Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide modulates adipocyte lipolysis and reesterification

OBJECTIVE

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin released from intestinal K-cells during the postprandial period. Previous studies have suggested that GIP may play an etiologic role in obesity; thus, the GIP receptor may represent a target for anti-obesity drugs. The present studies were conducted to elucidate mechanisms by which GIP might promote obesity by examining the effect of GIP on both glycerol release (indicative of lipolysis) and free fatty acid (FFA) release (indicative of both lipolysis and reesterification), as well as the ability of a GIP-specific receptor antagonist (ANTGIP) to attenuate these effects.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Isolated rat adipocytes were perifused on a column with 10 nM GIP alone or in combination with 10 microU/mL insulin, 1 microM isoproterenol, or 1 microM ANTGIP. Samples were collected every minute and assayed for FFA, glycerol, and lactate.

RESULTS

GIP significantly increased FFA reesterification (decreased FFA release by 25%), stimulated lipolysis (increased glycerol release by 22%), and attenuated the lipolytic response to isoproterenol by 43%. These properties were similar to those of insulin in vitro, suggesting that GIP possesses insulin-like lipogenic effects on adipocytes. Finally, ANTGIP reversed the effects of GIP on both basal and stimulated adipocyte metabolism.

DISCUSSION

These studies provide further evidence for an important physiological role for GIP in lipid homeostasis and possibly in the pathogenesis of obesity. They also suggest that the GIP receptor may represent an excellent target for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes.

Chemical ablation of gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor action by daily (Pro3)GIP administration improves glucose tolerance and ameliorates insulin resistance and abnormalities of islet structure in obesity-related diabetes

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (gastric inhibitory polypeptide [GIP]) is an important incretin hormone secreted by endocrine K-cells in response to nutrient ingestion. In this study, we investigated the effects of chemical ablation of GIP receptor (GIP-R) action on aspects of obesity-related diabetes using a stable and specific GIP-R antagonist, (Pro3)GIP. Young adult ob/ob mice received once-daily intraperitoneal injections of saline vehicle or (Pro3)GIP over an 11-day period. Nonfasting plasma glucose levels and the overall glycemic excursion (area under the curve) to a glucose load were significantly reduced (1.6-fold; P < 0.05) in (Pro3)GIP-treated mice compared with controls. GIP-R ablation also significantly lowered overall plasma glucose (1.4-fold; P < 0.05) and insulin (1.5-fold; P < 0.05) responses to feeding. These changes were associated with significantly enhanced (1.6-fold; P < 0.05) insulin sensitivity in the (Pro3)GIP-treated group. Daily injection of (Pro3)GIP reduced pancreatic insulin content (1.3-fold; P < 0.05) and partially corrected the obesity-related islet hypertrophy and beta-cell hyperplasia of ob/ob mice. These comprehensive beneficial effects of (Pro3)GIP were reversed 9 days after cessation of treatment and were independent of food intake and body weight, which were unchanged. These studies highlight a role for GIP in obesity-related glucose intolerance and emphasize the potential of specific GIP-R antagonists as a new class of drugs for the alleviation of insulin resistance and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

[Effect of motilin receptor agonist-erythromycin on the glucose responsive neurons in hypothalamus of rats]

AIM

In order to explore the mechanism of central motilin-induced feeding behavior, the effects of erythromycin, a motilin receptor agonist, on glucose responsive neurons in hypothalamus were observed.

METHODS

Extracellular recordings were made from single neurons in region of lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) in anesthetized rats. On the basis of their responsiveness to intracarotid injection of 0.58 mol/L glucose solution 0.2 ml, glucose-sensitive neurons (GSNs) in LHA and glucoreceptor neurons (GRNs) in VMH were recognized. Effects of intracerebroventricularly (i. c. v.) administration of 4 microg erythromycin on neural activities of glucose responsive neurons and non-glucose responsive neurons were examined. The mixture of EM and GM-109 1 microl were used to GSNs and GRNs which were sensitive to i. c. v. administration of EM.

RESULTS

In LHA, EM increased activity of GSNs significantly (P < 0.05 vs non-glucose-sensitive neurons group). Whereas in VMH, EM significantly decreased the activities of GRNs (P < 0.01 vs non-glucoreceptor neurons group). The mixture of EM and GM-109 had no effect on GSNs and GRNs.

CONCLUSION

EM, a motilin receptor agonist, can stimulate GSNs in LHA and suppress GRNs in VMH and this may contribute to central motilin's effect on feeding behavior.

Effects of a nonpeptide motilin receptor antagonist on proximal gastric motor function

AIM

To assess the effects of the motilin receptor antagonist RWJ-68023 on basal and motilin-stimulated proximal gastric volume.

METHODS

Eighteen healthy male volunteers received RWJ-68023 in two different doses or placebo for 135 min. After 45 min, subjects received a motilin infusion for 90 min. Proximal gastric volume was measured with a barostat at constant pressure and during isobaric distensions. Abdominal symptoms were scored using visual analogue scales. Motilin and RWJ-68023 concentrations were assessed by radioimmunoassay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Both dosages of RWJ-68023 were safe and well tolerated. The most common adverse events were of gastrointestinal origin. RWJ-68023 did not affect basal proximal gastric volume, but the high-dose RWJ-68023 reduced the contractile effect of motilin on the stomach. This antagonizing effect of RWJ-68023 was only significant (P = 0.014) during the distension procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The RWJ-68023 doses used in this study were selected to accomplish plasma concentrations that would block the motilin effect entirely. However, the antagonizing effect of RWJ-68023 was partial and only present when the tonic condition of the stomach was modulated by motilin.

Progress with novel pharmacological strategies for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic disorder characterised by an increased exposure of the oesophagus to intragastric contents. Currently, GORD symptoms are maintained under control with antisecretory agents, mainly gastric proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Although impaired oesophageal motility may partly underlie the pathophysiology of GORD, the use of prokinetic agents has been found to be unsatisfactory. To date, novel pharmacological approaches for GORD are mainly related to the control of transient lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) relaxations (TLOSRs). The majority of patients with GORD have reflux episodes during TLOSRs, which are evoked by gastric distension, mainly occurring after ingestion of a meal. Patients with reflux disease with normal peristalsis and without or with mild erosive disease could potentially benefit from anti-TLOSR therapy. This therapy might also be of value to treat some severe forms of esophagitis in combination with PPIs. GABA-B-receptor agonists are the most promising class of agents identified so far for TLOSR control. The GABA-B-receptor agonist, baclofen, is the most effective compound in inhibiting TLOSRs in humans. Since baclofen has several CNS adverse effects, novel orally available GABA-B agonists are needed for effective and well tolerated treatment of GORD. Endogenous or exogenous cholecystokinin (CCK) causes a reduction in LOS pressure, an increase in TLOSR frequency and a reduction in gastric emptying. In healthy volunteers and patients with GORD, loxiglumide, a selective CCK1-receptor antagonist, was found to reduce the rate of TLOSRs, although its effect on postprandial acid reflux may be modest. Orally effective CCK antagonists are not marketed to date. The anticholinergic agent atropine, given to healthy volunteers and patients with GORD, markedly reduced the rate of TLOSRs. Because of severe gastrointestinal (and other) adverse effects of anticholinergics, including worsening of supine acid clearance and constipation, it is unlikely that this class of drugs will have a future as anti-TLOSR agents on a routine basis. In spite of their effectiveness in reducing TLOSR rate, untoward adverse effects, such as addiction and severe constipation, currently limit the use of morphine and other opioid mu-receptor agonists. The same applies to nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, which are associated with marked gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, urinary and respiratory adverse effects. Animal studies provide promising evidence for the use of cannabinoid receptor 1 agonists, by showing potent inhibition of TLOSRs in the dog, thus opening a new route for clinical investigation in humans. A better understanding of TLOSR pathophysiology is a necessary step for the further development of novel drugs effective for anti-reflux therapy.

Effects of short-term chemical ablation of the GIP receptor on insulin secretion, islet morphology and glucose homeostasis in mice

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone secreted by endocrine K-cells in response to nutrient absorption. In this study we have utilized a specific and enzymatically stable GIP receptor antagonist, (Pro3)GIP, to evaluate the contribution of endogenous GIP to insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis in mice. Daily injection of (Pro3)GIP (25 nmol/kg body weight) for 11 days had no effect on food intake or body weight. Non-fasting plasma glucose concentrations were significantly raised (p<0.05) by day 11, while plasma insulin concentrations were not significantly different from saline treated controls. After 11 days, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was significantly impaired in the (Pro3)GIP treated mice compared to control (p<0.01). Glucose-mediated insulin secretion was not significantly different between the two groups. Insulin sensitivity of 11-day (Pro3)GIP treated mice was slightly impaired 60 min post injection compared with controls. Following a 15 min refeeding period in 18 h fasted mice, food intake was not significantly different in (Pro3)GIP treated mice and controls. However, (Pro3)GIP treated mice displayed significantly elevated plasma glucose levels 30 and 60 min post feeding (p<0.05, in both cases). Postprandial insulin secretion was not significantly different and no changes in pancreatic insulin content or islet morphology were observed in (Pro3)GIP treated mice. The observed biological effects of (Pro3)GIP were reversed following cessation of treatment for 9 days. These data indicate that ablation of GIP signaling causes a readily reversible glucose intolerance without appreciable change of insulin secretion.

Evidence that the major degradation product of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, GIP(3-42), is a GIP receptor antagonist in vivo

The incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is rapidly degraded in the circulation by dipeptidyl peptidase IV forming the N-terminally truncated peptide GIP(3-42). The present study examined the biological activity of this abundant circulating fragment peptide to establish its possible role in GIP action. Human GIP and GIP(3-42) were synthesised by Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis, purified by HPLC and characterised by electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry. In GIP receptor-transfected Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts, GIP(3-42) dose dependently inhibited GIP-stimulated (10(-7) M) cAMP production (up to 75.4+/-5.4%; P<0.001). In BRIN-BD11 cells, GIP(3-42) was significantly less potent at stimulating insulin secretion (1.9- to 3.2-fold; P<0.001), compared with native GIP and significantly inhibited GIP-stimulated (10(-7) M) insulin secretion with maximal inhibition (48.8+/-6.2%; P<0.001) observed at 10(-7) M. In (ob/ob) mice, administration of GIP(3-42) significantly inhibited GIP-stimulated insulin release (2.1-fold decrease; P<0.001) and exaggerated the glycaemic excursion (1.4-fold; P<0.001) induced by a conjoint glucose load. These data indicate that the N-terminally truncated GIP(3-42) fragment acts as a GIP receptor antagonist, moderating the insulin secreting and metabolic actions of GIP in vivo.

Motilin regulates interdigestive gastric blood flow in dogs

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gastric blood flow exhibits cyclical increases in phase with the interdigestive contractions and secretion of the stomach in dogs. The aim of this study is to clarify the regulatory role of motilin in interdigestive gastric blood flow in dogs.

METHODS

Blood flow of the left gastric (LGA) and superior mesenteric (SMA) arteries were measured by ultrasound transit-time blood-flow meters in 5 conscious dogs. Motilin was infused intravenously with or without Phe-cyclo[Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-betaAla-]. trifluoroacetate (GM-109; motilin antagonist), granisetron (5-HT3 antagonist), atropine, hexamethonium (C6), phenoxybenzamine, propranolol, or cimetidine.

RESULTS

Motilin (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) induced LGA blood-flow responses, consisting of a sustained increase and a rapid phasic change coupled with a contraction, without affecting the blood pressure, heart rate, and SMA blood flow. GM-109 completely abolished the LGA, motility, and secretory responses to motilin (100 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)). Atropine abolished motilin-induced gastric contractions, secretion, and phasic changes of LGA blood flow but failed to affect the sustained flow increase. However, atropine partially inhibited the LGA responses to lower doses of motilin. The LGA flow responses to motilin were not inhibited by granisetron, C6, alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic, or H2 blockers. Motilin induced significantly larger gastric vasodilatation than the equivalent doses of VIP.

CONCLUSIONS

Motilin has a potent and selective gastric vasodilator effect, which appears to be mediated by both cholinergic and noncholinergic mechanisms. Motilin plays an important role in the regulation of interdigestive gastric blood flow in dogs.

Silencing of secretin receptor function by dimerization with a misspliced variant secretin receptor in ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Secretin receptors that are key for regulation of healthy pancreatic ductal epithelial cells have been reported to be functionally absent on ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Here, we examine the possible presence and function of molecular forms of the secretin receptor in pancreatic cancer cell lines and in primary tumors. Surprisingly, reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing demonstrated wild-type secretin receptor mRNA in each of four cell lines and three primary tumors. Lack of biological response to nanomolar concentrations of secretin was best explained by the demonstrated coexpression of a second and predominant transcript in each of the cell lines and tumors. This represented a variant of the secretin receptor in which the third exon was spliced out to eliminate residues 44-79 from the NH(2)-terminal tail. This spliceoform has only recently been recognized in a rare gastrinoma, where it was incapable of binding secretin or signaling, and possessed dominant-negative activity to suppress hormone action at the wild-type secretin receptor (1). Overexpression of wild-type secretin receptor in Panc-1 cells driven by transfection of fully processed cDNA resulted in normal responsiveness to low concentrations of secretin, establishing the ability of these cells to produce a receptor capable of normal biosynthesis, trafficking, and signaling. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer demonstrated that the variant receptor could form a heterodimer with wild-type receptor, providing a molecular mechanism for its dominant-negative activity. This suggests that missplicing is responsible for expression of a secretin receptor variant having the ability to suppress the function of wild-type receptor by a direct interaction. In 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays in receptor-bearing Chinese hamster ovary cells, the secretin receptor was shown to have growth-inhibitory effects. Suppression of this activity in pancreatic carcinoma might, therefore, facilitate tumor growth and progression of this aggressive neoplasm.

Characterization of the cellular and metabolic effects of a novel enzyme-resistant antagonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide

A novel N-terminally substituted Pro(3) analogue of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) was synthesized and tested for plasma stability and biological activity both in vitro and in vivo. Native GIP was rapidly degraded by human plasma with only 39 +/- 6% remaining intact after 8 h, whereas (Pro(3))GIP was completely stable even after 24 h. In CHL cells expressing the human GIP receptor, (Pro(3))GIP antagonized the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) stimulatory ability of 10(-7) M native GIP, with an IC(50) value of 2.6 microM. In the clonal pancreatic beta cell line BRIN-BD11, (Pro(3))GIP over the concentration range 10(-13) to 10(-8) M dose dependently inhibited GIP-stimulated (10(-7) M) insulin release (1.2- to 1.7-fold; P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). In obese diabetic (ob/ob) mice, intraperitoneal administration of (Pro(3))GIP (25 nmol/kg body wt) countered the ability of native GIP to stimulate plasma insulin (2.4-fold decrease; P < 0.001) and lower the glycemic excursion (1.5-fold decrease; P < 0.001) induced by a glucose load (18 mmol/kg body wt). Collectively these data demonstrate that (Pro(3))GIP is a novel and potent enzyme-resistant GIP receptor antagonist capable of blocking the ability of native GIP to increase cAMP, stimulate insulin secretion, and improve glucose homeostasis in a commonly employed animal model of type 2 diabetes.

Design and synthesis of motilin antagonists derived from the [1-4] fragment of porcine motilin

A series of cyclic peptides having the general structure H-Phe-c[-N(epsilon)-Lys-X-NH-(CH(2))(n)-CO-] were designed on the basis of structure-activity relationship studies of motilin. All were motilin antagonists. The cyclic peptides, in which X is a 3-tert-butyl-substituted tyrosine residue (H-Phe-c[-N(epsilon)-Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-beta Ala-] (3), H-Phe-c[-N(epsilon)-Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-Gly-] (6), H-Phe-c[-N(epsilon)-Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-Abu-] (7), and H-Phe-c[-N(epsilon)-Lys-Tyr(3-tBu)-Ahx-] (8)) showed potent motilin receptor antagonistic activity in the rabbit smooth muscle (pA(2) > 7). The 3-tert-butyl Tyr was found to be the moiety responsible for enhanced binding to the motilin receptor, while the size of the ring had little importance.

Discovery of the first non-peptide antagonist of the motilin receptor

A first-in-class non-peptide antagonist of the motilin receptor was identified through electronic screening of our corporate database against a 3D pharmacophore. The pharmacophore was developed from the motilin 22 residue endogenous peptide using NMR structural data, principles of peptide folding, and peptide structure activity relationships. The NMR data supported helical content within the peptide, and both the hydrophobic staple and N-capping box motifs were identified in the motilin sequence. The conformational features of these motifs were imposed on the peptide structure, providing a constrained conformer as a starting point for database searching. A trisubstituted cyclopentene lead was identified directly from the electronic search. Compounds in this series inhibit the binding of 125I-motilin to human antral smooth muscle membrane and antagonize motilin-induced intracellular calcium mobilization in cells expressing the human motilin receptor. A potent compound developed through optimization, RWJ 68023, is active in binding and cell-based functional assays and is also effective in inhibiting motilin-induced contractility in segments of rabbit duodenum. This orally active compound is currently undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders associated with altered motility.

Review article: the pharmacological treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) can be defined as a clinical condition with symptoms, signs and radiological appearance of acute large bowel obstruction unrelated to any mechanical cause. Recent reports of the efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in relieving acute colonic pseudo-obstruction have fuelled interest in the pharmacological treatment of this condition. The aim of the present review is to outline current perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. The best documented pharmacological treatment of Ogilvie's syndrome is intravenous neostigmine (2-2.5 mg), which leads to quick decompression in a significant proportion of patients after a single infusion. However, the search for new colokinetic agents for the treatment of lower gut motor disorders has made available a number of drugs that may also be therapeutic options for Ogilvie's syndrome. Among these agents, the potential of 5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptor agonists and motilin receptor agonists is discussed.

The peptide YY-preferring receptor mediating inhibition of small intestinal secretion is a peripheral Y(2) receptor: pharmacological evidence and molecular cloning

A peptide YY (PYY)-preferring receptor [PYY > neuropeptide Y (NPY)] was previously characterized in rat small intestinal crypt cells, where it mediates inhibition of fluid secretion. Here, we investigated the possible status of this receptor as a peripheral Y(2) receptor in rats. Typical Y(2) agonists (PYY(3-36), NPY(3-36), NPY(13-36), C2-NPY) and very short PYY analogs (N-alpha-Ac-PYY(22-36) and N-alpha-Ac-PYY(25-36)) acting at the intestinal PYY receptor were tested for their ability to inhibit the binding of (125)I-PYY to membranes of rat intestinal crypt cells and of CHO cells stably transfected with the rat hippocampal Y(2) receptor cDNA. Similar PYY preference was observed and all analogs exhibited comparable high affinity in both binding assays. The same held true for the specific Y(2) antagonist BIIE0246 with a K(i) value of 6.5 and 9.0 nM, respectively. BIIE0246 completely abolished the inhibition of cAMP production by PYY in crypt cells and transfected CHO cells. Moreover, the antagonist 1) considerably reversed the PYY-induced reduction of short-circuit current in rat jejunum mucosa in Ussing chamber and 2) completely abolished the antisecretory action of PYY on vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-induced fluid secretion in rat jejunum in vivo. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments showed that Y(2) receptor transcripts were present in intestinal crypt cells (3 x 10(2) molecules/100 ng RNA(T)) with no expression in villus cells, in complete agreement with the exclusive binding of PYY in crypt cells. Finally, a full-length Y(2) receptor was cloned by RT-PCR from rat intestinal crypt cells and also from human small intestine. We conclude that the so-called PYY-preferring receptor mediating inhibition of intestinal secretion is a peripheral Y(2) receptor.

The in vitro pharmacological profile of prucalopride, a novel enterokinetic compound

Prucalopride is a novel enterokinetic compound and is the first representative of the benzofuran class. We set out to establish its pharmacological profile in various receptor binding and organ bath experiments. Receptor binding data have demonstrated prucalopride's high affinity to both investigated 5-HT(4) receptor isoforms, with mean pK(i) estimates of 8.60 and 8.10 for the human 5-HT(4a) and 5-HT(4b) receptor, respectively. From the 50 other binding assays investigated in this study only the human D(4) receptor (pK(i) 5.63), the mouse 5-HT(3) receptor (pK(i) 5.41) and the human sigma(1) (pK(i) 5.43) have shown measurable affinity, resulting in at least 290-fold selectivity for the 5-HT(4) receptor. Classical organ bath experiments were done using isolated tissues from the rat, guinea-pig and dog gastrointestinal tract, using various protocols. Prucalopride was a 5-HT(4) receptor agonist in the guinea-pig colon, as it induced contractions (pEC(50)=7.48+/-0.06; insensitive to a 5-HT(2A) or 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, but inhibited by a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist) as well as the facilitation of electrical stimulation-induced noncholinergic contractions (blocked by a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist). Furthermore, it caused relaxation of a rat oesophagus preparation (pEC(50)=7.81+/-0.17), in a 5-HT(4) receptor antagonist sensitive manner. Prucalopride did not cause relevant inhibition of 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B), or 5-HT(3), motilin or cholecystokinin (CCK(1)) receptor-mediated contractions, nor nicotinic or muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated contractions, up to 10 microM. It is concluded that prucalopride is a potent, selective and specific 5-HT(4) receptor agonist. As it is intended for treatment of intestinal motility disorders, it is important to note that prucalopride is devoid of anti-cholinergic, anticholinesterase or nonspecific inhibitory activity and does not antagonise 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(3) receptors or motilin or CCK(1) receptors.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide confers early phase insulin release to oral glucose in rats: demonstration by a receptor antagonist

A novel GIP receptor antagonist was developed to evaluate the acute role of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in the insulin response to oral glucose in rats. Antisera to an extracellular epitope of the GIP receptor (GIPR) detected immunoreactive GIPR on rat pancreatic beta-cells. Purified GIPR antibody (GIPR Ab) specifically displaced GIP binding to the receptor and blocked GIP-mediated increases in intracellular cAMP. When delivered to rats by ip injection, GIPR Ab had a half-life of approximately 4 days. Treatment with GIPR Ab (1 microg/g BW) blocked the potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by GIP (60 pmol) but not glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1, 60 pmol) in anesthetized rats. The insulin response to oral glucose was delayed in conscious unrestrained rats that were pretreated with GIPR Ab. Plasma insulin levels were approximately 35% lower at 10 min in GIPR Ab treated animals compared with controls. As a result, the glucose excursion was greater in the GIPR Ab treated group. Fasting plasma glucose levels were not altered by GIPR Ab. We conclude that release of GIP following oral glucose may act as an anticipatory signal to pancreatic beta-cells to promote rapid release of insulin for glucose disposal.

Erythromycin derivatives ABT 229 and GM 611 act on motilin receptors in the rabbit duodenum

1. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the macrolide antibiotic erythromycin, its stable motilide derivatives ABT 229 and GM 611 and motilin act at the same receptors on intestinal muscle 2. Each compound contracted the longitudinal muscle of the rabbit duodenum in a concentration-dependent manner that was unaffected by 1 mumol/L tetrodotoxin. The potency order (pEC50 values in brackets) was motilin (8.4), ABT 229 (7.6), GM 611 (7.5) and erythromycin (6.0). 3. The motilin receptor antagonists GM 109 and [phe3, leu13]-motilin, both shifted the concentration-response curves for each agonist to the right, but did not affect concentration-response relationships for the muscarinic agonist carbachol. Schild regression analysis yielded similar pA2 values for GM 109 (in the range 7.2-7.5) for all agonists. This analysis was not done for [phe3, leu13]motilin, which was a non-competitive antagonist and partial agonist. 4. It is concluded that erythromycin, the motilides and motilin act at the same (motilin) receptor on rabbit duodenal muscle and do not have any detectable actions at other receptors in this preparation.

Functional antagonism of the human secretin receptor by a recombinant protein encoding the N-terminal ectodomain of the receptor

Recent evidence indicates that the N-terminal extracellular domain of receptors in the secretin-glucagon receptor family is responsible for ligand recognition. In this report, the N-terminal ectodomain of the human secretin receptor (HSR) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the ability of this recombinant protein to interact with secretin was investigated by functional assays. The cDNA region encoding the N-terminal ectodomain of HSR linked to the polyhistidine fusion partner was expressed in E. coli. The resulting fusion protein was purified and used for competitive studies. A permanently transfected cell line with the HSR expressed was used in this study. The cell line was able to respond to secretin leading to the elevation of both intracellular cAMP and protein kinase-A activity. Using this cell line, incubation of secretin with the recombinant protein led to a dose-dependent inhibition of both cAMP production and protein kinase-A activity. These findings strongly suggested that the N-terminal ectodomain of HSR alone can act as a functional domain that provides a means to study ligand-receptor interactions of this receptor. The His-tagged recombinant HSR ectodomain may also be used for screening secretin-specific agonists and antagonists by affinity chromatography in the future.

Effects of galanin and the galanin receptor antagonist galantide on plasma catecholamine levels during a psychosocial stress stimulus in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the role played by the neuropeptide galanin (GAL) in the regulation of sympathoadrenal function. We evaluated the effects of rat GAL (rGAL) and of the putative GAL receptor antagonist galantide (GLT) on epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) plasma levels in conscious freely moving male rats, during a psychosocial stress condition. Four groups of male rats were challenged by a stress stimulus, obtained by exposing the animals to a resident conspecific fighter (intruder model), following an intravenous injection with (1) rGAL + saline (SAL), (2) GLT + SAL, (3) rGAL + GLT, or (4) SAL + SAL. Plasma levels of both E and NE were also measured in an additional group of male rats not exposed to any stressor stimulus. The results (mean+/-SEM) showed that rats exposed to the stressor stimulus (intruder rats) exhibited a significant increase above baseline in circulating levels of both E (peak values of 834.13+/-115.13 pmol/l vs. basal values of 309.31+/-32.93 pmol/l; p < 0.01) and NE (peak values of 5,299.03+/-450.62 pmol/l vs. basal values of 2,798.24+/-311.56 pmol/l; p < 0.01) in comparison to control, nonstressed rats. The comparison of the areas under the curve response (AUC) among treatments in the intruder rats revealed that rGAL + SAL injections resulted in a further increase in E levels when compared to SAL + SAL treatment (AUC values: 8.26+/-0.64 vs. 25.38+/-5.52 nmol/ 1/20 min in SAL + SAL vs. rGAL + SAL treatment, respectively; p < 0.02). No significant changes in stress-induced E plasma levels were found following GLT + SAL treatment in comparison to SAL + SAL injections. When the intruder rats were submitted to rGAL + GLT injections, the increments in E levels were found to be higher than those observed following SAL + SAL treatment (AUC values: 8.26+/-0.64 vs. 36.00+/-13.76 nmol/ 1/20 min in SAL + SAL vs. rGAL + GLT treatment, p < 0.03); however, the values were not significantly different from those observed in rGAL + SAL-injected rats. No significant changes in stress-induced NE levels were found in either treatment group when compared to SAL + SAL-injected intruder rats. The results of this study demonstrate that rGAL administration leads to an increase in the E response to the stress stimulus without any effect on NE response. Galantide does not affect either the physiological stress-induced elevation of plasma catecholamines or the effects of rGAL on E plasma levels in response to stress. Therefore, GLT does not appear to behave as a GAL receptor antagonist in the regulation of sympathoadrenal function in rats.

Neuropeptide Y Y2 receptor and somatostatin sst2 receptor coupling to mobilization of intracellular calcium in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells

1. In this study we have investigated neuropeptide Y (NPY) and somatostatin (SRIF) receptor-mediated elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. 2. The Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura 2 was used to measure [Ca2+]i in confluent monolayers of SH-SY5Y cells. Neither NPY (30-100 nM) nor SRIF (100 nM) elevated [Ca2+]i when applied alone. However, when either NPY (300 pM-1 microM) or SRIF (300 pM-1 microM) was applied in the presence of the cholinoceptor agonist carbachol (1 microM or 100 microM) they evoked an elevation of [Ca2+]i above that caused by carbachol alone. 3. The elevation of [Ca2+]i by NPY was independent of the concentration of carbachol. In the presence of 1 microM or 100 microM carbachol NPY elevated [Ca2+]i with a pEC50 of 7.80 and 7.86 respectively. 4. In the presence of 1 microM carbachol the NPY Y2 selective agonist peptide YY(3-36) (PYY(3-36)) elevated [Ca2+]i with a pEC50 of 7.94, the NPY Y1 selective agonist [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY also elevated [Ca2+]i when applied in the presence of carbachol, but only at concentrations > 300 nM. The rank order of potency, PYY(3-36) > or = NPY > > [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY indicates that an NPY Y2-like receptor is involved in the elevation of [Ca2+]i. 5. In the presence of 1 microM carbachol, SRIF elevated [Ca2+]i with a pEC50 of 8.24. The sst2 receptor-preferring analogue BIM-23027 (c[N-Me-Ala-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Abu-Phe]) elevated [Ca2+]i with a pEC50 of 8.63, and the sst5-receptor preferring analogue L-362855 (c[Aha-Phe-Trp-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe]) elevated [Ca2+]i with a pEC50 of approximately 6.1. Application of the sst3 receptor-preferring analogue BIM-23056 (D-Phe-Phe-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Phe-D-Nal-NH2, 1 microM) to SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of carbachol neither elevated [Ca2+]i nor affected the elevations of [Ca2+]i caused by a subsequent coapplication of SRIF. The rank order of potency, BIM-23026 > or = SRIF > > L-362855 > > > BIM-23026 suggests that an sst2-like receptor is involved in the elevation of [Ca2+]i. 6. Block of carbachol activation of muscarinic receptors with atropine (1 microM) abolished the elevation of [Ca2+]i by the SRIF and NPY. 7. Muscarinic receptor activation, not a rise in [Ca2+]i, was required to reveal the NPY or SRIF response. The Ca2+ channel activator maitotoxin (2 ng ml-1) also elevated [Ca2+]i but subsequent application of either NPY or SRIF in the presence of maitotoxin caused no further changes in [Ca2+]i. 8. The elevations of [Ca2+]i by NPY and SRIF were abolished by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (200 ng-ml-1, 16 h). This treatment did not significantly affect the response of the cells to carbachol. 9. NPY and SRIF appeared to elevate [Ca2+]i by mobilizing Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Both NPY and SRIF continued to elevate [Ca2+]i when applied in nominally Ca(2+)-free external buffer. Thapsigargin (100 nM), an agent which discharges intracellular Ca2+ stores, also blocked the NPY and SRIF elevations of [Ca2+]i. 10. Delta-Opioid receptor agonists applied in the presence of carbachol also elevate [Ca2+]i in SH-SY5Y cells. When NPY (30 nM) or SRIF (100 nM) was applied together with a maximally effective concentration of the delta-opioid receptor agonist DPDPE ([D-Pen2,5]-enkephalin) (1 microM), the resulting elevations of [Ca2+]i were not greater than those caused by application of DPDPE alone. 11. Thus, in SH-SY5Y cells, NPY and SRIF can mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores via activation of NPY Y2 and sst2-like receptors, respectively. Neither NPY nor SRIF elevated [Ca2+]i when applied alone. The requirements for the elevations of [Ca2+]i by NPY and SRIF are the same as those for delta- and mu-opioid receptor and nociceptin receptor mobilization of [Ca2+]i in SH-SY5Y cells.

Effects of galanin on 8-OH-DPAT induced decrease in body temperature and brain 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism in the mouse

Central administration of galanin dose-dependently (minimum effective dose, M.E.D. = 1 nmol) blocked the hypothermia induced by the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 0.5 mg/kg s.c.), in mice. This inhibitory effect was reversed by pretreatment with the galanin receptor antagonist galantide (0.3 nmol) and also by pretreatment with the ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers glibenclamide (10 nmol) and gliquidone (10 nmol). The hypothermic response to 8-OH-DPAT was also blocked by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist (N-(2,4(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexane, (WAY 100,635, M.E.D. = 0.01 mg/kg s.c.), and the centrally acting muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine (M.E.D. = 10 mg/kg i.p.) but not the peripheral muscarinic receptor antagonist N-methylscopolamine. 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 mg/kg s.c.) also decreased cortical and hypothalamic 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin) metabolism, an effect which was not blocked by pretreatment with galanin (0.3-3 nmol intracerebroventricular, i.c.v.). Neither did galanin (0.03-3 nmol/5 microliters i.c.v.) affect basal 5-HT metabolism in these brain regions. Furthermore, pretreatment in vitro of mouse cortical membranes with galanin (10 or 1000 nM) had no effect on 5-HT1A receptor affinity, Bmax or pharmacology determined using [3H]8-OH-DPAT. These results suggest that the inhibition of 8-OH-DPAT induced hypothermia by galanin is probably not mediated by an interaction with 5-HT1A receptors but more likely by blocking the indirect activation by 8-OH-DPAT of central cholinergic pathways involved in temperature regulation.

Anxiogenic-like effect of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226: antagonism with diazepam

The effect of the novel non-peptide neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP3226, N2-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-methyl]-D-arginine amide, on exploratory behaviour of rats in the elevated plus-maze was studied. BIBP3226 (0.5 and 5 micrograms, i.c.v.) induced an anxiogenic-like effect at the higher dose tested. This effect was antagonised by diazepam (0.5 mg/kg). The anxiogenic-like effect of BIBP3226 was not related to a decrease in general locomotor activity. These findings support the hypothesis that neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor subtype is involved in anxiety regulation.

Discrimination between neuropeptide Y and peptide YY in the rat tail artery by the neuropeptide Y1-selective antagonist, BIBP 3226

1. The ability of the novel, nonpeptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1-selective antagonist, BIBP 3226 ¿(R)-N2-(diphenylacetyl)-N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-D-arginine amide¿, to antagonize the increase in perfusion pressure induced by NPY and peptide Y (PYY) was tested in the perfused rat tail artery, a postjunctional Y1-receptor bioassay, precontracted by 1 microM phenylephrine. 2. NPY and PYY produced a concentration-dependent enhancement of the vasoconstrictor response evoked by 1 microM phenylephrine. Although NPY and PYY are roughly equipotent, the maximal contractile response elicited by PYY was about twice that elicited by NPY. 3. Increasing concentrations of BIBP 3226 caused a parallel and rightward shift in the NPY concentration-response curve without depressing the maximal response. The contractile effect of NPY was potently inhibited in a competitive manner. The pA2 value for BIBP 3226 was 7.01 +/- 0.08, a value equivalent to that observed in the rabbit saphenous vein. Although increasing concentrations of BIBP 3226 shifted the concentration-response curve of PYY to the right without any significant decrease in the maximal vasoconstrictor response, the antagonism appeared non-competitive as the slope of the Schild plot was significantly different from unity (0.58 +/- 0.04). 4. In conclusion, these data confirm that BIBP 3226 is a potent and selective nonpeptide Y1 receptor antagonist. Moreover, they show that complex interactions occur between BIBP 3226 and postjunctional receptors activated by PYY. We postulate that BIBP 3226 might discriminate between the effects of NPY and PYY at the postjunctional level in the rat tail artery. It may be that distinct receptors for NPY and PYY exist; these may or may not allosterically interact with each other. Another working hypothesis would be that there is a single receptor complex with allosterically interacting binding sites for the two peptides.

Galanin receptor antagonists attenuate spinal antinociceptive effects of DAMGO, tramadol and non-opioid drugs in rats

The involvement of endogenous galanin to antinociception elicited by intrathecally (i.t.) or systemically administered drugs from different chemical and therapeutic classes was investigated using the rat Randall-Selitto or the rat tail-flick test, in the absence or presence of the i.t. administered galanin receptor antagonists galantide and M-35. Antinociception elicited by i.t. tramadol (24 micrograms), DAMGO (1 microgram), clonidine (48 micrograms), desipramine (6 micrograms) or fenfluramine (60 micrograms) was attenuated by i.t. galantide (2 micrograms); the attenuation reached significance at least at one time point. A partial antagonism by i.t. galantide was also observed against the antinociception of i.p. tramadol (10 mg/kg), i.v. clonidine (1 mg/kg), i.p. desipramine (1 mg/kg), or i.p. dipyrone (1000 mg/kg), but antinociception by i.p. fenfluramine (30 mg/kg) was not affected. Using M-35 (2 micrograms i.t.), the antinociception of i.t. tramadol or DAMGO was attenuated, but no inhibition was observed when clonidine, desipramine or fenfluramine were used i.t. If drugs were administered systemically, only antinociception of i.p. fenfluramine but not that of i.p. tramadol, or i.v. clonidine, or i.p. desipramine or i.p dipyrone was attenuated. In the rat tail flick test, co-injection of either 2 micrograms i.t. galantide or M-35 with i.t. tramadol (12 micrograms) almost abolished the antinociceptive effect, whereas the antinociception of systemically administered tramadol (4.6 mg/kg i.p.) was only partially attenuated by i.t. galantide and not affected by i.t. M-35. Binding studies in dorsal spinal cord tissue showed no affinity of galantide or M-35 to spinal mu-, or delta-, or kappa-opioid receptors and none of the other drugs interfered with the spinal galanin binding site. These data give further support of at least a partial galanin link in spinal processes of antinociception.

Galanin receptor antagonist M40 blocks galanin-induced choice accuracy deficits on a delayed-nonmatching-to-position task

Galanin is a 29-amino acid neuropeptide that coexists with acetylcholine in the medial septum/diagonal band in the rat and impairs choice accuracy on an operant delayed-nonmatching-to-position (DNMTP) working-memory task. M40, a peptidergic galanin antagonist, has previously been shown to block several physiological actions of galanin. The present experiments tested the ability of M40 to block the effects of galanin on DNMTP performance. M40 completely blocked choice-accuracy deficits induced by galanin administration in both the lateral ventricle and ventral hippocampus, at doses of M40 approximately 5-fold the molar dose of galanin. M40 appears to be an effective galanin antagonist in a rodent memory paradigm, indicating that this compound may prove useful in investigating the role of endogenous galanin in learning and memory.