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M Hamon

Publications and source records attributed to M Hamon.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

[Absence of chemical interaction between short catheters (ETFE) and three major antibiotics. Study model].

Recourse to sounding with vein catheters is more and more frequent in hospital environments. At the same time, a perceptible increase in incidents and accidents linked to this constantly growing practice is noted. The multiplication of new biomaterials used in the composition of catheters leads to taking into account the criteria of innocuousness and physiochemical inertia as discriminant elements in the choice of biomaterials. A study in vitro has been undertaken of the interaction between short catheters made of ethylenetetrafluoroethylen (ETFE) and antibiotic solutions widely used in hospital environments. The confrontation concerned solutions of vancomycine (Vancocin), ciprofloxacine (Ciflox) and the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin) association. A device has been fitted up and operative conditions have been set in order that the flushing out of the catheters by the solutions be in quality and quantity, as near as possible to actual conditions of use. The interaction marked chosen being a possible release of fluorides ions by the polymer, the determination of this anion has been made by liquid-gas chromatography paired with a flame ionization detection. We show the inertia of ETFE catheters with respect to the solutions examined. Taking into account the initially defined objectives, the conclusion of the work is important and constitutes a considerable factor of security for the catheters user whether he be buyer or practitioner. The model of study making up this approach could very be applied to other categories of materials and therapeutics.

Amoxicillin↗

Intrathecal 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in mice modulates 5-HT1 and 5-HT3 receptors.

The antinociceptive effects of intrathecally administered 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), a potent 5-HT receptor agonist, were studied in three behavioral tests in mice: the tail-flick test and the intrathecal substance P and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) assays. Intrathecal administration of 5-MeO-DMT (4.6-92 nmol/mouse) produced a significant prolongation of the tail-flick latency. This action was blocked by 5-HT3 and gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor antagonists but not by 5-HT2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B or 5-HT1S receptor antagonists. Binding studies indicated that 5-MeO-DMT had very low affinity for 5-HT3 receptors. 5-MeO-DMT inhibited biting behavior while increasing scratching behavior induced by intrathecally administered substance P. The inhibition of biting behavior was antagonized by intrathecal co-administration of 5-HT1B and GABAA receptor antagonists while 5-HT1A, 5-HT1S, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists had no effect. 5-MeO-DMT-enhanced scratching behavior was inhibited by all the antagonists used except ketanserin and bicuculline, suggesting the involvement of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1S, 5-HT3 and GABAA receptors. NMDA-induced biting behavior was inhibited by 5-MeO-DMT pretreatment; this action was antagonized by 5-HT1B, 5-HT3 and GABAA receptor antagonists. The involvement of these receptors in 5-MeO-DMT action suggests that it may promote release of 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin).

Analgesics↗

Further assessment of the antagonist properties of the novel and selective 5-HT1A receptor ligands (+)-WAY 100 135 and SDZ 216-525.

In vitro biochemical and electrophysiological methods were used to assess the potential antagonist properties of the novel compounds (+)-WAY 100 135 [N-tert-butyl-3,4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl-2- phenylpropanamide dihydrochloride] and SDZ 216-525 [methyl 4-(4-(4-(1,1,3-trioxo-2H-1,2-benziosothiazol-2-yl)butyl)- 1-piperazinyl)1H-indole-2-carboxylate] at pre- (i.e. somatodendritic autoreceptors) and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain. Both (+)-WAY 100 135 and SDZ 216-525 were pure antagonists at postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in rat hippocampal membranes. Competitive prevention of the inhibition by the 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin], 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), S-20499 [(+)-4-(N-(5-methoxychroman-3-yl)-N-propylamino)butyl-8-azaspir o(4,5)decane- 7,9-dione] and lesopitron occurred with a pA2 of 8.7 for (+)-WAY 100 135 and 9.9 for SDZ 216-525. The higher potency of the latter compound was also noted at the level of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors where both (+)-WAY 100 135 and SDZ 216-525 prevented the negative influence of 5-HT1A receptor agonists (8-OH-DPAT, flesinoxan or lesopitron) on the nerve impulse flow within dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT neurones in brain stem slices. At high concentrations, both (+)-WAY 100 135 (> 1 microM) and SDZ 216-525 (> or = 0.1 microM) inhibited the spontaneous cell discharge through different mechanisms. The blockade of alpha 1-adrenoceptors by (+)-WAY 100 135 apparently accounted for its inhibitory influence on the firing of 5-HT neurones, whereas 5-HT1A receptor agonist properties were responsible for the effect of SDZ 216-525. Although approximately 10 times less potent than SDZ 216-525, (+)-WAY 100 135 is therefore a pure antagonist at both pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

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

Characterisation of the non-5-HT3 high-affinity 'R' binding site for (R)-zacopride in brain and other tissues.

Previous studies showed that whereas the potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist (S)-[3H]zacopride only labels 5-HT3 receptor binding sites, the (R)-enantiomer, (R)-[3H]zacopride, labels these receptors and another class of high-affinity binding sites, named the R sites, in membranes from the rat cerebral cortex and NG 108-15 clonal cells (Kidd et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 211, 133, 1992). Further studies of R sites revealed that they existed not only in the cerebral cortex but also in various other areas of the rat brain and spinal cord. In addition, R sites were also found in post-mortem human brain tissues. Both in the rat and in man, the regional distribution of central R sites was markedly different from that of 5-HT3 receptors specifically labelled with (S)-[3H]zacopride. Under appropriate conditions for the specific labelling of R sites (with (R)-[3H]zacopride in the presence of 1.0 microM ondansetron to saturate 5-HT3 receptor binding sites--and 0.1 mM mianserin for the determination of non-specific binding), these R sites were also found in rat peripheral tissues (intestine > spleen > kidney > testicles = liver > adrenals > lung > heart). At least in the kidney and the liver, the pharmacological profile of R sites corresponded exactly to that found in NG 108-15 cells. R sites were also detected in membranes from C6 glioma cells and glial cells cultured from the whole cortex of new born rats. In contrast, no specific binding of (R)-[3H]zacopride to R sites could be found in membranes from N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. Conversely, 5-HT3 receptors could be labelled by (S)-[3H]zacopride in the latter cells but not in C6 glioma and cultured glial cells. As expected from their glial location, the density of R sites increased in the rat hippocampus lesioned with kainic or ibotenic acid to induce local gliosis. In contrast, the density of hippocampal 5-HT3 receptors was unchanged in lesioned rats. Finally, the determination of the apparent molecular size of R sites by radiation inactivation gave a value (approximately 30 kDa) which was significantly lower than that of 5-HT3 receptor binding sites in the rat entorhinal cortex (40 kDa) and NG 108-15 cells (57 kDa). All these data clearly showed that R sites and 5-HT3 receptors are different molecular species. Whether R sites mediate the 5-HT3 receptor-unrelated actions of (R)-zacopride deserves further investigations.

Aged↗

SR 57227A: a potent and selective agonist at central and peripheral 5-HT3 receptors in vitro and in vivo.

SR 57227A (4-amino-(6-chloro-2-pyridyl)-1 piperidine hydrochloride) is a novel compound with high affinity and selectivity for the 5-HT3 receptor. The compound had affinities (IC50) varying between 2.8 and 250 nM for 5-HT3 receptor binding sites in rat cortical membranes and on whole NG 108-15 cells or their membranes in vitro, assayed under various conditions with [3H]S-zacopride or [3H]granisetron as radioligand. Like reference 5-HT3 receptor agonists, SR 57227A stimulated the uptake of [14C]guanidinium into NG 108-15 cells in the presence of substance P (EC50 = 208 +/- 16 nM) and contracted the isolated guinea-pig ileum (EC50 = 11.2 +/- 1.1 microM), effects that were antagonised by the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron. The agonist effect of SR 57227A was also observed in vivo, as the compound elicited the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in anesthetised rats (ED50 = 8.3 micrograms/kg i.v.), an effect that was blocked by tropisetron and R,S-zacopride, but not by methysergide. When injected unilaterally into the mouse striatum, SR 57227A, like 2-methyl-5-HT, elicited contralateral turning behaviour which was antagonised by ondansetron. Furthermore, microiontophoretic application of SR 57227A markedly inhibited the firing rate of rat cortical neurones, an effect antagonised by tropisetron. Finally, in contrast to reference 5-HT3 agonists, SR 57227A bound to 5-HT3 receptors on mouse cortical membranes after systemic administration (ED50 = 0.39 mg/kg i.p. and 0.85 mg/kg p.o.). These results suggest that SR 57227A is a potent agonist at peripheral and central 5-HT3 receptors, both in vitro and in vivo. In view of the dearth of 5-HT3 receptor agonists which are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, SR 57227A may be useful in the characterisation of the neuropharmacological effects produced by the stimulation of these receptors.

Animals↗

Possible involvement of K(ATP) channels in the control of 5-HT neurons.

The possible involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the control of the electrical activity of central serotoninergic neurons was investigated by recording their firing rate in the dorsal raphe nucleus of rat brain stem slices exposed to various blockers and openers of these channels. Whereas the channel openers lemakalim and aprikalim produced no change in the firing rate of these neurons, the channel blockers glibenclamide and gliquidone were strongly inhibitory. As expected from an effect through ATP-sensitive potassium channels, the inhibition by glibenclamide could be prevented in a competitive manner by lemakalim and aprikalim. In contrast, the inactive isomer of the latter drug, RP 61499, did not alter the glibenclamide effect. In addition to the channel openers, the GABA receptor antagonists, bicuculline and phaclofen, but not the antagonist of somato-dendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors, (-)tertatolol, prevented the negative influence of glibenclamide on the firing rate of serotoninergic neurons. This suggests that GABA acting at both GABAA and GABAB receptors (but not serotonin through the possible stimulation of autoreceptors) was responsible for the effect of glibenclamide. Accordingly, the blockade by the latter drug of ATP-sensitive potassium channels on GABAergic interneurons probably triggered the release of GABA, which in turn, inhibited serotoninergic neurons. In agreement with this hypothetical mechanism, autoradiographic studies demonstrated that ATP-sensitive potassium channels are not located on serotoninergic neurons (but probably on GABAergic interneurons) as the extensive lesion of these neurons by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine did not reduce the specific labelling of the dorsal raphe nucleus by [3H]glibenclamide.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

5-HT3 receptors in the rat central nervous system are mainly located on nerve fibres and terminals.

Autoradiographic and membrane binding studies with [3H](R,S)- or [3H](S)-zacopride were performed in combination with lesions using various neurotoxins in an attempt to identify which neuronal cell types are endowed with 5-HT3 receptors in the rat central nervous system. Lesions of noradrenergic (by DSP-4), dopaminergic (by 6-hydroxydopamine) and serotonergic (by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine) systems had little effect generally on the density of 5-HT3 receptors labelled with [3H](R,S)- or [3H](S)-zacopride in various regions of the brain and the spinal cord. The only exception was the amygdala where a significant loss (approximately -20%) of 5-HT3 receptors labelled by [3H](R,S)-zacopride was associated with the selective lesion of serotonergic fibres by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine. Microinjection of kainic or ibotenic acid into the dorsal and ventral hippocampus reduced the density of 5-HT1A receptors labelled with [3H]8-OH-DPAT (approximately -45%) as expected from their known location on intrinsic neuronal cell bodies and/or dendrites. In contrast, the same lesion did not affect 5-HT3 receptors, suggesting their location on fibres 'en passage'. At the spinal level, 5-HT3 receptors were found to exist on primary afferent fibres terminating within the superficial layers of the dorsal horn, as shown by the marked reduction in the local autoradiographic labelling by [3H](S)-zacopride after either dorsal rhizotomy (-81%) or neonatal capsaicin treatment (-72%). These data suggest that 5-HT3 receptors in the central nervous system are generally located presynaptically on nerve terminals or fibres of non-monoaminergic neurones.

Animals↗

Opioid control of the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like material from the rat spinal cord in vivo.

The possible control by opioids of the spinal release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like material (CGRPLM) was investigated in halothane-anaesthetized rats whose intrathecal space was perfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Morphine (20 mg/kg i.v.; or at 10-100 microM added to the perfusing fluid), the mu selective agonist DAGO (10 microM) and the kappa selective agonist U 50488 H (10 microM) did not affect the spontaneous outflow of the CGRPLM. In contrast, the selective delta agonist DTLET (10 microM) significantly increased CGRPLM release. The latter effect could be prevented by the selective delta antagonist naltrindole (10 microM) as expected from the involvement of this class of opioid receptors. However, the addition of naltrindole alone to the perfusing fluid did not modify CGRPLM outflow, indicating that endogenous opioids do not exert a tonic control of CGRP-containing fibers through the stimulation of delta receptors. In contrast, intrathecal perfusion with naloxone (10 microM) or nor-binaltorphimine (10 microM), a selective antagonist of kappa receptors, produced a marked increase in spinal CGRPLM release, suggesting that endogenous opioids acting at mu and kappa receptors, respectively, exert a tonic inhibitory control of CGRP-containing fibers. Indeed, a significant decrease in the spinal release of CGRPLM release could be evoked by the combined addition of U 50488 H (10 microM) plus DAGO (10 microM) to the perfusing medium, indicating that the simultaneous stimulation of both kappa and mu receptors is required for this negative control to occur. This could notably be achieved with morphine (10 microM) in the presence of naltrindole (10 microM) which also produced a significant reduction in the spinal release of CGRPLM. In conclusion, morphine per se did not change CGRPLM release because this drug triggers opposite positive (through the stimulation of delta receptors) and negative (through the concomitant stimulation of both kappa and mu receptors) control mechanisms within the rat spinal cord.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Prenatal developmental expression of rat brain 5-HT1A receptor gene followed by PCR.

Expression of the gene encoding the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor was investigated in the brain of rats from embryonic day (ED) 10 to postnatal day 18 using PCR. The 5-HT1A receptor transcripts were first detected as early as ED 12. Their concentration increased to a maximum at ED 15 and decreased progressively to very low levels just before birth (ED 20). In 18-day-old rats, the brain stem levels of 5-HT1A receptor mRNA were higher than at ED 20 but still markedly lower than at ED 15. The high rate of expression of the 5-HT1A receptor gene for a limited period during the fetal life further supports that this receptor might be involved in the trophic action of serotonin during brain maturation.

Age Factors↗

(-)Tertatolol is a potent antagonist at pre- and postsynaptic serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

The potential 5-HT1A antagonist properties of the beta-antagonist tertatolol were assessed using biochemical and electrophysiological assays in the rat. (+/-) Tertatolol bound with high affinity (Ki = 38 nM) to 5-HT1A sites labelled by [3H]8-OH-DPAT in hippocampal membranes. The (-)stereoisomer (Ki = 18 nM) was about 50-fold more potent than the (+)stereoisomer (Ki = 864 nM) to inhibit the specific binding of [3H]-8-OH-DPAT. As expected of a 5-HT1A antagonist, (-)tertatolol prevented in a concentration-dependent manner (Ki = 24 nM) the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT on forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in rat hippocampal homogenates. Furthermore in vivo pretreatment with (-)tertatolol (5 mg/kg s.c.) significantly reduced the inhibitory influence of 8-OH-DPAT (0.3 mg/kg s.c.) on the accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan in various brain areas after the blockade of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase by NSD-1015 (100 mg/kg i.p.). In vitro (in brainstem slices; Ki approximately 50 nM) and in vivo (in chloral hydrate anaesthetized rats; ID50 approximately 0.40 mg/kg i.v.), (-)tertatolol prevented the inhibitory effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonists 8-OH-DPAT, ipsapirone and lesopitron on the firing rate of serotoninergic neurones within the dorsal raphe nucleus. In about 25% of these neurones, the basal firing rate was significantly increased by (-)tertatolol (up to +47% in vitro, and +30% in vivo). These data indicate that (-)tertatolol is a potent competitive antagonist at both pre (in the dorsal raphe nucleus)-and post (in the hippocampus)-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Monoaminergic control of the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide- and substance P-like materials from rat spinal cord slices.

The possible control by monoamines of the spinal release of substance P- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like materials (SPLM and CGRPLM, respectively) was investigated in vitro, using slices of the dorsal half of the rat lumbar enlargement superfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Whereas the spontaneous outflow of SPLM and CGRPLM was changed by none of the agonists/antagonists of monoamine receptors tested, the overflow of both peptide-like materials due to 30 mM K+ was differentially affected by alpha 2-adrenoreceptor and dopamine D-1 receptor ligands. Noradrenaline (10 microM to 0.1 mM) and clonidine (0.1 mM) significantly reduced the K(+)-evoked overflow of SPLM, and both effects could be prevented by idazoxan (10 microM) and prazosin (10 microM) as expected from their mediation through the stimulation of alpha 2B-adrenoreceptors. In contrast, CGRPLM overflow remained unaffected by alpha 2-adrenoreceptor ligands. Dopamine D-1 receptor stimulation by SKF 82958 (10-100 nM) significantly increased the K(+)-evoked overflow of both SPLM and CGRPLM, and this effect could be prevented by the selective D-1 antagonist SCH 39166 (1 microM). Further studies with selective ligands of other monoamine receptors indicated that neither alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptors, dopamine D-2, nor serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 receptors are apparently involved in some control of the spinal release of CGRPLM and SPLM. These data are discussed in line with the postulated presynaptic control by monoamines of primary afferent fibres conveying nociceptive messages within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Animals↗

Modulation of human myometrial PGE2 receptor by GTP characterization of receptor subtype.

We studied PGE2 specific binding sites in human myometrial microsomes prepared from uterine specimens obtained by hysterectomy (women between 38 and 55 years of age). Competition experiments showed that the potency order for various prostaglandins (PGs) was: PGE2 > or = PGE1 >> PGF2 alpha > Iloprost > or = Carbacyclin >> ZK 110841 (PDG2 analogue). These relative affinities indicated that the receptor was of the EP type. In kinetic experiments GTP, GppNHp and GTP gamma S increased the rate of PGE2 binding (steady state was reached more rapidly in the presence of nucleotides) but maximal specific binding was not significantly different. Complete dissociation could not be obtained, even in the presence of GTP. Only 50% of maximal binding was readily dissociable. The dissociation rate was 4.56.10(-4) sec-1 (half time of about 660 sec) and in the presence of GTP analogues it was slightly increased (k-1 = 7.16 10(-4) sec-1, half time 420 sec.). Scatchard analysis of saturation curves showed an increase in ligand receptor affinity in the presence of GTP or nucleotide analogues: the Kd shifted from 9.66 +/- 2.8.10(-9) M to 4.96 +/- 1.25.10(-9) M, but the number of binding sites did not change significantly (310 +/- 37 to 350 +/- 17 fmol/mgP). The effect of GTP was observed at a concentration of 5.10(-4)M. GppNHp and GTP gamma S were effective at 1.10(-5) M. Pretreatment of myometrial membranes with pertussis or cholera toxins had no effect on PGE2 binding to membrane sites. Our conclusion is that GTP induced conversion of a population of low affinity sites into a population of higher affinity sites. This effect of guanine nucleotides was described in adipocytes and kidney medulla. Competition studies with PGE2 analogues (sulprostone, 17-phenyl-omega-trinor PGE2, M&B 28,767, misoprostol, butaprost) showed that this receptor mediates a contractile response and is probably an EP3 subtype.

Adult↗

Increased in vivo release of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like material from the spinal cord in arthritic rats.

Possible alterations in spinal systems containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) due to polyarthritis were assessed in rats 3-4 weeks after an intradermal injection of Freund's adjuvant in the low back. The tissue levels of CGRP-like material (CGRPLM) were approximately 50% higher in the dorsal zone of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia at both the cervical and lumbar (but not thoracic) segments in polyarthritic rats than in age-paired control animals. In addition the rate of the spinal release of CGRPLM determined through an intrathecal perfusion procedure in halothane-anaesthetized animals was approximately 15-fold higher in polyarthritic rats than in controls. The blockade of mu-opioid receptors by intrathecal perfusion with 10 microM naloxone produced a larger increase in the spontaneous CGRPLM outflow in polyarthritic rats than in age-paired controls. Furthermore, the stimulation of mu-opioid receptors by intrathecal perfusion with 10 microM DAGO significantly inhibited the spinal outflow of CGRPLM only in polyarthritic rats. These data indicate that CGRP-containing primary afferent fibres are markedly activated in chronic suffering polyarthritic rats. This activation occurs in spite of an increased tonic inhibitory control by endogenous opioids acting at mu receptors.

Analgesics↗

Heparin does not inhibit oncogene induction in rabbit aorta following balloon denudation.

OBJECTIVE: Smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration are the predominant responses to intimal and medial injury after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The in vivo inhibitory effect of heparin on these responses is well documented. To test the hypothesis that the antiproliferative effect of heparin in vivo may be related to an inhibition of proto-oncogene expression, the effects of pretreatment with heparin on the expression of the c-myc, c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes were examined in a rabbit model of balloon denudation. METHODS: Animals were randomised 5 h before balloon denudation to receive a subcutaneous injection of unfractionated heparin (7500 IU.kg-1, n = 7) or saline (n = 6). Total RNA extracted from the aorta 1 h after balloon denudation was analysed by northern blot technique. A histological study was also performed in saline treated (n = 4) and heparin treated (n = 4) animals 28 d after balloon denudation. RESULTS: The histological study showed that the degree of neointimal thickening was significantly less in heparin treated animals. However, the level of expression of the proto-oncogenes we studied was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Heparin inhibits neointimal thickening after balloon denudation. This inhibition is not associated with an overall decrease in the level of expression of the c-myc, c-fos, or c-jun proto-oncogenes in the arterial wall, suggesting that the antiproliferative effect of heparin may be due to an effect on other events in the cell cycle.

Animals↗

Immunocytochemical localization of 5-HT1A receptors in the rat immature cerebellum.

The serotonin 5-HT1A receptors were visualized in the cerebellar vermis of 8-day-old and adult rats by immunocytochemistry using anti-5-HT1A receptor antibodies raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to a highly selective portion of the receptor amino acid sequence (El Mestikawy et al, Neurosci Lett 118, 189-192, 1990). The 5-HT1A receptor-like immunoreactivity was particularly abundant in the posterior lobules (IXB-X) of the immature vermis where it was found in the molecular-Purkinje cell layers. Immunostaining was confined to the plasmic membrane of the Purkinje cell somas, dendrites and perhaps axons (at their somatic emergence) suggesting that 5-HT receptors might participate in non-junctional 5-HT neurotransmission in the immature cerebellum.

Animals↗

Effects of ipsapirone, a 5-HT1A agonist, on sleep/wakefulness cycles: probable post-synaptic action.

The effects of ipsapirone, a ligand of the 5-HT1A receptors and a new potential anxiolytic, on sleep/wakefulness regulation were examined in the rat. Injected i.p. at 1, 3 and 5 mg kg-1, this compound induced a dose-dependent reduction of paradoxical sleep for 2 to 4 hours, followed, at a dose of 5 mg kg-1, by a secondary rebound. The other states of vigilance were not modified, except at the latter dose where the amounts of wakefulness were enhanced initially and decreased secondarily, while those of SWS were enhanced from 2 to 4 hours post-treatment. The effects of ipsapirone (3 mg kg-1) persisted after infusion of the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the dorsal raphe nucleus which induced the sub-total destruction of the serotoninergic system. Thus, the action of the 5-HT1A agonist ipsapirone on sleep/wakefulness cycles probably involves the stimulation of the post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors.

Journal Article↗