Targeting the Nogo-A signalling pathway to promote recovery following acute CNS injury.

Functional recovery following acute CNS injury in humans, such as spinal cord injury and stroke, is exceptionally limited, leaving the affected individual with life-long neurological deficits such as loss of limb movement and sensation leading to a compromised quality of life. As yet, there is no effective treatment on the market for such injuries. This lack of functional recovery can at least in part be attributed to the restriction of axonal regeneration and neuroplasticity by several CNS myelin proteins that have been shown to be potent inhibitors of neurite outgrowth in vitro, namely myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), Nogo-A and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp). Nogo-A contains multiple neurite outgrowth inhibitory domains exposed on the surface of myelinating oligodendrocytes located within its amino-terminal region (amino-Nogo-A) and C-terminal region (Nogo-66). Although structurally dissimilar; Nogo-66, MAG and OMgp exert their inhibitory effects by binding the GPI-linked neuronal Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) that transduces the inhibitory signal to the cell interior via transmembrane co-receptors LINGO-1 and p75(NTR)or TROY. Although the receptor(s) for amino-Nogo-A are unknown, amino-Nogo-A and NgR ligands mutually activate the small GTPase RhoA. Consistent with their neurite outgrowth inhibitory function, approaches counter-acting Nogo-A using function-blocking antibodies, NgR using peptide antagonists and receptor bodies or RhoA using deactivating enzymes have been shown to significantly enhance axonal regeneration and neuroplasticity leading to improved functional recovery in animal models of acute CNS injury. These in vivo findings thus provide a sound basis for the development of an effective treatment for acute CNS injuries in humans.

Focal lesions in the rat central nervous system induced by endothelin-1.

Axon injury following cerebral ischemia has received little scientific attention compared to the abundance of information dealing with the pathophysiology of grey matter ischemia. There are differences in the initial response of grey and white matter to ischemia in vitro. In this study we investigate whether the vasoactive peptide, endothelin-1, can generate a focal ischemic lesion in the white matter and compare the findings with endothelin-1-induced lesions in the grey matter. Using a minimally invasive technique to microinject endothelin-1 into selected brain regions, we observed an acute reduction in local MRI perfusion in the injected hemisphere after 1 hour. Twenty-four hours after microinjection of 10 pmoles of endothelin-1, we observed a loss of neurons in the grey matter. At 72 hours, neutrophils were absent and a macrophage/microglia response and astrocyte gliosis were detected. No breakdown in the blood-brain barrier was detected. After injection of 10 pmoles endothelin-1 into the cortical white matter, we observed prolific amyloid precursor protein-positive immunostaining (indicative of axonal disruption) and an increase in tau-1 immunostaining in oligodendrocytes at 6 hours. Similar to the grey matter lesions, no neutrophils were present, a macrophage/microglia response did not occur until 72 hours and there was no disruption in the blood-brain barrier. Focal injections of endothelin-1 into specific areas of the rat CNS represent a model to investigate therapeutic approaches to white matter ischemia.

Characterization of two novel proteins, NgRH1 and NgRH2, structurally and biochemically homologous to the Nogo-66 receptor.

Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) has recently been identified as the neuronal receptor of the myelin-associated proteins Nogo-A, oligodendrocyte protein (OMgp) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and mediates inhibition of axonal regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Through database searches, we have identified two novel proteins (NgRH1 and NgRH2) that turned out to be homologous in their primary structures, biochemical properties and expression patterns to NgR. Like NgR, the homologues contain eight leucine-rich repeats (LRR) flanked by a leucine-rich repeat C-terminus (LRRCT) and a leucine-rich repeat N-terminus (LRRNT), and also have a C-terminal GPI signal sequence. Northern blot analysis showed predominant expression of NgRH1 and NgRH2 mRNA in the brain. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on rat brain slices revealed neuronal expression of the genes. NgRH1 and NgRH2 were detected on the cell surface of recombinant cell lines as N-glycosylated GPI anchored proteins and, consistent with other GPI anchored proteins, were localized within the lipid rafts of cellular membranes. In addition, an N-terminal proteolytic fragment of NgR comprising the majority of the ectodomain was found to be constitutively secreted from cells. Our data indicate that NgR, NgRH1 and NgRH2 constitute a novel receptor protein family, which may play related roles within the CNS.

Role of the adrenal medulla in the metabolic and pressor actions of 8-OH-DPAT.

1. Intravenous administration of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 150 micrograms kg-1) into conscious sham-operated rats caused significant increases in basal glycaemia with minor changes in basal insulinaemia. Glucose-stimulated (intravenous glucose tolerance test) plasma insulin levels were significantly inhibited in 8-OH-DPAT-treated sham-operated animals. These metabolic changes were associated with significant and sustained falls in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) preceded by transient (less than 5 min) increases only in BP. 2. In adrenodemedullated animals, 8-OH-DPAT failed to cause an initial vasoconstriction, hyperglycaemia, or inhibition of glucose-stimulated plasma insulin despite eliciting falls in BP and HR that were comparable to those observed in sham-operated animals. 3. Noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine levels in the adrenal tissue were reduced by about 95% in adrenodemedullated rats as compared to sham-operated rats. A functionally intact adrenal cortex was indicated by the presence of corticosterone in the plasma of both adrenodemedullated and sham-operated rats. 4. The present data demonstrate that 8-OH-DPAT mediates an initial increase in BP and changes in metabolic parameters via intact adrenal medulla and may thus be consequential to the release of adrenaline, whereas the sustained cardiovascular effects of 8-OH-DPAT are not.

Differential effects of cromakalim on pancreatic vascular resistance and insulin secretion in vitro.

The effects of the potassium channel opener cromakalim on vascular resistance and insulin output were investigated in vitro within the same experimental preparation, the isolated rat pancreas perfused at a constant pressure with a physiological solution containing 8.3 mM glucose. Cromakalim induced a clear and concentration-dependent dilatory response of pancreatic vessels; the concentration-response curve obtained in the range of 10(-8) - 10(-5) M had a sigmoidal shape with a linear part between 10(-7) and 10(-6) M. Cromakalim did not inhibit insulin release at these concentrations. These results differ from those obtained with diazoxide, which has been previously shown both to inhibit insulin secretion and induce vasodilatation of the pancreatic vascular bed in a similar range of concentrations (10(-6) - 10(-5) M). The data presented provide evidence for a selective effect of cromakalim on pancreatic vascular resistance. Our present and previous results support the view that cromakalim is effective on K+ channels of vascular smooth muscle that differ from the ATP-sensitive K+ channel opened by diazoxide in insulin-secreting B-cells.

Investigation of the mechanism(s) of 8-OH-DPAT-mediated inhibition of plasma insulin in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. Effects of the prototype selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), were studied on the glycaemia and insulinaemia in conscious spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats concurrently with blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR); underlying mechanism(s) were investigated in anaesthetized and pithed SH rats and in the perfused rat pancreas. 2. Intravenous (i.v.) injections of 8-OH-DPAT (150 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) into fasted conscious but not anesthetized SH rats increased glycaemia; glucose-stimulated (i.v. glucose tolerance test) plasma insulin levels were significantly inhibited in both cases without significant changes in glucose tolerance. Metabolic changes were associated with prominent decreases in BP and HR. 3. No inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT, 150 micrograms kg-1 i.v., on glucose-stimulated plasma insulin was observed in pithed SH rats; in contrast, clonidine (8 micrograms kg-1 i.v.), produced marked inhibition of insulin levels in association with glucose intolerance. Neither compound decreased BP; rather, pronounced vasopressor effects were observed. 4. In the isolated perfused pancreas of the rat, 8-OH-DPAT, at 10(-8) and 10(-7) M, concentrations known to activate 5-HT1A receptors in vitro, failed to modify glucose-stimulated insulin release. Inhibition (39 +/- 7%) was seen only at a high concentration of 10(-6) M. 5. The present data suggest that like the cardiovascular effects of 8-OH-DPAT, the inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release is mediated via the central nervous system. However, it is suggested that different mechanisms are involved in the cardiovascular actions and metabolic effects of 8-OH-DPAT in the SH rat; the latter are likely to reflect a consequence of activation of the hypothalamic-adrenal axis.

Role of the adrenal gland in the metabolic and cardiovascular effects of 8-OH-DPAT in the rat.

In the present study, the role of the adrenal gland in the hypoinsulinaemic and hyperglycaemic effects of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) vis-à-vis the cardiovascular effects were examined using adrenalectomized and sham-operated (with intact adrenals) Sprague-Dawley rats. Intravenous administration of 8-OH-DPAT (150 micrograms/kg) into conscious sham-operated animals caused significant increases in basal plasma glucose levels without any change in basal plasma insulin levels whereas glucose-stimulated plasma insulin levels were markedly inhibited. These changes were associated with significant and sustained falls in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) preceded by transient (less than 5 min) increases only in BP. In adrenalectomized animals, 8-OH-DPAT-mediated initial vasoconstriction, hyperglycaemia and inhibition of evoked plasma insulin levels were abolished. However, in these animals, 8-OH-DPAT produced falls in BP and HR that were comparable to those observed in sham-operated animals. Plasma corticosterone was increased 15 min after 8-OH-DPAT in sham-operated animals whereas it was undetectable in adrenalectomized animals. The data indicate that unlike the effects of 8-OH-DPAT to decrease BP and HR, the initial increase in BP and its effects on the metabolic parameters are clearly dependent on intact adrenals.

Characterization of MDL 73005EF as a 5-HT1A selective ligand and its effects in animal models of anxiety: comparison with buspirone, 8-OH-DPAT and diazepam.

1. With radioligand binding techniques, MDL 73005 EF (8-[2-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-yl-methylamino)ethyl]-8-az aspiro[4, 5]decane-7,9-dione methyl sulphonate) shows high affinity (pIC50 8.6) and selectivity (greater than 100 fold compared to other monoamine and benzodiazepine receptor sites) for the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A recognition site; it was both more potent and more selective than buspirone in this respect. 2. In rats pretreated with reserpine, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propyl-amino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) induced forepaw treading and flat body posture; in the same model, MDL 73005EF and buspirone showed minimal agonist activity and at high doses MDL 73005EF inhibited responses to 8-OH-DPAT. 3. In rats trained to discriminate 8-OH-DPAT from saline in a drug discrimination paradigm, both MDL 73005EF and buspirone generalized dose-dependently and completely to the 8-OH-DPAT cue. 4. To define the anxiolytic potential of MDL 73005EF, it was examined in the elevated plus-maze test and in the water-lick conflict test in comparison with diazepam and buspirone. In both tests MDL 73005EF induced effects similar to those seen following diazepam. Buspirone had similar effects to both MDL 73005EF and diazepam in the water-lick conflict test but opposite effects in the elevated plus-maze. 8-OH-DPAT also had opposite effects in the elevated plus-maze test to MDL 73005EF and diazepam. 5. The anti-conflict effects of MDL 73005EF were reversed by low doses of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT; those of buspirone were neither antagonised nor mimicked by 8-OH-DPAT. 6. These results suggest that an interaction with 5-HTIA receptors is the basis of the anxiolytic-like activity of MDL 73005EF. However, its mechanism of action is clearly different from that of buspirone, possibly reflecting a greater selectivity for the 5-HTlA receptors located presynaptically on central 5- hydroxytryptaminergic neurones.

The effects of dihydropyridine compounds in behavioural tests of dopaminergic activity.

1. The effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nifedipine and the activator Bay K 8644 were investigated in different behavioural tests involving dopaminergic systems. These were the discriminative stimulus induced by amphetamine, rotational behaviour in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions and apomorphine-induced yawning in rats. 2. The yawning induced by apomorphine (40 micrograms kg-1 s.c.) was significantly potentiated by nifedipine (5-10 mgkg-1 i.p.). Bay K 8644 (0.05-0.5 mgkg-1 i.p.) dose-dependently inhibited yawning induced by apomorphine (80 micrograms kg-1 s.c.) and, at 0.4 mgkg-1, inhibited the nifedipine potentiation of apomorphine-induced yawning. In contrast to their effects on apomorphine-induced yawning, nifedipine and Bay K 8644 had no effect on apomorphine-induced penile erection. 3. Bay K 8644 (0.06-0.5 mgkg-1 i.p.) and nifedipine (5-20 mgkg-1 i.p.) had no dose-related effect on the discrimination performance of rats trained to discriminate amphetamine from saline. However, nifedipine dose-dependently reduced the response rate of amphetamine-treated rats. Bay K 8644 had no effect on this measure except at high doses that also caused disruption. 4. Neither nifedipine (5-10 mgkg-1 i.p.) nor Bay K 8644 (0.06-0.5 mgkg-1 i.p.) affected the turning behaviour induced by amphetamine (1 mgkg-1 i.p.) in rats with unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of the medial forebrain bundle, and did not induce turning themselves. 5. As the dihydropyridine compounds affected apomorphine-induced yawning but not penile erection, and did not affect amphetamine-induced rotation or drug discrimination, it seems unlikely that they are affecting dopamine release in vivo.

Cardiovascular effects of endothelin 1 in pithed spontaneously hypertensive rats: evaluation of its mechanism(s) of action.

The present experiments were carried out to investigate the cardiovascular effects of endothelin 1 (ET) in pithed spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and to evaluate its mechanism of action. The results show that ET (0.1-3 nmol/kg i.v.) is a powerful vasoconstrictor agent in the pithed rat. However, at a dose of 3 nmol/kg i.v. all the pithed animals "died" following a gradual decrease in mean arterial blood pressure and pulse pressure and changes in the form of the electrocardiogram (ECG). The predominant feature of the change in the ECG was a progressive decrease in the amplitude of the T wave resulting in a depression of the curve representing repolarization. Investigations in isolated perfused SH rat hearts showed that ET powerfully reduces coronary flow concentration-dependently (IC50 2.1 +/- 0.3 nM) an effect associated with sinus bradycardia and a decrease in coronary pressure amplitude. No overt ECG changes were seen. Control experiments with mechanical flow restriction suggest that bradycardia is a consequence of reduced coronary flow and that the ECG changes observed in vivo can be explained on the basis of coronary insufficiency and resulting myocardial hypoxia. Vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II (0.4 microgram/kg i.v.), phenylephrine (8 micrograms/kg i.v.) and ET (0.5 nmol/kg i.v.) were antagonised by around 70% by isradipine (0.03 mg/kg i.a.). The results suggest that endothelin-induced vasoconstriction may involve receptor operated channel activation and opening of voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels.

Lactamimides: a novel chemical class of calcium antagonists with diltiazem-like properties.

The effects of a series of lactamimides on [3H]d-cis-diltiazem binding to rat brain membranes, on [3H]nitrendipine binding to cardiac membranes, and on calcium-induced contractions in depolarized guinea pig taenia and ileum preparations were examined. Several of the lactamimides examined displaced [3H]d-cis-diltiazem binding and antagonized, in a competitive fashion, calcium-induced contractions. Over the series of lactamimides, there was a highly significant, positive linear correlation (r = 0.87, P less than 0.001) between their potency to displace [3H]d-cis-diltiazem and their potency to antagonize calcium-induced contractions in the depolarized taenia and ileum preparations. Of the lactamimides examined, MDL 16,582A [N-(2,2-diphenylpentyl)azacyclotridecan-2-imine. hydrochloride] had potency equivalent to d-cis-diltiazem with pA2 values of 7.27 and 7.38, respectively, against calcium-induced contractions in the guinea pig ileum. These lactamimides are a novel chemical class displaying diltiazem-like calcium antagonist properties.

Central and peripheral effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel activator BAY K 8644 in the rat.

Following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration BAY K 8644 (0.5-4 mg/kg) induced an increase in blood pressure associated with bradycardia, increased tail-flick latency in response to radiant heat, decreased locomotion, induced muscle contraction, postural changes and also reduced reflex activity. Only the postural changes and reduced locomotion were seen after intracerebroventricular administration (5-20 micrograms/kg), suggesting that the other effects are mediated peripherally. All the above effects were antagonised by the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. BAY K 8644 (4 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly increased homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations in the cortex and striatum, an effect which could also be reversed by nifedipine. Apart from inducing hypotension and tachycardia, nifedipine alone had no effect on any of the above parameters. The analgesic-like activity of BAY K 8644 observed in the tail-flick test appears to be related to its vasoconstrictor effects as the peripherally acting vasodilator phenylephrine had similar analgesic activity. These results show that both central and peripheral dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels mediate the effects of BAY K 8644. Although a physiological role for the dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-operated calcium channel in the CNS remains to be demonstrated, activation of these channels can clearly have functional effects.

Chronic MAO A and MAO B inhibition decreases the 5-HT1A receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase.

The effect of chronic administration of various monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors on the ability of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was studied. Groups of 12 rats were given either saline, (E)-beta-fluoromethylene-m-tyrosine (MDL 72394 0.25 mg/kg p.o.), clorgyline (1 mg/kg p.o.), selegiline (1 mg/kg p.o.) or tranylcypromine (5 mg/kg p.o.) once a day for 21 days. Biochemical determinations were made 72 h after the final dose. MDL 72394 and tranylcypromine produced a nonselective inhibition of MAO but clorgyline and selegiline selectively inhibited MAO A and MAO B respectively. All treatments that inhibited MAO A also increased tissue levels of 5-HT. Chronic treatment with MDL 72394, clorgyline or tranylcypromine reduced the ability of 8-OH-DPAT to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. These data suggest that chronic nonselective and chronic MAO A inhibition causes a down-regulation of the 5-HT1A-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity.

Comparison of the cardiovascular effects of trans-diclofurime with different types of calcium antagonists in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. Trans-diclofurime has been shown to be a potent group II calcium antagonist in in vitro and in vivo test systems. In contrast to the dihydropyridines, group II calcium antagonists have a reduced propensity to cause reflex tachycardia due to well-balanced inhibitory effects in smooth muscle and heart. Since effects on autonomic reflexes are more reliably assessed in conscious animals, the cardiovascular effects of trans-diclofurime have been examined and compared to those of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem in the conscious spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). 2. Each SHR had an indwelling catheter in the femoral artery to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and a cannula in the femoral vein for drug infusion over 1 min. 3. Nifedipine (0.1-3.0 mumol kg-1 i.v.) caused dose-related falls in MAP accompanied by dose-related increases in HR. Trans-diclofurime and verapamil (0.3-3.0 mumol kg-1 i.v.) also caused dose-related decreases in MAP, but significant tachycardia was only seen at 1.0 and 3.0 mumol kg-1. Trans-diclofurime (0.3 mumol kg-1) induced a significant fall in HR. Diltiazem (1.0-10.0 mumol kg-1 i.v.) induced dose-related falls in MAP, significant bradycardia was evident with 1.0 mumol kg-1 and tachycardia with 10 mumol kg-1. Trans-diclofurime and diltiazem induced less tachycardia than nifedipine and verapamil for equivalent falls in MAP. 4. These results suggest that trans-diclofurime is a potent antihypertensive agent in conscious SHR and, like diltiazem, the hypotensive effects are associated with less tachycardia than is usually apparent with calcium antagonists such as nifedipine or verapamil. S. The cardiovascular effects of trans-diclofurime in conscious SHR are those expected of a class II calcium antagonist and are consistent with its proposed mode of interaction with the diltiazem site in the calcium channel.

Graphics computer-aided receptor mapping as a predictive tool for drug design: development of potent, selective, and stereospecific ligands for the 5-HT1A receptor.

A conformational study of four 5-HT1A (serotonin) receptor ligands ((R-(-)-methiothepin, spiperone, (S)-(-)-propranolol, and buspirone) led to the definition of a pharmacophore and a three-dimensional map of the 5-HT1A antagonist recognition site. These models were used to design new compounds and successfully predict their potency, stereospecificity, and selectivity. For example, 8-[4-[(1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino] butyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione (1, MDL 72832) has nanomolar affinity (pIC50 = 9.14) for the 5-HT1A binding site in rat frontal cortex. As predicted, the S-(-) enantiomer of 1 was more active than its R-(+) enantiomer (pIC50 = 9.21 and 7.66, respectively) and a naphthalene analogue of 1 displayed the expected improved selectivity.

MDL 72832: a potent and stereoselective ligand at central and peripheral 5-HT1A receptors.

In receptor binding assays (+/-)MDL 72832, 8-[4-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethylamino)butyl]-8-azaspiro++ +[4,5] decane-7,9-dione, was a potent (pIC50 9.1), selective and stereospecific ligand for central 5-HT1A recognition sites. In functional tests, (+/-)MDL 72832 and its S(-) and R(+) enantiomers blocked stereoselectively the 8-OH-DPAT-induced neuronal inhibition of the transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum and the cardiovascular effects of 8-OH-DPAT in anaesthetized rats. In contrast, (+/-)MDL 72832 and its enantiomers were exclusively '8-OH-DPAT-like' in their ability to fully and stereoselectively generalize to the 8-OH-DPAT discriminative stimulus and, in reserpinised rats, to induce forepaw treading and flat body posture. These results characterize (+/-)MDL 72832 as a potent, stereoselective ligand with mixed agonist and antagonist properties at central and peripheral 5-HT1A receptors. The similar stereoselective requirements for the recognition site and functional effects provides compelling evidence that the 5-HT1A recognition site is indeed a functional receptor.

Direct activation of Ca2+ channels by palmitoyl carnitine, a putative endogenous ligand.

1 Palmitoyl carnitine, a lipid metabolite which accumulates in cytoplasmic membranes during ischaemia, has been shown to resemble the Ca2+ channel activator, Bay K 8644, in K+-depolarized smooth muscle. Palmitoyl carnitine caused concentration-dependent (1-1000 mumol l-1) augmentations in the sensitivity to Ca2+ of K+-depolarized taenia preparations from the guinea-pig caecum. The (+/-)-isomer was equieffective with the (-)-isomer, whereas carnitine was ineffective and palmitic acid relaxed the tissues. The shift to the left of Ca2+ concentration-response curves induced by palmitoyl carnitine (100 mumol l-1) was additive with that of Bay K 8644 (1 mumol l-1). 2 The interactions of palmitoyl carnitine with the different classes of calcium-antagonist were similar to those seen with Bay K 8644. Schild plots of the calcium-antagonist effects of nifedipine were shifted to the right following preincubation of the taenia with palmitoyl carnitine (30-300 mumol l-1). The inhibitory effects of verapamil were especially sensitive to palmitoyl carnitine (100 mumol l-1). Whereas the potency of diltiazem as a calcium-antagonist was reduced by palmitoyl carnitine (100 mumol l-1), the inhibitory effects of the lipophilic class III calcium-antagonists, cinnarizine and flunarizine, were entirely resistant to palmitoyl carnitine (100 mumol l-1). 3 Although palmitoyl carnitine has detergent properties in high concentrations and lyses red blood cells, these effects were not Ca2+-dependent, nor were they modified by calcium-antagonists. Other detergents did not have selective interactions with Ca2+ channels. 4 Palmitoyl carnitine inhibited [3H]-nitrendipine, [3H]-verapamil and [3H]-diltiazem binding to rat cortical membranes with IC50 values (mumol l-1) of 120 +/- 1, 95 +/- 17 and 120 +/- 15 mumol l-1 respectively. The inhibition showed little temperature-dependence, in contrast to that of Bay K 8644, except for a small reduction in the IC50 value for [3H]-verapamil binding at 37 degrees C (42 +/- 5 mumol l-1). Palmitoyl carnitine interacted selectively with the Ca2+ channel, in that effects on ligand binding to alpha-adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1A receptors occurred only at 5-10 fold higher concentrations. 5 It is concluded that palmitoyl carnitine, at concentrations which have previously been shown to occur in the cytoplasm during myocardial ischaemia, may interact directly with Ca2+ channels and may therefore be considered as an endogenous modulator of channel function. The site of action differs from that of other agents.

MDL 72567, a dihydropyridine calcium-antagonist, that causes vasodilation and direct sinus bradycardia.

MDL 72567 (2,6 dimethyl,3 methoxycarbonyl,4-(2-nitrophenyl), 5-(2-furoyl)1,4 dihydropyridine) was a potent antagonist of Ca2+-induced contractions in K+-depolarized taenia preparations from the guinea pig caecum (pA2 8.8 +/- 0.1). MDL 72567 was a potent displacer of [3H]nitrendipine binding from rat cortical membrane preparations (Ki 3.99 nM), indicating an effect at the dihydropyridine binding site, which is consistent with the finding that the inhibitory effects of MDL 72567 in smooth muscle were prevented by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644. MDL 72567 slowed spontaneously beating rat atria preparations to a greater extent than did nifedipine, however, for a given negative inotropic effect. Furthermore, in pithed rat preparations infused with angiotensin II to elevate blood pressure, the hypotensive effects of MDL 72567 (3 nmol/kg-3 mumol/kg, intravenously, i.v.) were accompanied by bradycardia, whereas nifedipine, PY 108-068, and nicardipine lowered blood pressure without affecting heart rate. When compared with nifedipine, MDL 72567 caused less reflex tachycardia for a given fall in blood pressure, in anesthetized beagles and in conscious renal hypertensive dogs. In anesthetized dogs, MDL 72567 increased cardiac contractility at all hypotensive doses tested (30-3,000 nmol/kg, i.v.), whereas nifedipine caused profound myocardial depression at higher doses (1,000-3,000 nmol/kg, i.v.) even though the compounds had equivalent vasodilator effects. Thus, although MDL 72567 appears to cause a direct myocardial slowing that can partially offset reflex tachycardia, the compound has negligible negative inotropic effects and may therefore be useful in angina pectoris or even in congestive heart failure.

Calcium antagonist properties of diclofurime isomers. I. Functional aspects.

Trans-diclofurime has been shown to be a potent calcium antagonist which resembles verapamil in vitro and in vivo. Trans-diclofurime was a potent antagonist of Ca2+-induced contractions in K+-depolarized taenia preparations from the guinea pig caecum (pA2 = 8.3 +/- 0.2), whereas the cis isomer was 50 times less active (pA2 = 6.6 +/- 0.1); the inhibitory effects of trans-diclofurime were reversed noncompetitively by the Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644. Trans-diclofurime and verapamil were equipotent inhibitors of electrically evoked contractions of guinea pig left atria preparations; the inhibitory effects were frequency dependent and cis-diclofurime was 10 times less effective. Both diclofurime isomers prolonged the effective refractory period at high concentrations, indicating that they also possess local anaesthetic properties. Trans-diclofurime and verapamil reduced blood pressure in pithed rats infused with angiotensin II. Hypotensive effects were accompanied by bradycardia and prolongation of PR intervals, leading to second-degree atrioventricular block. The cis isomer was less potent. Diclofurime is thus a very potent calcium antagonist in heart and smooth muscle and has some additional membrane-stabilizing properties.

Calcium antagonist properties of diclofurime isomers. II. Molecular aspects: allosteric interactions with dihydropyridine recognition sites.

Trans-diclofurime has been shown to be a very potent class II calcium antagonist (see preceding report), and we have examined its molecular interactions with the different receptor sites at the Ca2+ channel. Trans-diclofurime did not affect [3H]nitrendipine binding to rat cortical membranes at 37 degrees C and showed weak inhibitory effects at 25 degrees C, whereas at 0 degrees C 80% of the binding was inhibited noncompetitively (IC50, 13 nM); cis-diclofurime was 22-fold less potent. Trans-diclofurime, like diltiazem, blocked the inhibitory effects of verapamil on [3H]nitrendipine binding. Trans-diclofurime is a potent displacer of [3H]diltiazem binding (IC50, 15 nM; IC50 for diltiazem, 55 nM); the diclofurime isomers showed high stereoselectivity, with high Hill coefficients (0.85-1.0). In contrast, the stereoselectivity of the isomers was lower as inhibitors of [3H]verapamil binding, as were the Hill coefficients (0.55-0.65). It is proposed that the functional potency of the diclofurime isomers as calcium antagonists can be explained on the basis of their relative affinities for the diltiazem site and that this site is coupled to the dihydropyridine site in a positive heterotropic allosteric manner. A model for the interaction of group II calcium antagonists with the Ca2+ channel is proposed.