5-HT_(2A)受体反向激动剂LPM6690061改善普拉克索致PD小鼠躁狂

为探讨5-HT_(2A)受体反向激动剂LPM6690061对普拉克索引起的帕金森病(PD)躁狂小鼠的症状改善作用及作用机制,采用1-甲基-4-苯基-1,2,3,6,-四氢吡啶(MPTP)建立小鼠PD模型,同时腹腔注射PPX建立小鼠PD躁狂模型,后灌胃给予2.0,6.0,18.0 mg/kg LPM6690061进行治疗。转棒、爬杆实验检测PD小鼠的运动障碍;悬尾、强迫游泳实验检测PD躁狂小鼠的情绪障碍;旷场实验检测PD躁狂小鼠的过度活动;Y迷宫实验检测PD躁狂小鼠的空间记忆;苏木精-伊红染色法检测海马体齿状回(DG)区细胞的损伤;蛋白免疫印迹法检测小鼠海马体糖原合酶激酶3β(GSK-3β)、磷酸化GSK-3β(P-GSK-3β)、丝氨酸/苏氨酸激酶(Akt)、磷酸化Akt(P-Akt)、细胞外调节蛋白激酶(Erk)、磷酸化Erk(P-Erk)、环磷腺苷效应元件结合蛋白(CREB)、磷酸化CREB(P-CREB)的表达。结果表明,5-HT_(2A)受体反向激动剂LPM6690061可改善普拉克索引起的PD小鼠的躁狂症状,抑制Akt/GSK-3β信号通路,降低海马体P-GSK-3β、P-Akt蛋白的表达;增强Erk/CREB通路,增加海马体P-Erk和P-CREB蛋白的表达,减少神经元凋亡,改善PD躁狂小鼠的空间记忆能力,减轻海马体DG区的颗粒细胞损伤。

Augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis mediated by 5-HT_(1A) and 5-HT_(2A/2C) receptors in mice

It has been reported that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice may be related to serotonergic system. The present study was undertaken to investigate the interaction of tetrandrine and different 5-HT receptors on pentobarbital-induced sleep by using the loss-of-righting reflex method. The results showed that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice were potentiated by the p-MPPI （5-HT1A receptor antagonist） （1 mg/kg, i.p.） and ketanserin （5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist） （1.5 mg/kg, i.p.）, respectively. Pretreatment with either 8-OH-DPAT （5-HT1A receptor agonist） （0.1 mg/kg, s.c.） or DOI （5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist） （0.2 mg/kg, i.p.） significantly decreased pentobarbital-induced sleep time, and tetrandrine （60 mg/kg, i.g.） significantly reversed this effect. These results suggest that both the 5-HTLA and 5-HT2A/2C subfamily may be involved in the potentiating mechanism of tetrandrine＇s effects on pantobarbital hypnosis.

The 5-HT2c receptor gene Cys23Ser polymorphism influences the intravaginal ejaculation latency time in Dutch Caucasian men with lifelong premature ejaculation

It has been postulated that the persistent short intravaginal ejaculation latency time （IELT） of men with lifelong premature ejaculation （LPE） is related to 5-hydroxytryptamine （HT）2c receptor functioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism and the duration of IELT in men with LPE. Therefore, a prospective study was conducted in 64 Dutch Caucasian men with LPE. Baseline IELT during coitus was assessed by stopwatch over a 1-month period. All men were genotyped for Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism. Allele frequencies and genotypes of Cys and Ser variants of 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism were determined. Association between Cys/Cys and Ser/Ser genotypes and the natural logarithm of the IELT in men with LPE were.investigated. As a result, the geometric mean, median and natural mean IELT were 25.2, 27.0, 33.9s, respectively. Of all men, 20.0%, 10.8%, 23.1% and 41.5% ejaculated within 10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-60s after vaginal penetration. Of the 64 men, the Cys/Cys and Ser/Ser genotype frequency for the Cys23Ser polymorphism of the 5-HT2c receptor gene was 81% and 19%, respectively. The geometric mean IELT of the wildtypes （Cys/Cys） is significantly lower （22.6s; 95% CI 18.3-27.8s） than in male homozygous mutants （Ser/Ser） （40.4s; 95% CI 20.3-80.4s） （P = 0.03）. It is concluded that Cys23Ser 5-HT2c receptor gene polymorphism is associated with the IELT in men with LPE. Men with Cys/Cys genotype have shorter IELTs than men with Ser/Ser genotypes.

Roles of 5-HT2 receptors in effects of DOM,ketamine and methamphetamine on prepulse inhibition in Sprague Dawley rats

OBJECTIVE Prepulse inhibition(PPI)of the acoustic startle response provides a measure of sensorimotor gating system mecha⁃nisms,which is known to be impaired in schizo⁃phrenia patients.We assessed the effects of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist(±)2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine(DOM),the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine,the dopamine receptor ago⁃nist methamphetamine(Meth)on PPI and the startle magnitude in SD rats.METHODS AND RESULTS Systemic administration of the three compounds all dose-dependently reduced PPI.However,as far as startle magnitude,only DOM at the doses of 3 mg·kg-1 reduced that,while both ketamine and Meth did not change the startle magnitudes.Furthermore,to determine whether 5-HT2A receptor mediate this effect,the non-spe⁃cific 5-HT2 receptor antagonist cyproheptadine,specific 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin and specific 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084 were tested.Cyproheptadine,ketan⁃serin and SB242084 did not alter startle ampli⁃tude by themselves in SD rats and only ketanserin slightly increased PPI at higher dose(3 mg·kg-1).PPI impairment induced by DOM was restored by pretreatment of cyproheptadine(1 mg·kg-1)and ketanserin(1 mg·kg-1),while not by pretreat⁃ment of SB242084(1 mg·kg-1).Damage of PPI induced by ketamine and Meth was not reversed by cyproheptadine(1 and 5 mg·kg-1).CONCLU⁃SION The receptor mechanisms underlying the disruption of PPI caused by DOM,ketamine and Meth were different from each other,at least 5-HT2A receptor was not the junction receptor for which the three chemicals acted.

Systems pharmacology modeling in neuroscience: Prediction and outcome of PF-04995274, a 5-HT4 partial agonist, in a clinical scopolamine impairment trial

Background: 5-HT4receptors in cortex and hippocampus area are considered as a possible target for modulation of cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A systems pharmacology approach was adopted to evaluate the potential of the 5-HT4 modulation in providing beneficialeffects on cognition in AD. Methods: A serotonergic synaptic cleft model was developed by integrating serotonin firing, release, synaptic half-life, drug/tracer properties (affinity and agonism) as inputs and5-HT4 activity as output. The serotonergic model was calibrated using bothinvivo data on free 5-HT levels in preclinical models and human imaging data. The model was further expanded to other neurontransmitter systems and incorporated into a computer-based cortical network model which implemented the physiology of 12 different membrane CNS targets. A biophysically realistic, multi-compartment model of 80 pyramidal cells and 40 interneurons was further calibrated usingdata reported for working memory tasks in healthyhumans and schizophrenia patients. Model output was the duration of the network firing activity in response to an external stimulus. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, in particular synapse and neuronal cell loss in addition to cholinergic deficits, was calibrated to align with the natural clinical disease progression. The model was used to provide insights into the effect of 5-HT4 activation on working memory and to prospectively simulate the response of PF- 04995274, a 5-HT4partial agonist, in a scopolamine-reversal trial in healthy human subjects. Results: The model output suggested a beneficial effect of 5-HT4 agonism on working memory. The model also projected no effect or an exacerbation of scopolamine impairment for low in- trinsic activity 5-HT4agonists, which was supported by the subsequent human trial outcome. The clinical prediction of the disease model strongly suggests that 5-HT4 agonists with high intrinsic activity may have a beneficial effect on cognition in AD patients.

Effects of Estradiol on 5-HTsA and 5-HT2c Receptor Immunolabeling in Rat Hippocampus

Steroid hormones participate in the modulation of serotonergic transmission, including the regulation of synthetic and metabolic enzyme production, as well as receptor and transporter activity. The changes of 5-HT5A and 5-HT2c immunolabeling induced by steroids in the hippocampus ofovariectomized rats were studied in this work. Densitometric analysis in rat hippocampi were carried out for adjacent brain coronal immunolabeled sections after treatment with subcutaneous injections of vehicle, estradiol, progesterone or the combination of both steroids in ovariectomized rats. Exposure to estradiol and the combination of estradiol and progesterone significantly reduced the 5-HT5A-like immunosignal in the CA 1 region while progesterone did not induce changes. On the other hand, exposure to the combination of estradiol and progesterone or estradiol alone increased the 5-HT2c immunosignal in the same region. These results indicate that estradiol is involved in the discrete regulation of serotonin receptors 5-HT5A and 5-HT2c in rat hippocampus.

Role of 5-HT2A Receptors in Immunomodulation in Animal Models of Aggressive Behavior

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are playing an important role in the pathophysiology of aggressive behaviors and in the control of immune function. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of activation and blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with selective ligands on the immune response formation in animals with aggressive behaviors induced by genetic factors (rats selected for the increased aggressiveness toward human) or by chronic social stress (mice of the CBA/Lac strain engaged in 10 days of social confrontations). Activation of 5-HT2A receptors with DOI at 1.0 mg/kg reduced the immune response level both in aggressive rats and mice compared to the corresponding vehicle-treated groups, while DOI administration did not alter the immune reaction in nonaggressive animals. The blockade of 5-HT2A receptors with ketanserin at 1.0 mg/kg resulted in immunostimulation both in mice of the CBA strain not subjected to social stress (the controls) and in nonaggressive rats selected for elimination of aggressiveness. On the other hand, its administration to CBA mice demonstrating offensive aggression enhanced the immune reaction, while the same dose of ketanserin did not modify the immune response level in rats with genetic predisposition to the increased defensive aggression. Thus, our data suggest that the role of 5-HT2A receptors in immunomodulation depends on the specific type of aggression that may be taking into account in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric disorders with the antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants targeting 5-HT2A receptors.

S1-2 The 5-HT6 Receptor-Related Mechanism for the Cognition-Enhancing Properties of Hypidone Hydrochloride(YL-0919),A Novel Protential Antidepressant

Hypidone hydrochloride(YL-0919),the 5-HT1A/6 agonists and 5-HT reuptake inhibitor,is a novel potent antidepressant with original chemical structure.Previous studies confirmed that YL-0919 has significant antidepressant-and anxiolytic-like effects.Compared with first-line antidepressants,YL-0919 possesses rapid-onset and cognition-enhancing advantages without causing sexual disorders.Recently,it has been found that it has high affinity with 5-HT6 receptor.Objective:To study the target characteristics of YL-0919 to 5-HT6 receptors,and to explore the relationship between the 5-HT6 receptor and the cognition-enhancing,antidepressant/anxiolytic-like effects of YL-0919 and targeting mechanisms.Methods:The radioligand binding inhibition test and[35S]-GTPγS binding assay were used to evaluate the binding affinity of YL-0919 to 5-HT6 receptor in rat striatum,transient CHO cell line and stable Hela cell lines.Novel object recognition(NOR),Morris water maze(MWM)and step-down test(SD)were used to evaluate the cognition-enhancing activity of YL-0919,and the selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB271046 was used to evaluate the relationship between behavioral improvement caused by YL-0919 and 5-HT6 receptor activation.To study the 5-HT6 receptor related mechanisms of YL-0919,the competitive immunofluorescence assay were used to examine the cAMP level in h5-HT6 receptor-expressed in the Hela cells Results:①Radioligand competitive binding experiments showed that YL-0919 had high binding affinity with 5-HT6 receptors in the rat striatum,the CHO cells transiently expressed the h5-HT6 receptor and the Hela cells stably expressed the h5-HT6 receptor,with Ki of 10.72,14.76 and 28.12 nM respectively;[35S]-GTPγS showed full agonist characteristics of YL-0919 in striatum and cells,with EC50 of 71.23,64.73 and 52.92 nM respectively,and the maximum efficiency(Emax)reached 100%which is the same to the 5-HT6 receptor agonist WAY208466,suggesting that YL-0919 is a full 5-HT6 receptor agonist.②Cognitive-related behavioral tests showed that subchronic oral administration of YL-0919(1.25~2.5 mg·kg-1)could significantly increase the recognition index in NOR,the entries and duration in the target quadrant,the entries crossing the platform in WMW,shortened the first time crossing the platform in MWM and the step-down latency in SD,suggesting the cognitionenhancing effects of YL-0919;compared with Vilazodone,the partial agonist of 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HT reuptake inhibitor,which of no such functions;Further study showed that 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB271046(10 mg·kg-1)completely blocked the cognition-enhancing effects of YL-0919 without affecting the cognitive activity itself,suggesting that 5-HT6 receptor activation might be its underlying mechanisms;③Mechanism study found that YL-0919 could significantly increase cAMP levels in the Hela cells stably-expressed the h5-HT6 receptor,which could be dose-dependent blocked by SB271046.Conclusion:YL-0919 is a full agonist of 5-HT6 receptor.YL-0919 showed significant cognition-enhancing effects in various kinds of animal models,and its underlying important mechanism might be activating 5-HT6 receptor.In addition,enhancing downstream cAMP-CREB signaling pathway of 5-HT6 receptor might at least partially mediate the above process.Moreover,5-HT6 receptor activation might also be one of the mechanisms of antidepressant-and anxiolytic-like effects of YL-0919.In conclusion,this study confirmed the 5-HT6 receptor-related mechanisms of YL-0919,the 1.1 types of antidepressants,laying the experimental foundation for developing novel antidepressants with cognition-enhancing effects.

Thalamic Nucleus Reuniens Glutamatergic Neurons Mediate Colorectal Visceral Pain in Mice via 5-HT2B Receptors

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a common functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and visceral hypersensitivity.Reducing visceral hypersensitivity is the key to effectively relieving abdominal pain in IBS.Increasing evidence has confirmed that the thalamic nucleus reuniens(Re)and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)neurotransmitter system play an important role in the development of colorectal visceral pain,whereas the exact mechanisms remain largely unclear.In this study,we found that high expression of the 5-HT2B receptors in the Re glutamatergic neurons promoted colorectal visceral pain.Specifically,we found that neonatal maternal deprivation(NMD)mice exhibited visceral hyperalgesia and enhanced spontaneous synaptic transmission in the Re brain region.Colorectal distension(CRD)stimulation induced a large amount of c-Fos expression in the Re brain region of NMD mice,predominantly in glutamatergic neurons.Furthermore,optogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic neuronal activity in the Re altered colorectal visceral pain responses in CON and NMD mice.In addition,we demonstrated that 5-HT2B receptor expression on the Re glutamatergic neurons was upregulated and ultimately promoted colorectal visceral pain in NMD mice.These findings suggest a critical role of the 5HT2B receptors on the Re glutamatergic neurons in the regulation of colorectal visceral pain.

Targeted to medication-induced dyskinesia and tardive dyskinesia:A role of 5-HT_(1A) receptor

Objective To outline the recent progress in drug discovery for medication-induced dyskinesia(Parkinson disease,PD)and tardive diskinesia(schizophrenia)with emphasizing the role of 5-HT1A receptor.Methods Development of extrapyramidal syndrome(EPS)followed either chronic L-DOPA administration in PD(L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia,LID)or antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia(Tardive dyskinesia,TD)remains a challenge in the clinical practice and drug discovery.In addition to the abnormal dopamine activity in the nigrostrial area that contributes to the LID or TD,recent information indicates that 5-HT1A receptor also plays an important role which is merging as promising target in treatment of LID or TD.Results l-Stepholidine(l-SPD),isolated from the Chinese herb Stephania,is known as a dual dopamine receptor agent(D1 receptor agonistic and D2 antagonistic activity).In addition,we further demonstrated that l-SPD binds to 5-HT1A receptor and exhibits a partial agonistic activity.In LID rat model,l-SPD not only attenuated the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia(LID),but also relived the established LID.The effect of l-SPD on LID was completely blocked by pretreatment of 5-HT1A receptor antagonist,indicating the role of 5-HT1A receptor.Furthermore,we designed and synthesis a dual dopamine/5-HT1A receptor agonist MCL-135,which also exhibits a significant relief on LID while elicits its antiparkinsonian action.Conclusions 5-HT1A receptor plys an important role in the development of LID,targeted to dual dopamine/5-HT receptor may represent a promising strategy for drug design and discovery in LID and TD treatment.

Inhibition of 5-HT_3 Receptors-activated Currents by Cannabinoids in Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons

This study investigated the modulatory effect of synthetic cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 on 5-HT3 receptor-activated currents (I5-HT3) in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons using whole-cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that: (1) The majority of examined neurons (78.70%) were sensitive to 5-HT (3–300 μmol/L). 5-HT induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner and the currents were blocked by ICS 205-930 (1 μmol/L), a selective antagonist of the 5-HT3 receptor; (2) Pre-application of WIN55,212-2 (0.01–1 μmol/L) significantly inhibited I5-HT3 reversibly in concentration-dependent and voltage-independent manners. The concentra-tion-response curve of 5-HT3 receptor was shifted downward by WIN55,212-2 without any change of the threshold value. The EC50 values of two curves were very close (17.5±4.5) mmol/L vs. (15.2±4.5) mmol/L and WIN55,212-2 decreased the maximal amplitude of I5-HT3 by (48.65±4.15)%; (3) Neither AM281, a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, nor AM630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist reversed the inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2; (4) When WIN55,212-2 was given from 15 to 120 s before 5-HT application, inhibitory effect was gradually increased and the maximal inhibition took place at 90 s, and the inhibition remained at the same level after 90 s. We are led to concluded that-WIN55,212-2 inhibited I5-HT3 significantly and neither CB1 receptor antagonist nor CB2 receptor antagonist could reverse the inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2. Moreover, WIN55,212-2 is not an open channel blocker (OCB) of 5-HT3 receptor. WIN55,212-2 significantly inhibited 5-HT-activated currents in a non-competitive manner. The inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2 is probably new one of peripheral analgesic mechanisms of WIN55,212-2, but the mechanism by which WIN55,212-2 inhibits I5-HT3 warrants further investigation.

Rivastigmine Restores 5-HT_1AReceptor Levels in the Hippocampus of Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice

Rivastigmine, a dual acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor, is used for symptomatic treatment of patients with mild to moderately severe dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. In the present study, we found that 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) is downregulated, whereas 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is upregulated in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 region by olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) in mice. Furthermore, chronic treatment with rivastigmine (1.0 mg/kg) for 2 weeks starting 2 weeks after OBX operation restored the decreased 5-HT1AR and the increased 5-HT2AR levels. To determine whether cholinergic receptor stimulation by rivastigmine is involved in the rivastigmine-induced regulation of 5-HTR levels, we treated the mice with mecamylamine (2.5 mg/kg), or atropine (5.0 mg/kg) with rivastigmine (1.0 mg/kg) once a day for 2 weeks. Notably, the rivastigmine-induced 5-HT1AR upregulation was eliminated by mecamylamine but not by atropine treatments. On the other hand, the restored 5-HT2AR level by rivastigmine was not affected by either mecamylamine or atropine. Treatment with 8-OH-DPAT, a selective 5-HT1AR agonist improved the decreased 5-HT1AR and the increased 5-HT2AR levels in OBX mice. On the other hand, treatment with TCB-2, a potent 5-HT2AR agonist had no effects on the 5-HT1AR and 5-HT2AR dysregulation in OBX mice. Taken together, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) stimulation mediates rivastigmine-induced upregulation of 5-HT1AR. Therefore, we speculate that the increased ACh levels by rivastigmine can stimulate nAChR located on serotonergic nerve terminals and stimulate 5-HT1AR by the enhanced 5-HT release in the hippocampus. The 5-HT1AR stimulation likely mediates the improvement of 5-HT1AR levels as auto-receptor in OBX hippocampus.

Inhibition of α5 GABAA receptors has preventive but not therapeutic effects on isoflurane-induced memory impairment in aged rats

The α5 subunit-containing gamma-amino butyric acid type A receptors(α5 GABAARs) are a distinct subpopulation that are specifically distributed in the mammalian hippocampus and also mediate tonic inhibitory currents in hippocampal neurons. These tonic currents can be enhanced by low-dose isoflurane, which is associated with learning and memory impairment. Inverse agonists of α5 GABAARs, such as L-655,708, are able to reverse the short-term memory deficit caused by low-dose isoflurane in young animals. However, whether these negative allosteric modulators have the same effects on aged rats remains unclear. In the present study, we mainly investigated the effects of L-655,708 on low-dose(1.3%) isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment in elderly rats. Young(3-month-old) and aged(24-month-old) Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive L-655,708 0.5 hour before or 23.5 hours after 1.3% isoflurane anesthesia.The Morris Water Maze tests demonstrated that L-655,708 injected before or after anesthesia could reverse the memory deficit in young rats. But in aged rats, application of L-655,708 only before anesthesia showed similar effects. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that low-dose isoflurane decreased the mRNA expression of α5 GABAARs in aging hippocampal neurons but increased that in young animals. These findings indicate that L-655,708 prevented but could not reverse 1.3% isoflurane-induced spatial learning and memory impairment in aged Wistar rats. All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Academy of Military Medical Science of China(approval No. NBCDSER-IACUC-2015128) in December 2015.

Domesticated HERV-W env contributes to the activation of the small conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)type 2 channels via decreased 5-HT4 receptor in recent-onset schizophrenia

The human endogenous retroviruses type W family envelope(HERV-W env)gene is located on chromosome 7q21-22.Our previous studies show that HERV-W env is elevated in schizophrenia and HERV-W env can increase cal-cium influx.Additionally,the 5-HTergie system and particularly 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)receptors play a prominent role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia.5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4(5-HT4R)agonist can block calcium channels.However,the underlying relationship between HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the etiology of schizophrenia has not been revealed.Here,we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect the concentration of HERV-W env and 5-HT4R in the plasma of patients with schizophrenia and we found that there were decreased levels of 5-HT4R and a negative correlation between 5-HT4R and HERV-W env in schizophrenia.Overexpression of HERV-W env decreased the transcription and protein levels of 5-HT4R but increased small conductance Ca^(2+)-activated K^(+)type 2 channels(SK2)expression levels.Further studies revealed that HERV-w env could interact with 5-HT4R.Additionally,luciferase assay showed that an essential region(-364 to-176 from the transcription start site)in the SK2 promoter was required for HERV-W env-induced SK2 expression.Importantly,5-HT4R participated in the regulation of SK2 expression and promoter activity.Electrophysiological recordings suggested that HERV-Wenv could increase SK2 channel currents and the increase of SK2 currents was inhibited by 5-HT4R.In condusion,HERV-W env could activate SK2 channels via decreased 5-HT4R,which might exhibit a novel mechanism for HERV-Wenv to influence neuronal activity in schizophrenia.

Changes of Serotonin （5-HT）, 5-HT2A Receptor, and 5-HT Transporter in the Sprague-Dawley Rats of Depression, Myocardial Infarction and Myocardial Infarction Co-exist with Depression

Background： To evaluate whether serotonin （5-HT）, 5-HT2A receptor （5-HT2AR）, and 5-HT transporter （serotonin transporter [SERT]） are associated with different disease states of depression, myocardial infarction （MI） and MI co-exist with depression in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods： After established the animal model of four groups include control, depression, MI and MI with depression, we measured 5-HT, 5-HT2AR and SERT from serum and platelet lysate.Results： The serum concentration of 5-HT in depression rats decreased significantly compared with the control group （303.25 ± 9.99 vs. 352.98 ±13.73; P =0.000）, while that in MI group increased （381.78 ±14.17 vs. 352.98 ±13.73; P = 0.000）. However, the depression ＋ MI group had no change compared with control group （360.62 ±11.40 vs. 352.98 ±13.73; P = 0.036）. The changes of the platelet concentration of 5-HT in the depression, MI, and depression ＋ MI group were different from that of serum. The levels of 5-HT in above three groups were lower than that in the control group （380.40 ± 17.90, 387.75 ±22.28,246.40 ±18.99 vs. 500.29 ±20.91 ; P = 0.000）. The platelet lysate concentration of 5-HT2AR increased in depression group, MI group, and depression ＋ MI group compared with the control group （370.75 ±14.75,393.47 ±15.73,446.66 ±18.86 vs. 273.66 ±16.90; P= 0.000）. The serum and platelet concentration of SERT in the depression group, MI group and depression ＋ MI group were all increased compared with the control group （527.51 ±28.32, 602.02 ±23.32, 734.76 ±29.59 vs. 490.56 ±16.90; P 0,047, P = 0.000, P = 0.000 in each and 906.38 ±51.84, 897.33 ±60.34, 1030.17 ±58.73 vs. 708.62 ±51.15; P = 0.000 in each）. Conclusions： The concentration of 5-HT2AR in platelet lysate and SERT in serum and platelet may be involved in the pathway of MI with depression. Further studies should examine whether elevated 5-HT2AR and SERT may contribute to the biomarker in MI patients with depression.

Sleep Deprivation Selectively Down-Regulates Astrocytic 5-HT2B Receptors and Triggers Depressive-Like Behaviors via Stimulating P2X7 Receptors in Mice

Chronic loss of sleep damages health and disturbs the quality of life.Long-lasting sleep deprivation(SD)as well as sleep abnormalities are substantial risk factors for major depressive disorder,although the underlying mechanisms are not clear.Here,we showed that chronic SD in mice promotes a gradual elevation of extracellular ATP,which activates astroglial P2X7 receptors(P2X7Rs).Activated P2X7Rs,in turn,selectively down-regulated the expression of 5-HT2B receptors(5-HT2BRs)in astrocytes.Stimulation of P2X7Rs induced by SD selectively suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT and FoxO3 a in astrocytes,but not in neurons.The overexpression of FoxO3a in astrocytes inhibited the expression of 5-HT2BRs.Down-regulation of 5-HT2BsRs instigated by SD suppressed the activation of STAT3 and relieved the inhibition of Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A2.This latter cascade promoted the release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandin E2.The depression-like behaviors induced by SD were alleviated in P2X7R-KO mice.Our study reveals the mechanism underlying chronic SD-induced depression-like behaviors and suggests 5-HT2BRs as a key target for exploring therapeutic strategies aimed at the depression evoked by sleep disorders.

Bioassay-guided isolation of saikosaponins with agonistic activity on 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor from Bupleurum chinense and their potential use for the treatment of obesity

5-Hydroxytryptamine 2C(5-HT2C) receptor is one of the major targets of anti-obesity agents, due to its role in regulation of appetite. In the present study, the 70% EtO H extract of the roots of Bupleurum chinense was revealed to have agonistic activity on 5-HT2 C receptor, and the subsequent bioassay-guided isolation led to identification of several saikosaponins as the active constituents with 5-HT2 C receptor agonistic activity in vitro and anti-obesity activity in vivo. The new compound, 22-oxosaikosaponin d(1), was determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses(HR-ESI-MS, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR). The primary structure-activity relationship study suggested that the intramolecular ether bond between C-13 and C-28 and the number of sugars at C-3 position were closely related to the 5-HT2 C receptor agonistic activity. Saikosaponin a(3), the main saponin in B. chinense, showed obviously agonistic activity on 5-HT2 C receptor with an EC50 value of 21.08 ± 0.33 μmol×L^(–1) in vitro and could reduce food intake by 39.1% and 69.2%, and weight gain by 13.6% and 16.4%, respectively, at 3.0 and 6.0 mg×kg^(–1) in vivo. This investigation provided valuable information for the potential use of B. chinense as anti-obesity agent.

Effect of Synthetic Leucopyrokinin Analog [D-AlaS]-[2-8]-Leucopyrokinin （[D-AlaS]-[2-8]-LPK） on Opioid-lnduced Analgesia in Rats

The study was undertaken in order to evaluate effect of synthetic insect neuropeptide leucopyrokinin analog, [D-Ala5]-[2-8]-LPK, on analgesia induced by selective agonists of/a-, 6- and l〈-opioid receptors. The study was performed on male Wistar rats, which a week before the experiments were implanted with polyethylene cannulas into the lateral brain ventricle （icv）. Effect of prior administration of [D-Ala5]-[2-8]-LPK on analgesia induced in rats by next icv administration of equimolar dose of μ-, δ- and -opioid agonists： DAMGO, DPDPE and GR fumarate respectively, was evaluated. Antinociceptive effect was determined in rats by the test of the tail immersion. It was found that two doses of 5 and 10 nmols icv of [D-AlaS]-[2-8]-LPK inhibited analgesia in rats by equimolar doses of DAMGO. This analog also transiently （only in two time intervals） and in one dose of 10 nmols inhibited analgesia induced in rats by icv administration of equimolar DPDPE dose of 10 nmols icv. Obtained results indicate that [D-AlaS]-[2-8]-LPK inhibits antinociceptive effect of DAMGO and in part of DPDPE, i.e. mainly antagonized ~t-opioid receptors. These results correspond with results of our previous study that selective antagonists of μ- and δ-opioid receptors blocked antinociceptive effect of synthetic insect neuropeptide leucopyrokinin and of it active analog [2-8]-leucopyrokinin. We regard that [D-AIaS]-[2-8]-LPK, the first discovered antagonist of leucopyrokinin may be a useful as a probable tool substance in the study of biological effects of insect-derived peptides either in invertebrates or in mammals.

W1302对大鼠急性缺血性脑卒中模型脑保护作用研究

硝酸2-(4-甲基噻唑-5-基)乙酯盐酸盐(W1302)是含硝基的氯美噻唑衍生物,它是一种既有一氧化碳(carbon monoxide, NO)供体又具有弱γ-氨基丁酸A型(γ-aminobutyric acid type A, GABA_(A))受体的变构调节激动作用的新型脑保护剂。当前研究采用大脑中动脉缺血再灌注(transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, tMCAO)脑损伤大鼠模型,评价W1302对缺血性脑卒中的治疗作用,并探索其潜在的作用机制。本实验经过中国医学科学院药物研究所实验动物管理和使用委员会的审查批准(伦理审查表号No. 620、632、5013)。研究结果显示:灌胃给予1、3、10 mg·kg^(-1)剂量的W1302,可显著减少缺血2 h再灌24 h大鼠脑梗死体积,且疗效优于200 mg·kg^(-1)丁基苯酞;显著增加血液和脑组织中NO水平,提高再灌后脑血流量和脑内三磷酸腺苷(adenosine triphosphate, ATP)含量;明显抑制脑组织炎症因子包括肿瘤坏死因子α (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β (interleukin-1β, IL-1β)的表达;抗脑缺血时间窗可达缺血后120~180 min。这些研究结果证明, W1302可通过增加NO释放,扩张血管、增加脑血流量,改善脑组织能量供应,升高ATP水平,抑制神经炎症,发挥其对tMCAO脑卒中模型大鼠的保护作用,从而为W1302治疗缺血性脑卒中的临床应用提供理论支持。

吡啶氧烷基苯基(高)哌嗪类多巴胺D_(2)/D_(3)、5-HT_(1A)受体激动剂的设计合成及活性研究

目的设计合成吡啶氧烷基苯基(高)哌嗪类多巴胺D_(2)/D_(3)、5-HT_(1A)三重受体激动剂。方法以取代苯基哌嗪为原料,经氯烷基化、缩合反应得到吡啶氧烷基苯基哌嗪类化合物;以2-氰基-5-羟基吡啶为原料,经羟烷基化、酯化、缩合反应得到吡啶氧烷基苯基高哌嗪化合物;对目标化合物进行体外受体功能实验和肝微粒体稳定性实验,以考察其体外活性及初步代谢稳定性。结果与结论共合成15个未见文献报道的新化合物,其结构经MS、1H-NMR确证;体外受体功能实验结果表明,化合物1、6、7、8、10具有三重受体激动活性,其中化合物10对多巴胺D_(2)/D_(3)及5-HT受体均具有高激动活性;体外大鼠和人肝微粒体实验结果表明,化合物10代谢稳定性较好;化合物10具有作为新型多靶点抗帕金森病活性分子进行深入研究的价值。