Characterization of somatostatin receptor subtypes

J-2156, a small molecule somatostatin type 4 receptor agonist, alleviated hindpaw hypersensitivity in the streptozotocin-induced rat model of painful diabetic neuropathy but with a 2-fold decrease in potency at an advanced stage in the model, mimicking morphine

There is a large unmet need for novel pain-killers to improve relief of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Herein, we assessed the efficacy of the somatostatin type 4 (SST4) receptor agonist, J-2156, for relief of PDN in rats. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ; 70 mg/kg) and bilateral hindpaw hypersensitivity was fully developed by 8-week post-STZ. In the intervals, 8-12-weeks (morphine-sensitive phase; Phase 1) and 16-18-weeks (morphine-hyposensitive phase; Phase 2) post-STZ, rats received a single dose of intraperitoneal (i.p.) J-2156 (10, 20, 30 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg i.p.), subcutaneous morphine (1 mg/kg) or vehicle. Hindpaw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were assessed using von Frey filaments pre-dose and at regular intervals over 3-h post-dose. In Phase 1, J-2156 at 30 mg/kg evoked significant anti-allodynia in the hindpaws with maximal effect at 1.5 h compared with 1 h for gabapentin and morphine. The durations of action for all three compounds were greater than 3 h. The corresponding mean (±SEM) extent and duration of anti-allodynia (ΔPWT AUC) for gabapentin did not differ significantly from that for J-2156 (30 mg/kg) or morphine. However, in Phase 2, the ΔPWT AUC for morphine was reduced to approximately 25% of that in Phase 1, mirroring our previous work. Similarly, the mean (±SEM) ΔPWT AUC for J-2156 (30 mg/kg) in Phase 2 was approximately 45% of that for Phase 1 whereas for gabapentin the mean (±SEM) ΔPWT AUCs did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the two phases. Our findings further describe the preclinical pain relief profile of J-2156 and complement previous work in rat models of inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain and low back pain. SST4 receptor agonists hold promise as novel therapeutics for the relief of PDN, a type of peripheral neuropathic pain that is often intractable to relief with clinically used drug treatment options.

Distribution, cellular localization, and colocalization of several peptide neurotransmitters in the central nervous system of Aplysia

Neuropeptides are widely used as neurotransmitters in vertebrates and invertebrates. In vertebrates, a detailed understanding of their functions as transmitters has been hampered by the complexity of the nervous system. The marine mollusk Aplysia, with a simpler nervous system and many large, identified neurons, presents several advantages for addressing this question and has been used to examine the roles of tens of peptides in behavior. To screen for other peptides that might also play roles in behavior, we observed immunoreactivity in individual neurons in the central nervous system of adult Aplysia with antisera raised against the Aplysia peptide FMRFamide and two mammalian peptides that are also found in Aplysia, cholecystokinin (CCK) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as well as serotonin (5HT). In addition, we observed staining of individual neurons with antisera raised against mammalian somatostatin (SOM) and peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI). However, genomic analysis has shown that these two peptides are not expressed in the Aplysia nervous system, and we have therefore labeled the unknown peptides stained by these two antibodies as XSOM and XPHI There was an area at the anterior end of the cerebral ganglion that had staining by antisera raised against many different transmitters, suggesting that this may be a modulatory region of the nervous system. There was also staining for XSOM and, in some cases, FMRFamide in the bag cell cluster of the abdominal ganglion. In addition, these and other studies have revealed a fairly high degree of colocalization of different neuropeptides in individual neurons, suggesting that the peptides do not just act independently but can also interact in different combinations to produce complex functions. The simple nervous system of Aplysia is advantageous for further testing these ideas.

Somatostatin, a Presynaptic Modulator of Glutamatergic Signal in the Central Nervous System

Somatostatin is widely diffused in the central nervous system, where it participates to control the efficiency of synaptic transmission. This peptide mainly colocalizes with GABA, in inhibitory, GABA-containing interneurons from which it is actively released in a Ca²⁺ dependent manner upon application of depolarizing stimuli. Once released in the synaptic cleft, somatostatin acts locally, or it diffuses in the extracellular space through "volume diffusion", a mechanism(s) of distribution which mainly operates in the cerebrospinal fluid and that assures the progression of neuronal signalling from signal-secreting sender structures towards receptor-expressing targeted neurons located extrasynaptically, in a non-synaptic, inter-neuronal form of communication. Somatostatin controls the efficiency of central glutamate transmission by either modulating presynaptically the glutamate exocytosis or by metamodulating the activity of glutamate receptors colocalized and functionally coupled with somatostatin receptors in selected subpopulations of nerve terminals. Deciphering the role of somatostatin in the mechanisms of "volume diffusion" and in the "receptor-receptor interaction" unveils new perspectives in the central role of this fine tuner of synaptic strength, paving the road to new therapeutic approaches for the cure of central disorders.

The Somatostatin Receptor-4 Agonist J-2156 Alleviates Mechanical Hypersensitivity in a Rat Model of Breast Cancer Induced Bone Pain

In the majority of patients with breast cancer in the advanced stages, skeletal metastases are common, which may cause excruciating pain. Currently available drug treatments for relief of breast cancer-induced bone pain (BCIBP) include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and strong opioid analgesics along with inhibitors of osteoclast activity such as bisphosphonates and monoclonal antibodies such as denosumab. However, these medications often lack efficacy and/or they may produce serious dose-limiting side effects. In the present study, we show that J-2156, a somatostatin receptor type 4 (SST4 receptor) selective agonist, reverses pain-like behaviors in a rat model of BCIBP induced by unilateral intra-tibial injection of Walker 256 breast cancer cells. Following intraperitoneal administration, the ED₅₀ of J-2156 for the relief of mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral hindpaws was 3.7 and 8.0 mg/kg, respectively. Importantly, the vast majority of somatosensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia including small diameter C-fibers and medium-large diameter fibers, that play a crucial role in cancer pain hypersensitivities, expressed the SST4 receptor. J-2156 mediated pain relief in BCIBP-rats was confirmed by observations of a reduction in the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), a protein essential for central sensitization and persistent pain, in the spinal dorsal horn. Our results demonstrate the potential of the SST4 receptor as a pharmacological target for relief of BCIBP and we anticipate the present work to be a starting point for further mechanism-based studies.

Neuronal Control of Skin Function: The Skin as a Neuroimmunoendocrine Organ

This review focuses on the role of the peripheral nervous system in cutaneous biology and disease. During the last few years, a modern concept of an interactive network between cutaneous nerves, the neuroendocrine axis, and the immune system has been established. We learned that neurocutaneous interactions influence a variety of physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cell growth, immunity, inflammation, pruritus, and wound healing. This interaction is mediated by primary afferent as well as autonomic nerves, which release neuromediators and activate specific receptors on many target cells in the skin. A dense network of sensory nerves releases neuropeptides, thereby modulating inflammation, cell growth, and the immune responses in the skin. Neurotrophic factors, in addition to regulating nerve growth, participate in many properties of skin function. The skin expresses a variety of neurohormone receptors coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins that are tightly involved in skin homeostasis and inflammation. This neurohormone-receptor interaction is modulated by endopeptidases, which are able to terminate neuropeptide-induced inflammatory or immune responses. Neuronal proteinase-activated receptors or transient receptor potential ion channels are recently described receptors that may have been important in regulating neurogenic inflammation, pain, and pruritus. Together, a close multidirectional interaction between neuromediators, high-affinity receptors, and regulatory proteases is critically involved to maintain tissue integrity and regulate inflammatory responses in the skin. A deeper understanding of cutaneous neuroimmunoendocrinology may help to develop new strategies for the treatment of several skin diseases.

Indium-111-labelled octreotide scintigraphy in the diagnosis and management of non-iodine avid metastatic carcinoma of the thyroid

Treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer is a success of modern medicine with the use of radioiodine ((131)I). However, a significant proportion of thyroid cancers may be non-iodine avid. Thyroid tumours are known to express somatostatin receptors. Octreotide, an analogue of somatostatin, can be combined with a radioactive isotope, such as (111)In-DTPA(0) to visualise tumours with high concentrations of somatostatin receptors. We assessed 18 patients with histologically proven metastatic or locally recurrent non-iodine avid thyroid carcinoma to determine the usefulness of (111)In-DTPA(0) octreotide scintigraphy compared to conventional radiology in diagnosing sites of metastasis. The diagnosis of metastatic disease was made using conventional radiology and all had prospective scintigraphy using (111)In-DTPA(0)octreotide. Of the 18 patients, 14 had octreotide-positive scans. In eight, the octreotide scans identified the same sites of metastases as conventional radiology, that is, were concordant. In nine patients, conventional radiology showed more extensive disease than revealed on the octreotide scans. In one patient with widespread bone metastases, octreotide gave a more detailed assessment of metastatic disease than conventional radiology. These data indicate that (111)In-DTPA(0)octreotide imaging for patients with non-iodine avid carcinoma of the thyroid may be a useful diagnostic and staging tool. One patient with Hurthle cell carcinoma metastatic to bone and a positive octreotide scan has been treated with (90)yttrium-labelled octreotide.

[125I][Tyr3]octreotide labels human somatostatin sst2 and sst5 receptors

Human somatostatin (somatotropin release inhibiting factor = SRIF) receptor subtypes sst2 and sst5 were stably expressed in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (CCL39) cells. [125I][Tyr3]octreotide labelled with high affinity and in a saturable manner both sst2 (pKd = 9.89+/-0.02, Bmax = 210+/-10 fmol/mg, n = 3) and sst5 sites (pKd = 9.64+/-0.04, Bmax = 920+/-170 fmol/mg, n = 3). The pharmacological profile of sst2 sites established in CCL39 cells using SRIF and various peptide analogues was very similar to that described previously in CHO cells and in human cortex: SRIF14 = SRIF28 > or = seglitide > BIM 23014 = RC 160 > octreotide > CGP 23996 > or = L362,855 > BIM 23052 > L361,301 = cortistatin14 > BIM 23030 > BIM 23056 > cycloantagonist SA. However, peptides classically perceived as sst2 receptor selective (e.g., seglitide, octreotide, vapreotide) showed also high affinity for human sst5 receptors labelled with [125I][Tyr3]octreotide: SRIF28 > seglitide > SRIF14 > L361,301 = octreotide > cortistatin14 = BIM 23014 = BIM 23052 > L362,855 = RC160 > CGP 23996 > BIM 23056 > cycloantagonist SA > BIM 23030. Further radioligand binding studies were performed with [Leu8,D-Trp22,125I-Tyr25]SRIF28 ([125I]LTT-SRIF28) and [125I]CGP 23996. At sst2 receptors, Bmax values determined with [125I][Tyr3]octreotide, [125I]LTT-SRIF28 and [125I]CGP 23996 were in the same range (180-370 fmol/mg). 5'-Guanylyl-imidodiphosphate (GppNHp) displaced all three radioligands to the same extent (85%) and the pharmacological profiles were superimposable. By contrast, at sst5 receptors Bmax values were very different: [125I][Tyr3]octreotide (920 fmol/mg), [125I]CGP 23996 (3530 fmol/mg) and [125I]LTT-SRIF28 (6950 fmol/mg). GppNHp affected [125I][Tyr3]octreotide more than [125I]CGP 23996 binding, whereas [125I]LTT-SRIF28 was much less affected. In addition, the affinity values determined in competition experiments at sst5 receptors, varied markedly; whereas SRIF14, cortistatin14 and SRIF28 showed 2-, 4- and 8-fold differences in affinity at sst5 receptors labelled with [125I][Tyr3]octreotide and [125I]LTT-SRIF28 compounds such as RC160, L363,301, L362,855, octreotide or CGP 23996 showed between 42- and 123-fold lower affinity when sst5 sites were labelled with [125I]LTT-SRIF28. The present data suggest caution to be used when comparing affinity profiles determined in binding studies using different radioligands. In addition, the present results suggest that effects produced by octreotide and related short chain SRIF analogues on hormone release, modulation of tumour growth and central effects may be mediated by either sst2 and/or sst5 receptors.

Synthesis and characterisation of [90Y]-Bz-DTPA-oct: a yttrium-90-labelled octreotide analogue for radiotherapy of somatostatin receptor-positive tumours

An investigation into the in vitro behaviour of two yttrium-90-labelled somatostatin analogues was performed. Further in vivo characterisation was performed with the most promising agent. A new DTPA-octreotide analogue (Bz-DTPA-oct) was synthesised by coupling a bifunctional DTPA chelator to the N-terminal amine of the D-Phe1 of Tyr3-octreotide. This new SRIF analogue and DTPA-octreotide (OctreoScan) were radiolabelled with 90Y prior to serum stability being evaluated. Receptor binding assays were also performed on the two radioligands using rat cortex membranes. The [90Y]-Bz-DTPA-oct was further evaluated in vivo using tumour-bearing rats. The first conjugate (DTPA-octreotide) bound with a high affinity to SRIF receptors and the 90Y complex was relatively stable in human serum (t1/2 3.8 d for 90Y lost to serum proteins). The second conjugate (Bz-DTPA-oct) also exhibited a high binding affinity to SRIF receptors, but it demonstrated an even slower loss of 90Y to serum proteins (t1/2 12.1 d). The in vivo evaluation of the more stable [90Y]-Bz-DTPA-oct showed a very rapid and high accumulation in somatostatin receptor-positive tumours, which after 1 h resulted in tumour/nontumour ratios of 3.8, 21, and 4.9 (for blood, muscle, and liver, respectively). These tumour/nontumour ratios increased, and were by 24 h postinjection 138, 285, and 6.1 (for blood, muscle, and liver). Yttrium-90-labelled Bz-DTPa-oct is rapidly and selectively accumulated in somatostatin receptor-positive tissue. Octadentate Bz-DTPA-oct could be ligand for 90Y radiotherapy of somatostatin receptor-positive tumours and their metastases.

Acute effects of D1- and D2-receptor agonist and antagonist drugs on somatostatin binding, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity and accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in the rat striatum

A recent study carried out by our group demonstrated that exogenous dopamine increases the somatostatin (SS) receptor-effector system in the rat striatum. The present study examined the participation of the D1- and D2-dopaminergic systems in the modulation of the rat striatal SS receptor-effector system by use of the D1-receptor agonist and antagonist SKF 38393 and SCH 23390, respectively, and the D2-receptor agonist and antagonist bromocriptine and raclopride, respectively. In view of the rapid onset of dopamine action, the effect of dopaminergic agents on the SS mechanism of action were studied 3 h after their administration. SKF 38393 (4 mg/kg i.p.) or bromocriptine (2 mg/kg i.p.) administered to male Wistar rats increased the number of 125I-Tyr3-SMS receptors in the striatum (52 and 30%, respectively) without changing the affinity constant. The effect of SKF 38393 on 125I-Tyr3-SMS binding was antagonized by the D1-specific antagonist SCH 23390 (0.25 mg/kg i.p.) whereas the effect of bromocriptine was abolished by the D2-specific antagonist raclopride (5 mg/kg i.p.). No change in binding was produced when SKF 38393 or bromocriptine were added directly to the incubation medium. The acute systemic administration of SCH 23390 or raclopride alone had no effect on the binding of 125I-Tyr3-SMS to its receptors. The increase of the number of 125I-Tyr3-SMS receptor induced by SKF 38393 or bromocriptine was accompanied by an increase in the capacity of SMS 201-995 to inhibit basal and forskolin (FK)-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity when compared to the control groups. In addition, the effect of SMS 201-995 on the mass accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was investigated. SKF 38393 as well as bromocriptine increased the capacity of SMS 201-995 to accumulate IP3 in the rat striatum although this effect was only statistically significant in the case of SKF 38393. These results suggest that the activation of D1 and D2 receptors increases the activity of the SS receptor-effector system, the effect being greater in the case of D1 receptors. These findings are consistent with a functional interaction between dopamine and SS in the rat striatum.

Time-dependent influence of the somatostatin analogue octreotide on the proliferation of rat astrocytes and glioma cells

The somatostatin receptor subtype sst2 was visualized by immunostaining on cultivated rat astrocytes and C6 rat glioma cells. Octreotide, a metabolically stable sst2 agonist reduced [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of both cell types dose-dependently only after short-time application (2-5 h), after prolonged incubation (> 12 h) no antiproliferative effect was measurable. We conclude that sst2 receptors may be desensitized. Thus, desensitization might hinder application of octreotide to reduce glial tumour growth.