Is TL-99 a selective presynaptic dopamine receptor agonist?

From the cell to the clinic: a comparative review of the partial D₂/D₃receptor agonist and α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, piribedil, in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Though L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is universally employed for alleviation of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD), it is poorly-effective against co-morbid symptoms like cognitive impairment and depression. Further, it elicits dyskinesia, its pharmacokinetics are highly variable, and efficacy wanes upon long-term administration. Accordingly, "dopaminergic agonists" are increasingly employed both as adjuncts to L-DOPA and as monotherapy. While all recognize dopamine D(2) receptors, they display contrasting patterns of interaction with other classes of monoaminergic receptor. For example, pramipexole and ropinirole are high efficacy agonists at D(2) and D(3) receptors, while pergolide recognizes D(1), D(2) and D(3) receptors and a broad suite of serotonergic receptors. Interestingly, several antiparkinson drugs display modest efficacy at D(2) receptors. Of these, piribedil displays the unique cellular signature of: 1), signal-specific partial agonist actions at dopamine D(2)and D(3) receptors; 2), antagonist properties at α(2)-adrenoceptors and 3), minimal interaction with serotonergic receptors. Dopamine-deprived striatal D(2) receptors are supersensitive in PD, so partial agonism is sufficient for relief of motor dysfunction while limiting undesirable effects due to "over-dosage" of "normosensitive" D(2) receptors elsewhere. Further, α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonism reinforces adrenergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission to favourably influence motor function, cognition, mood and the integrity of dopaminergic neurones. In reviewing the above issues, the present paper focuses on the distinctive cellular, preclinical and therapeutic profile of piribedil, comparisons to pramipexole, ropinirole and pergolide, and the core triad of symptoms that characterises PD-motor dysfunction, depressed mood and cognitive impairment. The article concludes by highlighting perspectives for clarifying the mechanisms of action of piribedil and other antiparkinson agents, and for optimizing their clinical exploitation.

Differential actions of antiparkinson agents at multiple classes of monoaminergic receptor. I. A multivariate analysis of the binding profiles of 14 drugs at 21 native and cloned human receptor subtypes

Because little comparative information is available concerning receptor profiles of antiparkinson drugs, affinities of 14 agents were determined at diverse receptors implicated in the etiology and/or treatment of Parkinson's disease: human (h)D(1), hD(2S), hD(2L), hD(3), hD(4), and hD(5) receptors; human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A), h5-HT(1B), h5-HT(1D), h5-HT(2A), h5-HT(2B), and h5-HT(2C) receptors; halpha(1A)-, halpha(1B)-, halpha(1D)-, halpha(2A)-, halpha(2B)-, halpha(2C)-, rat alpha(2D)-, hbeta(1)-, and hbeta(2)-adrenoceptors (ARs); and native histamine(1) receptors. A correlation matrix (294 pK(i) values) demonstrated substantial "covariance". Correspondingly, principal components analysis revealed that axis 1, which accounted for 76% variance, was associated with the majority of receptor types: drugs displaying overall high versus modest affinities migrated at opposite extremities. Axis 2 (7% of variance) differentiated drugs with high affinity for hD(4) and H(1) receptors versus halpha(1)-AR subtypes. Five percent of variance was attributable to axis 3, which distinguished drugs with marked affinity for hbeta(1)- and hbeta(2)-ARs versus hD(5) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. Hierarchical (cluster) analysis of global homology generated a dendrogram differentiating two major groups possessing low versus high affinity, respectively, for multiple serotonergic and hD(5) receptors. Within the first group, quinpirole, quinerolane, ropinirole, and pramipexole interacted principally with hD(2), hD(3), and hD(4) receptors, whereas piribedil and talipexole recognized dopaminergic receptors and halpha(2)-ARs. Within the second group, lisuride and terguride manifested high affinities for all sites, with roxindole/bromocriptine, cabergoline/pergolide, and 6,7-dihydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-2-ammotetralin (TL99)/apomorphine comprising three additional subclusters of closely related ligands. In conclusion, an innovative multivariate analysis revealed marked heterogeneity in binding profiles of antiparkinson agents. Actions at sites other than hD(2) receptors likely participate in their (contrasting) functional profiles.

Differential actions of antiparkinson agents at multiple classes of monoaminergic receptor. II. Agonist and antagonist properties at subtypes of dopamine D(2)-like receptor and alpha(1)/alpha(2)-adrenoceptor

The accompanying multivariate analysis of the binding profiles of antiparkinson agents revealed contrasting patterns of affinities at diverse classes of monoaminergic receptor. Herein, we characterized efficacies at human (h)D(2SHORT(S)), hD(2LONG(L)), hD(3), and hD(4.4) receptors and at halpha(2A)-, halpha(2B)-, halpha(2C)-, and halpha(1A)-adrenoceptors (ARs). As determined by guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding, no ligand displayed "full" efficacy relative to dopamine (100%) at all "D(2)-like" sites. However, at hD(2S) receptors quinpirole, pramipexole, ropinirole, quinerolane, pergolide, and cabergoline were as efficacious as dopamine (E(max)100%); TL99, talipexole, and apomorphine were highly efficacious (79-92%); piribedil, lisuride, bromocriptine, and terguride showed intermediate efficacy (40-55%); and roxindole displayed low efficacy (11%). For all drugs, efficacies were lower at hD(2L) receptors, with terguride and roxindole acting as antagonists. At hD(3) receptors, efficacies ranged from 33% (roxindole) to 94% (TL99), whereas, for hD(4) receptors, highest efficacies (approximately 70%) were seen for quinerolane, quinpirole, and TL99, whereas piribedil and terguride behaved as antagonists and bromocriptine was inactive. Although efficacies at hD(2S) versus hD(2L) sites were highly correlated (r = 0.79), they correlated only modestly to hD(3)/hD(4) sites (r = 0.44-0.59). In [(35)S]GTPgammaS studies of halpha(2A)-ARs, TL99 (108%), pramipexole (52%), talipexole (51%), pergolide (31%), apomorphine (16%), and quinerolane (11%) were agonists and ropinirole and roxindole were inactive, whereas piribedil and other agents were antagonists. Similar findings were obtained at halpha(2B)- and halpha(2C)-ARs. Using [(3)H]phosphatidylinositol depletion, roxindole, bromocriptine, lisuride, and terguride displayed potent antagonist properties at halpha(1A)-ARs. In conclusion, antiparkinson agents display diverse agonist and antagonist properties at multiple subtypes of D(2)-like receptor and alpha(1)/alpha(2)-AR, actions, which likely contribute to their contrasting functional profiles.

Behavioural evidence that different neurochemical mechanisms underly stretching-yawning and penile erection induced in male rats by SND 919, a new selective D2 dopamine receptor agonist

The behavioural effects induced in male Wistar rats by SND 919, a new drug reputed to have selective agonistic activity at D2 dopamine (DA) receptors, were studied. The following aspects of behaviour were considered: motor activity, stretching-yawning (SY), penile erection (PE) and stereotyped behaviour (SB). Intraperitoneal injection (IP) of the drug (0.01-20 mg/kg) induced an SY syndrome in the form of a bell-shaped dose-response curve, the effect being maximal at the dose of 0.1 mg/kg and disappearing completely at 10 mg/kg. SND 919 also potently elicited PE; this latter effect, however, was not coincident with SY induction, being maximal at 1 mg/kg and persisting at 10 and 20 mg/kg. SND 919-induced SY was potently antagonized by pretreatment not only with the D2 antagonist, L-sulpiride (20 mg/kg), but also with the alpha 2 antagonist, yohimbine (1, 3 mg/kg), and the more selective alpha 2 antagonist, idazoxan (1, 2 and 5 mg/kg). While sulpiride also decreased SND 919-induced PE, idazoxan at all doses and yohimbine at 1 mg/kg did not affect this behaviour. Inhibition of motor activity was induced by the D2 agonist at low doses (0.05, 0.1 mg/kg), while at high doses (1, 10 and 20 mg/kg), it was actually replaced by a form of SB characterized by downward sniffing and licking. When, for comparison, the D2 agonist, RU 24213 (0.1-20 mg/kg IP), was tested for PE, SY, motor activity and SB, it displayed a behavioural pattern very similar to that obtained with SND 919. Idazoxan (2 mg/kg), administered before RU 24213 (10 mg/kg), significantly antagonized the drug-induced SY, but not PE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lack of a dopamine autoreceptor selective profile of B-HT 920 in functional in vitro model systems of D2 receptors in rat striatum

Based on the results of in vivo studies, the thiazoloazepine derivative B-HT 920 has been proposed to be a selective agonist of dopamine autoreceptors. In the present study, we investigated the effects of B-HT 920 in two functional in vitro model systems of D2 receptors and compared these effects with the effects of the classical D2 agonist LY 171555. B-HT 920 and LY 171555 concentration dependently inhibited the electrically evoked release of radiolabeled dopamine and acetylcholine and the forskolin-induced stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity in rat striatal tissue slices with comparable efficacies. In striatal tissue slices prepared after 6-hydroxydopamine-induced destruction of dopaminergic terminals, both drugs were still able to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity with a efficacy similar to that in tissue obtained from unlesioned rats. It is concluded that, in vitro, B-HT 920 is an agonist at both presynaptic and 'normosensitive' postsynaptic D2 receptors showing relatively high intrinsic activity.

Modulation by muscarine and opioid receptors of acetylcholine release in slices from striato-striatal grafts in the rat

The accumulation of tritium during incubation with [3H]choline and the subsequent efflux of tritium were studied in striatal slices from non-operated rats, in striatal slices from animals which had received a contralateral striatal ibotenic acid lesion, and in slices from striato-striatal suspension grafts, 16-31 weeks after implantation into previously lesioned striata. In graft slices, the accumulation of tritium as well as the overflow of tritium evoked by electrical stimulation (360 pulses, 3 Hz) was much smaller than in slices from non-operated controls. The muscarine receptor agonist oxotremorine (0.1-1 micromol/l) inhibited the stimulation-evoked overflow, and this effect was blocked by the muscarine receptor antagonists atropine (0.1 micromol/l) and pirenzepine (1 micromol/l) in all experimental groups to the same extent. The delta-receptor selective opioid peptide [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (0.3 micromol/l) inhibited [3H]acetylcholine release in all groups, although its effect was smaller in grafts than in normal tissue. The preferential mu-receptor agonist [D-Ala2,N-methyl-Phe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin also reduced [3H]acetylcholine release in all groups, but only at the high concentration of 10 micromols/l. The effect of both drugs was antagonized by naloxone (1 micromol/l). The preferential kappa-receptor agonist ethylketocyclazocine enhanced the stimulation-evoked overflow in non-operated animals, an effect abolished by naloxone and also by sulpiride. In grafts, ethylketocyclazocine caused no change. It is concluded that acetylcholine release in striato-striatal grafts can be modulated by muscarine autoreceptors and by opioid delta receptors. The enhancement by kappa-receptor activation of [3H]acetylcholine release in non-operated striata depends on a dopaminergic input to the cholinergic cells which does not exist in grafts.

D-2 dopamine autoreceptor selective drugs: do they really exist?

The catecholamine dopamine plays an important role as a neurotransmitter or neurohormone in the brain and pituitary gland. Dopamine exerts its effects through activation of two types of receptors called D-1 and D-2. These receptors are distinguished by their different pharmacological characteristics and signal transduction mechanism(s). Release of dopamine inhibits the activity of dopaminergic neurons through activation of so-called dopamine autoreceptors which are of the D-2 type. In general, these receptors occur both in the soma-dendritic region of the dopaminergic neuron, where they are involved in the inhibition of the firing rate and on the dopaminergic terminals where they mediate the inhibition of dopamine synthesis and release. D-2 receptors occur also on the target cells of dopaminergic neurons both in the brain (postsynaptic D-2 receptors) and pituitary gland. On the basis of data gathered from in vivo (behavioral- as well as electrophysiological) studies it has been concluded that D-2 agonists are much more potent at dopamine autoreceptors as compared to postsynaptic D-2 receptors, indicating the possibility of a pharmacological distinction between these differentially located D-2 receptors. This concept led to the introduction of a whole group of drugs allegedly displaying a selective agonist profile at the dopamine autoreceptor. In contrast, biochemical (in vitro) studies with brain tissue as well as the pituitary gland, did not reveal any significant difference between the pharmacological profiles of autoreceptors and postsynaptic D-2 receptors. In the present minireview a balanced discussion is presented of these in vivo and in vitro findings and it is concluded that both autoreceptors as well as postsynaptic D-2 receptors are similar if not identical entities.

The alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists idazoxan and yohimbine can unmask the postsynaptic dopamine agonist effects of B-HT 920

Administration of B-HT 920 alone produced weak stereotypy in a small percentage (4-8%) of rats. In contrast, after combined administration of idazoxane and B-HT 920, stereotyped behaviors (sniffing and licking) were consistently produced in all rats. The appearance of stereotypy after combined treatment with yohimbine and B-HT 920 was inversely related to the dose of yohimbine. These data suggest that the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist effects of B-HT 920 can mask it's postsynaptic dopamine agonist effects.

Antagonist activity of the cyclic somatostatin analogue CTP at mu- but not delta- and kappa-opioid receptors involved in presynaptic inhibition of neurotransmitter release

In the present study the opioid receptor antagonist properties of the conformationally constrained cyclic octapeptide D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTP), which is derived from somatostatin, were investigated, using in vitro functional paradigms of central mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors. Activation of mu-opioid receptors by the enkephalin analogues DADLE or DAGO resulted in a strong inhibition (by 60-70%) of the (electrically evoked) release of [3H]noradrenaline (NA) from superfused cortical slices. This inhibitory effect was antagonized by CTP in a competitive fashion (pA2 value 7.7-7.9). Activation of kappa-opioid receptors by bremazocine selectively inhibited (by 45-50%) the release of [3H]dopamine (DA) from striatal slices, whereas activation of delta-opioid receptors by DADLE caused an inhibition (by 55-60%) of striatal [14C]acetylcholine (ACh) release, but neither of these inhibitory effects was affected by CTP. By itself, CTP inhibited cortical [3H]NA release (by 35-40%), but it did not affect the release of [3H]DA nor that of [14C]ACh from striatal slices. The inhibitory effect of CTP was not antagonized by naloxone. The data indicate that CTP selectively antagonizes mu-opioid receptors, involved in presynaptic inhibition of NA release in the brain. In addition, the peptide by itself causes an inhibition of NA release via a non-opioid receptor-mediated process.

Diminished regulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic activity in rat after chronic inorganic lead exposure

Previous studies in this laboratory have indicated that chronic lead (Pb) exposure during development induces a neurotoxicity in dopamine (DA) neurons that is primarily presynaptic in nature and at least partially related to altered regulation of DA synthesis. A primary form of DA synthesis regulation is the inhibition exerted on synaptic tyrosine hydroxylase activity via dopaminergic autoreceptors. This study assessed the functional status of this mechanism in Pb-exposed rats employing a pharmacological model. At parturition dams received 0.2% Pb acetate (1090 ppm) in the drinking water while control dams received distilled water. Offspring were weaned to and maintained on the same solution given their dams until termination at 125 days. Rats were given saline or 6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin (TL-99, 2.5-20 mg/kg ip) 40 min before termination followed 10 min later by 750 mg/kg ip of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) or saline. The ability of TL-99 to prevent the GBL-induced increase in DA content was significantly diminished in nucleus accumbens (NAc) of exposed rats compared to controls, indicating that chronic Pb impairs receptor-mediated regulation of DA synthesis in mesolimbic neurons. No effect of Pb was observed in caudate-putamen. In animals receiving only saline injections concentrations of the DA metabolites, homovanillic acid and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, were significantly decreased by Pb in the range of 17-31% and 12-24%, respectively. DA content was also significantly diminished by Pb in ventral tegmental area of these latter groups. These findings suggest that chronic Pb has multiple actions on central nervous system dopaminergic neurons consisting of an impaired regulation of DA synthesis that is apparently independent of a decrease in DA release.

Mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptor-mediated inhibition of neurotransmitter release and adenylate cyclase activity in rat brain slices: studies with fentanyl isothiocyanate

We investigated the effects of [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE). [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAGO), [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) (0.01-1 microM) and bremazocine (0.001-0.3 microM) on the electrically evoked release of radiolabelled neurotransmitters and on the dopamine (DA)-stimulated cyclic AMP efflux from superfused rat brain slices. The differential inhibitory effects of these agonists on the evoked neurotransmitter release indicate that the opioid receptors mediating presynaptic inhibition of [3H]noradrenaline (NA, cortex), [14C]acetylcholine (ACh, striatum) and [3H]DA (striatum) release represent mu, delta and kappa receptors, respectively. In agreement with this classification, preincubation (60 min) of the slices with the delta-opioid receptor-selective irreversible ligand, fentanyl isothiocyanate (FIT, 0.01-1 microM), antagonized the inhibitory effects of DADLE and DPDPE on striatal [14C]ACh release only. On the other hand, the D-1 DA receptor-stimulated cyclic AMP efflux from striatal slices appeared to be inhibited by activation of mu as well as of delta receptors. In this case, the reversible mu antagonist, naloxone (0.1 microM), fully antagonized the inhibitory effect of the mu agonist, DAGO, without changing the effect of the delta agonist DPDPE but was ineffective as an antagonist in slices pretreated with FIT (1 microM). The inhibitory effect of DAGO on the electrically evoked [3H]NA release was antagonized by naloxone whether the receptors were irreversibly blocked by FIT or not. These data not only further support the existence of independent presynaptic mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors in rat brain but also evidence strongly that mu and delta receptors mediating the inhibition of DA-sensitive adenylate cyclase could share a common binding site (for naloxone and FIT) and, therefore, may represent constituents of a functional opioid receptor complex.

N-0437: a selective D-2 dopamine receptor agonist in in vitro and in vivo models

The selectivity of the potent dopamine D-2 agonist 2-(N-propyl-N-2-thienylethylamino)-5-hydroxytetralin (N-0437) was examined in a series of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological models. In radioligand binding assays, N-0437 showed high potency (Ki = 0.69 nM) and selectivity for D-2 receptors as compared to its potency and selectivity at various other neuronal receptors (Ki in nM): D-1 (678) dopamine, alpha 1-(534) and alpha 2-(195) adrenoceptor, S1-(6940) and S2-(5900) serotonin and muscarine (2660). Very low activity (Ki greater than 10(-5) M) was seen at the beta-adrenoceptor, A1-adenosine, GABAA and benzodiazepine receptors. Furthermore, N-0437 inhibited the calcium-dependent release of [3H]dopamine (IC50: 4 nM) and [3H]acetylcholine (IC50: 6.3 nM) from rabbit striatal slices in the nanomolar range. These effects of N-0437 were mediated through activation of D-2 dopamine autoreceptors and D-2 dopamine heteroreceptors, respectively. Presynaptic dopaminergic activity in vivo was measurable as an inhibition of the locomotor activity of mice, and in this model N-0437 was more effective than apomorphine. Moreover, the effect of N-0437 could be antagonized by sulpiride but not by yohimbine. N-0437 was equipotent with apomorphine in inducing circling behaviour in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. N-0437 had almost no serotonergic activity in vivo. The results show that N-0437 is a selective dopamine D-2 agonist, and thus, that it is a new ligand of choice for studies on the D-2 receptor.

B-HT 920 stimulates postsynaptic D2 dopamine receptors in the normal rat: electrophysiological and behavioral evidence

The putative autoreceptor-selective dopamine (DA) agonist B-HT 920 was tested using electrophysiological and behavioral models thought to reflect actions at postsynaptic D2 DA receptors. Direct iontophoretic application of B-HT 920 onto nucleus accumbens neurons caused a current-dependent inhibition of firing which could be attenuated by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (to deplete DA) and reinstated (enabled) by concurrent administration of the selective D1 DA receptor agonist SKF 38393. These findings suggest that, like other selective D2 DA receptor agonists, the postsynaptic effects of B-HT 920 require concurrent stimulation of D1 DA receptors. Behavioral indices of postsynaptic D2 DA receptor stimulation (stereotyped sniffing and rearing) were also evident following combined treatment with B-HT 920 and SKF 38393. Moreover, similar "low-level" stereotyped behaviors were also observed when B-HT 920 was administered alone following pretreatment with the alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonists idazoxane and piperoxane, suggesting that alpha-2 agonist actions of B-HT 920, in some way, mask the expression of D2 receptor-mediated stereotyped responses. When B-HT 920 was combined with SKF 38393 following pretreatment with idazoxane, both the intensity and form (continual licking and gnawing) of stereotyped behavior was enhanced. Taken together, these electrophysiological and behavioral findings indicate that B-HT 920 possesses the properties of a selective D2 DA receptor agonist and cannot be considered as a DA autoreceptor-selective compound.

Dopamine autoreceptor agonists including CGS 15855A decrease dopamine release and metabolism in mouse brain

The ability of dopamine autoreceptor agonists to suppress the in vivo release or metabolism of dopamine in mouse brain was determined by measuring steady state levels of 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) or dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), respectively. These experiments provide the first neurochemical evidence for dopamine autoreceptors in the mouse. (-)N-n-propylnorapomorphine, apomorphine, (+)-3-PPP, TL-99, and the novel dopamine autoreceptor agonist CGS 15855A each decreased 3-MT levels at doses that approximated their potency in the gamma-butyrolactone model. CGS 15855A suppressed dopamine release and metabolism to the same extent in the rat and mouse neostriatum. Generally, agonist-induced decreases in 3-MT levels were obtained to a greater extent or with lower doses than were changes in DOPAC or HVA. The autoreceptor efficacy of CGS 15855A was confined to the (+) and not the (-) optical isomer. Consecutive injections of CGS 15855A did not induce an acute tolerance to its actions but instead prolonged for at least 3.5 h the suppression of dopamine metabolism and release. The release and metabolism of dopamine in mouse limbic and striatal regions is regulated by autoreceptors with a pharmacological specificity that is similar to autoreceptors of the rat.

Electrophysiological effects of the enantiomers of 3-PPP on neurons in the locus coeruleus of the rat

Extracellular single unit and microiontophoretic studies were carried out in rats, anesthetized with chloral hydrate, to investigate the actions of the enantiomers of the dopamine (DA) agonist 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine (3-PPP) on the firing rate of noradrenaline-containing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC). Intravenously-administered (+)-3-PPP dose-dependently reduced firing of cells in the locus coeruleus with a 50% inhibition occurring after 2 mg/kg. This action was partially antagonized by the alpha 2-noradrenaline (NA) antagonist, yohimbine, but not by the DA antagonist haloperidol or the alpha 1-antagonist prazosin. Pretreatment with reserpine completely blocked the suppressant effect of (+)-3-PPP on firing rate. Iontophoretically-applied (+)-3-PPP did not influence the basal firing rate of cells in the locus coeruleus and failed to influence the inhibitory action of simultaneously-applied DA. Neither intravenously nor iontophoretically administered (-)-3-PPP influenced basal firing rate of neurones in the locus coeruleus. However, intravenously-administered drug weakly reversed the inhibitory action of the alpha 2-agonist clonidine (100 micrograms/kg) and iontophoretic ejection antagonized the inhibitory action of DA. These findings suggest that (-)-3-PPP possesses a weak antagonist action at alpha 2-adrenoceptors present in the locus coeruleus. In contrast, administration of (+)-3-PPP resulted in a weak activation of these receptors which was possibly the result of an enhanced release of NA.

Activation of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors attenuates the inhibitory effect of mu-opioid receptor agonists on noradrenaline release from brain slices

3H-noradrenaline release from rat neocortical slices induced by 15 mM K+ was concentration-dependently inhibited by morphine, [D-Ala2-D-Leu5] enkephalin (DADLE) and the calcium entry blocker Cd2+. Blockade of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors with phentolamine, almost doubling K+-induced 3H-noradrenaline release, slightly enhanced the relative inhibitory effects of morphine and DADLE, whereas that of Cd2+ remained unaffected. In contrast, activation of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors with clonidine (1 microM) or TL-99 (1 microM), inhibiting release by about 50%, completely abolished the inhibitory effects of morphine and DADLE without affecting that of Cd2+. When in the presence of 1 microM clonidine adenylate cyclase was activated with forskolin (10 microM), which restored release to the drug-free control level, the opioids still did not display their inhibitory effects. Therefore, mu-opioid receptor efficacy appears to be dependent on the degree of activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in central noradrenergic nerve terminals, probably through a local receptor interaction within the nerve terminal membrane.

Pharmacological profiles of three new, potent and selective dopamine receptor agonists: N-0434, N-0437 and N-0734

A series of new dopamine (DA) receptor agonists, of the 2-aminotetralin group, i.e. N-0434, N-0437 and N-0734 were investigated in both in vivo and in vitro pharmacological test systems. In vivo, the reversal of the gamma-butyrolactone-induced increase in rat central DOPA biosynthesis rate was taken as a measure of presynaptic activity. In addition, the homovanillic acid (HVA) decrease, after intraperitoneal and after oral administration of the drugs was also taken as a measure of presynaptic activity. Postsynaptic activity was measured in two behavioural models, i.e. reserpine reversal and stereotypy induction. The effects of these drugs on noradrenaline and dopamine turnover (alpha-MpT method) were studied in addition. The displacement of [3H]N,N-dipropyl-5,6-dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin [( 3H]DP-5,6-ADTN) binding to rat striatal homogenates was studied in vitro. The results indicate that all three compounds are potent and selective DA agonists that lack significant alpha 2 activity. Because of its long duration of action and high oral activity, N-0437 seems to be a most promising candidate for further evaluation for possible therapeutic use.

Neuropharmacological profile of a new series of dopamine agonists: N-n-propyl-hexahydronaphthoxazines

It has been demonstrated that within the series of hydroxylated (7-OH, 9-OH) and non-hydroxylated (N-0498) hexahydronaphthoxazines the 9-OH (N-0500) analogue is a very potent centrally acting DA receptor agonist. In in vitro [3H]DP-5,6-ADTN binding experiments, reflecting D-2 dopaminergic activity, N-0500 was equipotent with apomorphine and RU-29717, whereas both the 7-OH (N-0499) and N-0498 were much less effective. In in vivo tests related to DA receptor stimulation N-0500 was found to be the most active compound. In the gamma-butyrolactone model, a test for DA autoreceptor activation, N-0500 was 10 times as potent as apomorphine, but 3 times less active than RU-29717. The locomotor activity of mice was inhibited more strongly by N-0500 than by N-0499. Striatal concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid were rapidly reduced by N-0500 both after intraperitoneal and oral administration, indicating that this compound is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and passes the blood-brain barrier to activate DA autoreceptors. In models for postsynaptic DA receptor stimulation (induction of stereotypy in rats, reversal of reserpine-induced immobility of mice) N-0500 was found to be as effective as RU-29717 in inducing stereotyped behaviors in rats, but was much less effective than RU-29717 in restoring the mobility of reserpinized mice, suggesting a selectivity for D-2 DA receptors by N-0500 in contrast to the mixed D-1/D-2 receptor activity of RU-29717. In in vitro binding experiments for evaluating the affinity towards other receptor types, N-0500 exhibited only a weak affinity towards 5-HT1 and alpha 2 binding sites and possessed a very weak affinity for 5-HT2 and alpha 1 receptor sites. It was concluded from these in vitro binding experiments that N-0500, has not only a very high affinity for D-2 DA receptors, but is more selective than RU-29717 and much more selective than the ergot bromocriptine. On the basis of its very potent in vivo central D-2 dopamine receptor activities and its in vitro selectivity, N-0500, being the most potent compound within the series, is a much more specifically acting drug than many of the dopaminergic ergolines and might therefore be a good candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

S(-)DP-5,6-ADTN as an in vivo dopamine receptor ligand: relation between displacement by dopamine agonists and their pharmacological effects

The use of (-)DP-5,6-ADTN as a non-radioactively labeled ligand for an in vivo DA receptor assay is described and compared with racemic DP-5,6-ADTN, previously used for that purpose. The effects of four DA agonists (NPA, bromocriptine, DP-7-OH-ATN and 3-PPP) on the specific (-)DP-5,6-ADTN binding are related to their potencies to decrease striatal HVA concentrations and to induce stereotypy in rats. NPA and DP-7-OH-ATN caused a maximal decrease in HVA levels, when only a fraction of the receptors were occupied, while the occurrence of stereotypy was associated with a high receptor occupation, reflecting the higher affinity of these agonists for presynaptic than for postsynaptic receptors. Bromocriptine did not show this effect, as the dose-response relationships for HVA decrease, for induction of stereotypy and for the decrease in specific (-)DP-5,6-ADTN binding were all virtually equal to each other. While NPA and bromocriptine behaved as full postsynaptic agonists, in that maximal stereotyped behavior was observed after high doses, DP-7-OH-ATN was found to be a partial postsynaptic agonist, as it did not induce maximal stereotypy at a maximal receptor occupation. Racemic 3-PPP only caused a state of hypoactivity, but did neither affect specific (-)DP-5,6-ADTN binding nor striatal HVA levels. Our results are discussed in view of theories on the relation between receptor occupation and pharmacological effects and it is concluded that the in vivo receptor binding method using (-)DP-5,6-ADTN is a very useful tool for such investigations.

Locomotor depression in mice by norcocaine does not involve central alpha 2-adrenergic or presynaptic dopamine receptors

The inhibition of spontaneous locomotor behavior of mice by norcocaine was antagonized neither by the adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine and phentolamine, nor by the neuroleptics haloperidol and spiperone, at low doses aimed at presynaptic dopamine receptors. In contrast, the antagonists were effective in reducing the hypomotility induced by clonidine and apomorphine, respectively. These results make it unlikely that central alpha 2-adrenergic or presynaptic dopamine receptors are involved in the hypomotive effect of norcocaine.

Dopamine-receptor agonists: mechanisms underlying autoreceptor selectivity. I. Review of the evidence

The behavioural, biochemical, neuroendocrinological and electrophysiological actions of the enantiomers of the dopamine (DA) analogue 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine, 3-PPP, are extensively reviewed. (+)-3-PPP acts in a fashion similar to classical direct-acting DA agonists, stimulating both DA autoreceptors and postsynaptic DA receptors, although in some situations the drug appears to exhibit partial agonist activity. (-)-3-PPP exerts a variety of actions in different pharmacological models. Either agonistic, antagonistic or both agonistic and antagonistic activity are observed depending on the anatomical location of the relevant DA receptors and the experimental conditions. The actions of transdihydrolisuride (TDHL) and the trans-fused 7-OH-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,10b-octahydrobenzo(f)quinoline (HW 165) are also discussed. These agents possess a similar spectrum of action to (-)-3-PPP suggesting a new generation of DA agonists which exhibit variable intrinsic activity at different DA receptors. Finally, evidence is presented indicating that the 3-PPP enantiomers display selectivity for DA receptors.

N-methyl,N-propargyl-2-aminotetralins:novel dopamine agonists with monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties

A series of mono- (5 and 7) and dihydroxylated (5,6 and 6,7)N-methyl,N-propargyl-2-aminotetralins were studied with respect to their dopamine agonistic and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities. MAO inhibition was found to be reduced by hydroxylation of the aromatic ring. Among the hydroxylated compounds the 7-OH analogue was the most potent inhibitor in in vitro and ex vivo experiments. Both catecholic structures were equipotent with apomorphine as displacers of the specific in vitro binding of [3H]NPA to rat striatal homogenates. Moreover, the catecholic analogues had a potency comparable to that of apomorphine in the gamma-butyrolactone model whereas the monohydroxy analogues were less active. On the basis of their effectiveness to induce stereotypy in rats and to reverse reserpine-induced hypomotility in mice (both used as indices of postsynaptic dopamine receptor stimulation) the catecholic compounds were more potent than the monohydroxy analogues but much less active than apomorphine. Dopamine agonistic activity was also reflected in decreased HVA levels in the striatum whilst effects on striatal 3-MT levels reflected the balance between dopamine agonistic (decrease in 3-MT) and MAO inhibitory (increase in 3-MT) activity of the various compounds. It was concluded that both the mono- and dihydroxylated compounds have MAO inhibiting and dopamine agonistic activities. The MAO inhibitory activity predominated within the monohydroxy structures whereas the dopamine agonistic effect was predominant for the catecholic compounds. It would thus appear that, at least for the 2-aminotetralins, it is difficult to prepare an analogue which combines a high degree of both MAO inhibitory and DA agonistic activity.

B-HT 958--an antagonist at alpha 2-adrenoceptors and an agonist at dopamine autoreceptors in the brain

B-HT 958 (2-amino-6-(p-chlorobenzyl)-4H-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-d]az epine), a compound chemically related to clonidine-like drugs of the azepine type, was described previously as a mixed agonist-antagonist at peripheral alpha 2-adrenoceptor sites. In the present experiments the actions of B-HT 958 on brain noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms were examined using behavioural, pharmacological and biochemical methods. (i) In the dog, intracisternally injected B-HT 958 (300 micrograms/kg) abolished the reflex bradycardia facilitated by the alpha 2-agonist B-HT 920 (10 micrograms/kg i.ci.). (ii) In the whole mouse brain as well as in the rat hypothalamus and neocortex, but not in the hippocampus, amygdala and nucleus accumbens B-HT 958 (5-20 mg/kg s.c.) accelerated the alpha-methyltyrosine (alpha-MT)-induced disappearance of noradrenaline. (iii) B-HT 958 decreased in a dose-dependent manner the exploratory activity of mice (ED50: 6.3 mg/kg s.c.) and slightly enhanced the motor activity of reserpine-treated mice only in high doses. (iv) B-HT 958 (20 mg/kg s.c.) lowered the level of homovanillic acid in the striatum and nucleus accumbens and dose dependently (1-20 mg/kg) slowed the alpha-MT-induced disappearance of dopamine in these 2 brain regions of the rat as well as in the whole mouse brain. (v) The gamma-butyrolactone-induced increase in DOPA levels was effectively antagonized by B-HT 958 (1 and 5 mg/kg s.c.) in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens. These behavioural, pharmacological and biochemical observations indicate that B-HT 958 possesses central alpha-adrenoceptor blocking activity and exerts a strong agonistic effect on brain dopamine autoreceptors.

A comparison of dopamine agonist action to inhibit locomotor activity and to induce stereotyped behaviour in the mouse

51 purported dopamine agonists from the phenylethylamine, tetralin, octahydrobenzo(f)- and (g)quinoline, benzocycloheptene, aporphine and ergoline series were tested in the mouse for ability to cause motor inhibition at low doses and stereotyped responding (motor facilitation) at higher doses. Motor inhibition was characterised either by a freezing akinesia (spiroperidol sensitive) or by sedation (resistant to spiroperidol). Agents potent to induce the freezing response could, if the dose was raised sufficiently (at least 10 fold), cause stereotypy. Within all series tested N-n-propyl substitution generally conferred greatest selectivity of motor inhibitory action. Radioligand binding assays using [3H]ADTN as ligand and rat striatal tissue showed correlations between abilities to associate with the dopamine receptor and to cause motor inhibition or facilitation, but discrepancies were apparent, particularly within the tetralin series. It is concluded that whilst there exists clear potency differences to inhibit locomotor activity and to induce stereotyped behaviour, it is difficult to demonstrate unequivocally an absolute selectivity of dopamine agonist action for the motor inhibitory dopamine system.

Presynaptic dopaminergic agonists modify brain glucose metabolism in a way similar to the neuroleptics

The effects of the (+) and (-) enantiometers of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine (3-PPP), 9,10-didehydro-6-methyl-8 beta-(2-pyridylthiomethyl)ergoline (CF 25-397) and 6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethyl-aminotetralin (TL 99), three agonists of the postulated presynaptic dopamine receptor, on the pattern of brain glucose metabolism were studied using the autoradiographic technique of Sokoloff et al. [19]. It was found that these drugs modify brain glucose metabolism in a way similar to the neuroleptics but different from postsynaptic agonists. These results support the suggestion that these drugs could represent a new type of neuroleptic.

Effects of aminotetralins on intraocular pressure and pupillary function in rabbits

Aminotetralin compounds, A-6, 7-DTN and TL-99, produced bisphasic changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupillary dilatation in rabbits. The rise in IOP appeared to result from an action on extraocular muscles because this effect was not produced by either compound in rabbits with transected extraocular muscles. The ocular hypotensive action of A-6, 7-DTN and TL-99 was markedly attenuated in sympathectomized rabbits indicating that this action resulted from suppression of sympathetic neuronal activity. Inhibition of ocular hypertension induced by waterloading by both compounds and suppression of the IOP recovery rate by A-6, 7-DTN suggested that the latter compound lowered IOP, in part, by inhibiting aqueous humor formation. The ocular hypotensive action of A-6, 7-DTN was antagonized by pretreatment with sulpiride, but not by yohimbine, indicating that dopamine receptors are involved in the response. These studies demonstrated that dopamine agonists can lower IOP and suggest that these types of drugs might prove useful in the therapy of open-angle glaucoma.

The yawning-penile erection syndrome as a model for putative dopamine autoreceptor activity

The efficacy of several drugs to elicit yawning and penile erections were determined in rats. The dopamine agonists, N-propylnorapomorphine, apomorphine, pergolide, (+/-)-3-PPP, TL-99 and N,N-dipropylamino-5,6-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (N,N-dipropyl A-5,6-DTN) all elicited yawning accompanied by an increase in spontaneous penile erections. The potencies of these drugs in causing yawning closely resemble published data concerning their actions in biochemical tests reputedly indicative of autoreceptor activity. In contrast, SK&F 38393, A-5,6-DTN and clonidine produced no yawning and few or no penile erections. Although physostigmine also caused yawning, the effect was not accompanied by penile erections. Studies with the optical isomers of 3-PPP showed that (+)-3-PPP was considerably more potent than (-)-3-PPP. Haloperidol antagonised dopamine agonist-induced yawning and penile erections. Apomorphine-induced yawning and penile erections were also antagonised by sulpiride and atropine but not by domperidone. The suitability of elicitation of the combined syndrome of yawning plus penile erections as useful behavioural model for dopamine autoreceptor agonists is discussed.

Effects of S (+)-3-phenethyl-PP, a putative dopamine autoreceptors agonist with greater autoreceptor selectivity than 3-PPP enantiomers

The experiments concerned the pharmacology of the enantiomers of the phenethyl-analogue (3-phenethyl-PP) of the putative dopamine (DA) autoreceptor agonist 3-PPP. In contrast to the almost equipotency of 3-PPP enantiomers, the phenethyl enantiomers showed marked stereoselectivity. S(+)-3-Phenethyl-PP had 25 times higher affinity to D-2 DA receptors in vitro than the R(-)-enantiomer. In vivo a similar potency difference was seen for the inhibition of motility, induction of circling behaviour in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats and emetic effect in dogs. None of the enantiomers induced stereotypy and hypermotility in normal rats or in rats pretreated with reserpine and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. In test models for antidopaminergic activity only slight activity of either enantiomer was observed. The S(+)-enantiomer had no antagonistic effect against apomorphine- and amphetamine-induced stereotypies, no cataleptogenic activity and only partially antagonized amphetamine-induced hypermotility. Apomorphine-induced emesis was weakly antagonized. The results indicate a greater and higher selectivity of S(+)-3-phenethyl-PP for DA receptors mediating sedation compared with 3-PPP enantiomers which previously have been shown to exert significant effects on postsynaptic DA receptors. Thus S(+)-3-phenethyl-PP may be a more selective model compound for the differential study of effects elicited by stimulation of pre- and postsynaptic DA receptors.

In vivo dopamine autoreceptor selectivity appears to be critically dependent upon the aromatic hydroxyl position in a series of N,N-disubstituted 2-aminotetralins

The potencies of a number of 2-aminotetralin derivatives as centrally acting dopamine (DA) receptor agonists were investigated using the reversal of the gamma-butyrolactone-induced increase in rat central DA biosynthesis rate as a measure of potency at DA autoreceptors and the reversal of the reserpine-induced immobility of mice as a measure of postsynaptic DA receptor stimulating potency. The results indicated that the compounds fell into two separate groups depending on their effectiveness in the postsynaptic test model. High postsynaptic effectiveness was achieved with compounds bearing a hydroxyl group at the 5 position of the aminotetralin structure, whereas aminotetralins lacking this substitution pattern were found to possess high DA autoreceptor selectivity. The observed dichotomy of DA agonists is discussed in relation to the possible involvement of multiple DA receptors and alpha-adrenoceptors.

Certain dopamine agonists increase dopamine synthesis in the striatum of rat brain

N,N-Dipropylamino-5,6-dihydroxytetrahydronaphthalene (DP-5,6-ADTN) induced a rapid and dose-related rise in dopamine (DA) levels in the striatum of rat brain. The increase of DA was less pronounced in the tuberculum olfactorium and there was no change in the frontal cortex. DP-5,6-ADTN and DP-6,7-ADTN also caused a rapid increase in striatal DA synthesis (evaluated from the rise of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine after decarboxylase inhibition) which lasted about 20 min and was followed by a decrease. The increase in DA synthesis rate after the DP-ADTNs was restricted to the striatum, only a decrease was observed in mesolimbic areas and frontal cortex. Dose-effect curves showed that the ED 50% for the stimulation of DA synthesis was somewhat higher (approx. 0.2 mumol/kg) than the ED 50% for the decreasing effect (approx. 0.01 mumol/kg). The increase in striatal DA biosynthesis was not seen after the DA agonists piribedil, TL-99 or apomorphine. Pretreatment of rats with gamma-hydroxybutyrolactone or haloperidol prevented the DP-5,6-ADTN-induced increase in DA synthesis.

Brain and serum concentrations of dopamine analogues after peripheral administration to rats

Concentrations of dopamine (DA) analogues were determined in rat brain regions and serum after peripheral administration of the drugs. The time course of the concentrations of four N,N-dialkylated DA derivatives is reported in relation to the simultaneously measured effects on DA metabolism. Maximum brain concentrations were reached at about 10 min after injection, followed by a rapid elimination of the parent compounds. O-Methylation was found to be of major importance in this early disappearance. The 3-O-methyl metabolite of N,N-dipropyl-DA (DiPr-DA) was very rapidly formed and was eliminated much more slowly than the parent compound. Inhibition of O-methylation as well as subcutaneous, instead of intraperitoneal (ip), administration resulted in higher brain and serum levels of DiPr-DA. Brain concentrations of 11 DA analogues were determined 10 min after ip injection and were compared with their octanol/water (pH 7.4) partition coefficients. Within one group of compounds with a similar metabolic profile the brain concentrations and partition coefficients showed a good correlation.

Interaction of dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin derivatives at sites labelled with [3H]clonidine, [3H]prazosin and [3H]spiperone in rat brain membranes

The interactions of 5,6- and 6,7-dihydroxy derivatives of 2-aminotetralin with [3H]clonidine and [3H]prazosin as well as with [3H]spiperone binding sites in rat cerebral cortex membrane preparations were investigated. The hydroxy derivatives of 2-aminotetralin tested showed significant interaction with [3H]clonidine as well as with [3H]peiperone binding sites while for [3H]prazosin binding site these agents appeared virtually inactive. For interaction with [3H]clonidine binding site 6,7-dihyroxy substitutions impart greater potency that 5,6-dihydroxy substitutions and N-alkyl substitutions either make no differece or reduce the affinity of these compounds. N-alkyl substitutions, however, markedly enhance the affinity of 5,6-dihydroxy derivatives for interaction with [3H]spiperone binding site. The results suggest that some hydroxy derivatives of aminotetralin have significant interaction with both central alpha 2-adrenoceptor and D2-dopamine receptor systems.

The purported dopamine agonist DPI inhibits [3H]noradrenaline release from rat cortical slices but not [3H]dopamine and [14C]acetylcholine release from rat striatal slices in-vitro

The effects of the purported dopamine (DA) receptor agonist (3,4-dihydroxyphenylimino)-2-imidazolidine (DPI) upon the in-vitro K+-induced release of [3H]DA and [14C]acetylcholine from rat neostriatal slices, and of [3H]noradrenaline from rat neocortical slices have been investigated and compared with those of the DA receptor agonist TL-99 and the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine, respectively. The rapid decomposition of the catechol compounds DPI and TL-99 in the Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate superfusion medium was shown to be inhibited by both the chelating agent EDTA and the reducing agent ascorbic acid. The results suggest that in-vitro DPI is unable to stimulate striatal DA receptors, whereas it is effective in stimulating cortical alpha 2-adrenoceptors (EC50 = 61 nM). It is concluded that DPI should be considered as a mixed alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist and that the designation of DPI as a DA receptor agonist should be abandoned.

Interaction of the component enantiomers of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylamino tetralin) with dopaminergic systems in mammalian brain and teleost retina

The enantiomers of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin) were examined in a number of in vivo and in vitro test paradigms to further examine the reported autoreceptor selectivity of this compound. The (+)-isomer of the aminotetralin was more active as a dopamine agonist than either the racemate or the (-)-enantiomer. In addition to this dopaminergic activity, TL-99 was found to be a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, this activity being more prominent in the (+)-isomer. The (-)-isomer, however, was a weak alpha 2/DA receptor agonist and unlike the (+)-enantiomer was devoid of activity in the D-1-selective carp retina adenylate cyclase assay. Pharmacological examination of the effects of TL-99 on mouse locomotor activity showed that the effects of the aminotetralin in this dopamine autoreceptor test system were antagonized by either the alpha 2-antagonist, yohimbine or by the dopamine antagonist, sulpiride. TL-99 also produced contralateral turning in 6-OHDA lesioned rats. It is concluded that the apparent dopamine autoreceptor selectivity of TL-99 as assessed by in vivo animal test systems may be due partially to its alpha 2-agonist activity. The sedation and consequent reduction in mouse locomotor activity and in turning in the rat as the dose level is increased undoubtedly occurs via alpha 2-agonist and dopamine autoreceptor activity and cannot be interpreted as selectivity for the dopamine autoreceptor.

A comparison of the potencies of various dopamine receptor agonists in models for pre- and postsynaptic receptor activity

Several dopamine (DA) receptor agonists, notably N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin analogues differing in the number and position of phenolic hydroxyl groups, were evaluated in model systems for pre- and postsynaptic dopaminergic activity. Apomorphine, piribedil and pergolide were included for comparison. All compounds inhibited the gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)-induced increase in DA concentrations in the rat striatum and olfactory tubercle, although a dose-dependency could not be demonstrated for one of the compounds, i.e. N,N-dipropyl-2-amino-5,6-dihydroxy-tetralin. In addition to the reversal of the DA-increase all compounds decreased the HVA and DOPAC levels in a dose-dependent manner, in much the same way as in normal, non GBL-pretreated rats. The potencies of the drugs to decrease HVA in normal rats and to inhibit the DA-increase and to decrease HVA in GBL-pretreated rats, both in the striatum and the olfactory tubercle were compared with each other and with the potencies to induce stereotyped behaviour. It may be concluded that (1) N,N-dipropyl-2-amino-7-hydroxytetralin shows the largest difference in activity in the biochemical and the behavioural models, suggesting a selective presynaptic activity. This was corroborated by the appearance of a marked hypomotility after low doses of this compound; (2) The potencies to decrease striatal HVA concentrations are generally somewhat different from the potencies to inhibit GBL-induced DA-increases, but appear to be comparable to the potencies to inhibit GBL-induced dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-increases; (3) There is no indication that the DA agonists in general are more potent at presynaptic receptors in the tubercle than in the striatum.

3,4-disubstituted phenyliminoimidazolidines as potential prodrugs of the purported dopamine agonist 3,4-dihydroxyphenylimino-2-imidazolidine (DPI)

A series of ether derivatives of the purported dopamine agonist 3,4-dihydroxyphenylimino-2-imidazolidine (DPI) has been prepared as potential prodrugs of the parent compound due to its relatively poor penetration into the brain. Their effects on both dopamine and noradrenaline utilization in the rat brain have been investigated using the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. Apart from the parent compound, DPI, the diphenylmethane ether analogue showed some dopaminergic activity.

Avoidance and ICSS behavioral models dissociate TL-99 and 3-PPP from dopamine receptor antagonists

The behavioral effects of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonists, TL-99 and 3-PPP, were explored in animal procedures that reveal highly characteristic effects of neuroleptics currently in clinical use. Sidman avoidance responding in rats was not altered appreciably by doses up to 10 mg/kg TL-99 or 30 mg/kg 3-PPP. Higher doses of TL-99 attenuated Sidman avoidance performance in squirrel monkeys, although 3-PPP had no effect. Lever pressing for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) was attenuated in a dose-related fashion by TL-99 and 3-PPP, with relatively shallow dose-response relationships. A low dose of haloperidol (0.03 mg/kg) partly reversed the effects of 3-PPP (3 mg/kg) on lever pressing ICSS, but not those of TL-99 (3 mg/kg). Yohimbine (3 mg/kg) failed to alter the effects of TL-99 at a dose that abolished the suppressant effect of clonidine on ICSS. Analysis of within-session ICSS response decrement patterns indicated that TL-99 reduced ICSS to a greater extent towards the end of the session than during the first 5 min. No such within-session trend was produced by 3-PPP, suggesting that 3-PPP attenuates ICSS by virtue of a performance deficit. Similar conclusions were reached using a shuttlebox task that involved self-regulation of ICSS duration by rats. Therefore, the clinical profile of neuroleptics is unlikely to be mimicked precisely by 3-PPP or TL-99. Clinical trials of DA autoreceptor agonists for antipsychotic efficacy will indicate whether or not avoidance and ICSS behaviors are relevant to the detection of the intrinsic antipsychotic activity of drugs.

Development of receptors for dopamine and noradrenaline in rat brain

In order to examine the receptor basis for the development of spontaneous locomotion and for the effects of clonidine in the infant rat, we measured the densities of alpha 1-adrenoceptors, alpha 2-adrenoceptors and D2-dopamine receptors in various brain regions of the developing infant Wistar rat. The mesolimbic D2-dopamine receptors paralleled the rise in spontaneous locomotion of the infant rat. No alpha 1-adrenoceptors were detectable at birth in any of the four regions examined (mesolimbic, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and hypothalamus), thus providing no basis for the locomotor-stimulating action of clonidine in the first week of life. Mesolimbic alpha 2-adrenoceptors matured between 21 and 28 days (at which time clonidine yields its usual sedating action).

Further functional in vitro comparison of pre- and postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the rabbit caudate nucleus

Slices of the rabbit caudate nucleus were preincubated with 3H-dopamine or 3H-choline and then superfused and stimulated electrically. DiPr-5,6-ADTN reduced the stimulation-evoked overflow of tritium over the same concentration range, independently of whether slices had been preincubated with 3H-dopamine or 3H-choline, and the same was true for apomorphine, NPA and pergolide. Three other putative dopamine receptor agonists, namely 3-PPP, DPI and SKF 38393, failed to decrease the evoked overflow of tritium. Each of six antagonists--(-)-sulpiride, (+)-sulpiride, CGP 11109 A, cis-flupentixol, domperidone and corynanthine--increased the evoked overflow over the same concentration range in experiments with 3H-dopamine and in those with 3H-choline. For each of these antagonists except cis-flupentixol, and also for chlorpromazine, haloperidol and rauwolscine, the pA2 values against apomorphine obtained in 3H-dopamine and in 3H-choline experiments were closely similar. The antagonist effect of cis-flupentixol against apomorphine was not purely competitive. (-)-Sulpiride was a more potent antagonist than (+)-sulpiride, and cis-flupentixol was more potent than trans-flupentixol. This study supplements a previous one in which (+/-)-sulpiride, metoclopramide and molindone were used as antagonists. It is a functional in vitro approach to receptor characterization, as opposed to radioligand binding studies or in vivo investigations. The results show that a large number of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists are unable to distinguish between the presynaptic, release-inhibiting dopamine autoreceptors and those postsynaptic dopamine receptors which, when activated, depress the release of acetylcholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of the chloroethyl analog of 3-PPP (N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine), 3-PPP-C1 as an irreversible ligand for central dopaminergic recognition sites

NCA, the chloro analog of the potent dopamine agonist NPA is an irreversible ligand at dopamine receptors in mammalian brain. The chloroethyl analog of the recently described putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist 3-PPP, 3-PPP-C1, was evaluated for its potential use as an irreversible autoreceptor ligand. N-Chloroethylation of 3-PPP reduced the intrinsic affinity of the agonist seven-fold and, consequently, in contrast to NCA, it was found that 3-PPP-C1 was not a good irreversible ligand at dopamine receptors.

Biphasic effects of some dopamine agonists on striatal acetylcholine concentrations

Since the reduction of striatal dopaminergic transmission decreases striatal acetylcholine (ACh) levels due to disinhibition of the respective neurons, such an effect might be expected after selective stimulation of dopamine (DA) autoreceptors. The effects of a number of DA agonists, including the purportedly selective presynaptic agents 3-PPP and TL 99, on striatal ACh levels were investigated over a wide dose range. Apomorphine and 3-PPP decreased ACh levels in a lower dose range (0.01-0.03 mg/kg s.c. and 0.2-1 mg/kg s.c., resp.) TL 99 showed a significant, but much smaller effect (0.1-0.3 mg/kg s.c.), whereas piribedil and bromocriptine only increased ACh. However, 3-PPP (at 3 mg/kg and above) and TL 99 (at 3 mg/kg) increased ACh in much the same way as did conventional DA agonists. These results suggest (a) that pre- and postsynaptic DA receptors are distinct in a functionally relevant manner, and (b) that 3-PPP and TL 99 possess postsynaptic effects on DA receptors associated with cholinergic neurons. Since 3-PPP does not elicit stereo sterotypes in spite of evidence for an involvement of cholinergic neurons in the mediation of this behaviour it might be assumed that it acts on other postsynaptic DA receptors than does apomorphine. Moreover, it seems possible that the two types of DA receptors are located on two different types of cholinergic neurons with different functions.

Postsynaptic dopamine agonist properties of TL-99 are revealed by yohimbine co-treatment

The claim that TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin hydrobromide) is a selective dopamine autoreceptor agonist relies partly upon indirect behavioral evidence, particularly the absence of stereotyped behavior in treated rats. The possibility was examined that concurrent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist properties of TL-99 could have masked postsynaptic dopamine agonist activity. Co-administration of yohimbine or piperoxan with a high dose of TL-99 (30 mg/kg) dramatically increased motor activity in reserpinized rats, whereas each drug by itself had no effect. Contralateral rotational behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats resulted from combined treatment with yohimbine and a high dose of TL-99 (30 mg/kg) but appeared to be suppressed by concurrent flaccidity if TL-99 was given by itself. Yohimbine failed to alter the effects of 3-PPP (N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine), another putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, in either model of postsynaptic dopamine agonism. It is concluded that a concurrent behaviorally depressant action of TL-99, possibly alpha 2-agonism, masks the stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors by high doses of TL-99.