Sample records for radiolabelled d2 agonists

  1. (-)-N-[(11)C]propyl-norapomorphine: a positron-labeled dopamine agonist for PET imaging of D(2) receptors.

    PubMed

    Hwang, D R; Kegeles, L S; Laruelle, M

    2000-08-01

    Imaging neuroreceptors with radiolabeled agonists might provide valuable information on the in vivo agonist affinity states of receptors of interest. We report here the radiosynthesis, biodistribution in rodents, and imaging studies in baboons of [(11)C]-labeled (-)-N-propyl-norapomorphine [(-)-NPA]. (-)-[(11)C]NPA was prepared by reacting norapomorphine with [(11)C]propionyl chloride and a lithium aluminum hydride reduction. [(11)C]Propionyl chloride was prepared by reacting [(11)C]CO(2) with ethylmagnesium bromide, followed by reacting with phthaloyl chloride. The radiochemical yield of (-)-[(11)C]NPA was 2.5% at end of synthesis (EOS), and the synthesis time was 60 min. The specific activity was 1700+/-1900 mCi/micromol ( N=7; ranged 110-5200 mCi/micromol at EOS). Rodent biodistribution studies showed high uptake of [(11)C](-)-NPA in D(2) receptor-rich areas, and the striatum/cerebellum ratios were 1.7, 3.4, and 4.4 at 5 min, 30 min, and 60 min postinjection, respectively. Pretreating the animals with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) decreased the striatum/cerebellum ratio at 30 min postinjection to 1.3. (-)-[(11)C]NPA was also evaluated via baboon positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Under control conditions ( N=4), rapid uptake of the tracer was observed and the striatum/cerebellum ratio reached 2.86+/-0.15 at 45 min postinjection. Following haloperidol pretreatment (0.2 mg/kg IV), the striatum/cerebellum ratio was 1.29 at 45 min postinjection. The result demonstrated the existence of specific binding of this new tracer to the D(2) receptor. To our knowledge, the current finding of a striatum/cerebellum ratio of 2.8 in baboon was the highest reported with a radiolabeled D(2) agonist. (-)-[(11)C]NPA is a promising new D(2) agonist PET tracer for probing D(2) receptors in vivo using PET.

  2. Radiolabelled D2 agonists as prolactinoma imaging agents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Otto, C.A.

    1989-08-01

    During the past year, further studies on mAChR were conducted. These studies included verification of the difference in pituitary distribution based on ligand charge. The pituitary localization of TRB. A neutral mAChR ligand, was verified. The lack of QNB blockade of TRB uptake was tested by blockage with scopolamine, another mAChR antagonist and by testing the effect in a different strain of rat. Neither scopolamine or change of rat strain had any effect. We concluded that TRB uptake in pituitary is not a receptor-mediated process. Further studies were conducted with an additional quaternized mAChR ligand: MQNB. Pituitary localization of MQNB,more » like MTRB, could be blocked by pretreatment with QNB. We have tentatively concluded that permanent charge on a mAChR antagonist changes the mechanism of uptake in the pituitary. Time course studies and the effects of DES on myocardial uptake are reported. A brief report on preliminary results of evaluation of quaternized mAChR ligands in the heart is included. In a limited series of such ligands, we have observed a single binding site and a difference in B{sub max} values: QNB competition studies yield larger B{sub max} values than studies with {sup 3}H-NMS. Progress in the synthesis of D{sub 2} agonists includes solving a synthetic problem and preparation of the cold'' analogue of N-0437 using procedures applicable to eventual synthesis with {sup 11}C-CH{sub 3}I. 2 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.« less

  3. Differential agonist and inverse agonist profile of antipsychotics at D2L receptors coupled to GIRK potassium channels.

    PubMed

    Heusler, Peter; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian; Castro-Fernandez, Annabelle; Cussac, Didier

    2007-03-01

    The D(2) dopaminergic receptor represents a major target of antipsychotic drugs. Using the coupling of the human D(2long) (hD(2L)) receptor to G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium (GIRK) channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes, we examined the activity of antipsychotic agents of different classes - typical, atypical, and a "new generation" of compounds, exhibiting a preferential D(2) and 5-HT(1A) receptor profile. When the hD(2L) receptor was coexpressed with GIRK channels, a series of reference compounds exhibited full agonist (dopamine, and quinpirole), partial agonist (apomorphine, (-)3-PPP, and (+)-UH232) or inverse agonist (raclopride, and L741626) properties. Sarizotan exhibited only very weak partial agonist action. At higher levels of receptor cRNA injected per oocyte, both partial agonist activity and inverse agonist properties were generally more pronounced. The inverse agonist action of L741626 was reversed by interaction with sarizotan, thus confirming the constitutive activity of wild-type hD(2L) receptors in the oocyte expression system. When antipsychotic agents were tested for their actions at the hD(2L) receptor, typical (haloperidol) as well as atypical (nemonapride, ziprasidone, and clozapine) compounds acted as inverse agonists. In contrast, among D(2)/5-HT(1A) antipsychotics, only SLV313 and F15063 behaved as inverse agonists, whilst the other members of this group (bifeprunox, SSR181507 and the recently marketed antipsychotic, aripiprazole) exhibited partial agonist properties. Thus, the X. laevis oocyte expression system highlights markedly different activity of antipsychotics at the hD(2L) receptor. These differential properties may translate to distinct therapeutic potential of these compounds.

  4. Interaction of a radiolabeled agonist with cardiac muscarinic cholinergic receptors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harden, T.K.; Meeker, R.B.; Martin, M.W.

    The interaction of a radiolabeled muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonist, (methyl-/sup 3/H)oxotremorine acetate ((/sup 3/H)OXO), with a washed membrane preparation derived from rat heart, has been studied. In binding assays at 4 degrees C, the rate constants for association and dissociation of (/sup 3/H)OXO were 2 X 10(7) M-1 min-1 and 5 X 10(-3) min-1, respectively, Saturation binding isotherms indicated that binding was to a single population of sites with a Kd of approximately 300 pM. The density of (/sup 3/H)OXO binding sites (90-100 fmol/mg of protein) was approximately 75% of that determined for the radiolabeled receptor antagonist (/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate.more » Both muscarinic receptor agonists and antagonists inhibited the binding of (/sup 3/H)OXO with high affinity and Hill slopes of approximately one. Guanine nucleotides completely inhibited the binding of (/sup 3/H)OXO. This effect was on the maximum binding (Bmax) of (/sup 3/H)OXO with no change occurring in the Kd; the order of potency for five nucleotides was guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio-triphosphate) greater than 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate greater than GTP greater than or equal to guanosine/diphosphate greater than GMP. The (/sup 3/H)OXO-induced interaction of muscarinic receptors with a guanine nucleotide binding protein was stable to solubilization. That is, membrane receptors that were prelabeled with (/sup 3/H)OXO could be solubilized with digitonin, and the addition of guanine nucleotides to the soluble, (/sup 3/H)OXO-labeled complex resulted in dissociation of (/sup 3/H)OXO from the receptor. Pretreatment of membranes with relatively low concentrations of N-ethylmaleimide inhibited (/sup 3/H)OXO binding by 85% with no change in the Kd of (/sup 3/H)OXO, and with no effect on (/sup 3/H)quinuclidinyl benzilate binding.« less

  5. Structure-guided development of dual β2 adrenergic/dopamine D2 receptor agonists.

    PubMed

    Weichert, Dietmar; Stanek, Markus; Hübner, Harald; Gmeiner, Peter

    2016-06-15

    Aiming to discover dual-acting β2 adrenergic/dopamine D2 receptor ligands, a structure-guided approach for the evolution of GPCR agonists that address multiple targets was elaborated. Starting from GPCR crystal structures, we describe the design, synthesis and biological investigation of a defined set of compounds leading to the identification of the benzoxazinone (R)-3, which shows agonist properties at the adrenergic β2 receptor and substantial G protein-promoted activation at the D2 receptor. This directed approach yielded molecular probes with tuned dual activity. The congener desOH-3 devoid of the benzylic hydroxyl function was shown to be a β2 adrenergic antagonist/D2 receptor agonist with Ki values in the low nanomolar range. The compounds may serve as a promising starting point for the investigation and treatment of neurological disorders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Rotigotine is a potent agonist at dopamine D1 receptors as well as at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors.

    PubMed

    Wood, Martyn; Dubois, Vanessa; Scheller, Dieter; Gillard, Michel

    2015-02-01

    Rotigotine acts as a dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for the dopamine D2, D3, D4 and D5 receptors but with a low affinity for the dopamine D1 receptor. We have investigated this further in radioligand binding and functional studies and compared the profile of rotigotine with that of other drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The binding of rotigotine to human dopamine D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 receptors was determined in radioligand binding studies using [(3)H]rotigotine and compared with that of standard antagonist radioligands. Functional interactions of rotigotine with human dopamine receptors was also determined. [(3)H]rotigotine can be used as an agonist radioligand to label all dopamine receptor subtypes and this can be important to derive agonist affinity estimates. Rotigotine maintains this high affinity in functional studies at all dopamine receptors especially D1, D2 and D3 receptors and, to a lesser extent, D4 and D5 receptors. Rotigotine, like apomorphine but unlike ropinirole and pramipexole, was a potent agonist at all dopamine receptors. Rotigotine is a high-potency agonist at human dopamine D1, D2 and D3 receptors with a lower potency at D4 and D5 receptors. These studies differentiate rotigotine from conventional dopamine D2 agonists, used in the treatment of PD, such as ropinirole and pramipexole which lack activity at the D1 and D5 receptors, but resembles that of apomorphine which has greater efficacy in PD than other dopamine agonists but has suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

  7. Rotigotine is a potent agonist at dopamine D1 receptors as well as at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Wood, Martyn; Dubois, Vanessa; Scheller, Dieter; Gillard, Michel

    2015-01-01

    Background and Purpose Rotigotine acts as a dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for the dopamine D2, D3, D4 and D5 receptors but with a low affinity for the dopamine D1 receptor. We have investigated this further in radioligand binding and functional studies and compared the profile of rotigotine with that of other drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Experimental Approach The binding of rotigotine to human dopamine D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 receptors was determined in radioligand binding studies using [3H]rotigotine and compared with that of standard antagonist radioligands. Functional interactions of rotigotine with human dopamine receptors was also determined. Key Results [3H]rotigotine can be used as an agonist radioligand to label all dopamine receptor subtypes and this can be important to derive agonist affinity estimates. Rotigotine maintains this high affinity in functional studies at all dopamine receptors especially D1, D2 and D3 receptors and, to a lesser extent, D4 and D5 receptors. Rotigotine, like apomorphine but unlike ropinirole and pramipexole, was a potent agonist at all dopamine receptors. Conclusions and Implications Rotigotine is a high-potency agonist at human dopamine D1, D2 and D3 receptors with a lower potency at D4 and D5 receptors. These studies differentiate rotigotine from conventional dopamine D2 agonists, used in the treatment of PD, such as ropinirole and pramipexole which lack activity at the D1 and D5 receptors, but resembles that of apomorphine which has greater efficacy in PD than other dopamine agonists but has suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties. PMID:25339241

  8. In vivo dopamine agonist properties of rotigotine: Role of D1 and D2 receptors.

    PubMed

    Fenu, Sandro; Espa, Elena; Pisanu, Augusta; Di Chiara, Gaetano

    2016-10-05

    Rotigotine acts in vitro as a full agonist of dopamine D1 receptors at concentrations almost superimposable to those at which it acts on D2 receptors. However in vivo evidence of the differences between the agonist activity of rotigotine at D1 receptors from that on the D2 receptors has not been provided yet. In order to test the ability of rotigotine to stimulate dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in vivo, we studied the effect of SCH39166 and eticlopride, selective dopamine D1 and D2/D3 receptor antagonists respectively, on rotigotine-induced contralateral turning behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. Furthermore, the expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos in the caudate-putamen, was evaluated. As a comparison, we tested the D2/D3 agonist pramipexole. In primed rats, rotigotine (0.035, 0.1 and 0.35mg/kg) induced dose-dependent contralateral turning. Turning induced by 0.1mg/kg of rotigotine was reduced by pretreatment with the D1 antagonist SCH39166 and the D2 antagonist eticlopride. In drug-naive rats, rotigotine was less effective in eliciting turning but SCH39166 still reduced turning induced by rotigotine (0.35mg/kg). Pramipexole induced contralateral turning only in primed rats. SCH39166 potentiated and eticlopride abolished pramipexole-induced turning. Rotigotine induced Fos expression in the caudate-putamen and SCH39166 completely blocked it. Pramipexole failed to induce Fos. These results indicate that rotigotine acts in vivo as an agonist of D1 and D2 receptors while pramipexole is devoid of D1 activity in vivo. Given their differing DA receptor profiles, rotigotine and pramipexole might differ in their spectrum of application to the therapy of Parkinson's disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists LSD and DOI enhance dopamine D2R protomer recognition and signaling of D2-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complexes.

    PubMed

    Borroto-Escuela, Dasiel O; Romero-Fernandez, Wilber; Narvaez, Manuel; Oflijan, Julia; Agnati, Luigi F; Fuxe, Kjell

    2014-01-03

    Dopamine D2LR-serotonin 5-HT2AR heteromers were demonstrated in HEK293 cells after cotransfection of the two receptors and shown to have bidirectional receptor-receptor interactions. In the current study the existence of D2L-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complexes was demonstrated also in discrete regions of the ventral and dorsal striatum with in situ proximity ligation assays (PLA). The hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists LSD and DOI but not the standard 5-HT2AR agonist TCB2 and 5-HT significantly increased the density of D2like antagonist (3)H-raclopride binding sites and significantly reduced the pKiH values of the high affinity D2R agonist binding sites in (3)H-raclopride/DA competition experiments. Similar results were obtained in HEK293 cells and in ventral striatum. The effects of the hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists on D2R density and affinity were blocked by the 5-HT2A antagonist ketanserin. In a forskolin-induced CRE-luciferase reporter gene assay using cotransfected but not D2R singly transfected HEK293 cells DOI and LSD but not TCB2 significantly enhanced the D2LR agonist quinpirole induced inhibition of CRE-luciferase activity. Haloperidol blocked the effects of both quinpirole alone and the enhancing actions of DOI and LSD while ketanserin only blocked the enhancing actions of DOI and LSD. The mechanism for the allosteric enhancement of the D2R protomer recognition and signalling observed is likely mediated by a biased agonist action of the hallucinogenic 5-HT2AR agonists at the orthosteric site of the 5-HT2AR protomer. This mechanism may contribute to the psychotic actions of LSD and DOI and the D2-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complex may thus be a target for the psychotic actions of hallunicogenic 5-HT2A agonists. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Intravitreally-administered dopamine D2-like (and D4), but not D1-like, receptor agonists reduce form-deprivation myopia in tree shrews.

    PubMed

    Ward, Alexander H; Siegwart, John T; Frost, Michael R; Norton, Thomas T

    2017-01-01

    We examined the effect of intravitreal injections of D1-like and D2-like dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists and D4 receptor drugs on form-deprivation myopia (FDM) in tree shrews, mammals closely related to primates. In eleven groups (n = 7 per group), we measured the amount of FDM produced by monocular form deprivation (FD) over an 11-day treatment period. The untreated fellow eye served as a control. Animals also received daily 5 µL intravitreal injections in the FD eye. The reference group received 0.85% NaCl vehicle. Four groups received a higher, or lower, dose of a D1-like receptor agonist (SKF38393) or antagonist (SCH23390). Four groups received a higher, or lower, dose of a D2-like receptor agonist (quinpirole) or antagonist (spiperone). Two groups received the D4 receptor agonist (PD168077) or antagonist (PD168568). Refractions were measured daily; axial component dimensions were measured on day 1 (before treatment) and day 12. We found that in groups receiving the D1-like receptor agonist or antagonist, the development of FDM and altered ocular component dimensions did not differ from the NaCl group. Groups receiving the D2-like receptor agonist or antagonist at the higher dose developed significantly less FDM and had shorter vitreous chambers than the NaCl group. The D4 receptor agonist, but not the antagonist, was nearly as effective as the D2-like agonist in reducing FDM. Thus, using intravitreally-administered agents, we did not find evidence supporting a role for the D1-like receptor pathway in reducing FDM in tree shrews. The reduction of FDM by the dopamine D2-like agonist supported a role for the D2-like receptor pathway in the control of FDM. The reduction of FDM by the D4 receptor agonist, but not the D4 antagonist, suggests an important role for activation of the dopamine D4 receptor in the control of axial elongation and refractive development.

  11. Intravitreally-administered dopamine D2-like (and D4), but not D1-like, receptor agonists reduce form-deprivation myopia in tree shrews

    PubMed Central

    Ward, Alexander H.; Siegwart, John T.; Frost, Michael R.; Norton, Thomas T.

    2017-01-01

    We examined the effect of intravitreal injections of D1-like and D2-like dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists and D4 receptor drugs on form-deprivation myopia (FDM) in tree shrews, mammals closely related to primates. In eleven groups (n = 7 per group), we measured the amount of FDM produced by monocular form deprivation (FD) over an 11-day treatment period. The untreated fellow eye served as a control. Animals also received daily 5 μL intravitreal injections in the FD eye. The reference group received 0.85% NaCl vehicle. Four groups received a higher, or lower, dose of a D1-like receptor agonist (SKF38393) or antagonist (SCH23390). Four groups received a higher, or lower, dose of a D2-like receptor agonist (quinpirole) or antagonist (spiperone). Two groups received the D4 receptor agonist (PD168077) or antagonist (PD168568). Refractions were measured daily; axial component dimensions were measured on day 1 (before treatment) and day 12. We found that in groups receiving the D1-like receptor agonist or antagonist, the development of FDM and altered ocular component dimensions did not differ from the NaCl group. Groups receiving the D2-like receptor agonist or antagonist at the higher dose developed significantly less FDM and had shorter vitreous chambers than the NaCl group. The D4 receptor agonist, but not the antagonist, was nearly as effective as the D2-like agonist in reducing FDM. Thus, using intravitreally-administered agents, we did not find evidence supporting a role for the D1-like receptor pathway in reducing FDM in tree shrews. The reduction of FDM by the dopamine D2-like agonist supported a role for the D2-like receptor pathway in the control of FDM. The reduction of FDM by the D4 receptor agonist, but not the D4 antagonist, suggests an important role for activation of the dopamine D4 receptor in the control of axial elongation and refractive development. PMID:28304244

  12. A Novel Selective Inverse Agonist of the CB2 Receptor as a Radiolabeled Tool Compound for Kinetic Binding Studies.

    PubMed

    Martella, Andrea; Sijben, Huub; Rufer, Arne C; Grether, Uwe; Fingerle, Juergen; Ullmer, Christoph; Hartung, Thomas; IJzerman, Adriaan P; van der Stelt, Mario; Heitman, Laura H

    2017-10-01

    The endocannabinoid system, and in particular the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), raised the interest of many medicinal chemistry programs for its therapeutic relevance in several (patho)physiologic processes. However, the physico-chemical properties of tool compounds for CB2R (e.g., the radioligand [ 3 H]CP55,940) are not optimal, despite the research efforts in developing effective drugs to target this system. At the same time, the importance of drug-target binding kinetics is growing since the kinetic binding profile of a ligand may provide important insights for the resulting in vivo efficacy. In this context we synthesized and characterized [ 3 H]RO6957022, a highly selective CB2R inverse agonist, as a radiolabeled tool compound. In equilibrium and kinetic binding experiments [ 3 H]RO6957022 showed high affinity for human CB2R with fast association ( k on ) and moderate dissociation ( k off ) kinetics. To demonstrate the robustness of [ 3 H]RO6957022 binding, affinity studies were carried out for a wide range of CB2R reference ligands, spanning the range of full, partial, and inverse agonists. Finally, we used [ 3 H]RO6957022 to study the kinetic binding profiles (i.e., k on and k off values) of selected synthetic and endogenous (i.e., 2-arachidonoylglycerol, anandamide, and noladin ether) CB2R ligands by competition association experiments. All tested ligands, and in particular the endocannabinoids, displayed distinct kinetic profiles, shedding more light on their mechanism of action and the importance of association rates in the determination of CB2R affinity. Altogether, this study shows that the use of a novel tool compound, i.e., [ 3 H]RO6957022, can support the development of novel ligands with a repertoire of kinetic binding profiles for CB2R. Copyright © 2017 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  13. Allosteric interactions between agonists and antagonists within the adenosine A2A receptor-dopamine D2 receptor heterotetramer

    PubMed Central

    Bonaventura, Jordi; Navarro, Gemma; Casadó-Anguera, Verònica; Azdad, Karima; Rea, William; Moreno, Estefanía; Brugarolas, Marc; Mallol, Josefa; Canela, Enric I.; Lluís, Carme; Cortés, Antoni; Volkow, Nora D.; Schiffmann, Serge N.; Ferré, Sergi; Casadó, Vicent

    2015-01-01

    Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) heteromers are key modulators of striatal neuronal function. It has been suggested that the psychostimulant effects of caffeine depend on its ability to block an allosteric modulation within the A2AR-D2R heteromer, by which adenosine decreases the affinity and intrinsic efficacy of dopamine at the D2R. We describe novel unsuspected allosteric mechanisms within the heteromer by which not only A2AR agonists, but also A2AR antagonists, decrease the affinity and intrinsic efficacy of D2R agonists and the affinity of D2R antagonists. Strikingly, these allosteric modulations disappear on agonist and antagonist coadministration. This can be explained by a model that considers A2AR-D2R heteromers as heterotetramers, constituted by A2AR and D2R homodimers, as demonstrated by experiments with bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and bimolecular fluorescence and bioluminescence complementation. As predicted by the model, high concentrations of A2AR antagonists behaved as A2AR agonists and decreased D2R function in the brain. PMID:26100888

  14. Allosteric interactions between agonists and antagonists within the adenosine A2A receptor-dopamine D2 receptor heterotetramer.

    PubMed

    Bonaventura, Jordi; Navarro, Gemma; Casadó-Anguera, Verònica; Azdad, Karima; Rea, William; Moreno, Estefanía; Brugarolas, Marc; Mallol, Josefa; Canela, Enric I; Lluís, Carme; Cortés, Antoni; Volkow, Nora D; Schiffmann, Serge N; Ferré, Sergi; Casadó, Vicent

    2015-07-07

    Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) heteromers are key modulators of striatal neuronal function. It has been suggested that the psychostimulant effects of caffeine depend on its ability to block an allosteric modulation within the A2AR-D2R heteromer, by which adenosine decreases the affinity and intrinsic efficacy of dopamine at the D2R. We describe novel unsuspected allosteric mechanisms within the heteromer by which not only A2AR agonists, but also A2AR antagonists, decrease the affinity and intrinsic efficacy of D2R agonists and the affinity of D2R antagonists. Strikingly, these allosteric modulations disappear on agonist and antagonist coadministration. This can be explained by a model that considers A2AR-D2R heteromers as heterotetramers, constituted by A2AR and D2R homodimers, as demonstrated by experiments with bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and bimolecular fluorescence and bioluminescence complementation. As predicted by the model, high concentrations of A2AR antagonists behaved as A2AR agonists and decreased D2R function in the brain.

  15. Mechanisms of inverse agonist action at D2 dopamine receptors

    PubMed Central

    Roberts, David J; Strange, Philip G

    2005-01-01

    Mechanisms of inverse agonist action at the D2(short) dopamine receptor have been examined. Discrimination of G-protein-coupled and -uncoupled forms of the receptor by inverse agonists was examined in competition ligand-binding studies versus the agonist [3H]NPA at a concentration labelling both G-protein-coupled and -uncoupled receptors. Competition of inverse agonists versus [3H]NPA gave data that were fitted best by a two-binding site model in the absence of GTP but by a one-binding site model in the presence of GTP. Ki values were derived from the competition data for binding of the inverse agonists to G-protein-uncoupled and -coupled receptors. Kcoupled and Kuncoupled were statistically different for the set of compounds tested (ANOVA) but the individual values were different in a post hoc test only for (+)-butaclamol. These observations were supported by simulations of these competition experiments according to the extended ternary complex model. Inverse agonist efficacy of the ligands was assessed from their ability to reduce agonist-independent [35S]GTPγS binding to varying degrees in concentration–response curves. Inverse agonism by (+)-butaclamol and spiperone occurred at higher potency when GDP was added to assays, whereas the potency of (−)-sulpiride was unaffected. These data show that some inverse agonists ((+)-butaclamol, spiperone) achieve inverse agonism by stabilising the uncoupled form of the receptor at the expense of the coupled form. For other compounds tested, we were unable to define the mechanism. PMID:15735658

  16. Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the attenuation of hyperphagia in streptozotocin diabetic rats treated with dopamine D1/D2 agonists

    PubMed Central

    Kuo, Dong-Yih

    2006-01-01

    Dopamine is an appetite suppressant, while neuropeptide Y (NPY), an appetite stimulant in the brain, is reported to be involved in anorectic action induced by a combined administration of D1/D2 agonists in normal rats. In diabetic rats, however, these factors have not been studied. Rats (including normal, diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats) were given daily injections of saline or D1/D2 agonists for 6 days. Changes in food intake and hypothalamic NPY content of these rats were assessed and compared. The D1/D2 agonist-induced anorectic responses were altered in diabetic rats compared to normal rats treated similarly. Both the anorectic response on the first day of dosing and the tolerant response on the subsequent days were attenuated. This alteration was independent of the neuroendocrine disturbance on feeding behavior since the basic pattern of food intake during the time course of a 24-h day/night cycle was similar in normal and diabetic rats; the decrease of food intake following drug treatment was only shown at the initial interval of 0–6 h in both groups of rats. However, this alteration coincided with changes in NPY content following D1/D2 coadministration. The replacement of insulin in diabetic rats could normalize both NPY content and D1/D2 agonist-induced anorexia. It is demonstrated that the response of D1/D2 agonist-induced appetite suppression is attenuated in diabetic rats compared to normal rats and that elevated hypothalamic NPY content may contribute to this alteration. PMID:16702993

  17. Working memory span capacity improved by a D2 but not D1 receptor family agonist.

    PubMed

    Tarantino, Isadore S; Sharp, Richard F; Geyer, Mark A; Meves, Jessica M; Young, Jared W

    2011-06-01

    Patients with schizophrenia exhibit poor working memory (WM). Although several subcomponents of WM can be measured, evidence suggests the primary subcomponent affected in schizophrenia is span capacity (WMC). Indeed, the NIMH-funded MATRICS initiative recommended assaying the WMC when assessing the efficacy of a putative therapeutic for FDA approval. Although dopamine D1 receptor agonists improve delay-dependent memory in animals, evidence for improvements in WMC due to dopamine D1 receptor activation is limited. In contrast, the dopamine D2-family agonist bromocriptine improves WMC in humans. The radial arm maze (RAM) can be used to assess WMC, although complications due to ceiling effects or strategy confounds have limited its use. We describe a 12-arm RAM protocol designed to assess whether the dopamine D1-family agonist SKF 38393 (0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) or bromocriptine (0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) could improve WMC in C57BL/6N mice (n=12) in cross-over designs. WMC increased and strategy usage decreased with training. The dopamine D1 agonist SKF 38393 had no effect on WMC or long-term memory. Bromocriptine decreased WMC errors, without affecting long-term memory, consistent with human studies. These data confirm that WMC can be measured in mice and reveal drug effects that are consistent with reported effects in humans. Future research is warranted to identify the subtype of the D2-family of receptors responsible for the observed improvement in WMC. Finally, this RAM procedure may prove useful in developing animal models of deficient WMC to further assess putative treatments for the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Dopamine D2 receptors photolabeled by iodo-azido-clebopride.

    PubMed

    Niznik, H B; Dumbrille-Ross, A; Guan, J H; Neumeyer, J L; Seeman, P

    1985-04-19

    Iodo-azido-clebopride, a photoaffinity compound for dopamine D2 receptors, had high affinity for canine brain striatal dopamine D2 receptors with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 14 nM. Irradiation of striatal homogenate with iodo-azido-clebopride irreversibly inactivated 50% of dopamine D2 receptors at 20 nM (as indicated by subsequent [3H]spiperone binding). Dopamine agonists and antagonists prevented this photo-inactivation with the appropriate rank-order of potency. Striatal dopamine D1, serotonin (S2), alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors were not significantly inactivated following irradiation with iodo-azido-clebopride. Thus, iodo-azido-clebopride is a selective photoaffinity probe for dopamine D2 receptors, the radiolabelled form of which may aid in the molecular characterization of these proteins.

  19. Comparison of the functional potencies of ropinirole and other dopamine receptor agonists at human D2(long), D3 and D4.4 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

    PubMed Central

    Coldwell, Martyn C; Boyfield, Izzy; Brown, Tony; Hagan, Jim J; Middlemiss, Derek N

    1999-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to characterize functional responses to ropinirole, its major metabolites in man (SKF-104557 (4-[2-(propylamino)ethyl]-2-(3H) indolone), SKF-97930 (4-carboxy-2-(3H) indolone)) and other dopamine receptor agonists at human dopamine D2(long) (hD2), D3 (hD3) and D4.4 (hD4) receptors separately expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells using microphysiometry.All the receptor agonists tested (ropinirole, SKF-104557, SKF-97930, bromocriptine, lisuride, pergolide, pramipexole, talipexole, dopamine) increased extracellular acidification rate in Chinese hamster ovary clones expressing the human D2, D3 or D4 receptor. The pEC50s of ropinirole at hD2, hD3 and hD4 receptors were 7.4, 8.4 and 6.8, respectively. Ropinirole is therefore at least 10 fold selective for the human dopamine D3 receptor over the other D2 receptor family members.At the hD2 and hD3 dopamine receptors all the compounds tested were full agonists as compared to quinpirole. Talipexole and the ropinirole metabolite, SKF-104557, were partial agonists at the hD4 receptor.Bromocriptine and lisuride had a slow onset of agonist action which precluded determination of EC50s.The rank order of agonist potencies was dissimilar to the rank order of radioligand binding affinities at each of the dopamine receptor subtypes. Functional selectivities of the dopamine receptor agonists, as measured in the microphysiometer, were less than radioligand binding selectivities.The results show that ropinirole is a full agonist at human D2, D3 and D4 dopamine receptors. SKF-104557 the major human metabolite of ropinirole, had similar radioligand binding affinities to, but lower functional potencies than, the parent compound. PMID:10455328

  20. Neonatal (+)-methamphetamine exposure in rats alters adult locomotor responses to dopamine D1 and D2 agonists and to a glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist, but not to serotonin agonists

    PubMed Central

    Graham, Devon L.; Amos-Kroohs, Robyn M.; Braun, Amanda A.; Grace, Curtis E.; Schaefer, Tori L.; Skelton, Matthew R.; Williams, Michael T.; Vorhees, Charles V.

    2015-01-01

    Neonatal exposure to (+)-methamphetamine (Meth) results in long-term behavioural abnormalities but its developmental mechanisms are unknown. In a series of experiments, rats were treated from post-natal days (PD) 11–20 (stage that approximates human development from the second to third trimester) with Meth or saline and assessed using locomotor activity as the readout following pharmacological challenge doses with dopamine, serotonin and glutamate agonists or antagonists during adulthood. Exposure to Meth early in life resulted in an exaggerated adult locomotor hyperactivity response to the dopamine D1 agonist SKF-82958 at multiple doses, a high dose only under-response activating effect of the D2 agonist quinpirole, and an exaggerated under-response to the activating effect of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801. No change in locomotor response was seen following challenge with the 5-HT releaser p-chloroamphetamine or the 5-HT2/3 receptor agonist, quipazine. These are the first data to show that PD 11-20 Meth exposure induces long-lasting alterations to dopamine D1, D2 and glutamate NMDA receptor function and may suggest how developmental Meth exposure leads to many of its long-term adverse effects. PMID:22391043

  1. Radiolabelled D2 agonists as prolactinoma imaging agents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Otto, C.A.

    1991-12-31

    Research conducted in this terminal year of support centered on three distinct areas: mAChR ligand localization in pancreas and the effect of Ca{sup +2} on localization, continuation of assessment of quaternized and neutral mAChR ligands for possible use as PET myocardial imaging agents, and initiation of a study to determine the relationship of the nAChR receptor to the cellular receptor for measles virus. Several tables and figures illustrating the results are included.

  2. Sodium ion modulates D2 receptor characteristics of dopamine agonist and antagonist binding sites in striatum and retina

    PubMed Central

    Makman, Maynard H.; Dvorkin, B.; Klein, Patrice N.

    1982-01-01

    Sodium ion (Na+) influences binding of both dopamine agonists and antagonists to D2 receptors in striatum and retina. Also, Na+ markedly potentiates the loss of high-affinity agonist binding due to the GTP analogue p[NH]ppG. 2-Amino-6, 7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[5,8-3H]naphthalene ([3H]ADTN) binds exclusively to an agonist conformation of D2 receptor in both striatum and retina, distinct from the antagonist conformation labeled by [3H]spiroperidol or [3H]domperidone in striatum or by [3H]spiroperidol in retina. Na+ is not required for interaction of [3H]ADTN or antagonist radioligand sites with the selective D2 agonist LY-141865, the D2 antagonist domperidone, or nonselective dopamine agonists or antagonists; however, Na+ is necessary for high affinity interaction of those radioligand sites with the D2 antagonists molindone and metoclopramide. With Na+ present, striatal sites for [3H]ADTN, [3H]spiroperidol, and [3H]domperidone have similar affinities for antagonists but only [3H]ADTN sites have high affinity for agonists. Na+ further decreases the low affinity of dopamine agonists for [3H]spiroperidol binding sites. Also, Na+ enhances [3H]spiroperidol and decreases [3H]ADTN binding. Na+ alone causes bound [3H]ADTN to dissociate from at least 30% of striatal and 50% of retinal sites, and with Na+ present [3H]ADTN rapidly dissociates from the remaining sites upon addition of p[NH]ppG. It is proposed that D2 receptors in striatum and retina exist in distinct but interconvertible conformational states, with different properties depending on the presence or absence of Na+ and of guanine nucleotide. PMID:6213964

  3. Interaction between the mu-agonist dermorphin and the delta-agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin in supraspinal antinociception and delta-opioid receptor binding.

    PubMed Central

    Negri, L.; Improta, G.; Lattanzi, R.; Potenza, R. L.; Luchetti, F.; Melchiorri, P.

    1995-01-01

    1. In rats, the interaction between the mu-opioid agonist dermorphin and the delta-opioid agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin was studied in binding experiments to delta-opioid receptors and in the antinociceptive test to radiant heat. 2. When injected i.c.v., doses of [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin higher than 20 nmol produced antinociception in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat. Lower doses were inactive. None of the doses tested elicited the maximum achievable response. This partial antinociception was accomplished with an in vivo occupancy of more than 97% of brain delta-opioid receptors and of 17% of mu-opioid receptors. Naloxone (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c.), and naloxonazine (10 mg kg-1, i.v., 24 h before), but not the selective delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole, antagonized the antinociception. 3. In vitro competitive inhibition studies in rat brain membranes showed that [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin displaced [3H]-naltrindole from two delta-binding sites of high and low affinity. The addition of 100 microM Gpp[NH]p produced a three fold increase in the [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin Ki value for both binding sites. The addition of 10 nM dermorphin increased the Ki value of the delta-agonist for the high affinity site five times. When Gpp[NH]p was added to the incubation medium together with 10 nM dermorphin, the high affinity Ki of the delta-agonist increased 15 times. 4. Co-administration into the rat brain ventricles of subanalgesic doses of dermorphin and [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin resulted in synergistic antinociceptive responses. 5. Pretreatment with naloxone or with the non-equilibrium mu-antagonists naloxonazine and beta-funaltrexamine completely abolished the antinociceptive response of the mu-delta agonist combinations. 6. Pretreatment with the delta-opioid antagonists naltrindole and DALCE reduced the antinociceptive response of the dermorphin-[D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin combinations to a value near that observed after the mu-agonist alone. At the dosage used, naltrindole

  4. Opposing Effects of Dopamine D1- and D2-Like Agonists on Intracranial Self-Stimulation in Male Rats

    PubMed Central

    Lazenka, Matthew F.; Legakis, Luke P.; Negus, S. Stevens

    2016-01-01

    Dopamine acts through dopamine type 1 receptors (comprised of D1 and D5 subtypes) and dopamine type 2 receptors (comprised of D2, D3 and D4 subtypes). Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) is one experimental procedure that can be used to evaluate abuse-related effects of drugs targeting dopamine receptors. This study evaluated effects of dopamine receptor ligands on ICSS in rats using experimental procedures that have been used previously to examine abused indirect dopamine agonists such as cocaine and amphetamine. Male Sprague-Dawley rats responded under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule for electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle, and frequency of stimulation varied from 56–158 Hz in 0.05 log increments during each experimental session. Drug potency and time course were determined for the D1 ligands A77636, SKF82958, SKF38393, fenoldopam and SCH39166 and the D2/3 ligands sumanirole, apomorphine, quinpirole, PD128907, pramipexole, aripiprazole, eticolopride and PG01037. The high-efficacy D1 agonists A77636 and SKF82958 produced dose-dependent, time-dependent, and abuse-related facilitation of ICSS. Lower efficacy D1 ligands and all D2/3 ligands failed to facilitate ICSS at any dose or pretreatment time. A mixture of SKF82958 and quinpirole produced a mixture of effects produced by each drug alone. Quinpirole also failed to facilitate ICSS after regimens of repeated treatment with either quinpirole or cocaine. These studies provide more evidence for divergent effects of dopamine D1- and D2-family agonists on ICSS procedure in rats and suggest that ICSS may be a useful complement to other approaches for preclinical abuse potential assessment, in part because of the reproducibility of results. PMID:26987070

  5. Subchronic intermittent caffeine administration to unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats sensitizes turning behaviour in response to dopamine D(1) but not D(2) receptor agonists.

    PubMed

    Cauli, Omar; Pinna, Annalisa; Morelli, Micaela

    2005-12-01

    The effects of caffeine, an antagonist of adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptors, are significantly influenced by modifications in dopamine transmission. Administration of caffeine to unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats induces ipsilateral turning behaviour in rats never exposed to a dopamine receptor agonist, whereas contralateral turning is elicited if rats are repeatedly primed with a dopamine receptor agonist. In this study, rats unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine and subchronically treated with an intermittent administration of caffeine (15 mg/kg) or vehicle, were administered, 3 days after discontinuations of the treatment, with the dopamine D(1) receptor agonist 1-phenyl 1,2,3,4,5-tetrahydro(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diolhydrochloride (SKF 38393), the D(2)/D(3) receptor agonist quinpirole, the D(2) receptor agonist R(-)-propylnorapomorphine or the dopamine precursor L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine. Administration of SKF 38393 (1.5 mg/kg) or L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine (6 mg/kg), but not quinpirole (0.15 mg/kg) or R(-)-propylnorapomorphine (0.01 mg/kg), induced a significantly higher contralateral turning behaviour in rats subchronically treated with caffeine than in vehicle-pretreated rats. The results show that repeated intermittent caffeine exposure enhances the motor stimulant effects elicited by dopamine agonists by a preferential sensitization of dopamine D(1) receptors.

  6. In vitro pharmacology of aripiprazole, its metabolite and experimental dopamine partial agonists at human dopamine D2 and D3 receptors.

    PubMed

    Tadori, Yoshihiro; Forbes, Robert A; McQuade, Robert D; Kikuchi, Tetsuro

    2011-10-15

    Aripiprazole is the first dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor partial agonist successfully developed and ultimately approved for treatment of a broad spectrum of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Aripiprazole's dopamine D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor partial agonist activities have been postulated to confer clinical efficacy without marked sedation, and a relatively favorable overall side-effect profile. Using aripiprazole's unique profile as a benchmark for new dopamine partial agonist development may facilitate discovery of new antipsychotics. We conducted an in vitro comparative analysis between aripiprazole, and its human metabolite OPC-14857 (7-(4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl)butoxy)-2(1H)-quinolinone)); RGH-188 (trans-1-[4-[2-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazine-1-yl]ethyl]cyclohexyl]-3,3-dimethylurea), and its metabolite didesmethyl-RGH-188 (DDM-RGH-188); as well as bifeprunox, sarizotan, N-desmethylclozapine (NDMC; clozapine metabolite), and SDZ 208-912 (N-[(8α)-2-chloro-6-methylergolin-8-yl]-2,2-dimethylpropanamide). In vitro pharmacological assessment included inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation and the reversal of dopamine-induced inhibition in clonal Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing D(2S), D(2L), D(3) Ser-9 and D(3) Gly-9 for human dopamine receptors. All test compounds behaved as dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor partial agonists. Aripiprazole's intrinsic activity at dopamine D(2S) and D(2L) receptors was similar to that of OPC-14857 and RGH-188; lower than that of dopamine and bifeprunox; and higher than that of DDM-RGH-188, SDZ 208-912, sarizotan, and NDMC. Aripiprazole's intrinsic activity at dopamine D(3) Ser-9 and D(3) Gly-9 receptors was similar to that of OPC-14857 and sarizotan; lower than that of dopamine, bifeprunox, RGH-188 and DDM-RGH-188; and higher than that of SDZ 208-912 and NDMC. A consolidated assessment of these findings may help defining the most appropriate magnitude of intrinsic activity at

  7. D1 receptor agonist improves sleep-wake parameters in experimental parkinsonism.

    PubMed

    Hyacinthe, Carole; Barraud, Quentin; Tison, François; Bezard, Erwan; Ghorayeb, Imad

    2014-03-01

    Both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deregulation are part of Parkinson's disease (PD) non-motor symptoms and may complicate dopamine replacement therapy. We report here that dopamine agonists act differentially on sleep architecture in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine macaque monkey. Continuous sleep and wake electroencephalographic monitoring revealed no effect of the selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist quinpirole on EDS, whereas the selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 efficiently alleviated EDS and restored REM sleep to baseline values. The present results question the relevance of abandoning D1 receptor agonist treatment in PD as it might actually improve sleep-related disorders. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Novel Analogues of (R)-5-(Methylamino)-5,6-dihydro-4H-imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin-2(1H)-one (Sumanirole) Provide Clues to Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Agonist Selectivity

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Novel 1-, 5-, and 8-substituted analogues of sumanirole (1), a dopamine D2/D3 receptor (D2R/D3R) agonist, were synthesized. Binding affinities at both D2R and D3R were higher when determined in competition with the agonist radioligand [3H]7-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) than with the antagonist radioligand [3H]N-methylspiperone. Although 1 was confirmed as a D2R-preferential agonist, its selectivity in binding and functional studies was lower than previously reported. All analogues were determined to be D2R/D3R agonists in both GoBRET and mitogenesis functional assays. Loss of efficacy was detected for the N-1-substituted analogues at D3R. In contrast, the N-5-alkyl-substituted analogues, and notably the n-butyl-arylamides (22b and 22c), all showed improved affinity at D2R over 1 with neither a loss of efficacy nor an increase in selectivity. Computational modeling provided a structural basis for the D2R selectivity of 1, illustrating how subtle differences in the highly homologous orthosteric binding site (OBS) differentially affect D2R/D3R affinity and functional efficacy. PMID:27035329

  9. Imaging Agonist-Induced D2/D3 Receptor Desensitization and Internalization In Vivo with PET/fMRI.

    PubMed

    Sander, Christin Y; Hooker, Jacob M; Catana, Ciprian; Rosen, Bruce R; Mandeville, Joseph B

    2016-04-01

    This study investigated the dynamics of dopamine receptor desensitization and internalization, thereby proposing a new technique for non-invasive, in vivo measurements of receptor adaptations. The D2/D3 agonist quinpirole, which induces receptor internalization in vitro, was administered at graded doses in non-human primates while imaging with simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A pronounced temporal divergence between receptor occupancy and fMRI signal was observed: occupancy remained elevated while fMRI responded transiently. Analogous experiments with an antagonist (prochlorperazine) and a lower-affinity agonist (ropinirole) exhibited reduced temporal dissociation between occupancy and function, consistent with a mechanism of desensitization and internalization that depends upon drug efficacy and affinity. We postulated a model that incorporates internalization into a neurovascular-coupling relationship. This model yielded in vivo desensitization/internalization rates (0.2/min for quinpirole) consistent with published in vitro measurements. Overall, these results suggest that simultaneous PET/fMRI enables characterization of dynamic neuroreceptor adaptations in vivo, and may offer a first non-invasive method for assessing receptor desensitization and internalization.

  10. Imaging Agonist-Induced D2/D3 Receptor Desensitization and Internalization In Vivo with PET/fMRI

    PubMed Central

    Sander, Christin Y; Hooker, Jacob M; Catana, Ciprian; Rosen, Bruce R; Mandeville, Joseph B

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the dynamics of dopamine receptor desensitization and internalization, thereby proposing a new technique for non-invasive, in vivo measurements of receptor adaptations. The D2/D3 agonist quinpirole, which induces receptor internalization in vitro, was administered at graded doses in non-human primates while imaging with simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A pronounced temporal divergence between receptor occupancy and fMRI signal was observed: occupancy remained elevated while fMRI responded transiently. Analogous experiments with an antagonist (prochlorperazine) and a lower-affinity agonist (ropinirole) exhibited reduced temporal dissociation between occupancy and function, consistent with a mechanism of desensitization and internalization that depends upon drug efficacy and affinity. We postulated a model that incorporates internalization into a neurovascular-coupling relationship. This model yielded in vivo desensitization/internalization rates (0.2/min for quinpirole) consistent with published in vitro measurements. Overall, these results suggest that simultaneous PET/fMRI enables characterization of dynamic neuroreceptor adaptations in vivo, and may offer a first non-invasive method for assessing receptor desensitization and internalization. PMID:26388148

  11. A Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 selective allosteric agonist

    PubMed Central

    Satsu, Hideo; Schaeffer, Marie-Therese; Guerrero, Miguel; Saldana, Adrian; Eberhart, Christina; Hodder, Peter; Cayanan, Charmagne; Schürer, Stephan; Bhhatarai, Barun; Roberts, Ed; Rosen, Hugh; Brown, Steven J.

    2013-01-01

    Molecular probe tool compounds for the Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) are important for investigating the multiple biological processes in which the S1PR2 receptor has been implicated. Amongst these are NF-κB-mediated tumor cell survival and fibroblast chemotaxis to fibronectin. Here we report our efforts to identify selective chemical probes for S1PR2 and their characterization. We employed high throughput screening to identify two compounds which activate the S1PR2 receptor. SAR optimization led to compounds with high nanomolar potency. These compounds, XAX-162 and CYM-5520, are highly selective and do not activate other S1P receptors. Binding of CYM-5520 is not competitive with the antagonist JTE-013. Mutation of receptor residues responsible for binding to the zwitterionic headgroup of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) abolishes S1P activation of the receptor, but not activation by CYM-5520. Competitive binding experiments with radiolabeled S1P demonstrate that CYM-5520 is an allosteric agonist and does not displace the native ligand. Computational modeling suggests that CYM-5520 binds lower in the orthosteric binding pocket, and that co-binding with S1P is energetically well tolerated. In summary, we have identified an allosteric S1PR2 selective agonist compound. PMID:23849205

  12. Active-State Model of a Dopamine D2 Receptor - Gαi Complex Stabilized by Aripiprazole-Type Partial Agonists

    PubMed Central

    Kling, Ralf C.; Tschammer, Nuska; Lanig, Harald; Clark, Timothy; Gmeiner, Peter

    2014-01-01

    Partial agonists exhibit a submaximal capacity to enhance the coupling of one receptor to an intracellular binding partner. Although a multitude of studies have reported different ligand-specific conformations for a given receptor, little is known about the mechanism by which different receptor conformations are connected to the capacity to activate the coupling to G-proteins. We have now performed molecular-dynamics simulations employing our recently described active-state homology model of the dopamine D2 receptor-Gαi protein-complex coupled to the partial agonists aripiprazole and FAUC350, in order to understand the structural determinants of partial agonism better. We have compared our findings with our model of the D2R-Gαi-complex in the presence of the full agonist dopamine. The two partial agonists are capable of inducing different conformations of important structural motifs, including the extracellular loop regions, the binding pocket and, in particular, intracellular G-protein-binding domains. As G-protein-coupling to certain intracellular epitopes of the receptor is considered the key step of allosterically triggered nucleotide-exchange, it is tempting to assume that impaired coupling between the receptor and the G-protein caused by distinct ligand-specific conformations is a major determinant of partial agonist efficacy. PMID:24932547

  13. F15063, a compound with D2/D3 antagonist, 5-HT1A agonist and D4 partial agonist properties: (III) Activity in models of cognition and negative symptoms

    PubMed Central

    Depoortère, R; Auclair, A L; Bardin, L; Slot, L Bruins; Kleven, M S; Colpaert, F; Vacher, B; Newman-Tancredi, A

    2007-01-01

    Background and purpose: The D2/D3 receptor antagonist, D4 receptor partial agonist, and high efficacy 5-HT1A receptor agonist F15063 was shown to be highly efficacious and potent in rodent models of activity against positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However F15063 induced neither catalepsy nor the ‘serotonin syndrome'. Here, we evaluated its profile in rat models predictive of efficacy against negative symptoms/cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. Experimental approach: F15063, given i.p., was assessed in models of behavioural deficits induced by interference with the NMDA/glutamatergic (phencyclidine: PCP) or cholinergic (scopolamine) systems. Key results: Through 5-HT1A activation, F15063 partially alleviated (MED: 0.04 mg kg−1) PCP-induced social interaction deficit between two adult rats, without effect by itself, underlining its potential to combat negative symptoms. At doses above 0.16 mg kg−1, F15063 reduced interaction by itself. F15063 (0.16 mg kg−1) selectively re-established PCP-impaired ‘cognitive flexibility' in a reversal learning task, suggesting potential against adaptability deficits. F15063 (0.04–0.63 mg kg−1) also reversed scopolamine-induced amnesia in a juvenile-adult rat social recognition test, indicative of a pro-cholinergic influence. Activity in this latter test is consistent with its D4 partial agonism, as it was blocked by the D4 antagonist L745,870. Finally, F15063 up to 40 mg kg−1 did not disrupt basal prepulse inhibition of startle reflex in rats, a marker of sensorimotor gating. Conclusions and implications: The balance of D2/D3, D4 and 5-HT1A receptor interactions of F15063 yields a promising profile of activity in models of cognitive deficits and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. PMID:17375085

  14. Effects of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor agonists on environmental enrichment attenuated sucrose cue reactivity in rats.

    PubMed

    Glueck, Edwin; Ginder, Darren; Hyde, Jeff; North, Katherine; Grimm, Jeffrey W

    2017-03-01

    Acute or chronic environmental enrichment (EE) reduces sucrose cue reactivity in rats. This effect may be mediated by dopamine receptors. We examined whether dopamine D1 or D2 receptor agonism could reverse the EE effect. We also examined whether any reversal effects would vary with the incubation of sucrose craving. Following 10 days (2 h/day) of sucrose self-administration, rats experienced either 1 or 30 days of forced abstinence and either overnight (acute) or 29 day (chronic) EE. D1 (SKF 81297; 0, 0.3, or 1 mg/kg) or D2 (quinpirole; 0, 0.1, or 0.3 mg/kg) agonist was administered systemically immediately prior to a subsequent 2-h cue reactivity test the next day (n = 9-12 per group). Dose-dependent effects were limited to the day 1 test. High doses of the agonists increased day 1 acute EE cue reactivity to levels comparable to control animals. On the day 30 test, SKF 81297 increased cue reactivity in acute EE, chronic EE, and control rats. In contrast, quinpirole resulted in similar cue reactivity for control and enriched rats, more from a reduction in responding by controls vs. a recovery of responding by EE-experienced rats. Both D1 and D2 receptors may be involved in the acute EE-mediated decrease in cue reactivity observed following 1 day of forced abstinence. In contrast, at 30 days of forced abstinence, D1 receptors may be critical in cue reactivity as SKF 81297 was effective at both restoring responding of enriched animals and potentiating responding of controls.

  15. β2 Agonists.

    PubMed

    Billington, Charlotte K; Penn, Raymond B; Hall, Ian P

    2017-01-01

    History suggests β agonists, the cognate ligand of the β 2 adrenoceptor, have been used as bronchodilators for around 5,000 years, and β agonists remain today the frontline treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The β agonists used clinically today are the products of significant expenditure and over 100 year's intensive research aimed at minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic usefulness. The respiratory physician now has a therapeutic toolbox of long acting β agonists to prophylactically manage bronchoconstriction, and short acting β agonists to relieve acute exacerbations. Despite constituting the cornerstone of asthma and COPD therapy, these drugs are not perfect; significant safety issues have led to a black box warning advising that long acting β agonists should not be used alone in patients with asthma. In addition there are a significant proportion of patients whose asthma remains uncontrolled. In this chapter we discuss the evolution of β agonist use and how the understanding of β agonist actions on their principal target tissue, airway smooth muscle, has led to greater understanding of how these drugs can be further modified and improved in the future. Research into the genetics of the β 2 adrenoceptor will also be discussed, as will the implications of individual DNA profiles on the clinical outcomes of β agonist use (pharmacogenetics). Finally we comment on what the future may hold for the use of β agonists in respiratory disease.

  16. Nicotine- and methamphetamine-induced dopamine release evaluated with in-vivo binding of radiolabelled raclopride to dopamine D2 receptors: comparison with in-vivo microdialysis data.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sang Eun; Han, Seung-Moo

    2009-07-01

    The effect of substances which alter extracellular dopamine (DA) concentration has been studied by measuring changes in the binding of radiolabelled raclopride, a DA D2 receptor ligand that is sensitive to endogenous DA. To better characterize the relationship between extracellular DA concentration and DA D2 receptor binding of raclopride, we compared the changes of extracellular DA concentration (measured using in-vivo microdialysis) and in-vivo [3H]raclopride binding induced by different doses of methamphetamine (Meth) and nicotine, drugs that enhance DA release with and without blocking DA transporters (DATs), respectively, in rat striatum. Nicotine elicited a modest increase of striatal extrasynaptic extracellular DA, while Meth produced a marked increase of striatal extrasynaptic DA in a dose-dependent manner. There was a close correlation between the decrease in [3H]raclopride in-vivo binding and the increase in extrasynaptic DA concentration induced by both nicotine (r2=0.95, p<0.001) and Meth (r2=0.98, p=0.001), supporting the usefulness of the radiolabelled raclopride-binding measurement for the non-invasive assessment of DA release following interventions in the living brain. However, the linear regression analysis revealed that the ratio of percent DA increase to percent [3H]raclopride binding reduction was 25-fold higher for Meth (34.8:1) than for nicotine (1.4:1). The apparent discrepancy in the extrasynaptic DA-[3H]raclopride binding relationship between the DA-enhancing drugs with and without DAT-blocking property indicates that the competition between endogenous DA and radiolabelled raclopride takes place at the intrasynaptic rather than extrasynaptic DA D2 receptors and reflects synaptic concentration of DA.

  17. Modification of agonist binding moiety in hybrid derivative 5/7-{[2-(4-aryl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-propyl-amino}-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-ol/-2-amino versions: Impact on functional activity and selectivity for dopamine D2/D3 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Gopishetty, Bhaskar; Zhang, Suhong; Kharkar, Prashant S.; Antonio, Tamara; Reith, Maarten; Dutta, Aloke K.

    2013-01-01

    The goal of the present study was to explore, in our previously developed hybrid template, the effect of introduction of additional heterocyclic rings (mimicking catechol hydroxyl groups as bioisosteric replacement) on selectivity and affinity for the D3 versus D2 receptor. In addition, we wanted to explore the effect of derivatization of functional groups of the agonist binding moiety in compounds developed by us earlier from the hybrid template. Binding affinity (Ki) of the new compounds was measured with tritiated spiperone as the radioligand and HEK-293 cells expressing either D2 or D3 receptors. Functional activity of selected compounds was assessed in the GTPγS binding assay. In the imidazole series, compound 10a exhibited the highest D3 affinity whereas the indole derivative 13 exhibited similar high D3 affinity. Functionalization of the amino group in agonist (+)-9d with different sulfonamides derivatives improved the D3 affinity significantly with (+)-14f exhibiting the highest affinity. However, functionalization of the hydroxyl and amino groups of 15 and (+)-9d, known agonist and partial agonist, to sulfonate ester and amide in general modulated the affinity. In both cases loss of agonist potency resulted from such derivatization. PMID:23623679

  18. Identification of Determinants Required for Agonistic and Inverse Agonistic Ligand Properties at the ADP Receptor P2Y12

    PubMed Central

    Schmidt, Philipp; Ritscher, Lars; Dong, Elizabeth N.; Hermsdorf, Thomas; Cöster, Maxi; Wittkopf, Doreen; Meiler, Jens

    2013-01-01

    The ADP receptor P2Y12 belongs to the superfamily of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), and its activation triggers platelet aggregation. Therefore, potent antagonists, such as clopidogrel, are of high clinical relevance in prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic events. P2Y12 displays an elevated basal activity in vitro, and as such, inverse agonists may be therapeutically beneficial compared with antagonists. Only a few inverse agonists of P2Y12 have been described. To expand this limited chemical space and improve understanding of structural determinants of inverse agonist-receptor interaction, this study screened a purine compound library for lead structures using wild-type (WT) human P2Y12 and 28 constitutively active mutants. Results showed that ATP and ATP derivatives are agonists at P2Y12. The potency at P2Y12 was 2-(methylthio)-ADP > 2-(methylthio)-ATP > ADP > ATP. Determinants required for agonistic ligand activity were identified. Molecular docking studies revealed a binding pocket for the ATP derivatives that is bordered by transmembrane helices 3, 5, 6, and 7 in human P2Y12, with Y105, E188, R256, Y259, and K280 playing a particularly important role in ligand interaction. N-Methyl-anthraniloyl modification at the 3′-OH of the 2′-deoxyribose leads to ligands (mant-deoxy-ATP [dATP], mant-deoxy-ADP) with inverse agonist activity. Inverse agonist activity of mant-dATP was found at the WT human P2Y12 and half of the constitutive active P2Y12 mutants. This study showed that, in addition to ADP and ATP, other ATP derivatives are not only ligands of P2Y12 but also agonists. Modification of the ribose within ATP can result in inverse activity of ATP-derived ligands. PMID:23093496

  19. Differential effects of central injections of D1 and D2 receptor agonists and antagonists on male sexual behavior in Japanese quail.

    PubMed

    Kleitz-Nelson, H K; Cornil, C A; Balthazart, J; Ball, G F

    2010-07-01

    A key brain site in the control of male sexual behavior is the medial pre-optic area (mPOA) where dopamine stimulates both D1 and D2 receptor subtypes. Research completed to date in Japanese quail has only utilized systemic injections and therefore much is unknown about the specific role played by dopamine in the brain and mPOA in particular. The present study investigated the role of D1 and D2 receptors on male sexual behavior by examining how intracerebroventricular injections and microinjections into the mPOA of D1 and D2 agonists and antagonists influenced appetitive and consummatory aspects of sexual behavior in male quail. Experiments 1 and 2 investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular injections at three doses of D1 or D2 agonists and antagonists. The results indicated that D1 receptors facilitated consummatory male sexual behavior, whereas D2 receptors inhibited both appetitive and consummatory behaviors. Experiment 3 examined the effects of the same compounds specifically injected in the mPOA and showed that, in this region, both receptors stimulated male sexual behaviors. Together, these data indicated that the stimulatory action of dopamine in the mPOA may require a combined activation of D1 and D2 receptors. Finally, the regulation of male sexual behavior by centrally infused dopaminergic compounds in a species lacking an intromittent organ suggested that dopamine action on male sexual behavior does not simply reflect the modulation of genital reflexes due to general arousal, but relates to the central control of sexual motivation. Together, these data support the claim that dopamine specifically regulates male sexual behavior.

  20. Differential effects of central injections of D1 and D2 receptor agonists and antagonists on male sexual behavior in Japanese quail

    PubMed Central

    Kleitz-Nelson, H.K.; Cornil, C.A.; Balthazart, J.; Ball, G.F.

    2010-01-01

    A key brain site in the control of male sexual behavior is the medial preoptic area (mPOA) where dopamine stimulates both D1 and D2 receptor subtypes. Research completed to date in Japanese quail has only utilized systemic injections, so much is unknown about the specific role played by dopamine in the brain and mPOA in particular. The present study investigates the role of D1 and D2 receptors on male sexual behavior by examining how intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections and microinjections into the mPOA of D1 and D2 agonists and antagonists influence appetitive and consummatory aspects of sexual behavior in male quail. Experiments 1 and 2 investigate the effects of ICV injections at three doses of D1 or D2 agonists and antagonists. Results indicate that D1 receptors facilitate consummatory male sexual behavior while D2 receptors inhibit both appetitive and consummatory behaviors. Experiment 3 examines the effects of the same compounds specifically injected in the mPOA and shows that in this region, both receptors stimulate male sexual behaviors. Together, these data indicate that the stimulatory action of dopamine in the mPOA may require a combined activation of D1 and D2 receptors. Finally, the regulation of male sexual behavior by centrally infused dopaminergic compounds in a species lacking an intromittent organ suggests that dopamine action on male sexual behavior does not simply reflect the modulation of genital reflexes due to general arousal, but relates to the central control of sexual motivation. Together, these data support the claim that dopamine specifically regulates male sexual behavior. PMID:20597974

  1. F15063, a compound with D2/D3 antagonist, 5-HT1A agonist and D4 partial agonist properties: (II) Activity in models of positive symptoms of schizophrenia

    PubMed Central

    Depoortère, R; Bardin, L; Auclair, A L; Kleven, M S; Prinssen, E; Colpaert, F; Vacher, B; Newman-Tancredi, A

    2007-01-01

    Background and purpose: F15063 is a high affinity D2/D3 antagonist, D4 partial agonist, and high efficacy 5-HT1A agonist, with little affinity (40-fold lower than for D2 receptors) at other central targets. Here, the profile of F15063 was evaluated in models of positive symptoms of schizophrenia and motor side-effects. Experimental approach: Rodent behavioural tests were based on reversal of hyperactivity induced by psychostimulants and on measures of induction of catalepsy and ‘serotonin syndrome'. Key results: F15063 potently (ED50s: 0.23 to 1.10 mg kg−1 i.p.) reversed methylphenidate-induced stereotyped behaviors, blocked d-amphetamine and ketamine hyperlocomotion, attenuated apomorphine-induced prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits, and was active in the conditioned avoidance test. In mice, it reversed apomorphine-induced climbing (ED50 = 0.30 mg kg−1 i.p.). F15063, owing to its 5-HT1A agonism, did not produce (ED50 > 40 mg kg−1 i.p.) catalepsy in rats and mice, a behavior predictive of occurrence of extra-pyramidal syndrome (EPS) in man. This absence of cataleptogenic activity was maintained upon sub-chronic treatment of rats for 5 days at 40 mg kg−1 p.o. Furthermore, F15063 did not induce the ‘serotonin syndrome' in rats (flat body posture and forepaw treading: ED50 >32 mg kg−1 i.p.). Conclusions and implications: F15063 conformed to the profile of an atypical antipsychotic, with potent actions in models of hyperdopaminergic activity but without inducing catalepsy. These data suggest that F15063 may display potent antipsychotic actions with low EPS liability. This profile is complemented by a favourable profile in rodent models of negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia (companion paper). PMID:17375086

  2. β2-Agonist Induced cAMP Is Decreased in Asthmatic Airway Smooth Muscle Due to Increased PDE4D

    PubMed Central

    Trian, Thomas; Burgess, Janette K.; Niimi, Kyoko; Moir, Lyn M.; Ge, Qi; Berger, Patrick; Liggett, Stephen B.; Black, Judith L.; Oliver, Brian G.

    2011-01-01

    Background and Objective Asthma is associated with airway narrowing in response to bronchoconstricting stimuli and increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass. In addition, some studies have suggested impaired β-agonist induced ASM relaxation in asthmatics, but the mechanism is not known. Objective To characterize the potential defect in β-agonist induced cAMP in ASM derived from asthmatic in comparison to non-asthmatic subjects and to investigate its mechanism. Methods We examined β2-adrenergic (β2AR) receptor expression and basal β-agonist and forskolin (direct activator of adenylyl cyclase) stimulated cAMP production in asthmatic cultured ASM (n = 15) and non-asthmatic ASM (n = 22). Based on these results, PDE activity, PDE4D expression and cell proliferation were determined. Results In the presence of IBMX, a pan PDE inhibitor, asthmatic ASM had ∼50% lower cAMP production in response to isoproterenol, albuterol, formoterol, and forskolin compared to non-asthmatic ASM. However when PDE4 was specifically inhibited, cAMP production by the agonists and forskolin was normalized in asthmatic ASM. We then measured the amount and activity of PDE4, and found ∼2-fold greater expression and activity in asthmatic ASM compared to non-asthmatic ASM. Furthermore, inhibition of PDE4 reduced asthmatic ASM proliferation but not that of non-asthmatic ASM. Conclusion Decreased β-agonist induced cAMP in ASM from asthmatics results from enhanced degradation due to increased PDE4D expression. Clinical manifestations of this dysregulation would be suboptimal β-agonist-mediated bronchodilation and possibly reduced control over increasing ASM mass. These phenotypes appear to be “hard-wired” into ASM from asthmatics, as they do not require an inflammatory environment in culture to be observed. PMID:21611147

  3. SSTR-Mediated Imaging in Breast Cancer: Is There a Role for Radiolabeled Somatostatin Receptor Antagonists?

    PubMed

    Dalm, Simone U; Haeck, Joost; Doeswijk, Gabriela N; de Blois, Erik; de Jong, Marion; van Deurzen, Carolien H M

    2017-10-01

    Recent studies have shown enhanced tumor targeting by novel somatostatin receptor (SSTR) antagonists compared with clinically widely used agonists. However, these results have been obtained mostly in neuroendocrine tumors, and only limited data are available for cancer types with lower SSTR expression, including breast cancer (BC). To date, two studies have reported higher binding of the antagonist than the agonist in BC, but in both studies only a limited number of cases were evaluated. In this preclinical study, we further investigated whether the application of an SSTR antagonist can improve SSTR-mediated BC imaging in a large panel of BC specimens. We also generated an in vivo BC mouse model and performed SPECT/MRI and biodistribution studies. Methods: Binding of 111 In-DOTA-Tyr 3 -octreotate (SSTR agonist) and 111 In-DOTA-JR11 (SSTR antagonist) to 40 human BC specimens was compared using in vitro autoradiography. SSTR2 immunostaining was performed to confirm SSTR2 expression of the tumor cells. Furthermore, binding of the radiolabeled SSTR agonist and antagonist was analyzed in tissue material from 6 patient-derived xenografts. One patient-derived xenograft, the estrogen receptor-positive model T126, was chosen to generate in vivo mouse models containing orthotopic breast tumors for in vivo SPECT/MRI and biodistribution studies after injection with 177 Lu-DOTA-Tyr 3 -octreotate or 177 Lu-DOTA-JR11. Results: 111 In-DOTA-JR11 binding to human BC tissue was significantly higher than 111 In-DOTA-Tyr 3 -octreotate binding ( P < 0.001). The median ratio of antagonist binding versus agonist binding was 3.39 (interquartile range, 2-5). SSTR2 immunostaining confirmed SSTR2 expression on the tumor cells. SPECT/MRI of the mouse model found better tumor visualization with the antagonist. This result was in line with the significantly higher tumor uptake of the radiolabeled antagonist than of the agonist as measured in biodistribution studies 285 min after radiotracer

  4. In vitro radiolabel uptake viability assay for Onchocerca microfilariae

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Callahan, H.L.; Wakeman, J.M.; Crouch, R.K.

    1989-02-01

    A radiolabel uptake viability assay for Onchocerca cervicalis using (/sup 3/H)2-deoxy-D-glucose in Hanks' balanced salt solution, pH 7.5, at 30 C is described and compared to the traditional visual motility assay. A correlation of r = 0.92 between the assays was found, with the radiolabel uptake method apparently a more sensitive indicator of microfilarial viability.

  5. Agonist-induced modulation of inverse agonist efficacy at the beta 2-adrenergic receptor.

    PubMed

    Chidiac, P; Nouet, S; Bouvier, M

    1996-09-01

    Sustained stimulation of several G protein-coupled receptors is known to lead to a reduction in the signaling efficacy. This phenomenon, named agonist-induced desensitization, has been best studied for the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (AR) and is characterized by a decreased efficacy of beta-adrenergic agonists to stimulate the adenylyl cyclase activity. Recently, several beta-adrenergic ligands were found to inhibit the spontaneous agonist-independent activity of the beta 2AR. These compounds, termed inverse agonists, have different inhibitory efficacies, ranging from almost neutral antagonists to full inverse agonists. The current study was undertaken to determine whether, as is the case for agonists, desensitization can affect the efficacies of inverse agonists. Agonist-promoted desensitization of the human beta 2AR expressed in Sf9 cells potentiated the inhibitory actions of the inverse agonists, with the extent of the potentiation being inversely proportional to their intrinsic activity. For example, desensitization increased the inhibitory action of the weak inverse agonist labetalol by 29%, whereas inhibition of the spontaneous activity by the strong inverse agonist timolol was not enhanced by the desensitizing stimuli. Interestingly, dichloroisoproterenol acted stochastically as either a weak partial agonist or a weak inverse agonist in control conditions but always behaved as an inverse agonist after desensitization. These data demonstrate that like for agonists, the efficacies of inverse agonists can be modulated by a desensitizing treatment. Also, the data show that the initial state of the receptor can determine whether a ligand behaves as a partial agonist or an inverse agonist.

  6. The Role of Dopamine in Reinforcement: Changes in Reinforcement Sensitivity Induced by D[subscript 1]-Type, D[subscript 2]-Type, and Nonselective Dopamine Receptor Agonists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bratcher, Natalie A.; Farmer-Dougan, Valeri; Dougan, James D.; Heidenreich, Byron A.; Garris, Paul A.

    2005-01-01

    Dose-dependent changes in sensitivity to reinforcement were found when rats were treated with low, moderate, and high doses of the partial dopamine D[subscript 1]-type receptor agonist SKF38393 and with the nonselective dopamine agonist apomorphine, but did not change when rats were treated with similar doses of the selective dopamine D[subscript…

  7. Evidence for Noncanonical Neurotransmitter Activation: Norepinephrine as a Dopamine D2-Like Receptor Agonist

    PubMed Central

    Sánchez-Soto, Marta; Bonifazi, Alessandro; Cai, Ning Sheng; Ellenberger, Michael P.; Newman, Amy Hauck

    2016-01-01

    The Gαi/o-coupled dopamine D2-like receptor family comprises three subtypes: the D2 receptor (D2R), with short and long isoform variants (D2SR and D2LR), D3 receptor (D3R), and D4 receptor (D4R), with several polymorphic variants. The common overlap of norepinephrine innervation and D2-like receptor expression patterns prompts the question of a possible noncanonical action by norepinephrine. In fact, previous studies have suggested that norepinephrine can functionally interact with D4R. To our knowledge, significant interactions between norepinephrine and D2R or D3R receptors have not been demonstrated. By using radioligand binding and bioluminescent resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays in transfected cells, the present study attempted a careful comparison between dopamine and norepinephrine in their possible activation of all D2-like receptors, including the two D2R isoforms and the most common D4R polymorphic variants. Functional BRET assays included activation of G proteins with all Gαi/o subunits, adenylyl cyclase inhibition, and β arrestin recruitment. Norepinephrine acted as a potent agonist for all D2-like receptor subtypes, with the general rank order of potency of D3R > D4R ≥ D2SR ≥ D2L. However, for both dopamine and norepinephrine, differences depended on the Gαi/o protein subunit involved. The most striking differences were observed with Gαi2, where the rank order of potencies for both dopamine and norepinephrine were D4R > D2SR = D2LR >> D3R. Furthermore the results do not support the existence of differences in the ability of dopamine and norepinephrine to activate different human D4R variants. The potency of norepinephrine for adrenergic α2A receptor was only about 20-fold higher compared with D3R and D4R across the three functional assays. PMID:26843180

  8. The role of 'jackpot' stimuli in maladaptive decision-making: dissociable effects of D1/D2 receptor agonists and antagonists.

    PubMed

    Smith, Aaron P; Hofford, Rebecca S; Zentall, Thomas R; Beckmann, Joshua S

    2018-05-01

    Laboratory experiments often model risk through a choice between a large, uncertain (LU) reward against a small, certain (SC) reward as an index of an individual's risk tolerance. An important factor generally lacking from these procedures are reward-associated cues that may modulate risk preferences. We tested whether the addition of cues signaling 'jackpot' wins to LU choices would modulate risk preferences and if these cue effects were mediated by dopaminergic signaling. Three groups of rats chose between LU and SC rewards for which the LU probability of reward decreased across blocks. The unsignaled group received a non-informative stimulus of trial outcome. The signaled group received a jackpot signal prior to reward delivery and blackout on losses. The signaled-light group received a similar jackpot for wins, but a salient loss signal distinct from the win signal. Presenting win signals decreased the discounting of LU value for both signaled groups regardless of loss signal, while the unsignaled group showed discounting similar to previous research without cues. Pharmacological challenges with D1/D2 agonists and antagonists revealed that D1 antagonism increased and decreased sensitives to the relative probability of reward for unsignaled and signaled groups, respectively, while D2 agonists decreased sensitivities to the relative magnitude of reward. The results highlight how signals predictive of wins can promote maladaptive risk taking in individuals, while loss signals have reduced effect. Additionally, the presence of reward-predictive cues may change the underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms mediating decision-making under risk.

  9. Acute D2/D3 dopaminergic agonism but chronic D2/D3 antagonism prevents NMDA antagonist neurotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Farber, Nuri B; Nemmers, Brian; Noguchi, Kevin K

    2006-09-15

    Antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor, most likely by producing disinhibtion in complex circuits, acutely produce psychosis and cognitive disturbances in humans, and neurotoxicity in rodents. Studies examining NMDA Receptor Hypofunction (NRHypo) neurotoxicity in animals, therefore, may provide insights into the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders. Dopaminergic D2 and/or D3 agents can modify psychosis over days to weeks, suggesting involvement of these transmitter system(s). We studied the ability of D2/D3 agonists and antagonists to modify NRHypo neurotoxicity both after a one-time acute exposure and after chronic daily exposure. Here we report that D2/D3 dopamine agonists, probably via D3 receptors, prevent NRHypo neurotoxicity when given acutely. The protective effect with D2/D3 agonists is not seen after chronic daily dosing. In contrast, the antipsychotic haloperidol does not affect NRHypo neurotoxicity when given acutely at D2/D3 doses. However, after chronic daily dosing of 1, 3, or 5 weeks, haloperidol does prevent NRHypo neurotoxicity with longer durations producing greater protection. Understanding the changes that occur in the NRHypo circuit after chronic exposure to dopaminergic agents could provide important clues into the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders.

  10. Quantitative autoradiographic mapping of focal herpes simplex virus encephalitis using a radiolabeled antiviral drug

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Price, R.

    1984-12-18

    A method of mapping herpes simplex viral infection comprising administering a radiolabeled antiviral active 5-substituted 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-substituted-D-arabinofuranosyl) pyrimidine nucleoside to the infected subject, and scanning the area in which the infection is to be mapped for the radiolabel.

  11. Stimulation of in vivo hepatic uptake and in vitro hepatic binding of (/sup 125/I)2-lodo-3,7,8-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin by the administration of agonist for the Ah receptor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Poland, A.; Teitelbaum, P.; Glover, E.

    1989-07-01

    (125I)2-lodo-3,7,8-trichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin ((125I)Cl3DpD), a radiolabeled, isosteric, analogue of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), was synthesized and used to study in vivo tissue localization and in vivo tissue binding. Twenty-four hours after the administration of a tracer dose (1 X 10(-10) mol/kg) of (125I) Cl3DpD to C57BL/6J mice, the hepatic concentration of radioactivity was 1-2% of the administered dose, whereas in mice pretreated with TCDD (1 X 10(-7) mol/kg), the hepatic accumulation of radiolabel was 25-30% of that administered. Liver homogenate from TCDD-treated mice bound 4 to 10 times more (125I)Cl3DpD than homogenate from control mice. The enhancement of in vivo uptake and in vitromore » tissue binding of (125I)Cl3DpD by TCDD administration was confined to liver and was not observed in other tissues examined, kidney, lung, spleen, small intestines, and muscle. The administration of TCDD to C57BL/6J mice produces dose-related stimulation of in vivo hepatic uptake of (125I)Cl3DpD, binding of radioligand to liver homogenate, and hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, with the dose for half-maximal stimulation, ED50, varying from 1.5 to 4.0 x 10(-9) mol/kg. In congenic C57BL/6J (Ahd/Ahd) mice, which express the lower affinity Ah receptor, the ED50 values for all three responses were shifted to approximately 10-fold higher doses. 3,3',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl, a weak agonist for the Ah receptor produced a dose-related stimulation of these three responses in C57BL/6J mice (ED50 values of approximately 5 X 10(-7) mol/kg), but was without effect in C57BL/6J (Ahd/Ahd) mice. Stimulation of vivo hepatic uptake and in vitro liver homogenate binding of (125I)Cl3DpD was produced by administration of Ah agonists, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran and beta-naphthoflavone, but inactive congeners and other compounds that do not act via the Ah receptor.« less

  12. The partial dopamine D2 receptor agonist aripiprazole is associated with weight gain in adolescent anorexia nervosa.

    PubMed

    Frank, Guido K W; Shott, Megan E; Hagman, Jennifer O; Schiel, Marissa A; DeGuzman, Marisa C; Rossi, Brogan

    2017-04-01

    Finding medication to support treatment of anorexia nervosa has been difficult. Neuroscience-based approaches may help in this effort. Recent brain imaging studies in adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa suggest that dopamine-related reward circuits are hypersensitive and could provide a treatment target. Here, we present a retrospective chart review of 106 adolescents with anorexia nervosa some of whom were treated with the dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist aripiprazole during treatment in a specialized eating disorder program. The results show that aripiprazole treatment was associated with greater increase in body mass index (BMI) during treatment. The use of dopamine receptor agonists may support treatment success in anorexia nervosa and should be further investigated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  13. Synthesis and Pharmacology of α/β(3)-Peptides Based on the Melanocortin Agonist Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 Sequence.

    PubMed

    Singh, Anamika; Tala, Srinivasa R; Flores, Viktor; Freeman, Katie; Haskell-Luevano, Carrie

    2015-05-14

    The melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors are expressed in the brain and play key roles in regulating feeding behavior, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. In the present study, incorporation of β(3)-amino acids into a melanocortin tetrapeptide template was investigated. Four linear α/β(3)-hybrid tetrapeptides were designed with the modifications at the Phe, Arg, and Trp residues in the agonist sequence Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2. The most potent mouse melanocortin-4 receptor (mMC4R) agonist, Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-β(3)hTrp-NH2 (8) showed 35-fold selectivity versus the mMC3R. The study presented here has identified a new template with heterogeneous backbone for designing potent and selective melanocortin receptor ligands.

  14. Synthesis and Pharmacology of α/β3-Peptides Based on the Melanocortin Agonist Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 Sequence

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    The melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors are expressed in the brain and play key roles in regulating feeding behavior, metabolism, and energy homeostasis. In the present study, incorporation of β3-amino acids into a melanocortin tetrapeptide template was investigated. Four linear α/β3-hybrid tetrapeptides were designed with the modifications at the Phe, Arg, and Trp residues in the agonist sequence Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2. The most potent mouse melanocortin-4 receptor (mMC4R) agonist, Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-β3hTrp-NH2 (8) showed 35-fold selectivity versus the mMC3R. The study presented here has identified a new template with heterogeneous backbone for designing potent and selective melanocortin receptor ligands. PMID:26005535

  15. Putative antipsychotics with pronounced agonism at serotonin 5-HT1A and partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors disrupt basal PPI of the startle reflex in rats.

    PubMed

    Auclair, Agnès L; Galinier, Alexandra; Besnard, Joël; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian; Depoortère, Ronan

    2007-07-01

    Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex has been extensively studied because it is disrupted in several psychiatric diseases, most notably schizophrenia. In rats, and to a lesser extent, in humans, PPI can be diminished by dopamine (DA) D(2)/D(3) and serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists. A novel class of potential antipsychotics (SSR181507, bifeprunox, and SLV313) possess partial agonist/antagonist properties at D(2) receptors and various levels of 5-HT(1A) activation. It thus appeared warranted to assess, in Sprague-Dawley rats, the effects of these antipsychotics on basal PPI. SSR181507, sarizotan, and bifeprunox decreased PPI, with a near-complete abolition at 2.5-10 mg/kg; SLV313 had a significant effect at 0.16 mg/kg only. Co-treatment with the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY100,635 (0.63 mg/kg) showed that the 5-HT(1A) agonist activity of SSR181507 was responsible for its effect. By contrast, antipsychotics with low affinity and/or efficacy at 5-HT(1A) receptors, such as aripiprazole (another DA D(2)/D(3) and 5-HT(1A) ligand), and established typical and atypical antipsychotics (haloperidol, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and ziprasidone) had no effect on basal PPI (0.01-2.5 to 2.5-40 mg/kg). The present data demonstrate that some putative antipsychotics with pronounced 5-HT(1A) agonist activity, coupled with partial agonist activity at DA D(2) receptors, markedly diminish PPI of the startle reflex in rats. These data raise the issue of the influence of such compounds on sensorimotor gating in humans.

  16. Role of dopamine D4 receptors in copulatory behavior: Studies with selective D4 agonists and antagonists in male rats.

    PubMed

    Sanna, Fabrizio; Contini, Andrea; Melis, Maria Rosaria; Argiolas, Antonio

    2015-10-01

    Dopamine influences the anticipatory and consummatory phases of sexual behavior, by acting on receptors of the D2 family (D2, D3 and D4) and in particular of the D2 subtype, although evidence for a role of D4 receptors in erectile function and copulatory behavior is also available. In order to clarify such a role of D4 receptors, the effect of selective D4 receptor agonists and antagonists on copulatory behavior of sexually potent male rats in classic copulation tests with a receptive female, was compared with that of apomorphine and haloperidol, a classic dopamine receptor agonist and antagonist, respectively. PD-168,077 (0.05-0.2mg/kg) and ABT-724 (0.01-0.04mg/kg), two selective D4 receptor agonists, given subcutaneously, improved dose-dependently copulatory behavior as shown by the decrease of mount frequency and post ejaculatory interval induced by PD-168,077, and of mount frequency, ejaculation latency, post ejaculatory and inter intromission intervals induced by ABT-724, and by the increase of ejaculation frequency and copulatory efficacy induced by both drugs. Conversely, L-745,870 (1-5mg/kg), a selective D4 receptor antagonist, given intraperitoneally, impaired dose-dependently copulatory behavior, as shown by the increase in intromission and ejaculation latencies, mount frequency, post ejaculatory interval and the decrease in ejaculation frequency and copulatory efficacy induced by this drug. L-745,870 (5mg/kg) administered before PD-168,077 (0.2mg/kg) or ABT-724 (0.04mg/kg), also abolished completely the facilitatory effects of both PD-168,077 and ABT-724 on sexual behavior. These results confirm the involvement of D4 receptors in specific aspects of male rat copulatory behavior that overlap only partially with those influenced by apomorphine and haloperidol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Structure-activity relationship studies and pharmacological characterization of N5-heteroarylalkyl-substituted-2-(2-furanyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diamine-based derivatives as inverse agonists at human A2A adenosine receptor.

    PubMed

    Varano, Flavia; Catarzi, Daniela; Vincenzi, Fabrizio; Falsini, Matteo; Pasquini, Silvia; Borea, Pier Andrea; Colotta, Vittoria; Varani, Katia

    2018-06-09

    This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of N 5 -(hetero)arylalkyl-substituted-thiazolo [5,4-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diamine derivatives (4-19) as novel human (h) A 2A adenosine receptor (AR) inverse agonists. Competition binding and cyclic AMP assays indicate that the examined compounds behave as hA 2A AR inverse agonists showing binding affinity values in the nanomolar or subnanomolar range. Notably, compounds 4, 5, 6 and 11 showed two affinity values for the hA 2A ARs with the highest (KH) falling in the femtomolar range and the lowest (KL) of the nanomolar order. In addition, in cyclic AMP assays, compounds 4, 5, 6 and 11 exhibited potency (IC 50 ) values in the picomolar range. This study has confirmed that 2-(2-furanyl)thiazolo [5,4-d]pyrimidine-5,7-diamine-based derivatives represent a unique new class of hA 2A AR inverse agonists. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  18. A photoaffinity ligand for dopamine D2 receptors: azidoclebopride.

    PubMed

    Niznik, H B; Guan, J H; Neumeyer, J L; Seeman, P

    1985-02-01

    In order to label D2 dopamine receptors selectively and covalently by means of a photosensitive compound, azidoclebopride was synthesized directly from clebopride. The dissociation constant (KD) of clebopride for the D2 dopamine receptor (canine brain striatum) was 1.5 nM, while that for azidoclebopride was 21 nM. The affinities of both clebopride and azidoclebopride were markedly reduced in the absence of sodium chloride. In the presence of ultraviolet light, azidoclebopride inactivated D2 dopamine receptors irreversibly, as indicated by the inability of the receptors to bind [3H]spiperone. Maximal photoinactivation of about 60% of the D2 dopamine receptors occurred at 1 microM azidoclebopride; 30% of the receptors were inactivated at 80 nM azidoclebopride (pseudo-IC50). Dopamine agonists selectively protected the D2 receptors from being inactivated by azidoclebopride, the order of potency being (-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine greater than apomorphine greater than (+/-)-6,7-dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin greater than (+)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine greater than dopamine greater than noradrenaline greater than serotonin. Similarly, dopaminergic antagonists prevented the photoinactivation of D2 receptors by azidoclebopride with the following order of potency: spiperone greater than (+)-butaclamol greater than haloperidol greater than clebopride greater than (-)-sulpiride greater than (-)-butaclamol. The degree of D2 dopamine receptor photoinduced inactivation by azidoclebopride was not significantly affected by scavengers such as p-aminobenzoic acid and dithiothreitol. Furthermore, irradiation of striatal membranes with a concentration of azidoclebopride sufficient to inactivate dopamine D2 receptors by 60% did not significantly reduce dopamine D1, serotonin (S2), benzodiazepine, alpha 1- or beta-noradrenergic receptors. This study describes the use of a novel and selective photoaffinity ligand for brain dopamine D2 receptors. The molecule, in radiolabeled form, may aid in the

  19. Rate constants of agonist binding to muscarinic receptors in rat brain medulla. Evaluation by competition kinetics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Schreiber, G.; Henis, Y.I.; Sokolovsky, M.

    The method of competition kinetics, which measures the binding kinetics of an unlabeled ligand through its effect on the binding kinetics of a labeled ligand, was employed to investigate the kinetics of muscarinic agonist binding to rat brain medulla pons homogenates. The agonists studied were acetylcholine, carbamylcholine, and oxotremorine, with N-methyl-4-(TH)piperidyl benzilate employed as the radiolabeled ligand. Our results suggested that the binding of muscarinic agonists to the high affinity sites is characterized by dissociation rate constants higher by 2 orders of magnitude than those of antagonists, with rather similar association rate constants. Our findings also suggest that isomerization ofmore » the muscarinic receptors following ligand binding is significant in the case of antagonists, but not of agonists. Moreover, it is demonstrated that in the medulla pons preparation, agonist-induced interconversion between high and low affinity bindings sites does not occur to an appreciable extent.« less

  20. Amide Analogues of CD1d Agonists Modulate iNKT-Cell-Mediated Cytokine Production

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are restricted by the non-polymorphic MHC class I-like protein, CD1d, and activated following presentation of lipid antigens bound to CD1d molecules. The prototypical iNKT cell agonist is α-galactosyl ceramide (α-GalCer). CD1d-mediated activation of iNKT cells by this molecule results in the rapid secretion of a range of pro-inflammatory (Th1) and regulatory (Th2) cytokines. Polarization of the cytokine response can be achieved by modifying the structure of the glycolipid, which opens up the possibility of using CD1d agonists as therapeutic agents for a range of diseases. Analysis of crystal structures of the T-cell receptor−α-GalCer–CD1d complex led us to postulate that amide isosteres of known CD1d agonists should modulate the cytokine response profile upon iNKT-cell activation. To this end, we describe the synthesis and biological activity of amide analogues of α-GalCer and its non-glycosidic analogue threitol ceramide (ThrCer). All of the analogues were found to stimulate murine and human iNKT cells by CD1d-mediated presentation to varying degrees; however, the thioamide and carbamate analogues of ThrCer were of particular interest in that they elicited a strongly polarized cytokine response (more interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), no interleukin-4 (IL-4)) in mice. While the ThrCer-carbamate analogue was shown to transactivate natural killer (NK) cells, a mechanism that has been used to account for the preferential production of IFN-γ by other CD1d agonists, this pathway does not account for the polarized cytokine response observed for the thioamide analogue. PMID:22324848

  1. An intracellular loop 2 amino acid residue determines differential binding of arrestin to the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors.

    PubMed

    Lan, Hongxiang; Teeter, Martha M; Gurevich, Vsevolod V; Neve, Kim A

    2009-01-01

    Dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors are similar subtypes with distinct interactions with arrestins; the D(3) receptor mediates less agonist-induced translocation of arrestins than the D(2) receptor. The goals of this study were to compare nonphosphorylated arrestin-binding determinants in the second intracellular domain (IC2) of the D(2) and D(3) receptors to identify residues that contribute to the differential binding of arrestin to the subtypes. Arrestin 3 bound to glutathione transferase (GST) fusion proteins of the D(2) receptor IC2 more avidly than to the D(3) receptor IC2. Mutagenesis of the fusion proteins identified a residue at the C terminus of IC2, Lys149, that was important for the preferential binding of arrestin 3 to D(2)-IC2; arrestin binding to D(2)-IC2-K149C was greatly decreased compared with wild-type D(2)-IC2, whereas binding to the reciprocal mutant D(3)-IC2-C147K was enhanced compared with wild-type D(3)-IC2. Mutating this lysine in the full-length D(2) receptor to cysteine decreased the ability of the D(2) receptor to mediate agonist-induced arrestin 3 translocation to the membrane and decreased agonist-induced receptor internalization in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The reciprocal mutation in the D(3) receptor increased receptor-mediated translocation of arrestin 3 without affecting agonist-induced receptor internalization. G protein-coupled receptor crystal structures suggest that Lys149, at the junction of IC2 and the fourth membrane-spanning helix, has intramolecular interactions that contribute to maintaining an inactive receptor state. It is suggested that the preferential agonist-induced binding of arrestin3 to the D(2) receptor over the D(3) receptor is due in part to Lys149, which could be exposed as a result of receptor activation.

  2. Impaired β-arrestin recruitment and reduced desensitization by non-catechol agonists of the D1 dopamine receptor.

    PubMed

    Gray, David L; Allen, John A; Mente, Scot; O'Connor, Rebecca E; DeMarco, George J; Efremov, Ivan; Tierney, Patrick; Volfson, Dmitri; Davoren, Jennifer; Guilmette, Edward; Salafia, Michelle; Kozak, Rouba; Ehlers, Michael D

    2018-02-14

    Selective activation of dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) has been pursued for 40 years as a therapeutic strategy for neurologic and psychiatric diseases due to the fundamental role of D1Rs in motor function, reward processing, and cognition. All known D1R-selective agonists are catechols, which are rapidly metabolized and desensitize the D1R after prolonged exposure, reducing agonist response. As such, drug-like selective D1R agonists have remained elusive. Here we report a novel series of selective, potent non-catechol D1R agonists with promising in vivo pharmacokinetic properties. These ligands stimulate adenylyl cyclase signaling and are efficacious in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease after oral administration. They exhibit distinct binding to the D1R orthosteric site and a novel functional profile including minimal receptor desensitization, reduced recruitment of β-arrestin, and sustained in vivo efficacy. These results reveal a novel class of D1 agonists with favorable drug-like properties, and define the molecular basis for catechol-specific recruitment of β-arrestin to D1Rs.

  3. Development of uncoupling between D1- and D2-mediated motor behavior in rats depleted of dopamine as neonates.

    PubMed

    Byrnes, E M; Bruno, J P

    1994-09-01

    The D1- and D2-mediation of stimulated motor behavior was studied in pups (Days 10-11) and weanlings (Days 20-21) that had been depleted of dopamine (DA) on postnatal Day 3. Administration of the D1-like agonist SKF 38393 (30.0 mg/kg) or the D2-like agonist quinpirole (3.0 mg/kg) increased the incidence of sniffing and locomotion in intact and DA-depleted animals tested at either age. However, the ability of selective DA antagonists to reduce these stimulated responses interacted with both the depletion and the age at the time of testing. When tested as pups, both the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg) and the D2 antagonist clebopride (10.0 mg/kg) suppressed the behaviors induced by either class of DA agonist. When tested as weanlings, intact animals exhibited the profile of pups (i.e., either antagonist blocked each agonist). In DA-depleted weanlings, however, only the D1 antagonist blocked the D1 agonist-induced responses and only the D2 antagonist blocked the D2 agonist-induced responses. These data demonstrate that the interactions between D1 and D2 receptors in the expression of stimulated motor behaviors are altered following DA depletions in neonates. Moreover, this change in receptor function occurs sometime between 7 and 13 days after the DA depletion.

  4. Radiolabeling Silica-Based Nanoparticles via Coordination Chemistry: Basic Principles, Strategies, and Applications.

    PubMed

    Ni, Dalong; Jiang, Dawei; Ehlerding, Emily B; Huang, Peng; Cai, Weibo

    2018-03-20

    As one of the most biocompatible and well-tolerated inorganic nanomaterials, silica-based nanoparticles (SiNPs) have received extensive attention over the last several decades. Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of radiolabeled SiNPs has provided a highly sensitive, noninvasive, and quantitative readout of the organ/tissue distribution, pharmacokinetics, and tumor targeting efficiency in vivo, which can greatly expedite the clinical translation of these promising NPs. Encouraged by the successful PET imaging of patients with metastatic melanoma using 124 I-labeled ultrasmall SiNPs (known as Cornell dots or C dots) and their approval as an Investigational New Drug (IND) by the United States Food and Drug Administration, different radioisotopes ( 64 Cu, 89 Zr, 18 F, 68 Ga, 124 I, etc.) have been reported to radiolabel a wide variety of SiNPs-based nanostructures, including dense silica (dSiO 2 ), mesoporous silica (MSN), biodegradable mesoporous silica (bMSN), and hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN). With in-depth knowledge of coordination chemistry, abundant silanol groups (-Si-O-) on the silica surface or inside mesoporous channels not only can be directly used for chelator-free radiolabeling but also can be readily modified with the right chelators for chelator-based labeling. However, integrating these labeling strategies for constructing stably radiolabeled SiNPs with high efficiency has proven difficult because of the complexity of the involved key parameters, such as the choice of radioisotopes and chelators, nanostructures, and radiolabeling strategy. In this Account, we present an overview of recent progress in the development of radiolabeled SiNPs for cancer theranostics in the hope of speeding up their biomedical applications and potential translation into the clinic. We first introduce the basic principles and mechanisms for radiolabeling SiNPs via coordination chemistry, including general rules of selecting proper

  5. A Novel Aminotetralin-Type Serotonin (5-HT) 2C Receptor-Specific Agonist and 5-HT2A Competitive Antagonist/5-HT2B Inverse Agonist with Preclinical Efficacy for Psychoses

    PubMed Central

    Morgan, Drake; Felsing, Daniel; Kondabolu, Krishnakanth; Rowland, Neil E.; Robertson, Kimberly L.; Sakhuja, Rajeev; Booth, Raymond G.

    2014-01-01

    Development of 5-HT2C agonists for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, including psychoses, substance abuse, and obesity, has been fraught with difficulties, because the vast majority of reported 5-HT2C selective agonists also activate 5-HT2A and/or 5-HT2B receptors, potentially causing hallucinations and/or cardiac valvulopathy. Herein is described a novel, potent, and efficacious human 5-HT2C receptor agonist, (−)-trans-(2S,4R)-4-(3′[meta]-bromophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-amine (−)-MBP), that is a competitive antagonist and inverse agonist at human 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors, respectively. (−)-MBP has efficacy comparable to the prototypical second-generation antipsychotic drug clozapine in three C57Bl/6 mouse models of drug-induced psychoses: the head-twitch response elicited by [2,5]-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine; hyperlocomotion induced by MK-801 [(5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrogen maleate (dizocilpine maleate)]; and hyperlocomotion induced by amphetamine. (−)-MBP, however, does not alter locomotion when administered alone, distinguishing it from clozapine, which suppresses locomotion. Finally, consumption of highly palatable food by mice was not increased by (−)-MBP at a dose that produced at least 50% maximal efficacy in the psychoses models. Compared with (−)-MBP, the enantiomer (+)-MBP was much less active across in vitro affinity and functional assays using mouse and human receptors and also translated in vivo with comparably lower potency and efficacy. Results indicate a 5-HT2C receptor-specific agonist, such as (−)-MBP, may be pharmacotherapeutic for psychoses, without liability for obesity, hallucinations, heart disease, sedation, or motoric disorders. PMID:24563531

  6. Sports doping: emerging designer and therapeutic β2-agonists.

    PubMed

    Fragkaki, A G; Georgakopoulos, C; Sterk, S; Nielen, M W F

    2013-10-21

    Beta2-adrenergic agonists, or β2-agonists, are considered essential bronchodilator drugs in the treatment of bronchial asthma, both as symptom-relievers and, in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, as disease-controllers. The use of β2-agonists is prohibited in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to claimed anabolic effects, and also, is prohibited as growth promoters in cattle fattening in the European Union. This paper reviews the last seven-year (2006-2012) literature concerning the development of novel β2-agonists molecules either by modifying the molecule of known β2-agonists or by introducing moieties producing indole-, adamantyl- or phenyl urea derivatives. New emerging β2-agonists molecules for future therapeutic use are also presented, intending to emphasize their potential use for doping purposes or as growth promoters in the near future. © 2013.

  7. The rabbit iris sphincter contains NK1 and NK3 but not NK2 receptors: a study with selective agonists and antagonists.

    PubMed

    Wang, Z Y; Håkanson, R

    1993-04-08

    Tachykinin analogues, claimed to be selective NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptor agonists, contracted the isolated rabbit iris sphincter muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. The contractions were not modified by the enkephalinase inhibitor thiorphan and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (10(-5) M of each). The pD2 values for (Sar9,Met(O2)11)SP (NK1 receptor agonist), (Nle10)NKA(4-10) (NK2 receptor agonist) and (MePhe7)NKB (NK3 receptor agonist) were 8.3, 6.1 and 8.2, respectively. (Sar9,Met(O2)11)SP was the most efficacious of the three agonists. The results are compatible with the presence of NK1 and NK3 receptors. The low pD2 value for the NK2 agonist may reflect a lack of NK2 receptors and interaction of the NK2 agonist with NK1 receptors. The contraction caused by the NK1 receptor agonist was inhibited competitively by the highly selective NK1 receptor antagonist (+/-) CP-96,345; the pA2 value was 5.5. Also the contraction caused by the NK2 receptor agonist was inhibited competitively by (+/-) CP-96,345 with a pA2 value of 5.7, supporting the view that the two agonists (Sar9,Met(O2)11)SP and (Nle10)NKA(4-10) interact with the same receptor. The selective NK2 receptor antagonist actinomycin D did not affect the contraction caused by the NK2 receptor agonist. We conclude that the rabbit iris sphincter muscle contains NK1 and probably NK3 receptors. We obtained no evidence for the presence of NK2 receptors.

  8. Agonist-Directed Desensitization of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor

    PubMed Central

    Goral, Vasiliy; Jin, Yan; Sun, Haiyan; Ferrie, Ann M.; Wu, Qi; Fang, Ye

    2011-01-01

    The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists with reduced tachyphylaxis may offer new therapeutic agents with improved tolerance profile. However, receptor desensitization assays are often inferred at the single signaling molecule level, thus ligand-directed desensitization is poorly understood. Here we report a label-free biosensor whole cell assay with microfluidics to determine ligand-directed desensitization of the β2AR. Together with mechanistic deconvolution using small molecule inhibitors, the receptor desensitization and resensitization patterns under the short-term agonist exposure manifested the long-acting agonism of salmeterol, and differentiated the mechanisms of agonist-directed desensitization between a full agonist epinephrine and a partial agonist pindolol. This study reveals the cellular mechanisms of agonist-selective β2AR desensitization at the whole cell level. PMID:21541288

  9. CJ-1639: A Potent and Highly Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Full Agonist.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jianyong; Collins, Gregory T; Levant, Beth; Woods, James; Deschamps, Jeffrey R; Wang, Shaomeng

    2011-08-11

    We have identified several ligands with high binding affinities to the dopamine D3 receptor and excellent selectivity over the D2 and D1 receptors. CJ-1639 (17) binds to the D3 receptor with a K(i) value of 0.50 nM and displays a selectivity of >5,000 times over D2 and D1 receptors in binding assays using dopamine receptors expressed in the native rat brain tissues. CJ-1639 binds to human D3 receptor with a K(i) value of 3.61 nM and displays over >1000-fold selectivity over human D1 and D2 receptors. CJ-1639 is active at 0.01 mg/kg at the dopamine D3 receptor in the rat and only starts to show a modest D2 activity at doses as high as 10 mg/kg. CJ-1639 is the most potent and selective D3 full agonist reported to date.

  10. Hyperactivity induced by stimulation of separate dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in rats with bilateral 6-OHDA lesions.

    PubMed

    Arnt, J

    1985-08-26

    The effects of DA agonists and antagonists with different dopamine (DA) D-1 and D-2 receptor selectivity have been studied in rats with bilateral 6-OHDA lesions. The D-1 agonist SK & F 38393, the D-2 agonist pergolide and the mixed agonist apomorphine all induced marked hyperactivity in lesioned rats in doses which were without stimulant effect in sham-operated animals. The hyperactivity induced by SK & F 38393 was blocked by the DA D-1 antagonist SCH 23390, but unaffected by the D-2 antagonists spiroperidol or clebopride. Pergolide-induced hyperactivity showed the reverse selectivity. The mixed D-1/D-2 antagonists, cis(Z)-flupentixol and cis(Z)-clopenthixol, however blocked the effect of both agonists. Apomorphine-induced hyperactivity was neither blocked by selective D-1 nor D-2 antagonists, but was dose-dependently inhibited by cis(Z)-flupentixol and cis(Z)-clopenthixol. Potent blockade was also obtained by combined treatment with SCH 23390 and spiroperidol, indicating the need of blocking both D-1 and D-2 receptors simultaneously. The results indicate that D-1 and D-2 receptor function can be independently manipulated in denervated rats and they confirm similar results obtained in rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesions using circling behaviour.

  11. PDK1/Akt/PDE4D axis identified as a target for asthma remedy synergistic with β2 AR agonists by a natural agent arctigenin.

    PubMed

    Fang, R; Cui, Q; Sun, J; Duan, X; Ma, X; Wang, W; Cheng, B; Liu, Y; Hou, Y; Bai, G

    2015-12-01

    Asthma is a heterogenetic disorder characterized by chronic inflammation with variable airflow obstruction and airway hyper-responsiveness. As the most potent and popular bronchodilators, β2 adrenergic receptor (β2 AR) agonists bind to the β2 ARs that are coupled via a stimulatory G protein to adenylyl cyclase, thereby improving cAMP accumulation and resulting in airway smooth muscle relaxation. We previously demonstrated arctigenin had a synergistic function with the β2 AR agonist, but the target for this remained elusive. Chemical proteomics capturing was used to enrich and uncover the target of arctigenin in human bronchial smooth muscle cells, and reverse docking and molecular dynamic stimulation were performed to evaluate the binding of arctigenin and its target. In vitro enzyme activities and protein levels were demonstrated with special kits and Western blotting. Finally, guinea pig tracheal muscle segregation and ex vivo function were analysed. Arctigenin bound to PDK1 with an ideal binding free energy -25.45 kcal/mol and inhibited PDK1 kinase activity without changing its protein level. Additionally, arctigenin reduced PKB/Akt-induced phosphorylation of PDE4D, which was first identified in this study. Attenuation of PDE4D resulted in cAMP accumulation in human bronchial smooth muscle. The inhibition of PDK1 showed a synergistic function with β2 AR agonists and relaxed the constriction of segregated guinea pig tracheal muscle. The PDK1/Akt/PDE4D axis serves as a novel asthma target, which may benefit airflow obstruction. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Pharmacological characterization of extracellular acidification rate responses in human D2(long), D3 and D4.4 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells

    PubMed Central

    Coldwell, M C; Boyfield, I; Brown, A M; Stemp, G; Middlemiss, D N

    1999-01-01

    This study characterized pharmacologically the functional responses to agonists at human dopamine D2(long) (hD2), D3 (hD3) and D4.4 (hD4) zreceptors separately expressed in cloned cells using the cytosensor microphysiometer. Dopaminergic receptor agonists caused increases in extracellular acidification rate in adherent Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) clones expressing hD2, hD3 or hD4 receptors. Acidification rate responses to agonists in other cell lines expressing these receptors were smaller than those in adherent CHO cells. The time courses and maximum increases in acidification rate of the agonist responses in adherent CHO cells were different between the three dopamine receptor clones. Responses were blocked by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin or amiloride analogues. Most agonists had full intrinsic activity at each of the dopamine receptor subtypes, as compared to quinpirole, however both enantiomers of UH-232 and (−)3-PPP were partial agonists in this assay system. The functional potency of full agonists at each of the three receptors expressed in CHO cells was either higher than, or similar to, the apparent inhibition constants (Ki) determined in [125I]-iodosulpride competition binding studies. Functional selectivities of the agonists were less than radioligand binding selectivities. The rank orders of agonist potencies and selectivities were similar, but not identical, to the rank orders of radioligand binding affinities and selectivities. The dopamine receptor antagonists, iodosulpride and clozapine, had no effect on basal acidification rates but inhibited acidification responses in CHO cells to quinpirole in an apparently competitive manner. Antagonist potencies closely matched their radioligand binding affinities in these cells. PMID:10455259

  13. Additive melanoma suppression with intralesional phospholipid conjugated TLR7 agonists and systemic IL-2

    PubMed Central

    Hayashi, Tomoko; Chan, Michael; Norton, John T.; Wu, Christina C.N.; Yao, Shiyin; Cottam, Howard B.; Tawatao, Rommel I.; Corr, Maripat; Carson, Dennis A; Daniels, Gregory A.

    2010-01-01

    Objective There remains a compelling need for the development of treatments for unresectable melanoma. Agents that stimulate the innate immune response could provide advantages for cell based therapies. However there are conflicting reports concerning whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling controls tumor growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the intralesional administration of a TLR7 agonist in melanoma therapy. Methods B16cOVA melanoma was implanted to TLR7−/− mice to evaluate the roles of stromal TLR7 on melanoma growth. To capitalize on the potential deleterious effects of TLR7 stimulation on tumor growth, we injected melanoma tumor nodules with a newly developed and potent TLR7 agonist. Results B16 melanoma nodules expanded more rapidly in mice deficient in TLR7- and MyD88- compared to TLR9-deficient and wild type mice. Repeated injections with low doses of unconjugated TLR7 agonist were more effective at attenuating nodule size than a single high dose injection. To improve efficacy we conjugated the agonist to phospholipid or polyethylene glycol-phospholipid, which retained TLR7 specificity. The phospholipid conjugate was indeed more effective in reducing lesion size. Furthermore intralesional administration of the phospholipid TLR7 agonist conjugate enhanced the anti-melanoma effects of systemic IL-2 treatment and prolonged the survival of mice compared to IL-2 alone. Conclusion TLR7/MyD88 signaling in the stroma is involved in melanoma growth. Intralesional administration of a TLR7 agonist reduces the growth of melanoma nodules and enhances the anti-melanoma effects of IL-2. PMID:21030882

  14. The relationship between reinforcing effects and in vitro effects of D1 agonists in monkeys.

    PubMed

    Weed, M R; Paul, I A; Dwoskin, L P; Moore, S E; Woolverton, W L

    1997-10-01

    The reinforcing effects of many psychomotor stimulants have been related to increased dopaminergic neurotransmission and stimulation of central nervous system (CNS) dopamine (DA) receptors. Consistent with this notion, some drugs that directly stimulate DA receptors have been found to function as positive reinforcers. The present experiments were designed to examine why some, but not all, D1 receptor agonists can function as reinforcers in rhesus monkeys by comparing behavioral and CNS in vitro measures of potency and efficacy. Seven rhesus monkeys were allowed to self-administer cocaine under a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule until stable responding was established. Various doses of D1 agonists, previously reported to function as positive reinforcers, were then made available for self-administration. Stimulation of cAMP production in rhesus and rat striatal tissue was studied for these compounds and for D1 agonists previously reported not to function as positive reinforcers in monkeys (SKF 38393, SKF 77434 and S(-)-6-BrAPB). Blockade of DA uptake in rat striata was also examined for all compounds. SKF 81297, SKF 82958 and R(+)-6-BrAPB maintained responding under the PR schedule and did not differ significantly in efficacy as positive reinforcers; SKF 81297 was less potent than the other two agonists. SKF 81297, SKF 82958 and R(+)-6-BrAPB stimulated higher levels of cAMP production in rhesus striata than did SKF 38393, SKF 77434 and S(-)-6-BrAPB. In contrast, all compounds blocked DA uptake. Thus, reinforcing efficacy among D1 agonists increases with efficacy in stimulating D1 receptors.

  15. The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol mediates D1 and D2 receptor cooperative enhancement of rat nucleus accumbens core neuron firing.

    PubMed

    Seif, T; Makriyannis, A; Kunos, G; Bonci, A; Hopf, F W

    2011-10-13

    Many motivated and addiction-related behaviors are sustained by activity of both dopamine D1- and D2-type receptors (D1Rs and D2Rs) as well as CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Here, we use in vitro whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to describe an endocannabinoid (eCB)-dopamine receptor interaction in adult rat NAc core neurons. D1R and D2R agonists in combination enhanced firing, with no effect of a D1R or D2R agonist alone. This D1R+D2R-mediated firing increase required CB1Rs, since it was prevented by the CB1R antagonists AM251 and Rimonabant. The D1R+D2R firing increase also required phospholipase C (PLC), the major synthesis pathway for the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and one of several pathways for anandamide. Further, inhibition of 2-AG hydrolysis with the monoglyceride lipase (MGL) inhibitor JZL184 allowed subthreshold levels of D1R+D2R receptor agonists to enhance firing, while inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors URB597 or AM3506 did not. Filling the postsynaptic neuron with 2-AG enabled subthreshold D1R+D2R agonists to increase firing, and the 2AG+D1R+D2R increase in firing was prevented by a CB1R antagonist. Also, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) blocker MPEP prevented the ability of JZL184 to promote subthreshold D1R+D2R enhancement of firing, while the 2-AG+D1R+D2R increase in firing was not prevented by the mGluR5 blocker, suggesting that mGluR5s acted upstream of 2-AG production. Thus, our results taken together are consistent with the hypothesis that NAc core eCBs mediate dopamine receptor (DAR) enhancement of firing, perhaps providing a cellular mechanism underlying the central role of NAc core D1Rs, D2Rs, CB1Rs, and mGluR5s during many drug-seeking behaviors. Copyright © 2011 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. THE ENDOCANNABINOID 2-ARACHIDONOYLGLYCEROL MEDIATES D1 AND D2 RECEPTOR COOPERATIVE ENHANCEMENT OF RAT NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS CORE NEURON FIRING

    PubMed Central

    Seif, T.; Makriyannis, A.; Kunos, G.; Bonci, A.; Hopf, F. W.

    2011-01-01

    Many motivated and addiction-related behaviors are sustained by activity of both dopamine D1- and D2-type receptors (D1Rs and D2Rs) as well as CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Here, we use in vitro whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to describe an endocannabinoid (eCB)–dopamine receptor interaction in adult rat NAc core neurons. D1R and D2R agonists in combination enhanced firing, with no effect of a D1R or D2R agonist alone. This D1R+D2R-mediated firing increase required CB1Rs, since it was prevented by the CB1R antagonists AM251 and Rimonabant. The D1R+D2R firing increase also required phospholipase C (PLC), the major synthesis pathway for the eCB 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and one of several pathways for anandamide. Further, inhibition of 2-AG hydrolysis with the monoglyceride lipase (MGL) inhibitor JZL184 allowed subthreshold levels of D1R+D2R receptor agonists to enhance firing, while inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors URB597 or AM3506 did not. Filling the postsynaptic neuron with 2-AG enabled subthreshold D1R+D2R agonists to increase firing, and the 2AG+D1R+D2R increase in firing was prevented by a CB1R antagonist. Also, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) blocker MPEP prevented the ability of JZL184 to promote subthreshold D1R+D2R enhancement of firing, while the 2-AG+D1R+D2R increase in firing was not prevented by the mGluR5 blocker, suggesting that mGluR5s acted upstream of 2-AG production. Thus, our results taken together are consistent with the hypothesis that NAc core eCBs mediate dopamine receptor (DAR) enhancement of firing, perhaps providing a cellular mechanism underlying the central role of NAc core D1Rs, D2Rs, CB1Rs, and mGluR5s during many drug-seeking behaviors. PMID:21821098

  17. Partial agonist clonidine mediates alpha(2)-AR subtypes specific regulation of cAMP accumulation in adenylyl cyclase II transfected DDT1-MF2 cells.

    PubMed

    Limon-Boulez, I; Bouet-Alard, R; Gettys, T W; Lanier, S M; Maltier, J P; Legrand, C

    2001-02-01

    alpha2-Adrenergic receptor (alpha(2)-AR) activation in the pregnant rat myometrium at midterm potentiates beta(2)-AR stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) via Gbetagamma regulation of the type II isoform of adenylyl cyclase. However, at term, alpha(2)-AR activation inhibits beta(2)-AR stimulation of AC. This phenomenon is associated with changes in alpha(2)-AR subtype expression (midterm alpha(2A/D)-AR > alpha(2B)-AR; term alpha(2B) >or =alpha(2A/D)-AR), without any change in ACII mRNA, suggesting that alpha(2A/D)- and alpha(2B)-AR differentially regulate beta(2)-cAMP production. To address this issue, we have stably expressed the same density of alpha(2A/D)- or alpha(2B)-AR with AC II in DDT1-MF2 cells. Clonidine (partial agonist) increased beta(2)-AR-stimulated cAMP production in alpha(2A/D)-AR-ACII transfectants but inhibited it in alpha(2B)-AR-ACII transfectants. In contrast, epinephrine (full agonist) enhanced beta(2)-stimulated ACII in both alpha(2A)- and alpha(2B)-ACII clonal cell lines. 4-Azidoanilido-[alpha-(32)P]GTP-labeling of activated G proteins indicated that, in alpha(2B)-AR transfectants, clonidine activated only Gi(2), whereas epinephrine, the full agonist, effectively coupled to Gi(2) and Gi(3). Thus, partial and full agonists selectively activate G proteins that lead to drug specific effects on effectors. Moreover, these data indicate that Gi(3) activation is required for potentiation of beta(2)-AR stimulation of AC by alpha(2A/D) and alpha(2B)-AR in DDT1-MF2 cells. This may reflect an issue of the amount of Gbetagamma released upon receptor activation and/or betagamma composition of Gi(3) versus Gi(2).

  18. The role of serotonin-2 (5-HT2) and dopamine receptors in the behavioral actions of the 5-HT2A/2C agonist, DOI, and putative 5-HT2C inverse agonist, SR46349B.

    PubMed

    Scarlota, Laura C; Harvey, John A; Aloyo, Vincent J

    2011-02-01

    Atypical antipsychotic efficacy is often attributed to actions at serotonin-2 (5-HT(2)) and dopamine receptors, indicating a potential benefit of understanding the interplay between these systems. Currently, it is known that 5-HT(2) receptors modulate dopamine release, although the role of specific dopamine receptors in 5-HT(2)-mediated behavior is not well understood. We examined the role of 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C), and dopamine (D1 and D2) receptors in the behavioral response to a 5-HT(2A/2C) agonist (DOI) and 5-HT(2A/2C) antagonist (SR46349B). Effects were assessed by measuring rabbit head bobs (previously characterized as 5-HT(2A) receptor-mediated) and body shakes (5-HT(2C)-mediated). As expected, DOI produced head bobs and body shakes, and these DOI-elicited behaviors were attenuated by the SR46349B pretreatment. Unexpectedly, SR46349B also induced head bobs when administered alone. However, SR46349B-elicited head bobs are distinguishable from those produced by DOI since the 5-HT(2A) antagonist, ketanserin, only attenuated DOI-elicited head bobs. Conversely, 5-HT(2C) ligands (SB242084 and SB206553) inhibited SR46349B but not DOI-induced head bobs. Furthermore, when administered alone, SB206553 (a 5-HT(2C) inverse agonist) produced head bobs, indicating the behavior can be either 5-HT(2A) or 5-HT(2C) mediated. Next, it was revealed that D1 and D2 receptors play a role in DOI-elicited head bobs, but only D1 receptors are required for SR46349B-elicited head bobs. 5-HT(2A) receptor agonism and 5-HT(2C) inverse agonism produce the same behavior, likely due to similar downstream actions at D1 receptors. Consequently, 5-HT(2C) agonism or D1 agonism may be effective therapies for disorders, such as schizophrenia, currently being treated with 5-HT(2A) antagonists.

  19. Functional Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Assay to Characterize Dopamine D2 and D3 Autoreceptors in the Mouse Striatum

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Dopamine D2 and D3 autoreceptors are located on presynaptic terminals and are known to control the release and synthesis of dopamine. Dopamine D3 receptors have a fairly restricted pattern of expression in the mammalian brain. Their localization in the nucleus accumbens core and shell is of particular interest because of their association with the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse. Using background subtracted fast scan cyclic voltammetry, we investigated the effects of dopamine D2 and D3 agonists on electrically stimulated dopamine release and uptake rates in the mouse caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens core and shell. The dopamine D2 agonists (−)-quinpirole hydrochloride and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-6-(2-propen-1-yl)-4H-thiazolo[4,5-d]azepin-2-amine dihydrochloride (B-HT 920) had the same dopamine release inhibition effects on caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens (core and shell) on the basis of their EC50 values and efficacies. This suggests that the dopamine D2 autoreceptor functionality is comparable in all three striatal regions investigated. The dopamine D3 agonists (4aR,10bR)-3,4a,4,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano-[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol hydrochloride ((+)-PD 128907) and (±)-7-Hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide (7-OH-DPAT) had a significantly greater effect on dopamine release inhibition in the nucleus accumbens shell than in the caudate putamen. This study confirms that, the dopamine D3 autoreceptor functionality is greater in the nucleus accumbens shell followed by the nucleus accumbens core, with the caudate putamen having the least. Neither dopamine D2 nor D3 agonists affected the uptake rates in nucleus accumbens but concentrations greater than 0.1 μM lowered the uptake rate in caudate putamen. To validate our method of evaluating dopamine D2 and D3 autoreceptors, sulpiride (D2 antagonist) and nafadotride (D3 antagonist) were used to reverse the effects of the dopamine agonists to approximately 100% of the preagonist

  20. Development of 2′-substituted (2S,1′R,2′S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine analogues as potent N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor agonists

    PubMed Central

    Risgaard, Rune; Nielsen, Simon D.; Hansen, Kasper B.; Jensen, Christina M.; Nielsen, Birgitte; Traynelis, Stephen F.; Clausen, Rasmus P.

    2013-01-01

    A series of 2′-substituted analogues of the selective NMDA receptor ligand (2S,1′R,2′S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine ((S)-CCG-IV) have been designed, synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. The design was based on a docking study hypothesizing that substituents in the 2′-position would protrude into a region where differences among the NMDA receptor GluN2 subunits exist. Various synthetic routes were explored, and two different routes provided a series of alkyl-substituted analogues. Pharmacological characterization revealed that these compounds are NMDA receptor agonists and that potency decreases with increasing size of the alkyl groups. Variations in agonist activity are observed at the different recombinant NMDA receptor subtypes. This study demonstrates that it is possible to introduce substituents in the 2′-position of (S)-CCG-IV while maintaining agonist activity and that variation among NMDA receptor subtypes may be achieved by probing this region of the receptor. PMID:23614571

  1. Evaluation of copper-64-labeled somatostatin agonists and antagonist in sstr2-transfected cell lines that are positive and negative for p53: implications for cancer therapy

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Kim; Parry, Jesse J.; Rogers, Buck E.; Anderson, Carolyn J.

    2011-01-01

    Objectives Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs have become important agents for molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy of somatostatin receptor-positive tumors. Here we determine the effect of the tumor suppressor protein, p53, on trafficking 64Cu to tumor cell nuclei from DOTA vs.CB-TE2A-conjugated agonist Y3-TATE and the antagonist 64Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT in cell lines that are positive or negative for p53. Methods Receptor binding, internalization, cAMP and nuclear localization studies were performed with the SSTr2 agonists, 64Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE and 64Cu-DOTA-Y3-TATE vs. antagonist, 64Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT, in SSTr2-transfected p53 +/+ and −/− HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. Results The antagonist, 64Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT, bound 8-9-fold more SSTr2 binding sites than did the 64Cu-labeled agonists. 64Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE was more efficiently internalized than 64Cu-DOTA-Y3-TATE, while 64Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT showed lower, yet significant levels of internalization. CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE acted as a full agonist, inhibiting cAMP production, whereas CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT showed no inhibition of cAMP production.The 64Cu from agonists 64Cu-DOTA-Y3-TATE and 64Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE showed greater nuclear localization at 24 h in p53 +/+ vs. −/− cells; however, there was no difference in the levels of 64Cu from the antagonist based on p53 status. Surprisingly, the DOTA and CB-TE2A-conjugated agonists showed similar nuclear localization in the p53 +/+ and −/− cells, suggesting no difference in 64Cu release from these chelators in the HCT116 cell lines. Conclusion Based on thesein vitro data, the agonist 64Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE demonstrated the most promise as an agent for targeted radiotherapy in p53 positive, SSTr2-positive tumors. PMID:22056254

  2. Analysis of the Glutamate Agonist LY404,039 Binding to Nonstatic Dopamine Receptor D2 Dimer Structures and Consensus Docking.

    PubMed

    Salmas, Ramin Ekhteiari; Seeman, Philip; Aksoydan, Busecan; Erol, Ismail; Kantarcioglu, Isik; Stein, Matthias; Yurtsever, Mine; Durdagi, Serdar

    2017-06-21

    Dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) plays an important role in the human central nervous system and is a focal target of antipsychotic agents. The D2 High R and D2 Low R dimeric models previously developed by our group are used to investigate the prediction of binding affinity of the LY404,039 ligand and its binding mechanism within the catalytic domain. The computational data obtained using molecular dynamics simulations fit well with the experimental results. The calculated binding affinities of LY404,039 using MM/PBSA for the D2 High R and D2 Low R targets were -12.04 and -9.11 kcal/mol, respectively. The experimental results suggest that LY404,039 binds to D2 High R and D2 Low R with binding affinities (K i ) of 8.2 and 1640 nM, respectively. The high binding affinity of LY404,039 in terms of binding to [ 3 H]domperidone was inhibited by the presence of a guanine nucleotide, indicating an agonist action of the drug at D2 High R. The interaction analysis demonstrated that while Asp114 was among the most critical amino acids for D2 High R binding, residues Ser193 and Ser197 were significantly more important within the binding cavity of D2 Low R. Molecular modeling analyses are extended to ensemble docking as well as structure-based pharmacophore model (E-pharmacophore) development using the bioactive conformation of LY404,039 at the binding pocket as a template and screening of small-molecule databases with derived pharmacophore models.

  3. Dopamine D2-like receptor signaling suppresses human osteoclastogenesis.

    PubMed

    Hanami, Kentaro; Nakano, Kazuhisa; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Okada, Yosuke; Yamaoka, Kunihiro; Kubo, Satoshi; Kondo, Masahiro; Tanaka, Yoshiya

    2013-09-01

    Dopamine, a major neurotransmitter, transmits signals via five different seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors termed D1 to D5. Although the relevance of neuroendocrine system to bone metabolism has been emerging, the precise effects of dopaminergic signaling upon osteoclastogenesis remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that human monocyte-derived osteoclast precursor cells express all dopamine-receptor subtypes. Dopamine and dopamine D2-like receptor agonists such as pramipexole and quinpirole reduced the formation of TRAP-positive multi-nucleated cells, cathepsin K mRNA expression, and pit formation area in vitro. These inhibitory effects were reversed by pre-treatment with a D2-like receptor antagonist haloperidol or a Gαi inhibitor pertussis toxin, but not with the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390. Dopamine and dopamine D2-like receptor agonists, but not a D1-like receptor agonist, suppressed intracellular cAMP concentration as well as RANKL-meditated induction of c-Fos and NFATc1 mRNA expression in human osteoclast precursor cells. Finally, the dopamine D2-like receptor agonist suppressed LPS-induced osteoclast formation in murine bone marrow culture ex vivo. These findings indicate that dopaminergic signaling plays an important role in bone homeostasis via direct effects upon osteoclast differentiation and further suggest that the clinical use of neuroleptics is likely to affect bone mass. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. In vitro and in vivo activity of cyclopeptide Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH2, a mu opioid receptor agonist biased toward β-arrestin.

    PubMed

    Gach-Janczak, Katarzyna; Piekielna-Ciesielska, Justyna; Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk, Anna; Wtorek, Karol; Ferrari, Federica; Calo', Girolamo; Szymaszkiewicz, Agata; Piasecka-Zelga, Joanna; Janecka, Anna

    2018-07-01

    Morphine and related drugs, which are the most effective analgesics for the relief of severe pain, act through activating opioid receptors. The endogenous ligands of these receptors are opioid peptides which cannot be used as antinociceptive agents due to their low bioactivity and stability in biological fluids. The major goal of opioid research is to understand the mechanism of action of opioid receptor agonists in order to improve therapeutic utility of opioids. Analgesic effects of morphine are mediated mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor. However, in the search for safer and more effective drug candidates, analogs with mixed opioid receptor profile gained a lot of interest. Recently, the concept of biased agonists able to differentially activate GPCR downstream pathways, became a new approach in the design of novel drug candidates. It is hypothesized that compounds promoting G-protein signaling may produce analgesia while β-arrestin recruitment may be responsible for opioid side effects. In this report we showed that replacement of the tyrosine residue in the mu-selective ligand Tyr-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH 2 with 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) produced a cyclopeptide Dmt-c[d-Lys-Phe-Asp]NH 2 with mu/delta opioid receptor agonist profile. This analog showed improved antinociception in the hot-plate test, probably due to the simultaneous activation of mu and delta receptors but also significantly inhibited the gastrointestinal transit. Using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay it was shown that this analog was a mu receptor agonist biased toward β-arrestin. β-Arrestin-dependent signaling is most likely responsible for the observed inhibition of gastrointestinal motility exerted by the novel cyclopeptide. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. PET Imaging of D2/3 agonist binding in healthy human subjects with the radiotracer [11C]-N-propyl-nor-apomorphine (NPA): preliminary evaluation and reproducibility studies

    PubMed Central

    Narendran, Rajesh; Frankle, W. Gordon; Mason, N. Scott; Laymon, Charles M.; Lopresti, Brian J; Price, Julie C.; Kendro, Steve; Vora, Shivangi; Litschge, Maralee; Mountz, James M.; Mathis, Chester A.

    2009-01-01

    Objective (-)-N-[11C]-Propyl-norapomorphine (NPA) is a full dopamine D2/3 receptor agonist radiotracer suitable for imaging D2/3 receptors configured in a state of high affinity for agonists using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The aim of the present study was to define the optimal analytic method to derive accurate and reliable D2/3 receptor parameters with [11C]NPA. Methods Six healthy subjects (4 females/2 males) underwent two [11C]NPA scans in the same day. D2/3 receptor binding parameters were estimated using kinetic analysis (using 1- and 2- tissue compartment models) as well as simplified reference tissue method in the three functional subdivisions of the striatum (associative striatum, AST; limbic striatum LST and sensorimotor striatum SMST). The test-retest variability and intraclass correlation coefficient were assessed for distribution volume (VT), binding potential relative to plasma concentration (BPP), and binding potential relative to nondisplaceable uptake (BPND) Results A two-tissue compartment kinetic model adequately described the functional subdivisions of the striatum as well as cerebellum time-activity data. The reproducibility of VT was excellent (≤ 10%) in all regions, for this approach. The reproducibility of both BPP (≤ 12%) and BPND (≤ 10%) was also excellent. The intraclass correlation coefficient of BPP and BPND were acceptable as well (> 0.75) in the three functional subdivisions of the striatum. Although SRTM led to an underestimation of BPND values relative to that estimated by kinetic analysis by 8 to 13%, the values derived using both the methods were reasonably well correlated (r2 = 0.89, n = 84). Both methods were similarly effective at detecting the differences in [11C]NPA BPND between subjects. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that [11C]NPA can be used to measure D2/3 receptors configured in a state of high affinity for the agonists with high reliability and reproducibility in the functional subdivisions

  6. Novel 5-HT6 receptor antagonists/D2 receptor partial agonists targeting behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

    PubMed

    Kołaczkowski, Marcin; Marcinkowska, Monika; Bucki, Adam; Śniecikowska, Joanna; Pawłowski, Maciej; Kazek, Grzegorz; Siwek, Agata; Jastrzębska-Więsek, Magdalena; Partyka, Anna; Wasik, Anna; Wesołowska, Anna; Mierzejewski, Paweł; Bienkowski, Przemyslaw

    2015-03-06

    We describe a novel class of designed multiple ligands (DMLs) combining serotonin 5-HT6 receptor (5-HT6R) antagonism with dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) partial agonism. Prototype hybrid molecules were designed using docking to receptor homology models. Diverse pharmacophore moieties yielded 3 series of hybrids with varying in vitro properties at 5-HT6R and D2R, and at M1 receptor and hERG channel antitargets. 4-(piperazin-1-yl)-1H-indole derivatives showed highest antagonist potency at 5-HT6R, with 7-butoxy-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one and 2-propoxybenzamide derivatives having promising D2R partial agonism. 2-(3-(4-(1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-indol-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl)propoxy)benzamide (47) exhibited nanomolar affinity at both 5-HT6R and D2R and was evaluated in rat models. It displayed potent antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like activity in the Porsolt and Vogel tests, respectively, more pronounced than that of a reference selective 5-HT6R antagonist or D2R partial agonist. In addition, 47 also showed antidepressant-like activity (Porsolt's test) and anxiolytic-like activity (open field test) in aged (>18-month old) rats. In operant conditioning tests, 47 enhanced responding for sweet reward in the saccharin self-administration test, consistent with anti-anhedonic properties. Further, 47 facilitated extinction of non-reinforced responding for sweet reward, suggesting potential procognitive activity. Taken together, these studies suggest that DMLs combining 5-HT6R antagonism and D2R partial agonism may successfully target affective disorders in patients from different age groups without a risk of cognitive deficits. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of Sarizotan, a 5-HT1a and D2-like receptor agonist, on respiration in three mouse models of Rett syndrome.

    PubMed

    Abdala, Ana P; Lioy, Daniel T; Garg, Saurabh K; Knopp, Sharon J; Paton, Julian F R; Bissonnette, John M

    2014-06-01

    Disturbances in respiration are common and debilitating features of Rett syndrome (RTT). A previous study showed that the 5-HT1a receptor agonist (R)-(+)-8-hydroxy-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) significantly reduced the incidence of apnea and the irregular breathing pattern in a mouse model of the disorder. 8-OH-DPAT, however, is not available for clinical practice. Sarizotan, a full 5-HT1a agonist and a dopamine D2-like agonist/partial agonist, has been used in clinical trials for the treatment of l-dopa-induced dyskinesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sarizotan on respiration and locomotion in mouse models of RTT. Studies were performed in Bird and Jaenisch strains of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2--deficient heterozygous female and Jaenisch strain Mecp2 null male mice and in knock-in heterozygous female mice of a common nonsense mutation (R168X). Respiratory pattern was determined with body plethysmography, and locomotion was determined with open-field recording. Sarizotan or vehicle was administered 20 minutes before a 30-minute recording of respiratory pattern or motor behavior. In separate studies, a crossover design was used to administer the drug for 7 and for 14 days. Sarizotan reduced the incidence of apnea in all three RTT mouse models to approximately 15% of their pretreatment levels. The irregular breathing pattern was corrected to that of wild-type littermates. When administered for 7 or 14 days, apnea decreased to 25 to 33% of the incidence seen with vehicle. This study indicates that the clinically approved drug sarizotan is an effective treatment for respiratory disorders in mouse models of RTT.

  8. Radiolabeling of a cyclic RGD (cyclo Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Tyr-Lys) peptide using sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent.

    PubMed

    Doll, Stephanie; Woolum, Karen; Kumar, Krishan

    2016-09-01

    A simple and rapid nonradioactive iodide labeling/radiolabeling method for peptides, using an inexpensive oxidizing agent such as sodium hypochlorite and a cyclic peptide, cRGDyK (cyclo Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Tyr-Lys), was developed in this work. Labeling reaction was optimized by conducting experiments under variable ratios of the reagents, the reaction times, and the pH. The study demonstrated that radiolabeling of the cyclic peptide was fast and pH independent. Monoiodinated and di-iodinated cRGDyK were formed under all conditions and varied with the ratio of the reagents and the reaction time. Total percent of the iodinated cRGDyK (monoiodinated and di-iodinated cRGDyK) varied between 44 and 100 depending on the reaction conditions. Excess cyclic peptide over equal molar ratio of sodium iodide and sodium hypochlorite yielded in predominant amounts of monoiodinated cRGDyK, ie, >60% under 2:1:1 ratio and ~88% under 5:1:1 ratio of cRGDyK:sodium iodide:sodium hypochlorite. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  9. A combined pharmacophore modeling, 3D-QSAR and molecular docking study of substituted bicyclo-[3.3.0]oct-2-enes as liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) agonists

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lalit, Manisha; Gangwal, Rahul P.; Dhoke, Gaurao V.; Damre, Mangesh V.; Khandelwal, Kanchan; Sangamwar, Abhay T.

    2013-10-01

    A combined pharmacophore modelling, 3D-QSAR and molecular docking approach was employed to reveal structural and chemical features essential for the development of small molecules as LRH-1 agonists. The best HypoGen pharmacophore hypothesis (Hypo1) consists of one hydrogen-bond donor (HBD), two general hydrophobic (H), one hydrophobic aromatic (HYAr) and one hydrophobic aliphatic (HYA) feature. It has exhibited high correlation coefficient of 0.927, cost difference of 85.178 bit and low RMS value of 1.411. This pharmacophore hypothesis was cross-validated using test set, decoy set and Cat-Scramble methodology. Subsequently, validated pharmacophore hypothesis was used in the screening of small chemical databases. Further, 3D-QSAR models were developed based on the alignment obtained using substructure alignment. The best CoMFA and CoMSIA model has exhibited excellent rncv2 values of 0.991 and 0.987, and rcv2 values of 0.767 and 0.703, respectively. CoMFA predicted rpred2 of 0.87 and CoMSIA predicted rpred2 of 0.78 showed that the predicted values were in good agreement with the experimental values. Molecular docking analysis reveals that π-π interaction with His390 and hydrogen bond interaction with His390/Arg393 is essential for LRH-1 agonistic activity. The results from pharmacophore modelling, 3D-QSAR and molecular docking are complementary to each other and could serve as a powerful tool for the discovery of potent small molecules as LRH-1 agonists.

  10. D-1 and D-2 receptor blockade have additive cataleptic effects in mice, but receptor effects may interact in opposite ways.

    PubMed

    Klemm, W R; Block, H

    1988-02-01

    The dopaminergic role of D-1 and D-2 receptors in catalepsy was evaluated using drugs with preferential receptor affinities. The D-1 antagonist, SCH 23390, caused distinct catalepsy in mice at 1, 2, and 10 mg/kg, IP, but not at two lower doses. The selective D-1 blocker, molindone, also caused catalepsy at 5 and 10 mg/kg; and blockade of both receptor types produced additive cataleptogenic effects. Apomorphine (4 mg/kg), which is an agonist for both receptors, potentiated SCH 23390-induced catalepsy much more than it did the catalepsy induced by molindone; the potentiation was produced by higher, not lower, doses of apomorphine. To determine if the apomorphine potentiation was mediated by D-1 or D-2 receptors, we tested selective agonists in mice that were concurrently injected with selective blockers. SCH 23390-induced catalepsy was potentiated by a large dose of the D-2 agonist, bromocriptine. The catalepsy of D-2 blockade with molindone was not potentiated by the D-1 agonist, SKF 38393, which slightly disrupted the catalepsy of D-2 blockade. We conclude that catalepsy is not a simple D-2 blockade phenomenon and that preferential antagonism of either receptor type can cause catalepsy. Catalepsy is most profound when both receptor types are blocked. Dopamine agonists, in large concentrations, are known to promote movements, and thus it is not surprising that they tend to disrupt catalepsy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  11. Co-agonists differentially tune GluN2B-NMDA receptor trafficking at hippocampal synapses

    PubMed Central

    Ferreira, Joana S; Papouin, Thomas; Ladépêche, Laurent; Yao, Andrea; Langlais, Valentin C; Bouchet, Delphine; Dulong, Jérôme; Mothet, Jean-Pierre; Sacchi, Silvia; Pollegioni, Loredano; Paoletti, Pierre; Oliet, Stéphane Henri Richard; Groc, Laurent

    2017-01-01

    The subunit composition of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDAR), such as the relative content of GluN2A- and GluN2B-containing receptors, greatly influences the glutamate synaptic transmission. Receptor co-agonists, glycine and D-serine, have intriguingly emerged as potential regulators of the receptor trafficking in addition to their requirement for its activation. Using a combination of single-molecule imaging, biochemistry and electrophysiology, we show that glycine and D-serine relative availability at rat hippocampal glutamatergic synapses regulate the trafficking and synaptic content of NMDAR subtypes. Acute manipulations of co-agonist levels, both ex vivo and in vitro, unveil that D-serine alter the membrane dynamics and content of GluN2B-NMDAR, but not GluN2A-NMDAR, at synapses through a process requiring PDZ binding scaffold partners. In addition, using FRET-based FLIM approach, we demonstrate that D-serine rapidly induces a conformational change of the GluN1 subunit intracellular C-terminus domain. Together our data fuels the view that the extracellular microenvironment regulates synaptic NMDAR signaling. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.25492.001 PMID:28598327

  12. Design, synthesis, radiolabeling and in vivo evaluation of carbon-11 labeled N-[2-[4-(3-cyanopyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-3-methoxybenzamide, a potential Positron Emission Tomography tracer for the dopamine D4 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Lacivita, Enza; De Giorgio, Paola; Lee, Irene T.; Rodeheaver, Sean I.; Weiss, Bryan A.; Fracasso, Claudia; Caccia, Silvio; Berardi, Francesco; Perrone, Roberto; Zhang, Ming-Rong; Maeda, Jun; Higuchi, Makoto; Suhara, Tetsuya; Schetz, John A.; Leopoldo, Marcello

    2010-01-01

    Here we describe the design, synthesis, physicochemical, and pharmacological evaluation of D4 dopamine receptor ligands related to N-[2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-3-methoxybenzamide (2). Structural features were incorporated to increase affinity for the target receptor, to improve selectivity over D2 and sigma1 receptors, to enable labeling with carbon-11 or fluorine-18, and to adjust lipophilicity within the range considered optimal for brain penetration and low nonspecific binding. Compounds 7 and 13 showed the overall best characteristics: nanomolar affinity for the D4 receptor, > 100-fold selectivity over D2 and D3 dopamine receptor 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C serotonin receptors and sigma1 receptors, and logP = 2.37–2.55. Following intraperitoneal administration, both compounds rapidly entered the central nervous system. The methoxy of N-[2-[4-(3-cyanopyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-3-methoxybenzamide (7) was radiolabelled with carbon-11 and subjected to PET analysis in non-human primate. [11C]7 time-dependently accumulated to saturation in the posterior eye in the region of the retina, a tissue containing a high density of D4 receptors. PMID:20873719

  13. Radiosynthesis and in vitro evaluation of 2-(N-alkyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin analogs as high affinity agonists for dopamine D-2 receptors.

    PubMed

    Shi, B; Narayanan, T K; Yang, Z Y; Christian, B T; Mukherjee, J

    1999-10-01

    We have developed radiotracers based on agonists that may potentially allow the in vivo assessment of the high affinity (HA) state of the dopamine D-2 receptors. The population of HA state, which is likely the functional state of the receptor, may be altered in certain diseases. We carried out radiosyntheses and evaluated the binding affinities, lipophilicity, and in vitro autoradiographic binding characteristics of three dopamine D-2 receptor agonists: (+/-)-2-(N,N-dipropyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (5-OH-DPAT), (+/-)-2-(N-phenethyl-N-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (PPHT), and (+/-)-2-(N-cyclohexylethyl-N-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (ZYY-339). In 3H-spiperone assays using rat striata, ZYY-339 exhibited subnanomolar affinity for D-2 receptor sites (IC50 = 0.010 nM), PPHT was somewhat weaker (IC50 = 0.65 nM), and 5-OH-DPAT exhibited the weakest affinity (IC50 = 2.5 nM) of the three compounds. Radiosynthesis of these derivatives, 2-(N-propyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-5-OH-DPAT), 2-(N-phenethyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-PPHT), and 2-(N-cyclohexylethyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-ZYY-339) was achieved by first synthesizing 11C-1-propionyl chloride and subsequent coupling with the appropriate secondary amine precursor to form the respective amide, which was then reduced to provide the desired tertiary amine products. The final products were obtained by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification in radiochemical yields of 5-10% after 60-75 min from the end of 11CO2 trapping and with specific activities in the range of 250-1,000 Ci/mmol. In vitro autoradiographs in rat brain slices with 11C-5-OH-DPAT, 11C-PPHT, and 11C-ZYY-339 revealed selective binding of the three radiotracers to the dopamine D-2 receptors in the striata.

  14. Circadian-dependent effect of melatonin on dopaminergic D2 antagonist-induced hypokinesia and agonist-induced stereotypies in rats.

    PubMed

    Sumaya, I C; Byers, D M; Irwin, L N; Del Val, S; Moss, D E

    2004-08-01

    Although a melatonin/dopamine relationship has been well established in nonmotor systems wherein dopamine and melatonin share an antagonist relationship, less clear is the role melatonin may play in extrapyramidal dopaminergic function. Therefore, the purpose of the present experiments was to examine the relationship between melatonin and the dopaminergic D2 receptor system and behavior. Hypokinesia was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with fluphenazine (D2 antagonist, 0.4 mg/kg ip) and stereotypies with apomorphine (D2 agonist, 0.6 mg/kg sc) during the light (1200 h) and dark (2200 h) phases. As expected, fluphenazine induced severe hypokinesia during the light phase (482 +/- 176 s); however, unexpectedly, fluphenazine-induced hypokinesia during the dark was almost nonexistent (25 +/- 6 s). Furthermore, melatonin treatment (30 mg/kg ip) produced a strong interaction with fluphenazine in that it reduced fluphenazine-induced hypokinesia by nearly 80% in the light (112 +/- 45 s) but paradoxically increased the minimal fluphenazine-induced hypokinesia in the dark by more than 60% (70 +/- 17 s). Melatonin also reduced apomorphine-induced stereotypies by nearly 40% in the light but had no effect in the dark. Taken together, these data show (1) a strong and unexpected nocturnal effect of fluphenazine on hypokinesia and (2) provide support for an antagonistic melatonin/dopaminergic interaction in the context of motor behavior and D2 receptor function which appears to be critically dependent on the light/dark status of the dopaminergic system. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

  15. Spinal antinociceptive effects of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II, a novel and highly selective delta-opioid receptor agonist.

    PubMed

    Improta, G; Broccardo, M

    1992-01-01

    Pharmacological assays in isolated tissues and binding tests have recently shown that two peptides, with the sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Asp-(or Glu)- Val-Val-Gly-NH2, isolated from skin extracts of Phyllomedusa bicolor and named [D-Ala2]deltorphin I and II, respectively, possess a higher affinity and selectivity for delta-opioid receptors than any other known natural compound. Since much evidence supports the role of spinal delta-opioid sites in producing antinociceptive effects, we investigated whether analgesia might be detected by direct spinal cord administration of [D-Ala2]deltorphin II (DADELT II) in the rat. The thermal antinociceptive effects of intrathecal DADELT II and dermorphin, a potent mu-selective agonist, were compared at different postinjection times by means of the tail-flick test. The DADELT II produced a dose-related inhibition of the tail-flick response, which lasted 10-60 min depending on the dose and appeared to be of shorter duration than the analgesia produced in rats after intrathecal injection of dermorphin (20-120 min). The analgesic effect of infused or injected DADELT II was completely abolished by naltrindole, the highly selective delta antagonist. These results confirm the involvement of delta receptors in spinal analgesic activity in the rat.

  16. The effects of dopamine receptor 1 and 2 agonists and antagonists on sexual and aggressive behaviors in male green anoles.

    PubMed

    Smith, Alexandra N; Kabelik, David

    2017-01-01

    The propensity to exhibit social behaviors during interactions with same-sex and opposite-sex conspecifics is modulated by various neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Dopamine is a conserved neurotransmitter among vertebrates and dopaminergic receptors are also highly conserved among taxa. Activation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptor subtypes has been shown to modulate social behaviors, especially in mammalian and avian studies. However, the specific behavioral functions of these receptors vary across taxa. In reptiles there have been few studies examining the relationship between dopaminergic receptors and social behaviors. We therefore examined the effects of D1 and D2 agonists and antagonists on sexual and aggressive behaviors in the male green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis). Treatment with high doses of both D1 and D2 agonists was found to impair both sexual and aggressive behaviors. However, the D1 agonist treatment was also found to impair motor function, suggesting that those effects were likely nonspecific. Lower doses of both agonists and antagonists failed to affect social behaviors. These findings provide some evidence for D2 receptor regulation of social behaviors, but in contrast with previous research, these effects are all inhibitory and no effects were found for manipulations of D1 receptors. A potential reason for the lack of more widespread effects on social behaviors using moderate or low drug doses is that systemic injection of drugs resulted in effects throughout the whole brain, thus affecting counteracting circuits which negated one another, making measurable changes in behavioral output difficult to detect. Future studies should administer drugs directly into brain regions known to regulate sexual and aggressive behaviors.

  17. Effect of Sarizotan, a 5-HT1a and D2-Like Receptor Agonist, on Respiration in Three Mouse Models of Rett Syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Abdala, Ana P.; Lioy, Daniel T.; Garg, Saurabh K.; Knopp, Sharon J.; Paton, Julian F. R.

    2014-01-01

    Disturbances in respiration are common and debilitating features of Rett syndrome (RTT). A previous study showed that the 5-HT1a receptor agonist (R)-(+)-8-hydroxy-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) significantly reduced the incidence of apnea and the irregular breathing pattern in a mouse model of the disorder. 8-OH-DPAT, however, is not available for clinical practice. Sarizotan, a full 5-HT1a agonist and a dopamine D2–like agonist/partial agonist, has been used in clinical trials for the treatment of l-dopa–induced dyskinesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sarizotan on respiration and locomotion in mouse models of RTT. Studies were performed in Bird and Jaenisch strains of methyl-CpG–binding protein 2-–deficient heterozygous female and Jaenisch strain Mecp2 null male mice and in knock-in heterozygous female mice of a common nonsense mutation (R168X). Respiratory pattern was determined with body plethysmography, and locomotion was determined with open-field recording. Sarizotan or vehicle was administered 20 minutes before a 30-minute recording of respiratory pattern or motor behavior. In separate studies, a crossover design was used to administer the drug for 7 and for 14 days. Sarizotan reduced the incidence of apnea in all three RTT mouse models to approximately 15% of their pretreatment levels. The irregular breathing pattern was corrected to that of wild-type littermates. When administered for 7 or 14 days, apnea decreased to 25 to 33% of the incidence seen with vehicle. This study indicates that the clinically approved drug sarizotan is an effective treatment for respiratory disorders in mouse models of RTT. PMID:24351104

  18. Endomorphin-2: A Biased Agonist at the μ-Opioid Receptor

    PubMed Central

    Rivero, Guadalupe; Llorente, Javier; McPherson, Jamie; Cooke, Alex; Mundell, Stuart J.; McArdle, Craig A.; Rosethorne, Elizabeth M.; Charlton, Steven J.; Krasel, Cornelius; Bailey, Christopher P.; Henderson, Graeme

    2012-01-01

    Previously we correlated the efficacy for G protein activation with that for arrestin recruitment for a number of agonists at the μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) stably expressed in HEK293 cells. We suggested that the endomorphins (endomorphin-1 and -2) might be biased toward arrestin recruitment. In the present study, we investigated this phenomenon in more detail for endomorphin-2, using endogenous MOPr in rat brain as well as MOPr stably expressed in HEK293 cells. For MOPr in neurons in brainstem locus ceruleus slices, the peptide agonists [d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and endomorphin-2 activated inwardly rectifying K+ current in a concentration-dependent manner. Analysis of these responses with the operational model of pharmacological agonism confirmed that endomorphin-2 had a much lower operational efficacy for G protein-mediated responses than did DAMGO at native MOPr in mature neurons. However, endomorphin-2 induced faster desensitization of the K+ current than did DAMGO. In addition, in HEK293 cells stably expressing MOPr, the ability of endomorphin-2 to induce phosphorylation of Ser375 in the COOH terminus of the receptor, to induce association of arrestin with the receptor, and to induce cell surface loss of receptors was much more efficient than would be predicted from its efficacy for G protein-mediated signaling. Together, these results indicate that endomorphin-2 is an arrestin-biased agonist at MOPr and the reason for this is likely to be the ability of endomorphin-2 to induce greater phosphorylation of MOPr than would be expected from its ability to activate MOPr and to induce activation of G proteins. PMID:22553358

  19. Endomorphin-2: a biased agonist at the μ-opioid receptor.

    PubMed

    Rivero, Guadalupe; Llorente, Javier; McPherson, Jamie; Cooke, Alex; Mundell, Stuart J; McArdle, Craig A; Rosethorne, Elizabeth M; Charlton, Steven J; Krasel, Cornelius; Bailey, Christopher P; Henderson, Graeme; Kelly, Eamonn

    2012-08-01

    Previously we correlated the efficacy for G protein activation with that for arrestin recruitment for a number of agonists at the μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) stably expressed in HEK293 cells. We suggested that the endomorphins (endomorphin-1 and -2) might be biased toward arrestin recruitment. In the present study, we investigated this phenomenon in more detail for endomorphin-2, using endogenous MOPr in rat brain as well as MOPr stably expressed in HEK293 cells. For MOPr in neurons in brainstem locus ceruleus slices, the peptide agonists [d-Ala(2),N-Me-Phe(4),Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO) and endomorphin-2 activated inwardly rectifying K(+) current in a concentration-dependent manner. Analysis of these responses with the operational model of pharmacological agonism confirmed that endomorphin-2 had a much lower operational efficacy for G protein-mediated responses than did DAMGO at native MOPr in mature neurons. However, endomorphin-2 induced faster desensitization of the K(+) current than did DAMGO. In addition, in HEK293 cells stably expressing MOPr, the ability of endomorphin-2 to induce phosphorylation of Ser375 in the COOH terminus of the receptor, to induce association of arrestin with the receptor, and to induce cell surface loss of receptors was much more efficient than would be predicted from its efficacy for G protein-mediated signaling. Together, these results indicate that endomorphin-2 is an arrestin-biased agonist at MOPr and the reason for this is likely to be the ability of endomorphin-2 to induce greater phosphorylation of MOPr than would be expected from its ability to activate MOPr and to induce activation of G proteins.

  20. Binding Interactions of Dopamine and Apomorphine in D2High and D2Low States of Human Dopamine D2 Receptor Using Computational and Experimental Techniques.

    PubMed

    Durdagi, Serdar; Salmas, Ramin Ekhteiari; Stein, Matthias; Yurtsever, Mine; Seeman, Philip

    2016-02-17

    We have recently reported G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) model structures for the active and inactive states of the human dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) using adrenergic crystal structures as templates. Since the therapeutic concentrations of dopamine agonists that suppress the release of prolactin are the same as those that act at the high-affinity state of the D2 receptor (D2High), D2High in the anterior pituitary gland is considered to be the functional state of the receptor. In addition, the therapeutic concentrations of anti-Parkinson drugs are also related to the dissociation constants in the D2High form of the receptor. The discrimination between the high- and low-affinity (D2Low) components of the D2R is not obvious and requires advanced computer-assisted structural biology investigations. Therefore, in this work, the derived D2High and D2Low receptor models (GPCR monomer and dimer three-dimensional structures) are used as drug-binding targets to investigate binding interactions of dopamine and apomorphine. The study reveals a match between the experimental dissociation constants of dopamine and apomorphine at their high- and low-affinity sites of the D2 receptor in monomer and dimer and their calculated dissociation constants. The allosteric receptor-receptor interaction for dopamine D2R dimer is associated with the accessibility of adjacent residues of transmembrane region 4. The measured negative cooperativity between agonist ligand at dopamine D2 receptor is also correctly predicted using the D2R homodimerization model.

  1. Opioid-receptor subtype agonist-induced enhancements of sucrose intake are dependent upon sucrose concentration.

    PubMed

    Ruegg, H; Yu, W Z; Bodnar, R J

    1997-07-01

    Selective mu ([D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO)), delta1 ([D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE)), delta2 ([D-Ala2, Glu4]-Deltorphin (Delt II)), kappa1 (U50488H) and kappa3 (naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzOH)) opioid agonists each stimulate food intake in rats. Whereas studies with selective opioid antagonists implicate mu and kappa1 receptors in the mediation of sucrose intake, studies with selective opioid agonists implicate mu and delta receptors in the mediation of saccharin intake. The present study determined if specific delta1, delta2, kappa1, kappa3 and mu opioid-receptor subtype agonists produced similar alterations in sucrose intake as a function of sucrose concentration (0.5%, 2.5%, 10%) across a 1-h time-course. Each of these agonists significantly increased sucrose intake with variations in pattern, magnitude, and consistency as a function of sucrose concentration. Whereas the mu opioid agonist, DAMGO, and the delta1 opioid agonist, DPDPE, each enhanced sucrose intake at higher (2.5%, 10%), but not lower (0.5%), concentrations, the delta2 opioid agonist, Delt II, increased sucrose intake at lower (0.5%, 2.5%), but not higher (10%), concentrations. Kappa opioid agonists produced less consistent effects. The kappa1 opioid agonist, U50488H, increased sucrose intake at high (10%) concentrations and decreased sucrose intake at low (0.5%) concentrations, and the kappa3 opioid agonist, NalBzOH, inconsistently increased sucrose intake at the 0.5% (20 microg) and 10% (1 microg) concentrations. Thus, these data further implicate mu, delta1, and delta2 opioid mediation of palatable intake, particularly of its orosensory characteristics.

  2. Differential agonist sensitivity of glycine receptor α2 subunit splice variants

    PubMed Central

    Miller, Paul S; Harvey, Robert J; Smart, Trevor G

    2004-01-01

    The glycine receptor (GlyR) α2A and α2B splice variants differ by a dual, adjacent amino acid substitution from α2AV58,T59 to α2BI58,A59 in the N-terminal extracellular domain. Comparing the effects of the GlyR agonists, glycine, β-alanine and taurine, on the GlyR α2 isoforms, revealed a significant increase in potency for all three agonists at the α2B variant. The sensitivities of the splice variants to the competitive antagonist, strychnine, and to the biphasic modulator Zn2+, were comparable. In contrast, the allosteric inhibitor picrotoxin was more potent on GlyR α2A compared to GlyR α2B receptors. Coexpression of α2A or α2B subunits with the GlyR β subunit revealed that the higher agonist potencies observed with the α2B homomer were retained for the α2Bβ heteromer. The identical sensitivity to strychnine combined with a reduction in the maximum current induced by the partial agonist taurine at the GlyR α2A homomer, suggested that the changed sensitivity to agonists is in accordance with a modulation of agonist efficacy rather than agonist affinity. An effect on agonist efficacy was also supported by using a structural model of the GlyR, localising the region of splice variation to the proposed docking region between GlyR loop 2 and the TM2-3 loop, an area associated with channel activation. The existence of a spasmodic mouse phenotype linked to a GlyR α1A52S mutation, the equivalent position to the source of the α2 splice variation, raises the possibility that the GlyR α2 splice variants may be responsible for distinct roles in neuronal function. PMID:15302677

  3. Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

    PubMed Central

    Filippatos, Theodosios D.; Panagiotopoulou, Thalia V.; Elisaf, Moses S.

    2014-01-01

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of injective anti-diabetic drugs that improve glycemic control and many other atherosclerosis-related parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the use of this relatively new class of drugs may be associated with certain adverse effects. Concerns have been expressed regarding the effects of these drugs on pancreatic and thyroid tissue, since animal studies and analyses of drug databases indicate an association of GLP-1 receptor agonists with pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer. However, several meta-analyses failed to confirm a cause-effect relation between GLP-1 receptor agonists and the development of these adverse effects. One benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists is that they do not cause hypoglycemia when combined with metformin or thiazolidinediones, but the dose of concomitant sulphonylurea or insulin may have to be decreased to reduce the risk of hypoglycemic episodes. On the other hand, several case reports have linked the use of these drugs, mainly exenatide, with the occurrence of acute kidney injury, primarily through hemodynamic derangement due to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most common symptoms associated with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists are gastrointestinal symptoms, mainly nausea. Other common adverse effects include injection site reactions, headache, and nasopharyngitis, but these effects do not usually result in discontinuation of the drug. Current evidence shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists have no negative effects on the cardiovascular risk of patients with T2D. Thus, GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to have a favorable safety profile, but ongoing trials will further assess their cardiovascular effects. The aim of this review is to analyze critically the available data regarding adverse events of GLP-1 receptor agonists in different anatomic systems published in Pubmed and Scopus. Whenever possible, certain differences between GLP-1

  4. Point mutation of a conserved aspartate, D69, in the muscarinic M2 receptor does not modify voltage-sensitive agonist potency.

    PubMed

    Ågren, Richard; Sahlholm, Kristoffer; Nilsson, Johanna; Århem, Peter

    2018-01-29

    The muscarinic M 2 receptor (M 2 R) has been shown to display voltage-sensitive agonist binding, based on G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channel (GIRK) opening and radioligand binding at different membrane voltages. A conserved aspartate in transmembrane segment (TM) II of M 2 R, D69, has been proposed as the voltage sensor. While a recent paper instead presented evidence of tyrosines in TMs III, VI, and VII acting as voltage sensors, these authors were not able to record GIRK channel activation by a D69N mutant M 2 R. In the present study, we succeeded in recording ACh-induced GIRK channel activation by this mutant at -80 and 0 mV. The acetylcholine EC 50 was about 2.5-fold higher at 0 mV, a potency shift very similar to that observed at wild-type M 2 R, indicating that voltage sensitivity persists at the D69N mutant. Thus, our present observations corroborate the notion that D69 is not responsible for voltage sensitivity of the M 2 R. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. The novel antidyskinetic drug sarizotan elicits different functional responses at human D2-like dopamine receptors.

    PubMed

    Kuzhikandathil, Eldo V; Bartoszyk, Gerd D

    2006-09-01

    Sarizotan (EMD 128130) is a chromane derivative that exhibits affinity at serotonin and dopamine receptors. Sarizotan effectively suppresses levodopa-induced dyskinesia in primate and rodent models of Parkinson's disease, and tardive dyskinesia in a rodent model. Results from clinical trials suggest that sarizotan significantly alleviates levodopa-induced dyskinesia. The functional effects of sarizotan on individual dopamine receptor subtypes are not known. Here we report the functional effects of sarizotan on human D2-like dopamine receptors (D2S, D2L, D3, D4.2 and D4.4) individually expressed in the AtT-20 neuroendocrine cell line. Using the coupling of D2-like dopamine receptors to G-protein coupled inward rectifier potassium channels we determined that sarizotan is a full agonist at D3 and D4.4 receptors (EC50=5.6 and 5.4 nM, respectively) but a partial agonist at D2S, D2L and D4.2 receptors (EC50=29, 23 and 4.5 nM, respectively). Consistent with its partial agonist property, sarizotan is an antagonist at D2S and D2L receptors (IC50=52 and 121 nM, respectively). Using the coupling of D2-like dopamine receptors to adenylyl cyclase we determined that sarizotan is a full agonist at D2L, D3, D4.2 and D4.4 receptors (EC50=0.51, 0.47, 0.48 and 0.23 nM, respectively) but a partial agonist at D2S receptors (EC50=0.6 nM).

  6. Identification of novel thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives as human A1 and A2A adenosine receptor antagonists/inverse agonists.

    PubMed

    Varano, Flavia; Catarzi, Daniela; Falsini, Matteo; Vincenzi, Fabrizio; Pasquini, Silvia; Varani, Katia; Colotta, Vittoria

    2018-07-23

    In this study a new set of thiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives was synthesized. These derivatives bear different substituents at positions 2 and 5 of the thiazolopyrimidine core while maintaining a free amino group at position-7. The new compounds were tested for their affinity and potency at human (h) A 1 , A 2A , A 2B and A 3 adenosine receptors expressed in CHO cells. The results reveal that the higher affinity of these new set of thiazolopyrimidines is toward the hA 1 and hA 2A adenosine receptors subtypes and is tuned by the substitution pattern at both the 2 and 5 positions of the thiazolopyrimidine nucleus. Functional studies evidenced that the compounds behaved as dual A 1 /A 2A antagonists/inverse agonists. Compound 3, bearing a 5-((2-methoxyphenyl) methylamino) group and a phenyl moiety at position 2, displayed the highest affinity (hA 1 K i  = 10.2 nM; hA 2A K i  = 4.72 nM) and behaved as a potent A 1 /A 2A antagonist/inverse agonist (hA 1 IC 50  = 13.4 nM; hA 2A IC 50  = 5.34 nM). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Effects of 5-HT1A Receptor Stimulation on D1 Receptor Agonist-Induced Striatonigral Activity and Dyskinesia in Hemiparkinsonian Rats

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Accumulating evidence supports the value of 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) agonists for dyskinesias that arise with long-term L-DOPA therapy in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Yet, how 5-HT1AR stimulation directly influences the dyskinetogenic D1 receptor (D1R)-expressing striatonigral pathway remains largely unknown. To directly examine this, one cohort of hemiparkinsonian rats received systemic injections of Vehicle + Vehicle, Vehicle + the D1R agonist SKF81297 (0.8 mg/kg), or the 5-HT1AR agonist ±8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg/kg) + SKF81297. Rats were examined for changes in abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), rotations, striatal preprodynorphin (PPD), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD; 65 and 67) mRNA via RT-PCR. In the second experiment, hemiparkinsonian rats received intrastriatal pretreatments of Vehicle (aCSF), ±8-OH-DPAT (7.5 mM), or ±8-OH-DPAT + the 5-HT1AR antagonist WAY100635 (4.6 mM), followed by systemic Vehicle or SKF81297 after which AIMs, rotations, and extracellular striatal glutamate and nigral GABA efflux were measured by in vivo microdialysis. Results revealed D1R agonist-induced AIMs were reduced by systemic and intrastriatal 5-HT1AR stimulation while rotations were enhanced. Although ±8-OH-DPAT did not modify D1R agonist-induced increases in striatal PPD mRNA, the D1R/5-HT1AR agonist combination enhanced GAD65 and GAD67 mRNA. When applied locally, ±8-OH-DPAT alone diminished striatal glutamate levels while the agonist combination increased nigral GABA efflux. Thus, presynaptic 5-HT1AR stimulation may attenuate striatal glutamate levels, resulting in diminished D1R-mediated dyskinetic behaviors, but maintain or enhance striatal postsynaptic factors ultimately increasing nigral GABA levels and rotational activity. The current findings offer a novel mechanistic explanation for previous results concerning 5-HT1AR agonists for the treatment of dyskinesia. PMID:23496922

  8. Comparison of endogenous and radiolabeled bile acid excretion in patients with idiopathic chronic diarrhea

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Schiller, L.R.; Bilhartz, L.E.; Santa Ana, C.A.

    Fecal recovery of radioactivity after ingestion of a bolus of radiolabeled bile acid is abnormally high in most patients with idiopathic chronic diarrhea. To evaluate the significance of this malabsorption, concurrent fecal excretion of both exogenous radiolabeled bile acid and endogenous (unlabeled) bile acid were measured in patients with idiopathic chronic diarrhea. Subjects received a 2.5-microCi oral dose of taurocholic acid labeled with 14C in the 24th position of the steroid moiety. Endogenous bile acid excretion was measured by a hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase assay on a concurrent 72-h stool collection. Both radiolabeled and endogenous bile acid excretion were abnormally high inmore » most patients with chronic diarrhea compared with normal subjects, even when equivoluminous diarrhea was induced in normal subjects by ingestion of osmotically active solutions. The correlation between radiolabeled and endogenous bile acid excretion was good. However, neither radiolabeled nor endogenous bile acid excretion was as abnormal as is typically seen in patients with ileal resection, and none of these diarrhea patients responded to treatment with cholestyramine with stool weights less than 200 g. These results suggest (a) that this radiolabeled bile acid excretion test accurately reflects excess endogenous bile acid excretion; (b) that excess endogenous bile acid excretion is not caused by diarrhea per se; (c) that spontaneously occurring idiopathic chronic diarrhea is often associated with increased endogenous bile acid excretion; and (d) that bile acid malabsorption is not likely to be the primary cause of diarrhea in most of these patients.« less

  9. Identification of novel selective V2 receptor non-peptide agonists.

    PubMed

    Del Tredici, Andria L; Vanover, Kim E; Knapp, Anne E; Bertozzi, Sine M; Nash, Norman R; Burstein, Ethan S; Lameh, Jelveh; Currier, Erika A; Davis, Robert E; Brann, Mark R; Mohell, Nina; Olsson, Roger; Piu, Fabrice

    2008-10-30

    Peptides with agonist activity at the vasopressin V(2) receptor are used clinically to treat fluid homeostasis disorders such as polyuria and central diabetes insipidus. Of these peptides, the most commonly used is desmopressin, which displays poor bioavailability as well as potent activity at the V(1b) receptor, with possible stress-related adverse effects. Thus, there is a strong need for the development of small molecule chemistries with selective V(2) receptor agonist activity. Using the functional cell-based assay Receptor Selection and Amplification Technology (R-SAT((R))), a screening effort identified three small molecule chemotypes (AC-94544, AC-88324, and AC-110484) with selective agonist activity at the V(2) receptor. One of these compounds, AC-94544, displayed over 180-fold selectivity at the V(2) receptor compared to related vasopressin and oxytocin receptors and no activity at 28 other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). All three compounds also showed partial agonist activity at the V(2) receptor in a cAMP accumulation assay. In addition, in a rat model of central diabetes insipidus, AC-94544 was able to significantly reduce urine output in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, AC-94544, AC-88324, and AC-110484 represent novel opportunities for the treatment of disorders associated with V(2) receptor agonist deficiency.

  10. Characterization of the hypothermic effects of imidazoline I2 receptor agonists in rats

    PubMed Central

    Thorn, David A; An, Xiao-Fei; Zhang, Yanan; Pigini, Maria; Li, Jun-Xu

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Imidazoline I2 receptors have been implicated in several CNS disorders. Although several I2 receptor agonists have been described, no simple and sensitive in vivo bioassay is available for studying I2 receptor ligands. This study examined I2 receptor agonist-induced hypothermia as a functional in vivo assay of I2 receptor agonism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Different groups of rats were used to examine the effects of I2 receptor agonists on the rectal temperature and locomotion. The pharmacological mechanisms were investigated by combining I2 receptor ligands and different antagonists. KEY RESULTS All the selective I2 receptor agonists examined (2-BFI, diphenyzoline, phenyzoline, CR4056, tracizoline, BU224 and S22687, 3.2–56 mg·kg–1, i.p.) dose-dependently and markedly decreased the rectal temperature (hypothermia) in rats, with varied duration of action. Pharmacological mechanism of the observed hypothermia was studied by combining the I2 receptor agonists (2-BFI, BU224, tracizoline and diphenyzoline) with imidazoline I2 receptor/ α2 adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, selective I1 receptor antagonist efaroxan, α2 adrenoceptor antagonist/5-HT1A receptor agonist yohimbine. Idazoxan but not yohimbine or efaroxan attenuated the hypothermic effects of 2-BFI, BU224, tracizoline and diphenyzoline, supporting the I2 receptor mechanism. In contrast, both idazoxan and yohimbine attenuated hypothermia induced by the α2 adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. Among all the I2 receptor agonists studied, only S22687 markedly increased the locomotor activity in rats. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Imidazoline I2 receptor agonists can produce hypothermic effects, which are primarily mediated by I2 receptors. These data suggest that I2 receptor agonist-induced hypothermia is a simple and sensitive in vivo assay for studying I2 receptor ligands. PMID:22324428

  11. ICI D7114 a novel selective beta-adrenoceptor agonist selectively stimulates brown fat and increases whole-body oxygen consumption.

    PubMed Central

    Holloway, B. R.; Howe, R.; Rao, B. S.; Stribling, D.; Mayers, R. M.; Briscoe, M. G.; Jackson, J. M.

    1991-01-01

    1. ICI D7114 is a novel, beta-adrenoceptor agonist which stimulates whole body oxygen consumption in conscious rats, cats and dogs and brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity in conscious rats. Treatment of rats with ICI D7114 stimulated oxygen consumption (ED50, 0.04 mg kg-1, p.o.) and BAT mitochondrial guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-binding (ED50, 0.15 mg kg-1, p.o.) with no chronotropic effects on the heart at these doses. 2. Reference beta-adrenoceptor agonists, isoprenaline and clenbuterol, also stimulated oxygen consumption and BAT activity but were less selective because they also produced effects on heart rate at these doses. 3. Treatment of conscious rats with ICI D7114 did not attenuate the chronotropic effects on the heart of a subsequent isoprenaline challenge. 4. Administration of ICI D7114 or of its acid metabolite had no effect in a cat soleus muscle model of tremor or on blood potassium levels in the conscious dog, indicating lack of effects at beta 2-adrenoceptors. 5. The results indicate that ICI D7114 may have activity at atypical beta-adrenoceptors in brown adipose tissue leading to increased whole body oxygen consumption. PMID:1686210

  12. Receptor specificity and trigemino-vascular inhibitory actions of a novel 5-HT1B/1D receptor partial agonist, 311C90 (zolmitriptan).

    PubMed

    Martin, G R; Robertson, A D; MacLennan, S J; Prentice, D J; Barrett, V J; Buckingham, J; Honey, A C; Giles, H; Moncada, S

    1997-05-01

    1. 311C90 (zolmitriptan zomig: (S)-4[[3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]-2-oxazolidinone) is a novel 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist with proven efficacy in the acute treatment of migraine. Here, we describe the receptor specificity of the drug and its actions on trigeminal-evoked plasma protein extravasation into the dura mater of the anaesthetized guinea-pig. 2. At the "5-HT1B-like' receptor mediating vascular contraction (rabbit saphenous vein), the compound was a potent (p[A50] = 6.79 +/- 0.06) partial agonist achieving 77 +/- 4% of the maximum effect to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In the same experiments, sumatriptan (p[A50] = 6.48 +/- 0.04) was half as potent as 311C90 and produced 97 +/- 2% of the 5-HT maximum effect. Studies in which receptor inactivation methods were used to estimate the affinity (pKA) and efficacy relative to 5-HT (tau rel) for each agonist confirmed that 311C90 exhibits higher affinity than sumatriptan (pKA = 6.63 +/- 0.04 and 6.16 +/- 0.03, respectively) and that both drugs are partial agonists relative to 5-HT (tau rel = 0.61 +/- 0.03 and 0.63 +/- 0.10, respectively, compared to 5-HT = 1.0). 3. Consistent with its effects in rabbit saphenous vein, 311C90 also produced concentration-dependent contractions of primate basilar artery and human epicardial coronary artery rings. In basilar artery, agonist potency (p[A50] = 6.92 +/- 0.07) was similar to that demonstrated in rabbit saphenous vein, again being 2-3 fold higher than for sumatriptan (p[A50] = 6.46 +/- 0.03). Both agonists produced about 50% of the maximum response obtained with 5-HT in the same preparations. In rings of human coronary artery, the absolute potency of 311C90 and sumatriptan was higher than in primate basilar artery (p[A50] = 7.3 +/- 0.1 and 6.7 +/- 0.1, respectively), but maximum effects relative to 5-HT were lower (37 +/- 8% and 35 +/- 7%, respectively). In both types of vessel, the inability of 5-HT1B/1D agonists to achieve the same maximum as the

  13. Role of D2 dopamine receptors of the ventral pallidum in inhibitory avoidance learning.

    PubMed

    Lénárd, László; Ollmann, Tamás; László, Kristóf; Kovács, Anita; Gálosi, Rita; Kállai, Veronika; Attila, Tóth; Kertes, Erika; Zagoracz, Olga; Karádi, Zoltán; Péczely, László

    2017-03-15

    In our present experiments, the role of D2 dopamine (DA) receptors of the ventral pallidum (VP) was investigated in one trial step-through inhibitory avoidance paradigm. Animals were shocked 3 times in the conditioning trial, with 0.5mA current for 1s. Subsequently bilateral microinjection of the D2 DA receptor agonist quinpirole was administered into the VP in three doses (0.1μg, 1.0μg or 5.0μg in 0.4μl saline). We also applied the D2 DA receptor antagonist sulpiride (0.4μg in 0.4μl saline) alone or 15min prior to the agonist treatment to elucidate whether the agonist effect was specific for the D2 DA receptors. Control animals received saline. In a supplementary experiment, it was also investigated whether application of the same conditioning method leads to the formation of short-term memory in the experimental animals. In the experiment with the D2 DA receptor agonist, only the 0.1μg quinpirole increased significantly the step-through latency during the test trials: retention was significant compared to the controls even 2 weeks after conditioning. The D2 DA receptor antagonist sulpiride pretreatment proved that the effect was due to the agonist induced activation of the D2 DA receptors of the VP. The supplementary experiment demonstrated that short-term memory is formed after conditioning in the experimental animals, supporting that the agonist enhanced memory consolidation in the first two experiments. Our results show that the activation of the D2 DA receptors in the VP facilitates memory consolidation as well as memory-retention in inhibitory avoidance paradigm. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. B-HT 920, a dopamine D2 agonist, in the treatment of negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia.

    PubMed

    Ohmori, T; Koyama, T; Inoue, T; Matsubara, S; Yamashita, I

    1993-05-15

    A prospective, nonblind 8-week trial of talipexole dihydrochloride (B-HT 920), a dopamine D2 agonist, was conducted in 15 schizophrenic patients with predominantly negative symptoms. B-HT 920 was initiated at 0.15 mg/day and then adjusted at 0.15-2.4 mg/day on the basis of clinical response and side effects. Dosage of concurrent neuroleptics was fixed at least 3 weeks prior to the trial and was unchanged throughout the study period. In addition to clinical assessment, levels of plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA), a potential index of central dopamine turnover, were measured. There was a small but significant (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon test) reduction in total scores of the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms or in a cluster score of three negative items (Emotional Withdrawal, Blunted Affect, and Psychomotor Retardation) of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). No change was observed in cluster scores of positive items of BPRS. There was a weak negative correlation between pHVA levels and the cluster scores of negative items of BPRS both at weeks 0 and 8 of the trial. The clinical results suggest that activation of D2 receptors was related to partial amelioration of the negative symptoms. The clinical and biochemical findings are consistent with a hypothesis that decreased dopaminergic activity may be related to the etiology of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

  15. The dopamine-D2-receptor agonist ropinirole dose-dependently blocks the Ca2+-triggered permeability transition of mitochondria.

    PubMed

    Parvez, Suhel; Winkler-Stuck, Kirstin; Hertel, Silvia; Schönfeld, Peter; Siemen, Detlef

    2010-01-01

    Ropinirole, an agonist of the post-synaptic dopamine D2-receptor, exerts neuroprotective activity. The mechanism is still under discussion. Assuming that this neuroprotection might be associated with inhibition of the apoptotic cascade underlying cell death, we examined a possible effect of ropinirole on the permeability transition pore (mtPTP) in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Using isolated rat liver mitochondria, the effect of ropinirole was studied on Ca2+-triggered large amplitude swelling, membrane depolarization and cytochrome c release. In addition, the effect of ropinirole on oxidation of added, membrane-impermeable NADH was investigated. The results revealed doubtlessly, that ropinirole can inhibit permeability transition. In patch-clamp experiments on mitoplasts, we show directly that ropinirole interacts with the mtPTP. Thus, ropinirole reversibly inhibits the opening of mtPTP with an IC50 of 3.4 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.3. In both systems (i.e. energized mitochondria and mitoplasts) the inhibitory effect on permeability transition was attenuated by increasing concentrations of inorganic phosphate. In addition, we showed with antimycin A-treated mitochondria that ropinirole failed to suppress respiratory chain-linked reactive oxygen species release. In conclusion, our data suggest that the neuroprotective activity of ropinirole is due to the blockade of the Ca2+-triggered permeability transition. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Using Radiolabeled Inorganic Nanomaterials

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Xiaolian; Cai, Weibo; Chen, Xiaoyuan

    2015-01-01

    CONSPECTUS Positron emission tomography (PET) is a radionuclide imaging technology that plays an important role in preclinical and clinical research. With administration of a small amount of radiotracer, PET imaging can provide a noninvasive, highly sensitive, and quantitative readout of its organ/tissue targeting efficiency and pharmacokinetics. Various radiotracers have been designed to target specific molecular events. Compared with antibodies, proteins, peptides, and other biologically relevant molecules, nanoparticles represent a new frontier in molecular imaging probe design, enabling the attachment of different imaging modalities, targeting ligands, and therapeutic payloads in a single vector. We introduce the radiolabeled nanoparticle platforms that we and others have developed. Due to the fundamental differences in the various nanoparticles and radioisotopes, most radiolabeling methods are designed case-by-case. We focus on some general rules about selecting appropriate isotopes for given types of nanoparticles, as well as adjusting the labeling strategies according to specific applications. We classified these radiolabeling methods into four categories: (1) complexation reaction of radiometal ions with chelators via coordination chemistry; (2) direct bombardment of nanoparticles via hadronic projectiles; (3) synthesis of nanoparticles using a mixture of radioactive and nonradioactive precursors; (4) chelator-free postsynthetic radiolabeling. Method 1 is generally applicable to different nanomaterials as long as the surface chemistry is well-designed. However, the addition of chelators brings concerns of possible changes to the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials and detachment of the radiometal. Methods 2 and 3 have improved radiochemical stability. The applications are, however, limited by the possible damage to the nanocomponent caused by the proton beams (method 2) and harsh synthetic conditions (method 3). Method 4 is still in its infancy

  17. 5-HT2C Agonists Modulate Schizophrenia-Like Behaviors in Mice.

    PubMed

    Pogorelov, Vladimir M; Rodriguiz, Ramona M; Cheng, Jianjun; Huang, Mei; Schmerberg, Claire M; Meltzer, Herbert Y; Roth, Bryan L; Kozikowski, Alan P; Wetsel, William C

    2017-10-01

    All FDA-approved antipsychotic drugs (APDs) target primarily dopamine D 2 or serotonin (5-HT 2A ) receptors, or both; however, these medications are not universally effective, they may produce undesirable side effects, and provide only partial amelioration of negative and cognitive symptoms. The heterogeneity of pharmacological responses in schizophrenic patients suggests that additional drug targets may be effective in improving aspects of this syndrome. Recent evidence suggests that 5-HT 2C receptors may be a promising target for schizophrenia since their activation reduces mesolimbic nigrostriatal dopamine release (which conveys antipsychotic action), they are expressed almost exclusively in CNS, and have weight-loss-promoting capabilities. A difficulty in developing 5-HT 2C agonists is that most ligands also possess 5-HT 2B and/or 5-HT 2A activities. We have developed selective 5-HT 2C ligands and herein describe their preclinical effectiveness for treating schizophrenia-like behaviors. JJ-3-45, JJ-3-42, and JJ-5-34 reduced amphetamine-stimulated hyperlocomotion, restored amphetamine-disrupted prepulse inhibition, improved social behavior, and novel object recognition memory in NMDA receptor hypofunctioning NR1-knockdown mice, and were essentially devoid of catalepsy. However, they decreased motivation in a breakpoint assay and did not promote reversal learning in MK-801-treated mice. Somewhat similar effects were observed with lorcaserin, a 5-HT 2C agonist with potent 5-HT 2B and 5-HT 2A agonist activities, which is approved for treating obesity. Microdialysis studies revealed that both JJ-3-42 and lorcaserin reduced dopamine efflux in the infralimbic cortex, while only JJ-3-42 decreased it in striatum. Collectively, these results provide additional evidence that 5-HT 2C receptors are suitable drug targets with fewer side effects, greater therapeutic selectivity, and enhanced efficacy for treating schizophrenia and related disorders than current APDs.

  18. Flow-injection chemiluminescence method to detect a β2 adrenergic agonist.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Guangbin; Tang, Yuhai; Shang, Jian; Wang, Zhongcheng; Yu, Hua; Du, Wei; Fu, Qiang

    2015-02-01

    A new method for the detection of β2 adrenergic agonists was developed based on the chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of β2 adrenergic agonist with potassium ferricyanide-luminol CL. The effect of β2 adrenergic agonists including isoprenaline hydrochloride, salbutamol sulfate, terbutaline sulfate and ractopamine on the CL intensity of potassium ferricyanide-luminol was discovered. Detection of the β2 adrenergic agonist was carried out in a flow system. Using uniform design experimentation, the influence factors of CL were optimized. The optimal experimental conditions were 1 mmol/L of potassium ferricyanide, 10 µmol/L of luminol, 1.2 mmol/L of sodium hydroxide, a flow speed of 2.6 mL/min and a distance of 1.2 cm from 'Y2 ' to the flow cell. The linear ranges and limit of detection were 10-100 and 5 ng/mL for isoprenaline hydrochloride, 20-100 and 5 ng/mL for salbutamol sulfate, 8-200 and 1 ng/mL for terbutaline sulfate, 20-100 and 4 ng/mL for ractopamine, respectively. The proposed method allowed 200 injections/h with excellent repeatability and precision. It was successfully applied to the determination of three β2 adrenergic agonists in commercial pharmaceutical formulations with recoveries in the range of 96.8-98.5%. The possible CL reaction mechanism of potassium ferricyanide-luminol-β2 adrenergic agonist was discussed from the UV/vis spectra. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Link between D sub 1 and D sub 2 dopamine receptors is reduced in schizophrenia and Huntington diseased brain

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Seeman, P.; Niznik, H.B.; Guan, H.C.

    1989-12-01

    Dopamine receptor types D{sub 1} and D{sub 2} can oppose enhance each other's actions for electrical, biochemical, and psychomotor effects. The authors report a D{sub 1}-D{sub 2} interaction in homogenized tissue as revealed by ligand binding. D{sub 2} agonists lowered the binding of ({sup 3}H)raclopride to D{sub 2} receptors in striatal and anterior pituitary tissues. Pretreating the tissue with the D{sub 1}-selective antagonist SCH 23390 prevented the agonist-induced decrease in ({sup 3}H)raclopride binding to D{sub 2} sites in the striatum but not in the anterior pituitary, which has no D{sub 1} receptors. Conversely, a dopamine-induced reduction in the binding ofmore » ({sup 3}H)SCH 23390 to D{sub 1} receptors could be prevented by the D{sub 2}-selective antagonist eticlopride. Receptor photolabeling experiments confirmed both these D{sub 1}-D{sub 2} interactions. The blocking effect by SCH 23390 was similar to that produced by a nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide analogue, and SCH 23390 reduced the number of agonist-labeled D{sub 2} receptors in the high-affinity state. Thus, the D{sub 1}-D{sub 2} link may be mediated by guanine nucleotide-binding protein components. The link may underlie D{sub 1}-D{sub 2} interactions influencing behavior, since the link was missing in over half the postmortem striata from patients with schizophrenia and Huntington disease (both diseases that show some hyperdopamine signs) but was present in human control, Alzheimer, and Parkinson striata.« less

  20. Dopamine D3 and D2 Receptor Mechanisms in the Abuse-Related Behavioral Effects of Cocaine: Studies with Preferential Antagonists in Squirrel Monkeys

    PubMed Central

    Grundt, Peter; Cao, Jianjing; Platt, Donna M.; Newman, Amy Hauck; Spealman, Roger D.

    2010-01-01

    Dopamine (DA) D3 and D2 receptor mechanisms are implicated in cocaine's abuse-related behavioral effects, but the relative contribution of the two receptor subtypes is only partially characterized. This study investigated the role of D3 and D2 subtype mechanisms by determining the degree to which the D3-preferring antagonist PG01037 [N-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-piperazin- 1-yl]-trans-but-2-enyl}-4-pyridine-2-yl-benzamide HCl] and the D2-preferring antagonist L-741626 [3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4- hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]methyl-1H-indole] attenuated several behavioral effects of cocaine in squirrel monkeys. Quantitative observational studies established doses of each antagonist that did not produce untoward effects, which were used in subsequent comparisons. In addition, the ability of the D3-preferring agonist PD128907 [(R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol)] and the D2-preferring agonist sumanirole [(R)-5,6-dihydro-5-(methylamino)-4H- imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin-2(1H)-one(Z)-2-butenedioate] to reproduce cocaine's discriminative stimulus (DS) and priming effects were compared. In monkeys trained to discriminate cocaine from vehicle, both DA antagonists attenuated and both DA agonists partially reproduced cocaine's DS effects. PG01037 also selectively attenuated the cocaine-like DS effects of PD128907, whereas L-741626 attenuated the cocaine-like DS effects of both agonists. In self-administration studies, L-741626 nonselectively reduced cocaine- and food-maintained responding, whereas PG01037 was ineffective against either reinforcer. In studies involving reinstatement of extinguished cocaine seeking, both antagonists attenuated cocaine-induced reinstatement of responding, and both agonists induced at least partial reinstatement of cocaine seeking. L-741626 also attenuated sumanirole-induced, but not PD128907-induced, reinstatement of responding, whereas PG01037 was ineffective against either DA agonist. The results are

  1. An ionotropic but not a metabotropic glutamate agonist potentiates the pharmacological effects of olanzapine in the rat.

    PubMed

    Dall'Olio, Rossella; Rimondini, Roberto; Locchi, Federica; Voltattorni, Manuela; Gandolfi, Ottavio

    2005-12-01

    This study aimed to evaluate the possible potentiating action of ionotropic or metabotropic (metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5) glutamate agonists on pharmacological effects induced in rats by the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine. The administration of doses of olanzapine, which did not affect spontaneous motility, inhibited behaviors induced by the selective stimulation of 5HT(2A) and D(2) receptors. In particular, 0.03 or 0.06 mg/kg of olanzapine was sufficient to reduce, respectively, head shakes induced by the 5HT(2A) agonist 1-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-2-aminopropane (1 mg/kg) or hypermotility elicited by the D(2) stimulant quinpirole (0.15 mg/kg). Behavioral responses to a D(1)/D(2) agonist (apomorphine-induced stereotypies) were inhibited by doses of olanzapine that also influenced spontaneous behavior. The concomitant administration of D-cycloserine, an agonist at the glycine site on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex, given at a dose (3 mg/kg) that did not affect behavior, increased the inhibitory effect of olanzapine on the responses produced by 5HT2A, D(2) and D(1)/D(2) receptor stimulation. The concomitant administration of 2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine, an agonist of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5, increased the inhibitory effect of olanzapine on the behaviors induced by the stimulation of D(2), but not 5HT2A or D(1)/D(2) receptors. As the effect on the serotonergic system seems important for the unusual pharmacological profile of atypical antipsychotics, the present results suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate, but not metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 agonists could be seen as promising therapeutic agents for increasing the pharmacological effects of olanzapine.

  2. Clinical application of radiolabelled platelets

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kessler, C.

    1990-01-01

    This book presents papers on the clinical applications of radiolabelled platelets. The papers are grouped into six sections on platelet labelling techniques, radiolabelled platelets in cardiology, monitoring of antiplatelet therapy, platelet scintigraphy in stroke patients, platelet scintigraphy in angiology, and platelet scintigraphy in hematology and other clinical applications, including renal transplant rejection.

  3. Long-acting beta 2-agonists in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    PubMed

    Llewellyn-Jones, Carol

    2002-01-01

    Until recently, the use of long-acting beta 2-agonists in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been understated. There is now evidence that they may offer benefits beyond bronchodilation. This article reviews the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and looks at the place of long-acting beta 2-agonists as a first-line treatment option.

  4. A Novel Way To Radiolabel Human Butyrylcholinesterase for Positron Emission Tomography through Irreversible Transfer of the Radiolabeled Moiety.

    PubMed

    Sawatzky, Edgar; Al-Momani, Ehab; Kobayashi, Ryohei; Higuchi, Takahiro; Samnick, Samuel; Decker, Michael

    2016-07-19

    The enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is known to be involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics in blood plasma and is associated with the progress of neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes type 2, obesity, and diseases of the cardiovascular system. In the present study, we developed carbamate-based inhibitors serving as positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers with (18) F and (11) C as radioisotopes to visualize BChE distribution. These inhibitors are radiolabeled at the carbamate site and transfer this moiety onto BChE, which thus results in covalent and permanent radiolabeling of the enzyme. There are no comparable radiotracers for cholinesterases described to date. By ex vivo autoradiography experiments on mice brain slices and kinetic investigations, selective and covalent transfer of the radiolabeled carbamate moiety onto BChE was proven. These tracers might provide high resolution of BChE distribution in vivo to enable investigations into the pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases associated with alterations in BChE occurrence. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  5. Hypothyroidism Affects D2 Receptor-mediated Breathing without altering D2 Receptor Expression

    PubMed Central

    Schlenker, Evelyn H.; Rio, Rodrigo Del; Schultz, Harold D.

    2015-01-01

    Bromocriptine depressed ventilation in air and D2 receptor expression in the nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS) in male hypothyroid hamsters. Here we postulated that in age- matched hypothyroid female hamsters, the pattern of D2 receptor modulation of breathing and D2 receptor expression would differ from those reported in hypothyroid males. In females hypothyroidism did not affect D2 receptor protein levels in the NTS, carotid bodies or striatum. Bromocriptine, but not carmoxirole (a peripheral D2 receptor agonist), increased oxygen consumption and body temperature in awake air-exposed hypothyroid female hamsters and stimulated their ventilation before and following exposure to hypoxia. Carmoxirole depressed frequency of breathing in euthyroid hamsters prior to, during and following hypoxia exposures and stimulated it in the hypothyroid hamsters following hypoxia. Although hypothyroidism did not affect expression of D2 receptors, it influenced central D2 modulation of breathing in a disparate manner relative to euthyroid hamsters. PMID:24434437

  6. Hypothyroidism affects D2 receptor-mediated breathing without altering D2 receptor expression.

    PubMed

    Schlenker, Evelyn H; Del Rio, Rodrigo; Schultz, Harold D

    2014-03-01

    Bromocriptine depressed ventilation in air and D2 receptor expression in the nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS) in male hypothyroid hamsters. Here we postulated that in age-matched hypothyroid female hamsters, the pattern of D2 receptor modulation of breathing and D2 receptor expression would differ from those reported in hypothyroid males. In females hypothyroidism did not affect D2 receptor protein levels in the NTS, carotid bodies or striatum. Bromocriptine, but not carmoxirole (a peripheral D2 receptor agonist), increased oxygen consumption and body temperature in awake air-exposed hypothyroid female hamsters and stimulated their ventilation before and following exposure to hypoxia. Carmoxirole depressed frequency of breathing in euthyroid hamsters prior to, during and following hypoxia exposures and stimulated it in the hypothyroid hamsters following hypoxia. Although hypothyroidism did not affect expression of D2 receptors, it influenced central D2 modulation of breathing in a disparate manner relative to euthyroid hamsters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Design and Discovery of Functionally Selective Serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) Receptor Agonists.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Jianjun; McCorvy, John D; Giguere, Patrick M; Zhu, Hu; Kenakin, Terry; Roth, Bryan L; Kozikowski, Alan P

    2016-11-10

    On the basis of the structural similarity of our previous 5-HT 2C agonists with the melatonin receptor agonist tasimelteon and the putative biological cross-talk between serotonergic and melatonergic systems, a series of new (2,3-dihydro)benzofuran-based compounds were designed and synthesized. The compounds were evaluated for their selectivity toward 5-HT 2A , 5-HT 2B , and 5-HT 2C receptors in the calcium flux assay with the ultimate goal to generate selective 5-HT 2C agonists. Selected compounds were studied for their functional selectivity by comparing their transduction efficiency at the G protein signaling pathway versus β-arrestin recruitment. The most functionally selective compound (+)-7e produced weak β-arrestin recruitment and also demonstrated less receptor desensitization compared to serotonin in both calcium flux and phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis assays. We report for the first time that selective 5-HT 2C agonists possessing weak β-arrestin recruitment can produce distinct receptor desensitization properties.

  8. Imaging dopamine D3 receptors in the human brain with positron emission tomography, [11C]PHNO, and a selective D3 receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Searle, Graham; Beaver, John D; Comley, Robert A; Bani, Massimo; Tziortzi, Andri; Slifstein, Mark; Mugnaini, Manolo; Griffante, Cristiana; Wilson, Alan A; Merlo-Pich, Emilio; Houle, Sylvain; Gunn, Roger; Rabiner, Eugenii A; Laruelle, Marc

    2010-08-15

    Dopamine D(3) receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric conditions. [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO is a radiolabeled D(2) and D(3) agonist, suitable for imaging the agonist binding sites (denoted D(2HIGH) and D(3)) of these receptors with positron emission tomography (PET). PET studies in nonhuman primates documented that, in vivo, [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO displays a relative selectivity for D(3) compared with D(2HIGH) receptor sites and that the [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO signal is enriched in D(3) contribution compared with conventional ligands such as [(11)C] raclopride. To define the D(3) contribution (f(PHNO)(D3)) to [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO binding potential (BP(ND)) in healthy humans, 52 PET scans were obtained in 19 healthy volunteers at baseline and following oral administration of various doses of the selective D(3) receptor antagonist, GSK598809. The impact of GSK598809 on [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO was regionally selective. In dorsal regions of the striatum, GSK598809 did not significantly affect [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO BP(ND) (f(PHNO)(D3) approximately 0%). Conversely, in the substantia nigra, GSK598809 dose-dependently reduced [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO binding to nonspecific level (f(PHNO)(D3) approximately 100%). In ventral striatum (VST), globus pallidus and thalamus (THA), [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO BP(ND) was attributable to a combination of D(2HIGH) and D(3) receptor sites, with f(PHNO)(D3) of 26%, 67% and 46%, respectively. D(3) receptor binding potential (BP(ND)(D3)) was highest in globus pallidus (1.90) and substantial nigra (1.39), with lower levels in VST (.77) and THA (.18) and negligible levels in dorsal striatum. This study elucidated the pharmacologic nature of the [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO signal in healthy subjects and provided the first quantification of D(3) receptor availability with PET in the living human brain. Copyright 2010 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (grade IV - WHO 2007): a case of complete objective response - concomitant administration of Somatostatin / Octreotide, Retinoids, Vit E, Vit D3, Vit C, Melatonin, D2 R agonists (Di Bella Method.

    PubMed

    Di Bella, Giuseppe; Leci, Jovan; Ricchi, Alessandro; Toscano, Rosilde

    2015-01-01

    In a 41 year old man, with Glioblastoma Multiforme (Grade IV - WHO 2007) and loco-regional recurrence, treated conventionally with surgery, radio-therapy and Temolozomide, a complete objective response was subsequently achieved by means of the well-tolerated concomitant administration of Somatostatin + slow-release Octreotide, Melatonin, Retinoids solubilized in Vitamin E, Vit D3, Vit C, D2 R agonists, and Temolozomide. In addition to the positive and previously unreported therapeutic finding, this result allowed the patient to avoid further surgical trauma and the correlated risks, achieving an excellent quality of life and working capacity.

  10. Radiolabeled Nanoparticles for Multimodality Tumor Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Xing, Yan; Zhao, Jinhua; Conti, Peter S.; Chen, Kai

    2014-01-01

    Each imaging modality has its own unique strengths. Multimodality imaging, taking advantages of strengths from two or more imaging modalities, can provide overall structural, functional, and molecular information, offering the prospect of improved diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring abilities. The devices of molecular imaging with multimodality and multifunction are of great value for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and greatly accelerate the development of radionuclide-based multimodal molecular imaging. Radiolabeled nanoparticles bearing intrinsic properties have gained great interest in multimodality tumor imaging over the past decade. Significant breakthrough has been made toward the development of various radiolabeled nanoparticles, which can be used as novel cancer diagnostic tools in multimodality imaging systems. It is expected that quantitative multimodality imaging with multifunctional radiolabeled nanoparticles will afford accurate and precise assessment of biological signatures in cancer in a real-time manner and thus, pave the path towards personalized cancer medicine. This review addresses advantages and challenges in developing multimodality imaging probes by using different types of nanoparticles, and summarizes the recent advances in the applications of radiolabeled nanoparticles for multimodal imaging of tumor. The key issues involved in the translation of radiolabeled nanoparticles to the clinic are also discussed. PMID:24505237

  11. Characterization of 12 GnRH peptide agonists - a kinetic perspective.

    PubMed

    Nederpelt, Indira; Georgi, Victoria; Schiele, Felix; Nowak-Reppel, Katrin; Fernández-Montalván, Amaury E; IJzerman, Adriaan P; Heitman, Laura H

    2016-01-01

    Drug-target residence time is an important, yet often overlooked, parameter in drug discovery. Multiple studies have proposed an increased residence time to be beneficial for improved drug efficacy and/or longer duration of action. Currently, there are many drugs on the market targeting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor for the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases. Surprisingly, the kinetic receptor-binding parameters of these analogues have not yet been reported. Therefore, this project focused on determining the receptor-binding kinetics of 12 GnRH peptide agonists, including many marketed drugs. A novel radioligand-binding competition association assay was developed and optimized for the human GnRH receptor with the use of a radiolabelled peptide agonist, [(125) I]-triptorelin. In addition to radioligand-binding studies, a homogeneous time-resolved FRET Tag-lite™ method was developed as an alternative assay for the same purpose. Two novel competition association assays were successfully developed and applied to determine the kinetic receptor-binding characteristics of 12 high-affinity GnRH peptide agonists. Results obtained from both methods were highly correlated. Interestingly, the binding kinetics of the peptide agonists were more divergent than their affinities with residence times ranging from 5.6 min (goserelin) to 125 min (deslorelin). Our research provides new insights by incorporating kinetic, next to equilibrium, binding parameters in current research and development that can potentially improve future drug discovery targeting the GnRH receptor. © 2015 The British Pharmacological Society.

  12. Effects of dopamine D2/D3 receptor ligands on food-cocaine choice in socially housed male cynomolgus monkeys.

    PubMed

    Czoty, Paul W; Nader, Michael A

    2013-02-01

    Dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonists have been suggested as medications for cocaine dependence. The present experiments examined the effect of acute and repeated administration of drugs with varying intrinsic efficacy at D2/D3 receptors on the relative reinforcing strength of cocaine. Use of socially housed cynomolgus monkeys permitted the assessment of whether social status, known to alter D2/D3 receptor availability, influenced the behavioral effects of D2/D3 receptor compounds. The high-efficacy agonist R(-)-norpropylapomorphine [(-)-NPA], low-efficacy agonist aripiprazole (ARI), and antagonist eticlopride (ETIC) were administered acutely to monkeys self-administering cocaine under a food-cocaine choice procedure in which a cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve was determined daily. The effects of 5-day treatment with ARI and (-)-NPA were characterized under conditions in which monkeys did (ARI) or did not [ARI and (-)-NPA] self-administer cocaine during treatment. When administered acutely, ARI and ETIC increased the choice of low cocaine doses, and only (-)-NPA decreased the choice of higher cocaine doses and cocaine intake; effects were similar across social ranks. When administered repeatedly while self administration occurred only on days 1 and 5 of treatment, ARI, but not (-)-NPA, decreased cocaine choice in dominant monkeys, whereas (-)-NPA, but not ARI, did so in subordinates. When dominant monkeys self-administered cocaine on all five days of ARI treatment, however, these effects were not observed. The results indicate that the behavioral effects of D2/D3 receptor agonists can differ according to intrinsic efficacy and subject characteristics. Moreover, these results suggest that exposure to cocaine during treatment can counteract treatment-induced reductions in the reinforcing effects of cocaine.

  13. Effects of Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Ligands on Food-Cocaine Choice in Socially Housed Male Cynomolgus Monkeys

    PubMed Central

    Czoty, Paul W.

    2013-01-01

    Dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonists have been suggested as medications for cocaine dependence. The present experiments examined the effect of acute and repeated administration of drugs with varying intrinsic efficacy at D2/D3 receptors on the relative reinforcing strength of cocaine. Use of socially housed cynomolgus monkeys permitted the assessment of whether social status, known to alter D2/D3 receptor availability, influenced the behavioral effects of D2/D3 receptor compounds. The high-efficacy agonist R(−)−norpropylapomorphine [(−)−NPA], low-efficacy agonist aripiprazole (ARI), and antagonist eticlopride (ETIC) were administered acutely to monkeys self-administering cocaine under a food-cocaine choice procedure in which a cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve was determined daily. The effects of 5-day treatment with ARI and (−)−NPA were characterized under conditions in which monkeys did (ARI) or did not [ARI and (−)−NPA] self-administer cocaine during treatment. When administered acutely, ARI and ETIC increased the choice of low cocaine doses, and only (−)−NPA decreased the choice of higher cocaine doses and cocaine intake; effects were similar across social ranks. When administered repeatedly while self administration occurred only on days 1 and 5 of treatment, ARI, but not (−)−NPA, decreased cocaine choice in dominant monkeys, whereas (−)−NPA, but not ARI, did so in subordinates. When dominant monkeys self-administered cocaine on all five days of ARI treatment, however, these effects were not observed. The results indicate that the behavioral effects of D2/D3 receptor agonists can differ according to intrinsic efficacy and subject characteristics. Moreover, these results suggest that exposure to cocaine during treatment can counteract treatment-induced reductions in the reinforcing effects of cocaine. PMID:23211363

  14. Differential involvement of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in the circling behaviour induced by apomorphine, SK & F 38393, pergolide and LY 171555 in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats.

    PubMed

    Arnt, J; Hyttel, J

    1985-01-01

    The antagonistic effect of dopamine (DA) D-1 and D-2 antagonists against circling behaviour induced by various DA agonists in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats has been investigated. DA D-1/D-2 selectivity of agonists in vitro was measured by the stimulatory effect on DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rat striatal homogenates (D-1), the inhibitory effect on electrically-induced release of 3H-DA in rabbit striatal slices (D-2) and the affinity to 3H-piflutixol (D-1) and 3H-spiroperidol (D-2) binding sites in rat striatal membranes. The contralateral circling behaviour induced by the DA D-1 agonist SK & F 38393 was blocked by the DA D-1 antagonist, SCH 23390, and by the mixed DA D-1/D-2 antagonist cis(Z)-flupentixol, but was not influenced by the DA D-2 antagonists spiroperidol and clebopride. In contrast, circling behaviour induced by the preferential DA D-2 agonists pergolide and LY 171555 was blocked by clebopride, spiroperidol, and cis(Z)-flupentixol, but weakly or not influenced by SCH 23390. Apomorphine-induced circling behaviour was blocked by cis(Z)-flupentixol, partially antagonized by SCH 23390 and clebopride but not inhibited by spiroperidol, although the time-course of circling was changed. Combinations of SCH 23390 with spiroperidol or clebopride in low doses completely blocked the effect of apomorphine. These results indicate that DA D-1 and D-2 receptors mediate circling behaviour through separate mechanisms which can be independently manipulated with respective agonists and antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  15. Development of 99mTc-radiolabeled nanosilica for targeted detection of HER2-positive breast cancer

    PubMed Central

    Rainone, Paolo; Riva, Benedetta; Belloli, Sara; Sudati, Francesco; Ripamonti, Marilena; Verderio, Paolo; Colombo, Miriam; Colzani, Barbara; Gilardi, Maria Carla; Moresco, Rosa Maria; Prosperi, Davide

    2017-01-01

    The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is normally associated with a highly aggressive and infiltrating phenotype in breast cancer lesions with propensity to spread into metastases. In clinic, the detection of HER2 in primary tumors and in their metastases is currently based on invasive methods. Recently, nuclear molecular imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), allowed the detection of HER2 lesions in vivo. We have developed a 99mTc-radiolabeled nanosilica system, functionalized with a trastuzumab half-chain, able to act as drug carrier and SPECT radiotracer for the identification of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. To this aim, nanoparticles functionalized or not with trastuzumab half-chain, were radiolabeled using the 99mTc-tricarbonyl approach and evaluated in HER2 positive and negative breast cancer models. Cell uptake experiments, combined with flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging, suggested that active targeting provides higher efficiency and selectivity in tumor detection compared to passive diffusion, indicating that our radiolabeling strategy did not affect the nanoconjugate binding efficiency. Ex vivo biodistribution of 99mTc-nanosilica in a SK-BR-3 (HER2+) tumor xenograft at 4 h postinjection was higher in targeted compared to nontargeted nanosilica, confirming the in vitro data. In addition, viability and toxicity tests provided evidence on nanoparticle safety in cell cultures. Our results encourage further assessment of silica 99mTc-nanoconjugates to validate a safe and versatile nanoreporter system for both diagnosis and treatment of aggressive breast cancer. PMID:28496321

  16. Action of novel antipsychotics at human dopamine D3 receptors coupled to G protein and ERK1/2 activation.

    PubMed

    Bruins Slot, Liesbeth A; Palmier, Christiane; Tardif, Stéphanie; Cussac, Didier

    2007-08-01

    The effects of new generation antipsychotic drugs (APDs) targeting dopamine D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptors were compared with typical and atypical APDs on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and measures of G protein activation in CHO cell lines stably expressing the human dopamine D(3) receptor. The preferential dopamine D(3) agonists (+)-7-OH-DPAT and PD128907, like dopamine and quinelorane, efficaciously stimulated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation at dopamine D(3) receptors. In contrast, in [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding experiments, (+)-7-OH-DPAT exhibited partial agonist properties, while PD128907 and quinelorane maintained full agonist properties. The preferential dopamine D(3) ligand BP 897 and the antidyskinetic sarizotan partially activated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation while exerting no agonist activity on GTPgammaS binding, suggesting signal amplification at the MAP kinase level. Antipsychotics differed in their ability to inhibit both agonist-stimulated GTPgammaS binding and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, but all typical and atypical compounds tested acted as dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists with the exception of n-desmethylclozapine, the active metabolite of clozapine, which partially activated dopamine D(3) receptor-mediated ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Among the new generation dopamine D(2)/serotonin 5-HT(1A) antipsychotics, only F 15063 and SLV313 acted as pure dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists, bifeprunox was highly efficacious whereas SSR181507 and aripiprazole showed marked partial agonist properties for ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, in the GTPgammaS binding study, aripiprazole was devoid of agonist properties and bifeprunox, and to an even lesser extent SSR181507, only weakly stimulated GTPgammaS binding. In summary, these findings underline the differences of dopamine D(3) properties of new generation antipsychotics which may need to be considered in understanding their diverse therapeutic actions.

  17. Beta2-adrenoceptor agonists for dysmenorrhoea.

    PubMed

    Fedorowicz, Zbys; Nasser, Mona; Jagannath, Vanitha A; Beaman, Jessica H; Ejaz, Kiran; van Zuuren, Esther J

    2012-05-16

    Dysmenorrhoea is a common gynaecological complaint that can affect as many as 50% of premenopausal women, 10% of whom suffer severely enough to be rendered incapacitated for one to three days during each menstrual cycle. Primary dysmenorrhoea is where women suffer from menstrual pain but lack any pathology in their pelvic anatomy. Beta2-adrenoceptor agonists have been used in the treatment of women with primary dysmenorrhoea but their effects are unclear. To determine the effectiveness and safety of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register; CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 8); MEDLINE; EMBASE; PsycINFO and the EBM Reviews databases. The last search was on 22 August 2011. Randomised controlled trials comparing beta2-adrenoceptor agonists with placebo or no treatment, each other or any other conventional treatment in women of reproductive age with primary dysmenorrhoea. Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted the data. Five trials involving 187 women with an age range of 15 to 40 years were included. Oral isoxsuprine was compared with placebo in two trials; terbutaline oral spray, ritodrine chloride and oral hydroxyphenyl-orciprenalin were compared with placebo in a further three trials. Clinical diversity in the studies in terms of the interventions being evaluated, assessments at different time points and the use of different assessment tools mitigated against pooling of outcome data across studies in order to provide a summary estimate of effect for any of the comparisons. Only one study, with unclear risk of bias, reported pain relief with a combination of isoxsuprine, acetaminophen and caffeine. None of the other studies reported any significant clinical difference in effectiveness between the intervention and placebo. Adverse effects were reported with all of these medications in up to a quarter of the

  18. Relationship between inhibition of cyclic AMP production in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the rat D2(444) receptor and antagonist/agonist binding ratios.

    PubMed Central

    Harley, E. A.; Middlemiss, D. N.; Ragan, C. I.

    1995-01-01

    1. Radioligand binding assays using [3H]-(-)-sulpiride, in the presence of 1 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 100 microM guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp) and [3H]-N0437 were developed to label the low and high agonist affinity states of the rD2(444) receptor (long form of the rat D2 receptor) respectively. The ratios of the affinities of compounds in these two assays (Kapp [3H]-(-)-supiride/Kapp [3H]-N-0437) were then calculated. 2. The prediction that the binding ratio reflected the functional efficacy of a compound was supported by measurement of the ability of a number of compounds acting at dopamine receptors to inhibit rD2(444)-mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP production. When the rank order of the ratios of a number of these compounds was compared to their ability to inhibit the production of cyclic AMP, a significant correlation was seen (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.943, P = 0.01). 3. In conclusion, the sulpiride/N-0437 binding ratio reliably predicted the efficacy of compounds acting at dopamine receptors to inhibit cyclic AMP production mediated by the rD2(444) receptor. PMID:7582561

  19. NeuroD modulates opioid agonist-selective regulation of adult neurogenesis and contextual memory extinction.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Hui; Zhang, Yue; Li, Wen; Loh, Horace H; Law, Ping-Yee

    2013-04-01

    Addictive drugs, including opioids, modulate adult neurogenesis. In order to delineate the probable implications of neurogenesis on contextual memory associated with addiction, we investigated opioid agonist-selective regulation of neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD) activities under the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Training mice with equivalent doses of morphine and fentanyl produced different CPP extinction rates without measurable differences in the CPP acquisition rate or magnitude. Fentanyl-induced CPP required much longer time for extinction than morphine-induced CPP. We observed a parallel decrease in NeuroD activities and neurogenesis after morphine-induced CPP, but not after fentanyl-induced CPP. Increasing NeuroD activities with NeuroD-lentivirus (nd-vir) injection at the dentate gyrus before CPP training reversed morphine-induced decreases in NeuroD activities and neurogenesis, and prolonged the time required for extinction of morphine-induced CPP. On the other hand, decreasing NeuroD activities via injection of miRNA-190-virus (190-vir) reversed the fentanyl effect on NeuroD and neurogenesis and shortened the time required for extinction of fentanyl-induced CPP. Another contextual memory task, the Morris Water Maze (MWM), was affected similarly by alteration of NeuroD activities. The reduction in NeuroD activities either by morphine treatment or 190-vir injection decreased MWM task retention, while the increase in NeuroD activities by nd-vir prolonged MWM task retention. Thus, by controlling NeuroD activities, opioid agonists differentially regulate adult neurogenesis and subsequent contextual memory retention. Such drug-related memory regulation could have implications in eventual context-associated relapse.

  20. Control of Appetite and Food Preference by NMDA Receptor and Its Co-Agonist d-Serine

    PubMed Central

    Sasaki, Tsutomu; Matsui, Sho; Kitamura, Tadahiro

    2016-01-01

    Obesity causes a significant negative impact on health of human beings world-wide. The main reason for weight gain, which eventually leads to obesity, is excessive ingestion of energy above the body’s homeostatic needs. Therefore, the elucidation of detailed mechanisms for appetite control is necessary to prevent and treat obesity. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a post-synaptic glutamate receptor and is important for excitatory neurotransmission. It is expressed throughout the nervous system, and is important for long-term potentiation. It requires both ligand (glutamate) and co-agonist (d-serine or glycine) for efficient opening of the channel to allow calcium influx. d-serine is contained in fermented foods and marine invertebrates, and brain d-serine level is maintained by synthesis in vivo and supply from food and gut microbiota. Although the NMDA receptor has been reported to take part in the central regulation of appetite, the role of d-serine had not been addressed. We recently reported that exogenous d-serine administration can suppress appetite and alter food preference. In this review, we will discuss how NMDA receptor and its co-agonist d-seine participate in the control of appetite and food preference, and elaborate on how this system could possibly be manipulated to suppress obesity. PMID:27399680

  1. Evaluation of novel TGR5 agonist in combination with Sitagliptin for possible treatment of type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Sameer; Sasane, Santosh; Kumar, Jeevan; Deshmukh, Prashant; Bhayani, Hitesh; Giri, Poonam; Giri, Suresh; Soman, Shubhangi; Kulkarni, Neelima; Jain, Mukul

    2018-06-01

    TGR5 is a member of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, a promising molecular target for metabolic diseases. Activation of TGR5 promotes secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which activates insulin secretion. A series of 2-thio-imidazole derivatives have been identified as novel, potent and orally efficacious TGR5 agonists. Compound 4d, a novel TGR5 agonist, in combination with Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, has demonstrated an adequate GLP-1 secretion and glucose lowering effect in animal models, suggesting a potential clinical option in treatment of type-2 diabetes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Perioperative use of selective alpha-2 agonists and antagonists in small animals

    PubMed Central

    2004-01-01

    Abstract Alpha-2 agonists are the only single class of anesthetic drugs that induce reliable, dose-dependent sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation in dogs and cats. Used at low doses, as adjuncts to injectable and inhalational anesthetics, selective alpha-2 agonists dramatically reduce the amount of anesthetic drug required to induce and maintain anesthesia. This reduction in anesthetic requirements is achieved without significant depression of pulmonary function and with limited effects on cardiovascular function. Selective alpha-2 agonists can also be used postoperatively to potentiate the analgesic effects of opioids and other drugs. Given the nearly ideal pharmacodynamic profile and reversibility of alpha-2 agonists, these drugs will play a central role in balanced approaches to anesthesia and the management of perioperative pain in healthy dogs and cats. PMID:15283516

  3. Preferential binding to dopamine D3 over D2 receptors by cariprazine in patients with schizophrenia using PET with the D3/D2 receptor ligand [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO.

    PubMed

    Girgis, Ragy R; Slifstein, Mark; D'Souza, Deepak; Lee, Yih; Periclou, Antonia; Ghahramani, Parviz; Laszlovszky, István; Durgam, Suresh; Adham, Nika; Nabulsi, Nabeel; Huang, Yiyun; Carson, Richard E; Kiss, Béla; Kapás, Margit; Abi-Dargham, Anissa; Rakhit, Ashok

    2016-10-01

    Second-generation antipsychotics occupy dopamine D2 receptors and act as antagonists or partial agonists at these receptors. While these drugs alleviate positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, they are less effective for treating cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. Dopamine D3 receptors are highly expressed in areas of the brain thought to play a role in the regulation of motivation and reward-related behavior. Consequently, the dopamine D3 receptor has become a target for treating negative symptoms in combination with D2 antagonism to treat positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to determine the cariprazine receptor occupancies in brain for D2 and D3 receptors in patients with schizophrenia. Using [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO as a radioligand, positron emission tomography (PET) scans were performed in eight patients at baseline and postdose on days 1, 4, and 15. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed for cariprazine concentrations. A monotonic dose-occupancy relationship was observed for both receptor types. After 2 weeks of treatment, near complete (∼100 %) occupancies were observed for both receptors at a dose of 12 mg/day. At the lowest cariprazine dose (1 mg/day), mean D3 and D2 receptor occupancies were 76 and 45 %, respectively, suggesting selectivity for D3 over D2 receptors at low doses. An exposure-response analysis found a ∼3-fold difference in EC50 (D3 = 3.84 nM and D2 = 13.03 nM) in plasma after 2 weeks of dosing. This PET imaging study in patients with schizophrenia demonstrated that cariprazine is a D3-preferring dual D3/D2 receptor partial agonist.

  4. The Toll-Like Receptor 2/6 Agonist, FSL-1 Lipopeptide, Therapeutically Mitigates Acute Radiation Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Kurkjian, Cathryn J; Guo, Hao; Montgomery, Nathan D; Cheng, Ning; Yuan, Hong; Merrill, Joseph R; Sempowski, Gregory D; Brickey, W June; Ting, Jenny P-Y

    2017-12-11

    Risks of radiation exposure from nuclear incidents and cancer radiotherapy are undeniable realities. These dangers urgently compel the development of agents for ameliorating radiation-induced injuries. Biologic pathways mediated by myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), the common adaptor for toll-like receptor (TLR) and Interleukin-1 receptor signaling, are critical for radioprotection. Treating with agonists prior to radiation enhances survival by activating TLR signaling, whereas radiomitigating TLR-activating therapeutics given after exposure are less defined. We examine the radiomitigation capability of TLR agonists and identify one that is superior for its efficacy and reduced toxic consequences compared to other tested agonists. We demonstrate that the synthetic TLR2/6 ligand Fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide (FSL-1) substantially prolongs survival in both male and female mice when administered 24 hours after radiation and shows MyD88-dependent function. FSL-1 treatment results in accelerated hematopoiesis in bone marrow, spleen and periphery, and augments systemic levels of hematopoiesis-stimulating factors. The ability of FSL-1 to stimulate hematopoiesis is critical, as hematopoietic dysfunction results from a range of ionizing radiation doses. The efficacy of a single FSL-1 dose for alleviating radiation injury while protecting against adverse effects reveals a viable radiation countermeasures agent.

  5. A novel iron (II) preferring dopamine agonist chelator D-607 significantly suppresses α-syn- and MPTP-induced toxicities in vivo.

    PubMed

    Das, Banibrata; Rajagopalan, Subramanian; Joshi, Gnanada S; Xu, Liping; Luo, Dan; Andersen, Julie K; Todi, Sokol V; Dutta, Aloke K

    2017-09-01

    Here, we report the characterization of a novel hybrid D 2 /D 3 agonist and iron (II) specific chelator, D-607, as a multi-target-directed ligand against Parkinson's disease (PD). In our previously published report, we showed that D-607 is a potent agonist of dopamine (DA) D 2 /D 3 receptors, exhibits efficacy in a reserpinized PD animal model and preferentially chelates to iron (II). As further evidence of its potential as a neuroprotective agent in PD, the present study reveals D-607 to be protective in neuronal PC12 cells against 6-OHDA toxicity. In an in vivo Drosophila melanogaster model expressing a disease-causing variant of α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein in fly eyes, the compound was found to significantly suppress toxicity compared to controls, concomitant with reduced levels of aggregated α-Syn. Furthermore, D-607 was able to rescue DAergic neurons from MPTP toxicity in mice, a well-known PD neurotoxicity model, following both sub-chronic and chronic MPTP administration. Mechanistic studies indicated that possible protection of mitochondria, up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor, reduction in formation of α-Syn aggregates and antioxidant activity may underlie the observed neuroprotection effects. These observations strongly suggest that D-607 has potential as a promising multifunctional lead molecule for viable symptomatic and disease-modifying therapy for PD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Modulatory effect of the 5-HT1A agonist buspirone and the mixed non-hallucinogenic 5-HT1A/2A agonist ergotamine on psilocybin-induced psychedelic experience.

    PubMed

    Pokorny, Thomas; Preller, Katrin H; Kraehenmann, Rainer; Vollenweider, Franz X

    2016-04-01

    The mixed serotonin (5-HT) 1A/2A/2B/2C/6/7 receptor agonist psilocybin dose-dependently induces an altered state of consciousness (ASC) that is characterized by changes in sensory perception, mood, thought, and the sense of self. The psychological effects of psilocybin are primarily mediated by 5-HT2A receptor activation. However, accumulating evidence suggests that 5-HT1A or an interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors may contribute to the overall effects of psilocybin. Therefore, we used a double-blind, counterbalanced, within-subject design to investigate the modulatory effects of the partial 5-HT1A agonist buspirone (20mg p.o.) and the non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A/1A agonist ergotamine (3mg p.o.) on psilocybin-induced (170 µg/kg p.o.) psychological effects in two groups (n=19, n=17) of healthy human subjects. Psychological effects were assessed using the Altered State of Consciousness (5D-ASC) rating scale. Buspirone significantly reduced the 5D-ASC main scale score for Visionary Restructuralization (VR) (p<0.001), which was mostly driven by a reduction of the VR item cluster scores for elementary and complex visual hallucinations. Further, buspirone also reduced the main scale score for Oceanic Boundlessness (OB) including derealisation and depersonalisation phenomena at a trend level (p=0.062), whereas ergotamine did not show any effects on the psilocybin-induced 5D-ASC main scale scores. The present finding demonstrates that buspirone exerts inhibitory effects on psilocybin-induced effects, presumably via 5-HT1A receptor activation, an interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, or both. The data suggest that the modulation of 5-HT1A receptor activity may be a useful target in the treatment of visual hallucinations in different psychiatric and neurological diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP. All rights reserved.

  7. CHANGES IN APICAL DENDRITIC STRUCTURE CORRELATE WITH SUSTAINED ERK1/2 PHOSPHORYLATION IN MEDIAL PREFRONTAL CORTEX OF A RAT MODEL OF DOPAMINE D1 RECEPTOR AGONIST SENSITIZATION

    PubMed Central

    Papadeas, Sophia T.; Halloran, Christopher; McCown, Thomas J.; Breese, George R.; Blake, Bonita L.

    2008-01-01

    Rats lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) as neonates exhibit behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities in adulthood that mimic Lesch-Nyhan disease, schizophrenia and other developmental disorders of frontostriatal circuit dysfunction. In these animals, a latent sensitivity to D1 agonists is maximally exposed by repeated administration of dopamine agonists in the post-pubertal period (D1 priming). In neonate-lesioned, adult rats primed with SKF-38393, we found selective, persistent alterations in the morphology of pyramidal neuron apical dendrites in the prelimbic area of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In these animals, dendrite bundling patterns and the typically straight trajectories of primary dendritic shafts were disrupted, whereas the diameter of higher-order oblique branches was increased. Although not present in neonate-lesioned rats treated with saline, these morphological changes persisted at least 21 days after repeated dosing with SKF-38393, and were not accompanied by markers of neurodegenerative change. A sustained increase in phospho-ERK immunoreactivity in wavy dendritic shafts over the same period suggested a relationship between prolonged ERK phosphorylation and dendritic remodeling in D1-primed rats. In support of this hypothesis, pretreatment with the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors PD98059 or SL327, prior to each priming dose of SKF-38393, prevented the morphological changes associated with D1 priming. Together, these findings demonstrate that repeated stimulation of D1 receptors in adulthood interacts with the developmental loss of dopamine to profoundly and persistently modify neuronal signaling and dendrite morphology in the mature prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, sustained elevation of ERK activity in mPFC pyramidal neurons may play a role in guiding these morphological changes in vivo. PMID:18785628

  8. The β2 agonist terbutaline specifically decreases pulmonary arterial pressure under normoxia and hypoxia via α adrenoceptor antagonism.

    PubMed

    Neumann, Vanessa; Knies, Ralf; Seidinger, Alexander; Simon, Annika; Lorenz, Kristina; Matthey, Michaela; Breuer, Johannes; Wenzel, Daniela

    2018-05-01

    Pulmonary hypertension is a severe, incurable disease with a poor prognosis. Although treatment regimens have improved during the last 2 decades, current pharmacologic strategies are limited and focus on the modulation of only a few pathways related to endothelin, NO, and prostacyclin signaling. Therefore, the identification of novel molecular targets is urgently needed. We found that the β 2 adrenoceptor (AR) agonists terbutaline (TER) and salbutamol induced a dose-dependent vasorelaxation in large pulmonary arteries but not aortas of mouse. This effect was found to be independent of β ARs and the endothelium but was determined by the type of the preconstrictor. Vasodilation by β 2 AR agonists occurred after pretreatment of pulmonary arteries with phenylephrine and serotonin, both agonists of α 1 ARs, but was absent after preconstriction with the thromboxane analog U46619. These data indicated α-adrenolytic activity of β 2 AR agonists, which was confirmed by a right shift of the phenylephrine dose-response curve by TER. This effect was physiologically relevant because TER also relaxed small intrapulmonary arteries in lung slices and diminished pulmonary arterial pressure in an isolated perfused lung model under normoxia and hypoxia. Finally, TER applied as an aerosol also selectively decreased pulmonary arterial pressure without effects on systemic blood pressure and heart rate in mouse in vivo. Thus, β 2 AR agonists display α-adrenolytic activity in pulmonary arteries ex vivo and in vivo, and may provide a novel option to reduce pulmonary arterial pressure in pulmonary hypertension.-Neumann, V., Knies, R., Seidinger, A., Simon, A., Lorenz, K., Matthey, M., Breuer, J., Wenzel, D. The β 2 agonist terbutaline specifically decreases pulmonary arterial pressure under normoxia and hypoxia via α adrenoceptor antagonism.

  9. Radiolabelled D2 agonists as prolactinoma imaging agents. Final technical report, January 31, 1990--August 31, 1991

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Otto, C.A.

    1991-12-31

    Research conducted in this terminal year of support centered on three distinct areas: mAChR ligand localization in pancreas and the effect of Ca{sup +2} on localization, continuation of assessment of quaternized and neutral mAChR ligands for possible use as PET myocardial imaging agents, and initiation of a study to determine the relationship of the nAChR receptor to the cellular receptor for measles virus. Several tables and figures illustrating the results are included.

  10. Myricetin: a potent approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as a natural class B GPCR agonist

    PubMed Central

    Li, Ying; Zheng, Xuemin; Yi, Xiulin; Liu, Changxiao; Kong, Dexin; Zhang, Jianning; Gong, Min

    2017-01-01

    The physiologic properties of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) make it a potent candidate drug target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP-1 is capable of regulating the blood glucose level by insulin secretion after administration of oral glucose. The advantages of GLP-1 for the avoidance of hypoglycemia and the control of body weight are attractive despite its poor stability. The clinical efficacies of long-acting GLP-1 derivatives strongly support discovery pursuits aimed at identifying and developing orally active, small-molecule GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize a novel oral agonist of GLP-1R (i.e., myricetin). The insulinotropic characterization of myricetin was performed in isolated islets and in Wistar rats. Long-term oral administration of myricetin demonstrated glucoregulatory activity. The data in this study suggest that myricetin might be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of T2DM as a GLP-1R agonist. Further structural modifications on myricetin might improve its pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.—Li, Y., Zheng, X., Yi, X., Liu, C., Kong, D., Zhang, J., Gong, M. Myricetin: a potent approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as a natural class B GPCR agonist. PMID:28270518

  11. Preclinical evaluation of SMM-189, a cannabinoid receptor 2-specific inverse agonist.

    PubMed

    Presley, Chaela; Abidi, Ammaar; Suryawanshi, Satyendra; Mustafa, Suni; Meibohm, Bernd; Moore, Bob M

    2015-08-01

    Cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists and inverse agonists are emerging as new therapeutic options for a spectrum of autoimmune-related disease. Of particular interest, is the ability of CB2 ligands to regulate microglia function in neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury. We have previously reported the receptor affinity of 3',5'-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-phenyl-methanone (SMM-189) and the characterization of the beneficial effects of SMM-189 in the mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury. Herein, we report the further characterization of SMM-189 as a potent and selective CB2 inverse agonist, which acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of CP 55,940. The ability of SMM-189 to regulate microglial activation, in terms of chemokine expression and cell morphology, has been determined. Finally, we have determined that SMM-189 possesses acceptable biopharmaceutical properties indicating that the triaryl class of CB2 inverse agonists are viable compounds for continued preclinical development for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic brain injury.

  12. Guanine nucleotide regulatory protein co-purifies with the D/sub 2/-dopamine receptor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Senogles, S.E.; Caron, M.G.

    1986-05-01

    The D/sub 2/-dopamine receptor from bovine anterior pituitary was purified approx.1000 fold by affinity chromatography on CMOS-Sepharose. Reconstitution of the affinity-purified receptor into phospholipid vesicles revealed the presence of high and low affinity agonist sites as detected by N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA) competition experiments with /sup 3/H-spiperone. High affinity agonist binding could be converted to the low affinity form by guanine nucleotides, indicating the presence of an endogenous guanine nucleotide binding protein (N protein) in the affinity-purified D/sub 2/ receptor preparations. Furthermore, this preparation contained an agonist-sensitive GTPase activity which was stimulated 2-3 fold over basal by 10 ..mu..M NPA. /sup 35/S-GTP..gamma..Smore » binding to these preparations revealed a stoichiometry of 0.4-0.7 mole N protein/mole receptor, suggesting the N protein may be specifically coupled with the purified D/sub 2/-dopamine receptor and not present as a contaminant. Pertussis toxin treatment of the affinity purified receptor preparations prevented high affinity agonist binding, as well as agonist stimulation of the GTPase activity, presumably by inactivating the associated N protein. Pertussis toxin lead to the ADP-ribosylation of a protein of 39-40K on SDS-PAGE. These findings indicate that an endogenous N protein, N/sub i/ or N/sub o/, co-purifies with the D/sub 2/-dopamine receptor which may reflect a precoupling of this receptor with an N protein within the membranes.« less

  13. Adenosine A2A receptor agonists with potent antiplatelet activity.

    PubMed

    Fuentes, Eduardo; Fuentes, Manuel; Caballero, Julio; Palomo, Iván; Hinz, Sonja; El-Tayeb, Ali; Müller, Christa E

    2018-05-01

    Selected adenosine A 2A receptor agonists (PSB-15826, PSB-12404, and PSB-16301) have been evaluated as new antiplatelet agents. In addition, radioligand-binding studies and receptor-docking experiments were performed in order to explain their differential biological effects on a molecular level. Among the tested adenosine derivatives, PSB-15826 was the most potent compound to inhibit platelet aggregation (EC 50 0.32 ± 0.05 µmol/L) and platelet P-selectin cell-surface localization (EC 50 0.062 ± 0.2 µmol/L), and to increase intraplatelets cAMP levels (EC 50 0.24 ± 0.01 µmol/L). The compound was more active than CGS21680 (EC 50 0.97±0.07 µmol/L) and equipotent to NECA (EC 50 0.31 ± 0.05 µmol/L) in platelet aggregation induced by ADP. In contrast to the results from cAMP assays, K i values determined in radioligand-binding studies were not predictive of the A 2A agonists' antiplatelet activity. Docking studies revealed the key molecular determinants of this new family of adenosine A 2A receptor agonists: differences in activities are related to π-stacking interactions between the ligands and the residue His264 in the extracellular loop of the adenosine A 2A receptor which may result in increased residence times. In conclusion, these results provide an improved understanding of the requirements of antiplatelet adenosine A 2A receptor agonists.

  14. Peroxidative metabolism of beta2-agonists salbutamol and fenoterol and their analogues.

    PubMed

    Reszka, Krzysztof J; McGraw, Dennis W; Britigan, Bradley E

    2009-06-01

    Phenolic beta(2)-adrenoreceptor agonists salbutamol, fenoterol, and terbutaline relax smooth muscle cells that relieve acute airway bronchospasm associated with asthma. Why their use sometimes fails to relieve bronchospasm and why the drugs appear to be less effective in patients with severe asthma exacerbations remains unclear. We show that in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, both myeloperoxidase, secreted by activated neutrophils present in inflamed airways, and lactoperoxidase, which is naturally present in the respiratory system, catalyze oxidation of these beta(2)-agonists. Azide, cyanide, thiocyanate, ascorbate, glutathione, and methimazole inhibited this process, while methionine was without effect. Inhibition by ascorbate and glutathione was associated with their oxidation to corresponding radical species by the agonists' derived phenoxyl radicals. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we detected free radical metabolites from beta(2)-agonists by spin trapping with 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP). Formation of these radicals was inhibited by pharmacologically relevant concentrations of methimazole and dapsone. In alkaline buffers, radicals from fenoterol and its structural analogue, metaproteronol, were detected by direct EPR. Analysis of these spectra suggests that oxidation of fenoterol and metaproterenol, but not terbutaline, causes their transformation through intramolecular cyclization by addition of their amino nitrogen to the aromatic ring. Together, these results indicate that phenolic beta(2)-agonists function as substrates for airway peroxidases and that the resulting products differ in their structural and functional properties from their parent compounds. They also suggest that these transformations can be modulated by pharmacological approaches using appropriate peroxidase inhibitors or alternative substrates. These processes may affect therapeutic efficacy and also play a role in adverse reactions of the beta(2)-agonists.

  15. Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling of 2-amino-2-phenylethanol derivatives as novel β2-adrenoceptor agonists.

    PubMed

    Ge, Xinyue; Mo, Yongmei; Xing, Gang; Ji, Lei; Zhao, Haiyan; Chen, Jianfang; He, Bin; Chen, Xuyao; Xing, Ruijuan; Li, Xiaoqiang; Zhao, Ying; Li, Jinyan; Yan, Haining; Woo, Anthony Yiu-Ho; Zhang, Yuyang; Lin, Bin; Pan, Li; Cheng, Maosheng

    2018-04-26

    A novel series of 2-amino-2-phenylethanol derivatives were developed as β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists. Among them, 2-amino-3-fluoro-5-(2-hydroxy-1-(isopropylamino)ethyl)benzonitrile (compound 2f) exhibited the highest activity (EC 50 = 0.25 nM) in stimulating β 2 -adrenoceptor-mediated cellular cAMP production with a 763.6-fold selectivity over the β 1 -adrenoceptor. The (S)-isomer of 2f was subsequently found to be 8.5-fold more active than the (R)-isomer. Molecular docking was performed to determine the putative binding modes of this new class of β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists. Taken together, these data show that compound 2f is a promising lead compound worthy of further study for the development of β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Arrestin-dependent but G-protein coupled receptor kinase-independent uncoupling of D2-dopamine receptors.

    PubMed

    Celver, Jeremy; Sharma, Meenakshi; Thanawala, Vaidehi; Christopher Octeau, J; Kovoor, Abraham

    2013-10-01

    We reconstituted D2 like dopamine receptor (D2R) and the delta opioid receptor (DOR) coupling to G-protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (K(ir)3) and directly compared the effects of co-expression of G-protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) and arrestin on agonist-dependent desensitization of the receptor response. We found, as described previously, that co-expression of a GRK and an arrestin synergistically increased the rate of agonist-dependent desensitization of DOR. In contrast, only arrestin expression was required to produce desensitization of D2R responses. Furthermore, arrestin-dependent GRK-independent desensitization of D2R-K(ir)3 coupling could be transferred to DOR by substituting the third cytoplasmic loop of DOR with that of D2R. The arrestin-dependent GRK-independent desensitization of D2R desensitization was inhibited by staurosporine treatment, and blocked by alanine substitution of putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites in the third cytoplasmic loop of D2R. Finally, the D2R construct in which putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites were mutated did not undergo significant agonist-dependent desensitization even after GRK co-expression, suggesting that GRK phosphorylation of D2R does not play an important role in uncoupling of the receptor. © 2013 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  17. Perturbation of myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate levels during agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations.

    PubMed Central

    Chatton, J Y; Cao, Y; Stucki, J W

    1998-01-01

    Agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations in rat hepatocytes involve the production of myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which stimulates the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The oscillatory frequency is conditioned by the agonist concentration. This study investigated the role of IP3 concentration in the modulation of oscillatory frequency by using microinjected photolabile IP3 analogs. Photorelease of IP3 during hormone-induced oscillations evoked a Ca2+ spike, after which oscillations resumed with a delay corresponding to the period set by the agonists. IP3 photorelease had no influence on the frequency of oscillations. After photorelease of 1-(alpha-glycerophosphoryl)-D-myo-inositol-4,5-diphosphate (GPIP2), a slowly metabolized IP3 analog, the frequency of oscillations initially increased by 34% and declined to its original level within approximately 6 min. Both IP3 and GPIP2 effects can be explained by their rate of degradation: the half-life of IP3, which is a few seconds, can account for the lack of influence of IP3 photorelease on the frequency, whereas the slower metabolism of GPIP2 allowed a transient acceleration of the oscillations. The phase shift introduced by IP3 is likely the result of the brief elevation of Ca2+ during spiking that resets the IP3 receptor to a state of maximum inactivation. A mathematical model of Ca2+ oscillations is in satisfactory agreement with the observed results. PMID:9449352

  18. Imidazopyridine CB2 agonists: optimization of CB2/CB1 selectivity and implications for in vivo analgesic efficacy.

    PubMed

    Trotter, B Wesley; Nanda, Kausik K; Burgey, Christopher S; Potteiger, Craig M; Deng, James Z; Green, Ahren I; Hartnett, John C; Kett, Nathan R; Wu, Zhicai; Henze, Darrell A; Della Penna, Kimberly; Desai, Reshma; Leitl, Michael D; Lemaire, Wei; White, Rebecca B; Yeh, Suzie; Urban, Mark O; Kane, Stefanie A; Hartman, George D; Bilodeau, Mark T

    2011-04-15

    A new series of imidazopyridine CB2 agonists is described. Structural optimization improved CB2/CB1 selectivity in this series and conferred physical properties that facilitated high in vivo exposure, both centrally and peripherally. Administration of a highly selective CB2 agonist in a rat model of analgesia was ineffective despite substantial CNS exposure, while administration of a moderately selective CB2/CB1 agonist exhibited significant analgesic effects. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Muscarinic agonists and ATP increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in chick cochlear hair cells.

    PubMed

    Shigemoto, T; Ohmori, H

    1990-01-01

    1. Cholinergic muscarinic agonists applied by the pressure puff method increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration in Fura-2-loaded hair cells. The Ca2+ response outlasted the agonist application. 2. The Ca2+ response induced by acetylcholine (ACh) was ACh dose dependent with a KD of 200 microM. Desensitization was negligible, and almost identical Ca2+ responses were observed when two ACh puffs were separated by 150 s. The response was blocked by d-tubocurarine (dTC). The KD of dTC blocking was 500 microM when 100 microM-ACh induced the Ca2+ response. 3. The amplitude of the ACh-induced Ca2+ responses were potentiated to 3 times the control by incubation with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; 0.1-1 microM). CGRP did not affect the resting Ca2+ concentration. Glycine (100 microM) potentiated the ACh response to 1.4 times the control, and also increased the resting Ca2+ concentration slightly. 4. The ACh-induced Ca2+ response was suppressed by atropine. It was induced in Ca2(+)-free extracellular medium, and in Ca2(+)-free medium desensitization to a second ACh stimulation was significant. The amplitude of the second Ca2+ response was 44% of the first when two ACh puffs were separated by 117 s in Ca2+ free medium. 5. Muscarine and carbamylcholine induced similar Ca2+ responses, with KD values of 130 microM for muscarine and 340 microM for carbamylcholine. Desensitization of Ca2+ responses was negligible in both agonists. 6. ATP co-exists with ACh in some presynaptic nerve terminals (Burnstock, 1981). Puff-applied ATP (100 microM) generated a Ca2+ response with a rapid rising phase and a following slow phase. In Ca2(+)-free medium the rapid phase disappeared and only the slow phase was observed. The rapid phase is due to the influx of Ca2+ ions and the slow phase is due to a release of Ca2+ ions from an intracellular reservoir. Under voltage clamp ATP induced a fast inward current and a following slow outward current. 7. Nicotine, adenosine, glycine, GABA

  20. The Unique α4(+)/(−)α4 Agonist Binding Site in (α4)3(β2)2 Subtype Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Permits Differential Agonist Desensitization Pharmacology versus the (α4)22)3 Subtype

    PubMed Central

    Eaton, J. Brek; Lucero, Linda M.; Stratton, Harrison; Chang, Yongchang; Cooper, John F.; Lindstrom, Jon M.; Lukas, Ronald J.

    2014-01-01

    Selected nicotinic agonists were used to activate and desensitize high-sensitivity (HS) (α4)22)3) or low-sensitivity (LS) (α4)3(β2)2) isoforms of human α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Function was assessed using 86Rb+ efflux in a stably transfected SH-EP1-hα4β2 human epithelial cell line, and two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing concatenated pentameric HS or LS α4β2-nAChR constructs (HSP and LSP). Unlike previously studied agonists, desensitization by the highly selective agonists A-85380 [3-(2(S)-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine] and sazetidine-A (Saz-A) preferentially reduced α4β2-nAChR HS-phase versus LS-phase responses. The concatenated-nAChR experiments confirmed that approximately 20% of LS-isoform acetylcholine-induced function occurs in an HS-like phase, which is abolished by Saz-A preincubation. Six mutant LSPs were generated, each targeting a conserved agonist binding residue within the LS-isoform-only α4(+)/(−)α4 interface agonist binding site. Every mutation reduced the percentage of LS-phase function, demonstrating that this site underpins LS-phase function. Oocyte-surface expression of the HSP and each of the LSP constructs was statistically indistinguishable, as measured using β2-subunit–specific [125I]mAb295 labeling. However, maximum function is approximately five times greater on a “per-receptor” basis for unmodified LSP versus HSP α4β2-nAChRs. Thus, recruitment of the α4(+)/(−)α4 site at higher agonist concentrations appears to augment otherwise-similar function mediated by the pair of α4(+)/(−)β2 sites shared by both isoforms. These studies elucidate the receptor-level differences underlying the differential pharmacology of the two α4β2-nAChR isoforms, and demonstrate that HS versus LS α4β2-nAChR activity can be selectively manipulated using pharmacological approaches. Since α4β2 nAChRs are the predominant neuronal subtype, these discoveries likely

  1. Preclinical evaluation of SMM-189, a cannabinoid receptor 2-specific inverse agonist

    PubMed Central

    Presley, Chaela; Abidi, Ammaar; Suryawanshi, Satyendra; Mustafa, Suni; Meibohm, Bernd; Moore, Bob M

    2015-01-01

    Cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists and inverse agonists are emerging as new therapeutic options for a spectrum of autoimmune-related disease. Of particular interest, is the ability of CB2 ligands to regulate microglia function in neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury. We have previously reported the receptor affinity of 3′,5′-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-phenyl-methanone (SMM-189) and the characterization of the beneficial effects of SMM-189 in the mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury. Herein, we report the further characterization of SMM-189 as a potent and selective CB2 inverse agonist, which acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor of CP 55,940. The ability of SMM-189 to regulate microglial activation, in terms of chemokine expression and cell morphology, has been determined. Finally, we have determined that SMM-189 possesses acceptable biopharmaceutical properties indicating that the triaryl class of CB2 inverse agonists are viable compounds for continued preclinical development for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic brain injury. PMID:26196013

  2. Targeting GLP-1 receptor trafficking to improve agonist efficacy.

    PubMed

    Jones, Ben; Buenaventura, Teresa; Kanda, Nisha; Chabosseau, Pauline; Owen, Bryn M; Scott, Rebecca; Goldin, Robert; Angkathunyakul, Napat; Corrêa, Ivan R; Bosco, Domenico; Johnson, Paul R; Piemonti, Lorenzo; Marchetti, Piero; Shapiro, A M James; Cochran, Blake J; Hanyaloglu, Aylin C; Inoue, Asuka; Tan, Tricia; Rutter, Guy A; Tomas, Alejandra; Bloom, Stephen R

    2018-04-23

    Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, causes weight loss, and is an important pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Like other G protein-coupled receptors, the GLP-1R undergoes agonist-mediated endocytosis, but the functional and therapeutic consequences of modulating GLP-1R endocytic trafficking have not been clearly defined. Here, we investigate a series of biased GLP-1R agonists with variable propensities for GLP-1R internalization and recycling. Compared to a panel of FDA-approved GLP-1 mimetics, compounds that retain GLP-1R at the plasma membrane produce greater long-term insulin release, which is dependent on a reduction in β-arrestin recruitment and faster agonist dissociation rates. Such molecules elicit glycemic benefits in mice without concomitant increases in signs of nausea, a common side effect of GLP-1 therapies. Our study identifies a set of agents with specific GLP-1R trafficking profiles and the potential for greater efficacy and tolerability as T2D treatments.

  3. Patch clamp reveals powerful blockade of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore by the D2-receptor agonist pramipexole.

    PubMed

    Sayeed, Iqbal; Parvez, Suhel; Winkler-Stuck, Kirstin; Seitz, Gordon; Trieu, Isabelle; Wallesch, Claus-Werner; Schönfeld, Peter; Siemen, Detlef

    2006-03-01

    The dopamine-D2-agonist pramipexole (PPX) was tested for blocking mitochondrial permeability transition (PT) in order to give a possible explanation for its neuroprotective effect seen in PPX-treated Parkinson's disease patients. Patch-clamp techniques for studying single-channel currents in the inner mitochondrial membrane and large-amplitude swelling of energized mitochondria were used to study PPX action on the permeability transition pore (PTP), a key player in the mitochondrial route of the apoptotic cascade. Identity of the PTP was proven by measuring the concentration-response relation for cyclosporin A-blockade (IC50=26 nM). PPX inhibits the PTP reversibly with an IC50 of 500 nM, which is close to the values determined earlier as plasma concentrations after PPX medication in patients. Interaction of PPX with the PTP is further supported by demonstrating that it abolished Ca2+-triggered swelling in functionally intact mitochondria. Blockade of the PTP by PPX was attenuated by increasing concentrations of inorganic phosphate and by acidification. We suggest that PPX could exert part of its neuroprotective effect by inhibition of the PTP and thus, probably, blocking of the mitochondrial pathway of the apoptosis cascade.

  4. Characterization of 12 GnRH peptide agonists – a kinetic perspective

    PubMed Central

    Nederpelt, Indira; Georgi, Victoria; Schiele, Felix; Nowak‐Reppel, Katrin; Fernández‐Montalván, Amaury E.; IJzerman, Adriaan P.

    2015-01-01

    Background and Purpose Drug‐target residence time is an important, yet often overlooked, parameter in drug discovery. Multiple studies have proposed an increased residence time to be beneficial for improved drug efficacy and/or longer duration of action. Currently, there are many drugs on the market targeting the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor for the treatment of hormone‐dependent diseases. Surprisingly, the kinetic receptor‐binding parameters of these analogues have not yet been reported. Therefore, this project focused on determining the receptor‐binding kinetics of 12 GnRH peptide agonists, including many marketed drugs. Experimental Approach A novel radioligand‐binding competition association assay was developed and optimized for the human GnRH receptor with the use of a radiolabelled peptide agonist, [125I]‐triptorelin. In addition to radioligand‐binding studies, a homogeneous time‐resolved FRET Tag‐lite™ method was developed as an alternative assay for the same purpose. Key Results Two novel competition association assays were successfully developed and applied to determine the kinetic receptor‐binding characteristics of 12 high‐affinity GnRH peptide agonists. Results obtained from both methods were highly correlated. Interestingly, the binding kinetics of the peptide agonists were more divergent than their affinities with residence times ranging from 5.6 min (goserelin) to 125 min (deslorelin). Conclusions and Implications Our research provides new insights by incorporating kinetic, next to equilibrium, binding parameters in current research and development that can potentially improve future drug discovery targeting the GnRH receptor. PMID:26398856

  5. Cocaine self-administration differentially affects allosteric A2A-D2 receptor-receptor interactions in the striatum. Relevance for cocaine use disorder.

    PubMed

    Pintsuk, Julia; Borroto-Escuela, Dasiel O; Pomierny, Bartosz; Wydra, Karolina; Zaniewska, Magdalena; Filip, Malgorzata; Fuxe, Kjell

    2016-05-01

    In the current study behavioral and biochemical experiments were performed to study changes in the allosteric A2AR-D2R interactions in the ventral and dorsal striatum after cocaine self-administration versus corresponding yoked saline control. By using ex vivo [(3)H]-raclopride/quinpirole competition experiments, the effects of the A2AR agonist CGS 21680 (100 nM) on the KiH and KiL values of the D2-like receptor (D2-likeR) were determined. One major result was a significant reduction in the D2-likeR agonist high affinity state observed with CGS 21680 after cocaine self-administration in the ventral striatum compared with the yoked saline group. The results therefore support the hypothesis that A2AR agonists can at least in part counteract the motivational actions of cocaine. This action is mediated via the D2-likeR by targeting the A2AR protomer of A2AR-D2-like R heteroreceptor complexes in the ventral striatum, which leads to the reduction of D2-likeR protomer recognition through the allosteric receptor-receptor interaction. In contrast, in the dorsal striatum the CGS 21680-induced antagonistic modulation in the D2-likeR agonist high affinity state was abolished after cocaine self-administration versus the yoked saline group probably due to a local dysfunction/disruption of the A2AR-D2-like R heteroreceptor complexes. Such a change in the dorsal striatum in cocaine self-administration can contribute to the development of either locomotor sensitization, habit-forming learning and/or the compulsive drug seeking by enhanced D2-likeR protomer signaling. Potential differences in the composition and stoichiometry of the A2AR-D2R heteroreceptor complexes, including differential recruitment of sigma 1 receptor, in the ventral and dorsal striatum may explain the differential regional changes observed in the A2A-D2-likeR interactions after cocaine self-administration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Heterogeneity of D2 dopamine receptors in different brain regions.

    PubMed Central

    Leonard, M N; Macey, C A; Strange, P G

    1987-01-01

    The binding of [3H]spiperone has been examined in membranes derived from different regions of bovine brain. In caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle and putamen binding is to D2 dopamine and 5HT2 serotonin receptors, whereas in cingulate cortex only serotonin 5HT2 receptor binding can be detected. D2 dopamine receptors were examined in detail in caudate nucleus, olfactory tubercle and putamen using [3H]spiperone binding in the presence of 0.3 microM-mianserin (to block 5HT2 serotonin receptors). No evidence for heterogeneity among D2 dopamine receptors either between brain regions or within a brain region was found from the displacements of [3H]spiperone binding by a range of antagonists, including dibenzazepines and substituted benzamides. Regulation of agonist binding by guanine nucleotides did, however, differ between regions. In caudate nucleus a population of agonist binding sites appeared resistant to guanine nucleotide regulation, whereas this was not the case in olfactory tubercle and putamen. PMID:2963621

  7. A dopamine receptor d2-type agonist attenuates the ability of stress to alter sleep in mice.

    PubMed

    Jefferson, F; Ehlen, J C; Williams, N S; Montemarano, J J; Paul, K N

    2014-11-01

    Although sleep disruptions that accompany stress reduce quality of life and deteriorate health, the mechanisms through which stress alters sleep remain obscure. Psychological stress can alter sleep in a variety of ways, but it has been shown to be particularly influential on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Prolactin (PRL), a sexually dimorphic, stress-sensitive hormone whose basal levels are higher in females, has somnogenic effects on REM sleep. In the current study, we examined the relationship between PRL secretion and REM sleep after restraint stress to determine whether: 1) the ability of stress to increase REM sleep is PRL-dependent, and 2) fluctuating PRL levels underlie sex differences in sleep responses to stress. Because dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland are the primary regulator of PRL secretion, D2 receptor agonist, 1-[(6-allylergolin-8β-yl)-carbonyl]-1-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl]-3-ethylurea (cabergoline), was used to attenuate PRL levels in mice before 1 hour of restraint stress. Mice were implanted with electroencephalographic/electromyographic recording electrodes and received an ip injection of either 0.3-mg/kg cabergoline or vehicle before a control procedure of 1 hour of sleep deprivation by gentle handling during the light phase. Six days after the control procedure, mice received cabergoline or vehicle 15 minutes before 1 hour of restraint stress. Cabergoline blocked the ability of restraint stress to increase REM sleep amount in males but did not alter REM sleep amount after stress in females even though it reduced basal REM sleep amount in female controls. These data provide evidence that the ability for restraint stress to increase REM sleep is dependent on PRL and that sex differences in REM sleep amount may be driven by PRL.

  8. Arrestin–dependent but G–protein coupled receptor kinase–independent uncoupling of D2–dopamine receptors

    PubMed Central

    Celver, Jeremy; Sharma, Meenakshi; Thanawala, Vaidehi; Octeau, J. Christopher; Kovoor, Abraham

    2016-01-01

    We reconstituted D2 like dopamine receptor (D2R) and the delta opioid receptor (DOR) coupling to G-protein gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir3) and directly compared the effects of co-expression of G-protein coupled receptor kinase (GRK) and arrestin on agonist-dependent desensitization of the receptor response. We found, as described previously, that co-expression of a GRK and an arrestin synergistically increased the rate of agonist-dependent desensitization of DOR. In contrast, only arrestin expression was required to produce desensitization of D2R responses. Furthermore, arrestin-dependent GRK-independent desensitization of D2R-Kir3 coupling could be transferred to DOR by substituting the third cytoplasmic loop of DOR with that of D2R. The arrestin-dependent GRK-independent desensitization of D2R desensitization was inhibited by staurosporine treatment, and blocked by alanine substitution of putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites in the third cytoplasmic loop of D2R. Finally, the D2R construct in which putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites were mutated did not undergo significant agonist-dependent desensitization even after GRK co-expression, suggesting that GRK phosphorylation of D2R does not play an important role in uncoupling of the receptor. PMID:23815307

  9. Agonist properties of N,N-dimethyltryptamine at serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors.

    PubMed

    Smith, R L; Canton, H; Barrett, R J; Sanders-Bush, E

    1998-11-01

    Extensive behavioral and biochemical evidence suggests an agonist role at the 5-HT2A receptor, and perhaps the 5-HT2C receptor, in the mechanism of action of hallucinogenic drugs. However the published in vitro pharmacological properties of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an hallucinogenic tryptamine analog, are not consistent with this hypothesis. We, therefore, undertook an extensive investigation into the properties of DMT at 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. In fibroblasts transfected with the 5-HT2A receptor or the 5-HT2C receptor, DMT activated the major intracellular signaling pathway (phosphoinositide hydrolysis) to an extent comparable to that produced by serotonin. Because drug efficacy changes with receptor density and cellular microenvironment, we also examined the properties of DMT in native preparations using a behavioral and biochemical approach. Rats were trained to discriminate an antagonist ketanserin from an agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) in a two-lever choice paradigm. Pharmacological studies showed that responding on the DOI and ketanserin lever reflected agonist and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors, and hence, was a suitable model for evaluating the in vivo functional properties of DMT. Like other 5-HT2A receptor agonists, DMT substituted fully for DOI. Intact choroid plexus was used to evaluate the agonist properties at endogenous 5-HT2C receptors; DMT was a partial agonist at 5-HT2C receptors in this native preparation. Thus, we conclude that DMT behaves as an agonist at both 5-HT2A and 5-HT2A receptors. One difference was evident in that the 5-HT2C, but not the 5-HT2A, receptor showed a profound desensitization to DMT over time. This difference is interesting in light of the recent report that the hallucinogenic activity of DMT does not tolerate in humans and suggests the 5-HT2C receptor plays a less prominent role in the action of DMT.

  10. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 can act both as an agonist and an inverse agonist when estrogen receptor α AF-2 is modified.

    PubMed

    Movérare-Skrtic, Sofia; Börjesson, Anna E; Farman, Helen H; Sjögren, Klara; Windahl, Sara H; Lagerquist, Marie K; Andersson, Annica; Stubelius, Alexandra; Carlsten, Hans; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke; Ohlsson, Claes

    2014-01-21

    The bone-sparing effect of estrogen is primarily mediated via estrogen receptor (ER) α, which stimulates target gene transcription through two activation functions (AFs), AF-1 in the N-terminal and AF-2 in the ligand-binding domain. It was recently demonstrated that the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) acts as an ER agonist in uterus of mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2. To evaluate the estrogen-like effects of ICI in different tissues, ovariectomized wild-type mice and mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2 (ERαAF-2(0)) were treated with ICI, estradiol, or vehicle for 3 wk. Estradiol increased the trabecular and cortical bone mass as well as the uterine weight, whereas it reduced fat mass, thymus weight, and the growth plate height in wild-type but not in ERαAF-2(0) mice. Although ICI had no effect in wild-type mice, it exerted tissue-specific effects in ERαAF-2(0) mice. It acted as an ERα agonist on trabecular bone mass and uterine weight, whereas no effect was seen on cortical bone mass, fat mass, or thymus weight. Surprisingly, a pronounced inverse agonistic activity was seen on the growth plate height, resulting in enhanced longitudinal bone growth. In conclusion, ICI uses ERα AF-1 in a tissue-dependent manner in mice lacking ERαAF-2, resulting in no effect, agonistic activity, or inverse agonistic activity. We propose that ERα lacking AF-2 is constitutively active in the absence of ligand in the growth plate, enabling ICI to act as an inverse agonist.

  11. Recruitment of β-arrestin2 to the dopamine D2 receptor: Insights into anti-psychotic and anti-parkinsonian drug receptor signaling

    PubMed Central

    Klewe, Ib V.; Nielsen, Søren M.; Tarpø, Louise; Urizar, Eneko; Dipace, Concetta; Javitch, Jonathan A.; Gether, Ulrik; Egebjerg, Jan; Christensen, Kenneth V.

    2013-01-01

    Drugs acting at dopamine D2-like receptors play a pivotal role in the treatment of both schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies have demonstrated a role for G-protein independent D2 receptor signaling pathways acting through β-arrestin. In this study we describe the establishment of a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) assay for measuring dopamine induced recruitment of human β-arrestin2 to the human dopamine D2 receptor. Dopamine, as well as the dopamine receptor agonists pramipexole and quinpirole, acted as full agonists in the assay as reflected by their ability to elicit marked concentration dependent increases in the BRET signal signifying β-arrestin2 recruitment to the D2 receptor. As expected from their effect on G-protein coupling and cAMP levels mediated through the D2 receptor RNPA, pergolide, apomorphine, ropinirole, bromocriptine, 3PPP, terguride, aripiprazole, SNPA all acted as partial agonists with decreasing efficacy in the BRET assay. In contrast, a wide selection of typical and atypical anti-psychotics was incapable of stimulating β-arrestin2 recruitment to the D2 receptor. Moreover, we observed that haloperidol, sertindole, olanzapine, clozapine and ziprasidone all fully inhibited the dopamine induced β-arrestin2 recruitment to D2 receptor (short variant) in a concentration dependent manner. We conclude that most anti-psychotics are incapable of stimulating β-arrestin2 recruitment to the dopamine D2 receptor, in accordance with their antagonistic properties at the level of G-protein coupling. PMID:18455202

  12. Dendritic cells tolerized with adenosine A2AR agonist attenuate acute kidney injury

    PubMed Central

    Li, Li; Huang, Liping; Ye, Hong; Song, Steven P.; Bajwa, Amandeep; Lee, Sang Ju; Moser, Emily K.; Jaworska, Katarzyna; Kinsey, Gilbert R.; Day, Yuan J.; Linden, Joel; Lobo, Peter I.; Rosin, Diane L.; Okusa, Mark D.

    2012-01-01

    DC-mediated NKT cell activation is critical in initiating the immune response following kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), which mimics human acute kidney injury (AKI). Adenosine is an important antiinflammatory molecule in tissue inflammation, and adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) agonists protect kidneys from IRI through their actions on leukocytes. In this study, we showed that mice with A2AR-deficient DCs are more susceptible to kidney IRI and are not protected from injury by A2AR agonists. In addition, administration of DCs treated ex vivo with an A2AR agonist protected the kidneys of WT mice from IRI by suppressing NKT production of IFN-γ and by regulating DC costimulatory molecules that are important for NKT cell activation. A2AR agonists had no effect on DC antigen presentation or on Tregs. We conclude that ex vivo A2AR–induced tolerized DCs suppress NKT cell activation in vivo and provide a unique and potent cell-based strategy to attenuate organ IRI. PMID:23093781

  13. Stimulants as specific inducers of dopamine-independent σ agonist self-administration in rats.

    PubMed

    Hiranita, Takato; Soto, Paul L; Tanda, Gianluigi; Kopajtic, Theresa A; Katz, Jonathan L

    2013-10-01

    A previous study showed that cocaine self-administration induced dopamine-independent reinforcing effects of σ agonists mediated by their selective actions at σ1 receptors (σ1Rs), which are intracellularly mobile chaperone proteins implicated in abuse-related effects of stimulants. The present study assessed whether the induction was specific to self-administration of cocaine. Rats were trained to self-administer the dopamine releaser, d-methamphetamine (0.01-0.32 mg/kg per injection), the μ-opioid receptor agonist, heroin (0.001-0.032 mg/kg per injection), and the noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor/channel antagonist ketamine (0.032-1.0 mg/kg per injection). As with cocaine, self-administration of d-methamphetamine induced reinforcing effects of the selective σ1R agonists PRE-084 [2-(4-morpholinethyl)1-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride] and (+)-pentazocine (0.032-1.0 mg/kg per injection, each). In contrast, neither self-administration of heroin nor ketamine induced PRE-084 or (+)-pentazocine (0.032-10 mg/kg per injection, each) self-administration. Although the σ1R agonists did not maintain responding in subjects with histories of heroin or ketamine self-administration, substitution for those drugs was obtained with appropriate agonists (e.g., remifentanil, 0.1-3.2 µg/kg per injection, for heroin and (5S,10R)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine ((+)-MK 801; dizocilpine), 0.32-10.0 µg/kg per injection, for ketamine). The σR antagonist N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamine dihydrobromide (BD 1008; 1.0-10 mg/kg) dose-dependently blocked PRE-084 self-administration but was inactive against d-methamphetamine, heroin, and ketamine. In contrast, PRE-084 self-administration was affected neither by the dopamine receptor antagonist (+)-butaclamol (10-100 μg/kg) nor by the opioid antagonist (-)-naltrexone (1.0-10 mg/kg), whereas these antagonists were active against d

  14. Stimulants as Specific Inducers of Dopamine-Independent σ Agonist Self-Administration in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Hiranita, Takato; Soto, Paul L.; Tanda, Gianluigi; Kopajtic, Theresa A.

    2013-01-01

    A previous study showed that cocaine self-administration induced dopamine-independent reinforcing effects of σ agonists mediated by their selective actions at σ1 receptors (σ1Rs), which are intracellularly mobile chaperone proteins implicated in abuse-related effects of stimulants. The present study assessed whether the induction was specific to self-administration of cocaine. Rats were trained to self-administer the dopamine releaser, d-methamphetamine (0.01–0.32 mg/kg per injection), the μ-opioid receptor agonist, heroin (0.001–0.032 mg/kg per injection), and the noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor/channel antagonist ketamine (0.032–1.0 mg/kg per injection). As with cocaine, self-administration of d-methamphetamine induced reinforcing effects of the selective σ1R agonists PRE-084 [2-(4-morpholinethyl)1-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride] and (+)-pentazocine (0.032–1.0 mg/kg per injection, each). In contrast, neither self-administration of heroin nor ketamine induced PRE-084 or (+)-pentazocine (0.032–10 mg/kg per injection, each) self-administration. Although the σ1R agonists did not maintain responding in subjects with histories of heroin or ketamine self-administration, substitution for those drugs was obtained with appropriate agonists (e.g., remifentanil, 0.1–3.2 µg/kg per injection, for heroin and (5S,10R)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine ((+)-MK 801; dizocilpine), 0.32–10.0 µg/kg per injection, for ketamine). The σR antagonist N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamine dihydrobromide (BD 1008; 1.0–10 mg/kg) dose-dependently blocked PRE-084 self-administration but was inactive against d-methamphetamine, heroin, and ketamine. In contrast, PRE-084 self-administration was affected neither by the dopamine receptor antagonist (+)-butaclamol (10–100 μg/kg) nor by the opioid antagonist (−)-naltrexone (1.0–10 mg/kg), whereas these antagonists were active

  15. Evaluation of Mucociliary Clearance by Three Dimension Micro-CT-SPECT in Guinea Pig: Role of Bitter Taste Agonists.

    PubMed

    Ortiz, Jose Luis; Ortiz, Amparo; Milara, Javier; Armengot, Miguel; Sanz, Celia; Compañ, Desamparados; Morcillo, Esteban; Cortijo, Julio

    2016-01-01

    Different image techniques have been used to analyze mucociliary clearance (MCC) in humans, but current small animal MCC analysis using in vivo imaging has not been well defined. Bitter taste receptor (T2R) agonists increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and cause bronchodilation but their effects in vivo are not well understood. This work analyzes in vivo nasal and bronchial MCC in guinea pig animals using three dimension (3D) micro-CT-SPECT images and evaluates the effect of T2R agonists. Intranasal macroaggreggates of albumin-Technetium 99 metastable (MAA-Tc99m) and lung nebulized Tc99m albumin nanocolloids were used to analyze the effect of T2R agonists on nasal and bronchial MCC respectively, using 3D micro-CT-SPECT in guinea pig. MAA-Tc99m showed a nasal mucociliary transport rate of 0.36 mm/min that was increased in presence of T2R agonist to 0.66 mm/min. Tc99m albumin nanocolloids were homogeneously distributed in the lung of guinea pig and cleared with time-dependence through the bronchi and trachea of guinea pig. T2R agonist increased bronchial MCC of Tc99m albumin nanocolloids. T2R agonists increased CBF in human nasal ciliated cells in vitro and induced bronchodilation in human bronchi ex vivo. In summary, T2R agonists increase MCC in vivo as assessed by 3D micro-CT-SPECT analysis.

  16. Preparation and biodistribution of radiolabeled fullerene C60 nanocrystals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nikolić, Nadežda; Vranješ-Ðurić, Sanja; Janković, Drina; Ðokić, Divna; Mirković, Marija; Bibić, Nataša; Trajković, Vladimir

    2009-09-01

    The present study describes for the first time a procedure for the radiolabeling of fullerene (C60) nanocrystals (nanoC60) with Na 125I, as well as the biodistribution of radiolabeled nanoC60 (125I-nanoC60). The solvent exchange method with tetrahydrofuran was used to make colloidal water suspensions of radiolabeled nanoC60 particles. The radiolabeling procedure with the addition of Na 125I to tetrahydrofuran during dissolution of C60 gave a higher radiochemical yield of radiolabeled nanoC60 particles in comparison to the second option, in which Na 125I was added after C60 was dissolved. Using photon correlation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, 125I-nanoC60 particles were found to have a crystalline structure and a mean diameter of 200-250 nm. The 125I-nanoC60 had a particularly high affinity for human serum albumin, displaying 95% binding efficiency after 1 h. Biodistribution studies of 125I-nanoC60 in rats indicated significant differences in tissue accumulation of 125I-nanoC60 and the radioactive tracer Na 125I. The higher accumulation of radiolabeled nanoC60 was observed in liver and spleen, while accumulation in thyroid, stomach, lungs and intestines was significantly lower in comparison to Na 125I. In addition to being useful for testing the biological distribution of nanoC60, the described radiolabeling procedure might have possible applications in cancer radiotherapy.

  17. Cell type-specific regulation of beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA by agonists.

    PubMed

    Danner, S; Lohse, M J

    1997-07-16

    Prolonged agonist stimulation of beta2-adrenoceptors results in receptor down-regulation which is often paralleled by a reduction of the corresponding mRNA. In this study, we investigated the agonist-dependent regulation of beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA in DDT1-MF2 smooth muscle cells and C6 glioma cells. In DDT1-MF2 cells the half-life of the mRNA was 12 h in monolayer compared to 2 h in suspension cultures. Under both conditions, the agonist isoproterenol reduced this half-life by a factor of 2. In contrast, in C6 glioma cells isoproterenol had no effect on the mRNA stability, even though it reduced mRNA levels by approximately 50%. Isoproterenol-induced downregulation of beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA was completely blocked in C6 cells by the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor, while this was not so in DDT1-MF2-cells. These data show that beta2-adrenoceptor downregulation occurs via cell-type specific mechanisms.

  18. An EP2 Agonist Facilitates NMDA-Induced Outward Currents and Inhibits Dendritic Beading through Activation of BK Channels in Mouse Cortical Neurons

    PubMed Central

    Hayashi, Yoshinori; Morinaga, Saori; Liu, Xia; Zhang, Jing; Wu, Zhou; Yokoyama, Takeshi; Nakanishi, Hiroshi

    2016-01-01

    Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by cyclooxygenase pathways, exerts its bioactive responses by activating four E-prostanoid receptor subtypes, EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4. PGE2 enables modulating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated responses. However, the effect of E-prostanoid receptor agonists on large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels, which are functionally coupled with NMDA receptors, remains unclear. Here, we showed that EP2 receptor-mediated signaling pathways increased NMDA-induced outward currents (I NMDA-OUT), which are associated with the BK channel activation. Patch-clamp recordings from the acutely dissociated mouse cortical neurons revealed that an EP2 receptor agonist activated I NMDA-OUT, whereas an EP3 receptor agonist reduced it. Agonists of EP1 or EP4 receptors showed no significant effects on I NMDA-OUT. A direct perfusion of 3,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) through the patch pipette facilitated I NMDA-OUT, which was abolished by the presence of protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Furthermore, facilitation of I NMDA-OUT caused by an EP2 receptor agonist was significantly suppressed by PKA inhibitor. Finally, the activation of BK channels through EP2 receptors facilitated the recovery phase of NMDA-induced dendritic beading in the primary cultured cortical neurons. These results suggest that a direct activation of BK channels by EP2 receptor-mediated signaling pathways plays neuroprotective roles in cortical neurons. PMID:27298516

  19. Peroxidative Metabolism of β2-Agonists Salbutamol and Fenoterol and Their Analogs

    PubMed Central

    Reszka, Krzysztof J.; McGraw, Dennis W.; Britigan, Bradley E.

    2009-01-01

    Phenolic β2-adrenoreceptor agonists salbutamol, fenoterol and terbutaline relax smooth muscle cells that relieve acute airway bronchospasm associated with asthma. Why their use sometimes fails to relieve bronchospasm, and why the drugs appear to be less effective in patients with severe asthma exacerbations, remains unclear. We show that in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, both myeloperoxidase, secreted by activated neutrophils present in inflamed airways, and lactoperoxidase, which is naturally present in the respiratory system, catalyze oxidation of these β2-agonists. Azide, cyanide, thiocyanate, ascorbate, glutathione, and methimazole inhibited this process, while methionine was without effect. Inhibition by ascorbate and glutathione was associated with their oxidation to corresponding radical species by the agonists’-derived phenoxyl radicals. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we detected free radical metabolites from β2-agonists by spin trapping with 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP). Formation of these radicals was inhibited by pharmacologically-relevant concentrations of methimazole and dapsone. In alkaline buffers radicals from fenoterol and its structural analog, metaproteronol, were detected by direct EPR. Analysis of these spectra suggests that oxidation of fenoterol and metaproterenol, but not terbutaline, causes their transformation through intramolecular cyclization by addition of their amino nitrogen to the aromatic ring. Together, these results indicate that phenolic β2-agonists function as substrates for airway peroxidases and that the resulting products differ in their structural and functional properties from their parent compounds. They also suggest that these transformations can be modulated by pharmacological approaches using appropriate peroxidase inhibitors or alternative substrates. These processes may affect therapeutic efficacy and also play a role in adverse reactions of the β2-agonists. PMID:19462961

  20. Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of beta2-adrenergic agonist enantiomers: zilpaterol.

    PubMed

    Kern, Christopher; Meyer, Thorsten; Droux, Serge; Schollmeyer, Dieter; Miculka, Christian

    2009-03-26

    The beta-adrenergic agonist 1 (zilpaterol) is used as production enhancer in cattle. Binding experiments of separated enantiomers on recombinant human beta(2)-adrenergic and mu-opioid receptors and functional studies showed that the (-)-1 enantiomer accounts for essentially all the beta(2)-adrenergic agonist activity and that it exhibits less affinity toward the mu-opioid receptor than (+)-1, which is a mu-opioid receptor antagonist. X-ray crystallography revealed the absolute configuration of (-)-1 to be 6R,7R.

  1. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists for the prevention of cardiac complications among adults undergoing surgery.

    PubMed

    Duncan, Dallas; Sankar, Ashwin; Beattie, W Scott; Wijeysundera, Duminda N

    2018-03-06

    The surgical stress response plays an important role on the pathogenesis of perioperative cardiac complications. Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists attenuate this response and may help prevent postoperative cardiac complications. To determine the efficacy and safety of α-2 adrenergic agonists for reducing mortality and cardiac complications in adults undergoing cardiac surgery and non-cardiac surgery. We searched CENTRAL (2017, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1950 to April Week 4, 2017), Embase (1980 to May 2017), the Science Citation Index, clinical trial registries, and reference lists of included articles. We included randomized controlled trials that compared α-2 adrenergic agonists (i.e. clonidine, dexmedetomidine or mivazerol) against placebo or non-α-2 adrenergic agonists. Included trials had to evaluate the efficacy and safety of α-2 adrenergic agonists for preventing perioperative mortality or cardiac complications (or both), or measure one or more relevant outcomes (i.e. death, myocardial infarction, heart failure, acute stroke, supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and myocardial ischaemia). Two authors independently assessed trial quality, extracted data and independently performed computer entry of abstracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. Adverse event data were gathered from the trials. We evaluated included studies using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, and the quality of the evidence underlying pooled treatment effects using GRADE methodology. Given the clinical heterogeneity between cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, we analysed these subgroups separately. We expressed treatment effects as pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 47 trials with 17,039 participants. Of these studies, 24 trials only included participants undergoing cardiac surgery, 23 only included participants undergoing non-cardiac surgery and eight only included participants undergoing vascular surgery. The α-2 adrenergic agonist studied

  2. Synthesis and radiolabeling of a somatostatin analog for multimodal imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Edwards, W. Barry; Liang, Kexian; Xu, Baogang; Anderson, Carolyn J.; Achilefu, Samuel

    2006-02-01

    A new multimodal imaging agent for imaging the somatostatin receptor has been synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. A somatostatin analog, conjugated to both 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraaceticacid (DOTA) and cypate (BS-296), was synthesized entirely on the solid phase (Fmoc) and purified by RP-HPLC. DOTA was added as a ligand for radiometals such as 64Cu or 177Lu for either radio-imaging or radiotherapy respectively. Cytate, a cypatesomatostatin analog conjugate, has previously demonstrated the ability to visualize somatostatin receptor rich tumor xenografts and natural organs by optical imaging techniques. BS-296 exhibited low nanomolar inhibitory capacity toward the binding of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs in cell membranes enriched in the somatostatin receptor, demonstrating the high affinity of this multimodal imaging peptide and indicating its potential as a molecular imaging agent. 64Cu, an isotope for diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, was selected as the isotope for radiolabeling BS-296. BS-296 was radiolabeled with 64Cu in high specific activity (200 μCi/μg) in 90% radiochemical yield. Addition of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid) prevented radiolysis of the sample, allowing for study of the 64Cu -BS-296 the day following radiolabeling. Furthermore, inclusion of DMSO at a level of 20% was found not to interfere with radiolabeling yields and prevented the adherence of 64Cu -BS-296 to the walls of the reaction vessel.

  3. Interactions of ligands with active and inactive conformations of the dopamine D2 receptor.

    PubMed

    Malmberg, A; Mohell, N; Backlund Höök, B; Johansson, A M; Hacksell, U; Nordvall, G

    1998-04-10

    The affinities of 19 pharmacologically diverse dopamine D2 receptor ligands were determined for the active and inactive conformations of cloned human dopamine D2 receptors expressed in Ltk cells. The agonist [3H]quinpirole was used to selectively label the guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled, active receptor conformation. The antagonist [3H]raclopride, in the presence of the non-hydrolysable GTP-analogue Gpp(NH)p and sodium ions and in the absence of magnesium ions, was used to label the free inactive receptor conformation. The intrinsic activities of the ligands were determined in a forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP assay using the same cells. An excellent correlation was shown between the affinity ratios (KR/KRG) of the ligands for the two receptor conformations and their intrinsic activity (r=0.96). The ligands included eight structurally related and enantiopure 2-aminotetralin derivatives; the enantiomers of 5-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin, 5-methoxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin, 5-fluoro-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin and 2-(dipropylamino)tetralin. The (S)-enantiomers behaved as full agonists in the cyclic AMP assay and displayed a large KR/KRG ratio. The (R)-enantiomers were classified as partial agonists and had lower ratios. The structure-affinity relationships of these compounds at the active and the inactive receptor conformations were analysed separately, and used in conjunction with a homology based receptor model of the dopamine D2 receptor. This led to proposed binding modes for agonists, antagonists and partial agonists in the 2-aminotetralin series. The concepts used in this study should be of value in the design of ligands with predetermined affinity and intrinsic activity.

  4. Novel Small Molecule Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Stimulates Insulin Secretion in Rodents and From Human Islets

    PubMed Central

    Sloop, Kyle W.; Willard, Francis S.; Brenner, Martin B.; Ficorilli, James; Valasek, Kathleen; Showalter, Aaron D.; Farb, Thomas B.; Cao, Julia X.C.; Cox, Amy L.; Michael, M. Dodson; Gutierrez Sanfeliciano, Sonia Maria; Tebbe, Mark J.; Coghlan, Michael J.

    2010-01-01

    OBJECTIVE The clinical effectiveness of parenterally-administered glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetics to improve glucose control in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes strongly supports discovery pursuits aimed at identifying and developing orally active, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonists. The purpose of these studies was to identify and characterize novel nonpeptide agonists of the GLP-1 receptor. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Screening using cells expressing the GLP-1 receptor and insulin secretion assays with rodent and human islets were used to identify novel molecules. The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and hyperglycemic clamp characterized the insulinotropic effects of compounds in vivo. RESULTS Novel low molecular weight pyrimidine-based compounds that activate the GLP-1 receptor and stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion are described. These molecules induce GLP-1 receptor-mediated cAMP signaling in HEK293 cells expressing the GLP-1 receptor and increase insulin secretion from rodent islets in a dose-dependent manner. The compounds activate GLP-1 receptor signaling, both alone or in an additive fashion when combined with the endogenous GLP-1 peptide; however, these agonists do not compete with radiolabeled GLP-1 in receptor-binding assays. In vivo studies using the IVGTT and the hyperglycemic clamp in Sprague Dawley rats demonstrate increased insulin secretion in compound-treated animals. Further, perifusion assays with human islets isolated from a donor with type 2 diabetes show near-normalization of insulin secretion upon compound treatment. CONCLUSIONS These studies characterize the insulinotropic effects of an early-stage, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist and provide compelling evidence to support pharmaceutical optimization. PMID:20823098

  5. Bioassay-guided isolation of saikosaponins with agonistic activity on 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor from Bupleurum chinense and their potential use for the treatment of obesity.

    PubMed

    Sun, Chang-Li; Geng, Chang-An; Huang, Xiao-Yan; Ma, Yun-Bao; Zheng, Xiao-Hong; Yang, Tong-Hua; Chen, Xing-Long; Yin, Xiu-Juan; Zhang, Xue-Mei; Chen, Ji-Jun

    2017-06-01

    5-Hydroxytryptamine 2C (5-HT 2C ) receptor is one of the major targets of anti-obesity agents, due to its role in regulation of appetite. In the present study, the 70% EtOH extract of the roots of Bupleurum chinense was revealed to have agonistic activity on 5-HT 2C receptor, and the subsequent bioassay-guided isolation led to identification of several saikosaponins as the active constituents with 5-HT 2C receptor agonistic activity in vitro and anti-obesity activity in vivo. The new compound, 22-oxosaikosaponin d (1), was determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses (HR-ESI-MS, IR, and 1D and 2D NMR). The primary structure-activity relationship study suggested that the intramolecular ether bond between C-13 and C-28 and the number of sugars at C-3 position were closely related to the 5-HT 2C receptor agonistic activity. Saikosaponin a (3), the main saponin in B. chinense, showed obviously agonistic activity on 5-HT 2C receptor with an EC 50 value of 21.08 ± 0.33 μmol·L -1 in vitro and could reduce food intake by 39.1% and 69.2%, and weight gain by 13.6% and 16.4%, respectively, at 3.0 and 6.0 mg·kg -1 in vivo. This investigation provided valuable information for the potential use of B. chinense as anti-obesity agent. Copyright © 2017 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. 3D-QSAR, homology modeling, and molecular docking studies on spiropiperidines analogues as agonists of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ming; He, Lin; Hu, Xiaopeng; Liu, Peiqing; Luo, Hai-Bin

    2010-12-01

    The nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) has been implicated in a wide range of biological functions, including pain, anxiety, depression and drug abuse. Especially, its agonists have a great potential to be developed into anxiolytics. However, the crystal structure of NOP is still not available. In the present work, both structure-based and ligand-based modeling methods have been used to achieve a comprehensive understanding on 67N-substituted spiropiperidine analogues as NOP agonists. The comparative molecular-field analysis method was performed to formulate a reasonable 3D-QSAR model (cross-validated coefficient q(2)=0.819 and conventional r(2)=0.950), whose robustness and predictability were further verified by leave-eight-out, Y-randomization, and external test-set validations. The excellent performance of CoMFA to the affinity differences among these compounds was attributed to the contributions of electrostatic/hydrogen-bonding and steric/hydrophobic interactions, which was supported by the Surflex-Dock and CDOCKER molecular-docking simulations based on the 3D model of NOP built by the homology modeling method. The CoMFA contour maps and the molecular docking simulations were integrated to propose a binding mode for the spiropiperidine analogues at the binding site of NOP. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 can act both as an agonist and an inverse agonist when estrogen receptor α AF-2 is modified

    PubMed Central

    Movérare-Skrtic, Sofia; Börjesson, Anna E.; Farman, Helen H.; Sjögren, Klara; Windahl, Sara H.; Lagerquist, Marie K.; Andersson, Annica; Stubelius, Alexandra; Carlsten, Hans; Gustafsson, Jan-Åke; Ohlsson, Claes

    2014-01-01

    The bone-sparing effect of estrogen is primarily mediated via estrogen receptor (ER) α, which stimulates target gene transcription through two activation functions (AFs), AF-1 in the N-terminal and AF-2 in the ligand-binding domain. It was recently demonstrated that the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) acts as an ER agonist in uterus of mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2. To evaluate the estrogen-like effects of ICI in different tissues, ovariectomized wild-type mice and mice with mutations in the ERα AF-2 (ERαAF-20) were treated with ICI, estradiol, or vehicle for 3 wk. Estradiol increased the trabecular and cortical bone mass as well as the uterine weight, whereas it reduced fat mass, thymus weight, and the growth plate height in wild-type but not in ERαAF-20 mice. Although ICI had no effect in wild-type mice, it exerted tissue-specific effects in ERαAF-20 mice. It acted as an ERα agonist on trabecular bone mass and uterine weight, whereas no effect was seen on cortical bone mass, fat mass, or thymus weight. Surprisingly, a pronounced inverse agonistic activity was seen on the growth plate height, resulting in enhanced longitudinal bone growth. In conclusion, ICI uses ERα AF-1 in a tissue-dependent manner in mice lacking ERαAF-2, resulting in no effect, agonistic activity, or inverse agonistic activity. We propose that ERα lacking AF-2 is constitutively active in the absence of ligand in the growth plate, enabling ICI to act as an inverse agonist. PMID:24395795

  8. A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of 177Lu Radiolabeled Anti-PSMA Monoclonal Antibody J591 in Patients With High-Risk Castrate Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-09-1-0596 TITLE: A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of 177Lu Radiolabeled Anti- PSMA Monoclonal Antibody J591 in Patients With High...1-0596 A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of 177Lu Radiolabeled Anti- PSMA Monoclonal Antibody J591 in Patients With High-Risk Castrat Biochemically Relapsed...in December 2014 with approval to proceed without modifications. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Prostate cancer, PSA, PSMA , monoclonal antibody

  9. Potent μ-Opioid Receptor Agonists from Cyclic Peptides Tyr-c[D-Lys-Xxx-Tyr-Gly]: Synthesis, Biological, and Structural Evaluation.

    PubMed

    Li, Yangmei; Cazares, Margret; Wu, Jinhua; Houghten, Richard A; Toll, Laurence; Dooley, Colette

    2016-02-11

    To optimize the structure of a μ-opioid receptor ligand, analogs H-Tyr-c[D-Lys-Xxx-Tyr-Gly] were synthesized and their biological activity was tested. The analog containing a Phe(3) was identified as not only exhibiting binding affinity 14-fold higher than the original hit but also producing agonist activity 3-fold more potent than morphine. NMR study suggested that a trans conformation at D-Lys(2)-Xxx(3) is crucial for these cyclic peptides to maintain high affinity, selectivity, and functional activity toward the μ-opioid receptor.

  10. Agonist trapped in ATP-binding sites of the P2X2 receptor

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Ruotian; Lemoine, Damien; Martz, Adeline; Taly, Antoine; Gonin, Sophie; Prado de Carvalho, Lia; Specht, Alexandre; Grutter, Thomas

    2011-01-01

    ATP-gated P2X receptors are trimeric ion channels, as recently confirmed by X-ray crystallography. However, the structure was solved without ATP and even though extracellular intersubunit cavities surrounded by conserved amino acid residues previously shown to be important for ATP function were proposed to house ATP, the localization of the ATP sites remains elusive. Here we localize the ATP-binding sites by creating, through a proximity-dependent “tethering” reaction, covalent bonds between a synthesized ATP-derived thiol-reactive P2X2 agonist (NCS-ATP) and single cysteine mutants engineered in the putative binding cavities of the P2X2 receptor. By combining whole-cell and single-channel recordings, we report that NCS-ATP covalently and specifically labels two previously unidentified positions N140 and L186 from two adjacent subunits separated by about 18 Å in a P2X2 closed state homology model, suggesting the existence of at least two binding modes. Tethering reaction at both positions primes subsequent agonist binding, yet with distinct functional consequences. Labeling of one position impedes subsequent ATP function, which results in inefficient gating, whereas tethering of the other position, although failing to produce gating by itself, enhances subsequent ATP function. Our results thus define a large and dynamic intersubunit ATP-binding pocket and suggest that receptors trapped in covalently agonist-bound states differ in their ability to gate the ion channel. PMID:21576497

  11. Agonist trapped in ATP-binding sites of the P2X2 receptor.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Ruotian; Lemoine, Damien; Martz, Adeline; Taly, Antoine; Gonin, Sophie; Prado de Carvalho, Lia; Specht, Alexandre; Grutter, Thomas

    2011-05-31

    ATP-gated P2X receptors are trimeric ion channels, as recently confirmed by X-ray crystallography. However, the structure was solved without ATP and even though extracellular intersubunit cavities surrounded by conserved amino acid residues previously shown to be important for ATP function were proposed to house ATP, the localization of the ATP sites remains elusive. Here we localize the ATP-binding sites by creating, through a proximity-dependent "tethering" reaction, covalent bonds between a synthesized ATP-derived thiol-reactive P2X2 agonist (NCS-ATP) and single cysteine mutants engineered in the putative binding cavities of the P2X2 receptor. By combining whole-cell and single-channel recordings, we report that NCS-ATP covalently and specifically labels two previously unidentified positions N140 and L186 from two adjacent subunits separated by about 18 Å in a P2X2 closed state homology model, suggesting the existence of at least two binding modes. Tethering reaction at both positions primes subsequent agonist binding, yet with distinct functional consequences. Labeling of one position impedes subsequent ATP function, which results in inefficient gating, whereas tethering of the other position, although failing to produce gating by itself, enhances subsequent ATP function. Our results thus define a large and dynamic intersubunit ATP-binding pocket and suggest that receptors trapped in covalently agonist-bound states differ in their ability to gate the ion channel.

  12. The NMDA receptor partial agonist d-cycloserine does not enhance motor learning.

    PubMed

    Günthner, Jan; Scholl, Jacqueline; Favaron, Elisa; Harmer, Catherine J; Johansen-Berg, Heidi; Reinecke, Andrea

    2016-10-01

    There has recently been increasing interest in pharmacological manipulations that could potentially enhance exposure-based cognitive behaviour therapy for anxiety disorders. One such medication is the partial NMDA agonist d-cycloserine. It has been suggested that d-cycloserine enhances cognitive behaviour therapy by making learning faster. While animal studies have supported this view of the drug accelerating learning, evidence in human studies has been mixed. We therefore designed an experiment to measure the effects of d-cycloserine on human motor learning. Fifty-four healthy human volunteers were randomly assigned to a single dose of 250mg d-cycloserine versus placebo in a double-blind design. They then performed a motor sequence learning task. D-cycloserine did not increase the speed of motor learning or the overall amount learnt. However, we noted that participants on d-cycloserine tended to respond more carefully (shifting towards slower, but more correct responses). The results suggest that d-cycloserine does not exert beneficial effects on psychological treatments via mechanisms involved in motor learning. Further studies are needed to clarify the influence on other cognitive mechanisms. © The Author(s) 2016.

  13. Classical and atypical agonists activate M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors through common mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Randáková, Alena; Dolejší, Eva; Rudajev, Vladimír; Zimčík, Pavel; Doležal, Vladimír; El-Fakahany, Esam E; Jakubík, Jan

    2015-07-01

    We mutated key amino acids of the human variant of the M1 muscarinic receptor that target ligand binding, receptor activation, and receptor-G protein interaction. We compared the effects of these mutations on the action of two atypical M1 functionally preferring agonists (N-desmethylclozapine and xanomeline) and two classical non-selective orthosteric agonists (carbachol and oxotremorine). Mutations of D105 in the orthosteric binding site and mutation of D99 located out of the orthosteric binding site decreased affinity of all tested agonists that was translated as a decrease in potency in accumulation of inositol phosphates and intracellular calcium mobilization. Mutation of D105 decreased the potency of the atypical agonist xanomeline more than that of the classical agonists carbachol and oxotremorine. Mutation of the residues involved in receptor activation (D71) and coupling to G-proteins (R123) completely abolished the functional responses to both classical and atypical agonists. Our data show that both classical and atypical agonists activate hM1 receptors by the same molecular switch that involves D71 in the second transmembrane helix. The principal difference among the studied agonists is rather in the way they interact with D105 in the orthosteric binding site. Furthermore, our data demonstrate a key role of D105 in xanomeline wash-resistant binding and persistent activation of hM1 by wash-resistant xanomeline. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  14. Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of radiolabelled SNI-2011, a novel muscarinic receptor agonist, in healthy volunteers. Comprehensive understanding of absorption, metabolism and excretion using radiolabelled SNI-2011.

    PubMed

    Washio, Takuo; Kohsaka, Kazuhiro; Arisawa, Hirohiko; Masunaga, Hiroaki; Nagatsuka, Shin-ichiro; Satoh, Yoshiaki

    2003-01-01

    The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of SNI-2011 ((+/-)-cis-2-methylspiro[1,3-oxathiolane-5,3'-quinuclidine]monohydrochloride hemihydrate, cevimeline, CAS 153504-70-2), a novel muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist developed for the treatment of Sjögen's syndrome, were investigated in six healthy volunteers after a single oral administration of 14C-SNI-2011. After administration, plasma concentrations of the radioactivity and SNI-2011 reached to Cmax at approximately 2 h, and then decreased with t 1/2 of 9 and 4 h, respectively. Cmax and AUC0-infinity of the radioactivity in plasma were 2.2 and 5.0 times higher than those of SNI-2011, respectively. The main excretion route of the radioactivity was urine, and 97.3% of the dose excreted in urine within 168 h, indicating that 14C-SNI-2011 was completely absorbed. The mean recoveries of the metabolites in urine at 24 h after administration were 16.0% for SNI-2011, 35.8% for SNI-2011 trans-sulfoxide (SNI-t-SO), 8.7% for SNI-2011 cis-sulfoxide, 4.1% for SNI-2011 N-oxide, furthermore, two unknown metabolites, UK-1 and UK-2, were detected 14.6% and 7.7%, respectively. LC/MS analysis and hydrolysis studies revealed that UK-1 and UK-2 were glucuronic acid conjugates of SNI-2011 and SNI-t-SO, respectively.

  15. [Radiolabelling and assay of Chinese agkistrodon acutus venom with carrier-free Na 125I].

    PubMed

    Gong, Y; Deng, C; Li, S; Li, L; Guan, J

    1995-03-01

    Chinese agkistroden acutus venom (CAAV) was radiolabelled with carrier-free Na 125I by the method of Iodogen. The specific activity and radiochemical purity for radiolabelled products were 4236.5 x 10(10) Bq/mmol and 98%, respectively. Each CAAV molecule carried 0.52 125I atom. Physical and chemical characterization of radiolabelled CAAV was similar to unradiolabelled CAAV. Binding analysis showed that 125I-CAAV was bound to platelet in a saturable manner. Binding sites per platelet were 13,255 +/- 6292/platelet. The dissociation constant (Kd) was 3.2 +/- 0.69 x 10(-10) mol/L. These results are similar to binding sites of other snake venom on platelet. The investigation showed that radiolabelled CAAV made by our laboratory was useful for radioligand binding assay.

  16. Pharmacological characterization of 30 human melanocortin-4 receptor polymorphisms with the endogenous proopiomelanocortin-derived agonists, synthetic agonists, and the endogenous agouti-related protein antagonist.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Zhimin; Proneth, Bettina; Dirain, Marvin L; Litherland, Sally A; Haskell-Luevano, Carrie

    2010-06-08

    The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is expressed in the central nervous system and has a role in regulating feeding behavior, obesity, energy homeostasis, male erectile response, and blood pressure. Since the report of the MC4R knockout mouse in 1997, the field has been searching for links between this genetic biomarker and human obesity and type 2 diabetes. More then 80 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified from human patients, both obese and nonobese controls. Many significant studies have been performed examining the pharmacological characteristics of these hMC4R SNPs in attempts to identify a molecular defects/insights that might link a genetic factor to the obese phenotype observed in patients possessing these mutations. Our laboratory has previously reported the pharmacological characterization of 40 of these polymorphic hMC4 receptors with multiple endogenous and synthetic ligands. The goal of the current study is to perform a similar comprehensive side-by-side characterization of 30 additional human hMC4R with single nucleotide polymorphisms using multiple endogenous agonists [alpha-, beta-, and gamma(2)-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)], the antagonist agouti-related protein hAGRP(87-132), and synthetic agonists [NDP-MSH, MTII, and the tetrapeptide Ac-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH(2) (JRH887-9)]. These in vitro data, in some cases, provide a putative molecular link between dysfunctional hMC4R's and human obesity. These 30 hMC4R SNPs include R7H, R18H, R18L, S36Y, P48S, V50M, F51L, E61K, I69T, D90N, S94R, G98R, I121T, A154D, Y157S, W174C, G181D, F202L, A219 V, I226T, G231S, G238D, N240S, C271R, S295P, P299L, E308K, I317V, L325F, and 750DelGA. All but the N240S hMC4R were identified in obese patients. Additionally, we have characterized a double I102T/V103I hMC4R. In addition to the pharmacological characterization, the hMC4R variants were evaluated for cell surface

  17. Adrenergic-agonist-induced Ca2+ fluxes in rat parotid cells are not Na+-dependent.

    PubMed Central

    Helman, J; Roth, G S; Baum, B J

    1985-01-01

    We investigated the hypothesis that extracellular Na+ is required for the rapid mobilization of Ca2+ by rat parotid cells after adrenergic stimulation. When Na+ salts in the media were osmotically replaced with either choline chloride (+atropine) or sucrose, efflux of 45Ca2+ from preloaded cells, caused by 10 microM-(-)-adrenaline, was unchanged. Similarly adrenaline stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake into cells under nonsteady-state conditions in the presence or absence of Na+. Monensin, a Na+ ionophore, was able to elicit a modest increase in 45Ca2+ efflux, compared with controls. Studies of net 45Ca2+ flux, performed under near-steady-state conditions, showed that adrenaline caused net 45Ca2+ accumulation, whereas monensin caused net 45Ca2+ release. The effect of monensin required the presence of Na+ in the incubation medium. Both 1 mM-LaCl3 and 0.1 mM-D-600 prevented adrenaline-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake into cells, but had no effect on monensin-induced changes. We conclude that (1) the rapid mobilization of Ca2+ by adrenergic agonists seen in rat parotid cells does not require a Na+out greater than Na+in gradient and (2) the nature of the monensin effect is quite different from the adrenergic-agonist-induced response. PMID:2413840

  18. Dopamine D3/D2 Receptor Antagonist PF-4363467 Attenuates Opioid Drug-Seeking Behavior without Concomitant D2 Side Effects.

    PubMed

    Wager, Travis T; Chappie, Thomas; Horton, David; Chandrasekaran, Ramalakshmi Y; Samas, Brian; Dunn-Sims, Elizabeth R; Hsu, Cathleen; Nawreen, Nawshaba; Vanase-Frawley, Michelle A; O'Connor, Rebecca E; Schmidt, Christopher J; Dlugolenski, Keith; Stratman, Nancy C; Majchrzak, Mark J; Kormos, Bethany L; Nguyen, David P; Sawant-Basak, Aarti; Mead, Andy N

    2017-01-18

    Dopamine receptor antagonism is a compelling molecular target for the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. From our corporate compound file, we identified a structurally unique D3 receptor (D3R) antagonist scaffold, 1. Through a hybrid approach, we merged key pharmacophore elements from 1 and D3 agonist 2 to yield the novel D3R/D2R antagonist PF-4363467 (3). Compound 3 was designed to possess CNS drug-like properties as defined by its CNS MPO desirability score (≥4/6). In addition to good physicochemical properties, 3 exhibited low nanomolar affinity for the D3R (D3 K i = 3.1 nM), good subtype selectivity over D2R (D2 K i = 692 nM), and high selectivity for D3R versus other biogenic amine receptors. In vivo, 3 dose-dependently attenuated opioid self-administration and opioid drug-seeking behavior in a rat operant reinstatement model using animals trained to self-administer fentanyl. Further, traditional extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), adverse side effects arising from D2R antagonism, were not observed despite high D2 receptor occupancy (RO) in rodents, suggesting that compound 3 has a unique in vivo profile. Collectively, our data support further investigation of dual D3R and D2R antagonists for the treatment of drug addiction.

  19. A cell-based assay to assess the persistence of action of agonists acting at recombinant human beta(2) adrenoceptors.

    PubMed

    Summerhill, Susan; Stroud, Timothy; Nagendra, Roshini; Perros-Huguet, Christelle; Trevethick, Michael

    2008-01-01

    The aim was to establish a robust, 96-well, cell-based assay to assess the potency and persistence of action of agonists acting at human recombinant beta(2) adrenoceptors expressed in CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells and to compare this with published duration of action data in guinea pig isolated trachea and human bronchus. Cells were treated with either: (i) beta-adrenoceptor agonist for 30 min, washed and cyclicAMP (cAMP) measured 30 min later-termed 'washed' cells or, (ii) treated with solvent for 30 min, washed, and then treated with beta-adrenoceptor agonist for 30 min and cAMP measured-termed 'unwashed' cells. The 'washed' EC(50) was divided by the 'unwashed' EC(50) to determine a rightward shift concentration ratio, which was indicative of the persistence of action at the receptor. At the beta(2) adrenoceptor salmeterol, carmoterol and indacaterol were resistant to washing with a concentration ratio of <5, indicating a long persistence of action, whereas formoterol, isoprenaline and salbutamol were washed out with a ratio of 32, >294 and >800 respectively, suggesting a shorter persistence of action. At beta(1) and beta(3) adrenoceptors all compounds washed out. The persistent effects of salmeterol at beta(2) following washing could be reversed by the selective beta(2) antagonist ICI 118551, suggesting continued receptor activation. The data presented agree well with published data assessing duration of action of beta(2) agonists in human isolated bronchus and guinea pig isolated trachea. Key features are: (a) it is a 96-well format which can be used to assess many compounds in a single experiment, (b) both potency and persistence of agonist action are assessed in the same assay, (c) any effects of concentration on the persistence of action can be highlighted, and (d) it allows triage of compounds prior to tissue bath studies thus reducing the use of animal tissue.

  20. Radiolabeled Exosomes for the Early Detection of Metastases and to Predict Breast Cancer Premetastatic Niche

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-08-01

    and/or gel filtration on PD-10 columns. Specific Aim 2.2. Iodine - 131 (radiolabeling of Tyrosine and Histidine residues) Experimental part...6×109, c) 20×109 and d) 50×109 particles in a PBS solution (100uL). Labeling with I- 131 was 6 performed using the Iodogen method and PIERCE® pre...coated iodination tubes. Na131I of high radiochemical purity was supplied by Perkin Elmer. In a final volume of 0.15-0.35mL, exosomes were mixed with

  1. Comparative 3D QSAR study on β1-, β2-, and β3-adrenoceptor agonists

    PubMed Central

    Senthil Kumar, P.

    2009-01-01

    A quantitative structure–activity relationship study of tryptamine-based derivatives of β1-, β2-, and β3-adrenoceptor agonists was conducted using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA). Correlation coefficients (cross-validated r2) of 0.578, 0.595, and 0.558 were obtained for the three subtypes, respectively, in three different CoMFA models. All three CoMFA models have different steric and electrostatic contributions, implying different requirements inside the binding cavity. The CoMFA coefficient contour plots of the three models and comparisons among these plots provide clues regarding the main chemical features responsible for the biological activity variations and also result in predictions which correlate very well with the observed biological activity. Based on the analysis, a summary regeospecific description of the requirements for improving β-adrenoceptor subtype selectivity is given. PMID:21170122

  2. Comparisons of the potential utility of LHRH agonists and antagonists for fertility control.

    PubMed

    Vickery, B H

    1985-11-01

    Prospects for the use of LHRH analogs for human fertility control have been reviewed with particular reference to two highly potent representatives. Nafarelin acetate, the LHRH agonist, has a potency about 200 X that of LHRH and is consistently effective in suppressing gonadal function in females through a desensitization of LHRH receptors in the pituitary. Such agents show promise as ovulation inhibitors for women although concern has been expressed over the dangers of unopposed estrogen or alternatively hypoestrogenemia. Although early studies indicated luteolysis in women and interceptive action in baboons it is now clear that the LHRH agonists will not be useful clinically to terminate pregnancy. Wide species differences in the male response to LHRH agonists exist. Unfortunately azoospermia has not been achieved in men. The LHRH antagonists, typified by [N-Ac-D-Nal(2)1, D-pCl-Phe2, D-Trp3, D-hArg(Et2)6, D-Ala10]LHRH, require high doses to competitively inhibit responses to endogenous LHRH. Their advantages include a rapid induction of the hypogonadal state with apparently little species or sexual variation in response. Based on animal studies, preferable utility of the antagonists would lie in male contraception and pregnancy interception.

  3. Endomorphin analogues containing D-Pro2 discriminate different μ-opioid receptor mediated antinociception in mice

    PubMed Central

    Sakurada, Shinobu; Watanabe, Hiroyuki; Hayashi, Takafumi; Yuhki, Masayuki; Fujimura, Tsutomu; Murayama, Kimie; Sakurada, Chikai; Sakurada, Tsukasa

    2002-01-01

    The antagonistic actions of D-Pro2-endomorphins on inhibition of the paw withdrawal response by endomorphins were studied in mice. D-Pro2-endomorphin-1 and D-Pro2-endomorphin-2, injected intrathecally (i.t.), had no significant effect on the nociceptive thermal threshold alone. When D-Pro2-endomorphin-1 (0.05–0.1 pmol) was injected simultaneously with i.t. endomorphin-1 (5.0 nmol) or endomorphin-2 (5.0 nmol), antinociception induced by endomoprhin-1 was reduced significantly, whereas endomorphin-2-induced antinociception was not affected by D-Pro2-endomorphin-1. Antinociception induced by i.t. endomorphin-2 (5.0 nmol) was reduced significantly by its analogue, D-Pro2-endomorphin-2 (100 pmol), but not by D-Pro2-endomorphin-1. D-Pro2-endomorphin-1. D-Pro2-endomorphin-1 also antagonized the antinociceptive effect of i.t. DAMGO, a μ-opioid receptor agonist, whereas D-Pro2-endomorphin-2 failed to reduce the effect of DAMGO. These results suggest that endomorphin analogues containing D-Pro2 are able to discriminate the antinociceptive actions of μ1- and μ2-opioid receptor agonists at the spinal cord level. PMID:12466222

  4. Novel selective agonists and antagonists confirm neurokinin NK1 receptors in guinea-pig vas deferens.

    PubMed Central

    Hall, J. M.; Morton, I. K.

    1991-01-01

    1. This study investigated the recognition characteristics of neurokinin receptors mediating potentiation of the contractile response to field stimulation in the guinea-pig vas deferens. 2. A predominant NK1 receptor population is strongly suggested by the relative activities of the common naturally-occurring tachykinin agonists, which fall within less than one order of magnitude. This conclusion is supported by the relative activities of the synthetic NK1 selective agonists substance P methyl ester, [Glp6,L-Pro9]-SP(6-11) and delta-aminovaleryl-[L-Pro9,N-MeLeu10]- SP(7-11) (GR73632) which were 0.78, 9.3 and 120 as active as substance P, respectively. Furthermore, the NK2 selective agonist [Lys3, Gly8,-R-gamma-lactam-Leu9]-NKA(3-10) (GR64349) was active only at the highest concentrations tested (greater than 10 microM), and the NK3 selective agonist, succ-[Asp6,N-MePhe8]-SP(6-11) (senktide) was essentially inactive (10 nM-32 microM). 3. [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP(1-11) antagonized responses to neurokinin A, neurokinin B, physalaemin, eledoisin, [Glp6,D-Pro9]-SP(6-11), GR73632 and GR64349 (apparent pKB s 5.6-6.2), but was less potent in antagonizing responses to substance P, substance P methyl ester and [Glp6,L-Pro9]-SP(6-11) (apparent pKB s less than or equal to 5.0-5.0). 4. In contrast, the recently developed NK1-selective receptor antagonist [D-Pro9[Spiro-gamma-lactam]Leu10,Trp11]-SP(1-11) (GR71251) did not produce agonist-dependent pKB estimates. Schild plot analysis indicated a competitive interaction with a single receptor population where the antagonist had an estimated overall pKB of 7.58 +/- 0.13 for the four agonists of differing subtype selectivity tested (GR73632, GR64349, substance P methyl ester and neurokinin B).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:1707714

  5. Agemone mexicana flavanones; apposite inverse agonists of the β2-adrenergic receptor in asthma treatment.

    PubMed

    Eniafe, Gabriel O; Metibemu, Damilohun S; Omotuyi, Olaposi I; Ogunleye, Adewale J; Inyang, Olumide K; Adelakun, Niyi S; Adeniran, Yakubu O; Adewumi, Bamidele; Enejoh, Ojochenemi A; Osunmuyiwa, Joseph O; Shodehinde, Sidiqat A; Oyeneyin, Oluwatoba E

    2018-01-01

    Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airway that poses a major threat to human health. With increase industrialization in the developed and developing countries, the incidence of asthma is on the rise. The β2-adrenergic receptor is an important target in designing anti-asthmatic drugs. The synthetic agonists of the β2-adrenergic receptor used over the years proved effective, but with indispensable side effects, thereby limiting their therapeutic use on a long-term scale. Inverse agonists of this receptor, although initially contraindicated, had been reported to have long-term beneficial effects. Phytochemicals from Agemone mexicana were screened against the human β2-adrenergic receptor in the agonist, inverse agonist, covalent agonist, and the antagonist conformations. Molecular docking of the phyto-constituents showed that the plant constituents bind better to the inverse agonist bound conformation of the protein, and revealed two flavanones; eriodictyol and hesperitin, with lower free energy (ΔG) values and higher affinities to the inverse agonist bound receptor than the co-crystallized ligand. Eriodictyol and hesperitin bind with the glide score of -10.684 and - 9.958 kcal/mol respectively, while the standard compound ICI-118551, binds with glide score of -9.503 kcal/mol. Further interaction profiling at the protein orthosteric site and ADME/Tox screening confirmed the drug-like properties of these compounds.

  6. No contractile effect for 5-HT1D and 5-HT1F receptor agonists in human and bovine cerebral arteries: similarity with human coronary artery

    PubMed Central

    Bouchelet, Isabelle; Case, Bruce; Olivier, André; Hamel, Edith

    2000-01-01

    Using subtype-selective 5-HT1 receptor agonists and/or the 5-HT1 receptor antagonist GR127935, we characterized in vitro the 5-HT receptor that mediates the contraction of human and bovine cerebral arteries. Further, we investigated which sumatriptan-sensitive receptors are present in human coronary artery by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Agonists with affinity at the 5-HT1B receptor, such as sumatriptan, alniditan and/or IS-159, elicited dose-dependent contraction in both human and bovine cerebral arteries. They behaved as full agonists at the sumatriptan-sensitive 5-HT1 receptors in both species. In contrast, PNU-109291 and LY344864, selective agonists at 5-HT1D and 5-HT1F receptors, respectively, were devoid of any significant vasocontractile activity in cerebral arteries, or did not affect the sumatriptan-induced vasocontraction. The rank order of agonist potency was similar in both species and could be summarized as 5-HT=alniditan>sumatriptan=IS-159>>>PNU-109291=LY344864. In bovine cerebral arteries, the 5-HT1 receptor antagonist GR127935 dose-dependently inhibited the vasoconstrictions elicited by both 5-HT and sumatriptan, with respective pA2 values of 8.0 and 8.6. RT–PCR studies in human coronary arteries showed a strong signal for the 5-HT1B receptor while message for the 5-HT1F receptor was weak and less frequently detected. Expression of 5-HT1D receptor mRNA was not detected in any sample. The present results demonstrate that the triptan-induced contraction in brain vessels is mediated exclusively by the 5-HT1B receptor, which is also present in a majority of human coronary arteries. These results suggest that selective 5-HT1D and 5-HT1F receptor agonists might represent new antimigraine drugs devoid of cerebro- and cardiovascular effects. PMID:10711348

  7. Development of 7TM receptor-ligand complex models using ligand-biased, semi-empirical helix-bundle repacking in torsion space: application to the agonist interaction of the human dopamine D2 receptor.

    PubMed

    Malo, Marcus; Persson, Ronnie; Svensson, Peder; Luthman, Kristina; Brive, Lars

    2013-03-01

    Prediction of 3D structures of membrane proteins, and of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in particular, is motivated by their importance in biological systems and the difficulties associated with experimental structure determination. In the present study, a novel method for the prediction of 3D structures of the membrane-embedded region of helical membrane proteins is presented. A large pool of candidate models are produced by repacking of the helices of a homology model using Monte Carlo sampling in torsion space, followed by ranking based on their geometric and ligand-binding properties. The trajectory is directed by weak initial restraints to orient helices towards the original model to improve computation efficiency, and by a ligand to guide the receptor towards a chosen conformational state. The method was validated by construction of the β1 adrenergic receptor model in complex with (S)-cyanopindolol using bovine rhodopsin as template. In addition, models of the dopamine D2 receptor were produced with the selective and rigid agonist (R)-N-propylapomorphine ((R)-NPA) present. A second quality assessment was implemented by evaluating the results from docking of a library of 29 ligands with known activity, which further discriminated between receptor models. Agonist binding and recognition by the dopamine D2 receptor is interpreted using the 3D structure model resulting from the approach. This method has a potential for modeling of all types of helical transmembrane proteins for which a structural template with sequence homology sufficient for homology modeling is not available or is in an incorrect conformational state, but for which sufficient empirical information is accessible.

  8. Adolescent Maturation of Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptor Function and Interactions in Rodents

    PubMed Central

    Dwyer, Jennifer B.; Leslie, Frances M.

    2016-01-01

    Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by heightened vulnerability to illicit drug use and the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. These clinical phenomena likely share common neurobiological substrates, as mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems actively mature during this period. Whereas prior studies have examined age-dependent changes in dopamine receptor binding, there have been fewer functional analyses. The aim of the present study was therefore to determine whether the functional consequences of D1 and D2-like activation are age-dependent. Adolescent and adult rats were given direct D1 and D2 agonists, alone and in combination. Locomotor and stereotypic behaviors were measured, and brains were collected for analysis of mRNA expression for the immediate early genes (IEGs), cfos and arc. Adolescents showed enhanced D2-like receptor control of locomotor and repetitive behaviors, which transitioned to dominant D1-like mechanisms in adulthood. When low doses of agonists were co-administered, adults showed supra-additive behavioral responses to D1/D2 combinations, whereas adolescents did not, which may suggest age differences in D1/D2 synergy. D1/D2-stimulated IEG expression was particularly prominent in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Given the BNST’s function as an integrator of corticostriatal, hippocampal, and stress-related circuitry, and the importance of neural network dynamics in producing behavior, an exploratory functional network analysis of regional IEG expression was performed. This data-driven analysis demonstrated similar developmental trajectories as those described in humans and suggested that dopaminergic drugs alter forebrain coordinated gene expression age dependently. D1/D2 recruitment of stress nuclei into functional networks was associated with low behavioral output in adolescents. Network analysis presents a novel tool to assess pharmacological action, and highlights critical developmental changes in functional

  9. Microfluidic radiolabeling of biomolecules with PET radiometals

    PubMed Central

    Zeng, Dexing; Desai, Amit V.; Ranganathan, David; Wheeler, Tobias D.; Kenis, Paul J. A.; Reichert, David E.

    2012-01-01

    Introduction A robust, versatile and compact microreactor has been designed, fabricated and tested for the labeling of bifunctional chelate conjugated biomolecules (BFC-BM) with PET radiometals. Methods The developed microreactor was used to radiolabel a chelate, either 1,4,7,10-Tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) or 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) that had been conjugated to cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-DPhe-Lys) peptide, with both 64Cu and 68Ga respectively. The microreactor radiolabeling conditions were optimized by varying temperature, concentration and residence time. Results Direct comparisons between the microreactor approach and conventional methods showed improved labeling yields and increased reproducibility with the microreactor under identical labeling conditions, due to enhanced mass and heat transfer at the microscale. More importantly, over 90% radiolabeling yields (incorporation of radiometal) were achieved with a 1:1 stoichiometry of bifunctional chelate biomolecule conjugate (BFC-BM) to radiometal in the microreactor, which potentially obviates extensive chromatographic purification that is typically required to remove the large excess of unlabeled biomolecule in radioligands prepared using conventional methods. Moreover, higher yields for radiolabeling of DOTA-functionalized BSA protein (Bovine Serum Albumin) were observed with 64Cu/68Ga using the microreactor, which demonstrates the ability to label both small and large molecules. Conclusions A robust, reliable, compact microreactor capable of chelating radiometals with common chelates has been developed and validated. Based on our radiolabeling results, the reported microfluidic approach overall outperforms conventional radiosynthetic methods, and is a promising technology for the radiometal labeling of commonly utilized BFC-BM in aqueous solutions. PMID:23078875

  10. Microfluidic radiolabeling of biomolecules with PET radiometals.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Dexing; Desai, Amit V; Ranganathan, David; Wheeler, Tobias D; Kenis, Paul J A; Reichert, David E

    2013-01-01

    A robust, versatile and compact microreactor has been designed, fabricated and tested for the labeling of bifunctional chelate conjugated biomolecules (BFC-BM) with PET radiometals. The developed microreactor was used to radiolabel a chelate, either 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) or 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) that had been conjugated to cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-DPhe-Lys) peptide, with both ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁸Ga respectively. The microreactor radiolabeling conditions were optimized by varying temperature, concentration and residence time. Direct comparisons between the microreactor approach and conventional methods showed improved labeling yields and increased reproducibility with the microreactor under identical labeling conditions, due to enhanced mass and heat transfer at the microscale. More importantly, over 90% radiolabeling yields (incorporation of radiometal) were achieved with a 1:1 stoichiometry of bifunctional chelate biomolecule conjugate (BFC-BM) to radiometal in the microreactor, which potentially obviates extensive chromatographic purification that is typically required to remove the large excess of unlabeled biomolecule in radioligands prepared using conventional methods. Moreover, higher yields for radiolabeling of DOTA-functionalized BSA protein (Bovine Serum Albumin) were observed with ⁶⁴Cu/⁶⁸Ga using the microreactor, which demonstrates the ability to label both small and large molecules. A robust, reliable, compact microreactor capable of chelating radiometals with common chelates has been developed and validated. Based on our radiolabeling results, the reported microfluidic approach overall outperforms conventional radiosynthetic methods, and is a promising technology for the radiometal labeling of commonly utilized BFC-BM in aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Dopamine-induced apoptosis of lactotropes is mediated by the short isoform of D2 receptor.

    PubMed

    Radl, Daniela Betiana; Ferraris, Jimena; Boti, Valeria; Seilicovich, Adriana; Sarkar, Dipak Kumar; Pisera, Daniel

    2011-03-25

    Dopamine, through D2 receptor (D2R), is the major regulator of lactotrope function in the anterior pituitary gland. Both D2R isoforms, long (D2L) and short (D2S), are expressed in lactotropes. Although both isoforms can transduce dopamine signal, they differ in the mechanism that leads to cell response. The administration of D2R agonists, such as cabergoline, is the main pharmacological treatment for prolactinomas, but resistance to these drugs exists, which has been associated with alterations in D2R expression. We previously reported that dopamine and cabergoline induce apoptosis of lactotropes in primary culture in an estrogen-dependent manner. In this study we used an in vivo model to confirm the permissive action of estradiol in the apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells induced by D2R agonists. Administration of cabergoline to female rats induced apoptosis, measured by Annexin-V staining, in anterior pituitary gland from estradiol-treated rats but not from ovariectomized rats. To evaluate the participation of D2R isoforms in the apoptosis induced by dopamine we used lactotrope-derived PR1 cells stably transfected with expression vectors encoding D2L or D2S receptors. In the presence of estradiol, dopamine induced apoptosis, determined by ELISA and TUNEL assay, only in PR1-D2S cells. To study the role of p38 MAPK in apoptosis induced by D2R activation, anterior pituitary cells from primary culture or PR1-D2S were incubated with an inhibitor of the p38 MAPK pathway (SB203850). SB203580 blocked the apoptotic effect of D2R activation in lactotropes from primary cultures and PR1-D2S cells. Dopamine also induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, determined by western blot, in PR1-D2S cells and estradiol enhanced this effect. These data suggest that, in the presence of estradiol, D2R agonists induce apoptosis of lactotropes by their interaction with D2S receptors and that p38 MAPK is involved in this process.

  12. Generation of a novel artificial TrkB agonist, BM17d99, using T7 phage-displayed random peptide libraries.

    PubMed

    Ohnishi, Toshiyuki; Sakamoto, Kotaro; Asami-Odaka, Asano; Nakamura, Kimie; Shimizu, Ayako; Ito, Takashi; Asami, Taiji; Ohtaki, Tetsuya; Inooka, Hiroshi

    2017-01-29

    Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) is a known receptor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Because it plays a critical role in the regulation of neuronal development, maturation, survival, etc., TrkB is a good target for drugs against central nervous system diseases. In this study, we aimed to generate peptidic TrkB agonists by applying random peptide phage display technology. After the phage panning against recombinant Fc-fused TrkB (TrkB-Fc), agonistic phages were directly screened against TrkB-expressing HEK293 cells. Through subsequent screening of the first-hit BM17 peptide-derived focus library, we successfully obtained the BM17d99 peptide, which had no sequence similarity with BDNF but had TrkB-binding capacity. We then synthesized a dimeric BM17d99 analog peptide that could phosphorylate or activate TrkB by facilitating receptor homodimerization. Treatment of TrkB-expressing HEK293 cells with the dimeric BM17d99 analog peptide significantly induced the phosphorylation of TrkB, suggesting that homodimerization of TrkB was enhanced by the dimeric peptide. This report demonstrates that our approach is useful for the generation of artificial peptidic agonists of cell surface receptors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Examining the role of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in Pavlovian conditioned approach behaviors.

    PubMed

    Fraser, Kurt M; Haight, Joshua L; Gardner, Eliot L; Flagel, Shelly B

    2016-05-15

    Elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences in the extent to which reward cues acquire the ability to act as incentive stimuli may contribute to the development of successful treatments for addiction and related disorders. We used the sign-tracker/goal-tracker animal model to examine the role of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the propensity to attribute incentive salience to reward cues. Following Pavlovian training, wherein a discrete lever-cue was paired with food reward, rats were classified as sign- or goal-trackers based on the resultant conditioned response. We examined the effects of D2/D3 agonists, 7-OH-DPAT (0.01-0.32mg/kg) or pramipexole (0.032-0.32mg/kg), the D2/D3 antagonist raclopride (0.1mg/kg), and the selective D3 antagonist, SB-277011A (6 or 24mg/kg), on the expression of sign- and goal-tracking conditioned responses. The lever-cue acquired predictive value and elicited a conditioned response for sign- and goal-trackers, but only for sign-trackers did it also acquire incentive value. Following administration of either 7-OH-DPAT, pramipexole, or raclopride, the performance of the previously acquired conditioned response was attenuated for both sign- and goal-trackers. For sign-trackers, the D2/D3 agonist, 7-OH-DPAT, also attenuated the conditioned reinforcing properties of the lever-cue. The selective D3 antagonist did not affect either conditioned response. Alterations in D2/D3 receptor signaling, but not D3 signaling alone, transiently attenuate a previously acquired Pavlovian conditioned response, regardless of whether the response is a result of incentive motivational processes. These findings suggest activity at the dopamine D2 receptor is critical for a reward cue to maintain either its incentive or predictive qualities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Examining the Role of Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptors in Pavlovian Conditioned Approach Behaviors

    PubMed Central

    Fraser, Kurt M.; Haight, Joshua L.; Gardner, Eliot L.; Flagel, Shelly B.

    2016-01-01

    Elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences in the extent to which reward cues acquire the ability to act as incentive stimuli may contribute to the development of successful treatments for addiction and related disorders. We used the sign-tracker/goal-tracker animal model to examine the role of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the propensity to attribute incentive salience to reward cues. Following Pavlovian training, wherein a discrete lever-cue was paired with food reward, rats were classified as sign- or goal-trackers based on the resultant conditioned response. We examined the effects of D2/D3 agonists, 7-OH-DPAT (0.01–0.32 mg/kg) or pramipexole (0.032–0.32 mg/kg), the D2/D3 antagonist raclopride (0.1 mg/kg), and the selective D3 antagonist, SB-277011A (6 or 24 mg/kg), on the expression of sign- and goal-tracking conditioned responses. The lever-cue acquired predictive value and elicited a conditioned response for sign- and goal-trackers, but only for sign-trackers did it also acquire incentive value. Following administration of either 7-OH-DPAT, pramipexole, or raclopride, the performance of the previously acquired conditioned response was attenuated for both sign- and goal-trackers. For sign-trackers, the D2/D3 agonist, 7-OH-DPAT, also attenuated the conditioned reinforcing properties of the lever-cue. The selective D3 antagonist did not affect either conditioned response. Alterations in D2/D3 receptor signaling, but not D3 signaling alone, transiently attenuate a previously acquired Pavlovian conditioned response, regardless of whether the response is a result of incentive motivational processes. These findings suggest activity at the dopamine D2 receptor is critical for a reward cue to maintain either its incentive or predictive qualities. PMID:26909847

  15. RGS2 modulates the activity and internalization of dopamine D2 receptors in neuroblastoma N2A cells

    PubMed Central

    Luessen, Deborah J.; Hinshaw, Tyler P.; Sun, Haigao; Howlett, Allyn C.; Marrs, Glen; McCool, Brian A.; Chen, Rong

    2018-01-01

    Dysregulated expression and function of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) are implicated in drug addiction, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. In the current study, we examined whether D2Rs are modulated by regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a member of the RGS family that regulates G protein signaling via acceleration of GTPase activity. Using neuroblastoma 2a (N2A) cells, we found that RGS2 was immunoprecipitated by aluminum fluoride-activated Gαi2 proteins. RGS2 siRNA knockdown enhanced membrane [35S] GTPγS binding to activated Gαi/o proteins, augmented inhibition of cAMP accumulation and increased ERK phosphorylation in the presence of a D2/D3R agonist quinpirole when compared to scrambled siRNA treatment. These data suggest that RGS2 is a negative modulator of D2R-mediated Gαi/o signaling. Moreover, RGS2 knockdown slightly increased constitutive D2R internalization and markedly abolished quinpirole-induced D2R internalization assessed by immunocytochemistry. RGS2 knockdown did not compromise agonist-induced β-arrestin membrane recruitment; however, it prevents β-arrestin dissociation from the membrane after prolonged quinpirole treatment during which time β-arrestin moved away from the membrane in control cells. Additionally, confocal microscopy analysis of β-arrestin post-endocytic fate revealed that quinpirole treatment caused β-arrestin to translocate to the early and the recycling endosome in a time-dependent manner in control cells whereas translocation of β-arrestin to these endosomes did not occur in RGS2 knockdown cells. The impaired β-arrestin translocation likely contributed to the abolishment of quinpirole-stimulated D2R internalization in RGS2 knockdown cells. PMID:27528587

  16. Toll-like receptor-2 agonist-allergen coupling efficiently redirects Th2 cell responses and inhibits allergic airway eosinophilia.

    PubMed

    Krishnaswamy, Jayendra Kumar; Jirmo, Adan Chari; Baru, Abdul Mannan; Ebensen, Thomas; Guzmán, Carlos A; Sparwasser, Tim; Behrens, Georg M N

    2012-12-01

    Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists beneficially modulate allergic airway inflammation. However, the efficiency of TLR agonists varies considerably, and their exact cellular mechanisms (especially of TLR 2/6 agonists) are incompletely understood. We investigated at a cellular level whether the administration of the pharmacologically improved TLR2/6 agonist S-[2,3-bispalmitoyiloxy-(2R)-propyl]-R-cysteinyl-amido-monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (BPP) conjugated to antigenic peptide (BPP-OVA) could divert an existing Th2 response and influence airway eosinophilia. The effects of BPP-OVA on airway inflammation were assessed in a classic murine sensitization/challenge model and an adoptive transfer model, which involved the adoptive transfer of in vitro differentiated ovalbumin (OVA)-specific Th2 cells. Functional T-cell stimulation by lung dendritic cells (DCs) was determined both in vitro and in vivo, combined with a cytokine secretion analysis. A single mucosal application of BPP-OVA efficiently delivered antigen, led to TLR2-mediated DC activation, and resulted in OVA-specific T-cell proliferation via lung DCs in vivo. In alternative models of allergic airway disease, a single administration of BPP-OVA before OVA challenge (but not BPP alone) significantly reduced airway eosinophilia, most likely through altered antigen-specific T-cell stimulation via DCs. Analyses of adoptively transferred Th2-biased cells after BPP-OVA administration in vivo suggested that BPP-OVA guides antigen-specific Th2 cells to produce significantly higher amounts of IFN-γ upon allergen challenge. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that a single mucosal administration of a TLR 2/6 agonist-allergen conjugate can provoke IFN-γ responses in Th2-biased cells and alleviate allergic airway inflammation.

  17. 5-Amino-6-chloro-N-[(1-isobutylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-2-methylimidazo[1,2-alpha]pyridine-8-carboxamide (CJ-033,466), a novel and selective 5-hydroxytryptamine4 receptor partial agonist: pharmacological profile in vitro and gastroprokinetic effect in conscious dogs.

    PubMed

    Mikami, Tadayoshi; Ochi, Yasuo; Suzuki, Keiko; Saito, Toshiyuki; Sugie, Yutaka; Sakakibara, Minoru

    2008-04-01

    5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors and dopamine(2) (D(2)) receptor modulate gastrointestinal motility. Gastroprokinetic agents that act on several 5-HT receptor subtypes and/or D(2) receptors are used clinically. Although the 5-HT(4) receptor is known to mediate the gastroprokinetic effects of these agents, the absence of highly selective 5-HT(4) receptor agonists has made it difficult to confirm the physiological consequences of selective 5-HT(4) receptor stimulation. In this study, we report the in vitro pharmacological profiles and the in vivo gastroprokinetic effects of 5-amino-6-chloro-N-[(1-isobutylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl]-2-methylimidazo[1,2-alpha]pyridine-8-carboxamide (CJ-033,466), a novel, potent, and selective 5-HT(4) partial agonist. Compared with preceding 5-HT(4) agonists such as cisapride, mosapride, and tegaserod, CJ-033,466 had a superior in vitro profile, with nanomolar agonistic activities for the 5-HT(4) receptor and 1000-fold greater selectivity for the 5-HT(4) receptor over other 5-HT and D(2) receptors. In vivo studies in conscious dogs showed that CJ-033,466 dose-dependently stimulated gastric antral motility in both the fasted and postprandial states at the same dose range and that it was 30 times more potent than cisapride. Furthermore, CJ-033,466 accelerated the gastric emptying rate in a gastroparesis dog model at the minimally effective dose established in the gastric motility study. In conclusion, CJ-033,466 is a potent and highly selective 5-HT(4) agonist that stimulates physiologically coordinated gastric motility, and it has no activity on other 5-HT receptor subtypes and D(2) receptors. Therefore, CJ-033,466 could be used to treat gastroparesis, providing better gastroprokinetics and reduced side effects mediated by the other receptors.

  18. Effects of D2 or combined D1/D2 receptor antagonism on the methamphetamine-induced one-trial and multi-trial behavioral sensitization of preweanling rats

    PubMed Central

    Mohd-Yusof, Alena; Veliz, Ana; Rudberg, Krista N.; Stone, Michelle J.; Gonzalez, Ashley E.; McDougall, Sanders A.

    2015-01-01

    Rationale There is suggestive evidence that the neural mechanisms mediating one-trial and multi-trial behavioral sensitization differ, especially when the effects of various classes of dopamine (DA) agonists are examined. Objective The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of the D2 receptor for the induction of one-trial and multi-trial methamphetamine sensitization in preweanling rats. Methods In a series of experiments, rats were injected with saline or raclopride (a selective D2 receptor antagonist), either alone or in combination with SCH23390 (a selective D1 receptor antagonist), 15 min prior to treatment with the indirect DA agonist methamphetamine. Acute control groups were given two injections of saline. This pretreatment regimen occurred on either postnatal days (PD) 13–16 (multi-trial) or PD 16 (one-trial). On PD 17, rats were challenged with methamphetamine and locomotor sensitization was determined. Results Blockade of D2 or D1/D2 receptors reduced or prevented, respectively, the induction of multi-trial methamphetamine sensitization in young rats, while the same manipulations had minimal effects on one-trial behavioral sensitization. Conclusions DA antagonist treatment differentially affected the methamphetamine-induced sensitized responding of preweanling rats depending on whether a one-trial or multi-trial procedure was used. The basis for this effect is uncertain, but there was some evidence that repeated DA antagonist treatment caused nonspecific changes that produced a weakened sensitized response. Importantly, DA antagonist treatment did not prevent the one-trial behavioral sensitization of preweanling rats. The latter result brings into question whether DA receptor stimulation is necessary for the induction of psychostimulant-induced behavioral sensitization during early ontogeny. PMID:26650612

  19. T156. IN VIVO CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FIRST AGONIST DOPAMINE D1 RECEPTORS PET IMAGING TRACER [18F]MNI-968 IN HUMAN

    PubMed Central

    Tamagnan, Gilles; Barret, Olivier; Alagille, David; Carroll, Vincent; Madonia, Jennifer; Constantinescu, Cristian; SanDiego, Christine; Papin, Caroline; Morley, Thomas; Russell, David; McCarthy, Timothy; Zhang, Lei; Gray, David; Villalobos, Anna; Lee, Chewah; Chen, Jianqing; Seibyl, John; Marek, Kenneth

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Background D1 receptors, which couple to inhibitory G-proteins, have been shown to regulate neuronal growth and development, mediate some behavioral responses. Its function has been shown to be altered in both neurologic and psychiatric disorders. To date, there is a lack of agonist PET tracers for the D1 receptors labeled with 18F with relevance in clinical studies. We report the evaluation in non-human primates of [18F]MNI-968 (PF-06730110), a novel PET radiotracer of the D1 receptors Methods Four brain PET studies, 2 baselines and 2 blockade studies using PF-2562, a D1 partial agonist compound, were conducted for 90 min in two rhesus monkeys with [18F]MNI-968 (169 ± 31 MBq). [18F]PF-06730110 was administered at the same dose level for both monkeys as a bolus followed by a 2-hour infusion, with [18F]MNI-968 administered 30 min into the infusion. Additionally, six brain PET studies were conducted over 180 min (317 ± 49 MBq) in 6 healthy human volunteers (3 test/retest and 3 test). PET data were modeled with 2-tissue compartmental model (2T), Logan graphical analysis (LGA), and non-invasive Logan graphical analysis (NI-LGA) with cerebellar cortex as reference region to estimate total distribution volume VT, and binding potential BPND. For the blockade studies in rhesus monkeys, occupancy was estimated from BPND at baseline and post blockade. Results In rhesus monkeys, [18F]MNI-968 (PF-06730110), penetrated the brain with a peak whole-brain uptake up to ~3% of the injected dose at ~ 6 min post injection and showed a fast washout. The highest signal was found in the caudate, putamen, with moderate extrastriatal uptake. The lowest signal was in the cerebellum. BPND values were up to ~1.4 in the putamen. All three quantification methods (2T, LGA and NI-LGA) were in excellent agreement, with a similar estimated D1 receptors occupancy of PF-06730110 of ~40% for both monkeys in the caudate and putamen. In human, [18F]MNI-968 kinetics appeared to be faster

  20. Antinociceptive effects of imidazoline I2 receptor agonists in the formalin test in rats

    PubMed Central

    Thorn, David A; Qiu, Yanyan; Zhang, Yanan; Li, Jun-Xu

    2015-01-01

    The imidazoline I2 receptor is an emerging drug target for analgesics. This study extended previous studies by examining the antinociceptive effects of three I2 receptor agonists (2-BFI, BU224 and CR4056) in the formalin test. The receptor mechanisms and anatomical mediation of I2 receptor agonist-induced antinociception were also examined. Formalin-induced flinching responses (2%, 50µl) were quantified after treatment with I2 receptor agonists alone or in combination with the I2 receptor antagonist idazoxan. Anatomical mediation was studied by locally administering 2-BFI into the plantar surface or into the right lateral ventricle via cannulae (i.c.v). The locomotor activity was also examined after central (i.c.v.) administration of 2-BFI. 2-BFI (1–10 mg/kg, i.p.) and BU224 (1–10 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the spontaneous flinching response observed during 10 min (phase 1) and 20–60 min (phase 2) following formalin treatment, while CR4056 (1–32 mg/kg, i.p.) only decreased phase 2 flinching response. The I2 receptor antagonist idazoxan attenuated the antinociceptive effects of 2-BFI and BU224 during phase 1, but not phase 2. Peripheral administration of 2-BFI (1–10 mg/kg, i.pl) to the hindpaw of rats had no antinociceptive effects. In contrast, centrally delivered 2-BFI (10–100 µg, i.c.v.) dose-dependently attenuated phase 1 and phase 2 flinching at doses that did not reduce the locomotor activity. Together, these data revealed the differential antinociceptive effects of I2 receptor agonists and the differential antagonism profiles by idazoxan, suggesting the involvement of different I2 receptor subtypes in reducing different phases of formalin-induced pain-like behaviors. In addition, the results also suggest the central mediation of I2 receptor agonist-induced antinociceptive actions. PMID:26599907

  1. Different contributions of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor activity to alcohol potentiation of brain stimulation reward in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice.

    PubMed

    Fish, Eric W; DiBerto, Jeffrey F; Krouse, Michael C; Robinson, J Elliott; Malanga, C J

    2014-08-01

    C57BL/6J (C57) and DBA/2J (DBA) mice respond differently to drugs that affect dopamine systems, including alcohol. The current study compared effects of D1 and D2 receptor agonists and antagonists, and the interaction between D1/D2 antagonists and alcohol, on intracranial self-stimulation in male C57 and DBA mice to determine the role of dopamine receptors in the effects of alcohol on brain stimulation reward (BSR). In the initial strain comparison, dose effects on BSR thresholds and maximum operant response rates were determined for the D1 receptor agonist SKF-82958 (±-6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine; 0.1-0.56 mg/kg) and antagonist SCH 23390 (+-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepinehydrochloride; 0.003-0.056 mg/kg), and the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.1-3.0 mg/kg) and antagonist raclopride (0.01-0.56 mg/kg). For the alcohol interaction, SCH 23390 (0.003 mg/kg) or raclopride (0.03 mg/kg) was given before alcohol (0.6-2.4 g/kg p.o.). D1 antagonism dose-dependently elevated and SKF-82958 dose-dependently lowered BSR threshold in both strains; DBA mice were more sensitive to SKF-82958 effects. D2 antagonism dose-dependently elevated BSR threshold only in C57 mice. Low doses of quinpirole elevated BSR threshold equally in both strains, whereas higher doses of quinpirole lowered BSR threshold only in C57 mice. SCH 23390, but not raclopride, prevented lowering of BSR threshold by alcohol in DBA mice. Conversely, raclopride, but not SCH 23390, prevented alcohol potentiation of BSR in C57 mice. These results extend C57 and DBA strain differences to D1/D2 sensitivity of BSR, and suggest differential involvement of D1 and D2 receptors in the acute rewarding effects of alcohol in these two mouse strains. Copyright © 2014 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  2. Effects of Acute and Chronic Treatments with Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptor Ligands on Cocaine versus Food Choice in Rats.

    PubMed

    Thomsen, Morgane; Barrett, Andrew C; Butler, Paul; Negus, S Stevens; Caine, S Barak

    2017-07-01

    Dopamine D 3 receptor ligands are potential medications for psychostimulant addiction. Medication assessment may benefit from preclinical studies that evaluate chronic medication effects on choice between an abused drug and an alternative, nondrug reinforcer. This study compared acute and chronic effects of dopamine D 2 - and D 3 -preferring ligands on choice between intravenous cocaine and palatable food in rats. Under baseline conditions, cocaine maintained dose-dependent increases in cocaine choice and reciprocal decreases in food choice. Acutely, the D 2 agonist R -(-)-norpropylapomorphine (NPA) and antagonist L-741,626 [3-[[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-l-yl]methyl-1 H -indole] produced leftward and rightward shifts in cocaine dose-effect curves, respectively, whereas the partial agonist terguride had no effect. All three drugs dose-dependently decreased food-maintained responding. Chronically, the effects of R -(-)-norpropylapomorphine and L-741,626 on cocaine self-administration showed marked tolerance, whereas suppression of food-reinforced behavior persisted. Acute effects of the D 3 ligands were less systematic and most consistent with nonselective decreases in cocaine- and food-maintained responding. Chronically, the D 3 agonist PF-592,379 [5-[(2 R ,5 S )-5-methyl-4-propylmorpholin-2-yl]pyridin-2-amine] increased cocaine choice, whereas an intermediate dose of the D 3 antagonist PG01037 [ N -[( E )-4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]but-2-enyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylbenzamide] produced a therapeutically desirable decrease in cocaine choice early in treatment; however, tolerance to this effect developed, and lower and higher doses were ineffective. D 3 ligands failed to significantly modify total cocaine intake but caused persistent decreases in food intake. Thus, D 2 -and D 3 -preferring ligands showed distinct profiles, consistent with different pharmacological actions. In addition, these results highlight the role of acute versus chronic treatment

  3. Find novel dual-agonist drugs for treating type 2 diabetes by means of cheminformatics.

    PubMed

    Liu, Lei; Ma, Ying; Wang, Run-Ling; Xu, Wei-Ren; Wang, Shu-Qing; Chou, Kuo-Chen

    2013-01-01

    The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the world as well as the increasing reports about the adverse side effects of the existing diabetes treatment drugs have made developing new and effective drugs against the disease a very high priority. In this study, we report ten novel compounds found by targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) using virtual screening and core hopping approaches. PPARs have drawn increasing attention for developing novel drugs to treat diabetes due to their unique functions in regulating glucose, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism. The reported compounds are featured with dual functions, and hence belong to the category of dual agonists. Compared with the single PPAR agonists, the dual PPAR agonists, formed by combining the lipid benefit of PPARα agonists (such as fibrates) and the glycemic advantages of the PPARγ agonists (such as thiazolidinediones), are much more powerful in treating diabetes because they can enhance metabolic effects while minimizing the side effects. This was observed in the studies on molecular dynamics simulations, as well as on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, that these novel dual agonists not only possessed the same function as ragaglitazar (an investigational drug developed by Novo Nordisk for treating type 2 diabetes) did in activating PPARα and PPARγ, but they also had more favorable conformation for binding to the two receptors. Moreover, the residues involved in forming the binding pockets of PPARα and PPARγ among the top ten compounds are explicitly presented, and this will be very useful for the in-depth conduction of mutagenesis experiments. It is anticipated that the ten compounds may become potential drug candidates, or at the very least, the findings reported here may stimulate new strategies or provide useful insights for designing new and more powerful dual-agonist drugs for treating type 2 diabetes.

  4. Pharmacological Characterization of 30 Human Melanocortin-4 Receptor Polymorphisms with the Endogenous Proopiomelanocortin Derived Agonists, Synthetic Agonists, and the Endogenous Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP) Antagonist

    PubMed Central

    Xiang, Zhimin; Proneth, Bettina; Dirain, Marvin L.; Litherland, Sally A.; Haskell-Luevano, Carrie

    2010-01-01

    The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is expressed in the central nervous system and has a role in regulating feeding behavior, obesity, energy homeostasis, male erectile response, and blood pressure. Since the report of the MC4R knockout mouse in 1997, the field has been searching for links between this genetic bio marker and human obesity and type 2 diabetes. More then 80 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified from human patients, both obese and non-obese controls. Many significant studies have been performed examining the pharmacological characteristics of these hMC4R SNPs in attempts to identify a molecular defects/insights that might link a genetic factor to the obese phenotype observed in patients possessing these mutations. Our laboratory has previously reported the pharmacological characterization of 40 of these polymorphic hMC4 receptors with multiple endogenous and synthetic ligands. The goal of the current study is to perform a similar comprehensive side-by-side characterization of 30 additional human hMC4R with single nucleotide polymorphisms using multiple endogenous agonists [α-, β, γ2-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)], the antagonist agouti-related protein hAGRP(87-132), and synthetic agonists [NDP-MSH, MTII, and the tetrapeptide Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 (JRH887-9)]. These in vitro data, in some cases, provide a putative molecular link between dysfunctional hMC4R's and human obesity. These 30 hMC4R SNPs include R7H, R18H, R18L, S36Y, P48S, V50M, F51L, E61K, I69T, D90N, S94R, G98R, I121T, A154D, Y157S, W174C, G181D, F202L, A219V, I226T, G231S, G238D, N240S, C271R, S295P, P299L, E308K, I317V, L325F and 750DelGA. All but the N240S hMC4R were identified in obese patients. Additionally, we have characterized a double I102T/V103I hMC4R. In addition to the pharmacological characterization, the hMC4R variants were evaluated for cell surface expression by flow

  5. GPR40 agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: life after 'TAKing' a hit.

    PubMed

    Mancini, A D; Poitout, V

    2015-07-01

    The free fatty acid receptor GPR40 has been proposed as a potential target for type 2 diabetes (T2D) pharmacotherapy. This idea has been validated in both preclinical and clinical studies, in which activation of GPR40 was shown to improve glycaemic control by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion; however, the recent termination of phase III clinical trials using the GPR40 agonist TAK-875 (fasiglifam) has raised important questions regarding the long-term safety and viability of targeting GPR40 and, more specifically, about our understanding of this receptor's basic biology. In the present review, we provide a summary of established and novel concepts related to GPR40's pharmacobiology and discuss the current status and future outlook for GPR40-based drug development for the treatment of T2D. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Evaluation of partial beta-adrenoceptor agonist activity.

    PubMed

    Lipworth, B J; Grove, A

    1997-01-01

    A partial beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) agonist will exhibit opposite agonist and antagonist activity depending on the prevailing degree of adrenergic tone or the presence of a beta-AR agonist with higher intrinsic activity. In vivo partial beta-AR agonist activity will be evident at rest with low endogenous adrenergic tone, as for example with chronotropicity (beta 1/beta 2), inotropicity (beta 1) or peripheral vasodilatation and finger tremor (beta 2). beta-AR blocking drugs which have partial agonist activity may exhibit a better therapeutic profile when used for hypertension because of maintained cardiac output without increased systemic vascular resistance, along with an improved lipid profile. In the presence of raised endogenous adrenergic tone such as exercise or an exogenous full agonist, beta-AR subtype antagonist activity will become evident in terms of effects on exercise induced heart rate (beta 1) and potassium (beta 2) responses. Reduction of exercise heart rate will occur to a lesser degree in the case of a beta-adrenoceptor blocker with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity compared with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker devoid of partial agonist activity. This may result in reduced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of angina on effort when using beta-AR blocking drugs with partial beta 1-AR agonist activity. Effects on exercise hyperkalaemia are determined by the balance between beta 2-AR partial agonist activity and endogenous adrenergic activity. For predominantly beta 2-AR agonist such as salmeterol and salbutamol, potentiation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs. For predominantly beta 2-AR antagonists such as carteolol, either potentiation or attenuation of exercise hyperkalaemia occurs at low and high doses respectively. beta 2-AR partial agonist activity may also be expressed as antagonism in the presence of an exogenous full agonist, as for example attenuation of fenoterol induced responses by salmeterol. Studies are required to investigate whether

  7. Intrinsic radiolabeling of Titanium-45 using mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Chen, Feng; Valdovinos, Hector F; Hernandez, Reinier; Goel, Shreya; Barnhart, Todd E; Cai, Weibo

    2017-06-01

    Titanium-45 ( 45 Ti) with a three-hour half-life (t 1/2 =3.08 h), low maximum positron energy and high positron emission branching ratio, is a suitable positron emission tomography (PET) isotope whose potential has not yet been fully explored. Complicated radiochemistry and rapid hydrolysis continue to be major challenges to the development of 45 Ti compounds based on a traditional chelator-based radiolabeling strategy. In this study we introduced an intrinsic (or chelator-free) radiolabeling technique for the successful labeling of 45 Ti using mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN). We synthesized uniform MSN with an average particle size of ∼150 nm in diameter. The intrinsic 45 Ti-labeling was accomplished through strong interactions between 45 Ti (hard Lewis acid) and hard oxygen donors (hard Lewis bases), the deprotonated silanol groups (-Si-O-) from the outer surface and inner meso-channels of MSN. In vivo tumor-targeted PET imaging of as-developed PEGylated [ 45 Ti]MSN was further demonstrated in the 4T1 murine breast tumor-bearing mice. This MSN-based intrinsic radiolabeling strategy could open up new possibilities and speed up the biomedical applications of 45 Ti in the future.

  8. Therapeutic Potential of 5-HT2C Receptor Agonists for Addictive Disorders.

    PubMed

    Higgins, Guy A; Fletcher, Paul J

    2015-07-15

    The neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) has long been associated with the control of a variety of motivated behaviors, including feeding. Much of the evidence linking 5-HT and feeding behavior was obtained from studies of the effects of the 5-HT releaser (dex)fenfluramine in laboratory animals and humans. Recently, the selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist lorcaserin received FDA approval for the treatment of obesity. This review examines evidence to support the use of selective 5-HT2C receptor agonists as treatments for conditions beyond obesity, including substance abuse (particularly nicotine, psychostimulant, and alcohol dependence), obsessive compulsive, and excessive gambling disorder. Following a brief survey of the early literature supporting a role for 5-HT in modulating food and drug reinforcement, we propose that intrinsic differences between SSRI and serotonin releasers may have underestimated the value of serotonin-based pharmacotherapeutics to treat clinical forms of addictive behavior beyond obesity. We then highlight the critical involvement of the 5-HT2C receptor in mediating the effect of (dex)fenfluramine on feeding and body weight gain and the evidence that 5-HT2C receptor agonists reduce measures of drug reward and impulsivity. A recent report of lorcaserin efficacy in a smoking cessation trial further strengthens the idea that 5-HT2C receptor agonists may have potential as a treatment for addiction. This review was prepared as a contribution to the proceedings of the 11th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting held in Hermanus, South Africa, July 9-12, 2014.

  9. RGS2 modulates the activity and internalization of dopamine D2 receptors in neuroblastoma N2A cells.

    PubMed

    Luessen, Deborah J; Hinshaw, Tyler P; Sun, Haiguo; Howlett, Allyn C; Marrs, Glen; McCool, Brian A; Chen, Rong

    2016-11-01

    Dysregulated expression and function of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) are implicated in drug addiction, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. In the current study, we examined whether D2Rs are modulated by regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a member of the RGS family that regulates G protein signaling via acceleration of GTPase activity. Using neuroblastoma 2a (N2A) cells, we found that RGS2 was immunoprecipitated by aluminum fluoride-activated Gαi2 proteins. RGS2 siRNA knockdown enhanced membrane [(35)S] GTPγS binding to activated Gαi/o proteins, augmented inhibition of cAMP accumulation and increased ERK phosphorylation in the presence of a D2/D3R agonist quinpirole when compared to scrambled siRNA treatment. These data suggest that RGS2 is a negative modulator of D2R-mediated Gαi/o signaling. Moreover, RGS2 knockdown slightly increased constitutive D2R internalization and markedly abolished quinpirole-induced D2R internalization assessed by immunocytochemistry. RGS2 knockdown did not compromise agonist-induced β-arrestin membrane recruitment; however, it prevents β-arrestin dissociation from the membrane after prolonged quinpirole treatment during which time β-arrestin moved away from the membrane in control cells. Additionally, confocal microscopy analysis of β-arrestin post-endocytic fate revealed that quinpirole treatment caused β-arrestin to translocate to the early and the recycling endosome in a time-dependent manner in control cells whereas translocation of β-arrestin to these endosomes did not occur in RGS2 knockdown cells. The impaired β-arrestin translocation likely contributed to the abolishment of quinpirole-stimulated D2R internalization in RGS2 knockdown cells. Thus, RGS2 is integral for β-arrestin-mediated D2R internalization. The current study revealed a novel regulation of D2R signaling and internalization by RGS2 proteins. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. New surface radiolabeling schemes of super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biodistribution studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nallathamby, Prakash D.; Mortensen, Ninell P.; Palko, Heather A.; Malfatti, Mike; Smith, Catherine; Sonnett, James; Doktycz, Mitchel J.; Gu, Baohua; Roeder, Ryan K.; Wang, Wei; Retterer, Scott T.

    2015-04-01

    functionality as their non-radiolabeled counterparts. Identical chemical functionality of the radiolabeled probes to the non-radiolabeled probes was an important consideration to generate statistically similar biodistribution data sets using multiple imaging and detection techniques. The radiolabeling approach described here is applicable to the synthesis of a large class of nanomaterials with multiple core and surface functionalities. This work combined with the biodistribution data suggests that the radiolabeling schemes carried out in this study have broad implications for use in pharmacokinetic studies for a variety of nanomaterials. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: (S1) High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) image of iron oxide nanoparticles, (S2) Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) measurement of magnetization of super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, (S3) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra of Fe-Si-COO- synthesised using Grignard reagents (S4) FT-IR spectra of iron oxide nanoparticles silanized with commercially available N-[(3-Trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine triacetic acid tripotassium salt, (S5) Synthesis of hyperbranched amine functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles from amino propyl triethyl silane functionalized iron nanoparticles using ethyleneimine as an initiator and polymerizing agent. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06441k

  11. Enantiomeric separation of seven β-agonists by NACE-Study of chiral selectivity with diacetone-d-mannitol-boric acid complex.

    PubMed

    Lv, Lili; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Jun; Jiao, Yajun; Gao, Shengnan; Wang, Jiachang; Yan, Hongyuan

    2017-10-25

    A rapid and effective nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE)-ultraviolet (UV) method was developed for the enantiomeric separation of seven β-agonists. Diacetone-d-mannitol-boric acid complex was used as a new chiral selector. It was in situ synthesized by the reaction of diacetone-d-mannitol and boric acid in methanol medium containing triethylamine. The effects of diacetone-d-mannitol, boric acid, and triethylamine concentrations on the enantioseparation were carefully investigated. Under the optimized conditions, baseline enantioseparation could be obtained for six of the tested β-agonists within 12min. These results were better than that obtained with d-mannitol-boric acid complex in previous work. 11 B nuclear magnetic resonance ( 11 B NMR) was applied to determine the fraction of boron species and confirm the formation of diacetone-d-mannitol-boric acid complex. Validation of the established NACE method was also carried out according to ICH guidelines. Calibration curves showed good linearity with correlation coefficients (r)≥0.9992 over a certain concentration range for each enantiomer of the tested five β-agonists. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intra-day precisions and inter-day precisions of migration times were ≤1.4% (n=6), and ≤6.3% (n=10), respectively. That of peak areas were ≤3.7% (n=6), and ≤5.6% (n=10), respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) and the limits of quantitation (LOQs) based on the signal-to-noise ratios of 3 and 10 were found below 1.25μgmL -1 and 5.00μgmL -1 , respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of clenbuterol enantiomers in a multi-component pharmaceutical dosage form called "Ambroxol Hydrochloride and Clenbuterol Hydrochloride Oral Solution". Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Cocaine Self-Administration Produces a Persistent Increase in Dopamine D2High Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Briand, Lisa A.; Flagel, Shelly B.; Seeman, Philip; Robinson, Terry E.

    2008-01-01

    Cocaine addicts are reported to have decreased numbers of striatal dopamine D2 receptors. However, in rodents, repeated cocaine administration consistently produces hypersensitivity to the psychomotor activating effects of both indirect dopamine agonists, such as cocaine itself, and importantly, to direct-acting D2 receptor agonists. The current study reports a possible resolution to this long-standing paradox. The dopamine D2 receptor exists in both a low and a high affinity state, and dopamine exerts its effects via the more functionally relevant high-affinity D2 receptor (D2High). We report here that cocaine self-administration experience produces a large (approximately 150%) increase in the proportion of D2High receptors in the striatum with no change in the total number of D2 receptors, and this effect is evident both 3 and 30 days after the discontinuation of cocaine self-administration. Changes in D2High receptors would not be evident with the probes used in human (and non-human primate) imaging studies. We suggest, therefore, that cocaine addicts and animals previously treated with cocaine may be hyper-responsive to dopaminergic drugs in part because an increase in D2High receptors results in dopamine supersensitivity. This may also help explain why stimuli that increase dopamine neurotransmission, including drugs themselves, are so effective in producing relapse in individuals with a history of exposure to cocaine. PMID:18284941

  13. Non-nucleotide Agonists Triggering P2X7 Receptor Activation and Pore Formation.

    PubMed

    Di Virgilio, Francesco; Giuliani, Anna L; Vultaggio-Poma, Valentina; Falzoni, Simonetta; Sarti, Alba C

    2018-01-01

    The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a ligand-gated plasma membrane ion channel belonging to the P2X receptor subfamily activated by extracellular nucleotides. General consensus holds that the physiological (and maybe the only) agonist is ATP. However, scattered evidence generated over the last several years suggests that ATP might not be the only agonist, especially at inflammatory sites. Solid data show that NAD + covalently modifies the P2X7R of mouse T lymphocytes, thus lowering the ATP threshold for activation. Other structurally unrelated agents have been reported to activate the P2X7R via a poorly understood mechanism of action: (a) the antibiotic polymyxin B, possibly a positive allosteric P2X7R modulator, (b) the bactericidal peptide LL-37, (c) the amyloidogenic β peptide, and (d) serum amyloid A. Some agents, such as Alu-RNA, have been suggested to activate the P2X7R acting on the intracellular N- or C-terminal domains. Mode of P2X7R activation by these non-nucleotide ligands is as yet unknown; however, these observations raise the intriguing question of how these different non-nucleotide ligands may co-operate with ATP at inflammatory or tumor sites. New information obtained from the cloning and characterization of the P2X7R from exotic mammalian species (e.g., giant panda) and data from recent patch-clamp studies are strongly accelerating our understanding of P2X7R mode of operation, and may provide hints to the mechanism of activation of P2X7R by non-nucleotide ligands.

  14. A cannabinoid 2 receptor agonist attenuates bone cancer-induced pain and bone loss

    PubMed Central

    Lozano, Alysia; Wright, Courtney; Vardanyan, Anna; King, Tamara; Largent-Milnes, Tally M.; Nelson, Mark; Jimenez-Andrade, Juan Miguel; Mantyh, Patrick W; Vanderah, Todd W.

    2010-01-01

    Aims Cannabinoid CB2 agonists have been shown to alleviate behavioral signs of inflammatory and neuropathic pain in animal models. AM1241, a CB2 agonist, does not demonstrate central nervous system side-effects seen with CB1 agonists such as hypothermia and catalepsy. Metastatic bone cancer causes severe pain in patients and is treated with analgesics such as opiates. Recent reports suggest that sustained opiates can produce paradoxical hyperalgesic actions and enhance bone destruction in a murine model of bone cancer. In contrast, CB2 selective agonists have been shown to reduce bone loss associated with a model of osteoporosis. Here we tested whether a CB2 agonist administered over a 7 day period inhibits bone cancer-induced pain as well as attenuates cancer-induced bone degradation. Main Methods A murine bone cancer model was used in which osteolytic sarcoma cells were injected into the intramedullary space of the distal end of the femur. Behavioral and radiographic image analysis was performed at days 7, 10 and 14 after injection of tumor cells into the femur. Key Findings Osteolytic sarcoma within the femur produced spontaneous and touch evoked behavioral signs of pain within the tumor-bearing limb. The systemic administration of AM1241 acutely or for 7 days significantly attenuated spontaneous and evoked pain in the inoculated limb. Sustained AM1241 significantly reduced bone loss and decreased the incidence of cancer-induced bone fractures. Significance These findings suggest a novel therapy for cancer-induced bone pain, bone loss and bone fracture while lacking many unwanted side effects seen with current treatments for bone cancer pain. PMID:20176037

  15. The effect of chronic administration of sarizotan, 5-HT1A agonist/D3/D4 ligand, on haloperidol-induced repetitive jaw movements in rat model of tardive dyskinesia.

    PubMed

    Rosengarten, Helen; Bartoszyk, Gerd D; Quartermain, David; Lin, Yan

    2006-03-01

    Dyskinesia is the most troublesome side effect in long-term treatment of both Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia. The 5-HT1A agonist and D3/D4 ligand sarizotan [Bartoszyk, G.D., van Amsterdam, C., Greiner, H.E., Rautenberg, W., Russ, H., Seyfried, C.A., 2004. Sarizotan, a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist and dopamine receptor ligand. 1. Neurochemical profile. J. Neural Transm. 111, 113-126.] is in clinical development for the treatment of PD-associated dyskinesia. Because 5-HT1A agonists are known to counteract antipsychotic-induced motor side effects, sarizotan was investigated for its effects in two rat models of tardive dyskinesia (TD). The acute administration of sarizotan (0.17-13.5 mg/kg i.p.) reduced episodes of SKF 38393-induced repetitive jaw movements (RJM) in rats with a maximal effect at 1.5 mg/kg. In a chronic study, sarizotan (0.04-9 mg/kg/day), administered in the drinking water for 7 weeks during withdrawal from chronic haloperidol treatment (1.5 mg/kg/day), dose-dependently reversed haloperidol-induced RJM, significant at the doses of 1.5 and 9 mg/kg. Agonism at 5-HT1A receptors may be mediating the inhibitory effect of sarizotan on RJM in rat models of tardive dyskinesia.

  16. Use of a fluorescent radiolabeled triacylglycerol as a substrate for lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dousset, N.; Negre, A.; Salvayre, R.

    1988-06-01

    A fluorescent radiolabeled triacylglycerol has been synthesized by using a fluorescent fatty acid (pyrene decanoic acid) and a radiolabeled oleic acid. This analog of the natural substrate, 1(3)pyrene decanoic-2,3 (1,2)-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol, has been tested as substrate for determining lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triacylglycerol lipase activities in post-heparin plasma. Optimal conditions for the determination of the two post-heparin plasma lipases were similar to those using radiolabeled triolein. Using this substrate, both post-heparin lipases exhibited their characteristic properties (pH optimum and effect of inhibitors) and attacked external ester bonds (1 or 3) containing pyrene decanoic and oleic acids at a similar rate.

  17. Cyclopeptide Dmt-[D-Lys-p-CF3-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH2, a novel G protein-biased agonist of the mu opioid receptor.

    PubMed

    Piekielna-Ciesielska, Justyna; Ferrari, Federica; Calo', Girolamo; Janecka, Anna

    2018-03-01

    Opioid peptides and alkaloid drugs such as morphine, mediate their analgesic effects, but also undesired side effects, mostly through activation of the mu opioid receptor which belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. A new important pharmacological concept in the field of GPCRs is biased agonism. Two mu receptor ligands, Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]NH 2 (C-36) and Dmt-c[D-Lys-Phe-p-CF 3 -Phe-Asp]NH 2 (F-81), were evaluated in terms of their ability to promote or block mu receptor/G protein and mu receptor/β-arrestin interactions. Using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay it was shown that C-36 activated both, G protein and β-arrestin pathways. Incorporation of trifluoromethyl group into the aromatic ring of phenylalanine in the sequence of F-81 led to activation of G-protein pathway rather than β-arrestin recruitment. Opioid cyclopeptide F-81 turned out to be a biased G protein mu receptor agonist. Such biased ligands are able to separate the biological actions of an activated receptor and have the potential to become more effective drug candidates with fewer side effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Dopamine-Induced Apoptosis of Lactotropes Is Mediated by the Short Isoform of D2 Receptor

    PubMed Central

    Radl, Daniela Betiana; Ferraris, Jimena; Boti, Valeria; Seilicovich, Adriana; Sarkar, Dipak Kumar; Pisera, Daniel

    2011-01-01

    Dopamine, through D2 receptor (D2R), is the major regulator of lactotrope function in the anterior pituitary gland. Both D2R isoforms, long (D2L) and short (D2S), are expressed in lactotropes. Although both isoforms can transduce dopamine signal, they differ in the mechanism that leads to cell response. The administration of D2R agonists, such as cabergoline, is the main pharmacological treatment for prolactinomas, but resistance to these drugs exists, which has been associated with alterations in D2R expression. We previously reported that dopamine and cabergoline induce apoptosis of lactotropes in primary culture in an estrogen-dependent manner. In this study we used an in vivo model to confirm the permissive action of estradiol in the apoptosis of anterior pituitary cells induced by D2R agonists. Administration of cabergoline to female rats induced apoptosis, measured by Annexin-V staining, in anterior pituitary gland from estradiol-treated rats but not from ovariectomized rats. To evaluate the participation of D2R isoforms in the apoptosis induced by dopamine we used lactotrope-derived PR1 cells stably transfected with expression vectors encoding D2L or D2S receptors. In the presence of estradiol, dopamine induced apoptosis, determined by ELISA and TUNEL assay, only in PR1-D2S cells. To study the role of p38 MAPK in apoptosis induced by D2R activation, anterior pituitary cells from primary culture or PR1-D2S were incubated with an inhibitor of the p38 MAPK pathway (SB203850). SB203580 blocked the apoptotic effect of D2R activation in lactotropes from primary cultures and PR1-D2S cells. Dopamine also induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, determined by western blot, in PR1-D2S cells and estradiol enhanced this effect. These data suggest that, in the presence of estradiol, D2R agonists induce apoptosis of lactotropes by their interaction with D2S receptors and that p38 MAPK is involved in this process. PMID:21464994

  19. Metabolic comparison of radiolabeled aniline- and phenol-phthaleins with (131)I.

    PubMed

    Avcibaşi, Uğur; Avcibaşi, Nesibe; Unak, Turan; Unak, Perihan; Müftüler, Fazilet Zümrüt; Yildirim, Yeliz; Dinçalp, Haluk; Gümüşer, Fikriye Gül; Dursun, Ebru Rükşen

    2008-05-01

    The metabolic comparison of aniline- and phenol-phthaleins radiolabeled with (131)I ((131)I-APH and (131)I-PPH, respectively) has been investigated in this study. To compare the metabolic behavior of these phthaleins and their glucuronide conjugates radiolabeled with (131)I, scintigraphic and biodistributional techniques were applied using male Albino rabbits. The results obtained have shown that these compounds were successfully radioiodinated with a radioiodination yield of about 100%. Maximum uptakes of (131)I-APH and (131)I-PPH, which were metabolized as N- and O-glucuronides, were observed within 2 h in the bladder and in the small intestine, respectively. In the case of verification of considerably up taking of these compounds also by tumors developed in the small intestine and in the bladder tissues, these results can be expected to be encouraging to test these compounds, which will be radiolabeled with other radioiodines such as (125)I, (123)I and (124)I as imaging and therapeutic agents in nuclear medical applications.

  20. Adenosine-A1 Receptor Agonist Induced Hyperalgesic Priming Type II

    PubMed Central

    Araldi, Dioneia; Ferrari, Luiz F.; Levine, Jon D.

    2016-01-01

    We have recently shown that repeated exposure of the peripheral terminal of the primary afferent nociceptor to the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist DAMGO ([D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-Enkephalin acetate salt) induces a model of the transition to chronic pain that we have termed Type II hyperalgesic priming. Similar to Type I hyperalgesic priming, there is a markedly prolonged response to subsequent administration of proalgesic cytokines, prototypically prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). However, Type II hyperalgesic priming differs from Type I in being rapidly induced, protein kinase A (PKA), rather than PKCε dependent, not reversed by a protein translation inhibitor, occurring in female as well as in male rats, and isolectin B4-negative neuron dependent. We report that as with the repeated injection of a MOR agonist, the repeated administration of an agonist at the A1-adenosine receptor, also a Gi-protein coupled receptor, N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), also produces priming similar to DAMGO-induced Type II hyperalgesic priming. In this study we demonstrate that priming induced by repeated exposure to this A1-adenosine receptor agonist shares the same mechanisms as MOR-agonist induced priming. However, the prolongation of PGE2 hyperalgesia induced by repeated administration of CPA depends on G-protein αi subunit activation, differently from DAMGO-induced Type II priming, in which it depends on the β/γ subunit. These data implicate a novel form of Gi-protein signaling pathway in the Type II hyperalgesic priming induced by repeated administration of an agonist at A1-adenosine receptor to the peripheral terminal of the nociceptor. PMID:26588695

  1. Long-Acting β2-Agonists in Asthma: Enantioselective Safety Studies are Needed.

    PubMed

    Jacobson, Glenn A; Raidal, Sharanne; Hostrup, Morten; Calzetta, Luigino; Wood-Baker, Richard; Farber, Mark O; Page, Clive P; Walters, E Haydn

    2018-05-01

    Long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) such as formoterol and salmeterol are used for prolonged bronchodilatation in asthma, usually in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). Unexplained paradoxical asthma exacerbations and deaths have been associated with LABAs, particularly when used without ICS. LABAs clearly demonstrate effective bronchodilatation and steroid-sparing activity, but long-term treatment can lead to tolerance of their bronchodilator effects. There are also concerns with regard to the effects of LABAs on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), where long-term use is associated with increased BHR and loss of bronchoprotection. A complicating factor is that formoterol and salmeterol are both chiral compounds, usually administered as 50:50 racemic (rac-) mixtures of two enantiomers. The chiral nature of these compounds has been largely forgotten in the debate regarding LABA safety and effects on BHR, particularly that (S)-enantiomers of β2-agonists may be deleterious to asthma control. LABAs display enantioselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Biological plausibility of the deleterious effects of β2-agonists (S)-enantiomers is provided by in vitro and in vivo studies from the short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) salbutamol. Supportive clinical findings include the fact that patients in emergency departments who demonstrate a blunted response to salbutamol are more likely to benefit from (R)-salbutamol than rac-salbutamol, and resistance to salbutamol appears to be a contributory mechanism in rapid asthma deaths. More effort should therefore be applied to investigating potential enantiospecific effects of LABAs on safety, specifically bronchoprotection. Safety studies directly assessing the effects of LABA (S)-enantiomers on BHR are long overdue.

  2. Behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of the selective CRF2 receptor agonists urocortin II and urocortin III.

    PubMed

    Pelleymounter, Mary Ann; Joppa, Margaret; Ling, Nick; Foster, Alan C

    2004-04-01

    We compared the in vivo efficacy of two selective CRF2 agonists, mouse urocortin II (mUcn II) and human urocortin III (hUcn III), using food intake, anxious behavior, or ACTH release in CD-1 or Balb/c mice as indices of biological stress responses. All three peptides produced anorexia (Minimal Effective Dose (M.E.D.) for CRF and mUcn II = 0.03 nmol; M.E.D. for hUcn III = 0.3 nmol). Only mUcn II and CRF appeared to increase anxious behaviors in the elevated plus maze test (M.E.D. = 0.3 and 0.01 nmol, respectively). CRF increased the release of plasma ACTH (M.E.D. of 0.3 nmol), while mUcn II and hUcn III had no effect on ACTH release. These data suggest that the CRF2 receptor subtype plays a primary role in the activation of behavioral, but not neuroendocrine, stress responses. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Inc.

  3. Differential effects of AMPK agonists on cell growth and metabolism.

    PubMed

    Vincent, E E; Coelho, P P; Blagih, J; Griss, T; Viollet, B; Jones, R G

    2015-07-01

    As a sensor of cellular energy status, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is believed to act in opposition to the metabolic phenotypes favored by proliferating tumor cells. Consequently, compounds known to activate AMPK have been proposed as cancer therapeutics. However, the extent to which the anti-neoplastic properties of these agonists are mediated by AMPK is unclear. Here we examined the AMPK dependence of six commonly used AMPK agonists (metformin, phenformin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), salicylate and A-769662) and their influence on cellular processes often deregulated in tumor cells. We demonstrate that the majority of these agonists display AMPK-independent effects on cell proliferation and metabolism with only the synthetic activator, A-769662, exerting AMPK-dependent effects on these processes. We find that A-769662 promotes an AMPK-dependent increase in mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity. Finally, contrary to the view of AMPK activity being tumor suppressive, we find that A-769662 confers a selective proliferative advantage to tumor cells growing under nutrient deprivation. Our results indicate that many of the antigrowth properties of these agonists cannot be attributed to AMPK activity in cells, and thus any observed effects using these agonists should be confirmed using AMPK-deficient cells. Ultimately, our data urge caution not only regarding the type of AMPK agonist proposed for cancer treatment but also the context in which they are used.

  4. Identification of Buctopamine and Mebuctopamine, a β2 Receptor Agonist and Its Metabolite, in Swine Hair and Feed Additives.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ying-Heng; Yang, Chia-Ying; Cheng, Chih Wen; Lin, Yi-Ying; Kuo, Su Lien; Hsin, Ling-Wei

    2017-05-17

    4-[2-(t-Butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]phenol (buctopamine, 4), a new β 2 receptor agonist2 -agonist), was found to be an adulterant in feed additives for swine in Taiwan, where using β 2 -agonists in food-production animals is prohibited. Buctopamine and its metabolite, 4-[2-(t-butylamino)-1-hydroxyethyl]-2-methoxyphenol (mebuctopamine, 2), were detected in swine hair specimens. Authentic compounds 2 and 4 were synthesized with 98.6% and 97.7% purity, respectively, as reference standards for analysis, and both compounds were more hydrophilic than ractopamine and clenbuterol. In a preliminary pharmacological evaluation, compounds 2 and 4 exhibited moderate human β 2 receptor binding affinity and did not show significant affinities for the human α 1 , α 2 , β 1 , and β 3 receptors. After addition of compounds 2-4 into the β 2 -agonist library, a multiresidue analysis of 26 β 2 -agonists by using triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS for routine screening conducted by regulatory authorities was established, in which the common limits of quantification for the 26 β 2 -agonists in swine feed and hair are 10 and 25 ng/g, respectively. In addition, the illegal use of buctopamine (4) has been effectively prevented. The results of this study are also useful for controlling the illegal use of new β 2 -agonists in food-production animals.

  5. Differential actions of antiparkinson agents at multiple classes of monoaminergic receptor. III. Agonist and antagonist properties at serotonin, 5-HT(1) and 5-HT(2), receptor subtypes.

    PubMed

    Newman-Tancredi, Adrian; Cussac, Didier; Quentric, Yann; Touzard, Manuelle; Verrièle, Laurence; Carpentier, Nathalie; Millan, Mark J

    2002-11-01

    Although certain antiparkinson agents interact with serotonin (5-HT) receptors, little information is available concerning functional actions. Herein, we characterized efficacies of apomorphine, bromocriptine, cabergoline, lisuride, piribedil, pergolide, roxindole, and terguride at human (h)5-HT(1A), h5-HT(1B), and h5-HT(1D) receptors [guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding], and at h5-HT(2A), h5-HT(2B), and h5-HT(2C) receptors (depletion of membrane-bound [(3)H]phosphatydilinositol). All drugs stimulated h5-HT(1A) receptors with efficacies (compared with 5-HT, 100%) ranging from modest (apomorphine, 35%) to high (cabergoline, 93%). At h5-HT(1B) receptors, efficacies varied from mild (terguride, 37%) to marked (cabergoline, 102%) and potencies were modest (pEC(50) values of 5.8-7.6): h5-HT(1D) sites were activated with a similar range of efficacies and greater potency (7.1-8.5). Piribedil and apomorphine were inactive at h5-HT(1B) and h5-HT(1D) receptors. At h5-HT(2A) receptors, terguride, lisuride, bromocriptine, cabergoline, and pergolide displayed potent (7.6-8.8) agonist properties (49-103%), whereas apomorphine and roxindole were antagonists and piribedil was inactive. Only pergolide (113%/8.2) and cabergoline (123%/8.6) displayed pronounced agonist properties at h5-HT(2B) receptors. At 5-HT(2C) receptors, lisuride, bromocriptine, pergolide, and cabergoline were efficacious (75-96%) agonists, apomorphine and terguride were antagonists, and piribedil was inactive. MDL100,907 and SB242,084, selective antagonists at 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors, respectively, abolished these actions of pergolide, cabergoline, and bromocriptine. In conclusion, antiparkinson agents display markedly different patterns of agonist and antagonist properties at multiple 5-HT receptor subtypes. Although all show modest (agonist) activity at 5-HT(1A) sites, their contrasting actions at 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) sites may be of particular significance to their

  6. Dopamine inhibits somatolactin gene expression in tilapia pituitary cells through the dopamine D2 receptors.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Quan; Lian, Anji; He, Qi

    2016-07-01

    Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of vertebrates and possesses key hypophysiotropic functions. Early studies have shown that DA has a potent inhibitory effect on somatolactin (SL) release in fish. However, the mechanisms responsible for DA inhibition of SL gene expression are largely unknown. To this end, tilapia DA type-1 (D1) and type-2 (D2) receptor transcripts were examined in the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) of the tilapia pituitary by real-time PCR. In tilapia, DA not only was effective in inhibiting SL mRNA levels in vivo and in vitro, but also could abolish pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)- and salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH)-stimulated SL gene expression at the pituitary level. In parallel studies, the specific D2 receptor agonists quinpirole and bromocriptine could mimic the DA-inhibited SL gene expression. Furthermore, the D2 receptor antagonists domperidone and (-)-sulpiride could abolish the SL response to DA or the D2 agonist quinpirole, whereas D1 receptor antagonists SCH23390 and SKF83566 were not effective in this respect. In primary cultures of tilapia NIL cells, D2 agonist quinpirole-inhibited cAMP production could be blocked by co-treatment with the D2 antagonist domperidone and the ability of forskolin to increase cAMP production was also inhibited by quinpirole. Using a pharmacological approach, the AC/cAMP pathway was shown to be involved in quinpirole-inhibited SL mRNA expression. These results provide evidence that DA can directly inhibit SL gene expression at the tilapia pituitary level via D2 receptor through the AC/cAMP-dependent mechanism. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Role of ventral pallidal D2 dopamine receptors in the consolidation of spatial memory.

    PubMed

    Péczely, László; Ollmann, Tamás; László, Kristóf; Kovács, Anita; Gálosi, Rita; Kertes, Erika; Zagorácz, Olga; Kállai, Veronika; Karádi, Zoltán; Lénárd, László

    2016-10-15

    The role of dopamine (DA) receptors in spatial memory consolidation has been demonstrated in numerous brain regions, among others in the nucleus accumbens which innervates the ventral pallidum (VP). The VP contains both D1 and D2 DA receptors. We have recently shown that the VP D1 DA receptor activation facilitates consolidation of spatial memory in Morris water maze test. In the present study, the role of VP D2 DA receptors was investigated in the same paradigm. In the first experiment, the D2 DA receptor agonist quinpirole was administered into the VP of male Wistar rats in three doses (0.1, 1.0 or 5.0μg, respectively in 0.4μl physiological saline). In the second experiment, the D2 DA receptor antagonist sulpiride was applied to elucidate whether it can antagonise the effects of quinpirole. The antagonist (4.0μg, dissolved in 0.4μl physiological saline) was microinjected into the VP either by itself or prior to 1.0μg agonist treatment. Control animals received saline in both experiments. The two higher doses (1.0 and 5.0μg) of the agonist accelerated memory consolidation relative to controls and increased the stability of the consolidated memory against extinction. Sulpiride pretreatment antagonised the effects of quinpirole. In addition, the antagonist microinjected into the VP immediately after the second conditioning trial impaired learning functions. The present data provide evidences for the important role of VP D2 DA receptors in the consolidation and stabilization of spatial memory. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. The effect of various opiate receptor agonists on the seizure threshold in the rat. Is dynorphin an endogenous anticonvulsant?

    PubMed

    Przewłocka, B; Stala, L; Lasoń, W; Przewłocki, R

    1983-01-01

    The effects of various opiate receptor agonists on the seizure threshold after an intravenous infusion of pentylenetetrazol were investigated in rats. The mu- and epsilon-receptor agonists, morphine (20-40 micrograms) and beta-endorphin (5-10 micrograms) show proconvulsant properties towards clonic and tonic seizures. The delta-receptor agonist (D-Ala2,D-Leu5-enkephalin, DADL 5-40 micrograms) and alpha-neoendorphin (20-40 micrograms) show pro- and anticonvulsant properties towards clonic and tonic seizures, respectively. Anticonvulsant properties of DADL are possibly due to its action on the spinal cord, since after the intrathecal injection this effect is still observed. Similarities between DADL and alpha-neoendorphin suggest that they may act through the same receptor. The kappa-receptor agonist dynorphin A (5-20 micrograms) and its degradation-resistant analogue D-Arg-dynorphin1-13 (10 micrograms) show significant anticonvulsant properties. Our present results suggest that the kappa-receptor agonist dynorphin may act physiologically as an endogenous anticonvulsant, in contrast to other opioid peptides.

  9. Redoubling the ring size of an endomorphin-2 analog transforms a centrally acting mu-opioid receptor agonist into a pure peripheral analgesic.

    PubMed

    Piekielna, Justyna; De Marco, Rossella; Gentilucci, Luca; Cerlesi, Maria Camilla; Calo', Girolamo; Tömböly, Csaba; Artali, Roberto; Janecka, Anna

    2016-05-01

    The study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of two opioid analogs, a monomer and a dimer, obtained as products of the solid-phase, side-chain to side-chain cyclization of the pentapeptide Tyr-d-Lys-Phe-Phe-AspNH2 . The binding affinities to the mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, as well as results obtained in a calcium mobilization functional assay are reported. Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]2 -NH2 1 was a potent and selective full agonist of mu with sub-nanomolar affinity, while the dimer (Tyr-[d-Lys-Phe-Phe-Asp]2 -NH2 )2 2 showed a significant mixed mu/kappa affinity, acting as an agonist at the mu. Molecular docking computations were utilized to explain the ability of the dimeric cyclopeptide 2 to interact with the receptor. Interestingly, in spite of the increased ring size, the higher flexibility allowed 2 to fold and fit into the mu receptor binding pocket. Both cyclopeptides were shown to elicit strong antinociceptive activity after intraventricular injection but only cyclomonomer 1 was able to cross the blood-brain barrier. However, the cyclodimer 2 displayed a potent peripheral antinociceptive activity in a mouse model of visceral inflammatory pain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 309-317, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Negative cooperativity in binding of muscarinic receptor agonists and GDP as a measure of agonist efficacy

    PubMed Central

    Jakubík, J; Janíčková, H; El-Fakahany, EE; Doležal, V

    2011-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Conventional determination of agonist efficacy at G-protein coupled receptors is measured by stimulation of guanosine-5′-γ−thiotriphosphate (GTPγS) binding. We analysed the role of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) in the process of activation of the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and provide evidence that negative cooperativity between agonist and GDP binding is an alternative measure of agonist efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Filtration and scintillation proximity assays measured equilibrium binding as well as binding kinetics of [35S]GTPγS and [3H]GDP to a mixture of G-proteins as well as individual classes of G-proteins upon binding of structurally different agonists to the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. KEY RESULTS Agonists displayed biphasic competition curves with the antagonist [3H]-N-methylscopolamine. GTPγS (1 µM) changed the competition curves to monophasic with low affinity and 50 µM GDP produced a similar effect. Depletion of membrane-bound GDP increased the proportion of agonist high-affinity sites. Carbachol accelerated the dissociation of [3H]GDP from membranes. The inverse agonist N-methylscopolamine slowed GDP dissociation and GTPγS binding without changing affinity for GDP. Carbachol affected both GDP association with and dissociation from Gi/o G-proteins but only its dissociation from Gs/olf G-proteins. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest the existence of a low-affinity agonist-receptor conformation complexed with GDP-liganded G-protein. Also the negative cooperativity between GDP and agonist binding at the receptor/G-protein complex determines agonist efficacy. GDP binding reveals differences in action of agonists versus inverse agonists as well as differences in activation of Gi/o versus Gs/olf G-proteins that are not identified by conventional GTPγS binding. PMID:20958290

  11. Identification of Novel Synthetic Toll-like Receptor 2 Agonists by High Throughput Screening*

    PubMed Central

    Guan, Yue; Omueti-Ayoade, Katherine; Mutha, Sarita K.; Hergenrother, Paul J.; Tapping, Richard I.

    2010-01-01

    Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a central role in host defense by inducing inflammatory and adaptive immune responses following infection. Drugs that target TLRs are of considerable interest as potential inflammatory regulators, vaccine adjuvants, and novel immunotherapeutics. TLR2, in cooperation with either TLR1 or TLR6, mediates responses to a wide variety of microbial products as well as products of host tissue damage. In an effort to understand the structural basis of TLR2 recognition and uncover novel TLR2 agonists, a synthetic chemical library of 24,000 compounds was screened using an IL-8-driven luciferase reporter in cells expressing these human receptors. The screening yielded several novel TLR2-dependent activators that utilize TLR1, TLR6, or both as co-receptors. These novel small molecule compounds are aromatic in nature and structurally unrelated to any known TLR2 agonists. The three most potent compounds do not exhibit synergistic activity, nor do they act as pseudoantagonists toward natural TLR2 activators. Interestingly, two of the compounds exhibit species specificity and are inactive toward murine peritoneal macrophages. Mutational analysis reveals that although the central extracellular region of TLR1 is required for stimulation, there are subtle differences in the mechanism of stimulation mediated by the synthetic compounds in comparison with natural lipoprotein agonists. The three most potent compounds activate cells in the nanomolar range and stimulate cytokine production from human peripheral blood monocytes. Our results confirm the utility of high throughput screens to uncover novel synthetic TLR2 agonists that may be of therapeutic benefit. PMID:20504771

  12. Agonists and antagonists for P2 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Jacobson, Kenneth A.; Costanzi, Stefano; Joshi, Bhalchandra V.; Besada, Pedro; Shin, Dae Hong; Ko, Hyojin; Ivanov, Andrei A.; Mamedova, Liaman

    2015-01-01

    Recent work has identified nucleotide agonists selective for P2Y1, P2Y2 and P2Y6 receptors and nucleotide antagonists selective for P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1 receptors. Selective non-nucleotide antagonists have been reported for P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y6, P2Y12, P2Y13, P2X2/3/P2X3 and P2X7 receptors. For example, the dinucleotide INS 37217 (Up4dC) potently activates the P2Y2 receptor, and the non-nucleotide antagonist A-317491 is selective for P2X2/3/P2X3 receptors. Nucleotide analogues in which the ribose moiety is substituted by a variety of novel ring systems, including conformation-ally locked moieties, have been synthesized as ligands for P2Y receptors. The focus on conformational factors of the ribose-like moiety allows the inclusion of general modifications that lead to enhanced potency and selectivity. At P2Y1,2,4,11 receptors, there is a preference for the North conformation as indicated with (N)-methanocarba analogues. The P2Y1 antagonist MRS2500 inhibited ADP-induced human platelet aggregation with an IC50 of 0.95 nM. MRS2365, an (N)-methanocarba analogue of 2-MeSADP, displayed potency (EC50) of 0.4 nM at the P2Y1 receptor, with >10 000-fold selectivity in comparison to P2Y12 and P2Y13 receptors. At P2Y6 receptors there is a dramatic preference for the South conformation. Three-dimensional structures of P2Y receptors have been deduced from structure activity relationships (SAR), mutagenesis and modelling studies. Detailed three-dimensional structures of P2X receptors have not yet been proposed. PMID:16805423

  13. 3D-Pharmacophore Identification for κ-Opioid Agonists Using Ligand-Based Drug-Design Techniques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamaotsu, Noriyuki; Hirono, Shuichi

    A selective κ-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist might act as a powerful analgesic without the side effects of μ-opioid receptor-selective drugs such as morphine. The eight classes of known KOR agonists have different chemical structures, making it difficult to construct a pharmacophore model that takes them all into account. Here, we summarize previous efforts to identify the pharmacophore for κ-opioid agonists and propose a new three-dimensional pharmacophore model that encompasses the κ-activities of all classes. This utilizes conformational sampling of agonists by high-temperature molecular dynamics and pharmacophore extraction through a series of molecular superpositions.

  14. Agonist-induced conformational changes in the G-protein-coupling domain of the β2 adrenergic receptor

    PubMed Central

    Ghanouni, Pejman; Steenhuis, Jacqueline J.; Farrens, David L.; Kobilka, Brian K.

    2001-01-01

    The majority of extracellular physiologic signaling molecules act by stimulating GTP-binding protein (G-protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs). To monitor directly the formation of the active state of a prototypical GPCR, we devised a method to site specifically attach fluorescein to an endogenous cysteine (Cys-265) at the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane 6 (TM6) of the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), adjacent to the G-protein-coupling domain. We demonstrate that this tag reports agonist-induced conformational changes in the receptor, with agonists causing a decline in the fluorescence intensity of fluorescein-β2AR that is proportional to the biological efficacy of the agonist. We also find that agonists alter the interaction between the fluorescein at Cys-265 and fluorescence-quenching reagents localized to different molecular environments of the receptor. These observations are consistent with a rotation and/or tilting of TM6 on agonist activation. Our studies, when compared with studies of activation in rhodopsin, indicate a general mechanism for GPCR activation; however, a notable difference is the relatively slow kinetics of the conformational changes in the β2AR, which may reflect the different energetics of activation by diffusible ligands. PMID:11353823

  15. Partial agonists for α4β2 nicotinic receptors stimulate dopaminergic neuron firing with relatively enhanced maximal effects

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ying; Broad, Lisa M; Phillips, Keith G; Zwart, Ruud

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Partial agonists selective for α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptors have been developed for smoking cessation as they induce weak activation of native α4β2* receptors and inhibit effect of nicotine. However, it is unclear whether at brain functions there is an existence of receptor reserve that allows weak receptor activation to induce maximum physiological effects. We assessed the extent of α4β2 partial agonist-induced increase of firing rate in dopaminergic neurons and evaluated the influence of receptor reserve. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The relative maximal effects and potencies of six nicotinic agonists were assessed on recombinant human α4β2 and α7 receptors expressed in mammalian cell lines by measuring calcium influx. Agonist-induced increase of the spontaneous firing rate of dopaminergic neurons was recorded using microelectrodes in the ventral tegmental area of rat brain slices. KEY RESULTS All α4β2 partial and full agonists increased the firing rate concentration-dependently. Their sensitivity to subtype-selective antagonists showed predominant activation of native α4β2* receptors. However, partial agonists with relative maximal effects as low as 33% on α4β2 receptors maximally increased the firing rate and induced additional depolarization block of firing, demonstrating that partial activation of receptors caused the maximum increase in firing rate in the presence of a receptor reserve. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Partial α4β2 agonists induced relatively enhanced effects on the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons, and the effect was mainly attributed to the existence of native α4β2* receptor reserve. The results have implications in the understanding of physiological effects and therapeutic efficacies of α4β2 partial agonists. PMID:21838750

  16. Nitric oxide donor beta2-agonists: furoxan derivatives containing the fenoterol moiety and related furazans.

    PubMed

    Buonsanti, M Federica; Bertinaria, Massimo; Stilo, Antonella Di; Cena, Clara; Fruttero, Roberta; Gasco, Alberto

    2007-10-04

    The structure of fenoterol, a beta2-adrenoceptor agonist used in therapy, has been joined with furoxan NO-donor moieties to give new NO-donor beta2-agonists. The furazan analogues, devoid of the property to release NO, were also synthesized for comparison. All the compounds retained beta2-agonistic activity at micromolar or submicromolar concentration when tested on guinea pig tracheal rings precontracted with carbachol. Among the furoxan derivatives, the NO contribution to trachea relaxation was evident with product 15b at micromolar concentrations. All the new NO-donor hybrids were able to dilate rat aortic strips precontracted with phenylephrine. Both furoxan and furazan derivatives displayed antioxidant activity greater than that of fenoterol.

  17. Design and Synthesis of 2-Alkylpyrimidine-4,6-diol and 6-Alkylpyridine-2,4-diol as Potent GPR84 Agonists.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yang; Zhang, Qing; Chen, Lin-Hai; Yang, Hui; Lu, Wei; Xie, Xin; Nan, Fa-Jun

    2016-06-09

    A series of alkylpyrimidine-4,6-diol derivatives were designed and synthesized as novel GRP84 agonists based on a high-throughput screening (HTS) hit 1. 6-Nonylpyridine-2,4-diol was identified as the most potent agonist of GPR84 reported so far, with an EC50 of 0.189 nM. These novel GPR84 agonists will provide valuable tools for the study of the physiological functions of GPR84.

  18. Design and Synthesis of 2-Alkylpyrimidine-4,6-diol and 6-Alkylpyridine-2,4-diol as Potent GPR84 Agonists

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    A series of alkylpyrimidine-4,6-diol derivatives were designed and synthesized as novel GRP84 agonists based on a high-throughput screening (HTS) hit 1. 6-Nonylpyridine-2,4-diol was identified as the most potent agonist of GPR84 reported so far, with an EC50 of 0.189 nM. These novel GPR84 agonists will provide valuable tools for the study of the physiological functions of GPR84. PMID:27326330

  19. Receptor-selective, peptidase-resistant agonists at neurokinin NK-1 and NK-2 receptors: new tools for investigating neurokinin function.

    PubMed

    Hagan, R M; Ireland, S J; Jordan, C C; Beresford, I J; Deal, M J; Ward, P

    1991-06-01

    The pharmacological profiles of two novel neurokinin agonists have been investigated. delta Ava[L-Pro9,N-MeLeu10]SP(7-11) (GR73632) and [Lys3,Gly8-R-gamma-lactam-Leu9] NKA(3-10) (GR64349) are potent and selective agonists at NK-1 and NK-2 receptors respectively. In the guinea-pig isolated trachea preparation, contractions induced by these agonists were largely unaffected by inclusion of peptidase inhibitors in the bathing medium, indicating that these agonists are resistant to metabolism by peptidases. In the anaesthetised guinea-pig, both agonists were more potent bronchoconstrictor agents than either NKA or the SP analogue, SP methylester. In the anaesthetised rat, the NK-1 agonist, GR73632 was more potent than SP, NKA or NKB at causing the histamine-independent extravasation of plasma proteins into the skin after intradermal administration. The NK-2 agonist, GR64349 and the NK-3 agonist, senktide were without significant effect in this model. These agonists are useful tools for characterizing neurokinin receptor-mediated actions both in vitro and in vivo.

  20. Synthesis and characterization of potent and selective mu-opioid receptor antagonists, [Dmt(1), D-2-Nal(4)]endomorphin-1 (Antanal-1) and [Dmt(1), D-2-Nal(4)]endomorphin-2 (Antanal-2).

    PubMed

    Fichna, Jakub; do-Rego, Jean-Claude; Chung, Nga N; Lemieux, Carole; Schiller, Peter W; Poels, Jeroen; Broeck, Jozef Vanden; Costentin, Jean; Janecka, Anna

    2007-02-08

    To synthesize potent antagonists of the mu-opioid receptor, we prepared a series of endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 analogues with 3-(1-naphthyl)-d-alanine (d-1-Nal) or 3-(2-naphthyl)-d-alanine (d-2-Nal) in position 4. Some of these analogues displayed weak antagonist properties. We tried to strengthen these properties by introducing the structurally modified tyrosine residue 2,6-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) in place of Tyr1. Among the synthesized compounds, [Dmt1, d-2-Nal4]endomorphin-1, designated antanal-1, and [Dmt1, d-2-Nal4]endomorphin-2, designated antanal-2, turned out to be highly potent and selective mu-opioid receptor antagonists, as judged on the basis of two functional assays, the receptor binding assay and the hot plate test of analgesia. Interestingly, another analogue of this series, [Dmt1, d-1-Nal4]endomorphin-1, turned out to be a moderately potent mixed mu-agonist/delta-antagonist.

  1. Radiolabeling optimization and characterization of (68)Ga labeled DOTA-polyamido-amine dendrimer conjugate - Animal biodistribution and PET imaging results.

    PubMed

    Ghai, Aanchal; Singh, Baljinder; Panwar Hazari, Puja; Schultz, Michael K; Parmar, Ambika; Kumar, Pardeep; Sharma, Sarika; Dhawan, Devinder; Kumar Mishra, Anil

    2015-11-01

    The present study describes the optimization of (68)Ga radiolabeling with PAMAM dendrimer-DOTA conjugate. A conjugate (PAMAM-DOTA) concentration of 11.69µM, provided best radiolabeling efficiency of more than 93.0% at pH 4.0, incubation time of 30.0min and reaction temperature ranging between 90 and 100°C. The decay corrected radiochemical yield was found to be 79.4±0.01%. The radiolabeled preparation ([(68)Ga]-DOTA-PAMAM-D) remained stable (radiolabeling efficiency of 96.0%) at room temperature and in serum for up to 4-h. The plasma protein binding was observed to be 21.0%. After intravenous administration, 50.0% of the tracer cleared from the blood circulation by 30-min and less than 1.0% of the injected activity remained in blood by 1.0h. The animal biodistribution studies demonstrated that the tracer excretes through the kidneys and about 0.33% of the %ID/g accumulated in the tumor at 1h post injection. The animal organ's biodistribution data was supported by animal PET imaging showing good 'non-specific' tracer uptake in tumor and excretion is primarily through kidneys. Additionally, DOTA-PAMAM-D conjugation with αVβ3 receptors targeting peptides and drug loading on the dendrimers may improve the specificity of the (68)Ga labeled product for imaging and treating angiogenesis respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Evolution of the Bifunctional Lead μ Agonist / δ Antagonist Containing the Dmt-Tic Opioid Pharmacophore.

    PubMed

    Balboni, Gianfranco; Salvadori, Severo; Trapella, Claudio; Knapp, Brian I; Bidlack, Jean M; Lazarus, Lawrence H; Peng, Xuemei; Neumeyer, John L

    2010-02-17

    Based on a renewed importance recently attributed to bi- or multifunctional opioids, we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some analogues derived from our lead μ agonist / δ antagonist, H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Bzl. Our previous studies focused on the importance of the C-teminal benzyl function in the induction of such bifunctional activity. The introduction of some substituents in the para position of the phenyl ring (-Cl, -CH(3), partially -NO(2), inactive -NH(2)) was found to give a more potent μ agonist / antagonist effect associated with a relatively unmodified δ antagonist activity (pA(2) = 8.28-9.02). Increasing the steric hindrance of the benzyl group (using diphenylmethyl and tetrahydroisoquinoline functionalities) substantially maintained the μ agonist and δ antagonist activities of the lead compound. Finally and quite unexpectedly D-Tic2, considered as a wrong opioid message now; inserted into the reference compound in lieu of L-Tic, provided a μ agonist / δ agonist better than our reference ligand (H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Ph) and was endowed with the same pharmacological profile.

  3. The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: A novel possible model of OCD?

    PubMed Central

    Eagle, Dawn M.; Noschang, Cristie; d’Angelo, Laure-Sophie Camilla; Noble, Christie A.; Day, Jacob O.; Dongelmans, Marie Louise; Theobald, David E.; Mar, Adam C.; Urcelay, Gonzalo P.; Morein-Zamir, Sharon; Robbins, Trevor W.

    2014-01-01

    Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an ‘observing’ lever for information about the location of an ‘active’ lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be

  4. The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: a novel possible model of OCD.

    PubMed

    Eagle, Dawn M; Noschang, Cristie; d'Angelo, Laure-Sophie Camilla; Noble, Christie A; Day, Jacob O; Dongelmans, Marie Louise; Theobald, David E; Mar, Adam C; Urcelay, Gonzalo P; Morein-Zamir, Sharon; Robbins, Trevor W

    2014-05-01

    Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an 'observing' lever for information about the location of an 'active' lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be beneficial

  5. Superpotent [Dmt¹] dermorphin tetrapeptides containing the 4-aminotetrahydro-2-benzazepin-3-one scaffold with mixed μ/δ opioid receptor agonistic properties.

    PubMed

    Vandormael, Bart; Fourla, Danai-Dionysia; Gramowski-Voss, Alexandra; Kosson, Piotr; Weiss, Dieter G; Schröder, Olaf H-U; Lipkowski, Andrzej; Georgoussi, Zafiroula; Tourwé, Dirk

    2011-11-24

    Novel dermorphin tetrapeptides are described in which Tyr(1) is replaced by Dmt(1), where d-Ala(2) and Gly(4) are N-methylated, and where Phe(3)-Gly(4) residue is substituted by the constrained Aba(3)-Gly(4) peptidomimetic. Most of these peptidic ligands displayed binding affinities in the nanomolar range for both μ- and δ-opioid receptors but no detectable affinity for the κ-opioid receptor. Measurements of cAMP accumulation, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) in HEK293 cells stably expressing each of these receptors individually, and functional screening in primary neuronal cultures confirmed the potent agonistic properties of these peptides. The most potent ligand H-Dmt-NMe-d-Ala-Aba-Gly-NH(2) (BVD03) displayed mixed μ/δ opioid agonist properties with picomolar functional potencies. Functional electrophysiological in vitro assays using primary cortical and spinal cord networks showed that this analogue possessed electrophysiological similarity toward gabapentin and sufentanil, which makes it an interesting candidate for further study as an analgesic for neuropathic pain.

  6. Discovery of Nanomolar Desmuramylpeptide Agonists of the Innate Immune Receptor Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain-Containing Protein 2 (NOD2) Possessing Immunostimulatory Properties.

    PubMed

    Gobec, Martina; Tomašič, Tihomir; Štimac, Adela; Frkanec, Ruža; Trontelj, Jurij; Anderluh, Marko; Mlinarič-Raščan, Irena; Jakopin, Žiga

    2018-04-12

    Muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a fragment of bacterial peptidoglycan, has long been known as the smallest fragment possessing adjuvant activity, on the basis of its agonistic action on the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2). There is a pressing need for novel adjuvants, and NOD2 agonists provide an untapped source of potential candidates. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a series of novel acyl tripeptides. A pivotal structural element for molecular recognition by NOD2 has been identified, culminating in the discovery of compound 9, the most potent desmuramylpeptide NOD2 agonist to date. Compound 9 augmented pro-inflammatory cytokine release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in synergy with lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, it was able to induce ovalbumin-specific IgG titers in a mouse model of adjuvancy. These findings provide deeper insights into the structural requirements of desmuramylpeptides for NOD2-activation and highlight the potential use of NOD2 agonists as adjuvants for vaccines.

  7. Free-Operant Avoidance Behavior by Rats after Reinforcer Revaluation Using Opioid Agonists and d-Amphetamine

    PubMed Central

    Urcelay, Gonzalo; Mar, Adam; Dickinson, Anthony; Robbins, Trevor

    2014-01-01

    The associative processes that support free-operant instrumental avoidance behavior are still unknown. We used a revaluation procedure to determine whether the performance of an avoidance response is sensitive to the current value of the aversive, negative reinforcer. Rats were trained on an unsignaled, free-operant lever press avoidance paradigm in which each response avoided or escaped shock and produced a 5 s feedback stimulus. The revaluation procedure consisted of noncontingent presentations of the shock in the absence of the lever either paired or unpaired with systemic morphine and in a different cohort with systemic d-amphetamine. Rats were then tested drug free during an extinction test. In both the d-amphetamine and morphine groups, pairing of the drug and shock decreased subsequent avoidance responding during the extinction test, suggesting that avoidance behavior was sensitive to the current incentive value of the aversive negative reinforcer. Experiment 2 used central infusions of D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO), a mu-opioid receptor agonist, in the periacqueductal gray and nucleus accumbens shell to revalue the shock. Infusions of DAMGO in both regions replicated the effects seen with systemic morphine. These results are the first to demonstrate the impact of revaluation of an aversive reinforcer on avoidance behavior using pharmacological agents, thereby providing potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of avoidance behavior symptomatic of anxiety disorders. PMID:24790199

  8. Interaction of ( sup 3 H)MK-801 with multiple states of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex of rat brain

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Javitt, D.C.; Zukin, S.R.

    1989-01-01

    N-Methyl-D-aspartate (N-Me-D-Asp) and phencyclidine receptors interactively mediate central nervous system processes including psychotomimetic effects of drugs as well as neurodegenerative, cognitive, and developmental events. To elucidate the mechanism of this interaction, effects of N-Me-D-Asp agonists and antagonists and of glycine-like agents upon binding of the radiolabeled phencyclidine receptor ligand ({sup 3}H)MK-801 were determined in rat brain. Scatchard analysis revealed two discrete components of ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding after 4 hr of incubation. Incubation in the presence of L-glutamate led to an increase in apparent densities but not in affinities of both components of ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding as well as conversion ofmore » sites from apparent low to high affinity. Incubation in the presence of combined D-serine and L-glutamate led to an increase in the apparent density of high-affinity ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding compared with incubation in the presence of either L-glutamate or D-serine alone. These data support a model in which phencyclidine receptor ligands bind differentially to closed as well as open conformations of the N-Me-D-Asp receptor complex and in which glycine-like agents permit or facilitate agonist-induced conversion of N-Me-D-Asp receptors from closed to open conformations.« less

  9. β2-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists Inhibit the Proliferation of 1321N1 Astrocytoma CellsS⃞

    PubMed Central

    Toll, L.; Jimenez, L.; Waleh, N.; Jozwiak, K.; Woo, A.Y.-H.; Xiao, R.-P.; Bernier, M.

    2011-01-01

    Astrocytomas and glioblastomas have been particularly difficult to treat and refractory to chemotherapy. However, significant evidence has been presented that demonstrates a decrease in astrocytoma cell proliferation subsequent to an increase in cAMP levels. The 1321N1 astrocytoma cell line, as well as other astrocytomas and glioblastomas, expresses β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) that are coupled to Gs activation and consequent cAMP production. Experiments were conducted to determine whether the β2-AR agonist (R,R′)-fenoterol and other β2-AR agonists could attenuate mitogenesis and, if so, by what mechanism. Receptor binding studies were conducted to characterize β2-AR found in 1321N1 and U118 cell membranes. In addition, cells were incubated with (R,R′)-fenoterol and analogs to determine their ability to stimulate intracellular cAMP accumulation and inhibit [3H]thymidine incorporation into the cells. 1321N1 cells contain significant levels of β2-AR as determined by receptor binding. (R,R′)-fenoterol and other β2-AR agonists, as well as forskolin, stimulated cAMP accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. Accumulation of cAMP induced a decrease in [3H]thymidine incorporation. There was a correlation between concentration required to stimulate cAMP accumulation and inhibit [3H]thymidine incorporation. U118 cells have a reduced number of β2-ARs and a concomitant reduction in the ability of β2-AR agonists to inhibit cell proliferation. These studies demonstrate the efficacy of β2-AR agonists for inhibition of growth of the astrocytoma cell lines. Because a significant portion of brain tumors contain β2-ARs to a greater extent than whole brain, (R,R′)-fenoterol, or some analog, may be useful in the treatment of brain tumors after biopsy to determine β2-AR expression. PMID:21071556

  10. Evidence against dopamine D1/D2 receptor heteromers

    PubMed Central

    Frederick, Aliya L.; Yano, Hideaki; Trifilieff, Pierre; Vishwasrao, Harshad D.; Biezonski, Dominik; Mészáros, József; Sibley, David R.; Kellendonk, Christoph; Sonntag, Kai C.; Graham, Devon L.; Colbran, Roger J.; Stanwood, Gregg D.; Javitch, Jonathan A.

    2014-01-01

    Hetero-oligomers of G-protein-coupled receptors have become the subject of intense investigation because their purported potential to manifest signaling and pharmacological properties that differ from the component receptors makes them highly attractive for the development of more selective pharmacological treatments. In particular, dopamine D1 and D2 receptors have been proposed to form hetero-oligomers that couple to Gαq proteins, and SKF83959 has been proposed to act as a biased agonist that selectively engages these receptor complexes to activate Gαq and thus phospholipase C. D1/D2 heteromers have been proposed as relevant to the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and schizophrenia. We used in vitro bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), ex vivo analyses of receptor localization and proximity in brain slices, and behavioral assays in mice to characterize signaling from these putative dimers/oligomers. We were unable to detect Gαq or Gα11 protein coupling to homomers or heteromers of D1 or D2 receptors using a variety of biosensors. SKF83959-induced locomotor and grooming behaviors were eliminated in D1 receptor knockout mice, verifying a key role for D1-like receptor activation. In contrast, SKF83959-induced motor responses were intact in D2 receptor and Gαq knockout mice, as well as in knock-in mice expressing a mutant Ala286-CaMKIIα, that cannot autophosphorylate to become active. Moreover, we found that in the shell of the nucleus accumbens, even in neurons in which D1 and D2 receptor promoters are both active, the receptor proteins are segregated and do not form complexes. These data are not compatible with SKF83959 signaling through Gαq or through a D1–D2 heteromer and challenge the existence of such a signaling complex in the adult animals that we used for our studies. PMID:25560761

  11. An Alternate, Egg-Free Radiolabeled Meal Formulation for Gastric-Emptying Scintigraphy.

    PubMed

    Garrigue, Philippe; Bodin-Hullin, Aurore; Gonzalez, Sandra; Sala, Quentin; Guillet, Benjamin

    2017-07-01

    Tc-radiolabeled scrambled eggs (SEs) are most often used as the ingested solid phase for gastric-emptying scintigraphy, leading egg-reluctant patients to avoid the examination. We formulated and validated 2 egg-free alternate meals, in the absence of any commercialized formulation: chocolate mug cake (MC) and scrambled tofu (ST). Six healthy volunteers underwent gastric-emptying scintigraphy after ingesting Tc-radiolabeled MC, ST, or SE. Gastric retention indexes did not change significantly between formulations (% of overtime variation to SE: MC 7.75% ± 7.1%, ST 7.17% ± 5.8%; P = 0.6618, not statistically significant), suggesting MC and ST as interesting egg-free alternatives.

  12. Discovery of potent and selective small-molecule PAR-2 agonists.

    PubMed

    Seitzberg, Jimmi Gerner; Knapp, Anne Eeg; Lund, Birgitte Winther; Mandrup Bertozzi, Sine; Currier, Erika A; Ma, Jian-Nong; Sherbukhin, Vladimir; Burstein, Ethan S; Olsson, Roger

    2008-09-25

    Proteinase activated receptor-2 plays a crucial role in a wide variety of conditions with a strong inflammatory component. We present the discovery and characterization of two structurally different, potent, selective, and metabolically stable small-molecule PAR-2 agonists. These ligands may be useful as pharmacological tools for elucidating the complex physiological role of the PAR-2 receptors as well as for the development of PAR-2 antagonists.

  13. Radiolabeled F(ab')2-cetuximab for theranostic purposes in colorectal and skin tumor-bearing mice models.

    PubMed

    Bellaye, P-S; Moreau, M; Raguin, O; Oudot, A; Bernhard, C; Vrigneaud, J-M; Dumont, L; Vandroux, D; Denat, F; Cochet, A; Brunotte, F; Collin, B

    2018-05-17

    This study aimed to investigate theranostic strategies in colorectal and skin cancer based on fragments of cetuximab, an anti-EGFR mAb, labeled with radionuclide with imaging and therapeutic properties, 111 In and 177 Lu, respectively. We designed F(ab') 2 -fragments of cetuximab radiolabeled with 111 In and 177 Lu. 111 In-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab tumor targeting and biodistribution were evaluated by SPECT in BalbC nude mice bearing primary colorectal tumors. The efficacy of 111 In-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab to assess therapy efficacy was performed on BalbC nude mice bearing colorectal tumors receiving 17-DMAG, an HSP90 inhibitor. Therapeutic efficacy of the radioimmunotherapy based on 177 Lu-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab was evaluated in SWISS nude mice bearing A431 tumors. Radiolabeling procedure did not change F(ab') 2 -cetuximab and cetuximab immunoreactivity nor affinity for HER1 in vitro. 111 In-DOTAGA-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab exhibited a peak tumor uptake at 24 h post-injection and showed a high tumor specificity determined by a significant decrease in tumor uptake after the addition of an excess of unlabeled-DOTAGA-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab. SPECT imaging of 111 In-DOTAGA-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab allowed an accurate evaluation of tumor growth and successfully predicted the decrease in tumor growth induced by 17-DMAG. Finally, 177 Lu-DOTAGA-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab radioimmunotherapy showed a significant reduction of tumor growth at 4 and 8 MBq doses. 111 In-DOTAGA-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab is a reliable and stable tool for specific in vivo tumor targeting and is suitable for therapy efficacy assessment. 177 Lu-DOTAGA-F(ab') 2 -cetuximab is an interesting theranostic tool allowing therapy and imaging.

  14. Discovery of N-(4-aryl-5-aryloxy-thiazol-2-yl)-amides as potent RORγt inverse agonists.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yonghui; Yang, Ting; Liu, Qian; Ma, Yingli; Yang, Liuqing; Zhou, Ling; Xiang, Zhijun; Cheng, Ziqiang; Lu, Sijie; Orband-Miller, Lisa A; Zhang, Wei; Wu, Qianqian; Zhang, Kathleen; Li, Yi; Xiang, Jia-Ning; Elliott, John D; Leung, Stewart; Ren, Feng; Lin, Xichen

    2015-09-01

    A novel series of N-(4-aryl-5-aryloxy-thiazol-2-yl)-amides as RORγt inverse agonists was discovered. Binding mode analysis of a RORγt partial agonist (2c) revealed by co-crystal structure in RORγt LBD suggests that the inverse agonists do not directly interfere with the interaction between H12 and the RORγt LBD. Detailed SAR exploration led to identification of potent RORγt inverse agonists such as 3m with a pIC50 of 8.0. Selected compounds in the series showed reasonable activity in Th17 cell differentiation assay as well as low intrinsic clearance in mouse liver microsomes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Design and synthesis of small molecule agonists of EphA2 receptor.

    PubMed

    Petty, Aaron; Idippily, Nethrie; Bobba, Viharika; Geldenhuys, Werner J; Zhong, Bo; Su, Bin; Wang, Bingcheng

    2018-01-01

    Ligand-independent activation of EphA2 receptor kinase promotes cancer metastasis and invasion. Activating EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase with small molecule agonist is a novel strategy to treat EphA2 overexpressing cancer. In this study, we performed a lead optimization of a small molecule Doxazosin that was identified as an EphA2 receptor agonist. 33 new analogs were developed and evaluated; a structure-activity relationship was summarized based on the EphA2 activation of these derivatives. Two new derivative compounds 24 and 27 showed much improved activity compared to Doxazosin. Compound 24 possesses a bulky amide moiety, and compound 27 has a dimeric structure that is very different to the parental compound. Compound 27 with a twelve-carbon linker of the dimer activated the kinase and induced receptor internalization and cell death with the best potency. Another dimer with a six-carbon linker has significantly reduced potency compared to the dimer with a longer linker, suggesting that the length of the linker is critical for the activity of the dimeric agonist. To explore the receptor binding characteristics of the new molecules, we applied a docking study to examine how the small molecule binds to the EphA2 receptor. The results reveal that compounds 24 and 27 form more hydrogen bonds to EphA2 than Doxazosin, suggesting that they may have higher binding affinity to the receptor. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  16. Radiolabeled inorganic nanoparticles for positron emission tomography imaging of cancer: an overview

    PubMed Central

    CHAKRAVARTY, Rubel; GOEL, Shreya; DASH, Ashutosh; CAI, Weibo

    2017-01-01

    Over the last few years, a plethora of radiolabeled inorganic nanoparticles have been developed and evaluated for their potential use as probes in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of a wide variety of cancers. Inorganic nanoparticles represent an emerging paradigm in molecular imaging probe design, allowing the incorporation of various imaging modalities, targeting ligands, and therapeutic payloads into a single vector. A major challenge in this endeavor is to develop disease-specific nanoparticles with facile and robust radiolabeling strategies. Also, the radiolabeled nanoparticles should demonstrate adequate in vitro and in vivo stability, enhanced sensitivity for detection of disease at an early stage, optimized in vivo pharmacokinetics for reduced non-specific organ uptake, and improved targeting for achieving high efficacy. Owing to these challenges and other technological and regulatory issues, only a single radiolabeled nanoparticle formulation, namely “C-dots” (Cornell dots), has found its way into clinical trials thus far. This review describes the available options for radiolabeling of nanoparticles and summarizes the recent developments in PET imaging of cancer in preclinical and clinical settings using radiolabeled nanoparticles as probes. The key considerations toward clinical translation of these novel PET imaging probes are discussed, which will be beneficial for advancement of the field. PMID:28124549

  17. Novel kinin B1 receptor agonists with improved pharmacological profiles.

    PubMed

    Côté, Jérôme; Savard, Martin; Bovenzi, Veronica; Bélanger, Simon; Morin, Josée; Neugebauer, Witold; Larouche, Annie; Dubuc, Céléna; Gobeil, Fernand

    2009-04-01

    There is some evidence to suggest that inducible kinin B1 receptors (B1R) may play beneficial and protecting roles in cardiovascular-related pathologies such as hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic organ diseases. Peptide B1R agonists bearing optimized pharmacological features (high potency, selectivity and stability toward proteolysis) hold promise as valuable therapeutic agents in the treatment of these diseases. In the present study, we used solid-phase methodology to synthesize a series of novel peptide analogues based on the sequence of Sar[dPhe(8)]desArg(9)-bradykinin, a relatively stable peptide agonist with moderate affinity for the human B1R. We evaluated the pharmacological properties of these peptides using (1) in vitro competitive binding experiments on recombinant human B1R and B2R (for index of selectivity determination) in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-293T cells), (2) ex vivo vasomotor assays on isolated human umbilical veins expressing endogenous human B1R, and (3) in vivo blood pressure tests using anesthetized lipopolysaccharide-immunostimulated rabbits. Key chemical modifications at the N-terminus, the positions 3 and 5 on Sar[dPhe(8)]desArg(9)-bradykinin led to potent analogues. For example, peptides 18 (SarLys[Hyp(3),Cha(5), dPhe(8)]desArg(9)-bradykinin) and 20 (SarLys[Hyp(3),Igl(5), dPhe(8)]desArg(9)-bradykinin) outperformed the parental molecule in terms of affinity, functional potency and duration of action in vitro and in vivo. These selective agonists should be valuable in future animal and human studies to investigate the potential benefits of B1R activation.

  18. New surface radiolabeling schemes of super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biodistribution studies.

    PubMed

    Nallathamby, Prakash D; Mortensen, Ninell P; Palko, Heather A; Malfatti, Mike; Smith, Catherine; Sonnett, James; Doktycz, Mitchel J; Gu, Baohua; Roeder, Ryan K; Wang, Wei; Retterer, Scott T

    2015-04-21

    Nanomaterial based drug delivery systems allow for the independent tuning of the surface chemical and physical properties that affect their biodistribution in vivo and the therapeutic payloads that they are intended to deliver. Additionally, the added therapeutic and diagnostic value of their inherent material properties often provides extra functionality. Iron based nanomaterials with their magnetic properties and easily tailorable surface chemistry are of particular interest as model systems. In this study the core radius of the iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) was 14.08 ± 3.92 nm while the hydrodynamic radius of the NPs, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), was between 90-110 nm. In this study, different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable in solution. The NPs were functionalized with polycarboxylate or polyamine surface functional groups. Polycarboxylate functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of -35 mV and polyamine functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of +40 mV. The polycarboxylate functionalized NPs were chosen for in vivo biodistribution studies and hence were radiolabeled with (14)C, with a final activity of 0.097 nCi mg(-1) of NPs. In chronic studies, the biodistribution profile is tracked using low level radiolabeled proxies of the nanoparticles of interest. Conventionally, these radiolabeled proxies are chemically similar but not chemically identical to the non-radiolabeled NPs of interest. This study is novel as different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable, possess a hydrodynamic radius of <100 nm and most importantly they exhibit an identical surface chemical functionality as their non-radiolabeled counterparts. Identical chemical functionality of the radiolabeled probes to the non-radiolabeled probes was an important consideration to generate statistically similar biodistribution data sets using multiple imaging and detection techniques. The radiolabeling approach

  19. Inhibition of the AMP-activated protein kinase-α2 accentuates agonist-induced vascular smooth muscle contraction and high blood pressure in mice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shuangxi; Liang, Bin; Viollet, Benoit; Zou, Ming-Hui

    2011-05-01

    The aim of the present study was to determine the effects and molecular mechanisms by which AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure in mice. In cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells, we observed that activation of AMPK by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribofuranoside inhibited agonist-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1). Conversely, AMPK inhibition with pharmacological or genetic means potentiated agonist-induced the phosphorylation of MLC and MYPT1, whereas it inhibited both Ras homolog gene family member A and Rho-associated kinase activity. In addition, AMPK activation or Rho-associated kinase inhibition with Y27632 abolished agonist-induced phosphorylation of MLC and MYPT1. Gene silencing of p190-guanosine triphosphatase-activating protein abolished the effects of AMPK activation on MLC, MYPT1, and Ras homolog gene family member A in human smooth muscle cells. Ex vivo analyses revealed that agonist-induced contractions of the mesenteric artery and aortas were stronger in both AMPKα1(-/-) and AMPKα2(-/-) knockout mice than in wild-type mice. Inhibition of Rho-associated kinase with Y27632 normalized agonist-induced contractions of AMPKα1(-/-) and AMPKα2(-/-) vessels. AMPKα2(-/-) mice had higher blood pressure along with decreased serine phosphorylation of p190-guanosine triphosphatase-activating protein. Finally, inhibition of the Ras homolog gene family member A/Rho-associated kinase pathway with Y27632, which suppressed MYPT1 and MLC phosphorylation, lowered blood pressure in AMPKα2(-/-) mice. In conclusion, AMPK decreases vascular smooth muscle cell contractility by inhibiting p190-GTP-activating protein-dependent Ras homolog gene family member A activation, indicating that AMPK may be a new therapeutic target in lowering high blood pressure.

  20. Both substance P agonists and antagonists inhibit ion conductance through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on PC12 cells.

    PubMed

    Eardley, D; McGee, R

    1985-08-07

    Substance P stimulates substance P receptors but also inhibits ion conductance through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Substance P analogs, classified as agonists or antagonists based on their actions on smooth muscle, were tested to determine if they also could act at nicotinic receptors on the pheochromocytoma, PC12. All of the analogs tested, [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]SP, [D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]SP, [pGlu5, MePhe8, Sar9]SP-(5-11), and [D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9,10]SP-(4-11), inhibited agonist-induced uptake of 86Rb+ through the nicotinic receptors at concentrations quite similar to those required for action at substance P receptors on smooth muscle. Thus, the chemical modifications in the analogs do not substantially alter their ability to inhibit nicotinic receptors.

  1. Molecular interactions of agonist and inverse agonist ligands at serotonin 5-HT2C G protein-coupled receptors: computational ligand docking and molecular dynamics studies validated by experimental mutagenesis results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Córdova-Sintjago, Tania C.; Liu, Yue; Booth, Raymond G.

    2015-02-01

    To understand molecular determinants for ligand activation of the serotonin 5-HT2C G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), a drug target for obesity and neuropsychiatric disorders, a 5-HT2C homology model was built according to an adrenergic β2 GPCR (β2AR) structure and validated using a 5-HT2B GPCR crystal structure. The models were equilibrated in a simulated phosphatidyl choline membrane for ligand docking and molecular dynamics studies. Ligands included (2S, 4R)-(-)-trans-4-(3'-bromo- and trifluoro-phenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-amine (3'-Br-PAT and 3'-CF3-PAT), a 5-HT2C agonist and inverse agonist, respectively. Distinct interactions of 3'-Br-PAT and 3'-CF3-PAT at the wild-type (WT) 5-HT2C receptor model were observed and experimental 5-HT2C receptor mutagenesis studies were undertaken to validate the modelling results. For example, the inverse agonist 3'-CF3-PAT docked deeper in the WT 5-HT2C binding pocket and altered the orientation of transmembrane helices (TM) 6 in comparison to the agonist 3'-Br-PAT, suggesting that changes in TM orientation that result from ligand binding impact function. For both PATs, mutation of 5-HT2C residues S3.36, T3.37, and F5.47 to alanine resulted in significantly decreased affinity, as predicted from modelling results. It was concluded that upon PAT binding, 5-HT2C residues T3.37 and F5.47 in TMs 3 and 5, respectively, engage in inter-helical interactions with TMs 4 and 6, respectively. The movement of TMs 5 and 6 upon agonist and inverse agonist ligand binding observed in the 5-HT2C receptor modelling studies was similar to movements reported for the activation and deactivation of the β2AR, suggesting common mechanisms among aminergic neurotransmitter GPCRs.

  2. Toll-Like Receptor–2/6 and Toll-Like Receptor–9 Agonists Suppress Viral Replication but Not Airway Hyperreactivity in Guinea Pigs

    PubMed Central

    Evans, Scott E.; Dickey, Burton F.; Fryer, Allison D.; Jacoby, David B.

    2013-01-01

    Respiratory virus infections cause airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Preventative strategies for virus-induced AHR remain limited. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been suggested as a therapeutic target because of their central role in triggering antiviral immune responses. Previous studies showed that concurrent treatment with TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonists reduced lethality and the microbial burden in murine models of bacterial and viral pneumonia. This study investigated the effects of TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonist pretreatment on parainfluenza virus pneumonia and virus-induced AHR in guinea pigs in vivo. Synthetic TLR2/6 lipopeptide agonist Pam2CSK4 and Class C oligodeoxynucleotide TLR9 agonist ODN2395, administered in combination 24 hours before virus infection, significantly reduced viral replication in the lung. Despite a fivefold reduction in viral titers, concurrent TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonist pretreatment did not prevent virus-induced AHR or virus-induced inhibitory M2 muscarinic receptor dysfunction. Interestingly, the TLR agonists independently caused non–M2-dependent AHR. These data confirm the therapeutic antiviral potential of TLR agonists, while suggesting that virus inhibition may be insufficient to prevent virus-induced airway pathophysiology. Furthermore, TLR agonists independently cause AHR, albeit through a distinctly different mechanism from that of parainfluenza virus. PMID:23449736

  3. Dopamine D2 heteroreceptor complexes and their receptor-receptor interactions in ventral striatum: novel targets for antipsychotic drugs.

    PubMed

    Fuxe, Kjell; Borroto-Escuela, Dasiel O; Tarakanov, Alexander O; Romero-Fernandez, Wilber; Ferraro, Luca; Tanganelli, Sergio; Perez-Alea, Mileidys; Di Palma, Michael; Agnati, Luigi F

    2014-01-01

    This review is focused on the D2 heteroreceptor complexes within the ventral striatum with their receptor-receptor interactions and relevance for the treatment of schizophrenia. A "guide-and-clasp" manner for receptor-receptor interactions is proposed where "adhesive guides" may be amino acid triplet homologies, which were determined for different kinds of D2 heteroreceptor complexes. The first putative D2 heteroreceptor complex to be discovered in relation to schizophrenia was the A2A-D2 heteroreceptor complex where antagonistic A2A-D2 receptor-receptor interactions were demonstrated after A2A agonist treatment in the ventral striatum. The A2A agonist CGS 21680 with atypical antipsychotic properties may at least in part act by increasing β-arrestin2 signaling over the D2 protomer in the A2A-D2 heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum. The antagonistic NTS1-D2 interactions in the NTS1-D2 heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum are proposed as one molecular mechanism for the potential antipsychotic effects of NT. Indications were obtained that the psychotic actions of the 5-HT2AR hallucinogens LSD and DOI can involve enhancement of D2R protomer signaling via a biased agonist action at the 5-HT2A protomer in the D2-5-HT2A heteroreceptor complex in the ventral striatum. Facilitatory allosteric D2likeR-OTR interactions in heteroreceptor complexes in nucleus accumbens may have a role in social and emotional behaviors. By blocking the D2 protomers of these heteroreceptor complexes, antipsychotics can fail to reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The discovery of different types of D2 heteroreceptor complexes gives an increased understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in causing schizophrenia and new strategies for its treatment and understanding the side effects of antipsychotics. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Control of the subthalamic innervation of substantia nigra pars reticulata by D1 and D2 dopamine receptors.

    PubMed

    Ibañez-Sandoval, Osvaldo; Hernández, Adán; Florán, Benjamin; Galarraga, Elvira; Tapia, Dagoberto; Valdiosera, Rene; Erlij, David; Aceves, Jorge; Bargas, José

    2006-03-01

    The effects of activating dopaminergic D1 and D2 class receptors of the subthalamic projections that innervate the pars reticulata of the subtantia nigra (SNr) were explored in slices of the rat brain using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that could be blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxalene-2,3-dione and D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid were evoked onto reticulata GABAergic projection neurons by local field stimulation inside the subthalamic nucleus in the presence of bicuculline. Bath application of (RS)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride (SKF-38393), a dopaminergic D1-class receptor agonist, increased evoked EPSCs by approximately 30% whereas the D2-class receptor agonist, trans-(-)-4aR-4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9-octahydro-5-propyl-1H-pyrazolo(3,4-g)quinoline (quinpirole), reduced EPSCs by approximately 25%. These apparently opposing actions were blocked by the specific D1- and D2-class receptor antagonists: R-(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetra-hydro-1H-3-benzazepinehydrochloride (SCH 23390) and S-(-)-5-amino-sulfonyl-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)-methyl]-2-methoxybenzamide (sulpiride), respectively. Both effects were accompanied by changes in the paired-pulse ratio, indicative of a presynaptic site of action. The presynaptic location of dopamine receptors at the subthalamonigral projections was confirmed by mean-variance analysis. The effects of both SKF-38393 and quinpirole could be observed on terminals contacting the same postsynaptic neuron. Sulpiride and SCH 23390 enhanced and reduced the evoked EPSC, respectively, suggesting a constitutive receptor activation probably arising from endogenous dopamine. These data suggest that dopamine presynaptically modulates the subthalamic projection that targets GABAergic neurons of the SNr. Implications of this modulation for basal ganglia function are discussed.

  5. Chronic β2 -adrenoceptor agonist treatment alters muscle proteome and functional adaptations induced by high intensity training in young men.

    PubMed

    Hostrup, Morten; Onslev, Johan; Jacobson, Glenn A; Wilson, Richard; Bangsbo, Jens

    2018-01-15

    While several studies have investigated the effects of exercise training in human skeletal muscle and the chronic effect of β 2 -agonist treatment in rodent muscle, their effects on muscle proteome signature with related functional measures in humans are still incompletely understood. Herein we show that daily β 2 -agonist treatment attenuates training-induced enhancements in exercise performance and maximal oxygen consumption, and alters muscle proteome signature and phenotype in trained young men. Daily β 2 -agonist treatment abolished several of the training-induced enhancements in muscle oxidative capacity and caused a repression of muscle metabolic pathways; furthermore, β 2 -agonist treatment induced a slow-to-fast twitch muscle phenotype transition. The present study indicates that chronic β 2 -agonist treatment confounds the positive effect of high intensity training on exercise performance and oxidative capacity, which is of interest for the large proportion of persons using inhaled β 2 -agonists on a daily basis, including athletes. Although the effects of training have been studied for decades, data on muscle proteome signature remodelling induced by high intensity training in relation to functional changes in humans remains incomplete. Likewise, β 2 -agonists are frequently used to counteract exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, but the effects β 2 -agonist treatment on muscle remodelling and adaptations to training are unknown. In a placebo-controlled parallel study, we randomly assigned 21 trained men to 4 weeks of high intensity training with (HIT+β 2 A) or without (HIT) daily inhalation of β 2 -agonist (terbutaline, 4 mg dose -1 ). Of 486 proteins identified by mass-spectrometry proteomics of muscle biopsies sampled before and after the intervention, 32 and 85 were changing (false discovery rate (FDR) ≤5%) with the intervention in HIT and HIT+β 2 A, respectively. Proteome signature changes were different in HIT and HIT+β 2 A (P

  6. Tc-99m Radiolabeled Alendronate Sodium Microemulsion: Characterization and Permeability Studies Across Caco-2 Cells.

    PubMed

    Elitez, Yetkin; Ekinci, Meliha; Ilem-Ozdemir, Derya; Gundogdu, Evren; Asikoglu, Makbule

    2018-01-01

    Alendronate sodium (ALD) is used orally but it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For this reason, microemulsion system was chosen to evaluate ALD from the GI tract after oral delivery. This study was aimed to prepare water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion formulation of ALD and evaluate the permeability of ALD microemulsion from Caco-2 cell lines with radioactive and nonradioactive studies. The ALD microemulsion was developed by using pseudo-ternary phase diagram and composed of Soybean oil, Colliphor EL, Tween 80, Transcutol and distilled water. The prepared ALD microemulsion was characterized by physical appearance, droplet size, viscosity, pH, electrical conductivity and refractive index. The stability of the formulation was investigated for 6 months at 25±2°C/60±5% of relative humidity (RH) as well as at 40±2°C/75±5% RH. After that 1 mg of ALD was radiolabeled with 99mTc and added to microemulsion. The permeability studies were performed with both 99mTc-ALD microemulsion and ALD microemulsion. The experimental results suggested that ALD microemulsion presented adequate stability with droplet size varying from 37.8±0.9 to 39.9±1.2 nm during incubation time. In addition, ALD microemulsion was radiolabeled with high labeling efficiency (>95%). In a non-radioactive study, ALD permeability was found to be 45 µg.mL-1 and microemulsion has high permeability percentage when compared to another study. The novel w/o microemulsion formulation has been developed for oral delivery of ALD. Based on the results, permeability of ALD could be significantly improved by the microemulsion formulation. In addition, 99mTc-ALD microemulsion in capsule can be used for bone disease treatment and diagnosis. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  7. Selective agonists of somatostatin receptor subtype 1 or 2 injected peripherally induce antihyperalgesic effect in two models of visceral hypersensitivity in mice

    PubMed Central

    Mulak, Agata; Larauche, Muriel; Biraud, Mandy; Million, Mulugeta; Rivier, Jean; Taché, Yvette

    2014-01-01

    Somatostatin interacts with 5 G-protein-coupled receptor (sst1–5). Octreotide, a stable sst2≫3≥5 agonist, octreotide, exerts a visceral anti-hyperalgesic effect in experimental and clinical studies. Little is known on the receptor subtypes involved. We investigated the influence of the stable sst1–5 agonist, ODT8-SST and selective receptor subtype peptide agonists (3 or 10 μg/mouse) injected intraperitoneally (ip) on visceral hypersensitivity in mice induced by repeated noxious colorectal distensions (4 sets of 3 CRD, each at 55 mmHg) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 agonist, cortagine given between 2 sets of graded CRD (15, 30, 45, and 60 mmHg, 3 times each pressure). The mean visceromotor response (VMR) was assessed using a non-invasive manometry method and values were expressed as percentage of the VMR to the 1st set of CRD baseline or to the 60 mmHg CRD, respectively. ODT8-SST (10 μg) and the sst2 agonist, S-346-011 (3 and 10 μg) prevented mechanically-induced visceral hypersensitivity in the 3 sets of CRD, the sst1 agonist (10 μg) blocked only the 2nd set and showed a trend at 3 μg while the sst4 agonist had no effect. The selective sst2 antagonist, S-406-028 blocked the sst2 agonist but not the sst1 agonist effect. The sst1 agonist (3 and 10 μg) prevented cortagine-induced hypersensitivity to CRD at each pressure while the sst2 agonist at 10 μg reduced it. These data indicate that in addition to sst2, the sst1 agonist may provide a novel promising target to alleviate visceral hypersensitivity induced by mechanoreceptor sensitization and more prominently, stress-related visceral nociceptive sensitization. PMID:25451334

  8. Functional role of striatal A2A, D2, and mGlu5 receptor interactions in regulating striatopallidal GABA neuronal transmission.

    PubMed

    Beggiato, Sarah; Tomasini, Maria Cristina; Borelli, Andrea Celeste; Borroto-Escuela, Dasiel Oscar; Fuxe, Kjell; Antonelli, Tiziana; Tanganelli, Sergio; Ferraro, Luca

    2016-07-01

    In this study, the functional role of individual striatal receptors for adenosine (A2AR), dopamine (D2R), and the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu5R in regulating rat basal ganglia activity was characterized in vivo using dual-probe microdialysis in freely moving rats. In particular, intrastriatal perfusion with the D2R agonist quinpirole (10 μM, 60 min) decreased ipsilateral pallidal GABA and glutamate levels, whereas intrastriatal CGS21680 (A2AR agonist; 1 μM, 60 min) was ineffective on either pallidal GABA and glutamate levels or the quinpirole-induced effects. Intrastriatal perfusion with the mGlu5R agonist (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (600 μM, 60 min), by itself ineffective on pallidal GABA and glutamate levels, partially counteracted the effects of quinpirole. When combined with CGS21680 (1 μM, 60 min), (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG; 600 μM, 60 min) fully counteracted the quinpirole (10 μM, 60 min)-induced reduction in ipsilateral pallidal GABA and glutamate levels. These effects were fully counteracted by local perfusion with the mGlu5R antagonist MPEP (300 μM) or the A2AR antagonist ZM 241385 (100 nM). These results suggest that A2ARs and mGlu5Rs interact synergistically in modulating the D2R-mediated control of striatopallidal GABA neurons. Using dual-probe microdialysis, we characterized the functional role of striatal adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) interactions in regulating rat basal ganglia activity. The results suggest the possible usefulness of using an A2AR antagonist and mGluR5 antagonist combination in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to increase the inhibitory D2 signaling on striatopallidal GABA neurons. © 2016 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  9. Actions of novel antipsychotic agents on apomorphine-induced PPI disruption: influence of combined serotonin 5-HT1A receptor activation and dopamine D2 receptor blockade.

    PubMed

    Auclair, Agnès L; Kleven, Mark S; Besnard, Joël; Depoortère, Ronan; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian

    2006-09-01

    The dopamine D1/D2 agonist apomorphine (0.63 mg/kg) disrupted prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle in rats, a model of sensorimotor gating deficits observed in schizophrenia. All current antipsychotics, which antagonize D2 receptors, prevent this apomorphine-induced deficit. A novel class of antipsychotics possesses, in addition to D2 antagonist property, various levels of 5-HT1A agonist activity. Considering that the latter itself produces PPI deficits, it appeared necessary to assess the potential of this novel class of antipsychotics to reverse apomorphine-PPI deficits. Potent D2 antagonists, like haloperidol (0.63-2.5 mg/kg), risperidone (0.63-10 mg/kg), and olanzapine (0.63-40 mg/kg) prevented apomorphine PPI disruption. The atypical antipsychotics, clozapine (40 mg/kg), nemonapride (0.01-2.5 mg/kg), ziprasidone (10 mg/kg), and aripiprazole (0.01 and 10 mg/kg), which all exhibit 5-HT1A agonist properties, reversed PPI deficits at some doses only, whereas the anti-dyskinetic agent sarizotan (0.16-10 mg/kg), an efficacious 5-HT1A agonist, did not. New generation antipsychotics with marked 5-HT1A agonist properties, such as SLV313 and SSR181507 (0.0025-10 mg/kg and 0.16-10 mg/kg, respectively) did not reverse these deficits whereas bifeprunox (0.04-2.5 mg/kg) did. To reveal the contribution of 5-HT1A agonist properties in the lack of effects of SLV313 and SSR181507, we pretreated rats with the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY100635 (0.63 mg/kg). Under these conditions, significant reversal of PPI deficit was observed, indicating that D2 antagonist properties of SLV313 and SSR181507 are now sufficient to overcome the disruptive effects of apomorphine. To summarize, antipsychotics possessing agonist efficacy at 5-HT1A receptors exhibit diverse profiles against apomorphine-induced PPI deficits, depending on the balance between D2 and 5-HT1A activities, suggesting that they may display distinct activity on some aspects of gating deficits in schizophrenic patients.

  10. Radiolabeled dimethyl branched long chain fatty acid for heart imaging

    DOEpatents

    Knapp, Jr., Furn F.; Goodman, Mark M.; Kirsch, Gilbert

    1988-08-16

    A radiolabeled long chain fatty acid for heart imaging that has dimethyl branching at one of the carbons of the chain which inhibits the extent to which oxidation can occur. The closer to the carboxyl the branching is positioned, the more limited the oxidation, thereby resulting in prolonged retention of the radiolabeled compound in the heart.

  11. Adenosine A2A receptors modulate the dopamine D2 receptor-mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission in the mouse prefrontal cortex.

    PubMed

    Real, Joana I; Simões, Ana Patrícia; Cunha, Rodrigo A; Ferreira, Samira G; Rial, Daniel

    2018-05-01

    Prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuits are modulated by dopamine acting on D 1 - and D 2 -like receptors, which are pharmacologically exploited to manage neuropsychiatric conditions. Adenosine A 2A receptors (A 2 A R) also control PFC-related responses and A 2 A R antagonists are potential anti-psychotic drugs. As tight antagonistic A 2 A R-D 2 R and synergistic A 2 A R-D 1 R interactions occur in other brain regions, we now investigated the crosstalk between A 2 A R and D 1 /D 2 R controlling synaptic transmission between layers II/III and V in mouse PFC coronal slices. Dopamine decreased synaptic transmission, a presynaptic effect based on the parallel increase in paired-pulse responses. Dopamine inhibition was prevented by the D 2 R-like antagonist sulpiride but not by the D 1 R antagonist SCH23390 and was mimicked by the D 2 R agonist sumanirole, but not by the agonists of either D 4 R (A-412997) or D 3 R (PD128907). Dopamine inhibition was prevented by the A 2 A R antagonist, SCH58261, and attenuated in A 2 A R knockout mice. Accordingly, triple-labelling immunocytochemistry experiments revealed the co-localization of A 2 A R and D 2 R immunoreactivity in glutamatergic (vGluT1-positive) nerve terminals of the PFC. This reported positive A 2 A R-D 2 R interaction controlling PFC synaptic transmission provides a mechanistic justification for the anti-psychotic potential of A 2 A R antagonists. © 2018 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Functional efficacy of adenosine A2A receptor agonists is positively correlated to their receptor residence time

    PubMed Central

    Guo, Dong; Mulder-Krieger, Thea; IJzerman, Adriaan P; Heitman, Laura H

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The adenosine A2A receptor belongs to the superfamily of GPCRs and is a promising therapeutic target. Traditionally, the discovery of novel agents for the A2A receptor has been guided by their affinity for the receptor. This parameter is determined under equilibrium conditions, largely ignoring the kinetic aspects of the ligand-receptor interaction. The aim of this study was to assess the binding kinetics of A2A receptor agonists and explore a possible relationship with their functional efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We set up, validated and optimized a kinetic radioligand binding assay (a so-called competition association assay) at the A2A receptor from which the binding kinetics of unlabelled ligands were determined. Subsequently, functional efficacies of A2A receptor agonists were determined in two different assays: a novel label-free impedance-based assay and a more traditional cAMP determination. KEY RESULTS A simplified competition association assay yielded an accurate determination of the association and dissociation rates of unlabelled A2A receptor ligands at their receptor. A correlation was observed between the receptor residence time of A2A receptor agonists and their intrinsic efficacies in both functional assays. The affinity of A2A receptor agonists was not correlated to their functional efficacy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study indicates that the molecular basis of different agonist efficacies at the A2A receptor lies within their different residence times at this receptor. PMID:22324512

  13. Radiolabel ratio method for measuring pulmonary clearance of intratracheal bacterial challenges

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    LaForce, F.M.; Boose, D.S.

    Calculation of bacterial clearance is a fundamental step in any study of in situ lung antibacterial defenses. A method is described whereby about 85% of a radiolabeled bacterial inoculum was consistently introduced into the bronchopulmonary tree of a mouse by the intratracheal route. Mice were then killed 1 and 4 hours later; their lungs were removed aseptically and homogenized, and viable bacteria and radiolabel counts were determined. Radiolabel counts fell slowly, and more than 80% of the original radiolabel was still present in homogenized lung samples from animals sacrificed 4 hours after challenge. Bacteria/isotope ratios for the bacterial inoculum andmore » homogenized lung samples from animals sacrificed immediately after challenge were very similar. Bacterial clearance values were the same whether computed from bacterial counts alone or according to a radiolabel ratio method whereby the change in the bacteria/isotope ratio in ground lung aliquots was divided by a similar ratio from bacteria used to inoculate animals. Some contamination resulted from oral streptococci being swept into the bronchopulmonary free during the aspiration process. This contamination was not a problem when penicillin was incorporated into the agar and penicillin-resistant strains were used for the bacterial challenges.« less

  14. Structural Modifications of Neuroprotective Anti-Parkinsonian (−)-N6-(2-(4-(Biphenyl-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl)-N6-propyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole-2,6-diamine (D-264): An Effort toward the Improvement of in Vivo Efficacy of the Parent Molecule

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    In our overall goal to develop multifunctional dopamine D2/D3 agonist drugs for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we previously synthesized potent D3 preferring agonist D-264 (1a), which exhibited neuroprotective properties in two animal models of PD. To enhance the in vivo efficacy of 1a, a structure–activity relationship study was carried out. Competitive binding and [35S]GTPγS functional assays identified compound (−)-9b as one of the lead molecules with preferential D3 agonist activity (EC50(GTPγS); D3 = 0.10 nM; D2/D3 (EC50): 159). Compounds (−)-9b and (−)-8b exhibited high in vivo activity in two PD animal models, reserpinized and 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA)-induced unilateral lesioned rats. On the other hand, 1a failed to show any in vivo activity in these models unless the compound was dissolved in 5–10% beta-hydroxy propyl cyclodextrin solution. Lead compounds exhibited appreciable radical scavenging activity. In vitro experiments with dopaminergic MN9D cells indicated neuroprotection by both 1a and (−)-9b from toxicity of MPP+. PMID:24471976

  15. Effect of bombesin receptor subtype-3 and its synthetic agonist on signaling, glucose transport and metabolism in myocytes from patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes

    PubMed Central

    GONZÁLEZ, NIEVES; MARTÍN-DUCE, ANTONIO; MARTÍNEZ-ARRIETA, FÉLIX; MORENO-VILLEGAS, ZAIDA; PORTAL-NÚÑEZ, SERGIO; SANZ, RAÚL; EGIDO, JESÚS

    2015-01-01

    Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) member of the bombesin receptor family. Several studies have suggested an association between obesity, alterations in glucose metabolism, diabetes and the BRS-3 receptor. In this study, we focused on patients simultaneously diagnosed with obesity and type 2 diabetes (OB/T2D). The analysis of BRS-3 expression in the skeletal muscle of these patients revealed a marked decrease in the expression of BRS-3 at the mRNA (23.6±1.3-fold downregulation, p<0.0001) and protein level (49±7% decrease, p<0.05) compared to the normal patients (no obesity and diabetes). Moreover, in cultured primary myocytes from patients with OB/T2D, the synthetic BRS-3 agonist, [D-Try6,β-Ala11,Phe13,Nle14]bombesin6–14, significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p90RSK1, protein kinase B (PKB) and p70s6K. Specifically, the ligand at 10−11 M induced the maximal phosphorylation of MAPKs (p42, 159±15% of the control; p44, 166±11% of the control; p<0.0001) and p90RSK1 (148±2% of the control, p<0.0001). The basal phosphorylation levels of all kinases were reduced (p<0.05) in the patients with OB/T2D compared to the normal patients. Furthermore, the BRS-3 agonist stimulated glucose transport, which was already detected at 10−12 M (133±9% of the control), reached maximal levels at 10−11 M (160±9%, p<0.0001) and was maintained at up to 10−8 M (overall mean, 153±7%; p<0.007). This effect was less promiment than that attained with 10−8 M insulin (202±9%, p=0.009). The effect of the agonist on glycogen synthase a activity achieved the maximum effect at 10−11 M (165±16% of the control; p<0.0001), which did not differ from that observed with higher concentrations of the agonist. These results suggest that muscle cells isolated from patients with OB/T2D have extremely high sensitivity to the synthetic ligand, and the effects are particularly observed on

  16. Selective agonists of somatostatin receptor subtype 1 or 2 injected peripherally induce antihyperalgesic effect in two models of visceral hypersensitivity in mice.

    PubMed

    Mulak, Agata; Larauche, Muriel; Biraud, Mandy; Million, Mulugeta; Rivier, Jean; Taché, Yvette

    2015-01-01

    Somatostatin interacts with five G-protein-coupled receptor (sst1-5). Octreotide, a stable sst2≫3≥5 agonist, exerts a visceral anti-hyperalgesic effect in experimental and clinical studies. Little is known on the receptor subtypes involved. We investigated the influence of the stable sst1-5 agonist, ODT8-SST and selective receptor subtype peptide agonists (3 or 10μg/mouse) injected intraperitoneally (ip) on visceral hypersensitivity in mice induced by repeated noxious colorectal distensions (four sets of three CRD, each at 55mmHg) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 agonist, cortagine given between two sets of graded CRD (15, 30, 45, and 60mmHg, three times each pressure). The mean visceromotor response (VMR) was assessed using a non-invasive manometry method and values were expressed as percentage of the VMR to the 1st set of CRD baseline or to the 60mmHg CRD, respectively. ODT8-SST (10μg) and the sst2 agonist, S-346-011 (3 and 10μg) prevented mechanically induced visceral hypersensitivity in the three sets of CRD, the sst1 agonist (10μg) blocked only the 2nd set and showed a trend at 3μg while the sst4 agonist had no effect. The selective sst2 antagonist, S-406-028 blocked the sst2 agonist but not the sst1 agonist effect. The sst1 agonist (3 and 10μg) prevented cortagine-induced hypersensitivity to CRD at each pressure while the sst2 agonist at 10μg reduced it. These data indicate that in addition to sst2, the sst1 agonist may provide a novel promising target to alleviate visceral hypersensitivity induced by mechanoreceptor sensitization and more prominently, stress-related visceral nociceptive sensitization. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. SB265610 is an allosteric, inverse agonist at the human CXCR2 receptor

    PubMed Central

    Bradley, ME; Bond, ME; Manini, J; Brown, Z; Charlton, SJ

    2009-01-01

    Background and purpose: In several previous studies, the C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR)2 antagonist 1-(2-bromo-phenyl)-3-(7-cyano-3H-benzotriazol-4-yl)-urea (SB265610) has been described as binding competitively with the endogenous agonist. This is in contrast to many other chemokine receptor antagonists, where the mechanism of antagonism has been described as allosteric. Experimental approach: To determine whether it displays a unique mechanism among the chemokine receptor antagonists, the mode of action of SB265610 was investigated at the CXCR2 receptor using radioligand and [35S]-GTPγS binding approaches in addition to chemotaxis of human neutrophils. Key results: In equilibrium saturation binding studies, SB265610 depressed the maximal binding of [125I]-interleukin-8 ([125I]-IL-8) without affecting the Kd. In contrast, IL-8 was unable to prevent binding of [3H]-SB265610. Kinetic binding experiments demonstrated that this was not an artefact of irreversible or slowly reversible binding. In functional experiments, SB265610 caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curves to IL-8 and growth-related oncogene α, but also a reduction in maximal response elicited by each agonist. Fitting these data to an operational allosteric ternary complex model suggested that, once bound, SB265610 completely blocks receptor activation. SB265610 also inhibited basal [35S]-GTPγS binding in this preparation. Conclusions and implications: Taken together, these data suggest that SB265610 behaves as an allosteric inverse agonist at the CXCR2 receptor, binding at a region distinct from the agonist binding site to prevent receptor activation, possibly by interfering with G protein coupling. PMID:19422399

  18. PAR-2 agonists induce contraction of murine small intestine through neurokinin receptors.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Aiping; Shea-Donohue, Terez

    2003-10-01

    Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) is a G protein-coupled receptor and is expressed throughout the gut. It is well known that PAR-2 participates in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility; however, the results are inconsistent. The present study investigated the effect and mechanism of PAR-2 activation on murine small intestinal smooth muscle function in vitro. Both trypsin and PAR-2-activating peptide SLIGRL induced a small relaxation followed by a concentration-dependent contraction. The sensitivity to trypsin was greater than that to SLIGRL (EC50 = 0.03 vs. 40 microM), but maximal responses were similar (12.3 +/- 1.6 vs. 13.7 +/- 1.3 N/cm2). Trypsin-evoked contraction (1 microM) exhibited a rapid desensitization, whereas the desensitization of response to SLIGRL was less even at high concentration (50 microM). Atropine had no effect on PAR-2 agonist-induced contractions. In contrast, TTX and capsaicin significantly attenuated those contractions, implicating a neurogenic mechanism that may involve capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves. Furthermore, contractions induced by trypsin and SLIGRL were reduced by neurokinin receptor NK1 antagonist SR-140333 or NK2 antagonist SR-48968 alone or were further reduced by combined application of SR-140333 and SR-48968, indicating the involvement of neurokinin receptors. In addition, desensitizing neurokinin receptors with substance P and/or neurokinin A decreased the PAR-2 agonist-evoked contraction. We concluded that PAR-2 agonists induced a contraction of murine intestinal smooth muscle that was mediated by nerves. The excitatory effect is also dependent on sensory neural pathways and requires both NK1 and NK2 receptors.

  19. New surface radiolabeling schemes of super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biodistribution studies†

    PubMed Central

    Nallathamby, Prakash D.; Mortensen, Ninell P.; Palko, Heather A.; Malfatti, Mike; Smith, Catherine; Sonnett, James; Doktycz, Mitchel J.; Gu, Baohua; Roeder, Ryan K.; Wang, Wei; Retterer, Scott T.

    2016-01-01

    Nanomaterial based drug delivery systems allow for the independent tuning of the surface chemical and physical properties that affect their biodistribution in vivo and the therapeutic payloads that they are intended to deliver. Additionally, the added therapeutic and diagnostic value of their inherent material properties often provides extra functionality. Iron based nanomaterials with their magnetic properties and easily tailorable surface chemistry are of particular interest as model systems. In this study the core radius of the iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) was 14.08 ± 3.92 nm while the hydrodynamic radius of the NPs, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), was between 90–110 nm. In this study, different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable in solution. The NPs were functionalized with polycarboxylate or polyamine surface functional groups. Polycarboxylate functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of –35 mV and polyamine functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of +40 mV. The polycarboxylate functionalized NPs were chosen for in vivo biodistribution studies and hence were radiolabeled with 14C, with a final activity of 0.097 nCi mg–1 of NPs. In chronic studies, the biodistribution profile is tracked using low-level radiolabeled proxies of the nanoparticles of interest. Conventionally, these radiolabeled proxies are chemically similar but not chemically identical to the non-radiolabeled NPs of interest. This study is novel as different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable, possess a hydrodynamic radius of <100 nm and most importantly they exhibit an identical surface chemical functionality as their non-radiolabeled counterparts. Identical chemical functionality of the radiolabeled probes to the non-radiolabeled probes was an important consideration to generate statistically similar biodistribution data sets using multiple imaging and detection techniques. The radiolabeling approach

  20. New Surface Radiolabeling Schemes of Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) for Biodistribution Studies

    DOE PAGES

    Nallathamby, Prakash D.; Mortensen, Ninell P.; Palko, Heather A.; ...

    2015-03-02

    Nanomaterial based drug delivery systems allow for the independent tuning of the surface chemical and physical properties that affect their biodistribution in vivo and the therapeutic payloads that they are intended to deliver. Additionally, the added therapeutic and diagnostic value of their inherent material properties often provides extra functionality. Iron based nanomaterials with their magnetic properties and 10 easily tailorable surface chemistry are of particular interest as model systems. In this study the core radius of the iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) was 14.08 3.92 nm while the hydrodynamic radius of the NPs, as determined by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), wasmore » between 90 110 nm. In this study, different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable in solution. The NPs were functionalized with polycarboxylate or polyamine surface functional groups. Polycarboxylate 15 functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of -35 mV and polyamine functionalized NPs had a zeta potential of +40 mV. The polycarboxylate functionalized NPs were chosen for in vivo biodistribution studies and hence were radiolabeled with 14C, with a final activity of 0.097 nCi/mg -1 of NPs. In chronic studies, the biodistribution profile is tracked using low level radiolabeled proxies of the nanoparticles of interest. Conventionally, these radiolabeled proxies are chemically similar but not chemically identical to the non-20 radiolabeled NPs of interest. This study is novel as different approaches were explored to create radiolabeled NPs that are stable, possess a hydrodynamic radius of <100 nm and most importantly they exhibit an identical surface chemical functionality as their non-radiolabeled counterparts. Identical chemical functionality of the radiolabeled probes to the non-radiolabeled probes was an important consideration to generate statistically similar biodistribution data sets using multiple imaging and 25 detection techniques. The radiolabeling

  1. Dopaminergic agonists that result in ocular growth inhibition also elicit transient increases in choroidal thickness in chicks

    PubMed Central

    Nickla, Debora L.; Totonelly, Kristen; Dhillon, Balprit

    2010-01-01

    The dopaminergic system has been implicated in ocular growth regulation in chicks and monkeys. In both, dopamine D2 agonists inhibit the development of myopia in response to form deprivation, and in chicks, to negative lenses as well. Because there is mounting evidence that the choroidal response to defocus plays a role in ocular growth regulation, we asked whether the effective agonists also elicit transient thickening of the choroid concomitant with the growth inhibition. Negative lenses mounted on velcro rings were worn on one eye starting at age 8-12 days. Intravitreal injections (20 μl; dose=10 nmole) of the agonist (dissolved in saline) or saline, were given through the superior temporal sclera using a 30G needle. Eyes were injected daily at noon, for 4 days, and the lenses immediately replaced. Agonists used were apomorphine (non-specific; n=17), quinpirole (D2; n=10), SKF-38393 (D1; n=9), and saline controls (n=22). For the antagonists, the same protocol was used, but on each day, the lenses were removed for 2 hours. Immediately prior to lens-removal, the antagonist was injected (20 μl; dose=5 nmole). Antagonists used were methylergonovine (non-specific; n=12), spiperone (D2; n=20), SCH-23390 (D1 n=6) and saline controls (n=27). Comparisons to saline (continuous lens wear) controls were from the agonist experiment. Axial dimensions were measured using high frequency A-scan ultrasonography at the start of lens wear, and on day 4 prior to the injections, and then again 3 hours later. Refractive errors were measured using a Hartinger's refractometer at the end of the experiment. Apomorphine and quinpirole inhibited the refractive response to the hyperopic defocus induced by the negative lenses (drug vs saline controls: -1.3 and 1.2 D vs -5.6 D; p<0.005 for both). This effect was axial: both drugs prevented the excessive ocular elongation (change in axial length: 233 and 205 μm vs 417 um; p<0.01 for both). Both drugs were also associated with a transient

  2. Serotonin 2A receptor agonist binding in the human brain with [11C]Cimbi-36

    PubMed Central

    Ettrup, Anders; da Cunha-Bang, Sophie; McMahon, Brenda; Lehel, Szabolcs; Dyssegaard, Agnete; Skibsted, Anine W; Jørgensen, Louise M; Hansen, Martin; Baandrup, Anders O; Bache, Søren; Svarer, Claus; Kristensen, Jesper L; Gillings, Nic; Madsen, Jacob; Knudsen, Gitte M

    2014-01-01

    [11C]Cimbi-36 was recently developed as a selective serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist radioligand for positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging. Such an agonist PET radioligand may provide a novel, and more functional, measure of the serotonergic system and agonist binding is more likely than antagonist binding to reflect 5-HT levels in vivo. Here, we show data from a first-in-human clinical trial with [11C]Cimbi-36. In 29 healthy volunteers, we found high brain uptake and distribution according to 5-HT2A receptors with [11C]Cimbi-36 PET. The two-tissue compartment model using arterial input measurements provided the most optimal quantification of cerebral [11C]Cimbi-36 binding. Reference tissue modeling was feasible as it induced a negative but predictable bias in [11C]Cimbi-36 PET outcome measures. In five subjects, pretreatment with the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin before a second PET scan significantly decreased [11C]Cimbi-36 binding in all cortical regions with no effects in cerebellum. These results confirm that [11C]Cimbi-36 binding is selective for 5-HT2A receptors in the cerebral cortex and that cerebellum is an appropriate reference tissue for quantification of 5-HT2A receptors in the human brain. Thus, we here describe [11C]Cimbi-36 as the first agonist PET radioligand to successfully image and quantify 5-HT2A receptors in the human brain. PMID:24780897

  3. Synthesis and serotonergic activity of 3-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]indoles: potent agonists for the h5-HT1D receptor with high selectivity over the h5-HT1B receptor.

    PubMed

    Sternfeld, F; Guiblin, A R; Jelley, R A; Matassa, V G; Reeve, A J; Hunt, P A; Beer, M S; Heald, A; Stanton, J A; Sohal, B; Watt, A P; Street, L J

    1999-02-25

    The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of 3-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]indoles with excellent selectivity for h5-HT1D (formerly 5-HT1Dalpha) receptors over h5-HT1B (formerly 5-HT1Dbeta) receptors are described. Clinically effective antimigraine drugs such as Sumatriptan show little selectivity between h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptors. The differential expression of h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptors in neural and vascular tissue prompted an investigation of whether a compound selective for the h5-HT1D subtype would have the same clinical efficacy but with reduced side effects. The pyrrolidine 3b was initially identified as having 9-fold selectivity for h5-HT1D over h5-HT1B receptors. Substitution of the pyrrolidine ring of 3b with methylbenzylamine groups gave compounds with nanomolar affinity for the h5-HT1D receptor and 100-fold selectivity with respect to h5-HT1B receptors. Modification of the indole 5-substituent led to the oxazolidinones 24a,b with up to 163-fold selectivity for the h5-HT1D subtype and improved selectivity over other serotonin receptors. The compounds were shown to be full agonists by measurement of agonist-induced [35S]GTPgammaS binding in CHO cells expressed with h5-HT receptors. This study suggests that the h5-HT1D and h5-HT1B receptors can be differentiated by appropriate substitution of the ligand in the region which binds to the aspartate residue and reveals a large binding pocket in the h5-HT1D receptor domain which is absent for the h5-HT1B receptor. The compounds described herein will be important tools to delineate the role of h5-HT1D receptors in migraine.

  4. A Small Molecule β2 Integrin Agonist Improves Chronic Kidney Allograft Survival by Reducing Leukocyte Recruitment and Accompanying Vasculopathy

    PubMed Central

    Khan, Samia Q.; Guo, Lingling; Cimbaluk, David J.; Elshabrawy, Hatem; Faridi, Mohd Hafeez; Jolly, Meenakshi; George, James F.; Agarwal, Anupam; Gupta, Vineet

    2014-01-01

    Kidney allograft rejection is associated with infiltration of inflammatory CD11b+ leukocytes. A CD11b agonist leukadherin-1 (LA1) increases leukocyte adhesion, preventing their transmigration and tissue recruitment in vivo. Here, we test the extent to which LA1-mediated activation of CD11b/CD18 enhances kidney allograft survival in a mouse model of fully MHC-mismatched orthotopic kidney transplantation, where C57BL/6J (H-2b) recipients received kidney allografts from Balb/c mice (H-2d). Isograft control recipients received a kidney from a littermate. Control isograft and allograft recipients were treated daily with cyclosporine (CsA) for 2 weeks, while the test group received CsA therapy and daily LA1 injections during week 1 and alternate days during weeks 2–8. LA1 treatment reduced interstitial leukocyte infiltration in the allograft, reduced neointimal hyperplasia and glomerular damage, and prolonged graft survival from 48.5% (CsA only) to 100% (CsA and LA1) on day 60. Serum creatinine levels showed significantly improved kidney function in LA1-treated mice compared to CsA-treated allograft controls [0.52 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs 0.24 ± 0.07 mg/dL (n = 5), respectively]. Furthermore, combination therapy reduced macrophage infiltration and increased the frequency of FoxP3 + Tregs in the allograft. These findings indicate a crucial role for CD11b/CD18 in the control of leukocyte migration to the transplanted kidney and identify integrin agonist LA1 as a novel potential therapeutic agent for kidney transplantation. PMID:25593918

  5. Multiple D2 heteroreceptor complexes: new targets for treatment of schizophrenia

    PubMed Central

    Borroto-Escuela, Dasiel O.; Pintsuk, Julia; Schäfer, Thorsten; Friedland, Kristina; Ferraro, Luca; Tanganelli, Sergio; Liu, Fang; Fuxe, Kjell

    2016-01-01

    The dopamine (DA) neuron system most relevant for schizophrenia is the meso-limbic-cortical DA system inter alia densely innervating subcortical limbic regions. The field of dopamine D2 receptors and schizophrenia changed markedly with the discovery of many types of D2 heteroreceptor complexes in subcortical limbic areas as well as the dorsal striatum. The results indicate that the D2 is a hub receptor which interacts not only with many other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) including DA isoreceptors but also with ion-channel receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, scaffolding proteins and DA transporters. Disturbances in several of these D2 heteroreceptor complexes may contribute to the development of schizophrenia through changes in the balance of diverse D2 homo- and heteroreceptor complexes mediating the DA signal, especially to the ventral striato-pallidal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway. This will have consequences for the control of this pathway of the glutamate drive to the prefrontal cortex via the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus which can contribute to psychotic processes. Agonist activation of the A2A protomer in the A2A–D2 heteroreceptor complex inhibits D2 Gi/o mediated signaling but increases the D2 β-arrestin2 mediated signaling. Through this allosteric receptor–receptor interaction, the A2A agonist becomes a biased inhibitory modulator of the Gi/o mediated D2 signaling, which may the main mechanism for its atypical antipsychotic properties especially linked to the limbic A2A–D2 heterocomplexes. The DA and glutamate hypotheses of schizophrenia come together in the signal integration in D2–N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and A2A–D2–metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) heteroreceptor complexes, especially in the ventral striatum. 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A)–D2 heteroreceptor complexes are special targets for atypical antipsychotics with high potency to block their 5-HT2A protomer signaling in view of the potential development of

  6. The effects of BMY-14802 against L-DOPA- and dopamine agonist-induced dyskinesia in the hemiparkinsonian rat

    PubMed Central

    Bhide, Nirmal; Lindenbach, David; Surrena, Margaret A.; Goldenberg, Adam A.; Bishop, Christopher; Berger, S. Paul; Paquette, Melanie A.

    2013-01-01

    Rationale L-DOPA continues to be the primary treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease; however, the benefits of long-term treatment are often accompanied by debilitating side effects known as dyskinesias. In recent years, several 5-HT1A receptor agonists have been found to reduce dyskinesia in clinical and experimental models of PD. The purported sigma-1 antagonist, BMY-14802 has been previously demonstrated to reduce L-DOPA induced dyskinesia in a 5-HT1A receptor dependent manner. Objective In the present study, we extend these findings by examining the anti-dyskinetic potential of BMY-14802 against L-DOPA, the D1 receptor agonist SKF81297 and the D2 receptor agonist, Quinpirole, in the hemi-parkinsonian rat model. In addition, the receptor specificity of BMY-14802’s effects was evaluated using WAY-100635, a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. Results Results confirmed the dose-dependent (20>10>5 mg/kg) anti-dyskinetic effects of BMY-14802 against L-DOPA with preservation of antiparkinsonian efficacy at 10 mg/kg. BMY-14802 at 10 and 20 mg/kg also reduced dyskinesia induced by both D1 and D2 receptor agonists. Additionally, BMY-14802’s anti-dyskinetic effects against L-DOPA, but not SKF81297 or Quinpirole, were reversed by WAY-100635 (0.5 mg/kg). Conclusion Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BMY-14802 provides anti-dyskinetic relief against L-DOPA and direct DA agonist in a preclinical model of PD, acting via multiple receptor systems and supports the utility of such compounds for the improved treatment of PD. PMID:23389756

  7. Cardiac implications for the use of β2-adrenoceptor agonists for the management of muscle wasting

    PubMed Central

    Molenaar, Peter; Chen, Lu; Parsonage, William A

    2006-01-01

    There are proposals for the implementation of β2-adrenoceptor agonists for the management of muscle wasting diseases. The idea has been initiated by studies in animal models which show that β2-adrenoceptor agonists cause hypertrophy of skeletal muscle. Their use in clinical practice will also need an understanding of possible effects of activation of human heart β2-adrenoceptors. Consequences could include an increased probability of arrhythmias in susceptible patients. PMID:16432500

  8. Structure-5-HT/D2 Receptor Affinity Relationship in a New Group of 1-Arylpiperazynylalkyl Derivatives of 8-Dialkylamino-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione.

    PubMed

    Żmudzki, Paweł; Satała, Grzegorz; Chłoń-Rzepa, Grażyna; Bojarski, Andrzej J; Kazek, Grzegorz; Siwek, Agata; Gryboś, Anna; Głuch-Lutwin, Monika; Wesołowska, Anna; Pawłowski, Maciej

    2016-10-01

    In our previous papers, we have reported that some 8-amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione derivatives possessed high affinity and displayed agonistic, partial agonistic, or antagonistic activity for serotonin 5-HT 1A and dopamine D 2 receptors. In order to examine further the influence of the substituent in the position 8 of the purine moiety and the influence of the xanthine core on the affinity for serotonin 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 2A , 5-HT 6 , 5-HT 7 , and dopamine D 2 receptors, two series of 1-arylpiperazynylalkyl derivatives of 8-amino-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione were synthesized. All the final compounds were investigated in in vitro competition binding experiments for the serotonin 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 2A , 5-HT 6 , 5-HT 7 , and dopamine D 2 receptors. The structure-affinity relationships for this group of compounds were discussed. For selected compounds, the functional assays for the 5-HT 1A and D 2 receptors were carried out. The results of the assays indicated that these groups of derivatives possessed antagonistic activity for 5-HT 1A receptors and agonistic, partial agonistic, or antagonistic activity for D 2 receptors. In total, 26 new compounds were synthesized, 20 of which were tested in in vitro binding experiments and 5 were tested in in vitro functional assays. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Agonist-induced CXCR4 and CB2 Heterodimerization Inhibits Gα13/RhoA-mediated Migration.

    PubMed

    Scarlett, Kisha A; White, El-Shaddai Z; Coke, Christopher J; Carter, Jada R; Bryant, Latoya K; Hinton, Cimona V

    2018-04-01

    G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimerization has emerged as a means by which alternative signaling entities can be created; yet, how receptor heterodimers affect receptor pharmacology remains unknown. Previous observations suggested a biochemical antagonism between GPCRs, CXCR4 and CB2 (CNR2), where agonist-bound CXCR4 and agonist-bound CB2 formed a physiologically nonfunctional heterodimer on the membrane of cancer cells, inhibiting their metastatic potential in vitro However, the reduced signaling entities responsible for the observed functional outputs remain elusive. This study now delineates the signaling mechanism whereby heterodimeric association between CXCR4 and CB2, induced by simultaneous agonist treatment, results in decreased CXCR4-mediated cell migration, invasion, and adhesion through inhibition of the Gα13/RhoA signaling axis. Activation of CXCR4 by its cognate ligand, CXCL12, stimulates Gα13 (GNA13), and subsequently, the small GTPase RhoA, which is required for directional cell migration and the metastatic potential of cancer cells. These studies in prostate cancer cells demonstrate decreased protein expression levels of Gα13 and RhoA upon simultaneous CXCR4/CB2 agonist stimulation. Furthermore, the agonist-induced heterodimer abrogated RhoA-mediated cytoskeletal rearrangement resulting in the attenuation of cell migration and invasion of an endothelial cell barrier. Finally, a reduction was observed in the expression of integrin α5 (ITGA5) upon heterodimerization, supported by decreased cell adhesion to extracellular matrices in vitro Taken together, the data identify a novel pharmacologic mechanism for the modulation of tumor cell migration and invasion in the context of metastatic disease. Implications: This study investigates a signaling mechanism by which GPCR heterodimerization inhibits cancer cell migration. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 728-39. ©2018 AACR . ©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.

  10. Nigrostriatal lesion induces D2-modulated phase-locked activity in the basal ganglia of rats.

    PubMed

    Zold, Camila L; Ballion, Bérangère; Riquelme, Luis A; Gonon, François; Murer, M Gustavo

    2007-04-01

    There is a debate as to what modifications of neuronal activity underlie the clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease and the efficacy of antiparkinsonian pharmacotherapy. Previous studies suggest that release of GABAergic striatopallidal neurons from D2 receptor-mediated inhibition allows spreading of cortical rhythms to the globus pallidus (GP) in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced nigrostriatal lesions. Here this abnormal spreading was thoroughly investigated. In control urethane-anaesthetized rats most GP neurons were excited during the active part of cortical slow waves ('direct-phase' neurons). Two neuronal populations having opposite phase relationships with cortical and striatal activity coexisted in the GP of 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats. 'Inverse-phase' GP units exhibited reduced firing coupled to striatal activation during slow waves, suggesting that this GP oscillation was driven by striatopallidal hyperactivity. Half of the pallidonigral neurons identified by antidromic stimulation exhibited inverse-phase activity. Therefore, spreading of inverse-phase oscillations through pallidonigral axons might contribute to the abnormal direct-phase cortical entrainment of basal ganglia output described previously. Systemic administration of the D2 agonist quinpirole to 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats reduced GP inverse-phase coupling with slow waves, and this effect was reversed by the D2 antagonist eticlopride. Because striatopallidal hyperactivity was only slightly reduced by quinpirole, other mechanisms might have contributed to the effect of quinpirole on GP oscillations. These results suggest that antiparkinsonian efficacy may rely on other actions of D2 agonists on basal ganglia activity. However, abnormal slow rhythms may promote enduring changes in functional connectivity along the striatopallidal axis, contributing to D2 agonist-resistant clinical signs of parkinsonism.

  11. Prefrontal cortical network activity: Opposite effects of psychedelic hallucinogens and D1/D5 dopamine receptor activation

    PubMed Central

    Lambe, Evelyn K.; Aghajanian, George K.

    2007-01-01

    The fine-tuning of network activity provides a modulating influence on how information is processed and interpreted in the brain. Here, we use brain slices of rat prefrontal cortex to study how recurrent network activity is affected by neuromodulators known to alter normal cortical function. We previously determined that glutamate spillover and stimulation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors are required to support hallucinogen-induced cortical network activity. Since microdialysis studies suggest that psychedelic hallucinogens and dopamine D1/D5 receptor agonists have opposite effects on extracellular glutamate in prefrontal cortex, we hypothesized that these two families of psychoactive drugs would have opposite effects on cortical network activity. We found that network activity can be enhanced by DOI (a psychedelic hallucinogen that is a partial agonist of serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptors) and suppressed by the selective D1/D5 agonist SKF 38393. This suppression could be mimicked by direct activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin or by addition of a cAMP analog. These findings are consistent with previous work showing that activation of adenylyl cyclase can upregulate neuronal glutamate transporters, thereby decreasing synaptic spillover of glutamate. Consistent with this hypothesis, a low concentration of the glutamate transporter inhibitor TBOA restored electrically-evoked recurrent activity in the presence of a selective D1/D5 agonist, whereas recurrent activity in the presence of a low level of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline was not resistant to suppression by the D1/D5 agonist. The tempering of network UP states by D1/D5 receptor activation may have implications for the proposed use of D1/D5 agonists in the treatment of schizophrenia. PMID:17293055

  12. Lead Discovery, Chemistry Optimization, and Biological Evaluation Studies of Novel Biamide Derivatives as CB2 Receptor Inverse Agonists and Osteoclast Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Peng; Myint, Kyaw-Zeyar; Tong, Qin; Feng, Rentian; Cao, Haiping; Almehizia, Abdulrahman A.; Alqarni, Mohammed Hamed; Wang, Lirong; Bartlow, Patrick; Gao, Yingdai; Gertsch, Jürg; Teramachi, Jumpei; Kurihara, Noriyoshi; Roodman, Garson David; Cheng, Tao; Xie, Xiang-Qun

    2014-01-01

    N,N′-((4-(Dimethylamino)phenyl)methylene)bis(2-phenylacetamide) was discovered by using 3D pharmacophore database searches and was biologically confirmed as a new class of CB2 inverse agonists. Subsequently, 52 derivatives were designed and synthesized through lead chemistry optimization by modifying the rings A–C and the core structure in further SAR studies. Five compounds were developed and also confirmed as CB2 inverse agonists with the highest CB2 binding affinity (CB2 Ki of 22–85 nM, EC50 of 4–28 nM) and best selectivity (CB1/CB2 of 235- to 909-fold). Furthermore, osteoclastogenesis bioassay indicated that PAM compounds showed great inhibition of osteoclast formation. Especially, compound 26 showed 72% inhibition activity even at the low concentration of 0.1 µM. The cytotoxicity assay suggested that the inhibition of PAM compounds on osteoclastogenesis did not result from its cytotoxicity. Therefore, these PAM derivatives could be used as potential leads for the development of a new type of antiosteoporosis agent. PMID:23072339

  13. In Vitro and In Vivo Identification of Novel Positive Allosteric Modulators of the Human Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptor.

    PubMed

    Wood, Martyn; Ates, Ali; Andre, Veronique Marie; Michel, Anne; Barnaby, Robert; Gillard, Michel

    2016-02-01

    Agonists at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors are important therapeutic agents in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Compared with the use of agonists, allosteric potentiators offer potential advantages such as temporal, regional, and phasic potentiation of natural signaling, and that of receptor subtype selectivity. We report the identification of a stereoselective interaction of a benzothiazol racemic compound that acts as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the rat and human dopamine D2 and D3 receptors. The R isomer did not directly stimulate the dopamine D2 receptor but potentiated the effects of dopamine. In contrast the S isomer attenuated the effects of the PAM and the effects of dopamine. In radioligand binding studies, these compounds do not compete for binding of orthosteric ligands, but indeed the R isomer increased the number of high-affinity sites for [(3)H]-dopamine without affecting K(d). We went on to identify a more potent PAM for use in native receptor systems. This compound potentiated the effects of D2/D3 signaling in vitro in electrophysiologic studies on dissociated striatal neurons and in vivo on the effects of L-dopa in the 6OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine) contralateral turning model. These PAMs lacked activity at a wide variety of receptors, lacked PAM activity at related Gi-coupled G protein-coupled receptors, and lacked activity at D1 receptors. However, the PAMs did potentiate [(3)H]-dopamine binding at both D2 and D3 receptors. Together, these studies show that we have identified PAMs of the D2 and D3 receptors both in vitro and in vivo. Such compounds may have utility in the treatment of hypodopaminergic function. Copyright © 2016 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

  14. Radiation safety issues related to radiolabeled antibodies. [Contains glossary

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barber, D.E.; Baum, J.W.; Meinhold, C. B.

    1991-03-01

    Techniques related to the use of radiolabeled antibodies in humans are reviewed and evaluated in this report. It is intended as an informational resource for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and NRC licensees. Descriptions of techniques and health and safety issues are provided. Principal methods for labeling antibodies are summarized to help identify related radiation safety problems in the preparation of dosages for administration to patients. The descriptions are derived from an extensive literature review and consultations with experts in the field. A glossary of terms and acronyms is also included. An assessment was made of the extent ofmore » the involvement of organizations (other than the NRC) with safety issues related to radiolabeled antibodies, in order to identify regulatory issues which require attention. Federal regulations and guides were also reviewed for their relevance. A few (but significant) differences between the use of common radiopharmaceuticals and radiolabeled antibodies were observed. The clearance rate of whole, radiolabeled immunoglobulin is somewhat slower than common radiopharmaceuticals, and new methods of administration are being used. New nuclides are being used or considered (e.g., Re-186 and At-211) for labeling antibodies. Some of these nuclides present new dosimetry, instrument calibration, and patient management problems. Subjects related to radiation safety that require additional research are identified. 149 refs., 3 figs., 20 tabs.« less

  15. Drechmerin H, a novel 1(2), 2(18)-diseco indole diterpenoid from the fungus Drechmeria sp. as a natural agonist of human pregnane X receptor.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jian-Chao; Luan, Zhi-Lin; Liang, Jia-Hao; Cheng, Zhong-Bin; Sun, Cheng-Peng; Wang, Ya-Li; Zhang, Meng-Yue; Zhang, Tian-Yuan; Wang, Yong; Yang, Tian-Mei; Wu, Ying-Ying; Zhang, Yi-Xuan; Zhao, Xin-Yu; Ma, Xiao-Chi

    2018-05-09

    A novel 1(2), 2(18)-diseco indole diterpenoid, drechmerin H (1), was isolated from the fermentation broth of Drechmeria sp. together with a new indole diterpenoid, 2'-epi terpendole A (3), and a known analogue, terpendole A (2). Their structures were determined by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD, and X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses as well as quantum chemical calculation. The abosulte configuration of terpendole A (2) was determined for the first time. Compound 1 displayed the significant agonistic effect on pregnane X receptor (PXR) with EC 50 value of 134.91 ± 2.01 nM, and its interaction with PXR was investigated by molecular docking. Meantime, a plausible biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1-3 is also discussed in the present work. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Facilitatory effects of selective agonists for tachykinin receptors on cholinergic neurotransmission: evidence for species differences.

    PubMed Central

    Belvisi, M. G.; Patacchini, R.; Barnes, P. J.; Maggi, C. A.

    1994-01-01

    1. Exogenous tachykinins modulate cholinergic neurotransmission in rabbit and guinea-pig airways. We have investigated the effect of selective tachykinin receptor agonists and antagonists on cholinergic neurotransmission evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) of bronchial rings in rabbit, guinea-pig and human airways in vitro to assess which type of tachykinin receptor is mediating this facilitatory effect. 2. Bronchial rings were set up for isometric tension recording. Contractile responses to EFS (60 V, 0.4 ms, 2 Hz for 10 s every min) and exogenous acetylcholine (ACh) were obtained and the effects of selective tachykinin agonists and antagonists were investigated. 3. In rabbit bronchi the endogenous tachykinins, substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) (10 nM) potentiated cholinergic responses to EFS (by 287.6 +/- 121%, P < 0.01 and 181.4 +/- 56.5%, P < 0.001 respectively). 4. The NK1 receptor selective agonist, [Sar9]SP sulphone (10 nM) evoked a maximal facilitatory action on cholinergic responses of 334.9 +/- 63% (P < 0.01) (pD2 = 8.5 +/- 0.06) an effect which was blocked by the selective NK1-receptor antagonist, CP 96,345 (100 nM) (P < 0.05) but not by the NK2 receptor antagonist, MEN 10,376 (100 nM). The NK2 receptor selective agonist, [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) (10 nM), produced a maximum enhancement of 278 +/- 83.5% (P < 0.01) (pD2 = 8.7 +/- 0.1) an effect which was blocked by MEN 10,376 (100 nM) (P < 0.05) and not by CP 96,345. [MePhe7]NKB, an NK3 receptor selective agonist was without effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:7516799

  17. Direct radiolabeling of antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen for diagnostic imaging

    DOEpatents

    Rhodes, Buck A.

    1994-01-01

    Antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen-1 is radiolabeled by direct means with a radionuclide for use in detection of occult abscess and inflammation. Radiolabeling is accomplished by partial reduction of the disulfide bonds of the antibody using Sn(II), or using other reducing agents followed by the addition of Sn(II), removal of excess reducing agent and reduction by-products, and addition of a specified amount of radionuclide reducing agent, such as stannous tartrate. The resulting product may be store frozen or lyophilized, with radiolabeling accomplished by the addition of the radionuclide.

  18. Direct radiolabeling of antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen for diagnostic imaging

    DOEpatents

    Rhodes, B.A.

    1994-09-13

    Antibodies against stage specific embryonic antigen-1 is radiolabeled by direct means with a radionuclide for use in detection of occult abscess and inflammation. Radiolabeling is accomplished by partial reduction of the disulfide bonds of the antibody using Sn(II), or using other reducing agents followed by the addition of Sn(II), removal of excess reducing agent and reduction by-products, and addition of a specified amount of radionuclide reducing agent, such as stannous tartrate. The resulting product may be stored frozen or lyophilized, with radiolabeling accomplished by the addition of the radionuclide. No Drawings

  19. Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1A) agonists show potential as interventive agents during aging.

    PubMed

    Smith, Roy G; Sun, Yuxiang; Jiang, Hong; Albarran-Zeckler, Rosie; Timchenko, Nikolai

    2007-11-01

    Administration of an orally active agonist (MK-0677) of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) to elderly subjects restored the amplitude of endogenous episodic growth hormone (GH) release to that of young adults. Functional benefits include increased lean mass and bone density and modest improvements in strength. In old mice, a similar agonist partially restored function to the thymus and reduced tumor cell growth and metastasis. Treatment of old mice with the endogenous GHS-R1a agonist ghrelin restored a young liver phenotype. The mechanism involves inhibition of cyclin D3:cdk4/cdk6 activity and increased protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) activity in liver nuclei, which stabilizes the dephosphorylated form of the transcription factor C/EBPalpha preventing the age-dependent formation of the C/EBPalpha-Rb-E2F4-Brm nuclear complex. By inhibiting formation of this complex, repression of E2F target genes is de-repressed and C/EBPalpha regulated expression of Pepck, a regulator of gluconeogenesis, is normalized, thereby restoring a young liver phenotype. In the brain, aging is associated with decline in dopamine function. We investigated the potential neuromodulatory role of GHS-R1a on dopamine action. Neurons were identified in the hippocampus, cortex, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental areas that coexpressed GHS-R1a and dopamine receptor subtype-1 (D1R). Cell culture studies showed that, in the presence of ghrelin and dopamine, GHS-R and D1R form heterodimers, which modified G-protein signal transduction resulting in amplification of dopamine signaling. We speculate that aging is associated with deficient endogenous ghrelin signaling that can be rescued by intervention with GHS-R1a agonists to improve quality of life and maintain independence.

  20. Potent and selective oxytocin receptor agonists without disulfide bridges.

    PubMed

    Adachi, Yusuke; Sakimura, Katsuya; Shimizu, Yuji; Nakayama, Masaharu; Terao, Yasuko; Yano, Takahiko; Asami, Taiji

    2017-06-01

    Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved in a wide variety of physiological actions, both peripherally and centrally. Many human studies have revealed the potential of OT to treat autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. OT interacts with the OT receptor (OTR) as well as vasopressin 1a and 1b receptors (V 1a R, V 1b R) as an agonist, and agonistic activity for V 1a R and V 1b R may have a negative impact on the therapeutic effects of OTR agonism in the CNS. An OTR-selective agonistic peptide, FE 202767, in which the structural differences from OT are a sulfide bond instead of a disulfide bond, and N-alkylglycine replacement for Pro at position 7, was reported. However, the effects of amino acid substitutions in OT have not been comprehensively investigated to compare OTR, V 1a R, and V 1b R activities. This led us to obtain a new OTR-selective analog by comprehensive amino acid substitutions of OT and replacement of the disulfide bond. A systematic amino acid scanning (Ala, Leu, Phe, Ser, Glu, or Arg) of desamino OT (dOT) at positions 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 revealed the tolerability for the substitution at positions 7 and 8. Further detailed study showed that trans-4-hydroxyproline (trans-Hyp) at position 7 and γ-methylleucine [Leu(Me)] at position 8 were markedly effective for improving receptor selectivity without decreasing the potency at the OTR. Subsequently, a combination of these amino acid substitutions with the replacement of the disulfide bond of dOT analogs with a sulfide bond (carba analog) or an amide bond (lactam analog) yielded several promising analogs, including carba-1-[trans-Hyp 7 ,Leu(Me) 8 ]dOT (14) with a higher potency (7.2pM) at OTR than that of OT and marked selectivity (>10,000-fold) over V 1a R and V 1b R. Hence, we investigated comprehensive modification of OT and obtained new OT analogs that exhibited high potency at OTR with marked selectivity. These OTR-selective agonists could be useful to investigate OTR-mediated effects on

  1. Identification of oligomer proanthocyanidins (F2) isolated from grape seeds as a formyl peptide receptor 1 partial agonist.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jingyu; Wang, Qing; Zhao, Ruijun; Sun, Baoshan; Wang, Lihui; Hou, Yue; Li, Xiaoqin; Wu, Chunfu

    2013-04-01

    Formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) plays an important role in the rapid progression of glioblastoma and has been considered as a molecular target for the treatment. Previously, we have shown that oligomer proanthocyanidins (F2, degree of polymerization 2-15), isolated from grape seeds, inhibited FPR1-mediated chemotaxis of U-87 glioblastoma cells. In the present study, we investigated the capacity of F2 to interact with FPR1. The cross attenuation of chemotaxis revealed that F2 shared FPR1 with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF), which is a prototype agonist of FPR1. F2 was chemotactic for U-87 cells, and the chemotactic response was abolished when FPR1 gene was silenced or FPR1 was competitively occupied. We further show that F2 specifically blocked the binding of fluorescent agonist to FPR1. Interestingly, F2 exhibited the characteristic of a partial agonist for FPR1, as shown by its capacity to activate FPR1-mediated PI3K-PKC-MAPK pathways. Meanwhile, F2 also attenuated fMLF-triggered MAPK activation, suggesting that F2 could antagonize the effect of an agonist. Furthermore, F2 abolished the invasion of U-87 cells induced by fMLF. Thus, we have identified F2 as a novel, partial agonist for FPR1, which may be useful for glioblastoma therapy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Molecular impact of juvenile hormone agonists on neonatal Daphnia magna.

    PubMed

    Toyota, Kenji; Kato, Yasuhiko; Miyakawa, Hitoshi; Yatsu, Ryohei; Mizutani, Takeshi; Ogino, Yukiko; Miyagawa, Shinichi; Watanabe, Hajime; Nishide, Hiroyo; Uchiyama, Ikuo; Tatarazako, Norihisa; Iguchi, Taisen

    2014-05-01

    Daphnia magna has been used extensively to evaluate organism- and population-level responses to pollutants in acute toxicity and reproductive toxicity tests. We have previously reported that exposure to juvenile hormone (JH) agonists results in a reduction of reproductive function and production of male offspring in a cyclic parthenogenesis, D. magna. Recent advances in molecular techniques have provided tools to understand better the responses to pollutants in aquatic organisms, including D. magna. DNA microarray was used to evaluate gene expression profiles of neonatal daphnids exposed to JH agonists: methoprene (125, 250 and 500 ppb), fenoxycarb (0.5, 1 and 2 ppb) and epofenonane (50, 100 and 200 ppb). Exposure to these JH analogs resulted in chemical-specific patterns of gene expression. The heat map analyses based on hierarchical clustering revealed a similar pattern between treatments with a high dose of methoprene and with epofenonane. In contrast, treatment with low to middle doses of methoprene resulted in similar profiles to fenoxycarb treatments. Hemoglobin and JH epoxide hydrolase genes were clustered as JH-responsive genes. These data suggest that fenoxycarb has high activity as a JH agonist, methoprene shows high toxicity and epofenonane works through a different mechanism compared with other JH analogs, agreeing with data of previously reported toxicity tests. In conclusion, D. magna DNA microarray is useful for the classification of JH analogs and identification of JH-responsive genes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  3. Ineffectiveness of intravenous beta 2-agonists on improving exercise tolerance in patients with reversible chronic airway obstruction.

    PubMed

    Malerba, M; Boni, E; Tantucci, C; Filippi, B; Romagnoni, G; Grassi, V

    1996-01-01

    The effects on exercise tolerance after acute administration of beta 2-agonists were investigated in 11 patients with partly reversible chronic airway obstruction after 400 micrograms of salbutamol (S) given intravenously (i.v.) and after 400 micrograms i.v. of a new selective beta 2-agonist, broxaterol (B), by a cardiopulmonary incremental exercise test. At rest, while VE increased in respect to basal conditions (C) after S (from 13.3 +/- 2.2 to 14.4 +/- 2.8 l/min; p < 0.05) and after B (from 13.6 +/- 3.1 to 15.5 +/- 3.6 l/min; p < 0.05), VO2, VCO2 and VO2/HR showed no substantial variations. A small, not significant reduction of PaO2 was observed both after S (from 82.7 +/- 11.7 to 79.1 +/- 16.7 mm Hg) and B (from 81.6 +/- 10.5 to 78.0 +/- 11.0 mm Hg). The maximum workload increased neither after S (from 67.5 +/- 39.1 to 66.6 +/- 37.0 W) nor after B (from 65.7 +/- 39.3 to 60.0 +/- 35.8 W). At peak of exercise, VO2, VCO2 and VO2/HR did not change after S and B as compared with C, whereas VE remained higher after both beta 2-agonists throughout the effort. VO2 at ventilatory anaerobic threshold (AT) was significantly greater either after S (from 744 +/- 378 to 815 +/- 302 ml/min; p < 0.05) and after B (from 756 +/- 290 to 842 +/- 292 ml/min; p < 0.05). The PaO2 increase shown by these patients during effort was greater after beta 2-agonists administration, delta PaO2 from rest to peak of exercise amounting to 14.9 +/- 14.3 vs. 7.8 +/- 8.2 mm Hg after S and to 17.8 +/- 15.1 vs. 8.8 +/- 10.9 mm Hg after B, in respect to relative baseline (p < 0.05). We conclude that beta 2-agonists, when given acutely, do not improve exercise tolerance in patients with reversible chronic airflow obstruction, although these drugs can induce a small increment of ventilatory AT. In addition, arterial blood gases do not deteriorate at rest and are better preserved during exercise after beta 2-agonists.

  4. Evaluation of AhR-agonists and AhR-agonist activity in sediments of Liaohe River protected areas, China.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yun; Ke, Xin; Gui, Shaofeng; Wu, Xiaoqiong; Wang, Chunyong; Zhang, Haijun

    2017-02-15

    A total of 9 sediment samples of Liaohe River protected areas were collected to evaluate aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists (AhR-agonists) and AhR-agonist activity via chemical analysis and in vitro H4IIE cell bioassay. Results indicated that bioassay-derived 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (Bio-TEQs) ranged from 89.1 to 251.1pg/g dry weight. Concentrations of 16 EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) ranged from 256.8 to 560.1ng/g, 79.2 to 416.2pg/g, and 199.6 to 538.4pg/g, respectively. According to potency balance analysis, TEQ chem s based on PAHs, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs could contribute 16.56% to 26.11% of Bio-TEQs. This could be explained by the potential existence of unidentified AhR-agonists and the potential non-additive interactions among AhR-agonists in sediment extracts. Through the different contributions to Bio-TEQs, this study confirms that PCDD/Fs were the main pollutants that induced significantly AhR-agonist activity in sediments of Liaohe River protected areas. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  5. Lorcaserin, a novel selective human 5-hydroxytryptamine2C agonist: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization.

    PubMed

    Thomsen, William J; Grottick, Andrew J; Menzaghi, Frederique; Reyes-Saldana, Hazel; Espitia, Stephen; Yuskin, Diane; Whelan, Kevin; Martin, Michael; Morgan, Michael; Chen, Weichao; Al-Shamma, Hussien; Smith, Brian; Chalmers, Derek; Behan, Dominic

    2008-05-01

    5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2C) receptor agonists hold promise for the treatment of obesity. In this study, we describe the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of lorcaserin [(1R)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-3 benzazepine], a selective, high affinity 5-HT(2C) full agonist. Lorcaserin bound to human and rat 5-HT(2C) receptors with high affinity (K(i) = 15 +/- 1 nM, 29 +/- 7 nM, respectively), and it was a full agonist for the human 5-HT(2C) receptor in a functional inositol phosphate accumulation assay, with 18- and 104-fold selectivity over 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2B) receptors, respectively. Lorcaserin was also highly selective for human 5-HT(2C) over other human 5-HT receptors (5-HT(1A), 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4C), 5-HT5(5A), 5-HT(6), and 5-HT(7)), in addition to a panel of 67 other G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels. Lorcaserin did not compete for binding of ligands to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters, and it did not alter their function in vitro. Behavioral observations indicated that unlike the 5-HT(2A) agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-phenyl)-2-aminopropane, lorcaserin did not induce behavioral changes indicative of functional 5-HT(2A) agonist activity. Acutely, lorcaserin reduced food intake in rats, an effect that was reversed by pretreatment with the 5-HT(2C)-selective antagonist 6-chloro-5-methyl-1-[6-(2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)pyridin-3-yl-carbamoyl]indoline (SB242,084) but not the 5-HT(2A) antagonist (R)-(+)-alpha-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidine-methanol (MDL 100,907), demonstrating mediation by the 5-HT(2C) receptor. Chronic daily treatment with lorcaserin to rats maintained on a high fat diet produced dose-dependent reductions in food intake and body weight gain that were maintained during the 4-week study. Upon discontinuation, body weight returned to control levels. These data demonstrate lorcaserin to be a potent, selective, and efficacious agonist of the 5-HT(2C) receptor, with potential for

  6. Novel strategies for microdose studies using non-radiolabeled compounds.

    PubMed

    Maeda, Kazuya; Sugiyama, Yuichi

    2011-06-19

    Microdose studies using non-radiolabeled compounds enable assessment of the clinical pharmacokinetics of drug candidates in humans without the need to synthesize radiolabeled compounds. We have demonstrated that the quantification limits of many drugs measured by LC-MS/MS are low enough to allow estimation of their pharmacokinetic parameters following administration of a microdose. Our previous microdose studies with LC-MS/MS demonstrated the linear pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine between microdoses and therapeutic doses. We also obtained time profiles of plasma concentrations of nicardipine and its multiple metabolites following administration of a microdose. A significant advantage of using non-radiolabeled compounds is the ability to perform cassette microdose studies. By administering multiple drug candidates to the same subject, we can select compounds with appropriate pharmacokinetic properties simultaneously. We can also clarify major factors dominating the pharmacokinetics of drug candidates by cocktail microdosing of the test compounds and probe substrates with or without specific inhibitors for enzymes/transporters. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. The mGlu(2/3) agonist 2R,4R-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate, is anti- and proconvulsant in DBA/2 mice.

    PubMed

    Moldrich, R X; Talebi, A; Beart, P M; Chapman, A G; Meldrum, B S

    2001-02-16

    The anticonvulsant activity of the selective group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu) agonist 2R,4R-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (2R,4R-APDC) has been evaluated in chemoconvulsant and sound-induced models of epileptic seizures in DBA/2 mice. 2R,4R-APDC (> or =10 nmol, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), -15 min) transiently reduced sound-induced seizure activity including clonic seizures to 40% of vehicle at 20 nmol (i.c.v.) and 30% of vehicle at 100 mg/kg (intraperitoneally (i.p.), -15 min). 2R,4R-APDC inhibited clonic seizures induced by the group III mGlu antagonist (R,S)-alpha-methylserine-O-phosphate (2.5 micromol, i.c.v.) when co-injected at 20-40 nmol and inhibited limbic seizure activity induced by the mGlu(1/5) agonist (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (1.5 micromol, i.c.v.) when co-injected at 10-40 nmol. A reversal of the anticonvulsant activity of 2R,4R-APDC was observed at (>20 nmol) in each of the chemoconvulsant and sound-induced models of epileptic seizures. 2R,4R-APDC (0.1-1 micromol, i.c.v.) induced stimulus-independent, rapid and dose-dependent clonic seizures. Selective mGlu(2/3) agonists represent a novel class of potential anti-epileptic drugs, however due to the proconvulsant activity observed here, 2R,4R-APDC is obviously limited in this regard.

  8. Exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, reduces Alzheimer disease-associated tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus of rats with type 2 diabetes.

    PubMed

    Xu, Weijie; Yang, Yan; Yuan, Gang; Zhu, Wenjun; Ma, Delin; Hu, Shuhong

    2015-02-01

    Impaired insulin signaling pathway in the brain in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor agonist are widely used for treatment of T2D. Here we studied whether the effects of exendin-4 (EX-4), a long-lasting GLP-1 receptor agonist, could reduce the risk of AD in T2D. Type 2 diabetes rats were injected with EX-4 for 28 consecutive days. Blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as GLP-1 and insulin in cerebrospinal fluid, were determined during the experiment. The phosphorylation level of tau at individual phosphorylation sites, the activities of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were analyzed with Western blots. The levels of phosphorylated tau protein at site Ser199/202 and Thr217 level in the hippocampus of T2D rats were found to be raised notably and evidently decreased after EX-4 intervention. In addition, brain insulin signaling pathway was ameliorated after EX-4 treatment, and this result was reflected by a decreased activity of PI3K/AKT and an increased activity of GSK-3β in the hippocampus of T2D rats as well as a rise in PI3K/AKT activity and a decline in GSK-3β activity after 4 weeks intervention of EX-4. These results demonstrate that multiple days with EX-4 appears to prevent the hyperphosphorylation of AD-associated tau protein due to increased insulin signaling pathway in the brain. These findings support the potential use of GLP-1 for the prevention and treatment of AD in individuals with T2D.

  9. Amino-terminal sequence of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Eisenberg, R.J.; Long, D.; Hogue-Angeletti, R.

    1984-01-01

    Glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus is a structural component of the virion envelope which stimulates production of high titers of herpes simplex virus type-common neutralizing antibody. The authors caried out automated N-terminal amino acid sequencing studies on radiolabeled preparations of gD-1 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 1) and gD-2 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 2). Although some differences were noted, particularly in the methionine and alanine profiles for gD-1 and gD-2, the amino acid sequence of a number of the first 30 residues of the amino terminus of gD-1 and gD-2 appears to be quite similar.more » For both proteins, the first residue is a lysine. When we compared out sequence data for gD-1 with those predicted by nucleic acid sequencing, the two sequences could be aligned (with one exception) starting at residue 26 (lysine) of the predicted sequence. Thus, the first 25 amino acids of the predicted sequence are absent from the polypeptides isolated from infected cells.« less

  10. Differential efficacy of SSTR1, -2, and -5 agonists in the inhibition of C6 glioma growth in nude mice.

    PubMed

    Barbieri, Federica; Pattarozzi, Alessandra; Gatti, Monica; Aiello, Cinzia; Quintero, Ana; Lunardi, Gianluigi; Bajetto, Adriana; Ferrari, Angelo; Culler, Michael D; Florio, Tullio

    2009-11-01

    Somatostatin receptors (SSTR1-5) mediate antiproliferative effects. In C6 rat glioma cells, somatostatin is cytostatic in vitro via phosphotyrosine phosphatase-dependent inhibition of ERK1/2 activity mediated by SSTR1, -2, and -5. Here we analyzed the effects of SSTR activation on C6 glioma growth in vivo and the intracellular mechanisms involved, comparing somatostatin effects with selective agonists for SSTR1, -2, and -5 (BIM-23745, BIM-23120, BIM-23206) or receptor biselective compounds (SSTR1 and -2, BIM-23704; and SSTR2 and -5, BIM-23190). Nude mice subcutaneously xenografted with C6 cells were treated with somatostatin, SSTR agonists (50 μg, twice/day), or vehicle. Tumor growth was evaluated every 3 days for 19 days. The intracellular pathways responsible of SSTR effects in vivo were evaluated measuring Ki-67, phospho-ERK1/2, and p27(kip1) expression by immunohistochemistry in sections from explanted tumors. Somatostatin and SSTR1, -2, and -5 agonists strongly inhibited in vivo C6 tumor growth, intratumoral neovessel formation, Ki-67 expression, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and induced upregulation of p27(Kip1), whereas only a modest activation of caspase-3 was observed. Somatostatin (acting on SSTR1, -2, and -5) displayed the highest efficacy; SSTR5 selective agonist showed a stronger effect than SSTR1 agonist, and SSTR2 agonist was less effective. On the other hand, SSTR1 and -2 agonists maximally reduced tumor neovascularization. The combined activation of SSTR1 and -2 showed a synergistic activity, reaching a higher efficacy than BIM-23206, whereas the simultaneous activation of SSTR2 and -5 resulted in a response resembling SSTR5 effects. Thus the simultaneous activation of different SSTRs inhibits glioma cell proliferation in vivo through both direct cytotostatic and antiangiogenic effects.

  11. CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Targets Mitogenic Gi Protein–Cyclin D1 Axis in Osteoblasts

    PubMed Central

    Ofek, Orr; Attar-Namdar, Malka; Kram, Vardit; Dvir-Ginzberg, Mona; Mechoulam, Raphael; Zimmer, Andreas; Frenkel, Baruch; Shohami, Esther; Bab, Itai

    2011-01-01

    CB2 is a Gi protein–coupled receptor activated by endo- and phytocannabinoids, thus inhibiting stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. CB2 is expressed in bone cells and Cb2 null mice show a marked age-related bone loss. CB2-specific agonists both attenuate and rescue ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Activation of CB2 stimulates osteoblast proliferation and bone marrow derived colony-forming units osteoblastic. Here we show that selective and nonselective CB2 agonists are mitogenic in MC3T3 E1 and newborn mouse calvarial osteoblastic cultures. The CB2 mitogenic signaling depends critically on the stimulation of Erk1/2 phosphorylation and de novo synthesis of MAP kinase–activated protein kinase 2 (Mapkapk2) mRNA and protein. Further downstream, CB2 activation enhances CREB transcriptional activity and cyclin D1 mRNA expression. The CB2-induced stimulation of CREB and cyclin D1 is inhibitable by pertussis toxin, the MEK-Erk1/2 inhibitors PD098059 and U0126, and Mapkapk2 siRNA. These data demonstrate that in osteoblasts CB2 targets a Gi protein–cyclin D1 mitogenic axis. Erk1/2 phosphorylation and Mapkapk2 protein synthesis are critical intermediates in this axis. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. PMID:20803555

  12. Beta 2-adrenergic receptor agonists are novel regulators of macrophage activation in diabetic renal and cardiovascular complications.

    PubMed

    Noh, Hyunjin; Yu, Mi Ra; Kim, Hyun Joo; Lee, Ji Hye; Park, Byoung-Won; Wu, I-Hsien; Matsumoto, Motonobu; King, George L

    2017-07-01

    Macrophage activation is increased in diabetes and correlated with the onset and progression of vascular complications. To identify drugs that could inhibit macrophage activation, we developed a cell-based assay and screened a 1,040 compound library for anti-inflammatory effects. Beta2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) agonists were identified as the most potent inhibitors of phorbol myristate acetate-induced tumor necrosis factor-α production in rat bone marrow macrophages. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, β2AR agonists inhibited diabetes-induced tumor necrosis factor-α production, which was prevented by co-treatment with a selective β2AR blocker. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, THP-1 cells and bone marrow macrophages were exposed to high glucose. High glucose reduced β-arrestin2, a negative regulator of NF-κB activation, and its interaction with IκBα. This subsequently enhanced phosphorylation of IκBα and activation of NF-κB. The β2AR agonists enhanced β-arrestin2 and its interaction with IκBα, leading to downregulation of NF-κB. A siRNA specific for β-arrestin2 reversed β2AR agonist-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production. Treatment of Zucker diabetic fatty rats with a β2AR agonist for 12 weeks attenuated monocyte activation as well as pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses in the kidneys and heart. Thus, β2AR agonists might have protective effects against diabetic renal and cardiovascular complications. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Sarizotan, a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist and dopamine receptor ligand. 1. Neurochemical profile.

    PubMed

    Bartoszyk, G D; Van Amsterdam, C; Greiner, H E; Rautenberg, W; Russ, H; Seyfried, C A

    2004-02-01

    Sarizotan exhibited high affinities only to serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and dopamine DA D4>D3>D2 receptors with the profile of a 5-HT1A agonist and DA antagonist demonstrated by the inhibition of cAMP-stimulation and guinea pig ileum contraction, decreased accumulation of the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan and increased levels of 5-HT metabolites, increased accumulation of DA precursor dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and the reduced levels of DA metabolites in intact rats. However, sarizotan at higher doses decreased DA precursor accumulation in reserpinized rats and induced contralateral rotational behavior in unilaterally substantia nigra lesioned rats, indicating some intrinsic dopaminergic activity; at D2 receptors sarizotan may act as a partial agonist, depending on the dopaminergic impulse flow. Sarizotan represents a new approach for the treatment of extrapyramidal motor complications such as l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease.

  14. Cooperative therapeutic anti-tumor effect of IL-15 agonist ALT-803 and co-targeting soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC

    PubMed Central

    Basher, Fahmin; Jeng, Emily K.; Wong, Hing; Wu, Jennifer

    2016-01-01

    Shedding of the human NKG2D ligand MIC (MHC class I-chain-related molecule) from tumor cell surfaces correlates with progression of many epithelial cancers. Shedding-derived soluble MIC (sMIC) enables tumor immune escape through multiple immune suppressive mechanisms, such as disturbing natural killer (NK) cell homeostatic maintenance, impairing NKG2D expression on NK cells and effector T cells, and facilitating the expansion of arginase I+ myeloid suppressor cells. Our recent study has demonstrated that sMIC is an effective cancer therapeutic target. Whether targeting tumor-derived sMIC would enhance current active immunotherapy is not known. Here, we determined the in vivo therapeutic effect of an antibody co-targeting sMIC with the immunostimulatory IL-15 superagonist complex, ALT-803, using genetically engineered transplantable syngeneic sMIC+ tumor models. We demonstrate that combined therapy of a nonblocking antibody neutralizing sMIC and ALT-803 improved the survival of animals bearing sMIC+ tumors in comparison to monotherapy. We further demonstrate that the enhanced therapeutic effect with combined therapy is through concurrent augmentation of NK and CD8 T cell anti-tumor responses. In particular, expression of activation-induced surface molecules and increased functional potential by cytokine secretion are improved greatly by the administration of combined therapy. Depletion of NK cells abolished the cooperative therapeutic effect. Our findings suggest that administration of the sMIC-neutralizing antibody can enhance the anti-tumor effects of ALT-803. With ALT-803 currently in clinical trials to treat progressive solid tumors, the majority of which are sMIC+, our findings provide a rationale for co-targeting sMIC to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ALT-803 or other IL-15 agonists. PMID:26625316

  15. Cooperative therapeutic anti-tumor effect of IL-15 agonist ALT-803 and co-targeting soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC.

    PubMed

    Basher, Fahmin; Jeng, Emily K; Wong, Hing; Wu, Jennifer

    2016-01-05

    Shedding of the human NKG2D ligand MIC (MHC class I-chain-related molecule) from tumor cell surfaces correlates with progression of many epithelial cancers. Shedding-derived soluble MIC (sMIC) enables tumor immune escape through multiple immune suppressive mechanisms, such as disturbing natural killer (NK) cell homeostatic maintenance, impairing NKG2D expression on NK cells and effector T cells, and facilitating the expansion of arginase I+ myeloid suppressor cells. Our recent study has demonstrated that sMIC is an effective cancer therapeutic target. Whether targeting tumor-derived sMIC would enhance current active immunotherapy is not known. Here, we determined the in vivo therapeutic effect of an antibody co-targeting sMIC with the immunostimulatory IL-15 superagonist complex, ALT-803, using genetically engineered transplantable syngeneic sMIC+ tumor models. We demonstrate that combined therapy of a nonblocking antibody neutralizing sMIC and ALT-803 improved the survival of animals bearing sMIC+ tumors in comparison to monotherapy. We further demonstrate that the enhanced therapeutic effect with combined therapy is through concurrent augmentation of NK and CD8 T cell anti-tumor responses. In particular, expression of activation-induced surface molecules and increased functional potential by cytokine secretion are improved greatly by the administration of combined therapy. Depletion of NK cells abolished the cooperative therapeutic effect. Our findings suggest that administration of the sMIC-neutralizing antibody can enhance the anti-tumor effects of ALT-803. With ALT-803 currently in clinical trials to treat progressive solid tumors, the majority of which are sMIC+, our findings provide a rationale for co-targeting sMIC to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ALT-803 or other IL-15 agonists.

  16. Methyllycaconitine: a non-radiolabeled ligand for mapping α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors - in vivo target localization and biodistribution in rat brain.

    PubMed

    Nirogi, Ramakrishna; Kandikere, Vishwottam; Bhyrapuneni, Gopinadh; Saralaya, Ramanatha; Muddana, Nageswararao; Komarneni, Prashanth

    2012-07-01

    Reduction of cerebral cortical and hippocampal α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) density was observed in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Mapping the subtypes of nAChRs with selective ligand by viable, quick and consistent method in preclinical drug discovery may lead to rapid development of more effective therapeutic agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of methyllycaconitine (MLA) in non-radiolabeled form for mapping α7 nAChRs in rat brain. MLA pharmacokinetic and brain penetration properties were assessed in male Wistar rats. The tracer properties of MLA were evaluated in rat brain by dose and time dependent differential regional distribution studies. Target specificity was validated after blocking with potent α7 nAChR agonists ABBF, PNU282987 and nicotine. High performance liquid chromatography combined with triple quad mass spectral detector (LC-MS/MS) was used to measure the plasma and brain tissue concentrations of MLA. MLA has shown rapid brain uptake followed by a 3-5 fold higher specific binding in regions containing the α7 nAChRs (hypothalamus - 1.60 ng/g), when compared to non-specific regions (striatum - 0.53 ng/g, hippocampus - 0.46 ng/g, midbrain - 0.37 ng/g, frontal cortex - 0.35 ng/g and cerebellum - 0.30 ng/g). Pretreatment with potent α7 nAChR agonists significantly blocked the MLA uptake in hypothalamus. The non-radiolabeled MLA binding to brain region was comparable with the α7 mRNA localization and receptor distribution reported for [(3)H] MLA in rat brain. The rat pharmacokinetic, brain penetration and differential brain regional distribution features favor that MLA is suitable to use in preclinical stage for mapping α7 nAChRs. Hence, this approach can be employed as an essential tool for quicker development of novel selective ligand to map variation in the α7 receptor densities, as well as to evaluate potential new chemical entities targeting neurodegenerative

  17. Synthesis of fluorine-18 radio-labeled serum albumins for PET blood pool imaging.

    PubMed

    Basuli, Falguni; Li, Changhui; Xu, Biying; Williams, Mark; Wong, Karen; Coble, Vincent L; Vasalatiy, Olga; Seidel, Jurgen; Green, Michael V; Griffiths, Gary L; Choyke, Peter L; Jagoda, Elaine M

    2015-03-01

    We sought to develop a practical, reproducible and clinically translatable method of radiolabeling serum albumins with fluorine-18 for use as a PET blood pool imaging agent in animals and man. Fluorine-18 radiolabeled fluoronicotinic acid-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl ester, [(18)F]F-Py-TFP was prepared first by the reaction of its quaternary ammonium triflate precursor with [(18)F]tetrabutylammonium fluoride ([(18)F]TBAF) according to a previously published method for peptides, with minor modifications. The incubation of [(18)F]F-Py-TFP with rat serum albumin (RSA) in phosphate buffer (pH9) for 15 min at 37-40 °C produced fluorine-18-radiolabeled RSA and the product was purified using a mini-PD MiniTrap G-25 column. The overall radiochemical yield of the reaction was 18-35% (n=30, uncorrected) in a 90-min synthesis. This procedure, repeated with human serum albumin (HSA), yielded similar results. Fluorine-18-radiolabeled RSA demonstrated prolonged blood retention (biological half-life of 4.8 hours) in healthy awake rats. The distribution of major organ radioactivity remained relatively unchanged during the 4 hour observation periods either by direct tissue counting or by dynamic PET whole-body imaging except for a gradual accumulation of labeled metabolic products in the bladder. This manual method for synthesizing radiolabeled serum albumins uses fluorine-18, a widely available PET radionuclide, and natural protein available in both pure and recombinant forms which could be scaled up for widespread clinical applications. These preclinical biodistribution and PET imaging results indicate that [(18)F]RSA is an effective blood pool imaging agent in rats and might, as [(18)F]HSA, prove similarly useful as a clinical imaging agent. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  18. Radiolabeled bombesin derivatives for preclinical oncological imaging

    PubMed Central

    de Aguiar Ferreira, Carolina; Fuscaldi, Leonardo Lima; Townsend, Danyelle M.; Rubello, Domenico; de Barros, André Luís Branco

    2017-01-01

    Despite efforts, cancer is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. Among the strategies to reduce cancer progression and improving its management, implementing early detection technologies is crucial. Based on the fact that several types of cancer cells overexpress surface receptors, small molecule ligands, such as peptides, have been developed to allow tumor identification at earlier stages. Allied with imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT, radiolabeled peptides play a pivotal role in nuclear medicine. Bombesin, a peptide of 14 amino acids, is an amphibian homolog to the mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), that has been extensively studied as a targeting ligand for diagnosis and therapy of GRP positive tumors, such as breast, pancreas, lungs and prostate cancers. In this context, herein we provide a review of reported bombesin derivatives radiolabeled with a multitude of radioactive isotopes for diagnostic purposes in the preclinical setting. Moreover, since animal models are highly relevant for assessing the potential of clinical translation of this radiopeptides, a brief report of the currently used GRP-positive tumor-bearing animal models is described. PMID:28040598

  19. Synthesis and dual PPARalpha/delta agonist effects of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole analogues of GW 501516.

    PubMed

    Ciocoiu, Calin C; Nikolić, Natasa; Nguyen, Huyen Hoa; Thoresen, G Hege; Aasen, Arne J; Hansen, Trond Vidar

    2010-07-01

    Ten 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles 2a-2j were prepared and tested for their ability to increase oleic acid oxidation in human myotubes using a high-throughput multiwell assay. Compounds 2e (2-{4-[(1-(3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methylthio]-2-methylphenoxy}acetic acid) and 2i (2-{4-[(1-(3-chloro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methylthio]-2-methylphenoxy}acetic acid) exhibited potent agonist activities. Compounds 2e and 2i also exhibited powerful agonist effects for both PPARalpha and PPARdelta in a luciferase-based assay. Consequently, these triazoles can be categorized as dual PPAR agonists. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  20. Synthesis and radiolabeling of chelator-RNA aptamer bioconjugates with copper-64 for targeted molecular imaging

    PubMed Central

    Rockey, William M.; Huang, Ling; Kloepping, Kyle C.; Baumhover, Nicholas J.; Giangrande, Paloma H.; Schultz, Michael K.

    2014-01-01

    Ribonucleic acid (RNA) aptamers with high affinity and specificity for cancer-specific cell-surface antigens are promising reagents for targeted molecular imaging of cancer using positron emission tomography (PET). For this application, aptamers must be conjugated to chelators capable of coordinating PET-radionuclides (e.g. copper-64, 64Cu) to enable radiolabeling for in vivo imaging of tumors. This study investigates the choice of chelator and radiolabeling parameters such as pH and temperature for the development of 64Cu-labeled RNA-based targeted agents for PET imaging. The characterization and optimization of labeling conditions are described for four chelator-aptamer complexes. Three commercially available bifunctional macrocyclic chelators (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid mono N-hydroxysuccinimide [DOTA-NHS]; S-2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid [p-SCN-Bn-NOTA]; and p-SCN-Bn-3,6,9,15-tetraazabicyclo [9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene-3,6,9-triacetic acid [p-SCN-Bn-PCTA]), as well as the polyamino-macrocyclic diAmSar (3,6,10,13,16,19-hexaazabicyclo[6.6.6] icosane-1,8-diamine) were conjugated to A10–3.2, a RNA aptamer which has been shown to bind specifically to a prostate cancer-specific cell-surface antigen (PSMA). Although a commercial bifunctional version of diAmSar was not available, RNA conjugation with this chelator was achieved in a two-step reaction by the addition of a disuccinimidyl suberate linker. Radiolabeling parameters (e.g. pH, temperature, and time) for each chelator-RNA conjugate were assessed in order to optimize specific activity and RNA stability. Furthermore, the radiolabeled chelator-coupled RNA aptamers were evaluated for binding specificity to their target antigen. In summary, key parameters were established for optimal radiolabeling of RNA aptamers for eventual PET imaging with 64Cu. PMID:21658962

  1. Agonist and antagonist actions of antipsychotic agents at 5-HT1A receptors: a [35S]GTPgammaS binding study.

    PubMed

    Newman-Tancredi, A; Gavaudan, S; Conte, C; Chaput, C; Touzard, M; Verrièle, L; Audinot, V; Millan, M J

    1998-08-21

    Recombinant human (h) 5-HT1A receptor-mediated G-protein activation was characterised in membranes of transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by use of guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS binding). The potency and efficacy of 21 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists was determined. The agonists, 5-CT (carboxamidotryptamine) and flesinoxan displayed high affinity (subnanomolar Ki values) and high efficacy (Emax > 90%, relative to 5-HT = 100%). In contrast, ipsapirone, zalospirone and buspirone displayed partial agonist activity. EC50s for agonist stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding correlated well with Ki values from competition binding (r = +0.99). Among the compounds tested for antagonist activity, methiothepin and (+)butaclamol exhibited 'inverse agonist' behaviour, inhibiting basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding. The actions of 17 antipsychotic agents were investigated. Clozapine and several putatively 'atypical' antipsychotic agents, including ziprasidone, quetiapine and tiospirone, exhibited partial agonist activity and marked affinity at h5-HT1A receptors, similar to their affinity at hD2 dopamine receptors. In contrast, risperidone and sertindole displayed low affinity at h5-HT1A receptors and behaved as 'neutral' antagonists, inhibiting 5-HT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Likewise the 'typical' neuroleptics, haloperidol, pimozide, raclopride and chlorpromazine exhibited relatively low affinity and 'neutral' antagonist activity at h5-HT1A receptors with Ki values which correlated with their respective Kb values. The present data show that (i) [35S]GTPgammaS binding is an effective method to evaluate the efficacy and potency of agonists and antagonists at recombinant human 5-HT1A receptors. (ii) Like clozapine, several putatively 'atypical' antipsychotic drugs display balanced serotonin h5-HT1A/dopamine hD2 receptor affinity and partial agonist activity at h5-HT1A receptors. (iii) Several 'typical' and some putatively 'atypical

  2. Airway Peroxidases Catalyze Nitration of the β2-Agonist Salbutamol and Decrease Its Pharmacological Activity

    PubMed Central

    Sallans, Larry; Macha, Stephen; Brown, Kari; McGraw, Dennis W.; Kovacic, Melinda Butsch; Britigan, Bradley E.

    2011-01-01

    β2-Agonists are the most effective bronchodilators for the rapid relief of asthma symptoms, but for unclear reasons, their effectiveness may be decreased during severe exacerbations. Because peroxidase activity and nitrogen oxides are increased in the asthmatic airway, we examined whether salbutamol, a clinically important β2-agonist, is subject to potentially inactivating nitration. When salbutamol was exposed to myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase or lactoperoxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrite (NO2−), both absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicated formation of a new metabolite with features expected for the nitrated drug. The new metabolites showed an absorption maximum at 410 nm and pKa of 6.6 of the phenolic hydroxyl group. In addition to nitrosalbutamol (m/z 285.14), a salbutamol-derived nitrophenol, formed by elimination of the formaldehyde group, was detected (m/z 255.13) by mass spectrometry. It is noteworthy that the latter metabolite was detected in exhaled breath condensates of asthma patients receiving salbutamol but not in unexposed control subjects, indicating the potential for β2-agonist nitration to occur in the inflamed airway in vivo. Salbutamol nitration was inhibited in vitro by ascorbate, thiocyanate, and the pharmacological agents methimazole and dapsone. The efficacy of inhibition depended on the nitrating system, with the lactoperoxidase/H2O2/NO2− being the most affected. Functionally, nitrated salbutamol showed decreased affinity for β2-adrenergic receptors and impaired cAMP synthesis in airway smooth muscle cells compared with the native drug. These results suggest that under inflammatory conditions associated with asthma, phenolic β2-agonists may be subject to peroxidase-catalyzed nitration that could potentially diminish their therapeutic efficacy. PMID:20974700

  3. Dopamine induces inhibitory effects on the circular muscle contractility of mouse distal colon via D1- and D2-like receptors.

    PubMed

    Auteri, Michelangelo; Zizzo, Maria Grazia; Amato, Antonella; Serio, Rosa

    2016-08-01

    Dopamine (DA) acts as gut motility modulator, via D1- and D2-like receptors, but its effective role is far from being clear. Since alterations of the dopaminergic system could lead to gastrointestinal dysfunctions, a characterization of the enteric dopaminergic system is mandatory. In this study, we investigated the role of DA and D1- and D2-like receptors in the contractility of the circular muscle of mouse distal colon by organ-bath technique. DA caused relaxation in carbachol-precontracted circular muscle strips, sensitive to domperidone, D2-like receptor antagonist, and mimicked by bromocriptine, D2-like receptor agonist. 7-Chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride (SCH-23390), D1-like receptor antagonist, neural toxins, L-NAME (nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor), 2'-deoxy-N 6 -methyl adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate diammonium salt (MRS 2179), purinergic P2Y1 antagonist, or adrenergic antagonists were ineffective. DA also reduced the amplitude of neurally evoked cholinergic contractions. The effect was mimicked by (±)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol hydrobromide (SKF-38393), D1-like receptor agonist and antagonized by SCH-23390, MRS 2179, or L-NAME. Western blotting analysis determined the expression of DA receptor proteins in mouse distal colon. Notably, SCH-23390 per se induced an increase in amplitude of spontaneous and neurally evoked cholinergic contractions, unaffected by neural blockers, L-NAME, MRS 2179, muscarinic, adrenergic, or D2-like receptor antagonists. Indeed, SCH-23390-induced effects were antagonized by an adenylyl cyclase blocker. In conclusion, DA inhibits colonic motility in mice via D2- and D1-like receptors, the latter reducing acetylcholine release from enteric neurons, involving nitrergic and purinergic systems. Whether constitutively active D1-like receptors, linked to adenylyl cyclase pathway, are involved in a tonic inhibitory control of colonic contractility is

  4. New functional activity of aripiprazole revealed: robust antagonism of D2 dopamine receptor-stimulated Gβγ signaling

    PubMed Central

    Brust, Tarsis F.; Hayes, Michael P.; Roman, David L.; Watts, Val J.

    2014-01-01

    The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is generally considered to be a primary target in the treatment of schizophrenia. First generation antipsychotic drugs (e.g. haloperidol) are antagonists of the DRD2, while second generation antipsychotic drugs (e.g. olanzapine) antagonize DRD2 and 5HT2A receptors. Notably, both these classes of drugs may cause side effects associated with D2 receptor antagonism (e.g. hyperprolactemia and extrapyramidal symptoms). The novel, “third generation” antipsychotic drug, aripiprazole is also used to treat schizophrenia, with the remarkable advantage that its tendency to cause extrapyramidal symptoms is minimal. Aripiprazole is considered a partial agonist of the DRD2, but it also has partial agonist/antagonist activity for other GPCRs. Further, aripiprazole has been reported to have a unique activity profile in functional assays with the DRD2. In the present study the molecular pharmacology of aripiprazole was further examined in HEK cell models stably expressing the DRD2 and specific isoforms of adenylyl cyclase to assess functional responses of Gα and Gβγ subunits. Additional studies examined the activity of aripiprazole in DRD2-mediated heterologous sensitization of adenylyl cyclase and cell-based dynamic mass redistribution (DMR). Aripiprazole displayed a unique functional profile for modulation of G proteins, being a partial agonist for Gαi/o and a robust antagonist for Gβγ signaling. Additionally, aripiprazole was a weak partial agonist for both heterologous sensitization and dynamic mass redistribution. PMID:25449598

  5. Opioid agonist efficacy predicts the magnitude of tolerance and the regulation of mu-opioid receptors and dynamin-2.

    PubMed

    Pawar, Mohit; Kumar, Priyank; Sunkaraneni, Soujanya; Sirohi, Sunil; Walker, Ellen A; Yoburn, Byron C

    2007-06-01

    It has been proposed that opioid agonist efficacy may play a role in tolerance and the regulation of opioid receptor density. To address this issue, the present studies estimated the in vivo efficacy of three opioid agonists and then examined changes in spinal mu-opioid receptor density following chronic treatment in the mouse. In addition, tolerance and regulation of the trafficking protein dynamin-2 were determined. To evaluate efficacy, the method of irreversible receptor alkylation was employed and the efficacy parameter tau estimated. Mice were injected with the irreversible mu-opioid receptor antagonist clocinnamox (0.32-25.6 mg/kg, i.p), and 24 h later, the analgesic potency of s.c. morphine, oxycodone and etorphine were determined. Clocinnamox dose-dependently antagonized the analgesic effects of morphine, etorphine and oxycodone. The shift to the right of the dose-response curves was greater for morphine and oxycodone compared to etorphine and the highest dose of clocinnamox reduced the maximal effect of morphine and oxycodone, but not etorphine. The order of efficacy calculated from these results was etorphine>morphine>oxycodone. Other mice were infused for 7 days with oxycodone (10-150 mg/kg/day, s.c.) or etorphine (50-250 microg/kg/day, s.c.) and the analgesic potency of s.c. morphine determined. The low efficacy agonist (oxycodone) produced more tolerance than the high efficacy agonist (etorphine) at equi-effective infusion doses. In saturation binding experiments, the low efficacy opioid agonists (morphine, oxycodone) did not regulate the density of spinal mu-opioid receptors, while etorphine produced approximately 40% reduction in mu-opioid receptor density. Furthermore, etorphine increased spinal dynamin-2 abundance, while oxycodone did not produce any significant change in dynamin-2 abundance. Overall, these data indicate that high efficacy agonists produce less tolerance at equi-effective doses. Furthermore, increased efficacy was associated with

  6. An Efficient and Straightforward Method for Radiolabeling of Nanoparticles with {sup 64}Cu via Click Chemistry

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Dong-Eun; Kim, Kwangmeyung; Park, Sang Hyun

    2015-07-01

    Recently, nanoparticles have received a great deal of interest in diagnosis and therapy applications. Since nanoparticles possess intrinsic features that are often required for a drug delivery system and diagnosis, they have potential to be used as platforms for integrating imaging and therapeutic functions, simultaneously. Intrinsic issues that are associated with theranostic nanoparticles, particularly in cancer treatment, include an efficient and straightforward radiolabeling method for understanding the in vivo biodistribution of nanoparticles to reach the tumor region, and monitoring therapeutic responses. Herein, we investigated a facile and highly efficient strategy to prepare radiolabeled nanoparticles with {sup 64}Cu via a strain-promotedmore » azide, i.e., an alkyne cycloaddition strategy, which is often referred to as click chemistry. First, the azide (N3) group, which allows for the preparation of radiolabeled nanoparticles by copper-free click chemistry, was incorporated into glycol chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). Second, the strained cyclooctyne derivative, dibenzyl cyclooctyne (DBCO) conjugated with a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane- 1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator, was synthesized for preparing the pre-radiolabeled alkyne complex with {sup 64}Cu radionuclide. Following incubation with the {sup 64}Cu-radiolabeled DBCO complex (DBCO-PEG4-Lys-DOTA-{sup 64}Cu with high specific activity, 18.5 GBq/μ mol), the azide-functionalized CNPs were radiolabeled successfully with {sup 64}Cu, with a high radiolabeling efficiency and a high radiolabeling yield (>98%). Importantly, the radiolabeling of CNPs by copper-free click chemistry was accomplished within 30 min, with great efficiency in aqueous conditions. After {sup 64}Cu-CNPs were intravenously administered to tumor-bearing mice, the real time, in vivo biodistribution and tumor-targeting ability of {sup 64}Cu-CNPs were quantitatively evaluated by micro-PET images of tumor-bearing mice. These

  7. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a partial agonist of D2 dopaminergic receptors and it potentiates dopamine-mediated prolactin secretion in lactotrophs in vitro.

    PubMed

    Giacomelli, S; Palmery, M; Romanelli, L; Cheng, C Y; Silvestrini, B

    1998-01-01

    The hallucinogenic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) have mainly been attributed to the interaction of this drug with the serotoninergic system, but it seems more likely that they are the result of the complex interactions of the drug with both the serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the functional actions of LSD at dopaminergic receptors using prolactin secretion by primary cultures of rat pituitary cells as a model. LSD produced a dose-dependent inhibition of prolactin secretion in vitro with an IC50 at 1.7x10(-9) M. This action was antagonized by spiperone but not by SKF83566 or cyproheptadine, which indicates that LSD has a specific effect on D2 dopaminergic receptors. The maximum inhibition of prolactin secretion achieved by LSD was lower than that by dopamine (60% versus 80%). Moreover, the fact that LSD at 10(-8)-10(-6) M antagonized the inhibitory effect of dopamine (10(-7) M) and bromocriptine (10(-11) M) suggests that LSD acts as a partial agonist at D2 receptors on lactotrophs in vitro. Interestingly, LSD at 10(-13)-10(-10) M, the concentrations which are 10-1000-fold lower than those required to induce direct inhibition on pituitary prolactin secretion, potentiated the dopamine (10(-10)-2.5x10(-9) M)-mediated prolactin secretion by pituitary cells in vitro. These results suggest that LSD not only interacts with dopaminergic receptors but also has a unique capacity for modulating dopaminergic transmission. These findings may offer new insights into the hallucinogenic effect of LSD.

  8. Enhancement of blood-tumor barrier permeability by Sar-[D-Phe8]des-Arg9BK, a metabolically resistant bradykinin B1 agonist, in a rat C6 glioma model

    PubMed Central

    Cardoso, Ronie Cleverson; Lobão-Soares, Bruno; Bianchin, Marino Muxfeldt; Carlotti, Carlos Gilberto; Walz, Roger; Alvarez-Silva, Márcio; Trentin, Andréa Gonçalves; Nicolau, Mauro

    2004-01-01

    Background While it is well known that bradykinin B2 agonists increase plasma protein extravasation (PPE) in brain tumors, the bradykinin B1 agonists tested thus far are unable to produce this effect. Here we examine the effect of the selective B1 agonist bradykinin (BK) Sar-[D-Phe8]des-Arg9BK (SAR), a compound resistant to enzymatic degradation with prolonged activity on PPE in the blood circulation in the C6 rat glioma model. Results SAR administration significantly enhanced PPE in C6 rat brain glioma compared to saline or BK (p < 0.01). Pre-administration of the bradykinin B1 antagonist [Leu8]-des-Arg (100 nmol/Kg) blocked the SAR-induced PPE in the tumor area. Conclusions Our data suggest that the B1 receptor modulates PPE in the blood tumor barrier of C6 glioma. A possible role for the use of SAR in the chemotherapy of gliomas deserves further study. PMID:15458573

  9. Neurophysiological mechanisms of cortical plasticity impairments in schizophrenia and modulation by the NMDA receptor agonist D-serine.

    PubMed

    Kantrowitz, Joshua T; Epstein, Michael L; Beggel, Odeta; Rohrig, Stephanie; Lehrfeld, Jonathan M; Revheim, Nadine; Lehrfeld, Nayla P; Reep, Jacob; Parker, Emily; Silipo, Gail; Ahissar, Merav; Javitt, Daniel C

    2016-12-01

    Schizophrenia is associated with deficits in cortical plasticity that affect sensory brain regions and lead to impaired cognitive performance. Here we examined underlying neural mechanisms of auditory plasticity deficits using combined behavioural and neurophysiological assessment, along with neuropharmacological manipulation targeted at the N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR). Cortical plasticity was assessed in a cohort of 40 schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients relative to 42 healthy control subjects using a fixed reference tone auditory plasticity task. In a second cohort (n = 21 schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients, n = 13 healthy controls), event-related potential and event-related time-frequency measures of auditory dysfunction were assessed during administration of the NMDAR agonist d-serine. Mismatch negativity was used as a functional read-out of auditory-level function. Clinical trials registration numbers were NCT01474395/NCT02156908 Schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients showed significantly reduced auditory plasticity versus healthy controls (P = 0.001) that correlated with measures of cognitive, occupational and social dysfunction. In event-related potential/time-frequency analyses, patients showed highly significant reductions in sensory N1 that reflected underlying impairments in θ responses (P < 0.001), along with reduced θ and β-power modulation during retention and motor-preparation intervals. Repeated administration of d-serine led to intercorrelated improvements in (i) auditory plasticity (P < 0.001); (ii) θ-frequency response (P < 0.05); and (iii) mismatch negativity generation to trained versus untrained tones (P = 0.02). Schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients show highly significant deficits in auditory plasticity that contribute to cognitive, occupational and social dysfunction. d-serine studies suggest first that NMDAR dysfunction may contribute to underlying cortical plasticity deficits and, second, that repeated

  10. Neurophysiological mechanisms of cortical plasticity impairments in schizophrenia and modulation by the NMDA receptor agonist D-serine

    PubMed Central

    Kantrowitz, Joshua T.; Epstein, Michael L.; Beggel, Odeta; Rohrig, Stephanie; Lehrfeld, Jonathan M.; Revheim, Nadine; Lehrfeld, Nayla P.; Reep, Jacob; Parker, Emily; Silipo, Gail; Ahissar, Merav; Javitt, Daniel C.

    2016-01-01

    Schizophrenia is associated with deficits in cortical plasticity that affect sensory brain regions and lead to impaired cognitive performance. Here we examined underlying neural mechanisms of auditory plasticity deficits using combined behavioural and neurophysiological assessment, along with neuropharmacological manipulation targeted at the N-methyl-D-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR). Cortical plasticity was assessed in a cohort of 40 schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients relative to 42 healthy control subjects using a fixed reference tone auditory plasticity task. In a second cohort (n = 21 schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients, n = 13 healthy controls), event-related potential and event-related time–frequency measures of auditory dysfunction were assessed during administration of the NMDAR agonist d-serine. Mismatch negativity was used as a functional read-out of auditory-level function. Clinical trials registration numbers were NCT01474395/NCT02156908. Schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients showed significantly reduced auditory plasticity versus healthy controls (P = 0.001) that correlated with measures of cognitive, occupational and social dysfunction. In event-related potential/time-frequency analyses, patients showed highly significant reductions in sensory N1 that reflected underlying impairments in θ responses (P < 0.001), along with reduced θ and β-power modulation during retention and motor-preparation intervals. Repeated administration of d-serine led to intercorrelated improvements in (i) auditory plasticity (P < 0.001); (ii) θ-frequency response (P < 0.05); and (iii) mismatch negativity generation to trained versus untrained tones (P = 0.02). Schizophrenia/schizoaffective patients show highly significant deficits in auditory plasticity that contribute to cognitive, occupational and social dysfunction. d-serine studies suggest first that NMDAR dysfunction may contribute to underlying cortical plasticity deficits and, second, that

  11. Simulations of Biased Agonists in the β2 Adrenergic Receptor with Accelerated Molecular Dynamics

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    The biased agonism of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), where in addition to a traditional G protein-signaling pathway a GPCR promotes intracellular signals though β-arrestin, is a novel paradigm in pharmacology. Biochemical and biophysical studies have suggested that a GPCR forms a distinct ensemble of conformations signaling through the G protein and β-arrestin. Here we report on the dynamics of the β2 adrenergic receptor bound to the β-arrestin and G protein-biased agonists and the empty receptor to further characterize the receptor conformational changes caused by biased agonists. We use conventional and accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations to explore the conformational transitions of the GPCR from the active state to the inactive state. We found that aMD simulations enable monitoring of the transition within the nanosecond time scale while capturing the known microscopic characteristics of the inactive states, such as the ionic lock, the inward position of F6.44, and water clusters. Distinct conformational states are shown to be stabilized by each biased agonist. In particular, in simulations of the receptor with the β-arrestin-biased agonist N-cyclopentylbutanepherine, we observe a different pattern of motions in helix 7 when compared to simulations with the G protein-biased agonist salbutamol that involves perturbations of the network of interactions within the NPxxY motif. Understanding the network of interactions induced by biased ligands and the subsequent receptor conformational shifts will lead to development of more efficient drugs. PMID:23879802

  12. Effects of Serotonin 2C Receptor Agonists on the Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Cocaine in Squirrel Monkeys

    PubMed Central

    Manvich, Daniel F.; Kimmel, Heather L.

    2012-01-01

    Accumulating evidence indicates that the serotonin system modulates the behavioral and neurochemical effects of cocaine, but the receptor subtypes mediating these effects remain unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated that pharmacological activation of the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) attenuates the behavioral and neurochemical effects of cocaine in rodents, but such compounds have not been systematically evaluated in nonhuman primates. The present experiments sought to determine the impact of pretreatment with the preferential 5-HT2CR agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) and the selective 5-HT2CR agonist Ro 60-0175 [(α-S)-6-chloro-5-fluoro-α-methyl-1H-indole-1-ethanamine fumarate] on the behavioral and neurochemical effects of cocaine in squirrel monkeys. In subjects trained to lever-press according to a 300-s fixed-interval schedule of stimulus termination, pretreatment with either 5-HT2CR agonist dose-dependently and insurmountably attenuated the behavioral stimulant effects of cocaine. In subjects trained to self-administer cocaine, both compounds dose-dependently and insurmountably attenuated cocaine-induced reinstatement of previously extinguished responding in an antagonist-reversible manner, and the selective agonist Ro 60-0175 also attenuated the reinforcing effects of cocaine during ongoing cocaine self-administration. It is noteworthy that the selective agonist Ro 60-0175 exhibited behavioral specificity because it did not significantly alter nondrug-maintained responding. Finally, in vivo microdialysis studies revealed that pretreatment with Ro 60-0175 caused a reduction of cocaine-induced dopamine increases within the nucleus accumbens, but not the caudate nucleus. These results suggest that 5-HT2CR agonists functionally antagonize the behavioral effects of cocaine in nonhuman primates, possibly via a selective modulation of cocaine-induced dopamine increases within the mesolimbic dopamine system and may therefore represent a novel class of

  13. Behavioural and biochemical responses following activation of midbrain dopamine pathways by receptor selective neurokinin agonists.

    PubMed

    Elliott, P J; Mason, G S; Stephens-Smith, M; Hagan, R M

    1991-06-01

    Preferential activation of mesolimbic and nigro-striatal dopamine (DA) pathways by receptor-selective and peptidase-resistant neurokinin (NK) agonists is reported. The DA cell body region of the mesolimbic pathway appears to be activated by NK agonists selective for NK-1 and NK-3 receptors whereas the DA cell bodies in the substantia nigra are under an excitatory NK-2 receptor-mediated influence. Stimulation of the mesolimbic DA pathway by NK-1 (Ava[L-Pro9,N-Me-Leu10]SP (7-11) [GR73632]) or NK-3 (Senktide) agonists increase locomotor activity. Additional studies showed that this elevated motor response observed after intra-VTA infusion of GR73632 was accompanied by a corresponding increase in DA turnover in the terminal fields of this pathway. Similarly, unilateral activation of the nigro-striatal DA pathway by NK-2 selective agonists (Ava (D-Pro9) SP (7-11) [GR51667] or [Lys3,Gly8,R-Lac-Leu9]NKA (3-10) [GR64349]) elicit contralateral rotational activity and an increase in DA turnover in the ipsilateral striatum. The rotational response was attenuated by prior administration of an NK-2 antagonist (cyclo (Gln, Trp, Phe, Gly, Leu, Met)] L-659877]) into the nigra. Peripheral injection of haloperidol, a DA antagonist, also blocked the NK-2 agonist induced rotations.

  14. Radiolabeling of rituximab with (188)Re and (99m)Tc using the tricarbonyl technology.

    PubMed

    Dias, Carla Roberta; Jeger, Simone; Osso, João Alberto; Müller, Cristina; De Pasquale, Christine; Hohn, Alexander; Waibel, Robert; Schibli, Roger

    2011-01-01

    The most successful clinical studies of immunotherapy in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) use the antibody rituximab (RTX) targeting CD20(+) B-cell tumors. Rituximab radiolabeled with β(-) emitters could potentiate the therapeutic efficacy of the antibody by virtue of the particle radiation. Here, we report on a direct radiolabeling approach of rituximab with the (99m)Tc- and (188)Re-tricarbonyl core (IsoLink technology). The native format of the antibody (RTX(wt)) as well as a reduced form (RTX(red)) was labeled with (99m)Tc/(188)Re(CO)(3). The partial reduction of the disulfide bonds to produce free sulfhydryl groups (-SH) was achieved with 2-mercaptoethanol. Radiolabeling efficiency, in vitro human plasma stability as well as transchelation toward cysteine and histidine was investigated. The immunoreactivity and binding affinity were determined on Ramos and/or Raji cells expressing CD20. Biodistribution was performed in mice bearing subcutaneous Ramos lymphoma xenografts. The radiolabeling efficiency and kinetics of RTX(red) were superior to that of RTX(wt) ((99m)Tc: 98% after 3 h for RTX(red) vs. 70% after 24 h for RTX(wt)). (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) was used without purification for in vitro and in vivo studies whereas (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red) was purified to eliminate free (188)Re-precursor. Both radioimmunoconjugates were stable in human plasma for 24 h at 37 °C. In contrast, displacement experiments with excess cysteine/histidine showed significant transchelation in the case of (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) but not with pre-purified (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red). Both conjugates revealed high binding affinity to the CD20 antigen (K(d) = 5-6 nM). Tumor uptake of (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red) was 2.5 %ID/g and 0.8 %ID/g for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) 48 h after injection. The values for other organs and tissues were similar for both compounds, for example the tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-liver ratios were 0.4 and 0.3 for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) and for (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX

  15. Pharmacological modulation of abnormal involuntary DOI-induced head twitch response in male DBA/2J mice: I. Effects of D2/D3 and D2 dopamine receptor selective compounds.

    PubMed

    Rangel-Barajas, Claudia; Malik, Maninder; Vangveravong, Suwanna; Mach, Robert H; Luedtke, Robert R

    2014-08-01

    Because of the complexity and heterogeneity of human neuropsychiatric disorders, it has been difficult to identify animal models that mimic the symptoms of these neuropathologies and can be used to screen for antipsychotic agents. For this study we selected the murine 5HT2A/2C receptor agonist-induced head twitch response (HTR) induced by the administration of 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), which has been proposed as an animal model of symptoms associated with a variety of behavioral and psychiatric conditions. We investigated the DOI-induced HTR in male DBA/2J mice using a panel of D2-like (D2, D3 and D4) and D2 dopamine receptor selective compounds. When DBA/2J mice were administered a daily dose of DOI (5 mg/kg), tolerance to the DOI occurs. However, administrations of the same dose of DOI every other day (48 h) or on a weekly basis did not lead to tolerance and the ability to induce tolerance after daily administration of DOI remains intact after repeated weekly administration of DOI. Subsequently, a panel of D2-like dopamine receptor antagonists was found to effectively inhibit the DOI-induced HTR in DBA/2J mice. However, the benzamide eticlopride, which is a high affinity D2-like antagonist, was a notable exception. SV 293, SV-III-130s and N-methylbenperidol, which exhibit a high affinity for D2 versus the D3 dopamine receptor subtypes (60- to 100-fold binding selectivity), were also found to inhibit the HTR in DBA/2J mice. This observation suggests a functional interaction between dopaminergic and serotonergic systems through D2 dopamine receptors and the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors in vivo. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. THE MORPHOLOGICAL BASIS FOR OLFACTORY PERCEPTION OF STEROIDS DUING AGONISTIC BEHAVIOR IN LOBSTER: PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENTS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The morphological basis for olfactory perception of steroids during agonistic behavior in lobsters: preliminary experiments. Borsay Horowitz, DJ1, Kass-Simon, G2, Coglianese, D2, Martin, L2, Boseman, M2, Cromarty, S3, Randall, K3, Fini, A.3 1US EPA, NHEERL, ORD, Atlantic Ecology...

  17. The A2 Adenosine Receptor: Guanine Nucleotide Modulation of Agonist Binding Is Enhanced by Proteolysis

    PubMed Central

    NANOFF, CHRISTIAN; JACOBSON, KENNETH A.; STILES, GARY L.

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY Agonist binding to the A2 adenosine receptor (A2AR) and its regulation by guanine nucleotides was studied using the newly developed radioligand 125l-2-[4-(2-{2-[(4-ammnophenyl)methylcarbonylamino]ethylaminnocarbonyl}ethyl)phenyl]ethylamino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (1251-PAPA-APEC) and its photoaffinity analog 125l-azido-PAPA-APEC. A single protein of Mr 45,000, displaying the appropriate A2AR pharmacology, is Iabeled in membranes from bovine striatum, PC12 cells, and frog erythrocytes. In DDT1 MF2 cells the labeled protein has a slightly lower molecular weight. Incorporation of 125l-azido-PAPA-APEC into membranes from rabbit striatum, however, reveals two specifically labeled peptides (Mr ~47,O00 and 38,000), both of which display A2AR pharmacology. Inhibition of protease activity leads to a decrease in the amount of the Mr 38,000 protein, with only the Mr 47,000 protein remaining. This suggests that the Mr 38,000 peptide is a proteolytic product of the Mr 47,000 A2AR protein. In membranes containing the intact undigested A2AR protein, guanine nucleotides induce a small to insignificant decrease in agonist binding, which is atypical of stimulatory Gs-coupled receptors. This minimal effect is observed in rabbit striatal membranes prepared in the presence of protease inhibitors, as well as in the other tissues studied. Binding to rabbit stnatal membranes that possess the partially digested receptor protein, however, reveals a 50% reduction in maximal specific agonist binding upon addition of guanine nucleotides. Inhibition of proteolysis in rabbit striatum, on the other hand, results in a diminished ability of guanine nucleotides to regulate agonist binding. Thus, the enhanced effectiveness of guanine nucleotides in rabbit striatal membranes is associated with the generation of the Mr 38,000 peptide fragment. Guanosine 5′-(β,γ-imido)triphosphate reduces photoaffinity labeling by 55% in the Mr 38,000 protein, whereas the labeling is decreased by

  18. Dopamine D3 receptor-preferring agonist enhances the subjective effects of cocaine in humans

    PubMed Central

    Newton, Thomas F.; Haile, Colin N.; Mahoney, James J.; Shah, Ravi; Verrico, Christopher D.; De La Garza, Richard; Kosten, Thomas R.

    2015-01-01

    Pramipexole is a D3 dopamine receptor-preferring agonist indicated for the treatment of Parkinson disease. Studies associate pramipexole with pathological gambling and impulse control disorders suggesting a role for D3 receptors in reinforcement processes. Clinical studies showed pramipexole decreased cocaine craving and reversed central deficits in individuals with cocaine use disorder. Preclinical studies have shown acute administration of pramipexole increases cocaine’s reinforcing effects whereas other reports suggest chronic pramipexole produces tolerance to cocaine. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study we examined the impact of pramipexole treatment on the subjective effects produced by cocaine in volunteers with cocaine use disorder. Volunteers received pramipexole titrated up to 3.0 mg/d or placebo over 15 days. Participants then received intravenous cocaine (0, 20 and 40 mg) on day 15. Cardiovascular and subjective effects were obtained with visual analog scales at time points across the session. Pramipexole alone increased peak heart rate following saline and diastolic blood pressure following cocaine. Pramipexole produced upwards of two-fold increases in positive subjective effects ratings following cocaine. These results indicate that chronic D3 receptor activation increases the subjective effects of cocaine in humans. Caution should be used when prescribing pramipexole to patients that may also use cocaine. PMID:26239766

  19. Dopamine D3 receptor-preferring agonist enhances the subjective effects of cocaine in humans.

    PubMed

    Newton, Thomas F; Haile, Colin N; Mahoney, James J; Shah, Ravi; Verrico, Christopher D; De La Garza, Richard; Kosten, Thomas R

    2015-11-30

    Pramipexole is a D3 dopamine receptor-preferring agonist indicated for the treatment of Parkinson disease. Studies associate pramipexole with pathological gambling and impulse control disorders suggesting a role for D3 receptors in reinforcement processes. Clinical studies showed pramipexole decreased cocaine craving and reversed central deficits in individuals with cocaine use disorder. Preclinical studies have shown acute administration of pramipexole increases cocaine's reinforcing effects whereas other reports suggest chronic pramipexole produces tolerance to cocaine. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study we examined the impact of pramipexole treatment on the subjective effects produced by cocaine in volunteers with cocaine use disorder. Volunteers received pramipexole titrated up to 3.0mg/d or placebo over 15 days. Participants then received intravenous cocaine (0, 20 and 40mg) on day 15. Cardiovascular and subjective effects were obtained with visual analog scales at time points across the session. Pramipexole alone increased peak heart rate following saline and diastolic blood pressure following cocaine. Pramipexole produced upwards of two-fold increases in positive subjective effects ratings following cocaine. These results indicate that chronic D3 receptor activation increases the subjective effects of cocaine in humans. Caution should be used when prescribing pramipexole to patients that may also use cocaine. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  20. Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Unravels Biased Phosphorylation of Serotonin 2A Receptor at Ser280 by Hallucinogenic versus Nonhallucinogenic Agonists*

    PubMed Central

    Karaki, Samah; Becamel, Carine; Murat, Samy; Mannoury la Cour, Clotilde; Millan, Mark J.; Prézeau, Laurent; Bockaert, Joël; Marin, Philippe; Vandermoere, Franck

    2014-01-01

    The serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is a primary target of psychedelic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamine, mescaline, and psilocybin, which reproduce some of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. An incompletely resolved paradox is that only some 5-HT2A receptor agonists exhibit hallucinogenic activity, whereas structurally related agonists with comparable affinity and activity lack such a psychoactive activity. Using a strategy combining stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture with enrichment in phosphorylated peptides by means of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography followed by immobilized metal affinity chromatography, we compared the phosphoproteome in HEK-293 cells transiently expressing the 5-HT2A receptor and exposed to either vehicle or the synthetic hallucinogen 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane (DOI) or the nonhallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonist lisuride. Among the 5995 identified phosphorylated peptides, 16 sites were differentially phosphorylated upon exposure of cells to DOI versus lisuride. These include a serine (Ser280) located in the third intracellular loop of the 5-HT2A receptor, a region important for its desensitization. The specific phosphorylation of Ser280 by hallucinogens was further validated by quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of immunopurified receptor digests and by Western blotting using a phosphosite specific antibody. The administration of DOI, but not of lisuride, to mice, enhanced the phosphorylation of 5-HT2A receptors at Ser280 in the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, hallucinogens induced a less pronounced desensitization of receptor-operated signaling in HEK-293 cells and neurons than did nonhallucinogenic agonists. The mutation of Ser280 to aspartic acid (to mimic phosphorylation) reduced receptor desensitization by nonhallucinogenic agonists, whereas its mutation to alanine increased the ability of hallucinogens to desensitize the receptor. This study reveals a biased phosphorylation of

  1. Vγ9Vδ2 T cell activation by strongly agonistic nucleotidic phosphoantigens.

    PubMed

    Moulin, Morgane; Alguacil, Javier; Gu, Siyi; Mehtougui, Asmaa; Adams, Erin J; Peyrottes, Suzanne; Champagne, Eric

    2017-12-01

    Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells can sense through their TCR tumor cells producing the weak endogenous phosphorylated antigen isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), or bacterially infected cells producing the strong agonist hydroxyl dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (HDMAPP). The recognition of the phosphoantigen is dependent on its binding to the intracellular B30.2 domain of butyrophilin BTN3A1. Most studies have focused on pyrophosphate phosphoantigens. As triphosphate nucleotide derivatives are naturally co-produced with IPP and HDMAPP, we analyzed their specific properties using synthetic nucleotides derived from HDMAPP. The adenylated, thymidylated and uridylated triphosphate derivatives were found to activate directly Vγ9Vδ2 cell lines as efficiently as HDMAPP in the absence of accessory cells. These antigens were inherently resistant to terminal phosphatases, but apyrase, when added during a direct stimulation of Vγ9Vδ2 cells, abrogated their stimulating activity, indicating that their activity required transformation into strong pyrophosphate agonists by a nucleotide pyrophosphatase activity which is present in serum. Tumor cells can be sensitized with nucleotide phosphoantigens in the presence of apyrase to become stimulatory, showing that this can occur before their hydrolysis into pyrophosphates. Whereas tumors sensitized with HDMAPP rapidly lost their stimulatory activity, sensitization with nucleotide derivatives, in particular with the thymidine derivative, induced long-lasting stimulating ability. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, binding of some nucleotide derivatives to BTN3A1 intracellular domain was found to occur with an affinity similar to that of IPP, but much lower than that of HDMAPP. Thus, nucleotide phosphoantigens are precursors of pyrophosphate antigens which can deliver strong agonists intracellularly resulting in prolonged and strengthened activity.

  2. Reconstitution of high affinity. cap alpha. /sub 2/ adrenergic agonist binding by fusion with a pertussis toxin substrate

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, M.H.; Neubig, R.R.

    1986-03-05

    High affinity ..cap alpha../sub 2/ adrenergic agonist binding is thought to occur via a coupling of the ..cap alpha../sub 2/ receptor with N/sub i/, the inhibitory guanyl nucleotide binding protein. Human platelet membranes pretreated at pH 11.5 exhibit a selective inactivation of agonist binding and N/sub i/. To further study the mechanism of agonist binding, alkali treated membranes (ATM) were mixed with membranes pretreated with 10 ..mu..M phenoxybenzamine to block ..cap alpha../sub 2/ receptors (POB-M). The combined membrane pellet was incubated in 50% polyethylene glycol (PEG) to promote membrane-membrane fusion and assayed for binding to the ..cap alpha../sub 2/ agonistmore » (/sup 3/H)UK 14,304 (UK) and the antagonist (/sup 3/H) yohimbine. PEG treatment resulted in a 2-4 fold enhancement of UK binding whereas yohimbine binding was unchanged. No enhancement of UK binding was observed in the absence of PEG treatment. The reconstitution was dependent on the addition of POB-M. They found that a 1:1 ratio of POB-M:ATM was optimal. Reconstituted binding was inhibited by GppNHp. Fusion of rat C6 glioma cell membranes, which do not contain ..cap alpha../sub 2/ receptors, also enhanced agonist binding to ATM. Fusion of C6 membranes from cells treated with pertussis toxin did not enhance (/sup 3/H) UK binding. These data show that a pertussis toxin sensitive membrane component, possibly N/sub i/, can reconstitute high affinity ..cap alpha../sub 2/ agonist binding.« less

  3. Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (for the radiology administrator).

    PubMed

    Wahl, R

    1992-11-01

    Cheaper, faster, safer, these are not the attributes of 1993 automobiles, but criteria for new diagnostic tests in medicine. To achieve these characteristics, medicine is increasingly looking to biotechnology for answers. And the mother of all biotechnology is monoclonal antibody research. In past issues, Administrative Radiology published articles discussing the role of biotechnology in the development of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine. In this issue, Richard Wahl, M.D., reviews, in plain talk, the current status and prospects for diagnostic imaging with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. Are there any such procedures of value today? Are there any that are FDA approved? Will there ever be such agents that are either useful or approved? If so, will any insurance carrier pay for them? For the answers to these and other "hot" questions, the reader is encouraged to continue on and read this month's Technology Review section.

  4. The contribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors to agonist-induced Ca(2+) signaling of airway smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Bai, Yan; Edelmann, Martin; Sanderson, Michael J

    2009-08-01

    The relative contribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptors (IP(3)Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to agonist-induced Ca(2+) signaling in mouse airway smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was investigated in lung slices with phase-contrast or laser scanning microscopy. At room temperature (RT), methacholine (MCh) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced Ca(2+) oscillations and an associated contraction in small airway SMCs. The subsequent exposure to an IP(3)R antagonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), inhibited the Ca(2+) oscillations and induced airway relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-APB also inhibited Ca(2+) waves generated by the photolytic release of IP(3). However, the RyR antagonist ryanodine had no significant effect, at any concentration, on airway contraction or agonist- or IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) oscillations or Ca(2+) wave propagation. By contrast, a second RyR antagonist, tetracaine, relaxed agonist-contracted airways and inhibited agonist-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner. However, tetracaine did not affect IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release or wave propagation nor the Ca(2+) content of SMC Ca(2+) stores as evaluated by Ca(2+)-release induced by caffeine. Conversely, both ryanodine and tetracaine completely blocked agonist-independent slow Ca(2+) oscillations induced by KCl. The inhibitory effects of 2-APB and absence of an effect of ryanodine on MCh-induced airway contraction or Ca(2+) oscillations of SMCs were also observed at 37 degrees C. In Ca(2+)-permeable SMCs, tetracaine inhibited agonist-induced contraction without affecting intracellular Ca(2+) levels indicating that relaxation also resulted from a reduction in Ca(2+) sensitivity. These results indicate that agonist-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse small airway SMCs are primary mediated via IP(3)Rs and that tetracaine induces relaxation by both decreasing Ca(2+) sensitivity and inhibiting agonist-induced Ca(2+) oscillations via an IP(3

  5. Differential blockade of agonist- and depolarization-induced sup 45 Ca2+ influx in smooth muscle cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wallnoefer, A.C.; Cauvin, C.; Lategan, T.W.

    1989-10-01

    ATP stimulated {sup 45}Ca2+ influx in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 3.6 +/- 0.5 X 10(-7) M). ADP and GTP were less effective than ATP in stimulating {sup 45}Ca2+ influx; AMP was weakly active and the adenosine agonist 5'-(N-ethyl-carboxamido)-adenosine (NECA) had no effect. ATP gamma S was about equieffective with ATP, whereas alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (APCPP) did not induce {sup 45}Ca2+ influx. Stimulation of {sup 45}Ca2+ influx by ATP was not abolished by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonist darodipine (PY 108-068), which completely blocked depolarization-induced {sup 45}Ca2+ influx. Inorganic cations (La3+, Cd2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, andmore » Mg2+) were able to inhibit both agonist- and depolarization-induced {sup 45}Ca2+ influx. Cd2+, however, was approximately 20 times more selective in blocking K+-stimulated than agonist-stimulated {sup 45}Ca2+ influx. These data indicate that ATP-stimulated Ca2+ influx in rat aortic smooth muscle cells is resistant to darodipine but is reduced by La3+, Cd2+, and other inorganic blockers of Ca2+ channels.« less

  6. A2A adenosine receptor agonists and their potential therapeutic applications. An update.

    PubMed

    Guerrero, Angel

    2018-03-12

    In the last 20 years, an increasing interest of medicinal chemists on the development of potent and selective agonists and antagonists of adenosine receptors has been noticed due to the large impact they have shown in a variety of important biological processes and diseases. Among these, it should be mentioned vasodilation, inflammation, cancer, wound healing, ischemia reperfusion injury, Parkinson disease, infectious diseases, and other CNS disorders. In this review, I will provide an update of the structures of the A2A agonists known, their selectivity versus other adenosine receptors, and their latest therapeutic applications. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  7. Toward the definition of stereochemical requirements for MT2-selective antagonists and partial agonists by studying 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin derivatives.

    PubMed

    Bedini, Annalida; Lucarini, Simone; Spadoni, Gilberto; Tarzia, Giorgio; Scaglione, Francesco; Dugnani, Silvana; Pannacci, Marilou; Lucini, Valeria; Carmi, Caterina; Pala, Daniele; Rivara, Silvia; Mor, Marco

    2011-12-22

    New derivatives of 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4-P-PDOT) were prepared and tested on cloned MT1 and MT2 receptors, with the purpose of merging previously reported pharmacophores for nonselective agonists and for MT2-selective antagonists. A 8-methoxy group increases binding affinity of both (±)-cis- and (±)-trans-4-P-PDOT, and it can be bioisosterically replaced by a bromine. Conformational analysis of 8-methoxy-4-P-PDOT by molecular dynamics, supported by NMR data, revealed an energetically favored conformation for the (2S,4S)-cis isomer and a less favorable conformation for the (2R,4S)-trans one, fulfilling the requirements of a pharmacophore model for nonselective melatonin receptor agonists. A new superposition model, including features characteristic of MT2-selective antagonists, suggests that MT1/MT2 agonists and MT2 antagonists can share the same arrangement for their pharmacophoric elements. The model correctly predicted the eutomers of (±)-cis- and (±)-trans-4-P-PDOT. The model was validated by preparing three dihydronaphthalene derivatives, either able or not able to reproduce the putative active conformation of 4-P-PDOT.

  8. Attenuation of nicotine's discriminative stimulus effects in rats and its locomotor activity effects in mice by serotonergic 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonists.

    PubMed

    Batman, Angela M; Munzar, Patrik; Beardsley, Patrick M

    2005-05-01

    Reports have indicated that administration of nicotine inhibits, while withdrawal of chronically administered nicotine augments effects of serotonergic 5HT2A/2C agonists. It was our objective to determine whether 5HT2A/2C agonists can modulate the discriminative stimulus effects of nicotine in rats or its locomotor activity effects in mice. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 0.3 mg/kg nicotine base from saline in a two-lever, fixed-ratio (FR10), food-reinforced, operant-conditioning task during daily (Monday-Friday) 15-min experimental sessions. After characterizing a dose-response curve for nicotine, we tested the ability of the 5HT(2A/2C) agonists (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCL (DOI; 0.18-1.0 mg/kg) and 1-(4-bromo-2, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB; 0.1-1.0 mg/kg), the 5HT2C agonist 6-chloro-2-(1-piperazinyl)pyrazine hydrochloride (MK 212; 0.1 mg/kg-1.0 mg/kg), and the 5HT1A agonist (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT; 0.01 mg/kg-1.0 mg/kg) to modulate nicotine's discriminative stimulus effects. After finding that DOI was able to attenuate the percentage nicotine lever responding (%NLR), we tested for it to also reverse nicotine's effects on locomotor activity in mice. The 5HT2A/2C agonists-in particular DOI-dose dependently attenuated %NLR. The effects of DOI were reversed by the 5HT2A/2C antagonist ketanserin. MK 212 and 8-OH-DPAT had irregular effects among rats and only reduced %NLR to below 50% levels at doses markedly suppressing responding. DOI also dose dependently blocked nicotine's acute rate-lowering locomotor activity effects. These results indicate that activation of serotonin 5HT2A/2C receptors can blunt the discriminative stimulus and locomotor activity effects of nicotine and presents the possibility that activation of these receptors might also be able to attenuate other effects of nicotine.

  9. Activation of Protease Activated Receptor 2 by Exogenous Agonist Exacerbates Early Radiation Injury in Rat Intestine

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wang Junru; Boerma, Marjan; Kulkarni, Ashwini

    2010-07-15

    Purpose: Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR{sub 2}) is highly expressed throughout the gut and regulates the inflammatory, mitogenic, fibroproliferative, and nociceptive responses to injury. PAR{sub 2} is strikingly upregulated and exhibits increased activation in response to intestinal irradiation. We examined the mechanistic significance of radiation enteropathy development by assessing the effect of exogenous PAR{sub 2} activation. Methods and Materials: Rat small bowel was exposed to localized single-dose radiation (16.5 Gy). The PAR{sub 2} agonist (2-furoyl-LIGRLO-NH{sub 2}) or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally daily for 3 days before irradiation (before), for 7 days after irradiation (after), or both 3 days before and 7 daysmore » after irradiation (before-after). Early and delayed radiation enteropathy was assessed at 2 and 26 weeks after irradiation using quantitative histologic examination, morphometry, and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: The PAR{sub 2} agonist did not elicit changes in the unirradiated (shielded) intestine. In contrast, in the irradiated intestine procured 2 weeks after irradiation, administration of the PAR{sub 2} agonist was associated with more severe mucosal injury and increased intestinal wall thickness in all three treatment groups (p <.05) compared with the vehicle-treated controls. The PAR{sub 2} agonist also exacerbated the radiation injury score, serosal thickening, and mucosal inflammation (p <.05) in the before and before-after groups. The short-term exogenous activation of PAR{sub 2} did not affect radiation-induced intestinal injury at 26 weeks. Conclusion: The results of the present study support a role for PAR{sub 2} activation in the pathogenesis of early radiation-induced intestinal injury. Pharmacologic PAR{sub 2} antagonists might have the potential to reduce the intestinal side effects of radiotherapy and/or as countermeasures in radiologic accidents or terrorism scenarios.« less

  10. Effect of the α2 -receptor agonists medetomidine, detomidine, xylazine, and romifidine on the ketamine metabolism in equines assessed with enantioselective capillary electrophoresis.

    PubMed

    Sandbaumhüter, Friederike A; Theurillat, Regula; Bettschart-Wolfensberger, Regula; Thormann, Wolfgang

    2017-08-01

    The combination of ketamine and an α 2 -receptor agonist is often used in veterinary medicine. Four different α 2 -receptor agonists, medetomidine, detomidine, xylazine, and romifidine, which differ in their chemical structure and thus in selectivity for the α 2 -receptor and in the sedative and analgesic potency, are typically employed during surgery of equines. Recovery following anesthesia with ketamine and an α 2 -receptor agonist is dependent on the α 2 -receptor agonist. This prompted us to investigate (i) the inhibition characteristics for the N-demethylation of ketamine to norketamine and (ii) the formation of the ketamine metabolites norketamine, 6-hydroxynorketamine (6HNK), and 5,6-dehydronorketamine (DHNK) in presence of the four α 2 -receptor agonists and equine liver microsomes. Samples were analyzed with enantioselective capillary electrophoresis using highly sulfated γ-cyclodextrin as chiral selector. All four α 2 -receptor agonists have an impact on the ketamine metabolism. Medetomidine was found to be the strongest inhibitor, followed by detomidine, whereas xylazine and romifidine showed almost no effect on the ketamine N-demethylation in the inhibition studies with a short-incubation period of the reaction mixture. After prolonged incubation, inhibition with xylazine and romifidine was also observed. The formation of 6HNK and DHNK is affected by all selected α 2 -receptor agonists. With medetomidine, levels of these metabolites are reduced compared to the case without an α 2 -receptor agonist. For detomidine, xylazine, and romifidine, the opposite was found. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Antipsychotics differ in their ability to internalise human dopamine D2S and human serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in HEK293 cells.

    PubMed

    Heusler, Peter; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian; Loock, Timothé; Cussac, Didier

    2008-02-26

    Antipsychotic drugs act preferentially via dopamine D(2) receptor blockade, but interaction with serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptors has attracted interest as additional target for antipsychotic treatment. As receptor internalisation is considered crucial for drug action, we tested the propensity of antipsychotics to internalise human (h)D(2S) receptors and h5-HT(1A) receptors. Agonist-induced internalisation of hemaglutinin (HA)-tagged hD(2S) and HA-h5-HT(1A) receptors expressed in HEK293 cells was increased by coexpression of G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2 and beta-arrestin2. At the HA-hD(2S) receptor, dopamine, quinpirole and bromocriptine behaved as full agonists, while S(-)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine [(-)-3PPP] and sarizotan were partial agonists. The typical antipsychotic, haloperidol, and the atypical compounds, olanzapine, nemonapride, ziprasidone and clozapine did not internalise HA-hD(2S) receptors, whereas aripiprazole potently internalised these receptors (>50% relative efficacy). Among antipsychotics with combined D(2)/5-HT(1A) properties, bifeprunox and (3-exo)-8-benzoyl-N-[[(2S)7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-1-yl]methyl]-8-azabicyclo-[3.2.1]octane-3-methanamine (SSR181507) partially internalised HA-hD(2S) receptors, piperazine, 1-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-5-yl)-4-[[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-pyridinyl]methyl (SLV313) and N-[(2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-benzofuran-7-yloxy)ethyl]-3-(cyclopent-1-enyl)-benzylamine (F15063) were inactive. At the HA-h5-HT(1A) receptor, serotonin, (+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [(+)-8-OH-DPAT] and sarizotan were full agonists, buspirone acted as partial agonist. (-)-Pindolol showed little activity and no internalising properties were manifested for the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY100635). Most antipsychotics induced HA-h5-HT(1A) receptor internalisation, with an efficacy rank order: nemonapride>F15063>SSR181507

  12. Dopaminergic agonists that result in ocular growth inhibition also elicit transient increases in choroidal thickness in chicks.

    PubMed

    Nickla, Debora L; Totonelly, Kristen; Dhillon, Balprit

    2010-11-01

    The dopaminergic system has been implicated in ocular growth regulation in chicks and monkeys. In both, dopamine D2 agonists inhibit the development of myopia in response to form deprivation, and in chicks, to negative lenses as well. Because there is mounting evidence that the choroidal response to defocus plays a role in ocular growth regulation, we asked whether the effective agonists also elicit transient thickening of the choroid concomitant with the growth inhibition. Negative lenses mounted on velcro rings were worn on one eye starting at age 8-12 days. Intravitreal injections (20 μl; dose = 10 nmole) of the agonist (dissolved in saline) or saline, were given through the superior temporal sclera using a 30G needle. Eyes were injected daily at noon, for 4 days, and the lenses immediately replaced. Agonists used were apomorphine (non-specific; n = 17), quinpirole (D2; n = 10), SKF-38393 (D1; n = 9), and saline controls (n = 22). For the antagonists, the same protocol was used, but on each day, the lenses were removed for 2 h. Immediately prior to lens-removal, the antagonist was injected (20 μl; dose = 5 nmole). Antagonists used were methylergonovine (non-specific; n = 12), spiperone (D2; n = 20), SCH-23390 (D1; n = 6) and saline controls (n = 27). Comparisons to saline (continuous lens wear) controls were from the agonist experiment. Axial dimensions were measured using high frequency A-scan ultrasonography at the start of lens wear, and on day 4 prior to the injections, and then again 3 h later. Refractive errors were measured using a Hartinger's refractometer at the end of the experiment. Apomorphine and quinpirole inhibited the refractive response to the hyperopic defocus induced by the negative lenses (drug vs saline controls: -1.3 and 1.2 D vs -5.6 D; p < 0.005 for both). This effect was axial: both drugs prevented the excessive ocular elongation (change in axial length: 233 and 205 μm vs 417 μm; p < 0.01 for both

  13. An improved radiolabelled RNA aptamer molecule for HER2 imaging in cancers.

    PubMed

    Varmira, Kambiz; Hosseinimehr, Seyed Jalal; Noaparast, Zohreh; Abedi, Seyed Mohammad

    2014-02-01

    Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression has been shown to be increased in several types of human tumours. In this study, for the imaging of HER2-related tumours, a modified RNA aptamer with HER2-specific targeting was labelled with (99m)Tc, by using hydrazino nicotinamide (HYNIC) as the chelator in the presence of tricine or ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (EDDA) as the co-ligand. Stability testing of the radiolabelled aptamers in the serum was performed through SDS-PAGE. The aptamer-radionuclide conjugate was evaluated for its cellular HER2-specific binding in ovarian cancer cells (SKOV-3), and its biodistribution properties were assessed in normal and SKOV-3 tumour-bearing mice. In the presence of either tricine or EDDA, the HYNIC-RNA aptamers were labelled with (99m)Tc at a high yield and radiochemical purity. Cellular experiments confirmed the specific binding of the RNA aptamer to the HER2 receptor. In the animal biodistribution study, uptake of the EDDA-co-liganded (99m)Tc-HYNIC-RNA aptamer by the liver and spleen was remarkably lower than that of the aptamer with tricine. Tumours also showed a higher accumulation of radioactivity with the EDDA-co-liganded aptamer complex. This study demonstrated EDDA to be better than tricine for use as a co-ligand with the RNA aptamer, which can be a potential tool for the molecular imaging of HER2-overexpressing cancers.

  14. Clenbuterol, a beta(2)-agonist, retards atrophy in denervated muscles

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zeman, Richard J.; Ludemann, Robert; Etlinger, Joseph D.

    1987-01-01

    The effects of a beta(2) agonist, clenbuterol, on the protein content as well as on the contractile strength and the muscle fiber cross-sectional area of various denervated muscles from rats were investigated. It was found that denervated soleus, anterior tibialis, and gastrocnemius muscles, but not the extensor digitorum longus, of rats treated for 2-3 weeks with clenbuterol contained 95-110 percent more protein than denervated controls. The twofold difference in the protein content of denervated solei was paralleled by similar changes in contractile strength and muscle fiber cross-sectional area.

  15. mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 rescues NMDA and GABAA receptor level deficits induced in a two-hit mouse model of schizophrenia.

    PubMed

    Engel, Martin; Snikeris, Peta; Matosin, Natalie; Newell, Kelly Anne; Huang, Xu-Feng; Frank, Elisabeth

    2016-04-01

    An imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission underlies the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia. Agonists of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR2/3, have been proposed as novel therapeutic agents to correct this imbalance. However, the influence of mGluR2/3 activity on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors has not been explored. We aimed to investigate the ability of a novel mGluR2/3 agonist, LY379268, to modulate the availability of the excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and the inhibitory gamma-aminobutyrate-A receptor (GABAA-R), in a two-hit mouse model of schizophrenia. Wild type (WT) and heterozygous neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain mutant mice (NRG1 HET) were treated daily with phencyclidine (10 mg/kg ip) or saline for 14 days. After a 14-day washout, an acute dose of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 (3 mg/kg), olanzapine (antipsychotic drug comparison, 1.5 mg/kg), or saline was administered. NMDA-R and GABAA-R binding densities were examined by receptor autoradiography in several schizophrenia-relevant brain regions. In both WT and NRG1 HET mice, phencyclidine treatment significantly reduced NMDA-R and GABAA-R binding density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. Acute treatment with LY379268 restored NMDA-R and GABAA-R levels in the two-hit mouse model comparable to olanzapine. We demonstrate that the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 restores excitatory and inhibitory deficits with similar efficiency as olanzapine in our two-hit schizophrenia mouse model. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of LY379268 and supports the use of agents aimed at mGluR2/3.

  16. Differential α4(+)/(−)β2 Agonist-binding Site Contributions to α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function within and between Isoforms*

    PubMed Central

    Lucero, Linda M.; Weltzin, Maegan M.; Eaton, J. Brek; Cooper, John F.; Lindstrom, Jon M.; Lukas, Ronald J.; Whiteaker, Paul

    2016-01-01

    Two α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α4β2-nAChR) isoforms exist with (α4)22)3 and (α4)3(β2)2 subunit stoichiometries and high versus low agonist sensitivities (HS and LS), respectively. Both isoforms contain a pair of α4(+)/(−)β2 agonist-binding sites. The LS isoform also contains a unique α4(+)/(−)α4 site with lower agonist affinity than the α4(+)/(−)β2 sites. However, the relative roles of the conserved α4(+)/(−)β2 agonist-binding sites in and between the isoforms have not been studied. We used a fully linked subunit concatemeric nAChR approach to express pure populations of HS or LS isoform α4β2*-nAChR. This approach also allowed us to mutate individual subunit interfaces, or combinations thereof, on each isoform background. We used this approach to systematically mutate a triplet of β2 subunit (−)-face E-loop residues to their non-conserved α4 subunit counterparts or vice versa (β2HQT and α4VFL, respectively). Mutant-nAChR constructs (and unmodified controls) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Acetylcholine concentration-response curves and maximum function were measured using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. Surface expression was measured with 125I-mAb 295 binding and was used to define function/nAChR. If the α4(+)/(−)β2 sites contribute equally to function, making identical β2HQT substitutions at either site should produce similar functional outcomes. Instead, highly differential outcomes within the HS isoform, and between the two isoforms, were observed. In contrast, α4VFL mutation effects were very similar in all positions of both isoforms. Our results indicate that the identity of subunits neighboring the otherwise equivalent α4(+)/(−)β2 agonist sites modifies their contributions to nAChR activation and that E-loop residues are an important contributor to this neighbor effect. PMID:26644472

  17. GPR119 agonists: a promising approach for T2DM treatment? A SWOT analysis of GPR119.

    PubMed

    Kang, Sang-Uk

    2013-12-01

    Ever since its advent as a promising therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), G-protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) has received much interest from the pharmaceutical industry. This interest peaked in June 2010, when Sanofi-Aventis agreed to pay Metabolex (Cymabay Therapeutics) US$375 million for MBX-2982, which was a representative orally active GPR119 agonist. However, Sanofi-Aventis opted to terminate the deal in May 2011 and another leading GPR119 agonist, GSK1292263, had a loss of efficacy during its clinical trial. In this review, I discuss the pros and cons of GPR119 through a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and propose development strategies for the eventual success of a GPR119 agonist development program. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Receptor-Mediated Melanoma Targeting with Radiolabeled α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone: Relevance of the Net Charge of the Ligand.

    PubMed

    Bapst, Jean-Philippe; Eberle, Alex N

    2017-01-01

    A majority of melanotic and amelanotic melanomas overexpress melanocortin type 1 receptors (MC1Rs) for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Radiolabeled linear or cyclic analogs of α-MSH have a great potential as diagnostic or therapeutic tools for the management of malignant melanoma. Compounds such as [ 111 In]DOTA-NAP-amide exhibit high affinity for the MC1R in vitro , good tumor uptake in vivo , but they may suffer from relatively high kidney uptake and retention in vivo . We have shown previously that the introduction of negative charges into radiolabeled DOTA-NAP-amide peptide analogs may enhance their excretion and reduce kidney retention. To address the question of where to place negative charges within the ligand, we have extended these studies by designing two novel peptides, Ac-Nle-Asp-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys(DOTA)-d-Asp-d-Asp-OH (DOTA-NAP-d-Asp-d-Asp) with three negative charges at the C -terminal end (overall net charge of the molecule -2) and DOTA-Gly-Tyr(P)-Nle-Asp-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH 2 (DOTA-Phospho-MSH 2-9 ) with two negative charges in the N -terminal region (net charge -1). The former peptide showed markedly reduced receptor affinity and biological activity by >10-fold compared to DOTA-NAP-amide as reference compound, and the latter peptide displayed similar bioactivity and receptor affinity as the reference compound. The uptake by melanoma tumor tissue of [ 111 In]DOTA-Phospho-MSH 2-9 was 7.33 ± 0.47 %ID/g 4 h after injection, i.e., almost equally high as with [ 111 In]DOTA-NAP-amide. The kidney retention was 2.68 ± 0.18 %ID/g 4 h after injection and hence 44% lower than that of [ 111 In]DOTA-NAP-amide. Over an observation period from 4 to 48 h, the tumor-to-kidney ratio of [ 111 In]DOTA-Phospho-MSH 2-9 was 35% more favorable than that of the reference compound. In a comparison of DOTA-NAP-d-Asp-d-Asp, DOTA-Phospho-MSH 2-9 and DOTA-NAP-amide with five previously published analogs of DOTA-NAP-amide that altogether cover a

  19. Receptor-Mediated Melanoma Targeting with Radiolabeled α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone: Relevance of the Net Charge of the Ligand

    PubMed Central

    Bapst, Jean-Philippe; Eberle, Alex N.

    2017-01-01

    A majority of melanotic and amelanotic melanomas overexpress melanocortin type 1 receptors (MC1Rs) for α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Radiolabeled linear or cyclic analogs of α-MSH have a great potential as diagnostic or therapeutic tools for the management of malignant melanoma. Compounds such as [111In]DOTA-NAP-amide exhibit high affinity for the MC1R in vitro, good tumor uptake in vivo, but they may suffer from relatively high kidney uptake and retention in vivo. We have shown previously that the introduction of negative charges into radiolabeled DOTA-NAP-amide peptide analogs may enhance their excretion and reduce kidney retention. To address the question of where to place negative charges within the ligand, we have extended these studies by designing two novel peptides, Ac-Nle-Asp-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys(DOTA)-d-Asp-d-Asp-OH (DOTA-NAP-d-Asp-d-Asp) with three negative charges at the C-terminal end (overall net charge of the molecule −2) and DOTA-Gly-Tyr(P)-Nle-Asp-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH2 (DOTA-Phospho-MSH2-9) with two negative charges in the N-terminal region (net charge −1). The former peptide showed markedly reduced receptor affinity and biological activity by >10-fold compared to DOTA-NAP-amide as reference compound, and the latter peptide displayed similar bioactivity and receptor affinity as the reference compound. The uptake by melanoma tumor tissue of [111In]DOTA-Phospho-MSH2-9 was 7.33 ± 0.47 %ID/g 4 h after injection, i.e., almost equally high as with [111In]DOTA-NAP-amide. The kidney retention was 2.68 ± 0.18 %ID/g 4 h after injection and hence 44% lower than that of [111In]DOTA-NAP-amide. Over an observation period from 4 to 48 h, the tumor-to-kidney ratio of [111In]DOTA-Phospho-MSH2-9 was 35% more favorable than that of the reference compound. In a comparison of DOTA-NAP-d-Asp-d-Asp, DOTA-Phospho-MSH2-9 and DOTA-NAP-amide with five previously published analogs of DOTA-NAP-amide that altogether cover a range of peptides

  20. Stereochemistry of an agonist determines coupling preference of beta2-adrenoceptor to different G proteins in cardiomyocytes.

    PubMed

    Woo, Anthony Yiu-Ho; Wang, Tian-Bing; Zeng, Xiaokun; Zhu, Weizhong; Abernethy, Darrell R; Wainer, Irving W; Xiao, Rui-Ping

    2009-01-01

    A fundamental question regarding receptor-G protein interaction is whether different agonists can lead a receptor to different intracellular signaling pathways. Our previous studies have demonstrated that although most beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists activate both G(s) and G(i) proteins, fenoterol, a full agonist of beta(2)-adrenoceptor, selectively activates G(s) protein. Fenoterol contains two chiral centers and may exist as four stereoisomers. We have synthesized a series of stereoisomers of fenoterol and its derivatives and characterized their receptor binding and pharmacological properties. We tested the hypothesis that the stereochemistry of an agonist determines selectivity of receptor coupling to different G protein(s). We found that the R,R isomers of fenoterol and methoxyfenoterol exhibited more potent effects to increase cardiomyocyte contraction than their S,R isomers. It is noteworthy that although (R,R)-fenoterol and (R,R)-methoxyfenoterol preferentially activate G(s) signaling, their S,R isomers were able to activate both G(s) and G(i) proteins as evidenced by the robust pertussis toxin sensitivities of their effects on cardiomyocyte contraction and on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. The differential G protein selectivities of the fenoterol stereoisomers were further confirmed by photoaffinity labeling studies on G(s),G(i2), and G(i3) proteins. The inefficient G(i) signaling with the R,R isomers is not caused by the inability of the R,R isomers to trigger the protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation of the beta(2)-adrenoceptor, because the R,R isomers also markedly increased phosphorylation of the receptor at serine 262 by PKA. We conclude that in addition to receptor subtype and phosphorylation status, the stereochemistry of a given agonist plays an important role in determining receptor-G protein selectivity and downstream signaling events.

  1. Design of novel neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists based on conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids and discovery of a potent chimeric opioid agonist-neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Ballet, Steven; Feytens, Debby; Buysse, Koen; Chung, Nga N; Lemieux, Carole; Tumati, Suneeta; Keresztes, Attila; Van Duppen, Joost; Lai, Josephine; Varga, Eva; Porreca, Frank; Schiller, Peter W; Vanden Broeck, Jozef; Tourwé, Dirk

    2011-04-14

    A screening of conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids as base cores for the preparation of new NK1 receptor antagonists resulted in the discovery of three new NK1 receptor antagonists, 19 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NH-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], and 23 [Ac-Tic-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], which were able to counteract the agonist effect of substance P, the endogenous ligand of NK1R. The most active NK1 antagonist of the series, 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], was then used in the design of a novel, potent chimeric opioid agonist-NK1 receptor antagonist, 35 [Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NMe-3',5'-(CF(3))(2)-Bn], which combines the N terminus of the established Dmt(1)-DALDA agonist opioid pharmacophore (H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH(2)) and 20, the NK1R ligand. The opioid component of the chimeric compound 35, that is, Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NH(2) (36), also proved to be an extremely potent and balanced μ and δ opioid receptor agonist with subnanomolar binding and in vitro functional activity.

  2. Design of novel neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists based on conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids and discovery of a potent chimeric opioid agonist-neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist

    PubMed Central

    Ballet, Steven; Feytens, Debby; Buysse, Koen; Chung, Nga N.; Lemieux, Carole; Tumati, Suneeta; Keresztes, Attila; Van Duppen, Joost; Lai, Josephine; Varga, Eva; Porreca, Frank; Schiller, Peter W.; Broeck, Jozef Vanden; Tourwé, Dirk

    2011-01-01

    A screening of conformationally constrained aromatic amino acids as base cores for the preparation of new NK1 receptor antagonists resulted in the discovery of three new NK1 receptor antagonists, 19 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NH-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn] and 23 [Ac-Tic-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], which were able to counteract the agonist effect of substance P, the endogenous ligand of NK1R. The most active NK1 antagonist of the series, 20 [Ac-Aba-Gly-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], was then used in the design of a novel, potent chimeric opioid agonist-NK1 receptor antagonist, 35 [Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NMe-3′,5′-(CF3)2-Bn], which combines the N-terminus of the established Dmt1-DALDA agonist opioid pharmacophore (H-Dmt-D-Arg-Phe-Lys-NH2) and 20, the NK1R ligand. The opioid component of the chimeric compound 35, i.e. Dmt-D-Arg-Aba-Gly-NH2 36, also proved to be an extremely potent and balanced μ- and δ opioid receptor agonist with subnanomolar binding and in vitro functional activity. PMID:21413804

  3. Activation of superficial dorsal horn neurons in the mouse by a PAR-2 agonist and 5-HT: potential role in itch.

    PubMed

    Akiyama, Tasuku; Merrill, Austin W; Carstens, Mirela Iodi; Carstens, E

    2009-05-20

    Itch, an unpleasant sensation associated with the desire to scratch, is symptomatic of dermatologic and systemic disorders that often resist antihistamine treatment. Histamine-independent itch mediators include serotonin (5-HT) and agonists of the protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). We used behavior, Fos immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology to investigate if these mediators activate spinal dorsal horn neurons in a manner consistent with itch. Intradermal (i.d.) injection of the PAR-2 agonist SLIGRL-NH(2) in the rostral back evoked bouts of directed hindlimb scratches over 20-30 min. Hindpaw injection of SLIGRL-NH(2) produced Fos staining in superficial dorsal horn which was then targeted for single-unit recording. Small id microinjections of SLIGRL-NH(2) or 5-HT identified responsive single units in the superficial dorsal horn of mice anesthetized with pentobarbital. Thirty-eight units characterized as wide dynamic range, nociceptive specific, or mechanically insensitive exhibited significantly increased firing after i.d. SLIGRL-NH(2) for 9 min, to partial (25%) tachyphylaxis with repeated injection. A majority additionally responded to 5-HT (70%), mustard oil (79%), and capsaicin (71%). Seven units isolated with the 5-HT search stimulus exhibited significant and prolonged responses to 5-HT with tachyphylaxis to repeated injections. The majority also responded to SLIGRL-NH(2), mustard oil, and capsaicin. The prolonged responses of superficial dorsal horn neurons to SLIGRL-NH(2) and 5-HT suggest a role in signaling itch. However, their responsiveness to algogens is inconsistent with itch specificity. Alternatively, such neurons may signal itch, whereas noxious stimulus levels recruit these and a larger population of pruritogen-insensitive cells to signal pain which masks or occludes the itch signal.

  4. An Alpha-1A Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Prevents Acute Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy in Male Mice.

    PubMed

    Montgomery, Megan D; Chan, Trevor; Swigart, Philip M; Myagmar, Bat-Erdene; Dash, Rajesh; Simpson, Paul C

    2017-01-01

    Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors mediate adaptive effects in the heart and cardiac myocytes, and a myocyte survival pathway involving the alpha-1A receptor subtype and ERK activation exists in vitro. However, data in vivo are limited. Here we tested A61603 (N-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl]methanesulfonamide), a selective imidazoline agonist for the alpha-1A. A61603 was the most potent alpha-1-agonist in activating ERK in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. A61603 activated ERK in adult mouse ventricular myocytes and protected the cells from death caused by the anthracycline doxorubicin. A low dose of A61603 (10 ng/kg/d) activated ERK in the mouse heart in vivo, but did not change blood pressure. In male mice, concurrent subcutaneous A61603 infusion at 10 ng/kg/d for 7 days after a single intraperitoneal dose of doxorubicin (25 mg/kg) increased survival, improved cardiac function, heart rate, and cardiac output by echocardiography, and reduced cardiac cell necrosis and apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. All protective effects were lost in alpha-1A-knockout mice. In female mice, doxorubicin at doses higher than in males (35-40 mg/kg) caused less cardiac toxicity than in males. We conclude that the alpha-1A-selective agonist A61603, via the alpha-1A adrenergic receptor, prevents doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in male mice, supporting the theory that alpha-1A adrenergic receptor agonists have potential as novel heart failure therapies.

  5. 77 FR 52368 - Manufacturer of Controlled Substances; Notice of Registration; American Radiolabeled Chemicals, Inc.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-29

    ... substances as radiolabeled compounds for biochemical research. No comments or objections have been received... with the public interest at this time. DEA has investigated American Radiolabeled Chemicals INC., to ensure that the company's registration is consistent with the public [[Page 52369

  6. Structure-activity relationship of 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole analogues as 5-HT(6) receptor agonists.

    PubMed

    Mattsson, Cecilia; Svensson, Peder; Boettcher, Henning; Sonesson, Clas

    2013-05-01

    To further investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the 5-hydroxytryptamine type 6 (5-HT6) receptor agonist 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole (EMD386088, 6), a series of 2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indoles were synthesized, and in vitro affinity to, and functional activity at 5-HT6 receptors was tested. We focused on substituents made at the indole N(1)-, 2- and 5-positions and these were found to not only influence the affinity at 5-HT6 receptors but also the intrinsic activity leading to antagonists, partial agonists and full agonists. In order for a compound to demonstrate potent 5-HT6 receptor agonist properties, the indole N(1) should be unsubstituted, an alkyl group such as 2-methyl is needed and finally halogen substituents in the indole 5-position (fluoro, chloro or, bromo) were essential requirements. However, the introduction of a benzenesulfonyl group at N(1)-position switched the full agonist 6 to be a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist (30). A few compounds within the 2-methyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indoles were also screened for off-targets and generally they displayed low affinity for other 5-HT subtypes and serotonin transporter protein (SERT). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated primates, the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 1a agonist (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT inhibits levodopa-induced dyskinesia but only with\\ increased motor disability.

    PubMed

    Iravani, Mahmoud M; Tayarani-Binazir, Kayhan; Chu, Wing B; Jackson, Michael J; Jenner, Peter

    2006-12-01

    5-Hydroxytryptamine 1a (5-HT(1a)) receptor agonists, such as sarizotan and tandospirone, are reported to reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated macaques and in Parkinson's disease without worsening motor disability. However, these compounds are not specific for 5-HT(1a) receptors and also possess dopamine antagonist actions. We now report on the effects of (2R)-(+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [(R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT], a selective 5-HT(1a) agonist lacking dopaminergic activity, on motor disability and dyskinesia (chorea and dystonia) in levodopa-primed MPTP-treated common marmosets. Administration of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT (0.2, 0.6, and 2.0 mg/kg s.c), in conjunction with levodopa/carbidopa (12.5 mg/kg each p.o.) to levodopa-primed animals, dose-dependently reduced levodopa-induced chorea but did not affect dystonic movements. However, (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT treatment also reduced locomotor activity and the reversal of motor disability. Administration of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT alone had no effects of motor behaviors. The effects of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT on levodopa-induced motor behaviors were antagonized by the 5-HT(1a) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide maleate (WAY-100635) (1.0 mg/kg s.c.). Administration of (R)-(+)-8-OHDPAT (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) also reduced chorea produced by the administration of the D(2)/D(3) dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole (0.06 mg/kg p.o.) to levodopa-primed MPTP-treated animals. However, again the increase in locomotor activity and reversal of motor disability produced by pramipexole were also inhibited. These data suggest that selective 5-HT(1a) agonists do not provide an effective means of suppressing levodopa-induced dyskinesia, except with worsening of parkinsonism.

  8. Reports of pathological gambling, hypersexuality, and compulsive shopping associated with dopamine receptor agonist drugs.

    PubMed

    Moore, Thomas J; Glenmullen, Joseph; Mattison, Donald R

    2014-12-01

    Severe impulse control disorders involving pathological gambling, hypersexuality, and compulsive shopping have been reported in association with the use of dopamine receptor agonist drugs in case series and retrospective patient surveys. These agents are used to treat Parkinson disease, restless leg syndrome, and hyperprolactinemia. To analyze serious adverse drug event reports about these impulse control disorders received by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to assess the relationship of these case reports with the 6 FDA-approved dopamine receptor agonist drugs. We conducted a retrospective disproportionality analysis based on the 2.7 million serious domestic and foreign adverse drug event reports from 2003 to 2012 extracted from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Cases were selected if they contained any of 10 preferred terms in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) that described the abnormal behaviors. We used the proportional reporting ratio (PRR) to compare the proportion of target events to all serious events for the study drugs with a similar proportion for all other drugs. We identified 1580 events indicating impulse control disorders from the United States and 21 other countries:710 fordopamine receptor agonist drugs and 870 for other drugs. The dopamine receptor agonist drugs had a strong signal associated with these impulse control disorders (n = 710; PRR = 277.6, P < .001). The association was strongest for the dopamine agonists pramipexole (n = 410; PRR = 455.9, P < .001) and ropinirole (n = 188; PRR = 152.5, P < .001), with preferential affinity for the dopamine D3 receptor. A signal was also seen for aripiprazole, an antipsychotic classified as a partial agonist of the D3 receptor (n = 37; PRR = 8.6, P < .001). Our findings confirm and extend the evidence that dopamine receptor agonist drugs are associated with these specific impulse control disorders. At present

  9. Vasopressin-independent targeting of aquaporin-2 by selective E-prostanoid receptor agonists alleviates nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

    PubMed Central

    Olesen, Emma T. B.; Rützler, Michael R.; Moeller, Hanne B.; Praetorius, Helle A.; Fenton, Robert A.

    2011-01-01

    In the kidney, the actions of vasopressin on its type-2 receptor (V2R) induce increased water reabsorption alongside polyphosphorylation and membrane targeting of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Loss-of-function mutations in the V2R cause X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Treatment of this condition would require bypassing the V2R to increase AQP2 membrane targeting, but currently no specific pharmacological therapy is available. The present study examined specific E-prostanoid receptors for this purpose. In vitro, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and selective agonists for the E-prostanoid receptors EP2 (butaprost) or EP4 (CAY10580) all increased trafficking and ser-264 phosphorylation of AQP2 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Only PGE2 and butaprost increased cAMP and ser-269 phosphorylation of AQP2. Ex vivo, PGE2, butaprost, or CAY10580 increased AQP2 phosphorylation in isolated cortical tubules, whereas PGE2 and butaprost selectively increased AQP2 membrane accumulation in kidney slices. In vivo, a V2R antagonist caused a severe urinary concentrating defect in rats, which was greatly alleviated by treatment with butaprost. In conclusion, EP2 and EP4 agonists increase AQP2 phosphorylation and trafficking, likely through different signaling pathways. Furthermore, EP2 selective agonists can partially compensate for a nonfunctional V2R, providing a rationale for new treatment strategies for hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. PMID:21768374

  10. Vasopressin-independent targeting of aquaporin-2 by selective E-prostanoid receptor agonists alleviates nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

    PubMed

    Olesen, Emma T B; Rützler, Michael R; Moeller, Hanne B; Praetorius, Helle A; Fenton, Robert A

    2011-08-02

    In the kidney, the actions of vasopressin on its type-2 receptor (V2R) induce increased water reabsorption alongside polyphosphorylation and membrane targeting of the water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Loss-of-function mutations in the V2R cause X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Treatment of this condition would require bypassing the V2R to increase AQP2 membrane targeting, but currently no specific pharmacological therapy is available. The present study examined specific E-prostanoid receptors for this purpose. In vitro, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and selective agonists for the E-prostanoid receptors EP2 (butaprost) or EP4 (CAY10580) all increased trafficking and ser-264 phosphorylation of AQP2 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Only PGE2 and butaprost increased cAMP and ser-269 phosphorylation of AQP2. Ex vivo, PGE2, butaprost, or CAY10580 increased AQP2 phosphorylation in isolated cortical tubules, whereas PGE2 and butaprost selectively increased AQP2 membrane accumulation in kidney slices. In vivo, a V2R antagonist caused a severe urinary concentrating defect in rats, which was greatly alleviated by treatment with butaprost. In conclusion, EP2 and EP4 agonists increase AQP2 phosphorylation and trafficking, likely through different signaling pathways. Furthermore, EP2 selective agonists can partially compensate for a nonfunctional V2R, providing a rationale for new treatment strategies for hereditary nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

  11. Trace amines depress D2-autoreceptor-mediated responses on midbrain dopaminergic cells

    PubMed Central

    Ledonne, Ada; Federici, Mauro; Giustizieri, Michela; Pessia, Mauro; Imbrici, Paola; Millan, Mark J; Bernardi, Giorgio; Mercuri, Nicola B

    2010-01-01

    Background and purpose: Although trace amines (TAs) are historically considered ‘false neurotransmitters’ on the basis of their ability to induce catecholamine release, there is evidence that they directly affect neuronal activity via TA receptors, ligand-gated receptor channels and/or σ receptors. Here, we have investigated the effects of two TAs, tyramine (TYR) and β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA), on electrophysiological responses of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic cells to the D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole. Experimental approach: Electrophysiological recordings of D2 receptor-activated G-protein-gated inward rectifier K+ channel (GIRK) currents were performed on dopaminergic cells from midbrain slices of mice and on Xenopus oocytes expressing D2 receptors and GIRK channels. Key results: TYR and β-PEA reversibly reduced D2 receptor-activated GIRK currents in a concentration-dependent manner on SNpc neurones. The inhibitory effect of TAs was still present in transgenic mice with genetically deleted TA1 receptors and they could not be reproduced by the selective TA1 agonist, o-phenyl-3-iodotyramine (O-PIT). Pretreatment with antagonists of σ1 and σ2 receptors did not block TA-induced effects. In GTPγS-loaded neurones, the irreversibly-activated GIRK-current was still reversibly reduced by β-PEA. Moreover, β-PEA did not affect basal or dopamine-evoked GIRK-currents in Xenopus oocytes. Conclusions and implications: TAs reduced dopamine-induced responses on SNpc neurones by acting at sites different from TA1, σ-receptors, D2 receptors or GIRK channels. Although their precise mechanism of action remains to be identified, TAs, by antagonizing the inhibitory effects of dopamine, may render dopaminergic neurones less sensitive to autoreceptor feedback inhibition and hence enhance their sensitivity to stimulation. PMID:20590640

  12. Lorcaserin (APD356), a selective 5-HT(2C) agonist, reduces body weight in obese men and women.

    PubMed

    Smith, Steven R; Prosser, Warren A; Donahue, David J; Morgan, Michael E; Anderson, Christen M; Shanahan, William R

    2009-03-01

    Lorcaserin (APD356) is a potent, selective 5-HT(2C) agonist with ~15-fold and 100-fold selectivity vs. 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2B) receptors, respectively. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of lorcaserin for weight reduction in obese patients during a 12-week period. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study enrolled 469 men and women between ages 18 and 65 and with BMI 30-45 kg/m(2). Patients received placebo, lorcaserin 10 mg q.d., lorcaserin 15 mg q.d., or lorcaserin 10 mg b.i.d. for 12 weeks, and were counseled to maintain their usual diet and activity. The primary end point was change in weight from baseline to day 85 by completer analysis. Safety analyses included echocardiograms at Screening and day 85/study exit. Lorcaserin was associated with progressive weight loss of 1.8 kg, 2.6 kg, and 3.6 kg at 10 mg q.d., 15 mg q.d., and 10 mg b.i.d., respectively, compared to placebo weight loss of 0.3 kg (P < 0.001 for each group). Similar results were seen by intent-to-treat last observation-carried forward (ITT-LOCF) analysis. The proportions of completers achieving > or =5% of initial body weight were 12.8, 19.5, 31.2, and 2.3% in the 10 mg q.d., 15 mg q.d., 10 mg b.i.d., and placebo groups, respectively. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were transient headache, nausea, and dizziness. Echocardiograms showed no apparent drug-related effects on heart valves or pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Lorcaserin was well tolerated and efficacious for weight reduction in this 12-week study. Longer-term trials employing behavior modification will be needed to more fully assess its safety and efficacy.

  13. Synthesis and Agonistic Activity at the GPR35 of 5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic Acid Analogues

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    5,6-Dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA), an intermediate of melanin synthesis and an eumelanin building block, was recently discovered to be a GPR35 agonist with moderate potency. Here, we report the synthesis and pharmacological characterization of a series of DHICA analogues against GPR35 using both label-free dynamic mass redistribution and Tango β-arrestin translocation assays. This led to identification of novel GPR35 agonists with improved potency and/or having biased agonism. PMID:24900508

  14. Differential manipulation of arrestin-3 binding to basal and agonist-activated G protein-coupled receptors.

    PubMed

    Prokop, Susanne; Perry, Nicole A; Vishnivetskiy, Sergey A; Toth, Andras D; Inoue, Asuka; Milligan, Graeme; Iverson, Tina M; Hunyady, Laszlo; Gurevich, Vsevolod V

    2017-08-01

    Non-visual arrestins interact with hundreds of different G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we show that by introducing mutations into elements that directly bind receptors, the specificity of arrestin-3 can be altered. Several mutations in the two parts of the central "crest" of the arrestin molecule, middle-loop and C-loop, enhanced or reduced arrestin-3 interactions with several GPCRs in receptor subtype and functional state-specific manner. For example, the Lys139Ile substitution in the middle-loop dramatically enhanced the binding to inactive M 2 muscarinic receptor, so that agonist activation of the M 2 did not further increase arrestin-3 binding. Thus, the Lys139Ile mutation made arrestin-3 essentially an activation-independent binding partner of M 2 , whereas its interactions with other receptors, including the β 2 -adrenergic receptor and the D 1 and D 2 dopamine receptors, retained normal activation dependence. In contrast, the Ala248Val mutation enhanced agonist-induced arrestin-3 binding to the β 2 -adrenergic and D 2 dopamine receptors, while reducing its interaction with the D 1 dopamine receptor. These mutations represent the first example of altering arrestin specificity via enhancement of the arrestin-receptor interactions rather than selective reduction of the binding to certain subtypes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  15. Cane Toad Skin Extract-Induced Upregulation and Increased Interaction of Serotonin 2A and D2 Receptors via Gq/11 Signaling Pathway in CLU213 Cells.

    PubMed

    Zulfiker, Abu Hasanat Md; Hashimi, Saeed M; Good, David A; Grice, I Darren; Wei, Ming Q

    2017-05-01

    Recent evidences show that activation of serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT 2A R) by agonists is significant in improving therapeutic activity of disease conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Though the exact molecular mechanism is still not well understood, it is thought to involve agonist-driven, enhanced expression of 5-HT 2A R in certain areas of brain, such as the pre-frontal cortex (PFC). Several other reports have also demonstrated association of OCD with lower dopamine receptor (D 2 R) availability, primarily in the striatum of the brain along with dysfunction of 5-HT 2A R-D 2 R heteromer regulation. We thus hypothesized that compound(s) interacting with this molecular mechanism could be developed as drugs for long-term beneficial effects against OCD. In the present study, we have obtained experimental evidence in cultured neuronal cells (CLU213) that aqueous extract (AE, 50 μg/mL, P < 0.05) of the Australian cane toad skin significantly increased the levels of 5-HT 2A R and D 2 R protein and mRNA expression. AE was also found to enhance the interaction between 5-HT 2A R and D 2 R and formation of expression of 5-HT 2A R-D 2 R heteromer using co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot. Further investigation showed the involvement of classical signaling pathway (G q/11 -PLCβ) along with c-FOS transcription factor preferentially in 5-HT 2A -mediated agonist activation. These results obtained demonstrated that AE upregulates 5-HT 2A R by a mechanism that appears to involve G q/11 -PLCβ signaling pathway and c-FOS transcription factor activation. We indicate this enhanced 5-HT 2A R and D 2 R expression and their interaction to induce increased 5-HT 2A R-D 2 R heteromer formation by exposure to AE might provide a molecular mechanism to develop potential novel drug candidates to ameliorate OCD symptoms. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 979-993, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  16. Critical review of ropinirole and pramipexole - putative dopamine D(3)-receptor selective agonists - for the treatment of RLS.

    PubMed

    Varga, L I; Ako-Agugua, N; Colasante, J; Hertweck, L; Houser, T; Smith, J; Watty, A A; Nagar, S; Raffa, R B

    2009-10-01

    Ropinirole hydrochloride (REQUIP, ADARTREL) and pramipexole dihydrochloride (MIRAPEX, SIFROL) are two putative dopamine D(3) receptor subtype-selective agonists recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of 'restless legs syndrome' (RLS). RLS is a difficult to define condition that is possibly more prevalent than previously thought. Direct-to-consumer advertising has raised public and professional awareness of RLS, but questions, even skepticism about the very existence of the condition, persist. The drugs have adverse effects that can negatively impact on quality of life and thus, as true for all drugs, require consideration of the benefit : risk ratio. We review the definition, diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatment of RLS, and assess the clinical and preclinical evidence for a pharmacologic rationale for D(3) agonism in general and of the claimed D(3) selectivity of ropinirole and pramipexole in particular.

  17. SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists as second-line therapy in type 2 diabetes: patient selection and perspectives.

    PubMed

    Gurgle, Holly E; White, Karen; McAdam-Marx, Carrie

    2016-01-01

    Controversy exists regarding the selection of second-line therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are unable to achieve glycemic control with metformin therapy alone. Newer pharmacologic treatments for T2DM include glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Both the classes of medication are efficacious, exhibit positive effects on weight, and are associated with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. The purpose of this review is to compare the clinical trial and real-world effectiveness data of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists versus sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors related to A1c reduction, weight loss, cost-effectiveness, cardiovascular outcomes, and safety in patients with T2DM. This review summarizes comparative evidence for providers who are determining which of the two classes may be the most appropriate for a specific patient.

  18. The effect of prolonged treatment with imipramine on the biosynthesis and functional characteristics of D2 dopamine receptors in the rat caudate putamen

    PubMed Central

    Dziedzicka-Wasylewska, Marta; Rogoż, Renata

    1998-01-01

    The present study shows the effects of imipramine in a single dose (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) or following repeated (14 days, twice a day) treatment on the level of mRNA coding for D2 dopamine receptors in the rat caudate putamen (CP). Repeated administration of imipramine resulted in the increase of the level of mRNA coding for D2 dopamine receptors. Radioligand binding studies with the D2 receptor agonist, [3H]-N-0437, indicated, that following imipramine administration, the affinity of the agonist for the D2 dopamine receptor significantly increased, though without any alterations in the Bmax. Pharmacological manipulations (by use of forskolin, GppNHp and quinpirole) of the cyclic AMP generating system, ex vivo following administration of imipramine indicated that an up-regulation of factors inhibiting cyclic GMP formation takes place. Most probably it is the D2 dopamine receptor which undergoes functional up-regulation, resulting from the enhancement of its biosynthesis. PMID:9535010

  19. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} agonists inhibit the replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in human lung epithelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Arnold, Ralf; Koenig, Wolfgang

    2006-07-05

    We have previously shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} (PPAR{gamma}) agonists inhibited the inflammatory response of RSV-infected human lung epithelial cells. In this study, we supply evidence that specific PPAR{gamma} agonists (15d-PGJ{sub 2}, ciglitazone, troglitazone, Fmoc-Leu) efficiently blocked the RSV-induced cytotoxicity and development of syncytia in tissue culture (A549, HEp-2). All PPAR{gamma} agonists under study markedly inhibited the cell surface expression of the viral G and F protein on RSV-infected A549 cells. This was paralleled by a reduced cellular amount of N protein-encoding mRNA determined by real-time RT-PCR. Concomitantly, a reduced release of infectious progeny virus into the cell supernatants ofmore » human lung epithelial cells (A549, normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE)) was observed. Similar results were obtained regardless whether PPAR{gamma} agonists were added prior to RSV infection or thereafter, suggesting that the agonists inhibited viral gene expression and not the primary adhesion or fusion process.« less

  20. Reverse Induced Fit-Driven MAS-Downstream Transduction: Looking for Metabotropic Agonists.

    PubMed

    Pernomian, Larissa; Gomes, Mayara S; de Paula da Silva, Carlos H Tomich; Rosa, Joaquin M C

    2017-01-01

    Protective effects of MAS activation have spurred clinical interests in developing MAS agonists. However, current bases that drive this process preclude that physiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists induce an atypical signaling that does not reach the metabotropic efficacy of constitutive activation. Canonical activation of MAS-coupled G proteins is only achieved by supraphysiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists or physiological concentrations of chemically modified analogues. These pleiotropic differences are because of two overlapped binding domains: one non-metabotropic site that recognizes peptide agonists and one metabotropic domain that recognizes modified analogues. It is feasible that supraphysiological concentrations of peptide MAS agonists undergo to chemical modifications required for binding to metabotropic domain. Receptor oligomerization enhances pharmacological parameters coupled to metabotropic signaling. The formation of receptor-signalosome complex makes the transduction of agonists more adaptive. Considering the recent identification of MAS-signalosome, we aimed to postulate the reverse induced fit hypothesis in which MAS-signalosome would trigger chemical modifications required for agonists bind to MAS metabotropic domain. Here we cover rational perspectives for developing novel metabotropic MAS agonists in the view of the reverse induced-fit hypothesis. Predicting a 3D model of MAS metabotropic domain may guide the screening of chemical modifications required for metabotropic efficacy. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening would select potential metabotropic MAS agonists from virtual libraries from human proteome. Rational perspectives that consider reverse induced fit hypothesis during MAS activation for developing metabotropic MAS agonists represents the best approach in providing MAS ligands with constitutive efficacy at physiological concentrations. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email

  1. Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors Attenuate the Asthma Phenotype Produced by β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists in Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase-Knockout Mice.

    PubMed

    Forkuo, Gloria S; Kim, Hosu; Thanawala, Vaidehi J; Al-Sawalha, Nour; Valdez, Daniel; Joshi, Radhika; Parra, Sergio; Pera, Tonio; Gonnella, Patricia A; Knoll, Brian J; Walker, Julia K L; Penn, Raymond B; Bond, Richard A

    2016-08-01

    Mice lacking the endogenous β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) agonist epinephrine (phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase [PNMT]-knockout mice) are resistant to developing an "asthma-like" phenotype in an ovalbumin sensitization and challenge (Ova S/C) model, and chronic administration of β2AR agonists to PNMT-KO mice restores the phenotype. Based on these and other studies showing differential effects of various β2AR ligands on the asthma phenotype, we have speculated that the permissive effect of endogenous epinephrine and exogenous β2AR agonists on allergic lung inflammation can be explained by qualitative β2AR signaling. The β2AR can signal through at least two pathways: the canonical Gαs-cAMP pathway and a β-arrestin-dependent pathway. Previous studies suggest that β-arrestin-2 is required for allergic lung inflammation. On the other hand, cell-based assays suggest antiinflammatory effects of Gαs-cAMP signaling. This study was designed to test whether the in vitro antiinflammatory effects of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, known to increase intracellular cAMP in multiple airway cell types, attenuate the asthma-like phenotype produced by the β2AR agonists formoterol and salmeterol in vivo in PNMT-KO mice, based on the hypothesis that skewing β2AR signaling toward Gαs-cAMP pathway is beneficial. Airway inflammatory cells, epithelial mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness were quantified. In Ova S/C PNMT-KO mice, formoterol and salmeterol restored the asthma-like phenotype comparable to Ova S/C wild-type mice. However, coadministration of either roflumilast or rolipram attenuated this formoterol- or salmeterol-driven phenotype in Ova S/C PNMT-KO. These findings suggest that amplification of β2AR-mediated cAMP by phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors attenuates the asthma-like phenotype promoted by β-agonists.

  2. Electrophysiological Perspectives on the Therapeutic Use of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Partial AgonistsS⃞

    PubMed Central

    Trocmé-Thibierge, Caryn; Guendisch, Daniela; Al Rubaiy, Shehd Abdullah Abbas; Bloom, Stephen A.

    2011-01-01

    Partial agonist therapies rely variously on two hypotheses: the partial agonists have their effects through chronic low-level receptor activation or the partial agonists work by decreasing the effects of endogenous or exogenous full agonists. The relative significance of these activities probably depends on whether acute or chronic effects are considered. We studied nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes to test a model for the acute interactions between acetylcholine (ACh) and weak partial agonists. Data were best-fit to a basic competition model that included an additional factor for noncompetitive inhibition. Partial agonist effects were compared with the nAChR antagonist bupropion in prolonged bath application experiments that were designed to mimic prolonged drug exposure typical of therapeutic drug delivery. A primary effect of prolonged application of nicotine was to decrease the response of all nAChR subtypes to acute applications of ACh. In addition, nicotine, cytisine, and varenicline produced detectable steady-state activation of α4β2* [(α4)22)3, (α4)3(β2)2, and (α4)22)2α5)] receptor subtypes that was not seen with other test compounds. Partial agonists produced no detectable steady-state activation of α7 nAChR, but seemed to show small potentiation of ACh-evoked responses; however, “run-up” of α7 ACh responses was also sometimes observed under control conditions. Potential off-target effects of the partial agonists therefore included the modulation of α7 responses by α4β2 partial agonists and decreases in α4β2* responses by α7-selective agonists. These data indicate the dual effects expected for α4β2* partial agonists and provide models and insights for utility of partial agonists in therapeutic development. PMID:21285282

  3. Vitamin D increases plasma renin activity independently of plasma Ca2+ via hypovolemia and β-adrenergic activity

    PubMed Central

    Atchison, Douglas K.; Harding, Pamela

    2013-01-01

    1, 25-Dihydroxycholechalciferol (calcitriol) and 19-nor-1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (paricalcitol) are vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists. Previous data suggest VDR agonists may actually increase renin-angiotensin activity, and this has always been assumed to be mediated by hypercalcemia. We hypothesized that calcitriol and paricalcitol would increase plasma renin activity (PRA) independently of plasma Ca2+ via hypercalciuria-mediated polyuria, hypovolemia, and subsequent increased β-adrenergic sympathetic activity. We found that both calcitriol and paricalcitol increased PRA threefold (P < 0.01). Calcitriol caused hypercalcemia, but paricalcitol did not. Both calcitriol and paricalcitol caused hypercalciuria (9- and 7-fold vs. control, P < 0.01) and polyuria (increasing 2.6- and 2.2-fold vs. control, P < 0.01). Paricalcitol increased renal calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) expression, suggesting a potential cause of paricalcitol-mediated hypercalciuria and polyuria. Volume replacement completely normalized calcitriol-stimulated PRA and lowered plasma epinephrine by 43% (P < 0.05). β-Adrenergic blockade also normalized calcitriol-stimulated PRA. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition had no effect on calcitriol-stimulated PRA. Our data demonstrate that vitamin D increases PRA independently of plasma Ca2+ via hypercalciuria, polyuria, hypovolemia, and increased β-adrenergic activity. PMID:23926179

  4. Inhibition by spinal mu- and delta-opioid agonists of afferent-evoked substance P release.

    PubMed

    Kondo, Ichiro; Marvizon, Juan Carlos G; Song, Bingbing; Salgado, Frances; Codeluppi, Simone; Hua, Xiao-Ying; Yaksh, Tony L

    2005-04-06

    Opioid mu- and delta-receptors are present on the central terminals of primary afferents, where they are thought to inhibit neurotransmitter release. This mechanism may mediate analgesia produced by spinal opiates; however, when they used neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) internalization as an indicator of substance P release, Trafton et al. (1999) noted that this evoked internalization was altered only modestly by morphine delivered intrathecally at spinal cord segment S1-S2. We reexamined this issue by studying the effect of opiates on NK1R internalization in spinal cord slices and in vivo. In slices, NK1R internalization evoked by dorsal root stimulation at C-fiber intensity was abolished by the mu agonist [D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO) (1 microM) and decreased by the delta agonist [D-Phe2,5]-enkephalin (DPDPE) (1 microM). In vivo, hindpaw compression induced NK1R internalization in ipsilateral laminas I-II. This evoked internalization was significantly reduced by morphine (60 nmol), DAMGO (1 nmol), and DPDPE (100 nmol), but not by the kappa agonist trans-(1S,2S)-3,4-dichloro-N-mathyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide hydrochloride (200 nmol), delivered at spinal cord segment L2 using intrathecal catheters. These doses of the mu and delta agonists were equi-analgesic as measured by a thermal escape test. Lower doses neither produced analgesia nor inhibited NK1R internalization. In contrast, morphine delivered by percutaneous injections at S1-S2 had only a modest effect on thermal escape, even at higher doses. Morphine decreased NK1R internalization after systemic delivery, but at a dose greater than that necessary to produce equivalent analgesia. All effects were reversed by naloxone. These results indicate that lumbar opiates inhibit noxious stimuli-induced neurotransmitter release from primary afferents at doses that are confirmed behaviorally as analgesic.

  5. Effects of structural modifications of N-CPM-normorphine derivatives on agonist and antagonist activities in isolated organs.

    PubMed

    Riba, P; Tóth, Z; Hosztafi, S; Friedmann, T; Fürst, S

    2003-01-01

    The agonistic and antagonistic properties of N-cyclopropylmethyl (N-CPM) morphine derivatives were observed in mouse vas deferens (MVD), longitudinal muscle of guinea pig ileum (GPI) and rabbit vas deferens (LVD). In MVD the K(e) values of the titled compounds (N-CPM-morphine, N-CPM-isomorphine, N-CPM-dihydromorphine, N-CPM-dihydroisomorpPhine, N-CPM-dihydromorphone and naltrexone) were measured for mu-, kappa- and delta-receptors using normorphine, ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) and D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephaline (DPDPE) as selective agonists on the receptors, respectively. For mu-receptors of MVD the tested compounds showed similar affinity. For kappa-receptors the non-iso-6-OH derivatives possessed much less affinity than the iso-derivatives. Similar difference could be observed for delta-receptors. The agonistic activities of these compounds in MVD were observed to be between 0-20% of the inhibition of muscle contractions. In GPI the compounds except naltrexone possessed strong agonistic activities effectively antagonized by nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) (K(e) of nor-BNI was 0.23 nM) suggesting that they were strong kappa-receptor agonists. We investigated these agents in LVD too, which contains kappa-receptors, but they did not produce any agonist potencies. It raises the possibility that the kappa-receptor subtypes of LVD and MVD are different from the kappa-receptor subtype of GPI or the vasa deferentia contain much fewer kappa-receptors than GPI and the intrinsic activities of these compounds are too small to reach the 50% inhibition of the contractions.

  6. The β2-adrenoreceptor gene promoter polymorphisms may modulate β2-agonist- and glucocorticoid-induced IgE synthesis.

    PubMed

    Chalubinski, M; Grzegorczyk, J; Grzelak, A; Jarzebska, M; Kowalski, M L

    2014-01-01

    β2-adrenoreceptor (β2-AR) agonists and glucocorticoids (GCS) were shown to induce IgE synthesis in human PBMCs. Serum total IgE levels are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the β2-AR gene. We aimed to assess the association of the effect of fenoterol (β2-AR agonist) on IL-4-driven and budesonide-induced IgE synthesis with genetic variants of β2-AR. The study included 25 individuals: 13 with allergic asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and 12 healthy volunteers. PBMCs were cultured with IL-4, fenoterol and/or budesonide, and IgE concentrations in supernatants were assessed. Five SNPs in positions: -47, -20, 46, 79 and 252 of β2-AR were determined by direct DNA sequencing. In -47 T/T and -20 T/T patients, incubation with fenoterol resulted in decreased IgE production, whereas in -47 C/T and -47 C/C as well as in -20 C/T and -20 C/C individuals, it was enhanced. In contrast to fenoterol, budesonide-induced IgE synthesis was significantly increased in -47 T/T and -20 T/T patients as compared to -47 C/T, -47 C/C, -20 C/T and -47 C/C individuals. Polymorphisms in positions 46, 79 and 252 were not associated with fenoterol- or budesonide-modulated IgE synthesis. No differences in the distribution of IgE synthesis was seen between atopic and non-atopic individuals carrying the same alleles. The differential effect of β2-agonists and GCS on IgE synthesis may be associated with genetic variants of promoter region of the β2-AR gene. Copyright © 2013 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  7. In vitro metabolism of radiolabeled carbohydrates by protective cecal anaerobic bacteria.

    PubMed

    Hume, M E; Beier, R C; Hinton, A; Scanlan, C M; Corrier, D E; Peterson, D V; DeLoach, J R

    1993-12-01

    Cecal anaerobic bacteria from adult broilers were cultured in media containing .25% glucose or .25% lactose. Media also contained either [14C]-labeled lactose, glucose, galactose, or lactic acid as metabolic tracers. Cultures were analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 h for pH, radiolabeled and unlabeled volatile fatty acids, and lactic acid. The pH values of cultures containing .25% lactose were significantly (P < .05) higher than the pH values of cultures containing .25% glucose. Lactose cultures reached their lowest pH more slowly than glucose cultures. Concentrations of unlabeled volatile fatty acids increased and lactic acid decreased during incubation of the cultures. Radiolabeled sugars and lactic acid were more readily metabolized to volatile fatty acids in media containing lactose than in media containing glucose. The preferred metabolism of [14C]substrates, independent of media carbohydrate, was in the following order: lactic acid > galactose, lactose > glucose. The volatile fatty acids in which radiolabel was most concentrated were acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid.

  8. Metabolomic analysis of swine urine treated with β2-agonists by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yuping; Bi, Yanfeng; Bingga, Gali; Li, Xiaowei; Zhang, Suxia; Li, Jiancheng; Li, Hui; Ding, Shuangyang; Xia, Xi

    2015-06-26

    The illegal use of β2-agonists in livestock production was previously detected by efficient methods based on mass spectrometry to control the residues of these drugs. Nevertheless, such methods still remain a challenging task for authorities who monitor these residues because the use of "cocktails" composed of mixtures of low amounts of several substances as well as the synthesis of new compounds of unknown structure prevent efficient prevention of illegal use of growth-promoting agents. Here, we outlined a metabolomics-based strategy for detecting the use of "cocktails" composed of mixtures of low amounts of three β2-agonists via urine profiling. Urine profiles of controls and swine treated with mixture of low amounts of three substances (clenbuterol, salbutamol, and ractopamine) were analyzed with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The metabolic differences between controls and β2-agonists-treated groups were compared using multivariate data analysis. Fourteen metabolites were identified related with the β2-agonists treatment, while two co-biomarkers, 2-indolecarboxylic acid and fluorometholone acetate, either in single or "cocktails" of low-dose mixture of clenbuterol, salbutamol, and ractopamine, could be considered as diagnostic markers for the detection of illegal use of β2-agonists. The results of depletion study demonstrated that it is practical to use the markers for monitoring of β2-agonists. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Estradiol agonists inhibit human LoVo colorectal-cancer cell proliferation and migration through p53.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Hsi-Hsien; Kuo, Wei-Wen; Ju, Da-Tong; Yeh, Yu-Lan; Tu, Chuan-Chou; Tsai, Ying-Lan; Shen, Chia-Yao; Chang, Sheng-Huang; Chung, Li-Chin; Huang, Chih-Yang

    2014-11-28

    To investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol via estrogen receptors (ER) or direct administration of ER agonists on human colorectal cancer. LoVo cells were established from the Bioresource Collection and Research Center and cultured in phenol red-free DMEM (Sigma, United States). To investigate the effects of E2 and/or ER selective agonists on cellular proliferation, LoVo colorectal cells were treated with E2 or ER-selective agonists for 24 h and 48 h and subjected to the MTT (Sigma) assay to find the concentration. And investigate the effects of E2 and/or ER selective agonists on cell used western immunoblotting to find out the diversification of signaling pathways. In order to observe motility and migration the wound healing assay and a transwell chamber (Neuro Probe) plate were tased. For a quantitative measure, we counted the number of migrating cells to the wound area post-wounding for 24 h. We further examined the cellular migration-regulating factors urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in human LoVo cells so gelatin zymography that we used and gelatinolytic activity was visualized by Coomassie blue staining. And these results are presented as means ± SE, and statistical comparisons were made using Student's t-test. The structure was first compared with E2 and ER agonists. We then treated the LoVo cells with E2 and ER agonists (10(-8) mol/L) for 24 h and 48 h and subsequently measured the cell viability using MTT assay. Our results showed that treatment with 17β-estradiol and/or ER agonists in human LoVo colorectal cancer cells activated p53 and then up-regulated p21 and p27 protein levels, subsequently inhibiting the downstream target gene, cyclin D1, which regulates cell proliferation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the anti-tumorigenesis effects of 17β-estradiol and/or ER agonists and suggest that these compounds may prove to be a potential alternative

  10. Effects of pyrazole partial agonists on HCA(2) -mediated flushing and VLDL-triglyceride levels in mice.

    PubMed

    Li, Zhaosha; Blad, Clara C; van der Sluis, Ronald J; de Vries, Henk; Van Berkel, Theo J C; Ijzerman, Adriaan P; Hoekstra, Menno

    2012-10-01

    Niacin can effectively treat dyslipidaemic disorders. However, its clinical use is limited due to the cutaneous flushing mediated by the nicotinic acid receptor HCA(2) . In the current study, we evaluated two partial agonists for HCA(2) , LUF6281 and LUF6283, with respect to their anti-dyslipidaemic potential and cutaneous flushing effect. In vitro potency and efficacy studies with niacin and the two HCA(2) partial agonists were performed using HEK293T cells stably expressing human HCA(2) . Normolipidaemic C57BL/6 mice received either niacin or the HCA(2) partial agonists (400 mg·kg(-1) ·day(-1) ) once a day for 4 weeks for evaluation of their effects in vivo. Radioligand competitive binding assay showed K(i) values for LUF6281 and LUF6283 of 3 and 0.55 µM. [(35) S]-GTPγS binding revealed the rank order of their potency as niacin > LUF6283 > LUF6281. All three compounds reduced plasma VLDL-triglyceride concentrations similarly, while LUF6281 and LUF6283, in contrast to niacin, did not also exhibit the unwanted flushing side effect in C57BL/6 mice. Niacin reduced the expression of lipolytic genes HSL and ATGL in adipose tissue by 50%, whereas LUF6281 and LUF6283 unexpectedly did not. In contrast, the decrease in VLDL-triglyceride concentration induced by LUF6281 and LUF6283 was associated with a parallel >40% reduced expression of APOB within the liver. The current study identifies LUF6281 and LUF6283, two HCA(2) partial agonists of the pyrazole class, as promising drug candidates to achieve the beneficial lipid lowering effect of niacin without producing the unwanted flushing side effect. © 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society.

  11. Evidence for alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist activity of minoxidil.

    PubMed

    Sharma, N; Mehta, A A; Santani, D D; Goyal, R K

    1997-09-01

    The present investigation was undertaken to study the mechanism of action of minoxidil using various smooth muscle preparations. Minoxidil (4.7 x 10(-6) M to 4.7 x 10(-4) M) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of field stimulation-evoked responses in rat anococcygeus muscle and vas deferens. The inhibition produced by minoxidil was antagonized by yohimbine (2.5 x 10(-7) M). Minoxidil (1.4 x 10(-5) M to 4.7 x 10(-4) M) also produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in oestrogen-primed potassium chloride-depolarized rat uterus. These responses were blocked not only by yohimbine but also by glibenclamide (2.02 x 10(-8) M). Our results suggest that minoxidil possesses alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist activity in addition to potassium-channel-opening activity.

  12. Thermodynamics and docking of agonists to the β(2)-adrenoceptor determined using [(3)H](R,R')-4-methoxyfenoterol as the marker ligand.

    PubMed

    Toll, Lawrence; Pajak, Karolina; Plazinska, Anita; Jozwiak, Krzysztof; Jimenez, Lucita; Kozocas, Joseph A; Tanga, Mary J; Bupp, James E; Wainer, Irving W

    2012-06-01

    G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins that change conformation after ligand binding so that they can transduce signals from an extracellular ligand to a variety of intracellular components. The detailed interaction of a molecule with a G protein-coupled receptor is a complicated process that is influenced by the receptor conformation, thermodynamics, and ligand conformation and stereoisomeric configuration. To better understand the molecular interactions of fenoterol analogs with the β(2)-adrenergic receptor, we developed a new agonist radioligand for binding assays. [(3)H](R,R')-methoxyfenoterol was used to probe the binding affinity for a series of fenoterol stereoisomers and derivatives. The results suggest that the radioligand binds with high affinity to an agonist conformation of the receptor, which represents approximately 25% of the total β(2)-adrenoceptor (AR) population as determined with the antagonist [(3)H]CGP-12177. The β(2)-AR agonists tested in this study have considerably higher affinity for the agonist conformation of the receptor, and K(i) values determined for fenoterol analogs model much better the cAMP activity of the β(2)-AR elicited by these ligands. The thermodynamics of binding are also different when interacting with an agonist conformation, being purely entropy-driven for each fenoterol isomer, rather than a mixture of entropy and enthalpy when the fenoterol isomers binding was determined using [(3)H]CGP-12177. Finally, computational modeling identified the molecular interactions involved in agonist binding and allow for the prediction of additional novel β(2)-AR agonists. The study underlines the possibility of using defined radioligand structure to probe a specific conformation of such shape-shifting system as the β(2)-adrenoceptor.

  13. Thermodynamics and Docking of Agonists to the β2-Adrenoceptor Determined Using [3H](R,R′)-4-Methoxyfenoterol as the Marker Ligand

    PubMed Central

    Pajak, Karolina; Plazinska, Anita; Jozwiak, Krzysztof; Jimenez, Lucita; Kozocas, Joseph A.; Tanga, Mary J.; Bupp, James E.; Wainer, Irving W.

    2012-01-01

    G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins that change conformation after ligand binding so that they can transduce signals from an extracellular ligand to a variety of intracellular components. The detailed interaction of a molecule with a G protein-coupled receptor is a complicated process that is influenced by the receptor conformation, thermodynamics, and ligand conformation and stereoisomeric configuration. To better understand the molecular interactions of fenoterol analogs with the β2-adrenergic receptor, we developed a new agonist radioligand for binding assays. [3H](R,R′)-methoxyfenoterol was used to probe the binding affinity for a series of fenoterol stereoisomers and derivatives. The results suggest that the radioligand binds with high affinity to an agonist conformation of the receptor, which represents approximately 25% of the total β2-adrenoceptor (AR) population as determined with the antagonist [3H]CGP-12177. The β2-AR agonists tested in this study have considerably higher affinity for the agonist conformation of the receptor, and Ki values determined for fenoterol analogs model much better the cAMP activity of the β2-AR elicited by these ligands. The thermodynamics of binding are also different when interacting with an agonist conformation, being purely entropy-driven for each fenoterol isomer, rather than a mixture of entropy and enthalpy when the fenoterol isomers binding was determined using [3H]CGP-12177. Finally, computational modeling identified the molecular interactions involved in agonist binding and allow for the prediction of additional novel β2-AR agonists. The study underlines the possibility of using defined radioligand structure to probe a specific conformation of such shape-shifting system as the β2-adrenoceptor. PMID:22434858

  14. Dopamine acting at D1-like, D2-like and α1-adrenergic receptors differentially modulates theta and gamma oscillatory activity in primary motor cortex.

    PubMed

    Özkan, Mazhar; Johnson, Nicholas W; Sehirli, Umit S; Woodhall, Gavin L; Stanford, Ian M

    2017-01-01

    The loss of dopamine (DA) in Parkinson's is accompanied by the emergence of exaggerated theta and beta frequency neuronal oscillatory activity in the primary motor cortex (M1) and basal ganglia. DA replacement therapy or deep brain stimulation reduces the power of these oscillations and this is coincident with an improvement in motor performance implying a causal relationship. Here we provide in vitro evidence for the differential modulation of theta and gamma activity in M1 by DA acting at receptors exhibiting conventional and non-conventional DA pharmacology. Recording local field potentials in deep layer V of rat M1, co-application of carbachol (CCh, 5 μM) and kainic acid (KA, 150 nM) elicited simultaneous oscillations at a frequency of 6.49 ± 0.18 Hz (theta, n = 84) and 34.97 ± 0.39 Hz (gamma, n = 84). Bath application of DA resulted in a decrease in gamma power with no change in theta power. However, application of either the D1-like receptor agonist SKF38393 or the D2-like agonist quinpirole increased the power of both theta and gamma suggesting that the DA-mediated inhibition of oscillatory power is by action at other sites other than classical DA receptors. Application of amphetamine, which promotes endogenous amine neurotransmitter release, or the adrenergic α1-selective agonist phenylephrine mimicked the action of DA and reduced gamma power, a result unaffected by prior co-application of D1 and D2 receptor antagonists SCH23390 and sulpiride. Finally, application of the α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin blocked the action of DA on gamma power suggestive of interaction between α1 and DA receptors. These results show that DA mediates complex actions acting at dopamine D1-like and D2-like receptors, α1 adrenergic receptors and possibly DA/α1 heteromultimeric receptors to differentially modulate theta and gamma activity in M1.

  15. Treatment of Obesity-Related Complications with Novel Classes of Naturally Occurring PPAR Agonists

    PubMed Central

    Bassaganya-Riera, Josep; Guri, Amir J.; Hontecillas, Raquel

    2011-01-01

    The prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities has grown to epidemic proportions in the US and worldwide. Thus, developing safe and effective therapeutic approaches against these widespread and debilitating diseases is important and timely. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, γ, and δ through several classes of pharmaceuticals can prevent or treat a variety of metabolic and inflammatory diseases, including type II diabetes (T2D). Thus, PPARs represent important molecular targets for developing novel and better treatments for a wide range of debilitating and widespread obesity-related diseases and disorders. However, available PPAR γ agonistic drugs such as Avandia have significant adverse side effects, including weight gain, fluid retention, hepatotoxicity, and congestive heart failure. An alternative to synthetic agonists of PPAR γ is the discovery and development of naturally occurring and safer nutraceuticals that may be dual or pan PPAR agonists. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the health effects of three plant-derived PPAR agonists: abscisic acid (ABA), punicic acid (PUA), and catalpic acid (CAA) in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases and disorders. PMID:21253508

  16. Treatment of Obesity-Related Complications with Novel Classes of Naturally Occurring PPAR Agonists.

    PubMed

    Bassaganya-Riera, Josep; Guri, Amir J; Hontecillas, Raquel

    2011-01-01

    The prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities has grown to epidemic proportions in the US and worldwide. Thus, developing safe and effective therapeutic approaches against these widespread and debilitating diseases is important and timely. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, γ, and δ through several classes of pharmaceuticals can prevent or treat a variety of metabolic and inflammatory diseases, including type II diabetes (T2D). Thus, PPARs represent important molecular targets for developing novel and better treatments for a wide range of debilitating and widespread obesity-related diseases and disorders. However, available PPAR γ agonistic drugs such as Avandia have significant adverse side effects, including weight gain, fluid retention, hepatotoxicity, and congestive heart failure. An alternative to synthetic agonists of PPAR γ is the discovery and development of naturally occurring and safer nutraceuticals that may be dual or pan PPAR agonists. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the health effects of three plant-derived PPAR agonists: abscisic acid (ABA), punicic acid (PUA), and catalpic acid (CAA) in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases and disorders.

  17. Conformational changes in the M2 muscarinic receptor induced by membrane voltage and agonist binding

    PubMed Central

    Navarro-Polanco, Ricardo A; Galindo, Eloy G Moreno; Ferrer-Villada, Tania; Arias, Marcelo; Rigby, J Ryan; Sánchez-Chapula, José A; Tristani-Firouzi, Martin

    2011-01-01

    Abstract The ability to sense transmembrane voltage is a central feature of many membrane proteins, most notably voltage-gated ion channels. Gating current measurements provide valuable information on protein conformational changes induced by voltage. The recent observation that muscarinic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) generate gating currents confirms their intrinsic capacity to sense the membrane electrical field. Here, we studied the effect of voltage on agonist activation of M2 muscarinic receptors (M2R) in atrial myocytes and how agonist binding alters M2R gating currents. Membrane depolarization decreased the potency of acetylcholine (ACh), but increased the potency and efficacy of pilocarpine (Pilo), as measured by ACh-activated K+ current, IKACh. Voltage-induced conformational changes in M2R were modified in a ligand-selective manner: ACh reduced gating charge displacement while Pilo increased the amount of charge displaced. Thus, these ligands manifest opposite voltage-dependent IKACh modulation and exert opposite effects on M2R gating charge displacement. Finally, mutations in the putative ligand binding site perturbed the movement of the M2R voltage sensor. Our data suggest that changes in voltage induce conformational changes in the ligand binding site that alter the agonist–receptor interaction in a ligand-dependent manner. Voltage-dependent GPCR modulation has important implications for cellular signalling in excitable tissues. Gating current measurement allows for the tracking of subtle conformational changes in the receptor that accompany agonist binding and changes in membrane voltage. PMID:21282291

  18. Osteoprotegerin and β2-Agonists Mitigate Muscular Dystrophy in Slow- and Fast-Twitch Skeletal Muscles.

    PubMed

    Dufresne, Sébastien S; Boulanger-Piette, Antoine; Frenette, Jérôme

    2017-03-01

    Our recent work showed that daily injections of osteoprotegerin (OPG)-immunoglobulin fragment complex (OPG-Fc) completely restore the function of fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles in dystrophic mdx mice, a murine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, despite marked improvements, OPG-Fc was not as effective in preventing the loss of function of slow-twitch soleus and diaphragm muscles. Because β 2 -agonists enhance the function of slow- and fast-twitch dystrophic muscles and because their use is limited by their adverse effects on bone and cardiac tissues, we hypothesized that OPG-Fc, a bone and skeletal muscle protector, acts synergistically with β 2 -agonists and potentiates their positive effects on skeletal muscles. We observed that the content of β 2 -adrenergic receptors, which are mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, is significantly reduced in dystrophic muscles but is rescued by the injection of OPG-Fc. Most important, OPG-Fc combined with a low dose of formoterol, a member of a new generation of β 2 -agonists, histologically and functionally rescued slow-twitch dystrophic muscles. This combination of therapeutic agents, which have already been tested and approved for human use, may open up new therapeutic avenues for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and possibly other neuromuscular diseases. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Bifunctional [2’,6’-Dimethyl-l-tyrosine1]Endomorphin-2 Analogues Substituted at Position 3 with Alkylated Phenylalanine Derivatives Yield Potent Mixed μ-Agonist/δ-Antagonist and Dual μ-/δ-Agonist Opioid Ligands

    PubMed Central

    Li, Tingyou; Shiotani, Kimitaka; Miyazaki, Anna; Tsuda, Yuko; Ambo, Akihiro; Sasaki, Yusuke; Jinsmaa, Yunden; Marczak, Ewa; Bryant, Sharon D.; Lazarus, Lawrence H.; Okada, Yoshio

    2009-01-01

    Endomorphin-2 (H-Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) and [Dmt1]EM-2 (Dmt = 2’,6’-dimethyl-l-tyrosine) analogues were synthesized containing alkylated Phe3 derivatives, 2’-monomethyl (2, 2’), 3’,5’- and 2’,6’-dimethyl (3, 3’, and 4’, respectively), 2’,4’,6’-trimethyl (6, 6’), 2’-ethyl-6’-methyl (7, 7’) and 2’-isopropyl-6’-methyl (8, 8’) groups or Dmt (5, 5’). They had the following characteristics: (i) [Xaa3]EM-2 analogues improved μ- and δ-opioid receptor affinities, the latter were inconsequential (Kiδ= 491–3,451 nM); (ii) [Dmt1,Xaa3]EM-2 analogues enhanced μ- and δ-opioid receptor affinities (Kiμ = 0.069–0.32 nM; Kiδ = 1.83–99.8 nM) and lacked interaction with κ-opioid receptors, and (iii) elevated μ-bioactivity (IC50 = 0.12–14.4 nM) and abolished δ-agonism (IC50 > 10 µM; 2’, 3’, 4’, 5’, 6’); however, 4’ and 6’ exhibited mixed μ-agonism/δ-antagonism (4’: IC50μ = 0.12, pA2 = 8.15; 6’: IC50μ = 0.21 nM, pA2 = 9.05), and 7’ was a dual μ-/δ -agonist (IC50μ = 0.17 nM; IC50δ = 0.51 nM). Alteration of EM-2 activity by Dmt1 and alkylated Phe3 residues retained μ-receptor bioactivity and formed dual μ-/δ -agonists and mixed μ-agonists/δ-antagonists. PMID:17497839

  20. The Impact of Selective Dopamine D2, D3 and D4 Ligands on the Rat Gambling Task.

    PubMed

    Di Ciano, Patricia; Pushparaj, Abhiram; Kim, Aaron; Hatch, Jessica; Masood, Talal; Ramzi, Abby; Khaled, Maram A T M; Boileau, Isabelle; Winstanley, Catherine A; Le Foll, Bernard

    2015-01-01

    Gambling is an addictive disorder with serious societal and personal costs. To-date, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for gambling disorder. Evidence suggests a role for dopamine in gambling disorder and thus may provide a therapeutic target. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of selective antagonists and agonists of D2, D3 and D4 receptors in a rodent analogue of the Iowa gambling task used clinically. In this rat gambling task (rGT), animals are trained to associate different response holes with different magnitudes and probabilities of food pellet rewards and punishing time-out periods. As in the Iowa gambling task, the optimal strategy is to avoid the tempting high-risk high-reward options, and instead favor those linked to smaller per-trial rewards but also lower punishments, thereby maximizing the amount of reward earned over time. Administration of those selective ligands did not affect decision making under the rGT. Only the D4 drug had modest effects on latency measures suggesting that D4 may contribute in some ways to decision making under this task.

  1. Novel Podophyllotoxin Derivatives as Partial PPARγ Agonists and their Effects on Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiangming; Liu, Huijuan; Sun, Bo; Sun, Yan; Zhong, Weilong; Liu, Yanrong; Chen, Shuang; Ling, Honglei; Zhou, Lei; Jing, Xiangyan; Qin, Yuan; Xiao, Ting; Sun, Tao; Zhou, Honggang; Yang, Cheng

    2016-11-17

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is recognized as a key regulator of insulin resistance. In this study, we searched for novel PPARγ agonists in a library of structurally diverse organic compounds and determined that podophyllotoxin exhibits partial agonist activity toward PPARγ. Eight novel podophyllotoxin-like derivatives were synthesized and assayed for toxicity and functional activity toward PPARγ to reduce the possible systemic toxic effects of podophyllotoxin and to maintain partial agonist activity toward PPARγ. Cell-based transactivation assays showed that compounds (E)-3-(hydroxy(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl)-4-(4(trifluoromethyl)styryl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3a) and (E)-4-(3-acetylstyryl)-3-(hydroxyl (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)methyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3f) exhibited partial agonist activity. An experiment using human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2) that were induced to become an insulin-resistant model showed that compounds 3a and 3f improved insulin sensitivity and glucose consumption. In addition, compounds 3a and 3f significantly improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-fed streptozotocin (HFD-STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day administered orally for 45 days, without significant weight gain. Cell toxicity testing also showed that compounds 3a and 3f exhibited weaker toxicity than pioglitazone. These findings suggested that compounds 3a and 3f improved insulin resistance in vivo and in vitro and that the compounds exhibited potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

  2. Differential profile of typical, atypical and third generation antipsychotics at human 5-HT7a receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase: detection of agonist and inverse agonist properties.

    PubMed

    Rauly-Lestienne, Isabelle; Boutet-Robinet, Elisa; Ailhaud, Marie-Christine; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian; Cussac, Didier

    2007-10-01

    5-HT(7) receptors are present in thalamus and limbic structures, and a possible role of these receptors in the pathology of schizophrenia has been evoked. In this study, we examined binding affinity and agonist/antagonist/inverse agonist properties at these receptors of a large series of antipsychotics, i.e., typical, atypical, and third generation compounds preferentially targeting D(2) and 5-HT(1A) sites. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity was measured in HEK293 cells stably expressing the human (h) 5-HT(7a) receptor isoform. 5-HT and 5-CT increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate level by about 20-fold whereas (+)-8-OH-DPAT, the antidyskinetic agent sarizotan, and the novel antipsychotic compound bifeprunox exhibited partial agonist properties at h5-HT(7a) receptors stimulating AC. Other compounds antagonized 5-HT-induced AC activity with pK (B) values which correlated with their pK (i) as determined by competition binding vs [(3)H]5-CT. The selective 5-HT(7) receptor ligand, SB269970, was the most potent antagonist. For antipsychotic compounds, the following rank order of antagonism potency (pK (B)) was ziprasidone > tiospirone > SSR181507 > or = clozapine > or = olanzapine > SLV-314 > SLV-313 > or = aripiprazole > or = chlorpromazine > nemonapride > haloperidol. Interestingly, pretreatment of HEK293-h5-HT(7a) cells with forskolin enhanced basal AC activity and revealed inverse agonist properties for both typical and atypical antipsychotics as well as for aripiprazole. In contrast, other novel antipsychotics exhibited diverse 5-HT(7a) properties; SLV-313 and SLV-314 behaved as quasi-neutral antagonists, SSR181507 acted as an inverse agonist, and bifeprunox as a partial agonist, as mentioned above. In conclusion, the differential properties of third generation antipsychotics at 5-HT(7) receptors may influence their antipsychotic profile.

  3. Discrimination between olfactory receptor agonists and non-agonists.

    PubMed

    Topin, Jérémie; de March, Claire A; Charlier, Landry; Ronin, Catherine; Antonczak, Serge; Golebiowski, Jérôme

    2014-08-11

    A joint approach combining free-energy calculations and calcium-imaging assays on the broadly tuned human 1G1 olfactory receptor is reported. The free energy of binding of ten odorants was computed by means of molecular-dynamics simulations. This state function allows separating the experimentally determined eight agonists from the two non-agonists. This study constitutes a proof-of-principle for the computational deorphanization of olfactory receptors. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. In Vivo Tracking of Copper-64 Radiolabeled Nanoparticles in Lactuca sativa.

    PubMed

    Davis, Ryan A; Rippner, Devin A; Hausner, Sven H; Parikh, Sanjai J; McElrone, Andrew J; Sutcliffe, Julie L

    2017-11-07

    Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in commercial products including automotive lubricants, clothing, deodorants, sunscreens, and cosmetics and can potentially accumulate in our food supply. Given their size it is difficult to detect and visualize the presence of NPs in environmental samples, including crop plants. New analytical tools are needed to fill the void for detection and visualization of NPs in complex biological and environmental matrices. We aimed to determine whether radiolabeled NPs could be used as a noninvasive, highly sensitive analytical tool to quantitatively track and visualize NP transport and accumulation in vivo in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and to investigate the effect of NP size on transport and distribution over time using a combination of autoradiography, positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transition electron microscopy (TEM). Azide functionalized NPs were radiolabeled via a "click" reaction with copper-64 ( 64 Cu)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane triacetic acid (NOTA) azadibenzocyclooctyne (ADIBO) conjugate ([ 64 Cu]-ADIBO-NOTA) via copper-free Huisgen-1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. This yielded radiolabeled [ 64 Cu]-NPs of uniform shape and size with a high radiochemical purity (>99%), specific activity of  2.2 mCi/mg of NP, and high stability (i.e., no detectable dissolution) over 24 h across a pH range of 5-9. Both PET/CT and autoradiography showed that [ 64 Cu]-NPs entered the lettuce seedling roots and were rapidly transported to the cotyledons with the majority of the accumulation inside the roots. Uptake and transport of intact NPs was size-dependent, and in combination with the accumulation within the roots suggests a filtering effect of the plant cell walls at various points along the water transport pathway.

  5. Dopamine Gene Profiling to Predict Impulse Control and Effects of Dopamine Agonist Ropinirole.

    PubMed

    MacDonald, Hayley J; Stinear, Cathy M; Ren, April; Coxon, James P; Kao, Justin; Macdonald, Lorraine; Snow, Barry; Cramer, Steven C; Byblow, Winston D

    2016-07-01

    Dopamine agonists can impair inhibitory control and cause impulse control disorders for those with Parkinson disease (PD), although mechanistically this is not well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that the extent of such drug effects on impulse control is related to specific dopamine gene polymorphisms. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to examine the effect of single doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg of the dopamine agonist ropinirole on impulse control in healthy adults of typical age for PD onset. Impulse control was measured by stop signal RT on a response inhibition task and by an index of impulsive decision-making on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. A dopamine genetic risk score quantified basal dopamine neurotransmission from the influence of five genes: catechol-O-methyltransferase, dopamine transporter, and those encoding receptors D1, D2, and D3. With placebo, impulse control was better for the high versus low genetic risk score groups. Ropinirole modulated impulse control in a manner dependent on genetic risk score. For the lower score group, both doses improved response inhibition (decreased stop signal RT) whereas the lower dose reduced impulsiveness in decision-making. Conversely, the higher score group showed a trend for worsened response inhibition on the lower dose whereas both doses increased impulsiveness in decision-making. The implications of the present findings are that genotyping can be used to predict impulse control and whether it will improve or worsen with the administration of dopamine agonists.

  6. A dopamine D2 receptor mutant capable of G protein-mediated signaling but deficient in arrestin binding.

    PubMed

    Lan, Hongxiang; Liu, Yong; Bell, Michal I; Gurevich, Vsevolod V; Neve, Kim A

    2009-01-01

    Arrestins mediate G protein-coupled receptor desensitization, internalization, and signaling. Dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors have similar structures but distinct characteristics of interaction with arrestins. The goals of this study were to compare arrestin-binding determinants in D(2) and D(3) receptors other than phosphorylation sites and to create a D(2) receptor that is deficient in arrestin binding. We first assessed the ability of purified arrestins to bind to glutathione transferase (GST) fusion proteins containing the receptor third intracellular loops (IC3). Arrestin3 bound to IC3 of both D(2) and D(3) receptors, with the affinity and localization of the binding site indistinguishable between the receptor subtypes. Mutagenesis of the GST-IC3 fusion proteins identified an important determinant of the binding of arrestin3 in the N-terminal region of IC3. Alanine mutations of this determinant (IYIV212-215) in the full-length D(2) receptor generated a signaling-biased receptor with intact ligand binding and G-protein coupling and activation, but deficient in receptor-mediated arrestin3 translocation to the membrane, agonist-induced receptor internalization, and agonist-induced desensitization in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. This mutation also decreased arrestin-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases. The finding that nonphosphorylated D(2)-IC3 and D(3)-IC3 have similar affinity for arrestin is consistent with previous suggestions that the differential effects of D(2) and D(3) receptor activation on membrane translocation of arrestin and receptor internalization are due, at least in part, to differential phosphorylation of the receptors. In addition, these results imply that the sequence IYIV212-215 at the N terminus of IC3 of the D(2) receptor is a key element of the arrestin binding site.

  7. Interactions of agonists with an allosteric antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine M2 receptors.

    PubMed

    Lanzafame, A; Christopoulos, A; Mitchelson, F

    1996-11-28

    The interaction of heptane-1,7-bis(dimethyl-3'-phthalimidopropylammonium bromide) (C7/3'-phth), with several agonists, was investigated at the muscarinic M2 receptor in guinea-pig left atria. C7/3'-phth shifted concentration-response curves for the agonists, carbachol, oxotremorine-M and (+)-cis-dioxolane, to the right in a parallel fashion. Arunlakshana-Schild regressions of the data yielded slopes significantly different to unity, suggesting non-competitive antagonism. Non-linear regression analysis, using an equation based on allosteric modulation, gave quantitative estimates of co-operativity (alpha values) and the dissociation constant of C7/3'-phth (KB). In all cases, the KB estimates for C7/3'-phth were not significantly different. Increasing the carbachol contact time 10-fold did not significantly influence the KB or the alpha value obtained with C7/3'-phth. Changing from Krebs to Tyrode solution did not significantly alter the KB for C7/3'-phth, although alpha values obtained were consistently lower in Tyrode solution, suggesting that the allosteric action may be sensitive to buffer composition. A 4-fold higher degree of negative, heterotropic co-operativity between C7/3'-phth and agonists than between C7/3'-phth and competitive antagonists was also found.

  8. Wound Healing Is Impaired in MyD88-Deficient Mice

    PubMed Central

    Macedo, Lisa; Pinhal-Enfield, Grace; Alshits, Vera; Elson, Genie; Cronstein, Bruce Neil; Leibovich, Samuel Joseph

    2007-01-01

    Synergy between Toll-like receptor (TLR) and adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) signaling switches macrophages from production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α to production of the angiogenic growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We show in this study that this switch critically requires signaling through MyD88, IRAK4, and TRAF6. Macrophages from mice lacking MyD88 (MyD88−/−) or IRAK4 (IRAK4−/−) lacked responsiveness to TLR agonists and did not respond to A2AR agonists by expressing VEGF. Suppression of TRAF6 expression with siRNA in RAW264.7 macrophages also blocked their response to TLR and A2AR agonists. Excisional skin wounds in MyD88−/− mice healed at a markedly slower rate than wounds in wild-type MyD88+/+ mice, showing delayed contraction, decreased and delayed granulation tissue formation, and reduced new blood vessel density. Although macrophages accumulated to higher levels in MyD88−/− wounds than in controls, expression of VEGF and HIF1-α mRNAs was elevated in MyD88+/+ wounds. CGS21680, an A2AR agonist, promoted repair in MyD88+/+ wounds and stimulated angiogenesis but had no significant effect on healing of MyD88−/− wounds. These results suggest that the synergistic interaction between TLR and A2AR signaling observed in vitro that switches macrophages from an inflammatory to an angiogenic phenotype also plays a role in wound healing in vivo. PMID:17974599

  9. Paradoxical Lung Function Response to Beta2-agonists: Radiologic Correlates and Clinical Implications

    PubMed Central

    Bhatt, Surya P.; Wells, James M.; Kim, Victor; Criner, Gerard J.; Hersh, Craig P.; Hardin, Megan; Bailey, William C.; Nath, Hrudaya; il-Kim, Young; Foreman, Marilyn G.; Stinson, Douglas S.; Wilson, Carla G.; Rennard, Stephen I.; Silverman, Edwin K.; Make, Barry J.; Dransfield, Mark T.

    2014-01-01

    Background Bronchodilator response is seen in a significant proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there are also reports of a paradoxical response (PR) to beta2-agonists, resulting in bronchoconstriction. Asymptomatic bronchoconstriction is likely far more common but there has been no systematic study of this phenomenon.We assessed theprevalence of PR in current and former smokers with and without COPD, and its radiologic correlates and clinical implications. Methods Subjects from a large multicenter study (COPDGene) were categorized into two groups based on PR defined as at least a 12% and 200mLreduction in FEV1 and/or FVC after administration of a short-acting beta2-agonist (180ucg albuterol). Predictors of PR and associations with respiratory morbidity and computed tomographic measures of emphysema and airway disease were assessed. Findings 9986 subjects were included. PR was seen in 4.54% and the frequency was similar in those with COPD and smokers without airflow obstruction. Compared to Caucasians, PR was twice as common in African-Americans (6.9% vs. 3.4%;p <0.001). On multivariate analyses, African- American race (adjusted OR 1.89, 95%CI 1.50 to 2.39), lesspercent emphysema (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.92 to 0.99) and increased wall-area% of segmental airways (OR 1.04,95%CI 1.01 to 1.08) were independently associated with PR.PR was independently associated with worse dyspnea, lower six-minute-walk distance, higher BODE index, and a greater frequency of exacerbations(increased by a factor of 1.35, 95%CI 1.003 to 1.81). Interpretation Paradoxical response to beta2-agonists is associated with respiratory morbidity and is more common in African Americans. PMID:25217076

  10. A retinoic acid receptor β2 agonist reduces hepatic stellate cell activation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

    PubMed

    Trasino, Steven E; Tang, Xiao-Han; Jessurun, Jose; Gudas, Lorraine J

    2016-10-01

    Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are an important cellular target for the development of novel pharmacological therapies to prevent and treat nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Using a high fat diet (HFD) model of NAFLD, we sought to determine if synthetic selective agonists for retinoic acid receptor β2 (RARβ2) and RARγ can mitigate HSC activation and HSC relevant signaling pathways during early stages of NAFLD, before the onset of liver injury. We demonstrate that the highly selective RARβ2 agonist, AC261066, can reduce the activation of HSCs, marked by decreased HSC expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), in mice with HFD-induced NAFLD. Livers of HFD-fed mice treated with AC261066 exhibited reduced steatosis, oxidative stress, and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Kupffer cell (macrophage) expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which plays a critical role in early HSC activation, was markedly reduced in AC261066-treated, HFD-fed mice. In contrast, HFD-fed mice treated with an RARγ agonist (CD1530) showed no decreases in steatosis, HSC activation, or Kupffer cell TGF-β1 levels. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that RARβ2 is an attractive target for development of NAFLD therapies. • Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are an important pharmacological target for the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). • Retinoids and retinoic acid receptors (RARs) possess favorable metabolic modulating properties. • We show that an agonist for retinoic acid receptor-β2 (RARβ2), but not RARγ, mitigates HSC activation and NAFLD.

  11. Serum Testosterone Levels in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy.

    PubMed

    Morote, Juan; Comas, Inma; Planas, Jacques; Maldonado, Xavier; Celma, Ana; Placer, José; Ferrer, Roser; Carles, Joan; Regis, Lucas

    2018-04-01

    Serum testosterone measurement is recommended to assess the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and to diagnose castration resistance in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Currently, the accepted castrate level of serum testosterone is 50 ng/dL. Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC MSMS) is the appropriate method to measure testosterone, especially at low levels. However, worldwide, chemiluminescent assays (CLIAs) are used in clinical laboratories, despite their lack of accuracy and reproducibility, because they are automatable, fast, sensitive, and inexpensive. We compared serum testosterone levels measured using LC MSMS and CLIAs in 126 patients with PCa undergoing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist therapy. The median serum testosterone level was 14.0 ng/dL (range, 2.0-67.0 ng/dL) with LC MSMS and 31.9 ng/dL (range, 10.0-91.6 ng/dL) with CLIA (P < .001). The serum testosterone levels, measured using LC MSMS, were < 20 ng/dL in 83 patients (65.9%), 20 to 50 ng/dL in 40 (31.7%), and > 50 ng/dL in 3 patients (2.4%). These ranges were found in 34 (27%), 72 (57.1%), and 20 (15.9%) patients when testosterone was measured using CLIA (P < .001). The castrate level of serum testosterone using LC MSMS and CLIA was 39.8 ng/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.1-43.4 ng/dL) and 66.5 ng/dL (95% CI, 62.3-71.2 ng/dL), respectively. We found that CLIA overestimated the testosterone levels in PCa patients undergoing LHRH agonist therapy. Thus, the castration level was incorrectly considered inadequate with CLIA in almost 15% of patients. The true castration level of serum testosterone using an appropriate method is < 50 ng/dL. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Antipsychotic-like vs cataleptogenic actions in mice of novel antipsychotics having D2 antagonist and 5-HT1A agonist properties.

    PubMed

    Bardin, Laurent; Kleven, Mark S; Barret-Grévoz, Catherine; Depoortère, Ronan; Newman-Tancredi, Adrian

    2006-09-01

    A new generation of proven or potential antipsychotics, including aripiprazole, bifeprunox, SSR181507 and SLV313, exhibit agonist actions at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, but little comparative data are available on their pharmacological profiles. Here, we compared in mice the in vivo antipsychotic-like vs cataleptogenic activities of these compounds with those of drugs that exhibit little interaction at 5-HT1A receptors, such as haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone. All the drugs dose-dependently reduced apomorphine-induced climbing or sniffing and, with the exception of ziprasidone, produced complete suppression of these responses. In the bar catalepsy test, when administered alone, haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone produced marked catalepsy, whereas, at doses up to 40 mg/kg, aripiprazole, SLV313, SSR181507, and sarizotan produced little or no catalepsy. The latter compounds, therefore, displayed a large separation between doses with 'antipsychotic-like' and those with cataleptogenic actions. When 5-HT1A receptors were blocked by pretreatment with WAY100635 (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.), cataleptogenic properties of SSR181507 and sarizotan were unmasked, and the catalepsy induced by bifeprunox was enhanced. In the case of aripiprazole and SLV313, although WAY100635 produced upward shifts in their dose-response, the magnitude of catalepsy appeared to reach an asymptotic plateau, suggesting that other mechanisms may be involved in their low cataleptogenic liability. The present data confirm that 5-HT1A receptor activation reduces or even completely prevents the cataleptogenic potential of novel antipsychotic agents. Further, they indicate that the balance of affinity and/or efficacy between D2 and 5-HT1A receptors profoundly influences their pharmacological activities, and will likely impact their therapeutic profiles.

  13. Agonist-biased trafficking of somatostatin receptor 2A in enteric neurons.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Peishen; Canals, Meritxell; Murphy, Jane E; Klingler, Diana; Eriksson, Emily M; Pelayo, Juan-Carlos; Hardt, Markus; Bunnett, Nigel W; Poole, Daniel P

    2013-09-06

    Somatostatin (SST) 14 and SST 28 activate somatostatin 2A receptors (SSTR2A) on enteric neurons to control gut functions. SST analogs are treatments of neuroendocrine and bleeding disorders, cancer, and diarrhea, with gastrointestinal side effects of constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea. How endogenous agonists and drugs differentially regulate neuronal SSTR2A is unexplored. We evaluated SSTR2A trafficking in murine myenteric neurons and neuroendocrine AtT-20 cells by microscopy and determined whether agonist degradation by endosomal endothelin-converting enzyme 1 (ECE-1) controls SSTR2A trafficking and association with β-arrestins, key regulators of receptors. SST-14, SST-28, and peptide analogs (octreotide, lanreotide, and vapreotide) stimulated clathrin- and dynamin-mediated internalization of SSTR2A, which colocalized with ECE-1 in endosomes and the Golgi. After incubation with SST-14, SSTR2A recycled to the plasma membrane, which required active ECE-1 and an intact Golgi. SSTR2A activated by SST-28, octreotide, lanreotide, or vapreotide was retained within the Golgi and did not recycle. Although ECE-1 rapidly degraded SST-14, SST-28 was resistant to degradation, and ECE-1 did not degrade SST analogs. SST-14 and SST-28 induced transient interactions between SSTR2A and β-arrestins that were stabilized by an ECE-1 inhibitor. Octreotide induced sustained SSTR2A/β-arrestin interactions that were not regulated by ECE-1. Thus, when activated by SST-14, SSTR2A internalizes and recycles via the Golgi, which requires ECE-1 degradation of SST-14 and receptor dissociation from β-arrestins. After activation by ECE-1-resistant SST-28 and analogs, SSTR2A remains in endosomes because of sustained β-arrestin interactions. Therapeutic SST analogs are ECE-1-resistant and retain SSTR2A in endosomes, which may explain their long-lasting actions.

  14. Agonist-biased Trafficking of Somatostatin Receptor 2A in Enteric Neurons*

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Peishen; Canals, Meritxell; Murphy, Jane E.; Klingler, Diana; Eriksson, Emily M.; Pelayo, Juan-Carlos; Hardt, Markus; Bunnett, Nigel W.; Poole, Daniel P.

    2013-01-01

    Somatostatin (SST) 14 and SST 28 activate somatostatin 2A receptors (SSTR2A) on enteric neurons to control gut functions. SST analogs are treatments of neuroendocrine and bleeding disorders, cancer, and diarrhea, with gastrointestinal side effects of constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea. How endogenous agonists and drugs differentially regulate neuronal SSTR2A is unexplored. We evaluated SSTR2A trafficking in murine myenteric neurons and neuroendocrine AtT-20 cells by microscopy and determined whether agonist degradation by endosomal endothelin-converting enzyme 1 (ECE-1) controls SSTR2A trafficking and association with β-arrestins, key regulators of receptors. SST-14, SST-28, and peptide analogs (octreotide, lanreotide, and vapreotide) stimulated clathrin- and dynamin-mediated internalization of SSTR2A, which colocalized with ECE-1 in endosomes and the Golgi. After incubation with SST-14, SSTR2A recycled to the plasma membrane, which required active ECE-1 and an intact Golgi. SSTR2A activated by SST-28, octreotide, lanreotide, or vapreotide was retained within the Golgi and did not recycle. Although ECE-1 rapidly degraded SST-14, SST-28 was resistant to degradation, and ECE-1 did not degrade SST analogs. SST-14 and SST-28 induced transient interactions between SSTR2A and β-arrestins that were stabilized by an ECE-1 inhibitor. Octreotide induced sustained SSTR2A/β-arrestin interactions that were not regulated by ECE-1. Thus, when activated by SST-14, SSTR2A internalizes and recycles via the Golgi, which requires ECE-1 degradation of SST-14 and receptor dissociation from β-arrestins. After activation by ECE-1-resistant SST-28 and analogs, SSTR2A remains in endosomes because of sustained β-arrestin interactions. Therapeutic SST analogs are ECE-1-resistant and retain SSTR2A in endosomes, which may explain their long-lasting actions. PMID:23913690

  15. Cell-Free Expression, Purification, and Characterization of the Functional β2-Adrenergic Receptor for Multianalyte Detection of β-Agonists.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jian; Liu, Yuan; Zhang, Junhua; Han, Zhengzheng; Wang, Wei; Liu, Yang; Wei, Dong; Huang, Wei

    2017-11-01

    Large-scale expression of β 2 -adrenergic receptor (β 2 -AR) in functional form is necessary for establishment of receptor assays for detecting illegally abused β-adrenergic agonists (β-agonists). Cell-based heterologous expression systems have manycritical difficulties in synthesizing this membrane protein, such as low protein yields and aberrant folding. To overcome these challenges, the main objective of the present work was to synthesize large amounts of functional β 2 -AR in a cell-free system based on Escherichia coli extracts. A codon-optimized porcine β 2 -AR gene (codon adaptation index: 0.96) suitable for high expression in E. coli was synthesized and transcribed to the cell-free system, which contributed to increase the expression up to 1.1 mg/ml. After purification using Ni-affinity chromatography, the bioactivity of the purified receptor was measured by novel enzyme-linked receptor assays. It was determined that the relative affinities of the purified β 2 -AR for β-agonists in descending order were as follows: clenbuterol > salbutamol > ractopamine. Moreover, their IC 50 values were 45.99, 60.38, and 78.02 µg/liter, respectively. Although activity of the cell-free system was slightly lower than activity of systems based on insect and mammalian cells, this system should allow production of β 2 -AR in bulk amounts sufficient for the development of multianalyte screening methods for detecting β-agonist residues.

  16. Radiolabeling and initial biological evaluation of [18F]KBM-1 for imaging RAR-α receptors in neuroblastoma.

    PubMed

    Solingapuram Sai, Kiran Kumar; Das, Bhaskar C; Sattiraju, Anirudh; Almaguel, Frankis G; Craft, Suzanne; Mintz, Akiva

    2017-03-15

    Retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α) plays a significant role in a number of diseases, including neuroblastoma. Children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma are treated13-cis-retinoic acid, which reduces risk of cancer recurrence. Neuroblastoma cell death is mediated via RAR-α, and expression of RAR-α is upregulated after treatment. A molecular imaging probe that binds RAR-α will help clinicians to diagnose and stratify risk for patients with neuroblastoma, who could benefit from retinoid-based therapy. In this study, we report the radiolabeling, and initial in vivo evaluation of [ 18 F]KBM-1, a novel RAR-α agonist. The radiochemical synthesis of [ 18 F]KBM-1 was carried out through KHF 2 assisted substitution of [ 18 F] - from aryl-substituted pinacolatoesters-based retinoid precursor. In vitro cell uptake assay in human neuroblastoma cell line showed that the uptake of [ 18 F]KBM-1 was significantly inhibited by all three blocking agents (KBM-1, ATRA, BD4) at all the selected incubation times. Standard biodistribution in mice bearing neuroblastoma tumors demonstrated increased tumor uptake from 5min to 60min post radiotracer injection and the uptake ratios for target to non-target (tumor: muscle) increased 2.2-fold to 3.7-fold from 30min to 60min post injection. Tumor uptake in subset of 30min blocking group was 1.7-fold lower than unblocked. These results demonstrate the potential utility of [ 18 F]KBM-1 as a RAR-α imaging agent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Chelator free gallium-68 radiolabelling of silica coated iron oxide nanorods via surface interactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burke, Benjamin P.; Baghdadi, Neazar; Kownacka, Alicja E.; Nigam, Shubhanchi; Clemente, Gonçalo S.; Al-Yassiry, Mustafa M.; Domarkas, Juozas; Lorch, Mark; Pickles, Martin; Gibbs, Peter; Tripier, Raphaël; Cawthorne, Christopher; Archibald, Stephen J.

    2015-09-01

    The commercial availability of combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/positron emission tomography (PET) scanners for clinical use has increased demand for easily prepared agents which offer signal or contrast in both modalities. Herein we describe a new class of silica coated iron-oxide nanorods (NRs) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and/or a tetraazamacrocyclic chelator (DO3A). Studies of the coated NRs validate their composition and confirm their properties as in vivo T2 MRI contrast agents. Radiolabelling studies with the positron emitting radioisotope gallium-68 (t1/2 = 68 min) demonstrate that, in the presence of the silica coating, the macrocyclic chelator was not required for preparation of highly stable radiometal-NR constructs. In vivo PET-CT and MR imaging studies show the expected high liver uptake of gallium-68 radiolabelled nanorods with no significant release of gallium-68 metal ions, validating our innovation to provide a novel simple method for labelling of iron oxide NRs with a radiometal in the absence of a chelating unit that can be used for high sensitivity liver imaging.The commercial availability of combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/positron emission tomography (PET) scanners for clinical use has increased demand for easily prepared agents which offer signal or contrast in both modalities. Herein we describe a new class of silica coated iron-oxide nanorods (NRs) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and/or a tetraazamacrocyclic chelator (DO3A). Studies of the coated NRs validate their composition and confirm their properties as in vivo T2 MRI contrast agents. Radiolabelling studies with the positron emitting radioisotope gallium-68 (t1/2 = 68 min) demonstrate that, in the presence of the silica coating, the macrocyclic chelator was not required for preparation of highly stable radiometal-NR constructs. In vivo PET-CT and MR imaging studies show the expected high liver uptake of gallium-68 radiolabelled nanorods with no

  18. [Stimulation of D2-receptors improves passive avoidance learning in female rats].

    PubMed

    Fedotova, Iu O

    2012-01-01

    The involvement of D2-receptors in learning/memory processes during ovary cycle was assessed in the adult female rats. Quinperole (0,1 mg/kg, i.p.), D2-receptor agonist and sulpiride (10,0 mg/kg, i.p.), D2-receptor antagonist were injected chronically to adult female rats. Learning of these animals was assessed in different models: passive avoidance performance and Morris water maze. Chronic quinperole administration to females resulted in the appearance of the passive avoidance performance in proestrous and estrous, as distinct from the control animals. Also, quinperole improved spatial learning in proestrous and stimulated it in estrous in Morris water maze. Chronic sulpiride administration similarly impaired non-spatial and spatial learning in females during all phases of ovary cycle. The results of the study suggest modulating role of D2-receptors in learning/memory processes during ovary cycle in the adult female rats.

  19. GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes: pharmacokinetic and toxicological considerations.

    PubMed

    Jespersen, Maria J; Knop, Filip K; Christensen, Mikkel

    2013-01-01

    Within recent years, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RA) have emerged as a new treatment option for type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1-RA are administered subcutaneously and differ substantially in pharmacokinetic profiles. This review describes the pharmacokinetics and safety aspects of the currently available GLP-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide (based on the structure of native GLP-1), exenatide twice daily and exenatide once weekly (based on exendin-4) in relation to the kinetics and toxicology of native GLP-1. The review is based on electronic literature searches and legal documents in the form of assessment reports from the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration. GLP-1-based therapy combines several unique mechanisms of action and have the potential to gain widespread use in the fight against diabetes and obesity. The difference in chemical structure have strong implications for key pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption and clearance, and eventually the safety and efficacy of the individual GLP-1-RA. The main safety concerns are pancreatitis and neoplasms, for which there are no identifiable differences in risk between the available agents. Antibody formation and injection site reactions are more frequent with the exendin-4-based compounds. The efficacy with regard to Hb(A1c) reduction is superior with the longer-acting agonists, whereas the shorter-acting GLP-1-RA seems to provide greater postprandial glucose control and lower tolerability as a possible consequence of less induction of tachyphylaxis. The future place of these agents will depend on the added safety and efficacy data in the several ongoing cardiovascular outcome trials.

  20. Microreactor and method for preparing a radiolabeled complex or a biomolecule conjugate

    DOEpatents

    Reichert, David E; Kenis, Paul J. A.; Wheeler, Tobias D; Desai, Amit V; Zeng, Dexing; Onal, Birce C

    2015-03-17

    A microreactor for preparing a radiolabeled complex or a biomolecule conjugate comprises a microchannel for fluid flow, where the microchannel comprises a mixing portion comprising one or more passive mixing elements, and a reservoir for incubating a mixed fluid. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the microchannel and is disposed downstream of the mixing portion. A method of preparing a radiolabeled complex includes flowing a radiometal solution comprising a metallic radionuclide through a downstream mixing portion of a microchannel, where the downstream mixing portion includes one or more passive mixing elements, and flowing a ligand solution comprising a bifunctional chelator through the downstream mixing portion. The ligand solution and the radiometal solution are passively mixed while in the downstream mixing portion to initiate a chelation reaction between the metallic radionuclide and the bifunctional chelator. The chelation reaction is completed to form a radiolabeled complex.

  1. Agonist and antagonist effects of diadenosine tetraphosphate, a platelet dense granule constituent, on platelet P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1 receptors.

    PubMed

    Chang, Hung; Yanachkov, Ivan B; Michelson, Alan D; Li, YouFu; Barnard, M R; Wright, George E; Frelinger, Andrew L

    2010-02-01

    Diadenosine 5',5'''-P(1),P(4)- tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) is stored in platelet dense granules, but its effects on platelet function are not well understood. We examined the effects of Ap(4)A on platelet purinergic receptors P2Y(1), P2Y(12) and P2X(1). Flow cytometry was used to measure the effects of Ap(4)A in the presence or absence of ADP on: a) P2Y(12)-mediated decrease in intraplatelet phosphorylated vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), b) P2Y(1)-mediated increase in platelet cytosolic Ca(2+), and c) P2X(1)-mediated intraplatelet entry of extracellular Ca(2+). ADP-stimulated platelet shape change (P2Y(1)-mediated) and aggregation (P2Y(1)- and P2Y(12)-mediated) were measured optically. Ap(4)A inhibited 3 microM ADP-induced: a) platelet aggregation (IC(50) 9.8+/-2.8 microM), b) P2Y(1)-mediated shape change, c) P2Y(1)-mediated increase in platelet cytosolic Ca(2+) (IC(50) 40.8+/-12.3 microM), and d) P2Y(12)-mediated decrease in VASP phosphorylation (IC(50)>250 microM). In the absence of added ADP, Ap(4)A had agonist effects on platelet P2X(1) and P2Y(12), but not P2Y(1), receptors. Ap(4)A, a constituent of platelet dense granules, is a) an antagonist of platelet P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) receptors, where it inhibits the effects of ADP, and b) an agonist of platelet P2X(1) and P2Y(12) receptors. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Agonist and Antagonist Effects of Diadenosine Tetraphosphate, a Platelet Dense Granule Constituent, on Platelet P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1 Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Hung; Yanachkov, Ivan B.; Michelson, Alan D.; Li, YouFu; Barnard, M.R.; Wright, George E.; Frelinger, Andrew L.

    2010-01-01

    Introduction Diadenosine 5',5"'-P1,P4-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) is stored in platelet dense granules, but its effects on platelet function are not well understood. Methods and Results We examined the effects of Ap4A on platelet purinergic receptors P2Y1, P2Y12 and P2X1. Flow cytometry was used to measure the effects of Ap4A in the presence or absence of ADP on: a) P2Y12-mediated decrease in intraplatelet phosphorylated vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), b) P2Y1-mediated increase in platelet cytosolic Ca2+, and c) P2X1-mediated intraplatelet entry of extracellular Ca2+. ADP-stimulated platelet shape change (P2Y1-mediated) and aggregation (P2Y1- and P2Y12-mediated) were measured optically. Ap4A inhibited 3 µM ADP-induced: a) platelet aggregation (IC50 9.8 ± 2.8 µM), b) P2Y1-mediated shape change, c) P2Y1-mediated increase in platelet cytosolic Ca2+ (IC50 40.8 ± 12.3 µM), and d) P2Y12-mediated decrease in VASP phosphorylation (IC50 >250 µM). In the absence of added ADP, Ap4A had agonist effects on platelet P2X1 and P2Y12, but not P2Y1, receptors. Conclusion Ap4A, a constituent of platelet dense granules, is a) an antagonist of platelet P2Y1 and P2Y12 receptors, where it inhibits the effects of ADP, and b) an agonist of platelet P2X1 and P2Y12 receptors. PMID:19945153

  3. Reversal of inhibition of putative dopaminergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area: Interaction of GABAB and D2 receptors

    PubMed Central

    Nimitvilai, Sudarat; Arora, Devinder S.; McElvain, Maureen A.; Brodie, Mark S.

    2012-01-01

    Neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical in the rewarding and reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse. Desensitization of VTA neurons to moderate extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) and intracellular calcium levels. This desensitization is called DA inhibition reversal (DIR), as it requires concurrent activation of D2 and D1-like receptors; activation of D2 receptors alone does not result in desensitization. Activation of other G-protein linked receptors can substitute for D1 activation. Like D2 receptors, GABAB receptors in the VTA are coupled to G-protein-linked potassium channels. In the present study, we examined interactions between a GABAB agonist, baclofen, and dopamine agonists, dopamine and quinpirole, to determine whether there was some interaction in the processes of desensitization of GABAB and D2 responses. Long-duration administration of baclofen alone produced reversal of the baclofen-induced inhibition indicative of desensitization, and this desensitization persisted for at least 60 min after baclofen washout. Desensitization to baclofen was dependent on protein kinase C. Dopamine inhibition was reduced for 30 min after baclofen-induced desensitization and conversely, the magnitude of baclofen inhibition was reduced for 30 min by long-duration application of dopamine, but not quinpirole. These results indicate that D2 and GABAB receptors share some protein kinase C-dependent mechanisms of receptor desensitization. PMID:22986166

  4. Dopamine inhibits reproduction in female zebrafish (Danio rerio) via three pituitary D2 receptor subtypes.

    PubMed

    Fontaine, Romain; Affaticati, Pierre; Yamamoto, Kei; Jolly, Cécile; Bureau, Charlotte; Baloche, Sylvie; Gonnet, Françoise; Vernier, Philippe; Dufour, Sylvie; Pasqualini, Catherine

    2013-02-01

    In many teleosts, the stimulatory control of gonadotrope axis by GnRH is opposed by an inhibitory control by dopamine (DA). The functional importance of this inhibitory pathway differs widely from one teleostean species to another. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a teleost fish that has become increasingly popular as an experimental vertebrate model. However, the role of DA in the neuroendocrine control of its reproduction has never been studied. Here the authors evaluated in sexually regressed female zebrafish the effects of in vivo treatments with a DA D2 receptor (D2-R) antagonist domperidone, or a GnRH agonist, alone and in combination, on the pituitary level of FSHβ and LHβ transcripts, the gonadosomatic index, and the ovarian histology. Only the double treatment with GnRH agonist and domperidone could induce an increase in the expression of LHβ, in the gonadosomatic index, and a stimulation of ovarian vitellogenesis, indicating that removal of dopaminergic inhibition is required for the stimulatory action of GnRH and reactivation of ovarian function to occur. Using double immunofluorescent staining on pituitary, the authors showed in this species the innervation of LH cells by tyrosine-hydroxylase immunoreactive fibers. Finally, using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, the authors showed that the three subtypes of zebrafish DA D2-R (D2a, D2b, and D2c) were expressed in LH-producing cells, suggesting that they all may be involved in mediating this inhibition. These results show for the first time that, in zebrafish, DA has a direct and potent inhibitory action capable of opposing the stimulatory effect of GnRH in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction.

  5. Behavioral control by striatal adenosine A2A -dopamine D2 receptor heteromers.

    PubMed

    Taura, J; Valle-León, M; Sahlholm, K; Watanabe, M; Van Craenenbroeck, K; Fernández-Dueñas, V; Ferré, S; Ciruela, F

    2018-04-01

    G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) exhibit the ability to form receptor complexes that include molecularly different GPCR (ie, GPCR heteromers), which endow them with singular functional and pharmacological characteristics. The relative expression of GPCR heteromers remains a matter of intense debate. Recent studies support that adenosine A 2A receptors (A 2A R) and dopamine D 2 receptors (D 2 R) predominantly form A 2A R-D 2 R heteromers in the striatum. The aim of the present study was evaluating the behavioral effects of pharmacological manipulation and genetic blockade of A 2A R and D 2 R within the frame of such a predominant striatal heteromeric population. First, in order to avoid possible strain-related differences, a new D 2 R-deficient mouse with the same genetic background (CD-1) than the A 2A R knock-out mouse was generated. Locomotor activity, pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) and drug-induced catalepsy were then evaluated in wild-type, A 2A R and D 2 R knock-out mice, with and without the concomitant administration of either the D 2 R agonist sumanirole or the A 2A R antagonist SCH442416. SCH442416-mediated locomotor effects were demonstrated to be dependent on D 2 R signaling. Similarly, a significant dependence on A 2A R signaling was observed for PPI and for haloperidol-induced catalepsy. The results could be explained by the existence of one main population of striatal postsynaptic A 2A R-D 2 R heteromers, which may constitute a relevant target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society.

  6. Systemic Blockade of D2-Like Dopamine Receptors Facilitates Extinction of Conditioned Fear in Mice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ponnusamy, Ravikumar; Nissim, Helen A.; Barad, Mark

    2005-01-01

    Extinction of conditioned fear in animals is the explicit model of behavior therapy for human anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Based on previous data indicating that fear extinction in rats is blocked by quinpirole, an agonist of dopamine D2 receptors, we hypothesized…

  7. Negative cooperativity in binding of muscarinic receptor agonists and GDP as a measure of agonist efficacy.

    PubMed

    Jakubík, J; Janíčková, H; El-Fakahany, E E; Doležal, V

    2011-03-01

    Conventional determination of agonist efficacy at G-protein coupled receptors is measured by stimulation of guanosine-5'-γ-thiotriphosphate (GTPγS) binding. We analysed the role of guanosine diphosphate (GDP) in the process of activation of the M₂ muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and provide evidence that negative cooperativity between agonist and GDP binding is an alternative measure of agonist efficacy. Filtration and scintillation proximity assays measured equilibrium binding as well as binding kinetics of [³⁵S]GTPγS and [³H]GDP to a mixture of G-proteins as well as individual classes of G-proteins upon binding of structurally different agonists to the M₂ muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Agonists displayed biphasic competition curves with the antagonist [³H]-N-methylscopolamine. GTPγS (1 µM) changed the competition curves to monophasic with low affinity and 50 µM GDP produced a similar effect. Depletion of membrane-bound GDP increased the proportion of agonist high-affinity sites. Carbachol accelerated the dissociation of [³H]GDP from membranes. The inverse agonist N-methylscopolamine slowed GDP dissociation and GTPγS binding without changing affinity for GDP. Carbachol affected both GDP association with and dissociation from G(i/o) G-proteins but only its dissociation from G(s/olf) G-proteins. These findings suggest the existence of a low-affinity agonist-receptor conformation complexed with GDP-liganded G-protein. Also the negative cooperativity between GDP and agonist binding at the receptor/G-protein complex determines agonist efficacy. GDP binding reveals differences in action of agonists versus inverse agonists as well as differences in activation of G(i/o) versus G(s/olf) G-proteins that are not identified by conventional GTPγS binding. © 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2011 The British Pharmacological Society.

  8. Cholinergic agonists increase intracellular calcium concentration in guinea pig vestibular hair cells.

    PubMed

    Han, W; Zhang, S; Han, D; Jiang, S; Yang, W

    2001-07-01

    To better understand the cholinergic receptors in vestibular hair cells (VHC) and their subtypes, and to investigate the effects of cholinergic agonists on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in guinea pig VHCs. VHCs were isolated from guinea pig crista ampullaris by enzymatic and mechanical methods. The effect of cholinergic agonists on [Ca2+]i was examined using laser scanning confocal microscopy and the Ca2+ sensitive dye Fluo-3. The results showed that the addition of acetylcholine (ACh) and carbachol (CCh), muscamic and nicotinic agonists, induced [Ca2+]i increases in all the VHCs, whereas acetylcholine bromide (ACh-Br), a nicotinic agonist, induced the [Ca2+]i increase in only a small percentage of VHCs. The ACh or CCh-induced Ca2+ response could be partially suppressed by atropine. In the presence of 0.1 mmol/L atropine, the amplitudes of ACh or CCh-induced [Ca2+]i responses became significantly smaller than those in atropine free medium (P < 0.01). The results suggest the existence of cholinergic receptors in guinea pig VHCs. It is the muscamic agonists rather than nicontic receptors that dominate [Ca2+]i variation. Atropine can suppress muscamic agonist-induced Ca2+ responses.

  9. Analysis of the actions of the novel dopamine receptor-directed compounds (S)-OSU6162 and ACR16 at the D2 dopamine receptor

    PubMed Central

    Kara, Elodie; Lin, Hong; Svensson, Kjell; Johansson, Anette M; Strange, Philip G

    2010-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The two phenylpiperidines, OSU6162 and ACR16, have been proposed as novel drugs for the treatment of brain disorders, including schizophrenia and Huntington's disease, because of their putative dopamine stabilizing effects. Here we evaluated the activities of these compounds in a range of assays for the D2 dopamine receptor in vitro. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The affinities of these compounds for the D2 dopamine receptor were evaluated in competition with [3H]spiperone and [3H]NPA. Agonist activity of these compounds was evaluated in terms of their ability to stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding. KEY RESULTS Both compounds had low affinities for inhibition of [3H]spiperone binding (pKi vs. [3H]spiperone, ACR16: <5, OSU6162: 5.36). Neither compound was able to stimulate [35S]GTPγS binding when assayed in the presence of Na+ ions, but if the Na+ ions were removed, both compounds were low-affinity, partial agonists (Emax relative to dopamine: ACR16: 10.2%, OSU6162:54.3%). Schild analysis of the effects of OSU6162 to inhibit dopamine-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding indicated Schild slopes of ∼0.9, suggesting little deviation from competitive inhibition. OSU6162 was, however, able to accelerate [3H]NPA dissociation from D2 dopamine receptors, indicating some allosteric effects of this compound. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The two phenylpiperidines were low-affinity, low-efficacy partial agonists at the D2 dopamine receptor in vitro, possibly exhibiting some allosteric effects. Comparing their in vitro and in vivo effects, the in vitro affinities were a reasonable guide to potencies in vivo. However, the lack of in vitro–in vivo correlation for agonist efficacy needs to be further addressed. PMID:20804495

  10. Discovery and Characterization of CD12681, a Potent RORγ Inverse Agonist, Preclinical Candidate for the Topical Treatment of Psoriasis.

    PubMed

    Ouvry, Gilles; Atrux-Tallau, Nicolas; Bihl, Franck; Bondu, Aline; Bouix-Peter, Claire; Carlavan, Isabelle; Christin, Olivier; Cuadrado, Marie-Josée; Defoin-Platel, Claire; Deret, Sophie; Duvert, Denis; Feret, Christophe; Forissier, Mathieu; Fournier, Jean-François; Froude, David; Hacini-Rachinel, Fériel; Harris, Craig Steven; Hervouet, Catherine; Huguet, Hélène; Lafitte, Guillaume; Luzy, Anne-Pascale; Musicki, Branislav; Orfila, Danielle; Ozello, Benjamin; Pascau, Coralie; Pascau, Jonathan; Parnet, Véronique; Peluchon, Guillaume; Pierre, Romain; Piwnica, David; Raffin, Catherine; Rossio, Patricia; Spiesse, Delphine; Taquet, Nathalie; Thoreau, Etienne; Vatinel, Rodolphe; Vial, Emmanuel; Hennequin, Laurent François

    2018-02-20

    With possible implications in multiple autoimmune diseases, the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor RORγ has become a sought-after target in the pharmaceutical industry. Herein are described the efforts to identify a potent RORγ inverse agonist compatible with topical application for the treatment of skin diseases. These efforts culminated in the discovery of N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-N-isobutyl-2-oxo-1-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-sulfonamide (CD12681), a potent inverse agonist with in vivo activity in an IL-23-induced mouse skin inflammation model. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Development of Spexin-based Human Galanin Receptor Type II-Specific Agonists with Increased Stability in Serum and Anxiolytic Effect in Mice.

    PubMed

    Reyes-Alcaraz, Arfaxad; Lee, Yoo-Na; Son, Gi Hoon; Kim, Nam Hoon; Kim, Dong-Kyu; Yun, Seongsik; Kim, Dong-Hoon; Hwang, Jong-Ik; Seong, Jae Young

    2016-02-24

    The novel neuropeptide spexin (SPX) was discovered to activate galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) and 3 (GALR3) but not galanin receptor 1 (GALR1). Although GALR2 is known to display a function, particularly in anxiety, depression, and appetite regulation, the further determination of its function would benefit from a more stable and selective agonist that acts only at GALR2. In the present study, we developed a GALR2-specific agonist with increased stability in serum. As galanin (GAL) showed a low affinity to GALR3, the residues in SPX were replaced with those in GAL, revealing that particular mutations such as Gln5 → Asn, Met7 → Ala, Lys11 → Phe, and Ala13 → Pro significantly decreased potencies toward GALR3 but not toward GALR2. Quadruple (Qu) mutation of these residues still retained potency to GALR2 but totally abolished the potency to both GALR3 and GALR1. The first amino acid modifications or D-Asn1 substitution significantly increased the stability when they are incubated in 100% fetal bovine serum. Intracerebroventricular administration of the mutant peptide with D-Asn1 and quadruple substitution (dN1-Qu) exhibited an anxiolytic effect in mice. Taken together, the GALR2-specific agonist with increased stability can greatly help delineation of GALR2-mediated functions and be very useful for treatments of anxiety disorder.

  12. Evaluation of EMD 128 130 occupancy of the 5-HT1A and the D2 receptor: a human PET study with [11C]WAY-100635 and [11C]raclopride.

    PubMed

    Rabiner, Eugenii A; Gunn, Roger N; Wilkins, Martin R; Sedman, Ewen; Grasby, Paul M

    2002-09-01

    The use of so-called, atypical antipsychotic medication is becoming more widespread in the treatment of psychotic disorders. EMD 128 130 is a novel compound acting as an agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, and as an antagonist at the dopamine-2 (D2) receptor. This dual action may confer additional benefits over selective D2 antagonists in the treatment of psychotic disorders. In this study, we investigated the occupancy of EMD 128 130 in vivo at the human D2 and 5-HT1A receptors with positron emission tomography using the radiotracers [11C]raclopride and [11C]WAY-100635. Seven healthy volunteers were examined before and after 5 days of treatment with EMD 128 130, administered in an incremental dose building up to 50 mg, b.d. A significant occupancy was demonstrated at the human D2 receptor (40% following a dose of 50 mg, b.d.) while there was no consistent effect observed at the 5-HT1A receptor, despite a similar affinity of EMD 128 130 for cloned human D2 and 5-HT1A receptors, and the presence of typical, central 5-HT1A agonist side-effects. The differential effects of EMD 128 130 at the D2 and the 5-HT1A receptor (antagonist at D2 receptor, agonist at the 5-HTIA receptor) may explain the differences in occupancy observed.

  13. A solid-phase combinatorial approach for indoloquinolizidine-peptides with high affinity at D(1) and D(2) dopamine receptors.

    PubMed

    Molero, Anabel; Vendrell, Marc; Bonaventura, Jordi; Zachmann, Julian; López, Laura; Pardo, Leonardo; Lluis, Carme; Cortés, Antoni; Albericio, Fernando; Casadó, Vicent; Royo, Miriam

    2015-06-05

    Ligands acting at multiple dopamine receptors hold potential as therapeutic agents for a number of neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, compounds able to bind at D1R and D2R with high affinity could restore the effects of dopamine depletion and enhance motor activation on degenerated nigrostriatal dopaminergic systems. We have directed our research towards the synthesis and characterisation of heterocycle-peptide hybrids based on the indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidine core. This privileged structure is a water-soluble and synthetically accessible scaffold with affinity for diverse GPCRs. Herein we have prepared a solid-phase combinatorial library of 80 indoloquinolizidine-peptides to identify compounds with enhanced binding affinity at D2R, a receptor that is crucial to re-establish activity on dopamine-depleted degenerated GABAergic neurons. We applied computational tools and high-throughput screening assays to identify 9a{1,3,3} as a ligand for dopamine receptors with nanomolar affinity and agonist activity at D2R. Our results validate the application of indoloquinolizidine-peptide combinatorial libraries to fine-tune the pharmacological profiles of multiple ligands at D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  14. Pharmacological characterization of the new histamine H4 receptor agonist VUF 8430

    PubMed Central

    Lim, Herman D; Adami, Maristella; Guaita, Elena; Werfel, Thomas; Smits, Rogier A; de Esch, Iwan JP; Bakker, Remko A; Gutzmer, Ralf; Coruzzi, Gabriella; Leurs, Rob

    2009-01-01

    Background and purpose: We compare the pharmacological profiles of a new histamine H4 receptor agonist 2-(2-guanidinoethyl)isothiourea (VUF 8430) with that of a previously described H4 receptor agonist, 4-methylhistamine. Experimental approach: Radioligand binding and functional assays were performed using histamine H4 receptors expressed in mammalian cell lines. Compounds were also evaluated ex vivo in monocyte-derived dendritic cells endogenously expressing H4 receptors and in vivo in anaesthetized rats for gastric acid secretion activity. Key results: Both VUF 8430 and 4-methylhistamine were full agonists at human H4 receptors with lower affinity at rat and mouse H4 receptors. Both compounds induced chemotaxis of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. VUF 8430 also showed reasonable affinity and was a full agonist at the H3 receptor. Agmatine is a metabolite of arginine, structurally related to VUF 8430, and was a H4 receptor agonist with micromolar affinity. At histamine H3 receptors, agmatine was a full agonist, whereas 4-methylhistamine was an agonist only at high concentrations. Both VUF 8430 and agmatine were inactive at H1 and H2 receptors, whereas 4-methylhistamine is as active as histamine at H2 receptors. In vivo, VUF 8430 only caused a weak secretion of gastric acid mediated by H2 receptors, whereas 4-methylhistamine, dimaprit, histamine and amthamine, at equimolar doses, induced 2.5- to 6-fold higher output than VUF 8430. Conclusions and implications: Our results suggest complementary use of 4-methylhistamine and VUF 8430 as H4 receptor agonists. Along with H4 receptor antagonists, both agonists can serve as useful pharmacological tools in studies of histamine H4 receptors. PMID:19413569

  15. Dopamine D2 receptor over-expression alters behavior and physiology in Drd2-EGFP mice

    PubMed Central

    Kramer, Paul F.; Christensen, Christine H.; Hazelwood, Lisa A.; Dobi, Alice; Bock, Roland; Sibley, David R.; Mateo, Yolanda; Alvarez, Veronica A.

    2011-01-01

    BAC transgenic mice expressing the fluorescent reporter protein EGFP under the control of the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor promoters (Drd1-EGFP and Drd2-EGFP) have been widely used to study striatal function and have contributed to our understanding of the physiological and pathological function of the basal ganglia. These tools were produced and promptly made available to address questions in a cell-specific manner that has transformed the way we frame hypotheses in neuroscience. However, these mice have not been fully characterized until now. We found that Drd2-EGFP mice display a ~40% increase in membrane expression of the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and a two-fold increase in D2R mRNA levels in the striatum when compared to wild-type and Drd1-EGFP mice D2R over-expression was accompanied by behavioral hypersensitivity to D2R-like agonists, as well as enhanced electrophysiological responses to D2R activation in midbrain dopaminergic neurons. DA transients evoked by stimulation in the nucleus accumbens showed slower clearance in Drd2-EGFP mice and cocaine actions on DA clearance were impaired in these mice. Thus, it was not surprising to find that Drd2-EGFP mice were hyperactive when exposed to a novel environment and locomotion was suppressed by acute cocaine administration. All together, this study demonstrates that Drd2-EGFP mice over-express D2R and have altered dopaminergic signaling that fundamentally differentiates them from wild-type and Drd1-EGFP mice. PMID:21209197

  16. 14-Alkoxy- and 14-acyloxypyridomorphinans: μ agonist/δ antagonist opioid analgesics with diminished tolerance and dependence side effects.

    PubMed

    Ananthan, Subramaniam; Saini, Surendra K; Dersch, Christina M; Xu, Heng; McGlinchey, Nicholas; Giuvelis, Denise; Bilsky, Edward J; Rothman, Richard B

    2012-10-11

    In the search for opioid ligands with mixed functional activity, a series of 5'-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,5α-epoxypyridomorphinans possessing alkoxy or acyloxy groups at C-14 was synthesized and evaluated. In this series, the affinity and functional activity of the ligands were found to be influenced by the nature of the substituent at C-14 as well as by the substituent at N-17. Whereas the incorporation of a 3-phenylpropoxy group at C-14 on N-methylpyridomorhinan gave a dual MOR agonist/DOR agonist 17h, its incorporation on N-cyclopropylmethylpyridomorphinan gave a MOR agonist/DOR antagonist 17d. Interestingly, 17d, in contrast to 17h, did not produce tolerance or dependence effects upon prolonged treatment in cells expressing MOR and DOR. Moreover, 17d displayed greatly diminished analgesic tolerance as compared to morphine upon repeated administration, thus supporting the hypothesis that ligands with MOR agonist/DOR antagonist functional activity could emerge as novel analgesics devoid of tolerance, dependence, and related side effects.

  17. Palmitoylation regulates intracellular trafficking of β2 adrenergic receptor/arrestin/phosphodiesterase 4D complexes in cardiomyocytes.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ruijie; Wang, Dayong; Shi, Qian; Fu, Qin; Hizon, Steven; Xiang, Yang K

    2012-01-01

    β(2) adrenergic receptor (β(2)AR) is a prototypical G-protein coupled receptor that stimulates the classic cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. Recent studies indicate that the cAMP-PKA activities are spatiotemporally regulated in part due to dynamic association of β(2)AR with phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), a group of cAMP degradation enzymes. Here, we demonstrate that in cardiomyocytes, palmitoylation of β(2)AR, the covalent acylation of cysteine residue 341, plays a critical role in shaping subcellular cAMP-PKA activities in cardiomyocytes via regulating β(2)AR association with arrestin/PDE4D. Replacing cysteine 341 on β(2)AR with alanine (C341A) leads to an impaired binding to β arrestin 2. Surprisingly, the C341A mutant is able to internalize via an arrestin-independent pathway at saturated concentration of agonist stimulation; the internalization becomes caveolae-dependent and requires dynamin GTPase. However, the impaired binding to β arrestin 2 also leads to an impaired recruitment of PDE4D to the C341A mutant. Thus, the mutant C341A β(2)AR is transported alone from the plasma membrane to the endosome without recruiting PDE4D. This alteration leads to an enhanced cytoplasmic cAMP signal for PKA activation under β(2)AR stimulation. Functionally, Mutation of the C341 residue or inhibition of palmitoylation modification of β(2)AR enhances the receptor-induced PKA activities in the cytoplasm and increases in myocyte contraction rate. Our data reveal a novel function of palmitoylation in shaping subcellular cAMP-PKA signaling in cardiomyocytes via modulating the recruitment of β arrestin 2-PDE4D complexes to the agonist-stimulated β(2)AR.

  18. Palmitoylation Regulates Intracellular Trafficking of β2 Adrenergic Receptor/Arrestin/Phosphodiesterase 4D Complexes in Cardiomyocytes

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Ruijie; Wang, Dayong; Shi, Qian; Fu, Qin; Hizon, Steven; Xiang, Yang K.

    2012-01-01

    β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is a prototypical G-protein coupled receptor that stimulates the classic cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. Recent studies indicate that the cAMP-PKA activities are spatiotemporally regulated in part due to dynamic association of β2AR with phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), a group of cAMP degradation enzymes. Here, we demonstrate that in cardiomyocytes, palmitoylation of β2AR, the covalent acylation of cysteine residue 341, plays a critical role in shaping subcellular cAMP-PKA activities in cardiomyocytes via regulating β2AR association with arrestin/PDE4D. Replacing cysteine 341 on β2AR with alanine (C341A) leads to an impaired binding to β arrestin 2. Surprisingly, the C341A mutant is able to internalize via an arrestin-independent pathway at saturated concentration of agonist stimulation; the internalization becomes caveolae-dependent and requires dynamin GTPase. However, the impaired binding to β arrestin 2 also leads to an impaired recruitment of PDE4D to the C341A mutant. Thus, the mutant C341A β2AR is transported alone from the plasma membrane to the endosome without recruiting PDE4D. This alteration leads to an enhanced cytoplasmic cAMP signal for PKA activation under β2AR stimulation. Functionally, Mutation of the C341 residue or inhibition of palmitoylation modification of β2AR enhances the receptor-induced PKA activities in the cytoplasm and increases in myocyte contraction rate. Our data reveal a novel function of palmitoylation in shaping subcellular cAMP-PKA signaling in cardiomyocytes via modulating the recruitment of β arrestin 2-PDE4D complexes to the agonist-stimulated β2AR. PMID:22912718

  19. Comparative Analysis of the Cardioprotective Properties of Opioid Receptor Agonists in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction

    PubMed Central

    Maslov, Leonid N.; Lishmanov, Yury B.; Oeltgen, Peter R.; Barzakh, Eva I.; Krylatov, Andrey V.; Naryzhnaya, Natalia V.; Pei, Jian-Ming; Brown, Stephen A.

    2010-01-01

    Objectives This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that opioid receptor (OR) mediated cardioprotection is agonist-specific when administered prior to coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in a rat model. Methods Anesthetized open-chest male Wistar rats were subjected to 45 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion and 2 hours of reperfusion. Opioid agonists were infused 15 minutes prior to coronary artery occlusion. Two control groups and 15 opioid treated groups were studied. Controls were infused with either saline alone (n = 16) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plus hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in saline (n = 19). The μ selective agonist DAMGO was infused at either 150 nmol/kg (n = 15) or 1500 nmol/kg (n = 14), and Dermorphin-H was infused at 150 nmol/kg (n = 14). The δ1 selective agonist D-Pen2,5 Enkephalin (DPDPE) was infused at 150 nmol/kg (n = 16) or 1500 nmol/kg (n = 14). The δ2 selective agonists Deltorphin II (n = 16), Deltorphin-Dvariant (n = 15) and Deltorphin-E (n = 14) were infused at 150 nmol/kg. The selective κ1 opioid agonist U-50488 was infused at 240 nmol/kg (n = 14), 1500 nmol/kg (n = 14), and 2,400 nmol/kg (n = 14). The selective κ2 opioid agonist GR-89696 was infused at 150 nmol/kg (n = 14) and 1500 nmol/kg (n = 15). Orphinan FQ (Nociceptin), also referred to as OR Ligand1 (ORL1), was infused at 220 nmol/kg (n = 15) and 1500 nmol/kg (n = 15). The infarct size/area at risk (IS/AAR) ratio was determined after reperfusion by negative staining with patent blue violet dye. Hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were determined. Results Pretreatment with the δ2 OR agonist Deltorphin II (150 nmol/kg) significantly reduced the IS/AAR ratio, while Deltorphin-Dvariant and Deltorphin-E did not exhibit an infarct sparing effect at that treatment dose. Activation of δ1 OR by DPDPE, κ1 OR by U-50488, κ2 OR by U-50488, μ OR by DAMGO, Dermophin-H, and Nociceptin had

  20. TLR-7 agonist attenuates airway reactivity and inflammation through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant protection in a murine model of allergic asthma.

    PubMed

    Nadeem, Ahmed; Siddiqui, Nahid; Al-Harbi, Naif O; Al-Harbi, Mohammed M; Ahmad, Sheikh F

    2016-04-01

    Toll-like receptors (TLRs) through innate immune system recognize pathogen associated molecular patterns and play an important role in host defense against bacteria, fungi and viruses. TLR-7 is responsible for sensing single stranded nucleic acids of viruses but its activation has been shown to be protective in mouse models of asthma. The NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes family mainly produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lung and is involved in regulation of airway inflammation in response to TLRs activation. However, NOX-4 mediated signaling in response to TLR-7 activation in a mouse model of allergic asthma has not been explored previously. Therefore, this study investigated the role TLR-7 activation and downstream oxidant-antioxidant signaling in a murine model of asthma. Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneally and treated with TLR-7 agonist, resiquimod (RSQ) intranasally before each OVA challenge from days 14 to 16. Mice were then assessed for airway reactivity, inflammation, and NOX-4 and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related signaling [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine, lipid peroxides and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD)]. Treatment with RSQ reduced allergen induced airway reactivity and inflammation. This was paralleled by a decrease in ROS which was due to induction of Nrf2 and Cu/Zn SOD in RSQ treated group. Inhibition of MyD88 reversed RSQ-mediated protective effects on airway reactivity/inflammation due to reduction in Nrf2 signaling. SOD inhibition produced effects similar to MyD88 inhibition. The current study suggests that TLR-7 agonist is beneficial and may be developed into a therapeutic option in allergic asthma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Radiolabeled choline PET/CT before salvage lymphadenectomy dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Evangelista, Laura; Zattoni, Fabio; Karnes, Robert J; Novara, Giacomo; Lowe, Val

    2016-12-01

    To provide a systematic review of recently published reports and carry out a meta-analysis on the use of radiolabeled choline PET/computed tomography (CT) as a guide for salvage lymph node dissection (sLND) in prostate cancer patients with biochemical recurrence after primary treatments. Bibliographic database searches, from 2005 to May 2015, including Pubmed, Web of Science, and TripDatabase, were performed to find studies that included only patients who underwent sLND after radiolabeled choline PET/CT alone or in combination with other imaging modalities. For the qualitative assessment, all studies including the selected population were considered. Conversely, for the quantitative assessment, articles were included only if absolute numbers of true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative test results were available or derivable from the text for lymph node metastases. Reviews, clinical reports, and editorial articles were excluded from analyses. Eighteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were assessed qualitatively. A total of 750 patients underwent radiolabeled choline (such as C-choline or F-choline) PET/CT before sLND. A quantitative evaluation was performed in nine studies. A patient-based, a lesion-based, and a site-based analysis was carried out in nine, four, and five studies, respectively. The pooled sensitivities were 85.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 78.5-90.3%], 56.2% (95% CI: 41.6-69.7%), 75.3% (95% CI: 56.6-87.7%), and 63.7% (95% CI: 41-81.6%), respectively, for patient-based, lesion-based, pelvic site-based, and retroperitoneal site-based analysis. The pooled positive predictive values (PPVs) were 75% (95% CI: 68-80.9%), 85.8% (95% CI: 66.8-94.8%), 81.2% (95% CI: 70.1-88.9%), and 75.2% (95% CI: 58.7-86.7%), respectively, in the same analyses. High heterogeneities among the studies were found for sensitivities and PPVs ranging between 61.7-93.3% and 60.6-94.5%, respectively. Radiolabeled choline PET/CT has only a

  2. Agonist-induced β2-adrenoceptor desensitization and downregulation enhance pro-inflammatory cytokine release in human bronchial epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Oehme, Susanne; Mittag, Anja; Schrödl, Wieland; Tarnok, Attila; Nieber, Karen; Abraham, Getu

    2015-02-01

    It is not clear whether increased asthma severity associated with long-term use of β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists can be attributed to receptor degradation and increased inflammation. We investigated the cross-talk between β-AR agonist-mediated effects on β2-AR function and expression and cytokine release in human bronchial epithelial cells. In 16HBE14o(-) cells grown in the presence and absence of β-AR agonists and/or antagonists, the β2-AR density was assessed by radioligand binding; the receptor protein and mRNA was determined using laser scanning cytometer and RT-PCR; cAMP generation, the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 release were determined using AlphaScreen Assay and ELISA, respectively. Isoprenaline (ISO) and salbutamol (Salbu) induced a concentration- and time-dependent significant decrease in β2-AR density. Both Salbu and ISO reduced cAMP generation in a concentration-dependent manner while in same cell culture the IL-6 and IL-8 release was significantly enhanced. These effects were antagonized to a greater extent by ICI 118.551 than by propranolol, but CGP 20712A had no effect. Reduction of the β2-AR protein and mRNA could be seen when cells were treated with ISO for 24 h. Our findings indicate a direct link between cytokine release and altered β2-AR expression and function in airway epithelial cells. β2-AR desensitization and downregulation induced by long-term treatment with β2-AR agonists during asthma may account for adverse reactions also due to enhanced release of pro-inflammatory mediators and should, thus, be considered in asthma therapy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. FXR agonist activity of conformationally constrained analogs of GW 4064.

    PubMed

    Akwabi-Ameyaw, Adwoa; Bass, Jonathan Y; Caldwell, Richard D; Caravella, Justin A; Chen, Lihong; Creech, Katrina L; Deaton, David N; Madauss, Kevin P; Marr, Harry B; McFadyen, Robert B; Miller, Aaron B; Navas, Frank; Parks, Derek J; Spearing, Paul K; Todd, Dan; Williams, Shawn P; Bruce Wisely, G

    2009-08-15

    Two series of conformationally constrained analogs of the FXR agonist GW 4064 1 were prepared. Replacement of the metabolically labile stilbene with either benzothiophene or naphthalene rings led to the identification of potent full agonists 2a and 2g.

  4. Binding free energy predictions of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists using a linear interaction energy (LIE) approach with reliability estimation: application to the D3R Grand Challenge 2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rifai, Eko Aditya; van Dijk, Marc; Vermeulen, Nico P. E.; Geerke, Daan P.

    2018-01-01

    Computational protein binding affinity prediction can play an important role in drug research but performing efficient and accurate binding free energy calculations is still challenging. In the context of phase 2 of the Drug Design Data Resource (D3R) Grand Challenge 2 we used our automated eTOX ALLIES approach to apply the (iterative) linear interaction energy (LIE) method and we evaluated its performance in predicting binding affinities for farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists. Efficiency was obtained by our pre-calibrated LIE models and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the nanosecond scale, while predictive accuracy was obtained for a small subset of compounds. Using our recently introduced reliability estimation metrics, we could classify predictions with higher confidence by featuring an applicability domain (AD) analysis in combination with protein-ligand interaction profiling. The outcomes of and agreement between our AD and interaction-profile analyses to distinguish and rationalize the performance of our predictions highlighted the relevance of sufficiently exploring protein-ligand interactions during training and it demonstrated the possibility to quantitatively and efficiently evaluate if this is achieved by using simulation data only.

  5. Juvenile treatment with mGluR2/3 agonist prevents schizophrenia-like phenotypes in adult by acting through GSK3β.

    PubMed

    Xing, Bo; Han, Genie; Wang, Min-Juan; Snyder, Melissa A; Gao, Wen-Jun

    2018-05-14

    Prodromal memory deficits represent an important marker for the development of schizophrenia (SZ), in which glutamatergic hypofunction occurs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 (LY37) attenuates excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-induced neurotoxicity, a central pathological characteristic of glutamatergic hypofunction. We therefore hypothesized that early treatment with LY37 would rescue cognitive deficits and confer benefits for SZ-like behaviors in adults. To test this, we assessed whether early intervention with LY37 would improve learning outcomes in the Morris Water Maze for rats prenatally exposed to methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM), a neurodevelopmental SZ model. We found that a medium dose of LY37 prevents learning deficits in MAM rats. These effects were mediated through postsynaptic mGluR2/3 via improving GluN2B-NMDAR function by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β). Furthermore, dendritic spine loss and learning and memory deficits observed in adult MAM rats were restored by juvenile LY37 treatment, which did not change prefrontal neuronal excitability and glutamatergic synaptic transmission in adult normal rats. Our results provide a mechanism for mGluR2/3 agonists against NMDAR hypofunction, which may prove to be beneficial in the prophylactic treatment of SZ. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Ipragliflozin Add-on Therapy to a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (AGATE): A 52-Week Open-Label Study.

    PubMed

    Ishihara, Hisamitsu; Yamaguchi, Susumu; Nakao, Ikko; Sakatani, Taishi

    2018-06-20

    Few data are available regarding ipragliflozin treatment in combination with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in combination with GLP-1 receptor agonists in Japanese patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This multicenter study (consisting of three periods: a 4-week washout period, a 6-week observation period, and a 52-week open-label treatment period) included patients aged ≥ 20 years who received a stable dose/regimen of a GLP-1 receptor agonist either solely or in combination therapy with a sulfonylurea for ≥ 6 weeks, with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of ≥ 7.5% and a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of ≥ 126 mg/dL. Ipragliflozin treatment was given at a fixed dose of 50 mg/day for 20 weeks, followed by 50 or 100 mg/day for 32 weeks. Changes from baseline in glycemic control and other parameters were examined; safety was also assessed. The mean changes in HbA1c and body weight from baseline to end of treatment were - 0.92% and - 2.69 kg, respectively, in all ipragliflozin-treated patients (n = 103). Overall, sustained reductions from baseline were observed for HbA1c, FPG, self-monitored blood glucose, and body weight during the 52-week treatment. The dose increase of ipragliflozin to 100 mg/day resulted in better glycemic control and weight reduction for patients in whom the 50-mg dose was insufficient. Overall, 46.6% (48/103) of patients experienced drug-related adverse events. The most common drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were pollakiuria (9.7%), hypoglycemia (8.7%), constipation (6.8%), and thirst (5.8%). Combined therapy with ipragliflozin and GLP-1 receptor agonists/sulfonylureas was significantly efficacious in reducing glycemic parameters in patients with T2DM with inadequate glycemic control, and no major safety concerns were identified. The results from this study suggest

  7. The role of TRPP2 in agonist-induced gallbladder smooth muscle contraction.

    PubMed

    Zhong, Xingguo; Fu, Jie; Song, Kai; Xue, Nairui; Gong, Renhua; Sun, Dengqun; Luo, Huilai; He, Wenzhu; Pan, Xiang; Shen, Bing; Du, Juan

    2016-04-01

    TRPP2 channel protein belongs to the superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and is widely expressed in various tissues, including smooth muscle in digestive gut. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that TRPP2 can mediate Ca(2+) release from Ca(2+) stores. However, the functional role of TRPP2 in gallbladder smooth muscle contraction still remains unclear. In this study, we used Ca(2+) imaging and tension measurements to test agonist-induced intracellular Ca(2+) concentration increase and smooth muscle contraction of guinea pig gallbladder, respectively. When TRPP2 protein was knocked down in gallbladder muscle strips from guinea pig, carbachol (CCh)-evoked Ca(2+) release and extracellular Ca(2+) influx were reduced significantly, and gallbladder contractions induced by endothelin 1 and cholecystokinin were suppressed markedly as well. CCh-induced gallbladder contraction was markedly suppressed by pretreatment with U73122, which inhibits phospholipase C to terminate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3) production, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB), which inhibits IP3 recepor (IP3R) to abolish IP3R-mediated Ca(2+) release. To confirm the role of Ca(2+) release in CCh-induced gallbladder contraction, we used thapsigargin (TG)-to deplete Ca(2+) stores via inhibiting sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and eliminate the role of store-operated Ca(2+) entry on the CCh-induced gallbladder contraction. Preincubation with 2 μmol L(-1) TG significantly decreased the CCh-induced gallbladder contraction. In addition, pretreatments with U73122, 2APB or TG abolished the difference of the CCh-induced gallbladder contraction between TRPP2 knockdown and control groups. We conclude that TRPP2 mediates Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores, and has an essential role in agonist-induced gallbladder muscle contraction.

  8. Structure/function relationships of calcitonin analogues as agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists in a constitutively activated receptor cell system.

    PubMed

    Pozvek, G; Hilton, J M; Quiza, M; Houssami, S; Sexton, P M

    1997-04-01

    The structure/function relationship of salmon calcitonin (sCT) analogues was investigated in heterologous calcitonin receptor (CTR) expression systems. sCT analogues with progressive amino-terminal truncations intermediate of sCT-(1-32) to sCT-(8-32) were examined for their ability to act as agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists. Two CTR cell clones, B8-H10 and G12-E12, which express approximately 5 million and 25,000 C1b receptors/cell, respectively, were used for this study. The B8-H10 clone has an approximately 80-fold increase in basal levels of intracellular cAMP due to constitutive activation of the overexpressed receptor. In whole-cell competition binding studies, sCT-(1-32) was more potent than any of its amino-terminally truncated analogues in competition for 125I-sCT binding. In cAMP accumulation studies, sCT-(1-32) and modified analogues sCT-(2-32) and sCT-(3-32) had agonist activities. SDZ-216-710, with an amino-terminal truncation of four amino acids, behaved as a partial agonist/antagonist, whereas amino-terminal truncations of six or seven amino acid residues produced a 16-fold reduction in basal cAMP levels and attenuated the response to the agonist sCT-(1-32) in the constitutively active CTR system. This inverse agonist effect was insensitive to pertussis toxin inhibition. In contrast, the inverse agonist activity of these peptides was not observed in the nonconstitutively active CTR system, in which sCT analogues with amino-terminal truncations of four or more amino acids behaved as neutral competitive antagonists. These results suggest that the inverse agonist activity is mediated by stabilization of the inactive state of the receptor, which does not couple to G protein, and attenuates basal signaling initiated by ligand-independent activation of the effector adenylyl cyclase.

  9. Dopamine D3 Receptors Mediate the Discriminative Stimulus Effects of Quinpirole in Free-Feeding Rats

    PubMed Central

    Baladi, Michelle G.; Newman, Amy H.

    2010-01-01

    The discriminative stimulus effects of dopamine (DA) D3/D2 receptor agonists are thought to be mediated by D2 receptors. To maintain responding, access to food is often restricted, which can alter neurochemical and behavioral effects of drugs acting on DA systems. This study established stimulus control with quinpirole in free-feeding rats and tested the ability of agonists to mimic and antagonists to attenuate the effects of quinpirole. The same antagonists were studied for their ability to attenuate quinpirole-induced yawning and hypothermia. DA receptor agonists apomorphine and lisuride, but not amphetamine and morphine, occasioned responding on the quinpirole lever. The discriminative stimulus effects of quinpirole were attenuated by the D3 receptor-selective antagonist N-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-trans-but-2-enyl}-4-pyridine-2-yl-benzamide HCl (PG01037) and the nonselective D3/D2 receptor antagonist raclopride, but not by the D2 receptor-selective antagonist 3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]methyl-1H-indole (L-741,626); the potencies of PG01037 and raclopride to antagonize this effect of quinpirole paralleled their potencies to antagonize the ascending limb of the quinpirole yawning dose-response curve (thought to be mediated by D3 receptors). L-741,626 selectively antagonized the descending limb of the quinpirole yawning dose-response curve, and both L-741,626 and raclopride, but not PG01037, antagonized the hypothermic effects of quinpirole (thought to be mediated by D2 receptors). Food restriction (10 g/day/7 days) significantly decreased quinpirole-induced yawning without affecting the quinpirole discrimination. Many discrimination studies on DA receptor agonists use food-restricted rats; together with those studies, the current experiment using free-feeding rats suggests that feeding conditions affecting the behavioral effects of direct-acting DA receptor agonists might also have an impact on the effects of indirect

  10. Dopamine D3 receptors mediate the discriminative stimulus effects of quinpirole in free-feeding rats.

    PubMed

    Baladi, Michelle G; Newman, Amy H; France, Charles P

    2010-01-01

    The discriminative stimulus effects of dopamine (DA) D3/D2 receptor agonists are thought to be mediated by D2 receptors. To maintain responding, access to food is often restricted, which can alter neurochemical and behavioral effects of drugs acting on DA systems. This study established stimulus control with quinpirole in free-feeding rats and tested the ability of agonists to mimic and antagonists to attenuate the effects of quinpirole. The same antagonists were studied for their ability to attenuate quinpirole-induced yawning and hypothermia. DA receptor agonists apomorphine and lisuride, but not amphetamine and morphine, occasioned responding on the quinpirole lever. The discriminative stimulus effects of quinpirole were attenuated by the D3 receptor-selective antagonist N-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-trans-but-2-enyl}-4-pyridine-2-yl-benzamide HCl (PG01037) and the nonselective D3/D2 receptor antagonist raclopride, but not by the D2 receptor-selective antagonist 3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]methyl-1H-indole (L-741,626); the potencies of PG01037 and raclopride to antagonize this effect of quinpirole paralleled their potencies to antagonize the ascending limb of the quinpirole yawning dose-response curve (thought to be mediated by D3 receptors). L-741,626 selectively antagonized the descending limb of the quinpirole yawning dose-response curve, and both L-741,626 and raclopride, but not PG01037, antagonized the hypothermic effects of quinpirole (thought to be mediated by D2 receptors). Food restriction (10 g/day/7 days) significantly decreased quinpirole-induced yawning without affecting the quinpirole discrimination. Many discrimination studies on DA receptor agonists use food-restricted rats; together with those studies, the current experiment using free-feeding rats suggests that feeding conditions affecting the behavioral effects of direct-acting DA receptor agonists might also have an impact on the effects of indirect

  11. Coadministration of VDR and RXR agonists synergistically alleviates atherosclerosis through inhibition of oxidative stress: An in vivo and in vitro study.

    PubMed

    Lin, L M; Peng, F; Liu, Y P; Chai, D J; Ning, R B; Xu, C S; Lin, J X

    2016-08-01

    Diabetes contributes to atherosclerosis partially through induction of oxidative stress. Both vitamin D receptor (VDR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists exhibit anti-atherogenic effects. We explored the effects of combination treatment with VDR and RXR agonists (represented by calcitriol and bexarotene, respectively) on atherosclerosis progression and the mechanisms involved, using a diabetes model of mice. The animals were intragastrically fed calcitriol (200 ng/kg, twice-a-week), bexarotene (10 mg/kg, once-daily) either alone or in combination for 12 weeks. VDR and RXR agonists delayed atherosclerosis progression independent of serum lipid and glucose levels, and significantly reduced the protein expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit gp91phox and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) subunit p65, as well as plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Combination therapy alleviated atherosclerosis and inhibited indexes of oxidative stress and inflammation to a greater extent than either monotherapy. In the in vitro study, naturally occurring VDR ligand 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3) and RXR ligand 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis-RA), both significantly inhibited high-glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Co-administration of VDR and RXR ligands produced synergistic protection against endothelial apoptosis by antagonizing the protein kinase C /NADPH oxidase/reactive oxygen species pathway. The inhibitory effects of 9-cis-RA on oxidative stress was attenuated when VDR was downregulated by VDR siRNA; however, downregulation of RXR by RXR siRNA imposed no influence on the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3. Combination treatment with VDR and RXR agonists synergistically alleviated diabetic atherosclerosis through inhibition of oxidative stress, and the preventive effects of RXR agonist may partially depend on VDR activation. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  12. Pharmacological modulation of abnormal involuntary DOI-induced head twitch response movements in male DBA/2J mice: II. Effects of D3 dopamine receptor selective compounds.

    PubMed

    Rangel-Barajas, Claudia; Malik, Maninder; Mach, Robert H; Luedtke, Robert R

    2015-06-01

    We recently reported on the characterization of the hallucinogen 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine's (DOI) ability to elicit a head twitch response (HTR) in DBA/2J mice and the ability of D2 vs. D3 dopamine receptor selective compounds to modulate that response. For these studies, the ability of D3 vs. D2 dopamine receptor selective compounds to attenuate the DOI-dependent HTR was examined. WC 10, a D3 dopamine receptor weak partial agonist with 40-fold binding selectivity for D3 vs. D2 dopamine receptors, produced a dose-dependent decrease in the DOI-induced HTR (IC50 = 3.7 mg/kg). WC 44, a D3 receptor selective full agonist, also inhibited the DOI-induced HTR (IC50 = 5.1 mg/kg). The effect of two D3 receptor selective partial agonists, LAX-4-136 and WW-III-55, were also evaluated. These analogs exhibit 150-fold and 800-fold D3 vs. D2 binding selectivity, respectively. Both compounds inhibited the HTR with similar potency but with different maximum efficacies. At 10 mg/kg WW-III-55 inhibited the HTR by 95%, while LAX-4-136 administration resulted in a 50% reduction. In addition, DOI (5 mg/kg) was administered at various times after LAX-4-136 or WW-III-55 administration to compare the duration of action. The homopiperazine analog LAX-4-136 exhibited greater stability. An assessment of our test compounds on motor performance and coordination was performed using a rotarod test. None of the D3 dopamine receptor selective compounds significantly altered latency to fall, suggesting that these compounds a) did not attenuate the DOI-dependent HTR due to sedative or adverse motor effects and b) may have antipsychotic/antihallucinogenic activity. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  13. Adverse reactions of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in cats reported in 2003-2013 in Finland.

    PubMed

    Raekallio, Marja R; Virtanen, Marika; Happonen, Irmeli; Vainio, Outi M

    2017-07-01

    To describe suspected adverse drug reactions in cats associated with use of α 2 -adrenoceptor agonists. Retrospective study. A total of 90 cats. Data were collected from reports on adverse reactions to veterinary medicines sent to the Finnish Medicines Agency during 2003-2013. All reports of suspected adverse reactions associated with use of α 2 -adrenoceptor agonists in cats were included. Probable pulmonary oedema was diagnosed based on post mortem or radiological examination, or presence of frothy or excess fluid from the nostrils or trachea. If only dyspnoea and crackles on auscultation were reported, possible pulmonary oedema was presumed. Pulmonary oedema was suspected in 61 cases. Of these cats, 37 were categorised as probable and 24 as possible pulmonary oedema. The first clinical signs had been noted between 1 minute and 2 days (median, 15 minutes) after α 2 -adrenoceptor agonist administration. Many cats probably had no intravenous overhydration when the first clinical signs were detected, as either they presumably had no intravenous cannula or the signs appeared before, during or immediately after cannulation. Of the 61 cats, 43 survived, 14 died and for four the outcome was not clearly stated. Pulmonary oedema is a perilous condition that may appear within minutes of an intramuscular administration of sedative or anaesthetic agent in cats. The symptoms were not caused by intravenous overhydration, at least in cats having no venous cannula when the first clinical signs were detected. Copyright © 2017 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Carbon-11 radiolabeling of iron-oxide nanoparticles for dual-modality PET/MR imaging

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Ramesh; Xu, Youwen; Kim, Sung Won; Schueller, Michael J.; Alexoff, David; Smith, S. David; Wang, Wei; Schlyer, David

    2013-07-01

    Dual-modality imaging, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) simultaneously, is a powerful tool to gain valuable information correlating structure with function in biomedicine. The advantage of this dual approach is that the strengths of one modality can balance the weaknesses of the other. However, success of this technique requires developing imaging probes suitable for both. Here, we report on the development of a nanoparticle labeling procedure via covalent bonding with carbon-11 PET isotope. Carbon-11 in the form of [11C]methyl iodide was used as a methylation agent to react with carboxylic acid (-COOH) and amine (-NH2) functional groups of ligands bound to the nanoparticles (NPs). The surface coating ligands present on superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) were radiolabeled to achieve dual-modality PET/MR imaging capabilities. The proof-of-concept dual-modality PET/MR imaging using the radiolabeled SPIO NPs was demonstrated in an in vivo experiment.Dual-modality imaging, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) simultaneously, is a powerful tool to gain valuable information correlating structure with function in biomedicine. The advantage of this dual approach is that the strengths of one modality can balance the weaknesses of the other. However, success of this technique requires developing imaging probes suitable for both. Here, we report on the development of a nanoparticle labeling procedure via covalent bonding with carbon-11 PET isotope. Carbon-11 in the form of [11C]methyl iodide was used as a methylation agent to react with carboxylic acid (-COOH) and amine (-NH2) functional groups of ligands bound to the nanoparticles (NPs). The surface coating ligands present on superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) were radiolabeled to achieve dual-modality PET/MR imaging capabilities. The proof-of-concept dual-modality PET/MR imaging using the radiolabeled

  15. Identification of the dopamine autoreceptor in the guinea-pig retina as D2 receptor using novel subtype-selective antagonists

    PubMed Central

    Weber, Bernd; Schlicker, Eberhard; Sokoloff, Pierre; Stark, Holger

    2001-01-01

    Dopamine release in the retina is subject to modulation via autoreceptors, which belong to the D2 receptor family (encompassing the D2, D3 and D4 receptors). The aim of the present study was to determine the receptor subtype (D2 vs D3) involved in the inhibition of dopamine release in guinea-pig retinal discs, using established (haloperidol, (S)-nafadotride) and novel dopamine receptor antagonists (ST-148, ST-198). hD2L and hD3 receptors were expressed in CHO cells and the pKi values determined in binding studies with [125I]-iodosulpride were: haloperidol 9.22 vs 8.54; ST-148 7.85 vs 6.60; (S)-nafadotride 8.52 vs 9.51; ST-198 6.14 vs 7.92. The electrically evoked tritium overflow from retinal discs preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline (which represents quasi-physiological dopamine release) was inhibited by the dopamine receptor agonists B-HT 920 (talipexole) and quinpirole (maximally by 82 and 71%; pEC50 5.80 and 5.83). The concentration-response curves of these agonists were shifted to the right by haloperidol (apparent pA2 8.69 and 8.23) and ST-148 (7.52 and 7.66). (S)-Nafadotride 0.01 μM and ST-198 0.32 μM did not affect the concentration-response curve of B-HT 920. The dopamine autoreceptor in the guinea-pig retina can be classified as a D2 receptor. ST-148 and ST-198 show an improved selectivity for D2 and D3 receptors when compared to haloperidol and (S)-nafadotride, respectively. PMID:11498509

  16. D2 dopamine receptor activation inhibits basal and forskolin-evoked acetylcholine release from dissociated striatal cholinergic interneurons.

    PubMed

    Login, I S

    1997-02-21

    We tested whether D2 ligands inhibit basal and forskolin-stimulated [3H]ACh release from dissociated striata, as opposed to striatal slices. Quinpirole inhibited both basal (40% maximal inhibition; IC50 approximately 50 nM) and 10 microM forskolin-stimulated release (80% inhibition; IC50 approximately 25 nM quinpirole) and both actions were blocked by a D2 antagonist. Vesamicol prevented the quinpirole and forskolin actions. The ability of D2 agonists to inhibit basal and cyclase-stimulated acetylcholine release emanating from vesamicol-sensitive vesicles appears to be tonically suppressed by inhibitory elements within striatal circuitry.

  17. Pharmacological, neurochemical, and behavioral profile of JB-788, a new 5-HT1A agonist.

    PubMed

    Picard, M; Morisset, S; Cloix, J F; Bizot, J C; Guerin, M; Beneteau, V; Guillaumet, G; Hevor, T K

    2010-09-01

    A novel pyridine derivative, 8-{4-[(6-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-b]pyridine-3-ylmethyl)-amino]-butyl}-8-aza-spiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione hydrochloride, termed JB-788, was designed to selectively target 5-HT(1A) receptors. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of JB-788 was characterized in vitro using radioligands binding tests and in vivo using neurochemical and behavioural experiments. JB-788 bound tightly to human 5-HT(1A) receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells with a K(i) value of 0.8 nM. Its binding affinity is in the same range as that observed for the (+/-)8-OH-DPAT, a reference 5HT(1A) agonist compound. Notably, JB-788 only bound weakly to 5-HT(1B) or 5-HT(2A) receptors and moreover the drug displayed only weak or indetectable binding to muscarinic, alpha(2), beta(1) and beta(2) adrenergic receptors, or dopaminergic D(1) receptors. JB-788 was found to display substantial binding affinity for dopaminergic D(2) receptors and, to a lesser extend to alpha(1) adrenoreceptors. JB-788 dose-dependently decreased forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation in HEK cells expressing human 5-HT(1A), thus acting as a potent 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (E(max.) 75%, EC(50) 3.5 nM). JB-788 did not exhibit any D(2) receptor agonism but progressively inhibited the effects of quinpirole, a D(2) receptor agonist, in the cAMP accumulation test with a K(i) value of 250 nM. JB-788 induced a weak change in cAMP levels in mouse brain but, like some antipsychotics, transiently increased glycogen contents in various brain regions. Behavioral effects were investigated in mice using the elevated plus-maze. JB-788 was found to increase the time duration spent by animals in anxiogenic situations. Locomotor hyperactivity induced by methamphetamine in mouse, a model of antipsychotic activity, was dose-dependently inhibited by JB-788. Altogether, these results suggest that JB-788 displays pharmacological properties, which could be of interest in the area

  18. Charge and Geometry of Residues in the Loop 2 β Hairpin Differentially Affect Agonist and Ethanol Sensitivity in Glycine Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Perkins, Daya I.; Trudell, James R.; Asatryan, Liana; Alkana, Ronald L.

    2012-01-01

    Recent studies highlighted the importance of loop 2 of α1 glycine receptors (GlyRs) in the propagation of ligand-binding energy to the channel gate. Mutations that changed polarity at position 52 in the β hairpin of loop 2 significantly affected sensitivity to ethanol. The present study extends the investigation to charged residues. We found that substituting alanine with the negative glutamate at position 52 (A52E) significantly left-shifted the glycine concentration response curve and increased sensitivity to ethanol, whereas the negative aspartate substitution (A52D) significantly right-shifted the glycine EC50 but did not affect ethanol sensitivity. It is noteworthy that the uncharged glutamine at position 52 (A52Q) caused only a small right shift of the glycine EC50 while increasing ethanol sensitivity as much as A52E. In contrast, the shorter uncharged asparagine (A52N) caused the greatest right shift of glycine EC50 and reduced ethanol sensitivity to half of wild type. Collectively, these findings suggest that charge interactions determined by the specific geometry of the amino acid at position 52 (e.g., the 1-Å chain length difference between aspartate and glutamate) play differential roles in receptor sensitivity to agonist and ethanol. We interpret these results in terms of a new homology model of GlyR based on a prokaryotic ion channel and propose that these mutations form salt bridges to residues across the β hairpin (A52E-R59 and A52N-D57). We hypothesize that these electrostatic interactions distort loop 2, thereby changing agonist activation and ethanol modulation. This knowledge will help to define the key physical-chemical parameters that cause the actions of ethanol in GlyRs. PMID:22357974

  19. Agonist-Specific Recruitment of Arrestin Isoforms Differentially Modify Delta Opioid Receptor Function

    PubMed Central

    Perroy, Julie; Walwyn, Wendy M.; Smith, Monique L.; Vicente-Sanchez, Ana; Segura, Laura; Bana, Alia; Kieffer, Brigitte L.; Evans, Christopher J.

    2016-01-01

    Ligand-specific recruitment of arrestins facilitates functional selectivity of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. Here, we describe agonist-selective recruitment of different arrestin isoforms to the delta opioid receptor in mice. A high-internalizing delta opioid receptor agonist (SNC80) preferentially recruited arrestin 2 and, in arrestin 2 knock-outs (KOs), we observed a significant increase in the potency of SNC80 to inhibit mechanical hyperalgesia and decreased acute tolerance. In contrast, the low-internalizing delta agonists (ARM390, JNJ20788560) preferentially recruited arrestin 3 with unaltered behavioral effects in arrestin 2 KOs. Surprisingly, arrestin 3 KO revealed an acute tolerance to these low-internalizing agonists, an effect never observed in wild-type animals. Furthermore, we examined delta opioid receptor–Ca2+ channel coupling in dorsal root ganglia desensitized by ARM390 and the rate of resensitization was correspondingly decreased in arrestin 3 KOs. Live-cell imaging in HEK293 cells revealed that delta opioid receptors are in pre-engaged complexes with arrestin 3 at the cell membrane and that ARM390 strengthens this membrane interaction. The disruption of these complexes in arrestin 3 KOs likely accounts for the altered responses to low-internalizing agonists. Together, our results show agonist-selective recruitment of arrestin isoforms and reveal a novel endogenous role of arrestin 3 as a facilitator of resensitization and an inhibitor of tolerance mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Agonists that bind to the same receptor can produce highly distinct signaling events and arrestins are a major mediator of this ligand bias. Here, we demonstrate that delta opioid receptor agonists differentially recruit arrestin isoforms. We found that the high-internalizing agonist SNC80 preferentially recruits arrestin 2 and knock-out (KO) of this protein results in increased efficacy of SNC80. In contrast, low-internalizing agonists (ARM390 and JNJ20788560

  20. Role of MyD88 in TLR agonist-induced functional alterations of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

    PubMed

    Yu, Sungsook; Cho, Hyun Hwa; Joo, Hye Joon; Bae, Yong Chan; Jung, Jin Sup

    2008-10-01

    Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense microorganism components and are critical host mediators of inflammation during infection. Recently, TLRs have been reported to be involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. We previously reported that TLR agonists might affect proliferation and differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs). In this study, we sought to determine whether TLR signaling is dependent on MyD88 in hASCs. The hASCs were downregulated using LV-GFP-miR-MyD88, a lentiviral construct inserted siRNA against human MyD88 that significantly inhibited cell proliferation. MyD88 downregulation reduced NF-kappaB activation and enhancement of osteogenic differentiation induced by peptidoglycan (PGN) more significantly than that induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although LPS- and PGN-induced cytokine secretions were decreased greatly by MyD88 downregulation, IFN-gamma-induced protein-10 (IP10) and IFNbeta expression were enhanced by LPS irrespective of the downregulation of MyD88. These results suggest that TLR signaling is mediated via MyD88-independent pathways as well as MyD88-dependent pathways in hASCs and that MyD88 contributes to the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in hASCs.

  1. Preparation and biodistribution of 59Fe-radiolabelled iron oxide nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pospisilova, Martina; Zapotocky, Vojtech; Nesporova, Kristina; Laznicek, Milan; Laznickova, Alice; Zidek, Ondrej; Cepa, Martin; Vagnerova, Hana; Velebny, Vladimir

    2017-02-01

    We report on the 59Fe radiolabelling of iron oxide nanoparticle cores through post-synthetic isotope exchange (59Fe-IONPex) and precursor labelling (59Fe-IONPpre). Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements showed no impact of radiolabelling on nanoparticle size or morphology. While incorporation efficiencies of these methods are comparable—83 and 90% for precursor labelling and post-synthetic isotope exchange, respectively—59Fe-IONPpre exhibited much higher radiochemical stability in citrated human plasma. Quantitative ex vivo biodistribution study of 59Fe-IONPpre coated with triethylene glycol was performed in Wistar rats. Following the intravenous administration, high 59Fe concentration was observed in the lung and the organs of the reticuloendothelial system such as the liver, the spleen and the femur.

  2. The somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 outperforms 64Cu-DOTA-TATE in a mouse xenograft model

    PubMed Central

    Rylova, Svetlana N.; Stoykow, Christian; Del Pozzo, Luigi; Abiraj, Keelara; Tamma, Maria Luisa; Kiefer, Yvonne; Fani, Melpomeni; Maecke, Helmut R.

    2018-01-01

    Copper-64 is an attractive radionuclide for PET imaging and is frequently used in clinical applications. The aim of this study was to perform a side-by-side comparison of the in vitro and in vivo performance of 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 (NODAGA = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid,4,7-acetic acid, JR11 = p-Cl-Phe-cyclo(D-Cys-Aph(Hor)-D-Aph(cbm)-Lys-Thr-Cys)D-Tyr-NH2), a somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist, with the clinically used sst2 agonist 64Cu-DOTA-TATE ((TATE = D-Phe-cyclo(Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys)Thr). In vitro studies demonstrated Kd values of 5.7±0.95 nM (Bmax = 4.1±0.18 nM) for the antagonist 64/natCu-NODAGA-JR11 and 20.1±4.4. nM (Bmax = 0.48±0.18 nM) for the agonist 64/natCu-DOTA-TATE. Cell uptake studies showed the expected differences between agonists and antagonists. Whereas 64Cu-DOTA-TATE (the agonist) showed very effective internalization in the cell culture assay (with 50% internalized at 4 hours post-peptide addition under the given experimental conditions), 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 (the antagonist) showed little internalization but strong receptor-mediated uptake at the cell membrane. Biodistribution studies of 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 showed rapid blood clearance and tumor uptake with increasing tumor-to-relevant organ ratios within the first 4 hours and in some cases, 24 hours, respectively. The tumor washout was slow or non-existent in the first 4 hours, whereas the kidney washout was very efficient, leading to high and increasing tumor-to-kidney ratios over time. Specificity of tumor uptake was proven by co-injection of high excess of non-radiolabeled peptide, which led to >80% tumor blocking. 64Cu-DOTA-TATE showed less favorable pharmacokinetics, with the exception of lower kidney uptake. Blood clearance was distinctly slower and persistent higher blood values were found at 24 hours. Uptake in the liver and lung was relatively high and also persistent. The tumor uptake was specific and similar to that of 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 at 1 h, but release from the tumor

  3. The somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 outperforms 64Cu-DOTA-TATE in a mouse xenograft model.

    PubMed

    Rylova, Svetlana N; Stoykow, Christian; Del Pozzo, Luigi; Abiraj, Keelara; Tamma, Maria Luisa; Kiefer, Yvonne; Fani, Melpomeni; Maecke, Helmut R

    2018-01-01

    Copper-64 is an attractive radionuclide for PET imaging and is frequently used in clinical applications. The aim of this study was to perform a side-by-side comparison of the in vitro and in vivo performance of 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 (NODAGA = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid,4,7-acetic acid, JR11 = p-Cl-Phe-cyclo(D-Cys-Aph(Hor)-D-Aph(cbm)-Lys-Thr-Cys)D-Tyr-NH2), a somatostatin receptor 2 antagonist, with the clinically used sst2 agonist 64Cu-DOTA-TATE ((TATE = D-Phe-cyclo(Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys)Thr). In vitro studies demonstrated Kd values of 5.7±0.95 nM (Bmax = 4.1±0.18 nM) for the antagonist 64/natCu-NODAGA-JR11 and 20.1±4.4. nM (Bmax = 0.48±0.18 nM) for the agonist 64/natCu-DOTA-TATE. Cell uptake studies showed the expected differences between agonists and antagonists. Whereas 64Cu-DOTA-TATE (the agonist) showed very effective internalization in the cell culture assay (with 50% internalized at 4 hours post-peptide addition under the given experimental conditions), 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 (the antagonist) showed little internalization but strong receptor-mediated uptake at the cell membrane. Biodistribution studies of 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 showed rapid blood clearance and tumor uptake with increasing tumor-to-relevant organ ratios within the first 4 hours and in some cases, 24 hours, respectively. The tumor washout was slow or non-existent in the first 4 hours, whereas the kidney washout was very efficient, leading to high and increasing tumor-to-kidney ratios over time. Specificity of tumor uptake was proven by co-injection of high excess of non-radiolabeled peptide, which led to >80% tumor blocking. 64Cu-DOTA-TATE showed less favorable pharmacokinetics, with the exception of lower kidney uptake. Blood clearance was distinctly slower and persistent higher blood values were found at 24 hours. Uptake in the liver and lung was relatively high and also persistent. The tumor uptake was specific and similar to that of 64Cu-NODAGA-JR11 at 1 h, but release from the tumor

  4. Identification of the Beer Component Hordenine as Food-Derived Dopamine D2 Receptor Agonist by Virtual Screening a 3D Compound Database

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sommer, Thomas; Hübner, Harald; El Kerdawy, Ahmed; Gmeiner, Peter; Pischetsrieder, Monika; Clark, Timothy

    2017-03-01

    The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is involved in food reward and compulsive food intake. The present study developed a virtual screening (VS) method to identify food components, which may modulate D2R signalling. In contrast to their common applications in drug discovery, VS methods are rarely applied for the discovery of bioactive food compounds. Here, databases were created that exclusively contain substances occurring in food and natural sources (about 13,000 different compounds in total) as the basis for combined pharmacophore searching, hit-list clustering and molecular docking into D2R homology models. From 17 compounds finally tested in radioligand assays to determine their binding affinities, seven were classified as hits (hit rate = 41%). Functional properties of the five most active compounds were further examined in β-arrestin recruitment and cAMP inhibition experiments. D2R-promoted G-protein activation was observed for hordenine, a constituent of barley and beer, with approximately identical ligand efficacy as dopamine (76%) and a Ki value of 13 μM. Moreover, hordenine antagonised D2-mediated β-arrestin recruitment indicating functional selectivity. Application of our databases provides new perspectives for the discovery of bioactive food constituents using VS methods. Based on its presence in beer, we suggest that hordenine significantly contributes to mood-elevating effects of beer.

  5. Identification of Staphylococcus aureus infection by aptamers directly radiolabeled with technetium-99m.

    PubMed

    dos Santos, Sara Roberta; Rodrigues Corrêa, Cristiane; Branco de Barros, André Luís; Serakides, Rogéria; Fernandes, Simone Odília; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento; de Andrade, Antero Silva Ribeiro

    2015-03-01

    Aptamers are oligonucleotides that have high affinity and specificity for their molecular targets which are emerging as a new class of molecules for radiopharmaceuticals development. In this study, aptamers selected to Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated for bacterial infection identification. Anti S. aureus aptamers were labeled with (99m)Tc by the direct method. The radiolabel yield and complex stability were assessed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Three groups of Swiss mice containing 6 animals each were used. The first group was infected intramuscularly in the right thigh with S. aureus. The second group was infected in the same way with C. albicans and the third group was injected with zymosan to induce aseptic inflammation. After 24 h, radiolabeled aptamers (22.2 MBq) were injected by the tail vein. The mice were euthanized 4 h post injection and tissue sample activities measured in a gamma counter. The (99m)Tc labeled aptamers were stable in saline, plasma and cystein excess. Radiolabeled aptamers showed increased uptake in the kidneys for all groups indicating a main renal excretion, which is consistent with the hydrophilic nature and small size of aptamers. The radiopharmaceutical showed rapid blood clearance indicated by a reduced dose (% ID/g) in the blood. The biodistribution showed that aptamers were able to identify the infection foci caused by S. aureus displaying a target/non-target ratio of 4.0±0.5. This ratio for mice infected with C. albicans was 2.0±0.4 while for mice with aseptic inflammation was 1.2±0.2. Histology confirmed the presence of infection in groups 1 and 2, and inflammation in group 3. The biodistibution study demonstrated a statistically higher uptake in the S. aureus foci relative to inflammation and C. albicans infected areas. These results highlight the potential of aptamers labeled directly with (99m)Tc for bacterial infection diagnosis by scintigraphy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Functionalized Ergot-alkaloids as potential dopamine D3 receptor agonists for treatment of schizophrenia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ivanova, Bojidarka; Spiteller, Michael

    2012-12-01

    The relationship between the molecular structure and physical properties of functionalized naturally occurred Ergot-alkaloids as potential dopamine D3 receptor agonists is presented. The molecular modeling of the ergoline-skeleton is based on the comprehensive theoretical study of the binding affinity of the isolated chemicals towards the active sites of the D3 sub-type receptor (D3R) loops. The studied proton accepting ability under physiological conditions allows classifying four types of monocationics, characterizing with the different binding modes to D3R involving selected amino acid residues to the active sites. These results marked the pharmaceutical potential and clinical usage of the reported compounds as antipsychotic drugs for Schizophrenia treatment, since they allowed evaluating the highlights of the different hypothesizes of the biochemical causes the illness. The applied complex approach for theoretical and experimental elucidation, including quantum chemistry method, electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric (MS) methods, nuclear magnetic resonance and vibrational IR and Raman spectroscopy on the isolated fifteen novel derivatives (1)-(15) and their different protonated forms (1a)-(15a) evidenced a strong dependence of molecular conformation, physical properties and binding affinity. Thus, the semi-synthetic functionalization of the naturally occurred products (NPs), provided significant possibilities to further molecular drugs-design and development of novel derivatives with wanted biological function, using the established profile of selected classes/families of NPs. The work described chiefly the non-linear (NL) approach for the interpretation of the mass chromatograms on the performed hybrid high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tandem MS/MS and MS/MS/MS experiments, discussing the merits and great diversity of instrumentation flexibility, thus achieving fundamental

  7. The group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY354740 and the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol reduce locomotor hyperactivity but fail to rescue spatial working memory in GluA1 knockout mice.

    PubMed

    Boerner, Thomas; Bygrave, Alexei M; Chen, Jingkai; Fernando, Anushka; Jackson, Stephanie; Barkus, Chris; Sprengel, Rolf; Seeburg, Peter H; Harrison, Paul J; Gilmour, Gary; Bannerman, David M; Sanderson, David J

    2017-04-01

    Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists have been suggested as potential anti-psychotics, at least in part, based on the observation that the agonist LY354740 appeared to rescue the cognitive deficits caused by non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, including spatial working memory deficits in rodents. Here, we tested the ability of LY354740 to rescue spatial working memory performance in mice that lack the GluA1 subunit of the AMPA glutamate receptor, encoded by Gria1, a gene recently implicated in schizophrenia by genome-wide association studies. We found that LY354740 failed to rescue the spatial working memory deficit in Gria1 -/- mice during rewarded alternation performance in the T-maze. In contrast, LY354740 did reduce the locomotor hyperactivity in these animals to a level that was similar to controls. A similar pattern was found with the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol, with no amelioration of the spatial working memory deficit in Gria1 -/- mice, even though the same dose of haloperidol reduced their locomotor hyperactivity. These results with LY354740 contrast with the rescue of spatial working memory in models of glutamatergic hypofunction using non-competitive NMDAR antagonists. Future studies should determine whether group II mGluR agonists can rescue spatial working memory deficits with other NMDAR manipulations, including genetic models and other pharmacological manipulations of NMDAR function. © 2017 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience published by Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  8. TOXICITY OF AHR AGONISTS TO FISH EARLY LIFE STAGES

    EPA Science Inventory

    Fish early life stages are exceptionally sensitive to the lethal toxicity of chemicals that act as arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. Toxicity characterizations based on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, generally the most potent AhR agonist, support the toxicity equiva...

  9. N-terminal galanin-(1-16) fragment is an agonist at the hippocampal galanin receptor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Fisone, G.; Berthold, M.; Bedecs, K.

    1989-12-01

    The galanin N-terminal fragment (galanin-(1-16)) has been prepared by solid-phase synthesis and by enzymic cleavage of galanin by endoproteinase Asp-N. This peptide fragment displaced {sup 125}I-labeled galanin in receptor autoradiography experiments on rat forebrain and spinal cord and in equilibrium binding experiments from high-affinity binding sites in the ventral hippocampus with an IC50 of approximately 3 nM. In tissue slices of the same brain area, galanin-(1-16), similarly to galanin, inhibited the muscarinic agonist-stimulated breakdown of inositol phospholipids. Upon intracerebroventricular administration, galanin-(1-16) (10 micrograms/15 microliters) also inhibited the scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg, s.c.)-evoked release of acetylcholine, as studied in vivo by microdialysis.more » Substitution of (L-Trp2) for (D-Trp2) resulted in a 500-fold loss in affinity as compared with galanin-(1-16). It is concluded that, in the ventral hippocampus, the N-terminal galanin fragment (galanin-(1-16)) is recognized by the galanin receptors controlling acetylcholine release and muscarinic agonist-stimulated inositol phospholipid breakdown as a high-affinity agonist and that amino acid residue (Trp2) plays an important role in the receptor-ligand interactions.« less

  10. Role of A1 and A2A adenosine receptor agonists in adipose tissue inflammation induced by obesity in mice.

    PubMed

    DeOliveira, Caroline Candida; Paiva Caria, Cintia Rabelo E; Ferreira Gotardo, Erica Martins; Ribeiro, Marcelo Lima; Gambero, Alessandra

    2017-03-15

    Adenosine receptors are expressed in adipose tissue and control physiological and pathological events such as lipolysis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of N 6 -cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a potent and selective A 1 adenosine receptor agonist; 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine hydrochloride (CGS-21680), an A 2A adenosine receptor agonist; and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), a potent non-selective adenosine receptor agonist on adipose tissue inflammatory alterations induced by obesity in mice. Swiss mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and agonists were administered in the last two weeks. Body weight, adiposity and glucose homeostasis were evaluated. Inflammation in adipose tissue was assessed by evaluation of adipokine production and macrophage infiltration. Adenosine receptor signaling in adipose tissue was also evaluated. Mice that received CGS21680 presented an improvement in glucose homeostasis in association with systemically reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, PAI-1) and in the visceral adipose tissue (TNF-α, MCP-1, macrophage infiltration). Activation of p38 signaling was found in adipose tissue of this group of mice. NECA-treated mice presented some improvements in glucose homeostasis associated with an observed weight loss. Mice that received CPA presented only a reduction in the ex vivo basal lipolysis rate measured within visceral adipose tissue. In conclusion, administration of the A 2A receptor agonist to obese mice resulted in improvements in glucose homeostasis and adipose tissue inflammation, corroborating the idea that new therapeutics to treat obesity could emerge from these compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Imaging the Molecular Signatures of Apoptosis and Injury with Radiolabeled Annexin V

    PubMed Central

    Blankenberg, Francis G.

    2009-01-01

    Annexin V is a ubiquitous intracellular protein in humans that has a variety of intriguing characteristics, including a nanomolar affinity for the membrane-bound constitutive anionic phospholipid known as phosphatidylserine (PS). PS is selectively expressed on the surface of apoptotic or physiologically stressed cells. As such, radiolabeled forms of annexin V have been used in both animal models and human Phase I and Phase II trials to determine if this tracer can be employed as an early surrogate marker of therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Many other pulmonary imaging applications of radiolabeled annexin V are also possible, including the detection and monitoring of active pulmonary inflammation and other pathophysiologic stressors in a variety of diseases. In this article, the salient molecular features of apoptosis (and other forms of cell death) that permits imaging with radiolabeled annexin V will be discussed. The latest results from Phase II imaging trials with NSCLC and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be also be detailed. Finally, the potential future application of this tracer for the imaging of other pulmonary pathologies will be outlined. PMID:19687221

  12. Binding ability of impromidine, a potent H2 agonist of histamine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anouar, A.; Lhadi, E.; Decock, P.; Kozlowskyinst4, H.

    1999-09-01

    Impromidine (fig.1) is a potent and selective histamine H2 receptor agonist and its structure comprises a strongly basic guanidine group containing two different imidazole-containing side chains. The present work deals with the study of coordination equilibria between impromidine and Cu(II) and Ni(II) in aqueous solution at 25 circC. Potentiometric, UV-Visible and EPR studies on Cu(II) complexes with impromidine have shown that this anti-ulcerogenic drug is a very potent chelating agent. This drug is found to be a very effective ligand for Ni(II) ions also. The effective coordination of impromidine to metal ions may have significant biological implications. L'impromidine est un agoniste H2 de l'histamine, sa structure possède un groupement guanidinique de forte basicité et dont l'environne ment des deux groupements imidazoliques est différent. Le présent travail consiste en l'étude de la coordination de l'impromidine avec le Cu(II) et le Ni(II) en milieu aqueux à 25 circC. La potentiométrie, LíUV-Visible et la RPE montrent que le cuivre se coordine très fortement avec l'impromidine. Nous avons trouvé que ce médicament se coordine aussi fortement avec le nickel(II). La coordination de l'impromidine avec les métaux pourrait avoir des applications importantes en médecine.

  13. The glycine transport inhibitor sarcosine is an inhibitory glycine receptor agonist.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hai Xia; Lyons-Warren, Ariel; Thio, Liu Lin

    2009-01-01

    Sarcosine is an endogenous amino acid that is a competitive inhibitor of the type I glycine transporter (GlyT1), an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) co-agonist, and an important intermediate in one-carbon metabolism. Its therapeutic potential for schizophrenia further underscores its clinical importance. The structural similarity between sarcosine and glycine and sarcosine's ability to serve as an NMDAR co-agonist led us to examine whether sarcosine is also an agonist at the inhibitory glycine receptor (GlyR). We examined this possibility using whole-cell recordings from cultured embryonic mouse hippocampal neurons and found that sarcosine evoked a dose-dependent, strychnine sensitive, Cl(-) current that cross-inhibited glycine currents. Sarcosine evoked this current with Li(+) in the extracellular solution to block GlyT1, in neurons treated with the essentially irreversible GlyT1 inhibitor N[3-(4'-fluorophenyl)-3-(4'-phenylphenoxy)propyl]sarcosine (NFPS), and in neurons plated in the absence of glia. These results indicate that the sarcosine currents did not result from GlyT1 inhibition or heteroexchange. We conclude that sarcosine is a GlyR agonist.

  14. Magnesium ions and opioid agonists in vincristine-induced neuropathy.

    PubMed

    Bujalska, Magdalena; Makulska-Nowak, Helena; Gumułka, Stanisław W

    2009-01-01

    Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat. Classic analgesics (i.e., opioid receptor agonists) usually possess low activity. Therefore other agents such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids are used. It is commonly known that NMDA antagonists increase analgesic activity of opioids. Unfortunately, clinical use of NMDA antagonists is limited because of the relatively frequent occurrence of adverse effects e.g., memory impairment, psychomimetic effects, ataxia and motor in-coordination. Magnesium ions (Mg(2+)) are NMDA receptor blockers in physiological conditions. Therefore, in this study the effect of opioid receptor agonists and the influence of Mg(2+) on the action of opioid agonists in vincristine-induced hyperalgesia were examined. Opioid agonists such as morphine (5 mg/kg, ip), and fentanyl (0.0625 mg/kg, ip), as well as the partial agonist buprenorphine (0.075 mg/kg, ip) administered alone on 5 consecutives days did not modify the hyperalgesia in vincristine rats. In contrast, pretreatment with a low dose of magnesium sulfate (30 mg/kg, ip) resulted in a progressive increase of the analgesic action of all three investigated opioids. After discontinuation of drug administration, the effect persisted for several days.

  15. Biased agonist pharmacochaperones of the AVP V2 receptor may treat congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

    PubMed

    Jean-Alphonse, Frédéric; Perkovska, Sanja; Frantz, Marie-Céline; Durroux, Thierry; Méjean, Catherine; Morin, Denis; Loison, Stéphanie; Bonnet, Dominique; Hibert, Marcel; Mouillac, Bernard; Mendre, Christiane

    2009-10-01

    X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (cNDI) results from inactivating mutations of the human arginine vasopressin (AVP) V2 receptor (hV(2)R). Most of these mutations lead to intracellular retention of the hV(2)R, preventing its interaction with AVP and thereby limiting water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Because the majority of cNDI-hV(2)Rs exhibit protein misfolding, molecular chaperones hold promise as therapeutic agents; therefore, we sought to identify pharmacochaperones for hV(2)R that also acted as agonists. Here, we describe high-affinity nonpeptide compounds that promoted maturation and membrane rescue of L44P, A294P, and R337X cNDI mutants and restored a functional AVP-dependent cAMP signal. Contrary to pharmacochaperone antagonists, these compounds directly activated a cAMP signal upon binding to several cNDI mutants. In addition, these molecules displayed original functionally selective properties (biased agonism) toward the hV(2)R, being unable to recruit arrestin, trigger receptor internalization, or stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinases. These characteristics make these hV(2)R agonist pharmacochaperones promising therapeutic candidates for cNDI.

  16. Biased Agonist Pharmacochaperones of the AVP V2 Receptor May Treat Congenital Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

    PubMed Central

    Jean-Alphonse, Frédéric; Perkovska, Sanja; Frantz, Marie-Céline; Durroux, Thierry; Méjean, Catherine; Morin, Denis; Loison, Stéphanie; Bonnet, Dominique; Hibert, Marcel

    2009-01-01

    X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (cNDI) results from inactivating mutations of the human arginine vasopressin (AVP) V2 receptor (hV2R). Most of these mutations lead to intracellular retention of the hV2R, preventing its interaction with AVP and thereby limiting water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Because the majority of cNDI-hV2Rs exhibit protein misfolding, molecular chaperones hold promise as therapeutic agents; therefore, we sought to identify pharmacochaperones for hV2R that also acted as agonists. Here, we describe high-affinity nonpeptide compounds that promoted maturation and membrane rescue of L44P, A294P, and R337X cNDI mutants and restored a functional AVP-dependent cAMP signal. Contrary to pharmacochaperone antagonists, these compounds directly activated a cAMP signal upon binding to several cNDI mutants. In addition, these molecules displayed original functionally selective properties (biased agonism) toward the hV2R, being unable to recruit arrestin, trigger receptor internalization, or stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinases. These characteristics make these hV2R agonist pharmacochaperones promising therapeutic candidates for cNDI. PMID:19729439

  17. The Sigma-22) Receptor: A Novel Protein for the Imaging and Treatment of Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Mach, Robert H.; Zeng, Chenbo; Hawkins, William G.

    2014-01-01

    The sigma-22) receptor is an important target for the development of molecular probes in oncology because of its 10-fold higher density in proliferating tumor cells than in quiescent tumor cells, and the observation that σ2 receptor agonists are able to kill tumor cells via apoptotic and non-apoptotic mechanisms. Although recent evidence indicates the σ2 receptor binding site is localized within the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), most information regarding this protein has been obtained using either radiolabeled or fluorescent receptor-based probes, and from biochemical analysis of the effect of σ2 selective ligands on cells grown in culture. This article reviews the development of σ2 receptor ligands, and presents an overview of how they have been used in vitro and in vivo to increase our understanding of the role of the σ2 receptor in cancer and proliferation. PMID:23734634

  18. Lorcaserin, a 5-HT(2C) receptor agonist, reduces body weight by decreasing energy intake without influencing energy expenditure.

    PubMed

    Martin, Corby K; Redman, Leanne M; Zhang, Jinkun; Sanchez, Matilde; Anderson, Christen M; Smith, Steven R; Ravussin, Eric

    2011-03-01

    Lorcaserin, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2C) receptor agonist, reduces body weight. It is unclear whether weight loss is due to reduced energy intake (EI) or also to enhanced energy expenditure (EE). This study tested the effect of lorcaserin on EI and EE. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 57 (39 women) overweight and obese (body mass index, 27-45 kg/m(2)) adults were randomized to placebo (n = 28) or 10 mg twice daily lorcaserin (n = 29) for 56 d. Weight maintenance was imposed during d 1-7. Beginning on d 8, participants followed a diet and exercise plan targeting a 600 kcal/d deficit. At baseline and after 7 and 56 d of treatment, we measured body weight, body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry), blood pressure, heart rate, EI at lunch and dinner, subjective appetite ratings, and 24-h EE and 24-h-respiratory quotient (RQ), measured by indirect calorimetry in a respiratory chamber. After 7 d of weight maintenance, EI was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced with lorcaserin but not placebo (mean ± sem for lorcaserin, -286 ± 86 kcal; placebo, -147 ± 89 kcal). After 56 d, lorcaserin resulted in significantly larger reductions in body weight (lorcaserin, -3.8 ± 0.4 kg; placebo, -2.2 ± 0.5 kg; P < 0.01), EI (lorcaserin, -470 ± 87 kcal; placebo, -205 ± 91 kcal; P < .05), and appetite ratings than in placebo. Changes in 24-h EE and 24-h RQ did not differ between groups, even after 24-h EE was adjusted for body weight and composition. Compared with placebo, lorcaserin had no effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure or heart rate after 56 d. Lorcaserin reduces body weight through reduced EI, not altered EE or RQ.

  19. Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of two peptide LyeTx I derivatives modified with the chelating agent HYNIC for radiolabeling with technetium-99m.

    PubMed

    Fuscaldi, Leonardo Lima; Dos Santos, Daniel Moreira; Pinheiro, Natália Gabriela Silva; Araújo, Raquel Silva; de Barros, André Luís Branco; Resende, Jarbas Magalhães; Fernandes, Simone Odília Antunes; de Lima, Maria Elena; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento

    2016-01-01

    Current diagnostic methods and imaging techniques are not able to differentiate septic and aseptic inflammation. Thus, reliable methods are sought to provide this distinction and scintigraphic imaging is an interesting option, since it is based on physiological changes. In this context, radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides have been investigated as they accumulate in infectious sites instead of aseptic inflammation. The peptide LyeTx I, from the venom of Lycosa erythrognatha, has potent antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize LyeTx I derivatives with the chelating compound HYNIC, to evaluate their antimicrobial activity and to radiolabel them with (99m)Tc. Two LyeTx I derivatives, HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) and LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification), were synthesized by Fmoc strategy and purified by RP-HPLC. The purified products were assessed by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Microbiological assays were performed against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538) and E. coli (ATCC® 10536) in liquid medium to calculate the MIC. The radiolabeling procedure of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC with (99m)Tc was performed in the presence of co-ligands (tricine and EDDA) and reducing agent (SnCl2 (.) 2H2O), and standardized taking into account the amount of peptide, reducing agent, pH and heating. Radiochemical purity analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel strips and the radiolabeled compound was assessed by RP-HPLC and radioactivity measurement of the collected fractions. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p-values < 0.05). Both LyeTx I derivatives were suitably synthesized and purified, as shown by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. The microbiological test showed that HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) did not inhibit bacterial growth, whereas LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification) showed a MIC of 5.05 μmol(.)L(-1) (S. aureus) and 10.10 μmol(.)L(-1) (E. coli). Thus, only the latter was radiolabeled

  20. 14-Alkoxy- and 14-Acyloxypyridomorphinans: Mu Agonist/Delta Antagonist Opioid Analgesics with Diminished Tolerance and Dependence Side Effects

    PubMed Central

    Ananthan, Subramaniam; Saini, Surendra K.; Dersch, Christina M.; Xu, Heng; McGlinchey, Nicholas; Giuvelis, Denise; Bilsky, Edward J.; Rothman, Richard B.

    2012-01-01

    In the search for opioid ligands with mixed functional activity, a series of 5′-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,5α-epoxypyridomorphinans possessing alkoxy or acyloxy groups at C-14 was synthesized and evaluated. In this series, the affinity and functional activity of the ligands were found to be influenced by the nature of the substituent at C-14 as well as by the substituent at N-17. Whereas the incorporation of a 3-phenylpropoxy group at C-14 on N-methylpyridomorhinan gave a dual MOR agonist/DOR agonist 17h its incorporation on N-cyclopropylmethylpyridomorphinan gave a MOR agonist/DOR antagonist 17d. Interestingly, 17d, in contrast to 17h, did not produce tolerance or dependence effects on prolonged treatment in cells expressing MOR and DOR. Moreover, 17d displayed greatly diminished analgesic tolerance as compared to morphine on repeated administration, thus supporting the hypothesis that ligands with MOR agonist/DOR antagonist functional activity could emerge as novel analgesics devoid of tolerance, dependence and related side effects. PMID:23016952