Effects of KB-2796, a new calcium antagonist, and other diphenylpiperazines on [3H]nitrendipine binding

The effect of KB-2796, a new diphenylpiperazine calcium antagonist, on [3H]nitrendipine ([3H]NTD) binding was investigated in synaptosomal membranes prepared from the guinea pig cerebral cortex. KB-2796 inhibited [3H]NTD binding in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 86 nM. In this respect, KB-2796 was the most potent among the diphenylpiperazine derivatives tested. Saturation binding data indicated that this inhibition resulted from a decrease in the binding affinity without changes in the maximal number of binding sites. KB-2796, however, significantly increased the dissociation rate constant of [3H]NTD from radiolabeled membranes. This finding suggests that KB-2796 inhibits [3H]NTD binding by a negative heterotropic allosteric mechanism. Other diphenylpiperazines tested also showed similar inhibitory properties. Diphenylpiperazines may act at a site, which is different from the 1,4-dihydropyridine binding site, on the voltage-dependent calcium channel.     

Characterization in rat aorta of the binding sites responsible for blockade of noradrenaline-evoked calcium entry by nisoldipine.

1. The effectiveness of the calcium antagonist, 1,4-dihydropyridine nisoldipine, as an inhibitor of contraction and 45Ca entry evoked by noradrenaline in rat aorta has been investigated and correlated with binding characteristics in intact artery. 2. Contractions evoked by noradrenaline were concentration-dependently depressed by nisoldipine (0.3-300 nM). About 60% of the response was resistant to inhibition, while KCl-induced contractions could be completely blocked. Noradrenaline-induced contractions were also less sensitive to nisoldipine inhibition than were KCl-induced contractions. 3. Preincubation of the aorta with nisoldipine in high KCl depolarizing solution increased the inhibition of the contraction evoked by a short application of noradrenaline or KCl to a similar extent. 4. The inhibition by nisoldipine of 45Ca influx evoked either by KCl depolarizing solution or by noradrenaline correlated well with the inhibition of the contractile responses. However, while KCl-stimulated 45Ca influx was totally abolished by nisoldipine (300 nM), 38% of the noradrenaline-stimulated 45Ca influx was resistant to inhibition by nisoldipine (300 nM). 5. The study of [3H]-(+)-PN 200-10 ([3H]-(+)-isradipine) binding in intact aorta showed the presence of a homogeneous population of specific binding sites. KD values were dependent on the KCl concentration in the bath while Bmax was unaffected. Binding of [3H]-(+)-isradipine was also increased in tissue exposed to noradrenaline; in the presence of 10(-5) M noradrenaline, binding parameters of [3H]-(+)-isradipine were close to the values obtained in aorta bathed in 20 mM KCl solution. 6. Displacement of [3H]-(+)-isradipine specific binding by nisoldipine was determined in segments of mesenteric artery and of aorta. The potency of nisoldipine was dependent on the incubation conditions applied to the vessel, as follows: KCl (100 mM) depolarizing solution greater than noradrenaline (10(-5) M) = KCl (25 mM) solution greater than physiological solution. The Ki value measured in aorta exposed to noradrenaline (10(-5) M) was close to the IC50 value of nisoldipine on the noradrenaline-evoked contraction. 7. The membrane potential value of rat aorta was estimated by the distribution of [3H]-tetraphenylphosphonium bromide ([3H]-TPP+), [3H]-TPP+ uptake concentration-dependently decreased when the KCl concentration in the bath was increased from 5.9 to 130 mM. Noradrenaline also concentration-dependently decreased [3H]-TPP+ uptake; the maximum effect (1-10 microns noradrenaline) was comparable in amplitude to the effect of 25 mM KCl solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Neurochemical investigation on the effects of a new diphenylpiperazine calcium antagonist, KB-2796, on the central dopaminergic system of rats.

The effects of KB-2796, a new diphenylpiperazine calcium antagonist, on the striatal dopaminergic system of rats were investigated in comparison with various calcium antagonists and the dopamine antagonist chlorpromazine. The inhibiting effect of KB-2796 on [3H]spiperone binding to striatal membranes in vitro was weaker than those of chlorpromazine and the other diphenylpiperazine analogues, flunarizine and cinnarizine, and more potent than those of verapamil and nicardipine. Diltiazem and nifedipine were inactive. KB-2796 (30, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on Kd and Bmax values of in vitro [3H]spiperone specific binding to striatal membranes obtained from the rat at 36 hr and 7 days after repeated administration for 18 days, whereas flunarizine (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and chlorpromazine (3 mg/kg, p.o.) increased Bmax values by 47% and 31%, respectively, at 36 hr, but not at 7 days after the final administration. At 1 hr after the single administration, KB-2796 (30, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on the content of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum, whereas flunarizine (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and chlorpromazine (3 mg/kg, p.o.) increased the level of homovanillic acid. These results indicate that flunarizine may affect dopaminergic neurotransmission by partially blocking dopamine D2 receptors, while KB-2796 has negligible in vivo effect on the dopaminergic system.     

Inhibition by KB-2796, a new Ca2+ entry blocker, of the contractile response of isolated cerebral and peripheral arteries in the dog

In helical strips of dog cerebral and peripheral arteries, KB-2796 (1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methyl]-4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazine dihydrochloride), a new Ca2+ entry blocker, inhibited the contractile responses induced by K+, prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha and serotonin in a non-competitive manner. KB-2796 inhibited the contraction induced by K+ more effectively than those induced by PGF2 alpha or serotonin. In cerebral arteries, the inhibition produced by KB-2796 was more prominent than in peripheral arteries. In renal arteries, serotonin produced contractions in concentrations 200-1,200 times higher than those sufficient to contract the other arteries. KB-2796 inhibited renal arterial contractions induced by serotonin and K+ to a similar extent. In renal arteries depolarized by replacement of the entire amount of NaCl in the bathing medium with KCl, PGF2 alpha produced additional contraction of the artery, whereas serotonin did not contract the artery. These results suggest that KB-2796 inhibits the contractility of cerebroarterial smooth muscle more preferentially than that of other arteries. The contractile response to serotonin of the renal artery appears to be associated with the voltage-dependent influx of Ca2+ as suggested in the cerebral arteries.     

Inhibition of platelet function by KB-2796]

The anti-platelet activity of KB-2796, 1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4- (2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl) piperazine dihydrochloride, was studied in guinea pigs and mice. When guinea pig platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was employed, platelet function was inhibited at high doses of KB-2796. The IC50 value for [3H]5-HT release was 940 microM, and the IC50 values for collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation were 210 and 390 microM, respectively. Oral administration of KB-2796 at 10-100 mg/kg dose-dependently inhibited the transient thrombocytopenia induced by collagen, but not that caused by ADP. KB-2796 protected mice from death after intravenous injection of collagen plus epinephrine, with an ED50 value of 9.5 mg/kg, p.o. Oral administration of KB-2796 at 10-100 mg/kg dose-dependently reduced guinea pig platelet retention in glass bead columns and reduced the leakage of ADP and ATP from erythrocytes passing through similar columns. KB-2796, at a concentration of 1-10 microM, produced a stabilizing effect on guinea pig erythrocytes against hypotonic hemolysis. These results suggest that KB-2796 is an inhibitor of platelet function and that its inhibition is related mainly to the inhibition of leakage of ADP and ATP from erythrocytes.     

Selective modulation by membrane potential of the interaction of some calcium entry blockers with calcium channels in rat mesenteric artery.

1. The effects of flunarizine, (+)-PN 200-110 and nifedipine on [3H]-(+)-PN 200-110 specific binding were investigated in intact rat mesenteric arteries bathed in physiological solution or in KCl-depolarizing solution, and in a membrane fraction from rat mesenteric arteries. 2. Unlabelled dihydropyridines, (+)-PN 200-110 and nifedipine, inhibited [3H]-(+)-PN 200-110 specific binding concentration-dependently in polarized as well as in depolarized intact arteries. The Ki value of (+)-PN 200-110 was decreased in arteries bathed in KCl-depolarizing solution compared to arteries bathed in physiological solution, while the Ki value of nifedipine was not significantly changed. Ki values measured in depolarized arteries were close to the IC50 values (concentrations inhibiting by 50% the KCl-contraction of rat mesenteric artery). 3. Flunarizine (10(-6) M) was unable to displace the specific binding of [3H]-(+)-PN 200-110 in intact arteries bathed in physiological solution. At 10(-7) M-10(-6) M, it inhibited the binding in depolarized arteries, suggesting that prolonged depolarization is required for the interaction of flunarizine with the dihydropyridine receptor. 4. In a membrane fraction isolated from rat mesenteric arteries, (+)-PN 200-110, nifedipine and flunarizine were all able to displace completely the specific binding of [3H]-(+)-PN 200-110. Displacement curves were parallel and Hill coefficients were close to unity. Ki values were close to the values obtained in depolarized intact arteries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of oxodipine on isolated rabbit aorta and mesenteric resistance vessels.

The inhibitory effects of the dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonist, oxodipine, on contractions and 45Ca2+ influx stimulated by noradrenaline (NA) and high K+ in rabbit aorta were compared to the same parameters measured in mesenteric resistance arteries. In aortic rings oxodipine, 10(-11)-10(-6) M, inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the contractions induced by high K+ (IC50 = 9.0 +/- 4.0 x 10(-10) M) or by Ca2+ in high K+ solution (IC50 = 6.2 +/- 2.4 x 10(-9) M), while responses to NA were only slightly affected (IC50 greater than 10(-6) M). In mesenteric resistance vessels oxodipine inhibited the contractions induced by high K+ and NA but was more effective against NA- than high K(+)-induced contractions (IC50 = 5.2 +/- 3.1 x 10(-10) and 1.2 +/- 1.8 x 10(-8) M, respectively). The concentration-inhibition curves for high K(+)-induced contraction and 45Ca2+ influx in aorta were almost superimposable (I50 = 2.2 +/- 2.0 x 10(-9) M), whereas NA-induced contractions were inhibited less than 45Ca2+ influx (I50 = 8.2 +/- 2.6 x 10(-8) M). In mesenteric resistance vessels the curves for contraction and 45Ca2+ influx stimulated by high K+ and NA were also superimposable, but 45Ca2+ influx stimulated by NA was more sensitive to oxodipine than that stimulated by high K+ (I50 = 3.9 +/- 2.0 x 10(-10) and 2.2 +/- 1.2 x 10(-8) M, respectively). It is concluded that the effects of oxodipine can be attributed to its ability to inhibit Ca2+ entry through both potential- and receptor-operated pathways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential Vasorelaxant Effects of K+-Channel Openers and Ca2+-Channel Blockers on Canine Isolated Arteries

Abstract— The vasorelaxant effects of the K⁺-channel openers, pinacidil and cromakalim, were compared with those of the Ca²⁺-channel blockers, verapamil and KB-2796 (1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazine dihydrochloride), in canine isolated coronary, renal, basilar and mesenteric arteries precontracted with U46619, a thromboxane A₂ mimetic. The relaxation induced by pinacidil and cromakalim was greater in coronary than in other arteries, the magnitude of relaxation being in the order of coronary > renal > basilar > mesenteric arteries. The relaxant responses to both drugs were inhibited by glibenclamide, a blocker of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels. The relaxation induced by verapamil and KB-2796, in contrast, was greater in basilar than in other arteries, the magnitude of relaxation being in the order of basilar > coronary > renal and mesenteric arteries. In fura-2-loaded, U46619-stimulated arteries, pinacidil and cromakalim produced a greater reduction in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration and muscle tension in coronary than in mesenteric arteries, while verapamil and KB-2796 reduced these values more potently in basilar than in mesenteric arteries. These results suggest that K⁺-channel openers exhibit a vasorelaxant selectivity for coronary arteries, whereas Ca²⁺-channel blockers exhibit such selectivity for cerebral arteries. The selective vasorelaxant action induced by these drugs appears to correspond, in part, to their effects on the concentration of intracellular Ca²⁺.     

Hemorheological effect of KB-2796, a new Ca2+ antagonist]

The hemorheological effect of KB-2796, 1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-(2,3,4,-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazine dihydrochloride, was studied in guinea pigs and rabbits in comparison with those of flunarizine (FNZ) and pentoxifylline (PXF). KB-2796 and FNZ at 10-100 microM dose-dependently prevented crenation of rabbit erythrocytes induced by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. After incubation of guinea pig whole blood at 37 degrees C, blood micropore-filterability decreased and blood viscosity increased with the progress of erythrocyte crenation. After a 4-hr incubation, KB-2796 inhibited erythrocyte crenation and decreased blood filterability at a concentration of 30 microM, and it increased blood viscosity at 10 microM. Treatment with FNZ (30 microM) and PXF (100 microM) also inhibited erythrocyte crenation and decreased blood filterability. Intravenous administration of KB-2796 at 3 mg/kg significantly inhibited the decrease of blood micropore-filterability after occlusion of the bilateral carotid arteries in rabbits. Although FNZ (3 mg/kg, i.v.) had no effect, PXF (3 mg/kg, i.v.) produced significant inhibition. These results suggest that KB-2796 prevents increase of blood viscosity and decrease of blood filterability by inhibiting the crenation of erythrocytes and suggest that this effect may be useful for the improvement of hemorheology in ischemic disease.     

Ginsenoside-Rd from panax notoginseng blocks Ca2+ influx through receptor- and store-operated Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells

Previously, it was found that total saponins from panax notoginseng inhibited Ca2+ influx coupling to activation of alpha1-adrenoceptor. This study was designed to investigate the effects of ginsenoside-Rd from total saponins of panax notoginseng on receptor-operated (ROCC) and store-operated (SOCC) Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells using fura-2 fluorescence, whole cell patch clamp ion channel recording, radio-ligand-receptor binding, 45Ca2+ radio-trace and organ bath techniques. It was found that ginsenoside-Rd reduced phenylephrine-induced contractile responses and Ca2+ influx in normal media without significant effect on these responses in Ca2+ -free media. Ginsenoside-Rd also decreased phenylephrine- and thapsigargin-induced inward Ca2+ currents, and attenuated thapsigargin- and 1-oleoy-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG)-induced cation entries that are coupled to ROCC and SOCC respectively. Ginsenoside-Rd failed to inhibit KCl-induced contraction of rat aortal rings and Ca2+ influx, and did not alter voltage-dependent inward Ca2+ current (VDCC) which was blocked by nifedipine. Also, ginsenoside-Rd did not change binding site and affinity of [3H]-prazosin for alpha1-adrenoceptor in the vascular plasma membrane. These results suggest that ginsenoside-Rd, as an inhibitor, remarkably inhibits Ca2+ entry through ROCC and SOCC without effects on VDCC and Ca2+ release in vascular smooth muscle cells.     

Effects of Ca2+ channel blockers on cortical hypoperfusion and expression of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity after cortical spreading depression in rats.

1. We examined the effects of two Ca2+ channel blockers, lomerizine (KB-2796) and flunarizine, on the cortical hypoperfusion (measured by hydrogen clearance and laser Doppler flowmetry methods) and cortical c-Fos-like immunoreactivity that follow KCl-induced cortical spreading depression in anaesthetized rats. Cortical spreading depression was induced by application of 1 M KCl for 30 s to the cortical surface, 3.0 mm posterior to the area of cerebral blood flow measurement. 2. In control rats, KB-2796 (0.3 and 1 mg kg-1, i.v.) dose-dependently increased cerebral blood flow significantly at 30 min and 15 min, respectively, after its administration. Flunarizine (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) significantly increased cerebral blood flow 15 min after its administration. In contrast, dimetotiazine (3 mg kg-1, i.v.), a 5-HT2 and histamine H1 antagonist, failed to affect cerebral blood flow significantly. 3. After KCl application to the cortex, cerebral blood flow monitored by the laser Doppler flowmetry method increased transiently, for a few minutes, then fell and remained approximately 20 to 30% below control for at least 60 min. Cerebral blood flow monitored by the hydrogen clearance method was also approximately 20 to 30% below baseline for at least 60 min after KCl application. KB-2796 (0.3 and 1 mg kg-1, i.v.) and flunarizine (1 and 3 mg kg-1, i.v.) administered 5 min before KCl application inhibited the cortical hypoperfusion that followed KCl application, but dimetotiazine (1 and 3 mg kg-1, i.v.) did not. 4. An indicator of neuronal activation, c-Fos-like immunoreactivity, was detected in the ipsilateral, but not in the contralateral frontoparietal cortex 2 h after KCl application. No c-Fos-like immunoreactivity was seen on either side of the brain in the hippocampus, thalamus, striatum or cerebellum. 5. KB-2796 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) and flunarizine (3 mg kg-1, i.v.), but not dimetotiazine (3 mg kg-1, i.v.), significantly attenuated the expression of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity in the ipsilateral frontoparietal cortex. 6. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of KB-2796 and flunarizine on the cortical hypoperfusion and expression of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity induced by spreading depression are mediated via the effects of Ca(2+)-entry blockade, which may include an increase in cerebral blood flow and the prevention of excessive Ca2+ influx into brain cells. KB-2796 and flunarizine may prove useful as inhibitors of cortical spreading depression in migraine.     

Effects of semotiadil fumarate, a novel Ca2+ antagonist, on cytosolic Ca2+ level and force of contraction in porcine coronary arteries.

1. The mechanisms of action of semotiadil fumarate, a novel Ca2+ antagonist, were examined by measuring the cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) and force of contraction in porcine coronary arteries, and by determining [3H]-pyrilamine binding to bovine cerebellar membranes. 2. Semotiadil or verapamil (0.1 and 1 microM) inhibited both the high KCl-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and force in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. Histamine (30 microM) produced transient increases followed by sustained increases in [Ca2+]i and force, which were inhibited by semotiadil and verapamil (1 and 10 microM). The agents were different in that semotiadil reduced the maximum [Ca2+]i and force responses to histamine, but not pD2 values, whereas verapamil did reduce the pD2 values for histamine, but not the maximum responses. 4. Verapamil (10 microM), but not semotiadil, inhibited histamine-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and force in Ca(2+)-free solution. Neither semotiadil nor verapamil affected the increases in [Ca2+]i and force induced by caffeine. Semotiadil even at the higher concentration (10 microM) did not displace specific binding of [3H]-pyrilamine to bovine cerebellar membranes. 5. These results suggest that semotiadil inhibits both KCl- and histamine-induced contractions mainly by blocking voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels.     

NMDA receptor antagonists that bind to the strychnine-insensitive glycine site and inhibit NMDA-induced Ca2+ fluxes and [3H]GABA release

We have examined the actions of putative antagonists of the strychnine-insensitive glycine-mediated modulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor using [3H]MK801 binding, Ca2+ influx and [3H]GABA release assays. Kynurenic acid and HA-966 inhibited [3H]MK801 binding, NMDA and glycine induced Ca2+ influx measured using fura-2 and NMDA and glycine simulated [3H]GABA release. The effects of kynurenic acid could be partially overcome by the addition of excess glutamate and glycine, indicating limited selectivity for the glycine binding site. In addition, a component of the action of kynurenic acid was insensitive to agonist concentration, indicating a third action of kynurenic acid at high concentrations. In contrast, HA-966 was 100-fold selective for the glycine compared to the NMDA site. HA-966 only partially inhibited [3H]MK801 binding (IC50 19.7 microM), NMDA-induced Ca2+ influx and neurotransmitter release. The failure of HA-966 to completely block NMDA responses, even at high concentrations, suggests that glycine may not be an absolute requirement for the activation of NMDA receptors under these experimental conditions.     

High-affinity bradykinin B2 binding sites sensitive to guanine nucleotides in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Bradykinin (BK) binding sites were studied in membranes from bovine aorta. [3H]BK specifically bound to one high-affinity binding site (KD = 152 pM; Bmax = 4.6 fmol.mg-1) and was displaced by unlabeled BK (Ki = 121 pM). The B2-agonist kallidin and B2-antagonists D-Arg0[Hyp3,Leu5,8,Gly6,D-Phe7]BK, D-Arg0[Hyp3,D-Phe7]BK, [D-Phe7]BK, and [Thi5,8,D-Phe7]BK inhibited [3H]BK binding with respective Ki values of 101, 282, 678, 2000 and 6000 pM. The B1-antagonist des-Arg9[Leu8]BK had no effect. GTP, GTP gamma S, GDP, and GDP beta S but not 5'-GMP, guanosine, cyclic 3',5'-GMP, ATP, ADP, 5'-AMP, nor adenosine, inhibited [3H]BK binding with an IC50 of 1-3 microM for GTP and GDP and an IC50 of 0.1-0.3 microM for GTP gamma S and GDP beta S. GTP and GDP at 3 microM decreased the Bmax value by 30-70%. Millimolar concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions increased [3H]BK binding and counteracted the effect of guanine nucleotides. This study demonstrates the existence of a specific high-affinity B2 BK binding site in bovine aortic endothelial cells. It suggests that this site is located on a G protein-interacting receptor.     

Multiple actions of glaucine on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, alpha 1-adrenoceptor and benzothiazepine binding site at the calcium channel.

1. In the present study, the properties of glaucine (an aporphine structurally related to papaverine) were compared with those of papaverine, diltiazem, nifedipine and prazosin. The work includes functional studies on rat isolated aorta contracted with noradrenaline, caffeine or KCl, and a determination of the affinity of glaucine at calcium channel binding sites of alpha-adrenoceptors, by use of [3H]-(+)-cis-diltiazem, [3H]-nitrendipine and [3H]-prazosin binding to cerebral cortical membranes. The effects of glaucine on the different molecular forms of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) isolated from bovine aorta were also determined. 2. Contraction evoked by noradrenaline (1 microM) or depolarizing solution (60 mM KCl) were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by all the compounds tested. As expected, prazosin showed a greater selectivity of action on NA-induced contraction, whereas nifedipine and diltiazem appeared more potent on KCl-induced contraction. Glaucine had a greater potency on the contraction elicited by noradrenaline whereas papaverine acted non specifically. 3. In Ca(2+)-free solution, prazosin (0.1 microM) and glaucine (0.1 mM) inhibited the contraction evoked by NA; diltiazem (0.1 mM) diminished this contraction whereas nifedipine (1 microM) had no effect. Preincubation of tissues with glaucine, diltiazem, nifedipine and prazosin did not modify the contractile response induced by caffeine. In contrast, papaverine (0.1 mM) significantly inhibited the contractions evoked by NA or caffeine in Ca(2+)-free medium. 4. Glaucine and papaverine show affinity at the [3H]-prazosin binding site and at the benzothiazepine binding site of the Ca(2+)-channel receptor complex, but have no effect at the dihydropyridine binding site in rat cerebral cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Design of a high-affinity competitive antagonist of the vanilloid receptor selective for the calcium entry-linked receptor population

We describe the synthesis and characterization of N-(4-chlorobenzyl) -N'-(4-hydroxy-3-iodo-5-methoxybenzyl)thiourea (IBTU), a novel antagonist of the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1 or VR1). IBTU competitively inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake into CHO cells heterologously expressing rat TRPV1, whether induced by capsaicin or resiniferatoxin (Ki = 99 +/- 23 and 93 +/- 34 nM, respectively). IBTU was thus somewhat more potent (5-fold) than capsazepine. In contrast to its antagonism of vanilloid-induced calcium uptake, IBTU (30 microM) inhibited [3H]resiniferatoxin binding to TRPV1 by less than 10%. We hypothesize that these dramatically distinct potencies reflect different fractions of TRPV1 in this system: namely, a minor plasma membrane fraction controlling 45Ca2+ uptake, and the predominant intracellular fraction that dominates the [3H]resiniferatoxin binding measurements. Intracellular Ca2+ imaging supports this explanation. IBTU antagonized the elevation in intracellular Ca2+ in response to 50 nM capsaicin with an IC50 of 106 +/- 35 nM. Likewise, 600 nM IBTU was able to antagonize the elevation in intracellular Ca2+ in response to 100 pM resiniferatoxin in the presence of normal (1.8 mM) extracellular Ca2+, where the increase in intracellular calcium reflects calcium influx. In contrast, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, where in this system resiniferatoxin induces a modest increase in calcium from intracellular stores, IBTU was unable to block the response to resiniferatoxin, although the TRPV1 antagonist 5-iodoresiniferatoxin was able to do so. In summary, IBTU is a novel, potent TRPV1 antagonist with marked selectivity between subpopulations of TRPV1 and may permit the function of these distinct pools to be explored and potentially exploited.     

Characterization of [3H]-nitrendipine binding to uterine smooth muscle plasma membrane and its relevance to inhibition of calcium entry.

Specific, high affinity (KD = 164 pM) binding of the Ca channel inhibitor [3H]-nitrendipine was identified in plasma membrane-enriched fractions from the rat myometrium. Although dihydropyridines effectively competed for [3H]-nitrendipine binding sites, both verapamil and D600 were poor competitors. Diltiazem (10 microM) increased [3H]-nitrendipine binding by about 40%, but had no effect on binding affinity. Among several other drugs tested, diethylstilboestrol (DES) caused a considerable inhibition of binding, with an IC50 value of 4 microM. Both La3+ and EDTA (or EGTA) inhibited binding. The inhibition by the latter could be overcome by the addition of Ca2+ or Mg2+. A clear relationship was found between [3H]-nitrendipine binding and 5-nucleotidase activity in the various subcellular fractions. Data on K+-stimulated Ca2+ influx in the intact uterine strips showed a good agreement between the inhibition by both nitrendipine and DES of stimulated Ca influx and their inhibitory effect on [3H]-nitrendipine binding to plasma membrane. This type of correlation was lacking in the case of D600. These results suggest that Ca channels in the myometrial membrane possess multiple sites at which different drugs can act to block these channels.     

Antimuscarinic, calcium channel blocker and tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist actions of otilonium bromide in the circular muscle of guinea-pig colon

We have analyzed, by the sucrose gap method, the action of otilonium bromide, a quaternary ammonium derivative in use for the symptomatic therapy of irritable bowel syndrome, on the electrical and mechanical responses initiated by different stimuli in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal colon. Otilonium bromide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of membrane depolarization (IC₅₀ 4.1 μM), action potentials (APs) and contraction (IC₅₀ 3.7 μM) produced by the muscarinic receptor agonist, methacholine. It also produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of APs and accompanying contraction (IC₅₀ 31 μM) produced by KCl (30 mM), and had a biphasic effect on the cholinergic excitatory junction potential (e.j.p.) produced by single pulse electrical field stimulation: at low concentrations (0.1–0.3 μM) otilonium bromide enhanced the e.j.p. and, at higher concentrations (IC₅₀ 22 μM and 16 μM toward depolarization and contraction), produced a concentration-dependent inhibition. Otilonium bromide eliminated the APs superimposed on the depolarization induced by the tachykinin NK₁ receptor agonist, [Sar⁹]substance P-sulphone and suppressed the corresponding contraction (IC₅₀ 43 μM) but had little effect on the sustained membrane depolarization induced by this agonist. On the other hand, otilonium bromide produced a similar inhibitory effect on both membrane depolarization and contraction (IC₅₀ 38 μM and 45 μM, respectively) induced by the tachykinin NK₂ receptor agonist [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (4–10). When tested in the presence of nifedipine (1 μM), otilonium bromide had no effect on the membrane depolarization induced by [Sar⁹]substance P-sulphone but inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the depolarization induced by [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (4–10) (IC₅₀ 41 μM). In contrast, the blocker of receptor-operated cation channels, SKF 96365, inhibited with similar potency the depolarization induced by both [Sar⁹]substance P-sulphone and [βAla⁸]neurokinin A (4–10) (IC₅₀ 60 μM and 54 μM, respectively). In radioligand binding experiments otilonium bromide produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the binding of both an agonist ([¹²⁵I]neurokinin A, K _i 7.2 μM) and an antagonist ([³H]SR 48968, K _i 2.2 μM) to membranes of Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human tachykinin NK₂ receptor. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that, in the μM range of concentrations, otilonium bromide acts as a muscarinic and tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonist and as a calcium channel blocker. The latter property is likely to account for its ability to suppress contraction initiated by the tachykinin NK₁ receptor agonist. Therefore multiple mechanisms of action account for the ability of otilonium bromide to reduce stimulated motility of intestinal smooth muscle. Received: 27 November 1998 / Accepted: 2 February 1999     

Inhibitory mechanism of tritoqualine on histamine release from mast cells

Tritoqualine (TRQ, (+)-(R*)-7-amino-4,5,6-triethoxy-3-[(R*)-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydro-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin++ +-5-yl] phthalide) strongly inhibited the increased metabolism of [3H]arachidonic acid-labeled phospholipid and 45Ca2+ influx in mast cells stimulated by compound 48/80 (compd 48/80), Concanavalin A (Con A) plus phosphatidylserine (PS), or 2,4-dinitrophenyl-coupled-ascaris extracts (DNP-asc). However, TRQ did not disturb the binding of 14C-labeled compd 48/80 to the mast cell membrane. The activity of calmodulin purified from mastocytoma P-815 cells was inhibited by TRQ at IC50 1.0 microM. From these results, it is concluded that the inhibitory mechanism of TRQ on stimulus-induced histamine release from mast cells may be mediated at least partially by the inhibition of Ca2+ influx and calmodulin activity.