Desensitization and down-regulation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptor in the opossum kidney cell line.

In the opossum kidney cell line the 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin; 5-HT)1B receptor is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase via a Gi protein. Preincubation of opossum kidney cell line cell monolayers with 5-HT resulted in 5-HT1B receptor-mediated desensitization expressed as a 4-fold rightward shift of the dose-response curve and a 10 to 29% decrease of maximal inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production. These moderate decreases in potency and efficacy were concentration- and time-dependent. Maximal desensitization occurred with 3 hr of 5-HT preincubation. Preincubation with 5-HT caused no change in the potency or efficacy of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production. Therefore, the desensitization caused by 5-HT preincubation appears to be homologous. Down-regulation of the 5-HT1B receptor, assessed with the high affinity radioligand [125I]iodocyanopindolol, also occurred, and was concentration- and time-dependent. Maximum down-regulation of 40% occurred after 20 hr of exposure to 10 microM 5-HT. These results demonstrate that, like other receptors coupled to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, exposure of 5-HT1B receptors to an agonist causes desensitization of the functional response followed by down-regulation of the receptor.     

Characterization of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the OK cell, an opossum kidney cell line

We have characterized alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in OK cells, an opossum kidney-derived cell line. In membrane saturation binding experiments, [3H]rauwolscine (Kd = 74 pM) was 3-fold more potent than [3H]yohimbine (Kd = 230 pM). Each labeled a single class of binding sites with densities of 135 and 124 fmol/mg of protein for [3H]rauwolscine and [3H]yohimbine, respectively. Inhibition of [3H]rauwolscine and [3H]yohimbine binding by several alpha adrenergic agonists and antagonists demonstrated the radioligands labeled an alpha-2 type adrenergic receptor with a pharmacological profile similar to the alpha-2B receptor subtype. The rank order of potency for antagonist inhibition of binding was yohimbine greater than prazosin = phentolamine greater than chlorpromazine = corynanthine, whereas the rank order of agonist potency was oxymetazoline = clonidine greater than or equal to UK-14,304 greater than or equal to (-)-epinephrine greater than (-)-norepinephrine. The oxymetazoline, clonidine and antagonist inhibition curves were routinely monophasic and modeled best as a single class of binding sites. For the other agonists, inhibition binding curves were biphasic with approximately 35% of the binding sites existing in a high affinity state. These curves were shifted to the right in the presence of 0.1 mM GTP, and in general modeled as a single class of binding sites. UK-14,304, (-)-epinephrine, (-)-norepinephrine and oxymetazoline attenuated parathyroid hormone-stimulated cyclic AMP production by up to 70% in whole cell monolayers in a dose-dependent manner via a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism. With the exception of oxymetazoline, this inhibition could be reversed with alpha adrenergic antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Determination of selective and nonselective compounds for the 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 1B receptor subtypes in rat frontal cortex

Recent studies indicate that there are multiple subtypes of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1 (5-HT1) receptor. Previously, we provided evidence consistent with the finding that multiple states of the 5-HT1 receptor are present when the binding of [3H]-5-HT is measured in the absence of guanine nucleotides. When 1 mM GTP was present in the [3H]-5-HT receptor binding assay, the high affinity state was eliminated. As the presence of multiple states of a receptor complicates the interpretation of the inhibition of [3H]-5-HT binding caused by serotonin agonists and antagonists, we examined the ability of a series of these drugs to compete for 15 nM [3H]-5-HT binding in the presence of 1 mM GTP in the rat frontal cortex. Eight agonists and five antagonists showed selectivity for the two subtypes of the 5-HT1 receptor, whereas three agonists and four antagonists showed the same affinity for these two receptors subtypes. Most of the compounds examined exhibited only a modest 10- to 30-fold degree of selectivity. However, 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine and 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)indole were about 65-fold selective and spiperone was over 100-fold selective for one of the receptor subtypes. The subtype specificity of the selective compounds was determined using either spiperone, a selective 5-HT 1A compound, or 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine, a selective 5-HT 1B compound, to preferentially inhibit one of the receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Application of [125I]iodocyanopindolol to measure 5-hydroxytryptamine1B receptors in the brain of the rat

In this study, [125I]iodocyanopindolol ([125I]ICYP), in the presence of isoproterenol, was used to label 5-hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B) receptors in homogenates of the cortex, substantia nigra and caudate-putamen of the rat. The determination of the appropriate concentrations of isoproterenol required to block optimally beta adrenoceptors whereas producing minimal occupancy of 5-HT1B receptors was achieved by generating isotherms for isoproterenol at multiple concentrations of [125I]ICYP. When different concentrations of isoproterenol were used with increasing concentrations of [125I]ICYP, a linear Scatchard transformation of the saturation curve was achieved, even with ligand concentrations about 6-fold greater than the KD for [125I]ICYP. Competition for [125I]ICYP (100 pM) labeled binding sites by 15 serotonin agonists or antagonists was adequately described by a single site model, and the affinity of these drugs for the site labeled by [125I]ICYP was similar to that determined previously when using indirect methods to label 5-HT1B receptors. Serotonin itself showed high affinity for this binding site as did two antagonists, metergoline and methiothepin. By contrast, drugs thought to be selective for the 5-HT1A receptor (e.g., 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin, buspirone and spiperone) showed very weak affinity for the binding site labeled with [125I]ICYP. The effect of nucleotide regulation on [125I]ICYP binding at 5-HT1B receptors also was evaluated. It was determined that GTP had little effect on the binding of [125I]ICYP, reducing total binding by only 15% and shifting the displacement curve of 5-HT by a factor of less than two. The regulation of 5-HT1B receptors, labeled by [125I]ICYP, also was evaluated. Intraventricular injections of 5.7-dihydroxytryptamine increased significantly the number of 5-HT1B receptors in the caudate-putamen; this treatment had no effect on 5-HT1B binding sites either in the cortex or substantia nigra. The regulatable binding site for [125I]ICYP in the caudate-putamen had a pharmacological profile very similar to that of the 5-HT1B binding site in the cortex. [125I]ICYP appears to be a useful ligand to measure 5-HT1B receptors in the brain of the rat. The localized increase in 5-HT1B receptors in the caudate-putamen after destruction of central serotonergic neurons might indicate that the majority of 5-HT1B receptors in this area of brain are not located on serotonergic nerve terminals.     

Toward selective drug development for the human 5-hydroxytryptamine 1E receptor: a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1E and 1F receptor structure-affinity relationships

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1E receptor is highly expressed in the human frontal cortex and hippocampus, and this distribution suggests the function of 5-HT(1E) receptors might be linked to memory. To test this hypothesis, behavioral experiments are needed. Because rats and mice lack a 5-HT(1E) receptor gene, knockout strategies cannot be used to elucidate this receptor's functions. Thus, selective pharmacological tools must be developed. The tryptamine-related agonist BRL54443 [5-hydroxy-3-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-indole] is one of the few agents that binds 5-HT(1E) receptors with high affinity and some selectively; unfortunately, it binds equally well to 5-HT(1F) receptors (K(i) ≈ 1 nM). The differences between tryptamine binding requirements of these two receptor populations have never been extensively explored; this must be done to guide the design of analogs with greater selectivity for 5-HT(1E) receptors versus 5-HT(1F) receptors. Previously, we determined the receptor binding affinities of a large series of tryptamine analogs at the 5-HT(1E) receptor; we now examine the affinities of this same series of compounds at 5-HT(1F) receptors. The affinities of these compounds at 5-HT(1E) and 5-HT(1F) receptors were found to be highly correlated (r = 0.81). All high-affinity compounds were full agonists at both receptor populations. We identified 5-N-butyryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine as a novel 5-HT(1F) receptor agonist with >60-fold selectivity versus 5-HT(1E) receptors. There is significant overlap between 5-HT(1E) and 5-HT(1F) receptor orthosteric binding properties; thus, identification of 5-HT(1E)-selective orthosteric ligands will be difficult. The insights generated from this study will inform future drug development and molecular modeling studies for both 5-HT(1E) and 5-HT(1F) receptors.     

Agonist induced-phosphorylation of Galpha11 protein reduces coupling to 5-HT2A receptors

We previously demonstrated that 24-h treatment with (-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI) causes phosphorylation of Galpha11 protein at serine 154 and that this phosphorylation causes desensitization of serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor signaling in A1A1v cells (Shi et al., 2007). We now report that treatment of A1A1v cells with DOI for 24 h produces a greater reduction in the Bmax of [125I](+/-)-DOI-labeled high-affinity binding sites (46%) than the reduction of [3H]ketanserin binding sites (25%). Although the KD values are not altered, there is a smaller amount of GTPgammaS [guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate]-sensitive [125I](+/-)-DOI binding in DOI-treated cells. These results suggest that DOI treatment causes down-regulation of 5-HT2A receptors and reductions in G protein-coupled 5-HT2A receptors. In contrast, in cells transfected with the phosphorylation state mimic G(alpha11)S154D, GTPgammaS-sensitive [125I](+/-)-DOI binding was decreased by 48%; however, there was no significant difference in the KD and Bmax values of [125I](+/-)-DOI-labeled receptors. The receptor binding experiments suggest that phosphorylation of Galpha11 on serine 154 reduces coupling of 5-HT2A receptors, whereas DOI causes down-regulation of 5-HT2A receptors in addition to the phosphorylation-induced uncoupling of Galpha11 to 5-HT2A receptors. To determine whether DOI increases phosphorylation of Galphaq/11 protein in vivo, rats were treated with 1 mg/kg/day DOI or saline for 1 to 7 days. Seven days of DOI treatment significantly decreased phospholipase C activity stimulated by an Emax concentration of 5-HT by 40% and increased phosphorylation of Galphaq/11 proteins by 51% in the frontal cortex. These data suggest that DOI causes phosphorylation of Galphaq/11 in vivo and could thereby contribute to the desensitization of 5-HT2A receptors.     

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor binding and contraction of rat caudal artery

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors were examined in rat caudal artery using radioligand binding of [125I]labeled BE 2254 (125IBE) and in vitro contraction measurements. 125IBE bound rapidly and reversibly to a single class of high affinity binding sites in membrane preparations of caudal artery. Scatchard analysis gave an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 110 pM and a density of binding sites of 115 fmol/mg of protein. Antagonists inhibited 125IBE binding and phenylephrine-induced contractions competitively, with an order of potency of prazosin greater than ARC 239 greater than phentolamine greater than yohimbine. pA2 values for inhibition of phenylephrine-induced contraction correlated well with KD values for inhibition of specific 125IBE binding. A number of other full and partial agonists also caused contraction of caudal arteries with an order of potency of epinephrine greater than norepinephrine greater than phenylephrine greater than methoxamine. The order of potency of agonists and the potencies of antagonists suggests that the contractile responses of rat caudal artery were mediated by alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. The EC50 values of partial agonists in causing contraction correlated well with their KD values for inhibition of specific 125IBE binding. However, the EC50 values for full agonists were 30 to 200 times lower than their KD values. Treatment of caudal arteries in vitro with 0.1 microM phenoxybenzamine for 10 min to inactivate alpha adrenergic receptors decreased both the potency of full agonists in causing contraction and the maximal contractile response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

5-HT1F receptor agonists in acute migraine treatment: a hypothesis

Serotonin-1F receptor (5-HT1F) agonists may relieve acute migraine without vasoconstriction. We conducted a review of preclinical and clinical data that assessed the potential link between migraine and 5-HT1F activation. (i) A high correlation exists between the potency of various 5-HT1 receptor agonists in the guinea pig dural plasma protein extravasation assay and their 5-HT1F receptor binding affinity. (ii) 5-HT1F receptors are on the trigeminal system, and may participate in blocking migraine pain transmission through the trigeminal ganglion and nucleus caudalis. (iii) 5-HT1F receptors are located on glutamate-containing neurones and their activation might inhibit glutamate release; glutamate excess may play a role in migraine. (iv) Selective 5-HT1F receptor agonists (LY334370; LY344864) are effective in preclinical migraine models and are non-vasoconstrictive. (v) LY334370 is effective in acute migraine, and does not cause any symptoms/signs of coronary vasoconstriction. Preclinical experiments and clinical observations argue for a role of selective 5-HT1F agonists in migraine.     

Impaired beta adrenergic receptor binding and function in cystic fibrosis neutrophils.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease characterized by abnormalities of exocrine gland and mucociliary function, has recently been shown to be associated with abnormal adrenergic and cholinergic physiologic responses in addition to decreased beta adrenergic-induced cyclic AMP generation in human leukocytes. In this study we have attempted to elucidate the nature of this hyporesponsiveness by assessing beta adrenergic receptor number and affinity (KD) in the intact neutrophil using the antagonist ligand [3H] dihydroalprenolol and cyclic AMP responses to isoproterenol in addition to histamine, and prostaglandin E1 in CF subjects, CF obligate heterozygotes (CFH), and normal control subjects. CF patients had significantly less (p less than 0.025) cyclic AMP stimulation above basals levels with isoproterenol (0.1 microM to 0.1 mM), compared with control values, but no consistent differences between groups were noted with histamine or PGE1. CF neutrophils had significantly fewer (p less than 0.005) beta adrenergic receptors per neutrophil (398.0 +/- 54.2 vs. 819.4 +/- 67.2) compared with control neutrophils, but the KD (0.740 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.630 +/- 0.05 nM) did not differ significantly (p greater than 0.05). There was no correlation between clinical severity and either cyclic AMP generation or dihydroalprenolol binding (r = 0.27 and 0.24, respectively, p greater than 0.05). The CFH group had approximately 50% of the cyclic AMP stimulation compared with controls, but the number (909.8 +/- 89.3) and KD (0.710 +/- 0.09 nM) of their beta adrenergic receptors were indistinguishable from control subjects. These findings suggest "down regulation" of the beta receptor in the CF patient. The cause of this remains unknown. Although the etiology of the decreased cyclic AMP responses in CFH was not due to decreased beta adrenergic receptors as assessed by antagonist ligand binding, further studies inthe CFH group to include agonist binding, receptor-adenylate cyclase coupling, intrinsic adenylate cyclase activity, and catecholamine metabolism may help determine the basic cause of beta adrenergic hyperesposiveness in both CFH and CF.     

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT2) receptor stimulates inositol phosphate formation in intact and broken WRK1 cells: determination of occupancy-response relationships for 5-HT agonists

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) stimulates the accumulation of inositol-trisphosphate in WRK1 cells, a cell line originating from a rat mammary tumor. 5-HT acts via a single receptor type for which it has an affinity constant estimated to be 1.27 microM. A series of agonists known to act at 5-HT2 receptors are partial agonists in this system and have a rank order of relative intrinsic efficacies corresponding to that seen in other systems possessing 5-HT2 receptors. There is an essentially linear occupancy-response relationship for 5-HT and other agonists indicating the absence of a strong amplification mechanism between receptor activation and inositol phosphate formation. The selective blockade of the 5-HT response by nanomolar concentrations of 5-HT2 selective antagonists but not by drugs acting at other 5-HT receptor subtypes suggest that the receptor in WRK1 cells is of the 5-HT2 type. Additionally, we demonstrate that in WRK1 membranes 5-HT acts via the 5-HT2 receptor to elicit a GTP dependent increase in the production of inositol-bisphosphate and inositol-trisphosphate. These properties of the WRK1 cell line indicate that it is a useful model with which to study the nature of 5-HT receptor coupling to the putative second messenger(s), the inositol phosphates.     

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor binding in aortas from rat and dog: comparison of [3H]prazosin and beta-iodo-[125I]-4-hydroxyphenyl-ethyl-aminomethyl-tetralone

We have identified and characterized pharmacologically alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in aorta from dog and rat utilizing two alpha-1 antagonists, [3H]prazosin and beta-3-iodo[125I]-4-hydroxyphenyl-ethyl-aminoethyl-tetralone [125I]HEAT, to determine receptor number and affinity. The rat and dog alpha-1 receptors were found to be very similar. In the dog, KD values were 27 and 11 pM for [3H]prazosin and [125I]HEAT, respectively, whereas maximum binding values were 89 and 65 fmol/mg of protein. KD values in rat aorta were 22 and 15 pM for [3H]prazosin and [125I]HEAT, respectively, whereas maximum binding values were 62 and 47 fmol/mg of protein. Both tissues demonstrated a rank order potency of antagonist inhibition of the two radioligands consistent with an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor with prazosin greater than phentolamine greater than yohimbine. A comparison between IC50 values for both the ligands and the tissues shows strong correlations suggesting the two radioligands are identifying a similar receptor population and that the receptor labeled by the ligands has similar pharmacologic characteristics in the two tissues.     

Characterization of serotonergic receptors mediating contraction of ovine umbilical artery

Responses to serotonergic agonists were studied in isolated umbilical arteries obtained from fetal lambs within 2 weeks of term. The order of potency of the agonists was determined to be 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methyl-amphetamine (DOM) greater than 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) greater than alpha-methyl-5-HT greater than 1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine = m-trifluoromethyl-phenylpiperazine greater than 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin greater than 2-methyl-5-HT greater than 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine. Variations in the sensitivity and potency of the agonists results primarily from the variation in the affinity for the 5-HT2 receptor and less so in the efficacy, alpha-Methyl-5-HT was a full agonist compared to 5-HT. The others were partial agonists. The mean KA values for 5-HT and DOM were 4.71 +/- 0.62 x 10(-7) and 0.36 +/- 0.04 x 10(-7) M, respectively. Contractions to 5-HT and DOM were antagonized by ketanserin with pA2 values being 9.4 and 9.1, respectively, suggesting that they act on the same receptor and that their responses are mediated by 5-HT2 receptors. Contractile responses to 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin, 2-methyl-5-HT and the phenylpiperazines [m-trifluoromethyl-phenylpiperazine and 1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine] were also blocked by ketanserin (10(-8) M), indicating that contractions produced by these agonists were mediated by 5-HT2 receptors. No antagonism by MDL 72222 (3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate) of responses to 5-HT indicates that 5-HT3 receptors are not present in this tissue.     

5-Hydroxytryptamine(1A) receptor-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in rat brain: absence of regional differences in coupling efficiency

In hippocampal membranes, the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT(1A)) receptor agonists 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine (N,N-DP-5-CT) stimulated guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding by 130 to 140%; binding stimulated by nonselective agonists (5-HT and 5-CT) was approximately 30% greater. However, the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinyl-cyclohex anecarboxamide (WAY100,635) completely abolished the increases produced by 8-OH-DPAT and N,N-DP-5-CT but only eliminated 70% of that elicited by 5-CT. The rank potency order of the tested agonists was identical with their rank order of affinity for 5-HT(1A) receptors [5-CT congruent with N,N-DP-5-CT > R-(+)-8-OH-DPAT > 5-HT > ipsapirone]. Racemic 8-OH-DPAT and the partial agonist ipsapirone exhibited lower intrinsic activity than R-(+)-8-OH-DPAT. R-(+)-8-OH-DPAT also stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in cortex, but not in striatum, which lacks 5-HT(1A) receptors. Partial irreversible inactivation of 5-HT(1A) receptors, in vitro with phenoxybenzamine (0.3 or 1 microM) or in vivo with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (1 mg/kg), reduced the maximal response produced by R-(+)-8-OH-DPAT but did not alter its EC(50). In autoradiographic sections, R-(+)-8-OH-DPAT stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in 5-HT(1A) receptor-rich regions (dorsal hippocampus, 123%; lateral septum, 111%; midhippocampus, 110%; dorsal raphe nucleus, 83%; medial prefrontal cortex, approximately 60%). The EC(50) of R-(+)-8-OH-DPAT did not vary significantly among brain regions (46-96 nM). Partial irreversible blockade of 5-HT(1A) receptors in brain sections (phenoxybenzamine, 10 microM) reduced the maximal response without altering the EC(50) in both the hippocampus and dorsal raphe. Despite prior evidence that dorsal raphe somatodendritic 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors exhibit high receptor/effector coupling efficiency (receptor reserve) compared with postsynaptic receptors in hippocampus, there was no evidence of a difference at the level of receptor/G protein coupling.     

Uncoupling of the beta-adrenergic receptor as a mechanism of in vitro neutrophil desensitization

Human leukocytes have been useful in studying desensitization phenomena to beta-adrenergic agonists in a number of clinical conditions. For example, we have previously shown that oral terbutaline causes a time-dependent decrease in neutrophil (PMN) beta receptor number, using the beta antagonist ligand [3H]dihydroalprenolol (DHA), in conjunction with a significant loss of isoproterenol-induced adenylate cyclase activity. In the present in vitro study we have explored the mechanism for beta-adrenergic desensitization and have compared conditions for homologous and heterologous desensitization, using the intact PMN model. PMN preincubated with isoproterenol (10(-4)M), washed thoroughly, then restimulated, desensitize rapidly so that within 10 min 80% of control isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP stimulation is lost. Cells washed free of isoproterenol recover full responsiveness in 1 to 2 hr. The estimated isoproterenol desensitization EC50 in cells washed and then restimulated is 1 X 10(-5)M, and the EC50 in unwashed cells that are restimulated is 9 X 10(-8)M. Rank-order potency studies of catecholamine desensitization show isoproterenol greater than epinephrine greater than norepinephrine, a beta-2 pattern. Isoproterenol-induced desensitization results in a small reduction in [3H]DHA binding sites, which becomes statistically significant (p less than 0.05) from control values at 1 hr (67% of control) and 3 hr (64%). Since the change in number of beta receptors did not explain the profound, rapid loss of beta agonist-induced cyclic AMP responsiveness, we explored the possibility of an uncoupling phenomenon. In the absence of GTP, isoproterenol binding is characterized by an EC50 of 6.6 +/- 2.6 X 10(-7)M, which is significantly different (p less than 0.05) from the EC50 of 38.1 +/- 9.1 X 10(-7)M found when cells are previously desensitized with isoproterenol for 10 min. GTP does not affect the EC50 of desensitized cells. These findings are consistent with the uncoupled receptor state fitting the model described by Su et al. Finally, prolonged (3 hr) isoproterenol preincubation results in a small but significant (p less than 0.05) loss of cyclic AMP responsiveness to histamine (67.7% +/- 11.7 of control) and PGE1 (59.3% +/- 7.4), suggesting heterologous desensitization. These studies suggest that the human PMN is a suitable model to study both homologous and heterologous desensitization in vitro.     

Changes in mechanical events and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate levels induced by enantiomers of isoproterenol in isolated rat atria and uteri.

Beta adrenergic receptors of rat atria and uteri were examined with the use of enantiomers of isoproterenol as agonists and mechanical responses and adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) levels as measured effects. Assuming that stereoselectivity reflects the unique asymmetry of receptors, potency differences between the enantiomers are expected to provide a sensitive indication of ligand binding. All effects in each tissue were investigated under similar experimental conditions. Both isomers produced the same maximum effect on all measured responses. Enantiomeric potency differences (in log units) for positive chronotropic and inotropic responses and increases in cyclic AMP levels in atria were 3.31, 3.51 and 3.48, respectively. In uteri, the values for reduction of spontaneous contractile amplitude and increases in cyclic AMP were 2.90 and 2.79 log units, respectively. Even though these absolute values varied slightly with the experimental conditions, they were consistently smaller in uteri than in atria. In both tissues, dose-response curves for production of mechanical effects were greater than 2 log units to the left of those for increases in cyclic AMP levels. Regardless of the interpretation of this phenomenon, the results show the following. 1) The stereoselectivity for isoproterenol-induced effects is different between the two tissues at both levels of response. Therefore, it is suggested that this reflects dissimilar beta adrenergic receptor types in rat atrium vs. rat uterus. 2) The stereochemical selectivity for isoproterenol-induced mechanical effects and increases in cyclic AMP is the same in rat atrium and in rat uterus. Therefore, the data support the postulate that cyclic AMP is formed from interaction of isoproterenol with a receptor that is similar to the one activated to produce a mechanical effect.     

Characterization of the contractile serotonergic receptor in guinea pig trachea with agonists and antagonists.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 receptors can be partially characterized by their sensitivity to ketanserin blockade and increase in phosphoinositide turnover upon stimulation. Previously, the contraction of guinea pig trachea to 5-HT was shown to be antagonized by the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists ketanserin and LY53857. However, 5-HT did not dramatically increase phosphoinositide turnover in guinea pig trachea, suggesting that the contractile receptor may be different from the classically defined 5-HT2 receptor. The present in vitro studies better characterize this receptor, using diverse serotonergic agonists and antagonists to profile in more detail the contractile serotonergic receptor in guinea pig trachea. With regard to agonists, the 5-HT2 receptor agonists DOI and alpha-methyl-5-HT contracted guinea pig trachea with greater potency than quipazine, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-carboxamidotryptamine, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin and 2-methyl-5-HT. Sumatriptan and 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (10 nM-100 microM) were inactive as agonists. A strong correlation between agonist potency (EC50) and reported 5-HT receptor binding affinities was found for both the 5-HT1C (r = 0.890) and 5-HT2 (r = 0.831) receptor. Ketanserin, spiperone, ritanserin, LY53857, 1-napthylpiperazine, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine, rauwolscine, ICS 205-930, cyanopindolol and sumatriptan all blocked 5-HT-induced contractions in guinea pig trachea. As occurred with agonist potencies, strong correlations were found between reported 5-HT1C (r = 0.814) and 5-HT2 (r = 0.912) receptor binding affinities in brain membranes and apparent dissociation constants (KB) for the 10 antagonists of 5-HT induced contraction in guinea pig trachea.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Selective regulation of beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors by atypical agonists

The interactions of the atypical agonists pindolol and celiprolol with beta adrenergic receptors were compared with those of the full agonist, isoproterenol. Studies were carried out using intact cells as well as membranes prepared from C6 glioma cells. Computer-assisted analysis of dose-response curves resulting from the inhibition of the binding of [125I]iodopindolol by the beta-1 and beta-2 selective compounds ICI 89,406 and ICI 118,551 revealed that approximately one-third of the beta adrenergic receptors on these cells were beta-1 receptors. Addition of GTP to the binding assay simplified the dose-response curve for inhibition of the binding of [125I]iodopindolol by isoproterenol and diminished the potency of the agonist. GTP had no effect on the binding of pindolol or celiprolol, suggesting that these drugs do not induce the formation of a ternary complex with the receptor and the guanine nucleotide-binding protein for stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity. When added to the growth medium of intact C6 cells, isoproterenol induced a 40-fold increase in cyclic AMP accumulation. Pindolol and celiprolol, however, caused no elevation of enzyme activity. Addition of isoproterenol to the growth medium of intact cells resulted in an 80% decrease in the density of both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors within 8 hr. Growing cells in the presence of pindolol or celiprolol induced a 50% decrease in the density of beta-2 receptors, which was inhibited by beta adrenergic antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Lorcaserin, a novel selective human 5-hydroxytryptamine2C agonist: in vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2C) receptor agonists hold promise for the treatment of obesity. In this study, we describe the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of lorcaserin [(1R)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-methyl-1H-3 benzazepine], a selective, high affinity 5-HT(2C) full agonist. Lorcaserin bound to human and rat 5-HT(2C) receptors with high affinity (K(i) = 15 +/- 1 nM, 29 +/- 7 nM, respectively), and it was a full agonist for the human 5-HT(2C) receptor in a functional inositol phosphate accumulation assay, with 18- and 104-fold selectivity over 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2B) receptors, respectively. Lorcaserin was also highly selective for human 5-HT(2C) over other human 5-HT receptors (5-HT(1A), 5-HT(3), 5-HT(4C), 5-HT5(5A), 5-HT(6), and 5-HT(7)), in addition to a panel of 67 other G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels. Lorcaserin did not compete for binding of ligands to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine transporters, and it did not alter their function in vitro. Behavioral observations indicated that unlike the 5-HT(2A) agonist (+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-phenyl)-2-aminopropane, lorcaserin did not induce behavioral changes indicative of functional 5-HT(2A) agonist activity. Acutely, lorcaserin reduced food intake in rats, an effect that was reversed by pretreatment with the 5-HT(2C)-selective antagonist 6-chloro-5-methyl-1-[6-(2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)pyridin-3-yl-carbamoyl]indoline (SB242,084) but not the 5-HT(2A) antagonist (R)-(+)-alpha-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidine-methanol (MDL 100,907), demonstrating mediation by the 5-HT(2C) receptor. Chronic daily treatment with lorcaserin to rats maintained on a high fat diet produced dose-dependent reductions in food intake and body weight gain that were maintained during the 4-week study. Upon discontinuation, body weight returned to control levels. These data demonstrate lorcaserin to be a potent, selective, and efficacious agonist of the 5-HT(2C) receptor, with potential for the treatment of obesity.     

Autoradiographic characterization of (+-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-[125I] iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane ([125I]DOI) binding to 5-HT2 and 5-HT1c receptors in rat brain

The 5-HT2 (serotonin) receptor has traditionally been labeled with antagonist radioligands such as [3H]ketanserin and [3H]spiperone, which label both agonist high-affinity (guanyl nucleotide-sensitive) and agonist low-affinity (guanyl nucleotide-insensitive) states of this receptor. The hallucinogen 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) is an agonist which labels the high-affinity guanyl nucleotide-sensitive state of brain 5-HT2 receptors selectively. In the present study, conditions for autoradiographic visualization of (+/-)-[125I]DOI-labeled 5-HT2 receptors were optimized and binding to slide-mounted sections was characterized with respect to pharmacology, guanyl nucleotide sensitivity and anatomical distribution. In slide-mounted rat brain sections (+/-)-[125I]DOI binding was saturable, of high affinity (KD approximately 4 nM) and displayed a pharmacologic profile typical of 5-HT2 receptors. Consistent with coupling of 5-HT2 receptors in the high-affinity state to a guanyl nucleotide regulatory protein, [125I]DOI binding was inhibited by guanyl nucleotides but not by adenosine triphosphate. Patterns of autoradiographic distribution of [125I]DOI binding to 5-HT2 receptors were similar to those seen with [3H]ketanserin- and [125I]-lysergic acid diethylamide-labeled 5-HT2 receptors. However, the density of 5-HT2 receptors labeled by the agonist [125I]DOI was markedly lower (30-50%) than that labeled by the antagonist [3H]ketanserin. High densities of [125I]DOI labeling were present in olfactory bulb, anterior regions of cerebral cortex (layer IV), claustrum, caudate putamen, globus pallidus, ventral pallidum, islands of Calleja, mammillary nuclei and inferior olive. Binding in hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus was generally sparse. Of note, choroid plexus, a site rich in 5-HT1c receptors had a high density of [125I]DOI binding sites but [3H]ketanserin binding in this region was low. Studies in which [125I]DOI binding to 5-HT2 receptors was blocked with spiperone revealed persisting robust [125I]DOI binding in choroid plexus, which was guanyl nucleotide-sensitive and displayed a pharmacologic profile consistent with its binding to 5-HT1c receptors. These studies suggest that [125I]DOI may be useful as a radiolabel for visualizing the agonist high-affinity state of 5-HT2 receptors and for visualizing 5-HT1c receptors.     

Pharmacological characterization of the M1 muscarinic receptors expressed in murine fibroblast B82 cells

The muscarinic receptors in a B82 cell line which were transfected with the rat m1 muscarinic receptor gene (cTB10 cells) were studied by using radioligand binding assays. Their possible coupling to the hydrolysis of inositol lipids and cyclic AMP formation were also investigated. [(-)-[3H]Quinuclidinyl benzilate [(-)-[3H]QNB] binding to the intact cTB10 cells was saturable and displaceable by 1 microM atropine sulfate. The Kd and maximum binding values of (-)-[3H]QNB from saturation studies were 12 pM and 17 fmol/10(6) cells, respectively. Inhibition studies of (-)-[3H]QNB binding to intact cTB10 cells suggested that these muscarinic receptors are of the M1 type defined by their high affinity for pirenzepine and low affinity for AF-DX 116 [11-[2-diethylamino methyl-1-piperidinylacetyl]-5,11-dihydro-6H-pyrido(2,3-b) (1,4)benzodiazepine-6-one]. The muscarinic agonist carbachol stimulated [3H]inositol monophosphate accumulation in the cTB10 cells, which could be reversed by the muscarinic antagonists atropine, pirenzepine or AF-DX 116. The rank order of potency of the muscarinic antagonists in inhibiting carbachol-stimulated [3H]inositol monophosphate accumulation was atropine greater than pirenzepine greater than AF-DX 116, in agreement with that from ligand/(-)-[3H]QNB competition experiments. Pertussis toxin and 4 beta-phorbol, 12-beta-myristate, 13-alpha-acetate reduced carbachol-stimulated [3H]inositol monophosphate accumulation. Prostaglandin E1 stimulated cyclic AMP formation in the cTB10 cells. Carbachol at the concentration of 10 mM exhibited no stimulatory or inhibitor effect on the basal or prostaglandin E1-stimulated cyclic AMP formation. These results suggest that the muscarinic receptors encoded by the transfected m1 gene in the cTB10 cells are of the M1 type and are coupled to the hydrolysis of inositol lipids, possibly via a pertussis toxin sensitive G protein.