The combined effects of dopamine (DA) and the DA antagonists EGYT-2509, chlorpromazine and haloperidol on the kidney function

In anaesthetized dogs renal function was investigated in four successive 20-min periods in four experimental series. (1) In the first series following the first period (serving as control) 2.5 micrograms/kg/min of dopamine (DA) dissolved in 0.5 ml/min of Ringer's solution was infused into the left renal artery (period 2), than during periods 3 and 4. It was found that first (period 2) and second (period 3) doses of DA induced a significant decrease of about 20-30% in renal vascular resistance, and an increase of about 15-25% in renal blood flow. At the same time, systemic arterial blood pressure fell by 10%. The other investigated parameters of the left kidney (Cinulin, CPAH, sodium, potassium and water excretion) did not differ from the respective parameters of the intact right kidney. (2) In the second experimental series following the first period (prior to period 2) 1.0 mg/kg of the DA antagonist EGYT 2509 was administered intravenously. Prior to the period 3 again 1.0 mg/kg of EGYT 2509 and prior to period 4 2.0 mg/kg of EGYT 2509 was given intravenously. During periods 2 through 4 2.5 micrograms/kg/min of DA was infused into the left renal artery. It could be ascertained that EGYT 2509 abolished the renal effects of DA while not inducing any decrease in arterial blood pressure. (3) In the third experimental series, following the control period, prior to periods 2,3 and 4, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg chlorpromazine respectively, was administered i.v. followed by the infusion of DA into the left renal artery. After the administration of chlorpromazine arterial blood pressure and renal vascular resistance fell concomitantly and DA failed to induce any further changes in these parameters. According to our experiments chlorpromazine abolishes the effect of DA on kidney function. (4) In the fourth series, prior to DA infusion the dogs were given 0.5 mg/kg (period 2) then again 0.5 mg/kg and finally 1.0 mg/kg of haloperidol intravenously. Haloperidol decreased arterial blood pressure as well as renal vascular resistance, thus renal blood flow did not change. Renal blood flow could then be increased by DA infused into the left renal artery. It seems that haloperidol could not abolish the vascular effects of DA in the kidney. Our experiments indicate that substance EGYT 2509 possesses the most marked dopaminergic antagonistic effect, chlorpromazine had also been effective, while haloperidol had proved to be practically ineffective.     

Design,synthesis, and effects of novel phenylpyrimidines as glucagon receptor antagonists

The hormone glucagon increases blood glucose levels through increasing hepatic glucose output. In diabetic patients, dysregulation of glucagon secretion contributes to hyperglycemia. Thus, the inhibition of glucagon receptor is one target for the treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. Here we designed and synthesized a series of small molecules based on phenylpyrimidine. Of these, the compound (R)-7a most significantly decreased the glucagon-induced cAMP production and glucagon-induced glucose production during in vitro and in vivo assays. In addition, (R)-7a showed good efficacy in glucagon challenge tests and lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic db/db mice. Our results suggest that the compound (R)-7a could be a potential glucose-lowering agent for treating type 2 diabetes.     

Amphetamine-evoked c-fos mRNA expression in the caudate-putamen: the effects of DA and NMDA receptor antagonists vary as a function of neuronal phenotype and environmental context

Dopamine (DA) and glutamate neurotransmission is thought to be critical for psychostimulant drugs to induce immediate early genes (IEGs) in the caudate-putamen (CPu). We report here, however, that the ability of DA and glutamate NMDA receptor antagonists to attenuate amphetamine-evoked c-fos mRNA expression in the CPu depends on environmental context. When given in the home cage, amphetamine induced c-fos mRNA expression predominately in preprodynorphin and preprotachykinin mRNA-containing neurons (Dyn-SP+ cells) in the CPu. In this condition, all of the D1R, D2R and NMDAR antagonists tested dose-dependently decreased c-fos expression in Dyn-SP+ cells. When given in a novel environment, amphetamine induced c-fos mRNA in both Dyn-SP+ and preproenkephalin mRNA-containing neurons (Enk+ cells). In this condition, D1R and non-selective NMDAR antagonists dose-dependently decreased c-fos expression in Dyn-SP+ cells, but neither D2R nor NR2B-selective NMDAR antagonists had no effect. Furthermore, amphetamine-evoked c-fos expression in Enk+ cells was most sensitive to DAR and NMDAR antagonism; the lowest dose of every antagonist tested significantly decreased c-fos expression only in these cells. Finally, novelty-stress also induced c-fos expression in both Dyn-SP+ and Enk+ cells, and this was relatively resistant to all but D1R antagonists. We suggest that the mechanism(s) by which amphetamine evokes c-fos expression in the CPu varies depending on the stimulus (amphetamine vs. stress), the striatal cell population engaged (Dyn-SP+ vs. Enk+ cells), and environmental context (home vs. novel cage).     

Effect of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists and some related drugs on maximal electroshock seizures in mice

(+/-) Propranolol (1-50 mg/kg), (+) propranolol (50 mg/kg) and pindolol (10-50 mg/kg) exhibited significant protective effects against MES (maximum electroshock seizures), whereas, timolol (1 mg/kg), the propranolol analog, UM-272 (1 and 10 mg/kg), and the beta-agonist, terbutaline (1 and 10 mg/kg) were ineffective. Cholinergic agents, physostigmine (0.01-1.0 mg/kg), and atropine (1 and 10 mg/kg), the serotonin antagonist, cyproheptadine (0.05 mg/kg), and the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin (10 mg/kg), were also without effect on the MES extensor phase. Further, pretreatment of mice with terbutaline, atropine, cyproheptadine or indomethacin did not influence the anti-MES effect of propranolol to any significant extent. The results indicate that the observed anticonvulsant effects of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists are unrelated to noradrenergic or other central neurotransmitter systems and that a non-specific mechanism, probably a membrane stabilizing effect is involved.     

Rat brain aryl acylamidase: multiple forms and inhibition effects of LSD, serotonin and related compounds

At least two forms of aryl acylamidase (E.C.3.5.1.13, AAA) were separated from rat brain extracts by ammonium sulfate precipitation (33–60% saturation) and subsequent Bio-Gel column chromatography. Fraction AAA-1 showed pH optimum at 7.5 whereas AAA-2 showed a pH optimum at 5.5 AAA-1 activity was markedly inhibited at pH 7.5 by d-LSD and 2-Br-LSD, moderately inhibited by 5-HT and slightly inhibited by tryptamine but it was not affected by 1-LSD, at 0.1 mM concentration. AAA-2 was only moderately inhibited at pH 5.5 by d-LSD and 2-Br-LSD but not affected by 1-LSD, 5-HT or tryptamine at the same concentrations. Catecholamines and their structurally related drugs had no significant effects on either enzyme activity. Kinetic studies with AAA-1 indicated competitive inhibition by d-LSD with a K_i value of 4.90 ± 0.61 μM.     

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs: Attenuation of excitatory effects of d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) on acoustic startle response

At a dose of 5 mg/kg, the tricyclic antidepressant drugs chlorimipramine (CIMI), desipramine (DMI), imipramine (IMI), and chlordesipramine (C-DMI) all blocked the excitatory effects of a low dose (30 μg/kg) of LSD on the acoustic startle response in the rat. Over a dose range from 1–5 mg/kg, CIMI and DMI were about equally potent in blocking the LSD effect, despite the fact that both drugs actually increased brain levels of LSD. In contrast, α-methyl-p-tyrosine did not block the effect of LSD on startle. By themselves, DMI, IMI and C-DMI increased startle amplitude 20–30% whereas CIMI alone had no effect on startle. The ability of CIMI and IMI to block the excitatory effect of LSD on startle is consistent with the hypothesis that prior cessation of raphe cell firing caused indirectly by these drugs with no resultant change in 5-HT availability should pre-empt the ability of LSD to increase startle by directly inhibiting raphe cell firing and decreasing 5-HT availability. The finding that the other tricyclics also block the effect of LSD is not explained by that hypothesis. Results are discussed in terms of the serotonin hypothesis of the action of hallucinogenic drugs on behavior.     

Aza-THIP and related analogues of THIP as GABA C antagonists

The potency of a series of eight compounds structurally related with 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP), a potent GABA(A) partial agonist exhibiting GABA(C) rho(1) antagonist effect (K(i)=25 microM), was determined electrophysiologically using homomeric human GABA(C) rho(1) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Protolytic properties (pK(a) values for the acidic bioisosteric groups) and the presence of steric bulk in the molecules appear to be structural parameters of importance for blockade of the GABA(C) rho(1) receptor. Within this series of moderately potent GABA(C) antagonists, only 4,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (Aza-THIP) does not interact detectably with GABA(A) receptors, and Aza-THIP has the potential of being a useful tool for molecular and behavioural pharmacological studies.     

Isoquinoline derivatives as potent CRTH2 receptor antagonists: synthesis and SAR

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of a novel series of isoquinoline CRTH2 receptor antagonists are described. One of the most potent compounds, TASP0376377 (6m), showed not only potent binding affinity (IC(50)=19 nM) but also excellent functional antagonist activity (IC(50)=13 nM). TASP0376377 was tested for its ability of a chemotaxis assay to show the effectiveness (IC(50)=23 nM), which was in good agreement with the CRTH2 antagonist potency. Furthermore, TASP0376377 showed sufficient selectivity for binding to CRTH2 over the DP1 prostanoid receptor (IC(50)>1 μM) and COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes (IC(50)>10 μM).     

Design,synthesis and biological evaluation of curcumin analogues as novel LSD1 inhibitors

Histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) was the first discovered histone demethylase. Inactivating LSD1 or downregulating its expression inhibits cancer-cell development, and thus, it is an attractive molecular target for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. In this study, we worked on the structural optimization of natural products and identified 30 novel LSD1 inhibitors. Utilizing a structure-based drug design strategy, we designed and synthesized a series of curcumin analogues that were shown to be potent LSD1 inhibitors in the enzyme assay. Compound WB07 displayed the most potent LSD1 inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.8 μM. Moreover, WA20 showed an anticlonogenic effect on A549 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 4.4 μM. Molecular docking simulations were also carried out, and the results indicated that the inhibitors bound to the protein active site located around the key residues of Asp555 and Asp556. These findings suggested that compounds WA20 and WB07 are the first curcumin analogue-based LSD1 inhibitors with remarkable A549 suppressive activity, providing a novel scaffold for the development of LSD1 inhibitors.     

Calcium channel agonists and antagonists: effects of chronic treatment on pituitary prolactin synthesis and intracellular calcium

PRL synthesis by GH cells in culture has previously been shown to increase when calcium is added to cultures grown in calcium-depleted medium or when cultures are treated for 18 h or longer with the dihydropyridine calcium channel agonist BAY K8644, whereas the antagonist nimodipine inhibits PRL. The experiments described here were designed to test whether differences in PRL synthesis caused by the dihydropyridines are due to changes in PRL mRNA levels, whether structurally different classes of calcium channel blockers alter PRL production, and whether long term treatment with calcium channel agonists and antagonists alters intracellular free calcium, [Ca2+]i. PRL synthesis and PRL mRNA levels were increased similarly by BAY K8644 and decreased in parallel by the dihydropyridine antagonist nimodipine, while overall protein and RNA synthesis were not changed by either the agonist or antagonist. Two calcium channel blockers which act at different sites on L-type channels than the dihydropyridines also inhibited PRL synthesis without affecting GH; 5 microM verapamil reduced PRL by 64% and 15 microM diltiazem by 89%. Partial depolarization with 5-25 mM KCl increased PRL synthesis up to 2-fold. The intracellular free calcium ion concentration was estimated by Quin 2 and averaged 142 nM for control cultures in normal medium, and 128 and 168 nM for cultures treated 72 h with nimodipine or BAY K8644, respectively. Nimodipine totally prevented the calcium rise obtained upon depolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Enantioselective synthesis of tranylcypromine analogues as lysine demethylase (LSD1) inhibitors

Asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrenes by tert-butyl diazoacetate followed by ester hydrolysis and Curtius rearrangement gave a series of tranylcypromine analogues as single enantiomers. The o,- m- and p-bromo analogues were all more active than tranylcypromine in a LSD1 enzyme assay. The m- and p-bromo analogues were micromolar growth inhibitors of the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line as were the corresponding biphenyl analogues prepared from the bromide by Suzuki crosscoupling.     

Receptor-mediated uptake of GnRH agonist and antagonists by cultured gonadotropes: evidence for differential intracellular routing

The binding and uptake of the GnRH agonist D-Lys6-GnRH and of the antagonists [N-Ac-D-(pyro)-Cl-Phe1,2-D-Trp3-Lys6-D-Ala10]-GnRH and D-p-Glu1-D-Phe2-D-Trp3-D-Lys6-GnRH by dispersed pituitary gonadotropes was studied with electron microscopy. The peptides were coupled to colloidal gold markers with a diameter of 6 or 20 nm which were incubated separately or together for time periods between 15 and 180 min. Both antagonists could be found after 45 and 180 min at 37 degrees C in lysosomes as well as at the plasma membrane of gonadotropes. Co-incubation of both antagonists or of agonist and either antagonist resulted in uptake of the conjugates into separate lysosomes as well as mixed together into the same lysosome. Localization of the antagonists in structures associated with the Golgi apparatus was not observed at the time points studied. The results show that both GnRH agonist- and antagonist-conjugates are biologically active and that they are internalized by the gonadotropes via receptor mediated endocytosis. The failure to detect antagonist conjugates in the Golgi apparatus may indicate that passage through this organelle requires activation of the receptors by agonists and that the uptake of antagonist into lysosomes due to normal membrane protein turnover.     

Hydrostatic pressure and adrenergic drugs (agonists and antagonists): effects and interactions in fish

Cardiac responses to alpha and beta adrenergic drugs have been studied in the eel firstly at atmospheric pressure (1 ATA), secondly at 101 ATA per se hydrostatic pressure. The exposure of treated eels for 1 hr at 101 ATA cancels the propranolol effect, increases the clonidine effect and induces paradoxal effects (reversal effect) of isoproterenol, phentolamine and phenylephrine. The highly significant interaction (P less than 0.001) between drugs and HP at 101 ATA is discussed and interpreted as effects of hydrostatic pressure inducing a change in receptor function.     

Isoquinoline derivatives as potent CRTH2 antagonists: Design,synthesis and SAR

In this study, we describe the synthesis and structure–activity relationship (SAR) of a series of isoquinoline chemoattractant receptor–homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) antagonists. TASP0376377 (15-20), one of the most potent compounds, showed a potent binding affinity (IC₅₀ = 19 nM) in addition to the excellent functional antagonist activity (IC₅₀ = 13 nM). Moreover, the efficacy of this compound in a chemotaxis assay (IC₅₀ = 23 nM) was in good agreement with its potency as a CRTH2 antagonist. In addition, 15-20 exhibited greater selectivity in binding to CRTH2 than to the DP1 prostanoid receptor (IC₅₀ >1 μM) or the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 (IC₅₀ >10 μM).     

Aplysamine-1 and related analogs as histamine H3 receptor antagonists

Aplysamine-1 (1), a marine natural product, was synthesized and screened for in vitro activity at the human and rat histamine H3 receptors. Aplysamine-1 (1) was found to possess a high binding affinity for the human H3 receptor (Ki = 30+/-4 nM). Synthetic analogs of 1, including des-bromoaplysamine-1 (10) and dimethyl-{2-[4-(3-piperidin-1-yl-propoxy)-phenyl]-ethyl}-amine (13), were potent H3 antagonists.     

Design,synthesis and biological activity of 3-oxoamino-benzenesulfonamides as selective and reversible LSD1 inhibitors

Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a flavin-dependent amine oxidase that selectively removes one or two methyl groups from H3 at Lys4 and is recognized as a promising therapeutic target for cancer and other diseases. Here, a series of 3-oxoamino-benzenesulfonamides were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against LSD1. Compounds 7b and 7h showed the most potent inhibition with the IC₅₀ values of 9.5 and 6.9 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the LSD1 inhibition of 7b and 7h were reversible and selective. Docking study presented the possible binding mode between 7b, 7h and the LSD1 active site. Taken together, 3-oxoamino-benzenesulfonamides may represent a new class of reversible LSD1 inhibitors and 7b and 7h were two hit compounds deserved further structural optimization.     

Receptor-mediated photo-cytotoxicity: synthesis of a photoactivatable psoralen derivative conjugated to insulin

4'-Aminomethyl-4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen has been chemically conjugated to insulin using a carbodiimide derivative. The psoralen moiety retains its photochemical reactivity as evidenced by its ability to crosslink DNA after exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA, 320-400 nm). This chimeric molecule has been used to selectively kill a population of lymphocytes whose expression of insulin receptors has been stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Insulin carries the psoralen into the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis, where it is subsequently activated by exposure to UVA light. The UVA induced activity of AMT-insulin can be blocked by the presence of native insulin. The viability of unstimulated lymphocytes was not affected by AMT-insulin and UVA light. The hybrid insulin-psoralen molecule may be a prototype for a family of phototoxic drugs which can be selectively delivered to subsets of lymphocytes.     

Phenylpiperidine-benzoxazinones as urotensin-II receptor antagonists: synthesis, SAR, and in vivo assessment

Various 4-phenylpiperidine-benzoxazin-3-ones were synthesized and biologically evaluated as urotensin-II (U-II) receptor antagonists. Compound 12i was identified from in vitro evaluation as a low nanomolar antagonist against both rat and human U-II receptors. This compound showed in vivo efficacy in reversing the ear-flush response induced by U-II in rats.