Oral administration of a corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist significantly attenuates behavioral, neuroendocrine, and autonomic responses to stress in primates

We evaluated the effects of the lipophilic nonpeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) type 1 receptor antagonist antalarmin on the behavioral, neuroendocrine, and autonomic components of the stress response in adult male rhesus macaques. After oral administration, significant antalarmin concentrations were detected in the systemic circulation and the cerebrospinal fluid by a mass spectrometry-gas chromatography assay developed specifically for this purpose. Pharmacokinetic and dose-response studies suggested that an oral dose of 20 mg/kg was optimal for behavioral and endocrine effects. We then administered this dose in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to monkeys exposed to an intense social stressor: namely, placement of two unfamiliar males in adjacent cages separated only by a transparent Plexiglas screen. Antalarmin significantly inhibited a repertoire of behaviors associated with anxiety and fear such as body tremors, grimacing, teeth gnashing, urination, and defecation. In contrast, antalarmin increased exploratory and sexual behaviors that are normally suppressed during stress. Moreover, antalarmin significantly diminished the increases in cerebrospinal fluid CRH as well as the pituitary-adrenal, sympathetic, and adrenal medullary responses to stress. We conclude that CRH plays a broad role in the physiological responses to psychological stress in primates and that a CRH type 1 receptor antagonist may be of therapeutic value in human psychiatric, reproductive, and cardiovascular disorders associated with CRH system hyperactivity.

Effects of phentermine and fenfluramine on extracellular dopamine and serotonin in rat nucleus accumbens: therapeutic implications

Combined administration of the amphetamine analogs phentermine and fenfluramine (PHEN/FEN) has been used in the treatment of obesity. While these medications are thought to modulate monoamine transmission, the precise neurochemical effects of the PHEN/FEN mixture have not been extensively studied. To assess the mechanism of PHEN/FEN action, in vivo microdialysis studies were performed in the nucleus accumbens of conscious freely moving rats. A series of amphetamine derivatives including phentermine, chlorphentermine, fenfluramine, and PHEN/FEN (1:1 ratio), were infused locally into the accumbens via reverse-dialysis (1, 10, 100 microM) or injected systemically (1 mg/kg, ip). Dialysate samples were assayed for dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. When infused locally, phentermine preferentially increased extracellular DA, whereas fenfluramine selectively increased extracellular 5-HT. Local administration of chlorphentermine or the PHEN/FEN mixture caused parallel elevations of both transmitters. Analogous results were obtained when the drugs were injected systemically. Phentermine stimulated robust locomotor activity in mice, whereas chlorphentermine and fenfluramine did not. PHEN/FEN caused modest locomotor stimulation after a low dose, but had no effect at the highest dose. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic drug and alcohol abuse is associated with deficits in both DA and 5-HT neuronal function. Thus, dual activation of DA and 5-HT neurotransmission with monoamine releasing agents may be an effective treatment strategy for substance use disorders, as well as for obesity. Synapse 36:102-113, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Peripheral administration of CRF and urocortin: effects on food intake and the HPA axis in the marsupial Sminthopsis crassicaudata

The hypothalamic peptides corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin (UCN) decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure when administered either centrally or peripherally to rodents. The effects of CRF and UCN on food intake in other mammals (for example marsupials), however, are not known. Peripherally administered CRF induced cortisol release in the marsupial Sminthopsis crassicaudata via the CRF1 receptor, and central CRF administration potently decreased food intake, as in rodents. When peripherally administered, both CRF and UCN decreased food intake in S. crassicaudata, but UCN was considerably more potent ( approximately 50 fold) in this regard. The anorectic effects of CRF and UCN were not blocked by the CRF1 receptor antagonist antalarmin, suggesting that the peripheral effects of CRF and UCN on food intake are mediated primarily by the CRF2 receptor.

Synthesis and biological activity of fluoro-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines: the development of potential positron emission tomography imaging agents for the corticotropin-releasing hormone type 1 receptor

A series of fluoro-substituted 4-(dialkylamino)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines was synthesized and their binding affinity for corticotropin-releasing hormone type 1 receptor (CRHR1) was investigated. Compounds 11a and 11b possessed very high CRHR1 affinity (Ki=3.5, 0.91 nM, respectively). They are promising candidates for the development of 18F-containing nonpeptide PET radioligands for CRHR1.

Neurochemical neutralization of methamphetamine with high-affinity nonselective inhibitors of biogenic amine transporters: a pharmacological strategy for treating stimulant abuse

The abuse of methamphetamine (METH) and other amphetamine-like stimulants is a growing problem in the United States. METH is a substrate for the 12-transmembrane proteins which function as transporters for the biogenic amines dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE). Increased release of CNS DA is thought to mediate the addictive effects of METH, whereas increased release of NE in both the peripheral and CNS is thought to mediate its cardiovascular effects. The neurotoxic effects of METH on both dopaminergic and serotonergic nerves requires the transport of METH into the nerve terminals. Thus, transport of METH into nerve terminals is the crucial first step in the production of METH-associated pharmacological and toxicological effects. A single molecular entity which would block the transport of METH at all three biogenic amine transporters might function to neurochemically neutralize METH. This agent would ideally be a high-affinity slowly dissociating agent at all three transporters, and also be amenable to formulation as a long-acting depot medication, such as has been accomplished with an analog of GBR12909. As a first step towards developing such an agent, we established an in vitro assay which selectively detects transporter substrates and used this assay to profile the ability of a lead compound, indatraline, to block the releasing effects of METH and MDMA at the DA, 5-HT, and NE transporters. The major finding reported here is that indatraline blocks the ability of METH and MDMA to release these neurotransmitters. Synapse 35:222-227, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

delta-Opioid receptor agonists produce antinociception and [35S]GTPgammaS binding in mu receptor knockout mice

We examined the effects of [D-Pen(2),D-Pen(5)]enkephalin (DPDPE), [D-Ala(2),Glu(4)]deltorphin (DELT), and (+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha((2S, 5R)-4-Allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N, N-diethylbenzamide (SNC80) on [35S]GTPgammaS binding in brain membranes prepared from micro-opioid receptor knockout (-/-) mice. The potency and maximal response (E(max)) of these agonists were unchanged compared to control mice. In contrast, while the potency of [D-Pen(2),pCl-Phe(4),D-Pen(5)]enkephalin (pCl-DPDPE) was not significantly different, the E(max) was reduced as compared to controls. In the tail-flick test, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intrathecal (i.th.) DELT produced antinociceptive effects in -/- mice with potency that did not differ significantly from controls. In contrast, the antinociceptive potency of i.c.v. and i.th. DPDPE was displaced to the right by 4- and 9-fold in -/- compared to control mice, respectively. Reduced DPDPE antinociceptive potency in -/- mice, taken together with reduced DPDPE- and pCl-DPDPE- stimulated G protein activity in membranes prepared from -/- mice, demonstrate that these agonists require mu-opioid receptors for full activity. However, because DELT mediated G protein activation and antinociception were both comparable between -/- and wild type mice, we conclude that the mu-opioid receptor is not a critical component of delta-opioid receptor function.

Effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on neuronal activity in the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus

The present study examined the regional localization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)- and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-immunoreactive (IR) fibers within the rat dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the effects of CRF, administered intracerebroventricularly (0.1-3.0 micrograms) or intraraphe (0.3-30 ng), on discharge rates of putative 5-HT DRN neurons were quantified using in vivo single unit recording in halothane-anesthetized rats. CRF-IR fibers were present at all rostrocaudal levels of the DRN and exhibited a topographical distribution. CRF produced predominantly inhibitory effects on DRN discharge at lower doses and these effects diminished or became excitatory at higher doses. Inhibition of DRN discharge by CRF was attenuated by the nonselective CRF antagonist, DPheCRF12-41 and the CRF-R1-selective antagonist, antalarmin, implicating the CRF-R1 receptor subtype in these electrophysiological effects. The present findings provide anatomical and physiological evidence for an impact of CRF on the DRN-5HT system.

Pronounced and sustained central hypernoradrenergic function in major depression with melancholic features: relation to hypercortisolism and corticotropin-releasing hormone

Both stress-system activation and melancholic depression are characterized by fear, constricted affect, stereotyped thinking, and similar changes in autonomic and neuroendocrine function. Because norepinephrine (NE) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) can produce these physiological and behavioral changes, we measured the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels each hour for 30 consecutive hours in controls and in patients with melancholic depression. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were obtained every 30 min. Depressed patients had significantly higher CSF NE and plasma cortisol levels that were increased around the clock. Diurnal variations in CSF NE and plasma cortisol levels were virtually superimposable and positively correlated with each other in both patients and controls. Despite their hypercortisolism, depressed patients had normal levels of plasma ACTH and CSF CRH. However, plasma ACTH and CSF CRH levels in depressed patients were inappropriately high, considering the degree of their hypercortisolism. In contrast to the significant negative correlation between plasma cortisol and CSF CRH levels seen in controls, patients with depression showed no statistical relationship between these parameters. These data indicate that persistent stress-system dysfunction in melancholic depression is independent of the conscious stress of the disorder. These data also suggest mutually reinforcing bidirectional links between a central hypernoradrenergic state and the hyperfunctioning of specific central CRH pathways that each are driven and sustained by hypercortisolism. We postulate that alpha-noradrenergic blockade, CRH antagonists, and treatment with antiglucocorticoids may act at different loci, alone or in combination, in the treatment of major depression with melancholic features.

Probes for narcotic receptor mediated phenomena. 26. Synthesis and biological evaluation of diarylmethylpiperazines and diarylmethylpiperidines as novel, nonpeptidic delta opioid receptor ligands

We recently reported (+)-4-¿(alphaR)-alpha-¿(2S,5R)-4-allyl-2, 5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl¿-3-methoxybenzyl-N,N-diethylbenzamide (1b, SNC80) as a novel nonpeptidic delta receptor agonist and explored the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a series of related derivatives. We have found that delta binding activities and selectivity showed little change when the 3-methoxy group in 1b was removed or replaced by the other substituents, whereas the N, N-diethylbenzamide group is important for interaction with the delta receptor. Extensive modification of the piperazine nucleus led to the synthesis of a new series of N, N-diethyl(alpha-piperazinylbenzyl)benzamides (2, 3a-e), N, N-diethyl(alpha-piperidinyl or piperidinylidenebenzyl)benzamides (4a, 5a-c, 6a-b), and related derivatives (4b, 7a-c). Several compounds (2, 3a, 3e, 6a) strongly bound to the delta receptor with K(i) values in the low nanomolar range. On the other hand, the binding affinities of these compounds for the mu and kappa receptors were negligible, indicating excellent delta opioid receptor subtype selectivity. The two nitrogen atoms on the piperazine nucleus showed different SAR in the interaction of this series of compounds at the delta receptor. Nitrogen N(4) appears to be an important structural element and is essential for electrostatic interaction, while N(1) seems to be unnecessary for recognition at the delta receptor.

Delta opioid binding selectivity of 3-ether analogs of naltrindole

Masking of the 3-phenol of naltrindole as a range of ethers caused a decrease in binding affinity at all three opiate receptors (mu, kappa, delta), however for the methyl ether, the reduction in affinity at both mu and kappa was greater than at delta, thereby increasing delta binding selectivity.

Opioid peptide receptor studies. 10. Nor-BNI differentially inhibits kappa receptor agonist-induced G-protein activation in the guinea pig caudate: further evidence of kappa receptor heterogeneity

There is strong evidence supporting the existence of multiple kappa receptors. Previous studies proposed that U69,593 and (+)-tifluadom act on different kappa receptor subtypes, kappa(1) (kappa(1)) and kappa(2) (kappa(2)), respectively. In this study, we investigated the effects of the kappa selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (Nor-BNI) on U69,593- and (+)-tifluadom-induced receptor-mediated stimulation of [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding in the guinea pig caudate. The IC(50) value of Nor-BNI in the presence of a stimulating concentration of U69,593 (1 microM) was 0.19+/-0.02; while the IC(50) for Nor-BNI in the presence of (+)-tifluadom (1 microM) was 13.9+/- 1.62 nM. The mu-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (10,000 nM) significantly reduced (+)-tifluadom-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding in rat brain sections and guinea pig brain membranes, indicating that (+)-tifluadom has mu agonist activity. Under conditions in which the mu agonist activity of (+)-tifluadom was blocked by 1000 nM CTAP the Ki value for Nor-BNI for inhibition of U69,593-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding was 0.036+/-.004 nM, whereas, its Ki value for the (+)-tifluadom-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding was 0.27+/-.015 nM. These results suggest that (+)-tifluadom and U69,593 activate pharmacologically different receptors. This study provides functional evidence in support of kappa receptor heterogeneity.

Oxygenated analogues of 1-[2-(Diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]- and 1-[2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazines (GBR 12935 and GBR 12909) as potential extended-action cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents

An investigation into the preparation of potential extended-release cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents afforded a series of compounds related to 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (1a) and 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (1b) (GBR 12935 and GBR 12909, respectively), which were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their ability to bind to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and to inhibit the uptake of [(3)H]-labeled dopamine (DA). The addition of hydroxy and methoxy substituents to the benzene ring on the phenylpropyl moiety of 1a-1d resulted in a series of potent and selective ligands for the DAT (analogues 5-28). The hydroxyl groups were included to incorporate a medium-chain carboxylic acid ester into the molecules, to form oil-soluble prodrugs, amenable to "depot" injection techniques. The introduction of an oxygen-containing functionality to the propyl side chain provided ketones 29 and 30, which demonstrated greatly reduced affinity for the DAT and decreased potency in inhibiting the uptake of [(3)H]DA, and benzylic alcohols 31-36, which were highly potent and selective at binding to the DAT and inhibiting [(3)H]DA uptake. The enantiomers of 32 (34 and 36) were practically identical in biological testing. Compounds 1b, 32, 34, and 36 all demonstrated the ability to decrease cocaine-maintained responding in monkeys without affecting behaviors maintained by food, with 34 and 36 equipotent to each other and both more potent in behavioral tests than the parent compound 1b. Intramuscular injections of compound 41 (the decanoate ester of racemate 32) eliminated cocaine-maintained behavior for about a month following one single injection, without affecting food-maintained behavior. The identification of analogues 32, 34, and 36, thus, provides three potential candidates for esterification and formulation as extended-release cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents.

Opioid peptide receptor studies. 12. Buprenorphine is a potent and selective mu/kappa antagonist in the [35S]-GTP-gamma-S functional binding assay

We utilized the [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S functional binding assay to determine the selectivity of opioid receptor agonists in guinea pig caudate membranes. The study focused on two opioid agonists used for treating opioid-dependent patients: methadone and buprenorphine. Selective antagonists were used to generate agonist-selective conditions: TIPP + nor-BNI to measure mu receptors, CTAP + nor-BNI to measure gamma receptors and TIPP + CTAP to measure kappa receptors. The assay was first validated with opioid agonists of known subtype specificity (DAMGO for mu, SNC80 for delta, and U69, 593 for kappa receptors). Methadone-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding was mu-specific and less potent and efficacious than etorphine (K(d) = 1,537 nM vs. K(d) = 7.8 nM). Buprenorphine failed to stimulate [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding but inhibited agonist-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding. The antagonist-K(i) values (nM) of buprenorphine at mu, delta, and kappa receptors were 0.088 nM, 1.15 nM, and 0.072 nM, respectively. The antagonist-K(i) values (nM) of naloxone at mu, delta, and kappa receptors were 1.39 nM, 25.0 nM, and 11.4 nM, respectively. Autoradiographic studies showed that buprenorphine failed to stimulate [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding in caudate-level rat brain sections but blocked DAMGO-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding. In cells expressing the cloned rat mu receptor, buprenorphine was a partial agonist and potent mu antagonist. Administration of buprenorphine to rats produced a long-lasting (>24 h) decrease in mu and kappa2 receptor binding and attenuated mu-stimulated [(35)S]-GTP-gamma-S binding. Viewed collectively, these data indicate that, in this assay system, buprenorphine is a potent mu and gamma receptor antagonist. The clinical implications remain to be elucidated. Synapse 34:83-94, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

GBR12909 attenuates amphetamine-induced striatal dopamine release as measured by [(11)C]raclopride continuous infusion PET scans

Major neurochemical effects of methamphetamine include release of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE) via a carrier-mediated exchange mechanism. Preclinical research supports the hypothesis that elevations of mesolimbic DA mediate the addictive and reinforcing effects of methamphetamine and amphetamine. This hypothesis has not been adequately tested in humans. Previous in vivo rodent microdialysis demonstrated that the high affinity DA uptake inhibitor, GBR12909, attenuates cocaine- and amphetamine-induced increases in mesolimbic DA. The present study determined the ability of GBR12909 to attenuate amphetamine-induced increases in striatal DA as measured by [(11)C]raclopride continuous infusion positron emission tomography (PET) scans in two Papio anubis baboons. [(11)C]Raclopride was given in a continuous infusion paradigm resulting in a flat volume of distribution vs. time for up to 45 min postinjection. At that time, a 1.5 mg/kg amphetamine i.v. bolus was administered which caused a significant (30.3%) reduction in the volume of distribution (V(3)"). The percent reduction in the volume of distribution and, hence, a measure of the intrasynaptic DA release ranged between 22-41%. GBR12909 (1 mg/kg, slow i.v. infusion) was administered 90 min before the administration of the radiotracer. The comparison of the volume of distribution before and after administration of GBR12909 showed that GBR12909 inhibited amphetamine-induced DA release by 74%. These experiments suggest that GBR12909 is an important prototypical medication to test the hypothesis that stimulant-induced euphoria is mediated by DA and, if the DA hypothesis is correct, a potential treatment agent for cocaine and methamphetamine abuse. Furthermore, this quantitative approach demonstrates a way of testing various treatment medications, including other forms of GBR12909 such as a decanoate derivative.

Synthesis, opioid receptor binding, and biological activities of naltrexone-derived pyrido- and pyrimidomorphinans

A series of pyrido- and pyrimidomorphinans (6a-h and 7a-g) were synthesized from naltrexone and evaluated for binding and biological activity at the opioid receptors. The unsubstituted pyridine 6a displayed high affinities at opioid delta, mu, and kappa receptors with K(i) values of 0.78, 1.5, and 8.8 nM, respectively. Compound 6a was devoid of agonist activity in the mouse vas deferens (MVD) and guinea pig ileum (GPI) preparations but was found to display moderate to weak antagonist activity in the MVD and GPI with K(e) values of 37 and 164 nM, respectively. The pyrimidomorphinans in general displayed lower binding potencies and delta receptor binding selectivities than their pyridine counterparts. Incorporation of aryl groups as putative delta address mimics on the pyrido- and pyrimidomorphinan framework gave ligands with significant differences in binding affinity and intrinsic activity. Attachment of a phenyl group at the 4'-position of 6a or the equivalent 6'-position of 7a led to dramatic reduction in binding potencies at all the three opioid receptors, indicating the existence of a somewhat similar steric constraint at the ligand binding sites of delta, mu, and kappa receptors. In contrast, the introduction of a phenyl group at the 5'-position of 6a did not cause any reduction in the binding affinity at the delta receptor. In comparison to the unsubstituted pyridine 6a, the 5'-phenylpyridine 6c showed improvements in mu/delta and kappa/delta binding selectivity ratios as well as in the delta antagonist potency in the MVD. Interestingly, introduction of a chlorine atom at the para position of the pendant 5'-phenyl group of 6c not only provided further improvements in delta antagonist potency in the MVD but also shifted the intrinsic activity profile of 6c from an antagonist to that of a mu agonist in the GPI. Compound 6d thus possesses the characteristics of a nonpeptide mu agonist/delta antagonist ligand with high affinity at the delta receptor (K(i) = 2.2 nM), high antagonist potency in the MVD (K(e) = 0.66 nM), and moderate agonist potency in the GPI (IC(50) = 163 nM). Antinociceptive evaluations in mice showed that intracerebroventricular (icv) injections of 6d produced a partial agonist effect in the 55 degrees C tail-flick assay and a full agonist effect in the acetic acid writhing assay (A(50) = 7.5 nmol). No signs of overt toxicity were observed with this compound in the dose ranges tested. Moreover, repeated icv injections of an A(90) dose did not induce any significant development of antinociceptive tolerance in the acetic acid writhing assay. The potent delta antagonist component of this mixed mu agonist/delta antagonist may be responsible for the diminished propensity to produce tolerance that this compound displays.

Discriminative stimulus effects of the nonpeptidic delta-opioid agonist SNC80 in rhesus monkeys

Five rhesus monkeys were trained to discriminate the nonpeptidic, delta-opioid agonist SNC80 (0.32 mg/kg i.m.) from saline by using a food-reinforced drug-discrimination procedure. Cumulative doses of SNC80 produced a dose-dependent increase in SNC80-appropriate responding and a dose-dependent decrease in response rate. In time-course studies, peak effects of the training dose of SNC80 were observed after 15 min, and these effects diminished over 240 min. In substitution studies, other piperazinyl benzamide delta agonists (SNC86, SNC162, and SNC243A) substituted for SNC80 with relative potencies similar those of SNC80. However, SNC67, the (-)-enantiomer of SNC80, did not occasion SNC80-appropriate responding up to a dose (32.0 mg/kg) that produced convulsions in one monkey. The mu agonists morphine and fentanyl and the kappa agonists U-50,488 and enadoline failed to substitute for SNC80 up to doses that eliminated responding. Two nonopioids (the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist ketamine and the monoamine reuptake inhibitor cocaine) also produced primarily saline-appropriate responding. Both the discriminative stimulus and rate-decreasing effects of SNC80 were antagonized by the delta-selective antagonist naltrindole (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) but not by doses of the opioid antagonist quadazocine (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) that block the effects of mu and kappa agonists. These data suggest that the discriminative stimulus effects of SNC80 are mediated by delta-opioid receptors and that the discriminative stimulus effects of delta opioids in primates can be differentiated from the effects of other opioid and nonopioid compounds.

Chronic administration of the non-peptide CRH type 1 receptor antagonist antalarmin does not blunt hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to acute immobilization stress

Antalarmin is a pyrrolopyrimidine compound that antagonizes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) type 1 receptors (CRHR1). In order to assess the effects of antalarmin treatment on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function we measured the plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone in animals treated with either antalarmin or vehicle for 1 week or for 8 weeks. We found that antalarmin treatment for 1 week did not affect basal concentrations of ACTH or corticosterone. In contrast, treatment for 8 weeks significantly lowered basal ACTH and corticosterone concentrations and also significantly decreased the basal corticosterone to ACTH ratio, indicating decreased basal adrenocortical responsiveness to ACTH. However, immobilization stress resulted in ACTH and corticosterone concentrations that were the same in animals treated with vehicle or antalarmin for either 1 or 8 weeks. We conclude that even though 8-week antagonism of CRHR1 by the non-peptide antalarmin blunts basal concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone, and affects the adrenal responsiveness to ACTH, it does not blunt the HPA response to acute stress, and it does not appear to cause stress-induced adrenal insufficiency.

Effect of chronic social stress on delta-opioid receptor function in the rat

Previous studies have shown that stressors modify endogenous opioid systems. However, the consequences of social stress on the function of endogenous opioid systems is not well documented. The present studies investigated the effect of rank and housing condition on response to SNC-80, a delta receptor agonist. Triad-housed rats were assessed for dominance status by their behavior and alteration in body weights. At 3 and 50 days, triad- and individually housed rats were injected with SNC-80 (35 mg/kg i.p.) or saline, and evaluated using a test battery consisting of open field behaviors, rectal temperature, analgesia, and air-puff-induced ultrasonic vocalizations. After 50 days of housing, plasma corticosterone, adrenal catecholamines, and the density of cyclic[D-penicillamine2-D-penicillamine2]enkephalin-stimu lat ed guanylyl 5'-[gamma[35S]thio]-triphosphate binding in the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, arcuate, and median eminence were also determined. The first 24 h of triad housing resulted in loss of body weight in subdominant (betas and gammas) but not dominant alpha rats. SCN-80-induced hypothermia was smaller, and there was no depression of headpoke and locomotor behavior in the periphery and the center of the field of alpha rats, in contrast to subdominant and singly housed rats. Rank status did not influence SNC-80's analgesic effect or its inhibition of air-puff-induced ultrasonic vocalizations. Plasma corticosterone levels of alphas and gammas were lower compared with betas and singly housed rats. Agonist stimulation of delta receptor guanylyl 5'-[gamma[35S]thio]-triphosphate binding was lateralized in prefrontal cortex and amygdala, but not nucleus accumbens. Binding was highest in all brain areas of singly housed rats and lowest in the thalamus of beta and of gamma rats. Lateralized binding in amygdala, high locomotor activity, and sensory sensitivity correlated positively with greater sensitivity to SNC-80-induced depression in these measures. Higher binding in the right amygdala correlated with higher plasma corticosterone levels. These findings indicate that dominant rats displayed stimulant rather than depressant responses to delta-opioid activation. Therefore in rodents rank-related stress can alter responsiveness of the endogenous opioid system, and dominance can increase the excitatory effects of delta agonists.

delta Opioid affinity and selectivity of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyindolomorphinan analogues related to naltrindole

To investigate the effect of the introduction of a 4-phenolic substituent on the delta opioid affinity and selectivity of the indolomorphinans, a range of 4-phenolic analogues of naltrindole were prepared and evaluated in in vitro assays. Although the majority of the ligands displayed poor affinity for all three opioid receptors (mu, kappa, delta), 17-cyclopropylmethyl-6, 7-didehydro-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6,7:2',3'-indolomorphinan (13) was an exception, displaying excellent delta binding selectivity (delta Ki = 7 nM, mu/delta = 1900, mu/kappa = 1130). GTP-gamma-S functional assays showed 13 to be a selective delta antagonist, albeit with lower potency than naltrindole. Although the reason for the unique profile of 13 could not be determined, these results validate our approach of introducing groups into the indolomorphinans that are known to reduce mu activity, to obtain increased delta selectivity.

Doses of GBR12909 that suppress cocaine self-administration in non-human primates substantially occupy dopamine transporters as measured by [11C] WIN35,428 PET scans

GBR12909 (GBR) is a high-affinity, selective, and long-acting inhibitor of dopamine (DA) uptake that produces a persistent and noncompetitive blockade of DA transporters and substantially reduces cocaine-induced increases in extracellular DA in the nucleus accumbens of rats. Prior studies showed that intravenous infusion of GBR to Rhesus monkeys selectively reduced (1 mg/kg) and eliminated (3 mg/kg) cocaine self-administration. This study tested the hypothesis that doses of GBR that reduce cocaine self-administration in nonhuman primates produce significant occupation of DA transporters. DA transporters were quantitated in two baboons using [11C]WIN35,428 and positron emission tomography (PET). Each baboon underwent paired control/blocked PET scans (performed on three separate study days, 3-4 weeks apart). On the first scan the baboon received saline (3 ml/kg) 90 minutes before the injection of the radiotracer. GBR (1 mg/kg i.v.) was infused 90 minutes before the second [11C]WIN 35,428 study. The same experimental design was repeated with GBR doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Doses of 1 (n = 2), 3 mg/kg (n = 2), and 10 mg/kg (n = 2) reduced binding potential by 26, 53, and 72%, respectively. GBR was well tolerated in all baboons. These results demonstrate that doses of GBR that suppress cocaine self-administration in nonhuman primates also produce high occupancy of the DA transporter. These data strongly suggest that occupancy for the DA transporter by GBR explains its ability to attenuate cocaine-induced increases in extracellular DA and to suppress cocaine self-administration. Moreover, these data suggest that experimental human studies of orally administered GBR to test the DA hypothesis of cocaine addiction should use doses that produce at least 70% occupancy of the DA transporter.

Opioid peptide receptor studies, 11: involvement of Tyr148, Trp318 and His319 of the rat mu-opioid receptor in binding of mu-selective ligands

Previous data obtained with the cloned rat mu opioid receptor demonstrated that the "super-potent" opiates, ohmefentanyl (RTI-4614-4) and its four enantiomers, differ in binding affinity, potency, efficacy, and intrinsic efficacy. Molecular modeling (Tang et al., 1996) of fentanyl derivatives binding to the mu receptor suggests that Asp147, Tyr148, Trp318, and His319 are important residues for binding. According to this model, Asp147 interacts with the positively charged opiate agonist to form potent electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions. In this study, the role of weak electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding "pi-pi" interactions of the O atom of the carbonyl group and the phenyl ring structures of RTI-4614-4 and its four enantiomers with residues Tyr148, Trp318, and His319 were explored via site-directed mutagenesis. Tyr148 (in transmembrane helix 3 {TMH3}), Trp318 (TMH7), and His319 (TMH7) were individually replaced with phenylalanine or alanine. Receptors transiently expressed in COS-7 cells were labeled with [125I]IOXY according to published procedures. Mutation of Tyr148 to phenylalanine reduced the binding affinities of some mu-selective agonists (2-7 fold) but did not alter the affinities of DAMGO, naloxone, and the non-selective opiates etorphine and buprenorphine. In contrast, this mutation significantly increased the binding affinities (decreased the Kd values) of [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin, IOXY, and dermorphin. Mutation of Trp318 decreased opioid receptor binding to almost undetectable levels. Substitution of alanine for His319 significantly reduced binding affinities for the opioid ligands tested (1.3- to 48-fold), but did not alter the affinities of naloxone and bremazocine. These results indicate the importance of Tyrl48 and His319 for the binding of fentanyl derivatives to the mu receptor. Functional studies using the mutant receptors will provide additional insight into the mechanism of action of RTI-4614-4 and its four enantiomers.

Effects of phentermine on responding maintained under multiple fixed-ratio schedules of food and cocaine presentation in the rhesus monkey

Drugs that decrease drug-maintained responding at doses that do not decrease other behaviors in animals may be suitable candidates for development as medications to treat drug abuse in humans. The present study examined whether this effect could be obtained with phentermine, a drug that has been reported to decrease cocaine intake in humans. Rhesus monkeys were trained under multiple fixed-ratio 30-response schedules of food and i.v. cocaine delivery. Phentermine was always given as a slow, i.v. infusion. Acute treatment with phentermine (0.3-10 mg/kg) decreased cocaine-maintained responding at doses that did not decrease, or decreased less, food-maintained responding for each of three unit doses of cocaine (10-100 microg/kg/injection). Subacute treatment with phentermine (3 or 5.6 mg/kg, daily) also decreased cocaine-maintained responding more than food-maintained responding. After subacute treatment was terminated, rates of cocaine-maintained responding generally recovered to levels comparable to those seen during untreated control sessions. Phentermine (0.3-3 mg/kg) did not generally increase responding associated with a very low (1 microg/kg/injection) unit dose of cocaine, suggesting that the decrease in cocaine-maintained responding at higher unit doses was not the result of a leftward shift in the cocaine unit dose-effect function. Phentermine (0.1-3 mg/kg) decreased responding maintained by 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl) methoxy]ethyl]-4-[3-phenylpropyl] piperazine (GBR 12909) (30 microg/kg/injection) at doses similar to those that decreased food-maintained responding. These results show that phentermine is effective in decreasing cocaine self-administration and suggest that it may be an effective medication for cocaine abuse.

Stereoselective mu- and delta-opioid receptor-related antinociception and binding with (+)-thebaine

In vivo and in vitro binding studies with natural thebaine and its enantiomer, (+)-thebaine were conducted to elucidate further their interactions with the opioid system. (-)-Thebaine a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of morphine in the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum) and in mammalian tissue, was poorly effective antinociceptively in mice at doses to 30 mg/kg. Its principal behavioral manifestation was lethal convulsions. Naltrindole, at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg did not block either the convulsions or lethal effects, suggesting that the delta-opioid receptor system was not involved in this action. Surprisingly, the dextrorotatory isomer exhibited significant antinociceptive activity in the tail-flick [ED50 = 8.9 (3.4-22.1) mg/kg], hot-plate [ED50 = 22.9 (10.9-48.1) mg/kg] and phenylquinone [ED50) = 1.9 (1.6-9.5) mg/kg] assays. Studies with opioid receptor-subtype antagonists, beta-funaltrexamine, nor-binaltorphimine and naltrindole, indicated that antinociception was associated with mu- and delta-opioid receptors. Results of displacement experiments supported the in vivo data. Significant competition for [3H]diprenorphine binding with both isomers for cloned mu- and delta-opioid receptors was observed. However, (-)-thebaine was more effective at the delta-opioid receptor (Ki = 1.02+/-0.01 microM) whereas (+)-thebaine was more effective at the mu-opioid receptor ( Ki = 2.75+/-0.01 microM). Opioid-induced antinociception associated with unnatural thebaine raises the possibility of additional mu- and delta-opioid receptor sites.

Characterization of novel N,N'-disubstituted piperazines as sigma receptor ligands

sigma Receptors have been the focus of extensive studies because of their potential functional role in several important physiological and biochemical processes. To further evaluate the properties of sigma receptors, especially sigma-1 and sigma-2 subtypes, we have synthesized a series of N,N'-disubstituted piperazine compounds (1-32). The design of these compounds was based upon the early structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the minimum structural requirements of a molecule necessary to elicit sigma receptor binding activity. In the N-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine series, compounds with the ethylenediamine moiety (8-11, 15-17) showed 6-20-fold higher affinity for sigma-1 and 2-40-fold higher affinity for sigma-2 relative to their corresponding amides (1-7). The (m-nitrophenethyl)piperazine 10 exhibits a subnanomolar affinity for the sigma-1 site, whereas the corresponding o-nitro compound 9 shows the highest affinity for the sigma-2 site (Ki = 4.9 nM). Compounds with a free amino terminus were designed as precursors for use as bioconjugated affinity compounds. Some of these compounds displayed high affinity for sigma-1 and moderate affinity for sigma-2 sites and are currently used for the purification and characterization of the receptor subtypes.

Rat natural killer cell, T cell and macrophage functions after intracerebroventricular injection of SNC 80

We investigated the effects of (+)-4-[(alpha R)-alpha-((2S, 5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N, N-diethylbenzamide (SNC 80), a nonpeptidic delta-opioid receptor-selective agonist, on rat leukocyte functions. Intracerebroventricular injection of SNC 80 (20 nmol) in Fischer 344N male rats did not affect splenic natural killer cell activity compared with intracerebroventricular saline-injected controls. SNC 80 also had no effect on concanavalin A-, anti-T cell receptor-, interleukin-2- and anti-T cell receptor + interleukin-2-induced splenic and thymic lymphocyte proliferation in most experiments. In some experiments, however, SNC 80 significantly (P < .01) caused a 41 to 93% increase of concanavalin A-, anti-T cell receptor-, interleukin-2- and anti-T cell receptor + interleukin-2-induced splenic lymphocyte proliferation compared to controls. Additionally, SNC 80 did not significantly affect splenic T cell or natural killer cell populations as measured by the expression of T cell receptoralphabeta, and T helper (CD4), T suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8) and natural killer cell surface markers. Finally, SNC 80 did not affect interferon-gamma- or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced splenic nitric oxide, and LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by splenic macrophages. These results suggest that SNC 80 could be useful in the treatment of pain without suppressing immune function. However, the potential immunoenhancing properties of SNC 80 may be also valuable in immunocompromised individuals.