Valentin K. Gribkoff

Molecular Dissection of Two Distinct Actions of Melatonin on the Suprachiasmatic Circadian Clock

The pineal hormone melatonin elicits two effects on the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN): acute neuronal inhibition and phase-shifting. Melatonin evokes its biological effects through G protein-coupled receptors. Since the Mel1a melatonin receptor may transduce the major neurobiological actions of melatonin in mammals, we examined whether it mediates both melatonin effects on SCN function by using mice with targeted disruption of the Mel1a receptor. The Mel1a receptor accounts for all detectable, high affinity melatonin binding in mouse brain. Functionally, this receptor is necessary for the acute inhibitory action of melatonin on the SCN. Melatonin-induced phase shifts, however, are only modestly altered in the receptor-deficient mice; pertussis toxin still blocks melatonin-induced phase shifts in Mel1a receptor-deficient mice. The other melatonin receptor subtype, the Mel1b receptor, is expressed in mouse SCN, implicating it in the phase-shifting response. The results provide a molecular basis for two distinct, mechanistically separable effects of melatonin on SCN physiology.

Targeting acute ischemic stroke with a calcium-sensitive opener of maxi-K potassium channels

During ischemic stroke, neurons at risk are exposed to pathologically high levels of intracellular calcium (Ca++), initiating a fatal biochemical cascade. To protect these neurons, we have developed openers of large-conductance, Ca++-activated (maxi-K or BK) potassium channels, thereby augmenting an endogenous mechanism for regulating Ca++ entry and membrane potential. The novel fluoro-oxindoles BMS-204352 and racemic compound 1 are potent, effective and uniquely Ca++-sensitive openers of maxi-K channels. In rat models of permanent large-vessel stroke, BMS-204352 provided significant levels of cortical neuroprotection when administered two hours after the onset of occlusion, but had no effects on blood pressure or cerebral blood flow. This novel approach may restrict Ca++ entry in neurons at risk while having minimal side effects.

Targeted disruption of the mouse Mel(1b) melatonin receptor.

ABSTRACT Two high-affinity, G protein-coupled melatonin receptor subtypes have been identified in mammals. Targeted disruption of the Mel1a melatonin receptor prevents some, but not all, responses to the hormone, suggesting functional redundancy among receptor subtypes (Liu et al., Neuron 19:91-102, 1997). In the present work, the mouse Mel1b melatonin receptor cDNA was isolated and characterized, and the gene has been disrupted. The cDNA encodes a receptor with high affinity for melatonin and a pharmacological profile consistent with its assignment as encoding a melatonin receptor. Mice with targeted disruption of the Mel1b receptor have no obvious circadian phenotype. Melatonin suppressed multiunit electrical activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in Mel1b receptor-deficient mice as effectively as in wild-type controls. The neuropeptide, pituitary adenylyl cyclase activating peptide, increases the level of phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in SCN slices, and melatonin reduces this effect. The Mel1a receptor subtype mediates this inhibitory response at moderate ligand concentrations (1 nM). A residual response apparent in Mel1a receptor-deficient C3H mice at higher melatonin concentrations (100 nM) is absent in Mel1a-Mel1b double-mutant mice, indicating that the Mel1b receptor mediates this effect of melatonin. These data indicate that there is a limited functional redundancy between the receptor subtypes in the SCN. Mice with targeted disruption of melatonin receptor subtypes will allow molecular dissection of other melatonin receptor-mediated responses.

The effects of dexpramipexole (KNS-760704) in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction and loss, rapidly progressive muscle weakness, wasting and death. Many factors, including mitochondrial dysfunction, may contribute to ALS pathogenesis. Riluzole, which has shown only modest benefits in a measure of survival time without demonstrated effects on muscle strength or function, is the only approved treatment for ALS. We tested the putative mitochondrial modulator dexpramipexole (KNS-760704; (6R)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-N6-propyl-2,6-benzothiazole-diamine) in subjects with ALS in a two-part, double-blind safety and tolerability study, with a preliminary assessment of its effects on functional decline and mortality. In part 1, the effects of dexpramipexole (50, 150 or 300 mg d−1) versus placebo were assessed over 12 weeks. In part 2, after a 4-week, single-blind placebo washout, continuing subjects were re-randomized to dexpramipexole at 50 mg d−1 or 300 mg d−1 as double-blind active treatment for 24 weeks. Dexpramipexole was safe and well tolerated. Trends showing a dose-dependent attenuation of the slope of decline of the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) in part 1 and a statistically significant (P = 0.046) difference between groups in a joint rank test of change from baseline in ALSFRS-R and mortality in part 2 strongly support further testing of dexpramipexole in ALS.

Formation of intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels by interaction of Slack and Slo subunits

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (maxi-K channels) have an essential role in the control of excitability and secretion. Only one gene Slo is known to encode maxi-K channels, which are sensitive to both membrane potential and intracellular calcium. We have isolated a potassium channel gene called Slack that is abundantly expressed in the nervous system. Slack channels rectify outwardly with a unitary conductance of about 25–65 pS and are inhibited by intracellular calcium. However, when Slack is co-expressed with Slo, channels with pharmacological properties and single-channel conductances that do not match either Slack or Slo are formed. The Slack/Slo channels have intermediate conductances of about 60–180 pS and are activated by cytoplasmic calcium. Our findings indicate that some intermediate-conductance channels in the nervous system may result from an interaction between Slack and Slo channel subunits.

Maxi-K Potassium Channels: Form, Function, and Modulation of a Class of Endogenous Regulators of Intracellular Calcium

Large-conductance calcium-activated (maxi-K, BK) potassium channels are widely distributed in the brain. Maxi-K channels function as neuronal calcium sensors and contribute to the control of cellular excitability and the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Little is currently known of any significant role of maxi-K channels in the genesis of neurological disease. Recent advances in the molecular biology and pharmacology of these channels have revealed sources of phenotypic variability and demonstrated that they can be successfully modulated by pharmacological agents. A potential role is suggested in the treatment of conditions such as ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders.

Phase Shifting of Circadian Rhythms and Depression of Neuronal Activity in the Rat Suprachiasmatic Nucleus by Neuropeptide Y: Mediation by Different Receptor Subtypes

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been implicated in the phase shifting of circadian rhythms in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Using long-term, multiple-neuron recordings, we examined the direct effects and phase-shifting properties of NPY application in rat SCN slices in vitro (n = 453). Application of NPY and peptide YY to SCN slices at circadian time (CT) 7.5–8.5 produced concentration-dependent, reversible inhibition of cell firing and a subsequent significant phase advance. Several lines of evidence indicated that these two effects of NPY were mediated by different receptors. NPY-induced inhibition and phase shifting had different concentration–response relationships and very different phase–response relationships. NPY-induced phase advances, but not inhibition, were blocked by the GABAA antagonist bicuculline, suggesting that NPY-mediated modulation of GABA may be an underlying mechanism whereby NPY phase shifts the circadian clock. Application of the Y2 receptor agonists NPY 13–36 and (Cys2,8-aminooctanoic acid5,24,d-Cys27)-NPY advanced the peak of the circadian rhythm but did not inhibit cell firing. The Y1 and Y5 agonist [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY evoked a substantial inhibition of discharge but did not generate a phase shift. NPY-induced inhibition was not blocked by the specific Y1 antagonist BIBP-3226; the antagonist also had no effect on the timing of the peak of the circadian rhythm. Application of the Y5 agonist [d-Trp32]-NPY produced only direct neuronal inhibition. These are the first data to indicate that at least two functional populations of NPY receptors exist in the SCN, distinguishable on the basis of pharmacology, each mediating a different physiological response to NPY application.

The synthesis and characterization of BMS-204352 (MaxiPost) and related 3-fluorooxindoles as openers of maxi-K potassium channels

3-Aryl-3-fluorooxindoles can be efficiently synthesized in two steps by the addition of an aryl Grignard to an isatin, followed by treatment with DAST. Oxindole 1 (BMS-204352; MaxiPost) can be isolated using chiral HPLC or prepared by employing chiral resolution. Cloned maxi-K channels are opened by 1, which demonstrates a brain/plasma ratio >9 in rats.

The Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Large-Conductance Calcium = Activated (BK) Potassium Channels

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the current status of pharmacological development targeted at an important class of K+ channel, the BK channel. BK Channels are a phenotypically diverse group of voltage-dependent ion channels with a range of single-channel conductance values, sensitivities to [Ca2+]in, and a widespread localization throughout excitable and nonexcitable tissues. Ca2+-activated K+ channels, including BK channels, are widely distributed K+ channels with one property in common, their dependence on intracellular Ca2+ for activation. It is this property that separates them from other K+ channels and makes them so potentially important from a functional point of view. For discussion of the pharmacology of BK channels, the chapter takes the approach that the initial importance of the development of pharmacology for an ion channel (or any receptor) is the utility of these various agents, both inhibitors and activators, to be used as tools to investigate various aspects of the channels function. In addition, pharmacological agents can be used to determine the distribution of the channel. In some cases, they can be used to isolate and eventually clone channel proteins. Although this order has been reversed in some previous cases, this is increasingly the process by which ion channel drug discovery is likely to proceed. In the specific case of the development of the pharmacology of BK channels, serendipity certainly played a role in the discovery of some of the original compounds that interact with these channels, but several groups have subsequently directed their efforts to the development of compounds specifically targeted for these channels. The rapid advances in the understanding of the molecular pharmacology of these channels, their functions, and their localization at the cellular and regional level all are anticipated to contribute to advances in the pharmaceutical utility of BK channel-directed drugs.

The adenosine antagonist 8-cyclopentyltheophylline reduces the depression of hippocampal neuronal responses during hypoxia.

Exposure of rat hippocampal slices to hypoxic conditions for 15 min produced a rapid, profound, but completely reversible depression of evoked synaptic potentials. The specific A1 adenosine receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (8-CPT) significantly reduced hypoxia-induced synaptic depression in a concentration-dependent manner. It is concluded that adenosine, which is neuroprotective when exogenously applied during severe hypoxia because of its ability to depress synaptic transmission, may have an important and exploitable endogenous role in the protection of sensitive neurons.