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V Baudrie

Publications and source records attributed to V Baudrie.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cortical [3H]ketanserin binding and 5-HT2A receptor-mediated behavioral responses in obese Zucker rats.

Past studies have indicated that genetically obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats are hypercorticoid, and that this neuroendocrine alteration plays a key role in the syndrome. In keeping with the proposal that glucocorticoids may upregulate central 5-HT2A receptors, we have studied the effects of acute and repeated 5-HT2A receptor stimulation by 1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) in lean and obese Zucker rats. Acute injection of DOI (2 mg/kg, SC) elicited a lower number of head shakes in obese rats compared to that measured in lean rats. Conversely, neither DOI-elicited decreases in food intakes and body weights nor cortical [3H]ketanserin binding were affected by obesity. In rats repeatedly pretreated with DOI, biochemical and functional indices of 5-HT2A receptor downregulation failed to reveal an effect of obesity. It is suggested that 5-HT2A receptor-mediated functions, but not their downregulation, may be differentially affected in the hypercorticoid obese Zucker rat.

Amphetamines

Behavioural and biochemical evidence that glucocorticoids are not involved in DOI-elicited 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation.

Numerous studies have brought evidence for reciprocal relationships between glucocorticoids and 5-HT2 receptors; however, whether glucocorticoids affect 5-HT2 receptor regulation is still unknown. Herein, we have analyzed whether 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation following repeated administration of the 5-HT2/5-HT1C receptor agonist 1-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) is affected by glucocorticoid removal. Compared with sham surgery, adrenalectomy (11-15 days beforehand) did not affect either frontal cortex [3H]ketanserin binding nor the number of head shakes elicited by a single administration of DOI (2.5 mg/kg s.c.). Pretreatment with DOI (2.5 mg/kg s.c. x 4 in 48 h) decreased to similar extents the head shake response to DOI injection in sham (-88%) and adrenalectomised (-95%) rats. Confirmingly, this paradigm was found to diminish the Bmax for [3H]ketanserin binding in sham and adrenalectomised rats by 64% and 46%, respectively. From these data, it is concluded that glucocorticoid removal does not alter 5-HT2 receptor binding and function nor does it affect 5-HT2 receptor down-regulation.

Adrenalectomy

Corticosterone response to the serotonergic agonist D-fenfluramine may be independent from corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

This study was designed to assess the involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the corticosterone response to the acute administration of the serotonergic indirect agonist D-fenfluramine in the rat. In addition to plasma corticosterone, D-fenfluramine-induced hyperglycemia (which is independent from the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis) was also analyzed. Acute i.v. injection of sheep anti-CRF antiserum (15 min beforehand) markedly diminished either stress-induced corticosterone release (but not ether stress-induced increases in plasma glucose levels), thereby indicating that passive immunization was efficient. Acute administration of D-fenfluramine (3 mg/kg i.v.) increased plasma corticosterone and glucose levels to similar extents in control rats (i.e. injected with normal sheep serum) and in anti-CRF antiserum-injected rats. These results indicate that, under our experimental conditions, D-fenfluramine-induced corticosterone elevation is of peripheral origin (through pituitary and/or adrenocortical pathways).

Animals

Subchronic treatment with anxiolytic doses of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist ipsapirone does not affect 5-HT2 receptor sensitivity in the rat.

Acute stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors has been reported to diminish some 5-HT2 receptor-mediated responses in the rat, but there is controversy as to whether repeated stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors leads to identical changes. In this study, we tested the influence of repeated treatment with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist ipsapirone (0.5 g/l in drinking water for 21 days) on some 5-HT2 receptor-mediated responses elicited by the acute injection of the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI). These responses included hyperglycemia, corticosterone release, and head shakes; cortical 5-HT2 receptor number and DOI-induced prolactin release (a 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor-mediated event) were also analyzed. In a first series of experiments, ipsapirone administration for 1, 8, 15, and 20 days reduced the duration fo shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization. Ipsapirone administration for 21 days reduced fluid intake and decreased body weight, but did not affect baseline plasma glucose, corticosterone, and prolactin levels or cortical 5-HT2 receptor number. The increases in plasma glucose levels elicited by acute injection of either DOI (0.1-1 mg/kg i.v.) or clonidine (an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist; 0.05 mg/kg i.v.) were reduced in ipsapirone-pretreated rats. The maximal effects of DOI and clonidine on plasma corticosterone or prolactin levels were not affected by ipsapirone pretreatment. Ipsapirone decreased the area under the corticosterone curve in both DOI- and clonidine-treated rats. Lastly, the head-shake response to DOI (0.5-2 mg/kg s.c.) was similar in vehicle- and ipsapirone-pretreated rats. These data indicate that a 3-week treatment with anxiolytic doses of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist ipsapirone does not desensitize 5-HT2 receptors.

Administration, Oral

5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor blockade prevents 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)2-aminopropane-, but not stress-induced increases in brain tryptophan.

We have previously shown that acute administration of the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)2-aminopropane (DOI), elevates brain tryptophan levels. The present work aimed to investigate the mechanisms responsible for this elevation. Acute s.c. administration of a 2-mg/kg dose of DOI increased brain tryptophan levels but did not affect either plasma free tryptophan, plasma total tryptophan, brain 5-HT, or brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, LY 53857, prevented the DOI-induced increase in brain tryptophan levels, whilst the increase was reduced by the 5-HT2 receptor/alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, ketanserin, and to a lesser extent, by the ganglionic blocker, chlorisondamine. On the other hand, pretreatment with either the peripherally acting 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor blocker, BW 501C67, the 5-HT uptake enhancer, tianeptine, the 5-HT uptake blocker, paroxetine, or the beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118.551, proved ineffective. Lastly, pretreatment with LY 53857 did not affect the immobilization-induced elevation in brain tryptophan levels. It is concluded that the elevation in brain tryptophan levels induced by DOI but not that induced by stress is due to central 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptor stimulation.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists

Are 5-HT1A autoreceptors involved in the inhibitory effect of ipsapirone on cold-elicited thyrotropin secretion?

Administration of the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor agonist ipsapirone has been shown to decrease cold-elicited thyrotropin (TSH) secretion. We have analyzed (1) the influence of 5-HT1A receptors and ipsapirone metabolism into 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist) on the effect of ipsapirone on TSH release, and (2) the interaction between the corticosterone-releasing effect of ipsapirone and its inhibitory influence on TSH release. Pretreatment with proadifen (50 mg/kg, 5 h before ipsapirone), i.e. an inhibitor of ipsapirone metabolism into 1-PP, did not affect ipsapirone-induced inhibition of cold-elicited TSH secretion. Pretreatment (15 min before ipsapirone) with the 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist metergoline 2 mg/kg) or with the 5-HT1A receptor blocker (-)-pindolol (5 mg/kg) increased baseline and cold-elicited TSH release but the inhibitory influence of ipsapirone on cold-elicited TSH release was alleviated by (-)-pindolol pretreatment only. Cold exposure increased corticosterone release, an effect which was insensitive to (-)-pindolol pretreatment. Lastly, pretreatment with the 5-HT synthesis inhibitor p-chlorophenylalanine prevented the immediate inhibitory effect of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) upon cold-induced TSH release, but it amplified the late release of TSH in cold-exposed 8-OH-DPAT-injected rats. These results suggest that presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors mediate ipsapirone-induced inhibition of cold-elicited TSH release, an effect which may be partially opposed by postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor stimulation.

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

Effects of cold stress on some 5-HT1A, 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptor-mediated responses.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the influence of stress (24-h cold exposure) on presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, and on postsynaptic 5-HT1A, 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors. Cold exposure for 24 h affected neither pargyline-induced decreases in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in midbrain and rest of brain, nor plasma glucose and corticosterone levels. Treatment with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.5-1 mg/kg), 3-5 h after the end of cold exposure triggered less intense flat body posture and forepaw treading in cold-exposed rats than in controls. On the other hand, 15- and 30-min plasma glucose responses to 8-OH-DPAT (0.25-0.5 mg/kg, 3-5 h after cold) or to the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine (0.025 mg/kg), were not affected by cold, while the 15-min, but not the 30 min, plasma corticosterone response to 8-OH-DPAT was slightly amplified in cold-exposed rats. Cold exposure affected neither the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT (0.25-0.5 mg/kg, 3-5 h after cold) on midbrain 5-HIAA levels, nor the hypothermic effect of 8-OH-DPAT (0.5-1 mg/kg, 3-5 h after cold). Lastly, the hypoactivity elicited by the 5-HT1C receptor agonist, m-chlorophenyl-piperazine (1.5-3 mg/kg, 3-5 h after cold), or head shakes elicited by the 5-HT2 receptor agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (1-2 mg/kg, 3-5 h after cold), were of similar intensities in control and in cold-exposed rats.

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

The 5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)2-aminopropane increases brain tryptophan levels in the rat.

Earlier studies have indicated that the sympathoadrenal system and the corticotropic axis control brain levels of tryptophan (Trp), the precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). We investigated the effects of 5-HT receptor agonists known to activate the sympathoadrenal system and/or the corticotropic axis on plasma and brain Trp levels. Neither the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 0.5 mg/kg s.c.), nor the 5-HT1C receptor agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP, 2.5 mg/kg s.c.) affected plasma and brain Trp levels. The 5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)2-aminopropane (DOI, 0.5-2 mg/kg s.c.) increased brain Trp levels, an effect which was significant for the two highest doses used (1.5-2 mg/kg s.c.).

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

Mechanisms involved in the hyperglycemic effect of the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist, DOI.

Previous experiments have indicated that 5-HT2 receptors and catecholaminergic systems mediate the rise in plasma glucose levels elicited by acute administration of the 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI). On this basis, we investigated the location of these serotonin receptors and the nature of this catecholaminergic involvement. Administration of DOI (0.4 mg/kg i.v.) to conscious rats (bearing jugular catheters) elicited a rapid rise in plasma glucose which was associated with a decreased insulin response to a glucose bolus (300 mg/kg i.v.). Pretreatment with the peripherally acting 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, BW 501C67 (0.5 mg/kg i.v. 10 min beforehand) prevented the rise in plasma glucose triggered by the peripherally acting 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor agonist, alpha-methyl-5-HT (0.75 mg/kg i.v.), but amplified the rise elicited by DOI. Pretreatment with chlorisondamine (1 mg/kg i.v. 10 min beforehand) or adrenalectomy 20 h beforehand prevented the DOI-induced hyperglycemia. On the other hand, pretreatment with dexamethasone (0.35 mg/kg s.c. 2 h and 20 min beforehand) did not affect the DOI-induced hyperglycemia. It is concluded that the hyperglycemic effect of DOI administration is mediated by centrally located 5-HT2 receptors and, in turn, adrenal epinephrine release.

Adrenalectomy

Influence of the novel antidepressant tianeptine on neurochemical, neuroendocrinological, and behavioral effects of stress in rats.

Tianeptine is a novel tricyclic agent that activates the neuronal uptake of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). Taking into account the antidepressant effect of tianeptine in animals and humans, we have measured the influence of a pretreatment with tianeptine (10 mg/kg IP 1 hr beforehand) on some consequences of a single 2-hr restraint stress session in male rats. Thus, we have analyzed (1) 5-HT metabolism in various brain regions and plasma glucose (an index of sympathoadrenal activity) and corticosterone levels at the end of stress, and (2) open field scores 18-19 hr after immobilization in saline- or tianeptine-pretreated rats. Tianeptine was found to leave unaltered stress-induced increases in cortical, hippocampal, hypothalamic, midbrain, and striatal serotonergic metabolism. Similarly, stress-elicited elevations in plasma glucose and corticosterone levels were not affected by tianeptine pretreatment. On the other hand, tianeptine pretreatment reversed stress-induced deficit in exploratory activity. To test whether the latter positive effect of tianeptine was associated with changes in plasma glucose and corticosterone levels during the early phase of stress, we have measured plasma glucose and corticosterone levels (at 0, 5, 15, 30, and 60 min) in resting and stressed (catheterized) rats. The results indicated that tianeptine pretreatment did not alter plasma glucose and corticosterone early responses to stress. Although this study confirmed the antidepressant effect of tianeptine, the neurochemical and neuroendocrinological mechanisms underlying this positive effect remain to be determined.

Animals

Differential effects of the novel antidepressant tianeptine on L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-elicited corticosterone release and body weight loss.

Biochemical and behavioural experiments have indicated that the novel antidepressant tianeptine stimulates 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake. The present study has explored the influence of acute tianeptine pretreatment upon corticosterone release and body weight loss following L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) administration in conscious rats. Administration of 5-HTP (20 mg/kg i.v.) increased plasma corticosterone levels to a similar extent in rats pretreated either with saline or tianeptine (10 mg/kg i.p., 60 min beforehand). Besides, prior administration of benserazide (50 mg/kg i.p., 30 min beforehand), an inhibitor of peripheral aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, prevented 5-HTP-induced corticosterone release in both saline- and tianeptine-pretreated rats. However, combined administration of benserazide and 5-HTP decreased overnight body weight in saline-, but not in tianeptine-pretreated rats. These results suggest that tianeptine preferentially activates 5-HT reuptake in central serotonergic neurones.

5-Hydroxytryptophan

Buspirone, ipsapirone and 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine decrease cold-induced thyrotropin secretion in rats.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of the 5-HT1A receptor-related antidepressants/anxiolytics, buspirone and ipsapirone (1-10 mg/kg i.v.), and those of their common metabolite, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazine (1-PP, 1-10 mg/kg i.v.), on cold-induced thyrotropin (TSH) secretion in conscious catheterised rats. The effects of the centrally acting 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(d-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 0.1-1 mg/kg i.v.), and of the peripherally acting 5-HT1A receptor agonist, N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine (DP-5-CT, 0.1-1 mg/kg i.v.), were also included in this study. Buspirone, ipsapirone, and 1-PP dose dependently decreased cold-induced TSH secretion throughout the 90 min of analysis. However, the preventive effect of 1-PP was reached with a lower dose (3 mg/kg) than that needed for the parent compound (10 mg/kg). 8-OH-DPAT administration diminished but did not prevent cold-induced TSH secretion, while only the highest dose of DP-5-CT diminished secretion (1 mg/kg). Lastly, the TSH-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced TSH secretion was left unaffected by either buspirone or ipsapirone pretreatment (10 mg/kg), but was diminished by 1-PP pretreatment (3 mg/kg). These data suggest that both central 5-HT1A receptors and alpha 2-adrenoceptors mediate the effects of azapirones on cold-induced TSH secretion.

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

Repeated treatment with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, ipsapirone, does not affect 8-OH-DPAT- and stress-induced increases in plasma adrenaline levels in the rat.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether 5-HT1A receptor-mediated adrenal catecholamine release undergoes rapid desensitisation. Thus, we measured plasma adrenaline either following the acute administration of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 0.3 mg/kg i.v.), or during immobilisation stress, in rats pretreated repeatedly with saline or with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, ipsapirone (10 mg/kg i.p., t.i.d. for 7 days). Plasma corticosterone and glucose were measured concomitantly. Neither body weight nor basal plasma adrenaline and corticosterone levels were significantly affected by ipsapirone treatment. Conversely, the latter diminished basal plasma glucose levels. While the 8-OH-DPAT-induced elevations in plasma adrenaline remained unaffected by ipsapirone, the 8-OH-DPAT-induced elevations in plasma corticosterone and glucose tended to be diminished by ipsapirone. Ipsapirone treatment modified the kinetics, but not the amount of adrenaline released by stress. On the other hand, stress-induced activation of the corticotropic axis was amplified by ipsapirone. Lastly, ipsapirone treatment again tended to diminish the hyperglycemic response to stress. These results indicate that (i) 5-HT1A receptor-mediated activation of adrenaline release is not desensitised by short-term ipsapirone treatment, (ii) the anxiolytic/antidepressant effect of ipsapirone may not be explainable in terms of tolerance to some neuroendorinological consequences of stress.

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

Cardiovascular and adrenaline-releasing effects of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin in streptozotocin diabetic rats.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) has been reported to trigger sympathoinhibition, as evidenced by its cardiovascular effects, and adrenal catecholamine secretion. The purpose of this study was to analyze the cardiovascular and adrenaline-releasing effects of 8-OH-DPAT in 1 week streptozotocin diabetic rats. 8-OH-DPAT-induced changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were determined directly in anesthetized rats, whilst changes in plasma adrenaline (and plasma corticosterone and glucose) levels were analyzed in conscious rats. Resting blood pressure and heart rate were diminished in diabetics, when compared with controls. These changes were associated with a decrease in body weight and a marked increase in resting plasma glucose levels. Diabetes did not affect MAP response to 8-OH-DPAT, except for a decrease in the amplitude of MAP maximal fall, which was associated with a diminished bradycardic response to 8-OH-DPAT. Blood pressure response to prazosin (0.5 mg/kg) in 8-OH-DPAT-pretreated rats was also diminished in diabetics. Lastly, diabetes prevented the adrenaline-releasing and hyperglycemic effects of 8-OH-DPAT (250 ug/kg).

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

Influence of catecholaminergic and serotonergic receptor antagonists on the hyperglycaemic response to the neuroglucopaenic agent, 2-deoxy-D-glucose.

The intravenous administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) to conscious catheterised rats dose-dependently increased the levels of glucose in plasma throughout the analysis (60 min); the levels of insulin in plasma remained unchanged, except for an early significant decrease in rats treated with the largest dose (1 g/kg). Pretreatment (10 min beforehand) with the beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118,551 (3 mg/kg) or the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (1 mg/kg) decreased the rise in levels of glucose in plasma elicited by 2-DG (250 mg/kg). Conversely, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (1 mg/kg) or the dopaminergic receptor blocker, haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg) amplified the hyperglycaemic response to 2-DG. Previous administration of either the 5-HT1A/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, spiperone (3 mg/kg), the 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, methysergide (1 mg/kg), the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ritanserin (1 mg/kg) or the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, ICS 205.930 (0.1 mg/kg) did not affect 2-DG-induced hyperglycaemia. On the other hand, the mixed 5-HT1A/5-HT1B/beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, (-)-propranolol (5 mg/kg) and the 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, methiotepin (1 mg/kg), respectively, diminished and amplified the hyperglycaemia elicited by 2-DG. Lastly, in rats pretreated with prazosin (1 mg/kg, 30 min beforehand), an additional pretreatment (10 min beforehand) with prazosin or methiotepin (both at 1 mg/kg) did not further amplify the hyperglycaemic response to 2-DG. These results indicate that 2-DG-induced hyperglycaemia is mediated by alpha 2- and beta 2-adrenoceptors and amplified by alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade. Conversely, neither 5-HT1, 5-HT2 nor 5-HT3 receptors played a role in the hyperglycaemic response to 2-DG.

Animals

Effects of the 5-HT1C/5-5-HT2 receptor agonists DOI and alpha-methyl-5-HT on plasma glucose and insulin levels in the rat.

Administration of the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4- iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI, 0.125-2.0 mg/kg i.v.) triggered dose-dependent increases in plasma glucose; plasma insulin levels remained unchanged. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor antagonists LY 53857, ritanserin, or the mixed 5-HT2/alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist ketanserin either diminished or prevented the hyperglycemic effect of DOI (0.5 mg/kg). Administration of the mixed 5-HT1C receptor agonists/5-HT2 receptor antagonists 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (mCPP) or 1-(3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazine level (TFMPP) did not affect plasma glucose levels. However, pretreatment with mCPP or TFMPP decreased DOI-induced hyperglycemia in a dose-dependent manner. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan and the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium both decreased DOI-induced hyperglycemia, Whilst the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin amplified the rise in plasma glucose elicited by DOI. The peripherally acting 5-HT1C/5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT (0.5-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) triggered a rise in plasma glucose levels that was associated with an increase in plasma insulin levels. Pretreatment with LY 53857 diminished alpha-methyl-5-HT-induced hyperglycemia. These data indicate that 5-HT2 receptors, but not 5-HT1C receptors, and catecholaminergic systems, mediate DOI-induced hyperglycemia. Moreover, it is suggested that the inhibition of insulin release by DOI is centrally mediated, and that activation of peripheral 5-HT2 receptors may affect glycemia.

Amphetamines

Ganglionic transmission is a prerequisite for the adrenaline-releasing and hyperglycemic effects of 8-OH-DPAT.

The present study concerned the influence of ganglionic nicotinic blockade (by hexamethonium, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) of the 8-OH-DPAT-induced elevations in plasma adrenaline, corticosterone and glucose levels in conscious rats. Prior treatment with hexamethonium dose dependently decreased the basal glucose levels and increased the basal corticosterone levels but did not significantly affect the basal adrenaline levels. Hexamethonium decreased in a dose-dependent manner the elevations in plasma adrenaline, corticosterone and glucose levels that were elicited by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0.25 mg/kg). These results indicate that acetylcholine release is a prerequisite for both the adrenaline-releasing and hyperglycemic effects of 8-OH-DPAT. The data also point to the possibility that adrenaline release participates in the elevation in plasma corticosterone levels that is elicited by 5-HT1A receptor activation.

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

In vivo evidence that insulin does not inhibit hepatic tryptophan pyrrolase activity in rats.

Previous reports have indicated that insulin administration triggers an early increase in plasma tryptophan (TRP) levels in fasted rats. Then, the present study was undertaken to investigate the putative role of liver tryptophan pyrrolase (TPO) in this short-term effect of insulin. In 24 hr fasted rats, doses of insulin that triggered an increase in plasma TRP levels (i.e., 2-3 I.U./kg, 1 hr) did not alter either holoenzyme or total enzyme activity. In another series of experiments, the administration of insulin (2 I.U./kg) to 24 hr fasted rats promoted biphasic time effects on plasma TRP levels and liver TPO activity. Thus, insulin initially triggered a rise in plasma TRP (without any change in liver TPO activity) and then increased liver TPO activity whilst plasma TRP returned toward control levels. In addition, hypercorticosteronemia was evidenced throughout the first phasis. Lastly, the influence of insulin administration (2 I.U./kg) on fasting-induced TPO induction was analysed. Whereas fasting increased liver TPO activity in a time-dependent manner, insulin administration (2 I.U./kg, 30 min) did not modify either plasma TRP or liver TPO activity. The data reported herein bring evidence that the effect of insulin administration on circulating TRP is not mediated by an inhibition of hepatic TPO.

Animals