BKCa channels activating at resting potential without calcium in LNCaP prostate cancer cells.

Large-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ (BK(Ca)) channels are activated by intracellular Ca2+ and membrane depolarization in an allosteric manner. We investigated the pharmacological and biophysical characteristics of a BK(Ca)-type K+ channel in androgen-dependent LNCaP (lymph node carcinoma of the prostate) cells with novel functional properties, here termed BK(L). K+ selectivity, high conductance, activation by Mg2+ or NS1619, and inhibition by paxilline and penitrem A largely resembled the properties of recombinant BK(Ca) channels. However, unlike conventional BK(Ca) channels, BK(L) channels activated in the absence of free cytosolic Ca2+ at physiological membrane potentials; the half-maximal activation voltage was shifted by about -100 mV compared with BK(Ca) channels. Half-maximal Ca2+-dependent activation was observed at 0.4 microM: for BK(L) (at -20 mV) and at 4.1 microM: for BK(Ca) channels (at +50 mV). Heterologous expression of hSlo1 in LNCaP cells increased the BK(L) conductance. Expression of hSlo-beta1 in LNCaP cells shifted voltage-dependent activation to values between that of BK(L) and BK(Ca) channels and reduced the slope of the P (open) (open probability)-voltage curve. We propose that LNCaP cells harbor a so far unknown type of BK(Ca) subunit, which is responsible for the BK(L) phenotype in a dominant manner. BK(L)-like channels are also expressed in the human breast cancer cell line T47D. In addition, functional expression of BK(L) in LNCaP cells is regulated by serum-derived factors, however not by androgens.

Effects of imipramine on ion channels and proliferation of IGR1 melanoma cells.

Human IGR1 cells are a model for malignant melanoma. Since progression through the cell cycle is accompanied by transient cell hyperpolarization, we studied the properties of potassium and chloride ion channels and their impact on cell growth. The major potassium current components were mediated by outward rectifying ether à go-go (hEAG) channels and Ca2+-activated channels (KCa) of the IK/SK type. The major chloride channel component was activated by osmotic cell swelling (Clvol). To infer about the contribution of these channels to proliferation, specific inhibitors are required. Since there is no specific blocker for hEAG available, we used the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine, which blocked all channels mentioned, in combination with blockers for KCa (charybdotoxin) and Clvol (DIDS and pamoic acid). Incubation of IGR1 cells for 48 hr in 10-15 mM imipramine reduced DNA synthesis and metabolism without significant effects on apoptosis. hEAG channels were most sensitive to imipramine (IC50: 3.4 microM at +50 mV), followed by KCa (13.8 microM at +50 mV) and Clvol (12 microM at -100 mV), indicating that hEAG expression may be of importance for proliferation of melanoma cells. The contribution of KCa channels could be excluded, as 500 nM charybdotoxin, which completely blocked KCa, had no effect on proliferation. The impact of Clvol also seems to be minor, because 500 microM pamoic acid, which completely blocked Clvol, did not affect proliferation either.

Cep-1347 (KT7515), a semisynthetic inhibitor of the mixed lineage kinase family.

CEP-1347 (KT7515) promotes neuronal survival at dosages that inhibit activation of the c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNKs) in primary embryonic cultures and differentiated PC12 cells after trophic withdrawal and in mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl tetrahydropyridine. In an effort to identify molecular target(s) of CEP-1347 in the JNK cascade, JNK1 and known upstream regulators of JNK1 were co-expressed in Cos-7 cells to determine whether CEP-1347 could modulate JNK1 activation. CEP-1347 blocked JNK1 activation induced by members of the mixed lineage kinase (MLK) family (MLK3, MLK2, MLK1, dual leucine zipper kinase, and leucine zipper kinase). The response was selective because CEP-1347 did not inhibit JNK1 activation in cells induced by kinases independent of the MLK cascade. CEP-1347 inhibition of recombinant MLK members in vitro was competitive with ATP, resulting in IC(50) values ranging from 23 to 51 nm, comparable to inhibitory potencies observed in intact cells. In addition, overexpression of MLK3 led to death in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and CEP-1347 blocked this death at doses comparable to those that inhibited MLK3 kinase activity. These results identify MLKs as targets of CEP-1347 in the JNK signaling cascade and demonstrate that CEP-1347 can block MLK-induced cell death.

Differential effects of the adenosine A(1) receptor allosteric enhancer PD 81,723 on agonist binding to brain and adipocyte membranes.

The benzoylthiophene analog, PD 81,723, has been shown to allosterically enhance agonist binding and functional activation of the mammalian adenosine (ADO) A(1) receptor subtype by putatively maintaining the receptor in a high affinity state. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the ability of PD 81,723 to enhance the binding of [3H]cyclohexyladenosine ([3H]CHA) to A(1) receptors of neural (cerebral cortex) and non-neural (adipocyte) origin in three different species; rat, guinea pig and dog. PD 81, 723 (0.3-100 microM) produced a concentration-dependent enhancement of [3H]CHA binding to rat brain A(1) receptors. These effects were also species-dependent with larger enhancements (150-200% of control) observed in guinea pig and dog brain membranes as compared to the rat (120% of control). In contrast, PD 81,723 did not produce any enhancement of [3H]CHA binding to A(1) receptors in adipocyte membranes from any of the species examined. Additional binding studies were conducted using pharmacological manipulations that have previously been shown to enhance the allosteric effects of PD 81,723. In the presence of 1 mM GTP, the allosteric effects of PD 81,723 (15 microM) were increased in rat, guinea pig and dog brain membranes, however, in adipocyte membranes from each species, no significant alteration in agonist binding was observed. Similarly, the A(1) receptor selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (added to effectively reduce the intrinsic antagonist properties of PD 81,723) was found to enhance the allosteric effects of PD 81,723 (15 microM) in brain, but produce no alteration of agonist binding in adipocyte membranes from each species. Examination of the dissociation kinetics of [3H]CHA binding from rat brain and adipocyte membranes revealed that PD 81,723 (15 microM) differentially slowed agonist dissociation from brain, but not adipocyte, membranes. Taken together, the present data support the hypothesis that in tissues that are sensitive to PD 81,723, this benzyolthiophene functions to maintain the A(1) receptor in a high-affinity state and that the relative proportions of high-affinity A(1) receptors present in specific tissues may contribute, at least in part, to the apparent differential effects of PD 81,723 on agonist binding. The tissue specific modulation of A(1) receptor function by PD 81,723 also illustrates the possibility that the locus of allosteric modulation by PD 81,723 may be manifest via a specific, but indirect and tissue-dependent, interaction with the A(1) receptor.

[125I]BQ3020, a novel endothelin agonist selective for the endothelinB receptor subtype.

The endothelins represent a family of three (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3) isopeptides that are derived from vascular endothelial cells and function as potent vasoconstrictors. Two endothelin receptor subtypes, ETA and ETB, have been cloned and are structurally similar to the large family of guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein) linked receptors. The ET receptor subtypes can also be distinguished by their different pharmacological profiles.. A novel linear peptide fragment of endothelin-1 (ET-1), N-acetyl-[Ala11,15]ET-1[6-21] (BQ3020) has been identified as a potent and ETB-selective agonist. [125I]BQ3020 binds with high affinity (Kd = 31 pM) and limited capacity (Bmax = 570 fmol/mg protein) to a single class of recognition sites in rat cerebellum. High affinity [125I]BQ3020 binding is reduced in the presence of guanine nucleotides indicating an interaction with high and low affinity states of the ETB receptor. This protocol describes the use of [125I]BQ3020 as a specific radioligand for the ETB receptor.

Pharmacological characterization of the rat cerebellar endothelin B (ETB) receptor using the novel agonist radioligand [125I]BQ3020.

A novel linear peptide fragment of endothelin-1 (ET-1), N-acetyl-[Ala11,15]ET-1[6-21] (BQ3020) has been identified as a potent and ETB-selective agonist. The present studies were conducted in order to characterize the binding of [125I]BQ3020 to the ETB receptor in rat cerebellum. [125I]BQ3020 (0.1 nM) bound with high specificity (90% of total binding) and selectivity for the ETB receptor. ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3 inhibited 0.1 nM [125I]BQ3020 binding with equivalent affinity (Ki values = 55-110 pM). The sarafotoxins S6a, S6b, and S6c also potently inhibited [125I]BQ3020 binding (Ki values = 55-2000 pM). The ETA-selective antagonist, BQ123 (100 microM) did not significantly inhibit [125I]BQ3020 binding. Ligand saturation studies indicated that [125I]BQ3020 labeled a single class of recognition sites with very high affinity (Kd = 31 pM) and limited capacity (Bmax = 570 fmol/mg protein). High affinity 0.1 nM [125I]BQ3020 binding was reduced by 40-50% in the presence of 1 mM guanine nucleotides. Additional competition studies indicated that ET-1 and ET-2 produced biphasic inhibition curves in competing for 0.5 nM [125I]BQ3020. The high affinity component of the ET-1 inhibition curve was subsequently eliminated in the presence of 1 mM GTP-gamma-S The guanine nucleotide sensitivity of [125I]BQ3020 binding offers the possibility that different functional consequences of ETB receptor activation may be mediated by multiple affinity states of the receptor. The present data demonstrate that [125I]BQ3020 is a potent and selective agonist for the ETB receptor that can discriminate high and low affinity states of the ETB receptor.

Dithiothreitol, sodium chloride, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid increase the binding affinity of [125I]angiotensin IV to AT4 receptors in bovine adrenal cortex.

The present studies demonstrate that the sulfhydryl reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT), increases the specific binding of [125I]angiotensin IV ([125I]AIV) to AT4 receptors in bovine adrenal cortical membranes. Both the degree of stimulation and the pharmacological selectivity of [125I]AIV binding in the presence of DTT were quantitatively different depending on the contents of the assay buffer. Similar effects were also observed using a different sulfhydryl reducing agent, 2-mercaptoethanol (2-MCE). These sulfhydryl reducing agents (100 mM) produced a 200% increase in specific [125I]AIV binding in an assay buffer that has been used to characterize the novel AT4 receptor subtype. A much larger stimulation (700%) of specific [125I]AIV binding was found when the assay was conducted in a buffer that has been used to characterize ligand binding to the AT1 receptor. Ligand association studies indicated that 0.3 nM [125I]AIV displayed similar equilibrium kinetics and stability in both the AT4 and AT1 buffers. Ligand saturation studies indicated that [125I]AIV bound with high affinity (Kd = 6 nM) in the AT4 buffer system, but bound with lower affinity (Kd = 32 nM) in the AT1 buffer system. Removal of NaCl and EDTA from the AT4 buffer also resulted in low-affinity [125I]AIV binding (Kd = 33 nM). The subsequent inclusion of NaCl, EDTA, or DTT resulted in higher-affinity [125I]AIV binding (KdS = 3-14 nM). No significant effects on the apparent density (Bmax) of AT4 receptors were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of [125I]acidic fibroblast growth factor binding to the cloned human fibroblast growth factor receptor, FGF-flg, on NIH 3T3 cell membranes: inhibitory effects of heparin, pertussis toxin and guanine nucleotides.

The present studies were conducted to characterize the specific binding of recombinant human [125I]acidic fibroblast growth factor ([125]aFGF) to the cloned human fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, flg, overexpressed on stably transfected NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast (NFlg26) cell membranes. In the presence of 5 U/ml of heparin to block [125I]aFGF binding to membrane bound heparan sulfate proteoglycans, specific [125I]aFGF binding was optimal in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl and in a pH range of 7 to 9. [125I]aFGF labeled a single class of recognition sites with high affinity (Kd = 0.27 nM) and limited capacity (apparent maximum binding = 19.5 pmol/mg of protein). A similar estimate of ligand affinity (Kd = 0.25 nM) was determined from association and dissociation rate experiments. aFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor and several glycine-substituted point mutations of aFGF potently inhibited 0.1 nM [125I]aFGF binding. A variety of putative FGF receptor ligands including poly-L-lysines and poly-L-arginines, protamine, suramin and wheat germ agglutinin were shown to have weak or no affinity for the [125I]aFGF recognition site. Additional saturation studies, conducted in the presence of a lower (0.1 U/ml) heparin concentration, indicated that [125I] aFGF labeled both the high affinity (Kd = 0.02 nM) FGF-flg receptor and a separate class of lower affinity (Kd = 2 nM) recognition sites. Pretreatment of NFlg26 cell membranes with pertussis toxin resulted in a heparin-dependent decrease in the binding affinity (Kd values of 0.57-1.15 nM) of [125I]aFGF. Similar pretreatment with cholera toxin did not significantly affect [125I] aFGF binding. Guanine nucleotides were also found to significantly reduce 0.1 nM [125I]aFGF binding in a heparin-dependent fashion. The present data demonstrate that, in the presence of heparin, [125I]aFGF binds with high affinity to the cloned FGF-flg receptor on NFlg26 cell membranes. However, at a low heparin concentration (0.1 U/ml), [125I]aFGF binds to the FGF-flg receptor with higher affinity than was observed in the presence of 5 U/ml of heparin, and also binds a class of lower affinity recognition sites which are consistent with the labeling of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The present data also indicate that agents which are known to interfere with receptor/G-protein coupling reduce the binding affinity of [125I]aFGF and suggest that the FGF-flg receptor may be coupled to a G-protein in addition to its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity.

The angiotensin hexapeptide 3-8 fragment potently inhibits [125I]angiotensin II binding to non-AT1 or -AT2 recognition sites in bovine adrenal cortex.

In the present studies, ligand competition experiments were conducted to examine the ability of angiotensin II peptide agonists and nonpeptide AT1- and AT2-selective receptor antagonists to inhibit the binding of [125I]angiotensin II to bovine adrenal cortical membranes. Angiotensin II, angiotensin III, the All-(3-8) hexapeptide fragment of angiotensin II, and the AT1-selective receptor antagonist L-158,809, inhibited [125I]angiotensin II binding in a biphasic fashion indicative of a ligand interaction at more than one recognition site. Approximately 20% of low affinity [125I]angiotensin II binding was inhibited only by high micromolar concentrations of L-158,809. RG 13647 (1(-1,4-benzodioxan-2-methyl)-5-diphenylacetyl-4,5,6,7-tetra hydro-1H-imidazo- [4,5,c]-pyridine-6-carboxylic acid) represents a potent and AT2-selective analog of PD 123177 and showed weak activity in competing for [125I]angiotensin II binding with an IC50 value of 100 microM. When subsequent competition studies were conducted in the presence of 1 microM L-158,809 to block [125I]angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor subtype, the angiotensin II agonists produced monophasic inhibition curves with AII-(3-8) showing the greatest activity (IC50 = 6 nM) followed by angiotensin III (IC50 = 15 nM) much greater than angiotensin II (IC50 = 110 nM). RG 13647 was not found to significantly inhibit this portion of [125I]angiotensin II binding. These data demonstrate that bovine adrenal cortex contains both the AT1 receptor subtype, as well as, a novel class of [125I]angiotensin II recognition sites which may be analogous to the recently described angiotensin IV (AT4) receptor.

Comparative effects of angiotensin II and angiotensin III in rabbit adrenal and aortic tissues.

The addition of angiotensin II (AII) and angiotensin III (AIII) to isolated tissue baths produced the same maximal contractile response of rabbit aortic strips. AIII was about 10 times less potent, the slope of its concentration-response curve was less steep and its rate of onset slower than that of AII. The responses of both AII and AIII were inhibited with equal potency by the surmountable AII antagonist Phe4, Tyr8-AII and its unsurmountable analog Sar1, Leu8-AII but the kinetic patterns of inhibition by both were less well defined with the agonist AIII than with AII. The addition of AIII to tissues which had exhibited a maximal response to AII did not increase the level of contraction, in contrast to the case when norepinephrine was added to tissues contracted by AII. Both AII and AIII displaced [125I]AII binding from rabbit adrenal membranes; AIII was 6 times less potent than AII but displayed competitive kinetics as an inhibitor of [125I]AII binding. In further studies two binding sites for [125I]AII were identified in adrenal membranes, having KD values of 2.0 +/- 0.2 and 19.6 +/- 2.3 nM, respectively. Each site was inhibited by both AII and AIII and the ratio of the apparent Ki values for the two hormones was not significantly different. The Hill coefficient for the high affinity site was, however, lower for AIII than AII. We interpret our data to suggest that AII and AIII act on the same receptors. AIII apparently binds less efficiently than does AII in both rabbit adrenal membranes and rabbit aortic strips.

RG 12915: a potent 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 antagonist that is an orally effective inhibitor of cytotoxic drug-induced emesis in the ferret and dog.

RG 12915 [4-[N-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2.]octan-3-(S)-yl)]2-chloro-cis 5a-(S)-9a-(S)-5a,6,7,8,9,9a-hexahydrobenzofurancarboxamide hydrochloride] is a potent and effective agent against cisplatin-induced emesis in the ferret after i.v. or p.o. administration. This agent (p.o.) is also highly protective against cisplatin-induced emesis in the dog, as well as cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin-induced emesis in the ferret. When administered either p.o. or i.v., RG 12915 has a lower ED50 value (0.004 mg/kg) than GR 38032F, BRL 43694 and metoclopramide for attenuating cisplatin-induced emetic episodes in the ferret. It also has a long duration of action against cisplatin-induced emesis in the ferret. In contrast to metoclopramide, RG 12915 lacks significant antidopaminergic activity both in vitro [( 3H]spiroperidol displacement), as well as in vivo (apomorphine-induced emesis). In radioligand binding assays, RG 12915 is a potent and selective displacer of binding of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 binding sites (IC50 value = 0.16 nM), whereas failing to displace binding of ligands for the alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta adrenergic, 5-HT1 or 5-HT2 or cholinergic-muscarinic sites with IC50 values less than 1 microM. At a p.o. dose (1 mg/kg) in which RG 12915 is highly protective against cisplatin-induced emesis in the dog, RG 12915 has no significant gastroprokinetic activity in the same species. In summary, RG 12915 is a potent and p.o. effective agent against cytotoxic drug-induced emesis in animal models. The antiemetic potency of RG 12915 against cisplatin is unrelated to antidopaminergic or gastroprokinetic activity, but may be related to its affinity for 5-HT3 binding sites.

Studies defining minimal receptor domains for angiotensin II.

The purpose of this study was to define in a systematic experimental manner the minimal amino acid domain(s) present in the angiotensin II molecule that are required for binding to, as well as activation of, its receptor at physiological concentrations. Although removal of the C-terminal phenylalanine residue markedly reduced affinity for the rabbit adrenal cortical receptor, sequential additions of amino acids beginning with phenylalanine did not result in a molecule with significant receptor affinity until the hexapeptide stage was reached. Similar receptor affinities were obtained with the other two possible 6 amino acid fragments in the molecule. None of the possible pentapeptide fragments were active, as was also the case with representative 4, 3 and 2 amino acid sequences. Of the three hexapeptides, only the one containing phenylalanine as the C-terminal amino acid displayed agonist activity on the rabbit aortic strip. The other two behaved as competitive antagonists. These results indicate that 6 amino acids constitute the minimal receptor binding domain present in the angiotensin II molecule and that phenylalanine is crucial at the C-terminus for activating the receptor.

Studies on inhibition of angiotensin II receptors in rabbit adrenal and aorta.

Angiotensin II (AII) labeled with 125I binds to rabbit adrenal cortical membranes over a concentration range from 0.5 to 20 nM at an apparent single site with a KD of 5 nM. This binding was inhibited in a surmountable fashion with respect to AII by the peptide analogs sarcosine1 (Sar1),Leu8AII and Phe4, Tyr8 AII when added to the incubation media concomitant with AII addition. With a 30-min preincubation, however, the former inhibitor displayed nonsurmountable kinetics whereas the profile of the latter was unaffected. In rabbit aortic strips with the same preincubation time, the Sar1Leu8AII analog was a nonsurmountable antagonist of the contractile effect of AII whereas the inhibition produced by Phe4,Tyr8AII was surmountable by increasing agonist (AII) concentrations. The inhibitory effect of the former was maintained after repeated washing of the tissue whereas that of the latter was readily reversible. Addition of Phe4,Tyr8AII to the bath 5 min before preincubation protected the tissue from the prolonged AII inhibition by Sar1,Leu8AII. These findings indicate different kinetic modes of AII inhibition by these two antagonists. Phe4,Tyr8AII behaves as a reversible, competitive inhibitor of AII binding, whereas Sar1,Leu8AII combines with the AII receptor in a slowly dissociable manner and is therefore not readily displaced by AII.

Synthesis, conformation, and dopaminergic activity of 5,6-ethano-bridged derivatives of selective dopaminergic 3-benzazepines.

To probe the suggestion that D-1 (DA1) dopamine receptors might possess an accessory pi-binding site in a location complementary to a suitably oriented aromatic ring (i.e., in an axial orientation approximately orthogonal to the catechol nucleus) in agonists such as 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol (1) and 3',4'-dihydroxynomifensine (2) that are selective for this subtype, cis- and trans-2,3,4,8,9,9a-hexahydro-4-phenyl-1H-indeno[1,7-cd]azepine-6,7-diol were prepared. These compounds are 5,6-ethano-bridged derivatives of the D-1 selective dopamine receptor agonist 1. Introduction of the bridge reduces the conformational mobility of the parent molecule. Comprehensive conformational analyses by molecular mechanical methods indicated that both the cis and trans isomers could attain a conformation that places the phenyl substituent in an axial orientation. X-ray analysis of the trans isomer showed an axial disposition of the phenyl ring; however, NMR studies suggest that this conformation is fixed in the trans isomer, but not in the cis. The dopamine receptor binding affinity and intrinsic activity of the cis isomer were considerably greater than those of its trans counterpart; the cis isomer also demonstrated a high degree of selectivity for the D-1 subtypes. One possible explanation of these results, suggested by the molecular modeling studies, is that both the axial orientation of the phenyl postulated to be required for binding to the receptor and a putatively requisite location of the nitrogen in approximately the plane of the catechol ring can be attained only by the cis isomer in which the tetrahydroazepine ring is in a twist conformation. Conversely, these results might simply suggest a preference of the D-1 receptors for benzazepine agonists having the phenyl group in an equatorial orientation. Still another possibility is that the D-1 receptor binding site is in a sterically hindered area accessible only to compounds that are relatively planar. However, it requires an axial 1-phenylbenzazepine for strong binding. Thus, a conformationally flexible cis isomer could more readily achieve the different conformations required to both gain access to and bind with the D-1 site.

Synthesis and evaluation of non-catechol D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptor agonists: benzimidazol-2-one, benzoxazol-2-one, and the highly potent benzothiazol-2-one 7-ethylamines.

Our interest in identifying D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptor agonists that are not catechols led us to extend previous studies with oxindoles by investigating analogues of dopamine, N,N-dipropyldopamine, m-tyramine, N,N-dipropyl-m-tyramine, and epinine in which the m-hydroxyl is replaced by the NH portion of a thiazol-2-one, oxazol-2-one, or imidazol-2-one group fused to the 2,3-position. These compounds were evaluated for their affinity and agonist activity at D-1 and D-2 receptors by using in vitro assays. Replacement of the m-hydroxy in N,N-dipropyldopamine with the thiazol-2-one group resulted in a dramatic increase in D-2 receptor affinity and activity compared to that of N,N-dipropyldopamine itself or that of the corresponding oxindole, 1. The resulting compound, 7-hydroxy-4-[2-(di-n-propylamino)ethyl]benzothiazol-2(3H)-one (4), is the most potent D-2 receptor agonist reported to date in the field-stimulated rabbit ear artery (ED50 = 0.028 nM). The benzoxazol-2-one (6), benzimidazol-2-one (5), and isatin (51) analogues showed D-2 receptor agonist potency similar to that of 1. The des-7-hydroxyl analogue of 4 (21) also has enhanced D-2 receptor activity compared to that of the corresponding oxindole, 8. 7-Hydroxy-4-(2-aminoethyl)benzothiazol-2(3H)-one, 27, a non-catechol, has enhanced D-1 and D-2 receptor activity in vitro compared to that of the corresponding oxindole, 7. In vivo, 27 increased renal blood flow and decreased blood pressure in the dog. However, these effects were mediated primarily by D-2 receptor agonist activity. This may be a result of the D-1 partial agonist activity of 27 coupled with its potent D-2 receptor activity.

Vasopressin-mediated inhibition of atrial natriuretic factor-stimulated cGMP accumulation in an established smooth muscle cell line.

Rat thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells (line A10, ATCC CRL 1476) display a high density of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) receptors. ANF stimulated the accumulation of cGMP in these cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. These cells are known to display a high density of vasopressin receptors of the vascular V1 subtype. These vasopressin receptors mediate inhibition of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation and stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation and calcium fluxes. Addition of [8-arginine]vasopressin ([Arg8]VP) to these cells inhibited ANF-stimulated cGMP accumulation. Inhibition of cGMP accumulation was dependent on the concentration of [Arg8]VP, with half-maximal and maximal effects occurring at 0.4 and 10 nM, respectively. [Arg8]VP did not have significant effects on basal cGMP levels. The inhibition by [Arg8]VP appears to be mediated by V1 receptors, since the V2 renal receptor agonist [1-desaminocysteine,8-D-arginine]vasopressin was ineffective. Also, the selective V1 antagonist [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid),2-(O-methyltyrosine),8-arginine]vasopressin and the mixed V1/V2 antagonist [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid),2-(O-ethyl-D-tyrosine),4-valine,8-arginine]vasopressin blocked the [Arg8]VP-mediated effect, whereas the selective V2 antagonist [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionic acid), 2-D-isoleucine,4-valine,8-arginine]vasopressin was minimally effective. These data show that in rat aortic smooth muscle cells, V1 receptors are negatively coupled to guanylate cyclase. These data also suggest that the vasoconstrictor activity of [Arg8]VP might involve inhibition of ANF-receptor-mediated vascular relaxation through inhibition of cGMP accumulation in addition to its effects on isoproterenol-mediated cAMP accumulation and inositol phosphate accumulation and calcium fluxes.

Synthesis and dopaminergic binding of 2-aryldopamine analogues: phenethylamines, 3-benzazepines, and 9-(aminomethyl)fluorenes.

A series of 2-aryldopamine analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their effects on D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. The 2-phenyldopamine and 6-phenylbenzazepine analogues exhibited weak binding to both D1 and D2 receptors. The 9-(aminomethyl)fluorenes also exhibited weak D2 binding; however, 2,5,6-trihydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-methanamine (4b) exhibited D1 binding comparable to apomorphine. The binding activity has been correlated with the calculated torsion angle of the biphenyl portion of these molecules. Good D1 dopamine binding occurs when the aromatic rings approach coplanarity; poor binding occurs when the aromatic rings are orthogonal.

Regulation of agonist and antagonist binding to striatal D-1 dopamine receptors: studies using the selective D-1 antagonist [3H]SK&F R-83566.

The potent and D-1 versus D-2 selective dopamine receptor antagonist, SK&F R-83566, was radiolabelled with tritium and was used as a radioligand for examination of D-1 receptors in rat striatum. Binding of the radioligand was stereoselective, saturable and reversible. In homogenates of rat striatum, nonspecific binding of the radioligand was less than 5% of total binding, the KD was 1.1 +/- 0.2 nM and the Bmax was 1130 +/- 70 fmoles/mg protein. Results of competition binding analyses yielded a pharmacological profile that was characteristic of dopamine D-1 receptor interaction. Competition studies of dopamine agonists against the potent antagonist radioligand indicated multiple affinities of agonist binding to the D-1 receptor. Displacement was best fit to a two-site model of ligand binding and high and low affinities were subject to regulation by guanine, but not adenine, nucleotides. Antagonist binding was not complex and was unaffected by guanine nucleotides. The role of monovalent cations in regulating D-1 receptor binding was evaluated by comparing effects of Na+, Li+, and K+ on binding of the antagonist [3H]SK&F R-83566 and the agonist [3H]fenoldopam (SK&F 82526). Whereas agonist binding was reduced in a concentration dependent fashion by monovalent cations with a ranking of potency Li+ greater than Na+ greater than K+, antagonist binding was enhanced by the cation Na+ but little affected by Li+ or K+. This effect of relatively low concentrations of Na+ to decrease agonist binding and increase antagonist binding suggests similarities between the D-1 receptor which is positively-coupled to adenylate cyclase and other receptors, e.g. alpha 2 adrenergic receptors, which are negatively-coupled to adenylate cyclase.

Binding of a novel dopaminergic agonist radioligand [3H]-fenoldopam (SKF 82526) to D-1 receptors in rat striatum.

Fenoldopam (SKF 82526), a dopamine agonist which exhibits D-1 receptor subtype selectivity, was evaluated as a radioligand for this receptor subtype. In saturation studies in rat striatal membrane preparations, [3H]-fenoldopam appeared to label a single binding site with a KD of 2.3 +/- 0.1 nM and a Bmax of 590 +/- 40 fmoles/mg protein. In competition binding experiments, binding was shown to be stereoselective, and rank ordering of affinities of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic compounds closely correlated with potencies of these compounds in stimulating or inhibiting dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase (D-1) and in binding to D-1 sites labelled with the antagonist [3H]-cis-flupenthixol. The most potent competitors were the recently identified D-1 selective antagonists, SCH 23390 and SKF R-83566. [3H]-Fenoldopam was also used to assess agonist/D-1 receptor interactions. The results suggest that [3H]-fenoldopam is a useful and selective agonist radioligand for the D-1 receptor.

Cardiovascular activity of SK&F 64139 in the hypertensive rat.

SK&F 64139 (7,8-dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline) produces a dose-related antihypertensive effect in rats treated with desoxycorticosterone acetate and administered saline in their drinking water (DOCA-salt rats), lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 40 mm Hg after an oral dose of 25 mg/kg in a conscious animal. This antihypertensive effect can also be observed after intravenous infusion in an anesthetized DOCA rat. The fall in blood pressure is accompanied by bradycardia, which can be blocked by the combination of propranolol plus vagotomy, and a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. In contrast to the results in the DOCA rat, only minimal effects on blood pressure were produced in normotensive rats. Although SK&F 64139 is a potent inhibitor of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), the time course of blood pressure reduction is not consistent with PNMT inhibition as a mechanism for its antihypertensive action. SK&F 64139 decreases the turnover rate of cardiac norepinephrine in DOCA-salt rats, suggesting that its antihypertensive effect may results from a centrally mediated inhibition of sympathetic outflow to the periphery.