This short review concerns the problem of how the red nucleus contributes to the initiation and execution of movements. However, it deals with only one aspect of this problem, and focuses on the question of which intrinsic spinal interneuronal networks are used by neurones in the red nucleus to induce movements. The evidence is reviewed that neurones in the red nucleus have access to interneurones with a great variety of functions, excitatory as well as inhibitory. These interneurones are interposed in a number of different spinal reflex pathways, and include both the first and last order interneurones of these pathways. Through them different sets of motoneurones may be affected. All types of interneurones involved are also used by other descending systems, e.g. by cortico- and/or reticulospinal systems, and integrate descending commands with information from various peripheral receptors.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

MIF-1 potentiates the action of tricyclic antidepressants in an animal model of depression.

In the present paper, the effect of simultaneous treatment of rats with low doses of MIF-1 and tricyclic antidepressants on rat behavior in the forced swim test was studied. It was found that MIF-1 stimulated in a dose-dependent manner "active" behavior of animals in this paradigm. The effect of MIF-1 appeared to be independent of changes in rats' locomotion in the open field test. The combined treatment of rats with MIF-1 (0.01 mg/kg IP) and amitriptyline (5 mg/kg IP) or desipramine (1.25 mg/kg) IP) significantly stimulated active behavior in the forced swim test above the level obtained with each of the drugs given separately. The present data suggest the potential clinical efficacy of a combined therapy of depressive patients with MIF-1 and small doses of tricyclic antidepressants.

Amitriptyline↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alcohol drinking in rats injected ICV with 6-OHDA: effect of 8-OHDPAT and tropisetron (ICS 205930).

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was administered ICV to Wistar male rats. Lesioned animals displayed lower preference for ethanol (ETOH) than sham-operated rats. Among 6-OHDA lesioned rats only 9% became high-preferring whereas 20% of sham-operated animals became high-preferring ones. Both tropisetron (the antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors) and 8-OHDPAT (the 5-HT1A receptor agonist) reduced ETOH drinking in high-preferring rats. However, in 6-OHDA lesioned rats the effect of tropisetron was reduced although 8-OHDA retained its effect on ETOH consumption. These results suggest that brain DA neurons are involved in tropisetron action but are not responsible for antipreference effect of 8-OHDPAT.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of tropisetron injected into the nucleus accumbens septi on ethanol consumption in rats.

Earlier studies have shown that 5-HT3 antagonists possess properties of reducing ethanol (EtOH) preference and intake in EtOH high-preferring rats. In this study we examined the effect of tropisetron (ICS 205-930) microinjection (1 and 10 ng) into the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) on EtOH drinking in a scheduled access to EtOH paradigm. Control rats received vehicle only. Tropisetron, when injected bilaterally into the NAS, significantly reduced EtOH intake in EtOH high-preferring animals. It is concluded that 5-HT3 antagonists might exert their antipreference activity by influencing the receptors within the NAS and that 5-HT3 receptors might play an important role in reinforcing properties of EtOH.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Alcohol drinking in rats treated with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine: effect of 8-OH-DPAT and tropisetron (ICS 205-930).

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) was administered ICV to Wistar male rats. Lesioned rats displayed higher preference for ETOH than sham-lesioned animals. Among 5,7-DHT-pretreated rats 38% became high-preferring, while only 22% of sham-lesioned rats displayed this behavioural pattern (p < 0.05). Both 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; the agonist of serotonin 5-HT1A receptors) and tropisetron (ICS 205-930, the antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors) reduced ETOH consumption in high-preferring, sham-lesioned rats. However, in 5,7-DHT rats the effect of 8-OH-DPAT was completely abolished, while tropisetron retained its antipreference activity. Therefore, it seems that 5-HT1A autoreceptors are critically involved in 8-OH-DPAT action, while 5-HT3 receptor sites responsible for tropisetron action are located beyond the 5-HT system.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

PubMedDate not supplied

On advances in studies of the properties of various types of neurones and their functional roles.

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Animals↗