tropisetron and bemesetron

To determine the role of central serotonin 5-HT(3) receptors in respiratory motor control, respiratory motor bursts were recorded from hypoglossal (XII) nerve rootlets on isolated adult turtle brainstems during bath-application of 5-HT(3) receptor agonists and antagonists. mCPBG and PBG (5-HT(3) receptor agonists) acutely increased XII burst frequency and regularity, and decreased bursts/episode. Tropisetron and MDL72222 (5-HT(3) antagonists) increased bursts/episode, suggesting endogenous 5-HT(3) receptor activation modulates burst timing in vitro. Tropisetron blocked all mCPBG effects, and the PBG-induced reduction in bursts/episode. Tropisetron application following mCPBG application did not reverse the long-lasting (2h) mCPBG-induced decrease in bursts/episode. We conclude that endogenous 5-HT(3) receptor activation regulates respiratory frequency, regularity, and episodicity in turtles and may induce a form of respiratory plasticity with the long-lasting changes in respiratory regularity.

Topics: Action Potentials; Afferent Pathways; Animals; Biguanides; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Hypoglossal Nerve; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Physical Stimulation; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Respiration; Respiratory Center; Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Agonists; Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists; Serotonin Agents; Time Factors; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Turtles

Long-term depression (LTD) is a use-dependent decrease in synaptic efficacy widely recognized as a form of synaptic plasticity related to cognitive function in the central nervous system. Such response has previously not been demonstrated in autonomic ganglia. In the isolated superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of the rat (superfused with Locke solution containing 100 microM choline), low-frequency stimulation (LFS, 3-5 Hz/15 min) of the preganglionic nerve produced a long-lasting (up to 3 h ), significant (20-40%) decrease in the amplitude of the extracellularly recorded postganglionic compound action potential. Pretreatment of ganglia with the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist tropisetron (0.5 microM) completely prevented the induction of ganglionic LTD (gLTD). Treatment of ganglia with the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist MDL 72222 (0.5 microM) during the maintenance phase of established gLTD (1 h after LFS) antagonized the LFS-induced depression. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase with l-NOARG (20-50 microM), applied before or after LFS, failed to affect the expression of gLTD. Additionally, pretreatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor emetine (1 microM) totally prevented the expression of gLTD. However, inhibition of protein phosphatase with cantharidin (30 microM) did not interfere with the expression of gLTD. These results indicate the presence of LTD in the rat SCG and suggest that expression of gLTD involves activation of 5-HT(3) receptor.

Topics: Action Potentials; Animals; Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic; Electric Stimulation; Emetine; Enzyme Inhibitors; Indoles; Male; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neuronal Plasticity; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Nitroarginine; Phosphoprotein Phosphatases; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serotonin Antagonists; Superior Cervical Ganglion; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Previous research indicated that 5-HT(3) antagonists can reduce ethanol drinking in rats, but drinking conditions and other environmental manipulations influenced the efficacy of these antagonists. The current experiments were conducted to examine the effects of the 5-HT(3) antagonists MDL 72222 (MDL) or ICS 205-930 (ICS) on 24-h ethanol (10% v/v) consumption during acquisition, maintenance, and following a period of deprivation in selectively bred high alcohol-preferring (P) male rats. In an analysis of the acquisition of ethanol consumption, daily injections of MDL (1 mg/kg; s.c.) or ICS (1 or 5 mg/kg) were administered to separate groups of P rats during the initial 10 days of ethanol exposure. To examine the maintenance of ethanol drinking, these same groups of rats were allowed access to ethanol for 21 days with no pharmacological manipulations, and were then administered either saline or the 5-HT(3) antagonist. To examine the effects of a 5-HT(3) antagonist on relapse of ethanol drinking, another group of P rats was allowed access to ethanol for 6 weeks and was then deprived of ethanol for 3 weeks. Prior to ethanol reinstatement, rats were treated chronically (seven daily injections) or acutely with MDL (1 mg/kg), saline, or received no injections. MDL (1 mg/kg) and ICS (1 or 5 mg/kg) reduced ethanol intake during acquisition (60-80%) and during maintenance drinking (35-70%) in P rats pretreated with saline during acquisition. However, in rats pretreated with MDL or ICS during acquisition, there was a significant reduction in the effectiveness of either MDL or ICS to reduce ongoing ethanol drinking. Neither acute nor chronic treatment with 1 mg/kg MDL altered the 80% increase in ethanol consumption observed on the first day of reinstatement following a 3-week deprivation period. However, in a follow-up study, acute treatment with MDL (3 mg/kg) or ICS (5 mg/kg) did prevent the 80% increase in ethanol consumption observed on the first day of reinstatement. Overall, the results suggest that 5-HT(3) receptors are involved in the acquisition and maintenance of 24-h ethanol drinking, and that neuroadaptations may occur as a result of chronic treatment with 5-HT(3) antagonists, or during prolonged alcohol deprivation, which alter the involvement of these receptors in regulating alcohol drinking in the P rat.

Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Animals; Indoles; Male; Rats; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Recurrence; Serotonin Antagonists; Temperance; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The pharmacological characterization of a 5-HT receptor-mediated contractile response in the mouse isolated ileum is described. In the presence of methysergide (1 microM), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 0.3 - 100 microM) produced phasic concentration-dependent contractions of segments of the mouse isolated ileum with a pEC(50) value of 5.47+/-0.09. The 5-HT(3) receptor selective agonists m-chlorophenylbiguanide (0.3 - 100 microM, pEC(50) 5.81+/-0.04), 1-phenylbiguanide (3 - 100 microM, pEC(50) 5.05+/-0.06) and 2-methyl-5-HT (3 - 100 microM, pEC(50) 5.00+/-0.07) acted as full agonists to induce contractile responses. 5-methoxytryptamine (0.1 - 100 microM), RS 67506 (0.1 - 100 microM) and alpha-methyl-5-HT (0.1 - 100 microM) failed to mimic the 5-HT responses. The contractile response to 5-HT was not antagonized by either 5-HT(2) receptor antagonists ritanserin (0.1 microM) or ketanserin (1 microM) nor the 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist SB 204070 (0.1 microM). The 5-HT(3) receptor selective antagonists granisetron (0.3 - 1 nM), tropisetron (1 - 10 nM), ondansetron (10 nM - 1 microM) and MDL 72222 (10 nM - 1 microM) caused rightward displacement of the concentration-response curves to 5-HT. The lower concentrations of the antagonists caused approximate parallel rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to 5-HT with apparent pK(B) values for granisetron (9.70+/-0. 39), tropisetron (9.18+/-0.20), ondansetron (8.84+/-0.24) and MDL 72222 (8.65+/-0.35). But higher concentrations of antagonists resulted in a progressive reduction in the maximum responses. The contractile response to 5-HT was abolished by tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM); atropine (0.1 and 1 microM) decreased the maximum response of the 5-HT concentration-response curve by approximately 65%. It is concluded that a neuronally located 5-HT(3) receptor mediates a contractile response to 5-HT in the mouse ileum. The 5-HT(3) receptor in the mouse ileum has a different pharmacological profile to that reported for the guinea-pig ileum.

Topics: Animals; Atropine; Dioxanes; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Granisetron; Ileum; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Ketanserin; Male; Mice; Muscle Contraction; Ondansetron; Piperidines; Receptors, Serotonin; Ritanserin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Tetrodotoxin; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on ethanol intake were examined in the selectively bred alcohol-preferring P line of rats under continuous and limited access to 10% (v/v) ethanol with food and water ad lib. Single daily injections of either MDL 72222 (MDL) or ICS 205-930 (ICS) (0.01-3.0 mg/kg, SC) given 60 min before a 4-h scheduled access period for 4 consecutive days failed at all doses to alter the intake of a 10% (v/v) ethanol solution by P rats. However, multiple daily injections of either MDL (1-3 mg/kg, SC) or ICS (3.0 and 5.0 mg/kg, SC), given three times daily at 4-h intervals, significantly reduced ethanol intake under 24-h free-choice conditions on the first treatment day. Additionally, a single administration of 1.0 mg/kg MDL reduced 24-h free-choice ethanol intake by approximately 50% of control values and had no effect on 24-h saccharin intake. The effects of MDL were further examined in a 2-h schedule access paradigm in which rats received the access period at the same time every day (Fixed) or randomly during the dark cycle (Variable). Although 1.0 mg/kg MDL had little effect on ethanol drinking in the Fixed group, ethanol intake was reduced by 55% of control levels in the Variable group. Overall, the data indicate that drinking conditions influence the effectiveness of 5-HT3 antagonists to reduce ethanol consumption. Furthermore, the results suggest that conditions, associated with limited access ethanol drinking, markedly reduce the actions of 5-HT3 antagonists on ethanol intake.

Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Animals; Drinking; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Indoles; Injections, Subcutaneous; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Saccharin; Serotonin Antagonists; Solutions; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Dopamine (DA) has been shown to be required for the induction of striatal gene expression by psychostimulants. However, direct DA agonists or selective inhibitors of DA reuptake are relatively weak inducers of striatal gene expression compared with cocaine or amphetamine. So although necessary, DA alone is not sufficient to mediate the full gene induction response to psychostimulants. In addition to its actions on the DA transporter, amphetamine also enhances serotonin (5-HT) release in the striatum. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which 5-HT contributes to the regulation of striatal gene expression by amphetamine. We found that selective lesions of serotonergic terminals in the rat forebrain using 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine prevented the full induction of striatal c-Fos by 4 mg/kg amphetamine. Furthermore, amphetamine-induced striatal c-Fos was completely inhibited by administration of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, MDL-72222, but not by the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, ritanserin. Consistent with this finding, the induction of c-Fos by 5-HT in primary cultures of E18 striatal neurons devoid of DA input was blocked by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, MDL-72222 and ICS 205-930, but not by 5-HT2A/2C antagonism. Additionally, blockade of 5-HT3 receptors by MDL-72222 inhibited the phosphorylation of activating transcription factor-1 (ATF-1) at Ser63 by amphetamine, but not the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) at Ser133. These results suggest that 5-HT3 receptor activation may be required for amphetamine-induced expression of ATF-1-regulated target genes in the striatum, which may include c-Fos.

Topics: Activating Transcription Factor 1; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Corpus Striatum; DNA-Binding Proteins; Fetus; Indoles; Male; Neurons; Nomifensine; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Ritanserin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Transcription Factors; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Specific binding of [3H]strychnine was studied on membranes prepared from rat spinal cord. Several antagonists and agonists of 5-HT3 receptors and tropane derivatives displaced [3H]strychnine binding with micromolar potencies. In the presence of 10 microM glycine a high affinity (nanomolar) component of displacement was also observed for the tropeines zatosetron, bemesetron and tropisetron. The displacing potency of glycine was also enhanced by these agents which are therefore termed glycine-positive. In contrast, atropine, SR 57227A, m-chlorophenylbiguanide, metoclopramide and granisetron are termed glycine-negative, because they decreased the displacing potency of glycine while glycine decreased the displacing potencies of atropine and metoclopramide. The dissociation of [3H]strychnine binding was accelerated in the presence of m-chlorophenylbiguanide, SR 57227A, atropine and zatosetron with a concentration dependence (EC50 values and Hill slopes) similar to their displacing effects. This demonstrates that the displacement of strychnine binding is associated with allosteric interactions between different binding sites. Structure-activity analysis revealed that the tropeine structure is essential for high affinity binding, and its substitutions (in scopolamine and cocaine) or its replacement (in ondansetron and metoclopramide) strongly decrease the potency and/or efficacy of allosteric modulation. High affinity modulatory sites for tropeines appear to be associated with the potentiation of ionophore function, but distinct from the low affinity channel blocking sites as well as from the binding sites of strychnine and glycine.

Topics: Allosteric Regulation; Animals; Benzofurans; Binding, Competitive; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Glycine; Granisetron; Indoles; Ligands; Male; Medulla Oblongata; Ondansetron; Pons; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Glycine; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Spinal Cord; Strychnine; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Tubocurarine

The aim of this manuscript is to introduce Cryptotis parva (the least shrew) as a new experimental emesis model. The chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin, caused a dose-dependent increase in the number of animals exhibiting vomiting and retching behaviours with ED50 values of 6.43+/-1 and 7.9+/-1.2 mg/kg, respectively. The frequencies of these parameters were also dose-dependent. Intraperitoneal administration of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (tropisetron or MDL 72222) prevented cisplatin-induced emesis and retching behaviours in the least shrew by a dose-dependent mechanism with respective ID50 values of 4.28+/-2.8 and 2.05+/-2 for emesis, and 2.71+/-4.5 and 2.52+/-2.59 for retching. Intraperitoneal injection of selective and nonselective 5-HT3 receptor agonists potently, and in a dose-dependent fashion, induced emesis in the least shrew with the following ED50 potency order: 2-methyl 5-HT approximately 5-HT (p > 0.05) <5-HTQ (p < 0.01)

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antiemetics; Antineoplastic Agents; Cisplatin; Creatinine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Combinations; Female; Indoles; Male; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Shrews; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Vomiting

In the present study, we identified the serotonergic receptor of type 3 (5-HT3) on the lymphocytes of a teleost fish, Oncorhynchus mykiss. In the pharmacological studies on the binding of [3H]serotonin to membrane receptor sites, 2-methyl-5-HT, an agonist of 5-HT3 receptors, displaced the binding of [3H]serotonin to fish lymphocytes, indicating the presence of 5-HT3 receptors on these cells. The known antagonists of the mammalian 5-HT3 receptor, ICS-205-930 and metoclopramide, failed to displace [3H]serotonin binding to lymphocytes during the period of association equilibrium (8 min); however, these antagonists progressively displaced [3H]serotonin binding from 10 to 40 min of incubation. These results suggest that fish 5-HT3 lymphocyte receptors may differ pharmacologically from mammalian receptors. As mammalian 5-HT3 receptors are coupled with Na+ inward movements, we undertook a study on Na+ influx by using SBFI/AM, a fluorescent probe. In SBFI/AM loaded fish lymphocytes, 2-methyl-5-HT leaked Na+ inward movements. Prior incubation of lymphocytes for 30 min in the presence of 5-HT3 antagonists, ICS-205-930, metoclopramide and MDL-72222, curtailed significantly the Na+ influx evoked by 2-methyl-5-HT, demonstrating that Na+ is leaked into fish lymphocytes via the 5-HT3 receptor-channel whose functioning is blocked by these antagonists. Furthermore, 2-methyl-5-HT exerted immunosuppressive effects in a dose dependent manner on fish T-lymphocytes stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Serotonin and 2-methyl-5-HT blocked the cell cycle progression of PHA-stimulated T-cells from G0/G1 to S phase. The immunosuppressive effects of 2-methyl-5-HT on T-cells were partially reversed by the antagonists, metoclopramide and ICS-205-930; however, the latter antagonist at high concentrations synergized with the immunosuppressive effects of 2-methyl-5-HT. These results demonstrate that the fish lymphocyte 5-HT3 receptor, which may be pharmacologically different from mammalian receptor subtype, is functionally implicated in fish T-cell proliferation.

Topics: Animals; Cell Cycle; Indoles; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes; Metoclopramide; Oncorhynchus mykiss; Phytohemagglutinins; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Sodium; Time Factors; Tritium; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effects of ondansetron on the neuromuscular function of the guinea-pig ileum were investigated in vitro. Ondansetron, but not tropisetron or MDL 72222 (1alpha-H-3alpha-5alpha-H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlo robenzoate), enhanced submaximal electrically induced contractions (EC50) = 1.3 x 10(-5) M). Desensitization with 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 x 10(-5) M) or 2-methyl-5-HT (1 x 10(-5) M) abolished this facilitatory response, which remained unaltered after desensitization with 5-methoxytryptamine (1 x 10(-5) M) or addition of tropisetron, MDL 72222, N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan, SB203186 (1-piperidinylethyl-1H-indole-3 carboxylate hydrochloride), pirenzepine or hexamethonium. At higher concentrations, ondansetron decreased the electrically induced contractions (EC50 = 1 x 10(-4) M); the inhibitory response was unaffected by (-)-naloxone (1 x 10(-6) M) or idazoxan (1 x 10(-6) M). We conclude that, in the guinea-pig ileum, ondansetron elicits a biphasic response: facilitation of neuromuscular transmission mediated by a serotonergic receptor distinct from the 5-HT3, 5-HT4 or putative 5-HT1P receptors, and an inhibitory response that does not involve opiate or alpha2-adrenoceptors.

Topics: 5-Methoxytryptamine; Animals; Electric Stimulation; Guinea Pigs; Ileum; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Ondansetron; Piperidines; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Synaptic Transmission; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Three 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, MDL 72222, tropisetron, and ondansetron were studied for their ability to modify the conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by 10 mg/kg IP cocaine in rats. MDL 72222 (0.03-3 mg/kg SC) and tropisetron (0.01-0.1 mg/kg SC) administered, respectively, 30 min and 1 h before each conditioning session, did not affect the acquisition of cocaine CPP. Ondansetron (0.01-0.1 mg/kg SC) administered 30 min before each conditioning session or just before testing likewise had no effect. At 0.1 mg/kg SC ondansetron did not modify the increase of extracellular dopamine caused by 10 mg/kg cocaine in the nucleus accumbens. The results suggest that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have no effect on the rewarding properties of cocaine or on the behaviour elicited by the stimuli previously associated with the drug's action.

Topics: Animals; Cocaine; Conditioning, Operant; Dopamine; Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; Extracellular Space; Indoles; Male; Microdialysis; Nucleus Accumbens; Ondansetron; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (ondansetron 0.1 mg kg-1 SC 30 min; bemesetron 0.03 mg kg-1 SC 45 min) on nicotine-induced increases in locomotor activity were measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intermittent daily injections of nicotine (0.3-1.2 mg kg-1 SC 30 min) resulted in increased locomotor activity as measured by photocell counts. The effect of nicotine was not affected by administration of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists at doses that are reported to block nicotine- and morphine-induced place-preference conditioning. Neither of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists tested affected activity counts in vehicle treated animals. Nicotine-induced hyperactivity was blocked by the dopamine antagonist haloperidol (0.03 mg kg-1 SC 2 h) and by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine (1 mg kg-1 SC 1 min). The effects of a range of doses (0-1 mg kg-1) of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ondansetron, bemesetron, granisetron and tropisetron on hyperactivity induced by 0.6 mg kg-1 nicotine were then assessed. Only tropisetron at 1 mg kg-1 attenuated nicotine-induced hyperactivity. To demonstrate the efficacy of the present range of doses of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in this study, conditioned taste aversion experiments were conducted. Ondansetron (0.1 mg kg-1) failed to attenuate a conditioned taste aversion to saccharin induced by nicotine (0.6 mg kg-1), but did induce a reduction in saccharin preference in choice tests following three saccharin-ondansetron pairings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Granisetron; Haloperidol; Indoles; Male; Motor Activity; Nicotine; Ondansetron; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serotonin Antagonists; Time Factors; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Conditioned taste aversion presumably plays a role in the anorectic responses to amino acid-imbalanced diets that induce acute amino acid deficiency. The serotonin3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists, tropisetron (Trop), MDL-72222 (MDL), and ondansetron, increase intake of imbalanced amino acid diets. Therefore, we tested whether 5-HT3 receptor antagonists would block an aversion to powdered saccharin after it was included in an amino acid-imbalanced diet. Rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of Trop, MDL, or vehicle (Veh), just before introducing one of four diets: imbalanced amino acid diet +/- saccharin (Imb or ImbSac) or a balanced (corrected) diet +/- saccharin (Cor or CorSac). Subsequent aversion to saccharin was shown in preference tests using Cor and CorSac. Saccharin preference was significantly decreased (8.3% on test day 1) in the Veh/ImbSac group, but the Trop/ImbSac group's saccharin preference (57.8%) was similar to controls (49.6-70.3%); MDL also blocked the aversion to saccharin after ImbSac. This confirms previous reports of conditioned taste aversions with amino acid limitation and suggests a role for the 5-HT3 receptor in the development of these aversions.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Avoidance Learning; Conditioning, Psychological; Diet; Eating; Food Preferences; Indoles; Male; Ondansetron; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Saccharin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, ondansetron, has been shown to have positive effects in selected in-vivo models of memory impairment and anxiety. The exact mechanisms underlying such bioactivities are unknown. In the present work, an 86Rb efflux bioassay was used to show that ondansetron has a unique ability to block voltage-gated potassium channels in TE671 human neuroblastoma cells. This intrinsic potassium-channel-blocking (KCB) property is relatively weak (IC50 20 microM), but is not shared by other 5-HT3-receptor ligands including zatosetron, MDL 72222, LY 278, 584, zacopride, 1-phenylbiguanide, and ICS 205-930 (tropisetron). Pre-incubation of the target neuroblastoma cells with several 5-HT-receptor ligands including 5-hydroxytryptamine, 8-OH-DPAT, ketanserin, 2-methyl-5-HT, as well as a number of potent 5-HT3 agonists and antagonists and two selective neurotoxins, failed to abolish the KCB action of ondansetron. A preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis indicates that the KCB activity of ondansetron is almost entirely attributable to its structural nucleus, 2,3-dihyro-9-methyl-4(1H)-carbazolone. It is hypothesized that the KCB action of ondansetron is mediated through receptors other than 5-HT3 receptors. The KCB activity of ondansetron may be a significant factor in the in-vivo cognition-enhancing activities of this compound, conceivably due to depolarization of the hippocampal synaptic membranes and a consequent augmentation of neurotransmission.

Topics: Anti-Anxiety Agents; Benzamides; Benzofurans; Biguanides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Indazoles; Indoles; Neuroblastoma; Neurotoxins; Ondansetron; Potassium Channels; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3; Rubidium Radioisotopes; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Tumor Cells, Cultured

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contracts and relaxes isolated stomach preparations. This study attempts to characterise receptors involved in the contractile response using electrically stimulated circular muscle strips from guinea pig stomach. Electrically induced contractions were abolished by atropine and tetrodotoxin. 5-HT enhanced contractions in corpus and fundus strips with pEC50% values (-log10 of the concentrations causing a 50% increase in twitch height) of 9.6 and 9.1, respectively. 5-Carboxamidotryptamine and 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin), 5-HT1A receptor agonists, and alpha-methyl-5-HT, an agonist at 5-HT2 receptors, reduced contractions. The 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, increased contractions. The effect of 2-methyl-5-HT but not of 5-HT was antagonized by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, tropisetron (10(-7) M). The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, tropisetron, MDL 72222 (1 alpha H,3 alpha,5 alpha H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate), grainsetron and ondansetron, did not modify twitch responses at concentrations below 10(-7) M. Renzapride and metoclopramide, agonists at 5-HT4 receptors, increased contractions and this effect was inhibited by the 5-HT4 receptor antagonist SDZ 205-557 (2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester) with a pA2 of 7.4. The effect of 5-HT at a submaximal concentration of 10(-8) M was blocked by SDZ 205-557 (10(-6) M). It is concluded that electrically induced contractions in guinea pig stomach strips are enhanced by activation of 5-HT3- and 5-HT4 receptors and are diminished by 5-HT1 receptor agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: 4-Aminobenzoic Acid; 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; Animals; Atropine; Benzamides; Binding Sites; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Electric Stimulation; Female; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Ligands; Male; Metoclopramide; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; para-Aminobenzoates; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Stomach; Tetrodotoxin; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The subtype-selective serotonin 5-HT3 antagonists MDL 72222 and ICS 205-930 were tested for their ability to modify nicotine self-administration and locomotor activity in rats. In self-administration experiments, MDL 72222 produced no statistically significant changes over a dose range of 1 to 30 micrograms/kg, nor at the considerably higher dose of 1 mg/kg. MDL 72222 was similarly without effect in nicotine-produced locomotor activity, except at the 1 mg/kg dose, which reduced scores. In an initial test on nicotine self-administration, ICS 205-930 produced a small decrease in drug-taking behavior at 1 and 3 micrograms/kg which just reached statistical significance, but had no effects at higher doses. However, these low-dose effects could not be replicated. In addition, ICS 205-930 was without effect on nicotine locomotor activity, even at the two low doses that had reduced self-administration. We conclude that these 5-HT3 antagonists do not modulate nicotine reinforcement or behavioral arousal.

Topics: Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Indoles; Male; Motor Activity; Nicotine; Rats; Reinforcement Schedule; Self Administration; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Both 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and benzodiazepine receptor ligands have effects on anxiety, and alter the behavioral action of ethanol. For these reasons, we tested the ability of several 5-HT3 receptor antagonists to inhibit the ligand binding and function of the gamma-aminobutyric acidA/benzodiazepine receptor Cl- channel complex of mouse brain membranes. MDL 72222 (1-a-H-3-a-5-aH-optropan-3yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate) and LY 278584 (1-methyl-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1.]oct-3-yl)-1H-indazole-3- carboxamide) inhibited [3H]flunitrazepam binding with Ki values of approximately 20 microM; ICS 205-930 (3 alpha-tropanyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester) was more potent with a Ki of 0.8 microM. ICS 205-930 (50 microM) had no effect on [3H]muscimol binding. ICS 205-930, MDL 72222, and LY 278584 all inhibited the binding of [35S]TBPS (tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate) with Ki values of approximately 10 microM and reduced muscimol-dependent 36Cl- flux into mouse cortical microsacs by 30-45% at a concentration of 10 microM. ICS 205-930, MDL 72222, and LY 278584 (at micromolar concentrations) reduced GABA-gated chloride currents studied in Xenopus oocytes expressing human alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2S GABAA receptor subunits. ICS 205-930 differed from the other two 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in that it induced a biphasic effect on GABA-gated currents: at concentrations from 0.1 to 5 microM it potentiated GABA responses, whereas at higher concentrations (50-100 microM) it produced inhibition. The stimulatory action induced by ICS 205-930 was due to interaction at the benzodiazepine recognition site because expression of the gamma 2 subunit was required and Ro 15-1788 (1 microM) completely prevented the potentiation caused by ICS 205-930. Thus, several 5-HT3 receptor antagonists inhibit benzodiazepine binding and affect GABAA receptor function. These actions are most pronounced for ICS 205-930 and likely involve direct affects on the GABA/benzodiazepine complex rather than interactions with 5-HT3 receptors.

Topics: Animals; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Chlorides; Flumazenil; Flunitrazepam; Humans; Indazoles; Indoles; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Receptors, GABA-A; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Xenopus laevis

The involvement of visceral afferent fibers and 5-HT3 or 5-HT4 receptors in the vomiting induced by oral administration of copper sulfate was investigated in beagle dogs. Vomiting induced by copper sulfate (100 mg/kg) was inhibited markedly by bilateral abdominal vagotomy and bilateral greater splanchnic nerve section. The vomiting induced by copper sulfate was inhibited by blocking 5-HT4 receptors with high doses (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.v.) of ICS 205-930. On the other hand, blocking 5-HT3 receptors with MDL 72222 (0.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.v.) or low doses (0.01 mg/kg i.v.) of ICS 205-930 had no apparent effect on the vomiting induced by copper sulfate. Oral administration of a 5-HT4 receptor agonist, 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT), caused vomiting at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and the vomiting was inhibited markedly by abdominal visceral nerve section or a high dose (1 mg/kg, i.v.), but not a low dose (0.01 mg/kg, i.v.), of ICS 205-930. Intravenous administration of 5-MT (10 mg/kg) failed to induce vomiting. These results suggest that the abdominal visceral afferent fibers and possibly peripheral 5-HT4 receptors play an important role in the vomiting induced by oral administration of copper sulfate in dogs.

Topics: 5-Methoxytryptamine; Administration, Oral; Animals; Copper; Copper Sulfate; Dogs; Female; Indoles; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Nerve Fibers; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Splanchnic Nerves; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Vagotomy; Viscera; Vomiting

The anorectic responses to imbalanced amino acid diets (IMB) are ameliorated by pretreatment with large (mg/kg) doses of the serotonin antagonists, tropisetron [3-alpha-tropanyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester, formerly known as ICS-205,930 (ICS)] and MDL 72,222 [1 alpha H,3 alpha,5 alpha-H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL)], effects earlier attributed to the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor. Subsequent identification of the 5-HT4 receptor, and recognition that ICS and MDL also bind to 5-HT4 receptors, led us to question whether the results seen with these drugs were due to activity at the 5-HT3 or 5-HT4 receptor subtype. 1,2,3,9-Tetrahydro-9-methyl-3 [(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) methyl] 4H-carbazol-4-one) [ondansetron (OND)], a reportedly 5-HT3-selective receptor antagonist, has been used to block 5-HT3 receptors in demonstrating the 5-HT4 receptor, and so seems securely selective for the 5-HT3 receptor type. Therefore, we tested the effects of OND on the rat's feeding responses to IMB. Pretreatment with 0.1 or 1 micrograms/kg OND fully restored intake of IMB to > 100% of control between 6 and 12 h after introduction of IMB. We conclude that the previous similar increases in IMB intake seen after ICS and MDL were due to their antagonist activity at the 5-HT3 receptor and that the 5-HT3 receptor may have an important role in mediating the rat's anorectic responses to IMB.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Diet; Eating; Food Preferences; Indoles; Isoleucine; Male; Ondansetron; Rats; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The neuronal pathway that initiates nitric oxide-mediated descending relaxation in rat ileum was studied. The descending relaxation, which was suggested to be mediated by nitric oxide from our previous study, was selectively inhibited by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It was also inhibited by a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Exogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist induced dose-dependent relaxation of ileal circular muscle. 5-HT-induced relaxation was selectively inhibited by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Nicotine also induced relaxation of the circular muscle, and its effect was inhibited by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. 5-HT and nicotine increased the cyclic GMP content of the ileal tissue. Nitro-L-arginine inhibited the increases induced by both compounds in the cyclic GMP content, and a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist also inhibited that induced by nicotine. These results indicate that activation of a cholinergic neuron-5-HT neuron pathway initiates nitric oxide-mediated descending relaxation in rat ileum.

Topics: Animals; Arginine; Cholinergic Antagonists; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ileum; Indoles; Male; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; Nicotine; Nitric Oxide; Nitroarginine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Cholinergic; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Peripherally administered serotonin (5-HT) induced a marked increase in the plasma glucagon level in mice. The hyperglucagonemic effects of 5-HT were completely antagonized by methysergide, ketanserin and ritanserin which have a high affinity for 5-HT2 receptors. However, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 were without effect. These findings suggest that the activation of the peripheral 5-HT2 receptor induces the increase in plasma glucagon level and that these receptors may play a role in the release of glucagon.

Topics: Animals; Glucagon; Indoles; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Ketanserin; Male; Methysergide; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Ritanserin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

1. The present study investigated the presence of 5-HT3 receptor using 2-methylserotonin (2-Me-5-HT) in the smooth muscle of Mytilus ABRM. 2. 2-Me-5-HT relaxed the acetylcholine-induced contraction in a dose-dependent manner ranging from 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-4) M (pD2 = 5.55 +/- 0.32). 3. 2-Me-5-HT-induced relaxation was antagonized by 3 x 10(-5) M ketanserin in a competitive manner (pA2 = 5.14 +/- 0.1), but not by cypropheptadine, mianserin, MDL 72222 or ICS 205-930 at a concentration of 3 x 10(-5) M. 4. 2-Me-5-HT (3 x 10(-4) M) did not alter the content of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in the ABRM. 5. These findings suggested that the 2-Me-5-HT-induced relaxation was mediated through 5-HT2-like receptors and was not linked to cyclic AMP or GMP systems, and, further, that 5-HT3 receptor subtype was not present in the ABRM.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Bivalvia; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Cyproheptadine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Indoles; Ketanserin; Mianserin; Muscle Relaxation; Muscle, Smooth; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

1. Whole-cell and single-channel voltage-clamp techniques were used to record the 5-HT3 receptor-mediated currents in neurons freshly dissociated from rat superior cervical ganglia. 2. Whole-cell currents elicited by brief pressure ejection of 5-HT (10 microM) reversed at -4.5 mV when extracellular and intracellular solutions mainly contained NaCl and CsCl. The peak current-voltage relation showed modest inward rectification that was fully developed within less than 2 ms of the applied voltage step. 3. With prolonged application of 5-HT (10 microM) using a fast perfusion system, the response desensitized in two phases with fast and slow time constants of 0.57 and 6.0 s at -74 mV. The time constants showed little voltage dependence; however, the relative amplitude of the two components was significantly dependent on voltage. The time course of desensitization was not affected by agents that increase the levels of intracellular cyclic AMP. 4. The relative permeability of the channel was determined from reversal potential changes. The channel passed small cations non-selectively, with permeability ratios (PX/PNa) of 0.93 and 1.24 for Cs+ and K+. The organic cations Tris and glucosamine were measurably permeant with permeability ratios of 0.19 and 0.06. Ca2+ was fairly permeant with a relative permeability of 0.55 in 20 mM solution and of 0.16 when the concentration of CaCl2 was increased to 115 mM. No permeability was detected for Cl-. 5. Fluctuation analysis of the whole-cell current revealed an apparent single-channel current of approximately 0.18 pA at -74 mV. 6. 5-HT-activated single-channel currents were recorded in excised outside-out patches. When 5-HT (10 microM) was delivered by pressure ejection, channel openings appeared rapidly with a delay of 28 ms. The unitary current was about approximately 0.80 pA at -74 mV. The channel activity induced by bath perfusion of 5-HT (0.8 microM) was significantly reduced by 100 nM of the 5-HT3 receptor-specific antagonists 3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL 72222) or 3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate (ICS 205-930). 7. The single-channel current-voltage relation was non-linear, with moderate inward rectification similar to that of the whole-cell current. The chord conductance of the channel decreased with membrane depolarization from 14.6 pS at -104 mV to only 9.9 pS at -54 mV. Open-time distributions consisted of two components with mean time constants of 0.45 and 2.8 ms at -104 mV. Burst-length distributions wer

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Animals; Ganglia, Sympathetic; Indoles; Ion Channel Gating; Ion Channels; Male; Membrane Potentials; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Anxiolytic drugs, such as the benzodiazepines and the azapirones (ipsapirone, gepirone, buspirone), are well known to affect states of vigilance and to decrease the firing rate of serotoninergic neurones within the dorsal raphe nucleus in rats. In order to examine whether the newly developed 5-HT3 antagonists with potential anxiolytic properties act through similar mechanisms, the effects of several of such antagonists: MDL 72222, ICS 205-930, ondansetron and/or zacopride on both sleep-wakefulness and the discharge of serotoninergic neurones within the dorsal raphe nucleus were investigated in rats. When tested in a wide range of doses (0.05-10 mg/kg, i.p.), none of these drugs significantly affected the states of vigilance, except ondansetron, at 0.1 mg/kg, which increased paradoxical sleep for the first 2 hr after administration and MDL 72222, at 10 mg/kg, which reduced both paradoxical and slow wave sleep and increased wakefulness for the same initial period after treatment. In vivo, in chloral hydrate anaesthetized rats, as well as in vitro, in slices of brain stem, none of the 5-HT3 antagonists tested affected the firing rate of serotoninergic neurones. Similarly, no change in the electrical activity of serotoninergic neurones could be evoked in vitro by superfusion of the tissue with the 5-HT3 agonists, phenylbiguanide (10 microM) and 2-methyl-5-HT (1 microM). At a larger concentration (10 microM), the latter compound reduced the neuronal discharge probably through the stimulation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors since this effect, as that of ipsapirone, could be prevented by 10 microM l-propranolol. Comparison of these data with those obtained with benzodiazepines and 5-HT1A agonists of the azapirone series, supports the concept that different mechanisms are responsible for the anxiolytic-like properties of 5-HT3 agonists, compared to those of other anxiolytic drugs.

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Electrophysiology; Indoles; Male; Neurons; Ondansetron; Propranolol; Pyrimidines; Raphe Nuclei; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Serotonin; Reference Values; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Sleep; Time Factors; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Wakefulness

Recent studies have shown that non-opioid defensive analgesia in male mice is potently inhibited by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ondansetron. The present series of experiments was conducted to further explore the involvement of 5-HT3 receptor mechanisms in this particular form of adaptive inhibition of pain. The drug ICS 205-930 significantly attenuated the reaction at 1.25-2.5 micrograms/kg, with smaller and larger doses being ineffective. Both MDL 72222 and MDL 73147EF produced flat dose-response curves, with significant inhibition of defensive analgesia at minimum effective doses of less than or equal to 10 and 300 micrograms/kg, respectively. Although MDL 72699, the quaternary salt of MDL 72222, also inhibited the reaction, this effect was seen at comparatively large doses (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) only. None of the compounds tested had significant intrinsic effects of tail-flick latencies, over the dose ranges tested. These findings indicate that 5-HT3 receptor mechanisms may have an important modulatory role in certain forms of "stress" analgesia. Data are discussed in relation to the consistent profile of partial inhibition produced by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in this model.

Topics: Analgesia; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Hot Temperature; Indoles; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred DBA; Pain; Posture; Quinolizines; Receptors, Serotonin; Reference Values; Serotonin Antagonists; Stereotyped Behavior; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, MDL72222 and ICS205-930, on cocaine- and methamphetamine-induced place preference were examined. Cocaine (0.5-4.0 mg/kg, ip) and methamphetamine (0.25-2.0 mg/kg, ip) induced a dose-dependent place preference. The cocaine (4 mg/kg)-induced place preference was blocked by both MDL72222 and ICS205-930 (0.1 mg/kg, ip). On the other hand, the dose (0.1 mg/kg) of 5-HT3 antagonists did not block the methamphetamine (2 mg/kg)-induced place preference, although a higher dose (1.0 mg/kg) of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists did block it. The difference in sensitivity may reflect a difference in attack point in dopaminergic system of these two psychostimulants. Our findings suggest that the rewarding effects of cocaine and methamphetamine may be indirectly regulated by 5-HT3 receptor; cocaine being more sensitive to 5-HT3 receptor antagonists than methamphetamine.

Topics: Animals; Cocaine; Conditioning, Psychological; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Indoles; Male; Methamphetamine; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

1. Despite the fact that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced contractions of the rabbit isolated renal artery are mediated by a receptor belonging to the heterogeneous 5-HT1-like category, we observed that the so-called selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, caused a concentration-dependent contraction of this vessel. This study was therefore undertaken to analyze the effects of 2-methyl-5-HT in the renal artery segments, either quiescent or precontracted with U46619 (10(-7) M). alpha-Methyl-5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine, which have high affinities for 5-HT2 and 5-HT4 receptors, respectively, were used for comparison. 2. In the precontracted vessel segments, the maximum contractile responses obtained with 2-methyl-5-HT, alpha-methyl-5-HT, 5-methoxytryptamine and 5-HT were similar to those in the quiescent segments. However the pD2 values were higher in the precontracted segments, making them about 4-100 fold more sensitive. 3. Neither MDL 72222 (10(-6) M) nor tropisetron (3 x 10(-6) M) suppressed renal artery contractions elicited by 5-HT, 2-methyl-5-HT, alpha-methyl-5-HT or 5-methoxytryptamine, thus ruling out the involvement of 5-HT3 as well as 5-HT4 receptors. 4. On the other hand, both methiothepin (10(-8) and 10(-7) M) and ketanserin (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) caused a rightward shift of agonist concentration-effect curves.The two antagonists had similar pA2 values against the different agonists tested on either quiescent or precontracted vessels, but ketanserin (apparent pA2: 6.6 to 7.0) was between 20-100 fold less potent than methiothepin (apparent pA2: 8.4 to 8.8).5. The results of this functional study permit us to conclude that the contractile effects of 2-methyl-5-HT as well as ct-methyl-5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine on the rabbit isolated renal artery are mediated by a 5-HT1-like receptor. Since, in addition, the reported ligand binding affinity of 2-methyl-5-HT at 5-HT3 receptors is similar to both the ligand binding affinity and the functional pD2 at 5-HTI sites, this compound cannot be regarded as a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist. Similarly, a-methyl-5-HT and 5-methoxytryptamine have only a limited selectivity for 5-HT2 and 5-HT4 receptors, respectively.

Topics: 15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5,13-dienoic Acid; Animals; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Prostaglandin Endoperoxides, Synthetic; Rabbits; Receptors, Serotonin; Renal Artery; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Receptor Agonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Vasoconstriction

The involvement of visceral afferent fibers and 5-HT3 receptors in the emesis induced by cisplatin was studied in beagle dogs. The emesis induced by cisplatin (3 mg/kg, i.v.) was inhibited by the intravenous administration of ICS205930 (2 x 0.01 or 2 x 0.1 mg/kg) and MDL72222 (2 x 0.5 mg/kg), 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, but not by the intravenous administration of metoclopramide (2 x 0.5 mg/kg), a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. The cisplatin-induced emesis was also suppressed by the intravenous administration of para-chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg/day for 3 days), an inhibitor of 5-HT synthesis. On the other hand, the administration of ICS205930 into the IVth ventricle (2 x 0.01 mg/animal) had no effects on the cisplatin-induced emesis. The cisplatin-induced emesis was completely inhibited by abdominal vagotomy and splanchnicectomy, but not by splanchnicectomy alone. On the contrary, the emesis induced by apomorphine was suppressed by the intravenous (0.1 mg/kg) or intracerebroventricular (0.05 mg/animal) administration of metoclopramide, but not by visceral nerve section. These results strongly suggest that cisplatin evokes emesis mainly by acting on the vagal afferent terminals through the release of 5-HT and that peripheral 5-HT3 receptors are involved in this action.

Topics: Afferent Pathways; Animals; Cisplatin; Dogs; Female; Indoles; Male; Metoclopramide; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Vagus Nerve; Vomiting

We report results in rats pretreated with (+/-)-zacopride (0.03 mg/kg, IP), ICS 205-930 (0.1 mg/kg, IP), and MDL 72222 (1.0 mg/kg, IP) 15 min before challenge with (-)-cocaine (10.0 mg/kg, IP). At a dose of 10 micrograms/kg, zacopride significantly inhibited (approximately 50%) cocaine-induced locomotion. We also investigated whether or not 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) antagonists block the cocaine binding site on the dopamine transporter and/or affect the ability of dopamine to regulate this binding site. In well-washed striatal membranes, neither zacopride nor ICS 205-930 (10(-9)-10(-5) M) inhibited [3H]2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane ([3H]WIN 35,428) (0.3 nM) binding. Furthermore, neither of these compounds affected the ability of dopamine to block WIN 35,428 binding. To determine if 5-HT is required for the 5-HT3 antagonist effect, we examined the interaction between cocaine and zacopride in rats pretreated with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) (3 days x 100 mg/kg/day). PCPA pretreatment shifted the cocaine dose-response curve to the right and blocked the ability of zacopride to reverse cocaine-induced activity.

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Cocaine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fenclonine; Indoles; Male; Motor Activity; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Serotonin; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The discriminative stimulus induced in rats by amphetamine has previously been shown to be due to raised mesolimbic dopamine levels. As 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have been shown to inhibit hyperactivity resulting from raised mesolimbic dopamine levels, the present study examined their effects against the amphetamine discriminative stimulus. None of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists tested (MDL 72,222EF, 0.3-10 mg/kg s.c.; MDL 73,147EF, 0.3-10 mg/kg s.c.; ICS 205-930, 0.01-10.0 mg/kg s.c.; ondansetron, 0.1-1000 micrograms/kg s.c.) antagonised the effects of amphetamine in this test. This suggests that 5-HT3 receptors cannot modulate the effects of raised mesolimbic dopamine in pathways involved in the interoceptive effects of amphetamine.

Topics: Amphetamine; Animals; Discrimination Learning; Imidazoles; Indoles; Male; Ondansetron; Quinolizines; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Ethanol failed to induce a place preference in both 15 and 50 min conditioning schedules in free-feeding and in food deprived rats. Acetaldehyde, the primary metabolic product of ethanol, induced a weak place aversion, dose-dependently. Ethanol combined with pyrazole (an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor) significantly induced a place preference in rats (ethanol; 300 mg/kg, i.p., pyrazole; 100 mg/kg, i.p.) in a 50 min conditioning schedule. The ethanol (300 mg/kg) combined with pyrazole (100 mg/kg)-induced place preference was antagonized or reduced by 5-HT3 antagonists (MDL72222, ICS205-930). These results suggest that a blockade of ethanol metabolism is very important for development of the ethanol-induced place preference in rats, and that the ethanol-induced place preference may be mediated by the mesolimbic dopamine system through 5-HT3 receptors.

Topics: Animals; Conditioning, Psychological; Ethanol; Indoles; Male; Pyrazoles; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effect of endogenous serotonin on the release of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) from slices of rat caudate-putamen was studied. p-Chloroamphetamine was used to release endogenous serotonin. p-Chloroamphetamine (100 nM) enhanced the release of [3H]GABA induced by 20 mM K+, while 1000 nM p-chloroamphetamine decreased it. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS 205-930 (50 nM) and MDL 72222 (100 nM) prevented this facilitation caused by 100 nM p-chloroamphetamine. ICS 205-903 (50 nM), when used alone, reduced the release of [3H]GABA caused by 23 mM K+. This finding confirmed the hypothesis that endogenous serotonin can enhance the release of [3H]GABA via 5-HT3 receptors. In contrast, an effect of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors could not be clearly established. It is likely that the release of endogenous GABA from striatonigral GABA neurons may also be affected by serotonin via 5-HT3 receptors.

Topics: Animals; Caudate Nucleus; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Male; p-Chloroamphetamine; Putamen; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effects of various 5-HT3 receptor antagonists were examined in the social interaction (SI) test following discrete microinjection into either the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) or amygdala of the rat. Following DRN injection, ondansetron, ICS205-930, and MDL72222 (5-500 ng) all failed to modify SI under high light/unfamiliar (HLU) test conditions relative to vehicle pretreated controls. The 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-Me 5-HT (100-2500 ng), was similarly ineffective under both HLU and low light/familiar (LLF) conditions, although 5-HT (20-100 ng) increased SI under the HLU paradigm. After amygdaloid injection, ondansetron (10-100 ng), granisetron (1-10 ng), ICS205-930 (10-100 ng), GR 65630 (1-10 ng), and MDL72222 (100-1000 ng) all significantly increased SI under the HLU but not LLF condition. Furthermore, a detailed behavioural analysis revealed that the behaviours underlying this increase were similar to those seen in vehicle pretreated animals tested in the LLF compared to HLU condition. The benzodiazepine, flurazepam (200 ng), increased both SI (HLU condition) and punished responding in a modified water-lick conflict model, after amygdaloid injection. Both ondansetron (10-1000 ng) and ICS205-930 (1-100 ng) were ineffective in the conflict test. Finally, 2-Me 5-HT and 5-HT (100-10,000 ng) reduced SI under the LLF test condition with no concomitant change in locomotor activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Amygdala; Animals; Anxiety; Conflict, Psychological; Granisetron; Imidazoles; Indazoles; Indoles; Lighting; Male; Ondansetron; Raphe Nuclei; Rats; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Social Behavior; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The ability of selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists to block the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol was investigated in pigeons trained with food reinforcement to discriminate ethanol (1.5 g/kg; IG) from water. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists that are substituted tropines, ICS 205-930 (0.1-0.56 mg/kg) and MDL 72222 (3.0-17.0 mg/kg), blocked ethanol-appropriate responding, in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that some of the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol are mediated via the 5-HT3 receptor. The blockade the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol occurred in the presence of approximately 25-40 mM blood ethanol levels. Furthermore, the ethanol dose-effect function was shifted to the right by increasing doses of MDL 72222, suggesting a surmountable antagonism of the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. However, the benzamide zacopride (0.56-1.7 mg/kg), which is also a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, did not block the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. In addition, the dopaminergic antagonist haloperidol and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin also failed to block the ethanol discrimination. The results suggest that 5-HT3 mediated neurotransmission is an important component of ethanol's discriminative stimulus effects, but that the structural characteristics of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists influence their ability to block this action of ethanol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Columbidae; Conditioning, Operant; Discrimination, Psychological; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; Haloperidol; Indoles; Ketanserin; Male; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The central nervous system (CNS) of the rat is known to contain serotonin (5-HT) type -3 receptors (5-HT3). Behavioral evidence suggests that 5-HT3 receptors interact with mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems and that 5-HT3 antagonists can interfere with the hyperlocomotive effects of amphetamine and cocaine and the rewarding and stimulus effects of morphine, nicotine and ethanol. Cocaine, which blocks the reuptake of DA, norepinephrine (NE), and 5-HT in the CNS, also may be an antagonist at 5-HT3 receptors. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether systemic administration of the 5-HT3 antagonists ICS 205930 or MDL 72222 could mimic or block the discriminative stimulus properties of cocaine. Once rats (N = 16) were trained to discriminate cocaine (10 mg/kg) from saline, substitution tests with various doses of cocaine (0.313-10 mg/kg), ICS 205930 (2-24 mg/kg), and MDL 72222 (2-16 mg/kg) were conducted. Cocaine produced a dose-related increase in cocaine-appropriate responding while the 5-HT3 antagonists engendered primarily saline-lever responding. Neither ICS 205930 nor MDL 72222 were able to antagonize the stimulus effects of cocaine (5 mg/kg). Response rates were not significantly reduced when the 5-HT3 antagonists were given in combination with cocaine. The results indicate that although 5-HT3 antagonists can inhibit some of the unconditioned behavioral effects of psychomotor stimulants, the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine remain intact.

Topics: Animals; Cocaine; Discrimination Learning; Discrimination, Psychological; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Indoles; Male; Motor Activity; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Despite a number of significant advances over the past decade, prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced emesis remain formidable problems, particularly with cisplatin-containing regimens. Nearly one third of patients receiving high-dose cisplatin still experience substantial emesis despite the best available conventional antiemetics, and the toxic effects of these agents remain quite troublesome. In recent years, a new class of agents, the serotonin antagonists, has been identified. These agents hold promise for clinical utility in a wide range of areas. Selective antagonists of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) type 3 (5-HT3) receptor have proven in early clinical trials to be potent antiemetic agents in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy, with efficacy comparable to or superior to that of conventional antiemetics. Toxic effects to date with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have been modest. The current state of knowledge with respect to these agents as antiemetics for patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy is summarized.

Topics: Antiemetics; Benzamides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Granisetron; Humans; Imidazoles; Indazoles; Indoles; Metoclopramide; Ondansetron; Quinolizines; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Vomiting

This study examined whether the antinociception produced following the intrathecal (i.t.) administration of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and other 5-HT receptor agonists in a model of visceral pain that utilizes colorectal distension (CRD) as the noxious visceral stimulus is mediated through interaction with spinal 5-HT1, 5-HT2, or 5-HT3 receptor subtypes. CRD in conscious rats reliably elicits two pseudaffective reflexes: a vigorous pressor response and a visceromotor response. Antinociception is characterized by inhibition of both pseudaffective responses. The effects of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists on resting blood pressure were also examined. The i.t. administration of 5-HT resulted in a dose-dependent elevation of the visceromotor threshold and inhibition of the pressor response to CRD. The 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT, the 5-HT1B receptor agonist RU-24969, the 5-HT2 receptor agonists DOI, MK-212 and alpha-methyl-5-HT and the 5-HT3 agonist 2-methyl-5-HT all dose-dependently inhibited the pressor response and dose-dependently elevated the visceromotor threshold to noxious CRD. The rank order of potency of these agonists was the same for both pseudaffective responses to CRD: DOI greater than or equal to 8-OH-DPAT greater than or equal to MK-212 = RU-24969 greater than or equal to alpha-methyl-5-HT = 2-methyl-5-HT much greater than 5-HT. The antinociceptive effects of 5-HT, RU-24969, alpha-methyl-5-HT and DOI were antagonized by i.t. pretreatment with methysergide. Intrathecal pretreatment with ketanserin antagonized the antinociceptive effects of MK-212 and MDL-72222 antagonized the effects produced by 2-methyl-5-HT in response to CRD. The antinociceptive effects produced by 8-OH-DPAT were not antagonized by i.t. pretreatment with methysergide. These results demonstrate that 5-HT1, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors in the spinal cord mediate antinociception in response to noxious CRD in conscious rats.

Topics: Amidines; Animals; Blood Pressure; Colon; Indoles; Ketanserin; Male; Methysergide; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Muscles; Pressure; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Rectum; Reflex; Serotonin Antagonists; Spinal Cord; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Clozapine, an atypical neuroleptic drug devoid of extrapyramidal side effects, was a moderately potent, competitive inhibitor of the binding of [3H]quaternised ICS 205-930 to 5-HT3 receptor sites in rat cortical membranes, possessing a pKi value of 7.0. In contrast, several other antipsychotic agents, including fluphenazine, alpha-flupenthixol, haloperidol, spiperone and (-)-sulpiride were essentially inactive. Clozapine also antagonised the 2-methyl 5-HT-induced depolarisation of the rat isolated superior cervical ganglion, a response known to be mediated via 5-HT3 receptors. Clozapine (0.1-1 microM) induced parallel displacements to the right of the dose-response curve to 2-methyl 5-HT in this tissue, possessing a pKb value of 7.3. These data suggest that the atypical antipsychotic profile of clozapine may be related, at least, in part to its ability to interact with central 5-HT3 receptor sites.

Topics: Animals; Antipsychotic Agents; Cerebral Cortex; Clozapine; Ganglia, Sympathetic; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Kinetics; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Tropanes; Tropisetron

1. Intracellular recordings were made from neurones of the guinea-pig submucosal plexus. The effects of several 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists on depolarizations produced by ionophoretic application of 5-HT and acetylcholine, as well as on fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fast e.p.s.ps) produced by nerve stimulation were examined. 2. ICS 205-930, GR 38032F, MDL 72222, cocaine and curare all inhibited the fast e.p.s.p. as well as the depolarizations in response to 5-HT and acetylcholine (ACh) ionophoresis in a dose-dependent fashion. 3. IC50 values for ICS 205-930, GR 38032F, MDL 72222, cocaine and curare in inhibiting the 5-HT mediated depolarizations were 12 nM, 100 nM, 3 microM, 3 microM and 20 microM, respectively. 4. IC50 values for ICS 205-930, GR 38032F, MDL 72222, cocaine and curare in inhibiting the nicotinic depolarizations were 4 microM, 12 microM, 11 microM, 6 microM and 17 microM, respectively. Similar IC50 values were obtained for inhibition of the fast e.p.s.ps by these antagonists. 5. The nicotinic receptor blocker, hexamethonium, inhibited the nicotinic depolarization and the fast e.p.s.p. with IC50 values of 10 microM. Hexamethonium (10 microM-5 mM) did not alter the depolarization induced by 5-HT. 6. These results demonstrate that the pharmacological profile of 5-HT3 receptors present on submucosal neurones is identical to that of 5-HT3 receptors on myenteric neurones and, thus, provide evidence that the enteric neuronal 5-HT3 receptor forms a receptor subtype distinct from that characterized in other parts of the autonomic nervous system.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Cocaine; Curare; Electric Stimulation; Ganglionic Stimulants; Gastric Mucosa; Guinea Pigs; Hexamethonium Compounds; Imidazoles; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Iontophoresis; Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; Ondansetron; Receptors, Nicotinic; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

1. The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were studied in vitro on bladder and urethral muscle strips from the rabbit. 5-HT produced dose-dependent contraction in the detrusor and urethra. 2. The 5-HT-induced contraction could be dose-dependently inhibited by the 5-HT3 antagonists MDL 72222, ICS 205-930 and BRL 43694. No effect of ketanserin, methysergide or metitepine was observed on the contractile response to 5-HT. 3. Atropine and alpha, beta-methylene ATP both partially blocked the contractile response to 5-HT. Together they caused more inhibition than either alone. 4. Atropine and alpha, beta-methylene ATP also inhibited the contractile response to electrical field stimulation. The 5-HT3 antagonist MDL 72222 had no effect on the contraction to field stimulation. 5. The atropine- and alpha, beta-methylene ATP-resistant components of 5-HT-induced contraction were not affected by the 5-HT1 antagonists metitepine, the 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin and methysergide or the 5-HT3 antagonists MDL 72222, ICS 205-930 and BRL 43694. 6. Tetrodotoxin, hexamethonium, phentolamine and prazosin had no effect on the contractile response to 5-HT. 7. These results suggest that in the rabbit lower urinary tract (i) there are 5-HT3 receptors, (ii) the contractile response to 5-HT is mediated by presynaptic stimulation, (iii) there is non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic excitatory neurotransmission.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Atropine; Electric Stimulation; Female; Granisetron; In Vitro Techniques; Indazoles; Indoles; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Purines; Rabbits; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Synapses; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Urethra; Urinary Tract

Administration of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) to pyramidal cells of the CA1 region of the hippocampus results in a hyperpolarizing response which is followed by a rebound depolarization and a decrease in the calcium-activated afterhyperpolarization (AHP). While the hyperpolarizing response has been previously shown to be mediated by receptors of the 5-HT1A subtype, the identity of the receptor(s) involved in the depolarizing response and decrease of the AHP have not been identified. In the present study the effectiveness of a series of 5-HT receptor antagonists in blocking the membrane depolarization and reduction of the AHP was assessed. While a variety of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 antagonists were found to be ineffective, the substituted benzamide BRL 24924 was found to be a potent and selective antagonist of the 5-HT-induced depolarization and decrease in the AHP in this region. This effect however appeared unrelated to the ability of this compound to block 5-HT3 receptors, as ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 were markedly less efficacious in blocking these effects of 5-HT. Upon blockade of 5-HT1A receptors, 5-HT elicits a depolarization which is accompanied by a marked increase in excitability. These effects were also dose-dependently antagonized by BRL 24924. The present results thus suggest the presence in the CA1 region of the hippocampus of a novel 5-HT receptor at which BRL 24924 functions as a selective antagonist and which is capable of mediating slow excitatory responses in central neurons.

Topics: Animals; Benzamides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Calcium; Hippocampus; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Male; Neurons; Pyramidal Tracts; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effect of two 5HT3 antagonists, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222, on drug-induced place aversion was studied in a two-compartment apparatus with a procedure including a pre-test for spontaneous preference. Naloxone (0.8 mg/kg SC), phencyclidine (2.5 mg/kg SC) and picrotoxin (2.0 mg/kg IP) paired with the preferred compartment elicited a significant place aversion. ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 failed to modify spontaneous place preference when paired with both compartments. ICS 205-930 (30 micrograms/kg SC) paired with the preferred and, in other experiments, with the non-preferred compartment, also failed to modify spontaneous preference. ICS 205-930 (7.5, 15 and 30 micrograms/kg SC), paired with both compartments, dose-dependently reduced the place aversion induced by naloxone (0.8 mg/kg SC), phencyclidine (2.5 mg/kg SC) and picrotoxin (2.0 mg/kg IP). MDL 72222 (30 micrograms/kg SC) paired with both compartments had a similar effect. The result indicate that 5HT, via 5HT3 receptors, plays a role in the aversive properties of drug stimuli.

Topics: Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Indoles; Male; Naloxone; Phencyclidine; Picrotoxin; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-serotonin (2-Me-5-HT) mimicked the antinociceptive activity of 5-HT when intrathecally administered to rats. Two hundred micrograms (i.t.) doses of these agonists produced similar increases in tail flick latency. However, equal doses of 2-Me-5-HT and 5-HT doubled and tripled, respectively, the mean response latency as measured by the hot plate test. The potent and selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS 205-930 (3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate) and MDL 72222 (3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate) antagonized the antinociceptive effects of both 5-HT and 2-Me-5-HT. However, there were differences in the efficacy of these antagonists. Thus, intrathecal pretreatment with ICS 205-930 (0.05 micrograms) or MDL 72222 (0.1 micrograms) blocked the antinociceptive effects of 5-HT (200 micrograms, i.t.) as measured by the tail flick test, however, higher doses (0.1 and 1.0 micrograms, respectively) were required in the hot plate test. Pretreatment with ICS 205-930 (0.1 microgram) or MDL 72222 (0.1 microgram) blocked the effects of 2-Me-5-HT (200 micrograms, i.t.) in both analgesiometric tests. It is concluded that 5-HT3 receptors are intimately involved in the modulation of spinal nociceptive responses.

Topics: Animals; Indoles; Male; Nociceptors; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Reflex; Serotonin; Spinal Cord; Tropanes; Tropisetron

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) depolarized 87% of the rat dorsal root ganglion cells recorded. 5-HT increased the input resistance (Rin) in 50%, decreased Rin in 41% and produced both responses in 9% of the responding cells. When 5-HT increased the Rin, the response was mimicked by the 5-HT2 agonists alpha-methyl-5-HT, (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4 iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl, quipazine and MK 212 (6-chloro-1-[1-piperazinyl]-pyrazine), but not by 2-methyl-5-HT or carboxamidotryptamine. The response to 5-HT was antagonized by ketanserin, spiperone and methiothepin. The unsurmountable blockade induced by higher concentrations of ketanserin was not explained by pseudo-irreversible antagonism or multiple receptor subtypes, but could result from a two-state receptor model or multiple subtypes of the 5-HT2 receptor. This conclusion is supported by the partial agonist action of DOI. Cells responding to 5-HT with depolarization and decreased Rin responded similarly to 2-methyl-5-HT and phenylbiguanide, but not to alpha-methyl-5-HT or carboxyamidotryptamine. This response was surmountably blocked by ICS 205-930 (3-tropanyl-indole-3-carboxylate) (pA2 = 10.3) and MDL 72222 (3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate)(pA2 = 7.8). The arylpiperazines, quipazine and MK 212, antagonized the action of 2-methyl-5-HT with IC50 values of 8 and 4 nM, respectively. These data indicate that 5-HT2 receptors mediate the increased Rin and 5-HT3 receptors mediate the decreased Rin.

Topics: Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ganglia, Spinal; Indoles; Ketanserin; Male; Pyrazines; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Both substance P and, to a lesser degree, serotonin activate cation permeability in neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells, as determined by measurement of [14C]guanidinium uptake. Serotonin potentiates the action of substance P by shifting the concentration-effect curve of substance P to the left. The EC50 value for the synergistic effect of serotonin was around 0.3 microM. Dopamine and noradrenaline displayed comparable activity, albeit only at 50 and 130 times higher concentrations, respectively. The order of potency of various substance P-analogues was not changed by serotonin, indicating that the specificity of the substance P site on the hybrid cells was not affected by serotonin. Various other neurotransmitters and peptides had no effect on the response of the hybrid cells to substance P. The serotonin receptor interacting with the substance P receptor may be classified as a 5-HT3-receptor since methysergide, cimetidine, and ketanserin were ineffective, but two inhibitors specific for 5-HT3-receptors, ICS 205-930 (3 alpha-tropanyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester) and MDL 72222 (1 alpha H,3 alpha,5 alpha H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate), blocked the effect of serotonin at nanomolar concentrations. However, the two serotonin antagonists might also be blocking the ion permeability, since at higher concentrations they fully inhibited the stimulation of guanidinium uptake by substance P or by substance P plus serotonin. The synergism between substance P and serotonin on the hybrid cells offers the opportunity to study the mechanism of interaction of neurotransmitter receptors on a permanent neuronal cell line.

Topics: Catecholamines; Cations; Cell Line; Cell Membrane Permeability; Drug Interactions; Glioma; Guanidine; Guanidines; Indoles; Neuroblastoma; Neurons; Serotonin; Substance P; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The effect of two potent and specific antagonists of 5HT3 receptors, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222, on the reinforcing properties of amphetamine, morphine and nicotine was studied in rats. Drug-induced reinforcement was assessed by measuring drug-conditioned place preference. ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 dose-dependently reduced the place preference induced by morphine (1.0 mg/kg SC). At doses of 0.030 mg/kg SC the two antagonists completely blocked morphine-induced place preference while doses of 0.015 mg/kg SC significantly reduced it. ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 at doses of 0.030 mg/kg SC also prevented the place preference induced by nicotine (0.6 mg/kg SC). In contrast, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 up to doses of 0.030 mg/kg SC failed to modify the place preference elicited by amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg SC). The results indicate that 5HT3 receptors are specifically involved in the reinforcing properties of morphine and nicotine.

Topics: Amphetamine; Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Indoles; Male; Morphine; Nicotine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Reward; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The present study examined the analgesic effects of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS-205-930, MDL-7222 and GR-38032F in mice using acute thermal, mechanical and chemical pain tests. Subcutaneous administration (1-10 mg/kg) of these agents did not produce analgesia in either the thermal or mechanical pain tests. However, ICS-205-930, MDL-72222 and GR-38032F all produced dose-dependent analgesia in the chemical pain test, that was not altered by systemic naloxone administration (1 mg/kg, s.c.). Intracerebroventricular administration of these drugs (0.1-10 micrograms) was ineffective in producing analgesia in acute thermal, mechanical and chemical pain tests. These results suggest that peripheral 5-HT3 receptors play a role in chemical, but not thermal or mechanical nociceptive mechanisms.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Imidazoles; Indoles; Injections, Intraventricular; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Naloxone; Nociceptors; Ondansetron; Pain Measurement; Reaction Time; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Intraplantar administration of serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 (1-100 micrograms; 50 microliters) produced dose-related analgesia against formalin-induced acute- and Freunds adjuvant-induced chronic-inflammatory pain in rats. 5-HT3 receptor antagonists had greater effect in the chronic pain test than in the acute paradigm. In both tests, ICS 205-930 was more potent than MDL 72222. These data further support the involvement of peripheral 5-HT3 sites in inflammatory pain, and suggest the utility of selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists as peripheral analgesics.

Topics: Acute Disease; Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chronic Disease; Indoles; Male; Nociceptors; Pain Measurement; Rats; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that stimulation of the brainstem in the area of the descending lateral serotonin containing neurons of the B3 group in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), increases blood pressure and serotonin release in the spinal cord. The present experiments were designed to investigate the spinal cord serotonin receptor subtypes involved in mediating this pressor response. The area of the B3 neurons in the RVLM was electrically stimulated and the effects of intrathecally administered methysergide, an antagonist of 5HT1 and 5HT2 receptors, of ketanserin, a 5HT2 receptor antagonist or of ICS 205930 (ICS) or MDL 72222 (MDL), antagonists of 5HT3 receptors, were examined. Electrical stimulation of the area of the B3 serotonin-containing neurons in the RVLM increased mean arterial pressure. Intrathecal methysergide treatment attenuated the pressor response, but intrathecal MDL, ICS, ketanserin or saline were without effect. These results suggest that the pressor responses seen after stimulation of the area of the B3 serotonin neurons in the RVLM may be mediated through activation of spinal 5HT1 receptors.

Topics: Animals; Blood Pressure; Electric Stimulation; Glutamates; Indoles; Injections, Spinal; Ketanserin; Medulla Oblongata; Methysergide; Microinjections; Rats; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Serotonin; Spinal Cord; Tropanes; Tropisetron

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 antagonists have been reported to prevent emesis elicited by cisplatin and radiation. This study investigated the possibility that drugs with this mechanism of action may be useful in preventing emesis elicited by other stimuli. The drugs ICS 205-930 (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) and MDL 72222 (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) were administered SC to cats before challenging them with either provocative motion or an emetic dose of xylazine. In no instance was a significant reduction in emesis evident. Zacopride was also administered before motion testing (0.01 to 10.0 mg/kg) and found to not have efficacy. To test the possibility that species or route of administration were factors in the negative results, 1.0 mg/kg of ICS 205-930 was administered SC before IV infusion of 7.5 mg/kg of cisplatin. There was a total suppression of emesis for the duration of the six-hour observation periods. This result verifies other work which found 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonists to be effective in preventing emesis elicited by cancer chemotherapeutic treatments. However, there is no evidence that they are effective in other syndromes, such as motion sickness and xylazine-induced emesis.

Topics: Animals; Antiemetics; Benzamides; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic; Cats; Cisplatin; Indoles; Motion Sickness; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Thiazines; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Vomiting; Xylazine

Topics: Amphetamine; Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Indoles; Morphine; Nicotine; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222, displace 47-55% of the specific [3H]serotonin (100 nM) binding to synaptosomal membranes derived from the dorsal, but not ventral, spinal cord of rats with IC50s less than 1.0 nM. Methiothepin (10 microM) increased displacement to 86-94% without shifting these IC50s. Scatchard plots of [3H]5-HT binding in the presence of methiothepin (10 microM) reveal a single population of sites (KD = 11.5 nM, Bmax = 282 fmol mg-1 protein). These results indicate the presence of 5-HT3 binding sites in dorsal spinal cord.

Topics: Binding Sites; Cell Membrane; Indoles; Methiothepin; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Spinal Cord; Synaptosomes; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The specific binding of 3H-quipazine to putative 5-HT3 receptors was analyzed in multiple species. Specific and saturable binding of the radioligand could be detected in both rat (KD = 1.2 nM; Bmax = 3.0 pmol/g) and pig (KD = 1.3 +/- 0.2 nM; Bmax = 1.5 +/- 0.2 p/mol/g) cortical membranes. By contrast, no significant specific binding of 3H-quipazine could be detected in human, cow, dog, turtle, mouse, guinea pig, chicken or rabbit brain membranes. These data indicate that marked species variations exist in the presence and/or density of 5-HT3 membrane recognition sites in the central nervous system.

Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cerebral Cortex; Chickens; Cocaine; Dogs; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Indoles; Mice; Quinolines; Quipazine; Rabbits; Radioligand Assay; Rats; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Species Specificity; Swine; Tropanes; Tropisetron; Turtles

The effects of serotonin (5-HT), a well-known immunomodulator and neurotransmitter, on the ionic permeability of a pre-B lymphocyte cell line was investigated with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. We found that physiological doses of this biogenic amine regulate a voltage-gated potassium channel by activating different subsets of receptors. More specifically, 5-HT induces in the recorded cells (i) increase in the maximum potassium conductance, which is due to activation of 5-HT1-like receptors, and (ii) acceleration of the inactivation process that is under the control of 5-HT3 receptors and, accordingly, is mimicked by the 5-HT3 agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT; involvement of those two distinct categories of receptors was demonstrated by using specific antagonists that block predominantly one or the other of these two actions. These two results show that hormones can affect lymphocyte physiology through modulation of their ionic conductances in a way that might help explain some of the diverse effects of 5-HT on neuronal cells.

Topics: Abelson murine leukemia virus; Animals; B-Lymphocytes; Cell Line, Transformed; Electric Conductivity; Indoles; Ketanserin; Membrane Potentials; Metergoline; Methiothepin; Mice; Potassium; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Topics: Animals; Binding, Competitive; Brain Chemistry; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Topics: Animals; Conditioning, Operant; Indoles; Male; Morphine; Nicotine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Serotonin Antagonists; Tropanes; Tropisetron

The effect of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 on head shaking behavior induced by L-5-HTP and behavioral symptoms induced with 5-methoxy-N,N,-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) in rats was evaluated. Both drugs dose-dependently reduced L-5-HTP-induced head shaking but were at least 600 times less potent than pirenperone and ketanserin and at least 50 times less potent than methysergide. ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 were more than 1000 times less potent than pirenperone or methysergide and 100 times less potent than ketanserin in blocking 5-MeODMT-induced forepaw treading and tremor. Since it appears that head shakes induced by L-5-HTP are mediated by 5-HT2 receptors, these data suggest that ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 do not significantly interact with 5-HT2 receptors in the brain. Furthermore, the data suggest that ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 lack appreciable antagonistic activity at the 5-HT receptor(s) mediating those behavioral effects induced by 5-MeODMT.

Topics: 5-Hydroxytryptophan; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Indoles; Male; Methoxydimethyltryptamines; Methysergide; Piperidines; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Tranquilizing Agents; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been shown to be a neurotransmitter in the enteric nervous system (ENS). Although 5-HT is a mediator of slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked by stimulation of interganglionic connectives, the precise role it plays in the physiology of the gut is unclear. Research has been hampered by an inadequate knowledge of the types of 5-HT receptor in the ENS and thus the lack of well-characterized antagonists. We now report the identification of two classes of enteric neural 5-HT receptor, the effects of activating these receptors on myenteric type II/AH neurons, and their characterization with specific agonists and antagonists. One class, which we propose to call 5-HT1P, is characterized by a high affinity for [3H]5-HT in radioligand binding assays. This class of receptor mediates a slow depolarization of myenteric type II/AH neurons associated with an increase in input resistance. Agonists at this receptor include, in addition to 5-HT (in order of potency), 5- and 6-hydroxyindalpine and 2-methyl-5-HT. 5-HT1P-mediated responses are specifically antagonized by 5-hydroxytryptophyl-5-hydroxytryptophan amide. The other class of 5-HT receptor, which we propose to call 5-HT2P, appears not to have a high affinity for [3H]5-HT. This receptor mediates a brief depolarization of myenteric II/AH neurons associated with a fall in input resistance. 2-Methyl-5-HT, at low concentrations, is a specific agonist at this receptor and ICS 205-930 is a specific antagonist. Binding of [3H]5-HT to enteric membranes is inhibited by 5-HT1P receptor agonists and antagonists but not by the 5-HT2P receptor antagonist ICS 205-930 or by MDL 72222, another compound reported to be an antagonist of 5-HT at peripheral receptors.

Topics: Action Potentials; Animals; Guinea Pigs; Indoles; Jejunum; Myenteric Plexus; Peripheral Nerves; Receptors, Serotonin; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; Serotonin; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Slices of rabbit hippocampus were preincubated with 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA), then superfused continuously in the presence of the noradrenaline (NA) uptake inhibitor (+)oxaprotilin and twice stimulated electrically. The stimulation induced tritium overflow was increased by the 5-HT receptor agonists, 5-HT, 2-methyl-5-HT and 5-carboxamidotryptamine in a concentration dependent manner; a tyramine-like displacement of NA by the 5-HT agonists was prevented by (+)oxaprotilin. The 5-HT M-receptor antagonists, MDL 72222 and ICS 205-930, inhibited the facilitatory effects of 5-HT agonists as well as the enhanced tritium overflow due to the selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor, 6-nitroquipazine: in each case, concentrations much higher than those required to block M-receptors of the periphery were necessary. At high concentrations MDL 72222, in contrast to ICS 205-930, seems to have alpha-adrenoceptor antagonistic activity. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin, had no effect on 5-HT-induced facilitation of transmitter release; metitepin facilitated stimulation-evoked transmitter release per se both in the absence and presence of phentolamine. From our results we conclude that, as on peripheral nerve endings, also on central noradrenergic terminals, facilitatory 5-HT receptors are present that modulate NA release. The enhanced tritium overflow following 6-nitroquipazine may be due to an increased release of endogenous 5-HT, a suggestion which supports the hypothesis of a physiological innervation of these facilitatory 5-HT receptors on NA terminals.

Topics: Animals; Biological Transport, Active; Electric Stimulation; Hippocampus; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Maprotiline; Norepinephrine; Rabbits; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin; Tropanes; Tropisetron

Contractions induced by electrical field stimulation of isolated circular muscle strips, taken from the guinea-pig stomach, were enhanced by metoclopramide, ICS 205-930 and MDL 72222 at concentrations similar to those shown to antagonize at neuronal 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor sites in a variety of preparations. Metoclopramide, MDL 72222 and ICS 205-930 also facilitated gastric emptying in-vivo. The abilities of metoclopramide, MDL 72222 and ICS 205-930 to enhance stomach muscle contraction processes and to facilitate gastric emptying may be the consequence of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonism.

Topics: Animals; Electric Stimulation; Gastric Emptying; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Indoles; Male; Metoclopramide; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Serotonin Antagonists; Stomach; Tropanes; Tropisetron