Regulation of brain capillary endothelial cells by P2Y receptors coupled to Ca2+, phospholipase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase

1. The blood-brain barrier is formed by capillary endothelial cells and is regulated by cell-surface receptors, such as the G protein-coupled P2Y receptors for nucleotides. Here we investigated some of the characteristics of control of brain endothelial cells by these receptors, characterizing the phospholipase C and Ca²⁺ response and investigating the possible involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK).
2. Using an unpassaged primary culture of rat brain capillary endothelial cells we showed that ATP, UTP and 2-methylthio ATP (2MeSATP) give similar and substantial increases in cytosolic Ca²⁺, with a rapid rise to peak followed by a slower decline towards basal or to a sustained plateau. Removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ had little effect on the peak Ca²⁺-response, but resulted in a more rapid decline to basal. There was no response to α,β-MethylATP (α,βMeATP) in these unpassaged cells, but a response to this P2X agonist was seen after a single passage.
3. ATP (log EC₅₀ −5.1±0.2) also caused an increase in the total [³H]-inositol (poly)phosphates ([³H]-InsP_x) in the presence of lithium with a rank order of agonist potency of ATP=UTP=UDP>ADP, with 2MeSATP and α,βMeATP giving no detectable response.
4. Stimulating the cells with ATP or UTP gave a rapid rise in the level of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P₃), with a peak at 10 s followed by a decline to a sustained plateau phase. 2MeSATP gave no detectable increase in the level of Ins(1,4,5)P₃.
5. None of the nucleotides tested affected basal cyclic AMP, while ATP and ATPγS, but not 2MeSATP, stimulated cyclic AMP levels in the presence of 5 μM forskolin.
6. Both UTP and ATP stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of p42 and p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), while 2MeSATP gave a smaller increase in this index of MAPK activation. By use of a peptide kinase assay, UTP gave a substantial increase in MAPK activity with a concentration-dependency consistent with activation at P2Y₂ receptors. 2MeSATP gave a much smaller response with a lower potency than UTP.
7. These results are consistent with brain endothelial regulation by P2Y₂ receptors coupled to phospholipase C, Ca²⁺ and MAPK; and by P2Y₁-like (2MeSATP-sensitive) receptors which are linked to Ca²⁺ mobilization by a mechanism apparently independent of agonist stimulated Ins (1,4,5)P₃ levels. A further response to ATP, acting at an undefined receptor, caused an increase in cyclic AMP levels in the presence of forskolin. The differential MAPK coupling of these receptors suggests that they exert fundamentally distinct influences over brain endothelial function.

     

Regulation of phosphoinositide turnover in neonatal rat cerebral cortex by group I- and II- selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists

1. The interactive effects of different metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor subtypes to regulate phosphoinositide turnover have been studied in neonatal rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus by use of agonists and antagonists selective between group I and II mGlu receptors.
2. The group II-selective agonist 2R,4R-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (2R,4R-APDC; 100 μM) had no effect on basal total inositol phosphate ([³H]-InsP_x) accumulation (in the presence of Li⁺) in myo-[³H]-inositol pre-labelled slices, but enhanced the maximal [³H]-InsP_x response to the group I-selective agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) by about 100% in both hippocampus and cerebral cortex. In cerebral cortex the enhancing effect of 2R,4R-APDC occurred with respect to the maximal responsiveness and had no effect on EC₅₀ values for DHPG (-log EC₅₀ (M): control, 5.56±0.05; +2R,4R-APDC, 5.51±0.08). 2R,4R-APDC also caused a significant enhancement of the DHPG-stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P₃) mass response over an initial 0–300 s time-course.
3. The enhancing effects of 2R,4R-APDC on DHPG-stimulated [³H]-InsP_x accumulation were observed in both the presence and nominal absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, and irrespective of whether 2R,4R-APDC was added before, simultaneous with, or subsequent to DHPG. Furthermore, increasing the tissue cyclic AMP concentration up to 100 fold had no effect on DHPG-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P₃ accumulation in the absence or presence of 2R,4R-APDC.
4. 2R,4R-APDC and (2S, 1′R, 2′R, 3′R)-2-(2,3-dicarboxylcyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV), the latter agent in the presence of MK-801 to prevent activation of NMDA-receptors, each inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation by about 50%, with respective EC₅₀ values of 1.3 and 0.04 μM (-log EC ₅₀ (M): 2R,4R-APDC, 5.87±0.09; DCG-IV, 7.38±0.05). In the presence of DHPG (30 μM), 2R,4R-APDC and DCG-IV also concentration-dependently increased [³H]-InsP_x accumulation with respective EC₅₀ values of 4.7 and 0.28 μM (-log EC₅₀ (M): 2R,4R-APDC, 5.33±0.04; DCG-IV, 6.55±0.09) which were 3–7 fold rightward-shifted relative to the adenylyl cyclase inhibitory responses.
5. The group II-selective mGlu receptor antagonist {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY307452","term_id":"1257780057","term_text":"LY307452"}}LY307452 (30 μM) caused parallel rightward shifts in the concentration-effect curves for inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase, and enhancement of DHPG-stimulated [³H]-InsP_x accumulation, by 2R,4R-APDC yielding similar equilibrium dissociation constants (K_ds, 3.7±1.1 and 4.1±0.4 μM respectively) for each response.
6. The ability of 2R,4R-APDC to enhance receptor-mediated [³H]-InsP_x accumulation appeared to be agonist-specific; thus although DHPG (100 μM) and the muscarinic cholinoceptor agonist carbachol (10 μM) stimulated similar [³H]-InsP_x accumulations, only the response to the former agonist was enhanced by co-activation of group II mGlu receptors.
7. These data demonstrate that second messenger-generating phosphoinositide responses stimulated by group I mGlu receptors are positively modulated by co-activation of group II mGlu receptors in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The data presented here are discussed with respect to the possible mechanisms which might mediate the modulatory activity, and the physiological and pathophysiological significance of such crosstalk between mGlu receptors.

     

P2Y receptors and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Background and purpose:

P2Y nucleotide receptors are involved in the regulation of vascular tone, smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and inflammatory responses. The present study investigated whether they are involved in atherosclerosis.

Experimental approach:

mRNA of P2Y receptors was quantified (RT-PCR) in atherosclerotic and plaque-free aorta segments of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE^–/–) mice. Macrophage activation was assessed in J774 macrophages, and effects of non-selective purinoceptor antagonists on atherosclerosis were evaluated in cholesterol-fed apoE^–/– mice.

Key results:

P2Y₆ receptor mRNA was consistently elevated in segments with atherosclerosis, whereas P2Y₂ receptor expression remained unchanged. Expression of P2Y₁ or P2Y₄ receptor mRNA was low or undetectable, and not influenced by atherosclerosis. P2Y₆ mRNA expression was higher in cultured J774 macrophages than in cultured aortic SMCs. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of plaques demonstrated P2Y₆-positive macrophages, but few SMCs, suggesting that macrophage recruitment accounted for the increase in P2Y₆ receptor mRNA during atherosclerosis. In contrast to ATP, the P2Y₆-selective agonist UDP increased mRNA expression and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin-6 in J774 macrophages; this effect was blocked by suramin (100–300 µM) or pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′-4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 10–30 µM). Finally, 4-week treatment of cholesterol-fed apoE^–/– mice with suramin or PPADS (50 and 25 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ respectively) reduced plaque size, without changing plaque composition (relative SMC and macrophage content) or cell replication.

Conclusions and implications:

These results suggest involvement of nucleotide receptors, particularly P2Y₆ receptors, during atherosclerosis, and warrant further research with selective purinoceptor antagonists or P2Y₆ receptor-deficient mice.     

[3H]-SCH 58261 labelling of functional A2A adenosine receptors in human neutrophil membranes

1. The present study describes the direct labelling of A_2A adenosine receptors in human neutrophil membranes with the potent and selective antagonist radioligand, [³H]-5-amino-7-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4 triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine, ([³H]-SCH 58261). In addition, both receptor affinity and potency of a number of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists were determined in binding, adenylyl cyclase and superoxide anion production assays.
2. Saturation experiments revealed a single class of binding sites with K_d and B_max values of 1.34 nM and 75 fmol mg⁻¹ protein, respectively. Adenosine receptor ligands competed for the binding of 1 nM [³H]-SCH 58261 to human neutrophil membranes, with a rank order of potency consistent with that typically found for interactions with the A_2A adenosine receptors. In the adenylyl cyclase and in the superoxide anion production assays the same compounds exhibited a rank order of potency identical to that observed in binding experiments.
3. Thermodynamic data indicated that [³H]-SCH 58261 binding to human neutrophils is entropy and enthalpy-driven. This finding is in agreement with the thermodynamic behaviour of antagonists binding to rat striatal A_2A adenosine receptors.
4. It was concluded that in human neutrophil membranes, [³H]-SCH 58261 directly labels binding sites with pharmacological properties similar to those of A_2A adenosine receptors of other tissues. The receptors labelled by [³H]-SCH 58261 mediated the effects of adenosine and adenosine receptor agonists to stimulate cyclic AMP accumulation and inhibition of superoxide anion production in human neutrophils.

     

P2Y1-receptors in human platelets which are pharmacologically distinct from P2YADP-receptors

1. In the present study we have classified the receptor(s) mediating increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in human washed platelets and compared the pharmacological profile obtained with that observed in Jurkat cells, stably transfected with a bovine P2Y₁-receptor.
2. The P2Y₁-receptor antagonist, adenosine-3′-phosphate-5′-phosphate (A3P5P), competitively antagonized agonist responses in both Jurkat cells, and in platelets with similar affinities (pK_B of 5.8 and 6.0, respectively).
3. The selective P2Y_ADP antagonist, AR-{"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"C66096","term_id":"2424801","term_text":"C66096"}}C66096, exhibited partial agonism in the Jurkat cells with an affinity (pK_A) of 4.9. This value is consistent with its known P2Y₁-receptor activity. In platelets, AR-{"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"C66096","term_id":"2424801","term_text":"C66096"}}C66096 at a concentration (0.1 μM) approximately 100 fold greater than its known P2Y_ADP receptor affinity, had no effect on ADP-induced increases in [Ca²⁺]_i.
4. The ability of adenine nucleotide analogues to elevate [Ca²⁺]_i in the Jurkat cells was also determined. The rank order of agonist potency (p[A]₅₀) was: 2-MeSADP (8.3)>2-ClATP (7.8)>ADP (7.5)=2-MeSATP (7.4)>ATPγS (6.5)>ATP (6.2), with ATP appearing to be a partial agonist.
5. The same rank order of potency was observed when similar experiments were performed in platelets. However, the absolute potencies of all the agonists and the intrinsic activities of both ATPγS and ATP were lower in platelets.
6. The operational model of agonism was used to test whether the agonist concentration-effect profiles obtained in these two cell types could be explained on the basis of differences in receptor reserve. The analysis indicated that the data obtained in platelets closely resembled that predicted for a low density or poorly coupled P2Y₁-receptor system.
7. The hypothesis that the observed partial agonist behaviour of ATP was the result of receptor activation by contaminating ADP with concomitant receptor blockade by ATP, was tested in the platelet system. This hypothesis was supported by a theoretical analysis, which yielded an affinity value for ATP similar to that obtained previously at P2Y₁-receptors.
8. In summary, the results of this study indicate that human washed platelets contain P2Y₁-receptors which mediate increases in [Ca²⁺]_i and that this receptor population is pharmacologically distinct from P2Y_ADP-receptors.

     

Effects of antagonists at the human recombinant P2X7 receptor

1. We have used whole-cell patch clamping methods to examine the properties of the recombinant human P2X₇ (P2Z) receptor stably expressed in HEK-293 cells.
2. In an extracellular solution with lowered concentrations of divalent cations (zero Mg²⁺ and 0.5 mM Ca²⁺), both ATP and the nucleotide analogue, 2′- and 3′-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-adenosine 5′-triphosphate (Bz-ATP) evoked concentration-dependent whole-cell inward currents with maxima of 4658±671 and 5385±990 pA, respectively, at a holding potential of −90 mV. Current-voltage relationships determined using 100 μM Bz-ATP reversed at −2.7±3.1 mV, and did not display significant rectification.
3. Repeated applications of 300 μM Bz-ATP produced inward currents with similar rise-times (approx. 450 ms, 5–95% current development) but with progressively slower 95–5% decay times, with the eighth application of this agonist yielding a decay time of 197% of the first application.
4. Concentration-effect curves to ATP and Bz-ATP produced estimated EC₅₀ values of 780 and 52.4 μM, respectively. Consecutive concentration-effect curves to Bz-ATP produced curves with similar maxima and EC₅₀ values.
5. The non-selective P2 antagonists, pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-, 2′,4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS) and suramin, both produced concentration-dependent increases in maximal inward currents to Bz-ATP, with IC₅₀ concentrations of approximately 1 μM and 70 μM, respectively. The profile of antagonism produced by PPADS was not that of a competitive antagonist.
6. The isoquinolene derivatives 1-(N,O-bis[5-isoquinolinesulphonyl]-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl)-4-phenylpiperazine (KN-62) and calmidazolium both produced antagonism which was not competitive, with IC₅₀ concentrations of approximately 15 and 100 nM, respectively. HMA (5-(N,N-hexamethylene)- amiloride) was also an effective antagonist at a concentration of 10 μM. The group IIb metal, copper, also displayed antagonist properties at the human P2X₇ receptor, reducing the maximum response to Bz-ATP by about 50% at a concentration of 1 μM.
7. These data demonstrate that the human recombinant P2X₇ receptor displays functional behaviour which is similar to the recombinant rat P2X₇ receptor, but has a distinct pharmacological profile with respect to agonist and antagonist sensitivity.

     

Characterization of human recombinant somatostatin sst5 receptors mediating activation of phosphoinositide metabolism

1. We have functionally characterized the human recombinant somatostatin (SRIF) sst₅ receptor in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHOsst₅) cells by measuring total [³H]-inositol phosphate ([³H]-InsPx) accumulation, in the presence of 10 mM LiCl, in cells labelled with [³H]-myo-inositol.
2. In CHOsst₅ cells, SRIF, SRIF-28 and the cyclic hexapeptide, L-362,855, produced time- and concentration-related increases in [³H]-InsPx accumulation, with similar potency (pEC₅₀ values of 6.5, 6.8 and 7.2, respectively). L-362,855 behaved as a partial agonist, producing approximately 30% of the SRIF maximum response. The other peptide analogues of SRIF, BIM-23027 and BIM-23056, were inactive as agonists.
3. Increasing concentrations of L-362,855 increased [³H]-InsPx accumulation and simultaneously produced rightward shifts of SRIF concentration-effect curves, with an estimated pK_p value of 7.6, confirming that it was acting as a partial agonist.
4. BIM-23056, but not BIM-23027, potently antagonized SRIF-induced [³H]-InsPx accumulation, with an estimated pK_B value of 7.4. BIM-23056 did not antagonize [³H]-InsPx accumulation induced by uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP).
5. SRIF- but not UTP-induced [³H]-InsPx accumulation was inhibited by increasing concentrations of pertussis toxin (0.01–100 ng ml⁻¹), indicating the involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins.
6. These findings show that the human recombinant sst₅ receptor, when stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells, is able to mediate activation of phosphoinositide metabolism in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. In this system L-362,855 behaved as a partial agonist while BIM-23056 was a specific antagonist. These agents should provide useful tools for functionally characterizing endogenous SRIF receptors.

     

Characterization of the P2 receptors on the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line ECV304

1. To characterize the P2 receptors present on the human umbilical vein endothelial-derived cell line, ECV304, cytosolic Ca²⁺, ([Ca²⁺]_c), responses were recorded in single cells and in cell suspensions to a series of nucleotides and nucleotide agonists.
2. Concentration response curves were obtained in fura-2-loaded ECV304 cell suspensions, with EC₅₀ values of 4.2 μM for ATP, 2.5 μM for UTP and 14 μM for adenosine-5′-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (ATPγS). EC₅₀ values for 2-methylthioATP, ADP, adenosine-5′-O-(2-thio)diphosphate (ADPβS) and AMP were 0.5 μM, 3.5 μM, 15 μM and 4.7 μM respectively, but maximal [Ca²⁺]_c responses were less than those produced by a maximal addition of ATP/UTP. ECV304 cells were unresponsive to UDP and β,γ,methyleneATP.
3. Cross-desensitization studies on ECV304 cells suggested that ATP and UTP recognized the same receptor. However, ADP recognized a receptor distinct from the UTP-sensitive receptor and AMP recognized a third distinct receptor.
4. ECV304 [Ca²⁺]_c responses to 2-methylthioATP were inhibited in the presence of 30 μM pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS), whereas [Ca²⁺]_c responses to UTP were unaffected by this treatment.
5. ECV304 cells responded to the diadenosine polyphosphate Ap₃A with rises in [Ca²⁺]_c. Apparent responses to Ap₄A, Ap₅A and Ap₆A, were shown to be due to a minor nucleotide contaminant that could be removed by pre-treatment of the diadenosine samples with either alkaline phosphatase or apyrase.
6. ECV304 cells display a pharmacology consistent with the presence of at least two P2 receptors; a P2Y₂ receptor insensitive to the diadenosine polyphosphates and a P2Y₁ receptor sensitive to Ap₃A. In addition, ECV304 cells respond to AMP with increases in [Ca²⁺]_c via an as yet uncharacterized receptor.

     

Characterization of [3H]-(2S,2′R,3′R)-2-(2′,3′-dicarboxy- cyclopropyl)glycine ([3H]-DCG IV) binding to metabotropic mGlu2 receptor-transfected cell membranes

1. The binding of the new selective group II metabotropic glutamate receptor radioligand, [³H]-(2S,2′R,3′R)-2-(2′,3′-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine ([³H]-DCG IV), was characterized in rat mGlu₂ receptor-transfected CHO cell membranes.
2. [³H]-DCG IV binding was pH-dependent, but was not sensitive to temperature. Saturation analysis showed the presence of a single binding site, with a K_d value of 160 nM and a B_max value of 10 pmol mg⁻¹ protein. Binding was not sensitive to Na⁺-dependent glutamate uptake blockers or Cl⁻-dependent glutamate binding inhibitors. Furthermore, up to concentrations of 1 mM, the glutamate ionotropic receptor agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), (S)-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and kainate, did not affect [³H]-DCG IV binding.
3. Of the compounds observed to inhibit [³H]-DCG IV binding, the most potent were the recently described selective group II agonist, (+)-2-aminobicyclo-[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate (LY 354740; K_i value 16 nM) and antagonist, 2-amino-2-(2-carboxycyclopropan-1-yl)-3-(dibenzopyran-4-yl) propanoic acid (LY 341495; K_i value 19 nM). As expected, for a G-protein-coupled receptor, guanosine-5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) inhibited [³H]-DCG IV binding in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ value of 12 nM.
4. A highly significant correlation was observed between the potencies of compounds able to inhibit [³H]-DCG IV binding and potencies obtained for agonist activity in a GTPγ³⁵S binding functional assay. In addition, these studies identified a number of compounds with previously unknown activity at mGlu₂ receptors, including L(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3), L(+)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (L-AP5), 3-((RS)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (R-CPP), N-acetyl-L-aspartyl-L-glutamic acid (NAAG) and (RS)-α-methylserine-O-phosphate (MSOP).

     

Characterization of A2A adenosine receptors in human lymphocyte membranes by [3H]-SCH 58261 binding

1. The present study describes for the first time the characterization of the adenosine A_2A receptor in human lymphocyte membranes with the new potent and selective antagonist radioligand, [³H]-5-amino-7-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo [4,3-e]-1,2,4 triazolo [1,5-c] pyrimidine, ([³H]-SCH 58261). In addition, both receptor affinity and potency of reference adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists were determined in binding and adenylyl cyclase studies.
2. Saturation experiments revealed a single class of binding sites with K_d and B_max values of 0.85 nM and 35 fmol mg⁻¹ protein, respectively. A series of adenosine receptor ligands were found to compete for the binding of 0.8 nM [³H]-SCH 58261 to human lymphocyte membranes with a rank order of potency consistent with that typically found for interactions with the A_2A-adenosine receptor. In the adenylyl cyclase assay the same compounds exhibited a rank order of potency similar to that observed in binding experiments.
3. Thermodynamic data indicate that [³H]-SCH 58261 binding to human lymphocytes is entropy and enthalpy-driven, a finding in agreement with the thermodynamic behaviour of antagonists for rat striatal A_2A-adenosine receptors.
4. It is concluded that in human lymphocyte membranes [³H]-SCH 58261 directly labels binding sites showing the characteristic properties of the adenosine A_2A-receptor. The presence of A_2A-receptors in peripheral tissue such as human lymphocytes strongly suggests an important role for adenosine in modulating immune and inflammatory responses.

     

Irreversible binding of a carbostyril-based agonist and antagonist to the β-adrenoceptor in DDT1 MF-2 cells and rat aorta

1. The chemoreactive ligands 5(2-(((1′-(4′-isothiocyanatophenylamino)thiocarbonyl)-amino)-2-methyl-propyl)amino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril (DCITC) and 8-hydroxy-5(2-(((1′-(4′-isothiocya-natophenylamino)thiocarbonyl)amino)-2-methylprop-2-yl)amino-1-hydroxyethyl)-carbostyril (HCITC)were synthesized and shown to be potent irreversible antagonist and agonist ligands, respectively, for the β-adrenoceptor in DDT₁ MF-2 (DDT) cells and the rat isolated aorta.
2. In DDT cell membranes DCITC and HCITC inhibited (−)[¹²⁵I]-iodocyanopindolol (CYP) binding to the β-adrenoceptor with IC₅₀ values of 1.1 and 18 nM, respectively. (−)-Isoprenaline inhibited [¹²⁵I]-CYP binding with an IC₅₀ of 355 nM. Pretreatment of membranes with either chemoreactive ligand produced a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in the β-adrenoceptor content, indicating irreversible receptor binding. DCITC at concentrations up to 10 μM did not stimulate cyclic AMP accumulation in DDT cells nor did it amplify forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation.
3. In the rat isolated aorta, DCITC (0.1 μM) did not affect either the phenylephrine-mediated tissue contraction or the acetylcholine-mediated relaxation. DCITC attenuated the maximal (−)-isoprenaline-mediated relaxation of a phenylephrine contracted aorta in a concentration-dependent manner and shifted the dose-response curves for (−)-isoprenaline to the right. The DCITC-induced decrease in maximal response was not reversed by extensive tissue washing. By use of the operational model of agonism, the calculated dissociation constant for (−)-isoprenaline ws 286 nM and the estimated receptor reserve for this agonist was 23% at the maximal response.
4. HCITC and (−)-isoprenaline stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in DDT cells with pD₂ values (negative logarithm to base 10 of EC₅₀) of 7.95 and 7.97, respectively, and both mediated the same maximal stimulation. In the rat isolated aorta, HCITC produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the tissue with a pD₂ value of 6.62, whereas the pD₂ for (−)-isoprenaline was 7.03. However, HCITC produced a greater maximal relaxation of the tissue than (−)-isoprenaline. The HCITC-mediated stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation and relaxation of the isolated tissue were blocked when the β-antagonist propranolol was added concurrently. In contrast, once the HCITC-mediated responses were established, the addition of propranolol did not result in any attenuation indicating that HCITC is an irreversible β-agonist.

     

A1 and A2 adenosine receptor modulation of contractility in the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig

1. The effects of adenosine receptor agonists upon phenylephrine-stimulated contractility and [³H]-cyclic adenosine monophosphate ([³H]-cyclic AMP) accumulation in the cauda epididymis of the guinea-pig were investigated. The α₁-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine elicited concentration dependent contractile responses from preparations of epididymis. In the absence or presence of the L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker, nifedipine (10 μM) the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist, 5′-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA, 1 μM) shifted phenylephrine concentration-response curves to the left (4 and 5 fold respectively). Following the incubation of preparations with pertussis toxin (200 ng ml⁻¹ 24 h) NECA shifted phenylephrine concentration-response curves to the right (5.7±0.9 fold).
2. In the presence of phenylephrine (1 μM), NECA and the A₁ adenosine receptor selective agonists, N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and (2S)-N⁶-[2-endo-norbornyl]adenosine ((S)-ENBA) elicited concentration-responses dependent contractions from preparations of epididymis (pEC₅₀ values 8.18±0.19, 7.79±0.29 and 8.15±0.43 respectively). The A₃ adenosine receptor agonists N⁶-iodobenzyl-5′-N-methyl-carboxamido adenosine (IBMECA) and N⁶-2-(4-aminophenyl) ethyladenosine (APNEA) mimicked this effect (but only at concentrations greater than 10 μM). In the presence of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 30 nM) CPA concentration-response curves were shifted, in parallel to the right (apparent pK_B 8.75±0.88) and the maximal response to NECA was reduced.
3. In the presence of DPCPX (100 nM) the adenosine agonist NECA and the A_2A adenosine receptor selective agonist, CGS 21680 (2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine), but not CPA, inhibited phenylephrine (20 μM) stimulated contractions (pIC₅₀ 7.15±0.48). This effect of NECA was blocked by xanthine amine congener (XAC, 1 μM) and the A_2A adenosine receptor-selective antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385; 30 nM).
4. (S)-ENBA (in the absence and presence of ZM 241385, 100 nM), but not NECA or CPA inhibited the forskolin (30 μM)-stimulated accumulation of [³H]-cyclic AMP in preparations of the epididymis of the guinea-pig (by 17±6% of control). In the presence of DPCPX (100 nM) NECA and CGS 21680, but not (S)-ENBA, increased the accumulation of [³H]-cyclic AMP in preparations of epididymis (pEC₅₀ values 5.35±0.35 and 6.42±0.40 respectively), the NECA-induced elevation of [³H]-cyclic AMP was antagonised by XAC (apparent pK_B 6.88±0.88) and also by the A_2A adenosine receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (apparent pK_B 8.60± 0.76).
5. These studies are consistent with the action of stable adenosine analogues at post-junctional A₁ and A₂ adenosine receptors in the epididymis of the guinea-pig. A₁ Adenosine receptors potentiate α₁-adrenoceptor contractility, an effect blocked by pertussis toxin, but which may not be dependent upon an inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. The epididymis of the guinea-pig also contains A₂ adenosine receptors, possibly of the A_2A subtype, which both inhibit contractility and also stimulate adenylyl cyclase.

     

Preferential expression of the neuropeptide Y Y1 over the Y2 receptor subtype in cultured hippocampal neurones and cloning of the rat Y2 receptor

1. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY receptors are most abundant in the hippocampal formation where they modulate cognitive functions. Expression of NPY receptors in rat cultured primary hippocampal cells was investigated in the present study by use of combined molecular, pharmacological and immunohistochemical approaches, including the cloning of the rat Y₂ receptor described here for the first time.
2. More than 70% of the hippocampal neurones were endowed with [¹²⁵I]-[Leu³¹,Pro³⁴]PYY Y₁-like receptor silver grain accumulations and Y₁ receptor immunostaining. These radio- and immuno-labelling signals were distributed over cell bodies and processes of bipolar, stellate and pyramidal-like neuronal cells, as confirmed by neurone-specific enolase and MAP-2 staining.
3. Competition binding profiles revealed that specific [¹²⁵I]-[Leu³¹,Pro³⁴]PYY binding was competitively displaced according to a ligand selectivity pattern prototypical of the Y₁ receptor sub-type with [Leu³¹,Pro³⁴]substituted NPY/PYY analogues>>C-terminal fragments=pancreatic polypeptides, with the non-peptide antagonist BIBP3226 being most potent. This profile excludes the possible labelling by [¹²⁵I]-[Leu³¹,Pro³⁴]PYY of the newly cloned Y₄, Y₅ and Y₆ receptors.
4. The expression of the genuine Y₁ receptor was confirmed by RT–PCR in hippocampal cultures. In contrast, negligible levels of Y₂-like/[¹²⁵I]-PYY_3–36 binding were detected in these cultures in spite of the presence of its mRNA, as characterized by RT–PCR. The expression of both the Y₁ and the Y₂ receptor mRNAs was also noted in normal embryonic hippocampal tissues showing that signals expressed in cultured neurones were also present in utero.
5. Taken together, these results suggest that the Y₁ receptor subtype may be of critical importance in the normal functioning of the rat hippocampus, especially during brain development and maturation.

     

Pharmacological properties of P2X3-receptors present in neurones of the rat dorsal root ganglia

1. The electrophysiological actions of several agonists which may differentiate between P2X₁- and P2X₃-receptors were studied under concentration and voltage-clamp conditions in dissociated neurones of 1–4 day old rat dorsal root ganglia.
2. β,γ-Methylene-D-ATP (β,γ-me-D-ATP) (1–300 μM), diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P¹,P⁵-pentaphosphate (AP5A) (100 nM–300 μM), diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P¹,P⁴-tetraphosphate (AP4A) (300 nM–300 μM) and uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) (1 μM–1 mM) all activated concentration-dependent inward currents with a latency to onset of a few ms.
3. The concentration-response curves for β,γ-me-D-ATP and AP5A and ATP had similar maximum values, while that for AP4A had a lower maximum. The concentration-response curve to UTP was shallow and did not reach a maximum. β,γ-Methylene-L-ATP was virtually inactive. The rank order of agonist potency was ATP>AP5A≈amp;AP4A>β,γ-me-D-ATP>UTP>>β,γ-methylene-L-ATP.
4. The inward currents were inhibited by the P2-receptor antagonists suramin (100 μM) and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulphonic acid (PPADS) (10 μM). PPADS also inhibited responses to ATP (800 nM) and α,β-methylene ATP (2 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner.
5. This study shows that β,γ-me-D-ATP, AP5A, AP4A and UTP all act via a suramin- and PPADS-sensitive P2X-receptor to evoke rapid, transient inward currents in dissociated neurones of rat dorsal root ganglia. The very low activity of β,γ-methylene-L-ATP suggests that the agonists were acting at the P2X₃-subtype to produce these effects.

     

Recombinant saphenous vein 5-HT1B receptors of the rabbit: comparative pharmacology with human 5-HT1B receptors

1. The rabbit recombinant saphenous vein 5-hydroxytryptamine_1B (rb 5-HT_1B) receptor stably transfected in rat C6-glial cells was characterized by measuring adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) formation upon exposure to various 5-HT receptor ligands. The effects of agonists and antagonists were compared with their effects determined previously at the human cloned 5-HT_1B (h 5-HT_1B) receptor under similar experimental conditions.
2. Intact C6-glial cells expressing rb 5-HT_1B receptors exhibited [³H]-5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) binding sites with a K_d of 0.80±0.13 nM and a B_max between 225 to 570 fmol mg⁻¹ protein. The binding affinities of a series of 5-HT receptor ligands determined in a membrane preparation with [³H]-5-CT or [³H]-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)phenyl]-3-methyl-4-(4-pyridyl)benzamide (GR 125,743) were similar. With the exception of ketanserin, ligand affinities were comparable to those determined at the cloned h 5-HT_1B receptor site.
3. rb 5-HT_1B receptors were negatively coupled to cyclic AMP formation upon stimulation with 5-HT agonists. Of the several 5-HT agonists tested, 5-CT was the most potent, the potency rank order being: 5-CT>5-HT>zolmitriptan>naratriptan>rizatriptan>sumatriptan>R(+)-8-(hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The maximal responses of these agonists were similar to those induced by 5-HT. The potency of these agonists showed a positive correlation (r²=0.87; P<0.002) with their potency at the cloned h 5-HT_1B receptor subtype.
4. 2′-Methyl-4-(5-methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid [4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-phenyl]-amide (GR 127,935), methiothepin and ketanserin each behaved as silent, competitive antagonists at rb 5-HT_1B receptors; pK_B values were 8.41, 8.32 and 7.05, respectively when naratriptan was used as an agonist. These estimates accorded with their binding affinities and the potencies found on 5-HT and/or sumatriptan-mediated contraction of isolated rabbit saphenous vein segments.
5. In conclusion, the recombinant saphenous vein 5-HT_1B receptor of the rabbit shares important pharmacological similarities with the cloned h 5-HT_1B receptor. However, ketanserin is a more potent antagonist of rb 5-HT_1B receptors.

     

Prostanoid receptors of the EP3 subtype mediate inhibition of evoked [3H]acetylcholine release from isolated human bronchi

1. The release of neuronal [³H]acetylcholine (ACh) from isolated human bronchi after labelling with [³H]choline was measured to investigate the effects of prostanoids.
2. A first period of electrical field stimulation (S₁) caused a [³H]ACh release of 320±70 and 200±40 Becquerel (Bq) g⁻¹ in epithelium-denuded and epithelium-containing bronchi respectively (P>0.05). Subsequent periods of electrical stimulation (S_n, n=2, 3, and 4) released less [³H]ACh, i.e. decreasing S_n/S₁ values were obtained (0.76±0.09, 0.68±0.07 and 0.40±0.04, respectively).
3. Cumulative concentrations (1–1000 nM) of EP-receptor agonists like prostaglandin E₂, nocloprost, and sulprostone (EP₁ and EP₃ selective) inhibited evoked [³H]ACh release in a concentration dependent manner with IC₅₀ values between 4–14 nM and maximal inhibition of about 70%.
4. The inhibition of evoked [³H]ACh release by prostaglandin E₂, nocloprost and sulprostone was not affected by the DP-, EP₁- and EP₂-receptor antagonist AH6809 at a concentration of 3 μM, i.e. a 3–30 times greater concentration than its affinity (pA₂ values) at the respective receptors.
5. Circaprost (IP-receptor agonist; 1–100 nM), iloprost (IP- and EP₁-receptor agonist; 10-1000 nM) and U-46619 (TP-receptor agonist; 100–1000 nM) did not significantly affect [³H]ACh release.
6. Blockade of cyclooxygenase by 3 μM indomethacin did not significantly modulate evoked [³H]ACh release in epithelium-containing and epithelium-denuded bronchi. Likewise, the combined cyclo- and lipoxygenase inhibitor BW-755C (20 μM) did not affect evoked [³H]ACh release.
7. In conclusion, applied prostanoids appear to inhibit [³H]ACh release in epithelium-denuded human bronchi under the present in vitro conditions, most likely via prejunctional prostanoid receptors of the EP₃ subtype.

     

Inhibition by ATP of calcium oscillations in rat cultured hippocampal neurones

1. The effect of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) on glutamatergic synaptic transmission in hippocampus was examined by an indicator of intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations. These oscillations were postsynaptic responses by glutamate released from presynaptic sites. ATP completely inhibited the oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner.
2. The ATP-induced inhibition was mediated via P2-purinoceptors since ATP exhibited the inhibitory action even in the presence of P1-purinoceptor antagonists. Also non-hydrolysable ATP analogues and uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) inhibited the oscillation.
3. The rank order of agonist potency of ATP analogues for inhibition of the Ca²⁺ oscillation was as follows: 2-methyl-thio-adenosine 5′-triphosphate⩾ATP>adenosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)>UTP>α,β-methylene-adenosine 5′-triphosphate. These inhibitory effects were insensitive to suramin. Judging from this rank order of potency, the inhibitory P2-purinoceptor could be assigned to a subclass of GTP-binding protein coupled-type receptors.
4. The site of action of ATP was thought to be presynaptic since ATP did not affect the postsynaptic Ca²⁺ responses by glutamate. These results suggest the existence of a presynaptic inhibitory P2-receptor that inhibits glutamate release in the hippocampus.

     

D2 dopamine receptors and modulation of spontaneous acetylcholine (ACh) release from rat striatal synaptosomes

1. The effect of two D_3/2 dopamine receptor agonists, LY-171555 (quinpirole) and 7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) on spontaneous [³H]-acetylcholine ([³H]-ACh) release were investigated in rat striatal synaptosomes.
2. Quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the basal efflux of [³H]-ACh with similar E_max (maximal inhibitory effect) values (29.95±2.91% and 33.19±1.21%, respectively). Significant differences were obtained between the pEC₅₀ (−log of molar concentration) of quinpirole (7.87±0.12) and 7-OH-DPAT (7.21±0.17; P<0.01).
3. Different concentrations (0.3–10 nM) of haloperidol (D_2/3 dopamine receptor antagonist) shifted to the right the concentration-response curves elicited by quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT, without modifications in the E_max.
4. Slopes of a Schild plot obtained with haloperidol in the presence of quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT were not signficantly different from unity (0.85±0.05 and 1.17±0.11, respectively) and consequently haloperidol interacted with a homogeneous receptor population. The pK_B values of haloperidol obtained from Schild regression were 9.96±0.15 (in presence of quinpirole) and 9.90±0.09 (in presence of 7-OH-DPAT).
5. Specific binding of [³H]-YM-09151-2 to membranes of striatal synaptosomes and cells expressing D₂ and D₃ dopamine receptors was inhibited by haloperidol. Analysis of competition curves revealed the existence of a single population of receptors. There were no differences between the estimated pK_i (−log of molar concentration) values for synaptosomes (8.96±0.02) and cells expressing D₂ receptors (8.81±0.05), but the pK_i value from cells expressing D₃ dopamine receptors differed significantly (8.48±0.06; P<0.01).
6. In conclusion, the data obtained in the present study indicate that quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT, two D_3/2 dopamine receptor agonists, inhibit the spontaneous [³H]-ACh efflux and this effect is competitively antagonized by haloperidol and probably mediated through dopamine D₂ receptors.