Harpagophytum procumbens Extract Ameliorates Allodynia and Modulates Oxidative and Antioxidant Stress Pathways in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a deliberating disorder with impairments in locomotor deficits and incapacitating sensory abnormalities. Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp) is a botanical widely used for treating inflammation and pain related to various inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. Using a modified rodent contusion model of SCI, we explored the effects of this botanical on locomotor function and responses to mechanical stimuli, and examined possible neurochemical changes associated with SCI-induced allodynia. Following spinal cord contusion at T10 level, Hp (300 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle (water) was administered daily starting 24 h post-surgery, and behavioral measurements made every-other day until sacrifice (Day 21). Hp treatment markedly ameliorated the contusion-induced decrease in locomotor function and increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Determination of Iba1 expression in spinal cord tissues indicated microglial infiltration starting 3 days post-injury. SCI results in increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal, an oxidative stress product and proalgesic, which was diminished at 7 days by treatment with Hp. SCI also enhanced antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Concurrent studies of cultured murine BV-2 microglial cells revealed that Hp suppressed oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory responses, including production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipases A2, and upregulation of the antioxidative stress pathway involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and HO-1. These results support the use of Hp for management of allodynia by providing resilience against the neuroinflammation and pain associated with SCI and other neuropathological conditions.

Mu-opioid receptor inhibition decreases voluntary wheel running in a dopamine-dependent manner in rats bred for high voluntary running.

The mesolimbic dopamine and opioid systems are postulated to influence the central control of physical activity motivation. We utilized selectively bred rats for high (HVR) or low (LVR) voluntary running behavior to examine (1) inherent differences in mu-opioid receptor (Oprm1) expression and function in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), (2) if dopamine-related mRNAs, wheel-running, and food intake are differently influenced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) naltrexone injection in HVR and LVR rats, and (3) if dopamine is required for naltrexone-induced changes in running and feeding behavior in HVR rats. Oprm1 mRNA and protein expression were greater in the NAc of HVR rats, and application of the Oprm1 agonist [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) to dissociated NAc neurons produced greater depolarizing responses in neurons from HVR versus LVR rats. Naltrexone injection dose-dependently decreased wheel running and food intake in HVR, but not LVR, rats. Naltrexone (20mg/kg) decreased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA in the ventral tegmental area and Fos and Drd5 mRNA in NAc shell of HVR, but not LVR, rats. Additionally, lesion of dopaminergic neurons in the NAc with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) ablated the decrease in running, but not food intake, in HVR rats following i.p. naltrexone administration. Collectively, these data suggest the higher levels of running observed in HVR rats, compared to LVR rats, are mediated, in part, by increased mesolimbic opioidergic signaling that requires downstream dopaminergic activity to influence voluntary running, but not food intake.

Hyperleptinemia During Pregnancy Decreases Adult Weight of Offspring and Is Associated With Increased Offspring Locomotor Activity in Mice.

Pregnant women who are obese or have gestational diabetes mellitus have elevated leptin levels and their children have an increased risk for child and adult obesity. The goals of this study were to determine whether offspring weights are altered by maternal hyperleptinemia, and whether this occurs via behavioral changes that influence energy balance. We used 2 hyperleptinemic mouse models. The first was females heterozygous for a leptin receptor mutation (DB/+), which were severely hyperleptinemic, and that were compared with wild-type females. The second model was wild-type females infused with leptin (LEP), which were moderately hyperleptinemic, and were compared with wild-type females infused with saline (SAL). Total food consumption, food preference, locomotor activity, coordinated motor skills, and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in wild-type offspring from each maternal group at 3 postnatal ages: 4-6, 11-13, and 19-21 weeks. Half the offspring from each group were then placed on a high-fat diet, and behaviors were reassessed. Adult offspring from both groups of hyperleptinemic dams weighed less than their respective controls beginning at 23 weeks of age, independent of diet or sex. Weight differences were not explained by food consumption or preference, because female offspring from hyperleptinemic dams tended to consume more food and had reduced preference for palatable, high-fat and sugar, food compared with controls. Offspring from DB/+ dams were more active than offspring of controls, as were female offspring of LEP dams. Maternal hyperleptinemia during pregnancy did not predispose offspring to obesity, and in fact, reduced weight gain.

Repeated resveratrol treatment attenuates methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity and [3H]dopamine overflow in rodents.

Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) has been investigated for its potential as a prophylactic against degenerative diseases. It is a sirtulin activator that has recently been shown to regulate dopaminergic systems that contribute to the behavioral effects of methamphetamine and cocaine. The present study examined the impact of resveratrol on stimulant neuropsychopharmacology in rodents. Acute resveratrol treatment (20-40mg/kg) was ineffective to alter methamphetamine (0.5mg/kg)-induced hyperactivity in mice. Rodents received resveratrol once-daily for seven days to determine the effect of repeated polyphenolic treatment. Repeated resveratrol treatment (1-20mg/kg) decreased methamphetamine (0.5mg/kg)-induced hyperactivity in mice. Methamphetamine's (0.1-60µM) efficacy to evoke [(3)H]overflow from rat striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]dopamine was also attenuated by repeated resveratrol (1mg/kg) treatment. Repeated resveratrol treatment (10-20mg/kg) did not affect cocaine-induced hyperactivity in mice. Overall, these data suggest that resveratrol appears to have metaplastic and prophylactic activity to minimize the effects of methamphetamine to increase locomotor activity and evoke dopamine release. These data encourage future research to further investigate the relationship between polyphenolics and psychostimulant abuse and dependence.

Oral administration of grape polyphenol extract ameliorates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal damage and behavioral deficits in gerbils: comparison of pre- and post-ischemic administration.

Oxidative stress has been regarded as an important underlying cause for the delayed neuronal death (DND) after cerebral ischemia. In this study, the effects of short-term oral administration of grape polyphenol extract (GPE) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in a gerbil global ischemia model were determined. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the common carotid arteries for 5 min. GPE (30 mg/ml)-containing formula or formula without GPE was administered daily via gavage for 4 days prior to and/or for 4 days after I/R. I/R resulted in hyperlocomotion, extensive DND, oxidative and fragmented DNA damage, and an increase in reactive astrocytes and microglial cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. GPE administration for 4 days prior to I/R and for 4 days after I/R attenuated DND, DNA damage and glial cell activation. However, neuroprotection was more pronounced when GPE was administered for 4 days after I/R than when administered for 4 days prior to I/R. GPE administration after I/R attenuated I/R-induced hyperlocomotion. These findings indicate that oral GPE intake may confer protection against I/R injury and emphasize that early intervention may be an effective therapeutic measure for ameliorating brain injury in stroke.

Ketamine induces hyperactivity in rats and hypersensitivity to nicotine in rat striatal slices.

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be modeled in rats through blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which induces changes in central dopamine circuits. These circuits also contain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that are activated by nicotine. A role for nicotine in the etiology of schizophrenia is supported by clinical observations of high tobacco use rates in individuals experiencing the psychopathology. The present study investigated the effect of the ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist ketamine on the function of striatal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to understand better the potential role of these receptors in schizophrenia. Ketamine (0.1-300 microM) was ineffective to evoke [3H] overflow from rat striatal slices preloaded with [3H]dopamine. Application of psychotomimetic ketamine concentrations (1-10 microM) to striatal slices augmented nicotine-evoked [3H] overflow. Finally, rats received ketamine (30-50 mg/kg) injections for 30 days, to model the development of the disorder, and hyperactivity was observed, although repeated ketamine treatment did not significantly alter nicotine-evoked [3H]dopamine overflow. These data indicate that the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that mediate dopamine release are altered by ketamine, and support a role for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in schizophrenia pathology.

NMDA receptor blockade augmented nicotine-evoked dopamine release from rat prefrontal cortex slices.

Nicotine evokes dopamine release through activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and tobacco cigarette smoking is more prevalent among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Blockade of ionotropic glutamate (NMDA) receptors can induce changes in central dopamine and glutamate circuits, which models the symptoms of schizophrenia. The effect of the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine, on the effect of nicotine in rat prefrontal cortex was examined using a slice superfusion assay in which cortical slices were preloaded with [(3)H] dopamine. A wide range of ketamine concentrations (0.1-300 microM) did not evoke [(3)H] overflow from slices, indicating that NMDA receptor blockade did not induce dopamine release. Ketamine, at concentrations that model the symptoms of schizophrenia (1-10 microM), augmented the effect of nicotine (1-100 microM) to evoke [(3)H] overflow from slices and decreased the threshold nicotine concentration to evoke [(3)H] overflow. This indicates that NMDA receptor blockade increased the potency and efficacy of nicotine to evoke dopamine release from prefrontal cortex slices, suggesting that ketamine induced hypersensitivity to nicotine. The present results support a role for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia.

Modafinil evokes striatal [(3)H]dopamine release and alters the subjective properties of stimulants.

Modafinil is a mild psychostimulant used for the treatment of sleep and arousal-related disorders, and has been considered a pharmacotherapy for cocaine and amphetamine dependence; however, modafinil's mechanism of action is largely unclear. The present study investigated modafinil using drug discrimination and slice superfusion techniques. Rats were trained to discriminate cocaine (1.6 or 5 mg/kg) or amphetamine (0.3 mg/kg) from saline injection for food reinforcement. Modafinil (64-128 mg/kg) substituted partially for both cocaine doses and amphetamine. Pretreatment with a lower modafinil dose (32 mg/kg) augmented the discriminative stimulus properties of cocaine (1.6 mg/kg dose group) and amphetamine. In neurochemical experiments, modafinil (100-300 microM) evoked [(3)H]overflow from rat striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]dopamine in a concentration-dependent manner; however, modafinil was less potent and efficacious than amphetamine and nicotine. The dopamine transporter inhibitor nomifensine (10 microM) blocked modafinil-evoked [(3)H]overflow, and concentrations of modafinil (<100 microM) that did not have intrinsic activity attenuated amphetamine (1 and 3 microM)-evoked [(3)H]overflow. Modafinil-evoked [(3)H]overflow was not altered by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine, and modafinil did not alter nicotine-evoked [(3)H]overflow, indicating that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors likely are not important for modafinil's mechanism of action. The present results indicate that modafinil evokes dopamine release from striatal neurons and is a psychostimulant that is pharmacologically similar to, but much less potent and efficacious than, amphetamine.

Lobeline, a potential pharmacotherapy for drug addiction, binds to mu opioid receptors and diminishes the effects of opioid receptor agonists.

Lobeline diminishes the behavioral and neurochemical effects of nicotine and amphetamines, and is considered a potential pharmacotherapy for drug abuse and addiction. Lobeline has high affinity for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and inhibits the function of vesicular monoamine and dopamine transporters. The present study investigated the less-explored interaction of lobeline and the endogenous opioid system. In guinea pig brain homogenates, lobeline displaced (K(i)=0.74 microM) the binding of [(3)H]DAMGO [(D-Ala(2), N-ME-Phe(4), Gly(5)-ol)-enkephalin]. In a functional assay system comprised of MOR-1 mu opioid receptors and GIRK2 potassium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes, lobeline had no effect on the resting current, but maximally inhibited (IC(50)=1.1 microM) morphine- and DAMGO-activated potassium current in a concentration-dependent manner. In a second functional assay, lobeline-evoked [(3)H]overflow from rat striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]dopamine was not blocked by naltrexone. Importantly, concentrations of lobeline (0.1-0.3 microM) that did not have intrinsic activity attenuated ( approximately 50%) morphine-evoked [(3)H]overflow. Overall, the results suggest that lobeline functions as a mu opioid receptor antagonist. The ability of lobeline to block psychostimulant effects may be mediated by opioid receptor antagonism, and lobeline could be investigated as a treatment for opiate addiction.

WIN-55,212-2 and SR-141716A alter nicotine-induced changes in locomotor activity, but do not alter nicotine-evoked [3H]dopamine release.

Nicotine, the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco, plays a key role in the development of cigarette smoking addiction. The endocannabinoid system has been demonstrated to have an important role in the motivational and reinforcing effects of drugs. The present study used behavioral and neurochemical techniques to study the interaction of cannabinoid receptors and nicotine pharmacology. In a locomotor activity experiment in rats, the CB(1)/CB(2) cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN-55,212-2 (0.28-2.8 mg/kg) attenuated nicotine (0.4 mg/kg)-induced hyperactivity, but did not alter nicotine (1.0 mg/kg)-induced hypoactivity. In contrast, the selective CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR-141716A (1.0 mg/kg) diminished nicotine-induced hypoactivity, but did not alter nicotine-induced hyperactivity. In a neurochemical experiment, rat striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]dopamine were superfused with WIN-55,212-2 or SR-141716A. A high concentration (100 microM) of WIN-55,212-2 evoked [(3)H]overflow, but this effect was not blocked by the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM-251. SR-141716A did not evoke [(3)H]overflow, and neither WIN-55,212-2 nor SR-141716A altered nicotine-evoked [(3)H]overflow. Overall, these results indicate a behavioral interaction between cannabinoid receptors and nicotine pharmacology. Likely, WIN-55,212-2 and SR-141716A block nicotine-induced changes in behavior through an indirect mechanism, such as alteration in endocannabinoid regulation of motor circuits, rather than directly through blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

N-n-alkylnicotinium analogs, a novel class of antagonists at alpha 4 beta 2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: inhibition of S(-)-nicotine-evoked 86Rb+ efflux from rat thalamic synaptosomes.

Pyridine N-n-alkylation of S(-)-nicotine (NIC) affords N-n-alkylnicotinium analogs, previously shown to competitively inhibit [(3)H]NIC binding and interact with alpha4beta2* nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). The present study determined the ability of the analogs to inhibit NIC-evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux from rat thalamic synaptosomes to assess functional interaction with alpha4beta2* nAChRs. In a concentration-dependent manner, NIC evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux (EC(50) = 170 nmol/L). Analog-induced inhibition of NIC-evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux varied over a approximately 450-fold range. Analogs with long n-alkyl chain lengths (C(9)-C(12)) inhibited efflux in the low nmol/L range (IC(50) = 9-20 nmol/L), similar to dihydro-beta-erythroidine (IC(50) = 19 nmol/L). Compounds with shorter n-alkyl chain lengths (C(1)-C(8)) produced inhibition in the low micromol/L range (IC(50) = 3-12 micromol/L). C(10) and C(12) analogs completely inhibited NIC-evoked efflux, whereas C(1-9) analogs produced maximal inhibition of only 10% to 60%. While the C(10) analog N-n-decylnicotinium iodide (NDNI) did not produce significant inhibition of NIC-evoked dopamine release in previously reported studies, NDNI possesses high affinity for [(3)H]NIC binding sites (K(i) = 90 nmol/L) and is a potent and efficacious inhibitor of NIC-evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux as demonstrated in the current studies. Thus, NDNI is a competitive, selective antagonist at alpha4beta2* nAChRs.

Neuroprotective mechanisms of curcumin against cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis and behavioral deficits.

Increased oxidative stress has been regarded as an important underlying cause for neuronal damage induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in investigating polyphenols from botanical source for possible neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of curcumin, a potent polyphenol antioxidant enriched in tumeric. Global cerebral ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils by transient occlusion of the common carotid arteries. Histochemical analysis indicated extensive neuronal death together with increased reactive astrocytes and microglial cells in the hippocampal CA1 area at 4 days after I/R. These ischemic changes were preceded by a rapid increase in lipid peroxidation and followed by decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, increased cytochrome c release, and subsequently caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Administration of curcumin by i.p. injections (30 mg/kg body wt) or by supplementation to the AIN76 diet (2.0 g/kg diet) for 2 months significantly attenuated ischemia-induced neuronal death as well as glial activation. Curcumin administration also decreased lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the apoptotic indices. The biochemical changes resulting from curcumin also correlated well with its ability to ameliorate the changes in locomotor activity induced by I/R. Bioavailability study indicated a rapid increase in curcumin in plasma and brain within 1 hr after treatment. Together, these findings attribute the neuroprotective effect of curcumin against I/R-induced neuronal damage to its antioxidant capacity in reducing oxidative stress and the signaling cascade leading to apoptotic cell death.

Dietary cadmium exposure attenuates D-amphetamine-evoked [3H]dopamine release from striatal slices and methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity.

Prolonged exposure to environmentally relevant amounts of CdCl2 results in cadmium accumulation in dopamine-rich brain regions, such as striatum. Exposure to these low levels of cadmium also diminishes cocaine-induced hyperactivity and conditioned reinforcement. The goal of the present study was to assess the effect of cadmium on amphetamine pharmacology. Direct application of cadmium (0.1-100 microM), within the concentrations reported in brain after chronic exposure, to preloaded rat striatal slices did not alter D-amphetamine-evoked [3H]dopamine release. To determine the effect of dietary cadmium exposure on amphetamines, rats received ad libitum access to diet containing CdCl2 (10 or 100 ppm) or to control diet for 30 days and then D-amphetamine-evoked [3H]dopamine release and methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity were measured. Dietary CdCl2 exposure produced a marked increase in cadmium blood and brain levels, approximate to environmental metal exposure. Dietary cadmium exposure was associated with decreased potency of D-amphetamine to evoke [3H]dopamine release. Cadmium-exposed rats were also less sensitive to the locomotor-activating effect of acute methamphetamine (0.3 or 1.0 mg/kg) injection. The present findings demonstrate that the presence of cadmium in brain is not sufficient for the inhibition of D-amphetamine-evoked dopamine release. This suggests that cadmium does not directly interfere with the mechanism of action for amphetamine pharmacology; rather, it suggests that long-term cadmium exposure induces a change in the number and/or function of striatal neurons.

Lobeline analogs with enhanced affinity and selectivity for plasmalemma and vesicular monoamine transporters.

Lobeline attenuates the behavioral effects of psychostimulants in rodents and inhibits the function of nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), dopamine transporters (DATs), and vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT2s). Monoamine transporters are considered valid targets for drug development for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse. In the current study, a series of lobeline analogs were evaluated for affinity and selectivity at these targets. None of the analogs was more potent than nicotine at the [3H]methyllycaconitine binding site (alpha7* nAChR subtype). Lobeline tosylate was equipotent with lobeline in inhibiting [3H]nicotine binding but 70-fold more potent in inhibiting nicotine-evoked 86Rb+ efflux, demonstrating antagonism of alpha4beta2* nAChRs. Compared with lobeline, the defunctionalized analogs lobelane, mesotransdiene, and (-)-trans-transdiene showed dramatically reduced affinity at alpha4beta2* nAChRs and a 15- to 100-fold higher affinity (Ki = 1.95, 0.58, and 0.26 microM, respectively) at DATs. Mesotransdiene and (-)-trans-transdiene competitively inhibited DAT function, whereas lobelane and lobeline acted noncompetitively. 10S/10R-MEPP [N-methyl-2R-(2R/2S-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)6S-(2-phenylethyl)piperidine] and 10R-MESP [N-methyl-2R-(2R-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)6S-(2-phenylethen-1-yl)piperidine] were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude more potent (Ki = 0.01 and 0.04 microM, respectively) than lobeline in inhibiting [3H]serotonin uptake; 10S/10R-MEPP showed a 600-fold selectivity for this transporter. Uptake results using hDATs and human serotonin transporters expressed in human embryonic kidney-293 cells were consistent with native transporter assays. Lobelane and ketoalkene were 5-fold more potent (Ki = 0.92 and 1.35 microM, respectively) than lobeline (Ki = 5.46 microM) in inhibiting [3H]methoxytetrabenazine binding to VMAT2 in vesicle preparations. Thus, structural modification (defunctionalization) of the lobeline molecule markedly decreases affinity for alpha4beta2* and alpha7* nAChRs while increasing affinity for neurotransmitter transporters, affording analogs with enhanced selectivity for these transporters and providing new leads for the treatment of psychostimulant abuse.

Lobeline attenuates locomotor stimulation induced by repeated nicotine administration in rats.

Lobeline inhibits [3H]nicotine binding to rat brain membranes and nicotine-induced [3H]dopamine release from superfused rat striatal slices, indicating that lobeline acts as a nicotinic receptor antagonist. To determine whether lobeline also inhibits the effects of nicotine in vivo, the present study assessed the effect of lobeline pretreatment on nicotine-induced hyperactivity and sensitization. For 12 consecutive days, rats were injected subcutaneously with lobeline (3 mg/kg) or saline, followed 10 min later by nicotine (0.3 mg/kg) or saline injection, and activity was monitored. To determine if lobeline inhibits induction of sensitization to nicotine, 1 or 28 days later, rats were pretreated with saline followed by nicotine or saline. Lobeline attenuated nicotine-induced hyperactivity when both drugs were administered repeatedly. Although an initial injection of lobeline produced hypoactivity, tolerance to this effect developed. Importantly, tolerance did not develop to the lobeline-induced attenuation of nicotine hyperactivity. Lobeline attenuated the induction of sensitization to nicotine 1 day, but not 28 days, after the cessation of lobeline treatment. These results demonstrate that systemic administration of lobeline attenuates the locomotor-activating effects of repeated nicotine injection and the sensitization to nicotine, consistent with lobeline inhibition of nicotinic receptors and/or neurotransmitter transporters.

Bupropion inhibits nicotine-evoked [(3)H]overflow from rat striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]dopamine and from rat hippocampal slices preloaded with [(3)H]norepinephrine.

Bupropion, an efficacious antidepressant and smoking cessation agent, inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine transporters (DAT and NET, respectively). Recently, bupropion has been reported to noncompetitively inhibit alpha3beta2, alpha3beta4, and alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed in Xenopus oocytes or established cell lines. The present study evaluated bupropion-induced inhibition of native alpha3beta2* and alpha3beta4* nAChRs using functional neurotransmitter release assays, nicotine-evoked [(3)H]overflow from superfused rat striatal slices preloaded with [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA), and nicotine-evoked [(3)H]overflow from hippocampal slices preloaded with [(3)H]norepinephrine ([(3)H]NE). The mechanism of inhibition was evaluated using Schild analysis. To eliminate the interaction of bupropion with DAT or NET, nomifensine or desipramine, respectively, was included in the superfusion buffer. A high bupropion concentration (100 microM) elicited intrinsic activity in the [(3)H]DA release assay. However, none of the concentrations (1 nM-100 microM) examined evoked [(3)H]NE overflow and, thus, were without intrinsic activity in this assay. Moreover, bupropion inhibited both nicotine-evoked [(3)H]DA overflow (IC(50) = 1.27 microM) and nicotine-evoked [(3)H]NE overflow (IC(50) = 323 nM) at bupropion concentrations well below those eliciting intrinsic activity. Results from Schild analyses suggest that bupropion competitively inhibits nicotine-evoked [(3)H]DA overflow, whereas evidence for receptor reserve was obtained upon assessment of bupropion inhibition of nicotine-evoked [(3)H]NE overflow. Thus, bupropion acts as an antagonist at alpha3beta2* and alpha3beta4* nAChRs in rat striatum and hippocampus, respectively, across the same concentration range that inhibits DAT and NET function. The combination of nAChR and transporter inhibition produced by bupropion may contribute to its clinical efficacy as a smoking cessation agent.

Reboxetine: functional inhibition of monoamine transporters and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

The present study determined whether repeated administration of the antidepressant and selective norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibitor reboxetine resulted in an adaptive modification of the function of the NE transporters (NETs), serotonin (5-HT) transporters, or dopamine (DA) transporters. Because antidepressants may be effective tobacco smoking cessation agents and because antidepressants have recently been shown to interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the interaction of reboxetine with nAChRs was also evaluated. Repeated administration of reboxetine (10 mg/kg i.p., twice daily for 14 days) did not alter the potency or selectivity of reboxetine inhibition of [(3)H]NE, [(3)H]DA, or [(3)H]5-HT uptake into striatal or hippocampal synaptosomes (IC(50) values = 8.5 nM, 89 microM, and 6.9 microM, respectively). In a separate series of experiments, reboxetine did not inhibit (K(i) > 1 microM) [(3)H]methyllycaconitine, [(3)H]cytisine, or [(3)H]epibatidine binding to rat whole brain membranes. However, at concentrations that did not exhibit intrinsic activity, reboxetine potently inhibited (IC(50) value = 7.29 nM) nicotine-evoked [(3)H]NE overflow from superfused hippocampal slices via a noncompetitive mechanism. In the latter experiments, the involvement of NET was eliminated by inclusion of desipramine (10 microM) in the superfusion buffer. Reboxetine also inhibited (IC(50) value = 650 nM) nicotine-evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux at reboxetine concentrations that did not exhibit intrinsic activity in this assay. Thus, in addition to inhibition of NET function, reboxetine inhibits nAChR function, suggesting that it may have potential as a smoking cessation agent.