Defective D1-like receptor-mediated inhibition of the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in immortalized SHR proximal tubular epithelial cells

The sensitivity of the Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger to dopamine D(1)- and D(2)-like receptor stimulation in immortalized renal proximal tubular epithelial cells from the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) was examined. The activity of the Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger (in pH U/s) in SHR cells (0.00191) was greater than in WKY cells (0.00126). The activity of Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger was exclusively observed at the apical cell side and probably occurs through the SLC26A6 anion transporter that is expressed in both WKY and SHR cells. Stimulation of D(1)-like receptors with SKF-38393 markedly attenuated the HCO(3)(-)-dependent intracellular pH recovery in WKY cells but not in SHR cells. Stimulation of D(2)-like receptors with quinerolane did not alter Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger activity in both WKY and SHR cells. The selective D(1)-like receptor antagonist SKF-83566 prevented the effect of SKF-38393. Both WKY and SHR cells responded to dibutyryl-cAMP (DBcAMP) with inhibition of the Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger, and downregulation of PKA (overnight exposure to DBcAMP) abolished the inhibitory effect of both DBcAMP and SKF-38393 in WKY cells. Both SHR and WKY cells responded to forskolin with increases in the formation of cAMP. However, only WKY responded to SKF-38393 with increases in the formation of cAMP that was prevented by SKF-83566. It is concluded that WKY cells respond to D(1)-like dopamine receptor stimulation with inhibition of the apical Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) (SLC26A6) exchanger and SHR cells have a defective D(1)-like dopamine response.

Differential substrate specificity of monoamine oxidase in the rat heart and renal cortex

Although it is known that substrate specificities differ with species and within each species with the tissues, in the rat heart no natural substrate was found for MAO-B. beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA) has always been considered the "endogenous" substrate of MAO B. We thought worthwide to evaluate the effect of Ro 41-1049 and lazabemide, both members of a class of highly selective, mechanism-based and reversible inhibitors for MAO-A and MAO B, respectively on the metabolization of beta-PEA by the rat heart. Also the lack of molecular data on rat heart MAOs, prompted us to better characterize rat heart MAOs, both kinetically and using molecular biology techniques. K(m) values for deamination of beta-PEA in the rat heart were 13-fold those in the kidney, by contrast, K(m) values for deamination of 5-HT were quite similar in both tissues. Unexpectedly, the selective MAO-A inhibitor Ro 41-1049 was by far the most potent inhibitor of beta-PEA (20 microM) deamination in the rat heart, while clorgyline, another MAO A inhibitor, and lazabemide, a MAO B inhibitor, had intermediate efficacy; selegiline was found unable to inhibit deamination of beta-PEA. In the rat renal cortex lazabemide and selegiline both inhibited beta-PEA deamination. The reduction of beta-PEA concentration to just 200 nM, the use of heart membranes instead of tissue homogenates or the use of heart membranes pre-treated with 1% digitonine failed to change this pattern of inhibition. Semicarbazide was found not to alter deamination of beta-PEA. Western blot showed the presence of both isoforms (55 kd and 61 kd) in the renal cortex. In the heart there was a predominance of the A form, the B form being undetected. The RT-PCR products for both MAO-A and MAO-B, were found to have the expected sizes. In conclusion, we found mRNA for MAO-B but were unable to detect the protein itself or its activity when using beta-PEA as the substrate.

Molecular modeling and metabolic studies of the interaction of catechol-O-methyltransferase and a new nitrocatechol inhibitor

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, EC 2.1.1.6) plays a central role in the metabolic inactivation of neurotransmitters and neuroactive xenobiotics possessing a catechol motif. 1-(3,4-Dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-2-phenyl-ethanone (BIA 3-202) is a novel nitrocatechol-type inhibitor of COMT, the potential clinical benefit of which is currently being evaluated in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In the present work we characterize the molecular interactions of BIA 3-202 within the active site of COMT and discuss their implication on the regioselectivity of metabolic O-methylation. Unrestrained flexible-docking simulations suggest that the solution structure of this complex is better described as an ensemble of alternative binding modes, in contrast to the well defined bound configuration revealed by the X-ray structures of related nitrocatechol inhibitors, co-crystallized with COMT. The docking results wherein presented are well supported by experimental evidence, where the pattern of in vitro enzymatic O-methylation and O-demethylation reactions are analyzed. We propose a plausible explanation for the paradoxical in vivo regioselectivity of O-methylation of BIA 3-202, as well as of its related COMT inhibitor tolcapone. Both compounds undergo in vivo O-methylation by COMT at either meta or para catechol hydroxyl groups. However, results herein presented suggest that, in a subsequent step, the p-O-methyl derivatives are selectively demethylated by a microsomal enzyme system. The overall balance is the accumulation of the m-O-methylated metabolites over the para-regioisomers. The implications for the general recognition of nitrocatechol-type inhibitors by COMT and the regioselectivity of their metabolic O-methylation are discussed.

Mice lacking D5 dopamine receptors have increased sympathetic tone and are hypertensive

Dopamine is an important transmitter in the CNS and PNS, critically regulating numerous neuropsychiatric and physiological functions. These actions of dopamine are mediated by five distinct receptor subtypes. Of these receptors, probably the least understood in terms of physiological functions is the D5 receptor subtype. To better understand the role of the D5 dopamine receptor (DAR) in normal physiology and behavior, we have now used gene-targeting technology to create mice that lack this receptor subtype. We find that the D5 receptor-deficient mice are viable and fertile and appear to develop normally. No compensatory alterations in other dopamine receptor subtypes were observed. We find, however, that the mutant mice develop hypertension and exhibit significantly elevated blood pressure (BP) by 3 months of age. This hypertension appears to be caused by increased sympathetic tone, primarily attributable to a CNS defect. Our data further suggest that this defect involves an oxytocin-dependent sensitization of V1 vasopressin and non-NMDA glutamatergic receptor-mediated pathways, potentially within the medulla, leading to increased sympathetic outflow. These results indicate that D5 dopamine receptors modulate neuronal pathways regulating blood pressure responses and may provide new insights into mechanisms for some forms of essential hypertension in humans, a disease that afflicts up to 25% of the aged adult population in industrialized societies.

Oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms of neuronal cell death and apoptosis by L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and dopamine

1. The present study was designed to evaluate the nature of intervening agents in L-DOPA- and dopamine-induced neurotoxicity in Neuro-2A cells. 2. In the absence of cells and in conditions of light protection, at 37 degrees C, L-DOPA or dopamine (1 mM) in culture medium degraded spontaneously in a time-dependent manner, this being prevented by ascorbic acid (200 microM) and other antioxidants, namely glutathione (1 mM), N-acetyl-L-cysteine (1 mM), sodium metabisulphite (200 microM), but not N-ter-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone (1 mM) and deferoxamine (100 microM). 3. The viability of Neuro-2A cells declined following treatment with L-DOPA or dopamine in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The decrease in cell viability by L-DOPA (10+/-4% of control) or dopamine (15+/-4% of control) was markedly attenuated by antioxidants (ascorbic acid, glutathione, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and sodium metabisulphite). Autoxidation of L-DOPA or dopamine was accompanied by the formation of H(2)O(2) in a time-dependent manner, this being completely prevented by ascorbic acid at 24 h or markedly reduced at 48 h. 4. Protective effects of 100 U ml(-1) catalase (40+/-1% of control) against L-DOPA-induced cell death were lower than those conferred by 200 microM ascorbic acid (70+/-3% of control). Catalase-induced protection (59+/-5% of control) against dopamine-induced cell death was similar to that conferred by 200 microM ascorbic acid (57+/-4% of control). L-DOPA-induced neuronal cell death was also accompanied by increases in caspase-3 activity, this being insensitive to ascorbic acid. Dopamine-induced increase in caspase-3 activity occurred only when autoxidation of the amine was prevented by ascorbic acid. 5. It is suggested that in addition to generation of H(2)O(2) and quinone formation, L-DOPA- and dopamine-induced cell death may result from induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by increases in caspase-3 activity. Dopamine per se induces apoptosis by a mechanism independent of oxidative stress, as evidenced by the fact that increases in caspase-3 activity occurred only when autoxidation of the amine was prevented.

Intestinal dopaminergic activity in obese and lean Zucker rats: response to high salt intake

The present study examined intestinal dopaminergic activity and its response to high salt (HS, 1% NaCl over a period of 24 hours) intake in obese (OZR) and lean Zucker rats (LZR). The basal Na+,K+-ATPase activity (nmol Pi/mg protein/min) in the jejunum of OZR was higher than in LZR on normal salt (NS) (OZR-NS = 111.3 +/- 6.0 vs. LZR-NS = 88.0 +/- 8.3). With the increase in salt intake, the basal Na+,K+-ATPase activity significantly increased in both animals (OZR-HS = 145.9 +/- 11.8; LZR-HS = 108.8 +/- 6.7). SKF 38393 (10 nM), a specific D1-like dopamine receptor agonist, inhibited the jejunal Na+,K+-ATPase activity in OZR on HS intake, but failed to inhibit enzyme activity in OZR on NS intake and LZR on NS and HS intakes. The aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) activity in OZR was lower than in LZR on NS intake. The HS intake increased AADC activity in OZR, but not in LZR. During the NS intake the jejunal monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in OZR was similar to that in LZR. The HS intake significantly decreased MAO activity in both OZR and LZR. The jejunal COMT activity in OZR was higher than in LZR on NS intake. The HS intake reduced COMT activity in OZR but not LZR. It is concluded that inhibition of jejunal Na+,K+-ATPase activity through D1 dopamine receptors is dependent on salt intake in OZR, whereas in LZR, the enzyme failed to respond to the activation of D1 dopamine receptors irrespective of their salt intake.

Regulation of apical transporter of L-DOPA in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

The present study examined the nature of the apical inward L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) transporter in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, and whether protein kinases modulate the activity of this transporter. The apical inward transfer of L-DOPA was promoted through an energy-dependent and sodium-insensitive transporter (Km=33 microM; Vmax=2932 pmol/mg protein/6 min). This transporter was insensitive to N-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid, but competitively inhibited by 2-aminobicyclo(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH; IC50=83 microM). The organic cation inhibitor decynium 24 failed to affect the accumulation of L-DOPA, whereas the organic anion inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocynatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) competitively inhibited L-DOPA uptake (IC50=83 microM). However, the apical-to-basal and basal-to-apical transepithelial transport and the cell accumulation of [3H]-PAH was close to that of [14C]-sorbitol and insensitive to DIDS (300 microM). Modulators of protein kinase A (PKA) [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), forskolin, H-89 and cholera toxin], protein kinase G (PKG) [cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP), zaprinast, LY 83583 and sodium nitroprusside] and protein kinase C (PKC) (phorbol 12,13-dibutirate and chelerythrine) failed to affect the accumulation of L-DOPA. The Ca2+/calmodulin inhibitors calmidazolium and trifluoperazine inhibited L-DOPA uptake (IC50s of 53 and 252 microM, respectively), but the rise of intracellular Ca2+ by A23187 (1 microM) and thapsigargin (1 microM) played no role on L-DOPA uptake. It is concluded that Caco-2 cells take up L-DOPA over the apical cell border through the sodium-independent and pH-sensitive L-type amino acid transporter.

Role of cAMP-PKA-PLC signaling cascade on dopamine-induced PKC-mediated inhibition of renal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity

We studied the molecular events set into motion by stimulation of D(1)-like receptors downstream of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, while measuring apical-to-basal ouabain-sensitive, amphotericin B-induced increases in short-circuit current in opossum kidney (OK) cells. The D(1)-like receptor agonist SKF-38393 decreased Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity (IC(50), 130 nM). This effect was prevented by the D(1)-like receptor antagonist SKF-83566, overnight cholera toxin treatment, the protein kinase A (PKA) antagonist H-89, or the PKC antagonist chelerythrine, but not the mitogen-activated PK inhibitor PD-098059 or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY-294002. Dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP) and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) both effectively reduced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. PKA downregulation abolished the inhibitory effects of SKF-38393 and DBcAMP but not those of PDBu. PKC downregulation abolished inhibition by PDBu, SKF-38393, and DBcAMP. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 prevented inhibition by SKF-38393 and DBcAMP. However, DBcAMP increased PLC activity. Although OK cells express both G(s)alpha and G(q/11)alpha proteins, D(1)-like receptors are coupled to G(s)alpha proteins only, as evidenced by studies in cells treated overnight with specific antibodies raised against G(s)alpha and G(q/11)alpha proteins. We conclude that PLC and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase are effector proteins for PKA and PKC, respectively, after stimulation of D(1)-like receptors coupled to G(s)alpha proteins, in a sequence of events that begins with adenylyl cyclase-PKA system activation followed by PLC-PKC system activation.

Dopamine-induced inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity requires integrity of actin cytoskeleton in opossum kidney cells

The present study evaluated the importance of the association between Na+-K+-ATPase and the actin cytoskeleton on dopamine-induced inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity. The approach used measures the transepithelial transport of Na+ in monolayers of opossum kidney (OK) cells, when the Na+ delivered to Na+-K+-ATPase was increased at the saturating level by amphotericin B. The maximal amphotericin B (1.0 microg mL-1) induced increase in short-circuit current (Isc) was prevented by ouabain (100 microM) or removal of apical Na+. Dopamine (1 microM) applied from the apical side significantly decreased (29 +/- 5% reduction) the amphotericin B-induced increase in Isc, this being prevented by the D1-like receptor antagonist SKF 83566 (1 microM) and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine (1 microM). Exposure of OK cells to cytochalasin B (1 microM) or cytochalasin D (1 microM), inhibitors of actin polymerization, from both cell sides reduced by 31 +/- 4% and 36 +/- 3% the amphotericin B-induced increase in Isc and abolished the inhibitory effect of apical dopamine (1 microM), but not that of the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu; 100 nM). Colchicine (1 microM) failed to alter the inhibitory effects of dopamine. The relationship between Na+-K+-ATPase and the concentration of extracellular Na+ showed a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 44.1 +/- 13.7 mM and a Vmax of 49.6 +/- 4.8 microA cm-2 in control monolayers. In the presence of apical dopamine (1 microM) or cytochalasin B (1 microM) Vmax values were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced without changes in Km values. These results are the first, obtained in live cells, showing that the PKC-dependent inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase activity by dopamine requires the integrity of the association between actin cytoskeleton and Na+-K+-ATPase.

Regulation of [(3)H]MPP(+) transport by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation pathways in RBE4 cells: role of ecto-alkaline phosphatase

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the uptake of organic cations. The experiments were performed using RBE4 cells, an immortalized, rat brain microvessel endothelial cell line, an in vitro model of the BBB. The modulation of the uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), a model organic cation, at the apical membrane of RBE4 cells was studied. Agents that stimulate protein kinase A, but not protein kinase C, produced a moderate inhibition (approximately 18% reduction) of uptake of [(3)H]MPP(+) by RBE4 cells. Okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein serine/threonine phosphatase, did not affect uptake of (3)H-MPP(+), but the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) inhibitor levamisole markedly reduced (3)H-MPP(+) uptake. The activity of membrane-bound ALP expressed on the apical surface of RBE4 cells was studied at pH 7.4 using p-nitrophenylphosphate as substrate. Kaempferol, progesterone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, all- trans-retinoic acid and iron stimulated ecto-ALP activity and uptake of [(3)H]MPP(+) in RBE4. Orthovanadate (a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor) markedly inhibited both ecto-ALP activity and uptake of [(3)H]MPP(+) by RBE4 cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that apical transporter(s) of MPP(+) in RBE4 cells may be under the control of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanisms, being active in the dephosphorylated state. A physiological role for ALP in the modulation of organic cation transport in the BBB is suggested.

L-type amino acid transporters in two intestinal epithelial cell lines function as exchangers with neutral amino acids

The present study examined the functional characteristics of the inward [(14)C]-L-leucine transporter in two intestinal epithelial cell lines (human Caco-2 and rat IEC-6). The uptake of [(14)C]-L-leucine was largely promoted through an energy-dependent and sodium-insensitive transporter, although a minor component of [(14)C]-L-leucine uptake ( approximately 15%) required extracellular sodium. [(14)C] -L-leucine uptake was insensitive to N-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid, but competitively inhibited by 2-aminobicyclo(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH). Both L- and D-neutral amino acids, but not acidic and basic amino acids, markedly inhibited [(14)C]-L-leucine accumulation. The efflux of [(14)C]-L-leucine was markedly increased (P < 0.05) by L-leucine and BCH, but not by L-arginine. In IEC-6 cells, but not in Caco-2 cells, the uptake of [(14)C]-L-leucine at acidic pH (5.0 and 5.4) was greater (P < 0.05) than at pH 7.4. In conclusion, it is likely that system B(0) might be responsible for the sodium-dependent uptake of L-leucine in Caco-2 and IEC-6 cells, whereas sodium-independent uptake of L-leucine may include system LAT1, whose activation results in transstimulation of L-leucine outward transfer.

Modulation of insulin transport in rat brain microvessel endothelial cells by an ecto-phosphatase activity

The physiological function of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) remains controversial. It was recently suggested that this membrane-bound enzyme has a role in the modulation of transmembranar transport systems into hepatocytes and Caco-2 cells. ALP activity expressed on the apical surface of blood-brain barrier cells, and its relationship with (125)I-insulin internalization were investigated under physiological conditions using p-nitrophenylphosphate (p-NPP) as substrate. For this, an immortalized cell line of rat capillary cerebral endothelial cells (RBE4 cells) was used. ALP activity and (125)I-insulin internalization were evaluated in these cells. The results showed that RBE4 cells expressed ALP, characterized by an ecto-oriented active site which was functional at physiological pH. Orthovanadate (100 microM), an inhibitor of phosphatase activities, decreased both RBE4-ALP activity and (125)I-insulin internalization. In the presence of L-arginine (1 mM) or adenosine (100 microM) RBE4-ALP activity and (125)I-insulin, internalization were significantly reduced. However, D-arginine (1 mM) had no significant effect. Additionally, RBE4-ALP activity and (125)I-insulin internalization significantly increased in the presence of the bioflavonoid kaempferol (100 microM), of the phorbol ester PMA (80 nM), IBMX (1 mM), progesterone (200 microM and 100 microM), beta-estradiol (100 microM), iron (100 microM) or in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) (10 microM). The ALP inhibitor levamisole (500 microM) was able to reduce (125)I-insulin internalization to 69.1 +/- 7.1% of control. Our data showed a positive correlation between ecto-ALP activity and (125)I-insulin incorporation (r = 0.82; P < 0.0001) in cultured rat brain endothelial cells, suggesting that insulin entry into the blood-brain barrier may be modulated through ALP.

Na+-independent transporters, LAT-2 and b0,+, exchange L-DOPA with neutral and basic amino acids in two clonal renal cell lines

The present study examined the functional characteristics of L-DOPA transporters in two functionally different clonal subpopulations of opossum kidney (OKLC and OKHC) cells. The uptake of L-DOPA was largely Na+-independent, though in OKHC cells a minor component (approximately 15%) required extracellular Na+. At least two Na+-independent transporters appear to be involved in L-DOPA uptake. One of these transporters has a broad specificity for small and large neutral amino acids, is stimulated by acid pH and inhibited by 2-aminobicyclo(2,2,l)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH; OKLC, Ki = 291 mM; OKHC, Ki = 380 mM). The other Na+-independent transporter binds neutral and basic amino acids and also recognizes the di-amino acid cystine. [14C]-L-DOPA efflux from OKLC and OKHC cells over 12 min corresponded to a small amount of intracellular [14C]-L-DOPA. L-Leucine, nonlabelled L-DOPA, BCH and L-arginine, stimulated the efflux of [14C]-L-DOPA in a Na+-independent manner. It is suggested that L-DOPA uses at least two major transporters, systems LAT-2 and b0,+. The transport of L-DOPA by LAT-2 corresponds to a Na+-independent transporter with a broad specificity for small and large neutral amino acids, stimulated by acid pH and inhibited by BCH. The transport of L-DOPA by system b0,+ is a Na+-independent transporter for neutral and basic amino acids that also recognizes cystine. LAT-2 was found equally important at the apical and basolateral membranes, whereas system b0,+ had a predominant distribution in apical membranes.

Impaired synthesis or cellular storage of norepinephrine, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in human inflammatory bowel disease

The present study was aimed at evaluating the extent of dysfunction of the enteroendocrine and enteric nervous system, as indicated by changes in tissue levels of monoamines (dopamine, DA; norepinephrine, NE; 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and their precursors and metabolites in the colonic mucosa of patients afflicted with ulcerative colitis (UC, N = 21) and Crohn's disease (CD, N = 22). In CD, but not in UC, NE tissue levels in both the noninflamed and inflamed colonic mucosa were markedly lower than in control subjects (N = 16). In the inflamed mucosa of CD and in UC patients levels of L-DOPA were twice those in controls. DA levels in the inflamed mucosa of CD and UC patients were markedly lower than in controls. This resulted in significant reductions in DA/L-DOPA tissue ratios, a rough measure of L-amino acid decarboxylase activity. 5-HT levels in the inflamed mucosa of CD and UC patients were markedly lower than in controls. In conclusion, intestinal cellular structures responsible for the synthesis and storage of DA, NE, and 5-HT may have been affected by the associated inflammatory process in both CD and UC.

Expression and characterization of rat soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase fusion protein

Rat soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase cDNA was cloned into the pCAL-n-FLAG vector and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with a calmodulin-binding peptide tag. The recombinant protein, comprising up to 30% of the total protein in the soluble fraction of E. coli, was purified by calmodulin affinity chromatography and gel filtration. Up to 16 mg of pure recombinant enzyme was recovered per liter of culture. Recombinant catechol-O-methyltransferase, in the bacterial soluble fraction, exhibited the same affinity for adrenaline as rat liver soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase (K(m) 428 [246, 609] microM and 531 [330, 732] microM, respectively), as well as the same affinity for the methyl donor, S-adenosyl-l-methionine (K(m) 27 [9, 45] microM and 38 [21, 55] microM, respectively). In addition, both the recombinant and the liver enzymes displayed the same sensitivity to the inhibitor 3,5-dinitrocatechol (IC(50) 132 [44, 397] nM and 74 [38, 143] nM, respectively), and both had the same catalytic number, respectively, 10.1 +/- 1.5 min(-1) and 8.3 +/- 0.3 min(-1). The purified recombinant enzyme also displayed the same affinity for the substrate as the purified rat liver catechol-O-methyltransferase (K(m) 336 [75, 597] microM and 439 [168, 711] microM, respectively) as well as the same inhibitor sensitivity (IC(50) 44 [19, 101] nM and 61 [33, 111] nM, respectively). This recombinant form of catechol-O-methyltransferase is kinetically identical to the rat liver enzyme. This system provides an easy and quick way of obtaining large amounts of soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase for both pharmacological and structural studies.

Salt intake and intestinal dopaminergic activity in adult and old Fischer 344 rats

We have earlier shown that the renal dopaminergic system failed to respond to high salt (HS) intake in old (24-month-old) Fisher 344 rats (Hypertension 1999;34:666-672). In the present study, intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase activity and intestinal dopaminergic tonus were evaluated in adult and old Fischer 344 rats during normal salt (NS) and HS intake. Basal intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase activity (nmol Pi/mg protein/min) in adult rats (142+/-6) was higher than in old Fischer 344 rats (105+/-7). HS intake reduced intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase activity by 20% (P<0.05) in adult, but not in old rats. Dopamine (1 microM) failed to inhibit intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase activity in both adult and old Fischer 344 rats (NS and HS diets). In adult animals, co-incubation of pertussis toxin with dopamine (1 microM) produced a significant inhibitory effect in the intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase activity. L-DOPA and dopamine tissue levels in the intestinal mucosa of adult rats were higher (45+/-9 and 38+/-4 pmol/g) than those in old rats (27+/-9 and 14+/-1 pmol/g). HS diet did not change L-DOPA and DA levels in both adult and old rats. DA/L-DOPA tissue ratios, an indirect measure of dopamine synthesis, were higher in old (1.1+/-0.2) than in adult rats (0.6+/-0.1). Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) activity in the intestinal mucosa of old rats was higher than in adult rats. HS diet increased the AADC activity in adult rats, but not in old rats. It is concluded that intestinal dopaminergic tonus in old Fisher 344 rats is higher than in adult rats and is accompanied by lower basal intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase activity. In old rats, HS diet failed to alter the intestinal dopaminergic tonus or Na+,K+-ATPase activity, whereas in adult rats increases in AADC activity were accompanied by decreases in Na+,K+-ATPase activity. The association between salt intake, increased dopamine formation and inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase at the intestinal level was not as straightforward as that described in renal tissues.

Comparative study on sodium transport and Na+,K+-ATPase activity in Caco-2 and rat jejunal epithelial cells: effects of dopamine

The present study reports on the effects of dopamine on sodium transepithelial transport and Na+,K+-ATPase activity in Caco-2 cells, a human epithelial intestinal cell line which undergoes enterocyte differentiation in culture, and jejunal epithelial cells from 20 day old Wistar rats. Addition of amphotericin B to the mucosal side stimulated Isc in a concentration dependent manner (Caco-2 cells, EC50=0.9 [0.5, 1.7] microM; rat jejunum, EC50=7.4 [0.8; 70.1] microM). The presence of 1 microM dopamine did not change the effect of amphotericin B in Caco-2 cells, but produced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the maximal effect of amphotericin B in the rat jejunum. Dopamine (1 microM), added to the serosal side, did not change the Isc profile in Caco-2 cells, but produced a significant increase in the rat jejunum. This effect was antagonized by SKF 83566 (1 microM), but not S-sulpiride (1 microM), and was mimicked by SKF 38393 (10 nM), but not by quinerolane (10 nM). Basal Na+,K+-ATPase activity (in nmol Pi mg protein(-1) min(-1)) in Caco-2 cells (49.5+/-0.2) was similar to that observed in isolated rat jejunal epithelial cells (52.3+/-3.4). Dopamine (1 microM) significantly (P<0.05) decreased Na+,K+-ATPase activity in rat jejunal epithelial cells, but failed to inhibit Na+,K+-ATPase in Caco-2 cells. This effect of dopamine was antagonized by SKF 83566 (1 microM), but not S-sulpiride (1 microM), and was mimicked by SKF 38393 (10 nM), but not by quinerolane (10 nM). The specific binding of [3H]-Sch 23390 to the rat intestinal mucosa was saturable with an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of 2.4 (0.4; 4.5) nM and maximum receptor density of 259.8+/-32.6 fmol/mg protein. No significant specific binding of [3H]-Sch 23390 was observed in membranes from Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the results obtained show that D1-like receptor mediated effects of dopamine in the rat jejunum on sodium absorption are absent in Caco-2 cells, most probably because this cell line does not express D1-like dopamine receptors, which ultimately are responsible for the inhibitory effect of the amine upon intestinal Na+,K+-ATPase.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic characterization of catechol-O-methyltransferase in complex with its cosubstrate and an inhibitor

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the metabolism of catecholamines, catechol steroids and xenobiotic catechols. A precise knowledge of the enzyme-inhibitor structural interactions could help in the design of better inhibitors. Soluble rat COMT was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant protein was crystallized with a new tight-binding inhibitor, BIA 3-335 [1-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(n-3'-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine-1-propanone dihydrochloride]. The crystals were obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 6K as a precipitant. These crystals diffracted to better than 1.9 A and belong to the trigonal space group P3(2)21. The unit-cell parameters for the crystal measured at room temperature were a = b = 51.5, c = 168.3 A; each shrank by about 1 A on freezing.

BIA 3-202, a novel catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, enhances the availability of L-DOPA to the brain and reduces its O-methylation

1-[3,4-Dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl]-2-phenyl-ethanone (BIA 3-202) is a new long-acting catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor with limited access to the brain. The present study evaluated the interference of BIA 3-202 upon levels of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and metabolites in plasma (3-O-methyl-L-DOPA) and brain [3-O-methyl-L-DOPA, dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA)] in rats orally treated with L-DOPA (20 mg/kg) plus benserazide (30 mg/kg). At different time points (1, 3 and 6 h) after the administration of BIA 3-202 (0, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg) or L-DOPA plus benserazide, rats were sacrificed and the right striatum was quickly dissected out and stored for the assay of L-DOPA, 3-O-methyl-L-DOPA, dopamine and amine metabolites. Levels of L-DOPA, 3-O-methyl-L-DOPA, dopamine, DOPAC and HVA in the striatum in L-DOPA plus benserazide-treated rats were higher than in vehicle-treated rats. However, this increase in striatal L-DOPA, dopamine, DOPAC and HVA was, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, even higher (P<0.05) in rats given BIA 3-202 (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg). This effect was accompanied by a marked decrease in 3-O-methyl-L-DOPA levels in the striatum of L-DOPA plus benserazide-treated rats. Increases in levels of L-DOPA and decreases in 3-O-methyl-L-DOPA levels in plasma also accompanied the administration of BIA 3-202. BIA 3-202 did not significantly affect levels of DOPAC and HVA in the striatum in vehicle-treated rats. It is concluded that administration of BIA 3-202 enhances the availability of L-DOPA to the brain by reducing its O-methylation in the periphery, which may prove beneficial in parkinsonian patients treated with L-DOPA plus an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor.

Inhibition of glutamate release by BIA 2-093 and BIA 2-024, two novel derivatives of carbamazepine, due to blockade of sodium but not calcium channels

We investigated the mechanism(s) of action of two new putative antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), (S)-(-)-10-acetoxy-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide (BIA 2-093) and 10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxyimino-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide (BIA 2-024), by comparing their effects on the release of endogenous glutamate in hippocampal synaptosomes, with those of carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXC). The AEDs inhibited the release of glutamate evoked by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) or veratridine in a concentration-dependent manner, being CBZ more potent than the other AEDs. Using conditions of stimulation (30 mM KCl), where Na(+) channels are inactivated, the AEDs did not inhibit either the Ca(2+)-dependent or -independent release of glutamate. The results indicate that BIA 2-093 and BIA 2-024 have sodium channel-blocking properties, but CBZ and OXC are more potent than the new AEDs. Moreover, the present data also indicate that Ca(2+) channels coupled to the exocytotic release of glutamate and the activity of the glutamate transporter were not affected by the AEDs.

D1-like dopamine receptor activation and natriuresis by nitrocatechol COMT inhibitors

BACKGROUND

In recent years, several nitrocatechol derivatives (tolcapone, entacapone, and nitecapone) have been developed and found to be highly selective and potent inhibitors of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). More recently, natriuretic properties were described for two of these compounds (entacapone and nitecapone), although this was not accompanied by enhanced urinary excretion of dopamine. We hypothesized that nitrocatechol derivatives stimulate D1-like dopamine receptors.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were treated with a nitrocatechol COMT inhibitor (entacapone, tolcapone, or nitecapone, 30 mg/kg, orally), and the urinary excretion of dopamine and sodium was quantitated. The interaction of nitrocatechol derivatives with D1-like receptors was evaluated by their ability to displace [3H]-Sch23390 binding from membranes of rat renal cortex and cAMP production in opossum kidney (OK) cells.

RESULTS

Urinary excretion of sodium (micromol/h) was markedly increased by all three nitrocatechol derivatives: vehicle, 55.0 +/- 5.6; entacapone, 98.4 +/- 9.3; tolcapone, 97.5 +/- 9.3; and nitecapone, 120.5 +/- 12.6. Pretreatment with the selective D1 antagonist Sch 23390 (60 microg/kg) completely prevented their natriuretic effects. Nitecapone and tolcapone were equipotent (IC50s of 48 and 42 micromol/L) and more potent than entacapone and dopamine (IC50s of 107 and 279 micromol/L) in displacing [3H]-Sch23390 binding. In OK cells, all three nitrocatechol derivatives significantly increased cAMP accumulation and reduced Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities, this being prevented by a blockade of D1-like receptors.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation of D1-like dopamine receptors and inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activities by nitrocatechol COMT inhibitors may contribute to natriuresis produced by these compounds.

Metabolism of two new antiepileptic drugs and their principal metabolites S(+)- and R(-)-10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy carbamazepine

BIA 2-093 and BIA 2-059 are two stereoisomers under development as new antiepileptic drugs. They act as prodrugs for the corresponding hydroxy derivatives (S(+)- or R(-)-10,11-dihydro-10-hydroxy carbamazepine, respectively) which are known to be the active metabolites of the antiepileptic drug oxcarbazepine (OXC). The purpose of this study was to define the metabolic pathway especially in terms of stereoselectivity, and to estimate the possibility of racemization in humans. For in vivo studies, the rat, mouse and rabbit were chosen as models in order to cover a broad spectrum of metabolic activity. In addition, incubations with liver microsomes from these three species plus dog and monkey were compared to results obtained with human liver microsomes. It was found that both drugs were almost instantly hydrolysed to the corresponding 10-hydroxy compounds in mice, rats and rabbits. Mice and rabbits were not able to oxidize the 10-hydroxy compounds to OXC in significant amounts. In the rat, BIA 2-093 also gave origin to OXC, whereas BIA 2-059 resulted in the formation of OXC and the trans-diol metabolite in equal amounts. It could be shown that the rat is able to reduce the formed OXC in liver to S(+)-10-hydroxy metabolite, resulting in a loss of enantiomeric purity after treatment with BIA 2-059 rather than in the case of BIA 2-093. Human liver microsomes hydrolysed BIA 2-093 and BIA 2-059 to their corresponding 10-hydroxy compounds and to OXC in a very small extent with BIA 2-093 only. Therefore, BIA 2-093 and BIA 2-059 seem to be preferable drugs over OXC since they most likely exhibit a 'cleaner' metabolism. From a therapeutic point of view BIA 2-059 would be less appropriate than BIA 2-093 for the purpose of treating epileptic patients due to its propensity to undergo inactivation to the trans-diol.

Interaction of the novel anticonvulsant, BIA 2-093, with voltage-gated sodium channels: comparison with carbamazepine

PURPOSE

BIA 2-093 [(S)-(-)-10-acetoxy-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide] is endowed with an anticonvulsant potency similar to that of carbamazepine (CBZ), but produces less cognitive and motor impairment. This study evaluated whether voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are a primary locus for the action of BIA 2-093.

METHODS

We used the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique in the mouse neuroblastoma cell line N1E-115 to investigate the effects of BIA 2-093 and CBZ on VGSCs, displacement of [3H]-batrachotoxinin A 20-alpha-benzoate ([3H]-BTX), and [3H]-saxitoxin to define their relative potency to bind to rat brain sodium channels, and inhibition of uptake of 22Na by rat brain cortical synaptosomes stimulated by veratridine as a measure of sodium entry.

RESULTS

The inhibitory potencies of BIA 2-093 and CBZ increased as the holding potential was made less negative (-100, -90, -80, and -70 mV) with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values (in microM) of, respectively, 4,337, 618, 238, and 139 for BIA 2-093, and 1,506, 594, 194, and 101 for CBZ. BIA 2-093 displayed a similar potency in displacing [3H]-BTX (IC50 values, 222 vs. 361 microM; p > 0.05) and inhibiting the uptake of 22Na (IC50 values, 36 vs. 138 microM; p > 0.05). Both drugs failed to displace [3H]-saxitoxin in concentrations up to 300 microM.

CONCLUSIONS

BIA 2-093, like CBZ, inhibits sodium currents in a voltage-dependent way by an interaction predominantly with the inactivated state of the channel and interacts with neurotoxin receptor site 2, but not with receptor site 1. BIA 2-093 displayed a potency blocking VGSCs similar to that of CBZ.

Neurohormonal activation, the renal dopaminergic system and sodium handling in patients with severe heart failure under vasodilator therapy

The benefits of tailoring therapy with vasodilators in patients with severe heart failure are well documented, but this may lead to neurohormonal activation and sodium retention. Renal dopamine has local natriuretic actions and interacts with other hormones involved in renal sodium handling. The aim of the present work was to determine the effects of arterial underfilling induced by vasodilator therapy on renal sodium handling, neurohormonal activation and the activity of the renal dopaminergic system in patients with severe heart failure. For this purpose we monitored haemodynamic parameters, plasma levels of type B natriuretic peptide (BNP), catecholamines, aldosterone, renin activity (PRA), sodium and creatinine, and urinary excretion of sodium, creatinine, L-DOPA, dopamine and its metabolites, before initiation of sodium nitroprusside therapy and every 6 h thereafter (for 42 h), and again after 5 days of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, in 10 male patients with severe heart failure. The results of nitroprusside therapy were a marked increase in cardiac index and a substantial decrease in systemic vascular resistance index. Plasma levels of BNP decreased significantly, while PRA, noradrenaline and aldosterone showed marked increases, resulting in a substantial reduction in urinary sodium excretion. Creatinine clearance was not affected. Urinary dopamine and dopamine metabolites increased in response to nitroprusside therapy. After 5 days of ACE inhibition, urinary sodium returned to baseline values, while urinary dopamine was markedly reduced. These results suggest that the renal dopaminergic system is activated in patients with severe heart failure by stimuli leading to sodium renal reabsorption.

Renal dopaminergic mechanisms in renal parenchymal diseases and hypertension

The present report addresses the status of the renal dopaminergic system activity in patients afflicted with different renal disorders and in the remnant kidney of uninephrectomized (UNX) rats, based on the urinary excretion of L-DOPA, dopamine and amine metabolites. In renal transplant recipients with good recovery of graft function (group 1, n=11), the daily urinary excretion of DOPAC, but not that of HVA, was found to increase progressively throughout the first 12 days post-transplantation from 698+/-57 nmol in the first day to 3498+/-414 nmol on day 9, and then remained constant until day 12. This resulted in a 6-fold increase in the urinary DOPAC/dopamine ratios. In renal transplant recipients with acute tubular necrosis (group 2, n=8), the urinary levels of dopamine, DOPAC and HVA were approximately 30% of those in group 1. In a group of 28 patients with chronic renal parenchymal disorders, the daily urinary excretion of L-DOPA, free dopamine and dopamine metabolites (DOPAC and HVA) correlated positively with the degree of deterioration of renal function (P<0.01). However, the U(Dopamine/(L)-DOPA) and U(DOPAC/Dopamine) ratios in patients with chronic renal insufficiency were found to be similar to those observed in patients with normal renal function. In 14 IgA nephropathy (IgA-N) patients with near normal renal function, the changes in 24 h mean blood pressure when going from 20 to 350 mmol/day sodium intake correlated negatively with the daily urinary excretion of dopamine (r(2)=0.597, P<0.01). The urinary excretion of L-DOPA and dopamine in IgA-N patients with salt-sensitive (SS) blood pressure was lower than in salt-resistant (SR) patients (P<0.05), irrespective of their daily sodium intake. However, the rise in urinary dopamine output during salt loading (from 20 to 350 mmol/day) was greater (P<0.05) in IgA-N SS patients (21.2+/-2.5% increase) than in SR patients (6.3+/-1.4% increase). Fifteen days after the surgery, uninephrectomy (UNX) in the rat was accompanied by an enhanced (P<0.05) urinary excretion of dopamine (36+/-3 vs 26+/-2), DOPAC (124+/-11 vs 69+/-6) and HVA (611+/-42 vs 354+/-7) (nmol/g kidney/kg body weight). This was accompanied by an increase in V(max) values for renal aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in the remnant kidney of UNX rats (P<0.05). Sch 23390, a D1 dopamine receptor antagonist, produced a marked reduction in the urinary excretion of sodium in UNX rats, whereas in sham-operated rats the decrease in urinary sodium did not attain a significant difference. It is concluded that the study of the renal dopaminergic system in patients afflicted with renal parenchymal disorders should address parameters other than free urinary dopamine, namely the urinary excretion of L-DOPA and dopamine metabolites (DOPAC and HVA). It is also suggested that in SS hypertension of chronic renal parenchymal diseases, renal dopamine produced in the residual tubular units may be enhanced during a sodium challenge, thus behaving appropriately as a compensatory natriuretic hormone.