Agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography: optimization for high sensitivity.

The receptor-stimulated accumulation of [35S]GTPgammaS provides a measure of functional coupling of G proteins with receptors. Sensitivity for autoradiographic visualization of [35S]GTPgammaS binding was improved two- to threefold in rat brain sections by optimizing assay conditions. Non-specific (NSB), basal and agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding were measured, using methadone, 5-carboxamidotryptamine and epinephrine for mu-opiate receptors, 5-HT(1A) receptors and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. Basal and NSB were low in glycylglycine buffer compared to Tris or HEPES buffers, and agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding was more easily observed. Further optimization using glycylglycine buffer found increased signal-to-noise ratio with inclusion of dithiothrietol, increased [35S]GTPgammaS incubation time (2-4 h) and guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP) preincubation (20-30 min), and use of [35S]GTPgammaS at 0.1 nM. Improved sensitivity was due to decreased NSB and basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding and agonist-stimulated binding were similarly affected for each receptor system. The assay conditions described should extend the use of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography to receptors, which produce low levels of [35S]GTPgammaS binding and to the measurement of changes in receptor-G protein coupling.     

Inactivation of 5-HT(1A) receptors in hippocampal and cortical homogenates

5-HT(1A) receptor function can be assessed in rat hippocampal and cortical membrane preparations as agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Membranes were preincubated in vitro with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). R(+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [R(+)-8-OH-DPAT]-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding and [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding assays were used to assess 5-HT(1A) receptor function and density, respectively. EEDQ decreased both R(+)-8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS and [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding in hippocampal and cortical membranes. The E(max) but not the EC(50) of R(+)-8-OH-DPAT to stimulate [35S]GTPgammaS binding was decreased by EEDQ in both preparations. Additionally, the IC(50) for EEDQ to reduce R(+)-8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS and [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding was the same for both brain regions in both assays. In contrast to EEDQ alone, agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding was not reduced in hippocampal membranes preincubated with EEDQ and the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinyl- cyclohexanecarboxamide maleate (WAY 100,635), suggesting that EEDQ acts directly on the receptor. Due to parallel reductions in receptor density and maximal functional response, it is concluded that there is little or no reserve for 5-HT(1A) receptor coupling to G(alpha) in these preparations. In addition, the sensitivity of hippocampal and cortical 5-HT(1A) receptors to inactivation by EEDQ in vitro is the same.     

Mitochondrial respiratory chain as a new target for anti-ischemic molecules

In human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell preparations, sigma(1) receptor agonists (+)-pentazocine and 1S,2R-(-)-cis-N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexylamine (BD737) competed for [3H]haloperidol binding with K(i) values of 67+/-10 and 14+/-10 nM, respectively. (+)-Pentazocine or BD737 up to 10 microM did not affect basal levels of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in these cells, but they significantly reduced muscarine-induced [Ca(2+)](i) changes in a dose-related manner. However, the reduction by (+)-pentazocine was not reversed by the sigma(1) receptor antagonist haloperidol. Further studies showed (+)-pentazocine, BD737 and haloperidol could compete for [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding in SH-SY5Y cells with K(i) values of 0.51+/-0.06, 0.32+/-0.07 and 4.4+/-2.3 microM, respectively. Thus, the inhibitory effects on muscarine-induced [Ca(2+)](i) changes by (+)-pentazocine and BD737 in SH-SY5Y cells were likely due to blockade of muscarinic receptors, not due to sigma(1) receptor activation by these ligands.     

Methadone-induced desensitization of the delta-opioid receptor is mediated by uncoupling of receptor from G protein.

Chronic exposure of neuroblastoma x glioma (NG108-15) hybrid cells and rat mu-receptor-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to 10 microM morphine resulted in a compensatory and antagonist-precipitated increase in cAMP accumulation. However, incubation of these cells with 10 microM methadone during chronic exposure to morphine substantially prevented the actions of morphine. Chronic methadone treatment caused a pronounced reduction in agonist-stimulated binding of [35S]GTPgammaS to G proteins, but it did not produce significant down-regulation of delta-opioid receptors, whereas chronic morphine treatment failed to induce either uncoupling of delta-opioid receptors from G proteins or down-regulation of delta-opioid receptors. In contrast to chronic treatment with morphine alone, treatment of cells with morphine and methadone simultaneously resulted in a significant decrease in agonist-stimulated binding of [35S]GTPgammaS to G proteins. The action of methadone-mediated uncoupling of the receptor from the G protein was blocked by the nonselective protein kinase inhibitor [1-(5-isoqinolinesulfony)-2-methylpiprazine](H7), but not by the specific protein kinase C inhibitor, chelerythrine. The data demonstrate that methadone desensitizes the delta-opioid receptor by uncoupling the receptor from the G protein. In this way, methadone antagonizes the morphine-mediated adaptive sensitization and overshoot of adenylate cyclase. The functional desensitization of opioid receptors by methadone may explain why methadone is effective in the treatment of morphine dependence.     

Characterisation of human recombinant somatostatin receptors. 2. Modulation of GTPγS binding

G protein activation by somatostatin (somatotropin release inhibiting factor, SRIF), cortistatin (CST) and analogues of these neuropeptides was investigated at human somatostatin receptor subtypes 1-5 (sst1-5) stably expressed in CCL39 Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells by measuring agonist-stimulated [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding. [35S]GTPgammaS binding was assessed in the presence of 100 mM NaCl and 1 microM GDP, although higher Emax and/or pEC50 values may have been obtained under other conditions, but at the expense of lower absolute stimulation or signal/noise ratio. SRIF14 stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding to 162, 220, 148 and 266% of control levels via sst2, sst3, sst4 and sst5 receptors, respectively. At sst1 receptors, SRIF14 produced only a limited stimulation (Emax 115%). Hence sst1 receptors were not subjected to further [35S]GTPgammaS binding experiments. [35S]GTPgammaS binding assays were then performed with sst2-5 receptors. Most of the peptide analogues stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in sst2-5 receptor-expressing cells. BIM 23056 behaved as an antagonist on SRIF14-induced [35S]GTPgammaS binding with an apparent pKBs of 6.33 and 5.84 at hsst3 and hsst5 receptors respectively, whereas neither agonism nor antagonism could be shown (at 1 microM) at sst2 or sst4 receptors. The effect at sst5 receptors was not surmountable and needs further investigations. The so-called "antagonist" SA, was devoid of antagonist activity at sst2 or sst3 receptors, whereas it was almost a full agonist at sst4 and sst5 receptor-mediated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. The [35S]GTPgammaS-binding profiles of hsst2-5 receptors were compared with their respective radioligand binding profiles. For sst4 and sst5 receptors, the rank order of affinity of all tested radioligands correlated highly significantly with [35S]GTPgammaS binding (r = 0.814-0.897). At sst3 receptors, [35S]GTPgammaS binding correlated somewhat less with binding profiles obtained with [125I][Tyr10]CST14 and [125I]CGP 23996 than with [125I]LTT-SRIF28 (r = 0.743, 0.757 and 0.882, respectively). At sst2 receptors, [35S]GTPgammaS binding correlated with [125I]LTT-SRIF28, [125I]CGP 23996 and [125I][Tyr3]octreotide binding profiles (r = 0.596-0.699), but not with [125I][Tyr10]CST14 binding. The present [35S]GTPgammaS binding data combined to previous radioligand binding results obtained in cells expressing human SRIF receptors, suggest that at any given receptor, agonists' rank orders of potency (not to mention absolute affinity values which vary profoundly) are not as strictly ordered as may be anticipated. We are investigating these aspects further by analysing additional signalling pathways.     

Pharmacology of quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding: discrepancy with receptor binding profile

Functional consequences of receptor stimulation by quinpirole, a dopamine D(2)-like receptor agonist, were assessed using agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in rat striatal membranes. Dopamine receptor antagonists inhibited quinpirole-stimulated [35SCH 23390 (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4, 5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine), consistent with a dopamine D(2)-like profile. In contrast, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors Ro 41-1049 (N-(2-aminoethyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-thiazolecarboxemide), and (+)- and (-)-deprenyl, which inhibit [3H]quinpirole binding, had no effect on agonist-independent or quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Clorgyline inhibited [35S]GTPgammaS binding by a non-dopamine D(2) receptor-mediated mechanism. These findings demonstrate a notable discrepancy between the pharmacological profile of [3H]quinpirole binding and quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding.     

Region-specific changes in 5-HT(1A) receptor-activated G-proteins in rat brain following chronic buspirone

5-Hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptors, which activate inhibitory G-proteins, are implicated in psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. Studies suggest that chronic 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist administration alters 5-HT(1A) receptor function, but the effect of chronic treatment on 5-HT(1A) receptor-activated G-proteins is unclear. In this study, agonist-stimulated [35S]guanylyl-5'-O-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding was examined following chronic administration of buspirone. Brains were processed for [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography using R(+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) for 5-HT(1A) receptors or baclofen for GABA(B) receptors. Net 8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding was decreased by 25-30% in the septum and dorsal raphe nucleus of buspirone-treated animals. No significant changes in 8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding were found in the prefrontal, entorhinal or cingulate cortices or hippocampus in buspirone-treated rats. GABA(B) receptor-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding was increased by 25% in the hippocampus, with no significant changes in any other region examined. These results demonstrate region-specific alterations in 5-HT(1A) and GABA(B) receptor-activated G-proteins following chronic buspirone treatment, which may contribute to the clinical effects of this drug.     

5-HT1A receptor-mediated G protein activation assessed by [35S]GTPgammaS binding in rat cerebral cortex

To date, 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor-mediated functional assays (adenylyl cyclase inhibition, high-affinity GTPase activity and [35S]guanosine-5'-O-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding) have been performed mainly in hippocampal membranes. In the current study, 5-HT-stimulated G protein activation assays were carried out in rat cerebral cortical membranes. High-affinity GTPase activity was stimulated by 5-HT, but not by 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). By contrast, 5-HT- and 8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding displayed sufficient dynamic range enough to warrant further pharmacological analysis. Under standard conditions, which were determined precisely in terms of the concentrations of GDP, MgCl2 and NaCl, the profile of 5-HT-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding investigated using a series of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists clearly indicated the involvement of the 5-HT1A receptor subtype. There appeared to be no evidence supporting the presence of regional heterogeneity in coupling efficiency between 5-HT1A and G proteins in the hippocampus or cortex. This method is a useful tool for investigating functional coupling between postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors and G proteins in cerebral cortical membranes.     

Modulation of (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding to guinea pig cerebellum by divalent cations.

The ability of cations to modulate the binding of the sigma 1 receptor-selective ligand (+)-[3H]pentazocine to guinea pig cerebellum was investigated. Di- and trivalent cations biphasically inhibited (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding, revealing multiple affinity states. The rank order of potency of these cations (based on the high affinity component of inhibition) was Zn2+ > Co2+ > La3+ = Ni2+ = Cd2+ = Mn2+ = Gd2+ > Ba2+ = Sr2+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+. The inhibition of 1,3-[3H]di(2-tolyl)guanidine binding to the sigma 2 receptor by these cations differed qualitatively and quantitatively from their effects on (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding. Although monovalent cations decreased the Kd for (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding, divalent cations split (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding into low and high affinity components. The Bmax of the high affinity component decreased with increasing divalent cation concentrations. Both mono- and divalent cations significantly reduced the rate of association of (+)-[3H]pentazocine with the sigma 1 receptor without altering the dissociation rate. (+)-[3H]Pentazocine binding was not altered by guanine nucleotides or by treatment with cholera or pertussis toxins. However, nonselective cation channel blockers (cinnarizine, hydroxyzine, prenylamine, amiodarone, and proadifen) potently inhibited (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding. These results indicate that physiologically relevant concentrations of divalent cations allosterically modulate (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding to the sigma 1 receptor, to reveal multiple affinity states. These sites do not represent sigma 1 to sigma 2 subtype interconversion or ternary complex formation with guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. However, the rank order of cation potency and the inhibition of binding by cation channel blockers is consistent with a potential role for sigma receptors as constituents of cation channels.     

Agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in brain modulation by endogenous adenosine

Coupling of receptors to G-proteins can be assessed by the ability of specific agonists to stimulate [35S]GTPgammaS binding in both brain membranes and sections in the presence of excess GDP. In some brain regions, however, high basal activity makes it difficult to detect agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. The present study suggests a modification of the assay to reduce basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding and thus increase the signal:noise ratio. Adenosine A1 receptors belong to the class of G-protein-coupled receptors that activate Gi/Go proteins in brain. In the present study, the A1 agonist R(-)N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in brain regions known to contain A1 receptors, including cerebellum, hippocampus and dentate gyrus, medial geniculate body, superior colliculus, certain thalamic nuclei, cerebral cortex, piriform cortex, caudate-putamen, and nucleus accumbens. Treatment of sections and membranes with adenosine deaminase (ADase), which is typically used in adenosine assays to eliminate endogenous adenosine, reduced basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding. In addition, for cannabinoid and mu-opioid agonists, the percent stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding was approximately doubled when ADase was included in the assay. These results suggest that endogenous adenosine contributes significantly to basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding in certain brain regions, and that this activity may be reduced by the addition of ADase, thus improving the signal:noise ratio of agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding.     

Characterization of receptor-mediated [35S]GTPgammaS binding to cortical membranes from postmortem human brain

The [35S]GTPgammaS binding assay represents a functional approach to assess the coupling between receptors and G-proteins. The optimal conditions for [35S]GTPgammaS binding to human brain homogenates were established in postmortem samples of prefrontal cortex. The influence of protein content, incubation time, GDP, Mg(2+), and NaCl concentrations on the [35S]GTPgammaS binding were assessed in the absence and presence of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 5-bromo-N-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6-quinoxalinamine). In conditions of 50 microM GDP and 100 mM NaCl, UK14304 increased the apparent affinity of the specific [35S]GTPgammaS binding without changing the apparent density. Concentration-response curves to agonists of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, mu-opioid, 5-HT(1A), cholinergic muscarinic, and GABA(B) receptors displayed, in the presence of NaCl, maximal stimulations between 24% and 61% with EC(50) values in the micromolar range. Selective antagonists shifted to the right the agonist-induced stimulation curves. The G(i)/G(o)-protein alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide decreased basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibited the stimulation induced by the different agonists. In cortical sections, [35S]GTPgammaS binding to gray matter was stimulated by the agonist UK14304. The present study demonstrates that functional studies of the receptor coupling to G(i)/G(o)-proteins can be performed in postmortem human brain samples.     

The 5HT(1A) receptor ligand, S15535, antagonises G-protein activation: a [35S]GTPgammaS and [3H]S15535 autoradiography study

4-(Benzodioxan-5-yl)1-(indan-2-yl)piperazine (S15535) is a highly selective ligand at 5-HT(1A) receptors. The present study compared its autoradiographic labelling of rat brain sections with its functional actions, visualised by guanylyl-5'-[gamma-thio]-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) autoradiography, which affords a measure of G-protein activation. [3H]S15535 binding was highest in hippocampus, frontal cortex, entorhinal cortex, lateral septum, interpeduncular nucleus and dorsal raphe, consistent with specific labelling of 5-HT(1A) receptors. In functional studies, S15535 (10 microM) did not markedly stimulate G-protein activation in any brain region, but abolished the activation induced by the selective 5-HT(1A) agonist, (+)-8-hydroxy-dipropyl-aminotetralin ((+)-8-OH-DPAT, 1 microM), in structures enriched in [3H]S15535 labelling. S15535 did not block 5-HT-stimulated activation in caudate nucleus or substantia nigra, regions where (+)-8-OH-DPAT was ineffective and [3H]S15535 binding was absent. Interestingly, S15535 attenuated (+)-8-OH-DPAT and 5-HT-stimulated G-protein activation in dorsal raphe, a region in which S15535 is known to exhibit agonist properties in vivo [Lejeune, F., Millan, M.J., 1998. Induction of burst firing in ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons by activation of serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptors: WAY100,635-reversible actions of the highly selective ligands, flesinoxan and S15535. Synapse 30, 172-180.].The present data show that (i) [3H]S15535 labels pre- and post-synaptic populations of 5-HT(1A) sites in rat brain sections, (ii) S15535 exhibits antagonist properties at post-synaptic 5-HT(1A) receptors in corticolimbic regions, and (iii) S15535 also attenuates agonist-stimulated G-protein activation at raphe-localised 5-HT(1A) receptors.     

Characterization of dopaminergic compounds at hD2short, hD4.2 and hD4.7 receptors in agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding assays

Dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists have been extensively characterized in radioligand binding assays; only a limited number of laboratories have characterized them using a functional assay at multiple receptor subtypes. Experiments were designed to assess four agonists and seven antagonists at three cloned human dopamine receptors using agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding assays in membranes to quantify the initial cellular event following ligand/receptor interaction. In this model there is constitutive G protein activity (agonist-independent [35S]GTPgammaS binding) and potentially constitutive dopamine receptor activity. Thus, discrimination between silent antagonists, partial agonists and inverse agonists is theoretically possible. It was anticipated that distinctions could be made regarding efficacy of the seven receptor antagonists to provide insight regarding the therapeutic use of antipsychotic drugs. In membranes prepared from CHO cells transfected to express high densities of human D2short, D4.2 or D4.7 receptors, the dopamine receptor agonists apomorphine, pergolide, quinelorane and quinpirole produced concentration-dependent increases in agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. At the hD2short receptor, pergolide and apomorphine were essentially equipotent and more potent than quinelorane and quinpirole; all four agonists displayed similar efficacy at this receptor. At the hD4.2 and the hD4.7 receptors apomorphine was the most potent and pergolide the least efficacious of the four drugs. The ability (both potency and efficacy) of clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, spiperone and ziprasidone to block apomorphine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding and alter basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding was also assessed. All of the antagonists inhibited apomorphine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding with potencies (Kb values) similar to and in rank order consistent with their affinities reported in the literature using radioligand binding assays. Additionally, none of the antagonists altered basal, agonist-independent [35S]GTPgammaS binding, thus they behaved as pure, silent antagonists at D2short, D4.2 and D4.7 receptors under our conditions. In summary, the data suggest that therapeutic distinctions between typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs cannot be made based on their function at D2short, D4.2 and D4.7 subtypes of dopamine receptors.     

Affinity of cholecystokinin receptor antagonists for the gastrin-binding protein

Agonist binding to G protein-coupled receptors induces the formation of a receptor-G protein complex and subsequent guanosine 5'-diphosphate/guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GDP/GTP) exchange. Some receptors, however, form receptor-G protein complexes and promote GDP/GTP exchange even when not occupied by agonists. Such receptors preferentially activate pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins (i.e., G(i)/G(o)), and the interactions of receptors and G proteins are affected by monovalent cations (most notably Na(+)), both in the occupied and unoccupied state. We investigated the effects of Na(+) on the intrinsic activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptor ligands, measured as maximal effect (E(MAX)), using guanosine 5'-0-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding to membranes prepared from human epithelioid carcinoma (HeLa) cells, expressing 500 fmol/mg protein of cloned human 5-HT(1A) receptor (HA7 cells). A decrease of the NaCl concentration decreased the maximal effect of serotonin, increased basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding, and increased the negative intrinsic activity of spiperone and N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexaneca rboxamide (WAY 100635). This ability of WAY 100635 to decrease basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding was antagonized by (s)-N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl)-2-phenylpropa namide ((s)-WAY 100135) (pA(2)=7.77). Further, WAY 100635 was able to antagonize carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT)-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding with a pA(2) of 9.9, in standard NaCl conditions, and of 9.7, in the absence of NaCl. Changes in membrane concentration did not affect the ability of WAY 100635 to decrease [35S]GTPgammaS binding. WAY 100635 did not affect basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes from untransfected HeLa cells. Pertussis toxin (200 ng/ml) prevented WAY 100635 and spiperone to decrease [35S]GTPgammaS binding, showing that their effects were mediated by G proteins of the G(i)/G(o) family. In conclusion, the constitutive and stimulated activity of human 5-HT(1A) receptors expressed in HA7 cells is sodium-dependent, which allowed to confirm the 5-HT(1A) inverse agonist properties of spiperone, and to show that WAY 100635 is an inverse agonist at 5-HT(1A) receptors that inhibits basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding to a lesser extent than spiperone. [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes from HA7 cells under low NaCl conditions appears to be especially suitable to evidence and pharmacologically analyze the inverse agonist properties of 5-HT(1A) receptor ligands.     

G protein activation by human dopamine D3 receptors in high-expressing Chinese hamster ovary cells: A guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)- triphosphate binding and antibody study

Despite extensive study, the G protein coupling of dopamine D3 receptors is poorly understood. In this study, we used guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]-GTPgammaS) binding to investigate the activation of G proteins coupled to human (h) D3 receptors stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Although the receptor expression level was high (15 pmol/mg), dopamine only stimulated G protein activation by 1.6-fold. This was despite the presence of marked receptor reserve for dopamine, as revealed by Furchgott analysis after irreversible hD3 receptor inactivation with the alkylating agent, EEDQ (N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline). Thus, half-maximal stimulation of [35S]-GTPgammaS binding required only 11.8% receptor occupation of hD3 sites. In contrast, although the hD2(short) receptor expression level in another CHO cell line was 11-fold lower, stimulation by dopamine was higher (2.5-fold). G protein activation was increased at hD3 and, less potently, at hD2 receptors by the preferential D3 agonists, PD 128,907 [(+)-(4aR,10bR)-3,4,4a, 10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H- [1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1, 4-oxazin-9-ol] and (+)-7-OH-DPAT (7-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin). Furthermore, the selective D3 antagonists, S 14297 ((+)-[7-(N, N-dipropylamino)-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydro-naphtho(2,3b)dihydro-2,3-furane]) and GR 218,231 (2(R, S)-(dipropylamino)-6-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphtalene), blocked dopamine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding more potently at hD3 than at hD2 sites. Antibodies against Galphai/alphao reduced dopamine-induced G protein activation at both CHO-hD3 and -hD2 membranes, whereas GalphaS antibodies had no effect at either site. In contrast, incubation with anti-Galphaq/alpha11 antibodies, which did not affect dopamine-induced G protein activation at hD2 receptors, attenuated hD3-induced G protein activation. These data suggest that hD3 receptors may couple to Galphaq/alpha11 and would be consistent with the observation that pertussis toxin pretreatment, which inactivates only Gi/o proteins, only submaximally (80%) blocked dopamine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in CHO-hD3 cells. Taken together, the present data indicate that 1) hD3 receptors functionally couple to G protein activation in CHO cells, 2) hD3 receptors activate G proteins less effectively than hD2 receptors, and 3) hD3 receptors may couple to different G protein subtypes than hD2 receptors, including nonpertussis sensitive Gq/11 proteins.     

Pindolol antagonises G-protein activation at both pre- and postsynaptic serotonin 5-HT1A receptors: a [35S]GTPγS autoradiography study

The arylalkylamine, pindolol, may potentiate the clinical actions of antidepressant agents. Although it is thought to act via blockade of 5-HT1A autoreceptors, its efficacy at these sites remains controversial. Herein, we evaluated the actions of pindolol at 5-HT1A autoreceptors and specific populations of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors employing [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography, a measure of receptor-mediated G-protein activation. Both 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM) and 5-HT (10 microM) elicited a pronounced increase in [35S]GTPyS binding in the dorsal raphe nucleus, which contains serotonergic cell bodies bearing 5-HT1A autoreceptors. Pindolol abolished their actions. In the dentate gyrus, lateral septum and entorhinal cortex, structures enriched in postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, 8-OH-DPAT (1 microM) and 5-HT (10 microM) also elicited a marked increase in [35S]GTPgammaS binding which was likewise blocked by pindolol. The antagonism of 5-HT-induced [35S]GTPgammaS labelling in the dentate gyrus was shown to be concentration-dependent, yielding a pIC50 of 5.82. Pindolol did not, itself, affect [35S]GTPgammaS binding in any brain region examined. In conclusion, these data suggest that, as characterised by [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography, and compared with 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT, pindolol possesses low efficacy at both pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors.     

Native rat hippocampal 5-HT1A receptors show constitutive activity

Previous studies have shown that human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A receptors stably expressed in transfected cell lines show constitutive G-protein activity, as revealed by the inhibitory effect of inverse agonists, such as spiperone, on basal guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding. In the present study, we evaluated the constitutive activity of native rat 5-HT1A receptors in hippocampal membranes. Using anti-Galphao-antibody capture coupled to scintillation proximity assay under low sodium (30 mM) conditions, we observed high basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding to Galphao subunits (defined as 100%). Under these conditions, 5-HT and the prototypic selective 5-HT1A agonist (+)8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin [(+)-8-OH-DPAT] both stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding to Galphao to a similar extent, raising binding to approximately 130% of basal with pEC50 values of 7.91 and 7.87, respectively. The 5-HT1A-selective neutral antagonist [O-methyl-3H]-N-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl)-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY100,635) could block these effects in a competitive manner with pKb values (5-HT, 9.57; (+)-8-OH-DPAT, 9.52) that are consistent with its pKi value at r5-HT1A receptors (9.33). In this native receptor system, spiperone and methiothepin reduced basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding to Galphao in a concentration-dependent manner to 90% of basal with pIC50 values of 7.37 and 7.98, respectively. The inhibition of basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding induced by maximally effective concentrations of spiperone (10 microM) or methiothepin (1 microM) was antagonized by WAY100,635 in a concentration-dependent manner (pKb, 9.52 and 8.87, respectively), thus indicating that this inverse agonism was mediated by 5-HT1A receptors. These data provide the first demonstration that native rat serotonin 5-HT1A receptors can exhibit constitutive activity in vitro.     

Inhibitory effects of SR141716A on G-protein activation in rat brain

N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride (SR141716A), a cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist, has inverse agonist effects in cannabinoid CB(1) receptor-expressing cell lines, brain and peripheral organs. These studies characterized SR141716A-inhibited G-protein activity by measuring [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Maximal inhibition of basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding in cerebellar membranes was 50%. The EC(50) value for inhibition of [35S]GTPgammaS binding was 4.4 microM, whereas the K(e) for inhibition of R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-naphthalenyl)methanone mesylate (WIN 55,212-2)-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding was 0.6 nM. [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography was used to examine the regional specificity of SR141716A inhibition. SR141716A inhibited basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding in all regions examined, with inhibition ranging from approximately 20% in caudate-putamen to 40% in hippocampus. These studies demonstrate that SR141716A is a competitive antagonist at nanomolar concentrations, whereas it inhibits basal receptor-mediated G-protein activity at micromolar concentrations. These data suggest that the apparent inverse agonist effect is either not cannabinoid CB(1) receptor-specific or that SR141716A is binding to different sites on the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor to produce inverse agonist versus competitive antagonist effects.     

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase associated with membranes modulates mu-opioid receptor-mediated [35S]GTPgammaS binding and agonist binding to mu-opioid receptor.

The role of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDKP), which converts GDP to GTP, in the coupling of mu-opioid receptors to G protein was investigated in membranes of Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the cloned rat mu-opioid receptor (rmor). Endogenous NDPK activity in membranes was determined to be 0.60+/-0.02 micromol/mg protein/30 min UDP (at 10 mM), a competitive substrate of NDPK for GDP with no effect on guanine nucleotide binding to G proteins, reduced basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding and unmasked morphine-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding to pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, indicating that [35S]GTPgammaS binding to NDPK accounts for part of its high basal binding. UDP increased the extent of morphine-induced increase in [35S]GTPgammaS binding in the presence of GDP, most likely by reducing basal binding and inhibiting conversion of GDP to GTP. ATP greatly reduced morphine-induced increase in [35S]GTPgammaS binding, whereas AMP-PCP (adenylyl-(beta,gamma-methylene)-diphosphoate tetralithium salt), which cannot serve as the phosphate donor for NDPK, did not, demonstrating that effects of ATP is mediated by the NDPK product GTP. In addition, GDP and ATP increased the Kd and lowered the Bmax of the agonist [3H]DAMGO ([D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5ol]-Enkephalin) for the mu-opioid receptor and GDP alone increased Kd, most likely through their conversion to GTP by NDPK. Addition of exogenous NDPK enhanced the inhibitory effects of GDP and combined GDP and ATP on [3H]DAMGO binding. Thus, NDPK appears to play a role in modulating signal transduction of and agonist binding to mu-opioid receptors.     

Ionic zinc may function as an endogenous ligand for the haloperidol-sensitive sigma 2 receptor in rat brain.

In the search for an endogenous sigma transmitter, whose existence was previously suggested by release studies, we tested the effects of releasable substances known to be present in the hippocampus, and we determined that ionic zinc may function as an endogenous ligand for the haloperidol-sensitive sigma 2 site. Zn2+ displaced 1,3-di(2-[5-3H]tolyl)guanidine ([3H]DTG) from two binding sites in rat brain membranes, with an IC50 for the high affinity site of 110 +/- 3 microM and for the low affinity site of 20 +/- 4 mM. The sigma 1-selective ligand (+)-[3H]pentazocine was only weakly displaced from rat brain membranes by Zn2+ (IC50 = 1.4 +/- 0.05 mM). These results indicate that the Zn(2+)-sensitive sigma binding site corresponds to the sigma 2 site. The interaction between Zn2+ and the sigma 2 site may have physiological significance, because ionic zinc is present in synaptic vesicles in the brain and may function to regulate binding at the sigma 2 site. To test this hypothesis, we measured the effects of metallothionein peptide 1, a specific zinc chelator, on the actions of the putative endogenous sigma ligand(s) released in the hippocampus by focal electrical stimulation. Release of the endogenous sigma ligand(s) was measured by competition with specific radioligand binding in live hippocampal slices. High frequency, focal, electrical stimulation of the zinc-containing mossy fibers in the hilar region of the hippocampus caused a decrease in the specific binding of [3H]DTG, (+)-[3H]3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine, or (+)-[3H]pentazocine to sigma sites. The decrease in [3H]DTG binding was largely blocked by metallothionein peptide 1, whereas the decrease in (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding was unaffected. These results suggest that Zn2+ may act as an endogenous ligand at sigma 2 sites in the rat hippocampus.