Human brainstem serotonin receptors: characterization and implications for subcortical myoclonus

Clinical Neuropharmacology
M R PranzatelliP T Tailor

Abstract

The immediate serotonin (5-HT) precursor, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (L-5-HTP), is an investigational treatment for myoclonic disorders. Its mechanism of action in humans is incompletely understood. We measured the density of subtypes of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors and the affinity of 5-HT and L-5-HTP in vitro in the human brainstem and cortex, regions associated with subcortical and cortical myoclonus, respectively. In the cortex, the rank order of 5-HT receptor subtype Bmax was 5-HT2A (low-affinity), 5-HT1A, 5-HT uptake sites, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2C, 5-HT1E/F, and 5-HT2A (high-affinity) sites. In the brainstem, the rank order was 5-HT uptake sites, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2C, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2A(L) sites. Specific binding at 5-HT1E/F and high-affinity 5-HT2A sites was too low for characterization. In competition studies, 5-HT had high affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C sites in the brainstem and cortex, but L-5-HTP was > 1,000-fold less active. These data support the hypothesis that in humans L-5-HTP stimulates 5-HT receptors in the CNS only after conversion to 5-HT. They also indicate in the human brainstem a prominence of 5-HT1A sites and paucity of 5-HT1D, 5-HT1E/F, and 5-HT2A sites, which has implications for brainstem-mediated myoclonus and response t...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 25, 2000·Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology·R VetrugnoP Montagna
Mar 17, 2019·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Ivano ViglianteMassimo E Maffei

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.