Biomedical subjects

M J Millan

Publications and source records attributed to M J Millan.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Discriminative stimulus properties of the dopamine D3 receptor agonists, PD128,907 and 7-OH-DPAT: a comparative characterization with novel ligands at D3 versus D2 receptors.

Rats were trained to recognize a discriminative stimulus (DS) elicited by the preferential dopamine D3 receptor agonists, PD128,907 (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.) and 7-OH-DPAT (0.16 mg/kg, i.p.). PD128,907 and 7-OH-DPAT showed "full" (> or = 80%) and mutual generalization. Chemically-diverse, preferential D3 versus D2 agonists, quinelorane, CGS15855A, pramipexole, ropinirole and piribedil, generalized to PD128,907 (and 7-OH-DPAT) in this order of potency, which correlated more strongly with affinity/activity at cloned human (h)D3 (r=0.68/0.81, n=7) than hD2 (0.27/0.64, n=7) receptors. Further, generalization potency strongly correlated with potency for suppression of response rates (0.86), induction of hypothermia (0.92), reduction of striatal dopamine turnover (0.92) and diminution of immobility in a forced-swim procedure (0.97). Nafadotride, UH232 and AJ76, which show a mild preference for D3 versus D2 sites, blocked the PD128,907 DS, and the modestly-selective D3 antagonist, U99194A, was partially effective. Both nafadotride and U99194A blocked the 7-OH-DPAT DS. However, antagonist potency (n=4) versus PD128,907 correlated better with affinity at D2 (0.89) versus D3 (0.27) sites. Further, whereas the preferential D2 versus D3 antagonist, L741,626, antagonized the PD128,907 DS, the selective D3 antagonists, S11566, S14297 (its eutomer) and GR218,231 were ineffective against PD128907 and 7-OH-DPAT DS. S11566 and GR218,231 likewise did not generalize to PD128,907. In conclusion, under the present conditions, D2 receptors are principally implicated in the DS properties of PD128,907 and 7-OH-DPAT.

2-Naphthylamine↗

PubMed2000

Blockade of NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens elicits spontaneous tail-flicks in rats.

The open channel blocker at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, dizocilpine, stereospecifically elicited spontaneous tail-flicks in rats - a reaction similar to those elicited by other drugs (tenocyclidine, phencyclidine and ketamine) acting as open channel blockers. Their relative potencies were strongly correlated with affinities at NMDA binding sites and labeled by [3H]dizocilpine in the frontal cortex (r=0.94) and, as determined previously [Millan, M. J., Seguin, L., 1994. Chemically-diverse ligands at the glycine B site coupled to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors selectively block the late phase of formalin-induced pain in mice, Neurosci. Lett., 178 (1994) 139-143], potency for eliciting antinociception (0. 93). The competitive antagonists at the NMDA receptor recognition site, (+/-)3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP), 4-phosphonomethyl-2-piperidine carboxylic acid (CGS19755), D, L-(E)-2-amino-4-methylphosphono-3-pentanoic acid (CGP37849) and (3E)-1-ethyl ester-2-amino-4-methyl-5-phosphono-3-pentenoic acid (CGP39551), likewise dose-dependently evoked spontaneous tail-flick. In contrast, antagonists/weak partial agonists at the coupled, glycine B site, 7-chloro-4-hydroxy-3-(3-phenoxy) phenyl-2(H)-quinolinone (L701,324), (+)-1-hydroxy-3-aminopyrrolidine-2-one ((+)-HA966), (3R, 4R)-3-amino-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (L687,414), 6, 7-dichloro-1, 4-dihydro-5-nitro, 2,3 quinoxalinedione (ACEA1021) and 2-carboxy-4,6-dichloro (1H)-indole-3-propanoic acid (MDL29,951), were inactive. NMDA abolished induction of spontaneous tail-flick by CPP and CGS19755, but not by dizocilpine. Upon bilateral injection into the nucleus accumbens, dizocilpine immediately and dose-dependently elicited spontaneous tail-flick, but it was ineffective in the ventrotegmental area and striatum. Similarly, injection of CPP into the nucleus accumbens elicited spontaneous tail-flick. Neither dizocilpine nor CPP elicited spontaneous tail-flick upon administration onto lumbar spinal cord. In conclusion, a pharmacologically specific spontaneous tail-flick-response is elicited by both open channel blockers and recognition site antagonists, but not glycine B site antagonists, at NMDA receptors. Their actions, mediated in the nucleus accumbens, may be differentiated by their respective resistance and sensitivity to NMDA.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Agonist and antagonist actions of yohimbine as compared to fluparoxan at alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (AR)s, serotonin (5-HT)(1A), 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(1D) and dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors. Significance for the modulation of frontocortical monoaminergic transmission and depressive states.

Herein, we evaluate the interaction of the alpha(2)-AR antagonist, yohimbine, as compared to fluparoxan, at multiple monoaminergic receptors and examine their roles in the modulation of adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission in freely-moving rats. Yohimbine displays marked affinity at human (h)alpha(2A)-, halpha(2B)- and halpha(2C)-ARs, significant affinity for h5-HT(1A), h5-HT(1B), h5-HT(1D), and hD(2) receptors and weak affinity for hD(3) receptors. In [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding protocols, yohimbine exerts antagonist actions at halpha(2A)-AR, h5-HT(1B), h5-HT(1D), and hD(2) sites, yet partial agonist actions at h5-HT(1A) sites. In vivo, agonist actions of yohimbine at 5-HT(1A) sites are revealed by WAY100,635-reversible induction of hypothermia in the rat. In guinea pigs, antagonist actions of yohimbine at 5-HT(1B) receptors are revealed by blockade of hypothermia evoked by the 5-HT(1B) agonist, GR46,611. In distinction to yohimbine, fluparoxan shows only modest partial agonist actions at h5-HT(1A) sites versus marked antagonist actions at halpha(2)-ARs. While fluparoxan selectively enhances hippocampal noradrenaline (NAD) turnover, yohimbine also enhances striatal dopamine (DA) turnover and suppresses striatal turnover of 5-HT. Further, yohimbine decreases firing of serotonergic neurones in raphe nuclei, an action reversed by WAY100,635. Fluparoxan increases extracellular levels of DA and NAD, but not 5-HT, in frontal cortex. In analogy, yohimbine enhances FCX levels of DA and NAD, yet suppresses those of 5-HT, the latter effect being antagonized by WAY100,635. The induction by fluoxetine of FCX levels of 5-HT, DA, and NAD is potentiated by fluparoxan. Yohimbine likewise facilitates the influence of fluoxetine upon DA and NAD levels, but not those of 5-HT. In conclusion, the alpha(2)-AR antagonist properties of yohimbine increase DA and NAD levels both alone and in association with fluoxetine. However, in contrast to the selective alpha(2)-AR antagonist, fluparoxan, the 5-HT(1A) agonist actions of yohimbine suppress 5-HT levels alone and underlie its inability to augment the influence of fluoxetine upon 5-HT levels.

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists↗

PubMed2000

[3H]S33084: a novel, selective and potent radioligand at cloned, human dopamine D3 receptors.

The novel, selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist, S33084 [(3aR,9bS)-N[4-(8-cyano- 1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydro-3H-benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrole-2-yl)-butyl] (4-phenyl)benzamide], was tritium-labelled to 59 Ci/mmol specific activity. Determination of association and dissociation rate constants at recombinant, human (h) D3 receptors stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells yielded a Kd value (0.16 nM) comparable to that observed in saturation binding experiments (0.17 nM). The competition binding profile of [3H]S33084 with diverse D3 receptor agonists and antagonists correlated highly (0.99) with that of [3H]spiperone. In conclusion, [3H]S33084 is a highly potent and selective radioligand at dopamine D3 receptors, which should be of considerable use for their characterisation.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Antagonist properties of the novel antipsychotic, S16924, at cloned, human serotonin 5-HT2C receptors: a parallel phosphatidylinositol and calcium accumulation comparison with clozapine and haloperidol.

The novel benzopyranopyrrolidine and potential antipsychotic, S16924 ((+)-2-[[1-[2-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[ 1,4] dioxin-5-yloxy)-ethyl]-pyrrolidin-3yl]]-1-(4-fluoro-ph enyl)-ethanone), displays marked affinity for serotonin (5-HT)1A, 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptors. Herein, we show that it also possesses high affinity for the cloned, INI isoform of h5-HT2c receptors (pKi=8.28) stably expressed in CHO cells. Similarly, clozapine (8.04) was a potent ligand, whereas haloperidol (<6.0) showed low affinity. As demonstrated by fura2-detection, S16924 concentration-dependently abolished (pKb=7.93) the 5HT-induced elevation in intracellular levels of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in a CHO cell line stably expressing the INI isoform of 5-HT2c receptors. Further, as determined by depletion of membrane-bound levels of pre-labelled [3H]phosphatidylinositols ([3H]PI), S16924 concentration-dependently, surmountably and competitively blocked the activation of phospholipase C by 5-HT. This action was expressed with a pA2 of 7.89 according to Schild analysis. Clozapine likewise inhibited 5-HT-induced alterations in [Ca2+]i and [3H]PI levels with pKbs of 7.43 and 7.84, respectively, whereas haloperidol was inactive (<5.0 in each case). Applied alone, S 16924, clozapine and haloperidol modified levels of neither [Ca2+]i nor [3H]PI. In conclusion, in analogy to clozapine, and in contrast to haloperidol, S16924 behaves as a potent and competitive antagonist at h5-HT2c receptors, the blockade of which may contribute to its distinctive functional profile of activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

An innovative method for rapid characterisation of phospholipase C activity: SB242,084 competitively antagonises 5-HT2C receptor-mediated [3H]phosphatidylinositol depletion.

6-chloro-5-methyl-1-[6-(2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy) pyridin-3-ylcarbamoyl] indoline (SB242,084) is a novel, selective 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist, but its actions at these sites have been little characterised at the cellular level. We employed a rapid and innovative approach to investigate its functional activity at phospholipase C (PLC)-coupled human 5-HT(2C) receptors expressed in CHO cells. PLC activity was determined as a decrease in the [3H]phosphatidylinositol ([3H]PI) content of cell membranes. Serotonin (5-HT) stimulated [3H]PI depletion (pEC50=8.74), and SB242,084, like mesulergine, completely reversed this action of 5-HT (pK(B)=9.25 and 9.01, respectively). Further, in Schild analysis, SB242,084 behaved as a high affinity competitive antagonist, inducing a parallel, rightward displacement of the 5-HT stimulation isotherm without loss of maximum efficacy. The pA2 of 9.50 was similar to its binding affinity (pKi=9.38). SB242,084 also displayed antagonist properties when PLC activity was examined by conventional determination of [3H]inositol phosphate generation. Employing this parameter, the potency of SB242,084 (pK(B)=9.21) and that of mesulergine (pK(B)=9.06) closely resembled those determined by [3H]PI depletion. In conclusion, determination of [3H]PI depletion constitutes a useful and novel technique to characterise agonist and antagonist properties of ligands at PLC-coupled receptors.

Aminopyridines↗

PubMed2000

The selective serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor ligand, S15535, displays anxiolytic-like effects in the social interaction and Vogel models and suppresses dialysate levels of 5-HT in the dorsal hippocampus of freely-moving rats. A comparison with other anxiolytic agents.

RATIONALE: The benzodioxane, S15535, possesses low intrinsic activity and marked selectivity at 5-HT1A receptors, hippocampal populations of which are implicated in anxious states. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we examined its potential anxiolytic actions in relation to its influence upon extracellular levels of 5-HT in the dorsal hippocampus of freely-moving rats. Its effects were compared with those of other anxiolytic agents: the 5-HT1A agonists, buspirone and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin HBr (8-OH-DPAT), the 5-HT2C antagonist, SB206,553 and the benzodiazepine, diazepam. METHODS: Potential anxiolytic actions were evaluated in the Vogel conflict paradigm (increase in punished responses) and the social interaction (SI) test (increase in active SI) in rats. Extracellular levels of 5-HT were determined by microdialysis. RESULTS: In analogy to diazepam. S15535 increased punished responses in the Vogel test. This action was dose dependently expressed over a broad (16-fold) dose range. Buspirone and 8-OH-DPAT were likewise active, but yielded highly biphasic dose-response curves. SB206,553 was dose dependently active in this model. In the SI test, S15535 similarly mimicked the anxiolytic-like effect of diazepam and was active over a broad dose range. Buspirone and 8-OH-DPAT again showed biphasic dose-response curves, as did SB206,553. In both the Vogel and SI tests, the anxiolytic-like effects of S15535 were abolished by the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY100,635, which was inactive alone. S15535 exerted its anxiolytic-like effects with a more pronounced separation to motor-disruptive doses than the other drugs. Finally, S15535 suppressed dialysate levels of 5-HT in the dorsal hippocampus, an action abolished by WAY100,635. Buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT and diazepam, but not SB206,553, also reduced 5-HT levels. CONCLUSION: Likely reflecting its distinctive ability to selectively and preferentially activate pre- versus postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, S15535 suppresses hippocampal 5-HT release and displays marked anxiolytic-like effects over a broad dose range in the relative absence of motor perturbation.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMed2000

Benzamides derived from 1,2-diaminocyclopropane as novel ligands for human D2 and D3 dopamine receptors.

Benzamides (3a-f) derived from 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid and either cis or trans 1,2-diaminocyclopropane were synthesised and were evaluated in binding assays employing, bovine striatal D2 receptors, recombinant human hD2 and hD3 receptors expressed in CHO cells and rat, cortical 5-HT3 and striatal 5-HT4 receptors. The cis and trans isomers of the derivatives were isolated and characterised. The results demonstrated the superiority of the cis conformers over the trans conformers in dopamine receptor binding assays (Ki hD2 = 13.4 and 6.9 nM and Ki hD3 = 17.7 and 4.5 nM for the cis-3b and cis-3f compounds, respectively; Ki hD2 = 816 and >l000 nM and Ki hD3 = 469 and >1000 nM for the corresponding trans-3b and trans-3f compounds respectively). The cis compounds are folded: the benzamide group and the basic nitrogen atom were in a syn relationship. Compound 3f can be superimposed with a conformation of the tropane derivative, BRL 25594, having the benzyl group in an axial position to give a suitable fit, indicating that both compounds may have a common binding site in the dopamine receptor.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Pindolol excites dopaminergic and adrenergic neurons, and inhibits serotonergic neurons, by activation of 5-HT1A receptors.

Pindolol accelerates the clinical actions of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in man, and modulates extracellular levels of monoamines in corticolimbic structures in rats. Herein, we examined its influence upon electrical activity of serotonergic, dopaminergic and adrenergic perikarya in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC) of anaesthetized rats. In analogy to the serotonin1A (5-HT1A) agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (-100%), pindolol dose-dependently (0.063- 1.0 mg/kg) decreased (-70%) the firing rate of serotonergic neurons. The inhibitory action of pindolol was abolished by the selective 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY-100,635 (0.031 mg/kg). In contrast, 8-OH-DPAT (+26%) and pindolol (0.25-4.0 mg/kg, +60%) dose-dependently increased the firing rate of dopaminergic cells. Of 57 neurons recorded (pindolol, 2.0 mg/kg), 36 (63%) were excited, 11 (19%) were unaffected and 10 (18%) were inhibited. This variable influence could be attributed to regularly firing neurons in the parabrachial subdivision, inasmuch as all neurons in the paranigral subnucleus were excited. The facilitation of firing by pindolol was accompanied by an increase in burst firing throughout the VTA. Both the increases in burst firing and in firing rate were reversed by WAY-100,635 (0.031 mg/kg). Finally, the electrical activity of adrenergic neurons was dose-dependently enhanced by 8-OH-DPAT and pindolol (+99% and +83%, respectively). WAY-100,635 reversed this excitation and, itself, inhibited the activity of adrenergic neurons. In conclusion, via engagement of 5-HT1A receptors, pindolol inhibits serotonergic, and activates dopaminergic and adrenergic, neurons in anaesthetized rats. Such actions may contribute to its influence upon mood, both alone and in association with antidepressant agents.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMed2000

Mirtazapine enhances frontocortical dopaminergic and corticolimbic adrenergic, but not serotonergic, transmission by blockade of alpha2-adrenergic and serotonin2C receptors: a comparison with citalopram.

Mirtazapine displayed marked affinity for cloned, human alpha2A-adrenergic (AR) receptors at which it blocked noradrenaline (NA)-induced stimulation of guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]-GTPgammaS) binding. Similarly, mirtazapine showed high affinity for cloned, human serotonin (5-HT)2C receptors at which it abolished 5-HT-induced phosphoinositide generation. Alpha2-AR antagonist properties were revealed in vivo by blockade of UK-14,304-induced antinociception, while antagonist actions at 5-HT2C receptors were demonstrated by blockade of Ro 60 0175-induced penile erections and discriminative stimulus properties. Mirtazapine showed negligible affinity for 5-HT reuptake sites, in contrast to the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, citalopram. In freely moving rats, in the dorsal hippocampus, frontal cortex (FCX), nucleus accumbens and striatum, citalopram increased dialysate levels of 5-HT, but not dopamine (DA) and NA. On the contrary, mirtazapine markedly elevated dialysate levels of NA and, in FCX, DA, whereas 5-HT was not affected. Citalopram inhibited the firing rate of serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe nucleus, but not of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area, nor adrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus. Mirtazapine, in contrast, enhanced the firing rate of dopaminergic and adrenergic, but not serotonergic, neurons. Following 2 weeks administration, the facilitatory influence of mirtazapine upon dialysate levels of DA and NA versus 5-HT in FCX was maintained, and the influence of citalopram upon FCX levels of 5-HT versus DA and NA was also unchanged. Moreover, citalopram still inhibited, and mirtazapine still failed to influence, dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons. In conclusion, in contrast to citalopram, mirtazapine reinforces frontocortical dopaminergic and corticolimbic adrenergic, but not serotonergic, transmission. These actions reflect antagonist properties at alpha2A-AR and 5-HT2C receptors.

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists↗

PubMed2000

Inverse agonism and constitutive activity as functional correlates of serotonin h5-HT(1B) receptor/G-protein stoichiometry.

This study evaluated the influence of receptor/G-protein (R:G) stoichiometry on constitutive activity and the efficacy of agonists, partial agonists, and inverse agonists at human (h) 5-hydroxytryphamine 1B (5-HT(1B)) receptors. Two Chinese hamster ovary cell lines were used; they expressed 8.5 versus 0.4 pmol h5-HT(1B) receptors/mg (determined by [(3)H]GR125,743 saturation analysis) and 3.0 versus 1.5 pmol receptor-activated G-proteins/mg [determined by guanosine-5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)-triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) isotopic dilution], respectively. Thus, they displayed R:G ratios of approximately 3.0 (RGhigh) and approximately 0.3 (RGlow), respectively. In competition-binding experiments, the agonists, 5-HT and sumatriptan, displayed fewer high-affinity (HA)-binding sites and the partial agonists, BMS181, 101 and L775,606, displayed decreased affinity in RGhigh versus RGlow membranes. In contrast, the inverse agonists, SB224,289 and, to a lesser extent, methiothepin, showed increased affinity. In G-protein activation experiments, both basal and 5-HT-activated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding were higher in RGhigh than in RGlow membranes. Constitutive activity (determined by inhibition of basal [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding with GTPgammaS in the absence of receptor ligands) was more pronounced in RGhigh versus RGlow membranes, as revealed by the >5-fold greater proportion of HA sites. Correspondingly, the negative efficacy of inverse agonists was strikingly augmented, inasmuch as they suppressed approximately two-thirds of HA [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in RGhigh membranes, but only approximately one-third in RGlow membranes. Furthermore, the efficacy of partial agonists was greater at RGhigh versus RGlow membranes, as estimated by their ability to enhance [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding. In conclusion, an increase in R:G ratios at h5-HT(1B) receptors was associated with an increase in relative efficacy of partial agonists and, most notably, an increase in both constitutive G-protein activation and negative efficacy of inverse agonists.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Reciprocal autoreceptor and heteroreceptor control of serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmission in the frontal cortex: relevance to the actions of antidepressant agents.

The frontal cortex (FCX) plays a key role in processes that control mood, cognition and motor behaviour, functions which are compromised in depression, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. In this regard, there is considerable evidence that a perturbation of monoaminergic input to the FCX is involved in the pathogenesis of these states. Correspondingly, the modulation of monoaminergic transmission in the FCX and other corticolimbic structures plays an important role in the actions of antipsychotic and antidepressant agents. In order to further understand the significance of monoaminergic systems in psychiatric disorders and their treatment, it is essential to characterize mechanisms underlying their modulation. Within this framework, the present commentary focuses on our electrophysiological and dialysis analyses of the complex and reciprocal pattern of auto- and heteroreceptor mediated control of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission in the FCX. The delineation of such interactions provides a framework for an interpretation of the influence of diverse classes of antidepressant agent upon extracellular levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in FCX. Moreover, it also generates important insights into strategies for the potential improvement in the therapeutic profiles of antidepressant agents.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

S18327 (1-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1, 2-benzisoxazol-3-yl)piperid-1-yl]ethyl]3-phenyl imidazolin-2-one), a novel, potential antipsychotic displaying marked antagonist properties at alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors: I. Receptorial, neurochemical, and electrophysiological profile.

S18327 displayed modest affinity for human (h)D(2) and hD(3) receptors and high affinity for hD(4) receptors. At each, S18327 antagonized stimulation of [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding by dopamine (DA). It also blocked activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase at hD(3) receptors. The affinity of S18327 at hD(1) and hD(5) sites was modest. S18327 showed pronounced affinity for human serotonin (h5-HT)(2A) receptors and human alpha(1A)-adrenergic receptors (hARs), at which it antagonized increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration levels elicited by 5-HT and norepinephrine (NE), respectively. S18327 presented significant affinity for halpha(2A)-ARs and antagonized NE-induced[(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding both at these sites and at alpha(2)-ARs in rat amygdala. Reflecting blockade of alpha(2)-autoreceptors, S18327 enhanced firing of adrenergic neurons in locus ceruleus, accelerated hippocampal synthesis of NE, and increased dialysate levels of NE in hippocampus, accumbens, and frontal cortex. S18327 abolished inhibition of ventrotegmental area-localized dopaminergic neurons by apomorphine. However, S18327 alone did not affect their activity and only modestly enhanced cerebral turnover of DA and dialysate levels of DA in striatum and accumbens. In contrast, S18327 markedly increased dialysate levels of DA in frontal cortex, an action abolished by the selective alpha(2)-AR agonist, S18616. Finally, S18327 reduced synthesis and dialysate levels of 5-HT in striatum and suppressed firing of dorsal raphe-localized serotonergic neurons, an action attenuated by the alpha(1)-AR agonist cirazoline. In conclusion, S18327 possesses marked antagonist activity at alpha(1)-ARs and D(4) and 5-HT(2A) receptors and less potent antagonist activity at alpha(2)-ARs and D(1) and D(2) receptors. Antagonism by S18327 of alpha(2)-ARs enhances adrenergic transmission and reinforces frontocortical dopaminergic transmission, whereas blockade of alpha(1)-ARs inhibits dorsal raphe-derived serotonergic pathways. As further described in the accompanying paper, this profile of activity may contribute to the potential antipsychotic properties of S18327.

Adrenergic Antagonists↗

PubMed2000

S18327 (1-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1, 2-benzisoxazol-3-yl)piperid-1-yl]ethyl]3-phenyl imidazolin-2-one), a novel, potential antipsychotic displaying marked antagonist properties at alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors: II. Functional profile and a multiparametric comparison with haloperidol, clozapine, and 11 other antipsychotic agents.

S18327 was dose-dependently active in several models of potential antipsychotic activity involving dopaminergic hyperactivity: inhibition of apomorphine-induced climbing in mice, of cocaine- and amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats, and of conditioned avoidance responses in rats. Furthermore, reflecting its high affinity at serotonin(2A) sites, S18327 potently blocked phencyclidine-induced locomotion and 1-[2, 5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane-induced head-twitches in rats. In models of glutamatergic hypoactivity, S18327 blocked hyperlocomotion and spontaneous tail-flicks elicited by the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist dizocilpine. The actions of S18327, together with its binding profile at multiple monoaminergic receptors (15 parameters in total), were compared with those of clozapine, haloperidol, and 11 other antipsychotics by multiparametric analysis, and the resulting dendrogram positioned S18327 close to clozapine. Consistent with a clopazine-like profile, S18327 generalized to a clozapine discriminative stimulus and evoked latent inhibition in rats, blocked aggression in isolated mice, and displayed anxiolytic properties in the ultrasonic vocalization and Vogel procedures in rats. Relative to the above paradigms, only markedly (>20-fold) higher doses of S18327 were active in models predictive of potential extrapyramidal side effects: induction of catalepsy and prolactin secretion, and inhibition of methylphenidate-induced gnawing in rats. S18327 showed only modest affinity for histaminic and muscarinic receptors. Multiparametric analysis of these data distinguished S18327 from both haloperidol (high extrapyramidal potential) and clozapine (high histaminic and muscarinic affinity). In conclusion, S18327 displays a broad-based pattern of potential antipsychotic activity at doses appreciably lower than those eliciting extrapyramidal side effects. In this respect, S18327 closely resembles clozapine, but it is chemically distinct and displays weak affinity for histaminic and muscarinic receptors.

Adrenergic Antagonists↗

PubMed2000

Induction of spontaneous tail-flicks in rats by blockade of transmission at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors: roles of multiple monoaminergic receptors in relation to the actions of antipsychotic agents.

We examined the involvement of multiple monoaminergic receptors in the induction of spontaneous tail-flicks (STFs) by the open channel blocker at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, dizocilpine, and the NMDA recognition site antagonist 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP). At doses eliciting a maximal STF response, dizocilpine and CPP elevated levels of norepinephrine, but not dopamine or serotonin, in dialysates of nucleus accumbens, their known locus of action in eliciting STFs. Chemically diverse alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonists atipamezole, L745,743, RX821,002, idazoxan, and desfluparoxan abolished induction of STFs by dizocilpine, whereas the preferential alpha(1)-AR antagonists prazosin, WB4101, and ARC239 were weakly active: relative potencies in blocking STFs correlated significantly with affinity at alpha(2)-ARs. The D(1)/D(5) receptor antagonists SCH23390, SCH39166, and NNC756 potently abolished STFs, whereas the D(2) antagonist L741,626, the D(3) antagonists GR218,231 and S14297, and the D(4) antagonists S18126 and L745,870 were inactive. D(1) and alpha(2)-AR antagonists also blocked induction of STFs by CPP. Blockade of dizocilpine-induced STFs was specific inasmuch as idazoxan and SCH 23390 did not modify induction of ataxia by dizocilpine. Antagonists at multiple 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors failed to modify induction of STFs. Finally, dizocilpine-induced STFs were blocked by clozapine and 11 other antipsychotics, the potency of which correlated significantly with affinity at alpha(2)-ARs. In conclusion, STFs evoked by interruption of transmission at NMDA receptors are dependent on D(1) receptors and alpha(2)-ARs for their expression. Antagonism of the alpha(2)-ARs is involved in their blockade by antipsychotics. This model should facilitate exploration of interrelationships between glutamatergic and monoaminergic mechanisms involved in psychiatric and neurologic disorders.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

PubMed2000

S33084, a novel, potent, selective, and competitive antagonist at dopamine D(3)-receptors: I. Receptorial, electrophysiological and neurochemical profile compared with GR218,231 and L741,626.

The benzopyranopyrrole S33084 displayed pronounced affinity (pK(i) = 9.6) for cloned human hD(3)-receptors, and >100-fold lower affinity for hD(2) and all other receptors (>30) examined. S33084 concentration dependently, potently, and competitively (pA(2) = 9.7) antagonized dopamine (DA)-induced [(35)S]guanosine-5'- O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding at hD(3)-receptors. It also concentration dependently abolished stimulation by DA of hD(3)-receptor-coupled mitogen-activated protein kinase. Administered alone, S33084 did not modify dialysate levels of DA in the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, or striatum of freely moving rats, nor the firing rate of ventrotegmental dopaminergic cell bodies. Furthermore, it had minimal effect on DA turnover in mesocortical, mesolimbic, and nigrostriatal projection regions. However, S33084 dose dependently blocked the suppressive influence of the preferential D(3)-agonist PD128,907 on frontocortical release of DA. Furthermore, it likewise antagonized the inhibitory influence of PD128,907 on the electrical activity of ventrotegmental dopaminergic neurons. Although less potent than S33084, GR218,231 likewise behaved as a selective hD(3)- versus hD(2)-receptor antagonist and its neurochemical and electrophysiological profiles were similar. In contrast, L741,626 was a preferential antagonist at hD(2) versus hD(3) sites. In vivo, on administration alone, L741,626 increased frontocortical, mesolimbic, and (more potently) striatal DA release, enhanced the firing rate of dopaminergic perikarya, and accelerated cerebral DA synthesis. It also blocked the actions of PD128,907. In conclusion, S33084 is a novel, potent, selective, and competitive antagonist at hD(3)-receptors. Although GR218,231 behaves similarly, L741,626 is a preferential D(2)-receptor antagonist. DA D(2)- but not D(3)-(auto) receptors tonically inhibit ascending dopaminergic pathways, although the latter may contribute to phasic suppression of DA release in frontal cortex.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

S33084, a novel, potent, selective, and competitive antagonist at dopamine D(3)-receptors: II. Functional and behavioral profile compared with GR218,231 and L741,626.

The selective dopamine D(3)-receptor antagonist S33084 dose dependently attenuated induction of hypothermia by 7-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) and PD128,907. S33084 also dose dependently reduced 7-OH-DPAT-induced penile erections (PEs) but had little effect on 7-OH-DPAT-induced yawning and hypophagia, and it did not block contralateral rotation elicited by the preferential D(3) agonist quinpirole in unilateral substantia nigra-lesioned rats. In models of potential antipsychotic activity, S33084 had little effect on conditioned avoidance behavior and the locomotor response to amphetamine and cocaine in rats, and weakly inhibited apomorphine-induced climbing in mice. Moreover, S33084 was inactive in models of potential extrapyramidal activity in rats: induction of catalepsy and prolactin secretion and inhibition of methylphenidate-induced gnawing. Another selective D(3) antagonist, GR218,231, mimicked S33084 in inhibiting 7-OH-DPAT-induced PEs and hypothermia but neither hypophagia nor yawning behavior. Similarly, it was inactive in models of potential antipsychotic and extrapyramidal activity. In distinction to S33084 and GR218,231, the preferential D(2) antagonist L741,626 inhibited all responses elicited by 7-OH-DPAT. Furthermore, it displayed robust activity in models of antipsychotic and, at slightly higher doses, extrapyramidal activity. In summary, S33084 was inactive in models of potential antipsychotic and extrapyramidal activity and failed to modify spontaneous locomotor behavior. Furthermore, it did not affect hypophagia or yawns, but attenuated hypothermia and PEs, elicited by 7-OH-DPAT. This profile was shared by GR218,231, whereas L741,626 was effective in all models. Thus, D(2)-receptors are principally involved in these paradigms, although D(3)-receptors may contribute to induction of hypothermia and PEs. S33084 should comprise a useful tool for further exploration of the pathophysiological significance of D(3)- versus D(2)-receptors.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Improving the treatment of schizophrenia: focus on serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptors.

Although antagonism of mesolimbic dopamine D(2) receptors by neuroleptics such as haloperidol attenuates positive symptoms of schizophrenia, a significant population of "resistant" patients fails to respond while negative and cognitive symptoms are little modified. Furthermore, concomitant blockade of striatal D(2) receptors is associated with extrapyramidal motor side effects. The superior "atypical" antipsychotic profile of clozapine appears to reside in its broad pattern of interaction with D(2) receptors and a diversity of other monoaminergic sites. In this regard, serotonergic mechanisms are of particular relevance both in view of their modulation of dopaminergic transmission and their key role in the control of mood, cognition, and motor behavior. While most attention has focused on potential advantages of preferential 5-HT(2A) versus D(2) receptor blockade, 5-HT(1A) receptors likewise represent a valid target for improved antipsychotic agents. In this regard, rather than selective agents, ligands interacting with both 5-HT(1A) and D(2) receptors appear of interest. A modest level of efficacy appears optimal, that is, sufficient to engage highly sensitive 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors while blocking their low-sensitivity postsynaptic counterparts. Such a profile may counter negative and cognitive symptoms, improve mood, diminish extrapyramidal 5-HT(1A) motor side effects, and, perhaps, enhance efficacy in refractory patients. Notably, "partial agonist" properties of clozapine at 5-HT(1A) receptors may contribute to its distinctive functional profile. However, notwithstanding this compelling body of experimental data, clinical studies of antipsychotics interacting with 5-HT(1A) receptors are required to establish their genuine pertinence to the-hopefully improved-treatment of schizophrenia.

Affect↗