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D Hoyer

Publications and source records attributed to D Hoyer.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Localization and pharmacological characterization of somatostatin recognition sites in the human cerebellum.

Radioligand binding studies were performed in membranes of human cerebellum using [125I][Tyr3]octreotide also known as [125I]204-090, [125I]LTT-SRIF-28 ([Leu8, D-Trp22, 125I-Tyr25]SRIF-28) and [125I]CGP 23996 ([125I]c[Asu-Lys-Asn-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-Tyr-Thr-Ser]) to characterize the nature of cerebellar somatostatin receptors. Saturation experiments performed with [125I]204-090 suggest the presence of a single class of binding sites with high affinity: Bmax = 55.7 +/- 9.7 fmol/mg protein, pKd = 9.57 +/- 0.04. The pharmacological profile of [125I]204-090 and [125I]LTT-SRIF-28 labelled sites in human cerebellar membranes was overlapping (correlation coefficient r = 0.998) and correlated very significantly with that of recombinant human sst2 receptors (r = 0.987). By contrast, there was very little correlation with those of recombinant human sst3 (r = 0.208) or human sst5 receptors (r = 0.547). In contrast to [125I]204-090 or [125I]LTT-SRIF-28 binding, [125I]CGP 23996 binding (in 5 mM MgCl2 buffer) in cerebellar membranes was heterogeneous as indicated by biphasic competition curves produced by sst2 receptor selective ligands such as seglitide or octreotide. The pharmacological profile of the major component was closely correlated with that of human sst2 receptors (r = 0.989), whereas the minor component correlated equally well with human sst1 or sst4 receptors (r = 0.902 and 0.941, respectively). In vitro autoradiographic studies performed in cerebellar slices using [125I]204-090 and [125I]LTT-SRIF-28 demonstrated the presence of binding sites predominantly in the molecular layer, whereas weaker labelling was detected in the granular layer. The distribution of sites labelled by both radioligands was very similar. Using [125I]CGP 23996 (in 120 mM NaCl buffer), no clear difference between labeling of the molecular and granular layers was detectable; the dentate nucleus demonstrated binding sites for [125I]CGP 23996, in contrast to the very low level of binding observed with both, [125I]204-090 and [125I]LTT-SRIF-28. Together, the present data demonstrate the presence of SRIF receptors in the adult human cerebellar cortex which are, for the major population, best characterized as sst2. The SRIF receptors in the minor populations of the cerebellar cortex and the dentate nucleus most probably represent sst1 and/or sst4 sites.

Aged↗

Alignment of receptor nomenclature with the human genome: classification of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes.

The continuing rapid progress towards a complete database of structural information on the human genome creates a challenge of ensuring that current schemes for classifying and naming receptors and ion channels effectively integrate this information with functional data to provide unambiguous principles for classification. In this article, Paul Hartig and colleagues review the recent deliberations of the Serotonin Club Nomenclature Committee and outline a number of its recommendations aimed at encouraging consistency in current and future receptor nomenclature. Based on these principles, the present classification of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors is reconsidered, and a revised nomenclature for 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes is suggested.

Animals↗

Classification and nomenclature of 5-HT receptors: a comment on current issues.

Information concerning the structural, operational and transductional characteristics of 5-HT receptors continues to increase at an incredible pace, challenging our efforts to assimilate and organise it in a comprehensive manner. At the time of the Serotonin Satellite meeting in Chicago, the IUPHAR classification of receptors for 5-HT recognised four distinct receptor classes (5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4), comprising seven fully characterised functional receptor subtypes and four recombinant receptors (5-HT1D alpha, 5-HT1D beta, 5-ht1E and 5-ht1F). Four additional recombinant receptors (5-ht5A, 5-ht5B, 5-ht6 and 5-ht7) provide strong evidence for the existence three additional receptor classes. Indeed, results presented largely at the Chicago meeting have confirmed the physiological importance of both 5-ht6 and 5-ht7 receptors so that in future schemes, these will be acknowledged as fully characterised receptor classes. It is evident from this brief review that a number of issues remain to be resolved, and more are certain to follow. Some, for example the definition of the term 'physiologically relevant', as applied to recombinant receptors, will long continue to attract debate, especially between molecular biologists and pharmacologists. Others, such as the issue of species primacy, are perhaps more fundamental and can be expected to receive the urgent attention of NC-IUPHAR. These issues notwithstanding, the current scheme clearly provides a secure and rational basis for classifying and naming 5-HT receptors. The continued efforts of the SRNC are intended to encourage its further evolution towards the ultimate goal of a unitary classification for neurotransmitter/hormone receptors.

Animals↗

Status of somatostatin receptor messenger RNAs and binding sites in rat brain during kindling epileptogenesis.

In situ hybridization histochemistry with somatostatin sst1-sst5 receptor messenger RNA-selective oligoprobes and quantitative receptor autoradiographic binding studies using [125I]Tyr3-octreotide, [Leu2,D-Trp22,125I-Tyr25]somatostatin-28 and [125I]CGP 23996 ([125I]c[Asn-Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-Tyr-Thr-Ser]) were performed to determine the level of expression of somatostatin receptor messenger RNA and receptor binding sites in the hippocampal formation, limbic system and cerebral cortex of adult rats electrically kindled in the dorsal hippocampus. In control rats (implanted with electrodes but not electrically stimulated), the somatostatin-1 receptor-selective [125I]Tyr3-octreotide and the non-subtype-selective [Leu3,D-Trp22,125I-Tyr25]somatostatin-28 preferentially labelled the strata oriens and radiatum of the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus, the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, the subiculum and presubiculum of the hippocampal formation, the inner layer of the frontal cortex, and the lateral and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala. The non-subtype-selective radioligand [125I]CGP 23996 (in 5 mM Mg2+ buffer) preferentially labelled the strata oriens and radiatum of the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus, the subiculum and the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala. Under conditions where primarily somatostatin-2 receptors were labelled, [125I]CGP 23996 (in 120 mM Na+ buffer) showed strong binding in the strata oriens and radiatum of the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus and the frontal cortex, whereas the dentate gyrus, subiculum and amygdala showed only weak signals. During and after kindling, no significant differences were observed between the ipsi- and contralateral sides of the hippocampus. A significant decrease (about 40%) of somatostatin receptor binding sites was observed in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus with all radioligands (except [125I]CGP 23996 in Na+ buffer, which did not label this area) at stage 2 (pre-convulsive stage) and one week, but not one month, after stage 5 (generalized motor seizures). In contrast to somatostatin receptor binding, no alterations of the messenger RNA levels for sst1-sst5 receptors were found either at stage 2 or at stage 5. Similarly, no changes in receptor binding or messenger RNA levels were observed in the brain of rats which experienced a single afterdischarge. The present study shows a significant and selective decrease of somatostatin-1 receptor binding sites in the dentate gyrus of kindled rats. This is part of the plastic changes induced by kindling and may contribute to the increased sensitivity for the induction of generalized seizures during kindling.

Animals↗

Binding properties of somatostatin receptor subtypes.

In the past few years, five different somatostatin (SRIF) receptor subtypes (sst1.5) have been identified, which form a distinct group in the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. The naturally occurring somatostatins SRIF-28, SRIF-25, and SRIF-14 all reveal high-affinity binding for sst1.5. In contrast, short synthetic analogs that are in clinical use, such as SMS 201-995, RC-160, or BIM 23014, primarily interact with the sst2 subtype. Some SRIF analogs were previously reported to be selective for one SRIF receptor subtype, eg, the sst2 (MK 678), the sst3 (BIM 23056), or the sst5 (BIM 23052, L362-855) subtype. However, when we studied the binding affinities of these SRIF analogs for human (h) sst1.5 expressed in either CHO or COS-1 cells, we were unable to confirm these previously reported selectivities. The absence of sst antagonists is a major drawback for investigating the functional role of each sst subtype. We used site-directed mutagenesis to identify amino acids that determine ligand specificity for sst2. A single Ser305 to Phe mutation in TM VII increased the affinity of hsst1, for SMS 201-995 nearly 100-fold, and when Gln291 was also exchanged to Asn in TM VII of hsst1, almost full sst2-like binding of SMS 201-995 was obtained. These data may aid in the design and synthesis of new selective type sst ligands. We have identified the expression of sst subtypes in nonclassical SRIF target tissue such as the lung. The pKi values for SRIF and various SRIF analogs in rat lung tissue preparations were in close correlation with those obtained for CHO cells expressing the sst4 subtype. Furthermore, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments revealed the predominant expression of mRNA specific for sst4 in mouse, rat, and human lung tissue, confirmed by autoradiographies of rat lung. No specific binding for [125I]Tyr3-SMS 201-995 was detected, since SMS 201-995 has low affinity for sst4. In contrast, specific binding of [125I]SRIF-28 to rat lung sections was demonstrated, which could be displaced by unlabelled SRIF-14 and SRIF-28, indicating specific, high affinity binding of this radioligand to sst4 receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of complex heart rate dynamics and their pharmacological disorders by non-linear prediction and special data transformations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the presented method was the characterization of different complex heart rate dynamics in conscious rabbits as well as during general anaesthesia and vagal blockade. This was done by non-linear prediction of original measured and special surrogate data in the phase space. METHOD: The development of the prediction error in dependence on the prediction time interval was investigated in the phase space. Two kinds of surrogate data were produced and tested with regard to non-linearities and orientation in the phase space. Typical characteristics of prediction error development were shown for simulated uncorrelated stochastic, correlated stochastic, regular deterministic, and deterministic chaotic signals. These characteristics were used to evaluate the measured heart rate data in connection with tests of surrogate data. RESULTS: It could be shown that heart rate fluctuation cannot be described by one of these ideal models alone. Common consideration of all investigated prediction characteristics indicated chaos in the heart rate of conscious rabbits as well as during anaesthesia and vagal blockade, where non-linear correlated stochastic properties could not be excluded. The different amount of non-linearities and orientation was described quantitatively. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed analysis of prediction error development in the phase space, connected with tests for non-linearities and orientation, enabled a specific quantitative characterization of complex heart rate dynamics and their pharmacological disorders.

Anesthesia, General↗

Deterministic--chaotic and periodic properties of heart rate and arterial pressure fluctuations and their mediation in piglets.

OBJECTIVE: Only the simultaneous analysis of periodic and nonlinear properties of heart rate fluctuations (HRF) can describe completely this complex physiological process. Up to now there is, apart from a study of our own, no systematic and correlative investigation using both parameter groups, also not in early development. Thus, we tried to describe in this manner these properties of HRF, the corresponding mean arterial pressure fluctuations (MAPF) and respiratory movements (RM) and their mutual relations in neonatal pig. METHODS: In 6 term newborn piglets, periodic properties of HRF, RM, and MAPF were analyzed by spectral and coherence analysis, and deterministic-chaotic properties by calculation of correlation dimension (CD), Lyapunov exponent (LE), and construction of phase space plots. The assumption of deterministic chaotic components was supported by Theiler's test for nonlinearity, by always positive leading LEs, and by the results of a nonlinear deterministic model. These analyses were done in sleep states, general anaesthesia, hypoxic hypoxia, in ventilated state, and during cholinergic and additional beta-adrenergic blockade. RESULTS: In all experimental states, HRF and MAPF have periodic and nonlinear, very probably deterministic-chaotic properties, but in different relations. In anaesthetized piglets, periodic properties of HRF and MAPF dominate. In hypoxia the decreasing LE and CD of HRF and CD of MAPF were connected with increasing MAPF power density. Cholinergic blockade caused a decreased overall HRF and MAPF power and a decreasing LE and CD, but beta-adrenergic blockade decreased a small part of power density of both in 0.02-0.08 Hz only. The results of CD, LE, Theiler's test and the low dimensional deterministic model data suggested mainly deterministic-chaotic properties in the nonlinear part of HRF and MAPF. CONCLUSIONS: Already in neonatal piglets, both periodic and nonlinear, very probably deterministic chaotic properties of HRF and MAPF exist which change both during hypoxia and cholinergic blockade. They are partly cholinergically and--to a small extent--also beta-adrenergically mediated. The decrease of nonlinear complexity of HRF and MAPF during hypoxia suggests characteristic pathological change even in early development.

Anesthesia, General↗

The serotonin 5-HT4 receptor. 1. Design of a new class of agonists and receptor map of the agonist recognition site.

The design and synthesis of a new class of potent and selective 5-HT4 receptor agonists containing an indole nucleus linked to a carbazimidamide are presented. A conformational study of the 5-HT4 receptor agonists serotonin and zacopride led to the identification of an initial pharmacophore and to the definition of a three-dimensional map of the 5-HT4 agonist recognition site. 1, a representative member of our new class of 5-HT4 receptor agonists, incorporates all reference structural features and matched perfectly with these models. 1 is a highly potent, full agonist at 5-HT4 receptors present in the isolated electrically stimulated guinea pig ileum preparation, with a pD2 value of 8.8, displaying selectivity (ranging from 40- to over 10,000-fold) versus other members of the serotonin receptor family.

Animals↗

The serotonin 5-HT4 receptor. 2. Structure-activity studies of the indole carbazimidamide class of agonists.

A number of substituted indole carbazimidamides were prepared and evaluated as 5-HT4 receptor agonists by using the isolated field-stimulated guinea pig ileum preparation. Their selectivity for the 5-HT4 receptor was established by examining their affinity for other 5-HT receptors using radioligand-binding techniques. Several selective and highly potent full as well as partial agonists emerged from this study. For example, 1b,d were found to be the most potent, full 5-HT4 receptor agonist described so far (EC50 = 0.5 and 0.8 nM, respectively), being 6 and 4 times more potent than serotonin itself. On the other hand, 5b and 1h appeared as partial 5-HT4 receptor agonists in the nonstimulated guinea pig ileum preparation with potencies, evaluated against serotonin action, respectively similar (5b, Ki = 12 nM) to and 300-fold higher (1h, Ki = 0.04 nM) than serotonin.

Amides↗

Pharmacological identity between somatostatin SS-2 binding sites and SSTR-1 receptors.

Somatostatin (SRIF) SS-2 binding sites were originally defined in rat brain cerebral cortex membranes using [125I]Tyr11-SRIF-14 in the presence of 120 mM NaCl. These sites were characterized by their high affinity for SRIF-14 and SRIF-28, but very low affinity for cyclic peptides such as octreotide (SMS 201-995) and seglitide (MK 678). The characteristics of SS-2 sites are reminiscent of 125I]CGP 23996-labelled sites in rat brain which have been termed SRIF-2 sites. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of SS-2 sites was determined in radioligand binding studies performed in rat cortex membranes using [125I]SRIF-14 in the presence of 120 mM NaCl and compared to that of human SSTR-1 receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, using [125I]SRIF-14. The rank orders of affinity of a variety of SRIF analogues and synthetic peptides for SS-2 binding sites and recombinant human SSTR-1 receptors were very similar and correlated highly significantly (r = 0.99). However, SS-2 binding correlated also with binding to recombinant SSTR-4 receptors (r = 0.91). Autoradiographic studies were performed using the radioligand [125I]CGP 23996 which has been claimed to label selectively SRIF-2 binding sites and compared with the distribution of SSTR-1 receptor mRNA determined using in situ hybridization in rat brain. Although some overlap was observed between the distribution of SSTR-1 mRNA and [125I]CGP 23996 binding sites, the latter were clearly more widespread, suggesting this ligand to label SSTR-1 and other sites. In addition, inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase was investigated in HEK 293 cells transfected with human SSTR-1 receptors; a variety of SRIF analogues and short synthetic peptides behaved as agonists at adenylate cyclase and displayed a rank order of potency highly similar to that observed for these compounds at SS-2 binding sites. Seglitide acted as an antagonist at SSTR-1 receptor mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity with a pKB of 4.42. It is concluded that the pharmacological profile of SS-2 binding sites resembles most closely that of SSTR-1 receptors (although similarities with SSTR-4 receptors were observed), that [125I]CGP 23996 labels presumably several SRIF receptors in rat brain, and that SSTR-1 receptors are negatively and efficiently coupled to adenylate cyclase activity.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Characterization and distribution of somatostatin SS-1 and SRIF-1 binding sites in rat brain: identity with SSTR-2 receptors.

Somatostatin (SRIF) SS-1 binding sites were initially defined in radioligand binding studies performed in rat brain cerebral cortex membranes using [125I]204-090 (a radiolabelled Tyr3 analogue of SMS 201-995, octreotide). SRIF-1 recognition sites were defined in binding studies performed with [125I]MK 678 (seglitide). Both SS-1 and SRIF-1 sites were characterized by their high affinity for SRIF-14, SRIF-28 and for cyclic peptides such as octreotide and seglitide, in marked contrast to SS-2 and SRIF-2 sites which have very low affinity for these synthetic SRIF analogues. In the present study, SS-1 and SRIF-1 radioligand binding studies were performed in rat cortex membranes and compared to results obtained in cloned Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human SSTR-2 receptors using [125I]204-090 and/or [125I]MK-678. The rank orders of affinity of a variety of SRIF analogues and synthetic peptides for SS-1/SRIF-1 binding sites and recombinant SSTR-2 receptors were very similar and correlated highly significantly (r = 0.94-0.99); by contrast, correlation between SS-1 and SSTR-5 (r = 0.44) or SSTR-3 binding (r = 0.07) was not significant. Autoradiographic studies were performed in rat brain using both radioligands [125I]204-090 and [125I]MK-678 and compared with the distribution of SSTR-2 receptor mRNA determined using in situ hybridization. A clear overlap was observed between the distribution of SSTR-2 mRNA and binding sites labelled with both radioligands. SSTR-2 receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in Chinese hamster ovary cells by a variety of SRIF analogues and short synthetic peptides displayed a rank order of potency highly similar to their rank order of affinity at SS-1/SRIF-1 binding sites. It is concluded that SS-1 and SRIF-1 binding sites respectively labelled with [125I]204-090 and [125I]MK 678, both display the pharmacological profile of SSTR-2 receptors, that the distribution of [125I]204-090 and [125I]MK-678 binding sites in rat brain is superimposable and largely comparable to that of SSTR-2 mRNA expression. It is also shown that neither [125I]204-090 nor [125I]MK-678 label SSTR-3 or SSTR-5 receptors in rat brain. Finally, it is demonstrated that SSTR-2 receptors can very efficiently couple to adenylate cyclase activity in an inhibitory manner.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

(+)-cis-4,5,7a,8,9,10,11,11a-octahydro-7H-10-methylindolo[1,7- bc][2,6]-naphthyridine: a 5-HT2C/2B receptor antagonist with low 5-HT2A receptor affinity.

The indolonaphthyridine 8 is described as a selective 5-HT2C/2B vs 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. The compound was synthesized in seven steps starting from indoline and isonicotinic acid chloride. The key step is a photocyclization of the indolinyl tetrahydropyridinocarbamic acid ethyl ester 4 to the cis-octahydroindolo[1, 7-bc][2,6]naphthyridinecarbamic acid ethyl ester 5. The synthesis was accomplished by reduction with aluminum hydride and racemic resolution. The indolonaphthyridine 8 exerted the binding profile of a selective 5-HT2C receptor ligand (pKD 7.8) and behaved as an antagonist on the 5-HT-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in pig choroid plexus cells (pKB 7.13). Compound 8 dose-dependently inhibited the ACTH response to MK-212 in rats and the MK-212-induced hypophagic effect with an ID50 value of 0.3 mg/kg sc. Compound 8 acted as a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist at the rat stomach fundus with a pKB value of 7.34.

Animals↗

Characterization of somatostatin receptor subtypes.

Somatostatin regulates endocrine and exocrine secretion, possesses antiproliferative properties and acts as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the central nervous system. These effects are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, of which at least five types have been cloned (sstr1-5). In radioligand-binding studies we have compared the binding properties of sstr1-5 with their activities as somatostatin receptors. All receptors identified so far bind somatostatin-14 and somatostatin-28 with high affinity. The similarities in receptor sequence and in the binding profiles of short synthetic somatostastin analogues such as octreotide, MK 678 or RC 160 for sstr1-5 indicate the existence of two classes of receptors sstr1/sstr4 with virtually no or very low affinity and sstr2/sstr3/sstr5 with intermediate to high affinity for the short somatostatin analogues. All five receptors mediate inhibition of adenylyl cyclase; this inhibition is sensitive to pertussis toxin. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest the importance of sstr2 and/or sstr5 in the inhibition of growth hormone release. The sstr2 receptor is apparently the predominant subtype expressed in somatostatin receptor-positive tumours. Evidence exists for the importance of sstr5 receptors in insulin secretion and sstr1 receptors in oncology. Somatostatin receptor-selective agonists and antagonists will help to explore new therapeutic opportunities in oncology as well as in endocrine and gastrointestinal disorders and those of the central nervous system.

Animals↗

Localization and pharmacological characterization of somatostatin sst2 sites in the rat cerebellum.

Radioligand binding studies were performed in membranes of rat cerebellum using [125I]-[Tyr3]octreotide ([125I]204-090) to characterize the nature of cerebellar somatostatin receptors. Saturation experiments suggest the presence of a single class of binding sites with high affinity, pKd = 9.53 +/- 0.11, but low receptor density, Bmax = 12.7 +/- 1.0 fmol/mg protein. The pharmacological profile of [125I]204-090 sites in cerebellar membranes was established using a range of ligands known to interact with SSTR-2 (now called sst2) and other somatostatin (SRIF) receptors. SRIF analogues such as octreotide (SMS 201-995), seglitide (MK 678) and somatuline (BIM 23014) displayed very high affinity for cerebellar [125I]204-090 binding sites. The data were compared to results obtained using the same ligand in rat cerebral cortex membranes known to represent sst2 binding. The pharmacological characteristics of the cerebellar sites were in close correlation with those of the cerebral cortex (r = 0.976, n = 19, p < 0.001) and CHO-cells expressing human recombinant sst2 receptor (r = 0.977, n = 19, p < 0.001). By contrast, there was very little correlation between cerebellar binding and published affinities for rat sst5 receptors (r = 0.465), for which octreotide has also high affinity. In vitro autoradiographic studies performed in cerebellar slices using [125I]204-090 demonstrated the presence of binding sites in the molecular layer of the rat cerebellum. In situ hybridization studies using sst2 receptor mRNA selective oligoprobes confirmed the presence of sst2 receptor mRNA in the rat cerebellum. Together, the present data demonstrate the presence of a low density of SRIF receptors in the molecular layer of the adult rat cerebellum which are best characterized as sst2. This is the first pharmacological characterization and localization of sst2 receptors in the adult rat cerebellum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Heart rate fluctuations of lower frequencies than the respiratoryrhythm but caused by it.

In conscious adult rabbits, "classical" respiratory sinus arrhythmia does not occur because the respiratory frequency (RF) always exceeds half the heart rate (HR). However, slow HR fluctuations, not synchronous with the respiratory rhythm but affected by it, occur systematically. We have shown that these can be calculated by using aliasing rules. During general anaesthesia, when the RF decreases so that respiratory frequency is less than half the heart rate, classical respiratory sinus arrhythmia occurs and can be greatly reduced by vagal blockade. The slow HR fluctuations which are not synchronous with the respiratory rhythms, but are affected by it are mainly vagally mediated, because vagal blockade virtually eliminates them.

Animals↗

Embryonic and postnatal mRNA distribution of five somatostatin receptor subtypes in the rat brain.

The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of somatostatin (SRIF) receptors SSTR-1, SSTR-2, SSTR-3, SSTR-4 and SSTR-5 (called sst1-5, now) was studied in rat brain between embryonic day 17 (E17) and post-natal day 5 (P5) by in situ hybridization histochemistry and compared to that of adult rats. sst1 receptor mRNA expression was very low and restricted at E17, spread out at E18, to reach very high levels comparable to that of adult at P5 (e.g. in temia tecta, posteromedial cortical amygdaloid nucleus, subiculum). At E17/E18, sst2 receptor mRNA expression was low and limited (telencephalon); significant levels were present at P5 in allocortex, hippocampus, locus coeruleus, similarly to adult brain. sst3 receptor mRNA was high at E17 in most brain regions, and almost as ubiquitous as in adult brain at P5. sst4 receptor mRNA was apparently absent at E17, with low levels in the hippocampus, amygdala and habenula at E18; a wider distribution, especially in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex was observed at P5, similar to that of adult. sst5 receptor mRNA was not detected at E17 and negligible at E18; low levels were found in the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum at P5. However, in adult brain, only the cerebellum and hind-brain showed some sst5 receptor mRNA transcripts. The presence and distribution of SRIF receptor mRNAs differs substantially in embryo and adult brain. Some mRNAs are present throughout development, while others proceed only postnatally to the adult form. There are striking differences within and between the different SRIF receptor mRNAs, suggesting a role in neurogenesis for some SRIF receptors (e.g. sst2). However, mRNA and protein levels do not necessarily correlate.

Age Factors↗

Localization of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptor protein in human and rat brain using specific antisera.

The mouse 5-HT2C receptor and its third and fourth (C-terminal) cytoplasmic domain have been expressed as fusion proteins in bacteria. After purification antisera were generated against the fusion proteins. Characterization by immunoblotting using eukaryotic cells expressing the 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptors showed that high titer antibodies could be obtained only against the third and fourth cytoplasmic domain but not the entire receptor. Affinity purified antibodies were used to study the location of 5-HT2C receptors in rat and human brain sections. This distribution was compared with the location of 5-HT2C receptor binding sites as determined by [3H]mesulergine, a 5-HT2C receptor radioligand. The antibodies recognized sites in the rat choroid plexus, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, striatum and substantia nigra with a similar distribution as the 5-HT2C binding sites. One antiserum directed against the 5-HT2C receptor C-terminus crossreacted with the human receptor protein in immunoblots. In human brain sections it labelled sites including cerebral cortex, substantia nigra and cerebellum. Our results demonstrate that the antibodies are suitable to identify 5-TH2C receptors in rat and human brain. They visualize a protein distribution which correlates well with the location of the 5-HT2C receptor binding sites as would be expected if affinity states do not influence the binding pattern.

Animals↗

Co-expression of somatostatin SSTR-3 and SSTR-4 receptor messenger RNAs in the rat brain.

In situ hybridization histochemistry was used to study the distribution and possible co-expression of the messenger RNA of the somatostatin receptor subtypes SSTR-4 and SSTR-3 in rat brain. Our results demonstrate that SSTR-3 messenger RNA is widely expressed within the rat brain, while expression of SSTR-4 messenger RNA is restricted to the telencephalon, diencephalon and granular layer of the cerebellum. It is also shown that single neurons can co-express both SSTR-4 and SSTR-3 receptor messenger RNAs. The highest density of SSTR-4 messenger RNA was found in the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus, especially in the CA1 and CA2 areas, anterior olfactory nuclei, amygdala, and in layers IV and VI of the cerebral cortex. SSTR-3 messenger RNA displayed a homogeneous distribution in the cerebral cortex and was expressed in the olfactory bulb, pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus, motor and sensory metencephalic nuclei, and the granular and Purkinje cell layers of the cerebellum. Whether SSTR-3 and SSTR-4 messenger RNA can be expressed by the same cell was assessed by the simultaneous use of digoxigenin (SSTR-3)- and isotopic (SSTR-4)-labelled oligoprobes. Co-expression of SSTR-3 and SSTR-4 messenger RNAs was found in neurons of the CA1 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus, in the subiculum and in layer IV of the cerebral cortex. The expression of two receptor subtypes of the same neurotransmitter in a single cell, if confirmed functionally, raises questions about the consequences of the simultaneous activation of these different receptors.

Animals↗