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Harvey BH, Shahid M. Metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors as neurobiological targets in anxiety and stress-related disorders: Focus on pharmacology and preclinical translational models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 100:775-800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Solati J. Dorsal hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamatergic and δ-opioidergic systems modulate anxiety behaviors in rats in a noninteractive manner. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2011; 27:485-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2011.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Javitt DC, Schoepp D, Kalivas PW, Volkow ND, Zarate C, Merchant K, Bear MF, Umbricht D, Hajos M, Potter WZ, Lee CM. Translating glutamate: from pathophysiology to treatment. Sci Transl Med 2011; 3:102mr2. [PMID: 21957170 PMCID: PMC3273336 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in mammalian brain and is responsible for most corticocortical and corticofugal neurotransmission. Disturbances in glutamatergic function have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders-including schizophrenia, drug abuse and addiction, autism, and depression-that were until recently poorly understood. Nevertheless, improvements in basic information regarding these disorders have yet to translate into Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments. Barriers to translation include the need not only for improved compounds but also for improved biomarkers sensitive to both structural and functional target engagement and for improved translational models. Overcoming these barriers will require unique collaborative arrangements between pharma, government, and academia. Here, we review a recent Institute of Medicine-sponsored meeting, highlighting advances in glutamatergic theories of neuropsychiatric illness as well as remaining barriers to treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Javitt
- Translational Schizophrenia Research Center, Nathan Kline Institute/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Johnson KA, Niswender CM, Conn PJ, Xiang Z. Activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors induces long-term depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Neurosci Lett 2011; 504:102-106. [PMID: 21945652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2 and mGlu3) has been implicated as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating both motor symptoms and progressive neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Modulation of excitatory transmission in the basal ganglia represents a possible mechanism by which group II mGlu agonists could exert antiparkinsonian effects. Previous studies have identified reversible effects of mGlu2/3 activation on excitatory transmission at various synapses in the basal ganglia, including the excitatory synapse between the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Using whole-cell patch clamp studies of GABAergic SNr neurons in rat midbrain slices, we have found that a prolonged activation of group II mGlus by the selective agonist LY379268 induces a long-term depression (LTD) of evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) amplitude. Bath application of LY379268 (100nM, 10min) induced a marked reduction in EPSC amplitude, and excitatory transmission remained depressed for at least 40min after agonist washout. The effect of LY379268 was concentration-dependent and was completely blocked by the group II mGlu-preferring antagonist LY341495 (500nM). To determine the relative contributions of mGlu2 and mGlu3 to the LTD induced by LY379268, we tested the ability of LY379268 (100nM) to induce LTD in wild type mice and mice lacking mGlu2 or mGlu3. LY379268 induced similar LTD in wild type mice and mGlu3 knockout mice, whereas LTD was absent in mGlu2 knockout mice, indicating that mGlu2 activation is necessary for the induction of LTD in the SNr. These studies suggest a novel role for mGlu2 in the long-term regulation of excitatory transmission in the SNr and invite further exploration of mGlu2 as a therapeutic target for treating the motor symptoms of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Zixiu Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Solati J, Salari AA. Involvement of dorsal hippocampal NMDA-glutamatergic system in anxiety-related behaviors of rats. NEUROCHEM J+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712411030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lin CY, Sawa A, Jaaro-Peled H. Better understanding of mechanisms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: from human gene expression profiles to mouse models. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 45:48-56. [PMID: 21914480 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms of major mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are unclear. To address this fundamental question, many groups have studied molecular expression profiles in postmortem brains and other tissues from patients compared with those from normal controls. Development of unbiased high-throughput approaches, such as microarray, RNA-seq, and proteomics, have supported and facilitated this endeavor. In addition to genes directly involved in neuron/glia signaling, especially those encoding for synaptic proteins, genes for metabolic cascades are differentially expressed in the brains of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, compared with those from normal controls in DNA microarray studies. Here we propose the importance and usefulness of genetic mouse models in which such differentially expressed molecules are modulated. These animal models allow us to dissect the mechanisms of how such molecular changes in patient brains may play a role in neuronal circuitries and overall behavioral phenotypes. We also point out that models in which the metabolic genes are modified are obviously untested from mental illness viewpoints, suggesting the potential to re-address these models with behavioral assays and neurochemical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ying Lin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Study of novel selective mGlu2 agonist in the temporo-ammonic input to CA1 neurons reveals reduced mGlu2 receptor expression in a Wistar substrain with an anxiety-like phenotype. J Neurosci 2011; 31:6721-31. [PMID: 21543601 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0418-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Group II metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) regulate central synaptic transmission by modulating neurotransmitter release. However, the lack of pharmacological tools differentiating between mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors has hampered identification of the roles of these two receptor subtypes. We have used LY395756 [(1SR,2SR,4RS,5RS,6SR)-2-amino-4-methylbicyclo[3.1.0]-hexane2,6-dicarboxylic], an agonist at mGlu2 receptors and an antagonist at mGlu3 receptors in cell lines, to investigate the roles of these receptors in the temporo-ammonic path from entorhinal cortex to CA1-stratum lacunosum moleculare in rat hippocampal slices. Surprisingly, the degree of inhibition of the field EPSP induced by LY395756 fell into two distinct groups, with EC(50) values of <1 μm and >100 μm. In "sensitive" slices, LY395756 had additive actions with a mixed mGlu2/mGlu3 agonist, DCG-IV [(2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine], whereas in "insensitive" slices, LY395756 reduced the effect of DCG-IV, with an IC(50) of ∼1 μm. This separation into sensitive and insensitive slices could be explained by LY395756 acting as an mGlu2 agonist and mGlu3 antagonist, respectively, a finding supported by data from mice lacking these receptors. The heterogeneity was correlated with differences in expression levels of mGlu2 receptors within our Wistar colony and other Wistar substrains. The initial search for a behavioral correlate indicated that rats lacking mGlu2 receptors showed anxiety-like behavior in open-field and elevated plus maze assays. These findings have implications for rat models of psychiatric disease and are especially pertinent given that mGlu2 receptors are targets for compounds under development for anxiety.
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Siok CJ, Cogan SM, Shifflett LB, Doran AC, Kocsis B, Hajós M. Comparative analysis of the neurophysiological profile of group II metabotropic glutamate receptor activators and diazepam: effects on hippocampal and cortical EEG patterns in rats. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:226-36. [PMID: 21791219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Selective activation of the Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors 2/3 (mGlu2/3) by either full agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) show anxiolytic activity. In the present study the anxiolytic profile of mGlu2/3 receptor agonists LY-354740 and LY-404039 and the mGlu2 receptor PAM 1-methyl-2-((cis-3-methyl-4-(4-trifluoromethyl-2-methoxy)-phenyl)piperidin-1-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (MTFIP) were evaluated using neurophysiology-based assays. Activation of mGlu2/3 receptors by these compounds, as well as the positive control diazepam, significantly decreased the frequency of hippocampal theta oscillation elicited by stimulation of the brainstem nucleus pontis oralis (nPO), a characteristic action of anxiolytic compounds. Since the nPO is a critical region involved in regulation of rapid eye movement sleep, mGlu2/3 receptor activators were also tested on sleep parameters, as well as on cortical and hippocampal encephalography (EEG) activity. Both mGlu2/3 agonists and the mGlu2 PAM significantly prolonged REM sleep latency and reduced total REM sleep duration while during the active awake state all compounds lowered hippocampal peak theta frequency. However, diazepam and mGlu2/3 agonists/PAM elicited opposite changes in cortical EEG delta and beta bands. Delta power significantly increased after any of the mGlu2/3 compounds but decreased after diazepam. In the beta band, mGlu2/3 receptor agonists dose-dependently decreased beta power in contrast to the well-known beta activation by diazepam. These effects lasted 3-4h and could not be explained by modest, transient changes (<1h) in waking and slow wave sleep. The current observations support the role of mGlu2/3 receptor activators as potential anxiolytic compounds, but indicate a distinct action on cortical EEG activity which is different from the effects of GABA(A) PAMs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chester J Siok
- Department of Neuroscience, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, MS 8220-4366, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
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Sheffler DJ, Gregory KJ, Rook JM, Conn PJ. Allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2011; 62:37-77. [PMID: 21907906 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385952-5.00010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of receptor subtype-selective ligands by targeting allosteric sites of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has proven highly successful in recent years. One GPCR family that has greatly benefited from this approach is the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlus). These family C GPCRs participate in the neuromodulatory actions of glutamate throughout the CNS, where they play a number of key roles in regulating synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. A large number of mGlu subtype-selective allosteric modulators have been identified, the majority of which are thought to bind within the transmembrane regions of the receptor. These modulators can either enhance or inhibit mGlu functional responses and, together with mGlu knockout mice, have furthered the establishment of the physiologic roles of many mGlu subtypes. Numerous pharmacological and receptor mutagenesis studies have been aimed at providing a greater mechanistic understanding of the interaction of mGlu allosteric modulators with the receptor, which have revealed evidence for common allosteric binding sites across multiple mGlu subtypes and the presence for multiple allosteric sites within a single mGlu subtype. Recent data have also revealed that mGlu allosteric modulators can display functional selectivity toward particular signal transduction cascades downstream of an individual mGlu subtype. Studies continue to validate the therapeutic utility of mGlu allosteric modulators as a potential therapeutic approach for a number of disorders including anxiety, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Sheffler
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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60
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Impact of metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor stimulation on activated dopamine release and locomotion. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 211:443-55. [PMID: 20585759 PMCID: PMC2954604 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1914-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Activation of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2/3 receptors may provide a novel strategy for treating schizophrenia. This effect is thought to be mediated through dopamine-independent mechanisms because mGlu2/3-receptor agonists have no considerable affinity for dopamine receptors. These agonists, however, reduce amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion suggesting that they influence dopamine neurotransmission. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether the inhibitory effect of mGlu2/3-receptor activation on amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion correlates with attenuated dopamine release. We also assessed whether mGlu 2/3 receptor activation has inhibitory effects on activity-dependent vesicular release of dopamine in behaving animals. METHODS Microdialysis was used to measure extracellular levels of dopamine in the dorsal striatum (DStr) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of freely moving rats. The effect of the mGlu2/3-receptor agonist LY354740 on dopamine release and locomotion elicited by amphetamine, electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area, or L-dopa was assessed. RESULTS We find that the inhibitory effect of mGlu2/3 activation on amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion correlates with an attenuated increase in dopamine release in the NAc and DStr. However, when dopamine levels were increased by electrical stimulation of dopamine neurons or by administration of the dopamine precursor L-dopa, activation of mGlu2/3 receptors had no effect on dopamine release or on behavior. CONCLUSIONS Activation of mGlu2/3 receptors attenuates amphetamine-induced dopamine release through a mechanism that does not affect activity dependent vesicular release, reuptake or synthesis of dopamine.
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Krystal JH, Mathew SJ, D'Souza DC, Garakani A, Gunduz-Bruce H, Charney DS. Potential psychiatric applications of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists. CNS Drugs 2010; 24:669-93. [PMID: 20658799 DOI: 10.2165/11533230-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drugs acting at metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are among the most promising agents under development for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The research in this area is at a relatively early stage, as there are no drugs acting at mGluRs that have been approved for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder. However, in the areas of schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and mood disorders, research conducted in animal models appears to translate well into efficacy in human laboratory-based models of psychopathology and in preliminary clinical trials. Further, the genes coding for mGluRs are implicated in the risk for a growing number of psychiatric disorders. This review highlights the best studied mGluR strategies for psychiatry, based on human molecular genetics, studies in animal models and preliminary clinical trials. It describes the potential value of mGluR2 and mGluR5 agonists and positive allosteric modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia. It also reviews evidence that group II mGluR agonists and positive allosteric modulators as well as group I mGluR antagonists might also treat anxiety disorders and some forms of depression, while mGluR2 and group I mGluR antagonists (particularly mGluR5 antagonists) might have antidepressant properties. This review also links growing insights into the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of these disorders to hypothesized mGluR-related treatment mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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62
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Metabotropic glutamate2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptors, schizophrenia and cognition. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 639:81-90. [PMID: 20371229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a metabotropic glutamate(2/3) (mGlu(2/3)) receptor agonist prodrug was found to improve both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenic patients. Thus far, however, definitive data directly describing the effects of mGlu(2/3) receptor agonists on cognition in schizophrenic patients is lacking. In this review, we will first describe the location of mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors with respect to cellular compartments in cortical circuits of both the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampal formation. We will then address the function of mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors in both macrocircuits and microcircuits involving the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal formation. Imbalance within and between macrocircuits, including the re-entrant cortico-striatal-thalamic loops; the trisynaptic organization of the hippocampal formation; and the ascending reticular activating system/monoaminergic brainstem nuclei projecting throughout the neural axis, appear central to understanding both the pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches for treating the pervasive cognitive dysfunction associated with schizophrenia. Understanding the function of mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors in these macrocircuits also may provide answers to currently conflicting data between some preclinical studies and the clinical studies seemingly predicting impairment and improvement in cognitive function with activation of mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors.
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Mazzoncini R, Zoli M, Tosato S, Lasalvia A, Ruggeri M. Can the role of genetic factors in schizophrenia be enlightened by studies of candidate gene mutant mice behaviour? World J Biol Psychiatry 2010; 10:778-97. [PMID: 19396727 DOI: 10.1080/15622970902875152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most severe psychiatric disorders. Despite the knowledge accumulated over years, aetiology and pathophysiology remain uncertain. Research on families and twins suggests that genetic factors are largely responsible for the disease and implies specific genes as risk factors. Genetic epidemiology indicates a complex transmission mode, compatible with a multi-locus model, with single genes accounting for specific traits rather than for the entire phenotype. To better understand every single gene contribution to schizophrenia, the use of intermediate endophenotypes has been proposed. A straight communication between preclinical and clinical researchers could facilitate research on the association between genes and endophenotypes. Many behavioural tasks are available for humans and animals to measure endophenotypes. Here, firstly, we reviewed the most promising mouse behavioural tests modelling human behavioural tasks altered in schizophrenia. Secondly, we systematically reviewed animal models availability for a selection of candidate genes, derived from linkage and association studies. Thirdly, we systematically reviewed the studies which tested mutant mice in the above behavioural tasks. Results indicate a large mutant mice availability for schizophrenia candidate genes but they have been insufficiently tested in behavioural tasks. On the other hand, multivariate and translational approach should be implemented in several behavioural domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Mazzoncini
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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64
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Spooren W, Lesage A, Lavreysen H, Gasparini F, Steckler T. Metabotropic glutamate receptors: their therapeutic potential in anxiety. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2010; 2:391-413. [PMID: 21309118 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2010_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric and neurological disorders are linked to changes in synaptic excitatory processes with a key role for glutamate, that is, the most abundant excitatory amino-acid. Molecular cloning of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors has led to the identification of eight mGlu receptors, which, in contrast to ligand-gated ion channels (responsible for fast excitatory transmission), modulate and fine-tune the efficacy of synaptic transmission. mGlu receptors are G protein-coupled and constitute a new group of "drugable" targets for the treatment of various CNS disorders. The recent discovery of small molecules that selectively bind to receptors of Groups I (mGlu1 and mGlu5) and II (mGlu2 and mGlu3) allowed significant advances in our understanding of the roles of these receptors in brain function and dysfunction including anxiety. Although investigation of the role of the Group III (mGlu4, 6, 7, and 8) receptors is less advanced, the generation of genetically manipulated animals and recent advances in the identification of subtype-selective compounds have revealed some first insights into the therapeutic potential of this group of receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Spooren
- CNS Disease Biology Area, pRED, Building 74/3W308, Basel CH-4070, Switzerland.
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65
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Inta D, Monyer H, Sprengel R, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Gass P. Mice with genetically altered glutamate receptors as models of schizophrenia: a comprehensive review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2009; 34:285-94. [PMID: 19651155 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical evidence for the effectiveness of new antipsychotic drugs that specifically target glutamate receptors has rekindled interest in the glutamatergic system regarding pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. The glutamatergic hypothesis of schizophrenia was triggered by the clinical/behavioural observation that NMDA receptor antagonists can induce psychosis in humans and abnormal behaviour with schizophrenia-like symptoms in animals. Initial models focused on NMDA receptor hypofunction as a potential pathogenetic mechanism. More recent genetic and pharmacological studies revealed that malfunction of other components of the glutamatergic system might also be relevant in explaining specific symptoms of this complex disease. Here, we review mutant mouse models with relevance for schizophrenia. These rodent models, in which specific glutamate receptor subtypes or various components of their intracellular transduction machinery are genetically altered, permit a detailed dissection of the contribution of different components of the glutamate system in inducing schizophrenia-like behaviours. They may provide insight into the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and prove useful in the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragos Inta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.
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66
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Linden AM, Johnson B, Trokovic N, Korpi E, Schoepp D. Use of MGLUR2 and MGLUR3 knockout mice to explore in vivo receptor specificity of the MGLUR2/3 selective antagonist LY341495. Neuropharmacology 2009; 57:172-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2009] [Revised: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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67
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Molinaro G, Traficante A, Riozzi B, Di Menna L, Curto M, Pallottino S, Nicoletti F, Bruno V, Battaglia G. Activation of mGlu2/3 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Negatively Regulates the Stimulation of Inositol Phospholipid Hydrolysis Mediated by 5-Hydroxytryptamine2A Serotonin Receptors in the Frontal Cortex of Living Mice. Mol Pharmacol 2009; 76:379-87. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.109.056580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Lyon L, Kew JNC, Corti C, Harrison PJ, Burnet PWJ. Altered hippocampal expression of glutamate receptors and transporters in GRM2 and GRM3 knockout mice. Synapse 2009; 62:842-50. [PMID: 18720515 PMCID: PMC2673354 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2 and mGluR3, also called mGlu2 and mGlu3, encoded by GRM2 and GRM3, respectively) are therapeutic targets for several psychiatric disorders. GRM3 may also be a schizophrenia susceptibility gene. mGluR2−/− and mGluR3−/− mice provide the only unequivocal means to differentiate between these receptors, yet interpretation of in vivo findings may be complicated by secondary effects on expression of other genes. To address this issue, we examined the expression of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B) and glutamate transporters (EAAT1-3), as well as the remaining group II mGluR, in the hippocampus of mGluR2−/− and mGluR3−/− mice, compared with wild-type controls. mGluR2 mRNA was increased in mGluR3−/− mice, and vice versa. NR2A mRNA was increased in both knockout mice. EAAT1 (GLAST) mRNA and protein, and EAAT2 (GLT-1) protein, were reduced in mGluR3−/− mice, whereas EAAT3 (EAAC1) mRNA was decreased in mGluR2−/− mice. Transcripts for NR1 and NR2B were unchanged. The findings show a compensatory upregulation of the remaining group II metabotropic glutamate receptor in the knockout mice. Upregulation of NR2A expression suggests modified NMDA receptor signaling in mGluR2−/− and mGluR3−/− mice, and downregulation of glutamate transporter expression suggests a response to altered synaptic glutamate levels. The results show a mutual interplay between mGluR2 and mGluR3, and also provide a context in which to interpret behavioral and electrophysiological results in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Lyon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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69
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Iacovelli L, Molinaro G, Battaglia G, Motolese M, Di Menna L, Alfiero M, Blahos J, Matrisciano F, Corsi M, Corti C, Bruno V, De Blasi A, Nicoletti F. Regulation of Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors by G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases: mGlu2 Receptors Are Resistant to Homologous Desensitization. Mol Pharmacol 2009; 75:991-1003. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.052316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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70
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Sodhi M, Wood KH, Meador-Woodruff J. Role of glutamate in schizophrenia: integrating excitatory avenues of research. Expert Rev Neurother 2008; 8:1389-406. [PMID: 18759551 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.8.9.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating lifelong disorder affecting up to 1% of the population worldwide, producing significant financial and emotional hardship for patients and their families. As yet, the causes of schizophrenia and the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs are unknown, and many patients do not respond well to currently available medications. Attempts to find risk factors for the disorder using epidemiological methods have shown that schizophrenia is highly heritable, and path analyses predict that the disorder is caused by several genes in combination with nongenetic factors. Therefore, intensive research efforts have been made to identify genes creating vulnerability to schizophrenia and also genes predicting response to treatment. Interactions of the glutamatergic system with dopaminergic and serotonergic circuitry are crucial for normal brain function, and their disruption may be a mechanism by which the pathophysiology of schizophrenia is manifest. Genes within the glutamatergic system are therefore strong candidates for investigation, and these include the glutamate receptor genes in addition to genes encoding neuregulin, dysbindin, D-amino acid oxidase and G72/G30. These genetic studies could eventually reveal new targets for antipsychotic drug treatment, which currently focuses on inhibition of the dopaminergic system. However, a recent breakthrough indicates clinical efficacy of a drug stimulating the metabotropic glutamate receptor II, LY2140023, which has improved efficacy for negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Studies of larger patient samples are required to consolidate these data. Further investigation of glutamatergic targets is likely to reinvigorate antipsychotic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monsheel Sodhi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 7th Avenue Sth, Rm 590C CIRC, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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71
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Ahnaou A, Dautzenberg FM, Geys H, Imogai H, Gibelin A, Moechars D, Steckler T, Drinkenburg WHIM. Modulation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu2) elicits common changes in rat and mice sleep-wake architecture. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 603:62-72. [PMID: 19046965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2008] [Revised: 10/07/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Compiling pharmacological evidence implicates metabotropic glutamate mGlu(2) receptors in the regulation of emotional states and suggests positive modulators as a novel therapeutic approach of Anxiety/Depression and Schizophrenia. Here, we investigated subcutaneous effects of the metabotropic glutamate mGlu(2/3) agonist (LY354740) on sleep-wake architecture in rat. To confirm the specific effects on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep were mediated via metabotropic glutamate mGlu(2) receptors, we characterized the sleep-wake cycles in metabotropic glutamate mGlu(2) receptor deficient mice (mGlu(2)R(-/-)) and their arousal response to LY354740. We furthermore examined effects on sleep behavior in rats of the positive allosteric modulator, biphenyl-indanone A (BINA) alone and in combination with LY354740 at sub-effective doses. LY354740 (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently suppressed REM sleep and prolonged its onset latency. Metabotropic glutamate mGlu(2)R(-/-) and their wild type (WT) littermates exhibited similar spontaneous sleep-wake phenotype, while LY354740 (10 mg/kg) significantly affected REM sleep variables in WT but not in the mutant. In rats, BINA (1, 3, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg) dose-dependently suppressed REM sleep, lengthened its onset latency and slightly enhanced passive waking. Additionally, combined treatment elicited a synergistic action on REM sleep variables. Our findings show common changes of REM sleep variables following modulation of metabotropic glutamate mGlu(2) receptor and support an active role of this receptor in the regulation of REM sleep. The synergistic action of BINA on LY354740's effects on sleep pattern implies that positive modulators would tune the endogenous glutamate tone suggesting potential benefit in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, in which REM sleep overdrive is manifested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Ahnaou
- Dept. Neuroscience, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, RED Europe, Beerse, Belgium.
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72
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Individual contribution of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu) 2 and 3 to c-Fos expression pattern evoked by mGlu2/3 antagonism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 201:1-13. [PMID: 18813914 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2007] [Accepted: 06/10/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVES AND MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aims of the present study were (1) to determine the neuronal activation pattern elicited by the group II mGlu antagonist LY341495 and (2) to evaluate the contribution of each group II mGlu subtype by using wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice lacking either mGlu2 or mGlu3. c-Fos expression was used as a marker of neuronal activation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In WT mice, LY341495 induced widespread c-Fos expression in 68 out of 92 brain areas, including limbic areas such as the amygdala, septum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. LY341495-induced c-Fos response was markedly decreased in the medial part of the central amygdala (CeM) and lateral septum (LS) in mGlu3-KO mice, as well as in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) in both KO strains. In the majority of investigated areas, LY341495-induced c-Fos expression was similar in KO and WT mice. Analysis of the cellular and subcellular distribution of mGlu2 and mGlu3 revealed a prevailing presence of mGlu3-immunoreactivity in the CeM in glial processes and in postsynapstic neuronal elements, whereas only rare presynaptic axon terminals were found immunoreactive for mGlu2. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our data indicate that group II mGlu blockade increases neuronal activation in a variety of brain areas, including many stress- and anxiety-related areas. The activation of two key brain areas, the CeM and LS, is mediated via mGlu3, while activation in the LPB involves both subtypes. Moreover, in the majority of investigated areas, LY341495-mediated neuronal activation appears to require a complex cross talk between group II mGlu subtypes or the action of LY341495 on additional receptors.
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73
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Aujla H, Martin-Fardon R, Weiss F. Rats with extended access to cocaine exhibit increased stress reactivity and sensitivity to the anxiolytic-like effects of the mGluR 2/3 agonist LY379268 during abstinence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008; 33:1818-26. [PMID: 17895914 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptors (mGluR2/3) are emerging targets for the reduction of stress that contributes to drug relapse. The effect of a history of cocaine escalation on stress reactivity during abstinence and the role of mGlu2/3 receptors in stress in these animals were tested. Experiment 1-Rats trained to self-administer cocaine, under short (ShA, 1-h) or long (LgA, 6-h) access conditions, or noncaloric food pellets (Ctrl, 1-h), were tested for stress reactivity in the shock-probe defensive burying test following 1, 14, 42, or 84 days of abstinence. Experiment 2-Experimentally naive rats receiving the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 (0, 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) were tested in the defensive burying test to establish the anxiolytic efficacy of this compound in this model. Experiment 3-Rats with a history of ShA vs LgA cocaine self-administration, or a history of operant responding reinforced by noncaloric food pellets, were tested in the defensive burying test, following administration of LY379268 (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) at 14 days of abstinence. LgA rats exhibited a two- to threefold increase in defensive burying at 1, 14, and 42 days of abstinence compared to ShA or control animals. LY379268 (3.0 mg/kg) reduced burying in all groups, whereas the 1.0-mg/kg dose reduced burying only in the LgA group. A robust and enduring increase in stress reactivity developed in rats with a history of daily 6-h access to cocaine. The anxiolytic-like effects of LY379268 identify mGlu2/3 receptors as targets for ameliorating stress-associated relapse risk, and point toward the possibility that a history of cocaine escalation in rats may modify glutamatergic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder Aujla
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Dunayevich E, Erickson J, Levine L, Landbloom R, Schoepp DD, Tollefson GD. Efficacy and tolerability of an mGlu2/3 agonist in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008; 33:1603-10. [PMID: 17712352 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
LY354740, a potent and selective mGlu (metabotropic glutamate receptor)2/3 agonist, has shown efficacy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). LY544344 is a LY354740 prodrug that increases LY354740 bioavailability. This 8-week study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of LY544344 in the treatment of GAD. Participants had a diagnoses of GAD, baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale scores > or = 10, and moderate illness severity. Patients were randomized to double-blind treatment with LY544344 16 mg b.i.d. (n = 28), LY544344 8 mg b.i.d. (n = 36), or placebo (n = 44). LY544344 16 mg b.i.d.-treated patients showed significantly greater improvement from baseline in Hamilton Anxiety and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores, as well as response and remission rates compared with placebo-treated patients. LY544344 was well tolerated and there were no significant differences in the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events among the three treatment groups. However, the trial was discontinued early based on findings of convulsions in preclinical studies. In conclusion, the findings of this study support the potential efficacy of mGlu2/3 receptor agonist agents in the treatment of GAD. Additional studies will be needed to further assess the toxicological and clinical profile of LY354740/LY544344.
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Harrison PJ, Lyon L, Sartorius LJ, Burnet PWJ, Lane TA. The group II metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3, mGlu3, GRM3): expression, function and involvement in schizophrenia. J Psychopharmacol 2008; 22:308-22. [PMID: 18541626 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108089818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) comprise mGluR2 (mGlu2; encoded by GRM2) and mGluR3 (mGlu3; encoded by GRM3) and modulate glutamate neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Here we review the expression and function of mGluR3 and its involvement in schizophrenia. mGluR3 is expressed by glia and neurons in many brain regions and has a predominantly presynaptic distribution, consistent with its role as an inhibitory autoreceptor and heteroceptor. mGluR3 splice variants exist in human brain but are of unknown function. Differentiation of mGluR3 from mGluR2 has been problematic because of the lack of selective ligands and antibodies; the available data suggest particular roles for mGluR3 in long-term depression, in glial function and in neuroprotection. Some but not all studies find genetic association of GRM3 polymorphisms with psychosis, with the risk alleles also being associated with schizophrenia-related endophenotypes such as impaired cognition, cortical activation and glutamate markers. The dimeric form of mGluR3 may be reduced in the brain in schizophrenia. Finally, preclinical findings have made mGluR3 a putative therapeutic target, and now direct evidence for antipsychotic efficacy of a group II mGluR agonist has emerged from a randomised clinical trial in schizophrenia. Together these data implicate mGluR3 in aetiological, pathophysiological and pharmacotherapeutic aspects of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Neurosciences Building, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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76
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Fell MJ, Svensson KA, Johnson BG, Schoepp DD. Evidence for the role of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu)2 not mGlu3 receptors in the preclinical antipsychotic pharmacology of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist (-)-(1R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-2-sulfonylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY404039). J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 326:209-17. [PMID: 18424625 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.136861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-(1R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-2-sulfonylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY404039) is a potent and selective group II metabotropic glutamate [(mGlu)2 and mGlu3] receptor agonist for which its prodrug LY2140023 [(1R,4S,5S,6S)-2-thiabicyclo[3.1.0]-hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid,4-[(2S)-2-amino-4-(methylthio)-1-oxobutyl]amino-, 2,2-dioxide monohydrate] has recently been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this article, we use mGlu receptor-deficient mice to investigate the relative contribution of mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors in mediating the antipsychotic profile of LY404039 in the phencyclidine (PCP) and d-amphetamine (AMP) models of psychosis. To further explore the mechanism of action of LY404039, we compared the drugs' ability to block PCP-induced hyperlocomotion to that of atypical antipsychotics in wild-type and mice lacking mGlu2/3 receptors. In wild-type animals, LY404039 (3-30 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reversed AMP (5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced increases in ambulations, distance traveled, and reduced time spent at rest. LY404039 reversed PCP (7.5 mg/kg i.p.)-evoked behaviors at 10 mg/kg. The antipsychotic-like effects of LY404039 (10 mg/kg i.p.) on PCP and AMP-evoked behavioral activation were absent in mGlu2 and mGlu2/3 but not in mGlu3 receptor-deficient mice, indicating that the activation of mGlu2 and not mGlu3 receptors is responsible for the antipsychotic-like effects of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY404039. In contrast, the atypical antipsychotic drugs clozapine and risperidone inhibited PCP-evoked behaviors in both wild-type and mGlu2/3 receptor-deficient mice. These data demonstrate that the antipsychotic-like effects of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY404039 in psychostimulant models of psychosis are mechanistically distinct from those of atypical antipsychotic drugs and are dependent on functional mGlu2 and not mGlu3 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fell
- Neuroscience Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, DC0510, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
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77
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Muly EC, Mania I, Guo JD, Rainnie DG. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in anxiety circuitry: correspondence of physiological response and subcellular distribution. J Comp Neurol 2008; 505:682-700. [PMID: 17948876 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) in the amygdala plays a critical role in the regulation of fear and anxiety states. Previous studies using nonselective agonists have suggested this action can result from activation of either pre- or postsynaptic mGluR2/3. Here, we have used a combination of whole-cell patch clamp recording with highly selective agonists (LY354740 and LY379268) and immunoelectron microscopy to examine structure-function relationships for mGluR2/3 in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Stimulation of mGluR2/3 evoked a direct, TTX-insensitive membrane hyperpolarization in all BLA projection neurons tested, but only about half of BNST neurons. The membrane hyperpolarization was mediated by activation of an outward potassium current or blockade of a tonically active inward I(h) current in different groups of BLA neurons. In both regions, mGluR2/3 caused a long-lasting reduction of glutamate release from presynaptic afferent terminals even at concentrations that failed to elicit a direct postsynaptic response. The localization of mGluR2/3 differed regionally, with postsynaptic labeling significantly more common in BLA than BNST, corresponding to the strength of postsynaptic responses recorded there. Our results demonstrate a complex role for mGluR2/3 receptors in modulating anxiety circuitry, including direct inhibition and reduction of excitatory drive. The combination of direct inhibition of projection neurons within the BLA and suppression of excitatory neurotransmission in the BNST may be responsible for the anxiolytic actions of group II mGluR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Chris Muly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.
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Gu G, Lorrain DS, Wei H, Cole RL, Zhang X, Daggett LP, Schaffhauser HJ, Bristow LJ, Lechner SM. Distribution of metabotropic glutamate 2 and 3 receptors in the rat forebrain: Implication in emotional responses and central disinhibition. Brain Res 2008; 1197:47-62. [PMID: 18242587 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2007] [Revised: 12/07/2007] [Accepted: 12/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The receptor localization of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) 2 and 3 was examined by using in situ hybridization and a well-characterized mGlu2-selective antibody in the rat forebrain. mGlu2 was highly and discretely expressed in cell bodies in almost all of the key regions of the limbic system in the forebrain, including the midline and intralaminar structures of the thalamus, the association cortices, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the medial mammillary nucleus, and the lateral and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala. Moreover, presynaptic mGlu2 terminals were found in most of the forebrain structures, especially in the lateral part of the central nucleus of the amygdala, and the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Although some overlaps exist, such as in the hippocampus and the amygdala, the expression of mGlu3 mRNA, however, appeared to be more disperse, compared with that of mGlu2 mRNA. These distribution results support previous behavioral studies that the mGlu2 and 3 receptors may play important roles in emotional responses. In addition to its expression in glia, mGlu3 was distinctively expressed in cells in the GABAergic reticular nucleus of the thalamus. Local infusion of a non-selective mGlu2/3 agonist, LY379268, in the reticular nucleus of the thalamus, significantly reduced GABA release, suggesting that mGlu3 may also play a role in central disinhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guibao Gu
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Merck Research Laboratories, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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Chapter 4.4 The glutamatergic system as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety disorders. HANDBOOK OF ANXIETY AND FEAR 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-7339(07)00013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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Corti C, Battaglia G, Molinaro G, Riozzi B, Pittaluga A, Corsi M, Mugnaini M, Nicoletti F, Bruno V. The use of knock-out mice unravels distinct roles for mGlu2 and mGlu3 metabotropic glutamate receptors in mechanisms of neurodegeneration/neuroprotection. J Neurosci 2007; 27:8297-308. [PMID: 17670976 PMCID: PMC6673047 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1889-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual metabotropic glutamate 2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptor agonists have been examined with success in the clinic with positive proof of efficacy in several tests of anxiety and schizophrenia. Moreover, a large body of evidence has accumulated that these drugs have significant neuroprotective potential. An important discussion in the field deals with dissecting effects on mGlu2 versus effects on mGlu3 receptors, which is relevant for the potential use of subtype-selective agonists or allosteric activators. We addressed this issue using mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptor knock-out mice. We used mixed cultures of cortical cells in which astrocytes and neurons were plated at different times and could therefore originate from different mice. Cultures were challenged with NMDA for the induction of excitotoxic neuronal death. The mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, (-)-2-oxa-4-aminocyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY379268), was equally neuroprotective in cultures containing neurons from wild-type, mGlu2-/-, or mGlu3-/- mice. Neuroprotection was instead abolished when astrocytes lacked mGlu3 receptors, unless neuronal mGlu2 receptors were also absent. The latter condition partially restored the protective activity of LY379268. Cultures in which neurons originated from mGlu2-/- mice were also intrinsically resistant to NMDA toxicity. In in vivo experiments, systemic administration of LY379268 protected striatal neurons against NMDA toxicity in wild-type and mGlu2-/- mice but not in mGlu3-/- mice. In addition, LY379268 was protective against nigrostriatal degeneration induced by low doses of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine only in mice lacking mGlu2 receptors. We conclude that neuroprotection by mGlu2/3 receptor agonists requires the activation of astrocytic mGlu3 receptors, whereas, unexpectedly, activation of mGlu2 receptors might be harmful to neurons exposed to toxic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Corti
- Department of Biology, Psychiatry Centre of Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Molinaro
- Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Barbara Riozzi
- Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, 16148 Genova, Italy, and
| | - Mauro Corsi
- Department of Biology, Psychiatry Centre of Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Manolo Mugnaini
- Department of Biology, Psychiatry Centre of Excellence in Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome “La Sapienza,” 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Bruno
- Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome “La Sapienza,” 00185 Rome, Italy
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Rorick-Kehn LM, Johnson BG, Knitowski KM, Salhoff CR, Witkin JM, Perry KW, Griffey KI, Tizzano JP, Monn JA, McKinzie DL, Schoepp DD. In vivo pharmacological characterization of the structurally novel, potent, selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY404039 in animal models of psychiatric disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 193:121-36. [PMID: 17384937 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Data from both preclinical and clinical studies have provided proof of concept that modulation of limbic and forebrain glutamate, via mGlu2/3 receptor agonists, might provide therapeutic benefits in many psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and anxiety. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a structurally novel, potent, selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist with improved bioavailability (LY404039) in animal models predictive of antipsychotic and anxiolytic efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS LY404039 was assessed in amphetamine- and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion, conditioned avoidance responding, fear-potentiated startle, marble burying, and rotarod behavioral tests. Monoamine release and turnover were assessed using microdialysis and ex vivo tissue levels. RESULTS LY404039 attenuated amphetamine- and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion (3-30 and 10 mg/kg, respectively). LY404039 (3-10 mg/kg) inhibited conditioned avoidance responding. LY404039 also reduced fear-potentiated startle in rats (3-30 microg/kg) and marble burying in mice (3-10 mg/kg), indicating anxiolytic-like effects. Importantly, LY404039 did not produce sedative effects or motor impairment as measured by rotarod performance and lack of escape failures in the conditioned avoidance task (at doses up to 30 and 10 mg/kg, respectively). LY404039 (10 mg/kg) also increased dopamine and serotonin release/turnover in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the broad preclinical efficacy of LY404039 across multiple animal models of antipsychotic and anxiolytic efficacy. Additionally, this compound modulates mesocortical neurotransmission and provides a novel mechanism for the treatment of psychiatric disorders that may be associated with improved efficacy and reduced incidence of undesirable side effects. As glutamatergic dysfunction has been linked to the etiology of schizophrenia, clinical studies with more potent mGlu2/3 agonists, such as LY404039, may be useful to explore the validity of this hypothesis.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acids/pharmacology
- Amphetamine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/chemistry
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Cyclic S-Oxides/chemistry
- Cyclic S-Oxides/pharmacology
- Cyclic S-Oxides/therapeutic use
- Diazepam/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Male
- Mental Disorders/drug therapy
- Mental Disorders/psychology
- Mice
- Molecular Structure
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Phencyclidine/pharmacology
- Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/agonists
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Xanthenes/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Rorick-Kehn
- Neuroscience Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, DC0510, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
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Smiałowska M, Wierońska JM, Domin H, Zieba B. The effect of intrahippocampal injection of group II and III metobotropic glutamate receptor agonists on anxiety; the role of neuropeptide Y. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:1242-50. [PMID: 17133262 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Earlier studies conducted by our group and by other authors indicated that metabotropic glutamatergic receptor (mGluR) ligands might have anxiolytic activity and that amygdalar neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons were engaged in that effect. Apart from the amygdala, the hippocampus, another limbic structure, also seems to be engaged in regulation of anxiety. It is rich in mGluRs and contains numerous NPY interneurons. In the present study, we investigated the anxiolytic activity of group II and III mGluR agonists after injection into the hippocampus, and attempted to establish whether hippocampal NPY neurons and receptors were engaged in the observed effects. Male Wistar rats were bilaterally microinjected with the group II mGluR agonist (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (L-CCG-I), group III mGluR agonist O-Phospho-L-serine (L-SOP), NPY, the Y1 receptor antagonist BIBO 3304, and the Y2 receptor antagonist BIIE 0246 into the CA1 or dentate area (DG). The effect of those compounds on anxiety was tested in the elevated plus-maze. Moreover, the effects of L-CCG-I and L-SOP on the expression of NPYmRNA in the hippocampus were studied using in situ hybridization method. It was found that a significant anxiolytic effect was induced by L-SOP injection into the CA1 region or by L-CCG-I injection into the DG. The former effect was inhibited by BIBO 3304, the latter by BIIE 0246. NPY itself showed antianxiety action after injection into both structures. In the CA1 area, the effect of NPY was prevented by BIBO 3304, whereas in the DG by BIIE 0246. Both the mGluR agonists L-CCG-I and L-SOP induced a potent increase in NPYmRNA expression in the DG region of the hippocampal formation. The obtained results indicate that group II and III mGluR agonists, L-CCG-I and L-SOP, as well as NPY display anxiolytic activity in the hippocampus, but act differently in the CA1 and DG. It was observed that group III mGluRs and Y1 receptors were engaged in the response in the CA1 area, whereas group II mGluRs and Y2 receptors played a pivotal role in the DG region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Smiałowska
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
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83
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Palucha A, Pilc A. Metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands as possible anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 115:116-47. [PMID: 17582504 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety represent a major problem. However, the current treatment of both groups of diseases is not satisfactory. As the glutamatergic system may play an important role in pathophysiology of both depression and anxiety, we decided to discuss the recent data on possible anxiolytic and/or antidepressant effects of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands. Preclinical data indicated that antagonists of group I mGlu receptors, particularly antagonists of mGlu5 receptors, produced both anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects. Clinical data also demonstrated that mGlu5 receptor antagonist, fenobam, was an active anxiolytic drug. The anxiolytic effects exerted by mGlu5 receptor antagonists are profound, comparable with or stronger than those of benzodiazepines. However, the problem with the psychotomimetic activity of mGlu5 receptor antagonists and their possible influence on memory has to be further investigated. Among all mGlu receptor ligands, group II mGlu receptor agonists seem to be the drugs with the most promising therapeutic potential and a good safety profile. Animal studies showed anxiolytic-like effects of group II mGlu receptor agonists. Currently, group II mGlu receptor agonists are in phase III clinical trials for potential treatment of anxiety disorders. On the other hand, data has been accumulated, indicating that antagonists of group II mGlu receptors have an antidepressant potential. Group III mGlu receptor ligands represent the least investigated group of mGlu receptors. However, preclinical data also indicates that ligands of these receptors, both agonists and antagonists, may have an anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Palucha
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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84
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Hemstapat K, Da Costa H, Nong Y, Brady AE, Luo Q, Niswender CM, Tamagnan GD, Conn PJ. A novel family of potent negative allosteric modulators of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 322:254-64. [PMID: 17416742 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.117093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), mGluR2 and mGluR3, play a number of important roles in mammalian brain and represent exciting new targets for certain central nervous system disorders. We now report synthesis and characterization of a novel family of derivatives of dihydrobenzo[1,4]diazepin-2-one that are selective negative allosteric modulators for group II mGluRs. These compounds inhibit both mGluR2 and mGluR3 but have no activity at group I and III mGluRs. The novel mGluR2/3 antagonists also potently block mGluR2/3-mediated inhibition of the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at the perforant path synapse in hippocampal slices. These compounds induce a rightward shift and decrease the maximal response in the glutamate concentration-response relationship, consistent with a noncompetitive antagonist mechanism of action. Furthermore, radioligand binding studies revealed no effect on binding of the orthosteric antagonist [(3)H]LY341495 [2S-2-amino-2-(1S,2S-2-carboxycyclopropan-1-yl)-3-(xanth-9-yl)propionic acid]. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a single point mutation in transmembrane V (N735D), previously shown to be an important residue for potentiation activity of the mGluR2 allosteric potentiator LY487379 [N-(4-(2-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl)-N-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfonyl)pyrid-3-ylmethylamine], is not critical for the inhibitory activity of negative allosteric modulators of group II mGluRs. However, this single mutation in human GluR2 almost completely blocked the enhancing activity of biphenyl-indanone A, a novel allosteric potentiator of mGluR2. Our data suggest that these two positive allosteric modulators of mGluR2 may share a common binding site and that this site may be distinct from the binding site for the new negative allosteric modulators of group II mGluRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamondanai Hemstapat
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Program in Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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85
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Stam R, de Lange RPJ, Graveland H, Verhave PS, Wiegant VM. Involvement of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in stress-induced behavioural sensitization. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 191:365-75. [PMID: 17225168 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A short session of repeated foot shocks in rats causes long-lasting sensitization of behavioural, hormonal and autonomic responses to novel stressful challenges. The behavioural sensitization can be reduced by anxiolytics and mimics aspects of stress-induced changes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist and assess altered brain mGluR receptor expression in shock-sensitized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were exposed to a 15-min session with ten 6-s foot shocks (preshocked). One and 2 weeks later, rats were intraperitoneally injected with the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (2R,4R)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (APDC) or vehicle, and 30 min later exposed to 5 min of 85 dB noise. For in situ hybridization with probes for mGluR1, mGluR2, mGluR3 and mGluR5, preshocked and control rats were killed under basal conditions 2 weeks after foot shocks and their brains cryosectioned. RESULTS APDC had no clear effect in controls, but dose-dependently reduced high immobility and increased low locomotion and rearing seen in preshocked rats to the levels of controls. mGluR3 expression was increased in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, and mGluR2 expression was increased in the agranular insular cortex of preshocked rats compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Shock-induced behavioural sensitization in rats is reduced by acute treatment with a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. This effect may depend on the increased expression of amygdala mGluR3, which could be hypothesized as an endogenous mechanism to counteract stress-induced neuronal sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Stam
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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86
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Rorick-Kehn LM, Johnson BG, Burkey JL, Wright RA, Calligaro DO, Marek GJ, Nisenbaum ES, Catlow JT, Kingston AE, Giera DD, Herin MF, Monn JA, McKinzie DL, Schoepp DD. Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of a structurally novel, potent, and selective metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor agonist: in vitro characterization of agonist (-)-(1R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-2-sulfonylbicyclo[3.1.0]-hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY404039). J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 321:308-17. [PMID: 17204749 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.110809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor agonists, including (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate monohydrate (LY354740) and (-)-2-oxa-4-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylate (LY379268), have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of anxiety and schizophrenia, and LY354740 decreased anxiety in human subjects. Herein, we report the in vitro pharmacological profile and pharmacokinetic properties of another potent, selective, and structurally novel mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, (-)-(1R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-2-sulfonylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY404039) and provide comparisons with LY354740. Similar to LY354740, LY404039 is a nanomolar potent agonist at recombinant human mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors (K(i) = 149 and 92, respectively) and in rat neurons expressing native mGlu2/3 receptors (Ki = 88). LY404039 is highly selective for mGlu2/3 receptors, showing more than 100-fold selectivity for these receptors, versus ionotropic glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters, and other receptors targeted by known anxiolytic and antipsychotic medications. Functionally, LY404039 potently inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in cells expressing human mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors. Electrophysiological studies indicated that LY404039 suppressed electrically evoked excitatory activity in the striatum, and serotonin-induced l-glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex; effects reversed by LY341495. These characteristics suggest LY404039 modulates glutamatergic activity in limbic and forebrain areas relevant to psychiatric disorders; and that, similar to LY354740, it works through a mechanism that may be devoid of negative side effects associated with current antipsychotics and anxiolytics. Interestingly, despite the slightly lower potency (approximately 2-5-fold) of LY404039 versus LY354740 in binding, functional, and electrophysiological assays, LY404039 demonstrated higher plasma exposure and better oral bioavailability in pharmacokinetic experiments. Collectively, the current data indicate that LY404039 may be valuable in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Rorick-Kehn
- Neuroscience Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, DC0510, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
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87
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Iijima M, Shimazaki T, Ito A, Chaki S. Effects of metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor antagonists in the stress-induced hyperthermia test in singly housed mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 190:233-9. [PMID: 17102982 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) test in mice has been widely used as models including some physiological aspects of psychiatric disorders. Mediated by the autonomic nervous system, SIH is commonly known to occur both before and during exposure to stress-inducing or anxiogenic situations. Recently, modulation of the group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2/3 receptor has been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach for psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of selective mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists and an mGlu2/3 receptor agonist in the SIH test. RESULTS mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists such as MGS0039 and LY341495 significantly and dose-dependently reduced SIH without affecting basal rectal temperatures. In contrast, mGlu2/3 receptor agonists such as MGS0008 were ineffective in the SIH test. The attenuation of SIH by MGS0039 was significantly blocked by pretreatment with WAY100635, a serotonin 1A receptor antagonist. In contrast, an AMPA receptor potentiator, CX546 failed to reduce the SIH. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results suggest that the blockade of mGlu2/3 receptor may prevent stress-induced autonomic hyperactivity, and that stimulation of the postsynaptic serotonin 1A receptor, but not AMPA receptor, may be involved in this action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiko Iijima
- Psychiatric Diseases and Pain Research, Medicinal Pharmacology Laboratory, Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Saitama, Japan
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88
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89
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Linden AM, Baez M, Bergeron M, Schoepp DD. Effects of mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor deletions on mGlu2/3 receptor agonist (LY354740)-induced brain c-Fos expression: Specific roles for mGlu2 in the amygdala and subcortical nuclei, and mGlu3 in the hippocampus. Neuropharmacology 2006; 51:213-28. [PMID: 16733060 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2006] [Revised: 03/08/2006] [Accepted: 03/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
LY354740 is a potent and selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist with activity in models of psychiatric disorders (anxiety, psychosis), and early clinical studies in anxiety patients. However, the specific receptor subtypes and brain regions which mediate mGlu2/3 receptor agonist pharmacology/efficacy are not well understood. Here we investigate the effects of deleting mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptors on basal and LY354740-regulated c-Fos expression in mouse brain using mGlu2 or mGlu3 knockout mice. Consistent with our earlier findings, LY354740 administration (20 mg/kg, i.p.) to wild-type mice increased c-Fos expression in specific limbic (central amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, midline thalamic nuclei) and non-limbic (thalamic dorsolateral geniculate nucleus, superior colliculus, Edinger-Westphal) structures, while modestly suppressing hippocampal c-Fos expression. The LY354740-induced increases in c-Fos expression in all the above regions were abolished by mGlu2, but not mGlu3, receptor deletion. Interestingly, basal c-Fos expression was significantly increased in the hippocampus of mGlu3, but not mGlu2, receptor knockouts compared to wild-type mice. Moreover, this increase was not suppressed by LY354740, such that in the CA3 region LY354740 now increased c-Fos expression in the mGlu3 knockouts. These results demonstrate that the LY354740-induced increases of c-Fos expression in specific brain regions, including the central and extended amygdala are specifically linked to mGlu2 receptors, and LY354740 suppressions of neuronal activity in the hippocampus are linked to mGlu3 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni-Maija Linden
- Neuroscience Discovery, Lilly Research Laboratories, Central Nervous System Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, drop code 0510, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
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90
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Barker GRI, Bashir ZI, Brown MW, Warburton EC. A temporally distinct role for group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in object recognition memory. Learn Mem 2006; 13:178-86. [PMID: 16585793 PMCID: PMC1409835 DOI: 10.1101/lm.77806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recognition memory, involving the ability to discriminate between a novel and familiar object, depends on the integrity of the perirhinal cortex (PRH). Glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the cortex, is essential for many types of memory processes. Of the subtypes of glutamate receptor, metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) have received less study than NMDA receptors; thus, the reported experiments examined the role of mGluRs in familiarity discrimination in the rat PRH. Experiments 1 and 2 assessed the effects of systemic administration of MPEP, a group I mGluR (specifically mGluR5) antagonist, and/or LY341495, a group II mGluR antagonist, on a spontaneous object novelty preference task. Simultaneous antagonism of both group I and II mGluRs impaired familiarity discrimination following a 24-h but not a 15-min delay, while antagonism of either mGluR subtype alone had no effect at either delay. The impairment was in acquisition, as in Experiment 3 coadministration of MPEP and LY341495 did not affect recognition memory performance when administered either after the sample phase or prior to test. The impairment in long-term recognition memory was mediated by mGluRs in the PRH, as localized intracortical antagonism of group I and II mGluRs also produced a deficit (Experiment 4). No evidence was found for an involvement of group III mGluRs in the acquisition of long-term familiarity discrimination (Experiment 5). These findings establish that glutamatergic neurotransmission in the PRH via group I and II mGluRs is crucial for the acquisition, but not for the consolidation or retrieval of long-term object recognition memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Robert Isaac Barker
- MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, Department of Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1 TD, United Kingdom
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91
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Alexander GM, Godwin DW. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as a strategic target for the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2006; 71:1-22. [PMID: 16787741 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2006.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that has many known types, including generalized epilepsies that involve cortical and subcortical structures. A proportion of patients have seizures that are resistant to traditional anti-epilepsy drugs, which mainly target ion channels or postsynaptic receptors. This resistance to conventional therapies makes it important to identify novel targets for the treatment of epilepsy. Given the involvement of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the etiology of epilepsy, targets that control glutamatergic neurotransmission are of special interest. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are of a family of eight G-protein-coupled receptors that serve unique regulatory functions at synapses that use the neurotransmitter glutamate. Their distribution within the central nervous system provides a platform for both presynaptic control of glutamate release, as well as postsynaptic control of neuronal responses to glutamate. In recent years, substantial efforts have been made towards developing selective agonists and antagonists which may be useful for targeting specific receptor subtypes in an attempt to harness the therapeutic potential of these receptors. We examine the possibility of intervening at these receptors by considering the specific example of absence seizures, a form of generalized, non-convulsive seizure that involves the thalamus. Views of the etiology of absence seizures have evolved over time from the "centrencephalic" concept of a diffuse subcortical pacemaker toward the "cortical focus" theory in which cortical hyperexcitability leads the thalamus into the 3-4 Hz rhythms that are characteristic of absence seizures. Since the cortex communicates with the thalamus via a massive glutamatergic projection, ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) blockade has held promise, but the global nature of iGluR intervention has precluded the clinical effectiveness of drugs that block iGluRs. In contrast, mGluRs, because they modulate iGluRs at glutamatergic synapses only under certain conditions, may quell seizure activity by selectively reducing hyperactive glutamatergic synaptic communication within the cortex and thalamus without significantly affecting normal response rates. In this article, we review the circuitry and events leading to absence seizure generation within the corticothalamic network, we present a comprehensive review of the synaptic location and function of mGluRs within the thalamus and cerebral cortex, and review the current knowledge of mGluR modulation and seizure generation. We conclude by reviewing the potential advantages of Group II mGluRs, specifically mGluR2, in the treatment of both convulsive and non-convulsive seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Alexander
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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92
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Shen J. 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of alterations in glutamate neurotransmission. Biol Psychiatry 2006; 59:883-7. [PMID: 16199016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2005] [Revised: 07/11/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past a few years, significant progress has been made in refining the in vivo 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique and in applying it to studying the alterations in the glutamate-glutamine cycling flux. Meanwhile, the details of the metabolic modeling are being rigorously debated. Recent evidence against fast alpha-ketoglutarate-glutamate exchange across the mitochondrial membrane is examined. Previous reports have indicated that glutamate release or 13C label incorporation into glutamine is attenuated at elevated concentrations of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A recent study has shown that phenelzine administration reduces the glutamate-glutamine cycling flux while raising endogenous GABA levels in vivo. Effects of several metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists and brain disorders on the glutamate-glutamine cycle are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shen
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1527, USA.
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93
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Lafleur DL, Pittenger C, Kelmendi B, Gardner T, Wasylink S, Malison RT, Sanacora G, Krystal JH, Coric V. N-acetylcysteine augmentation in serotonin reuptake inhibitor refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 184:254-6. [PMID: 16374600 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2005] [Accepted: 10/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dysfunction of glutamatergic neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and recent clinical reports suggest that some glutamate modulating agents are efficacious in the treatment of this disorder. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a readily available amino acid compound that is thought to attenuate glutamatergic neurotransmission. NAC may be useful in treating psychiatric disorders involving glutamatergic dysfunction such as OCD. OBJECTIVES To examine the efficacy of augmentation with NAC in a patient with serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)-refractory OCD. METHODS A patient with SRI-refractory OCD was treated with an off-label use of NAC augmentation of fluvoxamine over several weeks. RESULTS NAC augmentation of fluvoxamine resulted in a marked decrease in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BBOCS) score and a clinically significant improvement in OCD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS NAC augmentation was effective in treating SRI-refractory OCD in this single case. Further research is warranted to investigate the use of NAC and other glutamate modulating agents in the treatment of OCD.
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94
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Govek SP, Bonnefous C, Hutchinson JH, Kamenecka T, McQuiston J, Pracitto R, Zhao LX, Gardner MF, James JK, Daggett LP, Rowe BA, Schaffhauser H, Bristow LJ, Campbell UC, Rodriguez DE, Vernier JM. Benzazoles as allosteric potentiators of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2): efficacy in an animal model for schizophrenia. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2005; 15:4068-72. [PMID: 16005222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2005] [Revised: 06/02/2005] [Accepted: 06/03/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) has been implicated in a variety of CNS disorders, including schizophrenia. Disclosed herein is the development of a new series of allosteric potentiators of mGluR2. Structure-activity relationship studies in conjunction with pharmacokinetic data led to the discovery of indole 5, which is active in an animal model for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Govek
- Merck Research Laboratories, 3535 General Atomics Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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95
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Abstract
Anxiety, stress, and trauma-related disorders are a major public health concern in the United States. Drugs that target the gamma-aminobutyric acid or serotonergic system, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, respectively, are the most widely prescribed treatments for these disorders. However, the role of glutamate in anxiety disorders is becoming more recognized with the belief that drugs that modulate glutamatergic function through either ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors have the potential to improve the current treatment of these severe and disabling illnesses. Animal models of fear and anxiety have provided a method to study the role of glutamate in anxiety. This research has demonstrated that drugs that alter glutamate transmission have potential anxiolytic action for many different paradigms including fear-potentiated startle, punished responding, and the elevated plus maze. Human clinical drug trials have demonstrated the efficacy of glutamatergic drugs for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia. Recent data from magnetic resonance imaging studies provide an additional link between the glutamate system and anxiety. Collectively, the data suggest that future studies on the mechanism of and clinical efficacy of glutamatergic agents in anxiety disorders are appropriately warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette M Cortese
- Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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96
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Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a common focus of clinical concern and certain forms of anxiety may be conceptualized as disorders of emotional learning. Behavior therapies effective in the treatment of anxiety are modeled on extinction training as a means of reducing pathological anxiety. The present understanding of human anxiety has been informed by preclinical research using rodent models to study the acquisition and extinction of fear. Glutamate appears to have a central role in both of these processes. The authors review this literature and discuss novel applications of D-cycloserine, a partial N-methyl-D-aspartate agonist, for the treatment of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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