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Cale JA, Chauhan EJ, Cleaver JJ, Fusciardi AR, McCann S, Waters HC, Žavbi J, King MV. GABAergic and inflammatory changes in the frontal cortex following neonatal PCP plus isolation rearing, as a dual-hit neurodevelopmental model for schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6968-6983. [PMID: 38363536 PMCID: PMC11339149 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03987-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of schizophrenia begins in early neurodevelopment and leads to excitatory-inhibitory imbalance. It is therefore essential that preclinical models used to understand disease, select drug targets and evaluate novel therapeutics encompass similar neurochemical deficits. One approach to improved preclinical modelling incorporates dual-hit neurodevelopmental insults, like neonatal administration of phencyclidine (PCP, to disrupt development of glutamatergic circuitry) then post-weaning isolation (Iso, to mimic adolescent social stress). We recently showed that male Lister-hooded rats exposed to PCP-Iso exhibit reduced hippocampal expression of the GABA interneuron marker calbindin. The current study expanded on this by investigating changes to additional populations of GABAergic interneurons in frontal cortical and hippocampal tissue from the same animals (by immunohistochemistry) as well as levels of GABA itself (via ELISA). Because inflammatory changes are also implicated in schizophrenia, we performed additional immunohistochemical evaluations of Iba-1 positive microglia as well as ELISA analysis of IL-6 in the same brain regions. Single-hit isolation-reared and dual-hit PCP-Iso rats both showed reduced parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the prelimbic/infralimbic region of the frontal cortex. However, this was more widespread in PCP-Iso, extending to the medial/ventral and lateral/dorsolateral orbitofrontal cortices. Loss of GABAergic markers was accompanied by increased microglial activation in the medial/ventral orbitofrontal cortices of PCP-Iso, together with frontal cortical IL-6 elevations not seen following single-hit isolation rearing. These findings enhance the face validity of PCP-Iso, and we advocate the use of this preclinical model for future evaluation of novel therapeutics-especially those designed to normalise excitatory-inhibitory imbalance or reduce neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Cale
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Ethan J Chauhan
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Joshua J Cleaver
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Anthoio R Fusciardi
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Sophie McCann
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Hannah C Waters
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Juš Žavbi
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Madeleine V King
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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Peng A, Chai J, Wu H, Bai B, Yang H, He W, Zhao Y. New Therapeutic Targets and Drugs for Schizophrenia Beyond Dopamine D2 Receptor Antagonists. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:607-620. [PMID: 38525480 PMCID: PMC10961082 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s455279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disease with a complex pathological mechanism that is influenced by multiple genes. The study of its pathogenesis is dominated by the dopamine hypothesis, as well as other hypotheses such as the 5-hydroxytryptamine hypothesis, glutamate hypothesis, immune-inflammatory hypothesis, gene expression abnormality hypothesis, and neurodevelopmental abnormality hypothesis. The first generation of antipsychotics was developed based on dopaminergic receptor antagonism, which blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to exert antipsychotic effects. The second generation of antipsychotics acts by dual blockade of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine receptors. From the third generation of antipsychotics onwards, the therapeutic targets for antipsychotic schizophrenia expanded beyond D2 receptor blockade to explore D2 receptor partial agonism and the antipsychotic effects of new targets such as D3, 5-HT1A, 5-HT7, and mGlu2/3 receptors. The main advantages of the second and third generation antipsychotics over first-generation antipsychotics are the reduction of side effects and the improvement of negative symptoms, and even though third-generation antipsychotics do not directly block D2 receptors, the modulation of the dopamine transmitter system is still an important part of their antipsychotic process. According to recent research, several receptors, including 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine receptors and norepinephrine, play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Therefore, the focus of developing new antipsychotic drugs has shifted towards agonism or inhibition of these receptors. Specifically, the development of NMDARs stimulants, GABA receptor agonists, mGlu receptor modulators, cholinergic receptor modulators, 5-HT2C receptor agonists and alpha-2 receptor modulators has become the main direction. Animal experiments have confirmed the antipsychotic effects of these drugs, but their pharmacokinetics and clinical applicability still require further exploration. Research on alternative targets for antipsychotic drugs, beyond the dopamine D2 receptor, has expanded the potential treatment options for schizophrenia and gives an important way to address the challenge of refractory schizophrenia. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research on therapeutic targets and medications for schizophrenia, offering valuable insights for both treatment and further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aineng Peng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Chai
- Heilongjiang Mental Hospital, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyuan Wu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Bai
- Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huihui Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weizhi He
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghou Zhao
- Heilongjiang Mental Hospital, Harbin, 150036, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Rabeh N, Hajjar B, Maraka JO, Sammanasunathan AF, Khan M, Alkhaaldi SMI, Mansour S, Almheiri RT, Hamdan H, Abd-Elrahman KS. Targeting mGluR group III for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115733. [PMID: 37862967 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, is essential for neuronal function, and it acts on ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). A disturbance in glutamatergic signaling is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases. Developing disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases targeting glutamate receptors is a promising avenue. The understudied group III mGluR 4, 6-8 are commonly found in the presynaptic membrane, and their activation inhibits glutamate release. Thus, targeted mGluRs therapies could aid in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This review describes group III mGluRs and their pharmacological ligands in the context of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. Attempts to evaluate the efficacy of these drugs in clinical trials are also discussed. Despite a growing list of group III mGluR-specific pharmacological ligands, research on the use of these drugs in neurodegenerative diseases is limited, except for Parkinson's disease. Future efforts should focus on delineating the contribution of group III mGluR to neurodegeneration and developing novel ligands with superior efficacy and a favorable side effect profile for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Rabeh
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates; Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Baraa Hajjar
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jude O Maraka
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ashwin F Sammanasunathan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Khan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saif M I Alkhaaldi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samy Mansour
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rashed T Almheiri
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates; Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled S Abd-Elrahman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt.
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Design and Synthesis of New Quinazolin-4-one Derivatives with Negative mGlu 7 Receptor Modulation Activity and Antipsychotic-Like Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031981. [PMID: 36768302 PMCID: PMC9916658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the glutamatergic theory of schizophrenia and based on our previous study regarding the antipsychotic-like activity of mGlu7 NAMs, we synthesized a new compound library containing 103 members, which were examined for NAM mGlu7 activity in the T-REx 293 cell line expressing a recombinant human mGlu7 receptor. Out of the twenty-two scaffolds examined, active compounds were found only within the quinazolinone chemotype. 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-6-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-methylquinazolin-4(3H)-one (A9-7, ALX-171, mGlu7 IC50 = 6.14 µM) was selective over other group III mGlu receptors (mGlu4 and mGlu8), exhibited satisfactory drug-like properties in preliminary DMPK profiling, and was further tested in animal models of antipsychotic-like activity, assessing the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. ALX-171 reversed DOI-induced head twitches and MK-801-induced disruptions of social interactions or cognition in the novel object recognition test and spatial delayed alternation test. On the other hand, the efficacy of the compound was not observed in the MK-801-induced hyperactivity test or prepulse inhibition. In summary, the observed antipsychotic activity profile of ALX-171 justifies the further development of the group of quinazolin-4-one derivatives in the search for a new drug candidate for schizophrenia treatment.
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The mGlu 7 receptor in schizophrenia - An update and future perspectives. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 218:173430. [PMID: 35870668 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173430] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The mGlu7 receptor belongs to the III group of metabotropic glutamatergic (mGlu) receptors and physiologically serves as an "emergency" receptor that is activated by high, almost pathological, glutamate concentrations. Of all mGlu receptors, this receptor is most highly expressed in the brain. Additionally, relatively intense expression of the receptor was found at the periphery, for example in the bowels or in the reproductive system of male mice, but this review will be focused predominantly on its role in the brain. In the CNS, the receptor is expressed presynaptically, in the center of the synaptic cleft, at the terminals of both excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurons. Thus, it may regulate the release of both glutamate and GABA. Schizophrenia is thought to develop as a consequence of a disturbed glutamatergic-GABAergic balance in different parts of the brain. Thus, the mGlu7 receptor may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and consequently constitute the target for antipsychotic drug discovery. In this review, we summarize the available data about mGlu7 receptor ligands and their activity in animal models of schizophrenia. At present, only a few ligands are available, and negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) appear to exert antipsychotic-like efficacy, indicating that the inhibition of the receptor could constitute a promising target in the search for novel drugs. Additionally, the data concerning the expression of the receptor in the CNS and putative mechanisms by which its inhibition may contribute to the treatment of schizophrenia will be discussed. Finally, the polymorphisms of genes encoding the receptor in schizophrenic patients will also be provided.
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Luessen DJ, Conn PJ. Allosteric Modulators of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as Novel Therapeutics for Neuropsychiatric Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:630-661. [PMID: 35710132 PMCID: PMC9553119 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, have been identified as novel therapeutic targets based on extensive research supporting their diverse contributions to cell signaling and physiology throughout the nervous system and important roles in regulating complex behaviors, such as cognition, reward, and movement. Thus, targeting mGlu receptors may be a promising strategy for the treatment of several brain disorders. Ongoing advances in the discovery of subtype-selective allosteric modulators for mGlu receptors has provided an unprecedented opportunity for highly specific modulation of signaling by individual mGlu receptor subtypes in the brain by targeting sites distinct from orthosteric or endogenous ligand binding sites on mGlu receptors. These pharmacological agents provide the unparalleled opportunity to selectively regulate neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and subsequent behavioral output pertinent to many brain disorders. Here, we review preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the utility of mGlu receptor allosteric modulators as novel therapeutic approaches to treat neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and stress-related disorders.
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Dogra S, Conn PJ. Metabotropic glutamate receptors as emerging targets for the treatment of schizophrenia. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:275-285. [PMID: 35246479 PMCID: PMC9092465 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence of glutamatergic abnormalities in the brains of schizophrenia patients has led to efforts to target various components of glutamatergic signaling as potential new approaches for schizophrenia. Exciting research suggests that metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors could provide a fundamentally new approach for better symptomatic relief in schizophrenia patients. In preclinical studies, the mGlu5 receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have efficacy in animal models relevant for all symptom domains in schizophrenia. Interestingly, biased pure mGlu5 receptor PAMs that do not potentiate coupling of mGlu5 receptors to NMDA receptors lack neurotoxic effects associated with mGlu5 PAMs that enhance coupling to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors or have allosteric agonist activity (ago-PAMs). This provides a better therapeutic profile for treating schizophrenia-like symptoms. Additionally, the mGlu1 receptor PAMs modulate dopamine release in the striatum, which may contribute to their antipsychotic-like effects. Besides group I mGlu (mGlu1 and mGlu5) receptors, agonists of mGlu2/3 receptor also induce robust antipsychotic-like and pro-cognitive effects in rodents and may be effective in treating symptoms of schizophrenia in a selective group of patients. Additionally, mGlu2/4 receptor heterodimers modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex at selective synapses activated in schizophrenia and, therefore, hold potential as novel antipsychotics. Excitingly, the mGlu3 receptor activation can enhance cognition in rodents suggesting that mGlu3 receptor agonist/PAM could provide a novel approach for the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Collectively, the development of mGlu receptor-specific ligands may provide an alternative approach to meet the clinical need for safer and efficacious therapeutics for schizophrenia. Significance Statement The currently available antipsychotic medications do not show significant efficacy for treating negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Emerging preclinical and clinical literature suggests that pharmacological targeting of metabotropic glutamate receptors could potentially provide an alternative approach for designing safer and efficacious therapeutics for treating schizophrenia.
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Stankiewicz A, Kaczorowska K, Bugno R, Kozioł A, Paluchowska MH, Burnat G, Chruścicka B, Chorobik P, Brański P, Wierońska JM, Duszyńska B, Pilc A, Bojarski AJ. New 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives with positive mGlu 4 receptor modulation activity and antipsychotic-like properties. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 37:211-225. [PMID: 34894953 PMCID: PMC8667925 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2021.1998022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the allosteric regulation of mGlu receptors for potential therapeutic applications, we developed a group of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives that displayed mGlu4 receptor positive allosteric modulatory activity (EC50 = 282–656 nM). Selectivity screening revealed that they were devoid of activity at mGlu1, mGlu2 and mGlu5 receptors, but modulated mGlu7 and mGlu8 receptors, thus were classified as group III-preferring mGlu receptor agents. None of the compounds was active towards hERG channels or in the mini-AMES test. The most potent in vitro mGlu4 PAM derivative 52 (N-(3-chloro-4-(5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl)picolinamide) was readily absorbed after i.p. administration (male Albino Swiss mice) and reached a maximum brain concentration of 949.76 ng/mL. Five modulators (34, 37, 52, 60 and 62) demonstrated significant anxiolytic- and antipsychotic-like properties in the SIH and DOI-induced head twitch test, respectively. Promising data were obtained, especially for N-(4-(5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-3-methylphenyl)picolinamide (62), whose effects in the DOI-induced head twitch test were comparable to those of clozapine and better than those reported for the selective mGlu4 PAM ADX88178.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stankiewicz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kaczorowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aneta Kozioł
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria H Paluchowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Burnat
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Barbara Chruścicka
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paulina Chorobik
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Brański
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna M Wierońska
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Beata Duszyńska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pilc
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej J Bojarski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Hogendorf A, Hogendorf AS, Kurczab R, Satała G, Szewczyk B, Cieślik P, Latacz G, Handzlik J, Lenda T, Kaczorowska K, Staroń J, Bugno R, Duszyńska B, Bojarski AJ. N-Skatyltryptamines-Dual 5-HT 6R/D 2R Ligands with Antipsychotic and Procognitive Potential. Molecules 2021; 26:4605. [PMID: 34361754 PMCID: PMC8347595 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of N-skatyltryptamines was synthesized and their affinities for serotonin and dopamine receptors were determined. Compounds exhibited activity toward 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT6, and D2 receptors. Substitution patterns resulting in affinity/activity switches were identified and studied using homology modeling. Chosen hits were screened to determine their metabolism, permeability, hepatotoxicity, and CYP inhibition. Several D2 receptor antagonists with additional 5-HT6R antagonist and agonist properties were identified. The former combination resembled known antipsychotic agents, while the latter was particularly interesting due to the fact that it has not been studied before. Selective 5-HT6R antagonists have been shown previously to produce procognitive and promnesic effects in several rodent models. Administration of 5-HT6R agonists was more ambiguous-in naive animals, it did not alter memory or produce slight amnesic effects, while in rodent models of memory impairment, they ameliorated the condition just like antagonists. Using the identified hit compounds 15 and 18, we tried to sort out the difference between ligands exhibiting the D2R antagonist function combined with 5-HT6R agonism, and mixed D2/5-HT6R antagonists in murine models of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Hogendorf
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Adam S. Hogendorf
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Rafał Kurczab
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Grzegorz Satała
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Bernadeta Szewczyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (B.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Paulina Cieślik
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (B.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Gniewomir Latacz
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (G.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Jadwiga Handzlik
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland; (G.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Tomasz Lenda
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kaczorowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Jakub Staroń
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Ryszard Bugno
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Beata Duszyńska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
| | - Andrzej J. Bojarski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (A.H.); (A.S.H.); (R.K.); (G.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.); (R.B.); (B.D.)
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Wang X, Gao C, Zhang Y, Hu S, Qiao Y, Zhao Z, Gou L, Song J, Wang Q. Overexpression of mGluR7 in the Prefrontal Cortex Attenuates Autistic Behaviors in Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:689611. [PMID: 34335187 PMCID: PMC8319395 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.689611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a range of abnormalities pertaining to socialization, communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Owing to its complexity, the etiology of ASD remains incompletely understood. The presynaptic G protein-coupled glutamate receptor metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) is known to be essential for synaptic transmission and is also tightly linked with ASD incidence. Herein, we report that prefrontal cortex (PFC) mGluR7 protein levels were decreased in C57BL/6J mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) and BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice. The overexpression of mGluR7 in the PFC of these mice using a lentiviral vector was sufficient to reduce the severity of ASD-like behavioral patterns such that animals exhibited decreases in abnormal social interactions and communication, anxiety-like, and stereotyped/repetitive behaviors. Intriguingly, patch-clamp recordings revealed that the overexpression of mGluR7 suppressed neuronal excitability by inhibiting action potential discharge frequencies, together with enhanced action potential threshold and increased rheobase. These data offer a scientific basis for the additional study of mGluR7 as a promising therapeutic target in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Shunan Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yidan Qiao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhengqin Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lingshan Gou
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jijun Song
- Henan Infectious Disease Hospital, The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
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11
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Pałucha-Poniewiera A, Podkowa K, Rafało-Ulińska A. The group II mGlu receptor antagonist LY341495 induces a rapid antidepressant-like effect and enhances the effect of ketamine in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in C57BL/6J mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110239. [PMID: 33400944 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine produces a rapid antidepressant effect, but its use can be associated with serious side effects. Hence, other therapeutic options that will allow us to obtain a quick and safe antidepressant effect by modulating glutamatergic transmission are needed. Antagonists of mGlu2/3 receptors, which share some mechanisms of action with ketamine, may be good candidates to obtain this effect. Here, we show that the metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 induced a dose-dependent antidepressant-like effect in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in C57BL/6J mice after both single and subchronic (three-day) administration. Furthermore, a noneffective dose of LY341495 (0.3 mg/kg) given jointly with a noneffective dose of ketamine (3 mg/kg) reversed the CUMS-induced behavioral effects, indicating that coadministration of ketamine with an mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist might allow its therapeutically effective dose to be lowered. Western blot results indicate that mTOR pathway activation might be involved in the mechanism of action of this drug combination. Moreover, the combined doses of both substances did not produce undesirable behavioral effects characteristic of a higher dose of ketamine (10 mg/kg) commonly used in rodent studies to induce antidepressant effects. Coadministration of low doses of ketamine and LY341495 did not induce the hyperactivity typical of NMDA channel blockers, did not disturb short-term memory in the novel object recognition (NOR) test, and did not disturb motor coordination in the rotarod test. Our research not only confirmed the earlier data on the rapid antidepressant effect of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists but also indicated that such compounds can safely lower the effective dose of ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Pałucha-Poniewiera
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 31-343 Kraków, Smętna Street 12, Poland.
| | - Karolina Podkowa
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 31-343 Kraków, Smętna Street 12, Poland
| | - Anna Rafało-Ulińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, 31-343 Kraków, Smętna Street 12, Poland
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12
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Boczek T, Mackiewicz J, Sobolczyk M, Wawrzyniak J, Lisek M, Ferenc B, Guo F, Zylinska L. The Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) and Calcium Signaling in Schizophrenia. Focus on GPCRs Activated by Neurotransmitters and Chemokines. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051228. [PMID: 34067760 PMCID: PMC8155952 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a common debilitating disease characterized by continuous or relapsing episodes of psychosis. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying this psychiatric illness remain incompletely understood, a growing body of clinical, pharmacological, and genetic evidence suggests that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a critical role in disease development, progression, and treatment. This pivotal role is further highlighted by the fact that GPCRs are the most common targets for antipsychotic drugs. The GPCRs activation evokes slow synaptic transmission through several downstream pathways, many of them engaging intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Dysfunctions of the neurotransmitter systems involving the action of GPCRs in the frontal and limbic-related regions are likely to underly the complex picture that includes the whole spectrum of positive and negative schizophrenia symptoms. Therefore, the progress in our understanding of GPCRs function in the control of brain cognitive functions is expected to open new avenues for selective drug development. In this paper, we review and synthesize the recent data regarding the contribution of neurotransmitter-GPCRs signaling to schizophrenia symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Joanna Mackiewicz
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Marta Sobolczyk
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Julia Wawrzyniak
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Malwina Lisek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Bozena Ferenc
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Ludmila Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland; (T.B.); (J.M.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (M.L.); (B.F.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Kryszkowski W, Boczek T. The G Protein-Coupled Glutamate Receptors as Novel Molecular Targets in Schizophrenia Treatment-A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071475. [PMID: 33918323 PMCID: PMC8038150 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disease with an unknown etiology. The research into the neurobiology of this disease led to several models aimed at explaining the link between perturbations in brain function and the manifestation of psychotic symptoms. The glutamatergic hypothesis postulates that disrupted glutamate neurotransmission may mediate cognitive and psychosocial impairments by affecting the connections between the cortex and the thalamus. In this regard, the greatest attention has been given to ionotropic NMDA receptor hypofunction. However, converging data indicates metabotropic glutamate receptors as crucial for cognitive and psychomotor function. The distribution of these receptors in the brain regions related to schizophrenia and their regulatory role in glutamate release make them promising molecular targets for novel antipsychotics. This article reviews the progress in the research on the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in schizophrenia etiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Kryszkowski
- General Psychiatric Ward, Babinski Memorial Hospital in Lodz, 91229 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92215 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
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14
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Gregory KJ, Goudet C. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CXI. Pharmacology, Signaling, and Physiology of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:521-569. [PMID: 33361406 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.019133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors respond to glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, mediating a modulatory role that is critical for higher-order brain functions such as learning and memory. Since the first mGlu receptor was cloned in 1992, eight subtypes have been identified along with many isoforms and splice variants. The mGlu receptors are transmembrane-spanning proteins belonging to the class C G protein-coupled receptor family and represent attractive targets for a multitude of central nervous system disorders. Concerted drug discovery efforts over the past three decades have yielded a wealth of pharmacological tools including subtype-selective agents that competitively block or mimic the actions of glutamate or act allosterically via distinct sites to enhance or inhibit receptor activity. Herein, we review the physiologic and pathophysiological roles for individual mGlu receptor subtypes including the pleiotropic nature of intracellular signal transduction arising from each. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of prototypical and commercially available orthosteric agonists and antagonists as well as allosteric modulators, including ligands that have entered clinical trials. Finally, we highlight emerging areas of research that hold promise to facilitate rational design of highly selective mGlu receptor-targeting therapeutics in the future. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The metabotropic glutamate receptors are attractive therapeutic targets for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Over the past three decades, intense discovery efforts have yielded diverse pharmacological tools acting either competitively or allosterically, which have enabled dissection of fundamental biological process modulated by metabotropic glutamate receptors and established proof of concept for many therapeutic indications. We review metabotropic glutamate receptor molecular pharmacology and highlight emerging areas that are offering new avenues to selectively modulate neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Gregory
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.) and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France (C.G.)
| | - Cyril Goudet
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.) and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France (C.G.)
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15
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Cieślik P, Wierońska JM. Regulation of Glutamatergic Activity via Bidirectional Activation of Two Select Receptors as a Novel Approach in Antipsychotic Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228811. [PMID: 33233865 PMCID: PMC7699963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects approximately 1-2% of the population and develops in early adulthood. The disease is characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. A large percentage of patients with schizophrenia have a treatment-resistant disease, and the risk of developing adverse effects is high. Many researchers have attempted to introduce new antipsychotic drugs to the clinic, but most of these treatments failed, and the diversity of schizophrenic symptoms is one of the causes of disappointing results. The present review summarizes the results of our latest papers, showing that the simultaneous activation of two receptors with sub-effective doses of their ligands induces similar effects as the highest dose of each compound alone. The treatments were focused on inhibiting the increased glutamate release responsible for schizophrenia arousal, without interacting with dopamine (D2) receptors. Ligands activating metabotropic receptors for glutamate, GABAB or muscarinic receptors were used, and the compounds were administered in several different combinations. Some combinations reversed all schizophrenia-related deficits in animal models, but others were active only in select models of schizophrenia symptoms (i.e., cognitive or negative symptoms).
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16
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Shortall SE, Brown AM, Newton-Mann E, Dawe-Lane E, Evans C, Fowler M, King MV. Calbindin Deficits May Underlie Dissociable Effects of 5-HT 6 and mGlu 7 Antagonists on Glutamate and Cognition in a Dual-Hit Neurodevelopmental Model for Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:3439-3457. [PMID: 32533466 PMCID: PMC7340678 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01938-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite several compounds entering clinical trials for the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, few have progressed beyond phase III. This is partly attributed to a need for improved preclinical models, to understand disease and enable predictive evaluation of novel therapeutics. To this end, one recent approach incorporates "dual-hit" neurodevelopmental insults like neonatal phencyclidine plus isolation rearing (PCP-Iso). Glutamatergic dysfunction contributes to schizophrenia pathophysiology and may represent a treatment target, so we used enzyme-based microsensors to evaluate basal- and drug-evoked glutamate release in hippocampal slices from rats that received neonatal PCP and/or isolation rearing. 5-HT6 antagonist-evoked glutamate release (thought to be mediated indirectly via GABAergic disinhibition) was reduced in PCP-Iso, as were cognitive effects of a 5-HT6 antagonist in a hippocampal glutamate-dependent novel object discrimination task. Yet mGlu7 antagonist-evoked glutamatergic and cognitive responses were spared. Immunohistochemical analyses suggest these findings (which mirror the apparent lack of clinical response to 5-HT6 antagonists in schizophrenia) are not due to reduced hippocampal 5-HT input in PCP-Iso, but may be explained by reduced calbindin expression. This calcium-binding protein is present in a subset of GABAergic interneurons receiving preferential 5-HT innervation and expressing 5-HT6 receptors. Its loss (in schizophrenia and PCP-Iso) would be expected to reduce interneuron firing and potentially prevent further 5-HT6 antagonist-mediated disinhibition, without impacting on responses of VIP-expressing interneurons to mGlu7 antagonism. This research highlights the importance of improved understanding for selection of appropriate preclinical models, especially where disease neurobiology impacts on cells mediating the effects of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead E Shortall
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Angus M Brown
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Eliot Newton-Mann
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Erin Dawe-Lane
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Chanelle Evans
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Maxine Fowler
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Madeleine V King
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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17
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Ulivieri M, Wierońska JM, Lionetto L, Martinello K, Cieslik P, Chocyk A, Curto M, Di Menna L, Iacovelli L, Traficante A, Liberatore F, Mascio G, Antenucci N, Giannino G, Vergassola M, Pittaluga A, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Fucile S, Simmaco M, Nicoletti F, Pilc A, Fazio F. The Trace Kynurenine, Cinnabarinic Acid, Displays Potent Antipsychotic-Like Activity in Mice and Its Levels Are Reduced in the Prefrontal Cortex of Individuals Affected by Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:1471-1481. [PMID: 32506121 PMCID: PMC7846105 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is a kynurenine metabolite that activates mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptors. Using a highly sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS-MS) method, we found that CA is present in trace amounts in human brain tissue. CA levels were largely reduced in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of individuals affected by schizophrenia. This reduction did not correlate with age, sex, duration of the disease, and duration and type of antipsychotic medication and might, therefore, represent a trait of schizophrenia. Interestingly, systemic treatment with low doses of CA (<1 mg/kg, i.p.) showed robust efficacy in several behavioral tests useful to study antipsychotic-like activity in mice and rats and attenuated MK-801-evoked glutamate release. CA failed to display antipsychotic-like activity and inhibit excitatory synaptic transmission in mice lacking mGlu4 receptors. These findings suggest that CA is a potent endogenous antipsychotic-like molecule and reduced CA levels in the PFC might contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luana Lionetto
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, DiMA (Advanced Molecular Diagnosis), Sant’Andrea Hospital—Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paulina Cieslik
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Chocyk
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Martina Curto
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy,Bipolar & Psychotic Disorders Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
| | | | - Luisa Iacovelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Nico Antenucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannino
- School of Medicine and Psychology NESMOS Department, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, DiFAR, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy,I.R.C.C.S. San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Bruno
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Fucile
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, DiMA (Advanced Molecular Diagnosis), Sant’Andrea Hospital—Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrzej Pilc
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Francesco Fazio
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Rose F. Kennedy Center, 1410 Pelham Parkway South, room 610, New York City, NY, USA; tel: +1-718-430-2160, fax: +1-718-430-8932, e-mail:
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18
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Boccella S, Marabese I, Guida F, Luongo L, Maione S, Palazzo E. The Modulation of Pain by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors 7 and 8 in the Dorsal Striatum. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:34-50. [PMID: 31210112 PMCID: PMC7327935 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190618121859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The dorsal striatum, apart from controlling voluntary movement, displays a recently demonstrated pain inhibition. It is connected to the descending pain modulatory system and in particular to the rostral ventromedial medulla through the medullary dorsal reticular nucleus. Diseases of the basal ganglia, such as Parkinson's disease, in addition to being characterized by motor disorders, are associated with pain and hyperactivation of the excitatory transmission. A way to counteract glutamatergic hyperactivation is through the activation of group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which are located on presynaptic terminals inhibiting neurotransmitter release. So far the mGluRs of group III have been the least investigated, owing to a lack of selective tools. More recently, selective ligands for each mGluR of group III, in particular positive and negative allosteric modulators, have been developed and the role of each subtype is starting to emerge. The neuroprotective potential of group III mGluRs in pathological conditions, such as those characterized by elevate glutamate, has been recently shown. In the dorsal striatum, mGluR7 and mGluR8 are located at glutamatergic corticostriatal terminals and their stimulation inhibits pain in pathological conditions such as neuropathic pain. The two receptors in the dorsal striatum have instead a different role in pain control in normal conditions. This review will discuss recent results focusing on the contribution of mGluR7 and mGluR8 in the dorsal striatal control of pain. The role of mGluR4, whose antiparkinsonian activity is widely reported, will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
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19
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The Role of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Social Behavior in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225599. [PMID: 31717513 PMCID: PMC6887971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The appropriate display of social behaviors is essential for the well-being, reproductive success and survival of an individual. Deficits in social behavior are associated with impaired N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotransmission. In this review, we describe recent studies using genetically modified mice and pharmacological approaches which link the impaired functioning of the NMDA receptors, especially of the receptor subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B, to abnormal social behavior. This abnormal social behavior is expressed as impaired social interaction and communication, deficits in social memory, deficits in sexual and maternal behavior, as well as abnormal or heightened aggression. We also describe the positive effects of pharmacological stimulation of the NMDA receptors on these social deficits. Indeed, pharmacological stimulation of the glycine-binding site either by direct stimulation or by elevating the synaptic glycine levels represents a promising strategy for the normalization of genetically-induced, pharmacologically-induced or innate deficits in social behavior. We emphasize on the importance of future studies investigating the role of subunit-selective NMDA receptor ligands on different types of social behavior to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, which might support the development of selective tools for the optimized treatment of disorders associated with social deficits.
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20
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Cieślik P, Radulska A, Pelikant-Małecka I, Płoska A, Kalinowski L, Wierońska JM. Reversal of MK-801-Induced Disruptions in Social Interactions and Working Memory with Simultaneous Administration of LY487379 and VU152100 in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112781. [PMID: 31174329 PMCID: PMC6600181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia contribute to an impaired social and professional life for schizophrenic patients, and in most cases, these symptoms are treatment resistant. Therefore, identification of new treatment strategies is sorely needed. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu) and muscarinic (M) receptors for acetylcholine have been considered promising targets for novel antipsychotics. Among them, mGlu2 and M4 subtypes seem to be of particular importance. In the present study, the effect of mutual activation of mGlu2 and M4 receptors was assessed in MK-801-based animal models of negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, that is, social interaction and novel object recognition tests. Low sub-effective doses of LY487379 (0.5 mg/kg), a positive allosteric activator of the mGlu2 receptor, and VU152100 (0.25−0.5 mg/kg), a positive allosteric modulator of the M4 receptor, were simultaneously administered in the aforementioned tests. Combined administration of these compounds prevented MK-801-induced disturbances in social interactions and object recognition when acutely administered 30 min before MK-801. Prolonged (7 days) administration of these compounds resulted in the loss of effectiveness in preventing MK-801-induced disruptions in the novel object recognition test but not in the social interaction test. In the next set of experiments, MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg) was administered for seven consecutive days, and the activity of the compounds was investigated on day eight, during which time MK-801 was not administered. In this model, based on prolonged MK-801 administration, the effectiveness of the compounds to treat MK-801-induced disruptions was evident at low doses which were ineffective in preventing the behavioural disturbances induced by an acute MK-801 injection. Combined administration of the compounds did not exert better efficacy than each compound given alone. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed a lack of possible drug–drug interactions after combined administration of LY487379 and VU152100. Our data show that modulation of M4 and mGlu2 receptors may potentially be beneficial in the treatment of negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Cieślik
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Adrianna Radulska
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Biobank, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
- Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure Poland (BBMRI.PL), 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Iwona Pelikant-Małecka
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Biobank, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
- Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure Poland (BBMRI.PL), 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Agata Płoska
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Biobank, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
- Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure Poland (BBMRI.PL), 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Leszek Kalinowski
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics-Biobank, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
- Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure Poland (BBMRI.PL), 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Joanna M Wierońska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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Zoicas I, Kornhuber J. The Role of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Social Behavior in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061412. [PMID: 30897826 PMCID: PMC6470515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The appropriate display of social behavior is critical for the well-being and survival of an individual. In many psychiatric disorders, including social anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorders, depression and schizophrenia social behavior is severely impaired. Selective targeting of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) has emerged as a novel treatment strategy for these disorders. In this review, we describe some of the behavioral paradigms used to assess different types of social behavior, such as social interaction, social memory, aggressive behavior and sexual behavior. We then focus on the effects of pharmacological modulation of mGluR1-8 on these types of social behavior. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates beneficial effects of selective ligands of specific mGluRs in ameliorating innate or pharmacologically-induced deficits in social interaction and social memory as well as in reducing aggression in rodents. We emphasize the importance of future studies investigating the role of selective mGluR ligands on different types of social behavior to provide a better understanding of the neural mechanisms involved which, in turn, might promote the development of selective mGluR-targeted tools for the improved treatment of psychiatric disorders associated with social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
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Vázquez-Villa H, Trabanco AA. Progress toward allosteric ligands of metabotropic glutamate 7 (mGlu7) receptor: 2008-present. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:193-199. [PMID: 30881607 PMCID: PMC6390470 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00524a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate type 7 (mGlu7) receptor is a member of the group III family of mGlu receptors. It is widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and is preferentially expressed on presynaptic nerve terminals where it is thought to play a critical role in modulating normal neuronal function and synaptic transmission, making it particularly relevant in neuropharmacology. The lack of small-molecule mGlu7 ligands with adequate potency, selectivity and drug-like properties has resulted in difficulties in the preclinical validation of mGlu7 modulation in disease models. In the last decade, allosteric modulators of mGlu7 receptors have emerged as valuable tools with good potency, selectivity and physicochemical properties to study and unleash the therapeutic potential of mGlu7 receptors. This review focusses on the medicinal chemistry of mGlu7 receptor allosteric ligands discovered since 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henar Vázquez-Villa
- Departamento de Química Orgánica , Facultad de Ciencias Químicas , Universidad Complutense de Madrid , E-28040 Madrid , Spain .
| | - Andrés A Trabanco
- Discovery Sciences , Medicinal Chemistry Department , Janssen Research & Development , c/ Jarama 75A , 45007 Toledo , Spain .
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