Antagonism of ethanol effects on cerebellar Purkinje neurons by the benzodiazepine inverse agonists Ro 15-4513 and FG 7142: electrophysiological studies

Ro 15-4513, a benzodiazepine inverse agonist, has been reported to antagonize the ataxic effects of ethanol. The present study investigates the Ro 15-4513 sensitivity of rat cerebellar Purkinje neurons to the depressant effects of locally applied ethanol. Local applications of ethanol by pressure ejection from multibarrel micropipettes caused reversible and dose-dependent depressions of the neuronal firing rates of single cerebellar Purkinje neurons. The ethanol-induced depressions could be antagonized by local applications of Ro 15-4513 applied from another barrel of the same micropipette. This antagonism was not competitive, suggesting that Ro 15-4513 does not interfere directly with the initial step of the ethanol mechanism of action. A beta-carboline inverse agonist, FG 7142, was more efficacious than Ro 15-4513 for antagonizing the ethanol-induced depressions, but appeared to be less potent. Recovery of ethanol-induced depressions of Purkinje neurons firing rates after Ro 15-4513 antagonism was not usually observed for 1 hr or more after the antagonist application. In contrast to ethanol effects, qualitatively similar gamma-aminobutyric acid-induced depressions of these same neurons were not antagonized by the doses of Ro 15-4513 used. We conclude that the electrophysiological depressant effects of ethanol on cerebellar neuronal activity can be antagonized by the benzodiazepine inverse agonists, Ro 15-4513 and FG 7142.     

The benzodiazepine/alcohol antagonist Ro 15-4513: binding to a GABAA receptor subtype that is insensitive to diazepam.

The imidazobenzodiazepinone Ro 15-4513 has been shown previously to bind to central benzodiazepine receptors as well as to a second, uncharacterized class of sites that do not bind diazepam, differentiating them from the normal benzodiazepine-binding site on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A (GABAA) receptor. This study describes the characterization of these unique diazepam-insensitive (DZ-IS) sites. Ro 15-4513 binding to DZ-IS sites was abundant in cerebellum from cow, rat and human and detectable in cortex, hippocampus and striatum by autoradiography on rat brain sections. These sites represented approximately 20% of the total binding in bovine cerebellar membranes, but only 2 to 3% of the total in cortex. Ro 15-4513 binds with the same affinity (Kd approximately 4.5 nM) to both diazepam-sensitive and DZ-IS sites in the cerebellum. A number of compounds which bind to the classical benzodiazepine receptors also bind to the DZ-IS sites. These compounds include: the pyrazoloquinoline CGS 8216, the beta-carbolines methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate, ZK 95962, ZK 94326 and ZK 93126, as well as the classical benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, Ro 15-1788. Besides binding diazepam poorly, the DZ-IS sites demonstrate a very low affinity for other benzodiazepines. Ligands which bind to the various drug receptor sites on the GABA receptor complex do not directly modulate the binding of Ro 15-4513 to DZ-IS sites nor does ethanol. However, antagonism of Ro 15-4513 binding to the DZ-IS sites by methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate and by CGS 8216 is modulated by the presence of GABA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

In vitro characterization of benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists and agonist/antagonists

Using an extensively washed membrane preparation and standardized incubation conditions, the actions of benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor ligands were evaluated on [3H]flunitrazepam [+/- 10 microM gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)], [3H]muscimol (+/- 2.5 microM etazolate) and [35S]butyl bicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) binding. Classical BZ receptor agonists stimulated [35S]TBPS binding and [3H]muscimol binding in the presence of etazolate. These agents also possessed ratios for [3H]flunitrazepam binding in the absence and presence of GABA (GABA ratio) of 2 to 5. BZ antagonists and inverse agonists had GABA ratios less than 1 and did not alter, or reduced, both [35S]TBPS and [3H]muscimol (+etazolate) binding. The nonsedating BZ agonist/antagonist agents CGS 9896, CL 218872, PK 8165 and PK 9084 all possessed GABA ratios between 1.1 and 1.4 and only stimulated [35S]TBPS and [3H]muscimol (+etazolate) binding to approximately 50% of the level of classical BZ agonists. The BZ partial agonists CGS 9895 and RU 39419 both were unique in that they possessed GABA ratios of 1 or less, stimulated [35S]TBPS binding and had no effect on [3H]muscimol binding (+etazolate). Therefore, by monitoring the major components of the BZ receptor complex (BZ receptor, GABA receptor and chloride channel), we were able to distinguish between different BZ drugs and to support suggestions that these drugs act via unique BZ receptor populations which possess differential couplings to the GABA receptor and chloride channel.     

Electrophysiologic effects of ethanol in human brain xenografts in oculo: antagonism by Ro15-4513

Human cortex cerebri and cerebelli xenografts from first-trimester fetal tissue fragments were used to study the effects of ethanol on single human central neurons. Transplants were placed into the anterior eye chamber of athymic nude rats and allowed to develop for 3 to 11 months. Immunohistologic analysis revealed graft structures that stained positively for a number of neuronal, transmitter-related, glial and vascular markers. Superfusion of ethanol (EtOH) elicited a reversible and dose-dependent depression of action potential discharge. At least two populations of neurons could be identified--a more sensitive group with an EC50 of 3.0 mM and a less sensitive group with an EC50 of 22.4 mM. These EtOH levels are within the range eliciting behavioral signs of intoxication in humans. EtOH-induced depressions could be antagonized by administration of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist Ro 15-4513. This study represents the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of the electrophysiologic actions of EtOH on single neurons from human brain, and provides dose-response data collected with known concentrations of EtOH as well as evidence for the blockade of these EtOH effects by the Roche compound.     

Effects of a benzodiazepine antagonist, Ro 15-1788, on hippocampal field potentials in freely moving rats.

Effects of a benzodiazepine receptor agonist (diazepam) and an antagonist (Ro 15-1788, flumazenil) administered separately or in combination on field potentials recorded from the hippocampal dentate area were examined in unanesthetized, unrestrained rats. Population excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked by stimulation of the perforant path were depressed significantly by diazepam (4 mg/kg, i.p.). However, diazepam did not affect the firing (spike) threshold of dentate granule cells. The injection of Ro 15-1788 (4 mg/kg, i.p.) alone affected neither excitatory synaptic transmission nor population spike threshold. Strength of gamma-amino butyric acid-mediated recurrent inhibition as measured by the paired-pulse technique was potentiated by diazepam but unaffected by Ro 15-1788. However, the diazepam-enhanced inhibition was reversed by a subsequent administration of Ro 15-1788. Previous studies indicate that Ro 15-1788 acts not only as a selective benzodiazepine antagonist but also as a partial agonist-antagonist or an inverse agonist depending probably on doses. The present study demonstrated that Ro 15-1788 acted as a pure antagonist at low doses. These data suggest that the clinical use of Ro 15-1788 at high doses against comas induced by unidentified drugs could worsen the conditions and that low doses are recommendable for initial treatments because of its pure antagonist action.     

Attenuation of the discriminative stimulus properties of ethanol and oxazepam, but not of pentobarbital, by Ro 15-4513 in mice

The imidazobenzodiazepine Ro 15-4513 has a high affinity for central benzodiazepine binding sites and has been shown to antagonize certain effects of ethanol. The purpose of the present study was to determine if Ro 15-4513 would attenuate the discriminative stimulus properties of ethanol and the other central nervous system depressants pentobarbital and oxazepam. Different groups of mice were trained to discriminate 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg of ethanol, 20 mg/kg of pentobarbital or 10 mg/kg of oxazepam from saline injections in a two-lever operant task. Stimulus generalization tests were conducted with Ro 15-4513 alone (0.01-20 mg/kg) and in combination with the training drugs. The discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol and oxazepam, but not of pentobarbital, were blocked by Ro 15-4513. When given alone in each of the different drug-training groups, Ro 15-4513 did not produce drug-lever responding but decreased overall response rates in a dose-related fashion. Although the alcohols, barbiturates and benzodiazepines share discriminative stimulus properties under many conditions, the selective blockade of their stimulus effects provides further evidence that their actions may be mediated by different cellular mechanisms. These data also show that Ro 15-4513 may attenuate behavioral effects of ethanol relevant to its abuse.     

Effects of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in the rat

High concentrations of the "peripheral" benzodiazepine (pBZD) binding site ("receptor") have been described in the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the adrenal glands. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of ligands of this binding site on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). To accomplish this we administered graded doses of the pBZD receptor agonist 4-chloro-diazepam (Ro5-4864) i.v. to catheterized, freely moving adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Serial blood samples for plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone determinations were drawn from the catheter before and after the injection of the drug. Ro5-4864 significantly stimulated ACTH and corticosterone secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. To examine whether this effect could be antagonized by the pBZD binding site antagonist PK 11195, we treated rats with PK 11195 at doses 10- and 50-times higher than Ro5-4864 before administration of a maximally effective dose of Ro5-4864. Neither dose of PK 11195 antagonized Ro5-4864-induced plasma ACTH or corticosterone elevations. However, this agent, given alone, stimulated ACTH and corticosterone release. Similarly, carbamazepine (CBZ), which binds to the pBZD binding site with low affinity, stimulated weakly the HPA in vivo, reaching statistical significance only at the highest dose tested. To examine the site(s) of action of these compounds on the HPA, we evaluated their effects on hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and pituitary ACTH secretion in vitro. Ro5-4864 stimulated hypothalamic CRH, but not pituitary ACTH secretion. Neither PK 11195 nor CBZ had any agonist effect on hypothalamic CRH secretion in vitro, whereas both antagonized Ro5-4864-induced CRH secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Antagonism of ethanol and pentobarbital actions by benzodiazepine inverse agonists: neurochemical studies

The benzodiazepine inverse agonist Ro 15-4513 has been shown to antagonize several behavioral effects of ethanol and to block the effects of ethanol on chloride flux across brain membranes. We used isolated mouse brain membranes to test whether Ro 15-4513 would reduce the effects of ethanol on membrane fluidity, voltage-dependent calcium channels, microsomal calcium release or binding of t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate. None of these actions of ethanol were altered by Ro 15-4513. The enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-activated chloride flux produced by ethanol or pentobarbital was antagonized partially by Ro 15-4513. Another inverse agonist, FG 7142, was more effective than Ro 15-4513 as an antagonist of ethanol actions on chloride flux. These results demonstrate that the ethanol antagonist action of Ro 15-4513 is specific for GABA-activated chloride flux and does not extend to other neurochemical actions of ethanol. The inverse agonist action (i.e., inhibition of GABA-activated chloride flux tested in the absence of ethanol) of Ro 15-4513 and FG 7142 was revealed by pretreatment of mice in vivo with ethanol. This raises the possibility that ethanol exposure increases the inverse agonist actions of Ro 15-4513 and related drugs and that these inverse agonist actions contribute to the ethanol antagonism observed in vivo and in vitro.     

Effects of MAO-A and MAO-B selective inhibitors Ro 41-1049 and Ro 19-6327 on the deamination of newly formed dopamine in the rat kidney

The present study has examined the effects of two selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO) type A and B, respectively Ro 41-1049 and Ro 19-6327, on the deamination of newly synthesized dopamine (DA) in kidney slices incubated with exogenous L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa; 1-100 microM). Ro 41-1049 (50, 100 and 250 nM) was found to produce a concentration-dependent increase of newly formed DA (36-56% increase) and reduced 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic (DOPAC) formation (45-86% reduction). Ro 19-6327 (50, 100 and 250 nM) was found not to affect the accumulation of newly formed DA up to 50 microM L-dopa in the medium, but significantly reduced the formation of DOPAC. At the concentration of 100 microM L-dopa, Ro 19-6327 (100 and 250 nM) significantly increased (by 32 and 132%, respectively), the DA tissue levels in kidney slices. Ro 19-6327 (100 and 250 nM) was found to decrease (30-70% reduction) DOPAC formation; this effect was also observed when tissues were incubated with L-dopa at concentrations lower than 50 microM. It is concluded that both MAO-A and MAO-B are important in the metabolism of newly formed DA in kidney slices incubated with exogenous L-dopa. The results also suggest that there at least two compartments in which newly formed DA can be deaminated.     

Effects of cefetamet (Ro 15-8074) on Treponema pallidum and experimental syphilis.

Cefetamet pivoxil (Ro 15-8075) is a newly developed, expanded-spectrum cephalosporin that is orally active. In vitro, the active form, cefetamet (Ro 15-8074), at a concentration of 0.05 micrograms/ml killed and lysed Treponema pallidum. Rabbit serum did not diminish its effectiveness. The antibiotic rapidly entered the circulation following intramuscular injection into rabbits, attaining its highest levels of 24 to 37 micrograms/ml within 10 to 30 min. Animals were infected intradermally with T. pallidum and then treated with different doses of cefetamet. Accelerated healing was detected following treatment with 15 and 30 mg/kg of body weight. The antibiotic was also effective in killing organisms that had disseminated to distant tissues. In three separate sets of experiments, rabbits were infected with treponemes and then treated with cefetamet intramuscularly at 1, 15, or 30 mg/kg as follows: (i) after lesions had just become clinically apparent, (ii) after lesions were enlarged and well developed, or (iii) prior to the appearance of clinical lesions. Antibiotic effectiveness was determined by sacrificing the animals 1 week after antibiotic treatment and examining splenic tissue for residual, disseminated treponemes. Cefetamet was treponemicidal in all three situations. Maximum effects occurred when the antibiotic was injected before lesions had become clinically apparent (incubation period). These results suggest that cefetamet pivoxil might be useful for treating syphilitic infections.     

Behavioral studies with anxiolytic drugs. I. Interactions of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 with chlordiazepoxide, pentobarbital and ethanol

Lever pressing by squirrel monkeys was maintained under two behavioral procedures known to be sensitive to anxiolytic drugs. Under one procedure, responding maintained by food was suppressed by electric shock (punishment). Under a second procedure, responding was maintained under a multiple schedule in which the first response after 5 min produced either food or shock depending on the stimulus that was present throughout the interval (fixed-interval schedule). Under the punishment schedule, chlordiazepoxide (1.0-100 mg/kg), pentobarbital (1.0-17.0 mg/kg) and ethanol (0.5-2.5 g/kg) increased responding. The benzodiazepine antagonist, Ro 15-1788 (1.0-10.0 mg/kg), which was without behavioral activity when given alone, reversed the effects of chlordiazepoxide in a dose-dependent manner. Ro 15-1788 did not antagonize the effects of pentobarbital or ethanol but potentiated the rate-increasing effects of these compounds. Under the multiple fixed-interval food- or shock-presentation schedule, both chlordiazepoxide and pentobarbital increased responding maintained by food but only decreased responding maintained by shock. Ro 15-1788 antagonized the rate-increasing effects of chlordiazepoxide under the food schedule and reversed the rate-decreasing effects during the shock-presentation schedule; pentobarbital effects were not altered by Ro 15-1788. Certain dose-combinations of chlordiazepoxide and Ro 15-1788 produced large increases in responding maintained by shock, an effect not seen with either drug alone. These studies indicate that Ro 15-1788 antagonizes the behavioral effects of benzodiazepines selectively but not those of other sedative-hypnotic drugs. These results also suggest that Ro 15-1788 may exert certain actions of its own or may unmask other drug effects when given in combination with benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine compounds.     

Effects of putative thromboxane receptor agonists and antagonists on rat small intestinal ion transport

Effects of a thromboxane mimic, U46619, on electrolyte transport were examined in vitro using stripped segments of rat ileal mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers. Addition of U46619 to the serosal bathing solution elicited a transient increase in short-circuit current (Isc) and decrease in transepithelial conductance (Gt). The increase in Isc was accompanied by a transient increase in Cl- secretion and decrease in Na+ absorption. In the steady-state, Isc was not increased whereas Gt remained decreased and Na+ and Cl- absorption were inhibited. Removal of Cl- or pretreatment with serosal and mucosal indomethacin (1 microM) or the thromboxane receptor antagonist, SK&F 88046, added to the serosal bathing solution, inhibited the increase in Isc stimulated by U46619 (apparent KB approximately 8 nM). The effects of U46619 on both Isc and Gt are qualitatively similar to those resulting from stimulation with leukotriene D4. However, the changes in Isc with leukotriene D4 (10 microM) are antagonized by SK&F 88046 only at high concentrations (1-10 microM). In addition, the secretagogues prostaglandin F2 alpha, lys-bradykinin, serotonin and histamine, produce qualitatively similar changes in Isc to those seen with U46619 without altering Gt. With the exception of prostaglandin F2 alpha, the effects of these secretagogues are not inhibited by SK&F 88046 (10 microM). These results indicate that U46619 acts at a thromboxane receptor to stimulate intestinal Cl- secretion and inhibit Na+ and Cl- absorption. These changes are inhibited selectively by the thromboxane receptor antagonist, SK&F 88046.     

Discriminative-stimulus effects of midazolam in squirrel monkeys: comparison with other drugs and antagonism by Ro 15-1788

Squirrel monkeys were trained to respond on one of two levers depending on whether midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) or saline had been injected. After i.v. injections of midazolam 10 consecutive responses on one lever either produced food or terminated a stimulus associated with electric shock, whereas after i.v. injections of saline 10 consecutive responses on the other lever either produced food or terminated the stimulus. The discriminative-stimulus effects of drugs were determined by administering cumulative doses i.v. during timeout periods that preceded sequential components of the experimental session. The benzodiazepines midazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam, the cyclopyrrolone zopiclone and the triazolopyridazine CL 218,872 had qualitatively similar stimulus effects regardless of the type of consequence (food presentation or stimulus-shock termination) that maintained responding. Administration of each of these drugs resulted in greater than 90% of responses on the midazolam-associated lever at cumulative doses that did not severely suppress the overall rate of responding. The order of potency was: midazolam = diazepam greater than or equal to N-desmethyldiazepam greater than or equal to zopiclone greater than CL 218,872 greater than or equal to chlordiazepoxide. Administration of the 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists cyproheptadine and cinanserin also resulted in greater than 90% of responses on the midazolam-associated lever in about half the subjects, although these effects were observed only with cumulative doses that markedly reduced the overall rate of responding. Administration of pentobarbital, barbital, clozapine, muscimol, buspirone, diphenhydramine, tripelennamine, caffeine and Ro 15-1788 did not result in substantial responding on the midazolam-associated lever at doses up to those that reduced or eliminated responding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

In vitro activities of Ro 19-5247 and Ro 15-8074, new oral cephalosporins.

The in vitro activities of two new oral cephalosporins, Ro 19-5247 and Ro 15-8074, were compared with the in vitro activities of cefuroxime, cefaclor, amoxicillin-clavulanate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), and doxycycline against a variety of bacterial species. MIC50s (MICs required to inhibit 50% of strains) of Ro 19-5247 were less than or equal to 0.13 micrograms/ml for streptococci (except Streptococcus faecalis) and Haemophilus influenzae; 0.25 to 2 micrograms/ml for most strains of Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Branhamella catarrhalis, and gram-positive anaerobic bacteria; and 1 to 8 micrograms/ml for methicillin-susceptible staphylococci. MIC50s of Ro 15-8074 were similar to those of Ro 19-5247, except that gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes were less susceptible. Both Ro 19-5247 and Ro 15-8074 had greater in vitro activity against strains of Enterobacteriaceae than did comparative beta-lactams and doxycycline; TMP-SMZ had the broadest spectrum of activity against these organisms. None of the cephalosporins were active against methicillin-resistant staphylococci, S. faecalis, most nonfermenters, or Bacteroides sp. Inoculum size variations affected MICs in a species-dependent manner for beta-lactams and unpredictably for TMP-SMZ but had little effect for doxycycline. Bactericidal activity was consistent with beta-lactams, inconsistent with TMP-SMZ, and uncommon with doxycycline.     

Pharmacokinetics of cefetamet (Ro 15-8074) and cefetamet pivoxil (Ro 15-8075) after intravenous and oral doses in humans.

This report summarizes the results of three pharmacokinetic studies of cefetamet and cefetamet pivoxil conducted in normal adult male volunteers. In the first study the pharmacokinetics of cefetamet were evaluated after intravenous infusion of doses ranging from 133 to 2,650 mg. Over this dose range, the pharmacokinetics were linear. A dose-proportional increase in the area under the curve from zero to infinity was observed, whereas total clearance (140.3 +/- 23.6 ml/min), renal clearance (130.3 +/- 18.2 ml/min), volume of distribution at steady state (0.288 +/- 0.023 liter/kg), fraction excreted unchanged in the urine (94 +/- 11%), and elimination half-life (2.07 +/- 0.18 h) were independent of dose. In a second study the absolute bioavailability of single 1,500-mg doses of a tablet formulation of the pivaloyloxymethylester of cefetamet was evaluated under conditions of fasting and after a standard breakfast. Administration with food increased the extent of absorption (from 31 +/- 7 to 44 +/- 4%) while decreasing the rate of absorption (time to maximum concentration of drug in plasma increased from 3.0 +/- 0.6 to 4.8 +/- 0.4 h). The third study consisted of multiple oral administration of 1,000 mg of a similar oral tablet formulation twice daily for 10 days. This regimen was preceded and followed by intravenous administration of a 500-mg bolus dose of cefetamet. Oral doses were administered with breakfast and dinner. The absolute bioavailability of the tablet formulation was assessed after the first dose and after both the morning and the evening doses on day 10 of oral therapy. The compound was consistently absorbed to the extent of approximately 50% with no significant differences observed between the morning and evening doses on day 10.     

Pharmacokinetics of intravenous cefetamet (Ro 15-8074) and oral cefetamet pivoxil (Ro 15-8075) in young and elderly subjects.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of advanced age on the pharmacokinetics of cefetamet and its prodrug, cefetamet pivoxil. A secondary objective of this study was to assess the effect of food on the absorption of cefetamet pivoxil in the elderly. Twenty-four healthy subjects (twelve young and twelve elderly) received (in a Latin square design) a single-dose, 515-mg infusion of cefetamet, a single 1,000-mg oral dose of cefetamet pivoxil during fasted conditions, and a single 1,000-mg oral dose of cefetamet pivoxil 10 min after a standardized low-fat breakfast. Serial blood and urine samples were collected over a 36-h period and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Intravenous and oral pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained by using model-independent techniques. The systemic clearance and renal clearance of cefetamet were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in elderly subjects compared with in young controls after intravenous administration. No significant difference was observed in the apparent volumes of distribution at steady state between the two groups. Consequently, half-life and mean residence time were prolonged. A trend toward a lower renal clearance/creatinine clearance ratio was observed in our elderly population. Oral clearance of cefetamet was only slightly reduced in our elderly subjects, consistent with an increase in plasma half-life. Otherwise, oral pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable between elderly and young subjects. Additionally, the same effects of food were observed on the absorption characteristics of cefetamet (no change in maximum concentration of drug in plasma and an increase in both time to maximum concentration of drug in plasma and bioavailability) in our elderly subjects as in our young volunteers. Age did not appear to alter the deesterification and bioavailability of cefetamet pivoxil. We conclude that the small reduction in the elimination of cefetamet in the elderly would not require dose adjustment for this population.     

gamma-Aminobutyric acidA receptor heterogeneity in rat central nervous system: studies with clonazepam and other benzodiazepine ligands.

The properties of [3H]clonazepam, [3H]diazepam and [3H]zolpidem (N,N,6[trimethyl-2-(4-methyl-phenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetamide hemitratrate) binding to synaptic membranes of cerebellum, cortex, olfactory bulb, striatum and spinal cord of rat were compared to the binding properties of [3H]flunitrazepam, [3H]flumazenil and [3H]midazolam. In the cerebellar, cortical and olfactory bulb membranes, the density of high-affinity binding sites of all these tritiated benzodiazepine (BZ) ligands is almost identical. In contrast, in the striatum, the density of [3H]clonazepam and [3H]zolpidem binding sites is approximately 60 and 30%, respectively, of the density of [3H]diazepam, [3H]flunitrazepam or [3H]flumazenil sites. In spinal cord membranes, the number of high-affinity binding sites of [3H]clonazepam and [3H]zolpidem is less than 20% of the number of binding sites for [3H]diazepam, [3H]flunitrazepam, [3H]flumazenil and [3H]midazolam. Moreover, the displacement of [3H]flunitrazepam from spinal cord membranes by clonazepam and zolpidem was characterized by high IC50 values and Hill slopes significantly less than 1. Because [3H]BZ ligand binding in the spinal cord is enhanced by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), these data suggest that different regions of the rat central nervous system may contain different GABA-BZ receptor subtypes. The different pharmacological properties of clonazepam, diazepam and zolpidem (i.e., regarding their ability to enhance bicuculline seizure threshold, to decrease locomotor activity, to induce ataxia or to elicit anticonflict action) further support the concept that in the rat central nervous system preferential occupancy of heterogeneous GABAA receptors by these drugs can be related to their effects on behavior.     

In vitro activity of Ro 15-8074 and Ro 19-5247, two orally administered cephalosporin metabolites.

The activity of two iminomethoxy aminothiazoly cephalosporins, Ro 15-8074 and Ro 19-5247, was compared with that of other beta-lactams against a total of 491 bacterial strains. Both were highly active (MIC for 90% of the strains tested [MIC 90], less than or equal to 2 micrograms/ml) against the majority of the members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria spp., and Streptococcus pneumoniae, being at least 16-fold more active than cephalexin and 8-fold more active than cefuroxime. There was no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and poor activity against Morganella morganii (in the case of Ro 15-8074), Enterobacter sp., and Citrobacter sp. Staphylococcus aureus was moderately susceptible to Ro 19-5247 (MIC90, 8 micrograms/ml), but Ro 15-8074 was eightfold less active. The protein binding of the two compounds at 5 micrograms/ml was 9.1% for Ro 15-8074 and 69.9% for Ro 19-5247. The major target site for the two cephalosporins was PBP 3.     

Regional distribution of a Ro5 4864 binding site that is functionally coupled to the gamma-aminobutyric acid/benzodiazepine receptor complex in rat brain

The hypothesis that a novel drug binding site linked to a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-regulated chloride ionophore mediates the excitatory effects of the atypical benzodiazepine (BZ) Ro5 4864 is further evaluated in the present study. Dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]flunitrazepam to the central BZ receptor in rat cerebral cortex by the cage convulsant t-butylbicyclophosphorotionate (TBPS) is modulated by Ro5 4864 and the isoquinoline PK 11195 in a manner consistent with their reported pro/anticonvulsant effects. The ability of Ro5 4864 to enhance the binding of [35S]TBPS to a GABA-regulated chloride ionophore in rat cortex is unchanged after the irreversible labeling of the central BZ receptor by the photoaffinity label Ro15 4513. Together, these observations further suggest that 1) the effect of Ro5 4864 on [35S]TBPS is not mediated by the central BZ receptor and 2) the Ro5 4864 binding site is allosterically coupled to the GABA/BZ receptor-chloride ionophore complex in rat cerebral cortex. Anatomical localization of Ro5 4864-stimulated [35S]TBPS binding in rat brain by autoradiography reveals a distribution of chloride ionophore-coupled Ro5 4864 sites which is in many instances similar to that of the GABA/BZ receptor-chloride ionophore complex. These studies lend additional support to the postulate that this drug binding site represents an additional locus for the regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system.