Imidazoline binding sites in human placenta: evidence for heterogeneity and a search for physiological function

Microarray Analysis Revealed Inflammatory Transcriptomic Changes after LSL60101 Treatment in 5XFAD Mice Model

I2-IR have been found dysregulated in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which the importance of neuroinflammation in the establishment and maintenance of cognitive decline is well-documented. To research the implication of I2-IR in neuroinflammatory pathways altered in AD, we determined the expression profile of genes associated with inflammation in the 5XFAD model treated with LSL60101, a well-established I2-IR ligand. Thus, we performed a qPCR array containing 84 inflammation-related genes. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three gene clusters, suggesting that treatment with LSL60101 affects the gene expression associated with inflammation in the 5XFAD model. Furthermore, we evaluated the functions of the three clusters; thereby performing a pathway enrichment analysis using the GO database. As we expected, clusters 2 and 3 showed alterations in the inflammatory response, chemotaxis and the chemokine-mediated signaling pathway, among others. To validate previous results from the gene profiling analysis, the expression levels of a representative subset of mRNAs were selected according to the intensity of the observed changes and their biological relevance. Interestingly, changes induced by LSL60101 in the 5XFAD model were validated for several genes. These results suggest that treatment with LSL60101 in the 5XFAD model reverses the inflammatory process during the development of AD.

Imidazoline Receptor System: The Past, the Present, and the Future

Imidazoline receptors historically referred to a family of nonadrenergic binding sites that recognize compounds with an imidazoline moiety, although this has proven to be an oversimplification. For example, none of the proposed endogenous ligands for imidazoline receptors contain an imidazoline moiety but they are diverse in their chemical structure. Three receptor subtypes (I₁, I₂, and I₃) have been proposed and the understanding of each has seen differing progress over the decades. I₁ receptors partially mediate the central hypotensive effects of clonidine-like drugs. Moxonidine and rilmenidine have better therapeutic profiles (fewer side effects) than clonidine as antihypertensive drugs, thought to be due to their higher I₁/α ₂-adrenoceptor selectivity. Newer I₁ receptor agonists such as LNP599 [3-chloro-2-methyl-phenyl)-(4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-yl)-amine hydrochloride] have little to no activity on α ₂-adrenoceptors and demonstrate promising therapeutic potential for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. I₂ receptors associate with several distinct proteins, but the identities of these proteins remain elusive. I₂ receptor agonists have demonstrated various centrally mediated effects including antinociception and neuroprotection. A new I₂ receptor agonist, CR4056 [2-phenyl-6-(1H-imidazol-1yl) quinazoline], demonstrated clear analgesic activity in a recently completed phase II clinical trial and holds great promise as a novel I₂ receptor-based first-in-class nonopioid analgesic. The understanding of I₃ receptors is relatively limited. Existing data suggest that I₃ receptors may represent a binding site at the Kir6.2-subtype ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic β-cells and may be involved in insulin secretion. Despite the elusive nature of their molecular identities, recent progress on drug discovery targeting imidazoline receptors (I₁ and I₂) demonstrates the exciting potential of these compounds to elicit neuroprotection and to treat various disorders such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and chronic pain.

CR4056, a powerful analgesic imidazoline-2 receptor ligand, inhibits the inflammation-induced PKCε phosphorylation and membrane translocation in sensory neurons

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CR4056 is a first-in-class imidazoline-2 (I₂ ) receptor ligand characterized by potent analgesic activity in different experimental animal models of pain. In a recent phase II clinical trial, CR4056 effectively reduced pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CR4056 on PKCε translocation in vitro and on PKCε activation in vivo in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Effects of CR4056 on bradykinin-induced PKCε translocation were studied in rat sensory neurons by immunocytochemistry. PKCε activation was investigated by immunohistochemistry analysis of DRG from complete Freund's adjuvant-treated animals developing local hyperalgesia. The analgesic activity of CR4056 was tested on the same animals.

KEY RESULTS

CR4056 inhibited PKCε translocation with very rapid and long-lasting activity. CR4056 decreased hyperalgesia and phospho-PKCε immunoreactivity in the DRG neurons innervating the inflamed paw. The effect of CR4056 on PKCε translocation was blocked by pertussis toxin, implying that the intracellular pathways involved G_i proteins. The inhibition of PKCε translocation by CR4056 was independent of the α₂ -adrenoeceptor and, surprisingly, was also independent of idazoxan-sensitive I₂ binding sites. The I₂ agonist 2BFI had no effect alone but potentiated the activity of low concentrations of CR4056.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results demonstrate that CR4056 shares the ability to inhibit PKCε translocation with other analgesics. Whether the inhibition of PKCε involves binding to specific subtype(s) of I₂ receptors should be further investigated. If so, this would be a new mode of action of a highly specific I₂ receptor ligand.

Imidazoline receptors agonists: possible mechanisms of endothelioprotection

Imidazoline receptor agonists are one of the groups of contemporary antihypertensive drugs with the pleiotropic cardiovascular effects. In this review, the historical, physiological, pathophysiological aspects concerning imidazoline receptor agonists and possible mechanisms for their participation in endothelioprotection were considered. Illuminated the molecular biology of each subtype of imidazoline receptors and their significance in the pharmacological correction of cardiovascular disease.

IR type 1 are localized in the brain nucleus, carrying out the descending tonic control of sympathetic activation, as well as in the endothelial cells of the vessels and kidneys. Their activation leads to a decrease in blood pressure, slowing the remodeling of the vascular wall and increasing sodium nares. IR type 2 is expressed predominantly in the adrenal gland, fat and muscle tissues. The physiological effects of their stimulation are associated with an increase in glucose utilization by peripheral tissues. IR type 3 are mainly present in pancreatic cells and are associated with the regulation of insulin secretion. Their stimulation leads to an increase in insulin liberation. Thus, IR agonists are able to improve endothelial function through various mechanisms, including blood pressure reduction, improvement in metabolic profile, and direct positive effects on the vascular wall.

Current information on the pharmacological effects of this group compounds allows us to conclude that they are a promising group for correcting endothelial dysfunction and complications associated with it.

Imidazoline I2 receptors: An update

Since first introduced more than two decades ago, the research in imidazoline I₂ receptors has been steadily increasing. This review provides an update on the current status of I₂ receptor pharmacology. Imidazoline I₂ receptors or I₂ binding sites refer to several (at least four) different proteins that bind to [³H]-idazoxan and [³H]-2-BFI with high affinity. The molecular identities of the proteins remain elusive. One of the proteins (45kD) seems to be consistent with the identity of brain creatine kinase. The biological functions of I₂ receptors have been primarily unveiled by the studies of selective I₂ receptor ligands. Accumulating evidence suggests that I₂ receptor ligands are effective analgesics for persistent and chronic painful conditions such as inflammatory, neuropathic and postoperative pain. One selective I₂ receptor ligand, CR4056, has been advanced to phase II clinical trial with the therapeutic indication of chronic inflammatory pain (osteoarthritis). The expansion to the treatment of other chronic pain conditions should be expected if CR4056 could eventually be approved as a new drug. I₂ receptor ligands also demonstrate robust discriminative stimulus activity and induce a characteristic discriminative cue in animals. Biochemical and preclinical in vivo investigations also suggest that I₂ receptor ligands have neuroprotective activity and modulate body temperature. The emerging discrepancies of a range of purported selective I₂ receptor ligands suggest different pharmacological effects mediated by discrete I₂ receptor components which likely attribute to the I₂ receptor-related proteins. It is proposed that the I₂ receptors represent an emerging drug target for the treatment of neurological disorders such as pain and stroke, and deserve more research attention to translate preclinical findings to pharmacotherapies.

Canavanine increases glucose uptake in C2 C12 cells through the activation of imidazoline I-2B receptors

Canavanine is a guanidinium derivative that contains the basic structure of the ligand(s) of imidazoline receptor (I-R). Canavanine has been reported to activate the imidazoline I-3 receptor (I-3R) both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the activation of the imidazoline I-2B receptor (I-2BR) by guanidinium derivatives may increase glucose uptake. Therefore, the effect of canavanine on the I-2BR was investigated in the present study. Glucose uptake into cultured C2 C12 cells was determined using the radio-ligated tracer 2-[(14) C]-deoxy-glucose. The changes in 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression were also identified using Western blotting analysis. The canavanine-induced glucose uptake was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by BU224 (0.01-1 μmol/L), which is a specific I-2BR antagonist, in the C2 C12 cells. Additionally, the canavanine-stimulated AMPK phosphorylation and glucose transporter (GLUT4) expression were also sensitive to BU224 inhibition in the C2 C12 cells. Moreover, both canavanine-stimulated glucose uptake and AMPK phosphorylation were attenuated by high concentrations of amiloride (1-2 μmol/L), which is another established I-2BR inhibitor, in a dose-dependent manner in C2 C12 cells. Additionally, compound C abolished the canavanine-induced glucose uptake and AMPK phosphorylation at a concentration (0.1 μmol/L) sufficient to inhibit AMPK. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that canavanine has an ability to activate I-2BR through the AMPK pathway to increase glucose uptake, which indicates I-2BR as a new target for diabetic therapy.

Selectivity of pharmacological tools: implications for use in cell physiology. A review in the theme: Cell signaling: proteins, pathways and mechanisms

Pharmacological inhibitors are frequently used to identify the receptors, receptor subtypes, and associated signaling pathways involved in physiological cell responses. Based on the effects of such inhibitors conclusions are drawn about the involvement of their assumed target or lack thereof. While such inhibitors can be useful tools for a better physiological understanding, their uncritical use can lead to incorrect conclusions. This article reviews the concept of inhibitor selectivity and its implication for cell physiology. Specifically, we discuss the implications of using inhibitor vs. activator approaches, issues of direct vs. indirect pathway modulation, implications of inverse agonism and biased signaling, and those of orthosteric vs. allosteric, competitive vs. noncompetitive, and reversible vs. irreversible inhibition. Additional problems can result from inconsistent estimates of inhibitor potency and differences in potency between cell-free systems and intact cells. These concepts are illustrated by several examples of inhibitors displaying affinity for related but distinct targets or even unrelated targets. Of note, many of the issues being addressed are also applicable to genetic inhibition strategies. The main practical conclusion following from these concepts is that investigators should be critical in the choice of inhibitor, its concentrations, and its mode of application. When this advice is adhered to, small-molecule pharmacological inhibitors can be important experimental tools in the hand of physiologists.

Characterization of imidazoline receptors in blood vessels for the development of antihypertensive agents

It has been indicated that activation of peripheral imidazoline I2-receptor (I-2R) may reduce the blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Also, guanidinium derivatives show the ability to activate imidazoline receptors. Thus, it is of special interest to characterize the I-2R using guanidinium derivatives in blood vessels for development of antihypertensive agent(s). Six guanidinium derivatives including agmatine, amiloride, aminoguanidine, allantoin, canavanine, and metformin were applied in this study. Western blot analysis was used for detecting the expression of imidazoline receptor in tissues of Wistar rats. The isometric tension of aortic rings isolated from male rats was also estimated. The expression of imidazoline receptor on rat aorta was identified. However, guanidinium derivatives for detection of aortic relaxation were not observed except agmatine and amiloride which induced a marked relaxation in isolated aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine or KCl. Both relaxations induced by agmatine and amiloride were attenuated by glibenclamide at concentration enough to block ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. Meanwhile, only agmatine-induced relaxation was abolished by BU224, a selective antagonist of imidazoline I2-receptors. Taken together, we suggest that agmatine can induce vascular relaxation through activation of peripheral imidazoline I2-receptor to open KATP channels. Thus, agmatine-like compound has the potential to develop as a new therapeutic agent for hypertension in the future.

Agmatine attenuates acquisition but not the expression of ethanol conditioned place preference in mice: a role for imidazoline receptors

The present study investigated the effect of agmatine on acquisition and expression of ethanol conditioned place preference (CPP) and its modulation by imidazoline agents. Swiss albino mice were treated intraperitoneally with saline or agmatine (20-40 mg/kg) before injection of ethanol (1.25 mg/kg) during conditioning days or on a test day (20-120 mg/kg), to observe the effect on acquisition or expression of CPP, respectively. Agmatine inhibited the acquisition but not the expression of ethanol CPP. Furthermore, both the I₁ receptor antagonist, efaroxan (9 mg/kg) and the I₂ receptor antagonist, BU224 (5 mg/kg) attenuated the agmatine-induced inhibition of the ethanol CPP acquisition. In contrast, the I₂ receptor agonist, 2-BFI (5 mg/kg) and I₁ receptor agonist, moxonidine (0.4 mg/kg) alone, or a combination of their subeffective doses, significantly attenuated the effect of agmatine (20 mg/kg) on acquisition of ethanol CPP. Agmatine or imidazoline agents alone produced neither place preference nor aversion, and at the doses used in the present study did not affect locomotor activity. Thus, agmatine attenuates the acquisition of ethanol CPP at least in part by imidazoline (I₁ or I₂) receptors. In future studies, agmatine or agents acting at the imidazoline receptors could be explored for their therapeutic potential in ethanol dependence.

Changes of imidazoline receptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The role of imidazoline receptors in the regulation of vascular function remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effect of agmatine, an imidazoline receptor agonist, on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and investigated the expressions of imidazoline receptors by Western blot. The isometric tension of aortic rings isolated from male SHRs was also estimated. Agmatine decreased SBP in a dose-dependent manner in SHRs but not in the normal group [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats]. This reduction in SBP in SHRs was abolished by BU224, a selective antagonist of imidazoline I(2) -receptors. Higher expression of imidazoline receptors in SHR was observed. Moreover, agmatine-induced relaxation in isolated aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine or KCl. This relaxation was also abolished by BU224 but was not modified by efaroxan, an imidazoline I(1) -receptor antagonist. Agmatine-induced relaxation was also attenuated by PNU 37883, a selective blocker of vascular ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP) ) channels. Additionally, vasodilatation by agmatine was reduced by an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA). We suggest that agmatine can lower blood pressure in SHRs through activation of the peripheral imidazoline I(2) -receptor, which is expressed more highly in SHRs.

Cisplatin-induced emesis: systematic review and meta-analysis of the ferret model and the effects of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists

Purpose

The ferret cisplatin emesis model has been used for ~30 years and enabled identification of clinically used anti-emetics. We provide an objective assessment of this model including efficacy of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists to assess its translational validity.

Methods

A systematic review identified available evidence and was used to perform meta-analyses.

Results

Of 182 potentially relevant publications, 115 reported cisplatin-induced emesis in ferrets and 68 were included in the analysis. The majority (n = 53) used a 10 mg kg⁻¹ dose to induce acute emesis, which peaked after 2 h. More recent studies (n = 11) also used 5 mg kg⁻¹, which induced a biphasic response peaking at 12 h and 48 h. Overall, 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists reduced cisplatin (5 mg kg⁻¹) emesis by 68% (45–91%) during the acute phase (day 1) and by 67% (48–86%) and 53% (38–68%, all P < 0.001), during the delayed phase (days 2, 3). In an analysis focused on the acute phase, the efficacy of ondansetron was dependent on the dosage and observation period but not on the dose of cisplatin.

Conclusion

Our analysis enabled novel findings to be extracted from the literature including factors which may impact on the applicability of preclinical results to humans. It reveals that the efficacy of ondansetron is similar against low and high doses of cisplatin. Additionally, we showed that 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists have a similar efficacy during acute and delayed emesis, which provides a novel insight into the pharmacology of delayed emesis in the ferret.

Activation of imidazoline I2B receptors is linked with AMP kinase pathway to increase glucose uptake in cultured C2C12 cells

Guanidine, the active ingredient extracted from Galega officinalis, is introduced as a ligand for imidazoline I2 receptor (I2R) because guanidine decreased plasma glucose via an activation of I2BR to increase glucose uptake into skeletal muscle isolated from Wistar rats. However, the signals for this action of guanidine remained obscure. In the present study, we used the cultured skeletal muscle fibroblast named C2C12 cell line to investigate this point. We found that guanidine increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in addition to the higher of glucose transporter GLUT4 expression and glucose uptake. These effects of guanidine were blocked by the pretreatment with I2R antagonist BU224 but not by the blockade of I2AR amiloride. Moreover, compound C at concentrations sufficient to inhibit AMPK blocked the guanidine-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 protein level. These results suggested that guanidine increases glucose uptake via an activation of I2BR through AMPK activation in skeletal muscle cell; this view has not been mentioned before.

2-(4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)indazole (indazim) derivatives as selective I2 imidazoline receptor ligands

A series of variously substituted 2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)indazoles 3a-j and 2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole 6 were prepared by the regiospecific heteroalkylation of corresponding indazoles 1a-k with 2-chloro-4,5-dihydroimidazole (2). Their affinity to imidazoline I(2) receptors and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors was determined by radioligand binding assay carried out on P(2) membrane preparations obtained from rat whole brains. 4-Chloro-2-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)indazole (3f, 4-Cl-indazim) showed a 3076-fold difference in affinity for the [(3)H]2BFI-labeled imidazoline I(2) receptors relative to the [(3)H]RX821001-labeled alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors. This highly selective compound should prove to be useful tool in further understanding the functions of the imidazoline I(2) receptors.

Placental alpha(2)-adrenoceptors control vascular development at the interface between mother and embryo

A substantial percentage of human pregnancies are lost as spontaneous abortions after implantation. This is often caused by an inadequately developed placenta. Proper development of the placental vascular system is essential to nutrient and gas exchange between mother and developing embryo. Here we show that alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, which are activated by adrenaline and noradrenaline, are important regulators of placental structure and function. Mice with deletions in the genes encoding alpha(2A)-, alpha(2B)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors died between embryonic days 9.5 and 11.5 from a severe defect in yolk-sac and placenta development. In wildtype placentae, alpha(2)-adrenoceptors are abundantly expressed in giant cells, which secrete angiogenic factors to initiate development of the placental vascular labyrinth. In placentae deficient in alpha(2A)-, alpha(2B)- and alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors, the density of fetal blood vessels in the labyrinth was markedly lower than normal, leading to death of the embryos as a result of reduced oxygen and nutrient supply. Basal phosphorylation of the extracellular signal regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 was also lower than normal, suggesting that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathway by alpha(2)-adrenoceptors is required for placenta and yolk-sac vascular development. Thus, alpha(2)-adrenoceptors are essential at the placental interface between mother and embryo to establish the circulatory system of the placenta and thus maintain pregnancy.

Characterization of the discriminable stimulus produced by 2-BFI: effects of imidazoline I(2)-site ligands, MAOIs, beta-carbolines, agmatine and ibogaine

1. The molecular nature and functions of the I(2) subtype of imidazoline binding sites are unknown but evidence suggests an association with monoamine oxidase (MAO). Rats can distinguish the selective imidazoline I(2)-site ligand 2-BFI from vehicle in drug discrimination, indicating functional consequences of occupation of these sites. We have used drug discrimination to investigate the nature of the discriminable stimulus, especially in relation to MAO inhibition. 2. Following training to distinguish 2-BFI 7 mg kg(-1) i.p. from saline vehicle in two-lever operant-chambers, male Hooded Lister rats underwent sessions where test substances were given instead and the proportion of lever presses on the 2-BFI-associated lever (substitution) recorded. 3. 2-BFI; its cogeners BU216, BU224, BU226 and LSL60101; the reversible MAO-A inhibitors moclobemide and RO41-1049; the beta-carbolines harmane, norharmane and harmaline which also reversibly inhibit MAO-A, and the anti-addictive substance ibogaine exhibited potent, dose-dependent substitution for 2-BFI. 4. Agmatine, and LSL60125 substituted at one dose only. The reversible MAO-B inhibitors lazabemide and RO16-1649; the sigma(2)-site ligand SKF10,047 and the I(2A)-site ligand, amiloride, failed to substitute. The irreversible inhibitor of MAO, deprenyl, substituted for 2-BFI while clorgyline did not. 5. These results suggest imidazoline I(2) site ligands produce a common discriminable stimulus that appears associated with reversible inhibition of MAO-A rather than MAO-B, possibly through increases in extracellular concentration of one or more monoamines. Ibogaine exhibits a commonality in its subjective effects with those of I(2)-site ligands.

Region-dependent effects of acute and chronic tranylcypromine in vivo on [3H]2-BFI binding to brain imidazoline I(2) sites

An imidazoline I(2) site has been localised to monoamine oxidase. However, in vitro studies of the effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors on imidazoline I(2)-site radioligand binding have produced conflicting findings. Using the technique of autoradiography, we examined the effect of in vivo administration of the irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine on binding of the imidazoline I(2) site-specific ligand [3H]2-(-2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline ([3H]2-BFI) in four rat brain nuclei which are known to possess a high density of imidazoline I(2) sites, together with cerebral cortex and cerebellum which show weaker binding. A single acute pre-treatment with tranylcypromine significantly increased imidazoline I(2) site-specific binding in four regions: arcuate nucleus, interpeduncular nucleus, pineal gland and area postrema, but effects in cortical areas and cerebellum were not significant. The extent of the increase was proportional to the control binding in each region. In contrast, five daily treatments with the same dose of tranylcypromine significantly reduced [3H]2-BFI binding in these same areas. The potential role of monoamine oxidase isoforms in these changes is discussed.

Analysis of the pharmacological and molecular heterogeneity of I(2)-imidazoline-binding proteins using monoamine oxidase-deficient mouse models

The I(2) subgroup of imidazoline-binding sites was identified as monoamine oxidases (MAOs), but it is unclear whether there are I(2)-binding sites located on proteins distinct from MAOs. To address this issue, we characterized I(2)-binding proteins in liver and brain of wild-type and MAO A- and MAO B-deficient mice. I(2)-binding sites were identified using [(3)H]idazoxan and the photoaffinity adduct 2-[3-azido-4-[(125)I]iodophenoxyl]methylimidazoline ([(125)I]AZIPI). [(3)H]Idazoxan labeled binding sites with ligand recognition properties typical of I(2) sites in both brain and liver of wild-type mice. High-affinity, specific [(3)H]idazoxan binding were not altered in MAO A knockout (KO) mice. In contrast, [(3)H]idazoxan binding was completely abolished in both liver and brain of MAO B KO mice. In wild-type mice, [(125)I]AZIPI photolabeled three proteins with apparent molecular masses of approximately 28 (liver), approximately 61 (brain), and approximately 55 kDa (liver and brain). The photolabeling of each protein was blocked by the imidazoline cirazoline (10 microM). Photolabeling of the approximately 61- and approximately 55-kDa proteins was not observed in MAO A and B KO mice, respectively. In contrast, photolabeling of the liver approximately 28-kDa protein was still observed in MAO-deficient mice, indicating that this protein is unrelated to MAOs. These data indicate that I(2) imidazoline-binding sites identified by [(3)H]idazoxan reside solely on MAO B. The binding sites on MAO A and the liver approximately 28-kDa protein may represent additional subtypes of the family of the imidazoline-binding sites.

Non-adrenergic binding of [3H]atipamezole in rat kidney--regional distribution and comparison to alpha2-adrenoceptors

1 Atipamezole (4-(2-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-imidazole) was first introduced as a potent and specific alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, but in some tissues [3H]atipamezole identifies an additional population of binding sites, distinct from both classical alpha2-adrenoceptors and I1- and I2-imidazoline receptors identified with [3H]para-aminoclonidine or [3H]idazoxan. 2 In the present study we have characterized [3H]atipamezole binding sites in rat kidney by receptor autoradiography and membrane binding assays and determined whether they are pharmacologically identical with the previously described binding sites for [3H]para-aminoclonidine and [3H]idazoxan. [3H]RX821002 and [3H]rauwolscine were used to compare the regional distribution of alpha2-adrenoceptors to that of non-adrenergic binding sites of [3H]atipamezole. 3 Comparative autoradiographic experiments demonstrated the differential localisation of [3H]atipamezole, [3H]RX821002 and [3H]rauwolscine binding sites in rat kidney. The pattern of distribution of non-adrenergic [3H]atipamezole binding sites is clearly distinct from that of alpha2-adrenoceptors. 4 The non-adrenergic binding of [3H]atipamezole in rat kidney does not fall into any of the previously identified three classes of imidazoline receptors studied with [3H]para-aminoclonidine, [3H]idazoxan and [3H]RX821002. 5 Atipamezole had no inhibitory effect on MAO-A or MAO-B activity in renal membranes, which speaks against the involvement of MAOs in the observed radioligand binding.

Imidazoline receptors: from discovery to antihypertensive therapy (facts and doubts)

The hypothesis and indirect evidence of imidazoline receptors has been promoted since some 15 years ago and it gave a substantial impetus for research in this field, resulting in a better understanding of neuronal and cardiovascular regulatory processes. The nomenclature of the imidazoline receptors has been accepted by international forums but no direct proof for the existence of these receptors has been published. Authors summarise the most important available data, including facts and doubts as far as the discovery, characterisation, and function of imidazoline receptors and their subtypes, the differences between imidazoline receptors and alpha-2 adrenoceptors, and also on their participation in regulatory processes.

Identification of human I1 receptors and their relationship to alpha 2-adrenoceptors

I1 imidazoline receptors (I1R) were defined as receptors insensitive to catecholamines and highly sensitive to [3H]clonidine and analogs. By contrast, the I2R subtype is more sensitive to [3H]idazoxan. [3H]clonidine and [3H]idazoxan imidazoline specific binding sites (IBS) have been detected in crude human membranes. Pharmacologic characterization by binding assays clearly differentiates IBS from alpha 2-adrenoceptors, whereas differences between [3H]clonidine and [3H]idazoxan IBS are less clear in crude preparations. In fact, only moderate affinity for [3H]clonidine was detectable in such preparations. However, purification procedures allowed detection of high affinity [3H]clonidine IBS in the human brain, corresponding to the I1R. Difficulties in the characterization of the I1R in crude membranes are due to multiple factors including heterogeneity of IBS, their low Bmax value, the existence of allosteric modulation, and possibly the presence of natural binding inhibitors. Immunologic studies with specific anti-idiotypic antibodies revealed a 43-kD protein as the best candidate for I1R as binding activity coincides with immunodetection. No cross-reaction was found with anti-monoamine oxidase (MAO) A/B antibodies and the 43-kD protein, ruling out the possibility of this protein being an MAO-associated I2R. Neither anti-alpha 2A- nor anti-alpha 2B-specific antibodies were able to immunodetect the 43-kD protein in crude membrane preparations or in purified fractions. These results and further biochemical characterization (pHi, N-glycosylation) of the 43-kD protein definitely assessed that human brain I1R and alpha 2-adrenoceptors clearly differ physically. However, coexpression of I1R and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in synaptic plasma membranes of the bovine brainstem reinforce the possibility of a functional relationship between the two types of receptor.

Pharmacologic and molecular discrimination of I2-imidazoline receptor subtypes

I2-imidazoline receptors (I2-IR) are characterized by their high affinity for imidazolines and guanidines and medium affinity for imidazolidines. The differential recognition of I2-IR by amiloride led to subtype these sites as amiloride-sensitive (I2A-IR) and amiloride-insensitive (I2B-IR). I2-IR labeled with [3H]idazoxan or [3H]2-BFI in the rabbit cerebral cortex (I2A-IR) displayed higher affinities for amiloride and amiloride analogs than in the rat cerebral cortex (I2B-IR). Other drugs tested displayed biphasic curves in competition experiments, indicating the existence of high and low affinity sites for both I2-IR subtypes. The drugs (+)- and (-)-medetomidine, bromoxidine, moxonidine, and clorgyline were more potent on the high and/or low affinity sites of I2B-IR than on I2A-IR. Preincubation (30 min at 25 degrees C) with 10(-6) M isothiocyanatobenzyl imidazoline (IBI) or with 10(-6) M clorgyline reduced by 40% and 26%, respectively, the binding of [3H]2-BFI to I2B-IR, but it did not alter the binding of the radioligand to I2A-IR. These results indicated that the I2-IR subtypes differ in their pharmacologic profiles and in the nature of the imidazoline binding site involved in clorgyline and IBI alkylation. In rat cortical membranes, western blot detection of immunoreactive imidazoline receptor proteins revealed a double band of approximately 29/30 kD and three less intense bands of approximately 45, approximately 66, and approximately 85 kD. In rabbit cortical membranes the antibody detected proteins of approximately 30, approximately 57, approximately 66, and approximately 85 kD. It is suggested that I2-IR may be related to more than one receptor protein and that I2-IR subtypes differ in the nature of the proteins implicated.

Pharmacologic characterization of imidazoline receptor proteins identified by immunologic techniques and other methods

Biochemical and pharmacologic evidence supports the heterogeneous nature of imidazoline receptors (IRs). However, only monoamine oxidase (MAO) (55- and 61-kD) isozymes have been identified as imidazoline binding site-containing proteins. Idazoxan-binding proteins of approximately 70- and approximately 45-kD of unknown amino acid sequences have been isolated from chromaffin cells and rat brain, respectively. Other proteins of approximately 27-30 to > 80 kD have been visualized by immunologic and photoaffinity labeling techniques in different tissues and species. The specific antiserum that recognizes the approximately 70-, approximately 45-, and approximately 29-kD IR proteins, but not MAO, was used to quantitate these proteins in the rat brain cortex. Treatments (7 days) with the I2-selective imidazoline drugs idazoxan (10 mg/kg), cirazoline (1 mg/kg), and LSL 60101 ([2-(2-benzofuranyl) imidazole; 10 mg/kg]) induced differential changes in these proteins: levels of the approximately 29-kD IR were increased by idazoxan and LSL 60101 (23%), levels of the approximately 45-kD protein only by cirazoline (44%), and those of the approximately 66-kD protein only by idazoxan (50%). These treatments also increased the densities of [3H]-idazoxan (I2) binding sites (32-42%). Chronic treatment with efaroxan, RX821002, and yohimbine (10 mg/kg), which possess very low affinity for I2-IRs, did not alter either their immunoreactivities or the density of I2 sites. Chronic treatment with MAO inhibitors clorgyline and phenelzine (10 mg/kg) and acute treatment with EEDQ (1.6 mg/kg, 6 h) induced decreases in the levels of these IR proteins (17-47%) and I2 sites (31-57%). Significant correlations were found when the mean percentage changes in immunoreactivity of IR proteins were related to the mean percentage changes in the density of I2 sites after treatment with the foregoing drug (r = 0.92, r = 0.69, and r = 0.75 for the approximately 29-, approximately 45-, and approximately 66-kD proteins, respectively). These results indicate that in the rat cerebral cortex, the I2 sites labeled by [3H]idazoxan are heterogeneous and that the related immunoreactive IR proteins contribute differently to the modulation of I2 sites after drug treatment.

Affinity isolation of imidazoline binding proteins from rat brain using 5-amino-efaroxan as a ligand

We have employed an amino derivative of the imidazoline ligand, efaroxan, to isolate imidazoline binding proteins from solubilised extracts of rat brain, by affinity chromatography. A number of proteins were specifically retained on the affinity column and one of these was immunoreactive with an antiserum raised against the ion conducting pore component of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. Patch clamp experiments confirmed that, like its parent compound, amino-efaroxan blocks ATP-sensitive potassium channels in human pancreatic beta-cells and can stimulate the insulin secretion from these cells. The results reveal that a member of the ion conducting pore component family is strongly associated with imidazoline binding proteins in brain and in the endocrine pancreas.

alpha-2 and imidazoline receptor agonists. Their pharmacology and therapeutic role

Clonidine has proved to be a clinically useful adjunct in clinical anaesthetic practice as well as in chronic pain therapy because it has both anaesthetic and analgesic-sparing activity. The more selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, dexmedetomidine and mivazerol, may also have a role in providing haemodynamic stability in patients who are at risk of peri-operative ischaemia. The side-effects of hypotension and bradycardia have limited the routine use of alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists. Investigations into the molecular pharmacology of alpha-2 adrenoceptors have elucidated their role in the control of wakefulness, blood pressure and antinociception. We discuss the pharmacology of alpha-2 adrenoceptors and their therapeutic role in this review. The alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists are agonists at imidazoline receptors which are involved in central blood pressure control. Selective imidazoline agonists are now available for clinical use as antihypertensive agents and their pharmacology is discussed.

Stimulation of locus coeruleus neurons by non-I1/I2-type imidazoline receptors: an in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological study

1. Imidazoline binding sites have been reported to be present in the locus coeruleus (LC). To investigate the role of these sites in the control of LC neuron activity, we studied the effect of imidazolines using in vivo and in vitro single-unit extracellular recording techniques. 2. In anaesthetized rats, local (27 pmoles) and systemic (1 mg kg(-1), i.v.) administrations of 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI), a selective I-imidazoline receptor ligand, increased the firing rate of LC cells (maximal increase: 22+/-5%, P<0.001 and 16+/-7%, P<0.001 respectively). Chronic pretreatment with the irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor clorgyline (3 mg kg(-1), i.p., every 12 h for 14 days) abolished this effect. 3. In rat midpontine brain slices containing the LC, bath application (1 mM) of the imidazolines 2-BFI, 2-(4,5-dihydroimidaz-2-yl)-quinoline (BU224), idazoxan, efaroxan, phentolamine and (2-2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-imidazoline (RX821002) reversibly stimulated LC cells. The maximal effect was approximately 90% except for RX821002 and efaroxan which induced smaller maximal effects (approximately 58% and approximately 35% respectively). Simultaneous application of idazoxan and 2BFI did not lead to additive effects. 4. Bath application of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonists, yohimbine (1 - 10 microM) and N-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) (10 microM), failed to modify LC activity. The irreversible blockade of alpha2-adrenoceptors with EEDQ (10 microM) did not alter the effect of idazoxan or that of efaroxan. Previous application of clorgyline (10 microM) did not modify the excitatory effect of 2-BFI or efaroxan. 5. Changes in the pH of the bathing solution (6.84-7.84) did not influence the effect caused by idazoxan. Bath application of 2-BFI (1 mM) reversed the inhibition induced by diazoxide (300 microM), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, whereas application of glibenclamide (3 microM), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, partially blocked the effect of 2-BFI. 6. This study shows that imidazoline compounds stimulate the firing rate of LC neurons. This effect is not mediated by alpha2-adrenoceptors nor by I1 or I2-imidazoline receptors but involves a different subtype of imidazoline receptor. Our results indicate that this receptor is located extracellularly and modulates ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Autoradiographic localisation of muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes in human placenta

The localisation of M1-M4 muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes was investigated in sections of normal human term placenta by light microscope autoradiography. Muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes were found almost exclusively in syncytiotrophoblast. Neither other cellular components of placenta, nor blood vessels were labelled. Quantitative analysis of the density of silver grains developed in sections incubated with the different protocols for labelling M1-M4 receptor subtypes, revealed that syncytiotrophoblast expresses all subtypes of muscarinic cholinergic receptor investigated. A higher density of binding sites was found in the apical than in the basal portion of syncytiotrophoblast. The demonstration of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in syncytiotrophoblast suggests that a cholinergic system may have a role in regulating transport of compounds from maternal to foetal interface.

BU-224 produces spinal antinociception as an agonist at imidazoline I2 receptors

In this electrophysiological study, the effect of BU-224 (2-(4,5-dihydroimidazol-2yl)-quinoline hydrochloride)), a novel high affinity imidazoline I2 receptor ligand, was tested on the responses of nociceptive neurones in the spinal dorsal horn. When applied spinally, akin to an intrathecal application (i.t.), BU-224 (5-250 microg) reduced the nociceptive responses of dorsal horn neurones, producing a dose-dependent inhibition of C-fibre evoked responses, postdischarge and wind-up of the cells. A complete block of the antinociceptive effects was produced when idazoxan (100 microg), with both alpha2-adrenoceptor and imidazoline I2 receptor antagonist actions, was administered i.t. 10 min prior to the maximal dose of BU-224 tested. The nonselective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (150 microg) only partially attenuated the inhibitory effects of BU-224 when administered i.t. 10 min prior. The highly selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole (100 microg) produced no greater reversal than yohimbine under the same conditions. Although BU-224 has been reported to possess high affinity for imidazoline I2 receptors, a minor action at spinal alpha2-adrenoceptor receptors cannot be discounted. These results demonstrate that BU-224 is an agonist and that imidazoline I2 receptors, present in the dorsal horn, might play a role in spinal nociception, although further studies are needed to fully elucidate their functional roles.

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase A and B activities by imidazol(ine)/guanidine drugs, nature of the interaction and distinction from I2-imidazoline receptors in rat liver

1. I2-Imidazoline sites ([3H]-idazoxan binding) have been identified on monoamine oxidase (MAO) and proposed to modulate the activity of the enzyme through an allosteric inhibitory mechanism (Tesson et al., 1995). The main aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects and nature of the inhibition of imidazol(ine)/guanidine drugs on rat liver MAO-A and MAO-B isoforms and to compare their inhibitory potencies with their affinities for the sites labelled by [3H]-clonidine in the same tissue. 2. Competition for [3H]-clonidine binding in rat liver mitochondrial fractions by imidazol(ine)/guanidine compounds revealed that the pharmacological profile of the interaction (2-styryl-2-imidazoline, LSL 61112 > idazoxan > 2-benzofuranyl-2-imidazoline, 2-BFI = cirazoline > guanabenz > oxymetazoline > > clonidine) was typical of that for I2-sites. 3. Clonidine inhibited rat liver MAO-A and MAO-B activities with very low potency (IC50S: 700 microM and 6 mM, respectively) and displayed the typical pattern of competitive enzyme inhibition (lineweaver-Burk plots: increased K(m) and unchanged Vmax values). Other imidazol(ine)/guanidine drugs also were weak MAO inhibitors with the exception of guanabenz, 2-BFI and cirazoline on MAO-A (IC50S: 4-11 microM) and 2-benzofuranyl-2-imidazol (LSL 60101) on MAO-B (IC50: 16 microM). Idazoxan was a full inhibitor although with rather low potency, on both MAO-A and MAO-B isoenzymes (IC50S: 280 microM and 624 microM, respectively). Kinetic analyses of MAO-A inhibition by these drugs revealed that the interactions were competitive. For the same drugs acting on MAO-B the interactions were of the mixed type inhibition (increased K(m) and decreased Vmax values), although the greater inhibitory effects on the apparent value of Vmax/K(m) than on the Vmax value indicated that the competitive element of the MAO-B inhibition predominated. 4. Competition for [3H]-Ro 41-1049 binding to MAO-A or [3H]-Ro 19-6327 binding to MAO-B in rat liver mitochondrial fractions by imidazol(ine)/guanidine compounds revealed that the drug inhibition constants (Ki values) were similar to the IC50 values displayed for the inhibition of MAO-A or MAO-B activities In fact, very good correlations were obtained when the affinities of drugs at MAO-A or MAO-B catalytic sites were correlated with their potencies in inhibiting MAO-A (r = 0.92) or MAO-B (r = 0.99) activity. This further suggested a direct drug interaction with the catalytic sites of MAO-A and MAO-B isoforms. 5. No significant correlations were found when the potencies of imidazol(ine)/guanidine drugs at the high affinity site (pKiH, nanomolar range) or the low-affinity site (pKiL, micromolar range) of I2-imidazoline receptors labelled with [3H]-clonidine were correlated with the pIC50 values of the same drugs for inhibition of MAO-A or MAO-B activity. These discrepancies indicated that I2-imidazoline receptors are not directly related to the site of action of these drugs on MAO activity in rat liver mitochondrial fractions. 6. Although these studies cannot exclude the presence of additional binding sites on MAO that do not affect the activity of the enzyme, they would suggest that I2-imidazoline receptors represent molecular species that are distinct from MAO.

Identification of ligands selective for central I2-imidazoline binding sites

Using radioligand binding techniques, several compounds selective for mammalian brain imidazoline 2 receptors have been identified. In rabbit brain membranes, a series of 6 and/or 7 aromatic-substituted derivatives of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan were found to show moderate affinity for I2 receptors over alpha 2-adrenoceptors, in particular 6,7-dichloroidazoxan, which was 41 fold selective in favour of I2 receptors. Modification of the benzodioxan ring of idazoxan could also result in affinity and selectivity, which was moderate (2.7 nM, 161 fold) in the case of the 1,3-benzodioxan isomer of idazoxan (2-(1,3-benzodioxanyl)-2-imidazoline), and high (1.3 nM, 2873 fold) in the case of 2-(2-benzofuranyl-2-imidazoline) (2-BFI). Analogues of 2-BFI with halogenic substitutions of the aromatic ring were also found to retain high affinity and moderate to high selectivity for I2-sites. In particular, the 7-chloro (Ki 2.8 nM, 2192 fold) and the 4,6-dibromo (Ki 6.1 nM, 361 fold) analogues of 2-BFI. These new ligands should prove invaluable for investigating the pharmacology and physiology of I2 receptors.

Densities of I2-imidazoline receptors, alpha 2-adrenoceptors and monoamine oxidase B in brains of suicide victims

In the frontal cortex of suicide victims, the density of I2-imidazoline receptors labeled by [3H]idazoxan was lower (40%) than that in healthy subjects. In the same brains, the immunoreactivity of a 29/30 kDa imidazoline receptor protein was also found to be significantly decreased (19%) and it showed a positive correlation with the density of I2-imidazoline receptors. Also in the same brains, the density of alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist binding sites labeled by [3H]RX821002 (2-methoxy idazoxan) was found to be unchanged. The density of brain I2-imidazoline receptors, correlated with aging in control subjects but not in suicides. The density of brain MAO-B sites labeled by [3H]Ro 19-6327 (lazabemide) in suicides was no different to that in age-matched controls. As expected the density of brain MAO-B sites in suicides showed a positive correlation with age, but it did not correlate with the density of I2-imidazoline receptors in the same brains. The data indicate that the I2-imidazoline receptors labeled by [3H]idazoxan in the brain of suicides is related to a 29/30 kDa imidazoline receptor protein identified by immunoblot analysis. The data also indicate that the brain I2-imidazoline receptor cannot be identified with the MAO-B isoenzyme. The decreased density of I2-imidazoline receptors in the brain of suicide victims might play a role in the pathogenesis of major depression.

Relationship between imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites and monoamine oxidase A and B

Imidazoline binding sites or imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites (IGRS) recognize bioactive endogenous substances and a variety of pharmacologically active compounds containing imidazoline or guanidinium moieties. The family of imidazoline binding proteins consists of multiple membrane-associated proteins that differ in their tissue/subcellular localization, M(r) and ligand recognition properties. Two of the imidazoline binding proteins are identical to the mitochondrial enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B isoforms, which contain imidazoline binding domains distinct from the enzyme active site. The relationship between the imidazoline binding proteins and monoamine oxidases was further characterized in the present report using a covalent probe (2-[3-azido-4[125I]iodophenoxy] methyl imidazoline, [125I]-AZIPI) to label the imidazoline binding proteins in different species and following transient expression of MAO- A and -B in COS 7 cells. Species homologues of MAO-A and -B in rat and human differ in their apparent molecular weight by approximately 2000 Da. In rat and human liver [125I]-AZIPI identified peptides with apparent molecular weights similar to those of the species homologues of MAO. Peptides of M(r) approximately 63,000 (MAO-A) and approximately 59,000 (MAO-B) were also photolabeled in membranes prepared from COS-7 cells transfected with human cDNA clones encoding MAO-A or -B. Additional experiments indicate that the imidazoline binding domains on MAO-A and -B exhibit different ligand recognition properties. The covalent labeling of human liver MAO-B was more sensitive than that of placenta MAO-A to inhibition by the imidazoline 2-(4,5-dihydroimidaz-2-yl)-quinoline (BU224). These data indicate that the A and B isoforms of MAO possess imidazoline binding domains that differ in their ligand recognition properties. Allosteric regulation of the activity of MAO via the imidazoline binding domains may be of significance in various disease states associated with elevated enzyme expression or in which the enzyme is a therapeutic target.

I2-imidazoline binding sites and monoamine oxidase activity in human postmortem brain from patients with Parkinson's disease

I2-imidazoline binding site (I2BS) has been identified with a regulatory site located on a sub-population of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and -B. Previous studies showed a modification of MAO and I2BS in the elderly and in neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we studied the potential modification of I2 binding sites and monoamine oxidases in Parkinson's disease. Putamen and cerebral cortex were collected from 17 normal subjects (79 +/- 12 yr) and 16 patients (76 +/- 9 yr) affected by Parkinson's disease. In mitochondrial preparations, radioligand binding studies with [3H]idazoxan showed that putamen and frontal cortex express equivalent amount of I2BS. The density and affinity of I2BS were similar in normal subjects (putamen: Bmax = 207 +/- 58 fmol/mg of protein, Kd = 10.1 +/- 3.4 nM; cerebral cortex: Bmax = 193 +/- 54 fmol/mg of protein, Kd = 12.8 +/- 6.8 nM) and Parkinson's disease patients (putamen: Bmax = 193 +/- 60 fmol/mg of protein, Kd = 9.8 +/- 4.6 nM; cerebral cortex: Bmax = 199 +/- 49 fmol/mg of protein, Kd = 15.9 +/- 8.1 nM). The activity of total monoamine oxidase and monoamine oxidase B, measured by [14C]tyramine and [14C]phenylethylamine oxidation, respectively, were higher in putamen than in cerebral cortex. No differences have been detected in the enzyme activity between normal and pathological subjects. These data suggest that, although MAO and I2BS may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease, they are not altered in the chronic phase of this disease.

Pharmacological and molecular discrimination of brain I2-imidazoline receptor subtypes

I2-imidazoline receptors labelled with [3H]-idazoxan in the rabbit and rat brains displayed high and low affinity, respectively, for the guanidide amiloride; reinforcing the previous definition of I2A-imidazoline receptors expressed in the rabbit brain and I2B-imidazoline receptors expressed in the rat brain. Other drugs tested displayed biphasic curves in competition experiments, indicating the existence of high and low affinity sites for both subtypes of I2-imidazoline receptors. Among the drugs studied, bromoxidine, moxonidine, (+)- and (-)-medetomidine and clorgyline were more potent on the high and/or low affinity sites of I2B-than on their corresponding of I2A-imidazoline receptors (KiH ratios 20 to 65). No correlation was found for the potencies of the drugs tested at the low affinity sites of both I2-imidazoline receptor subtypes. Preincubation (30 min at 25 degrees C) with 10(-6) M clorgyline reduced by 60% the Bmax of [3H]-idazoxan binding to I2B-imidazoline receptors in the rat brain, but it did not affect the binding parameters of the radioligand saturation curves to I2A-imidazoline receptors in the rabbit brain. These results indicated that I2A- and I2B-imidazoline receptor subtypes differ in the pharmacological profiles of their high and low affinity sites and in the ability to irreversibly bind clorgyline. In rat cortical membranes western blot detection of immunoreactive imidazoline receptors proteins revealed a double band of approximately 29/30 kDa and two less intense bands of approximately 45 and approximately 66 kDa. In rabbit cortical membranes the antibody used detected proteins of approximately 30, approximately 57 and approximately 66 kDa. It is suggested that different imidazoline receptor proteins (approximately 45 vs approximately 57 kDa) may account for the different pharmacological profiles of I2-imidazoline receptor subtypes.

Pharmacological modulation of immunoreactive imidazoline receptor proteins in rat brain: relationship with non-adrenoceptor [3H]-idazoxan binding sites

1. The densities of various imidazoline receptor proteins (with apparent molecular masses of approximately 29/30-45- and 66-kDa) were quantitated by immunoblotting in the rat cerebral cortex after various drug treatments. The modulation of these imidazoline receptor proteins was then compared with the changes in the density of non-adrenoceptor [3H]-idazoxan binding sites (I2-sites) induced by the same drug treatments. 2. Chronic treatment (7 days) with the I2-selective imidazol(in)e drugs idazoxan (10 mg kg-1), cirazoline (1 mg kg-1) and LSL 60101 (10 mg kg-1) differentially increased the immunoreactivity of imidazoline receptor proteins. The levels of the 29/30-kDa protein were increased by idazoxan and LSL 60101 (23%), the levels of the 45-kDa protein only by cirazoline (44%) and those of the 66-kDa protein only by idazoxan (50%). These drug treatments also increased the density of I2-sites (32-42%). 3. Chronic treatment (7 days) with efaroxan (10 mg kg-1), RX821002 (10 mg kg-1) and yohimbine (10 mg kg-1), which possess very low affinity for I2-imidazoline receptors, did not alter either the immunoreactivity of imidazoline receptor proteins or the density of I2-sites. 4. Chronic treatment (7 days) with the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors clorgyline (10 mg kg-1) and phenelzine (10 mg kg-1) decreased the immunoreactivity of the 29/30-kDa (17-24%), 45-kDa (19%) and 66-kDa (23-31%) imidazoline receptor proteins. The alkylating agent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1, 2-dihydroquinoline (1.6 mg kg-1, 6 h) also decreased the levels of the three imidazoline receptor proteins (20-47%). These drug treatments consistently decreased the density of I2-sites (31-57%). 5. Significant correlations were found when the mean percentage changes in immunoreactivity of imidazoline receptor proteins were related to the mean percentage changes in the density of I2-sites after the various drug treatments (r = 0.92 for the 29/30-kDa protein, r = 0.69 for the 45-kDa protein and r = 0.75 for the 66-kDa protein). 6. In the rat cerebral cortex the I2-imidazoline receptor labelled by [3H]-idazoxan is heterogeneous in nature and the related imidazoline receptor proteins (29/30-, 45- and 66-kDa) detected by immunoblotting contribute differentially to the modulation of I2-sites after drug treatment.

[3H]2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline: a new selective high affinity radioligand for the study of rabbit brain imidazoline I2 receptors

This is the first study characterising the binding of the new imidazoline I2 receptor selective radioligand [3H]2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI) to rabbit brain membranes. [3H]2-BFI binding was found to be saturable and of high affinity identifying two binding sites with KD1 = 0.27 nM, Bmax = 111.2 fmol mg-1 protein and KD2 = 8.97 nM, Bmax = 268 fmol mg-1 protein. Specific binding represented greater than 90% of total binding. Kinetic studies revealed that the binding was rapid and reversible and also showed [3H]2-BFI interacted with these two sites or two affinity states. In competition binding studies against [3H]2-BFI (0.3-InM) idazoxan, 2-BFI, cirazoline, guanabenz, naphazoline, amiloride and BU224 (2-(4,5-dihydroimidaz-2-yl-quinoline) displaced with high affinity. In contrast the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists efaroxan and rauwolscine, the I1 site selective drug moxonidine, the monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor clorgyline and the proposed endogenous imidazoline receptor ligand, agmatine, were weak at displacing [3H]2-BFI binding. These findings are consistent with [3H]2-BFI recognising imidazoline receptors of the I2 subtype in rabbit brain.

Imidazoline receptor agonist drugs: a new approach to the treatment of systemic hypertension

The imidazoline receptors have recently been discovered to be involved in central nervous system control of blood pressure (I-1 receptor) and in neuroprotection for cerebral ischemia (I-2 receptor). A new class of central-acting antihypertensive agents has been developed, the imidazoline receptor agonists (rilmenidine and moxonidine), which control blood pressure effectively without the adverse effects of sedation and mental depression that are usually associated with central-acting antihypertensives. This new generation of central-acting antihypertensive agents are highly selective for the imidazoline receptor, while having a low affinity for alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.

Imidazoline/guanidinium binding domains on monoamine oxidases. Relationship to subtypes of imidazoline-binding proteins and tissue-specific interaction of imidazoline ligands with monoamine oxidase B

Pharmacologically active compounds with an imidazoline and/or guanidinium moiety are recognized with high affinity by a family of membrane-bound proteins collectively known as imidazoline binding sites or imidazoline/guanidinium receptive sites. Two such receptive sites may correspond to imidazoline binding domains identified on the A and B isoforms of monoamine oxidase (MAO), but the detection of monoamine oxidase isoforms in multiple tissues contrasts with the restricted expression of imidazoline-binding proteins. To address these issues, we determined the relationship between monoamine oxidase isoforms and subtypes of imidazoline-binding proteins in human tissues known to express one or both isoforms of MAO. 2-(3-Azido-4-[125I]iodophenoxy)methylimidazoline ([125I]A-ZIPI), a photoaffinity adduct that selectively labels imidazoline-binding proteins, photolabeled an M(r) = approximately 59,000 peptide in liver and an M(r) = approximately 63,000 peptide in placenta, consistent with the M(r) of the MAO isoforms identified by immunoblots in these tissues. The photolabeled species in liver was immunoprecipitated with MAO-B selective antibodies, whereas the photolabeled species in placenta was immunoprecipitated by MAO-A selective antibodies consistent with the isoform of MAO predominantly expressed in these tissues. The imidazoline/guanidinium ligands interact with the enzyme at a site distinct from the substrate recognition domain, and the immunoprecipitated peptides in liver and placenta display distinct ligand recognition properties consistent with those reported for subtypes of imidazoline binding sites. However, the imidazoline binding domain was not detected in platelet membrane preparations containing amounts of MAO-B equivalent to those in the photolabeled liver membranes indicating that recognition of this domain is tissue-restricted. Restricted access to the imidazoline binding domain on platelet MAO-B was not altered by membrane washing with 500 mM KCl or by solubilization and partial purification of the enzyme suggesting that there are distinct subpopulations of MAO. Identification of a binding domain on MAO that recognizes this class of pharmacologically active compounds suggests a novel mechanism for regulation of substrate oxidation/selectivity or that the enzyme may subserve an as yet undefined function.

Molecular characterization and isolation of a 45-kilodalton imidazoline receptor protein from the rat brain

Imidazoli(di)nes bind to molecular entities different from alpha 2-adrenoceptors: the so-called imidazoline receptors (IRs). Two main types of IRs have been described, the clonidine- and the idazoxan-preferring types, as well as other IRs whose pharmacological properties do not fit either type, but little is known about the molecular features of these receptors. In this study, IR proteins have been solubilized from the rat brain, using the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS, and analyzed by pharmacological and immunological means two of the four peak discriminated by gel filtration chromatography using [3H]idazoxan binding and a specific antibody. The IR eluted in the first peak accounted for 80% of the specific binding of [3H]idazoxan to solubilized brain membranes, and its pharmacological features corresponded to the non-adrenoceptor component of [3H]idazoxan binding in rat brain native membranes. The elution volume of this peak corresponded to a 130-140-kDa protein, but immunoblot analysis with a specific anti-IR antiserum showed the presence of a approximate 45-kDa IR protein, suggesting that this receptor is either an oligomeric protein complex or that it is associated with other proteins. This result was in agreement with the isolation and immunodetection of a 45-kDa peptide by affinity chromatography, which supported the relationship between this protein and a rat brain imidazoline binding site. The second peak, accounting for 15% of the specific binding of [3H]idazoxan to solubilized membranes, had a Mr of approximately 65-70,000, as determined by gel filtration chromatography and immunoblotting.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endogenous ligands of imidazoline receptors: classic and immunoreactive clonidine-displacing substance and agmatine

1. There are several endogenous ligands that bind to I-receptors of both the I1 and I2 subclass. These include: (a) classic CDS, a partially purified entity isolated by the criteria that it displaces binding ligands to alpha 2- and I-receptors; (b) immunoreactive (ir)-CDS, a moiety that binds to antibodies raised against clonidine, para-amino-clonidine, or idazoxan; and (c) agmatine. 2. Classic-CDS, not yet defined structurally, binds to I1, I2, and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, is neither a peptide nor a catecholamine, and has purportedly a molecular weight of 588 Da. By ligand binding assays, it was found in brain, serum, CSF, and placenta and in a neural-glial cell line. Partially purified classic CDS is bioactive. Like clonidine, it contracts aorta and vas deferens and inhibits platelet aggregation, effects largely attributable to agonism at alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Unlike clonidine, it contracts rat gastric fundus and releases catecholamines from chromaffin cells, effects attributable to actions at I-receptors. Injected into the RVL, classic CDS alters arterial pressure, but the direction of change of pressure has differed between groups of investigators. However, in the absence of structure, it is possible that ligand binding and bioactivity may be attributable to different molecules. 3. Ir-CDS, also of unknown structure, is a material(s) that binds to antibodies raised against clonidine, PAC, or idazoxan. Ir-CDS, measured by radioimmunoassay, is unevenly distributed in brain with highest concentrations in the hypothalamus, midbrain, and dorsal medulla. It is contained in the gastric fundus, adrenal gland, heart, kidney, and serum in amounts substantially higher than found in brain. Ir-CDS may be elevated in the serum of some patients with hypertension and in the CSF of patients with structural brain disease. The concentration of ir-CDS and bioactivity on gastric fundus directly correlates, suggesting that it may share similarities with classic-CDS. However, until the structure of classic and ir-CDS is determined, the possibility that ligand binding and antibody recognition are properties of different molecules must be considered. 4. Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) is the only endogenous molecule that, like CDS, binds to alpha 2- and I-receptors of both classes. It and its biosynthetic enzyme arginine decarboxylase are present in brain, and agmatine is widely distributed throughout the body. However, the distribution of agmatine and ir-CDS differs, whereas the biological actions of agmatine do not mimic those of classic CDS. Its presence raises the possibility of an alternative pathway for polyamine biosynthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Molecular and physiological properties of clonidine-displacing substance

An endogenous small molecular mass compound, termed clonidine-displacing substance (CDS), has been isolated and purified from bovine brain. The estimated level of CDS in bovine brain is 400-1,000 units/wet brain, with 1 unit of activity calculated to be approximately 1-2 ng. It is present in human serum, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. The isolation procedure consists of initial aqueous and methanolic extractions followed by a series of HPLC chromatography steps (reverse phase and TSK sizing columns). The reverse-phase chromatography of CDS extracted under identical conditions from bovine brain and human serum show similar retention times. The final chromatography step gives a single active peak with a distinct ultraviolet spectrum, a single molecular peak m/z 587.8 +/- 2 in plasma desorption mass spectrometry (PDMS), and a unique pharmacological and physiological profile. Clonidine-displacing substance does not partition into organic solvents and it is ninhydrin and fluorescamine negative. All of these molecular properties clearly distinguish CDS from agmatine, an endogenous 130-dalton compound of far greater abundance which displays lower affinity for p-aminoclonidine-labeled sites in rat brain membranes. The ultraviolet spectrum of CDS consists of two aromatic peaks at 224 and 276 nm, whereas agmatine is an aliphatic substance with no ultraviolet absorbance. Like many antihypertensive drugs of the guanidine and imidazoline family of compounds, CDS recognizes alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, clonidine sites (IR-I1), and imidazoline sites (IR-I2). A good correlation exists between the affinities of various imidazoline/guanidine type ligands for IR-I2 in both human placenta and rat liver membranes which can be accurately determined because both tissues lack IR-I1 and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. There is no correlation in the affinities of these ligands for IR-I2 of human-placental versus alpha 2-adrenergic receptors of human platelets. By uncovering the role of CDS in the central nervous system we will be able to understand the coupling of IRs to neurotransmission and, in turn, to changes in arterial pressure.

Dynamic properties of I2-receptors

Evidence is presented that drug binding to I2-sites in the guinea pig kidney and liver is subjected to dynamic homeotropic allosteric regulation. Drugs have been found that are capable of inducing both positive and negative cooperativity on both kidney and liver I2-sites when studied in competition with [3H]idazoxan. Moreover the kinetics of [3H]idazoxan association with guinea pig kidney I2-sites was complex and occurred with three different rate constants. However, on dissociation of [3H]idazoxan from its binding sites in the kidney a substantial number of the slower sites had been converted to faster sites, thus supporting the idea of a dynamic interconversion of I2 sites. The guinea pig liver and kidney I2-sites appear to be similar in their pharmacological properties. They also bear some resemblance to the I2-sites of the smooth muscle of the guinea pig ileum, but they appear to be more distant to the guinea pig cerebral cortex I2-sites. Nevertheless, data indicate that considerable overall heterogeneity exists between the guinea pig kidney and liver I2-sites and the guinea pig ileum and cerebral cortex I2-sites.