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Synthesis and biological evaluation of constrained analogues of the opioid peptide H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-NH2 using the 4-amino-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold.

The synthesis of conformationally restricted dipeptidic moieties 4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Aba)-Gly ([(4S)-amino-3-oxo-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazepin-2-yl]-acetic acid) and 8-hydroxy-4-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one (Hba)-D-Ala ([(4S)-amino-8-hydroxy-3-oxo-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-benzo[c]azepin-2-yl]-propionic acid) was based on a synthetic strategy that uses an oxazolidinone as an N-acyliminium precursor. Introducing these Aba scaffolds into the N-terminal tetrapeptide of dermorphin (H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2)-induced remarkable shifts in affinity and selectivity towards the opioid mu- and delta-receptors. This paper provides the synthesis and biological in vitro and in vivo evaluation of constricted analogues of the N-terminal tetrapeptide H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-NH2, which is the minimal subunit of dermorphin needed for dermorphin-like opiate activity.

Animals↗

Chemical design of peripherally acting compounds.

1. Some guanidines, related in structure to mianserin and to 2-methyl-1,2,9,13b-tetrahydro-3H-dibenz[c,f]imadazo[1,5a] azepin-3-imine hydrobromide (WAL 801), have been synthesized and shown to be peripherally acting 5-HT2 antagonists. Structurally related compounds but not bearing a charged ionic group have been shown to have central activity. 2. Computer-aided molecular modelling has been used to establish a 5-HT2 pharmacophore. 3. The principle of exclusion from the CNS by incorporating a highly polar group to a biologically active molecule has been extended to the design and synthesis of a peripherally acting analgesic.

Computer Simulation↗

Glycine antagonists structurally related to 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo [5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol inhibit binding of [3H]strychnine to rat brain membranes.

[3H]Strychnine binding to rat pons + medulla membranes was used as a measure of glycine receptors or glycine receptor-coupled chloride channels in vitro. A series of compounds structurally related to 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP), which previously were shown to antagonize glycine responses in cat spinal cord, inhibited [3H]strychnine binding in micromolar concentrations. The most potent of these glycine antagonists, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-isoxazolo[3,4-d]azepin-3-ol (iso-THAZ), was also the most potent inhibitor of [3H]strychnine binding, with a Ki of 1,400 nM. The Ki value for strychnine was 7.0 nM, whereas the Ki value for the mixed gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glycine antagonist 3 alpha-hydroxy-16-imino-5 beta-17-aza-androstan-11-one (RU 5135) was only 4.6 nM. Sodium chloride (1,000 mM) enhanced the affinity of strychnine, brucine, isostrychnine, and the nonselective GABA antagonist pitrazepin for [3H]strychnine binding sites, whereas the affinities of glycine, beta-alanine, and taurine were reduced. These sodium chloride shifts, however, were not predictive of antagonist or agonist properties, since the sodium chloride shift for the glycine antagonist iso-THAZ and of the other THIP-related antagonists were similar to those of the glycine-like agonists. The various sodium chloride shifts show that different groups of ligands bind to glycine receptor sites in different ways.

Animals↗

Thermodynamics of agonist and antagonist interaction with the strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor.

The thermodynamic parameters associated with the interactions of agonists and antagonists with glycine receptors in rat spinal cord membranes were determined. The binding of the antagonist [3H]strychnine and the inhibition of strychnine binding by 11 different glycinergic ligands were examined at temperatures between 0.5 and 37 degrees C. The density of receptors was not affected by the temperature at which the incubation was performed, but the ability of glycine receptor agonists and antagonists to compete with [3H]strychnine binding varied markedly. The affinity of the receptor for the antagonists strychnine, 2-aminostrychnine, RU-5135, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-isoxazolo[5,4-c]azepin-3-ol, and the ligands bicuculline, norharmane, and PK-8165 decreased at higher temperatures. The binding of these ligands was enthalpy-driven. In contrast, the affinity of the agonists glycine, beta-alanine, and taurine and of the antihelmintic ivermectin increased at higher temperatures, and their binding was characterized by substantial increases in entropy. In addition, temperature affected the allosteric interaction between the glycine and strychnine sites of the receptor, as indicated by changes in the Hill number of the competition curves for glycine. Our results clearly indicate that the binding of agonists and antagonists to the glycine receptor is differentially affected by temperature, probably as a consequence of the different changes induced in the receptor conformation.

Animals↗

[3H]SCH 39166, a new D1-selective radioligand: in vitro and in vivo binding analyses.

SCH 39166 [(-)-trans-6,7,7a,8,9, 13b-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-methyl-5H-benzo-[d]naphtho[2, 1b]azepine] has recently been described as a selective D1 antagonist and has entered clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. The tritiated analogue of this compound, [3H]SCH 39166, has now been synthesized and characterized for its in vitro and in vivo binding profiles. [3H]SCH 39166 binds to D1 receptors in a saturable, high-affinity fashion, with a KD of 0.79 nM. In competition studies, D1-selective antagonists like SCH 23390 displaced the binding of [3H]SCH 39166 with nanomolar affinities, whereas antagonists of other receptors exhibited poor affinity. In vivo, [3H]SCH 39166 bound to receptors in rat striatum in a fashion suggestive of D1 selectivity. Further, when the time course for the binding of [3H]SCH 39166 was compared with the behavioral time course of the unlabeled compound, the two durations of action were virtually indistinguishable. Similar studies were performed for SCH 23390 and its tritiated analogue, but the in vivo binding of this radioligand exhibited a duration of action far greater than the behavioral activity of the unlabeled drug. In concert, these data demonstrate that [3H]SCH 39166 selectively labels D1 receptors in vitro and in vivo, and that this drug is superior for in vivo imaging of the D1 receptor.

Animals↗

Noradrenaline release in human corpus cavernosum and its modulation via presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Strips of human corpus cavernosum were incubated with 3H-noradrenaline and subsequently superfused with physiological salt solution containing desipramine and corticosterone. The electrically (0.66 Hz) evoked tritium overflow was abolished by tetrodotoxin or omission of Ca2+ from the superfusion fluid. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist B-HT 920 (6-allyl-2-amino-5, 6, 7, 8-4H-thiazolo-5,4-d-azepine), inhibited the evoked overflow, whereas the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, methoxamine, was ineffective. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, rauwolscine, facilitated the evoked tritium overflow. It is concluded that the stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline from the sympathetic nerve fibres of the human corpus cavernosum is modulated via presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Adolescent↗

ATP, alpha,beta-methylene ATP and suramin as tools for characterization of vascular P2x receptors in the pithed rat.

1. In pithed rats, the blood pressure effects of ATP, alpha,beta-methylene ATP (mATP), alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists and of electrical stimulation of the thoracolumbar sympathetic outflow were studied in the absence and presence of mATP, suramin and adrenoreceptor antagonists. 2. ATP elicited an initial rise in mean blood pressure followed by a decrease and a second increase. mATP produced a short-lived increase in blood pressure, whereas equieffective doses of noradrenaline, methoxamine and B-HT 920 (6-allyl-2-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-thiazolo-(5,4-d)-azepine) produced a more prolonged, biphasic pressor response. 3. In the presence of high doses of prazosin, rauwolscine plus propranolol, the initial vasopressor and the vasodepressor effect to ATP were not affected, whereas the delayed vasopressor response to ATP, the vasopressor response to electrical stimulation and even more so that to noradrenaline were suppressed. 4. Suramin, which by itself produced a short-lived decrease, followed by a persistent increase in blood pressure, decreased the pressor responses to ATP (initial phase), to mATP and to electrical stimulation without affecting the fall and second rise in blood pressure elicited by ATP and the pressor response to noradrenaline. 5. Desensitization of P2x receptors by a low dose of mATP abolished the initial vasopressor response to ATP but failed to affect the subsequent blood pressure effects of ATP as well as the pressor responses to noradrenaline and electrical stimulation. A high dose of mATP, in addition, decreased the vasopressor responses to noradrenaline, methoxamine, B-HT 920 and electrical stimulation; the delayed effects of ATP on blood pressure were not changed. 6. The electrically induced increase in blood pressure subsequent to administration of high doses of prazosin, rauwolscine plus propranolol was diminished by suramin and by the low and high dose of mATP. 7. The present study suggests that under certain circumstances ATP, which, added exogenously, has a triphasic effect on mean blood pressure, contributes to the electrically induced vasopressor response by activation of P2x receptors.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effects of non-sedative anxiolytic drugs on responses to GABA and on diazepam-induced enhancement of these responses on mouse neurones in cell culture.

1. Intracellular microelectrode recording techniques were performed on mouse spinal cord and cerebral hemisphere neurones grown in primary dissociated cell culture. The effects of several anxiolytics applied by local pressure ejection on responses to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) evoked by iontophoresis were investigated. Responses to GABA were depolarizing since intracellular chloride ion concentration was increased by injection from potassium chloride (3M)-filled recording micropipettes and neurones were held at large negative membrane potentials (-70 to -90 mV). The agents studied were six 'non-sedative anxiolytics', CL 218,872 (3-methyl-6-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)1,2,4-triazolo(4,3-b) pyridazine), PK 8165 (2-phenyl-4-(2-(4-piperidinyl)ethyl)-quinoline), PK 9084 (2-phenyl-4-(2-(3-piperidinyl)ethyl)-quinoline), CGS 9896 (2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydropyrazolo(4,3-c)quinoline-3(3H)-one) , ZK 91296 (ethyl 5-benzyloxy-4-methoxymethyl-beta-carboline-3-beta-carboxylate), buspirone (8-4-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane- 7,9- dione), and two sedative anxiolytics, diazepam and zopiclone [( 6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-6,7-dihydro-7-oxo-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazin- 5- yl]4-methyl-1-piperazinecarboxylate). 2. Direct effects on responses to GABA were studied for all drugs applied in varying concentrations. For the drugs which significantly altered responses to GABA, the effects of the benzodiazepine receptor antagonists Ro 15-1788 (ethyl-8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo(1,5a)-(1,4)benzodi azepine - 3-carboxylate) and CGS 8216 (2-phenylpyrazolo(4,3-c)-quinolin-3(5H)-one) were evaluated. For the drugs devoid of significant direct effect on responses to GABA, the influence on diazepam-induced enhancement of responses to GABA was evaluated. 3. Diazepam, zopiclone and CL 218,872 concentration-dependently and reversibly enhanced responses to GABA. Maximal enhancement was 82% for diazepam (500 nM), 64% for zopiclone (10 microM) and 20% for CL 218,872 (10 microM). PK 8165 effects varied with concentration, enhancing responses to GABA (up to 18%) at nM concentrations and reducing responses to GABA (up to 90%) at microM concentrations. CGS 9896, ZK 9126, PK 9084 and buspirone, in concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 10 microM, lacked significant direct effects on responses to GABA. 4. The enhancing effects of diazepam, zopiclone, CL 218,872 and PK 8165 were antagonized by Ro 15-1788. However, the reducing effect on responses to GABA of PK 8165 at microM concentrations was not antagonized by CGS 8216. CGS 9896 and ZK 91296 concentration-dependently blocked the diazepam-induced enhancement of responses to GABA. However, PK 9084 and buspirone did not antagonize the diazepam-induced enhancement of responses to GABA. 5. These results indicate that diazepam and zopiclone may be full agonists, CL 218,872 and PK 8165 are partial agonists, and CGS 9896 and ZK 91296 are pure antagonists at benzodiazepine receptors. On the other hand, PK 9084 and buspirone do not interact with benzodiazepine receptors.

Animals↗

Presynaptic alpha 2A-adrenoceptors regulate the 3H-noradrenaline secretion in the guinea-pig urethra.

The subtype of the functional presynaptic autoreceptor in adrenergic nerves of the male guinea-pig urethra was pharmacologically characterised. The urethra was incubated with 3H-noradrenaline and superfused with Tyrode solution in vitro and the fractional secretion of 3H-noradrenaline evoked by 300 electrical shocks at 5 Hz was measured. alpha-Adrenoceptor antagonists enhanced the 3H-noradrenaline secretion. The effects of BRL 44408 ((+/-)-2-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2yl)methyl]-2,3- dihydro-1-methyl-1H-isoindole), BRL 41992 ((-)-1,2-dimethyl-2,3,9,13b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenzo[c,f]imidazo[1,5- a] azepine), and WB-4101 (2-([2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl]aminomethyl)-1,4- benzodioxane) were tested. The rank order of apparent EC50 values was BRL 44408 < BRL 41992 < WB-4101, and correlated best with constants for the alpha 2A-C10/alpha 2A adrenoceptor subtype. The results suggest that 3H-noradrenaline secretion in guinea-pig urethra is regulated by a presynaptic adrenoceptor of the alpha 2A subtype.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

Effect of lofepramine and other antidepressants on the uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline into rat brain monoaminergic neurons.

Lofepramine, (N-methyl-N-[4-chlorobenzoylmethyl]-3-[10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz(b,f)-azepin-5-yl]-propylamine hydrochloride), is a new antidepressant with low toxicity and no peripheral anticholinergic activity. Its effect on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline uptake into rat brain monoaminergic neurons was studied and compared with that of other antidepressants, particularly with that of imipramine and desipramine. Lofepramine inhibited both 5-HT and noradrenaline uptake into synaptosomal fractions in vitro but was 4 times more potent in inhibiting noradrenaline than 5-HT uptake, indicating the effect resembles that of desipramine. Noradrenaline uptake was also preferentially inhibited in synaptosomes from brain of rats treated previously with lofepramine or desipramine (i.p.). Pretreatment with SKF 525A (i.p.) did not diminish the effect of lofepramine, but rather potentiated it. Therefore it is suggested that the formation of desipramine is not necessary for lofepramine to exhibit, the effect on amine uptake in vivo. Both lofepramine and desipramine inhibited intraventricular noradrenaline uptake into synaptosomes without any effect on 5-HT uptake. These results suggest that lofepramine is qualitatively similar to desipramine with respect to preferential inhibition of noradrenaline uptake into central noradrenergic neurons.

Animals↗

In-vivo pharmacological studies of 2-N-carboxamidinonormianserin, a histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist lacking central effects.

The in-vivo pharmacological properties have been examined of FCC5 (2-N-carboxamidino-1,2,-3, 4, 10, 14b-hexahydrodibenzo (c.f.) pyrazino (1, 2-alpha)azepine hydrochloride), a guanidino analogue of mianserin. FCC5 (30-100 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) caused long-lasting (> 1 h) attenuation of histamine- and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced bronchoconstriction in the anaesthetized guinea-pig. FCC5 (< or = 1 mg kg-1, i.v.) had no effect on submaximal bronchoconstrictor responses caused by i.v. acetylcholine or the thromboxane A2-mimetic U46619 ((15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid). The pressor effects of 5-HT in anaesthetized and pithed rats were inhibited by FCC5 (0.3-1.0 mg kg-1, i.v.). Higher doses of FCC5 (3 mg kg-1, i.v.) reduced bradycardia and depressor responses to 5-HT in anaesthetized rats. In anaesthetized cats and rats and also pithed rats, FCC5 (0.1-1.0 mg kg-1, i.v.) caused sympathomimetic effects as demonstrated by pressor responses and tachycardia. FCC5 (0.1-0.3 mg kg-1, i.v.) inhibited pressor responses to tyramine whereas those to noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation were potentiated. Oedema in the rat paw caused by intraplantar 5-HT was inhibited by FCC5 (ID50 0.76 mg kg-1, i.p.; and 2.7 mg kg-1, p.o.). In decerebrate rats which had been spinalized at T6-8, fenfluramine-induced facilitation of the flexor reflex of the anterior tibialis muscle was inhibited by mianserin (ID50 0.36 mg kg-1, i.p.) but not by FCC5 (< or = 3 mg kg-1, i.p.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacological evaluation of the histamine H1 and 5-HT blocking properties of 2-N-(carboxamidinonormianserin) (FCC5): in-vitro studies.

Some in-vitro pharmacological effects of a novel analogue of mianserin, 2-carboxamidino-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydrodibenzo (c,f) pyrazino (1,2-alpha) azepine hydrochloride (FCC5) have been studied. FCC5 was a non-competitive antagonist of both histamine-induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum and 5-HT-induced contractions of rat fundal strips with pD'2 values of 6.13 and 5.57, respectively. The insurmountable antihistaminic effect of FCC5, 100 nM, in the guinea-pig isolated ileum was not removed by washing. FCC5, 10-100 nM, had no effect on responses to acetylcholine or barium chloride of the guinea-pig isolated ileum. In guinea-pig isolated right atria, FCC5, 1-30 microM, had no effect on H2-receptor-mediated chronotropic responses to histamine. FCC5, 10-1000 nM, had no alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist activity, as assessed by lack of effect on the inhibitory responses to B-HT 920 in the electrically stimulated rat isolated vas deferens. FCC5 resembles mianserin by being a potent, non-competitive antagonist at histamine H1 and 5-HT receptors, but differs from mianserin in a number of respects including having much less effect at alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Animals↗

Some anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory actions of 2-N-carboxamidinonormianserin (FCC5).

The aims of these studies were to examine the effects of FCC5 (2-carboxamidino-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydrodibenzo (c,f) pyrazino (1,2,-a) azepine HCl), an analogue of mianserin, on immediate type hypersensitivity reactions in-vitro. The actions of FCC5 were examined on the Schultz-Dale reaction of guinea-pig ileum and on histamine and leukotriene release from human- and guinea-pig-sensitized lung fragments. FCC5 (applied topically) was assessed for anti-inflammatory activity in-vivo against phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced oedema in the mouse ear. FCC5 (IC50 = 0.17 microM) was a potent inhibitor of the Schultz-Dale reaction in-vitro, as assessed by a concentration-dependent attenuation of egg albumin-induced contractions of sensitized guinea-pig isolated ileum. Using human and guinea-pig isolated sensitized lung fragments, FCC5 (1-100 microM) attenuated antigen-induced release of sulphidopeptidoleukotrienes and histamine. FCC5 (50 micrograms topically) resembled mianserin and indomethacin in attenuating PMA-induced mouse ear inflammation. These properties together with previously published evidence of long lasting antihistamine properties in-vivo, suggest that FCC5 has therapeutic potential as an anti-allergic agent, especially in pathological conditions where an inflammatory component is present.

Analysis of Variance↗

Influence of nimodipine on vasoconstrictor responses in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat.

The beneficial effects of the calcium-entry blocking agent, nimodipine, on the cerebral circulation have been extensively studied but less is known about its peripheral vascular effects. In the present study, the effects of nimodipine on vasoconstrictor responses were investigated in the hindquarters vascular bed of the cat under constant-flow conditions. Nimodipine decreased hindquarters vascular resistance and inhibited vasoconstrictor responses to BAY K8644 (methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-pyr idine-5-carboxylate) and noradrenaline, to the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonists phenylephrine and methoxamine, and the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists BHT 933 (2-amino-6-ethyl-4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-6H-oxazolo[5,4-d]azepine dihydrochloride) and UK 14304 (5-bromo-6-(2-imidazoline-2-yl-amino)quinoxaline). In addition to inhibiting alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated responses, nimodipine decreased responses to the vasoactive peptides angiotensin II and endothelin-1. Both the vasodilatory actions and inhibitory effects of nimodipine on vasoconstrictor responses were dose-dependent when the calcium antagonist was infused at rates of 0.1 and 1 microg min(-1). The results of the present study suggest that vasoconstrictor responses to alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and to the vasoactive peptides are dependent, in part, on an extracellular source of calcium. It is concluded that nimodipine and related dihydropyridine calcium-entry blocking agents may be effective in the treatment of peripheral vascular disorders in which adrenergic tone is increased or plasma levels of angiotensin II or endothelin-1 are elevated.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Effects of dopamine D1 ligands on eye blinking in monkeys: efficacy, antagonism, and D1/D2 interactions.

Dopamine D1 ligands have been classified and ordered according to efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the present experiments, dopamine D1 ligands reported to differ in in vitro efficacy were evaluated for efficacy-related effects on eye blinking in squirrel monkeys. Additional comparisons were made with the effects of D2 receptor agonists and indirect dopamine agonists. The results show that D1 agonists increased eye blinking in an efficacy-related manner, whereas the D1 receptor blocker SCH 39166 [(-)-trans-6,7,7alpha,8,9,13beta-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-methyl-5H-benzo[d]naphtho[2,1-b]azepine] only decreased rates of eye blinking. D1 high-efficacy agonists induced rates of eye blinking that were 2- to 3-fold greater than observed with dopamine D2 agonists and indirect agonists. In drug combination experiments, increases in eye blinking induced by the D1 high-efficacy agonist R-(+)-6-Br-APB [R-(+)-6-bromo-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide] were antagonized by both the D1 antagonist SCH 39166 and the lower efficacy agonist SKF 83959 [6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1-(3-methylphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide], consistent with dopamine D1 receptor mediation of these behavioral effects. The dopamine D2 agonist (+)-PHNO [(+)-N-propyl-hydroxynaphthoxazine], which selectively activates dopamine D2 receptors, also attenuated D1 agonist-induced increase in eye blinking, suggesting that D2 receptor actions may inhibit D1-mediated increases in eye blinking. Overall, eye blink rate appears to be a robust behavioral measure that can be used to measure changes in dopaminergic D1 signaling and as a functional assay of agonist efficacy at dopamine D1 receptors.

Animals↗

Coexpression of Y1, Y2, and Y4 receptors in smooth muscle coupled to distinct signaling pathways.

Coexpression of Y1, Y2, and Y4 receptors on smooth muscle cells was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the receptors were characterized by radioligand binding, selective receptor protection, and functional analysis of signaling pathways. 125I-peptide YY (PYY) binding was completely inhibited by neuropeptide Y (NPY) and PYY, and partially inhibited by the Y1 agonist [Leu31, Pro34]NPY or the Y2 agonist NPY13-36. In cells where Y1 receptors were preserved by selective receptor protection, 125I-PYY binding was selectively inhibited by the Y1 agonist or antagonist BIBP 3226 [(R)-N2-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-D-arginine-amide]. Conversely, in cells where Y2 receptors were preserved, 125I-PYY binding was selectively inhibited by the Y2 agonist or antagonist BIIE 0246 [(S)N2-[1-[2-[4-[(R,S)-5,11-dihydro-6(66H)-oxodibenz[b,e]azepin-11-y]-1piperazinyl]-2-oxoethyl]cyclopentyl]acetyl]-N-[2-[1,2-dihydro-35(4H)-dioxo-1,2-diphenyl-3H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]ethyl]-argininamide]. All Y receptors activated preferentially Gi2, but only Y2 and Y4 receptors activated Gq. Consequently, Y2 agonists (NPY, PYY, and NPY13-36) and the Y4 agonist (pancreatic polypeptide) induced concentration-dependent contraction, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation, and increase in cytosolic free Ca2+. Contraction induced by Y2 and Y4 agonists was not affected by 0 Ca2+, Ca2+ channel blockers, or pertussis toxin (PTx), but it was abolished by thapsigargin, U73122 [1-(6-(17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-25-dione], or the myosin light chain kinase inhibitor ML-9 [1-(5-chloronaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)homopiperazine, HCl]. Y2-mediated contraction was inhibited by the selective Y2 antagonist BIIE 0246. Insensitivity to PTx implied that the coupling to Gi did not initiate (Y1) or contribute (Y2 and Y4) to contraction. All Y receptor agonists inhibited cAMP formation in a PTx-sensitive manner. The patterns of contraction and inhibition of cAMP by various Y receptors were corroborated by selective receptor protection. The study demonstrates coexpression of Y1, Y2, and Y4 receptors on smooth muscle negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase via Gi2. Coupling of Y2 and Y4 receptors to Gq determines their ability to induce IP3-dependent Ca2+ release and initiate contraction.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Lack of specific amyloid-beta(1-42) suppression by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in young, plaque-free Tg2576 mice and in guinea pig neuronal cultures.

Recent studies indicating that some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) selectively modulate gamma-secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) while sparing Notch processing have generated interest in discovery of novel gamma-secretase modulators with the "NSAID-like" efficacy profile. The objective of the present studies was to compare the efficacy of a subset of NSAIDs with previously reported classical gamma-secretase inhibitors LY-411575 [N(2)-[(2S)-2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethanoyl]-N(1)-[(7S)-5-methyl-6-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,d]azepin-7-yl]-L-alaninamide]and DAPT [N-[N- (3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester] in Tg2576 mice. Flurbiprofen (10 and 25 mg/kg/day) was overtly toxic and elicited significant (but nonselective) reductions in both Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) in the plasma in one of two studies. Flurbiprofen also produced a small reduction in Abeta(1-40) in the cortex at 25 mg/kg/day but did not affect Abeta levels in hippocampus or cerebrospinal fluid. Ibuprofen and sulindac sulfide were neither overtly toxic nor efficacious at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day. The effects of NSAIDs LY-411575 and DAPT were tested in guinea pig embryonic neuronal cultures to determine whether the selective reductions in Abeta(1-42) observed in cell lines overexpressing human mutant APP can be reproduced in a neuronal model of physiological Abeta production and secretion. Flurbiprofen and sulindac nonselectively reduced Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) at concentrations > or =125 microM, although cytotoxicity was noted at > or =250 microM sulindac. Ibuprofen had no effect at concentrations up to 500 microM. In contrast, DAPT and LY-411575 potently and completely inhibited Abeta(1-40), Abeta(1-42), and Abeta(1-38) in the absence of cytotoxicity. The divergence of the present data from published reports raises the need to examine the conditions necessary to perceive selective Abeta(1-42) reduction by NSAIDs in neuronal tissue.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Dopamine D1 and D2 agonist effects on prepulse inhibition and locomotion: comparison of Sprague-Dawley rats to Swiss-Webster, 129X1/SvJ, C57BL/6J, and DBA/2J mice.

D2 receptors have been studied in relation to therapeutic uses of dopaminergic drugs, and psychomotor stimulant effects [as manifested by decreased prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle and increased locomotor activity] are hallmark behavioral effects of D2 agonists in rats. Genetic studies with mutant mice might be useful in this line of investigation; however, recent studies suggest that mice differ from rats with respect to D2 agonist effects. Accordingly, we studied a wide range of doses of the D2-like agonist quinelorane (0.0032-5.6 mg/kg) and the D1-like agonist R-6-Br-APB [R(+)-6-bromo-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide] (0.032-5.6 mg/kg) in outbred Sprague-Dawley rats, outbred Swiss-Webster mice, and inbred 129X1/SvJ, C57BL/6J, and DBA/2J mice. Whereas the D2 agonist dose-dependently decreased PPI and increased locomotion in rats, neither of these effects was observed in outbred or inbred mice. In contrast, the D1 agonist reduced PPI and increased locomotion in Sprague-Dawley rats and in Swiss-Webster, 129X1/SvJ, and C57BL/6J mice. Neither agonist decreased PPI in DBA/2J mice, although PPI was increased in this strain by a D2 antagonist. Pretreatment with either the D2 antagonist eticlopride (1 mg/kg) or the D1 antagonist SCH39166 [(-)-trans-6,7,7a,8,9,13b-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-methyl-5H-benzo[d]naptho-(2,1-b)azepine] (1 mg/kg) prevented the PPI-disruptive effects of quinelorane in rats and R-6-Br-APB in mice, suggesting receptor interactions in both species. In summary, psychomotor stimulant effects of a D2 agonist that were robustly observed in outbred rats were absent in several outbred and inbred strains of mice. These results may have implications for the study of mutant mice to investigate genes involved in psychomotor function in humans.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗