Cannabinoid CB(1) receptor expression, activation and detection of endogenous ligand in trabecular meshwork and ciliary process tissues

Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary risk factor for glaucoma. Cannabinoids interact with molecular targets in the eye and lower intraocular pressure by an unknown mechanism. The purpose of the present study was to examine eye tissues for functional cannabinoid receptors of the neuronal, CB(1) class, and an endogenous ligand, anandamide. The trabecular meshwork and ciliary processes are the primary structures of the eye that contribute to intraocular pressure and thus were our focus. Total RNA, frozen sections, cellular membranes and primary cultures of cells were prepared from both bovine and cadaveric human tissues. Using cannabinoid CB(1) receptor-specific oligodeoxynucleotide primers, cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antiserum, and cannabinoid-specific compounds (CP-55,940, WIN55,212-2 and SR-141716A), the presence of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors in ciliary processes and trabecular meshwork was determined. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we identified mRNA encoding cannabinoid CB(1) receptor protein in ciliary process and trabecular meshwork cells. Specific binding of anti-CB(1) immunoglobulin-G in tissue sections localized cannabinoid CB(1) receptor protein to the non-pigmented epithelial cells of the ciliary process and cells of the trabecular meshwork. While CP-55,940 and WIN55,212-2 failed to stimulate [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding in membrane preparations from trabecular meshwork and ciliary process, CP-55,940 significantly stimulated whole cell [(35)S]GTP gamma S binding by 51% over basal in ciliary process epithelial cells and 69% over basal in trabecular meshwork cells permeabilized with 5 microM digitonin (p<0.001). Specificity of agonist stimulation was verified by complete blockade with the specific cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist, SR-141716A. Moreover, activation of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors by CP-55,940 resulted in a 2.3+/-0.3 and 1.7+/-0.3-fold stimulation of cAMP accumulation in trabecular meshwork and ciliary process cells, respectively (p<0.01). Lastly, anandamide was detected in human trabecular meshwork (3.08 pmol/g), ciliary process (49.42 pmol/g) and neurosensory retinal (4.48 pmol/g) tissues. These data, for the first time, demonstrate in a single study the presence of both CB(1) mRNA and protein in trabecular meshwork and ciliary processes from two different species. Activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins and stimulation of cAMP accumulation by cannabinoids in vitro suggest that their intraocular pressure-lowering effects in vivo result from activation of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors in the trabecular meshwork and increase aqueous outflow.

Bopindolol: pharmacological basis and clinical implications

Bopindolol, a non-selective antagonist of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors (ARs), has been found by pharmacological, molecular biological techniques and molecular modeling to have several unique properties. Bopindolol produces sustained blockade of beta 1- and beta 2-ARs, has intrinsic sympathomimetic as well as membrane stabilizing actions, inhibits renin secretion, and interacts with 5-HT receptors. Also, our recent molecular modeling studies identified possible interaction sites between bopindolol and beta-AR subtypes. The reviewed studies support our findings that bopindolol is non-selective for beta 1- and beta 2-ARs, has low affinity for beta 3-AR subtype and has pharmacological properties that are likely to be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Relationship between hydrophobicity and beta-blocking potencies, affinities or dissociation of beta-blockers from beta-adrenoceptors

The present study was performed to assess the relationship between the hydrophobicity of drugs and (1) inhibitory strength (pA2) on chronotropic or inotropic actions, (2) displacemental potencies of 3H-CGP12177 or 125I-iodocyanopindolol binding to beta-adrenoceptors (beta-ARs) (pKi) or (3) dissociating potencies of these drugs from beta-ARs of atria strips pretreated with drugs. The beta-blockers used in the present study were bopindolol, active metabolite of bopindolol (18-502), atenolol, propranolol, pindolol, nadolol, alprenolol, oxprenolol, metoprolol, labetalol and acebutolol. The value of the partition coefficient of propranolol was the highest, and that of the beta1-selective blocker atenolol was the lowest. Although low correlation coefficients between hydrophobicity and inhibitory beta-blocking potencies determined by pharmacological experiments or displacemental potencies by the radioligand binding assay using 3H-CGP12177 and 125I-iodocyanopindolol were observed, significant relationships between hydrophobicities of these drugs and dissociating potencies from beta-ARs were observed. These results suggest that the hydrophobicity of drugs may be important for the slow dissociation from beta-ARs, but not for the beta-blocking action.

Mutation W284L of the human delta opioid receptor reveals agonist specific receptor conformations for G protein activation

Intrinsic activities of different delta opioid agonists were determined in a [35S]GTPgammaS binding assay using cell membranes from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably expressing the wild type (hDOR/CHO) or W284L mutant human delta opioid receptor (W284L/CHO). Agonist binding affinities were regulated more robustly by sodium and guanine nucleotide in W284L/CHO than in hDOR/ CHO cell membranes. The W284L mutation selectively reduced the affinity of SNC 80 while having moderate effect ((-) TAN 67) or no effect (DPDPE) on the affinities of other delta selective agonists. The mutation had opposite effects on the intrinsic activities of agonists belonging to different chemical classes. The effects of the mutation on agonist affinities and potencies were independent from its effects on the intrinsic activities of the agonists. Maximal stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by SNC 80 was 2-fold higher in W284L mutant cell membranes than in wild type hDOR/CHO cell membranes, despite lower receptor expression levels in the W284L/CHO cells. The binding affinity of SNC 80 however, was significantly reduced (15-fold and 30-fold in the absence or presence of sodium+GDP respectively) in W284L/CHO cell membranes relative to wild type hDOR/CHO membranes. Conversely, the Emax of (-)TAN 67 in the [35S]GTPgammaS binding assay was markedly reduced (0.6-fold of that of the wild type) with only a slight (6-fold) reduction in its binding affinity. The affinity and intrinsic activity of DPDPE on the other hand remained unchanged at the W284L mutant hDOR. The mutation had similar effects on the affinities potencies and intrinsic activities of (-)TAN 67 and SB 219825. The results indicate that delta opioid agonists of different chemical classes use specific conformations for G protein activation.

delta-Opioid receptor agonists produce antinociception and [35S]GTPgammaS binding in mu receptor knockout mice

We examined the effects of [D-Pen(2),D-Pen(5)]enkephalin (DPDPE), [D-Ala(2),Glu(4)]deltorphin (DELT), and (+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha((2S, 5R)-4-Allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl]-N, N-diethylbenzamide (SNC80) on [35S]GTPgammaS binding in brain membranes prepared from micro-opioid receptor knockout (-/-) mice. The potency and maximal response (E(max)) of these agonists were unchanged compared to control mice. In contrast, while the potency of [D-Pen(2),pCl-Phe(4),D-Pen(5)]enkephalin (pCl-DPDPE) was not significantly different, the E(max) was reduced as compared to controls. In the tail-flick test, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) or intrathecal (i.th.) DELT produced antinociceptive effects in -/- mice with potency that did not differ significantly from controls. In contrast, the antinociceptive potency of i.c.v. and i.th. DPDPE was displaced to the right by 4- and 9-fold in -/- compared to control mice, respectively. Reduced DPDPE antinociceptive potency in -/- mice, taken together with reduced DPDPE- and pCl-DPDPE- stimulated G protein activity in membranes prepared from -/- mice, demonstrate that these agonists require mu-opioid receptors for full activity. However, because DELT mediated G protein activation and antinociception were both comparable between -/- and wild type mice, we conclude that the mu-opioid receptor is not a critical component of delta-opioid receptor function.

Sustaining effects of bopindolol on inhibitory chronotropic actions in guinea pig atria

The dissociating and/or residual inhibitory effects of bopindolol from beta-adrenoceptors (ARs) of atria strips pretreated with this drug and washed out with buffers on isoprenaline-induced chronotropic actions were determined. The effects of this drug were compared with those of its active metabolite 18-502, propranolol, and pindolol. Our results are as follows: (1) Lower concentrations of bopindolol (10(-9) and 10(-8) mol/l) and the active metabolite 18-502 (10(-9) mol/l), propranolol (10(-8) and 10(-6) mol/l) and pindolol (10(-8) mol/l) produced rightward shifts of concentration-response curves of isoprenaline. (2) Higher concentrations of bopindolol (10(-7) mol/l) and 18-502 (10(-8) and 10(-7) mol/l) produced a reduced maximum response by isoprenaline. (3) Bopindolol (10(-9)-10(-7) mol/l), 18-502 (10(-9)-10(-7) mol/l) and propranolol (10(-7) and 10(-6) mol/l) did not recover to control levels at 180 min even after washout with buffers. In conclusion, bopindolol and 18-502 may slowly dissociate and act as noncompetitive beta-antagonists rather than readily reversible beta-AR antagonists. These effects may differ from those of propranolol and pindolol, although propranolol did not recover to control levels after washout with buffer.

Bopindolol: a slowly dissociating antagonist from the beta-adrenoceptors in guinea pig atria

The dissociating and/or residual inhibitory effects of bopindolol from beta-adrenoceptors of atria strips pretreated with this drug which was then washed out with buffers on the responses to isoprenaline were determined and compared with those of propranolol, pindolol, atenolol, and the two active metabolites of bopindolol: 18-502 and 20-785. Low concentrations of bopindolol (10(-9) to 10(-8) mol/l) and the active metabolite 18-502 (10(-9) mol/l) produced rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves. On the other hand, high concentrations of bopindolol (10(-7) mol/l) and metabolite 18-502 (10(-8) and 10(-7) mol/l) produced a reduced maximum response by isoprenaline, suggesting that these nonparallel rightward shifts have pD2 values of 7.57 (bopindolol) and 7.67 (18-502), respectively, at 0 min after washout with buffers. Pindolol (10(-7) mol/l) and propranolol (10(-7) and 10(-8) mol/l) also produced a rightward shift of isoprenaline response curves, and these concentration-response curves in guinea pig atria strips pretreated with pindolol (10(-7) mol/l) and propranolol (10(-6) mol/l) recovered to control levels. Neither of these drugs, however, reduced the maximum response by isoprenaline. A high concentration (10(-5) mol/l) of atenolol was required for a rightward shift of the isoprenaline concentration-response curve, and this drug also did not reduce the maximum response. Thus, we conclude that bopindolol and metabolite 18-502 slowly dissociate and act as noncompetitive beta-antagonists rather than easily reversible beta-adrenoceptor antagonists.

The efficacy of delta-opioid receptor-selective drugs

Delta-opioid receptor-selective drugs may provide an alternative to mu-opioid-selective drugs currently used for the relief of pain. To develop improved delta-opioid receptor-selective drugs, better measures of drug activity are necessary. In this review we suggest that efficacy calculations provide a superior measure of drug activity as compared to dissociation constants and drug potencies in functional assays. Efficacy, as discussed in this review, is defined as a quantitative measurement of the ability of a drug to stimulate second messenger systems or measurable functional responses in cells or tissues under standard conditions. Efficacy values will allow medicinal chemists to understand the contributions of both the coupling efficiency and dissociation constant to drug potencies in the development of new delta-opioid receptor-selective drugs.

Studies on relationships between chemical structure and beta-blocking potency of bopindolol and its two metabolites

The structure-activity relationships of bopindolol and its two metabolites (18-502 and 20-785) and their beta-blocking potencies in the human beta2-adrenoceptor (AR) were assessed using molecular modeling on an INDIGO2 workstation (SGI Co., Ltd.) and DISCOVER/INSIGHT II (Biosym Co., Ltd.). Through modeling, possible binding sites for these agents were hypothesized to involve the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th helices of the beta2-AR, and these shared a common interaction site at Asp113 in helix 3. The different chemical structure of these three agents, however, showed binding to different binding sites (amino acids). This study therefore suggests that different beta-blocking potencies of these agents may be due to different chemical structure.

Relative efficacies of cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists in the mouse brain

We measured (-)-5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohe xyl]-phenol (CP 55,940)-, (-)11-OH-delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol-dimethylheptyl (HU-210)-, anandamide- and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-stimulated G protein activation in mouse brain using the [35S]GTPgammaS functional assay. The Ki values for these drugs were determined by agonist competition binding with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist [3H]N-(piperidin-1-yl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4- methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride ([3H]SR141716A). This information was used to calculate the efficacy for drug stimulation of G protein activity. The rank order of efficacy was CP 55,940 > HU-210 > anandamide > delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol with the latter two drugs being partial agonists. Since efficacy values relate receptor occupancy to functional responses, we believe efficacy values are a better measure of drug-mediated functional responses compared with measurements of drug potency.

Relative efficacies of delta-opioid receptor agonists at the cloned human delta-opioid receptor

The present study was conducted to determine the relative efficacies of the selective delta-opioid receptor agonists SNC80 ((+)-4-[(alphaR)-alpha-((2S,5R)-4-allyl-2,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl )-3-methoxybenzyl]-N,N-diethylbenzamide), pCl-DPDPE (cyclic[D-Pen2,4'-ClPhe4,D-Pen5]enkephalin) and (-)-TAN67 ((-)-2-methyl-4a alpha-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12a alpha-octahydro-quinolino-[2,3,3-g]isoquinoline). Experiments compared the abilities of the three drugs to competitively inhibit [3H]naltrindole binding and also stimulate [35S]GTPgammaS binding in membranes prepared from stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that express the cloned human delta-opioid receptor. Efficacy was determined according to the formula: efficacy = (E(max-A)/Emax)(A'/A + 1) X 0.5. Results show that SNC80 and pCl-DPDPE had efficacy values that were about 6-7 times greater than that of (-)-TAN67.

AM630 antagonism of cannabinoid-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding in the mouse brain

This research was designed to determine the action of the novel aminoalkylindole AM630 (6-iodo-pravadoline) at the cannabinoid receptor by studying its interaction with the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (R(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo [1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-y]-(1-naphthalenyl)methanone mesylate) on guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio) triphosphate ([35S]GTP gamma S) binding in mouse brain. WIN 55,212-2 stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding, while AM630 had no effect. AM630 antagonized WIN 55,212-2-2induced [35S]GTP gamma S binding and shifted the WIN 55,212-dose-response curve to the right. These results clearly demonstrate that AM630 exerts cannabinoid receptor antagonist properties in the brain.

[Pharmacological characteristics of the long-acting beta-blocker "bopindolol"]

The non-selective beta-blocker bopindolol, which was developed as a pro-drug, possessed 50-60 times more potent long-acting hypotensive effects on the blood pressure than those of atenolol or propranolol. Because this drug has only a mild partial agonist activity, it did not cause the rapid decrease in heart rate observed with atenolol or propranolol or the increase in heart rate induced by pindolol. These hypotensive effects are due to beta 1-antagonistic effects, not effects on beta 2- or beta 3-adrenoceptors. In addition to these effects, benefits of this drug include the following: slow dissociation rate from beta-adrenoceptors in tissues, high affinity to 5-HT1A subtypes, less clinical effects on lipid metabolism and the inhibition of renin release. It is possible that this drug possesses different pharmacological characteristics from other beta-blockers.

AM630 is a competitive cannabinoid receptor antagonist in the guinea pig brain

AM630 has been demonstrated to be a cannabinoid receptor antagonist in the mouse brain and vas deferens. Conversely, it was recently reported that AM630 acts as a cannabinoid agonist in the guinea pig ileum. This research was designed to determine whether the difference in the action of AM630 is species specific. Studies conducted in guinea pig brain reveal that AM630 antagonizes the stimulatory effect of the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 on [35S]GTPgammaS binding suggesting that difference in AM630 activity in different tissues is not due to species variation.

Effects of chronic administration of bopindolol on the binding characteristics of cardiac alpha 1H-, alpha 1L-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor subtypes in cardiac muscles of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

The effects of the chronic administration of bopindolol on the binding characteristics of [3H]CGP12177 and [3H]prazosin to cardiac alpha 1H-, alpha 1L-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor subtypes of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were compared with those of two other beta-blockers, atenolol and propranolol. Bopindolol (1 and 3 mg/kg/d), atenolol (50 mg/kg/d) and propranolol (60 mg/kg/d) were given to 10-week-old SHR for 12 weeks. The changes in Kd and Bmax values of the myocardium of SHR treated without and those drugs were assessed by Scatchard analysis, and the ratio and Bmax values of the beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor subtypes were also calculated from displacemental curves using ICI 118,551. The systolic blood pressure in SHR was dose-dependently lowered by the administration of bopindolol, and was also lowered by the administration of atenolol and propranolol. The Bmax values of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors were lowered by the administration of bopindolol (1 and 3 mg/kg/d) without any changes in the Kd values or the ratio of beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors. Propranolol lowered 3-fold the affinity to the beta-adrenoceptor. On the other hand, the Kd and Bmax values of alpha 1H- and alpha 1L-adrenoceptor subtypes (high and low affinity binding sites for [3H]prazosin) were not changed by these drugs. These findings suggest that bopindolol had a beneficial effect on beta-adrenoceptors in the membranes of cardiac muscles of SHR, implying that these effects may contribute to lowering hypertension.

Bopindolol is a slowly dissociating beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist when compared to other beta-blockers

This study used radioligand binding assay methods and pharmacological experiments to examine whether bopindolol, possessing a long-lasting action in addition to potent beta-adrenoceptor antagonistic effects, is a slowly dissociating antagonist. In addition, the slow dissociation of two of its metabolites, 18-502 (4-(3-tert-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-methyl indole) and 20-785 (4-(3-tert-butylaminopropoxy)-2-carboxyl indole), which have potent beta-blocking activities, was also assessed. The blockade of 3H-CGP12177 binding sites in rat heart and brain induced by pindolol was readily reversed by washing, whereas this inhibition by bopindolol and 18-502 was not easily reversed by washing. In addition, specific bindings of the hearts of the treatment animals with 20-785, atenolol, (+/-)propranolol, nadolol and celiprolol and of washout were 86.7, 78.8, 77.5, 82.3 and 79.9% of the control, respectively. These blockades by the treatment of each drug and washout in the brain were, however, lower than those in the hearts. On the other hand, when the left and right atria were pretreated with propranolol, bopindolol and 18-502, the inotropic and chronotropic actions of isoprenaline were inhibited by these drugs even though they were not present in the extracellular medium. Pretreatment with 20-785, atenolol and nadolol was readily reversed for both inotropic action and chronotropic rate, and inhibition by celiprolol and pindolol remained at 25% of the control at 240 min after treatment with these drugs. A good correlation between inhibitory binding percentage in the hearts and inhibitory inotropic or chronotropic actions were observed, although it was not observed in the brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alpha-1 and beta-adrenergic receptor blocking potencies of bopindolol and its two metabolites (18-502 and 20-785) as assessed by radioligand binding assay methods

1. The pKi value of bopindolol for alpha 1High-subtypes in canine aorta, rat hearts and rat brain was 5.71, 5.52 and 6.56, respectively. In addition, the pKi values of these drugs in canine aorta, rat hearts and rat brain for the alpha 1Low-subtype was very low. 2. The phenylephrine induced-contractions of aortae of guinea pigs and rats were not inhibited by these agents. 3. Both bovine hearts and tracheal smooth muscles indicated that 18-502 had the highest pKi value to beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor subtypes and the rank order of these beta-blocking potencies were 18-502 > bopindolol > 20-785.

The affinity of bopindolol and its two metabolites for a beta 2-adrenoceptor in the bovine mesenteric artery

Bopindolol and its two metabolites (18-502 and 20-785) were examined for their affinity to a beta 2-adrenoceptor in the bovine mesenteric artery using the radioligand binding assay method with [3H]CGP12177 as a radioligand. The Scatchard analysis of the data demonstrated a uniphasic plot with Kd and Bmax values of 0.86 +/- 0.16 nM, and 13.34 +/- 1.11 fmol/mg protein, respectively. The pKi values of bopindolol and its two metabolites for beta 2-adrenoceptors in the bovine mesenteric artery were 7.70 +/- 0.13, 8.07 +/- 0.13, 8.20 +/- 0.24, respectively, with 20-785 showing the highest values among these drugs. The present findings indicate that the bovine mesenteric artery membrane is predominantly beta 2-adrenoceptor tissue, and that bopindolol and its two metabolites were potent for beta 2-adrenoceptors in the bovine mesenteric artery.

The affinity of betaxolol, a beta 1-adrenoceptor-selective blocking agent, for beta-adrenoceptors in the bovine trachea and heart

1. The specificity of betaxolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors was compared with that of other beta-antagonists, atenolol, ICI-118551, butoxamine and (+/-)-propranolol, in the bovine trachea and heart by competitive interaction with [3H]-CGP12177 as a radioligand. 2. The radioligand Kd values were 0.75 +/- 0.12 and 1.60 +/- 0.11 nM in the trachea and heart, respectively, and the Bmax values were 34.00 +/- 4.41 and 21.54 +/- 2.94 fmol mg-1 protein, respectively. 3. Using ICI-118551, we determined the ratio of beta 1:beta 2-adrenoceptors in the trachea and heart to be approximately 29:71 and 56:44, respectively. 4. In the trachea, a beta 2-predominant tissue, betaxolol and atenolol were more selective for beta 1-adrenoceptor binding sites than beta 2-adrenoceptor binding sites, whereas ICI-118551 and butoxamine were more selective for beta 2-adrenoceptor binding sites. 5. The beta 1-selectivity of betaxolol was 2.2 and 2.7 fold higher than that of atenolol in the bovine trachea and heart. These findings suggest that betaxolol may be useful in the treatment of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and angina pectoris.

Beta-blocking potency and selectivity of bopindolol and its two metabolites for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors as assessed by radioligand binding assay

Using a radioligand binding assay, we assessed the affinity and selectivity of the antagonistic effects of bopindolol (4-(benzoyloxy-3-tert-butylaminopropyl)-2-methylindole hydrogen-malonate) and its two metabolites, (18-502, (4-(3-tert-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-methyl indole) and 20-785, (4-(3-tert-butylaminopropoxy)-2-carboxyl indole], for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors and on 5HT1B-receptors in rat brain and heart. In addition, we also determined the pA2 values of these agents for their antagonistic effects toward positive chronotropic and inotropic actions (beta 1-adrenoceptors) and for their antagonistic effects toward isolated tracheal relaxation (beta 2-adrenoceptors), using isoproterenol as an agonist. The data showed that bopindolol was more selective for beta 2-adrenoceptors than for beta 1-adrenoceptors and 5HT1B-receptors, but its two metabolites (18-502 and 20-785) did not have significant selectivity for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors, using both [3H]CGP12177 and [125I]ICYP ([125I]iodocyanopindolol) bindings. In contrast, the results from pharmacological assessment for antagonistic potencies, using atria and trachea, showed that bopindolol and its two metabolites did not have significant selectivity on beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors. A major metabolite of bopindolol, 18-502, had higher pKi and pA2 values for beta-adrenoceptors and 5HT1B-receptors than those of bopindolol and 20-785. These results indicate, first, that a radioligand binding assay for the assessment of the selectivity of bopindolol and its two metabolites for beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors is more effective than pharmacological experiments, and that there is a possibility that its two metabolites also contribute to the strong beta-blocking action of bopindolol.