α-Alkylmercapto- und α-Arylmercapto-alkylisocyanate

α-Alkylmercapto- and α-Arylmercapto-alkylisocyanates α-Alkylmercapto- and α-arylmercapto-alkylisocyanates 2 were prepared from α-halosulfides 1 by reaction with silver cyanate. With ammonia, primary or secondary amines they give the corresponding α-mercaptoalkyl-ureas 4 ; with alcohols, the α-mercaptoalkylurethans 3.     

Amino groups and substituted amino groups of -ketoaldehydes. 43. -Halogenated amines

Aminals and Hemiaminals of α-Ketoaldehydes α-Ketoaldehydes 1 and 1 mol secondary amine yield the hemiaminals 4, which are transformed by dehydrogenation into glyoxylamides 6 . Aminals 5 are obtained by the condensation of α-ketoaldehydes 1 with 2 mols or α,α-dichloro ketones 2 with 4 mols of secondary amines. They are cleaved by acetyl chloride into α-haloamines 8 . The derivatives of 1-amino-3-dichloromethyl-2-butene-1-carboamides 16 are obtained by condensation of α,α-dichloroacetone and 2 mols dimethylamine or piperidine.     

Synthese von 5,6-Dihydroxy-tetrahydro-isobenzofuranonen. Angela Rachenzentner und Ernst Urban

Synthesis of 5,6-Dihydroxy-tetrahydro-isobenzofuranones Starting with 5,6-dihydroxyperhydro-isobenzofuranone ( 1 ) acetals 2a and 3a were prepared which were lithiated and reacted with electrophiles to give α-methyl- ( 2b and 3b ), α-phenylselenyl-lactones ( 2c and 3c ), and α-bromolactone 2d with retention of configuration at the α-carbon. Elimination of HBr from α-bromolactone 2d selectively led to the trisubstituted olefine 4 whereas oxidation of α-phenylselenyl-lactones 2c and 3c gave mixtures of 4 + 5 or 6 + 7 , respectively, which were separated by column-chromatography. Acidolytic deprotection yielded 5,6-dihydroxytetrahydro-isobenzofuranones 8a (from 4 or 6 ) and 9a (from 5 or 7 ) which were characterized by acetylation.     

GABAA receptor subtype-selective modulators. II. α5-selective inverse agonists for cognition enhancement

Benzodiazepine site agonists (such as diazepam) are well-known to impair cognition. Since benzodiazepines exert their effects via modulation of α1-, α2-, α3- and α5-containing GABA(A) receptors, the cognition-impairing effects of diazepam must be associated with one or several of these subtypes. Of these different subtypes, α5-containing GABA(A) receptors represent an attractive option as the "cognition" subtype based upon the preferential localization of these receptors within the hippocampus and the well-established role of the hippocampus in learning and memory. As a result, it is hypothesized that an inverse agonist selective for the α5 subtype should enhance cognition. For example, L-655708, a partial inverse agonist with 50-100-fold higher affinity for the α5 relative to the α1, α2 and α3 subtypes of GABA(A) receptors, enhanced cognitive performance in rats. Unfortunately, however, pharmacokinetic properties of this compound prevented it being developed further. In order to try achieve binding selectivity in a series structurally distinct from the imidazobenzodiazepines, the group at Merck, Sharp & Dohme commenced studies within the triazolopyridazine series. Although a degree of binding selectivity could be achieved (a maximum of 22-125-fold for α5 versus α1, α2 or α3) this approach was dropped in favour of a strategy to identify compounds with either a combination of selective affinity and selective efficacy or purely selective efficacy. With respect to the former, screening of the Merck chemical collection identified a novel, moderately α5-binding selective thiophene series and further optimization of this series produced MRK-536, which demonstrated a modest α5 binding selectivity (~10-fold) as well as α5-efficacy selectivity. However, the structure-activity relationship within this and the analogous tetralone series proved unpredictable and these series were not pursued further. The success of the selective efficacy approach on the α2/α3-selective agonist project led a similar paradigm being adopted for the α5 project. The starting point for this strategy was the triazolopyridazine 3 which, like MRK-536, possessed a degree of both α5 binding- and efficacy-selectivity. By changing the core from a triazolopyridazine to a triazolophthalazine structure, α5 binding selectivity was lost but with subsequent optimization, compounds with the desired profile (low or antagonist efficacy at the α1, α2 and α3 subtypes and marked inverse agonism at α5-containing receptors) could be achieved, allowing the clinical candidate α5IA as well as the structurally-related pharmacological tool compound α5IA-II to be identified. By appending features of the prototypic α2/α3-selective triazolopyridazine L-838417 (t-butyl and 1,2,4 triazole) along with the isoxazole of α5IA to a pyrazolotriazine core, an additional clinical candidate, MRK-016, was identified. Finally, a degree of α5 efficacy selectivity was achieved the pyridazine series but metabolic instability within this chemotype limited its further optimization. Overall, these studies demonstrate the feasibility of adopting a selective efficacy approach in the identification of α5 selective GABA(A) receptor inverse agonists.     

Functional characterization of the α5(Asn398) variant associated with risk for nicotine dependence in the α3β4α5 nicotinic receptor

Smoking is a major cause for premature death. Work aimed at identifying genetic factors that contribute to nicotine addiction has revealed several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are linked to smoking-related behaviors such as nicotine dependence and level of smoking. One of these SNPs leads to an aspartic acid-to-asparagine substitution in the nicotinic receptor α5 subunit at amino acid position 398 [rs16969968; α5(Asn398)]. The α5 subunit is expressed both in the brain and in the periphery. In the brain, it associates with the α4 and β2 subunits to form α4β2α5 receptors. In the periphery, the α5 subunit combines with the α3 and β4 subunits to form the major ganglionic postsynaptic nicotinic receptor subtype. The α3β4α5 receptor regulates a variety of autonomic responses such as control of cardiac rate, blood pressure, and perfusion. In this paradigm, the α5(Asn398) variant may act by regulating autonomic responses that may affect nicotine intake by humans. Here, we have investigated the effect of the α5(Asn398) variant on the function of the α3β4α5 receptor. The wild-type or variant α5 subunits were coexpressed with the α3 and β4 subunits in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. The properties of the receptors were studied using whole-cell and single-channel electrophysiology. The data indicate that the introduction of the α5(Asn398) mutation has little effect on the pharmacology of receptor activation, receptor desensitization, or single-channel properties. We propose that the effect of the α5(Asn398) variant on nicotine use is not mediated by an action on the physiological or pharmacological properties of the α3β4α5 subtype.     

Effective stimulation of invariant natural killer T cells by oligomannose-coated liposomes

vThe in vitro and in vivo response of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells to alpha-galactosylceramide (αGC)-containing oligomannose-coated liposomes (αGC-OMLs) was examined to determine whether selective delivery of αGC to dendritic cells (DCs) and subsequent activation of iNKT cells could be achieved. Splenocytes stimulated with αGC-OMLs produced higher levels of IFN-γ compared to those stimulated with bare liposomes without an oligomannose coating (αGC-BLs). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 produced from αGC-OML-treated splenocytes was higher than those produced from αGC-BL- and soluble αGC-treated cells. Depletion of CD3⁺-, DX5⁺- or CD11c⁺-cells from splenocytes almost completely abolished the αGC-OML-stimulated cytokine production, suggesting that both NKT cells and DCs were involved in the response to αGC-OML stimulation. In addition, αGC-OMLs were incorporated into both splenic and bone marrow-derived DCs more effectively than αGC-BLs. iNKT cells stimulated with DCs with ingested αGC-OMLs produced much higher levels of IFN-γ than those stimulated with DCs containing αGC-BLs or soluble αGC. Systemic administration of αGC-OMLs led to modification of the kinetics of IFN-γ production in vivo and also resulted in predominant production of IFN-γ from splenocytes over IL-4. In addition, iNKT cells proliferated and expanded upon in vivo activation of the cells with αGC-OMLs much more extensively than with αGC-BLs or soluble αGC. Collectively, our results suggest that αGC-OMLs can be used as a preferential delivery system for lipid antigens to DCs to activate iNKT cells in vivo and ex vivo.     

Reactivity of 7-dithiocarboxy-imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoliumbetaine with aliphatic alkylating agents

We have reported earlier on the reactivity of 7-dithiocarboxy-3-phenyl-5,6-dihydro imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolium-betaine with severalpara-substituted phenacyl bromides. In this work reactions of 7-dithiocarboxy-3-phenyl(or methyl)-5,6-dihydro imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolium-betaine with a series of aliphatic alkylating agents of α-halo ketone, γ-halo keto ester and α-halo ester were examined for the similar purpose. In case of α-halo ketone or γ-halo keto ester such as α-chloro acetone or ethyl 4-chloro acetoacetate new biheterocyclic compound was obtained via ring transformation reaction. However, reaction of the betaine with methyl(or ethyl) bromoacetate used as a α-halo ester, gave, instead, S-alkylated quarternary ammonium salt.     

Synthesis and nicotinic receptor activity of chemical space analogues of N-(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl-4-chlorobenzamide (PNU-282,987) and 1,4-diazabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-4-carboxylic acid 4-bromophenyl ester (SSR180711)

The Chemical Universe Generated Databases up to 11 atoms of CNOF (GDB-11) and up to 13 atoms of CNOClS (GDB-13) were used to enumerate analogues of the diamine part of two known α7 nicotinic receptor agonists and construct libraries of virtual analogues of these drugs. The libraries were scored using structure-based (docking to the nicotine binding site of the acetylcholine binding protein 1uw6.pdb) or ligand-based (similarity to the parent drugs) methods, and the top-scoring virtual ligands were inspected for easily accessible synthetic targets. In total, 21 diamines were prepared and acylated with aromatic carboxylic or oxycarbonic acids to produce 85 analogues of the parent drugs. The compounds were profiled by electrophysiology in Xenopus oocytes expressing human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes α7, α3β2, α4β2, α3β4, or α4β4. Characterization of selected compounds revealed eight inhibitors of the α7 nicotinic receptor and three positive allosteric modulators of the α3β2 nAChR.     

Über in α- und in β-Stellung durch aromatische oder heterocyclische Reste substituierte Enamine. 6. Mitt. über β-substituierte Enamine zugleich. 32. Mitt. über α-halogenierte Amine

Enamines with Aromatic or Heterocyclic Substituents in α- and β-Position Part VI on β-substituted enamines, Part XXXII on α-haloamines Treatment of trialkyl phosphites with carbimonium salts 1 , which are substituted in α-position by aromatic or heterocyclic groups, yields the corresponding dialkylaminomethyl phosphonic acid esters 2 . Reactions of carbonyl compounds with the carbanions 3 , which are accessible from 2 with base, give the tertiary enamines of type 4 or 6 .     

N-Stearoylethanolamine protects the brain and improves memory of mice treated with lipopolysaccharide or immunized with the extracellular domain of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Neuroinflammation is an important risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of α7 subtype (α7 nAChRs) regulate inflammatory processes in various tissues, including the brain. N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) is a biologically active cell membrane component with anti-inflammatory and membrane-protective properties. Previously we found that mice injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or immunized with recombinant extracellular domain (1–208) of α7 nAChR subunit possessed decreased α7 nAChR levels, accumulated pathogenic amyloid-beta peptide Aβ(1–42) in the brain and demonstrated impaired episodic memory compared to non-treated mice. Here we studied the effect of NSE on behavior and brain components of LPS- treated or α7(1–208)-immunized mice. NSE, given per os, non-significantly decreased LPS-stimulated interleukin-6 elevation in the brain, slowed down the α7(1–208)-specific IgG antibody production and prevented the antibody penetration into the brain of mice. NSE prevented the loss of α7 nAChRs and accumulation of α7-bound Aβ(1–42) in the brain and brain mitochondria of LPS-treated or α7(1–208)-immunized mice and supported mitochondria resistance to apoptosis by attenuating Ca^2 +-stimulated cytochrome c release. Finally, NSE significantly improved episodic memory of mice impaired by either LPS treatment or immunization with α7(1–208). The results of our study demonstrate a therapeutic potential of NSE for prevention of cognitive disfunction caused by neuroinflammation or autoimmune reaction that allows suggesting this drug as a candidate for the treatment or prophylaxis of Alzheimer's pathology.     

Chronic Treatment with Prazosin Causes a Subtype-specific Increase in the α1-Adrenoceptor Density of the Stressed Rat Cerebral Cortex

The effects of chronic treatment with prazosin and of immobilization stress on the α₁-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat cerebral cortex have been examined. Prazosin-treated rats were allowed free access to tap water containing two different concentrations of prazosin (16 or 156 mg L^?) for 5 weeks. The mean plasma concentrations of prazosin were 5 ng mL^? in groups treated with a low dose and 8 or 14 ng mL^? in those treated with a high dose. Immobilization stress (2 h day^?, 2 weeks) or chronic treatment with a low dose of prazosin caused no significant change in the affinity for [³H]prazosin or in the maximum number of α₁-adrenoceptor sites (B_max). However, treatment with prazosin (low dose) combined with stress increased the density of α₁-adrenoceptors with low affinity for prazosin. Treatment with a high dose of prazosin increased the density of α_1L-adrenoceptors, irrespective of stress loading. The densities of α_1A- and α_1B-adrenoceptors with high affinity for prazosin were increased only after treatment with a high dose of prazosin in combination with stress. These results indicate that three distinct α₁-adrenoceptor subtypes, α_1A, α_1B and α_1L, might be affected differently by treatment with prazosin and by stress.     

Compositional and toxicological analysis of a GM potato line with reduced α-solanine content – A 90-day feeding study in the Syrian Golden hamster

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (GAs) are toxins, produced by plants of the Solanaceae family. The potato plant (Solanum tuberosum L.) and its tubers predominantly contain the two GAs α-chaconine and α-solanine. These compounds are believed to act in synergy, and the degree of toxicity may therefore depend on their ratio in the potato. To determine the influence of α-solanine: α-chaconine ratio in potatoes on toxicity, a GM potato line (SGT 9-2) with reduced α-solanine content, and the parental control line (Desirée wild-type) having a traditional α-solanine: α-chaconine ratio were (1) studied for compositional similarity by analysing for a range of potato constituents, and (2) used in a 90-day feeding trial with the Syrian Golden hamster to study differential toxicity. The animal feeding study used diets with up to 60% freeze-dried potato powder from either line. Whilst data indicated some compositional differences between the GM line and its wildtype control these did not raise concerns related to nutritional value or safety. Results of the feeding trials showed a low number of significant differences between potato lines with different α-solanine: α-chaconine ratio but none were considered to raise safety concerns with regard to human (or animal) consumption.     

GABAA receptor subtype-selective modulators. I. α2/α3-selective agonists as non-sedating anxiolytics

The prototypic benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, are not only anxiolytic but also produce sedation. These effects are mediated by GABA(A) receptors containing either an α1, α2, α3 or α5 subunit at which the positive modulatory effects (i.e., agonist efficacy) of benzodiazepines are mediated via a specific benzodiazepine recognition site. Recent molecular genetic and pharmacological data point to α1-containing GABA(A) receptors as the "sedative" and α2- and/or α3-containing receptors as the "anxiolytic" subtype(s). Therefore, at Merck Sharp & Dohme attempts were made to identify subtype-selective compounds that modulate α2/α3 but not α1 receptor function with the prediction that such compounds would be non-sedating anxiolytics. The initial strategy for discovering such "anxioselective" compounds focussed on producing compounds with much higher affinity at the α2/α3 compared to α1 subtypes. The starting point for this approach was the triazolophthalazine series developed from a combination of a screening hit and a literature compound [1]. However, the maximum α3 versus α1 binding selectivity that could be achieved in this series was 12-fold and this was not considered sufficient for an appropriate in vivo pharmacological differentiation compared to non-selective compounds. Nevertheless, within this series compounds demonstrating (albeit to a limited extent) higher agonist efficacy at the α3 versus α1 subtype were also identified. This suggested that it might be possible to synthesize a compound with higher efficacy at the α2 and/or α3 compared to α1 subtypes, ideally with no efficacy at the latter subtype (i.e., a compound with subtype-selective efficacy). By changing the structure from a triazolophthalazine to a triazolopyridazine core, a number of either pharmacological tool compounds (L-838417, MRK-067 and MRK-696) or clinical development candidates (MRK-409 and TPA023) were identified. Encouraged by the success of this approach and the observation that the benzimidazole NS-2710 had a modest degree of α3 versus α1 selectivity efficacy, a structurally-related class of imidazopyridines was also explored. The introduction of an additional nitrogen into the imidazopyridine core gave the imidazopyrimidine series which initially had issues with poor dog pharmacokinetics. However, this was resolved and resulted in the identification of the development candidates MRK-623 and MRK-898. A fluoroimidazopyridine was found to be a bioisostere of the imidazopyrimidine core and in this series the α3-selective tool compound TP003 was identified. The addition of a further nitrogen into the imidazopyrimidine core produced the imidazotriazine series, which yielded the clinical candidate TPA023B. Imidazopyrazinone and imidazotriazinone compounds offered no advantages over their respective imidazopyrimidine and imidazotriazine analogues. Additional pharmacological tool compounds were identified within the pyridine, pyrazolotriazine, pyridazine and pyrazolopyridone series highlighting the general feasibility of GABA(A) receptor subtype selective efficacy as a strategy for developing compounds with novel in vitro and in vivo profiles.     

Influence of preformed α-helix and α-helix induction on the activity of cationic antimicrobial peptides

One prominent class of cationic antibacterial peptides comprises the α-helical class, which is unstructured in free solution but folds into an amphipathic α-helix upon insertion into the membranes of target cells. To investigate the importance of α-helicity and its induction on interaction with membranes, a series of peptides was constructed based on a hybrid of moth cecropin (amino acids 1-8) and bee melittin (amino acids 1-18) peptides. The new peptides were predicted to have a high tendency to form α-helices or to have preformed α-helices by virtue of construction of a lactam bridge between glutamate and lysine side-chains at positions i and i+ 4 at various locations along the primary sequence. In two examples where the use of lactam bridge constraints induced and stabilized α-helical structure in benign (aqueous buffer) and/or hydrophobic medium, there was a decrease in antibacterial activity relative to the linear counterparts. Thus the preformation of α-helix in solution was not necessarily beneficial to antimicrobial activity. In the one case where the lactam bridge did result in increased antibacterial activity (lower minimal inhibitory concentration values) it did not increase α-helical content in benign or hydrophobic medium. Broadly speaking, good activity of the peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa correlated best (r²= 0.88) with a helican parameter which was calculated as the induction of α-helix in α membrane-mimicking environment divided by the α-helix formation under benign conditions. Interestingly, the activity of the lactam bridge peptide constructs correlated in part with alterations in bacterial outer or cytoplasmic membrane permeability.     

Discriminative stimulus effects of L-838,417 (7-tert-butyl-3-(2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-6-(2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-ylmethoxy)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine): Role of GABAA receptor subtypes

Previous reports suggest that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA_A) receptors containing α1 subunits may play a pivotal role in mediating the discriminative stimulus effects of benzodiazepines (BZs). L-838,417 (7-tert-Butyl-3-(2,5-difluoro-phenyl)-6-(2-methyl-2H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-ylmethoxy)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine) is a GABA_A receptor modulator with intrinsic efficacy in vitro at α2, α3, and α5 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors, and little demonstrable intrinsic efficacy in vitro at α1 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors. The present study evaluated the discriminative stimulus effects of L-838,417 in order to determine the extent to which the α2, α3, and α5 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors contribute to the interoceptive effects of BZ-type drugs. Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) were trained to discriminate L-838,417 (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) from vehicle under a 5-response fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. Under test conditions, L-838,417 administration resulted in dose-dependent increases in drug-lever responding that were antagonized by the BZ-site antagonist, flumazenil. Administration of non-selective BZs, compounds with 10-fold greater affinity for α1 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors compared to α2, α3, and α5 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors, barbiturates and ethanol (which modulate the GABA_A receptor via a non-BZ site), all resulted in a majority of responses on the L-838,417-paired lever (65-100% drug-lever responding). βCCT, an antagonist that binds with 20-fold greater affinity for α1 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors relative to α2, α3, and α5-containing GABA_A receptors, had no significant effect on the discriminative stimulus effects of L-838,417 or the L-838,417-like effects of diazepam or zolpidem. These data suggest that efficacy at α2, α3, and/or α5 subunit-containing GABA_A receptors likely are sufficient for engendering BZ-like discriminative stimulus effects.     

Induction of integrin β3 in PGE₂-stimulated adhesion of mastocytoma P-815 cells to the Arg-Gly-Asp-enriched fragment of fibronectin

We previously demonstrated that prostaglandin (PG) E? stimulates adhesion of mastocytoma P-815 cells (P-815 cells) to the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-enriched matrix via the PGE? receptor subtype EP4 [Hatae N, Kita A, Tanaka S, Sugimoto Y, Ichikawa A. Induction of adherent activity in mastocytoma P-815 cells by the cooperation of two prostaglandin E? receptor subtypes, EP3 and EP4. J Biol Chem 2003;278:17977-81]. Here we investigated the role of various integrin subtypes in the induction of adherent activity in PGE(2)-stimulated P-815 cells. FACS analysis showed that P-815 cells express high levels of integrin α4, α5, β1 and β2 subunits and moderate levels of integrin αIIb, αv, β3 and β7 subunits. When treated with PGE?, the EP4 agonist ONO-AE1-329 or the cell permeable cAMP analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, P-815 cells showed markedly increased cell surface expression of integrin αIIb, αv and β3 subunits, and these expressions were significantly reduced by addition of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Along with increased cell surface expression, mRNA and protein levels of the integrin β3 subunit, but not of integrin αIIb and αv subunits, were simultaneously elevated. On the other hand, adhesion of P-815 cells in response to PGE? or 8-Br-cAMP was abolished by antibodies specific for integrin αv and β3 subunits, but not by antibodies for integrin α4, α5, β1, β2 and β7 subunits. Moreover, treatment with tirofiban, an integrin αIIbβ3 antagonist, or eptifibatide, an integrin αvβ3/αIIbβ3 antagonist resulted in a decrease in adhesion of P-815 cells in response to PGE? or 8-Br-cAMP. These results suggest that de novo synthesis of the integrin β3 subunit plays a pivotal role in PGE?-induced adhesion of P-815 cells to the RGD-enriched matrix through EP4-mediated cAMP signaling.     

Transformation of substituted cinnamic acids, esters and aldehydes with alpha halogenated amines. 39. Alpha halogenated amines

Reactions of Substituted Cinnamic Acids, Esters and Cinnamyl Aldehydes with α-Haloamines From 4-dimethylamino-, 4-methoxy- or 2,4-dimethoxy-cinnamic acid ( 2a, 2b, 2c ) and α-haloamines the corresponding substituted dialkyl-[3-aryl-allyl-]amines 5 are formed decarboxylation. With 4-dimethylamino-methylcinnamate or -cinnamyl aldehyde and α-haloamines amino-methylation takes place under formation of 6 and 7.     

Interaction of alpha-MSH and MIF-I with amphetamine on open-field behavior of rats.

Forty-two albino rats were injected for 3 successive days with either α-MSH, MIF-I or a vehicle solution and then tested for activity and hind-leg rearing in the open field. On Days 4, 5 and 6 half of the animals received additional injections of d-amphetamine in 3 different doses or a vehicle solution. Only d-amphetamine influenced activity with the largest dose exerting the greatest effect. Increases in activity after treatment with the combination of d-amphetamine and α-MSH was significant. Hind-leg rearing was potentiated by injections of both d-amphetamine and α-MSH while the injection of these substances alone had negkigible influences on behavior. The results indicated that although α-MSH and d-amphetamine influence different behaviors they may interact to potentiate some behaviors. The results suggest that α-MSH and d-amphetamine may affect similar sites in the brain.     

The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP): pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic clinical and forensic aspects

New psychoactive substances (NPS), often referred as ‘legal highs’ or ‘designer drugs’, are derivatives and analogs of existing psychoactive drugs that are introduced in the recreational market to circumvent existing legislation on drugs of abuse. This work aims to review the state-of-the-art regarding chemical, molecular pharmacology, and in vitro and in vivo data on toxicokinetics of the potent synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP or flakka or zombie drug). Chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical effects of α-PVP were searched in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) and governmental websites without limitation of the period. α-PVP is a wide spread and easy to get special type of synthetic cathinone with seemingly powerful cocaine-like stimulant effects, high brain penetration, high liability for abuse and with increased risk of adverse effects such as tachycardia, agitation, hypertension, hallucinations, delirium, mydriasis, self-injury, aggressive behavior, and suicidal ideations. α-PVP undergoes extensive metabolism via different pathways and the α-PVP itself or its metabolites β-hydroxy-α-PVP and α-PVP lactam represent the main targets for toxicological analysis in urine. There is a limited knowledge regarding the short- and long-term effects of α-PVP and metabolites, and pharmacogenetic influence, hence further clinical and forensic toxicological studies are required. Moreover, since α-PVP cannot be detected with classic routine analysis procedures, statements on the frequency of their consumption cannot be made.     

Alpha-cobratoxin inhibits T-type calcium currents through muscarinic M4 receptor and Gο-protein βγ subunits-dependent protein kinase A pathway in dorsal root ganglion neurons

The long-chain neurotoxic protein, alpha-cobratoxin (α-CTx), has been shown to have analgesic effects. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of α-CTx on T-type calcium channel currents (T-currents) and elucidated the relevant mechanisms in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Our results showed that α-CTx reversibly inhibited T-currents in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was blocked by the selective muscarinic M4 receptor antagonist tropicamide, while methyllycaconitine, a specific antagonist for the α7 subtype of nicotinic receptor had no effect. siRNA targeting the M4 receptor in small DRG neurons abolished α-CTx-induced T-current inhibition. Intracellular application of GDP-β-S or a selective antibody against the G(o)α-protein, as well as pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, abolished the inhibitory effects of α-CTx. The M4 receptor-mediated response was blocked by dialyzing cells with QEHA peptide or anti-G(β) antibody. Pretreatment of the cells with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 or intracellular application of PKI 6-22 abolished α-CTx-induced T-current inhibition in small DRG neurons, whereas inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or PKC elicited no such effects. In addition, α-CTx significantly increased PKA activity in DRG neurons, whereas pretreatment of the cells with tropicamide abolished this effect. In summary, our results suggest that activation of muscarinic M4 receptor by α-CTx inhibits T-currents via the G(βγ) of G(o)-protein and PKA-dependent pathway. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.