Addictive evaluation of cholic acid-verticinone ester,a potential cough therapeutic agent with agonist action of opioid receptor

Aim:

The purpose of this work was to search for potential drugs with potent antitussive and expectorant activities as well as a low toxicity, but without addictive properties. Cholic acid-verticinone ester (CA-Ver) was synthesized based on the clearly elucidated antitussive and expectorant activities of verticinone in bulbs of Fritillaria and different bile acids in Snake Bile. In our previous study, CA-Ver showed a much more potent activity than codeine phosphate. This study was carried out to investigate the central antitussive mechanism and the addictive evaluation of CA-Ver.

Methods:

Testing on a capsaicin-induced cough model of mice pretreated with naloxone, a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, was performed for the observation of CA-Ver''s central antitussive mechanism. We then took naloxone-induced withdrawal tests of mice for the judgment of CA-Ver''s addiction. Lastly, we determined the opioid dependence of CA-Ver in the guinea pig ileum.

Results:

The test on the capsaicin-induced cough model showed that naloxone could block the antitussive effect of CA-Ver, suggesting the antitussive mechanism of CA-Ver was related to the central opioid receptors. The naloxone-urged withdrawal tests of the mice showed that CA-Ver was not addictive, and the test of the opioid dependence in the guinea pig ileum showed that CA-Ver had no withdrawal response.

Conclusion:

These findings suggested that CA-Ver deserved attention for its potent antitussive effects related to the central opioid receptors, but without addiction, and had a good development perspective.     

Behavioral effects of a novel kappa opioid analgesic,U-50488, in rats and rhesus monkeys

U-50488 [trans-3,4-dichloro-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide] is a structurally novel analgesic reported to have specific kappa opioid receptor agonist properties. Potent antinociceptive activity was demonstrated in rhesus monkeys and the effect was reversed by naloxone. The overt behavioral effects of U-50488 at supra-analgesic doses more closely resembled those of ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) than morphine. In monkeys trained to discriminate a 10-g/kg dose of EKC from saline, the stimulus effects generalized completely to U-50488 and other kappa agonists (e.g., bremazocine, cyclazocine), but not to the pure mu agonists. Like the other kappa agonists, U-50488 produced diuresis in monkeys by a naloxone-sensitive mechanism. In drug-naive rats offered continuous opportunity to self-administer drugs IV, most rats self-administered morphine or EKC, but none of the rats self-administered U-50488 at a rate above that of a group offered saline. Rats with continuous IV infusion of U-50488 for 3 weeks exhibited few abstinence signs and no weight loss when challenged with an injection of naloxone or after abrupt cessation of drug infusion. These experimental results support the previous reports in mice that U-50488 is a very selective kappa opioid agonist in rats and rhesus monkeys.     

一种新的阿片受点不可逆激动剂7α-二(β-氯乙基)胺甲基-6,14-乙烯撑基四氢奥利文的药理研究

α-CAM是一新的阿片受点不可逆激动剂,在离体组织(GPI,MVD,RVD和RbVD)及大鼠脑P₂膜制备上均表现不可逆作用。对小鼠镇痛(icv)ED₅₀为0.12 nmol/鼠,镇痛作用可持续2～3 d,是迄今所知镇痛时间最长的化合物。一次注射(icv)即可使小鼠成瘾,可作为研究成瘾机理的工具药。     

Development of a selective S1P1 receptor agonist,Syl930, as a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune encephalitis

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1P₁) is essential for lymphocyte egress from secondary lymphoid organs and is a validated drug target for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. However, during the preclinical and clinical trials of S1P₁ modulators, the undesired activation of S1P₃, a subtype of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors family, by S1P₁ modulators often results in bradycardia in patients. Thus, we designed and synthesized a new series of selective S1P₁ agonists. One of them, Syl930 (the prodrug), is preference to activate S1P₁ but not S1P₃. In this study, we further investigated the therapeutic potential of Syl930 on an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in Lewis rats. We found that Syl930 can activate and internalize S1P₁ receptors and effectively decreased the periphery blood lymphocytes (PBL) in SD rats, and subsequently rendered PBL insensitive to egress signal from secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). Intriguingly, the treatment of Syl930 did not bring any side effect on heart rate of the tested rats. Furthermore, the suppressed PBL caused by Syl930 was able to recover within 3 days after the last dose of treatment, which is correlated to the relatively short elimination half-life of Syl930. In the rat EAE model, therapeutic treatment with Syl930 significantly inhibited the progression of EAE and EAE-associated histological changes in brain and spinal cord of Lewis rats. These results illustrate that, as a selective S1P₁ agonist, Syl930 exhibits a profound and rapidly reversible suppression of lymphocyte trafficking and it has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune encephalitis.     

Characterization of a CNS penetrant, selective M1 muscarinic receptor agonist, 77-LH-28-1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: M1 muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs) represent an attractive drug target for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. However, the discovery of subtype-selective mAChR agonists has been hampered by the high degree of conservation of the orthosteric ACh-binding site among mAChR subtypes. The advent of functional screening assays has enabled the identification of agonists such as AC-42 (4-n-butyl-1-[4-(2-methylphenyl)-4-oxo-1-butyl]-piperidine), which bind to an allosteric site and selectively activate the M(1) mAChR subtype. However, studies with this compound have been limited to recombinantly expressed mAChRs. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: In this study, we have compared the pharmacological profile of AC-42 and a close structural analogue, 77-LH-28-1 (1-[3-(4-butyl-1-piperidinyl)propyl]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone) at human recombinant, and rat native, mAChRs by calcium mobilization, inositol phosphate accumulation and both in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology. KEY RESULTS: Calcium mobilization and inositol phosphate accumulation assays revealed that both AC-42 and 77-LH-28-1 display high selectivity to activate the M1 mAChR over other mAChR subtypes. Furthermore, 77-LH-28-1, but not AC-42, acted as an agonist at rat hippocampal M1 receptors, as demonstrated by its ability to increase cell firing and initiate gamma frequency network oscillations. Finally, 77-LH-28-1 stimulated cell firing in the rat hippocampus in vivo following subcutaneous administration. Conclusions and implications:These data suggest that 77-LH-28-1 is a potent, selective, bioavailable and brain-penetrant agonist at the M1 mAChR and therefore that it represents a better tool than AC-42, with which to study the pharmacology of the M1 mAChR.     

Effectiveness of nalbuphine,a κ-opioid receptor agonist and μ-opioid receptor antagonist,in the inhibition of INa,IK(M), and IK(erg) unlinked to interaction with opioid receptors

Nalbuphine (NAL) is recognized as a mixer with the κ-opioid receptor agonist and the μ-opioid receptor antagonist. However, whether this drug causes any modifications in neuronal ionic currents is unclear. The effects of NAL on ionic currents in mHippoE-14 hippocampal neurons were investigated. In the whole-cell current recordings, NAL suppressed the peak amplitude of voltage-gated Na⁺ current (I_Na) with an IC₅₀ value of 1.9 μM. It shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of peak I_Na to the hyperpolarized potential, suggesting that there is the voltage dependence of NAL-mediated inhibition of peak I_Na. In continued presence of NAL, subsequent application of either dynorphin A_1-13 (1 μM) or naloxone (30 μM) failed to modify its suppression of peak I_Na. Tefluthrin (Tef; 10 μM), a pyrethroid known to activate I_Na, increased peak I_Na with slowed current inactivation; however, further application of NAL suppressed Tef-mediated suppression of peak I_Na followed by an additional slowing of current inactivation. In addition, NAL suppressed the amplitude of M-type K⁺ current [I_K(M)] with an IC₅₀ value of 5.7 μM, while it slightly suppressed erg-mediated and delayed-rectifier K⁺ currents. In the inside-out current recordings, NAL failed to modify the activity of large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. In differentiated NG108-15 neuronal cells, NAL also suppressed the peak I_Na, and subsequent addition of Tef reversed NAL-induced suppression of I_Na. Our study highlights the evidence that in addition to modulate opioid receptors, NAL has the propensity to interfere with ionic currents including I_Na and I_K(M), thereby influencing the functional activities of central neurons.     

Identification of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in the metabolism of Syl930, a selective S1PR1 agonist acting as a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune encephalitis

Syl930 is a novel sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1PR₁) agonist for the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis with promising receptor selectivity and little risk of bradycardia. Syl930 could be reversibly converted to its phosphorylated metabolite, acting as the active form to provide therapeutic effects, but eliminated principally in the form of oxidative metabolites. The aim of the present study was to identify the cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYPs) responsible for the oxidative metabolism of Syl930. Considerable production of hydroxylated metabolite (Syl930-M1) was found in both rat blood and tissue homogenates in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, another hydroxylated metabolite, Syl930-M2, was detected in human, beagle dog and cynomolgus monkey liver microsomes with significant differences in the K_m, V_max and CL_int of the metabolites among species. CYP1A1, CYP2J2, CYP4F2 and CYP3A4 were identified to be the major CYPs mediated in the hydroxylation of Syl930 by using 14 recombinant human CYPs, selective chemical inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies against CYPs. The multiple CYPs mediated oxidation was believed to be one of the reasons for the relatively short elimination half-life of Syl930.     

Pharmacological evaluation of IQM-95,333, a highly selective CCKA receptor antagonist with anxiolytic-like activity in animal models

1. The pyridopyrimidine derivative IQM-95,333 ((4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-[N^α-tert-butoxicarbonyl)L-tryptophyl]amino-1,3dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine), a new non-peptide antagonist of cholecystokinin type A (CCK_A) receptors, has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo in comparison with typical CCK_A and CCK_B receptor antagonists, such as devazepide, lorglumide, L-365,260 and PD-135,158.
2. IQM-95,333 displaced [³H]-CCK-8S binding to CCK_A receptors from rat pancreas with a high potency in the nanomolar range. Conversely, the affinity of this new compound at brain CCK_B receptors was negligible (IC₅₀>10 μM). IQM-95,333 was a more selective CCK_A receptor ligand than devazepide and other CCK_A receptor antagonists.
3. Like devazepide, IQM-95,333 was a more potent antagonist of CCK-8S- than of CCK-4-induced contraction of the longitudinal muscle from guinea-pig ileum, suggesting selective antagonism at CCK_A receptors.
4. IQM-95,333 and devazepide were also potent inhibitors of CCK-8S-stimulated amylase release from isolated pancreatic acini, a CCK_A receptor-mediated effect. The drug concentrations required (IC₅₀s around 20 nM) were higher than in binding studies to pancreas homogenates.
5. Low doses (50–100 μg kg⁻¹, i.p.) of IQM-95,333 and devazepide, without any intrinsic effect on food intake or locomotion, blocked the hypophagia and the hypolocomotion induced by systemic administration of CCK-8S, two effects associated with stimulation of peripheral CCK_A receptors.
6. IQM-95,333 showed an anxiolytic-like profile in the light/dark exploration test in mice over a wide dose range (10–5,000 μg kg⁻¹). Typical CCK_A and CCK_B antagonists, devazepide and L-365,260 respectively, were only effective within a more limited dose range.
7. In a classical conflict paradigm for the study of anxiolytic drugs, the punished-drinking test, IQM-95,333, devazepide and L-365,260 were effective within a narrow dose range. The dose-response curve for the three drugs was biphasic, suggesting that other mechanisms are operative at higher doses.
8. In conclusion, IQM-95,333 is a potent and selective CCK_A receptor antagonist both in vitro and in vivo with an anxiolytic-like activity in two different animal models, which can only be attributed to blockade of this CCK receptor subtype.

     

A program evaluation study of a nursing home operated as a modified therapeutic community for chemically dependent persons with AIDS. Project Samaritan AIDS Services, Inc.'s Residential Health Care Facility, Highbridge Section, Bronx, NY

An interagency evaluation of the treatment effectiveness of a speciality nursing home (NH) run as a therapeutic community (TC) for residents diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and substance abuse/dependence (SA/D) was conducted. A total of 79 chemically dependent men and women with AIDS were: (a) administered the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS; Roid & Fitts, 1991) at initial testing (T(1)) and 8 months after their initial testing (T(2)); and (b) assessed on specific physical health indicators (i.e. , weight, CD-4 count, and viral load) and other treatment outcomes (e.g., abstinence) over the same two time periods. The TSCS results identified a valid and invalid TSCS test group and further distinguished among three subgroups of invalid responders. Significant improvements were observed from T(1) testing to T(2) testing on the TSCS, on the physical health indicators, and on other treatment outcomes. The need for additional and continued mental health services for this population was noted.     

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new 3-[(4-aryl)piperazin-1-yl]-1-arylpropane derivatives as potential antidepressants with a dual mode of action: serotonin reuptake inhibition and 5-HT1A receptor antagonism

It has been suggested that the combination of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist may facilitate the onset of the SSRIs antidepressant action. Accordingly, we describe the synthesis of a series of new 3-[(4-aryl)piperazin-1-yl]-1-arylpropane derivatives with structural modifications performed in Ar1, Ar2 and Z (Z is different functional groups) to obtain the sought dual activity. Compounds were evaluated for in vitro affinity at 5-HT1A receptors and 5-HT transporter. The antidepressant-like activity of derivatives with the higher affinity was assessed initially using the forced swimming test (FST). Compound 1-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-3-[(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-il]-1-propa none (III.1.a) showed the best antidepressant-like activity which was further confirmed in the learned helplessness test.     

Pharmacological properties of a novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor agonist, 2-(3,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-[1-(1-methylcyclooctyl)piperidin-4-yl]-1H-benzimidazole, with anxiolytic potential

We have characterized the pharmacological properties of the novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOP receptor) agonist, 2-(3,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)-1-[1-(1-methylcyclooctyl)piperidin-4-yl]-1H-benzimidazole (PCPB). PCPB bound to the NOP receptor in mouse brain membranes (Ki=0.12 nM) and to recombinant human NOP receptor (Ki=2.1 nM). PCPB showed full agonism for the NOP receptor in isolated mouse vas deferens with a maximal effect and high potency that were similar to the pharmacological profile observed for nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) (pD(2): 6.9+/-0.2; 95+/-2% activity). Orally administered PCPB (30 mg/kg) penetrated well into the brains of the mice. PCPB exhibited an anxiolytic activity in mice subjected to the Vogel conflict test that was comparable to the maximal response induced by diazepam, a representative anxiolytic agent. The anxiolytic effect of PCPB was dose-dependently blocked by the NOP receptor antagonist, J-113397, demonstrating that this effect was mediated by the NOP receptor agonist activity. Behavioral studies in mice also showed that PCPB prolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time but did not cause muscle relaxation at the oral anxiolytic dose of 30 mg/kg. Unlike diazepam, however, these central effects of PCPB were weak. Our results indicate that PCPB is a potent anxiolytic agent with agonistic activities for the NOP receptor.