Anticonvulsant effects of U-54494A and U-50488H in genetically epilepsy-prone rats and DBA/2 mice: a possible involvement of glycine/NMDA receptor complex

Genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs) and DBA/2 mice: Two animal models of audiogenic reflex epilepsy for the evaluation of new generation AEDs

This review summarizes the current knowledge about DBA/2 mice and genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs) and discusses the contribution of such animal models on the investigation of possible new therapeutic targets and new anticonvulsant compounds for the treatment of epilepsy. Also, possible chemical or physical agents acting as proconvulsant agents are described. Abnormal activities of enzymes involved in catecholamine and serotonin synthesis and metabolism were reported in these models, and as a result of all these abnormalities, seizure susceptibility in both animals is greatly affected by pharmacological manipulations of the brain levels of monoamines and, prevalently, serotonin. In addition, both genetic epileptic models permit the evaluation of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions among several drugs measuring plasma and/or brain level of each compound. Audiogenic models of epilepsy have been used not only for reflex epilepsy studies, but also as animal models of epileptogenesis. The seizure predisposition (epileptiform response to sound stimulation) and substantial characterization of behavioral, cellular, and molecular alterations in both acute and chronic (kindling) protocols potentiate the usefulness of these models in elucidating ictogenesis, epileptogenesis, and their mechanisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".

D-Serine in neurobiology: CNS neurotransmission and neuromodulation

Homochirality is fundamental for life. L-Amino acids are exclusively used as substrates for the polymerization and formation of peptides and proteins in living systems. However, D- amino acids were recently detected in various living organisms, including mammals. Of these D-amino acids, D-serine has been most extensively studied. D-Serine was found to play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system (CNS) by binding to the N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr). D-Serine binds with high affinity to a co-agonist site at the NMDAr and, along with glutamate, mediates several vital physiological and pathological processes, including NMDAr transmission, synaptic plasticity and neurotoxicity. Therefore, a key role for D-serine as a determinant of NMDAr mediated neurotransmission in mammalian CNS has been suggested. In this context, we review the known functions of D-serine in human physiology, such as CNS development, and pathology, such as neuro-psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases related to NMDAr dysfunction.

D-serine: the right or wrong isoform?

Only recently, d-amino acids have been identified in mammals. Of these, d-serine has been most extensively studied. d-Serine was found to play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system (CNS) by binding to the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr), similar to glycine. Therefore, d-serine may well play a role in all physiological and pathological processes in which NMDArs have been implied. In this review, we discuss the findings implying an important role for d-serine in human physiology (CNS development and memory and learning) and pathology (excitotoxicity, perinatal asphyxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). We will debate on the relative contribution of d-serine versus glycine and conclude with clinical applications derived from these results and future directions to progress in this field. In general, adequate concentrations of d-serine are required for normal CNS development and function, while both decreased and increased concentrations can lead to CNS pathology. Therefore, d-serine appears to be the right isoform when present in the right concentrations.

30 years of dynorphins--new insights on their functions in neuropsychiatric diseases

Since the first description of their opioid properties three decades ago, dynorphins have increasingly been thought to play a regulatory role in numerous functional pathways of the brain. Dynorphins are members of the opioid peptide family and preferentially bind to kappa opioid receptors. In line with their localization in the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, striatum and spinal cord, their functions are related to learning and memory, emotional control, stress response and pain. Pathophysiological mechanisms that may involve dynorphins/kappa opioid receptors include epilepsy, addiction, depression and schizophrenia. Most of these functions were proposed in the 1980s and 1990s following histochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological experiments using kappa receptor-specific or general opioid receptor agonists and antagonists in animal models. However, at that time, we had little information on the functional relevance of endogenous dynorphins. This was mainly due to the complexity of the opioid system. Besides actions of peptides from all three classical opioid precursors (proenkephalin, prodynorphin, proopiomelanocortin) on the three classical opioid receptors (delta, mu and kappa), dynorphins were also shown to exert non-opioid effects mainly through direct effects on NMDA receptors. Moreover, discrepancies between the distribution of opioid receptor binding sites and dynorphin immunoreactivity contributed to the difficulties in interpretation. In recent years, the generation of prodynorphin- and opioid receptor-deficient mice has provided the tools to investigate open questions on network effects of endogenous dynorphins. This article examines the physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological implications of dynorphins in the light of new insights in part obtained from genetically modified animals.

Effect of GNTI, a kappa opioid receptor antagonist, on MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion and stereotypy in mice

AIM

To examine the effect of GNTI [5'-guanidinyl-17-(cyclopropylmethyl)-6,7- dehydro-4,5alpha-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-6,7-2',3'-indolomorphinan], a selective antagonist for the kappa opioid receptor, in the MK-801 (dizocilpine maleate)-induced behavioral model of psychosis in schizophrenia as a way to explore the involvement of the kappa opioid receptor in modulating psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.

METHODS

Two doses of MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg) were administered by systemic injection in mice to induce psychosis-like behavior as a rodent schizophrenia model, preceded by an injection of different doses of GNTI. Both locomotion and stereotypy were measured as the behavioral endpoints for quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

GNTI inhibited MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion and stereotypy. In particular, GNTI showed differential modulation of stereotypy induced by 0.3 mg/kg vs 0.6 mg/kg MK-801.

CONCLUSION

Antagonism of kappa opioid receptors attenuates MK-801-induced behavior, suggesting a potential involvement of the kappa opioid receptor in psychosis-like symptoms of schizophrenia. GNTI appears to be a useful pharmacological tool to explore the kappa opioid receptor function in vivo.

On the mechanism of anticonvulsant effect of tramadol in mice

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of tramadol, an atypical opioid on convulsive behaviour in maximal electroshock (MES) seizure test on mice. Moreover, an attempt was also made to investigate the role of possible receptor mechanisms involved. MES seizures were induced via transauricular electrodes (60 mA, 0.2 sec). Seizure severity was determined by (1) the duration of tonic hindlimb extensor (THE) phase and by (2) mortality due to electroconvulsions. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of tramadol dose-dependently (10-50 mg/kg) decreased the duration of THE phase of MES. The anticonvulsant effect of tramadol was antagonized by the opioid antagonists, naloxone in high dose, and MR2266, a selective kappa antagonist but not by naltrindole, a delta opioid antagonist. Coadministration of either gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic drugs (diazepam, GABA, muscimol and baclofen) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK801 with tramadol augmented the anticonvulsant effect of the latter drug. By contrast, flumazenil, a central benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor antagonist, counteracted the diazepam-induced facilitation of anti-MES effect of tramadol. Similarly, delta-aminovaleric acid (DAVA), a GABAB receptor antagonist, abolished the facilitatory effect of baclofen, a GABAB agonist on anti-MES action of tramadol. These BZD-GABAergic antagonists, flumazenil or DAVA, on their own also antagonized the anti-MES effect of tramadol administered alone. No significant effect on mortality was observed in any of the studied groups. Taken together, the current results have demonstrated a possible role for multitude of important neurotransmitter systems, i.e., opioid (kappa), GABAA-BZD receptors system, GABAB receptors and NMDA channel involvement in the antielectroshock effect of tramadol in mice.

D-amino acids in the central nervous system in health and disease

Recent evidence has shown that d-amino acids are present in animals and humans in high concentrations and fulfill specific biological functions. In the central nervous system, two d-amino acids, d-serine and d-aspartate, occur in considerable concentrations. d-Serine is synthesized and metabolized endogenously and the same might account for d-aspartate. d-Serine has been studied most extensively and was shown to play a role in excitatory amino acid metabolism, being a co-agonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Insight into d-serine metabolism is relevant for physiological NMDA receptor (NMDAr) activation and for all the disorders associated with an altered function of the NMDAr, such as schizophrenia, ischemia, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders. d-Aspartate appears to play a role in development and endocrine function, but the precise function of d-aspartate and other d-amino acids in animals and humans requires further investigation. As d-amino acids play biological roles, alterations in the concentrations of d-amino acids might occur in some disorders and relate to the pathogenesis of these disorders. d-Amino acid concentrations may then not only help in the diagnostic process, but also provide novel therapeutic targets. Consequently, the presence and important roles of d-amino acids in higher organisms do not only challenge former theories on mammalian physiology, but also contribute to exciting new insights in human disease.

[(11)C]-GR89696, a potent kappa opiate receptor radioligand; in vivo binding of the R and S enantiomers

The R and S enantiomers of [(11)C]GR89696, [(11)C]-methyl 4-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-3-[(1-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylate, were synthesized from their appropriate chiral precursors and [(11)C]methyl chloroformate. The [(11)C]-labeled R enantiomer of GR89696, also known as GR103545, demonstrated high affinity in mouse brain with region to cerebellar ratios at 90 minutes of 11.4 and 8.7 for the hypothalamus and olfactory tubercle, respectively. The [(11)C]-labeled S enantiomer showed low affinity and region to cerebellar ratios of 1 for all brain regions. The [(11)C]-labeled GR103545 exhibited a selective and saturable binding for the kappa opioid receptor.

NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors are involved in the anticonvulsant activity of riluzole in DBA/2 mice

The anticonvulsant activity of riluzole against sound-induced seizures was studied in the DBA/2 mouse model. Riluzole (0.1-4 mg kg(-1), intraperitoneal (i.p.)) produced dose-dependent effects with ED(50) values for the suppression of tonic, clonic and wild running phases of 0.72, 1.38 and 2.71 mg kg(-1), respectively. Riluzole also protected DBA/2 mice from seizures induced by an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) with ED(50) values of 3.03 and 5.0 mg kg(-1) for tonus and clonus, respectively. Pretreatment with glycine, an agonist to the glycine/NMDA receptors, shifted the dose-response effect of riluzole to the right (ED(50)=6.53 against tonus and 9.34 mg kg(-1) vs. clonus). Similarly, D-serine, an agonist at the glycine site, shifted the ED(50) of riluzole against the tonic component of audiogenic seizures from 0.72 to 1.97, and that against clonus from 1.38 to 2.77 mg kg(-1). Riluzole was also potent to prevent seizures induced by administration of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), an AMPA/kainate receptor agonist (ED(50)=1.80 and 3.35 mg kg(-1), against tonus and clonus, respectively). Pretreatment with aniracetam, a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA/kainate receptors, shifted the dose-response curve of riluzole to the right (ED(50)=1.78 against tonus and 2.58 mg kg(-1) vs. clonus). The data indicate that riluzole is an effective anticonvulsant drug in the genetic model of seizure-prone DBA/2 mice. Our findings suggest that the anticonvulsant properties of riluzole depend upon its interaction with neurotransmission mediated by both the glycine/NMDA and the AMPA/kainate receptor complex.

[11C]-methyl 4-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-3-[(1-pyrrolidinyl)-methyl]-1- piperazinecarboxylate ([11C]GR89696): synthesis and in vivo binding to kappa opiate receptors

GR89696, racemic methyl 4-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)acetyl]-3-[(1-pyrrolidinyl) methyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylate, a kappa opioid receptor ligand, was labeled with [11C]methyl chloroformate. The radiochemical yield was 20% with an observed specific radioactivity of 75.5 GBq/micromol at end of synthesis (2,040 mCi/micromol). Five minutes after intravenous administration, 5.4% of the injected dose accumulated in mouse whole brain. Brain region to cerebellar ratios increased over time with ratios at 90 min of 7.8, 5.6, and 4.5 for the hypothalamus, olfactory tubercle, and striatum, respectively. The uptake of [11C]GR89696 correlated with known kappa opioid receptor densities and was inhibited by kappa opioid selective drugs.

Anticonvulsant activity and plasma level of 2,3-benzodiazepin-4-ones (CFMs) in genetically epilepsy-prone rats

Anticonvulsant properties of some 2,3-benzodiazepine derivatives acting as alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) antagonists have been examined in vivo in the genetically epilepsy-prone rats using an audiogenic seizures assay. 2,3-Benzodiazepin-4-ones (CFMs) are nonselective AMPA antagonists that have been found to be potent anticonvulsant compound is in acute models of epilepsy. Because very little is known about their actions in a chronic model of epilepsy, and no correlations exist between anticonvulsant potency and plasma levels of these derivatives, we planned to investigate such a relationship. Maximal anticonvulsant protection occurred 15-60 min after the IP administration of GYKI 52466, 30-90 min after CFM-2, and 45-120 min after CFM-3. In addition, maximal anticonvulsant effect was observed 60-120 min after the IP administration of CFM-4 and at 90 min after CFM-5. The therapeutic index revealed that GYKI 52466 was slightly more toxic than CFM-2 and CFM-3. The time course of plasma levels of rats treated showed that peak plasma concentration was observed 45 min after IP administration of CFM-2 and CFM-3 and 75 min after CFM-4 and CFM-5. Following IP administration of CFM-3 two curves were detected, one is referred to the injected compound, and the other to its demethylated metabolite, which corresponds to CFM-2. Also. for the nitroderivative CFM-4 two curves were detected: one of an injected compound and the second due to its reduced metabolite (CFM-2). Finally, three different metabolites were detected in rat plasma after IP administration of CFM-5. The present study demonstrated that CFMs showed a significant protection against auditory stimulation during the period of peak plasma concentrations, suggesting a marked inhibition of those brain structures involved in the initiation and/or spreading of the audiogenic seizures.

Effects of enadoline on the development of pentylenetetrazol kindling, learning performance, and hippocampal morphology

Opioids are involved in the development of epileptic seizures. Recently, interest has been focused on the role of the kappa-opioid receptor agonists as novel approaches to the treatment of epilepsy. In the present study we investigated the effects of the kappa-opioid receptor agonist enadoline (Ena) on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced seizures, PTZ kindling, shuttle-box performance and hippocampal neuromorphology. Ena injected i.c.v. in doses of 1 and 10 nmol did not affect acute PTZ seizures. In the course of PTZ kindling development, co-treatment (1 nmol) with the kappa-opioid receptor agonist suppressed seizure strength. Eight days after kindling completion the animals received a challenge dose of PTZ. In reaction to challenge, kindled animals which were pretreated with Ena reached significantly lower seizure scores. Kindling resulted in diminished shuttle-box performance. Learning performance in kindled animals pretreated with Ena was not normalised. Kindling resulted in increased glutamate binding. Interestingly, in comparison with the saline/saline group, neither in the Ena/saline nor in the Ena/PTZ treated groups changes in glutamate binding were found. That means that Ena prevented the increase in glutamate binding in the kindled group. In kindled animals significant cell loss in CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus was found and this was efficaciously counteracted by Ena. However, Ena alone did induce similar cell loss compared to kindled animals. It is hypothesised that the effects of enadoline are mainly due to interferences with glutamatergic systems.

Free D-aspartate and D-serine in the mammalian brain and periphery

It has long been assumed that L-forms of amino acids exclusively constitute free amino acid pools in mammals. However, a variety of studies in the last decade has demonstrated that free D-aspartate and D-serine occur in mammals and may have important physiological function in mammals. Free D-serine is confined predominantly to the forebrain structure, and the distribution and development of D-serine correspond well with those of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type excitatory amino acid receptor. As D-serine acts as a potent and selective agonist for the strychnine-insensitive glycine site of the NMDA receptor, it is proposed that D-serine is a potential candidate for an NMDA receptor-related glycine site agonist in mammalian brain. In contrast, widespread and transient emergence of a high concentration of free D-aspartate is observed in the brain and periphery. Since the periods of maximal emergence of D-aspartate in the brain and periphery occur during critical periods of morphological and functional maturation of the organs, D-aspartate could participate in the regulation of these regulation of these developmental processes of the organs. This review deals with the recent advances in the studies of presence of free D-aspartate and D-serine and their metabolic systems in mammals. Since D-aspartate and D-serine have been shown to potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated transmission through the glutamate binding site and the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site, respectively, and have been utilized extensively as potent and selective tools to study the excitatory amino acid system in the brain, we shall discuss also the NMDA receptor and uptake system of D-amino acids.

Dynorphin and epilepsy

Studies on dynorphin involvement in epilepsy are summarised in this review. Electrophysiological, biochemical and pharmacological data support the hypothesis that dynorphin is implicated in specific types of seizures. There is clear evidence that this is true for complex partial (limbic) seizures, i.e. those characteristic of temporal lobe epilepsy, because; (1) dynorphin is highly expressed in various parts of the limbic system, and particularly in the granule cells of the hippocampus; (2) dynorphin appears to be released in the hippocampus (and in other brain areas) during complex partial seizures; (3) released dynorphin inhibits excitatory neurotransmission at multiple synapses in the hippocampus via activation of kappa opioid receptors; (4) kappa opioid receptor agonists are highly effective against limbic seizures. Data on generalised tonic-clonic seizures are less straightforward. Dynorphin release appears to occur after ECS seizures and kappa agonists exert a clear anticonvulsant effect in this model. However, more uncertain biochemical data and lack of efficacy of kappa agonists in other generalised tonic-clonic seizure models argue that the involvement of dynorphin in this seizure type may not be paramount. Finally, an involvement of dynorphin in generalised absence seizures appears unlikely on the basis of available data. This may not be surprising, given the presumed origin of absence seizures in alterations of the thalamo-cortical circuit and the low representation of dynorphin in the thalamus. In conclusion, it may be suggested that dynorphin plays a role as an endogenous anticonvulsant in complex partial seizures and in some cases of tonic-clonic seizures, but most likely not in generalised absence. This pattern of effects may coincide with the antiseizure spectrum of selective kappa agonists.

Excitatory amino acid neurotransmission through both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors is involved in the anticonvulsant activity of felbamate in DBA/2 mice

The anticonvulsant activity of felbamate against sound-induced seizures was studied in the DBA/2 mouse model. Felbamate (10-300 mg/kg, i.p.) produced dose-dependent effects with ED50 values for the suppression of tonic, clonic and wild running phases of 23.1, 48.8 and 114.6 mg/kg, respectively. Felbamate also protected DBA/2 mice from N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced seizures with ED50 values of 12.1 and 29 mg/kg for tonus and clonus, respectively. Pretreatment with glycine, an agonist to the glycine/NMDA receptors, shifted the dose-response effect of felbamate to the right (ED50 = 56.8 against tonus and 94.8 mg/kg versus clonus). Similarly, D-serine, an agonist at the glycine site, shifted the ED50 of felbamate against the tonic component of audiogenic seizures from 23.1 to 78.1, and that against clonus from 48.8 to 90.3 mg/kg. Felbamate was also potent to prevent seizures induced by administration of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), an AMPA/kainate receptor agonist (ED50 = 11.8 and 20.9 mg/kg, against tonus and clonus, respectively). The data indicate that felbamate is an effective anticonvulsant drug in the genetic model of seizure-prone DBA/2 mice. Our findings suggest that the anticonvulsant properties of felbamate depend upon its interaction with neurotransmission mediated by both the glycine/NMDA and the AMPA/kainate receptor complex.