Minimal Age-Related Alterations in Behavioral and Hematological Parameters in Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1) Knockout Mice.

Since the discovery in 2001, the G protein-coupled trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) has become an important focus of research targeted on evaluation of its role in the central nervous system (CNS). Meanwhile, impact of TAAR1 in the peripheral organs is less investigated. Expression of TAAR1 was demonstrated in different peripheral tissues: pancreatic ß-cells, stomach, intestines, white blood cells (WBC), and thyroid. However, the role of TAAR1 in regulation of hematological parameters has not been investigated yet. In this study, we performed analysis of anxiety-related behaviors, a complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte fragility, as well as FT3/FT4 thyroid hormones levels in adult and middle-aged TAAR1 knockout mice. Complete blood count analysis was performed on a Siemens Advia 2120i hematology analyzer and included more than 35 measured and calculated parameters. Erythrocyte fragility test evaluated spherocytosis pathologies of red blood cells (RBC). No significant alterations in essentially all these parameters were found in mice without TAAR1. However, comparative aging analysis has revealed a decreased neutrophils level in the middle-aged TAAR1 knockout mouse group. Minimal alterations in these parameters observed in TAAR1 knockout mice suggest that future TAAR1-based therapies should exert little hematological effect and thus will likely have a good safety profile.

Effect of M2 muscarinic receptor blockade in rats with haloperidol-produced catatonic syndrome.

We studied the functional role of individual subtypes of muscarinic cholinoceptors in the pathogenesis of neuroleptic parkinsonism in rats. Blockade of M4 receptors prevented the development of extrapyramidal disorders, which was abolished by simultaneous blockade of M2 receptors. The data suggest that various subtypes of muscarinic receptors are involved in the regulation of dopamine concentration.

Effect of M4-cholinoceptor blockade on haloperidol-produced catatonic syndrome in rats.

We studied the relationship between the efficiency of muscarinic receptor antagonists in preventing haloperidol-induced catatonia and their activity in tests for the interaction of ligands with various subtypes of muscarinic receptors (M1-M4) in rats. Mathematical modeling showed that affinity of the ligand for M4 receptors positively affects its ability to correct extrapyramidal disorders (catatonic syndrome) produced by haloperidol, while affinity for M2 receptors had a negative effect on this characteristic.

Qualitative assessment of selective blockade of M(4)-cholinoreceptors in the whole organism.

Quantitative assessment of selective blockade of M4-subtype muscarinic receptors was performed by the number of pilocarpine-induced movements of lower jaw in rats. Three antagonists (atropine, cyclodol, and glipin) were used in the experiments. Glipin produced the most potent blockade of M4 receptors in the whole organism compared to other test antagonist.