SCH 57790: a novel M2 receptor selective antagonist

As a decrease in cholinergic neurons has been observed in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), therapeutic approaches to AD include inhibition of acetylcholinesterase to increase acetylcholine levels. Evidence suggests that acetylcholine release in the CNS is modulated by negative feedback via presynaptic M2 receptors, blockade of which should provide another means of increasing acetylcholine release. Structure-activity studies of [4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl]methylpiperazines led to the synthesis of 4-cyclohexyl-alpha-[4-[[4-methoxyphenyl]sulfinyl]-phenyl]-1-piperazin eacetonitrile. This compound, SCH 57790, binds to cloned human M2 receptors expressed in CHO cells with an affinity of 2.78 nM; the affinity at M1 receptors is 40-fold lower. SCH 57790 is an antagonist at M2 receptors expressed in CHO cells, as the compound blocks the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity mediated by the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine. This compound should be useful in assessing the potential of M2 receptor blockade for enhancement of cognition.     

Functional antagonism of D-1 and D-2 dopaminergic mechanisms affecting striatal acetylcholine release

Rat striatal slices prelabelled with [3H]choline were superfused with dopamine D-1 and D-2 agonists and antagonists, separately and in combination, during measurement of [3H]acetylcholine (ACh) release. SKF38393 (D-1 agonist), 10(-7)-10(-4) M, and SCH23390 (D-1 antagonist), 10(-7)-10(-5) M, produced a dose-dependent increase in [3H]ACh release when given separately. The increased [3H]ACh release induced by either drug could not be attenuated by sufficient L-sulpiride to block D-2 receptors. Yet both SKF38393, 10(-6)-10(-5) M, and SCH23390, 10(-6)-10(-5) M, were able to partially or fully overcome the [3H]ACh release-depressant effect of cosuperfused LY171555 (D-2 agonist), 10(-6) M. This suggests that a functional antagonism regarding striatal ACh release exists between D-1 and D-2 dopaminergic receptor-mediated mechanisms, but that D-1 modulation of local ACh release does not occur at the level of the recognition site of the striatal D-2 receptor. Finally, although attenuation of the increased release of striatal [3H]ACh induced by 10(-5) M SCH23390 by SKF38393 was seen, it is possible that such functional antagonism is not mediated by exclusively D-1 dopaminergic means.     

Pharmacologic evidence for direct dopaminergic regulation of striatal acetylcholine release

This study was done to provide pharmacologic evidence for the location of those striatal dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors that participate in the regulation of local acetylcholine (ACh) release. Striatal tissue slices from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were preloaded with [3H]choline and superfused in separate experiments with buffer containing either: a D-2-specific agonist (LY141865 or LY171555), a D-2 specific antagonist (L-sulpiride), a D-1 specific agonist (SKF38393), or a D-1 antagonist (SCH23390), in the presence or absence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), used to block interneuronal activity. With either D-2 agonist there was a dose-dependent decrease in K+-stimulated [3H]ACh release, maximally at 5 X 10(-7)-10(-6) M [agonist] and to the same extent with each drug. Both SKF38393 and SCH23390 increased [3H]ACh release at tested concentrations of these agents. Results were unchanged when any of the drugs used was superfused in the presence of TTX, 5 X 10(-7) M. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that populations of striatal D-1 and D-2 receptors exist on local cholinergic neurons, where they regulate ACh release. Alternative interpretations are discussed.     

Change in muscarinic modulation of transmitter release in the rat urinary bladder after spinal cord injury

Muscarinic facilitation of 14C-ACh release from post-ganglionic parasympathetic nerve terminals was studied in bladder strips prepared from spinal intact (SI) and spinal cord transected (SCT) rats. The spinal cord was transected at the lower thoracic spinal segments 3 weeks prior to the experiments. Using non-facilitatory stimulation (2 Hz) the release of ACh in spinal intact rats did not change in the presence of a non-specific muscarinic antagonist, atropine (100 nM), an M(1) specific antagonist (pirenzepine, 50 nM) or an M(1)-M(3) specific antagonist (4-DAMP, 5 nM). However, during a facilitatory stimulation paradigm (10 Hz or 40 Hz, 100 shocks) atropine and pirenzepine, but not 4-DAMP inhibited the release of ACh in bladders from spinal intact rats, indicating an M(1) receptor-mediated facilitation. In spinal cord transected rats, 2 Hz stimulation-induced release was significantly inhibited by atropine or 4-DAMP but not by pirenzepine indicating that a pre-junctional facilitatory mechanism mediated via M(3) muscarinic receptors could be induced by a non-facilitatory stimulation paradigm after spinal injury. In bladders of spinal cord transected rats, 10 Hz stimulation-evoked release of ACh was also inhibited by atropine and 4-DAMP (5 nM) but not by pirenzepine (50 nM). These results indicate that pre-junctional muscarinic receptors at cholinergic nerve endings in the bladder change after chronic spinal cord injury. It appears that low affinity M(1) muscarinic receptors are replaced by high affinity M(3) receptors. This change in modulation of ACh release may partly explain the bladder hyperactivity after chronic spinal cord injury.     

Dopamine Agonist-Mediated Inhibition of Acetylcholine Release in Rat Striatum Is Modified by Thyroid Hormone Status

Abstract: K⁺-evoked acetyl[³H]choline ([³H]ACh) release was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by apomorphine and the D₂ agonist quinpirole in striatal slices prepared from euthyroid and hypothyroid rats. However, there was a significant increase in the maximum inhibition observed with both agonists in the hypothyroid compared with the euthyroid group, which paralleled the increased D₂ agonist sensitivity reported for stereotyped behavior. The D₂ antagonist raclopride decreased, and the D, antagonist SCH 23390 increased, the inhibition of [³H]ACh release by apomorphine, confirming an inhibitory role for D₂ receptors and an opposing role for D₁ receptors. Because there is no difference in D₁ or D₂ receptor concentration between the euthyroid and hypothyroid groups, it is suggested that thyroid hormone modulation of D₂ receptor sensitivity affects a receptor-mediated event. Following intrastriatal injection of pertussis toxin (PTX), apomorphine no longer inhibited [³H]ACh release. In fact, increased [³H]- ACh release was observed, an effect reduced by SCH 23390, providing evidence that D₁ receptors enhance [³H]- ACh release, and confirming that a PTX-sensitive G protein mediates the D₂ response. As it has been reported that thyroid hormones modulate G protein expression, this mechanism may underlie their effect on dopamine agonist- mediated inhibition of ACh.     

Affinity chromatography of the D1 dopamine receptor from rat corpus striatum

The D1 dopamine receptor from rat corpus striatum has been purified 200-250-fold by using a newly developed biospecific affinity chromatography matrix based on a derivative of the D1 selective antagonist SCH 23390. This compound, (RS)-5-(4-aminophenyl)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-1H-3-benz azepin-7-o l (SCH 39111), possesses high affinity for the D1 receptor and, when immobilized on Sepharose 6B through an extended spacer arm, was able to adsorb digitonin-solubilized D1 receptors. The interaction between the solubilized receptor and the affinity matrix was biospecific. Adsorption of receptor activity could be blocked in a stereoselective fashion [SCH 23390 greater than SCH 23388; (+)-butaclamol greater than (-)-butaclamol]. The elution of [3H]SCH 23390 activity from the gel demonstrated similar stereoselectivity for antagonist ligands. Agonists eluted receptor activity with a rank order of potency consistent with that of a D1 receptor [apomorphine greater than dopamine greater than (-)-epinephrine much greater than LY 171555 greater than serotonin]. SCH 39111-Sepharose absorbed 75-85% of the soluble receptor activity, and after the gel was washed extensively, 35-55% of the absorbed receptor activity could be eluted with 100 microM (+)-butaclamol with specific activities ranging from 250 to 450 pmol/mg of protein. The affinity-purified receptor retains the ligand binding characteristics of a D1 dopamine receptor. This affinity chromatography procedure should prove valuable in the isolation and molecular characterization of the D1 dopamine receptor.     

Endogenous serotonin and serotonin2C receptors are involved in the ability of M100907 to suppress cortical glutamate release induced by NMDA receptor blockade

Blockade of NMDA receptors by intracortical infusion of 3-( R )-2-carboxypiperazin-4-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) increases glutamate (GLU) and serotonin (5-HT) release in the medial prefrontal cortex and impairs attentional performance in the 5-choice serial reaction time task. These effects are prevented by the 5-HT_2A receptor antagonist, ( R )-(+)-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidine methanol (M100907). We explored the roles of endogenous 5-HT and 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2C receptors in the mechanisms by which M100907 suppresses CPP-induced release of cortical GLU and 5-HT using in vivo microdialysis. CPP raised extracellular GLU and 5-HT by about 250% and 170% respectively. The 5-HT synthesis inhibitor, p -chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg), prevented M100907 suppressing CPP-induced GLU release. The effect of M100907 on these rises of GLU and 5-HT and attentional performance deficit was mimicked by the 5-HT_2C receptor agonist, ( S )-2-(6-chloro-5-fluoroindol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamine fumarate, (Ro60-0175, 30 μg/kg) while intra-mPFC (SB242084, 6-chloro-5-methyl-1-[[2-[(2-methyl-3-pyridyl)oxy]-5-pyridyl]carbamoyl]-indoline, 0.1 μM), a 5-HT_2C receptor antagonist, prevented the effect of M100907 on extracellular GLU. The 5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, N -[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]- N -(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexane carboxenide trihydrochloride (100 μM) abolished the effect of M100907 on the CPP-induced 5-HT release. The data show that blockade of 5-HT_2A receptors is not sufficient to suppress the CPP-induced rise of extracellular GLU and 5-HT and suggest that M100907 suppresses GLU release induced by CPP by enhancing the action of endogenous 5-HT on 5-HT_2C receptors.     

Arginine-vasopressin fragment 4-9 stimulates the acetylcholine release in hippocampus of freely-moving rats.

We examined the effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) C-terminal fragment 4-9, which facilitates learning and memory, on the extracellular acetylcholine (ACh) release in hippocampus of freely-moving rats using the microdialysis technique. Following administration of AVP4-9, p-Glu-Asn-Cys[Cys]-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH2, through the dialysis probe into the hippocampus, ACh levels in dialysates from the hippocampus increased markedly in dose and time dependent manner at 2-2.5 and 2.5-3 hr. AVP1-9, the parent peptide, has a similar enhancing effect on ACh release as AVP4-9. Stimulated ACh release by AVP4-9 was significantly inhibited by V1-selective receptor antagonist ([1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid), 2-(O-methyl)-tyrosine]AVP), but not by V2-selective antagonist ([1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid), 2-D-Ile, 4-Ile]AVP). From these observations, it is demonstrated that AVP4-9 stimulates the ACh release in rat hippocampus via mediating V1-like vasopressin receptors.     

Muscarinic M1 acetylcholine receptors regulate the non-quantal release of acetylcholine in the rat neuromuscular junction via NO-dependent mechanism

Nitric oxide (NO), previously demonstrated to participate in the regulation of the resting membrane potential in skeletal muscles via muscarinic receptors, also regulates non-quantal acetylcholine (ACh) secretion from rat motor nerve endings. Non-quantal ACh release was estimated by the amplitude of endplate hyperpolarization (H-effect) following a blockade of skeletal muscle post-synaptic nicotinic receptors by (+)-tubocurarine. The muscarinic agonists oxotremorine and muscarine lowered the H-effect and the M1 antagonist pirenzepine prevented this effect occurring at all. Another muscarinic agonist arecaidine but-2-ynyl ester tosylate (ABET), which is more selective for M2 receptors than for M1 receptors and 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium (DAMP), a specific antagonist of M3 cholinergic receptors had no significant effect on the H-effect. The oxotremorine-induced decrease in the H-effect was calcium and calmodulin-dependent. The decrease was negated when either NO synthase was inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or soluble guanylyl cyclase was inhibited by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. The target of muscle-derived NO is apparently nerve terminal guanylyl cyclase, because exogenous hemoglobin, acting as an NO scavenger, prevented the oxotremorine-induced drop in the H-effect. These results suggest that oxotremorine (and probably also non-quantal ACh) selectively inhibit the non-quantal secretion of ACh from motor nerve terminals acting on post-synaptic M1 receptors coupled to Ca(2+) channels in the sarcolemma to induce sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-dependent synthesis and the release of NO. It seems that a substantial part of the H-effect can be physiologically regulated by this negative feedback loop, i.e., by NO from muscle fiber; there is apparently also Ca(2+)- and calmodulin-dependent regulation of ACh non-quantal release in the nerve terminal itself, as calmidazolium inhibition of the calmodulin led to a doubling of the resting H-effect.     

Inhibition of the Electrically Evoked Release of [3H]Acetylcholine in Rat Striatal Slices: An Experimental Model for Drugs that Enhance Dopaminergic Neurotransmission

The activation by endogenous dopamine of the inhibitory 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) receptors modulating the electrically evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine [( 3H]ACh) and [3H]dopamine in rat striatal slices is a function of the concentration of dopamine accumulated in the synaptic cleft during electrical stimulation. When the release of 3H-neurotransmitters was elicited with a 2-min period of stimulation at a frequency of 1 Hz, neither dopamine autoreceptors nor dopamine receptors modulating [3H]ACh were activated by endogenously released dopamine. On the other hand, exposure to (S)-sulpiride facilitated the release of [3H]dopamine and [3H]ACh elicited when the 2-min stimulation was carried out at a frequency of 3 Hz but this effect was not observed at a lower frequency of stimulation (1 Hz). In the presence of amphetamine the dopamine receptors modulating the electrically evoked release of [3H]ACh can be activated by endogenous dopamine even at the lower frequency of stimulation (1 Hz). Similar effects can be obtained if the neuronal uptake of dopamine is inhibited by cocaine or nomifensine. The inhibition by amphetamine of the release of [3H]ACh elicited by electrical stimulation at 1 Hz involves dopamine receptors and can be fully antagonized by clozapine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, or pimozide. The stereoselectivity of this antagonism can be demonstrated with the optical enantiomers of sulpiride and butaclamol. This inhibitory effect of amphetamine on cholinergic neurotransmission appears to be the result of the stimulation of dopamine receptors of the D2 subtype, as they were resistant to blockade by the preferential D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The new neurokinin 1-sensitive receptor mediates the facilitation by endogenous tachykinins of the NMDA-evoked release of acetylcholine after suppression of dopaminergic transmission in the matrix of the rat striatum

Using an in vitro microsuperfusion procedure, the NMDA-evoked release of [3H]ACh was studied after suppression of dopamine (DA) transmission (alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine) in striatal compartments of the rat. The effects of tachykinin neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists and the ability of appropriate agonists to counteract the antagonist responses were investigated to determine whether tachykinin NK1 classic, septide-sensitive and/or new NK1-sensitive receptors mediate these regulations. The NK1 antagonists, SR140333, SSR240600, GR205171 but not GR82334 and RP67580 (0.1 and 1 microM) markedly reduced the NMDA (1 mm + D-serine 10 microM)-evoked release of [3H]ACh only in the matrix. These responses unchanged by coapplication with NMDA of NK2 or NK3 agonists, [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]NKA(4-10) or senktide, respectively, were completely counteracted by the selective NK1 agonist, [Pro9]substance P but also by neurokinin A and neuropeptide K (1 nM each). According to the rank order of potency of agonists for counteracting the antagonist responses ([Pro9]substance P, 0.013 nM > neurokinin A, 0.15 nM > substance P(6-11) 7.7 nM = septide 8.7 nM), the new NK1-sensitive receptors mediate the facilitation by endogenous tachykinins of the NMDA-evoked release of ACh in the matrix, after suppression of DA transmission. Solely the NK1 antagonists having a high affinity for these receptors could be used as indirect anti-cholinergic agents.     

[3H]SCH 39166, A New D1-Selective Radioligand: In Vitro and In Vivo Binding Analyses

SCH 39166 [(-)-trans-6,7,7a,8,9, 13b-hexahydro-3-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-methyl-5H-benzo-[d]naphtho[2, 1b]azepine] has recently been described as a selective D1 antagonist and has entered clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia. The tritiated analogue of this compound, [3H]SCH 39166, has now been synthesized and characterized for its in vitro and in vivo binding profiles. [3H]SCH 39166 binds to D1 receptors in a saturable, high-affinity fashion, with a KD of 0.79 nM. In competition studies, D1-selective antagonists like SCH 23390 displaced the binding of [3H]SCH 39166 with nanomolar affinities, whereas antagonists of other receptors exhibited poor affinity. In vivo, [3H]SCH 39166 bound to receptors in rat striatum in a fashion suggestive of D1 selectivity. Further, when the time course for the binding of [3H]SCH 39166 was compared with the behavioral time course of the unlabeled compound, the two durations of action were virtually indistinguishable. Similar studies were performed for SCH 23390 and its tritiated analogue, but the in vivo binding of this radioligand exhibited a duration of action far greater than the behavioral activity of the unlabeled drug. In concert, these data demonstrate that [3H]SCH 39166 selectively labels D1 receptors in vitro and in vivo, and that this drug is superior for in vivo imaging of the D1 receptor.     

Protein kinase A and Ca(v)1 (L-Type) channels are common targets to facilitatory adenosine A2A and muscarinic M1 receptors on rat motoneurons

At the rat motor endplate, pre-synaptic facilitatory adenosine A2A and muscarinic M1 receptors are mutually exclusive. We investigated whether these receptors share a common intracellular signalling pathway. Suppression of McN-A-343-induced M1 facilitation of [3H]ACh release was partially recovered when CGS21680C (an A2A agonist) was combined with the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cAMPS. Forskolin, rolipram and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP mimicked CGS21680C blockade of M1 facilitation. Both Rp-cAMPs and nifedipine reduced augmentation of [3H]ACh release by McN-A-343 and CGS21680C. Activation of M1 and A2A receptors enhanced Ca2+ recruitment through nifedipine-sensitive channels. Nifedipine inhibition revealed by McN-A-343 was prevented by chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor) and Rp-cAMPS, suggesting that Ca(v)1 (L-type) channels phosphorylation by PKA and PKC is required. Rp-cAMPS inhibited [3H]ACh release in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but PKC inhibition by chelerythrine had no effect on release in the presence of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. This suggests that the involvement of PKA may be secondary to M1-induced PKC activation. In conclusion, competition of M1 and A2A receptors to facilitate ACh release from motoneurons may occur by signal convergence to a common pathway involving PKA activation and Ca2+ influx through Ca(v)1 (L-type) channels.     

Endogenous Dopamine Facilitates Striatalln Vivo Acetylcholine Release by Acting on D1 Receptors Localized in the Striatum

Intrastriatal application of the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 by two procedures, reverse dialysis (20 microM) and local injection (0.45 nmol per striatum), elicited a reduction in acetylcholine (ACh) release superimposable on that induced by systemic administration. The novel selective D1 antagonist SCH 39166 produced a similar decreasing effect on striatal ACh release on local injection (0.45 nmol per striatum). On the other hand, local application of SCH 23390 into the frontal cortices (0.45 nmol per side) failed to alter striatal ACh overflow, indicating that the drug does not diffuse out of its injection site to any significant extent. The dopamine release inducer d-amphetamine (2 mg/kg s.c.) and the dopamine uptake inhibitor cocaine raised ACh release like the D1 agonists. These effects were completely blocked by 10 microM SCH 23390 applied by reverse dialysis. The results suggest that D1 receptors regulating ACh release are located in the striatum.     

Dopamine receptor-mediated regulation of striatal cholinergic activity: positron emission tomography studies with norchloro[18F]fluoroepibatidine

Large numbers of in vitro studies and microdialysis studies suggest that dopaminergic regulation of striatal acetylcholine (ACh) output is via inhibitory dopamine D2 receptors and stimulatory dopamine D1 receptors. Questions remain as to the relative predominance of dopamine D2 versus D1 receptor modulation of striatal ACh output under physiological conditions. Using positron emission tomography, we first demonstrate that norchloro[18F]fluoroepibatidine ([18F]NFEP), a selective nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) ligand, was sensitive to changes of striatal ACh concentration. We then examined the effect of quinpirole (D2 agonist), raclopride (D2 antagonist), SKF38393 (D1 agonist), and SCH23390 (D1 antagonist) on striatal binding of [18F]NFEP in the baboon. Pretreatment with quinpirole increased the striatum (ST) to cerebellum (CB) ratio by 26+/-6%, whereas pretreatment with raclopride decreased the ST/CB ratio by 22+/-2%. The ratio of the distribution volume of [18F]NFEP in striatum to that in cerebellum, which corresponds to (Bmax/K(D)) + 1 (index for nAChR availability), also showed a significant increase (29 and 20%; n = 2) and decrease (20+/-3%; n = 3) after pretreatment with quinpirole and raclopride, respectively. However, both the D1 agonist and antagonist had no significant effect. This suggests that under physiological conditions the predominant influence of endogenous dopamine on striatal ACh output is dopamine D2, not D1, receptor-mediated.     

Anti-amnesic properties of (±)-PPCC, a novel sigma receptor ligand, on cognitive dysfunction induced by selective cholinergic lesion in rats

Previous studies have reported that selective sigma-1 agonists may improve cognitive abilities in experimental animals possibly via a cholinergic mechanism. However, the issue of a direct action on to sigma-1 receptors in memory-related brain areas has been much less investigated. The newly synthetised compound methyl(1 R ,2 S /1 S ,2 R )-2-[4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(4-methylphenyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate [(±)-PPCC] has recently been shown to possess high affinity for the sigma-1 receptor where it specifically acts as an agonist. Here, the functional effects of (±)-PPCC were investigated in rat models of mild or severe cognitive dysfunction based on a sub-total (≤ 70–80%) or complete (≥ 90–95%) central cholinergic depletion induced by different doses of the selective immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin injected intraventricularly. At 5–6 weeks post-surgery, the lesioned animals exhibited dose-dependent deficits in reference memory, as assessed using the Morris water maze task, whereas working memory abilities, evaluated using the radial arm water maze task, appeared equally impaired in the two dose groups. Daily treatment with (±)-PPCC significantly improved both reference and working memory performance in all lesioned animals but it did not affect intact or sham-lesioned subjects. In a separate test, treatment with (±)-PPCC reversed the learning deficits induced by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine sulphate in both control and mild-lesioned rats. The effect was blocked in lesioned, but not normal animals by pre-treatment with the sigma-1 antagonist N -[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]- N -methyl-2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine. The results suggest that (±)-PPCC may efficiently ameliorate perturbed cognitive abilities, and that these anti-amnesic effects most probably occur via a direct interaction of the compound with sigma-1 receptors.     

Dopamine D1 receptors characterized with [3H]SCH 23390. Solubilization of a guanine nucleotide-sensitive form of the receptor

Dopamine D1 receptors were solubilized from canine and bovine striatal membranes with the detergent digitonin. The receptors retained the pharmacological characteristics of membrane-bound D1 receptors, as assessed by the binding of the selective antagonist [3H]SCH 23390. The binding of [3H]SCH 23390 to solubilized receptor preparations was specific, saturable, and reversible, with a dissociation constant of 5 nM. Dopaminergic antagonists and agonists inhibited [3H]SCH 23390 binding in a stereoselective and concentration-dependent manner with an appropriate rank order of potency for D1 receptors. Moreover, agonist high affinity binding to D1 receptors and its sensitivity to guanine nucleotides was preserved following solubilization, with agonist dissociation constants virtually identical to those observed with membrane-bound receptors. To ascertain the molecular basis for the existence of an agonist-high affinity receptor complex, D1 receptors labeled with [3H] dopamine (agonist) or [3H]SCH 23390 (antagonist) prior to, or following, solubilization were subjected to high pressure liquid steric-exclusion chromatography. All agonist- and antagonist-labeled receptor species elute as the same apparent molecular size. Treatment of brain membranes with the guanine nucleotide guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate prior to solubilization prevented the retention of [3H]dopamine but not [3H]SCH 23390-labeled soluble receptors. This suggests that the same guanine nucleotide-dopamine D1 receptor complex formed in membranes is stable to solubilization and confers agonist high affinity binding in soluble preparations. These results contrast with those reported on the digitonin-solubilized dopamine D2 receptor, and the molecular mechanism responsible for this difference remains to be elucidated.     

Molecular probes for muscarinic receptors: derivatives of the M1-antagonist telenzepine.

Functionalized congeners of the M1-selective muscarinic antagonist telenzepine (4,9-dihydro-3-methyl-4-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)acetyl]-10H- thieno[3,4-b][1,5]benzodiazepin-10-one) were developed and found to bind to the receptor with affinities (Ki values) in approximately the nanomolar range. The derivatives contain a 10-aminodecyl group, which provides a nucleophilic functionality for further derivatization. The attachment of a spacer chain to the distal piperazinyl nitrogen was based on previous findings of enhanced affinity at muscarinic receptors in an analogous series of alkylamino derivatives of pirenzepine [J. Med. Chem. (1991) 34, 2133-2145]. The telenzepine derivatives contain prosthetic groups for radioiodination, protein cross-linking, photoaffinity labeling, and fluorescent labeling and biotin for avidin complexation. The affinity for muscarinic receptors in rat forebrain (mainly m1 subtype) was determined in competitive binding assays vs [3H]-N-methylscopolamine. A (p-aminophenyl)-acetyl derivative for photoaffinity labeling had a Ki value of 0.29 nM at forebrain muscarinic receptors (16-fold higher affinity than telenzepine). A biotin conjugate displayed a Ki value of 0.60 nM at m2-receptors and a 5-fold selectivity versus forebrain. The high affinity of these derivatives makes them suitable for the characterization of muscarinic receptors in pharmacological and spectroscopic studies, for peptide mapping, and for histochemical studies.     

Dopamine Depletion Preferentially Impairs D1 over D2-Receptor Regulation of Striatal In Vivo Acetylcholine Release

The roles of D2 and D1 dopaminergic receptors on the regulation of striatal acetylcholine (ACh) release in vivo were examined for a period of 120 min after acute (2 h) or prolonged (16 h) depletion of brain dopamine (DA) by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. The reduction of DA transmission did not affect basal ACh output after 2 h but markedly lowered ACh release by 16 h (50%). Acute alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine pretreatment prevented the reduction of ACh release by the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 and its increase by the D2 antagonist, remoxipride, consistent with a drastic reduction of DA transmission at both DA receptors. However, 16 h after alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, the effect of remoxipride on ACh release was restored, but SCH 23390 still had no effect, suggesting that the D2 inhibitory tone on ACh release had recovered, whereas the reduction of the D1 facilitatory influence persisted. The D1 facilitatory control of ACh neurotransmission thus appears to be more sensitive than the D2 inhibitory control to a reduction in DA transmission. The new model of DA-ACh interaction resulting from these data casts fresh light on the relationship between changes in DA transmission and extrapyramidal motor function.     

Somatostatin stimulates striatal acetylcholine release by glutamatergic receptors: an in vivo microdialysis study

The modulation of striatal cholinergic neurons by somatostatin (SOM) was studied by measuring the release of acetylcholine (ACh) in the striatum of freely moving rats. The samples were collected via a transversal microdialysis probe. ACh level in the dialysate was measured by the high performance liquid chromatography method with an electrochemical detector. Local administration of SOM (0.1, 0.5 and 1 microM) produced a long-lasting and concentration-dependent increase in the basal striatal ACh output. The stimulant effect of SOM was antagonized by the SOM receptor antagonist cyclo(7-aminopentanoyl-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr[BZL]) (1 microM). In a series of experiments, we studied the effect of 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione (DNQX), a selective non-NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamatergic antagonist, on the basal and SOM-induced ACh release from the striatum. DNQX, 2 microM, perfused through the striatum had no effect on the basal ACh output but inhibited the SOM (1 microM)-induced ACh release. The non-NMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonist 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylendioxy-5H-2,3- benzodiazepine (GYKI-52466), 10 microM, antagonized the SOM (1 microM)-induced release of ACh in the striatum. Local administration of the NMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (APV), 100 microM, blocked SOM (1 microM)-evoked ACh release. Local infusion of tetrodotoxin (1 microM) decreased the basal release of ACh and abolished the 1 microM SOM-induced increase in ACh output suggesting that the stimulated release of ACh depends on neuronal firing. The present results are the first to demonstrate a neuromodulatory role of SOM in the regulation of cholinergic neuronal activity of the striatum of freely moving rats. The potentiating effect of SOM on ACh release in the striatum is mediated (i) by SOM receptor located on glutamatergic nerve terminals, and (ii) by NMDA and non-NMDA glutamatergic receptors located on dendrites of cholinergic interneurones of the striatum.