Pharmacological profile of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline, an effective smoking cessation aid

The preclinical pharmacology of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) partial agonist varenicline, a novel smoking cessation agent is described. Varenicline binds with subnanomolar affinity only to alpha4beta2 nAChRs and in vitro functional patch clamp studies in HEK cells expressing nAChRs show that varenicline is a partial agonist with 45% of nicotine's maximal efficacy at alpha4beta2 nAChRs. In neurochemical models varenicline has significantly lower (40-60%) efficacy than nicotine in stimulating [(3)H]-dopamine release from rat brain slices in vitro and in increasing dopamine release from rat nucleus accumbens in vivo, while it is more potent than nicotine. In addition, when combined with nicotine, varenicline effectively attenuates the nicotine-induced dopamine release to the level of the effect of varenicline alone, consistent with partial agonism. Finally, varenicline reduces nicotine self-administration in rats and supports lower self-administration break points than nicotine. These data suggest that varenicline can reproduce to some extent the subjective effects of smoking by partially activating alpha4beta2 nAChRs, while preventing full activation of these receptors by nicotine. Based on these findings, varenicline was advanced into clinical development and recently shown to be an effective and safe aid for smoking cessation treatment.

Ecological basis for fertility control in the house mouse (Mus domesticus) using immunocontraceptive vaccines

Laboratory studies confirm the potential for fertility control in the house mouse Mus domesticus using mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) as a vector for an immunocontraceptive vaccine. This article presents an overview of key results from research in Australia on enclosed and field populations of mice and the associated epidemiology of MCMV. The virus is geographically widespread in Australia. It also persists in low population densities of mice, although if population densities are low for at least a year, transmission of the virus is sporadic until a population threshold of approximately 40 mice ha(-1) is reached. The serological prevalence of MCMV was high early in the breeding season of four field populations. Enclosure studies confirm that MCMV has minimal impact on the survival and breeding performance of mice and that it can be transmitted to most adults within 10-12 weeks. Other enclosure studies indicate that about two-thirds of females would need to be sterilized to provide effective control of the rate of growth of mouse populations. If this level is not maintained for 20-25 weeks after the commencement of breeding, the mouse population can compensate through increased recruitment per breeding female. The findings from this series of descriptive and manipulative population studies of mice support the contention that MCMV would be a good carrier for an immunocontraceptive vaccine required to sustain female sterility levels at or above 65%.

Antiparkinsonian actions of CP-101,606, an antagonist of NR2B subunit-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors

In the setting of nigrostriatal dopamine depletion, glutamatergic pathways to the striatum and basal ganglia output nuclei become overactive. Systemically administered glutamate receptor antagonists may have direct antiparkinsonian actions in rodents, but there is little evidence for this in primates. Glutamate antagonists may also potentiate conventional dopaminergic therapies; however, there is concern that broad spectrum, nonselective antagonists may have unwanted side-effects. Because subunit-selective antagonists may avoid these liabilities, we have examined the antiparkinsonian effects of a selective antagonist of the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. In rats, CP-101,606 decreased haloperidol-induced catalepsy with an ED(50) of about 0.5 mg/kg. In MPTP-treated monkeys, CP-101,606 (1 mg/kg) reduced parkinsonian motor symptoms by 20%. At a dose of 0.05 mg/kg, CP-101,606 markedly potentiated the effect of a submaximal dose of levodopa, reducing motor symptoms by about 50% compared to vehicle and by about 30% compared to levodopa alone. No side-effects were apparent at any dose of CP-101,606. We conclude that CP-101,606 has direct antiparkinsonian actions in both rodents and monkeys and it synergistically potentiates levodopa in MPTP-treated monkeys. Clinical evaluation of selective NR2B antagonists may be warranted in Parkinson's disease.

Effects of the competitive nicotinic antagonist erysodine on behavior occasioned or maintained by nicotine: comparison with mecamylamine

RATIONALE

The cellular effects of nicotine underlying its addictive liability are thought to be mediated by neuronal nicotinic receptors (nACHRs) in the central nervous system. It is believed that densely expressed beta32-containing nACHRs in the central nervous system are responsible for these actions, but few data are available that can directly assess subtype mediation of nicotine's acute subjective and reinforcing effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present study compared the effects of the competitive nACHR antagonist erysodine and the noncompetitive antagonist mecamylamine in rats trained to discriminate or self-administer nicotine.

METHODS

Adult male rats were trained to discriminate 0.4-mg/kg injections of nicotine from vehicle in a two-lever procedure of food-maintained behavior, or to self-administer 0.03-mg/kg injections of nicotine under fixed-ratio 5 or progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Additional rats were trained under a food-maintained procedure of lever pressing.

RESULTS

Erysodine (0.3-10 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) blocked nicotine discrimination, although only erysodine produced the rightward shift that would be predicted of a competitive antagonist. Erysodine (0.32-32 mg/kg) and mecamylamine (0.32-3.2 mg/kg) also selectively reduced nicotine self-administration on a fixed-ratio schedule and lowered break points on a progressive-ratio schedule.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the known affinity of erysodine for alpha4beta2 nACHRs and its selectivity relative to alpha7 and alpha1beta1gammadelta receptors, the present data support a critical role of beta2-containing nACHR constructs in the discriminative and reinforcing actions of nicotine.

Fertility control of wild mouse populations: the effects of hormonal competence and an imposed level of sterility

We report on a study of confined populations of wild mice in which 67% of females were surgically sterilised to simulate the possible effects of fertility control on population dynamics. Social structure can influence the breeding performance of female mice and, as this may be hormonally controlled, we examined whether the maintenance of hormonal competence by sterilised female mice was necessary to achieve a significant decrease in population size. We compared two methods of surgical sterilisation – tubal ligation, which leaves the animal’s reproductive hormone regulation intact, and ovariectomy, which disrupts the normal regulation of the hormones of the pituitary–ovarian axis. There was no difference in the population sizes produced by the two methods of sterilisation and thus the maintenance of hormonal structure is unlikely to influence the population’s response to fertility control. If anything, the population response to the presence of hormonally competent but sterile females was different from that expected – populations with tubally ligated females had slightly higher growth rates, recruitment of young, and breeding performance, than populations with ovariectomised females. The 67% level of infertility amongst females in the population successfully reduced population size and growth rate when compared with unsterilised populations. This reduction in population size was not related to the level of sterility imposed. Compensation occurred through improved breeding performance of unsterilised females, particularly in the tubally ligated populations.

Reference ranges for biochemical and haematological values in farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) yearlings

OBJECTIVE

To determine reference ranges for healthy yearling farmed saltwater crocodiles by performing routine biochemical and haematological laboratory tests on blood samples.

DESIGN

A clinico-pathological study.

PROCEDURE

Blood samples were collected from 120 healthy yearlings from four Northern Territory crocodile farms and body weight and length were measured. All animals had been fasted for 2 days before sample collection. Routine biochemical analytes were determined on 120 samples and haematological values determined on 30 samples (from one farm).

RESULTS

Reference ranges for biochemical and haematological values were determined for farmed yearling saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory.

CONCLUSION

The results were comparable with published reference ranges for other crocodilian species. Other published results of haematological values from saltwater crocodiles were from very young (6-week-old) hatchlings and older (2- to 4-year-old) crocodiles. Differences in values were presumed to be caused by age-related factors.

A manipulative field experiment to examine the effect of Capillaria hepatica (Nematoda) on wild mouse populations in southern Australia

A 12-month manipulative field study of the effect of a liver parasite, Capillaria hepatica, on mouse populations (Mus domesticus) was conducted in the Mallee wheatlands of northwestern Victoria. There were 2 untreated and 4 treated sites each consisting of a 16 km2 sampling zone. The parasite was released in September (spring) 1993 into an increasing mouse population which had a medium density (100-250 mice per ha). A third untreated site was monitored from January 1994. A simple but effective baiting method was developed and with the assistance of local farmers about 40,000 mice were dosed on the 4 sites; an estimated 5-7% of the population. During a second release, a month later, a further 20,000 mice were infected, boosting the level of infection to around 10%. Two months after the release approximately 30% of the population was infected. Thereafter, although there was effective transmission of the parasite, this was associated with a significant reduction in prevalence with time. The parasite reduced host survival by 5-10%, although this difference was not statistically significant, and had a minimal effect on the breeding and the rate of growth of mouse populations. Densities of 500-800 mice per ha were attained at each site in autumn 1994. Thus a spring release of the parasite into a rapidly increasing mouse population in the Victorian Mallee wheatlands did not prevent the population from increasing. The occurrence of very dry conditions following its release and the low but sustained transmission of the parasite indicate that we need to know more about factors that influence the survival and transmission of the parasite under field conditions.

Spatial heterogeneity in wild populations of house mice (Mus domesticus) on the Darling Downs, South eastern Queensland

This study examined habitat use by house mice (Mus domesticus) in an agricultural landscape during a phase of population increase. The primary aim was to determine whether spatial heterogeneity is an important consideration when examining population processes of mice. Mice within a 4-km2 trapping zone were trapped on approximately 36 transects at each of six farms on the Darling Downs, Queensland, in May and June 1992. There were 2100 trap-nights at each farm. Most mice were caught in undisturbed grass verges along fencelines. Undisturbed verges also harboured mice of above-average body condition and had the highest proportion of adult females breeding. High numbers of mice were caught also in roadside verges, long sorghum stubble and ripe summer crops. Few mice were caught in fallow paddocks, short sorghum stubble and ploughed sorghum stubble. Habitat use did not vary with sex or age-class. The distribution of mice amongst habitats varied at each farm. Thus, over the two months there were farm-level differences in how mice used the landscape in this agricultural system. These variations in habitat use by mice were significant at both a fine scale of habitat classification (seven habitat types) and a broader scale (four habitat types) more generally applicable to grain-growing regions in Australia. This study demonstrates that spatial heterogeneity needs to be considered when designing trapping protocols or control strategies for mice.

(1S,2S)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidino)-1-propanol: a potent new neuroprotectant which blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate responses

(1S,2S)-1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidino)-1-propanol (20, CP-101,606) has been identified as a potent and selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist through a structure activity relation (SAR) program based on ifenprodil, a known antihypertensive agent with NMDA antagonist activity. Sites on the threo-ifenprodil skeleton explored in this report include the pendent methyl group (H, methyl, and ethyl nearly equipotent; propyl much weaker), the spacer group connecting the C-4 phenyl group to the piperidine ring (an alternating potency pattern with 0 and 2 carbon atoms yielding the greatest potency), and simple phenyl substitution (little effect). While potent NMDA antagonists were obtained with a two atom spacer, this arrangement also increased alpha 1 adrenergic affinity. Introduction of a hydroxyl group into the C-4 position on these piperidine ring resulted in substantial reduction in alpha 1 adrenergic affinity. The combination of these observations was instrumental in the discovery of 20. This compound potently protects cultured hippocampal neurons from glutamate toxicity (IC50 = 10 nM) while possessing little of the undesired alpha 1 adrenergic affinity (IC50 approximately 20 microM) of ifenprodil. Furthermore, 20 appears to lack the psychomotor stimulant effects of nonselective competitive and channel-blocking NMDA antagonists. Thus, 20 shows great promise as a neuroprotective agent and may lack the side effects of compounds currently in clinical trials.

An Experimental Field Study to Examine Whether Capillaria Hepatica (Nematoda) Can Limit House Mouse Populations in Eastern Australia

A replicated experimental field investigation to examine the effect of the nematode parasite Capillaria hepatica on populations of Mus domesticus is described. A 2-year study was conducted at 7 sites with matching farming practices, soil types, topography and habitat heterogeneity on the Darling Downs in south-eastern Queensland, Australia, where mice cause substantial economic, social and environmental problems. A 4 km2 sampling zone was designated on each site and sites were assigned randomly to one of 3 untreated and 4 treated groups. The parasite was released successfully on 3 occasions at 3 markedly different stages of mouse population dynamics. The first release was in winter 1992 into a low-density, non-breeding population. Mice on treated sites had significantly lower survival for 6 months after the release than mice on untreated sites. The parasite had a relatively high impact on survival of young mice (<72 mm long) 2 months after its release. The greatest impact on old mice (>76 mm) occurred a month later. The most pronounced effects of C. hepatica on mouse abundance occurred during the 4 months after its release (June-September). Mice on the untreated sites, however, had poor survival in September, so by October their population abundance was at a level similar to that of the treated populations. Once breeding began in mid-October C. hepatica had no noticeable effect on mouse population dynamics. This was because the parasite (i) had no effect on breeding of mice, (ii) had minimal transmission and (iii) had a diminishing effect on survival after October. The apparent lack of transmission of C. hepatica was probably due to a combination of low population density, the transient nature of the mouse population and predominantly dry weather for 6 months after the release. A second release was made in February 1993 into a breeding, medium-density host population that was rapidly increasing in abundance. Less than 2% of the population was affected during the release so interest focused on transmission rather than the effect of the parasite on the host's demographic machinery. Transmission did occur at a low rate and the parasite persisted for 4.5 months (to June) when it was decided to boost the proportion of mice infected in order to follow its effect on the overwintering population and the demographic effects during the next breeding season. This late release was compromised by synchronous, widespread and rapid decline in mouse densities. Densities fell from greater than 500 ha to less than 1 ha in less than 6 weeks. Two messages emerge from these studies. First, C. hepatica will not limit mouse populations if it is released into a low-density population during a long dry period on the Darling Downs. Second, more information is needed about the factors that influence the survival and transmission of the parasite under field conditions.

Effects of intrastriatal and intracortical scopolamine on behavior in rats

The anticholinergic drug scopolamine (20 micrograms, 30 micrograms, 40 micrograms) or its vehicle was injected unilaterally into the dorsal anterior striatum or overlying rostral neocortex in rats in order to examine the role of each region in contralateral postural deviation and stereotyped rearing. Scopolamine-induced contralateral deviation was observed in all subjects with striatal injections (p less than 0.01), and was of the same magnitude at all dose levels. Intracortical scopolamine did not induce contralateral deviation. However, stereotyped rearing was elicited from both the striatum and neocortex (p less than 0.01) at the two highest dose levels of scopolamine. Thus the mechanisms for contralateral deviation and stereotyped rearing differ both with respect to brain region and drug sensitivity.