1
|
Kang MS, Hamadjida A, Bédard D, Nuara SG, Gourdon JC, Frey S, Aliaga A, Ross K, Hopewell R, Bdair H, Mathieu A, Tardif CL, Soucy JP, Massarweh G, Rosa-Neto P, Huot P. Distribution of [ 11C]-JNJ-42491293 in the marmoset brain: a positron emission tomography study. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2095-2103. [PMID: 36928556 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02458-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
JNJ-42491293 is a metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) that was radiolabelled with [11C]- to serve as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand. Indeed, in vitro, the molecule displays high selectivity at mGlu2 receptors. However, PET experiments performed in rats, macaques and humans, have suggested that [11C]-JNJ-42491293 could interact with an unidentified, non-mGlu2 receptor binding site. The brain distribution of [11C]-JNJ-42491293 has not been determined in the brain of the common marmoset, a small non-human primate increasingly used in neuroscience research. Here, we investigated the distribution of [11C]-JNJ-42491293 in the marmoset brain. Three marmosets underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 90-min dynamic PET scans with [11C]-JNJ-42491293 in combination with vehicle or the mGlu2 PAM AZD8529 (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg). In the scans in which [11C]-JNJ-42491293 was co-administered with vehicle, the brain areas with the highest standardised uptake values (SUVs) were the midbrain, cerebellum and thalamus, while the lowest SUVs were found in the pons. The addition of AZD8529 (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg) to [11C]-JNJ-42491293 did not modify the SUVs obtained with [11C]-JNJ-42491293 alone, and ex vivo blocking autoradiography with PAM AZD8529 (10, 100, 300 µM) on marmoset brain sections showed increased signals in the blocking conditions compared to vehicle, suggesting that no competition occurred between the 2 ligands. The results we obtained here do not suggest that [11C]-JNJ-42491293 interacts selectively, or even at all, with mGlu2 receptors in the marmoset, in agreement with findings previously reported in macaque and human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Su Kang
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Artificial Intelligence and Computational Neurosciences Lab, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Unit, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adjia Hamadjida
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Dominique Bédard
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Stephen G Nuara
- Comparative Medicine & Animal Resource Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jim C Gourdon
- Comparative Medicine & Animal Resource Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Arturo Aliaga
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Karen Ross
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert Hopewell
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hussein Bdair
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Axel Mathieu
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Lucas Tardif
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul Soucy
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gassan Massarweh
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory, McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Huot
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro), 3801 University St, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Movement Disorder Clinic, Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kwan C, Frouni I, Nuara SG, Belliveau S, Kang W, Hamadjida A, Bédard D, Beaudry F, Panisset M, Gourdon JC, Huot P. Combined 5-HT 2A and mGlu 2 modulation for the treatment of dyskinesia and psychosis in Parkinson's disease. Neuropharmacology 2021; 186:108465. [PMID: 33485945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Antagonising the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor is an efficacious way to alleviate dyskinesia and psychosis in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, previous research indicates that there might be a limit to the effects conferred by this approach. 5-HT2A receptors were shown to form hetero-dimers with metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) receptors, in which 5-HT2A blockade and mGlu2 activation elicit equivalent effects at the downstream signalling level. We have previously shown that mGlu2 activation reduces both dyskinesia and psychosis-like behaviours (PLBs) induced by L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA), in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned primate. Here, we hypothesised that concurrent 5-HT2A antagonism and mGlu2 activation would provide greater anti-dyskinetic and anti-psychotic benefits than either approach alone. We conducted 3 series of experiments in the MPTP-lesioned marmoset. In the first series of experiments, the mGlu2 positive allosteric modulator LY-487,379 and the 5-HT2A antagonist EMD-281,014, either alone or in combination, were added to l-DOPA. In the second series of experiments, the mGlu2/3 orthosteric agonist LY-354,740 and EMD-281,014, either alone or in combination, were added to l-DOPA. In the last series of experiments, we investigated whether mGlu2 blockade would diminish the effects of antagonising 5-HT2A receptors. To this end, the mGlu2/3 orthosteric antagonist LY-341,495 and EMD-281,014, either alone or in combination, were added to l-DOPA. We found that the anti-dyskinetic effect of the combination LY-487,379/EMD-281,014 was greater than the ones conferred by LY-487,379 (by 35%, P < 0.05) and EMD-281,014 (by 38%, P < 0.01). The anti-dyskinetic and anti-psychotic effects of the combination LY-354,740/EMD-281,014 were also greater than the ones conferred by LY-354,740 (by 57% for dyskinesia and 54% for PLBs, both P < 0.001) and EMD-281,014 (by 61% for dyskinesia and 53% for PLBs, both P < 0.001). The anti-parkinsonian action of l-DOPA was maintained with all treatments. Lastly, the addition of LY-341,495 abolished the therapeutic effects of EMD-281,014 on dyskinesia and PLBs. Our results suggest that mGlu2 activation may enhance the anti-dyskinetic and anti-psychotic effects of 5-HT2A blockade and could provide relief to PD patients with dyskinesia and psychotic symptoms beyond what can be achieved with current therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Kwan
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Imane Frouni
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada; Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephen G Nuara
- Comparative Medicine & Animal Resource Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Belliveau
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Woojin Kang
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adjia Hamadjida
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dominique Bédard
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animale Du Québec, Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Panisset
- Unité des Troubles Du Mouvement André-Barbeau, Service de Neurologie, Département de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jim C Gourdon
- Comparative Medicine & Animal Resource Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Huot
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada; Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Movement Disorder Clinic, Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sonmez AI, Almorsy A, Ramsey LB, Strawn JR, Croarkin PE. Novel pharmacological treatments for generalized anxiety disorder: Pediatric considerations. Depress Anxiety 2020; 37:747-759. [PMID: 32419335 PMCID: PMC7584375 DOI: 10.1002/da.23038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are common, impairing, and often undertreated. Moreover, many youth do not respond to standard, evidence-based psychosocial or psychopharmacologic treatment. An increased understanding of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurotransmitter systems has created opportunities for novel intervention development for pediatric GAD. METHODS This narrative review examines potential candidates for pediatric GAD: eszopiclone, riluzole, eglumegad (LY354740), pimavanserin, agomelatine. RESULTS The pharmacology, preclinical data, clinical trial findings and known side effects of eszopiclone, riluzole, eglumegad (LY354740), pimavanserin, agomelatine, are reviewed, particularly with regard to their potential therapeutic relevance to pediatric GAD. CONCLUSION Notwithstanding numerous challenges, some of these agents represent potential candidate drugs for pediatric GAD. Further treatment development studies of agomelatine, eszopiclone, pimavanserin and riluzole for pediatric GAD also have the prospect of informing the understanding of GABAergic and glutamatergic function across development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Irem Sonmez
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ammar Almorsy
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Laura B. Ramsey
- Division of Research in Patient Services and Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Strawn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul E. Croarkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marek GJ, Salek AA. Extending the Specificity of DRL 72-s Behavior for Screening Antidepressant-Like Effects of Glutamatergic Clinically Validated Anxiolytic or Antidepressant Drugs in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:200-210. [PMID: 32265323 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.264069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Both an agonist and its associated prodrug for metabotropic glutamate2/3 (mGlu2/3) receptors demonstrated anxiolytic efficacy in large, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials studying patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These mGlu2/3 receptor agonists produced robust preclinical anxiolytic-like effects in rodent models. Several different metabotropic glutamate2 receptor positive allosteric modulators have been found to produce antidepressant-like effects on several preclinical screening paradigms, including differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate 72-second (DRL 72-s) behavior [increased reinforcers, decreased response rate, and cohesive rightward shifts in inter-response time distributions]. Although mGlu2/3 receptor agonists have not been tested formally for therapeutic effects in treating patients with major depressive disorder, these compounds generally fail to exert antidepressant-like effects in preclinical screening paradigms and did not improve depressive symptoms in GAD trials. Thus, the present studies were designed to test the potential antidepressant-like effects of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist 1S,2S,5R,6S-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-bicarboxylate monohydrate (LY354740) on the DRL 72-s schedule. LY354740 did not test similarly to clinically validated antidepressant drugs when administered alone or when coadministered with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine in rats. Another glutamate-based antidepressant drug, the uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate channel blocker racemic ketamine, exerted antidepressant-like effects when administered at subanesthetic doses in rats. The findings further support the specificity of rat DRL 72-s behavior when screening for anxiolytic versus antidepressant drugs and extend testing of compounds with glutamatergic mechanisms of action. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The metabotropic glutamate2/3 receptor agonist and clinically validated anxiolytic drug 1S,2S,5R,6S-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-bicarboxylate monohydrate did not test similar to antidepressant drugs (increased reinforcers, decreased response rate, and cohesive rightward shifts in the inter-response time distribution) when tested on differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate 72-second (DRL 72-s) behavior and also did not enhance the antidepressant-like effects of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. The uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine increased the reinforcement rate, decreased the response rate, and induced a rightward shift in the inter-response time distribution similar to antidepressant drugs; these results confirm the utility of DRL 72-s schedule of reinforcement when testing clinically validated anxiolytic versus antidepressant glutamatergic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard J Marek
- Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Ribicoff Research Facilities of the Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Allyson A Salek
- Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Ribicoff Research Facilities of the Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Activation of mGlu2/3 receptors, a novel therapeutic approach to alleviate dyskinesia and psychosis in experimental parkinsonism. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107725. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
6
|
Kinoshita K, Ochi M, Iwata K, Fukasawa M, Yamaguchi J. Preclinical disposition of MGS0274 besylate, a prodrug of a potent group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist MGS0008 for the treatment of schizophrenia. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00520. [PMID: 31523433 PMCID: PMC6743422 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MGS0274 besylate is an ester-based lipophilic prodrug of a metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2 and mGlu3 receptor agonist MGS0008 and being developed for the treatment of schizophrenia. We investigated the disposition of these compounds in rats and monkeys and in vitro metabolism in humans to evaluate whether MGS0274 besylate could be useful as a prodrug in humans. After the oral administration of MGS0274 besylate to monkeys (2.89 mg/kg), MGS0008 was immediately found in plasma, reached a maximum concentration at 4 hours postdose, and decreased with a terminal half-life of 16.7 hours; MGS0274 was barely detectable. The oral bioavailability as MGS0008 was 83.7%, which was approximately 20-fold greater than that after oral dosing of MGS0008 (3.8%). In rats, MGS0008 penetrated the cerebrospinal fluid and was eliminated slower than from plasma. The in vitro metabolism study indicated that MGS0274 was rapidly hydrolyzed to MGS0008, which was not further metabolized. After the intravenous administration of MGS0008 to rats and monkeys, almost all the dose was excreted unchanged in urine. These results suggested that MGS0274 was, as expected, presystemically hydrolyzed to MGS0008 after gastrointestinal absorption and that MGS0008 was distributed throughout the body without further metabolism and ultimately excreted in urine in the animals. Furthermore, the hydrolytic activity against MGS0274 in the human liver S9 fraction was comparable to that in monkeys, suggesting the possibility of the rapid presystemic hydrolysis of MGS0274 to MGS0008 in humans, as it is in monkeys. Consequently, MGS0274 besylate is expected to function as a preferable prodrug in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohnosuke Kinoshita
- Drug Metabolism and PharmacokineticsDrug Safety and Pharmacokinetics LaboratoriesResearch HeadquartersTaisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.SaitamaJapan
| | - Motoki Ochi
- Drug Metabolism and PharmacokineticsDrug Safety and Pharmacokinetics LaboratoriesResearch HeadquartersTaisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.SaitamaJapan
| | - Katsuya Iwata
- Drug Metabolism and PharmacokineticsDrug Safety and Pharmacokinetics LaboratoriesResearch HeadquartersTaisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.SaitamaJapan
| | - Misako Fukasawa
- Drug Metabolism and PharmacokineticsDrug Safety and Pharmacokinetics LaboratoriesResearch HeadquartersTaisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.SaitamaJapan
| | - Jun‐ichi Yamaguchi
- Drug Metabolism and PharmacokineticsDrug Safety and Pharmacokinetics LaboratoriesResearch HeadquartersTaisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.SaitamaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zulfarina MS, Syarifah-Noratiqah SB, Nazrun SA, Sharif R, Naina-Mohamed I. Pharmacological Therapy in Panic Disorder: Current Guidelines and Novel Drugs Discovery for Treatment-resistant Patient. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 17:145-154. [PMID: 30905115 PMCID: PMC6478076 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2019.17.2.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) being one of the most intensively investigated anxiety disorders is considered a heterogeneous psychiatric disease which has difficulties with early diagnosis. The disorder is recurrent and usually associated with low remission rates and high rates of relapse which may exacerbated social and quality of life, causes unnecessary cost and increased risk for complication and suicide. Current pharmacotherapy for PD are available but these drugs have slow therapeutic onset, several side effects and most patients do not fully respond to these standard pharmacological treatments. Ongoing investigations indicate the need for new and promising agents for the treatment of PD. This article will cover the importance of immediate and proper treatment, the gap in the current management of PD with special emphasis on pharmacotherapy, and evidence regarding the novel anti-panic drugs including the drugs in developments such as metabotropic glutamate (mGlu 2/3) agonist and levetiracetam. Preliminary results suggest the anti-panic properties and the efficacy of duloxetine, reboxetine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, risperidone and inositol as a monotherapy drug. Apart for their effectiveness, the aforementioned compounds were generally well tolerated compared to the standard available pharmacotherapy drugs, indicating their potential therapeutic usefulness for ambivalent and hypervigilance patient. Further strong clinical trials will provide an ample support to these novel compounds as an alternative monotherapy for PD treatment-resistant patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Zulfarina
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Syed-Badrul Syarifah-Noratiqah
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shuid A Nazrun
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Razinah Sharif
- Program of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Isa Naina-Mohamed
- Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Park SC, Kim YK. A Novel Bio-Psychosocial-Behavioral Treatment Model of Panic Disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2019; 16:4-15. [PMID: 30301303 PMCID: PMC6354044 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.08.21.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To conceptualize a novel bio-psychosocial-behavioral treatment model of panic disorder (PD), it is necessary to completely integrate behavioral, psychophysiological, neurobiological, and genetic data. Molecular genetic research on PD is specifically focused on neurotransmitters, including serotonin, neuropeptides, glucocorticoids, and neurotrophins. Although pharmacological interventions for PD are currently available, the need for more effective, faster-acting, and more tolerable pharmacological interventions is unmet. Thus, glutamatergic receptor modulators, orexin receptor antagonists, corticotrophin-releasing factor 1 receptor antagonists, and other novel mechanism-based anti-panic therapeutics have been proposed. Research on the neural correlates of PD is focused on the dysfunctional "cross-talk" between emotional drive (limbic structure) and cognitive inhibition (prefrontal cortex) and the fear circuit, which includes the amygdala-hippocampus-prefrontal axis. The neural perspective regarding PD supports the idea that cognitive-behavioral therapy normalizes alterations in top-down cognitive processing, including increased threat expectancy and attention to threat. Consistent with the concept of "personalized medicine," it is speculated that Research Domain Criteria can enlighten further treatments targeting dysfunctions underlying PD more precisely and provide us with better definitions of moderators used to identify subgroups according to different responses to treatment. Structuring of the "negative valence systems" domain, which includes fear/anxiety, is required to define PD. Therefore, targeting glutamate- and orexin-related molecular mechanisms associated with the fear circuit, which includes the amygdala-hippocampus-prefrontal cortex axis, is required to define a novel bio-psychosocial-behavioral treatment model of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Cheol Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Inje University College of Medicine and Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ferraguti F. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as targets for novel anxiolytics. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2018; 38:37-42. [PMID: 29494817 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent psychiatric illnesses posing an important social and economic burden. Their current pharmacotherapy shows short term efficacy, though nearly one third of patients do not achieve sustained remission. There is, therefore, a strong medical need for new therapeutic agents acting through novel mechanisms of action. Considerable work has focused on metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors as potential targets for novel anxiolytics. Ligands acting at mGlu receptors showed promising results in preclinical studies, whereas their efficacy was dubious in clinical trials. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have opened new prospects for targeting mGlu receptors to treat anxiety disorders. This review provides an outlook on these progresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Strasse 1A, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gaudette F, Hamadjida A, Bédard D, Nuara SG, Beaudry F, Huot P. Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify LY‐354,740 in rat and marmoset plasma. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2017; 1061-1062:392-398. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
11
|
Lindsley CW, Emmitte KA, Hopkins CR, Bridges TM, Gregory KJ, Niswender CM, Conn PJ. Practical Strategies and Concepts in GPCR Allosteric Modulator Discovery: Recent Advances with Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Chem Rev 2016; 116:6707-41. [PMID: 26882314 PMCID: PMC4988345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of GPCRs has initiated a new era of basic and translational discovery, filled with therapeutic promise yet fraught with caveats. Allosteric ligands stabilize unique conformations of the GPCR that afford fundamentally new receptors, capable of novel pharmacology, unprecedented subtype selectivity, and unique signal bias. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of GPCR allosteric pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, drug metabolism, and validated approaches to address each of the major challenges and caveats. Then, the review narrows focus to highlight recent advances in the discovery of allosteric ligands for metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 1-5 and 7 (mGlu1-5,7) highlighting key concepts ("molecular switches", signal bias, heterodimers) and practical solutions to enable the development of tool compounds and clinical candidates. The review closes with a section on late-breaking new advances with allosteric ligands for other GPCRs and emerging data for endogenous allosteric modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig W. Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kyle A. Emmitte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Corey R. Hopkins
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Thomas M. Bridges
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Karen J. Gregory
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Metabotropic glutamate2/3 receptor agonism facilitates autonomic recovery after pharmacological panic challenge in healthy humans. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 31:176-8. [PMID: 26752621 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) are suggested to modulate anxiety, arousal, and stress including autonomic control. However, no study has investigated mGluR2/3-related effects on baseline autonomic activity and reactivity to emotional challenge in humans as yet. Using a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled, cross-over study design, we investigated the influence of a 1-week treatment with the mGluR2/3 agonist LY544344, prodrug of LY354740, on autonomic reactivity to a cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) panic challenge in eight healthy young men. The main outcome measures were time and frequency domain heart rate variability parameters during baseline, CCK-4 challenge, and recovery. There was no evidence for LY544344-mediated effects on baseline and CCK-4 challenge vagal activity, but a significantly lower recovery low frequency (%) and low frequency/high frequency ratio in the LY544344 group, suggesting enhanced autonomic recovery. This pilot study provides first human data indicating that mGluR2/3 agonism is involved in autonomic responsiveness, suggesting an important role of mGluR2/3 in central autonomic regulation.
Collapse
|
13
|
Salih H, Anghelescu I, Kezic I, Sinha V, Hoeben E, Van Nueten L, De Smedt H, De Boer P. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characterisation of JNJ-40411813, a positive allosteric modulator of mGluR2, in two randomised, double-blind phase-I studies. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:414-25. [PMID: 25735992 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115573403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor-2 positive allosteric modulator, JNJ-40411813 (ADX71149), was characterised for clinical effects in healthy volunteers in two phase-1 studies. In study 1, healthy men received 50-, 100-, 150- or 225 mg and women received 100 mg JNJ-40411813 (n=6, each cohort) or placebo (n=2, each cohort) twice daily for seven days; smoking men (n=30) received placebo twice daily on days 1-7, 100 mg JNJ-40411813 (n=20) or placebo (n=10) on days 8-14. In study 2, healthy men received intravenous 0.005 mg/kg S(+) ketamine over 60 min at 3 (n=24; cohort 1), 12 h (n=8; cohort 3), and 24 h (n=8; cohort 2) after a single oral dose of 500 mg JNJ-40411813 or placebo. The pharmacokinetics and effects of JNJ-40411813 on cognition and subjective awareness were evaluated. Plasma JNJ-40411813 exposure was dose-dependent, t max ranged from 3-4 h and t 1/2 19.4-34.2 h across the dose levels. JNJ-40411813 significantly (p=0.02) reduced continuity of attention score (150 mg dose) and ameliorated smoking withdrawal-induced changes in power of attention and quality of episodic memory versus placebo. A modest reduction in alertness was observed at 150-225 mg doses, JNJ-40411813 (500 mg) reduced S(+) ketamine-induced negative symptoms by approximately 43% and 30% in cohorts 1 and 3, respectively. JNJ-40411813 was generally well-tolerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Salih
- Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Iva Kezic
- Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Eef Hoeben
- Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Perna G, Schruers K, Alciati A, Caldirola D. Novel investigational therapeutics for panic disorder. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 24:491-505. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.996286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giampaolo Perna
- 1Hermanas Hospitalarias - Villa San Benedetto Menni Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, FoRiPsi, via Roma 16, 22032, Albese con Cassano, Como, Italy ;
- 2University of Maastricht, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- 3University of Miami, Leonard Miller School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Koen Schruers
- 2University of Maastricht, Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- 4Faculty of Psychology, University of Leuven, Center for Learning and Experimental Psychology, Loeven, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Alciati
- 1Hermanas Hospitalarias - Villa San Benedetto Menni Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, FoRiPsi, via Roma 16, 22032, Albese con Cassano, Como, Italy ;
| | - Daniela Caldirola
- 1Hermanas Hospitalarias - Villa San Benedetto Menni Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, FoRiPsi, via Roma 16, 22032, Albese con Cassano, Como, Italy ;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hiyoshi T, Marumo T, Hikichi H, Tomishima Y, Urabe H, Tamita T, Iida I, Yasuhara A, Karasawa JI, Chaki S. Neurophysiologic and antipsychotic profiles of TASP0433864, a novel positive allosteric modulator of metabotropic glutamate 2 receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 351:642-53. [PMID: 25277141 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.114.218651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess glutamatergic neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and the activation of metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) receptor may exert antipsychotic effects by normalizing glutamate transmission. In the present study, we investigated the neurophysiologic and antipsychotic profiles of TASP0433864 [(2S)-2-[(4-tert-butylphenoxy)methyl]-5-methyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazole-6-carboxamide], a newly synthesized positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of mGlu2 receptor. TASP0433864 exhibited PAM activity at human and rat mGlu2 receptors with EC50 values of 199 and 206 nM, respectively, without exerting agonist activity at rat mGlu2 receptor. TASP0433864 produced a leftward and upward shift in the concentration-response curve of glutamate-increased guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate binding to mGlu2 receptor. In contrast, TASP0433864 had negligible activities for other mGlu receptors, including mGlu3 receptor, and did not have any affinity for other receptors or transporters. In hippocampal slices, TASP0433864 potentiated an inhibitory effect of DCG-IV [(2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-dicarboxylcyclopropyl)glycine], a mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, on the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the dentate gyrus, indicating that TASP0433864 potentiates the mGlu2 receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release. Moreover, TASP0433864 inhibited both MK-801 [(5S,10R)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrogen maleate]- and ketamine-increased cortical γ band oscillation in the rat cortical electroencephalogram, which have been considered to reflect the excess activation of cortical pyramidal neurons. The inhibitory effect of TASP0433864 on cortical activation was also observed in the mouse 2-deoxy-glucose uptake study. In a behavioral study, TASP0433864 significantly inhibited both ketamine- and methamphetamine-increased locomotor activities in mice and rats, respectively. Collectively, these findings indicate that TASP0433864 is a selective mGlu2 receptor PAM with antipsychotic activity, and the attenuation of excess glutamatergic neurotransmission may be involved in the action of TASP0433864.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuaki Hiyoshi
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Marumo
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Hikichi
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasumitsu Tomishima
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Urabe
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tamita
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Izumi Iida
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Akito Yasuhara
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Karasawa
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Chaki
- Pharmacology Laboratories (T.H., T.M., H.H., Y.T., J.K., S.C.), Chemistry Laboratories (H.U., T.T., A.Y.), and Drug Safety and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories (I.I.), Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Johnson PL, Federici LM, Shekhar A. Etiology, triggers and neurochemical circuits associated with unexpected, expected, and laboratory-induced panic attacks. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 3:429-54. [PMID: 25130976 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is a severe anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent panic attacks (PA), which can be unexpected (uPA, i.e., no clear identifiable trigger) or expected (ePA). Panic typically involves an abrupt feeling of catastrophic fear or distress accompanied by physiological symptoms such as palpitations, racing heart, thermal sensations, and sweating. Recurrent uPA and ePA can also lead to agoraphobia, where subjects with PD avoid situations that were associated with PA. Here we will review recent developments in our understanding of PD, which includes discussions on: symptoms and signs associated with uPA and ePAs; Diagnosis of PD and the new DSM-V; biological etiology such as heritability and gene×environment and gene×hormonal development interactions; comparisons between laboratory and naturally occurring uPAs and ePAs; neurochemical systems that are associated with clinical PAs (e.g. gene associations; targets for triggering or treating PAs), adaptive fear and panic response concepts in the context of new NIH RDoc approach; and finally strengths and weaknesses of translational animal models of adaptive and pathological panic states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Johnson
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Lauren M Federici
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Orlando R, Borro M, Motolese M, Molinaro G, Scaccianoce S, Caruso A, di Nuzzo L, Caraci F, Matrisciano F, Pittaluga A, Mairesse J, Simmaco M, Nisticò R, Monn JA, Nicoletti F. Levels of the Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI) are altered in the prenatal restrain stress mouse model of schizophrenia and are differentially regulated by the mGlu2/3 receptor agonists, LY379268 and LY354740. Neuropharmacology 2014; 86:133-44. [PMID: 25063582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
LY379268 and LY354740, two agonists of mGlu2/3 metabotropic glutamate receptors, display different potencies in mouse models of schizophrenia. This differential effect of the two drugs remains unexplained. We performed a proteomic analysis in cultured cortical neurons challenged with either LY379268 or LY354740. Among the few proteins that were differentially influenced by the two drugs, Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor-β (Rab GDIβ) was down-regulated by LY379268 and showed a trend to an up-regulation in response to LY354740. In cultured hippocampal neurons, LY379268 selectively down-regulated the α isoform of Rab GDI. Rab GDI inhibits the activity of the synaptic vesicle-associated protein, Rab3A, and is reduced in the brain of schizophrenic patients. We examined the expression of Rab GDI in mice exposed to prenatal stress ("PRS mice"), which have been described as a putative model of schizophrenia. Rab GDIα protein levels were increased in the hippocampus of PRS mice at postnatal days (PND)1 and 21, but not at PND60. At PND21, PRS mice also showed a reduced depolarization-evoked [(3)H]d-aspartate release in hippocampal synaptosomes. The increase in Rab GDIα levels in the hippocampus of PRS mice was reversed by a 7-days treatment with LY379268 (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.), but not by treatment with equal doses of LY354740. These data strengthen the validity of PRS mice as a model of schizophrenia, and show for the first time a pharmacodynamic difference between LY379268 and LY354740 which might be taken into account in an attempt to explain the differential effect of the two drugs across mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Orlando
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- NESMOS Department, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sergio Scaccianoce
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Caruso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi di Nuzzo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, Troina, Enna, Italy; Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jerome Mairesse
- Neural Plasticity Team, Université Lille 1, International Associated Laboratory (LIA), France
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- NESMOS Department, Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Unit, Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - James A Monn
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pitsikas N. The metabotropic glutamate receptors: potential drug targets for the treatment of anxiety disorders? Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 723:181-4. [PMID: 24361306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety-related disorders are a common public health issue. Several lines of evidence suggest that altered glutamatergic neurotransmission underlies anxiety. Thus, novel molecules targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission, such as ligands of the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlurs) might be promising candidates for the treatment of anxiety disorders. To date, several ligands selective for each mGlu receptor (mGlur) have been synthesized, and pharmacological significances of these compounds have been demonstrated mainly in animal models. Here we critically review advances in research of these emerging molecular targets for the treatment of anxiety, discuss their advantages over currently used anxiolytics as well as remaining challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, P.O. Box 1400, 411-10 Larissa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wierońska JM, Pilc A. Glutamate-based anxiolytic ligands in clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:1007-22. [PMID: 23718208 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.803066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With regard to anxiety, the role of the balance between glutamatergic and GABAergic systems was pursued for many years. The majority of drugs used presently as effective anxiolytics enhance the GABAergic system activity, thus increasing inhibition within the central nervous system (CNS). On the other hand, decreasing the activity of glutamatergic neurotransmission may attenuate excitation in the CNS, thus resulting in anxiolysis. AREAS COVERED The present review focuses on clinical data of well-known and recently discovered glutamatergic and, to a lesser extent, GABAergic agents, which reached at least the Phase II criteria. EXPERT OPINION A variety of glutamatergic agents active at both N-acetylo-D-asparaginian and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have been tested in humans to examine their potential anxiolytic activity. Many compounds acting on the glutamatergic system and approved for the treatment of other disorders than anxiety were shown to exert anxiolytic effects in clinical trials. Those are mainly voltage-dependent ion channel ligands as well as d-cycloserin and memantine. Also, ligands active at mGlu receptors, such as fenobam and LY354740, exhibited activity in controlled clinical trials. However, relatively few trials are found on the agents that are focused on GABAergic neurotransmission. Therefore, it seems that glutamatergic system may become a novel target for modern and effective anxiolytics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wierońska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zwanzger P, Domschke K, Bradwejn J. Neuronal network of panic disorder: the role of the neuropeptide cholecystokinin. Depress Anxiety 2012; 29:762-74. [PMID: 22553078 DOI: 10.1002/da.21919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety and avoidance behavior. Its pathogenesis is complex and includes both neurobiological and psychological factors. With regard to neurobiological underpinnings, anxiety in humans seems to be mediated through a neuronal network, which involves several distinct brain regions, neuronal circuits and projections as well as neurotransmitters. A large body of evidence suggests that the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) might be an important modulator of this neuronal network. Key regions of the fear network, such as amygdala, hypothalamus, peraqueductal grey, or cortical regions seem to be connected by CCKergic pathways. CCK interacts with several anxiety-relevant neurotransmitters such as the serotonergic, GABA-ergic and noradrenergic system as well as with endocannabinoids, NPY and NPS. In humans, administration of CCK-4 reliably provokes panic attacks, which can be blocked by antipanic medication. Also, there is some support for a role of the CCK system in the genetic pathomechanism of PD with particularly strong evidence for the CCK gene itself and the CCK-2R (CCKBR) gene. Thus, it is hypothesized that genetic variants in the CCK system might contribute to the biological basis for the postulated CCK dysfunction in the fear network underlying PD. Taken together, a large body of evidence suggests a possible role for the neuropeptide CCK in PD with regard to neuroanatomical circuits, neurotransmitters and genetic factors. This review article proposes an extended hypothetical model for human PD, which integrates preclinical and clinical findings on CCK in addition to existing theories of the pathogenesis of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Zwanzger
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kellner M. Experimental panic provocation in healthy man-a translational role in anti-panic drug development? DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2012. [PMID: 22275853 PMCID: PMC3263395 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2011.13.4/mkellner] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Experimental neurochemical provocation of panic attacks in susceptible human subjects has considerably expanded our knowledge of the pathophysiology and psychopharmacology of panic disorder. Some panicogens also elicit short-lived panic-like states in healthy man. This offers the opportunity to assess the anti-panic action of drugs in proof-of-concept studies. However, from current data it is still unclear whether experimental panic in healthy man is a valid translational model. Most such studies in healthy volunteers have been performed using a cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) challenge. While CCK-4 panic was blocked by alprazolam pretreatment, escitalopram showed negative results in healthy man. Preliminary findings on novel investigational drugs and a few problematic results will be reviewed. Small sample sizes in many panic provocation studies, lack of dose-response aspects, and still-insufficient knowledge about the biological underpinning of experimental and spontaneous panic limit the interpretation of existing findings and should inspire further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kellner
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Dept of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Anxiety Spectrum Disorders Unit, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Harvey BH, Shahid M. Metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors as neurobiological targets in anxiety and stress-related disorders: Focus on pharmacology and preclinical translational models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 100:775-800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
23
|
Cryan JF, Sweeney FF. The age of anxiety: role of animal models of anxiolytic action in drug discovery. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 164:1129-61. [PMID: 21545412 PMCID: PMC3229755 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01362.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are common, serious and a growing health problem worldwide. However, the causative factors, aetiology and underlying mechanisms of anxiety disorders, as for most psychiatric disorders, remain relatively poorly understood. Animal models are an important aid in giving insight into the aetiology, neurobiology and, ultimately, the therapy of human anxiety disorders. The approach, however, is challenged with a number of complexities. In particular, the heterogeneous nature of anxiety disorders in humans coupled with the associated multifaceted and descriptive diagnostic criteria, creates challenges in both animal modelling and in clinical research. In this paper, we describe some of the more widely used approaches for assessing the anxiolytic activity of known and potential therapeutic agents. These include ethological, conflict-based, hyponeophagia, vocalization-based, physiological and cognitive-based paradigms. Developments in the characterization of translational models are also summarized, as are the challenges facing researchers in their drug discovery efforts in developing new anxiolytic drugs, not least the ever-shifting clinical conceptualization of anxiety disorders. In conclusion, to date, although animal models of anxiety have relatively good validity, anxiolytic drugs with novel mechanisms have been slow to emerge. It is clear that a better alignment of the interactions between basic and clinical scientists is needed if this is to change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F Cryan
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Riaza Bermudo-Soriano C, Perez-Rodriguez MM, Vaquero-Lorenzo C, Baca-Garcia E. New perspectives in glutamate and anxiety. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:752-74. [PMID: 21569789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and stress-related disorders, namely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ODC), social and specific phobias, and panic disorder, are a major public health issue. A growing body of evidence suggests that glutamatergic neurotransmission may be involved in the biological mechanisms underlying stress response and anxiety-related disorders. The glutamatergic system mediates the acquisition and extinction of fear-conditioning. Thus, new drugs targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission may be promising candidates for new pharmacological treatments. In particular, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) antagonists (AP5, AP7, CGP37849, CGP39551, LY235959, NPC17742, and MK-801), NMDAR partial agonists (DCS, ACPC), α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (AMPARs) antagonists (topiramate), and several allosteric modulators targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) mGluR1, mGluR2/3, and mGluR5, have shown anxiolytic-like effects in several animal and human studies. Several studies have suggested that polyamines (agmatine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) may be involved in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress-response and anxiety-related disorders. This could mainly be attributed to their ability to modulate ionotropic glutamate receptors, especially NR2B subunits. The aim of this review is to establish that glutamate neurotransmission and polyaminergic system play a fundamental role in the onset of anxiety-related disorders. This may open the way for new drugs that may help to treat these conditions.
Collapse
|
25
|
Krystal JH, Mathew SJ, D'Souza DC, Garakani A, Gunduz-Bruce H, Charney DS. Potential psychiatric applications of metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists. CNS Drugs 2010; 24:669-93. [PMID: 20658799 DOI: 10.2165/11533230-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drugs acting at metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are among the most promising agents under development for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The research in this area is at a relatively early stage, as there are no drugs acting at mGluRs that have been approved for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder. However, in the areas of schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and mood disorders, research conducted in animal models appears to translate well into efficacy in human laboratory-based models of psychopathology and in preliminary clinical trials. Further, the genes coding for mGluRs are implicated in the risk for a growing number of psychiatric disorders. This review highlights the best studied mGluR strategies for psychiatry, based on human molecular genetics, studies in animal models and preliminary clinical trials. It describes the potential value of mGluR2 and mGluR5 agonists and positive allosteric modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia. It also reviews evidence that group II mGluR agonists and positive allosteric modulators as well as group I mGluR antagonists might also treat anxiety disorders and some forms of depression, while mGluR2 and group I mGluR antagonists (particularly mGluR5 antagonists) might have antidepressant properties. This review also links growing insights into the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of these disorders to hypothesized mGluR-related treatment mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yasuhara A, Chaki S. Metabotropic glutamate receptors: potential drug targets for psychiatric disorders. THE OPEN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY JOURNAL 2010; 4:20-36. [PMID: 21160908 PMCID: PMC3002053 DOI: 10.2174/1874104501004020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors) have emerged as new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety with their regulatory roles in glutamatergic transmissions. To date, several ligands selective for each mGlu receptor have been synthesized, and pharmacological significances of these ligands have been demonstrated in animal models. Among them, mGlu2/3 receptor agonists have been proven to be effective for treating schizophrenia and anxiety disorders in clinical studies, which may prove utilities of mGlu receptor ligands for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. This article reviews recent advances in development of each mGlu receptor ligands and their therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akito Yasuhara
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
| | - Shigeyuki Chaki
- Molecular Function and Pharmacology, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Yoshino-cho, 1-403, kita-ku, Satitama 331-9530, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Eriksson AH, Varma MVS, Perkins EJ, Zimmerman CL. The intestinal absorption of a prodrug of the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY354740 is mediated by PEPT1: in situ rat intestinal perfusion studies. J Pharm Sci 2010; 99:1574-81. [PMID: 19780137 DOI: 10.1002/jps.21917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
LY354740 is a potent mGlu2/3 agonist with a limited oral bioavailability. Its alanyl prodrug, LY544344, showed high affinity to the intestinal peptide transporter PEPT1, and improved the oral bioavailability of LY354740 in various animal models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of in vivo absorption of the dipeptidic prodrug LY544344. The permeabilities of LY544344 and LY354740 were examined in the rat in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model. The intestinal absorptive flux of LY354740 was shown to be very low in comparison with LY544344. The absorptive flux of LY544344 could best be described by a Michaelis-Menten process in parallel with a linear process. The estimated parameters were: J(max) = 26.7 x 10(-5) micromol/(cm(2)-s), K(m) = 2.6 mM. The absorptive permeability of LY544344 was reduced to approximately 5% of control in the presence of excess Gly-Sar, a known PEPT1 substrate. Intracellular accumulation of LY354740 and LY544344, estimated postperfusion, showed high levels of LY354740 over LY544344 at all perfusate concentrations studied. However, there was a decline in the intracellular ratio of LY354740 to LY544344 at higher concentrations, suggesting that the metabolic activation to release LY354740 is saturable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André H Eriksson
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists as a potential drug for schizophrenia. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 639:59-66. [PMID: 20371240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors), with their unique signaling systems and pharmacological characteristics, have emerged as a new topic in excitatory amino acid research. Among them, the unique distribution of group II mGlu receptors, such as mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors, and the involvement of these receptors in the regulation of neurotransmission are particularly interesting. Recently, potent agonists for mGlu(2/3) receptor have been synthesized, and their pharmacological roles have been intensively investigated using animal models. mGlu(2/3) receptors clearly have crucial roles in the central nervous system, and accumulating evidence in both rodents and human studies has suggested that agonists for mGlu(2/3) receptors may be beneficial for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Possible neuronal circuits through which mGlu(2/3) receptor agonists exert their pharmacological effects have also been investigated.
Collapse
|
29
|
Spooren W, Lesage A, Lavreysen H, Gasparini F, Steckler T. Metabotropic glutamate receptors: their therapeutic potential in anxiety. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2010; 2:391-413. [PMID: 21309118 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2010_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric and neurological disorders are linked to changes in synaptic excitatory processes with a key role for glutamate, that is, the most abundant excitatory amino-acid. Molecular cloning of the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors has led to the identification of eight mGlu receptors, which, in contrast to ligand-gated ion channels (responsible for fast excitatory transmission), modulate and fine-tune the efficacy of synaptic transmission. mGlu receptors are G protein-coupled and constitute a new group of "drugable" targets for the treatment of various CNS disorders. The recent discovery of small molecules that selectively bind to receptors of Groups I (mGlu1 and mGlu5) and II (mGlu2 and mGlu3) allowed significant advances in our understanding of the roles of these receptors in brain function and dysfunction including anxiety. Although investigation of the role of the Group III (mGlu4, 6, 7, and 8) receptors is less advanced, the generation of genetically manipulated animals and recent advances in the identification of subtype-selective compounds have revealed some first insights into the therapeutic potential of this group of receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Will Spooren
- CNS Disease Biology Area, pRED, Building 74/3W308, Basel CH-4070, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wierońska JM, Pilc A. Metabotropic glutamate receptors in the tripartite synapse as a target for new psychotropic drugs. Neurochem Int 2009; 55:85-97. [PMID: 19428811 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2009.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Revised: 02/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, has become a large medical and social problem recently. Studies performed in animal tests and early clinical investigations brought a new insight in the pharmacotherapy of these disorders. Latest investigations are focused mainly on the glutamatergic system, a main excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the brain. Evidence indicates that metabotropic glutamate receptors ligands have excellent antidepressant, anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects. Metabotopic glutamate receptors (mGlu) divaded into three groups (group I, II and III) are localized on nerve terminals, postsynaptic sites and glial cells and thus they can influence and modulate the action of glutamate on different levels in the synapse. Recent advances in the identification of selective and specific compounds (both ortho- and allosteric ligands), and the generation of transgenic animals enabled to have new insight into the pathophysiology and therapy of mood disorders. At present, the most potent seem to be negative allosteric modulators of the first group (mGlu1 and mGlu5), and positive allosteric modulators of the second (mGlu2 and mGlu3) and third (mGlu4/7/8) group of mGlu receptors.
Collapse
|
31
|
Kellner M, Muhtz C, Demiralay C, Husemann J, Koelsch W, Yassouridis A, Wiedemann K. The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor escitalopram modulates the panic response to cholecystokinin tetrapeptide in healthy men depending on 5-HTTLPR genotype. J Psychiatr Res 2009; 43:642-8. [PMID: 18930474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 08/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, such as escitalopram, are currently the treatment of choice for patients with panic disorder. The panic response to intravenous cholecystokinin tetrapeptide, a potentially useful paradigm for volunteer translational studies, has so far not been investigated in healthy man after respective pre-treatment. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, within subject cross-over design 30 healthy young men, 15 each with the long/long or short/short genotype for the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region, were pre-treated with 10mg/d of escitalopram orally for six weeks and then challenged with 50 microg of cholecystokinin tetrapeptide. The primary outcome measure was the increase of Acute Panic Inventory ratings by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide. The increase of anxiety, tension and stress hormone secretion were secondary outcome measures. A significant treatment by genotype effect on the increases of Acute Panic Inventory ratings emerged. Panic induced by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide was significantly more pronounced in the short/short genotype subjects under escitalopram vs. placebo pre-treatment. With the exception of significantly elevated serum prolactin after escitalopram, no effects in the secondary outcome measures were detected. Contrary to our expectation, no inhibitory effect of escitalopram upon panic symptoms elicited by choleystokinin tetrapeptide could be demonstrated in healthy men. These findings do not support the potential usefulness of this panic model for proof-of-concept studies. The biological underpinnings of the increased panic symptoms after escitalopram in our volunteers with short/short genotype need further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kellner
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liechti ME, Markou A. Role of the glutamatergic system in nicotine dependence : implications for the discovery and development of new pharmacological smoking cessation therapies. CNS Drugs 2008; 22:705-24. [PMID: 18698872 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200822090-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical research findings in laboratory animals indicate that the glutamatergic system is critically involved in nicotine dependence. In animals, compounds that decrease glutamatergic neurotransmission, such as antagonists at postsynaptic NMDA receptors, antagonists at excitatory postsynaptic metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 5 receptors, or agonists at inhibitory presynaptic mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors, decreased nicotine self-administration or reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behaviour. These findings suggest that medications that decrease glutamatergic transmission overall may reduce the reinforcing effects of tobacco smoking and prevent relapse to tobacco smoking in humans. Furthermore, compounds that increase glutamate release, such as antagonists at mGlu(2) and mGlu(3) receptors, ameliorated reward deficits associated with nicotine withdrawal in animals, and thus may alleviate the depression-like symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal in humans. Animal studies also showed that alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptors did not appear to be involved in mediating the primary reinforcing effects of nicotine but that they may be involved in the development of nicotine dependence and withdrawal.Taken together, the preclinical data indicate that different glutamatergic receptors are involved in the mediation of different aspects of nicotine dependence. These findings have implications for the discovery and development of new pharmacotherapies that target the glutamatergic system to aid in smoking cessation. At present, very few clinical studies have addressed the effects of glutamatergic compounds on cigarette smoking. Clinical studies involving compounds that have actions at ionotropic glutamate receptors are briefly discussed in this review and suggest the potential of glutamatergic compounds as pharmacotherapies to aid in smoking cessation. Medications that target mGlu receptors have recently been tested in human phase II trials for various indications; however, the potential of these mGlu compounds as medications for nicotine dependence remains to be evaluated in humans. The preclinical data evaluated in this review indicate that such clinical trials for smoking cessation with mGlu compounds are clearly warranted and may reveal novel treatments for nicotine dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Metabotropic glutamate receptor modulation, translational methods, and biomarkers: relationships with anxiety. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 199:389-402. [PMID: 18322676 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The increasing awareness of the need to align clinical and preclinical research to facilitate rapid development of new drug therapies is reflected in the recent introduction of the term "translational medicine". This review examines the implications of translational medicine for psychiatric disorders, focusing on metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor biology in anxiety disorders and on anxiety-related biomarkers. OBJECTIVES This review aims to (1) examine recent progress in translational medicine, emphasizing the role that translational research has played in understanding of the potential of mGlu receptor agonists and antagonists as anxiolytics, (2) identify lacunas where animal and human research have yet to be connected, and (3) suggest areas where translational research can be further developed. RESULTS Current data show that animal and human mGlu(5) binding can be directly compared in experiments using the PET ligand (11)C-ABP688. Testing of the mGlu(2/3) receptor agonist LY354740 in the fear-potentiated startle paradigm allows direct functional comparisons between animals and humans. LY354740 has been tested in panic models, but in different models in rats and humans, hindering efforts at translation. Other potentially translatable methods, such as stress-induced hyperthermia and HPA-axis measures, either have been underexploited or are associated with technical difficulties. New techniques such as quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis may be useful for generating novel biomarkers of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Translational medicine approaches can be valuable to the development of anxiolytics, but the amount of cross-fertilization between clinical and pre-clinical departments will need to be expanded to realize the full potential of these approaches.
Collapse
|
34
|
Dunayevich E, Erickson J, Levine L, Landbloom R, Schoepp DD, Tollefson GD. Efficacy and tolerability of an mGlu2/3 agonist in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008; 33:1603-10. [PMID: 17712352 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
LY354740, a potent and selective mGlu (metabotropic glutamate receptor)2/3 agonist, has shown efficacy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). LY544344 is a LY354740 prodrug that increases LY354740 bioavailability. This 8-week study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of LY544344 in the treatment of GAD. Participants had a diagnoses of GAD, baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale scores > or = 10, and moderate illness severity. Patients were randomized to double-blind treatment with LY544344 16 mg b.i.d. (n = 28), LY544344 8 mg b.i.d. (n = 36), or placebo (n = 44). LY544344 16 mg b.i.d.-treated patients showed significantly greater improvement from baseline in Hamilton Anxiety and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores, as well as response and remission rates compared with placebo-treated patients. LY544344 was well tolerated and there were no significant differences in the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events among the three treatment groups. However, the trial was discontinued early based on findings of convulsions in preclinical studies. In conclusion, the findings of this study support the potential efficacy of mGlu2/3 receptor agonist agents in the treatment of GAD. Additional studies will be needed to further assess the toxicological and clinical profile of LY354740/LY544344.
Collapse
|
35
|
Chapter 4.4 The glutamatergic system as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety disorders. HANDBOOK OF ANXIETY AND FEAR 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-7339(07)00013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
|
36
|
Nicolas LB, Klein S, Prinssen EP. Defensive-like behaviors induced by ultrasound: further pharmacological characterization in Lister-hooded rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 194:243-52. [PMID: 17589832 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0838-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2006] [Accepted: 05/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In rats, dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) stimulation elicits escape behavior that is thought to be related to fear and panic. A noninvasive technique--exposure to ultrasound-has been reported to stimulate the dPAG and induce escape followed by freezing in Lister-hooded (LH) rats. OBJECTIVE Further characterize pharmacologically the ultrasound--induced defensive behaviors test with anxiolytics acting via different mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS LH rats, treated with clinically validated anxiolytics, putative anxiolytics, or compounds devoid of anxiolytic properties, were exposed to ultrasound. Baseline locomotion before and duration of escape and freezing behaviors during ultrasound were measured. RESULTS The low-potency benzodiazepine receptor agonists, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, selectively reduced escape compared to baseline locomotor activity. The high-potency agonist alprazolam, the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY 354740, and the mGlu5 receptor antagonist MTEP reduced escape but did not show such a separation. The voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitors, pregabalin and gabapentin, selectively reduced escape. The nociceptin OFQ peptide receptor agonist Ro 64-6198 did not affect escape but reduced freezing, an effect that was not produced by any of the other compounds. Buspirone and morphine did not affect escape. As expected, haloperidol reduced escape in a nonselective manner. CONCLUSIONS The present data demonstrate that ultrasound-induced defensive behaviors in LH rats can be independently modulated by anxiolytics of different classes. In particular, ultrasound-induced escape shows sensitivity to the majority of acute therapeutics effective in panic disorder, although sensitivity to compounds with slow onset of action (e.g., antidepressants) remains to be demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent B Nicolas
- CNS Research, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Perkins EJ, Abraham T. Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, and Excretion of the Intestinal Peptide Transporter 1 (SLC15A1)-Targeted Prodrug (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2′S)-(2-Amino)propionyl]aminobicyclo[3.1.0.]hexen-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY544344) in Rats and Dogs: Assessment of First-Pass Bioactivation and Dose Linearity. Drug Metab Dispos 2007; 35:1903-9. [PMID: 17646281 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.107.016154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptidyl prodrug (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-[(2'S)-(2-Amino)propionyl]a-minobicyclo[3.1.0.]hexen-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, also known as LY544344, was discovered to improve the oral bioavailability of the parent drug (+)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740), a potent group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. This prodrug has been shown to deliver high plasma concentrations of the active drug via intestinal peptide transporter 1 (SLC15A1) (PepT1)-mediated intestinal transport and presystemic hydrolysis in preclinical species. The current data describe the pharmacokinetic behavior of LY544344 and LY354740, with a specific focus on the first-pass activation processes and dose linearity in rats and dogs. The PepT1 transporter makes an attractive prodrug target because of its high capacity and relatively broad substrate specificity. This was demonstrated by the wide dose proportionality observed in both species (up to 1000 mg/kg in rats and 140 mg/kg in dogs). After oral administration of LY544344, absorption and bioactivation were extensive and rapid, with greater than 97% of prodrug hydrolysis occurring before its appearance in the hepatic portal vein. Systemic activation was likewise extensive, with 100% conversion of a 7-mg/kg intravenous dose in dogs. Radiolabeled studies confirmed that hydrolysis to LY354740 was the only metabolic pathway and that the excretion pattern of the active drug was not altered by administration of the prodrug. These results demonstrate the nearly ideal prodrug properties of LY544344 and further validate the utility of the peptide transporter-directed approach to prodrug design.
Collapse
|
38
|
Eser D, Schüle C, Baghai T, Floesser A, Krebs-Brown A, Enunwa M, de la Motte S, Engel R, Kucher K, Rupprecht R. Evaluation of the CCK-4 model as a challenge paradigm in a population of healthy volunteers within a proof-of-concept study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 192:479-87. [PMID: 17318504 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0738-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 02/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Experimental panic induction with cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) has been established as a model to study the pathophysiology of panic disorder and might serve as a tool to asses the antipanic potential of novel anxiolytic compounds. However, assessment of CCK-4-induced panic does not follow consistent rules. OBJECTIVES To provide a basis for the use of the CCK-4 model in proof-of-concept studies, we investigated CCK-4-induced panic according to different criteria in 85 healthy volunteers who underwent a CCK-4 bolus injection. METHODS We assessed panicker/non-panicker ratios according to different panic criteria and explored whether differences in cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to CCK-4 paralleled subjective panic responses. Subjective panic responses were measured with the Acute Panic Inventory (API) and the Panic Symptom Scale (PSS). Heart rate, blood pressure, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were assessed concomitantly. RESULTS The API-derived panic rate was 10.6% higher than that derived from the PSS. CCK-4 induced an increase in heart rate, systolic blood pressure and ACTH/cortisol plasma levels, which did not differ between panickers and non-panickers. CONCLUSIONS The panic criterion applied appears to be of major importance for the panic rate achieved, whereas CCK-4-induced cardiovascular and hormonal alterations are not valuable as an objective "read out". The CCK-4 challenge might serve as a useful model to study putative anxiolytic effects of novel compounds during the early phase of drug development if the challenge procedure is carried out according to strictly comparable conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Eser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rorick-Kehn LM, Johnson BG, Knitowski KM, Salhoff CR, Witkin JM, Perry KW, Griffey KI, Tizzano JP, Monn JA, McKinzie DL, Schoepp DD. In vivo pharmacological characterization of the structurally novel, potent, selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY404039 in animal models of psychiatric disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 193:121-36. [PMID: 17384937 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Data from both preclinical and clinical studies have provided proof of concept that modulation of limbic and forebrain glutamate, via mGlu2/3 receptor agonists, might provide therapeutic benefits in many psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and anxiety. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a structurally novel, potent, selective mGlu2/3 receptor agonist with improved bioavailability (LY404039) in animal models predictive of antipsychotic and anxiolytic efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS LY404039 was assessed in amphetamine- and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion, conditioned avoidance responding, fear-potentiated startle, marble burying, and rotarod behavioral tests. Monoamine release and turnover were assessed using microdialysis and ex vivo tissue levels. RESULTS LY404039 attenuated amphetamine- and phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion (3-30 and 10 mg/kg, respectively). LY404039 (3-10 mg/kg) inhibited conditioned avoidance responding. LY404039 also reduced fear-potentiated startle in rats (3-30 microg/kg) and marble burying in mice (3-10 mg/kg), indicating anxiolytic-like effects. Importantly, LY404039 did not produce sedative effects or motor impairment as measured by rotarod performance and lack of escape failures in the conditioned avoidance task (at doses up to 30 and 10 mg/kg, respectively). LY404039 (10 mg/kg) also increased dopamine and serotonin release/turnover in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the broad preclinical efficacy of LY404039 across multiple animal models of antipsychotic and anxiolytic efficacy. Additionally, this compound modulates mesocortical neurotransmission and provides a novel mechanism for the treatment of psychiatric disorders that may be associated with improved efficacy and reduced incidence of undesirable side effects. As glutamatergic dysfunction has been linked to the etiology of schizophrenia, clinical studies with more potent mGlu2/3 agonists, such as LY404039, may be useful to explore the validity of this hypothesis.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acids/pharmacology
- Amphetamine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/chemistry
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Cyclic S-Oxides/chemistry
- Cyclic S-Oxides/pharmacology
- Cyclic S-Oxides/therapeutic use
- Diazepam/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Male
- Mental Disorders/drug therapy
- Mental Disorders/psychology
- Mice
- Molecular Structure
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Phencyclidine/pharmacology
- Prefrontal Cortex/drug effects
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/agonists
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Xanthenes/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Rorick-Kehn
- Neuroscience Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, DC0510, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Palucha A, Pilc A. Metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands as possible anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 115:116-47. [PMID: 17582504 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety represent a major problem. However, the current treatment of both groups of diseases is not satisfactory. As the glutamatergic system may play an important role in pathophysiology of both depression and anxiety, we decided to discuss the recent data on possible anxiolytic and/or antidepressant effects of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands. Preclinical data indicated that antagonists of group I mGlu receptors, particularly antagonists of mGlu5 receptors, produced both anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects. Clinical data also demonstrated that mGlu5 receptor antagonist, fenobam, was an active anxiolytic drug. The anxiolytic effects exerted by mGlu5 receptor antagonists are profound, comparable with or stronger than those of benzodiazepines. However, the problem with the psychotomimetic activity of mGlu5 receptor antagonists and their possible influence on memory has to be further investigated. Among all mGlu receptor ligands, group II mGlu receptor agonists seem to be the drugs with the most promising therapeutic potential and a good safety profile. Animal studies showed anxiolytic-like effects of group II mGlu receptor agonists. Currently, group II mGlu receptor agonists are in phase III clinical trials for potential treatment of anxiety disorders. On the other hand, data has been accumulated, indicating that antagonists of group II mGlu receptors have an antidepressant potential. Group III mGlu receptor ligands represent the least investigated group of mGlu receptors. However, preclinical data also indicates that ligands of these receptors, both agonists and antagonists, may have an anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Palucha
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Stam R, de Lange RPJ, Graveland H, Verhave PS, Wiegant VM. Involvement of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in stress-induced behavioural sensitization. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 191:365-75. [PMID: 17225168 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0659-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A short session of repeated foot shocks in rats causes long-lasting sensitization of behavioural, hormonal and autonomic responses to novel stressful challenges. The behavioural sensitization can be reduced by anxiolytics and mimics aspects of stress-induced changes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist and assess altered brain mGluR receptor expression in shock-sensitized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were exposed to a 15-min session with ten 6-s foot shocks (preshocked). One and 2 weeks later, rats were intraperitoneally injected with the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (2R,4R)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (APDC) or vehicle, and 30 min later exposed to 5 min of 85 dB noise. For in situ hybridization with probes for mGluR1, mGluR2, mGluR3 and mGluR5, preshocked and control rats were killed under basal conditions 2 weeks after foot shocks and their brains cryosectioned. RESULTS APDC had no clear effect in controls, but dose-dependently reduced high immobility and increased low locomotion and rearing seen in preshocked rats to the levels of controls. mGluR3 expression was increased in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, and mGluR2 expression was increased in the agranular insular cortex of preshocked rats compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Shock-induced behavioural sensitization in rats is reduced by acute treatment with a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. This effect may depend on the increased expression of amygdala mGluR3, which could be hypothesized as an endogenous mechanism to counteract stress-induced neuronal sensitization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Stam
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Iijima M, Shimazaki T, Ito A, Chaki S. Effects of metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor antagonists in the stress-induced hyperthermia test in singly housed mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 190:233-9. [PMID: 17102982 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) test in mice has been widely used as models including some physiological aspects of psychiatric disorders. Mediated by the autonomic nervous system, SIH is commonly known to occur both before and during exposure to stress-inducing or anxiogenic situations. Recently, modulation of the group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2/3 receptor has been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach for psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of selective mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists and an mGlu2/3 receptor agonist in the SIH test. RESULTS mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists such as MGS0039 and LY341495 significantly and dose-dependently reduced SIH without affecting basal rectal temperatures. In contrast, mGlu2/3 receptor agonists such as MGS0008 were ineffective in the SIH test. The attenuation of SIH by MGS0039 was significantly blocked by pretreatment with WAY100635, a serotonin 1A receptor antagonist. In contrast, an AMPA receptor potentiator, CX546 failed to reduce the SIH. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results suggest that the blockade of mGlu2/3 receptor may prevent stress-induced autonomic hyperactivity, and that stimulation of the postsynaptic serotonin 1A receptor, but not AMPA receptor, may be involved in this action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michihiko Iijima
- Psychiatric Diseases and Pain Research, Medicinal Pharmacology Laboratory, Medicinal Research Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Johnson PL, Shekhar A. Panic-prone state induced in rats with GABA dysfunction in the dorsomedial hypothalamus is mediated by NMDA receptors. J Neurosci 2006; 26:7093-104. [PMID: 16807338 PMCID: PMC6673906 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0408-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats with chronic inhibition of GABA synthesis and consequently enhanced glutamatergic excitation in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) develop panic-like responses, defined as tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, and increased anxiety as measured by a social interaction (SI) test, after intravenous sodium lactate infusions, a phenomenon similar to patients with panic disorder. Therefore, the present studies tested the role of the postsynaptic NMDA and AMPA type glutamatergic receptors in the lactate-induced panic-like responses in these rats. Rats were fit with femoral arterial and venous catheters and Alzet pumps [filled with the GABA synthesis inhibitor L-allylglycine (L-AG; 3.5 nmol/0.5 microl per hour) or its inactive isomer D-AG] into the DMH. After 4-5 d of recovery only those rats with L-AG pumps exhibited panic-like responses to lactate infusions. Using double immunocytochemistry, we found that rats exhibiting panic-like responses (e.g., L-AG plus lactate) had increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in DMH neurons expressing the NMDA receptor 1 (NR1) subunit, but not those expressing the glutamate receptor 2 and 3 subunits of the AMPA receptors. To confirm this pharmacologically, we tested another group of rats implanted with l-AG pumps with intravenous lactate infusions preceded by injections of either NMDA [aminophosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5) or (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801)] or non-NMDA [CNQX or 4-(8-methyl-9H-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-h][2,3]benzodazepin-5-yl)-benzenamine dihydrochloride (GYKI52466)] antagonists into the DMH. Injections of NMDA, but not non-NMDA, antagonists into the DMH resulted in dose-dependent blockade of the tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, and SI responses after lactate infusions. These results suggest that NMDA, and not non-NMDA, type glutamate receptors regulate lactate-induced panic-like responses in rats with GABA dysfunction in the DMH.
Collapse
|
44
|
Yoshimizu T, Shimazaki T, Ito A, Chaki S. An mGluR2/3 antagonist, MGS0039, exerts antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in behavioral models in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 186:587-93. [PMID: 16612616 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2005] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Abnormalities of glutamatergic neurotransmission have been reportedly observed in psychiatric disorders. Previously, we demonstrated that (1R, 2R, 3R, 5R, 6R)-2-Amino-3-(3,4-dichlorobenzyloxy)-6-fluorobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (MGS0039) is a selective antagonist for group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3), and that it exerted antidepressant effects in some animal behavioral tests. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we provide additional evidence that MGS0039 exhibits antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in experimental rodent models, which are predictive of clinical efficacy. METHODS The learned helplessness (LH) paradigm, which is a common model used to examine the depressive state, was used to assess antidepressant effects of MGS0039. Moreover, anxiolytic effects of MGS0039 were investigated in the conditioned fear stress (CFS) model, which represents emotional abnormality, including anxiety. RESULTS Intraperitoneal administration of MGS0039 (10 mg/kg) to rats for 7 days elicited a significant reduction in escape failures in the LH paradigm. In addition, rats treated with MGS0039 (2 mg/kg) showed significantly attenuated freezing behavior in a CFS model, indicating the anxiolytic-like potential of MGS0039. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the blockade of mGluR2/3 with MGS0039 may be effective in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takao Yoshimizu
- Psychiatric Diseases and Pain Research, Medicinal Pharmacology Laboratory, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Alexander GM, Godwin DW. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as a strategic target for the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2006; 71:1-22. [PMID: 16787741 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2006.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that has many known types, including generalized epilepsies that involve cortical and subcortical structures. A proportion of patients have seizures that are resistant to traditional anti-epilepsy drugs, which mainly target ion channels or postsynaptic receptors. This resistance to conventional therapies makes it important to identify novel targets for the treatment of epilepsy. Given the involvement of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the etiology of epilepsy, targets that control glutamatergic neurotransmission are of special interest. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are of a family of eight G-protein-coupled receptors that serve unique regulatory functions at synapses that use the neurotransmitter glutamate. Their distribution within the central nervous system provides a platform for both presynaptic control of glutamate release, as well as postsynaptic control of neuronal responses to glutamate. In recent years, substantial efforts have been made towards developing selective agonists and antagonists which may be useful for targeting specific receptor subtypes in an attempt to harness the therapeutic potential of these receptors. We examine the possibility of intervening at these receptors by considering the specific example of absence seizures, a form of generalized, non-convulsive seizure that involves the thalamus. Views of the etiology of absence seizures have evolved over time from the "centrencephalic" concept of a diffuse subcortical pacemaker toward the "cortical focus" theory in which cortical hyperexcitability leads the thalamus into the 3-4 Hz rhythms that are characteristic of absence seizures. Since the cortex communicates with the thalamus via a massive glutamatergic projection, ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) blockade has held promise, but the global nature of iGluR intervention has precluded the clinical effectiveness of drugs that block iGluRs. In contrast, mGluRs, because they modulate iGluRs at glutamatergic synapses only under certain conditions, may quell seizure activity by selectively reducing hyperactive glutamatergic synaptic communication within the cortex and thalamus without significantly affecting normal response rates. In this article, we review the circuitry and events leading to absence seizure generation within the corticothalamic network, we present a comprehensive review of the synaptic location and function of mGluRs within the thalamus and cerebral cortex, and review the current knowledge of mGluR modulation and seizure generation. We conclude by reviewing the potential advantages of Group II mGluRs, specifically mGluR2, in the treatment of both convulsive and non-convulsive seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M Alexander
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Allosteric modulation of membrane receptors has been intensively studied in the past three decades and is now considered to be an important indirect mechanism for the control of receptor function. The allosteric site on the GABA(A) receptor is the target for the most widely prescribed sleep medicines, the benzodiazepines. Cinacalcet, an allosteric enhancer of the calcium-sensing receptor, is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism. Allosteric ligands might be especially valuable to control receptors for which the design of selective orthosteric agonists or antagonists has been elusive, such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Guo Gao
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Anxiety, stress, and trauma-related disorders are a major public health concern in the United States. Drugs that target the gamma-aminobutyric acid or serotonergic system, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, respectively, are the most widely prescribed treatments for these disorders. However, the role of glutamate in anxiety disorders is becoming more recognized with the belief that drugs that modulate glutamatergic function through either ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors have the potential to improve the current treatment of these severe and disabling illnesses. Animal models of fear and anxiety have provided a method to study the role of glutamate in anxiety. This research has demonstrated that drugs that alter glutamate transmission have potential anxiolytic action for many different paradigms including fear-potentiated startle, punished responding, and the elevated plus maze. Human clinical drug trials have demonstrated the efficacy of glutamatergic drugs for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia. Recent data from magnetic resonance imaging studies provide an additional link between the glutamate system and anxiety. Collectively, the data suggest that future studies on the mechanism of and clinical efficacy of glutamatergic agents in anxiety disorders are appropriately warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette M Cortese
- Department of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|