Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of South Florida, 2005. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

L’HGF/SF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor) est le ligand du Récepteur Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) MET. Ce couple ligand-récepteur joue un rôle essentiel dans de nombreux processus biologiques tels que l’embryogenèse, la régénération tissulaire et l’angiogenèse. Comme pour de nombreux RTK, la dérégulation de l’activité de MET est associée à la progression et l’invasion tumorales. Bien que le récepteur MET ait été intensivement étudié au cours de ces dernières décennies, les processus moléculaires conduisant à son activation par l’HGF/SF restent encore mal connus et controversés.NK1, un variant naturel de l’HGF/SF, comprenant la partie N-terminale (N) et le premier domaine kringle (K1) de l’HGF/SF, possède une activité agoniste. En effet, NK1 dimérise spontanément en position « tête-bêche » et est considéré aujourd’hui comme la structure minimale permettant la dimérisation de MET et son activation. Afin de déterminer leur contribution respective, les domaines N et K1 isolés ont été produits par voie recombinante et ne montrent aucune ou qu’une très faible activité agoniste respectivement. Une présentation monovalente de ces domaines au récepteur MET ne semble donc pas pertinente pour déterminer leur fonction.Par conséquent, nous avons souhaité générer des complexes multivalents mimant le positionnement des domaines N et K1 au sein du dimère naturel. En tirant partie de la « One-Pot SEA ligation » développée au laboratoire, ces domaines ont été synthétisés par voie chimique et fonctionnalisés avec une extrémité C-terminale biotinylée (NB et K1B). En utilisant la streptavidine (S) comme plateforme de multimérisation, nous avons généré des complexes semi-synthétiques NB/S et K1B/S et déterminé les propriétés biologiques de ces nouvelles constructions multivalentes.L’ensemble des analyses de signalisations cellulaires et phénotypiques démontre sans équivoque que le complexe K1B/S est capable de mimer les réponses biologiques induites par l’HGF/SF et son variant NK1. De plus, le complexe K1B/S, injecté dans la circulation systémique, déclenche la signalisation de MET dans le foie. L’utilisation de ce complexe K1B/S nous a permis de démontrer que deux domaines K1, correctement assemblés et orientés, constituent l'interface minimale et suffisante requise pour déclencher une pleine activation de MET. A l’inverse, les premières données fonctionnelles ont démontré que le complexe NB/S ne lie pas directement MET mais utilise les héparanes sulfates comme pont moléculaire.Ces études utilisant de nouvelles configurations structurales pourraient donc servir de modèle de base au développement de nouveaux agonistes de MET dans le cadre de thérapies régénératives ou préservatrices, mais aussi d’antagonistes dans le cadre de thérapies anticancéreuses ciblées. / Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor (HGF/SF) and its receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) MET play an essential role in embryogenesis, tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. As observed for many others RTK, MET is also strongly involved in tumor progression and invasion mechanisms. Although numerous biological and structural approaches have been focused on the molecular processes leading to MET activation by HGF/SF, the HGF/SF-MET interaction framework remains only partially understood due to the complexity of the multivalent ligand-receptor binding events.NK1, a naturally occurring splice variant of HGF/SF, comprising the N-terminal part and the first kringle domain (K1) of HGF/SF, exhibits a partial agonistic activity toward MET. Indeed, in presence of heparan sulfates, NK1 self-associates into a “head-to-tail” dimer and is considered as the minimal structural module able to trigger MET dimerization and activation. Nevertheless, the individual role of N and K1 domains in the dimerization/activation of MET remain elusive.Stimulated by the conviction that monomeric N and K1 domains are not suitable for studying the functioning of HGF/SF-MET, we produced, by total chemical synthesis, biotinylated analogs of the N and K1 domains (NB and K1B). By combining with streptavidin (S), we engineered the semisynthetic constructs NB/S and K1B/S in order to determine the biological properties of these new multivalent architectures of N and K1 domains.In vitro, as observed with HGF/SF or NK1, we show that the K1B/S complex is able to fully activate MET signaling cascades to promote scattering, morphogenesis and survival phenotypes in various cell types. Even more, the K1B/S complex stimulates angiogenesis in vivo and, when injected systemically, triggers MET signaling in the liver. The use of this K1B/S complex allows us to demonstrate that two K1 domains, correctly assembled and oriented, constitute the minimal unit for sufficient MET activation. In contrast, first in vitro data have demonstrated that NB/S complex does not bind directly MET as previously thought, but rather, uses heparan sulfates as a molecular bridge.We envision these new structural configurations serving as a template for both the rational design of potent MET agonists (e.g. using K1B/S for regenerative therapies) and antagonists (e.g. using NB/S for targeted cancer therapies).

The aim of this thesis is to improve the therapeutic effect of the immunotherapy based on the synergy of TLR agonists with phagocytosis stimulating ligands. Furthermore, this thesis is focused on the information transfer to the specific immunity, as well as it pursues the study of the specific immunity relevance during cancer immunotherapy.

The aim of this thesis was to study how to increase effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy based on synergy of compounds stimulating phagocytosis and TLR agonist. Tumor microenvironment was modified by enzymes, which catalised conversion of lactate to pyruvate or acetate. It was monitored effect of enzymes on tumor size, survival of experimental mice and cytotoxicity on tumor cells.

Previous studies with pharmacopuncture in dogs showed its advantage for sedation, minimizing undesirable effects. The use of pharmocopuncture with xylazine in Yin Tang acupoint of dogs is investigated. Eight dogs were randomly submitted to four different treatment protocols according to a Latin Square double blind design: 1) 0.01 mL/kg of saline injected into Yin Tang acupoint (aquapuncture), 2) 1 mg/kg of xylazine injected subcutaneously at the dorsal region, 3) 0.2 mg/kg of xylazine injected subcutaneously at the dorsal region and 4) 0.2 mg/kg of xylazine injected into Yin-Tang acupoint (pharmacopuncture). Rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates, arterial blood pressure, oxygen hemoglobin saturation and pulse rate and degree of sedation were measured before and at 5, 10, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes after treatments. Sedation was observed in xylazine and pharmacopuncture groups while saline injection and sub -dose of xylazine did not induce sedation. Both xylazine and pharmacopuncture induced reduction in respiratory rate, heart rate and arterial blood pressure. In conclusion, pharmacopuncture and the conventional dose of xylazine produced similar sedation in dogs. The results indicate the potential application of pharmacopuncture in dogs. Further studies could elucidate the optimal doses, drugs and acupoints to achieve the best effect. / Acupuntura é uma técnica terapêutica milenar reconhecida pela OMS (Organização Mundial de Saúde) que consiste na inserção de agulhas em pontos específicos do corpo. A farmacopuntura é uma importante área da acupuntura que consiste no uso de fármacos injetados em acupontos para potencializar seus efeitos. Um exemplo é o uso de sedativos como a Xilazina, uma droga agonista a2- adrenérgico, muito utilizada na rotina clínica em animais, que promove sedação, analgesia e miorrelaxamento dose-dependentes. O trabalho objetivou investigar o efeito sedativo da farmacopuntura com xilazina, bem como da aquapuntura no acuponto Yin tang em cães, além de verificar se este efeito é suficiente para realização de pequenos procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos. O experimento consistiu em quatro tratamentos (T1: controle da droga (Xilazina 1mg/kg) (Xil), T2: controle da subdose (0,01mL/kg Xilazina no subcutâneo) (1/5 Xil s.c), T3: controle do estímulo mecânico do ponto (0,01mL/kg solução salina no Yin tang) (AquaAP), T4: teste (Xilazina 0,2mg/kg no Yin tang) (FarmacoAP), em oito cadelas, distribuídas em um quadrado latino com intervalos de sete dias, de forma que todos os animais passaram pelos tratamentos. O grupo FarmacoAP apresentou efeito sedativo semelhante ao grupo controle Xil, porém a duração deste foi menor, demonstrando que a farmacopuntura funcionou e potencializou o efeito da droga. / Mestre em Ciências Veterinárias

A filamina A (FLNA) é uma proteína de citoesqueleto com diversas funções, dentre as quais estão motilidade celular e ancoragem de receptores de membrana. A alteração de sua expressão foi anteriormente descrita em diversos tipos de neoplasia. Em tumores hipofisários, demonstrou-se que sua expressão se correlacionou à expressão de receptores de dopamina tipo 2 (DRD2) em prolactinomas, e com a sinalização intracelular do receptor de somatostatina tipo 2 (SSTR2) após ativação por agonista, em somatotropinomas. Neste estudo, avalariam-se a expressão da FLNA, DRD2, SSTR2 e SSTR5 em diversos tumores hipofisários: prolactinomas, somatotropinomas, corticotropinomas e adenomas clinicamente não funcionantes (ACNF). Avaliou-se também a correlação entre a expressão da FLNA e resposta aos tratamentos medicamentosos, com agonista dopaminérgico (AD) ou com ligantes do receptor de somatostatina (LRS), e entre FLNA e as características de invasividade e/ou agressividade tumorais. Houve correlação entre a expressão de FLNA e a expressão de DRD2 e, entre FLNA e a resposta ao AD, nos ACNFs. Nos corticotropinomas, houve correlação entre a expressão da FLNA e critérios de invasividade tumoral. Portanto, o papel da FLNA nos tumores hipofisários pode depender do tipo celular implicado. Além disso, o envolvimento da FLNA nos mecanismos de resistência aos medicamentos utilizados nos tumores hipofisários, AD ou LRS, não deve estar relacionado apenas à sua ação na ancoragem e reciclagem dos receptores DRD2 e SSTRs, mas também à sua ação na motilidade celular, propiciando caratecterísticas de invasividade / Filamin A (FLNA) is a cytoskeletal protein with a variety of functions, including cell motility and membrane receptor anchorage. Changes in FLNA expression has already been described in several types of neoplasia. In pituitary tumors, its expression has been shown to correlate with the expression of dopamine type 2 receptors (DRD2) in prolactinomas and with intracellular somatostatin type 2 receptor (SSTR2) signaling after agonist activation in somatotropinomas. The expression of FLNA, DRD2, SSTR2 and SSTR5 in different pituitary tumors: prolactinomas, somatotrophinomas, corticotrophinomas and clinically nonfunctioning adenomas (CNFA) were evaluated. We also correlate FLNA expression to sensibility to drug treatments with dopamin agonists (DA) or somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL), and to tumor invasiveness and/or aggressiveness. Positive correlation between FLNA expression and DRD2 expression and between FLNA and DA response were found in CNFA. In corticotrophinomas, there was correlation between FLNA expression and tumor invasiveness. Therefore, the role of FLNA in pituitary tumors seems to depend on the cell type involved. Additionally, FLNA involvement in the mechanisms of drug (DA or SRL) resistance in pituitary tumors could not be related only to its action in the anchoring and recycling of DRD2 and SSTR receptors, but also to its action on cellular motility and invasiveness

Submitted by Cássia Santos (cassia.bcufg@gmail.com) on 2015-02-03T09:34:31Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao - Sandro de Melo Braga - 2014.pdf: 4351893 bytes, checksum: abf7d37b6f843e30fee499929c15eb91 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-02-05T13:09:32Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao - Sandro de Melo Braga - 2014.pdf: 4351893 bytes, checksum: abf7d37b6f843e30fee499929c15eb91 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-05T13:09:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertacao - Sandro de Melo Braga - 2014.pdf: 4351893 bytes, checksum: abf7d37b6f843e30fee499929c15eb91 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-07-15 / Agonist drugs α-2 adrenergic receptors are used in veterinary medicine to promote sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation. In horses with xylazine and detomidine are used in preanesthetic medication such as sedatives for procedures or surgeries in the standing position with the aid of locoregional anesthesia in analgesic infusions associated with general anesthesia for invasive procedures, or associated with dissociative drugs to anesthesia Overall the equine field. In the first study aimed to evaluate the sedative, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and blood gas of xylazine and detomidine administered at different doses in horses effects. Eight horses, four males and four females, aged between five and 15 years, weighing 276.58±9.23 kg were used. The experimental design was randomized crossover using animals of six different occasions to receive: xylazine 0.5 mg/kg (X05), 1.0 mg/kg (X1), 1.5 mg/kg (X15); 20μg/kg detomidine (D20), 40 mg/kg (D40) and 60μg/kg (D60). The parameters evaluated were heart rate (HR); the electrocardiogram (ECG); respiratory frequency (f); systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean (MAP) by invasive method; Sedation (RAC); rectal temperature (T); intestinal motility (MI); blood gases and electrolytes. Some showed similar results to those previously reported with xylazine and detomidine as good sedation, significant reduction of HR and f, however, there was an increase in BP lasting with increasing dose of detomidine, as well as a reduction in intestinal motility for periods there are 180 minutes with the same drug. In the review of blood gas analysis showed a decrease in PaO 2 and increase in PaCO 2 in arterial blood, indicative of respiratory depression, increased bicarbonate ion (HCO 3 -) and base excess, however they remained within normal limits for the species. It follows that promotes more efficient detomidine sedation, however promotes a greater depression in cardiac system and intestinal motility compared with xylazine in horses. In the second study aimed to evaluate the sedative, cardiovascular and echodopplercardiographic effects of xylazine and detomidine in horses. Six horses, two males and four females, aged between five and 15 years, weighing 276.58 ± 9.23 kg were used . The animals used in randomized crossover design twice for receiving xylazine 1.0 mg/kg (GX) detomidine or 40 µg/kg (GD), administered intravenously. In addition to the parameters evaluated in the first phase of the study, also cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), aortic diameter (AD), ejection fraction (FE) and fractional shortening (FS) by echocardiography were recorded. The results showed intense cardiorespiratory depression in animals that received detomidine, however with greater sedative effects compared to xylazine group. BP values showed an initial increase only in the detomidine group, lasting approximately 30 minutes and subsequent reduction of the values, without characterizing hypertension and hypotension. In echodopplercardiographic evaluation, the GD had major depression in ventricular function parameters, for the group GX and this review was efficient compared with values obtained in other studies by methods already established. It is concluded that detomidine sedation promotes more efficient compared to xylazine in horses, however the depressive effects on cardiovascular variables are evaluated by echocardiogram greatest method. / Em equinos a xilazina e a detomidina são utilizadas na medicação pré-anestésica, como sedativos para procedimentos ou cirurgias em posição quadrupedal com o auxílio de anestesia locorregional, em infusões analgésicas associadas à anestesia geral para procedimentos invasivos, ou associadas a fármacos dissociativos na manutenção da anestesia geral a campo. No primeiro estudo objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos sedativos, gastrointestinais, cardiovasculares e hemogasométricos da xilazina e da detomidina administradas em diferentes doses em equinos. Foram utilizados oito equinos, quatro machos e quatro fêmeas, com idade entre cinco e 15 anos, pesando 276,58 ± 9,23 kg. O delineamento foi cruzado aleatório, utilizando os animais em seis ocasiões diferentes para receberem: xilazina 0,5 mg/kg (X05), 1,0 mg/kg (X1), 1,5 mg/kg (X15), detomidina 20 µg/kg (D20), 40 µg/kg (D40) e 60 µg/kg (D60). Os parâmetros avaliados foram frequência cardíaca (FC); traçado eletrocardiográfico (ECG); frequência respiratória (f); pressões arteriais sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) e média (PAM) pelo método invasivo; grau de sedação (SD); temperatura retal (T); motilidade intestinal (MI); gases sanguíneos e eletrólitos. Foram obtidos resultados similares aos descritos na literatura com xilazina e detomidina, como boa sedação, redução significativa da FC e f, no entanto, observou-se aumento duradouro da PA com o incremento da dose de detomidina, assim como redução na motilidade intestinal por períodos superiores a 180 minutos, com o mesmo fármaco. Houve redução da PaO 2 e aumento da PaCO 2 e do bicarbonato(HCO3) -com déficit de base. No entanto os valores permaneceram dentro dos limites de normalidade para a espécie. Concluiu-se que a detomidina promove sedação mais eficiente, no entanto induz maior depressão cardiorrespiratória e da motilidade intestinal, quando comparada à xilazina em equinos. No segundo ensaio objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos sedativos, cardiovasculares e ecodopplercardiográficos da xilazina e da detomidina em equinos. Foram utilizados seis equinos, dois machos e quatro fêmeas, com idade entre cinco e 15 anos, pesando 276,58 ± 9,23 kg. Os animais foram usados em delineamento cruzado aleatório, para receberem xilazina, 1,0 mg/kg (GX) ou detomidina 40 µg/kg (GD), pela via endovenosa. Além dos parâmetros avaliados na primeira fase do estudo, também foram registrados débito cardíaco (DC), índice cardíaco (IC), diâmetro da aorta (DA), fração de ejeção (FE) e fração de encurtamento (FS), por ecodopplercardiografia. Houve depressão cardiorrespiratória e efeito sedativo mais intensos nos animais que receberam detomidina. Os valores de PA apresentaram aumento inicial apenas no grupo detomidina, com duração de aproximadamente 30 minutos e posterior redução dos valores, sem caracterizar hipertensão ou hipotensão. Na avaliação ecodopplercardiográfica o GD apresentou maior depressão nos parâmetros de função ventricular, em relação ao GX. Com base nos valores obtidos em outros estudos utilizando métodos já consagrados, observou-se que a ecodopplercardiografia foi eficiente na avaliação hemodinâmica de equinos. Conclui-se que a detomidina promove sedação mais eficiente comparada à xilazina em equinos, no entanto os efeitos depressivos sobre as variáveis cardiovasculares são maiores, conforme avaliação ecodopplercardiográfica

Le récepteur de la sérotonine (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) 2A a été identifié comme la cible principale des hallucinogènes psychédéliques comme le diéthylamide de l'acide lysergique (LSD). Ces agonistes sont connus pour reproduire quelques uns des principaux symptômes de la schizophrénie. Un paradoxe non résolu est que seuls certains agonistes des récepteurs 5-HT2A présentent une activité hallucinogène, alors que des composés de structure apparentée avec une affinité comparable au niveau du récepteur n'ont pas des propriétés psychoactives. En utilisant une approche quantitative phosphoproteomic combinant un marquage isotopique stable en acides aminés dans la culture cellulaire (SILAC), un double enrichissement en phosphopeptides par chromatographie d'interaction hydrophile (HILIC) / chromatographie d'affinité (IMAC) et la spectrométrie de masse haute résolution, nous avons comparé les phosphoprotéome dans des cellules HEK-293 cellules exprimant de manière transitoire le récepteur 5-HT2A sous trois conditions: cellules non stimulées, cellules exposées aux hallucinogènes [2,5-diméthoxy-4-iodophényl]-2-aminopropane (DOI) et LSD les cellules exposées aux agonistes non- hallucinogènes Lisuride et Ergotamine. Parmi les 5996 phosphopeptides identifiés, 454 sont spécifiquement régulés par les hallucinogènes. Il s'agit notamment d'un résidu sérine du récepteur 5-HT2A éventuellement impliqués dans la régulation de la désensibilisation des récepteurs qui a été spécifiquement phosphorylée lors de l'exposition aux deux hallucinogènes. La phosphorylation différentielle des récepteurs 5-HT2A dans les cellules exposées aux agonistes hallucinogènes (DOI et le LSD) vs non hallucinogènes (lisuride et l'ergotamine) a été confirmé par l'analyse par spectrométrie de masse du récepteur purifié. Parallèlement, l'exposition des cellules aux agonistes hallucinogènes induit une internalisation et une désensibilisation des récepteurs moins prononcée qu'après exposition à la non-agonistes hallucinogènes. En conclusion, les résultats de cette thèse révèlent que la stimulation du récepteur 5-HT2A par les hallucinogènes et les agonistes non hallucinogènes induit deux modèles différents de phosphorylation qui pourraient être impliqués directement dans leurs réponses comportementales distinctes. ils fournissent également l'une des premières manifestations de la phosphorylation différentielle d'un récepteur couplé aux protéines G lors de la stimulation du récepteur par des agonistes biaisée. / The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)2A receptor has been identified as the primary target of psychedelic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which reproduce some of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. A non-resolved paradox is that only some 5-HT2A receptor agonists exhibit hallucinogenic activity, whereas structurally related compounds with comparable affinity and agonist activity lack psychoactive properties. Using a quantitative phosphoproteomic approach combining stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), phosphopeptide enrichment by hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) / immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) and high resolution mass spectrometry, we compared the phosphoproteome in HEK-293 cells transiently expressing the 5-HT2A receptor under three conditions: non-stimulated cells, cells exposed to the phenethylamine hallucinogen 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane (DOI) and cells exposed to the non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonist lisuride. Among the 5,996 identified phosphopeptides, 454 were specifically regulated by DOI but not by lisuride. These include a serine residue of 5-HT2A receptor possibly involved in regulation of receptor desensitization which was specifically phosphorylated upon DOI exposure. Differential phosphorylation of 5-HT2A receptor in cells exposed to hallucinogenic (DOI and LSD) vs. non-hallucinogenic (lisuride and ergotamine) agonists was further confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis of purified receptor. Correspondingly, cell exposure to hallucinogenic agonists induced a less pronounced receptor desensitization and internalization than exposure to non-hallucinogenic agonists. In conclusion, our phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that 5-HT2A receptor stimulation by hallucinogenic and non hallucinogenic agonists induces different phosphorylation patterns that might underlie their distinct behavioural responses. It also provides one of the first demonstrations of differential phosphorylation of a G protein-coupled receptor upon stimulation by biased agonists.

L'imagerie TEP des récepteurs 5-HT1A a montré des modifications de la fixation hippocampique du radioligand antagoniste [18F]MPPF chez des patients souffrant de maladie d'Alzheimer (MA). Si les antagonistes se fixent indistinctement sur les récepteurs fonctionnels et non fonctionnels, les agonistes 5-HT1A, comme le ligand TEP [18F]F15599, ciblent les récepteurs fonctionnels (couplés aux protéines G). Notre objectif est de montrer que le ratio entre les récepteurs 5-HT1A couplés et non couplés varie avec l'évolution de la MA. Ainsi, l'analyse post-mortem d'hippocampes de patients à différents stades de la MA a montré une diminution significative du marquage au [18F]F15599 dès les stades précoces de la MA. Puis nous avons précisé le profil pharmacologique de trois agonistes 5-HT1A : le 8-OH-DPAT, le F13714 et le F15599. L'imagerie IRM fonctionnelle lors de stimuli pharmacologiques (IRMph) permet l'exploration de réseaux neuronaux activés par une molécule. Nous avons comparé chez le rat les cartes d'activation des trois agonistes 5-HT1A et d'un antagoniste, le MPPF. Chaque molécule présente un schéma d'activation spécifique, ouvrant le champ à un ciblage distinct, tant pour la thérapeutique que pour l'imagerie. Enfin, nous avons travaillé à la mise au point d'un radioligand TEP des récepteurs 5-HT6, également impliqués dans la MA. En collaboration avec une équipe de chimistes, nous avons évalué in vitro et in vivo trois radioligands 5-HT6 potentiels. Nous montrons que le radioligand [18F]2FNQ1P est le premier à montrer un ciblage spécifique des récepteurs 5-HT6 in vivo / PET imaging using 5-HT1A radiotracers shows a modified expression of this serotonin receptor in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. However, these antagonists PET radioligands bind indiscriminately to the functional and the non-functional states of 5-HT1A receptors. The comparison of a PET agonist, binding selectively to the functional receptors, with a PET antagonist would therefore provide original information on 5-HT1A receptor impairment during AD. We found that [18F]F15599 in vitro binding decreased in dentate gyrus of AD patients. In contrast, binding of [18F]MPPF was unchanged. These results support the concept of functional PET imaging using agonist radiotracers in clinical studies. Then, we compared with functional MRI (PhMRI) the pharmacological profile of three 5-HT1A agonists (8-OH-DPAT, F13714 and F15599) and one antagonist (MPPF). PhMRI revealed that each molecule has its specific activation pattern, opening new ways in pharmacology or imaging. Finally, we developed in collaboration with chemists several 5-HT6 radioligand-candidates and evaluated their characteristics for PET imaging. Three radiotracers were evaluated in vitro and in vivo in rodent and feline models. We concluded that [18F]2FNQ1P is the first radioligand with suitable characteristics for PET imaging of 5-HT6 receptors, justifying further evaluations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a partial D₂-like dopamine agonist (i.e. terguride) would block the induction or expression of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in pre-weanling rats. The ability of terguride to induce behavioral sensitization was also examined, as partial D₂-like agonists have agonistic actions in cases of low dopaminergic tone.