Effectiveness of anthracycline against experimental prion disease in Syrian hamsters.

Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative conditions characterized by the accumulation of protease-resistant forms of the prion protein (PrP), termed PrPres, in the brain. Insoluble PrPres tends to aggregate into amyloid fibrils. The anthracycline 4'-iodo-4'-deoxy-doxorubicin (IDX) binds to amyloid fibrils and induces amyloid resorption in patients with systemic amyloidosis. To test IDX in an experimental model of prion disease, Syrian hamsters were inoculated intracerebrally either with scrapie-infected brain homogenate or with infected homogenate coincubated with IDX. In IDX-treated hamsters, clinical signs of disease were delayed and survival time was prolonged. Neuropathological examination showed a parallel delay in the appearance of brain changes and in the accumulation of PrPres and PrP amyloid.

Reboxetine: a pharmacologically potent, selective, and specific norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Reboxetine is a potent antidepressant, with efficacy comparable to that of imipramine, desipramine, and fluoxetine, and has improved side-effect profile. The basis of its efficacy and improved tolerability is sought through studies of reboxetine in a number of pharmacological models of depression. METHODS: Pharmacological selectivity for uptake systems was defined by uptake and binding assays for the three monoamine uptake sites. Specificity was determined in 39 different receptor and 6 enzyme assays. In vivo selectivity was defined by measurement of neuronal firing rates in the locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe, and substantia nigra. Reserpine-induced blepharospasm and hypothermia, clonidine-induced hypothermia, defined reboxetine's in vivo pharmacology. Reboxetine's antidepressant potential was evaluated behaviorally by the tail-suspension test, forced swimming, and the DRL72 operant responding test. RESULTS: Reboxetine is a potent, selective, and specific norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (selective NRI) as determined by both in vitro and in vivo measurements. Unlike desipramine or imipramine, reboxetine has weak affinity (Ki > 1,000 nmol/L)for muscarinic, histaminergic H1, adrenergic alpha1, and dopaminergic D2 receptors. In vivo action of reboxetine is entirely consistent with the pharmacological action of an antidepressant with preferential action at the norepinephrine reuptake site. Reboxetine showed an antidepressant profile in all tests of antidepressant activity used. Significant decreases in immobility were observed in the tail suspension test and behavioral despair test. Increased efficiency in responding was observed in the DRL72 test. CONCLUSIONS: Reboxetine is a potent, selective, and specific noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor. It has a superior pharmacological selectivity to existing tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors when tested in a large number of in vitro and in vivo systems. Given the pharmacological profile, reboxetine is expected to be a selective and potent tool for psychopharmacological research. The use of reboxetine in the clinic will also help clarify the role norepinephrine plays in depression.

1-aryl-4-[(1-tetralinyl)alkyl]piperazines: alkylamido and alkylamino derivatives. Synthesis, 5-HT1A receptor affinity, and selectivity. 3.

The synthesis and binding profile on 5-HT1A, 5-HT2, D-1, D-2, alpha 1, and alpha 2 receptors of the N-4 long-chain arylpiperazines 22-40 are reported, where an amino or amido function is inserted into the intermediate chain linked to the alpha position of the tetralin nucleus. Unlike the buspirone analogues, for the amido derivatives studied in this paper, the terminal amide function of long-chain piperazines is not important for 5-HT1A receptor affinity binding, and its removal yields high-affinity 5-HT1A receptor agents.

Structure-activity relationship studies on the 5-HT(1A) receptor affinity of 1-phenyl-4-[omega-(alpha- or beta-tetralinyl)alkyl]piperazines. 4.

The synthesis of 1-phenylpiperazines, linked in the alpha or beta position of the tetralin moiety on the terminal part of the N-4 alkyl chain, and their radioligand binding affinities for 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), D-1, D-2, alpha1, and alpha2 receptors along with SAR studies on the 5-HT(1A) receptor are reported. Several changes have been carried out on previous structures of type 2, by inserting the alkyl chain with variable length in the alpha or beta position of the tetralin moiety and by changing the position of the methoxy group on the aromatic ring of the tetralin nucleus. The highest affinity (IC50 = 0.50 nM) and selectivity for the 5-HT(1A) receptor were showed by 1-phenylpiperazine 2a with a three-membered alkyl chain bearing a 5-methoxytetralin-1-yl ring in the omega position.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of a new class of 2-[(arylalky)amino]alkanamide derivatives.

Although most epilepsies are adequately treated by conventional antiepileptic therapy, there remains an unfulfilled need for safer and more effective anticonvulsant agents. Starting from milacemide, a weak anticonvulsant, and trying to elucidate its mechanism of action, we discovered a structurally novel class of potent and preclinically safe anticonvulsants. Here we report the structure-activity relationship (SAR) study within this series of compounds. Different parts of the structural lead 2-[[4-(3-chlorobenzoxy)benzyl]amino]acetamide (6) were thus varied (Figure 1), and many potent anticonvulsants were found. As an outcome of this study, 57 ((S)-2-[[4-(3-fluorobenzoxy)benzyl]amino]propanamide methanesulfonate, PNU-151774E) emerged as a promising candidate for further development for its potent anticonvulsant activity and outstanding therapeutic indexes (TIs) in different animal tests.

Effects of amperozide, 8-OH-DPAT, and FG 5974 on operant responding for ethanol.

Both 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors have been implicated in modulating ethanol self-administration. A novel serotonergic compound, FG 5974, with combined 5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist activities, has shown effects in decreasing ethanol consumption in two-bottle choice paradigms. In the present study, the effect of this compound on operant responding for ethanol (as well as water and a saccharin solution) was compared to compounds possessing the separate neuropharmacological effects of this drug (the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, and the 5-HT2A antagonist, amperozide). While all three serotonergic compounds decreased operant responding for ethanol, only FG 5974 had no effect on water and saccharin responding. These results suggest that combined 5HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist activity provides a more selective effect on ethanol reinforcement than either neuropharmacological action alone. Therefore, further analysis of mixed serotonergic compounds in general, and FG 5974 in particular, is warranted as they offer potential treatments for alcoholism.

PNU-151774E protects against kainate-induced status epilepticus and hippocampal lesions in the rat.

Kainic acid-induced multifocal status epilepticus in the rat is a model of medically intractable complex partial seizures and neurotoxicity. The exact mechanisms of kainic acid epileptogenic and neurotoxic effects are unknown, but enhanced glutamate release seems to be an important factor. PNU-151774E ((S)-(+)-2-(4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino) propanamide, methanesulfonate) is a broad-spectrum new anticonvulsant with Na+ channel-blocking and glutamate release inhibiting properties. We have examined the effect of pretreatment with this compound on both seizure activity and hippocampal neuronal damage induced by systemic injection of kainic acid in rats. Lamotrigine, a recently developed anticonvulsant with similar glutamate release inhibitory properties, was tested for comparison, together with diazepam as reference standard, on the basis of its anticonvulsant and neuroprotectant properties in this animal model. PNU-151774E, lamotrigine (10, 30 mg/kg; i.p.) and diazepam (20 mg/kg; i.p.) were administered 15 min before kainic acid (10 mg/kg; i.p.). In the vehicle-treated group, kainic acid injection caused status epilepticus in 86% of animals. Hippocampal neuronal cell loss was 66% in the CA4 hippocampal area at 7 days after kainic acid administration. Diazepam inhibited both seizures and neurotoxicity. Lamotrigine reduced hippocampal neuronal cell loss at both doses, even when it did not protect from seizures, although it showed a trend toward protection. On the other hand PNU-151774E protected from both hippocampal neurodegeneration and status epilepticus. Thus, these data support the concept that seizure prevention and neuroprotection might not be tightly coupled. Glutamate release inhibition may play a major role in neuroprotection, but an additional mechanism(s) of action might be relevant for the anticonvulsant activity of PNU-151774E in this model.

Effects of nicergoline on age-related decrements in radial maze performance and acetylcholine levels.

The effects of chronic oral administration of nicergoline (5.0 mg/kg; bid) on locomotor activity, eight-arm radial maze performance plus striatal, cortical, and hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) levels were examined in young and aged Wistar rats. Chronic nicergoline administration did not modify either the locomotor activity or radial maze learning in young rats. Young rats learned the radial maze procedure rapidly and improved their performance throughout the successive training sessions. Radial maze performance in young rats was characterised by very few arm reentries. Aged rats were hypoactive and did not explore or enter the radial maze arms, and consequently performed poorly in the radial maze throughout the training sessions. Nicergoline treatment did not significantly modify locomotor activity in aged rats. Aged rats treated with nicergoline also performed poorly initially but improved with repeated training in the radial maze. This improvement was associated with an increasing number of arms being entered and very few arm reentries. Reduced acetylcholine (ACh) levels were also associated with age. Aged rats had significantly reduced levels of ACh in the straitum and cortex, but not the hippocampus as compared to young rats. Nicergoline treatment did not change ACh levels in young rats, but substantially restored the reduced ACh levels in aged rats. These results indicate that nicergoline is an effective cognitive enhancer in a learning model of age-related deficits and that these results may be related to changes in the cholinergic system.

Dietary self-selection and intake of protein and energy is altered by the form of the diets.

The technique of dietary self-selection has been widely used to investigate proposed mechanisms of protein and carbohydrate regulation and to substantiate theories relating nutrients, brain chemistry and behaviour. These experiments have produced conflicting results which might be accounted for by differences in experimental variables or in the different techniques used to measure self-selection. The possibility that the sensory qualities of diets might alter dietary self-selection was examined in three groups of rats self-selecting protein and carbohydrate from pairs of isocaloric diets in which the physical form (finely-milled casein/corn starch powder, granular casein/corn starch powder and gelled finely-milled casein/corn starch), but not the nutrient composition of each pair was varied. In addition, since the serotonergic drug fenfluramine has been frequently used to influence dietary selection, the effects of this drug on the selection of protein and carbohydrate from the three diets were also examined. The selection of particular diets and consequently protein and carbohydrate intake was markedly altered by the form of the diet. Furthermore, the effects of fenfluramine on diet selection were also modified significantly by the form of the diet. These results suggest that intake of certain nutrients is not strictly regulated at a particular fixed value and that drug-induced changes of self-selection behaviour must be interpreted cautiously.

Association of altered brain norephinephrine and serotonin with the obesity induced by goldthioglucose in mice.

Two experiments examined the possibility that mice rendered obese by systemic injection of goldthioglucose (GTG) possess altered endogenous levels of brain norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5HT) and/or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA). In the first experiment, single-housed GTG-obese mice were found to have normal brain DA and 5HIAA but 14% less NE and 6% less 5HT than controls. This neurochemical profile was strikingly similar to that previously reported for rats rendered obese by ventromedial hypothalamic lesions (i.e., normal DA and 5HIAA, 19% less NE, 7% less 5HT). However, in the second experiment, equally obese GTG mice pair-housed with non-obese controls showed normal DA, 5HIAA, and NE but 9% more 5HT than controls. In other words, absolute levels of these brain substances were inconsistent with respect to obesity across experiments. On the other hand, when ratios of all possible combinations of these compounds were compared across experiments, only 5HT/NE ratios were consistently different (higher) in GTG mice. In addition, reliable inverse correlations were obtained between weight gain parameters and brain 5HT/NE or 5HIAA/NE ratios for GTG mice. These findings suggest that interactions between brain 5HT and NE neurons may contribute to the overeating and obesity which occur in mice after GTG administration.

Synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of dopaminergic ergoline derivatives.

A series of ergoline-amides was synthesised in the discovery of new dopaminomimetic agents. Several compounds exhibited in vivo high prolactin lowering activity (indirectly measured by the nidation test) in rats. For the most active, the potential anti-Parkinson activity was evaluated by observation of the contralateral turning behaviour in 6-OH-DA lesioned rats. The acute toxicity by oral route in mice was also studied.

Herbert screw fixation of fracture of the head of the radius.

Herbert screw fixation of simple displaced fractures of the radial head involving up to one-half the articular surface is a reliable and effective technique. Following accurate reduction, the fracture surfaces are compressed with the Herbert scaphoid clamp and internally fixed with a Herbert screw, which is appropriately buried beneath the articular cartilage. Preliminary observations on two cases demonstrate rapid union and return of function occurring with anatomic reduction and sound fixation.

Protein and carbohydrate self-selection: modification of the effects of fenfluramine and amphetamine by age and feeding regimen.

Age and daily restricted feeding are two frequently manipulated procedural variables that have been shown to alter dietary self-selection of protein and carbohydrate in rats. This study examined whether age and restricted feeding could further interact with drugs such as fenfluramine and amphetamine that are used to manipulate dietary self-selection. At the time of peak blood levels, fenfluramine spared relative intake of protein (as reflected in an increase in %P-E ratio of protein to total energy consumed). This effect, however, was significant at only some doses of fenfluramine and in some groups. At the times of peak blood levels of amphetamine, sparing of protein intake was never observed. In contrast, amphetamine tended to suppress protein intake (decrease in %P-E). This effect was dose-related (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg) in the adult, free-feeding rats, but not apparent in food-restricted rats. Consequently the effect of drugs on the self-selection of protein and carbohydrate diets is influenced by both age and feeding regimen. These results have implications for proposed neurochemical and hormonal hypotheses of protein and carbohydrate regulation as well as the design and interpretation of self-selection experiments.

Selective inhibition of alcohol intake in diverse alcohol-preferring rat strains by the 5-HT2A antagonists amperozide and FG 5974.

The present studies sought to elucidate the role of 5-HT2A receptor antagonists in suppressing alcohol intake by comparing the effects of amperozide and FG 5974 on alcohol, food, and water intake in strains of alcohol-preferring rats: P, Alko Alcohol (AA), and Fawn-Hooded (FH). Both amperozide and FG 5974 have 5-HT2A receptor antagonist properties, but FG 5974 also shows presynaptic 5-HT1A receptor agonist activity. After establishment of stable baselines for intake measures in a two-bottle continuous access paradigm, rats (n = 10) were injected with 1 of 5 doses (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg, sc) of amperozide or FG 5974 at weekly intervals. Amperozide dose-dependently reduced alcohol intake, total fluid intake, and alcohol preference in all three strains under continuous access conditions, whereas FG 5974 was less effective. Food intake was also suppressed by amperozide at higher doses, whereas it was increased by FG 5974. Amperozide also dose-dependently reduced alcohol intake when it was available for only 1 hr/day, but FG 5974 tended to increase it. After oral administration, amperozide was also more effective than FG 5974 in reducing alcohol intake. Despite these differences in efficacy in suppressing alcohol intake, both compounds produced taste aversion to a novel saccharin solution. These complex findings suggest that biochemical properties other than 5-HT2A receptor antagonism (e.g., 5-HT1A receptor agonism) may be involved in the effects of amperozide and FG 5974 on alcohol intake and other consummatory behaviors.

Anticonvulsant activity of PNU-151774E in the amygdala kindled model of complex partial seizures.

PURPOSE: PNU-151774E [(S)-(+)-2-(4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino) propanamide, methanesulfonate] is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) with a broad spectrum of activity in a variety of chemically and mechanically induced seizures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of PNU-151774E in the amygdala fully kindled rat model of complex partial seizures, and to compare its effects with those of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), lamotrigine (LTG), and gabapentin (GBP), drugs used to treat this disease state. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were stimulated daily through electrodes implanted in the amygdala with a threshold current until fully generalized seizures developed. The rats were then treated with various doses of a single compound. Control values for each rat and drug dose were determined after vehicle administration followed by electrical stimulation 1 day before drug treatment. RESULTS: PNU-151774E (1, 10, 30 mg/kg; i.p.) reduced the duration of behavioral seizures significantly and dose-dependently at doses starting from 1 mg/kg. Higher doses significantly reduced seizure severity and afterdischarge duration. In contrast, no dose-related effects were noted after administration of PHT, whereas after CBZ treatment, a plateau of activity was noted from the intermediate to higher doses. The effects of PNU-151774E were comparable to those of LTG and GBP. CONCLUSIONS: The activity shown by PNU-151774E at doses similar to those that are active in models of generalized seizures indicates that PNU-151774E would also have potential efficacy in the treatment of complex partial seizures.

Sodium channel activity and sigma binding of 2-aminopropanamide anticonvulsants.

Sodium channel blocking, anticonvulsant activity, and sigma (sigma) binding of selected leads in a series of alpha-amino amide anticonvulsants were examined. While anticonvulsant compounds were always endowed with low micromolar sodium (Na+) channel site-2 binding, compounds with low site-2 Na+ channel affinity failed to control seizures. No correlation could be drawn with sigma1 binding. Both anticonvulsant and Na+ channel blocking activities were independent of stereochemistry, while sigma1 binding seems to be favoured by an S-configuration on the aminoamide moiety.

Serotonergic ergoline derivatives.

Novel classes of 13- and 14-tertbutyl-ergoline derivatives were prepared, and characterised in vitro for their affinity for adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic binding sites. This study particularly examines the importance of the presence and the position of the tert-butyl group in conferring either significant 5-HT1A or 5-HT2 affinity and selectivity respectively.