BRET Analysis of GPCR Dimers in Neurons and Non-Neuronal Cells: Evidence for Inactive, Agonist, and Constitutive Conformations

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are dimeric proteins, but the functional consequences of the process are still debated. Active GPCR conformations are promoted either by agonists or constitutive activity. Inverse agonists decrease constitutive activity by promoting inactive conformations. The histamine H₃ receptor (H₃R) is the target of choice for the study of GPCRs because it displays high constitutive activity. Here, we study the dimerization of recombinant and brain H₃R and explore the effects of H₃R ligands of different intrinsic efficacy on dimerization. Co-immunoprecipitations and Western blots showed that H₃R dimers co-exist with monomers in transfected HEK 293 cells and in rodent brains. Bioluminescence energy transfer (BRET) analysis confirmed the existence of spontaneous H₃R dimers, not only in living HEK 293 cells but also in transfected cortical neurons. In both cells, agonists and constitutive activity of the H₃R decreased BRET signals, whereas inverse agonists and GTPγS, which promote inactive conformations, increased BRET signals. These findings show the existence of spontaneous H₃R dimers not only in heterologous systems but also in native tissues, which are able to adopt a number of allosteric conformations, from more inactive to more active states.

Mechanistic characterization of S 38093, a novel inverse agonist at histamine H3 receptors

Histaminergic H3 inverse agonists, by stimulating central histamine release, represent attractive drug candidates to treat cognitive disorders. The present studies aimed to describe the mechanistic profile of S 38093 a novel H3 receptors inverse agonist. S 38093 displays a moderate affinity for rat, mouse and human H3 receptors (Ki=8.8, 1.44 and 1.2µM, respectively) with no affinity for other histaminergic receptors. In cellular models, the compound was able to antagonize mice H3 receptors (K_B=0.65µM) and to suppress cAMP decrease induced by an H3 agonist via human H3 receptors (K_B=0.11µM). The antagonism properties of the compound were confirmed by electrophysiological studies on rat hippocampal slices (from 0.1μM). In cells expressing a high H3 density, S 38093 behaved as a moderate inverse agonist at rat and human H3 receptors (EC₅₀=9 and 1.7µM, respectively). S 38093 was rapidly absorbed in mouse and rat (T_max=0.25-0.5h), slowly in monkey (2h), with a bioavailability ranging from 20% to 60% and t_1/2 ranging from 1.5 to 7.4h. The compound was widely distributed with a moderate volume of distribution and low protein binding. The brain distribution of S 38093 was rapid and high. In mice, S 38093 significantly increased ex vivo N-tele-Methylhistamine cerebral levels from 3mg/kg p.o. and antagonized R-α-Methylhistamine-induced dipsogenia from 10mg/kg i.p. Taken together, these data suggest that S 38093, a novel H3 inverse agonist, is a good candidate for further in vivo evaluations, in particular in animal models of cognition.

Involvement of histamine receptors in the atypical antipsychotic profile of clozapine: a reassessment in vitro and in vivo

RATIONALE

The basis of the unique clinical profile of the antipsychotic clozapine is not yet elucidated. Brain histamine receptors may play a role in schizophrenia and its treatment, but their involvement in the profile of clozapine remained unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We explored the properties of clozapine and its two metabolites, N-desmethylclozapine (NDMC) and clozapine N-oxide, at the four human histaminergic receptors. We compared their active concentrations with their blood concentrations in patients treated by clozapine. We investigated the changes in receptor densities induced in rat brain by repeated administration of a therapeutic dose of clozapine.

RESULTS

Clozapine and NDMC behaved as very potent, and partial, H(1)-receptor inverse agonists, weak, and full, H(2)-receptor inverse agonists, moderate, and protean, H(3)-receptor agonists, and moderate, and partial, H(4)-receptor agonists. Taking into account their micromolar mean blood concentrations found in 75 treated patients, and assuming that they are enriched in human brain as they are in rat brain, a full occupation of H(1)-, H(3)-, and H(4)-receptors, and a partial occupation of H(2) receptors, is expected. In agreement, repeated administration of clozapine at a therapeutic dose (20 mg/kg/day for 20 days) induced an up-regulation of H(1)- and H(2)-receptors in rat brain.

CONCLUSIONS

Clozapine and its active metabolite NDMC interact with the four human histamine receptors at clinically relevant concentrations. This interaction may substantiate, at least in part, the atypical antipsychotic profile of clozapine, as well as its central and peripheral side effects such as sedation and weight gain.

Pharmacological characterization of six trkB antibodies reveals a novel class of functional agents for the study of the BDNF receptor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

By interacting with trkB receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) triggers various signalling pathways responsible for neurone survival, differentiation and modulation of synaptic transmission. Numerous reports have implicated BDNF and trkB in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system affections and in cancer, thus representing trkB as a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we used an antibody-based approach to search for trkB-selective functional reagents.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Six commercially available polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were tested on recombinant and native, human and rodent trkB receptors. Functional and pharmacological characterization was performed using a modified version of the KIRA-elisa method and radioligand binding studies. Western blot analyses and neurite outgrowth assays were carried out to determine the specificity and selectivity of antibody effects. The survival properties of one antibody were further assessed on cultured neurones in a serum-deprived paradigm.

KEY RESULTS

The functional trkB-selective antibodies showed distinct pharmacological profiles, ranging from partial agonists to antagonists, acting on trkB receptors through allosteric modulations. The same diversity of effects was observed on the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway downstream of trkB and on the subsequent neurite outgrowth. One antibody with partial agonist activity demonstrated cell survival properties by activating the Akt pathway. Finally, these antibodies were functionally validated as true trkB-selective ligands because they failed activating trkA or trkC, and contrary to BDNF, none of them bind to p75(NTR).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These trkB-selective antibodies represent a novel class of pharmacological tools to explore the pathophysiological roles of trkB and its potential therapeutic relevance for the treatment of various disorders.

Ciproxifan, a histamine H₃-receptor antagonist / inverse agonist, modulates methamphetamine-induced sensitization in mice

The role of histamine neurons in schizophrenia and psychostimulant abuse remains unclear. Behavioural sensitization to psychostimulants is a cardinal feature of these disorders. Here, we have explored the ability of imetit and ciproxifan (CPX), a reference H₃-receptor agonist and inverse agonist, respectively, to modulate locomotor sensitization induced in mice by methamphetamine (MET). Mice received saline, CPX (3 mg/kg) or imetit (3 mg/kg) 2 h before MET (2 mg/kg), once daily for 12 days, and were killed after a 2-day wash out. Imetit had no effect, but CPX induced a decrease of MET-induced locomotor activity, which became significant at Day 5, and even more at Day 10. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used in the sensitized mice to quantify brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor subunit 1 (NR1) mRNAs, two factors that are altered in both schizophrenia and drug abuse. Imetit and CPX used alone had no effect on any marker. Sensitization by MET decreased BDNF mRNAs by 40% in the hippocampus. This decrease was reversed by CPX. Sensitization by MET also induced strong decreases of NR1 mRNAs in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum, but not hypothalamus. These decreases were also reversed by CPX. The strong modulator effect of CPX in mice sensitized to MET may result from its modulator effect on NR1 mRNAs in the cerebral cortex and striatum. The reversal by CPX of BDNF and NR1 mRNAs in the hippocampus of sensitized animals further strengthens the interest of H₃-receptor inverse agonists for the long-term treatment of cognitive deficits of patients with schizophrenia.

Modulation of prepulse inhibition and stereotypies in rodents: no evidence for antipsychotic-like properties of histamine H3-receptor inverse agonists

RATIONALE

H(3)-receptor inverse agonists raise a great interest as innovative therapeutics in several central disorders. Whereas their procognitive properties are well established, their antipsychotic-like properties are still debated.

OBJECTIVES

We further explored the effect of maximal doses (3-10 mg/kg) of ciproxifan, BF2.649, and ABT-239, three selective H(3)-receptor inverse agonists, on deficits of prepulse inhibition (PPI) induced by apomorphine, MK-801, and phencyclidine (PCP). Their effect was also investigated on stereotypies induced by apomorphine and methamphetamine.

RESULTS

Ciproxifan, BF2.649, and ABT-239 did not reverse the PPI impairment produced by apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneous) in rats. Ciproxifan and BF2.649 did not reverse the impairment induced in mice by MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg). Ciproxifan and BF2.649 also failed to reverse the disruption induced in mice by PCP (5-10 mg/kg). Low to moderate doses of haloperidol (0.1-0.4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), alone or co-administered with BF2.649, did not reverse MK-801-induced PPI disruption. A high dose (1 mg/kg) of haloperidol partially reversed the MK-801-induced deficit and BF2.649 tended to increase this effect, although nonsignificantly. Whereas stereotypies induced in mice by apomorphine and methamphetamine were totally suppressed by haloperidol, the decrease induced by ciproxifan was partial against apomorphine and very low, if any, against methamphetamine.

CONCLUSIONS

Their total absence of effect in several validated animal models of the disease does not support antipsychotic properties of H(3)-receptor inverse agonists. However, their positive effects previously reported in behavioral tasks addressing learning, attention, and memory maintain the interest of H(3)-receptor inverse agonists for the treatment of cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia as adjunctive medications.

Histamine H(3) receptor-mediated signaling protects mice from cerebral malaria

Background

Histamine is a biogenic amine that has been shown to contribute to several pathological conditions, such as allergic conditions, experimental encephalomyelitis, and malaria. In humans, as well as in murine models of malaria, increased plasma levels of histamine are associated with severity of infection. We reported recently that histamine plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (CM) in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Histamine exerts its biological effects through four different receptors designated H1R, H2R, H3R, and H4R.

Principal Findings

In the present work, we explored the role of histamine signaling via the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) in the pathogenesis of murine CM. We observed that the lack of H3R expression (H3R^−/− mice) accelerates the onset of CM and this was correlated with enhanced brain pathology and earlier and more pronounced loss of blood brain barrier integrity than in wild type mice. Additionally tele-methylhistamine, the major histamine metabolite in the brain, that was initially present at a higher level in the brain of H3R^−/− mice was depleted more quickly post-infection in H3R^−/− mice as compared to wild-type counterparts.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that histamine regulation through the H3R in the brain suppresses the development of CM. Thus modulating histamine signaling in the central nervous system, in combination with standard therapies, may represent a novel strategy to reduce the risk of progression to cerebral malaria.

Autoregulation of McA-RH7777 hepatoma cell proliferation by histamine H3 receptors

Previous studies have suggested that histamine (HA) acts as an autocrine growth factor. We have explored the modulation of cell proliferation by HA using McA-RH7777 hepatoma cells. High L-histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression and HA synthesis were found in McA-RH7777 cells. Whereas extracellular HA reached submicromolar concentrations, intracellular levels were very low, indicating that HA was secreted by the cells. McA-RH7777 cells also express H3-receptor (H3R) transcripts and proteins. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis detected only transcripts for the long isoform. Immunocytochemistry performed with a selective H3R antibody showed that most cells were immunoreactive. H3R binding sites (Bmax approximately 30 fmol/mg protein) were identified when [125I] iodoproxyfan binding was displaced by the agonist imetit. High-affinity binding also occurred at cytochrome P450 enzymes. This binding was not inhibited by HA, H3R agonists, or by a nonimidazole H3R antagonist but was displaced by imidazole H3R antagonists or by ketoconazole, a imidazole-containing cytochrome inhibitor. HA inhibited proliferation of McA-RH7777 hepatoma cells. The absence of uptake system, its much higher potency at H3Rs, and its low intracellular levels suggested that HA interacted with H3Rs rather than cytochromes. In agreement, both imidazole H3R antagonists, a nonimidazole H3R antagonist, and the HDC inhibitor alpha-monofluoromethyl histidine increased cell proliferation (up to approximately 60%), revealing a H3R-mediated inhibition by endogenous HA. Moreover, exogenous HA inhibited the increase induced by alpha-FMH or H3R antagonists with a nanomolar potency. In conclusion, our findings show that HA regulates proliferation of McA-RH7777 hepatoma cells by interacting with autoinhibitory H3Rs.

Stroke induces histamine accumulation and mast cell degranulation in the neonatal rat brain

Inflammatory processes are a major cause of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. The present study focuses on both the cerebral histamine system and mast cells in a model of transient focal ischemia induced by permanent left middle cerebral artery, and homolateral transient common carotid artery occlusion (50 minutes) in the P7 newborn rat. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that ischemia induces histamine (HA) accumulation in the core of the infarct 6-12 h post-ischemia, and in the penumbra at 24-48 h, although in situ hybridization failed to detect any histidine decarboxylase gene transcripts in these regions. Immunohistochemical co-localization of HA with the MAP2 marker revealed that HA accumulates in neuronal cells before they degenerate, and is accompanied by a very significant increase in the number of mast cells at 12 h and 48 h of reperfusion. In mast cells, histamine immunoreactivity is detected at 2, 6 and 12 h after ischemia, whereas it disappears at 24 h, when a concomitant degranulation of mast cells is observed. Taken together, these data suggest that the recruitment of cerebral mast cells releasing histamine may contribute to ischemia-induced neuronal death in the immature brain.

Constitutive activity of the histamine H3 receptor

Constitutive activity has been mainly recorded for numerous overexpressed and/or mutated receptors. The histamine H(3) receptor (H(3)R) is a target of choice to study the physiological relevance of this process. In rodent brain, postsynaptic H(3)Rs show high constitutive activity, and presynaptic H(3) autoreceptors that show constitutive activity have a predominant role in inhibiting the activity of histamine neurons. H(3)R inverse agonists abrogate this constitutive brake and enhance histamine release in vivo. Some of these inverse agonists have entered clinical trials for the treatment of cognitive and food intake disorders. Studies performed in vitro and in vivo with proxyfan show that this H(3)R ligand is a 'protean agonist' - that is, a ligand with a spectrum of activity ranging from full agonism to full inverse agonism depending on the level of H(3)R constitutive activity. Consistent with its physiological and therapeutic relevance, the constitutive activity of H(3)R thus has a major function in the brain and regulates the activity of H(3)R-targeted drugs.

Brain histamine and schizophrenia: potential therapeutic applications of H3-receptor inverse agonists studied with BF2.649

BF2.649, a high affinity and selective non-imidazole histamine H(3)-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, was found to easily enter the brain after oral administration to mice: it displayed a ratio of brain/plasma levels of about 25 when considering either C(max) or AUC values. At low oral doses (2.5-20mg/kg), it elicited in mice a dose-dependent wakening effect accompanied with a shift towards high frequency waves of the EEG, a sign of cortical activation. DOPAC/dopamine ratios were enhanced in the prefrontal cortex but not in the striatum, indicating a selective activation of a sub-population of dopaminergic neurons. BF2.649 showed significant inhibitory activity in several mouse models of schizophrenia. It reduced locomotor hyperactivity elicited by methamphetamine or dizolcipine without significantly affecting spontaneous locomotor activity when administered alone. It also abolished the apomorphine-induced deficit in prepulse inhibition. These observations suggest that H(3)-receptor inverse agonists/antagonists deserve attention as a novel class of antipsychotic drugs endowed with pro-cognitive properties.

Histamine H3 and dopamine D2 receptor-mediated [35S]GTPgamma[S] binding in rat striatum: evidence for additive effects but lack of interactions

The interactions in the rat striatum between H(3) receptors (H(3)Rs) and D(2) receptors (D(2)Rs) were investigated with the [(35)S]GTPgamma[S] binding assay. The H(3)R agonist (R)alpha-methylhistamine increased [(35)S]GTPgamma[S] binding to striatal membranes with an EC(50)=14+/-5 nM and a maximal effect of +19+/-1%. This effect was inhibited by the H(3)R antagonist ciproxifan with a K(i)=1.0+/-0.3 nM. The D(2)R agonist quinpirole increased [(35)S]GTPgamma[S] binding to the same membranes with an EC(50)=1.5+/-0.5 microM and a maximal effect of +28+/-2%. Its effect was blocked by haloperidol with a K(i)=0.3+/-0.1 nM. The maximal effects of the H(3)R and D(2)R agonists were additive (+46+/-3%). However, D(2)R ligands did not modify the effects of H(3)R ligands and vice versa. Ciproxifan behaved as an H(3)R inverse agonist and decreased [(35)S]GTPgamma[S] binding. Haloperidol had no effect and did not change the inverse agonist effect of ciproxifan. Administrations for 10 days of ciproxifan (1.5mg/kg/day) or haloperidol (0.5mg/kg/day) did not change the effects of quinpirole and (R)alpha-methylhistamine, respectively. These data suggest that striatal H(3)Rs and D(2)Rs do not interact through their coupling to G-proteins. However, a hyperactivity of histaminergic and dopaminergic neurons being observed in schizophrenia, the additive activations of H(3)Rs and D(2)Rs suggest that they cooperate to generate some schizophrenic symptoms. Such a postsynaptic mechanism may underlie the antipsychotic-like effects of H(3)R inverse agonists and supports their therapeutic interest, alone or as adjunctive treatment with neuroleptics.

Histamine and Schizophrenia

With the availability of an increased number of experimental tools, for example potent and brain-penetrating H1-, H2-, and H3-receptor ligands and mutant mice lacking the histamine synthesis enzyme or the histamine receptors, the functional roles of histaminergic neurons in the brain have been considerably clarified during the recent years, particularly their major role in the control of arousal, cognition, and energy balance. Various approaches tend to establish the implication of histaminergic neurons in schizophrenia. A strong hyperactivity of histamine neurons is induced in rodent brain by administration of methamphetamine or NMDA-receptor antagonists. Histamine neuron activity is modulated by typical and atypical neuroleptics. H3-receptor antagonists/inverse agonists display antipsychotic-like properties in animal models of the disease. Because of the limited predictability value of most animal models and the paucity of drugs affecting histaminergic transmission that were tried so far in human, the evidence remains therefore largely indirect, but supports a role of histamine neurons in schizophrenia.

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists enhance histamine neuron activity in rodent brain

The modulation of histamine neuron activity by various non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonists was evaluated by changes in tele-methylhistamine (t-MeHA) levels and histidine decarboxylase (hdc) mRNA expression induced in rodent brain. The NMDA open-channel blockers phencyclidine (PCP) and MK-801 enhanced t-MeHA levels in mouse brain by 50-60%. Ifenprodil, which interacts with polyamine sites of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors, had no effect. PCP also increased hdc mRNA expression in the rat tuberomammillary nucleus. The enhancement of t-MeHA levels elicited by MK-801 (ED50 of approximately 0.1 mg/kg) was observed in the hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Control t-MeHA levels and the t-MeHA response to MK-801 were not different in male and female mice. Double immunostaining for HDC and NMDA receptor subunits showed that histamine neurons of the rat tuberomammillary nucleus express NMDA receptor subunit 1 (NR1) with NMDA receptor subunit 2A (NR2A) and NMDA receptor 2B subunit (NR2B). In addition, immunoreactivity for the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1 was observed near most histaminergic perikarya. Hence, these findings support the existence of histamine/glutamate functional interactions in the brain. The increase in histamine neuron activity induced by NMDA receptor antagonists further suggests a role of histamine neurons in psychotic disorders. In addition, the decrease in MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion observed in mice after administration of ciproxifan further strengthens the potential interest of H3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonists for the symptomatic treatment of schizophrenia.

Compared pharmacology of human histamine H3 and H4 receptors: structure-activity relationships of histamine derivatives

Various histamine derivatives were investigated at the human H3 receptor (H3R) and H4 receptor (H4R) stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells using [125I]iodoproxyfan and [3H]histamine binding, respectively. In Tris buffer, [3H]histamine binding to membranes of HEK(hH4R) cells was monophasic (K(D) of 3.8+/-0.8 nM). In phosphate buffer, the Hill coefficient was decreased (n(H) = 0.5+/-0.1) and a large fraction of the binding was converted into a low-affinity component (K(D) = 67+/-27 nM). The inhibition of [3H]histamine binding by two agonists, a protean agonist and five antagonists/inverse agonists confirms that the potency of many H3R ligands is retained or only slightly reduced at the H4R. Histamine derivatives substituted with methyl groups in alpha, beta or N(alpha) position of the side chain retained a nanomolar potency at the H3R, but their affinity was dramatically decreased at the H4R. With relative potencies to histamine of 282 and 0.13% at the H3R and H4R, respectively, (+/-)-alpha,beta-dimethylhistamine is a potent and selective H3R agonist. Chiral alpha-branched analogues exhibited a marked stereoselectivity at the H3R and H4R, the enantiomers with a configuration equivalent to L-histidine being preferred at both receptors. The methylsubstitution of the imidazole ring was also studied. The relative potency to histamine of 4-methylhistamine (4-MeHA) at the H4R (67%) was similar to that reported at H2 receptors but, owing to its high affinity at the H4R (Ki = 7.0+/-1.2 nM) and very low potency at H1- and H3-receptors, it can be considered as a potent and selective H4R agonist. On inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP formation, all the compounds tested, including 4-MeHA, behaved as full agonists at both receptors. However, the maximal inhibition achieved at the H4R (approximately -30%) was much lower than at the H3R (approximately -80%). Thioperamide behaved as an inverse agonist at both receptors and increased cAMP formation with the same maximal effect (approximately +25%). In conclusion, although the pharmacological profiles of the human H3R and H4R overlap, the structure-activity relationships of histamine derivatives at both receptors strongly differ and lead to the identification of selective compounds.

Search for histamine H3 receptor antagonists with combined inhibitory potency at Ntau-methyltransferase: ether derivatives

With the recent development of new hybrid compounds having histamine H3 receptor antagonist with combined histamine Ntau-methyltransferase (HMT) inhibitory potency an innovative approach was described in the research of novel lead compounds modulating histaminergic neurotransmission. Several compounds containing an ether moiety derived from the recently published 4-(3-piperidinopropoxy)phenylaminoquinoline derivatives (like FUB 836), were synthesized in this study and tested for their affinity at cloned human histamine H3 (hH3) receptors and on the inhibition of rat HMT. Besides different heterocycles, e.g. nitro- or amino-substituted pyridines, quinolines, benzothiazole or pyrroline, three classes of compounds were produced: heteroaromatic 3-piperidinopropyl ethers, keto- or imino-substituted 4-(3-piperidinopropyl)phenyl ethers and 4-(3-piperidinopropyl)phenyl ethers with substituted (alkyl)aminopyridines. Whereas the (3-piperidinopropoxy)heterocycles showed only moderate activities on both test models, the 4-(3-piperidinopropoxy)phenyl derivatives were identified as potent histamine H3 receptor ligands and/or HMT inhibitors. Ki values up to 0.42 nM were found for the affinity to the hH3 receptor. HMT inhibitory potency was identified with IC50 values about 0.3 microM for the most potent compounds in this series. Comparison of the pyridine-containing derivatives to recently published quinoline analogues showed a decrease in potencies for the pyridines. The dual activity, H3 receptor affinity and HMT inhibition, was moderate to good. For all compounds affinities at hH3 receptors were higher than their inhibitory HMT potencies. The described new histamine H3 receptor antagonists with an ether moiety represent a further promising step in our investigations for a dual activity.

Search for Histamine H3Receptor Ligands with Combined Inhibitory Potency at HistamineN-Methyltransferase: ω-Piperidinoalkanamine Derivatives

In an effort to design new hybrid compounds with dual properties, i.e. binding affinity at histamine H(3) receptors and inhibitory potency at the catabolic enzyme histamine N(tau)-methyltransferase (HMT), a novel series of 1-substituted piperidine derivatives was synthesized. This alicyclic heterocycle is structurally linked via aminoalkyl spacers of variable lengths to additional aromatic carbo- or hetero-cycles. These new hybrid drugs were pharmacologically evaluated regarding their binding affinities at recombinant human H(3) receptors, stably expressed in CHO cells, and in a functional assay for their inhibitory potencies at rat kidney HMT. All compounds investigated proved to be H(3) receptor ligands with binding affinities in the micro- to nanomolar concentration range despite significant differences in the type of the aromatic moiety introduced. The most potent compound in this series was the quinoline derivative 20 (K(i) = 5.6 nM). Likewise, all new ligands studied showed impressive HMT inhibitory activities. Here, compounds 5, 10, 14 and 18-20 exhibited submicromolar potencies (IC(50) = 0.061-0.56 microM). The aminomethylated quinoline 19 showed almost the same, well balanced nanomolar activities on both targets. In this study, new hybrid compounds with a dual mode biological action were developed. These pharmacological agents are valuable leads for further development and candidates for treatment of histamine-dependent disorders.

Cloning and expression of the mouse histamine H3 receptor: evidence for multiple isoforms

The existence of mouse H3-receptor isoforms was investigated by PCR analysis and cDNA cloning. Splicing mechanisms previously reported in various species are conserved in the mouse. The retention/deletion of a fragment in the third intracellular loop of the mouse receptor leads to the existence of three isoforms designated mH(3(445)), mH(3(413)) and mH(3(397)) according to the length of their deduced amino acid sequence. PCR analysis showed that mouse H3-receptor isoforms display different expression patterns in the brain. Following expression in Cos-1 cells, [125I]iodoproxyfan binding indicated similar pharmacological profiles of the mH(3(445)), mH(3(413)) and mH(3(397)) isoforms. The pharmacological profile of the mouse H3 receptor is more similar to the rat receptor than to the human receptor, although some differences were also observed between the mouse and rat receptors. For example, the potency of thioperamide and ciproxifan is slightly higher at the mouse receptor than at the rat receptor but 40-100-fold higher than at the human receptor. In situ hybridization histochemistry showed that the distribution of H3-receptor mRNAs in the mouse brain is rather similar to that previously reported in the rat brain. However, the autoradiographic and cellular expression patterns observed in several brain areas such as the thalamus or hippocampus reveal important differences between the two species.

4-(omega-(alkyloxy)alkyl)-1H-imidazole derivatives as histamine H(3) receptor antagonists/agonists

In an effort to develop new histamine H(3) receptor antagonists usable as pharmacological tools we present here novel unsymmetrical ether derivatives. Etherification of different omega-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)alkyl scaffolds led to compounds containing alkyl chains of increasing lengths either with or without unsaturated termini, cycloalkyl or arylalkyl moieties, or additional heteroatoms. When investigated in an in vitro assay on rat synaptosomes, the majority of compounds displayed potencies in the low nanomolar concentration range at the H(3) receptor, e.g., 4-(3-(3-cyclopentylpropyloxy)propyl)-1H-imidazole (27, K(i) = 7 nM). FUB 465, 4-(3-(ethoxy)propyl)-1H-imidazole (14), a useful tool for the characterization of constitutive activity of H(3) receptors in vivo in rodents, proved to be of high oral in vivo potency in mice (ED(50) = 0.26 mg/kg). Further, the influence of chosen compounds on specific [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding was assayed on HEK293 cell membranes expressing the human histamine H(3) receptor revealing partial agonism of the compounds in this particular model. These distinct responses are further hints for "protean agonism" in this class of compounds. Additionally, selected compounds were functionally investigated in vitro on isolated organs of the guinea-pig at H(3), H(1), and H(2) receptors.

Meta-Substituted Aryl(thio)ethers as Potent Partial Agonists (or Antagonists) for the Histamine H3 Receptor Lacking a Nitrogen Atom in the Side Chain

4-(3-Aryloxypropyl)-1H-imidazoles, which possess a meta-positioned substituent in the aryl ring, have been synthesized and tested for activity at histamine H(3) receptors. The compounds having a CN, Me, or Br substituent were found to be antagonists, whereas CF(3), Et, i-Pr, t-Bu, COCH(3), or NO(2) substituents remarkably afforded partial agonists when tested in vitro on rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes for inhibition of [(3)H]histamine release. The compounds were also active in vivo, and furthermore, the CF(3)-substituted compound trifluproxim (UCL 1470, 7) acted as a potent full agonist in vivo, having ED(50) = 0.6 +/- 0.3 mg/kg per os in mice for inhibition of brain N(tau)-methylhistamine formation. Related structures have also been investigated; homologues 4-[4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)butyl]-1H-imidazole and 4-[2-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenylthio)ethyl]-1H-imidazole are shown to be partial agonists, whereas the O isostere 4-[2-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)ethyl]-1H-imidazole is an antagonist as is the S homologue 4-[3-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenylthio)propyl]-1H-imidazole and its CH(2) isostere 4-[4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)butyl]-1H-imidazole.

Structural variations of 1-(4-(phenoxymethyl)benzyl)piperidines as nonimidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists

Recent bioisoteric replacements in histamine H3 receptor ligands with an exchange of the imidazole moiety by a piperidino group as well as of the trimethylene chain in 4-((3-phenoxy)propyl)-lH-imidazole derivatives (proxifan class) by an alpha,alpha'-xylendiyl linker represents the starting point in the development of 1-(4-(phenoxymethyl)benzyl)piperidines as a new class of nonimidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists. According to different strategies in optimization of imidazole-containing antagonists the central benzyl phenyl ether moiety was replaced by numerous other polar functionalities. Additionally, the ortho- and meta-analogues of the lead were synthesized to determine the influence of the position of the piperidinomethyl substituent. The new compounds were tested in an in vitro binding assay for their affinities for cloned human H3 receptors stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells and for their oral in vivo potencies brain in a functional screening assay in the brain of mice. Additionally, activities of selected compounds were determined in the guinea-pig ileum functional test model. In contrast to the analogues ortho-substituted compounds all other compounds maintained respectable affinities for the human H3 receptor (-log Ki values 6.3-7.5). Despite the results from other classes of compounds the 4-methyl substituted derivatives generally displayed higher affinities than the corresponding 4-chloro substituted compounds. In vivo only the inverse phenyl benzyl ether (3) showed worthwhile antagonist potencies.

Protean agonism at histamine H3 receptors in vitro and in vivo

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are allosteric proteins that adopt inactive (R) and active (R*) conformations in equilibrium. R* is promoted by agonists or occurs spontaneously, leading to constitutive activity of the receptor. Conversely, inverse agonists promote R and decrease constitutive activity. The existence of another pharmacological entity, referred to as "protean" agonists (after Proteus, the Greek god who could change shape), was assumed on theoretical grounds. It was predicted from the existence of constitutive activity that a same ligand of this class could act either as an agonist or an inverse agonist at the same GPCR. Here, we show that proxyfan, a high-affinity histamine H3-receptor ligand, acts as a protean agonist at recombinant H3 receptors expressed in the same Chinese hamster ovary cells. In support of the physiological relevance of the process, we show that proxyfan also behaves as a protean agonist at native H3 receptors known to display constitutive activity. On neurochemical and behavioral responses in rodents and cats, proxyfan displays a spectrum of activity ranging from full agonism to full inverse agonism. Thus, protean agonism demonstrates the existence of ligand-directed active states LR* different from, and competing with, constitutively active states R* of GPCRs, and defines a pharmacological entity with important therapeutic implications.

Therapeutic implications of constitutive activity of receptors: the example of the histamine H3 receptor

Some G-protein-coupled receptors display constitutive activity, that is spontaneous activity in the absence of agonist: a proportion of the receptor population adopts a conformation that can bind and activate G proteins. Whereas this was mainly shown to occur with recombinant or pathologically mutated receptors, the physiological relevance of the process has remained debated. We have adressed this question in the case of the histamine H3 receptor, a presynaptic inhibitory receptor regulating histamine release in brain. Having identified a neutral antagonist and inverse agonists with variable intrinsic activity, we show that the native H3 receptor in brain displays high constitutive activity in vitro and, in vivo, controls the release of endogenous histamine. This implies that inverse agonists with high intrinsic activity should be preferred for therapeutic application as "cognitive enhancers" in several psychiatric disorders.

Novel nonimidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists: 1-(4-(phenoxymethyl)benzyl)piperidines and related compounds

In an extension of very recently published studies on successful imidazole replacements in some series of histamine H(3) receptor antagonists, we report on a new class of lipophilic nonimidazole antagonist having an aliphatic tertiary amino moiety connected to a benzyl template substituted in the 4-position by a phenoxymethyl group. The structural modifications were performed with the intention to avoid possible negative side effects reported for other series of antagonists. The novel compounds combine different characteristics of recently developed histamine H(3) receptor antagonists. The compounds were screened for their affinity in a binding assay for the human histamine H(3) receptor stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells and tested for their in vivo potency in the central nervous system of mice after oral administration. Different substitution patterns on the phenoxy group were used to optimize in vitro and/or in vivo potency leading to some compounds with low nanomolar affinity and high oral in vivo potency. Modifications of the basic piperidino moiety were performed by ring expansion, contraction, and opening. Selected compounds exhibited selectivity in functional assays on isolated organs of guinea-pig for H(3) vs H(1) and H(2) receptors. Unexpectedly, some of the novel antagonists also showed a slight preference for the human histamine H(3) receptor compared to their affinities for the guinea-pig H(3) receptor.

Ciproxifan, a histamine H3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, modulates the effects of methamphetamine on neuropeptide mRNA expression in rat striatum

We have explored the effect of histamine H3-receptor ligands on the regulation of neuropeptide mRNA expression in the striatum by using in situ hybridization performed with proenkephalin, prodynorphin, substance P and proneurotensin riboprobes. Acute administration of ciproxifan, an H3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, or (R)-alpha-methylhistamine, an H3-receptor agonist, did not modify the striatal expression of the neuropeptides by itself. However, ciproxifan strongly and differentially modulated the effect of a single administration of 3 mg/kg methamphetamine on neuropeptide mRNA expression. This modulation was suppressed by the administration of (R)-alpha-methylhistamine and occurred in both the caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens. Ciproxifan strongly potentiated the decrease of proenkephalin mRNA expression induced by methamphetamine. In contrast, it suppressed the increase in prodynorphin and substance P mRNA expression induced by methamphetamine. Methamphetamine alone or with ciproxifan did not modify proneurotensin mRNA expression. These neurochemical findings indicate that ciproxifan differentially regulates the effect of methamphetamine on the neuropeptides contained in striatonigral and striatopallidal neurons. They suggest that endogenous histamine and dopamine cooperate to modulate the activity of striatal projection neurons and strengthen the interest of H3-receptors as new targets for the treatment of psychotic disorders and drug abuse.

Influence of bulky substituents on histamine h(3) receptor agonist/antagonist properties

Novel derivatives of 3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanol were designed on the basis of lead compounds belonging to the carbamate or ether series possessing (partial) agonist properties on screening assays of the histamine H(3) receptor. One pair of enantiomers in the series of alpha-methyl-branched chiral carbamates was stereoselectively prepared in high optical yields. Enantiomeric purity was checked by Mosher amide derivatives of precursors and capillary electrophoresis of the final compounds with trimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin as chiral selector, and was determined to be >/=95%. The novel compounds were investigated in various histamine H(3) receptor assays in vitro and in vivo. Some compounds displayed partial agonist activity on synaptosomes of rat brain cortex, whereas others exhibited antagonist properties only. Selected compounds were investigated in [(125)I]iodoproxyfan binding studies on the human histamine H(3) receptor and showed high affinity in the nanomolar concentration range. Under in vivo conditions after oral administration to mice, some of the compounds exhibited partial or full agonist activity in the brain at low dosages. The (S)-enantiomer of one pair of chiral carbamates (9) proved to be the eutomer; thus, the (S)-enantiomer was selected for further pharmacological studies. In a peripheral in vivo test model in rats, measuring the level of inhibition of capsaicin-induced plasma extravasation, (S)-9 again proved its high oral agonist potency with full intrinsic activity (ED(50) values of 0.07-0.1 mg/kg depending on tissue).

Progress in the proxifan class: heterocyclic congeners as novel potent and selective histamine H(3)-receptor antagonists

Histamine H(3) receptors are critically involved in the pathophysiology of several disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Among other families of H(3)-receptor ligands, the proxifan class has recently been described to contain numerous potent histamine H(3)-receptor antagonists, e.g. ciproxifan or imoproxifan. In the present study, we report on the design of novel heterocyclic proxifan analogues and their antagonist potencies at histamine H(3) receptors. The new compounds were tested for in vitro and in vivo H(3)-receptor antagonist potencies in different species as well as for H(3)-receptor selectivity vs. H(1) and H(2) receptors. In vitro, all compounds investigated proved to be potent H(3)-receptor antagonists in the rat as well as in the guinea-pig. In addition, they showed good to high oral CNS potency in vivo in mice. Especially, oxadiazole derivatives 24-26 displayed nanomolar antagonist activity in vitro and high potency in vivo (ED(50)=0.47-0.57 mg/kg). The results show that the additional heteroaromatic moieties might act as bioisosteres of the ketone or oxime moieties of ciproxifan or imoproxifan, respectively, and might cause divergent pharmacokinetic properties. Thus, these novel H(3)-receptor antagonists are interesting leads for further development.

Development of a new class of nonimidazole histamine H(3) receptor ligands with combined inhibitory histamine N-methyltransferase activity

In search of novel ways to enhance histaminergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system, a new class of nonimidazole histamine H(3) receptor ligands were developed that simultaneously possess strong inhibitory activity on the main histamine metabolizing enzyme, histamine N-methyltransferase (HMT). The novel compounds contain an aminoquinoline moiety, which is an important structural feature for HMT inhibitory activity, connected by different spacers to a piperidino group (for H(3) receptor antagonism). Variation of the spacer structure provides two different series of compounds. One series, having only an alkylene spacer between the basic centers, led to highly potent HMT inhibitors with moderate to high affinity at human histamine H(3) receptors. The second series possesses a p-phenoxypropyl spacer, which may be extended by another alkylene chain. This latter series also showed strong inhibitory activity on HMT, and in most cases, the H(3) receptor affinity even surpassed that of the first series. One of the most potent compounds with this dual mode of action is 4-(4-(3-piperidinopropoxy)phenylamino)quinoline (34) (hH(3), K(i) = 0.09 nM; HMT, IC(50) = 51 nM). This class of compounds showed high antagonist potency and good H(3) receptor selectivity in functional assays in guinea pig on H(1), H(2), and H(3) receptors. Because of low or missing in vivo activity of two selected compounds, the proof of concept of these valuable pharmacological tools for the supposed superior overall enhancing effect on histaminergic neurotransmission failed to appear hitherto.

Acute and chronic effects of methamphetamine on tele-methylhistamine levels in mouse brain: selective involvement of the D(2) and not D(3) receptor

We have explored the role of endogenous dopamine in the control of histaminergic neuron activity in mouse brain regions evaluated by changes in tele-methylhistamine (t-MeHA) levels. In vitro, methamphetamine released [(3)H]noradrenaline but failed to release [(3)H]histamine from synaptosomes. In vivo, methamphetamine enhanced t-MeHA levels by about 2-fold with ED(50) values of approximately 1 mg/kg in caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, cerebral cortex, and hypothalamus. This response selectively involved the D(2) and not the D(3) receptor as indicated by its blockade by haloperidol and by its persistence after administration of nafadotride, a D(3) receptor preferential ligand, or in (-/-) D(3) receptor-deficient mice. The t-MeHA response to methamphetamine was delayed compared with the locomotor-activating effect of this drug, suggesting that it is of compensatory nature. In agreement, ciproxifan, an inverse agonist known to enhance histamine neuron activity, decreased the hyperlocomotion induced by methamphetamine. Repeated methamphetamine administration resulted in the expected sensitization to the hyperlocomotor effect of the drug but did not modify either the ED(50) or the E(max) regarding t-MeHA levels. However, it resulted in an enhanced basal t-MeHA level (+30-40%), which was sustained for at least 11 days after withdrawal in hypothalamus, striatum, and cerebral cortex and suppressed by haloperidol. Hence, both the acute and chronic administration of methamphetamine enhance histamine neuron activity, presumably in a compensatory manner. Repeated methamphetamine administration also resulted in a modified balance in the opposite influences of dopamine and serotonin on histaminergic neurons as revealed by the enhanced response to haloperidol and abolished response to ketanserin, respectively.

Application of genomics to drug design: the example of the histamine H3 receptor

The histamine H(3) receptor was characterized in the 1980s as an autoreceptor regulating histamine release in brain. Since then, selective drugs have been designed, many of them displaying a high potency in vivo, and used in many studies to delineate the implications of cerebral histaminergic systems in physiological functions such as arousal or cognitive functions. The recent cloning of the H(3) receptor, more than 15 years later, has allowed to start molecular studies that led to important findings for optimization of drug design. In agreement some ligands display distinct affinities for the recombinant rat and human H(3) receptors, a difference that we assign to two amino acids in the third transmembrane domain. In addition, H(3) autoreceptors present in the brain display high constitutive activity including in vivo. As a consequence, inverse agonists enhance histamine neuron activity and constitute a novel potential therapeutic approach to schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Expression analysis of the histamine H(3) receptor in developing rat tissues

Endogenous histamine is involved in tissue growth and cell proliferation. In accordance with a putative function of the H(3) receptor in this mitogenic effect, we show that H(3)-receptor mRNAs are expressed together with those of the histamine-synthesizing enzyme in the embryonic liver and adipose tissue, and in various epithelia. Finally, we show that activation of recombinant H(3) receptors enhances MAP kinase activity.

Different antagonist binding properties of human and rat histamine H3 receptors

Different histamine H3-receptor antagonists have been tested in displacement studies at human and rat H3 receptors in stably transfected cells. Based on an actual rhodopsin structure, models for receptor antagonist interaction were developed for receptors of both species. Similarities and discrepancies in binding profiles can be explained, but not quantified by hydrophilic interactions with Asp114 and an important lipophilic binding pocket modified by two nearby amino acids.

Chromosomal mapping and organization of the human histamine H3 receptor gene

The histamine H3 receptor (H3R) was recently cloned, and two isoforms, termed H3L and H3S, differing in the third intracytosolic loop, were isolated but the chromosomal mapping and organization of its gene remained unknown. PCR analysis of a human x rodent cell hybrid panel indicated that the H3R gene is located in the telomeric region of chromosome 20q. Alignment of human H3R cDNA sequences with DNA sequences of this chromosome revealed that its coding region comprises three exons interrupted by two introns located in the second transmembrane domain (TM2) and second intracytosolic loop, respectively. Thus the organization of the H3R gene indicates that the H3L and H3S isoforms, that we characterized not only in rodents but also in humans, are generated by retention and deletion, respectively, of a pseudo-intron located in the third intracytosolic loop.

Benzophenone derivatives and related compounds as potent histamine H3-receptor antagonists and potential PET/SPECT ligands

Para-substituted aromatic ethers with benzophenone or related structural elements and a 3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propyloxy moiety were prepared by Mitsunobu-type ether synthesis or SNAr reaction. Most of the title compounds possess high antagonist potency in histamine H3-receptor assays in vitro as well as in vivo in mouse CNS following oral administration. After defining 4-(3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propyloxy)phenyl phenyl methanone as a new lead, structure-activity relationships were investigated for this new class of compounds. Substitution of the meta'-position of the benzophenone moiety with halogen atoms (e.g., iodine, fluorine) led to compounds with high antagonist potency in vitro as well as in vivo (Ki = 9.3 and 4.3 nM, ED50 = 0.7 and 0.47 mg/kg p.o., 18 and 12, respectively). A receptor profile of several functional in vitro assays for several biogenic amine receptors for the meta'-iodinated derivative demonstrated high selectivity toward the histamine H3 receptor.

The rat H3 receptor: gene organization and multiple isoforms

Genomic DNA analysis revealed that the coding region of the rat histamine H3 receptor comprises three exons interrupted by two introns of approximately 1 kb each. Several H3 receptor mRNA variants were identified by PCR and cDNA cloning and sequencing. Four variants generated by pseudo-intron retention/deletion at the level of the third intracellular loop were designated H3(445), H3(413), H3(410), and H3(397), according to the length of their deduced amino acid sequence and display differential tissue expression. When expressed in CHO-K1 or Cos-1 cells, the H3(445), H3(413), and H3(397) were found to generate specific 125I iodoproxyfan binding of similar pharmacological profile. In addition, we identified two short variants, termed H3(nf1) and H3(nf2), which correspond to frame shift and stop codon interposition, respectively, and are presumably nonfunctional, among which H3(nf2) displays brain expression similar to that of the longer isoforms.

High constitutive activity of native H3 receptors regulates histamine neurons in brain

Some G-protein-coupled receptors display 'constitutive activity', that is, spontaneous activity in the absence of agonist. This means that a proportion of the receptor population spontaneously undergoes an allosteric transition, leading to a conformation that can bind G proteins. The process has been shown to occur with recombinant receptors expressed at high density, and/or mutated, but also non-mutated recombinant receptors expressed at physiological concentrations. Transgenic mice that express a constitutively active mutant of the beta2-adrenergic receptor display cardiac anomalies; and spontaneous receptor mutations leading to constitutive activity are at the origin of some human diseases. Nevertheless, this process has not previously been found to occur in animals expressing normal levels of receptor. Here we show that two isoforms of the recombinant rat H3 receptor display high constitutive activity. Using drugs that abrogate this activity ('inverse agonists') and a drug that opposes both agonists and inverse agonists ('neutral antagonist'), we show that constitutive activity of native H3 receptors is present in rodent brain and that it controls histaminergic neuron activity in vivo. Inverse agonists may therefore find therapeutic applications, even in the case of diseases involving non-mutated receptors expressed at normal levels.

Novel histamine H(3)-receptor antagonists with carbonyl-substituted 4-(3-(phenoxy)propyl)-1H-imidazole structures like ciproxifan and related compounds

Novel histamine H(3)-receptor antagonists possessing a 4-(3-(phenoxy)propyl)-1H-imidazole structure generally substituted in the para-position of the phenyl ring have been synthesized according to Mitsunobu or S(N)Ar reactions. With in vitro and in vivo screening for H(3)-receptor antagonist potency, the carbonyl-substituted derivatives proved to be highly active compounds. A number of compounds showed in vitro affinities in the subnanomolar concentration range, and the 4-hexanoyl (10) and 4-acetyl-3-methyl (29) substituted derivatives showed in vivo antagonist potencies of about 0.1 mg/kg after po administration. Many proxifans were also tested for their affinities at other histamine receptor subtypes thereby demonstrating their pronounced H(3)-receptor subtype selectivity. Since the cyclopropyl ketone derivative 14 (ciproxifan) had high affinity in vitro as well as high potency in vivo, it was selected for further studies in monkeys. It showed good oral absorption and long-lasting, dose-dependent plasma levels making it a promising compound for drug development.

Analogues and derivatives of ciproxifan, a novel prototype for generating potent histamine H3-receptor antagonists

Novel derivatives of the highly potent and selective histamine H3-receptor antagonist ciproxifan (3) with different chain lengths as well as with structural variants of the cyclopropyl ketone moiety have been prepared and screened for their antagonist H3-receptor potencies in vitro and in vivo. Some derivatives (2, 6-8, 12) containing other functionalities were effective in vitro in the same (sub)nanomolar concentration range and in vivo in a remarkably low oral dose.

Two splice variants of the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1alpha as potential dimerization partners of ARNT2 in neurons

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1alpha), a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is known to heterodimerize with ARNT1, a nuclear translocator, to trigger the overexpression in many cells of genes involved in resistance to hypoxia. Although HIF-1alpha and ARNT1 are both expressed in brain, their cellular localization and function therein are unknown. Here, using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, we show that HIF-1alpha is expressed in normoxic cerebral neurons together with not only ARNT1 but also ARNT2, a cerebral translocator homologous to ARNT1 but displaying, unlike ARNT1, a selective neuronal expression. In contrast, other potential partners of the translocators, i.e. the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the single-minded protein 2 (SIM2), are not expressed in the adult brain. We also identify two splice variants of HIF-1alpha in brain, one of which dimerizes with ARNT2 even more avidly than with ARNT1. The resulting heterodimer, in contrast with the HIF-1alpha/ARNT1 complex, does not recognize the HIF-1-binding site of the hypoxia-induced erythropoietin (Epo) gene, suggesting that it controls transcription of a distinct set of genes. We therefore propose that HIF-1alpha and ARNT2 function as preferential dimerization partners in neurons to control specific responses, some of which may not be triggered by hypoxia. In support of this proposal, in nonhypoxic PC12 cells constitutively coexpressing HIF-1alpha, ARNT1 and ARNT2, downregulation of either HIF-1alpha or ARNT2, obtained with selective antisense nucleotides, resulted in inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation.

New histamine H(3)-receptor ligands of the proxifan series: imoproxifan and other selective antagonists with high oral in vivo potency

Histamine H(3)-receptor antagonists of the proxifan series are described. The novel compounds possess a 4-(3-(phenoxy)propyl)-1H-imidazole structure and various functional groups, e.g., an oxime moiety, on the phenyl ring. Synthesis of the novel compounds and X-ray crystallography of one highly potent oxime derivative, named imoproxifan (4-(3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propyloxy)phenylethanone oxime), are described. Most of the title compounds possess high antagonist potency in histamine H(3)-receptor assays in vitro as well as in vivo in mouse CNS following po administration. Structure-activity relationships are discussed. Imoproxifan displays subnanomolar potency on a functional assay on synaptosomes of rat cerebral cortex (K(i) = 0.26 nM). In vivo, imoproxifan increases the central N(tau)-methylhistamine level with an ED(50) of 0.034 mg/kg po. A receptor profile on several functional in vitro assays was determined for imoproxifan, demonstrating high selectivity toward the histamine H(3) receptor for this promising candidate for further development.

Cloning and cerebral expression of the guinea pig histamine H3 receptor: evidence for two isoforms

We cloned the full length guinea pig H3 receptor cDNA using RT-PCR amplification with primers from the human receptor and templates from brain areas. Evidence was obtained for two isoforms, designated H3L and H3S, differing by a 30 amino acid stretch within the third cytosolic loop, presumably generated by alternative splicing. In situ hybridization using a selective cRNA probe showed the gene transcripts to be highly expressed in discrete neuronal populations, e.g. pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex or cerebellar Purkinje cells, in some instances already known to express other histamine receptor subtypes.

Histamine H2 receptor gene variants: lack of association with schizophrenia

A role of histaminergic neuronal systems in schizophrenia was suggested by an association with several polymorphisms located in the coding region of the histamine H2-receptor (H2R) gene (Orange et al, Mol Psychiatry 1996; 1: 466-469). Using either the reference method of direct sequencing or restriction endonuclease digestion of PCR products amplified from DNA, we could not confirm the existence of these polymorphisms in 53 Swedish controls, 52 French controls and 88 French schizophrenics. In contrast, we detected a G543A transition in the coding region of the gene that was not found in the British population. This allelic variation, which was observed in 15% of the controls with no homozygotes, did not change the amino acid sequence of the receptor. We also analyzed a 1.8-kb nucleotide sequence of the promoter region in which we detected two additional polymorphisms that may modulate the expression of the H2R gene. The first one was a A-592G transition located in the minimal promoter of the gene and found in;10% of controls with no homozygotes. The second one was a G-1018A transition located in an enhancer element of the promoter and was found in;20-30% of controls (with;2-4% homozygotes). DNA analysis of the 88 French schizophrenic subjects revealed that the incidence of the three polymorphisms was not significantly different in this population. In conclusion, the present findings may suggest a surprisingly high variability of the H2R gene polymorphisms in different geographical areas but do not support an association of these allelic variations with schizophrenia.

Changes in histamine H3 receptor responsiveness in mouse brain

Changes in various histamine (HA) H3 receptor-mediated responses and H3 receptor binding in brain were investigated in mice receiving single or repeated administration of ciproxifan, a potent brain-penetrating and selective H3 receptor antagonist. Blockade of the H3 autoreceptor was nearly as effective in enhancing levels of tele-methylhistamine (t-MeHA), a major HA metabolite, in brain areas when ciproxifan was administered once either at 7 a.m. or 8 p.m., in spite of the large differences of basal levels at these two phases of the circadian cycle. Blockade after a single ciproxifan administration was, however, followed by a transient decrease in striatal t-MeHA levels, possibly reflecting rapid development of autoreceptor hypersensitivity. Following a 5-day administration of ciproxifan and a 2-day drug-free period, basal t-MeHA levels were significantly decreased (approximately -20%) in three brain areas, and the ED50 values of the drug to enhance t-MeHA levels were increased by 5-15 times without significant change in maximal response, indicating that H3 autoreceptor hypersensitivity had developed. However, in synaptosomes from the cerebral cortex of these animals, the H3 receptor-mediated inhibition of K+-induced [3H]HA release was not significantly modified. Subchronic administration of ciproxifan for 10 days also resulted in an increased binding of [125I]iodoproxyfan to the H3 receptor of striatal and hypothalamic membranes by 40-54%. Hypersensitivity at H3 somatodendritic autoreceptors and at heteroreceptors attributable to an increased number of HA binding sites could account for the various changes observed in this study.

ARNT2, a transcription factor for brain neuron survival?

The processes responsible for the limited ability to divide and long survival of neurons are not well understood but may involve aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (ARNT2), a recently identified protein, apparently belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix superfamily of transcription factors, which is expressed almost exclusively in brain during the whole lifetime. In agreement, we show, in the rat, that ARNT2 immunoreactivity could be observed only within nuclei of brain neurons and of dividing and neuronal PC12 cells, a localization consistent with a role in transcription regulation. Cell death elicited either by focal ischaemia in brain or oxidative stress in PC12 cells was largely preceded by an almost complete suppression of ARNT2 expression. In contrast, when PC12 cell cycle progression was impaired, ARNT2 expression was enhanced. Finally, the downregulation of ARNT2 levels induced by antisense oligonucleotides prevented PC12 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. These observations support the hypothesis that ARNT2 is a neuronal transcription factor, regulating cell cycle progression and preventing cell death, whose sustained expression might ensure brain neuron survival.

Atypical neuroleptics enhance histamine turnover in brain via 5-Hydroxytryptamine2A receptor blockade

Clozapine and olanzapine behave as weak H3-receptor antagonists in vitro with Ki values around 1 and 50 microM, respectively. Despite these modest apparent affinities, both compounds given orally to mice, nearly doubled steady-state tele-methylhistamine levels in brain, with ED50 values as low as 1 and 3 mg/kg, respectively, an effect comparable to those of potent H3-receptor antagonists. This effect corresponded to an enhancement of histamine turnover rate from 45 to 73 ng/g/h as measured in the case of olanzapine using the pargyline test. Other antipsychotics displaying, such as clozapine and olanzapine, high 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor antagonist potency, i.e., risperidone, thioridazine, seroquel, and iloperidone, also enhanced markedly tele-methylhistamine levels. This effect was 1) additive with that of a pure H3-receptor antagonist, ciproxifan, 2) mimicked by a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, ketanserin, 3) reversed by a 5-HT2A receptor agonist, DOI, 4) not shared by antipsychotics with low affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor, i.e., haloperidol, sulpiride, raclopride, or remoxipride that, on the contrary, tended to reduce tele-methylhistamine levels. We conclude that in contrast to "typical" antipsychotics, "atypical" antipsychotics stimulate histamine neuron activity via blockade of the 5-HT2A receptor in vivo. This effect does not appear to account for their reduced extrapyramidal side-effects but may underlie their pro-cognitive properties.

Synthesis of potent non-imidazole histamine H3-receptor antagonists

Histamine has been converted into a non-imidazole H3-receptor histamine antagonist by addition of a 4-phenylbutyl group at the N alpha-position followed by removal of the imidazole ring. The resulting compound, N-ethyl-N-(4-phenylbutyl)amine, remarkably has a Ki = 1.3 microM as an H3 antagonist. Using this as a lead compound, a novel series of homologous O and S isosteric tertiary amines was synthesised and structure-activity studies furnished N-(5-phenoxypentyl)pyrrolidine (Ki = 0.18 +/- 0.10 microM, for [3H]histamine release from rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes) which, more importantly, was active in vivo. Substitution of NO2 into the para position of the phenoxy group gave N-(5-p-nitrophenoxypentyl)pyrrolidine, UCL 1972 (Ki = 39 +/- 11 nM), ED50 = 1.1 +/- 0.6 mg/kg per os in mice on brain tele-methylhistamine levels.