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Effects of adenosine analogues on apomorphine-induced penile erection in rats.

1. In the present work, the effect of adenosine agonists and antagonists on apomorphine-induced penile erection (PE) has been studied. 2. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of the nonselective D1/D2 dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine (0.05-0.5 mg/kg) induced PE in a biphasic manner. The maximum effect was obtained with 0.1 mg/kg of the drug. The response decreased with increasing doses of apomorphine, from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg. 3. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of adenosine agonists 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) decreased the response of apomorphine. Apomorphine-induced PE was increased by low doses (25, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and decreased by high doses (75, 100 mg/kg, i.p.) of the adenosine antagonist theophylline, respectively. Inhibition of PE induced by NECA and CHA was antagonized by 8-PT pretreatment. 4. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of CHA, NECA, and theophylline produced the same effects as i.p. injections of these agents on PE responses. It is concluded that A-1 and A-2 adenosine receptor activation may inhibit PE induced by dopaminergic mechanism(s), which can be prevented by 8-PT pretreatment.

Adenosine↗

Apomorphine- and oxytocin-induced penile erection and yawning in male rats: effect of pertussis toxin.

The effect of the intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of pertussis toxin on penile erection and yawning induced by apomorphine and oxytocin was studied in male rats. Pertussis toxin (2 micrograms ICV) prevented the above behavioral responses to apomorphine (80 micrograms/kg SC) and oxytocin (30 ng ICV) on day 3 and 4, but not on day 0 and 1 after treatment. Oxytocin and apomorphine responses were restored on day 6. Similar results were obtained by microinjecting pertussis toxin (0.5 microgram) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the most sensitive brain area for the induction of penile erection and yawning by oxytocin and apomorphine. The results suggest that G proteins are involved in the expression of above responses to apomorphine and oxytocin.

Animals↗

Selective and quantitative isolation and determination of apomorphine in human plasma.

A simple extraction system for the selective and quantitative isolation of apomorphine from human plasma is described. Apomorphine and N-n-propylnorapomorphine were isolated by complex formation between a borate group and the diol group of the apomorphines in an alkaline medium, this in combination with ion-pair formation. The reproducibility and linearity of this extraction method combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection is excellent. The absolute mean recovery of apomorphine was 100%, the recovery of N-n-propylnorapomorphine was 98%. The detection limit of apomorphine in human plasma in the described system is approximately 0.5 ng/ml.

Apomorphine↗

Prenatal ethanol exposure alters sensitivity to the effects of apomorphine given alone and in combination with ethanol on locomotor activity in adult male mouse offspring.

Previous studies have indicated that prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure alters developing catecholamine (CA) systems and acute sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of EtOH. The purpose of this study was to examine whether prenatal EtOH exposure influences the effects of the direct dopamine (DA) agonist apomorphine given alone as well as in combination with a low-dose stimulant challenge of EtOH. Standard lab chow or liquid diets containing either 25% EtOH-derived calories (EDC), or 0% EDC were given to pregnant C3H/He mice on gestation days 6-18. At 90 days of age, male offspring from each prenatal treatment group were monitored for 10 min in an open field following IP injections of apomorphine (0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mg/kg) and either EtOH (1.5 g/kg) or saline. EtOH alone increased activity by 120-143% in all three groups of offspring. In control offspring, apomorphine dose-dependently decreased activity up to 74%-78% and blocked the stimulant effect of EtOH at all doses tested. However, in prenatal EtOH-exposed offspring, higher doses of apomorphine were significantly less effective in reducing both baseline and EtOH-stimulated activity compared to control mice. This effect is most likely not due to differences in pharmacokinetics, because blood EtOH concentrations were similar across apomorphine doses and prenatal treatment conditions. As such, these results support the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to EtOH alters acute sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of EtOH, particularly under conditions in which CA systems mediating those effects are additionally challenged. In addition, the results suggest that prenatal EtOH exposure results in a long-lasting perturbation of central DA receptor sensitivity.

Animals↗

Comparison of the effect of sildenafil and apomorphine SL on nocturnal erections in healthy volunteers: a placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of sildenafil and sublingual (sl) apomorphine on nocturnal erections. METHODS: In a prospective, single-blinded, placebo-controlled at-home study we compared the effect of apomorphine sl and sildenafil on sleep-related erectile activity in 30 healthy potent volunteers (mean age, 26.4 years; range, 23-35 years; Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function > or =26), not reporting any subjective sleep abnormality during 4 consecutive nights with rigidity monitoring (NPTR) with the RigiScantrade mark device. After the first night of adaptation, they were randomized to receive placebo or apomorphine sl 2mg or sildenafil 50mg taken at bedtime during the following 3 consecutive nights. RESULTS: Sildenafil increased the mean+/-SE number of erections, overall length of erectile events, and the time of erections with rigidity >60% at both tip and base, as compared to placebo. The same parameters were reduced after administration of apomorphine sl. Similar findings were observed with regards to Rigidity Activity Units and Tumescence Activity Units. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that sildenafil taken at bedtime might increase nocturnal erectile activity also in young potent men as compared to placebo. Apomorphine sl taken at bedtime seems to have the opposite effect.

Adult↗

Effects of apomorphine on rat behavior in the elevated plus-maze.

It has been reported that novelty may evoke both an exploratory and a fear drive, thus generating behavior responding to an approach/avoidance conflict. However, not much is known about the approach component. Whereas there exists abundant evidence referring to the avoidance component as the main target for the anxiolytic action of benzodiazepines, the involvement of dopaminergic mechanisms in fear and anxiety is controversial. The present study examined the effects of the dopaminergic agonist apomorphine, the D(2) dopaminergic antagonist sulpiride and the combined treatment sulpiride plus apomorphine on conventional and non-conventional measures of the behavior of rats exposed to an elevated plus-maze. Systemic injection of apomorphine (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) caused a selective increase in the time spent in the open arms and in the open arm extremities. Pre-treatment with sulpiride blocked these effects while this dopaminergic antagonist had no effect by its own. Apomorphine produced no significant effects on stretching, flat-back-approach or scanning. Therefore, apomorphine increased the behavioral response linked to the approach component of the conflict without affecting risk assessment behaviors. These findings suggest that dopaminergic mechanisms, probably through D(2) receptors, may also be involved in the mediation of the conflict derived from the need of gathering information for confirming, identifying and localizing danger and take the appropriate action for avoiding the threatening stimuli of the elevated plus-maze. A role for dopaminergic mechanisms in the setting up of adaptive responses in a fear-inducing environment is discussed.

Analysis of Variance↗

Differential effects of SCH 23390 on the apomorphine subsensitivity in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area 1 day following withdrawal from continuous or intermittent cocaine pretreatment.

Using extracellular single-unit recordings in rats, the effects of chronic intermittent injections and continuous infusion of cocaine on single dopamine neurons were directly compared in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. After 1-day withdrawal we determined: (1) the neuronal sensitivity to the mixed D1/D2 agonist apomorphine and (2) its modulation by the D1 antagonist SCH 23390. The nigral dopamine neurons exhibited subsensitivity to the impulse-inhibiting effects of apomorphine following both intermittent and continuous regimens. SCH 23390 selectively reversed the apomorphine subsensitivity in the intermittent group, while having minimal effects in the other group. Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, on the other hand, were sub- and normosensitive to apomorphine following intermittent and continuous dosing regimens, respectively. In contrast to the substantia nigra, SCH 23390 failed to alter the apomorphine sensitivity in either of the pretreatment groups. Possible mechanisms underlying these distinctive changes in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area following intermittent and continuous cocaine pretreatment regimens are discussed.

Animals↗

Kir6.2 oligoantisense administered into the globus pallidus reduces apomorphine-induced turning in 6-OHDA hemiparkinsonian rats.

ATP-sensitive inwardly rectifying potassium channels (KATPs) couple cell metabolism with its membrane potential. The best characterized KATP is the pancreatic KATP which is an heteromultimer of Kir6.2 and SUR1 protein subunits. KATPs are found in a variety of excitable cells, including neurons of the central nervous system. Basal ganglia (BG), especially in the substantia nigra (SN) reticulata and the globus pallidus (GP), have a high density of KATPs. Pharmacological modulation of the KATPs within the BG alters GABAergic activity and produces behavioural changes. However, the relatively high concentrations of drugs used might not have been entirely selective for the KATPs and may have acted at presynaptic nerve terminals as well as on the post-synaptic neurons. As an alternative means of examining the role of KATPs in regulating motor behavior, we used oligoantisense technology to diminish selectively Kir6.2 formation in the GP neurons. We then examined the effect of reduction in Kir6.2 expression on apomorphine-induced turning behavior in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the SN. Two weeks after injection of 6-OHDA, contralateral circling in response to apomorphine (0.25 mg/kg sc) was recorded. Kir6.2 antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) was then administered daily for 6 days into the GP ipsilateral to the 6-OHDA injection. Responses to apomorphine were then tested again and the animals killed to determine the effect of the antisense ODN on Kir6. 2 mRNA. Administration of Kir6.2 antisense ODN significantly attenuated apomorphine-induced contralateral turning and specifically reduced Kir6.2 mRNA in the injected GP. These results are consistent with pharmacological experiments which suggest that KATP channels in the GP are involved in motor responses to apomorphine in 6-OHDA lesioned rats, localizing the effects to the GP neurons, probably through modulation of the GABAergic system.

Animals↗

Effects of scopolamine in comparison with apomorphine and phencyclidine on prepulse inhibition in rats.

The potential involvement of the muscarinic cholinergic system in the underlying mechanisms of prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex was evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats under conditions of varying dose, prepulse intensity, and interstimulus interval. The effects of scopolamine on prepulse inhibition were also directly compared with the effects observed using apomorphine and phencyclidine under the same test parameters. Scopolamine (0. 03-1.0 mg/kg) produced a significant dose-dependent decrease in prepulse inhibition, but had no effect on startle amplitude over the dose range tested. Apomorphine (0.03-1.0 mg/kg) and phencyclidine (0. 1-5.6 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent decreases in prepulse inhibition and changes in startle amplitude. The scopolamine-induced decrease in prepulse inhibition varied with prepulse intensity in that the changes produced by scopolamine became smaller in magnitude as the prepulse intensity was increased from 9 to 30 dB above background. On the other hand, apomorphine and phencyclidine decreased prepulse inhibition to approximately the same magnitude across all prepulse intensities tested. The observed decreases in prepulse inhibition produced by scopolamine, apomorphine, and phencyclidine were also dependent on interstimulus interval duration. Scopolamine produced marked decreases in prepulse inhibition at the 100- and 300-ms interstimulus interval durations, but had little or no effect on prepulse inhibition at the 30- and 1000-ms interstimulus interval durations. In contrast, apomorphine decreased prepulse inhibition across all interstimulus interval durations while phencyclidine decreased prepulse inhibition across the 30- to 300-ms interstimulus interval durations. The present findings support the hypothesis that the muscarinic cholinergic system, like the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems, is directly involved in the mechanisms of prepulse inhibition. However, these three neurotransmitter systems appear to modulate different aspects of prepulse inhibition.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Comparison of apomorphine, amphetamine and dizocilpine disruptions of prepulse inhibition in inbred and outbred mice strains.

The dopamine agonist apomorphine robustly disrupts prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response in the rat, yet published studies have not demonstrated a robust disruption of prepulse inhibition with apomorphine in the mouse. The aim of these studies was to establish the optimal prepulse conditions (using manipulations to prepulse intensity and inter-stimulus interval) and mouse strain(s) for testing apomorphine, and also the prepulse inhibition disrupting drugs amphetamine, and dizocilpine (MK-801). The effects of these drugs on startle response and prepulse inhibition were tested in outbred CD-1 and Swiss Webster (CFW) strains, and the inbred C57BL/6, 129X1/SvJ, and A/J strains. There were strain differences with baseline startle and prepulse inhibition in that the CD-1, CFW, and C57BL/6 strains exhibited high levels of startle and prepulse inhibition, the 129X1/SvJ strain exhibited low levels of startle but high levels of prepulse inhibition, while the A/J strain exhibited low startle and no prepulse inhibition. Apomorphine disrupted prepulse inhibition in the CFW and C57BL/6 strains and the effect was only evident when using a short 30 ms inter-stimulus interval. Amphetamine disrupted prepulse inhibition in the CFW, C57BL/6, and 129X1/SvJ strains, and dizocilpine disrupted prepulse inhibition in the CD-1, CFW, C57BL/6, and 129X1/SvJ strains. The effects of amphetamine and dizocilpine were independent of the inter-stimulus interval. These studies demonstrated clear strain differences in the startle response and prepulse inhibition, and the pharmacological disruptions of prepulse inhibition, and suggest that inter-stimulus intervals less than 100 ms may be optimal for detecting the effects of apomorphine in mice.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Effects of Ca2+ channel blockers on apomorphine, bromocriptine and morphine-induced locomotor activity in mice.

The effects of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blockers on apomorphine, bromocriptine and morphine-induced changes in locomotor activity were examined in mice. Apomorphine (4 mg/kg) and morphine (20 mg/kg) produced locomotor stimulation. Bromocriptine (8 mg/kg) produced a biphasic effect on motor behaviour, an early depressant phase, followed by locomotor stimulation. Amlodipine (2.5 mg/kg), nicardipine (10 mg/kg), diltiazem (10 mg/kg) and verapamil (10 mg/kg), which by itself did not affect locomotor activity, inhibited the stimulant phase of bromocriptine without altering the depressant phase, while they did not affect apomorphine- and morphine-induced locomotor stimulation. Apomorphine, bromocriptine and morphine-induced locomotor stimulation was decreased by SCH 23390 (R-(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine-7- ol) (0.05 mg/kg) or haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg). These results indicate that L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels are involved in the motor stimulant effect of bromocriptine, but not in apomorphine- and morphine-induced locomotor stimulation. The effects of Ca2+ channel blockers on the dopaminergic system appears not to be directly related to dopamine receptor blockade.

Amlodipine↗

Dopamine D(2) activity of R-(-)-apomorphine and selected analogs: a microdialysis study.

In the present study, R-(-)-apomorphine and three of its analogs were studied for their potency in decreasing the release of dopamine in the striatum after subcutaneous administration and for their oral bioavailability using the microdialysis technique in freely moving rats. The analogs R-(-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine and R-(-)-11-hydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine displayed a higher potency than R-(-)-apomorphine in decreasing the release of dopamine in the striatum. A high dose of R-(-)-11-hydroxyaporphine, a dopamine D(2) receptor partial agonist, had a small effect on the release of dopamine in the striatum. The catechols R-(-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine and R-(-)-apomorphine displayed a comparable oral bioavailability (1%), while the mono-hydroxy analog R-(-)-11-hydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine displayed a slightly higher oral bioavailability (3%). In conclusion, R-(-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine and R-(-)-11-hydroxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine did not show a substantial improvement in bioavailability. However, due to the clear difference in their efficacy in decreasing dopamine release, in spite of the similar agonist binding affinities to the dopamine D(2) receptor of the two analogs compared to R-(-)-apomorphine, they could be useful alternatives for apomorphine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Administration, Oral↗

Effect of route and frequency of administration of apomorphine on growth hormone release in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Apomorphine is known to stimulate growth hormone release in African catfish following an intraperitoneal (IP) injection. In the present study the effect of apomorphine (5 or 20 mg/kg body weight) on plasma GH levels was evaluated after gastro-intestinal or parenteral delivery. Apomorphine increased the plasma GH concentration regardless of the route of administration, indicating that apomorphine can be absorbed from the intestinal tract. The effect of repeated administration of apomorphine differed clearly between the tested doses. Although a single IP injection with 20 mg apomorphine/kg body weight resulted in a clear increase in plasma GH levels, a second injection given 12 hours later was ineffective. In contrast the last of 4 consecutive injections with 5 mg apomorphine/kg body weight given at intervals of 12 hours stimulated the plasma GH levels in a similar way to a single IP injection with the same dose.

Animals↗

Modulation of apomorphine-induced rotations in unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats by cholinergic agonists and antagonists.

In the present study, we examined the effects of the agonists and antagonists of cholinergic receptors on central dopaminergic function using the 6-hydroxydopamine model of dopamine receptor supersensitivity. Unilateral lesioning of the substantia nigra with 6-hydroxydopamine was carried out in Wistar rats. Two weeks after surgery, the rats were tested for the presence of dopaminergic supersensitivity by their response to the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine. Apomorphine-induced rotations were significantly reinforced by the muscarinic receptor antagonist, atropine. In contrast to atropine, the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine attenuated apomorphine's effects. Acute treatment of nicotine significantly reduced apomorphine-induced rotations. However, when increasing doses of nicotine were given for nine days, the rotations of the nicotine-dependent rats were significantly enhanced. So the fact that both muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic activity could modulate apomorphine-induced rotations was readily apparent in these experiments.

Animals↗

Dose-dependent induction of apoptosis by R-apomorphine in CHO-K1 cell line in culture.

A variety of mechanisms have been proposed as explanations for the distinctive neuropathology of Parkinson's disease, such as increased iron levels, increased oxidant stress or decreased antioxidant defences. The vulnerability of dopamine-containing neurons towards cell death has attracted much attention to the dopamine molecule itself as one of the probable neurotoxic factors leading to neurodegeneration. The similarity between apomorphine and dopamine with regards to their chemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties provided a basis for investigating the nature of the toxicity of the former agent. In this study the CHO-K1 cell line was exposed to different concentrations of apomorphine, and markers of cell death and apoptosis were studied. Apomorphine reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion after 72 h incubation. Furthermore, apomorphine induced dose-dependent cell death at concentrations of 10-50 microM. The CHO-K1 line showed specific markers of apoptosis such as the typical DNA laddering phenomenon on agarose gel, morphological changes of apoptotic nuclei as described by in situ end labelling, and annexin binding. These data strongly suggest that apomorphine, like dopamine, elicits its cytotoxic effect with an apoptotic mechanism.

Animals↗

Agonist and antagonist effects of apomorphine enantiomers on 5-HT3 receptors.

Direct effects of the enantiomers of the classical dopamine receptor ligand apomorphine on 5-HT3 receptors were examined in NIE-115 neuroblastoma cells in whole-cell voltage clamp mode. R(-)-apomorphine (R(-)APO; 3-300 microM) evokes a small, transient inward ion current. At 30 microM, R(-)APO induces its maximum inward current, which is approximately 3% of the amplitude of the inward current induced by 10 microM 5-HT. The R(-)APO-induced current is completely and reversibly inhibited after superfusion of 50 nM of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist MDL 72222 and after desensitization of the 5-HT3 receptors by 10 microM 5-HT. The results indicate that R(-)APO is a partial agonist at the 5-HT3 receptor. R(-)APO (30 microM) evokes a depolarization of the membrane potential with an amplitude which is 26% of the 10 microM 5-HT-induced depolarization. In addition, the 5-HT-induced depolarization is reduced (from 29 to 15 mV) after prolonged exposure of the cell to R(-)APO. S(+)-apomorphine (S(+)APO; 3-300 microM) does not evoke an ion current. Instead, S(+)APO antagonizes the 5-HT3 receptor with an IC50 of 32 microM. The combined results indicate that enantiomers of apomorphine act directly on 5-HT3 receptors, and suggest that the in vivo effects of apomorphine are partially attributable to a direct interaction with 5-HT3 receptors.

Animals↗

Effects of adrenoceptor agents on apomorphine-induced licking behavior in rats.

In the present study, intraperitoneal (IP) administration of the dopaminergic receptor agonist apomorphine (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent licking in rats. The intraperitoneal injection of the alpha1'''adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (1-8 mg/kg) but not the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine (0.025-0.05 mg/kg) decreased licking induced by apomorphine. The alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin, phenoxybenzamine, and yohimbine also reduced the apomorphine response significantly. The response induced by phenylephrine was decreased by a dose of prazosin. The beta1-adrenenocepor agonist dobutamine and beta2-adrenenocepor agonist salbutamol did not alter the apomorphine response. However, beta2-adrenenocepor antagonists atenolol and propranolol reduced the apomorphine effect. It may be concluded that alpha1- and possibly beta1-adrenoceptor mechanisms may be involved in modulation of licking behavior.

Adrenergic Agents↗

Cholecystokinin modulation of apomorphine- or amphetamine-induced stereotypy in rats: opposite effects.

Stereotyped behavior can be induced by the dopamine agonist apomorphine or by the releasing agent amphetamine. Cholecystokinin influence on dopamine-mediated behaviors has been extensively studied but a real controversy remains. Our purpose was to further characterize the dopamine-cholecystokinin interaction in apomorphine- and amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior using sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK8) and cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK4) treatments. The results showed that CCK8 decreases apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and CCK4 has no effect. CCK4 and CCK8 increased the amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior; CCK4 was more effective. The results confirm the opposite modulation of apomorphine or amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior by CCK. These data suggest that this modulation is mediated by both CCK receptors on apomorphine-induced and only by CCK(2) receptors on amphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior.

Amphetamines↗