Timothy D. Westfall

N-((1S)-1-{[4-((2S)-2-{[(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl}-3-methylbutyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxamide (GSK1016790A), a Novel and Potent Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Channel Agonist Induces Urinary Bladder Contraction and Hyperactivity: Part I

Abstract The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) member of the TRP superfamily has recently been implicated in numerous physiological processes. Here we describe a small molecule TRPV4 channel activator, GSK1016790A, which we have utilized as a valuable tool in investigating the role of TRPV4 in the urinary bladder. GSK1016790A elicited Ca 2+ influx in mouse and human TRPV4 expressing HEK cells (EC 50 values of 18 and 2.1 nM, respectively), and evoked a dose-dependent activation of TRPV4 whole-cell currents at concentrations above 1 nM. In contrast the TRPV4 activator 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α−PDD) was 300-fold less potent than GSK1016790A in activating TRPV4 currents. TRPV4 mRNA was detected in urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) and urothelium of TRPV4 +/+ mouse bladders. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrated protein expression in both the UBSM and urothelium that was absent in TRPV4 -/- bladders. TRPV4 activation with GSK1016790A contracted TRPV4The transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) member of the TRP superfamily has recently been implicated in numerous physiological processes. In this study, we describe a small molecule TRPV4 channel activator, (N-((1S)-1-{[4-((2S)-2-{[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl}-3-methylbutyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxamide (GSK1016790A), which we have used as a valuable tool in investigating the role of TRPV4 in the urinary bladder. GSK1016790A elicited Ca2+ influx in mouse and human TRPV4-expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells (EC50 values of 18 and 2.1 nM, respectively), and it evoked a dose-dependent activation of TRPV4 whole-cell currents at concentrations above 1 nM. In contrast, the TRPV4 activator 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD) was 300-fold less potent than GSK1016790A in activating TRPV4 currents. TRPV4 mRNA was detected in urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) and urothelium of TRPV4+/+ mouse bladders. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrated protein expression in both the UBSM and urothelium that was absent in TRPV4−/− bladders. TRPV4 activation with GSK1016790A contracted TRPV4+/+ mouse bladders in vitro, both in the presence and absence of the urothelium, an effect that was undetected in TRPV4−/− bladders. Consistent with the effects on TRPV4 HEK whole-cell currents, 4α-PDD demonstrated a weak ability to contract bladder strips compared with GSK1016790A. In vivo, urodynamics in TRPV4+/+ and TRPV4−/− mice revealed an enhanced bladder capacity in the TRPV4−/− mice. Infusion of GSK1016790A into the bladders of TRPV4+/+ mice induced bladder overactivity with no effect in TRPV4−/− mice. Overall TRPV4 plays an important role in urinary bladder function that includes an ability to contract the bladder as a result of the expression of TRPV4 in the UBSM.

GSK1016790A, a Novel and Potent TRPV4 Channel Agonist Induces Urinary Bladder Contraction and Hyperactivity: Part I

Abstract The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) member of the TRP superfamily has recently been implicated in numerous physiological processes. Here we describe a small molecule TRPV4 channel activator, GSK1016790A, which we have utilized as a valuable tool in investigating the role of TRPV4 in the urinary bladder. GSK1016790A elicited Ca 2+ influx in mouse and human TRPV4 expressing HEK cells (EC 50 values of 18 and 2.1 nM, respectively), and evoked a dose-dependent activation of TRPV4 whole-cell currents at concentrations above 1 nM. In contrast the TRPV4 activator 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α−PDD) was 300-fold less potent than GSK1016790A in activating TRPV4 currents. TRPV4 mRNA was detected in urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) and urothelium of TRPV4 +/+ mouse bladders. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrated protein expression in both the UBSM and urothelium that was absent in TRPV4 -/- bladders. TRPV4 activation with GSK1016790A contracted TRPV4The transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) member of the TRP superfamily has recently been implicated in numerous physiological processes. In this study, we describe a small molecule TRPV4 channel activator, (N-((1S)-1-{[4-((2S)-2-{[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl}-3-methylbutyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxamide (GSK1016790A), which we have used as a valuable tool in investigating the role of TRPV4 in the urinary bladder. GSK1016790A elicited Ca2+ influx in mouse and human TRPV4-expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells (EC50 values of 18 and 2.1 nM, respectively), and it evoked a dose-dependent activation of TRPV4 whole-cell currents at concentrations above 1 nM. In contrast, the TRPV4 activator 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD) was 300-fold less potent than GSK1016790A in activating TRPV4 currents. TRPV4 mRNA was detected in urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) and urothelium of TRPV4+/+ mouse bladders. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrated protein expression in both the UBSM and urothelium that was absent in TRPV4−/− bladders. TRPV4 activation with GSK1016790A contracted TRPV4+/+ mouse bladders in vitro, both in the presence and absence of the urothelium, an effect that was undetected in TRPV4−/− bladders. Consistent with the effects on TRPV4 HEK whole-cell currents, 4α-PDD demonstrated a weak ability to contract bladder strips compared with GSK1016790A. In vivo, urodynamics in TRPV4+/+ and TRPV4−/− mice revealed an enhanced bladder capacity in the TRPV4−/− mice. Infusion of GSK1016790A into the bladders of TRPV4+/+ mice induced bladder overactivity with no effect in TRPV4−/− mice. Overall TRPV4 plays an important role in urinary bladder function that includes an ability to contract the bladder as a result of the expression of TRPV4 in the UBSM.

Expression and functional role of Rho‐kinase in rat urinary bladder smooth muscle

The involvement of Rho‐kinase (ROCK) in the contractile mechanisms mediating smooth muscle contraction of the rat urinary bladder was investigated using expression studies and the ROCK inhibitor Y‐27632. Both isoforms of ROCK (ROCK I and ROCK II) were detected in high levels in rat urinary bladder. Y‐27632 (10 μM) significantly attenuated contractions of rat urinary bladder strips evoked by the G‐protein coupled receptor agonists carbachol (58.1±10.5% at 0.3 μM) and neurokinin A (68.6±12.7% at 1 μM) without affecting contractions to potassium chloride (10–100 mM). In addition, basal tone was reduced by 47.8±2.0% by 10 μM Y‐27632 in the absence of stimulation. Contractions of urinary bladder strips evoked by the P2X receptor agonist α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐mATP; 10 μM) were also attenuated by Y‐27632 (30.0±7.2% at 10 μM). Y‐27632 (10 μM) significantly attenuated contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation (2–16 Hz). The effect of Y‐27632 on the tonic portion of the neurogenic response (4–16 Hz) was not significantly different from the effect of atropine (1 μM) alone. While the mechanism underlying the ability of Y‐27632 to inhibit α,β‐mATP‐evoked contractions remains undetermined, the results of the present study clearly demonstrate a role for ROCK in the regulation of rat urinary bladder smooth muscle contraction and tone.

GW427353 (Solabegron), a Novel, Selective β3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist, Evokes Bladder Relaxation and Increases Micturition Reflex Threshold in the Dog

Functional studies have demonstrated that adrenoceptor agonist-evoked relaxation is mediated primarily by β3-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in human bladder. Thus, the use of selective β3-AR agonists in the pharmacological treatment of overactive bladder is being explored. The present studies investigated the effects of a novel selective β3-AR agonist, (R)-3′-[[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]ethyl]amino]-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid (GW427353; solabegron) on bladder function in the dog using in vitro and in vivo techniques. GW427353 stimulated cAMP accumulation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human β3-AR, with an EC50 value of 22 ± 6 nM and an intrinsic activity 90% of isoproterenol. At concentrations of 10,000 nM, GW427353 produced a minimal response in cells expressing either β1-ARs or β2-ARs (maximum response <10% of that to isoproterenol). In dog isolated bladder strips, GW427353 evoked relaxation that was attenuated by the nonselective β-AR antagonist bupranolol and 1-(2-ethylphenoxy)-3-[[(1S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl]amino]-(2S)-2-propanol (SR59230A) (reported to have β3-AR antagonist activity). The relaxation was unaffected by atenolol, a selective β1-AR antagonist, or (±)-1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-butanol (ICI 118551), a selective β2-AR antagonist. GW427353 increased the volume required to evoke micturition in the anesthetized dog following acetic acid-evoked bladder irritation, without affecting the ability of the bladder to void. GW427353-evoked effects on bladder parameters in vivo were inhibited by bupranolol. The present study demonstrates that selective activation of β3-AR with GW427353 evokes bladder relaxation and facilitates bladder storage mechanisms in the dog.

Molecular Mechanisms of Antidiuretic Effect of Oxytocin

Oxytocin is known to have an antidiuretic effect, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are not completely understood. We infused oxytocin by osmotic minipump into vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats for five days and observed marked antidiuresis, increased urine osmolality, and increased solute-free water reabsorption. Administration of oxytocin also significantly increased the protein levels of aquaporin-2 (AQP2), phosphorylated AQP2 (p-AQP2), and AQP3 in the inner medulla and in the outer medulla plus cortex. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased AQP2 and p-AQP2 expression and trafficking to the apical plasma membrane of principal cells in the collecting duct, and increased AQP3 expression in the basolateral membrane. These oxytocin-induced effects were blocked by treatment with the vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist SR121463B, but not by treatment with the oxytocin receptor antagonist GW796679X. We conclude that vasopressin V2 receptors mediate the antidiuretic effects of oxytocin, including increased expression and apical trafficking of AQP2, p-AQP2, and increased AQP3 protein expression.

Differential effects of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors in a model of cardiovascular disease.

The evidence is compelling for a role of inflammation in cardiovascular diseases; however, the chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs for these indications has been disappointing. The recent study compares the effects of two anti-inflammatory agents [cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and p38 inhibitors] in a model of cardiovascular disease. The vascular, renal, and cardiac effects of 4-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-3-phenyl-5H-furan-2-one (rofecoxib; a COX2 inhibitor) and 6-{5-[(cyclopropylamino)carbonyl]-3-fluoro-2-methylphenyl}-N-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide [GSK-AHAB, a selective p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor], were examined in the spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat (SHR-SP). In SHR-SPs receiving a salt-fat diet (SFD), chronic treatment with GSK-AHAB significantly and dose-dependently improved survival, endothelial-dependent and -independent vascular relaxation, and indices of renal function, and it attenuated dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiac remodeling, plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In contrast, chronic treatment with a COX2-selective dose of rofecoxib exaggerated the harmful effects of the SFD, i.e., increasing vascular and renal dysfunction, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, PRA, aldosterone, and IL-1β. The protective effects of a p38 MAPK inhibitor are clearly distinct from the deleterious effects of a selective COX2 inhibitor in the SHR-SP and suggest that anti-inflammatory agents can have differential effects in cardiovascular disease. The results also suggest a method for evaluating long-term cardiovascular efficacy and safety.

A new method for producing urinary bladder hyperactivity using a non-invasive transient intravesical infusion of acetic acid in conscious rats

INTRODUCTION Animal models that closely resemble the pathophysiology of human overactive bladder are important for evaluating novel therapeutics to treat the disorder. We established a non-invasive hyperactive bladder model that is sensitive to anti-muscarinic drugs and without bladder inflammation. METHODS Acetic acid solution was infused into the bladder for 5 min via the urethral orifice without any surgical procedures under isoflurane anaesthesia. After washing the bladder with saline, voiding frequency (VF) and total urine volume were determined for 9 h under conscious conditions. RESULTS Infusion of a 0.5% acetic acid solution caused a significant increase in VF, without influencing total urine volume or inducing significant histopathological inflammatory alterations in the bladder urothelium. Oral administration of oxybutynin (3 and 10 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated increases in VF induced by 0.5% acetic acid. Infusion of 0.75% acetic acid induced intensive urinary inflammation and a decrease in total urine volume as well as an increase in VF. Oral treatment with oxybutynin (10 mg/kg) did not significantly improve the increased VF due to 0.75% acetic acid. Acetic acid (0.5%) infusion evoked bladder hyper-responsiveness whether applied at night or during the day. However, VF was increased more by the nighttime application of acetic acid, while there were no significant differences in basal levels of VF between daytime and nighttime. DISCUSSION In this study, the non-invasive rat urinary hyperactive bladder model indicated minimizes the secondary effects of experimental procedures such as surgical operations and anesthesia on bladder function and is sensitive to oxybutynin. Thus, the model may be useful for investigating novel therapeutics for OAB treatment.

Effect of endothelin on bladder contraction: potential role in bladder hyperactivity.

In the present study, we demonstrate that the intravenous infusion of endothelin-1 (3 and 10 ng/kg/min) causes a decrease in the mean micturition volume of rats in addition to an increase in mean arterial pressure. These effects are blocked by both the ETA/ETB-non-selective and the ETA-selective endothelin antagonists SB 217242 and SB 247083 respectively (both 30 mg/kg). However, it was also observed that the ETB-selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c (3 and 10 ng/kg/min) had similar effects on both mean arterial pressure and micturition volume. Initial experiments indicated that spontaneously hypertensive rats have a much lower mean micturition volume than normal rats. Binding studies comparing the total number and ratio of ETA/ETB receptors in spontaneously hypertensive, Wister-Kyoto and Sprague-Dawley rats revealed no significant differences in receptor expression. However, the magnitude of the response to endothelin-1 was greater in spontaneously hypertensive versus normal rats.

Voltage-gated Na+ Channel Blockers Reduce Functional Bladder Capacity in the Conscious Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the consequence of pharmacologic inhibition of voltage-gated Na(+) channels (Nav) in the conscious rat, based on Nav having been implicated as modulators of rodent urodynamics using knockout as well as antisense oligodeoxynucleotide approaches. METHODS The urodynamic response to standard Nav blockers, lamotrigine, amitriptyline, mexiletine, and carbamazepine were evaluated using conscious, continuous-filling cystometry in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). As a selectivity evaluation, the activity of the Nav blockers at muscarinic receptors was assessed via effect on carbachol-evoked bladder contractions. RESULTS Lamotrigine, amitriptyline, mexiletine, and carbamazepine decreased peak micturition pressure, micturition interval, and void volume. These effects were markedly similar to observations with muscarinic antagonists. Therefore, we evaluated the selectivity of these agents against bladder muscarinic receptors. Lamotrigine, mexiletine, and carbamazepine had no effect on muscarinic bladder contractions, whereas amitriptyline displayed a robust antagonism of carbachol-induced contractility. CONCLUSION Three Nav blockers--lamotrigine, mexiletine, and carbamazepine--demonstrated a reduction in micturition pressure and functional bladder capacity, similar to previous observations with muscarinic antagonists. These 3 Nav blockers are free of muscarinic antagonism, consistent with their cystometric effects being mediated via their Nav blocking activities. The negative findings reported here with Nav blockers suggest that Nav channel blockade is unlikely to reflect an improved treatment strategy for bladder disorders over currently prescribed muscarinic antagonists.