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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A/2C agonist on the genioglossus activity and sleep apnea in rats

Background 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） is a common neurotransmitter in the brain which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of sleep apnea.Dysfunction of 5-HT and 5-HT2 receptors may lead to the collapse of the upper airway and the instability of respiratory control, which in turn produce apnea.Genioglossus （GG） is one of the most important oropharyngeal muscles maintaining the upper airway open.The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-HT and 5-HT2 receptor on GG activity and the sleep apnea in Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats.Methods Microinjection probes were placed within the fourth ventricle of sixteen SD rats.After recovery for a week, the electromyogram （EMG） of GG was recorded in the anesthetized and vagotomized rats.The changes of GG activity before and after the microinjection of 5-HT or 5-HT2A/2c agonist -2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride （DOI）were observed.Probes were also laid in another eight SD rats.Electroencephalogram （EEG）, EMG of neck muscle and respiration were recorded at the same time a week later.The effects of DOI on the occurrence of sleep apnea were explored.Results Both 5-HT and DOI significantly enhanced the activity of GG just 3 minutes after the completion of injection.The effect of 5-HT disappeared quickly and the effect of DOI lasted for more than 27 minutes.DOI also significantly decreased the post-sigh apnea index in non-rapid-eye-movement （NREM） and rapid-eye-movement （REM） sleep and decreased the spontaneous apnea index only in NREM sleep （P 〈0.05, respectively）.Conclusion 5-HT and 5-HT2A/2c system correlated closely with the pathogenesis of the sleep apnea syndrome and 5-HT receptors may become the target of the drug treatment.

5-Hydroxytryptamine Changes under Different Pretreatments on Rat Models of Myocardial Infarction and/or Depression

Background：Psychocardiological researches have suggested a central role of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） on psychocardiological mechanism.This study aimed to further explore the central role of 5-HT and pretreatment effects of XinLingWan on rats with myocardial infarction （M I） and/or depression.Methods：Ninety Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups：MI group,depression group,and MI ＋ depression group （n 30 in each group）.Each group was then divided into three subgroups （n =10 in each subgroup）：a negative control subgroup （NCS）,a Western medicine subgroup （WMS）,and a traditional Chinese medicine subgroup （TCMS）,which were received pretreatment once a day for 4 weeks by saline,20 mg/kg sertraline mixed with 2 ml saline,and 40 mg/kg XingLingWan mixed with 2 ml saline,respectively.Different rat models were established after different pretreatments.Rats were then sacrificed for detection of serum 5-HT,platelet 5-HT,5-HT2.A receptors （5-HT2AR）,and serotonin transporter （SERT）.Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance （ANOVA） and least-significant difference （LSD） testing.Results：M I group：compared with NCS,there was a significant increase in WMS and TCMS of serum 5-HT （176.15 ± 11.32 pg/ml vs.334.50 ± 29.09 pg/ml and 474.04 ± 10.86 pg/ml,respectively,both P =0.000）,platelet 5-HT （129.74 ± 27.17 pg/ml vs.322.24 ± 11.60 pg/ml and 340.4 5 ± 17.99 pg/ml,respectively,both P =0.000）;depression group：compared with NCS,there was a significant increase in WMS and TCMS of serum 5-HT （194.69 ± 5.09 pg/ml vs.326.21 ± 39.98 pg/ml and 456.33 ± 23.12 pg/ml,respectively,both P =0.000）,platelet 5-HT （175.15 ± 4.07 pg/ml vs.204.56 ± 18.59 pg/ml and 252.03 ± 22.26 pg/ml,respectively,P =0.004 and P 0.000,respectively）;MI ＋ depression group：compared with NCS,there was a significant increase in both WMS and TCMS of serum 5-HT （182.50 ± 10.23 pg/ml vs.372.55 ± 52.23 pg/ml and 441.76 ± 23.38 pg/ml,respectively,both P =0.000） and platelet 5-HT （180.83 ± 11.08 pg/ml vs.221.12 ± 22.23 pg/ml and 265.37 ± 29.49 pg/ml,respectively,P =0.011 and P =0.000,respectively）.Conclusions：By elevating the amount of 5-HT and modulating 5-HT2AR and SERT levels in serum and platelets,XinLingWan and sertraline were found to exert pretreatment effect on rat models of MI and/or depression.

Herbal medicines for insomnia through regulating 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors:a systematic review

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder without effective therapy and can affect a person's life.The mechanism of the disease is not completely understood.Hence,there is a need to understand the targets related to insomnia,in order to develop innovative therapies and new compounds.Recently,increasing interest has been focused on complementary and alternative medicines for treating or preventing insomnia.Research into their molecular components has revealed that their sedative and sleep-promoting properties rely on the interactions with various neurotransmitter systems in the brain.In this review,the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)in insomnia development is summarized,while a systematic analysis of studies is conducted to assess the mechanisms of herbal medicines on different 5-HT receptors subtypes,in order to provide reference for subsequent research.

Serotonin regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in select brain regions during acute psychological stress

Previous studies suggest that serotonin （5-HT） might interact with brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） during the stress response. However, the relationship between 5-HT and BDNF expression under purely psychological stress is unclear. In this study, one hour before psychological stress exposure, the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT or antagonist MDL73005, or the 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI or antagonist ketanserin were administered to rats exposed to psychological stress. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed that after psychological stress, with the exception of the ventral tegmental area, BDNF protein and mRNA expression levels were higher in the 5-HT1A and the 5-HT2A receptor agonist groups compared with the solvent control no-stress or psychological stress group in the CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, central amygdaloid nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, dentate gyrus, shell of the nucleus accumbens and the midbrain periaqueductal gray. There was no significant difference between the two agonist groups. In contrast, after stress exposure, BDNF protein and mRNA expression levels were lower in the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist groups than in the solvent control non-stress group, with the exception of the ventral tegmental area. Our findings suggest that 5-HT regulates BDNF expression in a rat model of acute psychological stress.

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.

Association between 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene-linked polymorphic region and smoking behavior in Chinese males

Background Tobacco use is the major risk factor for numerous health problems. However, only 5% of smokers can successfully quit without therapy owing to the highly addictive properties of nicotine. The serotoninergic system may be involved in smoking behavior because nicotine increases brain serotonin secretion, nicotine withdrawal decreases serotonin levels, and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antagonizes the response to nicotine withdrawal. Serotonin transporter （5-HTT） is the most important protein, as it adjusts the serotonin concentration in the synaptic cleft. There is a polymorphism in the upstream regulatory region of the 5-HTT gene, named 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene-linked polymorphic region （5-HTTLPR）. Compared with the L allele, the S allele of the polymorphism is associated with decreased transcription efficiency of the 5-HTT gene. In this study, we investigated the relationship between this gene polymorphism and smoking behavior in Chinese males. Methods Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism （PCR-RFLP） was performed to find 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphisms in 144 smokers and 135 age-matched healthy non-smokers. A questionnaire was completed in all recruited subjects. Results The proportion of L/L （15.3% vs 5.2%） and S/L （50.0% vs 33.3%） genotypes was significantly higher in the smokers than that in the non-smokers （X^2=21.9; P 〈0.01）. The odds ratio （OR） adjusted by age, education, effects of family members and friends who smoke, and alcohol intake was 2.9 （95%CI 1.78-4.80）. In smokers, the number of cigarettes/day （L/L vs S/L vs S/S： 28±12 vs 20±8 vs 16±6, X^2=18.5, P 〈0.01）, smoking index （L/L vs S/L vs S/S： 561±446 vs 393±341 vs 237±201, X^2=12.5, P 〈0.01） and score on the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence （FTND） （L/L vs S/L vs S/S： 7.8±1.6 vs 6.2±2.5 vs 3.5±2.1, X2=48.3, P 〈0.01） were significantly higher in smokers with an L/L or S/L genotype than that in the smokers with the S/S genotype. There were no significant differences in the proportion of starting smoking before 20 years old （P=0.219） and those who succeeded in quitting smoking for more than 1 month （P=-0.456） between individuals with different 5-HTTLPR genotypes in smokers. Conclusions 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be associated with susceptibility to cigarette smoking in Chinese males. The proportion of the L/L and S/L genotype in smokers was higher than that in non-smokers. In smokers, the level of nicotine dependence and resultant cigarettes consumption may be much higher in individuals with an L/L or S/L genotype than those with the S/S genotype.

Heat-Killed <i>Lactobacillus brevis</i>SBC8803 Induces Serotonin Release from Intestinal Cells

Previously, we reported that changes induced in autonomic neurotransmission in rats by Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 may be mediated by serotonin 3 (5-HT3) receptors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 on serotonin (5-HT) releasing from intestinal cells. In the in vitro study, L. brevis SBC8803 stimulated 5-HT release from cultured rat endocrine RIN-14B cells (SBC8803 vs. sterile water;P in vivo study, 2 mg of heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 was administered using a stomach sonde (feeding needle) to C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of plasma by ELISA showed gradually increase in 5-HT concentrations (0 min vs. 60 min;P ex vivo cultured intestinal loops composed of duodenum and part of the jejunum, from C3H/HeN and C57BL/6J male mice indicated that L. brevis SBC8803 effectively induced 5-HT release (SBC8803 vs. sterile water;P L. brevis SBC8803 may stimulate 5-HT release from mouse intestinal cells such as enterochromaffin cells.

A study on the differences of effect on mast cells and serum 5-HT in the acupoint area of "CV 4" of rats by acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus

Objective: To observe the influence of acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus on the expression of mast cells(MCs) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) in local acupoint area of Guanyuan(关元 CV 4) and serum 5-HT in rats.Methods: Thirty-nine male C57 BL/6 rats were randomly divided into blank control group, acupuncture stimulus group and thermal stimulus group, with 13 rats in each group. The rats were stimulated by manual acupuncture at CV 4 for 5 min in acupuncture stimulus group, while those in thermal stimulus group were stimulated by adopting a thermal moxibustion apparatus on CV 4 for 30 min. The expression of MC and 5-HT in the skin in the acupoint area of CV 4 before and after acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus was observed and analyzed via adopting toluidine blue staining method and immunofluorescence histochemical method(5 rats were selected from each group), and the 5-HT content in serum before and after stimulus was determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)(8 rats were selected from each group). The influence of acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus on the contents of MC and 5-HT in the skin and serum 5-HT in rats was analyzed and compared.Results: ① After acupuncture stimulus or thermal stimulus on CV 4 of C57 BL/6 rats, the number of MC in the acupoint area significantly increased when compared with that in blank group(the acupuncture stimulus group 12.40 ± 2.07 vs. the blank group 3.00 ±5.96;thermal stimulus group 26.20 ± 10.85 vs. the blank group 12.40 ± 2.07, both P< 0.05), and MC aggregation and degranulation were observed(the acupuncture stimulus group 17.80 ±4.55 vs. the blank group 8.00 ±3.16;the thermal stimulus group24.00±9.05 vs. the blank group 8.00±3.16. P<0.05, P< 0.01).② After acupuncture stimulus or thermal stimulus, 5-HT was released by MCs in the acupoint area, which aggregated around the blood vessels,and the number of 5-HT in the acupoint area significantly increased when compared with that in blank group(the blank group 3.00 ±1.28 vs. the acupuncture stimulus group 10.02 ±3.21;the blank group3.00 ±1.28 vs. the thermal stimulus group 14.00 ±3.94, both P< 0.01).③ Compared with blank group,both acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus could reduce the 5-HT content in serum(the blank group 0.72 ±0.2372 vs. acupuncture stimulus group 0.43 ±0.21: the blank group 0.72 ±0.24 vs. thermal stimulus group 0.32 ±0.18, both P<0.01), and the effect in thermal stimulus group was slightly superior to that in acupuncture stimulus group(P<0.05).Conclusion: Both acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus can cause the aggregation and degranulation of MCs and high expression of 5-HT in the acupoint area. The effect of thermal stimulus was superior to that of acupuncture stimulus in degranulation.

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.

Altered serotonin metabolism in Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 knockout mice protects against diet-induced hepatic fibrosis

Background and aims:Diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome can trigger the progression of fatty liver disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis,which is a major public health concern.Bile acids regulate metabolic homeostasis and inflammation in the liver and gut via the activation of nuclear farnesoid X receptor(Fxr)and the membrane receptor Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5(Tgr5).Tgr5 is highly expressed in the gut and skeletal muscle,and in cholangiocytes and Kupffer cells of the liver.Tgr5 is implicated in the mediation of liver and gut inflammation,as well as the maintenance of energy homeostasis.Here,we used a high fat,high fructose,and high sucrose(HFS)diet to determine how bile acid signaling through Tgr5 may regulate metabolism during the progression from fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis.Materials and methods:Female C57BL/6J control wild type(WT)and Tgr5 knockout(Tgr5^(-/-))mice were fed HFS(high fat(40%kcal),high fructose,and 20%sucrose water)diet for 20 weeks.Metabolic phe-notypes were characterized through examination of bile acid synthesis pathways,lipid and cholesterol metabolism pathways,and fibrosis and inflammation pathways.Results:Tgr5^(-/-)mice were more glucose intolerant when fed HFS diet,despite gaining the same amount of weight as WT mice.Tgr5^(-/-)mice accumulated significantly more hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides on HFS diet compared to WT mice,and gene expression of lipogenic genes was significantly upregulated.Hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase(Cyp7a1)gene expression was consistently elevated in Tgr5^(-/-)mice,while oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase(Cyp7b1),sterol 27-hydroxylase(Cyp27a1),Fxr,and small heterodimer partner(Shp)were downregulated by HFS diet.Surprisingly,hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were also significantly reduced in Tgr5^(-/-)mice fed HFS diet,which may be due to altered se-rotonin signaling in the liver.Conclusions:Tgr5^(-/-)mice may be protected from high fat,high sugar-induced hepatic inflammation and injury due to altered serotonin metabolism.

Current therapeutic strategies for premature ejaculation and future perspectives

Premature ejaculation （PE） is a common sexual disorder in men that is mediated by disturbances in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Although all pharmaceutical treatments for PE are currently used ＇off-label＇, some novel oral agents and some newer methods of drug administration now provide important relief to PE patients. However, the aetiology of this condition has still not been unified, primarily because of the lack of a standard animal model for basic research and the absence of a widely accepted definition and assessment tool for evidence-based clinical studies in patients with PE. In this review, we focus on the current therapeutic strategies and future treatment perspectives for PE.

Effects of Echinacoside on Histio-central Levels of Active Mass in Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rats

Objective To investigate the effects of echinacoside on the extracellular striatal levels of norepinephrine（NE）,dopamine（DA）,homovanillic acid（HVA）,3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanoid acid（DOPAC）,5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid（HIAA）,and 5-hydroxytryptamine（5-HT） in middle cerebral artery occlusion（MCAO rats.Methods The middle cerebral artery was occluded in male Sprague-Dawley rats.Three days later microdialysis probes were placed into the right striatum of MCAO rat brains and the brains were perfused with Ringer＇s solution at a rate of 1.5 μL/min.Cerebral microdialysates were collected every 30 minutes from awake and freely moving rats before assaying for NE,DA,HVA,DOPAC,HIAA,and 5-HT levels by reverse phase HPLC with electrochemistry.Results Three days after MCAO,the extracellular striatal levels of NE,DA,DOPAC,HIAA,HVA,and 5-HT of the MCAO rats increased significantly（at least P0.05 vs.control）.However,simultaneous treatment with echinacoside（30.0 or 15.0 mg/kg） attenuated these increases（at least P0.05 vs.non-treated model rats）.Conclusion These results imply that echinacoside may protect striatal dopa minergic neurons from the injury induced by MCAO and may help prevent and treat cerebral ischemic diseases.

Protective effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula on hippocampal neurons in rats of diabetes complicated with depression via the TRP/KYN metabolic pathway

Objective To explore the protective effects and mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula(左归降糖解郁方,ZGJTJYF)on hippocampal neurons in rats of diabetes complicated with depression(DD)via the TRP/KYN metabolic pathway.Methods(i)In vivo experiments:60 specified pathogen free(SPF)grade male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into six groups with 10 rats in each groups:control,DD model,positive(1.8 mg/kg fluoxetine+0.18 g/kg metformin),high-dose ZGJTJYF(ZGJTJYFH,40.500 g/kg ZGJTJYF),middle-dose ZGJTJYF(ZGJTJYF-M,20.250 g/kg ZGJTJYF),and lowdose ZGJTJYF(ZGJTJYF-L,10.125 g/kg ZGJTJYF)groups.Except for the control group,other groups were established DD model by high-fat emulsion intake with single tail vein streptozotocin(STZ)and four weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS).All drug administration groups were treated by gavage during CUMS modeling,and the control and model groups were given equal amount of distilled water.After four weeks,the serum levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were measured to determine the hypoglycemic effect of ZGJTJYF.Moreover,the open field test and Morris water maze test were performed to evaluate the antidepressant effect of ZGJTJYF.Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)level were detected via high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection(HPLC-ECD);the levels of tryptophan(TRP),kynurenine(KYN),and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO)in the hippocampus were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);the protein expression levels of synaptophysin(SYN)and postsynaptic density material-95(PSD-95)were detected via immunohistochemistry(IHC);and the protein expression levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NR)2 A and NR2 B were detected using Western blot.(ii)In vitro experiments:five SPF grade SD pregnant rats(E16–18)were used to obtain primary hippocampal neurons(Ne),six SD new-born rats were used to collected primary astrocytes(As)and microglia(MG),and to establish a Ne-As-MG co-culture system.All co-culture systems were divided into six groups:control(PBS),model[150 mmol/L glucose+200μmol/L corticosterone(G&P)+PBS],blank(G&P+blank serum),positive(G&P+positive drug-containing serum),ZGJTJYF(G&P+ZGJTJYF serum),and 1-methyl-D-tryptophan(1-MT,IDO inhibitor)(G&P+1-MT)groups.After 18 h of intervention by corresponding treatment,immunofluorescence was used to analyze the protein expression levels of SYN,PSD-95,NR2 A,and NR2 B;ELISA was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and TRP/KYN metabolic pathway-related factors[TRP,KYN,kynurenine acid(KYNA),quinolinic acid(QUIN)].Results(i)In vivo experimental results showed that ZGJTJYF-M and ZGJTJYF-L significantly improved the elevated blood glucose state of DD rats(P<0.01 and P<0.05,respectively);ZGJTJYF-H,ZGJTJYF-M,and ZGJTJYF-L increased their autonomous activity,learning,and memory ability(P<0.01,P<0.01,and P<0.05,respectively).Moreover,the levels of 5-HT and TRP were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the levels of KYN and IDO were significantly decreased in the hippocampus(P<0.01)of rats after ZGJTJYF-M treatment.The protein expression levels of SYN and PSD-95 were significantly upregulated in hippocampal neurons(P<0.01),while the abnormal activation of NR2A and NR2B was markedly inhibited in hippocampus(P<0.05)of rats after ZGJTJYF-M treatment.(ii)In vitro experimental results showed that ZGJTJYF-containing serum significantly increased the protein expression levels of SYN and PSD-95 in hippocampal neurons(P<0.01),decreased the levels of IL-1β(P<0.01),IL-6(P<0.05),TNF-α(P<0.01),IDO(P<0.05),KYN(P<0.05),and QUIN(P<0.01),and increased the levels of TRP and KYNA(P<0.01)in the simulated DD state.ZGJTJYF also had an significantly inhibitory effect on the abnormal activation of NR2A and NR2B in neurons(P<0.05)in a stimulated DD state.Conclusion ZGJTJYF can effectively improve 5-HT deficiency in the hippocampus of rats by inhibiting IDO expression and regulating the TRP/KYN metabolic pathway,and it has a favorable protective effect on hippocampal neuron injury caused by DD.Therefore,ZGJTJYF is an effective potential therapeutic drug for the prevention and treatment of DD.