Interactions of dimethoxy-substituted tolazoline derivatives with alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoreceptors in vitro

Analysis of agonism at functional prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors of rat vas deferens using operational and null approaches

The alpha 2-adrenoceptors located prejunctionally on the postganglionic neurons that innervate the smooth muscle of the prostatic portion of the rat vas deferens were examined. For this purpose, three imidazolidine derivatives (structurally related to clonidine) were studied for their effects on twitch contractions elicited by electrical field stimulation of this tissue. In this study, operational model-fitting and the nested hyperbolic method were used to analyse the effects of irreversible receptor alkylation by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) on the alpha 2-adrenoceptor-mediated effects of clonidine (2-[2,6-dichlorophenylimino]imidazolidine) in stimulated vas deferens. The operational model provided an estimate of KA for clonidine which was not significantly different from the estimate obtained by using the nested hyperbolic method (null approach). The data indicate a large receptor reserve at prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors for clonidine. The estimates of apparent affinity for St-587 (2-[2-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenylimino]imidazolidine) and St-591 (2-[2-chloro-5-methylphenylimino]imidazolidine) did not depend on the method of calculation as the 'null' method and the 'operational' method gave similar answers. Further, estimates of the ratio of tau values for these partial agonists with respect to clonidine were numerically the same as those of their relative efficacies. Therefore, no limitations in the ability of the operational model to fit experimental data and provide reproducible estimates of affinity and efficacy have been revealed for agonists acting at prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptors.

Alpha-adrenoceptors

Major advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular structure and function of the alpha-adrenoceptors. Many new subtypes of the alpha-adrenoceptor have been identified recently through biochemical and pharmacological techniques and several of these receptors have been cloned and expressed in a variety of vector systems. Currently, at least seven subtypes of the alpha-adrenoceptor have been identified and the molecular structure and biochemical functions of these subtypes are beginning to be understood. The alpha-adrenoceptors belong to the super family of receptors that are coupled to guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G-proteins). A variety of G-proteins are involved in the coupling of the various alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes to intracellular second messenger systems, which ultimately produce the end-organ response. The mechanisms by which the alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes recognize different G-proteins, as well as the molecular interactions between receptors and G-proteins, are the topics of current research. Furthermore, the physiological and pathophysiological role that alpha-adrenoceptors play in homeostasis and in a variety of disease states is also being elucidated. These major advances made in alpha-adrenoceptor classification, molecular structure, physiologic function, second messenger systems and therapeutic relevance are the subject of this review.

Interaction of enantiomers of hydroxy tolazoline with adrenoceptors

Adrenoceptor-mediated effects of the enantiomers of hydroxytolazoline and tolazoline (i.e., desoxy derivative) have been investigated in vitro. The enantiomers and tolazoline were partial agonists of postjunctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors in rat aorta. The rank order of potencies of the compounds in this system was as follows: tolazoline greater than R(-)-hydroxytolazoline greater than S(+)-hydroxytolazoline. The efficacy of R(-)-hydroxytolazoline was higher than that of tolazoline, though its affinity for the receptor was less. The KB values for prazosin against these agonists were nearly equal, which indicated that these imidazolines activate the same type of receptor in rat aorta. The S(+)-isomer, however, produced both a prazosin sensitive and resistant component of the response. The interactions of the derivatives with presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors were studied in field-stimulated myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig ileum. These substances were blockers at presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors. Based on KB values, the order of affinity in this system was as follows: tolazoline greater than S(+)-isomer greater than or equal to R(-)-isomer. beta-Adrenoceptor mediated activity was quantitated in guinea-pig and rat atria. R(-)-hydroxytolazoline lacked chronotropic effects either in guinea pig or rat atria. At 3 X 10(-4) M the isomer did not antagonize the effect of isoproterenol in the atria. On the other hand, S(+)-hydroxytolazoline produced a variable chronotropic effect in guinea-pig atria, but failed to show any significant activity in rat atria. Thus, the beta-adrenoceptor mediated action appears to be insignificant. Steric aspects of alpha-adrenoceptor mediated events are discussed.

Reverse tri-iodothyronine as part of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors

Thyroid hormones affect alpha and beta adrenergic receptor number profoundly. Presynaptic and post synaptic alpha 2 adrenergic receptor number is decreased in hypothyroidism. Behavioural studies show decreased presynaptic alpha 2 adrenergic function in hypothyroidism and increased function in hyperthyroidism. Reverse tri-iodothyronine (rT3) levels are also low in hypothyroidism and levels are high in hyperthyroidism induced by T4 administration. The present author has proposed that rT3 is incorporated into the alpha 2 adrenergic receptor where it provides the aromatic binding site. Tri-iodothyronine (T3) administration does not raise alpha 2 adrenergic receptor numbers above normal control values. This is consistent with the author's hypothesis as T3 cannot be converted to rT3. This paper describes how rT3 could provide the aromatic binding site for drugs that act on alpha 2 adrenergic receptors.