A medium throughput rodent model of relapse from addiction with behavioral and pharmacological specificity

One of most formidable problems in the treatment of addiction is the high rate of relapse. The discovery of medicines to help mitigate relapse are aided by animal models that currently involve weeks of training and require surgical preparations and drug delivery devices. The present set of experiments was initiated to investigate a rapid 8-day screening method that utilizes food instead of intravenous drug administration. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained in a reinstatement paradigm in which every lever press produced a 45 mg food pellet concurrently paired with a light and tone. Behavior was subsequently extinguished with lever responses producing neither food nor food-associated stimuli. Reinstatement of responding was evaluated under conditions in which the first three responses of every 5 min time bin produced a food pellet along with food-associated stimuli. The mGlu₅ receptor antagonists MPEP and MTEP produced a significant reduction in reinstatement while failing to alter responding where every response produced food. The cannabinoid CB₁ receptor antagonist rimonabant and the mGlu_2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 also selectively reduced reinstatement. Other compounds including clozapine, d-amphetamine, chlordiazepoxide, ABT-431, naltrexone and citalopram were without effect. The results suggest that relapse-like behavioral effects can be extended to non-pharmacological reinforcers. Drug effects demonstrated both behavioral and pharmacological specificity. The present experimental design thus allows for efficient and rapid assessment of the effects of drugs that might be useful in the treatment of addiction-associated relapse.

The α2,3-selective potentiator of GABAA receptors, KRM-II-81, reduces nociceptive-associated behaviors induced by formalin and spinal nerve ligation in rats

Clinical evidence indicates that positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors have analgesic benefit in addition to efficacy in anxiety disorders. However, the utility of GABAA receptor PAMs as analgesics is compromised by the central nervous system side effects of non-selective potentiators. A selective potentiator of GABAA receptors associated with α2/3 subunits, KRM-II-81(5-(8-ethynyl-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-4H-benzo[f]imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepin-3-yl)oxazole), has demonstrated anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antinociceptive effects in rodents with reduced motoric side effects. The present study evaluated the potential of KRM-II-81 as a novel analgesic. Oral administration of KRM-II-81 attenuated formalin-induced flinching; in contrast, diazepam was not active. KRM-II-81 attenuated nociceptive-associated behaviors engendered by chronic spinal nerve ligation (L5/L6). Diazepam decreased locomotion of rats at the dose tested in the formalin assay (10 mg/kg) whereas KRM-II-81 produced small decreases that were not dose-dependent (10-100 mg/kg). Plasma and brain levels of KRM-II-81 were used to demonstrate selectivity for α2/3- over α1-associated GABAA receptors and to define the degree of engagement of these receptors. Plasma and brain concentrations of KRM-II-81 were positively-associated with analgesic efficacy. GABA currents from isolated rat dorsal-root ganglion cultures were potentiated by KRM-II-81 with an ED50 of 32 nM. Measures of respiratory depression were reduced by alprazolam whereas KRM-II-81 was either inactive or produced effects with lower potency and efficacy. These findings add to the growing body of data supporting the idea that α2/3-selective GABAA receptor PAMs will have efficacy and tolerability as pain medications including those for neuropathic pain. Given their predicted anxiolytic effects, α2/3-selective GABAA receptor PAMs offer an additional inroad into the management of pain.

Effects of 5-HT7 receptor antagonists on behaviors of mice that detect drugs used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia

5-HT₇ receptors have been suggested to play a role in the regulation of psychiatric disorders. The experimental literature however is not fully consistent on this possibility. Two selective 5-HT₇ receptor antagonists, DR-4004 and SB-269970, were evaluated in mouse models used to detect drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. A 5-HT-induced hypothermia assay was used to define the doses of DR-4004 and SB-269970 predicted to impact 5-HT₇ receptors in the brain in vivo. 5-HT produced hypothermia in wildtype mice by either i.p. or i.c.v. routes but did not in 5-HT₇ receptor knockout mice. 5-HT-induced hypothermia was not attenuated by drugs selectively blocking alpha1 or 5-HT_1A receptors. Doses of DR-4004 and SB-269970 that blocked 5-HT-induced hypothermia, did not display significant anxiolytic-like (elevated plus maze; vogel conflict) or antidepressant-like efficacy (tail-suspension test) in mouse models. These compounds did demonstrate some antipsychotic-like properties in the PCP-induced hyperactivity assay and anxiolytic/anti-stress effects in the stress-induced cGMP assay. Negative findings were substantiated by positive control drugs that were active in each assay system. We conclude that 5-HT-induced hypothermia can be used to estimate blockade of central 5-HT₇ receptors. Effects of DR-4004 and SB-269970 in animal models are generally consistent with the experimental literature that the evidence is mixed or not robust regarding the potential efficacy of 5-HT₇ receptor antagonism in the treatment of anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia.

Pharmacological characterization of the neurotrophic sesquiterpene jiadifenolide reveals a non-convulsant signature and potential for progression in neurodegenerative disease studies

The 'neurotrophic sesquiterpenes' refer to a group of molecules derived from the Illicium genus of flowering plant. They display neurotrophic effects in cultured neuron preparations and have been suggested to be cognitive enhancers and potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders and dementias. Recent synthetic advances generated sufficient quantities of jiadifenolide for in vivo investigation into its biological effects. Jiadifenolide did not induce convulsions in mice nor did it enhance or diminish convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole. Other negative allosteric modulators of GABA_A receptors, picrotoxin, tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS), and bilobalide all induced convulsions. Either i.p. or i.c.v. dosing generated micromolar plasma and brain levels of jiadifenolide but only small effects on locomotion of mice. However, jiadifenolide decreased d-amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in mice, an antipsychotic-like drug effect. Jiadifenolide did not significantly alter body temperature or behavior in the forced-swim test in mice. Molecular simulation data suggested a potential site in the pore/M2 helix region that is at an overlapping, yet lower position than those observed for other 'cage convulsant' compounds such as TETS and picrotoxin. We hypothesize that a position nearer to the entrance of the pore channel may allow for easier displacement of jiadifenolide from its blocking location leading to lower potency and lower side-effect liability. Like jiadifenolide, memantine (Namenda), one of the few drugs used in the symptomatic treatment of dementias, occupies a unique site on the NMDA receptor complex that creates low binding affinity that is associated with its reduced side-effect profile. Given the potential therapeutic applications of jiadifenolide and its relatively inert effects on overt behavior, the possibility of clinical utility for jiadifenolide and related compounds becomes intriguing.

Negative allosteric modulation of alpha 5-containing GABAA receptors engenders antidepressant-like effects and selectively prevents age-associated hyperactivity in tau-depositing mice

RATIONALE

Associated with frank neuropathology, patients with Alzheimer's disease suffer from a host of neuropsychiatric symptoms that include depression, apathy, agitation, and aggression. Negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of α5-containing GABA_A receptors have been suggested to be a novel target for antidepressant action. We hypothesized that pharmacological modulation of this target would engender increased motivation in stressful environments.

METHODS

We utilized electrophysiological recordings from Xenopus oocytes and behavioral measures in mice to address this hypothesis.

RESULTS

In the forced-swim assay in mice that detects antidepressant drugs, the α5β3γ2 GABA_Α receptor NAM, RY-080 produced a marked antidepressant phenotype. Another compound, PWZ-029, was characterized as an α5β3γ2 receptor NAM of lower intrinsic efficacy in electrophysiological studies in Xenopus oocytes. In contrast to RY-080, PWZ-029 was only moderately active in the forced-swim assay and the α5β3γ2 receptor antagonist, Xli-093, was not active at all. The effects of RY-080 were prevented by the non-selective benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil as well as by the selective ligands, PWZ-029 and Xli-093. These findings demonstrate that this effect of RY-080 is driven by negative allosteric modulation of α5βγ2 GABA_A receptors. RY-080 was not active in the tail-suspension test. We also demonstrated a reduction in the age-dependent hyperactivity exhibited by transgenic mice that accumulate pathological tau (rTg4510 mice) by RY-080. The decrease in hyperactivity by RY-080 was selective for the hyperactivity of the rTg4510 mice since the locomotion of control strains of mice were not significantly affected by RY-080.

CONCLUSIONS

α5βγ2 GABA_A receptor NAMs might function as a pharmacological treatment for mood, amotivational syndromes, and psychomotor agitation in patients with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Electroencephalographic, cognitive, and neurochemical effects of LY3130481 (CERC-611), a selective antagonist of TARP-γ8-associated AMPA receptors

6-[(1S)-1-[1-[5-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-pyridyl]pyrazol-3-yl]ethyl]-3H-1,3-benzothiazol-2-one (LY3130481 or CERC-611) is a selective antagonist of AMPA receptors containing transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein (TARP) γ-8. This molecule has been characterized as a potent and efficacious anticonvulsant in an array of acute and chronic epilepsy models in rodents. The present set of experiments was designed to assess the effects of LY3130481 on the electroencephelogram (EEG), cognitive function, and neurochemical outflow. LY3130481 disrupted food-maintained responding in rats and spontaneous alternation in a Y-maze in mice. In rat fear conditioning, LY3130481 caused a deficit in trace (hippocampal-dependent), but not in delay fear conditioning. Although these effects on cognitive performances were observed, the known cognitive-impairing anticonvulsant, topiramate, did not always produce deficits under these assay conditions. LY3130481 produced modest increases in wake times in rats. In addition, LY3130481 was able to attenuate some impairing effects of standard antiepileptic drugs. The motor-impairing effects of the lacosamide were attenuated by LY3130481 as was the decrease in non-rapid-eye movement sleep induced by carbamazepine. Evaluation of the effect of LY3130481 on neurotransmitter and metabolite efflux in the rat medial prefrontal cortex, using in vivo microdialysis, revealed significant increases in the pro-cognitive and wake-promoting neurotransmitters, histamine and acetylcholine, as well as in serotonin, telemethylhistamine, 5-HIAA, HVA and MHPG. LY3130481 thus presents a novel behavioral profile that will have to be evaluated in patients to fully appreciate its implications for therapeutics. LY3130481 is currently under clinical development as CERC-611 as an antiepileptic.

Further evaluation of the potential anxiolytic activity of imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepin agents selective for α2/3-containing GABAA receptors

Positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors transduce a host of beneficial effects including anxiolytic actions. We have recently shown that bioavailability and anxiolytic-like activity can be improved by eliminating the ester functionality in imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepines. In the present series of experiments, we further substantiate the value of heterocyle replacement of the ester for potential treatment of anxiety. None of three esters was active in a Vogel conflict test in rats that detects anxiolytic drugs like diazepam. Compounds 7 and 8, ester bioisosters, were selective for alpha 2 and 3 over alpha 1-containing GABAA receptors but also had modest efficacy at GABAA alpha 5-containing receptors. Compound 7 was efficacious and potent in this anxiolytic-detecting assay without affecting non-punished responding. The efficacies of the esters and of compound 7 were predicted from their efficacies as anticonvulsants against the GABAA antagonist pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). In contrast, the related structural analog, compound 8, did not produce anxiolytic-like effects in rats despite anticonvulsant efficacy. These data thus support the following conclusions: 1) ancillary pharmacological actions of compound 8 might be responsible for its lack of anxiolytic-like efficacy despite its efficacy as an anticonvulsant 2) esters of imidazo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepines do not demonstrate anxiolytic-like effects in rats due to their low bioavailability and 3) replacement of the ester function with suitable heterocycles markedly improves bioavailability and engenders molecules with the opportunity to have potent and efficacious effects in vivo that correspond to human anxiolytic actions.

Preclinical findings predicting efficacy and side-effect profile of LY2940094, an antagonist of nociceptin receptors

Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17 amino acid peptide whose receptor is designated ORL1 or nociceptin receptor (NOP). We utilized a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable antagonist with documented engagement with NOP receptors in vivo to assess antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐related pharmacological effects of NOP receptor blockade along with measures of cognitive and motor impingement. LY2940094 ([2‐[4‐[(2‐chloro‐4,4‐difluoro‐spiro[5H‐thieno[2,3‐c]pyran‐7,4′‐piperidine]‐1′‐yl)methyl]‐3‐methyl‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]‐3‐pyridyl]methanol) displayed antidepressant‐like behavioral effects in the forced‐swim test in mice, an effect absent in NOP^−/− mice. LY2940094 also augmented the behavioral effect of fluoxetine without changing target occupancies (NOP and serotonin reuptake transporter [SERT]). LY2940094 did not have effects under a differential‐reinforcement of low rate schedule. Although anxiolytic‐like effects were not observed in some animal models (conditioned suppression, 4‐plate test, novelty‐suppressed feeding), LY2940094 had effects like that of anxiolytic drugs in three assays: fear‐conditioned freezing in mice, stress‐induced increases in cerebellar cGMP in mice, and stress‐induced hyperthermia in rats. These are the first reports of anxiolytic‐like activity with a systemically viable NOP receptor antagonist. LY2940094 did not disrupt performance in either a 5‐choice serial reaction time or delayed matching‐to‐position assay. LY2940094 was also not an activator or suppressor of locomotion in rodents nor did it induce failures of rotarod performance. These data suggest that LY2940094 has unique antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐related pharmacological effects in rodents. Clinical proof of concept data on this molecule in depressed patients have been reported elsewhere.

Discovery of the First α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid (AMPA) Receptor Antagonist Dependent upon Transmembrane AMPA Receptor Regulatory Protein (TARP) γ-8

Transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) are a family of scaffolding proteins that regulate AMPA receptor trafficking and function. TARP γ-8 is one member of this family and is highly expressed within the hippocampus relative to the cerebellum. A selective TARP γ-8-dependent AMPA receptor antagonist (TDAA) is an innovative approach to modulate AMPA receptors in specific brain regions to potentially increase the therapeutic index relative to known non-TARP-dependent AMPA antagonists. We describe here, for the first time, the discovery of a noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist that is dependent on the presence of TARP γ-8. Three major iteration cycles were employed to improve upon potency, CYP1A2-dependent challenges, and in vivo clearance. An optimized molecule, compound (-)-25 (LY3130481), was fully protective against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions in rats without the motor impairment associated with non-TARP-dependent AMPA receptor antagonists. Compound (-)-25 could be utilized to provide proof of concept for antiepileptic efficacy with reduced motor side effects in patients.

Inquiries into the Biological Significance of Transmembrane AMPA Receptor Regulatory Protein (TARP) γ-8 Through Investigations of TARP γ-8 Null Mice§

Transmembrane AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor regulatory protein (TARP) γ-8 is an auxiliary protein associated with some AMPA receptors. Most strikingly, AMPA receptors associated with this TARP have a relatively high localization in the hippocampus. TARP γ-8 also modifies the pharmacology and trafficking of AMPA receptors. However, to date there is little understanding of the biological significance of this auxiliary protein. In the present set of studies we provide a characterization of the differential pharmacology and behavioral consequences of deletion of TARP γ-8 by comparing the wild type (WT) and γ-8 -/- (knock-out, KO) mouse. KO mice were mildly hyperactive in a locomotor arena but not in other environments compared to WT mice. Additionally, the KO mice demonstrated enhanced locomotor stimulatory effects of both d-amphetamine and phencyclidine. Marble-burying and digging behaviors were dramatically reduced in KO mice. In another assay that can detect anxiety-like phenotypes, the elevated plus maze, no differences were observed in overall movement or open arm entries. In the forced-swim assay, KO mice displayed decreases in immobility time like the antidepressant imipramine and the AMPA receptor potentiator, LY392098. In KO mice, the antidepressant-like effects of LY392098 were prevented whereas the effects of imipramine were unaffected. Convulsions were induced by pentylenetetrazole, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and by kainic acid. However, in KO mice, kainic acid produced less tonic convulsions and lethality. KO mice had reduced levels of norepinephrine in hippocampus and cerebellum but not in hypothalamus or prefrontal cortex, decreased levels of cAMP in hippocampus, and increased levels of acetylcholine in the hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex. KO mice displayed decreased turnover of dopamine and increased histamine turnover in multiple brain areas In contrast, serotonin and its metabolites were not significantly affected by deletion of the γ-8 protein. Of a large panel of plasma lipids, only two monoacylglycerols (1OG and 2OG) were marginally but nonsignificantly altered in WT vs KO mice. Overall, the data suggest genetic inactivation of this specific population of AMPA receptors results in modest changes in behavior characterized by a mild hyperactivity which is condition dependent and a marked reduction in digging and burying behaviors. Despite deletion of TARP γ-8, chemoconvulsants were still active. Consistent with their predicted pharmacological actions, the convulsant effects of kainate and the antidepressant-like effects of an AMPA receptor potentiator (both acting upon AMPA receptors) were reduced or absent in KO mice.

Perampanel, an antagonist of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors, for the treatment of epilepsy: studies in human epileptic brain and nonepileptic brain and in rodent models

Perampanel [Fycompa, 2-(2-oxo-1-phenyl-5-pyridin-2-yl-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl)benzonitrile hydrate 4:3; Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ] is an AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor antagonist used as an adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures. We asked whether perampanel has AMPA receptor antagonist activity in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus associated with antiepileptic efficacy and also in the cerebellum associated with motor side effects in rodent and human brains. We also asked whether epileptic or nonepileptic human cortex is similarly responsive to AMPA receptor antagonism by perampanel. In rodent models, perampanel decreased epileptic-like activity in multiple seizure models. However, doses of perampanel that had anticonvulsant effects were within the same range as those engendering motor side effects. Perampanel inhibited native rat and human AMPA receptors from the hippocampus as well as the cerebellum that were reconstituted into Xenopus oocytes. In addition, with the same technique, we found that perampanel inhibited AMPA receptors from hippocampal tissue that had been removed from a patient who underwent surgical resection for refractory epilepsy. Perampanel inhibited AMPA receptor-mediated ion currents from all the tissues investigated with similar potency (IC50 values ranging from 2.6 to 7.0 μM). Cortical slices from the left temporal lobe derived from the same patient were studied in a 60-microelectrode array. Large field potentials were evoked on at least 45 channels of the array, and 10 μM perampanel decreased their amplitude and firing rate. Perampanel also produced a 33% reduction in the branching parameter, demonstrating the effects of perampanel at the network level. These data suggest that perampanel blocks AMPA receptors globally across the brain to account for both its antiepileptic and side-effect profile in rodents and epileptic patients.

In vivo occupancy of dopamine D3 receptors by antagonists produces neurochemical and behavioral effects of potential relevance to attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder

Dopamine D(3) receptors have eluded definitive linkage to neurologic and psychiatric disorders since their cloning over 20 years ago. We report a new method that does not employ a radiolabel for simultaneously defining in vivo receptor occupancy of D(3) and D(2) receptors in rat brain after systemic dosing using the tracer epidepride (N-[[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl]-5-iodo-2,3-dimethoxybenzamide). Decreases in epidepride binding in lobule 9 of cerebellum (rich in D(3) receptors) were compared with nonspecific binding in the lateral cerebellum. The in vivo occupancy of the dopamine D(3) receptors was dose dependently increased by SB-277011A (trans-N-[4-[2-(6-cyano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)ethyl]cyclohexyl]-4-quinolinecarboxamide) and U99194 (2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethoxy- N,N-dipropyl-1H-inden-2-amine). Both antagonists increased extracellular levels of acetylcholine (ACh) in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats and modified brain-tissue levels of ACh and choline. Consistent with these findings, the D(3) receptor antagonists enhanced the acquisition of learning of rats either alone or in the presence of the norepinephrine uptake blocker reboxetine as with the attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug methylphenidate. Like reboxetine, the D(3) receptor antagonists also prevented deficits induced by scopolamine in object recognition memory of rats. Mice in which the dopamine transporter (DAT) has been deleted exhibit hyperactivity that is normalized by compounds that are effective in the treatment of ADHD. Both D(3) receptor antagonists decreased the hyperactivity of DAT(-/-) mice without affecting the activity of wild type controls. The present findings indicate that dopamine D(3) receptor antagonists engender cognition-enhancing and hyperactivity-dampening effects. Thus, D(3) receptor blockade could be considered as a novel treatment approach for cognitive deficits and hyperactivity syndromes, including those observed in ADHD.

A parametric analysis of punishment frequency as a determinant of the response to chlordiazepoxide in the Vogel conflict test in rats

The Vogel conflict test has been widely used as a methodology for detecting anxiolytic-like effects of drugs with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Despite widespread acceptance of the Vogel assay as a preclinical predictor of efficacy for anxiolytic-like compounds, detailed parametrics have not been reported on the optimization of this assay to determine how the schedule of reinforcement, the rate of responding and the frequency and temporal distribution of punishing events determine drug effect. The current report documents results of a systematic study of the relationship between number of shocks delivered and efficacy of the prototypical 1,4-benzodiazepine anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide (CDAP) in rats. Under this procedure, water-deprived rats were given access to water and during the later part of this access period, contacts with the drinking tube produced a brief electric shock. CDAP (5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) was first tested under a fixed-ratio 20 response schedule (every 20 th lick produced shock delivered via the sipper tube). CDAP produced dose-dependent increases in punished licking to approximately 275% of control at 20 mg/kg. Increasing the number of shocks during the first ten responses of the punishment component decreased the number of licks made under vehicle control conditions. The frequency of shock delivery produced both quantitative and qualitative changes in the effects of chlordiazepoxide ranging from no effect to 7000% increases in responding. The effects of chlordiazepoxide were dependent both on the control rate of responding and, independently, on the frequency of shock deliveries. Parametric variation under the Vogel conflict test may be useful in comparing the efficacy of novel approaches to the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Anxiolytic-like effects through a GLUK5 kainate receptor mechanism

The hypothesis that kainate receptor blockade would be associated with anxiolytic-like effects was tested with a selective ligand, 3S,4aR,6S,8aR-6-((4-carboxyphenyl)methyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (LY382884). LY382884 selectively binds the GLU(K5) kainate receptor subunit (K(b)=0.6 microM) and has 30 microM or greater affinity for cloned human AMPA receptor subtypes. The anxiolytic potential of LY382884 was tested in rats responding under a Vogel conflict procedure, a pharmacologically validated model for the prediction of antianxiety efficacy in humans. Both the benzodiazepine anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide and LY382884 increased suppressed licking without affecting rates of non-suppressed licking. In contrast, an AMPA receptor selective antagonist, 7H-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-h][2,3]benzodiazepine-7-carboxamide, 5-(4-aminophenyl)-8,9-dihydro-N,8-dimethyl-, monohydrochloride (9CI) (GYKI53655), did not increase suppressed responding. The finding that a selective GLU(K5) receptor antagonist produced anxiolytic-like effects in an animal model predictive of efficacy in humans combined with data in the literature on glutamatergic modulation of anxiety suggests that kainate receptor sensitivity to glutamate might be an important mediating event in the pathophysiological expression of anxiety states. The selective targeting of kainate receptors with an antagonist could therefore be a novel pharmacological mechanism to treat anxiety disorders.

Effects of dopamine D1 receptor agonists in rats trained to discriminate dihydrexidine

RATIONALE

The full D1 receptor agonist dihydrexidine (DHX) [(+/-)-trans-10,11-dihydroxy-5,6,6a,7,8,12b-hexahydrobenzo[a]phenanthridine hydrochloride] is under clinical development (DAR-100) for Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Despite the clinical development of DHX, very little is known about its discriminative stimulus properties in rats. To more fully characterize the discriminative stimulus properties of DHX, we trained rats to discriminate DHX (3 mg/kg, i.p.) from vehicle.

METHODS

Substitution tests in rats discriminating DHX (3 mg/kg, i.p.) from vehicle were performed with structurally distinct D1 receptor agonists with both partial and full intrinsic efficacy. In addition, the peripherally restricted D1 agonist, fenoldopam, was evaluated.

RESULTS

SKF 75670A, ABT-431, dinapsoline, SKF 81297, and SKF 82958 all fully substituted in a dose-dependent manner. The rank order of potency for substitution was SKF 82958<ABT-431<SKF 75670A<or=dinapsoline<SKF 81297<DHX. Fenoldopam (10 and 30 mg/kg) did not substitute and was without effect on rates of responding.

CONCLUSIONS

DHX produces prominent dopamine D1 receptor agonist effects in vivo and is likely to produce subjective effects in humans similar to other D1 receptor agonists.

In vitro and in vivo studies in rats with LY293558 suggest AMPA/kainate receptor blockade as a novel potential mechanism for the therapeutic treatment of anxiety disorders

RATIONALE

Although convergent evidence exists for a role of glutamate in the regulation of anxiety, the involvement of specific glutamate receptor subtypes has yet to be defined.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential for blockade of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA)/kainate receptors to produce anxioltyic-like effects with the AMPA/GLU(K5) (kainate) antagonist (3S,4aR,6R,8aR)-6-[2-(1(2)H-tetrazole-5yl)ethyl]decahydroisoquinoline-3carboxylic acid (LY293558)

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Punished responding of rats was used to determine the efficacy of LY293558. Other in vivo and in vitro studies further characterized the specificity of LY293558 for AMPA/kainate receptors.

RESULTS

LY293558 had a rank order of potency of GLU(K5) > or = GLU(K5/6) approximately GLU(A2i) approximately GLU(K2/5) approximately GLU(A1i) approximately GLU(A2o) approximately GLU(A3i) approximately GLU(A1o) > or = GLU(A3o) > or = GLU(A4i) approximately GLU(A4o) and >100 microM affinity for rat cortical GABA(A) receptors. Comparison of the blockade of AMPA- vs N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced inward currents demonstrated that LY293558 was five-fold more potent as an antagonist at AMPA vs NMDA receptors in vitro. In keeping with the low affinity of LY293558 for NMDA receptors, LY293558 was not effective in preventing NMDA-induced seizures in mice. LY293558 increased punished responding, a preclinical predictor of anxiolytic efficacy, at a dose that decreased unpunished responding (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Chlordiazepoxide produced comparable increases in both punished and unpunished responding. The NMDA antagonist dizocilpine [(+)-MK-801] also increased both punished and unpunished responding.

CONCLUSIONS

These data along with those in the literature suggest that AMPA and/or kainate receptor blockade may be an important component to producing anxiolytic-like effects and may therefore be a target for compounds with efficacy in the therapeutic treatment of anxiety disorders.

Effects of dopamine D1 receptor full agonists in rats trained to discriminate SKF 38393

Although the dopaminergic pharmacology of the D1 receptor full agonists, dinapsoline, dihydrexidine and the prodrug ABT-431 have been studied, no information is available on the ability of these agonists to substitute for the D1 agonist SKF 38393 in rats trained to discriminate this compound from vehicle. The present study was designed to characterize the potential D1 discriminative stimulus effects of these compounds. The selective dopamine D1-receptor agonists dihydrexidine [(+/-)-trans-10,11-dihydroxy-5,6,6a,7,8,12b-hexahydrobenzo[a] phenanthridine hydrochloride], ABT-431 [(-)-trans-9,10-diacetyloxy-2-propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,11b-hexahydro-3-thia-5-azacyclopent-1-ena[c]phenanthrene hydrochloride], the diacetyl prodrug derivative of A-86929, and dinapsoline [9-dihydroxy-2,3,7,11b-tetrahydro-1H-naph[1,2,3-de]isoquinoline] were studied in rats trained to discriminate racemic SKF 38393 [(+/-)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol], a selective D1 receptor partial agonist from vehicle. All of the agonists substituted fully for the discriminative stimulus effects of SKF 38393. The rank order of potency for substitution was ABT-431 > dinapsoline > dihydrexidine > SKF 38393. The D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, blocked the discriminative stimulus effects of SKF 38393. The D3/D2-receptor agonist PD 128,907 [S(+)-(4aR,10bR)-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]-benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol] did not substitute up to doses that produced profound rate-suppressant effects. Thus, consistent with their D1 receptor pharmacology, the full D1-receptor agonists substituted completely for the discriminative stimulus of SKF 38393.

m-CPP hypolocomotion is selectively antagonized by compounds with high affinity for 5-HT(2C) receptors but not 5-HT(2A) or 5-HT(2B) receptors

The ability of m-CPP [1-(m-chlorophenyl)piperazine] to produce hypolocomotion is well documented. This effect has been postulated to be due to activation of the 5-HT(2C) receptor. It is only recently that the tools necessary to clearly delineate which serotonin receptors are involved in the mediation of m-CPP hypolocomotion have become available. We investigated the effects of the selective 5-HT(2A) antagonists, MDL 100,907 and ketanserin, the selective 5-HT(2B) antagonists, LY 202146 and LY 266097, the 5-HT(2B/2C) antagonist, SB 206553, and the selective 5-HT(2C) antagonist, SB 242084 on m-CPP-induced hypolocomotion and spontaneous locomotor activity in mice. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the non-selective serotonin antagonists, ritanserin, LY 53857, mianserin and cyproheptadine on m-CPP hypolocomotion. Additionally, receptor-binding studies were employed as an in vitro assessment of relative affinities at the 5-HT(2A), 5-HT92B) and 5-HT(2C) receptors. Antagonists tested alone were without effect on spontaneous activity, with the sole exception of ketanserin, which decreased spontaneous activity at the high dose of 1 mg/kg. m-CPP-induced hypolocomotion was not significantly attenuated by various doses of MDL 100,907, ketanserin, LY 202146, LY 266097, ritanserin or cyproheptadine. In contrast, SB 206553, SB 242084, LY 53857 and mianserin were capable of reversing m-CPP-induced hypolocomotion. Consistent with previous suggestions, a detailed pharmacological evaluation with selective antagonists for the 5-HT2 family of receptors supports a primary role for the 5-HT(2C) receptor, and not 5-HT(2A) or 5-HT(2B) receptors, in mediating the hypolocomotion produced by m-CPP.

Influence of light cycle on response to 5-HT1A ligands in punished responding in rats

Since the introduction of buspirone, the 5-HT1A receptor has been a focal point for serotonergic research into the treatment of anxiety. Two of the more commonly used methodologies for evaluating potential anxiolytics are the Geller-Seifter model and the elevated plus maze. In the Geller-Seifter model, administration of 5-HT1A agonists produce an anxiolytic-like profile consisting of an increase in the number of responses made during the punished component. An anxiolytic-like response in the elevated plus maze consists of an increase in the number of entries and/or time spent in the open arms of the maze. Recently, there have been reports of differential drug effects with 5-HT1A ligands in the elevated plus maze depending on when in the diurnal cycle the 5-HT1A agents were administered. The purpose of the current study was to characterize the response to 5-HT1A compounds in normal and reverse light cycle animals in the Geller-Seifter model. 8-OH-DPAT [(+/-)-2-dipropylamino-8-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene] produced a decrease in unpunished responding and an increase in punished responding during both the light and dark phase. The administration of WAY 100,635 [N-¿2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl] ethyl¿-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloridel alone was without effect in both the light and dark phase. Furthermore, pre-treatment with WAY 100,635 completely antagonized both the rate-decreasing effects in the unpunished component and the increase in punished responding observed with 8-OH-DPAT during both the light and dark phase. The results of the current study diverge from previous findings of sensitivity to the diurnal cycle in other models reflective of modulation of the 5-HT1A receptor. The robustness of the response, in this case punished lever pressing, may be less sensitive than other more naturalistic or ethological methods (i.e. elevated plus maze) in detecting the subtle changes in receptor function due to the diurnal cycle.

Meta-chlorophenylpiperazine induced changes in locomotor activity are mediated by 5-HT1 as well as 5-HT2C receptors in mice

1-(Meta-chloro)phenylpiperazine (m-CPP) is a 5-HT receptor agonist which has been purported to be relatively selective for the 5-HT2C receptor. In particular, the hypolocomotion produced by m-CPP has been suggested to be mediated by 5-HT2C receptors. m-CPP binds with high affinity to 5-HT1 as well as 5-HT2 receptors, thus effects of m-CPP on locomotor activity may be due to the physiologic summation of the actions of m-CPP at 5-HT1 as well as 5-HT2 receptors. The present study investigated the effects of m-CPP alone and in the presence of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist 6-methyl-1-(-methyethyl)-ergoline-8beta-carboxylic acid 2-hydroxy-1-methylpropyl ester maleate (LY53857), the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]-N-(2pyridinyl)c yclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY 100,635), and the 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist 2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-biphenyl-4-corbox ylic acid [4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-phenyl]amide (GR 127935) on locomotor activity. Administration of m-CPP alone (0.3-10 mg/kg) produced a dose-related decrease in locomotor activity. The 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist GR 127935 (3.0 mg/kg) in combination with m-CPP produced a slight leftward shift of the dose-response curve of m-CPP. The 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100,635 (1.0 mg/kg) in combination with m-CPP did not alter the m-CPP dose-response curve. The non-selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist LY53857 (1.0 mg/kg) in combination with m-CPP unmasked a hyperlocomotion produced by m-CPP. Furthermore, the hyperlocomotion produced by m-CPP in the presence of LY53857 (1.0 mg/kg) was blocked by both the 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor antagonist GR 127935 (3.0 mg/kg) and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100,635 (1.0 mg/kg). The present results demonstrate that the hyperlocomotion seen with the combination of m-CPP and LY53857 is mediated by 5-HT1 receptors. Taken together the data indicate that m-CPP affects locomotor activity by the physiologic summation of agonist activity at the 5-HT2C receptor as well as the 5-HT1 receptor family.

Blockade of phencyclidine-induced hyperlocomotion by olanzapine, clozapine and serotonin receptor subtype selective antagonists in mice

In humans, phencyclidine (PCP) is known to produce a syndrome of behavioral effects which have many characteristics in common with schizophrenia. Therefore, antagonism of PCP effects might be evidence for antipsychotic efficacy of a compound. In the present studies, the effects of the D2-like antagonist haloperidol, the mixed D2-like/5-HT2 antagonists olanzapine and clozapine, and a series of 5-HT receptor subtype selective antagonists on the hyperlocomotion produced by PCP were evaluated in mice. PCP (0.3-10 mg/kg) produced a dose-related increase in locomotor activity, with a peak effect at 3.0 mg/kg. The D2-like antagonist haloperidol produced a dose-related decrease in locomotor activity when administered alone, and blocked the hyperactivity effects of PCP over the same dose-range (minimal effective dose, MED = 0.3 mg/kg for both effects). In contrast, olanzapine and clozapine reversed the hyperlocomotion effects of PCP at doses (MED = 0.03 and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively) approximately 30- and 10-fold, respectively, below those that decreased activity when administered alone (MED = 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, respectively). The selective 5-HT2 antagonist LY53857 (0.3-3.0 mg/kg) administered alone had no effect on locomotor activity but reversed (MED = 0.1 mg/kg) the effects of PCP. Similarly, the selective 5-HT2A/2C antagonist ritanserin (0.001-1.0 mg/kg) alone had no effect on locomotor activity, but reversed (MED = 0.01 mg/kg) the effects of PCP. The selective 5-HT2A antagonists ketanserin (MED = 3.0 mg/kg) and MDL 100,907 (MED = 0.3 mg/kg) produced dose-related decreases in locomotor activity and ketanserin (MED = 0.1 mg/kg) and MDL 100,907 (MED = 0.003 mg/kg) reversed the effects of PCP. The selective 5-HT3 antagonist zatosetron (0.01-10 mg/kg) and the selective 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100,635 (0.001-3 mg/kg) were without effects on spontaneous locomotor activity. Zatosetron reversed the effects of 3.0 mg/kg PCP at the nonselective dose of 10 mg/kg whereas WAY 100,635 (0.001-1 mg/kg) did not affect PCP-induced hyperlocomotion. The present results indicate that PCP increases locomotor activity, at least in part, due to actions at 5-HT2A, but not 5-HT3 or 5-HT1A, receptors. Further, the present findings support the hypothesis that antagonism at 5-HT2A receptors contributes to the in vivo actions of atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and clozapine.

Behavioral pharmacology of olanzapine: a novel antipsychotic drug

BACKGROUND

In this paper, we review the behavioral pharmacology of olanzapine and compare it to its in vitro profile and to clozapine and a number of other antipsychotic agents, and we estimate the likelihood that olanzapine will be an effective and safe antipsychotic with fewer side effects.

METHOD

Since there is no model of schizophrenia, per se, a battery of behavioral assays was used.

RESULTS

Behavioral assays confirmed the in vitro results that olanzapine interacts with dopamine, serotonin, and muscarinic receptor subtypes. Moreover, olanzapine appears to have a clozapine-like atypical profile based on (1) mesolimbic selectivity, (2) blocking 5-HT receptors at a lower dose than dopamine receptors, and (3) inhibiting the conditioned avoidance response (indicative of antipsychotic efficacy) at doses that are lower than those required to induce catalepsy (indicative of extrapyramidal side effects). No only is this profile similar to that of clozapine, but olanzapine has other similarities: olanzapine substitutes for clozapine in a drug discrimination assay; like clozapine and unlike "typical" antipsychotics, olanzapine increases responding in a conflict procedure; and olanzapine, like clozapine, reverses changes induced by antagonists of the NMDA receptor.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of these findings, we predict that olanzapine will be an efficacious antipsychotic, active against both positive and negative symptoms, while producing fewer extrapyramidal symptoms than existing treatments.

Nutrient, waste management, and hygiene systems for chemical protective suits

Current United States military chemical protective ensembles do not provide for feeding, removing body wastes, or ensuring the hygiene of troops operating in a contaminated environment. As part of a nuclear-biological-chemical life support demonstration program, systems were developed to provide these capabilities. The nutrient system consisted of foods packaged in tube dispensers and a delivery system compatible with North Atlantic Treaty Organization respirators. The waste management/hygiene systems consisted of waste collection and hygiene items incorporated into a retractable-arm suit design with integrated airlock. A field demonstration of the systems resulted in successful use by armored vehicle personnel, high, positive user feedback, and only minor functional problems.

Dietary sodium intake: a determinant of postprandial plasma sodium concentration in the dog

1. The effect of dietary sodium intake on pre- and post-prandial plasma sodium concentrations and on the pattern of sodium and potassium excretion was determined in conscious female dogs, who were allowed free access to water and were fed on commercial low sodium diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100 or 250 mmol of sodium chloride/day for 6 days. 2. The preprandial plasma sodium concentration was not altered by the dietary sodium intake. However, the 4 h postprandial plasma sodium concentration was linearly related to the magnitude of dietary sodium intake, whereas the 8 h postprandial plasma sodium concentration was elevated only in dogs receiving 250 mmol of sodium/day. 3. The (0-8 h/0-24 h) ratio for urinary sodium excretion was significantly correlated with both the dietary sodium intake and the postprandial increase in plasma sodium concentration. 4. The 24 h excretion of potassium was not markedly affected by the dietary sodium intake; however, the (0-8 h/0-24 h) ratio for potassium excretion was significantly correlated with both the dietary sodium intake and the (0-8/0-24 h) ratio for sodium excretion. 5. These data indicate that: (a) postprandial increases in plasma sodium concentration need to be considered when evaluating the mechanisms involved in the daily regulation of sodium balance; (b) the daily pattern of potassium excretion is closely linked to the dietary sodium intake.

Renal and endocrine response to water deprivation in dog

Plasma and urine sodium, potassium, osmolality, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity (PRA) were measured in time controls and during control dehydration and rehydration periods in conscious dogs fed a 50 mmol NaCl diet. During 4 days of water restriction, plasma sodium and osmolality and PRA were elevated, whereas plasma potassium and aldosterone were not affected. Urinary potassium excretion was elevated above intake levels during the entire dehydration period, whereas Na excretion was only elevated during the first 2 days of dehydration. Unrestricted rehydration was associated with a marked fall in plasma sodium and osmolality, a decrease in PRA, and no change in plasma potassium or aldosterone. In addition, during the 1st day of rehydration, there was marked retention of sodium and potassium. Thus, in the dog, dehydration and subsequent rehydration cause significant alterations in sodium and potassium balance and marked alterations in PRA that are not associated with changes in either plasma aldosterone concentration or urinary aldosterone excretion.

Lack of evidence for gastrointestinal control of sodium excretion in unanesthetized rabbits

Experiments were performed to determine whether unanesthetized rabbits exhibit a greater natriuresis after oral administration of a hypertonic sodium chloride solution (1.5 mmol NaCl/kg) than after the intravenous administration of the same solution. Male rabbits (New Zealand) were placed on a low sodium diet for 4 days, and on the fifth day a hypertonic NaCl solution (616 mM) was given either by stomach tube (GI) or intravenously (IV), while an equal volume of a hypotonic NaCl solution (31 mM) was given by the alternate route. The studies were repeated on each rabbit so that paired observations were obtained. No differences in plasma Na concentration, peripheral hematocrit, or urinary sodium excretion were observed between the GI and IV groups after administration of the hypertonic NaCl solution. In seven rabbits that were permitted access to food and water following NaCl administration by either route, urinary sodium excretion tended to be reduced (P = 0.08), but, again, no significant differences in plasma sodium concentration, peripheral hematocrit, or urinary sodium excretion were observed between the GI and IV routes of sodium administration. Accordingly, we could find no evidence to support the existence of a GI or portal Na receptor system that regulates urinary sodium excretion in the unanesthetized rabbit.