Type-A CCK receptors mediate the inhibition of food intake and activity by CCK-8 in 9- to 12-day-old rat pups

To determine the type of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor that mediates the inhibitory effects of peripherally administered CCK-8 on food intake and activity in 9- to 12-day-old rat pups, we gave injections of a type-A CCK receptor antagonist, MK-329, or of the type-B CCK receptor antagonist, L-365,260, prior to CCK-8 (IP). MK-329 reversed the inhibitory effects of CCK-8, but L-365,260 did not. This demonstrates that the inhibitory effects of CCK-8 (IP) are mediated by type-A, but not type-B, CCK receptors in pups of this age.     

Involvement of cholecystokinin receptor types in pathways controlling oxytocin secretion.

1. Intravenous administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) results in a transient activation of oxytocin neurones in the rat, and hence to oxytocin secretion: this activation is followed by expression of c-fos mRNA and of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) in magnocellular oxytocin neurones. Fos-like immunoreactivity is also induced in the regions of the brainstem that are thought to relay information from the periphery to the hypothalamus. 2. Administration of the selective CCKA receptor antagonist MK-329, but not the CCKB receptor antagonist L-365,260, prior to CCK injection, prevented oxytocin release as measured by radioimmunoassay and oxytocin neuronal activation as measured by electrophysiology and by the lack of induction of c-fos mRNA. 3. MK-329 abolished the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) following injection of CCK. 4. MK-329 prevented the expression of Fos-LI in the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei and in the area postrema and dorsal vagal complex of the brainstem. 5. L-365,260 had no effect on the expression of Fos-LI in the brainstem, but attenuated that seen in the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei. 6. We conclude that CCK acts on CCKA receptors, either in the area postrema or on peripheral endings of the vagus nerve, to cause the release of hypothalamic oxytocin and ACTH. Information may be carried to the hypothalamus in part by CCK acting at CCKB receptors.     

Tetronothiodin, a novel CCKB receptor ligand, antagonizes cholecystokinin-induced Ca2+ mobilization in a pituitary cell line.

We found a novel nonpeptide CCKB receptor antagonist, tetronothiodin (Ro 09-1468), in the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. NR0489. The structure of the compound (C31O8H38S), which has a 19-membered ring with an alpha-acyltetronic acid and tetrahydrothiophene moiety, is completely different from that of any known CCK receptor antagonist. Tetronothiodin inhibited [125I]CCK-8 binding to rat brain CCKB receptors with an IC50 of 3.6 nM, whereas it showed only weak affinity for rat CCKA receptors (IC50 = 70 microM). As demonstrated autoradiographically, tetronothiodin concentration dependently inhibited [125I]CCK-8 binding to CCKB receptors in rat forebrain slices. The effects of tetronothiodin on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in GH3 cells, a rat anterior pituitary tumor cell line, were investigated with the fura-2 method. Tetronothiodin inhibited CCK-8-induced Ca2+ mobilization without affecting basal cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. In conclusion, tetronothiodin is a new, potent and highly selective CCKB receptor antagonist. It is a useful tool for investigating the pharmacological and physiological roles of CCKB receptors.     

Pharmacological profile of TP-680, a new cholecystokininA receptor antagonist.

1. The pharmacological characteristics of a newly developed serine derivative (R)-1-[3-(3-carboxypyridine-2-yl) thio-2-(indol-2-yl)carbonylamino]propionyl-4-diphenylmethyl- piperazine (TP-680), a cholecystokinin type A (CCKA) receptor antagonist, were studied and compared with those of MK-329 and loxiglumide. 2. TP-680 showed approximately 2 and 22 times greater selectivity for peripheral CCKA receptors relative to brain CCK (CCKB) receptors than MK-329 and loxiglumide, respectively, when IC50 values for inhibition of [125I]-CCK-8 binding in isolated acini and cerebral cortex were compared. 3. TP-680 was approximately 17 times less potent than MK-329, but was 106 times more potent than loxiglumide in inhibiting 100 pM CCK-8-stimulated amylase release from rat pancreatic acini. The antagonism produced by TP-680 was specific for CCK in that the effects of other receptor secretagogues or agents bypassing receptors were not altered. 4. TP-680 caused a parallel rightward shift of the dose-response curve for CCK-8-stimulated amylase release as did MK-329 and loxiglumide. However, in contrast to MK-329 and loxiglumide, TP-680 suppressed the maximal responses of CCK-8-induced amylase release in a concentration-dependent fashion, indicating that TP-680 is an unsurmountable antagonist. 5. Repeated washing of acini after a 30 min treatment with TP-680 restored the responsiveness but not the sensitivity, causing a residual inhibition on the action of CCK-8. 6. The addition of loxiglumide prior to or together with application of TP-680 protected CCK receptors from unsurmountable and irreversible antagonism by TP-680. 7. Our results indicate that TP-680 is a potent and the most selective CCKA receptor antagonist for the pancreas reported to date.     

Interactions between Antinociception Induced by Cholecystokinin Antagonists and GABA Agonists in the Tail-Flick Test

Abstract: In this work, the influences of cholecystokinin receptor antagonists L-365,260, MK-329 and proglumide on antinociception induced by baclofen and GABA uptake inhibitor 4, 5, 6, 7–tetrahydroisoxazolo [4, 5-c]pyridin-3-ol (THPO) in the tail flick test has been studied. Baclofen and THPO induced antinociception in the tail flick test. Morphine, and the CCK receptor antagonists, MK-329, L-365,260 and proglumide also induced antinociception. The CCK receptor antagonists potentiated antinociceptive response induced by both baclofen and THPO. It may be concluded that cholecystokinin receptor mechanism(s) may interact with antinociception induced by GABA receptor mechanism(s).     

CCKA receptor antagonism inhibits mechanisms underlying CCK-8-stimulated insulin release in isolated rat islets.

The influence of the cholecystokinin (CCK)A receptor antagonist, L-364,718, on beta-cell activation was examined in isolated perifused prelabelled rat islets. Insulin secretion and 3H efflux from myo-[2-3H]inositol-prelabelled islets (reflecting phosphoinositide hydrolysis) stimulated by CCK-8 (100 nM) were both inhibited by L-364,718, partially at 1 nM and totally at 10 nM. 45Ca2+ efflux from prelabelled islets was markedly stimulated by CCK-8. This stimulation was inhibited equally by 1 and 10 nM L-364,718. CCK-8 stimulated the 86Rb+ efflux (reflecting K+ movements) from prelabelled islets, which probably reflects an indirect effect of CCK-8 due to opening of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. This 86Rb+ efflux was inhibited by L-364,718 at 10 nM but not affected by L-364,718 at 1 nM. It is concluded that insulin secretion, phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca2+ and K+ movements stimulated by CCK-8 in isolated islets are all events mediated by CCKA receptors. The L-364,718-induced inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis was most closely correlated to the inhibition of insulin secretion. This suggests that induction of cellular events activated through stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis is a major mechanism underlying CCK-8-stimulated insulin secretion.     

"Gastrin" and "CCK" receptors on histamine- and somatostatin-containing cells from rabbit fundic mucosa-II. Characterization by means of selective antagonists (L-364,718 and L-365,260).

In the preceding paper, by means of selective agonists to gastrin (HG-17) and cholecystokinin (CCK-39), we evidenced the existence of "gastrin-type" receptors that could regulate histamine release and "CCK-type" receptors that could stimulate somatostatin release in isolated rabbit fundic non-parietal cells (F1 cells). Furthermore, these receptors could induce phosphoinositide breakdown. To confirm the involvement of these receptor types in these biological and biochemical processes, we used selective antagonists, L-364,718 (3-(benzoylamino)-benzodiazepine) specific to "CCK-A-type" receptor and L-365,260 (3-(acylamino)-benzodiazepine) specific to "gastrin/CCK-B-type" receptor. Neither L-364,718 nor L-365,260 alone caused any significant stimulation of [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]InsP) production and release of histamine or somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI). Each analogue inhibited in a dose-dependent manner [125I]HG-17 or [125I]CCK-39 binding to F1 cells, [3H]InsP accumulation and histamine and SLI release stimulated by HG-17 or CCK-39. L-365,260 appeared to be 30-70 times more potent than L-364,718 in inhibiting [125I]HG-17 binding to F1 cells, as well as HG-17-induced [3H]InsP accumulation and HG-17-or CCK-39-enhanced histamine release (IC50 values: approximately 5-20 nM for L-365,260 and approximately 200-1500 nM for L-364,718). In contrast, L-364,718 was 200 to 400 times more potent than L-365,260 in inhibiting [125I]CCK-39 binding to F1 cells, CCK-39-induced [3H]-InsP accumulation and SLI release stimulated by CCK-39 or HG-17 (IC50 values: approximately 0.3-1 nM for L-364,718 and 100-200 nM for L-365,260). These results led to conclude: (i) the existence of a "gastrin-type" receptor related to histamine release: (ii) the existence of a "CCK-A-type" receptor related to somatostatin release; (iii) the existence of "gastrin type" and "CCK-A-type" receptors linked to the phosphoinositide breakdown pathway.     

CCK-8-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo is mediated by CCKA receptors.

The effects of the cholecystokinin A (CCKA) receptor antagonist, L-364,718, and the CCKB receptor antagonist, L-365,260, on CCK-8-stimulated insulin secretion were studied in vivo in the mouse. It was found that CCK-8-stimulated insulin secretion was suppressed by L-364,718 at a low dose level (0.078 mumol/kg). In contrast, L-365,260 caused a partial inhibition of CCK-8-stimulated insulin release only at the high dose level (24 mumol/kg). It is concluded that the CCK-8-stimulated insulin release in vivo is mediated by CCK receptors of the CCKA subtype.     

Boc-Trp-Orn(Z)-Asp-NH2 and derivatives: a new family of CCK antagonists.

The respective roles of the benzyloxycarbonyl group (Z) and of the N-terminal tripeptide moiety in the antagonist properties of the cholecystokinin CCK8 analogue Boc-[Nle28,Orn(Z)31]CCK27-33 (Marseigne et al. J. Med. Chem. 1988, 31, 966.) were studied with the following derivatives: Boc-[Nle28,Orn(X)31]CCK27-33, Boc[Nle28,Orn(X)31]CCK27-32, Boc-[Orn(X)31]CCK30-33, and Boc-[Orn(X)31]CCK30-32 (X = Z, Boc, H). These derivatives, the synthesis of eight of which is reported here, were tested for their abilities to inhibit the binding of [3H]pCCK8 to guinea pig pancreatic and brain membranes and for their potencies in stimulating amylase release from guinea pig pancreatic acini. None of the Z derivatives produced amylase secretion, but they competitively antagonized the stimulation induced by CCK8. The deletion of the N-terminal tripeptide and/or Phe-NH2(33) residue did not play a key role in the recognition of peripheral receptors and in the activity of these peptides, whereas replacement of the Z group by a Boc group slightly decreased the affinities of the compounds for both pancreatic and brain binding sites and their potencies as peripheral antagonists. Moreover, the tetrapeptide Boc-Trp-Orn(Boc)-Asp-Phe-NH2 behaved as a partial agonist and analogues in which the Z or Boc groups on the ornithine residue were removed were full agonists. Interestingly, the short peptide derivative Boc-Trp-Orn(Z)-Asp-NH2 displayed the same affinity (KI = 2.0 +/- 0.2 x 10(-7] and the same antagonist activity (pA2 = 6.63) as its parent compound Boc-[Nle28,Orn(Z)31]CCK27-33. This tripeptide could be an interesting tool for studying the structural relationships between peptide and non-peptide CCK antagonists.     

Changes in motor activity and forebrain [propionyl-3H]propionylated-CCK-8 binding in mice after repeated administration of drugs affecting cholecystokinin receptors.

The effects of acute or repeated treatment of male albino BKW mice with caerulein, a cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) agonist, and with devazepide (MK-329) and L-365,260, antagonists at CCKA ('peripheral') and CCKB ('central') receptors respectively, on motor activity and [propionyl-3H]propionylated-CCK-8 ([3H]pCCK-8) binding were studied. Acute treatment with a large dose of caerulein (100 micrograms/kg s.c.) suppressed motor activity (line crossings and rearings) whereas devazepide (2 mg/kg i.p.) had the opposite action. L-365,260 (2 mg/kg i.p.) increased only the number of rearings. Tolerance developed to the locomotor effects of caerulein and devazepide when these same doses were administered once daily (caerulein) or twice daily (devazepide) for 10 days. Twice daily administration of L-365,260 (2 mg/kg) for 10 days did not significantly alter the locomotor activity of mice. The sedative effect of caerulein (20 micrograms/kg s.c.) was markedly reduced in mice receiving repeated injections of either a larger amount of caerulein (100 micrograms/kg) or devazepide but not after L-365,260. The stimulant effect of (+)-amphetamine (2 mg/kg s.c.) on motor activity was increased by subchronic administration of either devazepide or caerulein, but not by L-365,260. All three compounds (caerulein, devazepide and L-365,260) increased the number of [( 3H]pCCK-8 binding sites in mouse forebrain but the increase was only significant after L-365,260. The effects of long-term treatment with caerulein are probably related to the stimulation of CCKA receptors, whereas the paradoxically similar action of devazepide may be linked to the blockade of both subtypes of the CCK-8 receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Proliferative effects of cholecystokinin in GH3 pituitary cells mediated by CCK2 receptors and potentiated by insulin

1. Proliferative effects of CCK peptides have been examined in rat anterior pituitary GH3 cells, which express CCK2 receptors. 2. CCK-8s, gastrin(1-17) and its glycine-extended precursor G(1-17)-Gly, previously reported to cause proliferation via putative novel sites on AR4-2J and Swiss 3T3 cells, elicited significant dose dependent increases of similar magnitude in [3H]thymidine incorporation over 3 days in serum-free medium of 39 +/- 10% (P < 0.01, n = 20), 37 +/- 8% (P < 0.01, n = 27) and 41 +/- 6% (P < 0.01, n = 36) respectively. 3. CCK-8s and gastrin potentially stimulated mitogenesis (EC50 values 0.12 nM and 3.0 nM respectively), whilst G-Gly displayed similar efficacy but markedly lower potency. L-365,260 consistently blocked each peptide. The CCK2 receptor affinity of G-Gly in GH3 cells was 1.09 microM (1.01;1.17, n = 6) and 5.53 microM (3.71;5.99, n = 4) in guinea-pig cortex. 4. 1 microM G-Gly weakly stimulated Ca2+ increase, eliciting a 104 +/- 21% increase over basal Ca2+ levels, and was blocked by 1 microM L-365,260 whilst CCK-8s (100 nM) produced a much larger Ca2+ response (331 +/- 14%). 5. Insulin dose dependently enhanced proliferative effects of CCK-8s with a maximal leftwards shift of the CCK-8s curve at 100 ng ml(-1) (17 nM) (EC50 decreased 500 fold, from 0.1 nM to 0.2 pM; P < 0.0001). 10 microg ml(-1) insulin was supramaximal reducing the EC50 to 5 pM (P = 0.027) whilst 1 ng ml(-1) insulin was ineffective. Insulin weakly displaced [125I]BHCCK binding to GH3 CCK2 receptors (IC50 3.6 microM). 6. Results are consistent with mediation of G-Gly effects via CCK2 receptors in GH3 cells and reinforce the role of CCK2 receptors in control of cell growth. Effects of insulin in enhancing CCK proliferative potency may suggest that CCK2 and insulin receptors converge on common intracellular targets and indicates that mitogenic stimuli are influenced by the combination of extracellular factors present.     

Antidepressant-like effects of CCKB antagonists in mice: antagonism by naltrindole.

1. The effects of selective CCKB agonists, BC 264 and BC 197 were investigated in the conditioned suppression of motility test in mice, an animal model used to select antidepressant drugs. The results showed that both CCKB agonists at doses of 3 and 30 micrograms kg-1, accentuated the suppression of motility in shocked mice and did not modify the behaviour of non-shocked mice. The effects of BC 264 were suppressed by L-365,260. 2. L-365,260 alone, at doses of 0.2 and 2 mg kg-1 decreased motor inhibition in shocked mice and had no effect in non-shocked mice. 3. The effects of L-365,260 observed in shocked mice were suppressed by naltrindole, a selective antagonist for delta-opioid receptors, suggesting the occurrence of physiological adverse interactions between CCK and opioid systems. 4. Together, these results suggest that CCKB antagonists could block centrally located CCKB receptors to produce antidepressant-like effects which could indirectly involve delta-opioid receptor stimulation.     

Full agonists of CCK8 containing a nonhydrolyzable sulfated tyrosine residue

The sulfate ester of CCK26-33 or CCK8 (Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) borne by the tyrosine residue is a critical determinant of the biological activity of this peptide. In order to increase the stability of this molecule, the sulfated tyrosine has been replaced by a synthetic amino acid (L,D)Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) in which the OSO3H group was replaced by the nonhydrolyzable CH2SO3H group. Both isomers were separated by chromatography and the stereochemistry of the Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue in each peptide was established by NMR spectroscopy. The biological activities of the new derivatives Ac[X27, Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 were compared with those of Boc[Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33, an equiactive analogue of CCK8 and Boc[D-Tyr(SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33. Besides their highly enhanced chemical stability, Ac[L-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 and Ac[D-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 display high affinity for peripheral and central CCK receptors (KI congruent to 10(-9) M) and proved to be full agonists in the stimulation of pancreatic secretion as well as in the in vitro CCK8-induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum.     

Characterization of CCK receptors in a novel smooth muscle preparation from the guinea-pig stomach by use of the selective antagonists CI-988, L-365,260 and devazepide.

1. The cholecystokinin receptors mediating motor responses in a novel smooth muscle preparation from the corpus region of the guinea-pig stomach have been characterized by use of five agonist peptides and the antagonists CI-988, L-365,260 and devazepide. 2. Mucosa-denuded strips of circular muscle were contracted in a concentration-dependent manner by the five cholecystokinin (CCK)-related peptides CCK-8S, pentagastrin, gastrin-I, CCK-8US and CCK-4. 3. CI-988 was a powerful antagonist of the response to pentagastrin with an affinity (pKB = 9.49) similar to that obtained in CCKB receptor binding assays. With CCK-8S as the agonist, CI-988 was approximately 1000 fold less powerful as an antagonist. 4. Devazepide powerfully blocked responses to CCK-8S with an affinity (pKB = 9.54) that was in agreement with reported functional data obtained in pancreatic amylase secretion studies, a system exhibiting CCKA receptor activity. Devazepide displayed lower affinity against pentagastrin than against CCK-8S. 5. CI-988 blocked responses to pentagastrin in an insurmountable manner in the presence of 3 nM devazepide; a concentration previously shown to block the CCKA receptor. The nature of the antagonism observed with L-365,260 was unaltered by the presence of devazepide. 6. The guinea-pig stomach corpus smooth muscle preparation contains both subtypes of CCK receptor and will be useful as a pharmacological tool for investigating the functional effects of novel CCK ligands.     

Pharmacology of a cholecystokinin receptor on 5-hydroxytryptamine neurones in the dorsal raphe of the rat brain.

1. The effect of bath application of sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) was studied on neurones in slices containing rat raphe nucleus. 2. Intracellular recordings were made from neurones in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Some of the neurones with the characteristics of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-containing cells which were inhibited by 5-HT and excited by noradrenaline were excited by cholecystokinin. The response to cholecystokinin was dose-dependent over the range 10 to 1000 nM. 3. The response to CCK-8 persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Either reduction of extracellular calcium or addition of 25 mM magnesium did not block the CCK response, suggesting it was mediated by receptors located on the membrane of the raphe neurones. 4. The agonist and antagonist specificity of the CCK response was determined. The CCKB selective agonist, pentagastrin, was inactive when applied at concentrations up to 10 microM. the CCKA receptor antagonist L-364,718 (1 to 100 nM) blocked the response to cholecystokinin. Much higher (1-10 microM) concentrations of the CCKB receptor antagonist L-365,260 were required for inhibition of the CCK response. 5. These data support the existence of a CCK receptor, located on raphe neurones in the rat, with a pharmacological profile very similar to that described for the CCKA type.     

Cholecystokinin and morphine-induced hypothermia.

The effects of cholecystokinin-8 sulfate (CCK-8), cholecystokinin-8 unsulfate (CCK-8U), cholecystokinin-4 (CCK-4), caerulein and morphine on mice core body temperature have been studied in the present work. Subcutaneous injection of different doses of caerulein (0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg), CCK-8 (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg) and morphine (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) induced hypothermia. CCK-8U and CCK-4 did not elicit any response. The hypothermic response induced by caerulein, a CCK-related decapeptide but not morphine was decreased by selective CCK(A) receptor antagonist MK-329. However, the hypothermia induced by morphine but not caerulein was reduced by opioid antagonist naloxone. When morphine plus caerulein was administered a higher hypothermia was induced. Pretreatment of animals with L-365 260, a selective CCK(B) receptor antagonist did not alter the hypothermia induced by the drugs. The response induced by combination of the both drugs was decreased by MK-329. Administration of CCK antagonists MK-329 and L-365 260 to mice did not exert any effect on temperature. It is concluded that the CCK(A) receptor mechanism may be involved in the hypothermic effect of CCK agonists or morphine, while opioid receptor mechanism is not involved in CCK receptor agonists' response.     

Characterization of the binding of [3H]L-365,260: a new potent and selective brain cholecystokinin (CCK-B) and gastrin receptor antagonist radioligand

[3H]L-365,260, [(3R-(+)-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-3-yl)-N'-(3-methylphenyl)urea], a new potent and selective nonpeptide brain cholecystokinin (CCK-B) and gastrin receptor antagonist, bound saturably and reversibly to guinea pig brain membranes. Scatchard analysis indicated a single class of high affinity (Kd = 2.3 nM) binding sites. The binding of [3H]L-365,260 was stereospecific, because unlabeled L-365,260 (an R-enantiomer) was approximately 100 times more potent than its S-enantiomer in displacing binding. The relative potencies of various CCK/gastrin-related peptides and nonpeptide peripheral CCK-A antagonists in displacing [3H]L-365,260 brain binding correlated with their potencies in displacing the binding of 125I-CCK to brain receptors but not their potencies in displacing the peripherally selective CCK-A ligand [3H]L-364,718 from pancreatic receptors. The regional distribution of [3H]L-365,260 binding in various brain areas correlated with 125I-CCK binding. Specific [3H]L-365,260 binding to guinea pig brain membranes was reduced by omission of NaCl but was not affected by omission of MgCl2 or addition of guanosine 5'-(beta-gamma-imido)triphosphate or various pharmacological agents known to interact with other common peptide and nonpeptide receptor systems. [3H]L-365,260 also bound in a specific manner to guinea pig gastric glands but only negligibly to guinea pig or rat pancreas. The binding of [3H]L-365,260 to gastric glands was inhibited by CCK/gastrin antagonists with potencies similar to those for inhibition of 125I-gastrin binding in this tissue. Collectively, the data indicates that [3H]L-365,260 represents a new potent nonpeptide antagonist radioligand suitable for the study of brain CCK-B and gastrin receptors.     

The selective CCK-B receptor antagonist L-365,260 enhances morphine analgesia and prevents morphine tolerance in the rat

The effects of the selective CCK-A antagonist L-365,031 and the selective CCK-B antagonist L-365,260 on morphine analgesia and opiate tolerance and dependence in rats were examined. L-365,031 and L-365,260 had no effect on baseline pain thresholds in the radiant heat tail flick test but enhanced analgesia induced by a submaximal dose of morphine (4 mg/kg). Similarly, L-365,260 did not effect pain thresholds in the paw pressure test but enhanced morphine analgesia in this model. Rats injected twice daily for 6 days with incremental doses of morphine became tolerant to the analgesic effects of the drug. Twice daily injections of either 8 mg/kg L-365,031 or 0.2 mg/kg L-365,260 prevented the development of tolerance to morphine analgesia. In contrast, L-365,260 had no influence on the development of opiate dependence in these animals, as assessed by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. The results of the present study, when considered together with previous data, indicate that the rank order of potency of non-peptide CCK antagonists for enhancing morphine analgesia is L-365,260 greater than MK-329 greater than L-365,031. This rank order correlates well with the potency of the antagonists in blocking CCK-B receptors in rodents and suggests that CCK/opiate interactions in this species are mediated by CCK-B receptors.     

Functional expression of B2 bradykinin receptors from Balb/c cell mRNA in Xenopus oocytes

The murine BALB/c 3T3 fibroblast clone SV-T2 (3T3 cells) expresses receptors for the nonapeptide bradykinin. In these cells, bradykinin stimulates both inositol phosphate (InsP) formation and arachidonic acid release by independently activating phospholipase C and phospholipase A2, respectively. These actions of bradykinin are mediated by a receptor(s) coupled to pertussis toxin-insensitive guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. Bradykinin-stimulated increases in InsP lead to the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. We examined the expression of 3T3 receptors for bradykinin in oocytes from Xenopus laevis, cells capable of in vitro expression of foreign mRNA for receptors coupled to the mobilization of Ca2+. Poly(A)+ mRNA was prepared from 3T3 cells and expression of receptors for bradykinin was demonstrated by agonist-mediated stimulation of 45Ca2+ efflux from oocytes injected with 50 ng of poly(A)+ RNA. Bradykinin-stimulated efflux of 45Ca2+ was dose dependent (EC50 = 15 nM) and blocked by the specific mixed B1,B2 bradykinin antagonist NPC 567 but not by the B1 antagonist desArg9[Leu8]bradykinin. Size fractionation of 3T3 poly(A)+ RNA on a sucrose gradient demonstrated a single peak of bradykinin-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux, with an approximate mRNA size of 4.5 kilobases. Bradykinin-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux in size-fractionated mRNA was clearly separable from response to [Arg]vasopressin at another receptor linked to InsP formation and Ca2+ mobilization in 3T3 cells.     

Bicuculline-resistant paired-pulse inhibition in the rat hippocampal slice.

1. Virginiamycin, a macrolide reported to bind selectively to CCKB/gastrin receptors has been studied in a functional test, namely cholecystokinin-induced contraction of guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus (LMMP). 2. Virginiamycin (1-10 microM) antagonized the selective CCKB agonist cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4). The antagonism appeared not to be competitive as the highest concentration (10 microM) caused a reduction of its maximal effect. An apparent pA2 of 6.64 +/- 0.06 (s.e.) could be estimated if this depression was ignored. The selective CCKB antagonist, L-365,260 (0.01-0.3 microM) antagonized competitively the CCK-4 induced contraction and a pKB of 8.60 +/- 0.16 (s.e.) was estimated. 3. The combined dose-ratio analysis for virginiamycin, tested at 3 and 10 microM in association with 0.03 and 0.1 microM L-365,260, respectively, resulted in observed log dose-ratios of 1.39 and 1.53. That was consistent with both antagonists acting on the same receptor in LMMP. 4. These data, represent the first evidence of the antagonism of virginiamycin in a functional assay and they support the hypothesis of homogeneity between CCKB receptors in the CNS and in peripheral tissues.