A search for selective antagonists at M2 muscarinic receptors

Functional sudomotor responses to cholinergic agonists and antagonists in the mouse

This study evaluates the functional activity of the mouse sweat glands in response to cholinergic agonists and antagonists using the silicone imprint technique. In intact mice the response to acetylcholine, methacholine and pilocarpine did not differ significantly from control saline injection, indicating that immobilization induces high levels of sweating, masking the effects of cholinergic stimulation. Plantar emotional sweating was completely abolished by local anesthesia at the ankle. Under these conditions, administration of acetylcholine only provoked detectable sweating when injected locally into the sole skin. Methacholine activated an increasing number of sweat glands in a dose-dependent manner between 0.5 and 10 mg/kg; the response was maximal after 5-10 min of administration and decreased subsequently. With pilocarpine the maximum number of reactive sweat glands was observed at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. The response was stable for 45 min with doses 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, but decreased exponentially with higher doses. The subtype of sweat gland muscarinic receptor was characterized by determining the inhibitory effect of different cholinergic antagonists on pilocarpine response. Atropine and 4-DAMP were equally potent inhibitors, showing a dose-related effect from 0.05 mg/kg. Pirenzepine only showed inhibitory effects with doses 10-times higher, whereas gallamine and hexamethonium did not induce inhibition at any of the doses tested. These findings suggest that the mouse eccrine sweat gland muscarinic receptors are predominantly M3.

Pressor response induced by the hippocampal administration of neostigmine is suppressed by M1 muscarinic antagonist

We investigated the roles played by three muscarinic receptors (M1, M2, and M3) in the pressor response with bradycardia that followed the injection of neostigmine (5 x 10(-8) mol) into the hippocampus of anesthetized rats. These changes were blocked by the co-administration of methylatropine (5 x 10(-8) mol). The intrahippocampal injection of pirenzepine (M1 antagonist) (5 x 10(-9) - 5 x 10(-7) mol) suppressed the neostigmine-induced pressor response dose-dependently. However injection of gallamine (M2 antagonist) (5 x 10(-8) - 5 x 10(-7) mol) and of 4-DAMP (M1 and M3 antagonist) (5 x 10(-8) - 5 x 10(-7) mol) did not suppress this hypertensive response. These findings suggest that the neostigmine-induced pressor response with bradycardia is mediated through the M1 muscarinic receptor subtype.

Synthesis, muscarinic blocking activity and molecular modeling studies of 4-DAMP-related compounds

A number of compounds structurally related to 4-DAMP (1) were synthesized and a single crystal X-ray structural study on a representative member of this series was carried out. All the compounds were tested for the antagonist activity in isolated guinea pig atria (M2 muscarinic receptors) and ileum (M3 muscarinic receptors). Affinity values (pA2) for the muscarinic receptor subtypes ranged from 5.39 to 9.71 (M2) and from 5.68 to 9.92 (M3), depending on different structural features of the compounds. A molecular modeling study was performed, with the aim of rationalizing the affinity data for both M2 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes. The presence in the series of two highly active, structurally constrained derivatives allowed us to define two different pharmacophoric frames on which all the compounds could be fitted in a satisfactory manner.

The involvement of muscarinic receptor subtypes in the mediation of hypothermia, tremor, and salivation in male mice

The potency of centrally administered non-selective (atropine and N-methyl scopolamine) and putatively selective muscarinic antagonists (pirenzepine, AF-DX 116 and 4-DAMP) in inhibition of oxotremorine-induced hypothermia, tremor and salivation in male mice has been compared with their potency in vitro in three functional systems, where muscarinic effects are mediated preferentially by M1 (i.e. superior cervical ganglion), M2 (i.e. atrium), and M3 (i.e. ileum) receptors. Atropine, N-methyl scopolamine and 4-DAMP potently abolished the effects of oxotremorine. Pirenzepine abolished tremor and salivation, whereas hypothermia was antagonized partially only. AF-DX 116 had but weak antagonistic effects. Atropine and N-methyl scopolamine were potent antagonists in all three in vitro test systems. High potency was also seen with 4-DAMP, in particular in the ileum preparation. Pirenzepine showed its highest potency in the ganglion preparation. AF-DX 116 was a weak and non-selective antagonist in all three in vitro preparations. Our studies indicate that the muscarinic induction of tremor and salivation may be preferentially mediated by M3 receptors whereas both M2 and M3 receptors may be involved in the mediation of hypothermia. However, the overall conclusion is that compounds with higher receptor subtype selectivity are needed.

Role of spinal and supraspinal muscarinic receptors in the expression of morphine withdrawal symptoms in the rat

Previous studies in this laboratory have demonstrated that prior intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the muscarinic antagonist, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) in morphine dependent rats significantly attenuates the development of cardiovascular and certain behavioral responses precipitated by the opiate antagonist, naloxone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether both supraspinal and spinal cholinergic neurons are involved in the expression of withdrawal symptoms. Employing localized (i.c.v. or intrathecal, i.t.) infusions of muscarinic antagonists, it was determined that a significant antiwithdrawal action could be produced through both an inhibition of supraspinal and spinal cholinergic neurons. Pharmacological difference emerged regarding the antiwithdrawal potential of 4-DAMP and the partially M1 selective antagonist, pirenzepine. While our previous studies had revealed that pirenzepine had essentially no antiwithdrawal activity when administered by the i.c.v. route, in the present study, pirenzepine evoked a marked antiwithdrawal action by the i.t. route, significantly inhibiting both cardiovascular and behavioral signs of withdrawal. In contrast, 4-DAMP which was effective by the i.c.v. route (especially for the cardiovascular symptoms), elicited no antiwithdrawal action by the i.t. route. As a muscarinic antagonist (ability to block the pressor response to central injection of carbachol) 4-DAMP was equally active by i.c.v. or i.t. injection. However, pirenzepine was clearly more effective in this regard by the i.t. route. These results are consistent with ability of muscarinic antagonists to offer significant anti-morphine withdrawal activity at both supraspinal and spinal locations. They also suggest that different muscarinic systems, possibly different receptor subtypes, mediate the expression of morphine withdrawal symptoms within the two regions of the CNS.

Subtype of muscarinic receptors mediating relaxation and contraction in the rat iris dilator smooth muscle

1. Carbachol produced a relaxation of dilator muscle at a concentration lower than 1 microM and a contraction at a concentration higher than 1 microM. 2. We studied the effects of the M1-selective antagonist, pirenzepine, the M2-selective antagonist, himbacine, the M3-selective antagonist, 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) and the non-selective antagonist, atropine, on carbachol-induced relaxation and contraction of the rat iris dilator smooth muscle. All the antagonists competitively inhibited both the responses to carbachol. 3. In relaxation and contraction, the low affinity of pirenzepine and himbacine suggest that the rat iris dilator smooth muscle receptors are not of the M1 and M2 subtypes. In contrast, 4-DAMP potently inhibited the carbachol-induced relaxation and contraction with affinities similar to those reported for the M3 subtype. 4. Carbachol-induced relaxation and contraction of the rat iris dilator appears to be mediated through a homogeneous population of M3 subtype.

Differential effects of amitriptyline on sudomotor, cardiovagal, and adrenergic function in human subjects

Tricyclic antidepressants, especially amitriptyline (AMI), are widely used by patients who require tests of autonomic function. AMI effects autonomic function, but its quantitative and differential effects are not known. We prospectively evaluated the effect of AMI on sudomotor (M3 receptor), cardiovagal (M2) and adrenergic functions in 6 subjects, aged 20-40 years before, during, and 48 hours after AMI 75 mg/d. M3 receptor function was evaluated using QSART (quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test) recordings from four sites, M2 receptor function from cardiovagal studies [HR response to deep breathing (HRDB) and the Valsalva ratio (VR)], and adrenergic function from an analysis of beat-to-beat BP responses to tilt and the Valsalva maneuver. Plasma AMI was determined from blood samples obtained within 2 hours of autonomic testing. QSART volume was reduced by 47% by AMI (P = 0.01), and recovered to 81% of baseline following a 48-hour washout. HRDB was unaffected by AMI (P > 0.05). VR was increased by 10% (NS) with AMI and by 14% (P < 0.05) with washout. The percent change in hemodynamic parameters by AMI were: orthostatic reduction in SBP, 62% (NS); orthostatic HR increment, 66%, (P = 0.03); and phase IIe SBP decrement, 665%, (P = 0.02). We conclude that AMI in the moderate doses used, resulted in greater inhibition of M3 than M2 receptors. The BP, HR, and beat-to-beat BP alterations likely reflect adrenergic inhibition resulting in a reduction in effective plasma volume. A washout of 48 hours is adequate for muscarinic but not adrenoreceptors.

The contribution of charge to affinity at functional (M3) muscarinic receptors in guinea-pig ileum assessed from the effects of the carbon analogue of 4-DAMP methiodide

1. 4-Diphenylacetoxy-1:1-dimethyl cyclohexane (carbo-4-DAMP) is the carbon analogue of 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP) methiodide. The compounds differ only in that the quaternary nitrogen atom in 4-DAMP methiodide is replaced by a quaternary carbon atom, which is uncharged. 2. Carbo-4-DAMP appears to act competitively at functional (M3) muscarinic receptors in guinea-pig ileum. Estimates of log affinity constant are 6.0 at 30 degrees C and 5.9 at 37 degrees C, i.e. the compound has 0.1% of the affinity of 4-DAMP methobromide. 3. The absence of charge makes little difference to the conformation as determined by X-ray crystallography. The bond lengths and angles are very similar, though the bonds in the cyclohexane ring of carbo-4-DAMP are consistently slightly longer than those in the piperidinium ring of 4-DAMP methiodide, and the presence of the charge slightly reduces the space between molecules. 4. The difference between the affinities of 4-DAMP methobromide and carbo-4-DAMP indicates that the contribution of coulombic forces to the binding between 4-DAMP methiodide and muscarinic (M3) receptors is at least 17 kJ mol-1 (4.1 kcal mol-1) at 37 degrees C. How much this is an underestimate depends upon how much hydrophobic binding is greater with the uncharged compound.

Binding properties of nine 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine (4-DAMP) analogues to M1, M2, M3 and putative M4 muscarinic receptor subtypes

1. We compared the binding properties of 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) and nine analogues of this compound on muscarinic receptors of human neuroblastoma NB-OK1 cells (M1 subtype), rat heart (M2 subtype), rat pancreas (M3 subtype) and to the putative M4 subtype in striatum. 2. The requirements for high affinity binding were somewhat different for the four receptor subtypes. In general, the requirements of M3 receptors were more stringent than for M1, M2 or putative M4 receptors. 3. The abilities of the compounds to discriminate muscarinic receptor subtypes were not correlated with their affinities at any subtype. 4. The temperature-dependence of binding of 4-DAMP analogues to M2 receptors varied with the drug structure. In particular, the increased affinity of the alpha-methyl derivative of 4-DAMP could be ascribed to van der Waals interactions. 5. The affinities of most 4-DAMP analogues for M2 and M3 receptors were similar to their pharmacological potencies on atrial and ileum preparations, respectively. 6. At concentrations above 1 microM, all 4-DAMP analogues as well as atropine, reduced the [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine ([3H]-NMS) dissociation rate from cardiac muscarinic receptors, with no obvious structure-activity relationship.

Pharmacological characterization of muscarinic receptor subtypes in rabbit isolated tissue preparations

1 The affinity of some muscarinic antagonists for muscarinic receptors was determined in functional isolated tissue studies in order to compare the muscarinic receptor subtypes in the rabbit. 2 Our attention was specially focused on the question of whether the muscarinic receptors mediating vasodilatation in the aorta resemble or not the ones present on the jejunum of the gastrointestinal tract. 3 Isolated aorta, jejunum, stimulated left atrium and vas deferens preparations of rabbit were investigated with the following muscarinic antagonists: atropine, pirenzepine, methoctramine (N,N'-bis[6-92-methoxybenzyl)amino hexyl]-1,8-octane-diamine tetrahydrochloride) and 4-DAMP (4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide). 4 The results demonstrate that the receptors on aorta are unlike those on the other rabbit tissues: pirenzepine pA2 was 6.4 on aorta but 8.1 on vas deferens; methoctramine pA2 was 5.9 on aorta but 7.1 on heart; 4-DAMP pA2 was 8.7 on aorta and 8.0 on jejunum. This raises the question: what subtype might be involved?

Characterization of muscarinic receptor subtype of rat eccrine sweat gland by autoradiography

The muscarinic cholinergic receptor of rat eccrine sweat gland was characterized using quantitative autoradiography and [3H]QNB as radioligand. The distribution of radioligand was maximal in the secretory coil. Autoradiographic competition binding studies were performed using selective antagonists to M1 (pirenzepine), M2 (AF-DX 116), and M3 (4-DAMP) and the classical nonselective antagonist atropine. pKi for pirenzepine, AF-DX 116, 4-DAMP, and atropine was 6.58, 5.47, 8.50, and 8.66 respectively indicating that the eccrine sweat gland muscarinic receptor was predominantly M3.

Selectivity profile of the novel muscarinic antagonist UH-AH 37 determined by the use of cloned receptors and isolated tissue preparations

1. Functional in vitro experiments were carried out to determine the antimuscarinic potencies of the pirenzepine derivative UH-AH 37 (6-chloro-5,10-dihydro-5-[(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)acetyl]-11H-dibenzo- [b,e] [1,4] diazepine-11-one hydrochloride) at M1 muscarinic receptors of rabbit vas deferens, M2 receptors of rat left atria and M3 receptors of rat ileum. Furthermore, N-[3H]-methylscopolamine competition binding experiments were performed to obtain its affinities for the five cloned human muscarinic receptors (m1-m5) stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells. Pirenzepine served as a reference drug throughout all experiments. 2. In all preparations used, UH-AH 37 interacted with muscarinic receptors in a fashion characteristic of a simple competitive antagonist. 3. In the functional studies, UH-AH 37, like pirenzepine, showed high affinity for M1 (pA2 8.49) and low affinity for M2 muscarinic receptors (pA2 6.63). In contrast to pirenzepine, UH-AH 37 also displayed high affinity for M3 receptors (pA2 8.04). 4. In agreement with its functional profile, UH-AH 37 bound with highest affinity to m1 (pKi 8.74) and with lowest affinity to m2 receptors (pKi 7.35). Moreover, it showed a 7 fold higher affinity for m3 (pKi 8.19) than for m2 receptors, whereas pirenzepine bound to both receptors with low affinities. 5. The binding affinity of UH-AH 37 for m4 and m5 receptors (pKi 8.32 for both receptors) was only ca. 2.5 fold lower than that for m1 receptors, while the corresponding affinity differences were 6 and 13 fold in case of pirenzepine. 6. In conclusion, the receptor selectivity profile of UH-AH 37 differs clearly from that of its parent compound, pirenzepine, in both functional and radioligand binding studies, the major characteristics being its pronounced M2 (m2)/M3 (m3) selectivity. UH-AH 37 thus represents a useful tool for the further pharmacological characterization of muscarinic receptor subtypes.

Brain M3 muscarinic receptors are involved in the ACTH-induced reversal of hemorrhagic shock

In an experimental model of bleeding-induced hemorrhagic shock causing the death of all saline-treated rats within 30 min, the intravenous injection of ACTH-(1-24) at the dose of 160 micrograms/kg induced a sustained reversal of the shock condition, with almost complete recovery of blood pressure, pulse amplitude, respiratory rate, heart rate, and 100% survival, at least for the 2 h of observation. This effect of ACTH-(1-24) was prevented by the intracerebroventricular injection of 4-DAMP (a highly selective antagonist for M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors), but unaffected by the intracerebroventricular injection of pirenzepine (a highly selective antagonist for M1 muscarinic receptors). These data indicate that an essential step in the complex mechanism of the ACTH-induced shock reversal may be the activation of brain M3 muscarinic receptors.

Rat hippocampal muscarinic autoreceptors are similar to the M2 (cardiac) subtype: comparison with hippocampal M1, atrial M2 and ileal M3 receptors

1. Affinity constants for 15 non-selective or putatively selective muscarinic antagonists were determined at muscarinic autoreceptors and postsynaptic receptors (linked to phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis) in rat hippocampal slices, at muscarinic receptors mediating contractility in guinea-pig atria or ileal smooth muscle and at binding sites in rat cerebral cortical membranes labelled with [3H]-1-quinuclidinyl benzilate or [3H]-pirenzepine. 2. Comparison of the affinities of these antagonists at central M1 receptors (inositol-monophosphate formation in rat hippocampal slices) with their affinities at peripheral M1 receptors (inhibition by McN-A-343 of electrically stimulated twitches in rabbit vas deferens) provides support for the suggestion that these receptors may differ pharmacologically. 3. Comparison of affinity constants obtained by displacement of specifically bound [3H]-pirenzepine from rat cerebral cortical membranes with those obtained in functional tests showed poor correlations between affinities for binding sites and for functional atrial receptors or for hippocampal autoreceptors. A significant correlation was found between affinities for [3H]-pirenzepine binding and those determined at muscarinic receptors linked to PI turnover in rat hippocampus. A significant correlation was also obtained between the affinities for specific [3H]-pirenzepine binding sites in cortical membranes and the affinities at ileal receptors. 4. Comparison of the affinity values for muscarinic autoreceptors in rat hippocampus with affinity values obtained from in vitro models of muscarinic receptor subtypes showed no significant correlations between these autoreceptors and either M1 or M3 receptors. A significant correlation was found between antagonist affinities for hippocampal autoreceptors and muscarinic receptors in the heart. Therefore, muscarinic autoreceptors in rat hippocampus are pharmacologically similar to the M2 (cardiac) muscarinic receptor subtype.

Different muscarine receptors mediate the prejunctional inhibition of [3H]-noradrenaline release in rat or guinea-pig iris and the contraction of the rabbit iris sphincter muscle

To investigate the muscarine receptor type mediating inhibition of [3H]-noradrenaline release from the isolated rat and guinea-pig iris we have determined the potency of antimuscarinic drugs to antagonize the methacholine-induced inhibition of [3H]-noradrenaline overflow evoked by field stimulation (3 Hz, 2 min). The prejunctional apparent affinities were compared with those obtained for postjunctional muscarine receptors mediating the methacholine-induced contraction of the isolated rabbit iris sphincter muscle. Prejunctional apparent affinity constants of pirenzepine (6.67), himbacine (8.51), methoctramine (7.92), 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP, 8.00), hexahydro-difenidol enantiomers (6.92, (R); 5.77, (S)) in the rat iris and methoctramine (7.58) in the guinea-pig iris indicate the presence of M2 receptors. Although the postjunctional affinity constants in the rabbit iris sphincter of methoctramine (5.93), gallamine (3.92), and 4-DAMP (9.07) confirm our previous suggestions of the presence of M3-like receptors, the results obtained with the hexahydro-difenidol enantiomers do not agree with that concept. The postjunctional affinity constants of the hexahydro-difenidol enantiomers were not different from the prejunctional values (6.86, (R); 5.55, (S)), indicating a similar and low degree of stereoselectivity for these stereoisomers at both receptor sites (14 and 17, (R)/(S)-ratios, respectively). Hence, the postjunctional muscarine receptor in the rabbit iris sphincter fails to exhibit the high degree of stereoselectivity observed for hexahydro-difenidol enantiomers at M3 receptors on other smooth muscles.

Reversal of haemorrhagic shock in rats by cholinomimetic drugs

1. In an experimental model of haemorrhagic shock resulting in the death of all rats within 20-30 min, the intravenous (i.v.) injection of the tertiary amine cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine (17-70 micrograms kg-1) induced a prompt, sustained and dose-dependent improvement of cardiovascular and respiratory function, with marked increase in the volume of circulating blood and survival of all treated animals, at least for the 2 h of observation. 2. Similar results were obtained with the i.v. injection of the cholinoceptor agonist oxotremorine (5-25 micrograms kg-1), while neostigmine (54 or 70 micrograms kg-1), a quaternary cholinesterase inhibitor which cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, had negligible effects. 3. The anti-shock activities of oxotremorine and physostigmine were blocked by the intracerebroventricular injection of either of the combined nicotinic and M2-muscarinic receptor antagonists gallamine and pancuronium, or of the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. They were also blocked by intraperitoneal injection of the adrenergic neurone blocking agent guanethidine, but they were not antagonized by either the combined M1- and M2-muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine, the M1-muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine, or the M2-muscarinic receptor 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide. 4. It is concluded that cholinomimetic drugs can reverse hypovolaemic shock through central activation (seemingly mediated by nicotinic receptors) of sympathetic tone, with mobilization and redistribution of the residual blood.

Subclassification of atrial and intestinal muscarinic receptors of the rat--direct binding studies with agonists and antagonists

1. Although extensively investigated, the extent of differences between receptors mediating negative inotropic and chronotropic responses is still unclear. In the present study atrial and intestinal muscarinic receptors were identified by [3H]-N-methyl-scopolamine ([3H]-NMS) binding and the affinities of some presumably inotropy- or chronotropy-selective agonists and several antagonists determined. 2. All the agonists tested showed similar affinity for right and left atrial receptors. Accepting an affinity difference of 0.4 log units as experimental error, none of the agonists tested was selective for either atrium. 3. Affinity differences of the cardioselective antagonists himbacine, AF-DX 116 and methoctramine and the M1-selective antagonist dicyclomine for right and left atrial muscarinic receptors were also minimal (less than 2 fold selective). When compared to intestinal receptors, AF-DX 116 was 3 to 4 fold, methoctramine 10 to 13 fold selective and himbacine and dicyclomine non-selective. 4. These data provide evidence for differences between atrial and intestinal but not between right and left atrial muscarinic receptors.

Quantitative autoradiographic distribution of [3H]AF-DX 116 muscarinic-M2 receptor binding sites in rat brain

The distribution of muscarinic-M2 receptors in rat brain was investigated by in vitro autoradiography using [3H]AF-DX 116, a putative probe for the muscarinic-M2 receptor subtype. Incubation of rat brain coronal sections with 10 nM [3H]AF-DX 116 showed highest binding site densities in discrete areas such as the superior colliculus and certain thalamic and brainstem nuclei, similar to the distribution reported for [2H]acetylcholine/M2 sites. [3H]AF-DX 116 site densities were markedly lower in forebrain areas such as cortex, striatum, and hippocampus, in contrast to the distribution seen for [3H]pirenzepine-M1 binding sites, which were concentrated in these forebrain areas; however, differential patterns of labeling were observed for the two muscarinic-M2 probes, [3H]AF-DX 116 and [3H]acetylcholine, in the hippocampal formation. Although [3H]AF-DX 116 binding was broadly distributed in multiple subfields of the hippocampus, [3H]acetylcholine binding was discretely distributed in a manner resembling that of acetylcholinesterase staining. This suggests the existence of muscarinic-M2 subtypes in the CNS, especially in the hippocampal formation.

Effect of M2 muscarinic receptor antagonist 4-DAMP, on prostaglandin synthesis and mechanical function in the isolated rabbit heart

1. Muscarinic agonist acetylcholine (ACh) (non-selective) and arecaidine propargyl ester (APE) (M2 selective agonist) produced a increase in the output of 6-keto PGF1 alpha and a decrease in the heart rate and myocardial developed tension in a dose-dependent manner. 2. Lower doses of ACh (1.0-5.0 nmol) caused coronary vasodilation, whereas higher doses of ACh (10.0 nmol) and lower as well as higher doses of APE produced a biphasic effect--an initial vasodilation followed by vasoconstriction. 3. The increase in 6-keto PGF1 alpha output elicited by 3 nmol of ACh or APE was inhibited by 10 nM of classical muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine or by the selective M2 beta muscarinic receptor antagonist 4-(diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl piperidine) methiodide (4-DAMP). 4. The decrease in heart rate and myocardial developed tension produced by ACh and APE was attenuated by atropine and 4-DAMP. The coronary vasodilator effect of ACh and APE and the vasoconstrictor effect of APE were also attenuated by both of these muscarinic antagonists.

Methoctramine selectively blocks cardiac muscarinic M2 receptors in vivo

The antimuscarinic effects of methoctramine (N, N'-bis[6-[(2-methoxybenzyl)amino]hexyl]-1, 8-octanediamine tetrahydrochloride), a polymethylene tetraamine endowed with high cardioselectivity in vitro, were assessed in two in vivo preparations. Methoctramine (300 micrograms/kg i.v.) strongly inhibited the methacholine- and muscarine-induced bradycardia in the anaesthetized an pithed rat, respectively. The same dose of methoctramine did not significantly affect the depressor action of methacholine in the anaesthetized rat mediated by vascular M2 receptors. Furthermore, even high doses of methoctramine (up to 1 mg/kg i.v.) did not reduce the ganglionic M1 receptor-mediated tachycardia and pressor response to muscarine or McN-A-343 in the pithed rat. These data suggest that methoctramine while showing high affinity for cardiac M2 alpha receptors has rather low affinity for ganglionic M1 and vascular M2 receptors. This in vivo study thus provides further evidence to support the view that methoctramine is a potent and highly selective antagonist of cardiac M2 alpha receptors.

Comparison of the muscarinic receptors of the guinea-pig oesophageal muscularis mucosae and trachea in vitro

1. The muscarinic receptor profile of the guinea-pig oesophageal muscularis mucosae has been compared to that of the trachea in vitro. There was no significant difference in the potency of the following muscarinic agonists at muscarinic receptors in the two tissues: carbachol, RS-86, ethoxyethyltrimethyl-ammonium, bethanechol and pilocarpine. RS-86 was 6-fold more potent at receptors in the muscularis mucosae in comparison to the trachea. There was no difference in the affinity of either carbachol or RS 86 at receptors in the two tissues. 2. The affinities (pA2) of the majority of antagonists (atropine, 4 diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide, AF-DX 116, silabenzhexol, methoctramine and gallamine) were similar at receptors in the muscularis mucosae and trachea. In contrast, the affinity of pirenzepine was approximately 5-fold greater at receptors in the muscularis mucosae (pA2 = 7.4) in comparison to receptors in the trachea (pA2 = 6.8). 3. It is concluded that the muscarinic receptor profile of the oesophageal muscularis and trachea are similar and only differ slightly with respect to the affinity of pirenzepine. Consequently, it is difficult to justify receptor heterogeneity in these two tissues.

An autoradiographic study of muscarinic cholinoceptors in blood vessels: no localization on vascular endothelium

In vitro labelling and autoradiographic techniques were used to examine the localization of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) and [125I]4-iodo-QNB ([125I]4IQNB) to slide-mounted sections of rabbit aorta and pulmonary artery, cat aorta, pulmonary and superior mesenteric arteries. These vessels all respond to acetylcholine (ACh) with endothelium-dependent relaxation, yet there was no evidence for endothelium-related binding of either [3H]QNB or [125I]4IQNB. Muscarinic receptors were localized over the medial smooth muscle and, in the rabbit pulmonary artery, the density of binding increased towards the adventitia. Binding of either radioligand to sections of rabbit pulmonary artery was not affected by the muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist pirenzepine (20 nM) but was markedly reduced by the muscarinic M2 antagonist 4DAMP (4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine methobromide) (1 nM). This study provides evidence for muscarinic receptors located directly on smooth muscle cells, indicating that endothelium-dependent relaxation to ACh results from an indirect mechanism involving smooth muscle muscarinic receptors.

Muscarinic M1- and M2-receptors mediating opposite effects on neuromuscular transmission in rabbit vas deferens

Twitch contractions of the rabbit vas deferens elicited by electrical field stimulation were inhibited by tetrodotoxin, guanethidine, bretylium and alpha,beta-methylene-ATP but were unaffected by hexamethonium, physostigmine, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium and prazosin, suggesting that they resulted from ATP released following postganglionic sympathetic nerve stimulation. McN-A-343 inhibited but carbachol and several other muscarinic agonists potentiated the twitch contractions; these effects were not modified by hexamethonium or physostigmine. Muscarinic agonists had no effect on the tension in unstimulated organs whereas contractions elicited by ATP, noradrenaline and KCl were potentiated by carbachol but remained unaffected by McN-A-343. The responses of the twitch contractions to McN-A-343 and carbachol were inhibited to different degrees by antimuscarinic drugs: the affinity (pA2) of atropine, secoverine and himbacine against McN-A-343 and carbachol was similar. However, pirenzepine, telenzepine, trihexyphenidyl, dicyclomine and hexahydro-sila-difenidol displayed preferential antagonism of the responses to McN-A-343 whereas the converse was true for AF-DX 116 and gallamine. The highly significant correlation between the pA2 values obtained for 10 antagonists against carbachol responses in rabbit vas deferens and rat left atrium suggests that the receptors may be similar. The data support the presence of a presynaptic M1-receptor mediating inhibition and a postsynaptic, cardiac-like M2-receptor responsible for enhancing neurogenic contractions in rabbit vas deferens.

Characterization of guinea-pig cardiac muscarinic receptors by radioligand dissociation kinetics

The question of cardiac muscarinic receptor heterogeneity was studied in guinea-pig auricles and ventricle. Radioligand dissociation kinetics were analyzed in the absence and presence of alinidine and AQ-A 39, two muscarinic agents and allosteric modulators of radiotracer dissociation. The dissociation kinetics were monophasic with all 3 radiotracers used and in both auricles and ventricle. [125I]3-Quinuclidinyl 4-iodobenzilate ([125I]QNB) dissociated with an identical half-life (t1/2 off) in ventricle and in left and right auricle, respectively. Alinidine (1 mM) decreased t1/2 off by 50% in ventricle but had no significant influence in auricles. AQ-A 39 (= falipamil) uniformly increased t1/2 off 4-fold in all 3 tissues. The binding of tritium-labelled quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) dissociated equally rapidly from both ventricular and auricular receptors under control conditions but was not affected by alinidine. AQ-A 39 (1 mM) slowed [3H]QNB dissociation 6.5-fold in ventricle but only 3-fold in both auricles. [3H]N-Methyl scopolamine ([3H]NMS) dissociation was uniform in both auricles but was somewhat slower in the ventricle, both in the absence and presence of alinidine. AQ-A 39 was without effect. These results demonstrate differences in ventricular versus auricular receptors detected by [125I]QNB in the presence of alinidine and by [3H]QNB in the presence of AQ-A 39. The quaternary ligand [3H]NMS was unable to detect receptor heterogeneity. No differences were found between right and left auricular receptors. The results presented provide no evidence for the existence of different subtypes of muscarinic receptors for the negative chronotropic and inotropic actions of muscarinic agonists.

The affinity of some acetylenic analogues of 4-DAMP methobromide for muscarinic receptors in guinea-pig ileum and atria

1. The replacement of 4-hydroxy-N-methyl piperidine (HO NMe) in 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl piperidine (4-DAMP) metho-bromide by 4-hydroxy-but-2-ynylamines (HOCH2C=CCH2NR2) reduces the affinity for muscarine-sensitive acetylcholine receptors in guinea-pig ileum and atria. It does not abolish selectivity. The tertiary amines are more active and more selective than the corresponding quaternary salts. 2. Analogous derivatives of 4-hydroxy-but-2-ynylamines which lack the ester group (i.e. substituted 4-hydroxymethyl-propynyl amines) are less active and less selective. The quaternary compounds are more active than the tertiary bases. 3. The diphenylcarbamyl ester of 4-hydroxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide has less than one-thousandth of the activity of the diphenylacetyl ester (4-DAMP methobromide) and is not selective. 4. Although 4-diphenylacetoxy-butynyl dimethylamine is only about one-hundredth as active as 4-DAMP methobromide it appears to have comparable selectivity. It is an interesting compound because it is a tertiary amine and should cross membranes.

Characterization of the muscarinic receptor subtypes in the rat urinary bladder

We investigated the nature of the muscarinic receptors present in the rat urinary bladder by performing binding studies with various selective (pirenzepine, AF-DX 116, hexahydrosiladifenidol, benzhexol, 4-diphenyl-acetoxy-N-methyl piperidine methiodide, dicyclomine, secoverine) and classical (N-methylscopolamine, atropine) antagonists. Competition experiments were carried out against [3H]N-methyl scopolamine at 30 degrees C in Na+/Mg2+ HEPES buffer; non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 1 microM 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate. Of all the antagonists examined, only AF-DX 116 exhibited a heterogeneous binding profile (nH less than 1). Computer-assisted analysis showed that the data fitted best to a two-binding site model, revealing the existence of high and low affinity receptors. The affinity values of AF-DX 116, determined in binding experiments carried out in heart and gland homogenates, allowed us to classify the rat urinary bladder receptors into cardiac and glandular subtypes. We suggest that the glandular receptor subtype is involved in smooth muscle contraction, since AF-DX 116 was equally potent in inhibiting smooth muscle contraction and the secretion of saliva.

Differential effects of pertussis toxin on muscarinic responses in isolated atria and smooth muscle

1. The effect of pretreatment with pertussis toxin has been studied on responses to muscarinic agonists in guinea-pig atria and smooth muscle in vitro. 2. 48 h after a single intravenous injection of pertussis toxin (3.2-100 micrograms.kg-1), muscarinic receptor-mediated negative inotropic responses in the atria were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with complete abolition of responses occurring after administration of 100 micrograms.kg-1. 3. In contrast, there was no effect on atrial positive inotropic responses to isoprenaline. In addition, no effect was observed on contractile responses to carbachol and pilocarpine in the ileum, trachea, oesophageal muscularis mucosae and urinary bladder, either in terms of potency or maximal response, at all dose levels of pertussis toxin studied. 4. It is concluded that muscarinic receptors in the atria, but not smooth muscle, are probably coupled to the inhibitory regulatory protein Ni, which is functionally inactivated by pertussis toxin. The differences in coupling between atrial and smooth muscle muscarinic receptors provide further evidence for muscarinic receptor heterogeneity in these two tissues.

Selective blockade in vivo of cardiac muscarinic M2 receptors by a polymethylene tetramine, BHC-9C

The antimuscarinic effects of BHC-9C (N,N'-bis[6-[(2-methoxybenzyl)amino]hexyl]-1,9-nonanediamine tetrahydrochloride), a member of a series of polymethylene tetraamines with unprecedented in vitro selectivity for cardiac muscarinic M2 receptors, were assessed in several in vivo test systems. BHC-9C (300 micrograms/kg i.v.) proved to be a potent antagonist at cardiac M2 receptors that mediate the decrease in heart rate in the pithed rat. In contrast, it displayed no considerable blocking activity at vascular M2 receptors subserving vasodepression and at ganglionic M1 receptors that mediate cardiovascular stimulation in the anaesthetized and pithed rat, respectively. These in vivo data are consistent with the suggestion based on in vitro experiments that BHC-9C is a highly selective antagonist of cardiac muscarinic M2 receptors.

Differential effects of pertussis toxin and lithium on muscarinic responses in the atria and ileum: evidence for receptor heterogeneity

Pretreatment with pertussin toxin was shown to inhibit selectively muscarinic responses in the atria, but have no effect on responses in the ileum. The converse was true when the animals were pretreated with lithium. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that muscarinic receptors in the atria are coupled to an inhibition of adenylate cyclase, whilst those in the ileum are coupled to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and indicate differences in the muscarinic receptors in these two tissues.

Competitive and non-competitive antagonism exhibited by 'selective' antagonists at atrial and ileal muscarinic receptor subtypes

The affinity of a number of 'selective' agonists and antagonists has been assessed at atrial or ileal muscarinic receptors by use of in vitro functional analysis. The most selective compound for ileal muscarinic receptors was silabenzhexol (approx. 50 fold), and to a lesser extent benzhexol (approx. 5 fold). Conversely, the most selective compound for the atrial muscarinic receptors was AF-DX 116 (approx. 6 fold). The novel M1-receptor antagonist, telenzepine and other antagonists such as propantheline and isopropamide did not distinguish between atrial and ileal receptors. Dicyclomine, adiphenine, hexahydroadiphenine and oxyphenonium exhibited competitive antagonism at atrial receptors but non-competitive antagonism at ileal receptors. No conclusions could, therefore, be drawn with regard to their selectivity. The agonists, arecaidine propargyl ester (APE), ethoxyethyltriethylammonium (EOE) and carbachol, exhibited some selectivity in potency but little difference in affinity. It is concluded that the study supports the existence of ileal and atrial muscarinic receptor subtypes. However, the use of dicyclomine and related compounds in receptor classification is limited.

Muscarinic activity of McN-A-343 and its value in muscarinic receptor classification

The affinity and potency of McN-A-343 (4-(m-chlorophenyl-carbamoyloxy) -2-butynyltrimethylammonium chloride) has been assessed at a range of M1 and M2 muscarinic receptors. McN-A-343 was shown to act as a full agonist at M2 receptors present in the guinea-pig isolated taenia caeci (-log EC50 = 5.14). McN-A-343 exhibited no agonist action in the guinea-pig ileum, atria, bladder or trachea. McN-A-343 was not selective in terms of affinity since its dissociation constants at M1 and M2 binding sites in the rat cerebral cortex and myocardium respectively, were very similar (cortical pPKi = 5.05; myocardial pKi = 5.22). The selectivity previously reported for the compound may be due to differences in intrinsic efficacy and/or tissue receptor reserve. Based on differential antagonist affinities, the muscarinic receptor profile of the taenia caeci, trachea and bladder was similar to that observed in the ileum, but dissimiliar to that observed in the atria.

A further search for selective antagonists at M2-muscarinic receptors

In an attempt to obtain more selective antagonists acting at muscarinic M2-receptors, analogues of 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methobromide (4-DAMP methobromide) have been synthesized. These were tested, along with silabenzhexol, procyclidine, sila-procyclidine and AFDX-116, in dose-ratio experiments with guinea-pig isolated atria at 30 degrees C and ileum at 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The agonist was carbachol and the selectivity was assessed from the difference between log K for receptors in ileum and log K for receptors in atria. The selectivity was not related to the affinity and some weakly active compounds retained appreciable selectivity but no compound had greater selectivity than 4-DAMP methobromide or pentamethylene bis-(4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidinium) bromide. Structure-activity relations are discussed. There seem to be steric limits to affinity but there are no obvious indications of the structural features associated with selectivity. It is suggested that more selective drugs may be obtained by introducing groups which may reduce affinity.

The selectivity of the (-)-and (+)-forms of hyoscine methiodide and of hyoscyamine camphorsulphonate for muscarinic (M2) receptors

The affinities of (-)-S-hyoscyamine (+)-camphorsulphonate, (+)-R-hyoscyamine (-)-camphorsulphonate, (-)-S-hyoscine methiodide and (+)-R-hyoscine methiodide for muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in guinea-pig atria and ileum at 30 degrees C and in ileum at 37 degrees C have been measured in dose-ratio experiments. The agonists were carbachol, arecaidine propargyl ester (APE) and ethoxyethyl trimethylammonium iodide (EOE). The effects produced by the agonists confirmed that, relative to carbachol, arecaidine propargyl ester is more active on atria than on ileum whereas ethoxyethyl trimethylammonium iodide is more active on ileum than on atria. There was no striking difference between estimates of affinity based on the effects of agonists on atrial size and the effects on atrial rate nor was there any striking difference between the affinities measured with the different agonists. With the isomers of hyoscyamine there was no striking difference between the affinity for receptors in atria and those in ileum, which is consistent with the low selectivity reported for atropine (racemic hyoscyamine). (-)-S-Hyoscine methiodide had greater affinity for muscarinic receptors in ileum than for those in atria, though the difference is smaller than has been previously observed. (+)-R-Hyoscine methiodide had no detectable selectivity. The phenomenon of selectivity cannot be wholly ascribed to differences in physiochemical properties of the antagonists: the three-dimensional structures with which the antagonists interact cannot be identical.

Binding profile of a novel cardioselective muscarine receptor antagonist, AF-DX 116, to membranes of peripheral tissues and brain in the rat

The heterogeneity of muscarine receptors was examined in two brain regions (cerebral cortex and cerebellum) and in some parasympathetically innervated peripheral tissues (heart, salivary gland and intraorbital lacrimal gland), by in vitro binding techniques. As a tool, we used a new antimuscarinic compound, AF-DX 116 (see text for structural formula and chemical name). In competition experiments against 3H-N-methylscopolamine (3H-NMS) or 3H-pirenzepine (3H-PZ), AF-DX 116 was found to bind with high affinity to muscarine receptors in the heart and cerebellum (KD's approximately equal to 115 nM), with intermediate affinity to M1 receptors in neuronal tissue (KD = 760 nM) and with low affinity to receptors in exocrine glands (KD's approximately equal to 3200 nM). Its receptor interaction was found to be of the simple, competitive type. Thus, AF-DX 116 shows a novel cardioselective profile. On the basis of the results which demonstrate that the muscarine receptors in the heart and exocrine glands are clearly distinct, it is proposed that these receptors may be subclassified as M2 cardiac type and M2 glandular type muscarine receptors.

The relative potencies of some agonists at M2 muscarinic receptors in guinea-pig ileum, atria and bronchi

The effects of some agonists on isolated preparations of guinea-pig ileum, atria and bronchial muscle have been compared with those of carbachol. The concentrations producing comparable responses were used to estimate the equipotent molar ratio relative to carbachol. Arecaidine propargyl ester was 4 to 5 times as active as carbachol on the ileum but more than 10 times as active as carbachol on atrial rate or atrial force, so the results confirm that this compound has a 2 to 3 fold selectivity for receptors in atria. Ethoxyethyltrimethylammonium iodide was one-quarter to one-third as active as carbachol on ileum but only one-tenth as active as carbachol on atrial rate or atrial force and so shows a 3 to 4 fold selectivity for receptors in ileum. The other compounds tested, which included acetylcholine, methacholine, n-pentyltrimethyl-ammonium iodide and bethanechol showed less selectivity. There were no obvious differences between effects on atrial rate and effects on atrial force, though with esters it was often difficult to obtain effects on atrial rate in the absence of an inhibitor of cholinesterase. Activity on bronchial muscle was generally similar to activity on ileum.