Regulation of CRH-induced secretion of ACTH and corticosterone by SOM230 in rats

OBJECTIVE

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome is biochemically characterized by increased plasma concentrations of ACTH inducing hypersecretion of cortisol. Somatostatin is known to inhibit ACTH secretion, and in vitro data have shown the inhibition of ACTH secretion by agonists activating sst2 and sst5 receptors. The present study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of the multireceptor ligand SOM230, compared with the sst2-preferring agonist octreotide, on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated secretion of ACTH and corticosterone in rats.

METHODS

Secretion of ACTH and corticosterone was induced by i.v. application of CRH (0.5 microg/kg) in rats pretreated 1 h before by i.v. application of SOM230 (1, 3, or 10 microg/kg), octreotide (10 microg/kg) or NaCl 0.9%.

RESULTS

SOM230 (3 and 10 microg/kg) inhibited CRH-induced ACTH release by 45+/-3% and 51+/-2%, respectively, and corticosterone release by 43+/-5% and 27+/-16%, respectively. 10 microg/kg of octreotide tended to be less potent at inhibiting ACTH release (34+/-6% inhibition) and did not alter the secretion of corticosterone.

CONCLUSION

SOM230 has a stronger inhibitory effect on ACTH and corticosterone secretion than octreotide in rats. This difference can be explained by its higher affinity to sst1, sst3 and especially sst5 receptors compared with octreotide.

SRA880, in vitro characterization of the first non-peptide somatostatin sst(1) receptor antagonist

This report describes the in vitro features of the first somatostatin sst(1) receptor selective non-peptide antagonist, SRA880 ([3R,4aR,10aR]-1,2,3,4,4a,5,10,10a-Octahydro-6-methoxy-1-methyl-benz[g] quinoline-3-carboxylic-acid-4-(4-nitro-phenyl)-piperazine-amide, hydrogen malonate). SRA was evaluated in a number of in vitro systems of various species, both at native and recombinant receptors, using radioligand binding and second messenger/transduction studies. SRA880 has high affinity for native rat, mouse, monkey and human cerebral cortex somatostatin sst(1) receptors (pK(d) = 7.8-8.6) and for human recombinant sst(1) receptors (pK(d) = 8.0-8.1). SRA880 displayed significantly lower affinity for the other human recombinant somatostatin receptors ( pK(d) < or = 6.0) or a wide range of neurotransmitter receptors, except for the human dopamine D4 receptors. SRA880 was characterized in various transduction assays: somatotropin release inhibiting factor (SRIF) induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, SRIF stimulated-GTPgammaS binding, and SRIF stimulated luciferase gene expression; in all tests, SRA880 was devoid of intrinsic activity and acted as an apparently surmountable antagonist with pK(B) values of 7.5-7.7. Combined with the data from binding studies, these results suggest that SRA880 acts as a competitive antagonist. Thus, SRA880 is the first non-peptide somatostatin sst(1) receptor antagonist to be reported; SRA880 will be a useful tool for the characterization of somatostatin sst(1) receptor-mediated effects both in vitro and in vivo.

Current awareness

In order to keep subscribers up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of NMR in biomedicine. Each bibliography is divided into 9 sections: 1 Books, Reviews ' Symposia; 2 General; 3 Technology; 4 Brain and Nerves; 5 Neuropathology; 6 Cancer; 7 Cardiac, Vascular and Respiratory Systems; 8 Liver, Kidney and Other Organs; 9 Muscle and Orthopaedic. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted.

Non-invasive, quantitative assessment of the anatomical phenotype of corticotropin-releasing factor-overexpressing mice by MRI

High resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was applied to quantify alterations in thymus and adrenal volumes, as well as body fat in genetically engineered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-overexpressing mice. When compared to the organs in age-matched wild-type animals, the adrenals in CRF-overexpressing male mice were significantly enlarged and the thymus volume in females was significantly smaller. The fat content was significantly larger in CRF-overexpressing mice. The anatomical alterations observed in the MRI studies were in perfect line with post-mortem data (weights of organs). Furthermore, the observed interstrain differences are in agreement with recently published data on (i) the effect of continuous, intraventricular infusion of CRF in rats and (ii) the presence of atrophic adrenals in CRF-knockout mice. The present studies demonstrate that MRI can provide reliable measures of relatively small structures such as the adrenal glands and the thymus in mice. This makes MRI an attractive, non-terminal tool to monitor in laboratory animals, including transgenic mice, the consequence of continuous stress on relevant organs.

Cloning, expression, functional coupling and pharmacological characterization of the rat dopamine D4 receptor

It has been difficult to observe functional coupling of the D4 receptor to second messenger systems and a robust functional assay system for this receptor is still lacking. In the present study, the rat dopamine D4 receptor was cloned from rat retina. Sequence comparison revealed identity with the published sequence of Ashgari and co-workers, including the two amino acid insertions (V-Q) at position 92 which are not present in the published sequence of O'Malley and coworkers. The rat dopamine D4 receptor was stably expressed in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast CCL39 cells. [3H]spiperone saturation binding yielded a Bmax of 2,370+/-546 fmol/mg protein and a pKD of 8.74+/-0.14 (n=4). Forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was inhibited by dopamine (Emax 61+/-1% inhibition of forskolin-stimulated levels, pEC50 7.33+/-0.06, n=23). A similar concentration-dependent inhibition was observed with the dopamine D2-like receptor agonists quinpirole and 7-OH-DPAT which elicited nearly the same Emax as dopamine. By contrast, apomorphine and a number of compounds with reported affinity for human dopamine D4 receptors (PD168077, U-101958, SDZ GLC 756, L-745,870 and NGD 94-1) behaved as partial agonists (Emax ranging between 26% and 56% of that of dopamine). The agonist effect of dopamine was completely blocked by preincubation with pertussis toxin, no further accumulation of cAMP above the forskolin-stimulated levels being observed. Antagonist pKB-values obtained against dopamine in this system were: 8.55+/-0.19 (n=3) for the partial agonist L-745,870, 8.38+/-0.23 (n=5) for spiperone, 7.18+/-0.17 (n=4) for haloperidol, 7.04+/-0.13 (n=4) for clozapine and <6 for raclopride. Other functional assays applicable were stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding, extracellular acidification rate and a serum-responsive element using luciferase expression as a reporter gene. However, the receptor did not couple to phosphatidylinositol turnover or to intracellular Ca2+. Thus, expression of the rat dopamine D4 receptor in CCL39 cells provided several functional assay systems, of which inhibition of cAMP appeared to be the most robust one. These functional models can be used to evaluate the activity of compounds at the rat dopamine D4 receptor.

Receptor density as a factor governing the efficacy of the dopamine D4 receptor ligands, L-745,870 and U-101958 at human recombinant D4.4 receptors expressed in CHO cells

1. The relationships between the density of dopamine D4.4 receptors and the agonist efficacies of L-745,870 (3-(4-[4-chlorophhenyl]piperazin-1-yl)-methyl-1H-pyrrolo [2, 3-b]pyridine) and U-101958 ((1-benzyl-piperidin-4-yl)-(3-isopropoxy-pyridin-2-yl)-methyl-a min e) were investigated in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, after treatment with the gene expression enhancer, sodium butyrate. 2. In CHO cells expressing D4.4 receptors (CHO/D4 cells), dopamine inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation (Emax 56+/-1% inhibition, pEC50 7.4+/-0.1, n=10). U-101958 behaved as a partial agonist (39+/-7% the efficacy of dopamine, pEC50 8.1+/-0.3, n=4), whereas L-745,870 had no detectable agonist effect. 3. Receptor density, as estimated by [3H]-spiperone saturation binding was 240+/-30 fmol mg-1 protein (n=8) in CHO/D4 cell homogenates. It reached 560+/-150 (n=6), 1000+/-190 (n=4) and 840+/-120 (n=4) fmol mg-1 protein after treatment with sodium butyrate (5 mM) for 6, 18 and 48 h, respectively. 4. The increase in receptor density was associated with a gradual enhancement of the agonist effects (increased Emax and pEC50 values) of dopamine. The efficacy of U-101958 (relative to dopamine) doubled and L-745,870 was turned into a partial agonist (efficacy 49% relative to dopamine, pEC50 8. 6+/-0.2, n=6, after 48 h treatment with sodium butyrate). These agonist effects of U-101958 and L-745,870 could be antagonized by spiperone (0.1 microM) but not by raclopride (10 microM). 5. The results show that U-101958 and L-745,870 are partial agonists at human dopamine D4.4 receptors expressed in CHO cells. Their efficacy is governed by receptor density. Agonist effects of these two compounds in vivo cannot be excluded under circumstances of increased receptor levels.

Functional, endogenously expressed corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF1 receptor mRNA expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a hypothalamic 41-amino acid peptide which stimulates corticotropin (ACTH) release from the anterior pituitary and is also involved in the body response to stress. CRF1 receptors represent a potential target for novel antidepressant/anxiolytic drugs. The aim of the present study was to search for a human cell line expressing native, functional CRF1 receptors as a starting material for screening purposes. We identified CRF1 receptors functionally coupled to cAMP formation in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. CRF induced concentration-dependent increases in cAMP accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells (maximal increase 6.9 +/- 0.9 fold over basal values, n = 14). This effect was mimicked by related peptides with similar potencies: (mean pEC50 value) human/rat CRF (8.63), rat urocortin (9.32), sauvagine (8.97), urotensin I (8.93), ovine CRF (8.81). The efficacies of these agonists were nearly the same, with the exception of ovine CRF which was slightly less efficacious (75% the Emax of CRF). The responses to CRF were competitively antagonised by the following peptide fragments (mean pKB value): alpha-helical-CRF (9-41) (7.54), [D-Phe12,Nle21,38,C alpha MeLeu37]CRF (12-41) (8.36) and [D-Tyr12]astressin (9.49) and by the selective, non-peptidic CRF1 receptor antagonists, CP-154,526 (7.76) and antalarmin (9.19). Estimation of receptor density by [125I]Tyr0-ovine CRF saturation binding yielded a modest number of binding sites (Bmax 12 fmol/mg protein, KD 0.2 nM). Analysis of mRNA by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction clearly revealed the presence of mRNA for CRF1 receptors in SH-SY5Y cells. A slight signal for CRF2 receptor mRNA was also observed. We conclude that neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells are endowed with native CRF1 receptors positively coupled to cAMP formation. They therefore constitute a useful functional model for the search of CRF1 selective compounds with potential anxiolytic/antidepressant activity.

NGD 94-1 as an agonist at human recombinant dopamine D4.4 receptors expressed in HEK293 cells

The atypical antipsychotic, clozapine has some selectivity for dopamine D4 receptors and is a silent antagonist at these receptors. NGD 94-1 (2-phenyl-4(5)-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-piperazin-1-yl-methyl]-imidazole ) is a highly selective dopamine D4 receptor ligand recently introduced as a putative antipsychotic mimicking the dopamine D4 receptor antagonist effects of clozapine. We show that NGD 94-1 is not silent. It behaved as an agonist in human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing human recombinant dopamine D4.4 receptors. This questions the clinical use of NGD 94-1.

Functional alpha2C-adrenoceptors in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

The alpha2-adrenoceptor mediating inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells was further characterized. The alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists, UK 14,304 (5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)quinoxaline), oxymetazoline, guanfacine, (-)-noradrenaline and clonidine concentration-dependently decreased cyclic AMP accumulation in this cell line (Emax ca. 50% inhibition). Agonist pEC50 values ranged between 6.7 and 7.8. Clonidine was a partial agonist. The effects of UK 14,304 were blocked after a pertussis toxin treatment. The concentration-response curves of UK 14,304 were shifted to the right in a parallel manner by the following antagonists (mean pK(B) values): yohimbine (8.17), idazoxan (7.63), prazosin (6.66), 2-[2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl]-4,4-dimethyl-1,3-(2 H,4H) isoquinolindione (ARC 239; 7.12) and 2-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxyethyl)aminomethyl-1,4-benzodioxane (WB-4101; 8.12). The relatively high pKB values of prazosin and ARC 239 point to a non-alpha2A-adrenoceptor-mediated effect. The relatively high pK(B) value of WB-4101 further characterizes the alpha2-adrenoceptor in SH-SY5Y cells as being of the alpha2C subtype. The analysis of the expression of alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed the exclusive presence of alpha2C-adrenoceptor mRNA in SH-SY5Y cells. We propose that inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in SH-SY5Y cells be used as a functional model of human, native alpha2C-adrenoceptors.

The agonist activities of the putative antipsychotic agents, L-745,870 and U-101958 in HEK293 cells expressing the human dopamine D4.4 receptor

1. Dopamine D4 receptor antagonists are being developed by several pharmaceutical companies as putative novel antipsychotics, possibly with low propensity to side-effects. Two such compounds, L-745,870 and U-101958 have been recently introduced. 2. The radioligand binding and functional activities of L-745,870 and U-101958 were investigated in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells expressing the human recombinant dopamine D4.4 receptor (HEK293/D4 cells). [3H]-spiperone binding experiments were performed and inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation was used as the functional response. 3. [3H]-spiperone was found to label a homogeneous and saturable population of specific binding sites in HEK293/D4 cell homogenates (Bmax 505+/-90 fmol mg(-1) protein, pK(D) 9.5+/-0.1, n=3). Inhibition of specific [3H]-spiperone binding was observed with spiperone (pKi 9.6+/-0.1, n=3), clozapine (pKi 7.4+/-0.1, n=4), L-745,870 (pKi 8.5+/-0.1, n=3) and U-101958 (pKi 8.9+/-0.1, n=3). By contrast, raclopride was very weak (pKi < 5, n=3). 4. Dopamine inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in HEK293/D4 cells in a concentration-dependent fashion (Emax 71+/-2% inhibition of forskolin-stimulated levels, pEC50 8.7+/-0.1, n=10). This effect was mimicked by the dopamine D2-like receptor agonists, quinpirole and 7-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT). 5. L-745,870 and U-101958 also inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in HEK293/D4 cells in a concentration-dependent way. L-745,870 was less efficacious than dopamine (71% the efficacy of dopamine), whereas U-101958 behaved as a full agonist compared to dopamine. Potencies (pEC50) values of L-745,870 and U-101958 were 9.0+/-0.2 (n=4) and 8.7+/-0.3 (n=3), consistent with pKi values determined in radioligand binding studies. 6. Dopamine, L-745,870 and U-101958 (up to 1 microM) were devoid of effect on forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in control, non-transfected HEK293 cells. 7. The agonist effects of dopamine, L-745,870 and U-101958 in HEK293/D4 cells could be antagonized by spiperone (pK(B) 8.2-8.8) and clozapine (pK(B) 7.1), but not by raclopride (pK(B) < 5). None of these antagonists had any significant agonist activity at concentrations up to 10 microM. 8. These results show that the putative dopamine D4 receptor antagonists, L-745,870 and U-101958 are not devoid of intrinsic activity at human recombinant dopamine D4.4 receptors. Therefore, they may not represent the most appropriate drugs for testing the benefit of D4 receptor antagonism in schizophrenic patients, if agonism should translate in vivo.

Inhibition of cAMP accumulation via recombinant human serotonin 5-HT1A receptors: considerations on receptor effector coupling across systems

Inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation was measured in two stable HeLa cell lines HA6 and HA7 expressing different levels of recombinant human 5-HT1A receptors. These cells were studied previously to characterize another second messenger system activated by 5-HT1A receptors, i.e. calcium mobilization. The pharmacological characterization of the inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation was made using agonists (5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT, buspirone, MDL 73005) and putative antagonists (SDZ 216-525, NAN-190, WAY-100135, pindolol, propranolol, WAY 100635). It is shown that 5-HT, 8-OH-DPAT, buspirone, MDL 73005 behaved as full (or nearly full) and potent agonists, whereas SDZ 216-525, NAN-190 and WAY-100135 displayed a limited (and similar) degree of intrinsic activity at human 5-HT1A receptors; on the other hand pindolol, propranolol and WAY 100635 behaved as "silent" antagonists. The effects were quantitatively and qualitatively very similar in both cells lines for all drugs tested, suggesting that the coupling between 5-HT1A receptors and inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in HeLa cells is very tight. There were, however, significant variations in both the level of agonism and the potency of a number of compounds when calcium mobilization and the inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation were compared. Especially in HA7 cells which express lower receptor levels, a number of drugs failed to display agonism (e.g. buspirone or MDL 73005), whereas in HA6 cells they acted as partial agonists. Together, the data show that functional responses mediated by the same receptor can vary rather dramatically depending on receptor density and/or on the effector system involved. Interestingly, 5-HT1A receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity measured in calf hippocampal membranes shows very similar degrees of potency and intrinsic activity for a number of compounds that have been tested on the inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in HeLa cells, suggesting that the very tight coupling observed in the recombinant system may apply to native 5-HT1A receptors.

Cloning, distribution and functional expression of the human mGlu6 metabotropic glutamate receptor

The cDNA encoding the human metabotropic glutamate receptor type 6 (hmGlu6) was isolated from a human retinal cDNA library. The deduced primary sequence (877 amino acids) of the hmGlu6 receptor was 93.5% identical to its rat counterpart and shared 69.8% sequence identity with the related hmGlu4 receptor clone (912 amino acids), isolated in parallel from a human brain cDNA library. In situ hybridization revealed that the hmGlu6 mRNA is highly expressed in cells located in the inner nuclear layer of the human retina, presumably bipolar neurons. Neither PCR analysis nor in situ hybridization could detect hmGlu6 mRNA in human brain. When stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) the hmGlu6 receptor inhibited adenylate cyclase through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein, and reduced forskolin-elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in response to agonists. The rank order of agonist potency was L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4) > L-serine-O-phosphate > L-glutamate > quisqualate = (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid ((1S,3R)-ACPD). (2S,3S,4S)-alpha-(carboxycyclopropyl)-glycine (L-CCG-I) was a partial agonist at the hmGlu6 receptor, with a potency approaching that of L-serine-O-phosphate.

Functional, endogenously expressed 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-ht7 receptors in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Human uterine artery smooth muscle cells in culture were shown to express constitutively both 5-ht7 receptor mRNA and 5-ht7-like receptors functionally linked to cyclic AMP formation. 5-Carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and 5-HT enhanced forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in these cells, with pEC50 values of 7.12 and 6.25, sumatriptan being very weakly active. Both methiothepin (0.1 microM) and clozapine (1 microM), but not the 5-HT4-receptor antagonist, SDZ 205-557 (10 microM) antagonized the effects of 5-CT. In reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis, the mRNA for 5-ht7, but not for 5-HT4 or 5-ht6 receptors was found to be strongly expressed in the same cells. These findings represent a further step toward the recognition of 5-ht7 receptors as real, functional receptors.

Functional serotonin 5-HT1D receptors and 5-HT1D beta receptor mRNA expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Pharmacological evidence has suggested the presence of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), 5-HT(1D) receptors on endothelial cells but these receptors have never been identified unambiguously on this type of cells. We now report that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) express 5-HT(1D) receptors coupled to inhibition of cyclic AMP formation. 5-HT and 5-HT(1D) receptor agonists 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and sumatriptan were approximately equipotent at inhibiting forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in HUVEC (mean pEC50 7.6-8.2, maximal effect 30% inhibition). The 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, 8-OH-DPAT was clearly less potent (pEC50 6.2) and less efficacious. The selective 5-HT(1D) receptor agonist, GR127935 (1 nM) markedly inhibited the effect of 5-HT (apparent pK(B) 10.8). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the mRNA for 5-HT(1D beta) receptors to be expressed in HUVEC. These results demonstrate the presence of functional 5-HT(1D) receptors and the expression of 5-HT(1D beta) receptor mRNA in HUVEC. They support the involvement of 5-HT(1D beta) receptors in endothelial-mediated responses to 5-HT.

5-Hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1D receptors mediating inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells

5-Hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptors are members of the same receptor subfamily, but display a different pharmacology (Hartig et al. (1992) Trends Pharmacol Sci 13: 152-159). Whereas several cell lines have been reported to contain 5-HT1B receptors, none has been described, however, that endogenously expresses well-characterized 5-HT1D receptors. The present study deals with the identification of 5-HT1D receptors inhibiting cyclic AMP accumulation in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. 5-HT (1 nM-10 microM) induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the cyclic AMP accumulation stimulated by prostaglandin E1 (1 microM) in MDCK cells. The maximal effect of 5-HT averaged 50% inhibition and was abolished after a pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. Other agonists mimicked the effects of 5-HT, with the following rank order of potency (pEC50 +/- SEM, n > or = 3): 5-carboxamidotryptamine (8.36 +/- 0.48) > PAPP (p-aminophenylethyl-m-trifluoromethylphenyl piperazine. 7.89 +/- 0.23) > 5-HT (7.35 +/- 0.05) > sumatriptan (6.65 +/- 0.27). PAPP behaved as a partial agonist. 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) was less potent, its maximal effect being not reached at 0.1 mM. Methiothepin. GR127935, (-)propranolol, rauwolscine and ketanserin were all devoid of intrinsic activity (up to 10 microM or 0.1 mM). Methiothepin (10 nM. 0.1 microM and 1 microM) antagonized 5-HT effect (pA2 8.57 +/- 0.44. Schild slope 1.17 +/- 0.21, n = 3).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacological identity between somatostatin SS-2 binding sites and SSTR-1 receptors

Somatostatin (SRIF) SS-2 binding sites were originally defined in rat brain cerebral cortex membranes using [125I]Tyr11-SRIF-14 in the presence of 120 mM NaCl. These sites were characterized by their high affinity for SRIF-14 and SRIF-28, but very low affinity for cyclic peptides such as octreotide (SMS 201-995) and seglitide (MK 678). The characteristics of SS-2 sites are reminiscent of 125I]CGP 23996-labelled sites in rat brain which have been termed SRIF-2 sites. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of SS-2 sites was determined in radioligand binding studies performed in rat cortex membranes using [125I]SRIF-14 in the presence of 120 mM NaCl and compared to that of human SSTR-1 receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, using [125I]SRIF-14. The rank orders of affinity of a variety of SRIF analogues and synthetic peptides for SS-2 binding sites and recombinant human SSTR-1 receptors were very similar and correlated highly significantly (r = 0.99). However, SS-2 binding correlated also with binding to recombinant SSTR-4 receptors (r = 0.91). Autoradiographic studies were performed using the radioligand [125I]CGP 23996 which has been claimed to label selectively SRIF-2 binding sites and compared with the distribution of SSTR-1 receptor mRNA determined using in situ hybridization in rat brain. Although some overlap was observed between the distribution of SSTR-1 mRNA and [125I]CGP 23996 binding sites, the latter were clearly more widespread, suggesting this ligand to label SSTR-1 and other sites. In addition, inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase was investigated in HEK 293 cells transfected with human SSTR-1 receptors; a variety of SRIF analogues and short synthetic peptides behaved as agonists at adenylate cyclase and displayed a rank order of potency highly similar to that observed for these compounds at SS-2 binding sites. Seglitide acted as an antagonist at SSTR-1 receptor mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity with a pKB of 4.42. It is concluded that the pharmacological profile of SS-2 binding sites resembles most closely that of SSTR-1 receptors (although similarities with SSTR-4 receptors were observed), that [125I]CGP 23996 labels presumably several SRIF receptors in rat brain, and that SSTR-1 receptors are negatively and efficiently coupled to adenylate cyclase activity.

Characterization and distribution of somatostatin SS-1 and SRIF-1 binding sites in rat brain: identity with SSTR-2 receptors

Somatostatin (SRIF) SS-1 binding sites were initially defined in radioligand binding studies performed in rat brain cerebral cortex membranes using [125I]204-090 (a radiolabelled Tyr3 analogue of SMS 201-995, octreotide). SRIF-1 recognition sites were defined in binding studies performed with [125I]MK 678 (seglitide). Both SS-1 and SRIF-1 sites were characterized by their high affinity for SRIF-14, SRIF-28 and for cyclic peptides such as octreotide and seglitide, in marked contrast to SS-2 and SRIF-2 sites which have very low affinity for these synthetic SRIF analogues. In the present study, SS-1 and SRIF-1 radioligand binding studies were performed in rat cortex membranes and compared to results obtained in cloned Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human SSTR-2 receptors using [125I]204-090 and/or [125I]MK-678. The rank orders of affinity of a variety of SRIF analogues and synthetic peptides for SS-1/SRIF-1 binding sites and recombinant SSTR-2 receptors were very similar and correlated highly significantly (r = 0.94-0.99); by contrast, correlation between SS-1 and SSTR-5 (r = 0.44) or SSTR-3 binding (r = 0.07) was not significant. Autoradiographic studies were performed in rat brain using both radioligands [125I]204-090 and [125I]MK-678 and compared with the distribution of SSTR-2 receptor mRNA determined using in situ hybridization. A clear overlap was observed between the distribution of SSTR-2 mRNA and binding sites labelled with both radioligands. SSTR-2 receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in Chinese hamster ovary cells by a variety of SRIF analogues and short synthetic peptides displayed a rank order of potency highly similar to their rank order of affinity at SS-1/SRIF-1 binding sites. It is concluded that SS-1 and SRIF-1 binding sites respectively labelled with [125I]204-090 and [125I]MK 678, both display the pharmacological profile of SSTR-2 receptors, that the distribution of [125I]204-090 and [125I]MK-678 binding sites in rat brain is superimposable and largely comparable to that of SSTR-2 mRNA expression. It is also shown that neither [125I]204-090 nor [125I]MK-678 label SSTR-3 or SSTR-5 receptors in rat brain. Finally, it is demonstrated that SSTR-2 receptors can very efficiently couple to adenylate cyclase activity in an inhibitory manner.

(+)-cis-4,5,7a,8,9,10,11,11a-octahydro-7H-10-methylindolo[1,7- bc][2,6]-naphthyridine: a 5-HT2C/2B receptor antagonist with low 5-HT2A receptor affinity

The indolonaphthyridine 8 is described as a selective 5-HT2C/2B vs 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. The compound was synthesized in seven steps starting from indoline and isonicotinic acid chloride. The key step is a photocyclization of the indolinyl tetrahydropyridinocarbamic acid ethyl ester 4 to the cis-octahydroindolo[1, 7-bc][2,6]naphthyridinecarbamic acid ethyl ester 5. The synthesis was accomplished by reduction with aluminum hydride and racemic resolution. The indolonaphthyridine 8 exerted the binding profile of a selective 5-HT2C receptor ligand (pKD 7.8) and behaved as an antagonist on the 5-HT-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in pig choroid plexus cells (pKB 7.13). Compound 8 dose-dependently inhibited the ACTH response to MK-212 in rats and the MK-212-induced hypophagic effect with an ID50 value of 0.3 mg/kg sc. Compound 8 acted as a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist at the rat stomach fundus with a pKB value of 7.34.

5-Hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1B receptors inhibiting cyclic AMP accumulation in rat renal mesangial cells

A clonal cell line derived from rat renal mesangial cells was shown to express endogenous 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) receptors that mediate inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation. These receptors were characterized as being of the 5-HT1B receptor subtype. 5-HT1 receptor agonists inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in rat renal mesangial cells (60-70% maximal inhibition) with the following rank order of potency (mean pEC50 values +/- SEM, n > or = 3): ergotamine (9.58 +/- 0.51) > RU 24969 (8.67 +/- 0.23) > or = 5-CT (8.42 +/- 0.06) > or = CP 93129 (8.15 +/- 0.27) > 5-HT (7.75 +/- 0.11) > sumatriptan (6.29 +/- 0.30) > 8-OH-DPAT (4.32 +/- 0.15). 5-HT2 and 5-HT4 receptor agonists were without effect. 5-HT-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation was abolished by a pre-treatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. (-)Propranolol was a partial agonist (27% maximal inhibition, pEC50 7.19 +/- 0.24, n = 3); when used as an antagonist at 1 microM, it shifted the concentration-response curve of 5-HT to the right (pKB 7.22 +/- 0.35, n = 3). Methiothepin was a competitive antagonist of 5-HT (pA2 8.04 +/- 0.10, Schild slope 0.87 +/- 0.21, n = 3). Rauwolscine (10 microM) had no antagonist activity. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.98, P = 0.0001) between the cyclic AMP data obtained in rat mesangial cells and 5-HT1B binding data reported in rat brain cortex. The same pattern of responses was observed in early passages of primary cultures of rat mesangial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors with a 5-HT6 receptor-like profile stimulating adenylyl cyclase activity in pig caudate membranes

This study deals with the characterization of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) receptors positively linked to adenylyl cyclase in membranes from pig brain caudate. 5-HT and related agonists induced a concentration-dependent stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in pig caudate membranes, with the following rank order of potency (mean pEC50 values): 5-HT (7.1) > or = 5-methoxytryptamine (6.9) > 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5.6) > sumatriptan (< 5). Maximal stimulation by 5-HT averaged 35 pmol cyclic AMP/min/mg protein over a basal activity of 159 pmol cyclic AMP/min/mg protein. 5-Methoxytryptamine and 5-carboxamidotryptamine had similar efficacies to that of 5-HT, whereas sumatriptan was about half efficacious. Other compounds known as agonists at some 5-HT receptors were weakly potent (mean pEC50 values < 5). They include the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide (8-OH-DPAT), the 5-HT4 receptor agonist, renzapride and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist, (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2 aminopropane) (DOI). In antagonist studies, methiothepin (0.1 and 1 mumol/l) shifted the 5-HT curve to the right with no depression of the Emax, yielding pKB values of 7.4-8.0. Clozapine (1 mumol/l) also produced surmountable antagonism of 5-HT-induced effects (pKB 6.9). Ketanserin (10 mumol/l) weakly antagonized 5-HT (pKB 5.0). The 5-HT4 receptor antagonists, tropisetron (ICS 205-930) and SDZ 205-557 (2-methoxy-4-amino-5-chloro-benzoic acid 2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester), each at 1 mumol/l, did not significantly alter the concentration-response curve of 5-HT.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differences between endothelin receptors mediating contraction of guinea-pig aorta and pig coronary artery

Endothelin receptors mediating contraction were characterized and compared in rings from guinea-pig thoracic aorta and pig left circumflex coronary artery. In guinea-pig aorta, the following rank order of agonist potencies was found (mean EC50 value, nM): endothelin-1 (5.0) = endothelin-2 (5.5) > vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC; 11.0) > sarafotoxin S6b (39.8) > [Ala3,11]endothelin-1 (121) > sarafotoxin S6a (> 150) > endothelin-3 (> 500). [Ala1,3,11,15] Endothelin-1, endothelin-(16-21), sarafotoxin S6c and sarafotoxin S6d were neither agonists nor antagonists at concentrations up to 1, 10, 3 and 1 microM, respectively. Cyclo-(D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu) (BQ-123; 0.1-1 microM) behaved as a competitive antagonist of endothelin-1 (pA2 7.4 +/- 0.1, slope factor 0.91 +/- 0.17, n = 4). In pig coronary artery, all endothelins and sarafotoxins were agonists, except for endothelin-(16-21). Sarafotoxin S6c, [Lys4]sarafotoxin S6c, [Nle6]sarafotoxin S6c and [Ala1,3,11,15]endothelin-1 acted as partial agonists (Emax about 40% of that of endothelin-1). The rank order of agonist potencies was: sarafotoxin S6c (1.5) = [Lys4]sarafotoxin S6c (1.5) > [Nle6]sarafotoxin S6c (6.7) > or = sarafotoxin S6a (7.5) > or = endothelin-1 (12.6) > or = sarafotoxin S6b (14.8) > or = VIC (18.3) = endothelin-2 (19.3) > or = [Ala1,3,11,15]endothelin-1 (41.7) > or = [Ala3,11]endothelin-1 (55.2) > endothelin-3 (96.8) > sarafotoxin S6d (> 200). Endothelin-(16-21) was neither agonist nor antagonist at 10 microM. The concentration-response curves of endothelin-3 and sarafotoxin S6a were biphasic, consisting of a higher sensitivity (40-45% of the total effect) and a lower sensitivity component. BQ-123 (0.1-1 microM) did not alter the concentration-response curve of endothelin-1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparative effects of the two endothelin ETA receptor antagonists, BQ-123 and FR139317, on endothelin-1-induced contraction in guinea-pig iliac artery

The effects of two recently introduced endothelin ETA receptor antagonists, BQ-123 and FR139317, were investigated and compared in guinea-pig isolated iliac artery. Endothelins and sarafotoxins induced contraction of guinea-pig iliac artery with a pharmacological profile characteristic of the ETA receptor. The rank order of agonist potency was (mean EC50 values, nM): endothelin-1 (11.7) > or = endothelin-2 (14.9) > or = vasoactive intestinal contractor (19.5) > sarafotoxin S6b (49.8) > or = [Ala3,11]endothelin-1 (55.0) > sarafotoxin S6a (> 100) > endothelin-3 (> or = 1000). The C-terminal hexapeptide, endothelin-(16-21), sarafotoxin S6c and sarafotoxin S6d were neither agonists nor antagonists at concentrations up to 10, 3 and 1 microM, respectively. Both FR139317 (1-10 microM) and BQ-123 (0.1-1 microM) surmountably antagonized the effects of endothelin-1. Schild analysis suggested competitive antagonism for FR139317 (Schild slope 1.32 +/- 0.21, pA2 5.82 +/- 0.16, n = 5), but not for BQ-123 (Schild slope 0.28 +/- 0.08, n = 5), which was however more potent (apparent pKB 6.6-7.2) than FR139317. The potency of FR139317 was particularly low with respect to the reported affinity for ETA receptors, suggesting heterogeneity among ETA receptors. Thus, the endothelin receptor present in guinea-pig iliac artery has the following features: (1) rank order of agonist potencies of the ETA type; (2) low potency of FR139317 and (3) non-competitive antagonism by BQ-123.

SDZ 216-525, a selective and potent 5-HT1A receptor antagonist

The pharmacological properties of SDZ 216-525, methyl 4-(4-[4-(1,1,3-trioxo-2H-1,2-benzoisothiazol-2-yl)butyl]-1-p iperazinyl)1H- indole-2-carboxylate, a new selective and potent 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, are described in vitro (and comparisons made with those of MDL 73005 and NAN 190, two putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonists) and in vivo. In radioligand binding studies, SDZ 216-525 showed high affinity and selectivity for 5-HT1A sites (pKD = 9.2) as compared to 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 sites (pKD = 6.0, 7.2, 7.5, 5.2 and 5.4, respectively). The affinity of the compound for alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1 and beta 2 adrenoceptors, and dopamine D2 receptors was at least 50-100 times lower than for 5-HT1A sites. The effects of SDZ 216-525, MDL 73005 and NAN 190 on 5-HT1 receptor-linked second messengers were characterised in the following tests: inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in calf hippocampus (5-HT1A), rat substantia nigra (5-HT1B) and calf substantia nigra (5-HT1D) and stimulation of inositol phosphate production in pig choroid plexus (5-HT1C). SDZ 216-525 potently antagonised the effects of 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-[N-dipropyl-amino]-tetralin) on 5-HT1A receptors (pKB = 10) and displayed no intrinsic activity in this test, whereas it behaved at best as a weak antagonist on the other receptor models (pKB values < 6.9).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Further characterization of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1-like receptor mediating contraction of guinea-pig iliac artery

We recently described a 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1-like receptor mediating contraction in guinea-pig isolated iliac artery. The present study was aimed at characterizing this receptor with respect to the currently recognized 5-HT1 receptor subtypes (5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT1D). The potencies of 13 drugs tested as agonists correlated with their affinities for 5-HT1D binding sites only. The concentration-response curve for 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT, a 5-HT1-like receptor agonist) was unaffected by propranolol (10 microM), which is reported to have affinity for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C recognition sites. Yohimbine (3 microM) and metergoline (1 microM) antagonized 5-CT with pKB values of 6.15 and 6.96, respectively. These values are close to those found in a functional correlate of 5-HT1D sites in the same species, namely the presynaptic 5-HT autoreceptor in guinea-pig brain cortex. The overall results support the view that the receptor studied is of the 5-HT1D subtype. The receptor shares close similarities with other vascular 5-HT1-like receptors mediating contraction, for example the receptor present in dog saphenous vein.

Heterogeneity of endothelin-sarafotoxin receptors mediating contraction of pig coronary artery

The contractile effects of endothelin-1, endothelin-3, sarafotoxin 6b and sarafotoxin 6c were studied in endothelium-denuded rings of pig coronary artery. Endothelin-1, sarafotoxin 6b and sarafotoxin 6c produced monophasic concentration-response curves (mean EC50 values 6.7, 14.8 and 1.6 nM), whereas the concentration-response curve to endothelin-3 was biphasic (mean EC50 values 9.6 nM and 0.32 microM). The maximal effect of sarafotoxin 6c was about one third of that reached by the other peptides. The higher sensitivity component of the curve to endothelin-3 was abolished in the presence of sarafotoxin 6c (0.3 microM), while the EC50 value for the other component remained unchanged. Sarafotoxin 6c (0.3 microM) failed to alter the EC50 values of endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin 6b. These data strongly suggest the presence of at least two endothelin-sarafotoxin receptors mediating contraction of pig coronary artery, one with the profile of the endothelin ETA receptor subtype, the other recognizing sarafotoxin 6c and endothelin-3, but not endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin 6b, being thus different from the ETB receptor subtype.

Agonist/antagonist interactions with cloned human 5-HT1A receptors: variations in intrinsic activity studied in transfected HeLa cells

The characteristics of 5-HT1A-recognition sites and receptor-mediated release of intracellular calcium were established in two transfected HeLa cell lines (HA 6 and HA 7) expressing different levels of human 5-HT1A receptors (about 3000 and 500 fmol/mg protein, Fargin et al. 1989; 1991; Raymond et al. 1989). The pharmacological profiles of the binding (determined with [3H]8-OH-DPAT) and the calcium response (measured using Fura-2) were clearly of the 5-HT1A type. Compounds such as 5-HT, 5-CT and 8-OH-DPAT acted as full agonists on the calcium response in both HeLa cell lines. In addition, methiothepin, pindolol, NAN 190 and SDZ 216-525 (Seiler et al. 1991) acted as silent and potent antagonists. Marked differences were observed in the responses mediated in the two cell lines. EC50 values of agonists (particularly 5-HT, 5-CT, flesinoxan and 8-OH-DPAT) were higher in HA 7 cells (up to 80-fold) than in other 5-HT1A receptor models (e.g. inhibition of adenylate cyclase in calf hippocampus). Further, a variety of compounds (ipsapirone, buspirone, spiroxatrine, MDL 73005) acted as agonists in HA 6 cells, whereas they behaved as silent antagonists in HA 7 cells (which express fewer receptors). By contrast, KB values for antagonists were comparable in HA 6 and HA 7 cells. The present data show that EC50 values and intrinsic activity for a given drug are subject to large variations depending on the number of receptors expressed in the target tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Competitive antagonism by recognized 5-HT2 receptor antagonists at 5-HT1C receptors in pig choroid plexus

The effects of several antagonists, known to interact with 5-HT2 receptors (ritanserin, LY 53857, ICI 169,369, methysergide, mesulergine and ketanserin), were tested against 5-HT-stimulated production of inositol phosphate in pig choroid plexus, a 5-HT1C receptor model. These antagonists produced dextral shifts of the concentration response curve to 5-HT in a parallel manner, without depressing significantly the maximal response. The following pA2 values (in parentheses) were obtained: mesulergine (8.88), methysergide (8.85), LY 53857 (8.69), ritanserin (8.69), ICI 169,369 (7.86), and ketanserin (6.57). These pA2 values were in good agreement with the pKD values determined in radioligand binding studies performed in pig choroid plexus with [3H]mesulergine. The present data demonstrate that several drugs described as 5-HT2 receptor selective antagonists (e.g. ritanserin, LY 53857 and ICI 169,369) are also potent, competitive and surmountable antagonists at 5-HT1C receptors. Thus, the results provide further evidence for the pharmacological similarity of 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors. However, in contrast to the situation described with methysergide, ritanserin and LY 53857 in several 5-HT2 receptor models, none of these antagonists acted in a non-competitive or unsurmountable fashion at 5-HT1C receptors. These results suggest, but do not firmly rule out, that at least in the presence of the drugs tested in the present study, 5-HT1C receptors in the choroid plexus do not undergo an allosteric modulation; these findings are apparently in contrast to a model proposed previously for 5-HT2 receptors (Kaumann and Frenken 1985, Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 328:295-300).

Characterization of histamine-induced contraction in rat isolated aorta

High concentrations of histamine (greater than 10 microM) contract rat aortic rings and the effect is greatly enhanced when the endothelium is removed. The present study was aimed at characterizing the histamine-induced contractions of de-endothelialized rat aortic rings. These contractions were poorly inhibited by the histamine H1-receptor antagonist, mepyramine (1 and 10 microM) and insensitive to the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine (10 microM), and to the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 microM). In contrast, the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, prasozin and pentholamine, antagonized these contractions in a concentration-dependent manner (respective apparent pKB values 9.7 and 7.9) and nifedipine (3 microM) reduced them by about 75%. Pretreatment of de-endothelialized rings with 8-bromo-cyclic GMP and of intact rings with methylene blue resulted in respective inhibition and enhancement of histamine-induced contractions, quite similarly to the effects in the presence and in the absence of endothelium, respectively. Histamine elicited endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic rings precontracted by prostaglandin F2 alpha. This relaxation was abolished in the presence of mepyramine (1 microM). However, mepyramine failed to mimic the enhancing effect of endothelium removal on histamine-induced contractions of resting aortic rings. It is concluded that, in rat aorta, (1) contractions induced by high concentrations of histamine (greater than 10 microM) are probably mediated by alpha 1-adrenoceptors; and (2) spontaneous, but not histamine-stimulated, release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor is mainly involved in the modulation of histamine-induced contractions.

Interaction of the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist oxymetazoline with serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT1D receptors

Oxymetazoline was recognized with nanomolar affinity by 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D binding sites and mimicked the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine with about the same potency and intrinsic activity as the endogenous amine in the corresponding functional tests. At 5-HT1C receptors, oxymetazoline behaved as a mixed agonist-antagonist. Clonidine had minimal activity. Methiothepin antagonized the effects of oxymetazoline (7.4 less than pKB less than 8.8). Thus, oxymetazoline is a full and potent agonist at 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors and a partial agonist at 5-HT1C receptors.

5-HT1-like receptors mediate 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction of guinea-pig isolated iliac artery

1. The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and of the 5-HT1-like receptor agonists, 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) and sumatriptan (GR43175) were investigated in isolated ring preparations of guinea-pig common iliac artery. 2. The three agonists induced very weak, if any, contractions of unstimulated preparations, whereas they elicited concentration-dependent contractions in preparations given a moderate tone by a threshold concentration of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). 3. Under the latter conditions, Emax values for 5-HT and 5-CT reached about 45% of PGF2 alpha maximal effect, whereas the Emax value of sumatriptan was significantly lower (about 35%). The rank order of potency (mean EC50 value, nM) was 5-CT (6.6) greater than 5-HT (22.9) greater than sumatriptan (155). Pargyline, cocaine or deoxycorticosterone were without significant effect on the contractions induced by 5-HT. 4. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, (1 alpha H, 3 alpha,5 alpha H-tropan-3-yl) 1-H-indole-3-carboxylic acid ester (ICS 205-930; 1 microM), had no effect on 5-HT-, 5-CT- and sumatriptan-induced contractions. 5. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin (1 microM) caused only small rightward shifts (concentration-ratios, about 2) in the concentration-response curves to 5-HT, 5-CT and sumatriptan without significantly depressing the maximum effects. 6. In the presence of ketanserin (1 microM), the non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist, methiothepin (0.1 microM), shifted the concentration-response curves to 5-HT and 5-CT to the right in a parallel manner and to a similar extent for both agonists (respective mean pKB values, 8.07 and 8.27). The effect of sumatriptan was also antagonized by methiothepin, but solvent effects precluded quantitative analysis of this antagonism. 7. It is concluded that 5-HT1-like receptors mediate the contractions induced by 5-HT, 5-CT and sumatriptan in guinea-pig isolated iliac artery. For reasons not yet understood, these receptors are detected only when the tissues are moderately pre-contracted by PGF2alpha.

5-HT receptors: subtypes and second messengers

Our knowledge about 5-HT (serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine) receptors has gained significantly over the recent few years. The discovery of selective ligands and the use of new techniques have led to a significant increase in the number of recognised receptors subtypes. The present status of awareness is largely related to the use of radioligand binding studies, autoradiography, second messenger analysis and more recently, molecular biological techniques. Three main families of 5-HT receptors, of which subtypes have been described, are now accepted. This heterogeneity is further substantiated by the cloning of the cDNA's of three different 5-HT receptors. This article reviews some of the recent developments which led to the characterisation of 5-HT receptor subtypes.

Serotonin 5-HT1D receptors

5-HT receptors are subdivided into 3 families, 5-HT1, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3, of which subtypes have been described. The 5-HT receptor field has experienced over the last 10 years a revival due to the availability of new and more selective drugs and new techniques. This communication deals essentially with the biochemical approaches to characterize 5-HT1D receptors, and their comparison with 5-HT1B receptors. The methods used include radioligand binding, in vitro autoradiography, and second messenger studies. 5-HT1 receptor subtypes are labeled with [3H]5-HT and present a large heterogeneity: no less than 4 subtypes have been characterized: 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D are labeled respectively with [125I]cyanopindolol, and [3H]5-HT under appropriate conditions. Although some similarities are evident, the pharmacology of the two receptors is clearly different. Rat 5-HT1B receptors recognize with high affinity a number of beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, such as SDZ 21-009, cyanopindolol, pindolol, propranolol and isamoltane. In contrast, calf, pig or human 5-HT1D receptors show significantly lower affinities for these drugs. 5-HT1D receptors show high to intermediate affinities to compounds such as PAPP, DP-5-CT, 8-OH-DPAT, yohimbine and rauwolscine, whereas 5-HT1B receptors have very low affinities for these compounds. The presence of 5-HT1B receptors has been documented convincingly only in rat, mouse and hamster. 5-HT1D receptors have been demonstrated in pigeon, guinea-pig, cat, dog, pig, calf, monkey, and man. The distribution of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors in all species examined so far, is very similar: high concentrations of sites are found in the nigro-striatal pathway, caudate-putamen, globus pallidus and especially substantia nigra. The subicullum shows also high densities of sites. Similar functional correlates have been proposed to 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D sites. Thus, 5-HT1D receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in guinea-pig and calf substantia nigra, and 5-HT1B receptors are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase in rat substantia nigra. Further, it is established that terminal 5-HT autoreceptors are of the 5-HT1B type in rat cortex, and of the 5-HT1D type in guinea-pig, pig, human and possibly rabbit cortex. In the rat saphenous vein, 5-HT1B receptors mediate inhibition of noradrenaline release. Preliminary evidence suggests that the canine basilar artery and saphenous vein, described as models for "5-HT1-like" receptors, could contain 5-HT1D receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The preservation of functional activity of smooth muscle and endothelium in pig coronary arteries after storage at -190 degrees C

Pig coronary arteries have been investigated in-vitro using fresh tissue or after storage at -190 C in foetal calf serum containing 1.8 M dimethyl sulphoxide. Attention was paid to modulation of contractile activity and endothelium-dependent relaxation. After cryopreservation of the arteries maximal contractile responses to both 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) were markedly reduced and the pD2 values for both agonists were slightly, but significantly, diminished. Nevertheless, 5-HT antagonism by ketanserin and pizotifen was unchanged. Endothelium-independent relaxant responses of precontracted arteries to isoprenaline, forskolin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, nitroprusside, atriopeptin III and cromakalim were generally unchanged after storage. Mechanical removal of the endothelium by rubbing enhanced the contractile response to PGF2 alpha in both fresh and stored arteries to a similar extent. In addition, endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to both 5-HT and substance P were well maintained, suggesting release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor by the stored arteries. The evidence suggests that after cryopreservation of pig coronary arteries at -190 degrees C mechanisms of relaxation, in particular those which are endothelium-dependent, are well maintained.

The serotonin 5-HT1D receptor: a progress review

Most of the known neurotransmitters interact with more than one type of receptor. Some of them even dispose of receptor subtypes to exert their actions. Serotonin, far from being an exception to that, possesses at least 3 classes of receptors, which have all been reported to be heterogeneous, although convincing data only exist for the 5-HT1 class. This name has been proposed in 1979, two years before the introduction of 'A' and 'B' in the nomenclature to account for the observed heterogeneity of these sites. The 5-HT1C receptor subtype was first described in 1984 and the last member of the family, named 5-HT1D, was characterized in 1987. The pharmacological profiles, the signal transducing systems and the anatomical localizations, both at the regional and cellular levels, of all these subtypes have been investigated and possible functions have been proposed for each of them. Moreover, last and most definitive demonstration of the subtype individuality, the gene or complementary DNA coding for the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1C (and 5-HT2) receptors have been cloned and sequenced. Such data are still missing for 5-HT1D (and 5-HT1B) receptors, but will certainly be provided in the next few years. However and waiting for this decisive clue, the characterization of the 5-HT1D subtype leaves no doubt concerning its significance as a function 5-HT receptor. This review will concentrate on the characteristics of this subtype of 5-HT receptor.

Age-related differences in cyclic AMP metabolism and their consequences on relaxation induced by isoproterenol and phosphodiesterase inhibitors in rat isolated aorta

Experiments were designed to investigate the respective roles of adenylate cyclase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase in the alterations with age of cyclic AMP metabolism-dependent relaxation in rat aorta. Neither basal nor stimulated aortic adenylate cyclase activities from 7- and 18-week-old rats differed significantly. The maximal cyclic AMP accumulation induced by isoproterenol in the aorta decreased with the age of the rat as did the maximal relaxation produced by the beta-adrenergic agonist in pre-contracted aorta strips. The age-related difference in cyclic AMP accumulation was abolished when the experiment was performed in the presence of a high concentration (500 microM) of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). In addition, four phosphodiesterase inhibitors, IBMX, rolipram, Ro 20-1724 and zaprinast relaxed aorta strips pre-contracted by serotonin with concentration-effect curves which were displaced to the right in the older rats, the maximal effects being unchanged. The results suggest that the previously reported increased phosphodiesterase activity could be responsible for (1) the diminution with age of isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP accumulation and relaxation in rat aorta; (2) the age-related decrease in potency of phosphodiesterase inhibitors as relaxing agents.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig coronary arteries is mediated by 5-HT receptors similar to the 5-HT1D receptor subtype

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor mediating endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig coronary arteries was characterized using a variety of 5-HT receptor agonists and antagonists. Unrubbed (with endothelium preserved) rings precontracted by prostaglandin F2 alpha in the presence of ketanserin relaxed in an endothelium-dependent manner to 5-HT, 5-carboxamidotryptamine and 5-methoxytryptamine with about equal potency and efficacy. By comparison, bufotenine, 3-(dimethylamino)ethyl-N-methyl-1H-indole-5-methane sulfonamide, (-)-alpha-methyl-5-HT,N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine and 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H indole were half-efficient and other drugs [in particular the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin] were inactive as agonists up to 0.1 mM. The effect of 5-carboxamidotryptamine was antagonized in an apparently competitive manner by 15 drugs. Among the most potent antagonists (mean pKB value) were the nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonists, methiothepin (7.30) and metergoline (6.86), the 5-HT1A/5-HT1D receptor ligand, 1-[2-(4-amino-phenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazine (7.02), the 5-HT1A/5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptor ligand, 7-trifluoromethyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo[1,2,-a]quinoxaline 1 (6.73) and yohimbine (6.37). Selective ligands for 5-HT1A receptors were either inactive [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide] or poorly active (spiperone, 4.44). Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists with affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors weakly antagonized the effect of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (pKB values less than or equal to 5.32), as did the 5-HT1c/5-HT2 receptor antagonist, mesulergine (5.30) and the yohimbine isomer, corynanthine (4.85). Methysergide was clearly a noncompetitive antagonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-HT1D receptors in guinea-pig and pigeon brain. Radioligand binding and biochemical studies

The characteristics of high affinity [3H]5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) binding to non 5-HT1A non 5-HT1C sites were examined in crude membranes prepared from different regions of guinea-pig and pigeon brains. The coupling of these sites to adenylate cyclase was examined, and its pharmacological profile investigated. In the presence of 100 nmol/l 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) and 100 nmol/l mesulergine, [3H]5-HT labelled with nanomolar affinity an apparently homogeneous population of recognition sites in guinea-pig and pigeon brain membranes. The rank order of affinities of agonists and antagonists (5-CT (5-carboxamidotryptamine) greater than 5-HT greater than RU 24969 (5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4- pyridinyl)-1H indole succinate) greater than yohimbine greater than or equal to rauwolscine greater than DP-5-CT (N,N dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine) greater than or equal to mianserin greater than 8-OH-DPAT greater than mesulergine greater than SDZ 21-009 ((+/-)-4(3-tert-butyl-amino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-indol-2 carbonic acid isopropyl ester) greater than (-)propranolol), as well as their individual pKD values, were very similar to those at porcine caudate 5-HT1D sites and clearly different from those at rat cortex 5-HT1B sites. In the substantia nigra of the guinea-pig the 5-HT receptor-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase had a pharmacological profile fully comparable to that of 5-HT1D binding sites (5-CT greater than 5-HT greater than yohimbine greater than RU 24969 greater than 8-OH-DPAT greater than SDZ 21-009 = isamoltane greater than (-)pindolol greater than (-)propranolol).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-Hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors mediating inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity. Pharmacological comparison with special reference to the effects of yohimbine, rauwolscine and some beta-adrenoceptor antagonists

5-Hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B) receptor mediated-inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in rat substantia nigra was characterized pharmacologically and compared to 5-HT1D receptor mediated-inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in calf substantia nigra. Special attention was paid to the effects of drugs known to bind with high affinity to 5-HT1B (pindolol, propranolol, cyanopindolol, SDZ 21-009, isamoltane) or 5-HT1D recognition sites (yohimbine, rauwolscine). pEC50 or pKB values of a variety of 5-HT-receptor ligands (6 agonists including 5-HT, and 12 antagonists) for the inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity in rat substantia nigra, correlated significantly to the corresponding pKD values at 5-HT1B binding sites (r = 0.90, P = 0.0001). Amongst the alpha 2- and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists tested, none of the drugs expressed more than 35% of the intrinsic activity of 5-HT at 5-HT1B receptors. When tested as antagonists, their pKB values were in good agreement with their pKD values for 5-HT1B sites. By contrast, these drugs displayed marked intrinsic activity at 5-HT1D receptors: their pEC50 values were close to their pKD values for 5-HT1D sites and their effects could be potently antagonized by methiothepin. The rank orders of potency of the tested compounds at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D were markedly different. The results strengthen the identity between 5-HT receptors mediating inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity in rat and calf substantia nigra and 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D binding sites, respectively. They underline the differences between these receptors in terms of intrinsic activities and potencies of drugs.

A comparison of cyclic AMP signaling system in rat aortic myocytes in primary culture and aorta

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) metabolism has been studied in rat aortic myocytes grown in primary culture to characterize this second messenger system in vascular smooth muscle cells that retain responses to vasoactive drugs. For comparison, cAMP metabolism was also studied in the aorta from donor rats. Adenylate cyclase activity from myocytes and from the aorta was stimulated to a similar degree by GTP, NaF, or forskolin, and the enzyme activation produced by isoproterenol or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was observed only in the presence of GTP. A cAMP phosphodiesterase activity was found in homogenates from cultured myocytes and aorta as well, and it was similarly stimulated by calmodulin in both cases. The rates of cAMP production and degradation were about seven-fold higher in cultured myocytes than in aorta. Basal levels of cAMP were also higher in the cultured cells than in the aorta. Hormones and drugs acting on adenylate cyclase or cAMP-phosphodiesterase in cell-free preparations altered the cAMP content of undisrupted cultured myocytes and aorta in the expected manner. Differences between cultured myocytes and aorta resided in the courses of drug-induced cAMP increases and in the magnitude of the cAMP response to isoproterenol, which was markedly increased in cultured myocytes compared with aorta. It is concluded that, despite some quantitative differences, the cAMP system of rat aortic myocytes grown in primary culture has characteristics similar to those displayed in rat isolated aorta. These cells are therefore suitable for studying the effects of drugs involving cAMP as a second messenger.

How selective is GR 43175? Interactions with functional 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT1D receptors

GR 43175 (3-[2-dimethylamino]ethyl-N-methyl-1 H-indole-5 methane sulphonamide) is a novel 5-HT1-like receptor-selective agonist which was reported to be active in the treatment of migraine attacks. The effects of the compound were investigated in radioligand binding studies and in functional models for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D receptors (inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in calf hippocampus, rat and calf substantia nigra, respectively) and 5-HT1C receptors (stimulation of inositol phosphate production in pig choroid plexus). GR 43175 displayed the following order of affinity for 5-HT recognition sites (pKD values, -log mol/l, in parentheses): 5-HT1D (7.54) greater than 5-HT1B (6.35) greater than 5-HT1A (6.13) much greater than 5-HT1C (4.13) greater than 5-HT2 (3.67). The same order of potency was observed at functional 5-HT1 receptors, at which GR 43175 acted as a full agonist, with the exception of the 5-HT1C receptor, where the compound was a weak antagonist (pEC50 or pKB values, -log mol/l, in parentheses): 5-HT1D (6.28) greater than 5-HT1B (6.03) greater than 5-HT1A (5.57) much greater than 5-HT1C (4.25). The present data show that GR 43175 interacts preferentially as an agonist with 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. Since 5-HT1B receptors have not yet been identified in human brain, it seems possible that it is the 5-HT1D receptor which is relevant to the reported antimigraine effects of this compound.

Effect of endothelium on basal and on stimulated accumulation and efflux of cyclic GMP in rat isolated aorta

1. The aim of this study was to examine the possible role of the release of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) into the extracellular space in the regulation of rat aortic cyclic GMP content. 2. Rat aortic segments incubated in physiological solution released cyclic GMP into the medium in a time-dependent manner. This release was greatly enhanced when intact instead of tissues without endothelium were used. After 120 min of observation, a maximal 33 fold difference in extracellular cyclic GMP content was detected. 3. Treatment of rat aortic preparations with either a Ca2+-free solution or methylene blue, both conditions known to inhibit endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF)-mediated responses, markedly reduced the extracellular accumulation of cyclic GMP from tissues with but not without endothelium. 4. Endothelium-dependent vasodilators such as acetylcholine (10 microM) and carbachol (10 microM) greatly increased tissue cyclic GMP content, in a time-dependent manner in rat aortic preparations with endothelium, but only slightly in tissues without. Maximal increases in intact tissues were obtained after about 1 min of agonist contact and amounted to about 35 and 15 fold respectively, thereafter tissue cyclic GMP content rapidly declined. Histamine (10 microM) elicited only minor effects on tissue cyclic GMP content of both intact preparations and those without endothelium. 5. Acetylcholine (10 microM), carbachol (10 microM) and histamine (10 microM) stimulated a time-dependent release of the cyclic nucleotide into the incubation medium from tissues with endothelium. After 120 min of observation, extracellular accumulation of cyclic GMP from intact tissues was increased by about 2.6, 6.6 and 1.7 fold respectively. Carbachol and histamine induced only minor effects on release from tissues without endothelium. 6. Sodium nitroprusside (0.3 and 10 microM), a direct activator of soluble guanylate cyclase, induced a concentration-dependent accumulation of cyclic GMP in tissues with and without endothelium that was associated with a concentration-dependent accumulation of cyclic GMP in the extracellular space. Peak tissue cyclic GMP content reached similar levels in preparations with and without endothelium, while extracellular cyclic GMP levels were about two times greater when experiments were performed with intact compared to endothelium-denuded tissues. 7. Atriopeptin II, an activator of particulate guanylate cyclase, increased tissue cyclic GMP content by about 8 and 18 fold respectively in tissues with and without endothelium. As was the case with sodium nitroprusside, atriopeptin II-stimulated release was markedly enhanced from intact tissues compared with those without endothelium. After 120 min of observation, there was a 16 fold difference in the amount of extracellular cyclic GMP.

The pharmacological properties of the presynaptic serotonin autoreceptor in the pig brain cortex conform to the 5-HT1D receptor subtype

The effects of serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists on the electrically (3 Hz) evoked 3H overflow were determined on pig brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-serotonin and superfused with physiological salt solution containing indalpine (an inhibitor of serotonin uptake) plus phentolamine. The potencies of the serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists were compared with their affinities for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C, and 5-HT1D binding sites in pig or rat tissue membranes; in addition, the potencies of the agonists were compared to their potencies in inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity in membranes of calf substantia nigra. In the superfusion experiments on pig brain cortex slices the following rank orders of potencies were obtained: agonists, serotonin greater than 5-methoxytryptamine = 5-carboxamidotryptamine greater than RU 24969 (5-methoxy-3(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole) greater than SDZ 21009 (4(3-terbutylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)indol-2-carbonic-acid-isopr opylester) greater than or equal to yohimbine greater than or equal to cyanopindolol greater than 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) greater than or equal to CGS 12066 B (7-trifluoromethyl-4(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline); ipsapirone and urapidil were ineffective; antagonists (antagonism determined against 5-methoxytryptamine as an agonist), metitepine greater than metergoline greater than mianserin. Propranolol, spiperone or mesulergine did not produce a shift of the concentration-response curve for 5-methoxytryptamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of arylpiperazines with 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT1D receptors: do discriminatory 5-HT1B receptor ligands exist?

The effects of several putative 5-HT1 receptor-subtype selective ligands were investigated in biochemical models for 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D receptors (inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in calf hippocampus, rat and calf substantia nigra, respectively) and 5-HT1C receptors (stimulation of inositol phosphates production in pig choroid plexus). Following compounds were studied: 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), TFMPP (1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine), mCPP (1-(m-chlorophenyl)piperazine), CGS 12066 (7-trifluoromethyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-pyrrolo[1,2-a] quinoxaline 1), isamoltane (CGP 361A, 1-(2-(1-pyrrolyl)-phenoxy)-3-isopropylamino-2-propranol), quipazine, 1-NP (1-(1-naphthyl)piperazine), and PAPP (LY165163, 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)- piperazine). Among reported 5-HT1B receptor selective drugs, TFMPP had similar potency at 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C receptors, mCPP did not separate between 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C receptors, CGS 12066 was equipotent at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors, and isamoltane was only slightly 5-HT1B versus 5-HT1A selective. Quipazine showed equal potency at 5-HT1B and 5-HT1C receptors and 1-NP did not discriminate between the four receptor subtypes. PAPP described as 5-HT1A receptor selective, was equally potent at 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D receptors. The potencies determined in second messenger studies were in good agreement with the affinity values determined in radioligand binding studies. Thus 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT1D receptors have different pharmacological profiles as predicted from radioligand binding studies. Despite claims to the contrary, none of the tested compounds had actual selectivity for a given 5-HT1 receptor subtype.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spontaneous rhythmic contractions of human saphenous veins isolated from old subjects are sensitive to cyclooxygenase inhibitors

Spontaneous rhythmic contractions were observed in some preparations of human isolated saphenous veins from old (greater than 60 years) subjects. These contractions were insensitive to adrenergic and histaminergic blockers, but were abolished by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, aspirin and indomethacin, indicating the participation of endogenous eicosanoids.

5-HT1C receptor-mediated stimulation of inositol phosphate production in pig choroid plexus. A pharmacological characterization

1) 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine, serotonin) induces inositol phosphate production in a pig choroid plexus preparation. This effect has been pharmacologically characterized and the data compared to those obtained from radioligand binding studies performed with [3H]mesulergine to 5-HT1C sites in pig choroid plexus membranes. 2) The rank order of potency of agonists stimulating inositol phosphate production was: alpha-methyl-5-HT greater than 1-methyl-5-HT greater than DOI greater than bufotenine = SKF 83566 = 5-HT greater than 5-MeO-DMT greater than 5-MeOT = RU 24969 greater than SCH 23390 greater than 5-CT. 8-OH-DPAT was virtually devoid of activity at 100 mumol/l. 3) The increase in inositol phosphate production induced by 5-HT and other agonists was surmountably antagonised by mesulergine, ketanserin and spiperone with pKB values of 8.7, 6.7 and 5.3, respectively. 4) The rank order of potency of antagonists was: metergoline greater than mesulergine greater than LY 53857 greater than ritanserin greater than methiothepin greater than mianserin greater than cyproheptadine greater than pirenperone greater than cinanserin greater than ketanserin greater than spiperone. The following antagonists were virtually devoid of activity at 100 mumol/l; pindolol, 21-009 and yohimbine. 5) The results obtained both with agonists and antagonists strongly support the view that 5-HT1C receptors mediate agonist induced production of inositol phosphates in pig choroid plexus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Histamine receptors in the smooth muscle of human internal mammary artery and saphenous vein

The effects of histamine were characterized and compared in the vascular smooth muscle of two human isolated blood vessels, the human internal mammary artery (HIMA) and the human saphenous vein (HSV). Segments of these vessels were obtained during aortocoronary bypass surgery and their intimal surface was rubbed in order to eliminate any possible influence of the endothelium. Histamine contracted both types of vessels in a concentration-dependent manner and this effect was antagonized by the H1 receptor antagonists mepyramine and cicletanine. In the case of HIMA only this antagonism was found to be competitive (pA2 values of 9.3 and 7.7 for mepyramine and cicletanine, respectively). Histamine-induced contractions were not significantly affected by phentolamine (0.3 microM). In HSV, but not HIMA, indomethacin (5 microM) significantly depressed histamine-induced contractions (by about 30%). In the presence of the H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine (10 microM), concentration-response curves of histamine-induced contractions were significantly shifted to the left in both HIMA and HSV, suggesting the presence of H2 receptors mediating relaxation. HIMA and HSV precontracted by noradrenaline could be partially and concentration dependently relaxed by histamine, only in the presence of a H1 receptor antagonist. This relaxation was inhibited by cimetidine. The results show that in de-endothelialized HIMA and HSV histamine induced mainly contraction which is sensitive to the H1 receptor antagonists. Only in HIMA, nevertheless, was competitive antagonism established. In addition, histamine-induced relaxation, antagonized by cimetidine, could be demonstrated in both precontracted vessels, indicating the presence of H2 receptors.