Serotonin and beyond-a tribute to Manfred Göthert (1939-2019).

Manfred Göthert, who had served Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol as Managing Editor from 1998 to 2005, deceased in June 2019. His scientific oeuvre encompasses more than 20 types of presynaptic receptors, mostly on serotoninergic and noradrenergic neurones. He was the first to identify presynaptic receptors for somatostatin and ACTH and described many presynaptic receptors, known from animal preparations, also in human tissue. In particular, he elucidated the pharmacology of presynaptic 5-HT receptors. A second field of interest included ligand-gated and voltage-dependent channels. The negative allosteric effect of anesthetics at peripheral nACh receptors is relevant for the peripheral clinical effects of these drugs and modified the Meyer-Overton hypothesis. The negative allosteric effect of ethanol at NMDA receptors in human brain tissue occurred at concentrations found in the range of clinical ethanol intoxication. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of gabapentinoids on P/Q Ca2+ channels and the subsequent decrease in AMPA-induced noradrenaline release may contribute to their clinical effect. Another ligand-gated ion channel, the 5-HT3 receptor, attracted the interest of Manfred Göthert from the whole animal via isolated preparations down to the cellular level. He contributed to that molecular study in which 5-HT3 receptor subtypes were disclosed. Finally, he found altered pharmacological properties of 5-HT receptor variants like the Arg219Leu 5-HT1A receptor (which was also shown to be associated with major depression) and the Phe124Cys 5-HT1B receptor (which may be related to sumatriptan-induced vasospasm). Manfred Göthert was a brilliant scientist and his papers have a major impact on today's pharmacology.

The norepinephrine transporter in physiology and disease.

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) terminates noradrenergic signalling by rapid re-uptake of neuronally released norepinephrine (NE) into presynaptic terminals. NET exerts a fine regulated control over NE-mediated behavioural and physiological effects including mood, depression, feeding behaviour, cognition, regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. NET is a target of several drugs which are therapeutically used in the treatment or diagnosis of disorders among which depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and feeding disturbances are the most common. Individual genetic variations in the gene encoding the human NET (hNET), located at chromosome 16q12.2, may contribute to the pathogenesis of those diseases. An increasing number of studies concerning the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the hNET gene and their potential association with disease as well as the functional investigation of naturally occurring or induced amino acid variations in hNET have contributed to a better understanding of NET function, regulation and genetic contribution to disorders. This review will reflect the current knowledge in the field of NET from its initial discovery until now.

Large-scale preparation of plasma membrane vesicles from PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells and their use in noradrenaline transport studies.

Plasma membranes were isolated from rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12) grown in spinner culture. The rapid and simple isolation procedure consisted of a differential and isopycnic centrifugation (in a linear sucrose gradient) with the aid of a high capacity fixed angle rotor equipped with siliconized centrifuge tubes. The isolated membranes were closed and osmotically active vesicles (about 0.3 micron in diameter) with a mean intravesicular water space of 1.84 microliters/mg protein. In the presence of an inward gradient of sodium chloride and an outward gradient of potassium, [3H]noradrenaline (50 nM) was taken up and accumulated 550-fold (at 31 degrees C). The uptake and accumulation of [3H]noradrenaline was temperature-sensitive and inhibited by the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine. Membrane vesicles isolated from PC-12 cells represent a useful model for the investigation of the molecular mechanism of the neuronal noradrenaline transport system.

The human noradrenaline transporter gene contains multiple polyadenylation sites and two alternatively spliced C-terminal exons.

Sequencing downstream of the C-terminal exon 14 of the human noradrenaline transporter (hNAT) gene reveals 5 consensus polyadenylation signals, several adenylate/uridylate-rich elements (AREs) and a new C-terminal exon, designated as exon 15. The tandemly arranged polyadenylation sites are in good conformity with the 3.6- and 5.8-kb hNAT mRNA transcripts. Expression of the alternatively spliced C-terminal exon 15 is shown by RT-PCR. This alternative splicing event proposes additional hNAT mRNA species of 2.4-3 kb in size. Corresponding NAT transcripts are found by Northern analysis of human SKN and rat PC12 cell RNA. Sequence comparison of the hNAT gene to two bovine NAT cDNAs shows the interspecies conservation of this alternative splicing event, the close relationship of human and bovine NAT genes, and implicates a functional role for the transporters C-terminal domain.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of unfolding of the thermostable trimeric adenylate kinase from the archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.

The thermal stability of adenylate kinase from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius was characterized comprehensively using denaturant-induced unfolding, differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and enzymological inactivation studies. The thermally induced unfolding of the protein is irreversible due to aggregation, whereas the unfolding induced by guanidinium chloride is reversible. The protein is known to be a homotrimer in its native state and we established that it unfolds upon dissociation in the case of denaturant unfolding. We measured the thermodynamic stability of the protein in a temperature range from 5 to 70 degrees C using denaturant unfolding. The protein has a maximum of stability (intrinsic free energy) of 31 kcal/mol-trimer (130 kJ/mol-trimer) at 32 degrees C (based on the linear extrapolation model). The heat capacity change upon unfolding DeltaCp and the m-value were considered to be constant in this temperature range and calculated to be 2.86 kcal/mol-trimer (11.9 kJ/mol-trimer) and 5.67 kcal/mol-trimer M (23.7 kJ/mol-trimer M), respectively. The influence of trimerization on thermodynamic stability was investigated. The several interrelated aspects of thermal stability such as unfolding kinetics, the temperature-dependence of the free energy, and the concentration and temperature-dependencies of the fraction of denatured protein are described quantitatively. The properties of the Gibbs-Helmholtz function of the adenylate kinase from S. acidocaldarius, in particular, and of oligomeric proteins, in general terms, are discussed and compared with the properties of the analogous function for monomeric proteins. Moreover, we discuss methodological aspects: we obtained the analytical expression of the denaturant-unfolding isotherm for homotrimeric proteins; we include a formula Appendix containing the derivations of the expressions used.

The structure of a trimeric archaeal adenylate kinase.

The adenylate kinase from the hyperthermophilic archaean species Sulfolobus acidocaldarius has been cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized. The crystal structure was elucidated by multiple isomorphous replacement and non-crystallographic density averaging. The structure was refined at 2.6 A (1 A=0.1 nm) resolution. The enzyme is trimeric, in contrast to previous solution measurements that suggested a dimeric structure, and in contrast to the vast majority of adenylate kinases, which are monomeric. In large parts of each subunit the chain fold resembles the known enzyme structure from eubacteria and eukaryotes although the sequence homology is negligible. Since the asymmetric unit contains two trimers with and without bound AMP at the AMP sites and with an ADP at one of the six ATP sites, the analysis shows the enzyme in several states. The conformational differences between these states resemble those of other adenylate kinases. Because of sequence homology, the structure presented provides a good model for the methanococcal adenylate kinases.

Effects of opioids on human serotonin transporters.

The serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) system plays a role in analgesia and emesis. The aim of this study was to test whether opioids or ketamine inhibit the human 5-HT transporter and whether this increases free plasma 5-HT concentrations. HEK293 cells, stably transfected with the human 5-HT transporter cDNA, were incubated with morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, alfentanil, pethidine (meperidine), tramadol, ketamine, and the reference substance citalopram (specific 5-HT transporter inhibitor). The uptake of [(3)H]5-HT was measured by liquid scintillation counting. In a second series of experiments, study drugs were incubated with plasma of ten healthy blood donors and change of 5-HT plasma-concentrations were measured (ELISA). The end point was the inhibition of the 5-HT transporter by different analgesics either in HEK293 cells or in human platelets ex vivo. Tramadol, pethidine, and ketamine suppressed [(3)H]5-HT uptake dose-dependently with an IC50 of 1, 20.9, and 230 µM, respectively. These drugs also prevented 5-HT uptake in platelets with an increase in free plasma 5-HT. Free 5-HT concentrations in human plasma were increased by citalopram 1 µM, tramadol 20 µM, pethidine 30 µM, and ketamine 100 µM to 280 [248/312]%, 269 [188/349]%, and 149 [122/174]%, respectively, compared to controls without any co-incubation (means [95 % CI]; all p < 0.005). No change in both experimental settings was observed for the other opioids. Tramadol and pethidine inhibited the 5-HT transporter in HEK293 cells and platelets. This inhibition may contribute to serotonergic effects when these opioids are given in combination, e.g., with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Pharmacological properties of the naturally occurring Phe-124-Cys variant of the human 5-HT1B receptor: changes in ligand binding, G-protein coupling and second messenger formation.

The aim of this study was to analyse whether substitution of phenylalanine in position 124 of the human (h) 5-HT1B receptor by cysteine, a naturally occurring variant of this receptor, modifies not only ligand binding, but also G-protein coupling and second messenger formation. Stably transfected rat C6 glioma cells, which express either the h5-HT1B variant receptor (VR) or the wild-type receptor (WTR) were used. In saturation experiments with [3H]5-carboxamidotryptamine ([3H]5-CT), the maximum binding (Bmax) of the VR amounted to only 60% of that to WTR. In competition experiments with 1 nM [3H]5-CT, the following 5-HT receptor ligands exhibited a higher affinity for the mutant receptor than for the WTR: L-694,247, 5-CT, 5-HT, sumatriptan (agonists listed at decreasing order of potency) and SB-224289 (a selective h5-HT1B receptor inverse agonist with competitive antagonistic properties). In contrast, the mixed 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist GR-127935 exhibited equal affinity for both isoforms. The efficacy of L-694,247, 5-CT, 5-HT and sumatriptan in stimulating [35S]GTPgammaS binding (a measure of G protein coupling) to membranes of cells expressing the VR was approximately 50-65% lower compared to membranes of cells expressing the WTR, but their potency was 2.8-3.6-fold higher. SB-224289, which decreased [35S]GTPgammaS binding when given alone, but not GR-127935, was more potent in antagonizing the stimulatory effect of 5-CT on [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes expressing the VR compared to membranes expressing the WTR. In whole cells expressing the VR, 5-CT and sumatriptan inhibited the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation 3.2-fold more potently than in cells expressing the WTR. In conclusion, our data suggest that the Phe-124-Cys mutation modifies the pharmacological properties of the h5-HT1B receptor and may account for pharmacogenetic differences in the action of h5-HT1B receptor ligands. Thus, the sumatriptan-induced vasospasm which occurs at low incidence as a side-effect in migraine therapy may be related to the expression of the (124-Cys)h5-HT1B receptor in patients with additional pathogenetic factors such as coronary heart disease.

Pharmacological properties of naturally occurring variants of the human norepinephrine transporter.

The human norepinephrine transporter (hNET) gene has five sequence polymorphisms that predict amino acid substitutions in the transporter protein: Val69Ile, Thr99Ile, Val245Ile, Val449Ile, and Gly478Ser. In order to functionally characterize the naturally occurring transporter variants, we used site-directed mutagenesis to establish the hNET variants and compared some basic pharmacological properties (uptake of norepinephrine and its inhibition by the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine) in COS-7 cells transiently expressing variant hNETs and wild-type hNET. None of the hNET variants displayed changes in the potency (Ki) of desipramine for inhibition of norepinephrine uptake. Furthermore, variants Val69Ile, Thr99Ile, ValZ45Ile, and Val449Ile did not affect kinetic constants (Km, Vmax) of norepinephrine uptake. However, COS-7 cells expressing the hNET variant Gly478Ser displayed an approximately four-fold increase in the Km for norepinephrine, while the Vmax was unaffected. The increase in the Km, which is equivalent to a four-fold reduction in the affinity of the variant hNET for its natural substrate norepinephrine, indicates that the glycine in position 478 is part of a substrate recognition domain. The reduced clearance of released norepinephrine by reuptake through the Gly478Ser variant might cause an increase in the synaptic and the circulating concentration of norepinephrine. Elevated norepinephrine concentrations have been associated with human diseases and it will be interesting to explore a possible contribution by the Gly478Ser variant to certain disease states.

Modified ligand binding to the naturally occurring Cys-124 variant of the human serotonin 5-HT1B receptor.

A substitution of phenylalanine by cysteine in position 124 is the only known naturally occurring variant of the human 5-HT1B (h5-HT1B) receptor. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential influence of the Cys-124 variant on pharmacological properties of the receptor and to test for an involvement of the mutation in the genetic predisposition to schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder. Binding of [3H]5-carboxamidotryptamine ([3H]5-CT) and its competition with serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists were determined in COS-7 cells transfected with the wild-type or the variant h5-HT1B receptor cDNA. In saturation experiments with [3H]5-CT, the maximum binding (Bmax) of the variant receptor was approximately 30% of the wild-type receptor. In competition experiments with 1 nM [3H]5-CT, the following serotonin receptor ligands exhibited a two to three times higher affinity for the mutant than for the wild-type receptor: dihydroergotamine, L-694,247, SB-216641, 5-CT, 5-HT, sumatriptan, RU24969 and methysergide (compounds listed at decreasing order of potency at the wild-type receptor). In contrast, the serotonin receptor antagonist ketanserin exhibited higher binding affinity for the wild-type than for the mutant h5-HT1B receptor and GR127939, (-)propranolol and BRL-15572 showed equal affinity for both types of receptor. Mutation screening of schizophrenic and bipolar patients revealed no relationship between the variant receptor and development of disease. In conclusion, our data suggest that the Cys-124 variant significantly affects the pharmacological properties of the h5-HT1B receptor. Carriers of the variant may exhibit differences in response to drugs acting on the h5-HT1B receptor or may develop side-effects to such agents.

Cloning and expression of the bovine sodium- and chloride-dependent noradrenaline transporter.

A cDNA encoding a functional bovine, tricyclic antidepressant-sensitive noradrenaline transporter has been identified by screening a lambda gt11 cDNA library of the bovine adrenal medulla using the cDNA of the human noradrenaline transporter [1991, Nature 350, 350-354]. The sequence predicts a protein of 615 amino acids (M(r) 68,900). The bovine transporter shares 93% amino acid identity with the human sequence, but displays two more consensus sites for phosphorylation by protein kinase C. Transient expression of the transporter in COS-7 cells resulted in a sodium- and chloride-dependent uptake of noradrenaline with a pharmacology typical for a neuronal noradrenaline transporter.

Exon-intron organization of the human 5-HT3A receptor gene.

The gene structure of the human 5-HT3A receptor gene was analyzed by exon to exon polymerase chain reaction and subsequent sequencing. The results were confirmed by restriction analysis and genomic Southern blotting. The coding region of the human gene was found to be split by eight introns at identical positions as in the murine 5-HT3A receptor gene. All exon-intron boundaries exhibited fully conserved splice donor and acceptor consensus sequences. The alternative splice acceptor in intron eight of the murine gene was not found in the human counterpart. The length of particular introns differs markedly from the murine gene. With the exception of intron 5, all human introns are longer than their murine counterparts. From the start to the stop codon the human gene stretches over about 14.5 kb. The human exon sequences confirm one of three published human 5-HT3A receptor cDNA sequences. Knowledge of the gene structure, including 1.9 kb of the 5' noncoding region, all introns and the exon-intron boundaries of the human 5-HT3A receptor gene should facilitate investigation of its potential role in psychiatric disorders.

5-HT3 receptors in outside-out patches of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells: basic properties and effects of pentobarbital.

A fast solution exchange system (Dilger and Brett, 1990; Biophysics Journal 57: 723-731) with an exchange rate < 1 msec was used to study 5-HT3 (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine) receptor-mediated currents in superfused outside-out patches of N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells. At negative membrane potentials, 5-HT induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 3.8 microM, Hill coefficient = 1.8). The mean peak current at a near-maximally effective 5-HT concentration of 30 microM was 20.6 pA. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.3 nM) reversibly inhibited the 5-HT (30 microM) signal by approximately 50%. The currents induced during application of 30 microM 5-HT for 2 sec were characterized by inward rectification, a monophasic onset (tau ON = 37.5 msec) and, after reaching a peak, a monophasic decay (desensitization; tau OFF = 391 msec). Onset and decay were slower at lower 5-HT concentrations. The recovery of fully desensitized patches required a washout period of 45 sec. Pentobarbital inhibited 5-HT-induced (30 microM) currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximally obtainable inhibition with a given pentobarbital concentration was reached already when it was exclusively coapplied with 5-HT (IC50 = 135 microM. Hill coefficient = -0.7), since additional preexposure for at least 45 sec did not alter the concentration-response curve of pentobarbital. In conclusion, outside-out patches of N1E-115 cells are suitable to study the kinetic properties of 5-HT3 receptor channels. The results obtained in this model with pentobarbital are compatible with the suggestion that the inhibitory action of pentobarbital on 5-HT3 receptors is dependent on the agonist-activated (open) channel.

Effects of short- and long-term exposure to c-AMP and c-GMP on the noradrenaline transporter.

The effects of short- and long-term exposure of cells to elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP), using dibutyryl-c-AMP, 8-bromo-c-AMP, cholera toxin or forskolin, or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (c-GMP), using dibutyryl-c-GMP or 8-bromo-c-GMP, on the activity and expression of the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) were examined. Short- or long-term c-GMP elevation had no effects on (3)H-noradrenaline uptake by rat PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells or human SK-N-SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Short-term c-AMP elevation (for 17 min experiment duration) caused a decrease in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake by PC12 cells, but had no effects on SK-N-SH-SY5Y cells or COS-7 cells transfected with human or rat NAT cDNA. c-AMP did not affect (3)H-nisoxetine binding to PC12 cells. Long-term (24 h) exposure to elevated c-AMP levels caused a decrease in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake and NAT mRNA in PC12 cells, but had no effects on SK-N-SH-SY5Y cells and caused a small increase in (3)H-noradrenaline uptake in COS-7 cells heterologously expressing rat or human NAT. Hence, c-AMP, but not c-GMP, causes a cell type-dependent reduction in NAT activity after short-term exposure and a reduction in NAT expression after long-term exposure.

Inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors by propofol: equilibrium and kinetic measurements.

Patch-clamp/rapid solution exchange experiments as well as tracer ([14C]-guanidinium) influx measurements were applied to investigate effects of propofol on 5-HT3 receptor channels and compare the results with those obtained with pentobarbital. Currents induced by 30 microM 5-HT were recorded in outside-out patches from N1E-115 cells. Application of propofol 45 s before and during 5-HT application inhibited peak-currents and integrated current responses in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 values=14.5 and 10.5 microM; Hill coefficients -1.5 and -1.3, respectively). The inhibitory effect of propofol in the current measurements was similar to the propofol-induced inhibition in tracer influx experiments in whole N1E-115 cells (Barann et al., 1993. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 347, 125-132). Pentobarbital-induced inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors in both patch-clamp (Barann et al., 1997. Neuropharmacology 36, 655-664) and tracer influx measurements indicated a lower potency and lower slope (IC50 values=130 and 55 microM; Hill coefficients -0.8 and -0.7, respectively) compared to propofol. Propofol, in contrast to pentobarbital, showed nearly the full potency when applied to the patches exclusively 45 s before 5-HT. Propofol was least effective when administered exclusively during 5-HT. The onset of inhibition of 5-HT-induced peak currents by propofol had a time constant of 220 ms, similar to the kinetics of 5-HT-induced desensitization.

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent ligands for the norepinephrine transporter: potential neuroblastoma imaging agents.

Radiolabeled m-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is a tumor-seeking radioactive drug used in the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. It is transported into the tumor cells by the neuronal norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) which is expressed in almost all neuroblastoma cells. Here, we describe the synthesis and some pharmacological properties of a series of fluorescent compounds structurally related to the NET substrate, MIBG, or to the NET inhibitors, (-)-(2R,3S)-cocaine and nisoxetine. Three of 10 synthesized fluorescent compounds, 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)guanidinium sulfate (1), 1-[2-(dibenz[b, f]azepin-5-yl)ethyl]guanidinium sulfate (2), and (2R, 3S)-2beta-ethoxycarbonyl-3beta-tropanyl 5-(dimethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonate (6), exhibited high affinity (IC(50) about 50 nM) for the NET. The nisoxetine derivatives 8 (rac-N-[(3-methylamino-1-phenyl)propyl]-5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthale nesulfonamide) and 9 (rac-4-[(3-methylamino-1-phenyl)propyl]amino-7-nitro-2,1, 3-benzoxadiazole) and especially the guanidine derivative 4 (1-[4-(4-phenyl-1,3-butadienyl)benzyl]guanidinium sulfate) which are characterized by intermediate affinity for the NET (IC(50) 370-850 nM) caused significant and nisoxetine-sensitive cell fluorescence. At least the guanidine derivative 4 might represent a potentially useful agent for imaging of neuroblastoma cells.

Sympathomimetic effects of MIBG: comparison with tyramine.

UNLABELLED: Because nothing is known about whether metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) has tyramine-like actions, the sympathomimetic effects of MIBG were determined in the isolated rabbit heart and compared with those of tyramine. METHODS: Spontaneously beating rabbit hearts were perfused with Tyrode's solution (Langendorff technique; 37 degrees C; 26 mL/min), and the heart rate as well as the norepinephrine and dopamine overflow into the perfusate was measured before and after doses of MIBG or tyramine (0.03-10 micromol) given as bolus injections (100 microL) into the aortic cannula. Km and Vmax values for the neuronal uptake (uptake1) of 125I-MIBG and 14C-tyramine were obtained in human neuroblastoma (SK-N-SH) cells. The Ki of MIBG for inhibition of the 3H-catecholamine uptake mediated by the vesicular monoamine transporter was determined in membrane vesicles obtained from bovine chromaffin granules and compared with the previously reported Ki value for tyramine determined under identical experimental conditions. RESULTS: By producing increases in heart rate and norepinephrine overflow, both compounds had dose-dependent sympathomimetic effects in the rabbit heart. MIBG was much less effective than tyramine in increasing heart rate (maximum effect 59 versus 156 beats/min) and norepinephrine overflow (maximum effect 35 versus 218 pmol/g). Tyramine also caused increases in dopamine overflow, whereas MIBG was a poor dopamine releaser. At a dose of 10 micromol, the increase in heart rate lasted more than 60 min after MIBG and about 20 min after tyramine injection. Accordingly, the norepinephrine overflow caused by 10 micromol MIBG and tyramine declined with half-lives of 57.8 and 2.2 min, respectively. The effects of both drugs were drastically reduced in hearts exposed to 2 micromol/L desipramine. The kinetic parameters characterizing the saturation of neuronal uptake by 125I-MIBG and 14C-tyramine were similar for the two compounds: Km values of MIBG and tyramine were 1.6 and 1.7 micromol/L, respectively, and Vmax values of MIBG and tyramine were 43 and 37 pmol/mg protein/min, respectively. However, in inhibiting the vesicular 3H-catecholamine uptake, MIBG was eight times less potent than tyramine. CONCLUSION: MIBG is much less effective than tyramine as an indirect sympathomimetic agent. This is probably a result of its relatively low affinity for the vesicular monoamine transporter and explains the relatively poor ability of the drug to mobilize norepinephrine stored in synaptic vesicles. The long duration of MIBG action results primarily from the drug not being metabolized by monoamine oxidase. The sympathomimetic effects of MIBG described here are not likely to come into play in patients given diagnostic or common therapeutic doses of radioiodinated MIBG.

Characterization of 5-HT3 receptors of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells by use of the influx of the organic cation [14C]-guanidinium.

1. The 5-HT3 receptor-mediated cation influx into N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells has been studied by the use of the organic cation [14C]-guanidinium. 2. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 30 microM) caused a time-dependent influx of [14C]-guanidinium which, in contrast to the influx elicited by veratridine (100 microM), was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 10 microM). The 5-HT-induced influx was potentiated by substance P and inhibited by ondansetron. 3. 5-HT and the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonists, m-chloro-phenylbiguanide, phenylbiguanide and 2-methyl-5-HT caused bell-shaped concentration-response curves; the rank order of potency was m-chloro-phenylbiguanide > 5-HT > phenylbiguanide = 2-methyl-5-HT. Among these agonists, 5-HT elicited the highest influx of [14C]-guanidinium. 5-Methoxytryptamine, an agonist at 5-HT4 receptors, showed no effect. 4. The [14C]-guanidinium influx induced by 100 microM 5-HT was not affected by methysergide (10 microM) and ketanserin (10 microM) but was inhibited by 5-HT3 receptor antagonists with the following rank order of potency: ICS 205-930 > ondansetron > MDL 72222 >> metoclopramide. 5. The 5-HT-induced [14C]-guanidinium influx was increased in the absence of Ca2+ and/or Na+ and by a reduction of the temperature from 36 degrees to 20 degrees C. 6. Preincubation with 5-HT (100 microM) caused a time-dependent and rapidly reversible decrease of the 5-HT-induced [14C]-guanidinium influx. 7. It is concluded that [14C]-guanidinium influx measurement in N1E-115 cells is a convenient method to study properties of the cation channel of the 5-HT3 receptor. This influx is independent of the fast sodium channel.

Influence of sodium substitutes on 5-HT-mediated effects at mouse 5-HT3 receptors.

1 The influence of sodium ion substitutes on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced flux of the organic cation [14C]guanidinium through the ion channel of the mouse 5-HT3 receptor and on the competition of 5-HT with the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist [3H]GR 65630 was studied, unless stated otherwise, in mouse neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells. 2 Under physiological conditions (135 mm sodium), 5-HT induced a concentration-dependent [14C]guanidinium influx with an EC50 (1.3 microm) similar to that in electrophysiological studies. 3 The stepwise replacement of sodium by increasing concentrations of the organic cation hydroxyethyl trimethylammonium (choline) concentration dependently caused both a rightward shift of the 5-HT concentration-response curve and an increase in the maximum effect of 5-HT. Complete replacement of sodium resulted in a 34-fold lower potency of 5-HT and an almost two times higher maximal response. A low potency of 5-HT in choline buffer was also observed in other 5-HT3 receptor-expressing rodent cell lines (NG 108-15 or NCB 20). 4 Replacement of Na+ by Li+ left the potency and maximal effects of 5-HT almost unchanged. Replacement by tris (hydroxymethyl) methylamine (Tris), tetramethylammonium (TMA) or N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG) caused an increase in maximal response to 5-HT similar to that caused by choline. The potency of 5-HT was only slightly reduced by Tris, to a high degree decreased by TMA (comparable to the decrease by choline), but not influenced by NMDG. 5 The potency of 5-HT in inhibiting [3H]GR65630 binding to intact cells was 35-fold lower when sodium was completely replaced by choline, but remained unchanged after replacement by NMDG. 6 The results are compatible with the suggestion that choline competes with 5-HT for the 5-HT3 receptor; the increase in maximal response may be partly due to a choline-mediated delay of the 5-HT-induced desensitization. For studies of 5-HT-evoked [14C]guanidinium flux through 5-HT3 receptor channels, NMDG appears to be an 'ideal' sodium substituent since it increases the signal-to-noise ratio without interfering with 5-HT binding.

Direct inhibition by cannabinoids of human 5-HT3A receptors: probable involvement of an allosteric modulatory site.

Excised outside-out patches from HEK293 cells stably transfected with the human (h) 5-HT3A receptor cDNA were used to determine the effects of cannabinoid receptor ligands on the 5-HT-induced current using the patch clamp technique. In addition, binding studies with radioligands for 5-HT3 as well as for cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors were carried out. The 5-HT-induced current was inhibited by the following cannabinoid receptor agonists (at decreasing order of potency): 9-THC, WIN55,212-2, anandamide, JWH-015 and CP55940. The WIN55,212-2-induced inhibition was not altered by SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist. WIN55,212-3, an enantiomer of WIN55,212-2, did not affect the 5-HT-induced current. WIN55,212-2 did not change the EC50 value of 5-HT in stimulating current, but reduced the maximum effect. The CB1 receptor ligand [3H]-SR141716A and the CB1/CB2 receptor ligand [3H]-CP55940 did not specifically bind to parental HEK293 cells. In competition experiments on membranes of HEK293 cells transfected with the h5-HT3A receptor cDNA, WIN55,212-2, CP55940, anandamide and SR141716A did not affect [3H]-GR65630 binding, but 5-HT caused a concentration dependent-inhibition. In conclusion, cannabinoids stereoselectively inhibit currents through recombinant h5-HT3A receptors independently of cannabinoid receptors. Probably the cannabinoids act allosterically at a modulatory site of the h5-HT3A receptor. Thus the functional state of the receptor can be controlled by the endogenous ligand anandamide. This site is a potential target for new analgesic and antiemetic drugs.