Effects of a novel bombesin antagonist analogue on bombesin-stimulated gastric acid secretion and growth hormone release in the pentobarbital-anesthetized rat

Somatostatin receptor type 2 mediates bombesin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion in mice

Studies in isolated mouse stomach showed that bombesin releases somatostatin. We characterized the effects of exogenous bombesin on gastric acid secretion in mice and determined the involvement of somatostatin and somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) by using somatostatin immunoneutralization, the SSTR2 antagonist, PRL-2903, and SSTR2 knockout mice. Gastric acid secretion was monitored under basal and pentagastrin-, histamine- or bethanechol-stimulated conditions in urethane-anaesthetized mice. Bombesin (10-40 micro g kg-1 h-1) and somatostatin-14 (20 micro g kg-1 h-1) were infused I.V. 10 and 30 min after PRL-2903 or somatostatin antibody pretreatment, respectively. Urethane-anaesthetized wild-type mice had low basal acid secretion (0.12 +/- 0.01 micro mol (10 min)-1) compared with SSTR2 knockout mice (1.43 +/- 0.10 micro mol (10 min)-1). Somatostatin antibody and PRL-2903 increased basal secretion in wild-type mice but not in SSTR2 knockout animals. In wild-type mice, bombesin inhibited secretagogue-stimulated acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner, and somatostatin-14 inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated secretion. In wild-type mice pretreated with somatostatin antibody or PRL-2903 and in SSTR2 knockout mice, bombesin and somatostatin-14 I.V. infusion did not alter the increased gastric acid secretion. These results indicate that, in mice, bombesin inhibits gastric acid secretion through the release of somatostatin and the activation of SSTR2. These observations strengthen the important role of SSTR2 in mediating somatostatin inhibitory actions on gastric acid secretion.

Bombesin and the brain-gut axis

Bombesin is the first peptide shown to act in the brain to influence gastric function and the most potent peptide to inhibit acid secretion when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats and dogs. Bombesin responsive sites include specific hypothalamic nuclei (paraventricular nucleus, preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus), the dorsal vagal complex as well as spinal sites at T9-T10. The antisecretory effect of central bombesin encompasses a variety of endocrine/paracrine (gastrin, histamine) or neuronal stimulants. Bombesin into the CSF induces an integrated gastric response (increase in bicarbonate, and mucus, inhibition of acid, pepsin, vagally mediated contractions) enhancing the resistance of the mucosa to injury through autonomic pathways. The physiological significance of central action of bombesin on gastric function is still to be unraveled.

Somatostatin antibody does not influence bombesin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rats

The influence of peripheral somatostatin immunoneutralization on intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) bombesin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion (GAS) was investigated with the somatostatin monoclonal antibody, CURE.S6, in rats. The somatostatin antibody, injected i.v. in conscious rats with a chronic gastric fistula and i.v. catheter, did not modify basal GAS, whereas in urethane-anesthetized rats the basal GAS was increased by 150%. In conscious rats, somatostatin (15 micrograms/kg/h, i.v.) inhibited basal GAS by 50% after injection of control antibody but not after pretreatment with the somatostatin antibody. With pretreatment with a control antibody, bombesin (10 micrograms/kg/h, i.v.) inhibited basal GAS by 60% in conscious rats and by 50% the acid response to pentagastrin infusion in urethane-anesthetized rats. Bombesin injected ICV (3 and 10 ng/10 microliters/rat) inhibited basal GAS by 50% and 70%, respectively, in conscious rats pretreated with a control antibody. The somatostatin antibody injected i.v. before i.v. or ICV injection of bombesin did not influence bombesin-induced inhibition of GAS in conscious or anesthetized rats. These results show that peripheral somatostatin does not play a major role in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion induced either by ICV or i.v. administration of bombesin or basal acid secretion in conscious rats.

A novel bombesin receptor antagonist (2258U89), potently inhibits bombesin evoked release of gastrointestinal hormones from rats and dogs, in vitro and in vivo

Several bombesin-receptor antagonists are available that inhibit secretory and growth effects of bombesin, in vitro. In the present study, we examined the effects of a new class of bombesin receptor antagonists (modified GRP(15-27) peptides, with D-Pro26 and D-Ala24 moieties), on bombesin mediated effects, in vivo and in vitro. Of the 10 different compounds tested, BW-10 or 2258U89 ([de-NH2)Phe19,D-Ala24,D-Pro26 psi(CH2NH)Phe27]-GRP(19-27)) was most potent towards inhibiting bombesin binding to rat pancreatic acinar cancer cells with an ID50 of 0.5 nM. BW-10 (1 and 10 nM) significantly inhibited the gastrin response to 1 nM bombesin, from isolated rat stomach, in vitro, in a dose-dependent fashion. BW-10 (10-100 nmol/kg) was equally effective at significantly inhibiting bombesin evoked gastrin release in anesthetized rats, in vivo. [D-Phe6]Bombesin(6-13)-propylamide (BIM), a member of another class of antagonists, reported previously to be the most potent antagonist, in vitro, on the other hand, enhanced bombesin provoked gastrin release in rats. The antagonistic effects of BIM, in vivo, may thus be more selective. Intravenous infusion of BW-10 (10 nmol/kg/h) partially depressed gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide and completely abolished insulin released in response to bombesin, in conscious dogs. These results suggest that BW-10 functions as one of the most potent bombesin receptor antagonists, in vitro and in vivo, which could potentially be used as a therapeutic compound in treatment of some human diseases.

Dose-related involvement of CCK in bombesin-induced pancreatic growth

We examined the role of CCK in bombesin-induced pancreatic growth in rats using the CCK receptor antagonist L-364,718. Rats (155 +/- 1 g, 8-10 per group) received subcutaneous injections every 8 h for 5 days with bombesin (0.6, 1.7 and 5 nmol/kg) or bombesin in combination with L-364,718 (1 mg/kg). After 5 days the pancreas was removed and pancreatic weight, protein content, DNA, amylase and chymotrypsin contents were determined. Bombesin produced a significant increase (48-475%) of pancreatic weight, tissue contents of protein, DNA, amylase and chymotrypsinogen (F = 82, P less than 0.001). When a large dose of bombesin (5 nmol/kg) was combined with L-364,718 a significant inhibition (up to 70%) of all tissue parameters was observed (P less than 0.001). L-364,718 did not affect the growth response to a small dose of bombesin (0.6 nmol/kg). Plasma CCK levels 15 min after a single injection of bombesin (0.6, 1.7 and 5 nmol/kg) were significantly increased in response to the 5 nmol/kg dose (2.0 +/- 0.7 to 3.4 +/- 0.8 pM, F = 6.9, P less than 0.01). No increases of CCK plasma levels were found in response to the 0.6 and 1.7 nmol/kg doses of bombesin, corresponding to the lack of effects of L-364,718 on growth parameters at these doses. Measuring the time-course of CCK plasma levels after a single injection of 5 nmol/kg bombesin revealed an increase from basal values of 1.4 +/- 0.3 pM to maximal levels of 3.5 +/- 0.5 pM after 15 min (F = 7.1, P less than 0.001). Values returned to basal after 60 min. These results suggest that low doses of bombesin act directly at the acinar cell or through release of non-CCK growth factors whereas high doses of bombesin act in part through CCK release.

Comparison of prolonged in vivo inhibitory activity of several potent bombesin (BN) antagonists on BN-stimulated amylase secretion in the rat

New BN analogues designed to be competitive receptor antagonists at the BN/gastrin releasing peptide receptor(s) can exhibit diverse properties ranging from full antagonist, partial agonist or weak agonist activity, depending on the assay system and animal species employed. Here we evaluate the following 3 antagonists which have the most potent receptor affinities in several in vitro assay systems and are representative of 3 main classes of BN antagonists for their in vivo effects on pancreatic amylase secretion in the rat: [D-Cpa6,Phe14,psi 13-14]BN(6-14), [D-Phe6]BN(6-13) propylamide, and [D-Phe6]BN(6-13) methyl ester. After injection in the rat, the methyl ester was clearly the most potent antagonist and completely inhibited BN-stimulated amylase release at the 20 nmol/kg (IV bolus) for about 2 h. In contrast, the propylamide analogue at the 200 nmol/kg (IV bolus) dose produced incomplete inhibition of amylase release. Inhibition was transient and lasted for only about 1 h, possibly reflecting the significant agonist activity of this latter peptide in the rat pancreatic amylase secretion test in vitro. The psi-analogue, while being the longest acting analogue, was also incapable of lowering amylase to basal level at 50 times the BN dose, suggesting that it is a mixed agonist-antagonist in vivo as was also previously shown in vitro in the rat.

N-acetyl-GRP(20-26)-O-CH3 reverses intracisternal bombesin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rats

Intracisternal injection of 19 pmoles of bombesin in light-ether-anesthetized rats, five minutes after intracisternal vehicle, produced a 75% and 63% inhibition in gastric acid output and concentration, respectively, in 2-hour pylorus-ligated rats. Pretreatment of rats with the characterized peripheral bombesin antagonist N-acetyl-GRP(20-26)-O-CH3 (1 nmole) reversed the inhibitory effect of bombesin on gastric acid output and concentration. In contrast, the related bombesin antagonist N-acetyl-GRP-O-CH2-CH3 (1 nmole) was ineffective in this system. In urethane-anesthetized, acute gastric fistula rats infused with pentagastrin, intracisternal N-acetyl-GRP(20-26)-O-CH3 protected against the inhibition in gastric acid output produced by intracisternal bombesin (19 pmoles). Thus the recently characterized peripheral bombesin antagonist N-acetyl-GRP(20-26)-O-CH3 also appears to be effective in antagonizing central bombesin-induced inhibition in gastric acid secretion in two models. This represents a first report of a synthetic bombesin antagonist effective in reversing central bombesin-induced effects on gastric function.

Effect of the bombesin receptor blockers [Leu13, psi CH2NH-Leu14]bombesin and N-pivaloyl GRP(20-25) alkylamide (L 686,095-001C002) on basal and neuromedin C-stimulated PRL and GH release in pituitary cell aggregates

Perifusion of rat anterior pituitary cell aggregates, cultured in estrogen-supplemented serum-free medium with 1 nM of the bombesin (BBN)-like peptide, neuromedin C (NMC), significantly stimulates GH and PRL release. This effect is dose-dependently inhibited by the BBN receptor blocker L 686,095-001C002 [an N-pivaloyl-gastrin-releasing-peptide(20-25) alkylamide]. The IC50 was 0.20 nM in the case of the GH response and 0.16 nM in the case of the PRL response. The antagonist has no effect on basal PRL or GH release. [Leu13, psi CH2NH-Leu14]BBN (psi BBN) displays an IC50 of 0.41 microM for inhibiting the GH response and 0.36 microM for inhibiting the PRL response to NMC. At a concentration of 0.5 microM or 5 microM, however, the latter antagonist stimulates PRL and GH release when perifused alone. This stimulatory effect is dose dependent, augments when aggregates are cultured in 1 nM E2 (as is the case for NMC) and is abolished by 2 nM L 686,095-001C002. It is concluded that L 686,095-001C002 is a potent and pure antagonist of pituitary BBN receptors mediating PRL and GH release, whereas psi BBN is a relatively weak antagonist with considerable partial agonist activity.

Progress in the development of potent bombesin receptor antagonists

Bombesin and the mammalian-related peptides gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), GRP and neuromedin B have been shown to have numerous actions in the CNS, gastrointestinal tract and on growth. However, the role of the peptides in various physiological processes has remained unclear because of the lack of potent antagonists. Recent in vitro studies have described four different classes of bombesin receptor antagonist, some of which are active in the nanomolar range and in vivo. Robert Jensen and David Coy describe recent insights into peptide structural determinants of biological activity. Evidence from structure-function studies have resulted in identification of some analogues that function as potent antagonists in all systems examined. Furthermore, various subtypes of bombesin receptors can now be differentiated by these various classes of antagonist.

Effect of antibodies to the neuropeptide GRP on distention-induced gastric acid secretion in the rat

The present study examined and compared the effects of muscarinic blockade, beta-adrenergic blockade and immunoneutralization of the neuropeptide gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) on distention-induced gastric acid secretion and gastrin release. In response to distention of rat stomachs with 0.9% NaCl, acid output rose from 3.5 +/- 0.5 mumol H+/30 min to 15.4 +/- 2.5 mumol H+/30 min (P less than 0.01). Intravenous administration of 4 mg/kg propranolol did not affect the acid secretory response to distention, however both 2 mg/kg atropine and 6 mg/kg pirenzepine significantly decreased gastric acid secretion by 44.8 +/- 7.8% and 40.9 +/- 5.7% (P less than 0.05), respectively. When specific antibodies to GRP were infused intravenously, the acid secretory response to distention was nearly abolished, decreasing to 5.1 +/- 0.8 mumol H+/30 min (P less than 0.01). In contrast to the effects on acid secretion, GRP antiserum did not significantly alter the gastrin release observed following distention. Results of these studies indicate that, under the conditions of these experiments, the acid secretory response to gastric distention may be independent of its effect on gastrin release. Although distention-induced gastric acid secretion may be partially governed by muscarinic pathways, the acid secretory response to distention in the rat appears to involve GRP-containing neurons.

N-isobutyryl-His-Trp-Ala-Val-D-Ala-His-Leu-NHMe (ICI 216140) a potent in vivo antaconist analogue of bombesin/gastrin releasing peptide (BN/GRP) derived from the C-terminal sequence lacking the final methionine residue

The GRP receptor mediated growth response in Swiss 3T3 cells has been used to identify BN/GRP antagonists. Analysis of bombesin antagonism by substance P analogues and by truncated GRP analogues revealed that deletion of the C-terminal methionine residue was important for antagonism. Des-Met analogues showing potent antagonist activity in the in vitro 3T3 system (IC50 approximately 2nM) were synthesized. Further structural modification of these peptides led to the identification of (CH3)2CHCO-His-Trp-Ala-Val-D-Ala-His-Leu-NHCH3 (ICI 216140) which reduced bombesin-stimulated rat pancreatic amylase secretion to basal levels when administered subcutaneously at 2.0 mg per kg.