Abstract

The selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) induces a large number of pharmacological effects. In the present study we demonstrate that a novel 8-OH-DPAT analog, (S)-5-fluoro-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin [(S)-UH-301], is able to antagonize completely the following (R)-8-OH-DPAT-induced effects in the rat: 1) reduction in brain 5-HT biosynthesis, measured as a decreased 5-hydroxytryptophan-accumulation after decarboxylase inhibition; 2) induction of the 5-HT1A behavior (flat body posture, forepaw treading and hindlimb abduction) in reserpine-pretreated animals; 3) reduction of body temperature; 4) inhibition of the cage-leaving response; and 5) reduction of 5-hydroxytryptophan- and quipazine-induced wet dog shakes. In addition, (S)-UH-301 reverses the 5-HT-induced inhibition of the forskolin stimulated cyclic AMP production in rat hippocampus without producing any effects per se in this assay. It is shown that high doses of (S)-UH-301 decrease rat brain biosynthesis of dopamine. These and previous data indicate that (S)-UH-301 also is a weakly potent dopamine-receptor agonist, but with a lower affinity for D2 as compared to 5-HT1A receptors. Thus, the data suggest that (S)-UH-301 is a 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist without intrinsic activity. Therefore, it is likely that (S)-UH-301 will become a valuable pharmacological tool in future 5-HT research.