The effects of CCKA and CCKB antagonists on activity in the black/white exploration model of anxiety in mice

The unappreciated roles of the cholecystokinin receptor CCK(1) in brain functioning

The CCK(1) receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor activated by the sulfated forms of cholecystokinin (CCK), a gastrin-like peptide released in the gastrointestinal tract and mammal brain. A substantial body of research supports the hypothesis that CCK(1)r stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic secretion in the gut, as well as satiety in brain. However, this receptor may also fulfill relevant roles in behavior, thanks to its widespread distribution in the brain. The strategic location of CCK(1)r in mesolimbic structures and specific hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei lead to complex interactions with neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, as well as hypothalamic hormones and neuropeptides. The activity of CCK(1)r maintains adequate levels of dopamine and regulates the activity of serotonin neurons of raphe nuclei, which makes CCK(1)r an interesting therapeutic target for the development of adjuvant treatments for schizophrenia, drug addiction, and mood disorders. Unexplored functions of CCK(1)r, like the transmission of interoceptive sensitivity in addition to the regulation of hypothalamic hormones and neurotransmitters affecting emotional states, well-being, and attachment behaviors, may open exciting roads of research. The absence of specific ligands for the CCK(1) receptor has complicated the study of its distribution in brain so that research about its impact on behavior has been published sporadically over the last 30 years. The present review reunites all this body of evidence in a comprehensive way to summarize our knowledge about the actual role of CCK in the neurobiology of mental illness.

True alignment of preclinical and clinical research to enhance success in CNS drug development: a review of the current evidence

Central nervous system pharmacological research and development has reached a critical turning point. Patients suffering from disorders afflicting the central nervous system are numerous and command significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry. However, given the numerous failures of promising drugs, many companies are no longer investing in or, indeed, are divesting from this therapeutic area. Central nervous system drug development must change in order to develop effective therapies to treat these patients. Preclinical research is a cornerstone of drug development; however, it is frequently criticised for its lack of predictive validity. Animal models and assays can be shown to be more predictive than reported and, on many occasions, the lack of thorough preclinical testing is potentially to blame for some of the clinical failures. Important factors such as translational aspects, nature of animal models, variances in acute versus chronic dosing, development of add-on therapies and understanding of the full dose-response relationship are too often neglected. Reducing the attrition rate in central nervous system drug development could be achieved by addressing these important questions before novel compounds enter the clinical phase. This review illustrates the relevance of employing these criteria to translational central nervous system research, better to ensure success in developing new drugs in this therapeutic area.

Behavioral and cortical EEG evaluations confirm the roles of both CCKA and CCKB receptors in mouse CCK-induced anxiety

This study investigated the roles of cholecystokinin (CCK)(A) and CCK(B) receptors on CCK-4-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice through behavioral and neural evaluations. Anxiety-like behaviors in mice were induced by an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of CCK-4, which can bind to both CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptors. The effects of CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptor antagonists (devazepide and CI-988, respectively) were examined using mouse anxiety tests (elevated-plus maze and light-dark box) and also by examining neuronal activities through EEG monitoring and c-Fos immunohistochemistry in the cortex and amygdala. CCK-4 (3 μg/kg of body weight i.c.v.) significantly induced mouse anxiety-like behaviors in the anxiety tests and also affected their EEG patterns with respect to pre-drug tracing, resulting in increase in spectral power in relative power distribution in the delta and theta bands (0.5-5 Hz frequency bands) and also in increase in c-Fos immunopositive neuron counts. These CCK-4 effects were completely suppressed by 1.0mg/kg CCK(B) receptor antagonist, CI-988, while the same amount of CCK(A) receptor antagonist, devazepide was partly able to suppress the same effects. These findings indicated that not only CCK(B) receptors but also CCK(A) receptors in the brain play important roles in regulating anxiety-like behaviors in mice. The present study also proposed a possibility that cortical EEG is useful for assessing anxiety.

Neuronal network of panic disorder: the role of the neuropeptide cholecystokinin

Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety and avoidance behavior. Its pathogenesis is complex and includes both neurobiological and psychological factors. With regard to neurobiological underpinnings, anxiety in humans seems to be mediated through a neuronal network, which involves several distinct brain regions, neuronal circuits and projections as well as neurotransmitters. A large body of evidence suggests that the neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) might be an important modulator of this neuronal network. Key regions of the fear network, such as amygdala, hypothalamus, peraqueductal grey, or cortical regions seem to be connected by CCKergic pathways. CCK interacts with several anxiety-relevant neurotransmitters such as the serotonergic, GABA-ergic and noradrenergic system as well as with endocannabinoids, NPY and NPS. In humans, administration of CCK-4 reliably provokes panic attacks, which can be blocked by antipanic medication. Also, there is some support for a role of the CCK system in the genetic pathomechanism of PD with particularly strong evidence for the CCK gene itself and the CCK-2R (CCKBR) gene. Thus, it is hypothesized that genetic variants in the CCK system might contribute to the biological basis for the postulated CCK dysfunction in the fear network underlying PD. Taken together, a large body of evidence suggests a possible role for the neuropeptide CCK in PD with regard to neuroanatomical circuits, neurotransmitters and genetic factors. This review article proposes an extended hypothetical model for human PD, which integrates preclinical and clinical findings on CCK in addition to existing theories of the pathogenesis of PD.

Altered emotional behaviors in the diabetes mellitus OLETF type 1 congenic rat

GPR10 is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in thalamic and hypothalamic brain regions, including the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) and periventricular nucleus (Pev), and the endogenous ligand for this receptor, prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), has demonstrated regulatory effects on the stress response. We produced a congenic rat by introducing the Dmo1 allele from the OLETF rat which encodes the amino acid sequences of GPR10 with a truncated NH2-terminus, into the Brown-Norway background. Using receptor autoradiography, we determined a lack of specific [125I]PrRP binding in the RTN and Pev of these mutant rats compared to the control rats. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of PrRP did not induce a significant increase of c-fos-like immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the mutant rats compared to the control rats. The mutant rats also displayed a less anxious-like phenotype in three behavioral-based models of anxiety-like behavior (open field, elevated plus maze and defensive withdrawal test). These data show the mutant congenic rat, of which GPR10 neither binds nor responds to PrRP, expresses less anxious-like phenotypes. On the basis of these observations, the GPR10 might be a novel target for the developing new drugs against anxiety and/or other stress-related diseases.

Combination of molecular modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and SAR studies to delineate the binding site of pyridopyrimidine antagonists on the human CCK1 receptor

A rational combination of site-directed mutagenesis studies, structure-activity relationships, and dynamic-based docking of pyridopyrimidine-derived CCK1R antagonists into a refined three-dimensional model of the CCK1R allowed us to identify the receptor residues and the ligand functional groups implicated in the molecular recognition process. Our results provided unambiguous evidence that the binding site of these antagonists is overlapping that of the C-terminal tetrapeptide of CCK. In particular, Asn333 and Arg336 residues of the CCK1R are essential for high-affinity binding of these ligands. Moreover, the 2-aryl group in the pyridopyrimidine derivatives shares the same binding pocket as the C-terminal Phe side chain of CCK. Our [pyridopyrimidine.CCK1R] complex model is consistent with previous suggestions concerning the molecular basis that governs functional activity and provides useful considerations about the high CCK1 versus CCK2 selectivity of our derivatives and could contribute to fine-tune the rational design of new molecules with optimized properties.

5-(Tryptophylamino)-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-Based Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonists: Reversal of CCK1 Receptor Subtype Selectivity toward CCK2 Receptors

With the aim of reversing selectivity or antagonist/agonist functionality in the 5-(tryptophylamino)-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-derived potent and highly selective CCK(1) antagonists, a series of 4-benzyl and 4-methyl derivatives have been synthesized. Whereas the introduction of the benzyl group led, in all cases, to complete loss of the binding affinity, the incorporation of the methyl group gave a different result depending on the stereochemistry of the 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine scaffold. Thus, the introduction of the methyl group into the (4aS,5R)-diastereoisomers, giving a (4S)-configuration, produced a 3-fold increase in the CCK(1) binding potency and selectivity. However, the same structural manipulation in the opposite (4aR,5S)-stereochemistry, leading to a (4R,4aR,5S)-configuration, produced reversal of the selectivity for CCK(1) to the CCK(2) receptors. The replacement of the Boc group at the tryptophan moiety by a 2-adamantyloxycarbonyl group also contributed to that reversal. The resulting compounds displayed moderate CCK(2) antagonist activity in rat and human receptors, and a very small partial agonist effect on the production of inositol phosphate in COS-7 cells transfected with the wild-type human CCK(2) receptor.

PD-136,450: a CCK2 (gastrin) receptor antagonist with antisecretory, anxiolytic and antiulcer activity

This study investigated the effects of PD-136,450 (PD), a highly selective ligand for the CCK2 receptor, on gastric acid and pancreatic secretions, gastric cytoprotection and anxious behaviour in the rat and rabbit. PD inhibited gastrin (but not dimaprit) stimulated acid secretion in anaesthetized and conscious rats (IC50 of 1 mg kg(-1) sc) and inhibited 14C-aminopyrine uptake in isolated gastric glands from rabbits. In addition, PD decreased dose-dependently gastric haemorrhagic lesions in rats treated orally with acidified ethanol. Both, the antisecretory effects on gastric acid secretion and the gastric cytoprotective effects were less potent compared with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole. PD strongly increased pancreatic secretion, which was substantially inhibited by the CCK1 antagonist L-364,718 (but not by the CCK2 antagonist L-365,260). PD also showed significant anxiolytic activity as assessed by a black and white box two-compartment activity assay. Both, time spent in the dark compartment and latency for movement from the light to the dark compartment was increased by PD (similarly with 5 mg kg(-1) diazepam). In conclusion, PD inhibited gastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion, decreased ethanol-induced damage to the gastric mucosa, stimulated pancreatic secretion (via CCK1 receptors) and displayed anxiolytic activity. Thus, PD may have utility as an adjunct therapy in peptic ulcer disease by countering the actions of gastrin and increasing acid neutralization and mucosal protection.

Cholecystokinin antagonists: pharmacological and therapeutic potential

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a regulatory peptide hormone, predominantly found in the gastrointestinal tract, and a neurotransmitter present throughout the nervous system. In the gastrointestinal system CCK regulates motility, pancreatic enzyme secretion, gastric emptying, and gastric acid secretion. In the nervous system CCK is involved in anxiogenesis, satiety, nociception, and memory and learning processes. Moreover, CCK interacts with other neurotransmitters in some areas of the CNS. The biological effects of CCK are mediated by two specific G protein coupled receptor subtypes, termed CCK(1) and CCK(2). Over the past fifteen years the search of CCK receptor ligands has evolved from the initial CCK structure derived peptides towards peptidomimetic or non-peptide agonists and antagonists with improved pharmacokinetic profile. This research has provided a broad assortment of potent and selective CCK(1) and CCK(2) antagonists of diverse chemical structure. These antagonists have been discovered through optimization programs of lead compounds which were designed based on the structures of the C-terminal tetrapeptide, CCK-4, or the non-peptide natural compound, asperlicin, or derived from random screening programs. This review covers the main pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of these CCK(1) and CCK(2) antagonist. CCK(1) antagonists might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of pancreatic disorders and as prokinetics for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, bowel disorders, and gastroparesis. On the other hand, CCK(2) antagonists might have application for the treatment of gastric acid secretion and anxiety disorders.

Spatial memory deficit and emotional abnormality in OLETF rats

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is deeply involved in the control of learning and emotional behaviors. The authors characterize the behavioral properties of Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, which lack the CCK-A receptor because of a genetic abnormality. In the Morris water-maze task, the OLETF rats showed an impaired spatial memory. In the inhibitory avoidance test, they showed facilitating response 24 h after training. Hypoalgesia was observed in a hot-plate test. In the elevated plus-maze and food neophobia test, OLETF rats showed an anxiety-like response. In addition, OLETF rats were hypoactive in the Morris water-maze and the elevated plus-maze. The results suggest that the OLETF rats showed a spatial memory deficit, hypoactivity and anxiety due, at least in part, to the lack of CCK-A receptors.

5-(Tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based potent and selective CCK(1) receptor antagonists: structure-activity relationship studies on the central 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine scaffold

To further define the pharmacophore of the potent and selective 5-(tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based CCK(1) receptor antagonists the electronic and topographic properties of the central 1,3-dioxoperhydro-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine scaffold have been modified. With this aim, the 1- and 3-oxo groups have been replaced by the thioxo- and deoxi-analogues, and the fused piperidine ring has been contracted to the corresponding pyrrolidine moiety. The results of the evaluation of the new analogues as CCK receptor ligands, in rat pancreas and cerebral cortex preparations, showed that, whereas replacement of oxygen with sulfur is allowed, reduction of the 1- or 3-oxo groups or the contraction of the fused piperidine ring lead to the complete loss of binding affinity at CCK(1) receptors. The thioxo-analogues 5a, 8a, 12a, and 12b showed functional CCK(1) antagonist activity, inhibiting the CCK-8-stimulated amylase release from pancreatic acinar cells. The 1-thioxo analogue 5a, with subnanomolar affinity (IC(50) = 0.09 x 10(-9) M), was found to be the most potent and selective compound within the family of 5-(tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based CCK(1) antagonists.

PBI creams: a spontaneously mutated mouse strain showing wild animal-type reactivity

PBI creams are mice derived from warfarin-resistant wild stock that has been maintained under laboratory conditions since the 1970s. This study compares their behaviour to that of laboratory mice and wild house and wood mice. Animals were tested in a black/white box and a 2.64x1.4 m runway. In the black/white box, the behaviour of PBI creams was not significantly different from that of house mice and differed most from that of laboratory mice. Notably, the PBI creams showed the greatest activity and escape-orientated behaviours. When animals were approached by the experimenter in the open runway test, the PBI creams had higher flight speeds than both house and wood mice, whilst laboratory mice failed to respond. In the closed runway test where the animals could not escape, the PBI creams, house mice and wood mice all turned and attempted to run past the approaching experimenter, whilst the laboratory mice again failed to react. At the end of this test session, the time taken to catch each animal was recorded. It took less than 5 s to catch laboratory mice but significantly longer to catch the wild strains and the PBI creams (90-100 s for the latter). In these tests, the PBI creams showed wild animal-type reactivity, and as this behaviour has been retained in the laboratory colony for over 30 years, these animals may be useful in the study of the physiological and genetic basis of fear/anxiety in mice.

5-(Tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based potent and selective CCK(1)receptor antagonists: structure-activity relationship studies on the substituent at N2-position

To establish structure-activity relationships a new series of analogues of the highly potent and selective CCK(1) receptor antagonist (4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-(N-Boc-tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]-pyrimidine (1a) modified at N2-position of the central scaffold has been prepared and evaluated as CCK receptor ligands. With this aim the N2-benzyl group has been replaced by methyl, cyclohexyl, aromatic groups, 1-phenylethyl, and 1-carboxy-2-phenylethyl group. Then, substituents with different electronic and steric properties were introduced into different positions of the phenyl group of analogues 19a and 19b. The results of the CCK receptor binding and in vitro functional activity evaluation suggest the importance of the lipophilic character and an appropriate spatial orientation of the moiety linked at the N2-position of the 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine template for potent and selective binding and antagonist activity at CCK(1) receptor subtype. The 2-cyclohexyl and (2S)-1-naphthyl derivatives 18a and (2S)-20a have emerged as more potent and selective CCK(1) receptor antagonists than the lead compound 1a. Additionally, the results confirm the (4aS,5R)-stereochemistry at the central bicyclic skeleton as an essential structural requirement for potent binding to this receptor subtype.

Increased anxiety behavior in OLETF rats without cholecystokinin-A receptor

Cholecystokinin (CCK) may have a role in the mediation of human panic disorder and anxiogenic (anxiolytic)-like activity in an animal model of anxiety. Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats lacked CCK A receptors (CCKAR) because of a genetic abnormality. In order to elucidate the involvement of CCKAR in the regulation of anxiety, we investigated the exploratory behavior on elevated plus-maze test, the black and white box test, and open field test with OLETF rats in comparison with normal [Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO)] rats. And OLETF rats increased the number of stretched attend postures and decreased open arm entry and the % time of open arm in an elevated plus-maze test. Time spent in the white box decreased significantly in OLETF rats than LETO rats. The total line crossing decreased significantly in OLETF rats compared to LETO rats. The missing CCKAR had a significant anxiogenic-like effect. These data support the involvement of the CCKAR in the neurobiological mechanism of anxiety.

The effect of a cholecystokinin agonist on masseter muscle activity in the cat

The CCK(B) agonist, pentagastrin, has been shown to induce anxiety in human subjects. Similarly, in the cat model, pentagastrin facilitates the expression of hypothalamically activated emotional behavior. Because hypothalamically mediated emotional behavior is also accompanied by increased EMG activity in the jaw muscles, these experiments were designed to examine the combined effects of administration of pentagastrin with activation of hypothalamically mediated emotional behavior upon jaw muscle EMG activity. Electrodes were carefully lowered through previously placed guide tubes overlying the hypothalamus until a behavioral site was identified. Following the establishment of a stable threshold current for eliciting an emotional behavioral response, the skin overlying the ipsilateral masseter muscle was shaved and cleaned with alcohol, and surface electrodes were attached. The EMG was recorded, amplified, digitized, and stored in a microcomputer for analysis. Mean power frequencies (MPF) and latencies for behavior were calculated for baseline prior to infusion of all drugs. Following this, the effects of intravenous administration of pentagastrin and the CCK(B) antagonist LY288513 on the MPF were determined. The infusion of the CCK(B) agonist, pentagastrin (0.77, 1.92, and 3.84 microg/kg), decreased MPF in a time-related manner. The effects of pentagastrin 1.92 microg/kg were blocked by the CCK(B) antagonist, LY288513 (6.54 microg/kg). In addition, the infusion of LY288513 alone increased MPF. These results are surprising in that pentagastrin's anxiogenic properties would appear to make it likely to facilitate motor activity, not suppress it.

5-(Tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine-based potent and selective CCK(1) receptor antagonists: structural modifications at the tryptophan domain

Analogues of the previously reported potent and highly selective CCK(1) receptor antagonist (4aS, 5R)-2-benzyl-5-(N-Boc-tryptophyl)amino-1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido-[1, 2-c]pyrimidine (2a) were prepared to explore the structural requirements at the Boc-tryptophan domain for CCK(1) receptor affinity. Structural modifications of 2a involved the Trp side chain, its conformational freedom, the Boc group, and the carboxamide bond. Results of the CCK binding and in vitro functional activity evaluation showed three highly strict structural requirements: the type and orientation of the Trp side chain, the H-bonding acceptor carbonyl group of the carboxamide bond, and the presence of the Trp amino protection Boc. Replacement of this acid-labile group with 3, 3-dimethylbutyryl or tert-butylaminocarbonyl conferred acid stability to analogues 14a and 15a, which retained a high potency and selectivity in binding to CCK(1) receptors, as well as an in vivo antagonist activity against the acute pancreatitis induced by caerulein in rats. Oral administration of compounds 14a and 15a also produced a lasting antagonism to the hypomotility induced by CCK-8 in mice, suggesting a good bioavailability and metabolic stability.

Is there a future for neuropeptide receptor ligands in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

This review provides an overview of preclinical and clinical evidence of a role for the neuroactive peptides cholecystokinin (CCK), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y (NPY), tachykinins (i.e., substance P, neurokinin [NK] A and B), and natriuretic peptides in anxiety and/or stress-related disorders. Results obtained with CCK receptor antagonists in animal studies have been highly variable, and clinical trials with several of these compounds in anxiety disorders have been unsuccessful so far. However, future investigations using CCK receptor antagonists with better pharmacokinetic characteristics and animal models other than those validated with the classical anxiolytics benzodiazepines may permit a more precise evaluation of the potential of these compounds as anti-anxiety agents. Results obtained with peptide CRF receptor antagonists in animal models of anxiety convincingly demonstrated that the blockade of central CRF receptors may yield anxiolytic-like activity. However, the discovery of nonpeptide and more lipophilic CRF receptor antagonists is essential for the development of these agents as anxiolytics. Similarly, there is clear preclinical evidence that the central infusion of NPY and NPY fragments selective for the Y1 receptor display anxiolytic-like effects in a variety of tests. However, synthetic nonpeptide NPY receptor agonists are still lacking, thereby hampering the development of NPY anxiolytics. Unlike selective NK1 receptor antagonists, which have variable effects in anxiety models, peripheral administration of selective NK2 receptor antagonists and central infusion of natriuretic peptides produce clear anxiolytic-like activity. Taken as a whole, these findings suggest that compounds targeting specific neuropeptide receptors may become an alternative to benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

CCK in anxiety and cognitive processes

Extensive studies were carried out on the involvement of the CCKergic system in anxiety-, panic- and stress-related behaviour. The stimulation of CCK-A or CCK-B receptors is implicated in the physical and psychological responses of CCK to stress. Furthermore, several selective CCK-B agonists produce anxiogenic-like effects, while CCK-B antagonists induce anxiolytic-like responses in several models of anxiety. However, BC264 a highly selective CCK-B agonist, does not produce anxiogenic-like effects but increases attention and/or memory. These effects are dependent on the dopaminergic systems. Together with biochemical data, this led to the hypothesis of the existence of two CCK-B binding sites, CCK-B1 and CCK-B2, which could correspond to different activation states of a single molecular entity. Investigations into CCK-B1 and CCK-B2 systems might be of critical interest, since only one site, CCK-B1, appears to be responsible for the effects of anxiety. Furthermore, the improvement of attention and/or memory processes by CCK, through CCK-B2 receptors, could offer a new perspective in the treatment of attention and/or memory disorders.

Effects of cholecystokinin-receptor agonists on cortical 5-HT release in guinea pigs on the X-maze

Exposure of guinea pigs to the elevated plus maze (X-maze), an animal model of anxiety, causes an increase of extracellular serotonin (5-HT) in the lateral prefrontal cortex monitored by microdialysis. The neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a role in the modulation of anxiety. To compare the roles of CCK receptors, the effects of the CCK-A receptor agonist A-71378, the CCK-A/B receptor agonist CCK-8S and the CCK-B receptor agonist BOC-CCK-4 on anxiety-related behavior and the 5-HT release in the prefrontal cortex were determined. None of the drugs changed the behavior of the guinea pigs and the cortical 5-HT release under resting conditions in the familiar home cage. A-71378 and CCK-8S had no effect on the behavior on exposure to the X-maze whereas BOC-CCK-4 induced an 'anxious' behavior. The results suggest that 'anxious' behavior induced by CCK is associated with selective CCK-B receptor stimulation. A-71378 inhibited the rise in 5-HT on exposure to the X-maze. CCK-8S had no effect and the anxiogenic BOC-CCK-4 potentiated the rise in 5-HT on the X-maze. Both CCK receptors mediate changes in 5-HT release under aversive conditions, but not in a resting state. The results suggest a receptor subtype-specific influence of CCK on behavior and 5-HT activity under aversive conditions.

Synthesis and stereochemical structure-activity relationships of 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine derivatives: potent and selective cholecystokinin-A receptor antagonists

The synthesis and stereochemical structure--activity relationships of a new class of potent and selective non-peptide cholecystokinin-A (CCK-A) receptor antagonists based on the 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine skeleton are described. The most potent member of this series of eight diastereoisomers, (4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-[N-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-L-tryptophyl]-amino] - 1,3-dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine, displays nanomolar CCK-A receptor affinity and higher than 8000-fold potency at the CCK-A than at the CCK-B receptor. As CCK-A antagonist, this compound inhibits the CCK-8-evoked amylase release from pancreatic acinar cells at a low concentration, similar to that of the typical antagonist Devazepide. Highly strict stereochemical requirements for CCK-A receptor binding and selectivity have been found. The L-Trp and the 4a,5-trans disposition of the bicyclic perhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine are essential for binding potency and selectivity.

Pharmacological evaluation of IQM-95,333, a highly selective CCKA receptor antagonist with anxiolytic-like activity in animal models

1. The pyridopyrimidine derivative IQM-95,333 ((4aS,5R)-2-benzyl-5-[N alpha-tert-butoxicarbonyl)L-tryptophyl] amino-1,3dioxoperhydropyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine), a new non-peptide antagonist of cholecystokinin type A (CCKA) receptors, has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo in comparison with typical CCKA and CCKB receptor antagonists, such as devazepide, lorglumide, L-365,260 and PD-135,158. 2. IQM-95,333 displaced [3H]-CCK-8S binding to CCKA receptors from rat pancreas with a high potency in the nanomolar range. Conversely, the affinity of this new compound at brain CCKB receptors was negligible (IC50 > 10 microM). IQM-95,333 was a more selective CCKA receptor ligand than devazepide and other CCKA receptor antagonists. 3. Like devazepide, IQM-95,333 was a more potent antagonist of CCK-8S- than of CCK-4-induced contraction of the longitudinal muscle from guinea-pig ileum, suggesting selective antagonism at CCKA receptors. 4. IQM-95,333 and devazepide were also potent inhibitors of CCK-8S-stimulated amylase release from isolated pancreatic acini, a CCKA receptor-mediated effect. The drug concentrations required (IC50s around 20 nM) were higher than in binding studies to pancreas homogenates. 5. Low doses (50-100 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) of IQM-95,333 and devazepide, without any intrinsic effect on food intake or locomotion, blocked the hypophagia and the hypolocomotion induced by systemic administration of CCK-8S, two effects associated with stimulation of peripheral CCKA receptors. 6. IQM-95,333 showed an anxiolytic-like profile in the light/dark exploration test in mice over a wide dose range (10-5,000 micrograms kg-1). Typical CCKA and CCKB antagonists, devazepide and L-365,260 respectively, were only effective within a more limited dose range. 7. In a classical conflict paradigm for the study of anxiolytic drugs, the punished-drinking test, IQM-95,333, devazepide and L-365,260 were effective within a narrow dose range. The dose-response curve for the three drugs was biphasic, suggesting that other mechanisms are operative at higher doses. 8. In conclusion, IQM-95,333 is a potent and selective CCKA receptor antagonist both in vitro and in vivo with an anxiolytic-like activity in two different animal models, which can only be attributed to blockade of this CCK receptor subtype.

The effects of cholecystokinin A and B receptor antagonists on exploratory behaviour in the elevated zero-maze in rat

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) CCK(A) and CCKB receptor antagonists SR 27897 B, devazepide, L 365260 and PD 135158 (CAM 1028) on exploratory behaviour in the elevated zero-maze in the rat. For further validation of the elevated zero-maze, the effects of a reference anxiolytic diazepam (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg), a non-benzodiazepine (BDZ) anxiolytic buspirone (0.04, 0.2, 1.0, 5.0 mg/kg), BDZ receptor inverse agonists FG 7142 (5, 10, 15, 20 mg/kg) and DMCM (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/kg), and a BDZ receptor antagonist flumazenil (10 mg/kg) were studied. Diazepam decreased the number of stretched-attend postures in all doses used and increased the percentage of time spent exploring in open parts at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg. The effects of diazepam were blocked by flumazenil. FG 7142 and DMCM had effects only in subconvulsive doses (20 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg). Flumazenil and buspirone failed to show any effect. The CCK(A) receptor antagonists were also without any effect. The CCK(B) receptor antagonists L 365260 (1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg) and PD 135158 (100 microg/kg) had a significant anxiolytic-like effect. The CCK(B) receptor antagonists increased the number of open part entries, the number of head dips, the percentage of time spent exploring in the open part and decreased the number of stretched-attend postures. These data support the hypothesis of the involvement of the CCK(B) receptor subtype in the neurobiological mechanisms of anxiety.

Antidepressant-like effects of CCK(B) receptor antagonists: involvement of the opioid system

RB 101 (N-[(R,S)-2-benzyl-3-[(S)-2-amino-4-methylthiobutyldithio]-1-oxopr opyl]-L -phenylalaninebenzyl ester), a systemically active inhibitor of enkep halin catabolism, has been shown to elicit antidepressant-like effects in mice, both in the forced-swimming and in the conditioned suppression of the mobility tests. The same type of response has been also observed following administration of the cholecystokinin CCK(B) receptor antagonist L-365,260 ((3R)-(+)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin -3-yl)-3 -methylphenylurea). In terestingly, the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (17-cyclopropylmethyl-6,7-dehydro-4,5alpha-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-6, 7,2'-3'-indolomorphinan) blocks the effect of both RB 101 and L-365,260 in the conditioned suppression of the motility test. In this work we have investigated the involvement of the opioid system in the antidepressant response to the CCK(B) receptor antagonist L-365,260 in the forced-swimming test in mice. The effect of L-365,260 was decreased by the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole. Furthermore, the CCK(B) receptor agonist, BC 264 (Boc-Tyr(OSO3H)-gNle-mGly-Trp-(NMe)Nle-Asp-Phe-NH2), blocked the antidepressant-like effect of RB 101 while CCK-8 (H-Asp-Tyr(OSO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2) enhanced the effect of this drug, probably through stimulation of central CCK(A) receptors, since the CCK(A) receptor antagonist devazepide ((3S)-(-)-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin++ +-3-yl)-1H-indole-2 -carboxamide) abolished the CCK-8-induced potentiation of the RB 101 effect. In addition, RB 101 enhanced the effect of L-365,260. Such an effect was blocked by the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole. These data further support the involvement of opioid receptors in the antidepressant-type effect induced by CCK(B) receptor blockers and support the hypothesis of a regulatory role of CCK in the activity of the endogenous opioid system. As in other experimental paradigms, CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptor stimulation appears to have opposite effects in modulating opioidergic activity.

Effects of the selective angiotensin II receptor antagonists losartan and PD123177 in animal models of anxiety and memory

There is increasing interest in the potential functional role of the octapeptide angiotensin II (AII) in psychiatric and cognitive disorders. The novel angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists, losartan and PD123177, selective for the AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes respectively, constitute important pharmacological tools for the assessment of the behavioural consequences of modulation of AII function. The present series of studies investigated the effects of each compound in two animal models of anxiety, the rat elevated zero-maze and mouse light/dark box, and two models of working memory in the rat, the operant delayed matching to position (DMTP) task and the spatial reinforced alternation test in the T-maze. Our data indicate that both compounds (0.01-10 mg/kg s.c.) were without significant effect in any of the behavioural assays. Using the present methods and strains of laboratory rodents, these findings provide no support for the involvement of AII receptor function in the mediation of anxiety of working memory.

Lack of effect of CCKB receptor antagonists in ethological and conditioned animal screens for anxiolytic drugs

The effects of the CCKB receptor antagonists L-365,260, CI-988 and L-740,093, a new compound with improved bioavailability and CNS penetration, were assessed for anxiolytic-like effects in three rat anxiolytic screens sensitive to benzodiazepines, the elevated plus maze (EPM), conditioned suppression of drinking (CSD) and conditioned emotional response (CER) tests. In the EPM, L-740,093 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg), L-365,260 (0.00001-10.0 mg/kg), and CI-988 (0.01-1.0 mg/kg) did not increase the time spent on the open arms of the maze or the number of entries onto the open arms. In contrast, the benzodiazepine receptor partial agonist, bretazenil (0.3-10.0 mg/kg), significantly increased both the time spent on the open arms and the number of open arm entries. In the CSD and the CER tests, L-740,093 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) L-365,260 (0.0001-0.1 mg/kg) and CI-988 (0.01-10.0 mg/kg) failed to increase suppression ratios compared to the vehicle-treated control rats, whereas, the benzodiazepine receptor partial agonist FG 8205 (10.0 mg/kg) (CSD) and bretazenil (0.3-3.0 mg/kg) (CER) both significantly increased suppression ratios compared to vehicle-treated control rats. In addition, L-365,260 (1.0-50.0 mg/kg), CI-988 (0.1-10.0 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) were assessed in a squirrel monkey conflict procedure. Although diazepam significantly increased suppressed lever pressing rates, L-365,260 and CI-988 were without effect. The present findings provide little support for the hypothesis that CCKB receptor antagonists have anti-anxiety effects in animals.

The ambivalent behaviour "stretched approach posture" in the rat as a paradigm to characterize anxiolytic drugs

The effect of various psychotropic drugs on the ambivalent behaviour "stretched approach posture" (SAP) in the rat was assessed. SAP was elicited after a mild startle reaction due to physical contact with an electrified prod at one end of a straight runway. Using ethological observation methods, SAP as well as intention movements, prod contact, crossings, rearing, exploration, grooming and immobility were recorded. The benzodiazepine receptor agonists chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and alprazolam, the 5-HT1A receptor agonists flesinoxan and ipsapirone and the 5-HT uptake inhibitor clomipramine selectively (no effect on crossings) reduced SAP. Except for alprazolam, these drugs also reduced intention movements. In addition, chlordiazepoxide and diazepam enhanced prod contact. Reductions of SAP and intentions with concomitant reductions of crossings (nonspecific antiambivalent effects) were established for the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine and the MAO inhibitor clorgyline. The 5-HT uptake inhibitor fluvoxamine suppressed intention movements, but not SAP. The mixed 5-HT/NA uptake inhibitor imipramine did not significantly affect SAP or intentions, but reduced crossings. The 5-HT2C/1B receptor agonist m-CPP, the inverse BZD receptor agonists FG 7142 and DMCM, and the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, to all of which putative anxiogenic effects have been ascribed, had no effect on SAP directed towards the prod. m-CPP, however, produced an increase in the stretched posture directed away from the prod (SAwayP). FG 7142 reduced intentions while strongly enhancing immobility (freezing). SAwayP and/or freezing may possibly reflect anxiogenic properties of drugs. The putative anxiogenic drug pentylenetetrazol false positively reduced SAP while increasing exploration. The dopamine-D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol and the catecholamine releaser dl-amphetamine had no effect on ambivalent behaviour. The muscarine receptor antagonist scopolamine reduced SAP and intentions while stimulating crossings. Finally, the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist ritanserine, the CCKA receptor antagonist devazepide, the CCKB receptor antagonist L-365.260 and the strychnine-insensitive glycine site antagonist 7-Cl-kynurenic acid were without effect on the behaviours in this paradigm using single doses. In conclusion, SAP and intention movements were reduced selectively by anxiolytic agents from different classes, including benzodiazepine receptor agonists, 5-HT1A receptor agonists and a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, whereas an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist and a MAO inhibitor reduced SAP non-selectively. SAP in relation to other behaviours may therefore serve as a valuable paradigm to characterize anxiolytic drugs.

Failure of CCK receptor ligands to modify anxiety-related behavioural suppression in an operant conflict paradigm in rats

The effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor ligands were studied in the rat safety signal withdrawal conflict procedure, an operant paradigm sensitive to both anxiolytic and anxiogenic compounds. In this procedure, behavioural suppression of lever pressing for food was induced by the withdrawal of a conditioned signal for safety without the usual presentation of a conditioned signal for danger. The compounds tested were selective CCK-B antagonists [CI-988 (0.01-1 mg/kg SC), L-365,260 (0.004-2 mg/kg IP) and LY 262,691 (0.001-1 mg/kg SC)], CCK-B agonists [CCK-4 (0.01-1 mg/kg SC) and BC 264 (0.004-1 mg/kg IP)] and CCK-A antagonists [devazepide (0.001-1 mg/kg SC) and lorglumide (0.01-1 mg/kg SC)]. None of these drugs induced the expected behavioural effects, i.e. an anxiolytic-like release of the behavioural suppression with CCK-B and, possibly, CCK-A antagonists and/or a further reduction of lever pressing with CCK-B agonists, indicative of an anxiogenic-like potential. In contrast, the established anxiolytic lorazepam (0.06-0.25 mg/kg IP), as well as diazepam (2 mg/kg IP) and buspirone (0.25 mg/kg SC) used as positive control drugs, released the suppression of pressing for food during the period associated with the safety signal withdrawal, whereas picrotoxin (1 mg/kg IP), used as an anxiogenic control, further reduced responding during this conflict period. The present results contrast with a series of published data suggesting the involvement of CCK processes in anxiety-related behaviour in rodent models such as the elevated plus-maze or the light:dark two compartment test, and in panic disorders in humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Attenuation of CCK-induced aversion in rats on the elevated x-maze by the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonists (+) WAY100135 and WAY100635

The present study determined the effect of pretreatment with "silent" selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonists on cholecystokinin (CCK)-mediated effects on rat behaviour in the elevated x-maze model of anxiety. In the absence of 5-HT1A receptor antagonists, non-sulphated cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8ns; 10 and 50 micrograms/kg, i.p.; 30 min prior to testing) produced an anxiogenic profile of behaviour on the x-maze, reducing the number of open arm entries and the number of exploratory head dips, while increasing the level of risk-assessment as measured by the number of stretched-attend postures. CCK-8ns did not, however, alter ambulatory activity. Two 5-HT1A receptor antagonists were employed in these experiments: (+)WAY100135 (the active enantiomer of N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperzin-1-yl)- 2-phenylpropronamine) [sequence: see text] and WAY100635 (N-[2-[4(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl-1-piperazinyl]-N-2- pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarbonate [sequence: see text] trihydrochloride). When administered 10 min prior to CCK-8ns, (+) WAY100135 and 0.3 mg/kg s.c.) significantly attenuated profile of CCK-8ns. (+)WAY100135 was also demonstrated to significantly inhibit postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor-mediated 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin)-induced 5-HT syndrome at the same dose used in the x-maze experiment. Neither (+)WAY100135 nor WAY100635 had any affects on ambulatory activity. These results support a CCK/5-HT1A receptor interaction in the modulation of aversion in rats exposed to the elevated x-maze.

The CCKB antagonist, L-365,260, attenuates fear-potentiated startle

The neuropeptide cholecystokinin (CCK), via the CCKB receptor, increases behaviors associated with anxiety in laboratory animals and humans. The present experiment assessed the role of endogenous CCKB function in fear-potentiated startle, a test of "anxiety" in rats. The amplitude of the acoustic startle response is potentiated if preceded by a stimulus that has been previously paired with shock. Pretreatment with the CCKB antagonist L-365,260 (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg, IP) did not affect baseline acoustic startle amplitudes, but dose-dependently decreased fear-potentiated startle. These results indicate that the specific attenuation of fear-potentiated startle induced by L-365,260 was not due to a general decrease in motor responsivity. The present findings are consistent with the effects of CCKB antagonists in other tests measuring anxiety in animals.

The influence of 5-hydroxytryptamine re-uptake blockade on CCK receptor antagonist effects in the rat elevated zero-maze

In this study, the elevated zero-maze model of anxiety was used to investigate CCK receptor antagonist effects on the behaviour of male Lister-hooded rats and to demonstrate, by administering antagonists in the presence or absence of selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) re-uptake inhibitors, the involvement of 5-HT in the mediation of these effects. Devazepide, a selective CCKA receptor antagonist, L-365,260 (3R(+)-N-2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 3-yl-N1- (3-methyl-phenyl)urea) or CI-988 (4-([2-[[3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-1- oxo-2-[[(tricyclo[3.3.1.1.(3.7)]-dec-2-yloxy)-carbonyl]-amin o]- propyl]-amino]-1-phenylethyl]-amino)-4-oxo-[R-(R*,R*)]-butanoate- N-methyl-D-glucamine), both selective CCKB receptor antagonists, were administered 30 min prior to testing. Behavioural analysis during testing included measures of risk-assessment behaviours (e.g. stretched-attend posture) in addition to time spent on the open quadrants. Devazepide induced significant anxiolytic effects, whereas CI-988 produced inconsistent results and L-365,260 was ineffective. When administered simultaneously with the 5-HT re-uptake inhibitors zimelidine or Wy 27587 (N-[[[1-[(6- fluoro-2-naphthalenyl)methyl]-4-piperidinyl]amino] carbonyl]-3-pyridine carboxamide methyl sulphonate salt), the significant anxiolytic effect induced by devazepide was dose-dependently and significantly attenuated. Zimelidine and Wy27587 had little effect alone on zero-maze behaviour at the lower of two doses given. These data show that the elevated zero-maze, in conjunction with the analysis of 'risk-assessment' behaviours, is an anxiety model which is sensitive to the anxiolytic effects of CCK receptor antagonism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PD135158, a CCK-B antagonist, reduces "state," but not "trait" anxiety in mice

It has recently been proposed that Balb/c neophobic responses in a free exploratory paradigm are related to "trait" anxiety, while the behavior of mice in the light/dark choice test paradigm is related to "state" anxiety. The purpose of this study was to assess the action of the CCK-B receptor antagonist PD135158 in both models. Results show that PD135158 was effective in the light/dark choice test but not on the Balb/c neophobic reactions in the free exploratory situation. It is suggested that PD135158 is specially effective in state anxiety induced by fear provoking situations.