Effects of imidazoline I2 receptor agonists on reserpine-induced hyperalgesia and depressive-like behavior in rats

Pharmacotherapies for fibromyalgia treatment are lacking. This study examined the antinociceptive and antidepressant-like effects of imidazoline I2 receptor (I2R) agonists in a reserpine-induced model of fibromyalgia in rats. Rats were treated for 3 days with vehicle or reserpine. The von Frey filament test was used to assess the antinociceptive effects of I2 receptor agonists, and the forced swim test was used to assess the antidepressant-like effects of these drugs. 2-BFI (3.2-10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), phenyzoline (17.8-56 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and CR4056 (3.2-10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) all dose-dependently produced significant antinociceptive effects, which were attenuated by the I2R antagonist idazoxan. Only CR4056 significantly reduced the immobility time in the forced swim test in both vehicle-treated and reserpine-treated rats. These data suggest that I2R agonists may be useful to treat fibromyalgia-related pain and comorbid depression.

Interplay among catecholamine systems: dopamine binds to alpha2-adrenergic receptors in birds and mammals

Dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors considered to be different based on their pharmacology and signaling pathways. Some receptor subtypes that are members of one family are actually closer in phylogenetic terms to some subtypes belonging to the other family, suggesting that the pharmacological specificity among these receptors from different families is not perfect. Indeed, evidence is accumulating that one amine can cross-talk with receptors belonging to the other system. However, most of these observations were collected in vitro using artificial cell models transfected with cloned receptors, so that the occurrence of this phenomenon in vivo as well as its distribution in the central nervous system is not known. In this study the pharmacological basis of possible in vivo interactions between dopamine and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors was investigated in quail, zebra finches, and rats. Binding competitions showed that dopamine displaces the binding of the selective alpha(2)-adrenergic ligand, [(3)H]RX821002, in the brain of the three species with an affinity approximately 10-28-fold lower than that of norepinephrine. Dopamine also displaces with an affinity 3-fold lower than norepinephrine the binding of [(3)H]RX821002 to human alpha(h2A)-adrenergic receptors expressed in Sf9 cells. The anatomical distribution of this interaction was assessed in brain slices of quail and rat based on autoradiographic methods. Both norepinephrine and dopamine significantly displace [(3)H]RX821002 binding in all brain nuclei considered. Together, these data provide evidence for an interaction between the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the vertebrate brain, albeit with species variations.

Characterization of an antiproliferative effect of imidazoline receptor ligands on PC12 cells

The present study aimed at investigating the influence of imidazoline receptor ligands on the proliferation of PC12 cells and the involvement of the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling system in this effect. In cultured PC12 cells, S1P (0.3-100 nM) and the I(1) imidazoline receptor ligands moxonidine (0.3 and 1 mM), agmatine (1 mM), idazoxan (10-100 microM) and efaroxan (1-100 microM) concentration-dependently reduced protein contents which were used as estimates for cell number. The antiproliferative effects elicited by the compounds were abolished after knock-down of S1P(1), S1P(2) and S1P(3) receptors by RNA interference indicating an involvement of S1P receptors. In conclusion, the present data add further evidence to the recent finding that effects of imidazoline receptor ligands in PC12 cells are mediated by homo- and heterodimers of members of the S1P receptor family.

Analysis of brain adrenergic receptors in dopamine-beta-hydroxylase knockout mice

The biosynthesis of norepinephrine occurs through a multi-enzymatic pathway that includes the enzyme dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH). Mice with a homozygous deletion of DBH (Dbh-/-) have a selective and complete absence of norepinephrine. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta adrenergic receptors (alpha1-AR, alpha2-AR and beta-AR) in the postnatal absence of norepinephrine by comparing noradrenergic receptors in Dbh-/- mice with those in Dbh heterozygotes (Dbh+/-), which have normal levels of norepinephrine throughout life. The densities of alpha1-AR, alpha2-AR and beta-AR were assayed with [3H]prazosin, [3H]RX21002 and [125I]-iodo-pindolol autoradiography, respectively. The alpha2-AR agonist high affinity state was examined with [125I]-para-iodoclonidine autoradiography and alpha2-AR functionality by alpha2-AR agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography. The density of alpha1-AR in Dbh-/- mice was similar to Dbh+/- mice in most brain regions, with an up-regulation in the hippocampus. Modest decreases in alpha2-AR were found in septum, hippocampus and amygdala, but these were not reflected in alpha2-AR functionality. The density of beta-AR was up-regulated to varying degrees in many brain regions of Dbh-/- mice compared to the heterozygotes. These findings indicate that regulation of noradrenergic receptors by endogenous norepinephrine depends on receptor type and neuroanatomical region.

Prenatal cocaine exposure alters alpha2 receptor expression in adolescent rats

BACKGROUND

Prenatal cocaine exposure produces attentional deficits which to persist through early childhood. Given the role of norepinephrine (NE) in attentional processes, we examined the forebrain NE systems from prenatal cocaine exposed rats. Cocaine was administered during pregnancy via the clinically relevant intravenous route of administration. Specifically, we measured alpha2-adrenergic receptor (alpha2-AR) density in adolescent (35-days-old) rats, using [3H]RX821002 (5 nM).

RESULTS

Sex-specific alterations of alpha2-AR were found in the hippocampus and amygdala of the cocaine-exposed animals, as well as an upregulation of alpha2-AR in parietal cortex.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that prenatal cocaine exposure results in a persistent alteration in forebrain NE systems as indicated by alterations in receptor density. These neurochemical changes may underlie behavioral abnormalities observed in offspring attentional processes following prenatal exposure to cocaine.

Compensatory changes in the noradrenergic nervous system in the locus ceruleus and hippocampus of postmortem subjects with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is a significant loss of locus ceruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons. However, functional and anatomical evidence indicates that the remaining noradrenergic neurons may be compensating for the loss. Because the noradrenergic system plays an important role in learning and memory, it is important to determine whether compensation occurs in noradrenergic neurons in the LC and hippocampus of subjects with AD or a related dementing disorder, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We observed profound neuronal loss in the LC in AD and DLB subjects with three major changes in the noradrenergic system consistent with compensation: (1) an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression in the remaining neurons; (2) sprouting of dendrites into peri-LC dendritic zone, as determined by alpha2-adrenoreceptors (ARs) and norepinephrine transporter binding sites; and (3) sprouting of axonal projections to the hippocampus as determined by alpha2-ARs. In AD and DLB subjects, the postsynaptic alpha1-ARs were normal to elevated. Expression of alpha1A- and alpha2A-AR mRNA in the hippocampus of AD and DLB subjects were not altered, but expression of alpha1D- and alpha2C-AR mRNA was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of AD and DLB subjects. Therefore, in AD and DLB subjects, there is compensation occurring in the remaining noradrenergic neurons, but there does appear to be a loss of specific AR in the hippocampus. Because changes in these noradrenergic markers in AD versus DLB subjects were similar (except neuronal loss and the increase in TH mRNA were somewhat greater in DLB subjects), the presence of Lewy bodies in addition to plaques and tangles in DLB subjects does not appear to further affect the noradrenergic compensatory changes.

Autoradiographical distribution of imidazoline binding sites in monoamine oxidase A deficient mice

This study has used receptor autoradiography to characterize imidazoline binding sites (I-BS) in monoamine oxidase (MAO) A knockout and wild-type mice. A comparison between MAO-A and MAO-B, binding of the endogenous beta-carboline [(3)H]harmane, and I-BS, has been made using sections from brain and kidney. The loss of binding to MAO-A in the knockout animals was confirmed using the selective radioligand [(3)H]Ro41-1049, with labelling reduced to background levels. The binding of [(3)H]Ro19-6327 to MAO-B was unaffected, indicating no change in this isoform in response to the loss of MAO-A. A reduction in binding to the I(2)-BS, as labelled by both [(3)H]idazoxan and [(3)H]2-BFI (2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline), was seen in the MAO-A knockout animals in both brain and kidney sections, whereas binding to the I(1)-BS in kidney sections remained unchanged. The loss of I(2) binding was found to be regionally dependent and was positively correlated with the relative expression of MAO-A in specific regions in the wild-type animals. Using the MAO-A knockout mice it was also possible to demonstrate a non-MAO-A population of binding sites labelled by the putative I-BS endogenous ligand, harmane.

Long-lasting effects of yohimbine on the ejaculatory function in male dogs

Previous studies have demonstrated that systemic administration of a low dose of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonists stimulates the ejaculatory response of male dogs, when this function is analyzed using the amount of ejaculated semen in response to genital stimulation. The present study was designed to further examine the features of the stimulatory effects of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonists on ejaculation, especially the duration of action. Treatment with yohimbine (0.1 mg/ kg, i.p.) to male dogs, at 0.5, 1, 3, or 5 h before the testing, produced a significant stimulatory effects on the ejaculatory response elicited by manual penile stimulation; the amount of ejaculated semen was increased and the onset of ejaculation was shortened following each treatment. However, such effects were not observed in the treatment with yohimbine at 8 and 24 h before the testing, indicating that the ejaculatory stimulation induced by yohimbine lasted for a relative long period. By contrast, the stimulatory effects of RX821002 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, on ejaculation were observed only for 1 h after administration. To determine the contribution of the alpha2-adrenoceptor blockade for the long-lasting effect of yohimbine, we tested whether yohimbine can prevent the ejaculatory inhibition induced by clonidine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist. The ejaculatory inhibition (a decrease in the amount of ejaculated semen and a delay onset of ejaculation) elicited by clonidine (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.; 1 h before testing) was completely blocked by pretreatment with yohimbine at 1 or 5 h before the testing, whereas the pretreatment with the drug at 24 h before the testing did not affect the clonidine-induced ejaculatory inhibition. These results indicate that yohimbine-induced ejaculatory stimulation is continued for a relative long period (at least 5 h after administration), and this long-lasting effects may be related to the alpha2-adrenoceptor blocking property of the drug.

Characterisation of imidazoline I2 binding sites in pig brain

The imidazoline I2 binding sites in the central nervous system have previously been described in several different species including rat, mouse, rabbit and frog. The present study has investigated the imidazoline I2 binding site, and its relationship to the monoamine oxidase isoforms, in pig whole brain and compared the results obtained with data from other species. Results from saturation binding studies revealed that the imidazoline I2-selective ligand, [3H]2BFI (2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline) labelled a single saturable population of sites with a KD=6.6 nM and Bmax=771.7 fmol/mg protein. The pharmacological characterisation of the sites was similar to that previously reported with a rank order of potency for the imidazoline I2 ligands of 2BFI>BU224>Idazoxan>BU226. Displacement by the imidazoline I1 ligands was low affinity and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors displaced with micromolar affinity. The majority of compounds displaced the binding in a monophasic manner, however, displacement by the putative endogenous ligand, harmane was biphasic. The relative populations of the two monoamine oxidase isoforms revealed a 10 fold greater expression of monoamine oxidase B relative to monoamine oxidase A. These data confirm the presence of imidazoline I2 binding sites in pig brain and show that their pharmacology is characteristic of that seen in other species. The proportion of monoamine oxidase A and B expressed in the pig brain is similar to that seen in the human brain therefore, given the association between imidazoline I2 binding sites and monoamine oxidase, the pig may provide a more useful model for human imidazoline I2 binding sites than other species such as the rat.

Autoradiographic localisation of [3H]2-BFI imidazoline I2 binding sites in mouse brain

Imidazoline I2 binding sites are heterogeneous in nature and have been observed in the brain of a number of species. Development of specific imidazoline I2 radioligands, such as [3H]2-BFI and [3H]BU224, that have a high affinity for the imidazoline I2 binding site, has enabled the central distribution of these sites to be mapped. Extensive studies have been conducted on the rat brain with a number of radioligands. However, to date a comprehensive analysis of imidazoline I2 ligand binding in mouse brain has not been completed. In the present work we describe levels of [3H]2-BFI specific binding found throughout the mouse brain. [3H]2-BFI (2 nM) showed discrete regional distribution which was readily displaced by saturating concentrations of the specific imidazoline I2 ligand BU224. The highest levels of [3H]2-BFI specific binding were found in the dorsal raphe, paraventricular thalamus and nucleus accumbens. Moderate levels were found throughout the lining of the aqueduct, lateral ventricle, lateral 4th ventricle, 4th ventricle, 3rd ventricle, but not the dorsal 3rd ventricle. Based on the loss of [3H]idazoxan binding in brain homogenates from monoamine oxidase-A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) deficient mice it has been suggested that imidazoline I2 binding sites are predominantly on MAO. Consistent with this hypothesis the regional distribution of [3H]2-BFI shows some overlap with that previously reported for MAO. However, in the rat imidazoline I2 binding sites have been shown to be heterogeneous in nature and it is likely [3H]2-BFI is binding to multiple imidazoline I2 binding sites within mouse brain.

The alpha-2B adrenoceptor in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus is persistently upregulated by chronic psychosocial stress

Stress has been reported to regulate adrenergic receptors but it is not known whether it has an impact on the alpha-2 adrenoceptor subtype B that is strongly expressed in distinct nuclei of the thalamus. So far little is known about effects of stress on the thalamus. Using the chronic psychosocial stress paradigm in male tree shrews, we analyzed alpha-2B adrenoceptor expression in the paraventricular and the anteroventral nucleus of the thalamus after a six-week period of daily social stress and after a 10-day post-stress recovery period. In situ hybridization with a specific alpha-2B adrenoceptor probe was performed to quantify receptor gene expression in single neurons, and receptor binding was determined by in vitro receptor autoradiography using the radioligand [3H]RX821002. To determine the stress level in the animals, we measured urinary cortisol excretion and body weight. In the neurons of the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, expression of the alpha-2B adrenoceptor transcript was increased after both the six-week chronic-stress period and the post-stress recovery period. Combination of in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry revealed expression of alpha-2B adrenoceptor transcript in neurons that were stained with an antibody against glutamate but not in neurons immunoreactive for GABA. Alpha-2 adrenoceptor radioligand binding was also increased after both time periods in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus. No significant effects of stress and recovery were observed in the anteroventral thalamic nucleus. Urinary cortisol excretion was increased during the stress period but normalized thereafter. Body weight was reduced during weeks 1 to 3 of stress and then normalized. These data show that long-term chronic psychosocial stress has an impact on alpha-2B adrenoceptor expression in the thalamus and that the effect persists throughout a post-stress recovery period though activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis normalizes after stress. Upregulation of the receptor probably alters neurotransmission in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus and may thus influence information transfer to limbic and cortical brain areas.

Clonidine increases caspase-3 mRNA level and DNA fragmentation in the developing rat brainstem

The densities of alpha2-adrenergic receptors, labeled by 3H-clonidine or 3H-RX821002, reach a peak in the rat brainstem during the first week of its life. This enables the agonist of alpha2-adrenergic receptor clonidine, which is used as a component of anaesthetic solution in infants and children, to have specific effects in this structure of the developing brain. Clonidine was injected into the fetal brain (5 microg in 5 microl of saline) or subcutaneously to the pups (1, 10 microg in 50 microl of saline) 3 days before investigation. Clonidine increased the level of apoptotic enzyme caspase-3 mRNA expression, as measured by RT-PCR and enhanced the DNA fragmentation, as determined by gel electrophoresis, in the brainstem of the 21-day-old fetuses and 8-day-old rats. In the cortex of 8-day-old rat, the alpha2-adrenergic receptors are at a much lower level than the brainstem. Clonidine treatment had no evident effects on caspase-3 mRNA level and DNA fragmentation in the cortex of an 8-day-old rat. The data suggest that clonidine facilitates cell death in the developing brainstem. This drug effect provides a potential mechanism whereby clonidine during early life could induce long-lasting alterations in brain neurochemistry, autonomic functions and behavior.

Imidazoline I(2) receptor density increases with the malignancy of human gliomas

BACKGROUND

Current glioma grading schemes are limited by subjective histological criteria. Imidazoline I(2) receptors are principally expressed on glial cells.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of using the measurement of imidazoline I(2) receptor expression to differentiate glial tumours from other types of brain tumours and for grading the different gliomas.

METHODS

The specific binding of [(3)H]idazoxan to imidazoline I(2) receptors was measured in homogenates from human gliomas of different grades.

RESULTS

The density of imidazoline I(2) receptors was significantly greater in the three types of malignant glial tumours than in postmortem control brain or non-glial tumours. The increase in density correlated with the malignancy grade of the gliomas. No significant differences in affinity values were observed.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the density of imidazoline I(2) receptors may be a useful radioligand parameter for the differentiation of glial tumours from other types of brain tumours and for grading the different gliomas.

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor development in rat CNS: an autoradiographic study

During development norepinephrine plays a role in determining the morphologic organization of the CNS and the density and future responsiveness of adrenergic receptors. alpha-2 Adrenergic receptors, one of three adrenergic receptor types, regulate important adult CNS functions and may have a distinct role during development. We examined alpha-2 receptor distribution and density in the rat brain at postnatal days 1, 5, 10, 15, 21, 28 and in adults using the antagonist [(3)H]RX821002 for autoradiography. Binding kinetics and pharmacology for alpha-2 adrenergic receptors were the same in adults and neonates. There was an overall increase in alpha-2 receptor levels during postnatal development with great variability in pattern and timing of receptor density changes among brain regions. Three major patterns were apparent. First, in many regions receptor density increased during postnatal development, generally reaching adult levels around postnatal day 15. Within this group there was variability in timing between regions and there were several regions with receptor densities higher than adult levels during the postnatal period. Second, there were regions with very high levels of receptors at birth and little or no change in density during the postnatal period. Third, some regions demonstrated decreasing or transient expression of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the course of postnatal development, including white matter regions, cerebellum and many brainstem nuclei, suggesting specific roles for alpha-2 receptors during development. This study investigates the development of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the rat CNS. It demonstrates there is region-specific regulation of alpha-2 receptor development and identifies brain regions where these receptors may play a specific and critical role in the regulation normal development.

Inhibitory Effect of Harmane on Morphine-Dependent Guinea Pig Ileum

Studies on the occurrence and properties of b-carbolines structurally related to harmala alkaloids have gained attention since it was hypothesized that some of these compounds play a role in processes of substance abuse and dependence. This study investigates the effects of harmane on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent guinea pig ileum. Segments of ilea from starved male guinea pigs were obtained and fixed at a resting tension of 1 g in an organ bath containing 10(-6) M morphine in Tyrode solution at 37 degrees C, which was bubbled with 95% O(2) and 5% CO(2). Tissues were incubated in 10(-6) M morphine containing Tyrode solution for 4 hours before harmane was added. Naloxone and harmane had no effect on naive ilea. Naloxone (10(-6) M) contracted morphine-dependent ilea. Harmane significantly inhibited the contractile response to naloxone in a dose-dependent manner (10(-7) M = 24%; 10(-6) M = 49.3%; 10(-5) = 70%). These results suggest that harmane may have beneficial effects on morphine withdrawal syndrome.

Molecular mechanisms of ligand-receptor interactions in transmembrane domain V of the alpha2A-adrenoceptor

1. The structural determinants of catechol hydroxyl interactions with adrenergic receptors were examined using 12 alpha2-adrenergic agonists and a panel of mutated human alpha2A-adrenoceptors. The alpha2ASer201 mutant had a Cys --> Ser201 (position 5.43) amino-acid substitution, and alpha2ASer201Cys200 and alpha2ASer201Cys204 had Ser --> Cys200 (5.42) and Ser --> Cys204 (5.46) substitutions, respectively, in addition to the Cys --> Ser201 substitution. 2. Automated docking methods were used to predict the receptor interactions of the ligands. Radioligand-binding assays and functional [35S]GTPgammaS-binding assays were performed using transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells to experimentally corroborate the predicted binding modes. 3. The hydroxyl groups of phenethylamines were found to have different effects on ligand affinity towards the activated and resting forms of the wild-type alpha2A-adrenoceptor. Substitution of Ser200 or Ser204 with cysteine caused a deterioration in the capability of catecholamines to activate the alpha2A-adrenoceptor. The findings indicate that (i) Cys201 plays a significant role in the binding of catecholamine ligands and UK14,304 (for the latter, by a hydrophobic interaction), but Cys201 is not essential for receptor activation; (ii) Ser200 interacts with the meta-hydroxyl group of phenethylamine ligands, affecting both catecholamine binding and receptor activation; while (iii) substituting Ser204 with a cysteine interferes both with the binding of catecholamine ligands and with receptor activation, due to an interaction between Ser204 and the para-hydroxyl group of the catecholic ring.

Effects of the imidazoline binding site ligands, idazoxan and efaroxan, on the viability of insulin-secreting BRIN-BD11 cells

CONTEXT

Certain imidazoline drugs stimulate insulin secretion acutely but their longer term effects on the viability of pancreatic beta-cells are less well characterised. Indeed, some reports have suggested that imidazolines can be toxic to beta-cells while others have reported protective effects against other cytotoxic agents.

OBJECTIVE

In order to address these discrepancies, the effects of two structurally related imidazolines, efaroxan and idazoxan, on the viability of clonal BRIN-BD11 beta-cells, were compared.

DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

BRIN-BD11 cells were exposed to test reagents and their viability monitored by measuring cellular reducing ability and DNA fragmentation. Nitric oxide was measured indirectly via medium nitrite formation.

RESULTS

Efaroxan (up to 100 micro M) did not directly affect BRIN-BD11 cell viability in the absence of other agents and it did not protect these cells against the cytotoxic effects of interleukin-1beta. Indeed, analysis of DNA fragmentation in BRIN-BD11 cells revealed that efaroxan enhanced the level of damage caused by interleukin-1beta. Idazoxan caused a time- and dose-dependent loss of BRIN-BD11 cell viability in the absence of other ligands. This was associated with marked DNA degradation but was not associated with formation of nitric oxide. The effects of idazoxan were insensitive to blockade of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors or 5-HT(1A) (5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin) receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm that idazoxan is cytotoxic to beta-cells but show that efaroxan is better tolerated. However, since efaroxan enhanced the cytotoxic effects of interleukin-1beta, it appears that this imidazoline may sensitise BRIN-BD11 cells to the damaging effects of certain cytokines.

Biochemical and functional characterization of alpha-adrenergic receptors in the rabbit vagina

Vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle within the vagina mediate important physiological changes during sexual arousal in women. In this study, we have characterized alpha-adrenergic receptors (AR) in rabbit vagina by assessment of radioligand binding, contractility of isolated tissue strips and genital hemodynamics. [3H]Prazosin and [3H]RX821002 (alpha-1 and alpha-2 AR selective antagonists) bound to rabbit vaginal membrane preparations with high affinity and limited capacity. Competition binding assays using both non-selective and subtype selective ligands for AR (phentolamine, prazosin, delequamine, rauwolscine and UK14304) further confirmed the presence of alpha-1 and alpha-2 AR in vaginal tissue. In organ bath preparations of vaginal tissue strips, norepinephrine-induced contraction was attenuated by alpha-1 and alpha-2 AR antagonists (prazosin, tamsulosin, delequamine and phentolamine). In anesthetized rabbits, intravaginal injection of the alpha-1 AR selective antagonist REC 15/2615 (50 and 100 microg/kg) caused a 2 to 3-fold increase in genital tissue oxyhemoglobin (OHb) concentration. Similar increases in tissue OHb were observed with intravaginal injection of phentolamine (500 microg/kg) or a tri-mixture of vasodilators (PGE1, papaverine, phentolamine). REC 15/2615, phentolamine or the tri-mixture also enhanced the amplitude and/or duration of change in genital tissue OHb after pelvic nerve stimulation. Thus, vaginal tissue expresses functional alpha-1 and alpha-2 AR, which modulate vaginal smooth muscle contractility and genital engorgement.

Distribution of [(3)H]BU224, a selective imidazoline I(2) binding site ligand, in rat brain

BU224 (2-(4,5-dihydroimidaz-2-yl)-quinoline) is a selective imidazoline I(2) binding site ligand characterised in both competition binding assays and functional studies. However, in some studies, BU224 has been reported to have a different functional effect from that seen with another selective imidazoline I(2) binding site ligand 2-BFI (2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline). This effect may reflect differing efficacies of the ligands or a difference in their brain distribution. The present study has investigated the distribution of the tritiated form of BU224 in rat brain and correlated this distribution with other imidazoline I(2) binding site ligands, [(3)H]idazoxan and [(3)H]2-BFI. Saturation studies revealed binding of [(3)H]BU224 was of high affinity and saturable. The central distribution of [(3)H]BU224 was similar to that previous reported for imidazoline I(2) binding site in rat brain. Autoradiography revealed that the highest levels of binding were in the arcuate nucleus, interpeduncular nucleus, area postrema, pineal gland and ependymal cell layer lining the ventricles. Correlation analysis of the binding distribution with our previous published studies revealed a highly significant correlation between [(3)H]BU224 and both [(3)H]idazoxan (r=0.94) and [(3)H]2-BFI (r=0.96). These data indicate [(3)H]BU224 labels the same population of imidazoline I(2) binding site in rat brain as seen with [(3)H]idazoxan and [(3)H]2-BFI. Therefore, the differences in functional effects observed with these compounds may reflect agonist and antagonist properties.

Characterization of [(3)H]idazoxan binding sites on human platelets

Human platelets possess at least two non-adrenoceptor binding sites pharmacologically distinct from the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. The effects of various imidazol(in)es on platelet aggregation have suggested that these compounds may interact with these non-adrenoceptor binding sites on platelets. [(3)H]Idazoxan is an antagonist of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors frequently used to characterize imidazoline I(2) receptors. We evaluated the binding of [(3)H]idazoxan to human platelet membranes. In saturation experiments [(3)H]idazoxan (1.25-32 nM) recognized a single, saturable binding site with high affinity. However, competition assays revealed the presence of alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors and a non-adrenoceptor minor population (25-39%) recognized with high affinity by the imidazoline drug with low affinity for alpha(2)-adrenoceptors 2-BFI. After the addition of (-)adrenaline (5 microM) to mask alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, competition curves against [(3)H]idazoxan binding were biphasic. The imidazoline I(1) receptor-selective drugs, efaroxan and rilmenidine, recognized the minor component with high affinity, whereas the imidazoline I(2) receptor-selective drugs, guanabenz and 2-BFI, bound with high affinity to the major component. Further masking experiments in the presence of efaroxan (2 microM) or guanabenz (1 microM) confirmed that [(3)H]idazoxan labels two non-adrenoceptor binding sites pharmacologically compatible with imidazoline I(1) and I(2) receptors as well as alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors in human platelets.

alpha(2B)-Adrenergic receptors activate MAPK and modulate proliferation of primary cultured proximal tubule cells

In the rat proximal tubule, the alpha(2B)-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2B)-AR) enhances Na(+) reabsorption by increasing the activity of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform NHE3. The mechanisms involved are unclear, and inhibition of cAMP production remains controversial. In this study, we reinvestigated alpha(2B)-AR signaling pathways using rat proximal tubule cells (PTC) in primary culture and LLC-PK(1) cells permanently transfected with the RNG gene (rat nonglycosylated alpha(2)-AR). Binding experiments indicated that PTC express substantial amounts of alpha(2B)-AR (130 fmol/mg protein), and only RNG transcripts were detected. In both cell types, the alpha(2B)-AR is coupled to G protein, and its stimulation by dexmedetomidine, but not by UK-14304, provoked a significant inhibition of the accumulation of cAMP induced by forskolin or parathyroid hormone. Exposure to alpha(2)-agonists increased arachidonic acid release and caused extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation, which correlated with enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinse (MAPK) activity and nuclear translocation. MAPK phosphorylation was blunted by pertussis toxin but not by protein kinase C desensitization, and it coincided with transient phosphorylation of Shc. Finally, treatment with UK-14304 accelerated cell growth. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the precise mechanism of MAPK activation, but the present data suggest that alpha(2B)-AR may play a positive role during tubular regeneration.

Seasonal changes in the densities of alpha(2) noradrenergic receptors are inversely related to changes in testosterone and the volumes of song control nuclei in male European starlings

The functions of song and the contextual cues that elicit song change seasonally in parallel with testosterone (T) concentrations in male European starlings. T is high in spring when at least one function of male song is that of immediate mate attraction, and low outside the context of breeding, when starlings primarily use song for dominance or flock maintenance. Several brain nuclei that control song contain high densities of alpha(2)adrenergic receptors. T can regulate the density of alpha(2)adrenergic receptors in the avian brain, indicating that the density of alpha(2) adrenergic receptors within the song system might change seasonally. Although the function of seasonal brain variation is not entirely clear, in many songbirds the volumes of song nuclei are largest when T is high and males sing most. Male starlings, however, sing both when T is high and when T is low. Therefore, exploring seasonal changes in T and the volumes of song nuclei could provide insight into the function of these changes. The present study was performed to explore the relationships among T, the volumes of song nuclei, and the densities of alpha(2) adrenergic receptors within the song system of male starlings. Song nuclei (the high vocal center [HVc], robust nucleus of the archistriatum [RA], and Area X) were largest, T was highest, and the density of alpha(2) adrenergic receptors (within HVc and RA) was lowest during the breeding season. The reverse pattern was observed outside of the breeding season. These results suggest that changes in T, volumes of song nuclei, and alpha(2) receptor densities might regulate seasonal changes in song behavior or the context that will elicit song in male starlings.

Testosterone dependence of salt-induced hypertension in Sabra rats and role of renal alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes

This study investigated the importance of the male sex hormone testosterone on salt-induced hypertension, renal alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtype distribution, and gene expression in salt-sensitive (SBH) male Sabra rats. Comparisons of blood pressure and renal alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtype gene expression and receptor densities have been made among sham-operated rats, and gonadectomized rats treated or not with testosterone and submitted to normal or high salt diet for 6 weeks. In intact rats, only alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors were detected in this rat strain independent of the diet. In these rats, high salt diet increases blood pressure and up-regulates gene expression and density of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. Gonadectomy abolishes the hypertensive response to salt overload, decreases gene expression and density of alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors, and prevents their salt-induced up-regulation. After gonadectomy, increased gene expression and a detectable density of alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors are observed at similar levels in normal and high salt diet. In gonadectomized rats, testosterone replacement restores salt-induced hypertension, density of renal alpha(2B)-adrenoceptors, and gene expression to the intact levels observed both under normal and high salt diet. Furthermore, the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor subtype is not detected in these conditions. If the increase in renal alpha(2B)-adrenoceptor subtypes is indicative of the hypertensive phenotype, the presence of the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor appears associated with a state of salt resistance in male SBH rats. In conclusion, testosterone is needed for the full expression of salt-induced hypertension in male salt-sensitive Sabra rats. Renal densities of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes are under control of the testicles and are differentially regulated by testosterone.

In vitro and in vivo impairment of alpha2-adrenergic receptor-dependent antilipolysis by fatty acids in human adipose tissue

The aim of the present study was to study the influence of fatty acids on the adrenergic control of lipolysis both in vitro and in vivo. Human subcutaneous adipose tissue explants were cultured for 48 h in the presence of 100 microM bromopalmitate (BrPal), and lipolysis was measured in isolated adipocytes. In control conditions, beta-AR-dependent activation of lipolysis by epinephrine was almost undetectable, and could be fully restored by pharmacological blockade of alpha2-AR-dependent antilipolysis. After BrPal treatment, epinephrine became fully lipolytic and was no longer influenced by alpha2-AR-blockade. Radioligand binding analysis revealed that BrPal treatment led to a significant reduction in the coupling of alpha2-AR to G proteins. In parallel, a chronic and significant increase in plasma fatty acids resulting from a 4-day high-fat diet (HFD) was accompanied by an impairment of the amplifying effect of the alpha2-AR antagonist phentolamine on exercise-induced lipolysis (measured in the subcutaneous adipose tissue with the use of a microdialysis probe) normally observed after a low-fat diet. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo studies showed that fatty acids impair alpha2-AR-dependent antilipolysis.

Differential [(3)H]idazoxan and [(3)H]2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI) binding to imidazoline I(2) receptors in human postmortem frontal cortex

[(3)H]2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI) and [(3)H]idazoxan are the most used tools to characterise imidazoline I(2) receptors. We evaluated the binding of both radioligands to human postmortem frontal cortex membranes. Saturation binding analyses revealed that [(3)H]idazoxan (in the presence of 2 microM efaroxan to avoid radioligand binding to alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and imidazoline I(1) receptors) and [(3)H]2-BFI bound with high affinity to an apparent single population of sites. However, in competition studies whereas [(3)H]idazoxan (10 nM) binding was displaced monophasically by idazoxan and 2-BFI, both drugs displayed biphasic curves for [(3)H]2-BFI (1 nM). The proportion of the low-affinity binding site increased from 17% to 25% when 10 nM [(3)H]2-BFI was displaced by idazoxan. Amiloride inhibited [(3)H]2-BFI (10 nM) binding with low affinity and in a monophasic way. These data indicate that [(3)H]2-BFI recognises in human postmortem brain membranes a second binding site different from the imidazoline I(2) receptors labelled by [(3)H]idazoxan.

Rabbit alpha2-adrenoceptors: both platelets and adipocytes have alpha2A-pharmacology

The recombinant alpha2-adrenoceptors, designated as alpha2a and alpha2d, have highly similar amino acid sequences, but distinct pharmacological properties. It has been suggested that these two receptor subtypes are species orthologs, since the alpha2-adrenoceptors of a given species have pharmacological characteristics corresponding to either the alpha2a- (human, pig) or alpha2d- (rat, mouse, guinea pig, cow) adrenoceptor. Radioligand binding assays in rabbit adipocyte suggest alpha2D-adrenoceptor pharmacology. However, functional studies examining prejunctional alpha2-adrenoceptors in several tissues pharmacologically define the receptor of the rabbit as an alpha2A-adrenoceptor rather than an alpha2D-adrenoceptor. We characterized the alpha2-adrenoceptor of rabbit adipocyte and platelet, comparing the ability of norepinephrine and 13 adrenoceptor antagonists to inhibit the binding of [3H]RX821002 with the affinity of these drugs for the human alpha2a-adrenoceptor or the rat alpha2d-adrenoceptor. Pharmacological characteristics of the adipocyte and platelet receptor were very similar, with an excellent correlation between pK(i) values (r2 = 0.95, slope of regression = 1.01). Drug affinities for both platelet and adipocyte receptors correlated better with the alpha2a-adrenoceptor (r2 = 0.68-0.77) than with the alpha2d-adrenoceptor (r2 = 0.37-0.38). Despite the relatively low affinity of the rabbit adipocyte alpha2-adrenoceptor for yohimbine and rauwolscine, this receptor, as well as the platelet receptor, have alpha2A-adrenoceptor pharmacology. Subtle differences in the alpha2-adrenoceptor binding characteristics of these native rabbit tissues compared with the recombinant human alpha2a-adrenoceptor may result either from minor differences in the sequence of human and rabbit alpha2a-adrenoceptors or from differences in the environment to which native and recombinant receptors are exposed.

Brain alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in monoamine-depleted rats: increased receptor density, G coupling proteins, receptor turnover and receptor mRNA

1. This study was designed to assess the molecular and cellular events involved in the up-regulation (and receptor supersensitivity) of brain alpha(2)-adrenoceptors as a result of chronic depletion of noradrenaline (and other monoamines) by reserpine. 2. Chronic reserpine (0.25 mg kg(-1) s.c., every 48 h for 6 - 14 days) increased significantly the density (B(max) values) of cortical alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist sites (34 - 48% for [(3)H]-UK14304, 22 - 32% for [(3)H]-clonidine) but not that of antagonist sites (11 - 18% for [(3)H]-RX821002). Competition of [(3)H]-RX821002 binding by (-)-adrenaline further indicated that chronic reserpine was associated with up-regulation of the high-affinity state of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. 3. In cortical membranes of reserpine-treated rats (0.25 mg kg(-1) s.c., every 48 h for 20 days), the immunoreactivities of various G proteins (Galphai(1/2), Galphai(3), Galphao and Galphas) were increased (25 - 34%). Because the high-affinity conformation of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor is most probably related to the complex with Galphai(2) proteins, these results suggested an increase in signal transduction through alpha(2)-adrenoceptors (and other monoamine receptors) induced by chronic reserpine. 4. After alpha(2)-adrenoceptor alkylation, the analysis of receptor recovery (B(max) for [(3)H]-UK14304) indicated that the increased density of cortical alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in reserpine-treated rats was probably due to a higher appearance rate constant of the receptor ((Delta)r=57%) and not to a decreased disappearance rate constant ((Delta)k=7%). 5. Northern- and dot-blot analyses of RNA extracted from the cerebral cortex of saline- and reserpine-treated rats (0.25 mg kg(-1), s.c., every 48 h for 20 days) revealed that reserpine markedly increased the expression of alpha(2a)-adrenoceptor mRNA in the brain (125%). This transcriptional activation of the receptor gene expression appears to be the cellular mechanism by which reserpine induces up-regulation in the density of brain alpha(2)-adrenoceptors.

Receptor phosphorylation mediates estradiol reduction of alpha2-adrenoceptor coupling to G protein in the hypothalamus of female rats

Estrogen increases evoked norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus of female rodents, in part by reducing the ability of alpha2-adrenoceptors to act as negative feed-back inhibitors of norepinephrine release. Estrogen enhancement of norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus correlates with decreased coupling of the alpha2-adrenoceptor to G protein. To determine the mechanism by which estrogen uncouples alpha2-adrenoceptors from G protein, we tested the hypothesis that estrogen increases alpha2-adrenoceptor phosphorylation. Short-term activation of endogenous serine/threonine phosphatases with protamine or treatment with exogenous phosphatase restored alpha2-adrenoceptor coupling to G protein to control levels in hypothalami from estrogen-exposed female rats. Additional experiments examined whether estrogen alters G protein-coupled receptor kinase expression or activity or serine/threonine phosphatase activity. These proteins are involved in G protein-coupled receptor phosphorylation, internalization, and recycling. Estrogen exposure reduced G protein-coupled receptor kinase mRNA, protein, and activity in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, estrogen treatment reduced serine/threonine phosphatase activity in the hypothalamus. Analysis of ligand binding in subcellular fractions demonstrated that estrogen decreases the fraction of internalized alpha2-adrenoceptors in the hypothalamus.Therefore, estrogen promotes norepinephrine release in the hypothalamus by stabilizing alpha2-adrenoceptor phosphorylation, uncoupling the receptor from G protein. Estrogen may stabilize alpha2-adrenoceptor phosphorylation by inhibiting receptor internalization and dephosphorylation.

Chronic treatment with desipramine facilitates its effect on extracellular noradrenaline in the rat hippocampus: studies on the role of presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors

Adaptive phenomena such as desensitization of autoreceptors are considered an important factor in the achievement of therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant drugs after chronic treatment. We have studied whether a chronic treatment with desipramine had a greater effect than a single dose on the extracellular concentrations of noradrenaline in the dorsal hippocampus. Administration of 10 mg/kg i.p. desipramine once daily for 14 days significantly raised the basal extracellular noradrenaline in the dorsal hippocampus 24 h but not 48 h after the last drug injection. A challenge dose of desipramine increased extracellular noradrenaline in rats treated chronically with vehicle and desipramine. The effect was significantly higher in rats treated chronically with desipramine 48 h but not 24 h after the last injection. An intraperitoneal administration of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine at the dose of 10 microg/kg significantly reduced extracellular noradrenaline in the control group but not in animals chronically treated with desipramine whereas 30 microg/kg clonidine produced a similar decrease in both groups. Three concentrations of clonidine (0.05, 0.5 and 1 microM) infused into the hippocampus significantly reduced extracellular noradrenaline to a similar extent in rats chronically treated with saline or desipramine. Fourty-eight hours after the last injection of the chronic treatment, [3H]RX-821002 binding to alpha2-adrenoceptors in the rat locus coeruleus measured by autoradiography was not significantly modified. A slight (17%) but significant decrease of neuronal uptake of [3H]noradrenaline was found in synaptosome preparations from dorsal hippocampus of rats chronically treated with desipramine, but this was likely due to a decrease in affinity. The results suggest that a repeated treatment with desipramine (10 mg/kg i.p. once daily for 14 days) facilitates its effect on extracellular noradrenaline in the dorsal hippocampus and induces adaptive changes probably involving desensitization of alpha2-adrenoceptors, with no changes in their density, on noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus.

Heterogeneous ligand-mediated Ca(++) responses at wt and mutant alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors suggest multiple ligand activation binding sites at the alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor

Ligand:receptor interactions were analysed at wild-type, Asp(79)Asn and Thr(373)Lys alpha(2A) AR by measuring Ca(++) responses in the co-presence of a G(alpha 15) protein in CHO-K1 cells. (-)-Adrenaline displayed a time-dependent Ca(++) response with the following magnitude: wt alpha(2A) AR>Thr(373)Lys alpha(2A) AR>Asp(79)Asn alpha(2A) AR. The maximal amplitude of activation by d-medetomidine and clonidine versus that of (-)-adrenaline was not affected by the Asp(79)Asn mutation, whereas it was significantly lower for both UK 14304 (-42%) and oxymetazoline (-35%). BHT 920 induced a higher Ca(++) response (+19%) at the Asp(79)Asn alpha(2A) AR. Some (atipamezole>BRL 44408=idazoxan approximately SKF 86466>dexefaroxan) but not all (RX 811059 and RS 15385) of the putative alpha(2) AR antagonists tested also displayed partial agonist properties at the Asp(79)Asn alpha(2A) AR. At the Thr(373)Lys alpha(2A) AR, high-efficacy responses were produced by each of the agonists, whereas the putative antagonists showed the following rank order of maximal responses: BRL 44408>SKF 86466>atipamezole approximately idazoxan>dexefaroxan. The observed heterogeneity of Ca(++) responses produced by different ligands at wt and mutant alpha(2A) AR may be explained by assuming the existence of multiple ligand activation binding sites at the alpha(2A) AR.

Agonist efficacy at the alpha2A-adrenoceptor:G alpha15 fusion protein: an analysis based on Ca2+ responses

A fusion protein was constructed between the recombinant human alpha2A-adrenoceptor and a mouse G alpha15 protein to measure the efficacy of agonist-induced Ca2+ responses at a receptor:G alpha15 protein stoichiometry of 1. Activation of this fusion protein in CHO-K1 cells by (-)-adrenaline induced a time- and concentration-dependent (pEC50: 7.28+/-0.04) increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The magnitude of the Ca2+ response was related to the amount of the fusion protein and the number of surface alpha2A-adrenoceptor binding sites as estimated by [3H]RX 821002 binding. Whereas UK 14304 was as efficacious as (-)-adrenaline, the following ligands displayed partial agonist properties [Emax in percentage vs. (-)-adrenaline: d-medetomidine (76+/-3) > BHT 920 (53+/-3) > clonidine (39+/-4) >> oxymetazoline (10+/-1)]. This ligand activation profile was not affected over a 30-fold range of expression of the fusion protein in contrast to the observed enhancement of the partial agonists' maximal responses by co-expression of the alpha2A-adrenoceptor with increasing amounts of the G alpha15 protein. In conclusion, the fusion protein approach opens perspectives to quantify intrinsic activities of ligands under controlled experimental conditions of a fixed receptor:G alpha15 protein ratio of 1.

Imidazoline receptor antisera-selected (IRAS) cDNA: cloning and characterization

The imidazoline-1 receptor (IR1) is considered a novel target for drug discovery. Toward cloning an IR1, a truncated cDNA clone was isolated from a human hippocampal lambda gt11 cDNA expression library by relying on the selectivity of two antisera directed against candidate IR proteins. Amplification reactions were performed to extend the 5' and 3' ends of this cDNA, followed by end-to-end PCR and conventional cloning. The resultant 5131-basepair molecule, designated imidazoline receptor-antisera-selected (IRAS) cDNA, was shown to encode a 1504-amino acid protein (IRAS-1). No relation exists between the amino acid sequence of IRAS-1 and proteins known to bind imidazolines (e.g., it is not an alpha2-adrenoceptor or monoamine oxidase subtype). However, certain sequences within IRAS-1 are consistent with signaling motifs found in cytokine receptors, as previously suggested for an IR1. An acidic region in IRAS-1 having an amino acid sequence nearly identical to that of ryanodine receptors led to the demonstration that ruthenium red, a dye that binds the acidic region in ryanodine receptors, also stained IRAS-1 as a 167-kD band on SDS gels and inhibited radioligand binding of native I1 sites in untransfected PC-12 cells (a source of authentic I1 binding sites). Two epitope-selective antisera were also generated against IRAS-1, and both reacted with the same 167-kD band on Western blots. In a host-cell-specific manner, transfection of IRAS cDNA into Chinese hamster ovary cells led to high-affinity I1 binding sites by criteria of nanomolar affinity for moxonidine and rilmenidine. Thus, IRAS-1 is the first protein discovered with characteristics of an IR1.

Synthesis and alpha-adrenergic binding ligand affinities of 2-iminoimidazolidine derivatives

In order to obtain possible veinotonic drugs acting through alpha2 receptor activation, we prepared clonidine analogues in which the 2-imino-imidazolidine was attached to various aliphatic or aromatic heterocycles. Among them, the two benzopyranic derivatives 16 and 22 exhibited interesting affinities (19 and 95 nM respectively on [3H]rauwolscine binding, compared to 35 nM for clonidine). Their affinity for alpha1 receptors was found to be much lower: 7570 and 5030 nM for 16 and 22 respectively, suggesting 16 to be 400 times more selective for alpha2 than for alpha1-adrenoceptors.

Ligand recognition of serine-cysteine amino acid exchanges in transmembrane domain 5 of alpha2-adrenergic receptors by UK 14,304

Ligand binding of UK 14,304 reveals notable species (i.e., human-rodent) and receptor-subtype differences of alpha2-adrenergic receptors (alpha2-ARs). To study the molecular basis of the selectivity of UK 14,304, we compared a series of conservative serine-cysteine exchange mutants at ligand-accessible positions in transmembrane domain 5 of the human and mouse alpha2A-ARs. UK 14,304 bound with approximately 200-fold higher affinity to the human alpha2A-AR wild-type receptor compared with the human alpha2A-ARSer201 mutant, but only an approximately fivefold difference was seen with the corresponding mouse alpha2A-AR variant. These effects of cysteine-serine exchanges only involved the agonist low-affinity forms of the receptors, as the affinity of [3H]UK 14,304 for the agonist high-affinity receptor populations was not influenced. The apparent affinities of a set of eight structurally diverse alpha2-AR ligands (six agonists and two antagonists) were not influenced significantly by the cysteine-serine exchanges (except for oxymetazoline and yohimbine, with up to nine- and eightfold differences in affinity, respectively). We conclude that position 201 (a) plays a primary role in determining observed subtype/species selectivity of UK 14,304 in competitive antagonist radioligand binding assays and (b) does not determine the subtype selectivity of chlorpromazine.

Imidazoline-binding domains on monoamine oxidase B and subpopulations of enzyme

A series of phenoxy-substituted methylimidazoline derivatives were synthesized and used to define the ligand recognition properties of the imidazoline-binding domain (IBD) on monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B and its role in substrate processing. The rank order of potency for selected compounds in competitive binding studies with the imidazoline [(3)H]idazoxan was different from that in enzyme activity assays, suggesting that the IBD and the site involved in enzyme inhibition are distinct. IC(50) values for inhibition of MAO-B activity by imidazoline/guanidinium ligands were one to two orders of magnitude greater than ligand concentrations that probably saturate the IBD, but were equal to the K(d) values of these ligands in competitive binding assays with the reversible MAO-B inhibitor [(3)H]Ro 19-6327. In addition, the degree of enzyme inhibition by these ligands was similar in platelet and liver, tissues exhibiting 10-fold differences in the amount of the IBD-accessible enzyme subpopulation. These data suggested that the inhibitory effect of these compounds on MAO-B activity involved a secondary interaction with the enzyme domain recognizing the inhibitor Ro 19-6327 and does not involve interaction with the IBD. Subsequent radioligand-binding studies indicated that human liver MAO-B actually existed as two distinct populations that differed in the accessibility of their IBD. The relatively small amounts of MAO-B possessing an accessible IBD ( approximately 5% in human liver) precludes determination of the functional consequences of ligand binding to the IBD. This subpopulation of MAO-B may be selectively regulated or generated in different individuals or tissues and targeted by pharmacologically active compounds in a cell type-specific manner.

Regional brain distribution of noradrenaline uptake sites, and of alpha1-alpha2- and beta-adrenergic receptors in PCD mutant mice: a quantitative autoradiographic study

The mouse "Purkinje cell degeneration" (pcd) is characterized by a primary loss of Purkinje cells, as well as by retrograde and secondary partial degeneration of cerebellar granule cells and inferior olivary neurons; this neurological mutant can be considered as an animal model of human degenerative ataxia. To determine the consequences of this cerebellar pathology on the noradrenergic system, noradrenaline transporters as well as alpha1-, alpha2- and beta-adrenergic receptors were evaluated by quantitative ligand binding autoradiography in adult control and pcd mice using, respectively, [3H]nisoxetine, [3H]prazosin, [3H]idazoxan and [3H]CGP12177. In cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei of pcd mutants, [3H]nisoxetine labelling of noradrenaline transporters was higher than in control mice. However, when binding densities were corrected by surface area, they remained unchanged in the cerebellar cortex but associated with 25% and 40% lower levels of labelling of alpha1 and beta receptors, as well as a very important increase (275%) of alpha2 receptors. In deep cerebellar nuclei, surface corrections did not reveal any changes either in transporter or in receptor densities. Higher densities of [3H]nisoxetine labelling were found in several regions related with the cerebellum, namely inferior olive, inferior colliculus, vestibular, reticular, pontine, raphe and red nuclei, as well as in primary motor and sensory cerebral cortex; they may reflect an increased noradrenergic innervation related to motor adjustments for the cerebellar dysfunction. Increased [3H]nisoxetine labelling was also measured in vegetative brainstem regions and in dorsal hypothalamus, implying altered autonomic functions and possible compensation in pcd mutants. Other changes found in extracerebellar regions affected by the mutation, such as thalamus and the olfactory system implicated both noradrenaline transporters and adrenergic receptors. In contrast to the important alterations of the noradrenergic system in cerebellar cortex, the lack of receptor changes in deep cerebellar nuclei suggests that local adaptations may be sufficient to minimize the consequence of the cerebellar atrophy on motor control. An intense labelling by [3H]idazoxan of the inner third of the molecular layer was a novel, albeit unexplained finding, and could represent a postsynaptic subset of alpha2-adrenergic receptors.

In vitro and in vivo approaches to the characterization of the alpha2-adrenoceptor

1. In order to more fully understand the role of the alpha2-adrenoceptor in brain function, a combination of in vitro and in vivo techniques were utilized including radioligand binding, autoradiography, brain microdialysis and antisense oligonucleotides. 2. Binding studies showed the tritiated form of the selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002 (methoxy-idazoxan) labelled an apparent single population of sites in rat brain membranes with high affinity (1 nM), for which prazosin had low affinity (1107 nM). Similar studies in rabbit brain membranes found that prazosin and oxymetazoline were able to displace [3H]-RX821002 in a biphasic manner indicating the presence of subtypes of alpha2-adrenoceptors. 3. Receptor autoradiography revealed a distribution of [3H]-RX821002 binding in rat brain consistent with the labelling of all alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes, namely alpha(2A/D-), alpha2B and alpha2C. 4. In rat, in vivo brain dialysis experiments demonstrated peripherally administered RX821002 elevated basal noradrenaline in frontal cortex and also, although to a lesser extent, in ventral hippocampus. RX821002 was also able to elevate extracellular dopamine in the striatum. 5. A 7-day i.c.v. infusion of an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the alpha(2A/D)-adrenoceptor, resulted in a significant reduction in the autoradiographic density of [3H]-RX821002 binding in specific brain areas, notably the lateral septal nuclei and anterior hypothalamic area. 6. Several years of research by our group has extended our knowledge of the pharmacology and function of the alpha2-adrenoceptor and has provided evidence of the roles of this receptor in the control of monoamine turnover. The successful use of antisense technology to knockdown expression of the alpha(2A/D) subtype provides future opportunities to explore the physiology of this receptor subtype.

Antagonistic effect of N-methyltyramine on alpha2-adrenoceptor in mice

We examined the effect of N-methyltyramine (NMT) on alpha2-adrenoceptor. NMT (10(-8)-10(-3) M) inhibited the binding of [3H]p-aminoclonidine to alpha2-adrenoceptor dose-dependently. However, the IC50 value for NMT (5.53 x 10(-6) M) was higher than that for RX821002, an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist (1.07 x 10(-8) M). RX821002 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited hypermotility induced by scopolamine (8 mg/kg, s.c.) in male ddY mice. NMT (20 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect similar to that of RX821002. These findings indicate that NMT has the properties of an alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist. However, the affinity of NMT for alpha2-adrenoceptor is weaker than that of RX821002.

In vitro mechanism of action on insulin release of S-22068, a new putative antidiabetic compound

1. The MIN6 cell line derived from in vivo immortalized insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells was used to study the insulin-releasing capacity and the cellular mode of action of S-22068, a newly synthesized imidazoline compound known for its antidiabetic effect in vivo. 2. S-22068, was able to release insulin from MIN6 cells in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal stimulation at 100 micronM. Its efficacy (8 fold over the basal value), which did not differ whatever the glucose concentration (stimulatory or not), was intermediate between that of sulphonylurea and that of efaroxan. 3. Similarly to sulphonylureas and classical imidazolines, S-22068 blocked K(ATP) channels and, in turn, opened nifedipine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, triggering Ca2+ entry. 4. Similarly to other imidazolines, S-22068 induced a closure of cloned K(ATP) channels injected to Xenopus oocytes by interacting with the pore-forming Kir6.2 moiety. 5. S-22068 did not interact with the sulphonylurea binding site nor with the non-I1 and non-I2 imidazoline site evidenced in the beta cells that is recognized by the imidazoline compounds efaroxan, phentolamine and RX821002. 6. We conclude that S-22068 is a novel imidazoline compound which stimulates insulin release via interaction with an original site present on the Kir6.2 moiety of the beta cell K(ATP) channels.

Non-adrenergic binding of [3H]atipamezole in rat kidney--regional distribution and comparison to alpha2-adrenoceptors

1 Atipamezole (4-(2-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-imidazole) was first introduced as a potent and specific alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, but in some tissues [3H]atipamezole identifies an additional population of binding sites, distinct from both classical alpha2-adrenoceptors and I1- and I2-imidazoline receptors identified with [3H]para-aminoclonidine or [3H]idazoxan. 2 In the present study we have characterized [3H]atipamezole binding sites in rat kidney by receptor autoradiography and membrane binding assays and determined whether they are pharmacologically identical with the previously described binding sites for [3H]para-aminoclonidine and [3H]idazoxan. [3H]RX821002 and [3H]rauwolscine were used to compare the regional distribution of alpha2-adrenoceptors to that of non-adrenergic binding sites of [3H]atipamezole. 3 Comparative autoradiographic experiments demonstrated the differential localisation of [3H]atipamezole, [3H]RX821002 and [3H]rauwolscine binding sites in rat kidney. The pattern of distribution of non-adrenergic [3H]atipamezole binding sites is clearly distinct from that of alpha2-adrenoceptors. 4 The non-adrenergic binding of [3H]atipamezole in rat kidney does not fall into any of the previously identified three classes of imidazoline receptors studied with [3H]para-aminoclonidine, [3H]idazoxan and [3H]RX821002. 5 Atipamezole had no inhibitory effect on MAO-A or MAO-B activity in renal membranes, which speaks against the involvement of MAOs in the observed radioligand binding.

Autoradiographical and behavioural effects of a chronic infusion of antisense to the alpha2D-adrenoceptor in the rat

1. The aims of this study were, firstly to use receptor autoradiography to investigate the effect of antisense oligonucleotides to the alpha2D-adrenoceptor on receptor binding and, secondly to measure behavioural and physiological parameters to determine whether the chronic antisense infusion had any effect on alpha2-adrenoceptor function in vivo. 2. A 3 day infusion of antisense to the alpha2D-adrenoceptor significantly reduced specific [3H]-RX821002 binding in the septum (20 - 30%) and anterior hypothalamic area (20 - 30%). beta-Adrenoceptor expression was unaffected in those brain areas examined, indicating the antisense knockdown was specific to the alpha2-adrenoceptors. 3. On the second day of the infusion, the hypothermic response to UK 14,304 was significantly attenuated in the antisense-treated group compared with both vehicle and mismatch controls. The effect was fully reversible and a similar decrease in body temperature was observed in all the treatment groups 4 days after the end of infusion. 4. During the second day of the infusion, the effects of UK 14,304 on behaviour were reduced in the antisense-treated rats, but were not significantly lower than those of the vehicle and mismatch, UK 14, 304 controls. These trends were not observed 4 days after the end of the infusion. 5. In conclusion, antisense has been shown to selectively knockdown alpha2-adrenoceptor expression in specific brain areas. The consequence of this knockdown is a significant attenuation of UK 14,304-induced hypothermia and a reduction in its sedative actions. These changes were fully reversed 4 days after the end of the infusion.

Adrenergic alpha2C-receptors reside in rat striatal GABAergic projection neurons: comparison of radioligand binding and immunohistochemistry

We have investigated the distribution of alpha2c-adrenergic receptors in the rat striatum and characterized the striatal neuron types expressing these receptors. Sequential double-labelled immunocytochemistry was performed with a polyclonal antibody against rat alpha2c-adrenoceptors and antibodies against GABA, Calbindin-D28k, parvalbumin and calretinin. The subregional distribution of alpha2c-adrenoceptor binding sites in the striatum was also quantitatively investigated using selective radioligands. Almost all lightly stained striatal GABAergic neurons, with the morphological characteristics of medium-sized spiny projection neurons (94% of GABAergic cells counted), contained alpha2c-adrenoceptor-immunoreactive structures. Intensely labelled GABAergic inteneurons (6%) were devoid of alpha2c-adrenoceptor immunoreactivity. The co-localization of calbindin- and alpha2c-adrenoceptor immunoreactivity in the majority of the cells confirmed the presence of alpha2c-adrenoceptors in the population of medium-sized spiny neurons. Furthermore, the alpha2c-adrenoceptor/calbindin double-labelling disclosed the existence of three neuronal subsets in the matrix compartment of the striatum: a large proportion (83%) of double-labelled neurons, a population of neurons (8%) that exhibited only alpha2c-adrenoceptor immunoreactivity without calbindin immunoreactivity, and a population of neurons (9%) immunoreactive for calbindin, but lacking alpha2c-adrenoceptors. In addition, alpha2c-adrenoceptor immunolabelled neurons were observed in calbindin-free striatal patches. Parvalbumin- and calretinin-positive neurons never displayed alpha2c-adrenoceptor immunoreactivity, confirming that striatal GABAergic interneurons are devoid of alpha2c-adrenoceptors. The present findings indicate that alpha2c-adrenoceptors are localized in GABAergic medium-sized spiny projection neurons but not in interneurons of the rat striatum, and that they may modulate both the direct and indirect pathways of the basal ganglia, as well as participate in the regulation of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons.

Differential modulation of alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat kidney by chronic desipramine treatment

The profile of [3H]RX821002 (2-methoxy idazoxan) binding to alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat kidney membranes was evaluated in controls and after chronic treatment with desipramine (10 mg/kg, i.p., every 12 h, 7 days) or clorgyline (2 mg/kg, i.p., every 24 h, 21 days). [3H]RX821002 recognized with high affinity (Kd=1.5+/-0.2 nM in controls) a single and saturable population of binding sites (Bmax=57+/-5 fmol/mg protein in controls). The competitions by (-)-adrenaline, the alpha2B-adrenoceptor selective drug ARC239 (2-[2-[4-(o-methoxyphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethyl]-4,4-dimethyl-1,3 (2H,4H)-isoquinolindione) and the alpha2A-adrenoceptor selective drug BRL44408 (2-[2H-(1-methyl-1,3-dihydroisoindole)methyl]-4,5-dihydroimidaz ole) suggested the existence of both alpha2A- and alpha2B-adrenoceptors together with a non-adrenoceptor binding site. After chronic desipramine but not after chronic clorgyline treatments, the density (Bmax) of alpha2-adrenoceptors was increased (46%). In the presence of ARC239 (50 nM), the density of alpha2A-adrenoceptors increased (44%) in the desipramine-treated group without changes in the clorgyline-treated group. Conversely, in the presence of BRL44408 (100 nM), the density of alpha2B-adrenoceptors was not affected by the treatments. The selective upregulation of the alpha2A-adrenoceptor subtype following chronic desipramine administration is compatible with a differential location and function of the alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes in the rat kidney.

Relationship between I2 imidazoline binding sites and monoamine oxidase B in liver

Biochemical and pharmacologic studies suggest that I2 imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) represent a heterogeneous family of membrane proteins. Indeed, the imidazoline binding sites located on monoamine oxidases (MAO) A and B display different pharmacologic properties. Recent results suggest that in liver and brain, I2BS may be located on proteins distinct from MAOs. The following observations indicate that in liver and brain, [3H]idazoxan binds exclusively to I2BS located on MAO-B: (1) size exclusion chromatography of digitonin-solubilized preparations from rabbit and human liver showed that [3H]idazoxan-specific binding eluted only in two peaks (approximately 175,000 and approximately 100,000 Da, corresponding to 90% and 10% of the recovered [3H]idazoxan binding) which also contained MAOs as determined by [14C]tyramine oxidation and Western blot analysis; (2) according to previous results obtained in various human and rat tissues, experiments performed in mice liver and brain showed that idazoxan was a potent inhibitor of [125I]-AZIPI photoincorporation to MAO-B but not to MAO-A; (3) in MAO-deficient transgenic mice, [3H]idazoxan binding to liver and brain membranes was completely abolished in MAO-B knockout mice and was not affected in MAO-A knockout mice. Together, these results show that in both liver and brain, I2BS are located exclusively on MAO-B. The imidazoline binding site on MAO-A, which photoincorporates [125I]-AZIPI and displays a low affinity for idazoxan, may not belong to the family of the I2 imidazoline binding sites.

Identification of I1 and I2 imidazoline receptors in striatum membranes from different species

The alpha 2-adrenergic agonist [3H]clonidine and antagonist [3H]idazoxan also label I1 and I2 imidazoline receptors in striatum membranes. They are investigated here in striata from the dog, rat, mouse, rabbit, calf, monkey, and human. I1 receptors were barely detected in the dog, rat, and mouse and only further examined by competition binding experiments in calf, rabbit, and human. I2 receptors were further examined in all species. The centrally acting vasodilators clonidine and rilmenidine were more potent than moxonidine at the I1 receptors. They displayed low potency for the I2 receptors in all species except the rat. In all species examined, the nonsubstituted imidazoline derivatives idazoxan and RX801077 displayed high affinity for the I1 and I2 receptors. Conversely, both stereoisomers of the alkoxy-substituted imidazoline-derivative efaroxan displayed low affinity. The matching binding characteristics of these compounds further stress the structural similarity of the ligand binding sites of I1 and I2 receptors.

Pharmacologic characterization of imidazoline receptor proteins identified by immunologic techniques and other methods

Biochemical and pharmacologic evidence supports the heterogeneous nature of imidazoline receptors (IRs). However, only monoamine oxidase (MAO) (55- and 61-kD) isozymes have been identified as imidazoline binding site-containing proteins. Idazoxan-binding proteins of approximately 70- and approximately 45-kD of unknown amino acid sequences have been isolated from chromaffin cells and rat brain, respectively. Other proteins of approximately 27-30 to > 80 kD have been visualized by immunologic and photoaffinity labeling techniques in different tissues and species. The specific antiserum that recognizes the approximately 70-, approximately 45-, and approximately 29-kD IR proteins, but not MAO, was used to quantitate these proteins in the rat brain cortex. Treatments (7 days) with the I2-selective imidazoline drugs idazoxan (10 mg/kg), cirazoline (1 mg/kg), and LSL 60101 ([2-(2-benzofuranyl) imidazole; 10 mg/kg]) induced differential changes in these proteins: levels of the approximately 29-kD IR were increased by idazoxan and LSL 60101 (23%), levels of the approximately 45-kD protein only by cirazoline (44%), and those of the approximately 66-kD protein only by idazoxan (50%). These treatments also increased the densities of [3H]-idazoxan (I2) binding sites (32-42%). Chronic treatment with efaroxan, RX821002, and yohimbine (10 mg/kg), which possess very low affinity for I2-IRs, did not alter either their immunoreactivities or the density of I2 sites. Chronic treatment with MAO inhibitors clorgyline and phenelzine (10 mg/kg) and acute treatment with EEDQ (1.6 mg/kg, 6 h) induced decreases in the levels of these IR proteins (17-47%) and I2 sites (31-57%). Significant correlations were found when the mean percentage changes in immunoreactivity of IR proteins were related to the mean percentage changes in the density of I2 sites after treatment with the foregoing drug (r = 0.92, r = 0.69, and r = 0.75 for the approximately 29-, approximately 45-, and approximately 66-kD proteins, respectively). These results indicate that in the rat cerebral cortex, the I2 sites labeled by [3H]idazoxan are heterogeneous and that the related immunoreactive IR proteins contribute differently to the modulation of I2 sites after drug treatment.

Dissociation between I2-imidazoline receptors and MAO-B activity in platelets of patients with Alzheimer's type dementia

The I2-imidazoline receptor is expressed in brain and platelets and could represent a new binding domain on MAO-B enzyme. Brain I2-imidazoline receptors and MAO-B sites have been found to be increased in Alzheimer's disease. The study sought to evaluate I2-imidazoline receptors and MAO-B activity in platelets from patients with Alzheimer's type dementia (ATD) and matched controls. Preliminary saturation experiments of [3H]idazoxan binding to platelet purified mitochondrial membranes were performed to determine the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) and the apparent dissociation constant (Kd). Afterwards, the I2-imidazoline receptor density ([3H]idazoxan at 8 and 20 nM in the presence of 2 x 10(-6) M efaroxan) was evaluated in 20 patients with ATD and 17 controls. MAO-B activity was quantified by [14C]PEA oxidation. All subjects were screened for cognitive evaluation by the Mini-Mental State Examination. The density of I2-imidazoline receptors was similar in ATD patients (8.4 and 14.3 fmol/mg protein) and controls (8.3 and 14.0 fmol/mg protein). MAO-B activity was 22% higher in ATD subjects. Significant correlations between I2-imidazoline receptors and MAO-B activity were observed. No relationships between I2-imidazoline receptors or MAO-B activity and the cognitive score were observed. In conclusion, platelet I2-imidazoline receptors do not show the increase of I2-imidazoline receptors previously observed in brain of subjects with ATD. The dissociation between I2-imidazoline receptors and MAO-B in platelets suggests that the enzyme contributes to but not exclusively represents the I2-imidazoline receptor.

Autoradiographic study of alpha1- and alpha2-noradrenergic and serotonin1A receptors in the spinal cord of normal and chronically transected cats

Serotoninergic and noradrenergic drugs have been shown to initiate and/or modulate locomotion in cats after spinal cord transection and in patients suffering from spinal cord injuries. To establish a firmer basis for locomotor pharmacotherapy, the distribution of alpha1- and alpha2-noradrenergic and serotonin1A (5-HT1A) receptors was examined in the spinal cord of control cats and of from animals with spinal cord transection at T13 some weeks or months previously. In control cats, the highest levels of alpha1-noradrenergic receptors, labeled with [3H]prazosin, were found in laminae II, IX, and X. The alpha2-noradrenergic receptors, labeled with [3H]idazoxan, were found mainly in laminae II, III, and X, with moderate densities in lamina IX. After spinal transection, both receptors did not change in segments above the lesion. At 15 and 30 days after spinal transection, binding significantly increased in laminae II, III, IV, and X for alpha2 and in laminae I, II, III, and IX for alpha1 receptors in lumbar segments. For longer survival times, binding densities returned to near control values. The 5-HT1A receptors, labeled with [3H] 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin, were found mainly in laminae I-IV and X. After spinal transection, binding significantly increased only in laminae II, III, and X of lumbar segments at 15 and 30 days. Thereafter, binding returned to control values. The pronounced upregulation of different monoaminergic receptors observed in the lumbar region in the first month after spinal transection suggests that these receptors may be important during the period when cats normally recover functions such as locomotion of the hindlimbs.