Negative and positive allosteric modulators of the P2X(7) receptor.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Antagonist effects at the P2X(7) receptor are complex with many behaving in a non-competitive manner. In this study, the effects of N-[2-({2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl}amino)-5-quinolinyl]-2-tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-1-ylacetamide (compound-17) and N (2)-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-N (1)-[2-methyl-5-(1-piperazinylmethyl)phenyl]glycinamide dihydrochloride (GW791343) on P2X(7) receptors were examined and their mechanism of action explored. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Antagonist effects were studied by measuring agonist-stimulated ethidium accumulation in cells expressing human or rat recombinant P2X(7) receptors and in radioligand binding studies. KEY RESULTS: Compound-17 and GW791343 were non-competitive inhibitors of human P2X(7) receptors. Receptor protection studies using decavanadate and pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS) showed that neither compound-17 nor GW791343 competitively interacted at the ATP binding site and so were probably negative allosteric modulators of the P2X(7) receptor. GW791343 prevented the slowly reversible blockade of the human P2X(7) receptor produced by compound-17 and inhibited [(3)H]-compound-17 binding to the P2X(7) receptor suggesting they may bind to similar or interacting sites. At rat P2X(7) receptors, compound-17 was a negative allosteric modulator but the predominant effect of GW791343 was to increase agonist responses. Antagonist interaction and radioligand binding studies revealed that GW791343 did not interact at the ATP binding site but did interact with the compound-17 binding site suggesting that GW791343 is a positive allosteric modulator of the rat P2X(7) receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Compound-17 was a negative allosteric modulator of human and rat P2X(7) receptors. GW791343 was a negative allosteric modulator of the human P2X(7) receptor but at the rat P2X(7) receptor its predominant effect was positive allosteric modulation. These compounds should provide valuable tools for mechanistic studies on P2X(7) receptors.

Cloning and pharmacological characterization of the guinea pig P2X7 receptor orthologue.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The human, rat, and mouse P2X(7) receptors have been previously characterized, and in this study we report the cloning and pharmacological properties of the guinea pig orthologue. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A cDNA encoding for the guinea pig P2X(7) receptor was isolated from a guinea pig brain library. The receptor was expressed in U-2 OS cells using the BacMam viral expression system. A monoclonal antibody was used to confirm high levels of cell surface expression and the functional properties were determined in ethidium bromide accumulation studies. KEY RESULTS: The predicted guinea pig protein is one amino acid shorter than the human and rat orthologues and over 70% identical to the rat and human receptors. In contrast to human and rat P2X(7) receptors, 2'-&3'-O-(4benzoylbenzoyl)ATP (BzATP) was a partial agonist of the guinea pig P2X(7) receptor when compared to ATP and acted as an antagonist in some assays. However, as at other species orthologues, BzATP was more potent than ATP. The guinea pig P2X(7) receptor possessed higher affinity for 1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinoline sulphonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine (KN62), suramin and Coomassie Brilliant Blue than human or rat P2X(7) receptors suggesting that it is pharmacologically different to other rodent or human P2X(7) receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The guinea pig recombinant P2X(7) receptor displays a number of unique properties that differentiate it from the human, rat and mouse orthologues and this structural and functional information should aid in our understanding of the interaction of agonists and antagonist with the P2X(7) receptor.

Agonist potency at P2X7 receptors is modulated by structurally diverse lipids.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The P2X(7) receptor exhibits a high degree of plasticity with agonist potency increasing after prolonged receptor activation. In this study we investigated the ability of lipids to modulate agonist potency at P2X(7) receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A variety of lipids, including lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingosylphosphorylcholine and hexadecylphosphorylcholine were studied for their effect on P2X(7) receptor-stimulated ethidium bromide accumulation in cells expressing human recombinant P2X(7) receptors and on P2X(7) receptor-stimulated interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta) release from THP-1 cells. The effects of the lipids were also assessed in radioligand binding studies on human P2X(7) receptors. KEY RESULTS: At concentrations (3-30 microM) below the threshold to cause cell lysis, the lipids increased agonist potency and/or maximal effects at P2X(7) receptors in both ethidium accumulation and IL1 beta release studies. There was little structure activity relationship (SAR) for this effect and sub-lytic concentrations of Triton X-100 partially mimicked the effects of the lipids. The lipids caused cell lysis and increased intracellular calcium at higher concentrations (30-100 microM) which complicated interpretation of their effects in functional studies. However, the lipids (3-100 microM) also increased agonist potency 30-100 fold in radioligand binding studies. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that a diverse range of lipids increase agonist potency at the P2X(7) receptor in functional and binding studies. The broad SAR, including the effect of Triton X-100, suggests this may reflect changes in membrane properties rather than a direct effect on the P2X(7) receptor. Since many of the lipids studied accumulate in disease states they may enhance P2X(7) receptor function under pathophysiological conditions.

Direct labelling of the human P2X7 receptor and identification of positive and negative cooperativity of binding.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The P2X(7) receptor exhibits complex pharmacological properties. In this study, binding of a [(3)H]-labelled P2X(7) receptor antagonist to human P2X(7) receptors has been examined to further understand ligand interactions with this receptor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The P2X(7) receptor antagonist, N-[2-({2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl}amino)-5-quinolinyl]-2-tricyclo[3.3.1.1(3,7)]dec-1-ylacetamide (compound-17), was radiolabelled with tritium and binding studies were performed using membranes prepared from U-2 OS or HEK293 cells expressing human recombinant P2X(7) receptors. KEY RESULTS: Binding of [(3)H]-compound-17 was higher in membranes prepared from cells expressing P2X(7) receptors than from control cells and was inhibited by ATP suggesting labelled sites represented human P2X(7) receptors. Binding was reversible, saturable and modulated by P2X(7) receptor ligands (Brilliant Blue G, KN62, ATP, decavanadate). Furthermore, ATP potency was reduced in the presence of divalent cations or NaCl. Radioligand binding exhibited both positive and negative cooperativity. Positive cooperativity was evident from bell shaped Scatchard plots, reduction in radioligand dissociation rate by unlabelled compound-17 and enhancement of radioligand binding by KN62 and unlabelled compound-17. ATP and decavanadate inhibited binding in a negative cooperative manner as they enhanced radioligand dissociation. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that human P2X(7) receptors can be directly labelled and provide novel insights into receptor function. The positive cooperativity observed suggests that binding of compound-17 to one subunit in the P2X(7) receptor complex enhances subsequent binding to other P2X(7) subunits in the same complex. The negative cooperative effects of ATP suggest that ATP and compound-17 bind at separate, interacting, sites on the P2X(7) receptor.

Species and response dependent differences in the effects of MAPK inhibitors on P2X(7) receptor function.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have implicated the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in cellular permeability changes following P2X(7) receptor activation in native tissues. In this study we have further studied the effect of MAPK inhibitors on recombinant and native P2X(7) receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The MAPK inhibitors SB-203580, SB-202190 and SB-242235 were examined in HEK293 cells expressing recombinant P2X(7) receptors and in THP-1 cells expressing native human P2X(7) receptors using a range of experimental approaches. KEY RESULTS: At human recombinant P2X(7) receptors, SB-203580 and SB-202190 were weak, non-competitive inhibitors (pIC(50)= 4.8 - 6.4) of ethidium accumulation stimulated by 2'- & 3'-O-(4benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) but SB-242235 (0.1-10 microM) had no effect. SB-203580 and SB-202190 had no effect on rat or mouse recombinant P2X(7) receptors and studies with chimeric P2X(7) receptors suggested that SB-203580 was only effective in chimeras containing the N-terminal 255aa of the human P2X(7) receptor. SB-203580 did not consistently affect BzATP-mediated increases in cell calcium levels and, in electrophysiological studies, it slightly decreased responses to 30 microM BzATP but potentiated responses to 100 microM BzATP. In THP1 cells, SB-203580 modestly inhibited BzATP-stimulated ethidium accumulation (pIC(50) 5.7 - < 5) but SB-202190 had no effect. Finally, SB-203580 did not block BzATP-stimulated interleukin-1beta release in THP-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that high concentrations of SB-203580 and SB-202190 can block human P2X(7) receptor-mediated increases in cellular ethidium accumulation but suggest this is not related to MAPK inhibition. Overall, the data cast doubt on a general role of MAPK in mediating P2X(7) receptor mediated changes in cellular permeability.

Cloning and functional characterisation of the mouse P2X7 receptor.

We have isolated a 1785-bp complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the murine P2X7 receptor subunit from NTW8 mouse microglial cells. The encoded protein has 80%, and 85% homology to the human and rat P2X7 subunits, respectively. Functional properties of the heterologously expressed murine P2X7 homomeric receptor broadly resembled those of the P2X7 receptor in the native cell line. However, marked phenotypic differences were observed between the mouse receptor, and the other P2X7 receptor orthologues isolated with respect to agonist and antagonist potencies, and the kinetics of formation of the large aqueous pore.

Autoradiographic distribution of [3H]L-NG-nitro-arginine binding in rat brain.

The distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme which produces nitric oxide, has previously been studied in the rat central nervous system (CNS) using the NADPH-diaphorase technique and anti-NOS antibodies. However, the former method may not always be selective for NOS while the latter is not quantitative. Therefore a selective, quantifiable method would be desirable. L-NG-Nitro-arginine, an inhibitor of NOS, is available in a tritiated form which we have shown to bind to NOS. We have now examined the regional distribution of [3H]L-NG-nitro-arginine binding in the rat CNS using autoradiography. [3H]L-NG-nitro-arginine specific binding was seen in a number of brain regions with the highest levels in the accessory olfactory bulb, the amygdaloid complex, the Islands of Calleja and the cerebellum. This regional distribution of [3H]L-NG-nitro-arginine binding sites in the rat CNS was, in general, similar to that seen with the NADPH-diaphorase method and anti-NOS antibodies, consistent with the view that all three methods identify NOS in the CNS. Thus, [3H]L-NG-nitro-arginine appears to be a useful radioligand for studying the distribution of NOS in the CNS as its binding is quantifiable and apparently selective for NOS.

Cibacron blue allosterically modulates the rat P2X4 receptor.

We have used whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology to characterise the actions of the P2 antagonist, cibacron blue, on the rat recombinant P2X4 receptor, stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. In single cells, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) evoked inward currents, but the response was subject to considerable run down which precluded obtaining quantitative data. However, when recordings were made from cells that were part of a group of 20-40 electrically coupled cells (cell rafts), run-down of current was not observed and reproducible responses could be obtained. When studied using cell rafts, cibacron blue was a weak antagonist of the rat P2X4 receptor (IC50 > 300 microM) when co-applied with ATP. However, when cell rafts were preincubated with low concentrations of cibacron blue (3-30 microM) for 5 min prior to ATP addition, cibacron blue increased responses to ATP by increasing its potency (up to 4-fold) without affecting the maximum current. Potentiation of ATP-evoked currents was also observed following washout of high, inhibitory concentrations of cibacron blue (300 microM). In contrast to these effects on P2X4 receptors, cibacron blue inhibited the ATP-induced response in both single cells and rafts of HEK293 cells expressing the P2X2 receptor (IC50 approximately 600-800 nM). The effects of cibacron blue on the P2X4 receptor were quantitatively similar to those of Zn2+ which also increased ATP-evoked currents by decreasing the EC50 of ATP (up to 3.5-fold). These data are consistent with the concept that cibacron blue, like zinc, allosterically regulates the function of the P2X4 receptor.

Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of a series of 8-substituted 1-oxa-3,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-2-ones.

Forty-three new 1-oxa-3,8-diazaspiro[4,5]decan-2-ones optionally substituted with 2-(3-indolyl)ethyl, 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl, or 2-(1,4-benzodioxan 2-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl at the 8 position were prepared for screening as antihypertensive agents in the spontaneous hypertensive rat. For the 8-[2-(3-indolyl)ethyl] compounds the most active were those substituted in the 4 position, where activity was at maximum with the 4-ethyl compound (1). The 8-[3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl] compounds were less active than their 1,4-benzodioxane counterparts, which were tested as mixtures of erythro and threo diastereoisomers. Both the 4-ethyl-8-[2-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-substituted 38 and (S)-3-methyl-8-[3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]-substituted 42 were designed as mixed alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor blockers. Bother compounds lowered blood pressure, but they gave no evidence of working as beta-adrenergic blockers. Examination of 8-[2-(3-indolyl)ethyl]-1-oxa-3,8-diazaspiro[4.5]-decan-2-one (8) and 3 methyl-8-[2-(1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-1-oxa-3,8-diazaspiro[4,5]decan-2-one (29) in the dog showed them to be alpha-adrenergic blockers. Compound 29 was primarily an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, while 8 was more skewed toward alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonism. Tilt-response studies for evaluating the potential for producing orthostatic hypotension showed that both 8 and 29 had little potential for avoiding orthostatic hypotension at therapeutically effective doses.

Antihypertensive 9-substituted 1-oxa-4,9-diazaspiro[5.5]undecan-3-ones.

Forty-one 9-substituted 1-oxa-4,9-diazaspiro[5.5]undecan-3-ones were prepared for antihypertensive screening in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). For the 9-(2-indol-3-ylethyl) series, the parent compound, 9-(2-indol-3-ylethyl)-1-oxa-4,9-diazaspiro[5.5]undecan-3-one (21), was the most potent antihypertensive agent. Substitution of lower alkyl groups on the spirolactam ring gave compounds close in activity to 21, while substitution with large alkyl or aryl groups led to a significant decrease in activity. Ring-opened analogues of 21 that contained the same functionality were markedly less active. Several 1-oxa-4,9-diazaspiro[5.5]undecan-3-ones substituted at the 9 position with 1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl, 1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylhydroxyethyl, and 2-phenylethyl groups also demonstrated significant activity. Compound 21 was chosen for a detailed pharmacological evaluation. Its antihypertensive activity appears to be predominantly due to peripheral alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade.

Structure-activity relationships for 2-substituted imidazoles as alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Several 2-[(1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)alkyl]imidazoles were prepared and evaluated for their blocking activity and relative selectivity on presynaptic (alpha 2) and postsynaptic (alpha 1) receptors in the isolated rat vas deferens. 1-Ethyl-2-[(1,4-benzodioxan 2-yl)methyl]imidazole (13) was the most selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist of the series and was, for practical purposes, devoid of alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist activity. The lipophilicity of 13 (log D = 2.31) indicated that it would have an excellent chance to enter the central nervous system. Compound 13 was selected for clinical evaluation as an antidepressant agent.

2-(Quinuclidin-3-yl)pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-ones and isoquinolin-1-ones. Potent conformationally restricted 5-HT3 receptor antagonists.

Several series of N-(quinuclidin-3-yl)aryl and heteroaryl-fused pyridones were synthesized and evaluated for 5-HT3 receptor affinity. In the heteroaryl series, 2-(quinuclidin-3-yl)tetrahydropyrido-[4,3-b]indol-1-one (8a) and the 4,5-alkano-bridged analogues (14 and 15) displayed high 5-HT3 receptor affinity with pKi values > 9. The (3S)-quinuclidinyl isomers had > 10 fold higher affinity than the (3R)-isomers. In a series of 2-quinuclidin-3-yl)isoquinolin-1-ones, derivatives substituted with small lipophilic groups (25b-e) and with 4,5-alkano-bridges (34-36) also displayed high affinity. In particular, the hexahydro-1H-benz[de]isoquinolinone (S,S)-37 was the highest affinity 5-HT3 receptor ligand prepared (pKi 10.4). A number of the high affinity ligands were shown to be potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in vivo as determined by inhibition of the B-J reflex in the anesthetized rat. Again, (S,S)-37 was the most active agent tested (ID50 0.02 microgram/kg i.v.), and this compound was also potent in blocking cisplatin-induced emesis in both the ferret and the dog. Computer modeling studies were performed, and previously reported 5-HT3 receptor antagonist pharmacophore models were refined to include a key lipophilic binding domain.

Functional evidence for multiple purinoceptor subtypes in the rat medial vestibular nucleus.

Extracellular recording techniques were used in brain slices to characterize excitatory responses produced by purine nucleotides in the rat medial vestibular nucleus, an area where functional purinoceptors have not previously been described. In the continued presence of the adenosine antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, which alone caused a small increase in the spontaneous firing rate, the P2 purinoceptor agonists alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate (alphabeta meATP) and adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADPbetaS) caused concentration-dependent increases in spontaneous firing rate, with EC50 values of 41.8 and 1.7 microM, respectively. Only approximately 35% of all neurons studied displayed excitatory responses to these agents. Responses waned in the continued presence of high concentrations of the latter, but not the former agonist. Furthermore, in the continued presence of a maximal concentration of alphabeta meATP, ADPbetaS produced further increases in the firing rate of these neurons. The P2 antagonist, suramin, ablated responses to alphabeta meATP, but did not affect responses to ADPbetaS, whereas pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid antagonized responses to both agonists. The nucleotide analogue alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate, which displays affinity for putative P2X receptors in brain, also produced concentration-dependent increases in firing frequency, which were also markedly antagonized in the presence of suramin, this agonist being only slightly less potent than alphabeta meATP. In conclusion, a subpopulation of rat medial vestibular neuronal responses mediated by both P2X and P2Y purinoceptors can be distinguished. Comparison of their properties with those of recombinantly expressed P2X and P2Y receptors suggests that these endogenous P2 purinoceptor types differ in several important aspects from heterologously expressed recombinant receptors identified from cloning studies.

Cellular action of nicardipine.

Nicardipine, a calcium antagonist of the 1:4 dihydropyridine type, has been used to treat angina and hypertension and is currently being examined as an agent for treating ischemia of cerebral and myocardial tissue. Nicardipine shows high affinity for the dihydropyridine binding site (pKi = 9.7) and inhibits the L-type calcium ion channel as demonstrated by its ability to decrease the calcium ion-dependent action potential dose-dependently in ventricular papillary muscle (pIC50 = 7.15). Nicardipine shows greater potency in inhibiting the response of vascular smooth muscle (pIC50 = 8.20) than that of cardiac muscle (pIC50 = 7.15). The nicardipine selectivity for vascular smooth muscle is greater than that shown by other dihydropyridine calcium antagonists such as nifedipine and accounts for the efficacy of nicardipine in the treatment of angina and hypertension. Various mechanisms have been proposed to account for the beneficial action of nicardipine in treating animal models of cerebral ischemia and myocardial infarction. For example, it has been suggested that (1) nicardipine has a specific membrane-stabilizing effect on cell membranes, (2) the compound blocks certain sodium channels, (3) it may become concentrated in ischemic cells, or (4) it may stimulate calcium ion efflux from mitochondria, and these actions may account for the inhibition by nicardipine of veratrine-induced contraction of myocytes. In this study, some of these effects of nicardipine were examined. However, the suggestion that nicardipine concentrates in ischemic cells owing to the tertiary amine structure could not be conclusively demonstrated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Direct binding studies on ileal and cardiac muscarinic receptors.

1 Functional studies have indicated that muscarinic receptors in cardiac tissue differ from those in the ileum. In the present study ileal and cardiac muscarinic receptors identified by [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine ([3H]-NMS) were characterized and the selectivity of currently available ileal and atrial selective antagonists determined. 2 In terms of the current functional classification of muscarinic receptors both ileal and cardiac muscarinic receptors were of the M2 subtype based upon their low affinity for pirenzepine. 3 Cyclohexylphenyl(2-piperidinoethyl)silanol (CPPS), a highly ileal selective antagonist in functional studies, was unable to distinguish between ileal and atrial muscarinic receptors identified in binding studies. Furthermore, although AF-DX 116 and dicyclomine were able to differentiate atrial and ileal muscarinic receptors, neither compound was more than 2 fold selective. These data indicate that it is not possible to subclassify ileal and atrial muscarinic receptors using direct ligand binding studies with these antagonists. 4 In circular ileal smooth muscle, apparent heterogeneity of the M2 muscarinic receptor population was observed. Thus AF-DX 116 identified two populations of sites with affinities differing by 30 fold. These two populations of M2 muscarinic receptors may represent the typical M2 muscarinic receptors identified in cardiac tissue and the more recently discovered 'gland type' M2 muscarinic receptors. 5 The circular ileal smooth muscle tissue homogenate was able to decrease dramatically the apparent affinity of adiphenine. This activity, which appeared to result from a phenylmethylsulphonylfluoride (PMSF) sensitive protease effect, should be considered when conducting studies using this tissue preparation and compounds of similar structure to adiphenine.

High affinity P2x-purinoceptor binding sites for [35S]-adenosine 5'-O-[3-thiotriphosphate] in rat vas deferens membranes.

1. The binding sites labelled by [35S]-adenosine 5'-O-[3-thiotriphosphate]([35S]-ATP gamma S) at 4 degrees C in rat vas deferens membranes were studied and compared to the sites labelled by [3H]-alpha,beta-methylene ATP ([3H]-alpha beta meATP) to ascertain whether [35S]-ATP gamma S can be used to label the P2x purinoceptor. 2. In the presence of 4 mM CaCl2, the binding of 0.2 nM [35S]-ATP gamma S to vas deferens membranes was increased 3.4 fold, when compared to studies performed in the absence of calcium. However, binding did not appear to be solely to P2x purinoceptors since [35S]-ATP gamma S labelled a heterogeneous population of sites and about 72% of the sites possessed high affinity (pIC50 = 7.5) for guanosine 5'-O-[3-thiotriphosphate] (GTP gamma S). Even in the presence of 1 microM GTP gamma S, to occlude the sites with high affinity for GTP gamma S, the binding of [35S]-ATP gamma S was heterogeneous and since there was also evidence of extensive metabolism of ATP in the presence of calcium, the binding of [35S]-ATP gamma S under these conditions was not studied further. 3. In the absence of calcium ions, [35S]-ATP gamma S bound to a single population of sites (pKD = 9.23; Bmax = 4270 fmol mg-1 protein). Binding reached steady state within 3 h (t1/2 = 38 min), was stable for a further 4 h and was readily reversible upon addition of 10 microM unlabelled ATP gamma S (t1/2 = 45 min). In competition studies the binding of 0.2 nM [35S]-ATP gamma S was inhibited by a number of P2x purinoceptor agonists and antagonists, but not by adenosine receptor agonists, staurosporine (1 microM) or several ATPase inhibitors. The rank order of agonist affinity estimates (pIC50 values) in competing for the [35S]-ATP gamma S binding sites was: ATP (9.01), 2-methylthio- ATP (8.79), ATP gamma S (8.73), alpha beta meATP (7.57), ADP (7.24), beta, gamma-methylene ATP (7.18), L-beta, gamma-methylene ATP (5.83), alpha, beta-methylene ADP (4.36). 4. Affinity estimates (pIC50 values) for the P2x purinoceptor antagonists, suramin (5.20), pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (4.23), pyridoxal 5-phosphate (3.42), cibacron blue (5.70) and Evan's blue (5.79) were broadly similar to those obtained at the [3H]-alpha beta meATP binding sites in vas deferens. However, ATP, 2-methylthio-ATP, ATP gamma S and ADP displayed 17-512 fold higher affinity for the [35S]-ATP gamma S, than for the [3H]-alpha beta meATP binding sites, whereas alpha beta meATP and L-beta, gamma-methylene ATP displayed 5 and 28 fold, respectively, higher affinity for the [3H]-alpha beta meATP than for the [35S]-ATP gamma S binding sites. 5. The differences in agonist affinity for the [35S]-ATP gamma S and [3H]-alpha beta meATP binding sites probably reflect the fact that the former sites were labelled in the absence of calcium, while the latter sites were labelled in its presence. This could differentially affect ionisation state and/or metabolism of the nucleotides when using the two radioligands. Since affinity estimates for ATP, 2-methylthio-ATP, ATP gamma S, alpha beta meATP and L-beta, gamma-methylene ATP were different when calcium ions were omitted in studies using [3H]-alpha beta meATP but similar to the affinity estimates obtained at the [35S]-ATP gamma S binding sites labelled in the absence of calcium, it is likely that [35S]-ATP gamma S and [3H]-alpha beta meATP label the same sites in rat vas deferens. 6. We conclude that, in the absence of divalent cations, [35S]-ATP gamma S labels P2x purinoceptors in rat vas deferens and as such may represent a new, high specific activity, radioligand for the study of such receptors.

PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells contain an atypical muscarinic receptor binding site.

1. Kinetic, saturation and competition binding studies were conducted on the muscarinic receptor binding site labelled by [3H]-N-methylscopolamine [( 3H]-NMS) in intact PC12 cells and cell membranes. Similar studies were conducted on M1 receptors of rat cortex labelled with [3H]-pirenzepine and M2 and M3 receptors present in rat heart and submaxillary gland respectively, and labelled with [3H]-NMS. 2. The dissociation of [3H]-NMS from muscarinic receptors in PC12 cells was slower than dissociation from both M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors. 3. The Kd of [3H]-NMS in the PC12 cells was significantly lower than that obtained at the M2 and M3 receptor. 4. In competition studies the affinity data for pirenzepine, hexahydroadiphenine and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide were consistent with the presence of an M3 receptor in the PC12 cells. However, for AF-DX 116, cyclohexylphenyl(2-piperidinoethyl)silanol and methoctramine affinity estimates in PC12 cells were 3-6 fold lower than at the M3 receptor. 5. On the basis of these data we conclude that the muscarinic receptor present in the PC12 cells differs from the M1, M2 and M3 subtypes already described.

Serum constituents can affect 2'-& 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP potency at P2X(7) receptors.

1. 2'-& 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) is the prototypic agonist for P2X(7) receptors. In this study we demonstrate that bovine serum albumin (BSA) can affect the potency of BzATP at P2X receptors. 2. BzATP potency (pEC(50)) to stimulate ethidium accumulation in cells expressing recombinant P2X7 receptors varied between 6.5 and 4, depending upon the species orthologue studied and ionic conditions employed. BSA (0.1 - 1 mg ml(-1)) and foetal bovine serum (FBS, 1 - 10% v v(-1)) inhibited responses to BzATP but only when the BzATP pEC(50) exceeded 5. 3. BSA did not block ATP-stimulated ethidium accumulation, suggesting its effects were independent of P2X(7) receptor blockade. 4. BSA did not cause breakdown of nucleotides, although FBS (10% v v(-1)) exhibited appreciable nucleotidase activity and caused significant breakdown of ATP. 5. In the presence of BSA, lipids such as 11-((5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulphonyl)amino)undecanoic acid (DAUDA) and arachidonic acid (AA) markedly increased BzATP potency. Lipids had no affect on ATP potency in the presence of BSA and had little effect on responses to BzATP in the absence of BSA. 6. These results suggested that the reduction in BzATP potency by BSA was due to BzATP binding to BSA and that lipids prevented this binding. Consistent with this hypothesis, BzATP inhibited binding of the fluorescent lipid, DAUDA, to BSA. 7. In conclusion, BSA and lipids can markedly affect BzATP potency at P2X(7) receptors but this is probably a consequence of BzATP binding to BSA. This finding has important implications when using BzATP in vivo or in the presence of albumin.

Characterization of the muscarinic receptor subtype mediating contractions of the guinea-pig uterus.

The muscarinic receptor present on the guinea-pig uterus has been characterized by use of both functional and radioligand binding studies. The contractile responses to carbachol were antagonized by atropine, pirenzepine, methoctramine and hexamethonium with pA2 values consistent with the presence of an M2 receptor (i.e. 9.5, 7.0, 8.0 and 3.7 respectively). In binding studies, pKi values were also observed for pirenzepine, methoctramine and AF-DX 116 which were consistent with the presence of a homogeneous M2 receptor population (i.e. 6.6, 7.9 and 7.1 respectively). The uterus therefore possesses M2 receptors through which a functional contractile response is mediated and in this respect it is clearly different from other smooth muscles. M2 receptors in the uterus mediate excitatory responses, an effect in contrast to their action in other tissues.

The human astrocytoma cell line 1321 N1 contains M2-glandular type muscarinic receptors linked to phosphoinositide turnover.

1. Muscarinic receptors present in the human astrocytoma cell line 1321 N1 were characterized in radioligand binding studies and in functional studies of carbachol-stimulated phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover. 2. In radioligand binding studies the muscarinic receptor in intact cells could be labelled using [3H]-N-methylscopolamine ([3H]-NMS) but not by [3H]-pirenzepine. In the intact cells these receptors displayed low pirenzepine affinity (pKi = 6.83) indicating that they were not of the M1 subtype. Furthermore, the 1321 N1 muscarinic receptors displayed low affinity for the two M2-cardiac selective ligands methoctramine (pKi = 5.82) and AF-DX 116 (pKi = 6.29). This pharmacology was consistent with the 1321 N1 cells containing a single population of muscarinic receptors that displayed a similar pharmacology to the M2-receptor present in exocrine gland tissue. 3. The M2-gland nature of the receptors was further indicated in the functional studies where antagonist affinities were determined from their ability to antagonize carbachol-stimulated PI turnover in 1321 N1 cells. pA2 values for pirenzepine (7.31), methoctramine (6.10) and AF-DX 116 (6.52) were similar to those determined in the binding studies. 4. From these studies we conclude that 1321 N1 astrocytoma cells contain an M2-gland muscarinic receptor which mediates muscarinic receptor-mediated stimulation of PI turnover in these cells.