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M Hamon

Publications and source records attributed to M Hamon.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The "orphan" Na+/Cl(-)-dependent transporter, Rxt1, is primarily localized within nerve endings of cortical origin in the rat striatum.

Previous studies have shown that the striatum expresses very low levels of Na+/Cl(-)-dependent "orphan" transporter Rxt1 transcripts but contains high levels of protein. This study investigated the origin of Rxt1 expression in rat striatum. Striatal Rxt1 contents assessed by immunocytochemistry or western blotting were found to be significantly reduced after corticostriatal denervation but not after striatal or thalamic lesion with kainic acid or selective 6-hydroxydopamine-induced nigrostriatal deafferentation. Corticostriatal neurons retrogradely labeled by intrastriatal fluorogold injections were shown to express Rxt1 mRNA. Combination of anterograde biotin-dextran amine labeling of the corticostriatal pathway with Rxt1 immunogold detection at the ultrastructural level demonstrated the presence of Rxt1 in about one-third of the corticostriatal synaptic terminals and in numerous unidentified synaptic terminals. All the Rxt1-positive terminals formed asymmetrical contacts on spines. These data provide evidence that striatal Rxt1 immunoreactivity is mainly of extrinsic origin and more specifically associated with the corticostriatal pathway. Rxt1 appears as a selective presynaptic marker of synapses formed by presumably excitatory amino acid afferents, but it segregates a subclass of these synapses, thereby revealing a functional heterogeneity among excitatory amino acid systems.

Afferent Pathways↗

Effects of peripheral axotomy on cholecystokinin neurotransmission in the rat spinal cord.

Because cholecystokinin (CCK) acts as a "functional" endogenous opioid antagonist, it has been proposed that changes in central CCKergic neurotransmission might account for the relative resistance of neuropathic pain to the analgesic action of morphine. This hypothesis was addressed by measuring CCK-related parameters 2 weeks after unilateral sciatic nerve section in rats. As expected, significant decreases (-25-38%) in the tissue concentrations and in vitro release of both substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide were noted in the dorsal quadrant of the lumbar spinal cord on the lesioned side. In contrast, the tissue levels and in vitro release of CCK were unchanged in the same area in lesioned rats. Measurements in dorsal root ganglia at L4-L6 levels revealed no significant changes in proCCK mRNA after the lesion. However, sciatic nerve section was associated with a marked ipsilateral increase in both CCK-B receptor mRNA levels in these ganglia (+70%) and the autoradiographic labeling of CCK-B receptors by [3H]pBC 264 (+160%) in the superficial layers of the lumbar dorsal horn. Up-regulation of CCK-B receptors rather than CCK synthesis and release probably contributes to increased spinal CCKergic neurotransmission in neuropathic pain.

Animals↗

[Coronary stents].

Coronary stents are widely used in percutaneous revascularisation and are associated with excellent primary results in the majority of cases. The anti GPIIb/IIIa molecules and the association of ticlopidine and aspirin are part of the pharmacological environment which contributes to the short-term success of these procedures. The essential problem remains restenosis which, in its diffuse form, is difficult to treat. Physicians should be vigilant with respect to the quality of the stents which they use and should enforce the conditions which the working group of the European Society of Cardiology recently proposed. Finally, in indications not yet validated or in the process of validation, they should be very careful and good results of balloon angioplasty should be respected.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Hearing loss due to the mitochondrial A1555G mutation in Italian families.

Six Italian families with familial nonsyndromic hearing loss consistent with a maternal pattern of inheritance were analyzed for mitochondrial mutations. The three known mitochondrial mutations associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss were investigated by polymerase chain reaction amplification, followed by restriction fragment length analysis or DNA sequencing. The A7445G mutation and C7472 insertion were not present in either of the families, but the A1555G mutation in the 12S rRNA gene was identified in homoplasmic form in two of the families. In one of the families the onset of hearing loss is congenital, while in the other it starts later in life. The families are from different regions of Italy, and mitochondrial haplotype analysis showed that the mutation arose independently in these two families. This suggests that the A1555G mutation may not be an uncommon cause of hearing loss in Italians, and is clinically important because maternal hearing relatives of patients with the A1555G mutation are at risk for aminoglycoside induced deafness. We discuss potential reasons for the normal phenotype in some relatives with the mutation, and the different onset of hearing loss in the two families.

Adolescent↗

Characterization of the human mitochondrial ribosomal S12 gene.

Translation of mitochondrial encoded mRNAs occurs on mitochondrial ribosomes. The ribosomal RNA components of the mitochondrial ribosomes are coded for by mitochondrial DNA, while all the protein subunits are coded for by nuclear chromosomes. The only mitochondrial protein subunit cloned in mammals is MRPL12, making the study of the role of mitochondrial translation in human disease difficult. We have now cloned the gene for the human mitochondrial ribosomal protein S12, termed RPMS12, based on its homology to the Drosophila tko gene. The gene stretches over 1.7 kb of genomic DNA and maps to chromosome 19q13, near marker D19S881. The mRNA shows three distinct patterns of splicing within the 5' untranslated region in all tissues examined, one form being predominant over the other two. The coding region of the leader sequence is interrupted in codon 17 by a second intron of 990 bases. The mRNA is predicted to be translated to a prepeptide of 138 amino acids in length and processed to a peptide of 112 aa and a molecular mass of 12.3 kDa. The protein is very basic, with a predicted pI of 10.3, and is highly conserved through evolution. The functional role and map location of the gene make it a candidate gene for susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity and for the autosomal dominant deafness gene DFNA4.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Polyarthritis-associated changes in the opioid control of spinal CGRP release in the rat.

As a model of chronic inflammatory pain, Freund's adjuvant-induced polyarthritis has been shown to be associated with marked alterations in the activity of opioid- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats. Possible changes in the interactions between these two peptidergic systems in chronic inflammatory pain were investigated by comparing the effects of various opioid receptor ligands on the spinal outflow of CGRP-like material (CGRPLM) in polyarthritic and age-paired control rats. Intrathecal perfusion of an artificial cerebrospinal fluid in halothane-anaesthetized animals allowed the collection of CGRPLM released from the spinal cord and the application of opioid receptor ligands. The blockade of kappa-opioid receptors similarly increased CGRPLM release in both groups of rats as expected of a kappa-mediated tonic inhibitory control of CGRP-containing fibres in control, as well as in polyarthritic rats. In contrast, the higher increase in CGRPLM outflow due to the preferential blockade of mu opioid receptors by naloxone in polyarthritic rats as compared to non-suffering animals supports the idea of a reinforced mu opioid receptor-mediated tonic inhibitory control of CGRP-containing fibres in rats suffering from chronic pain. Even more strikingly, the differences observed in the effects of delta-opioid receptor ligands on CGRPLM outflow suggest that delta receptors are functionally shifted from a participation in a phasic excitatory control in non-suffering rats to a tonic inhibitory control in polyarthritic rats. These data indicate that agonists acting at the three types of opioid receptors all exert a tonic inhibitory influence on CGRP-containing nociceptive primary afferent fibres within the spinal cord of polyarthritic rats. Such a convergence probably explains why morphine and other opioids are especially potent to reduce pain in subjects suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.

Animals↗

Evidence for complex nuclear inheritance in a pedigree with nonsyndromic deafness due to a homoplasmic mitochondrial mutation.

The relationship between mitochondrial genotype and clinical phenotype is complicated in most instances by the heteroplasmic nature of pathogenic mitochondrial mutations. We have previously shown that maternally inherited hearing loss in a large Arab-Israeli kindred is due to the homoplasmic A1555G mutation in the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene [Prezant et al., 1993: Nat Genet 4:289-294]. Family members with this mutation have phenotypes ranging from profound hearing loss to completely normal hearing, and we have shown that there is genetic and biochemical evidence for nuclear gene involvement in this family [Bu et al., 1993: Genet Epidemiol 9:27-44; Guan et al., 1996: Hum Mol Genet 5:963-971]. To identify such a nuclear locus, two candidate genes were excluded through linkage analysis and sequencing, and a genome-wide linkage search in family members who all have the identical homoplasmic mitochondrial mutation, but differ in their hearing status, was performed. In two stages a total of 560 polymorphic genetic markers was genotyped, and the data were analyzed under model-dependent and model-free assumptions. No chromosomal region was identified as a major contributor to the phenotypic expression of the mitochondrial mutation. Thus, in this simplified paradigm of a homoplasmic mitochondrial mutation in a single kindred who all live in the similar environment of a small village, the penetrance of the mitochondrial mutation appears to depend on the interaction of multiple nuclear genes.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Is the potent 5-HT1A receptor agonist, alnespirone (S-20499), affecting dopaminergic systems in the rat brain?

The effects of the new methoxy-chroman 5-HT1A receptor agonist, alnespirone (S-20499), on the dopamine systems in the rat brain were assessed in vivo by means of electrophysiological and neurochemical techniques. Cumulative doses of alnespirone (0.032-4.1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) did not modify the spontaneous firing rate of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra as well as in the ventral tegmental area. The local application of alnespirone (0.1-10 microM) by reverse microdialysis into the dorsal striatum did not affect the dopamine output but induced a moderate, although dose-independent, increase of 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin) concentrations in the dialysate. As expected of a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of alnespirone at 2-32 mg kg(-1) markedly decreased 5-HT turnover in the striatum. Parallel measurements of dopamine turnover showed that alnespirone exerted no effect except at the highest dose (32 mg kg(-1), i.p.) for which a significant increase was observed. Interestingly, both alnespirone-induced reduction in 5-HT turnover and increase in dopamine turnover could be prevented by pretreatment with the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexa ne carboxamide). Altogether, these data indicate that alnespirone does not exert any direct influence on central dopamine systems. The enhanced dopamine turnover due to alnespirone at high dose appeared to result from 5-HT1A receptor stimulation, further supporting the idea that this receptor type may play a key role in 5-HT-dopamine interactions in brain.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Dorsal medullary 5-HT3 receptors and sympathetic premotor neurones in the rat.

1. Our aim was to determine whether the cardiovascular neurones in the rostro-ventrolateral medulla (CV-RVLM neurones) were involved in the sympathoexcitation induced by stimulation of 5-HT3 receptors in the region of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Experiments were performed in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats, artificially ventilated and paralysed with pancuronium bromide. 2. Using extracellular recordings, different types of RVLM neurones were characterized: cardiovascular (CV), ventilation-related and baroreflex-insensitive (unidentified) neurones. The CV-RVLM cells were further subdivided into three populations according to their axonal conduction velocities: A (1.2 +/- 0.1 m s-1), B (2.5 +/- 0.2 m s-1) and C (6.8 +/- 1.1 m s-1). 3. Only the CV-RVLM neurones of the A and B categories were partially inhibited (-30 %) by a hypotensive dose (2.5 microg kg-1 i.v.) of clonidine. 4. Microinjections into the region of the commissural NTS of 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide (CPBG, 2 nmol), a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist, elicited an increase in both lumbar sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) and arterial pressure. In addition, this treatment produced a marked excitation of CV-RVLM neurones of the A and B categories, without affecting those of the C type, as well as ventilation-related and unidentified RVLM cells. 5. The activity of the CV neurones in the caudo-ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata (CV-CVLM) was not modified by 5-HT3 receptor stimulation in the NTS. 6. Prior intra-NTS microinjections of ondansetron (300 pmol, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist) into the region of the commissural NTS prevented the excitation of A and B CV-RVLM neurones induced by CPBG. 7. Intracarotid administration of saline saturated with CO2 (chemoreceptor activation) elicited both an increase in the SND and an excitation of the clonidine-insensitive CV-RVLM neurones of the C type, without affecting A and B neurones. 8. In conclusion, the sympathoexcitation elicited following 5-HT3 receptor stimulation in the region of the commissural NTS of pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats seems to result from the excitation of two different pools of clonidine-sensitive CV-RVLM neurones. These neurones are apparently not involved in the sympathetic component of the chemoreceptor reflex.

Action Potentials↗

Novel potent and selective central 5-HT3 receptor ligands provided with different intrinsic efficacy. 1. Mapping the central 5-HT3 receptor binding site by arylpiperazine derivatives.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of condensed quinoline and pyridine derivatives bearing a N-methylpiperazine moiety attached to the 2-position of the quinoline or pyridine nucleus are described. 5-HT receptor binding studies revealed subnanomolar affinity for the 5-HT3 receptor subtype in some of the compounds under study. The most active compound (5b) displayed a Ki value about 1 order of magnitude higher than that of quipazine along with a higher selectivity. The potential 5-HT3 agonist/antagonist activity of four selected compounds was assessed in vitro on 5-HT3 receptor-dependent [14C]guanidinium uptake in NG 108-15 cells. Compound 5j acted as a 5-HT3 agonist in this assay with an EC50 value close to that reported for quipazine, while 5b was a partial agonist with an EC50 value of about 0.25 nM, and compound 5c possessed antagonist properties with an IC50 value (approximately 8 nM) in the same range as those of previously characterized 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. Qualitative and quantitative structure-affinity relationship studies carried out by making use of theoretical molecular descriptors allowed to elucidate the role of the main pharmacophoric components and to develop a model for the interaction of the 5-HT3 ligands related to quipazine with their receptor.

Animals↗

c-Fos induction in the rostroventrolateral medulla by 5-HT3 receptor activation in the nucleus tractus solitarius.

The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) plays a crucial role in the reflex control of sympathetic tone through direct projections to the caudal and rostral regions of the ventrolateral medulla (CVLM and RVLM respectively). 5-HT3 receptor stimulation in the NTS increases both blood pressure and sympathetic tone. In order to investigate whether the ventrolateral medulla participates in these effects, the expression of c-Fos protein, a marker of neuronal activation, was examined at this level after intra-NTS microinjections of 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide, a selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist. A marked increase (93%) in the density of c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons was restricted to the most rostral part of the RVLM after this treatment. This effect could be prevented by prior intra-NTS microinjection of ondansetron, a selective 5-HT3 antagonist. These results suggest the participation of sympathoexcitatory neurons in the rostral RVLM in the pressor response to 5-HT3 receptor stimulation in the NTS.

Analysis of Variance↗

Dual determination of angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin-II type 1 receptor genotypes as predictors of restenosis after coronary angioplasty.

This study sought to assess the potential influence of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor gene polymorphisms on restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty. The authors conclude that screening for genetic suspectibility to restenosis based on genotyping of ACE and AT1 receptor polymorphisms before conventional balloon angioplasty is not clinically useful.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Assessment of pyrin gene mutations in Turks with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease clinically characterized by recurrent short self-limited attacks of fever accompanied by peritonitis, pleurisy, and arthritis and can lead to amyloidosis and renal failure in the longer term. It is prevalent mainly in non-Ashkenazi Jews, Armenians, Turks, and Arabs. Due to the lack of an accurate diagnostic test, patients often experience years of attacks and invasive diagnostic procedures before the correct diagnosis is made and adequate treatment is begun. Recently, the gene responsible for FMF, denoted pyrin, has been cloned, and three disease mutations have been described (French FMF Consortium, 1997; International FMF Consortium, 1997). In the current study we assessed the spectrum of mutations in this gene in 16 unrelated families of Turkish origin. The three previously reported missense mutations (Met-Ile at codon 680, Met-Val at codon 694, and Val-Ala at codon 726) accounted for 29 of the 34 disease alleles. In one patient in whom no disease mutation was identified, the clinical picture was atypical enough to raise questions regarding the diagnosis. These results imply that the origin of FMF in Turkey is heterogeneous, that molecular diagnosis of FMF is possible in the majority of cases and clinically helpful, and that delineation of the undiscovered disease mutation(s) in the remaining cases remains a high priority.

Armenia↗

Immunolabelling of the rat intestinal tract with antibodies specific to the long form of the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor.

The mouse 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) type of serotonin receptors is expressed as two forms, 5-HT3R-A(L) and 5-HT3R-A(S), generated by alternative splicing of its primary transcript, that differ by a stretch of six amino acids in the second intracellular loop domain. Because this six-amino acid region contains a putative phosphorylation site that may be important for the function and/or regulation of 5HT3R-A(L) receptor, specifically, we developed polyclonal antibodies as appropriate tools for studies relevant to this question. Antibodies against a 20-amino acid peptide corresponding to the sequence of 5-HT3R-A(L) at the level of this six-amino acid region were obtained as soon as one month after injection of this synthetic peptide to rabbits. Immunocytochemistry with these antibodies led to a strong positive labelling of plasma membrane, reticulum and Golgi apparatus of COS-7 cells expressing cloned murine 5-HT3R-A(L), whereas COS-7 cells expressing similar levels of 5-HT3R-A(S) exhibited only a very weak labelling. Immunoblots of fusion proteins combining glutathion-S-transferase and the second cytoplasmic loop of 5-HT3R-A(L) or 5-HT3R-A(S) revealed a c. 20-fold selectivity of the antibodies for the first, long form, as evaluated by densitometric analysis of enhanced chemiluminescence detection. Similarly, immunoblots of COS-7 cells transfected with cloned 5-HT3 receptors showed that the anti-peptide antibodies detected a band at 53,000 mol. wt only in cells transfected with 5-HT3R-A(L). Under optimal conditions, antibodies immunoprecipitated 52% of 5-HT3R-A(L), but only 11% of 5-HT3R-A(S), solubilized from COS-7 cells transfected with the respective encoding plasmids. In the rat, no immunoautoradiographic labelling by the anti-peptide antibodies could be detected in brain structures which had previously been described to express preferentially a short form of the 5-HT3 receptor. In contrast, a strong immunolabelling was found in the intestinal mucosa, especially in the rat fetus (at the 17th embryonic day), suggesting the possible participation of the 5-HT3R-A(L) isoform in the development of this tissue. These results show that specific antibodies are useful tools for the visualization of the least abundant 5-HT3 receptor isoform in rat tissue.

Alternative Splicing↗

Endothelial expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B antimigraine drug receptor in rat and human brain microvessels.

In addition to triggering vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels, which led to its discovery as a circulating neurohormone 50 years ago, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) acts as a neurotransmitter/ modulator in the central nervous system and regulates local cerebral blood flow and vascular permeability through direct and indirect effects on intraparenchymal microvessels. Among the various 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors which mediate these effects, particular attention has been paid to the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B and 5-hydroxytryptamine1D subtypes, as the preferred targets of modern antimigraine agents. Immunoelectron microscopic labeling of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor in rat brain parenchyma has revealed a distinct localization to the endothelium of microvessels, which was predominantly cytoplasmic as opposed to membrane-bound, contrary to that on preterminal unmyelinated axons [Riad et al. (1997) Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 23, 1214]. Similar observations have now been made in human cortical tissue, in which the expected localization of the vascular 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor to periarteriolar myocytes was also confirmed. Such a dual localization in human brain microvessels suggests that the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor might mediate opposite effects, vasodilatory and contractile, depending upon its activation by circulating or centrally released 5-hydroxytryptamine. It raises new possibilities as regards 5-hydroxytryptamine effects on human brain microvessels in health and disease, and notably the triggering of migraine headache.

Animals↗

Antagonist properties of (-)-pindolol and WAY 100635 at somatodendritic and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors in the rat brain.

1. The aim of the present work was to characterize the 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) antagonistic actions of (-)-pindolol and WAY 100635 (N-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl)-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexane carboxamide). Studies were performed on 5-HT1A receptors located on 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and on pyramidal cells in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in rat brain slices. 2. Intracellular electrophysiological recording of CA1 pyramidal cells and 5-hydroxytryptaminergic DRN neurones showed that the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) evoked in both cell types a concentration-dependent cell membrane hyperpolarization and a decrease in cell input resistance. On its own, (-)-pindolol did not modify the cell membrane potential and resistance at concentrations up to 10 microM, but it antagonized the 5-CT effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar antagonism of 5-CT effects was observed in the CA3 hippocampal region. (-)-Pindolol also prevented the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated hyperpolarization of CA1 pyramidal cells due to 5-HT (15 microM). In contrast, the 5-HT-induced depolarization mediated by presumed 5-HT4 receptors persisted in the presence of 3 microM (-)-pindolol. 3. In the hippocampus, (-)-pindolol completely prevented the hyperpolarization of CA1 pyramidal cells by 100 nM 5-CT (IC50=92 nM; apparent KB=20.1 nM), and of CA3 neurones by 300 nM 5-CT (IC50=522 nM; apparent KB= 115.1 nM). The block by (-)-pindolol was surmounted by increasing the concentration of 5-CT, indicating a reversible and competitive antagonistic action. 4. Extracellular recording of the firing rate of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones in the DRN showed that (-)-pindolol blocked, in a concentration-dependent manner, the decrease in firing elicited by 100 nM 5-CT (IC50=598 nM; apparent KB= 131.7 nM) or 100 nM ipsapirone (IC50= 132.5 nM; apparent KB= 124.9 nM). The effect of (-)-pindolol was surmountable by increasing the concentration of the agonist. Intracellular recording experiments showed that 10 microM (-)-pindolol were required to antagonize completely the hyperpolarizing effect of 100 nM 5-CT. 5. In vivo labelling of brain 5-HT1A receptors by i.v. administration of [3H]-WAY 100635 ([O-methyl-3H]-N-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1 -piperazinyl)ethyl-N-(2-pyridyl)cyclo-hexane-carboxamide) was used to assess their occupancy following in vivo treatment with (-)-pindolol. (-)-Pindolol (15 mg kg[-1]) injected i.p. either subchronically (2 day-treatment before i.v. injection of [3H]-WAY 100635) or acutely (20 min before i.v. injection of [3H]-WAY 100635) markedly reduced [3H]-WAY 100635 accumulation in all 5-HT1A receptor-containing brain areas. In particular, no differences were observed in the capacity of (-)-pindolol to prevent [3H]-WAY 100635 accumulation in the DRN and the CAI and CA3 hippocampal areas. 6. Intracellular electrophysiological recording of 5-hydroxytryptaminergic DRN neurones showed that WAY 100635 prevented the hyperpolarizing effect of 100 nM 5-CT in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50=4.9 nM, apparent KB=0.25 nM). In CA1 pyramidal cells, hyperpolarization induced by 50 nM 5-CT was also antagonized by WAY 100635 (IC50 = 0.80 nM, apparent KB= 0.28 nM).

Animals↗