Dramatic growth in substituted amphetamines (‘Ecstasy’) use since the 1980’s has correlated with increased incidence of acute toxicity and residual neuropsychological deficits. This thesis aimed to characterise the acute neurochemical mechanisms and residual neurochemical alterations produced by p-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), which is usually sold as ‘ecstasy’ and is associated with greater acute toxicity than 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). While both PMA and MDMA primarily modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, little is known of the differences in the neurochemical effects of PMA within the central nervous system, in vivo. This thesis used in vivo chronoamperometry to elucidate the acute neurochemical alterations in monoaminergic pharmacology in vivo after local application of PMA or MDMA within discrete brain nuclei in anaesthetised rats. Measurement of evoked release of monoamines including serotonin (5-HT), and inhibition of neurotransmitter uptake via membrane transporters were assessed. Initial studies compared pharmacodynamic responses of PMA and MDMA, showing PMA to have greater efficacy and potency for alteration of core body temperature in rats, a primary cause of acute toxicity, within minimal alteration in locomotion. Dose-response studies indicated local PMA application within striatum resulted in significantly greater 5-HT evoked release than MDMA, yet lesser dopaminergic release, as predicted by the pharmacodynamic data. Only PMA-evoked release could be partially blocked by pre-treatment with a 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SERT). Differences in both the qualitative and quantitative nature of striatal evoked-release of 5HT and dopamine were noted for both drugs, which had not been previously seen. Both PMA and MDMA inhibited 5-HT clearance, but only MDMA inhibited dopamine clearance in striatum. Doseresponse studies in the CA3 region of hippocampus indicated PMA was also more efficacious than MDMA in the inhibition of 5-HT clearance in vivo. While the question of whether long term MDMA use induces selective neurodegeneration (reductions in serotonergic in vitro biomarkers) is still unclear, it was not known for PMA prior to this work. Repeated PMA administration was shown to result in reductions in cortical SERT (indicative of potential loss of 5-HT terminal axons), cortical 5-HT content was unaltered. A subsequent comprehensive study followed, comparing the residual effects of PMA or MDMA administration on in vitro serotonergic biomarkers (markers of selective neurodegeneration) and SERT function in vivo. PMA administration resulted in reductions in hippocampal SERT binding and [3H]-5HT synaptosomal uptake, correlating with in vitro biomarkers previously used. SERT function in vivo using chronoamperometric techniques was reduced, as would be predicted. However, hippocampal 5-HT content was again not reduced, indicating that selective neurodegeneration of 5-HT fibres may not in fact be occurring. MDMA administration reduced all measured in vitro serotonergic biomarkers, however SERT function in vivo was completely unaltered. These data indicate that reductions of in vitro biomarkers of 5-HT axonal degeneration do not necessarily predict the potential compensatory mechanisms that maintain SERT function in vivo. Compensatory mechanisms appear to exist in vivo to maintain clearance of extracellular 5- HT that may be disrupted or eliminated during tissue preparation for in vitro assays. In summary, while PMA produced significantly greater alterations, compared to MDMA, in processes intrinsic to 5-HT neurotransmission in both striatum and hippocampus, the magnitude of these responses did not explain the significantly higher risk of acute toxicity seen clinically with PMA use. The second component of the thesis extended beyond prior work, investigating the potential neurodegenerative effects of PMA and MDMA through the assessment of changes in key functional processes in 5-HT neurotransmisson. It is hoped this will contribute to the subsequent characterisation of the mechanism(s) of functional compensation in 5-HT neurotransmission which may lead to more targeted treatments to modulate potential psychological/psychiatric deficits that occur in regular ‘ecstasy’ users. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1346193 / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 2008

Aggression studies in laboratory animals have largely focused on natural species-specific forms of aggression that poorly reflect pathological types of aggression in humans. The primary goal of this dissertation was to identify and characterize a subtype of aggression in support for a congenital animal model of reactive/impulsive-aggression in humans. Experiments using novel second-by-second analyses to investigate for individual differences in aggression and impulsive choice showed detailed quantitative and qualitative differences, and identified a convergence of behaviors to one distinct impulsive-aggressive profile in high-attack frequency (HAF) hamsters. As aggression and impulsivity widely implicate the serotonin (5HT) system, and previous studies have similarly characterized the neural control of aggression in hamsters, it was hypothesized that impulsive-aggression in HAF individuals was associated to common neurobiology. While 5HT does play a role, immunocytochemical experiments and pharmacological manipulations showed a distinct neurobiological profile of decreased 5HT availability, increased densities of 5HT1A and 5HT3 receptor subtypes, and drastically differential and opposite phenotypic-dependent reactivity to 5HT3 receptor blockade. Moreover, the current studies also showed that while 5HT3 receptor activity has broad effects, attenuating all behavioral aspects of the impulsive-aggressive phenotype (i.e. aggression, repetitiveness, fragmentation, and impulsive choice), 5HT1A receptor activity seems to have more limited effects. Additional retrospective studies investigated developmental and etiological differences between the phenotypes. HAF adults were associated with low agonistic activity in early puberty and an early emergence of impulsivity-related characteristics. These data indicate a differential developmental trajectory of behavior and accelerated maturation, consisting of a lack of play fighting during early puberty. The HAF phenotype was additionally associated with paternal, but not maternal influence, suggesting male genetic contribution. Together, these data support a congenital animal model that better reflects reactive forms of aggression in humans through the behavioral, neurobiological, and developmental characterization of HAF hamsters described herein. These data have pre-clinical and clinical significance and can be applied to diagnostic and preventative measures, as they illustrate the importance of distinguishing predictions about extreme fringe populations from that of normal populations, point towards more specific pharmacological therapeutic applications, identify early predictive behaviors of impulsive-aggression, and suggest heritability. / text

No description available.

A anandamida, um dos principais endocanabinóides estudados, além de se ligar aos receptores CB1, em altas doses, também é capaz de ativar os receptores vanilóides de potencial transitório tipo-1 (TRPV1). Evidências experimentais indicam que a sinalização mediada por CB1 facilita, enquanto TRPV1 prejudica, a resposta de adaptação a situações de estresse, tornando o animal mais susceptível a suas consequências comportamentais. Estudos demonstram que a inibição da enzima amida hidrolase de ácidos graxos (FAAH), responsável pela hidrólise da anandamida, apresenta efeito tipo-antidepressivo, efeito este também observado quando administrado antagonista de TRPV1. Portanto, a ação combinada de inibição da FAAH e bloqueio de TRPV1 poderia ter potencial efeito antidepressivo. Diante destas evidências, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar se a administração sistêmica de AA-5HT, droga que inibe a FAAH e bloqueia TRPV1, em camundongos submetidos ao teste do nado forçado, promove um efeito tipo-antidepressivo; e ainda, se esse comportamento estaria relacionado com a ativação de receptores canabinóides CB1 e com bloqueio dos receptores vanilóides TRPV1. Camundongos Swiss machos receberam injeção intraperitoneal de AA-5HT (0.1, 0.3, e 1 mg/kg), inibidor da FAAH (URB597 - 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, e 3 mg/kg), antagonista TRPV1 (SB366791 - 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1 e 3 mg/kg) e antagonista CB1 (AM251 - 1 e 3 mg/kg) ou o veículo correspondente e, 30 minutos depois, os mesmos animais foram submetidos ao teste do campo aberto. Imediatamente após foram submetidos ao teste do nado forçado. O tratamento com AA-5HT na dose de 0.3mg/kg reduziu significativamente o tempo de imobilidade no teste do nado forçado, sem alterar a atividade locomotora. Por outro lado, as doses testadas de URB597, SB366791 e AM251 não reduziram significativamente o tempo de imobilidade quando comparadas ao grupo veículo. E ainda, não foi observada somação de efeito da coadministração de doses equipotentes e subefetivas de SB366791 e URB597 no teste do nado forçado. Por fim, a pré-administração do antagonista CB1 (AM251) não alterou o tempo de imobilidade de AA-5HT. Apesar disso, quando o AA-5HT foi pré-administrado com o veículo utilizado para diluir o AM251, apresentou aumento significativo no tempo de imobilidade quando comparado aos animais pré-tratados com salina, comprometendo assim a investigação sobre a participação dos receptores CB1 no efeito do AA-5HT. Sendo assim, nossos resultados sugerem que a administração sistêmica de AA-5HT produz um efeito tipo-antidepressivo no teste do nado forçado. Entretanto, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar o envolvimento dos receptores CB1 neste comportamento. / Anandamide, one of the most studied endocannabinoids, acts through interaction with CB1 cannabinoids receptors, and, in higher doses, activate TRPV1 receptor. Experimental evidence shows that CB1-mediated signaling improve, while TRPV1-signaling impairs the adaptative response to stressful situations, thus increasing the susceptibility to behavioral consequences. The administration of inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), responsible for anandamide hydrolysis, exerts antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models. The same effect is observed when TRPV1 antagonist is administered. Therefore, the combined blockade of FAAH and TRPV1 could potentially represent an interesting pharmacological tool to induce antidepressant effects. Based on that, the aim of this study was to investigate if AA-5HT, a FAAH inhibitor and TRPV1 blocker, would induce antidepressant-like effect in mice, and to evaluate the participation of TRPV1 and CB1 receptors in this effect. Male Swiss mice received an intraperitoneal injection of AA-5HT (0.1, 0.3, e 1 mg/kg), FAAH inhibitor (URB597 - 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, e 3 mg/kg), TRPV1 antagonist (SB366791 - 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1 e 3 mg/kg) and CB1 antagonist (AM251 - 1 e 3 mg/kg) or the corresponding vehicle and, 30 minutes later, they were individually submitted to the open field test. Immediately after this, the same animal was submitted to the forced swimming test. Our results showed that the treatment with AA-5HT at dose 0,3mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in the forced swim test without changing the locomotor activity. On the other hand, the tested dose range of URB597, SB366791 e AM251 did not significantly reduced the immobility time when compared to vehicle group. Furthermore, there was no observed effect of the coadministration of equipotent and sub-effective doses of SB366791 and URB597 on forced swim test. Finally, pre-administration of the CB1 antagonist (AM251) did not alter the immobility time of AA-5HT. However, when AA-5HT was pre-administered with the vehicle used to dilute AM251, it showed a significant increase in immobility time when compared to animals pretreated with saline, thus compromising the study about the participation of CB1 receptors in the effect of AA-5HT. Thus, our results suggest systemic administration of AA-5HT produces an antidepressant-like effect on FST. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the involvement of CB1 receptors in this behavior.

The syndrome known as Gastric Dilation Air Sacculitis (GDAS) has recently been described by Lumsden et al. (2002) for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Walbaum), in seawater (SW) culture in New Zealand. The syndrome is characterised by distended abdomens, gastric dilation and air sacculitis, increased feed conversion ratios (FCR) and mortality. Consequently, financial returns on affected stocks are greatly reduced. A study into the epidemiology and physiology of the syndrome was initiated, working with the major aquaculture company, The New Zealand King Salmon Company (NZKS). The study revealed causative factors of GDAS. GDAS was experimentally induced only in saltwater by feeding a commercially manufactured low-cohesion pelleted diet. Control groups were fed a different diet with high physical cohesion. Low-cohesion pellets have previously been associated with a high incidence of GDAS in commercial sea cages. These data implicated osmoregulatory stress and physical properties of the feed in GDAS development. In addition, gastrointestinal (GI) physiology in GDAS -affected and -control fish was characterised. The process of GDAS development in O. tshawytscha is characterised by a loss of smooth muscle tone of the stomach as it distends. Laplace's law (P= 2T/r, where P is the distending pressure, T is the tension in the wall and r is the radius of the cylinder) predicts that unless muscle mass increases, the ability of the stomach wall to contract will be lost and consequently a loss of GI motor function will result. Therefore, GI circular smooth muscle integrity in terms of (1) stimulated and maximal contractility, (2) osmoregulatory ability of the intestine and the (3) control of the GI system was studied in pathologically affected (+ve) and unaffected (-ve) smolt. Affected fish showed changes in GI circular smooth muscle function and osmoregulatory dysfunction. Feeding different diets induced distinct gastric evacuation patterns. The intestinal brake hypothesis is presented and argued to be the probable mechanism for GDAS development. GDAS (+ve) serum showed the presence of factors capable of contracting gut smooth muscle. In addition, potential humoral mediators of the intestinal brake in fish were investigated.

The syndrome known as Gastric Dilation Air Sacculitis (GDAS) has recently been described by Lumsden et al. (2002) for Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Walbaum), in seawater (SW) culture in New Zealand. The syndrome is characterised by distended abdomens, gastric dilation and air sacculitis, increased feed conversion ratios (FCR) and mortality. Consequently, financial returns on affected stocks are greatly reduced. A study into the epidemiology and physiology of the syndrome was initiated, working with the major aquaculture company, The New Zealand King Salmon Company (NZKS). The study revealed causative factors of GDAS. GDAS was experimentally induced only in saltwater by feeding a commercially manufactured low-cohesion pelleted diet. Control groups were fed a different diet with high physical cohesion. Low-cohesion pellets have previously been associated with a high incidence of GDAS in commercial sea cages. These data implicated osmoregulatory stress and physical properties of the feed in GDAS development. In addition, gastrointestinal (GI) physiology in GDAS -affected and -control fish was characterised. The process of GDAS development in O. tshawytscha is characterised by a loss of smooth muscle tone of the stomach as it distends. Laplace's law (P= 2T/r, where P is the distending pressure, T is the tension in the wall and r is the radius of the cylinder) predicts that unless muscle mass increases, the ability of the stomach wall to contract will be lost and consequently a loss of GI motor function will result. Therefore, GI circular smooth muscle integrity in terms of (1) stimulated and maximal contractility, (2) osmoregulatory ability of the intestine and the (3) control of the GI system was studied in pathologically affected (+ve) and unaffected (-ve) smolt. Affected fish showed changes in GI circular smooth muscle function and osmoregulatory dysfunction. Feeding different diets induced distinct gastric evacuation patterns. The intestinal brake hypothesis is presented and argued to be the probable mechanism for GDAS development. GDAS (+ve) serum showed the presence of factors capable of contracting gut smooth muscle. In addition, potential humoral mediators of the intestinal brake in fish were investigated.

In this study, p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA), an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase (the rate limiting enzyme of serotonin synthesis), was used to reduce serotonin (5HT) levels during early development in zebrafish embryos. One day old dechorionated embryos were treated with 25μM pCPA for 24h and subsequently rescued. Immunohistological studies using a 5HT antibody confirmed that 5HT neurons in the brain and spinal cord were depleted of transmitter by 2days post fertilization (dpf). Twenty four hours after pCPA exposure embryos were unable to burst swim and were nearly paralyzed. Movement began to improve at 4dpf, and by 7dpf, larvae exhibited swimming activity. Rescued larvae continued to grow in rostrocaudal length over 5days post-rescue, but their length was always 16-21% below controls. Surprisingly, both groups displayed the same number of myotomes. To examine whether hypertonicity of myotomes in treated embryos played a role in their shorter rostrocaudal lengths, 1dpf embryos were exposed to a combination of 25μM pCPA and 0.6mM of the sodium channel blocker ethyl 3-aminobenzoate methanesulfonate (MS-222). After a 24hour exposure, the embryos exhibited the same rostrocaudal length as control embryos suggesting that myotome hypertonicity plays a major role in the decreased axial length of the treated larvae. In addition, pCPA treated 2dpf embryos exhibited abnormal notochordal morphology that persisted throughout recovery. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the relative levels of the serotonin 1A receptor (5HT 1A) transcript and the serotonin transporter (SERT) transcript in the brain and spinal cord of control and treated embryos. Transcripts were present in both brain and spinal cord as early as 1dpf and reached maximal concentrations by 3dpf. Embryos treated with pCPA demonstrated a decrease in the concentration of 5HT 1A transcript in both brain and spinal cord. While SERT transcript levels remained unaffected in brain, they were decreased in spinal cord. Five days subsequent to pCPA rescue, 5HT 1A transcript concentrations remained decreased in brain while SERT transcript levels were elevated in both regions. These findings suggest that reduction of 5HT during early zebrafish development may have an adverse effect on body length, notochordal morphology, locomotor behavior, and serotonin message-related expression.

Sabe-se que o medo condicionado contextual (MCC) pode ativar diversas áreas mesencefálicas, como a Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal Dorsal (SCPd). Diversos estudos avaliaram como mecanismos serotoninérgicos modulam o comportamento defensivo induzido pela estimulação elétrica da SCPd. Uma função proeminente dos receptores 5-HT2A é regular estados aversivos induzidos pela ativação da SCPd e, apesar de saber que experiências aversivas prévias exercem um importante papel em determinados tipos de ansiedade, somente estudos com estimulação da SCPd de ratos sem experiência aversiva prévia foram conduzidos até o momento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o papel funcional dos receptores 5-HT2A localizados nos substratos neurais da aversão na SCPd de ratos previamente submetidos ao condicionamento contextual aversivo. Foram avaliadas as respostas de congelamento e fuga obtidas a partir do procedimento de estimulação elétrica da SCPd na sessão teste, realizada 24 horas após o condicionamento, quando os animais foram recolocados no contexto previamente pareado com choques nas patas ou no contexto diferente. A função dos receptores 5-HT2A da SCPd foi avaliada pela injeção local de -metil-serotonina ou cetanserina, agonista e antagonista seletivos de receptores do tipo 5-HT2A, respectivamente. De acordo com estudos anteriores, a -metil-serotonina aumentou os limiares aversivos (efeito antiaversivo) determinados pela estimulação da SCPd em animais ingênuos, enquanto que a injeção de cetanserina não produziu qualquer efeito significativo. No presente estudo, a cetanserina reduziu o limiar de congelamento (efeito proaversivo), enquanto que a -metil-serotonina continuou apresentando efeito antiaversivo em animais com experiência aversiva prévia (choques nas patas). Estes resultados sugerem que experiências aversivas anteriores podem produzir importantes alterações na função sináptica dos receptores 5-HT2A da SCPd, podendo refletir na reatividade da SCPd à sua estimulação aversiva. / It has been shown that contextual fear conditioning (CFC) may activate brainstem regions such as the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG). Several studies have been carried out to disclose how 5-HT2 mechanisms modulate the aversive stimulation of the dPAG. One prominent function of 5-HT2 receptors is to regulate the aversive states induced by activation of the dPAG. However, in spite of the notion that past stressful experiences play a crucial role in certain types of anxiety only studies with stimulation of the dPAG of rats without previous aversive experience have been conducted so far. We investigated the mediation of 5-HT2 receptors located in the neural substrates of aversion of the dPAG in rats previously submitted to CFC. Defensive behaviors induced by activation of the dPAG were assessed by measuring the lowest intensity of electric current applied to this structure (threshold) able to produce freezing and escape responses during testing sessions of CFC, in which animals were placed in a context previously paired to footshocks. The 5-HT2 function of the dPAG in this condition was evaluated by local injections of -methyl-5-HT and ketanserin, selective agonist and antagonist of 5-HT2 receptors, respectively. In accordance with previous studies, -methyl-5-HT increased the aversive thresholds (antiaversive effects) determined by stimulation of the dPAG in naive rats and injection of ketanserin into the dPAG did not produce any significant effects. On the other hand, ketanserin decreased the freezing threshold (proaversive effect) determined by the dPAG electrical stimulation while -methyl-5-HT continued to show antiaversive effects in animals with prior experience with foot shocks. The present results suggest that a past stressful experience can produce changes in the synaptic function of 5-HT2 receptors within the dPAG with important impact on the defensive behaviors induced by electrical stimulation of this area.

Sabe-se que o medo condicionado contextual (MCC) pode ativar diversas áreas mesencefálicas, como a Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal Dorsal (SCPd). Diversos estudos avaliaram como mecanismos serotoninérgicos modulam o comportamento defensivo induzido pela estimulação elétrica da SCPd. Uma função proeminente dos receptores 5-HT2A é regular estados aversivos induzidos pela ativação da SCPd e, apesar de saber que experiências aversivas prévias exercem um importante papel em determinados tipos de ansiedade, somente estudos com estimulação da SCPd de ratos sem experiência aversiva prévia foram conduzidos até o momento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o papel funcional dos receptores 5-HT2A localizados nos substratos neurais da aversão na SCPd de ratos previamente submetidos ao condicionamento contextual aversivo. Foram avaliadas as respostas de congelamento e fuga obtidas a partir do procedimento de estimulação elétrica da SCPd na sessão teste, realizada 24 horas após o condicionamento, quando os animais foram recolocados no contexto previamente pareado com choques nas patas ou no contexto diferente. A função dos receptores 5-HT2A da SCPd foi avaliada pela injeção local de -metil-serotonina ou cetanserina, agonista e antagonista seletivos de receptores do tipo 5-HT2A, respectivamente. De acordo com estudos anteriores, a -metil-serotonina aumentou os limiares aversivos (efeito antiaversivo) determinados pela estimulação da SCPd em animais ingênuos, enquanto que a injeção de cetanserina não produziu qualquer efeito significativo. No presente estudo, a cetanserina reduziu o limiar de congelamento (efeito proaversivo), enquanto que a -metil-serotonina continuou apresentando efeito antiaversivo em animais com experiência aversiva prévia (choques nas patas). Estes resultados sugerem que experiências aversivas anteriores podem produzir importantes alterações na função sináptica dos receptores 5-HT2A da SCPd, podendo refletir na reatividade da SCPd à sua estimulação aversiva. / It has been shown that contextual fear conditioning (CFC) may activate brainstem regions such as the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG). Several studies have been carried out to disclose how 5-HT2 mechanisms modulate the aversive stimulation of the dPAG. One prominent function of 5-HT2 receptors is to regulate the aversive states induced by activation of the dPAG. However, in spite of the notion that past stressful experiences play a crucial role in certain types of anxiety only studies with stimulation of the dPAG of rats without previous aversive experience have been conducted so far. We investigated the mediation of 5-HT2 receptors located in the neural substrates of aversion of the dPAG in rats previously submitted to CFC. Defensive behaviors induced by activation of the dPAG were assessed by measuring the lowest intensity of electric current applied to this structure (threshold) able to produce freezing and escape responses during testing sessions of CFC, in which animals were placed in a context previously paired to footshocks. The 5-HT2 function of the dPAG in this condition was evaluated by local injections of -methyl-5-HT and ketanserin, selective agonist and antagonist of 5-HT2 receptors, respectively. In accordance with previous studies, -methyl-5-HT increased the aversive thresholds (antiaversive effects) determined by stimulation of the dPAG in naive rats and injection of ketanserin into the dPAG did not produce any significant effects. On the other hand, ketanserin decreased the freezing threshold (proaversive effect) determined by the dPAG electrical stimulation while -methyl-5-HT continued to show antiaversive effects in animals with prior experience with foot shocks. The present results suggest that a past stressful experience can produce changes in the synaptic function of 5-HT2 receptors within the dPAG with important impact on the defensive behaviors induced by electrical stimulation of this area.

Many irreversible antagonists are known to bind irreversibly to pharmacological receptors. However, few studies suggest that these irreversible antagonists may also display irreversible non-specific antagonism by binding irreversibly to non-syntopic binding sites on the receptor macromolecule, whereby they modulate the signal transduction of these receptors or reduce the agonist binding affmity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the classical irreversible antagonists phenoxybenzamine, benextramine and 4-DAMP mustard display irreversible nonspecific antagonism at various G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) types. In addition, the subcellular mechanism whereby benextramine displays irreversible non-specific antagonism was investigated. Three cell lines were employed to investigate the antagonism by these irreversible antagonists: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells transfected to express the porcine a2A-adrenoceptor (a2A-AR) at higher (a2A-H) or lower (a2A-L) numbers, human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells that endogenously express muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mACh-Rs), and SH-SY5Y cells transfected (5HT2A-SH-SY5Y)o express the human 5HT2A-serotonirne ceptor (5HTZA-R).C ells of the appropriate cell line were pre-treated at the appropriate concentrations and incubation times with an appropriate irreversible antagonist, with or without an appropriate reversible competitive antagonist at a sufficient concentration to protect the specific receptors. This was followed by washing procedures with drug-free media to rinse any unbound or reversibly bound drugs from the cells. When appropriate, cell membranes were prepared. Receptor function was evaluated by measuring whole-cell [3H]-cAMP or [3H]-IPx acumulation, or the binding of [35S]-GTPyS to membraness. Receptor concentrations were determined from radioligand-binding assays. In addition, the constitutive [35S]-GTPyS binding to Go protein before and after pre-treatment with benextramine was investigated. Results suggest that phenoxybenzamine (100 uM, 20 minutes) and benextramine (10 uM, 20 minutes) display irreversible non-specific antagonism at a2A-ARs when measuring Gi-mediated effects in a2A-L cells, but the affinity for a2A-ARs in a2A-H cells was not changed. In addition, it was found that the observed irreversible nonspecific antagonism by benextramine appears to be time- and concentration-dependent. When the mechanism of irreversible antagonism by benextramine was further investigated, benextramine reduced the binding of [35S]-GTPyS to a2A-H membranes with protected a2A-ARs, but did not modulate the constitutive binding of [35S]-GTPyS to Go. In addition, benextramine displays irreversible non-specific antagonism by inhibiting the G,-mediated effects of a2A-ARs in a2A-H cells and the Gq-mediated effects of mACh-Rs or 5HT2A-Rs in SH-SY5Y or 5HT2A-SH-SY5Y cells respectively. 4-DAMP mustard (100 uM, 20 minutes) did not display irreversible non-specific antagonism at mACh-Rs in SH-SY5Y cells, but irreversible non-specific antagonism was observed when the incubation time was increased (100 uM, 60 minutes). In conclusion it was found that phenoxybenzamine, benextramine and 4-DAMP mustard display irreversible non-specific antagonism at typical experimental conditions. These findings confirm concerns in literature and supports the possibility that more irreversible antagonists could display irreversible non-specific antagonism, and that could influence the interpretation of data obtained with such drugs. In addition, benextramine may prove to be a useful experimental drug in studying GPCR signalling. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pharmacology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.