Inhibition of central monoamine oxidase by imidazoline2 site-selective ligands

Synthesis and biological evaluation of imidazoline derivatives as potential CNS and CVS agents

A series of substituted imidazoline derivatives were synthesized and characterized. Compounds were tested in-vivo for their antihypertensive, analgesic, antiaggressive, depressant, antidepressant, and ALD₅₀ activities. The compounds 3a, 3c, 4c, 5a, and 6c showed cardiovascular as well as central nervous system activities and are potential candidate as drug among all fifteen compounds tested. All these compounds have shown better activity for antihypertensive, analgesic, antiaggressive, and depressant-antidepressant, properties than reference compounds clonidine, morphine, diazepam, and imipramine respectively. Most of the compounds have shown ALD₅₀ > 500 mg/kg with maximum in 4a and 5a (>1000 mg/kg).

Imidazoline Receptor System: The Past, the Present, and the Future

Imidazoline receptors historically referred to a family of nonadrenergic binding sites that recognize compounds with an imidazoline moiety, although this has proven to be an oversimplification. For example, none of the proposed endogenous ligands for imidazoline receptors contain an imidazoline moiety but they are diverse in their chemical structure. Three receptor subtypes (I₁, I₂, and I₃) have been proposed and the understanding of each has seen differing progress over the decades. I₁ receptors partially mediate the central hypotensive effects of clonidine-like drugs. Moxonidine and rilmenidine have better therapeutic profiles (fewer side effects) than clonidine as antihypertensive drugs, thought to be due to their higher I₁/α ₂-adrenoceptor selectivity. Newer I₁ receptor agonists such as LNP599 [3-chloro-2-methyl-phenyl)-(4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-yl)-amine hydrochloride] have little to no activity on α ₂-adrenoceptors and demonstrate promising therapeutic potential for hypertension and metabolic syndrome. I₂ receptors associate with several distinct proteins, but the identities of these proteins remain elusive. I₂ receptor agonists have demonstrated various centrally mediated effects including antinociception and neuroprotection. A new I₂ receptor agonist, CR4056 [2-phenyl-6-(1H-imidazol-1yl) quinazoline], demonstrated clear analgesic activity in a recently completed phase II clinical trial and holds great promise as a novel I₂ receptor-based first-in-class nonopioid analgesic. The understanding of I₃ receptors is relatively limited. Existing data suggest that I₃ receptors may represent a binding site at the Kir6.2-subtype ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic β-cells and may be involved in insulin secretion. Despite the elusive nature of their molecular identities, recent progress on drug discovery targeting imidazoline receptors (I₁ and I₂) demonstrates the exciting potential of these compounds to elicit neuroprotection and to treat various disorders such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and chronic pain.

The potential antidepressant-like effect of imidazoline I2 ligand 2-BFI in mice

The compound 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI) is a 2-imidazoline derivative that selectively inhibits the in vitro activity of monoamine oxidase-A and it is also an imidazoline I(2) agonist. However, the antidepressant potential of this compound and its mechanism of action have not been well defined. Therefore, in this study we investigated the antidepressant-like effect of 2-BFI in mice. 2-BFI (100 and 300μmol/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced the immobility time on the tail suspension test (TST) without changing locomotion in the open field test. The reduced the immobility time of 2-BFI (100μmol/kg, s.c.) was confirmed with the forced swimming test (FST). The antidepressant-like effect of 2-BFI (100μmol/kg, s.c.) in the TST was prevented by pretreatment with idazoxan (0.4μmol/kg, i.p., a I(2) site antagonist), methysergide (4μmol/kg, i.p., a non-selective serotonergic receptor antagonist) and haloperidol (0.1μmol/kg, i.p., a non-selective dopaminergic receptor antagonist). The anxiolytic effect of 2-BFI was also evaluated, using the elevated plus-maze test. 2-BFI (300μmol/kg, s.c.) was able to significantly increase the % of number of entries and the % of time spent in the open arms, indicating that it possesses an anxiolytic effect at high doses. In conclusion, these results suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of 2-BFI might involve serotonergic, dopaminergic and imidazoline systems, and then the imidazoline site could represent a new pharmacological target for the treatment of depression.

The alpha2 adrenergic receptor antagonist idazoxan, but not the serotonin-2A receptor antagonist M100907, partially attenuated reward deficits associated with nicotine, but not amphetamine, withdrawal in rats

Based on phenomenological similarities between anhedonia (reward deficits) associated with drug withdrawal and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, we showed previously that the atypical antipsychotic clozapine attenuated reward deficits associated with psychostimulant withdrawal. Antagonism of alpha(2) adrenergic and 5-HT(2A) receptors may contribute to these effects of clozapine. We investigated here whether blockade of alpha(2) or 5-HT(2A) receptors by idazoxan and M100907, respectively, would reverse anhedonic aspects of psychostimulant withdrawal. Idazoxan treatment facilitated recovery from spontaneous nicotine, but not amphetamine, withdrawal by attenuating reward deficits and increase the number of somatic signs. Thus, alpha(2) adrenoceptor blockade may have beneficial effects against nicotine withdrawal and may be involved in the effects of clozapine previously observed. M100907 worsened the anhedonia associated with nicotine and amphetamine withdrawal, suggesting that monotherapy with M100907 may exacerbate the expression of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia or nicotine withdrawal symptoms in people, including schizophrenia patients, attempting to quit smoking.

Alpha-2 noradrenergic receptor activation inhibits the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) in neurons of the ventral tegmental area

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is the source of dopaminergic projections innervating cortical structures and ventral forebrain. Dysfunction of this mesocorticolimbic system is critically involved in psychiatric disorders such as addiction and schizophrenia. Changes in VTA dopamine (DA) neuronal activity can alter neurotransmitter release at target regions which modify information processing in the reward circuit. Here we studied the effect of alpha-2 noradrenergic receptor activation on the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I(h)) in DA neurons of the rat VTA. Brain slice preparations using whole-cell current and voltage-clamp techniques were employed. Clonidine and UK14304 (alpha-2 receptor selective agonists) were found to decrease I(h) amplitude and to slow its rate of activation indicating a negative shift in the current's voltage dependence. Two non-subtype-selective alpha-2 receptor antagonists, yohimbine and RS79948, prevented the effects of alpha-2 receptor activation. RX821002, a noradrenergic antagonist specific for alpha-2A and alpha-2D did not prevent I(h) inhibition. This result suggests that clonidine might be acting via an alpha-2C subtype since this receptor is the most abundant variant in the VTA. Analysis of a second messenger system associated with the alpha-2 receptor revealed that I(h) inhibition is independent of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and resulted from the activation of protein kinase C. It is suggested that the alpha-2 mediated hyperpolarizing shift in I(h) voltage dependence can facilitate the transition from pacemaker firing to afferent-driven burst activity. This transition may play a key role on the changes in synaptic plasticity that occurs in the mesocorticolimbic system under pathological conditions.

Ultrasound promoted synthesis of 2-imidazolines in water: a greener approach toward monoamine oxidase inhibitors

A series of sixteen 2-substituted-2-imidazolines (where the substituent R=Ph, Me-4-Ph; MeO-4-Ph; (MeO)(2)-3,4-Ph; (MeO)(3)-3,4,5-Ph; Ph-4-O-C(O)-Ph; Cl-4-Ph; Cl-2-Ph; Cl(2)-2,4-Ph; NO(2)-4-Ph; NO(2)-3-Ph; Naphth-2-yl; Fur-2-yl; Benzofur-2-yl; Pyridin-2-yl; Quinolin-2-yl) has been synthesized from the reaction of the substituted-aldehydes and ethylenediamine by ultrasound irradiation with NBS in an aqueous medium in high yields (80-99%). The 2-imidazoline ability to inhibit the activity of the A and B isoforms of monoamine oxidase (MAO) was investigated and some of them showed potent and selective MAO inhibitory activity especially for the MAO-B isoform and could become promising candidates for future development.

The effect of 1-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl) isoquinoline on monoamine release and turnover in the rat frontal cortex

Imidazoline-(2) binding sites (I(2)-BS) are widely distributed in rat brain and our studies have shown that drugs selective for these sites regulate central extrasynaptic monoamine concentrations. Radioligand binding studies have recently shown that BU98008 (1-[4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl] isoquinoline) displays high affinity at I(2)-binding sites. The aim of this study was set to assess the pharmacological actions of BU98008 in a functional in vivo model using the technique of in vivo brain microdialysis. Systemic injection of 20 mg/kg BU98008 produced an 85% rise in extracellular noradrenaline levels compared with basal values in the rat frontal cortex. Further experiments demonstrated that peripheral administration of 10 and 20 mg/kg BU98008 elicited a transient 25% elevation in dopamine overflow compared with basal values and simultaneously produced an 18% decrease in extracellular DOPAC (3-4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) levels compared to basal values. In addition, BU98008 did not appear to affect serotonergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that BU98008 shares some functional similarities with known selective I(2)-BS ligands.

Interactions of imidazoline ligands with the active site of purified monoamine oxidase A

The two forms of monoamine oxidase, monoamine oxidase A and monoamine oxidase B, have been associated with imidazoline-binding sites (type 2). Imidazoline ligands saturate the imidazoline-binding sites at nanomolar concentrations, but inhibit monoamine oxidase activity only at micromolar concentrations, suggesting two different binding sites [Ozaita A, Olmos G, Boronat MA, Lizcano JM, Unzeta M & García-Sevilla JA (1997) Br J Pharmacol121, 901-912]. When purified human monoamine oxidase A was used to examine the interaction with the active site, inhibition by guanabenz, 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline and idazoxan was competitive with kynuramine as substrate, giving K(i) values of 3 microM, 26 microM and 125 microM, respectively. Titration of monoamine oxidase A with imidazoline ligands induced spectral changes that were used to measure the binding affinities for guanabenz (19.3 +/- 3.9 microM) and 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (49 +/- 8 microM). Only one type of binding site was detected. Agmatine, a putative endogenous ligand for some imidazoline sites, reduced monoamine oxidase A under anaerobic conditions, indicating that it binds close to the flavin in the active site. Flexible docking studies revealed multiple orientations within the large active site, including orientations close to the flavin that would allow oxidation of agmatine.

In vitro and in vivo effect of BU99006 (5-isothiocyanato-2-benzofuranyl-2-imidazoline) on I2 binding in relation to MAO: Evidence for two distinct I2 binding sites

BU99006 is an irreversible I(2) ligand which selectively inactivates I(2) binding sites, making it an ideal tool with which to study I(2) site mechanism. We sought to determine the effects of BU99006 on I(2) binding in relation to monoamine oxidase (MAO), and the time course of these effects. In vitro, rat brain membranes that were pre-treated with 10 microM BU99006 showed no change in MAO activity, despite suffering a significant reduction in [(3)H]2BFI binding (52.5+/-19.6 to 8.5+/-3.8 fmol mg(-1), 84%). Furthermore, reversible I(2) ligands 2BFI and BU224 were able to inhibit MAO, whether treated with BU99006 or not. In vivo, a 5 mg kg(-1) i.v. dose of BU99006 in rats rapidly reduced [(3)H]2BFI binding with similar magnitude (85%, maximal reduction after 20 min), without effect on either MAO activity or the specific binding of selective MAO-A and MAO-B radioligands. Moreover, following this irreversible treatment, recovery of central [(3)H]2BFI binding occurred with a rapid half-life of 4.3 h in rat brain (2.0 h in mouse), which is not consistent with a site on MAO. These data indicate that the high affinity site which is occupied by [(3)H]2BFI and irreversibly binds BU99006, is not the same as that which causes inhibition of MAO, and may point to the existence of another I(2) binding site.

3-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-furan-2-yl]phenylamine (Amifuraline), a promising reversible and selective peripheral MAO-A inhibitor

On the basis of the observation that the central side effects of MAO inhibitors may represent a major limit for their use in pathological processes involving peripheral MAOs, we investigated the possibility of generating novel inhibitors able to target specifically peripheral MAOs. To address this issue, we designed compounds 7-28. From biological results, the 2-(5-phenyl-furan-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (Furaline, 17) proved to be a suitable lead. In fact, in enzyme assays on homogenate preparation from rat liver and HEK cells expressing MAO-A or MAO-B, compounds possessing the frame of 17 behaved as selective and reversible MAO-A inhibitors. Interestingly, in in vivo studies the amino derivative 21 (Amifuraline), endowed with good hydrophilic character, was able to significantly inhibit liver but not brain MAO-A.

Presynaptic I1-imidazoline receptors reduce GABAergic synaptic transmission in striatal medium spiny neurons

Imidazoline receptors are expressed widely in the CNS. In the present study, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from medium spiny neurons in dorsal striatum slices from the rat brain, and the roles of I1-imidazoline receptors in the modulation of synaptic transmission were studied. Moxonidine, an I1-imidazoline receptor agonist, decreased the GABAA receptor-mediated IPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. However, glutamate-mediated EPSCs were hardly affected. The depression of IPSCs by moxonidine was antagonized by either idazoxan or efaroxan, which are both imidazoline receptor antagonists containing an imidazoline moiety. In contrast, yohimbine and SKF86466 (6-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-1H-3-benzazepine), which are alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonists with no affinity for imidazoline receptors, did not affect the moxonidine-induced inhibition of IPSCs. Moxonidine increased the paired-pulse ratio and reduced the frequency of miniature IPSCs without affecting their amplitude, indicating that this agent inhibits IPSCs via presynaptic mechanisms. Moreover, the sulfhydryl alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) significantly reduced the moxonidine-induced inhibition of IPSCs. Thus, the activation of presynaptic I1-imidazoline receptors decreases GABA-mediated inhibition of medium spiny neurons in the striatum, in which NEM-sensitive proteins such as G(i/o)-type G-proteins play an essential role. The adenylate cyclase activator forskolin partly opposed IPSC inhibition elicited by subsequently applied moxonidine. Furthermore, the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate attenuated and the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine potentiated the moxonidine-induced inhibition of IPSCs. These results suggest that IPSC inhibition via presynaptic I1-imidazoline receptors involves intracellular adenylate cyclase activity and is influenced by static PKC activity in the striatum.

Harmane inhibits serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons in the rat

RATIONALE

Harmane and norharmane (two beta-carbolines) are tobacco components or products. The effects of harmane and norharmane on serotonergic raphe neurons remain unknown. Harmane and norharmane are inhibitors of the monoamine oxidases A (MAO-A) and B (MAO-B), respectively.

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of harmane, norharmane, befloxatone (MAOI-A), and selegiline (MAOI-B) on the firing of serotonergic neurons. To compare the effects of these compounds to those of nicotine (whose inhibitory action on serotonergic neurons has been previously described). The effects of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine known to interact with serotonergic systems, are also tested.

METHODS

In vivo electrophysiological recordings of serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons in the anaesthetized rat.

RESULTS

Nicotine, harmane, and befloxatone inhibited serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons. The other compounds had no effects. The inhibitory effect of harmane (rapid and long-lasting inhibition) differed from that of nicotine (short and rapidly reversed inhibition) and from that of befloxatone (slow, progressive, and long-lasting inhibition). The inhibitory effects of harmane and befloxatone were reversed by the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100 635. Pretreatment of animals with p-chlorophenylalanine abolished the inhibitory effect of befloxatone, but not that of harmane.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicotine, harmane, and befloxatone inhibit the activity of raphe serotonergic neurons. Therefore, at least two tobacco compounds, nicotine and harmane, inhibit the activity of serotonergic neurons. The mechanism by which harmane inhibits serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons is likely unrelated to a MAO-A inhibitory effect.

Neuroprotection by alpha 2-adrenergic agonists in cerebral ischemia

Ischemic brain injury is implicated in the pathophysiology of stroke and brain trauma, which are among the top killers worldwide, and intensive studies have been performed to reduce neural cell death after cerebral ischemia. Alpha 2-adrenergic agonists have been shown to improve the histomorphological and neurological outcome after cerebral ischemic injury when administered during ischemia, and recent studies have provided considerable evidence that alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can protect the brain from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus, alpha 2-adrenergic agonists are promising potential drugs in preventing cerebral ischemic injury, but the mechanisms by which alpha 2-adrenergic agonists exert their neuroprotective effect are unclear. Activation of both the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor and imidazoline receptor may be involved. This mini review examines the recent progress in alpha 2-adrenergic agonists - induced neuroprotection and its proposed mechanisms in cerebral ischemic injury.

High-affinity binding of beta-carbolines to imidazoline I2B receptors and MAO-A in rat tissues: norharman blocks the effect of morphine withdrawal on DOPA/noradrenaline synthesis in the brain

This study was designed to determine the affinity and binding profile of beta-carbolines for imidazoline I2 receptors and catalytic sites of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A/B in rat brain and liver. The aim was also directed to assess the in vivo effects of norharman (beta-carboline) and LSL 60101 (I2 ligand) on brain 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) synthesis in morphine-dependent rats. Competition experiments against [3H]2-BFI revealed that beta-carbolines recognize the high- and low-affinity components of the brain imidazoline I2 receptor with the rank order of potency (K(iH) in nM): noreleagnine (12)>norharman (20)>harmalol (82)>harmaline (177)>>harmine (630)>harman (700)>>FG-7142 (>100,000). In liver, this rank was different: harmine (51)>harmaline (103)=noreleagnine (103)>>harmalol (1290)>harman (2000)>>norharman (12,382)>>FG-7142 (>100,000). In brain and liver, competition curves for beta-carbolines against [3H]Ro41-1049 (MAO-A) and [3H]Ro19-6327 (MAO-B) were monophasic and resulted in different drug potencies for the two MAO isozymes (higher affinities for MAO-A) and in similar pharmacological profiles in both tissues. In morphine-dependent rats, naloxone (2 mg/kg, 2 h)-precipitated withdrawal increased the synthesis of DOPA in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus (50%). Pretreatment with norharman (20 mg/kg) or LSL 60101 (20 mg/kg) (30 min before naloxone) fully prevented the stimulatory effect of opiate withdrawal on DOPA synthesis. Norharman and LSL 60101 also attenuated the severity of the withdrawal syndrome. The results indicate that beta-carbolines bind with high affinity to imidazoline I2B receptors, and similarly to I2 ligands (LSL 60101) can block the behavioural and biochemical effects of opiate withdrawal.

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.

Locomotor effects of imidazoline I2-site-specific ligands and monoamine oxidase inhibitors in rats with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway

The present study examined the ability of the selective imidazoline I(2)-site ligands 2-(-2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI) and 2-[4,5-dihydroimidaz-2-yl]-quinoline (BU224) and selected monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors to evoke locomotor activity in rats bearing a lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 12.5 microg 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right median forebrain bundle to induce a unilateral lesion of the nigrostriatal tract. After 6 weeks, test drugs were administered either alone or in combination with L-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylamine) and the circling behaviour of animals was monitored as an index of anti-Parkinsonian activity. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the irreversible MAO-B inhibitor deprenyl (20 mg kg(-1)) or the imidazoline I(2)-site ligands BU224 (14 mg kg(-1)) and 2-BFI (7 and 14 mg kg(-1)) produced significant increases in ipsiversive rotations compared to vehicle controls totaling, at the highest respective doses tested, 521 +/-120, 131 +/- 37 and 92.5 +/- 16.3 net contraversive rotations in 30 (deprenyl) or 60 (BU224 and 2-BFI) min. In contrast, the reversible MAO-A inhibitor moclobemide (2.5-10 mg kg(-1)) and the reversible MAO-B inhibitor lazabemide (2.5-10 mg kg(-1)) failed to instigate significant rotational behaviour compared to vehicle. Coadministration of lazabemide (10 mg kg(-1)), moclobemide (10 mg kg(-1)) or 2-BFI (14 mg kg(-1)) with L-DOPA (20 mg kg(-1)) significantly increased either the duration or total number of contraversive rotations emitted over the testing period in comparison to L-DOPA alone. These data suggest that I(2)-specific ligands have dual effects in the 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease; a first effect associated with an increase in activity in the intact hemisphere, probably via an increase in striatal dopamine content, and a secondary action which, through the previously documented inhibition of MAO-A and/or MAO-B, increases the availability of dopamine produced by L-DOPA.

Imidazoline2 (I2) receptor- and alpha2-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in control and acute restraint stressed rats

Central noradrenaline regulates the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroendocrine response to stress. alpha2-adrenoceptors and imidazoline2 (I2) receptors modulate the activity of the central noradrenergic system. The present set of experiments investigated the role of alpha2-adrenoceptors and I2 receptors in the regulation of HPA axis activity under basal conditions and during exposure to the acute psychological stress of restraint. Three separate experiments were carried out in which rats were given an i.p. injection of either saline vehicle, the combined alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist and I2 receptor ligand idazoxan (10 mg/kg), the selective I2 receptor ligand BU224 (2.5 or 10 mg/kg) or the selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 (2.5 mg/kg) with or without restraint stress. Drugs were administered immediately prior to restraint of 60 min duration. Blood was sampled pre-injection, 30, 60 and 240 min post-injection and plasma corticosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. In experiment 1, idazoxan increased plasma corticosterone levels in naive animals and potentiated the corticosterone response to acute restraint stress. In experiment 2, BU224 administration increased plasma corticosterone levels in a dose-related manner in naive rats. The results of experiment 3 indicated that RX821002 also elevated plasma corticosterone levels in naive rats, however, only BU224 potentiated the corticosterone response to restraint stress. These studies suggest that both alpha2-adrenoceptors and I2 receptors play a role in modulating basal HPA axis activity and that I2 receptors may play a more important role than alpha2-adrenoceptors in modulating the HPA axis response to the acute psychological stress of restraint.

Estimation of endogenous noradrenaline release in rat brain in vivo using [3H]RX 821002

Noradrenaline plays an important role in many normal brain functions, e.g., attention, memory, and emotion. Dysfunction in the noradrenergic system is thought to lead to a number of abnormal brain conditions. The lack of suitable in vivo tracers to monitor noradrenaline release, levels, and regulation has hampered our fully understanding the roles that it plays in the brain. Presented here are data showing that the in vivo binding of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist [3H]RX 821002 is sensitive to endogenous noradrenaline. Elevation of extracellular noradrenaline, using three different pharmacological challenges in rat, led to a reduction in the binding potential (BP) of [3H]RX 821002 when compared with vehicle controls. The challenges used were i.p. administration of D-amphetamine, the imidazoline2 binding site-selective ligand BU224, and L-deprenyl. Of the cortical regions measured, the reduction in BP reached significance in the anterior cingulate cortex for all of these pharmacological challenges. These initial observations in rat indicate that labelling of the alpha2-adrenoceptors with RX 821002 can be used to estimate changes in extracellular noradrenaline concentration in the cortex. This has the potential to enable the investigation of the role that noradrenaline plays both in the normal and abnormal brain and, if the ligand can be radiolabelled with a suitable positron-emitting isotope at high specific radioactivity, it could be an invaluable PET tracer.

Behavioral, neuroendocrine and neurochemical effects of the imidazoline I2 receptor selective ligand BU224 in naive rats and rats exposed to the stress of the forced swim test

RATIONALE

There is evidence for alterations in imidazoline(2) (I(2)) receptor density in depressed patients. Selective I(2) receptor ligands modulate central monoamine levels and activate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and may have potential as antidepressants.

OBJECTIVES

To study the behavioral effects of the selective I(2) receptor ligand BU224 in the rat forced swim test (FST) and its effects on the HPA axis and central monoaminergic responses.

METHODS

Rats received saline or BU224 (10 mg/kg IP) 24, 18 and 1 h prior to 15 min exposure to the FST. Saline- and BU224-treated non-stressed groups were included. Time spent immobile, struggling and swimming calmly was measured. Plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels 90 min post-BU224 were measured in addition to tissue levels of monoamines and metabolites in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus.

RESULTS

Administration of BU224 significantly reduced immobility and increased mild swimming without affecting struggling. Exposure to the FST significantly increased plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels. BU224 administration also increased ACTH and potentiated the ACTH response to FST with no effect on corticosterone. BU224 administration significantly increased frontal cortex 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels and decreased 5-HT turnover in the frontal cortex and hypothalamus of rats exposed to FST. In non-stressed rats, BU224 decreased 5-HT turnover in the hippocampus and hypothalamus and decreased norepinephrine turnover in the frontal cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

The selective I(2) receptor ligand BU224 reduces immobility of rats in the FST, indicative of antidepressant-like activity. This effect is accompanied by alterations in HPA axis and central monoaminergic activity.

Imidazoline(2) (I(2)) binding site- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of central noradrenergic and HPA axis function in control rats and chronically stressed rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate imidazoline(2) (I(2)) binding site- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-mediated control of central noradrenergic and HPA axis activity in control rats and chronically stressed rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). Basal levels of extracellular nonadrenaline (NA) in the region of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of AA rats were significantly greater than controls. Both the I(2) binding site selective ligand BU224 (10 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 (2.5 mg kg(-1) i.p.) significantly elevated extracellular levels of NA in the PVN region and plasma corticosterone (CORT) in a rapid and transient manner in both control and AA rats. The noradrenergic response of AA rats to BU224 was significantly enhanced compared with drug treated controls. There was a significant correlation between extracellular NA in the PVN region and plasma CORT following BU224 and RX821002. In conclusion, central noradrenergic and HPA axis activity in control and chronically stressed AA rats appear to be under the control of both I(2) binding sites and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. Increased basal levels of extracellular NA in the PVN region of AA rats suggests increased noradrenergic activity in these animals which is modulated to a greater extent by I(2) binding sites than by alpha(2)-adrenoceptors.

Characterization of the discriminable stimulus produced by 2-BFI: effects of imidazoline I(2)-site ligands, MAOIs, beta-carbolines, agmatine and ibogaine

1. The molecular nature and functions of the I(2) subtype of imidazoline binding sites are unknown but evidence suggests an association with monoamine oxidase (MAO). Rats can distinguish the selective imidazoline I(2)-site ligand 2-BFI from vehicle in drug discrimination, indicating functional consequences of occupation of these sites. We have used drug discrimination to investigate the nature of the discriminable stimulus, especially in relation to MAO inhibition. 2. Following training to distinguish 2-BFI 7 mg kg(-1) i.p. from saline vehicle in two-lever operant-chambers, male Hooded Lister rats underwent sessions where test substances were given instead and the proportion of lever presses on the 2-BFI-associated lever (substitution) recorded. 3. 2-BFI; its cogeners BU216, BU224, BU226 and LSL60101; the reversible MAO-A inhibitors moclobemide and RO41-1049; the beta-carbolines harmane, norharmane and harmaline which also reversibly inhibit MAO-A, and the anti-addictive substance ibogaine exhibited potent, dose-dependent substitution for 2-BFI. 4. Agmatine, and LSL60125 substituted at one dose only. The reversible MAO-B inhibitors lazabemide and RO16-1649; the sigma(2)-site ligand SKF10,047 and the I(2A)-site ligand, amiloride, failed to substitute. The irreversible inhibitor of MAO, deprenyl, substituted for 2-BFI while clorgyline did not. 5. These results suggest imidazoline I(2) site ligands produce a common discriminable stimulus that appears associated with reversible inhibition of MAO-A rather than MAO-B, possibly through increases in extracellular concentration of one or more monoamines. Ibogaine exhibits a commonality in its subjective effects with those of I(2)-site ligands.

Moclobemide: evolution, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic properties

The benzamide moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine-oxidase-A (RIMA). It has been extensively evaluated in the treatment of a wide spectrum of depressive disorders and less extensively in anxiety disorders. While clinical aspects will be presented in a subsequent review, this article focuses primarily on moclobemide's evolution, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, the effects on neurotransmission and intracellular signal transduction, the neuroendocrine system, the tyramine pressure response and animal models of depression are surveyed. In addition, other CNS effects are reviewed with special respect to experimental serotonergic syndrome, anxiolytic and antinociceptive activity, sleep, cognition and driving performance, neuroprotection and seizures.

Region-dependent effects of acute and chronic tranylcypromine in vivo on [3H]2-BFI binding to brain imidazoline I(2) sites

An imidazoline I(2) site has been localised to monoamine oxidase. However, in vitro studies of the effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors on imidazoline I(2)-site radioligand binding have produced conflicting findings. Using the technique of autoradiography, we examined the effect of in vivo administration of the irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine on binding of the imidazoline I(2) site-specific ligand [3H]2-(-2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline ([3H]2-BFI) in four rat brain nuclei which are known to possess a high density of imidazoline I(2) sites, together with cerebral cortex and cerebellum which show weaker binding. A single acute pre-treatment with tranylcypromine significantly increased imidazoline I(2) site-specific binding in four regions: arcuate nucleus, interpeduncular nucleus, pineal gland and area postrema, but effects in cortical areas and cerebellum were not significant. The extent of the increase was proportional to the control binding in each region. In contrast, five daily treatments with the same dose of tranylcypromine significantly reduced [3H]2-BFI binding in these same areas. The potential role of monoamine oxidase isoforms in these changes is discussed.

Imidazoline receptors: possible involvement in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression

Imidazoline receptors (IR), a novel family of non-adrenergic receptors, are present in brain, especially the limbic system, and platelets among other organs. Their functions include central mediation of blood pressure control and possibly modulation of affective symptomatology. Studies of unipolar depressed patients have revealed consistent up-regulation of the I(1) subtype on the platelet. Treatment with cyclic antidepressants is accompanied by down-regulation in responders. Treatment with the non-cyclic bupropion produced similar findings. Studies of human post-mortem brain show changes in depressed subjects but the protein fragments assessed are of different molecular weights than in the platelet. Plasma agmatine is believed to be a putative endogenous ligand for I receptors. Thus, IR may be useful state markers of affective disorders. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.