Article
Immunology
Hi-Joon Park, Sora Ahn, Hyangsook Lee, Dae-Hyun Hahm, Kyuseok Kim, Mijung Yeom
Summary: Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce itch symptoms in atopic dermatitis patients, potentially by blocking serotonin receptors to alleviate acute and chronic itch as well as skin inflammation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Josua Zimmermann, Niklaus Zolch, Rebecca Coray, Francesco Bavato, Nicole Friedli, Markus R. Baumgartner, Andrea E. Steuer, Antje Opitz, Annett Werner, Georg Oeltzschner, Erich Seifritz, Ann-Kathrin Stock, Christian Beste, David M. Cole, Boris B. Quednow
Summary: This study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure the glutamate-glutamine complex (GLX) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations in the brains of chronic MDMA users and MDMA-naive healthy controls. The results showed that chronic MDMA users had elevated GLX levels in the striatum, which may offer new mechanistic explanations for cognitive deficits observed in MDMA users. Overall, this study suggests that MDMA use affects not only serotonin but also striatal GLX and GABA concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hirohito Esaki, Yuki Sasaki, Naoya Nishitani, Hikari Kamada, Satoko Mukai, Yoshitaka Ohshima, Sao Nakada, Xiyan Ni, Satoshi Deyama, Katsuyuki Kaneda
Summary: This study examined whether the prosocial effects induced by MDMA are mediated by 5-HT neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA). The results showed that selective inhibition of 5-HT transporters before MDMA administration did not suppress the prosocial effects. However, the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 significantly suppressed the prosocial effects of MDMA. Furthermore, local administration of WAY100635 into the BLA, but not the mPFC, suppressed the MDMA-induced prosocial effects. These findings suggest that MDMA induces prosocial effects through the stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
David E. Nichols
Summary: At first glance, the molecular structures of MDMA and MDA seem similar, but their activity stereochemistry differs. MDMA is distinct from classical hallucinogenic phenethylamines in structure and psychopharmacology. It promotes affiliative social behavior, has acute anxiolytic effects, and induces introspection and personal reflection. Its mechanism of action involves the transport and release of neuronal serotonin.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jacob R. Thorstensen, Janet L. Taylor, Justin J. Kavanagh
Summary: The study revealed the importance of serotonin (5-HT) effects on human movement. Antagonism of the 5-HT2 receptor reduced motor cortex evoked potential size and performance during high-intensity stimulation, indicating the involvement of 5-HT2 receptors in influencing motoneuron output and muscle activation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Katelyn G. Joyal, Alexandra N. Petrucci, Mydirah V. Littlepage-Saunders, Nicole A. Boodhoo, Linder H. Wendt, Gordon F. Buchanan
Summary: Seizures can lead to breathing disruptions, especially during sleep. The neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role in respiration and sleep-wake regulation, and its dysregulation by seizures may contribute to breathing impairments. Increasing 5-HT neurotransmission before seizures can improve breathing after seizures, but the effects are dependent on the sleep state during seizure induction.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Meghan J. Orr, Andrew B. Cao, Charles Tiancheng Wang, Arsen Gaisin, Adam Csakai, Alec P. Friswold, Herbert Y. Meltzer, John D. McCorvy, Karl A. Scheidt
Summary: This study identified a potential agonist activity of substituted tetrahydro-beta-carbolines across the 5-HT2 receptor family, laying a foundation for future research in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jacob R. Thorstensen, Janet L. Taylor, Justin J. Kavanagh
Summary: This study examined the effects of 5-HT2 receptor antagonism on motoneuron excitability in humans. The results showed that 5-HT2 antagonism reduced recurrent discharge of motoneurons and maximal contraction strength. This suggests that 5-HT2 receptors play an important role in modulating the electrical properties of motoneurons.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Matteo Marti, Giuseppe Talani, Cristina Miliano, Sabrine Bilel, Francesca Biggio, Jessica Bratzu, Marco Diana, Maria Antonietta De Luca, Liana Fattore
Summary: Methoxetamine (MXE), a dissociative substance, has been present on the designer drug market as a ketamine-substitute since 2010. Studies have shown that MXE affects brain processing, causing long-lasting behavioral abnormalities, neurotoxicity, and alterations in neurological, sensorimotor, and cardiorespiratory functions. Mechanistic evaluations indicate involvement of serotonin and 5-HT2 receptors, as well as NMDA and GABA receptors, in mediating the central effects of MXE.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jelena Nikolic, Katarina Vukojevic, Violeta Soljic, Josip Miskovic, Martina Orlovic Vlaho, Mirna Saraga-Babic, Natalija Filipovic
Summary: We studied the expression of serotonin receptors 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT3A at different stages of fetal lung development. The receptors were strongly expressed in the epithelium of the proximal airways and vascular walls during early and mid-fetal development. In the later stages, they were also expressed in type I and type II pneumocytes. The expression of 5-HT2A decreased while 5-HT3A expression increased toward the final stage of lung development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ross van de Wetering, Jan A. Vorster, Sophie Geyrhofer, Joanne E. Harvey, Robert A. Keyzers, Susan Schenk
Summary: This study suggests that the sensitizing effects of MDMA are not due to changes in MDMA-produced synaptic overflow of serotonin in the medial striatum or the absorption/elimination of systemically administered MDMA, but more likely due to alterations in serotonin receptor mechanisms and/or dopamine neurotransmission following repeated exposure.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Miguel A. Nunez-Ochoa, Gustavo A. Chipres-Tinajero, Laura Medina-Ceja
Summary: The study observed a general depletion in 5-HT and 5-HIIA levels in hippocampal tissue of epileptic animals, along with a decrease in immunoreactivity for three 5-HT receptors, especially in the DG region. These findings may support the establishment of an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in the trisynaptic circuit underlying the generation of fast ripples in epilepsy.
Article
Physiology
Patricia Campos-Bedolla, Emmanuel Gilberto Torrejon-Gonzalez, Dinora Mendoza-Mejia, Mario H. Vargas, Patricia Segura-Medina, Veronica Carbajal, Aniller Rodriguez-Marquez, Ana Valeria Martinez-Silva
Summary: Asthma increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders by causing abnormal functioning of organs other than the lungs. Allergic sensitization in a guinea pig asthma model increases aorta contractions to 5-HT, which is partly mediated by enhanced responses of 5-HT2A receptors. The expression of these receptors does not change with allergic sensitization.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susan Schenk, Quenten Highgate
Summary: MDMA preferentially stimulates serotonin release and has relatively small effects on dopamine, with drugs having higher dopamine to serotonin ratios more likely to be abused. Repeated exposure to MDMA can lead to neuroadaptive responses in serotonin and dopamine that may explain self-administration in animals and substance use disorder in humans. Serotonin inhibits the acquisition of MDMA self-administration, while dopamine plays a critical role in maintaining self-administration in laboratory animals, with limited research on the effects of MDMA exposure on serotonin receptors and circuits modulating dopamine activity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Letizia Zanetti, Maria Regoni, Elena Ratti, Flavia Valtorta, Jenny Sassone
Summary: AMPARs play essential roles in both postsynaptic plasticity and presynaptic neurotransmitter release modulation. Recent studies suggest that presynaptic AMPARs may contribute to axonal pathology, pain transmission regulation, and auditory system physiology. These findings highlight the potential of presynaptic AMPARs as novel pharmacological targets for various pathological conditions.
Correction
Neurosciences
Lucia Privitera, Ellen L. Hogg, Matthias Gaestel, Mark J. Wall, Sonia A. L. Correa
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ya Jiang, Guan-Hao Wang, Jing-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Li Li, Xiao-Yan Lin, Xiang Fang, Hong-Xu Zhang, Mei Feng, Chun-Ming Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the importance of LINC00473 in regulating temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GB) and its potential mechanism. By regulating the expression of CEBP alpha and MGMT, LINC00473 promotes the formation of chemoresistance. Furthermore, LINC00473 can transfer chemoresistance to adjacent sensitive cells through exosomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Kopach, Tetyana Pivneva, Nataliya Fedirko, Nana Voitenko
Summary: This study found that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia characterized by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity. The impaired saliva production in diabetes is associated with reduced and delayed intracellular Ca2+ signals in submandibular acinar cells, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Targeting malfunctioning mitochondria may be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas M. Timme, Cherish E. Ardinger, Seth D. C. Weir, Rachel Zelaya-Escobar, Rachel Kruger, Christopher C. Lapish
Summary: This study aimed to assess aversion-resistant drinking behavior in head-fixed mice and explore the relationship between non-consummatory behaviors and aversion-resistant drinking. The results showed that head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking and non-consummatory behaviors were related to the intensity of this behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
David R. Maguire, Charles P. France
Summary: Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist that effectively decreases fentanyl self-administration and prevents opioid overdose in monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of MCAM in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang Li, Dan Feng, Shenglu Ma, Mingxing Li, Shulei Zhao, Man Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fluoxetine on neurochemical, neurobiological, and neurobehavioral changes in different subregions of the hippocampus. The results showed that fluoxetine increased dialysate 5-HT, decreased membrane 5-HTT protein, and increased cytoplasmic fraction. Additionally, fluoxetine reduced immobility times in behavioral tests, with greater effects observed in the ventral subregion compared to the dorsal subregion.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander V. Zholos, Mariia I. Melnyk, Dariia O. Dryn
Summary: Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, activating M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors to cause smooth muscle excitation and contraction. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced depolarisation and smooth muscle contraction, as well as the effects of anticholinergic drugs on gastrointestinal motility. The knowledge gained from recent studies has greatly expanded our understanding of these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenlong Li, Hsien-Yu Peng, Chau-Shoun Lee, Tzer-Bin Lin, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan Lai, Han-Fang Wu, Lih-Chyang Chen, Mei-Ci Chen, Dylan Chou
Summary: Methylone shows significant efficacy in treating depression and social deficits, making it an ideal candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Freyssin, Allison Carles, Sarra Guehairia, Gilles Rubinstenn, Tangui Maurice
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining FENM and S1R agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that most FENM-based combinations can protect against learning deficits caused by A beta 25-35, with better efficacy in short-term memory.
Article
Neurosciences
J. D. Lorente, J. Cuitavi, L. Rullo, S. Candeletti, P. Romualdi, L. Hipolito
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of pain on negative affect in different sexes and time courses, as well as the involvement of the dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor systems in these pain-related behaviors. The results showed sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviors induced by pain in female rats. The recruitment of KOR/DYN in the NAc was identified as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioral alterations.
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.