Biochemical and therapeutic effects of antioxidants in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Serotonin-Dopamine interaction in Nicotine Addiction: Focus on 5-HT2C Receptors

Central dopaminergic systems play a critical role in the regulation of normal and abnormal behaviors. Recent evidence suggests that a dysfunction of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter systems contribute to various pathological conditions. Substantial evidence indicates that the mesolimbic pathway, particularly the DA cells innervating accumbal areas, is implicated in the reward value of both natural and drug reinforcers, such as sexual behavior or psychostimulants, respectively. Nicotine, the major psychoactive agent present in tobacco, acts as a potent addictive drug both in humans and laboratory animals. The locomotor activation and the reinforcing effects of nicotine may…

Selective Activation of Serotonin2C Receptors Stimulates GABA-ergic Function in the Rat Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata: A Combined in Vivo Electrophysiological and Neurochemical Study.

In vivo electrophysiology and microdialysis were used to investigate the physiological role of 5-HT2C receptors in the control of substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) function. Extracellular single-unit recordings were performed from putative GABA-containing neurons in the SNr of anesthetized rats, and local GABA release was studied by in vivo microdialysis in the SNr of awake freely-moving rats. Systemic administration of the selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist (S)-2-(chloro-5-fluoro-indol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine 1:1 C4H4O4 (RO 60-0175) caused a dose-dependent excitation of about 30% of the SNr neurons recorded. However, the remaining neurons were either inhibited or unaffected by systemi…

Electrophysiological and neurochemical characterization of 7-nitroindazole and molsidomine acute and sub-chronic administration effects in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system in rats

Nicotine, the main psychoactive ingredient in tobacco, stimulates dopamine (DA) function, increasing DA neuronal activity and DA release. DA is involved in both motor control and in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of nicotine; however, the complete understanding of its molecular mechanisms is yet to be attained. Substantial evidence indicates that the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse, including nicotine, can be affected by the nitric oxide (NO) system, which may act by modulating central dopaminergic function. In this study, using single cell recordings in vivo coupled with microiontophoresis and microdialysis in freely moving animals, the role of NO signaling on the hyperacti…