The kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor Ro 61-8048 improves dystonia in a genetic model of paroxysmal dyskinesia

The effects of the novel kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor 3,4-dimethoxy-N-[4-(3-nitrophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]benzenesulfonamide (Ro 61-8048) on severity of dystonia were examined in dt(sz) mutant hamsters, an animal model of paroxysmal dystonia, in which stress precipitates dystonic episodes. Ro 61-8048 (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the severity of dystonia in dt(sz) hamsters without leading to marked central side effects. Determinations of kynurenic acid concentrations in brain homogenates demonstrated that Ro 61-8048 (100 mg/kg i.p.) provoked a two- to threefold increase of the endogeneous broad spectrum glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid in the striatum, cerebellum and brainstem of mutant hamsters. The antidystonic efficacy of Ro 61-8048 at well-tolerated doses suggests that kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitors should be considered as new therapeutic candidates for the treatment of dyskinesias.     

Effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists in a genetic animal model of primary paroxysmal dystonia

1. Recent studies have shown beneficial effects of an adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist in dt(sz) mutant hamsters, an animal model of paroxysmal dystonia, in which stress and consumption of coffee can precipitate dystonic attacks. This prompted us to examine the effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on severity of dystonia in dt(sz) hamsters in more detail. 2. The non-selective adenosine A(1)/A(2A) receptor antagonists, caffeine (10 - 20 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and theophylline (10 - 30 mg kg(-1) s.c.), worsened the dystonia in dt(sz) hamsters. 3. Aggravation of dystonia was also caused by the selective adenosine A(1)/A(2A) antagonist CGS 15943 (9-chloro2-2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolin-5-amine) at a dose of 30 mg kg(-1) i.p. and by the adenosine A(1) antagonist DPCPX (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine; 20 - 30 mg kg(-1) i.p.), while the A(2) antagonist DMPX (3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine; 2 - 4 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and the highly selective A(2A) antagonist ZM 241385 (4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol; 2 - 5 mg kg(-1) i.p.) failed to exert any effects on dystonia. 4. In contrast to the antagonists, both the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist CPA (N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine; 0.1 - 1.0 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and the A(2A) agonist CGS 21680 (2p-(2carboxyethylphen-ethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamindoadenosine; 0.1 - 2.0 mg kg(-1) i.p.) exerted a striking improvement of dystonia. 5. These data suggest that the precipitating effects of methylxanthines are, at least in part, related to their adenosine receptor antagonistic action. 6. Although adenosine receptor agonists can be regarded as interesting candidates for the therapy of paroxysmal dystonia, adverse effects may limit the therapeutic potential of adenosine A(1) agonists, while beneficial effects of the adenosine A(2A) agonist CGS 21680 were already found at well tolerated doses.     

The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide exerts antidystonic effects in the dt(sz) mutant hamster

Previous studies suggested an involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated excitation by an enhanced efflux of bicarbonate ions in addition to retarded development of GABAergic inhibition in the syndrome of dt(sz) mutant hamsters, a model of paroxysmal dyskinesia in which dystonic episodes occur in response to stress. Acetazolamide blocks bicarbonate regeneration in neurons and can thereby reduce GABA-mediating excitation without affecting GABA-mediated inhibition. In the present study, the effects of acetazolamide (15-60 mg/kg, i.p.) on severity of dystonia were therefore examined in dt(sz) hamsters. Acetazolamide significantly reduced the severity of dystonia at a dose of 60 mg/kg. These data are in line with several case reports from patients with paroxysmal dystonia, suggesting that acetazolamide can be useful in the treatment of this movement disorder. The mechanism of the antidystonic efficacy of acetazolamide has to be examined by further studies.     

Gabapentin decreases the severity of dystonia at low doses in a genetic animal model of paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis

The effects of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-potentiating drug gabapentin (1-(aminomethyl) cyclohexaneacetic acid) on severity of dystonia were examined in a hamster model of idiopathic paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. In the genetically dystonic hamster (dt(sz)) recent pharmacological and neurochemical studies suggested that disturbed GABAergic inhibition is involved in the pathogenesis. In line with a case report of beneficial effects in human paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis, gabapentin reduced the severity of dystonia in mutant hamsters at doses of 5 and 10 mg kg(-1) i.p. At higher doses (20 and 100 mg kg(-1)), gabapentin, however, failed to exert antidystonic effects. The GABApotentiating activity of gabapentin could explain the antidystonic effects of low doses, while the loss of efficacy at higher doses may be due to other mechanisms of gabapentin.     

Effects of pharmacological manipulations of cannabinoid receptors on severity of dystonia in a genetic model of paroxysmal dyskinesia

Previous studies have shown beneficial effects of the cannabinoid CB(1)/CB(2) receptor agonist (R)-4,5-dihydro-2-methyl-4-(4-morpholinylmethyl)-1-(1-naphthalenylcarbonyl)-6H-pyrrolo [3,2,1-ij]quinolin-6-one mesylate (WIN 55,212-2) in dt(sz) mutant hamsters, a model of idiopathic paroxysmal dystonia (dyskinesia). To examine the pathophysiological significance of the cannabinergic system in the dystonic syndrome, the effect of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-pyrazole-carboxamide (SR 141716A) on severity of dystonia was investigated in dt(sz) mutants which exhibit episodes of dystonic and choreoathetotic disturbances in response to mild stress. SR 141716A (5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) failed to exert any effects on the severity of dystonia. While the antidystonic efficacy of WIN 55,212-2 (5 mg/kg i.p.) was confirmed, cannabidiol (which has low affinity to cannabinoid receptors) tended to delay the progression of dystonia only at a high dose (150 mg/kg i.p.). The antidystonic and cataleptic effects of WIN 55,212-2 (5 mg/kg i.p.) were completely antagonized by pretreatment with SR 141716A at doses of 2.5 mg/kg (catalepsy) and 10 mg/kg (antidystonic efficacy). These data indicate that the antidystonic efficacy of WIN 55,212-2 is selectively mediated via CB(1) receptors. The lack of prodystonic effects of SR 141716A together with only moderate antidystonic effects of WIN 55,212-2 suggests that reduced activation of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors by endocannabinoids is not critically involved in the dystonic syndrome. In view of previous pathophysiological findings in mutant hamsters, the antidystonic efficacy of WIN 55,212-2 can be explained by modulation of different neurotransmitter systems within the basal ganglia.     

NNC-711, a novel potent and selective gamma-aminobutyric acid uptake inhibitor: pharmacological characterization.

NNC-711 (1-(2-(((diphenylmethylene)amino)oxy)ethyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3- pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride) is a novel, potent and selective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake inhibitor. NNC-711 inhibited synaptosomal (IC50 = 47 nM), neuronal (IC50 = 1238 nM) and glial (IC50 = 636 nM) GABA uptake in vitro NNC-711 lacked affinity for other neurotransmitter receptor binding sites, uptake sites and ion channels examined in vitro. In vivo, NNC-711 was a potent anticonvulsant compound against rodent seizures induced by methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) (ED50 (clonic) = 1.2 mg/kg i.p.), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (ED50 (tonic) = 0.72 mg/kg i.p., mouse; and ED50 (tonic) = 1.7 mg/kg, rat), or audiogenic (ED50 (clonic and tonic) = 0.23 mg/kg i.p.). At higher doses NNC-711 produced behavioral side effects characterized by inhibition of traction (ED50 = 23 mg/kg i.p.), rotarod (ED50 = 10 mg/kg i.p.) and exploratory locomotor activity (ED50 = 45 mg/kg i.p.) in the mouse. Following acute (3-h) in vivo pretreatment with NNC-711, behavioral tolerance developed to its motor impairing side effects (inhibition of traction, rotarod or exploratory locomotor activity) without corresponding tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects. These data suggest that NNC-711 will be useful for future in vitro and in vivo experiments to elucidate the role of the GABA uptake carrier in the central nervous system.     

Antidystonic effects of Kv7 (KCNQ) channel openers in the dt sz mutant, an animal model of primary paroxysmal dystonia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mutations in neuronal Kv7 (KCNQ) potassium channels can cause episodic neurological disorders. Paroxysmal dyskinesias with dystonia are a group of movement disorders which are regarded as ion channelopathies, but the role of Kv7 channels in the pathogenesis and as targets for the treatment have so far not been examined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In the present study, we therefore examined the effects of the activators of neuronal Kv7.2/7.3 channels retigabine (5, 7.5, 10 mg kg(-1) i.p. and 10, 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and flupirtine (10, 20 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and of the channel blocker 10,10-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenone (XE-991, 3 and 6 mg kg(-1) i.p.) in the dt sz mutant hamster, a model of paroxysmal dyskinesia in which dystonic episodes occur in response to stress. KEY RESULTS: Retigabine (10 mg kg(-1) i.p., 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) and flupirtine (20 mg kg(-1) i.p.) significantly improved dystonia, while XE-991 caused a significant aggravation in the dt sz mutant. The antidystonic effect of retigabine (10 mg kg(-1) i.p.) was counteracted by XE-991 (3 mg kg(-1) i.p.). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These data indicate that dysfunctions of neuronal Kv7 channels deserve attention in dyskinesias. Since retigabine and flupirtine are well tolerated in humans, the present finding of pronounced antidystonic efficacy in the dt sz mutant suggests that neuronal Kv7 channel activators are interesting candidates for the treatment of dystonia-associated dyskinesias and probably of other types of dystonias. The established analgesic effects of Kv7 channel openers might contribute to improvement of these disorders which are often accompanied by painful muscle spasms.     

Effects of compounds acting on GABA(B) receptors in the pentylenetetrazole kindling model of epilepsy in mice

The involvement of GABA(B) receptors in the behavioural and epileptic electrocortical discharges occurring in chemical kindling induced by repeated treatments with a subconvulsant dose of pentylenetetrazole (25 mg/kg i.p.) has been investigated in CD1 mice. Behavioural and electrocorticographic epileptic seizures following kindling induced by pentylenetetrazole (25 mg/kg i.p.) were attenuated or completely antagonized in a dose-dependent manner by the GABA(B) receptor agonist R-baclofen (2 and 6 mg/kg) whilst the GABA(B) receptor antagonist 3-amino-propyl-diethoxy-methyl-phosphinic acid (CGP 35348, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg) and 3-[1-(S)-(3, 4-dichloro-phenyl-ethyl]amino-2-(S)-hydroxy-propyl-benzyl-phosphinic acid (CGP 55845A, 10 or 20 mg/kg) produced a more rapid development of kindling and an increase in behavioural and electrocorticographic epileptic changes. In addition, all GABA(B) receptor antagonists were able to induce an increase in Fos and Jun protein expression in pentylenetetrazole (25 mg/kg i.p.) treated mice whilst the GABA(B) receptor agonist R-baclofen (2 or 6 mg/kg) attenuated the expression of Fos and Jun protein, at cortical and limbic structures. In order to study the persistence of changes induced by pentylenetetrazole kindling, different groups of mice were rechallenged with a kindling stimulus 15 or 30 days after withdrawal from the last injection of vehicle+pentylenetetrazole, R-baclofen+pentylenetetrazole or GABA(B) receptor antagonists+pentylenetetrazole. The groups receiving GABA(B) receptor antagonists+pentylenetetrazole showed a higher incidence of seizures following the kindling stimulus than mice receiving vehicle+pentylenetetrazole whilst animals treated with R-baclofen were protected from the kindling stimulus. The different effects observed following repeated treatment with the GABA(B) receptor agonist and antagonist used revealed that GABA(B) receptors are able to affect the development of the epileptic kindling state induced by pentylenetetrazole.     

Synthesis of novel GABA uptake inhibitors. 4. Bioisosteric transformation and successive optimization of known GABA uptake inhibitors leading to a series of potent anticonvulsant drug candidates.

By bioisosteric transformations and successive optimization of known GABA uptake inhibitors, several series of novel GABA uptake inhibitors have been prepared by different synthetic approaches. These compounds are derivatives of nipecotic acid and guvacine, substituted at the nitrogen of these amino acids by various lipophilic moieties such as diarylaminoalkoxyalkyl or diarylalkoxyalkyl. The in vitro values for inhibition of [(3)H]GABA uptake in rat synaptosomes was determined for each compound, and it was found that the most potent compound from this series, (R)-1-(2-(3,3-diphenyl-1-propyloxy)ethyl)-3-piperidinecarboxyli c acid hydrochloride (29), is so far the most potent parent compound inhibiting GABA uptake into synaptosomes. Structure-activity results confirm our earlier observations, that an electronegative center in the chain connecting the amino acid and diaryl moiety is very critical in order to obtain high in vitro potency. Several of the novel compounds were also evaluated for their ability in vivo to inhibit clonic seizures induced by a 15 mg/kg (ip) dose of methyl 6, 7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM). Some of the compounds tested show a high in vivo potency comparable with that of the recently launched anticonvulsant product 6 ((R)-1-(4, 4-bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)-3-butenyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid).     

Hypothermic effect of GABA in conscious restrained rats and its modification by monoaminergic blocking drugs

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) in conscious restrained rats and the effects on core temperature were observed. GABA (250-1000 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in core temperature at an ambient temperature of 22 +/- 1 degree C. GABA-induced hypothermia (1000 mg/kg) was attenuated by pretreatment with reserpine (2 mg/kg, i.p.), p-chloro-phenyl-alanine (300 mg/kg, i.p.), yohimbine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) or methysergide (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Neither alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (200 mg/kg, i.p.), nor phenoxybenzamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), nor pimozide (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) antagonized GABA-induced hypothermia. Pretreatment with either propranolol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) or bicuculline (3 mg/kg, i.p.) potentiated hypothermia induced by GABA. It is concluded that hypothermia produced by i.p. injection of GABA could be due to release of serotonin by activation of bicuculline-insensitive GABA receptors located on central serotonergic neurons.     

Role of GABA(B) receptors in the sedative/hypnotic effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.

The present study was aimed at identifying the receptor systems involved in the mediation of the sedative/hypnotic effect of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in DBA mice. Administration of the putative antagonist of the GHB binding site, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-5H-benzocyclohept-6-ylideneacetic acid (NCS-382; 50-500 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly increased the duration of loss of righting reflex induced by GHB (1000 mg/kg, i.p.). In contrast, the GABA(B) receptor antagonists, (2S)(+)-5,5-dimethyl-2-morpholineacetic acid (SCH 50911; 25-100 mg/kg, i.p.) and (3-aminopropyl)(cyclohexylmethyl)phosphinic acid (CGP 46381; 12.5-150 mg/kg, i.p.), completely prevented the sedative/hypnotic effect of GHB. SCH 50911 (100 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) was also capable to readily reverse the sedative/hypnotic effect of GHB (1000 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice that had lost the righting reflex. SCH 50911 (100 mg/kg, i.p.) also completely abolished the sedative/hypnotic effect of the GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen. These results indicate that the sedative/hypnotic effect of GHB is mediated by the stimulation of GABA(B) receptors and add further support to the hypothesis that the GABA(B) receptor constitutes a central site of action of GHB.     

Comparison of the anticonvulsant effects of two novel GABA uptake inhibitors and diazepam in amygdaloid kindled rats

Summary Two novel, specific inhibitors of GABA uptake, namely SKF 89976-A (N-[4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl]-nipecotic acid) and SKF 100330-A (N-[4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl]-guvacine) were tested for anticonvulsant effects in amygdaloid kindled female rats. The anticonvulsant effectiveness of the compounds was compared with that of diazepam. SKF 89976-A and SKF 100330-A produced dosedependent anticonvulsant effects on all seizure parameters measured in fully kindled rats, i.e. they inhibited seizure severity, increased seizure latency, and decreased the duration of motor seizures and EEG afterdischarges. ED 50s for inhibition of seizure severity were 4.6 and 15.1 mg/kg (0.014 and 0.045 mmol/kg) i.p. for SKF 100330-A and SKF 89976-A, respectively. For comparison, the ED 50 of diazepam was 1.9 mg/kg (0.0067 mmol/kg) i.p. Observation of behaviour indicated that the novel GABA uptake blockers exerted no side-effects in anticonvulsant doses, whereas diazepam produced sedative effects at all active dosage levels. The data demonstrate that SKF 100330-A and SKF 89976-A are potent, non-sedative anticonvulsant drugs in the kindling model of epilepsy, and these compounds thus may deserve interest as potential antiepileptic drugs with a very selective mechanism of action.     

Effects of intrastriatal injections of glutamate receptor antagonists on the severity of paroxysmal dystonia in the dtsz mutant

Imbalances of the glutamatergic system are implicated in the pathophysiology of various basal ganglia disorders, but few is known about their role in dystonia, a common neurological syndrome in which involuntary muscle co-contractions lead to twisting movements and abnormal postures. Previous systemic administrations of glutamate receptor antagonists in dtsz hamsters, an animal model of primary paroxysmal dystonia, exerted antidystonic effects and electrophysiological experiments pointed to an enhanced corticostriatal glutamatergic activity. In order to examine the pathophysiological relevance of these findings, we performed striatal microinjections of the alpha-amino-2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-oxo-4-isoxazolepropanoic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX) and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphopentanoic acid (AP-5), (R)-(+)-3-amino-1-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-one (HA-966) and dizocilpine (MK-801). The striatal application of NBQX reduced the severity and increased the latency to onset of dystonia significantly only at a dosage of 0.08 microg per hemisphere, lower (0.03 microg) and higher dosages (0.16 microg and 0.32 microg) failed to exert comparable effects on the severity. None of the striatal injected NMDA receptor antagonists influenced the severity of the dystonic attacks in the mutant hamster. The combined application of NBQX (0.08 microg) with AP-5 (1.0 microg) failed to exert synergistic antidystonic effects, but the beneficial effect on the severity of dystonia of the single application of NBQX was reproduced. Therefore, corticostriatal glutamatergic overactivity mediated by AMPA receptors, but not by NMDA receptors, is possibly important for the manifestation of dystonic attacks in the dtsz hamster mutant.     

Tiagabine antinociception in rodents depends on GABA(B) receptor activation: parallel antinociception testing and medial thalamus GABA microdialysis

The effects of a new antiepileptic drug, tiagabine, (R)-N-[4,4-di-(3-methylthien-2-yl)but-3-enyl] nipecotic acid hydrochloride, were studied in mice and rats in antinociceptive tests, using three kinds of noxious stimuli: mechanical (paw pressure), chemical (abdominal constriction) and thermal (hot plate). In vivo microdialysis was performed in parallel in awake, freely moving rats in order to evaluate possible alterations in extracellular gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in a pain-modulating region, the medial thalamus. Systemic administration of tiagabine, 30 mg kg(-1) i.p., increased nearly twofold the extracellular GABA levels in rats and increased significantly the rat paw pressure nociceptive threshold in a time-correlated manner. Dose-related significant tiagabine-induced antinociception was also observed at the doses of 1 and 3 mg kg(-1) i.p. in the mouse hot plate and abdominal constriction tests. The tiagabine antinociception was completely antagonised by pretreatment with the selective GABA(B) receptor antagonist, CGP 35348, (3-aminopropyl-diethoxy-methyl-phosphinic acid) (2.5 microg/mouse or 25 microg/rat i.c.v.), but not by naloxone (1 mg kg(-1) s.c.), both administered 15 min before tiagabine. Thus, it is suggested that tiagabine causes antinociception due to raised endogenous GABA levels which in turn activate GABA(B) receptors.     

Anticonvulsant action in the epileptic gerbil of novel inhibitors of GABA uptake

Two novel inhibitors of GABA uptake, namely SKF 89976-A (N-[4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl]-nipecotic acid) and SKF 100330-A (N-[4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl]-guvacine) were tested for anticonvulsant effects in genetically seizure-prone gerbils. Both compounds proved able to block major (generalized tonic-clonic) seizures initiated in gerbils by air blast stimulation. The respective anticonvulsant ED50s for SKF 100330-A and SKF 89976-A were 1.6 and 4.1 mg/kg i.p., respectively. Comparison with other GABA uptake inhibitors, namely ethyl and methyl esters of (-)- and (+)-nipecotic acid and (+/-)-cis-4-hydroxynipecotic acid, showed that the novel uptake inhibitors were considerably more potent. Similarly, comparison with common antiepileptic drugs demonstrated that SKF 100330-A and SKF 89976-A were more potent than phenobarbital and valproic acid to block seizures in gerbils. Only benzodiazepines surpassed these GABA uptake inhibitors in anticonvulsant potency. Observation of behaviour indicated that the novel compounds exerted no side-effects in anticonvulsant doses. These data indicate that SKF 100330-A and SKF 89976-A deserve interest as potential antiepileptic drugs with a very selective mechanism of action.     

In vivo effects of new inhibitors of catechol-O-methyl transferase.

1. The effects of two new synthetic compounds showing in vitro catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor properties were studied in vivo and compared with the effects of nitecapone and Ro-41-0960. 2. QO IA (3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione), QO IIR ([2-(3,4-dihydroxy-2-nitrophenyl)vinyl]phenyl ketone), nitecapone and Ro-41-0960 (30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) were given to reserpinized rats 1 h before the administration of L-DOPA/carbidopa (LD/CD, 50:50 mg kg(-1), i.p.). Locomotor activity was assessed 1 h later. All the COMT inhibitors (COMTI), with the exception of QO IA, markedly potentiated LD/CD reversal of reserpine-induced akinesia. Similar results were obtained when the COMTI were coadministered with LD/CD. The effect of compound QO IIR was dose-dependent (7.5-30 mg kg(-1), i.p.). 3. The COMTI (30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) potentiated LD/CD reversal of both catalepsy and hypothermia of reserpinized mice. 4. QO IIR, nitecapone and Ro-41-0960 (30 mg kg(-1), i.p.) reduced striatal 3-methyl-DOPA (3-OMD) levels and increased dopamine (DA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels. Compound QO IA was devoid of any effect on striatal amine levels. In contrast to the other inhibitors, Ro-41-0961 reduced HVA levels as well. The effect of QO IIR on striatal amine levels was dose-dependent (7.5-60 mg kg(-1), i.p.) 5. These results suggest that the new compound QO IIR is an effective peripherally acting COMT inhibitor in vivo.     

2-Amino-6-trifluoromethoxy benzothiazole, a possible antagonist of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission--I. Anticonvulsant properties

2-Amino-6-trifluoromethoxy benzothiazole (PK 26124) prevented convulsions induced in rodents by maximal electroshock, inhibitors of the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ouabain, but was inactive against seizures provoked by GABA antagonists, unlike diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, phenobarbital and valproic acid. 2-Amino-6-trifluoromethoxy benzothiazole prevented seizures induced by sound stimuli in DBA/2 mice (ED50 = 0.66; 2.1 and 4.1 mg/kg, i.p. according to the seizure component), postural seizures in El mice (ED50 = 7.5 mg, i.p.) and seizures induced by photic stimulation in the baboon, Papio papio, at 4 and 8 mg/kg (i.v.). This spectrum of anticonvulsant activity closely resembles that reported previously for dicarboxylic amino acid antagonists. Indeed, PK 26124 prevented seizures induced by L-glutamate (ED50 = 8.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or by kainate (ED50 = 9.25 mg/kg, i.p.) and tremors induced by harmaline (ED50 = 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) In these tests diazepam was inactive (L-glutamate) or as potent as PK 26124 (kainate, harmaline), whereas it was 10-20 times more potent than PK 26124 against seizures induced by inhibitors of the synthesis of GABA. Together, these data suggest that PK 26124 possesses antagonistic properties of excitatory dicarboxylic amino acids, which may contribute to its anticonvulsant action.     

Involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors in Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-induced catalepsy-like immobilization in mice

The present study investigated the involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine_1A (5-HT_1A) receptors in Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced catalepsy-like immobilization in mice. THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) induced catalepsy-like immobilization but had no effect on motor coordination in the rota-rod test. The selective cannabinoid CB₁ receptor antagonist rimonabant (3 mg/kg, i.p.) completely antagonized THC-induced catalepsy-like immobilization. The 5-HT_1A/5-HT₇ receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and 5-HT_1A receptor partial agonist buspirone (0.06 and 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited this THC-induced catalepsy-like immobilization. Moreover, the selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohezane carboxamide dihydrochloride (WAY100635; 0.3 or 1 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the inhibition of THC-induced catalepsy-like immobilization by 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg) or buspirone (0.06 mg/kg). In contrast, the selective 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist (R)-3-[2-[2-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl]phenol hydrochloride (SB269970) had no effect on this inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT. On the other hand, WAY100635 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the catalepsy-like immobilization induced by THC (6 mg/kg, i.p.). These findings suggest that the 5-HT_1A receptors are involved in THC-induced catalepsy-like immobilization.     

Role of opioidergic mechanisms and GABA uptake inhibition in the heroin-induced discriminative stimulus effects in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of opioidergic component as well as to study GABAergic mechanisms in the expression of heroin discrimination. Male Wistar rats were trained to discriminate heroin (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline (i.p.) in a two-choice water reinforced fixed ratio (FR) 20 drug discrimination paradigm. In substitution tests, heroin (0.0625-0.5 mg/kg) and morphine (0.5-2 mg/kg, i.p.) evoked a dose-dependent generalization for the drug lever-responding, while muscimol (1 mg/kg, i.p., a GABA(A) receptor agonist) produced a weak partial substitution (ca. 48% heroin-lever responding). Neither tiagabine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.; a GABA reuptake inhibitor), vigabatrin (75-150 mg/kg, i.p.; an irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase), nor baclofen (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.; a GABA(B) receptor agonist) substituted for heroin. In combination studies, the stimulus effects produced by heroin (0.5 mg/kg) or morphine (2 mg/kg) were dose-dependently blocked by opioid receptor antagonists naltrexone (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p.), and naloxone (0.5-1 mg/kg, i.p.). The peripherally-acting naloxone methiodide at a dose of 1 mg/kg, i.p. did not alter, while at a dose of 10 mg/kg that penetrates across the blood-brain barrier, it reduced the stimulus effects of heroin or morphine. Pretreatment with tiagabine (2.5-5 mg/kg) produced a rightward shift of a heroin dose-response curve, while vigabatrin (75-300 mg/kg), baclofen (0.5-2.5 mg/kg) or muscimol (0.5-2 mg/kg) given prior to heroin (0.0625-0.5 mg/kg) failed to alter heroin discrimination. Our findings confirm previous studies on the significance of mu-opioidergic mechanisms in the expression of heroin discrimination and add the observation that selective inhibition of GABA reuptake, but not inhibition of GABA transaminase or direct stimulation of GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors, can decrease the overall effects of heroin.     

Relationship between the effects of dexamphetamine on locomotion and on striatal [3H]GBR 12783 binding in vivo

In mice, low doses (1-2-4 mg/kg s.c.) of dexamphetamine stimulated locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. Over the same range of doses the drug dose dependently inhibited the in vivo striatal binding of the dopamine uptake inhibitor, [3H]GBR 12783. At 3 mg/kg dexamphetamine, the stimulant effect and the inhibition of the striatal binding of [3H]GBR 12783 displayed a similar time course. Pretreatments that either increased (L-DOPA 200 mg/kg, benserazide 50 mg/kg i.p.) or decreased (reserpine 5 mg/kg s.c., alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine 200 mg/kg) striatal dopamine levels did not modify the inhibition by dexamphetamine of [3H]GBR 12783 binding in vivo. This suggests that the inhibition is due to a direct effect of dexamphetamine, not mediated by endogenous dopamine, and further that a unique site is responsible for the neuronal uptake of dexamphetamine and for the binding of pure dopamine uptake inhibitors.