Analysis of mechanisms for memory enhancement using novel and potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands.

In light of the involvement of serotonergic 5-HT1A receptors in the mediation of the memory of aversive events, the potent and selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonists, MC18 fumarate and VP08/34 fumarate, were tested in the passive avoidance task (PA), a rodent model of instrumental conditioning. Either alone or in combination with the prototypical agonist 8-OH-DPAT, MC18 fumarate at doses (0.1, 0.3 and 1mg/kg given 15min prior to training) exerted a dose-dependent facilitation of PA memory retention. When administered 15min prior to 8-OH-DPAT (0.3 and 1mg/kg), MC18 fumarate at a dose of 0.3mg/kg, enhanced significantly the impairment of PA retention caused by 8-OH-DPAT (1mg/kg). However, VP08/34 fumarate given at the same doses exerted no statistically effect on PA retention memory. Furthermore, VP08/34 fumarate given 15min prior to 8-OH-DPAT (0.3 and 1mg/kg) only slightly enhanced the PA impairment induced by 8-OH-DPAT. In conclusion, the profile of MC18 fumarate is intriguing since it behaves in a manner which differs from both full receptor antagonists such as NAD-299 or partial receptor agonists. The results also illustrate the importance of subtle receptor interaction and probably ligand efficacy in determining the actions of two almost identical 5-HT1A receptor ligands in cognitive function such as instrumental learning.

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacological effect of (S)-5-OH-DPAT following controlled delivery with transdermal iontophoresis.

The pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of the active (S)-enantiomer of the potent dopamine (DA) agonist 5-hydroxy-2-(N,N,-di-n-propylamino)tetralin (5-OH-DPAT) were investigated in a novel anesthetized animal model. First, the relationship between current density, in vivo transport, and plasma profile was characterized. Second, the effect of the anesthetic mixture, transdermal iontophoresis, and blood sampling on the striatal DA release (PD end point) was investigated. Third, the PK-PD relationship following transdermal iontophoresis was investigated during a controlled reversible pharmacological response. Given that striatal DA levels are unaltered during experimental procedures, this rat model can be used to investigate the PK-PD relationship. The in vivo flux was linearly correlated with the current density, indicating that drug delivery can be titrated by the current density. Following transdermal iontophoresis and intravenous infusion, a strong reversible effect was observed. Compartmental modeling showed that the relationship between plasma concentration and biomarker response is best characterized by an effect compartment, rather than an indirect response model. In addition, covariate analysis suggested that the delivery rate can affect the PD efficiency. Finally, PK-PD analysis revealed that steady delivery rates are translated into continuous dopaminergic stimulation. This can be of benefit for reducing side effects in the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease with 5-OH-DPAT.

Actions of the prototypical 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT at human alpha2-adrenoceptors: (+)8-OH-DPAT, but not (-)8-OH-DPAT is an alpha2B subtype preferential agonist.

8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin] is the prototypical agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors; however, activity at other targets contributes to the functional effects of the compound as well. We examined the properties of 8-OH-DPAT and its enantiomers at recombinant human (h)alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes, using a panel of radioligand binding and functional tests. In competition binding experiments using [3H]-RX821002, about 10-fold selectivity of (+)8-OH-DPAT for the halpha2B subtype (pKi about 7) over halpha2A- and halpha2C-adrenoceptors was observed. In contrast, the S(-) enantiomer of 8-OH-DPAT showed similar weak affinities for the three receptor subtypes (pKis<6). The binding affinity of (+)8-OH-DPAT at the halpha2B- and the halpha2A-adrenoceptor was found sensitive to GTPgammaS, a receptor/G protein-uncoupling agent, indicating agonist properties of the drug. Furthermore, using [35S]GTPgammaS binding determination at CHO-halpha2B or CHO-halpha2A cell membranes and G protein coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) current recordings in Xenopus oocytes expressing halpha2B, partial agonist activity of (+)8-OH-DPAT at the respective receptors was confirmed in these two different functional assays. Potency of (+)8-OH-DPAT for stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS incorporation was lower at the halpha2A- than at the halpha2B-adrenoceptor, consistent with binding affinities. Thus, (+)8-OH-DPAT and, as a consequence, racemic (+/-)8-OH-DPAT are partial agonists at halpha2-adrenoceptors with selectivity for the halpha2B subtype, a property that might contribute to the effects of the compound described in native systems.

The in vitro and in vivo evaluation of new synthesized prodrugs of 5-OH-DPAT for iontophoretic delivery.

The feasibility of transdermal iontophoretic transport of 4 novel ester prodrugs of 5-OH-DPAT (glycine-, proline-, valine- and beta-alanine-5-OH-DPAT) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Based on the chemical stability of the prodrugs, the best candidates were selected for in vitro transport studies across human skin. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects of the prodrug with highest transport efficiency, were investigated in a rat model. The in vitro transport, plasma profile and pharmacological response were analyzed with compartmental modeling. Valine- and beta-alanine-5-OH-DPAT were acceptably stable in the donor phase and showed a 4-fold and 14-fold increase in solubility compared to 5-OH-DPAT. Compared to 5-OH-DPAT, valine- and beta-alanine-5-OH-DPAT were transported less and more efficiently across human skin, respectively. Despite a higher in vitro transport, lower plasma concentration was observed following 1.5h current application (250 microAcm(2)) of beta-alanine-S-5-OH-DPAT in comparison to S-5-OH-DPAT. However the prodrug showed higher plasma concentrations post-iontophoresis, explained by a delayed release due to hydrolysis and skin depot formation. This resulted in a pharmacological effect with the same maximum as 5-OH-DPAT, but the effect lasted for a longer time. The current findings suggest that beta-alanine-5-OH-DPAT is a promising prodrug, with a good balance between stability, transport efficiency and enzymatic conversion.

Mechanistic studies of the transdermal iontophoretic delivery of 5-OH-DPAT in vitro.

A characterization and optimization of the in vitro transdermal iontophoretic transport of 5-hydroxy-2-(N,N,-di-n-propylamino)tetralin (5-OH-DPAT) is presented. The utility of acetaminophen as a marker of electroosmotic flow was studied as well. The following parameters of iontophoretic transport of 5-OH-DPAT were examined: drug donor concentration, electroosmotic contribution, influence of co-ions, current density, and composition of the acceptor phase. The steady-state flux (Flux(ss)) of acetaminophen was linearly correlated with the donor concentration and co-iontophoresis of acetaminophen did not influence the iontophoretic flux of 5-OH-DPAT, indicating that acetaminophen is an excellent marker of electroosmotic flow. Lowering the Na(+) concentration from 78 to 10 mM in the donor phase, resulted in a 2.5-fold enhancement of the Flux(ss). The Flux(ss) showed a nonlinear relation with the drug donor concentration and an excellent linear correlation with the current density. Reducing the pH of the acceptor phase from 7.4 to 6.2 resulted in a dramatic decrease of the Flux(ss) of 5-OH-DPAT, explained by a reduced electroosmotic flow and an increased counter-ion flow. Optimization of the conditions resulted in a maximum Flux(ss) of 5-OH-DPAT of 1.0 micromol x cm(-2) h(-1) demonstrating the potential of the iontophoretic delivery of this dopamine agonist for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Solubilization of human serotonin 1A receptors expressed in neuronal cells.

The serotonin 1A receptor is an important member of the G-protein coupled receptor family, and is involved in a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and developmental functions. None of the subtypes of G-protein coupled serotonin receptors have yet been purified to homogeneity from natural sources. We report here, for the first time, the solubilization of human serotonin(1A) receptors stably expressed in neuronal (HN2) cells. Importantly, ligand binding assay shows that the serotonin 1A receptor solubilized this way is functionally active. The effective solubilization of the serotonin 1A receptor from neuronal cells represents an important step toward the purification of the receptor in native-like membrane environment.

Activation of paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus 5-HT1A receptor on sodium intake.

Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) has an important role in the regulation of water and sodium intake. Several researches described the presence of 5-HT(1) receptors in the central nervous system. 5-HT(1A) was one of the prime receptors identified and it is found in the somatodendritic and post-synaptic forms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the participation of serotonergic 5-HT(1A) receptors in the PVN on the sodium intake induced by sodium depletion followed by 24 h of deprivation (injection of the diuretic furosemide plus 24 h of sodium-deficient diet). Rats (280-320 g) were submitted to the implant of cannulas bilaterally in the PVN. 5-HT injections (10 and 20 microg/0.2 microl) in the PVN reduced NaCl 1.8% intake. 8-OH-DPAT injections (2.5 and 5.0 microg/0.2 microl) in the PVN also reduced NaCl 1.8% intake. pMPPF bilateral injections (5-HT(1A) antagonist) previously to 8-OH-DPAT injections have completely blocked the inhibitory effect over NaCl 1.8% intake. 5-HT(1A) antagonists partially reduced the inhibitory effect of 5-HT on NaCl 1.8% intake induced by sodium depletion. In contrast, the intake of palatable solution (2% sucrose) under body fluid-replete conditions was not changed after bilateral PVN 8-OH-DPTA injections. The results show that 5-HT(1A) serotonergic mechanisms in the PVN modulate sodium intake induced by sodium loss. The finding that sucrose intake was not affected by PVN 5-HT(1A) activation suggests that the effects of the 5-HT(1A) treatments on the intake of NaCl are not due to mechanisms producing a nonspecific decrease of all ingestive behaviors.

Stereoselectivity of 8-OH-DPAT toward the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor: biochemical and molecular modeling study.

The great majority of pharmacological investigations of 5-HT1A receptors' reactivity has been performed using racemic 8-OH-DPAT, therefore the biochemical as well as behavioral profiles of both 8-OH-DPAT enantiomers are not circumstantiated. In the biochemical study capability of racemic 8-OH-DPAT (0.05, 0.1 mg/kg s.c.) and its counterparts R-8-OH-DPAT (0.05, 0.1 mg/kg s.c.) and S-8-OH-DPAT (0.05, 0.1 mg/kg s.c.) to influence 5-HT synthesis rate in rats' prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus and brainstem was evaluated by HPLC/ED technique. Biochemical results are supported by the exhaustive computational study of possible differences between R- and S-enantiomer toward the 5-HT1A receptor. A reliable 3D model of the rat 5-HT1A receptor was constructed from the amino acid sequence using the crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin as a structural template. The structure of the receptor model was validated through docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations that gave results consistent with experimental data. Docking studies and the dynamics of ligand-receptor complexes emphasized different profiles of both enantiomers at the molecular level. The results of both biochemical and computational studies confirmed that R-enantiomer in contrast to S-8-OH-DPAT acts as full and potent agonist, whilst racemic form may display similar pharmacological profile to R-8-OH-DPAT.

Estrogen reduces serotonin-1A receptor-mediated oxytocin release and Galpha(i/o/z) proteins in the hypothalamus of ovariectomized rats.

The present study examined the effect of estradiol on hypothalamic serotonin-1A (5-HT(1A)) receptor signaling in female rats. We first examined the time-course effects of a single injection of the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (+/-)8-OH-DPAT (5, 15 or 30 min prior to decapitation), and dose response of (+)8-OH-DPAT (50, 100, 200 or 500 microg/kg, s.c.) on plasma hormones in ovariectomized rats that received a daily injection of beta-estradiol 3-benzoate (10 microg/day, s.c.) or vehicle (sesame oil) for 2 days. In vehicle- and estrogen-treated rats, the peak response of hormones occurred at 15 min after injection and the time-course of oxytocin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) responses to an injection of 8-OH-DPAT were comparable. However, only the oxytocin response was reduced by estrogen treatment. A second experiment compared the ACTH and oxytocin responses with doses of 50 or 200 microg/kg, s.c. of (+)8-OH-DPAT vs. (+/-)8-OH-DPAT in ovariectomized rats that were treated with oil or beta-estradiol 3-benzoate (10 microg/day, s.c.) for 2 days. (+)8-OH-DPAT and (+/-)8-OH-DPAT produced a similar magnitude of increase in plasma levels of ACTH and oxytocin. Treatment with beta-estradiol 3-benzoate produced a significant and comparable reduction in the oxytocin response to the highest dose (200 microg/kg, s.c.) of both (+)8-OH-DPAT and (+/-)8-OH-DPAT but did not alter the ACTH response to either (+)8-OH-DPAT or (+/-)8-OH-DPAT. In the dose-response experiment, a dose of 50 microg/kg of (+)8-OH-DPAT produced a maximal increase in plasma levels of ACTH, while the maximal oxytocin response was achieved with a dose of 200 microg/kg, s.c. Treatment with beta-estradiol 3-benzoate reduced the maximal oxytocin response to (+)8-OH-DPAT (by 29%) but did not alter the ACTH response to any doses of (+)8-OH-DPAT. To examine potential mechanisms mediating the effects of estrogen on 5-HT(1A) receptor signaling, we measured the levels of Galpha(i), Galpha(o) and Galpha(z) proteins, which couple 5-HT(1A) receptors to their effector enzymes, in two subregions of the hypothalamus. The levels of Galpha(z) protein were reduced in the mediobasal hypothalamus (containing the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei), which mainly expresses estrogen receptor-alpha, but not in the paraventricular hypothalamus, which mainly expresses estrogen receptor-beta. Estradiol reduced the levels of Galpha(i2) and Galpha(i3 )proteins in both hypothalamic regions but did not affect Galpha(i1) levels in either area. Combined, the data suggest that racemic and stereoselective 8-OH-DPAT have similar neuroendocrine effects and that both estrogen receptor-alpha and estrogen receptor-beta mediate the reduction in levels of Galpha(i2,3) proteins.

The hypotensive effect of BMY 7378 involves central 5-HT1A receptor stimulation in the adult but not in the young rat.

BACKGROUND: Stimulation of central 5-hydroxytryptamine-1A (5-HT(1A)) receptors produces hypotension and bradycardia. We describe BMY 7378 (8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9 dione) effects in cardiovascular function and [(3)H] 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin) binding sites in rat brain of different ages. METHODS: BMY 7378 was administered to anesthetized male Wistar rats (1, 3 and 6 months old) and blood pressure and heart rate were continuously recorded. Saturation of [(3)H] 8-OH-DPAT binding to 5-HT(1A) sites in brain membranes was determined. RESULTS: Basal diastolic blood pressure increased with age, 85 +/- 2, 106 +/- 3, and 113 +/- 2 mmHg for 1-, 3- and 6-month-old rats, respectively (p <0.05 among groups). BMY 7378 induced significant dose- and age-dependent hypotension. The selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, WAY 100635 (N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide), antagonized BMY 7378 effects in 6 month-old but not in younger rats. [(3)H] 8-OH-DPAT binding sites decreased in hippocampi and brainstem with maturation. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that BMY 7378 is a hypotensive agent in the rat, but that its actions are mediated, in part, by central 5-HT(1A) receptor stimulation in the adult and by a nonserotonergic mechanism in the young rat.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the ligand-induced chemical information transfer in the 5-HT(1A) receptor.

Comparative molecular dynamics simulations of the 5-HT(1A) receptor in its empty as well as agonist- (i.e. active) and antagonist-bound (i.e. nonactive) forms have been carried out. The agonists 5-HT and (R)-8-OH-DPAT as well as the antagonist WAY100635 have been employed. The results of this study strengthen the hypothesis that the receptor portions close to the E/DRY/W motif, with prominence to the cytosolic extensions of helices 3 and 6, are particularly susceptible to undergo structural modification in response to agonist binding. Despite the differences in the structural/dynamics behavior of the two agonists when docked into the 5-HT(1A) receptor, they both exert a destabilization of the intrahelical and interhelical interactions found in the empty and antagonist-bound receptor forms between the arginine of the E/DRY sequence and both D133(3.49) and E340(6.30). For both agonists, the chemical information transfer from the extracellular to the cytosolic domains is mediated by a cluster of aromatic amino acids in helix 6, following the ligand interaction with selected amino acids in the extracellular half of the receptor, such as D116(3.32), S199(5.42), Y195(5.38), and F361(6.51). A significant reduction in the bend at P360(6.50), as compared to the empty and the antagonist-bound receptor forms, is one of the features of the agonist-bound forms that is related to the breakage of the interhelical salt bridge between the E/DRY arginine and E340(6.30). Another structural feature, shared by the agonist-bound receptor forms and not by the empty and antagonist-bound forms, is the detachment of helices 2 and 4, as marked by the movement of W161(4.50) away from helix 2, toward the membrane space.

Stereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted (Z)-alkenes from aryl alkyl ketones utilizing the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction.

Tetrasubstituted (Z)-alkenes were readily prepared through the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions of methyl 2-[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphono]propionate with aryl alkyl ketones by employing Sn(OSO(2)CF(3))(2) and N-ethylpiperidine.

Interactive effects of cholecystokinin-8S and various serotonin receptor agonists on the firing activity of neostriatal neuronesin rats.

In rats anaesthetized with urethane single unit activity was extracellularly recorded in the neostriatum, and several drugs were microiontophoretically ejected. Separate administration of the sulfated octapeptide cholecystokinin (CCK-8S), serotonin (5-HT) or 8-OH-DPAT (a 5-HT(1A/7) receptor agonist) predominantly induced increases in the neuronal discharge rates (Wilcoxon test significant P<0.05), whereas the 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor agonist DOI affected only a few neurones and mainly reduced firing. After coadministration of CCK-8S and serotonin, activating effects also predominated (Wt P<0.05), but the neuronal responsiveness was significantly reduced (Chi2P<0.01). Similarly, concomitant application of CCK-8S and 8-OH-DPAT led to significant activation accompanied with a reduction of inhibitory effects. The block of serotonin- or 8-OH-DPAT-effects through specific 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonists implies the involvement of this receptor subtype within the striatum. In conclusion, concomitant action of CCK-8S and serotonin induces a mean level of neuronal activation that might promote normal function.

Synthesis of novel 5-substituted 3-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives and their interactions with the 5-HT1A receptor.

A series of new enantiomerically pure 3-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyrans (3-aminochromans) has been synthesized from (R)- and (S)-5-methoxy-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran. The absolute configuration of the respective (R)- and (S)-enantiomers was deduced from X-ray crystallography of (R)-3-(N-isopropylamino)-5-methoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran, (R)-9a. Various 5-substituents were introduced via palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of N-substituted 3-amino-5-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran. The effect of N- and 5-substitution on affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor was evaluated in competition experiments using rat hippocampal membranes and [3H]8-OH-DPAT as radioligand. Selected compounds were also tested for their affinity to the D1 (rat striatum), D2 (rat striatum), D2A (human cloned), and 5-HT2A (rat cortex) receptors. The intrinsic activity of the compounds was evaluated by measuring their effect on VIP-stimulated cAMP production in GH4ZD10 cells stably transfected with the 5-HT1A receptor. High-affinity compounds with high selectivity for the 5-HT1A receptor were found among structures substituted with carboxylate esters, amides, and ketones in the 5-position. Primary and secondary amines bound with lower affinity than tertiary amines. Larger substituents were well-tolerated by the receptor, but the smaller N-ethyl-N-isopropyl bound with lower affinity. Generally, the (R)-enantiomers displayed higher affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor than the corresponding (S)-enantiomers. In the present series of compounds, both full and partial agonists were found.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the binding of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist (11)C-(R,S)-5-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin in rodents and nonhuman primate.

The in vitro autoradiographic binding characteristics as well as in vivo imaging characteristics of a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, (R, S)-2-(N-propyl-N-1'-(11)C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin ((11)C-5-OH-DPAT), were studied. In (3)H-spiperone assays using rat striata, 5-OH-DPAT exhibited an affinity of IC(50) = 2.5 nM. In vitro autoradiographs in rat brain slices with (11)C-5-OH-DPAT revealed selective binding to the dopaminergic regions in the striata which was displaceable by sulpiride. Varying concentrations of dopamine displaced this selective binding of (11)C-5-OH-DPAT to the striata in rat brain slices. This selective binding to the striata was also removed in the presence of the GTP analog, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, indicative of the binding of (11)C-5-OH-DPAT to the high-affinity state of the D2 receptor. Ex vivo autoradiographic study in rats exhibited selective binding of (11)C-5-OH-DPAT to the striata. A PET study in a rhesus monkey showed selective localization of (11)C-5-OH-DPAT in the striata and the ratio between striata and cerebellum approached approximately 2 at 40 min postinjection.

Lack of stereoselectivity of 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino)tetralin-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in human pre- and post-synaptic brain regions.

The stereoselectivity of the serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptor compound 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) on forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was investigated in membranes from human 5-HT pre-synaptic (raphe nuclei) and post-synaptic (hippocampus and prefrontal cortex) regions of autopsy brains. After sample incubation with agonists and antagonists, results showed that both the racemic mixture of 8-OH-DPAT or its (+) and (-) enantiomers behaved as full agonists in the tested brain regions. Enantiomer potency (EC50, nM) and efficacy (percentage of maximal inhibition, %) values were similar in all regions under investigation. However, some inter and intra-region variations in racemic 8-OH-DPAT potency and efficacy have been observed. In particular, the potency of racemic 8-OH-DPAT was higher in the prefrontal cortex and raphe nuclei than in the hippocampus, where it was in fact lower than either single enantiomers. Agonist effects were competitively reversed by 5-HT1A antagonists, although once again a different profile was revealed in the hippocampus. The data underscores the lack of stereospecificity of 8-OH-DPAT-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in either pre- or post-synaptic human brain regions. Moreover, such results have significant implication, as they support the notion that human 5-HT1A receptors might vary from one brain region to the other.

Novel benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrole derivatives as potent and selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist.

A new series of benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyrrole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their interaction with dopamine D3 versus D2 receptors. Amongst these compounds, 4x (S 33084) was found to be a potent and selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist.

Differential effects of (R)- and (S)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin on the monosynaptic spinal reflex in rats.

We examined the effects of (R)- and (S)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT) on the monosynaptic spinal reflex in rats. In intact rats, (R)-8-OH-DPAT (10 microg/kg, i.v.) enhanced the amplitude of the monosynaptic reflex, whereas at 100 microg/kg, it reduced the amplitude. (S)-8-OH-DPAT enhanced the monosynaptic reflex dose-dependently. In spinalized rats, (R)-8-OH-DPAT produced dose-dependent inhibition, but the (S)-enantiomer did not affect the monosynaptic reflex. Pretreatment with spiroxatrine or 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)butyl]-piperazine (NAN-190) inhibited (R)-8-OH-DPAT-induced monosynaptic reflex enhancement in intact rats, as did 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) depletion. Ketanserin reduced the effect of (R)-8-OH-DPAT. These pretreatment regimens had no effect on the monosynaptic reflex depression produced by the (R)-enantiomer in intact and spinalized rats. Pretreatment with prazosin inhibited (S)-8-OH-DPAT-induced monosynaptic reflex enhancement in intact rats, as did noradrenaline and 5-HT depletion. These results suggest that supraspinal 5-HT1A receptors and the descending serotonergic system are involved in the stimulatory effect of (R)-8-OH-DPAT on the monosynaptic reflex, while both the descending serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, the latter acting via alpha1-adrenoceptors, are involved in the effect of the (S)-enantiomer on this reflex.

Radiosynthesis and in vitro evaluation of 2-(N-alkyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin analogs as high affinity agonists for dopamine D-2 receptors.

We have developed radiotracers based on agonists that may potentially allow the in vivo assessment of the high affinity (HA) state of the dopamine D-2 receptors. The population of HA state, which is likely the functional state of the receptor, may be altered in certain diseases. We carried out radiosyntheses and evaluated the binding affinities, lipophilicity, and in vitro autoradiographic binding characteristics of three dopamine D-2 receptor agonists: (+/-)-2-(N,N-dipropyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (5-OH-DPAT), (+/-)-2-(N-phenethyl-N-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (PPHT), and (+/-)-2-(N-cyclohexylethyl-N-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (ZYY-339). In 3H-spiperone assays using rat striata, ZYY-339 exhibited subnanomolar affinity for D-2 receptor sites (IC50 = 0.010 nM), PPHT was somewhat weaker (IC50 = 0.65 nM), and 5-OH-DPAT exhibited the weakest affinity (IC50 = 2.5 nM) of the three compounds. Radiosynthesis of these derivatives, 2-(N-propyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-5-OH-DPAT), 2-(N-phenethyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-PPHT), and 2-(N-cyclohexylethyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-ZYY-339) was achieved by first synthesizing 11C-1-propionyl chloride and subsequent coupling with the appropriate secondary amine precursor to form the respective amide, which was then reduced to provide the desired tertiary amine products. The final products were obtained by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification in radiochemical yields of 5-10% after 60-75 min from the end of 11CO2 trapping and with specific activities in the range of 250-1,000 Ci/mmol. In vitro autoradiographs in rat brain slices with 11C-5-OH-DPAT, 11C-PPHT, and 11C-ZYY-339 revealed selective binding of the three radiotracers to the dopamine D-2 receptors in the striata.

Dimerization of 8-OH-DPAT increases activity at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.

[35S]GTPgammaS binding responses can be used to measure differences between the intrinsic activity of ligands at human 5-hydroxytrypamine-(1A) (h 5-HT1A) receptors expressed in recombinant cell lines. The maximal [35S]GTPgammaS binding response to 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) was lower than that to 5-HT in a recombinant C6-glial membrane preparation and dependent on the GDP concentration: it was attenuated by about 60% vs 5-HT by increasing the concentration of GDP from 0.3 to 30 and 300 microM. Whereas dimerization of 8-OH-DPAT almost did not affect its potency at h 5-HT1A receptors (pEC50: 7.45 and 7.40 for 8-OH-DPAT and its dimer at 30 microM GDP), it increased efficacy at h 5-HT1A receptors. The maximal response to the 8-OH-DPAT dimer was systematically greater than the response to 8-OH-DPAT and identical to that to 5-HT; moreover in contrast to the 8-OH-DPAT monomer, the maximal response to the dimer was unaffected by increasing the GDP concentration. An enhanced 135S]GTPgammaS binding response (44 to 63% vs 8-OH-DPAT) was also observed in the hippocampus, lateral septum, dorsal raphe and cingulate cortex of guinea-pig brain sections using autoradiography of 5-HT1A receptor-activated G-proteins. Hence, the 8-OH-DPAT dimer shows increased efficacy at 5-HT1A receptors compared to 8-OH-DPAT. The differential regulation of the maximal agonist responses by GDP suggests that the [35S]GTPgammaS binding responses to these two ligands could be mediated by different G-protein subtypes upon activation of the 5-HT1A receptor.