Multiparameter Optimization of Naphthyridine Derivatives as Selective α5-GABAA Receptor Negative Allosteric Modulators.

The discovery and characterization of novel naphthyridine derivatives with selective α5-GABAAR negative allosteric modulator (NAM) activity are disclosed. Utilizing a scaffold-hopping strategy, fused [6 + 6] bicyclic scaffolds were designed and synthesized. Among these, 1,6-naphthyridinones were identified as potent and selective α5-GABAAR NAMs with metabolic stability, cardiac safety, and beneficial intellectual property (IP) issues. Relocation of the oxo acceptor function and subsequent modulation of the physicochemical properties resulted in novel 1,6-naphthyridines with improved profile, combining good potency, selectivity, ADME, and safety properties. Besides this, compound 20, having the most balanced profile, provided in vivo proof of concept (POC) for the new scaffold in two animal models of cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS).

Intranasal Oxytocin Improves Social Behavior in Laboratory Beagle Dogs (Canis familiaris) Using a Custom-Made Social Test Battery.

For a long time, oxytocin has been thought to have a generally positive effect on social cognition and prosocial behavior; however, recent results suggested that oxytocin has beneficial effects only under certain conditions. The aim of the present study was to explore potential associations between social competence and the effect of intranasal oxytocin on the social behavior of laboratory beagle dogs. We expected oxytocin treatment to have a more pronounced positive effect on dogs with lower baseline performance in a social test battery. Thirty-six adult dogs of both sexes received 32 IU intranasal oxytocin and physiological saline (placebo) treatment in a double-blind, cross-over design, with 17-20 days between the two sessions. Forty minutes after the treatment, dogs participated in a social test battery consisting of eight situations. The situations were carried out within one session and took 20-30 min to complete. Principal component analysis on the coded behaviors identified four components (Willingness to interact, Preference for social contact, Non-aversive response to nonsocial threat, and Non-aversive response to social threat). The subjects' behavior during the placebo condition was used to assess their baseline performance. We found that oxytocin treatment had a differential effect on the behavior depending on the baseline performance of the individuals in all components, but only two treatment × baseline performance interactions remained significant in a less sensitive analysis. In accordance with our hypothesis, oxytocin administration increased dogs' contact seeking and affiliative behaviors toward humans but only for those with low baseline performance. Dogs with low baseline performance also showed significantly more positive (friendly) reactions to social threat after oxytocin administration than after placebo, while for dogs with high baseline performance, oxytocin administration led to a more negative (fearful) reaction. These results indicate that similar to those on humans, the effects of oxytocin on dogs' social behavior are not universally positive but are constrained by individual characteristics and the context. Nevertheless, oxytocin administration has the potential to improve the social behavior of laboratory beagle dogs that are socially less proficient when interacting with humans, which could have both applied and animal welfare implications.

Contribution of analog signaling to neurotransmitter interactions and behavior: Role of transporter-mediated nonquantal dopamine release.

Neuronal networks cause changes in behaviorally important information processing through the vesicular release of neurotransmitters governed by the rate and timing of action potentials (APs). Herein, we provide evidence that dopamine (DA), nonquantally released from the cytoplasm, may exert similar effects in vivo. In mouse slice preparations, (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy) and ß-phenylethylamine (ß-PEA)-induced DA release in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two regions of the brain involved in reward-driven and social behavior and inhibited the axonal stimulation-induced release of tritiated acetylcholine ([3 H]ACh) in the striatum. The DA transporter (DAT) inhibitor (GBR-12909) prevented MDMA and ß-PEA from causing DA release. GBR-12909 could also restore some of the stimulated acetylcholine release reduced by MDMA or ß-PEA in the striatum confirming the fundamental role of DAT. In addition, hypothermia could prevent the ß-PEA-induced release in the striatum and in the NAc. Sulpiride, a D2 receptor antagonist, also prevented the inhibitory effects of MDMA or ß-PEA on stimulated ACh release, suggesting they act indirectly via binding of DA. Reflecting the neurochemical interactions in brain slices at higher system level, MDMA altered the social behavior of rats by preferentially enhancing passive social behavior. Similar to the in vitro effects, GBR-12909 treatment reversed specific elements of the MDMA-induced changes in behavior, such as passive social behavior, while left others including social play unchanged. The changes in behavior by the high level of extracellular DA-- a significant amount originating from cytoplasmic release--suggest that in addition to digital computation through synapses, the brain also uses analog communication, such as DA signaling, to mediate some elements of complex behaviors, but in a much longer time scale.

Purkinje cell number-correlated cerebrocerebellar circuit anomaly in the valproate model of autism.

While cerebellar alterations may play a crucial role in the development of core autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, their pathophysiology on the function of cerebrocerebellar circuit loops is largely unknown. We combined multimodal MRI (9.4 T) brain assessment of the prenatal rat valproate (VPA) model and correlated immunohistological analysis of the cerebellar Purkinje cell number to address this question. We hypothesized that a suitable functional MRI (fMRI) paradigm might show some altered activity related to disrupted cerebrocerebellar information processing. Two doses of maternal VPA (400 and 600 mg/kg, s.c.) were used. The higher VPA dose induced 3% smaller whole brain volume, the lower dose induced 2% smaller whole brain volume and additionally a focal gray matter density decrease in the cerebellum and brainstem. Increased cortical BOLD responses to whisker stimulation were detected in both VPA groups, but it was more pronounced and extended to cerebellar regions in the 400 mg/kg VPA group. Immunohistological analysis revealed a decreased number of Purkinje cells in both VPA groups. In a detailed analysis, we revealed that the Purkinje cell number interacts with the cerebral BOLD response distinctively in the two VPA groups that highlights atypical function of the cerebrocerebellar circuit loops with potential translational value as an ASD biomarker.

Discovery of novel steroidal histamine H3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists.

Emerging from an HTS campaign, novel steroid-based histamine H3 receptor antagonists were identified and characterized. Structural moieties of the hit compounds were combined to improve binding affinities which resulted in compound 4 as lead molecule. During the lead optimization due to the versatile modifications of diamino steroid derivatives, several in vitro potent compounds with subnanomolar binding affinities to histamine H3 receptors were found. The unfavorable binding to rat muscarinic receptors was successfully reduced by tuning the basicity. Compound 20 showed significant in vivo activity in the rat dipsogenia model and could serve as a pharmacological tool in the future.

The influence of 5-HT(2A) activity on a 5-HT(2C) specific in vivo assay used for early identification of multiple acting SERT and 5-HT(2C) receptor ligands.

As a result of our exploratory programme aimed at elaborating dually acting compounds towards the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) and the 5-HT2C receptor a novel series of 3-amino-1-phenylpropoxy substituted diphenylureas was identified. From that collection two promising compounds (2 and 3) exhibiting highest 5-HT2C receptor affinity strongly inhibited the 5-HT2C receptor agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) induced hypomotility in mice. In further pursuance of that objective (2-aminoethyl)(benzyl)sulfamoyl diphenylureas and diphenylpiperazines have also been elaborated. Herein we report the synthesis of potent multiple-acting compounds from this new class. However, when two optimized representatives (6 and 14) possessing the desired in vitro profile were tested neither reduced the motor activity of mCPP treated animals. Comparative albeit limited in vitro structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis and detailed in vivo studies are discussed and explanation for their intricate behaviour is proposed.

Effect of a kynurenic acid analog on home-cage activity and body temperature in rats.

BACKGROUND: N-(2-N,N-Dimethylaminoethyl)-4-oxo-1H-quinoline-2-carboxamide hydrochloride (SzR-72) is a kynurenic acid (KYNA) amide analog that displays neuroprotective action. Whereas its brain penetration ability and its solubility limit the therapeutic use of KYNA: the corresponding properties of the analog exceed those of the parent compound. Although SzR-72 has been extensively studied, its exact mechanism of action has not yet been fully clarified. As KYNA induces hypothermia in laboratory rodents, it may be hypothesized that SzR-72 may have a similar effect. This would be of major importance, since the hypothermia generated by external cooling is neuroprotective, thus a putative hypothermic effect of SzR-72 could contribute to its neuroprotective action. METHODS: The effects of SzR-72 on the body temperature and home-cage activity of rats were studied by using a telemetry system. In order to follow the longitudinal changes in the effects of the compound, subchronic drug administration was applied. RESULTS: The initial administration of the compound induced substantial hypothermia and reduced the home-cage activity. During the 5 days of SzR-72 administration, partial tolerance developed to the hypothermic effect, while the inhibition of home-cage activity detected after the acute administration was completely tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, it cannot be excluded that the hypothermic effect of SzR-72 contributes to its neuroprotective action.

Effect of 5-HT5A antagonists in animal models of schizophrenia, anxiety and depression.

The few available data on the pharmacological effect of 5-HT5A receptors suggest that antagonists may have anxiolytic, antidepressant and antipsychotic activity. The aim of our study was to verify these suggestions in relevant animal models. Two 5-HT5A antagonist ligands, SB-699551-A (N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-[[4'-[[(2-phenylethyl)amino]methyl][1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]cyclopentanepropanamide dihydrochloride) (3-60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and A-843277 (N-(2,6-dimethoxybenzyl)-N'[4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]guanidine) (3-30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), were examined in the open-field test, in a foot-shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization test, in the forced swim test (FST) and in the amphetamine-induced and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion tests to examine their effect on general behavioural patterns, and their anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like and antipsychotic-like properties, respectively. In the open-field test, SB-699551-A induced sedation and A-843277 induced writhing. In the ultrasonic vocalization test, SB-699551-A reduced vocalizations, whereas A-843277 was ineffective. In the FST, SB-699551-A was ineffective and A-843277 reduced immobility, but only at the highest dose. In the amphetamine-induced and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion test, both compounds were ineffective. SB-699551-A showed an anxiolytic-like property in the ultrasonic vocalization test; however, this compound has a sedative effect. A-843277 showed an antidepressant-like property in the FST, but its immobility-reducing effect may also be a consequence of abdominal irritation. Consequently, further investigations are required to define the therapeutic potential of 5-HT5A receptor ligands in anxiety, depression and schizophrenia models.

Subnanomolar dopamine D3 receptor antagonism coupled to moderate D2 affinity results in favourable antipsychotic-like activity in rodent models: II. behavioural characterisation of RG-15.

RG-15 (trans-N-[4-[2-[4-(3-cyano-5-trifluoromethyl -phenyl) -piperazine -1 -yl] -ethyl] -cyclohexyl] -3 -pyridinesulfonic amide dihydro-chloride), is a highly selective dopamine D3/D2 receptor antagonist with subnanomolar affinity for the D3 receptor and nanomolar affinity for the D2 receptor. We found that RG-15 showed a good oral bioavailability (54%) and high brain levels (approx. 900 ng/g) in rats and demonstrated antipsychotic efficacy in amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and conditioned avoidance response tests in rats, yielding ED50 (median effective dose) values of 8.6 and 12 mg/kg orally, respectively. At six- to eightfold higher doses, RG-15 blocked spontaneous motor activity, while a 30 mg/kg dose of the compound caused an increase in the home-cage motility of rats. The drug did not produce catalepsy up to 160 mg/kg oral dose; moreover, it inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy in the range 15-60 mg/kg. RG-15 (10 mg/kg orally) restored the impaired learning performance of scopolamine- or diazepam-treated rats in a water-labyrinth paradigm. It is assumed that the motor activating, anticataleptic and cognitive-enhancing properties of RG-15 result from its potent D3 antagonism. In this regard, RG 15 clearly differs from other antipsychotics. Olanzapine, clozapine and amisulpride all showed efficacy against amphetamine-induced hyperactivity and on conditioned avoidance, but compared to RG-15, they proved to be more cataleptogenic and depressed or did not change the home-cage activity of animals. Olanzapine was also inactive in the learning paradigm. Our results suggest that subnanomolar dopamine D3 receptor antagonism coupled to moderate D2 affinity may result in an antipsychotic profile characterised by a lack of extrapyramidal side effects and secondary negative symptoms with simultaneous efficacy on positive and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Effect of some new thioglycosides on endotoxin-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation in rabbits.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a systemic thrombohemorrhagic disorder seen in association with many clinical situations, e.g. sepsis, malignancy, obstetrical complications and intravascular hemolysis. In our model, disseminated intravascular coagulation was induced in rabbits by two consecutive intravenous bolus injections of endotoxin from Escherichia coli, 80 and 40 microg/kg. The control group was treated with 0.9% saline. The activity of thioglycosides was compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) and efegatran with and without administration of endotoxin. Drugs were administered in the following doses: heparin 50 and 100 IU/kg/h i.v. infusion; efegatran 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg/h i.v. infusion; GYKI 39521 (RGH-1875) as well as GYKI 39541 (RGH-1962) 12.5 and 25 mg/kg per os. Thioglycosides did not modify coagulation parameters in this model [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT)] as compared with endotoxin/vehicle group. The changes in TFPI level after administration of thioglycosides and heparin were similar in the mentioned model to those without endotoxin. Endotoxin-induced changes of leukocyte count were not affected by GYKI 39521 and GYKI 39541 treatment in our model. Diminution of fibrinogen level and platelet count was prevented by GYKI 39521 and GYKI 39541. Fibrin degradation products and fibrinolysis were significantly decreased by GYKI 39521 and GYKI 39541. The thioglycosides may have a lower risk of bleeding in the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation than heparin.