-pindolol/DOI-induced increase in forward locomotion could be antagonized by the beta1 adrenoceptor antagonist betaxolol (24 micromol kg(-1)). [5] It is suggested that the intrinsic efficacy of (-)-pindolol at beta-adrenoceptors is an important aspect of its in vivo pharmacodynamic profile.

Topics: 5-Hydroxytryptophan; 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; Animals; Betaxolol; Biogenic Monoamines; Dihydroxyphenylalanine; Drug Synergism; Indophenol; Male; Motor Activity; Pindolol; Piperazines; Piperidines; Propanolamines; Prosencephalon; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Reserpine; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

New condensed derivatives of anpirtoline, in which the pyridine ring is replaced with quinoline, quinazoline, 7-chloroquinoline, and 7-chloroquinazoline nuclei, have been synthesized. Their receptor binding profiles (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B) and analgesic activity (hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing) have been studied. The analgesic activity of compounds 4e-4g, and 4l are at least comparable to that of clinically used drugs flupirtine and tramadol under the same conditions.

Topics: Aminopyridines; Analgesics; Animals; Hot Temperature; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Molecular Structure; Pain; Piperidines; Pyridines; Quinazolines; Reaction Time; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tramadol

New deaza derivatives of anpirtoline have been synthesized by three different methods. Their receptor binding profiles (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B) and analgesic activity (hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing) have been studied.

Topics: Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Escape Reaction; Hippocampus; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mice; Pain Measurement; Piperidines; Pyridines; Radioligand Assay; Rats; Reaction Time; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

The use of lithium in combination with various antidepressant drugs (e.g., heterocyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors) has been reported rapidly to improve antidepressant response in otherwise treatment-resistant patients. Carbamazepine and sodium valproate have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of several forms of affective disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. The present study, using the mouse forced swimming test, was undertaken to test the hypothesis of the action of lithium, carbamazepine or sodium valproate on some 5-HT receptor subtypes. Results showed that lithium significantly potentiated the anti-immobility effects of RU 24969 (P<0.01) and anpirtoline (P<0.01). Pretreatment with lithium did not induce any significant antidepressant-like effects when tested in combination with 8-OH-DPAT, NAN-190 or (+/-) pindolol. Pretreatment with carbamazepine provoked anti-immobility effects when tested in combination with RU 24969 (P<0.01) and 8-OH-DPAT (P<0.01), whereas prior administration of sodium valproate enhanced the antidepressant-like effects of (+/-) pindolol (P<0.01), 8-OH-DPAT (P<0.01) and RU 24969 (P<0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that lithium may be acting through 5-HT1B receptors, whereas the action of carbamazepine and sodium valproate seems to involve 5-HT1A receptors in the mouse forced swimming test. However, considering the complexity of the actions of these compounds, it is possible that other neurotransmitter systems/receptors may be involved.

Topics: Animals; Antimanic Agents; Carbamazepine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Lithium; Mice; Motor Activity; Piperidines; Pyridines; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Swimming; Valproic Acid

New condensed derivatives of anpirtoline, in which the pyridine ring is replaced with quinoline, isoquinoline, quinazoline, and phthalazine nuclei, have been synthesized. Their receptor binding profiles (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B) and analgesic activity (hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing) have been studied. The analgesic activity of compounds 7d, 8b, 8c, and 8e are at least comparable to that of the clinically used drugs flupirtine and tramadol under the same conditions.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats

The 5HT1B agonist RU24969 (2.5-5.0 mg/kg) and anpirtoline (2.0 mg/kg) induced a striking increase in striatal Fos-like immunoreactivity in rats. In the rostral and dorsal regions of the striatum staining was dense and relatively homogeneous. In the ventral region of the striatum at more caudal levels, however, both drugs induced staining in patches which were in register with the opiate receptor rich striosomes. The effects of RU24969 could not be antagonized by the selective 5HT1A antagonist p-MPPI and little or no striatal Fos expression could be observed after injections of the selective 5HT1A agonist 8-OHDPAT or the selective 5HT3 antagonist MDL-72222.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Aminopyridines; Animals; Corpus Striatum; Immunohistochemistry; Indoles; Male; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Piperazines; Piperidines; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Topics: Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Drug Design; Mice; Molecular Conformation; Piperidines; Pyridines; Structure-Activity Relationship; Thermodynamics

1. Ejaculatory problems and anorgasmia are well-known side-effects of the SSRI antidepressants, and a pharmacologically induced increase in serotonergic neurotransmission inhibits ejaculatory behaviour in the rat. In the present study the role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in the mediation of male rat ejaculatory behaviour was examined by use of selective agonists and antagonists acting at these 5-HT receptor subtypes. 2. The 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.25-4.00 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) produced an expected facilitation of the male rat ejaculatory behaviour, and this effect was fully antagonized by pretreatment with the new selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (R)-3-N,N-dicyclobutylamino-8-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-5 -carboxamide hydrogen (2R,3R) tartrate monohydrate (NAD-299) (1.0 micromol kg(-1) s.c.). NAD-299 by itself (0.75-3.00 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) did not affect the male rat ejaculatory behaviour. 3. The 5-HT1B receptor agonist anpirtoline (0.25-4.00 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the male rat ejaculatory behaviour, and this effect was fully antagonized by pretreatment with the 5-HT1B receptor antagonist isamoltane (16 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) as well as by the new and selective antagonist (R)-(+)-2-(3-morpholinomethyl-2H-chromene-8-yl)oxymethylmorphol ino methansulphonate (NAS-181) (16 micromol kg(-1) s.c.). Isamoltane (1.0-16.0 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) and NAD-181 (1.0-16.0 micromol kg(-1) s.c.) had no, or weakly facilitatory effects on the male rat ejaculatory behaviour. The non-selective 5-HT1 receptor antagonist (-)-pindolol (8 micromol kg(-1) s.c.), did not antagonize the inhibition produced by anpirtoline. 4. The present results demonstrate opposite effects, facilitation and inhibition, of male rat ejaculatory behaviour by stimulation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors, respectively, suggesting that the SSRI-induced inhibition of male ejaculatory dysfunction is due to 5-HT1B receptor stimulation.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Animals; Benzopyrans; Ejaculation; Female; Male; Morpholines; Pindolol; Piperidines; Propanolamines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Serotonin Agents; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Time Factors

The behavioural profiles of the mixed 5HT(1A/B) agonist RU24969 and the more selective 5HT1B agonist anpirtoline were compared. Both compounds induce an increase in activity as measured in photocell activity cages. The behaviours displayed by the rats receiving each treatment differed markedly, with RU24969 inducing flat body posture and circling of the cage perimeter (1.25-10 mg/kg S.C.), whereas anpirtoline increased ambulation characterised by a hopping motion (1.25-5.0 mg/kg S.C.). The effects of RU24969 were attenuated by both the 5HT1A antagonist WAY100635 (0.03 1.25 mg/kg S.C.) and the 5HT(1B/D) antagonist GR127935 (1.0-5.0 mg/kg S.C.). Anpirtoline-induced behaviour was attenuated by GR127935 across the same dose range but was largely unaffected by WAY100635 even at doses above those which had blocked the effects of RU24969. Coadministration of the selective 5HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.03-1.25 mg/kg S.C.) with anpirtoline (2.5 mg/kg) induced a dramatic increase in locomotor activity and a behavioural syndrome identical to that produced by RU24969. Thus it would appear that a synergistic effect of stimulation of both 5HT1A and 5HT1B receptors underlies the behavioural effects of RU24969, while anpirtoline acts mainly via stimulation of 5HT1B receptors only.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Animals; Indoles; Male; Motor Activity; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1B; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Stereotyped Behavior

1. The aim of this study was to provide evidence that anpirtoline, which is an agonist at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors and also displays submicromolar affinity for 5-HT1A recognition sites, in addition, acts as an antagonist at 5-HT3 receptors. 2. In radioligand binding studies on rat brain cortical membranes, anpirtoline inhibited specific binding of [3H]-(S)-zacopride to 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites (pKi: 7.53). 3. In N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells in which [14C]-guanidinium was used as a tool to measure cation influx through the 5-HT3 receptor channel, the 5-HT-induced influx was concentration-dependently inhibited by anpirtoline. In this respect, anpirtoline mimicked other 5-HT3 receptor antagonists; the rank order of potency was ondansetron > anpirtoline > metoclopramide. 4. The concentration-response curve for 5-HT as a stimulator of [14C]-guanidinium influx was shifted to the right by anpirtoline (apparent pA2: 7.78). 5. In urethane-anaesthetized rats, anpirtoline inhibited (at lower potency than zacopride and tropisetron) the 5-HT- or phenylbiguanide-induced bradycardia (Bezold-Jarisch reflex), but did not induce this reflex by itself. 6. Intravenous infusion of cisplatin in the domestic pig caused a consistent emetic response which was antagonized by anpirtoline. 7. It is concluded that anpirtoline, which was previously characterized as a 5-HT1 receptor agonist also proved to be a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in several experimental models and, hence, exhibits a unique pattern of properties at different 5-HT receptors.

Topics: Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Antiemetics; Brain Neoplasms; Cisplatin; Entorhinal Cortex; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mice; Neuroblastoma; Piperidines; Pyridines; Radioligand Assay; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reflex; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Swine; Tumor Cells, Cultured

D-16949 [6-chlor-2-(piperidyl-4-thio)-pyridine; Anpirtoline] is a novel centrally acting compound with serotonergic effects. To assess its discriminative stimulus effects, rats were trained to discriminate D-16949 (2.0 mg/kg i.p., 30 min) from no drug. D-16949 induced dose-dependent discriminative stimulus effects (ED50, 0.31 mg/kg), and did not produce sedation. The opioid analgesics codeine, pentazocine and tramadol all failed to substitute for D-16949. The opioid antagonist naltrexone did not antagonize the discriminative stimulus effects of D-16949. Phencyclidine, d-amphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide and quipazine produced between 0 and 35% responding on the D-16949 lever. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin substituted partially (45%) for D-16949, whereas 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazine and RU 24969 completely and dose-dependently substituted for D-16949. The discriminative stimulus effects of D-16949 were not reversed by either cyproheptadine, ketanserin, pirenperone, spiperone or methylsergide. The 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) active antagonists ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 were also ineffective as D-16949 antagonists. It is concluded that the discriminative stimulus effects of D-16949 are not mediated through opioid or 5-HT2 mechanisms. The present data also do not suggest the involvement of 5-HT3 mechanisms, but that D-16949 produces its discriminative stimulus effects in the rat primarily via agonistic actions at 5-HT1B receptors.

Topics: Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Dextroamphetamine; Discrimination Learning; Male; Piperazines; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Receptors, Opioid; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists

The anxiolytic-like potential of anpirtoline was assessed in a mouse light/dark aversion test. Anpirtoline (1.0 ng kg(-1)-1.0 micrograms kg-1 i.p.) reduced the aversive responding of mice. This was detected as an increase in the latency to locate the non-aversive compartment and by decreases in the percentage of the time spent in the dark compartment, and the numbers of rears and line crossings in the dark compartment. In radioligand binding studies anpirtoline displayed submicromolar affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT3 receptor recognition sites (Ki = 151, 28 and 30 nM, respectively) and more modest affinity for 5-HT2 receptor recognition sites (Ki = 1.48 microM). It is concluded that anpirtoline has a unique spectrum of affinity for 5-HT receptor subtypes, its interaction with which may account for its anxiolytic-like activity.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Cell Membrane; Cerebral Cortex; Corpus Striatum; Darkness; Exploratory Behavior; Hippocampus; Light; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Motor Activity; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Serotonin

1. The purpose of the present study was to relate the effects of the novel drug, anpirtoline, on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor subtypes to its antinociceptive and antidepressant-like actions in rodents. 2. Binding assays with rat brain membranes have shown that anpirtoline bound with a much higher affinity to 5-HT1B receptor (Ki = 28 nM) than to 5-HT1A (Ki = 150 nM) and 5-HT2 (Ki = 1.49 microM) receptors. 3. Like 5-HT, anpirtoline concentration-dependently inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates from the rat substantia nigra. Both effects were not additive, and could be prevented by 5-HT1B receptor antagonists such as propranolol and penbutolol. 4. In superfused rat and pig brain cortex slices preincubated with [3H]-5-HT, the electrically evoked tritium overflow was inhibited by anpirtoline and 5-HT. Whereas 5-HT was equipotent in both tissues (EC50 = 69 nM), anpirtoline was markedly less potent in pig brain cortex slices (EC50 = 1190 nM) than in rat brain cortex slices (EC50 = 55 nM). The concentration-response curve for anpirtoline was shifted to the right by metitepine in both preparations. 5. In the social behaviour deficit test, anpirtoline and trifluoromethylphenyl-piperazine were effective in reversing the isolation-induced impairments in mice, an effect shown only by compounds with agonist properties at the 5-HT1B receptor. 6. In the electrostimulated pain test using mice, anpirtoline dose-dependently increased the pain threshold with an ED50 of 0.52 mg kg-1, i.p. The antinociceptive activity of anpirtoline was abolished by pretreatment with cyproheptadine or propranolol.7. In the forced swimming test in rats, anpirtoline induced a dose-related increase in swimming activity. With an ED50 value of 4.6mgkg-1, i.p., anpirtoline was 4 times more potent than the two standard compounds imipramine and desipramine. The decrease of immobility time or the increase of active periods in this model of behavioural despair is suggested to be characteristic of antidepressant drugs.8. Anpirtoline exhibits both antinociceptive and antidepressant-like activities in animals. It is probable that anpirtoline elicits these pharmacological effects via its agonist effect on 5-HT1B and 5-HT1A receptors.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Analgesics; Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Brain Chemistry; Electric Stimulation; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mice; Piperidines; Pyridines; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Social Behavior; Social Isolation; Swine