Functional evidence for selective dopamine D-1 receptor blockade by SCH 23390.

The selectivity of a new specific dopamine D-1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, (R)-(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin -7-ol hemimaleate, was investigated in functional neurochemical models. Inhibition of the activity of dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase in striatal homogenates of the rat represented an effect at dopamine D-1 receptors, whereas reversal of the decrease in electrically-induced release of tritium from striatal slices of the rabbit, preloaded with [3H]dopamine or [3H]choline by apomorphine, represented D-2 pre- and postsynaptic effects, respectively. The selectivity of the methods was checked by using known D-1 and D-2 agonists, SKF 38393 (2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride) and LY 141865 or LY 171555 (racemate and (-)-enantiomer, respectively; trans-4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9-octahydro-5-propyl-2H-pyrazolo [3,4-g]quinoline dihydrochloride), respectively. It was found that SCH 23390 competitively inhibited the activity of dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase with a Ki-value of 0.004 microM. In contrast to haloperidol, a specific dopamine D-2 antagonist, which inhibited the decline in release of both ligands from preloaded slices induced by apomorphine, SCH 23390 was without effect on this release from slices loaded with [3H]dopamine but had effect on release from slices loaded with [3H]choline, in concentrations 350 times greater than those of haloperidol (IC50 = 0.63 microM). The results confirm the dopamine D-1-selective blockade by SCH 23390, previously shown using dopamine-receptor binding techniques.

Serotonin 5-HT2 receptor, dopamine D2 receptor, and alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonists. Conformationally flexible analogues of the atypical antipsychotic sertindole.

Conformationally flexible analogues of the atypical antipsychotic sertindole (1-[2-[4-[5-chloro -1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-4-piperidinyl]ethyl]-2-imidazolidi non e) were synthesized. Replacement of the 4-piperidinyl ring in sertindole by a 2-(methylamino)ethoxy group or a 2-(methylamino)ethyl group (e.g. 1-[2-[2-[5-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H -indol-3-yloxy]ethyl-methylamino]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinone and 1-[3-[[2-[5-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl] -ethyl]methylamino]propyl]-2-imidazolidinone results in binding affinities for serotonin 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptors, as well as alpha 1 adrenoceptors, which are very similar to those of sertindole. (Methylamino)alkyl groups of other chain lengths, 3-(methylamino)propyloxy groups, and 2-(methylamino)ethylsulfanyl groups do not have such properties. The capability of the 2-(methylamino)ethoxy group and the 2-(methylamino)ethyl group to replace the 4-piperidinyl ring in sertindole is reflected in molecular modeling studies using recently published receptor-interaction models for 5-HT2 and D2 receptors. Structure-affinity investigations concerning the substituents in the indole nucleus and the 2-imidazolidinone ring system in the 2-(methylamino)ethoxy and the 2-(methylamino)ethyl analogues of sertindole have led to high affinity serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonists with selectivity versus dopamine D2 receptors and alpha 1 adrenoceptors (e.g. 1-[2-[[2-[6-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl) -1H-indol-3-yloxy]ethyl]methylamino]-ethyl]-2-imidazolidinone and 1-[3-[[2-[6-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl) -1H-indol-3-yl]ethyl]methylamino]propyl]-2-imidazolidinone). The latter derivative has also high selectivity for 5-HT2A receptors versus serotonin 5-HT2C receptors. Replacement of the basic amino group by nitrogen-containing six-membered rings has led to 5-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-[(4-methylpiperazinyl)-ethoxy]-1H-in dole, which has high affinity for dopamine D2, versus low affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and alpha 1 adrenoceptors.

Selective, centrally acting serotonin 5-HT2 antagonists. 1. 2- and 6-substituted 1-phenyl-3-(4-piperidinyl)-1H-indoles.

A series of 1-[2-[4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-piperidinyl]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinones has been synthesized. The 1-position of the indole is substituted with phenyl groups and in the 2- or 6-positions are additional substituents. An analogous series with the imidazolidinone ring opened to corresponding urea derivatives was also prepared. High potency and selectivity for 5-HT2 receptors (as compared with D2 and alpha 1 receptor affinities) were obtained with medium-large substituents such as 6-chloro, 6-methyl, and 6-trifluoromethyl or a 2-methyl substituent. Larger 6-substituents such as isopropyl considerably reduced activity, while the smaller 6-fluoro substituent afforded unselective compounds. Selective 5-HT2 antagonists were found by combining 6-substitution with both unsubstituted 1-phenyl and substituted 1-phenyl groups (2-F, 4-F, 4-Cl). However, 3-substitution of the phenyl group markedly reduced 5-HT2 receptor affinity, especially with a 3-trifluoromethyl substituent. Introduction of a 3-(2-propyl) substituent in the imidazolidinone ring reduced binding to alpha 1 adrenoceptors with a factor of 3-8. Practically no influence on 5-HT2 and D2 receptor affinities were found by the presence of this substituent compared to the 3-unsubstituted derivatives. Compounds with potent receptor binding also potently inhibited the quipazine-induced head twitch syndrome in rats. The compounds were equally active after oral and subcutaneous administration and they had a long duration of action (> 24 h). Especially urea derivatives were found to be considerably more potent at 24 h than at 2 h after subcutaneous administration. Some of the compounds potently inhibited isolation-induced aggression in mice, an effect which, however, did not correlate to 5-HT2 receptor-mediated activities. On the basis of these structure-activity studies 1-[2-[4-[6-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-1- piperidinyl]ethyl]-3-(2-propyl)-2-imidazolidinone (Lu 26-042, compound 4c) was selected for further pharmacological and toxicological investigations.

Stereospecific and selective 5-HT2 antagonism in a series of 5-substituted trans-1-piperazino-3-phenylindans.

A study of the effect of aromatic substitution on 5-HT2, D2, and alpha 1 receptor affinity in a subseries of new and previously synthesized 1-piperazino-3-phenylindans indicated that high 5-HT2 selectivity could be obtained in 5-substituted derivatives. Accordingly, a series of 5-substituted derivatives was synthesized with the goal of obtaining stereospecific and selective, centrally acting 5-HT2 antagonists. This goal was fulfilled in 5-chloro- or 5-fluoro-substituted compounds with 2-(3-alkyl-2-oxoimidazolidin-1-yl)ethyl- or 2-(tetrahydro-2-oxo-1H-pyrimidin-1-yl)ethylpiperazine substituents, as well as in their imidazolidine-2-thione or pyrimidine-2-thione analogues. The most interesting derivatives were resolved either directly via diastereomeric salts or by syntheses from resolved starting materials. Optical purity was determined by a 1H NMR method, using the chiral shift reagent (R)-(-)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9-anthryl)ethanol. The compound (-)-trans-1-[2-[4-[5-chloro-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden++ +-1- yl]piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-3-isopropyl-2-imidazolidinone ((-)-20) had the overall best profile with a high stereoselectivity (eudismic ratio: 68) and a high selectivity versus D2 and alpha 1 receptors (affinity ratios 182 and 191, respectively). It had a potent central effect but was shorter-acting than the tetrahydropyrimidinone or thione derivatives ((-)-39, (+)-40, (-)-41, and (+)-42). The observed activities of the compounds are settled in perspective in relation to a recently proposed D2 receptor interaction model. While there are no indications so far that trans-1-piperazino-3-phenylindans interact with D2 and 5-HT2 receptors in different conformations, the present study shows important differences in aromatic substitution effects. Only 5-HT2 receptors are able to accommodate a 5-substituent in the indan benzene ring, thus allowing syntheses of highly selective compounds.

Octoclothepin enantiomers. A reinvestigation of their biochemical and pharmacological activity in relation to a new receptor-interaction model for dopamine D-2 receptor antagonists.

Octoclothepin (1) was resolved into its R and S enantiomers via the diastereomeric tartaric acid salts. The enantiomers were shown to be of high optical purity by 1H NMR with use of the chiral shift reagent (R)-(-)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9-anthryl)ethanol. Pharmacological and biochemical testing confirmed that (S)-1 is the more potent dopamine (DA) D-2 antagonist both in vitro and in vivo, although the R enantiomer still has significant D-2 antagonistic activity. In contrast, both enantiomers were equally active in test models detecting activity at D-1 receptors, serotonin-2 (5-HT2) receptors and alpha 1 adrenoceptors. Contrary to a previous prediction, it was found that norepinephrine (NE) uptake inhibition was confined solely to the S enantiomer. Overall, (S)-1 has a "classical" neuroleptic profile, while the R enantiomer has a more "atypical" profile. These pharmacological profiles seem to be in agreement with the reported clinical profiles of the two enantiomers. A previous conformational study was revised in light of the biochemical test results with enantiomers of known optical purity. Their relative D-2 receptor affinity corresponded well with the calculated conformational energy difference between their "active conformations" deduced from a previously reported new D-2 receptor model. Also the high enantioselectivity of (S)-1 at the NE uptake site could be explained after a detailed conformational analysis showing strict requirements for the orientation of the piperazine lone-pair direction at the NE uptake site.

Noncataleptogenic, centrally acting dopamine D-2 and serotonin 5-HT2 antagonists within a series of 3-substituted 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indoles.

A series of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indoles substituted at the 3-position with 1-piperazinyl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl, and 4-piperidinyl was synthesized. Within all three subseries potent dopamine D-2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptor affinity was found in ligand binding studies. Quipazine-induced head twitches in rats were inhibited by most derivatives as a measure of central 5-HT2 receptor antagonism. Piperazinyl and tetrahydropyridyl indoles were cataleptogenic, while piperidyl substituted indoles surprisingly were found to be noncataleptogenic or only weakly cataleptogenic. Noncataleptogenic piperidyl derivatives also failed to block dopaminergic-mediated stereotypies, that is methyl phenidate-induced gnawing behavior in mice. These profiles resemble that of the atypical neuroleptic clozapine. 1-Ethyl-2-imidazolidinone was found to be the optimal substituent of the basic nitrogen atom in order to avoid catalepsy. The atypical neuroleptic 1-[2-[4-[5-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-1-piperidinyl] ethyl]-2-imidazolidinone (sertindole, compound 14c) was selected for further development as a result of these structure/activity studies.

3-Phenyl-1-indanamines. Potential antidepressant activity and potent inhibition of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin uptake.

A series of 3-phenyl-1-indanamines was synthesized and tested for potential antidepressant activity and for inhibition of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT) uptake. Trans isomers were generally potent inhibitors of DA, NE, and 5-HT uptake, while cis isomers preferentially inhibited the uptake of 5-HT. The affinity for the DA-uptake site was very dependent on the aromatic substitution pattern where highest potency was found for 3',4'-dichloro substituted compounds (45). This substitution pattern also resulted in high affinity for the NE-and 5-HT-uptake sites, but potent 5-HT-uptake inhibiting activity could also be obtained with other substitution patterns. Only small amines could be accommodated at the 5-HT-uptake site while larger amines such as piperazine could be accommodated both at the DA-and NE-uptake sites. The observed structure-activity relationships were explained from the results of superimpositions of a trans (45) and cis (72) isomer with 5-HT and DA, respectively, in relation to a proposed three-point binding of the uptake inhibitors at the uptake sites. Finally, comparison of the structures of the 3-phenyl-1-indanamines with other newer bicyclic catecholamine- and/or serotonin-uptake inhibitors revealed common structural elements important for potent DA-, NE-, and/or 5-HT-uptake inhibition.

Enhanced D1 affinity in a series of piperazine ring substituted 1-piperazino-3-arylindans with potential atypical antipsychotic activity.

A study of the effect of aromatic substitution on D1 and D2 affinity in a series of previously reported trans-1-piperazino-3-phenylindans shows similar structure-activity relationships for the two receptor sites. 6-Substituted derivatives have affinity for both receptors, and 6-chloro-or 6-fluoro-substituted derivatives show preference for D1 receptors. D1 affinity and selectivity are significantly increased in a series of new piperazine ring substituted derivatives. Potent D1 and D2 antagonism in vivo are confined to derivatives with relatively small substituents in the 2-position of the piperazine ring (e.g. 2-methyl,2,2-dimethyl, 2-spirocyclobutyl or 2-spirocyclopentyl). Consequently, the effect of aromatic substitution is examined in a series of 1-(2,2-dimethylpiperazino)-3-arylindans. All these compounds except the 4-, 5-, 7- and 4'-chloro-substituted derivatives have potent D1 affinity (IC50's below 10 nM) and the majority of the compounds antagonize SK&F 38393-induced circling in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats with ED50 values about 1 mumol/kg. In vitro all compounds show preference for D1 receptors, but in vivo they are equally effective as D1 and D2 antagonists. The compounds have high affinity for 5-HT2 receptors and selected compounds show high affinity for alpha 1 adrenoceptors. Furthermore, a subgroup consisting of (-)-38, (-)-39, (-)-41, and (-)-54 does not induce catalepsy in rats. These compounds have the potential of being "atypical" antipsychotics and have consequently been selected for further studies. The non-receptor-blocking enantiomers are shown to be inhibitors of DA and NE uptake in accordance with previous observations in compounds unsubstituted in the piperazine ring. Two compounds, (+)-38 and (+)-40, block DA uptake with IC50 values below 10 nM. Finally, the observed structure-activity relationships are discussed in relation to previously published pharmacophore models for D2 and 5-HT2 receptors. It is concluded that the piperazine substituents might induce a different binding mode at the dopamine receptor sites, perhaps only at the D1 receptor site.

Antihypertensive activity in a series of 1-piperazino-3-phenylindans with potent 5-HT2-antagonistic activity.

A series of trans-1-piperazino-3-phenylindans were synthesized with the goal of replacing their established neuroleptic profile with that of peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT2) antagonism. Compounds with an unsubstituted or fluoro-substituted 6-position in the indan ring, and which had a five- or six-membered heterocyclic ring attached by an ethylene chain to the piperazine ring, satisfied this objective. Some of the compounds had potent antihypertensive activity in conscious, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In pithed rats they antagonized the pressor effect induced by 5-HT in doses 100-1000 times lower than doses needed to antagonize the pressor effect of phenylephrine. The effect was stereoselective and associated with enantiomers with 1R,3S absolute configuration. 1S,3R enantiomers inhibited the uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in vitro. The compound with the best antihypertensive activity was (+)-(1R,3S)-1-[2-[4-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-indanyl]-1- piperazinyl]ethyl]-2-imidazolidinone (Lu 21-098, irindalone). Its pharmacological profile resembled that of the standard compound ketanserin. There was a close structural correspondence between ketanserin and irindalone in a conformation that we recently identified as a D-2 receptor-relevant configuration of its neuroleptic "parent" tefludazine. This suggests that the dopaminergic (D-2) and the serotonergic (5-HT2) pharmacophores are structurally closely related.

Pre- and postsynaptic dopaminergic activities of indolizidine and quinolizidine derivatives of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(n-propyl)piperidine (3-PPP). Further developments of a dopamine receptor model.

Pre- and postsynaptic dopaminergic activities of a series of indolizidine and quinolizidine analogues of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(n-propyl)piperidine (3-PPP) have been studied. The pharmacological data have been interpreted in terms of a previously reported model for interactions with dopamine pre- and postsynaptic D2-receptors and molecular mechanics (MM2(85] calculated geometries and conformational energies. The model has been further developed with respect to the receptor topography in the vicinity of the nitrogen binding site. In particular, a novel spatial orientation of the important "propyl cleft" has been proposed. This cleft is suggested to be located mainly above a plane through the receptor-bound substrate. The biologically active agonist and antagonist conformations of the enantiomers of 3-PPP have been reinvestigated.

Effect of a specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor, citalopram (Lu 10-171), on 3H-5-HT uptake in rat brain synaptosomes in vitro.

The uptake of 3H-5-HT in synaptosomes from rat brains was investigated. Addition of DA or NA had only a slight or no effect on the uptake. When the uptake into NA and DA neurons was inhibited by the addition of high concentrations of NA and DA, the uptake of 3H-5-HT was unchanged. This was also found after destruction of NA and DA neurons by 6-hydroxydopamine treatment. Furthermore, the uptake of 3H-5-HT was almost equal in different brain parts containing NA and DA in very different amounts. These observations show that the uptake measured with 3H-5-HT is specific for 5-HT neurons. The present study revealed that citalopram and chlorimipramine inhibited uptake competitively, and in this respect the two drugs were equipotent. Compared with a series of tricyclic thymoleptics, the two drugs were the most potent inhibitors of 5-HT uptake, about 20 to 35 times more active than imipramine and amitriptyline. The metabolites of citalopram were also rather potent. The results obtained in the present study correlate closely with those obtained using inhibition of 14C-5-HT uptake in blood platelets, or using the inhibition of H 75/12-induced 5-HT depletion in rat brain. When rats were treated orally with citalopram or chlorimipramine, the inhibition of 3H-5-HT uptake in synaptosomes derived from these rats was two times greater after citalopram than after chlorimipramine.

Characterization of 3H-GABA receptor binding to rat brain synaptosomal membranes: effect of non GABAergic compounds.

Characteristics of 3H-GABA binding to rat brain synaptic membranes in vitro have been investigated. The specific binding of 3H-GABA displays saturation kinetics. Only one single population of receptor sites was found (Km = 31.3 nM) with a concentration of 2.09 pmol/mg protein. Only GABA agonists show inhibitory effect on the binding, whereas GABA antagonists, GABA-uptake inhibitors, and inhibitors of GAD and GABA-T are without effect. The order of potencies for GABA agonists are: Muscimol greater than GABA greater than or equal to 4,5-dihydromuscimol greater than 3-aminoproprane sulphonic acid greater than isoguvacine greater than THIP greater than 3-hydroxy-GABA greater than imidazol-4-acetic acid. Agonists and antagonists from other neurone systems as well as neuroleptics and benzodiazepines had no or only a very slight potency in the binding test.

Further evidence that 3H-cis(Z)flupenthixol binds to the adenylate cyclase-associated dopamine receptor (D-1) in rat corpus striatum.

The proposal that 3H-cis(Z)flupenthixol (3H-FPT) preferentially binds to striatal dopamine receptors associated with adenylate cyclase activity (D-1), distinct from dopamine receptors to which 3H-haloperidol (3H-hal) binds (D-2), has been investigated further. The dopamine agonists bromocriptine and ergotamine were 60-times more potent as displacers of 3H-hal than 3H-FPT binding. Other dopamine agonists (ergometrine, dopamine, apomorphine, 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-tetralin (ADTN), and ergocornine) also shared this profile, although a smaller ratio was found for these compounds. Substituted benzamides (clebopride greater than sultopride greater than sulpiride greater than metoclorpramide greater than tiapride) displace 3H-hal but have only a very slight displacing effect towards 3H-FPT, and did not inhibit dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. The same pattern is shared by oxiperomide and molindone. Together, these results support the idea that 3H-FPT labels another class of dopamine receptors than does 3H-hal, and that the former class most likely is associated with adenylate cyclase.

Neurochemical characterization of a new potent and selective serotonin uptake inhibitor: Lu 10-171.

The neurochemical characteristics of a new bicyclic phthalane derivative-Lu10-171 [1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-1-(p-fluorophenyl)-5-phthalancarbonitrile; citalopram]-have been investigated. Lu 10-171 and its metabolites were compared with tricyclic thymoleptics in several tests for serotonin (5-HT),noradrenaline (NA), and dopamine (DA) uptake inhibiton in vitro and in vivo. Lu 10-171 is a very potent and completely selective inhibitor of the 5-HT reuptake mechanism, being 2-10 times as active as chlorimipramine. The metabolites of Lu 10-171 show weak 5-HT uptake inhibiting properties. Lu10-171 and its metabolites are devoid of NA uptake inhibiting properties and in this respect they clearly differ from the tricyclic antidepressants, which posses effects both on 5-HT and NA uptake. The inhibition of 5-HT uptake in vitro is competitive and not connected with an increased efflux of 5-HT. Lu10-171 and its metabolites only inhibit DA uptake in extremely high concentrations and in this respect they are even weaker than chlorimipramine and other tricyclic thymoleptics. Like the tricycle thymoleptics, Lu 10-171 is without effect on MAO and does not change the endogenous levels of brain monoamines. Due to the selective action on 5-HT uptake, Lu 10-171 seems to be a valuable tool in studying the role of central 5-HT neurone systems in experimental neuropharmacology as well as in the ethiology of depressive illness.

Changes in dopamine synthesis rate in the supersensitivity phase after treatment with a single dose of neuroleptics.

The changes in 14C-dopamine accumulation formed from 14C-tyrosine in mice after treatment with three neuroleptics, cis (Z)-flupenthixol, fluphenazine, and haloperidol, were followed for 6 days. The neuroleptics all changed DA synthesis rate in the same way, initially causing an increase which was followed by a decrease after approximately 3 days. The results are compared with pharmacological results (Christensen et al., 1976) and there seems to be a very close correlation between receptor blockade and increase in DA synthesis on the one hand and on the other hand receptor supersensitivity and decrease in DA synthesis, as was also shown previously for teflutixol (Hyttel, 1975). It is concluded that the changes in receptor activity are always followed by compensatory changes in DA synthesis rate.

Differential involvement of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in the circling behaviour induced by apomorphine, SK & F 38393, pergolide and LY 171555 in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats.

The antagonistic effect of dopamine (DA) D-1 and D-2 antagonists against circling behaviour induced by various DA agonists in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats has been investigated. DA D-1/D-2 selectivity of agonists in vitro was measured by the stimulatory effect on DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rat striatal homogenates (D-1), the inhibitory effect on electrically-induced release of 3H-DA in rabbit striatal slices (D-2) and the affinity to 3H-piflutixol (D-1) and 3H-spiroperidol (D-2) binding sites in rat striatal membranes. The contralateral circling behaviour induced by the DA D-1 agonist SK & F 38393 was blocked by the DA D-1 antagonist, SCH 23390, and by the mixed DA D-1/D-2 antagonist cis(Z)-flupentixol, but was not influenced by the DA D-2 antagonists spiroperidol and clebopride. In contrast, circling behaviour induced by the preferential DA D-2 agonists pergolide and LY 171555 was blocked by clebopride, spiroperidol, and cis(Z)-flupentixol, but weakly or not influenced by SCH 23390. Apomorphine-induced circling behaviour was blocked by cis(Z)-flupentixol, partially antagonized by SCH 23390 and clebopride but not inhibited by spiroperidol, although the time-course of circling was changed. Combinations of SCH 23390 with spiroperidol or clebopride in low doses completely blocked the effect of apomorphine. These results indicate that DA D-1 and D-2 receptors mediate circling behaviour through separate mechanisms which can be independently manipulated with respective agonists and antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemical effects and drug levels in rats after long-term treatment with the specific 5-HT-uptake inhibitor, citalopram.

The effects in rats of long-term administration of the potent, specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor citalopram have been investigated. Citalopram hydrobromide (MW = 405) was given in the diet, 99 or 25 mumol/kg daily, for 13 days or orally, 49 mumol/kg twice a day, for 14 days. High plasma and brain levels of citalopram were found during the treatment period, whereas negligible amounts were found 24 h after withdrawal. The 5-HT uptake mechanism in blood platelets was completely blocked, since levels of whole blood 5-HT during and shortly (2 days) after treatment were decreased by 75-90%. The drug load after the two highest doses in terms of plasma drug levels was the same as in depressed patients treated with citalopram. Receptor binding technique ex vivo was applied to different brain parts to measure receptor parameters for several neurotransmitters. All data were evaluated by Eadie- Hoffstee analysis. No changes were seen in Bmax and Kd for beta-receptors (3H-dihydroalprenolol) in frontal cortex, occipital + temporal cortex, whole cortex and limbic structures, 5-HT2 receptors (3H-spiroperidol) in frontal and whole cortex, alpha 1-receptors (3H-prazosin) in "rest of brain" and DA D-2 receptors (3H-spiroperidol) in corpus striatum and limbic structures. The uptake mechanism for 5-HT as well as the inhibitory effect of citalopram on this uptake remained unaffected in brain synaptosomes derived from control and from citalopram (99 mumol/kg)-treated rats. Thus long-term treatment with citalopram does not induce changes in neurotransmitter receptors as seen with most tricyclic as well as newer " atypical " antidepressants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of serotonergic mechanisms in inhibition of isolation-induced aggression in male mice.

The role of serotonergic (5-HT) receptor subtypes in mediation of aggressive behaviour in isolated male mice has been studied. Increase of attack latency was used as a simple measure of antiaggressive behaviour. 5-HT1A agonists (BAY R 1531, 8-OHDPAT, flesinoxan, gepirone, 5MeO DMT, buspirone, ipsapirone, BMY 14802) completely inhibit the aggressive behaviour irrespective of their intrinsic activities. Also the putative antagonists spiroxatrine and NAN 190 as well as the non-selective 5-HT1 agonists RU 24969, TFMPP, mCPP and eltoprazine have an antiaggressive effect. The mixed 5-HT1A and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (-)-alprenolol and pindolol are ineffective and do not inhibit the effect of 8-OHDPAT. Neither does the non-selective 5-HT antagonist metergoline. The antiaggressive effect correlates with 5-HT1A receptor affinity in vitro and with generalization to the 8-OHDPAT-induced discriminative stimulus. The selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor citalopram does not inhibit aggressive behaviour. The 5-HT2 agonist DOI has an antiaggressive effect only at high doses, whereas the 5-HT2 antagonist ritanserin and the 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron are ineffective. Prazosin (alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist), clonidine (alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist), clenbuterol (beta-adrenoceptor agonist), ketanserin (5-HT2 receptor and alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist), clozapine and (-)-octoclothepin (dopamine (DA), 5-HT2 receptor and alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist) all show an antiaggressive effect. SCH 23390 (DA D1 receptor antagonist) and emonapride (DA D2 receptor antagonist) are ineffective. In conclusion, 5-HT1A receptors are involved in mediation of isolation-induced aggressive behaviour in mice. The involvement of other 5-HT receptor subtypes needs further clarification. The adrenergic system may also be involved.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in rat dopamine- and serotonin function in vivo after prolonged administration of the specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor, citalopram.

The effect of prolonged administration of the potent and specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor citalopram on behavioural measures of dopaminergic and serotonergic activity has been studied in rats. Administration of citalopram in the diet at a daily dose of 99 mumol/kg led to supersensitivity to d-amphetamine-induced hypermotility and stereotypy and to subsensitivity to apomorphine-induced hypomotility 2 h after withdrawal. Forepaw clonus induced by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine was decreased 2 h and 24 h after withdrawal and the number of head shakes induced by 1-5-HTP and citalopram were decreased 24 h after withdrawal. The d-amphetamine potentiation was still seen after 24 h, whereas the response had returned to normal 3 and 7 days after withdrawal. The content of amphetamine in three different brain regions was about 50% higher compared with controls 24 h after withdrawal of prolonged citalopram administration. At this time citalopram had been eliminated, and citalopram itself could not affect amphetamine metabolism. Other experiments indicated a linear relation between d-amphetamine brain concentration and motility level. Thus, a 50% increase in citalopram-treated rats cannot alone account for 3-fold increase in d-amphetamine-induced motility. Potentiation of d-amphetamine-induced hypermotility was also found after citalopram in a daily dietary dose of 25 mumol/kg for 13 days and after oral bolus injection (49 mumol/kg twice daily for 14 days). Acute citalopram injection had no effect in any of these models. The results suggest increased responsiveness of dopaminergic mechanisms mediating hypermotility, and decreased sensitivity of dopamine receptors mediating sedation (proposed autoreceptors). Sensitivity of 5-HT receptors was also decreased. The mechanisms by which citalopram induces d-amphetamine supersensitivity as well as subsensitivity to apomorphine and 5-HT agonists are presently unknown, since no changes in dopaminergic and serotonergic receptor binding have been found after an identical dose regimen.

Dopamine receptor agonistic and antagonistic effects of 3-PPP enantiomers.

The pharmacological profile of the enantiomers of the proposed selective dopamine (DA) autoreceptor agonist 3-PPP [3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine] has been studied. In vitro both enantiomers showed weak DA agonistic activity, and (--)-3-PPP some DA antagonistic effect on DA-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. Both enantiomers in low doses had a similar profile in vivo: Inhibition of locomotor activity of mice and rats, induction of contralateral circling behaviour in 6-hydroxy-DA-lesioned rats and an emetic effect in dogs. At higher doses, differential effects of the enantiomers were found: (+)-3-PPP induced hyperactivity, weak stereotyped behaviour and ipsilateral circling in hemitransected rats. (--)-3-PPP had depressant effects in high doses, inhibited d-amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and d-amphetamine-, methylphenidate- and apomorphine-induced stereotyped licking/biting in rats and antagonized apomorphine-induced emesis in dogs. However, (+)-3-PPP also showed a weak antagonistic activity against d-amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and d-amphetamine- and apomorphine-induced stereotypy in rats and inhibited apomorphine-induced emesis in dogs. It is suggested that both enantiomers have significant effects on postsynaptic DA receptors in high doses: (--)-3-PPP with weak antagonistic activity in some test models and (+)-3-PPP with agonistic and antagonistic effect. Since these effects of (+)-3-PPP were of low intensity at high doses, (+)-3-PPP may be a partial DA agonist at postsynaptic receptors in high doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)