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Kim YJ, Kook WA, Ma SX, Lee BR, Ko YH, Kim SK, Lee Y, Lee JG, Lee S, Kim KM, Lee SY, Jang CG. The novel psychoactive substance 25E-NBOMe induces reward-related behaviors via dopamine D1 receptor signaling in male rodents. Arch Pharm Res 2024; 47:360-376. [PMID: 38551761 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-024-01491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) are new psychotropic drugs designed to evade substance regulatory policies. 25E-NBOMe (2-(4-ethyl-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine) has recently been identified as an NPS, and its recreational misuse has been reported to be rapidly increasing. However, the psychopharmacological effects and mechanisms of 25E-NBOMe have not been studied. We examined the abuse potential of 25E-NBOMe using the conditioned place preference in male mice and self-administration paradigms in male rats. Additionally, immunoblot assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and microdialysis were used to determine the molecular effects of 25E-NBOMe in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our data demonstrated that 25E-NBOMe induces conditioned place preference, and the dopaminergic signaling in the NAc mediates these. Following 25E-NBOMe administration, expression of dopamine transporter and dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR) were enhanced in the NAc of male mice, and NAc dopamine levels were reduced in both male mice and rats. Induction of intracellular dopaminergic pathways, DARPP32, and phosphorylation of CREB in the NAc of male mice was also observed. Significantly, pharmacological blockade of D1DR or chemogenetic inhibition of D1DR-expressing medium spiny neurons in the NAc attenuated 25E-NBOMe-induced conditioned place preference in male mice. We also examined the hallucinogenic properties of 25E-NBOMe using the head twitch response test in male mice and found that this behavior was mediated by serotonin 2A receptor activity. Our findings demonstrate that D1DR signaling may govern the addictive potential of 25E-NBOMe. Moreover, our study provides new insights into the potential mechanisms of substance use disorder and the improvement of controlled substance management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wun-A Kook
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Shi-Xun Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hyun Ko
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Kyung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Youyoung Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Gyeong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeun Lee
- Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Man Kim
- Pharmacology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 81186, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Zhu R, Jiang G, Tang W, Zhao X, Chen F, Zhang X, Ye N. Aporphines: A privileged scaffold in CNS drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115414. [PMID: 37172474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Aporphine alkaloids embedded in 4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline four-ring structures belong to one of the largest subclasses of isoquinoline alkaloids. Aporphine is a privileged scaffold in the field of organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry for the discovery of new therapeutic agents for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases. In the past few decades, aporphine has attracted continuing interest to be widely used to develop selective or multitarget directed ligands (MTDLs) targeting the CNS (e.g., dopamine D1/2/5, serotonin 5-HT1A/2A/2C and 5-HT7, adrenergic α/β receptors, and cholinesterase enzymes), thereby serving as valuable pharmacological probes for mechanism studies or as potential leads for CNS drug discovery. The aims of the present review are to highlight the diverse CNS activities of aporphines, discuss their SAR, and briefly summarize general synthetic routes, which will pave the way for the design and development of new aporphine derivatives as promising CNS active drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Guangqian Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Wanyu Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaobao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Na Ye
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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Chaliha D, Mamo JC, Albrecht M, Lam V, Takechi R, Vaccarezza M. A Systematic Review of the MDMA Model to Address Social Impairment in Autism. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1101-1154. [PMID: 33388021 PMCID: PMC8686313 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210101130258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. Unfortunately, no gold-standard treatments exist to alleviate the core socio-behavioural impairments of ASD. Meanwhile, the prosocial empathogen/entactogen 3,4-methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is known to enhance sociability and empathy in both humans and animal models of psychological disorders. OBJECTIVE We review the evidence obtained from behavioural tests across the current literature, showing how MDMA can induce prosocial effects in animals and humans, where controlled experiments were able to be performed. METHODS Six electronic databases were consulted. The search strategy was tailored to each database. Only English-language papers were reviewed. Behaviours not screened in this review may have affected the core ASD behaviours studied. Molecular analogues of MDMA have not been investigated. RESULTS We find that the social impairments may potentially be alleviated by postnatal administration of MDMA producing prosocial behaviours in mostly the animal model. CONCLUSION MDMA and/or MDMA-like molecules appear to be an effective pharmacological treatment for the social impairments of autism, at least in animal models. Notably, clinical trials based on MDMA use are now in progress. Nevertheless, larger and more extended clinical studies are warranted to prove the assumption that MDMA and MDMA-like molecules have a role in the management of the social impairments of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Address correspondence to this author at the Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, P.O. Box 6845, WA 6102 Perth, Australia; Tel: 08 9266 7671; E-mail:
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Aguilar MA, García-Pardo MP, Parrott AC. Of mice and men on MDMA: A translational comparison of the neuropsychobiological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy'). Brain Res 2020; 1727:146556. [PMID: 31734398 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy, is a stimulant drug recreationally used by young adults usually in dance clubs and raves. Acute MDMA administration increases serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline by reversing the action of the monoamine transporters. In this work, we review the studies carried out over the last 30 years on the neuropsychobiological effects of MDMA in humans and mice and summarise the current knowledge. The two species differ with respect to the neurochemical consequences of chronic MDMA, since it preferentially induces serotonergic dysfunction in humans and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice. However, MDMA alters brain structure and function and induces hormonal, psychomotor, neurocognitive, psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes in both species, as well as physically damaging and teratogen effects. Pharmacological and genetic studies in mice have increased our knowledge of the neurochemical substrate of the multiple effects of MDMA. Future work in this area may contribute to developing pharmacological treatments for MDMA-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Aguilar
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Valencia University, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Andrew C Parrott
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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Serotonin 2A receptors are a stress response system: implications for post-traumatic stress disorder. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 30:151-162. [PMID: 30632995 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin, one of the first neurotransmitters to be identified, is an evolutionarily old molecule that is highly conserved across the animal kingdom, and widely used throughout the brain. Despite this, ascribing a specific set of functions to brain serotonin and its receptors has been difficult and controversial. The 2A subtype of serotonin receptors (5-HT2A receptor) is the major excitatory serotonin receptor in the brain and has been linked to the effects of drugs that produce profound sensory and cognitive changes. Numerous studies have shown that this receptor is upregulated by a broad variety of stressors, and have related 5-HT2A receptor function to associative learning. This review proposes that stress, particularly stress related to danger and existential threats, increases the expression and function of 5-HT2A receptors. It is argued that this is a neurobiological adaptation to promote learning and avoidance of danger in the future. Upregulation of 5-HT2A receptors during stressful events forms associations that tune the brain to environmental cues that signal danger. It is speculated that life-threatening situations may activate this system and contribute to the symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which activates 5-HT2A receptors, has been successful in the treatment of PTSD and has recently achieved status as a breakthrough therapy. An argument is presented that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine may paradoxically act through these same 5-HT2A receptors to ameliorate the symptoms of PTSD. The central thematic contention is that a key role of serotonin may be to function as a stress detection and response system.
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Szulczyk D, Bielenica A, Kędzierska E, Leśniak A, Pawłowska A, Bujalska-Zadrożny M, Saccone I, Sparaco R, Fiorino F, Savchenko O, Struga M. G protein-coupled receptor binding and pharmacological evaluation of indole-derived thiourea compounds. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2019; 353:e1900218. [PMID: 31782553 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201900218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Four 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethylthiourea derivatives were prepared by condensation of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine with the corresponding aryl/alkylisothiocyanates in a medium-polarity solvent. Their structures were confirmed by spectral techniques, and the molecular structure of 3 was determined by X-ray crystal analysis. For all derivatives, the binding affinities at the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, as well as their functional activities at the 5-HT1A and D2 receptors, were determined. The arylthioureas 1 and 4 were the most active at the 5-HT1A receptor, showing, at the same time, significant selectivity over the studied 5-HT2 and D2 receptor subtypes. The compounds were tested for their pharmacological activities within the central nervous system in relevant mouse models. The involvement of the serotonergic system in the activity of 1 and 4 was indicated. The antinociceptive action of 4 was linked to its anti-inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Szulczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Anna Bielenica
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Ewa Kędzierska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Leśniak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medicine Division, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Agata Pawłowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medicine Division, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrożny
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medicine Division, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Irene Saccone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Sparaco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Marta Struga
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
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Heng HL, Chee CF, Thy CK, Tee JT, Chin SP, Herr DR, Buckle MJC, Paterson IC, Doughty SW, Abd Rahman N, Chung LY. In vitro functional evaluation of isolaureline, dicentrine and glaucine enantiomers at 5-HT 2 and α 1 receptors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 93:132-138. [PMID: 30216681 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Compounds with activity at serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) 5-HT2 and α1 adrenergic receptors have potential for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, drug addiction or overdose. Isolaureline, dicentrine and glaucine enantiomers were synthesized, and their in vitro functional activities at human 5-HT2 and adrenergic α1 receptor subtypes were evaluated. The enantiomers of isolaureline and dicentrine acted as antagonists at 5-HT2 and α1 receptors with (R)-isolaureline showing the greatest potency (pKb = 8.14 at the 5-HT2C receptor). Both (R)- and (S)-glaucine also antagonized α1 receptors, but they behaved very differently to the other compounds at 5-HT2 receptors: (S)-glaucine acted as a partial agonist at all three 5-HT2 receptor subtypes, whereas (R)-glaucine appeared to act as a positive allosteric modulator at the 5-HT2A receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li Heng
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chin Fei Chee
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Keng Thy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jia Ti Tee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Sciences and Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sek Peng Chin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Deron R Herr
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J C Buckle
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ian C Paterson
- Department of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Sciences and Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Noorsaadah Abd Rahman
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lip Yong Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Evaluating the abuse potential of psychedelic drugs as part of the safety pharmacology assessment for medical use in humans. Neuropharmacology 2018; 142:89-115. [PMID: 29427652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelics comprise drugs come from various pharmacological classes including 5-HT2A agonists, indirect 5-HT agonists, e.g., MDMA, NMDA antagonists and κ-opioid receptor agonists. There is resurgence in developing psychedelics to treat psychiatric disorders with high unmet clinical need. Many, but not all, psychedelics are schedule 1 controlled drugs (CDs), i.e., no approved medical use. For existing psychedelics in development, regulatory approval will require a move from schedule 1 to a CD schedule for drugs with medical use, i.e., schedules 2-5. Although abuse of the psychedelics is well documented, a systematic preclinical and clinical evaluation of the risks they pose in a medical-use setting does not exist. We describe the non-clinical tests required for a regulatory evaluation of abuse/dependence risks, i.e., drug-discrimination, intravenous self-administration and physical dependence liability. A synopsis of the existing data for the various types of psychedelics is provided and we describe our findings with psychedelic drugs in these models. FDA recently issued its guidance on abuse/dependence evaluation of drug-candidates (CDER/FDA, 2017). We critically review the guidance, discuss the impact this document will have on non-clinical abuse/dependence testing, and offer advice on how non-clinical abuse/dependence experiments can be designed to meet not only the expectations of FDA, but also other regulatory agencies. Finally, we offer views on how these non-clinical tests can be refined to provide more meaningful information to aid the assessment of the risks posed by CNS drug-candidates for abuse and physical dependence. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.
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Abstract
Because of the ethical and regulatory hurdles associated with human studies, much of what is known about the psychopharmacology of hallucinogens has been derived from animal models. However, developing reliable animal models has proven to be a challenging task due to the complexity and variability of hallucinogen effects in humans. This chapter focuses on three animal models that are frequently used to test the effects of hallucinogens on unconditioned behavior: head twitch response (HTR), prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), and exploratory behavior. The HTR has demonstrated considerable utility in the neurochemical actions of hallucinogens. However, the latter two models have clearer conceptual bridges to human phenomenology. Consistent with the known mechanism of action of hallucinogens in humans, the behavioral effects of hallucinogens in rodents are mediated primarily by activation of 5-HT2A receptors. There is evidence, however, that other receptors may play secondary roles. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of hallucinogens are reviewed in relation to each model, with a focus on the HTR in rats and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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The renaissance in psychedelic research: What do preclinical models have to offer. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 242:25-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Frau L, Simola N, Porceddu PF, Morelli M. Effect of crowding, temperature and age on glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA in the mouse brain. Neurotoxicology 2016; 56:127-138. [PMID: 27451954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedyoxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy"), a recreational drug of abuse, can induce glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Since MDMA is often consumed in crowded environments featuring high temperatures, we studied how these factors influenced glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA. C57BL/6J adolescent (4 weeks old) and adult (12 weeks old) mice received MDMA (4×20mg/kg) in different conditions: 1) while kept 1, 5, or 10×cage at room temperature (21°C); 2) while kept 5×cage at either room (21°C) or high (27°C) temperature. After the last MDMA administration, immunohistochemistry was performed in the caudate-putamen for CD11b and GFAP, to mark microglia and astroglia, and in the substantia nigra pars compacta for tyrosine hydroxylase, to mark dopaminergic neurons. MDMA induced glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity, compared with vehicle administration. Crowding (5 or 10 mice×cage) amplified MDMA-induced glia activation (in adult and adolescent mice) and dopaminergic neurotoxicity (in adolescent mice). Conversely, exposure to a high environmental temperature (27°C) potentiated MDMA-induced glia activation in adult and adolescent mice kept 5×cage, but not dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Crowding and exposure to a high environmental temperature amplified MDMA-induced hyperthermia, and a positive correlation between body temperature and activation of either microglia or astroglia was found in adult and adolescent mice. These results provide further evidence that the administration setting influences the noxious effects of MDMA in the mouse brain. However, while crowding amplifies both glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity, a high environmental temperature exacerbates glia activation only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy; CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy.
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Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 1-(1,4-Alkylaryldisubstituted-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted Urea Derivatives. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2016; 21:molecules21050582. [PMID: 27144554 PMCID: PMC6274338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Novel 1-(1,4-alkylaryldisubstituted-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted urea derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their central nervous system activity. Compounds 3a–m were prepared in the reaction between the respective 1-alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines 1a–c and appropriate isocyanates 2 in dichloromethane. The compounds were subjected to in silico ADMET studies in order to select best candidates for in vivo experiments. The effects of the compounds on the spontaneous locomotor activity and amphetamine-evoked hyperactivity were estimated. Analgesic activity, without or in the presence of naloxone, was assessed in the writhing test. The tendency to change the HTR, evoked by l-5-HTP and the involvement in alteration in body temperature in mice was studied. Additionally, to check possible occurrence of drug-induced changes in the muscle relaxant activity of mice, which may have contributed to their behaviour in other tests, the rota-rod and chimney tests were performed. The new urea derivatives exerted significant activities in the performed pharmacological tests, although the presented results show a preliminary estimation, and thus, need to be extended for identification and understanding the complete pharmacological profile of the examined compounds.
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Farrell MS, McCorvy JD, Huang XP, Urban DJ, White KL, Giguere PM, Doak AK, Bernstein AI, Stout KA, Park SM, Rodriguiz RM, Gray BW, Hyatt WS, Norwood AP, Webster KA, Gannon BM, Miller GW, Porter JH, Shoichet BK, Fantegrossi WE, Wetsel WC, Roth BL. In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of the Alkaloid Nuciferine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150602. [PMID: 26963248 PMCID: PMC4786259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) contains many phytochemicals and has a history of human use. To determine which compounds may be responsible for reported psychotropic effects, we used in silico predictions of the identified phytochemicals. Nuciferine, an alkaloid component of Nelumbo nucifera and Nymphaea caerulea, had a predicted molecular profile similar to antipsychotic compounds. Our study characterizes nuciferine using in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assays. Methods Nuciferine was first characterized in silico using the similarity ensemble approach, and was followed by further characterization and validation using the Psychoactive Drug Screening Program of the National Institute of Mental Health. Nuciferine was then tested in vivo in the head-twitch response, pre-pulse inhibition, hyperlocomotor activity, and drug discrimination paradigms. Results Nuciferine shares a receptor profile similar to aripiprazole-like antipsychotic drugs. Nuciferine was an antagonist at 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT2B, an inverse agonist at 5-HT7, a partial agonist at D2, D5 and 5-HT6, an agonist at 5-HT1A and D4 receptors, and inhibited the dopamine transporter. In rodent models relevant to antipsychotic drug action, nuciferine blocked head-twitch responses and discriminative stimulus effects of a 5-HT2A agonist, substituted for clozapine discriminative stimulus, enhanced amphetamine induced locomotor activity, inhibited phencyclidine (PCP)-induced locomotor activity, and rescued PCP-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition without induction of catalepsy. Conclusions The molecular profile of nuciferine was similar but not identical to that shared with several approved antipsychotic drugs suggesting that nuciferine has atypical antipsychotic-like actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martilias S. Farrell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - John D. McCorvy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Urban
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kate L. White
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Patrick M. Giguere
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Allison K. Doak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Alison I. Bernstein
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health and Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kristen A. Stout
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health and Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Su Mi Park
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology, Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ramona M. Rodriguiz
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology, Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bradley W. Gray
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - William S. Hyatt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Andrew P. Norwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Kevin A. Webster
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Brenda M. Gannon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Gary W. Miller
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health and Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joseph H. Porter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Brian K. Shoichet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - William E. Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America
| | - William C. Wetsel
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology, Mouse Behavioral and Neuroendocrine Analysis Core Facility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Bryan L. Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Program in Neuroscience, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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14
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Lee H, Wang GY, Curley LE, Sollers JJ, Kydd RR, Kirk IJ, Russell BR. Acute effects of BZP, TFMPP and the combination of BZP and TFMPP in comparison to dexamphetamine on an auditory oddball task using electroencephalography: a single-dose study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:863-71. [PMID: 26630992 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Piperazine-based designer drugs such as benzylpiperazine (BZP) and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) have been marketed and sold as legal alternatives to dexamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) until 2008 in New Zealand. When administered in combination, BZP + TFMPP have been reported to produce drug-drug synergism in rodents by stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin. OBJECTIVES This study was to evaluate the acute event-related potential effects of BZP, TFMPP or the combination of BZP + TFMPP compared with dexamphetamine in young healthy male adults. METHODS A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of BZP, TFMPP, the combination of BZP + TFMPP, and dexamphetamine on the event-related potentials during an auditory oddball task. Healthy, right-handed males were given a single oral dose of either BZP (200 mg), TFMPP (60 mg), a combination of BZP + TFMPP (100/30 mg), dexamphetamine (20 mg) or placebo (lactose) and tested both before and 120 min after drug administration. RESULTS A single dose of either TMFPP (t = -2.29, p = 0.03) or dexamphetamine (t = -2.33, p = 0.02) significantly reduced the P300 amplitude. A similar trend was also found in BZP. In contrast, BZP and TFMPP in combination has no effect. Neither P300 latency nor the mean reaction time was affected by any of the drug treatments. In addition, neither the P100 nor the P200 component was significantly affected following any of the drug treatments. CONCLUSIONS A single oral dose of BZP or TFMPP, but not the combination of BZP/TFMPP, affected auditory sensory-evoked P300 potential in a manner similar to dexamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- HeeSeung Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Grace Y Wang
- Department of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Louise E Curley
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John J Sollers
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rob R Kydd
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ian J Kirk
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bruce R Russell
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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15
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Keesara S, Parvathaneni S. A 2-((4-Arylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol ligated Pd(ii) complex: an efficient, versatile catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. NEW J CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5nj03450g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N,N,O-Tridentate palladium(ii) complex 4a was found to be an efficient catalyst for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides (iodo-, bromo- and chloro-), which afforded cross-coupling products in good to excellent yields.
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16
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Kedzierska E, Orzelska J, Perković I, Knežević D, Fidecka S, Kaiser M, Zorc B. Pharmacological effects of primaquine ureas and semicarbazides on the central nervous system in mice and antimalarial activity in vitro. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2015; 30:58-69. [DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kedzierska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics; Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics; Medical University of Lublin; 20 093 Lublin Poland
| | - Jolanta Orzelska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics; Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics; Medical University of Lublin; 20 093 Lublin Poland
| | - Ivana Perković
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry; University of Zagreb; 10 000 Zagreb Croatia
| | - Danijel Knežević
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry; University of Zagreb; 10 000 Zagreb Croatia
| | - Sylwia Fidecka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics; Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics; Medical University of Lublin; 20 093 Lublin Poland
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Parasite Chemotherapy; Medical Parasitology & Infection Biology; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute; 4051 Basel Switzerland
| | - Branka Zorc
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry; Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry; University of Zagreb; 10 000 Zagreb Croatia
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17
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Rivera-García MT, López-Rubalcava C, Cruz SL. Preclinical characterization of toluene as a non-classical hallucinogen drug in rats: participation of 5-HT, dopamine and glutamate systems. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3797-808. [PMID: 26255180 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Toluene is a misused inhalant with hallucinogenic properties and complex effects. Toluene blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, releases dopamine (DA), and modifies several neurotransmitter levels; nonetheless, the mechanism by which it produces hallucinations is not well characterized. OBJECTIVES This study aims (a) to study toluene's effects on the 5-HT2A-mediated head-twitch response (HTR), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) tissue levels in discrete brain regions; (b) to compare the actions of toluene, ketamine, and 1-[2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl]-2-aminopropane (DOI) on HTR; and (c) to study the pharmacological blockade of toluene's and ketamine's effects by selective drugs. METHODS Independent groups of rats inhaled toluene (500-12,000 ppm) for 30 min during which the occurrence of serotonergic signs was analyzed. Brains were obtained after exposure to determine DA and 5-HT levels by HPLC. RESULTS Toluene concentration-dependently induced HTR. Other serotonin syndrome signs were evident at high concentrations. Toluene (4000 and 8000 ppm), and ketamine (3 and 10 mg/kg), significantly increased 5-HT levels in the frontal cortex (FC) striatum, hippocampus, and brain stem, as well as DA levels in the striatum and FC. Pretreatment with ketanserin (5HT2A/2C receptor antagonist), M100907 (selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist), D-serine (co-agonist of the NMDA receptor glycine site), and haloperidol (D2 receptor antagonist) significantly decreased toluene's and ketamine's actions. The 5HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 had no effect. CONCLUSION Toluene stimulates 5HT2A and 5HT2C receptors, and increases 5-HT and DA levels. These actions are similar to those produced by ketamine and involve activation of a complex neurotransmitter network that includes NMDA receptor antagonism.
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18
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Szacoń E, Rządkowska M, Kaczor AA, Kędzierska E, Fidecka S, Matosiuk D. Synthesis, central nervous system activity and structure-activity relationships of novel 1-(1-Alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted urea derivatives. Molecules 2015; 20:3821-40. [PMID: 25730390 PMCID: PMC6272709 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20033821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 10 novel urea derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for their central nervous system activity. Compounds 3a-3h were prepared in the reaction between the respective 1-alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines 1a and 1b and appropriate benzyl-, phenethyl-isocyanate or ethyl 4-isocyanatobenzoate and ethyl isocyanatoacetate 2 in dichloromethane. Derivatives 4c and 4g resulted from the conversion of 3c and 3g into the respective amides due to action of an aqueous ammonia solution. The results obtained in this study, based on literature data suggest a possible involvement of serotonin system and/or the opioid system in the effects of tested compounds, and especially in the effect of compound 3h. The best activity of compound 3h may be primarily attributed to its favourable ADMET properties, i.e., higher lipophilicity (related to lower polar surface area and greater molecular surface, volume and mass than for other compounds) and good blood-brain permeation. This compound has also the greatest polarizability and ovality. The HOMO and LUMO energies do not seem to be directly related to activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Szacoń
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., Lublin PL-20093, Poland.
| | - Marzena Rządkowska
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., Lublin PL-20093, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., Lublin PL-20093, Poland.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland.
| | - Ewa Kędzierska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St., Lublin PL-20093, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Fidecka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St., Lublin PL-20093, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Matosiuk
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., Lublin PL-20093, Poland.
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19
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Pharmacological and structure-activity relationship evaluation of 4-aryl-1-diphenylacetyl(thio)semicarbazides. Molecules 2014; 19:4745-59. [PMID: 24743932 PMCID: PMC6271380 DOI: 10.3390/molecules19044745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes the synthesis of six 4-aryl-(thio)semicarbazides (series a and b) linked with diphenylacetyl moiety along with their pharmacological evaluation on the central nervous system in mice and computational studies, including conformational analysis and electrostatic properties. All thiosemicarbazides (series b) were found to exhibit strong antinociceptive activity in the behavioural model. Among them, compound 1-diphenylacetyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)thiosemicarbazide 1b was found to be the most potent analgesic agent, whose activity is connected with the opioid system. For compounds from series a significant anti-serotonergic effect, especially for compound 1-diphenylacetyl-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)semicarbazide 2b was observed. The computational studies strongly support the obtained results.
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20
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Zaretsky DV, Zaretskaia MV, Durant PJ, Rusyniak DE. Inhibition of the dorsomedial hypothalamus, but not the medullary raphe pallidus, decreases hyperthermia and mortality from MDMA given in a warm environment. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2014; 2:e00031. [PMID: 24765530 PMCID: PMC3994179 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The central mechanisms through which MDMA mediates life-threatening hyperthermia when taken in a warm environment are not well described. It is assumed that MDMA alters normal thermoregulatory circuits resulting in increased heat production through interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and decreased heat dissipation through cutaneous vasoconstriction. We studied the role of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and medullary raphe pallidus (mRPa) in mediating iBAT, tail blood flow, and locomotor effects produced by MDMA. Rats were instrumented with guide cannulas targeting either the DMH or the mRPa-brain regions involved in regulating iBAT and cutaneous vascular beds. In all animals, core temperature and locomotion were recorded with surgically implanted telemetric transmitters; and additionally either iBAT temperature (via telemetric transmitter) or tail artery blood flow (via tail artery Doppler cuff) were also recorded. Animals were placed in an environmental chamber at 32°C and microinjected with either control or the GABA agonist muscimol (80pmol) followed by an intravenous injection of saline or MDMA (7.5 mg kg-1). To prevent undue suffering, a core temperature of 41°C was chosen as the surrogate marker of mortality. Inhibition of the DMH, but not the mRPa, prevented mortality and attenuated hyperthermia and locomotion. Inhibition of either the DMH or the mRPa did not affect iBAT temperature increases or tail blood flow decreases. While MDMA increases iBAT thermogenesis and decreases heat dissipation through cutaneous vasoconstriction, thermoregulatory brain regions known to mediate these effects are not involved. Rather, the finding that inhibiting the DMH decreases both locomotion and body temperature suggests that locomotion may be a key central contributor to MDMA-evoked hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry V Zaretsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Maria V Zaretskaia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Pamela J Durant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Daniel E Rusyniak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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21
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Rządkowska M, Szacoń E, Kaczor AA, Fidecka S, Kędzierska E, Matosiuk D. Synthesis, central nervous system activity, and structure-activity relationship of 1-aryl-6-benzyl-7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-5(1 H)-ones. Med Chem Res 2014; 23:4221-4237. [PMID: 25132789 PMCID: PMC4127001 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-014-0993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A series of 24 1-aryl-6-benzyl-7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-5(1H)-ones was designed as antinociceptive compounds acting through opioid receptors with additional serotoninergic activity. The compounds, similarly as previously published series, lack the protonable nitrogen atom which is a part of classical opioid receptor pharmacophore and is necessary to interact with the conserved Asp(3.32) in the opioid receptor binding pocket. The compounds were obtained in one-step cyclocondensation of 1-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines diethyl 2-benzylmalonate or diethyl 2-(2-chlorobenzyl)malonate under basic conditions. Almost all the tested compounds exerted strong antinociceptive activity, but surprisingly, it was not reversed by naloxone; thus, it is not mediated through opioid receptors. It makes it possible to conclude that addition of one more aromatic moiety to the non-classical opioid receptor pharmacophore results in the compounds which are not opioid receptor ligands. The lack of activity of one of the tested compounds may be attributed to low blood–brain barrier permeation or unfavorable distribution of electrostatic potential and HOMO and LUMO orbitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Rządkowska
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St, 20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Szacoń
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St, 20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka A Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St, 20093 Lublin, Poland ; School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sylwia Fidecka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St, 20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Kędzierska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St, 20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Matosiuk
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Medical Analytics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodźki St, 20093 Lublin, Poland
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22
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Hysek C, Schmid Y, Rickli A, Simmler LD, Donzelli M, Grouzmann E, Liechti ME. Carvedilol inhibits the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:2277-88. [PMID: 22404145 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01936.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The use of ± 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') is associated with cardiovascular complications and hyperthermia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We assessed the effects of the α(1) - and β-adrenoceptor antagonist carvedilol on the cardiostimulant, thermogenic and subjective responses to MDMA in 16 healthy subjects. Carvedilol (50 mg) or placebo was administered 1 h before MDMA (125 mg) or placebo using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period crossover design. KEY RESULTS Carvedilol reduced MDMA-induced elevations in blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature. Carvedilol did not affect the subjective effects of MDMA including MDMA-induced good drug effects, drug high, drug liking, stimulation or adverse effects. Carvedilol did not alter the plasma exposure to MDMA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS α(1) - and β-Adrenoceptors contribute to the cardiostimulant and thermogenic effects of MDMA in humans but not to its psychotropic effects. Carvedilol could be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular and hyperthermic complications associated with ecstasy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cm Hysek
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital and University of Basel, Switzerland
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23
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Stefanska J, Szulczyk D, Koziol AE, Miroslaw B, Kedzierska E, Fidecka S, Busonera B, Sanna G, Giliberti G, La Colla P, Struga M. Disubstituted thiourea derivatives and their activity on CNS: synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 55:205-13. [PMID: 22884523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A series of new thiourea derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole have been synthesized. The difference in structures of obtained compounds are directly connected with the kind of isothiocyanate (aryl/alkyl). The (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MS methods were used to confirm structures of obtained thiourea derivatives. The molecular structure of (1, 17) was determined by an X-ray analysis. Two of the new compounds (8 and 14) were tested for their pharmacological activity on animal central nervous system (CNS) in behavioural animal tests. The results presented in this work indicate the possible involvement of the serotonergic system in the activity of 8 and 14. In the case of 14 is also a possible link between its activity and the endogenous opioid system. All obtained compounds were tested for antibacterial activity against gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods and antifungal activity. Compounds (1, 2, 5, 7, 9) showed significant inhibition against gram-positive cocci. Microbiological evaluation was carried out over 20 standard strains and 30 hospital strains. Selected compounds (1-13) were examined for cytotoxicity, antitumor, and anti-HIV activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Stefanska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
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Ponnala S, Chaudhary S, LeGendre O, Gonzales JA, Navarro HA, Harding WW. New aporphinoid 5-HT2A and α1A antagonists via structural manipulations of nantenine. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:5861-8. [PMID: 21900013 PMCID: PMC3196372 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A series of C1, C2, C3 and N6 analogs of nantenine (2) was synthesized and evaluated in 5-HT(2A) and α(1A) receptor functional assays. Alkyl substitution of the C1 and N6 methyl groups of nantenine provided selective 5-HT(2A) and α(1A) antagonists, respectively. The C2 alkyloxy analogs studied were generally selective for α(1A) versus 5-HT(2A). The C3 bromo analog 15 is one of the most potent aporphinoid 5-HT(2A) antagonists known presently.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandeep Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Onica LeGendre
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Hernán A. Navarro
- Center for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Wayne W. Harding
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA
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25
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Fantegrossi WE, Simoneau J, Cohen MS, Zimmerman SM, Henson CM, Rice KC, Woods JH. Interaction of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in R(-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine-elicited head twitch behavior in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 335:728-34. [PMID: 20858706 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.172247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-elicited head-twitch behavior is a useful model for studying hallucinogen activity at 5-HT(2A) receptors in the mouse. Chemically diverse compounds active in this assay yield biphasic dose-effect curves, but there is no compelling explanation for the "descending" portion of these functions. A set of experiments was designed to test the hypothesis that the induction of head-twitch behavior is mediated by agonist actions at 5-HT(2A) receptors, whereas the inhibition of head-twitch behavior observed at higher doses results from competing agonist activity at 5-HT(2C) receptors. The effects of the phenethylamine hallucinogen R(-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) on head-twitch behavior were studied over a range of doses in the mouse, generating a characteristic biphasic dose-response curve. Pretreatment with the selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist (+)-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidine-methanol (M100907) shifted only the ascending limb of the DOI dose-effect function, whereas pretreatment with the nonselective 5-HT(2A/2C) antagonist 3-{2-[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl}quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (ketanserin) produced a parallel shift to the right in the DOI dose-response curve. Administration of the 5-HT(2C) agonist S-2-(chloro-5-fluoro-indol-l-yl)-1-methylethylamine (Ro 60-0175) noncompetitively inhibited DOI-elicited head-twitch behavior across the entire dose-effect function. Finally, pretreatment with the selective 5-HT(2C) antagonists 6-chloro-5-methyl-1-[(2-[2-methylpyrid-3-yloxy]pyrid-5yl)carbamoyl]indoline (SB242084) or 8-[5-(2,4-dimethoxy-5-(4-trifluoromethylphenylsulfonamido)phenyl-5-oxopentyl]-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4,5]decane-2,4-dione hydrochloride (RS 102221) did not alter DOI-elicited head-twitch behavior on the ascending limb of the dose-response curve but shifted the descending limb of the DOI dose-response function to the right. The results of these experiments provide strong evidence that DOI-elicited head-twitch behavior is a 5-HT(2A) agonist-mediated effect, with subsequent inhibition of head-twitch behavior being driven by competing 5-HT(2C) agonist activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-7199, USA.
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Pecic S, Makkar P, Chaudhary S, Reddy BV, Navarro HA, Harding WW. Affinity of aporphines for the human 5-HT2A receptor: insights from homology modeling and molecular docking studies. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:5562-75. [PMID: 20621490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Revised: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Analogs of nantenine were docked into a modeled structure of the human 5-HT(2A) receptor using ICM Pro, GLIDE, and GOLD docking methods. The resultant docking scores were used to correlate with observed in vitro apparent affinity (K(e)) data. The GOLD docking algorithm when used with a homology model of 5-HT(2A), based on a bovine rhodopsin template and built by the program MODELLER, gives results which are most in agreement with the in vitro results. Further analysis of the docking poses among members of a C1 alkyl series of nantenine analogs, indicate that they bind to the receptor in a similar orientation, but differently than nantenine. Besides an important interaction between the protonated nitrogen of the C1 alkyl analogs and residue Asp155, we identified Ser242, Phe234, and Gly238 as key residues responsible for the affinity of these compounds for the 5-HT(2A) receptor. Specifically, the ability of some of these analogs to establish a H-bond with Ser242 and hydrophobic interactions with Phe234 and Gly238 appears to explain their enhanced affinity as compared to nantenine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevan Pecic
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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27
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Struga M, Kossakowski J, Koziol AE, Kedzierska E, Fidecka S, La Colla P, Ibba C, Collu G, Sanna G, Secci B, Loddo R. Synthesis, pharmacological and antiviral activity of 1,3-thiazepine derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2009; 44:4960-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Revised: 08/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Legendre O, Pecic S, Chaudhary S, Zimmerman SM, Fantegrossi WE, Harding WW. Synthetic studies and pharmacological evaluations on the MDMA ('Ecstasy') antagonist nantenine. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 20:628-31. [PMID: 19963380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Revised: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The naturally occurring aporphine alkaloid nantenine, has been shown to antagonize behavioral and physiological effects of MDMA in mice. We have synthesized (+/-)-nantenine via an oxidative cyclization reaction with PIFA and evaluated its binding profile against a panel of CNS targets. To begin to understand the importance of the chiral center of nantenine with regards to its capacity to antagonize the effects of MDMA in vivo, (R)- and (S)-nantenine were prepared and evaluated in a food-reinforced operant task in rats. Pretreatment with either nantenine enantiomer (0.3mg/kg ip) completely blocked the behavioral suppression induced upon administration of 3.0mg/kg MDMA. (+/-)-Nantenine displayed high affinity and selectivity for the alpha(1A) adrenergic receptor among several other receptors suggesting that this alpha(1) subtype may be significantly involved in the anti-MDMA effects of the enantiomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onica Legendre
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Chaudhary S, Pecic S, Legendre O, Navarro HA, Harding WW. (+/-)-Nantenine analogs as antagonists at human 5-HT(2A) receptors: C1 and flexible congeners. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:2530-2. [PMID: 19328689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
C1 and flexible analogs of (+/-)-nantenine were synthesized and evaluated for antagonist activity at human 5-HT(2A) receptors in a calcium mobilization assay. This work has resulted in the identification of the most potent 5-HT(2A) antagonist known based on an aporphine. Our results also suggest that the C1 position may be a key site for increasing 5-HT(2A) antagonist activity in this compound series. In addition, the structural rigidity of the aporphine core appears to be required for nantenine to function as a 5-HT(2A) antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Wallach JV. Endogenous hallucinogens as ligands of the trace amine receptors: a possible role in sensory perception. Med Hypotheses 2008; 72:91-4. [PMID: 18805646 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2008.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Revised: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While the endogenous hallucinogens, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, 5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine, have been acknowledged as naturally occurring components of the mammalian body for decades, their biological function remains as elusive now as it was at the time of their discovery. The recent discovery of the trace amine associated receptors and the activity of DMT and other hallucinogenic compounds at these receptor sites leads to the hypothesis that the endogenous hallucinogens act as neurotransmitters of a subclass of these trace amine receptors. Additionally, while activity at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor has been proposed as being responsible for the hallucinogenic affects of administered hallucinogens, in their natural setting the 5-HT2A receptor may not interact with the endogenous hallucinogens at all. Additionally 5-HT2A agonist activity is unable to account for the visual altering effects of many of the administered hallucinogens; these effects may be mediated by one of the endogenous hallucinogen trace amine receptors rather than the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. Therefore, activity at the trace amine receptors, in addition to serotonin receptors, may play a large role in the sensory altering effects of administered hallucinogens and the trace amine receptors along with their endogenous hallucinogen ligands may serve an endogenous role in mediating sensory perception in the mammalian central nervous system. Thus the theory proposed states that these compounds act as true endogenous hallucinogenic transmitters acting in regions of the central nervous system involved in sensory perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Wallach
- B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology, Peter Wallach Enterprises, 2758 Furlong Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States.
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31
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Cassels BK, Asencio M. Monoaminergic, Ion Channel and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Natural Aporphines, their Analogues and Derivatives. Nat Prod Commun 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x0800300422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aporphine alkaloids constitute the second-largest group of isoquinoline alkaloids. Nevertheless, only a relatively small number of natural aporphines and their derivatives have been studied from a pharmacological viewpoint. Here we review the pharmacological data available for these compounds as related to their dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic activities, and also some results pertaining to their effects on ion channels and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K. Cassels
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, and Millennium Institute for Cell Dynamics and Biotechnology, University of Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo Asencio
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, and Millennium Institute for Cell Dynamics and Biotechnology, University of Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
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Tsukiyama M, Akaishi T, Ueki T, Okumura H, Abe K. The extract from Nandina domestica THUNBERG inhibits histamine- and serotonin-induced contraction in isolated guinea pig trachea. Biol Pharm Bull 2007; 30:2063-8. [PMID: 17978476 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.30.2063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the fruit of Nandina domestica THUNBERG (ND) has been used to treat respiratory disorders such as coughing and breathing difficulty in Japan for many years, very little is known about mechanisms underlying its action. In the present study, we investigated effects of the crude extract from ND (NDE) and one of its constituents, nantenine, on contractile responses in isolated guinea pig tracheal ring preparations. In normal experimental condition, guinea pig trachea remained tonically contracted during the resting state, and addition of NDE (1 mg/ml) caused a relaxation of tracheal smooth muscles, but had little effect on the responsiveness of trachea to acetylcholine. The basal, tonic contraction was abolished by the presence of atropine and indomethacin. In this condition, NDE at 0.1-1 mg/ml inhibited histamine-induced contraction in both competitive and non-competitive manners. NDE at 0.01-1 mg/ml inhibited serotonin-induced contraction in a competitive manner. Nantenine (2-20 microM) did not affect histamine-induced contraction, and slightly inhibited serotonin-induced contraction. These results suggest that NDE has inhibitory effects on tracheal smooth muscle contraction, and nantenine cannot account solely for this effect of NDE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneo Tsukiyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Musashino University, Tokyo, Japan
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Role of alpha1-adrenoceptor subtypes in the effects of methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) on body temperature in the mouse. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 153:591-7. [PMID: 18037913 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We have investigated the ability of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists to affect the hyperthermia produced by methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) in conscious mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mice were implanted with temperature probes under ether anaesthesia and allowed 2 weeks recovery. MDMA (20 mg kg(-1)) was administered subcutaneously 30 min after vehicle or test antagonist or combination of antagonists and effects on body temperature monitored. KEY RESULTS Following vehicle, MDMA produced a hyperthermia, reaching a maximum increase of 1.8 degrees C at 140 min. Prazosin (0.1 mg kg(-1)) revealed an early significant hypothermia to MDMA of -1.94 degrees C. The alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonist RS 100329 (0.1 mg kg(-1)), or the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor antagonist BMY 7378 (0.5 mg kg(-1)) given alone, did not reveal a hypothermia to MDMA, but the combination of the two antagonists revealed a significant hypothermia to MDMA. The putative alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor antagonist cyclazosin (1 mg kg(-1)) also revealed a significant hypothermia to MDMA, but actions of cyclazosin at the other alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS More than one subtype of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor is involved in a component of the hyperthermic response to MDMA in mouse, probably both alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors, and removal of this alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-mediated component reveals an initial hypothermia.
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Hallucinogen-like effects of N,N-dipropyltryptamine (DPT): possible mediation by serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in rodents. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 88:358-65. [PMID: 17905422 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2007] [Revised: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 09/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
N,N-dipropyltryptamine (DPT) is a synthetic tryptamine hallucinogen which has been used psychotherapeutically in humans, but has been studied preclinically only rarely. In the present studies, DPT was tested in a drug-elicited head-twitch assay in mice, and in rats trained to discriminate lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N,N-dimethyl-4-phosphoryloxytryptamine (psilocybin), or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). A separate group of rats was also trained to recognize DPT itself as a discriminative stimulus, and in all cases, the behavioral effects of DPT were challenged with the selective serotonin (5-HT)2A antagonist M100907, the 5-HT1A selective antagonist WAY-100635, or their combination. In the head-twitch assay, DPT elicited dose-dependent effects, producing a biphasic dose-effect curve. WAY-100635 produced a parallel rightward shift in the dose-effect curve for head twitches, indicative of surmountable antagonism, but the antagonist effects of M100907 were functionally insurmountable. DPT produced partial to full substitution when tested in rats trained to discriminate LSD, psilocybin or MDMA, and served as a discriminative stimulus. In all cases, the antagonist effects of M100907 were more profound than were those of WAY-100635. DPT is thus active in two rodent models relevant to 5-HT2 agonist activity. The effectiveness with which M100907 antagonizes the behavioral actions of this compound strongly suggest that the 5-HT2A receptor is an important site of action for DPT, but the modulatory actions of WAY-100635 also imply a 5-HT1A-mediated component to the actions of this compound.
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Fantegrossi WE, Murnane KS, Reissig CJ. The behavioral pharmacology of hallucinogens. Biochem Pharmacol 2007; 75:17-33. [PMID: 17977517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2007] [Revised: 07/11/2007] [Accepted: 07/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Until very recently, comparatively few scientists were studying hallucinogenic drugs. Nevertheless, selective antagonists are available for relevant serotonergic receptors, the majority of which have now been cloned, allowing for reasonably thorough pharmacological investigation. Animal models sensitive to the behavioral effects of the hallucinogens have been established and exploited. Sophisticated genetic techniques have enabled the development of mutant mice, which have proven useful in the study of hallucinogens. The capacity to study post-receptor signaling events has lead to the proposal of a plausible mechanism of action for these compounds. The tools currently available to study the hallucinogens are thus more plentiful and scientifically advanced than were those accessible to earlier researchers studying the opioids, benzodiazepines, cholinergics, or other centrally active compounds. The behavioral pharmacology of phenethylamine, tryptamine, and ergoline hallucinogens are described in this review, paying particular attention to important structure activity relationships which have emerged, receptors involved in their various actions, effects on conditioned and unconditioned behaviors, and in some cases, human psychopharmacology. As clinical interest in the therapeutic potential of these compounds is once again beginning to emerge, it is important to recognize the wealth of data derived from controlled preclinical studies on these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Fantegrossi
- Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Yarosh H, Katz E, Coop A, Fantegrossi W. MDMA-like behavioral effects of N-substituted piperazines in the mouse. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 88:18-27. [PMID: 17651790 PMCID: PMC2082056 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2007] [Revised: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 06/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have characterized the subjective effects of N-substituted piperazines, but these drugs show potential for abuse in humans, and have often been associated with MDMA ("ecstasy") in this regard. The aim of the present study was to test the capacity of N-substituted piperazines to induce a head twitch response, alter locomotor activity, and induce MDMA-like discriminative stimulus effects in mice. Various doses of l-benzylpiperazine (BZP), 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine (TFMPP), 1-(3-methoxybenzyl) piperazine (m-MeO-BZP) or meta-chlorophenyl piperazine (m-CPP) were administered to mice to determine the effects on these behavioral endpoints. BZP, but not its meta-methoxyl analogue, increased locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner; the phenylpiperazines and m-MeO-BZP only decreased locomotor activity. TFMPP was the only compound active in the head twitch assay, eliciting a moderate head twitch response which was comparable to that previously observed with the MDMA enantiomers. BZP, TFMPP and m-CPP fully substituted in S(+)-MDMA-trained animals, but did not elicit significant drug lever responding in mice trained to discriminate R(-)-MDMA. m-MeO-BZP partially substituted for both training drugs. The present results suggest that BZP has stimulant-like effects, and that TFMPP has hallucinogen-like effects. Their structural analogues, however, do not share these behavioral profiles. Further studies into the relationships between the N-substituted piperazines and MDMA are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- H.L. Yarosh
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - E.B. Katz
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - A. Coop
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - W.E. Fantegrossi
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA
- *Corresponding author: William E. Fantegrossi, Ph.D., Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, (404) 727-8512, (404) 727-1266 (fax),
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Crean RD, Davis SA, Taffe MA. Oral administration of (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and (+)methamphetamine alters temperature and activity in rhesus macaques. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 87:11-9. [PMID: 17475314 PMCID: PMC1975960 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Emergency Department visits and fatalities in which (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or (+)methamphetamine (METH) are involved frequently feature unregulated hyperthermia. MDMA and METH significantly elevate body temperature in multiple laboratory species and, most importantly, can also produce unregulated and threatening hyperthermia in nonhuman primates. A majority of prior animal studies have administered drugs by injection whereas human consumption of "Ecstasy" is typically oral, an important difference in route of administration which may complicate the translation of animal data to the human condition. OBJECTIVE To determine if MDMA and METH produce hyperthermia in monkeys following oral administration as they do when administered intramuscularly. METHODS Adult male rhesus monkeys were challenged intramuscularly (i.m.) and per os (p.o.) with 1.78 or 5 mg/kg (+/-)MDMA and with 0.1 or 0.32 mg/kg (+)METH. Temperature and activity were monitored with a radiotelemetry system. RESULTS Oral administration of either MDMA or METH produced significant increases in body temperature. Locomotor activity was suppressed by MDMA and increased by METH following either route of administration. CONCLUSIONS The data show that the oral route of administration is not likely to qualitatively reduce the temperature increase associated with MDMA or METH although oral administration did slow the rate of temperature increase. It is further established that MDMA reduces activity in monkeys even after relatively high doses and oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael A. Taffe
- Address Correspondence to: Dr. Michael A. Taffe, Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30–2400; 10550 North Torrey Pines Road; The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037; USA; Phone: +1.858.784.7228; Fax: +1.858.784.7405;
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Selken J, Nichols DE. Alpha1-adrenergic receptors mediate the locomotor response to systemic administration of (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 86:622-30. [PMID: 17363047 PMCID: PMC1976288 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2006] [Revised: 02/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) increases locomotor activity when administered to rats. Although the published pharmacology of MDMA has focused almost exclusively on the roles of serotonin and dopamine, in vitro studies indicate that MDMA induces serotonin and norepinephrine release with equal potency. The present experiments tested the hypothesis that blockade of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors with systemic or local administration of the antagonist prazosin would attenuate the locomotor response to systemic administration of (+/-)-MDMA. Pretreatment with systemic prazosin (0.5 mg/kg) or microinjections into either the prefrontal cortex or ventral tegmental area completely blocked the locomotor stimulant effects of 5 mg/kg (+/-)-MDMA, assessed using a computerized Behavioral Pattern Monitor. Prazosin was more potent in blocking the locomotor stimulant effects of (+/-)-MDMA than a 2 mg/kg dose of (+)-amphetamine that produced a similar locomotor activity increase. These results indicate that activation of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in both the prefrontal cortex and ventral tegmental areas modulates the locomotor response to MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Selken
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Struga M, Kossakowski J, Kedzierska E, Fidecka S, Stefańska J. Synthesis and Pharmacological Activity of Urea and Thiourea Derivatives of 4-Azatricyclo[5.2.2.0 2,6]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2007; 55:796-9. [PMID: 17473472 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.55.796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A series of nineteen new thiourea and urea derivatives of 10-isopropyl-8-methyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione, 1-isopropyl-7-methyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.2.0(2,6)]undec-8-ene-3,5-dione and 1,7,8,9,10-pentamethyl-4-azatricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione have been prepared and studied by (1)H-NMR. The compound k1a (1-(1,7,8,9,10-pentamethyl-3,5-dioxo-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]dec-8-en-4-yl)-3-phenyl-urea) was tested for pharmacological activity on animal central nervous system (CNS). The activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-HIV-1 activity in MT-4 cells. Antimicrobial activity of the newly obtained derivatives was tested against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi of the Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Struga
- Department of Medical Chemistry, The Medical University, 3 Oczki Str., 02-007 Warsaw, Poland.
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Fantegrossi WE, Harrington AW, Kiessel CL, Eckler JR, Rabin RA, Winter JC, Coop A, Rice KC, Woods JH. Hallucinogen-like actions of 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine in mice and rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2006; 83:122-9. [PMID: 16460788 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2005.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2005] [Revised: 12/07/2005] [Accepted: 12/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the effects of 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) in vivo. In these studies, 5-MeO-DIPT was tested in a drug-elicited head twitch assay in mice where it was compared to the structurally similar hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine (N,N-DMT) and challenged with the selective serotonin (5-HT)2A antagonist M100907, and in a lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) discrimination assay in rats where its subjective effects were challenged with M100907 or the 5-HT 1A selective antagonist WAY-100635. Finally, the affinity of 5-MeO-DIPT for three distinct 5-HT receptors was determined in rat brain. 5-MeO-DIPT, but not N,N-DMT, induced the head twitch responses in the mouse, and this effect was potently antagonized by prior administration of M100907. In rats trained with LSD as a discriminative stimulus, there was an intermediate degree (75%) of generalization to 5-MeO-DIPT and a dose-dependent suppression of response rates. These interoceptive effects were abolished by M100907, but were not significantly attenuated by WAY-100635. Finally, 5-MeO-DIPT had micromolar affinity for 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C receptors, but much higher affinity for 5-HT 1A receptors. 5-MeO-DIPT is thus effective in two rodent models of 5-HT2 agonist activity, and has affinity at receptors relevant to hallucinogen effects. The effectiveness with which M100907 antagonizes the behavioral actions of this compound, coupled with the lack of significant antagonist effects of WAY-100635, strongly suggests that the 5-HT 2A receptor is an important site of action for 5-MeO-DIPT, despite its apparent in vitro selectivity for the 5-HT 1A receptor.
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MESH Headings
- 5-Methoxytryptamine/analogs & derivatives
- 5-Methoxytryptamine/pharmacokinetics
- 5-Methoxytryptamine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Fluorobenzenes/pharmacology
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice
- Piperazines/pharmacology
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/metabolism
- Serotonin Antagonists/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- W E Fantegrossi
- Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Fantegrossi WE, Harrington AW, Eckler JR, Arshad S, Rabin RA, Winter JC, Coop A, Rice KC, Woods JH. Hallucinogen-like actions of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylthiophenethylamine (2C-T-7) in mice and rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 181:496-503. [PMID: 15983786 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2004] [Accepted: 03/28/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Few studies have examined the effects of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylthiophenethylamine (2C-T-7) in vivo. OBJECTIVES 2C-T-7 was tested in a drug-elicited head twitch assay in mice and in several drug discrimination assays in rats; 2C-T-7 was compared to the phenylisopropylamine hallucinogen R(-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2aminopropane (DOM) in both assays, with or without pretreatment with the selective 5-HT2A antagonist (+)-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidine-methanol (M100907). Finally, the affinity of 2C-T-7 for three distinct 5-HT receptors was determined in rat brain. METHODS Drug-elicited head twitches were quantified for 10 min following administration of various doses of either 2C-T-7 or R(-)-DOM, with and without pretreatments of 0.01 mg/kg M100907. In rats trained to discriminate lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 2C-T-7 and R(-)-DOM were tested for generalization. In further studies, rats were trained to discriminate 2C-T-7 from saline, then challenged with 0.05 mg/kg M100907. In competition binding studies, the affinity of 2C-T-7 was assessed at 5-HT2A receptors, 5-HT1A receptors, and 5-HT2C receptors. RESULTS 2C-T-7 and R(-)-DOM induced similar head twitch responses in the mouse that were antagonized by M100907. In the rat, 2C-T-7 produced an intermediate degree of generalization (75%) to the LSD cue and served as a discriminative stimulus; these interoceptive effects were attenuated by M100907. Finally, 2C-T-7 had nanomolar affinity for 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors and lower affinity for 5-HT1A receptors. CONCLUSIONS 2C-T-7 is effective in two rodent models of 5-HT2 agonist activity and has affinity at receptors relevant to hallucinogen effects. The effectiveness with which M100907 antagonizes the behavioral actions of 2C-T-7 strongly suggests that the 5-HT2A receptor is an important site of action for this compound.
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MESH Headings
- DOM 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-Methylamphetamine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Binding, Competitive
- Brain/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Generalization, Stimulus/drug effects
- Hallucinogens/pharmacology
- Illicit Drugs/pharmacology
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Phenethylamines/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2A/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Fantegrossi
- Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Fantegrossi WE, Kiessel CL, De la Garza R, Woods JH. Serotonin synthesis inhibition reveals distinct mechanisms of action for MDMA and its enantiomers in the mouse. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 181:529-36. [PMID: 15983787 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2004] [Accepted: 03/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Drug challenges in "intact" and p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA)-treated animals can be used to distinguish agents that act as direct serotonin (5-HT) agonists from agents that function as 5-HT releasers. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of p-CPA treatment on the capacity of racemic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its stereoisomers to induce the head twitch response, hyperthermia, and locomotor stimulation in mice. METHODS Pretreatments with either 100 mg/kg p-CPA or equivolume saline were administered for three consecutive days. The following day, mice were either euthanized (to quantify 5-HT tone), tested with various doses of racemic MDMA or one of its enantiomers in the head twitch assay, or challenged with 32 mg/kg racemic MDMA or one of its enantiomers, while temperature and locomotor activity were monitored via radiotelemetry. RESULTS p-CPA reduced cortical 5-HT turnover by >70% without altering dopamine turnover. Racemic MDMA did not induce a significant head twitch response in intact or p-CPA-treated mice. S(+)-MDMA and R(-)-MDMA elicited similar head twitch curves in intact mice; p-CPA treatment attenuated this response when induced by S(+)-MDMA but not when elicited by R(-)-MDMA. Neither the hyperthermic nor locomotor-stimulant effects of racemic MDMA were altered by p-CPA treatment. The hyperthermic effects, but not the locomotor-stimulant effects, of S(+)-MDMA were attenuated in mice treated with p-CPA. R(-)-MDMA did not alter core temperature or induce significant locomotor stimulation in intact or p-CPA-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS The effects of S(+)-MDMA on core temperature and head twitch behavior are consistent with a mechanism involving 5-HT release, whereas the effects of R(-)-MDMA on head twitch behavior are consistent with a direct agonist mechanism of action. The actions of the racemate on core temperature and locomotor activity likely involve a combination of 5-HT release and direct agonism at 5-HT receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Fantegrossi
- Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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