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Characteristics of binding of [3H]NE-100, a novel sigma-receptor ligand, to guinea-pig brain membranes.

We examined the characteristics of binding of radiolabeled N,N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenyl-ethoxy)phenyl]- ethylamine monohydrochloride ([3H] NE-100), a highly potent and selective sigma-receptor ligand, to guinea-pig brain membranes. [3H]NE-100 showed saturable and reversible binding to sigma binding sites. A dissociation constant (Kd) and maximal numbers of binding sites (Bmax) obtained from Scatchard plot analysis were 1.2 +/- 0.1 nM and 1049.3 +/- 115.1 fmol/mg protein (n = 3), respectively. NE-100 was the most potent inhibitor of [3H]NE-100 binding among several structurally dissimilar sigma-receptor ligands, including haloperidol and (+)-pentazocine. (+)-Benzomorphanes had more than a 10-fold potent inhibitory activity over (-)-benzomorphanes, with regard to [3H]NE-100 binding. The binding of [3H]NE-100 was not influenced by histaminergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, serotonergic cholinergic or glutaminergic agents at 10(-7) M. GTP-gamma-S and phenytoin also did not affect the binding of [3H]NE-100. A higher [3H]NE-100 binding was observed in the cerebellum and medulla oblongata. Except for the nuclear fraction, the highest level of [3H]NE-100 binding to subcellular fractions was observed in microsomal fractions. These results suggest that NE-100 selectively binds, with a high affinity, to sigma-1 binding sites in guinea-pig brain membranes, as an "antagonist".

Animals↗

Effects of pentazocine and other opiates on shock detection in the rat: involvement of opiate and dopamine receptors.

The hypothesis that the antinociceptive effects of pentazocine, a mixed agonist-antagonist opiate of the benzomorphan class, are mediated by a dual opiate-dopaminergic mechanism was tested using a two-choice procedure in which rats were required to discriminate the presence or absence of shock. The results showed that pentazocine decreased shock sensitivity and speed of responding, effects that were qualitatively similar to those of morphine. However, while the antinociceptive effect of both pentazocine and morphine could be antagonized by opiate receptor blockage, that of pentazocine, but not of morphine, could also be antagonized by dopamine receptor blockade. Observations with levorphanol and phenazocine suggested further that dopamine, as well as opiate receptor agonism may be characteristic of the benzomorphans.

Animals↗

Di-isopropyl phosphofluoridate-induced antinociception: possible role of endogenous opioids.

Di-isopropyl phosphofluoridate (DFP, 0.1--1.5 mg/kg, s.c.) produced antinociception in rats as measured by the hot plate test. Naloxone reduced DFP-induced antinociception but did not affect the attenuated locomotor activity or hypothermia produced by DFP. Animals rendered tolerant to the antinociceptive action of morphine failed to exhibit cross tolerance to the antinociceptive action of DFP. Morphine- and DFP-induced antinociceptive states were antagonized by MR 2266 and GPA 1843, the (-)-isomers of 5,9 alpha-Diethyl-2-(3-furylmethyl)-2'-hydroxy-6, 7-benzomorphan and -2-allyl-2'-hydroxy-9 beta-methyl-5-phenyl-6, 7-benzomorphan hydrochloride, respectively; the corresponding (+)-isomers, MR 2267 and GPA 1847, did not antagonize the antinociceptive state produced by DFP or morphine. These results suggest that DFP-induced antinociception may be mediated via the release of endogenous opioids; however, this could occur at sites different from those concerned with morphine tolerance.

Analgesics↗

Ameliorating effects of sigma receptor ligands on the impairment of passive avoidance tasks in mice: involvement in the central acetylcholinergic system.

Three sigma receptor ligands were examined for their ameliorating effects on p-chloroamphetamine-induced amnesia in mice. p-Chloroamphetamine was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before the training session of the passive avoidance response. Each sigma receptor ligand was administered 60 min before or immediately after the training session, or 60 min before the retention test. (+)-N-Allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF-10,047), a prototype benzomorphan sigma receptor ligand, significantly reduced the p-chloroamphetamine-induced amnesia in these three administration schedules, as do acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. On the contrary, the significant anti-amnesic effects elicited by non-benzomorphan sigma receptor ligands, 1,3-di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG) or (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperizine ((+)-3-PPP), were observed depending upon the timing of their administration. In addition, the ameliorating effect of (+)-SKF-10,047 against the p-chloroamphetamine-induced amnesia was superior to that of (-)-SKF-10,047. The (+)-SKF-10,047-induced anti-amnesic effect was significantly antagonized by the concurrent administration of either scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, or hemicholinium-3, an inhibitor of the Na(+)-dependent high-affinity choline uptake site. These findings indicated that sigma receptor ligands had anti-amnesic effects against drug-induced memory impairment. In addition, the anti-amnesic effect of (+)-SKF-10,047 was superior to those of other sigma receptor ligands, and was mediated by both the sigma receptor and the central acetylcholinergic system.

Acetylcholine↗

Synthesis and evaluation of optically pure [3H]-(+)-pentazocine, a highly potent and selective radioligand for sigma receptors.

Tritium-labeled (+)-pentazocine ([3H]-1b) of specific activity 26.6 Ci/mmol was synthesized in 3 steps starting with (+)-normetazocine (2) of defined optical purity. [3H]-1b has been characterized as a highly selective ligand for labeling of sigma receptors. Competition data revealed that [3H]-1b could be displaced from guinea pig brain membrane preparations with a number of commonly used sigma receptor ligands. [3H]-1b exhibited saturable, enantioselective binding with a Kd of 5.13 +/- 0.97 nM and a Bmax of 1146 +/- 122 fmol/mg protein. Phencyclidine (PCP) displaced [3H]-1b with low affinity while MK-801 was inactive, thus indicating insignificant activity at the PCP-binding site; apomorphine failed to displace [3H]-1b indicating lack of dopamine receptor cross-reactivity. Since the affinity of [3H]-1b is about 6 times that of the two commonly employed sigma ligands ((+)-3-[3H]PPP and [3H]DTG) and since it is more selective for sigma receptors than the benzomorphan [3H]SKF-10,047, it represents the first example of a highly selective benzomorphan based sigma receptor ligand. [3H]-1b should prove useful for further study of the structure and function of sigma receptors.

Animals↗

Analgesic effects of ethylketocyclazocine and morphine in rat and toad.

We have previously found rat and toad (Bufo marinus) brain to contain inverse ratios of benzomorphan-preferring (kappa/sigma) and morphine-preferring (mu) opioid receptor types. The aim of the present study was to compare in vivo pharmacologic activity of a benzomorphan, ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) and morphine sulfate (MS) in rat and toad. Footshock intensity thresholds for eliciting locomotion were determined and dose-response curves for EKC and MS analgesia were obtained. Drugs were injected subcutaneously. In rats (high mu, low kappa in brain), both compounds produced analgesia and displayed similar sensitivity to naloxone antagonism. The analgesic effects of EKC and MS may, therefore, be mediated by a common receptor type (mu) in this pain test in rats. In toads (high kappa, low mu in brain), MS produced naloxone-reversible analgesia at doses 20-fold higher than were effective in rats. Toads did not display EKC analgesia at doses below those producing motor impairment. Moreover, 50-fold higher doses were required to produce such impairment in toads. Thirty minutes following subcutaneous injection of 3H-EKC, similar concentrations were found in rat and toad brain. Uptake into brain is probably not a factor in the behavioral resistance of toads to EKC.

Analgesia↗

The kappa-opioid receptor: evidence for the different subtypes.

Classification of drugs acting on the kappa-opioid receptors seems to be difficult, since some of these ligands are also sigma agonists and/or display non-opioid actions as well. Furthermore, certain benzomorphans having kappa-agonistic character, are shown to be mu-antagonists too. Therefore the classification of the kappa-opioid receptor has to be presently restricted to two subclasses that also have physiological meaning. Dynorphin and Met-enkephalin-Arg6-Phe7 are proposed as endogenous peptide ligands for kappa-receptors. Nonpeptide agonists are benzeneacetamides interacting with the kappa1 receptor. Benzomorphans bind to both subtypes of kappa-receptors. No selective nonpeptide ligand for the kappa2 receptor exists as yet. Nor-binaltorphimine, a specific kappa-antagonist also inhibits both kappa-subtypes. Further research for kappa2 selective drugs is necessary for clear distinction between the two kappa-opioid binding sites. Molecular cloning of opioid receptors including their subtypes are expected to provide direct proof of their existence.

Animals↗

Binding of buprenorphine to opiate receptors. Regulation by guanyl nucleotides and metal ions.

The effects of guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP), sodium chloride and manganese chloride on the binding of buprenorphine to opiate receptors present in rat brain has been studied. Manganese chloride significantly decreased the affinity of binding of both [3H] buprenorphine and unlabelled buprenorphine to morphine and enkephalin receptors. Guanosine-5'-triphosphate increased the affinity of buprenorphine for morphine sites, but had no effect on binding of buprenorphine to enkephalin or benzomorphan sites, or binding of [3H]buprenorphine. Sodium chloride had no effect on binding of buprenorphine. Control studies indicated similar apparent affinities of buprenorphine for morphine (Ki = 0.30 nM) and enkephalin (Ki = 0.31 nM) sites, and lower affinity for benzomorphan sites (Ki = 4.16 nM). No evidence could be obtained for a differential effect of ions or guanosine-5'-triphosphate on binding of buprenorphine to opiate receptor subtypes.

Animals↗

(+) 3-[3-hydroxyphenyl-N-(1-propyl) piperidine] selectively differentiates effects of sigma ligands on neurochemical pathways modulated by sigma receptors: evidence for subtypes, in vivo.

The effects of sigma ligands, (+)3PPP 3-[3-hydroxyphenyl-N(1-propyl) piperidine] and (-)butaclamol, were evaluated in vivo on the metabolism of dopamine (DA) and in the striatum release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and prolactin in the rat and changes in levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the cerebellum of the mouse and compared with the effects of (+)NANM (N-allyl-normetazocine, SKF 10,047) and (+)pentazocine. Both (+)3PPP and (-) butaclamol decreased the release of prolactin and did not affect the metabolism of DA. N-Allyl-normetazocine and (+)pentazocine increased release of prolactin and have been shown previously to increase the metabolism of DA. All four ligands increased release of ACTH; however, only the increases caused by (+)NANM and (+)pentazocine were reversed by pretreatment with CPP, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. (+)Pentazocine and (+)NANM inhibited the NMDA receptor-mediated changes in levels of cGMP in the cerebellum of the mouse, while (+)3PPP and (-)butaclamol did not attenuate the response to NMDA. In addition to further confirming a functional interaction between sigma receptors and NMDA receptors, these studies divide the observed effects of putative sigma ligands into two groups, characterized by benzomorphan compounds and non-benzomorphan compounds, suggesting the possibility of subtypes at sigma receptor in vivo.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Evidence for multiple "Kappa" binding sites by use of opioid peptides in the guinea-pig lumbo-sacral spinal cord.

Binding properties of [3H]-etorphine and [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine have been studied in the lumbo-sacral spinal cord of guinea-pig which does not contain mu or delta binding sites. [3H]-etorphine binds to a single class of high affinity sites, whereas [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine interacts with a high and a low affinity component. Using a discriminative procedure, 5 microM (D-Ala2, D-Leu5) enkephalin (DAL), the high affinity component of [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine can be resolved in two classes of sites, (D-Ala2, D-Leu5) enkephalin sensitive sites (DALS sites) and (D-Ala2, D-Leu5) enkephalin insensitive sites (DALI sites). In these conditions, there is a total loss of [3H]-etorphine sites, whose binding capacity and properties strictly correspond to the DALS sites labelled by [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine. Pharmacological investigations indicate that DALI sites for which dynorphin (1 leads to 17) is the best ligand, can be related to kappa sites previously described in guinea-pig brain, whereas DALS sites for which (Arg6, Phe7) Met-enkephalin possesses a good affinity, closely correspond to benzomorphan sites recently characterized in rat brain and spinal cord. [3H]-ethylketocyclazocine interacts additionally with "non opiate" low affinity sites, for which only benzomorphan drugs exhibit a good affinity, whereas morphine, naloxone, phencyclidine or endogenous opioid peptides do not present any affinity for them. On the basis of these data, a new subdivision of "kappa" sites is discussed.

Animals↗

Antagonism of metergoline on the diuretic effect of cyclazocine and U-50488 drugs with a kappa agonist activity.

In rats receiving a normal saline load of 2.5 ml/100 g, sc, (moderately hydrated rats), injections of the serotonin (5-HT) antagonist, metergoline (0.25-1-4 mg/kg), resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the urine output induced by a dose of 8 mg/kg of cyclazocine (a benzomorphan derivative, mixed kappa and sigma agonist) at the 2-h time period. The antagonist effect of metergoline (1 mg/kg) on cyclazocine doses ranging from 0.25 to 8 mg/kg, was observed only at 2 mg/kg higher doses. Other 5-HT receptor blockers, methysergide, pizotifen, cyproheptadine, caused a significant degree of antagonism. In rats receiving a saline load and a water load of 5.5 ml/100 g, ip (hyperhydrated rats), metergoline (1 mg/kg) completely antagonized the diuretic effect of cyclazocine (8 mg/kg) at the 4-h and 5-h time periods. Similarly, metergoline (1 and 4 mg/kg) administered in moderately hydrated rats, markedly decreased at the 2-h time period, the urine output produced by 5 mg/kg of U-50488 (a non benzomorphan derivative, highly selective kappa agonist), and in hyperhydrated rats, completely suppressed, at the 4-h and 5-h time periods the drug-induced diuresis. Metergoline administered alone had no effect on urine output in moderately hydrated rats or in hyperhydrated rats. These results suggest the hypothesis that 5-HT may be involved in the complex mechanisms of kappa agonist-induced diuresis in rats.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗

Benzofuro[2,3-c]pyridin-6-ols: synthesis, affinity for opioid-receptor subtypes, and antinociceptive activity.

A general synthetic approach to a novel series of cis-1,2,3,4,4a,9a-hexahydrobenzofuro[2,3-c]pyridin-6-ols is described together with their receptor-binding profile on opioid-receptor subtypes (mu, kappa, delta). In addition, their in vivo antinociceptive activity was assessed. A number of the analogues synthesized showed potent affinity for opioid receptors and have potent antinociceptive activity in a mouse phenylquinone abdominal stretching model. In addition, the SAR for nitrogen substitution in the above series is explored with respect to the overall opioid receptor subtype binding profile. In general it was found that substituents which enhanced mu and kappa binding affinity in the benzomorphan series had a similar effect in the benzofuropyridine series described in this manuscript. An overlap hypothesis topologically connecting the benzomorphan nucleus to the cis-1,2,3,4,4a,9a-hexahydrobenzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine nucleus is also presented.

Analgesics↗

Naloxone-inaccessible sigma receptor in rat central nervous system.

It has been postulated that the psychotomimetic effects of opiates of the benzomorphan series are due to their activity at the sigma receptor. Therefore, the binding of (+/-)-[3H]ethylketocyclazocine ( [3H]EKC), a benzomorphan, to synaptosomal membranes of rat central nervous tissue was studied. Surprisingly, high concentrations of naloxone, a mu, delta, and kappa receptor antagonist, only inhibited about 80% of the specifically bound [3H]EKC in the spinal cord. This suggested that the remaining 20% of the binding sites were not mu, delta, or kappa. The Scatchard plot of the binding of [3H]EKC was nonlinear but became linear in the presence of naloxone (1 microM), suggesting a single class of naloxone-inaccessible receptor sites. This biochemically readily distinguishable receptor type bound the dextrorotatory isomer of EKC stereoselectively. The sigma agonist N-allylnormetazocine [(+)-SKF 10,047] stereoselectively competed with the binding of [3H]EKC to this naloxone-inaccessible binding site. A number of opiates that have psychotomimetic activity also competed for binding to this binding site. This binding site is designated as sigma binding site according to the nomenclature originally suggested by Martin et al. [Martin, W. R., Eades, C. G., Thompson, J. A., Huppler, R. E. & Gilbert, P. E. (1976) J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 197, 517-532]. The drug selectivity and regional distribution of this sigma binding site in the rat central nervous system are different from that of the mu and delta opioid receptors and phencyclidine receptors. The concentration of the sigma binding site is highest in the spinal cord, pons and medulla, and cerebellum.

Animals↗

Purification, molecular cloning, and expression of the mammalian sigma1-binding site.

Sigma-ligands comprise several chemically unrelated drugs such as haloperidol, pentazocine, and ditolylguanidine, which bind to a family of low molecular mass proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. These so-called sigma-receptors are believed to mediate various pharmacological effects of sigma-ligands by as yet unknown mechanisms. Based on their opposite enantioselectivity for benzomorphans and different molecular masses, two subtypes are differentiated. We purified the sigma1-binding site as a single 30-kDa protein from guinea pig liver employing the benzomorphan(+)[3H]pentazocine and the arylazide (-)[3H]azidopamil as specific probes. The purified (+)[3H]pentazocine-binding protein retained its high affinity for haloperidol, pentazocine, and ditolylguanidine. Partial amino acid sequence obtained after trypsinolysis revealed no homology to known proteins. Radiation inactivation of the pentazocine-labeled sigma1-binding site yielded a molecular mass of 24 +/- 2 kDa. The corresponding cDNA was cloned using degenerate oligonucleotides and cDNA library screening. Its open reading frame encoded a 25.3-kDa protein with at least one putative transmembrane segment. The protein expressed in yeast cells transformed with the cDNA showed the pharmacological characteristics of the brain and liver sigma1-binding site. The deduced amino acid sequence was structurally unrelated to known mammalian proteins but it shared homology with fungal proteins involved in sterol synthesis. Northern blots showed high densities of the sigma1-binding site mRNA in sterol-producing tissues. This is also in agreement with the known ability of sigma1-binding sites to interact with steroids, such as progesterone.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solubilization and characterization of sigma-receptors from guinea pig brain membranes.

The sigma-receptor, a distinct binding site in brain tissue that may mediate some of the psychotomimetic properties of benzomorphan opiates and phencyclidine, has been solubilized using the ionic detergent sodium cholate. Binding assays were performed with the solubilized receptor using vacuum filtration over polyethyleneimine-treated glass fiber filters. The pharmacological specificity of the solubilized binding site for sigma-receptor ligands is nearly identical to the membrane-bound form of the receptor, with the order of potencies for displacement of the selective sigma-ligand [3H]di-o-tolylguanidine ([3H]DTG) closely correlated. The stereoselectivity for (+)-benzomorphan opiate enantiomers was retained by the solubilized receptor. The soluble receptor retained high affinity for binding of [3H]DTG (KD = 28 +/- 0.5 nM) and (+)-[3H]3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [(+)-[3H]3-PPP] (KD = 36 +/- 2 nM). Photoaffinity labeling of the solubilized receptor by [3H]p-azido-DTG, a sigma-selective photoaffinity label, resulted in labeling of a 29-kilodalton polypeptide identical in size to that labeled in intact membranes. Estimation of the Stokes radius of the [3H]DTG binding site was obtained by Sepharose CL-6B chromatography in the presence of 20 mM cholate and calculated to be 8.7 nm. This value was identical to the molecular size found for the binding sites of the sigma-selective ligands (+)-[3H]3-PPP and (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047, supporting the hypothesis that all three ligands bind to the same macromolecular complex.

Affinity Labels↗

Comparison of sigma- and kappa-opiate receptor ligands as excitatory amino acid antagonists.

Using the technique of microelectrophoresis in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized cats and rats, the effects of benzomorphans, with known actions at sigma- and kappa- opioid receptors, were tested on responses of spinal neurones to amino acids and acetylcholine. The racemic mixture and both enantiomers of the sigma opiate receptor agonist, N-allylnormetazocine (SKF 10, 047), and the dissociative anaesthetic, ketamine, reduced or abolished excitation evoked by N-methyl-aspartate (NMA) with only small and variable effects on responses to quisqualate or kainate. (+)-SKF 10, 047 was 1.2 +/- 0.7 times more potent than the (-)-enantiomer in antagonizing NMA. On Renshaw cells, (+)-SKF 10, 047 enhanced responses to acetylcholine whereas the (-) enantiomer produced only a small reduction. The kappa- opiate receptor agonist, ethylketocyclazocine, had no selective effects on responses to amino acids or to acetylcholine. We conclude that actions at sigma- but not kappa-, opiate receptors are responsible for the NMA antagonism observed with benzomorphans.

Acetylcholine↗

Reversible inhibition of cholinesterases by opioids: possible pharmacological consequences.

The inhibitory potency of opioids belonging to different structural categories on electric eel and rat brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was investigated. The phenylazepine meptazinol, the pyrrolo-[2,3-b]-indole derivative eseroline and the benzomorphan normetazocine were the most potent inhibitors of AChE among the compounds tested. These were followed by (-)-metazocine, N-allylnorcyclazocine, 3-(1,3-dimethyl-3-pyrrodinyl)-phenol, levallorphan, levorphanol and pentazocine. The opioids which inhibited horse serum BuChE were in order of potency: meptazinol, methadone, profadol, levallorphan and 1,2,3-trimethyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine. The results of this work appear consistent with the fact that the anticholinesterase activity of the opioids is not confined to specific structural categories, although conformationally constrained molecules, like those of morphinans, benzomorphans or pyrrolo-[2,3-b]-indoles, appear to favour affinity for AChE, whereas highly flexible molecules, like those of acyclic opioids, inhibit BuChE in a rather selective way. In all cases, the inhibitory action of opioids markedly differed from that of carbamates or organophosphorous compounds, in that it was time-independent and immediately reversible on dilution. In general the anticholinesterase action of opioids does not seem to influence appreciably the pharmacological properties of the drugs since it is evidenced at drug doses higher than those which are analgesic. However, in the case of mixed agonist/antagonist opioids with rather weak analgesic activity, the enzyme inhibition caused by the levels of circulating drugs can be so marked as to exert also a cholinergic component of action.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Narcotic antagonists as analgesics.

2-Dimethylallyl- 5,9-dimethyl-2'-hydroxybenzomorphan (Win 20,228) was found to be a weak antagonist of morphine and meperidine, whereas 2-allyl-5-ethyl-2'- hydroxy-9-methyl-6,7-benzomorphan (Win 19,362) and 2-allyl-2'-hydroxy-5,9- dimethyl-6,7-benzomorphan (Win 19,631) were about three times as potent as nalorphine. Preliminary clinical trials indicate that Win 19,362 is about twice as potent as morphine as an analgesic but, like nalorphine, is capable of producing severe psychic side effects. Win 20,228 is estimated to be about half as active as morphine as an analgesic, but no bizarre psychic effects were reported at any dose tested. Studies of addiction liability with Win 20,228 in monkeys suggest that this compound will not support morphine addiction.

Analgesics↗