Development of NMDAR antagonists with reduced neurotoxic side effects: a study on GK11

The NMDAR glutamate receptor subtype mediates various vital physiological neuronal functions. However, its excessive activation contributes to neuronal damage in a large variety of acute and chronic neurological disorders. NMDAR antagonists thus represent promising therapeutic tools that can counteract NMDARs' overactivation. Channel blockers are of special interest since they are use-dependent, thus being more potent at continuously activated NMDARs, as may be the case in pathological conditions. Nevertheless, it has been established that NMDAR antagonists, such as MK801, also have unacceptable neurotoxic effects. Presently only Memantine is considered a safe NMDAR antagonist and is used clinically. It has recently been speculated that antagonists that preferentially target extrasynaptic NMDARs would be less toxic. We previously demonstrated that the phencyclidine derivative GK11 preferentially inhibits extrasynaptic NMDARs. We thus anticipated that this compound would be safer than other known NMDAR antagonists. In this study we used whole-genome profiling of the rat cingulate cortex, a brain area that is particularly sensitive to NMDAR antagonists, to compare the potential adverse effects of GK11 and MK801. Our results showed that in contrast to GK11, the transcriptional profile of MK801 is characterized by a significant upregulation of inflammatory and stress-response genes, consistent with its high neurotoxicity. In addition, behavioural and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed marked inflammatory reactions (including astrogliosis and microglial activation) in MK801-treated, but not GK11-treated rats. Interestingly, we also showed that GK11 elicited less inflammation and neuronal damage, even when compared to Memantine, which like GK11, preferentially inhibits extrasynaptic NMDAR. As a whole, our study suggests that GK11 may be a more attractive therapeutic alternative in the treatment of CNS disorders characterized by the overactivation of glutamate receptors.

Expression of purinergic P2Y receptor subtypes by INS-1 insulinoma beta-cells: a molecular and binding characterization

Purinergic P2Y-receptor agonists amplify glucose-induced insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells, thus offering new opportunities for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, little is known about which subtypes of purinergic P2Y receptors are expressed in these cells. The INS-1 beta-cell line is used as a model of pancreatic beta-cells, expressing most of their properties. Therefore, we investigated the expression of different molecular subtypes in this cell line by means of real time Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot. We also performed a characterization of the binding of a prototypic purinergic P2Y agonist, Adenosine-5'-O-(1-[(35)S]thiotriphosphate) (ATP-alpha-[(35)S]), to cell membrane homogenates. The molecular analysis evidenced the presence of five different purinergic P2Y receptor subtypes (P2Y(1), P2Y(2), P2Y(4), P2Y(6) and P2Y(12)), which were expressed at similar levels. The Western blot analysis allowed detecting corresponding proteins. The binding assay demonstrated a specific ATP-alpha-[(35)S] interaction on high (40%) and low (60%) affinity components. The analysis of ATP-alpha-[(35)S] pharmacological profile on both sites permitted to classify the high affinity binding site as representative of the purinergic P2Y(1) receptor subtype and the low affinity binding site of the P2Y(4) and/or P2Y(6) receptor subtypes. ATP-alpha-S and Adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP-beta-S) exhibited opposite selectivity on high and low affinity binding sites. Although purinergic P2Y(1) receptor, or a P2Y(1)-like subtype, has been generally considered as that implicated in the modulation of glucose-induced insulin release, the present data show that the beta-cell expresses a complex profile of purinergic P2Y receptor subtypes, the functional implication of which remains to be fully elucidated.

P2Y receptor mediated modulation of insulin release by a novel generation of 2-substituted-5'-O-(1-boranotriphosphate)-adenosine analogues

PURPOSE

A series of C2-substituted ATP analogues was previously shown to have potent insulin-secreting properties, yet with poor tissue-selectivity for the pancreatic beta-cell. The present study was designed to evaluate the binding profile on beta-cell membranes and the effects on insulin release and pancreatic vascular resistance of a second generation of P2Y(1) receptor agonists, based on C2-substitution of the adenosine 5'-O-(1-boranotriphosphate) scaffold.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Functional experiments were performed in the rat isolated pancreas model; binding studies with ATP-alpha-[(35)S] were performed in membrane homogenates from the rat insulinoma INS-1 cell line. The diastereoisomers of the compounds are designated by A and B.

RESULTS

Under 8.3 mmol l(-1) glucose, 2-methylthio-ATP-alpha-B, A isomer, induced a biphasic and concentration dependent insulin response; its maximal efficacy reaches ninefold the baseline secretion and its EC(50) is 28.1 nmol l(-1). No significant effect of this isomer was observed on vascular resistance, whereas the B isomer, which was a less potent insulin secretagogue, consistently induced a transient vasoconstriction. Interestingly, the insulin response induced by 2-methylthio-ATP-alpha-B, A isomer, was clearly glucose-dependent. This drug competes with ATP-alpha-[(35)S] binding in a complex two sites interaction model, with a K(0.5) value of 17.7 nmol l(-1). 2-Chloro-ATP-alpha-B had a similar insulin-secreting profile as 2-methylthio-ATP-alpha-B, with a lower tissue-selectivity. The non-substituted ATP-alpha-B analog, A isomer, was less potent than the C2-substituted derivatives (A isomers) and had a vasorelaxant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that 2-methylthio-ATP-alpha-B, A isomer, is a potent and tissue-selective P2Y receptor agonist with high efficacy. Its insulin-releasing action is glucose-dependent, which gives interest to this compound as a drug candidate for treating type 2 diabetes.

Acute exposure to GSM 900-MHz electromagnetic fields induces glial reactivity and biochemical modifications in the rat brain

The worldwide proliferation of mobile phones raises the question of the effects of 900-MHz electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the brain. Using a head-only exposure device in the rat, we showed that a 15-min exposure to 900-MHz pulsed microwaves at a high brain-averaged power of 6 W/kg induced a strong glial reaction in the brain. This effect, which suggests neuronal damage, was particularly pronounced in the striatum. Moreover, we observed significant and immediate effects on the Kd and Bmax values of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and GABA(A) receptors as well as on dopamine transporters. Decrease of the amount of NMDA receptors at the postsynaptic membrane is also reported. Although we showed that the rat general locomotor behavior was not significantly altered on the short term, our results provide the first evidence for rapid cellular and molecular alterations in the rat brain after an acute exposure to high power GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) 900-MHz microwaves.

P2Y purinergic potentiation of glucose-induced insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell metabolism

Purine nucleotides and their analogs increase insulin secretion through activation of pancreatic beta-cell P2Y receptors. The present study aimed at determining the role of glucose metabolism in the response to P2Y agonists and whether ATP-activated K+ channels (KATP channels) are involved in this response. The experiments were performed in the rat isolated pancreas, perfused with a Krebs-bicarbonate buffer supplemented with 2 g/l bovine serum albumin under dynamic glucose conditions from 5 mmol/l baseline to 11 mmol/l. ADPbetaS (0.5 micromol/l) was selected as a stable and selective P2Y agonist. This compound, ineffective on the 5 mmol/l glucose background, induced a significant threefold increase in insulin release triggered by the glucose challenge. The effect of ADPbetaS was markedly reduced (P <0.001) in the presence of an inhibitor of glucose metabolism. In addition to glucose, the ADP analog also amplified the beta-cell insulin response to 15 mmol/l methyl pyruvate (P <0.05), but it was ineffective on the insulin response to 2.5 mmol/l methyl succinate. A nonmetabolic stimulus was applied using tolbutamide (185 micromol/l). Insulin secretion induced by the KATP channel blocker was strongly reinforced by ADPbetaS (P <0.001), which prompted us to check a possible interplay of KATP channels in the effect of ADPbetaS. In the presence of diazoxide 250 micromol/l and 21 mmol/l KCl, ADPbetaS still amplified the second phase of glucose-induced insulin secretion (P <0.001). We conclude that P2Y receptor activation is able to promote insulin secretion through a mechanism, involving beta-cell metabolism and a rise in intracellular calcium; this effect does not result from a direct inhibitory effect on KATP channels.

Re-evaluation of phencyclidine low-affinity or "non-NMDA" binding sites

TCP and its derivative gacyclidine (+/- GK11) are high-affinity non-competitive antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) and as such exhibit significant neuroprotective properties. These compounds also bind with a low affinity to binding sites whose pharmacological profiles are different from that of NMDARs. With the intention to develop new strategies of neuroprotection, we found it mandatory to investigate whether 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP) and gacyclidine low-affinity sites are similar. The effects of several drugs selective for either NMDARs or the [(3)H]TCP low-affinity site (or PCP(3) site) on (+), (-)[(3)H]GK11 and [(3)H]TCP specific binding were investigated. Competition experiments on cerebellum homogenates revealed substantial differences between the pharmacological profiles of the PCP(3) site and that of gacyclidine's enantiomers low-affinity sites. Under experimental conditions preventing the interaction of the radioligands with NMDARs, the autoradiographic study showed, however, that the distributions of both [(3)H]TCP and (-)[(3)H]GK11 specific binding were similar. The specific labelling was low and uniform in telencephalic structures, whereas in the cerebellum it was higher in the molecular than in the granular layer. Finally, the analysis of competition experiments performed on tissues slices demonstrated that PCP(3) selective ligands were unable to prevent [(3)H]TCP or (-)[(3)H]GK11 binding to "non-NMDA" binding sites. As a whole, our data suggest that: (1) the different pharmacological profiles of [(3)H]TCP and [(3)H]gacyclidine enantiomers on low-affinity sites are due to their selectivity for specific NMDARs subpopulations; (2) the pharmacological isolation of TCP and gacyclidine "non-NMDA" binding sites is the most appropriate way to further study the low-affinity component of their specific binding. Obtaining reliable and specific pharmacological tools for those binding sites is of particular interest, since it is likely that they play a substantial role in the low neurotoxicity, and therefore tolerability, of gacyclidine, a new neuroprotective drug currently evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries.

Gacyclidine: a new neuroprotective agent acting at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor

Gacyclidine is a new phencyclidine derivative with neuroprotective properties. Tritiated gacyclidine and its enantiomers bind to NMDA receptors with binding parameters similar to those of other non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists. The (-)enantiomer, (-)GK11, exhibits an affinity (2.5 nM) similar to that of dizocilpine (MK-801), while the (+)enantiomer, (+)GK11, has a 10 times lower affinity. When its interaction with NMDA receptors is prevented, gacyclidine binds also to "non-NMDA" binding sites which are mainly located in the molecular layer of the cerebellum on the dendritic tree of Purkinje cells. These binding sites do not appear to be related to any known neurotransmitters. In primary cortical cultures, gacyclidine and its enantiomers, at 0.1 to 5.0 microM, prevent glutamate-induced neuronal death. In rats, in vivo neurotoxicity of gacyclidine is far low than that of MK-801. No necrotic neurons were detected in animals sacrificed at 18 or 96 h after treatment with gacyclidine (1, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg i.v.). At the highest (20 mg/kg) but not the lower doses (1-100 mg/kg) electron microscopy revealed the presence of few cytoplasmic or intramitochondrial vacuoles. In soman-treated monkeys gacyclidine enhanced neuroprotective activity of "three drugs cocktail" (atropine + diazepam + pralidoxime). Moreover, in rats, gacyclidine exerts a dose- and time-dependent neuroprotection in three models of spinal cord lesion. Beneficial effects of gacyclidine include reduction of lesion size and improvement of functional parameters after injury. In traumatic brain injury models gacyclidine improves also behavioral parameters and neuronal survival. Optimal protection is obtained when gacyclidine is administered at 0 to 30 min after injury. It is, therefore, concluded that gacyclidine exhibits neuroprotective effects similar to those of other NMDA receptor antagonists, with the advantage of being substantially less neurotoxic maybe due to its interaction with "non-NMDA" binding sites.

Gacyclidine: a new neuroprotective agent acting at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor

Gacyclidine is a new phencyclidine derivative with neuroprotective properties. Tritiated gacyclidine and its enantiomers bind to NMDA receptors with binding parameters similar to those of other non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists. The (-)enantiomer, (-)GK11, exhibits an affinity (2.5 nM) similar to that of dizocilpine (MK-801), while the (+)enantiomer, (+)GK11, has a 10 times lower affinity. When its interaction with NMDA receptors is prevented, gacyclidine binds also to "non-NMDA" binding sites which are mainly located in the molecular layer of the cerebellum on the dendritic tree of Purkinje cells. These binding sites do not appear to be related to any known neurotransmitters. In primary cortical cultures, gacyclidine and its enantiomers, at 0.1 to 5.0 microM, prevent glutamate-induced neuronal death. In rats, in vivo neurotoxicity of gacyclidine is far low than that of MK-801. No necrotic neurons were detected in animals sacrificed at 18 or 96 h after treatment with gacyclidine (1, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg i.v.). At the highest (20 mg/kg) but not the lower doses (1-100 mg/kg) electron microscopy revealed the presence of few cytoplasmic or intramitochondrial vacuoles. In soman-treated monkeys gacyclidine enhanced neuroprotective activity of "three drugs cocktail" (atropine + diazepam + pralidoxime). Moreover, in rats, gacyclidine exerts a dose- and time-dependent neuroprotection in three models of spinal cord lesion. Beneficial effects of gacyclidine include reduction of lesion size and improvement of functional parameters after injury. In traumatic brain injury models gacyclidine improves also behavioral parameters and neuronal survival. Optimal protection is obtained when gacyclidine is administered at 0 to 30 min after injury. It is, therefore, concluded that gacyclidine exhibits neuroprotective effects similar to those of other NMDA receptor antagonists, with the advantage of being substantially less neurotoxic maybe due to its interaction with "non-NMDA" binding sites.

Characterization of 'non-N-methyl-D-Aspartate' binding sites for gacyclidine enantiomers in the rat cerebellar and telencephalic structures

Gacyclidine is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist with potent neuroprotective properties. However, we have previously demonstrated that gacyclidine enantiomers [(-) and (+)GK11] interact with other ('non-NMDA') binding sites which may play a role in the lower self-neurotoxicity of this compound relative to the other NMDA receptor antagonists. Evidence for these binding sites has been obtained from autoradiographic and membrane binding experiments. They were found to be expressed at high levels in the molecular layer of the cerebellum, although they can also been seen in the granular layer and in telencephalic regions. The present study was designed to further characterize these gacyclidine 'non-NMDA' binding sites. The pharmacological profiles obtained on cerebellar and telencephalic membrane homogenates showed that they could not be linked directly to the main receptors or uptake complexes of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the comparison of (-) and (+)[(3)H]GK11 binding distribution in different mutant animals bearing specific cellular deficits in the cerebellum has demonstrated that the gacyclidine 'non-NMDA' binding sites are associated with the dendritic trees of Purkinje cells. Interestingly, our study also shows that the radioligand binding to both cerebellar and telencephalic structures could be modulated by endogenous factors which can be removed by a stringent prewashing procedure.

Interaction of gacyclidine enantiomers with 'non-NMDA' binding sites in the rat central nervous system

Gacyclidine, a channel blocker of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR), exhibits potent neuroprotective properties and a low self-neurotoxicity. Preventing its interaction with NMDARs we demonstrate, through the use of its enantiomers, that gacyclidine also interacts with other ('non-NMDA') binding sites. The autoradiographic study showed that these sites displayed a uniform specific binding in the forebrain and a more discrete distribution in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. The 'non-NMDA' binding sites could exert a modulatory control on glutamatergic neurotransmission.

Modulation of glutamate neurotoxicity on mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in primary cultures by the presence of striatal target cells

Glutamate toxicity was compared in substantia nigra (SN)/striatum (STR) and SN/cerebellum (CRB) co-cultures on both the entire neuronal population (neuron specific enolase (NSE) immunopositive cells) and dopaminergic neurons (tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunopositive cells). In SN/CRB co-cultures NSE- and TH-positive cells were more sensitive to glutamate-induced toxicity than in SN/STR co-cultures. Moreover, in SN/STR co-cultures as compared to SN/CRB and SN cultures, glutamate toxicity was prevented to a larger extent by TCP, a non-competitive NMDA antagonist. These results suggest that target cells induce a differential expression of the different glutamate receptor subtypes in mesencephalic dopaminergic cells. Alternatively, the presence of target cells may induce the selective development of a subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons expressing predominantly NMDA receptors.

Binding properties of [3H]gacyclidine (cis(pip/me)-1-[1-(2-thienyl)-2-methylcyclohexyl]piperidine) enantiomers in the rat central nervous system

Gacyclidine (cis(pip/me)-1-[1-(2-thienyl)-2-methylcyclohexyl]piperidine) is a TCP derivative, which exhibits potent neuroprotective properties against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. In order to better understand gacyclidine pharmacological properties, the binding parameters of its enantiomers ((-) and (+)[3H]GK11) were determined in the rat central nervous system (CNS). An autoradiographic study has shown that their binding distributions are correlated with those of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors throughout the CNS. Globally, the labeling was the highest with (-)[3H]GK11. In the cerebellum, both radioligands similarly labeled the molecular layer. For both radioligands, on telencephalic, cerebellum and spinal cord homogenates, the association and dissociation kinetics were accounted for by multiphasic process. In all regions, (-)[3H]GK11 exhibited the highest affinity in the nanomolar range. The pharmacological study revealed that both enantiomers labeled both high and low affinity sites in all regions. The pharmacological profile of high affinity sites was correlated with those of NMDA receptors. Those of low affinity sites were different in telencephalic and cerebellar homogenates. Overall, this study showed that low affinity sites might constitute a heterogeneous population, which could include sigma receptors in the cerebellum. The autoradiographic study has shown that these sites may be located in the molecular layer. The contribution of low affinity sites to the neuroprotective properties of gacyclidine remains to be investigated.

The low affinity PCP sites in the rat cerebellum not only bind TCP-like but also BTCP-like structures

Congeners of the potent dopamine (DA) re-uptake inhibitor 1-[1-(2-benzo[b]thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP) are unexpectedly able to bind in the rat cerebellum, although this structure is devoid of dopaminergic nerve endings. In line with previous studies the hypothesis that they bind to low affinity PCP sites labelled with [3H]TCP in the rat cerebellum, even though they do not bind to the high affinity PCP sites in the forebrain, was considered. Analogues of 1-[1-(2-thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP) and BTCP with a modified aromatic moiety and with O or S atoms substituted in the cyclohexyl ring were prepared and tested in competition experiments both in rat forebrain and cerebellum membranes labelled with [3H]TCP, and in rat striatum membranes labelled with [3H]BTCP. Results indicated that BTCP and congeners could bind to low affinity PCP sites labelled with [3H]TCP in the rat cerebellum with a decrease of the selectivity for the DA transporter. On the contrary, some TCP analogues displayed a very high selectivity for these low affinity sites; they might be important pharmacological tools to elucidate the nature and function at yet unknown of these sites.

Binding properties of [3H]gacyclidine in the rat central nervous system

Gacyclidine (1-[1-(2-thienyl)-2-methylcyclohexyl]piperidine), the racemate of (+)-and (-)-GK11, exhibits potent neuroprotective properties due to its antagonism at the NMDA receptor. In its tritiated form, gacyclidine showed a binding distribution similar to that of NMDA receptors in the rat brain. With membrane preparations, the (-)-enantiomer of gacyclidine exhibited an affinity similar to that of MK-801 (dizocilpine, (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a, d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine) in the low nanomolar range, while the (+)-enantiomer was about 10 times less potent. Gacyclidine affinity was lower in the cerebellum than in the forebrain or the spinal cord. In this latter region and in the cerebellum, two binding sites were evidenced, one of which was a low-affinity site insensitive to MK-801. In all regions, PRE-084 (2-(4-morpholino)ethyl-1-phenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate), a sigma receptor ligand, had no effect on [3H]gacyclidine binding.

1-[1-(2-Benzo[b]thiopheneyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine hydrochloride (BTCP) yields two active primary metabolites in vivo. Identification and quantification of BTCP primary metabolites in mice plasma, urine, and brain and their affinity for the neuronal dopamine transporter

1-[1-(2-Benzo[b]thiopheneyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine hydrochloride (BTCP) and cocaine bind to the neuronal dopamine transporter (DAT) to strongly inhibit dopamine (DA) reuptake. Although similar to acute administration, cocaine and BTCP produce sensitization and tolerance, respectively, on chronic administration. We previously found that liver microsomes produced two primary metabolites from BTCP with a high affinity for DAT. Because such metabolites, if produced in vivo, could account for the pharmacological difference with cocaine, it was important to compare BTCP biotransformations in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we identified and quantified BTCP and primary metabolites in mice urine, plasma, and brain after acute i.p. administration. The low recovery yield suggest that BTCP might behave like its close analogue, phencyclidine, with long-term storage of metabolites. Two active metabolites found in vitro were found in mice brain with estimated half-life values similar to that of BTCP ( approximately 0.3 h). Although respective brain concentrations were 20 and 40 times lower than that of BTCP, their potency to displace in vivo [3H]BTCP bound to the DAT was 50 and 10 times higher, respectively, than that of BTCP. They could, therefore, contribute to the inhibition of DA transport and play an important role in BTCP pharmacology. They could also explain the differences between BTCP and cocaine on repeated administration.

Pharmacological characterization of the discriminative stimulus properties of the phencyclidine analog, N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)-cyclohexyl]piperidine

RATIONALE

Although both cocaine and the phencyclidine analog, BTCP, have dopamine (DA) re-uptake blocking properties, under some conditions their behavioral effects can be differentiated. Therefore, we examined whether the discriminative stimulus (DS) effects of BTCP are different from those of cocaine.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of monoamine re-uptake blockers, varying in their in vitro potencies as inhibitors of DA, norepinephrine (NE), or serotonin re-uptake, in different groups of rats trained to discriminate either BTCP or cocaine from saline. Additionally, drugs from other pharmacological classes were tested in both groups.

METHODS

Rats were trained to discriminate either BTCP (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline under a two-lever FR10 drug discrimination procedure.

RESULTS

BTCP and cocaine cross-substituted in BTCP- and cocaine-trained rats. The DA re-uptake blockers, mazindol, indatraline, methylphenidate, GBR12909, and GBR12935, occasioned dose-related drug-lever (DL) selection both in cocaine- and in BTCP-trained rats, with potencies that were significantly correlated. In contrast, the NE re-uptake blockers, nisoxetine, desipramine, and nortriptyline, produced higher levels of DL selection in BTCP-trained rats than in cocaine-trained rats, a profile like that reported in low-dose cocaine-trained rats. Drugs from other classes acted similarly in both discriminations. Further, the alpha1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin dose dependently blocked the DS effects of the training dose of BTCP, but not of cocaine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the DS effects of BTCP are similar to cocaine, and resemble those of a low training dose of cocaine.

Does crossing over repeated treatment with the dopamine reuptake inhibitors cocaine and BTCP modify their effects on cocaine-induced locomotion?

Because the dopamine reuptake inhibitors cocaine and BTCP produce different behavioral effects after repeated administration, we studied whether they could alter each other's effects by examining the effects of crossing over repeated treatment with cocaine and BTCP on cocaine-induced locomotion. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated repeatedly with cocaine or BTCP during a first phase (days 1-3) and 3 days later, treated repeatedly with the same or the other compound during a second phase (days 7-9), after which they were administered one of several doses of cocaine on the next day. Locomotor activity was assessed after every daily treatment. The results show that 1) cocaine induced sensitization to its locomotor effects, 2) cocaine-induced sensitization was not altered by subsequent repeated treatment with BTCP, 3) initial repeated treatment with BTCP induced apparent cross-tolerance to cocaine, and 4) the initial effects of repeated BTCP were not markedly altered by subsequent repeated treatment with cocaine. The results indicate that the initial effects produced by repeated cocaine or BTCP are enduring and relatively difficult to alter by crossing over repeated treatment with the other compound. Thus, sensitization to the locomotor effects of cocaine in mice appeared to be attenuated by prior repeated treatment with BTCP but not reversed when followed by repeated treatment with BTCP.

1-[1-2-Benzo[b]thiopheneyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine hydrochloride (BTCP) yields two active primary metabolites in vitro: synthesis, identification from rat liver microsome extracts, and affinity for the neuronal dopamine transporter

1-[1-(2-Benzo[b]thiopheneyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine hydrochloride (BTCP, 1) and cocaine bind to the neuronal dopamine transporter to inhibit dopamine (DA) reuptake. However, on chronic administration, cocaine produces sensitization, but 1 produces tolerance. Because metabolites of 1 might be responsible for some of its pharmacological properties, we have identified the primary metabolites of 1 produced by rat liver microsomes and determined their affinities for the DA transporter. Five monohydroxylated derivatives (3, 5, 9, 10, 14) and two degradation compounds (15, 16) were identified as metabolites through comparison with synthetic standards in HPLC and GC systems. Standards were obtained utilizing synthetic schemes previously used for the synthesis of phencyclidine metabolites. In vitro, two compounds (3, 5) showed a high affinity for the DA transporter. These active metabolites might be important in the pharmacology of 1.

Comparison of glutamate and N-methyl-D-aspartate toxicities on rat mesencephalic primary cell cultures

Excitotoxicities of glutamate and NMDA were studied on primary cultures of rat embryonic substantia nigra. The toxicity of the general neuronal population (identified with neuron specific enolase-NSE) was compared with that of dopaminergic neurons (identified with TH antibodies). We have shown that there exists a time-dependent toxicity to glutamate in 9 d old cultures in vitro and exposures as short as 5 min are significantly toxic. By comparing the effects of long time exposures (24 h) to NMDA and glutamate, we can show dose-dependent toxicity; however NMDA shows a less marked effect, especially at high doses (> 500-1000 microM) as opposed to less potent lower doses (< 500 microM). In comparison to the general population of NSE-positive mesencephalic neurons, TH-positive neurons seem to exhibit a similar vulnerability to EAA. The fact that TH-positive neurons are only partially protected against glutamate toxicity by the non-competitive NMDA antagonist TCP indicates that they are more susceptible to non-NMDA mediated neurotoxicity than the general neuronal population.

Synthesis and biodistribution of two potential PET radioligands for dopamine reuptake sites: no-carrier-added 4-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl) and 4-[11C]methyl BTCP-piperazine

Radioligands that specifically target dopamine uptake sites can provide a means of determining dopamine fiber loss at intrastriatal mesencephalic grafts in Parkinsonian patients, using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The BTCP derivative, 1-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine, shows in vitro high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine transporter. To evaluate the potential of such a compound as a potential dopaminergic PET tracer the positron-emitting analogues, 1-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]-4-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-piperazine and 1-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]-4-[11C]methylpiperazine, were synthesized. Radiofluorination was carried out by the reaction of 1-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]-4-(2-chloroethyl)-piperazine with cyclotron-produced n.c.a. 18F-(half life 109.9 min) obtained by the (p,n) reaction on 18O-enriched water. Labelling with carbon-11 (half life 20.4 min) was achieved by 11C methylation of 1-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]-piperazine with [11C]methyl iodide. After intravenous administration to rats these two compounds enter the brain, but despite their high in vitro affinity they display a high non specific binding in vivo which greatly limits their use as PET radioligands.

Long-term monitoring of extracellular dopamine concentration in the rat striatum by a repeated microdialysis procedure

This study examined a protocol for repeated measurement of the extracellular dopamine (DA) concentration in the rat striatum by microdialysis. Rats were implanted with a guide cannula in the striatum and the probe was inserted on each dialysing day, i.e. ten times over a 23 day period. During this period the animals were submitted to a control saline treatment. DA concentration was measured using the no-net-flux method. In these conditions, DA concentration remained remarkably constant over the 23 day period. The histological analysis using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), dopamine (DA) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemistry showed a moderate gliosis and a discrete increase of immunoreactivity of catecholaminergic fibres around the probe implantation site. This increase is probably related to a plasticity of the dopaminergic system in response to the lesion due to the probe implantations. This study shows that such a paradigm makes possible to measure the whole time course of the DA concentration in the rat striatum during chronic treatments with psychoactive drugs such cocaine or other compounds acting in the nigrostriatal system.

Binding of the antiretroviral drug, d-aspartate-β-hydroxamate on the NMDA receptor

d-Aspartate-β-hydroxamate (d-A β H) exhibits antiretroviral properties in vitro and in vivo. It has glutamate agonist properties at the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in neuronal cell cultures. This study characterizes its binding properties to the NMDA receptor by measuring its stimulating effect on N-(1-(2-thienyl)[(3)H]cyclohexyl)piperidine ([(3)H]TCP) binding to the ionic channel in rat brain membranes. d-A β H stimulated [(3)H]TCP binding in a dose-dependent manner but to a lower extent than glutamate, suggesting only partial glutamate agonist properties. In the presence of antagonists of the different effector sites of the NMDA receptor the affinity of d-A β H was competitively decreased by CGS-19755 and 7-chlorokynurenate and unaffected by arcaine. Among several d-A β H analogues VHS.125 behaved as a full NMDA agonist, but l- or d-glutamate γ-monohydroxamate (d-GH or l-GH) were without effect. This study shows that d-A β H has potential neurotoxic effects due to its direct interaction with the NMDA receptor and that analogues such as d-GH or l-GH may rather be used in humans.

N-[1-(2-Benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP) and cocaine induce similar effects on striatal dopamine: a microdialysis study in freely moving rats

N-[1-(2-Benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP) and cocaine inhibit dopamine (DA) uptake but bind to different sites on the transporter. Their dose-dependent effects (i.p. administration) on extracellular DA levels in the rat striatum were measured by in vivo microdialysis. Both drugs dose-dependently increased DA levels with a maximum effect 60 min post injection. BTCP (20 mg/kg) had a greater peak effect than cocaine (40 mg/kg). For doses inducing similar behavioral effects (cocaine, 20mg/kg; BTCP, 10 mg/kg) similar DA increases were observed in the striatum and the nucleus accumbens. Although both drugs bind on the DA transporter on different sites and induce different behavioral effects when administered chronically, their acute administration increased striatal DA level in a similar way.

High affinity inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate receptor from rat liver nuclei: purification, characterization, and amino-terminal sequence

Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) mediates nuclear calcium signalling [Köppler P., Matter, N., Malviya A.N. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26248-26252], and a distinct high affinity InsP4 binding site is identified with rat liver nuclei [Köppler, P., Mersel, M., & Malviya, A.N. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 14707-14713] as compared with other rat liver membrane fractions. A novel InsP4 receptor protein derived from rat liver nuclei has been purified to apparent homogeneity employing preparative isoelectric focusing, electrophoretic mobility, nondenaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and electroelution. Isoelectric focusing indicated an isoelectric pH around 4.3 +/- 0.2 which was further confirmed by bidimensional electrophoresis. The high affinity nuclear InsP4 receptor was identified as a 74 kDa protein both on the SDS-PAGE and on the bidimensional electrophoresis. Partial microsequence analysis showed that the N-terminal end of nuclear InsP4 receptor consists of amino acids: PNHKNEIAGNFS. The 74 kDa nuclear InsP4 receptor protein is a distinct protein from the other InsP4 receptors purified from other sources and documented in the literature.

Effects of repeated administration of N-[1-(2-benzo(b)-thiophenyl)cyclohexy]piperidine and cocaine on locomotor activity in C57BL/6 mice

The present study investigated the effects of repeated administration of the dopamine reuptake inhibitors N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP) and cocaine on locomotor activity, as well as their ability to induce or express cross-sensitization. Male mice were injected with a fixed dose of BTCP or cocaine (10,20 or 40 mg/kg i.p.) for 3 consecutive days and challenged on the 4th day with one of several doses of BTCP and/or cocaine. After every daily treatment, locomotor activity was assessed. Repeated administration of cocaine produced sensitization to the locomotor activity produced by different challenge doses of both cocaine (2.5-56.6 mg/kg i.p.) and BTCP (2.5-80 mg/kg, i.p.) on day 4. Repeated administration of low and intermediate doses of BTCP did not significantly affect the locomotor activity produced by different challenge doses of BTCP, whereas tolerance-like effects were observed after the higher dose, 40 mg/kg, particularly during the 3-day regimen. Repeated administration of BTCP dose-dependently produced leftward and downward shifts of the cocaine dose-response curve. The results indicate that, under identical treatment conditions, cocaine and BTCP differ markedly with respect to their ability to cause sensitization, but differ less in terms of their ability to elicit locomotor activity in sensitized animals. The demonstration of cross-sensitization between BTCP and cocaine provides evidence for a shared mechanism of action; however, the present results also suggest that the chronic effects of cocaine and BTCP are not identical.

A N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated neurotoxic effect of aspartate-based hydroxamate compounds in rat primary neuronal cultures

In a previous study (Lockhart et al., Brain Res., 630 (1993) 32-40) we demonstrated a NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxic effect for the anti-HIV drugs D-aspartate beta-hydroxamate and structurally related analogues in rat primary cortical neurons. Herein, we have examined the neurotoxic action and pharmacology of a novel series of hydroxamate compounds, with potential anti-HIV activity, in a similar paradigm. In this aim, the aspartate-based hydroxamates L-VHS.126 and its stereoisomer D-VHS.126 selectively destroyed (EC50 = 300 microM) rat primary neurons. The D-VHS.126 analogue, VHS.134 was also neurotoxic (EC50 = 450 microM) whereas VHS.129 and VHS.137, or the D-aspartate beta-hydroxamate analogues VHS.128, VHS.135, VHS.132 and VHS.127 or hydroxyurea demonstrated no significant neurotoxicity. The neurotoxic action of L- and D-VHS.126, and VHS.134 was attenuated with MK-801, CGS-19755 but not with CNQX. These observations demonstrate a potent NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxic action for novel aspartate-based hydroxamate compounds, and further extends this series of potential hydroxamate-based anti-HIV drugs lacking neurotoxicity in vitro.

Neurotoxic effect of the anti-HIV drug D-aspartate beta-hydroxamate for rat primary neuronal cultures: attenuation by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists

The anti-tumor drug D-aspartate beta-hydroxamate (D-A beta H), selectively destroys HIV-1 infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells, but produces anorexia and nausea during prolonged treatment to AIDS patients. Consequently, based on the structural similarity between D-A beta H and the excitotoxins L-aspartate and NMDA, we have investigated the potential neurotoxic action and pharmacology of D-A beta H and of a series of chemically related anti-tumor drugs on rat primary neuronal/glial cultures. In this aim, after a 30 min exposure to D-A beta H (1-2 mM), cortical neurons were selectively destroyed within 24 h. The stereoisomer L-A beta H (0.5-2 mM) was highly neurotoxic for both glial and neuronal cells in mixed cultures but demonstrated no toxicity in glial cell cultures alone. Furthermore, for a series of D-A beta H analogues, VHS.121 and VHS.122 demonstrated a reduced but significant neurotoxicity, whereas VHS.124 and VHS.125 showed no significant neurotoxic effect, and in the case of VHS.125 also prevented D-A beta H and glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity. The related anti-tumor drugs L- or D-glutamate gamma-monohydroxamate or keto-glutamate gamma-monohydroxamate (< or = 2 mM) were not neurotoxic for cortical neurons. The neurotoxic effect of D-A beta H and L-A beta H was attenuated by the NMDA antagonists MK-801, TCP, memantine, ifenprodil, pentamidine and CGS-19755. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine, an inhibitor of polyamine biosynthesis, also protected cultures against the neurotoxicity of L-A beta H and D-A beta H.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of phencyclidine-type drugs in rats discriminating fentanyl from saline: pharmacological and behavioral characterization of intermediate levels of drug lever selection

In rats trained to discriminate 0.04 mg/kg fentanyl from saline, phencyclidine (PCP) and the PCP-type drugs ketamine and (+/- )-5-methyl-10,11-dihydroxy-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-imine produced effects that are usually referred to as partial generalization. Partial generalization could conceivably result from low efficacy actions at the receptor mediating the discriminative stimulus effects of the training drug. The PCP-type drugs produced maximum percentages of drug lever (DL) selection intermediate between those produced by the training conditions, but their curves relating dose to percentage of DL selection were not shallower than that of fentanyl. The PCP-type drugs decreased DL selection produced by the training dose of fentanyl, but there was no relationship between these antagonist effects and the DL selection produced by the PCP-type drugs when given alone. Naltrexone antagonized DL selection produced by fentanyl, but not that produced by the PCP-type drugs. The potency order of the PCP-type drugs to produce DL selection was in agreement with their relative affinities for PCP receptors, but not with those for morphine receptors. The intermediate levels of DL selection produced by the PCP-type drugs were associated with increased lever selection latencies and increased responding on the nonselected lever; this pattern of effects resembled the behavior of animals that had not yet acquired the discrimination. The results suggest that PCP-type drugs produce intermediate levels of drug-appropriate responding in fentanyl-trained rats through mechanisms involving not opioid receptors and partial generalization, but involving PCP receptors and performance deficits conceivably resulting from state dependency. Thus, the results stress the importance of a pharmacological and behavioral analysis of intermediate responding in drug discrimination to examine its validity as a measure of efficacy and of stimulus similarity.

Endogenous dopamine differently affects N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine and cocaine binding to the dopamine uptake complex

1. [3H]N-[1-(2-Benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]BTCP) labels in vivo the dopamine uptake complex in the mouse striatum. 2. In mice treated with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL, 400 mg/kg), [3H]BTCP specific binding was increased and ID50 values of BTCP and cocaine for the prevention of [3H]BTCP binding were significantly lowered. 3. In GBL-treated mice, cocaine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) had no effect on the BTCP ID50 value, whereas GBR 12783 (2 mg/kg, s.c.) increased it significantly. 4. Thus in vivo, endogenous dopamine and cocaine are competitive and non-competitive inhibitors, respectively, of the binding of [3H]BTCP.

Inhibition of locus coeruleus neurons by the phencyclidine analog, N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine: evidence for potent indirect adrenoceptor agonist properties

The effects of the phencyclidine derivative, N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP), on the electrical activity of noradrenaline (NA) neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) were studied in halothane-anesthetized rats. Systemic administration of BTCP potently inhibited LC neurons (ID50 of 1.1 +/- 0.1 mg/kg i.v.). This effect was mimicked by local microejection of BTCP into the LC. Both the systemic and local effects of BTCP were blocked by alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists and prevented by prior depletion of catecholamines with reserpine. These and other data suggest that BTCP behaves as a potent indirect NA agonist (i.e. via NA re-uptake and/or release systems).

Modulation by dopamine of [3H]N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]BTCP, a phencyclidine derivative) binding to the dopamine uptake complex

The modulation by dopamine of the binding of [3H]BTCP to the dopamine (DA) uptake complex was investigated in vivo (in control, reserpine- and L-DOPA-treated mice) and in vitro (on membrane preparations of the striatum of the rat). In both cases increasing doses of DA exerted a non-competitive inhibition of binding of [3H]BTCP, with a Ki value close to its K0.5, determined in competition experiments. Amphetamine and cocaine were also non-competitive inhibitors of the binding of [3H]BTCP, while GBR 12783 was competitive. In the presence of DA, the amount of cocaine required to inhibit the binding of [3H]BTCP was increased both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that inhibitors of the uptake of DA, such as BTCP or GBR 12783, modulate allosterically the uptake of DA, by binding to a site different from the DA recognition site. Cocaine, however, seems to share the same recognition site as DA.

Differential interaction of phencyclidine-like drugs with the dopamine uptake complex in vivo

The phencyclidine (PCP) derivative, [3H]N-[1-(2-benzo[b]thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]BTCP), was used to label in vivo the dopamine uptake complex in mouse brain. The striatum accumulated the highest level of total and specific binding. Drugs which bind to the dopamine uptake site inhibited [3H]BTCP binding on an order similar to their in vitro affinities for the high-affinity [3H]BTCP site. Drugs which label selectively other monoamine uptake complexes. PCP, or sigma recognition sites were ineffective at doses up to 40 mg/kg. PCP bound to and dissociated from the dopamine uptake complex very rapidly. N-[1-(2-Thienyl)cyclohexyl]pideridine (TCP) and (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) had no effect at any time or at any dose. These results imply that the pharmacological effects of PCP are due to its simultaneous interaction with the dopamine uptake complex and the PCP receptor. Conversely, TCP and MK-801, which have the same behavioral properties as PCP, exert their action only through the interaction with the PCP receptor.

Desipramine and the phencyclidine derivative BTCP differently inhibit [3H]TCP binding to high- and low-affinity sites

The effects of N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP) and desipramine on [3H]N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]TCP) binding were investigated in vivo and in vitro. In the cerebrum, both drugs were competitive inhibitors of high-affinity [3H]TCP binding. Conversely, in the cerebellum, they were non-competitive inhibitors of low-affinity [3H]TCP binding. These results imply that the different [3H]TCP binding sites have distinct pharmacological properties, and show that, although chemically related to TCP, BTCP has an effect similar to that of desipramine.

In vivo labeling of phencyclidine (PCP) receptors with 3H-TCP in the mouse brain

The phencyclidine (PCP) derivative N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]-piperidine (3H-TCP) was used to label in vivo the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-associated ionic channel in the mouse brain. After the injection of a tracer dose of 3H-TCP, a spread labeling throughout the brain was observed, but was the highest in the cerebellum. Preadministration of unlabeled TCP (30 mg/kg) resulted in a 90% reduction of 3H-TCP binding. PCP, TCP, MK-801, dexoxadrol, ketamine, and SKF 10,047 isomers dose-dependently prevented the in vivo 3H-TCP binding. ID50 determined in the cerebrum and the cerebellum were respectively correlated with K0.5 for 3H TCP high (rat cortex) and low affinity (rat cerebellum) sites in vitro. The pharmacological specificity of the 3H-TCP binding site in the cerebellum was significantly different from that in the cerebrum. ID50 values were generally higher than in the cerebrum and, particularly, MK-801, the most potent drug in the cerebrum, was without significant effect in the cerebellum, at any time and at doses as high as 30 mg/kg. N-[1-(2-benzo(b) thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP), desipramine, and atropine showed a more efficient prevention of 3H-TCP binding in the cerebellum than in the cerebrum. The prevention of the binding by TCP or PCP, at doses close to their ID50 values, was rapid and then decreased slowly. The effect of MK-801 was long-lasting. This study confirm previous in vitro studies: 3H-TCP is an efficient tool for the labeling of the NMDA receptor-associated ionic channel.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vivo labelling of the mouse dopamine uptake complex with the phencyclidine derivative [3H]BTCP

[3H]BTCP ([3H]N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine), a phencyclidine (PCP) derivative which binds with a high affinity to the dopamine (DA) uptake complex in vitro, has been tested for in vivo binding to mouse brain. Using [3H]BTCP as a tracer (5 microCi, i.v.) we found the striatum as the region which accumulated the largest amount of radioactivity (58 dpm/mg tissue). In other brain regions the radioactive level (about 20 dpm/mg tissue) was close to the non-specific binding determined by an injection of unlabeled BTCP (40 mg/kg, s.c.) 2 h prior to the [3H]BTCP injection. In the striatum [3H]BTCP binding was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by unlabeled BTCP (ID50 = 6.34 mg/kg) and nomifensine (ID50 = 11.06 mg/kg). It was unaffected by the DA receptor antagonist haloperidol and by PCP or its analog TCP at doses of 10 mg/kg. These results suggest that [3H]BTCP binds to the dopamine uptake complex in the mouse brain in vivo. Thus, although PCP has no effect on [3H]BTCP binding in these experimental conditions, this in vivo binding model will be useful for the determination of the precise interaction of PCP and its derivatives with the striatal dopamine uptake complex in vivo independently of their interaction with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-channel complex.

Role of the aromatic group in the inhibition of phencyclidine binding and dopamine uptake by PCP analogs

Thirty-seven arylcyclohexylamines including phencyclidine (PCP) and derivatives, N[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP) and derivatives and N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP) were assessed for their ability to inhibit [3H]PCP binding and [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) synaptosomal uptake. Their pharmacological property (ataxia) was measured by means of the rotarod test. A very good correlation was observed between the inhibition of [3H]PCP binding and the [3H]DA uptake only for arylcyclohexylamines bearing an unmodified phenyl group. Conversely the comparison between the inhibition of [3H]PCP binding and the activity in the rotarod test shows a good correlation with arylcyclohexylamines having any aromatic group (phenyl, substituted phenyl and thienyl rings). This study outlined a new compound (BTCP) without ataxic effect, which is one of the more potent inhibitors of the [3H]DA uptake (IC50 = 8 nM) and which seems very specific since it has a low affinity for [3H]PCP receptors (IC50 = 6 microM). These data show that the aromatic group of the compounds leads to molecules that bind differently to the PCP receptor and to the DA uptake complex. They also suggest that the behavioral properties of arylcyclohexylamines revealed by the rotarod test occur essentially as a result of an interaction with the sites labeled with [3H]PCP and that TCP is more selective than PCP itself in this recognition.

Comparison of [3H] phencyclidine ([3H] PCP) and [3H] N-[1-(2-thienyl) cyclohexyl] piperidine ([3H] TCP) binding properties to rat and human brain membranes

The investigation of [3H] PCP and [3H] TCP binding properties to rat cerebrum and cerebellum resulted in the demonstration of multiple binding sites for the two drugs. In the two tissue preparations PCP had a lower affinity than TCP. In membranes from the cerebrum an equal number of high affinity binding sites were present for [3H] PCP and [3H] TCP. However, low affinity binding sites were two times more numerous for [3H] PCP than for [3H] TCP. In the cerebellum, the number of high and low affinity sites labeled by the two radioligands was identical, but the number of high affinity sites was about 7 fold lower than in the cerebrum. Taken together these results may indicate that in the cerebrum [3H] PCP labels other sites than NMDA/PCP receptor(s), maybe sigma receptors and/or the dopamine uptake complex. In human cerebral cortex samples [3H] TCP also bound to two different sites. The number of high and low affinity sites were 12 and 3 times, respectively, less abundant than in the rat cerebrum. Low affinity sites were of higher affinity (5 times) than corresponding sites in the rat brain. In the human cerebellum [3H] TCP binding parameters were identical to those measured in the same region in the rat.

[3H]N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]BTCP): a new phencyclidine analog selective for the dopamine uptake complex

A benzothiophenyl group instead of a phenyl ring on phencyclidine (PCP) yields a molecule N-[1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (BTCP), which is one of the more potent known dopamine (DA) uptake inhibitors (IC50 = 7 nM). This compound also has low affinity for the PCP receptor (K0.5 = 6 microM). The sodium-dependent [3H]BTCP binding to rat striatal membranes was investigated. [3H]BTCP bound to two different sites: one with very high affinity (Kd1 = 0.9 nM, Bmax1 = 3.5 pmol/mg protein) which paralleled the distribution of dopaminergic nerve endings and a second with lower affinity (Kd2 = 20 nM, Bmax2 = 7.5 pmol/mg protein). There was a good correlation between the abilities of drugs specific for the DA uptake complex and of PCP analogs to inhibit high affinity [3H]BTCP binding and [3H]DA synaptosomal uptake. This study also demonstrated that PCP interacts with the DA uptake site since it is a competitive inhibitor of high affinity [3H]BTCP binding. This site, however, is not the PCP receptor, which has a different pharmacological selectivity.

[3H]thienyl-phencyclidine ([3H]TCP) binds to two different sites in rat brain. Localization by autoradiographic and biochemical techniques

A high affinity [3H]thienyl-phencyclidine ([3H]TCP) binding and its similarity to that of [3H]phencyclidine ([3H]PCP) have been demonstrated on whole rat brain homogenates. We now describe the regional distribution of the [3H]TCP binding sites in the rat brain with fixed sections and frozen slide-mounted sections visualized by autoradiography and with homogenates of 12 regions by direct binding experiments. The 3 techniques give a similar pattern for the [3H]TCP binding distribution and the biochemical study reveals that two distinct binding sites for [3H]TCP exist: one of high affinity (5-10 nM) in the forebrain, which should be responsible for the psychotropic effects and a second one of lower affinity (50-80 nM) in the hindbrain and the spinal cord, which should be involved in the extrapyramidal behavior induced by PCP and congeneers. Competition experiments have shown that muscarinic compounds interact only with the hindbrain receptor possibly in two different sites, although morphine interacts with a very low affinity with the forebrain's high affinity receptor. Results obtained with SKF-10,047 (N-allylnormetazocine) seem to indicate that TCP and sigma-receptors are different.

[3H]TCP: a new tool with high affinity for the PCP receptor in rat brain

PCP binding sites have previously been demonstrated in the central nervous system with [3H]PCP. We now describe the binding properties to rat brain membranes of [3H]TCP, a PCP derivative. It is very advantageous to use [3H]TCP instead of [3H]PCP for the 3 following reasons: (i) it has a better affinity (Kd = 7.4 nM) for PCP binding sites than PCP itself; (ii) it dissociates slowly from its binding sites (t 1/2 = 20 min); (iii) the non-specific binding component obtained with [3H]TCP is much lower than that found with [3H]PCP.

Identification and properties of phencyclidine-binding sites in nervous tissues

[3H]Phencyclidine (PCP) binds to a single class of noninteracting binding sites in rat brain membranes with an affinity Kd of 0.25 microM and a maximal binding capacity BM of 2.4 pmol/mg of membrane protein. PCP derivatives also interact with the muscarinic and mu-opiate receptors in rat brain membranes with affinities that are one or two orders of magnitude lower than those observed for the [3H]PCP-binding sites. Activities of 25 PCP derivatives in the rotarod assay are closely correlated to affinities of these molecules for the [3H]PCP-binding sites, but not for the muscarinic or mu-opiate receptors. Monohydroxylation of PCP generally decreases the affinity of PCP for the [3H]PCP- and muscarinic-binding sites and does not change the affinity for the mu-opiate receptor. The metaphenolic derivative of PCP does not follow these general rules; the affinities of this derivative for the [3H]PCP- and mu-opiate-binding sites are 8 and 430 times higher, respectively, than those of PCP itself. Voltage-clamp experiments with N1E 115 neuroblastoma cells show that PCP is an efficient blocker of both the K+ channel (EC50 = 2.6 microM) and the Na+ channel (EC50 = 9.2 microM).

Biochemical properties of the brain phencyclidine receptor

This paper gives a detailed account of techniques which can be used to measure [3H]phencyclidine binding to its receptor. The main properties of the binding component are the following: (i) It is rapidly heat-inactivated at temperatures over 50 degrees C. (ii) It is destroyed by proteases like trypsin, pronase or papain suggesting that it is of a protein nature. The receptor structure is resistant to chymotrypsin. (iii) A good correlation was found between the pharmacological activity of 30 different analogs as measured by the rotarod assay and the affinity of these different molecules for the phencyclidine receptor. (iv) Monovalent and divalent cations antagonize [3H]phencyclidine binding to its receptor. The dissociation constant is 15 mM, the same for Na+, Li+, K+, cholinium or Tris. Na+ (and other monovalent cations) and phencyclidines bind to distinct sites. The saturation of the Na+ site by Na+ modulates the affinity of phencyclidine for its receptor. Divalent cations antagonize [3H]phencyclidine binding in the absence of Na+. This antagonism is of the non-competitive type. (v) [3H]phencyclidine binding is also antagonized by histrionicotoxin and by local anaesthetics.