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Tsuchiya H, Fujinoki M, Azuma M, Koshimizu TA. Vasopressin V1a receptor and oxytocin receptor regulate murine sperm motility differently. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201488. [PMID: 36650057 PMCID: PMC9846835 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific receptors for the neurohypophyseal hormones, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin, are present in the male reproductive organs. However, their exact roles remain unknown. To elucidate the physiological functions of pituitary hormones in male reproduction, this study first focused on the distribution and function of one of the AVP receptors, V1a. In situ hybridization analysis revealed high expression of the Avpr1a in Leydig cells of the testes and narrow/clear cells in the epididymis, with the expression pattern differing from that of the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Notably, persistent motility and highly proportional hyperactivation were observed in spermatozoa from V1a receptor-deficient mice. In contrast, OTR blocking by antagonist atosiban decreased hyperactivation rate. Furthermore, AVP stimulation could alter the extracellular pH mediated by the V1a receptor. The results highlight the crucial role of neurohypophyseal hormones in male reproductive physiology, with potential contradicting roles of V1a and OTR in sperm maturation. Our findings suggest that V1a receptor antagonists are potential therapeutic drugs for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Tsuchiya
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Japan
| | - Morio Azuma
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Koshimizu
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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Helmer H, Saleh L, Petricevic L, Knöfler M, Reinheimer TM. Barusiban, a selective oxytocin receptor antagonist: placental transfer in rabbit, monkey, and human†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:135-143. [PMID: 32307542 PMCID: PMC7313255 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of drugs in pregnancy always raises concerns regarding potential fetal exposure and possible adverse effects through their accumulation in fetal tissues and organs. Barusiban is an oxytocin antagonist under development for potential use as tocolytic in preterm-labor patients. It displays greater affinity for the oxytocin receptor compared to vasopressin V1A receptor and would thus not interfere with vasopressin-induced effects of the V1A receptor. Barusiban placental transfer was determined in the rabbit and cynomolgus monkey and in an ex vivo human cotyledon model. In the rabbit, there was an approximately 5% transfer of barusiban from the maternal to the fetal blood, without significant accumulation in any of the investigated fetal tissues. In the cynomolgus monkeys, the mean fetal plasma barusiban concentration was 9.1% of the maternal level. This was similar to the percentage of barusiban transfer in the human placental single cotyledon, which once equilibrated ranged between 9.3 and 11.0% over the observation period. The transfer of the small-molecule antipyrine as a comparator in this human model was approximately three times greater. The similarity in the degree of transfer in the cynomolgus monkey and human cotyledon, while being less in the rabbit, may reflect the species-specific placental barrier structure between the maternal and fetal compartments. In conclusion, limited placental transfer of barusiban occurred in all three models. The similarity of barusiban transfer in the cynomolgus and the human placental single cotyledon suggests the latter ex vivo model to be useful in assessing future drug candidates to be used in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanns Helmer
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leila Saleh
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ljubomir Petricevic
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Lieberz J, Scheele D, Spengler FB, Matheisen T, Schneider L, Stoffel-Wagner B, Kinfe TM, Hurlemann R. Kinetics of oxytocin effects on amygdala and striatal reactivity vary between women and men. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1134-1140. [PMID: 31785587 PMCID: PMC7235226 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that intranasal oxytocin (OXT; 24 IU) reduces amygdala responses to fear-related stimuli in men, while exerting inverse effects in women. However, OXT enhances activity of the brain reward system in both sexes. Importantly, a crucial and still open question is whether there are sex-specific dose-response relationships for the amygdala and striatal regions. To address this question, a total of 90 healthy women participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study and the results were compared with our previous findings from men. Participants were randomly assigned to three doses of OXT (6 IU, 12 IU, and 24 IU) and completed an emotional face recognition task including fearful and happy faces of varying emotional intensities. Across doses, OXT enhanced amygdala reactivity to low fearful faces compared to placebo and increased responses to happy faces in the dorsal striatum in women. While treatment effects on amygdala reactivity were evident at each given dose, the OXT effect on striatal responses to social stimuli was more pronounced with higher doses, but this dose-dependent effect did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Importantly, OXT effects on amygdala and striatal activation significantly differed between sexes and striatal baseline sexual-dimorphic response patterns were diminished after administration of OXT. Our findings suggest that OXT increases the salience of social signals by strengthening the sensitivity for these signals in the amygdala and in the striatum in women, while OXT may primarily induce anxiolysis by reducing amygdala responses in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Lieberz
- 0000 0001 2240 3300grid.10388.32Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Franny B. Spengler
- grid.5963.9Institute for Psychology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Matheisen
- 0000 0001 2240 3300grid.10388.32Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lìa Schneider
- 0000 0001 2240 3300grid.10388.32Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Birgit Stoffel-Wagner
- 0000 0001 2240 3300grid.10388.32Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas M. Kinfe
- 0000 0001 2107 3311grid.5330.5Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Functional Neurosurgery and Stereotaxy, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- 0000 0001 2240 3300grid.10388.32Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany ,0000 0001 2240 3300grid.10388.32Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany ,0000 0001 1009 3608grid.5560.6Department of Psychiatry, University of Oldenburg Medical Campus, 26160 Bad Zwischenahn, Germany
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Li X, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Wan H, Sun J, Wang B, Feng B, Hu B, Shi X, Feng J, Zhang L, He F, Bai C, Zhang L, Tao W. Discovery of SHR1653, a Highly Potent and Selective OTR Antagonist with Improved Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:996-1001. [PMID: 31223461 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OTR) plays a major role in the control of male sexual responses. Antagonists of the OTR have been reported to inhibit ejaculation in animal models and serve as a potential treatment for premature ejaculation (PE). Herein, we describe a novel scaffold featuring an aryl substituted 3-azabicyclo [3.1.0] hexane structure. The lead compound, SHR1653, was shown to be a highly potent OTR antagonist, which exhibited excellent selectivity over V1AR, V1BR, and V2R. This novel molecule was shown to have a favorable pharmacokinetic profile across species, as well as robust in vivo efficacy in a rat uterine contraction model. Interestingly, SHR1653 exhibited excellent blood-brain barrier penetration, which might be beneficial for the treatment of CNS-related PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Zhigao Zhang
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Hong Wan
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Jiakang Sun
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Bingqiang Feng
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Xingxing Shi
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Feng He
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
- Chengdu Suncadia Medicine Co., LTD., 88 South Keyuan Road, Chengdu, Si Chuan 610000, China
| | - Chang Bai
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
| | - Lianshan Zhang
- Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine CO., LTD., Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222047, China
| | - Weikang Tao
- Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceutical CO., LTD., 279 Wenjing Road, Shanghai 200245, China
- Chengdu Suncadia Medicine Co., LTD., 88 South Keyuan Road, Chengdu, Si Chuan 610000, China
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Pohl O, Chollet A, Kim SH, Riaposova L, Spézia F, Gervais F, Guillaume P, Lluel P, Méen M, Lemaux F, Terzidou V, Bennett PR, Gotteland JP. OBE022, an Oral and Selective Prostaglandin F 2α Receptor Antagonist as an Effective and Safe Modality for the Treatment of Preterm Labor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 366:349-364. [PMID: 29777040 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.247668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is the major challenge in obstetrics, affecting ∼10% of pregnancies. Pan-prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)] prevent preterm labor and prolong pregnancy but raise concerns about fetal renal and cardiovascular safety. We conducted preclinical studies examining the tocolytic effect and fetal safety of the oral prodrug candidate OBE022 [(S)-2-amino-3-methyl-butyric acid (S)-3-{[(S)-3-(biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-thiazolidine-2-carbonyl]-amino}-3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-propyl ester] and its parent OBE002 [(S)-3-(biphenyl-4-sulfonyl)-thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid [(S)-1-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-3-hydroxy-propyl]-amide], both potent and highly selective antagonist of the contractile prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) receptor (FP). Efficacy of OBE022 and OBE002, alone and in combination with other tocolytics, was assessed in human tissues and pregnant animal models for inhibition of uterine contraction and delay of parturition. Selective safety of OBE022 and/or OBE002, compared with NSAID indomethacin, was assessed on renal function, closure of the ductus arteriosus, and inhibition of platelet aggregation. In in vitro studies, OBE002 inhibited spontaneous, oxytocin- and PGF2α -induced human myometrial contractions alone and was more effective in combination with atosiban or nifedipine. In in vivo studies, OBE022 and OBE002 reduced spontaneous contractions in near-term pregnant rats. In pregnant mice, OBE022 delayed RU486 [(8S,11R,13S,14S,17S)-11-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-17-hydroxy-13-methyl-17-prop-1-ynyl-1,2,6,7,8,11,12,14,15,16-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one] -induced parturition and exerted synergistic effects in combination with nifedipine. OBE022 and/or OBE002 did not show the fetal side effects of ductus arteriosus constriction, impairment of kidney function, or inhibition of platelet aggregation observed with indomethacin. Orally active OBE022 and OBE002 exhibits potent tocolytic effects on human tissues ex vivo and animal models in vivo without causing the adverse fetal side effects seen with indomethacin. Selectively targeting the FP receptor in combination with existing tocolytics may be an effective strategy for preventing or delaying preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Pohl
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - André Chollet
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Sung Hye Kim
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Lucia Riaposova
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - François Spézia
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Frédéric Gervais
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Philippe Guillaume
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Philippe Lluel
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Murielle Méen
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Frédérique Lemaux
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Vasso Terzidou
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Gotteland
- ObsEva SA, Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland (O.P., A.C., J.-P.G.); Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, East Acton, London, United Kingdom (S.H.K., L.R., V.T., P.R.B.); Citoxlab, Evreux, France (F.S., F.G.); Porsolt Research Laboratory, Le Genest-Saint-Isle, France (P.G.); Urosphere SAS, Toulouse, France (P.L., M.M.); BioTrial, Rennes, France (F.L.); and André Chollet Consulting, Tannay, Switzerland (A.C.)
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Current neuroimaging perspectives on a variety of mental disorders emphasize dysfunction of the amygdala. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT), a key mediator in the regulation of social cognition and behavior, accumulates in cerebrospinal fluid after intranasal administration in macaques and humans and modulates amygdala reactivity in both species. However, the translation of neuromodulatory OXT effects to novel treatment approaches is hampered by the absence of studies defining the most effective dose and dose-response latency for targeting the amygdala. METHODS To address this highly relevant issue, a total of 116 healthy men underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study design. The experimental rationale was to systematically vary dose-test latencies (15-40, 45-70, and 75-100 minutes) and doses of OXT (12, 24, and 48 international units) in order to identify the most robust effects on amygdala reactivity. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, subjects completed an emotional face recognition task including stimuli with varying intensities ranging from low (highly ambiguous) to high (less ambiguous). RESULTS Our results indicate that the OXT-induced inhibition of amygdala responses to fear was most effective in a time window between 45 and 70 minutes after administration of a dose of 24 international units. Furthermore, the observed effect was most evident in subjects scoring high on measures of autistic-like traits. Behavioral response patterns suggest that OXT specifically reduced an emotional bias in the perception of ambiguous faces. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide initial evidence of the most effective dose and dose-test interval for future experimental or therapeutic regimens aimed at targeting amygdala functioning using intranasal OXT administration.
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Herington JL, Swale DR, Brown N, Shelton EL, Choi H, Williams CH, Hong CC, Paria BC, Denton JS, Reese J. High-Throughput Screening of Myometrial Calcium-Mobilization to Identify Modulators of Uterine Contractility. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143243. [PMID: 26600013 PMCID: PMC4658040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterine myometrium (UT-myo) is a therapeutic target for preterm labor, labor induction, and postpartum hemorrhage. Stimulation of intracellular Ca2+-release in UT-myo cells by oxytocin is a final pathway controlling myometrial contractions. The goal of this study was to develop a dual-addition assay for high-throughput screening of small molecular compounds, which could regulate Ca2+-mobilization in UT-myo cells, and hence, myometrial contractions. Primary murine UT-myo cells in 384-well plates were loaded with a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe, and then screened for inducers of Ca2+-mobilization and inhibitors of oxytocin-induced Ca2+-mobilization. The assay exhibited robust screening statistics (Z´ = 0.73), DMSO-tolerance, and was validated for high-throughput screening against 2,727 small molecules from the Spectrum, NIH Clinical I and II collections of well-annotated compounds. The screen revealed a hit-rate of 1.80% for agonist and 1.39% for antagonist compounds. Concentration-dependent responses of hit-compounds demonstrated an EC50 less than 10μM for 21 hit-antagonist compounds, compared to only 7 hit-agonist compounds. Subsequent studies focused on hit-antagonist compounds. Based on the percent inhibition and functional annotation analyses, we selected 4 confirmed hit-antagonist compounds (benzbromarone, dipyridamole, fenoterol hydrobromide and nisoldipine) for further analysis. Using an ex vivo isometric contractility assay, each compound significantly inhibited uterine contractility, at different potencies (IC50). Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time that high-throughput small-molecules screening of myometrial Ca2+-mobilization is an ideal primary approach for discovering modulators of uterine contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Herington
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel R. Swale
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Naoko Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Elaine L. Shelton
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Hyehun Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Charles H. Williams
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Charles C. Hong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bibhash C. Paria
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jerod S. Denton
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jeff Reese
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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9
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Pohl O, Perks D, Rhodes J, Comotto L, Baldrick P, Chollet A. Effects of the Oral Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist Tocolytic OBE001 on Reproduction in Rats. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:439-47. [PMID: 26399985 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115607979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBE001 is a novel, orally active nonpeptide oxytocin receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of preterm labor and improvement in embryo implantation and pregnancy rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The reproductive safety of OBE001 was evaluated in customized fertility embryonic development (FER)/early embryonic development (EED) and fetal development (FD) and pre/postnatal development (PPN) studies mimicking clinical exposure scenarios. METHODS Oral OBE001 was evaluated at doses of 37.5, 75, and 125 mg/kg/d in female rats during a FER/EED study (from premating to implantation) and throughout FD during a FD/PPN study. RESULTS No OBE001 effects were observed during the FER/EED study. The FD/PPN study did not result in adverse OBE001 effects in females allowed to litter, their offspring, and second-generation fetuses. Females at 125 mg/kg/d who underwent cesarean section before term had slight reductions in body weights and food consumption, and associated fetuses had slightly delayed ossification of skull bones, which was not adverse in the absence of effects on live offspring. CONCLUSION OBE001 at up to 125 mg/kg/d had no effects on EED and no adverse effects on FD and postnatal development of rats. These results constitute an important step toward the development of OBE001 in preterm labor and ART indications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon Rhodes
- Covance Laboratories Ltd, Harrogate, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Comotto
- RBM S.p.A., Istituto di Ricerche Biomediche A. Marxer, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy
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10
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Yang Y, Li H, Ward R, Gao L, Wei JF, Xu TR. Novel oxytocin receptor agonists and antagonists: a patent review (2002 - 2013). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2013; 24:29-46. [PMID: 24094047 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2014.845168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oxytocin is a nine amino acid cyclic peptide hormone with a high degree of uterotonic activity. The oxytocin receptor (Oxtr) is most strongly expressed in the uterus and mammary gland, but can also be found in regions of the brain, showing a neurotransmitter-like activity. The Oxtr knockout mice have no obvious defects in fertility or sexual behavior, but display aberrant social behavior. All of these suggest that Oxtr may become an important therapeutic target for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. AREAS COVERED This article will highlight the significant progress that has been made in the discovery and development of Oxtr agonists and antagonists in the patent literature between January 2002 and May 2013. EXPERT OPINION In the past decade, cumulative evidence supports the idea that activation of the Oxtr can have a positive effect upon human cognition and social behavior. The authors suggest that new agonists and antagonists may play an important role in the treatment of disorders such as anxiety, autism or schizophrenia. It may even be that older Oxtr agonists and antagonists, which were used to overcome labor-related dysfunction, may also have a significant impact on human social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology , Kunming, Yunnan 650500 , China +86 871 65911300 ; +86 871 65911300 ;
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11
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Abstract
Sociability consists of behaviors that bring animals together and those that keep animals apart. Remarkably, while the neural circuitry that regulates these two "faces" of sociability differ from one another, two neurohormones, oxytocin (Oxt) and vasopressin (Avp), have been consistently implicated in the regulation of both. In this chapter the the structure and function of the Oxt and Avp systems, the ways in which affiliative and aggressive behavior are studied and the roles of Oxt and Avp in the regulation of sociability will be briefly reviewed. Finally, work implicating Oxt and Avp in sociability in humans, with a focus on neuropsychiatric disorders will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Caldwell
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio, USA.
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12
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Oxytocin and vasopressin V1A receptors as new therapeutic targets in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22:9-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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13
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15
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Blakeney JS, Reid RC, Le GT, Fairlie DP. Nonpeptidic Ligands for Peptide-Activated G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Chem Rev 2007; 107:2960-3041. [PMID: 17622179 DOI: 10.1021/cr050984g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jade S Blakeney
- Centre for Drug Design and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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16
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Cirillo R, Tos EG, Page P, Missotten M, Quattropani A, Scheer A, Schwarz MK, Chollet A. Arrest of preterm labor in rat and mouse by an oral and selective nonprostanoid antagonist of the prostaglandin F2alpha receptor (FP). Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007; 197:54.e1-9. [PMID: 17618756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the tocolytic effect of AS604872, an orally active, potent, and selective prostanoid prostaglandin F2alpha receptor (FP) antagonist. STUDY DESIGN Compound AS604872 was characterized and tested for its ability to block uterine contraction and delay preterm parturition in rodent models. RESULTS AS604872 inhibited spontaneous uterine contractions in pregnant rat near term. In pregnant mouse, AS604872 delayed parturition induced by either the antiprogesterone RU-486 or the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. Pups from treated mothers were delivered alive. The efficacy of AS604872 was superior to the beta-mimetic drug ritodrine. Combination of AS604872 and ritodrine showed an additive inhibitory effect on spontaneous uterine contractions in rat. CONCLUSION A selective antagonist of the FP receptor suppresses uterine contractility and delays labor. Our findings identify a new potential modality for the pharmacological management of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Cirillo
- Istituto di Ricerche Biomediche A. Marxer. Merck Serono, Colleretto Giacosa, Italy
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17
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Chollet A, Tos EG, Cirillo R. Tocolytic effect of a selective FP receptor antagonist in rodent models reveals an innovative approach to the treatment of preterm labor. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2007; 7 Suppl 1:S16. [PMID: 17570160 PMCID: PMC1892057 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-7-s1-s16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Management of preterm labor by tocolysis remains an unmet medical need. Prostaglandins play a major role in regulation of uterine activity and in molecular mechanisms of human labor and parturition. There is some circumstantial evidence that prostaglandin F2α by action through the prostaglandin receptor subtype FP is effective in key events during labor uterine contraction, rupture of membranes and cervical dilation. This role of FP is briefly reviewed. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that an orally active and selective FP antagonist may arrest labor and delay parturition in animal models. Methods We examined the effects of a small molecule selective antagonist of the FP receptor (AS604872) in inhibition of spontaneous uterine contraction in pregnant rat near term. We tested AS604872 for its ability to delay preterm birth in a mouse model in which the anti-progestin agent RU486 triggered parturition. Results By oral or intravenous dosing AS604872 reduced markedly and dose-dependently the spontaneous uterine contractions in late-term pregnant rats at gestational days 19–21. In pregnant mice, AS604872 delayed the preterm birth caused by RU486 administration. The effect was dose-dependent with a significant increase in the mean delivery time of 16 and 33 hours at oral doses of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively, in the case of labor triggered at gestational day 14. In both models AS604872 appeared more effective than the β-agonist ritodrine. Conclusion The tocolytic activity displayed by a selective FP receptor antagonist supports a key role for the FP receptor in the pathophysiology of premature birth and demonstrates the therapeutic potential of an FP antagonist for the treatment of preterm labor cases in which uterine hyperactivity plays a dominant role.
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McCafferty GP, Pullen MA, Wu C, Edwards RM, Allen MJ, Woollard PM, Borthwick AD, Liddle J, Hickey DMB, Brooks DP, Westfall TD. Use of a novel and highly selective oxytocin receptor antagonist to characterize uterine contractions in the rat. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R299-305. [PMID: 17395790 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00057.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous and induced uterine contractions in the rat were found to be inhibited by a novel and selective oxytocin receptor antagonist GSK221149A (3R,6R)-3-Indan-2-yl-1-[(1R)-1-(2-methyl-1,3-oxazol-4-yl)-2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxoethyl]-6-[(1S)-1-methylpropyl]-2,5-piperazinedione. GSK221149A displayed nanomolar affinity (K(i) = 0.65 nM) for human recombinant oxytocin receptors with >1,400-fold selectivity over human V1a, V1b, and V2 receptors. GSK221149A had similar affinity (K(i) = 4.1 nM) and selectivity for native oxytocin receptors from rat and produced a functional, competitive block of oxytocin-induced contractions in isolated rat myometrial strips with a pA(2) value of 8.18. Intravenous administration of GSK221149A produced a dose-dependent decrease in oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in anesthetized rats with an ID(50) = 0.27 +/- 0.60 mg/kg (corresponding plasma concentrations were 88 ng/ml). Oral administration of GSK221149A (5 mg/kg) was effective in inhibiting oxytocin-induced uterine contractions after single and multiple (4-day) dosing. Spontaneous uterine contractions in late-term pregnant rats (19-21 days gestation) were significantly reduced by intravenous administration of 0.3 mg/kg of GSK221149A. These results provide further evidence that selective oxytocin receptor antagonism may offer an effective treatment for preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P McCafferty
- Department of Urogenital Biology, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, 709 Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA
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Kim A, Shim JY. Emerging tocolytics for maintenance therapy of preterm labour: oxytocin antagonists and calcium channel blockers. BJOG 2006; 113 Suppl 3:113-5. [PMID: 17206978 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.01135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of spontaneous preterm labour and preterm birth has increased, and its management worldwide remains suboptimal. While considerable debate remains as to whether long-term maintenance tocolysis is appropriate after an episode of spontaneous preterm labour, many practitioners support its use. Several drugs have been used for maintenance tocolysis, but they differ in terms of safety and efficacy. Atosiban and nifedipine are preferable for maintenance tocolysis, as they have been shown to be as effective as ritodrine while being associated with fewer adverse effects. Nifedipine is not licensed for use as a tocolytic. An ideal tocolytic should be utero specific, with few fetomaternal and fetal adverse effects, and should significantly improve perinatal outcome. To warrant the use of maintenance therapy, larger trials in women at particular gestational age ranges may be needed, in which the primary endpoints are perinatal outcomes. The inclusion of cost-effectiveness analyses would also be of benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
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20
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Quattropani A, Dorbais J, Covini D, Pittet PA, Colovray V, Thomas RJ, Coxhead R, Halazy S, Scheer A, Missotten M, Ayala G, Bradshaw C, De Raemy-Schenk AM, Nichols A, Cirillo R, Tos EG, Giachetti C, Golzio L, Marinelli P, Church DJ, Barberis C, Chollet A, Schwarz MK. Discovery and development of a new class of potent, selective, orally active oxytocin receptor antagonists. J Med Chem 2006; 48:7882-905. [PMID: 16302826 DOI: 10.1021/jm050645f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report a novel chemical class of potent oxytocin receptor antagonists showing a high degree of selectivity against the closely related vasopressin receptors (V1a, V1b, V2). An initial compound, 7, was shown to be active in an animal model of preterm labor when administered by the intravenous but not by the oral route. Stepwise SAR investigations around the different structural elements revealed one position, the arenesulfonyl moiety, to be amenable to structural changes. Consequently, this position was used to introduce a variety of substituents to improve the physicochemical properties. Some of the resulting analogues were found to be superior to 7 both in terms of potency in vitro and aqueous solubility, which translated into significantly improved efficacy in the animal model after intravenous and oral administration. The best compound, 73, potently inhibited oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in nonpregnant rats and reduced spontaneous uterine contractions in late-term pregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Quattropani
- Serono Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Departments of Chemistry and Biochemical Pharmacology, 14 Chemin des Aulx, 1228 Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
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Allen MJ, Livermore DGH, Mordaunt JE. Oxytocin antagonists as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of preterm labour. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2006; 44:331-73. [PMID: 16697900 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6468(05)44407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Allen
- GlaxoSmithKline, New Frontiers Science Park (North), Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, UK
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Favre N, Fanelli F, Missotten M, Nichols A, Wilson J, di Tiani M, Rommel C, Scheer A. The DRY motif as a molecular switch of the human oxytocin receptor. Biochemistry 2005; 44:9990-10008. [PMID: 16042376 DOI: 10.1021/bi0509853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The human oxytocin receptor is known to exhibit promiscuous activity by coupling to both Galpha(q) and Galpha(i) G proteins to activate distinct signaling pathways. A single-amino acid substitution within the highly conserved E/DRY motif at the cytosolic extension of helix 3 [i.e., D136(3.49)N] increased the rate of both basal and agonist-stimulated inositol phosphate (IP(3)) accumulation of the receptor. Furthermore, like for a typical constitutively active receptor, the partial agonist arginine vasopressin behaved as a full agonist for the D136(3.49)N mutant. Subsequently, both oxytocin and arginine vasopressin showed an increased potency in stimulating IP3 accumulation as compared to the wild-type receptor. Very interestingly, our experiments provide strong evidence that the D136(3.49)N mutant inhibits receptor signaling via Galpha(i)-mediated pathways while increasing the activity through the Galpha(q)-mediated pathways. Molecular simulations of the free and OT-bound forms of wild-type OTR and of the D136(3.49)N constitutively active mutant suggest that the receptor portions close to the E/DRY and NPxxY motifs are particularly susceptible to undergoing structural modification in response to activating mutations and agonist binding. Furthermore, computational modeling suggests that the OT-bound form of wild-type OTR is able to explore more states than the OT-bound form of the D136(3.49)N constitutively active mutant, consistent with its G protein promiscuity. Taken together, these observations emphasize the important role of the E/DRY motif not only in receptor activation but also in the promiscuity of G protein coupling. Knowledge of the mechanism of selective G protein coupling could aid drug discovery efforts to identify signaling specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Favre
- Serono Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 14, Ch. des Aulx, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
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23
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Stymiest JL, Mitchell BF, Wong S, Vederas JC. Synthesis of Oxytocin Analogues with Replacement of Sulfur by Carbon Gives Potent Antagonists with Increased Stability. J Org Chem 2005; 70:7799-809. [PMID: 16277299 DOI: 10.1021/jo050539l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
[Chemical reaction: See text] The neuropeptide oxytocin 1 controls mammary and uterine smooth muscle contraction. Atosiban 2, an oxytocin antagonist, is used for prevention of preterm labor and premature birth. However, the metabolic lifetimes of such peptide drugs are short because of in vivo degradation. Facile production of oxytocin analogues with varying ring sizes wherein sulfur is replaced by carbon (methylene or methine) could be achieved by standard solid-phase peptide synthesis using olefin-bearing amino acids followed by on-resin ring-closing metathesis (RCM). These were tested for agonistic and antagonistic uteronic activity using myometrial strips taken from nonpregnant female rats. Peptide 8 showed agonistic activity in vitro (EC50= 1.4 x 10(3) +/- 4.4 x 10(2) nM) as compared to 1 (EC50= 7.0 +/- 2.1 nM). Atosiban analogues 17 (pA2= 7.8 +/- 0.1) and 18 (pA2= 8.0 +/- 0.1) showed substantial activity compared to the parent oxytocin antagonist 2 (pA2= 9.9 +/- 0.3). Carba analogue 35 (pA2= 6.1 +/- 0.1) had an agonistic activity over 2 orders of magnitude less than its parent 3 (8.8 +/- 0.5). A comparison of biological stabilities of 1,6-carba analogues of both an agonist 8 and antagonist 18 versus parent peptides 1 and 2 was conducted. The half-lives of peptides 8 and 18 in rat placental tissue were shown (Table 2) to be greatly improved versus their parents oxytocin 1 and atosiban 2, respectively. These results suggest that peptides 8 and 18 and analogues thereof may be important leads into the development of a long-lasting, commercially available therapeutic for initiation of parturition and treatment of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake L Stymiest
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Doggrell SA. Recent pharmacological advances in the treatment of preterm membrane rupture, labour and delivery. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2005; 5:1917-28. [PMID: 15330729 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.5.9.1917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Preterm delivery (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is the major determinant of infant mortality. In women with a previous preterm birth associated with bacterial vaginosis, prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole) reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Trichomonas vaginalis increases the risk of preterm delivery, but metronidazole is not beneficial for this and may even be detrimental. Antibiotic use (e.g., erythromycin) prolongs pregnancy in late premature rupture and has health benefits for the neonate. However, antibiotics are probably not useful in preterm labour. Intramuscular 17alpha-progesterone and vaginal progesterone reduce the rate of preterm labour in high-risk pregnancies, including previous spontaneous preterm delivery. Magnesium sulfate, beta2-adrenoceptor agonists and the oxytocin-receptor antagonist, atosiban, are effective in reducing uterine contractions short-term, but there is little evidence that this leads to improved outcomes for the neonate. However, tocolysis with calcium-channel blockers does seem to lead to better outcomes for the neonate. Fetal side effects, such as ductus arteriosus constriction and impaired renal function, are associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with indomethacin. New approaches and more effective drugs are required in the treatment of preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A Doggrell
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Manning M, Cheng LL, Stoev S, Wo NC, Chan WY, Szeto HH, Durroux T, Mouillac B, Barberis C. Design of peptide oxytocin antagonists with strikingly higher affinities and selectivities for the human oxytocin receptor than atosiban. J Pept Sci 2005; 11:593-608. [PMID: 15880385 DOI: 10.1002/psc.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The peptide oxytocin (OT) antagonist atosiban, approved for tocolytic use in Europe (under the tradename Tractocile), represents an important new therapeutic advance for the treatment of premature labor. This paper presents some new peptide OT antagonists which offer promise as superior tocolytics. The solid phase synthesis is reported of four pairs of L and D-2-naphthylalanine (L/D-2Nal) position-2 modified analogs of the following four oxytocin (OT) antagonists: des-9-glycinamide [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-pentamethylene propionic acid), 2-O-methyltyrosine, 4-threonine]ornithine-vasotocin (desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4)]OVT) (A); the Tyr-NH(2) (9) analog of (A), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT (B); the Eda(9) analog of (A), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT (C); and the retro COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10) modified analog of (C), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10)]OVT (D). The eight new analogs of A-D are (1) desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4)]OVT, (2) desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[2-Nal(2),Thr(4)]OVT, (3) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT, (4) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT, (5) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT, (6) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT, (7) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10)]OVT, (8) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-OH)(10)]OVT. Peptides 1-8 were evaluated for agonistic and antagonistic activities in in vitro and in vivo rat bioassays, in rat OT receptor (rOTR) binding assays and in human OT receptor (hOTR) and human vasopressin (VP) vasopressor (V(1a)) receptor (hV(1a)R) binding assays. Also reported are the hOTR and hV(1a)R affinity data for atosiban and for B. None of the eight peptides exhibit oxytocic or vasopressor agonism. Peptides 1-8 exhibit weak antidiuretic agonism (activities in the range 0.014-0.21 U/mg). Peptides 1-6 exhibit potent in vitro (no Mg(2+)) OT antagonism (anti-OT pA(2) values range from 7.63 to 8.08). Peptides 7 and 8 are weaker OT antagonists. Peptides 1-6 are all OT antagonists in vivo (estimated in vivo anti-OT pA(2) values in the range 6.94-7.23). Peptides 1-8 exhibit vasopressor antagonism, anti-V(1a) pA(2) values in the range 5.1-7.65. Peptides 1-8 exhibit high affinities for the rOTR (K(i) values = 0.3-7.8 nM). Peptides 1-4 and B exhibit surprisingly very high affinities for the hOTR; their K(i) values are 0.17, 0.29, 0.07, 0.14 and 0.59 nM, respectively. Peptides 1-4 and B exhibit respectively 449, 263, 1091, 546 and 129 times greater affinity for the hOTR than atosiban (K(i) = 76.4 nM). Peptides 1-4 exhibit high affinities for the hV(1a)R (K(i)s = 1.1 nM, 1.3 nM, 0.19 nM and 0.54 nM, all higher than the hV1(a)R affinities exhibited by atosiban (K(i) = 5.1 nM) and by B (K(i) = 5.26 nM). Because of their strikingly higher affinities for the hOTR than atosiban, peptides 1-4 and B exhibit gains in anti hOT/anti hV(1a) receptor selectivity compared with atosiban of 93, 64, 39, 56 and 127, respectively. These OT antagonists are thus promising candidates for development as potential new tocolytic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Manning
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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Serradeil-Le Gal C, Valette G, Foulon L, Germain G, Advenier C, Naline E, Bardou M, Martinolle JP, Pouzet B, Raufaste D, Garcia C, Double-Cazanave E, Pauly M, Pascal M, Barbier A, Scatton B, Maffrand JP, Le Fur G. SSR126768A (4-chloro-3-[(3R)-(+)-5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]-N-ethyl-N-(3-pyridylmethyl)-benzamide, hydrochloride): a new selective and orally active oxytocin receptor antagonist for the prevention of preterm labor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2004; 309:414-24. [PMID: 14722330 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.061200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
4-chloro-3-[(3R)-(+)-5-chloro-1-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl]-N-ethyl-N-(3-pyridylmethyl)benzamide, hydrochloride (SSR126768A), a new potent and selective, orally active oxytocin (OT) receptor antagonist was characterized in several biochemical and pharmacological models. In binding studies, SSR126768A showed nanomolar affinity for rat and human recombinant and native OT receptors (K(i) = 0.44 nM) and exhibited much lower affinity for V(1a), V(1b), and V(2) receptors. In addition, it did not interact with a large number of other receptors, enzymes, and ion channels (1 microM). In autoradiographic experiments performed on at-term human pregnant uterus sections, SSR126768A dose dependently displaced [I(125)]d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2), Thr(4), Orn(8) (125)I-Tyr-NH(2)(9)]VT in situ labeling to OT receptors highly expressed in these tissues. In functional studies, SSR126768A behaved as a full antagonist and potently antagonized OT-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase (K(i) = 0.50 nM) and prostaglandin release (K(i) = 0.45 nM) in human uterine smooth muscle cells. In rat isolated myometrium, OT-induced uterine contractions were competitively antagonized by SSR126768A (pA(2) = 8.47). Similarly, in human pregnant myometrial strips, SSR126768A inhibited the contractile uterine response to OT. In conscious telemetrated rats, oral administration of SSR126768A (1-10 mg/kg) produced a competitive inhibition of the dose response to OT on uterine contractions up to 24 h at 3 mg/kg p.o.; no tachyphylaxis was observed after 4-day repeated treatment. Finally, SSR126768A (30 mg/kg p.o.) significantly delayed parturition in pregnant rats in labor similar to ritodrine (10 mg/kg p.o.). Thus, SSR126768A is a potent, highly selective, orally active OT receptor antagonist with a long duration of action. This molecule could find therapeutic application as a tocolytic agent for acute and chronic oral management of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Serradeil-Le Gal
- Exploratory Research Department, Sanofi-Synthélabo Recherche, 195 route d'Espagne, 31036 Toulouse Cedex, France.
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