Characterisation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase isoforms in the media layer of the main pulmonary artery

Cyclic nucleotides are involved in the control of pulmonary vascular tone. In the present study, we measured the cyclic nucleotide specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in the media of bovine isolated main pulmonary artery (MPA). Total cAMP- and cGMP-PDE activities were measured in microsomal and cytosolic fractions. Both cyclic nucleotides were hydrolysed in these subcellular fractions at consistently higher rate in the cytosolic than in the microsomal fraction. Using different classes of PDE modulator, at least four PDE isoforms (PDE1, 3, 4 and 5) were identified in these fractions. PDE3 (cilostamide-sensitive), PDE4 (rolipram-sensitive) and PDE5 (zaprinast- and DMPPO-sensitive) isoforms appeared as the main isozymes implicated in the cAMP and cGMP hydrolytic activities. Calcium-camodulin stimulated PDE activity (PDE1) was mainly present in the cytosolic fraction. PDE2, although present, had a lower hydrolytic activity since addition of its specific inhibitor, erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3nonyl)adenine (EHNA), to a combination of inhibitors of PDE3, 4 and 5 produced no further significant reduction in the enzymatic activity. Resolution of PDE activities from the cytosolic fraction using anion exchange chromatography confirmed this finding. Functional experiments performed in endothelium-denuded rings of rat MPA revealed that all specific PDE inhibitors used relaxed precontracted vascular smooth muscle preparations in a concentration-dependent manner. The rank order of potency was cilostamide >zaprinast>rolipram>EHNA. The present study demonstrates the presence in the smooth muscle cells-containing layer of MPA of PDE1, 3, 4 and 5 isoforms and suggests that PDE3, 4 and 5 are the main enzymes involved in the control of vascular tone.     

Synthesis of (+)-(3R)-3-(4-fluorophenylsulfonamido)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9-[5,6,7,8,12,13-U-14C]carbazolepropanoic acid, [14C]BAY u 3405

The title compound [¹⁴C]BAY u 3405 ( 1 ) was synthesized as part of 8-step sequence. Starting from [U-¹⁴C]aniline hydrogensulfate the final product 1 was obtained with a specific activity of 741 MBq/mmol (20 mCi/mmol) and a radiochemical purity of > 98% in an overall yield of 6 and 10% depending on the method.     

Binding and uptake studies with [3H]CP-93, 129, a radiolabeled selective 5-HT1B receptor ligand

3-(1,2,5,6-Tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)-5-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridone, CP-93, 129, is a selective agonist ligand for 5-HT_1B receptors. High affinity binding sites of [³H]CP-93, 129 were found in rat whole brain membranes, which showed K_D and B_max values similar to those for 5-HT_1B sites labeled by [³H]5-HT. Uptake of [³H]CP-93, 129 in crude rat synaptosomes was also observed, which was potently inhibited by 5-HT uptake blockers and 5-HT but not by desipramine (NE uptake blocker) or tametraline (NE and DA uptake blocker). Because of this sensitivity to 5-HT uptake inhibitors and the structural similarity of CP-93, 129 to serotonin, [³H]CP-93, 129 uptake probably occurred in 5-HT neurons.     

Pharmacological characterization of novel adenosine ligands in recombinant and native human A2B receptors

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of novel and recognised compounds at human recombinant A(2B) adenosine receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (hA(2B)CHO), in human embryonic kidney 293 (hA(2B)HEK-293) and at endogenous A(2B) receptors in human mast cells (HMC-1). Saturation binding experiments performed using the new high affinity A(2B) adenosine radioligand [(3)H]-N-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-2-[5-(2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-2,3,6,7-tetra hydro-1H-purin-8-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yloxy]-acetamide ([(3)H]-MRE 2029F20) revealed a single class of binding sites in hA(2B)CHO, hA(2B)HEK-293 and HMC-1 cells with K(D) (nM) of 1.65+/-0.18, 2.83+/-0.34, 2.62+/-0.27 and B(max) (fmol/mg protein) of 36+/-4, 475+/-50 and 128+/-15, respectively. The pharmacological profile of new compounds, determined in inhibition binding experiments in hA(2B)HEK-293 cells using [(3)H]-MRE 2029F20, showed a rank order of potency typical of the A(2B) receptors with K(i) values in the range 3.2-28nM. In functional assays, recognised agonists and antagonists were studied by evaluating their capability to modulate the cAMP production in hA(2B)CHO and in HMC-1 cells. Novel compounds were able to decrease NECA-stimulated cAMP production in hA(2B)CHO and in HMC-1 cells showing a high potency. New compounds were also able to inhibit cAMP levels in the absence of NECA and in the presence of forskolin stimulation in hA(2B)CHO and in HMC-1 cells. In HEK-293 cells MRE 2029F20 reduced cAMP basal levels with an IC(50) value of 2.9+/-0.3nM. These results suggest that novel compounds are antagonists with an inverse agonist activity in recombinant and native human A(2B) receptors.     

Effect of adenosine on cyclic AMP accumulation in ventricular myocardium.

Adenosine stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in guinea pig ventricular slice preparations. The response to adenosine was dose-dependent over the range 0.1 to 100 μM; half-maximal stimulation occurred at 25 μM. The response to the nucleoside was rapid; maximum levels of cyclic AMP were obtained in 3 min. Examination of a variety of adenosine analogues revealed that the 2'-, 3'-, and 5'-hydroxyl groups of the ribose moiety were important for activity. Agonist activity also required an amino group in the 6-position. Substitution of one hydrogen atom on the primary amino nitrogen did not alter activity, but substitution of both hydrogens abolished activity. Replacement of the N in position 7 of the purine ring with a C atom, or substitution of the hydrogen atom on position 8 with either an amino group or bromine atom abolished activity. Examination of the effect of several agents, papaverine, 5'-deoxyadenosine, 6-chloropurine riboside and $\text{6-N[(p-}\text{nitrobenzyl}\text{)}\text{thio}\text{]-9-β-}\text{d}\text{-}\text{ribofuranosyl}$ purine, which inhibited adenosine uptake into cardiac cells, provided evidence which suggested that the action of the nucleoside was mediated via interaction with a receptor on the external cell surface. Several phosphodiesterase inhibitors (papaverine, SQ 20009, RO-20-1724 and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) potentiated the effect of adenosine; theophylline, on the other hand, antagonized adenosine stimulation of cyclic AMP levels. Hexobencline potentiated the stimulatory action of low (10 μM) concentrations of adenosine, and seemed to do so by preventing adenosine uptake. Lidoflazine potentiated the action of both low (10 μM) and high (100 μM) concentrations of adenosine and appeared to act primarily as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Dipyridamole potentiated the actions of both low and high concentrations of adenosine probably by blocking adenosine uptake and by inhibiting phosphodiesterase.     

Effect of some phosphodiesterase inhibitors on adenylate cyclase from the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica.

The present investigation was prompted by our previous finding that in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, some phosphodiesterase inhibitors, instead of potentiating the rise in endogenous cAMP caused by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), antagonized it. Papaverine, 1-ethyl-4-(isopropylidenehydrazino)-1H-pyrazolo-(3,4-b)-pyridine-5-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, HCl (SQ 20009), 6,7-dimethyl-4 ethyl-quinazoline (Quazodine) and caffeine inhibited 5-HT-activated adenylate cyclase from particulate fractions of the liver fluke. This may explain their in vivo antagonism to the 5-HT-mediated rise in endogenous cAMP levels. Isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), which did not antagonize the 5-HT effect in vivo, did not inhibit 5-HT-activated adenylate cyclase in fluke particles. None of the above compounds inhibited the NaF-activated adenylate cyclase. Kinetic studies showed that inhibition of 5-HT-activated adenylate cyclase by papaverine or SQ 20009 was not competitive with the substrate, ATP, or with GTP. While high levels of 5-HT decreased the degree of inhibition by papaverin and SQ 20009. the kinetics of inhibition does not appear to be strictly competitive.     

Thermodynamics of A2B adenosine receptor binding discriminates agonistic from antagonistic behaviour

Thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° of the binding equilibrium of 12 ligands (six agonists and six antagonists) to the A_2B adenosine receptor subtype have been determined by affinity measurements carried out on HEK 293 cells stably transfected with human A_2B adenosine receptors at six different temperatures (4, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C) and van’t Hoff plot analysis have been performed. Affinity constants were obtained from saturation experiments of [³H]MRE 2029-F20 or by its displacement in inhibition assays for the other compounds. van’t Hoff plots were essentially linear in the temperature range investigated, showing that the ΔCp° of the binding equilibrium is nearly zero. Thermodynamic parameters are in the range 7 ≤ ΔH° ≤ 23 kJ mol⁻¹and 123 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 219 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for agonists and −40 ≤ ΔH° ≤ −20 kJ mol⁻¹ and 10 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 91 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for antagonists indicating that agonistic binding is always totally entropy-driven while antagonistic binding is enthalpy and entropy-driven. In the −TΔS° versus ΔH° plot the thermodynamic data are clearly arranged in separate clusters for agonists and antagonists, which, therefore, turn out to be thermodynamically discriminated.     

Two new phenolic compounds from the tuber of Sparganium stoloniferum

Two new phenolic compounds, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methoxycarbonyl-5-hydroxybenzofuran (1) and 1-methoxycarbonyl-2, 3-dihydroxydibenzo[b, f]oxepine (2), were isolated from the tuber of Sparganium stoloniferum. The structures of both new compounds were determined on basis of spectroscopic means including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments.     

Modulation of metalloproteinase-9 in U87MG glioblastoma cells by A3 adenosine receptors

In this work, we investigated the biological functions of adenosine (ado) in metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) regulation in U87MG human glioblastoma cells. The nucleoside was able to increase both MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels through A₃ receptors activation. We revealed that A₃ receptor stimulation induced an increase of MMP-9 protein levels in cellular extracts of U87MG cells by phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (pJNK/SAPK), protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and finally activator protein 1 (AP-1). A₃ receptor activation stimulated also an increase of extracellular MMP-9 in the supernatants from U87MG glioblastoma cells. Finally, the Matrigel invasion assay demonstrated that A₃ receptors, by inducing an increase in MMP-9 levels, was responsible for an increase of glioblastoma cells invasion. Collectively, these results suggest that ado, through A₃ receptors activation, modulates MMP-9 protein levels and plays a role in increasing invasion of U87MG cells.     

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of [I]MRS5127, a high affinity, selective agonist radioligand for the A3 adenosine receptor

A recently reported selective agonist of the human A₃ adenosine receptor (hA₃AR), MRS5127 (1′R,2′R,3′S,4′R,5′S)-4′-[2-chloro-6-(3-iodobenzylamino)-purine]-2′,3′-O-dihydroxy-bicyclo-[3.1.0]hexane, was radioiodinated and characterized pharmacologically. It contains a rigid bicyclic ring system in place of a 5′-truncated ribose moiety, and was selected for radiolabeling due to its nanomolar binding affinity at both human and rat A₃ARs. The radioiodination of the N⁶-3-iodobenzyl substituent by iododestannylation of a 3-(trimethylstannyl)benzyl precursor was achieved in 73% yield, measured after purification by HPLC. [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 bound to the human A₃AR expressed in membranes of stably transfected HEK 293 cells. Specific binding was saturable, competitive, and followed a one-site binding model, with a K_d value of 5.74 ± 0.97 nM. At a concentration equivalent to its K_d, non-specific binding comprised 27 ± 2% of total binding. In kinetic studies, [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 rapidly associated with the hA₃AR (t_1/2 = 0.514 ± 0.014 min), and the affinity calculated from association and dissociation rate constants was 3.50 ± 1.46 nM. The pharmacological profile of ligands in competition experiments with [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 was consistent with the known structure-activity-relationship profile of the hA₃AR. [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 bound with similar high affinity (K_d, nM) to recombinant A₃ARs from mouse (4.90 ± 0.77), rabbit (2.53 ± 0.11), and dog (3.35 ± 0.54). For all of the species tested, MRS5127 exhibited A₃AR agonist activity based on negative coupling to cAMP production. Thus, [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 represents a new species-independent agonist radioligand for the A₃AR. The major advantage of [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 compared with previously used A₃AR radioligands is its high affinity, low degree of non-specific binding, and improved A₃AR selectivity.     

Activation of the A3 adenosine receptor inhibits fMLP-induced Rac activation in mouse bone marrow neutrophils

Adenosine is released from injured or hypoxic tissues where it exerts numerous anti-inflammatory effects including suppression of neutrophil functions. Although most previous work has implicated the A_2AAR, we have recently shown that selective activation of the abundantly expressed A₃AR inhibits neutrophil superoxide production and chemotaxis providing a potential mechanistic explanation for the efficacy of A₃AR agonists in experimental animal models of inflammation. In this study, we hypothesized that the A₃AR suppresses neutrophil functions by inhibiting the monomeric GTPase Rac, a central regulator of chemokine-directed neutrophil migration and superoxide production. We found that pre-treating neutrophils with the highly selective A₃AR agonist CP-532,903 reduced fMLP-induced Rac activation using an ELISA-based assay that detects all three Rac isoforms. CP-532,903 also inhibited fMLP-induced F-actin formation, a downstream effector function of Rac relevant to neutrophil migration, but not activation of ERK1/2 or p38. Pre-treating neutrophils with CP-532,903 did not stimulate cAMP production or alter fMLP-induced calcium transients, implicating that A₃AR stimulation does not inhibit Rac activation or neutrophil activities by suppressing Ca²⁺ signaling, elevating the intracellular concentration of cAMP, or by cross-desensitizing fMLP receptors. Our results suggest that activation of the A₃AR signals to suppress neutrophil functions by interfering with the monomeric GTPase Rac, thus contributing to the ant-inflammatory actions of adenosine.     

A novel sulphur glycoside from the seeds of Descurainia sophia (L.)

A new sulphur glycoside, named descurainoside (1), and the known compound sinapic acid (2) have been isolated from the seeds of Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl. The structure of 1 has been identified as (1R,6S,8R,9S,10S)-9,10-dihydroxy-4-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylene]-8-(hydroxymethyl)-2,7-dioxa-5-thiabicyclo[4.4.0]decan-3-one by means of physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, ESI-MS).     

The role of adenosine A2A and A2B receptors in the regulation of TNF-alpha production by human monocytes

Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that regulates many physiological processes through the activation of its four receptors: A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3). Previous studies have identified the involvement of A(2) receptors in the inhibitory activity of adenosine analogues on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated monocytes, but the relative contributions of A(2A) versus A(2B) receptors have not been determined in human primary monocytes. Nor has the role of A(1) and A(3) been clearly identified in the system. The lack of such information impacts on the selection of adenosine receptor agonists for disease intervention. Using LPS-stimulated human primary monocytes, we found that the adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) or the A(2A) receptor agonist, 4-[2-[[6-amino-9-(N-ethyl-b-d-ribofuranuronamidosyl)-9H-purin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]benzenepropanoic acid hydrochloride (CGS21680) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha production, with IC(50)s of 58.4nM (32.7-104.5nM, 95% confidence interval) and 49.2nM (22.7-105.9nM, 95% confidence interval), respectively. The selective A(2A) receptor blocker, 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylaminso]ethyl)phenol (ZM241385, 30nM), antagonized the effects of NECA and CGS21680 (pK(B) estimates were 8.7+/-0.1 and 8.9+/-0.1, respectively), while the selective A(2B) antagonist, N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-2-[4-(2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-purin-8-yl)-phenoxy]-acetamide (MRS1754, 100nM), failed to antagonize the effects of either agonist. Furthermore, neither the A(1) receptor agonist, 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) nor the A(3) receptor agonist, 1-[2-chloro-6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-1-deoxy-N-methyl-b-d-ribofuranuronamide (2-Cl-IB-MECA) showed significant inhibitory activity at concentrations that effectively bind to their respective receptors. We conclude that A(2A) receptor activation is predominantly responsible for the inhibitory effects of adenosine receptor agonists on TNF-alpha production from LPS-stimulated monocytes.     

咪苯嗪酮对花生四烯酸诱导的大鼠脑血栓形成的影响

花生四烯酸(AA)0.25～1 mg·kg~(-1)经颈内动脉注射能诱发大鼠同侧大脑半球脑内血栓形成,明显增加伊文思蓝通过血脑屏障渗入脑实质的量,峰值为205±s 50 mg·kg~1脑组织,相应对照组为10±s 5mg·kg~1,咪苯嗪酮0.25～0.5mg·kg~1 iv能对抗AA引起的大鼠脑血栓形成,显著降低脑实质内伊文思蓝的含量,作用呈剂量依赖性,且强于哒唑氧苯     

Direct and indirect 5-HT receptor agonists produce gender-specific effects on locomotor and vertical activities in C57 BL/6J mice

It is well established that the dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) systems have extensive and complex interactions. However, the effects of specific 5-HT receptor agonists on traditionally DA-related behaviors remain unclear. Our goal in these studies was to characterize the effects of 5-HT receptor agonists on measures of locomotor activity and vertical rearing. The SSRIs fluoxetine and citalopram produced significant decreases in locomotor activity and vertical rearing at the highest doses used with females significantly more sensitive to citalopram. The 5-HT_1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT and the 5-HT_2C agonist MK 212 significantly decreased activity in both male and female mice, with females more sensitive to 8-OH-DPAT. In contrast, the 5-HT_1B agonist RU 24969 and the 5-HT_2A agonist DOI both increased activity, with DOI exhibiting differential effects with regard to sex. Finally, the 5-HT₃ agonist SR 57227 produced significant locomotor increases only in female mice at the lowest dose. The results of these experiments define locomotor profiles of several 5-HT agonists in male and female C57BL/6J mice, providing a foundation for further explorations of 5-HT receptor effects on activity.     

阿哌沙班中3个杂质的合成研究

目的设计并合成阿哌沙班中的3个杂质。方法以2-氯-2-[2-(4-甲氧基苯基)亚肼基]乙酸乙酯和5,6-二氢-3-(4-吗啉基)-1-[4-(2-氧代-1-哌啶基)苯基]-2(1H)-吡啶酮为起始原料,经过环合和水解反应得到目标化合物1,化合物1分别经过水解和取代反应得到目标化合物2和3。结果合成了目标化合物,并利用MS、~1H-NMR和~(13)C-NMR确证了结构:目标化合物1~3的质量分数分别为99.3%、99.1%、99.2%。结论 3个杂质的合成和纯化为阿哌沙班的杂质研究奠定了物质基础。     

Inhibition by phenothiazine derivatives of the adenylate cyclase of amphibian oocytes

The adenylate cyclase activity of membranes of Xenopus laevis oocytes and follicle cells was affected by the presence of 2-chloro-10-(3-aminopropyl)phenothiazine (CAPP) and two other antipsychotic drugs, fluphenazine and penfluridol. CAPP, at concentrations of 10 and 100 microM, had opposite effects on the activation of the oocyte adenylate cyclase by effectors that act through the G/F regulatory subunit. Under these conditions, the drug stimulated the activation by fluoride and drastically inhibited the activation by guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] and by cholera toxin and GTP. The activity of the catalytic subunit measured in the presence of either Mn2+ or forskolin was not affected by 100 microM CAPP. however, concentrations of this drug above 100 microM inhibited the adenylate cyclase activated by fluoride or by forskolin and also inhibited the activity of a calmodulin-independent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase present in the same oocyte membrane preparation. Oocyte adenylate cyclase has been shown previously to be inhibited by the hormone progesterone. The inhibitory effect of CAPP is additive to that measured with the hormone, indicating that these compounds act through different mechanisms. CAPP did not modify the concentration of Gpp(NH)p required to yield half-maximal activation and, although the drug inhibited more strongly at lower concentrations of Gpp(NH)p, saturating amounts of the guanine nucleotide did not reverse completely the inhibition caused by CAPP. The effects of these antipsychotic drugs on oocyte adenylate cyclase did not require the presence of free Ca2+ and were not altered by the addition of exogenous calmodulin and calcium.     

Antitumour imidazotetrazines--IV. An investigation into the mechanism of antitumour activity of a novel and potent antitumour agent, mitozolomide (CCRG 81010, M & B 39565; NSC 353451)

8-Carbamoyl-3-(2-chloroethyl)imidazo[5,1-d]-1,2,3,5-tetrazin-4-(3H )-one- mitozolomide (CCRG 81010, M & B 39565, NSC 353451) is a potent inhibitor of the growth of a number of experimental tumours and can potentially decompose to give either an isocyanate or the monochloroethyltriazene (MCTIC). In vitro CCRG 81010 is not cross-resistant with the bifunctional alkylating agents against the Walker carcinoma. To investigate the mechanism of the antitumour activity of CCRG 81010 a comparison has been made with BCNU and MCTIC on precursor incorporation into macromolecules in TLX5 mouse lymphoma cells. Whereas BCNU produces a rapid and extensive inhibition of both (methyl 3H) thymidine and [5-3H]uridine incorporation into acid-insoluble material, neither CCRG 81010 or MCTIC have an early effect on precursor incorporation. Inhibition of precursor uptake is also not produced by concentrations of 2-chloroethylisocyanate that inhibit intracellular glutathione reductase activity. The potential carbamoylating activity of CCRG 81010 has also been assessed by comparing its effect with that of BCNU and 2-chloroethyl isocyanate on enzymes known to be inhibited by carbamoylation. Such enzymes, glutathione reductase, chymotrypsin and gamma-glutamyltranspepidase are not inhibited by CCRG 81010 under conditions where BCNU and 2-chloroethyl isocyanate show complete inhibition of enzyme activity, suggesting an absence of carbamoylating species. The results suggest that the most likely antitumour metabonate produced from CCRG 81010 is the triazene MCTIC.     

Dimebolin is a 5-HT6 antagonist with acute cognition enhancing activities

Dimebolin (Dimebon™), is a non-selective antihistamine approved in Russia for the treatment of allergy. Recently, this drug has been shown to be neuroprotective in cellular models of Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease, and to preserve cognitive function when chronically administered to AF64A lesioned rats. Interests in identifying the molecular targets of dimebolin have intensified with reports of efficacy in clinical trials with Alzheimer's patients. Dimebolin has been found to interact with a number of molecular targets including acetylcholinesterases, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, and voltage-gated calcium channels, with potencies in the range of 5-50 μM. In the present study, the action of dimebolin at the serotonin 5-HT₆ receptor was investigated. Dimebolin binds with moderate affinity to both the human and rat recombinant 5-HT₆ receptor (K_i = 26.0 ± 2.5 nM and 119.0 ± 14.0 nM respectively) as well as the native rat 5-HT₆ receptor, and acts as an antagonist in functional cAMP assays. Furthermore, dimebolin occupies the 5-HT₆ receptor in vivo as assessed by ex vivo autoradiography, with a dose-occupancy relationship similar to that of the selective 5-HT₆ antagonist SB-399885. Finally, both SB-399885 and dimebolin produce an acute enhancement of short-term social recognition memory, although dimebolin is approximately 10-fold less potent than SB-399885. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that dimebolin antagonizes the 5-HT₆ receptor with higher affinity than other targets characterized to date, and suggest that this activity may play a role in the acute cognition enhancing effects of this compound in preclinical models and in the clinic.