Enhanced muscle fatigue occurs in male but not female ASIC3-/- mice

Muscle fatigue is associated with a number of clinical diseases, including chronic pain conditions. Decreases in extracellular pH activates acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3), depolarizes muscle, protects against fatigue, and produces pain. We examined whether ASIC3-/- mice were more fatigable than ASIC3+/+ mice in a task-dependent manner. We developed two exercise protocols to measure exercise-induced muscle fatigue: (fatigue task 1, three 1-h runs; fatigue task 2, three 30-min runs). In fatigue task 1, male ASIC3+/+ mice muscle showed less fatigue than male ASIC3-/- mice and female ASIC3+/+ mice. No differences in fatigue were observed in fatigue task 2. We then tested whether the development of muscle fatigue was dependent on sex and modulated by testosterone. Female ASIC3+/+ mice that were ovariectomized and administered testosterone developed less muscle fatigue than female ASIC3+/+ mice and behaved similarly to male ASIC3+/+ mice. However, testosterone was unable to rescue the muscle fatigue responses in ovariectomized ASIC3-/- mice. Plasma levels of testosterone from male ASIC3-/- mice were significantly lower than in male ASIC3+/+ mice and were similar to female ASIC3+/+ mice. Muscle fiber types, measured by counting ATPase-stained whole muscle sections, were similar in calf muscles from male and female ASIC3+/+ mice. These data suggest that both ASIC3 and testosterone are necessary to protect against muscle fatigue in a task-dependent manner. Also, differences in expression of ASIC3 and the development of exercise-induced fatigue could explain the female predominance in clinical syndromes of pain that include muscle fatigue.     

Synthesis of novel 3-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2-aryl-1,2-dihydro-6,7-(methylenedioxy)-3H-quinazolin-4-ones as anticonvulsant agents

A series of 3-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2-aryl-1,2-dihydro-6,7-(methylenedioxy)-3H-quinazolin-4-ones, compounds 3-6, were synthesized, and screened as anticonvulsant agents in DBA/2 mice against sound-induced seizure (Table). The new compounds were found to display anticonvulsant properties inferior to those of the known dehydro congeners 1 and 2. The binding affinities of 1-6 at the AMPA and NMDA receptors were also evaluated.     

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of new N-Mannich bases derived from 3-(2-fluorophenyl)- and 3-(2-bromophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-diones. Part II

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of new N-Mannich bases of 3-(2-fluorophenyl)- and 3-(2-bromophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-diones have been described. Initial anticonvulsant screening was performed in mice after intraperitoneal administration in the maximal electroshock seizure test (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole seizures test (scPTZ). The neurotoxicity was determined applying the rotarod test. The in vivo results in mice showed that majority of compounds were effective in the MES test. Only seven molecules showed protection in the scPTZ test. The quantitative evaluation in the MES seizures after oral administration into rats showed that the most active were 1-[{4-(4-fluorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-methyl]-3-(2-bromophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (14) with ED(50) of 7.4mg/kg and 1-[{4-(3-bromophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-methyl]-3-(2-bromophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (16) with ED(50) of 26.4mg/kg. These molecules were more potent and also less neurotoxic than phenytoin which was used as reference antiepileptic drug.     

CCL2 and CCL3 are essential mediators of pelvic pain in experimental autoimmune prostatitis

Experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) is a murine model of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in men, a syndrome characterized by chronic pelvic pain. We have demonstrated that chemokine ligands CCL2 and CCL3 are biomarkers that correlate with pelvic pain symptoms. We postulated that CCL2 and CCL3 play a functional role in CPPS and therefore examined their expression in EAP. Upon examination of the prostate 5 days after induction of EAP, CCL2 mRNA was elevated 2- to 3-fold, CCL8 by 15-fold, CCL12 by 12- to 13-fold, and CXCL9 by 2- to 4-fold compared with control mice. At 10 days the major chemokines were CXCL13 and CXCL2; at 20 days CCL2 (1- to 2-fold), CCL3 (2- to 3-fold) and CCL11 (2- to 3-fold); and at 30 days, CCL12 (20- to 35-fold) and smaller increases in CCL2, CCL3, and XCL1. Chemokine elevations were accompanied by increases in mast cells and B cells at 5 days, monocytes and neutrophils at day 10, CD4+ T cells at day 20, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at day 30. Anti-CCL2 and anti-CCL3 neutralizing antibodies administered at EAP onset attenuated pelvic pain development, but only anti-CCL2 antibodies were effective therapeutically. CCL2- and its cognate receptor CCR2-deficient mice were completely protected from development of pain symptoms but assumed susceptibility after reconstitution with wild-type bone marrow. CCL3-deficient mice showed resistance to the maintenance of pelvic pain while CCR5-deficient mice did not show any lessening of pelvic pain severity. These results suggest that the CCL2-CCR2 axis and CCL3 are important mediators of chronic pelvic pain in EAP.     

Synthesis and antidepressant activity of some 1,3,5-triphenyl-2-pyrazolines and 3-(2''-hydroxy naphthalen-1''-yl)-1,5-diphenyl-2-pyrazolines

Five new 1,3,5-triphenyl-2-pyrazolines were synthesised by reacting 1,3-diphenyl-2-propene-1-one with phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride and another five new 3-(2'-hydroxy naphthalen-1'-yl)-1,5-diphenyl-2-pyrazolines were synthesised by reacting 1-(2'-hydroxynaphthyl)-3-phenyl-2-propene-1-one with phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride. The structures of the compounds were proved by means of their IR, (1)H NMR spectroscopic data, and microanalyses. The antidepressant activity of these compounds was evaluated by the 'Porsolt behavioural despair test' on Swiss-Webster mice.1-Phenyl-3-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4'-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-pyrazoline, 5-(4'-dimethylaminophenyl)-1,3-diphenyl-2-pyrazoline, 1-phenyl-3-(2'-hydroxynaphthalen-1'-yl)-5-(3',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-pyrazoline, 1-phenyl-3-(4'-methylphenyl)-5-(4'-dimethylaminophenyl)-2-pyrazoline and 1-phenyl-3-(4'-bromophenyl)-5-(4'-dimethyl amino phenyl)-2-pyrazoline reduced immobility times 25.63-59.25% at 100mg/kg dose level. In addition, it was found that the compounds possessing electron-releasing groups such as dimethyl amino, methoxy and hydroxyl substituents, on both the aromatic rings at positions 3 and 5 of pyrazolines, considerably enhanced the antidepressant activity when compared to the pyrazolines having no substituents on the phenyl rings.     

Impact of genetic background and ablation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-3 on IRS-2 knock-out mice

Although we and others have generated IRS-2 knock-out (IRS-2(-/-)) mice, significant differences were seen between the two lines of IRS-2(-/-) mice in the severity of diabetes and alterations of beta-cell mass. It has been reported that although IRS-1 and IRS-3 knock-out mice showed normal blood glucose levels, IRS-1/IRS-3 double knock-out mice exhibited marked hyperglycemia. Thus, IRS-1 and IRS-3 compensate each other's functions in maintaining glucose homeostasis. To assess the effect of genetic background and also ablation of IRS-3 on IRS-2(-/-), we generated IRS-2/IRS-3 double knock-out (IRS-2(-/-)IRS-3(-/-)) mice by crossing IRS-3(-/-) mice (129/Sv and C57Bl/6 background) with our IRS-2(-/-) mice (CBA and C57Bl/6 background). Intercrosses of IRS-2(+/-)IRS-3(+/-) mice yielded nine genotypes, and all of them including IRS-2(-/-)IRS-3(-/-) mice were apparently healthy and showed normal growth. However, at 10-20 weeks of age, 20-30% mice carrying a null mutation for the IRS-2 gene, irrespective of the IRS-3 genotype, developed diabetes. When mice with diabetes were excluded from the analysis of glucose and insulin tolerance test, IRS-2(-/-)IRS-3(-/-) showed a degree of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance similar to those of IRS-2(-/-) mice. Both IRS-2(-/-) and IRS-2(-/-)IRS-3(-/-) mice had moderately reduced beta-cell mass despite having insulin resistance. Insulin-positive beta-cells were decreased to nearly zero in IRS-2(-/-) mice with diabetes. Although Pdx1 and glucose transporter 2 expressions were essentially unaltered in islets from IRS-2(-/-) mice without diabetes, they were dramatically decreased in IRS-2(-/-) mice with diabetes. Taken together, these observations indicate that IRS-3 does not play a role compensating for the loss of IRS-2 in maintaining glucose homeostasis and that the severity of diabetes in IRS-2(-/-) mice depends upon genetic background, suggesting the existence of modifier gene(s) for diabetes in mice of the 129/Sv genetic strain.     

Impaired bone anabolic response to parathyroid hormone in Fgf2-/- and Fgf2+/- mice

Since parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased FGF2 mRNA and protein expression in osteoblasts, and serum FGF-2 was increased in osteoporotic patients treated with PTH, we assessed whether the anabolic effect of PTH was impaired in Fgf2-/- mice. Eight-week-old Fgf2+/+ and Fgf2-/- male mice were treated with rhPTH 1-34 (80mug/kg) for 4 weeks. Micro-CT and histomorphometry demonstrated that PTH significantly increased parameters of bone formation in femurs from Fgf2+/+ mice but the changes were smaller and not significant in Fgf2-/- mice. IGF-1 was significantly reduced in serum from PTH-treated Fgf2-/- mice. DEXA analysis of femurs from Fgf2+/+, Fgf2+/-, and Fgf2-/- mice treated with rhPTH (160mug/kg) for 10 days showed that PTH significantly increased femoral BMD in Fgf2+/+ by 18%; by only 3% in Fgf2+/- mice and reduced by 3% in Fgf2-/- mice. We conclude that endogenous Fgf2 is important for maximum bone anabolic effect of PTH in mice.     

Identification of 1-alkyl-2-acyl-3-(2',3'-diacylglycerol)glycerols, a new type of lipid class, in harderian gland tumors of mice

A new class of alkyl glycerolipids, 1-alkyl-2-acyl-3-(2',3'-diacylglycerol)glycerols, was identified in lipid extracts prepared from harderian gland tumors of mice. After saponification, this lipid class yielded 1-alkyl-3-(1'-glycerol)glycerols. Identification was based on mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and chromatography of various derivatives and appropriate standards that were synthesized. The alkyl moieties of this unique lipid class consisted of saturated aliphatic chains with chain lengths of 14 to 20 carbon atoms. The acyl moieties were mostly saturated and monounsaturated aliphatic chains ranging from 14 to 24 carbon atoms. The alkyl and acyl moieties of 1-alkyl-2-acyl-3-(2',3'-diacylglycerol)glycerols were similar to those of alkyldiacylglycerols present in the same tissue, except for the presence of monounsaturated alkyl moieties in the latter. 1-Alkyl-2-acyl-3-(2', 3'-diacylglycerol)glycerols were only found in trace amounts in the normal harderian glands of mice. The total quantity of the alkyl and acyl moieties with a chain length greater than 20 carbon atoms in the alkyldiacylglycerols from tumors were considerably lower than those found in normal harderian glands of mice. This is the first report of the presence of bisglyceryl ether lipids in mammalian tissue; its unique chemical structure is consistent with the type of ether-linked lipid products that could be synthesized in the reaction catalyzed by alkyldihydroxyacetone-P synthase.     

{2-[1-(3-Methoxycarbonylmethyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-1-methyl-ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl}-acetic acid methyl ester (MIAM): its anti-cancer efficacy and intercalation mechanism identified via multi-model systems

{2-[1-(3-Methoxycarbonylmethyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-1-methyl-ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl}-acetic acid methyl ester (MIAM) was provided as a DNA-intercalator. For the comprehensive evaluation of this new intercalator, an assay system consisting of cell, S180 mouse, healthy mouse, spectrum, non-spectrum, and gel electrophoresis models was constructed. On the cell (S180, K562, MCF-7, HeLa and HepG2) models, MIAM selectively inhibited the viability of HeLa. On the S180 mouse model, 0.89, 8.9, 89 and 890 μmol kg(-1) of MIAM dose-dependently inhibited the tumor growth. Even at a dose of 890 μmol kg(-1), MIAM did not damage the treated S180 mice. The safety of MIAM was supported by a high spleen index and an obvious increase of body weight of the treated S180 mice. On the healthy mouse model the LD(50) value of MIAM is higher than 890 μmol kg(-1). The ultraviolet (UV), fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), relative viscosity, melting curve, and gel electrophoresis assays of DNA with or without MIAM consistently supported an intercalation mechanism for MIAM.     

Spinal anesthesia at the L2-3 and L3-4 levels: comparison of analgesia and hemodynamic response

Aim of this study was to evaluate level of analgesia and hemodynamic response to spinal anesthesia obtained by administering 15 mg 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine at L2-3 vs. L3-4 interspace for inguinal herniorrhaphy, since studies comparing analgesia and hemodynamic response at the L2-3 vs. L3-4 interspaces are lacking. In a prospective, randomized clinical study that encountered 72 patients undergoing elective inguinal herniorrhaphy randomly allocated in to two equal groups L2-3 (N = 36) and L3-4 (N = 36) according to lumbar interspace where intrathecal injection of bupivacaine was administered. Analgesia was evaluated by intraoperative "rescue" fentanyl requirements, the absence of pain and the maximal visual analogue scale (VAS) scores reached per patient during the operation. The severity of intraoperative pain was quantified by a 10 cm VAS scale (VAS 0: no pain to 10: worst pain imaginable) every 5 minutes after skin incision until the end of the operation. VAS > 3 was treated with intravenous fentanyl 25 microg. Hemodynamic response was monitored and evaluated, heart rate was continuously monitored as well as, baseline systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure prior to induction and every 5 minute after applying spinal anesthesia until surgical completion. Intraoperative fentanyl requirements were significantly higher in group L3-4 (L2-3 0%, 97.5% confidence interval [CI] 0.0-0.11 vs. L3-4 17%, 95% CI 0.07-0.32, p = 0.025). Absence of pain was significantly higher in L2-3 group at the beginning of the operation (L2-3 89%, 95% CI 0.74-0.96 vs. L3-4 67%, 95% CI 0.50-0.79, p = 0.047). The maximal VAS scores reached per patient during the operation in L2-3 group were lower then in L3-4 group (L2-3 median [M] 0, range [R] 0-3, L3-4 M 0, R 0-8, p = 0.014). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the incidence of hypotension (L2-3 19%, 95% CI 0.09-0.35 vs. L3-4 17%, 95% CI 0.07-0.32) and bradycardia (L2-3 19%, 95% CI 0.09-0.35 vs. L3-4 8%, 95% CI 0.02-0.23). Spinal anesthesia with isobaric bupivacaine administered in L2-3 interspace for inguinal herniorrhaphy provides superior analgesia and equal hemodynamic stability as compared to neuroaxial anesthesia administered in the L3-4 interspace.     

Synthesis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of N-2-(4-(4-(2-substitutedthiazol-4-yl) piperazin-1-yl)-2-oxoethyl)acetamides as novel atypical antipsychotic agents

A series of N-2-(4-(4-(2-substitutedthiazol-4-yl) piperazin-1-yl)-2-oxoethyl)acetamides were synthesized in an effort to prepare novel atypical antipsychotic agents. The compounds were synthesized by either microwave irradiation technique or by conventional synthesis and were characterized by spectral data (IR, (1)H NMR, and MS) and the purity was ascertained by microanalysis. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in vivo pharmacological activity in Swiss albino mice. D(2) antagonism studies were performed using climbing mouse assay model and 5-HT(2A) antagonism studies were performed using quipazine induced head twitches in mice. It was observed that none of the new chemical entities exhibited catalepsy. AG 3 was found to be the most active compound.     

Endothelin-1, -2 and -3 directly and big-endothelin-1 indirectly elicit an abdominal constriction response in mice.

When injected intraperitoneally into mice, endothelins ET-1, ET-2, ET-3 and big-endothelin-1[1-38] (big-ET-1[1-38]) produced a dose-related, robust and easily quantified abdominal constriction response within 20 min. The ED50 values for this response were 0.026, 0.005, 0.131, and 0.043 mg/kg, respectively. Hence, this test could provide a convenient in vivo endpoint for endothelin activity. The results also imply that ET-1, ET-2, ET 3 or big-ET-1[1-38] may be nociceptive under certain conditions. Morphine (4 mg/kg, s.c.) administered 30 min prior completely blocked the response produced by ET-1. Thus, in conjunction with other indicators, the test may also serve as an in vivo screen for agents useful in the treatment of abdominal or visceral pain. The effect of big-ET-1[1-38], but not ET-1, was blocked by pretreatment with the enzyme inhibitor phosphoramidon (10 mg/kg, s.c., 30 min prior), implying that the big-ET-1[1-38] must first be enzymatically cleaved, presumably to ET-1, in order to elicit the abdominal constriction response. This test might also serve as a discriminative antinociceptive screen, because the response to ET-1 was not blocked by acetaminophen (400 mg/kg, p.o.), ibuprofen (75 mg/kg, p.o.) or indomethacin (1.0 mg/kg, p.o.).     

Discovery of 3-(4-methanesulfonylphenoxy)-N-[1-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-5-(3-methylpyridin-2-yl)-benzamide as a novel glucokinase activator (GKA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Novel heteroaryl-containing benzamide derivatives were synthesized and screened using an in vitro assay measuring increases in glucose uptake and glucokinase activity stimulated by 10 mM glucose in rat hepatocytes. From a library of synthesized compounds, 3-(4-methanesulfonylphenoxy)-N-[1-(2-methoxy-ethoxymethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-5-(3-methyl pyridin-2-yl)-benzamide (19e) was identified as a potent glucokinase activator with assays demonstrating an EC₅₀ of 315 nM and the induction of a 2.23 fold increase in glucose uptake. Compound 19e exhibited a glucose AUC reduction of 32% (50 mg/kg) in an OGTT study with C57BL/6J mice compared to 28% for metformin (300 mg/kg). Single treatment of the compound in C57BL/J6 and ob/ob mice elicited basal glucose lowering activity, while in a two-week repeated dose study with ob/ob mice, the compound significantly decreased blood glucose levels with no evidence of hypoglycemia risk. In addition, 19e exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic parameters in mice and rats and excellent safety margins in liver and testicular toxicity studies. Compound 19e was therefore selected as a development candidate for the potential treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of new 1- and 3-[1-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)]xanthines from 2-amino-2-oxazolines as potential A1 and A2A adenosine receptor antagonists

The development of potent and selective adenosine receptor ligands as potential drugs is an active area of research. Xanthines are one of the most important classes of adenosine receptor antagonists and have been widely developed in terms of affinity and selectivity for adenosine receptors. We recently developed new original pathways for the synthesis of xanthine analogues starting from 5-substituted-2-amino-2-oxazoline 5 as a synthon. These procedures allowed us to selectively introduce a large, functionalized and beta-adrenergic 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl pharmacophore at the 1- and 3-position of the xanthine moiety which allowed further structural modifications. In this study, we present a new synthetic access to racemic xanthine derivatives 1-4 from 5, and their evaluation as adenosine A1, A2A and A3 receptor ligands in radioligand binding studies. The 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl moiety was well tolerated in the 3-position of the xanthine core, while its introduction in the 1-position of the xanthine moiety led to a large decrease in adenosine receptor affinity. 1,7-Dimethyl-3-[1-(2-chloro-3-phenoxypropyl)]-8-(3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl)xanthine (2n) was the most potent and selective A2A antagonist of the present series (Ki=44 nM, >200-fold selective vs A1). 1-Propyl-3-[1-(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)]-8-noradamantylxanthine (3f) was identified as a potent (KiA1=21 nM) and highly selective (>350-fold vs A2A and A3 receptor) adenosine A1 receptor antagonist.     

Regulation of TSC2 by 14-3-3 binding

Mutation in either the TSC1 or TSC2 tumor suppressor gene is responsible for the inherited genetic disease of tuberous sclerosis complex. TSC1 and TSC2 form a physical and functional complex to regulate cell growth. Recently, it has been demonstrated that TSC1.TSC2 functions to inhibit ribosomal S6 kinase and negatively regulate cell size. TSC2 is negatively regulated by Akt phosphorylation. Here, we report that TSC2, but not TSC1, associates with 14-3-3 in vivo. Phosphorylation of Ser(1210) in TSC2 is required for its association with 14-3-3. Our data indicate that 14-3-3 association may inhibit the function of TSC2 and represents a possible mechanism of TSC2 regulation.     

2-(Trimethylammonium) Ethyl (R)-3-Methoxy-3-oxo-2-Stearamidopropyl Phosphate Suppresses Osteoclast Maturation and Bone Resorption by Targeting Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor Signaling

2-(Trimethylammonium) ethyl (R)-3-methoxy-3-oxo-2-stearamidopropyl phosphate [(R)-TEMOSPho], a derivative of an organic chemical identified from a natural product library, promotes highly efficient megakaryopoiesis. Here, we show that (R)-TEMOSPho blocks osteoclast maturation from progenitor cells of hematopoietic origin, as well as blocking the resorptive function of mature osteoclasts. The inhibitory effect of (R)-TEMOSPho on osteoclasts was due to a disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, resulting from impaired downstream signaling of c-Fms, a receptor for macrophage-colony stimulating factor linked to c-Cbl, phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), Vav3, and Rac1. In addition, (R)-TEMOSPho blocked inflammation-induced bone destruction by reducing the numbers of osteoclasts produced in mice. Thus, (R)-TEMOSPho may represent a promising new class of antiresorptive drugs for the treatment of bone loss associated with increased osteoclast maturation and activity.     

(3R)-4-[(3R)-3-Amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoyl]-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1,4-diazepan-2-one, a selective dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Replacement of the triazolopiperazine ring of sitagliptin (DPP-4 IC(50)=18nM) with 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1,4-diazepan-2-one gave dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitor 1 which is potent (DPP-4 IC(50)=2.6nM), selective, and efficacious in an oral glucose tolerance test in mice. It was selected for extensive preclinical development as a potential back-up candidate to sitagliptin.     

Neuronal functions, feeding behavior, and energy balance in Slc2a3+/- mice

Homozygous deletion of the gene of the neuronal glucose transporter GLUT3 (Slc2a3) in mice results in embryonic lethality, whereas heterozygotes (Slc2a3+/-) are viable. Here, we describe the characterization of heterozygous mice with regard to neuronal function, glucose homeostasis, and, since GLUT3 might be a component of the neuronal glucose-sensing mechanism, food intake and energy balance. Levels of GLUT3 mRNA and protein in brain were reduced by 50% in Slc2a3+/- mice. Electrographic features examined by electroencephalographic recordings give evidence for slightly but significantly enhanced cerebrocortical activity in Slc2a3+/- mice. In addition, Slc2a3+/- mice were slightly more sensitive to an acoustic startle stimulus (elevated startle amplitude and reduced prepulse inhibition). However, systemic behavioral testing revealed no other functional abnormalities, e.g., in coordination, reflexes, motor abilities, anxiety, learning, and memory. Furthermore, no differences in body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels were detected between wild-type and Slc2a3+/- littermates. Food intake as monitored randomly or after intracerebroventricular administration of 2-deoxyglucose or d-glucose, or food choice for carbohydrates/fat was not affected in Slc2a3+/- mice. Taken together, our data indicate that, in contrast to Slc2a1, a single allele of Slc2a3 is sufficient for maintenance of neuronal energy supply, motor abilities, learning and memory, and feeding behavior.     

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of new N-1',N-3'-disubstituted-2'H,3H,5'H-spiro-(2-benzofuran-1,4'-imidazolidine)-2',3,5'-triones

Thirteen new N-1',N-3'-disubstituted-2'H,3H,5'H-spiro-(2-benzofuran-1,4'-imidazolidine)-2',3,5'-triones were synthesized and their pharmacological activity determined with the objective to better understand their SAR for anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant effects of these compounds were evaluated by standard pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ test) and maximum electroshock seizure (MES test) models in mice. Most of the compounds showed ability to protect against the pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions. Compound 3o (the N-1'-p-nitrophenyl, N-3'-ethyl derivative) in the N-1'-aryl, N-3'-alkyl disubstituted series exhibited maximum activity with ED(50) of 41.8 mg/kg in scPTZ convulsion model.     

Involvement of AMPA Receptor GluR2 and GluR3 Trafficking in Trigeminal Spinal Subnucleus Caudalis and C1/C2 Neurons in Acute-Facial Inflammatory Pain

To evaluate the involvement of trafficking of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) GluR2 and GluR3 subunits in an acute inflammatory orofacial pain, we analyzed nocifensive behavior, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) and Fos expression in Vi/Vc, Vc and C1/C2 in GluR2 delta7 knock-in (KI), GluR3 delta7 KI mice and wild-type mice. We also studied Vc neuronal activity to address the hypothesis that trafficking of GluR2 and GluR3 subunits plays an important role in Vi/Vc, Vc and C1/C2 neuronal activity associated with orofacial inflammation in these mice. Late nocifensive behavior was significantly depressed in GluR2 delta7 KI and GluR3 delta7 KI mice. In addition, the number of pERK-immunoreactive (IR) cells was significantly decreased bilaterally in the Vi/Vc, Vc and C1/C2 in GluR2 delta7 KI and GluR3 delta7 KI mice compared to wild-type mice at 40 min after formalin injection, and was also significantly smaller in GluR3 delta7 KI compared to GluR2 delta7 KI mice. The number of Fos protein-IR cells in the ipsilateral Vi/Vc, Vc and C1/C2 was also significantly smaller in GluR2 delta7 KI and GluR3 delta7 KI mice compared to wild-type mice 40 min after formalin injection. Nociceptive neurons functionally identified as wide dynamic range neurons in the Vc, where pERK- and Fos protein-IR cell expression was prominent, showed significantly lower spontaneous activity in GluR2 delta7 KI and GluR3 delta7 KI mice than wild-type mice following formalin injection. These findings suggest that GluR2 and GluR3 trafficking is involved in the enhancement of Vi/Vc, Vc and C1/C2 nociceptive neuronal excitabilities at 16-60 min following formalin injection, resulting in orofacial inflammatory pain.