Agonist-induced desensitization of D1-dopamine receptors linked to adenylyl cyclase activity in cultured NS20Y neuroblastoma cells

NS20Y neuroblastoma cells expressing a homogeneous population of D1-dopamine receptors were used in the present study as a model system to investigate the mechanisms of agonist-induced stimulation and desensitization of D1 receptor-coupled adenylyl cyclase activity. Membrane prepared from NS20Y cells showed a pharmacologically specific, dose-dependent increase in cAMP production in response to various dopaminergic agonists. Dopamine exhibited an EC50 of 5 microM, and at 100 microM a maximal stimulation of 3-4-fold over basal enzyme activity was observed, which could be selectively antagonized by the active stereoisomers of SCH-23390 and butaclamol. Preincubation of NS20Y cells with dopamine induced homologous desensitization of D1 receptor-coupled adenylyl cyclase activity, decreasing dopamine- but not prostaglandin-, adenosine-, or forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. Desensitization did not affect the EC50 for dopamine but resulted in an 85-90% reduction in the maximal response. Dopamine-induced desensitization of adenylyl cyclase activity was found to be both dose and time dependent. As early as 5 min after preincubation with dopamine, cAMP production was decreased by 45-50%, with maximal desensitization occurring by 90 min. Preincubation of NS20Y cells with dopamine also induced a decrease in D1 receptor ligand binding activity, as assessed with the radiolabeled antagonist [3H]SCH-23390. This decrease in binding activity occurred more slowly than the loss of enzyme activity, not achieving maximal levels until after 3 hr. [3H]SCH-23390 saturation binding isotherms in control and maximally desensitized NS20Y cell membranes revealed no change in affinity (KD); however, a 65-70% decrease in receptor number (Bmax) was observed. Because the maximal and temporal decrease in D1 receptors does not correlated with the decrease in dopamine-stimulated enzyme activity, the desensitization may involve a functional uncoupling of the D1 receptor in addition to receptor down-regulation. This is further suggested by a loss in high affinity agonist binding observed in agonist/[3H]SCH-23390 competition experiments after desensitization. Removal of dopamine after maximal desensitization/down-regulation results in recovery to control values by 24 hr. This recovery is mostly, but not completely, blocked by protein synthesis inhibitors, suggesting an involvement of receptor degradation in the desensitization process.     

Dopamine D2 receptors and spinal cord excitation in mice

Spinal cord excitation was induced in mice by morphine and the effects of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonists on the Straub tail reaction were investigated. The dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (25-100 mg/kg i.p.), or haloperidol (0.25-1.0 mg/kg dose dependently inhibited the Straub tail reaction induced by subcutaneously injected morphine. A low dose of apomorphine (50 micrograms/kg s.c.) also reduced the Straub tail reaction. The dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH-23390 (25-100 micrograms/kg i.p.), had no significant effect. Sulpiride (50 mg/kg i.p.) significantly inhibited the Straub tail reaction induced by intrathecally injected morphine (6 microgram/mouse). Intrathecal injection of apomorphine (12.5-25 micrograms/mouse) induced the Straub tail reaction dose dependently. The Straub tail reaction induced by intrathecally injected apomorphine was significantly inhibited by sulpiride. SCH-23390 had no significant effect on the Straub tail reaction induced by intrathecally injected morphine or apomorphine. These results support the proposal that the dopamine response involved in the Straub tail reaction is mediated by postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors in the spinal cord of mice.     

The inhibition by dopamine of cholinergic transmission in the isolated guinea-pig ileum

1. Segments of the guinea-pig ileum were incubated in Tyrode's solution containing 3 microM propranolol. Dopamine, like noradrenaline and clonidine, inhibited the twitch response to field stimulation. The inhibitory action of dopamine remained unchanged in the presence of the dopamine uptake inhibitor nomifensine (1 microM). Tissue from reserpine-pretreated animals was insensitive to tyramine but the response to dopamine was not affected. It is, therefore, assumed that the effect of dopamine is due to a direct receptor stimulation and not to the release of noradrenaline. 2. The inhibitory action of dopamine was not antagonized by the dopamine receptor antagonists cis-flupenthixol, pimozide or domperidone. 3. Metoclopramide, sulpiride and tolazoline were competitive antagonists of the inhibitory effects of dopamine. The pA2-values for metoclopramide against dopamine (5.64), noradrenaline (5.52), and clonidine (5.57) did not differ significantly. Likewise, there was no significant difference between the pA2-values for sulpiride (5.30, 5.29, 5.50) and those for tolazoline (6.52, 6.69, 7.02) determined against dopamine, noradrenaline and clonidine. 4. Apomorphine inhibited the twitch response, and this inhibition was not affected by tolazoline, sulpiride or pimozide. 5. It is concluded that dopamine inhibits the twitch response in the guinea-pig ileum through stimulation of neuronal alpha-adrenoceptors. Metoclopramide and sulpiride are weak antagonists at these receptors. The results provide no evidence for the existence of specific inhibitory dopamine receptors in the guinea-pig ileum.     

Effects of dopaminergic agents on antinociception in formalin test.

Morphine caused a dose-related antinociception in early phase and late phase of formalin test in mice. The D2 dopamine agonist quinpirole, but not the D1 dopamine agonist SKF 38393, increased the antinociceptive effect of morphine in both phases of the test. The antinociceptive effect of quinpirole also was decreased by sulpiride or domperidone pretreatment in the early phase of test. The D1 antagonist SCH23390, the D2 antagonist sulpiride, or the peripheral D2 dopamine antagonist domperidone, increased the morphine effect. Single administration of SKF38393, quinpirole, SCH23390, sulpiride, and domperidone also induce antinociception. The response of SCH23390, but not that of other dopamine agents, was antagonized with naloxone. The effects of the drugs alone and in combination with morphine have been discussed.     

The rewarding effect of aggression is reduced by nucleus accumbens dopamine receptor antagonism in mice

Rationale Dopamine (DA) receptors within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are implicated in the rewarding properties of stimuli. Aggressive behavior can be reinforcing but the involvement of NAc DA in the reinforcing effects of aggression has yet to be demonstrated. Objective To microinject DA receptor antagonists into the NAc to dissociate their effects on reinforcement from their effects on aggressive behavior and general movement. Materials and methods Male Swiss Webster mice were implanted with guide cannulae aimed for the NAc and tested for aggressive behavior in a resident–intruder procedure. Aggressive mice were then conditioned on a variable-ratio 5 (VR-5) schedule with presentation of the intruder as the reinforcing event. The D1- and D2-like receptor antagonists SCH-23390 and sulpiride were microinfused (12–50 ng) before the mice responded on the VR-5 schedule and attacked the intruder. Open-field activity was also determined following the highest doses of these drugs. Results SCH-23390 and sulpiride dose-dependently reduced VR responding but did not affect open-field activity. The 50-ng SCH-23390 dose suppressed response rates by 40% and biting behaviors by 10%; other aggressive behaviors were not affected. The 25 and 50 ng sulpiride doses almost completely inhibited VR responding; the 50-ng dose suppressed biting by 50%. Conclusions These results suggest that both D1- and D2-like receptors in the ventral striatum are involved in the rewarding properties of aggression, but that D1-like receptors may be related to the motivation to earn reinforcement as opposed to aggressive behavior.     

Dopamine receptor regulation of ethanol intake and extracellular dopamine levels in the ventral pallidum of alcohol preferring (P) rats

Sufficient evidence exists for the inclusion of the ventral pallidum (VP) into the category of a dopaminoceptive brain region. The effects of inhibiting dopamine D(1)- or D(2)-like receptors in the VP on (a) ethanol intake and (b) extracellular levels of dopamine, were investigated in the alcohol-preferring (P) rat. The D(1)-like antagonist, SCH-23390, and the D(2)-like antagonist, sulpiride (0.25-2 microg/0.5 microl) were bilaterally injected into the VP and ethanol (15%, v/v) intake was assessed in a 1 h limited access paradigm. The results indicate that microinjections of sulpiride significantly increased ethanol consumption (65% increase at the 2.0 microg dose). Whereas the D(1) antagonists SCH-23390 tended to decrease ethanol intake, the effect was not statistically significant. In a separate group of rats, reverse microdialysis of sulpiride and SCH-23390 (10-200 microM) were conducted in the VP of P rats. Local perfusion of only the 200 microM sulpiride dose significantly increased the extracellular levels of dopamine (maximal increase: 250% of baseline). On the other hand, local perfusion of SCH-23390 (10-200 microM) dose dependently increased the extracellular levels of dopamine 180-640% of baseline. Overall, the results of this study suggest that (a) tonic activation of D(2) postsynaptic receptors in VP imposes a limit on ethanol intake in the P rat; (b) there are few D(2) autoreceptors functioning in the VP; (c) there is tonic D(1)-like receptor mediated inhibitory feedback regulation of VP-dopamine release.     

The anti-influenza drug oseltamivir evokes hypothermia in mice through dopamine D2 receptor activation via central actions

Oseltamivir has a hypothermic effect in mice when injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) and intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.). Here we show that the hypothermia evoked by i.c.v.-oseltamivir is inhibited by non-selective dopamine receptor antagonists (sulpiride and haloperidol) and the D₂-selective antagonist L-741,626, but not by D₁/D₅-selective and D₃-selective antagonists (SCH-23390 and SB-277011-A, respectively). The hypothermic effect of i.p.-administered oseltamivir was not inhibited by sulpiride, haloperidol, L-741,626 and SCH-23390. In addition, neither sulpiride, haloperidol nor SCH-23390 blocked hypothermia evoked by i.c.v.-administered oseltamivir carboxylate (a hydrolyzed metabolite of oseltamivir). These results suggest that oseltamivir in the brain induces hypothermia through activation of dopamine D₂ receptors.     

Blockade of both D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors may induce catalepsy in mice.

1. The catalepsy induced by dopamine antagonists has been tested and the possible dopamine subtypes involved in catalepsy was determined. 2. Dopamine antagonist fluphenazine, D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 or D-2 antagonist sulpiride induced catalepsy. The effect of fluphenazine and sulpiride was dose-dependent. Combination of SCH 23390 with sulpiride did not induce catalepsy potentiation. 3. D-1 agonist SKF 38393 or D-2 agonist quinpirole decreased the catalepsy induced by fluphenazine, SCH 23390 or sulpiride. 4. Combination of SKF 38393 with quinpirole did not cause potentiated inhibitory effect on catalepsy induced by dopamine antagonists. 5. The data may indicate that although D-2 receptor blockade is involved in catalepsy, the D-1 receptor may plan a role.     

Dopamine D1 receptor and dopamine D2 receptor binding activity changes during chronic administration of nicotine in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mice

The effect of nicotine on MPTP-induced changes in striatal dopamine receptors binding activity was investigated. Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors were labeled with [3H]SCH-23390 and [3H]spiperone respectively in BALB/cBy mice. With administration of only MPTP, which caused more than an 80% decrease in striatal dopamine level, binding of 0.15 nM [3H]spiperone was increased by 37%; whereas 0.3 nM [3H]SCH-23390 binding was unchanged. With chronic nicotine treatment (0.4 mg/kg twice daily for 7-9 days), [3H]SCH-23390 binding activity was increased by 27% and [3H]spiperone binding activity was unchanged. When nicotine was administered after MPTP, their separate effects could be seen in that both the D1 and D2 dopamine receptor ligand binding activities were increased and that nicotine elevated the ratio of D1/D2 receptor binding activities in MPTP-treated mice.     

Neuroanatomical substrates mediating the aversive effects of D-1 dopamine receptor antagonists

An unbiased place preference conditioning procedure was used to examine the secondary reinforcing effects of selective D-1 dopamine (DA) receptor antagonists and the neuroanatomical substrates mediating these effects. Systemic administration of SCH-23390 or the non-benzazepine D-1 receptor antagonist A-69024 produced dose-related conditioned aversions for the drug-associated place. In contrast, the D-2 antagonists spiperone and (–)sulpiride were without effect. SCH-23390-induced place aversions were also observed after intracerebroventricular administration. The minimum dose producing this effect was significantly lower than that after systemic injection. Aversive effects were also observed after microinjection of SCH-23390 into the n. accumbens. In contrast, microinjections of this antagonist into the ventral tegmental area, caudate putamen or medial prefrontal cortex were without effect. These data confirm that the blockade of D-1 but not D-2 DA receptors induces aversive states. Furthermore, they suggest that D-1 receptors in the n. accumbens may play an important role in the regulation of non-drug induced affective states.     

Inverse agonist properties of dopaminergic antagonists at the D(1A) dopamine receptor: uncoupling of the D(1A) dopamine receptor from G(s) protein.

The interaction of dopaminergic antagonists with the D(1A) dopamine receptor was assessed in PC2 cells that transiently express this receptor. The maximal binding and dissociation constants for the D(1A) dopamine receptor, using the ligand [(125)I]SCH23982 were 0.38 +/- 0.09 nM and 1 to 4 pmol/mg, respectively, when assessed 48 h after transfection with cDNA encoding the rat D(1A) receptor. Basal adenylyl cyclase activity increased 50 to 60% in membranes of transfected PC2 cells compared with control membranes. The dopaminergic antagonists clozapine, cis-flupenthixol, (+)-butaclamol, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and fluphenazine inhibited constitutive adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes of cells expressing the D(1A) receptor. SCH23390, a selective D(1) dopamine receptor antagonist, and (-)-butaclamol did not alter basal cyclase activity, whereas dopamine increased enzyme activity in membranes expressing the D(1A) dopamine receptor. The coupling of D(1A) receptors with G(s) proteins was examined by immunoprecipitation of membrane G(salpha) followed by immunoblotting with a D(1A) dopamine receptor monoclonal antibody. Clozapine, cis-flupenthixol, (+)-butaclamol, haloperidol, and fluphenazine but not SCH23390 or (-)-butaclamol decreased D(1A) receptor-G(salpha) coupling by 70 to 80%, and SCH23390 was able to prevent the receptor-G(salpha) uncoupling induced by haloperidol or clozapine. These results indicate that some dopaminergic antagonists suppress basal signal transduction and behave as inverse agonists at the D(1A) dopamine receptor. This action of the dopamine receptor antagonists may contribute to their antidopaminergic properties that seem to underlie their clinical actions as antipsychotic drugs.     

The atypical dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF 83959 induces striatal Fos expression in rats

The effects of dopamine D1 receptor agonists are often presumed to result from an activation of adenylyl cyclase, but dopamine D1 receptors may also be linked to other signal transduction cascades and the relative importance of these various pathways is currently unclear. SKF 83959 is an agonist at dopamine D1 receptors linked to phospholipase C, but has been reported to be an antagonist at receptors linked to adenylyl cyclase. The current report demonstrates that SKF 83959 induces pronounced, nonpatchy, expression of the immediate-early gene product Fos in the striatum of intact rats which can be converted to a patchy pattern by pretreatment with the dopamine D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole. In rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions SKF 83959 induces strong behavioral rotation and a greatly potentiated Fos response. All of the responses to SKF 83959, in both intact and dopamine-depleted animals, can be blocked by pretreatment with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH-23390. In intact subjects, SKF 83959 induced Fos expression less potently than the standard dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF 82958, but the two drugs were approximately equipotent in deinnervated animals. These results demonstrate for the first time that possession of full efficacy at dopamine D1 receptors linked to adenylyl cyclase is not a necessary requirement for the induction of striatal Fos expression in intact animals and suggest that alternative signal transduction pathways may play a role in dopamine agonist induced Fos expression, especially in dopamine-depleted subjects.     

Neurochemical effects of prenatal haloperidol exposure

The neurochemical effects of prenatal exposure to dopamine receptor antagonists are as yet poorly characterized. To further examine this problem, pregnant rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg haloperidol over gestational days 6 through 20. Membrane binding of [3H]SCH-23390 (D1-specific) and [3H]spiroperidol (D2-specific in most brain areas) was measured in four regions of the cerebral dopamine system at postnatal day (PND) 30. Dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels were measured in caudate on PND 30 following a d-amphetamine challenge. Prenatal haloperidol exposure reduced [3H]SCH-23390 and [3H]spiroperidol binding in caudate in a dose-dependent manner. [3H]Spiroperidol binding was similarly reduced in nucleus accumbens, but only the low dose (2.5 mg/kg) group showed decreased [3H]SCH-23390 binding in this region. Binding of neither compound was significantly altered in amygdala or frontal cortex. Basal or drug-stimulated levels of caudate DA and DOPAC were unaltered. It is concluded that prenatal haloperidol exposure reduces D1 and D2 binding in some, but not all regions of the forebrain dopamine system.     

Regulation of responsiveness at D2 dopamine receptors by receptor desensitization and adenylyl cyclase sensitization.

The regulation of cellular responsiveness to dopamine via the D2 dopamine receptor was investigated in mouse fibroblast Ltk-cells stably expressing the rat D2-short receptor [Nature (Lond.) 336:783-787 (1988)]. Dopamine inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels in these cells (half-maximal inhibition at 3.9 +/- 1.1 nM), and the inhibition by dopamine was blocked by D2 antagonists and was pertussis toxin sensitive. Treatment of these cells with the D2 agonist quinpirole (1 microM) resulted in desensitization of dopaminergic inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, with a approximately 4-fold decrease in the potency of dopamine after 1 hr of treatment. No significant changes in total cellular D2 receptor concentrations were observed, even after prolonged agonist treatment. At longer time points, basal and forskolin-stimulated cellular cAMP levels were increased in treated cells. The effect of D2 agonist treatment on membrane adenylyl cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity was examined. Basal and forskolin- and prostaglandin E1-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activities were increased by quinpirole treatment for 24 hr. This sensitization of adenylyl cyclase was blocked by the presence of a D2 antagonist. Pertussis toxin pretreatment blocked the sensitization of adenylyl cyclase by quinpirole, although pertussis toxin also caused increased adenylyl cyclase activity on its own. Sensitization was not dependent upon dopaminergic inhibition of intracellular cAMP levels, because quinpirole treatment in the presence of membrane-permeable cAMP analogs or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (an inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase) resulted in greater sensitization of adenylyl cyclase activity than quinpirole treatment alone. These results suggest that, in this model system, responsiveness to dopamine via the D2 receptor is regulated by both desensitization of receptor function and sensitization of the stimulatory adenylyl cyclase pathway.     

Enhancing effect of dopamine blockers on evoked acetylcholine release in rat striatal slices: a classical D-2 antagonist response?

The effects of chlorpromazine, pipotiazine, haloperidol, domperidone, sulpiride and SCH 23390 on the potassium-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine [( 3H]ACh) were studied in rat striatal slices. All 5 dopamine (DA) antagonists with D-2 blockade efficacy induced an increase of [3H]ACh release whereas the specific D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 was devoid of significant effects. The maximal effect (about 100% increase) was obtained with haloperidol, pipotiazine and sulpiride but not with domperidone and chlorpromazine. Interestingly, sulpiride was found to exert an unexpected marked potency. The comparison of the activities of the 6 compounds on evoked ACh release to their affinities for D-2 receptors [( 3H]N-propylnorapomorphine binding sites) indicates that the pharmacological profile of the dopamine receptor implicated in the regulation of ACh release cannot be superimposed on that of the classical D-2 receptor. Participation of DA presynaptic receptors could however explain the differences in efficacy observed with the compounds studied.     

Effects of dopamine on ATP-sensitive potassium channels in porcine coronary artery smooth-muscle cells

BACKGROUND: Dopamine is reported to be a coronary vasodilator; however, the exact mechanism of dopamine action in the coronary circulation remains unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that dopamine-induced activation of coronary ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels may be associated with coronary vasodilation. We therefore investigated the direct effects of dopamine on coronary KATP-channel activity. METHODS: We used patch-clamp configurations to investigate the effects of dopamine on coronary KATP-channel activity. RESULTS: Application of dopamine (10 to 10 M) to the bath solution during cell-attached recordings induced a concentration-dependent increase in KATP-channel activity. In contrast, dopamine failed to activate KATP channels in inside-out patches. Dopamine-induced coronary KATP-channel currents in cell-attached patches were inhibited by pretreatment with the selective D1-like antagonist, Sch-23390, but they were not influenced by the selective D2-like antagonist, domperidone, or the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol. The selective D1-like agonist, SKF-38393, and the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, mimicked the dopamine effects on coronary KATP channels. Furthermore, pretreatment with an inhibitor of protein kinase A, Rp-cAMPS, abolished the dopamine-induced KATP-channel activation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that dopamine activates coronary KATP channels via signal transduction involving the D1-like dopaminergic receptor-protein kinase A-signaling pathway.     

The dopamine agonism on ADP-stimulated platelets is mediated through D2-like but not D1-like dopamine receptors

Monoamines such as serotonin and epinephrine are known to be involved in platelet activation and aggregation. Dopamine is another monoamine identified in platelets, but published data about its effect on platelets and the receptors involved are controversial. In the present study, we investigated the dopamine agonism in platelets and the receptors involved in these pathways. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of healthy individuals was treated with agonists (ADP, epinephrine, dopamine) and various dopamine receptor and transporter antagonists such as SCH-23390, raclopride, clozapine, methylphenidate, and cocaine. Platelet activation was investigated by flow cytometry (CD62P and CD63 surface expression), optical aggregometry, and microaggregate adhesion to collagen IV in a flow chamber system. In our study, dopamine on its own had no effect on platelet activation in the different assays. However, when used in combination with ADP (10 μM), dopamine in a range of 1 to 100 μM significantly potentiated platelet microaggregate formation and adhesion to collagen under low shear flow conditions. Specific antagonists for D2-like receptors (L-741,626, raclopride, and clozapine) completely diminished the dopamine effect at selective concentrations, but not the effect of epinephrine. Neither the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390 nor dopamine transporter antagonists (methylphenidate, cocaine) showed inhibitory effects on the dopamine agonism. Thus, dopamine is an ADP-dependent platelet agonist which acts via D2-like but not D1-like receptors or adrenergic receptors. Because many psychopharmacological drugs are directed to D2-like receptors, platelet dysfunction in patients being treated with such drugs may be linked to these mechanisms.     

Actions of domperidone on the opioid system in isolated guinea-pig ileum: differences between dopamine antagonists on opioid system

1. To validate the relationship between the dopaminergic, opioidergic and cholinergic nervous systems, we evaluated the effect of domperidone, a dopamine (D2) antagonist, on the opioid system in myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation isolated from the guinea-pig ileum. 2. One micromolar of domperidone did not affect the 0.1 Hz-evoked (duration 0.5 ms, maximum intensity) twitch response, but concentration dependently inhibited the twitch response between concentrations of 2 and 20 microM, and the inhibition was maximum after 20-30 min at the highest concentration used (20 microM). 3. Acetylcholine-evoked contraction on basal tension was also not inhibited by 1 microM domperidone, but the contraction was concentration dependently inhibited at concentrations of 10-100 microM in a non-competitive manner. 4. One micromolar of domperidone, however, increased post-tetanic twitch inhibition, an indicator of the release of endogenous opioids. This increase was completely antagonized by 1 microM naloxone. Twitch inhibition induced by dynorphin 1-13 (0.1-10 nM) was not affected by 1 microM domperidone, but increased the maximum twitch inhibition caused by morphine (0.1-1 microM). 6. These results might reflect the existence of an interaction between the dopaminergic and opioidergic system without the inhibition of the cholinergic system. Dopamine antagonists increased opioid action, an action that may depend more on the increased release of endogenous opioids than on supersensitivity of the opioid receptor.     

SK&F 83959 and non-cyclase-coupled dopamine D1-like receptors in jaw movements via dopamine D1-like/D2-like receptor synergism

This study compared the effects of the dopamine D1-like receptor agents SK&F 83959 (3-methyl-6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-[3-methyl-phenyl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- 1 H-3-benzazepine), which inhibits the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, and A 68930 ([1R,3S]-1-aminomethyl-5,6-dihydroxy-3-phenyl-isochroman), a full efficacy agonist, in regulating jaw movements in the rat by synergism with dopamine D2-like receptor agonism. When SK&F 83959 and A 68930 were given in combination with quinpirole, there was a synergistic induction of jaw movements. Responsivity to SK&F 83959 + quinpirole was antagonised by the dopamine D1-like receptor antagonists SCH 23390 ([R]-3-methyl-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-ben zaz epine) and BW 737C ([S]-6-chloro-1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylbenzyl]-7-hydroxy-2-methyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline); synergism was antagonised also by the dopamine D2-like receptor antagonist YM 09151-2 (cis-N-[1-benzyl-2-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-++ +methyl-aminobenzamide). Responsivity to A 68930 + quinpirole was enhanced by low doses of SCH 23390, BW 737C and YM 09151-2, and antagonised by higher doses of SCH 23390 and YM 09151-2. These results implicate a novel, dopamine D1-like receptor that is coupled to a transduction system other than/additional to adenylyl cyclase, and suggest that its functional role extends to the regulation of jaw movements by synergistic interactions with dopamine D2-like receptors.     

Profile of spinal and supra-spinal antinociception of (-)-linalool

We previously reported that administration of (-)-linalool, the naturally occurring enantiomer in essential oils, induced a significant reduction in carrageenin-induced oedema and in acetic acid-induced writhing. The latter effect was completely antagonised by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine and by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. To further characterise the antinociceptive profile of (-)-linalool, we studied its effect in the hot plate and the formalin in tests. In addition, to determine the possible involvement of the cholinergic, opioidergic and dopaminergic systems, we tested the effects of atropine, pirenzepine, a muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist, naloxone, sulpiride, a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and (R)-(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (SCH-23390), a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist on (-)-linalool-induced antinociception. Moreover, since K(+) channels seem to play an important role in the mechanisms of pain modulation, we examined the effect of glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor on (-)-linalool-induced antinociception. The administration of (-)-linalool (100 and 150 mg/kg, s.c.) increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. Moreover, (-)-linalool (50 and 100 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction in the early acute phase of the formalin model, but not in the late tonic phase. The highest dose (150 mg/kg) caused a significant antinociceptive effect on both phases. The antinociceptive effects of (-)-linalool were decreased by pre-treatment with atropine, naloxone, sulpiride and glibenclamide but not by pirenzepine and SCH-23390. These results are in agreement with the demonstrated pharmacological properties of linalool, mainly its cholinergic, local anaesthetic activity and its ability to block NMDA receptors. Furthermore, a key role seems to be played by K(+) channels, whose opening might be the consequence of a stimulation of muscarinic M2, opioid or dopamine D2 receptors.