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.

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.

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.

Effects of Activation and Blockade of Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptors on the Immune Response in Rats Selected for Different Levels of Aggressiveness

The present study examines the effects of serotonin (5-HT) 1A receptor ligands on humoral im-mune response in two rat lines selected for over 75 generations for the enhancement or elimination of aggression. Activation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors with a low dose of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg) or the blockade of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors with the antagonist WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg) did not affect the numbers of IgM-antibody forming cells (IgM-AFC) in the spleen of highly aggressive rats, which were characterized by higher immune responsiveness compared to nonaggressive line. On the other hand, the same doses of 8-OH-DPAT and WAY-100635, as well as a higher dose of 8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg/kg), which is known to activate postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, produce immunostimulation in nonaggressive rats. However, only the highest dose of 8-OH-DPAT (5.0 mg/kg) was able to cause immunosuppression in nonaggressive rats that was mainly dependent on stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. In contrast to nonaggressive rats, the dose of 1.0 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT was sufficient to produce a decrease in the numbers of IgM-AFC in highly aggressive rats. Thus, pharmacological activation of pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, as well as the blockade of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, produced different effects on the immune response in two lines of rats selected for high level of aggression or its absence. These data may have implications for more efficient treatments of a number of mental disorders associated with abnormal aggression.

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.

New 3-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-(benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-2-methylpropanol derivatives:Synthesis and evaluation for dual 5-HT1A/SSRI activities

A series of 3-（4-arylpiperazin-1-yl）-1-（benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl）-2-methylpropanol derivatives were designed and synthesized based on 5-HT1A/SSRI drugs design strategies.The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their dual 5-HT1A/5-HTT activities.

N-(2-(2-Methoxyphenylthio)benzyl)-2-aryloxyethylamines:Synthesis and evaluation for dual 5-HT_(1A)/SSRI activities

The design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-（2-（2-methoxyphenylthio） benzyl）-2-aryloxyethyl amines with dual 5-HT1A/SSR/activities are reported. Compound 8e displays the best dual activities and is a promising lead compound for further SAR studies.

Arylpiperazine derivatives of diphenylsulfide:Synthesis and evaluation for dual 5-HT_(1A)/SSRI activities

The design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of arylpiperazine derivatives of diphenylsulfide with dual 5- HT1A/SSRI activities are reported. The target compounds exhibit low to moderate 5-HT transporter affinity and moderate to high 5- HT1A affinity, Compound 13a shows moderate dual activities and is a promising lead compound for further structure-activity relationships studies.

1-[2-(2-Methoxyphenylthio) benzyl]-4-arylpiperazines derivatives:Synthesis and evaluation for dual 5-HT_(1A)/SSRI activities

A series of 1-[2-（2-methoxyphenylthio） benzyl]-4-arylpiperazines derivatives was designed and synthesized based on 5-HT1A/ SSRI drugs design strategies. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their dual 5-HT1A/5-HTT activities. 2007 Ai Jun Li. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

1-(N-(2-(2-Methoxyphenylthio)benzyl)-N-methylamino-3-aryloxypropan-2-ols:Synthesis and evaluation for dual 5-HT_(1A)/SSRI activities

A series of 1-（N-（2-（2-methoxyphenylthio）benzyl）-N-methylamino-3-aryloxypropan-2-ols derivatives were designed and synthesized based on 5-HT1A/SSRI drugs design strategies. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their dual 5-HT1A/ 5-HTT activities. 2007 Ai Jun Li. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

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.

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.

Molecular signaling of 5-HT_1Aand presence of serotonergic cells in the fetal cerebral cortex

Early appearance of the serotonergic system in the fetal brain and the various effects of serotonin (5-HT) on brain morphogenesis, have given support to a neurotrophic role of serotonin. This function of serotonin is accomplished through a system of serotonin nerve terminals in the target regions that involves various 5-HT receptors. In visual, auditory and somatosensory cortex an early and intense serotonergic innervation is particularly important. The neuronal somata of these terminals are normally located in the mesencephalon and they have not been observed in the maturing cerebral cortex, neither in the adult brain. By using immunolabeling techniques, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, we observe the presence of both, 5-HT terminals and 5-HT cells in mesencephalon (Me, E17) and in the neopallium (Np, E13-E16) cocultures. Cells immunopositive to 5-HT and to tryptophan-5-hydroxilase are also observed in the Np on day 12 of culture. These results concerning the unexpected presence of serotonergic cells in the fetal cerebral cortex are interesting and may be of importance in corticogenesis. As it happens with other elements of the serotonergic system, the presence of these phenotypically serotonergic cells in the early cerebral cortex may be transitory and probably supporting cortex maturation processes. The molecular signaling path of the 5-HT1A receptor has also been identified.

二甲双胍联合利拉鲁肽治疗超重多囊卵巢综合征患者后MFAP5水平变化与临床指标改善的相关性研究

目的通过分析血浆微纤丝相关蛋白5(microfibrillar associated protein 5,MFAP5)水平变化与代谢指标改善的相关性,研究MFAP5在二甲双胍联合胰高血糖素样肽-1受体激动剂(glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist,GLP-1RA)利拉鲁肽治疗超重多囊卵巢综合征(polycystic ovary syndrome,PCOS)患者中的潜在作用及机制。方法收集23例经我院二甲双胍联合利拉鲁肽方案治疗12周的超重或肥胖型PCOS患者的病历资料,根据体质指数(BMI)将受试者分为肥胖组(n=12)和超重组(n=11)2个亚组。口服盐酸二甲双胍肠溶片0.5 g,3次/d;皮下注射利拉鲁肽注射液0.6 mg,1次/d,1周后增加至1.2 mg,1次/d,最大剂量增至1.8 mg,1次/d。对比两组治疗前和治疗12周后的体格测量指标、代谢及炎症相关指标、性激素水平以及血浆MFAP5水平。结果经过12周的治疗,2组患者体格测量指标及糖脂代谢指标、炎症指标、性激素水平均有改善(P<0.05);相关性分析提示,所有患者血浆MFAP5水平变化值与体质量(r=0.520,P=0.011)、BMI(r=0.469,P=0.024)、腰围(r=0.634,P=0.001)、臀围(r=0.587,P=0.001)、空腹胰岛素(r=0.602,P=0.002)、甘油三酯(TG,r=0.556,P=0.002)的变化值呈正相关;亚组分析提示,超重组血浆MFAP5水平变化值与糖脂代谢相关指标[胰岛素释放试验60 min胰岛素(r=0.602,P=0.002)、TG(r=0.655,P=0.029)]的变化值呈正相关;肥胖组患者血浆MFAP5水平变化值与腰围(r=0.495,P=0.002)、臀围(r=0.508,P=0.010)、糖脂代谢相关指标[空腹胰岛素(r=0.578,P=0.001)、胰岛素释放试验180 min胰岛素(r=0.656,P=0.021)、HOMA-IR(r=0.497,P=0.012)、TG(r=0.595,P=0.041)]、性激素水平[促黄体生成素(r=0.468,P=0.042)]的变化值呈正相关。结论超重PCOS患者血浆MFAP5水平可能与糖脂代谢的改善有关;MFAP5可能是参与二甲双胍联合利拉鲁肽治疗超重PCOS过程中的相关分子,可能作为超重PCOS治疗效果监测的可靠指标。

Insights into the discovery of new 5-HT1A receptor ligands:receptor based pharmacophore

5-HT1A receptor is a crucial therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, etc. Design and preparation of potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands for drug discovery has attracted extensive attention in the past few years. In this paper, a three dimensional model of human 5-HT1A receptor was constructed by means of homology modeling. And the docking of MP349 to the receptor suggested a reliable binding mode for 5-HT1A receptor ligand. Based on this ligand-receptor binding mode, an elaborate receptor structure based pharmacophore model was established, which revealed many important features responsible for ligand and 5-HT1A receptor interactions. A virtual screening experiment verified the ability of this pharmacophore model to discover true 5-HT1A receptor ligand. The results of this research would provide important information for further optimizations of 5-HT1A receptor ligands and guide related new lead discoveries.

Effects of Kaixin Powder on Expression of 5-HT Receptor in Hippocampus of Depressed Rats Induced by CUMS

Objective To observe the influence of Kaixin Powder on ethology,content of 5-HT in the hippocampus, expression of m RNA, and protein in 5-HT1 A and 5-HT2 A receptors in the hippocampus of depressed rats induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank,model, Trazodone, and Kaixin Powder groups, six rats in each group. In addition to the blank control group, other groups were established the depression model induced by CUMS combined with isolated feeding. At the same time, Trazodone group and Kaixin Powder group were treated with corresponding drugs for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of administration, the rats were sacrificed, and a series of indexes were measured such as the contents of 5-HT, m RNA expression levels of 5-HT1 A and 5-HT2 A receptors, protein expression levels of 5-HT1 A and 5-HT2 A receptors, and so on. Results A series of indexes in the model group were decreased significantly such as the body weight growth, the sugar water intake, the score of Open Field Test, the content of5-HT in the hippocampus, expression of m RNA, and protein in 5-HT1 A receptor, while the expression of m RNA and protein in 5-HT2 A receptor were increased significantly.Compared with the model group, the indexes were ameliorated in Trazodone and Kaixin Powder groups. Kaixin Powder is better than Trazodone in decreasing the level of protein in 5-HT2 A receptor. Conclusion The result indicated that the depression performance of depressed rats induced by CUMS can be ameliorated by Kaixin Powder,and the mechanism maybe concerned with increasing the contents of 5-HT, exciting 5-HT1 A receptor, and antagonising 5- HT2 A receptor.

5-HT_(1F)受体激动剂类抗偏头痛药Lasmiditan

偏头痛是一种常见神经性疾病，目前其主要疗法是服用5-羟色胺受体——5-HT1B/D受体激动剂曲坦类药物，但疗效不甚理想，约有25％的患者即使正确使用该类药物也未能产生满意疗效，而且该类药物还会引起胸闷、咽部不适、肌痛和感觉异常等副作用，甚至可能引发心肌梗死和心律失常等心血管不良反应。此外，由于5-HT1B受体激活可导致血管收缩，患有心血管疾病、高血压及偏瘫性偏头痛的病人忌用曲坦类药物。为了克服曲坦类药物的这些不良反应，

Pattern of triptans use: a retrospective prescription study in Calabria, Italy

Triptans are 5-hydroxytryptamine 1 B/1 D receptor agonists used in moderate to severe migraine attacks as first line when non-specific,symptomatic,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not effective.To gain insight in the treatment of migraine in the regional context,this retrospective(from January to August of the years 2017 and 2018)study aimed at monitoring the use of triptans approved by the regional health authority in Calabria.The data demonstrate that the overall treatment of migraine with triptans in the different provinces of Calabria falls in the average regional prescription/dispensation.Interestingly,Crotone showed a trend to an increased amount of defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants per day.The present analysis might stand for homogeneity of treatment of migraineurs in Calabria and highlights the need for better understanding the apparent differences in the local pattern of almotriptan use to improve the appropriateness.

Bioinformatic analysis of human nuclear receptor nr5a2(hb1f) genomic sequence

We have cloned the cDNA of human nuclear receptor nr5a2(hb1f) gene and obtained its whole genomic sequence previously. In this work we carried out in-depth bioinformatic analysis on the genomic sequence of nr5a2(hb1f) gene. Sequence comparison and prediction algorithms implicated that there might be additional coding regions in the 210 kb genomic sequence besides known exons, especially in the two largest introns. Comparison of the structures of nr5a loci in different species revealed distinguishable conservation and apparent gene duplication during evolution. The remarkable conservation among promoters of zebrafish, mouse and human nr5a2 genes suggested that they would be regulated by the same transcription factors.

Behavioral Characteristics of Pharmacologically Selected Lines of Rats: Relevance to Depression

This brief review discusses the behavioral consequences of two pharmacologically selected lines of rats. Flinders Sensitive (FSL) and Flinders Resistant (FRL) Lines of rats were selected on the basis of differential hypothermic and behavioral responses to the anticholinesterase, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). FSL rats are more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic agonists but less sensitive to the locomotor or stereotypic effects of dopamine agonists. FSL rats exhibit greater immobility in the forced swim test and reduced social interaction compared with FRL rats, but do not differ in saccharin intake, behavior in the elevated plus maze, or responses for rewarding brain self-stimulation. The exaggerated immobility and reduced social interaction are counteracted by chronic treatment with antidepressants. Because FSL rats were more sensitive to 5-HT1A receptor agonists, high (HDS) and low (LDS) 8-OH-DPATsensitive lines were selectively bred for differential hypothermic responses to the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). HDS rats were also more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of oxotremorine, a cholinergic agonist, but selection for this response did not diverge with later selection. HDS rats exhibited greater immobility in the forced swim test than LDS rats and this correlated response could be seen early in selection (generation 3). HDS rats also showed reduced social interaction compared to LDS rats, but did not differ in behavior in the elevated plus maze. These findings confirm that selection for hypothermic responses to pharmacological agents do have behavioral consequences, notably the production of depressive-like phenotypes, which can be counteracted by chronic antidepressant treatment. Because increased 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity was common to both selected lines (FSL and HDS), neurobiological processes dependent on this receptor could contribute to the abnormal behaviors that manifest in these rat lines and thus suggesting a mechanism underlying depressive behaviors in humans. However, available human data are inconsistent with this hypothesis and suggest that other mechanisms underlie these behavioral abnormalities in HDS and FSL rats. These mechanisms as well as additional behavioral testing in these rat lines will be discussed.