Pharmacological characterisation of 5-HT receptors positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in the rat hippocampus

The pharmacological properties of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in the rat hippocampus were investigated using selective agonists and antagonists. 5-HT (0.008–125 μM) stimulated cyclic AMP formation in homogenates of rat hippocampus in a concentration-dependent manner. The maximal increase in cyclic AMP formation occurred at 1 μM (141 ± 6%) and the half-maximal effect (EC₅₀) at 50 ± 22 nM. Cyclic AMP accumulation induced by 1 μM 5-HT was partly inhibited by the selective 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist WAY 100,635 (1 μM), the selective 5-HT₄ receptor antagonist SB 203,186 (1 μM), and the 5-HT_2A/C/ 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist mesulergine (25 μM). WAY 100,635, SB 203,186 and mesulergine inhibited the effect of 5-HT (1 μM) by 47%, 33% and 49%, respectively. The combination of WAY 100,635 (1 μM) with SB 203,186 (1 μM) or mesulergine (25 μM) resulted in stronger inhibition than with each antagonist alone, and the combination of all three antagonists produced almost total blockade (95%) of 5-HT-induced cyclic AMP accumulation. 5-Carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT; 0.008–125 μM), a 5-HT₁/5-HT₇ receptor agonist, and SDZ 216–454 (0.008– 125 μM), a selective 5-HT₄ receptor agonist, concentration-dependently stimulated cyclic AMP formation, but the maximal effect of each agonist was smaller than that of 5-HT alone. SDZ 216–454 (5 μM) and 5-CT (5 μM) in combination stimulated cyclic AMP formation in an additive manner. 8-OH-PIPAT and 8-OH-DPAT, two selective 5-HT_1A agonists, produced a small but significant increase in cyclic AMP formation at concentrations above 0.04 μM and 10 μM, respectively. These findings suggest that at least three 5-HT receptor subtypes, i.e. 5-HT_1A, 5-HT₇ and 5-HT₄ receptors, are involved in mediating 5-HT-induced cyclic AMP formation in rat hippocampus. Received: 28 October 1998 / Accepted: 16 March 1999     

Development of pharmacological sensitivity to adenosine analogs in embryonic chick heart: role of A1 adenosine receptors and adenylyl cyclase inhibition

The developing chick heart was employed as a model system to explore temporal correlations between the onset of pharmacological sensitivity to adenosine analogs and the appearance of A1 adenosine receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase. A characterization of the developmental profile for adenosine analog-induced negative chronotropic response revealed that isolated atria from 5- and 6-day embryos were unresponsive to adenosine analogs. The onset of pharmacological sensitivity occurred on embryonic day 7, as evidenced by a 27% reduction in atrial beating rate in the presence of 2-chloradenosine (2-CIA) (30 microM). The sensitivity of embryonic atria to 2-CIA increased continuously from day 7 to day 12 in ovo, when the atria became fully responsive to the negative chronotropic effect of this adenosine analog. In order to evaluate whether the developmental increase in pharmacological sensitivity to 2-CIA reflected changes in the number of A1 adenosine receptors, the ontogenesis of A1 adenosine receptors was assessed using the antagonist radioligand 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-[3H]dipropylxanthine as a probe. Cardiac membranes from day 5 and day 6 embryos possessed approximately one third of the maximum number of A1 adenosine receptors expressed at later embryonic ages. Additionally, agonist/[3H] DPCPX competition curves revealed that the high affinity state receptors comprised a larger proportion of the total receptor population in membranes from day 6 as compared with day 12 embryos. These results suggest that there are pharmacologically inactive A1 receptors in hearts from day 5 and day 6 embryos. The developmental change in A1 receptor-mediated negative chronotropic response paralleled the increase in [3H]DPCPX binding sites from embryonic day 7 to day 10. Thus, a large fractional occupancy of A1 adenosine receptors is required to express negative chronotropy during this period of embryonic development. Studies of the sensitivity of adenylyl cyclase to inhibition by cyclopentyladenosine as a function of ontogenesis revealed that cyclopentyladenosine inhibited basal adenylyl cyclase activity to a similar maximal extent from embryonic day 5 through day 16. The efficacy of cyclopentyladenosine as an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase activity was, therefore, stable during a developmental period when A1 receptor density increased approximately 3-fold. Hence, only a fraction of the A1 receptors present during embryogenesis need to be coupled to produce a maximum response with respect to adenylyl cyclase inhibition, which is an indication of the presence of spare receptors. receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Leukotriene D4 receptors are not negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in guinea-pig lung parenchyma.

1. The possibility that receptors for the peptide-containing leukotrienes may be negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in guinea-pig lung parenchyma was investigated by comparing the effect of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) on the intracellular cyclic nucleotide (cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP) content and on the activity of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). In addition, the potential association between changes in the cyclic nucleotide content and the ability of LTD4 to increase lung parenchymal tone was also evaluated. 2. Non-cumulative challenge of parenchymal lung strips with LTD4 elicited concentration-dependent contractions (pD2 = 8.23) that were paralleled by concentration-related increases in the intracellular level of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, and in the activation state of PKA (Kact = 33 nM). Temporally, these biochemical effects of LTD4 were transient, peaking after approximately 5 min drug contact thereafter decaying, despite the continued generation of tone. Both the biochemical and mechanical effects of LTD4 were antagonized by the LTD4-receptor blocking drug, ICI 198,615 (1 microM for 60 min), indicating that they were receptor-mediated events. 3. Challenge of guinea-pig lung with LTD4 (200 nM; EC100 for tension generation) stimulated a 150 and 70 fold increase in the elaboration of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) respectively, relative to that generated spontaneously.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The expression of functionally-coupled B2-bradykinin receptors in human corneal epithelial cells and their pharmacological characterization with agonists and antagonists

1. Bradykinin (BK) and Lys-BK are peptides which are released at high nanomolar concentrations into the tear-film of ocular allergic patients. We hypothesized that these peptides may activate specific receptors on the ocular surface, especially the corneal epithelium (CE) and thus the CE cells may represent a potential target tissue for these kinins.
2. The purpose of the present studies, therefore, was to determine the presence of and the pharmacological characteristics of bradykinin receptors on normal cultured primary and SV40 virus-transformed human corneal epithelial (CEPI) cells by use of the accumulation of [³H]-inositol phosphates ([³H]-IPs) as a bioassay.
3. Bradykinin (BK) induced a maximal 1.95±0.24 fold (n=17) and 2.51±0.29 fold (n=26) stimulation of [³H]-IPs accumulation in normal, primary (P-CEPI) and SV40-immortalized (CEPI-17-CL4) cells, respectively. This contrasted with a maximal 3.2–4.5 fold and 2.0–2.9 fold stimulation by histamine (100 μM) and platelet activating factor (100 nM) in both cell-types, respectively.
4. The molar potencies of BK and some of its analogues in the CEPI-17-CL4 cells were as follows: BK (EC₅₀=3.26±0.61 nM, n=18), Lys-BK (EC₅₀=0.95±0.16 nM, n=5), Met-Lys-BK (EC₅₀=2.3± 0.42 nM, n=5), Ile-Ser-BK (EC₅₀=5.19±1.23 nM, n=6), Ala³-Lys-BK (EC₅₀=12.7±2.08 nM, n=3), Tyr⁸-BK (EC₅₀=19.3±0.77 nM, n=3), Tyr⁵-BK (EC₅₀=467±53 nM, n=4) and des-Arg⁹-BK (EC₅₀=14.1±2.7 μM, n=4). The potencies of BK-related peptides in normal, P-CEPI cells were similar to those found in transformed cells, thus: BK, EC₅₀=2.02±0.69 nM (n=7), Tyr⁸-BK, EC₅₀=14.6±2.7 nM (n=3), Tyr⁵=BK, EC₅₀=310±70 nM (n=4) and des-Arg⁹-BK, EC₅₀=12.3± 3.8 μM (n=3).
5. The bradykinin-induced responses were competitively antagonized by the B₂-receptor selective BK antagonists, Hoe-140 (D-Arg-[Hyp³,Thi⁵,D-Tic⁷, Oic⁸]BK; Icatibant; molar antagonist potency=2.9 nM; pA₂=8.54±0.06, n=4; and slope=1.04±0.08) and D-Arg⁰[Hyp³,Thi^5,8, DPhe⁷]-BK (K_B=371 nM; pK_B=6.43±0.08, n=4) in CEPI-17-CL4 cells. The antagonist potency of Hoe-140 against BK in normal, P-CEPI cells was 8.4±1.8 nM (pK_i=8.11±0.12, n=4), this being similar to the potency observed in the immortalized cells.
6. This rank order of potency of agonist BK-related peptides, coupled with the antagonism of the BK-induced [³H]-IPs by the specific B₂-receptor antagonists, strongly suggests that a B₂-receptor subtype is involved in mediating functional phosphoinositide (PI) responses in the CEPI-17-CL4 and P-CEPI cells.
7. In conclusion, these data indicate that the P-CEPI and CEPI-17-CL4 cells express BK receptors of the B₂-subtype coupled to the PI turnover signal transduction pathway. The CEPI-17-CL4 cells represent a good in vitro model of the human corneal epithelium in which to study further the role of BK receptors in its physiology and pathology, such as in allergic/inflammatory conditions, potential wound healing and other functions of the cornea.

     

Gi alpha 1 selectively couples somatostatin receptors to adenylyl cyclase in pituitary-derived AtT-20 cells.

Somatostatin (SRIF) receptors are coupled to the catalytic subunit of adenylyl cyclase via pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). To identify which G proteins link SRIF receptors to adenylyl cyclase, G(o) alpha, Gi alpha, and its different subtypes were individually blocked in AtT-20 cell membranes with G alpha subtype-selective antisera. Antiserum directed against the carboxyl-terminal region of Gi alpha blocked SRIF inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, and this effect was prevented by the peptide to which the antiserum was generated. However, antiserum directed against the carboxyl-terminal region of G(o) alpha did not affect SRIF inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity, indicating that Gi alpha couples SRIF receptors to adenylyl cyclase but G(o) alpha does not. Peptide-directed antisera against Gi alpha 1 completely blocked SRIF inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. In contrast, antisera directed against either Gi alpha 2 or Gi alpha 3 did not affect the actions of SRIF. The results of these studies indicate that Gi alpha 1 selectively couples SRIF receptors to the catalytic subunit of adenylyl cyclase in AtT-20 cell membranes. Because previous studies have shown that SRIF receptors are able to couple to Gi alpha 1, Gi alpha 3, and G(o) alpha, the results suggest that different G proteins may specify the coupling of SRIF receptors to distinct cellular effector systems.     

Proposed antagonists at GABAB receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase in cerebellar granule cell cultures of rat.

The effects of various proposed GABAB receptor antagonists on baclofen-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase were studied in cultured cerebellar granule cells from rat. (+/-)-Baclofen maximally inhibited adenylyl cyclase by approximately 60% of the basal enzyme activity with an EC50 value of 10 microM. 3-Aminopropane sulfonic acid (3-APS) and 5-aminovaleric acid (5-AVA) produced similar responses to that seen with (+/-)-baclofen. Saclofen reversed the action of (+/-)-baclofen, 50 microM, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of about 1.0 mM. The most effective antagonist in blocking the action of (+/-)-baclofen was 3-aminopropyl-diethoxy-methyl-phosphonic acid (CGP 35,348). In the presence of (+/-)-baclofen, 50 microM, the IC50 for CGP 35,348 was 290 microM and its inhibitory constant (KA) was 180 microM. The agonist-like actions of 3-APS and 5-AVA were antagonized by CGP 35,348 suggesting that 3-APS and 5-AVA may act as weak agonists at the GABAB receptor that inhibits adenylyl cyclase. All antagonists tested, except the new compound CGP 35,348, have very low potencies at GABAB receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase, though these compounds have been quite effective at other GABAB receptor-mediated events. Thus, the GABAB receptor which inhibits adenylyl cyclase differs pharmacologically from other reported GABAB receptor/effector systems and supports the existence of multiple receptor subtypes.     

Pharmacological characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine4(5-HT4) receptors positively coupled to adenylate cyclase in adult guinea pig hippocampal membranes: effect of substituted benzamide derivatives

Adult guinea pig hippocampal membranes contain two 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors positively coupled with an adenylate cyclase. One is a typical 5-HT1A receptor and the second is a nonclassical 5-HT receptor that we previously proposed to call 5-HT4. Here, we show that 4-amino-5-chlor-2-methoxy-benzamide derivatives are agonists of 5-HT4 receptors in guinea pig hippocampal membranes. Their effects on the adenylate cyclase of these membranes are not additive with those of 5-HT but are additive with those of RU 24969, a typical 5-HT1 agonist. The effects of benzamides, as well as those of 5-HT, on 5-HT4 receptors are not blocked by 5-HT1, 5-HT2, or 5-HT3 antagonists except ICS 205 903, which does so with a low affinity (1 microM). The potency of benzamides (cisapride greater than BRL 24924 greater than zacopride greater than BRL 20627 greater than metoclopramide) is similar to their effect of 5-HT4 receptors positively coupled with an adenylate cyclase of fetal mouse colliculi neurons.     

Activation of adenylyl cyclase by endogenous G(s)-coupled receptors in human embryonic kidney 293 cells is attenuated by 5-HT(7) receptor expression

Human 5-hydroxytryptamine(7) (5-HT(7)) receptors display characteristics shared with receptors believed to form a tight physical coupling with G protein in the absence of ligand. Some receptors apparently preassociated with G(i/o) and G(q/11) are reported to inhibit the signaling of other similarly coupled G protein-coupled receptors by limiting their access to activate a common G protein pool. Therefore, we determined whether 5-HT(7) receptor expression was sufficient to limit signaling of endogenously expressed G(s)-coupled receptors in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Using the ecdysone-inducible expression system, which allows for the titration of increasing receptor density in the same clonal cell line, we compared the effects of 5-HT(4(b)) and 5-HT(7(a,b,d)) receptor expression on adenylyl cyclase (AC) stimulation by the endogenous G(s)-coupled beta-adrenergic (betaAR) and prostanoid EP (EPR) receptors. betaAR- and EPR-stimulated AC activity was attenuated by 5-HT(7) receptor expression in both membrane preparations and intact HEK293 cells. betaAR- and EPR-stimulated AC activity was unaffected by expression of the G(s)-coupled 5-HT(4) receptor. The mechanism of this heterologous desensitization seems independent of protein kinase A activation, nor does it occur at the level of G protein activation because 1) betaAR- and EPR-stimulated AC activity was not restored to control values when Galpha(s) was overexpressed; and 2) beta(1)AR and beta(2)AR activation of Galpha(s) was unaffected by the expression of 5-HT(7) receptors. In addition, overexpression of AC isoforms was unable to rescue betaAR- and EPR-stimulated AC activity. Therefore, 5-HT(7) receptors probably limit access and/or impede activation of AC by betaAR and EP receptors. Although the 5-HT(7) receptor may preassociate with G protein and/or AC, the mechanism of this heterologous desensitization remains elusive.     

The gastrointestinal prokinetic benzamide derivatives are agonists at the non-classical 5-HT receptor (5-HT4) positively coupled to adenylate cyclase in neurons

Summary We have previously shown that a non-classical 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT₄) receptor mediates the stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity in mouse embryo colliculi neurons in primary culture. The pharmacological characteristics of this receptor exclude the possibility that it belongs to the known 5-HT₁, 5-HT₂ or 5-HT₃ receptor types. Here we report that this 5-HT receptor can be stimulated by 4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxy substituted benzamide derivatives. All these compounds have been reported to be potent stimulants of gastrointestinal motility and some of them are 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists. The rank order of potency of these substituted benzamide derivatives in stimulating cAMP formation was: cisapride > BRL 24924 > 5-HT > zacopride > BRL 20627 > metoclopramide. The non-additivity of benzamide and 5-HT activities suggests that 5-HT and the substituted benzamide derivatives act on the same receptor. Only ICS 205930, a recognized 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist, competitively antagonized the stimulatory effect of cisapride, zacopride and BRL 24924. However, its pK _i (6–6.3) for this new receptor was very different from its pK _i for 5-HT₃ receptors (pK _i = 8 –10). Other selective 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists with an indole group (BRL 43694 and GR 38032F), with a benzoate group (cocaïne, MDL 72222) or with a piperazine group (quipazine) were ineffective in reversing the stimulatory effect of benzamide derivatives. Exposure of neuronal cells to potent agonists at this receptor such as BRL 24924 rapidly reduces its capacity to stimulate cAMP production. For example, a preincubation of 10 min with BRL 24924 (100 mol/l) reduced by 42% the ability of 5-HT to stimulate cAMP production. Cross-desensitization occurs between the effects of 5-HT and benzamides. The unique pharmacology of these nonclassical 5-HT receptors that we propose to call 5-HT₄ is very close and even identical to the pharmacology of the high affinity 5-HT receptors involved in the indirect stimulation of smooth muscle in the guinea pig ileum. These receptors are different from the 5-HT₃ receptors also present in guinea pig ileum.Send offprint requests to A. Dumuis at the above address     

GH4ZD10 cells expressing rat 5-HT1A receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase are a model for the postsynaptic receptors in the rat hippocampus.

1. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) stimulated adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) production by cultured GH4ZD10 cells with an EC50 value of about 7 nM. The extracellularly recovered cyclic AMP predominated, and was reduced by co-incubation with 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), whereas dopamine (0.1-30 microM) did not reduce VIP-stimulated cyclic AMP production. 2. The responses to 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT were blocked by (-)-alprenolol and NAN 190. The antagonism by (-)-alprenolol was competitive in nature with a pA2 value of 7.0. 3. The responsiveness of the cells to 5-HT agonists was highly dependent upon the culturing conditions used. Thus, 8-OH-DPAT inhibition of VIP (30 nM)-stimulated cyclic AMP production decreased with increasing passage number of the cells. Reduction of the zinc concentration used to promote expression of the 5-HT1A receptor gene produced a greater sensitivity of the cells to 5-HT agonists. 4. Under such conditions, the following efficacies (5-HT = 100) were found: lisuride 106, (+)-lysergic-acid diethylamide 100, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine 98, RU 24949 98, 5-carboxamidotryptamine 97, (+/-)-8-OH-DPAT 90, (+)-8-OH-DPAT 87, 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazine 86, flesinoxan 79/88, (-)-8-OH-DPAT 62, buspirone 43/50, ipsapirone 46. Spiroxatrine and spiperone had a low intrinsic activity, but reduced the response to 5-HT. These efficacies are similar to those reported in the literature for post-synaptically localized 5-HT1A receptors in the rat hippocampus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Respiratory actions of tachykinins in the nucleus of the solitary tract: characterization of receptors using selective agonists and antagonists

1. The respiratory response to microinjection of tachykinins and analogues into the commissural nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) of urethane-anaesthetized rats was investigated in the presence and absence of selective tachykinin NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3) antagonists (RP 67580, SR 48968 and SR 142801, respectively). 2. All tachykinins, except for the selective NK(2) agonist, [Nle(10)]-NKA(4-10), increased tidal volume (VT). The rank potency order of naturally-occurring tachykinins was neurokinin A (NKA)> or =substance P (SP)>NKB, whereas the rank order for selective analogues was senktide> or = septide> [Sar(9),Met(O(2))(11)]-SP>[Nle(10)]-NKA(4-10). Septide (NK(1)-selective) and senktide (NK(3)-selective) were 22 fold more potent (pD(2) approximately 12) at stimulating VT than SP (pD(2) approximately 10.5). 3. Tachykinin agonists produced varying degrees of respiratory slowing, independent of changes in VT. At doses producing maximum stimulation of VT, agonists induced either a mild (<10 breaths min(-1) decrease; SP and septide), moderate (10 - 25 breaths min(-1) decrease; NKA, NKB and [Sar(9),Met(O(2)]-SP) or severe ( approximately 40 breaths min(-1) decrease; senktide) bradypnoea. [Nle(10)]-NKA(4-10) produced a dose-dependent bradypnoea without affecting VT. 4. RP 67580 significantly attenuated the VT response to SP (33 pmol) and NKA (10 pmol) but not NKB (100 pmol). In the presence of RP 67580, the mild bradypnoeic response to NKB was significantly enhanced whereas SP and NKA induced a bradyapnea which was not observed in the absence of RP 67580. SR 48968 had no effect on the VT response to SP or NKB, markedly enhanced the VT response to NKA and completely blocked the bradypnoeic response to [Nle(10)]-NKA(4-10). Only SR142801 attenuated the VT response to NKB. 5. The present data suggest that all three tachykinin receptors (NK(1), NK(2) and NK(3)) are present in the cNTS and are involved in the central control of respiration.     

Sensitization of adenylyl cyclase by P2 purinergic and M5 muscarinic receptor agonists in L cells

Many hormones have been shown to activate phospholipase C, which results in the hydrolysis of membrane polyphosphoinositides, such as phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Two second messengers are known to be produced by PIP2 hydrolysis, 1,2-diacylglycerol, an endogenous activator of a family of enzymes called protein kinase C (PKCs), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which raises free levels of intracellular Ca2+. Treatment of various cells with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a specific exogenous activator of PKCs, causes an enhancement or sensitization of adenylyl cyclase activities. This finding prompted us to examine the effects of direct hormonal activation of PIP2 hydrolysis on the sensitization of adenylyl cyclase. Liao et al. [J. Biol. Chem. 265:11273-11284 (1990)] have shown that P2 purinergic receptor agonists such as ATP and muscarinic receptor agonists such as carbachol stimulate PIP2 hydrolysis in L cells expressing the M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. We investigated the effects of these hormones on adenylyl cyclase and contrasted these effects with the sensitizing effects of PMA. We found that ATP pretreatment of two different types of L cells resulted in a rapid 50-150% sensitization of prostaglandin E1-, epinephrine-, and forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, with an EC50 of 3 microM ATP. This effect was qualitatively similar to that caused by 10 nM PMA. The enhancement of adenylyl cyclase activity was associated with an increase in the Vmax for hormonal stimulation and with a lack of significant effects of ATP on the EC50. The effect was completely eliminated when adenylyl cyclase was assayed in the presence of high free Mg2+ levels (10 mM). Down-regulation of PKCs with long term PMA treatment did not affect the ATP-induced sensitization of adenylyl cyclase, although the PMA-induced sensitization of adenylyl cyclase was eliminated. In contrast to the effects of ATP and PMA, treatment of the cells with carbachol alone had no effect on adenylyl cyclase; however, in combination with nanomolar concentrations of PMA, synergism of the sensitization of adenylyl cyclase was observed. These data indicate that the activation of P2 purinergic receptors by ATP, and possibly activation of M5 muscarinic receptors by carbachol, may be important in the signal transduction pathways leading to the increases in the responsiveness of hormone-stimulated adenylyl cyclase.     

Lack of apparent receptor reserve at postsynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase activity in rat hippocampal membranes.

Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of a large receptor reserve for agonists at somatodendritic 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) serotonin receptors in the raphe nuclei of the rat. 5-HT1A agonists with anxiolytic properties (e.g., buspirone, gepirone, and ipsapirone) display full intrinsic activity at these receptors but are partial agonists at postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, which suggests that the latter sites may be devoid of a receptor reserve. In the present studies, this was directly determined by examining the relationship between receptor occupancy and response at postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, in rat hippocampus, mediating the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, using the method of partial irreversible receptor inactivation. Rats were treated with vehicle or the irreversible antagonist N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), and 24 hr later hippocampi were removed for saturation analysis of [3H]8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) binding to 5-HT1A receptors or for adenylyl cyclase assays. EEDQ (1 and 6 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the maximal number of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites by 68.5 and 80%, respectively, without altering the Kd. Concentration-response curves were generated for inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity by 5-HT and the selective 5-HT1A agonist N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine (DP-5-CT). EEDQ treatment dose-dependently reduced the maximal inhibitory effect of 5-HT [percentage of inhibition: control, 23.6; EEDQ (1 mg/kg), 13.4; EEDQ (6 mg/kg), 8.9], without altering either the slope factor (1.01) or the EC50 (96.4 nM). Analogous results were obtained with DP-5-CT [percentage of maximal inhibition: control, 24.1; EEDQ (1 mg/kg), 15.2; EEDQ (6 mg/kg), 10.7), again without changes in slope factor (0.89) or EC50 (9.9 nM). Analysis of double-reciprocal plots of equieffective concentrations of agonist, followed by calculation of fractional receptor occupancy, revealed a linear relationship between receptor occupancy and response for both 5-HT and DP-5-CT (i.e., an absence of receptor reserve). The receptor specificity of the effect of EEDQ was demonstrated in two ways. First, it was shown that pretreatment of rats with the selective 5-HT1A partial agonist BMY 7378 (10 mg/kg) before EEDQ afforded substantial protection (about 75%) against loss of the inhibitory effect of DP-5-CT on forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. Second, EEDQ did not alter the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity induced by the adenosine A1 receptor agonist phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent antagonists and agonists for human oxytocin and vasopressin V(1)(a) receptors

The fluoresceinyl (Flu) group has been linked by an amide bond to the side chain amino group at position 8 of (a) two oxytocin (OT) antagonists, to give d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu),Tyr-NH(2)(9)]VT (Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu)OTA) (1) and desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[D- Tyr(2),Thr(4),Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (2), and (b) eight Lys(8) and Orn(8) analogues of potent OT agonists, to give d[Lys(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (3), d[Thr(4),Lys(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (4), [HO(1)][Lys(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (5), [HO(1)][Thr(4),Lys(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (6), d[Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (7), d[Thr(4),Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (8), [HO(1)][Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (9), and [HO(1)][Thr(4),Orn(8)(5/6C-Flu)]VT (10). The tetramethylrhodamyl (Rhm) group was attached to the precursor peptide of 9 to give [HO(1)][Orn(8)(5/6C-Rhm)]VT (11). All 11 fluorescent peptides were evaluated in human OT and vasopressin V(1a) (vasoconstrictor), V(1b) (pituitary), and V(2) (antidiuretic) receptor binding and functional assays. With K(d) = 6.24, 217, >10000, and >10000 nM for the OT, V(1a), V(1b), and V(2) receptors, peptide 1 is a potent and selective fluorescent OT antagonist and may be useful for specifically labeling OT receptors while peptide 2 exhibits low affinities for all the receptors. The fluorescent peptides 3-10 are all very potent agonists for the human OT receptor. They exhibit the following K(d) values (nM) for the human OT, V(1a), V(1b), and V(2) receptors, respectively: (3) 0.29, 57, 124, >10000; (4) 1.8, 25.5, 150, >10000; (5) 0.34, 13.7, 66, nd (not determined); (6) 0.32, 17.3, 53, >10000; (7) 0.25, 107, 393, >10000; (8) 0.40, 30, 282, >10000; (9) 0.18, 12.2, 126, nd; (10) 0.17, 11.8, 87, >1000; (11) 0.092, 7.36, nd, nd. Peptide 7 exhibits both a high affinity and a high selectivity for human OT receptors. Peptides 7 and 11 were utilized to study the internalization of the OT receptor-ligand complex. Preliminary studies indicate that this process is similar to that observed for the vasopressin V(1a) receptor and differs from that observed for vasopressin V(2) receptors. Some or all of the fluorescent OT antagonists and agonists reported here are very promising new fluorescent ligands for labeling cells which express the human OT receptor and are also useful tools to follow endocytosis of the receptor-ligand complex.     

A1 adenosine receptors expressed in CHO-cells couple to adenylyl cyclase and to phospholipase C

A₁ adenosine receptors are in general coupled to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, but have more recently been reported to be capable of also activating phospholipase C. The present study was done in order to investigate whether these different effects can be elicited by a single A₁ receptor, or whether A₁ receptor subtypes have to be invoked. The cDNA of a rat brain A₁ adenosine receptor was stably expressed in CHO-cells, resulting in clones with varying receptor densities; a clone expressing 1.9 pmol receptors/mg membrane protein was used for further characterization. The ligand binding properties of the expressed receptors were typical for the rat A₁ adenosine receptor. A₁ receptor agonists caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in the membranes, with maximal inhibition by 70%. A₁ receptor stimulation also caused concentration-dependent stimulation of inositol phosphate generation in these cells, with maximal effects of 300%. Both adenylyl cyclase inhibition and enhancement of inositol phosphate generation were essentially abolished after pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. These results indicate that a single A₁ adenosine receptor can couple to two effector pathways, and that both effectors are activated via pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins.Abbreviations CHA N⁶-cyclohexyladenosine - CPA N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine - DPCPX 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine - NECA 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine - R-PIA R-N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine - IP₁ inositol monophosphates - IP₂ inositol bisphosphates - IP₃ inositol trisphosphates - PCR polymerase chain reaction Correspondence to: M. J. Lohsc at the above address     

Pharmacological characterization of behavioural responses to SK&F 83959 in relation to 'D1-like' dopamine receptors not linked to adenylyl cyclase.

1. Behavioural responses to the new benzazepine derivative, SK&F 83959, a compound that both fails to stimulate adenylyl cyclase and inhibits the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase induced by dopamine, were characterized in detail. 2. In rat striatal membrane preparations, radioligand binding studies with [3H]-SCH 23390 and [3H]-spiperone indicated SK&F 83959 had a high affinity and >250 fold selectivity for D1 over D2 receptors. 3. Using a rapid time-sampling behavioural check list technique, SK&F 83959 (0.01-1.25 mg kg(-1)) induced grooming in the manner of all known D1 receptor agonists, together with some vacuous chewing, which declined at higher doses with the emergence of directed chewing and rearing as an adjunct to prominent sniffing; no stereotyped behavioural was evident. 4. Grooming to SK&F 83959 (0.05 mg kg(-1)) was blocked by the selective D1 receptor antagonists, SCH 23390 (0.01-1.0 mg kg(-1)) and BW 737C (0.04-5.0 mg kg(-1)) and was attenuated by the selective D2 receptor antagonist, YM 09151-2 (0.005-0.5 mg kg(-1)); vacuous chewing to SK&F 83959 was not influenced by either SCH 23390 or BW 737C and was enhanced by YM 09151-2. 5. The paradoxical induction of typical D1 receptor agonist-induced grooming by SK&F 83959, an agent satisfying criteria for a D1 receptor antagonist as classically defined, together with its blockade by typical D1 antagonists, strongly suggests mediation via a ''D1-like'' site that appears to respond similarly to agents independent of whether they exert agonist or antagonist actions at the classical adenylyl cyclase-coupled D1 receptor. This direct functional evidence for a ''D1-like'' site that is not linked to adenylyl cyclase readily complements neurochemical data suggesting the existence of a cyclase-independent ''D1-like'' receptor that may be coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis.     

Pharmacological characterization of human NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) receptors expressed in CHO cells by using NPY Y(1) receptor antagonists

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) belongs to an opioid-modulatory system including two precursors (pro-NPFF(A) and pro-NPFF(B)) and two G-protein coupled receptors (NPFF(1) and NPFF(2)). The pharmacological and functional profiles of human NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were compared by determining the affinity of several peptides derived from both NPFF precursors and by measuring their abilities to inhibit forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation. Each NPFF receptor recognizes peptides from both precursors with nanomolar affinities, however, with a slight preference of pro-NPFF(A) peptides for NPFF(2) receptors and of pro-NPFF(B) peptides for NPFF(1) receptors. BIBP3226 ((R)-N(2)-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)-methyl]-argininamide) and BIBO3304 ((R)-N(2)-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[4-(aminocarbonylaminomethyl)-benzyl]-argininamide trifluoroacetate), two selective neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y(1) receptor antagonists, display relative high affinities for NPFF receptors and exhibit antagonist properties towards hNPFF(1) receptors. The structural determinants responsible for binding of these molecules to NPFF receptors were investigated and led to the synthesis of hNPFF(1) receptor antagonists with affinities from 40 to 80 nM. Our results demonstrate differences in pharmacological characteristics between NPFF(1) and NPFF(2) receptors and the feasibility of subtype-selective antagonists.