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Bäckström T, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Scharschmidt BF, Felipo V. Allopregnanolone and its antagonist modulate neuroinflammation and neurological impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105668. [PMID: 38608826 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105668] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation accompanies several brain disorders, either as a secondary consequence or as a primary cause and may contribute importantly to disease pathogenesis. Neurosteroids which act as Positive Steroid Allosteric GABA-A receptor Modulators (Steroid-PAM) appear to modulate neuroinflammation and their levels in the brain may vary because of increased or decreased local production or import from the systemic circulation. The increased synthesis of steroid-PAMs is possibly due to increased expression of the mitochondrial cholesterol transporting protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammatory tissue, and reduced production may be due to changes in the enzymatic activity. Microglia and astrocytes play an important role in neuroinflammation, and their production of inflammatory mediators can be both activated and inhibited by steroid-PAMs and GABA. What is surprising is the finding that both allopregnanolone, a steroid-PAM, and golexanolone, a novel GABA-A receptor modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), can inhibit microglia and astrocyte activation and normalize their function. This review focuses on the role of steroid-PAMs in neuroinflammation and their importance in new therapeutic approaches to CNS and liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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2
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Bojić MG, Treven M, Pandey KP, Tiruveedhula VVNPB, Santrač A, Đukanović Đ, Vojinović N, Amidžić L, Škrbić R, Scholze P, Ernst M, Cook JM, Savić MM. Vascular effects of midazolam, flumazenil, and a novel imidazobenzodiazepine MP-III-058 on isolated rat aorta. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 102:206-217. [PMID: 37909404 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0285] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Hypotensive influences of benzodiazepines and other GABAA receptor ligands, recognized in clinical practice, seem to stem from the existence of "vascular" GABAA receptors in peripheral blood vessels, besides any mechanisms in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We aimed to further elucidate the vasodilatatory effects of ligands acting through GABAA receptors. Using immunohistochemistry, the rat aortic smooth muscle layer was found to express GABAA γ2 and α1-5 subunit proteins. To confirm the role of "vascular" GABAA receptors, we investigated the vascular effects of standard benzodiazepines, midazolam, and flumazenil, as well as the novel compound MP-III-058. Using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology and radioligand binding assays, MP-III-058 was found to have modest binding but substantial functional selectivity for α5β3γ2 over other αxβ3γ2 GABAA receptors. Tissue bath assays revealed comparable vasodilatory effects of MP-III-058 and midazolam, both of which at 100 µmol/L concentrations had efficacy similar to prazosin. Flumazenil exhibited weak vasoactivity per se, but significantly prevented the relaxant effects of midazolam and MP-III-058. These studies indicate the existence of functional GABAA receptors in the rat aorta, where ligands exert vasodilatory effects by positive modulation of the benzodiazepine binding site, suggesting the potential for further quest for leads with optimized pharmacokinetic properties as prospective adjuvant vasodilators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Gajić Bojić
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka 78000, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marco Treven
- Neurology Department, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kamal P Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - V V N Phani Babu Tiruveedhula
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Anja Santrač
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Đorđe Đukanović
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka 78000, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nataša Vojinović
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka 78000, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ljiljana Amidžić
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka 78000, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka 78000, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous SystemCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous SystemCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
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Abdelsalam HM. GABA Administration Ameliorates the Toxicity of Doxorubicin on CSF and the Brain of Albino Rats. Ann Neurosci 2024; 31:12-20. [PMID: 38584977 PMCID: PMC10996873 DOI: 10.1177/09727531231161911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and is a non-proteinogenic amino acid. Doxorubcin (DOX) or adriamycin is one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer. Purpose This study focused on diminishing the brain injury and neurotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) by GABA administration. Methods Rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats each), which were the control group, DOX group (3 mg/kg for 4 weeks, then 2 mg/kg for 2 weeks), GABA group (2 mg/kg for 21 days), and DOX + GABA group (treated as the second and third groups). Neurotoxicity and brain injury were assessed by determining CSF biomarkers, serum inflammatory markers, and histopathological evaluation of the cerebral cortex. Results DOX treatment significantly increased the levels of all CSF biomarkers (S100B, IL-1β, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), spectrin breakdown products (SBDP145), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and all inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), causing extensive neutrophilic infiltration and great alteration in the cerebral cortex architecture as evidence of neurotoxicity. The oral administration of GABA significantly reduced the levels of all CSF biomarkers and inflammatory markers and restored the normal architecture of the cerebral cortex, with observed ameliorations in neutrophilic infiltration. Conclusion GABA administration can ameliorate neurotoxicity and protect the brain against the negative effects of DOX treatment.
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Webb DA, Meyer MJ, Medubi KM, Tylek AS, Yocum GT, Roni MSR, Zahn NM, Swartwout SA, Masoud AK, Emala CW, Stafford DC, Arnold LA. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Spiro Imidazobenzodiazepines to Identify Improved Inhaled Bronchodilators. J Med Chem 2023; 66:9853-9865. [PMID: 37418196 PMCID: PMC10833105 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Novel gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAAR) ligands structurally related to imidazobenzodiazepine MIDD0301 were synthesized using spiro-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs). These compounds demonstrated increased resistance to phase 2 metabolism and avoided the formation of a 6H isomer. Compound design was guided by molecular docking using the available crystal structure of the α1β3γ2 GABAAR and correlated with in vitro binding data. The carboxylic acid containing GABAAR ligands have high aqueous solubility, low permeability, and low cell toxicity. The inability of GABAAR ligands to cross the blood-brain barrier was confirmed in vivo by the absence of sensorimotor inhibition. Pharmacological activities at lung GABAARs were demonstrated by ex vivo relaxation of guinea pig airway smooth muscle and reduction of methacholine-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in conscious mice. We identified bronchodilator 5c with an affinity of 9 nM for GABAARs that was metabolically stable in the presence of human and mouse microsomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Webb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Michelle J Meyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Kayode M Medubi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Anika S Tylek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Gene T Yocum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - M S Rashid Roni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Nicolas M Zahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Sarah A Swartwout
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Ahmad K Masoud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Charles W Emala
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | | | - Leggy A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
- Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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5
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Gong R, Liu X, Zhao J. Electroacupuncture-induced activation of GABAergic system alleviates airway inflammation in asthma model by suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:451-460. [PMID: 36867547 PMCID: PMC10106183 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to attenuate airway inflammation in asthmatic mice; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Studies have shown that EA can significantly increase the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in mice, and can also increase the expression level of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR). Furthermore, activating GABAAR may relieve inflammation in asthma by suppressing toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of GABAergic system and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in asthmatic mice treated with EA. METHODS A mouse model of asthma was established, and a series of methods including Western blot and histological staining assessment were employed to detect the level of GABA, and expressions of GABAAR and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in lung tissue. In addition, GABAAR antagonist was used to further validate the role and mechanism of GABAergic system in mediating the therapeutic effect of EA in asthma. RESULTS The mouse model of asthma was established successfully, and EA was verified to alleviate airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. The release of GABA and the expression of GABAAR were significantly increased in asthmatic mice treated with EA compared with untreated asthmatic mice ( P < 0.01), and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was down-regulated. Moreover, inhibition of GABAAR attenuated the beneficial effects of EA in asthma, including the regulation of airway resistance and inflammation, as well as the inhibitory effects on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that GABAergic system may be involved in mediating the therapeutic effect of EA in asthma, possibly by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisong Gong
- Department of Anesthesia, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Anesthesia, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
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6
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The GABA and GABA-Receptor System in Inflammation, Anti-Tumor Immune Responses, and COVID-19. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020254. [PMID: 36830790 PMCID: PMC9953446 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA and GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) play major roles in neurodevelopment and neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). There has been a growing appreciation that GABAA-Rs are also present on most immune cells. Studies in the fields of autoimmune disease, cancer, parasitology, and virology have observed that GABA-R ligands have anti-inflammatory actions on T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), while also enhancing regulatory T cell (Treg) responses and shifting APCs toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes. These actions have enabled GABAA-R ligands to ameliorate autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated inflammation in preclinical models. Conversely, antagonism of GABAA-R activity promotes the pro-inflammatory responses of T cells and APCs, enhancing anti-tumor responses and reducing tumor burden in models of solid tumors. Lung epithelial cells also express GABA-Rs, whose activation helps maintain fluid homeostasis and promote recovery from injury. The ability of GABAA-R agonists to limit both excessive immune responses and lung epithelial cell injury may underlie recent findings that GABAA-R agonists reduce the severity of disease in mice infected with highly lethal coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1). These observations suggest that GABAA-R agonists may provide off-the-shelf therapies for COVID-19 caused by new SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as novel beta-coronaviruses, which evade vaccine-induced immune responses and antiviral medications. We review these findings and further advance the notions that (1) immune cells possess GABAA-Rs to limit inflammation in the CNS, and (2) this natural "braking system" on inflammatory responses may be pharmacologically engaged to slow the progression of autoimmune diseases, reduce the severity of COVID-19, and perhaps limit neuroinflammation associated with long COVID.
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7
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Khalfaoui L, Pabelick CM. Airway smooth muscle in contractility and remodeling of asthma: potential drug target mechanisms. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:19-29. [PMID: 36744401 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2177533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma is characterized by enhanced airway contractility and remodeling where airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays a key role, modulated by inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms by which ASM contributes to these features of asthma is essential for the development of novel asthma therapies. AREAS COVERED Inflammation in asthma contributes to a multitude of changes within ASM including enhanced airway contractility, proliferation, and fibrosis. Altered intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) regulation or Ca2+ sensitization contributes to airway hyperreactivity. Increased airway wall thickness from ASM proliferation and fibrosis contributes to structural changes seen with asthma. EXPERT OPINION ASM plays a significant role in multiple features of asthma. Increased ASM contractility contributes to hyperresponsiveness, while altered ASM proliferation and extracellular matrix production promote airway remodeling both influenced by inflammation of asthma and conversely even influencing the local inflammatory milieu. While standard therapies such as corticosteroids or biologics target inflammation, cytokines, or their receptors to alleviate asthma symptoms, these approaches do not address the underlying contribution of ASM to hyperresponsiveness and particularly remodeling. Therefore, novel therapies for asthma need to target abnormal contractility mechanisms in ASM and/or the contribution of ASM to remodeling, particularly in asthmatics resistant to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Khalfaoui
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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8
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Tian J, Dillion BJ, Henley J, Comai L, Kaufman DL. A GABA-receptor agonist reduces pneumonitis severity, viral load, and death rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007955. [PMID: 36389819 PMCID: PMC9640739 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA-receptors (GABA-Rs) form a major neurotransmitter system in the brain. GABA-Rs are also expressed by 1) cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and act to inhibit their inflammatory activities, and 2) lung epithelial cells and GABA-R agonists/potentiators have been observed to limit acute lung injuries. These biological properties suggest that GABA-R agonists may have potential for treating COVID-19. We previously reported that GABA-R agonist treatments protected mice from severe disease induced by infection with a lethal mouse coronavirus (MHV-1). Because MHV-1 targets different cellular receptors and is biologically distinct from SARS-CoV-2, we sought to test GABA therapy in K18-hACE2 mice which develop severe pneumonitis with high lethality following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We observed that GABA treatment initiated immediately after SARS-CoV-2 infection, or 2 days later near the peak of lung viral load, reduced pneumonitis severity and death rates in K18-hACE2 mice. GABA-treated mice had reduced lung viral loads and displayed shifts in their serum cytokine/chemokine levels that are associated with better outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Thus, GABA-R activation had multiple effects that are also desirable for the treatment of COVID-19. The protective effects of GABA against two very different beta coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1) suggest that it may provide a generalizable off-the-shelf therapy to help treat diseases induced by new SARS-CoV-2 variants and novel coronaviruses that evade immune responses and antiviral medications. GABA is inexpensive, safe for human use, and stable at room temperature, making it an attractive candidate for testing in clinical trials. We also discuss the potential of GABA-R agonists for limiting COVID-19-associated neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Barbara J. Dillion
- High Containment Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jill Henley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lucio Comai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel L. Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Perez-Zoghbi JF, Sajorda DR, Webb DA, Arnold LA, Emala CW, Yocum GT. Imidazobenzodiazepine PI320 Relaxes Mouse Peripheral Airways by Inhibiting Calcium Mobilization. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 67:482-490. [PMID: 35776523 PMCID: PMC9564932 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0084oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common respiratory disease characterized, in part, by excessive airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction (airway hyperresponsiveness). Various GABAAR (γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor) activators, including benzodiazepines, relax ASM. The GABAAR is a ligand-operated Cl- channel best known for its role in inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Although ASM cells express GABAARs, affording a seemingly logical site of action, the mechanism(s) by which GABAAR ligands relax ASM remains unclear. PI320, a novel imidazobenzodiazepine designed for tissue selectivity, is a promising asthma drug candidate. Here, we show that PI320 alleviates methacholine (MCh)-induced bronchoconstriction in vivo and relaxes peripheral airways preconstricted with MCh ex vivo using the forced oscillation technique and precision-cut lung slice experiments, respectively. Surprisingly, the peripheral airway relaxation demonstrated in precision-cut lung slices does not appear to be GABAAR-dependent, as it is not inhibited by the GABAAR antagonist picrotoxin or the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil. Furthermore, we demonstrate here that PI320 inhibits MCh-induced airway constriction in the absence of external Ca2, suggesting that PI320-mediated relaxation is not mediated by inhibition of Ca2+ influx in ASM. However, PI320 does inhibit MCh-induced intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in peripheral ASM, a key mediator of contraction that is dependent on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ mobilization. Furthermore, PI320 inhibits peripheral airway constriction induced by experimentally increasing the intracellular concentration of inositol triphosphate (IP3). These novel data suggest that PI320 relaxes murine peripheral airways by inhibiting intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in ASM, likely by inhibiting Ca2+ release through IP3Rs (IP3 receptors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose F. Perez-Zoghbi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Dannah Rae Sajorda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Daniel A. Webb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and,Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Leggy A. Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and,Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Charles W. Emala
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
| | - Gene T. Yocum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York; and
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Mincheva G, Gimenez-Garzo C, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martinez-Garcia M, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Hällgren A, Bäckström T, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone, a GABA A receptor modulating steroid antagonist, restores motor coordination and cognitive function in hyperammonemic rats by dual effects on peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1861-1874. [PMID: 35880480 PMCID: PMC9532914 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Hyperammonemic rats show peripheral inflammation, increased GABAergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation in cerebellum and hippocampus which induce motor incoordination and cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation enhances GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum by enhancing the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Golexanolone reduces GABAA receptors potentiation by allopregnanolone. This work aimed to assess if treatment of hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and restores cognitive and motor function and to analyze underlying mechanisms. Methods Rats were treated with golexanolone and effects on peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways, and cognitive and motor function were analyzed. Results Hyperammonemic rats show increased TNFα and reduced IL‐10 in plasma, microglia and astrocytes activation in cerebellum and hippocampus, and impaired motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memories. Treating hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reversed changes in peripheral inflammation, microglia and astrocytes activation and restored motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memory. This was associated with reversal of the hyperammonemia‐enhanced activation in cerebellum of the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Conclusion Reducing GABAA receptors activation with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in hyperammonemic rats. The effects identified would also occur in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and, likely, in other pathologies associated with neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Gimenez-Garzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mar Martinez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umecrine Cognition AB, Solna, Sweden.,Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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11
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Cerne R, Lippa A, Poe MM, Smith JL, Jin X, Ping X, Golani LK, Cook JM, Witkin JM. GABAkines - Advances in the discovery, development, and commercialization of positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108035. [PMID: 34793859 PMCID: PMC9787737 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors or GABAkines have been widely used medicines for over 70 years for anxiety, epilepsy, sleep, and other disorders. Traditional GABAkines like diazepam have safety and tolerability concerns that include sedation, motor-impairment, respiratory depression, tolerance and dependence. Multiple GABAkines have entered clinical development but the issue of side-effects has not been fully solved. The compounds that are presently being developed and commercialized include several neuroactive steroids (an allopregnanolone formulation (brexanolone), an allopregnanolone prodrug (LYT-300), Sage-324, zuranolone, and ganaxolone), the α2/3-preferring GABAkine, KRM-II-81, and the α2/3/5-preferring GABAkine PF-06372865 (darigabat). The neuroactive steroids are in clinical development for post-partum depression, intractable epilepsy, tremor, status epilepticus, and genetic epilepsy disorders. Darigabat is in development for epilepsy and anxiety. The imidazodiazepine, KRM-II-81 is efficacious in animal models for the treatment of epilepsy and post-traumatic epilepsy, acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety and depression. The efficacy of KRM-II-81 in models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, preventing the development of seizure sensitization, and in brain tissue of intractable epileptic patients bodes well for improved therapeutics. Medicinal chemistry efforts are also ongoing to identify novel and improved GABAkines. The data document gaps in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of GABAkines that drive differential pharmacological profiles, but emphasize advancements in the ability to successfully utilize GABAA receptor potentiation for therapeutic gain in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Cerne
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Arnold Lippa
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA
| | | | - Jodi L. Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University/Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lalit K. Golani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - James M. Cook
- RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN USA,RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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12
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Rashid Roni MS, Zahn NM, Yocum GT, Webb DA, Mian MY, Meyer MJ, Tylek AS, Cook JM, Emala CW, Stafford DC, Arnold LA. Comparative pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of MIDD0301 and its (S) enantiomer. Drug Dev Res 2022; 83:979-992. [PMID: 35246861 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
MIDD0301 is being developed as an oral drug to relax airway smooth muscle (ASM) and reduce lung inflammation in asthma. We report a comparative study of MIDD0301 and its S isomer (MIDD0301S), and found that the compounds have equivalent affinity for γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA R) expressed in rat brain, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 25.1 and 26.3 nM for the S and R enantiomers, respectively. Both compounds relaxed substance P contracted ASM within 30 min and neither enantiomer revealed affinity to 48 receptors in an off-target screen. Both enantiomers reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) with nebulized and oral dosing in two mouse models of bronchoconstriction. In A/J mice, which are very sensitive to methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction, we observed reduction of AHR at 10.8 mg/kg MIDD0301 and 15 mg/kg MIDD0301S. Using oral administration, 100 mg/kg/day for 3 days of either enantiomer was sufficient to reduce AHR. In a model of severe airway inflammation induced by interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we observed reduction of AHR at 7.2 mg/kg for both enantiomers using nebulized administration, and at 100 mg/kg for oral administration. MIDD0301 and MIDD0301S did not undergo Phase I metabolism. Glucuronidation was observed for both compounds, whereas only MIDD0301 formed the corresponding glucoside in the presence of kidney microsomes. Pharmacokinetic analysis identified glucuronides as the major metabolite with concentrations up to 20-fold more than the parent compound. MIDD0301 glucuronide and MIDD0301 taurine bind GABAA Rs, although 10-fold weaker than MIDD0301. In mouse blood, the taurine adduct was only observed for MIDD0301. Overall, both compounds exhibited similar receptor binding and pharmacodynamic properties with subtle differences in metabolism and greater oral availability and blood concentrations of MIDD0301S.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rashid Roni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicolas M Zahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gene T Yocum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel A Webb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michelle J Meyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anika S Tylek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Charles W Emala
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Leggy A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.,Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California, USA
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13
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Zahn N, Roni MSR, Yocum GT, Meyer MJ, Webb DA, Mian MY, Cook JM, Stafford DC, Emala CW, Arnold LA. Development of Inhaled GABA A Receptor Modulators to Improve Airway Function in Bronchoconstrictive Disorders. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:80-88. [PMID: 35187417 PMCID: PMC8844962 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the modification of MIDD0301, an imidazodiazepine GABAA receptor (GABAAR) ligand, using two alkyl substituents. We developed PI310 with a 6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl chain as used in the long-acting β2-agonist salmeterol and PI320 with a poly(ethylene glycol) chain as used to improve the brain:plasma ratio of naloxegol, a naloxone analogue. Both imidazodiazepines showed affinity toward the GABAAR binding site of clonazepam, with IC50 values of 576 and 242 nM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis, using the available α1β3γ2 GABAAR structural data, suggests binding of the diazepine core between the α1+/γ2- interface, whereas alkyl substituents are located outside the binding site and thus interact with the protein surface and solvent molecules. The physicochemical properties of these compounds are very different. The solubility of PI310 is low in water. PEGylation of PI320 significantly improves aqueous solubility and cell permeability. Neither compound is toxic in HEK293 cells following exposure at >300 μM for 18 h. Ex vivo studies using guinea pig tracheal rings showed that PI310 was unable to relax the constricted airway smooth muscle. In contrast, PI320 induced muscle relaxation at organ bath concentrations as low as 5 μM, with rapid onset (15 min) at 25 μM. PI320 also reduced airway hyper-responsiveness in vivo in a mouse model of steroid-resistant lung inflammation induced by intratracheal challenge with INFγ and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). At nebulized doses of 7.2 mg/kg, PI320 and albuterol were equally effective in reducing airway hyper-responsiveness. Ten minutes after nebulization, the lung concentration of PI320 was 50-fold that of PI310, indicating superior availability of PI320 when nebulized as an aqueous solution. Overall, PI320 is a promising inhaled drug candidate to quickly relax airway smooth muscle in bronchoconstrictive disorders, such as asthma. Future studies will evaluate the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of PI320 when administered orally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas
M. Zahn
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - M. S. Rashid Roni
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Gene T. Yocum
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Michelle J. Meyer
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Daniel A. Webb
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | - James M. Cook
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States
| | | | - Charles W. Emala
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Leggy A. Arnold
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States,Pantherics
Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States,
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14
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The Dual Role of the GABA A Receptor in Peripheral Inflammation and Neuroinflammation: A Study in Hyperammonemic Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136772. [PMID: 34202516 PMCID: PMC8268725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive and motor impairment in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) are mediated by neuroinflammation, which is induced by hyperammonemia and peripheral inflammation. GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum is altered in rats with chronic hyperammonemia. The mechanisms by which hyperammonemia induces neuroinflammation remain unknown. We hypothesized that GABAA receptors can modulate cerebellar neuroinflammation. The GABAA antagonist bicuculline was administrated daily (i.p.) for four weeks in control and hyperammonemic rats. Its effects on peripheral inflammation and on neuroinflammation as well as glutamate and GABA neurotransmission in the cerebellum were assessed. In hyperammonemic rats, bicuculline decreases IL-6 and TNFα and increases IL-10 in the plasma, reduces astrocyte activation, induces the microglia M2 phenotype, and reduces IL-1β and TNFα in the cerebellum. However, in control rats, bicuculline increases IL-6 and decreases IL-10 plasma levels and induces microglial activation. Bicuculline restores the membrane expression of some glutamate and GABA transporters restoring the extracellular levels of GABA in hyperammonemic rats. Blocking GABAA receptors improves peripheral inflammation and cerebellar neuroinflammation, restoring neurotransmission in hyperammonemic rats, whereas it induces inflammation and neuroinflammation in controls. This suggests a complex interaction between GABAergic and immune systems. The modulation of GABAA receptors could be a suitable target for improving neuroinflammation in MHE.
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15
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GABA A-Receptor Agonists Limit Pneumonitis and Death in Murine Coronavirus-Infected Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13060966. [PMID: 34071034 PMCID: PMC8224554 DOI: 10.3390/v13060966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new approaches to limit the severity of coronavirus infections. Many cells of the immune system express receptors for the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and GABA-receptor (GABA-R) agonists have anti-inflammatory effects. Lung epithelial cells also express GABA-Rs, and GABA-R modulators have been shown to limit acute lung injuries. There is currently, however, no information on whether GABA-R agonists might impact the course of a viral infection. Here, we assessed whether clinically applicable GABA-R agonists could be repurposed for the treatment of a lethal coronavirus (murine hepatitis virus 1, MHV-1) infection in mice. We found that oral GABA administration before, or after the appearance of symptoms, very effectively limited MHV-1-induced pneumonitis, severe illness, and death. GABA treatment also reduced viral load in the lungs, suggesting that GABA-Rs may provide a new druggable target to limit coronavirus replication. Treatment with the GABAA-R-specific agonist homotaurine, but not the GABAB-R-specific agonist baclofen, significantly reduced the severity of pneumonitis and death rates in MHV-1-infected mice, indicating that the therapeutic effects were mediated primarily through GABAA-Rs. Since GABA and homotaurine are safe for human consumption, they are promising candidates to help treat coronavirus infections.
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16
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Sedating Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients with Volatile Anesthetics: Insights on the Last-Minute Potential Weapons. Sci Pharm 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/scipharm89010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally with the number of cases exceeding seventy million. Although trials on potential treatments of COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) are promising, the introduction of an effective therapeutic intervention seems elusive. In this review, we explored the potential therapeutic role of volatile anesthetics during mechanical ventilation in the late stages of the disease. COVID-19 is thought to hit the human body via five major mechanisms: direct viral damage, immune overactivation, capillary thrombosis, loss of alveolar capillary membrane integrity, and decreased tissue oxygenation. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines will eventually lead to the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lungs, which will lead to ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation. Respiratory failure resulting from ARDS is thought to be the most common cause of death in COVID-19. The literature suggests that these effects could be directly countered by using volatile anesthetics for sedation. These agents possess multiple properties that affect viral replication, immunity, and coagulation. They also have proven benefits at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Based on the comprehensive understanding of the literature, short-term sedation with volatile anesthetics may be beneficial in severe stages of COVID-19 ARDS and trials to study their effects should be encouraged.
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17
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Zahn N, Mikulsky BN, Roni MSR, Yocum GT, Mian MY, Knutson DE, Cook JM, Emala CW, Stafford DC, Arnold LA. Nebulized MIDD0301 Reduces Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Moderate and Severe Murine Asthma Models. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:1381-1390. [PMID: 33344908 PMCID: PMC7737320 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We report the relaxation of methacholine-constricted airways with nebulized MIDD0301, a positive allosteric γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) modulator. The therapeutic efficacy of nebulized MIDD0301 in reducing airway resistance was investigated in spontaneous breathing mice using a whole-body plethysmograph and in unconscious mice using a forced oscillation technique. Prophylactic nebulized MIDD0301 reduced subsequent methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in ovalbumin and house dust mite allergic asthma models and in normal mice. Nebulized MIDD0301 exhibited comparable or better therapeutic potency compared to nebulized albuterol and oral montelukast. Prophylactic nebulized MIDD0301 was also effective in reducing bronchoconstriction, comparable to nebulized albuterol or fluticasone, in a steroid resistant asthma mouse model induced by intratracheal installation of lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma. Oral dexamethasone was ineffective in this model. Nebulized MIDD0301 was also effective in reversing bronchospasm when dosed after methacholine challenge comparable to albuterol. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that about 0.06% of nebulized MIDD0301 entered the mouse lung when using a whole body plethysmograph and therapeutic levels were sustained in the lung for at least 25 min. Consistent with previous reports on orally dosed MIDD0301, high doses of nebulized MIDD0301 resulted in minimal brain exposure and thus no observable adverse sensorimotor or respiratory depression effects occurred. In addition, no adverse cardiovascular effects were observed following 100 mg/kg i.p. dosing. These results further demonstrate that charged imidazodiazepine MIDD0301 can selectively target lung GABAAR without adverse motor, cardiovascular, or respiratory effects and inhaled dosing is effective in reducing bronchoconstriction in allergen and infectious lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas
M. Zahn
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | | | - M. S. Rashid Roni
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Gene T. Yocum
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Daniel E. Knutson
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - James M. Cook
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Charles W. Emala
- Department
of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Douglas C. Stafford
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States,Pantherics
Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Leggy A. Arnold
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug
Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States,Pantherics
Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States,
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18
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Simeone X, Koniuszewski F, Müllegger M, Smetka A, Steudle F, Puthenkalam R, Ernst M, Scholze P. A Benzodiazepine Ligand with Improved GABA A Receptor α5-Subunit Selectivity Driven by Interactions with Loop C. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 99:39-48. [PMID: 33268553 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of GABAA receptors is an important drug target group in the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety, epileptic seizures, and many others. The most frequent GABAA receptor subtype is composed of two α-, two β-, and one γ2-subunit, whereas the nature of the α-subunit critically determines the properties of the benzodiazepine binding site of those receptors. Nearly all of the clinically relevant drugs target all GABAA receptor subtypes equally. In the past years, however, drug development research has focused on studying α5-containing GABAA receptors. Beyond the central nervous system, α5-containing GABAA receptors in airway smooth muscles are considered as an emerging target for bronchial asthma. Here, we investigated a novel compound derived from the previously described imidazobenzodiazepine SH-053-2'F-R-CH3 (SH53d-ester). Although SH53d-ester is only moderately selective for α5-subunit-containing GABAA receptors, the derivative SH53d-acid shows superior (>40-fold) affinity selectivity and is a positive modulator. Using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes and radioligand displacement assays with human embryonic kidney 293 cells, we demonstrated that an acid group as substituent on the imidazobenzodiazepine scaffold leads to large improvements of functional and binding selectivity for α5β3γ2 over other αxβ3γ2 GABAA receptors. Atom level structural studies provide hypotheses for the improved affinity to this receptor subtype. Mutational analysis confirmed the hypotheses, indicating that loop C of the GABAA receptor α-subunit is the dominant molecular determinant of drug selectivity. Thus, we characterize a promising novel α5-subunit-selective drug candidate. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In the current study we present the detailed pharmacological characterization of a novel compound derived from the previously described imidazobenzodiazepine SH-053-2'F-R-CH3. We describe its superior (>40-fold) affinity selectivity for α5-containing GABAA receptors and show atom-level structure predictions to provide hypotheses for the improved affinity to this receptor subtype. Mutational analysis confirmed the hypotheses, indicating that loop C of the GABAA receptor α-subunit is the dominant molecular determinant of drug selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Simeone
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Filip Koniuszewski
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Müllegger
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Smetka
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Steudle
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roshan Puthenkalam
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Scholze
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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19
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Gao J, Zhang H, Xiong P, Yan X, Liao C, Jiang G. Application of electrophysiological technique in toxicological study: From manual to automated patch-clamp recording. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2020.116082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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A Structure-Activity Relationship Comparison of Imidazodiazepines Binding at Kappa, Mu, and Delta Opioid Receptors and the GABA A Receptor. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173864. [PMID: 32854311 PMCID: PMC7503500 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties mediated by the κ opioid receptor (KOR) have been reported for oxadiazole imidazodiazepines. Affinities determined by radioligand competition assays of more than seventy imidazodiazepines using cell homogenates from HEK293 cells that overexpress KOR, µ opioid receptor (MOR), and δ opioid receptor (DOR) are presented. Affinities to synaptic, benzodiazepine-sensitive receptors (BZR) were determined with rat brain extract. The highest affinity for KOR was recorded for GL-I-30 (Ki of 27 nM) and G-protein recruitment was observed with an EC50 of 32 nM. Affinities for MOR and DOR were weak for all compounds. Ester and amide imidazodiazepines were among the most active KOR ligands but also competed with 3H-flunitrazepam for brain extract binding, which is mediated predominately by gamma aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAAR) of the α1-3β2-3γ1-2 subtypes. Imidazodiazepines with carboxylic acid and primary amide groups did not bind KOR but interacted strongly with GABAARs. Pyridine substitution reduced KOR affinity. Oxadiazole imidazodiazepines exhibited good KOR binding and interacted weakly with BZR, whereas oxazole imidazodiazepines were more selective towards BZR. Compounds that lack the imidazole moiety, the pendent phenyl, or pyridine substitutions exhibited insignificant KOR affinities. It can be concluded that a subset of imidazodiazepines represents novel KOR ligands with high selectivity among opioid receptors.
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21
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Knutson DE, Roni R, Mian Y, Cook JM, Stafford DC, Arnold LA. Improved scale-up synthesis and purification of clinical asthma candidate MIDD0301. Org Process Res Dev 2020; 24:1467-1476. [PMID: 32952391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.0c00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report an improved and scalable synthesis of MIDD0301, a positive GABAA receptor modulator that is under development as oral and inhaled treatments for asthma. In contrast to other benzodiazepines in clinical use, MIDD0301 is a chiral compound that has limited brain absorption. The starting material to generate MIDD0301 is 2-amino-5-bromo-2'-fluorobenzophenone, which has a non-basic nitrogen due to electron withdrawing substituents in the ortho and para positions, reducing its reactivity towards activated carboxylic acids. Investigations of peptide coupling reagents on multigram scale resulted in moderate yields due to incomplete conversions. Secondly, basic conditions used for the formation of the seven-membered 1,4-diazepine ring resulted in racemization of the chiral center. We found that neutral conditions comparable to the pKa of the primary amine were sufficient to support the formation of the intramolecular imine but did not enable the simultaneous removal of the protecting group. Both difficulties were overcome with the application of the N-carboxyanhydride of D-alanine. Activated in the presence of acid, this compound reacted with non-basic 2-amino-5-bromo-2'-fluorobenzophenone and formed the 1,4-diazepine upon neutralization with triethylamine. Carefully designed workup procedures and divergent solubility of the synthetic intermediates in solvents and solvent combinations were utilized to eliminate the need for column chromatography. To improve compatibility with large scale reactors, temperature-controlled slow addition of reagents generated the imidazodiazepine at -20 °C. All intermediates were isolated with a purity of >97% and impurities were identified and quantified. After the final hydrolysis step, MIDD0301 was isolated in a 44% overall yield and purity of 98.9% after recrystallization. The enantiomeric excess was greater than 99.0%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Rashid Roni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Yeunus Mian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Douglas C Stafford
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States.,Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Leggy A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States.,Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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22
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Nieman AN, Li G, Zahn NM, Mian MY, Mikulsky BN, Hoffman DA, Wilcox TM, Kehoe AS, Luecke IW, Poe MM, Alvarez-Carbonell D, Cook JM, Stafford DC, Arnold LA. Targeting Nitric Oxide Production in Microglia with Novel Imidazodiazepines for Nonsedative Pain Treatment. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2019-2030. [PMID: 32511908 PMCID: PMC7380323 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this research is the identification of new treatments for neuropathic pain. We characterized the GABAergic system of immortalized mouse and human microglia using electrophysiology and qRT-PCR. Cells from both species exhibited membrane current changes in response to γ-aminobutyric acid, with an EC50 of 260 and 1940 nM, respectively. Human microglia expressed high levels of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) α3 subunit, which can assemble with β1 and γ2/δ subunits to form functional GABAARs. Mouse microglia contained α2, α3, and α5, in addition to β1-3, γ1-2, and δ, mRNA, enabling a more diverse array of GABAARs than human microglia. Benzodiazepines are well-established modulators of GABAAR activity, prompting a screen of a library of diverse benzodiazepines in microglia for cellular effects. Several active compounds were identified by reduction of nitric oxide (NO) in interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide activated microglia. However, further investigation with GABAAR antagonists flumazenil, picrotoxin, and bicuculline demonstrated that GABAARs were not linked to the NO response. A screen of 48 receptors identified the κ-opioid receptor and to a lesser extent the μ-opioid receptor as molecular targets, with opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine reversing benzodiazepine induced reduction of microglial NO. Functional assays identified the downregulation of inducible NO synthase as the mode of action of imidazodiazepines MP-IV-010 and GL-IV-03. Like other κ-opioid receptor agonists, GL-IV-03 reduced the agitation response in both phases of the formalin nociception test. However, unlike other κ-opioid receptor agonists, MP-IV-010 and GL-IV-03 did not impair sensorimotor coordination in mice. Thus, MP-IV-010 and GL-IV-03 represent a new class of nonsedative drug candidates for inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N. Nieman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Guanguan Li
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute and Department of Chemistry, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Synthesis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Nicolas M. Zahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | | | - Dylan A. Hoffman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Taylor M. Wilcox
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Alexander S. Kehoe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Ian W. Luecke
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Michael M. Poe
- Department of Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo MI 49008, United States
| | - David Alvarez-Carbonell
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - James M. Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Douglas C. Stafford
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
- Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Leggy A. Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
- Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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23
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Patel BS, Ravix J, Pabelick C, Prakash YS. Class C GPCRs in the airway. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 51:19-28. [PMID: 32375079 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and targeting of GPCRs remain a critical aspect of airway pharmacology and therapeutics for diseases such as asthma or COPD. Most attention has been on the large Class A GPCRs towards improved bronchodilation and blunting of remodeling. Better known in the central or peripheral nervous system, there is increasing evidence that Class C GPCRs which include metabotropic glutamate and GABA receptors, the calcium sensing receptor, sweet/umami taste receptors and a number of orphan receptors, can contribute to airway structure and function. In this review, we will summarize current state of knowledge regarding the pharmacology of Class C GPCRs, their expression and potential functions in the airways, and the application of pharmacological agents targeting this group in the context of airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brijeshkumar S Patel
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jovanka Ravix
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Christina Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiologyand Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
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24
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Orser BA, Wang DS, Lu WY. Sedating ventilated COVID-19 patients with inhalational anesthetic drugs. EBioMedicine 2020; 55:102770. [PMID: 32344199 PMCID: PMC7172604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beverley A Orser
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E2, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Dian-Shi Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wei-Yang Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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25
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Jenkins A, Escayg A. Reply: Novel GABRA2 variants in epileptic encephalopathy and intellectual disability with seizures. Brain 2020; 142:e16. [PMID: 31032848 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jenkins
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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26
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Roni MSR, Li G, Mikulsky BN, Knutson DE, Mian MY, Zahn NM, Cook JM, Stafford DC, Arnold LA. The Effects of pH on the Structure and Bioavailability of Imidazobenzodiazepine-3-Carboxylate MIDD0301. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:1182-1192. [PMID: 32069056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b01210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We describe the effects of pH on the structure and bioavailability of MIDD0301, an oral lead compound for asthma. MIDD0301 interacts with peripheral GABAA receptors to reduce lung inflammation and airway smooth muscle constriction. The structure of MIDD0301 combines basic imidazole and carboxylic acid function in the same diazepine scaffold, resulting in high solubility at neutral pH. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MIDD0301 can interconvert between a seven-membered ring structure at neutral pH and an acyclic compound at or below pH 3. Both structures have two stable conformers in solution that can be observed by 1H NMR at room temperature. Kinetic analysis showed opening and closing of the seven-membered ring of MIDD0301 at gastric and intestinal pH, occurring with different rate constants. However, in vivo studies showed that the interconversion kinetics are fast enough to yield similar MIDD0301 blood and lung concentrations for neutral and acidic formulations. Importantly, acidic and neutral formulations of MIDD0301 exhibit high lung distribution with low concentrations in brain. These findings demonstrate that MIDD0301 interconverts between stable structures at neutral and acidic pH without changes in bioavailability, further supporting its formulation as an oral asthma medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rashid Roni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Guanguan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | | | - Daniel E Knutson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Nicolas M Zahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States
| | - Douglas C Stafford
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States.,Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Leggy A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, United States.,Pantherics Incorporated, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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27
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Zahn NM, Huber AT, Mikulsky BN, Stepanski ME, Kehoe AS, Li G, Schussman M, Rashid Roni MS, Kodali R, Cook JM, Stafford DC, Steeber DA, Arnold LA. MIDD0301 - A first-in-class anti-inflammatory asthma drug targets GABA A receptors without causing systemic immune suppression. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 125:75-84. [PMID: 30694594 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We report a 28-day repeat dose immunotoxicity evaluation of investigational drug MIDD0301, a novel oral asthma drug candidate that targets gamma amino butyric acid type A receptors (GABAA R) in the lung. The study design employed oral administration of mice twice daily throughout the study period with 100 mg/kg MIDD0301 mixed in peanut butter. Compound dosing did not reveal signs of general toxicity as determined by animal weight, organ weight or haematology. Peanut butter plus test drug (in addition to ad libitum standard rodent chow) did not affect weight gain in the adult mice, in contrast to weight loss in 5 mg/kg prednisone-treated mice. Spleen and thymus weights were unchanged in MIDD0301-treated mice, but prednisone significantly reduced the weight of those organs over the 28-day dosing. Similarly, no differences in spleen or thymus histology were observed following MIDD0301 treatment, but prednisone treatment induced morphological changes in the spleen. The number of small intestine Peyer's patches was not affected by MIDD0301 treatment, an important factor for orally administered drugs. Circulating lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte numbers were unchanged in the MIDD0301-treated animals, whereas differential lymphocyte numbers were reduced in prednisone-treated animals. MIDD0301 treatment did not alter IgG antibody responses to dinitrophenyl following dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin immunization, indicating that systemic humoral immune function was not affected. Taken together, these studies show that repeated daily administration of MIDD0301 is safe and not associated with adverse immunotoxicological effects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas M Zahn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Alec T Huber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Brandon N Mikulsky
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Mae E Stepanski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Alexander S Kehoe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Guanguan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Melissa Schussman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Mohammed S Rashid Roni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Revathi Kodali
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Douglas C Stafford
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Douglas A Steeber
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Leggy A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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28
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Yocum GT, Perez-Zoghbi JF, Danielsson J, Kuforiji AS, Zhang Y, Li G, Rashid Roni MS, Kodali R, Stafford DC, Arnold LA, Cook JM, Emala CW. A novel GABA A receptor ligand MIDD0301 with limited blood-brain barrier penetration relaxes airway smooth muscle ex vivo and in vivo. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 316:L385-L390. [PMID: 30489155 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00356.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells express GABA A receptors (GABAARs), and previous reports have demonstrated that GABAAR activators relax ASM. However, given the activity of GABAARs in central nervous system inhibitory neurotransmission, concern exists that these activators may lead to undesirable sedation. MIDD0301 is a novel imidazobenzodiazepine and positive allosteric modulator of the GABAAR with limited brain distribution, thus eliminating the potential for sedation. Here, we demonstrate that MIDD0301 relaxes histamine-contracted guinea pig ( P < 0.05, n = 6-9) and human ( P < 0.05, n = 6-10) tracheal smooth muscle ex vivo in organ bath experiments, dilates mouse peripheral airways ex vivo in precision-cut lung-slice experiments ( P < 0.001, n = 16 airways from three mice), and alleviates bronchoconstriction in vivo in mice, as assessed by the forced-oscillation technique ( P < 0.05, n = 6 mice). Only trace concentrations of the compound were detected in the brains of mice after inhalation of nebulized 5 mM MIDD0301. Given its favorable pharmacokinetic properties and demonstrated ability to relax ASM in a number of clinically relevant experimental paradigms, MIDD0301 is a promising drug candidate for bronchoconstrictive diseases, such as asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene T Yocum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Jose F Perez-Zoghbi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Jennifer Danielsson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Aisha S Kuforiji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York
| | - Guanguan Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - M S Rashid Roni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Revathi Kodali
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Douglas C Stafford
- Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Leggy A Arnold
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Charles W Emala
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University , New York, New York
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