Abstract:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe stress-related psychiatric condition triggered by traumatic life-threatening events, characterized notably by an altered memory profile. Although clinically well-documented, no specific biomarker exists. This translational study identifies plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as a brain risk factor for PTSD, thereby supporting its potential as a blood-derived biomarker. Mice with genetically ablated PAI-1 were protected from developing a PTSD-like memory profile. Conversely, mice exhibiting PTSD-like cognitive impairment showed increased blood PAI-1 levels, correlating with their profile severity. In the brain, PAI-1 levels were specifically increased in the dorsal hippocampus, a key region for cognitive functions and in the etiology of PTSD. Finally, a longitudinal study of soldiers revealed that those developing PTSD symptoms exhibit rising blood PAI-1 levels over a 12-month period. Its significant association with various indicators of PTSD-related psychological distress attests to PAI-1's potential as a blood biomarker and brain therapeutic target for PTSD.

Abstract:
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is widespread, and there is no pharmacotherapy to facilitate its treatment. AEF0117, the first of a new pharmacological class, is a signaling-specific inhibitor of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)-SSi). AEF0117 selectively inhibits a subset of intracellular effects resulting from Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) binding without modifying behavior per se. In mice and non-human primates, AEF0117 decreased cannabinoid self-administration and THC-related behavioral impairment without producing significant adverse effects. In single-ascending-dose (0.2 mg, 0.6 mg, 2 mg and 6 mg; n = 40) and multiple-ascending-dose (0.6 mg, 2 mg and 6 mg; n = 24) phase 1 trials, healthy volunteers were randomized to ascending-dose cohorts (n = 8 per cohort; 6:2 AEF0117 to placebo randomization). In both studies, AEF0117 was safe and well tolerated (primary outcome measurements). In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover phase 2a trial, volunteers with CUD were randomized to two ascending-dose cohorts (0.06 mg, n = 14; 1 mg, n = 15). AEF0117 significantly reduced cannabis' positive subjective effects (primary outcome measurement, assessed by visual analog scales) by 19% (0.06 mg) and 38% (1 mg) compared to placebo (P < 0.04). AEF0117 (1 mg) also reduced cannabis self-administration (P < 0.05). In volunteers with CUD, AEF0117 was well tolerated and did not precipitate cannabis withdrawal. These data suggest that AEF0117 is a safe and potentially efficacious treatment for CUD.ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03325595 , NCT03443895 and NCT03717272 .

Abstract:
The central serotonin(2B) receptor (5-HT(2B)R) modulates 5-HT and dopamine (DA) neuronal function in the mammalian brain and has been suggested as a potential target for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders involving derangements of these monoamine systems, such as schizophrenia, cocaine abuse and dependence and major depressive disorder. Studies in rats and mice yielded contrasting results on the control of 5-HT/DA networks by 5-HT(2B)Rs, thereby leading to opposite views on the therapeutic potential of 5-HT(2B)R agents for treating the above disorders. These discrepancies may result from anatomo-functional differences related to a different cellular location of 5-HT(2B)Rs in rat and mouse brain. Using immunohistochemistry, we assessed this hypothesis by examining the expression of 5-HT(2B)Rs in 5-HT and GABAergic neurons of rats and mice within different subregions of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), currently considered as the main site of action of 5-HT(2B) agents. Likewise, using in vivo microdialysis, we examined their functional relevance in the control of DRN 5-HT outflow, a surrogate index of 5-HT neuronal activity. In the DRN of both species, 5-HT(2B)Rs are expressed in 5-HT cells expressing tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH(2)), in GABAergic cells expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), and in cells expressing both markers (GAD67 & TPH(2); i.e., GABA-expressing 5-HT neurons). The proportion of 5-HT(2B)R-positive cells expressing only TPH(2) was significantly larger in mouse than in rat DRN, whereas the opposite holds true for the expression in cells expressing GAD67 & TPH(2). No major species differences were found in the dorsal and ventral subregions. In contrast, the lateral subregion exhibited large differences, with a predominant expression of 5-HT(2B)Rs in TPH(2)-positive cells in mice (67.2 vs 19.9 % in rats), associated with a lower expression in GAD67 & TPH(2) cells (7.9 % in mice vs 41.5 % in rats). Intra-DRN (0.1 μM) administration of the preferential 5-HT(2B)R agonist BW 723C86 decreased and increased DRN 5-HT outflow in rats and mice respectively, both effects being prevented by the intra-DRN perfusion of the selective 5-HT(2B)R antagonist RS 127445 (0.1 μM). Altogether, these results show the existence of anatomical differences in the cellular expression of 5-HT(2B)Rs in the rat and mouse DRN, which translate into an opposite control of 5-HT outflow. Also, they highlight the relevance of the subset of GAD67-positive 5-HT neurons as a key factor responsible for the functional differences between rats and mice in terms of 5-HT neuronal activity modulation.

Abstract:
Serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) antagonists inhibit cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion independently of changes of accumbal dopamine (DA) release. Given the tight relationship between accumbal DA activity and locomotion, and the inhibitory role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) DA on subcortical DA neurotransmission and DA-dependent behaviors, it has been suggested that the suppressive effect of 5-HT2BR antagonists on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion may result from an activation of mPFC DA outflow which would subsequently inhibit accumbal DA neurotransmission. Here, we tested this hypothesis by means of the two selective 5-HT2BR antagonists, RS 127445 and LY 266097, using a combination of neurochemical, behavioral and cellular approaches in male rats. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg) or LY 266097 (0.63 mg/kg) potentiated cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced mPFC DA outflow. The suppressant effect of RS 127445 on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion was no longer observed in rats with local 6-OHDA lesions in the mPFC. Also, RS 127445 blocked cocaine-induced changes of accumbal glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3beta phosphorylation, a postsynaptic cellular marker of DA neurotransmission. Finally, in keeping with the location of 5-HT2BRs on GABAergic interneurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), the intra-DRN perfusion of the GABAAR antagonist bicuculline (100 muM) prevented the effect of the systemic or local (1 muM, intra-DRN) administration of RS 127445 on cocaine-induced mPFC DA outflow. Likewise, intra-DRN bicuculline injection (0.1 mug/0.2 mul) prevented the effect of the systemic RS 127445 administration on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion and GSK3beta phosphorylation. These results show that DRN 5-HT2BR blockade suppresses cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion by potentiation of cocaine-induced DA outflow in the mPFC and the subsequent inhibition of accumbal DA neurotransmission.

Abstract:
The central serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) is a well-established modulator of dopamine (DA) neuron activity in the rodent brain. Recent studies in rats have shown that the effect of 5-HT2BR antagonists on accumbal and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) DA outflow results from a primary action in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), where they activate 5-HT neurons innervating the mPFC. Although the mechanisms underlying this interaction remain largely unknown, data in the literature suggest the involvement of DRN GABAergic interneurons in the control of 5-HT activity. The present study examined this hypothesis using in vivo (intracerebral microdialysis) and in vitro (immunohistochemistry coupled to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) experimental approaches in rats. Intraperitoneal (0.16mg/kg) or intra-DRN (1muM) administration of the selective 5-HT2BR antagonist RS 127445 increased 5-HT outflow in both the DRN and the mPFC, these effects being prevented by the intra-DRN perfusion of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (100muM), as well as by the subcutaneous (0.16mg/kg) or the intra-DRN (0.1muM) administration of the selective 5-HT1AR antagonist WAY 100635. The increase in DRN 5-HT outflow induced by the intra-DRN administration of the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor citalopram (0.1muM) was potentiated by the intra-DRN administration (0.5muM) of RS 127445 only in the absence of bicuculline perfusion. Finally, in vitro experiments revealed the presence of the 5-HT2BR mRNA on DRN GABAergic interneurons. Altogether, these results show that, in the rat DRN, 5-HT2BRs are located on GABAergic interneurons, and exert a tonic inhibitory control on 5-HT neurons innervating the mPFC.

Abstract:
The serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR), which was first cloned and characterized in the rat stomach fundus, is the most recent addition to the 5-HT2R family. While its involvement in the regulation of gastrointestinal, vascular, pulmonary and cardiac physiology has been widely investigated, its functional role within the central nervous system (CNS) has received much less attention. Nevertheless, when considering the data available in the literature with regards to the regulatory control exerted by the central 5-HT2BR on dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neuron activity, a very interesting picture emerges and highlights the key role of these receptors for future therapeutic strategies of DA-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, the present review, by compiling molecular, biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral findings from the literature of the past twenty years, aims at providing a sound analysis of the current knowledge supporting the interest of the central 5-HT2BR for future therapeutic avenues. First, we recall the neuroanatomical and functional data supporting the therapeutic relevance of the 5-HT/DA interaction in the CNS. Thereafter, after a short overview of the central expression and molecular properties of the 5-HT2BR, as well as of the 5-HT2BR agonists and antagonists available in the market, we will focus on the functional role of this receptor in the control of 5-HT, DA and neuroglia activity in the rodent brain. Finally, the therapeutic potential of 5-HT2BR antagonists for improved treatment of schizophrenia and drug addiction will be discussed.

Abstract:
Recent studies have shown that serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) antagonists exert opposite facilitatory and inhibitory effects on dopamine (DA) release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc), respectively, thereby leading to the proposal that these compounds could provide an interesting pharmacological tool for treating schizophrenia. Although the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown, several data in the literature suggest that 5-HT1ARs located into the mPFC could participate in this interaction. The present study, using in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiological recordings in rats, assessed this hypothesis by means of two selective 5-HT1AR (WAY 100635) and 5-HT2BR (RS 127445) antagonists. WAY 100635, administered either subcutaneously (0.16 mg/kg, s.c) or locally into the mPFC (0.1 muM), blocked the changes of mPFC and NAc DA release induced by the intraperitoneal administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.). The administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.) increased both dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5-HT neuron firing rate and 5-HT outflow in the mPFC. Likewise, mPFC 5-HT outflow was increased following the intra-DRN injection of RS 127445 (0.032 mug/0.2 mul). Finally, intra-DRN injection of RS 127445 increased and decreased DA outflow in the mPFC and the NAc, respectively, these effects being reversed by the intra-mPFC perfusion of WAY 100635. These results demonstrate the existence of a functional interplay between mPFC 5-HT1ARs and DRN 5-HT2BRs in the control of the DA mesocorticolimbic system, and highlight the clinical interest of this interaction, as both receptors represent an important pharmacological target for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Abstract:
Recent studies suggest that the central serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) could be an interesting pharmacological target for treating neuropsychiatric disorders related to dopamine (DA) dysfunction, such as schizophrenia. Thus, the present study was aimed at characterizing the role of 5-HT2BRs in the control of ascending DA pathway activity. Using neurochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral approaches, we assessed the effects of two selective 5-HT2BR antagonists, RS 127445 and LY 266097, on in vivo DA outflow in DA-innervated regions, on mesencephalic DA neuronal firing, as well as in behavioral tests predictive of antipsychotic efficacy and tolerability, such as phencyclidine (PCP)-induced deficit in novel object recognition (NOR) test, PCP-induced hyperlocomotion and catalepsy. Both RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.) and LY 266097 (0.63 mg/kg, i.p.) increased DA outflow in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). RS 127445, devoid of effect in the striatum, decreased DA outflow in the nucleus accumbens, and potentiated haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced increase in mPFC DA outflow. Also, RS 127445 decreased the firing rate of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area, but had no effect in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Finally, both RS 127445 and LY 266097 reversed PCP-induced deficit in NOR test, and reduced PCP-induced hyperlocomotion, without inducing catalepsy. These results demonstrate that 5-HT2BRs exert a differential control on DA pathway activity, and suggest that 5-HT2BR antagonists could represent a new class of drugs for improved treatment of schizophrenia, with an ideal profile of effects expected to alleviate cognitive and positive symptoms, without eliciting extrapyramidal symptoms.

Abstract:
The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) modulates numerous neurobehavioral processes and is therefore explored as a target for the treatment of several mental and neurological diseases. However, previous studies have investigated CB1 by targeting it globally, regardless of its two main neuronal localizations on glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. In the context of cocaine addiction this lack of selectivity is critical since glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal transmission is involved in different aspects of the disease. To determine whether CB1 exerts different control on cocaine-seeking according to its two main neuronal localizations, we used mutant mice with deleted CB1 in cortical glutamatergic neurons (Glu-CB1) or in forebrain GABAergic neurons (GABA-CB1). In Glu-CB1, gene deletion concerns the dorsal telencephalon, including neocortex, paleocortex, archicortex, hippocampal formation and the cortical portions of the amygdala. In GABA-CB1, it concerns several cortical and non-cortical areas including the dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens, thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei. We tested complementary components of cocaine self-administration, separating the influence of primary and conditioned effects. Mechanisms underlying each phenotype were explored using in vivo microdialysis and ex vivo electrophysiology. We show that CB1 expression in forebrain GABAergic neurons controls mouse sensitivity to cocaine, while CB1 expression in cortical glutamatergic neurons controls associative learning processes. In accordance, in the nucleus accumbens, GABA-CB1 receptors control cocaine-induced dopamine release and Glu-CB1 receptors control AMPAR/NMDAR ratio; a marker of synaptic plasticity. Our findings demonstrate a critical distinction of the altered balance of Glu-CB1 and GABA-CB1 activity that could participate in the vulnerability to cocaine abuse and addiction. Moreover, these novel insights advance our understanding of CB1 neuropathophysiology.Neuropsychopharmacology accepted article preview online, 27 November 2015. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.351.

Abstract:
The central serotonin2B receptor (5-HT2BR) is currently considered as an interesting pharmacological target for improved treatment of drug addiction. In the present study, we assessed the effect of two selective 5-HT2BR antagonists, RS 127445 and LY 266097, on cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion and dopamine (DA) outflow in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the dorsal striatum of freely moving rats. The peripheral administration of RS 127445 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.) or LY 266097 (0.63 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced basal DA outflow in the NAc shell, but had no effect on cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced DA outflow in this brain region. Also, RS 127445 failed to modify both basal and cocaine-induced DA outflow in the NAc core and the dorsal striatum. Conversely, both 5-HT2BR antagonists reduced cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion. Furthermore, RS 127445 as well as the DA-R antagonist haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced significantly the late-onset hyperlocomotion induced by the DA-R agonist quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.). Altogether, these results demonstrate that 5-HT2BR blockade inhibits cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion independently of changes of subcortical DA outflow. This interaction takes place downstream to DA neurons and could involve an action at the level of dorsostriatal and/or NAc DA transmission, in keeping with the importance of these brain regions in the behavioural responses of cocaine. Overall, this study affords additional knowledge into the regulatory control exerted by the 5-HT2BR on ascending DA pathways, and provides additional support to the proposed role of 5-HT2BRs as a new pharmacological target in drug addiction.