Autoradiographic studies of 5-HT1A-receptor-stimulated [35S]GTPγS-binding responses in the human and monkey brain

G-protein activation mediated by serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in human and monkey brain was investigated by using quantitative autoradiography of agonist-stimulated [S-35]GTP gamma S binding to whole-hemisphere brain sections. [S-35]GTP gamma S binding was stimulated by the mixed 5-HT1A/1B/1D agonist L 694247 (10 mu M) in human brain regions enriched in 5-HT1A binding sites [e.g. hippocampus (132-137%), superficial layers of the neocortex (37-61%), and cingulate and entorhinal cortex (34 and 32%, respectively)]. L 694247 caused virtually no stimulation in regions with 5-HT1B/1D receptors, such as substantia nigra, caudate nucleus and putamen. Similar results were obtained with monkey brain sections. The L 694247-mediated [S-35]GTP gamma S-binding responses in human and monkey brain sections were antagonized by the selective, silent 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635 (10 mu M). The 5-HT1B inverse agonist SE 224289 (10 mu M) did not affect the [S-35]GTP gamma S-binding response of L 694247. The distribution pattern of the [S-35]GTP gamma S-binding response and the antagonist profile suggest the L 694247-induced response in human and monkey brain is mediated by 5-HT1A receptors. A weak stimulation of [S-35]GTP gamma S binding was also observed in human hippocampus with either 10 mu M 8-OH-DPAT (25 +/- 4%) Or naratriptan (42 +/- 2%) compared with that obtained with L 694247. In conclusion, G-protein activation by 5-HT1A receptors can be measured in human and monkey brain sections. L 694247 appears to possess higher efficacy at 5-HT1A receptors compared with 8-OH-DPAT and naratriptan.