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The effect of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-msh) on the metabolism of biogenic amines in the rat brain.

The effect of the chronic administration of alpha-MSH on the incorporation of tritiated tyrosine into noradrenalin and dopamine and of tritiated tryptophan into serotonin was studied in different regions of the rat brain. Alpha-MSH increased the incorporation of tritiated trytophan into serotonin in the cortex and slightly decreased that of tryosine into the dopamine in the hypothalamus. As the brain concentration of serotonin was unchanged in the animals treated with alpha-MSH, it is suggested that some of the changes in behavior, which other investigators have found following the administration of peptides containing the same sequence of amino acids to that found in MSH, could be associated with an increased turnover of cortical serotonin.

Animals↗

Second generation cholinesterase inhibitors: effect of (L)-huperzine-A on cortical biogenic amines.

L-Huperzine-A (Hup-A), a natural cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) derived from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata, was administered systemically (i.p.) or locally through the microdialysis probe into the rat cortex. Systemic Hup-A significantly increased acetylcholine (ACh) levels above baseline at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/kg; the increases were 54%, 129%, and 220%, respectively. Norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) levels were also increased 121% and 129% above baseline at 0.3 mg/kg, and 143% and 153% at 0.5 mg/kg. Peak cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition was 23% at 60 min with the 0.3 mg/kg dose. Huperzine-A, perfused through the microdialysis probe, produced a maximal increase of ACh levels of 3090% and 7790% at concentrations of 5 and 50 microM. The ACh increase seen at both concentrations lasted at least 6 hr. At the 5-microM dose, NE and DA were increased by 214% and 386%; at the 50-microM dose, NE and DA were increased by 216% and 1141%. There were no changes of 5-HT levels. With local administration (via the probe), both doses produced facial-forelimb seizures that lasted throughout the perfusion. Our results show that Hup-A is a potent inhibitor of ChE which penetrates into the brain and produces a dose-dependent increase of ACh, NE, and DA in rat cortex. This effect is seen with both systemic and local intracerebral administration, suggesting cortical as well as subcortical effects of the drug.

Acetylcholine↗

Effects of MF-268, a new cholinesterase inhibitor, on acetylcholine and biogenic amines in rat cortex.

MF-268 bitartrate [(3a S, 8a R)-1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1,3a,8-trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indol- 5-ol[8-(cis2,-6-dimethyl-morpholin-4-yl)octyl]-carbamate L-bitartrate hydrate; Mediolanum Farmaceutici, Milan, Italy] is a pseudo-reversible carbamate-type cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) which interacts with the catalytic and regulatory anionic site of the enzyme. Its effects on extracellular levels of acetylcholine (ACh), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine) were studied in rat cortex by using a microdialysis technique coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Conscious, freely moving rats were systemically [per os (p.o.) and subcutaneously (s.c.)] administered MF-268 with no ChEI in the probe. Cholinesterase inhibition in brain was assayed in parallel experiments. Oral administration of MF-268 (0.5, 2.0, and 5.0 mg/kg) produced a significant increase of extracellular ACh in cortex; the maximal increase was 300% [not significant (n.s.)], 460% and 1,200%, respectively. Maximal cholinesterase (ChE) inhibition was 2.3% (n.s.) at 9 hr and 9.7% (P < .05) at 12 hr after the 2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg doses, respectively. Norepinephrine and DA levels were increased 180% and 100% after the 5.0 mg/kg dose, respectively; 100% and 60% after the 2.0 mg/kg dose, respectively; and 70% for both amines after the 0.5 mg/kg dose, respectively. The elevation lasted at least 5 hr with the 2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg doses. There were no major changes in 5-HT levels at these three doses. Subcutaneous administration (0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg) produced a maximal 360% (5.5 hr) and 2,500% (5 hr) increase in extracellular ACh, respectively. Maximal ChE inhibition was 13% (0.5 mg/kg) and 41% (2.0 mg/kg). Neither 0.5 nor 2.0 mg/kg produced a consistent modification of NE. Only a transient increase in DA was seen with the 0.5 mg/kg dose. There were no changes in 5-HT levels at these two doses. MF-268-treated animals showed slight cholinergic side effects (chewing, tremor) at both doses. MF-268 administered intracortically through the microdialysis probe at a concentration of 50 microM induced a 5,900% increase in ACh levels at 6 hr. This effect started 30 min after injection and continued throughout the period of administration. MF-268 produced a significant decrease in NE levels (-44%) starting at 30 min, and a slight but significant increase in DA levels of 45% at 2.5 hr. A significant increase of 5-HT (58%) was also observed starting at 4 hr. Slight symptoms of cholinergic toxicity were observed during intracortical administration.

Acetylcholine↗

High-performance liquid chromatographic assay of isoquinoline alkaloid formation from reaction of biogenic amines and aldehydes.

To understand the role that tetrahydroisoquinoline formation may play in alcoholism and drug toxicology, high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to monitor the overall rate of reaction, in pH 7.4 buffer, between the catecholamines (dopamine, alpha-methyldopamine, dihydroxyphenylpropanolamine, deoxyepinephrine, levodopa, alpha-methyldopa, epinephrine, levarterenol, ans isoproterenol) and acetaldehyde. The observed overall rate of reaction varied from 0.38 to 0.0013 liter/mole sec. In addition, the reaction rate of the neurotransmitter dopamine was measured for various aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glyoxylic acid, paraldehyde, malonaldehyde, glyceraldehyde, and chloral hydrate). The observed overall rate of reaction varied from 5.3 to 0.0011 liters/mol sec. Penicillamine prevented formation of the tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids when initially present in concentrations equal to or greater than the aldehyde concentration.

Aldehydes↗

Chronic administration of the antidepressant-antipanic drug phenelzine and its N-acetylated analogue: effects on monoamine oxidase, biogenic amines, and alpha 2-adrenoreceptor function.

Phenelzine (PLZ), a nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitor, is widely used in psychiatry for the treatment of panic disorder and depression. The effects of chronic (28-day) administration of PLZ (0.05 mmol/kg/day) and its N-acetylated analogue, 1-acetyl-2-(2-phenylethyl) hydrazine (N2-acetylphenelzine; N2AcPLZ; 0.10 mmol/kg/day), on alpha 2-adrenoreceptor function were investigated by use of a behavioral test on days 21 and 22. Rats treated with PLZ or N2AcPLZ displayed a significant attenuation of the suppressant effects of clonidine on spontaneous locomotor activity, compared with controls; these results suggest a reduced sensitivity of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. By day 28, both PLZ and N2AcPLZ had produced greater than 85% inhibition of monoamine oxidases A and B in the brain, heart, and liver. Both drugs induced significant elevations of whole-brain levels of noradrenaline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and dopamine, compared with those in controls. The levels of acid metabolites of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (homovanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid) were significantly reduced in both groups of drug-treated animals.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Biogenic amines in the antennal lobes and the initiation and maintenance of foraging behavior in honey bees.

Previous findings showed that high levels of octopamine and serotonin in the antennal lobes of adult worker honey bees are associated with foraging behavior, and octopamine treatment induces precocious foraging. To better characterize the relationship between amines and foraging behavior in honey bees, we performed a detailed correlative analysis of amine levels in the antennal lobes as a function of various aspects of foraging behavior. Flight activity was measured under controlled conditions in a large outdoor flight cage. Levels of octopamine in the antennal lobes were found to be elevated immediately subsequent to the onset of foraging, but they did not change as a consequence of preforaging orientation flight activity, diurnal pauses in foraging, or different amounts of foraging experience, suggesting that octopamine helps to trigger and maintain the foraging behavioral state. In contrast, levels of serotonin and dopamine did not show changes that would implicate them as either causal agents of foraging, or as neurochemical systems affected by the act of foraging. Serotonin treatment had no effect on the likelihood of foraging. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that an increase in octopamine levels in the antennal lobes plays a causal role in the initiation and maintenance of the behavioral state of foraging, and thus is involved in the regulation of division of labor in honey bees.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗

Biogenic amines modulate synaptic transmission between identified giant interneurons and thoracic interneurons in the escape system of the cockroach.

In the escape system of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, a population of uniquely identifiable thoracic interneurons (type A or TIAs) receive information about wind via chemical synapses from a population of ventral giant interneurons (vGIs). The TIAs are involved in the integration of sensory information necessary for orienting the animal during escape. It is likely that there are times in an animal's life when it is advantageous to modify the effectiveness of synaptic transmission between the vGIs and the TIAs. Given the central position of the TIAs in the escape system, this would greatly alter associated motor outputs. We tested the ability of octopamine, serotonin, and dopamine to modulate synaptic transmission between vGIs and TIAs. Both octopamine and dopamine significantly increased the amplitude of vGI-evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in TIAs at 10(-4)-10(-2) M, and 10(-3) M, respectively. On the other hand, serotonin significantly decreased the vGI-evoked EPSPs in TIAs at 10(-4)-10(-3) M. These results indicate that octopamine, serotonin, and dopamine are capable of modulating the efficacy of transmission of important neural connections within this circuit.

Animals↗

Hog kidney diamine oxidase conversion of biogenic diamines to inhibitors of cell proliferation.

Hog kidney diamine oxidase (DAO) interacted with 1,3-diaminopropane, putrescine and cadaverine to arrest proliferation of cultured mammalian cells. The byproducts of DAO-substrate interaction, H2O2 and NH4+ are themselves cytotoxic but were apparently not responsible for any significant antiproliferative effect in the experimental system. DAO is known to react with putrescine to generate labile 4-aminobutyraldehyde. This primary product was compatible with a compound (radio-labelled) separated from DAO-putrescine reactive mixtures by ion-exchange chromatography. Its rate of generation, level attained and lability (half-life, 2 hr) in culture simulated conditions were measured. Circumstantial evidence suggested that the amine aldehyde products of diamine oxidation had a potent antiproliferative effect on cells.

Aldehydes↗

Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms on biogenic monoamine levels in the rat brain.

The extract of the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms (ASH) is known to have healing and protective effects on stress-induced disturbance of mental status. We have analysed whether a single or chronic (2 week) administration of ASH can affect concentrations of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and their metabolites in the normal rat brain. A single p.o. administration of ASH elevated the NA and DA levels in the whole brain of rats in a dose-dependent manner. A single or 2 week administration of ASH (500 mg/kg) showed a marked increase in the DA level only in the striatum. However, NA levels were increased by a single dose of ASH in a wide range of brain regions such as the cortex, hypothalamus, striatum, hippocampus, substantia nigra and pons. When administered for 2 weeks no increase in NA levels was seen in these brain regions, except for an increase in the frontal cortex and anterior hypothalamus. The present results suggest that ASH may act by regulating NA and DA levels in specific brain regions related to stress response and Parkinson's disease.

Administration, Oral↗

Studies of the biogenic amine transporters. 10. Characterization of a novel cocaine binding site in brain membranes prepared from dopamine transporter knockout mice.

Previous work suggested that the cocaine analog [(125)I]RTI-55 labels a novel binding site in rat brain membranes, which is not associated with the dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), or norepinephrine (NE) transporters [Rothman et al. 1995 J Pharmacol Exp Ther 274:385-395]. Here, we tested whether this site is a product of the DA transporter (DAT) gene. We used a T-antigen knock-in at the DAT gene that results in an effective DAT knock-out (KO) confirmed by Southern blot, DAT immunohistochemistry, and [(125)I]RTI-55 ligand binding. Brain membranes were prepared from frozen whole brain minus caudate of wild-type (WT) B6/Sv129, +/+ and minus sign/minus sign (KO) mice. KO mice were used at approximately 23 days of age. Binding surface analysis of [(125)I]RTI-55 binding to membranes prepared from the brains of WT mice, with 100 nM citalopram to block binding to the 5-HT transporter (SERT), revealed two binding sites: the DAT and a second site, replicating previous studies conducted with rat brains. In the absence of the DAT (minus sign/minus sign mice), binding surface analysis demonstrated that [(125)I]RTI-55 labeled two sites: the NET and a second site called site "X." Structure-activity studies of site "X" demonstrated that high-affinity ligands for the DAT, NET, and SERT have low or negligible affinity for site "X." The relatively high density of site "X" in brain membranes and the fact that the K(i) values of cocaine and cocaethylene for site "X" are in the range achieved in the brain following cocaine administration suggests that site "X" could contribute to the pharmacological or toxicological effects of cocaine. Further progress in delineating the function of site "X" will depend on developing potent and selective agents for this site.

Algorithms↗

Levels of biogenic amines, their metabolites, and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the human epileptic temporal cortex.

The levels of serotonin (5-HT), 5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), dopamine (DA), homovanillic acid (HVA), norepinephrine (NE), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity were measured in the focus (spiking) and nonfocus (nonspiking) regions of the temporal neocortex of 20 patients with intractable complex partial seizures. The levels of 5-HT, DA, 5-HIAA, and HVA were higher in the focus when compared to the nonfocus. Values for NE and TH activity were not different when focus and nonfocus were compared. The ratios of metabolite to precursor for 5-HT and DA were not significantly different between the focus and the nonfocus, suggesting that the changes observed were the result of a modification in the synthesis and release of these amines. Such changes in the epileptic focus could be caused by altered transsynaptic regulatory processes, which occur as a result of neuronal loss, gliosis, or neuronal sprouting.

Adolescent↗

In vivo biogenic amine efflux in medial prefrontal cortex with imipramine, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine.

In vivo brain microdialysis was used to determine the effects of the standard tricyclic antidepressant imipramine and the two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine, on extracellular levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) in rat medial prefrontal cortex. When given intraperitoneally (IP), imipramine increased NE in the microdialysis perfusate, and elevated DA and 5-HT to a lesser extent. Similar dose-dependent increases in DA and 5-HT were detected after IP fluoxetine, although NE was less affected. In contrast, IP fluvoxamine produced no change in basal NE nor DA, although a large increase in 5-HT occurred at an intermediate dose. When administered directly into cortex, all three antidepressants increased 5-HT by the same amount in a dose-dependent fashion. Intracortical imipramine and fluoxetine increased NE, and fluoxetine and fluvoxamine both increased DA, with fluoxetine doing so at a lower concentration. These data suggest that the SSRIs are not entirely selective for serotonin in vivo.

Animals↗

Localization and dynamic regulation of biogenic amine transporters in the mammalian central nervous system.

The monoamines, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and histamine, play a critical role in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in the integration of information in sensory, limbic, and motor systems. The primary mechanism for termination of monoaminergic neurotransmission is through reuptake of released neurotransmitter by Na+, CI-dependent plasma membrane transporters. A second family of transporters packages monoamines into synaptic and secretory vesicles by exchange of protons. Identification of those cells which express these two families of neurotransmitter transporters is an initial step in understanding what adaptive strategies cells expressing monoamine transporters use to establish the appropriate level of transport activity and thus attain the appropriate efficiency of monoamine storage and clearance. The most recent advances in this field have yielded several surprises about their function, cellular and subcellular localization, and regulation, suggesting that these molecules are not static and most likely are the most important determinants of extracellular levels of monoamines. Here, information on the localization of mRNAs for these transporters in rodent and human brain is summarized along with immunohistochemical information at the light and electron microscopic levels. Regulation of transporters at the mRNA level by manipulation in rodents and differences in transporter site densities by tomographic techniques as an index of regulation in human disease and addictive states are also reviewed. These studies have highlighted the presence of monoamine neurotransmitter transporters in neurons but not in glia in situ. The norepinephrine transporter is present in all cells which are both tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)- and dopamine beta-hydroxylase-positive but not in those cells which are TH- and phenyl-N-methyltransferase-positive, suggesting that epinephrine cells may have their own, unique transporter. In most dopaminergic cells, dopamine transporter mRNA completely overlaps with TH mRNA-positive neurons. However, there are areas in which there is a lack of one to one correspondence. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) mRNA is found in all raphe nuclei and in the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus where the 5-HTT mRNA is dramatically reduced following immobilization stress. The vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is present in all monoaminergic neurons including epinephrine- and histamine-synthesizing cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrates that the plasma membrane transporters are present along axons, soma, and dendrites. Subcellular localization of DAT by electron microscopy suggests that these transporters are not at the synaptic density but are confined to perisynaptic areas, implying that dopamine diffuses away from the synapse and that contribution of diffusion to dopamine signalling may vary between brain regions. Interestingly, the presence of VMAT2 in vesicles underlying dendrites, axons, and soma suggests that monoamines may be released at these cellular domains. An understanding of the regulation of transporter function may have important therapeutic consequences for neuroendocrine function in stress and psychiatric disorders.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The metabolism of biogenic monoamines during embryogenesis and metamorphosis in two anuran species.

This study investigated the pathways to many monoamines and their metabolites in the central nervous system of the frog Rana nigromaculata and the toad Bufo bufo japonicus during embryonic development and metamorphosis. Metabolites were analyzed by three-dimensional HPLC. The two species provided evidence of similar pathways, with slightly different timetables for the development of their monoamine systems. During embryonic development, the main metabolic pathways in entire embryos were tyrosine (TYR)-->[3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine in Bufo]-->3-hydroxytyramine-->norepinephrine or epinine (EPIN)-->epinephrine, TYR-->tyramine--> (octopamine in Rana) and TYR-->3-O-methyldopa for catecholamines, and tryptophan-->kynurenine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-->[5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and N-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (N-MET) in Bufo]. The monoamine system in the brain was similar during metamorphosis to that during embryogenesis with a few exceptions. The most striking change was the development of the bufotenine (5-hydroxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine) pathway from 5-HT via N-MET. EPIN and norepinephrine in Rana and octopamine in both species disappeared during metamorphosis. These results are discussed in relation to the roles of the various pathways in development.

Animals↗

Alcohol- and aldehyde-dehydrogenase: modulation by biogenic amine metabolites, neuropeptides and psychoactive agents.

The results suggest the feasibility of metabolic and behavioral interrelationships between ethanol (ET), certain neurotransmitter substances and major metabolites, some neuropeptides and/or psychoactive agents. This was indicated by the in vivo and in vitro effects of such authentic compounds on certain ET-elicited behavioral responses and on hepatic ET and acetaldehyde metabolizing enzymes in rats and mice.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗