Neurotensin-dopamine interactions in the substantia nigra of the rat brain

Single or multiple doses of the potent dopamine releaser, methamphetamine (METH), increases the content of neurotensin (NT)-like immunoreactivity (NTLI) in the substantia nigra of the rat brain by 2- to 3-fold. Concurrent blockade of D-1 receptors with METH treatment completely antagonized the increase in nigral NTLI content induced by this drug. These results suggest that activation of D-1 receptors by endogenous dopamine results in an increase in the level of NTLI in the substantia nigra. The present study was performed to characterize further the mechanisms underlying dopaminergic regulation of nigral NT systems. Prior selective destruction of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway completely prevented the increase in nigral NTLI content induced by treatment with METH, which suggests that the effects of METH on nigral NT systems are mediated by the nigrostriatal dopamine projections. However, unlike METH, treatment of rats with the direct-acting, D-1-selective agonist, SKF 38393, did not alter nigral NTLI content but when combined with stimulation of D-2 receptors, a significant increase in the level of NTLI occurred. Surprisingly, activation of only D-2 receptors caused a significant decrease in nigral NTLI content. These data suggest that although activation of D-2 receptors alone has an effect opposite to that of the D-1 subtype, in combination with D-1 stimulation they facilitate the effect of D-1 receptors on nigral NT systems. In addition to the effects of direct or indirect stimulation of dopamine activity on nigral NT levels, basally released dopamine also appeared to regulate the level of NTLI in the substantia nigra. Thus, interruption of tonic dopamine activity by reserpine-induced depletion of dopamine significantly reduced the level of NTLI in the substantia nigra. The role of D-1 receptors in this tonic dopaminergic regulation of nigral NT systems was evident when concurrent activation of D-1, but not D-2, receptors with reserpine treatment prevented or reversed the decrease in NTLI content caused by dopamine depletion. Additional evidence for the D-1-mediated tonic regulation of NT systems in the substantia nigra was that blockade of D-1 receptors with SCH 23390 decreased the nigral NTLI content but blockade of D-2 receptors with sulpiride had no effect.     

Modulation of neurotransmitter release in the basal ganglia of the rat brain by dynorphin peptides.

Microinjection studies have found that although dynorphin peptides decrease dopamine release in the rat basal ganglia, the nonselective opiate antagonist naloxone produces the opposite effect. To investigate the contribution of the dynorphin pathways to a tonic modulation of dopamine release, a microdialysis study was undertaken, with probes implanted in the substantia nigra and the ipsilateral neostriatum. Perfusion of the substantia nigra with the nonselective antagonist naltrexone (NTX; 1-10 microM), the selective kappa-opoid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI; 1-10 microM), and the selective mu-opioid receptor antagonist, D-Pen-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH(2) (CTOP; 1-10 microM) produced an increase in dopamine release, both in substantia nigra and neostriatum. nor-BNI also produced an increase in dynorphin B release, and a similar effect was observed with the higher concentration of NTX (10 microM). At the higher concentration of NTX and CTOP, an increase in glutamate release was also observed. Perfusion of the neostriatum with NTX, nor-BNI, or CTOP increased striatal dopamine, and dynorphin B release and increased dynorphin B in the ipsilateral substantia nigra. NTX and CTOP, but not nor-BNI, increased striatal glutamate and aspartate release. The kappa-opioid agonist U-50,488H (10 microM) induced a decrease in dopamine levels, both in the substantia nigra and neostriatum, and a paradoxical increase in striatal aspartate levels. Finally, systemic administration of NTX (4 mg/kg s.c.) in awake animals significantly increased striatal dopamine levels. The results suggest that opioid peptides, either dynorphins acting on kappa-opioid receptors or enkephalins acting on mu-opioid receptors, exert tonic inhibition on dopamine and dynorphin B release in both substantia nigra and neostriatum.     

Dopaminergic regulation of tachykinin metabolism in the striatonigral pathway

The influence of the dopaminergic system on the striatonigral tachykinin pathway was studied in male Fischer 344 rats. Activation of dopamine receptors by subacute administration of apomorphine (APO; 5 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 7 days) significantly increased striatonigral substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI; 73% over control in striatum, 63% over control in substantia nigra) and substance K-like immunoreactivity (49% over control in striatum, 15% over control in substantia nigra). The changes in striatonigral SP-LI were dose dependent (0.5-5 mg/kg), time related (one, three or seven daily injections) and region specific as changes were not observed in frontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. The increase of SP-LI and substance K-like immunoreactivity was completely prevented by the dopamine receptor blocker, haloperidol, which, by itself, caused a slight decrease of both peptide levels. Immunocytochemical staining revealed enhanced SP-LI in neurons restricted to striatal patches and fibers in substantia nigra pars reticulata after APO treatment as compared with SP-LI intensity in control. In order to understand the molecular mechanism underlying the APO-induced increase in the level of tachykinins, the abundance of messenger RNA coding for preprotachykinin was quantified by blot hybridization. It was found that subacute administration of APO increased the abundance of preprotachykinin messenger RNA in the striatum. These results suggest that stimulation of dopaminergic receptors leads to an acceleration of tachykinin biosynthesis. A single dose of APO (2.5 mg/kg s.c.) induced a slight but significant reduction in striatal SP-LI (82% of control). This result suggests that APO triggers the release of tachykinins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

SSR240600 [(R)-2-(1-[2-[4-[2-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]acetyl]-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-morpholinyl]ethyl]- 4-piperidinyl)-2-methylpropanamide], a centrally active nonpeptide antagonist of the tachykinin neurokinin-1 receptor: I. biochemical and pharmacological characterization

The biochemical and pharmacological properties of a novel antagonist of the tachykinin neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor, SSR240600 [(R)-2-(1-[2-[4-[2-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]acetyl]-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-morpholinyl]ethyl]-4-piperidinyl)-2-methylpropanamide], were evaluated. SSR240600 inhibited the binding of radioactive substance P to tachykinin NK1 receptors in human lymphoblastic IM9 cells (K(i) = 0.0061 nM), human astrocytoma U373MG cells (K(i) = 0.10 nM), and human brain cortex (IC50 = 0.017 nM). It also showed subnanomolar affinity for guinea pig NK1 receptors but was less potent on rat and gerbil NK1 receptors. SSR240600 inhibited [Sar(9),Met(O2)(11)]substance P-induced inositol monophosphate formation in human astrocytoma U373MG cells with an IC50 value of 0.66 nM (agonist concentration of 100 nM). It also antagonized substance P-induced contractions of isolated human small bronchi with a pIC50 value of 8.6 (agonist concentration of 100 nM). The compound was >100- to 1000-fold more selective for tachykinin NK1 receptors versus tachykinin NK2 or NK3 receptors as evaluated in binding and in vitro functional assays. In vivo antagonistic activity of SSR240600 was demonstrated on tachykinin NK1 receptor-mediated hypotension in dogs (3 and 10 microg/kg i.v.), microvascular leakage (1 and 3 mg/kg i.p.), and bronchoconstriction (50 and 100 microg/kg i.v.) in guinea pigs. It also prevented citric acid-induced cough in guinea pigs (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), an animal model in which central endogenous tachykinins are suspected to play a major role. In conclusion, SSR240600 is a new, potent, and centrally active antagonist of the tachykinin NK1 receptor, able to antagonize various NK1 receptor-mediated pharmacological effects in the periphery and in the central nervous system.     

Neurokinin-induced salivation in the anesthetized rat: a three receptor hypothesis

Substance P (3 micrograms/kg), neurokinin A (20 micrograms/kg), neurokinin B (6 micrograms/kg) and acetylcholine (875 micrograms/kg) all produced salivation upon i.v. infusion in the anesthetized rat. Against single equivalent agonist doses, atropine (135 micrograms/kg i.v.) blocked both acetylcholine- and neurokinin B-, but not substance P- or neurokinin A-induced salivation. [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]-substance P (1 mg/kg i.v.), a putative substance P antagonist, reduced responses to mammalian neurokinins but caused a 2-fold potentiation of acetylcholine-induced salivation. [D-Pro2,D-Trp6,8,Nle10]-Neurokinin B (1 mg/kg i.v.), a novel putative neurokinin B antagonist, significantly reduced substance P- and neurokinin B- but not acetylcholine- or neurokinin A-induced salivation. The three agonists (at doses that produced salivation) and [D-Pro2,D-Trp6,8,Nle10]-neurokinin B (1 mg/kg i.v.) lowered blood pressure in anesthetized rats by 35 to 40%. [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]-Substance P (1 mg/kg i.v.) had no significant effect on blood pressure. Hydralazine at 0.60 mg/kg (i.v.), a dose which lowered blood pressure by 47%, did not reduce substance P-induced salivation. Thus, blockade of neurokinin-induced salivation by [D-Pro2,D-Trp6,8,Nle10]-neurokinin B was probably not due to hypotension. Based on the differential effects of the three antagonists on neurokinin- and acetylcholine-induced salivation, we hypothesize the existence of three distinct neurokinin receptors in rat salivary gland, and suggest that neurokinin B receptors reside presynaptically.     

SCH23390 effects on apomorphine-induced responses of nigral dopaminergic neurons

SCH23390 is a dopamine antagonist which has a high affinity for D1-like dopaminergic receptors. Receptor binding studies demonstrated significant levels of specific SCH23390 binding within nigral tissue. Therefore, electrophysiological experiments were conducted to determine if this antagonist influenced apomorphine-induced suppressions of unit firing recorded from dopaminergic cells of the substantia nigra zona compacta. Results presented in this report indicate that the autoreceptors located on dendrites and cell bodies of dopamine-containing neurons are not directly acted upon by SCH23390. This conclusion is drawn because: doses of SCH23390 known to block behaviors caused by dopamine agonists were ineffective in blocking rate reductions produced by apomorphine and pretreatment with 0.1 mg/kg of SCH23390 did not change the apomorphine dose-response curve for inhibition of dopaminergic neurons. Consistent with this finding, microinjections of SCH23390 into the zona compacta did not alter apomorphine-induced behaviors which are known to be blocked by haloperidol (a D2-like antagonist) intranigral injections. However, when only the larger apomorphine doses (64 and 128 micrograms/kg i.v.) are considered, SCH23390 pretreatment did attenuate the maximum response to apomorphine in some nigral cells. Because larger apomorphine concentrations alter striatal activity, such results may be reflective of alterations in a subpopulation of nigral neurons which are postsynaptic to neurons containing D1-like receptors and located elsewhere in the brain (e.g., in striatum). Collectively, these results agree with previous studies which suggest that dopamine receptors located on dopamine-containing neurons of the substantia nigra zona compacta are likely not of the D1-type.     

Differential regulation of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors by chronic drug treatments

Regulation of the expression of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the rat brain was examined using quantitative autoradiography after chronic (14 day) drug treatments designed to increase or decrease dopamine receptor stimulation. Reserpine treatment depleted endogenous dopamine by more than 90% and significantly increased the binding of [(125)I]NCQ 298 to D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, and substantia nigra. In contrast, this treatment significantly decreased the binding of [(125)I]7-OH-PIPAT to D3 receptors in each of these regions. Chronic stimulation of D2-like receptors with quinpirole (1 mg/kg/day) or 7-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg/day) produced decreases in [(125)I]NCQ 298 binding in the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, and substantia nigra as expected. As with depletion, chronic stimulation elicited an opposite response from D3 receptors with significant increases observed in the ventral pallidum and substantia nigra. D3 receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens was unchanged. Baclofen (30 mg/kg/day) or continuous administration of the psychomotor stimulant cocaine (20 mg/kg/day) produced no significant changes in D2 or D3 receptor binding in any region examined. Acute administration of the irreversible antagonist EEDQ (10 mg/kg) nearly eliminated D2 receptor binding in all regions, but inactivated D3 receptors only in the VP and SN, suggesting subtype-specific and region-specific differences in receptor occupancy. The existence of regional and subtype-specific heterogeneities in the regulation of these receptors supports the contention that despite their similar pharmacological profiles, D2 and D3 receptors may mediate different functional responses.     

Cocaine selectively increases striatonigral dynorphin levels by a dopaminergic mechanism

The influence of the acute (single dose) or subchronic (one dose daily for 4 days) administration of cocaine to Sprague-Dawley rats on striatal enkephalin (Met5-enkephalin) and striatonigral tachykinin (substance P) and dynorphin [dynorphin A (1-8), DYN] levels was investigated. The peptide levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. The concentrations of the striatal levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine and their acid metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. An acute administration of cocaine (20 or 30 mg/kg i.p.) did not affect the peptide levels in the striatum or in the substantia nigra. A regimen of subchronic administration of cocaine (20 mg/kg/day for 4 days) increased the striatonigral DYN levels, without altering the levels of Met5-enkephalin or substance P. The increase in DYN levels were persistent for at least 4 days after the last dose of the subchronic administration of cocaine. The DYN levels returned to control values by 12 days after the last dose. The DA levels in the striatum were increased 30 min after a single dose of cocaine. None of the other treatments elicited any changes in DA or 5-hydroxytryptamine or their metabolites. The subchronic cocaine administration to dopaminergic denervated rats with 6-hydroxydopamine failed to evoke any increase in DYN levels in the striatum or substantia nigra. The concurrent administration of the D1 DA antagonist, SCH-23390, or the D2 DA antagonist, spiperone, to the subchronic regimen of cocaine also blocked the cocaine-induced increase in DYN levels. These results indicate that cocaine selectively enhances the synthesis or decreases the release of DYN in the striatonigral neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

D1 dopamine agonist effects assessed in vivo with [14C]-2-deoxyglucose autoradiography

In rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions of the substantia nigra, the 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) autoradiographic method of measuring regional cerebral glucose utilization (RCGU) was used to assess the effects of three systemically administered dopamine agonists: bromocriptine, pergolide and (+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxynaphoxazine (PHNO). Pergolide increased RCGU in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) ipsilateral to the lesion in a dose-dependent manner (0.04 mg/kg, up 52%; 0.4 mg/kg, up 111%), resulting in asymmetric glucose utilization on the dopamine-denervated and intact sides of the brain. Pretreatment with a selective D1 antagonist (SCH 23390, 0.5 mg/kg) blocked completely the RCGU increase elicited by pergolide (0.4 mg/kg) whereas pretreatment with a selective D2 antagonist (eticlopride, 1.0 mg/kg) only mildly attenuated this increase. The effect of drug treatments on RCGU in the entopeduncular nucleus (EP) paralleled that in the SNr. These results demonstrate that the RCGU increase in the EP and SNr after pergolide administration is dependent primarily on D1 receptor stimulation. Administration of bromocriptine and PHNO minimally altered RCGU in the ipsilateral EP and SNr and did not result in significant left/right RCGU asymmetry. Considered in the context of prior studies of selective D1 and D2 agonists, the results suggest that, in this model, the magnitude of the RCGU increase in the EP and SNr elicited by a dopamine agonist, above the modest effects produced by selective D2 stimulation, represents a measure of D1 agonist effect in vivo. The results support a nonselective D1/D2 stimulatory effect of pergolide (0.04-0.4 mg/kg) and a selective D2 action of both bromocriptine and PHNO.     

Haloperidol-induced reduction of nigral substance P-like immunoreactivity: a probe for the interactions between dopamine and substance P neuronal systems

Protracted blockade of dopamine receptors by haloperidol has been shown to cause a reduction in nigral content of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI). This pharmacological effect is used to study the mechanisms whereby the dopaminergic and substance P systems interact. Data presented in this paper suggest that 1) blockade of dopamine postsynaptic receptors alters nigral SPLI levels associated with the substance P striatal-nigral loop, 2) destruction of the nigral-striatal dopaminergic pathway results in changes in nigral content of SPLI similar to that induced by haloperidol, 3) several weeks after nigral-striatal lesions, compensatory mechanisms mediate a return of nigral SPLI content to control levels and 4) substance P striatal-nigral circuits continue to respond to dopaminergic input after kainic acid lesions in the anterior striatum, whereas properly placed mechanical striatal-nigral lesions appear to be effective in preventing this interaction. The data support a dynamic role for striatal-nigral substance P fibers in the extrapyramidal circuitry and suggest that his pathway must be accounted for when studying the interactions of transmitter systems within this locomotor center.     

Effects of N-n-propylnorapomorphine enantiomers on single unit activity of substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons

Prompted by conflicting reports of both agonist and antagonist properties of the S-(+)-enantiomer of the potent dopamine agonist R-(-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA), we carried out extracellular, single unit recording studies to compare the effects of both enantiomers on substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in male rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate. Like the classic dopamine agonist apomorphine, R-(-)-NPA inhibited cell firing in both populations. Mean cumulative doses to inhibit firing by 50% (ID50) were 0.53 micrograms/kg for nigral and 0.50 micrograms/kg for VTA dopamine cells, respectively, reflecting a potency for R-(-)-NPA 10-fold greater than that of apomorphine for inhibition of nigral dopamine cells (ID50 5.3 micrograms/kg). Inhibitions elicited by R-(-)-NPA could be fully reversed by i.v. haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) but not by S-(+)-NPA in doses up to 0.9 mg/kg. Interestingly, S-(+)-NPA also exhibited agonist activity in both cell groups but with a much lower potency than R-(-)-NPA. In addition, VTA dopamine cells displayed a significantly greater sensitivity to the drug: ID50 values of 149 micrograms/kg vs. 514 micrograms/kg for VTA and substantia nigra neurons, respectively (P less than .01). Prior administration of haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg) consistently and fully prevented the inhibitory effects of S-(+)-NPA on all cells tested, although subsequent administration of haloperidol (up to 1.6 mg/kg) did not reverse completely S-(+)-NPA-induced inhibitions in all cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

M-1 and M-2 muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rat neostriatum: a permissive role for D-2 dopamine receptors

The interactions between dopamine and muscarinic receptor subtypes coupled to adenylate cyclase in superfused rat neostriatal slices were investigated using the efflux of cyclic AMP, in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, as a highly sensitive parameter of cyclic AMP production. Cyclic AMP efflux induced by simultaneous activation of (stimulatory) D-1 and (inhibitory) D-2 dopamine receptors by dopamine was reduced profoundly by the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine and by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase with physostigmine, but not by the M-1 muscarinic receptor agonist McN-A-343. In contrast, upon blockade of D-2 receptors with (-)-sulpiride, dopamine-stimulated cyclic AMP efflux was inhibited by oxotremorine and physostigmine as well as by McN-A-343. Cyclic AMP efflux induced by isoprenaline, adenosine or vasoactive intestinal peptide was not affected by oxotremorine. The M-1 receptor-selective antagonist pirenzepine, unlike the nonselective antagonist atropine, was about 10 times less potent in antagonizing the inhibitory effects of (a near-maximally effective concentration of) oxotremorine upon simultaneous D-1 and D-2 receptor activation that upon selective D-1 receptor activation (i.e., upon blockade of D-2 receptors). In the latter case, pirenzepine was about 5 times more effective as an antagonist when muscarinic receptors were activated by McN-A-343 than upon exposure of the slices to oxotremorine or physostigmine, whereas the potency of atropine was independent of the agonist used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The discriminative stimulus effects of clozapine in pigeons: involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine1C and 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptors.

Pigeons were trained to discriminate i.m. injections of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine (1.0 mg/kg) from saline in a two-key operant procedure. In substitution tests, compounds that shared antagonistic action at 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1C and 5-HT2 receptors produced discriminative stimulus effects similar to clozapine: cyproheptadine, metergoline, mianserin, pizotifen and fluperlapine. 5-HT antagonists selective for 5-HT2 vs. 5-HT1C receptors (e.g., ketanserin, pirenperone, risperidone and methiothepin) failed to produce substantial clozapine-appropriate responding. Other serotonergic compounds failed to produce substantial clozapine-appropriate responding: the 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron; the 5-HT1A agonists, (+-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and BMY 14802; the 5-HT1A/1B agonist, RU24969; the 5-HT1A partial agonist, NAN190; the 5-HT1C/2 antagonist, mesulergine; the 5-HT1 agonist, I-5-hydroxytryptophane; and the 5-HT1C/2 agonist, quipazine. Other reference compounds such as the typical antipsychotics, chlorpromazine and thioridazine; the selective dopamine D-2 antagonists, droperidol and sulpiride; the dopamine D-1 antagonist, SCH 23390; the antimuscarinics, atropine and scopolamine; the antihistamines, pyrilamine and diphenhydramine; the alpha-1 antagonist, prazosin; and the antidepressants, imipramine and chloromipramine also failed to produce clozapine-appropriate responding. Promethazine, cinanserin and amitriptyline produced only partial generalization to the clozapine cue. The results suggest that blockade of both 5-HT2 and/or 5-HT1C receptors is important in the pharmacological mediation of the discriminative stimulus effects of clozapine. Blockade of 5-HT2 receptors appears not to be sufficient to produce clozapine-like discriminative stimulus effects. The precise role of 5-HT1C receptors in the clozapine discriminative stimulus is unclear due to the lack of compounds selective for this receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pharmacological characterization of ZD6021: a novel, orally active antagonist of the tachykinin receptors.

The tachykinins, substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B, have been implicated in many diseases. The present study evaluated the pharmacological properties of a novel tachykinin antagonist ZD6021 [3-cyano-N-((2S)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-[4-[2-(methyl-(S)-sulfinyl)-phenyl]piperidino]butyl)-N-methyl-]-napthamide]. The affinity (K(i)) of ZD6021 for the cloned human neurokinin (NK)1, NK2, and NK3 receptors was 0.12 +/- 0.01, 0.64 +/- 0.08, and 74 +/- 13 nM, respectively. Mucin secretion by Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human NK1 receptor was dose dependently inhibited by ZD6021: pIC(50) = 7.6 +/- 0.1. For NK1 and NK2 receptors, the agonist concentration-response curves using isolated tissues were displaced rightward in the presence of ZD6021: rabbit pulmonary artery, pA2 = 8.7 and 8.5; human pulmonary artery and bronchus, pKB = 8.9 +/- 0.4 and 7.5 +/- 0.2, at 10(-7) M, respectively. Senktide-induced contractions of isolated guinea pig ileum were also blocked by low concentrations of ZD6021. Oral administration of ZD6021 to guinea pigs dose dependently attenuated tracheal extravasation of plasma proteins induced by the NK1 receptor agonist Ac-[Arg6,Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP(6-11), ED50 = 0.8 micromol/kg, and bronchoconstriction, elicited by the NK2 receptor agonist [beta-Ala8]-NKA(4-10), ED50 = 20 micromol/kg. Potency was unaffected by feeding. After oral administration of ZD6021, the time to peak activity was 150 min for the NK1 receptor and 60 min for the NK2 receptor with pharmacodynamic half-lives of 280 and 458 min, respectively. These data indicate that ZD6021 is a potent, orally active antagonist of all three tachykinin receptors. This compound may be useful for future studies of tachykinin-related pathology such as asthma.     

Tachykinin receptor subtypes in the isolated guinea pig heart and their role in mediating responses to neurokinin A

Selective tachykinin agonists were used to identify cardiac and coronary responses mediated by specific tachykinin receptor subtypes in isolated, perfused guinea pig hearts. Receptor desensitization with selective agonists and blockade with selective antagonists were used to determine the role of specific subtypes in generating responses to neurokinin A (NKA). Dose-dependent cardiac and coronary effects were evoked by bolus injections of ?Sar(9), Met(O(2))(11)substance P (?Sar(9),Met(O(2))(11)SP), GR64349, and ?MePhe(7)neurokinin B (?MePhe(7)NKB) (selective agonists for NK(1), NK(2), and NK(3) receptors, respectively). Each agonist caused bradycardia, but GR64349 was most effective (34 +/- 4% decrease in heart rate with 32 nmol, n = 8). Prominent increases in ventricular contractility and perfusion pressure also occurred with 32 nmol of GR64349 (25 +/- 6 and 33 +/- 4%, respectively). ?Sar(9), Met(O(2))(11)SP was unique in having a high potency for decreasing ventricular contractility and perfusion pressure. Bolus injections of 25 nmol of NKA decreased rate (48 +/- 2%, n = 51), increased contractility (26 +/- 2%), and had biphasic effects on perfusion pressure (24 +/- 1% decrease followed by 9.2 +/- 1.4% increase). Desensitization with GR64349 or treatment with the NK(2) antagonist SR48968 reduced the bradycardic response to NKA by greater than 75% and eliminated the positive inotropic response. The remaining bradycardia occurred through NK(3) receptors. Desensitization with ?Sar(9),Met(O(2))(11)SP or NK(1) blockade with FK888 eliminated the coronary relaxant action of NKA and enhanced the pressor response. It is concluded that three tachykinin receptor subtypes are present in the guinea pig heart and that each contributes to the overall response evoked by NKA.     

Selective blockade of neurokinin-2 receptors produces antidepressant-like effects associated with reduced corticotropin-releasing factor function

The present study investigated the effects of the selective neurokinin-2 (NK2) receptor antagonist SR48968 in behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical tests sensitive to the action of prototypical antidepressants (fluoxetine, imipramine) or to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonists, which have been proposed recently as potential antidepressants. Results showed that SR48968 (0.3-10 mg/kg i.p.) produced antidepressant-like activity because it reduced immobility in the forced swimming test in both mice and rats, and decreased the amount of maternal separation-induced vocalizations in guinea pig pups. This latter effect appears to involve a reduction of stress-induced substance P release because SR48968 reduced the separation-induced increase in the number of neurons displaying neurokinin-1 receptor internalization in the amygdala. Furthermore, SR48968 increased the expression of the cAMP response-element binding protein mRNA in the rat hippocampus after repeated (1 mg/kg i.p., 21 days), but not acute administration. Finally, neuronal firing of the locus coeruleus (LC) and noradrenergic (NE) release in the prefrontal cortex both elicited by an uncontrollable stressor or an intraventricular administration of CRF were reduced by SR48968 (0.3-1 mg/kg i.p.). The finding that SR48968 (1 mg/kg i.p.) blocked the cortical release of NE induced by an intra-LC infusion of the preferential NK2 receptor agonist neurokinin A suggested the presence of NK2 receptors in this latter region. Importantly, SR48965 (1-10 mg/kg i.p.), the optical antipode of SR48968, which is devoid of affinity for the NK2 receptor, was inactive in all the models used. These data suggest that NK2 receptor blockade may constitute a novel mechanism in the treatment of depression and CRF-related disorders.     

D1 receptor stimulation inhibits dopamine cell activity after reserpine treatment but not after chronic SCH 23390: an effect blocked by N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists.

Single unit recordings were conducted to examine the effects of systemic D1 agonist SKF 38393 on the firing rate of substantia nigra pars compacta dopamine (DA) neurons in rats pretreated subchronically with reserpine or chronically with a D1 antagonist. The effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists on these processes was also investigated. An i.v. injection of SKF 38393 (10 mg/kg) significantly inhibited DA cell activity by approximately 70% in rats pretreated with reserpine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) for 6 days and studied under conditions of local anesthesia. SKF 38393 exerted no effect in reserpinized rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate. The SKF 38393-induced inhibition was reversed by the D1 antagonist SCH 23390, but not by the preferential D2 antagonist haloperidol. This effect of SKF 38393 was observed in 60% of the rats as early as 3 to 8 hr after the first reserpine injection, and the inhibition remained significant 5 to 15 days (averaging 64 and 58%) after termination of the 6-day reserpine treatment. The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists ketamine, at anesthetic doses (100 mg/kg, i.p.), and MK 801, at a nonanesthetic dose (0.15 mg/kg, i.v.), completely blocked the inhibitory effect of SKF 38393. In contrast, DA cells recorded in rats pretreated with SCH 23390 for 7 to 21 days, followed by a 4-day washout period, failed to respond to SKF 38393. Because nigrostriatal DA neurons do not appear to express D1 receptors, these results suggest that D1 receptors can exert an indirect inhibitory effect on the activity of nigral DA neurons, presumably through striatonigral neuronal pathways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptor blockade: interactive effects in vitro and in vivo

Haloperidol, at low concentrations that block D-2 dopamine (DA) receptors but not D-1 DA receptors (less than 10 microM), potentiated the enhancement of adenylate cyclase activity produced by the D-1 agonist SKF 38393. Low concentrations of haloperidol (less than or equal to 5 microM) also potentiated the K+-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine from superfused striatal tissue slices. Both of these effects of haloperidol were blocked by nanomolar concentrations of SCH 23390, a D-1 receptor antagonist. In addition, SCH 23390 reduced the ability of haloperidol to antagonize the inhibition of [3H]acetylcholine release produced by the DA agonist apomorphine. By itself, SCH 23390 did not alter either basal adenylate cyclase activity or the K+-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine. These findings suggest that SCH 23390 can attenuate in vitro responses to D-2 receptor blockade. Likewise, in vivo, very low doses (less than 1 microgram/kg) of SCH 23390 reduced the ability of haloperidol to elevate striatal DA metabolite concentrations and plasma prolactin concentrations. Thus, D-1 receptor blockade may attenuate the effects of D-2 DA receptor blockade both in vitro and in vivo.     

Possible involvement of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in diazepam-induced hyperphagia in rats

Possible involvement of dopamine receptors in diazepam-induced (1 mg/kg, subcutaneous (sc] hyperphagia was studied in nondeprived rats. Pretreatment with the selective D-1 antagonist, SCH23390 (0.03 mg/kg, sc) inhibited diazepam-induced hyperphagia. In addition, pretreatment with the preferential D-2 antagonists, haloperidol (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg, sc) and clebopride (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg, sc) inhibited diazepam-induced hyperphagia in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with co-administration of SCH23390 (0.1 mg/kg, sc) and clebopride (0.03 mg/kg, sc) completely inhibited this hyperphagia. The selective D-2 antagonist, sulpiride (40 mg/kg, sc) and the peripheral D-2 antagonist, domperidone (10 mg/kg, sc) did not affect diazepam-induced hyperphagia. However, sulpiride (10 micrograms, icv) or domperidone (2 micrograms, icv) administered centrally inhibited this hyperphagia. The highest dose of haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg, sc) or clebopride (0.3 mg/kg, sc) and higher doses of SCH23390 (0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg, sc) or SCH23390/clebopride (0.01/0.03 and 0.01/0.1 mg/kg, sc) tended to decrease spontaneous feeding in non-deprived rats. In addition, the highest dose of haloperidol, clebopride or SCH23390/clebopride inhibited spontaneous feeding in deprived rats. Interestingly, diazepam-induced hyperphagia was inhibited significantly by doses of haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, sc), clebopride (0.1 mg/kg, sc) and SCH23390/clebopride (0.003/0.03 and 0.003/0.1 mg/kg, sc) which did not affect spontaneous feeding in non-deprived or deprived rats. Pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (40 mg/kg, IP x 2, 6 and 2 h prior to diazepam administration) failed to inhibit this hyperphagia. Furthermore, pretreatment with a large dose of haloperidol (5 mg/kg, sc, 4 days before diazepam administration) augmented the sub-hyperphagic effect to diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, sc). Thus, these findings suggest that hyperphagia to diazepam is mediated in part by both dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in non-deprived rats.     

5-HT2 receptor blockade by ICI 169,369 and other 5-HT2 antagonists modulates the effects of D-2 dopamine receptor blockade

The effects of D-2 dopamine (DA) receptor blockade were modulated by ICI 169,369, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 receptor antagonist, and by other 5-HT2 antagonists. Specifically, it appears that blockade of 5-HT2 receptors can attenuate the effects of D-2 receptor blockade on rat striatal dopaminergic transmission. Thus, the blockade of D-2 receptors by haloperidol results in a compensatory increase in rat striatal DA metabolism, which is enhanced by ICI 169,369. By itself, ICI 169,369 did not significantly alter DA metabolism. Conversely, several compounds which possess appreciable activity at 5-HT2 sites in ex vivo binding assays, but possess little activity at D-2 sites (i.e., pirenperone, setoperone, fluperlapine and clozapine), all produced large increases in striatal DA metabolism. Therefore, these data suggest that the 5-HT2 component of these compounds, by enhancing DA metabolism, may act to attenuate the blockade of striatal D-2 receptors by these compounds. Consistent with this hypothesis, the chronic blockade of D-2 receptors by haloperidol increases the number of striatal D-2 DA receptors, and these increases are attenuated by the coadministration of ICI 169,369. Likewise, pirenperone and clozapine, at doses which acutely produced elevations in DA metabolism which were similar to those produced by haloperidol, failed to increase the number of D-2 receptors in striatum. Interestingly, 5-HT2 receptor blockade did not appear to potently modulate the effects of D-2 receptor blockade in the olfactory tubercle, a brain region which is innervated by mesolimbic DA-containing neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)