Effects of JL 3, a putative antidepressant, on rat noradrenergic and serotonergic systems

Using in vitro electrophysiological procedures, we confirm the inhibitory effect of 10-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)pyrido[4,3-b][1, 4]benzothiazepine (JL 3), on dorsal raphe serotonergic (IC(50)=14 microM) and noradrenergic neurons (IC(50)=4.5 microM). The effect on dorsal raphe neurons was reduced by N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinyl- cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY-100635), suggesting the importance of 5-HT(1A) receptor stimulation. Yohimbine, and ritanserin, to a lesser extent, blocked the inhibitory effect of JL 3 on locus coeruleus neurons indicating that alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and 5-HT(2A) receptors may be implicated in the effects. Because of its negligible alpha(2)-adrenoceptor affinity, the effect of JL 3 on locus coeruleus neurons, would have to be indirect. JL 3 may interfere with the norepinephrine transporter site (IC(50)=0.34 microM). JL 3 tended to reinforce the hypertensive effect of norepinephrine, while it strongly inhibited the hypertensive effect of tyramine, further indicating an interaction at the norepinephrine transporter site level.