The antioxidant ebselen prevents neurotoxicity and clinical symptoms in a primate model of Parkinson's disease.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), via its major metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), produces in primates including humans clinical, biochemical, and neuropathological changes similar to those which occur in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Ebselen is an antioxidant drug with glutathione peroxidase-like activity and a proven neuroprotective action in stroke patients. Here we show that Ebselen, when administered before, during, and after MPTP injections, prevents both neuronal loss and clinical symptoms in a primate MPTP model of Parkinson's disease. Ebselen also prevents peroxide radical overproduction induced by serum withdrawal in cultured PC12 cells and hydroxyl radical generation induced by the mitochondrial toxin, MPP(+), in vivo in rat brain. Moreover, Ebselen inhibits MPP(+)-induced toxicity in PC12 cells, without interacting with the dopamine uptake system. Our results demonstrate that compounds which prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical production may be useful as preventive treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Enhancement of memory in cannabinoid CB1 receptor knock-out mice.

We have used cannabinoid CB knock-out mice in a two-trial object recognition test to assess the role of cannabinoid CB receptors in memory. Cannabinoid CB1 knock-out mice are able to retain memory for at least 48 h after the first trial whereas the wild-type controls lose their capacity to retain memory after 24 h. These results suggest that endogenous cannabinoid CB receptors play a crucial role in the process of memory storage and retrieval.

Complex pharmacology of natural cannabinoids: evidence for partial agonist activity of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and antagonist activity of cannabidiol on rat brain cannabinoid receptors.

Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), cannabinol and cannabidiol are three important natural cannabinoids from the Marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa). Using [35S]GTP-gamma-S binding on rat cerebellar homogenate as an index of cannabinoid receptor activation we show that: delta9-THC does not induce the maximal effect obtained by classical cannabinoid receptor agonists such as CP55940. Moreover at high concentration delta9-THC exhibits antagonist properties. Cannabinol is a weak agonist on rat cerebellar cannabinoid receptors and cannabidiol behaves as an antagonist acting in the micromolar range.

Proteolytical processing of mutated human amyloid precursor protein in transgenic mice.

The evidence that betaA4 is central to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) came from the identification of several missense mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene co-segregating with familial AD (FAD). In an attempt to study the proteolytical processing of mutated human APP in vivo, we have created transgenic mice expressing the human APP695 isoform with four FAD-linked mutations. Expression of the transgene was controlled by the promoter of the HMG-CR gene. Human APP is expressed in the brain of transgenic mice as shown by Western blot and immunohistology. The proteolytic processing of human APP in the transgenic mice leads to the generation of C-terminal APP fragments as well as to the release of betaA4. Despite substantial amounts of betaA4 detected in the brain of the transgenic mice, neither signs of Alzheimer's disease-related pathology nor related behavioural deficits could be demonstrated.

Altered synaptic plasticity and memory formation in nitric oxide synthase inhibitor-treated rats.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule that is produced in the brain from the metabolism of L-arginine to L-citrulline. Growing evidence suggests a physiological role for NO in long-term potentiation (LTP). Since LTP is a form of synaptic plasticity thought to be involved in learning and memory, we have tested whether inhibition of endogenous NO production affects memory capacities of rats. We found that the NO synthase [L-arginine, NADPH:oxygen oxidoreductase (nitric oxide-forming), EC 1.14.13.39] inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine, at doses blocking LTP in hippocampal slices, impairs spatial learning in a radial arm maze and olfactory memory in a social recognition test. In contrast, N omega-nitro-L-arginine left shock-avoidance learning unaffected. These results indicate that NO is involved in some but not all forms of memory and further support the existence of a causal link between LTP and spatial learning.

Axonal transport of dopamine-containing vesicles labelled in vivo with [3H]reserpine.

Axonal transport of the vesicular monoamine transporter was assayed in the rat brain by in vivo binding of the specific ligand [3H]reserpine. Because of the marked localization of reserpine binding sites in dopaminergic cell bodies and nerve terminals, the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway was chosen for the study of the axonal transport of the monoamine carrier present in the membrane of synaptic vesicles. When labelled reserpine was injected into the substantia nigra, a delayed accumulation of radioactivity in the ipsilateral striatum was observed approximately 4 h after the injection. Similarly, injection into the right striatum was followed by a substantial accumulation of radioactivity in the ipsilateral substantia nigra, which was prevented by peripheral injection of unlabelled reserpine or tetrabenazine. This process was rapid and dependent on microtubules. In senescent rats, the amount of retrogradely transported [3H]reserpine was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate that labelled reserpine may be used to monitor in vivo fast axonal transport in central neurons.

Pharmacological properties and mechanism of action of the cyclopyrrolones.

We present the pharmacological properties of two cyclopyrrolones, zopiclone as a hypnotic and suriclone as an anxiolytic, and examine their mechanism of action. The effects of zopiclone on the amount of time spent at each vigilance level have been studied in freely moving rats. Zopiclone from 2.5 mg/kg i.p. extends the duration of slow wave sleep (SWS), concomitantly shortening the periods awake. This SWS inducing effect of zopiclone was more potent after 10 mg/kg i.p.; moreover, zopiclone did not depress REM sleep and no rebound of activity in wakefulness or REM sleep were observed the day after zopiclone treatment. In rats, at the cortical level, zopiclone increases the spectral energy in the delta band (0.5 to 4 hertz). This rise in energy appears at doses starting from 1.25 mg/kg p.o. and can also reach the fast frequencies (beta band: 12 to 16 hertz). This power spectrum is characteristic of a compound having tranquilizing-hypnotic potential. Taken together these EEG results corroborate the clinical studies. In man, zopiclone increased SWS, decreased SWS latency and respected sleep architecture in both healthy volunteers and insomniacs. This respect of sleep structure and the relative short duration of action of zopiclone minimized the residual effects seen upon waking (drowsiness, impairment of psychomotor performance). In the Geller-Seifter test, an operant conflict procedure, the minimal effective dose (MED) of suriclone in reversing the conflict-induced inhibition of drinking behavior was 2.5 mg.kg-1 p.o. in rats. Depression of unpunished responding is only seen at higher doses (20 mg.kg-1 p.o.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Full agonists of CCK8 containing a nonhydrolyzable sulfated tyrosine residue.

The sulfate ester of CCK26-33 or CCK8 (Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) borne by the tyrosine residue is a critical determinant of the biological activity of this peptide. In order to increase the stability of this molecule, the sulfated tyrosine has been replaced by a synthetic amino acid (L,D)Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) in which the OSO3H group was replaced by the nonhydrolyzable CH2SO3H group. Both isomers were separated by chromatography and the stereochemistry of the Phe(p-CH2SO3Na) residue in each peptide was established by NMR spectroscopy. The biological activities of the new derivatives Ac[X27, Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 were compared with those of Boc[Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33, an equiactive analogue of CCK8 and Boc[D-Tyr(SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33. Besides their highly enhanced chemical stability, Ac[L-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 and Ac[D-Phe(p-CH2SO3Na)27,Nle28,Nle31]CCK27-33 display high affinity for peripheral and central CCK receptors (KI congruent to 10(-9) M) and proved to be full agonists in the stimulation of pancreatic secretion as well as in the in vitro CCK8-induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum.

Enzyme-resistant CCK analogs with high affinities for central receptors.

Based on the results of the in vitro metabolism of CCK8 by various peptidases, we have synthesized three CCK analogs: Boc-Tyr(SO3H)-Nle-Gly-Trp-(N- Me)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (compound I), Boc-Tyr(SO3H)-gNle-mGly-Trp-Nle-Asp-Phe-Nh2 (compound II), Boc-Tyr(SO3H)-gNle-mGly-Trp-(N-Me)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2 (compound III). In in vitro enzymatic degradation studies, these compounds showed a high stability toward either enkephalinase or the enzymes present in crude rat brain membranes preparations. Moreover, in binding studies on guinea pig tissues, these CCK-related peptides were characterized by high apparent affinities for brain CCK receptors and by a broader range of affinities for pancreatic CCK receptors. This broad range of affinities was reflected by their pharmacological potencies in the guinea pig pancreatic amylase release and ileum contraction assays. These enzyme-resistant CCK analogs provide therefore valuable tools to investigate the pharmacology of CCK.

Synthesis and biological activity of CCK26-33-related analogues modified in position 31.

The role of the amino acid in position 31 of cholecystokinin CCK26-33 in the recognition of central and peripheral receptors was investigated by replacement of methionine-31 by amino acids with side chains of various chemical nature. Thus, phenylalanine, alanine, glutamic acid, and ornithine and its analogue with the epsilon-amino group protected by a benzyloxycarbonyl group were introduced as X residues in Boc(Nle28,X31)-CCK27-33 since the related analogue Boc(Nle28,Nle31)-CCK27-33 was shown to be equipotent to CCK26-33. The binding properties to both mouse brain membranes and guinea pig pancreatic acini and the peripheral activities (amylase secretion and contractile potency on guinea pig ileum) were determined. Whereas the introduction of phenylalanine, alanine, or ornithine residues in position 31 led to compounds that still displayed peripheral agonist properties, the presence of a negative charge in the side chain of the amino acid in position 31 prevented the binding of the peptide to both pancreatic and brain binding sites. Introduction of Phe31 and Ala31 residues increased the specificity of the peptides for the central receptors. Interestingly, when the amine function in the side chain of the ornithine-31 was protected by a benzyloxycarbonyl group, an unusual high affinity for pancreatic binding sites was observed and the related analogue proved to be a new peripheral CCK antagonist.

Cyclic cholecystokinin analogues with high selectivity for central receptors.

Taking as a model the N-terminal folding of the cholecystokinin tyrosine-sulfated octapeptide [CCK-8; Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2] deduced from conformational studies, two cyclic cholecystokinin (CCK) analogues were synthesized by conventional peptide synthesis: Boc-D-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Ahx-D-Lys-Trp-Ahx-Asp-Phe-NH2 [compound I (Ahx, 2-aminohexanoic acid)] and Boc-gamma-D-Glu-Tyr(SO3H)-Ahx-D-Lys-Trp-Ahx-Asp-Phe-NH2 (compound II). The binding characteristics of these peptides were investigated on brain cortex membranes and pancreatic acini of guinea pig. Compounds I and II were competitive inhibitors of [3H]Boc[Ahx28,31]CCK-(27-33) binding to central CCK receptors and showed a high degree of selectivity for these binding sites (compound I: Ki for pancreas/Ki for brain, 179; compound II: Ki for pancreas/Ki for brain, 1979). This high selectivity was associated with a high affinity for central CCK receptors (compound I: Ki, 5.1 nM; compound II: Ki, 0.49 nM). Similar affinities and selectivities were found when 125I Bolton-Hunter-labeled CCK-8 was used as a ligand. Moreover, these compounds were only weakly active in the stimulation of amylase release from guinea pig pancreatic acini (EC50 greater than 10,000 nM) and were unable to induce contractions in the guinea pig ileum (to 10(-6) M). The two cyclic CCK analogues, therefore, appear to be synthetic ligands exhibiting both high affinity and high selectivity for central CCK binding sites. These compounds could help clarify the respective role of central and peripheral receptors for various CCK-8-induced pharmacological effects.

Opposite effects of sulfated cholecystokinin on DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase in two areas of the rat nucleus accumbens.

The nucleus accumbens of the rat receives a mixed DA/CCK8 innervation in its posterior part while its anterior part is innervated by distinct DA and CCK8 fibres. In vitro, the addition of CCK8 (0.3-1 microM) potentiated the activating effect of DA (10-30 microM) on adenylate cyclase in tissue homogenates obtained from the posterior part of the nucleus accumbens, whilst this activating effect was reduced by CCK8 in the anterior part. These results suggest the existence of two types of regulation of the D1 receptor by CCK8 depending on the identity (mixed or not mixed) of their innervating fibres.

Non-DA prefronto-cortical efferents modulate D1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens.

Bilateral injections of 6-OHDA in the ventral mesencephalic tegmentum (VMT) destroy the DA afferents of the nucleus accumbens but do not induce any denervation supersensitivity of the D1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens. Because other non-DA afferent fibers might also regulate D1 receptors in that structure, bilateral ablations of the prefrontal cortex were performed. This lesion induced a 55% decrease of [3H]glutamic acid high-affinity uptake activity in the nucleus accumbens. When the prefronto-cortical ablation was performed simultaneously with the bilateral injection of 6-OHDA in the VMT, a marked hypersensitivity of DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity was observed in the nucleus accumbens (+52% increase of Vmax and a two-fold decrease of the Kapp for DA) while the ablation of the prefrontal cortex alone induced only a +14% (P less than 0.01) increase of D1 receptors in that structure. These results indicate that the regulation of D1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens is not solely dependent on the presynaptic DA innervation and that other non-DA fibers, such as those of the cortico-nucleus accumbens pathway, might contribute to it.

Pharmacological study on the mixed CCK8/DA meso-nucleus accumbens pathway: evidence for the existence of storage sites containing the two transmitters.

The mixed CCK8/DA meso-nucleus accumbens pathway was used as a model to study the effects of some pharmacological treatments on the two coexisting transmitters. Reserpine (7 mg/kg i.p.), which depletes monoamine vesicles, induced as early as 1 h following its injection a selective decrease (36%) of CCK8 levels in the posterior part of the nucleus accumbens, an area innervated by the mixed CCK8/DA projection. In contrast, this treatment was without effect on CCK8 levels in the anterior nucleus accumbens and the ventral striatum, two areas which contain distinct CCK8 and DA innervations. Apomorphine (5 mg/kg i.p.), which is known to inhibit the firing rate of DA cells, did not block the reserpine- induced decrease in CCK8 levels suggesting that reserpine is acting on CCK8 storage. This mechanism of action was further substantiated by results obtained with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alpha-MpT, 200 mg/kg i.p.) since no change in CCK8 levels was observed 4 h after this treatment. However, a selective decrease (35%) in CCK8 levels was found in the posterior part of the nucleus accumbens 20 h after two successive alpha-MpT injections. This suggested that long-term interruption of DA transmission resulted in an activation of CCK8/DA cells leading to a release of CCK8. The partial effect of reserpine on total CCK8 stores in CCK8/DA fibers suggests that the peptide is distributed in two types of storage compartments, one of them being sensitive to reserpine and possibly corresponding to mixed CCK8/DA vesicles.