Protection against cocaine toxicity in mice by the dopamine D3/D2 agonist R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol [(+)-PD 128,907

Cocaine abuse is a public health concern with seizures and death being one consequence of overdose. In the present study, dopamine D(3/)D(2) receptor agonists dose dependently and completely prevented the convulsant and lethal effects of cocaine. The D(3)-preferring agonists R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol) [(+)-PD 128,907], (+)-7-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin, and the mixed D(3/)D(2) agonists quinpirole and quinelorane were all effective against cocaine toxicity in mice. The anticonvulsant effects of these compounds occurred at doses below those that produced motor impairment as assessed in the inverted screen test. Protection against the convulsant effects of the selective dopamine uptake inhibitor 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy] ethyl]-4-[3-phenyl-propyl]piperazine (GBR 12909) was also conferred by (+)-PD 128,907. The possible selectivity of the effects of (+)-PD 128,907 (3 mg/kg) for these dopaminergic compounds was demonstrated by its general lack of protective efficacy against a host of convulsants acting through other neural mechanisms [pentylenetetrazol, (+)-bicuculline, and picrotoxin, 4-aminopyridine, and t-butylbiclyclophosphoorothionate, N-methyl-d-aspartate, kainate, pilocarpine, nicotine, strychnine, aminophylline, threshold electric shock, and 6-Hz electrical stimulation]. Direct and correlational evidence suggests that these effects were mediated by D(3) receptors. Protection was stereospecific and reversible by an antagonist of D(3) receptors [3-[4[1-(4-[2[4-(3-diethyamino-propoxy)-phenyl]-benzoimidazol-l-yl]-butyl)-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl]-phenoxy]-propyl)-diethyl-amine; PD 58491] but not D(2) receptors [3[[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4 hydroxypipeidin-1-yl]methyl-1H-indole; L-741,626]. Anticonvulsant potencies were positively associated with potencies in a functional assay of D(3) but not D(2) receptor function. Together, these findings suggest that the prevention of cocaine convulsions and lethality by (+)-PD 128,907 may be due to D(3) receptor-mediated events.     

S33138 [N-[4-[2-[(3aS,9bR)-8-cyano-1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydro[1]-benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrol-2(3H)-yl)-ethyl]phenylacetamide], a preferential dopamine D3 versus D2 receptor antagonist and potential antipsychotic agent. II. A neurochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral characterization in vivo

The novel benzopyranopyrrolidine, S33138 [N-[4-[2-[(3aS,9bR)-8-cyano-1,3a,4,9b-tetrahydro[1]benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrol-2(3H)-yl)-ethyl]phenylacetamide], is a preferential antagonist of cloned human D(3) versus D(2L) and D(2S) receptors. In mice, S33138 (0.04-2.5 mg/kg i.p.) increased levels of mRNA encoding c-fos in D(3) receptor-rich Isles of Calleja and nucleus accumbens more potently than in D(2) receptor-rich striatum. Furthermore, chronic (3 weeks) administration of S33138 to rats reduced the number of spontaneously active dopaminergic neurones in the ventral tegmental area (0.16-10.0 p.o.) more potently than in the substantia nigra (10.0). In primates treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, antiparkinson actions of the D(3)/D(2) agonist, ropinirole, were potentiated by low doses of S33138 (0.01-0.16 p.o.) but diminished by a high dose (2.5). Consistent with antagonism of postsynaptic D(3)/D(2) sites, S33138 attenuated hypothermia and yawns elicited by the D(3)/D(2) agonist 7-OH-DPAT [(+)-7-dihydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin] in rats, and it blocked (0.01-0.63, s.c.) discriminative properties of PD128,907 [(+)-(4aR,10bR)-3,4, 4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano-[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol; trans-N-[4-[2-(6-cyano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)ethyl]cyclohexyl]-4-quinolininecarboxamide]. Suggesting antagonist properties at D(3)/D(2) autoreceptors, S33138 prevented (0.16-2.5 s.c.) the inhibitory influence of PD128,907 upon dopamine release in frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and striatum and abolished (0.004-0.25 i.v.) its inhibition of ventral tegmental dopaminergic neuron firing. At higher doses, antagonist actions of S33138 (0.5-4.0 i.v.) at alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors were revealed by an increased firing rate of adrenergic perikarya. Finally, antagonism of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(7)) receptors was shown by blockade of 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane-induced head twitches (0.63-10.0 s.c.) and 5-carboxytryptamine-induced hypothermia (2.5-20.0 i.p.), respectively. In conclusion, S33138 displays modest antagonist properties at central alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors, 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(7) receptors. Furthermore, in line with its in vitro actions, it more potently blocks cerebral populations of D(3) versus D(2) receptors.     

Pharmacological and autoradiographic discrimination of sigma and phencyclidine receptor binding sites in brain with (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047, (+)-[3H]-3-[3-hydroxyphenyl]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine and [3H]-1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine

The benzomorphan opioid, SKF 10,047, is the prototypical agonist for the sigma receptor. In this study, pharmacological and autoradiographic analyses reveal that (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 labels two sites in brain: a high affinity site resembling the sigma receptor and a second site, labeled with lower affinity by (+)-[3H] SKF 10,047, similar to the phencyclidine (PCP) receptor. The drug specificity of the high affinity site for (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 resembles that of the putative sigma receptor labeled with (+)-[3H]-3-[3-hydroxyphenyl]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [(+)-[3H]-3-PPP], being potently inhibited by (+)-3-PPP, haloperidol and (+/-)-pentazocine, and demonstrating stereoselectivity for the (+)-isomer of SKF 10,047. In contrast, these drugs are weak in inhibiting binding of (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 to the low affinity site, whereas PCP analogs, such as 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP) and 1-[1-(m-aminophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (m-NH2-PCP), are potent inhibitors. No stereoselectivity for the isomers of SKF 10,047 is noted at the low affinity binding site. Autoradiographic localizations of high affinity (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 binding sites closely resemble those of (+)-[3H]-3-PPP labeled sites with high levels of binding in the hippocampal pyramidal cell layer, hypothalamus, pontine and cranial nerve nuclei and cerebellum. By contrast, low affinity (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 sites are most abundant in nonpyramidal layers of the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex and thalamic nuclei, similar to the distribution of [3H]TCP labeled PCP receptors.     

Effects of 2-[N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-methylamino]-4H-pyrido[3.2-e]-1,3-thiazin-4-one (YM928), an orally active alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor antagonist, in models of generalized epileptic seizure in mice and rats

The anticonvulsant activity of 2-[N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-methylamino]-4H-pyrido[3.2-e]-1,3-thiazin-4-one (YM928), a novel alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, was studied in animal models of generalized seizure. YM928 exerted significant anticonvulsant effects in the maximal electroshock (MES) seizure test (ED50 = 7.4 mg/kg p.o.), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure test (ED50 = 9.6 mg/kg p.o.), AMPA-induced seizure test (ED50 = 5.5 mg/kg p.o.), and strychnine-induced seizure test (ED50 = 14.0 mg/kg p.o.) in mice. Effects in rats were detected in the MES seizure test (ED50 = 4.0 mg/kg p.o.) and PTZ-induced seizure test (ED50 = 6.2 mg/kg p.o.). The profile of YM928 was compared with that of established antiepileptics. Valproate showed beneficial effects in all tests used. In contrast, carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, diazepam, ethosuximide, and gabapentin were not active against seizures induced by at least one stimulant. In the rotarod test, YM928 impaired motor coordination (TD50 = 22.5 mg/kg p.o.). The protective index (TD50 value of the rotarod test/ED50 value of MES seizure) was 3.0, suggesting that YM928 can exert antiepileptic effects with only minor motor disturbances. YM928 at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg p.o. did not significantly affect the threshold of electroshock seizure in rats after 16 days of repeated administration. These data indicate that YM928 does not induce tolerance after subchronic administration. These results indicate that YM928 is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant that would prove useful for the treatment of generalized seizure in human epileptic patients.     

Characterization of [3H]quinpirole binding to D2-like dopamine receptors in rat brain.

The putative D2 dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole (LY 171,555) is the most widely used D2 agonist in in vivo and in vitro studies of D2 receptor-mediated effects. In addition, quinpirole may have even higher affinity for the recently described D3 dopamine receptor. The present study describes the in vitro binding properties of newly developed [3H]quinpirole in rat brain. [3H]Quinpirole binding was characterized in striatal membrane homogenate preparations using a filtration assay. Nonspecific binding was defined by 1 microM (+)-butaclamol. Specific [3H]quinpirole binding was saturable, and dependent on temperature, membrane concentration, sodium concentration and guanine nucleotides. Saturation analysis revealed high affinity binding characteristics (KD = 2.3 +/- 0.3 nM) which were confirmed by association-dissociation kinetics. The pharmacological profile of [3H]quinpirole binding in striatum was: (-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine (+/-)-2-amino-6,7-dihydroxyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene greater than or equal to quinpirole greater than apomorphine greater than bromocriptine greater than dopamine greater than SKF 38393 much greater than 5-hydroxytryptamine for putative dopamine agonists; spiperone greater than (+)-butaclamol greater than haloperidol greater than (-)-sulpiride greater than clozapine greater than SCH 23390 much greater than cinanserin for antagonists. [3H]Quinpirole binding exhibited stereoselectivity: (-)-sulpiride greater than (+)-sulpiride and (+)-butaclamol greater than (-)-butaclamol. This pharmacological profile is similar, though-not identical, to that observed for [3H] spiperone-labeled D2 receptors. The regional distribution of [3H]quinpirole binding sites roughly paralleled the distribution of [3H]spiperone binding sites, with greatest densities present in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evidence implicating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the anticonvulsant action of intranigral muscimol

The effects of systemically administered catecholamine receptor antagonists on the anticonvulsant action produced by local application of a gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist, muscimol, to the substantia nigra of rats were studied. Both electroshock and kindled seizures were studied. Two alpha-2 receptor antagonists, idazoxan and yohimbine, blocked the anticonvulsant action of intranigral muscimol in the electroshock model. Neither a beta nor an alpha-1 adrenergic nor a dopamine-2 receptor antagonist blocked this action. In contrast to electroshock seizures, an alpha-2 antagonist only partially reversed the anticonvulsant action of intranigral muscimol in the kindling model. We interpret the data to indicate that the interaction of norepinephrine with alpha-2 receptors is required for the anticonvulsant action of intranigral muscimol in the electroshock model. The only partial reversal found in the kindling model suggests that nigral control of seizure propagation involves more than alpha-2 receptor mediated neurotransmission.     

Dopamine D1- and D2-like receptor mechanisms in relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior: effects of selective antagonists and agonists

Dopaminergic mechanisms are thought to be critical in mediating relapse to cocaine-seeking behavior. This study examined the different roles of D1- and D2-like receptor mechanisms in the relapse process. Squirrel monkeys were given extended histories of i. v. cocaine self-administration under conditions in which responding was maintained jointly by response-contingent cocaine injections and a cocaine-paired visual stimulus (second-order schedule). Responding was then extinguished by substituting saline for cocaine injections and omitting presentations of the cocaine-paired stimulus. Subsequently, noncontingent priming injections of cocaine combined with restoration of the cocaine-paired stimulus induced dose-dependent reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, with response rates approaching those maintained by active cocaine self-administration. The priming effects of cocaine were attenuated by several D1- and D2-like receptor antagonists and low efficacy agonists but not by the D3-preferring antagonists UH 232 and AJ-76. The priming effects of cocaine were mimicked by the D2-like receptor agonists R(-)-propylnorapomorphine hydrochloride (NPA) and quinpirole, less consistently by 7-OH-DPAT, and not by the D1-like receptor agonists SKF-81297 and SKF-82958, the D3-preferring agonist PD-128,907, or any low efficacy agonist. Cotreatment with NPA, PD-128,907, and 7-OH-DPAT did not alter reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior induced by a maximally effective priming dose of cocaine, whereas cotreatment with D1-like receptor agonists attenuated the priming effects of cocaine. The results suggest that D1- and D2-like receptors play fundamentally different roles in the relapse process. Although stimulation of D2-like, but probably not D3-like, receptors appears necessary for induction of relapse, either stimulation or blockade of D1-like receptors appears to be inhibitory with respect to relapse.     

Chlormethiazole: effectiveness against toxic effects of cocaine in mice

Chlormethiazole positively modulates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptor complex and is primarily used to treat certain life-threatening neurological events (e.g., refractory seizures and ethanol withdrawal syndrome). On account of several experimental and clinical studies reporting effectiveness against the toxic effects of heroin and methamphetamine, chlormethiazole was systematically tested in the present study for its effectiveness against cocaine-induced seizures and lethality in mice. The protective effects of chlormethiazole were evaluated against single, submaximal convulsive (75 mg/kg) or lethal (110 mg/kg) doses of cocaine. Chlormethiazole also was tested against the expression (anticonvulsant effect) and development (antiepileptogenic effect) of cocaine-kindled seizures, and against fully developed kindled seizures. Cocaine-kindled seizures were produced by a total of five daily treatments with 60 mg/kg cocaine. The inverted-screen test was used to assess behavioral side effects of chlormethiazole. Chlormethiazole protected against acute cocaine-induced convulsions (ED(50) = 7.0 mg/kg) and lethality (ED(50)= 21.8 mg/kg) with a robust separation [protective index (PI) = TD(50)/ED(50) = 22.3 and 7.2, respectively] from doses producing behavioral side effects (TD(50) = 156 mg/kg). Chlormethiazole suppressed the behavioral expression of cocaine-kindled seizures and prevented the development of sensitization to the convulsant effects of cocaine. It was also effective in suppressing fully developed kindled seizures. Relative to cocaine seizures in naive mice, chlormethiazole was equieffective, less potent (ED(50) = 22.3 mg/kg), and had a reduced protective index (PI = 3.7) against cocaine-induced seizures in kindled mice. The protective profile and protective index of chlormethiazole were superior to those of the benzodiazepines clonazepam and diazepam, which were of limited efficacy and had low protective indices (PI = approximately 1). The results of this study predict the potential utility of chlormethiazole for the treatment of life-threatening complications of cocaine abuse for which no specific treatment has yet been identified.     

Effects of cocaine and related drugs in nonhuman primates. I. [3H]cocaine binding sites in caudate-putamen

Specific binding sites for [3H]cocaine were identified in caudate-putamen membranes prepared from nonhuman primate brains (Macaca fascicularis and Saimiri sciureus). Saturation of the sites was determined in competition studies using a fixed concentration of [3H]cocaine (2.7 nM) and increasing concentrations of unlabeled cocaine (1 pM-100 microM). Computer resolution of the shallow displacement curve (nH, 0.58) revealed that a two-component binding model [Kd1, 19.2 nM, maximum binding1 (Bmax1), 28.3 pmol/g of tissue; Kd2, 1120 nM, Bmax2, 431 pmol/g of tissue] was statistically preferred over a one-component model (K.50, 283 nM, Bmax, 471 pmol/g of tissue). Binding of [3H]cocaine was NaCl-dependent, with specific binding reduced by 72% when NaCl (100 mM) was omitted from the incubation medium. [3H]Cocaine was displaced stereoselectively by the enantiomers of cocaine and by the diastereoisomers of cocaine and its phenyltropane analog. Cocaine congeners displaced specifically bound [3H]cocaine with IC50 values ranging from 17 nM to over 100 microM in the following rank order of potency: WIN 35,428 greater than WIN 35,065-2 greater than (-)-cocaine greater than WIN 35,981 greater than (-)-norcocaine greater than WIN 35,140 greater than (+)-cocaine, (+)-pseudococaine greater than 3 alpha-tropanyl-1H-indole-carboxylic acid ester greater than 1 alpha H-3 alpha-5 alpha H-tropan-3-yl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate greater than benzoylecgonine, benzoylnorecgonine and (-)-pseudococaine. Several monoamine uptake inhibitors structurally unrelated to cocaine also displaced [3H]cocaine with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 nM to 50 microM. The rank order of potency was: ( +/- )-trans-3-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-N-methyl-1-indanamine greater than mazindol greater than nomifensine greater than methylphenidate 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]- 4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine, N-[1-(2- benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine greater than (-)-cocaine greater than 1-amino-4-phenylbicyclo-[2,2,2]-octane greater than bupropion, nisoxetine greater than desipramine, talsupram greater than citalopram. Other drugs, including the dopamine releasing agent (+)-amphetamine and the dopamine receptor agonists (-)-apomorphine, (+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxy-naphthoxazine, quinpirole and SKF 38393 were weak displacers of [3H]cocaine. Monoamine neurotransmitters also were relatively weak, but dopamine was considerably more potent than either norepinephrine or serotonin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The endogenous cannabinoid system regulates seizure frequency and duration in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Several lines of evidence suggest that cannabinoid compounds are anticonvulsant. However, the anticonvulsant potential of cannabinoids and, moreover, the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in regulating seizure activity has not been tested in an in vivo model of epilepsy that is characterized by spontaneous, recurrent seizures. Here, using the rat pilocarpine model of epilepsy, we show that the marijuana extract Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (10 mg/kg) as well as the cannabimimetic, 4,5-dihydro-2-methyl-4(4-morpholinylmethyl)-1-(1-naphthalenyl-carbonyl)-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-i,j]quinolin-6-one [R(+)WIN55,212 (5 mg/kg)], completely abolished spontaneous epileptic seizures. Conversely, application of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) antagonist, N-(piperidin-1-yl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride (SR141716A), significantly increased both seizure duration and frequency. In some animals, CB1 receptor antagonism resulted in seizure durations that were protracted to a level consistent with the clinical condition status epilepticus. Furthermore, we determined that during an short-term pilocarpine-induced seizure, levels of the endogenous CB1 ligand 2-arachidonylglycerol increased significantly within the hippocampal brain region. These data indicate not only anticonvulsant activity of exogenously applied cannabinoids but also suggest that endogenous cannabinoid tone modulates seizure termination and duration through activation of the CB1 receptor. Furthermore, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that CB1 receptor protein expression was significantly increased throughout the CA regions of epileptic hippocampi. By demonstrating a role for the endogenous cannabinoid system in regulating seizure activity, these studies define a role for the endogenous cannabinoid system in modulating neuroexcitation and suggest that plasticity of the CB1 receptor occurs with epilepsy.     

Dopamine-mediated disinhibition in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus via D3 receptor activation

The hippocampal formation is thought to contribute to both addictive behaviors and to psychotic disorders, and the actions of the neurotransmitter dopamine are intimately involved with these disease states. We have used both whole-cell and extracellular recording techniques in hippocampal slices to investigate the actions of both cocaine and dopamine receptor agonists in the CA1 region. In the presence of cocaine (10 microM), endogenously released dopamine decreased monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) evoked from stratum radiatum but not from stratum oriens. This effect of cocaine was not blocked by the D(1/5) antagonist SCH 23390 ({R-(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine}) (3 microM), whereas several D(2)-like dopamine receptor antagonists prevented the cocaine-induced decrease in the IPSC. The most selective of the effective antagonists tested was the D(3) antagonist, U 99194 ({5,6-dimethoxy-indan-2-yl dipropylamine}) maleate (1 microM). An exogenously applied D(3)-selective dopamine receptor agonist, PD 128907 ({(+)-(4aR, 10bR)-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]-benzopyrano-[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol}) (1 microM), also significantly inhibited the IPSC, providing further evidence that the activation of the D(3) subtype of dopamine receptor by endogenously released dopamine can modulate inhibition in the CA1 region. This disinhibitory action on pyramidal cells also increased synaptic excitability following Schaffer collateral stimulation, as demonstrated by either a decrease in paired-pulse inhibition of the population spike response or by an increase in the excitatory component of the mixed synaptic response evoked from stratum radiatum. These actions indicate that the activation of D(3) receptors by endogenously released dopamine, especially under conditions of transporter blockade, may significantly impact the processing of synaptic information through the stratum radiatum layer of the hippocampus.     

A novel azaindolizinone derivative ZSET1446 (spiro[imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3,2-indan]-2(3H)-one) improves methamphetamine-induced impairment of recognition memory in mice by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2

The effect of ZSET1446 (spiro[imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3,2-indan]-2(3H)-one) on cognitive impairment in mice, previously treated with methamphetamine (METH) at a dose of 1 mg/kg for 7 days, was investigated. ZSET1446 showed a significant ameliorating effect on METH-induced impairment of recognition memory, although it had no effect on exploratory behavior. ZSET1446 (1 microg/kg) recovered the defect of the novelty-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of METH-treated mice. The compound increased phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels in the hippocampus but not PFC of naive mice without affecting the total ERK1/2 levels. The ameliorating effect of ZSET1446 on recognition memory in METH-treated mice was negated by pretreatment with a mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibitor, SL327 (alpha-[amino-(4-aminophenylthio)methylene]-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetonitrile). Furthermore, the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390 [R-(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine], and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK-801 [5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (dizocilpine maleate)], blocked the ameliorating effect of ZSET1446 on METH-induced memory impairment, whereas the D2 receptor antagonist, raclopride, had no effect. These results suggest that the ameliorative effect of ZSET1446 on METH-induced memory impairment is associated with indirect activation of ERK1/2 following stimulation with dopamine D1 and NMDA receptors of the PFC. ZSET1446 would be a potential candidate for further preclinical study aimed at the treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, as well as METH psychosis.     

Dopamine agonist-induced yawning in rats: a dopamine D3 receptor-mediated behavior

A specific role for the dopamine D3 receptor in behavior has yet to be elucidated. We now report that dopamine D2/D3 agonists elicit dose-dependent yawning behavior in rats, resulting in an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve. A series of experiments was directed toward the hypothesis that the induction of yawning is a D3 receptor-mediated effect, whereas the inhibition of the yawning observed at higher doses is due to competing D2 receptor activity. We compared several dopaminergic agonists with a range of in vitro D3 selectivity, including PD-128,907 [(S)-(+)-(4aR, 10bR)-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano-[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol HCl], PD-128,908 [(R)-(-)-(4aS,10bS)-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano-[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol HCl], quinelorane [(5aR-trans)-5,5a,6,7,8, 9,9a,10-octahydro-6-propylpyrido[2,3-g]quinazolin-2-amine dihydrochloride], pramipexole (N'-propyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole-2,6-diamine), 7-OH-DPAT [(+/-)-7-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin HBr], quinpirole [trans-(-)-(4aR)-4,4a,5,6,7,8, 8a,9-octahydro-5-propyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-g]quinoline HCl], bromocriptine [(+)-2-bromo-12'-hydroxy-2'-(1-methylethyl)-5'-(2-methylpropyl) ergotaman-3',6'-18-trione methanesulfonate], and apomorphine [(R)-(-)-5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-6-methyl-4H-dibenzo-[de,g]quinoline-10,11-diol HCl] with respect to their ability to induce yawning in rats. A series of D2/D3 antagonists differing in selectivity for D3 over D2 receptors were evaluated for their ability to alter the effects of the dopamine agonists. The antagonists L-741,626 (3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-l-yl]methyl-1H-indole), haloperidol (4-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinyl]-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-butanone HCl), nafadotride (N-[(1-butyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-4-cyano-1-methoxy-2-naphtha-lenecarboxamide), U99194 (2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethoxy-N,N-dipropyl-1H-inden-2-amine maleate), SB-277011A (trans-N-[4-[2-(6-cyano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)ethyl]cyclohexyl]-4-quinolinecarboxamide), and PG01037 (N-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-trans-but-2-enyl}-4-pyridine-2-yl-benzamide HCl) were used to determine effects on dose-response curves for D2/D3 agonist-induced yawning. In addition, the potential contribution of cholinergic and/or serotonergic mechanisms to the yawning response was investigated using a series of pharmacological tools including scopolamine [(a,S)-a-(hydroxymethyl)benzeneacetic acid (1a,2b,4b,5a,7b)-9-methyl-3-oxa-9-azatricyclo[3.3.1.02,4]-non7-yl ester hydrobromide], mianserin (1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydro-2-methyldibenzo[c,f]pyrazino[1,2-a]azepine HCl), and the D3-preferring antagonists nafadotride, U99194, SB-277011A, and PG01037 to differentially modulate yawning induced by PD-128,907, physostigmine [(3aS)-cis-1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1,3a,8-trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indol-5-ol methylcarbamate hemisulfate], and N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine HCl. The results of these experiments provide convergent evidence that dopamine D2/D3 agonist-induced yawning is a D3 agonist-mediated behavior, with subsequent inhibition of yawning being driven by competing D2 agonist activity. Thus, dopamine agonist-induced yawning may represent an in vivo method for selectively identifying D3 and D2 receptor-mediated activities.     

Leptin inhibits 4-aminopyridine- and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures and AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in rodents

Leptin is a hormone that reduces excitability in some hypothalamic neurons via leptin receptor activation of the JAK2 and PI3K intracellular signaling pathways. We hypothesized that leptin receptor activation in other neuronal subtypes would have anticonvulsant activity and that intranasal leptin delivery would be an effective route of administration. We tested leptin's anticonvulsant action in 2 rodent seizure models by directly injecting it into the cortex or by administering it intranasally. Focal seizures in rats were induced by neocortical injections of 4-aminopyridine, an inhibitor of voltage-gated K+ channels. These seizures were briefer and less frequent upon coinjection of 4-aminopyridine and leptin. In mice, intranasal administration of leptin produced elevated brain and serum leptin levels and delayed the onset of chemical convulsant pentylenetetrazole-induced generalized convulsive seizures. Leptin also reduced neuronal spiking in an in vitro seizure model. Leptin inhibited alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole proprionic acid (AMPA) receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampal slices but failed to inhibit synaptic responses in slices from leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice. JAK2 and PI3K antagonists prevented leptin inhibition of AMPAergic synaptic transmission. We conclude that leptin receptor activation and JAK2/PI3K signaling may be novel targets for anticonvulsant treatments. Intranasal leptin administration may have potential as an acute abortive treatment for convulsive seizures in emergency situations.     

Dantrolene, a calcium-induced calcium release inhibitor, prevents the acquisition of amygdaloid kindling in rats, a model of experimental epilepsy

Kindling phenomenon (an experimental model of acquired epilepsy) and long-term potentiation (LTP) have many features in common. LTP is associated with an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration where intracellular Ca(2+) stores play an important role. Dantrolene has an inhibitory action against Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores. This substance has been reported to inhibit the induction of LTP. We investigated whether or not the development of kindling would be inhibited by dantrolene. We first determined at the right amygdala afterdischarge threshold (ADT) that is the minimal electric current necessary to evoke afterdischarge. For investigating the effects of dantrolene on the development of kindling, rats were stimulated once daily at the right amygdala with a current, 10% larger than ADT, one hour after either dantrolene or vehicle had been injected intraperitoneally. We observed daily the progress of both intensities of behavioral seizures (stages of seizures) and the duration of afterdischarge. Dantrolene significantly delayed both the progression of kindling stages and the elongation of afterdischarge duration at a dose of 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg, as compared with control vehicle. To investigate the effects of dantrolene on seizures in already kindled rats, we determined generalized seizure threshold (GST) that is the minimum electric current necessary to evoke generalized seizures in fully kindled rats. Rats were stimulated at a current, 10% larger than GST, one hour after treated with the drug or vehicle. Dantrolene showed no anticonvulsant action against either the stages of seizures or afterdischarge durations in fully kindled rats. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of dantrolene on the acquisition of kindling was not attributed to an anticonvulsant action. These results suggest that the prevention of kindling acquisition is associated with an inhibitory action of dantrolene on calcium-induced calcium release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores.     

Computer imaging and analysis of dopamine (D2) and serotonin (S2) binding sites in rat basal ganglia or neocortex labeled by [3H]spiroperidol

The equilibrium properties, pharmacological specificity and regional distribution of serotonin (S2) and dopamine (D2) binding sites in coronal or horizontal rat brain sections labeled by [3H] spiroperidol were investigated by computer analysis of digitized autoradiographs. Domperidone or (+)-butaclamol displaced [3H] spiroperidol from the anterior caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, claustrum, layer 5A of motor cortex and layer 1 of the anterior cingulate cortex (IC50 = 2-80 nM). Equilibrium saturation analysis of the (+)-butaclamol-displaced binding of [3H]spiroperidol revealed higher binding affinities in the anterior caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle (Kd = 0.16-0.32 nM) than in the claustrum or layer 5A of motor cortex (Kd = 1.5-1.9 nM). The [3H]spiroperidol binding displaced by (+)-butaclamol was resolved into a dopaminergic (D2) component, displaced by 100 microM 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxytetrahydronapthalene or 10 microM (-)-sulpiride and a serotonergic (S2) component, displaced by 40 nM ketanserin or 100 nM methysergide. Methysergide or ketanserin displaced [3H]spiroperidol only from the caudal (peripallidal) caudate-putamen, claustrum or layer 5A of motor cortex (IC50 = 2-14 nM), whereas the D2 agonist 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxytetrahydronapthalene displaced [3H]spiroperidol from the caudate-putamen but not from cortex. The competition curve for 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxytetrahydronapthalene displacement of [3H]spiroperidol binding to D2 sites in the caudate-putamen was markedly biphasic and shifted to the right by the GTP analog, guanylimidodiphosphate. The D2 antagonist (+/-)- or (-)-sulpiride also displaced [3H]spiroperidol from the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle as well as from the caudate-putamen (IC50 values = 0.14 microM). In contrast, the butyrophenone derivative, spirodecanone, displaced with equal potency all [3H]spiroperidol from each of the six brain regions. Neither the alpha-1 receptor ligand prazosin nor the excitatory amino acid receptor ligands l-aspartate, l-glutamate or dl-homocysteic acid displaced [3H]spiroperidol from any brain area. A 5-fold rostral-to-caudal gradient of decreasing S2 concentration was observed in neocortical layer 1 of horizontal sections. In the caudate-putamen, D2 density decreased by 30% rostrocaudally, whereas S2 sites were located mostly in the peripallidal caudate-putamen. The rostral-to-caudal gradients of D2 or S2 sites in the caudate-putamen correspond remarkably well with previously reported caudate-putamen concentration gradients for dopamine or serotonin, respectively.     

Dopamine D1 and D2 agonist effects on prepulse inhibition and locomotion: comparison of Sprague-Dawley rats to Swiss-Webster, 129X1/SvJ, C57BL/6J, and DBA/2J mice

D2 receptors have been studied in relation to therapeutic uses of dopaminergic drugs, and psychomotor stimulant effects [as manifested by decreased prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle and increased locomotor activity] are hallmark behavioral effects of D2 agonists in rats. Genetic studies with mutant mice might be useful in this line of investigation; however, recent studies suggest that mice differ from rats with respect to D2 agonist effects. Accordingly, we studied a wide range of doses of the D2-like agonist quinelorane (0.0032-5.6 mg/kg) and the D1-like agonist R-6-Br-APB [R(+)-6-bromo-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide] (0.032-5.6 mg/kg) in outbred Sprague-Dawley rats, outbred Swiss-Webster mice, and inbred 129X1/SvJ, C57BL/6J, and DBA/2J mice. Whereas the D2 agonist dose-dependently decreased PPI and increased locomotion in rats, neither of these effects was observed in outbred or inbred mice. In contrast, the D1 agonist reduced PPI and increased locomotion in Sprague-Dawley rats and in Swiss-Webster, 129X1/SvJ, and C57BL/6J mice. Neither agonist decreased PPI in DBA/2J mice, although PPI was increased in this strain by a D2 antagonist. Pretreatment with either the D2 antagonist eticlopride (1 mg/kg) or the D1 antagonist SCH39166 [(-)-trans-6,7,7a,8,9,13b-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-methyl-5H-benzo[d]naptho-(2,1-b)azepine] (1 mg/kg) prevented the PPI-disruptive effects of quinelorane in rats and R-6-Br-APB in mice, suggesting receptor interactions in both species. In summary, psychomotor stimulant effects of a D2 agonist that were robustly observed in outbred rats were absent in several outbred and inbred strains of mice. These results may have implications for the study of mutant mice to investigate genes involved in psychomotor function in humans.     

Calcium channel receptor sites for (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 in coronary artery

The receptor sites for 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca++ channel antagonists in porcine coronary artery were identified and characterized by a binding assay using (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 as a radioligand. Specific (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 binding in porcine coronary artery was saturable, reversible and of high affinity (Kd = 0.24 nM) and it showed a pharmacological specificity as well as stereoselectivity which characterized the receptor sites for DHP Ca++ channel antagonists. DHP antagonists competed for the (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 binding in order: PN 200-110 greater than mepirodipine greater than nisoldipine greater than nicardipine greater than nitrendipine greater than nimodipine greater than nifedipine greater than (-)-PN 200-110. (+)-PN 200-110 was approximately 140 times as potent as the (-)-isomer. The potencies (PKi) of these eight DHP Ca++ channel antagonists in competing for (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 binding sites in porcine coronary artery correlated well with their pharmacological potencies. Specific (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 binding in the coronary artery was enhanced by d-cis-diltiazem and was inhibited incompletely by verapamil and D-600. In EDTA-pretreated coronary artery, the maximal number of binding sites for specific (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 binding was reduced (80%) markedly, and it was restored to the untreated level by the addition of Ca++ and Mg++.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

In vitro and in vivo characterization of conantokin-R, a selective NMDA receptor antagonist isolated from the venom of the fish-hunting snail Conus radiatus

The purification, characterization, and synthesis of conantokin-R (Con-R), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor peptide antagonist from the venom of Conus radiatus, are described. With the use of well defined animal seizure models, Con-R was found to possess an anticonvulsant profile superior to that of ifenprodil and dizocilpine (MK-801). With voltage-clamp recording of Xenopus oocytes expressing heteromeric NMDA receptors from cloned NR1 and NR2 subunit RNAs, Con-R exhibited the following order of preference for NR2 subunits: NR2B approximately NR2A > NR2C > NR2D. Con-R was without effect on oocytes expressing the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluR1 or the kainate receptor subunit GluR6. In mouse cortical neurons voltage-clamped at -60 mV, Con-R application produced a slowly developing block of inward currents evoked by 10 microM NMDA and 1 microM glycine (IC(50) = 350 nM). At 3 microM, Con-R did not affect gamma-aminobutyric acid- or kainate-evoked currents. Con-R prevented sound-induced tonic extension seizures in the Frings audiogenic seizure-susceptible mice at i.c.v. doses below toxic levels. It was also effective at nontoxic doses in CF#1 mice against tonic extension seizures induced by threshold (15 mA) and maximal (50 mA) stimulation, and it partially blocked clonic seizures induced by s.c. pentylenetetrazol. In contrast, MK-801 and ifenprodil were effective only at doses approaching (audiogenic seizures) or exceeding (electrical and pentylenetetrazol seizures) those required to produce significant behavioral impairment. These results indicate that the subtype selectivity and other properties of Con-R afford a distinct advantage over the noncompetitive NMDA antagonists MK-801 and ifenprodil. Con-R is a useful new pharmacological agent for differentiation between the anticonvulsant and toxic effects of NMDA antagonists.     

Effects of dopamine D1 ligands on eye blinking in monkeys: efficacy, antagonism, and D1/D2 interactions

Dopamine D1 ligands have been classified and ordered according to efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In the present experiments, dopamine D1 ligands reported to differ in in vitro efficacy were evaluated for efficacy-related effects on eye blinking in squirrel monkeys. Additional comparisons were made with the effects of D2 receptor agonists and indirect dopamine agonists. The results show that D1 agonists increased eye blinking in an efficacy-related manner, whereas the D1 receptor blocker SCH 39166 [(-)-trans-6,7,7alpha,8,9,13beta-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-methyl-5H-benzo[d]naphtho[2,1-b]azepine] only decreased rates of eye blinking. D1 high-efficacy agonists induced rates of eye blinking that were 2- to 3-fold greater than observed with dopamine D2 agonists and indirect agonists. In drug combination experiments, increases in eye blinking induced by the D1 high-efficacy agonist R-(+)-6-Br-APB [R-(+)-6-bromo-7,8-dihydroxy-3-allyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide] were antagonized by both the D1 antagonist SCH 39166 and the lower efficacy agonist SKF 83959 [6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1-(3-methylphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide], consistent with dopamine D1 receptor mediation of these behavioral effects. The dopamine D2 agonist (+)-PHNO [(+)-N-propyl-hydroxynaphthoxazine], which selectively activates dopamine D2 receptors, also attenuated D1 agonist-induced increase in eye blinking, suggesting that D2 receptor actions may inhibit D1-mediated increases in eye blinking. Overall, eye blink rate appears to be a robust behavioral measure that can be used to measure changes in dopaminergic D1 signaling and as a functional assay of agonist efficacy at dopamine D1 receptors.