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Hernández-Hernández E, Ledesma-Corvi S, Yáñez-Gómez F, Garau C, Gálvez-Melero L, Bagán A, Escolano C, García-Fuster MJ. Sex differences in the antidepressant-like response and molecular events induced by the imidazoline-2 receptor agonist CR4056 in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 223:173527. [PMID: 36781025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
In searching for novel targets to design antidepressants, among the characterized imidazoline receptors (IR), I2 receptors are an innovative therapeutical approach since they are dysregulated in major depressive disorder and by classical antidepressant treatments. In fact, several I2 agonists have been characterized for their antidepressant-like potential, but the results in terms of efficacy were mixed and exclusively reported in male rodents. Since there are well-known sex differences in antidepressant-like efficacy, this study characterized the potential effects induced by two I2 drugs, CR4056 (i.e., most promising drug already in phase II clinical trial for its analgesic properties) and B06 (a compound from a new family of bicyclic α-iminophosphonates) under the stress of the forced-swim test in male and female rats exposed to early-life stress. Moreover, some hippocampal neuroplasticity markers related to the potential effects observed were also evaluated (i.e., FADD, p-ERK/ERK, mBDNF, cell proliferation: Ki-67 + cells). The main results replicated the only prior study reporting the efficacy of CR4056 in male rats, while providing new data on its efficacy in females, which was clearly dependent on prior early-life stress exposure. Moreover, B06 showed no antidepressant-like effects in male or female rats. Finally, CR4056 increased FADD content and decreased cell proliferation in hippocampus, without affecting p-ERK/t-ERK ratio and/or mBDNF content. Interestingly, these effects were exclusively observed in female rats, and independently of early-life conditions, suggesting some distinctive molecular underpinnings participating in the therapeutic response of CR4056 for both sexes. In conjunction, these results present CR4056 with an antidepressant-like potential, especially in female rats exposed to stress early in life, together with some neuronal correlates described in the context of these behavioral changes in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hernández-Hernández
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Fernando Yáñez-Gómez
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Celia Garau
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez-Melero
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Andrea Bagán
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Escolano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.
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2
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Xi H, Tao T, Zhang R, Xue X, Zhu Y, Liu J, Xin X, Zeng X. The 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline provides neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic rats: Influence of microglia and possible mechanisms of action. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:230-239. [PMID: 34175385 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Increased microglial NADPH oxidase (NOX2) production may make an important contribution to the increased incidence and severity of ischemic stroke associated with diabetes. Imidazoline receptors are closely associated with neuroprotection, but the neuroprotective effects of the selective I2-imidazoline receptor ligand 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2BFI) in diabetes has not been established. The effect of 2BFI on microglial NOX2 production was investigated using a co-culture of neurons and microglia, and the effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury was determined in diabetic rats. Garcia neurological scores, brain infarct volumes, brain water content, TUNEL staining, blood-brain barrier, and immunofluorescent labeling for microglia were evaluated. Western blots were used to determine gp91phox and Tyr1472 expression. Anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and inflammatory cytokine secretion was determined using ELISA kits. The brain infarct volumes, TUNEL-positive neurons, expression of microglia, brain water content, blood-brain barrier structure damage, and gp91phox and Tyr1472 expression were increased, the Garcia neurological scores were significantly decreased in the IR group, and 2BFI relieved these alterations. The IL-10 concentration was increased in the IR group; 2BFI significantly improved this increase. The neuron apoptosis and necrosis rates, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and 8-iso-PGF2α, were significantly increased by high glucose stimulation combined with oxygen-glucose deprivation treatment, which were inhibited by 2BFI. The 2BFI ameliorated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetes and decreased neuron death in an in vitro model. The mechanism underlying these findings may be related to the decreased production of inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species from microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Xi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Ruru Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Xinxin Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Yana Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Jiuyang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Xianyi Xin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
| | - Xianzhang Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China.
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3
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Vasilopoulou F, Rodríguez-Arévalo S, Bagán A, Escolano C, Griñán-Ferré C, Pallàs M. Disease-modifying treatment with I 2 imidazoline receptor ligand LSL60101 in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model: a comparative study with donepezil. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3017-3033. [PMID: 33817786 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The development of effective therapeutic strategies against Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a challenge. I2 imidazoline receptor ligands have a neuroprotective role in AD. Moreover, co-treatment of AChE inhibitors with neuroprotective agents have shown better effects on the prevention of dementia. Here, we assessed the potential therapeutic effect of the I2 ligand, donepezil and their combination in 5XFAD mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH 5XFAD female mice were treated with low doses (1 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) of LSL60101, donepezil and donepezil plus LSL60101, during 4 weeks per os. Novel object recognition, Morris water maze, open field, elevated plus maze and three-chamber tests were used to evaluate the cognitive and behavioural status after treatment. The effects on AD-like pathology were assessed with immunohistochemistry, western blot, ELISA and qPCR. KEY RESULTS Chronic low-dose treatment with LSL60101 and donepezil reversed cognitive deficits and impaired social behaviour. LSL60101 treatment did not affect anxiety-like behaviour in contrast to donepezil. In the 5XFAD brains, LSL60101 and donepezil/LSL60101 treatments attenuated amyloid-β pathology by decreasing amyloid-β40 and amyloid-β42 levels, amyloid-β plaque number and tau hyperphosphorylation. These alterations were accompanied by reduced microglia marker Iba-1 levels and increased Trem2 gene expression. LSL60101 and donepezil decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytic marker reactivity. However, only LSL60101 and donepezil/LSL60101 treatments significantly increased the synaptic marker levels of post-synaptic density protein 95 and synaptophysin. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic low-dose treatment with selective I2 - ligands can be an effective treatment for AD and provide insights into combination treatments for symptomatic and disease-modifying drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Vasilopoulou
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Rodríguez-Arévalo
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Bagán
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Escolano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institut de Neurociències, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Evaluating the effects of 2-BFI and tracizoline, two potent I2-imidazoline receptor agonists, on cognitive performance and affect in middle-aged rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:989-996. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-02042-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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5
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Mirzaei N, Mota BC, Birch AM, Davis N, Romero-Molina C, Katsouri L, Palmer EOC, Golbano A, Riggall LJ, Nagy I, Tyacke R, Nutt DJ, Sastre M. Imidazoline ligand BU224 reverses cognitive deficits, reduces microgliosis and enhances synaptic connectivity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:654-671. [PMID: 33140839 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Activation of type 2 imidazoline receptors has been shown to exhibit neuroprotective properties including anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting a potential therapeutic value in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we explored the effects of the imidazoline-2 ligand BU224 in a model of amyloidosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Six-month-old female transgenic 5XFAD and wild-type (WT) mice were treated intraperitoneally with 5-mg·kg-1 BU224 or vehicle twice a day for 10 days. Behavioural tests were performed for cognitive functions and neuropathological changes were investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, elisa and qPCR. Effects of BU224 on amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing, spine density and calcium imaging were analysed in brain organotypic cultures and N2a cells. KEY RESULTS BU224 treatment attenuated spatial and perirhinal cortex-dependent recognition memory deficits in 5XFAD mice. Fear-conditioning testing revealed that BU224 also improved both associative learning and hippocampal- and amygdala-dependent memory in transgenic but not in WT mice. In the brain, BU224 reduced levels of the microglial marker Iba1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and increased the expression of astrocytic marker GFAP in 5XFAD mice. These beneficial effects were not associated with changes in amyloid pathology, neuronal apoptosis, mitochondrial density, oxidative stress or autophagy markers. Interestingly, ex vivo and in vitro studies suggested that BU224 treatment increased the size of dendritic spines and induced a threefold reduction in amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced functional changes in NMDA receptors. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Sub-chronic treatment with BU224 restores memory and reduces inflammation in transgenic AD mice, at stages when animals display severe pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bibiana C Mota
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Amy M Birch
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicola Davis
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Carmen Romero-Molina
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Loukia Katsouri
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Emily O C Palmer
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Arantxa Golbano
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura J Riggall
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Istvan Nagy
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robin Tyacke
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Magdalena Sastre
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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Vasilopoulou F, Griñán-Ferré C, Rodríguez-Arévalo S, Bagán A, Abás S, Escolano C, Pallàs M. I 2 imidazoline receptor modulation protects aged SAMP8 mice against cognitive decline by suppressing the calcineurin pathway. GeroScience 2020; 43:965-983. [PMID: 33128688 PMCID: PMC8110656 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain aging and dementia are current problems that must be solved. The levels of imidazoline 2 receptors (I2-IRs) are increased in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. We tested the action of the specific and selective I2-IR ligand B06 in a mouse model of accelerated aging and AD, the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model. Oral administration of B06 for 4 weeks improved SAMP8 mouse behavior and cognition and reduced AD hallmarks, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and neuroinflammation markers. Likewise, B06 regulated glial excitatory amino acid transporter 2 and N-methyl-D aspartate 2A and 2B receptor subunit protein levels. Calcineurin (CaN) is a phosphatase that controls the phosphorylation levels of cAMP response element-binding (CREB), apoptotic mediator BCL-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) and GSK3β, among other molecules. Interestingly, B06 was able to reduce the levels of the CaN active form (CaN A). Likewise, CREB phosphorylation, BAD gene expression, and other factors were modified after B06 treatment. Moreover, phosphorylation of a target of CaN, nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATC1), was increased in B06-treated mice, impeding the transcription of genes related to neuroinflammation and neural plasticity. In summary, this I2 imidazoline ligand can exert its beneficial effects on age-related conditions by modulating CaN pathway action and affecting several molecular pathways, playing a neuroprotective role in SAMP8 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Vasilopoulou
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurociencies, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurociencies, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Rodríguez-Arévalo
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Bagán
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sònia Abás
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Escolano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurociencies, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Bousquet P, Hudson A, García-Sevilla JA, Li JX. Imidazoline Receptor System: The Past, the Present, and the Future. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:50-79. [PMID: 31819014 DOI: 10.1124/pr.118.016311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Imidazoline receptors historically referred to a family of nonadrenergic binding sites that recognize compounds with an imidazoline moiety, although this has proven to be an oversimplification. For example, none of the proposed endogenous ligands for imidazoline receptors contain an imidazoline moiety but they are diverse in their chemical structure. Three receptor subtypes (I1, I2, and I3) have been proposed and the understanding of each has seen differing progress over the decades. I1 receptors partially mediate the central hypotensive effects of clonidine-like drugs. Moxonidine and rilmenidine have better therapeutic profiles (fewer side effects) than clonidine as antihypertensive drugs, thought to be due to their higher I1/α 2-adrenoceptor selectivity. Newer I1 receptor agonists such as LNP599 [3-chloro-2-methyl-phenyl)-(4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-yl)-amine hydrochloride] have little to no activity on α 2-adrenoceptors and demonstrate promising therapeutic potential for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. I2 receptors associate with several distinct proteins, but the identities of these proteins remain elusive. I2 receptor agonists have demonstrated various centrally mediated effects including antinociception and neuroprotection. A new I2 receptor agonist, CR4056 [2-phenyl-6-(1H-imidazol-1yl) quinazoline], demonstrated clear analgesic activity in a recently completed phase II clinical trial and holds great promise as a novel I2 receptor-based first-in-class nonopioid analgesic. The understanding of I3 receptors is relatively limited. Existing data suggest that I3 receptors may represent a binding site at the Kir6.2-subtype ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic β-cells and may be involved in insulin secretion. Despite the elusive nature of their molecular identities, recent progress on drug discovery targeting imidazoline receptors (I1 and I2) demonstrates the exciting potential of these compounds to elicit neuroprotection and to treat various disorders such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bousquet
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France (P.B.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (A.H.); Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Malllorca, Spain (J.A.G.-S.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.L.)
| | - Alan Hudson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France (P.B.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (A.H.); Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Malllorca, Spain (J.A.G.-S.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.L.)
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France (P.B.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (A.H.); Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Malllorca, Spain (J.A.G.-S.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.L.)
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France (P.B.); Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (A.H.); Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, University Research Institute on Health Sciences, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Malllorca, Spain (J.A.G.-S.); and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.L.)
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8
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Hernández-Hernández E, García-Sevilla JA, García-Fuster MJ. Exploring the antidepressant-like potential of the selective I2-imidazoline receptor ligand LSL 60101 in adult male rats. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:288-295. [DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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9
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Effects of I 2 -imidazoline receptor (IR) alkylating BU99006 in the mouse brain: Upregulation of nischarin/I 1 -IR and μ-opioid receptor proteins and modulation of associated signalling pathways. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:169-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Abás S, Erdozain AM, Keller B, Rodríguez-Arévalo S, Callado LF, García-Sevilla JA, Escolano C. Neuroprotective Effects of a Structurally New Family of High Affinity Imidazoline I 2 Receptor Ligands. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:737-742. [PMID: 28029766 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The imidazoline I2 receptors (I2-IRs) are widely distributed in the brain, and I2-IR ligands may have therapeutic potential as neuroprotective agents. Since structural data for I2-IR remains unknown, the discovery of selective I2-IR ligands devoid of α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) affinity is likely to provide valuable tools in defining the pharmacological characterization of these receptors. We report the pharmacological characterization of a new family of (2-imidazolin-4-yl)phosphonates. Radioligand binding studies showed that they displayed a higher affinity for I2-IRs than idazoxan, and high I2/α2 selectivity. In vivo studies in mice showed that acute treatments with 1b and 2c significantly increased p-FADD/FADD ratio (an index of cell survival) in the hippocampus when compared with vehicle-treated controls. Additionally, acute and repeated treatments with 2c, but not with 1b, markedly reduced hippocampal p35 cleavage into neurotoxic p25. The present results indicate a neuroprotective potential of (2-imidazolin-4-yl)phosphonates acting at I2-IRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sònia Abás
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology,
Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences,
and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amaia M. Erdozain
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, E-48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM
| | - Benjamin Keller
- Laboratory
of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS/IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Cra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Sergio Rodríguez-Arévalo
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology,
Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences,
and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F. Callado
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, E-48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM
| | - Jesús A. García-Sevilla
- Laboratory
of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS/IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Cra. Valldemossa km 7.5, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Carmen Escolano
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology,
Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences,
and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Abstract
Since first introduced more than two decades ago, the research in imidazoline I2 receptors has been steadily increasing. This review provides an update on the current status of I2 receptor pharmacology. Imidazoline I2 receptors or I2 binding sites refer to several (at least four) different proteins that bind to [3H]-idazoxan and [3H]-2-BFI with high affinity. The molecular identities of the proteins remain elusive. One of the proteins (45kD) seems to be consistent with the identity of brain creatine kinase. The biological functions of I2 receptors have been primarily unveiled by the studies of selective I2 receptor ligands. Accumulating evidence suggests that I2 receptor ligands are effective analgesics for persistent and chronic painful conditions such as inflammatory, neuropathic and postoperative pain. One selective I2 receptor ligand, CR4056, has been advanced to phase II clinical trial with the therapeutic indication of chronic inflammatory pain (osteoarthritis). The expansion to the treatment of other chronic pain conditions should be expected if CR4056 could eventually be approved as a new drug. I2 receptor ligands also demonstrate robust discriminative stimulus activity and induce a characteristic discriminative cue in animals. Biochemical and preclinical in vivo investigations also suggest that I2 receptor ligands have neuroprotective activity and modulate body temperature. The emerging discrepancies of a range of purported selective I2 receptor ligands suggest different pharmacological effects mediated by discrete I2 receptor components which likely attribute to the I2 receptor-related proteins. It is proposed that the I2 receptors represent an emerging drug target for the treatment of neurological disorders such as pain and stroke, and deserve more research attention to translate preclinical findings to pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Xu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA.
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Keller B, García-Sevilla JA. Inhibitory effects of imidazoline receptor ligands on basal and kainic acid-induced neurotoxic signalling in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:875-86. [PMID: 27302941 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116652579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This in vivo study assessed the potential of the imidazoline receptor (IR) ligands moxonidine (selective I1-IR), BU224 (selective I2-IR) and LSL61122 (mixed I1/I2-IR) to dampen excitotoxic signalling induced by kainic acid (KA; 45 mg/kg) in the mouse brain (hippocampus and cerebral cortex). KA triggered a strong behavioural syndrome (seizures; maximal at 60-90 minutes) and sustained stimulation (at 72 hours with otherwise normal mouse behaviour) of pro-apoptotic c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNK) and calpain with increased cleavage of p35 into neurotoxic p25 (cyclin-dependent kinase 5 [Cdk5] activators) in mouse hippocampus. Pretreatment (five days) with LSL61122 (10 mg/kg), but not moxonidine (1 mg/kg) or BU224 (20 mg/kg), attenuated the KA-induced behavioural syndrome, and all three IR ligands inhibited JNK and calpain activation, as well as p35/p25 cleavage after KA in the hippocampus (effects also observed after acute IR drug treatments). Efaroxan (I1-IR, 10 mg/kg) and idazoxan (I2-IR, 10 mg/kg), postulated IR antagonists, did not antagonise the effects of moxonidine and LSL61122 on KA targets (these IR ligands showed agonistic properties inhibiting pro-apoptotic JNK). Brain subcellular preparations revealed reduced synaptosomal postsynaptic density-95 protein contents (a mediator of JNK activation) and indicated increased p35/Cdk5 complexes (with pro-survival functions) after treatment with moxonidine, BU224 and LSL61122. These results showed that I1- and I2-IR ligands (moxonidine and BU224), and especially the mixed I1/I2-IR ligand LSL61122, are partly neuroprotective against KA-induced excitotoxic signalling. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential of IR drugs in disorders associated with glutamate-mediated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Keller
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS-IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, IUNICS-IdISPa, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Lanza M, Ferrari F, Menghetti I, Tremolada D, Caselli G. Modulation of imidazoline I2 binding sites by CR4056 relieves postoperative hyperalgesia in male and female rats. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 171:3693-701. [PMID: 24758515 PMCID: PMC4128066 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE CR4056 is a novel imidazoline-2 (I2 ) ligand exhibiting potent analgesic activity in animal models of pain. In this study, we investigated the effects of CR4056 in a well-established model of postoperative pain where rats develop hyperalgesia in the injured hind paw. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH By measuring paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical pressure, we studied the pharmacology of CR4056, potential sex differences in pain perception and response to treatment, and the pharmacodynamic interaction of CR4056 with morphine. KEY RESULTS Oral CR4056 and subcutaneous morphine dose-dependently reversed the hyperalgesic response. Analgesic effects of CR4056 were completely suppressed by the non-selective imidazoline I2 /α2 -adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, were partially reduced (~30%; P < 0.05) by the selective α2 -adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, but were not influenced by the non-selective I1 /α2 -adrenoceptor antagonist efaroxan or by the μ opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. We found no differences in responses to CR4056 or morphine between male and female rats. However, females had a lower pain threshold than males, and needed lower doses of drugs to reach a significant analgesia. When CR4056 and morphine were combined, their median effective doses were lower than expected for additive effects, both in males and in females. Isobolographic analysis confirmed a synergism between CR4056 and morphine. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CR4056 is a novel pharmacological agent under development for postoperative pain both as stand-alone treatment and in association with morphine. CR4056 has successfully completed Phase I studies for tolerability and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers, and is currently entering the first proof-of-concept study in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lanza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Rottapharm Biotech S.r.l., Monza, MB, Italy
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Keller B, García-Sevilla JA. Immunodetection and subcellular distribution of imidazoline receptor proteins with three antibodies in mouse and human brains: Effects of treatments with I1- and I2-imidazoline drugs. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:996-1012. [PMID: 26038110 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115586936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Various imidazoline receptor (IR) proteins have been proposed to mediate the effects of selective I1- and I2-IR drugs. However, the association of these IR-binding proteins with classic I1- and I2-radioligand binding sites remains somewhat controversial. In this study, three IR antibodies (anti-NISCH and anti-nischarin for I1-IRs; and anti-IRBP for I1/I2-IRs) were used to immunodetect, characterize and compare IR protein patterns in brain (mouse and human; total homogenate, subcellular fractionation, grey and white matter) and some cell systems (neurones, astrocytes, human platelets). Various immunoreactive IRs (specific molecular weight bands coincidently detected with the different antibodies) were related to I1-IR (167 kDa, 105/115 kDa and 85 kDa proteins) or I2-IR (66 kDa, 45 kDa and 30 kDa proteins) types. The biochemical characterization of cortical 167 kDa protein, localized in the membrane/cytosol but not in the nucleus, indicated that this I1-IR also forms part of higher order nischarin-related complexes. The contents of I1-IR (167 kDa, 105/115 kDa, and 85 kDa) proteins in mouse brain cortex were upregulated by treatment with I1-drugs (moxonidine, efaroxan) but not with I2-drugs (BU-224, LSL 61122). Conversely, the contents of I2-IR (66 kDa, 45 kDa and 30 kDa) proteins in mouse brain cortex were modulated by treatment with I2-drugs (decreases after BU-224 and LSL 61122, and increases after idazoxan) but not with I1-drugs (with the exception of moxonidine). These findings further indicate that brain immunoreactive IR proteins exist in multiple forms that can be grouped in the already known I1- and I2-IR types, which are expressed both in neurones and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Keller
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, IUNICS-IdISPa, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, IUNICS-IdISPa, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
The imidazoline I2 receptor ligand BU99006 binds to and attenuates effects mediated by I2 receptors in vitro, although its effects in vivo have not been studied previously. This study examined the effects of BU99006 in two behavioral assays in rats: hypothermia and 2-BFI discrimination. BU99006 (3.2-15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a dose-dependent hypothermic effect (rectal temperature), which was antagonized by the I2 receptor antagonist idazoxan. BU99006 (3.2 or 10 mg/kg administered 10 min or 2 h before the session, respectively) did not significantly alter hypothermia produced by the I2 receptor agonist 2-BFI (10 mg/kg). In rats discriminating 5.6 mg/kg 2-BFI, BU99006 (1.78-17.8 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced 40 and 82% responding on the 2-BFI-associated lever when it was administered immediately or 2 h before the test sessions, respectively. BU99006 enhanced the discriminative stimulus and rate-suppressing effects of 2-BFI. Collectively, these data suggest that BU99006 is an imidazoline I2 receptor agonist with no evidence of I2 receptor antagonism in rats.
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Min JW, Peng BW, He X, Zhang Y, Li JX. Gender difference in epileptogenic effects of 2-BFI and BU224 in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 718:81-6. [PMID: 24055191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Imidazoline I2 receptors are involved in pain modulation and psychiatric disorders and its ligands may represent a new therapeutic strategy against pain and depression. In particular, 2-BFI and BU224 are the two most widely studied I2 receptor ligands and have antinociceptive and antidepressant-like activities in rodents. However, little is known of the toxicological effects and potential gender differences of these I2 receptor ligands. This study examined the epileptogenic activities of 2-BFI and BU224 in male and female mice and also examined their underlying receptor mechanisms. 2-BFI (10-40 mg/kg, i.p.) and BU224 (10-40 mg/kg) produced epileptic seizures in a dose-related manner, as did the epileptogenic agent, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 15-60 mg/kg). However, female mice were significantly more sensitive than male mice in all the measures. The commonly used I2 receptor antagonist, idazoxan (10mg/kg), did not block the onset and magnitude of the epileptic seizures or lethality induced by 2-BFI and BU224. When studied in combination, PTZ potentiated the epileptogenic effect of 2-BFI and BU224. The lack of antagonism by idazoxan of the epileptogenic activities of 2-BFI and BU224 suggests that the epileptogenic effects of 2-BFI and BU224 are mediated by non-imidazoline I2 receptors and that I2 receptors remain a viable therapeutic target for neurological disorders such as pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Min
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, PR China
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