Cyanobacterial extract with serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5-HT7 R) affinity modulates depression and anxiety-like behavior in mice.

Marine cyanobacteria represent a unique source in the field of drug discovery due to the secondary metabolites they produce and the structural similarity these compounds have to endogenous mammalian receptor ligands. A series of cyanobacteria were subjected to extraction, fractionation by column chromatography and screened for affinity against CNS targets with a focus on serotonin receptors (5-HTRs). Out of 276 fractions screened, 21% had activity at 5-HTRs and/or the 5-HT transporter (SERT). One sample, a cyanobacterium identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Leptolyngbya from Las Perlas archipelago in Panama, contained a fraction with noted affinity for the 5-HT7 receptor (5-HT7 R). This fraction (DUQ0002I) was screened via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections in mice using depression and anxiety assays including the forced swim, tail suspension, elevated zero maze, and light-dark preference tests. DUQ0002I decreased depression and anxiety-like behaviors in males and did not have effects in 5-HT7 R knockout or female mice. Administration of DUQ0002I to the CA1 of the hippocampus induced antidepression-like, but not anxiolytic-like behaviors. Testing of further purified materials showed no behavioral effects, leading us to hypothesize that the behavioral effects are likely caused by a synergistic effect between multiple compounds in the fraction. Finally, DUQ0002I was used in a model of neuropathic pain with comorbid depression (spared nerve injury-SNI). DUQ0002I had a similar antidepressant effect in animals with SNI, suggesting a role for the 5-HT7 R in the development of comorbid pain and depression. These results demonstrate the potential that cyanobacterial metabolites have in the field of neuropharmacognosy.

Antidepressant potential of novel flavonoids derivatives from sweet violet (Viola odorata L): Pharmacological, biochemical and computational evidences for possible involvement of serotonergic mechanism.

Plant-derived natural constituents are of great interest in modern drug discovery due to their natural diversity. Viola odorata L has been traditionally used for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. The present study was undertaken to isolate phytoconstituents including three flavonoids 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone[1] 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'dimethoxyflavone [2] and 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone [3] from the whole plant of Viola odorata L and to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of these compounds and their possible mechanism of action using antagonists of the serotonergic, dopaminergic and adrenergic system. Classical animal models of depression including tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) using mice were used to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects. Mice were divided into various groups and were administered with either vehicle control, fluoxetine (FLX), or test compounds 1-3 intraperitoneally (i.p.). For experiments involving mechanism determination, mice were pretreated with 5-HT, dopamine and adrenergic antagonists. The brain 5-HT levels were determined following FST. Molecular docking studies were carried out to determine the binding affinity of compounds 1-3 to serotonergic receptors. The results indicated that compounds 1-3 at the dose of 1-30 mg/kg, i.p significantly decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST in mice. The reduction in immobility time was reversed by pre-treating the mice with pCPA (5-HT synthesis inhibitor) 100 mg/kg, i.p. and 5-HT receptor antagonists including WAY100635 (5-HT1a antagonist), ketanserin (a 5-HT2a antagonist) and ondansetron (5-HT3 antagonist) but not with prazosin (α1-adrenergic antagonist) and SCH23390 (D1 dopaminergic antagonist) or haloperidol (D2 dopaminergic antagonist). Moreover, in neurochemical assays, compounds 1-3 caused a significant increase in the 5-HT level in the brain tissue as compared to vehicle. These increases were reversed in the mice groups pretreated with pCPA. Furthermore, molecular docking results also depict that compounds 1-3 can interact with 5HT1A, 5HT2A, and 5HT3 receptors, and are more specific to the 5HT3 receptor subtype. In conclusion, the findings of this study clearly suggest that compounds 1-3 possess antidepressant-like effects which might be mediated via the serotonergic system.

Polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum scabrum.

Fourteen phloroglucinols, named hyperciumoxide A-N, and a known compound were isolated from air-dried aerial parts of Hypericum scabrum. The structures of these compounds were deduced on the basis of extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments. Hepatoprotective properties against D-galactosamine-induced HL-7702 cell damage of isolated compounds were evaluated. Meanwhile, these compounds were also tested for antidepressant activity by inhibiting reuptake of tritiated serotonin ([3H]-5-HT) and Noradrenalinet ([3H]-NE) in rat brain synaptosomes.

Anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and antiserotonergic activity of n-hexane extract of Zanthoxylum alatum seeds on isolated tissue preparations: An ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and antiserotonergic activity of the n-hexane extract of the seeds of Zanthoxylum alatum (ZAHE) on isolated ileum of rat and guinea pig and fundus of rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ZAHE was prepared using soxhlet extraction and cumulative concentration response curves were constructed using various doses on the tissues for acetylcholine (ACh), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and histamine with or without n-hexane extract. Atropine, ketanserin, and pheniramine maleate were used as antagonists for ACh, serotonin, and histamine, respectively. RESULTS: ZAHE-induced concentration-dependent inhibition of isolated ileum and fundus in rat and ileum of guinea pig. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of ACh in the presence of atropine (10-6 M; P < 0.05) and ZAHE (1000 µg/ml; P < 0.01) was significantly higher than EC50of ACh alone. The EC50of 5-HT in the presence of ketanserin (10-5 M; P < 0.01) and ZAHE (1000 µg/ml; P < 0.05) was higher than EC50of 5-HT alone. Similarly, the EC50of histamine in the presence of pheniramine maleate (10-6 M; P < 0.01) and ZAHE (300 µg/ml; P < 0.01 and 1000 µg/ml; P < 0.05) was also significantly higher than EC50of histamine alone. CONCLUSION: From the study, it was observed that ZAHE shows significant anticholinergic, antiserotonergic, and antihistaminic activity. The study provides sufficient evidence that the seeds can be used in gastric disorders, cough, chest infection, etc., as per folklore claims.

Zerumbone alleviates chronic constriction injury-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia through serotonin 5-HT receptors.

Zerumbone, a bioactive sesquiterpene isolated from Zingiber zerumbet (Smith), has shown to exert antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects in neuropathic pain mice model in our recent study. The mechanism through which zerumbone alleviates neuropathic pain has yet to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether the serotonergic system, part of the descending pain modulation pathway, contributes to the antineuropathic effect of zerumbone. Participation of the serotonergic system in zerumbone-induced antiallodynia and antihyperalgesia was assessed using Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer von Frey test and Hargreaves plantar test respectively in chronic-constriction injury mice model. Administration of ρ-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100mg/kg, i.p.) for four consecutive days to deplete serotonin (5-HT) prior to zerumbone administration blocked the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of zerumbone. Further investigation with 5-HT receptor antagonists methiothepin (5-HT1/6/7 receptor antagonist, 0.1mg/kg), WAY-100635 (5-HT1A receptor antagonist, 1mg/kg), isamoltane (5-HT1B receptor antagonist, 2.5mg/kg), ketanserin (5-HT2A receptor antagonist, 0.3mg/kg) and ondansetron (5-HT3 receptor antagonist, 0.5mg/kg) managed to significantly attenuate antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects of zerumbone (10mg/kg). These findings demonstrate that zerumbone alleviates mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia through the descending serotonergic system via 5-HT receptors 1A, 1B, 2A, 3, 6 and 7 in chronic constriction injury neuropathic pain mice.

Selective separation and characterization of the stress degradation products of ondansetron hydrochloride by liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Ondansetron hydrochloride was subjected to forced degradation studies under various conditions of hydrolysis (acidic, basic, and neutral), oxidation, photolysis, and thermal as prescribed by International Conference on Harmonisation guideline Q1A (R2). A simple, selective, precise, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed on a Waters Xterra C18 (150 × 4.6 mm id, 3.5 µm) column using 10 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.0)/methanol as a mobile phase in gradient elution mode at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The method was extended to liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry for identification and structural characterization of stress degradation products of ondansetron. The drug showed significant degradation in base hydrolytic and photolytic stress conditions in the liquid state, while it was found to be stable in neutral, acidic, thermal, and oxidative stress conditions. A total of five degradation products were characterized and most probable mechanisms for the formation of degradation products have been proposed on the basis of a comparison of the fragmentation of the [M + H](+) ions of the drug and its degradation products. Finally, the developed method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness as per International Conference on Harmonisation guideline Q2 (R1).

Separation of palonosetron stereoisomers by electrokinetic chromatography using sodium cholate as chiral selector: comparison of separation modes and elucidation of migration orders.

Based on sodium cholate as chiral selector, four stereoisomers of palonosetron hydrochloride, i.e. PALO (3aS, 2S), PALO (3aR, 2R), PALO (3aS, 2R), and PALO (3aR, 2S), have been separated by five EKC modes, i.e. MEKC, solvent-modified MEKC, cosurfactant-modified MEKC, MEEKC, and MEEKC without cosurfactant. The performances of different modes were compared. The migration order and its change with experimental conditions were elucidated. In every mode studied, the migration orders in each enantiomeric pair were (3aS, 2S), (3aR, 2R) and (3aS, 2R), (3aR, 2S), respectively, determined by the selectivity of chiral selector (chromatographic mechanism). Enantiomeric pair (3aS, 2S), (3aR, 2R) was eluted before enantiomeric pair (3aS, 2R), (3aR, 2S) due to mobility difference (electrophoretic mechanism). For the separation between (3aR, 2R) and (3aS, 2R), the second enantiomer of the first pair and the first enantiomer of the second pair, two mechanisms gave opposite migration orders according to the measured selectivity and mobility data. Therefore, three different migration orders were observed at different conditions, depending on the relative strength of two effects.

Strictosidinic acid, isolated from Psychotria myriantha Mull. Arg. (Rubiaceae), decreases serotonin levels in rat hippocampus.

Psychotria is a complex genus whose neotropical species are known by the presence of glucosidic monoterpene indole alkaloids. These compounds are able to display a large range of effects on the central nervous system, such as anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic, and impairment of learning and memory acquisition. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects displayed by strictosidinic acid, isolated from Psychotria myriantha Mull. Arg. (Rubiaceae) leaves, on monoamine levels in rat hippocampus and on monoamine oxidase activity. A significance (p<0.01) of 83.5% reduction in 5-HT levels was observed after intra-hippocampal injection (20 µg/µl). After treatment by intraperitoneal route (10 mg/kg), a 63.4% reduction in 5-HT levels and a 67.4% reduction in DOPAC values were observed. The results indicate that strictosidinic acid seems to act on 5-HT system in rat hippocampus, possibly inhibiting precursor enzymes of 5-HT biosynthesis. The decrease verified in DOPAC levels suggests a role of strictosidinic acid in the dopaminergic transmission, probably due to an inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity, confirmed by the enzymatic assay, which demonstrated an inhibitory effect on MAO A in rat brain mitochondria.

Isolation of N,N-dimethyl and N-methylserotonin 5-O-ß-glucosides from immature Zanthoxylum piperitum seeds.

Two serotonin derivatives, N,N-dimethylserotonin 5-O-ß-glucoside (1a) and N-methylserotonin 5-O-ß-glucoside (1b) were isolated from immature seeds of Zanthoxylum piperitum. Their structures were determined by multi-step conversion reactions and spectroscopic analyses. Immature seeds of Z. piperitum contained extremely high levels of compounds 1a and 1b of approximately 0.29% and 0.15% (w/w), respectively.

Effect of xanthone from Kielmeyera coriacea stems on serotonergic neurons of the median raphe nucleus.

Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. (Clusiaceae), known as "Pau Santo", is used to treat several tropical diseases. The hydroethanolic extract (HE) of Kielmeyera coriacea stems and its semi-pure dichloromethane constituent (DCM) produced an anti-immobility effect in rats submitted to the forced swimming test (FST), suggesting a antidepressant-like profile. This study evaluated the effect of intra-median raphe nucleus (MRN) microinjection of 1,3,7-trihydroxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-xanthone, present in large quantity in the HE from Kielmeyera coriacea stems, on immobility behaviour in the FST in rats. The effects of xanthone were compared with intra-MRN microinjections of Way100635 (5-HT1A antagonist) or (+) 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A agonist). Locomotor activity in the open-field test (OFT) was evaluated as a complementary measure. Xanthone (0.3ng) or Way100635 (2.5microg) reduced, whereas (+) 8-OH-DPAT (5.0microg) increased immobility time in the FST. Way100635 (2.5 or 5.0microg) completely reversed the effects of (+) 8-OHDPAT (5.0microg), and potentiated the anti-immobility effect of the ineffective dose of xanthone (0.2ng) in the FST. The association of effective doses of (+) 8-OH-DPAT (5.0microg) and xanthone (0.3ng) annulled the effect of each compound on immobility time. These results suggest that xanthone acts as an antagonist at 5-HT1A autoreceptors in MRN and increases serotonin (5-HT) availability in projection regions, proving to be a prototype drug that may be useful in mood isorders such as depression, or indeed be a beneficial adjunctive treatment improving the efficacy and/or accelerating the effects of antidepressant drugs in patients with major depression.

Serotonin receptors, novel targets of sulforaphane identified by proteomic analysis in Caco-2 cells.

Cancer chemopreventive activity of sulforaphane has been predominantly associated with its ability to induce phase II detoxification enzymes. In the present study, novel targets of sulforaphane were identified and characterized using a proteomics approach. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to produce protein profiles of human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells treated with 5 mumol/L sulforaphane for 48 h and control cells (0.05% DMSO). Gel comparisons showed the down-regulation to undetectable level of the serotonin receptor 5-HT(3) after sulforaphane treatment. In addition, Aldo-keto reductase and d-dopachrome decarboxylase were also differentially expressed in control and treated cell extracts. To elucidate two-dimensional gel findings, the neurotransmitter receptors 5-HT(3A), 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2C), and the serotonin reuptake transporter were analyzed using Western blotting. Results showed a decrease of neurotransmitter receptors in a dose-dependent manner after sulforaphane treatment. Moreover, after exposure of Caco-2 cells to sulforaphane, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor protein level was increased. These findings suggested a potential effect of sulforaphane on serotonin release. Activation of neurotransmitter receptors followed by initiation of cyclic AMP signaling might be crucial events in colon carcinoma progression. Thus, the effect of sulforaphane may help to elucidate signaling pathways serotonin-mediated in colon cancer and lead to development of potential novel therapeutic agents.

A novel oocyte maturation arresting factor in the central nervous system of scallops inhibits serotonin-induced oocyte maturation and spawning of bivalve mollusks.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine; 5-HT) is a major neurotransmitter that triggers oocyte maturation and sequential spawning in bivalve mollusks. A proteinous and heat-labile substance that proved to be a novel inhibitor of 5-HT-induced egg release from ovarian tissue was found in the cerebral and pedal ganglia (CPG) of the scallop Patinopecten yessoensis. The same inhibitory activity was also observed in the proteinous fraction from the supernatant of hemolymph. Histological observation demonstrated that the novel inhibitor prevented 5-HT from inducing oocyte maturation in the scallop ovary and that no prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) inhibited 5-HT-induced oocyte maturation, although PGF2alpha strongly prohibited 5-HT-induced egg release through the gonoduct from ovarian tissue. The novel inhibitor from the scallop CPG also prohibited 5-HT-induced oocyte maturation of other bivalve species as well as scallops. The novel inhibitor, mediated through a receptor mechanism on oocyte membranes, blocked extracellular Ca2+ uptake into oocytes, which was observed in 5-HT-induced oocyte maturation. It is suggested that the novel inhibitor with a molecular mass of 60 kDa, named oocyte maturation arresting factor, which appears to be a universal substance for bivalve species, may be transported from the CPG to the ovary via hemolymph and may prohibit 5-HT-induced oocyte maturation due to the interference of extracellular Ca2+ influx into oocytes, eventually resulting in the inhibition of spawning. On the other hand, it seems that PGF2alpha inhibits 5-HT-induced transport of mature eggs through the gonoduct.

A novel ergot alkaloid as a 5-HT(1A) inhibitor produced by Dicyma sp.

In the course of a search for small-molecule inhibitors of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors we have identified a novel ergoline derivative (1) from the fungal culture of Dicyma sp. This compound has a pK(i) of 10.2 versus the 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) receptor subtype. The structure was elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Inhibition of [3H]-LSD binding to 5-HT7 receptors by flavonoids from Scutellaria lateriflora.

The hot water and 70% ethanol extracts of dried mad-dog skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) both bound to the 5-HT(7) receptor, with 87.2 +/- 6.2% and 56.7 +/- 1.3% inhibition of [(3)H]-LSD binding to the receptor at 100 microg/mL, respectively. The on-line analysis of a 70% ethanol extract by HPLC-UV/MS resulted in the identification of five flavones (1-5). Fractionation of the ethanol extract resulted in the isolation of three flavone-glucuronides (6-8) and a flavanone-glucuronide (9), including one new compound, lateriflorin (5,6,-dihydroxy-7-glucuronyloxy-2'-methoxyflavone) (8). The structure of 8 was determined by NMR ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and NOESY experiments) and MS analysis. From the results obtained in the testing of the pure compounds, it is evident that the activity on the 5-HT(7) receptor is at least partly due to the presence of flavonoids. Scutellarin and ikonnikoside I showed the highest inhibition of [(3)H]-LSD binding with IC(50) values of 63.4 and 135.1 microM, respectively.

Inactivation of a serotonin-gated ion channel by a polypeptide toxin from marine snails.

The venom of predatory marine snails is a rich source of natural products that act on specific receptors and ion channels within the mammalian nervous system. A 41-amino acid peptide, final sigma-conotoxin GVIIIA, was purified on the basis of its ability to inactivate the 5-HT3 receptor, an excitatory serotonin-gated ion channel. final sigma-Conotoxin contains a brominated tryptophan residue, which may be important for peptide activity because the endogenous ligand for the 5-HT3 receptor is a hydroxylated derivative of tryptophan. final sigma-Conotoxin inactivates the 5-HT3 receptor through competitive antagonism and is a highly selective inhibitor of this receptor. Serotonin receptors can now be included among the molecular targets of natural polypeptide neurotoxins.

O-methylasparvenone, a nitrogen-free serotonin antagonist.

O-Methylasparvenone (1) and asparvenone (2) were isolated from an Aspergillus parvulus Smith broth in a microbial screening for 5-HT2C ligands and found to be 5-HT2C antagonists. They represent the first nitrogen-free serotonin ligands. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined to be S by X-ray analysis of the corresponding Mosher-ester. A short and efficient synthesis of rac-1 was developed. This protocol was applied to the synthesis of derivatives of 1 and a structure-affinity relationship was established.

Histaminergic and serotonergic receptor blocking substances from the medicinal plant Garcinia mangostana.

A crude methanolic extract of the fruit hull of Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana L. inhibited the contractions of isolated thoracic rabbit aorta induced by histamine and serotonin. The extract of the fruit hull has been fractionated by silica gel chromatography, monitoring the pharmacological activity to give alpha- and gamma-mangostin. On the basis of pharmacological data, it is suggested that alpha-mangostin and gamma-mangostin are a histaminergic and a serotonergic receptor blocking agent, respectively.

Bioactive constituents of Chinese natural medicines. I. New sesquiterpene ketones with vasorelaxant effect from Chinese moxa, the processed leaves of Artemisia argyi Levl. et Vant.: moxartenone and moxartenolide.

Two new sesquiterpene ketones, moxartenone and moxartenolide, and three octadecadienoic acids were isolated from Chinese moxa, the processed leaves of Artemisia argyi LEVL. et VANT., together with two sesquiterpenes, five triterpenes, two phenyl propanoids and three polyoxyflavones. The chemical structures of new sesquiterpenes, moxartenone, moxartenolide, and octadecadienoic acids were determined on the basis of chemical and physiochemical evidence. Moxartenolide was found to inhibit the contractions induced by a high concentration of K+, by norepinephrine, and by serotonin in isolated aortic strips of rat, while moxartenone showed little activity.

New steroid acids from Antrodia cinnamomea, a fungal parasite of Cinnamomum micranthum.

Three new steroids, zhankuic acids A [1], B [2], and C [3], were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea by bioassay-guided fractionation. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by chemical reactions and detailed analysis of their 1H- and 13C-nmr spectra. Biological studies revealed that 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity against P-388 murine leukemia cells and 2 showed weak anticholinergic and antiserotonergic activities.

Further brominated bis- and tris-indole alkaloids from the deep-water New Caledonian marine sponge Orina Sp.

Two tris-indole alkaloids, (+/-) gelliusines A and B [1], have been isolated for the first time from a marine source, the New Caledonian sponge, Orina sp. (or Gellius sp.), along with five further indole constituents [2-6]. Compound 6 has been identified as 2,2-bis-(6'-bromo-3'-indolyl(-ethylamine, previously isolated from the tunicate Didemnum candidum, but the remaining four indoles [2-5] are novel compounds. These showed anti-serotonin activity and a strong affinity for somatostatin and neuropeptide Y receptors in receptor-binding assays.