NGB 2904 and NGB 2849: two highly selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonists

Dopamine Receptor Ligand Selectivity-An In Silico/In Vitro Insight

Different dopamine receptor (DR) subtypes are involved in pathophysiological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), schizophrenia and depression. While many DR-targeting drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only a very small number are truly selective for one of the DR subtypes. Additionally, most of them show promiscuous activity at related G-protein coupled receptors, thus suffering from diverse side-effect profiles. Multiple studies have shown that combined in silico/in vitro approaches are a valuable contribution to drug discovery processes. They can also be applied to divulge the mechanisms behind ligand selectivity. In this study, novel DR ligands were investigated in vitro to assess binding affinities at different DR subtypes. Thus, nine D2R/D3R-selective ligands (micro- to nanomolar binding affinities, D3R-selective profile) were successfully identified. The most promising ligand exerted nanomolar D3R activity (Ki = 2.3 nM) with 263.7-fold D2R/D3R selectivity. Subsequently, ligand selectivity was rationalized in silico based on ligand interaction with a secondary binding pocket, supporting the selectivity data determined in vitro. The developed workflow and identified ligands could aid in the further understanding of the structural motifs responsible for DR subtype selectivity, thus benefitting drug development in D2R/D3R-associated pathologies such as PD.

Design and Synthesis of Conformationally Flexible Scaffold as Bitopic Ligands for Potent D3-Selective Antagonists

Previous studies have confirmed that the binding of D₃ receptor antagonists is competitively inhibited by endogenous dopamine despite excellent binding affinity for D₃ receptors. This result urges the development of an alternative scaffold that is capable of competing with dopamine for binding to the D₃ receptor. Herein, an SAR study was conducted on metoclopramide that incorporated a flexible scaffold for interaction with the secondary binding site of the D₃ receptor. The alteration of benzamide substituents and secondary binding fragments with aryl carboxamides resulted in excellent D₃ receptor affinities (Ki = 0.8-13.2 nM) with subtype selectivity to the D₂ receptor ranging from 22- to 180-fold. The β-arrestin recruitment assay revealed that 21c with 4-(pyridine-4-yl)benzamide can compete well against dopamine with the highest potency (IC₅₀ = 1.3 nM). Computational studies demonstrated that the high potency of 21c and its analogs was the result of interactions with the secondary binding site of the D₃ receptor. These compounds also displayed minimal effects for other GPCRs except moderate affinity for 5-HT₃ receptors and TSPO. The results of this study revealed that a new class of selective D₃ receptor antagonists should be useful in behavioral pharmacology studies and as lead compounds for PET radiotracer development.

Approach to the specificity and selectivity between D2 and D3 receptors by mutagenesis and binding experiments part I: Expression and characterization of D2 and D3 receptor mutants

D3/D2 sub-specificity is a complex problem to solve. Indeed, in the absence of easy structural biology of the G-protein coupled receptors, and despite key progresses in this area, the systematic knowledge of the ligand/receptor relationship is difficult to obtain. Due to these structural biology limitations concerning membrane proteins, we favored the use of directed mutagenesis to document a rational towards the discovery of markedly specific D3 ligands over D2 ligands together with basic binding experiments. Using our methodology of stable expression of receptors in HEK cells, we constructed the gene encoding for 24 mutants and 4 chimeras of either D2 or D3 receptors and expressed them stably. Those cell lines, expressing a single copy of one receptor mutant each, were stably constructed, selected, amplified and the membranes from them were prepared. Binding data at those receptors were obtained using standard binding conditions for D2 and D3 dopamine receptors. We generated 26 new molecules derived from D2 or D3 ligands. Using 8 reference compounds and those 26 molecules, we characterized their binding at those mutants and chimeras, exemplifying an approach to better understand the difference at the molecular level of the D2 and D3 receptors. Although all the individual results are presented and could be used for minute analyses, the present report does not discuss the differences between D2 and D3 data. It simply shows the feasibility of the approach and its potential.

Neurobiological and Pharmacological Perspectives of D3 Receptors in Parkinson’s Disease

The discovery of the D3 receptor (D3R) subtypes of dopamine (DA) has generated an understandable increase in interest in the field of neurological diseases, especially Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, although DA replacement therapy with l-DOPA has provided an effective treatment for patients with PD, it is responsible for invalidating abnormal involuntary movements, known as L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia, which constitutes a serious limitation of the use of this therapy. Of particular interest is the finding that chronic l-DOPA treatment can trigger the expression of D1R–D3R heteromeric interactions in the dorsal striatum. The D3R is expressed in various tissues of the central nervous system, including the striatum. Compelling research has focused on striatal D3Rs in the context of PD and motor side effects, including dyskinesia, occurring with DA replacement therapy. Therefore, this review will briefly describe the basal ganglia (BG) and the DA transmission within these brain regions, before going into more detail with regard to the role of D3Rs in PD and their participation in the current treatments. Numerous studies have also highlighted specific interactions between D1Rs and D3Rs that could promote dyskinesia. Finally, this review will also address the possibility that D3Rs located outside of the BG may mediate some of the effects of DA replacement therapy.

Dopamine D3 receptor-based medication development for the treatment of opioid use disorder: Rationale, progress, and challenges

Opioid abuse and related overdose deaths continue to rise in the United States, contributing to the current national opioid crisis. Although several opioid-based pharmacotherapies are available (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, naloxone), they show limited effectiveness in long-term relapse prevention. In response to the opioid crisis, the National Institute on Drug Abuse proposed a list of pharmacological targets of highest priority for medication development for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD). Among these are antagonists of dopamine D3 receptors (D3R). In this review, we first review recent progress in research of the dopamine hypothesis of opioid reward and abuse and then describe the rationale and recent development of D3R ligands for the treatment of OUD. Herein, an emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of newly developed D3R antagonists in the animal models of OUD. These new drug candidates may also potentiate the analgesic effects of clinically used opioids, making them attractive as adjunctive medications for pain management and treatment of OUD.

2016 Philip S. Portoghese Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship: Designing Bivalent or Bitopic Molecules for G-Protein Coupled Receptors. The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

The genesis of designing bivalent or bitopic molecules that engender unique pharmacological properties began with Portoghese's work directed toward opioid receptors, in the early 1980s. This strategy has evolved as an attractive way to engineer highly selective compounds for targeted G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with optimized efficacies and/or signaling bias. The emergence of X-ray crystal structures of many GPCRs and the identification of both orthosteric and allosteric binding sites have provided further guidance to ligand drug design that includes a primary pharmacophore (PP), a secondary pharmacophore (SP), and a linker between them. It is critical to note the synergistic relationship among all three of these components as they contribute to the overall interaction of these molecules with their receptor proteins and that strategically designed combinations have and will continue to provide the GPCR molecular tools of the future.

Selectivity of probes for PET imaging of dopamine D3 receptors

Dopamine D3 receptors have key roles in behavioral reward, addiction, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia, and there is interest in studying their role in these disorders using PET. However, current PET radiotracers for studying D3 receptors in humans all bind to both D2 and D3 due to similarities between the two receptors. Selective D2 and D3 radioligands would aid investigation of the differences between D2 and D3 circuitry in the central nervous system. While there are currently in vitro measures of ligand D3/D2 selectivity, there is a need for an in vivo PET measure of D3/D2 selectivity. This review discusses current PET imaging of dopamine D2/D3 receptors and proposes methodology for quantitating in vivo selectivity of probes for PET imaging of dopamine D3 receptors.

Cocaine-induced synaptic structural modification is differentially regulated by dopamine D1 and D3 receptors-mediated signaling pathways

Synaptic plasticity plays a critical role in cocaine addiction. The dopamine D1 and D3 receptors differentially regulate the cocaine-induced gene expression, structural remodeling and behavioral response. However, how these two receptors coordinately mediate the ultra-structural changes of synapses after cocaine exposure and whether these changes are behaviorally relevant are still not clear. Here, using quantitative electron microscopy, we show that D1 and D3 receptors have distinct roles in regulating cocaine-induced ultra-structural changes of synapses in the nucleus accumbens and caudoputamen. Pre-treatment of cocaine-treated mice with D3 receptor antagonist NGB2904 resulted in an increase in the ratio of total and asymmetric synapse to neuron and in the length of postsynaptic densities, compared with cocaine treatment alone. In contrast, pre-treatment of cocaine-treated mice with D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 caused a reduction in synapse-to-neuron ratio and in postsynaptic densities length. Similarly, NGB2904 and SCH23390 showed opposite/differential effects on cocaine-induced structural plasticity, conditioned place preference and locomotor activity and signaling activation, including the activation of ERK, CREB and NR1 and the expression of c-fos and Cdk5. Therefore, we provide direct electron microscopy evidence that dopamine D1 and D3 receptors reciprocally regulate the ultra-structural changes of synapses following chronic exposure to cocaine. In addition, our data suggest that D1 and D3 receptors may regulate cocaine-induced ultra-structural changes and behavior responses by impact on structural plasticity and signaling transduction.

Challenges in the development of dopamine D2- and D3-selective radiotracers for PET imaging studies

The dopamine D2-like receptors (ie, D2/3 receptors) have been the most extensively studied CNS receptor with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The 3 different radiotracers that have been used in these studies are [¹¹ C]raclopride, [¹⁸ F]fallypride, and [¹¹ C]PHNO. Because these radiotracers have a high affinity for both dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, the density of dopamine receptors in the CNS is reported as the D2/3 binding potential, which reflects a measure of the density of both receptor subtypes. Although the development of D2- and D3-selective PET radiotracers has been an active area of research for many years, this by and large presents an unmet need in the area of translational PET imaging studies. This article discusses some of the challenges that have inhibited progress in this area of research and the current status of the development of subtype selective radiotracers for imaging D3 and D2 dopamine receptors with PET.

Dopamine D1 and D3 receptor interactions in cocaine reward and seeking in rats

RATIONALE

Animal research has demonstrated a role of dopamine D1 and D3 receptors in cocaine reward and seeking.

PURPOSE AND METHODS

Here, we investigated the potential interaction of these two dopamine receptors in cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking, cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP), and cocaine self-administration in rats.

RESULTS

The co-administration of a D3 receptor antagonist, NGB 2904 and a D1 partial agonist, SKF 77434, of doses which when administered individually produced no significant effects, prior to reinstatement or CPP tests significantly reduced lever pressing and time spent in the cocaine-paired environment, suggesting synergistic effects of the combined compounds on cocaine seeking. When given to rats self-administering cocaine under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement doses of NGB 2904 which were ineffective alone significantly enhanced the break point-reducing effects of SKF 77434.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the combined treatment with a D1 receptor partial agonist and D3 receptor antagonist produces robust decreases in cocaine seeking and reward. This suggests an interaction between dopamine D1 and D3 receptors in cocaine-related behaviors.

Dopamine D3 Receptor Antagonists as Potential Therapeutics for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

D3 receptors represent a major focus of current drug design and development of therapeutics for dopamine-related pathological states. Their close homology with the D2 receptor subtype makes the development of D3 selective antagonists a challenging task. In this review, we explore the relevance and therapeutic utility of D3 antagonists or partial agonists endowed with multireceptor affinity profile in the field of central nervous system disorders such as schizophrenia and drug abuse. In fact, the peculiar distribution and low brain abundance of D3 receptors make them a valuable target for the development of drugs devoid of motor side effects classically elicited by D2 antagonists. Recent research efforts were devoted to the conception of chemical templates possibly endowed with a multi-target profile, especially with regards to other G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A comprehensive overview of the recent literature in the field is herein provided. In particular, the evolution of the chemical templates has been tracked, according to the growing advancements in both the structural information and the refinement of the key pharmacophoric elements. The receptor/multireceptor affinity and functional profiles for the examined compounds have been covered, together with their most significant pharmacological applications.

Targeting the dopamine D3 receptor: an overview of drug design strategies

INTRODUCTION

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter widely distributed in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). Its physiological effects are mediated by five closely related G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are divided into two major subclasses: the D1-like (D1, D5) and the D2-like (D2, D3, D4) receptors. D3 receptors (D3Rs) have the highest density in the limbic areas of the brain, which are associated with cognitive and emotional functions. These receptors are therefore attractive targets for therapeutic management.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the functional and pharmacological characteristics of D3Rs, including the design and clinical relevance of full agonists, partial agonists and antagonists, as well as the capacity of these receptors to form active homodimers, heterodimers or higher order receptor complexes as pharmacological targets in several neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.

EXPERT OPINION

The high sequence homology between D3R and the D2-type challenges the development of D3R-selective compounds. The design of new D3R-preferential ligands with improved physicochemical properties should provide a better pharmacokinetic/bioavailability profile and lesser toxicity than is found with existing D3R ligands. It is also essential to optimize D3R affinity and, especially, D3R vs. D2-type binding and functional selectivity ratios. Developing allosteric and bitopic ligands should help to improve the D3R selectivity of these drugs. As most evidence points to the ability of GPCRs to form homomers and heteromers, the most promising therapeutic strategy in the future is likely to involve the application of heteromer-selective drugs. These selective ligands would display different affinities for a given receptor depending on the receptor partners within the heteromer. Therefore, designing novel compounds that specifically target and modulate D1R-D3R heteromers would be an interesting approach for the treatment of levodopa (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesias.

Computational Study and Modified Design of Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Agonists

Dopamine D3 receptor (D3 R) is considered as a potential target for the treatment of nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Current research interests primarily focus on the discovery and design of potent D3 agonists. In this work, we selected 40 D3 R agonists as the research system. Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) of three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR), structure-selectivity relationship (3D-QSSR), and molecular docking was performed on D3 receptor agonists to obtain the details at atomic level. The results indicated that both the CoMFA model (r(2) = 0.982, q(2) = 0.503, rpred2 = 0.893, SEE  = 0.057, F = 166.308) for structure-activity and (r(2) = 0.876, q(2) = 0.436, rpred2 = 0.828, F = 52.645) for structure-selectivity have good predictive capabilities. Furthermore, docking studies on three compounds binding to D3 receptor were performed to analyze the binding modes and interactions. The results elucidate that agonists formed hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions with key residues. Finally, we designed six molecules under the guidance of 3D-QSAR/QSSR models. The activity and selectivity of designed molecules have been improved, and ADMET properties demonstrate they have low probability of hepatotoxicity (<0.5). These results from 3D-QSAR/QSSR and docking studies have great significance for designing novel dopamine D3 selective agonists in the future.

Identifying Medication Targets for Psychostimulant Addiction: Unraveling the Dopamine D3 Receptor Hypothesis

The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is a target for developing medications to treat substance use disorders. D3R-selective compounds with high affinity and varying efficacies have been discovered, providing critical research tools for cell-based studies that have been translated to in vivo models of drug abuse. D3R antagonists and partial agonists have shown especially promising results in rodent models of relapse-like behavior, including stress-, drug-, and cue-induced reinstatement of drug seeking. However, to date, translation to human studies has been limited. Herein, we present an overview and illustrate some of the pitfalls and challenges of developing novel D3R-selective compounds toward clinical utility, especially for treatment of cocaine abuse. Future research and development of D3R-selective antagonists and partial agonists for substance abuse remains critically important but will also require further evaluation and development of translational animal models to determine the best time in the addiction cycle to target D3Rs for optimal therapeutic efficacy.

Using click chemistry toward novel 1,2,3-triazole-linked dopamine D3 receptor ligands

The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is a target of pharmacotherapeutic interest in a variety of neurological disorders including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, and drug addiction. A common molecular template used in the development of D3R-selective antagonists and partial agonists incorporates a butylamide linker between two pharmacophores, a phenylpiperazine moiety and an extended aryl ring system. The series of compounds described herein incorporates a change to that chemical template, replacing the amide functional group in the linker chain with a 1,2,3-triazole group. Although the amide linker in the 4-phenylpiperazine class of D3R ligands has been previously deemed critical for high D3R affinity and selectivity, the 1,2,3-triazole moiety serves as a suitable bioisosteric replacement and maintains desired D3R-binding functionality of the compounds. Additionally, using mouse liver microsomes to evaluate CYP450-mediated phase I metabolism, we determined that novel 1,2,3-triazole-containing compounds modestly improves metabolic stability compared to amide-containing analogues. The 1,2,3-triazole moiety allows for the modular attachment of chemical subunit libraries using copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry, increasing the range of chemical entities that can be designed, synthesized, and developed toward D3R-selective therapeutic agents.

Beyond small-molecule SAR: using the dopamine D3 receptor crystal structure to guide drug design

The dopamine D3 receptor is a target of pharmacotherapeutic interest in a variety of neurological disorders including schizophrenia, restless leg syndrome, and drug addiction. The high protein sequence homology between the D3 and D2 receptors has posed a challenge to developing D3 receptor-selective ligands whose behavioral actions can be attributed to D3 receptor engagement, in vivo. However, through primarily small-molecule structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, a variety of chemical scaffolds have been discovered over the past two decades that have resulted in several D3 receptor-selective ligands with high affinity and in vivo activity. Nevertheless, viable clinical candidates remain limited. The recent determination of the high-resolution crystal structure of the D3 receptor has invigorated structure-based drug design, providing refinements to the molecular dynamic models and testable predictions about receptor-ligand interactions. This chapter will highlight recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating potential utility of D3 receptor-selective ligands in the treatment of addiction. In addition, new structure-based rational drug design strategies for D3 receptor-selective ligands that complement traditional small-molecule SAR to improve the selectivity and directed efficacy profiles are examined.

Characterization of [(3) H]LS-3-134, a novel arylamide phenylpiperazine D3 dopamine receptor selective radioligand

LS-3-134 is a substituted N-phenylpiperazine derivative that has been reported to exhibit: (i) high-affinity binding (Ki value 0.2 nM) at human D3 dopamine receptors, (ii) > 100-fold D3 versus D2 dopamine receptor subtype binding selectivity, and (iii) low-affinity binding (Ki  > 5000 nM) at sigma 1 and sigma 2 receptors. Based upon a forskolin-dependent activation of the adenylyl cyclase inhibition assay, LS-3-134 is a weak partial agonist at both D2 and D3 dopamine receptor subtypes (29% and 35% of full agonist activity, respectively). In this study, [(3) H]-labeled LS-3-134 was prepared and evaluated to further characterize its use as a D3 dopamine receptor selective radioligand. Kinetic and equilibrium radioligand binding studies were performed. This radioligand rapidly reaches equilibrium (10-15 min at 37°C) and binds with high affinity to both human (Kd  = 0.06 ± 0.01 nM) and rat (Kd  = 0.2 ± 0.02 nM) D3 receptors expressed in HEK293 cells. Direct and competitive radioligand binding studies using rat caudate and nucleus accumbens tissue indicate that [(3) H]LS-3-134 selectively binds a homogeneous population of binding sites with a dopamine D3 receptor pharmacological profile. Based upon these studies, we propose that [(3) H]LS-3-134 represents a novel D3 dopamine receptor selective radioligand that can be used for studying the expression and regulation of the D3 dopamine receptor subtype.

Recent methods for measuring dopamine D3 receptor occupancy in vivo: importance for drug development

There is considerable interest in developing highly selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor ligands for a variety of mental health disorders. DA D3 receptors have been implicated in Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. The most concrete evidence suggests a role for the D3 receptor in drug-seeking behaviors. D3 receptors are a subtype of D2 receptors, and traditionally the functional role of these two receptors has been difficult to differentiate. Over the past 10-15 years a number of compounds selective for D3 over D2 receptors have been developed. However, translating these findings into clinical research has been difficult as many of these compounds cannot be used in humans. Therefore, the functional data involving the D3 receptor in drug addiction mostly comes from pre-clinical studies. Recently, with the advent of [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO, it has become possible to image D3 receptors in the human brain with increased selectivity and sensitivity. This is a significant innovation over traditional methods such as [(11)C]-raclopride that cannot differentiate between D2 and D3 receptors. The use of [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO will allow for further delineation of the role of D3 receptors. Here, we review recent evidence that the role of the D3 receptor has functional importance and is distinct from the role of the D2 receptor. We then introduce the utility of analyzing [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO binding by region of interest. This novel methodology can be used in pre-clinical and clinical approaches for the measurement of occupancy of both D3 and D2 receptors. Evidence that [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO can provide insights into the function of D3 receptors in addiction is also presented.

The effects of the novel DA D3 receptor antagonist SR 21502 on cocaine reward, cocaine seeking and cocaine-induced locomotor activity in rats

RATIONALE

There is a focus on developing D3 receptor antagonists as cocaine addiction treatments.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of a novel selective D3 receptor antagonist, SR 21502, on cocaine reward, cocaine-seeking, food reward, spontaneous locomotor activity and cocaine-induced locomotor activity in rats.

METHODS

In Experiment 1, rats were trained to self-administer cocaine under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement and tested with vehicle or one of three doses of SR 21502. In Experiment 2, animals were trained to self-administer cocaine under a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement followed by extinction of the response. Then, animals were tested with vehicle or one of the SR 21502 doses on cue-induced reinstatement of responding. In Experiment 3, animals were trained to lever press for food under a PR schedule and tested with vehicle or one dose of the compound. In Experiments 4 and 5, in separate groups of animals, the vehicle and three doses of SR 21502 were tested on spontaneous or cocaine (10 mg/kg, IP)-induced locomotor activity, respectively.

RESULTS

SR 21502 produced significant, dose-related (3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg) reductions in breakpoint for cocaine self-administration, cue-induced reinstatement (3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg) and cocaine-induced locomotor activity (3.75, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg) but failed to reduce food self-administration and spontaneous locomotor activity.

CONCLUSIONS

SR 21502 decreases cocaine reward, cocaine-seeking and locomotor activity at doses that have no effect on food reward or spontaneous locomotor activity. These data suggest SR 21502 may selectively inhibit cocaine's rewarding, incentive motivational and stimulant effects.

Dopamine D3 receptor ligands for drug addiction treatment: update on recent findings

The dopamine D3 receptor is located in the limbic area and apparently mediates selective effects on motivation to take drugs and drug-seeking behaviors, so that there has been considerable interest on the possible use of D3 receptor ligands to treat drug addiction. However, only recently selective tools allowing studying this receptor have been developed. This chapter presents an overview of findings that were presented at a symposium on the conference Dopamine 2013 in Sardinia in May 2013. Novel neurobiological findings indicate that drugs of abuse can lead to significant structural plasticity in rodent brain and that this is dependent on the availability of functional dopamine D3 autoreceptor, whose activation increased phosphorylation in the ERK pathway and in the Akt/mTORC1 pathway indicating the parallel engagement of a series of intracellular signaling pathways all involved in cell growth and survival. Preclinical findings using animal models of drug-seeking behaviors confirm that D3 antagonists have a promising profile to treat drug addiction across drugs of abuse type. Imaging the D3 is now feasible in human subjects. Notably, the development of (+)-4-propyl-9-hydroxynaphthoxazine ligand used in positron emission tomography (PET) studies in humans allows to measure D3 and D2 receptors based on the area of the brain under study. This PET ligand has been used to confirm up-regulation of D3 sites in psychostimulant users and to reveal that tobacco smoking produces elevation of dopamine at the level of D3 sites. There are now novel antagonists being developed, but also old drugs such as buspirone, that are available to test the D3 hypothesis in humans. The first results of clinical investigations are now being provided. Overall, those recent findings support further exploration of D3 ligands to treat drug addiction.

Blockade of D3 receptors by YQA14 inhibits cocaine's rewarding effects and relapse to drug-seeking behavior in rats

Preclinical studies suggest that dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists are promising for the treatment of drug abuse and addiction. However, few D3R antagonists have potential to be tested in humans due to short half-life, toxicity or limited preclinical research into pharmacotherapeutic efficacy. Here, we report on a novel D3R antagonist YQA14, which has improved half-life and pharmacokinetic profile and which displays potent pharmacotherapeutic efficacy in attenuating cocaine reward and relapse to drug-seeking behavior. Electrical brain-stimulation reward (BSR) in laboratory animals is a highly sensitive experimental approach to evaluate a drug's rewarding effects. We found that cocaine (2 mg/kg) significantly enhanced electrical BSR in rats (i.e., decreased stimulation threshold for BSR), while YQA14 alone had no effect on BSR. Pretreatment with YQA14 significantly and dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced BSR. YQA14 also facilitated extinction from drug-seeking behavior in rats during early behavioral extinction, and attenuated cocaine- or contextual cue-induced relapse to drug-seeking behavior. YQA14 alone did not maintain self-administration in either naïve rats or in rats experienced at cocaine self-administration. YQA14 also inhibited expression of repeated cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization. These findings suggest that YQA14 may have pharmacotherapeutic potential in attenuating cocaine-taking and cocaine-seeking behavior. Thus, YQA14 deserves further investigation as a promising agent for treatment of cocaine addiction.

Nicotine modulation of adolescent dopamine receptor signaling and hypothalamic peptide response

Adolescence is a sensitive developmental period for limbic and dopamine systems that coincides with the typical age for onset of tobacco use. We have previously shown that a 4-day, low-dose nicotine (0.06 mg/kg) pretreatment enhances locomotor and penile response to the D2-like agonist, quinpirole (0.4 mg/kg), in adolescent but not adult rats. The present study is designed to determine mechanisms underlying this effect. Nicotine enhancement of adolescent quinpirole-induced locomotion was mediated by D2 receptors (D2Rs) since it was blocked by the D2R antagonist, L-741,626, but not by the D3R and D4R antagonists, NGB 2904 and L-745,870. Enhancement of quinpirole-induced erectile response was blocked by both L-741,626 and NGB 2904, indicating involvement of D3Rs. Whereas D2R binding was unaffected by adolescent nicotine pretreatment, effector coupling in the striatum was increased, as determined by GTPγS binding. Nicotine pretreatment enhanced quinpirole-induced c-fos mRNA expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei in adolescents only. Adolescent nicotine pretreatment enhanced c-fos mRNA expression in corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) cells of the paraventricular nucleus, and enhancement of penile erection was blocked by the CRF-1 receptor antagonist, CP 376,396. These findings suggest that adolescent dopamine and CRF systems are vulnerable to alteration by nicotine. This is the first evidence for a role of CRF in adolescent erectile response.

Evaluation of N-phenyl homopiperazine analogs as potential dopamine D3 receptor selective ligands

A series of N-(2-methoxyphenyl)homopiperazine analogs was prepared and their affinities for dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptors were measured using competitive radioligand binding assays. Several ligands exhibited high binding affinity and selectivity for the D3 dopamine receptor compared to the D2 receptor subtype. Compounds 11a, 11b, 11c, 11f, 11j and 11k had K(i) values ranging from 0.7 to 3.9 nM for the D3 receptor with 30- to 170-fold selectivity for the D3 versus D2 receptor. Calculated logP values (logP=2.6-3.6) are within the desired range for passive transport across the blood-brain barrier. When the binding and the intrinsic efficacy of these phenylhomopiperazines was compared to those of previously published phenylpiperazine analogues, it was found that (a) affinity at D2 and D3 dopamine receptors generally decreased, (b) the D3 receptor binding selectivity (D2:D3 K(i) value ratio) decreased and, (c) the intrinsic efficacy, measured using a forskolin-dependent adenylyl cyclase inhibition assay, generally increased.

Inhibition of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations by dopamine receptor subtype-selective agonists and antagonists in adult rats

RATIONALE

Adult rats emit ultrasonic calls at around 22 and 50 kHz, which are often elicited by aversive and rewarding stimuli, respectively. Dopamine (DA) plays a role in aspects of both reward and aversion.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of DA receptor subtype-selective agonists on 22- and 50-kHz call rates.

METHODS

Ultrasonic calls were recorded in adult male rats that were initially screened with amphetamine to eliminate low 50-kHz callers. The remaining subjects were tested after acute intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection of the following DA receptor-selective agonists and antagonists: A68930 (D1-like agonist), quinpirole (D2-like agonist), PD 128907 (D3 agonist), PD 168077 (D4 agonist), SCH 39166 (D1-like antagonist), L-741,626 (D2 antagonist), NGB 2904 (D3 antagonist), and L-745,870 (D4 antagonist). The indirect DA/noradrenaline agonist amphetamine served as a positive control.

RESULTS

As expected, amphetamine strongly increased 50-kHz call rates. In contrast, D1-, D2-, and D3-selective DA receptor agonists, when given alone, inhibited calling; combinations of D1- and D2-like agonists also decreased call rate. Given alone, the D1-like and D3 antagonists significantly decreased call rate, with a similar trend for the D2 antagonist. Agonist-antagonist combinations also decreased calling. The D4 agonist and antagonist did not significantly affect 50-kHz call rates. Twenty-two-kilohertz calls occurred infrequently under all drug conditions.

CONCLUSION

Following systemic drug administration, tonic pharmacological activation of D1-like or D2-like DA receptors, either alone or in combination, does not appear sufficient to induce 50-kHz calls. Dopaminergic transmission through D1, D2, and D3 receptors appears necessary for spontaneous calling.

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.

Dopamine D3 receptor antagonists: a patent review (2007 - 2012)

INTRODUCTION

The synthesis and characterization of new highly potent and selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonists has permitted to characterize the role of the DA D3 receptor in the control of drug-seeking behavior and in the pathophysiology of impulse control disorders and schizophrenia.

AREAS COVERED

In the present review, the authors will first describe most recent classes of DA D3 receptor antagonists by reviewing about 43 patent applications during the 2007 - 2012 period; they will then outline the biological rationale in support of the use of selective DA D3 receptor antagonists in the treatment of drug addiction, impulse control disorders and schizophrenia.

EXPERT OPINION

The strongest clinical application and potential for selective DA D3 receptor antagonists lies in the reduction of drug-induced incentive motivation, the attenuation of drug's rewarding efficacy and the reduction in reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior triggered either by re-exposure to the drug itself, re-exposure to environmental cues that had been previously associated with drug-taking behavior or stress. The selectivity of these antagonists together with reduced lipophilicity (minimizing unspecific binding), increased brain penetration and improved physico-chemical profile are all key factors for clinical efficacy and safety.

Rationale in support of the use of selective dopamine D₃ receptor antagonists for the pharmacotherapeutic management of substance use disorders

Growing evidence indicates that dopamine (DA) D(3) receptors are involved in the control of drug-seeking behavior and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders. First, DA D(3) receptors are distributed in strategic areas belonging to the mesolimbic DA system such as the ventral striatum, midbrain, and pallidum, which have been associated with behaviors controlled by the presentation of drug-associated cues. Second, repeated exposure to drugs of abuse has been shown to produce neuroadaptations in the DA D(3) system. Third, the synthesis and characterization of highly potent and selective DA D(3) receptor antagonists has permitted to further define the role of the DA D(3) receptor in drug addiction. Provided that the available preclinical and preliminary clinical evidence can be translated into clinical proof of concept in human, selective DA D(3) receptor antagonists show promise for the treatment of substance use disorders as reflected by their potential to (1) regulate the motivation to self-administered drugs under schedules of reinforcement that require an increase in work demand and (2) disrupt the responsiveness to drug-associated stimuli that play a key role in the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior triggered by re-exposure to the drug itself, re-exposure to environmental cues that had been previously associated with drug-taking behavior, or stress.

High-affinity and selective dopamine D₃ receptor full agonists

We have designed, synthesized and evaluated a series of new compounds with the goal to identify potent and selective D(3) ligands. The two most potent and selective new D(3) ligands are compounds 38 and 52, which bind to the D(3) receptors with a K(i) value of <nM and display a selectivity of 450-494 times over the D(2) receptors and >10,000 times over the D(1) receptors. Both 38 and 52 are full agonists with high potency at the D(3) receptor in a D(3) functional assay.

YQA14: a novel dopamine D3 receptor antagonist that inhibits cocaine self-administration in rats and mice, but not in D3 receptor-knockout mice

The dopamine (DA) D3 receptor is posited to be importantly involved in drug reward and addiction, and D3 receptor antagonists have shown extraordinary promise as potential anti-addiction pharmacotherapeutic agents in animal models of drug addiction. SB-277011A is the best characterized D3 receptor antagonist in such models. However, the potential use of SB-277011A in humans is precluded by pharmacokinetic and toxicity problems. We here report a novel D3 receptor antagonist YQA14 that shows similar pharmacological properties as SB-277011A. In vitro receptor binding assays suggest that YQA14 has two binding sites on human cloned D3 receptors with K(i-High) (0.68 × 10(-4)  nM) and K(i-Low) (2.11 nM), and displays > 150-fold selectivity for D3 over D2 receptors and > 1000-fold selectivity for D3 over other DA receptors. Systemic administration of YQA14 (6.25-25 mg/kg) or SB-277011A (12.5-25 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently reduced intravenous cocaine self-administration under both low fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio reinforcement conditions in rats, while failing to alter oral sucrose self-administration and locomotor activity, suggesting a selective inhibition of drug reward. However, when the drug dose was increased to 50 mg/kg, YQA14 and SB-277011A significantly inhibited basal and cocaine-enhanced locomotion in rats. Finally, both D3 antagonists dose-dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self-administration in wild-type mice, but not in D3 receptor-knockout mice, suggesting that their action is mediated by D3 receptor blockade. These findings suggest that YQA14 has a similar anti-addiction profile as SB-277011A, and deserves further study and development.

CJ-1639: A Potent and Highly Selective Dopamine D3 Receptor Full Agonist

We have identified several ligands with high binding affinities to the dopamine D3 receptor and excellent selectivity over the D2 and D1 receptors. CJ-1639 (17) binds to the D3 receptor with a K(i) value of 0.50 nM and displays a selectivity of >5,000 times over D2 and D1 receptors in binding assays using dopamine receptors expressed in the native rat brain tissues. CJ-1639 binds to human D3 receptor with a K(i) value of 3.61 nM and displays over >1000-fold selectivity over human D1 and D2 receptors. CJ-1639 is active at 0.01 mg/kg at the dopamine D3 receptor in the rat and only starts to show a modest D2 activity at doses as high as 10 mg/kg. CJ-1639 is the most potent and selective D3 full agonist reported to date.

Dopamine receptors and Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive extrapyramidal motor disorder. Pathologically, this disease is characterized by the selective dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra. Correcting the DA deficiency in PD with levodopa (L-dopa) significantly attenuates the motor symptoms; however, its effectiveness often declines, and L-dopa-related adverse effects emerge after long-term treatment. Nowadays, DA receptor agonists are useful medication even regarded as first choice to delay the starting of L-dopa therapy. In advanced stage of PD, they are also used as adjunct therapy together with L-dopa. DA receptor agonists act by stimulation of presynaptic and postsynaptic DA receptors. Despite the usefulness, they could be causative drugs for valvulopathy and nonmotor complication such as DA dysregulation syndrome (DDS). In this paper, physiological characteristics of DA receptor familyare discussed. We also discuss the validity, benefits, and specific adverse effects of pharmaceutical DA receptor agonist.

Dopaminergic regulation of dopamine D3 and D3nf receptor mRNA expression

Dopamine D3 receptors have the highest dopamine affinity of all dopamine receptors, and may thereby regulate dopamine signaling mediated by volume transmission. Changes in D3 receptor isoform expression may alter D3 receptor function, however, little is known regarding coordination of D3 isoform expression in response to perturbations in dopaminergic stimulation. To determine the effects of dopamine receptor stimulation and blockade on D3 receptor alternative splicing, we determined D3 and D3nf isoform mRNA expression following treatment with the D3 receptor antagonist NGB 2904, and the indirect dopamine agonist amphetamine. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, was also determined. The D3/D3nf mRNA expression ratio was increased in ventral striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus 6 h following D3 antagonist NGB 2904 treatment, and remained persistently elevated at 24 h in hippocampus and substantia nigra/ventral tegmentum. D3 mRNA decreased 65% and D3nf mRNA expression decreased 71% in prefrontal cortex 24 h following amphetamine treatment, however, these changes did not reach statistical significance. TH mRNA expression was unaffected by D3 antagonist NGB 2904, but was elevated by amphetamine in ventral striatum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These findings provide evidence for an adaptive response to altered D3 receptor stimulation involving changes in D3 receptor alternative splicing. Additionally, these data suggest D3 autoreceptor regulation of dopamine synthesis does not involve regulation of TH mRNA expression. Finally, the observation of regulated TH mRNA expression in dopamine terminal fields provides experimental support for the model of local control of mRNA expression in adaptation to synaptic activity.

Characterization of the transport, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of the dopamine D3 receptor-selective fluorenyl- and 2-pyridylphenyl amides developed for treatment of psychostimulant abuse

The recent discovery of novel high-affinity and selective dopamine D3 receptor (DA D3R) antagonists and partial agonists has provided tools with which to further elucidate the role DA D3R plays in substance abuse. The present study was conducted to evaluate the transport, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and brain uptake of the DA D3R-selective fluorenyl amides, NGB 2904 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-9H-fluorene-2-carboxamide] fumarate) and JJC 4-077 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-hydroxybutyl)-9H-fluorene-2-carboxamide hydrochloride], and the 2-pyridylphenyl amides, CJB 090 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-4-(pyridine-2-yl)benzamide hydrochloride] and PG 01037 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-trans-but-2-enyl)-4-(pyridine-2-yl)benzamide hydrochloride], all of which have been studied in animal models of psychostimulant abuse. Additional screening with a panel of human and rat Supersomes was performed for NGB 2904 and PG 01037. Drug-stimulated ATPase activation assays and bidirectional transport and efflux assays were used to test for substrate specificity of NGB 2904 and PG 01037 for human and rat efflux transporters. All compounds exhibited moderate elimination half-lives, ranging from 1.49 to 3.27 h, and large volumes of distribution (5.95-14.19 l/kg). The brain-to-plasma ratios ranged from 2.93 to 11.81 and were higher than those previously reported for cocaine. Brain exposure levels of NGB 2904 and PG 01037 were significantly reduced after intraperitoneal administration compared with intravenous administration. The metabolism of these compounds was mediated primarily by CYP3A subfamilies. PG 01037 was a P-glycoprotein-transported substrate. Higher doses of these compounds are often required for in vivo action, suggesting decreased bioavailability via extravascular administration that may be attributed to high drug efflux and hepatic metabolism. These studies provide important preclinical information for optimization of next-generation D3R selective agents for the treatment of drug addiction.

Increased local dopamine secretion has growth-promoting effects in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating cancer of biliary origin with limited treatment options. Symptoms are usually evident after blockage of the bile duct by the tumor, and at this late stage, they are relatively resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Therefore, it is imperative that alternative treatment options are explored. We have previously shown that serotonin metabolism is dysregulated in cholangiocarcinoma leading to an increased secretion of serotonin, which has growth-promoting effects. Because serotonin and dopamine share the degradation machinery, we evaluated the secretion of dopamine from cholangiocarcinoma and its effects on cell proliferation. Using 4 cholangiocarcinoma cell lines and human biopsy samples, we demonstrated that there was an increase in mRNA and protein expression of the dopamine synthesis enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa decarboxylase in cholangiocarcinoma. There was increased dopamine secretion from cholangiocarcinoma cell lines compared to H69 and HIBEC cholangiocytes and increased dopamine immunoreactivity in human biopsy samples. Furthermore, administration of dopamine to all cholangiocarcinoma cell lines studied increased proliferation by up to 30%, which could be blocked by the pretreatment of the D2 and D4 dopamine receptor antagonists, whereas blocking dopamine production by alpha-methyldopa administration suppressed growth by up to 25%. Administration of alpha-methyldopa to nude mice also suppressed cholangiocarcinoma tumor growth. The data presented here represent the first evidence that dopamine metabolism is dysregulated in cholangiocarcinoma and that modulation of dopamine synthesis may represent an alternative target for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Current perspectives on selective dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists as pharmacotherapeutics for addictions and related disorders

Repeated exposure to drugs of abuse produces long-term molecular and neurochemical changes that may explain the core features of addiction, such as the compulsive seeking and taking of the drug, as well as the risk of relapse. A growing number of new molecular and cellular targets of addictive drugs have been identified, and rapid advances are being made in relating those targets to specific behavioral phenotypes in animal models of addiction. In this context, the pattern of expression of the dopamine (DA) D(3) receptor in the rodent and human brain and changes in this pattern in response to drugs of abuse have contributed primarily to direct research efforts toward the development of selective DA D(3) receptor antagonists. Growing preclinical evidence indicates that these compounds may actually regulate the motivation to self-administer drugs and disrupt drug-associated cue-induced craving. This report will be divided into three parts. First, preclinical evidence in support of the efficacy of selective DA D(3) receptor antagonists in animal models of drug addiction will be reviewed. The effects of mixed DA D(2)/D(3) receptor antagonists will not be discussed here because most of these compounds have low selectivity at the D(3) versus D(2) receptor, and their efficacy profile is related primarily to functional antagonism at D(2) receptors and possibly interactions with other neurotransmitter systems. Second, major advances in medicinal chemistry for the identification and optimization of selective DA D(3) receptor antagonists and partial agonists will be analyzed. Third, translational research from preclinical efficacy studies to so-called proof-of-concept studies for drug addiction indications will be discussed.

Hypothesis-driven medication discovery for the treatment of psychostimulant addiction

Psychostimulant abuse is a serious social and health problem, for which no effective treatments currently exist. A number of review articles have described predominantly 'clinic'-based pharmacotherapies for the treatment of psychostimulant addiction, but none have yet been shown to be definitively effective for use in humans. In the present article, we review various 'hypothesis'- or 'mechanism'-based pharmacological agents that have been studied at the preclinical level and evaluate their potential use in the treatment of psychostimulant addiction in humans. These compounds target brain neurotransmitter or neuromodulator systems, including dopamine (DA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), endocannabinoid, glutamate, opioid and serotonin, which have been shown to be critically involved in drug reward and addiction. For drugs in each category, we first briefly review the role of each neurotransmitter system in psychostimulant actions, and then discuss the mechanistic rationale for each drug's potential anti-addiction efficacy, major findings with each drug in animal models of psychostimulant addiction, abuse liability and potential problems, and future research directions. We conclude that hypothesis-based medication development strategies could significantly promote medication discovery for the effective treatment of psychostimulant addiction.

N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichloro- or 2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)heterobiarylcarboxamides with functionalized linking chains as high affinity and enantioselective D3 receptor antagonists

In the present report, the D3 receptor pharmacophore is modified in the 2,3-diCl- and 2-OCH(3)-phenylpiperazine class of compounds with the goal to improve D3 receptor affinity and selectivity. This extension of structure-activity relationships (SAR) has resulted in the identification of the first enantioselective D3 antagonists (R- and S-22) to be reported, wherein enantioselectivity is more pronounced at D3 than at D2, and that a binding region on the second extracellular loop (E2) may play a role in both enantioselectivity and D3 receptor selectivity. Moreover, we have discovered some of the most D3-selective compounds reported to date that show high affinity (K(i) = 1 nM) for D3 and approximately 400-fold selectivity over the D2 receptor subtype. Several of these analogues showed exquisite selectivity for D3 receptors over >60 other receptors, further underscoring their value as in vivo research tools. These lead compounds also have appropriate physical characteristics for in vivo exploration and therefore will be useful in determining how intrinsic activity at D3 receptors tested in vitro is related to behaviors in animal models of addiction and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Activity-dependent modulation of limbic dopamine D3 receptors by CaMKII

Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is central to synaptic transmission. Here we show that synaptic CaMKIIalpha binds to the N-terminal region of the third intracellular loop of the limbic dopamine D3 receptor (D3R). This binding is Ca(2+) sensitive and is sustained by autophosphorylation of CaMKII, providing an unrecognized route for the Ca(2+)-mediated regulation of D3Rs. The interaction of CaMKIIalpha with D3Rs transforms D3Rs into a biochemical substrate of the kinase and promotes the kinase to phosphorylate D3Rs at a selective serine site (S229). In accumbal neurons in vivo, CaMKIIalpha is recruited to D3Rs by rising Ca(2+) to increase the CaMKIIalpha-mediated phosphorylation of D3Rs, thereby transiently inhibiting D3R efficacy. Notably, the D3R inhibition is critical for integrating dopamine signaling to control behavioral sensitivity to the psychostimulant cocaine. Our data identify CaMKIIalpha as a recruitable regulator of dopamine receptor function. By binding and phosphorylating limbic D3Rs, CaMKIIalpha modulates dopamine signaling and psychomotor function in an activity-dependent manner.

The selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonists SB-277011A and NGB 2904 and the putative partial D3 receptor agonist BP-897 attenuate methamphetamine-enhanced brain stimulation reward in rats

RATIONALE

We have previously reported that selective antagonism of brain D3 receptors by SB-277011A or NGB 2904 significantly attenuates cocaine- or nicotine-enhanced brain stimulation reward (BSR).

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we investigated whether the selective D3 receptor antagonists SB-277011A and NGB 2904 and the putative partial D3 agonist BP-897 similarly reduce methamphetamine (METH)-enhanced BSR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were trained to respond for rewarding electrical self-stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle. To assess the degree of drug-induced changes in BSR, a rate-frequency curve shift paradigm was used to measure brain-reward threshold (theta 0).

RESULTS

METH (0.1-0.65 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently lowered ( approximately 10-50%) BSR thresholds, producing an enhancement of BSR. Pretreatment with SB-277011A (12 mg/kg, but not 24 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated METH-enhanced BSR. NGB 2904 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg, but not 10 mg/kg) also attenuated METH-enhanced BSR. SB-277011A or NGB 2904 alone, at the doses tested, had no effect on BSR. Pretreatment with BP-897 (0.1-5 mg/kg) dose-dependently attenuated METH-enhanced BSR. However, when the dose was increased to 10 mg/kg, BP-897 shifted the stimulation-response curve to the right (inhibited BSR itself) in the presence or absence of METH.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective antagonism of D3 receptors by SB-277011A or NGB 2904 attenuates METH-enhanced BSR in rats, while the METH-enhanced BSR attenuation produced by BP-897 may involve both D3 and non-D3 receptors. These findings support a potential use of selective D3 receptor antagonists for the treatment of METH addiction.

The dopamine D3 receptor antagonist NGB 2904 increases spontaneous and amphetamine-stimulated locomotion

The dopamine D3 receptor is believed to play an important role in regulation of rodent locomotor behavior, and has been proposed as a therapeutic target for substance abuse, psychotic disorders, and Parkinson's disease. One model of dopamine D3 receptor function, based on studies utilizing D3 receptor knockout mice and D3 receptor-preferring agonists, proposes that D3 receptor stimulation is inhibitory to psychostimulant-induced locomotion, in opposition to the effects of concurrent dopamine D1 and D2 receptor stimulation. Recent progress in medicinal chemistry has led to the development of highly-selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonists. In order to extend our understanding of D3 dopamine receptor's behavioral functions, we determined the effects of the highly-selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist NGB 2904 on amphetamine-stimulated and spontaneous locomotion in wild-type and dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice. NGB 2904 (26.0 microg/kg s.c.) enhanced amphetamine-stimulated locomotion in wild-type mice, but had no measurable effect in dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice. Of a range of doses (0.026 microg-1.0 mg/kg) given acutely or once daily for seven days, the highest dose of NGB 2904 (1.0 mg/kg) stimulated spontaneous locomotion in wild-type mice, but was without measurable effect in dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice. These behavioral effects of NGB 2904 contrast with those described for other highly D3 receptor-selective antagonists, which have not previously demonstrated an effect on spontaneous locomotor activity. In combination, these data add to the behavioral profile of this novel D3 receptor ligand and provide further support for a role for dopamine D3 receptor inhibitory function in the modulation of rodent locomotion.

Dopamine D3 receptor ligands—Recent advances in the control of subtype selectivity and intrinsic activity

Various pharmacological studies have implicated the dopamine D(3) receptor as an interesting therapeutic target in the treatment of different neurological disorders. Because of these putative therapeutic applications, D(3) receptor ligands with diverse intrinsic activities have been an active field of research in recent years. Separation of purely D(3)-mediated drug effects from effects produced by interactions with similar biogenic amine receptors allows to verify the therapeutic impact of D(3) receptors and to reduce possible side-effects caused by "promiscuous" receptor interactions. The requirement to gain control of receptor selectivity and in particular subtype selectivity has been a challenging task in rational drug discovery for quite a few years. In this review, recently developed structural classes of D(3) ligands are discussed, which cover a broad spectrum of intrinsic activities and show interesting selectivities.

Effects of Two Novel D3-Selective Compounds, NGB 2904 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-9H-fluorene-2-carboxamide] and CJB 090 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzamide], on the Reinforcing and Discriminative Stimulus Effects of Cocaine in Rhesus Monkeys

The present study examined the effects of two novel dopamine D3 receptor compounds, NGB 2904 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-9H-fluorene-2-carboxamide], an antagonist, and CJB 090 [N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)benzamide], a partial agonist, in two models of cocaine abuse in rhesus monkeys. To establish a dose range and time course of effects, both compounds were shown to block quinpirole-induced yawning when administered i.m. 15, 30, or 120 min before quinpirole. Next, rhesus monkeys were trained to discriminate i.m. injections of saline (0.5 ml) and cocaine (0.3 mg/kg). Neither D3 compound (0.03-3.0 mg/kg; n=3) substituted for cocaine in any monkey. When given in combination with cocaine, CJB 090 but not NGB 2904 attenuated the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine, shifting the cocaine dose-response curve to the right. In a separate group of monkeys, responding was maintained under a second-order schedule of either food (1.0-g pellets; n=3) or cocaine (0.1 mg/kg/injection; n=4) presentation. When responding was stable, a dose of NGB 2904 (1.0-5.6 mg/kg i.v.) or CJB 090 (0.3-3.0 mg/kg i.v.) was administered for 5 consecutive days, immediately before the session. CJB 090, but not NGB 2904, decreased cocaine- and food-maintained responding. These data indicate that compounds with relatively high affinity and selectivity for the D3 receptor can attenuate the discriminative and reinforcing stimulus effects of cocaine while not producing cocaine-like effects. The present findings support the continued examination of D3 compounds as pharmacological tools for better understanding the role of this receptor subtype in cocaine addiction and as potential lead compounds for novel therapeutic agents.

Pharmacological actions of NGB 2904, a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist, in animal models of drug addiction

As a continuation of our work with SB-277011A, we have examined the effects of another highly elective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonist, N-(4-[4-{2,3-dichlorophenyl}-1-piperazinyl]butyl)-2-fluorenylcarboxamide (NGB 2904), in animal models of addiction. Our results indicate that by systemic administration, NGB 2904 inhibits intravenous cocaine self-administration maintained under a progressive-ratio (PR) reinforcement schedule, cocaine- or cocaine cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior, and cocaine- or other addictive drug-enhanced brain stimulation reward (BSR). The action of NGB 2904 on PR cocaine self-administration was long-lasting (1-2 days) after a single injection, supporting its potential use in treatment of cocaine addiction. The effects of NGB 2904 in the BSR paradigm were dose-dependent for both NGB 2904 and cocaine; that is, only lower doses of NGB 2904 were effective, and their putative antiaddiction effect could be overcome by increasing the doses of cocaine or other addictive drugs. A dopamine-dependent mechanism is proposed to explain the effects of NGB 2904 on cocaine's actions in these animal models of drug addiction. The data reviewed in this paper suggest that NGB 2904 or other D3-selective antagonists may have potential in controlling motivation for drug-taking behavior or relapse to drug-seeking behavior, but may have a limited role in antagonizing the acute rewarding effects produced by cocaine or other addictive drugs. In addition, NGB 2904 may also act as a useful tool to study the role of D3 receptors in drug addiction.

C57BL/6J mice exhibit reduced dopamine D3 receptor-mediated locomotor-inhibitory function relative to DBA/2J mice

Previous reports have identified greater sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating, sensitizing, and reinforcing effects of amphetamine in inbred C57BL/6J mice relative to inbred DBA/2J mice. The dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) plays an inhibitory role in the regulation of rodent locomotor activity, and exerts inhibitory opposition to D1 receptor (D1R)-mediated signaling. Based on these observations, we investigated D3R expression and D3R-mediated locomotor-inhibitory function, as well as D1R binding and D1R-mediated locomotor-stimulating function, in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. C57BL/6J mice exhibited lower D3R binding density (-32%) in the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens/islands of Calleja), lower D3R mRNA expression (-26%) in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmentum, and greater D3R mRNA expression (+40%) in the hippocampus, relative to DBA/2J mice. There were no strain differences in DR3 mRNA expression in the ventral striatum or prefrontal cortex, nor were there differences in D1R binding in the ventral striatum. Behaviorally, C57BL/6J mice were less sensitive to the locomotor-inhibitory effect of the D3R agonist PD128907 (10 microg/kg), and more sensitive to the locomotor-stimulating effects of novelty, amphetamine (1 mg/kg), and the D1R-like agonist +/- -1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8,-diol hydrochloride (SKF38393) (5-20 mg/kg) than DBA/2J mice. While the selective D3R antagonist N-(4-[4-{2,3-dichlorphenyl}-1 piperazinyl]butyl)-2-fluorenylcarboxamide (NGB 2904) (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) augmented novelty-, amphetamine-, and SKF38393-induced locomotor activity in DBA/2J mice, it reduced novelty-induced locomotor activity in C57BL/6J mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that C57BL/6J mice exhibit less D3R-mediated inhibitory function relative to DBA/2J mice, and suggest that reduced D3R-mediated inhibitory function may contribute to heightened sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating effects of amphetamine in the C57BL/6J mouse strain. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that comparisons between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mouse strains provide a model for elucidating the molecular determinants of genetic influence on D3R function.

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.