Alessandra Rovescalli | National Institutes of Health (original) (raw)
Papers by Alessandra Rovescalli
in RNA from the testes. Nkx-1.2 mRNA was shown to be preset postmeiotic germ cells of the testis ... more in RNA from the testes. Nkx-1.2 mRNA was shown to be preset postmeiotic germ cells of the testis and in mature spermato Nkx-1.2 mRNA also was found in regions of the adult cere cortex, hippocampus, diencephalon, pons/medulla, and cere lum. Nkx-1.2 mRNA was found in embryos in highest abundan? 10-day embryos; the mRNA levels decrease during further de opment. Nkx-1.2 mRNA also was found in discrete zones of embryonic mesencephalon and myelencephalon. Sax-1 I transcription factors I embryo I brain I spermatozoa
Pharmacological Research Communications, 1988
Modern Problems of Pharmacopsychiatry, Feb 1, 1989
Advances in biochemical psychopharmacology
Advances in biochemical psychopharmacology
The behavioural and biochemical effects of reboxetine, an alpha-ariloxybenzyl derivative of morph... more The behavioural and biochemical effects of reboxetine, an alpha-ariloxybenzyl derivative of morpholine which possesses potent antireserpine activity and selective inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake, has been studied in rats for its potential antidepressant activity. These extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that reboxetine cominbes the inhibitory properties of classical tricyclic antidepressants on the reuptake of norepinephrine with an ability to desensitize beta adrenergic receptor function. It does not have appreciable interaction with muscarinic cholinergic and alpha1 adrenergic receptors. These neurochemical characteristics suggest that reboxetine may be expected to be therapeutically effective with a lower incidence of side effects than commonly seen with tricyclic antidepressants.
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, 1986
Psychopharmacology bulletin, 1986
New Directions in Affective Disorders, 1989
Pharmacological research communications, 1987
The substituted benzamides tiapride and sulpiride, and the classic neuroleptic haloperidol, were ... more The substituted benzamides tiapride and sulpiride, and the classic neuroleptic haloperidol, were studied in the rat to assess their interaction with the anterior pituitary (AP) dopamine (DA) receptors both in vitro ([3H]spiperone binding) and in vivo prolactin-PRL-release). Tiapride weakly inhibited [3H]spiperone binding in both pituitary and striatal membranes with affinity 5-7 times lower than sulpiride and 400-300 times lower than haloperidol. All three drugs were more potent in displacing [3H]spiperone from striatum than from AP. In vivo, tiapride produced weak and transient stimulation of PRL release reaching a full effect at 2 mg/kg i.p. Similar doses of sulpiride produced longer-lasting effects. Haloperidol was more potent than both benzamides. In prolonged treatments (15 or 60 days), tiapride, given twice daily at 0.5 mg/kg i.p., did not modify [3H]spiperone binding in either AP or striatum, nor did it induce significant changes of basal PRL levels. The challenge with a low ...
Modern problems of pharmacopsychiatry, 1989
Farmaco (Società chimica italiana : 1989), 1990
Replacement of the oxygen atom at 1-position in the hexahydronaphthoxazines (4, PHNO) with a sulf... more Replacement of the oxygen atom at 1-position in the hexahydronaphthoxazines (4, PHNO) with a sulfur or nitrogen atom leads to the hexahydronaphthiazines (6, PHNT) and octahydro-benzoquinoxalines (5, POBQ) respectively and the 9-OH-PHNT shows to have a high affinity towards D-2 dopamine receptors in the binding assays; the racemic 9-OH-PHNT was then resolved and its absolute configuration was determined by CD. Inactivity on D-2 receptors of (+)-9-OCH3-PHNT 12 confirms the validity of the McDermed receptor model.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 1987
The effects of tryptolines (TH beta Cs), putative endogenous compounds acting on the serotonergic... more The effects of tryptolines (TH beta Cs), putative endogenous compounds acting on the serotonergic function, have been studied on endocrine parameters in rats. In particular, graded doses of 5-methoxytryptoline (5-MeOT), 5-hydroxytryptoline (5-OHT) and tryptoline (Tp) were ip or iv administered to the animals and the circulating titers of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assayed either at 20 min or at various times after the injection of the compounds. The data herein reported show that TH beta Cs exert endocrine effects, at least in a pharmacological condition. However, the three compounds unequally affect anterior pituitary function. In fact, while 5-MeOT, 5-OHT and Tp all enhance plasma PRL concentrations in a quick, short lasting and dose-related manner, 5-MeOT and Tp induce also decreases of serum LH levels in ovariectomized rats, and 5-MeOT only is able to diminish plasma GH titers. These findings underline an endocrine effect for TH beta Cs in pharmacological conditions and may suggest a functional role for these compounds in the control of anterior pituitary function.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1987
Monophenolic 2-amino-1-indanones and 2-amino-1-tetralones having various substituents on the nitr... more Monophenolic 2-amino-1-indanones and 2-amino-1-tetralones having various substituents on the nitrogen atom were prepared and their activities in vitro on D 1 and D 2 dopaminergic receptors were assayed. All compounds were inactive in binding assays and this inactivity is ...
![Research paper thumbnail of Absence of [3H]SCH 23390 specific binding sites in anterior pituitary: Dissociation from effects on prolactin secretion](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/49377278/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](European Journal of Pharmacology, 1987
We extended a previous study that had shown the selective D 1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, at r... more We extended a previous study that had shown the selective D 1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, at relatively high doses, to stimulate prolactin (PRL) secretion in the rat and weakly inhibit [3H]spiperone binding to striatum and anterior pituitary (AP) membranes. No specific [3H]SCH 23390 binding sites, up to the micromolar range, were detected in rat AP while specific, saturable [3H]SCH 23390 binding sites (low nanomolar range) were observed in the striatum. In vivo SCH 23390 (1 mg/kg s.c.) induced higher plasma PRL levels, not reversible by the D 1 agonist SKF 38393. Similarly the postsynaptic serotonin (5-HT) antagonists metergoline and cyproheptadine did not influence the SCH 23390 effect on PRL. SCH 23390 was also unable to antagonize the decrease of PRL secretion induced by the selective D 2 agonist LY 171555, However this latter compound prevented SCH 23390 as well as sulpiride from increasing the PRL concentrations above the control values. These data rule out the possibility that D 1 or 5-HT receptors mediate the stimulation of PRL release by SCH 23390. This effect is more likely to be due to a weak indirect interaction with AP-D 2 receptors, as indicated by the non-competitive inhibition of [3H]spiperone binding to AP exerted by SCH 23390. Alternatively, non-specific mechanisms triggered by the multiple behavioral changes elicited by such high doses of SCH 23390 may be involved.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, 2007
RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to be a powerful method to study the function of genes in ... more RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to be a powerful method to study the function of genes in vivo by silencing endogenous mRNA with double-stranded (ds) RNA. Previously, we performed in vivo RNAi screening and identified 43 Drosophila genes, including 18 novel genes required for the development of the embryonic nervous system. In the present study, 22 additional genes affecting embryonic nervous system development were found. Novel RNAiinduced phenotypes affecting nervous system development were found for 16 of the 22 genes. Seven of the genes have unknown functions. Other genes found encode transcription factors, a chromatin-remodeling protein, membrane receptors, signaling molecules, and proteins involved in cell adhesion, RNA binding, and ion transport. Human orthologs were identified for proteins encoded by 16 of the genes. The total number of dsRNAs that we have tested for an RNAi-induced phenotype affecting the embryonic nervous system, including our previous study, is 7,312, which corresponds to Ϸ50% of the genes in the Drosophila genome.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, 1996
Four novel murine homeobox genes, Uncx-4.1, OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12, were cloned and partially sequ... more Four novel murine homeobox genes, Uncx-4.1, OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12, were cloned and partially sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the mouse Uncx-4.1 homeodomain is closely related to the sequence of the unc-4 homeodomain of Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12 homeodomains are relatively diverged and are not closely related to any previously described homeodomain. Northern blot analyses revealed multiple bands of Uncx-4.1, OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12 poly(A)+ RNA in RNA from mouse embryos and adults that change during development and showed that each gene is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. OG-12 cDNAs were cloned that correspond to two alternatively spliced species of OG-12 mRNA. Three major bands of Uncx-4.1 poly(A)+ RNA were found only in RNA from adult mouse brain, but an additional band was observed in RNA from all of the other tissues tested. Major bands of OG-9 and OG-2 poly(A)+ RNA were found only in RNA from striated muscle; however, trace bands were detected in RNA from other tissues.
in RNA from the testes. Nkx-1.2 mRNA was shown to be preset postmeiotic germ cells of the testis ... more in RNA from the testes. Nkx-1.2 mRNA was shown to be preset postmeiotic germ cells of the testis and in mature spermato Nkx-1.2 mRNA also was found in regions of the adult cere cortex, hippocampus, diencephalon, pons/medulla, and cere lum. Nkx-1.2 mRNA was found in embryos in highest abundan? 10-day embryos; the mRNA levels decrease during further de opment. Nkx-1.2 mRNA also was found in discrete zones of embryonic mesencephalon and myelencephalon. Sax-1 I transcription factors I embryo I brain I spermatozoa
Pharmacological Research Communications, 1988
Modern Problems of Pharmacopsychiatry, Feb 1, 1989
Advances in biochemical psychopharmacology
Advances in biochemical psychopharmacology
The behavioural and biochemical effects of reboxetine, an alpha-ariloxybenzyl derivative of morph... more The behavioural and biochemical effects of reboxetine, an alpha-ariloxybenzyl derivative of morpholine which possesses potent antireserpine activity and selective inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake, has been studied in rats for its potential antidepressant activity. These extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that reboxetine cominbes the inhibitory properties of classical tricyclic antidepressants on the reuptake of norepinephrine with an ability to desensitize beta adrenergic receptor function. It does not have appreciable interaction with muscarinic cholinergic and alpha1 adrenergic receptors. These neurochemical characteristics suggest that reboxetine may be expected to be therapeutically effective with a lower incidence of side effects than commonly seen with tricyclic antidepressants.
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, 1986
Psychopharmacology bulletin, 1986
New Directions in Affective Disorders, 1989
Pharmacological research communications, 1987
The substituted benzamides tiapride and sulpiride, and the classic neuroleptic haloperidol, were ... more The substituted benzamides tiapride and sulpiride, and the classic neuroleptic haloperidol, were studied in the rat to assess their interaction with the anterior pituitary (AP) dopamine (DA) receptors both in vitro ([3H]spiperone binding) and in vivo prolactin-PRL-release). Tiapride weakly inhibited [3H]spiperone binding in both pituitary and striatal membranes with affinity 5-7 times lower than sulpiride and 400-300 times lower than haloperidol. All three drugs were more potent in displacing [3H]spiperone from striatum than from AP. In vivo, tiapride produced weak and transient stimulation of PRL release reaching a full effect at 2 mg/kg i.p. Similar doses of sulpiride produced longer-lasting effects. Haloperidol was more potent than both benzamides. In prolonged treatments (15 or 60 days), tiapride, given twice daily at 0.5 mg/kg i.p., did not modify [3H]spiperone binding in either AP or striatum, nor did it induce significant changes of basal PRL levels. The challenge with a low ...
Modern problems of pharmacopsychiatry, 1989
Farmaco (Società chimica italiana : 1989), 1990
Replacement of the oxygen atom at 1-position in the hexahydronaphthoxazines (4, PHNO) with a sulf... more Replacement of the oxygen atom at 1-position in the hexahydronaphthoxazines (4, PHNO) with a sulfur or nitrogen atom leads to the hexahydronaphthiazines (6, PHNT) and octahydro-benzoquinoxalines (5, POBQ) respectively and the 9-OH-PHNT shows to have a high affinity towards D-2 dopamine receptors in the binding assays; the racemic 9-OH-PHNT was then resolved and its absolute configuration was determined by CD. Inactivity on D-2 receptors of (+)-9-OCH3-PHNT 12 confirms the validity of the McDermed receptor model.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 1987
The effects of tryptolines (TH beta Cs), putative endogenous compounds acting on the serotonergic... more The effects of tryptolines (TH beta Cs), putative endogenous compounds acting on the serotonergic function, have been studied on endocrine parameters in rats. In particular, graded doses of 5-methoxytryptoline (5-MeOT), 5-hydroxytryptoline (5-OHT) and tryptoline (Tp) were ip or iv administered to the animals and the circulating titers of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assayed either at 20 min or at various times after the injection of the compounds. The data herein reported show that TH beta Cs exert endocrine effects, at least in a pharmacological condition. However, the three compounds unequally affect anterior pituitary function. In fact, while 5-MeOT, 5-OHT and Tp all enhance plasma PRL concentrations in a quick, short lasting and dose-related manner, 5-MeOT and Tp induce also decreases of serum LH levels in ovariectomized rats, and 5-MeOT only is able to diminish plasma GH titers. These findings underline an endocrine effect for TH beta Cs in pharmacological conditions and may suggest a functional role for these compounds in the control of anterior pituitary function.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1987
Monophenolic 2-amino-1-indanones and 2-amino-1-tetralones having various substituents on the nitr... more Monophenolic 2-amino-1-indanones and 2-amino-1-tetralones having various substituents on the nitrogen atom were prepared and their activities in vitro on D 1 and D 2 dopaminergic receptors were assayed. All compounds were inactive in binding assays and this inactivity is ...
European Journal of Pharmacology, 1987
We extended a previous study that had shown the selective D 1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, at r... more We extended a previous study that had shown the selective D 1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, at relatively high doses, to stimulate prolactin (PRL) secretion in the rat and weakly inhibit [3H]spiperone binding to striatum and anterior pituitary (AP) membranes. No specific [3H]SCH 23390 binding sites, up to the micromolar range, were detected in rat AP while specific, saturable [3H]SCH 23390 binding sites (low nanomolar range) were observed in the striatum. In vivo SCH 23390 (1 mg/kg s.c.) induced higher plasma PRL levels, not reversible by the D 1 agonist SKF 38393. Similarly the postsynaptic serotonin (5-HT) antagonists metergoline and cyproheptadine did not influence the SCH 23390 effect on PRL. SCH 23390 was also unable to antagonize the decrease of PRL secretion induced by the selective D 2 agonist LY 171555, However this latter compound prevented SCH 23390 as well as sulpiride from increasing the PRL concentrations above the control values. These data rule out the possibility that D 1 or 5-HT receptors mediate the stimulation of PRL release by SCH 23390. This effect is more likely to be due to a weak indirect interaction with AP-D 2 receptors, as indicated by the non-competitive inhibition of [3H]spiperone binding to AP exerted by SCH 23390. Alternatively, non-specific mechanisms triggered by the multiple behavioral changes elicited by such high doses of SCH 23390 may be involved.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, 2007
RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to be a powerful method to study the function of genes in ... more RNA interference (RNAi) has been shown to be a powerful method to study the function of genes in vivo by silencing endogenous mRNA with double-stranded (ds) RNA. Previously, we performed in vivo RNAi screening and identified 43 Drosophila genes, including 18 novel genes required for the development of the embryonic nervous system. In the present study, 22 additional genes affecting embryonic nervous system development were found. Novel RNAiinduced phenotypes affecting nervous system development were found for 16 of the 22 genes. Seven of the genes have unknown functions. Other genes found encode transcription factors, a chromatin-remodeling protein, membrane receptors, signaling molecules, and proteins involved in cell adhesion, RNA binding, and ion transport. Human orthologs were identified for proteins encoded by 16 of the genes. The total number of dsRNAs that we have tested for an RNAi-induced phenotype affecting the embryonic nervous system, including our previous study, is 7,312, which corresponds to Ϸ50% of the genes in the Drosophila genome.
Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences, 1996
Four novel murine homeobox genes, Uncx-4.1, OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12, were cloned and partially sequ... more Four novel murine homeobox genes, Uncx-4.1, OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12, were cloned and partially sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the mouse Uncx-4.1 homeodomain is closely related to the sequence of the unc-4 homeodomain of Caenorhabditis elegans. However, the OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12 homeodomains are relatively diverged and are not closely related to any previously described homeodomain. Northern blot analyses revealed multiple bands of Uncx-4.1, OG-2, OG-9, and OG-12 poly(A)+ RNA in RNA from mouse embryos and adults that change during development and showed that each gene is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. OG-12 cDNAs were cloned that correspond to two alternatively spliced species of OG-12 mRNA. Three major bands of Uncx-4.1 poly(A)+ RNA were found only in RNA from adult mouse brain, but an additional band was observed in RNA from all of the other tissues tested. Major bands of OG-9 and OG-2 poly(A)+ RNA were found only in RNA from striated muscle; however, trace bands were detected in RNA from other tissues.