Geo Adam

Pharmacological manipulation of mGlu2 receptors influences cognitive performance in the rodent

Atrophy of the medial temporal lobes, including the glutamatergic cortical-hippocampal circuitry, is an early event in Alzheimers disease (AD) and probably contributes to the characteristic short-term mnemonic decline. Pharmacological strategies directly targeted to ameliorating this functional decline may represent a novel approach for the symptomatic treatment of AD. Presynaptic group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (i.e. mGlu2 and mGlu3) exert a powerful modulatory influence on the function of these pathways, in particular the perforant pathway. Using a combination of mGlu2 receptor knockout mice and the group II agonist LY354740, we show that activation of mGlu2 receptors produces a cognitive impairment, i.e. a delay-dependent deficit in delayed matching and non-matching to position, and impaired spatial learning in a Morris water maze. Conversely, a group II antagonist, LY341495, improved acquisition of spatial learning. LY354740 potently reduced field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal slices from wild type but not mGlu2 receptor knockout mice. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of mGlu2 receptors evokes a powerful inhibitory effect on hippocampal synaptic transmission and mGlu2 agonists produce a cognitive deficit consistent with this change. Conversely, mGlu2 receptor antagonists may improve certain aspects of cognition and thus represent a novel approach for the symptomatic treatment of AD.

Role of caspase-3 activation in cerebral ischemia-induced neurodegeneration in adult and neonatal brain

These studies have addressed the role of caspase-3 activation in neuronal death after cerebral ischemia in different animal models. The authors were unable to show activation of procaspase-3 measured as an induction of DEVDase (Asp-Glu-Val-Asp) activity after focal or transient forebrain ischemia in rats. DEVDase activity could not be induced in the cytosolic fraction of the brain tissue obtained from these animals by exogenous cytochrome c/dATP and Ca2+. However, the addition of granzyme B to these cytosolic fractions resulted in a significant activation of DEVDase, confirming that the conditions were permissive to analyze proteolytic cleavage of the DEVD-AMC (7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin) substrate. Consistent with these findings, zVal-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone administered after focal ischemia did not have a neuroprotective effect. In contrast to these findings, a large increase in DEVDase activity was detected in a model of hypoxic-ischemia in postnatal-day-7 rats. Furthermore, in postnatal-day-7 animals treated with MK-801, in which it has been suggested that excessive apoptosis is induced, the authors were unable to detect activation of DEVDase activity but were able to induce it in vitro by the addition of cytochrome c/dATP and Ca2+ to the cytosolic fraction. Analysis of cytochrome c distribution did not provide definitive evidence for selective cytochrome c release in the permanent focal ischemia model, whereas in the transient model a small but consistent amount of cytochrome c was found in the cytosolic fraction. However, in both models the majority of cytochrome c remained associated with the mitochondrial fraction. In conclusion, the authors were unable to substantiate a role of mitochondrially derived cytochrome c and procaspase-3 activation in ischemia-induced cell death in adult brain, but did see a clear induction of caspase-3 in neonatal hypoxia.

Characterization of [3H]-LY354740 binding to rat mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors expressed in CHO cells using Semliki Forest virus vectors

The binding properties of [(3)H]-LY354740 were characterized on rat metabotropic glutamate receptors mGlu2 and mGlu3 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using Semliki Forest virus vectors. The saturation isotherm gave K(D) values of 20+/-5 and 53+/-8 nM and B(max) values of 474+/-161 and 667+/-89 fmol/mg protein for mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors, respectively. NMDA, CaCl(2), DHPG and kainate were inactive up to 1 mM, whereas LY341495, DCG IV and ibotenate inhibited [(3)H]-LY354740 binding with similar potencies on both receptors. L-CCG I, L-AP4, L-AP5, LY354740 and 1S,3R-ACPD were 2- to 4-fold more potent inhibitors of [(3)H]-LY354740 binding to mGlu2 than mGlu3 receptors. However, MPPG and L-AP3 had a 6-fold and DTT a 28-fold preference for mGlu2 over mGlu3. ZnCl(2), at 10 mM, inhibited more than 70% of [(3)H]-LY354740 binding to mGlu2 receptors. At the same concentration it did not affect significantly [(3)H]-LY354740 binding to mGlu3 receptors. On the contrary, glutamate, quisqualate, EGLU and NAAG showed a 3-, 5-, 7- and 12-fold preference for mGlu3 over mGlu2. Finally, GTPgammaS, which partially inhibited the binding on mGlu2 receptors, was inactive to inhibit [(3)H]-LY354740 binding on mGlu3 receptors.

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

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

Synthesis of (1S, 3aS)-8-(2,3,3a, 4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triaza-spiro [4.5]decan-4-one, a potent and selective orphanin FQ (OFQ) receptor agonist with anxiolytic-like properties

The development of 8-(2,3,3a,4,5, 6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen1-yl)-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triaza-spiro[4. 5]decan-4-ones 3 starting from (RS)-8-acenaphten-1-yl-1-phenyl-1,3, 8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one 1 is reported. The synthesis and the binding affinities at human OFQ and opioid (micro, kappa, delta) receptors of the stereoisomers 3a-f are described. In vitro the most selective compound, (1S,3aS)-8-(2,3,3a,4,5, 6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen1-yl)-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triaza-spiro[4. 5]decan-4-one 3c, was found to act as a full agonist at the OFQ receptor in the GTPgamma(35)S binding test. It turned out to be selective versus a variety of other neurotransmitter systems. When tested in vivo following intraperitoneal injection, compound 3c was found to decrease neophobia in a novel environment and to exhibit dose-dependent anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus-maze procedure, thus confirming the effects observed following intracerebroventricular infusion of the OFQ peptide in rat.

A combined pharmacological and genetic approach to investigate the role of orphanin FQ in learning and memory

Using a combination of the selective opioid receptor‐like1 (ORL1) receptor agonist, Ro 64‐6198, and orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) peptide knockout (KO) mice, the influence of OFQ/N on cognition has been studied in the rodent. In wild type, C57BL/6J mice, Ro 64‐6198 (0.3–1 mg/kg i.p.) impaired the acquisition of spatial learning in the Morris water maze, although a mild neurological impairment was evident which complicated precise interpretation. In Lister hooded rats, Ro 64‐6198 (6 mg/kg i.p.) produced delay dependent impairments in rats performing either a delayed matching or a delayed nonmatching to position task with only a modest (< 20%) effect on omissions – an effect consistent with a short‐term memory impairment. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated an inhibitory effect of OFQ/N on LTP recorded from the CA1 region of wild type mice, but not in ORL1 receptor knockout mice. In contrast to the ORL1 agonist, mice deficient in the OFQ/N peptide showed some evidence of improved spatial learning, fear conditioning and passive avoidance retention. However, CA1 LTP was similar between OFQ/N peptide KO mice and wild type controls. Subsequent receptor radioautography studies demonstrated the presence of ORL1 receptors within various regions of the medial temporal lobe system: i.e. CA1, dentate gyrus molecular layer, subiculum, perirhinal cortex. Taken together, these results suggest a bi‐directional effect of OFQ/N containing systems on aspects of cognitive behaviour, particularly those elements associated with hippocampal function. This is consistent with a likely modulatory role of OFQ/N on hippocampal and associated cortical circuitry.

Influence of the selective ORL1 receptor agonist, Ro64-6198, on rodent neurological function

Identification of synthetic agonists and antagonists at orphan receptors represents an important step for understanding their physiological function and therapeutic potential. Accordingly, we have recently described a non-peptide agonist at the opioid receptor like (ORL1) receptor (1S,3aS)-8-(2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (Ro64-6198; Jenck et al., PNAS 94 (2000) 4938; Wichmann et al., Eur. J. Med. Chem. 35 (2000) 839). We have investigated the effects of this compound in various tests of rodent neurological function, utilising ORL1 knockout mice to examine the pharmacological specificity of Ro64-6198. In male C57BL/6J mice, effects on balance and motor co-ordination were detected following low doses (0.3-1mg/kg IP) of Ro64-6198. At higher doses (1-3mg/kg IP), effects on swim behaviour and hypothermia was observed. At 10mg/kg, each effect became more profound and a severe neurological disturbance appeared, including loss of righting reflex. These effects of Ro64-6198 (10mg/kg IP) were absent in ORL1 receptor knockout mice. In male, hooded Lister rats, Ro64-6198 (6-10mg/kg IP), produced some disturbance of neurological function, including hypoactivity, rotarod performance, grip strength and mild hypothermia. An impairment of food responding under a variable interval (VI) 20s schedule of reinforcement was noted at 3mg/kg. These results confirm Ro64-6198 to be a highly selective pharmacological tool to investigate ORL1 receptor function in vivo and, furthermore, that activation of this receptor is accompanied by a variety of effects on neurological function.

Structure-activity relationships of substituted 5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines as group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists.

A series of 5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives 1 was studied with respect to the inhibition of 1S,3R-ACPD (10 microM)-stimulated GTP gamma35S binding on rat mGlu2 receptor transfected cell membranes. The influence of substituents at position 6 and 7 as well as the substitution pattern of the two phenyl-rings in position 2 and 5 on the activity is discussed.

Multiple pathways for regulation of the KCl-induced [3H]-GABA release by metabotropic glutamate receptors, in primary rat cortical cultures

In rat cortical primary cultures, group II- and III-metabotropic glutamate receptor-selective agonists concentration-dependently reduced KCl-induced [3H]GABA release, with IC50 values of 11 nM for LY354740, 80 nM for L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4), 180 nM for DCG-IV, and 330 nM for L-SOP. The group II antagonists, LY341495 and EGLU, reversed the effect of LY354740, and the group III antagonist MTPG reversed the effect of L-AP4. In the presence of omega-conotoxin GVIA, LY354740 inhibited the remaining [3H]GABA release, whereas L-AP4 was inactive. In contrast, in the presence of nifedipine, L-AP4 inhibited the remaining [3H]GABA release, but LY354740 was no longer active. The PKA inhibitor, H89, blocked the effects of both L-AP4 and LY354740, whereas the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220 blocked only the effect of LY354740. Both Ro 31-8220 and H89 reduced the [3H]GABA release to 60% of control. In whole-cell, voltage-clamp experiments, LY354740 and L-AP4 inhibited voltage-gated calcium channel currents with IC50 values of 28 nM and 22 microM, respectively. The results suggest that, in these cells, KCl-induced [3H]GABA release is modulated by two different mechanisms, one involving group II receptors and a direct control of the Ca2+ channel activity, and the other mediated by group III receptors and possibly involving a regulation located downstream of the Ca2+ channel activation.

Characterization of [3H]Quisqualate Binding to Recombinant Rat Metabotropic Glutamate 1a and 5a Receptors and to Rat and Human Brain Sections

Abstract: We have investigated the binding properties of[3H]quisqualate to rat metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 1a and 5areceptors and to rat and human brain sections. Saturation isotherms gaveKD values of 27 ± 4 and 81 ± 22 nMfor mGlu1a and mGlu5a receptors, respectively. Several compounds inhibited thebinding to mGlu1a and mGlu5a receptors concentration‐dependently.(S)‐4‐Carboxyphenylglycine,(S)‐4‐carboxy‐3‐hydroxyphenylglycine, and(R,S)‐1‐aminoindan‐1,5‐dicarboxylic acid, which completely inhibited[3H]quisqualate binding to the mGlu5a receptor, were inactive in afunctional assay using this receptor. The distribution and abundance ofbinding sites in rat and human brain sections were studied by quantitativereceptor radioautography and image analysis. Using 10 nM[3H]quisqualate, a high density of binding was detected in variousbrain regions with the following rank order of increasing levels: medulla,thalamus, olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, spinal cord dorsal horn, olfactorytubercle, dentate gyrus molecular layer, CA1‐3 oriens layer of hippocampus,striatum, and cerebellar molecular layer. The ionotropic component of thisbinding could be inhibited by 30 μM kainate, revealing thedistribution of mGlu1+5 receptors. The latter were almost completely inhibitedby the group I agonist (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine. The bindingprofile correlated well with the cellular sites of synthesis and regionalexpression of the respective group I receptor proteins revealed by in situhybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, respectively.