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The relation between stimulus and response in olfactory receptor cells of the tiger salamander.

1. Olfactory receptor cells were isolated from the adult tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum and the current in response to odorant stimuli was measured with the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique while odorants at known concentrations were rapidly applied for controlled exposure times. 2. Three odorants, cineole, isoamyl acetate and acetophenone, were first applied at 5 x 10(-4) M. Out of forty-nine cells tested, 53% responded to one odorant only, 22% to two odorants and 25% to all three odorants. 3. The amplitude of the current in response to a given odorant concentration was found to be dependent on the duration of the odorant stimulus and reached a saturating peak value at 1.2 s of stimulus duration. 4. The current measured at the peak of the response for odorant steps of 1.2 s as a function of odorant concentration was well described by the Hill equation for the three odorants with Hill coefficients higher than 1 and K1/2 (odorant concentration needed to activate half the maximal current) ranging from 3 x 10(-6) to 9 x 10(-5) M. 5. It is concluded that olfactory receptor cells are broadly tuned and have a low apparent affinity for odorants, integrate stimulus information over time, and have a narrow dynamic range.

Acetophenones↗

Mechanisms for the inhibition of genital vascular responses by antidepressants in a female rabbit model.

Vaginal and clitoral vasodilator responses (genital vascular responses; GVRs) to pelvic nerve electrical stimulation in female rabbits were measured by laser Doppler flow needle probes. The intravenous administration of various treatments was evaluated. GVRs were attenuated by a nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor (48.5 and 51.8% of control at 8 Hz in the vagina and clitoris, respectively) and norepinephrine (NE) (78.5 and 61.5%), whereas serotonin (5-HT) had no inhibitory effect. The selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram did not modify GVRs, whereas the SSRI paroxetine dose-dependently inhibited GVRs in female rabbits (43.3 and 53.1% at 5 mg/kg). GVRs were also significantly inhibited by the 5-HT and NE reuptake inhibitors venlafaxine (53.4 and 52.6% at 5 mg/kg) and duloxetine (40.9 and 37.4% at 1 mg/kg). L-arginine prevented the inhibitory effects of paroxetine (105.5 and 115.3%) and partially prevented duloxetine-induced reduction of GVRs but had no effect on the inhibition of GVRs induced by venlafaxine. Conversely, the alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker phentolamine had no effect on paroxetine-induced reduction of GVRs, partially prevented the inhibitory effects of duloxetine, and fully prevented the effects of venlafaxine (93.0 and 96.7%). Duloxetine-induced inhibition of GVRs was completely prevented by combined administration of L-arginine and phentolamine (123.5 and 103.6%). Although 5-HT or the highly selective SRI escitalopram did not inhibit GVRs, NE or inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis did. Inhibition of the NO pathway by paroxetine and duloxetine or activation of alpha-adrenergic mechanisms by venlafaxine and duloxetine lead to antidepressant-induced inhibition of GVRs in female rabbits.

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors↗

The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonylglycerol decreases the immunological activation of Guinea pig mast cells: involvement of nitric oxide and eicosanoids.

The antigen-induced release of histamine from sensitized guinea pig mast cells was dose-dependently reduced by endogenous (2-arachidonylglycerol; 2AG) and exogenous [(1R,3R,4R)-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexan-1-ol (CP55,940)] cannabinoids. The inhibitory action afforded by 2AG and CP55,940 was reversed by N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SR144528), a selective cannabinoid 2 (CB(2)) receptor antagonist, and left unchanged by the selective CB(1) antagonist N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM251). The inhibitory action of 2AG and CP55,940 was reduced by the unselective nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N-monomethyl-L-arginine methylester (l-NAME) and reinstated by L-arginine, the physiological substrate. The inhibitory action of 2AG and CP55,940 was also reduced by the unselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin and the selective COX-2 blocker rofecoxib. Both 2AG and CP55,940 significantly increased the production of nitrite from mast cells, which was abrogated by L-NAME and N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W), a selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor. Nitrite production consistently paralleled a CP55,940-induced increase in the expression of iNOS protein in mast cells. Both 2AG and CP55,940 increased the generation of prostaglandin E(2) from mast cells, which was abrogated by indomethacin and rofecoxib and parallel to the CP55,940-induced expression of COX-2 protein. Mast cell challenge with antigen was accompanied by a net increase in intracellular calcium levels. Both cannabinoid receptor ligands decreased the intracellular calcium levels, which were reversed by SR144528 and l-NAME. In unstimulated mast cells, both ligands increased cGMP levels. The increase was abrogated by SR144528, l-NAME, indomethacin, and rofecoxib. Our results suggest that 2AG and CP55,940 decreased mast cell activation in a manner that is susceptible to a CB(2) receptor antagonist and to inhibition of nitric oxide and prostanoid pathways.

Animals↗

Efficacy of duloxetine, a potent and balanced serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in persistent pain models in rats.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) are implicated in modulating descending inhibitory pain pathways in the central nervous system. Duloxetine is a selective and potent dual 5-HT and NE reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The ability of duloxetine to antagonize 5-HT depletion in para-chloramphetamine-treated rats was comparable with that of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), whereas its ability to antagonize NE depletion in alpha-methyl-m-tyrosine-treated rats was similar to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), thionisoxetine or desipramine. In this paradigm, duloxetine was also more potent than other SNRIs, including venlafaxine or milnacipran and amitriptyline. Low doses of the SSRI paroxetine or the NRI thionisoxetine alone did not have an effect on late phase paw-licking pain behavior in the formalin model of persistent pain; however, when combined, significantly attenuated this pain behavior. Duloxetine (3-15 mg/kg intraperitoneal) significantly attenuated late phase paw-licking behavior in a dose-dependent manner in the formalin model and was more potent than venlafaxine, milnacipran, and amitriptyline. These effects of duloxetine were evident at doses that did not cause neurologic deficits in the rotorod test. Duloxetine (5-30 mg/kg oral) was also more potent and efficacious than venlafaxine and milnacipran in reversing mechanical allodynia behavior in the L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain. Duloxetine (3-30 mg/kg oral) was minimally efficacious in the tail-flick model of acute nociceptive pain. These data suggest that inhibition of both 5-HT and NE uptake may account for attenuation of persistent pain mechanisms. Thus, duloxetine may have utility in treatment of human persistent and neuropathic pain states.

Acute Disease↗

Desvenlafaxine succinate: A new serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

The purpose of this study was to characterize a new chemical entity, desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS). DVS is a novel salt form of the isolated major active metabolite of venlafaxine. Competitive radioligand binding assays were performed using cells expressing either the human serotonin (5-HT) transporter (hSERT) or norepinephrine (NE) transporter (hNET) with K(i) values for DVS of 40.2 +/- 1.6 and 558.4 +/- 121.6 nM, respectively. DVS showed weak binding affinity (62% inhibition at 100 microM) at the human dopamine (DA) transporter. Inhibition of [3H]5-HT or [3H]NE uptake by DVS for the hSERT or hNET produced IC50 values of 47.3 +/- 19.4 and 531.3 +/- 113.0 nM, respectively. DVS (10 microM), examined at a large number of nontransporter targets, showed no significant activity. DVS (30 mg/kg orally) rapidly penetrated the male rat brain and hypothalamus. DVS (30 mg/kg orally) significantly increased extracellular NE levels compared with baseline in the male rat hypothalamus but had no effect on DA levels using microdialysis. To mimic chronic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment and to block the inhibitory 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors, a 5-HT(1A) antagonist, N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclo hexanecarboxamide maleate salt (WAY-100635) (0.3 mg/kg s.c.), was administered with DVS (30 mg/kg orally). 5-HT increased 78% compared with baseline with no additional increase in NE or DA levels. In conclusion, DVS is a new 5-HT and NE reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios, suggesting utility in a variety of central nervous system-related disorders.

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors↗

The potent emetogenic effects of the endocannabinoid, 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) are blocked by delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannnabinoids.

Cannabinoids, including the endogenous cannabinoid or endocannabinoid, anandamide, modulate several gastrointestinal functions. To date, the gastrointestinal effects of the second putative endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) have not been studied. In the present study using a shrew (Cryptotis parva) emetic model, 2-AG (0.25-10 mg/kg, i.p.) potently and dose-dependently increased vomiting frequency (ED(50) = 1.13 mg/kg) and the number of animals vomiting (ED(50) = 0.48 mg/kg). In contrast, neither anandamide (2.5-20 mg/kg) nor methanandamide (5-10 mg/kg) induced a dose-dependent emetogenic response, but both could partially block the induced emetic effects. Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol and its synthetic analogs reduced 2-AG-induced vomiting with the rank order potency: CP 55,940 > WIN 55,212-2 > Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. The nonpsychoactive cannabinoid, cannabidiol, was inactive. Nonemetic doses of SR 141716A (1-5 mg/kg) also blocked 2-AG-induced vomiting. The 2-AG metabolite arachidonic acid also caused vomiting. Indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, blocked the emetogenic effects of both arachidonic acid and 2-AG. CP 55,940 also blocked the emetic effects of arachidonic acid. 2-AG (0.25-10 mg/kg) reduced spontaneous locomotor activity (ED(50) = 11 mg/kg) and rearing frequency (ED(50) = 4.3 mg/kg) in the shrew, whereas such doses of both anandamide and methanandamide had no effect on locomotor parameters. The present study indicates that: 1) 2-AG is an efficacious endogenous emetogenic cannabinoid involved in vomiting circuits, 2) the emetic action of 2-AG and the antiemetic effects of tested cannabinoids are mediated via CB(1) receptors, and 3) the emetic effects of 2-AG occur in lower doses relative to its locomotor suppressant actions.

Animals↗

Allosteric modulation of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor.

We investigated the pharmacology of three novel compounds, Org 27569 (5-chloro-3-ethyl-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid [2-(4-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide), Org 27759 (3-ethyl-5-fluoro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid [2-94-dimethylamino-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide), and Org 29647 (5-chloro-3-ethyl-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (1-benzyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-amide, 2-enedioic acid salt), at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. In equilibrium binding assays, the Org compounds significantly increased the binding of the CB1 receptor agonist [3H]CP 55,940 [(1R,3R,4R)-3-[2-hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexan-1-ol], indicative of a positively cooperative allosteric effect. The same compounds caused a significant, but incomplete, decrease in the specific binding of the CB1 receptor inverse agonist [3H]SR 141716A [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboximide hydrochloride], indicative of a limited negative binding cooperativity. Analysis of the data according to an allosteric ternary complex model revealed that the estimated affinity of each Org compound was not significantly different when the radioligand was [3H]CP 55,940 or [3H]SR 141716A. However, the estimated cooperatively factor for the interaction between modulator and radioligand was greater than 1 when determined against [3H]CP 55,940 and less than 1 when determined against [3H]SR 141716A. [3H]CP 55,940 dissociation kinetic studies also validated the allosteric nature of the Org compounds, because they all significantly decreased radioligand dissociation. These data suggest that the Org compounds bind allosterically to the CB1 receptor and elicit a conformational change that increases agonist affinity for the orthosteric binding site. In contrast to the binding assays, however, the Org compounds behaved as insurmountable antagonists of receptor function; in the reporter gene assay, the guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate binding assay and the mouse vas deferens assay they elicited a significant reduction in the Emax value for CB1 receptor agonists. The data presented clearly demonstrate, for the first time, that the cannabinoid CB1 receptor contains an allosteric binding site that can be recognized by synthetic small molecule ligands.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Cannabinoid receptor agonists protect cultured rat hippocampal neurons from excitotoxicity.

Cannabinoid receptor agonists act presynaptically to inhibit the release of glutamate. Because other drugs with this action are known to reduce excitotoxicity, we tested several cannabimimetics in a model of synaptically mediated neuronal death. Reduction of the extracellular Mg2+ concentration to 0.1 mM evoked a repetitive pattern of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) spiking that, when maintained for 24 hr, resulted in significant neuronal death. The [Ca2+]i spiking and cell death in this model result from excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, as indicated by the inhibition of both [Ca2+]i spiking and neuronal death by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist CGS19755 (10 microM). The cannabimimetic drug Win55212-2 (100 nM) completely blocked [Ca2+]i spiking and prevented neuronal death induced by low extracellular Mg2+ concentrations. These effects on [Ca2+]i spiking and viability were stereoselective and were prevented by the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716 (100 nM). The partial agonist CP55940 (100 nM) also afforded significant protection from excitotoxicity. Cannabimimetic drugs did not protect cells from the direct application of glutamate (30 microM). These data suggest that cannabimimetic drugs may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Analgesics↗

Cannabinol enhancement of interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression by T cells is associated with an increase in IL-2 distal nuclear factor of activated T cell activity.

It has been demonstrated previously that cannabinol (CBN) differentially modulates interleukin-2 (IL-2) protein secretion by T cells with a corresponding change in extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity. The objective of the present studies was to further investigate the molecular mechanism by which CBN enhances IL-2 gene expression using the EL4 T cell line. We demonstrate here that steady-state IL-2 mRNA expression was significantly enhanced by CBN in a concentration-dependent manner in EL4 cells activated with suboptimal concentrations of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (2-10 nM). Concordantly, a marked increase was observed in nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT) DNA binding activity to the IL-2 distal NF-AT site, but not to nuclear factor for immunoglobulin kappa chain in B cells or activator protein 1 motifs. Transient transfection of EL4 cells with a reporter gene under the control of multiple IL-2 distal NF-AT motifs exhibited increased transcriptional activity by CBN in suboptimally activated cells. In addition, the CBN-mediated enhancement of IL-2 protein secretion and the transcriptional activity of the IL-2 distal NF-AT reporter gene was abrogated by the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KN93, but not by the CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528. Enhancement of IL-2 was also demonstrated with CP55940, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol, thus suggesting that the phenomenon is not unique to CBN. Collectively, these results suggest that increased IL-2 secretion by CBN is mediated through the enhancement of IL-2 gene transcription by activation of NF-AT in a CB1/CB2-independent manner.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Membrane assembly of the cannabinoid receptor 1: impact of a long N-terminal tail.

The human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Among the members of GPCR family, it has an exceptionally long extracellular N-terminal domain (N-tail) of 116 amino acids but has no typical signal sequence. This poses questions of how the long N-tail affects the biosynthesis of the receptor and of how it is inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Here we have examined the process of membrane assembly of CB1 in the ER membrane and the maturation of the receptor from the ER to the plasma membrane. We find that the long N-tail cannot be efficiently translocated across the ER membrane, causing the rapid degradation of CB1 by proteasomes; this leads to a low level of expression of the receptor at the plasma membrane. The addition of a signal peptide at the N terminus of CB1 or shortening of the long N-tail greatly enhances the stability and cell surface expression of the receptor without affecting receptor binding to a cannabinoid ligand, CP-55,940. We propose that the N-tail translocation is a crucial early step in biosynthesis of the receptor and may play a role in regulating the stability and surface expression of CB1.

Animals↗

Central role of the CNGA4 channel subunit in Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent odor adaptation.

Heteromultimeric cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play a central role in the transduction of odorant signals and subsequent adaptation. The contributions of individual subunits to native channel function in olfactory receptor neurons remain unclear. Here, we show that the targeted deletion of the mouse CNGA4 gene, which encodes a modulatory CNG subunit, results in a defect in odorant-dependent adaptation. Channels in excised membrane patches from the CNGA4 null mouse exhibited slower Ca2+-calmodulin-mediated channel desensitization. Thus, the CNGA4 subunit accelerates the Ca2+-mediated negative feedback in olfactory signaling and allows rapid adaptation in this sensory system.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Elementary response of olfactory receptor neurons to odorants.

Signaling by heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) drives numerous cellular processes. The number of G protein molecules activated by a single membrane receptor is a determinant of signal amplification, although in most cases this parameter remains unknown. In retinal rod photoreceptors, a long-lived photoisomerized rhodopsin molecule activates many G protein molecules (transducins), yielding substantial amplification and a large elementary (single-photon) response, before rhodopsin activity is terminated. Here we report that the elementary response in olfactory transduction is extremely small. A ligand-bound odorant receptor has a low probability of activating even one G protein molecule because the odorant dwell-time is very brief. Thus, signal amplification in olfactory transduction appears fundamentally different from that of phototransduction.

Acetophenones↗

Crossmodal interactions between olfactory and visual learning in Drosophila.

Different modalities of sensation interact in a synergistic or antagonistic manner during sensory perception, but whether there is also interaction during memory acquisition is largely unknown. In Drosophila reinforcement learning, we found that conditioning with concurrent visual and olfactory cues reduced the threshold for unimodal memory retrieval. Furthermore, bimodal preconditioning followed by unimodal conditioning with either a visual or olfactory cue led to crossmodal memory transfer. Crossmodal memory acquisition in Drosophila may contribute significantly to learning in a natural environment.

Animals↗

Probing immunosuppressant action with a nonnatural immunophilin ligand.

The immunosuppressants FK506 and rapamycin bind to the same immunophilin, FK506 binding protein (FKBP), and inhibit distinct signal transduction pathways in T lymphocytes. A nonnatural immunophilin ligand, 506BD, which contains only the common structural elements of FK506 and rapamycin, was synthesized and found to be a high-affinity ligand of FKBP and a potent inhibitor of FKBP rotamase activity. Whereas 506BD does not interfere with T cell activation, it does block the immunosuppressive effects of both FK506 and rapamycin. Thus, the common immunophilin binding element of these immunosuppressants, which is responsible for rotamase inhibition, is fused to different effector elements, resulting in the inhibition of different signaling pathways. Inhibition of rotamase activity is an insufficient requirement for mediating these effects.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Isolation and identification of minor components of commercial kanamycin.

A fraction enriched in the minor components of the kanamycin complex was prepared from a commercial sample. The enriched fraction was subjected to Amberlite CG-50 and Dowex 1-X2 column chromatography. Two minor components were isolated in addition to the known A, B, and C components. These congeners were identified as paromamine and 6-o-(3-amino-3-deoxy-alpha-d-glucopyranosyl)- deoxystreptamine. The identification was based on degradation and mass spectral studies.

Chromatography↗

Synthesis of N-acyl homoserine lactone analogues reveals strong activators of SdiA, the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LuxR homologue.

N-Acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are molecules that are synthesized and detected by many gram-negative bacteria to monitor the population density, a phenomenon known as quorum sensing. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is an exceptional species since it does not synthesize its own AHLs, while it does encode a LuxR homologue, SdiA, which enables this bacterium to detect AHLs that are produced by other species. To obtain more information about the specificity of the ligand binding by SdiA, we synthesized and screened a limited library of AHL analogues. We identified two classes of analogues that are strong activators of SdiA: the N-(3-oxo-acyl)-homocysteine thiolactones (3O-AHTLs) and the N-(3-oxo-acyl)-trans-2-aminocyclohexanols. To our knowledge, this is the first report of compounds (the 3O-AHTLs) that are able to activate a LuxR homologue at concentrations that are lower than the concentrations of the most active AHLs. SdiA responds with greatest sensitivity to AHTLs that have a keto modification at the third carbon atom and an acyl chain that is seven or eight carbon atoms long. The N-(3-oxo-acyl)-trans-2-aminocyclohexanols were found to be less sensitive to deactivation by lactonase and alkaline pH than the 3O-AHTLs and the AHLs are. We also examined the activity of our library with LuxR of Vibrio fischeri and identified three new inhibitors of LuxR. Finally, we performed preliminary binding experiments which suggested that SdiA binds its activators reversibly. These results increase our understanding of the specificity of the SdiA-ligand interaction, which could have uses in the development of anti-quorum-sensing-based antimicrobials.

4-Butyrolactone↗

Evaluation of antifungal volatile compounds on the basis of the elongation rate of a single hypha.

A novel method is proposed for the evaluation of the activity of an antifungal agent administered as a gas. This system is composed of a batch-flow type reaction vessel, a gas flow system, and a microscopic observation system. The agar plate was prepared on the ceiling of the reaction vessel, and the mycelium of a fungus (Aspergillus niger or Rhizoctonia solani) was inoculated onto it. After preincubation at 25 degrees C for 24 h, the reaction vessel was connected to the gas flow system. An appropriate hypha was selected, and its elongation rate was measured. Then a sample holder containing an antifungal compound was inserted into the reaction vessel from the side hole to saturate the atmosphere inside with its vapor. The retardation or inhibition of the hypha elongation was observed on a television monitor and recorded on a video tape recorder. The antifungal compound was then removed, and the reaction vessel was flushed with air. If the hypha lived, it began to elongate again. By this method, antifungal activity of seven odor compounds could be evaluated quantitatively within several hours.

Acrolein↗