Dopamine receptor agonist potencies for inhibition of cell firing correlate with dopamine D3 receptor binding affinities

Polymeric functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles: Biomedical insights

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) endowed with polymer coatings present a versatile platform, offering notable advantages such as targeted, pH-controlled, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery. Surface functionalization, particularly through amine and carboxyl modification, enhances their suitability for polymerization, thereby augmenting their versatility and applicability. This review delves into the diverse therapeutic realms benefiting from polymer-coated MSNs, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), chemotherapy, RNA delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, food packaging, and neurodegenerative disorder treatment. The multifaceted potential of polymer-coated MSNs underscores their significance as a focal point for future research endeavors and clinical applications. A comprehensive analysis of various polymers and biopolymers, such as polydopamine, chitosan, polyethylene glycol, polycaprolactone, alginate, gelatin, albumin, and others, is conducted to elucidate their advantages, benefits, and utilization across biomedical disciplines. Furthermore, this review extends its scope beyond polymerization and biomedical applications to encompass topics such as surface functionalization, chemical modification of MSNs, recent patents in the MSN domain, and the toxicity associated with MSN polymerization. Additionally, a brief discourse on green polymers is also included in review, highlighting their potential for fostering a sustainable future.

Three paradoxes related to the mode of action of pramipexole: The path from D2/D3 dopamine receptor stimulation to modification of dopamine-modulated functions

Pramipexole, a D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist, is used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, caused by degeneration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. There are three paradoxes associated with its mode of action. Firstly, stimulation of D2/D3 receptors leads to neuronal inhibition, although pramipexole does not inhibit but promotes some dopamine-modulated functions, such as locomotion and reinforcement. Secondly, another dopamine-modulated function, arousal, is not promoted but inhibited by pramipexole, leading to sedation. Thirdly, pramipexole-evoked sedation is associated with an increase in pupil diameter, although sedation is expected to cause pupil constriction. To resolve these paradoxes, the path from stimulation of D2/D3 receptors to the modification of dopamine-modulated functions has been tracked. The functions considered are modulated by midbrain dopaminergic nuclei: locomotion - substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), reinforcement/motivation - ventral tegmental area (VTA), sympathetic activity (as reflected in pupil function) - VTA; arousal - ventral periaqueductal grey (vPAG), with contributions from VTA and SNc. The application of genetics-based molecular techniques (optogenetics and chemogenetics) has enabled tracing the chains of neurones from the dopaminergic nuclei to their final targets executing the functions. The functional neuronal circuits linked to the D2/D3 receptors in the dorsal and ventral striata, stimulated by inputs from SNc and VTA, respectively, may explain how neuronal inhibition induced by pramipexole is translated into the promotion of locomotion, reinforcement/motivation and sympathetic activity. As the vPAG may increase arousal mainly by stimulating cortical D1 dopamine receptors, pramipexole would stimulate only presynaptic D2/D3 receptors on vPAG neurones, curtailing their activity and leading to sedation.

Unveiling the Differences in Signaling and Regulatory Mechanisms between Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptors and Their Impact on Behavioral Sensitization

Dopamine receptors are classified into five subtypes, with D2R and D3R playing a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, reward, and movement. Whereas D2R are distributed widely across the brain, including regions responsible for motor functions, D3R are primarily found in specific areas related to cognitive and emotional functions, such as the nucleus accumbens, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex. Despite their high sequence homology and similar signaling pathways, D2R and D3R have distinct regulatory properties involving desensitization, endocytosis, posttranslational modification, and interactions with other cellular components. In vivo, D3R is closely associated with behavioral sensitization, which leads to increased dopaminergic responses. Behavioral sensitization is believed to result from D3R desensitization, which removes the inhibitory effect of D3R on related behaviors. Whereas D2R maintains continuous signal transduction through agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation, arrestin recruitment, and endocytosis, which recycle and resensitize desensitized receptors, D3R rarely undergoes agonist-induced endocytosis and instead is desensitized after repeated agonist exposure. In addition, D3R undergoes more extensive posttranslational modifications, such as glycosylation and palmitoylation, which are needed for its desensitization. Overall, a series of biochemical settings more closely related to D3R could be linked to D3R-mediated behavioral sensitization.

The role of dopamine D(3) receptors in antipsychotic activity and cognitive functions

Dopamine D(3) receptors have a pre- and postsynaptic localization in brain stem nuclei, limbic parts of the striatum, and cortex. Their widespread influence on dopamine release, on dopaminergic function, and on several other neurotransmitters makes them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The signaling pathways of D(3) receptors are distinct from those of other members of the D(2)-like receptor family. There is increasing evidence that D(3) receptors can form heteromers with dopamine D(1), D(2), and probably other G-protein-coupled receptors. The functional consequences remain to be characterized in more detail but might open new interesting pharmacological insight and opportunities. In terms of behavioral function, D(3) receptors are involved in cognitive, social, and motor functions, as well as in filtering and sensitization processes. Although the role of D(3) receptor blockade for alleviating positive symptoms is still unsettled, selective D(3) receptor antagonism has therapeutic features for schizophrenia and beyond as demonstrated by several animal models: improved cognitive function, emotional processing, executive function, flexibility, and social behavior. D(3) receptor antagonism seems to contribute to atypicality of clinically used antipsychotics by reducing extrapyramidal motor symptoms; has no direct influence on prolactin release; and does not cause anhedonia, weight gain, or metabolic dysfunctions. Unfortunately, clinical data with new, selective D(3) antagonists are still incomplete; their cognitive effects have only been communicated in part. In vitro, virtually all clinically used antipsychotics are not D(2)-selective but also have affinity for D(3) receptors. The exact D(3) receptor occupancies achieved in patients, particularly in cortical areas, are largely unknown, mainly because only nonselective or agonist PET tracers are currently available. It is unlikely that a degree of D(3) receptor antagonism optimal for antipsychotic and cognitive function can be achieved with existing antipsychotics. Therefore, selective D(3) antagonism represents a promising mechanism still to be fully exploited for the treatment of schizophrenia, cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, and comorbid conditions such as substance abuse.

Cocaine self-administration in dopamine D₃ receptor knockout mice

The dopamine D₃ receptor has received attention over the last two decades as a target for medications development for substance abuse disorders. Results have remained mixed. Despite emergence of more D₃-selective ligands, possible attribution of observed effects to D₂ receptors remains a concern. Knockout mice may help shed light on mechanisms. Here we evaluated the effect of constitutive D₃ receptor inactivation ("knockout") on the reinforcing effects of cocaine. We tested D₃ wild-type (WT), heterozygous (D₃⁺/⁻), and knockout (D₃⁻/⁻), mice in acquisition and maintenance of intravenous self-administration across a broad range of cocaine doses, using a fixed ratio (FR) 1 and a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement, along with parallel food-reinforced studies. Generally, D₃⁻/⁻ mice showed cocaine self-administration comparable to WT controls across assays. Moderate and nonsignificant trends toward lesser reinforcing effects of a low cocaine dose (0.32 mg/kg) were apparent in acquisition and PR studies, consistent with the idea that the D₃ receptor may play a subtle role in the reinforcing effects of low cocaine doses under low FR conditions. However, those effects with cocaine self-administration were more subtle than the lower responding of D₃ knockout mice observed with food-maintained behavior. In addition, the D₃ antagonist PG01037 failed to affect cocaine self-administration under an FR 1 schedule in WT mice. The present data do not support a necessary role for the D₃ receptor in the direct reinforcing effects of cocaine.

An endogenous dopaminergic tone acting on dopamine D3 receptors may be involved in diurnal changes of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neuron activity and prolactin secretion in estrogen-primed ovariectomized rats

The diurnal rhythm of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neuron activity, i.e., high in the morning and low in the afternoon, is prerequisite for the afternoon prolactin (PRL) surge in proestrous and estrogen-primed ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Whether dopamine acts via D(3) receptors in regulating the rhythmic TIDA neuron activity and PRL secretion in estrogen-primed OVX (OVX+E(2)) rats is the focus of this study. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of a D(3) receptor agonist, PD128907 (0.1-10 μg/3 μl), in the morning significantly reduced the basal activity of TIDA neurons and increased plasma PRL level. The effects of PD128907 were reversed by co-administration of U99194A, a D(3) receptor antagonist, but not by raclopride, a D(2) receptor antagonist. To determine whether endogenous dopamine acts on D(3) receptors involved in the diurnal changes of the activities, we used both U99194A, a D(3) receptor antagonist, and an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) against D(3) receptor mRNA in the study. U99194A (0.1 μg/3 μl, icv) given at 1200 h significantly reversed the lowered TIDA neuron activity and the afternoon PRL surge at 1500 h. Moreover, OVX+E(2) rats pretreated with the antisense ODN (10 μg/3 μl, icv) for 2 days had the same effects as the D(3) receptor antagonist on TIDA neuron activity and the PRL surge. The same treatment with sense ODN had no effect. In conclusion, an endogenous DA tone may act on D(3) receptors to inhibit TIDA neuron activity and in turn stimulate the PRL surge in the afternoon of OVX+E(2) rats.

Toxicity assessment of pramipexole in juvenile rhesus monkeys

Pramipexole (PPX) is a dopamine agonist approved for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease as well as restless leg syndrome. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicity of PPX when administered orally to juvenile rhesus monkeys once daily for 30 weeks, and to assess the reversibility of toxicity during a 12-week recovery. Rhesus monkeys (N=4 males and 4 females/group; 22-24 months of age) were orally treated daily for 30 weeks with 0.0, 0.1, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg PPX, and subjects were assessed daily using the NCTR Operant Test Battery (OTB). Clinical chemistry, hematology, ophthalmology and other standard postmortem toxicological evaluations, including histopathology and neuropathology as well as toxicokinetics were performed. The systemic exposure to PPX was higher than that at therapeutic doses in man and AUC(0-24 h)-data increased proportionally to dose. Blood pressure significantly decreased over time in all groups including control. Near the end of treatment, there were statistically significant decreases in heart rate for the 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg/day groups compared to control. After 4 weeks of dosing, serum prolactin was significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to control. This decrease remained at the end of treatment in the 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg/day groups. In summary, administration of PPX at doses of up to 2.0 mg/kg/day for 30 weeks to juvenile rhesus monkeys produced adverse findings which were attributable to its pharmacological properties, including hypoprolactinemia.

Electrophysiological characteristics of dopamine neurons: a 35-year update

This chapter consists of four sections. The first section provides a general description of the electrophysiological characteristics of dopamine (DA) neurons in both the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Emphasis is placed on the differences between DA and neighboring non-DA neurons. The second section discusses the ionic mechanisms underlying the generation of action potential in DA cells. Evidence is provided to suggest that these mechanisms differ not only between DA and non-DA neurons but also between DA cells located in different areas, with different projection sites and at different developmental stages. Some of the differences may play a critical role in the vulnerability of a DA neuron to cell death. The third section describes the firing patterns of DA cells. Data are presented to show that the current "80/160 ms" criteria for burst identification need to be revised and that the burst firing, originally described by Bunney et al., can be described as slow oscillations in firing rate. In the ventral tegmental area, the slow oscillations are, at least partially, derived from the prefrontal cortex and part of prefrontal information is transferred to DA cells indirectly through inhibitory neurons. The final section focuses on the feedback regulation of DA cells. New evidence suggests that DA autoreceptors are coupled to multiple effectors, and both D1 and D2-like receptors are involved in long-loop feedback control of DA neurons. Because of the presence of multiple feedback and nonfeedback pathways, the effect of a drug on a DA neuron can be far more complex than an inhibition or excitation. A better understanding of the intrinsic properties of DA neurons and their regulation by afferent input will, in time, help to point to the way to more effective and safer treatments for disorders including schizophrenia, drug addiction, and Parkinson's disease.

KNS-760704 [(6R)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-N6-propyl-2, 6-benzothiazole-diamine dihydrochloride monohydrate] for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Developing effective treatments for chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has proven extremely difficult. ALS is universally fatal, characterized by progressive weakness due to the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, and leads eventually to respiratory failure which is the usual cause of death. Only a single treatment has been approved, the modestly effective nonspecific neuroprotectant Rilutek (riluzole; 2-amino-6-(trifluoromethoxy)benzothiazole). KNS-760704 [(6R)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-N6-propyl-2,6-benzothiazole-diamine dihydrochloride, RPPX], a synthetic amino-benzothiazole with demonstrated activity in maintaining mitochondrial function, is being developed as a treatment for ALS. It has proven to be effective in multiple in vitro and in vivo assays of neuroprotection, including the G93A-SOD1 mutant mouse model; however, its specific mechanism of action remains unknown. The potential of KNS-760604 as a treatment for ALS was first suggested by studies showing that its optical enantiomer, Mirapex[(6S)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-N6-propyl-2,6-benzothiazole-diamine; pramipexole dihydrochloride; PPX], a high-affinity agonist at dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptors, exhibits important neuroprotective properties independent of its dopamine receptor agonism. In cell-based assays, both RPPX and PPX reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), attenuate the activation of apoptotic pathways, and increase cell survival in response to a variety of neurotoxins. However, PPX has limited utility as a clinical neuroprotective agent because the drug concentrations required for neuroprotection would likely produce unacceptable dopaminergic side effects. RPPX, on the other hand, while possessing the same neuroprotective potential as PPX, is a much lower-affinity dopamine receptor agonist and may therefore be more useful in the treatment of ALS. This review will examine the data supporting the hypothesis that the RPPX may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including ALS. In addition, we will briefly review recent preclinical data in support of RPPX, and discuss the current status of its clinical development.

The structural evolution of dopamine D3 receptor ligands: structure-activity relationships and selected neuropharmacological aspects

"Evolution consists largely of molecular tinkering."-Following the famous concept of the molecular geneticist and medicine Nobel laureate François Jacob, in this review we describe the structural evolution of dopamine D3 receptor ligands from the natural agonist dopamine (DA) to highly potent and subtype selective new agents by bioisosteric tinkering with well-established and privileged or novel and fancy chemical functionalities and scaffolds. Some of the more than 200 ligands presented herein have already achieved therapeutic or scientific value up to now, some will most likely achieve it in the future. Hence, great importance is not only attached to the relationship between structure and activity of the ligands, but also to their utility as pharmacological tools in animal models or as therapeutics in patients with neurological diseases or other disorders.

Dopaminergic control of food choice: Contrasting effects of SKF 38393 and quinpirole on high-palatability food preference in the rat

The aim of the present study was to determine the behavioural effects of the selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393, and of the selective dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist, quinpirole, on the feeding performance of food-deprived rats in a model of food-preference behaviour. The animals were familiarised with a choice between a high-palatability, high-fat, high-sugar food (chocolate biscuits/cookies) and their regular maintenance diet. Following administration of either SKF 38393 (1.0-10.0 mg/kg, s.c.) or quinpirole (0.03-0.3 mg/kg, s.c.), the animals were observed throughout a 15-min test period, and their feeding behaviour was carefully monitored. Other behavioural categories were also observed. The resulting data were subject to a microstructural analysis to determine the loci of the behavioural effects. The results indicated that SKF 38393 and quinpirole had contrasting effects on the preference for the high-palatability chocolate food. SKF 38393 enhanced the preference, whereas quinpirole eliminated it. These data reinforce the view that forebrain dopamine mechanisms are closely involved in responses to high-palatability energy-dense food constituents, including chocolate. The data also indicate that pharmacological characterization is important, such that dopamine receptor subtypes appear to mediate contrasting effects on food preference for a high-fat, high-sugar food. Hence, brain dopamine appears to be involved in potentially complex ways in determining food preferences, and this may carry implications in the growing evidence for a link between brain dopamine and human obesity.

Neuroadaptations to hyperdopaminergia in dopamine D3 receptor-deficient mice

The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) has been implicated in schizophrenia, drug addiction, depression and Parkinson's disease. The D3R is localized post-synaptically on nucleus accumbens neurons, but is also an autoreceptor on dopaminergic neurons in the mesencephalon. Its functional role as autoreceptor is highly debated, but supported by the elevated basal extracellular dopamine levels found in D3R-deficient mice. To investigate the functional role of the D3R in vivo, we used mice with a targeted disruption of the D3R gene. We found a higher basal level of grooming in D3R-deficient mice, compared to their wild-type littermates. This behavior, which is under the control of D1R stimulation, may be related to an increased dopaminergic tone, since no changes in the gene expression of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors were noticed in the striatum of these mice. D3R-deficient mice displayed other neuroadaptive changes, including decreased tyrosine hydroxylase, increased dopamine transporter mRNAs and increased dopamine reuptake in striatum. The level of tyrosine hydroxylase protein was unchanged in the striatum, as preprodynorphin and preproenkephalin gene expressions. All the changes identified in D3R-deficient mice cannot explain hyperdopaminergia, but, on the contrary, tend to attenuate this phenotype. These results support a distinct role for D2R and D3R as autoreceptors: the D2R is the release-regulating and firing rate-regulating autoreceptor, whereas the D3R may control basal dopamine levels in the striatum, by an unknown mechanism, which does not involve regulation of dopamine transporters or tyrosine hydroxylase. This hyperdopaminergia phenotype of D3R-deficient mice may explain their hyperactivity to drug-paired environmental cues.

Gene dose-dependent alterations in extraneuronal serotonin but not dopamine in mice with reduced serotonin transporter expression

Serotonin (5-HT) plays an integral regulatory role in mood, anxiety, cognition, appetite and aggressive behavior. Many therapeutic and illicit drugs that modulate these functions act at the serotonin transporter (SERT), thus a mouse model with reduced transporter expression was created to further investigate the effects of differential serotonin reuptake. In the present study, in vivo microdialysis was used to determine homeostatic alterations in extracellular 5-HT levels in unanesthetized SERT knockout mice. SERT(-/-) mice had significantly higher levels of basal dialysate 5-HT than SERT(+/+) mice in striatum and frontal cortex. In addition, although gene-specific increases in 5-HT were evident, neuroadaptive alterations in dialysate dopamine levels were not detected in striatum. Zero net flux microdialysis was utilized to further investigate alterations in extracellular 5-HT. Using this method, a gene dose-dependent increase in extraneuronal 5-HT was observed in striatum (2.8 +/- 1, 9.4 +/- 1 and 18 +/- 3 nM) and frontal cortex (1.4 +/- 0.4, 3.5 +/- 0.9 and 14 +/- 1 nM) in SERT(+/+), SERT(+/-) and SERT(-/-) mice, respectively. Potassium stimulation revealed greater depolarization-induced increases in striatal 5-HT but not dopamine in SERT(-/-) mice. Furthermore, dialysate 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels were reduced in striatum in a gene dose-dependent manner, while DOPAC was unchanged in SERT knockout mice. Finally, determination of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity revealed no significant differences in KM or Vmax of type-A or type-B isozymes indicating that alterations in SERT expression do not cause adaptive changes in the activities of these key catabolic enzymes. Overall, these results demonstrate that constitutive reductions in SERT are associated with increases in 5-HT in the extracellular signaling space in the absence of changes in dopamine neurochemistry. Furthermore, use of zero net flux microdialysis appears warranted in investigations of serotonergic synaptic function where modest changes in extracellular 5-HT are thought to occur in response to altered uptake.

Effects of a dopamine D3 receptor ligand, BP 897, on acquisition and expression of food-, morphine-, and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference, and food-seeking behavior in rats

The present study addressed the role of dopaminergic D(3) receptors (D(3)R) in motivational processes in rats. The effects of the selective D(3)R partial agonist, BP 897 (0.25-1 mg/kg, i.p.), on the establishment and the expression of conditioned place preference (CPP) supported by food, morphine (4 mg/kg, s.c.), or cocaine (2 mg/kg, s.c.) were investigated using an unbiased, one-compartment, place-conditioning procedure. When administered alone, BP 897 (0.05-2 mg/kg, i.p.) did not support CPP; on the contrary, conditioned place avoidance (CPA) was observed at 1 mg/kg, suggesting that this dose of BP 897 could be perceived as aversive. When given before each cocaine injection during the conditioning phase, BP 897 (1 mg/kg) prevented the establishment of CPP, and a single administration of BP 897 (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) before the test session impaired the expression of cocaine CPP. In contrast, neither the establishment nor the expression of food- and morphine-CPP were significantly altered by BP 897 (up to 1 mg/kg), whereas the full but less selective D(3)/D(2)R agonists, 7-OH-DPAT (0.5-2 mug/kg, s.c.) and quinelorane (1 mug/kg, s.c.), prevented the acquisition of food CPP. In a within-session extinction schedule of lever pressing for food, BP 897 (0.06-2 mg/kg) was ineffective in potentiating response reinstatement induced by the noncontingent delivery of two food pellets, in contrast with quinelorane and 7-OH-DPAT where previous studies showed to be efficient in this respect (Duarte et al, 2003). These results indicate that BP 897 has no positive appetitive value on its own, and that a moderate degree of stimulation of D(3)R is not sufficient to modulate food-primed food-seeking behavior or alter incentive motivation for food, morphine, and/or their associated cues. However, D(3)R are likely involved in the perception of the rewarding value of cocaine and cocaine-paired cues. This suggests that the appetitive effects of cocaine are subserved by mechanisms different, at least in part, from those of morphine and food, and that D(3)R play a role only in the former.

Presynaptic regulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission

The development of electrochemical recordings with small carbon-fiber electrodes has significantly advanced the understanding of the regulation of catecholamine transmission in various brain areas. Recordings in vivo or in slice preparations monitor diffusion of catecholamine following stimulated synaptic release into the surrounding tissue. This synaptic 'overflow' is defined by the amount of release, by the activity of reuptake, and by the diffusion parameters in brain tissue. Such studies have elucidated the complex regulation of catecholamine release and uptake, and how psychostimulants and anti-psychotic drugs interfere with it. Moreover, recordings with carbon-fiber electrodes from cultured neurons have provided analysis of catecholamine release and its plasticity at the quantal level.

Gradient of dopamine responsiveness to dopamine receptor agonists in subregions of the rat nucleus accumbens

The present study sought to investigate the possibility that the degree of selectivity of dopamine D3/D2 receptor agonists such as quinelorane, 7-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT), quinpirole and apomorphine on dopamine D3 over D2 receptor subtypes can be assessed by measuring dopamine transmission in the shell vs. core compartments of the nucleus accumbens by using microdialysis in freely moving rats. Significant reductions in dialysate dopamine levels compared to vehicle-treated animals were observed in the shell of the nucleus accumbens with 3, 10 and 30 microg/kg quinelorane, 100 microg/kg 7-OH DPAT, 25 and 100 microg/kg quinpirole, and 100 microg/kg apomorphine. In the core subregion, significant reductions in dopamine were seen at 10 and 30 microg/kg quinelorane, 25 and 100 microg/kg 7-OH-DPAT, 100 microg/kg quinpirole and 100 microg/kg apomorphine. However, a significant shell/core dichotomy could only be observed in response to the lowest dose of quinelorane (3 microg/kg) with the shell being hyper-responsive compared with the core. The present findings suggest that quinelorane is one of the most selective dopamine D3 receptor agonists based on its ability to target the shell subregion of the nucleus accumbens.

BP 897, a selective dopamine D3 receptor ligand with therapeutic potential for the treatment of cocaine-addiction

BP 897 is a potent (K(i) = 0.92 nM) dopamine D(3) receptor compound developed for the treatment of cocaine abuse and craving. BP 897 has a high selectivity for the dopamine D(3) versus D(2) receptors (70-fold) and a moderate affinity for 5-HT(1A) receptors, (K(i) = 84 nM), adrenergic-alpha(1) (K(i) = 60 nM) and -alpha(2) adrenoceptors (K(i) = 83 nM). BP 897 displays significant intrinsic activity at the human dopamine D(3) receptor by decreasing forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels and by stimulating mitogenesis of dopamine D(3)-expressing NG108-15 cells. Although these findings suggest that BP 897 is a partial agonist, recent studies in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells with expressed dopamine D(3) receptors demonstrated that BP 897 is devoid of any intrinsic activity but potently inhibits dopamine agonist effects (pIC(50) = 9.43 and 9.51) in agonist-induced acidification rate or increase of GTPgammaS binding, respectively. In addition, BP 897 inhibits in vivo (EC(50) = 1.1 mg/kg, i.v.) agonist-induced decrease of firing rate of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It has been clearly shown that BP 897, 1 mg/kg, i.p., reduces cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, without producing reinforcement on its own. In rhesus monkeys, BP 897 is not self-administered (up to 30 microg/kg, i.v.) but reduces cocaine self-administration. The potential usefulness of BP 897 in the treatment of drug-seeking behavior is further supported by its effects in drug conditioning models. Although BP 897 reduces L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated monkeys, it provokes a return of parkinsonian symptoms. At high doses BP 897 has been reported to produce catalepsy in rats. Pharmacokinetic and toxicological data have not yet been published. These interesting preclinical findings with BP 897 provide additional validation for dopamine D(3) receptor as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cocaine abuse and its associated central nervous system (CNS) disorders. BP 897 recently entered phase II clinical studies.

Behavioral response profiles following drug challenge with dopamine receptor subtype agonists and antagonists in developing rat

As part of an investigation into the effects of gestational ethanol (ETOH) exposure on the developing dopamine (DA) system, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to one of three conditions: ETOH, pair-fed (PF) to the ETOH group, or ad libitum lab chow controls (LC). In this paper we report behavioral drug challenge effects for offspring of the two control groups (PF and LC). Male and female pups between postnatal days (PNDs) 21 and 23 in age were exposed to one of three intraperitoneal/subcutaneous doses of one of eight drugs chosen to assess the functional status of the DA D(1), D(2), and D(3) receptor subtype, or a saline control. Agonists were SKF 38393, apomorphine (APO), quinpirole (QUIN), and 7-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-2-amino-tetralin [7-OH-DPAT (DPAT)]; antagonists were spiperone (SPIP), SCH 23390, and two recently developed D(3) antagonists nafadotride (NAF) and PD 152255. Immediately following drug injection, pups were placed in observation cages, where eight behaviors (square entries, grooming, circling, rearing, sniffing, head and oral movements, and yawning) were scored at 3-min intervals for 30 min. Classic behavioral profiles were generally obtained for the high-dose mixed agonists APO, DPAT, and QUIN, which potently increased square entries, rearing, and sniffing, while reducing grooming and head movements. However, low-dose APO had no effect on behavior. The D(1) agonist, SKF 38393, had a strikingly different behavioral profile; it had no effect on square entries at any dose, while increasing grooming and sniffing at the medium dose. The D(1) antagonist, SCH 23390, profoundly decreased all behaviors except oral and head movements, especially at high doses. In contrast, the effects of the D(2) antagonist, SPIP, were limited to increasing sniffing at the medium dose. The two putative D(3) antagonists, NAF and PD 152255, presented strikingly different profiles. NAF induced a pattern of behavioral suppression that resembled the profile of high-dose SCH, while high-dose PD 152255 stimulated behavior. The failure of low-dose APO to have any effect on behavior suggests that the D(2) autoreceptor is not functional in preweanling rats. This hypothesis is further supported by the lack of behavioral suppression seen with low-dose QUIN and DPAT. Failure of NAF to produce behavioral activation at low doses and the stimulatory effects seen with PD 152255 suggests that either the D(3) autoreceptor, the postsynaptic D(3) receptor, or both are not fully functional at this age as well.

Slowing Parkinson's disease progression: recent dopamine agonist trials

In recent clinical trials, chronic treatment of patients with PD with pramipexole or ropinirole was associated with a slower decline of imaged striatal dopaminergic signal, compared to levodopa monotherapy. Although this could reflect slowed progression of PD, equally plausible is a pharmacologic effect on proteins that interact with the imaging radioligands. To date, there is no compelling evidence favoring dopamine agonists over levodopa; either is an appropriate choice for initial treatment of PD.

Functional and autoradiographic characterization of dopamine D2-like receptors in the guinea pig heart

Dopamine receptors include the D1- (D1 and D5 subtypes) and D2-like (D2, D3, and D4 subtypes) families. D1-like receptors are positively and D2-like receptors negatively coupled to the adenylyl cyclase. Dopamine D2-like (D4 subtype) receptors have been identified in human and rat hearts. However the presence of D2 and D3 receptor subtypes is unclear. Furthermore, their role in cardiac functions is unknown. By autoradiographic studies of guinea pig hearts, we identified D3 and D4 receptors, using the selective radioligands [3H]-7-OH-DPAT and [3H]emonapride (YM-09151-2 plus raclopride). Western blot analysis confirmed D3 and D4 receptors in the right and left ventricle of the same species. Selective agonists of D3 and D4 receptors (+/-)-7-OH-DPAT and PD 168 077 (10(-9) to 10(-5) M, respectively) induced a significant negative chronotropic and inotropic effect in the isolated guinea pig heart preparation. Negative inotropic effect induced by PD 168 077 was associated with an inhibition in cyclase activity. No changes in cyclase activity were found with (+/-)-7-OH-DPAT. The aim of this study is to support the presence of D3 and D4 receptors in the heart. Although our results suggest that D3 and D4 receptors are functionally active in the heart, we need additional information with an antagonist and an agonist of improved potency and selectivity to understand the respective roles of D3 and D4 receptors in the cardiac functions.

Functional selectivity of dopamine receptor agonists. I. Selective activation of postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors linked to adenylate cyclase

Dihydrexidine (DHX), the first high-affinity D(1) dopamine receptor full agonist, is only 10-fold selective for D(1) versus D(2) receptors, having D(2) affinity similar to the prototypical agonist quinpirole. The D(2) functional properties of DHX and its more D(2) selective analog N-n-propyl-dihydrexidine (PrDHX) were explored in rat brain and pituitary. DHX and PrDHX had binding characteristics to D(2) receptors in rat striatum typical of D(2) agonists, binding to both high- and low-affinity sites and being sensitive to guanine-nucleotides. Consistent with these binding data, both DHX and PrDHX inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP synthesis in striatum with a potency and intrinsic activity equivalent to that of quinpirole. Unexpectedly, however, DHX and PrDHX had little functional effect at D(2) receptors expressed on dopaminergic neurons that mediate inhibition of cell firing, dopamine release, or dopamine synthesis. Quantitative receptor competition autoradiography demonstrated that DHX bound to D(2) receptors in striatum (predominantly postsynaptic receptor sites) with equal affinity as D(2) sites in the substantia nigra (autoreceptor sites). The data from these experiments, coupled with what is known about the location of specific dopamine receptor isoforms, lead to the hypothesis that DHX, after binding to D(2L) and D(2S) receptors, causes agonist-typical functional changes only at some of these receptors. This phenomenon (herein termed "functional selectivity") suggests that drugs may be targeted not only at specific receptor isoforms but also at separate functions mediated by a single isoform, yielding novel approaches to drug discovery.

D(3) receptor ligands modulate extracellular dopamine clearance in the nucleus accumbens

An involvement of the D(3) dopamine receptor in the regulation of extracellular dopamine has been suggested. However, the mechanisms mediating this effect are unclear. We have used the technique of no net flux microdialysis under transient conditions to examine the influence of the D(3) -preferring agonist (+)-PD128907 upon extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of the mouse. (+)-PD 128907 (0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly decreased extracellular dopamine. This decrease was associated with a marked increase in the extraction fraction, which suggests an increase in dopamine clearance. The ability of D(3) -preferring compounds to modulate dopamine uptake was investigated in vitro using rotating disk electrode voltammetry. (+)-PD 128907 (10 nm) significantly increased the initial clearance rate of 3 microm dopamine in rat nucleus accumbens tissue suspensions. Kinetic analysis revealed no change in the apparent K (m) of uptake but it showed a 33% increase in V (max). In contrast, the D(3) antagonist GR 103691 (10 nm) significantly decreased dopamine uptake. Consistent with the low levels of D(3) receptors in the dorsal striatum, neither compound affected uptake in tissue suspensions from this brain region. These data indicate that D(3) receptor activation increases dopamine uptake in the nucleus accumbens and suggest that this receptor subtype can regulate extracellular dopamine by modulating the DA transporter activity.

Changes in extracellular dopamine induced by morphine and cocaine: crucial control by D2 receptors

An increase of extracellular dopamine (DA) concentration is a major neurobiological substrate of the addictive properties of drugs of abuse. In this article we investigated the contribution of the DA D2 receptor (D2R) in the control of this response. Extracellular DA levels were measured in the striatum of mice lacking D2R expression (D2R-/-) by in vivo microdialysis after administration of the psychostimulant cocaine and the opioid morphine. Interestingly, the increase in extracellular DA induced by both drugs was strikingly higher in D2R-/- than in wild-type littermates. This indicates that D2Rs play a key role in the modulation of DA release in response to drugs of abuse. Furthermore, this observation prompted us to investigate the dopaminergic autoreceptor function in the absence of D2 receptor in D2R-/- mice. Results obtained using complementary microdialysis and voltammetry analyses show that the autoreceptor function regulating DA release is totally abolished in the absence of D2R, despite unchanged DA uptake and basal DA efflux. Finally, we propose that the short isoform D2S receptor of the D2 receptors is the one controlling change in DA release induced by drugs of abuse. Indeed, the neurochemical effects of cocaine and morphine are unchanged in animals with a selective deletion of the long isoform D2L receptor. Thus, deregulated expression of D2R isoforms might be involved in the vulnerability of an individual to drug abuse.

Up-regulation of D3 dopaminergic receptor mRNA in the core of the nucleus accumbens accompanies the development of seizures in a genetic model of absence-epilepsy in the rat

The basal ganglia system is thought to play a key role in the control of absence-seizures and there is ample evidence that epileptic seizures modify brain dopamine function. We recently reported that local injections of dopamine D1 or D2 agonists in the core of the nucleus accumbens suppressed absence-seizures in a spontaneous, genetic rodent model of absence-epilepsy whereas injections of D1 or D2 antagonists had aggravating effects. These findings raised the possibility that the dopaminergic system may be altered in absence-epilepsy prone rats. Therefore, we studied by in situ hybridization histochemistry the expression of pre- and postsynaptic components of the dopaminergic system in this strain of rats. When compared to non-epileptic control rats, epileptic rats displayed no change in the expression of mRNAs coding for the neuronal dopaminergic markers (tyrosine hydroxylase, membraneous and vesicular dopamine transporters). In addition, there was no difference between the two strains concerning the expression of the dopamine receptor transcripts D1, D2 and D5. In adult absence-epilepsy prone rat with an overt epileptic phenotype, however, an elevated level of D3 mRNA expression was observed in neurons of the core of the nucleus accumbens (+23% increase in silver grain density compared to non-epileptic control rats). D3 transcripts were not increased in juvenile epileptic rats without seizures. These findings suggests that up-regulation of D3 receptor mRNA is part of the epileptic phenotype in absence-epilepsy prone rats. Its localization in the core of the nucleus accumbens bears close resemblance to the dopamine-sensitive antiepileptic sites in ventral striatum and further support the involvement of ventral structures of the basal ganglia system in the control of absence-seizures.

In vivo characterization of basal amino acid levels in subregions of the rat nucleus accumbens: effect of a dopamine D(3)/D(2) agonist

Recent evidence demonstrates that two subdivisions of the nucleus accumbens, the dorsolateral core and the ventromedial shell can be distinguished by morphological, immunohistochemical and chemoarchitectural differences. In the present study, we measured basal levels of amino acids in microdialysates from both the shell and core subterritories of the nucleus accumbens in freely moving rats using HPLC with fluorescence detection. The effect of the dopamine D(3)/D(2) receptor agonist quinelorane (30 microg/kg s.c.) was then investigated in both subregions. With the exception of glutamate, histidine, and serine, which showed similar levels in both subterritories, alanine, arginine, aspartate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamine, and tyrosine were significantly higher in the shell compared with the core. In contrast, taurine levels were significantly lower in the shell than in the core. A particularly striking difference across subregions of the nucleus accumbens was observed for basal GABA levels with a shell/core ratio of 18.5. Among all the amino acids investigated in the present study, quinelorane selectively decreased dialysate GABA levels in the core subregion of the nucleus accumbens. The results of the present study point to specific profiles of both shell and core in terms of: (1) basal chemical neuroanatomical markers for amino acids; and (2) GABAergic response to the DA D(3)/D(2) agonist quinelorane.

Selective D3 receptor agonist effects of (+)-PD 128907 on dialysate dopamine at low doses

An involvement of the D3 dopamine receptor in the modulation of extracellular dopamine concentrations is suggested by pharmacological studies. However, recent studies using D3 receptor knock out mice indicated that several functions previously attributed to the D3 receptor are mediated by other receptor types. In the present study, we used the no-net flux microdialysis technique to characterize: (i) basal dopamine dynamics in the ventral striatum of D3 knock out and wild type mice and (ii) the effects of the putative D3-receptor selective agonist (+)-PD 128907. Neither the extracellular dopamine concentration nor the in vivo extraction fraction, an indirect measure of basal dopamine uptake, differed between D3 knock out and wild type mice. Moreover, no differences in potassium (60 mM) or cocaine (5 or 20 mg/kg i.p.) evoked dopamine concentrations were detected between the two genotypes. However, intra-striatal or systemic administration of doses of (+)-PD 128907 that failed to modify dopamine concentrations in knock out mice significantly decreased dialysate dopamine concentrations in the wild type. Comparison of the concentration-response curve for (+)-PD 128907 revealed IC(25) values of 61 and 1327 nM in wild type and knock out mice, respectively, after intra-striatal infusions. Similar differences were obtained after systemic administration of the D3 preferring agonist (IC(25) 0.05 and 0.44 mg/kg i.p. in wild type and knock out mice, respectively). We conclude that the activation of the D3 receptor decreases extracellular dopamine levels and that, at sufficiently low doses, the effects of (+)-PD 128907 on extracellular dopamine are selectively mediated by the D3 receptor.

The dopamine D3 receptor partial agonist, BP 897, is an antagonist at human dopamine D3 receptors and at rat somatodendritic dopamine D3 receptors

Recent studies have fueled the interest in dopamine D3 receptor antagonists and partial agonist for the treatment of psychosis and drug abuse, respectively. N-[4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl]naphthalene-2-carboxamide (BP 897) is a dopamine D3 receptor selective ligand recently described as partial agonist with potential effects on drug-dependence. The aim of the present study was to determine both the functional activity of BP 897 at human dopamine D3 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and in an electrophysiological in vivo model of dopaminergic activity. BP 897 failed to stimulate the human dopamine D3 receptor and showed antagonistic effects (cpIC(50)=9.51) in a [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding assay in cells expressing the human dopamine D3 receptor. In vivo, BP 897 up to 8.2 mg/kg, i.v., had no agonistic effects on firing rate of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons and antagonized the quinpirole-induced inhibition of firing (DID(50)=1.1 mg/kg). Our data demonstrate that BP 897 acts, in vivo and in vitro, as a dopamine D3 receptor antagonist.

Autoreceptor preference of dopamine D2 receptor agonists correlates with preferential coupling to cyclic AMP

Dopamine autoreceptors control the synaptic release and turnover of dopamine. Some dopamine agonists display a preference for modulation of autoreceptor functions rather than postsynaptic-driven behaviors. However, the nature of this apparent selectivity is still elusive. To investigate this property, we have used an heterologous expression system in which D2S receptors are coupled to both inhibition of cyclic AMP levels and stimulation of inositol triphosphate production. We show that D2-like receptor agonists display distinct potencies on these two second messenger pathways. Moreover, a strong correlation is observed between the potency of agonists to interact with adenylate cyclase and their potency to modulate autoreceptor functions. Such a correlation does not show up with the phospholipase C pathway. This suggests that autoreceptor preference of D2-like receptor agonists may be driven by a preferential interaction with a second messenger system.

Modulation of pre- and postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptor function by the selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593

The repeated administration of selective kappa-opioid receptor agonists prevents the locomotor activation produced by acute cocaine administration and the development of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization. Previous studies have shown that dopamine (DA) D2 autoreceptors modulate the synthesis and release of DA in the striatum. Evidence that kappa agonist treatment downregulates DA D2 receptors in this same brain region has recently been obtained. Accordingly, the present studies were undertaken to examine the influence of repeated kappa-opioid receptor agonist administration on pre- and postsynaptic DA D2 receptor function in the dorsal striatum using pre- and postsynaptic receptor-selective doses of quinpirole. Rats were injected once daily with the selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593 (0.16-0.32 mg/kg s.c.) or vehicle for 3 days. Microdialysis studies assessing basal and quinpirole-evoked (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) DA levels were conducted 2 days later. Basal and quinpirole-stimulated locomotor activity were assessed in a parallel group of animals. The no-net flux method of quantitative microdialysis revealed no effect of U69593 on basal DA dynamics, in that extracellular DA concentration and extraction fraction did not differ in control and U69593-treated animals. Acute administration of quinpirole significantly decreased striatal DA levels in control animals, but in animals treated with U69593, the inhibitory effects of quinpirole were significantly reduced. Quinpirole produced a dose-related increase in locomotor activity in control animals, and this effect was significantly attenuated in U69593-treated animals. These data reveal that prior repeated administration of a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist attenuates quinpirole-induced alterations in DA neurotransmission and locomotor activity. These results suggest that both pre- and postsynaptic striatal DA D2 receptors may be downregulated following repeated kappa-opioid receptor agonist administration. Synapse 39:343-350, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Differential effects of 7-OH-DPAT on the development of behavioral sensitization to apomorphine and cocaine

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether concurrent treatments with a low dose of the dopamine D(3)-preferring receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT would attenuate the development of behavioral sensitization to the indirect dopamine receptor agonist, cocaine, or the direct dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine. In two experiments, male Wistar rats (250-350 g) were given seven daily injections of 7-OH-DPAT (0.05 mg/kg sc) or vehicle in combination with either cocaine (15 mg/kg ip), apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg sc), or vehicle. After the injections, the rats were tested for activity in photocell arenas for 40 min, and three measures of motor behavior (distance traveled, rearing, and stereotypy) were recorded at 10-min intervals. A total of 24 h after the last preexposure session, all rats were given a challenge injection of either cocaine (10.0 mg/kg ip, Experiment 1) or apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg sc, Experiment 2) and tested for activity. Major findings were as follows: (a) 7-OH-DPAT treatments alone suppressed all measures of locomotor activity and did not affect subsequent behavioral sensitivity to either cocaine or apomorphine; (b) cocaine treatments acutely increased all measures of activity, and repeated treatments produced behavioral sensitization to the horizontal locomotor-activating effects of cocaine; (c) apomorphine treatments alone increased horizontal activity and stereotypy but completely abolished rearing behavior; (d) like cocaine, repeated treatments with apomorphine induced behavioral sensitization; (e) concurrent treatments of 7-OH-DPAT with cocaine acutely attenuated cocaine-induced increases in motor behavior but enhanced the development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine; and (f) concurrent 7-OH-DPAT treatments did not significantly affect either the acute or chronic effects of apomorphine. It is evident from these results that concurrent treatment with 7-OH-DPAT does not block the development of behavioral sensitization to either cocaine or apomorphine. Moreover, the differential acute and chronic effects of 7-OH-DPAT on cocaine- and apomorphine-induced hyperactivity appear to be mediated by dopamine autoreceptor stimulation.

Stimulus properties of 7-OH-DPAT versus auto- and postsynaptic receptor-specific doses of quinpirole

The five types of dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes have been grouped into two families, the D(1)-like (D(1) and D(5) receptors) and D(2)-like (D(2), D(3), and D(4) receptors). Experimental evidence indicates that D(2)-like receptors can be located either presynaptically, where they modulate the synthesis and release of DA, or postsynaptically. Controversy exists, however, over the precise location and role of the D(3) subtype of DA receptor. To investigate this issue, rats were trained using standard operant drug discrimination procedures to discriminate 0.10 mg/kg of the putatively D(3) receptor-preferring agonist R(+)-7-hydroxy-N,N,-di-n-propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) from saline. Patterns of generalization to D-amphetamine, AMPT, and SCH 23390 indicated a presynaptic action of 7-OH-DPAT, while apomorphine generalization patterns suggested a postsynaptic action; quinpirole generalization suggested both a pre- and postsynaptic action of 7-OH-DPAT. The ability of spiperone, eticlopride, SCH 23390, and UH 232 to partially antagonize the 7-OH-DPAT stimulus attests to its lack of receptor subtype specificity. These results suggest both pre- and postsynaptic actions of 7-OH-DPAT along with a lack of specificity of the various pharmacological compounds for the D(3) receptor.

7-OH-DPAT, unlike quinpirole, does not prime a yawning response in rats

Repeated treatment in ontogeny with the dopamine (DA) D(2)/D(3) receptor agonist quinpirole is associated with enhanced quinpirole-induced yawning and other behaviors such as vacuous chewing, vertical jumping, and antinociception. To determine if the reputedly DA D(3) agonist (+/-)-2-(dipropylamino)-7-hydroxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalene (7-OH-DPAT) would prime for yawning in a manner analogous to that for quinpirole, rats were treated for the first 11 days after birth with an equimolar dose of either quinpirole or 7-OH-DPAT (195.4 nmol/kg/day) and tested for agonist-induced yawning in adulthood. While enhanced quinpirole-induced and 7-OH-DPAT-induced yawning was observed in quinpirole-primed rats, acute treatments with quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT did not produce an enhanced yawing response in 7-OH-DPAT-"primed" rats. Our findings indicate that 7-OH-DPAT, unlike quinpirole, does not prime for quinpirole- or 7-OH-DPAT-induced yawning in rats.

Dopamine and 7-OH-DPAT may act on D(3) receptors to inhibit tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons

Whether the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons resided in the dorsomedial arcuate nucleus (dmARN) can respond to dopamine and a dopamine D(3) receptor agonist, 7-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT), was the focus of this study. In studies using extracellular single-unit recording of dmARN neurons in brain slices obtained from ovariectomized rats, dopamine and 7-OH-DPAT inhibited 60.1% (n = 141) and 80.9% (n = 47) of recorded dmARN neurons, respectively. Other dopamine D(1) or D(2) receptor agonists were not as effective. Intracerebroventricular injection of 7-OH-DPAT (10(-9) mol/3 microl) in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed rats significantly lowered the TIDA neuronal activity as determined by 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in the median eminence. Co-administration of a putative D(3) receptor antagonist, U-99194A, could prevent the effect of 7-OH-DPAT. Unilateral microinjection of 7-OH-DPAT or dopamine itself (10(-11)-10(-9) mol/0.2 microl) into the right dmARN exhibited the same inhibitory effect on TIDA neurons. In all, dopamine may act on D(3) receptors to exhibit an inhibitory effect on its own release from the TIDA neurons.

Reciprocal autoreceptor and heteroreceptor control of serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmission in the frontal cortex: relevance to the actions of antidepressant agents

The frontal cortex (FCX) plays a key role in processes that control mood, cognition and motor behaviour, functions which are compromised in depression, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. In this regard, there is considerable evidence that a perturbation of monoaminergic input to the FCX is involved in the pathogenesis of these states. Correspondingly, the modulation of monoaminergic transmission in the FCX and other corticolimbic structures plays an important role in the actions of antipsychotic and antidepressant agents. In order to further understand the significance of monoaminergic systems in psychiatric disorders and their treatment, it is essential to characterize mechanisms underlying their modulation. Within this framework, the present commentary focuses on our electrophysiological and dialysis analyses of the complex and reciprocal pattern of auto- and heteroreceptor mediated control of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission in the FCX. The delineation of such interactions provides a framework for an interpretation of the influence of diverse classes of antidepressant agent upon extracellular levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in FCX. Moreover, it also generates important insights into strategies for the potential improvement in the therapeutic profiles of antidepressant agents.

Pharmacological and molecular targets in the search for novel antipsychotics

The recent enthusiasm among clinicians for the so-called 'atypical antipsychotics' has both improved treatment for schizophrenic patients and provided a welcome stimulus for basic research on antipsychotic mechanisms. Even the newer drugs have shortcomings, and research is underway aimed at identifying novel agents with greater efficacy and safety. Much of this effort is directed towards compounds which, in addition to blocking dopamine receptors, also act on other neurotransmitter receptors such as 5-HT2, 5-HT1A and alpha2-adrenergic receptors. However, there is also a large amount of scientific activity seeking to discover and develop selective dopamine receptor subtype antagonists (including compounds which specifically block D3 or D4 receptors) or drugs that specifically target the dopamine autoreceptor. Finally, a number of drug development programmes are searching for non-dopaminergic antipsychotics. Drugs that do not have affinity for dopamine receptors but act through neurotensin, sigma or cannabinoid CB1 receptors or glutamatergic mechanisms are currently being evaluated. If any of these agents prove to have clinical efficacy this may lead to a third generation of antipsychotics. It is likely, however, that the mechanisms of action of such drugs will nevertheless imply the intimate involvement of dopaminergic pathways.

The D3 antagonist PNU-99194A potentiates the discriminative cue produced by the D3 agonist 7-OH-DPAT

Based on correlations between potencies of various dopamine D2/D3 agonists to substitute for the 7-OH-DPAT discriminative cue and their in vitro (mitogenesis test) potencies, it has been suggested that the 7-OH-DPAT cue is mediated by activity at the D3 subtype. We sought to verify that the 7-OH-DPAT cue could be blocked by PNU-99194A, a commercially available preferential D3 antagonist. Rats were trained (FR10 two-lever, food-reinforced schedule) to press one lever following 7-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) and the other lever following saline. Rats were then tested with various doses of 7-OH-DPAT alone or in combination with PNU-99194A. 7-OH-DPAT (0.003 to 0.3 mg/kg) engendered dose-dependent substitution; PNU-99194A (1 to 10 mg/kg) failed to antagonize the cue induced by 0.1 mg/kg of 7-OH-DPAT and, at 10 mg/kg, given in combination with 0.003 to 0.1 mg/kg of 7-OH-DPAT, PNU-99194A markedly shifted the 7-OH-DPAT dose-effect curve to the left, i.e., potentiated the 7-OH-DPAT cue. If PNU-99194A is a preferential D3 antagonist, the present data do not confirm the previous hypothesis that the 7-OH-DPAT cue is mediated by the D3 subtype.

Heterocyclic analogues of 2-aminotetralins with high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine D3 receptor

A novel series of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolines, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazoles and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazoles has been prepared, having high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine D3 receptor. The 4-methoxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazoline 6i and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole 8 proved to be agonists with among the highest D3 receptor affinities and selectivities reported to date.

Efficacy, safety, and tolerance of the non-ergoline dopamine agonist pramipexole in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised, multicentre study

OBJECTIVES

Pramipexole, a non-ergot dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist, was investigated as an add on drug in advanced parkinsonian patients with motor fluctuations to assess efficacy, safety, and tolerance.

METHODS

Seventy eight patients of either sex with advanced Parkinson's disease and treatment complications such as motor fluctuations were enrolled into a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised, multicentre study (phase II) and assigned to add on treatment with pramipexole (n=34) versus placebo (n=44) to a previously stabilised antiparkinsonian medication (7 week dose titration interval, 4 week maintenance period). The primary end point of efficacy was the change from baseline in the total score of the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) in the on "period" (2 hours after intake of study medication). Safety and tolerability were assessed on the basis of adverse events, vital signs, laboratory measurements, and ECG recordings.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement of the pramipexole group in UPDRS total scores, subscores part II, III (activities of daily living and motor examination), and IV (complications of therapy). Mean UPDRS total score decreased by 37.3% under pramipexole compared with 12.2% under placebo (p<0.001). Patients under pramipexole reported an overall reduction in "off" periods of 12%--resulting in 1.7 more hours "on" time a day--compared with an increase in "off" periods of 2% under placebo. There were no unexpected safety results. The adverse event profile disclosed a high tolerability. The most important adverse events under pramipexole were fatigue, dyskinesia, and vivid dreams.

CONCLUSION

Pramipexole administration is an efficacious and well tolerated add on therapy in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease with an improvement in activities of daily living, motor function, and treatment associated complications.

Functional roles of dopamine D2 and D3 autoreceptors on nigrostriatal neurons analyzed by antisense knockdown in vivo

Two different 19-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to the initial coding regions of dopamine D2 or D3 receptor mRNA were infused unilaterally into the substantia nigra of rats for 3-6 d to suppress synthesis of D2 and/or D3 receptors on substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, thereby producing specific reductions of D2 and/or D3 receptors. Autoradiographic receptor binding revealed that D2 and D3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides specifically and significantly reduced D2 or D3 binding in the ipsilateral substantia nigra, respectively, without affecting dopamine receptor binding in the neostriatum. Either D2 or D3 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides greatly attenuated the ability of apomorphine to inhibit dopaminergic neurons in vivo, an effect that was potentiated by simultaneous administration of D2 and D3 antisenses. Despite these effects, neither the rate nor the pattern of spontaneous activity of antisense-treated nigrostriatal neurons differed from those in the control groups. The proportion of antidromic responses consisting of full spikes from antisense-treated rats was significantly greater, and the mean antidromic threshold was significantly lower than in controls, indicating that autoreceptor knockdown increased both somatodendritic and terminal excitability. These data demonstrate that selective reduction of specific dopamine receptor subtypes by antisense infusion can be effected in vivo, and that nigrostriatal neurons express both D2 and D3 autoreceptors at their somatodendritic and axon terminal regions. Although the somatodendritic and terminal autoreceptors modulate dendritic and terminal excitability, respectively, the interaction of endogenously released dopamine with somatodendritic autoreceptors does not appear to exert a significant effect on spontaneous activity in anesthetized rats.

Effects of the D3 preferring dopamine agonist pramipexole on sleep and waking, locomotor activity and striatal dopamine release in rats

Quantitation of 2 h sessions after administration of the D3 preferring dopamine (DA) agonist pramipexole (10-500 microg/kg) showed dose-related effects on wakefulness (W), slow wave sleep (SWS) and REM sleep in rats. The 30 microg/kg dose of the DA agonist increased SWS and REM sleep and reduced W during the first recording hour, while the 500 microg/kg dose augmented W. On the other hand, W was increased while SWS and REMS were decreased after the 500 microg/kg dose during the second recording hour. The mixed D2- and D3 receptor antagonist YM-09151-2 (30-500 microg/kg), which per se affected sleep variables prevented the increase of REMS induced by pramipexole. Furthermore, the highest doses (500-1000 microg/kg) of the DA antagonist effectively antagonized the increase of W and reduction of SWS induced by the 500 microg/kg dose of the DA agonist. Pramipexole (30-100 microg/kg) induced a decrease of locomotor activity during the 2 h recording period. In addition, the 500 microg/kg dose gave rise to an initial reduction of motor behavior which was reverted 2 h later. Pramipexole (30 and 500 microg/kg) did not significantly affect striatal DA release during the first two hours following drug administration, as measured by microdialysis. It is tentatively suggested that D3 receptor could be involved in the pramipexole-induced increase of sleep and reduction of locomotor activity. On the other hand, the increase of W and of motor behavior after relatively high doses could be related to activation of postsynaptic D2 receptor.

Alterations in dopamine release but not dopamine autoreceptor function in dopamine D3 receptor mutant mice

Dopamine (DA) autoreceptors expressed along the somatodendritic extent of midbrain DA neurons modulate impulse activity, whereas those expressed at DA nerve terminals regulate both DA synthesis and release. Considerable evidence has indicated that these DA autoreceptors are of the D2 subtype of DA receptors. However, many pharmacological studies have suggested an autoreceptor role for the DA D3 receptor. This possibility was tested with mice lacking the D3 receptor as a result of gene targeting. The basal firing rates of DA neurons within both the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area were not different in D3 receptor mutant and wild-type mice. The putative D3 receptor-selective agonist R(+)-trans-3,4,4a, 10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-(1)benzopyrano(4,3-b)-1,4-oxazin+ ++-9-ol (PD 128907) was equipotent at inhibiting the activity of both populations of midbrain DA neurons in the two groups of mice. In the gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) model of DA autoreceptor function, mutant and wild-type mice were identical with respect to striatal DA synthesis and its suppression by PD 128907. In vivo microdialysis studies of DA release in ventral striatum revealed higher basal levels of extracellular DA in mutant mice but similar inhibitory effects of PD 128907 in mutant and wild-type mice. These results suggest that the effects of PD 128907 on dopamine cell function reflect stimulation of D2 as opposed to D3 receptors. Although D3 receptors do not seem to be significantly involved in DA autoreceptor function, they may participate in postsynaptically activated short-loop feedback modulation of DA release.