Lesions of the lateral habenula produce anxiolytic effects in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of lateral habenula (LHb) lesion on anxiety-like behaviors in parkinsonian rats.Methods: Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by the open field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests in control, medial forebrain bundle (MFB)-lesioned, MFB- and LHb-lesioned and MFB-lesioned and LHb sham-lesioned rats, respectively. The levels of extracellular dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) were measured by in vivo microdialysis and neurochemistry.Results: Compared to control rats, MFB lesions in rats decreased the percentage of time spent in the central area in the open field test and the percentages of open arm time and open arm entries in the EPM test, indicating the induction of anxiety-like behaviors, and this lesion also decreased the level of extracellular DA in the BLA. Further, rats in the MFB + LHb lesion group showed increased percentage of time spent in the central area and the percentages of open arm time and open arm entries compared to rats in the MFB lesion group, suggesting anxiolytic effects after lesioning the LHb. Neurochemical results found that lesions of the LHb increased the levels of extracellular DA and 5-HT in the BLA in the MFB and LHb lesion groups, whereas NA level was not altered.Discussion: These findings suggest that depletion of DA plays an important role in anxiety-like behaviors, and lesions of the LHb produce anxiolytic responses in MFB-lesioned rats, which are related to increased levels of extracellular DA and 5-HT in the BLA.

Activation and Blockade of Serotonin-4 Receptors in the Lateral Habenula Produce Antidepressant Effects in the Hemiparkinsonian Rat.

BACKGROUND: The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmitter system and lateral habenula (LHb) are involved in the regulation of depression, while the mechanisms remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVES: The effects and possible mecha-nism underlying activation or blockade of 5-HT4 receptors (5-HT4Rs) in the LHb in depression were investigated by behavioral and neurochemical methods based on a Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model. METHOD: 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was injected unilaterally into the substantia nigra pars compacta to establish the PD rat model. The depressive-like behaviors were measured by the forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT). The concentrations of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and 5-HT in the related brain regions were measured by a neurochemical method. RESULTS: The 6-OHDA lesions increased the immobility time in the FST and decreased the sucrose consumption in the SPT, suggesting the induction of depressive-like behaviors. Intra-LHb injection of BIMU-8 (5-HT4R agonist) or GR113808 (5-HT4R antagonist) produced antidepressant effects in the lesioned rats. Intra-LHb injection of BIMU-8 significantly increased the DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral hippocampus (vHip), increased the 5-HT level in the mPFC and decreased the NA level in the vHip only in the lesioned rats, while intra-LHb injection of GR113808 changed DA, NA and 5-HT levels in the mPFC, LHb and vHip in both sham and the lesioned rats. CONCLUSIONS: All these results suggest that activation or blockade of the LHb 5-HT4Rs produce antidepressant effects in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, which are related to the changes of monoamines in the limbic and limbic-related regions.

Activation and blockade of serotonin4 receptors in the lateral habenula improve working memory in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned Parkinson's rats.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions and serotonin 4 (5-HT4) receptors in the lateral habenula (LHb) on Parkinson's disease (PD) related working memory. Methods: The working memory was measured by the T-maze rewarded alternation test in sham rats and rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The concentrations of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and 5-HT in the related brain regions were measured by neurochemistry.Results: The results showed that 6-OHDA lesions of the SNc induced working memory impairment. Intra-LHb injection of 5-HT4 receptor agonist BIMU-8 (2, 4 or 8 µg) and antagonist GR113808 (1, 3.3 or 10 µg) improved the working memory only in the lesioned rats. Intra-LHb injection of BIMU-8 (8 µg) significantly increased DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus and amygdala in the lesioned rats but not in sham rats. BIMU-8 did not change NA and 5-HT levels in the related brain regions in both sham and lesioned rats. Intra-LHb injection of GR113808 (10 µg) changed DA, NA and 5-HT levels in related brain regions in both sham and the lesioned rats. In addition, the 5-HT4 receptor-positive neurons in the LHb increased significantly in the lesioned rats.Conclusion: These findings suggested that unilateral lesions of the SNc induced working memory impairment and up-regulation of 5-HT4 receptors in the LHb. Activation and blockade of LHb 5-HT4 receptors improved working memory, that were related to the change of monoamines levels. Abbreviation: 6-OHDA: 6-hydroxydopamine; serotonin:5-HT; LHb: lateral habenula; PD: Parkinson's disease; SNc: substantia nigra pars compacta; DA: dopamine; NA: noradrenaline.

Serotonin6 Receptors in the Prelimbic Cortex are Involved in the Regulation of Anxiety-Like Behaviors in the Rat 6-Hydroxydopamine Parkinson's Disease Model.

The role of serotonin6 (5-HT6) receptors in the regulation of anxiety is poorly understood, particularly in Parkinson's disease-related anxiety. Here we examined whether 5-HT6 receptors in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) involve in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors in sham-operated rats and rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle. The lesion induced anxiogenic responses as measured by the open-field and elevated-plus maze tests compared to sham-operated rats. Intra-PrL injection of 5-HT6 receptor agonist WAY208466 (0.5, 3 and 6 µg/ rat) decreased the percentage of time spent in the center area of the open field and percentages of open arm entries and open arm time in sham-operated rats, indicating the induction of anxiogenic responses, and injection of 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB258585 (1, 2, and 4 µg/rat) showed anxiolytic effects. Interestingly, WAY208466, at the same doses, increased the percentage of time spent in the center area of the open-field and percentages of open arm entries and open arm time in the lesioned rats, indicating the induction of anxiolytic effects, and SB258585, at the same doses, produced anxiogenic responses. Collectively, our findings indicate that 5-HT6 receptors in the PrL are involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors, which may attribute to changes in dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions after activation and blockade of PrL 5-HT6 receptors.

Involvement of prelimbic 5-HT7 receptors in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors in hemiparkinsonian rats.

OBJECTIVE: At present, little is known about the role of serotonin7 (5-HT7) receptor in anxiety, particularly in Parkinson's disease-related anxiety. Here, we tested whether 5-HT7 receptors in the prelimbic (PrL) cortex are involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors in sham-operated rats and rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). METHODS: The open field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were performed to study the influence of MFB lesion and intra-PrL injection of 5-HT7 agonist AS19 (0.5, 1 or 2 µg/rat) and antagonist SB269970 (1.5, 3 or 6 µg/rat) on anxiety-like behaviors. Additionally, changes in monoamine levels in limbic and limbic-related brain regions were observed after intra-PrL injection of AS19 (2 µg/rat) and SB269970 (6 µg/rat). RESULTS: The MFB lesion induced anxiety-like behaviors compared to sham-operated rats. Intra-PrL injection of AS19 showed anxiolytic effects by the open field and EPM tests in two groups of rats, and administration of SB269970 showed anxiogenic responses. However, the doses producing these effects in the lesioned rats were higher than those in sham-operated rats. Neurochemical results showed that intra-PrL injection of AS19 increased dopamine, 5-HT and noradrenaline (NA) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex, ventral hippocampus and amygdala in two groups of rats, whereas SB269970 decreased 5-HT and NA levels in these brain regions. DISCUSSION: 5-HT7 receptors in the PrL are involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviors, which is attributable to changes in dopamine, 5-HT and NA levels in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions after activation and blockade of 5-HT7 receptors. ABBREVIATIONS: 6-OHDA: 6-hydroxydopamine; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; DA: dopamine; EPM: elevated plus maze; MFB: medial forebrain bundlem; PFC: medial prefrontal cortex; NA: noradrenaline; PD: Pakinson's disease; PrL: prelimbic; 5-HT: serotonin; vHip: ventral hippocampus.

Activation and blockade of basolateral amygdala 5-HT6 receptor produce anxiolytic-like behaviors in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease.

Although the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and serotonin6 (5-HT6) receptor are involved in modulation of anxiety, their roles in Parkinson' disease (PD)-related anxiety are still unknown. Thus we perform this study to examine the involvement of BLA 5-HT6 receptor on anxiety in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD rats. The lesion of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) induced anxiety-like behaviors, and decreased the basal firing rate of BLA glutamate neurons and dopamine (DA) levels in tissues of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala and ventral part of hippocampus (vHip) in rats. Activation of BLA 5-HT6 receptor by local infusion of WAY208466 induced anxiolytic-like effects and increased extracellular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level in the BLA in the lesioned rats. Blockade of BLA 5-HT6 receptor by SB258585 produced anxiolytic-like effects and increased extracellular GABA levels in the BLA in two groups of rats. Activation and blockade of BLA 5-HT6 receptor resulted in increases in DA levels and decreases in noradrenaline levels in tissues of the mPFC, amygdala and vHip in two groups of rats, and induced opposite effects on the firing activity of glutamate neurons between sham-operated and the lesioned rats. The results suggest that decreased DA levels in the limbic brain regions and the enhanced sensitivity of the 5-HT6 receptor on the BLA neurons might be etiological and pathophysiological factors for anxiety in PD. The anxiolytic-like effects may due to elevated extracellular GABA levels in the BLA and altered monoamine levels in the limbic regions, which were induced by WAY208466 and SB258585 through different mechanisms.

Identification of metabolite biomarkers for L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease by metabolomic technology.

L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a frequent complication of chronic L-DOPA therapy in the clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The pathogenesis of LID involves complex molecular mechanisms in the striatum. Metabolomics can shed light on striatal metabolic alterations in LID. In the present study, we compared metabolomics profiles of striatum tissue from Parkinsonian rats with or without dyskinetic symptoms after chronic L-DOPA administration. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based global metabolomics method combined with multivariate statistical analyses were used to detect candidate metabolites associated with LID. 36 dysregulated metabolites in the striatum of LID rats, including anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, adenosine, glutamate and sphingosine1-phosphate were identified. Furthermore, IMPaLA metabolite set analysis software was used to identify differentially regulated metabolic pathways. The results showed that the metabolic pathways of "Retrograde endocannabinoid signaling", "Phospholipase D signaling pathway", "Glycerophospholipid metabolism" and "Sphingolipid signaling", etc. were dysregulated in LID rats compared to non-LID controls. Moreover, integrated pathway analysis based on results from the present metabolomics and our previous gene expression data in LID rats further demonstrates that aberrant "Retrograde endocannabinoid signaling" pathway might be involved in the development of LID. The present results provide a new profile for the understanding of the pathological mechanism of LID.

Lesions of the lateral habenula improve working memory performance in hemiparkinsonian rats.

The lateral habenula (LHb) is an important structure involved in various brain functions, because it controls the activity of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in the midbrain. The impairment of working memory commonly occurs in Parkinson's disease; however, it is not clear whether the LHb involves in the regulation of working memory in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). In this study, we found that the MFB lesions in rats decreased choice accuracy as measured by the T-maze rewarded alternation test compared to control rats, indicating the induction of working memory impairment, and decreased dopamine (DA) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus and amygdala. Further, rats in the MFB and LHb lesion group showed increased choice accuracy compared to rats in the MFB lesion group, indicating the enhancement of working memory after lesioning the LHb. Neurochemical results found that lesions of the LHb increased DA levels in the mPFC, hippocampus and amygdala in the MFB and LHb lesion group, as well as serotonin (5-HT) level in the mPFC. These findings suggest that DA depletion plays a key role in working memory impairment, and lesions of the LHb improve working memory in the MFB-lesioned rats, which involves in increases in the levels of DA and 5-HT in the mPFC, hippocampus and amygdala. Additionally, the present results may have implications for improving our understanding of the neuropathology and/or treatment of PD.

Prelimbic α1-adrenoceptors are involved in the regulation of depressive-like behaviors in the hemiparkinsonian rats.

At present, it is not clear whether α1-adrenoceptors in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) are involved in Parkinson's disease-related depression. Here we examined effects of PrL α1-adrenoceptors on depressive-like behaviors in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle. The lesion induced depressive-like responses as measured by the sucrose preference and forced swim tests compared to sham-operated rats. Intra-PrL injection of α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine induced or increased the expression of depressive-like behaviors in sham-operated and the lesioned rats. Further, intra-PrL injection of α1-adrenoceptor antagonist benoxathian produced antidepressant effects in two groups of rats. Intra-PrL injection of phenylephrine increased the mean firing rate of PrL pyramidal neurons in both sham-operated and the lesioned rats, while benoxathian decreased the mean firing rate of the neurons. Compared to sham-operated rats, the duration of phenylephrine and benoxathian action on the firing rate of the pyramidal neurons was shortened in the lesioned rats. Neurochemical results showed that intra-PrL injection of phenylephrine or benoxathian increased or decreased dopamine and noradrenaline and serotonin levels in the medial prefrontal cortex, ventral hippocampus and habenula in sham-operated and the lesioned rats, respectively. Altogether, these results suggest that activation and blockade of α1-adrenoceptors in the PrL change the firing activity of the pyramidal neurons, and then increase or decrease levels of three monoamines in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions, which are involved in the regulation of depressive-like behaviors. Additionally, the results also suggest that the dopaminergic lesion leads to hypofunctionality of α1-adrenoceptors on pyramidal neurons of the PrL.

Involvement of lateral habenula α1 subunit-containing GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in the regulation of depression-related behaviors in experimental Parkinson's disease.

The lateral habenula (LHb) plays an important role in the regulation of depression. At present, it is not clear whether GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in the LHb is involved in Parkinson's disease (PD)-associated depression. In this study, unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra in rats induced depressive-like behaviors and led to hyperactivity of LHb neurons compared to sham-operated rats, which attribute to depletion of dopamine, and decreased synthesis and release of GABA and increased release of glutamate in the LHb. Intra-LHb injection of GABAA receptor agonist muscimol produced antidepressant-like effects, while the injection of GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin induced or increased the expression of depressive-like behaviors in sham-operated and the lesioned rats. However, the doses producing these behavioral effects in the lesioned rats were lower than those in sham-operated rats. Intra-LHb injection of muscimol decreased the firing rate of LHb neurons and increased the medial prefrontal cortex serotonin (5-HT) release; conversely, picrotoxin increased the firing rate of the neurons and decreased 5-HT release in two groups of rats. Compared to sham-operated rats, the duration of muscimol and picrotoxin action on the firing rate of the neurons and 5-HT release was prolonged in the lesioned rats. These changes in the lesioned rats were associated with up-regulation of the expression of α1 subunit-containing GABAA receptors and reduction of GABA release in the LHb. Collectively, our findings suggest that degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway impairs GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission in the LHb, and the transmission is important for regulating PD-associated depression.

Activation and blockade of serotonin6 receptors in the dorsal hippocampus enhance T maze and hole-board performance in a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease.

The role of dorsal hippocampus (DH) serotonin6 (5-HT6) receptors in memory is unknown, particularly in memory impairment of Parkinson's disease. We tested here effects of activation and blockade of DH 5-HT6 receptors on working and hippocampus-dependent memories in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle. The lesion induced working and hippocampus-dependent memory impairments as measured by the T-maze rewarded alternation and hole-board tests, and decreased dopamine (DA) levels in the striatum, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), DH and amygdala. Intra-DH injection of 5-HT6 receptor agonist WAY208466 (1.5, 3 and 6µg/rat) did not change choice accuracy and the number of head-dippings when re-exposure to hole-board in sham-operated rats, while 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB258585 (4µg/rat) increased choice accuracy and decreased the number of head-dippings. In the lesioned rats, both WAY208466 (3 and 6µg/rat) and SB258585 (2 and 4µg/rat) increased choice accuracy and decreased the number of head-dippings. Neurochemical results showed that intra-DH injection of WAY208466 or SB258585 produced significant effects on DA and noradrenaline (NA) levels in the mPFC (WAY208466: sham-operated, NA -44%; lesioned, DA 522%, NA -47%; SB258585: sham-operated, DA 72%, NA 85%; lesioned, DA -68%), DH (WAY208466: lesioned, DA 427%; SB258585: sham-operated, DA 119%, NA 206%) and amygdala (WAY208466: sham-operated, NA -28%; lesioned, DA 302%; SB258585: sham-operated, NA 183%); however, 5-HT levels in these brain regions were not changed. These findings suggest DA depletion plays a key role in working and hippocampus-dependent memory impairments, and 5-HT6 receptors in the DH are involved in the regulation of the memories.

Activation and blockade of prelimbic 5-HT6 receptors produce different effects on depressive-like behaviors in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson's rats.

The role of prelimbic (PrL) 5-HT6 receptors in depression is poorly understood, particularly in Parkinson's disease-related depression. Here we reported that 6-hydroxydopamine lesions in rats decreased sucrose preference and increased immobility time as measured by the sucrose preference and forced swim tests when compared to sham-operated rats, indicating the induction of depressive-like behaviors. Intra-PrL injection of 5-HT6 receptor agonist WAY208466 induced depressive-like responses in sham-operated rats, and produced antidepressant-like effects in the lesioned rats. However, 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB258585 produced antidepressant-like effects in sham-operated rats, and increased the expression of depressive-like behaviors in the lesioned rats. Neurochemical results showed that intra-PrL injection of WAY208466 and SB258585 decreased or increased dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, habenula and ventral hippocampus in sham-operated and the lesioned rats, respectively. WAY208466 increased the firing rate of PrL glutamate neurons in the two groups of rats, while SB258585 decreased the firing rate of the neurons. Compared to sham-operated rats, the duration of WAY208466 and SB258585 action on the firing rate of glutamate neurons was markedly prolonged in the lesioned rats. The lesion did not change the co-localization of 5-HT6 receptor and glutamate neurons in the PrL. These findings indicate that 5-HT6 receptors in the PrL are involved in the regulation of depressive-like behaviors, which attribute to changes in DA and NA levels in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions. Additionally, the results suggest that the lesion leads to a supersensitization of 5-HT6 receptors on glutamate neurons in the PrL.

Serotonin7 receptors in the lateral habenular nucleus regulate depressive-like behaviors in the hemiparkinsonian rats.

Preclinical studies indicate that serotonin7 (5-HT7) receptors may regulate depressive-like behaviors. Depression is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its pathophysiology is unclear. Here we examined whether 5-HT7 receptors in the lateral habenular nucleus (LHb) involve in the regulation of PD-related depression. Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra pars compacta in rats induced depressive-like responses as measured by the sucrose preference and forced swim tests when compared to sham-operated rats. Intra-LHb injection of 5-HT7 receptor agonist AS19 (1, 2 and 4µg/rat) induced or increased the expression of depressive-like behaviors in sham-operated and the lesioned rats. Further, intra-LHb injection of 5-HT7 receptor antagonist SB269970 (1.5, 3 and 6µg/rat) produced antidepressant effects in the two groups of rats. However, the doses producing these effects in the lesioned rats were higher than those in sham-operated rats. Neurochemical results showed that intra-LHb injection of AS19 (4µg/rat) decreased dopamine and 5-HT levels in the medial prefrontal cortex, habenula and hippocampus in sham-operated and the lesioned rats; whereas SB269970 (6µg/rat) increased dopamine and 5-HT levels in these structures. In addition, noradrenaline levels in these structures were not changed after intra-LHb injection of AS19 or SB269970 in the two groups of rats. These findings suggest that activation or blockade of 5-HT7 receptors in the LHb may change the activity of LHb glutamate neurons, and then decreases or increases dopamine and 5-HT levels in the limbic and limbic-related brain regions, which are involved in the regulation of depressive-like behaviors.

Serotonin6 receptors in the dorsal hippocampus regulate depressive-like behaviors in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned Parkinson's rats.

Preclinical studies indicate both activation and blockade of serotonin6 (5-HT6) receptors may produce antidepressant-like effects. Depression is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its pathophysiology is unclear. Here we examined whether 5-HT6 receptors in the dorsal hippocampus (DH) involve in the regulation of PD-associated depression. Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the medial forebrain bundle in rats induced depressive-like responses as measured by the sucrose preference and forced swim tests when compared to sham-operated rats. In sham-operated rats, intra-DH injection of 5HT6 receptor agonist WAY208466 or antagonist SB258585 increased sucrose consumption and decreased immobility time, indicating the induction of antidepressant effects. In the lesioned rats, WAY208466 also produced antidepressant effects, whereas SB258585 decreased sucrose consumption and increased immobility time, indicating the induction of depressive-like behaviors. Neurochemical results showed that WAY208466 did not change dopamine (DA) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), DH and habenula, and noradrenaline (NA) levels in the DH and habenula in sham-operated rats, and SB258585 increased DA and NA levels in these structures. Further, WAY208466 increased DA levels in the mPFC, DH and habenula, and NA level in the habenula in the lesioned rats, and SB258585 decreased DA levels in the mPFC and habenula. Additionally, the lesion did not change the density of neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1/5-HT6 receptor co-expressing neurons in the DH. Compared to sham-operated rats, these findings suggest that the effects of 5-HT6 receptors in PD-associated depression may be mediated through different neurochemical mechanisms, and the DH is an important site involved in these effects.