A novel analysis of concentration-dependence of partial agonism Ring-demethylation of bupranolol results in a high affinity partial agonist (K 105) for myocardial and tracheal beta-adrenoceptors

An estimation of beta 2-adrenoceptor reserve on human bronchial smooth muscle for some sympathomimetic bronchodilators

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The beta(2)-adrenoceptor on human pro-inflammatory cells is exquisitely sensitive to desensitization, whereas beta(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation of human airways smooth muscle (HASM) is relatively resistant to this phenomenon. An explanation for this discrepancy is that a large beta(2)-adrenoceptor 'reserve' exists on HASM cells for sympathomimetic bronchodilators, which protects against desensitization.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The operational model of agonism was used to estimate the affinity of salbutamol, terbutaline, formoterol and procaterol for the beta(2)-adrenoceptors in methacholine (MCh)-contracted HASM from which the relationship between fractional receptor occupancy and relaxation was determined. This analysis was performed under conditions of fractional, irreversible, beta(2)-adrenoceptor inactivation and, for salbutamol and terbutaline only, by the comparative method of Barlow et al. The affinity of salbutamol for the beta(2)-adrenoceptor guinea-pig eosinophils and the receptor/occupancy-response relationship for the suppression of the respiratory burst (an index of pro-inflammatory cell function) was also determined.

KEY RESULTS

For salbutamol and terbutaline, both pharmacological approaches yielded in HASM discrepant affinity estimates (values differed, maximally, by 0.67 log(10) unit). However, affinity values more closely agreed (difference <0.47 log(10) unit), when operational analysis was performed on data corrected for 'fade' of the MCh-induced contraction. Plots of fractional beta(2)-adrenoceptor occupancy versus relaxation indicated a receptor 'reserve' for all agonists tested at all levels of response. In contrast, minimal receptor reserve was detected for the ability of salbutamol to suppress respiratory burst activity in eosinophils.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data may help explain the relative inability of sympathomimetic bronchodilators to render HASM tolerant to beta(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation.

Atypical cardiostimulant beta-adrenoceptor in the rat heart: stereoselective antagonism by bupranolol but lack of effect by some bupranolol analogues

1. Atypical beta-adrenoceptors resistant to propranolol, but blocked by bupranolol, increase contractile force and/or frequency of the heart in humans and rats. We compared the potencies of the enantiomers of bupranolol and examined the possible effects of seven bupranolol analogues including bevantolol (BEV) at this receptor in pithed and vagotomized rats. 2. CGP 12177, an agonist of the atypical beta-adrenoceptor, increased heart rate dose-dependently. Its dose-response curve was shifted to the right by S-(-)-bupranolol 10 micro mol kg(-1) by a factor of 8.4, but not affected by the same dose of R-(+)-bupranolol. 3. Desmethylbupranolol and compounds BK-21, BK-22, BK-23 and BK-25 also increased heart rate dose-dependently. The beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist CGP 20712 given in combination with the beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118,551 (0.1 micro mol kg(-1) each) reduced the positive chronotropic action of the five bupranolol analogues without affecting that of CGP 12177. The potencies of the bupranolol analogues to increase heart rate were correlated (r=0.91, P<0.05) with their affinities for beta(1)-adrenoceptor binding sites in rat brain cortex membranes labelled with [(3)H]CGP 12177 (in the presence of ICI 118,551). 4. BK-26 and BEV, 10 micro mol kg(-1) each, had only minor effects on heart rate by themselves and did not antagonize the effect of CGP 12177. However, at 1 micro mol kg(-1), they antagonized the increase in heart rate elicited by the beta(1)-adrenoceptor agonist prenalterol. 5. In conclusion, bupranolol is a stereoselective antagonist at the atypical cardiostimulant beta-adrenoceptor. The effects of the bupranolol analogues are related to the activation or blockade of beta(1)-adrenoceptors, but not of atypical beta-adrenoceptors.

Characterization of alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction in the mouse thoracic aorta

In the mouse thoracic aorta, noradrenaline, adrenaline, phenylephrine and methoxamine behaved as full agonists. The pA(2) values for 8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7,9-dione dihydrochloride (BMY 7378) against each agonist were in good agreement with the generally accepted affinity value of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors. 5-Methylurapidil, 2-[2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl]aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride (WB 4101) and prazosin inhibited the contraction in response to noradrenaline. A significant correlation was obtained between the antagonist affinities in mouse thoracic aorta and those of native alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors in rat thoracic aorta or with those of cloned alpha(1d)-adrenoceptors, but not with those for either alpha(1a)- or alpha(1b)-adrenoceptors. Buspirone behaved as a partial agonist in mouse thoracic aorta, the contraction of which was antagonized by BMY 7378 with a pA(2) value (8.49) consistent with that found against noradrenaline (8.43). Clonidine acted as a partial agonist (pD(2)=5.94). The pK(p) value for clonidine against noradrenaline was similar to the pD(2) value for clonidine. The apparent pK(B) value for BMY 7378 against clonidine was similar to the pA(2) value against other full agonists used in the present study. These results suggest that the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor subtype exists, and that the full agonists and the partial agonists evoke the contraction mediated through the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor in mouse thoracic aorta.

Putative beta 4-adrenoceptors in rat ventricle mediate increases in contractile force and cell Ca2+: comparison with atrial receptors and relationship to (-)-[3H]-CGP 12177 binding

1. We identified putative beta4-adrenoceptors by radioligand binding, measured increases in ventricular contractile force by (-)-CGP 12177 and (+/-)-cyanopindolol and demonstrated increased Ca2+ transients by (-)-CGP 12177 in rat cardiomyocytes. 2. (-)-[3H]-CGP 12177 labelled 13 - 22 fmol mg-1 protein ventricular beta1, beta2-adrenoceptors (pKD approximately 9.0) and 50 - 90 fmol mg-1 protein putative beta4-adrenoceptors (pKD approximately 7.3). The affinity values (pKi) for (beta1,beta2-) and putative beta4-adrenoceptors, estimated from binding inhibition, were (-)-propranolol 8.4, 5.7; (-)-bupranolol 9.7, 5.8; (+/-)-cyanopindolol 10.0,7.4. 3. In left ventricular papillary muscle, in the presence of 30 microM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, (-)-CGP 12177 and (+/-)-cyanopindolol caused positive inotropic effects, (pEC50, (-)-CGP 12177, 7.6; (+/-)-cyanopindolol, 7.0) which were antagonized by (-)-bupranolol (pKB 6.7 - 7.0) and (-)-CGP 20712A (pKB 6.3 - 6.6). The cardiostimulant effects of (-)-CGP 12177 in papillary muscle, left and right atrium were antagonized by (+/-)-cyanopindolol (pKP 7.0 - 7.4). 4. (-)-CGP 12177 (1 microM) in the presence of 200 nM (-)-propranolol increased Ca2+ transient amplitude by 56% in atrial myocytes, but only caused a marginal increase in ventricular myocytes. In the presence of 1 microM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and 200 nM (-)-propranolol, 1 microM (-)-CGP 12177 caused a 73% increase in Ca2+ transient amplitude in ventricular myocytes. (-)-CGP 12177 elicited arrhythmic transients in some atrial and ventricular myocytes. 5. Probably by preventing cyclic AMP hydrolysis, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine facilitates the inotropic function of ventricular putative beta4-adrenoceptors, suggesting coupling to Gs protein-adenylyl cyclase. The receptor-mediated increases in contractile force are related to increases of Ca2+ in atrial and ventricular myocytes. The agreement of binding affinities of agonists with cardiostimulant potencies is consistent with mediation through putative beta4-adrenoceptors labelled with (-)-[3H]-CGP 12177.

Transgenic overexpression of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors in airway smooth muscle alters myocyte function and ablates bronchial hyperreactivity

beta(2)-Adrenergic receptors (beta(2)AR) act to relax airway smooth muscle and can serve to counteract hyperresponsiveness, although the effect may not be ablative even in the presence of exogenous agonist. Within this signaling cascade that ultimately transduces smooth muscle relaxation, a significant "spare receptor" pool has been hypothesized to be present in the airway. In order to modify the relationship between beta(2)AR and downstream effectors, transgenic mice (TG) were created overexpressing beta(2)AR approximately 75-fold in airway smooth muscle using a mouse smooth muscle alpha-actin promoter. While >90% of these receptors were expressed on the smooth muscle cell surface, the percentage of receptors able to form the agonist-promoted high affinity complex was less than that found with nontransgenic (NTG) cells (R(H) = 18 versus 36%). Nevertheless, beta(2)AR signaling was found to be enhanced. Intact airway smooth muscle cells from TG had basal cAMP levels that were greater than NTG cells. A marked increase in agonist-stimulated cAMP levels was found in the TG ( approximately 200% stimulation over basal) compared with NTG ( approximately 50% over basal) cells. Adenylyl cyclase studies gave similar results and also showed a 10-fold lower EC(50) for TG cells. Tracheal rings from TG mice that were precontracted with acetylcholine had an enhanced responsiveness (relaxation) to beta-agonist, with a 60-fold decrease in the ED(50), indicating that the enhanced signaling imposed by overexpression results in an increase in the coordinated function of the intact airway cells. In vivo studies showed a significantly blunted airway resistance response to the inhaled bronchoconstrictor methacholine in the TG mice. Indeed, with beta-agonist pretreatment, the TG mice displayed no response whatsoever to methacholine. These results are consistent with beta(2)AR being the limiting factor in the transduction system. Increases in the initial component of this transduction system (the beta(2)AR) are sufficient to markedly alter signaling and airway smooth muscle function to the extent that bronchial hyperresponsiveness is ablated, consistent with an anti-asthma phenotype.

Differences between the third cardiac beta-adrenoceptor and the colonic beta 3-adrenoceptor in the rat

1. The heart of several species including man contains atypical beta-adrenoceptors, in addition to coexisting beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors. We now asked the question whether or not the third cardiac beta-adrenoceptor is identical to the putative beta 3-adrenoceptor. We compared the properties of the third cardiac beta-adrenoceptor with those of beta 3-adrenoceptors in isolated tissues of the rat. To study the third cardiac beta-adrenoceptor we used spontaneously beating right atria, paced left atria and paced left ventricular papillary muscles. As a likely model for putative beta 3-adrenoceptors we studied atypical beta-adrenoceptors of the colonic longitudinal muscle precontracted with 30 mM KCl. We used beta 3-adrenoceptor-selective agonists, antagonists and non-conventional partial agonists (ie high-affinity blockers of both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors know to exert also stimulant effects through beta 3-adrenoceptors). 2. The non-conventional partial agonist (-)-CGP 12177 caused positive chronotropic effects in right atria (pD2 = 7.3) and positive inotropic effects in left atria (pD2 = 7.5). The stimulant effects of (-)-CGP 12177 were resistant to blockade by 200 nM-2 microM (-)-propranolol and 3 microM ICI 118551 (a beta 2-selective antagonist) but antagonized by 1 microM (-)-bupranolol (pKB = 6.4-6.8), 3 microM CGP 20712A (a beta 1-selective antagonist) (pKB = 6.3-6.4) and 6.6 microM SR 59230A (a beta 3-selective antagonist, pKB = 5.1-5.4). 3. The non-conventional partial agonist cyanopindolol caused positive chronotropic effects in right atria (pD2 = 7.7) and positive inotropic effects in left atria (pD2 = 7.1). The stimulant effects of cyanopindolol were resistant to blockade by 200 nM (-)-propranolol but antagonized by 1 microM (-)-bupranolol (pKB = 6.8-7.1). 4. Neither (-)-CGP 12177 nor cyanopindolol caused stimulant effects in papillary muscles at concentrations between 0.2 nM and 20 microM. 5. In the presence of 200 nM (-)-propranolol the beta 3-adrenoceptor-selective agonists BRL 37344 (6 microM), SR 58611A (6 microM), ZD 2079 (60 microM) and CL 316243 (60 microM) did not cause stimulant effects or modify the potency and efficacy of the effects of (-)-CGP 12177 in right and left atria. The combination of 2 microM (-)-propranolol and 2 microM (-)-noradrenaline did not modify the chronotropic potency and efficacy of (-)-CGP 12177 compared to the potency and efficacy in the presence of 2 microM (-)-propranolol alone. 6. (-)-CGP 12177 relaxed the colon with a pD2 of 6.9 and a maximum effect of 55% compared to (-)-isoprenaline. The relaxant effects of (-)-CGP 12177 were resistant to blockade by 200 nM (-)-propranolol, 3 microM CGP 20712A, 3 microM ICI 118551 but blocked by 2 microM (-)-propranolol (pKB = 6.0), 1 microM (-)-bupranolol (pKB = 6.4) and 3 microM SR 59230A (pKB = 6.3). In the presence of 200 nM (-)-propranolol, (-)-CGP 12177 (20 microM) antagonized surmountably the relaxant effects of BRL 37344 (pKP = 7.3) (-)-noradrenaline (pKP = 7.0); and CL 316243 (pKP = 7.0). 7. Cyanopindolol in the presence of 200 nM (-)-propranolol relaxed the colon with a pD2 of 7.0 and a maximum effect of 40% compared to (-)-isoprenaline. As expected from a partial agonist, cyanopindolol antagonized the relaxant effects of both BRL 37344 and CL 316243 with a pKP = 7.6 and (-)-noradrenaline with a pKP = 7.4. 8. The following beta 3-adrenoceptor-selective agonists were potent colonic relaxants (pD2 values between parentheses): BRL 37344 (9.1), ZD 2079 (7.0), CL 316243 (9.0) and SR 58611A (8.2). The relaxant effects of these agonists were only marginally affected by 200 nM (-)-propranolol, not blocked by 3 microM CGP 20712A or 3 microM ICI 118551, and blocked by SR 59230A 3 microM (pKB = 6.9-7.5), 1 microM (-)-bupranolol (pKB = 6.2-6.4) and 2 microM (-)-propranolol (pKB = 6.3-6.5). 9...

Potentiation of responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and vasoconstrictor agents by SK&F 103829 in the feline mesenteric circulation

1. The amplification of vasoconstrictor effects of several agonists and sympathetic nerve stimulation, caused by 5-HT2 receptor activation, was studied in the autoperfused mesenteric circulation of anaesthetized cats. To produce long lasting and selective 5-HT2 receptor stimulation we used SK&F 103829 (2,3,4,5 tetrahydro-8[methyl-sulphonyl]-1H3-benzazepin-7-ol methensulphonate). We assessed that SK&F 103829 was a strong contractile partial agonist in isolated preparations of rat tail artery and calf pulmonary artery. 2. The intrinsic activity of SK&F 103829 with respect to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was 0.8 in rat tail artery and 0.6 in calf pulmonary artery. SK&F 103829-induced contractile responses were surmountably antagonized by ketanserin with a potency expected from its affinity for 5-HT2 receptors. SK&F 103829 surmountably antagonized the effects of 5-HT in rat tail artery with a pKp of 5.8. 3. Concentrations of SK&F 103829 causing greater than threshold constrictions enhanced vasoconstrictor responses of sympathetic nerve stimulation, noradrenaline, angiotensin II, methoxamine and alpha, beta-methylene ATP in the mesenteric arterial bed. Increases in mesenteric arterial pressure by noradrenaline, observed in the presence of prazosin, were also potentiated by SK&F 103829. 4. Ketanserin prevented both the constrictor effect of SK&F 103829 and the SK&F 103829-evoked potentiation of the responses to noradrenaline and angiotensin II in the mesenteric arterial bed. Ketanserin, however, failed to abolish (once established) the SK&F 103829-evoked potentiation of the constrictor effects caused by both noradrenaline and angiotensin II. 5. Short lasting constrictor effects of 5-HT were reversed to dilator effects by SK&F 103829 in both the mesenteric arterial and venous bed, thereby revealing the existence of vasodilator 5-HT receptors.6. The main finding is consistent with a sensitization of the mesenteric arterial bed to vasoconstrictor responses mediated through alpha 1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors, angiotensin II receptors and purinoceptors by SK&F 103829-evoked activation of 5-HT2 receptors. This property, together with the direct constrictor effect of the mesenteric arterial bed suggest that SK&F 103829 can reduce portal venous flow thereby being a useful therapeutic principle for the treatment of portal hypertension.

The contractile mechanism of beraprost sodium, a stable prostacyclin analog, in the isolated canine femoral vein

The vascular contractile mechanism of prostacyclin (PGI2) was investigated using beraprost sodium (BPS), a stable PGI2 analog. Ring strips without endothelium isolated from canine femoral veins and arteries were used. BPS induced a dose-dependent contraction without precontraction and after precontraction with norepinephrine (NE) or 60 mM K+ in the veins. In contrast, BPS induced a dose-dependent relaxation after precontraction with U46619, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) analog, or prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in the veins. In the arteries, BPS induced contraction at higher concentrations after precontraction with NE. However, BPS relaxed arteries dose-dependently after precontraction with PGF2 alpha. By pretreatment with 13-azaprostanoic acid (13-APA), a TXA2/endoperoxide receptor antagonist, the dose-response curve of BPS in the veins was shifted to the right. Schild plot analysis resulted in a linear regression with a slope of 0.86 +/- 0.13, which was not significantly different from unity, and the pA2 value for 13-APA against BPS was 7.10 +/- 0.06. By pretreatment with BPS, the dose-response curve of U46619 in the veins was shifted to the right. Kaumann plot analysis resulted in a linear regression with a slope of 0.89 +/- 0.09, which was not significantly different from unity, and the pA2 value for BPS against U46619 was 5.68 +/- 0.04. These findings indicate that BPS is a partial agonist for the TXA2/endoperoxide receptors.

Characterization of the 5-HT4 receptor mediating tachycardia in piglet isolated right atrium

1. In order to explore whether 5-HT4 receptor subtypes exist, we have characterized further the 5-HT4 receptor that mediates tachycardia in the piglet isolated right atrium. All experiments were carried out in the presence of propranolol (400 nM) and cocaine (6 microM). We used tryptamine derivatives, substituted benzamides and benzimidazolone derivatives as pharmacological tools. 2. Tachycardia responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were mimicked by other tryptamine derivatives with the following order of potency: 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine alpha-methyl-5-HT = bufotenine bufotenine > 5-carboxamidotryptamine = tryptamine (after treatment with pargyline) > 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine > 2-methyl-5-HT. 3. The substituted benzamides were all partial agonists relative to 5-HT except (-)-zacopride which was a full agonist. The stimulant potency order was renzapride > cisapride = (-)-zacopride > metoclopramide > (+)-zacopride. 4. The benzimidazolone derivatives had contrasting effects. BIMU 8 (endo-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-(1-methyl(eth yl- 2-oxo-1H-benzimidazole-1-carboxamide hydrochloride) was a full agonist relative to 5-HT whilst BIMU 1 (endo-N-(8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-3-ethyl-2-oxo - 1H-benzimidazole-1-carboxamide hydrochloride) was a partial agonist with low intrinsic activity compared to 5-HT but had similar potency. We estimated a pKB of 7.9 for BIMU 1 antagonism of 5-HT-induced tachycardia. DAU 6215 (N-endo-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-oct-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-lH-benzimidazole-l-carboxamide, hydrochloride) had no chronotropic activity and was found to be a simple competitive antagonist with a pKB of 7.15.SB 203186 (1-piperidinyl)ethyl lH-indole 3-carboxylate) was a potent antagonist with a pKB of 8.3.The affinity of SB 203186 was approximately 20 times higher than that of tropisetron (ICS 205-930;pKB= 6.9) and DAU 6215 (pKB= 7.0). GR1 13808 (([1-[2-[methylsulphonyl amino]ethyl]-4-piperidinyl]methyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylate) and SDZ 205-557 ((2-diethylaminoethyl)2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoate) also antagonized 5-HT-induced tachycardia but not by simple competitive blockade.6. The sinoatrial 5-HT4 receptor in the piglet has a pharmacological profile that correlates well with 5-HT4 receptors characterized in rat oesophagus, guinea-pig ileum and colon, mouse embryonic colliculi neurones and human atrium.

Do partial agonist beta-blockers have improved clinical utility?

Although beta-blockers were introduced into clinical medicine 30 thirty years ago, controversy continues as to the optimal pharmacodynamic profile of such agents. This commentary reviews the development of beta-blockers with partial agonist properties in the context of a recent study on epanolol. The influence of partial agonism on the efficacy and tolerability of beta-blockers is summarized, and it is concluded that, in general, there is little convincing evidence from controlled clinical studies that partial agonism confers significant clinical benefit over full antagonists.

Formoterol, fenoterol, and salbutamol as partial agonists for relaxation of maximally contracted guinea pig tracheae: comparison of relaxation with receptor binding

In severe asthma attacks beta 2-sympathomimetics lose part of their therapeutic efficiency. To elucidate this loss of efficiency in an experimental model we compared the relaxant potency of salbutamol (SAL), fenoterol (FEN), formoterol (FOR), and (-)-isoprenaline (ISO) in guinea pig tracheae partially and maximally precontracted by 0.1 and 60 mumol/L carbachol, respectively. In partially precontracted tracheae the beta 2-sympathomimetics exerted maximum relaxation in comparison with ISO and low EC50S (nmol/L) for relaxation (SAL, 20; FEN, 5.6; FOR, 0.28; and ISO, 2.5). In maximally precontracted tracheae, however, the beta 2-sympathomimetics were only partial agonists for relaxation with reduced intrinsic activities (%) in comparison to ISO (SAL, 59%; FEN, 61%; FOR, 76%) and significantly increased EC50S (nmol/L) for relaxation (SAL, 130; FEN, 57; FOR, 3.0; ISO, 37). To investigate if the high relaxant potency of FOR is correlated with a higher binding affinity and/or a higher intrinsic activity for adenylate cyclase stimulation than for FEN and SAL, we performed experiments in receptor membranes from guinea pig lung. Binding competition of SAL, FEN, and FOR with [3H]ICI 118,551 for lung beta 2-adrenoceptors yielded dissociation constants (KD) of 320 (SAL), 120 (FEN), and 7.6 (FOR) nmol/L, which exhibited the same ranking as EC50S for relaxation. Concentrations of SAL, FEN, and FOR equivalent to 100 KD of the respective dissociation constants stimulated beta 2-adrenoceptor-coupled adenylate cyclase with different intrinsic activities (%) incomparison to ISO (SAL, 61%; FEN, 63%; FOR, 89%) matching intrinsic activities for relaxation. From these experiments it may be concluded that FOR might improve drug therapy of severe asthma not only due to its long mode of action discovered in clinical studies but also due to its high intrinsic activity and receptor affinity.

A 5-HT4-like receptor in human right atrium

The effects of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and the gastrokinetic benzamides renzapride and cisapride on contractile force were investigated using isolated paced right atrial appendages from patients treated with beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents who were undergoing open heart surgery. These effects were compared to those of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The effects of the drugs on atrial cyclic AMP levels and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase ratios were also investigated. The drugs all increased contractile force of rank order of potency was 5-HT greater than renzapride greater than cisapride greater than 5-CT. The maximum responses, expressed as a fraction of the response to 200 mumol/l (-)-isoprenaline, were 5-HT 0.6, 5-CT 0.6, renzapride 0.4 and cisapride greater than or equal to 0.2, suggesting that the latter two are partial agonists. 5-HT, 5-CT and renzapride but not cisapride caused significant shortening of time to peak force. The effects of the four drugs were blocked by mumolar concentrations of ICS 205-930, suggesting an involvement of 5-HT4 receptors. As expected of partial agonists both renzapride and cisapride caused simple competitive antagonism of the positive inotropic effects of 5-HT. The estimated equilibrium dissociation constants pKP (-log mol/l KP) were 6.7 for renzapride and 6.2 for cisapride. 5-CT at concentrations up to 10 mumol/l did not antagonise the effects of 5-HT. In the presence of (+/-)-propranolol 0.4 mumol/l, 5-HT 10 mumol/l, 5-CT 100 mumol/l, renzapride 10 mumol/l and cisapride 40 mumol/l significantly increased cyclic AMP levels. 5-HT and renzapride also significantly increased cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity, whereas 5-CT caused only marginal stimulation and cisapride was ineffective. The results confirm the existence of a human right atrial 5-HT receptor that is similar in nature to, but not necessarily identical with, the 5-HT4 receptor of mouse embryonic colliculi neurones. The main difference is that in human right atrium the benzamides are less potent and efficacious than 5-HT and that cisapride is less potent and less efficacious than renzapride while in mouse embryonic colliculi these two benzamides are equipotent with and more efficacious agonists than 5-HT. We designate the human right atrial 5-HT receptor 5-HT4-like. The human right atrial 5-HT4-like receptor greatly resembles porcine sinoatrial and left atrial 5-HT4-like receptors and also appears to be similar to 5-HT4-like receptors of guinea-pig ileum and rat oesophagus.

Atypical Schild plots with histamine H1 receptor agonists and antagonists in the rabbit aorta

Competitive antagonists of histamine H1 receptor were investigated for their effects on histamine-induced responses in the rabbit aorta. Antazoline-induced antagonism gave linear Schild plots with slope equal 1, while the other antagonists [+)-brompheniramine, (+/-)-chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine and mepyramine) produced 'atypical' plots with slopes generally less than unity in the thoracic aorta. Schild plots obtained with these antagonists were evaluated using a two independent component model. The high affinity parameters thus estimated were compatible with those that have been reported for these antagonists. No such heterogeneity was observed in the abdominal aorta when diphenhydramine was investigated with different H1 agonists. The results suggest the presence of at least two components in H1-mediated responses in the thoracic aorta; these components are equally antagonized by antazoline, but differentially antagonized by the other antagonists used.

Selective beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade enhances positive inotropic responses to endogenous catecholamines mediated through beta 2-adrenoceptors in human atrial myocardium

We determined the relative contribution of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation to the positive inotropic responses of human atrial myocardium to catecholamines. (-)Norepinephrine produced stimulation predominantly through beta 1-receptors and (-)epinephrine through both beta 1- and beta 2-receptors. However, there were marked differences in the responses of tissues from patients treated with the beta 1-selective antagonist atenolol compared with non-beta-blocker-treated patients; surprisingly, beta 2-mediated responses were enhanced, and beta 1-mediated responses were unaltered. There was an enhanced responsiveness to (-)epinephrine (atenolol treated: -log M EC50, 7.57 +/- 0.07; non-beta-blocker treated: -log M EC50, 6.77 +/- 0.17; p less than 0.001), and the relative importance of beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation was increased for both (-)norepinephrine and (-)epinephrine. In tissues from atenolol-treated patients, salbutamol, a beta 2-selective partial agonist, had an enhanced potency and a greater intrinsic activity (atenolol treated: -log M EC50, 7.13 +/- 0.09; intrinsic activity, 0.86 +/- 0.04; non-beta-blocker treated: -log M EC50, 5.76 +/- 0.44; intrinsic activity, 0.39 +/- 0.13). We investigated possible mechanisms underlying the enhanced responsiveness to beta 2 stimulation. Determination of beta 2-adrenoceptor affinity for salbutamol showed no change of affinity in atenolol-treated patients. Responses of the tissues to the cyclic AMP analogue dibutyryl cyclic AMP were not different between atenolol-treated and non-beta-blocker-treated patients. The results suggest that chronic blockade of beta 1-adrenoceptors causes enhanced coupling of beta 2-adrenoceptors to adenylate cyclase or to other mechanisms leading to increased contractile force.

Neuronally released (-)-noradrenaline relaxes smooth muscle of calf trachea mainly through beta 1-adrenoceptors: comparison with (-)-adrenaline and relation to adenylate cyclase stimulation

The nature of the receptors that mediate the relaxation of smooth muscle by field stimulation, (-)-noradrenaline and (-)-adrenaline was investigated in calf tracheal smooth muscle. The relation between relaxation, stimulation of the adenylate cyclase and density of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes was studied with the help of antagonists of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors. The question of the existence of catecholamine-containing nerves was also investigated. (1) Nerves with varicosities exhibiting catecholaminergic fluorescence were observed between bundles of smooth muscle cells. (2) Consistent with the existence of adrenergic nerves (-)-noradrenaline was also found. The content of (-)-noradrenaline (1 microgram.g-1 w.w.) was the same in smooth muscle strips from the sublaryngeal region and from the region close to the bifurcation of the calf trachea. (-)-Adrenaline was not detected. (3) Smooth muscle relaxation by low (-)-noradrenaline concentration (0.6-2 nmol/l) was mediated through beta 1-adrenoceptors. Low concentrations of (-)-adrenaline (0.06-1 nmol/l) relaxed through beta 2-adrenoceptors. High concentrations of (-)-noradrenaline and (-)-adrenaline also caused relaxation through beta 2- and beta 1-adrenoceptors respectively. (4) Field stimulation caused relaxation which was half maximal at 0.2-0.8 Hz. Blockade of beta 1-adrenoceptors strongly attenuated the relaxant response to field stimulation and shifted the frequency-relaxation curves to 4 times higher frequencies. These results are consistent with a beta 1-adrenoceptor-mediated relaxation caused by (-)-noradrenaline released from sympathetic nerve endings at low stimulation frequencies. (5) Blockade of beta 2-adrenoceptors failed to reduce smooth muscle relaxation caused by field stimulation at low stimulation frequencies (0.1-1 Hz). However, after beta 1-adrenoceptor blockade, additional blockade of beta 2-adrenoceptors reduced the relaxant effects observed at high frequencies (2-400 Hz). The results suggest that high concentrations of endogenous (-)-noradrenaline cause relaxation through beta 2-adrenoceptors. (6) Binding experiments with 3H-(-)-bupranolol and 3H-ICI 118,551 revealed between 10,000 and 20,000 beta-adrenoceptors per smooth muscle cell of which 3/4 were beta 2 and 1/4 beta 1. The equilibrium dissociation constant of (-)-adrenaline for both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors and of (-)-noradrenaline for beta 1-adrenoceptors was 1 mumol/l. The affinity of (-)-noradrenaline for beta 2-adrenoceptors was 10 to 20 times lower than for beta 1-adrenoceptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

On minimum cyclic AMP formation rates associated with positive inotropic effects mediated through beta 1-adrenoceptors in kitten myocardium. Beta 1-specific and non-adrenergic stimulant effects of denopamine

The agonist (-)-denopamine was used as a tool to study relationships between pharmacological effects and adenylate cyclase stimulation mediated through beta 1-adrenoceptors. 1. (-)-Denopamine was a full agonist in kitten papillary muscles (force), kitten left atria (force) and kitten and guinea-pig atria (sinoatrial frequency). (-)-Denopamine was a strong partial agonist in guinea-pig tracheae (relaxation). None of these effects was influenced by blockade of beta 2-adrenoceptors. beta 1-Adrenoceptors mediated all effects of (-)-denopamine in atria and effects of low (-)-denopamine concentrations in papillary muscles and tracheae, as assessed with beta 1-selective antagonists. 2. High (-)-denopamine concentrations caused positive inotropic effects in papillary muscles and tracheorelaxant effects that were resistant to blockade by beta 1-, beta 2- and alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists (non-adrenergic effects). 3. (-)-Denopamine stimulated the adenylate cyclase of membranes derived from kitten ventricle and calf tracheal cells with an intrinsic activity of 0.3 and 0.2, respectively, compared to catecholamines. The contribution of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors to cyclase stimulation was assessed by selective blockade. Cyclase stimulation through beta 2-adrenoceptors by (-)-denopamine was 12% in ventricle and 82% in trachea but is not associated with positive inotropic effects and tracheal relaxation. 4. (-)-Denopamine exhibited only a 2- to 5-fold selectivity for beta 1-adrenoceptors compared to beta 2-adrenoceptors, as estimated consistently from binding assays and blockade of cyclase stimulation in myocardial and tracheal cell membranes. 5. Desensitization of kitten ventricular tissues, caused by a 3 h exposure to 30 mumol/l (-)-isoprenaline followed by 5 h washout, reduced the inotropic sensitivity of papillary muscles without decreasing the maximum inotropic effects of (-)-denopamine. In desensitized tissues, the nonadrenergic effect contributed by 30% to the maximum inotropic effect of (-)-denopamine. 6. In membranes, derived from desensitized tissues, the maximum adenylate cyclase stimulation induced by (-)-isoprenaline, (-)-denopamine and xamoterol was reduced to 1/2 of the corresponding stimulations observed in membranes from sham desensitized tissues. The density of beta-adrenoceptors, assessed with 3H-(-)-CGP 12,177, was not changed by the desensitization procedure suggesting that part of the receptors was uncoupled from the adenylate cyclase. The partial inotropic agonist xamoterol, which has an intrinsic activity of 0.5 in non-desensitized tissues, failed to cause positive inotropic effects in desensitized papillary muscles suggesting that not all cyclic AMP possesses inotropic relevance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Contribution of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors of human atrium and ventricle to the effects of noradrenaline and adrenaline as assessed with (-)-atenolol

1. (-)-Atenolol was used as a tool to assess the function of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors in human heart. Right atrial and left ventricular preparations from patients undergoing open heart surgery were set up to contract isometrically. Membrane particles were prepared for beta-adrenoceptor labelling with [3H]-(-)-bupranolol and adenylate cyclase assays. 2. The positive inotropic effects of (-)-noradrenaline were antagonized to a similar extent by (-)-atenolol in atrial and ventricular preparations. (-)-Atenolol consistently antagonized the effects of (-)-adrenaline to a lesser extent than those of (-)-noradrenaline in atrial preparations. In ventricular preparations (-)-atenolol antagonized the effects of low concentrations of (-)-adrenaline to a lesser extent than those of high concentrations. 3. pKB values (M) of (-)-atenolol, estimated with non-linear analysis from the blockade of the positive inotropic effects of the catecholamines, were 7.4 for beta 1-adrenoceptors and 6.0 for beta 2-adrenoceptors. 4. (-)-Atenolol inhibited the binding of [3H]-(-)-bupranolol to ventricular beta 1-adrenoceptors with a pKD (M) of 5.9 and to ventricular beta 2-adrenoceptors with a pKD of 4.6. 5. (-)-Atenolol inhibited the catecholamine-induced adenylate cyclase stimulation in the atrium and ventricle with pKB values of 5.8-6.4 for beta 1- and pKB values of 4.7-5.7 for beta 2-adrenoceptors. The binding and cyclase assays suggest a partial affinity loss for (-)-atenolol inherent to membrane preparations. 6. beta 1-Adrenoceptors mediate the maximum positive inotropic effects of (-)-noradrenaline in both the atrium and ventricle of man. beta 2-Adrenoceptors appear to be capable of mediating maximal positive inotropic effects of (-)-adrenaline in atrium. In contrast, ventricular beta 2-adrenoceptors mediated only submaximal effects of (-)-adrenaline.

Direct labelling of beta 2-adrenoceptors. Comparison of binding potency of 3H-ICI 118,551 and blocking potency of ICI 118,551

A radioligand that selectively labels beta 2-adrenoceptors, 3H-ICI 118,551 (3H-ICI), is introduced. Experiments were performed on guinea-pig tissues. The binding characteristics of 3H-ICI on lung membrane particles are compared with the blocking characteristics of ICI 118,551 against the tracheo-relaxant effects of (-)-noradrenaline, (-)-adrenaline and (+/-)-fenoterol. Binding to both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors were also performed with 3H-(-)-bupranolol on lung and ventricular myocardium. The binding inhibition characteristics of unlabelled ICI 118,551 on ventricle were compared with its characteristics as antagonist of the positive chronotropic effects of (-)-noradrenaline, (-)-adrenaline and (+/-)-fenoterol in spontaneously beating right atria. 1. ICI 118,551 blocked more the relaxant effects of (+/-)-fenoterol and (-)-adrenaline than those of (-)-noradrenaline on trachea. The positive chronotropic effects of (+/-)-fenoterol on sinoatrial node were blocked more than those of both (-)-adrenaline and (-)-noradrenaline. A non-linear regression analysis of blocking data with ICI 118,551 according to the model of Lemoine and Kaumann (1983) revelas that both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors contribute to the tracheo-relaxant and positive chronotropic effects of agonists. The estimated equilibrium dissociation constants pKB (-log KB = pKB; mol/l) were 7.1 and 9.6 for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors, respectively. Tracheal beta 2-adrenoceptors contribute 99%, 97% and 7%, sinoatrial beta 2-adrenoceptors contribute 76%, 3% and 0% to the fractional stimuli induced by (+/-)-fenoterol, (-)-adrenaline and (-)-noradrenaline, respectively. 2. 3H-ICI associated to beta 2-adrenoceptors of lung membranes with a kon of 0.521 X nmol-1 X min-1 and dissociated with a koff of 0.19 min-1. 3H-ICI bound to lung beta 2-adrenoceptors with an equilibrium dissociation constant pKL* of 9.2. Unlabelled ICI 118,551, (-)-bupranolol, (+)-bupranolol, (-)-adrenaline, (-)-noradrenaline and (+/-)-fenoterol competed with 3H-ICI for lung beta 2-adrenoceptors with pKL-values of 9.0, 9.4, 8.1, 5.9, 4.9 and 6.4, respectively. 3. 3H-(-)-bupranolol associated to beta-adrenoceptors of lung membranes with a kon 1.21 X nmol-1 X min-1 and dissociated with a koff of 0.26 min-1. 3H-(-)-bupranolol bound to lung beta 2-adrenoceptors and to heart beta 1-adrenoceptors with a pKL of 9.6 and a pKL of 8.8, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Direct labelling of myocardial beta 1-adrenoceptors. Comparison of binding affinity of 3H-(-)-bisoprolol with its blocking potency

A radioligand that selectively labels beta 1-adrenoceptors, 3H-(-)-bisoprolol (3H-BIS), is introduced. The binding properties of 3H-BIS to membrane particles of kitten heart are compared with the blocking properties of (-)-bisoprolol against stimulant effects of (-)-adrenaline and (-)-noradrenaline in heart preparations of kitten and guinea pig. 1. On kitten heart tissues (-)-bisoprolol antagonized the positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of catecholamines competitively. The effects of (-)-adrenaline were antagonized considerably less by (-)-bisoprolol than the corresponding effects of (-)-noradrenaline on sinoatrial pacemakers. The antagonism was nearly the same against both (-)-adrenaline and (-)-noradrenaline in left atria and papillary muscles. The data were analyzed with a model for 2-receptor subtypes by non-linear regression. Equilibrium dissociation constants KB (mol/l; -log KB = pKB) for a high-affinity beta 1-adrenoceptor of 8.8 and for a low-affinity beta 2-adrenoceptor of 7.0 were estimated in the three classes of tissues. In kitten sinoatrial pacemaker beta 1-adrenoceptors contribute 76% to the stimulus induced by (-)-adrenaline and 97% to the stimulus induced by (-)-noradrenaline. In ventricle and left atrium beta 1-adrenoceptors contribute 97-99% and 100% to the stimulus caused by (-)-adrenaline and (-)-noradrenaline, respectively. 2. Both 3H-BIS and unlabelled (-)-bisoprolol caused competitive blockade of the positive chronotropic effects of (-)-noradrenaline in guinea-pig right atria. pKB-values of 8.7 were estimated for both unlabelled and tritiated (-)-bisoprolol. The positive chronotropic effects of (-)-adrenaline were antagonized considerably less by (-)-bisoprolol than those of (-)-noradrenaline in guinea-pig atria. In the presence of low concentrations of beta 2-selective ICI 118,551, which did not antagonize beta 1-adrenoceptor mediated effects, (-)-bisoprolol antagonized positive chronotropic effects of (-)-adrenaline to the same extent as those of (-)-noradrenaline. The results are consistent with the concept of a significant role of sinoatrial beta 2-adrenoceptors of guinea pig for the effects of (-)-adrenaline but not for those of (-)-noradrenaline. 3. 3H-BIS associated and dissociated quickly with and from ventricular beta 1-adrenoceptors. A koff of 1.0 min-1 was estimated. An equilibrium dissociation constant pKL* of 8.2 for 3H-BIS was estimated from saturation binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Stimulant and blocking effects of optical isomers of pindolol on the sinoatrial node and trachea of guinea pig. Role of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in the dissociation between blockade and stimulation

The blocking and stimulant potencies of (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol were estimated on right atria and tracheae of guinea pig. Blocking affinities were estimated for beta-adrenoceptor subtypes by using several agonists. Binding affinities of (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol were also estimated for beta-adrenoceptors labelled with 3H-(-)-bupranolol in membranes of ventricular myocardium and lung of guinea pig. Both (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol caused tracheal relaxation with intrinsic activities of 0.3. The concentration-effect curve for (-)-pindolol exhibits a high-sensitivity and a low-sensitivity relaxant component; the curve for (+)-pindolol was nearly monophasic. The EC50's were (-log mol/l) 9.2 and 6.1 for (-)-pindolol and 7.6 for (+)-pindolol. Using subtype-selective blockers it was found that the relaxant effects of (+)-pindolol and those of the high-sensitivity component of (-)-pindolol are mediated through beta 2-adrenoceptors. The low-sensitivity component of relaxation of (-)-pindolol was antagonized by beta-blockers less than expected from their affinities for beta-adrenoceptors. Both (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol caused an increase of atrial beating rate with an intrinsic activity of 0.2. The concentration-effect curve of (-)-pindolol was biphasic; the curve of (+)-pindolol was monophasic. The EC50's were (-log mol/l) 9.1 and 7.0 for (-)-pindolol and 7.5 for (+)-pindolol. From the use of subtype-selective antagonists we conclude that the positive chronotropic effects of (+)-pindolol are mediated predominantly by beta 2-adrenoceptors. On the other hand, the high-sensitivity component of the positive chronotropic effects of (-)-pindolol appears to be mediated predominantly through beta 1-adrenoceptors, although beta 2-adrenoceptors may also participate. The low-sensitivity component of the positive chronotropic effects of (-)-pindolol is resistant to blockade by subtype-selective antagonists at concentrations causing at least 98% beta-adrenoceptor occupancy. Only high but non-depressant concentrations of non-selective (-)-bupranolol antagonized the low-sensitivity component of (-)-pindolol. (-)-Pindolol antagonized the effects of several agonists to similar extent in both trachea and right atrium. (+)-Pindolol was less potent as antagonist of the relaxant effects of (-)-noradrenaline on trachea than against those of (-)-adrenaline, (-)-isoprenaline and (+/-)-salbutamol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A study of [D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9]-substance P and [D-Trp7,9]-substance P as tachykinin partial agonists in the rat colon

Two substance P (SP) analogues, [D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9]-SP (DPDPDT) and [D-Trp7,9]-SP (DT79), previously described as tachykinin antagonists, have been shown to contract the rat colon muscularis mucosae preparation. The maximum response exhibited by these analogues was about 30% that of the SP maximum, suggesting that they were acting as partial agonists relative to SP. The responses to DPDPDT were unaffected by pretreatment with mepyramine, methysergide or [Sar1, Ile5, Ala8]-angiotensin II, which abolished the responses to histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and angiotensin II, respectively. Methysergide also did not affect the responses to DT79; the other antagonists were not tested against this analogue. Indomethacin and cimetidine also had no inhibitory effect. Atropine (2 microM) was present in all experiments to prevent indirect muscarinic effects. Phenoxybenzamine did not affect the dose-response curves to SP, eledoisin-related peptide (ERP), kassinin, eledoisin or physalaemin, nor did it affect the responses to individual doses of DPDPDT or DT79. However, in the absence of atropine, it shifted the carbachol dose-response curve markedly to the right, and reduced its maximum. The tachykinin antagonist [D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9,10]-SP4-11 reduced the responses to individual matched doses of DPDPDT, DT79 and SP to the same degree, whilst leaving responses to 5-HT or angiotensin II unaffected. This suggested that DPDPDT and DT79 were acting at the same receptor as SP. The inhibitory effects of DPDPDT on responses to SP, ERP and kassinin, and that of DT79 on responses to SP, were analysed. All four combinations yielded data compatible with an interaction at only one receptor, although DPDPDT appeared slightly more potent at inhibiting responses to kassinin. The results are discussed in the light of the proposed existence of multiple tachykinin receptor subtypes. The possible influence of differential metabolism of tachykinin analogues is also considered.

Intrinsic activity and effects of guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, Gpp(NH)p on the affinity of partial agonists to the muscarinic receptor

The effects of a GTP analogue, guanyl-5'-yl imidodiphosphate, Gpp(NH)p on the inhibition of [3H]3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) binding by some partial agonists were studied with a microsomal fraction of longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig ileum and compared with the intrinsic activity of the partial agonists which was estimated in the longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig ileum. There was a good correlation between the inhibitory effects of Gpp(NH)p on the affinity of the partial agonists to muscarinic receptors and their intrinsic activity.

Yohimbine and rauwolscine inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of large coronary arteries of calf through blockade of 5 HT2 receptors

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5 HT)-induced contractions were investigated on cocaine-treated strips of bovine large coronary arteries. 1. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockers rauwolscine and yohimbine antagonized competitively 5 HT-induced contractions. The estimated equilibrium dissociation constants KB (-log mol/l) were 7.1 for rauwolscine and 7.3 for yohimbine. The affinity of yohimbine for the receptors mediating the response to 5 HT appears to be 10 times higher than for postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors but 10 times lower than for postsynaptic vascular alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 2. (-)-Noradrenaline and the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-selective agonist B-HT 920 caused maximum contractions amounting to only 20% and 2%, respectively, of the maximum 5 HT effects. Neither 60 mumol/l B-HT 920 nor 1 mumol/l prazosin antagonized the 5 HT effect. 3. Ketanserin was a competitive antagonist (KB = 9.2 (-log mol/l] of the effects of 5 HT. Combinations of rauwolscine or yohimbine with ketanserin antagonized the 5 HT effects as expected from competition of the 4 drugs for a single class of receptor. 4. The evidence is consistent with an interaction of 5 HT, ketanserin, rauwolscine and yohimbine with 5 HT2 receptors. alpha-Adrenoceptors only play a minor role in large coronary arteries and appear not to be involved in the 5 HT-induced contractions. A possible clinical involvement of 5 HT in coronary artery spasm is discussed.