Kosuke Kanuma

In vitro and antinociceptive profile of HON0001, an orally active NMDA receptor NR2B subunit antagonist.

The analgesic activity and side effect liabilities of a novel NR2B antagonist, 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl-1-(2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (HON0001) were investigated. HON0001 inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding to rat brain membranes in a biphasic manner, with IC50 values of 54.68+/-4.96 nM and 46.48+/-5.85 muM for high- and low-affinity sites, respectively. HON0001 inhibited [3H]ifenprodil binding to membranes of rat cerebral cortex with an IC50 value of 57.01+/-3.4 nM, consistent with the results obtained for high-affinity sites of [3H]MK-801 binding. HON0001 exhibited no or negligible affinity for other receptors, transporters and ion channels, while HON0001 had a moderate agonistic activity at mu-opioid receptors and affinity for dopamine D1 receptors. HON0001 exhibited an analgesic effect in carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and in the Seltzer model of partial sciatic nerve ligation following oral administration. In contrast, unlike MK-801, HON0001 did not affect spontaneous locomotor activity, rotarod performance and step-through latency in a passive avoidance task even at doses much higher than antinociceptive doses. HON0001 exhibited excellent brain penetration with a brain-to-plasma ratio of 34.5. These findings show that HON0001 is an orally active NR2B antagonist and that it may be useful for treating patients with neuropathic and other conditions without causing the side effects often observed with currently available non-subtype selective NMDA receptor antagonists.

Antidepressant/anxiolytic potential and adverse effect liabilities of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonists in animal models.

Melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCH1 receptor) is known to be involved in the control of mood and stress, in addition to the regulation of feeding. Here, we report further evidence that the blockade of the MCH1 receptor exhibits antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects in a variety of animal models using TASP0382650 and TASP0489838, newly synthesized MCH1 receptor antagonists, with different scaffolds. Both TASP0382650 and TASP0489838 exhibited high affinities for human MCH1 receptor with IC50 values of 7.13 and 3.80nM, respectively. Both compounds showed potent antagonist activities at the MCH1 receptor, as assessed using MCH-increased [(35)S]GTPγS binding to human MCH1 receptor and an MCH-induced [Ca(2+)]i assay in rat MCH1 receptor expressing cells. In contrast, neither TASP0382650 nor TASP0489838 showed an affinity for the MCH2 receptor, another MCH receptor subtype. The oral administration of TASP0382650 or TASP0489838 significantly reduced the immobility time during the forced swimming test in rats, and reduced hyperemotionality induced by an olfactory bulbectomy, both of which are indicative of an antidepressant-like potential. In the olfactory bulbectomy model, the antidepressant effect of TASP0382650 appeared following a single administration, suggesting a faster onset of action, compared with current medications. Moreover, both TASP0382650 and TASP0489838 exhibited anxiolytic effects in several animal models of anxiety. In contrast, both TASP0382650 and TASP0489838 did not affect spontaneous locomotor activity, motor function, spatial memory during the Morris water maze task, or the convulsion threshold to pentylenetetrazole. These findings provide additional evidence that the blockade of the MCH1 receptor exhibits antidepressant- and anxiolytic activities with no adverse effects in experimental animal models.

CHAPTER 12:Neuropeptide Receptors: Novel Therapeutic Targets for Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Numerous neuropeptides have recently attracted interest as novel targets for drug discovery for the treatment of depression and anxiety based on the important roles that these proteins play in regulating stress responses. Neuropeptides exert their effects through specific receptors, most of which belong to the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. A series of neurochemical and behavioural studies utilizing pharmacological tools and genetically engineered animals have elucidated the role of each receptor subtype in depression and anxiety. In addition, clinical studies have been conducted using selective antagonists for several receptor subtypes. In particular, neuropeptides that regulate two important stress-related pathways, HPA axis activity and reward activity, are of interest as novel approaches for the treatment of depression and anxiety.