Rôle des récepteurs sérotoninergique2B centraux dans la régulation des voies dopaminergiques ascendantes : implication dans les effets de la cocaïne

My study on the functional role of the central serotoninergic receptor2B (5-HT2BR) is a logical continuation of the work already carried out in the laboratory. Recent results obtained in the laboratory have shown that 5-HT2BRs differentially modulate ascending dopaminergic (DA) pathways. Indeed, 5-HT2BR antagonist reduces DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), increases DA release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and had no effect on striatal DA release. This differential control on the DA system involves an interaction between 5-HT2BR in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and 5-HT1AR expressed in the mPFC, and results from an activation of DRN 5-HT neurons projecting to the mPFC. These results point out the DRN as the major site of action of 5-HT2BRs to the control of 5-HT and DA activity. In addition, it has been shown that 5-HT2BRs blockade control the neurochemical and behavioral responses induced by psychostimulants as amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and cocaine, one of the most worldwide abused drugs. Indeed, 5-HT2BR blockade suppresses cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion. This effect, which occurs independently of DA release in the NAc and striatum, where DA activity is tightly related to cocaine-induced behavioral reponses, likely involves post-synaptic interaction in subcortical DA brain regions. Nevertheless, (1) the involvement of mPFC DA release in this interaction remained to be determined, as this brain region is known for its anatomical and functional relationships with the NAc and striatum, and its involvement in cocaine-induced behavioral responses. (2) In addition, the cellular localization of 5-HT2BR within the DRN and the cellular mechanisms underlying their interactions between DA and 5-HT networks are unknown at the beginning of this study. Thus, the objective of this thesis is to answer the two points mentioned above. To this purpose, we assessed the effects of two potent and selective 5-HT2BR antagonists (RS 127445 and LY 266097) on 5-HT and DA activity, by using neurochemical, cellular and behavioral approaches in rats.In a first group of experiments, we provided anatomo-functional evidences showing that 5-HT2BR exert a GABA-mediated tonic inhibitory control on DRN 5-HT neurons innervating mPFC. This 5-HT control is a first step of a complex poly-synaptic regulation leading to differential control of DA mesocorticolimbic pathways. A second group of experiments shown that 5-HT2BR blockade inhibits cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion by acting at the level of DA neurotransmission in NAc, this effect resulting from the potentiation of cocaine-induced mPFC DA release.To conclude, the work accomplished over the past three years provides substantial information with regards to the functional role of 5-HT2BRs in the regulation of the activity of ascending DA pathways. Moreover, while improving the understanding of the interaction between DA and 5-HT systems, the present findings altogether highlight the therapeutic potential of 5-HT2BR antagonists for the treatment of cocaine addiction.Mon travail de thèse sur le rôle fonctionnel du récepteur sérotoninergique2B (5-HT2B) central s’inscrit dans la suite logique des travaux déjà réalisés au laboratoire. Les résultats récemment obtenus au laboratoire ont montré que les récepteurs 5-HT2B modulent différentiellement les voies dopaminergiques (DA) ascendantes. En effet, les antagonistes des récepteurs 5-HT2B réduisent la libération de DA au sein du noyau accumbens (NAc), augmentent la libération de DA au sein du cortex préfrontal médian (CPFm), et ne modifient pas la libération de DA striatale. Ce contrôle différentiel du système DA mésocorticolimbique implique une interaction foncionelle entre les récepteurs 5-HT2B du raphé dorsal (RD) et les récepteurs 5-HT1A exprimés dans le CPFm, et résulte d’une activation des neurones 5-HT du RD projetant vers le CPFm. Ces résultats ont permis d’identifier le RD comme le site d'action majeur des récepteurs 5-HT2B pour le contrôle de l'activité des neurones 5-HT et DA. De plus, il a été démontré que le blocage des récepteurs 5-HT2B contrôle les réponses neurochimiques et comportementales induites par les psychostimulants tels que, l’amphétamine, la 3,4 méthylènedioxyméthamphine et la cocaïne, l’une des drogues les plus consommée au monde. Ainsi, le blocage des récepteurs 5-HT2B supprime l’hyperlocomotion provoquée par la cocaïne. Cet effet, qui se produit indépendamment de la libération de DA dans le NAc et le striatum, où l’activité DA est étroitement liée aux effets comportementaux induits par la cocaïne, pourrait impliquer une interaction post-synaptique au niveau de la neurotransmission DA dans les régions sous corticales. Néanmoins, (1) l’implication de la DA du CPFm dans cette interaction reste à déterminer, étant donné que cette région cérébrale est connue pour ses relations anatomiques et fonctionnelles avec le NAc et le striatum, et sa participation aux réponses comportementales de la cocaïne. De plus, (2) la localisation cellulaire des récepteurs 5-HT2B au sein du RD ainsi que les mécanismes cellulaires qui sous-tendent leurs interactions entre les réseaux DA et 5-HT sont inconnus au début de ces travaux de thèse.Ainsi, l’objectif de cette thèse est de répondre aux deux points sus-cités. A cette fin, nous avons étudié les effets de deux antagonistes puissants et sélectifs du récepteur 5-HT2B (RS 127445 et LY 266097) sur l’activité 5-HT et DA, en utilisant des approches neurochimiques, cellulaires et comportementales chez le rat.Un premier groupe d’expérience nous a fourni des évidences anatomo-fonctionnelles démontrant que les récepteurs 5-HT2B du RD exercent un contrôle tonique inhibiteur des neurones 5-HT innervant le CPFm, dependant des interneurones GABA. Ce contrôle 5-HT est la première étape d’une régulation poly-synaptique complexe conduisant au contrôle différentiel des voies DA mésocorticolimbiques. Un deuxième groupe d’expérience montre que le blocage des récepteurs 5-HT2B inhibe l'hyperlocomotion induite par la cocaïne en agissant au niveau de la neurotransmission DA dans la NAc, cet effet résulte de la potentialisation de la libération de DA induite par la cocaïne dans le CPFm.En conclusion, le travail accompli au cours de ces trois années passées apporte des informations substantielles quant au rôle fonctionnel du récepteur 5-HT2B dans la régulation des voies DA ascendantes. En outre, l’ensemble de nos résultats permet non seulement d’améliorer la compréhension de l’interaction DA et 5-HT, mais aussi de mettre en avant le potentiel thérapeutique des antagonistes des récepteurs 5-HT2B pour le traitement de l’addiction à la cocaïne

Role of central serotonergic2B receptors in the regulation of ascending dopaminergic pathways : implication in cocaine effects

Mon travail de thèse sur le rôle fonctionnel du récepteur sérotoninergique2B (5-HT2B) central s’inscrit dans la suite logique des travaux déjà réalisés au laboratoire. Les résultats récemment obtenus au laboratoire ont montré que les récepteurs 5-HT2B modulent différentiellement les voies dopaminergiques (DA) ascendantes. En effet, les antagonistes des récepteurs 5-HT2B réduisent la libération de DA au sein du noyau accumbens (NAc), augmentent la libération de DA au sein du cortex préfrontal médian (CPFm), et ne modifient pas la libération de DA striatale. Ce contrôle différentiel du système DA mésocorticolimbique implique une interaction foncionelle entre les récepteurs 5-HT2B du raphé dorsal (RD) et les récepteurs 5-HT1A exprimés dans le CPFm, et résulte d’une activation des neurones 5-HT du RD projetant vers le CPFm. Ces résultats ont permis d’identifier le RD comme le site d'action majeur des récepteurs 5-HT2B pour le contrôle de l'activité des neurones 5-HT et DA. De plus, il a été démontré que le blocage des récepteurs 5-HT2B contrôle les réponses neurochimiques et comportementales induites par les psychostimulants tels que, l’amphétamine, la 3,4 méthylènedioxyméthamphine et la cocaïne, l’une des drogues les plus consommée au monde. Ainsi, le blocage des récepteurs 5-HT2B supprime l’hyperlocomotion provoquée par la cocaïne. Cet effet, qui se produit indépendamment de la libération de DA dans le NAc et le striatum, où l’activité DA est étroitement liée aux effets comportementaux induits par la cocaïne, pourrait impliquer une interaction post-synaptique au niveau de la neurotransmission DA dans les régions sous corticales. Néanmoins, (1) l’implication de la DA du CPFm dans cette interaction reste à déterminer, étant donné que cette région cérébrale est connue pour ses relations anatomiques et fonctionnelles avec le NAc et le striatum, et sa participation aux réponses comportementales de la cocaïne. De plus, (2) la localisation cellulaire des récepteurs 5-HT2B au sein du RD ainsi que les mécanismes cellulaires qui sous-tendent leurs interactions entre les réseaux DA et 5-HT sont inconnus au début de ces travaux de thèse.Ainsi, l’objectif de cette thèse est de répondre aux deux points sus-cités. A cette fin, nous avons étudié les effets de deux antagonistes puissants et sélectifs du récepteur 5-HT2B (RS 127445 et LY 266097) sur l’activité 5-HT et DA, en utilisant des approches neurochimiques, cellulaires et comportementales chez le rat.Un premier groupe d’expérience nous a fourni des évidences anatomo-fonctionnelles démontrant que les récepteurs 5-HT2B du RD exercent un contrôle tonique inhibiteur des neurones 5-HT innervant le CPFm, dependant des interneurones GABA. Ce contrôle 5-HT est la première étape d’une régulation poly-synaptique complexe conduisant au contrôle différentiel des voies DA mésocorticolimbiques. Un deuxième groupe d’expérience montre que le blocage des récepteurs 5-HT2B inhibe l'hyperlocomotion induite par la cocaïne en agissant au niveau de la neurotransmission DA dans la NAc, cet effet résulte de la potentialisation de la libération de DA induite par la cocaïne dans le CPFm.En conclusion, le travail accompli au cours de ces trois années passées apporte des informations substantielles quant au rôle fonctionnel du récepteur 5-HT2B dans la régulation des voies DA ascendantes. En outre, l’ensemble de nos résultats permet non seulement d’améliorer la compréhension de l’interaction DA et 5-HT, mais aussi de mettre en avant le potentiel thérapeutique des antagonistes des récepteurs 5-HT2B pour le traitement de l’addiction à la cocaïne.My study on the functional role of the central serotoninergic receptor2B (5-HT2BR) is a logical continuation of the work already carried out in the laboratory. Recent results obtained in the laboratory have shown that 5-HT2BRs differentially modulate ascending dopaminergic (DA) pathways. Indeed, 5-HT2BR antagonist reduces DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), increases DA release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and had no effect on striatal DA release. This differential control on the DA system involves an interaction between 5-HT2BR in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and 5-HT1AR expressed in the mPFC, and results from an activation of DRN 5-HT neurons projecting to the mPFC. These results point out the DRN as the major site of action of 5-HT2BRs to the control of 5-HT and DA activity. In addition, it has been shown that 5-HT2BRs blockade control the neurochemical and behavioral responses induced by psychostimulants as amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and cocaine, one of the most worldwide abused drugs. Indeed, 5-HT2BR blockade suppresses cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion. This effect, which occurs independently of DA release in the NAc and striatum, where DA activity is tightly related to cocaine-induced behavioral reponses, likely involves post-synaptic interaction in subcortical DA brain regions. Nevertheless, (1) the involvement of mPFC DA release in this interaction remained to be determined, as this brain region is known for its anatomical and functional relationships with the NAc and striatum, and its involvement in cocaine-induced behavioral responses. (2) In addition, the cellular localization of 5-HT2BR within the DRN and the cellular mechanisms underlying their interactions between DA and 5-HT networks are unknown at the beginning of this study. Thus, the objective of this thesis is to answer the two points mentioned above. To this purpose, we assessed the effects of two potent and selective 5-HT2BR antagonists (RS 127445 and LY 266097) on 5-HT and DA activity, by using neurochemical, cellular and behavioral approaches in rats.In a first group of experiments, we provided anatomo-functional evidences showing that 5-HT2BR exert a GABA-mediated tonic inhibitory control on DRN 5-HT neurons innervating mPFC. This 5-HT control is a first step of a complex poly-synaptic regulation leading to differential control of DA mesocorticolimbic pathways. A second group of experiments shown that 5-HT2BR blockade inhibits cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion by acting at the level of DA neurotransmission in NAc, this effect resulting from the potentiation of cocaine-induced mPFC DA release.To conclude, the work accomplished over the past three years provides substantial information with regards to the functional role of 5-HT2BRs in the regulation of the activity of ascending DA pathways. Moreover, while improving the understanding of the interaction between DA and 5-HT systems, the present findings altogether highlight the therapeutic potential of 5-HT2BR antagonists for the treatment of cocaine addiction

Serotonin 2B Receptor Interactions with Dopamine Network: Implications for Therapeutics in Schizophrenia

The serotonin 2B receptor (5-HT2BR) is the most recent addition to the 5-HT2R family. During the last decade, a growing number of studies have shown that the central 5-HT2BR participates in the control of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) neuron activity and have underlined its potential for new therapeutic strategies for several neuropsychiatric disorders such as drug addiction, depression and schizophrenia. After reviewing the major advances in the identification and characterization of this receptor within the central nervous system, this chapter focuses on its functional role in the control of ascending DA pathway activity and on the mechanisms underlying this interaction, by covering electrophysiological, neurochemical and behavioral data mainly from in vivo studies in rats. Afterwards, the therapeutic relevance of 5-HT2BR antagonists for treating DA-dependent neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed by focusing on schizophrenia

Serotonin2B receptors in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus exert a GABA-mediated tonic inhibitory control on serotonin neurons

The central serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) is a well-established modulator of dopamine (DA) neuron activity in the rodent brain. Recent studies in rats have shown that the effect of 5-HT2BR antagonists on accumbal and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) DA outflow results from a primary action in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), where they activate 5-HT neurons innervating the mPFC. Although the mechanisms underlying this interaction remain largely unknown, data in the literature suggest the involvement of DRN GABAergic interneurons in the control of 5-HT activity. The present study examined this hypothesis using in vivo (intracerebral microdialysis) and in vitro (immunohistochemistry coupled to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) experimental approaches in rats. Intraperitoneal (0.16 mg/kg) or intra-DRN (1 μM) administration of the selective 5-HT2BR antagonist RS 127445 increased 5-HT outflow in both the DRN and the mPFC, these effects being prevented by the intra-DRN perfusion of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (100 μM), as well as by the subcutaneous (0.16 mg/kg) or the intra-DRN (0.1 μM) administration of the selective 5-HT1AR antagonist WAY 100635. The increase in DRN 5-HT outflow induced by the intra-DRN administration of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor citalopram (0.1 μM) was potentiated by the intra-DRN administration (0.5 μM) of RS 127445 only in the absence of bicuculline perfusion. Finally, in vitro experiments revealed the presence of the 5-HT2BR mRNA on DRN GABAergic interneurons. Altogether, these results show that, in the rat DRN, 5-HT2BRs are located on GABAergic interneurons, and exert a tonic inhibitory control on 5-HT neurons innervating the mPFC.This study was supported by the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) and Bordeaux University and by grant SAF2015-68346-P from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.Peer reviewe

Mol Cell Neurosci

The central serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) modulates 5-HT and dopamine (DA) neuronal function in the mammalian brain and has been suggested as a potential target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders involving derangements of these monoamine systems, such as schizophrenia, cocaine abuse and dependence and major depressive disorder. Studies in rats and mice yielded contrasting results on the control of 5-HT/DA networks by 5-HT2BRs, thereby leading to opposite views on the therapeutic potential of 5-HT2BR agents for treating the above disorders. These discrepancies may result from anatomo-functional differences related to a different cellular location of 5-HT2BRs in rat and mouse brain. Using immunohistochemistry, we assessed this hypothesis by examining the expression of 5-HT2BRs in 5-HT and GABAergic neurons of rats and mice within different subregions of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), currently considered as the main site of action of 5-HT2B agents. Likewise, using in vivo microdialysis, we examined their functional relevance in the control of DRN 5-HT outflow, a surrogate index of 5-HT neuronal activity. In the DRN of both species, 5-HT2BRs are expressed in 5-HT cells expressing tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), in GABAergic cells expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), and in cells expressing both markers (GAD67 & TPH2; i.e., GABA-expressing 5-HT neurons). The proportion of 5-HT2BR-positive cells expressing only TPH2 was significantly larger in mouse than in rat DRN, whereas the opposite holds true for the expression in cells expressing GAD67 & TPH2. No major species differences were found in the dorsal and ventral subregions. In contrast, the lateral subregion exhibited large differences, with a predominant expression of 5-HT2BRs in TPH2-positive cells in mice (67.2 vs 19.9 % in rats), associated with a lower expression in GAD67 & TPH2 cells (7.9 % in mice vs 41.5 % in rats). Intra-DRN (0.1 μM) administration of the preferential 5-HT2BR agonist BW 723C86 decreased and increased DRN 5-HT outflow in rats and mice respectively, both effects being prevented by the intra-DRN perfusion of the selective 5-HT2BR antagonist RS 127445 (0.1 μM). Altogether, these results show the existence of anatomical differences in the cellular expression of 5-HT2BRs in the rat and mouse DRN, which translate into an opposite control of 5-HT outflow. Also, they highlight the relevance of the subset of GAD67-positive 5-HT neurons as a key factor responsible for the functional differences between rats and mice in terms of 5-HT neuronal activity modulation.Développment d'une infrastructure française distribuée coordonné

Serotonin2B receptor blockade in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus suppresses cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion through an opposite control of mesocortical and mesoaccumbens dopamine pathways

Serotonin receptor (5-HTR) antagonists inhibit cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion independently of changes of accumbal dopamine (DA) release. Given the tight relationship between accumbal DA activity and locomotion, and the inhibitory role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) DA on subcortical DA neurotransmission and DA-dependent behaviors, it has been suggested that the suppressive effect of 5-HTR antagonists on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion may result from an activation of mPFC DA outflow which would subsequently inhibit accumbal DA neurotransmission. Here, we tested this hypothesis by means of the two selective 5-HTR antagonists, RS 127445 and LY 266097, using a combination of neurochemical, behavioral and cellular approaches in male rats. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg) or LY 266097 (0.63 mg/kg) potentiated cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced mPFC DA outflow. The suppressant effect of RS 127445 on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion was no longer observed in rats with local 6-OHDA lesions in the mPFC. Also, RS 127445 blocked cocaine-induced changes of accumbal glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β phosphorylation, a postsynaptic cellular marker of DA neurotransmission. Finally, in keeping with the location of 5-HTRs on GABAergic interneurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the intra-DRN perfusion of the GABAR antagonist bicuculline (100 μM) prevented the effect of the systemic or local (1 μM, intra-DRN) administration of RS 127445 on cocaine-induced mPFC DA outflow. Likewise, intra-DRN bicuculline injection (0.1 μg/0.2 μl) prevented the effect of the systemic RS 127445 administration on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion and GSK3β phosphorylation. These results show that DRN 5-HTR blockade suppresses cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion by potentiation of cocaine-induced DA outflow in the mPFC and the subsequent inhibition of accumbal DA neurotransmission

Serotonin2C receptor stimulation inhibits cocaine-induced Fos expression and DARPP-32 phosphorylation in the rat striatum independently of dopamine outflow

International audienceThe serotonin(2C) receptor (5-HT(2C)R) is known to control dopamine (DA) neuron function by modulating DA neuronal firing and DA exocytosis at terminals. Recent studies assessing the influence of 5-HT(2C)Rs on cocaine-induced neurochemical and behavioral responses have shown that 5-HT2CRs can also modulate mesoaccumbens DA pathway activity at post-synaptic level, by controlling DA transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), independently of DA release itself. A similar mechanism has been proposed to occur at the level of the nigrostriatal DA system. Here, using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats and molecular approaches, we assessed this hypothesis by studying the influence of the 5-HT(2C)R agonist Ro 60-0175 on cocaine-induced responses in the striatum. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 1 mg/kg Ro 60-0175 had no effect on the increase in striatal DA outflow induced by cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Conversely, Ro 60-0175 inhibited cocaine-induced Fos immunoreactivity and phosphorylation of the DA and c-AMP regulated phosphoprotein of Mr 32 kDa (DARPP-32) at threonine 75 residue in the striatum. Finally, the suppressant effect of Ro 60-0175 on cocaine-induced DARPP-32 phosphorylation was reversed by the selective 5-HT(2C)R antagonist SB 242084 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). In keeping with the key role of DARPP-32 in DA neurotransmission, our results demonstrate that 5-HT(2C)Rs are capable of modulating nigrostriatal DA pathway activity at post-synaptic level, by specifically controlling DA signaling in the striatum

Serotonin 2C receptors modulate dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens independently of dopamine release: behavioral, neurochemical and molecular studies with cocaine

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Differential control of dopamine ascending pathways by serotonin 2B receptor antagonists: New opportunities for the treatment of schizophrenia

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Opposite control of mesocortical and mesoaccumbal dopamine pathways by serotonin2B receptor blockade: Involvement of medial prefrontal cortex serotonin1A receptors

Recent studies have shown that serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) antagonists exert opposite facilitatory and inhibitory effects on dopamine (DA) release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc), respectively, thereby leading to the proposal that these compounds could provide an interesting pharmacological tool for treating schizophrenia. Although the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown, several data in the literature suggest that 5-HT1ARs located into the mPFC could participate in this interaction. The present study, using in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiological recordings in rats, assessed this hypothesis by means of two selective 5-HT1AR (WAY 100635) and 5-HT2BR (RS 127445) antagonists. WAY 100635, administered either subcutaneously (0.16 mg/kg, s.c) or locally into the mPFC (0.1 μM), blocked the changes of mPFC and NAc DA release induced by the intraperitoneal administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.). The administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.) increased both dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5-HT neuron firing rate and 5-HT outflow in the mPFC. Likewise, mPFC 5-HT outflow was increased following the intra-DRN injection of RS 127445 (0.032 μg/0.2 μl). Finally, intra-DRN injection of RS 127445 increased and decreased DA outflow in the mPFC and the NAc, respectively, these effects being reversed by the intra-mPFC perfusion of WAY 100635. These results demonstrate the existence of a functional interplay between mPFC 5-HT1ARs and DRN 5-HT2BRs in the control of the DA mesocorticolimbic system, and highlight the clinical interest of this interaction, as both receptors represent an important pharmacological target for the treatment of schizophrenia.This work was supported by grants from the Institut National de la Recherche et de la Santé (INSERM), Bordeaux University, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM and grant SAF2015-68346-P (MINECO-FEDER). C. Devroye was a fellowship recipient from the International Ph.D. program in Neuropharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Catania, Italy, during the course of this study.Peer reviewe