mCPP-induced hyperactivity in 5-HT2C receptor mutant mice is mediated by activation of multiple 5-HT receptor

G L Dalton1, M D Lee, G A Kennett

  • 1Department of Psychology, Sussex University, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK.

Neuropharmacology
|March 5, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The serotonin receptor agonist mCPP causes hyperactivity in mice lacking the 5-HT2C receptor, mediated by 5-HT2A and 5-HT1B receptors. Joint activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors stimulates locomotion, but this requires a functional 5-HT2C receptor.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The serotonin 5-HT2C receptor plays a role in regulating locomotion.
  • The agonist mCPP induces hyperactivity in 5-HT2C receptor knockout (KO) mice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT2A receptors in mCPP-induced hyperactivity in 5-HT2C KO mice.
  • To assess the hyperactivity induced by agonists of these receptors in wildtype (WT) mice pre-treated with a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized 5-HT2C receptor knockout mice and wildtype mice.
  • Administered various serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists, including mCPP, CP-94,253, 8-OH-DPAT, Ro 60-0175, SB 242084, SB 224289, ketanserin, M100907, and WAY 100635.
  • Measured locomotor activity to assess hyperactivity.

Main Results:

  • mCPP induced hyperactivity in 5-HT2C KO mice.
  • Combined 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonists caused hyperactivity in WT mice, but not in 5-HT2C KO mice or mice treated with a 5-HT2C antagonist.
  • mCPP-induced hyperactivity was reduced by 5-HT1B and 5-HT2A receptor antagonists, but not by a 5-HT1A antagonist.
  • The combination of a 5-HT(2A/2B/2C) agonist and a 5-HT1B agonist induced hyperactivity in 5-HT2C KO mice.

Conclusions:

  • Locomotion stimulated by joint 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor activation is dependent on functional 5-HT2C receptors.
  • mCPP-induced hyperactivity is mediated by 5-HT2A and 5-HT1B receptor activation, contingent on the inactivation of a separate 5-HT2C receptor population.