Clonidine binds to imidazole binding sites as well as alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the ventrolateral medulla

Clonidine and rilmenidine suppress hypotension-induced Fos expression in the lower brainstem of the conscious rabbit

Our current knowledge of the sites of action of the centrally-acting antihypertensive drug clonidine is based almost entirely on experiments in anesthetized animals. The aim of this study was to determine, in conscious rabbits, the sites of action in the brainstem of systemically administered clonidine, as well as its oxazoline analog rilmenidine. Three groups of experiments were carried out. In the first group, hypotension was produced by continuous intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside, at a rate sufficient to decrease arterial pressure by 20-30 mmHg, maintained for a period of 60 min. In the second and third groups of experiments, sustained hypotension was also produced by nitroprusside infusion as in the first group, but this was preceded by intravenous injection of clonidine (7-30 micrograms/kg i.v.) or rilmenidine (150-300 micrograms/kg i.v.), respectively. In confirmation of our previous study [Li Y.-W. and Dampney R. A. L. (1994) Neuroscience 61, 613-634], hypotension produced by nitroprusside alone induced a large increase (compared to sham control experiments) in the neuronal expression of Fos (a marker of neuronal activation) in the nucleus of the solitary tract, area postrema, the rostral, intermediate and caudal parts of the ventrolateral medulla, A5 area, locus coeruleus and subcoeruleus, and parabrachial nucleus. In comparison with this group, in rabbits pretreated with clonidine the numbers of Fos-positive cells were greatly reduced (by 76-94%) in the rostral, intermediate and caudal parts of the ventrolateral medulla, area postrema, A5 area, locus coeruleus and subcoeruleus. Clonidine pretreatment also caused a more moderate reduction (by 45%) in the number of Fos-positive cells in the nucleus of the solitary tract, but had no effect on Fos expression in the parabrachial nucleus. Double-labeling for tyrosine hydroxylase and Fos immunoreactivity showed that clonidine pretreatment greatly reduced the numbers of both catecholamine and non-catecholamine Fos-positive neurons. Rilmenidine pretreatment also greatly reduced Fos expression in the lower brainstem, with a very similar pattern to that observed after clonidine pretreatment. The results indicate that in conscious animals both clonidine and rilmenidine cause a widespread but selective inhibition of neurons in the pons and medulla that are normally activated by a hypotensive stimulus. In contrast to previous observations in anesthetized animals, the results suggest that (i) systemic administration of both drugs inhibits non-catecholamine as well as catecholamine neurons in the ventrolateral medulla, and (ii) the regional pattern of neuronal inhibition following administration of equipotent hypotensive doses of both drugs is very similar.

Localization of I2-imidazoline binding sites on monoamine oxidases

Imidazoline binding sites (IBS) were proposed to be responsible for some of the pharmacological and therapeutic activities of imidazoline and related compounds and have been classified into two subtypes, I1BS and I2BS. Convergent studies attribute a role in central blood pressure regulation to the I1BS. In contrast, the function of I2BS remains unknown. In the present study, by combining biochemical and molecular biology approaches, we show that 1) microsequencing of I2BS purified from rabbit kidney mitochondria allowed the recovery of four peptide sequence stretches displaying up to 85.7% similarity with human, rat, and bovine monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A and -B; 2) I2BS and MAO displayed identical biophysical characteristics as their activities, measured by [3H]idazoxan binding and [14C]tyramine oxidation, respectively, could not be separated using various chromatographic procedures; and 3) heterologous expression of human placenta MAO-A and human liver MAO-B in yeast, inherently devoid of I2BS and MAO activities, led to the coexpression of [3H]idazoxan binding sites displaying ligand-recognition properties typical of I2BS. These results show definitely that I2BS is located on both MAO-A and -B. The fact that I2BS ligands inhibited MAO activity independently of the interaction with the catalytic region suggests that I2BS might be a previously unknown MAO regulatory site.

Quantitative autoradiographic localization in rat brain of alpha 2-adrenergic and non-adrenergic I-receptor binding sites labelled by [3H]rilmenidine

alpha 2A-Adrenergic receptor (AR) and non-adrenergic imidazoline receptor (I-R) binding sites have been previously characterized in rat cerebral cortex membranes using the N-substituted oxazoline, [3H]rilmenidine ([3H]Ril) [King, P.R. et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 218 (1992) 101-108]. In the present study, in vitro autoradiography was used to quantify the regional distribution of these receptors throughout the rat neuroaxis. The distribution and relative density (fmol/mg tissue) of I-Rs was examined in the presence of 1 microM adrenaline to block the adrenergic component of 40 nM [3H]Ril binding and non-specific binding was measured in the presence of another oxazoline, Bay a6781 (10 microM). Both alpha 2A-ARs and I-Rs were broadly, but heterogeneously, distributed. In forebrain, high levels of [3H]Ril-labelled alpha 2A-AR sites were observed in the anterior olfactory nucleus, the piriform, entorhinal and perirhinal cortices, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, several thalamic nuclei, the amygdala and the arcuate, dorsomedial and posterior hypothalamic nuclei. In hindbrain, alpha 2A-AR sites were concentrated in locus coeruleus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract and area postrema. I-R sites accounted for 50% or more of specific [3H]Ril binding (40 nM) in most cortical and hypothalamic nuclei, nucleus of the solitary tract, cranial motor nuclei and most spinal cord layers. The highest densities of I-Rs were found in the arcuate, dorsomedial and posterior hypothalamic nuclei, the locus coeruleus, the area postrema, the cranial motor nuclei and associated with spinal motor neurones. A very high concentration of I-Rs was also detected in the pineal gland. The distribution of alpha 2-AR sites determined resembled that reported with [3H]p-aminoclonidine which appears to specifically label alpha 2-ARs and not I1-R sites in rat brain sections, and [3H]methoxyidazoxan which is a selective alpha 2-AR antagonist. The regional and cellular distribution of I-R binding sites was unlike the distribution of putative I1-R sites labelled by [3H]clonidine in human brain, although comparable autoradiographic mapping studies in rat brain have not been done using this ligand. The regional and cellular distribution of [3H]-labelled I-R binding sites had both similarities and differences to that reported using the imidazoline ligand, [3H]idazoxan, with common labelling of areas such as area postrema, arcuate and interpeduncular nuclei and pineal gland with the two ligands, and differential relative binding levels ([3H]Ril > [3H]idazoxan) associated with hippocampal pyramidal cells and brainstem and spinal motor neurones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mydriasis elicited by imidazol(in)e alpha 2-adrenomimetics in comparison with other adrenoceptor-mediated effects and hydrophobicity

alpha 2-Adrenoceptor agonists cause both mydriasis and platelet aggregation. This work is aimed at identifying the factors accompanying and affecting mydriatic activity. For eight imidazol(in)e drugs mydriatic, hypotensive and bradycardic activities were determined in rats. The lipophilicity of the agents was determined chromatographically and calculated theoretically. A correlation was found between the hypotensive and the bradycardic potency and between the mydriatic activity and both the hypotensive and bradycardic activity. Mydriatic activity depended on the lipophilicity of the agents studied. The human platelet antiaggregatory activity of the drugs did not correlate with either the mydriatic or cardiovascular activity and it was independent of lipophilicity. The dependence of the centrally induced effects on lipophilicity and the lack of such a dependence in the case of the in vitro alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated platelet aggregation may be interpreted as resulting from heterogeneity of the rat cerebral and the human platelet alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The alpha 2-adrenergic activity of drugs in the model of mydriasis in rats cannot be predicted from their activity in causing human platelet aggregation in vitro.

Metabolism of agmatine (clonidine-displacing substance) by diamine oxidase and the possible implications for studies of imidazoline receptors

Clonidine-displacing substance, thought to be the endogenous ligand for imidazoline receptors, has been identified recently as agmatine (1-amino-4-guanidinobutane). The similarity of this compound's structure to that of the diamine oxidase (DAO) inhibitor, aminoguanidine, led us to investigate the possibility that agmatine might be a substrate for this enzyme. The metabolism of agmatine by purified porcine kidney DAO was measured by a peroxidase-linked colorimetric assay. Agmatine was a substrate for this enzyme and, under the experimental conditions used here, was metabolised at a rate of 0.8 mumol agmatine h-1 (unit DAO activity)-1. In contrast, agmatine was a substrate neither for rat brain monoamine oxidase (MAO) -A or -B, nor for rat brown adipose tissue semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO). The metabolism of agmatine by DAO was inhibited by aminoguanidine (IC50 14.9 nM) and by the antidepressant, phenelzine (IC50 1.95 microM). These results suggest that administration of DAO inhibitors may increase endogenous agmatine levels and thus alter imidazoline receptor densities. A review of the literature documenting ligand affinities for idazoxan-preferring (I2) imidazoline binding site subtypes and drug affinities for DAO enzymes indicates that some of the I2 sites described elsewhere may correspond to DAO and not to an imidazoline receptor.

Heterogeneity of neurokinin1 binding sites in porcine respiratory tract

High-affinity NK1 binding sites for [125I]BH-SP were characterized in adult porcine respiratory tract. The affinity and density of NK1 sites were significantly higher in tracheal epithelium and smooth muscle than in the lung. The potency order for agonists was: SP > neuropeptide-gamma > physalaemin > NKA > eledoisin > septide > SP methyl ester > GR 73632 > NKB > senktide > SP(1-7). For antagonists: CP 99,994 > CP 96,345 > spantide > L 703,606 >> WIN 51,708. The CP compounds discriminated between very high- and high-affinity NK1 sites in all three tissues. The subpopulation of sites with very high affinity for CP compounds also preferentially bound septide. Both binding components were inhibited by guanine nucleotide and showed equal affinities for SP. We propose an NK1B subtype with very high affinity for the antagonists CP 99,994 and CP 96,345 and the agonist septide, and an NK1A subtype with lower affinities for these ligands.

Involvement of imidazoline-preferring receptors in regulation of sympathetic tone

We examined the contribution of imidazoline-preferring receptors (IPR) and alpha 2-adrenoceptors at different levels of the central nervous system in the antihypertensive and sympathoinhibitory actions of rilmenidine in 2 conscious animal models, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and the normotensive rabbit. In conscious SHRs, we compared the potency of rilmenidine and clonidine administered intravenously into the lateral cerebral ventricle, the cisterna magna, and into the subarachnoidal space of the thoracolumbar spinal cord. In SHRs, we found that rilmenidine was more potent and more effective by the intrathecal than the intracisternal route. By contrast, clonidine was most effective after administration into the cisterna magna. Intravenous administration of rilmenidine or clonidine induced dose-dependent and prolonged decreases in blood pressure and heart rate. Neither rilmenidine nor clonidine altered mean arterial pressure or heart rate when given into the lateral cerebral ventricle. These data suggest that in SHRs the spinal cord may be an important site for the antihypertensive action of rilmenidine. We therefore characterized the receptor type involved. We observed in conscious SHRs that intrathecal post-treatment with idazoxan, a mixed alpha 2-adrenoceptor and IPR antagonist, abolished the antihypertensive effect of rilmenidine, whereas 2-methoxyidazoxan, a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, caused only a partial reversal of the blood pressure effects of rilmenidine. These results suggest that rilmenidine acts mainly through IPR rather than alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the spinal cord. In view of these findings, we compared the hypotensive actions of rilmenidine and clonidine, administered into the lateral cerebral ventricle, the cisterna magna, and the subarachnoid space of the thoracolumbar spinal cord in conscious normotensive rabbits. Both drugs were less potent and effective when administered intrathecally than intracisternally. These experiments suggest that the hypotensive action of rilmenidine and clonidine in the rabbit is mediated through receptors mainly located in the brainstem. Further, we found that idazoxan reversed the hypotensive action of rilmenidine more readily than 2-methoxyidazoxan. Surprisingly, both idazoxan and 2-methoxyidazoxan completely reversed the depressor effects of clonidine. Therefore, in the rabbit, rilmenidine acts through IPR located in the brainstem and clonidine acts predominantly through alpha 2-adrenoceptors. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that IPR are involved in the vasodepressor action of rilmenidine in both conscious SHRs and rabbits. However, although the main site of action of rilmenidine in SHRs may be located in the thoracolumbar spinal cord, in the rabbit it appears to be in the brainstem.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protection of focal ischemic infarction by rilmenidine in the animal: evidence that interactions with central imidazoline receptors may be neuroprotective

Rilmenidine and idazoxan reduce the volume of focal ischemic infarctions produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in the rat by 33% and 29%, respectively, by preserving neurons within the ischemic penumbra. In contrast, the alpha 2-selective antagonist SKF-86466 is without effect. The neuroprotective action of rilmenidine is dose dependent and parallels its antihypertensive actions. Neuroprotection cannot be attributed to changes in cerebral blood flow. We conclude that the neuroprotection produced by rilmenidine is attributable to an interaction with imidazoline receptors (IRs). However, the mechanism of action is not obvious. If it results from an action within the penumbra (direct), it is mediated by mitochondrial I-2 receptors on astrocytes, since cortical neurons are devoid of IRs. Neuroprotection might occur by selectively stimulating Ca2+ uptake into astrocytes, and thereby reducing Ca2+ uptake into neurons. Alternatively, rilmenidine may act indirectly to activate pathways in the brain that are neuroprotective. Neuroprotection may be a therapeutic target for rilmenidine and allied agents that act at central IRs.

Role of imidazoline receptors in cardiovascular regulation

The involvement of nonadrenergic imidazoline specific receptors in the central control of the vasomotor tone and in the mechanism of action of drugs bearing an imidazoline structure, or analogs, is now well documented. Imidazoline-specific binding sites were found in many tissues and species. Moreover, until now, it is only in the brainstem that such binding sites are associated with a function: the hypotensive effect of imidazoline-like drugs. Rilmenidine, which is an oxazoline structurally related to the reference imidazolines, exerts a central hypotensive effect of central origin involving imidazoline receptors. The selectivity of rilmenidine for the imidazoline receptors compared to alpha 2-adrenergic receptors could explain the low incidence of sedative side effects observed with this antihypertensive drug. A specific anti-imidazoline radioimmunoassay allowed us to detect the presence of an immunoreactive imidazoline-like substance in human sera. High levels of this immunoreactive substance are associated with high blood pressure in 20-30% of the hypertensive patients. This observation indicates that high levels of this immunoreactive substance in the serum can be associated with some kinds of primary hypertension. The cause-and-effect relation between these 2 phenomena has not yet been determined. This substance is in process of purification; it could be a candidate to be an endogenous ligand of the imidazoline receptors.

Differential patterns of local cerebral glucose utilisation associated with rilmenidine- or B-HT 933-induced hypotension

The anti-hypertensive drug, rilmenidine, has activity at both imidazoline-preferring receptors (IPRs) and alpha 2-adrenoceptors. However, available evidence suggests that its hypotensive effect is mediated via central IPRs. In the present study, the neuroanatomical regions involved in mediating the hypotensive response to rilmenidine were investigated using the [14C]2-deoxyglucose in vivo autoradiographic technique to map drug-induced changes in glucose utilisation within the CNS of conscious, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The cerebral metabolic effects of rilmenidine were compared with those of B-HT 933, a selective, alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist with no selectivity for the IPR. Rilmenidine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and B-HT 933 (2 mg/kg, s.c.) both elicited a moderate but significant hypotension (-24 +/- 2 and -18 +/- 5 mmHg, resp.) and bradycardia (-62 +/- 19.5 and -69 +/- 14 beats/min, resp.). [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiography, initiated after stabilisation of the drug-induced reduction in blood pressure, revealed significant reductions (P < 0.05) in local cerebral glucose utilisation (LCGU) in the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord, area postrema, ventrolateral medulla, nucleus tractus solitarius and cuneate nucleus of rilmenidine-treated rats. Rilmenidine did not significantly alter LCGU in a number of structures containing high densities of alpha 2-adrenoceptors such as nucleus accumbens, locus coeruleus, frontal cortex. No significant changes in glucose use were evident in any of the 26 CNS regions examined following B-HT 933 administration. These results provide evidence for the functional involvement of brainstem cardiovascular control centres in the central hypotensive effects of rilmenidine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Desipramine-induced increase in norepinephrine transporter mRNA is not mediated via alpha 2 receptors

In situ hybridization for the norepinephrine transporter (NET) was performed in rats receiving short-term (2 days) treatment with either an alpha-2 (alpha 2) receptor agonist (clonidine) or antagonist (yohimbine) followed by saline or desipramine (DMI). The 'saline' group received intraperitoneal injections of either clonidine, yohimbine or saline followed by an injection of saline. The 'DMI' group received intraperitoneal injections of either clonidine, yohimbine or saline followed by an injection of DMI. Dosages given were clonidine (0.10 mg/kg), yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg) and DMI (10 mg/kg). In the 'saline' group, the clonidine/saline animals had significantly less NET mRNA expression compared to the saline/saline animals. In the 'DMI' group an attentuation of the DMI-induced increase in NET mRNA was observed in the clonidine/DMI animals compared to the saline/DMI animals. In both treatment groups, administration of yohimbine did not alter the expression of NET mRNA compared to the appropriate control animals. These findings suggest that the DMI-induced increase in NET mRNA is not mediated via alpha 2 receptors for, although clonidine attenuates DMI's effect, there is no reciprocal enhancement with the alpha 2 antagonist yohimbine. Clonidine's attenuation of DMI's effect may occur via the imidazole receptor as clonidine is an agonist at the imidazole receptor but yohimbine has no known activity at it. Additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of the DMI-induced increase in NET mRNA and to correlate changes in NET mRNA with transporter expression at the synaptic membrane.

Isolation of a human cerebral imidazoline-specific binding protein

The first isolation of a human brain specific imidazoline binding protein is described. This protein was obtained using affinity chromatography and was revealed with the aid of an anti-idiotypic antibody specific for imidazoline binding sites. The protein (43 kDa) differs from other imidazoline binding proteins previously isolated from peripheral tissues, in particular by being also sensitive to clonidine.

Effects of moxonidine, an imidazoline antihypertensive agent, on second messenger systems in rat brain

Moxonidine, an imidazoline, binds to alpha 2-adrenoceptors and imidazoline receptors. We sought to determine the effects of moxonidine on accumulation of cAMP, cGMP, and phosphoinositide turnover in minislices of cerebral cortex and brainstem. In cerebral cortex, but not in brainstem, moxonidine inhibited the stimulated production of cAMP, an effect blocked by alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist rauwolscine. It also increased the hydrolysis of phosphoinositide above 100 microM in cerebral cortex and failed to alter accumulation of cGMP in both regions. We conclude that moxonidine is a typical alpha 2-adrenergic agonist inhibiting cAMP production in cerebral cortex, but not in brainstem, its interaction with I1 imidazoline sites in brainstem did not regulate second messenger systems, and moxonidine increased phosphoinositide turnover in cerebral cortex by unknown mechanisms.

Immunodetection of putative imidazoline receptor proteins in the human and rat brain and other tissues

A specific anti-imidazoline receptor (IR) protein antiserum was used to detect these putative receptors in brain and other tissues. In immunoblotting experiments, various brain areas and tissues expressed a double band of 29-30 kDa, and some of them bands of 47 and 66 kDa. The human medulla oblongata also showed bands of 44 and 50 kDa; and the rat adrenal medulla, bands of 58 and 86 kDa. Total immunoreactivity correlated with the density of IR binding sites in the various tissues. This is first evidence of heterogeneity of immunoreactive IRs in the mammalian brain.

Characterization of imidazoline binding protein(s) solubilized from human brainstem: studies with [3H]idazoxan and [3H]clonidine

Imidazoline binding sites from the human brainstem were solubilized with 3-[(3-cholamido-propyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propane-sulfonate (CHAPS). [3H]idazoxan and [3H]clonidine were used as ligands to characterize the solubilized binding sites. In both the soluble and membrane fractions, [3H]idazoxan binding was saturable, stereoselective, sensitive to imidazolines and insensitive to (-)norepinephrine and to amiloride. The affinities of [3H]idazoxan for the soluble and membrane sites were similar (KD = 25 +/- 11 nM and 20 +/- 3 nM). In both soluble and membrane fractions, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding being masked with (-)norepinephrine, [3H]clonidine bound to a low affinity site which was insensitive to (-)norepinephrine and which exhibited the same selectivity for various drugs as the [3H]idazoxan binding site. alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding was present in the membrane and the soluble fractions although it was difficult to detect in the soluble fraction because of inhibition of [3H]rauwolscine binding by the CHAPS detergent.

Characterization of binding sites for [3H]-idazoxan, [3H]-P-aminoclonidine and [3H]-rauwolscine in the kidney of the dog

1. We characterized the binding of [3H]-rauwolscine, [3H]-p-aminoclonidine and [3H]-idazoxan in a dog kidney membrane preparation. Our aim was to determine the pharmacological nature of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor- and imidazoline-preferring binding sites in this organ. 2. [3H]-Rauwolscine bound to an apparent single site with an affinity (KD) of 2.2 nmol/L and a maximum density (Bmax) of 58.5 fmol/mg protein, when 10 mumol/L idazoxan defined non-specific binding. However displacement studies demonstrated that a number of compounds, including prazosin, inhibited [3H]-rauwolscine binding in a complex manner consistent with displacement from two distinct binding sites. The majority (69%) of the [3H]-rauwolscine binding sites had a relatively low affinity for prazosin (KI = 398 nmol/L), while the remainder had a relatively high affinity for prazosin (KI = 7.9 nmol/L). 3. [3H]-p-Aminoclonidine bound to an apparent single site (KD = 5.2 nmol/L; Bmax = 72.4 fmol/mg protein), when 10 mumol/L phentolamine defined non-specific binding. When 1 mumol/L of the potent and selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist 2-methoxyidazoxan was included in the incubate, no specific binding was detected. We therefore conclude that under the conditions of this experiment [3H]-p-aminoclonidine binds only to alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the dog kidney. 4. [3H]-Idazoxan bound to two sites, with a higher (KD = 0.95 nmol/L; Bmax = 43.9 fmol/mg protein) and lower (KD = 9.1 nmol/L; Bmax = 93.8 fmol/mg protein) affinity, respectively, when 1 mmol/L phentolamine defined non-specific binding. When 10 mumol/L GTP gamma S was included in the incubate, the low affinity site was unaffected but the maximum binding at the higher affinity site was reduced by 79%. 2-Methoxyidazoxan displaced [3H]-idazoxan in a monophasic manner and with low potency (IC50 = 11.5 mumol/L). Yohimbine, efaroxan, clonidine, rilmenidine, guanabenz and idazoxan itself displaced [3H]-idazoxan in a complex manner; the slope of the displacement curves being less than unity. 5. We conclude that the dog kidney contains a heterogeneous population of alpha 2-adrenoceptors that can be labelled either with [3H]-rauwolscine or [3H]-p-aminoclonidine. The dog kidney also contains a heterogeneous population of non-adrenoceptor imidazoline-preferring binding sites of the I2-subtype, that can be labelled with [3H]-idazoxan. The binding site for which [3H]-idazoxan has the highest affinity appears to be coupled to a guanine nucleotide binding regulatory protein.

Sodium excretion following central administration of an I1 imidazoline receptor agonist, moxonidine

1. Previously we have shown that an intrarenal infusion of moxonidine, an I1-imidazoline receptor agonist, resulted in a natriuresis which was inhibited by intravenous idazoxan, a selective imidazoline receptor antagonist. Therefore we examined the effects of renal function of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of moxonidine with or without i.c.v. idazoxan. 2. Seven days after unilateral nephrectomy, Sprague-Dawley rats had i.c.v. cannulae implanted. Three days later the rats were anaesthetized (pentobarbitone), followed by cannulation of the jugular vein (fluid and drug administration), carotid artery (blood pressure) and the ureter (urine collection). 3. After a 45 min stabilization period, the effect of moxonidine was investigated by the i.c.v. administration of either isotonic saline or moxonidine (0.1, 0.3 or 1 nmol in isotonic saline) administered in 5 microliters over 1 min. All doses of moxonidine resulted in an increase in urine flow with a concomitant increase in sodium excretion without affecting blood pressure. The highest dose of moxonidine (1 nmol) also increased free water clearance. 4. In a second series of experiments, the effects of idazoxan on the natriuretic response to i.c.v. moxonidine were determined. Moxonidine (0.3 nmol) again increased sodium and water excretion as compared to the i.c.v. saline control animals. Pretreatment with i.c.v. idazoxan (0.3 nmol), at a dose which alone failed to alter sodium and water excretion, completely attenuated the renal response to moxonidine. These results are consistent with central I1-imidazoline receptors mediating a moxonidine-induced increase in sodium and water excretion at doses that do not alter blood pressure.

Perikaryal and synaptic localization of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity

Through molecular cloning, the existence of three distinct subtypes of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2AR)--A, B and C--has been established and are referred to as alpha 2A AR, alpha 2B AR and alpha 2CAR. Due to limitations in pharmacological tools, it has been difficult to ascribe the role of each subtype to the central functions of alpha 2AR. In situ hybridization studies have provided valuable information regarding their distribution within brain. However, little is known about their subcellular distribution, and in particular, their pre- versus postsynaptic localization or their relation to noradrenergic neurons in the CNS. We used an antiserum that selectively recognizes the A-subtype of alpha 2AR to determine: (1) the regional distribution of the receptor within brains of rat and monkey; (2) the subcellular distribution of the receptor in locus coeruleus (LC) of rats and prefrontal cortex of monkeys; and (3) the ultrastructural relation of the receptor to noradrenergic processes in LC. Light microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed prominent immunoreactivity in LC, the brainstem regions modulating the baroreflex, the granule cell layer of the cerebellar cortex, the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus (PVN, SON), the basal ganglia, all thalamic nuclei, the hippocampal formation and throughout cerebral cortical areas. Comparison of results obtained from rat and monkey brains revealed no apparent interspecies-differences in the regional distribution of immunoreactivity. Immunoreactivity occurred as small puncta, less than 1 micron in diameter, that cluster over neuronal perikarya. Besides these puncta, cell bodies, proximal dendrites and fine varicose processes--most likely to be axonal--of the PVN and SON and the hippocampal granule cells also exhibited homogeneously intense distribution of immunoreactivity. Subcellularly, alpha 2AAR-ir in LC and prefrontal cortex were associated with synaptic and non-synaptic plasma membrane of dendrites and perikarya as well as perikaryal membranous organelles. In addition, cortical tissue, but not LC, exhibited prominent immunoreactivity within spine heads. Rat brainstem tissue immunolabeled dually for alpha 2AAR and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (D beta H, the noradrenaline-synthesizing enzyme) revealed that alpha 2AAR-li occurs in catecholaminergic terminals but is also prevalent within non-catecholaminergic terminals. Terminals exhibiting alpha 2AAR-li formed symmetric and asymmetric types of synapses onto dendrites with and without D beta H-immunoreactivity. These results indicate that: (1) the A-subtype of alpha 2AR is distributed widely within brain; (2) alpha 2AAR-li reflects the presence of newly synthesized alph 2AAR in perikarya as well as those receptors along the plasma membrane of perikarya, dendritic trunks and spines; and (3) alpha 2AAR in LC may operate as heteroreceptors on non-catecholaminergic terminals as well as autoreceptors on noradrenergic terminals.

Pharmacological characterization of [3H]idazoxan, [3H]RX821002 and p-[125I]iodoclonidine binding to alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes

Binding characteristics of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes were compared using the antagonist radioligands [3H]idazoxan, [3H]2-(2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-imidazoline ([3H]RX821002), and the partial agonist radioligand [125I]2-[2,6-(dichloro-4-iodophenyl)imino]imidazoline ([125I]iodoclonidine). With [3H]RX821002 and alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtype-selective competitors, both alpha 2A/D- and alpha 2C-adrenoceptor subtypes were detected, suggesting rat cortical membranes contain approximately 90% alpha 2A/D-adrenoceptor subtype and 10% alpha 2C-adrenoceptor subtype. Only alpha 2A/D-adrenoceptors were detected with [3H]idazoxan and [125I]iodoclonidine. All three radioligands bound to a single high affinity site (Kd = 0.3-1.6 nM). However, the densities of sites labeled by [3H]idazoxan and [125I]iodoclonidine were 50% greater than the density labeled by [3H]RX821002, likely representing non-adrenoceptor binding sites. The density of [125I]iodoclonidine binding sites in glycylglycine buffer was similar to that labeled by [3H]RX821002. These results suggest that: (1) alpha 2A/D-adrenoceptors are the predominant subtype in rat cerebral cortex, (2) demonstrate that the small number of alpha 2C-adrenoceptors in this tissue can be detected using prazosin to displace [3H]RX821002 binding, and (3) non-adrenoceptor binding with [125I]iodoclonidine can be minimized with the use of glycylglycine buffer.

Clonidine reverses the slowly developing hypertension produced by low doses of angiotensin II

We used the centrally acting sympatholytic drug clonidine to evaluate neurogenic pressor activity in rats made hypertensive by chronic intravenous infusion of a low dose (4.0 ng.min-1) of angiotensin II (Ang II). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with arterial and venous catheters and then housed in metabolic cages for the duration of the experiment. After 3 days of recovery from surgery, daily measurements were begun of mean arterial pressure, heart rate, water balance, and urinary electrolyte excretion. After 3 days of control measurements rats received either Ang II (4.0 ng.min-1 IV, n = 5) or saline vehicle (n = 4) continuously over a 15-day period. After the Ang II and vehicle infusions were ended, measurements were made during 3 days of recovery. On days 2, 7, and 12 of the experimental infusion period, clonidine hydrochloride was administered as a bolus (10.0 micrograms.kg-1 IA). The resulting changes in mean arterial pressure and heart rate were assessed over a 6-hour period. Fluid measurements were evaluated on a daily basis. In rats receiving only vehicle, clonidine produced no significant changes in any variable at any time. In rats given Ang II, mean arterial pressure increased from a control value (mean +/- SEM) of 106 +/- 1 mm Hg to 135 +/- 6, 139 +/- 6, and 148 +/- 4 mm Hg on days 2, 7, and 12, respectively. The antihypertensive response to clonidine after 6 hours on days 2, 7, and 12 of the Ang II infusion in these rats was -18 +/- 8, -16 +/- 5, and -23 +/- 9 mm Hg, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dissociation of the alpha 2-adrenergic antinociception from sedation following microinjection of medetomidine into the locus coeruleus in rats

It is well established that alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists have sedative and antinociceptive properties. In the current behavioral study we tried to find out if the alpha 2-adrenergic sedative and antinociceptive effects can be dissociated. We tested the hypothesis that alpha 2-adrenergic sedation is mediated by the locus coeruleus (LC) and antinociception by spinal alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Also, we addressed the possibility that intracerebral injection of an alpha 2-agonist might produce its antinociceptive effect by an action directly at the spinal cord. Medetomidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, or atipamezole, an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, were microinjected bilaterally into the LC through chronic cannulae in unanesthetized Han-Wistar rats. The effect on locomotor activity (/vigilance), tail-flick and hot-plate response, and on formalin-induced pain behavior was determined. Medetomidine microinjected into the LC (1-10 micrograms/cannula) produced dose-dependently hypolocomotion (/sedation), increase of response latencies in the hot-plate and the tail-flick tests, and a decrease in the formalin-induced pain behavior. Hypolocomotion (/sedation) was obtained at a lower medetomidine dose (1 microgram/cannula) than antinociception (3-10 micrograms/cannula). The lowest medetomidine dose used (1 microgram/cannula), which induced significant hypolocomotion (/sedation), produced either no antinociception (hot-plate and tail-flick tests) or even a slight hyperalgesia (formalin test). The hypolocomotion (/sedation) but not antinociception (tail-flick test) induced by systemic administration of medetomidine (100 micrograms/kg s.c.) could be reversed by atipamezole (10 micrograms/cannula) microinjected into the LC. Only a high systemic dose of atipamezole (1 mg/kg s.c.) reversed the antinociceptive effects of medetomidine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulation by central postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors of the jaw-opening reflex induced by orofacial stimulation in rats

1. The modulation by alpha 2-adrenoceptors of the jaw-opening reflex (digastric electromyographic responses) elicited by orofacial electrical stimulation (OF-JOR) in pentobarbitone anaesthetized rats was investigated. 2. Increasing doses of clonidine (0.1-1000 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) reduced, in a dose-dependent manner until abolition, the amplitude and duration of the OF-JOR and increased the latency to onset. The sum of amplitudes of the reflex was the most sensitive parameter to the inhibitory effects of clonidine (ED50 = 13.9 micrograms kg-1). 3. Pretreatment with the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (0.03-1 mg kg-1, i.v.), caused a dose-dependent shift (1.5 to 37 fold) to the right of the dose-response curve for clonidine without significant change of maximum inhibitory effect, in a manner compatible with competitive antagonism (ED50B = 29.0 micrograms kg-1). Pretreatment with yohimbine (0.3 mg kg-1, i.v.) also antagonized the inhibitory effect of clonidine on the OF-JOR. In contrast, the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist ARC-239 (0.3 mg kg-1, i.v.) did not antagonize the effect of clonidine on the reflex. 4. In rats pretreated with reserpine (5 mg kg-1, s.c., 18 h) the OF-JOR was not modified, but the potency of clonidine in inhibiting the reflex was potentiated (ED50 value decreased to 6.8 micrograms kg-1) without a significant change of maximum inhibitory effect. 5. Increasing doses of amphetamine (0.1-3000 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) caused a dose-related, but partial, inhibition of the OF-JOR (ED50 = 135 micrograms kg-1; Emax = 67%). Pretreatment with idazoxan (0.1 mg kg-1, i.v.)induced a nine fold shift to the right of the dose-response curve for amphetamine, while treatment with the depleting drug alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (150mg kg-1 daily, i.p., for 14 days) abolished the inhibitory effect of this indirect adrenoceptor agonist on the OF-JOR.6. Morphine (0.1-3000 microgkg-1, i.v.) also reduced the OF-JOR in a dose-dependent manner (ED50 value about 325 microg kg-1) but, in contrast to clonidine, it failed to inhibit the reflex fully (Emax = 48%).As expected, pretreatment with the opioid antagonist naloxone (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) abolished the inhibitory effect of morphine on the OF-JOR, while it did not alter that of clonidine.7. Chronic, but not acute, pretreatment with idazoxan (3 mg kg-1 daily, i.p. for 14 days) led to a marked potentiation of the inhibitory effect of clonidine on the OF-JOR (ED50 value decreased to 4.2 microg kg-1), without a significant change of maximum inhibitory effect.8. Together the results indicate that clonidine evokes a potent inhibition of the OF-JOR in rats through the activation of postsynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors. It is suggested that this functional response represents a simple and useful in vivo model for studying various regulatory mechanisms of central alpha2-adrenoceptors.

A novel mechanism of action for hypertension control: moxonidine as a selective I1-imidazoline agonist

Sympathoadrenal inhibition by a direct action within the central nervous system is an advantageous route to blood pressure control. Stimulation of brain alpha 2-adrenergic receptors is one mechanism for sympathoadrenal suppression, but comes at the cost of nonspecific depression of CNS function, including sedation and decreased salivary flow. Evidence is accumulating for a second pathway for pharmacological control of sympathoadrenal outflow, mediated by a novel receptor specific for imidazolines. First-generation central antihypertensive agents, which are imidazolines such as clonidine, act primarily to stimulate these I1-imidazoline receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata (RVLM) to lower blood pressure, but have sufficient agonism at alpha 2-adrenergic receptors to produce side effects. Second-generation centrally acting antihypertensive agents, such as moxonidine and rilmenidine, are selective for I1 relative to alpha 2 receptors. The reduced alpha 2 potency of these agents correlates with reduced severity of side effects. In this study we further established the selectivity of moxonidine for I1-imidazoline sites by characterizing the direct interaction of [3H]moxonidine with these receptors in the RVLM and in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. [3H]Moxonidine preferentially labeled I1-imidazoline sites relative to alpha 2-adrenergic sites, only a small portion of which were labeled in the RVLM. [3H]Moxonidine binding to I1-imidazoline sites was modulated by guanine nucleotides, implying that I1-imidazoline sites may be membrane receptors coupled to guanine nucleotide binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). Receptor autoradiography with [125I]p-iodoclonidine confirmed the presence of I1-imidazoline sites in the RVLM and other areas of the brainstem reticular formation. In contrast, alpha 2-adrenergic sites were mainly localized to the nucleus of the solitary tract. Moxonidine selectively displaced [125I]p-iodoclonidine binding from reticular areas, including the RVLM. In vivo studies in SHR rats confirmed the ability of moxonidine to normalize hypertension by an action within the RVLM and confirmed the correspondence of I1 binding affinity and antihypertensive efficacy. We also discuss prior literature on the cardiovascular pharmacology of imidazolines, reinterpreting previous studies that only considered alpha-adrenergic mechanisms.

Alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors are present in lower brainstem catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons innervating spinal cord

A subtype-specific polyclonal antibody was used for the immunohistochemical detection of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2A-ARs) in the rat lower brainstem (medulla and pons). Using dual-label fluorescence histochemistry, punctate alpha 2A-AR-like immunoreactivity (alpha 2A-AR-LIR) was identified in noradrenergic, adrenergic, and serotonergic neurons of the pontomedullary region. Confocal microscopic examination of material simultaneously labeled for TH-LIR and alpha 2A-LIR revealed that the clusters of alpha 2A-LIR were located intracellularly. Lower medullary neurons with spinal projections to segment T3 were retrogradely labeled using FITC-conjugated microbeads and the material was processed for simultaneous detection of alpha 2A-LIR and either TH-LIR or 5-HT-LIR. Using this triple-label approach, we found that virtually all medullary serotonergic cells (raphe pallidus, raphe obscurus and parapyramidal area) including those with identified spinal projections contain punctate alpha 2A-AR-LIR. In contrast, fewer than 10% of dorsal raphe serotonergic cells examined for comparison were immunoreactive. The triple labeling approach also indicated that more than 95% of the TH-immunoreactive cells of the dorsal and ventrolateral medulla, including those with demonstrable spinal projections (A5 noradrenergic and C1/C3 adrenergic) had detectable amounts of alpha 2A-AR-LIR. The presence of alpha 2A-ARs in a large fraction of bulbospinal pre-sympathetic neurons (noradrenergic A5, adrenergic C1 and C3 and serotonergic raphe cells) could explain the powerful and relatively selective effect of clonidine and other centrally acting alpha 2A-AR agonists on sympathetic efferent activity and hypertension.

Agmatine: an endogenous clonidine-displacing substance in the brain

Clonidine, an antihypertensive drug, binds to alpha 2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptors. The endogenous ligand for imidazoline receptors may be a clonidine-displacing substance, a small molecule isolated from bovine brain. This clonidine-displacing substance was purified and determined by mass spectroscopy to be agmatine (decarboxylated arginine), heretofore not detected in brain. Agmatine binds to alpha 2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptors and stimulates release of catecholamines from adrenal chromaffin cells. Its biosynthetic enzyme, arginine decarboxylase, is present in brain. Agmatine, locally synthesized, is an endogenous agonist at imidazoline receptors, a noncatecholamine ligand at alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and may act as a neurotransmitter.

Inhibition in the release of immunoreactive beta-endorphin from the periaqueductal grey during isometric contractions of cat hind-limb muscles: the effects of clonidine

Glass microelectrodes, coated with antibodies specific for beta-endorphin, were inserted into the right periaqueductal grey (PAG) (at PO.5-1.0 mm, LR 2.0 mm and 6.0 mm below the dorsal surface of the colliculi) of cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose to determine whether immunoreactive beta-endorphins (ir-END) were released in response to fatiguing isometric contractions of the hind-limb muscles. Probes were inserted into the PAG prior to, during and following muscle contraction in the absence or presence of clonidine. ir-END was released from the PAG up to 3 h after surgery was completed while cats remained at rest. In the absence of clonidine, mean arterial pressure increased by 65 +/- 12 mmHg during contractions and the release of ir-END was inhibited during the contraction periods compared to resting periods. Clonidine abolished the pressor response to muscular contraction when injected into the PAG, but did not cause the release of ir-END during fatiguing isometric contractions. These data suggest that isometric contractions of skeletal muscle do not induce the release of ir-END-like substances from the PAG and clonidine does not attenuate the muscle pressor response by causing the release of ir-END from this level in the PAG.

Comparative effects of central administration of naloxone and clonidine on the blood pressure and heart rate response to anterior and posterior hypothalamic stimulation

The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of brain opioid receptors, using the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, and brain alpha 2 adrenergic and imidazole receptors, using their agonist clonidine, in the hypertension and tachycardia induced by electrical stimulation of the AHA and PHA area. Unanesthetized and unrestrained Wistar rats 300-400 g that had previously had catheters inserted into the lateral cerebral ventricle and femoral artery and electrodes in AHA or PHA areas received intracerebral (ICV) administration of naloxone or clonidine prior to hypothalamic stimulation. AHA and PHA stimulation with current strength from 0.5 to 2.0 mA produced a significant (p < 0.05) and dose dependent increase in BP and heart rate. Naloxone reduced the increase in BP with AHA stimulation at all but the highest stimulation current intensity. Clonidine also blunted the BP increase to AHA stimulation but to a lesser degree than naloxone. The combination of both naloxone and clonidine completely prevented the increase in BP even at high current intensities. Both naloxone and clonidine prevented the increase in heart rate with AHA stimulation. In contrast to AHA stimulation, naloxone did not alter the BP increase produced by PHA stimulation while clonidine prevented the effects of PHA stimulation. Heart rate did not increase with PHA stimulation. These data suggest that (i) the mechanisms involved in the hypertensive response to AHA are different from that of PHA. (ii) the endogenous opioid system is more operative in mediating the BP elevation produced by AHA but not PHA stimulation (iii) activation of the central alpha adrenergic or imidazole receptors can suppress hypertensive response to both AHA and PHA but is more effective for PHA than AHA stimulation.

The alpha-2 antagonists idazoxan and rauwolscine but not yohimbine or piperoxan are anxiolytic in the Vogel lick-shock conflict paradigm following intravenous administration

The alpha 2 agonist clonidine has been shown to be anxiolytic in a number of preclinical anxiety models. Interestingly, intravenous infusion of the alpha 2 antagonists idazoxan at 10 mg/kg and rauwolscine at 2.24 mg/kg significantly disinhibited lick-shock conflict responding in rats similar to the alpha 2 agonist clonidine (0.022 mg/kg) and the benzodiazepine diazepam (0.5 mg/kg). However, the alpha 2 antagonists yohimbine and piperoxan, the alpha 2 agonists medetomidine, guanfacine, and guanabenz, the non-specific alpha antagonist phentolamine, and the alpha 1 antagonist prazosin did not disinhibit conflict responding in the Vogel lick-shock paradigm. In fact, yohimbine has been shown to be anxiogenic in both animals and man. This may be due to yohimbine's lack of specificity and its ability to inhibit GABAergic release. In addition, all of these agents, except idazoxan, did not increase water consumption in water deprived rats. Idazoxan (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased water consumption by 45%. Therefore, idazoxan increased conflict responding for water reward at a dose (10 mg/kg) which also decreased water consumption in a non-conflict paradigm. These data suggest that agents with selective antagonism at the alpha 2 receptor site may be anxiolytic while agents with less specificity at this site such as yohimbine, piperoxan, and phentolamine are not anxiolytic.

Ocular alpha 2-receptor subclasses and antiglaucoma efficacy

An overview of the ocular hypotensive actions of some alpha 2-agonists with imidazoline structures is presented. These agents inhibit isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in ciliary process membrane through a Na+ and GTP-dependent mechanism. Receptor binding studies with the alpha 2-agonist radioligand [125I] p-iodoclonidine ([125I]PIC) in rabbit ciliary body membranes indicate that the alpha 2-receptor subtype is alpha 2A. Gpp(NH)p and NaCl dose-dependently decreased the number of [125I]PIC binding sites by shifting the receptor-G protein complexes from the high affinity state to the low affinity state for agonist binding. This is consistent with the observations that inhibition of AC was Na+ and GTP dependent. The NaCl and Gpp(NH)p effects on binding appeared to be through different mechanisms. The alpha 2-receptor in ciliary process thus appears to be an alpha 2A-receptor that is negatively coupled to the AC-cAMP generating system.

Human brain imidazoline receptors: further characterization with [3H]clonidine

The aim of the present study was to further characterize [3H]clonidine binding in the ventrolateral medulla of the human brainstem, the region involved in the vasodepressor effect of imidazoline drugs of the clonidine type. Under basal conditions, [3H]clonidine can bind both to the imidazoline receptors and to the alpha-adrenoceptors. The latter represent only a small part of the total [3H]clonidine binding with a Bmax of 61 +/- 13 fmol/mg proteins and a KD of 4.9 +/- 2.2 nM. Most of the binding was associated with imidazoline receptors with a KD of 67 +/- 13 nM and a Bmax of 677 +/- 136 fmol/mg protein. alpha-Adrenoceptor binding of [3H]clonidine could be completely prevented when membranes were either treated during preparation with the aIkylating agent phenoxybenzamine or incubated in the presence of 30 microM (-)-noradrenaline or in the presence of the non-hydrolysable analogue of GTP, guanylyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p). When the alpha-adrenoceptors binding was prevented, we demonstrated the insensitivity of [3H]clonidine binding to Gpp(NH)p and showed that the competition between clonidine and idazoxan for imidazoline receptors was insensitive to Gpp(NH)p suggesting that imidazoline receptors are not G protein coupled receptors. The specificity of [3H]cloniding binding to imidazoline receptors in the human ventrolateral medulla indicates that these receptors are different from imidazole receptors as defined with p-aminoclonidine in the bovine brainstem.

Infusions of alpha-2 noradrenergic agonists and antagonists into the amygdala: effects on kindling

We reported previously that activation of alpha-2 adrenoceptors with infusions of clonidine into the amygdala/pyriform region is sufficient to retard kindling. To characterize further the involvement in kindling of alpha-2 receptors in the amygdala/pyriform, we exposed rats to unilateral intraamygdaloid infusions of a variety of noradrenergic drugs followed by either low-frequency stimulation of the amygdala, to induce rapid kindling, or conventional high-frequency stimulation. Infusions and electrical stimulation were administered once every 48 h. The prophylactic effects of clonidine were blocked by simultaneous infusion of idazoxan, an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist, which suggests strongly that these effects were produced at an alpha-2 receptor. Intraamygdaloid infusions of xylazine, another alpha-2 agonist, also significantly retarded low-frequency kindling. Unexpectedly, intraamygdaloid infusions of the alpha-2 antagonists idazoxan, yohimbine, and SK&F 104856 failed to accelerate kindling. Infusion of the alpha-1 antagonist corynanthine also failed to affect kindling. We propose that the alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the amygdala/pyriform region contribute to the prophylactic effects of systemically administered clonidine and that the facilitation of kindling observed after systemic administration of alpha-2 antagonists may be due to blockade of alpha-2 adrenoceptors outside of the amygdala/pyriform region.

Quantitative autoradiography of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in the cerebral cortex of controls and suicide victims

Alterations in both serotonergic and noradrenergic indices have been found in the brain of suicide victims. In order to better understand the role of the noradrenergic system in suicide, we carried out quantitative autoradiography of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors using [3H]prazosin and [3H]-p-aminoclonidine respectively. We compared the distribution and relative density of these receptors in the prefrontal (PFC) and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in the temporal cortex (TC) of suicide victims and controls matched for postmortem delay, age, side of brain and sex. We found that: (1) the laminar patterns of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors in the PFC (n = 20) and the TC (n = 16) were different (P = 0.022); (2) there was a 37% increase in alpha 1-adrenergic binding corresponding to layers IV-V of PFC of suicide victims compared to controls (P = 0.029); (3) the TC had a greater density of alpha 1-adrenergic binding sites than the PFC across all cortical layers (P = 0.006); (4) alpha 2-adrenergic binding sites had a specific laminar distribution in the PFC (n = 24) which did not differ in controls and suicide victims; (5) binding to alpha 2-adrenergic sites in the PFC of suicide victims did not differ from controls; and (6) norepinephrine concentrations in the same brain areas were elevated in the suicide group compared to controls, but did not correlate with binding to alpha 1- or alpha 2-adrenergic sites. The increase in [3H]prazosin (to alpha 1-adrenergic receptors) but not in [3H]-p-aminoclonidine (to alpha 2-adrenergic receptors), and in norepinephrine concentrations in the brain of suicide victims provides further evidence for an association between suicide and altered brain noradrenergic function. Future studies must determine whether these changes in brain noradrenergic function indicate increased or decreased transmission.

Role of L-type calcium channels on yohimbine-precipitated clonidine withdrawal in vivo and in vitro

This study was designed to elucidate the possible participation of L-type calcium channels in the expression of clonidine-withdrawal precipitated by yohimbine in clonidine-dependent animals. Mice implanted for 5 days with osmotic minipumps containing the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine showed symptoms of a withdrawal syndrome (jerks, headshakes, defecations and weight loss) when yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, was injected. Similarly, isolated rat ilea incubated with clonidine in vitro showed a withdrawal contracture when yohimbine was added to the organ bath. The effects of L-type calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem) and the stimulant Bay K 8644 on these two different types of withdrawal responses were evaluated. A dose-dependent decrease in yohimbine-precipitated clonidine withdrawal in vivo was observed when verapamil (10-40 mg/kg, s.c. and 120 micrograms/mouse, i.c.v.) or diltiazem (5-20 mg/kg, s.c. and 160 micrograms/mouse, i.c.v.) were administered to mice dependent on clonidine. No effect was found after Bay K 8644 (0.5-5 mg/kg, s.c. and 1-5 micrograms/mouse) was injected under these conditions. In vitro, both verapamil (0.1-5 microM) and D-cis-diltiazem (1-50 microM) concentration-dependently reduced the height of the yohimbine-precipitated withdrawal contracture in rat ileum incubated with clonidine. Furthermore, the effect of diltiazem was stereospecific, as D-cis-diltiazem 10 microM markedly inhibited clonidine withdrawal, whereas the same concentration of L-cis-diltiazem had no effect. In contrast, the calcium channel stimulant Bay K 8644 (0.1-1 microM) increased the height of the ileum withdrawal contracture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sympathoinhibition by rilmenidine in conscious rabbits: involvement of alpha 2-adrenoceptors

Cardiovascular and sympathetic nervous system effects of the mixed alpha 2-adrenoceptor and imidazoline receptor agonist rilmenidine were studied in conscious rabbits chronically instrumented for the recording of the firing rate of renal sympathetic fibers. Separate experiments were carried out on pithed rabbits with electrically stimulated (2 Hz) sympathetic outflow. Drugs were administered intravenously in a cumulative manner. In conscious rabbits, rilmenidine 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg kg-1 dose-dependently lowered blood pressure, renal sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate and the plasma concentration of noradrenaline and adrenaline. The effect on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines was maximal after 0.3 mg kg-1 whereas heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity decreased further after rilmenidine 1.0 mg kg-1. Yohimbine 0.1 and 0.5 mg kg-1, when injected subsequently, attenuated and at the higher dose abolished all effects of rilmenidine. The effects of rilmenidine were also antagonized by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist 2-(2,3-dihydro-2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imid azole HCl (RX821002; 0.1 and 0.5 mg kg-1). Yohimbine 0.1 and 0.5 mg kg-1 did not attenuate or attenuated only slightly the decrease of heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity produced by infusion of vasopressin. In pithed rabbits with electrically-stimulated sympathetic outflow, yohimbine 0.1 submaximally and yohimbine 0.5 mg kg-1 maximally increased the plasma noradrenaline concentration. The experiments show by direct measurement of sympathetic nerve firing and plasma catecholamines that rilmenidine causes sympathoinhibition in conscious rabbits, presumably through central sites of action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The rostroventromedial medulla is not involved in alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated antinociception in the rat

The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of the rostroventromedial medulla (RVM) in alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated antinociception. Medetomidine or clonidine, selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists were microinjected into the RVM in unanesthetized rats with a chronic guide cannula. The antinociceptive effects were evaluated using the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. For comparison, medetomidine was microinjected into the cerebellum or the periaqueductal gray (PAG). To study the role of medullospinal pathways, the tail-flick latencies were also measured in spinalized rats. The reversal of the antinociception induced by intracerebral microinjections of medetomidine was attempted by s.c. atipamezole, a selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist. The reversal of the antinociception induced by systemic administration of medetomidine was attempted by microinjections of 5% lidocaine or atipamezole into the RVM. When administered into the RVM, medetomidine produced a dose-dependent (1-30 micrograms) antinociception in the tail-flick and hot-plate tests, which antinociceptive effect was completely reversed by atipamezole (1 mg/kg, s.c.). Also clonidine produced a dose-dependent (3-30 micrograms) antinociception following microinjection into the RVM. Microinjections of medetomidine into the cerebellum or the PAG produced an identical dose-response curve in the tail-flick test as that obtained following microinjection into the RVM. In spinalized rats the antinociceptive effect (tail-flick test) induced by medetomidine microinjected into the RVM was not less effective than in intact rats. Lidocaine (5%) or atipamezole (5 micrograms) microinjected into the RVM did not attenuate the antinociception induced by systemically administered medetomidine (100 micrograms/kg, s.c.).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Relevance of the use of [3H]-clonidine to identify imidazoline receptors in the rabbit brainstem

1. [3H]-clonidine binding was investigated in membranes isolated from the ventral medulla oblongata of the rabbit, where clonidine produced a hypotensive effect which was not mediated by adrenoceptors. [3H]-clonidine specific binding, as defined by the difference between the binding of [3H]-clonidine in the presence and in the absence of 10 microM cirazoline, occurred at two sites: a high affinity site with a KD = 2.9 +/- 0.7 nM and a Bmax of 40 +/- 8 fmol mg-1 protein and a low affinity site with a KD = 18.2 +/- 0.4 nM and a Bmax of 66 +/- 14 fmol mg-1 protein. 2. The high affinity sites being catecholamine-sensitive were identified as alpha 2-adrenoceptors. The low affinity binding of [3H]-clonidine was insensitive to catecholamines, as well as to other alpha 2-adrenoceptor specific probes, and could be inhibited with high affinity only by compounds which lowered blood pressure when directly injected in the nucleus reticularis lateralis of the ventral brainstem, or by antagonists. 3. It was concluded that in the ventral medulla of the rabbit, [3H]-clonidine labelled alpha 2-adrenoceptors and imidazoline receptors (IRs). Only the latter were related to the hypotensive effects of clonidine and rilmenidine directly injected into the rostroventrolateral medulla oblongata (RVLM) of the rabbit. The methodological problems regarding the study of IRs with [3H]-clonidine are discussed.

Mediation of the hypotensive action of systemic clonidine in the rat by alpha 2-adrenoceptors

1. During the past few years it has been shown that the sympatholytic effect resulting from localized microinjection of clonidine and other imidazolines into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVL) results from activation of 'imidazoline' receptors (I1 receptors) rather than from an alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated effect. 2. The relative contributions of these two receptor systems to the hypotensive action of systemically administered clonidine have not been studied. Clonidine has affinity for both I1 and alpha 2-adrenoceptors; guanabenz represents a useful pharmacological tool, since it activates only the alpha 2-adrenoceptor. 3. Antagonists acting at both I1 and alpha 2-adrenoceptors (idazoxan) and at only alpha 2-adrenoceptors (SK&F 86466; 6-chloro-3-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepine) are available. Idazoxan (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) and SK&F 86466 (3 mg kg-1, i.v.) produced an equivalent degree of blockade of the pressor response to guanabenz or clonidine in the pithed rat, a response mediated by the alpha 2-adrenoceptor. 4. Guanabenz (30 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) and clonidine (10 micrograms kg-1, i.v.) lowered blood pressure in the chloralose-anaesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rat by 48 +/- 4.6 mmHg and 44 +/- 5.4 mmHg, respectively; this response, for either agonist, was blocked by both idazoxan and SK&F 86466. 5. These data show that the hypotensive effect of intravenously administered clonidine results from activation of central alpha 2-adrenoceptors, with no significant contribution from an I1-mediated effect. Thus clonidine can lower blood pressure by different receptor mechanisms, dependent on the route of administration.

Influence of idazoxan on the dopamine D2 receptor agonist-induced behavioural effects in rats

The behavioural effects in rats of the dopamine D2 receptor agonists, lisuride, B-HT 920 and SND 919, were variously influenced by pre-treatment with the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (2 mg/kg), depending on the nature of the effect in question and the doses of agonist employed. The influence of idazoxan on drug-induced stretching-yawning, penile erection, sedation, stereotyped behaviour, aggressiveness and mounting is described and tentatively interpreted in neurochemical terms, account being taken of the activity of respective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist and dopamine receptor agonists used, at alpha 2-adrenoceptors and at different dopamine D2 receptor subtypes, pre- and postsynaptically located.

Increased imidazoline and alpha 2 adrenergic binding in platelets of women with dysphoric premenstrual syndromes

An association between dysphoric premenstrual syndromes (PMS) and a lifetime history of major depressive disorders has previously been documented. Other studies have demonstrated an increase in the binding of radiolabeled imidazoline compounds to platelets of depressed patients. Clonidine and related imidazoline compounds interact with alpha 2 adrenoceptors to inhibit neuronal noradrenergic activity and in higher concentrations, they stimulate noradrenergic activity through their interaction with imidazoline receptors. Here we report increased 3H para-aminoclonidine binding to high affinity alpha 2 adrenoceptor sites as well as to nonadrenergic imidazoline binding sites in platelets of women with dysphoric PMS. This higher binding was most pronounced during the late-luteal-symptomatic phase of the menstrual cycle and, to a lesser degree, during the non-symptomatic mid-follicular phase. Binding to the imidazoline site distinguished women with dysphoric PMS from women with no such symptoms, was highly positively correlated with the severity of symptoms, and was negatively correlated with plasma levels of progesterone. These findings suggest that platelet imidazoline binding sites might be a biological marker for dysphoric states in PMS or for the vulnerability to develop them. These findings also point to a possible biological link between dysphoric PMS and major depressive disorders.

Pressor response to microinjection of clonidine into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in conscious rats

We have reported that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of clonidine causes pressor response in conscious rats. To determine the effective brain site, cardiovascular responses induced by unilateral microinjection of clonidine into various hypothalamic nuclei of conscious rats were studied. Microinjection of clonidine (5-20 micrograms/0.5 microliter) into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of conscious rats dose-dependently produced a long-lasting pressor response with a decrease in heart rate, which mimicked the response to i.c.v. injection of clonidine. However, clonidine (10 micrograms) injection into various hypothalamic nuclei (anterior, posterior, ventromedial and dorsomedial nucleus) caused a small or no pressor response. In anesthetized rats, clonidine injected into the PVN induced a long-lasting depressor response concomitant with bradycardia. PVN pretreatment with the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (1 and 10 micrograms), dose-dependently inhibited the pressor response to PVN injected clonidine, but the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (1 microgram), had no significant effect. Central (i.c.v.) pretreatment with the vasopressin (AVP) V1-receptor antagonist, [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]-AVP (0.5 and 2.0 micrograms), dose-dependently inhibited the pressor response to PVN injection of clonidine (10 micrograms), while systemic (i.v.) and local (intra-PVN injection) pretreatments with V1-receptor antagonist (2.0 micrograms) had no effect. These results suggest that the pressor response to microinjection of clonidine into the PVN of conscious rats is mediated by endogenous brain AVP, which is released by activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. It is also suggested that the PVN is a possible brain site for the pressor response to i.c.v. injected clonidine.

Clonidine and phenylephrine injected into the lateral preoptic area reduce water intake in dehydrated rats

In the present study, we investigated the effect of phenylephrine and clonidine (alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, respectively) injected into the lateral preoptic area (LPOA) on the water intake induced by water deprivation in rats. In addition, the effects of prior injections of prazosin and yohimbine (alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists, respectively) into the LPOA on the antidipsogenic action of phenylephrine and clonidine were investigated. After 30 h of water deprivation, the water intake of rats in a control experiment (saline injection) was 10.5 +/- 0.8 ml/h. Injection of clonidine (5, 10, 20, and 40 nmol) into the LPOA reduced water intake to 6.3 +/- 0.9, 4.9 +/- 0.8, 3.6 +/- 1.0, and 2.2 +/- 0.7 ml/h, respectively. Similar reductions occurred after injection of 80 and 160 nmol phenylephrine into the LPOA (6.2 +/- 1.6 and 4.8 +/- 1.3 ml/h, respectively). Pretreatment with prazosin (40 nmol) abolished the antidipsogenic action of an 80-nmol dose of phenylephrine (11.3 +/- 1.1 ml/h) and reduced the effect of a 20-nmol dose of clonidine (7.4 +/- 1.4 ml/h). Yohimbine (20, 40, and 80 nmol), previously injected, produced no significant changes in the effects of either phenylephrine or clonidine. The present results show that phenylephrine and clonidine injected into the LPOA induce an antidipsogenic effect in water-deprived rat. They also suggest an involvement of alpha 1-adrenoceptors in this effect. A possible participation of imidazole receptors in the effect of clonidine should also be taken into account.

Immunohistochemical localization of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors in catecholaminergic and other brainstem neurons in the rat

alpha 2-Adrenergic receptors mediate a large portion of the known inhibitory effects of catecholamines on central and peripheral neurons. Molecular cloning studies have established the identity of three alpha 2-adrenergic receptor genes from several species that encode the A, B and C subtypes of the receptor. The rat alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor, as defined by sequence similarity, is the orthologue of the human alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor. In this paper, we report the development of rabbit antisera directed against a portion of the third intracellular loop of the rat alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor and the histochemical localization of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactive material in the brainstem and spinal cord of the adult rat. Our antisera detected alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor-specific punctate staining associated with neuronal perikarya. alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity was widely, but heterogeneously, distributed in the brainstem and spinal cord, predominantly in areas involved in the control of autonomic function. Double labelling with antisera to tyrosine hydroxylase or phenylethanolamine-N-methyl-transferase revealed that alpha 2A-adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity is present in most, perhaps all, noradrenergic and adrenergic cells of the brainstem. alpha 2A-Adrenergic receptor-like immunoreactivity was detected in a small percentage of the dopaminergic cells of the A9 and A10 groups. This study provides the first description of the specific immunohistochemical localization of alpha 2A-adrenergic receptors using a subtype-specific polyclonal antibody. The results support the view that alpha 2-adrenergic receptors are involved in central cardiovascular control and suggest that the catecholaminergic autoreceptors of central noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons are the A subtype of the alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.

Stimulatory effects of clonidine, cirazoline and rilmenidine on locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurones: possible involvement of imidazoline-preferring receptors

Clonidine and related drugs not only interact with alpha 2-adrenoceptors but also recognise non-adrenoceptor sites in the brain. The involvement of these imidazoline-preferring receptors in the regulation of the activity of locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurones (NA-LC) was investigated after inactivation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). In EEDQ-pretreated rats (6 mg/kg, i.p., 6 h), the characteristic inhibitory effect of low doses of clonidine on these neurones was abolished and a paradoxical, dose-dependent increase in firing rate was observed at higher doses (640-5120 micrograms/kg, i.v.) (ED50 = 702 micrograms/kg, Emax = 83%, n = 14). Guanfacine (0.3-20 mg/kg) did not modify neuronal activity but antagonised the stimulatory effect of clonidine. Cirazoline (80-640 micrograms/kg) and rilmenidine (0.3-10 mg/kg) also stimulated neuronal activity (ED50 = 192 micrograms/kg, Emax = 102%, n = 5; ED50 = 1563 micrograms/kg, Emax = 70%, n = 1-5, respectively) by an alpha 2-adrenoceptor-independent mechanism. The results suggest that these drugs can modulate the activity of locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurones through the activation of I1-imidazoline-preferring receptors.

A circulating substance cross-reacting with antiimidazoline antibodies. Detection in serum in relation to essential hypertension

It has been shown in various mammal species that clonidine, a well known centrally acting hypotensive agent, acts through the activation of imidazoline receptors (IRs) in the nucleus reticularis lateralis (NRL) of the brainstem. Specific binding sites sensitive to imidazolines and insensitive to catecholamines have been detected in rat and bovine, as well as human brains. An endogenous ligand, other than catecholamines, should exist for these IRs. Such a ligand could play a role in the pathophysiology of human essential hypertension. Therefore, we developed two RIAs with polyclonal and monoclonal anticlonidine antibodies. These antibodies presented specificity spectra similar to that of the IRs: they bound imidazolines and not catecholamines at all. These RIAs were used to detect imidazoline-like immunoreactivity in the human serum. Immunoreactive substance was measured in 26 normotensive subjects' sera, and specificity of interaction between antibodies and sera was verified. None of the known endogenous substances tested so far were able to interact with the two antibodies. Immunoreactivity in 32 essential hypertensive patients' sera proved higher in approximately 30% of cases. Values of immunoreactivity positively correlated with the mean arterial pressure values. This study demonstrates the existence of an "imidazoline-like" immunoreactive substance in the human serum with high levels in some hypertensive patients.

Binding of [3H]clonidine to I1-imidazoline sites in bovine adrenal medullary membranes

Imidazolines bind with high affinity not only to alpha-adrenoceptors but also to specific imidazoline binding sites (IBS) labelled by either [3H]clonidine or [3H]idazoxan and termed I1- and I2-IBS, respectively. Since bovine adrenal chromaffin cells lack alpha 2-adrenoceptors, we investigated the pharmacological characteristics of [3H]clonidine binding sites in the bovine adrenal medulla. The binding of [3H]clonidine was rapid, reversible, partly specific (as defined by naphazoline 0.1 mmol/l; 55% specific binding at [3H]clonidine 10 nmol/l), saturable and of high affinity. The specific binding of [3H]clonidine to bovine adrenal medullary membranes was concentration-dependently inhibited by various imidazolines, guanidines and an oxazoline derivative but not, or with negligible affinity, by rauwolscine and (-)-adrenaline. In most cases, the competition curves were best fitted to a two-site model. The rank order of affinity for the high affinity site (in a few cases the single detectable site) was as follows: naphazoline > or = BDF 7579 (4-chloro-2-isoindolinyl guanidine) > or = clonidine > or = cirazoline > or = BDF 6143 (4-chloro-2-(2-imidazoline-2-ylamino)-isoindoline hydrochloride) > BDF 7572 (4,7-chloro-2-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-isoindoline) > moxonidine = rilmenidine > BDF 6100 (2-(2-imidazoline-2-ylamino)-isoindoline) = idazoxan > phentolamine > aganodine = guanabenz > amiloride > histamine. This rank order is compatible with the pharmacological properties of the I1-IBS. The non-hydrolysable GTP-analogue Gpp(NH)p (5'guanylylimidodiphosphate; 100 mumol/l) inhibited specific [3H]clonidine binding by about 50%. Equilibrium [3H]clonidine binding was also significantly reduced by K+ and Mg2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)