1
|
Islam MR, Markatos C, Pirmettis I, Papadopoulos M, Karageorgos V, Liapakis G, Fahmy H. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluations of Novel Thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) Receptor Antagonists as Potential Treatments for Stress Related Disorders and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). Molecules 2024; 29:3647. [PMID: 39125051 PMCID: PMC11314199 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neuropeptide hormone that is secreted from the hypothalamus. It is the master hormone of the HPA axis, which orchestrates the physiological and behavioral responses to stress. Many disorders, including anxiety, depression, addiction relapse, and others, are related to over-activation of this system. Thus, new molecules that may interfere with CRF receptor binding may be of value to treat neuropsychiatric stress-related disorders. Also, CRF1R antagonists have recently emerged as potential treatment options for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Previously, several series of CRF1 receptor antagonists were developed by our group. In continuation of our efforts in this direction, herein we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of CRF1R antagonists. Representative compounds were evaluated for their binding affinities compared to antalarmin. Four compounds (2, 5, 20, and 21) showed log IC50 values of -8.22, -7.95, -8.04, and -7.88, respectively, compared to -7.78 for antalarmin. This result indicates that these four compounds are superior to antalarmin by 2.5, 1.4, 1.7, and 1.25 times, respectively. It is worth mentioning that compound 2, in terms of IC50, is among the best CRF1R antagonists ever developed in the last 40 years. The in silico physicochemical properties of the lead compounds showed good drug-like properties. Thus, further research in this direction may lead to better and safer CRF receptor antagonists that may have clinical applications, particularly for stress-related disorders and the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| | - Christos Markatos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (C.M.); (V.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Ioannis Pirmettis
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece; (I.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Minas Papadopoulos
- Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences & Technology, Energy & Safety, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15310 Athens, Greece; (I.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Vlasios Karageorgos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (C.M.); (V.K.); (G.L.)
| | - George Liapakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece; (C.M.); (V.K.); (G.L.)
| | - Hesham Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Design, synthesis, structural optimization, SAR, in silico prediction of physicochemical properties and pharmacological evaluation of novel & potent thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonists. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 169:106084. [PMID: 34856350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a 41-amino-acid neuropeptide secreted from the hypothalamus and is the main regulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. CRF is the master hormone which modulates physiological and behavioral responses to stress. Many disorders including anxiety, depression, addictive disorders and others are related to over activation of the CRF system. This suggests that new molecules which can interfere with CRF binding to its receptors may be potential candidates for neuropsychiatric drugs to treat stress-related disorders. Previously, three series of pyrimidine and fused pyrimidine CRF1 receptor antagonists were synthesized by our group and specific binding assays, competitive binding studies and determination of the ability to antagonize the agonist-stimulated accumulation of cAMP (the second messenger for CRF receptors) were reported. In continuation of our efforts in this direction, in the current manuscript, we report the synthesis & biological evaluation of a new series of CRF1 receptor antagonists. Seven compounds showed promising binding affinity with the best two compounds (compounds 6 & 43) displaying a superior binding affinity to all of our previous compounds. Compounds 6 & 43 have only 4 times and 2 times less binding affinity than the standard CRF antagonist antalarmin, respectively. Thus, our two best lead compounds (compound 6 & 43) can be considered potent CRF receptor antagonists with binding affinity of 41.0 & 19.2 nM versus 9.7 nM for antalarmin.
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu X, Pan J, Li X, Cui Y, Mao Z, Wu B, Xu H, Zhou W, Liu Y. Inhibition of Methamphetamine Self-Administration and Reinstatement by Central Blockade of Angiotensin II Receptor in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 369:244-258. [PMID: 30867225 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.255729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism and treatment of methamphetamine (METH) use disorder remain unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the role of central angiotensin II receptor (ATR) in drug taking and seeking behavior associated with METH use disorder. The effect of an ATR type 1 (AT1R) antagonist, candesartan cilexetil, on the reinforcing and motivational effects of METH was first assessed using the animal model of METH self-administration (SA) and reinstatement. The levels of dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) and AT1R were subsequently examined. Furthermore, the present study determined the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) by comparing METH SA, METH-yoked, and Saline-yoked groups. The target miRNAs were further overexpressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) via a lentivirus vector to investigate the effects of target miRNAs on METH SA maintained under a fixed ratio 1, progressive ratio, and cue/drug reinstatement of METH SA. The potential role of the AT1R-PLCβ-CREB signaling pathway was finally investigated. The results suggest that AT1R blockade effectively reduced METH SA and reinstatement, in conjunction with the counter-regulation of D2R and AT1R. A total of 17 miRNAs targeting Ang II in NAc were found to be associated with the voluntary intake of METH. Furthermore, overexpression of specific miR-219a-5p targeting AT1R-regulated METH SA and reinstatement. The AT1R-PLCβ-CREB signaling pathway was found to be associated with the effect of AT1R on the drug-taking and drug-seeking behavior involving METH use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xu
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Jian Pan
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Xingxing Li
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Yan Cui
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Zijuan Mao
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Boliang Wu
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Huachong Xu
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| | - Yu Liu
- Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.X., J.P., Z.M., B.W., W.Z., Y.L.); Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (X.L.); Ningbo Public Security Bureau Ningbo Anti-drug Office, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (Y.C., H.X.); and Ningbo Addiction Research and Treatment Center, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China (W.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Neuropeptide signalling in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:93-101. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2862-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
5
|
Marchese NA, Paz MC, Caeiro X, Dadam FM, Baiardi G, Perez MF, Bregonzio C. Angiotensin II AT 1 receptors mediate neuronal sensitization and sustained blood pressure response induced by a single injection of amphetamine. Neuroscience 2016; 340:521-529. [PMID: 27856342 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A single exposure to amphetamine induces neurochemical sensitization in striatal areas. The neuropeptide angiotensin II, through AT1 receptors (AT1-R) activation, is involved in these responses. However, amphetamine-induced alterations can be extended to extra-striatal areas involved in blood pressure control and their physiological outcomes. Our aim for the present study was to analyze the possible role for AT1-R in these events using a two-injection protocol and to further characterize the proposed AT1-R antagonism protocol. Central effect of orally administered AT1-R blocker (Candesartan, 3mg/kg p.o.×5days) in male Wistar rats was analyzed by spontaneous activity of neurons within locus coeruleus. In another group of animals pretreated with the AT1-R blocker or vehicle, sensitization was achieved by a single administration of amphetamine (5mg/kg i.p. - day 6) followed by a 3-week period off drug. On day 27, after receiving an amphetamine challenge (0.5mg/kg i.p.), we evaluated: (1) the sensitized c-Fos expression in locus coeruleus (LC), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), caudal ventrolateral medulla (A1) and central amygdala (CeAmy); and (2) the blood pressure response. AT1-R blockade decreased LC neurons' spontaneous firing rate. Moreover, sensitized c-Fos immunoreactivity in TH+neurons was found in LC and NTS; and both responses were blunted by the AT1-R blocker pretreatment. Meanwhile, no differences were found neither in CeAmy nor A1. Sensitized blood pressure response was observed as sustained changes in mean arterial pressure and was effectively prevented by AT1-R blockade. Our results extend AT1-R role in amphetamine-induced sensitization over noradrenergic nuclei and their cardiovascular output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N A Marchese
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M C Paz
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - X Caeiro
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - F M Dadam
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - G Baiardi
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, (IIBYT-CONICET) Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M F Perez
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C Bregonzio
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to determine whether exposure to chronic mild stress (CMS) affects expression of angiotensin II Type 1a receptor (AT1aR) messenger RNA (mRNA) in the brain and kidney. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into an unchallenged control group, which remained at rest, and an experimental group, exposed to CMS produced by a series of unexpected, disturbing stimuli applied at random over a period of 4 weeks. After sacrificing the animals, samples of the septal/accumbal and hypothalamic/thalamic diencephalon, brain medulla, cerebellum, and the renal medulla were harvested for determination of AT1aR mRNA. RESULTS Expression of AT1a receptor mRNA was significantly greater in the rats in the CMS condition than in the controls (septal/accumbal diencephalon: 1.689 [0.205] versus 0.027 [0.004], hypothalamic/thalamic diencephalon: 1.239 [0.101] versus 0.003 [0.001], brain medulla: 2.694 [0.295] versus 0.028 [0.003], cerebellum: 0.013 [0.002] versus 0.005 [0.001; p < .001 for all comparisons], and renal medulla: 409.92 [46.92] versus 208.06 [30.56; p < .01]). There was a significant positive correlation between AT1a mRNA expression in the septal/accumbal diencephalon and brain medulla (p < .025). CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence that CMS significantly enhances expression of the AT1aR gene in the brain and kidney and indicate that changes in expression of AT1aR mRNA in different brain regions during CMS may be causally related. It is suggested that the up-regulation of AT1a receptors by chronic stress may potentiate negative effects of angiotensin II in pathologies associated with activation of the renin-angiotensin system.
Collapse
|
7
|
Casarsa BS, Marinzalda MÁ, Marchese NA, Paz MC, Vivas L, Baiardi G, Bregonzio C. A previous history of repeated amphetamine exposure modifies brain angiotensin II AT1 receptor functionality. Neuroscience 2015; 307:1-13. [PMID: 26299338 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Previous results from our laboratory showed that angiotensin II AT1 receptors (AT1-R) are involved in the neuroadaptative changes induced by amphetamine. The aim of the present work was to study functional and neurochemical responses to angiotensin II (ANG II) mediated by AT1-R activation in animals previously exposed to amphetamine. For this purpose male Wistar rats (250-320 g) were treated with amphetamine (2.5mg/kg/day intraperitoneal) or saline for 5 days and implanted with intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannulae. Seven days after the last amphetamine administration the animals received ANG II (400 pmol) i.c.v. One group was tested in a free choice paradigm for sodium (2% NaCl) and water intake and sacrificed for Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-IR) determinations. In a second group of rats, urine and plasma samples were collected for electrolytes and plasma renin activity determination and then they were sacrificed for Fos-IR determination in Oxytocinergic neurons (Fos-OT-IR). RESULTS Repeated amphetamine exposure (a) prevented the increase in sodium intake and Fos-IR cells in caudate-putamen and accumbens nucleus induced by ANG II i.c.v. (b) potentiated urinary sodium excretion and Fos-OT-IR in hypothalamus and (c) increased the inhibitory response in plasma renin activity, in response to ANG II i.c.v. Our results indicate a possible functional desensitisation of AT1-R in response to ANG II, induced by repeated amphetamine exposure. This functional AT1-R desensitisation allows to unmask the effects of ANG II i.c.v. mediated by oxytocin. We conclude that the long lasting changes in brain AT1-R functionality should be considered among the psychostimulant-induced neuroadaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Casarsa
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M Á Marinzalda
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - N A Marchese
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M C Paz
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - L Vivas
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - G Baiardi
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C Bregonzio
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hernandez ME, Hayward LF. Effect of DOCA/salt hypertension on CRF expression in the amygdala and the autonomic stress response in conscious rats. Auton Neurosci 2014; 185:83-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
9
|
Paz MC, Marchese NA, Stroppa MM, Gerez de Burgos NM, Imboden H, Baiardi G, Cancela LM, Bregonzio C. Involvement of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the neuroadaptive responses induced by amphetamine in a two-injection protocol. Behav Brain Res 2014; 272:314-23. [PMID: 25046593 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A single or repeated exposure to psychostimulants induces long-lasting neuroadaptative changes. Different neurotransmitter systems are involved in these responses including the neuropeptide angiotensin II. Our study tested the hypothesis that the neuroadaptative changes induced by amphetamine produce alterations in brain RAS components that are involved in the expression of the locomotor sensitization to the psychostimulant drug. Wistar male rats, pretreated with amphetamine were used 7 or 21 days later to study AT1 receptors by immunohistochemistry and western blot and also angiotensinogen mRNA and protein in caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. A second group of animals was used to explore the possible role of Ang II AT1 receptors in the expression of behavioral sensitization. In these animals treated in the same way, bearing intra-cerebral cannula, the locomotor activity was tested 21 days later, after an amphetamine challenge injection and the animals received an AT1 blocker, losartan, or saline 5min before the amphetamine challenge. An increase of AT1 receptor density induced by amphetamine was found in both studied areas and a decrease in angiotensinogen mRNA and protein only in CPu at 21 days after treatment; meanwhile, no changes were established in NAcc. Finally, the increased locomotor activity induced by amphetamine challenge was blunted by losartan administration in CPu. No differences were detected in the behavioral sensitization when the AT1 blocker was injected in NAcc. Our results support the hypothesis of a key role of brain RAS in the neuroadaptative changes induced by amphetamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Constanza Paz
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Argentina
| | - Natalia Andrea Marchese
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Argentina
| | - Maria Mercedes Stroppa
- Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNC, Argentina
| | | | - Hans Imboden
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gustavo Baiardi
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIBYT- CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Católica de Córdoba
| | - Liliana Marina Cancela
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Argentina
| | - Claudia Bregonzio
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fear-potentiated behaviour is modulated by central amygdala angiotensin II AT1 receptors stimulation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:183248. [PMID: 25003108 PMCID: PMC4070540 DOI: 10.1155/2014/183248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is one of the most important regulatory centres for the emotional processes. Among the different neurotransmitter systems present in this nucleus, AT1 receptors have been also found, but their role in the generation and modulation of emotions is not fully understood. The present work evaluated the effect of intra-amygdalar injection of losartan (AT1 receptor antagonist) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in the anxiety state induced by fear-potentiated plus maze in male Wistar rats. Fear in the elevated plus maze can be potentiated by prior inescapable footshock stress. The decrease in the time spent in the open arms induced by the inescapable footshock was totally prevented by losartan (4 pmol) administration in CeA. It was also found that Ang II (48 fmol) administration decreased the time spent in the open arms in animals with or without previous footshock exposure. The locomotor activity and grooming behaviour were also evaluated. The results obtained from the different parameters analyzed allowed us to conclude that the Ang II AT1 receptors in CeA are involved in the anxiety state induced by stress in the fear-potentiated plus-maze behaviour.
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao Z, Kim YW, Wu Y, Zhang J, Lee JH, Li X, Cho IJ, Park SM, Jung DH, Yang CH, Kim SC, Zhao R. Korean Red Ginseng attenuates anxiety-like behavior during ethanol withdrawal in rats. J Ginseng Res 2014; 38:256-63. [PMID: 25379005 PMCID: PMC4213848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2014.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is known to have antianxiety properties. This study was conducted to investigate the anxiolytic effects of KRG extract (KRGE) during ethanol withdrawal (EW) and the involvement of the mesoamygdaloid dopamine (DA) system in it. METHODS Rats were treated with 3 g/kg/d of ethanol for 28 d, and subjected to 3 d of withdrawal. During EW, KRGE (20 mg/kg/d or 60 mg/kg/d, p.o.) was given to rats once/d for 3 d. Thirty min after the final dose of KRGE, anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in an elevated plus maze (EPM), and plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were determined by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). In addition, concentrations of DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) were also measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS The EPM test and RIA revealed KRGE inhibited anxiety-like behavior and the over secretion of plasma CORT during EW. Furthermore, the behavioral effect was blocked by a selective DA D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist (eticlopride) but not by a selective DA D1 receptor (D1R) antagonist (SCH23390). HPLC analyses showed KRGE reversed EW-induced decreases of DA and DOPAC in a dose-dependent way. Additionally, Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays showed that KRGE prevented the EW-induced reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression in the CeA and TH mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). CONCLUSION These results suggest that KRGE has anxiolytic effects during EW by improving the mesoamygdaloid DA system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ZhengLin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China ; Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Young Woo Kim
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - YiYan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Ju-Hee Lee
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - XiaoHua Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Il Je Cho
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang Mi Park
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dae Hwa Jung
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sang Chan Kim
- Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| | - RongJie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China ; Medical Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kuppast B, Spyridaki K, Liapakis G, Fahmy H. Synthesis of substituted pyrimidines as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor ligands. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 78:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
13
|
Wang HS, Han JS. Research progress on combat trauma treatment in cold regions. Mil Med Res 2014; 1:8. [PMID: 25722866 PMCID: PMC4340833 DOI: 10.1186/2054-9369-1-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold regions are a special combat environment in which low temperatures have a great impact on human metabolism and other vital functions, including the nervous, motion, cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, and urinary systems; consequently, low temperatures often aggravate existing trauma, leading to high mortality rates if rapid and appropriate treatment is not provided. Hypothermia is an independent risk factor of fatality following combat trauma; therefore, proactive preventative measures are needed to reduce the rate of mortality. After summarizing the basic research on battlefield environments and progress in the prevention and treatment of trauma, this article concludes that current treatment and prevention measures for combat trauma in cold regions are inadequate. Future molecular biology studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms and relevant cell factors underlying bodily injury caused by cold environment, a research goal will also allow further exploration of corresponding treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Shan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Command, Shenyang, 110016 China
| | - Jin-Song Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Command, Shenyang, 110016 China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Visniauskas B, Perry JC, Oliveira V, Dalio FM, Andersen ML, Tufik S, Chagas JR. Cocaine administration increases angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) expression and activity in the rat striatum and frontal cortex. Neurosci Lett 2011; 506:84-8. [PMID: 22056483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Some central effects of cocaine administration seem to be related to angiotensin II (Ang II) or its metabolites. Nonetheless, it is still an open question whether or not the levels of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), the main Ang II generating enzyme, are modified by cocaine administration. To evaluate the effect of acute and subchronic cocaine administration on ACE activity and mRNA expression, male rats were randomly assigned to saline or cocaine group. Acute and subchronic cocaine administration induced a significant increase in ACE activity and mRNA expression in the frontal cortex and striatum but not in the hippocampus. These results suggest that some of the Ang II related effects of cocaine upon the central nervous system can be mediated by changes on the expression and activity of ACE in the striatum and frontal cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Visniauskas
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 925, 04024-002, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Porter K, Hayward LF. Stress-induced changes in c-Fos and corticotropin releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the amygdala of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Behav Brain Res 2011; 216:543-51. [PMID: 20832430 PMCID: PMC2981617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that dysregulation of the amygdala contributes to the exaggerated autonomic response to stress in an animal model of essential hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar male rats were chronically instrumented and exposed to 20 min of either air jet stress (AJS) or air noise alone (CON). AJS induced a significant increase in both heart rate and arterial pressure that was greater in the SHR. AJS induced a significant increase in c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) throughout the caudal-rostral extent of the basolateral, medial, and central (CEA) subnuclei of the amygdala. Differences in FLI between strains were localized to the rostral CEA and the SHR expressed significantly less FLI. AJS also induced a significant increase in the number of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) positive neurons in the CEA. Differences between strains were localized to the caudal CEA and the number of CRH-positive cells was significantly greater in the SHR. The stress-induced increase in CRH labeling in caudal CEA of the SHR was coupled to a greater increase in FLI in the rostral locus coeruleus (LC) of the SHR versus the Wistar. AJS also induced significant increases in FLI in several hypothalamus subnuclei, but no strain-related differences were identified. These results suggest for the first time that dysregulation of CRH-positive cells in the caudal CEA and reduced excitation and/or exaggerated inhibition of rostral CEA neurons may contribute to the exaggerated cardiovascular response to stress in the SHR, possibly through descending modulation of the rostral LC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Porter
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|