Binding characteristics of a potent AMPA receptor antagonist [3H]Ro 48-8587 in rat brain

Vitamin D3 supplementation increases insulin level by regulating altered IP3 and AMPA receptor expression in the pancreatic islets of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

Pancreatic islets, particularly insulin-secreting β cells, share common characteristics with neurons. Glutamate is one of the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and pancreas, and its action is mediated through glutamate receptors. In the present work, we analysed the role of vitamin D3 in the modulation of AMPA receptor subunit and their functional role in insulin release. Radio receptor binding study in diabetic rats showed a significant increase in AMPA receptor density. Insulin AMPA colabelling study showed an altered AMPA GluR2 and GluR4 subunit expression in the pancreatic beta cells. We also found lowered IP3 content and decreased IP3 receptor in pancreas of diabetic rats. The alterations in AMPA and IP3 receptor resulted in reduced cytosolic calcium level concentration, which further blocks Ca(2+)-mediated insulin release. Vitamin D3 supplementation restored the alteration in vitamin D receptor expression, AMPA receptor density and AMPA and IP3 receptor expression in the pancreatic islets that helps to restore the calcium-mediated insulin secretion. Our study reveals the antidiabetic property of vitamin D3 that is suggested to have therapeutic role through regulating glutamatergic function in diabetic rats.

Changes of AMPA receptors in MPTP monkeys with levodopa-induced dyskinesias

Overactivity of glutamate neurotransmission is suspected to be implicated in Parkinson's disease and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. The fast glutamatergic transmission in the striatum from the cortex is mediated mainly by non-n-methyl-d-aspartate (non-NMDA) receptors. Animal models of Parkinson's disease reveal conflicting data concerning striatal glutamate AMPA receptors. The present study thus sought to shed light on the relationship of striatal AMPA receptors to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. [(3)H]Ro 48-8587, a highly potent and selective-specific antagonist ligand for AMPA receptors, was used to investigate, by autoradiography, striatal AMPA receptors in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned monkeys treated for 1 month with levodopa alone, levodopa+CI-1041 (NMDA receptor antagonist) or levodopa+cabergoline (D2 receptor agonist). Levodopa-treated MPTP monkeys developed dyskinesias while those that received levodopa+CI-1041 or levodopa+cabergoline did not. In the anterior caudate nucleus and putamen, specific binding of [(3)H]Ro 48-8587 was reduced in all MPTP-treated monkeys compared to control monkeys, but no significant effect of MPTP was measured in the posterior striatum. In dyskinetic monkeys, specific binding of [(3)H]Ro 48-8587 was elevated in subregions of the posterior caudate nucleus and putamen as compared to saline-treated MPTP monkeys. Levodopa+CI-1041 treatment left unchanged specific binding of [(3)H]Ro 48-8587 whereas levodopa+cabergoline treatment reduced it in subregions of the posterior caudate nucleus and putamen compared to control and levodopa-treated MPTP monkeys. Specific binding of [(3)H]Ro 48-8587 was low in the globus pallidus and remained unchanged following both lesion and treatments. In conclusion, the elevated values of AMPA receptors in dyskinetic monkeys (and their prevention through treatments) were only observed in subregions of the striatum.

Competitive AMPA receptor antagonists

Glutamic acid (Glu) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) where it is involved in the physiological regulation of different processes. It has been well established that excessive endogenous Glu is associated with many acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as cerebral ischaemia, epilepsy, amiotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. These data have consequently added great impetus to the research in this field. In fact, many Glu receptor antagonists acting at the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA), and/or kainic acid (KA) receptors have been developed as research tools and potential therapeutic agents. Ligands showing competitive antagonistic action at the AMPA type of Glu receptors were first reported in 1988, and the systemically active 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulphamoyl-benzo[f]quinoxaline (NBQX) was first shown to have useful therapeutic effects in animal models of neurological disease in 1990. Since then, the quinoxaline template has represented the backbone of various competitive AMPA receptor antagonists belonging to different classes which had been developed in order to increase potency, selectivity and water solubility, but also to prolong the "in vivo" action. Compounds that present better pharmacokinetic properties and less serious adverse effects with respect to the others previously developed are undergoing clinical evaluation. In the near future, the most important clinical application for the AMPA receptor antagonists will probably be as neuroprotectant in neurodegenerative diseases, such as epilepsy, for the treatment of patients not responding to current therapies. The present review reports the history of competitive AMPA receptor antagonists from 1988 up to today, providing a systematic coverage of both the open and patent literature.

Differential effects of two chronic diazepam treatment regimes on withdrawal anxiety and AMPA receptor characteristics

Withdrawal from chronic benzodiazepines is associated with increased anxiety and seizure susceptibility. Neuroadaptive changes in neural activity occur in limbo-cortical structures although changes at the level of the GABA(A) receptor do not provide an adequate explanation for these functional changes. We have employed two diazepam treatment regimes known to produce differing effects on withdrawal aversion in the rat and examined whether withdrawal-induced anxiety was accompanied by changes in AMPA receptor characteristics. Rats were given 28 days treatment with diazepam by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route (5 mg/kg) and the subcutaneous (s.c.) route (15 mg/kg). Withdrawal anxiety in the elevated plus maze was evident in the group withdrawn from chronic s.c. diazepam (relatively more stable plasma levels) but not from the chronic i.p. group (fluctuating daily plasma levels). In the brains of these rats, withdrawal anxiety was accompanied by increased [3H]Ro48 8587 binding in the hippocampus and thalamus, and decreased GluR1 and GluR2 subunit mRNA expression in the amygdala (GluR1 and GluR2) and cortex (GluR1). The pattern of changes was different in the chronic i.p. group where in contrast to the chronic s.c. group, there was reduced [3H]Ro48 8587 binding in the hippocampus and no alterations in GluR1 and GluR2 subunit expression in the amygdala. While both groups showed reduced GluR1 mRNA subunit expression in the cortex overall, only the agranular insular cortex exhibited marked reductions following chronic i.p. diazepam. Striatal GluR2 mRNA expression was increased in the i.p. group but not the s.c. group. Taken together, these data are consistent with differential neuroadaptive processes in AMPA receptor plasticity being important in withdrawal from chronic benzodiazepines. Moreover, these processes may differ both at a regional and receptor function level according to the behavioral manifestations of withdrawal.

alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptor autoradiography in mouse brain after single and repeated withdrawal from diazepam

Withdrawal from chronic treatment with benzodiazepines is associated with increased neuronal excitability leading to anxiety, aversive effects and increased seizure sensitivity. After repeated withdrawal experiences, seizure sensitivity increases while withdrawal-induced anxiety and aversion decrease. We used autoradiographical methods employing [(3)H]Ro48 8587, a selective ligand for glutamatergic alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors, to study withdrawal-induced changes in AMPA receptor binding in areas of the mouse brain postulated to be involved in these responses. Mice were given 21 days treatment with diazepam (15 mg/kg, s.c. in sesame oil) followed by withdrawal (single withdrawal) or three blocks of 7 days treatment interspersed with 3-day periods to allow washout of drug (repeated withdrawal). In keeping with heightened excitability in withdrawal from chronic diazepam treatment, the single withdrawal group showed, 72 h after their final dose of diazepam, increased [(3)H]Ro48 8587 binding in several brain areas associated with emotional responses or seizure activity, including hippocampal subfields, amygdalar and thalamic nuclei and motor cortex. In contrast, the repeated withdrawal group showed no changes in [(3)H]Ro48 8587 binding in any brain area studied. These observations are consistent with up-regulation of AMPA receptor-mediated transmission being important in withdrawal-induced anxiety and aversion but not in increased seizure sensitivity associated with repeated withdrawal. As changes in AMPA receptor subunit expression alter the functionality of the receptor, future studies will address this possibility.

Neuroadaptive processes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems in benzodiazepine dependence

Knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying the development of benzodiazepine (BZ) dependence remains incomplete. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)) receptor, being the main locus of BZ action, has been the main focus to date in studies performed to elucidate the neuroadaptive processes underlying BZ tolerance and withdrawal in preclinical studies. Despite this intensive effort, however, no clear consensus has been reached on the exact contribution of neuroadaptive processes at the level of the GABA(A) receptor to the development of BZ tolerance and withdrawal. It is likely that changes at the level of this receptor are inadequate in themselves as an explanation of these neuroadaptive processes and that neuroadaptations in other receptor systems are important in the development of BZ dependence. In particular, it has been hypothesised that as part of compensatory mechanisms to diazepam-induced chronic enhancement of GABAergic inhibition, excitatory mechanisms (including the glutamatergic system) become more sensitive [Behav. Pharmacol. 6 (1995) 425], conceivably contributing to BZ tolerance development and/or expression of withdrawal symptoms on cessation of treatment, including increased anxiety and seizure activity. Glutamate is a key candidate for changes in excitatory transmission mechanisms and BZ dependence, (1) since there are defined neuroanatomical relationships between glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the CNS and (2) because of the pivotal role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in mediating many forms of synaptic plasticity in the CNS, such as long-term potentiation and kindling events. Thus, it is highly possible that glutamatergic processes are also involved in the neuroadaptive processes in drug dependence, which can conceivably be considered as a form of synaptic plasticity. This review provides an overview of studies investigating changes in the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems in the brain associated with BZ dependence, with particular attention to the possible differential involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors in these processes.

Determinants of antagonist binding at the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subunit, GluR-D. Role of the conserved arginine 507 and glutamate 727 residues

Previous structural and mutagenesis studies indicate that the invariant alpha-amino and alpha-carboxyl groups of glutamate receptor agonists are engaged in polar interactions with oppositely charged, conserved arginine and glutamate residues in the ligand-binding domain of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor. To examine the role of these residues (R507 and E727 in the GluR-D subunit) in the discrimination between agonists and antagonists, we analyzed the ligand-binding properties of homomeric GluR-D and its soluble ligand-binding domain with mutations at these positions. Filter-binding assays using [3H]AMPA, an agonist, and [3H]Ro 48-8587, a high-affinity antagonist, as radioligands revealed that even a conservative mutation at R507 (R507K) resulted in the complete loss of both agonist and antagonist binding. In contrast, a negative charge at position 727 was necessary for agonist binding, whereas the isosteric mutation, E727Q, abolished all agonist binding but retained high-affinity binding for [3H]Ro 48-8587, displaceable by 7,8-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Competition binding studies with antagonists representing different structural classes in combination with ligand docking experiments suggest that the role of E727 is antagonist-specific, ranging from no interaction to weak electrostatic interactions involving indirect and direct hydrogen bonding with the antagonist molecule. These results underline the importance of ion pair interaction with E727 for agonist activity and suggest that an interaction with R507, but not with E727, is essential for antagonist binding.

A single residue contributes sensitivity to allosteric modulation of AMPA receptors by LY395153

Previous studies have shown that a single point mutation (S(750)Q) in the splice variant region of rat Glu(1) subunits can eliminate positive allosteric modulation by cyclothiazide. The present study investigated the effects of mutating the equivalent residue (S(776)Q) in the human Glu(4) subunit on the activity and binding of a novel AMPA receptor potentiator, LY395153 (N-2-(4-benzamidophenylpropyl-2-propanesulfonamide)). The mutation markedly attenuated, but did not eliminate, potentiation by LY395153 and cyclothiazide. In addition, binding of [3H]LY395153 was significantly reduced by this mutation. These effects occurred in the absence of any change in the response to glutamate or the binding of a competitive AMPA receptor antagonist, [3H]Ro 48-8587 ([2,4,5-3H]9-imidazol-1-yl-8-nitro-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro[1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline-2,5-dione triethylammonium salt). Collectively, these results demonstrate that structurally diverse classes of potentiators are sensitive to mutations of this single Ser residue, suggesting that binding to this residue may be necessary for positive allosteric modulation of AMPA receptors.

Discrimination between agonists and antagonists by the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid-selective glutamate receptor. A mutation analysis of the ligand-binding domain of GluR-D subunit

The crystal structures of the ligand-binding core of the agonist complexes of the glutamate receptor-B (GluR-B) subunit of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)-selective glutamate receptor indicate that the distal anionic group of agonist molecules are stabilized by interactions with an N-terminal region of an alpha-helix (helix F) in the lobe 2 ("domain 2," Armstrong, N., and Gouaux, E. (2000) Neuron 28, 165-181) of the two-lobed ligand-binding domain. We used site-directed mutagenesis to further analyze the role of this region in the recognition of both agonists and antagonists by the AMPA receptor. Wild-type and mutated versions of the ligand-binding domain of GluR-D were expressed in insect cells as secreted soluble polypeptides and subjected to binding assays using [(3)H]AMPA, an agonist, and [(3)H]Ro 48-8587 (9-imidazol-1-yl-8-nitro-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c] quinazoline-2,5-dione), a high affinity AMPA receptor antagonist, as radioligands. Single alanine substitutions at residues Leu-672 and Thr-677 severely affected the affinities for all agonists, as seen in ligand competition assays, whereas similar mutations at residues Asp-673, Ser-674, Gly-675, Ser-676, and Lys-678 selectively affected the binding affinities of one or two of the agonists. In striking contrast, the binding affinities of [(3)H]Ro 48-8587 and of another competitive antagonist, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, were not affected by any of these alanine mutations, suggesting the absence of critical side-chain interactions. Together with ligand docking experiments, our results indicate a selective engagement of the side chains of the helix F region in agonist binding, and suggest that conformational changes involving this region may play a critical role in receptor activation.

Selective enhancement of AMPA receptor-mediated function in hippocampal CA1 neurons from chronic benzodiazepine-treated rats

Two days following one-week administration of the benzodiazepine, flurazepam (FZP), rats exhibit anticonvulsant tolerance in vivo, while reduced GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition and enhanced EPSP amplitude are present in CA1 pyramidal neurons in vitro. AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic transmission in FZP-treated rats was examined using electrophysiological techniques in in vitro hippocampal slices. In CA1 pyramidal neurons from FZP-treated rats, the miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitude was significantly increased (33%) without change in frequency, rise time or decay time. Moreover, mEPSC amplitude was not elevated in dentate granule neurons following 1-week FZP treatment or in CA1 pyramidal neurons following acute desalkyl-FZP treatment. Regulation of AMPAR number was assessed by quantitative autoradiography with the AMPAR antagonist, [(3)H]Ro48-8587. Specific binding was significantly increased in stratum pyramidale of hippocampal areas CA1 and CA2 and in proximal dendritic fields of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Regulation of AMPAR subunit proteins was examined using immunological techniques. Neither abundance nor distribution of GluR1-3 subunit proteins was different in the CA1 region following FZP treatment. These findings suggest that enhanced AMPAR currents, mediated at least in part by increased AMPAR number, may contribute to BZ anticonvulsant tolerance. Furthermore, these studies suggest an interaction between GABAergic and glutamatergic systems in the CA1 region which may provide novel therapeutic strategies for restoring BZ effectiveness.

Characterization of [(3)H]Quisqualate binding to recombinant rat metabotropic glutamate 1a and 5a receptors and to rat and human brain sections

We have investigated the binding properties of [(3)H]quisqualate to rat metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) 1a and 5a receptors and to rat and human brain sections. Saturation isotherms gave K:(D) values of 27 +/- 4 and 81 +/- 22 nM: for mGlu1a and mGlu5a receptors, respectively. Several compounds inhibited the binding to mGlu1a and mGlu5a receptors concentration-dependently. (S:)-4-Carboxyphenylglycine, (S:)-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine, and (R,S)-1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid, which completely inhibited [(3)H]quisqualate binding to the mGlu5a receptor, were inactive in a functional assay using this receptor. The distribution and abundance of binding sites in rat and human brain sections were studied by quantitative receptor radioautography and image analysis. Using 10 nM: [(3)H]quisqualate, a high density of binding was detected in various brain regions with the following rank order of increasing levels: medulla, thalamus, olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, spinal cord dorsal horn, olfactory tubercle, dentate gyrus molecular layer, CA1-3 oriens layer of hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellar molecular layer. The ionotropic component of this binding could be inhibited by 30 microM: kainate, revealing the distribution of mGlu1+5 receptors. The latter were almost completely inhibited by the group I agonist (S:)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine. The binding profile correlated well with the cellular sites of synthesis and regional expression of the respective group I receptor proteins revealed by in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Pharmacology of AMPA/kainate receptor ligands and their therapeutic potential in neurological and psychiatric disorders

It has been postulated, consistent with the ubiquitous presence of glutamatergic neurons in the brain, that defects in glutamatergic neurotransmission are associated with many human neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review evaluates the possible application of ligands acting on glutamate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) and kainate (KA) receptors to minimise the pathology and/or symptoms of various diseases. Glutamate activation of AMPA receptors is thought to mediate most fast synaptic neurotransmission in the brain, while transmission via KA receptors contributes only a minor component. Variants of the protein subunits forming these receptors greatly extend the pharmacological and electrophysiological properties of AMPA/KA receptors. Disease and drug use can differentially affect the expression of the subunits and their variants. Ligands bind to AMPA receptors by competing with glutamate at the glutamate binding site, or non-competitively at other sites on the proteins (allosteric modulators). Ligands showing selective competitive antagonist actions at the AMPA/ KA class of glutamate receptors were first reported in 1988, and the systemically active antagonist 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulphamoyl-benzo(F)quinoxaline (NBQX) was first shown to have useful therapeutic effects on animal models of neurological diseases in 1990. Since then, newer antagonists with increased potency, higher specificity, increased water solubility, and a longer duration of action in vivo have been developed. Negative allosteric modulators such as the prototype GYKI-52466 also block AMPA receptors but have little action at KA receptors. Positive allosteric modulators enhance glutamatergic neurotransmission at AMPA receptors. Polyamines and adamantane derivatives bind within the ion channel of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors. The latest developments include ligands selective for KA receptors containing Glu-R5 subunits. Evidence for advantages of AMPA receptor antagonists over N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for symptomatic treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions, and for minimising neuronal loss occurring after acute neurological diseases, such as physical trauma, ischaemia or status epilepticus, have been shown in animal models. However, as yet AMPA receptor antagonists have not been shown to be effective in clinical trials. On the other hand, a limited number of clinical trials have been reported for AMPA receptor ligands that enhance glutamatergic neurotransmission by extending the ion channel opening time (positive allosteric modulators). These acute studies demonstrate enhanced memory capability in both young and aged humans, without any apparent serious adverse effects. The use of these allosteric modulators as antipsychotic drugs is also possible. However, the long term use of both direct agonists and positive allosteric modulators must be approached with considerable caution because of potential adverse effects.

Synthesis of heterocyclic enol ethers and their use as group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists

Heterocyclic enol ethers of type 1 were studied with respect to the inhibition of 1S,3R-ACPD (10 microM)-stimulated GTP gamma35S binding on rat mGluR2 transfected cell membranes. The structure activity relationship with regard to the substitution pattern of the phenyl ring, the oxygen substituent and the nature of the heterocycle is discussed.

Structure-activity relationships of substituted 5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines as group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists

A series of 5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives 1 was studied with respect to the inhibition of 1S,3R-ACPD (10 microM)-stimulated GTP gamma35S binding on rat mGlu2 receptor transfected cell membranes. The influence of substituents at position 6 and 7 as well as the substitution pattern of the two phenyl-rings in position 2 and 5 on the activity is discussed.