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Cleveland, OH, 44106; and Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106
Abstract
dopamine receptors. Previous research has shown an increase in dopamine levels linked
to increased glutamate and serotonin release in the prefrontal cortex. We examined the
microdialysis in the prefrontal cortex of the rat. Rats were treated with 1-(2,5
so far is only preliminary and the findings have yet to be conclusive. We have reaffirmed
our laboratories’ previous finding that DOI administration increases prefrontal cortex
knowledge of the circuitry involved in normal and abnormal neural function for a variety
Introduction
order brain function (Moghaddam, 2003). This includes four basic categories of function;
(1) information and sensory processing, (2) – abnormal mood and affect, (3) – cognitive
1
(Moghaddam, 2003). It is general stated that schizophrenic symptoms are both “positive”,
in the sense that delusions and hallucinations are added to normal perception, and
structural changes have been identified in the brains of schizophrenics, ultimately finding
a 6% reduction in total brain mass with 21% reductions in the temporal lobe gray matter
(Roberts, 1991). This is associated with an increase in ventricular size. (Roberts, 1991).
Recent genetic inquiry into schizophrenia has found many genes that may be involved in
the development of the disease. Like cancer, it is suggested that mutations and
modifications to multiple genes may compound to have some role in the development of
the disorder (Chow, 2006). The deletion of the gene 22q11, and the resulting “22q11
25 to 30% of patients with 22q11DS develop full blow schizophrenia, accounting for
The hypotheses of schizophrenia with the greatest clinical application have been
neurobiological. During the 1950s, the drug chlorpromazine, a neuroleptic, was found to
alleviate many of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia (Sawa, 2002). Further research
showed neurolepics to be D2 dopamine receptor antagonists. Around the same time it was
found that amphetamine, which triggers the release of dopamine (DA), exacerbated
2
(Sawa, 2002). Since that time until the later 1990s, research and drug development
focused on D2-like dopamine systems (D2, D3, and D4 subtypes) (Nestler, 1997). It
should also be noted that some of the neuroleptics that were developed also showed a
high potency at 5-HT2 receptors, suggesting a possible role for serotonin in the
found a sharp reduction of D1-like DA receptors (D1 and D5) in the PFC of
schizophrenics (Okubu, 1997). D1-like receptors have been found to be the most
expressed DA receptors in the dorsolateral PFC and studies have shown the activation of
the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS).
Nearly all cortical efferent pathways are glutamatergic, implying glutamate irregularity
may lead to the total higher level dysfunction typical of schizophrenia (Moghaddam,
2004). Early research, dating to the 1970s, has shown irregular glutamate levels in the
cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenics but was not extended upon until recently
(Moghaddam, 2003). It has also been found that phencyclidine (PCP), a drug that creates
are located throughout the CNS so direct drug targeting of the receptor is considered to be
3
a risky choice at best. Luckily, sequencing of the human genome brought to light another
class of glutamate receptors. The metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) are G-protein coupled
and modulate the activity related to NMDA activation (Lewis, 2006). Specifically, mGlu5
has been shown to modulate the sensitivity of the NMDAR itself through a
phospholipase-C linked pathway. The Group II mGluRs, mGlu2 and mGlu3, have been
shown to attenuate the release of glutamate from presynaptic neurons through an adenyl
cyclase linked pathway (Moghaddam, 2004). The highly selective nature of the mGluRs
has made them an ideal drug target, when compared to the ubiquitous NMDA receptor
(Moghaddam, 2004). The mGlu5 receptor has been shown to desensitize rapidly, making
it a poor drug target, but current literature suggests that mGlu2 and 3 may be an
appropriate target for glutamate control (Moghaddam, 2004). The general hypothesis
of findings within the last decade. NMDA antagonists, and presumably schizophrenics,
have increased glutamate levels in the prefrontal cortex while over-activating glutamate
neurons with non-NMDA receptors (AMPA and Kainate receptors are also ionotropic
schizophrenia. The mesocortical DA pathway, which connects the ventral tegmental area
(VTA) to the cerebral cortex, is innervated by serotonergic neurons (Pehek, 2006). 1-(2,5
to schizophrenia (Zhai, 2003). It has been shown that administration of DOI in rats
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increases glutamergic transmission in the prefrontal cortex (Marek, 2000). Studies have
also suggested that increased glutamate levels in the PFC result in an increased DA
activity (Takahata, 1998). Our lab has also previously shown an increase in cortical DA
levels resulting from systemic injection of DOI (Pehek, 2006). On the basis of these
findings, numerous studies have investigated group II mGluR agonists and their effect on
dicarboxylate (LY379268), a GluR2/3 agonist, along with DOI, shows a decrease in the
expression of the gene c-fos, which is normally increased with DOI along (Zhai, 2003).
LY379268 has also been found to inhibit DOI-associated head shakes and excitatory
(Klodzinska, 2002).
HT2 agonist, DOI, is dependent on local glutamate release in the PFC. We tested this
relationship by injecting rats with DOI and using in vivo microdialysis, coupled with high
in the PFC. We then examined the ability of the mGluR2,3 agonist LY379268 to decrease
Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 250 and 350g at the time of surgery
were used. Before surgery, rats were housed in pairs at the Veterans Affairs Louis Stokes
and on a 12 hour light/dark cycle. Food and water were available ad libitum. For surgery,
5
rats were administered a mixture of ketamine (70 mg/kg) and xylazine (6 mg/kg), injected
intramuscularly. Additional ketamine was administered, if needed, to ensure the rat was
unconscious. The top of the rat’s head was shaved and then mounted in a stereotaxic
frame. After swabbing the skin with betadine and injection of 2 mL marcaine
subcutaneously, an initial incision was made. A hole was then drilled in the skull above
the prefrontal cortex. After puncture of the dura, a guide cannula (CMA microdialysis)
was lowered into the prefrontal corex (+0.32 mm AP, ±0.07 mm ML, from bregma
according to Paxinos and Watson, 1998). In order to control for potential, hemispheric
differences, half of the cannula were placed on the left side and half on the right. Three
screws were inserted into the skull, one in each quadrant, and were held in place with
cranioplastic cement. This served to anchor the assembly surrounding the guide cannula.
A clamp for a tether was also installed into the cement, but was not implanted into the
skull of the rat. Animals were housed individually after the surgery, and were given 35
days to recover before the experiment was conducted. After each microdialysis
experiment was complete, the rat was euthanized with 2 mL pentobarbital, and the brain
was extracted for histology. All animal use procedures were in strict accordance with the
NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and were approved by the local
animal care committee.
Microdialysis
The day before the micodialysis experiment was conducted, each rat was placed
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in a plexiglass chamber (Harvard Apparatus, Holliston, MA) with bedding and
into the cannula and a tether was attached to the clamp on the skull. This tether was
attached to a swivel and a counterbalance arm (Instech, Plymouth Meeting, PA) that
allowed movement around the chamber. This setup can be seen in figure 1.
(aCSF) buffer solution (137 mM NaCl, 3 mM KCl, 1.2 mM MgSO, 0.4 mM KHPO, with
1.2 mM CaCl and 10 mM glucose; pH 7.4) was perfused through the probe via a
microinfusion pump (PHD 2000TM, Harvard Apparatus) and liquid swivel (Instech). Each
sample was collected over a 30-minute period at 1.5 µL/minute, and analyzed
immediately for DA using HPLC. Samples were collected repeatedly throughout the day.
After a stable baseline reading was achieved, usually within three hours, the pump was
LY379268. After the first 30 minute sample on the drug treatment, rats were injected
subcutaneously with water (vehicle control) or a DOI solution (2.5 mg/kg/mL). A total of
six samples were collected for each animal once treatment was started.
Drugs
(±) DOI hydrochloride was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St Louis, MO) and was
diluted in water. LY379268 was obtained from Tocris Cookson. LY379268 was initially
Chromatography
Dialysate samples were analyzed for DA content by reverse phase HPLC coupled
7
with electrochemical detection. Immediately following collection, 20 µL of dialysate was
The HPLC’s mobile phase was 6.7 g citric acid, 7.4g sodium acetate, 25g EDTA, 0.05
octane sulfonic acid, pH = 4.19. A BAS LC-4C electrochemical detector with a glassy
electrode, was employed.. ChromPerfect (Justice Laboratories, CA) software was used to
Histology
After each experiment was complete, the rat was euthanized with 2 mL
pentobarbital solution, and the brain was extracted. Probe placement was verified
histologically with a cryostat, using 20 µm slices. Only animals whose probe placements
were verified to be in the PFC were included in this study.
Experimental Design
Four groups of treatments were used for this experiment. The first set of rats was
given both a DOI injection and LY379268 through aCSF (LY + DOI). The second group
received DOI but no LY379268 (VEHLY + DOI). The third group was injected with water,
as a control for DOI, and received LY379268 through aCSF (LY + VEH DOI). The final
group was given a control injection for DOI and control aCSF (VEHLY + VEHDOI). For all
groups, the injection (DOI or water) was given 30 minutes after switching to the drug
Data Analysis
The quantity of DA (pg/20 µl) was expressed as a percentage of the last three
baseline samples preceding drug treatment. This preliminary study will be continued by
8
our lab. In our final study, we will include a 2-way ANOVA with time as a repeated
measures (within group) factor and drug treatment as a between group factor.
Results
From the many animals we have run, 13 had both successful chromatography and
histology. 3 animals were in the LY + DOI group, 3 in the LY + VEH DOI group, 3 in the
VEHLY + DOI group, and 4 in the VEH/VEHDOI group. Mean dopamine quantities, as a
percentage of the three previous baseline samples, are illustrated in figure 2. At time 0,
minutes.
Discussion
Presently, we find that intracortical infusions of rats with the potent group II
mGluR agonist LY379268 did not decrease PFC DA levels in rats treated with DOI.
Infusions of LY379268 also did not decrease basal DA levels. We were able to reconfirm
A variety of factors may be responsible for our results. An upward trend in DA levels was
observed in both DOI groups before administration of the drug, a random factor that may
be controlled with an increase in the number of animals. The sharp decrease in DA levels
in the VEHLY+DOI group at time 60 minutes does not match either literature or this lab’s
previous findings. We believe that continued trials will prove the data points contributing
Despite our continuing effort into this study, a number of possible variables have
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been identified to increase the informational value of further studies. Primary factors we
wish to examine in future work include modulation of LY379268 concentration and time
our basis for choosing the concentration of LY379268 in our study. It is possible that with
our specific probe setup, a higher concentration may be needed in the aCSF in order to
cross the microdialysis membrane and elicit an affect. Since LY379268 targets a
metabotropic receptor, it is possible that an increased time may be needed to observe the
results.
abnormal function. Glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin have all been shown to
hypothesis of behavior that takes all these factors into consideration. With additional data,
we may be able to assert with more confidence whether our hypothesized neurocircuitry
has a clinical application. With further research concerning the interaction of these three,
and possibly more, factors, it may at some point be possible to create a comprehensive
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Tara Byrd for her extensive help in training and problem
solving during the course of this research. I would also like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Pehek
for her guidance and the ability to work in her lab. Finally, I would like to thank the Louis
Stokes VA staff for their hospitality and assistance. This research was made possible by a
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Figures
13
Figure 1. Rat microdialysis setup. Probe is inserted into the prefrontal cortex. A clamp, in
the back, holds the mouse in the cage.
Figure 2. The effect of LY379268 on DOI-induced dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex.
The micodialysis line was pumped with articifical cerebrospinal fluide (aCSF) or aCSF
containing LY379268. Rats were treated with the 5-HT2 Agonist DOI or a water control
injection at T=30. Both DOI groups show an increase in dopamine levels. The drug appears to
have no effect at reducing dopamine levels. Note that the sharp drop in dopamine in VEH+DOI
group at T=90 does not match previous literature.
MATERIALS & METHODS
14
(±) DOI hydrochloride was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St Louis, MO) and was
diluted in water. LY379268 was obtained from Tocris Cookson. LY379268 was initially
prepared as a 10 mM stock solution and stored into 20 µL aliquots. On the day of an
experiment, the LY379268 was further diluted in Dulbeco’s aCSF to 10 µM.
Chromatography
Dialysate samples were analyzed for DA content by reverse phase HPLC coupled
with electrochemical detection. Immediately following collection, 20 µL of dialysate was
injected into a 2 mm Phenomenex column (UltracarbTM, 3 µm particle size, ODS 20).
The HPLC’s mobile phase was 6.7 g citric acid, 7.4g sodium acetate, 25g EDTA, 0.05
octane sulfonic acid, pH = 4.19. A BAS LC-4C electrochemical detector with a glassy
carbon electrode, maintained at a potential of +0.60 V relative to an Ag/AgCl reference
electrode, was employed.. ChromPerfect (Justice Laboratories, CA) software was used to
collect and analyze all samples.
Histology
After each experiment was complete, the rat was euthanized with 2 mL
pentobarbital solution, and the brain was extracted. Probe placement was verified
histologically with a cryostat, using 20 µm slices. Only animals whose probe placements
were verified to be in the PFC were included in this study.
Experimental Design
Four groups of treatments were used for this experiment. The first set of rats was
given both a DOI injection and LY379268 through aCSF (LY + DOI). The second group
received DOI but no LY379268 (VEHLY + DOI). The third group was injected with water,
as a control for DOI, and received LY379268 through aCSF (LY + VEHDOI). The final
group was given a control injection for DOI and control aCSF (VEHLY + VEHDOI). For all
groups, the injection (DOI or water) was given 30 minutes after switching to the drug
treatment (LY379268/aCSF or aCSF).
See my Neuropsychopharmacology paper in 2006
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