Cardiovascular effects of 2-(NN-dimethyl)amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthalene in pithed rats: differential antagonism by yohimbine and prazosin

The effects of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists on intracellular Ca2+ levels in freshly dispersed single smooth muscle cells from rat tail artery

1. The presence of functional alpha-adrenoceptors in freshly dispersed single smooth muscle cells from rat tail arteries was investigated by use of selective alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists. 2. Cirazoline, a selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, caused a prazosin-sensitive, rapid but transient increase in intracellular Ca2+, which was partially inhibited by the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine. 3. TL99, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, in the presence of prazosin, initiated a slow and sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ which was partially inhibited by yohimbine and almost completely blocked by nifedipine. 4. In rat tail artery, the effects (dose-response and time-response curves) of cirazoline and TL99 on intracellular Ca2+ levels in freshly dispersed single smooth muscle cells were comparable with those obtained with organ bath studies of ring preparations of artery. 5. In freshly dispersed single smooth muscle cells, the time-course response curves induced by the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine and the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, UK14304, were similar to those observed with cirazoline and TL99, respectively. 6. These results indicate that: (a) functional alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors are present in freshly dispersed single smooth muscle cells from rat tail artery and (b) alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors are coupled to different cellular processes that lead to an increase in intracellular Ca2+.

Alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists enhance vasoconstrictor responses to alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists in the rat tail artery by increasing the influx of Ca2+

1. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists TL99 (2-(N N-dimethyl)amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) and UK14304 (5-bromo-6-[2-imidazoline-2-yl-aminol]-quinoxaline), in concentrations that are less than 1% of those producing vasoconstriction, enhance vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine in isolated perfused preparations of the rat tail artery. 2. The enhancing effect was abolished when Ca2+ was absent and by the calcium channel blocking drug diltiazem. 3. alpha 2-Adrenoceptor agonists had no effect on the component of the responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine that is attributable to mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, but enhanced the component attributable to influx of extracellular Ca2+. 4. These results suggest that the enhancing effect of alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists on responses of the rat tail artery to alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonists involves an increase in Ca2+-influx into smooth muscle cells through Ca2+ channels that are opened when alpha 2-adrenoceptors are activated.

Differences in alpha-adrenergic responsiveness between human internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins

Little is known regarding specific biologic and pharmacologic differences between human internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins. To better define the role of alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in human internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins, we obtained fresh specimens of both vessels from 32 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Dose-response curves were generated for the relatively selective alpha 1-receptor agonist phenylephrine, the alpha 2-receptor agonist BHT-920, and the alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptor agonist norepinephrine. Phenylephrine elicited similar contractile responses in internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins, with a mean EC50 (the effective concentration necessary to produce 50% of the maximal contraction) of 1.4 X 10(-6) M for internal mammary arteries and 1.8 X 10(-6) M for saphenous veins (p = NS). Selective stimulation of alpha 2-receptors with BHT-920 elicited a marked contractile response only in saphenous veins. Dose-response curves for phenylephrine and BHT-920 were shifted to the right for both vessels in the presence of the alpha 1-receptor antagonist prazosin and the alpha 2-receptor antagonist yohimbine, respectively. Norepinephrine elicited contraction at a lower concentration in saphenous veins than in internal mammary arteries with a mean EC50 of 7.8 X 10(-8) M for saphenous veins and a mean EC50 of 3.4 X 10(-7) M for internal mammary arteries (p less than 0.05). The results suggest that alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction is caused primarily by alpha 1-receptors in human internal mammary arteries and by alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptors in human saphenous veins.

The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists clonidine, TL99 and DPI enhance vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation and noradrenaline in the rat tail artery preparation

1. Clonidine (1-30 nmol/l) enhanced the vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation in isolated perfused artery preparations from the rat tail. Higher concentrations of clonidine produced vasoconstriction in most artery preparations and reduced the response to sympathetic nerve stimulation. 2. The enhancing effect of clonidine was not affected by prazosin but was blocked by idazoxan, indicating that it was due to activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors. 3. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists DPI and TL99, like clonidine, enhanced vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation. 4. Vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline were enhanced by clonidine and TL99. 5. The findings suggest that activation of postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors results in facilitation of the contractile response elicited by activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors.

Influence of neuronal uptake on the contribution of smooth muscle alpha 2-adrenoceptors to vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline in SHR and WKY isolated tail arteries

The effects of the selective alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists idazoxan (alpha 2) and prazosin (alpha 1) were examined on responses to exogenous noradrenaline and to sympathetic nerve stimulation in SHR and WKY rat isolated perfused proximal tail artery segments. The influence of inhibition of neuronal uptake with cocaine on the effects of these antagonists was also determined. The following results were obtained: Prazosin (10 nmol/l) was equieffective in antagonising responses to exogenous noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation in both SHR and WKY arteries and the degree of antagonism was similar in either the presence or the absence of neuronal uptake inhibition. In contrast to prazosin, the effects of idazoxan (100 nmol/l), on both exogenous noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation were dependent on the degree of inhibition of neuronal uptake. In SHR arteries, the degree of antagonism of responses to exogenous noradrenaline by idazoxan (100 nmol/l) decreased progressively as the concentration of cocaine was increased to 4 and 40 mumol/l; in WKY arteries, even in the absence of cocaine, idazoxan (100 nmol/l) did not antagonise responses to exogenous noradrenaline. In SHR arteries, the responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation were reduced to a lesser extent by idazoxan (100 nmol/l) when the concentration of cocaine was increased to 4 mumol/l than in the absence of cocaine. In WKY arteries, idazoxan (100 nmol/l) reduced the responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation in the absence of cocaine. However, this concentration of idazoxan increased the responses to nerve stimulation in the presence of cocaine. Our results indicate that smooth muscle alpha 2-adrenoceptors are present in SHR tail arteries, both intra- and extrajunctionally.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential blocking actions of idazoxan against the inhibitory effects of 6-fluoronoradrenaline and clonidine in the rat vas deferens

The prejunctional inhibitory effects of clonidine and 6-fluoronoradrenaline (6-FNA) have been evaluated in the isolated prostatic segment of the rat vas deferens, against the twitch response evoked by low frequency (0.1 Hz) field stimulation. The inhibitory potency of 6FNA was significantly increased in the presence of cocaine (1 microM) or pargyline (10 microM), but was not modified in the vas deferens from rats pretreated with reserpine when the endogenous levels of noradrenaline (NA) were decreased by 97%. Clonidine was significantly more potent than 6-FNA as an inhibitory agonist, and the potency of clonidine was not modified after cocaine, pargyline or reserpine. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor blocking agent idazoxan, was a competitive antagonist against the inhibitory effects of clonidine under all experimental conditions. In contrast, the only antagonism shown by idazoxan against the inhibitory effects of 6-FNA was in the presence of cocaine (1 microM), and this antagonist effect of idazoxan was not concentration-related. Low concentrations of 6-FNA caused concentration-dependent facilitatory effects on the twitch response, which were significantly greater after treatment with idazoxan (1 microM) in reserpine-treated vas deferens. These facilitatory effects of 6-FNA were always observed in the presence of prazosin (300 nM) and also after treatment of the preparations with phenoxybenzamine (10 microM), a concentration which abolished the inhibitory actions of both clonidine and 6-FNA. The facilitatory effects on the twitch response induced by low concentrations of 6-FNA are therefore unlikely to be due to either alpha 1- or alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation. In conclusion, the failure of idazoxan to block the inhibitory effects of 6-FNA, while exerting a potent competitive antagonism of clonidine-induced inhibitory effects, supports the proposal that alpha 2-adrenoceptors may in fact be subdivided into two subclasses, involving imidazoline and phenylethylamine recognition sites.

alpha 2-Adrenoceptors mediate sympathetic vasoconstriction in distal segments of rat tail artery

Proximal and distal segments of the tail artery were taken from normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. Field stimulation (0.3-30 Hz) of periarterial sympathetic nerves elicited vasoconstrictor responses which were antagonized by prazosin (0.1-10 nM) to a much lesser extent in distal than in proximal segments. The selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (100 nM) alone had little effect in either segment; however in combination with prazosin vasoconstrictor responses were markedly reduced in distal segments. It is concluded that postjunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors substantially mediate sympathetic vasoconstriction in distal segments of Sprague-Dawley rat tail artery and that this in vitro preparation may be a useful model for elucidating and extending data obtained in vivo in the human forearm circulation (Van Brummelen et al., 1983).

Effects of reduced calcium ion concentration and of diltiazem on vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline and sympathetic nerve stimulation in rat isolated tail artery

In isolated, perfused proximal segments of Sprague-Dawley rat tail artery, idazoxan (100 nmol l-1) displaced the concentration-response curve to noradrenaline (NA) to the right. The log shift of the NA concentration-response curve was greater at lower concentrations than at higher concentrations of NA. Idazoxan (100 nmol l-1) had no effect on responses to electrical stimulation. Prazosin (10 nmol l-1) displaced the concentration-response curve to NA to the right as well as markedly reducing responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation. The concentration-response curve to NA, obtained after reducing the concentration of calcium ions in the Krebs solution from 2.5 to 0.6 mmol l-1, was significantly displaced to the right. Responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation were not affected by this reduction in the concentration of calcium ions. Diltiazem (1 and 10 mumol l-1) significantly displaced the concentration-response curve to NA to the right but had no effect on sympathetic nerve stimulation. These in vitro results in peripheral arterial smooth muscle confirm the findings of previous in vivo studies which suggest that alpha2-adrenoceptors contribute to the vasoconstrictor responses elicited by alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and that these responses but not those mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptors are dependent on extracellular calcium.

Invariable susceptibility to blockade by nifedipine of vasoconstriction to various alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists in pithed rats

The sensitivity of the increase in diastolic pressure brought about by the selective agonists of alpha 2-adrenoceptors, B-HT 920, B-HT 933, xylazine, UK-14,304, M-7, TL-99 and DP-6, 7-ADTN in pithed normotensive rats to blockade by the calcium entry inhibitor nifedipine has been investigated. To exclude any participation of vascular alpha 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors, as well as cardiac beta 1-adrenoceptors, in the pressor responses, the study was made after treatment of the pithed rats with prazosin (0.1 mg kg-1) and (-)-propranol (1 mg kg-1). Without exception, the preferential agonists of alpha 2-adrenoceptors elicited vasoconstrictor responses which were susceptible to inhibition by nifedipine (0.03-1 mg kg-1) in a dose-dependent manner regardless of the differences in intrinsic activity of the compounds. The pressor activity was almost completely abolished after 1 mg kg-1 of nifedipine. The results show that vasoconstriction induced in pithed rats by various selective stimulating agents of postjunctional vascular alpha 2-adrenoceptors is invariably and equally sensitive to attenuation by nifedipine. This susceptibility of alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction to impairment by blockade of calcium entry is not dependent on the nature, the potency or the efficacy of the agonist.

Interactions between the putative calcium entry promotor Bay k 8644 and pressor responses produced by alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists in the pithed normotensive rat

Interactions between the putative calcium entry promotor Bay k 8644 and both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated increases in diastolic pressure were studied in the pithed normotensive rat. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated pressor responses elicited by B-HT920, TL-99, DP-6,7-ADTN and B-HT958 were potentiated by Bay k 8644, reflected by a leftward shift and an increase in the maximum of the log dose-pressor response curves. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated effects elicited by cirazoline, methoxamine, (-)-amidephrine, St 587, (-)-phenylephrine and Sgd 101/75 were less enhanced by Bay k 8644. Only a leftward shift of the dose-response curves was observed, which was most pronounced for (-)-phenylephrine and Sgd 101/75. The alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor components of (-)-noradrenaline were similarly distinguished by Bay k 8644 as observed for the selective alpha 1- or alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists. Effects of Bay k 8644 on the increase in diastolic pressure mediated by B-HT 920, St 587 and cirazoline were also studied after pretreatment with the calcium entry blocker nifedipine. After additional pretreatment with nifedipine the potentiation by Bay k 8644 observed for B-HT 920 and St 587 was more pronounced. The presence of nifedipine had no effect on the interaction between Bay k 8644 and cirazoline. It is concluded that Bay k 8644 behaves as a mirror image of nifedipine.+

Heterogeneity of the interaction between alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists with their respective receptors in the vascular system of the pithed rat

The subdivision of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor responses to different agonists based upon the influence of beta 2-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation was further investigated in the pithed normotensive rat. The effect of salbutamol (4.18 X 10(-6) mol/kg) on the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated increase in diastolic pressure due to dopamine and amidephrine as well as on the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated pressor response to azepexole, DP-6,7-ADTN, M-7, TL-99 and dopamine was assessed. The alpha 1-pressor responses to amidephrine and dopamine were only slightly attenuated by salbutamol. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated increase in diastolic pressure due to B-HT 933 was strongly antagonized by salbutamol in contrast to the effect of dopamine, DP-6,7-ADTN and M-7. TL-99 occupied in intermediate position. The data do not support the existence of distinctly different subtypes of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors but favor the hypothesis that both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors are activated in a unique way by each of their respective agonists.

Inhibitory dopamine receptors on sympathetic neurons innervating the cardiovascular system of the pithed rat. Characterization and role in relation to presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors

Additional experimental evidence was obtained for an inhibitory function of prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors and/or dopamine receptors located on noradrenergic neurons innervating the heart and resistance vessels of the pithed normotensive rat. Mixed alpha 2-adrenoceptor/dopamine receptor agonists, differing in selectivity towards either receptor type, i.e. N,N-di-n-propyldopamine (DPDA), 2-N, N-di-n-propylamino-6, 7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene (DP-6,7-ADTN), B-HT 920 and B-HT 933 (azepexole) were used. In pithed normotensive rats, DPDA (30 and 100 micrograms/kg/min) dose-dependently inhibited the electrical stimulation-induced increase in diastolic pressure, but did not significantly affect the stimulation-evoked increase in heart rate. The inhibition exerted by DPDA was blocked by haloperidol and sulpiride (0.3 mg/kg of each), but not by yohimbine (1 mg/kg), indicating the involvement of dopamine receptors. In this respect, sulpiride and haloperidol were found approximately equipotent. DP-6,7-ADTN (10 and 30 micrograms/kg/min) impaired both tachycardic and vasoconstrictor responses in a dose-dependent manner. Sulpiride (0.3 mg/kg) only partially restored the DP-6,7-ADTN-depressed stimulation-evoked increase in diastolic pressure, whereas yohimbine (1 mg/kg) alone was without effect. The combination of both antagonists completely prevented the inhibition caused by DP-6,7-ADTN. On the other hand, yohimbine (1 mg/kg), but not sulpiride (0.3 mg/kg), selectively antagonized the DP-6,7-ADTN-induced inhibition of stimulation-evoked tachycardia. B-HT 920 (1, 3 and 10 micrograms/kg/min) very effectively reduced the increase in diastolic pressure and heart rate caused by electrical stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of vascular postsynaptic alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in man

We studied postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors in human blood vessels by measuring the influence on forearm blood flow induced by intra-arterial infusions of selective alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists (methoxamine, B-HT 933, clonidine and guanfacine) and antagonists (doxazosin and yohimbine). The studies were done in healthy volunteers, and forearm blood flow was measured by plethysmography. All agonists produced a significant and dose-dependent vasoconstriction. The effect of B-HT 933 was completely abolished by the concomitant infusion of yohimbine, whereas it was hardly influenced by doxazosin. The effect of methoxamine was prevented by doxazosin and little influenced by yohimbine. The vasoconstriction by clonidine and guanfacine was partially prevented by both doxazosin and yohimbine. The single intra-arterial infusion of yohimbine, as well as doxazosin, resulted in vasodilation. These findings provide strong evidence for the existence of postsynaptic alpha 1- as well as alpha 2-adrenoceptors, both mediating vasoconstriction and contributing to basal vascular tone. The (patho-)physiological significance of this subdivision of alpha-adrenoceptors remains to be elucidated.

Alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist selectivity of mono- and dihydroxy-2-N,N-DI-n-propylaminotetralins

The pressor activities and the identity of the postjunctional alpha-adrenoceptors involved were determined for a series of congeneric mono- and dihydroxy-substituted 2-N,N-di-n-propylaminotetralins and N,N-di-n-propyldopamine (DPDA) following i.v. administration to pithed normotensive rats. The affinity for alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor-like binding sites was obtained from radioligand displacement studies. The 5- and 7-OH substituted tetralins as well as DPDA were reasonably potent and about equieffective pressor agents. The 6-OH congener had almost no vasoconstrictor effects whereas the 8-OH positional isomer occupied an intermediate position. The 5,6- and 6,7-di-OH analogs very effectively raised the diastolic pressure of pithed rats. On account of the inhibition exerted by prazosin (0.1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (1 mg/kg) the 5- and 7-OH isomers as well as DPDA can be classified as mixed alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists, the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-stimulating potency being more pronounced especially for the 5-OH congener. In addition, a significant contribution of serotonin receptors to the pressor responses to the 8-OH compound was detected. Similarly, alpha 2-adrenoceptors were mainly responsible for the vasoconstriction caused by the 6,7-di-OH isomer, whereas the 5,6-di-OH congener very selectively stimulated this alpha 2-type receptor in the lower dose range and alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation predominated at higher doses of this agonist. The 6,7-di-OH compound failed to activate vascular postjunctional beta 2-adrenoceptors. The results indicate that the alpha 1/alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist selectivity depends on the position(s) and the number of hydroxy groups present as well as on the alkyl substitution at the amino function. 2-N,N-Di-n-propylamino-6,7-dihydroxytetralin may be a more suitable alpha 2-adrenoceptor selective agonist than M-7.

Interaction of the component enantiomers of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylamino tetralin) with dopaminergic systems in mammalian brain and teleost retina

The enantiomers of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin) were examined in a number of in vivo and in vitro test paradigms to further examine the reported autoreceptor selectivity of this compound. The (+)-isomer of the aminotetralin was more active as a dopamine agonist than either the racemate or the (-)-enantiomer. In addition to this dopaminergic activity, TL-99 was found to be a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, this activity being more prominent in the (+)-isomer. The (-)-isomer, however, was a weak alpha 2/DA receptor agonist and unlike the (+)-enantiomer was devoid of activity in the D-1-selective carp retina adenylate cyclase assay. Pharmacological examination of the effects of TL-99 on mouse locomotor activity showed that the effects of the aminotetralin in this dopamine autoreceptor test system were antagonized by either the alpha 2-antagonist, yohimbine or by the dopamine antagonist, sulpiride. TL-99 also produced contralateral turning in 6-OHDA lesioned rats. It is concluded that the apparent dopamine autoreceptor selectivity of TL-99 as assessed by in vivo animal test systems may be due partially to its alpha 2-agonist activity. The sedation and consequent reduction in mouse locomotor activity and in turning in the rat as the dose level is increased undoubtedly occurs via alpha 2-agonist and dopamine autoreceptor activity and cannot be interpreted as selectivity for the dopamine autoreceptor.

Different actions of TL-99 and 3-PPP in producing contraversive turning in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat

The putatively selective dopamine autoreceptor agonists TL-99 and 3-PPP were compared with apomorphine for the production of contraversive turning in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat. Although less potent than apomorphine, 3-PPP produced dose-related contralateral turning. The contralateral turning produced by TL-99 plateaued at the 3 mg/kg i.p. dose level. Yohimbine significantly enhanced the TL-99-induced turning, whereas it failed to modify the 3-PPP turning. The results suggest that the alpha 2-adrenergic properties of TL-99 at doses of greater than 3.0 mg/kg masked its dopaminergic effects. Hence, 3-PPP is clearly the more selective agent for DA receptors.

Effects of diltiazem on phasic and tonic activity in rat portal vein

The effects of the Ca2+ entry blocking drug, diltiazem, have been evaluated in the rat isolated portal vein, against phasic or tonic responses induced by a range of agonists. Diltiazem was a potent antagonist of phasic responses induced by low concentrations of K+, tetraethylammonium (TEA), the selective alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists UK 14304 or TL99 and angiotensin II (AII). Diltiazem was significantly less potent as an antagonist of phasic responses induced by the selective alpha 1-adrenoreceptor agonists phenylephrine (PE) or methoxamine (ME) or the non-selective alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist (NA), or of tonic responses evoked by high concentrations of K+, or PE. The non-stimulated phasic activity of the portal vein was antagonised by diltiazem at higher concentrations only. It is concluded that in the rat portal vein, phasic or tonic activity are associated with different Ca2+-gating mechanisms. It is considered that these differences could represent different Ca2+-channels, different rates of activation or deactivation of the channels, or involve other sources of activator Ca2+ than extracellular Ca2+. The alpha 2-adrenoreceptor subtype may be functionally linked with a voltage dependent Ca2+-channel to cause phasic responses in this preparation.

Avoidance and ICSS behavioral models dissociate TL-99 and 3-PPP from dopamine receptor antagonists

The behavioral effects of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonists, TL-99 and 3-PPP, were explored in animal procedures that reveal highly characteristic effects of neuroleptics currently in clinical use. Sidman avoidance responding in rats was not altered appreciably by doses up to 10 mg/kg TL-99 or 30 mg/kg 3-PPP. Higher doses of TL-99 attenuated Sidman avoidance performance in squirrel monkeys, although 3-PPP had no effect. Lever pressing for intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) was attenuated in a dose-related fashion by TL-99 and 3-PPP, with relatively shallow dose-response relationships. A low dose of haloperidol (0.03 mg/kg) partly reversed the effects of 3-PPP (3 mg/kg) on lever pressing ICSS, but not those of TL-99 (3 mg/kg). Yohimbine (3 mg/kg) failed to alter the effects of TL-99 at a dose that abolished the suppressant effect of clonidine on ICSS. Analysis of within-session ICSS response decrement patterns indicated that TL-99 reduced ICSS to a greater extent towards the end of the session than during the first 5 min. No such within-session trend was produced by 3-PPP, suggesting that 3-PPP attenuates ICSS by virtue of a performance deficit. Similar conclusions were reached using a shuttlebox task that involved self-regulation of ICSS duration by rats. Therefore, the clinical profile of neuroleptics is unlikely to be mimicked precisely by 3-PPP or TL-99. Clinical trials of DA autoreceptor agonists for antipsychotic efficacy will indicate whether or not avoidance and ICSS behaviors are relevant to the detection of the intrinsic antipsychotic activity of drugs.

alpha-adrenoreceptor-mediated phasic and tonic activity in rat portal vein in vitro

The effects of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists on phasic or tonic activity have been examined in rat portal vein in vitro. Noradrenaline (NA) and Phenylephrine (PE) increased phasic activity at low concentrations, these effects were superimposed on a sustained contracture at higher concentrations. The alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists UK 14304 or TL 99 increased extracellular electrical activity and associated mechanical phasic activity without inducing sustained contracture. These alpha 2-adrenoreceptor mediated effects were particularly sensitive to changes in Ca2+ concentration. Prazosin was a potent, competitive antagonist of contracture to NA, or PE, but did not antagonise the phasic responses to NA, UK 14304 or TL 99, except at high concentrations. Prazosin was significantly less potent against PE-induced phasic responses than PE-induced contracture. The results suggest that alpha 1-adrenoreceptors are predominantly involved in contracture. Yohimbine was significantly more potent against UK 14304 or TL 99-induced phasic response than against PE-induced responses, however, phasic responses to NA were competitively antagonised only by combination of yohimbine and prazosin. It is concluded that postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptor mechanisms are involved in the phasic responses to selective alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonists, and to NA in rat portal vein. The response of contracture is mediated through alpha 1-adrenoreceptors.

Characterization of dopamine autoreceptor and [3H]spiperone binding sites in vitro with classical and novel dopamine receptor agonists

The specific D2 receptor agonist, LY 141865, but not the specific D1-receptor agonist, SK&F 38393, potently inhibited electrically evoked [3H]dopamine release from slices of the cat caudate. Similarly, LY 141865, but not SK&F 38393, inhibited [3H]spiperone binding to membranes of the cat caudate. The inhibition by dopamine receptor agonists of electrically evoked [3H]dopamine release was antagonized by the specific D2-receptor antagonist S-sulpiride. The inhibition of the electrically evoked release of [3H]dopamine by apomorphine was not, however, antagonized by the specific D1-receptor antagonist, bulbocapnine. Similarly, S-sulpiride but not bulbocapnine potently inhibited [3H]spiperone binding to membranes of the cat caudate. These results suggest that the dopamine autoreceptor modulating the depolarization-evoked release of [3H]dopamine, and the binding site of [3H]spiperone, are valid in vitro models for D2-dopamine receptors. Contrary to some previous reports, DPI was inactive in both in vitro dopamine receptor models. The IC50 values of a series of dopamine receptor agonists correlated very well in the two in vitro dopamine receptor models. One exception to this correlation was bromocriptine, which was more potent at [3H]spiperone binding sites than at the dopamine autoreceptor. With the exception of bromocriptine, all dopamine receptor agonists had one-hundred fold higher potency at the dopamine autoreceptor than at [3H]spiperone binding sites. [3H]Spiperone binding sites are localized primarily postsynaptic to dopamine terminals. Possible differences between the pharmacological properties of pre- and postsynaptic dopamine receptors should become apparent in the comparison of the two in vitro dopamine receptor models. However, the order of potency of dopamine receptor agonists with both in vitro models, dopamine autoreceptor and [3H]spiperone binding, was the same: N-n-propylnorapomorphine greater than TL-99 = 7-HAT greater than M-7 greater than Apomorphine greater than LY 141865.

Postsynaptic dopamine agonist properties of TL-99 are revealed by yohimbine co-treatment

The claim that TL-99 (6,7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin hydrobromide) is a selective dopamine autoreceptor agonist relies partly upon indirect behavioral evidence, particularly the absence of stereotyped behavior in treated rats. The possibility was examined that concurrent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist properties of TL-99 could have masked postsynaptic dopamine agonist activity. Co-administration of yohimbine or piperoxan with a high dose of TL-99 (30 mg/kg) dramatically increased motor activity in reserpinized rats, whereas each drug by itself had no effect. Contralateral rotational behavior in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats resulted from combined treatment with yohimbine and a high dose of TL-99 (30 mg/kg) but appeared to be suppressed by concurrent flaccidity if TL-99 was given by itself. Yohimbine failed to alter the effects of 3-PPP (N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine), another putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, in either model of postsynaptic dopamine agonism. It is concluded that a concurrent behaviorally depressant action of TL-99, possibly alpha 2-agonism, masks the stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors by high doses of TL-99.

Is TL-99 a selective presynaptic dopamine receptor agonist?

The claim that the 2-aminotetralin analogue TL-99 is a selective presynaptic dopamine (DA) receptor agonist has been investigated both in vivo and in vitro in the rat. The pharmacological specificity of the hypomotility caused by TL-99 has been examined using various selective antagonists. In addition its effects on DA metabolism and noradrenaline (NA) and DA turnover (alpha-MT method) as well as its distribution in the brain have been studied. These in vivo studies provide evidence that although TL-99 is able to activate presynaptic DA receptors it is also a potent agonist of NA receptors as shown by the fact that the hypomotility could be partly reversed by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine and piperoxan. Further supporting evidence for these findings was provided by in vitro studies on the inhibition of K+-induced [3H]dopamine, [14C]acetylcholine and [3H]noradrenaline release from striatal and cortical slices where it was shown that TL-99 is not only active at both pre- and postsynaptic DA receptors but also at alpha 2-NA receptors. For the latter receptor it had a potency comparable to that of the potent alpha 2-agonist clonidine and this may explain, to some extent, the hypomotility caused by TL-99. Thus, ascribing this hypomotility solely to an interaction with presynaptic DA receptors may be an oversimplification. It is therefore concluded that TL-99 should not be considered as a selective presynaptic DA receptor agonist.

Presynaptic dopamine receptors mediate the inhibitory action of dopamine agonists on stimulation-evoked pressor responses in the rat

The effects of the dopamine agonists TL-99, M-7 (N, N-dimethyl analogues of aminotetralins) and N, N-dinpropyldopamine (NNPD) on stimulation-evoked pressor responses and tachycardia in pithed Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated when pressor responses to the compounds per se had subsided. Various antagonists were used to characterise the effects of the dopamine agonists. 2 M-7 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), and NNPD (1 mg/kg i.v.), but not TL-99 (1-30 micrograms/kg i.v.), inhibited pressor responses evoked by low frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in the pithed rat. 3 M-7 (3 micrograms/kg i.v.), but neither NNPD (1 mg/kg i.v.) nor TL-99 (1-30 micrograms/kg), inhibited tachycardia evoked by low frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in the pithed rat. 4 The inhibition of stimulation-evoked pressor responses by M-7 and NNPD was prevented by pimozide, metoclopramide and sulpiride but not by yohimibine, atropine, cimetidine or propranolol. 5 The inhibition of stimulation-evoked tachycardia by M-7 was prevented by yohimbine (and to a certain extent by sulpiride) but not pimozide, metoclopramide, atropine or cimetidine. 6 Pressor responses elicited by TL-99, M-7 and NNPD were selective antagonised by yohimbine, but not by prazosin, indicating that these responses were mediated by stimulation of vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. 7 This study demonstrates that, in the rat, presynaptic dopamine receptors exist on sympathetic pre- or postganglionic nerve endings to blood vessels, but not on sympathetic pre- or postganglionic nerve endings to the heart, where inhibition by M-7 of stimulation-evoked tachycardia is mediated by stimulation of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors.

Antagonism of pre and postsynaptic alpha-adrenoreceptors by BE 2254 (HEAT) and prazosin

1 The alpha-adrenoreceptor blocking effects of BE 2254 and prazosin have been studied in the pithed rat and guinea-pig ileum preparations. 2 BE 2254 was a competitive and potent antagonist of NA, Phenylephrine (PE) or stimulation-induced vasoconstriction in the pithed rat, but only exerted a weak antagonism of postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptor vasoconstriction induced by N,N-diMe-6,7-diOHATN (TL 99) or azepexole (BHT 933). The potency of BE 2254 against NA-induced vasoconstriction was markedly reduced by pretreatment with prazosin and propranolol. The antagonist effects of BE 2254 against TL 99-induced vasoconstriction was not altered by these pretreatments. Prazosin was without effect at postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. Neither antagonist blocked the pressor responses to angiotensin II (A II) nor the tachycardia-induced by exogenous NA, indicating specificity for alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. 3 BE 2254 was a potent antagonist of TL99-induced cardioinhibition (presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptor effects) in the pithed rat, but may not act as a competitive antagonist in this preparation. Prazosin was without antagonist effect in this preparation. 4 In the transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum, BE 2254 was a potent antagonist of TL99, or clonidine-induced inhibition of the twitch response (presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptor effects), but did not antagonize the effects of morphine. Prazosin was again without effect. 5 It was concluded that BE 2254 is a potent antagonist at presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in vitro and in vivo, and at postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoreceptors in vivo, but has only weak activity at vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in the pithed rat. The differences in potency of BE 2254 in the pithed rat at pre- and postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors suggests that these alpha-adrenoreceptor sub-types may differ.

Pharmacological profiles of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonists 3-PPP and TL-99

The putative dopamine (DA) autoreceptor agonists, N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine (3-PPP) and 6, 7-dihydroxy-2-dimethylaminotetralin (TL-99) were compared with apomorphine in a series of tests indicative of DA receptor activation. All three agents displaced [3H] apomorphine and [3H] spiroperidol from DA recognition sites in rat brain and caused contralateral turning in the 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rat. Apomorphine and TL-99 were generally more potent than 3-PPP. All three agents were also active at the DA autoreceptor that controls the synthesis of dopamine as indicated in vivo using the gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) procedure and in vitro using a synaptosomal preparation. In addition, all agents produced emesis in beagles. clear differences in the drugs' actions were observed in other test procedures. In the rat, apomorphine was the only compound which caused stereotypy or rotation following a reversible KCI-induced lesion of the striatum. Conversely, TL-99 and 3-PPP lacked activity in these procedures. Presumably, activity in these two tests indicates postsynaptic DA receptor activation. Each of the putative autoreceptor agonists produced a monotonic dose-related decrease in the mouse locomotor activity as opposed to the biphasic effect exerted by apomorphine. This action on the mouse locomotor activity, coupled with the results for the GBL test, provides an index of autoreceptor activation. In contrast to 3-PPP, both apomorphine and TL-99 increased locomotor activity in animals pretreated with reserpine and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine and caused rotation in unilaterally caudectomized mice. In these test procedures thought to reflect activity at the postsynaptic DA receptor, TL-99 differed in its action from 3-PPP in a manner which suggests 3-PPP may be a more selective DA autoreceptor agonist.

Mini-review. The postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptor

The discovery of postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors with the drug specificities of presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors has contributed to a refinement of the classification of alpha-adrenoreceptors. postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors have been identified by pharmacological means and with the aid of direct radioligand-receptor binding studies. The evidence for the existence of this class of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in the brain and in vascular smooth muscle is particularly strong. Central postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors play a major part in the hypotensive action of centrally acting antihypertensive drugs such as clonidine and alpha-methyl-DOPA. Vascular smooth muscle cells contain postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors which mediate vasoconstriction, like the more classical alpha 1-adrenoreceptors. The simultaneous occurrence of contractile alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in vascular smooth muscle offers a simple model for the characterization of alpha-adrenoreceptor agonists and antagonists. At present, highly selective agonists of alpha 2-adrenoreceptors have been found. These new compounds may be useful for the classification of other alpha-adrenoreceptor populations. It has been suggested that the vascular postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptor might be located at extrasynaptic sites. Accordingly, adrenaline released by the adrenal medulla would be the endogenous stimulant. Finally, observations have been made in vivo indicating that a transmembrane influx of calcium ions is necessary for linking the drug-induced activation of these alpha 2-adrenoreceptors to vasoconstriction.