N-[3-(2-Dimethylaminoethyl)-2-methyl-1H- indol-5-yl]-4-fluorobenzamide: a potent, selective, and orally active 5-HT(1F) receptor agonist potentially useful for migraine therapy.

Recent studies have demonstrated that selective 5-HT(1F) receptor agonists inhibit neurogenic dural inflammation, a model of migraine headache, indicating that these compounds may be effective therapies for the treatment of migraine pain. This communication describes the synthesis and discovery of a novel compound, N-[3-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl]-4-fluorobenzamide (4), which possesses high binding affinity and selectivity at the 5-HT(1F) receptor relative to more than 40 other serotonergic and nonserotonergic receptors examined.

The novel 5-Hydroxytryptamine(1A) antagonist LY426965: effects on nicotine withdrawal and interactions with fluoxetine.

LY426965 [(2S)-(+)-1-cyclohexyl-4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]2-methyl- 2-phenyl-1-butanone monohydrochloride] is a novel compound with high affinity for the cloned human 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)(1A) receptor (K(i) = 4.66 nM) and 20-fold or greater selectivity over other serotonin and nonserotonin receptor subtypes. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that LY426965 is a full antagonist and has no partial agonist properties. LY426965 did not stimulate [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio) triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding to homogenates of cells expressing the cloned human 5-HT(1A) receptor in vitro but did inhibit 300 nM 5-HT-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding with a K(i) value of 3.07 nM. After both p.o. and s.c. administration, LY426965 blocked the lower lip retraction, flat body posture, hypothermia, and increase in rat serum corticosterone induced by the 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin). In pigeons, LY426965 dose-dependently blocked the stimulus cue induced by 8-OH-DPAT but had no 8-OH-DPAT-like discriminative properties. LY426965 completely reversed the effects of nicotine withdrawal on the auditory startle reflex in rats. In microdialysis experiments, LY426965 administered together with fluoxetine significantly increased extracellular levels of serotonin above those achievable with fluoxetine alone. In electrophysiological studies, the administration of LY426965 produced a slight elevation of the firing rate of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of anesthetized rats and both blocked and reversed the effects of fluoxetine on 5-HT neuronal activity. These preclinical results indicate that LY426965 is a selective, full 5-HT(1A) antagonist that may have clinical use as pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation and depression and related disorders.

N-Methyl-5-tert-butyltryptamine: A novel, highly potent 5-HT1D receptor agonist.

It has been observed that reported 5-HT1D receptor agonists have at least one heteroatom (N, O, or S) on the 5-substituent of the indole. This has led to the hypothesis that a 5-substituent capable of participating in hydrogen bonding is critical for conveying high affinity. This article describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of 5-alkyltryptamine analogues, which does not have a heteroatom in the 5-substituent group. In contrast to the hypothesis, 5-alkyltryptamines all exhibit high binding affinities for the human 5-HT1D receptor. The size of the lipophilic alkyl group at the 5-position of the indole has significant impact on the 5-HT1D binding affinity. Compounds with a tert-butyl group at the 5-position such as 9d, 10, and 11 were identified. These analogues display high binding affinity (Ki < 1 nM) and moderate receptor selectivity in comparison with known antimigraine agents such as sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and VML-251.

Multiple subtypes of serotonin receptors are expressed in rat sensory neurons in culture.

[3H]5-HT revealed the presence of serotonin receptors in cultured rat sensory neurons. [3H]5-CT binding was inhibited by cyanopindolol with an IC50 of 0.87 +/- 0.30 nM, suggesting the expression of the 5-HT1B receptor in these neurons. The presence of 5-HT1B receptors was confirmed by the displacement of [125I]Iodocyanopindolol binding by cyanopindolol with an IC50 of 2.43 +/- 0.81 nM. 5-HT1B receptors are the predominant type of serotonin receptors labeled by [3H]5-HT in cultured DRG neurons, representing approximately 60% of the specific [3H]5-HT binding sites. In addition, 5-HT1D and 5-HT2A receptor binding was also found in these neurons. RT-PCR analysis of RNA isolated from embryonic sensory neurons in culture confirmed the expression of 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D and 5-HT2A receptor mRNA. It also demonstrated the presence of 5-HT1F, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, 5-HT4, 5-HT5A and 5-HT5B receptor mRNA and the absence of 5-HT1A, 5-HT1E, 5-HT2B, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 mRNA. The identification of multiple subtypes of serotonin receptors expressed in cultured embryonic sensory neurons suggests that DRG neuronal cultures may be an excellent model to examine the direct effects of serotonin on the activity of these sensory neurons.

Native 5-HT1B receptors expressed in OK cells display dual coupling to elevation of intracellular calcium concentrations and inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

The opossum kidney (OK) cell line has been shown previously to express endogenous 5-HT1B receptors which negatively couple to adenylate cyclase. Since other Gi-linked receptors have been shown to inhibit adenylate cyclase and to elevate intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), studies were initiated to determine whether native opossum 5-HT1B receptors could also display dual coupling to these signal transduction mechanisms. Saturation studies using [125I](-)-iodocyanopindolol ([125I]CYP) to radiolabel the 5-HT1B receptor in OK cell membranes (in the presence of 3 microM (-)-isoproterenol to mask beta-adrenergic receptors) yielded an equilibrium dissociation constant (pKd) of 10.04 and binding site density (Bmax) of 55 fmol/mg protein. Exposure of intact OK cells to 5-HT, CP 93,129, a selective rodent 5-HT1B receptor agonist, and (+/-)-cyanopindolol, a mixed 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist/antagonist, produced concentration-dependent inhibitions of forskolin (3 MM)-stimulated cAMP accumulation (FSCA; Emax=90-95%) and elevations of [Ca2+]i (Emax approximately 200 nM increase above basal levels). Agonist potencies (pEC50) ranged from 9.7 to 8.1 and were comparable between the two second messenger assays, although slightly higher agonist potencies (approximately three-fold) were observed in the cAMP assay. GR 127,935, a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, behaved as a strong partial agonist in both the cAMP and calcium assays, with an intrinsic activity of 0.7 relative to 5-HT. Methiothepin, a nonselective 5-HT receptor antagonist, competitively antagonized the inhibitory cAMP response elicited by CP 93,129, yielding an apparent pKb value of 7.3. Methiothepin (10 microM) completely antagonized the stimulatory calcium response evoked by a saturating concentration of CP 93,129 (100 nM). Pertussis toxin pretreatment blocked the CP 93,129-induced inhibition of FSCA and elevation of [Ca2+]i in OK cells, indicating the involvement of Gi/o proteins in transducing these second messenger responses. The agonist properties of (+/-)-cyanopindolol and GR 127,935 observed in both second messenger assays suggests that a large degree of receptor reserve may be present, even though 5-HT1B receptor expression is low in OK cells. The OK cell line continues to serve as a model system to investigate 5-HT1B receptor-mediated signaling events.

Functional characterization of the recombinant human 5-hydroxytryptamine7(a) receptor isoform coupled to adenylate cyclase stimulation.

Functional characterization of the recombinant human 5-hydroxytryptamine7(a) (h5-HT7(a)) receptor isoform was performed using stably transfected LM(tk-) cells. Expression levels of the h5-HT7(a) receptor determined from saturation studies using either a labeled agonist ([3H]5-HT) or antagonist ([3H]LSD) were very similar (Bmax = 160-190 fmol/mg protein), suggesting that all receptors may exist in the high affinity (G protein-coupled) state. In intact cells, 5-HT produced a concentration-dependent elevation of intracellular cAMP levels ([cAMP]i) with an EC50 value of 80 nM and a maximal response of 5-fold increase above basal levels. The rank order of agonist potencies in the second messenger assay paralleled their rank order of binding affinities: 5-carboxamidotryptamine > 5-hydroxytryptamine >/= 5-methoxytryptamine > 8-hydroxy N,N-dipropyl aminotetralin > sumatriptan. Agonist potencies (EC50 values) to stimulate [cAMP]i were more than 25-fold lower relative to their respective binding affinities (Ki values) obtained in [3H]5-HT competition assays. In contrast, antagonist potencies (Kb values) to block 5-HT-stimulated [cAMP]i were in close agreement with their corresponding Ki values. These data may indicate low efficiency of receptor-effector coupling to adenylate cyclase stimulation. Pretreatment of stably transfected cells with cholera toxin abolished the 5-HT-mediated elevation of [cAMP]i, indicating that the 5-HT7(a) subtype directly interacts with Galphas protein(s) to activate adenylate cyclase(s). Clonal cell lines stably expressing h5-HT7 receptor isoforms will serve as valuable cellular models to study their function and regulation, as well as assist in the development of selective 5-HT7 receptor agents to uncover the biological roles and potential therapeutic applications of this novel receptor subtype.

5-HT1F receptor agonists inhibit neurogenic dural inflammation in guinea pigs.

The serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype mediating inhibition of neurogenic dural inflammation in guinea pigs was investigated using a series of serotonin agonists with differing affinities for the 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D and 5-HT1F receptors. When agonist potencies for inhibiting neurogenic inflammation were compared with affinities for these receptor subtypes, a significant positive correlation was seen only with the 5-HT1F receptor. The potency of agonists in inhibiting adenylate cyclase in cells transfected with human 5-HT1F receptor was also highly correlated with their potency in the animal model of migraine. In situ hybridization demonstrated 5-HT1F receptor mRNA in guinea pig trigeminal ganglion neurons. These data suggest that the 5-HT1F receptor is a rational target for migraine therapeutics.

Molecular cloning and pharmacological characterization of guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors.

Human 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors have been implicated as molecular targets for the treatment of acute migraine based upon the pharmacological actions and clinical efficacy of sumatriptan, an agonist for human 5-HT1B/1D receptors. The guinea pig has served as an animal model to assess 5-HT1B/1D receptor function, most recently in evaluating 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists as potential anti-migraine agents. Since two distinct, but closely-related receptors displaying "5-HT1D receptor pharmacology" have been cloned previously from most mammalian species, the genes encoding these receptors were isolated from a guinea pig liver genomic DNA library using oligonucleotide probes targeted to nonconserved regions of recombinant human 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. Sequence analysis indicates that guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors are comprised 390 and 378 amino acids, respectively. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes show that they display overall and transmembrane (TM) identities of 63% and 77%, respectively. Both clones contain a conserved threonine residue in TM7, a structural feature imparting "5-HT1D receptor pharmacology". Guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor genes were transiently expressed in Cos-7 cells and their binding properties were evaluated using [3H]5-HT. Both cloned receptor subtypes displayed "5-HT1D receptor pharmacology" with the following rank order of binding affinities: 5-CT > 5-HT > sumatriptan > 8-OH-DPAT > (-)-pindolol. Ketanserin displayed modest (five-fold) 5-HT1D receptor selectivity, while methiothepin exhibited a similar selectivity for the 5-HT1B subtype. In particular, ketanserin exhibits profound differences in 5-HT1D receptor affinity (and selectivity) across species. High correlations were observed between the binding affinities of serotonergic ligands for 5-HT1D binding sites measured in guinea pig cortical membranes and both cloned guinea pig 5-HT1B (r2 = 0.88) and 5-HT1D (r2 = 0.80) receptors, indicating that the development of subtype selective compounds (i.e. 5-HT1B versus 5-HT1D) using native tissues may be more difficult to achieve without the advantage of using recombinant receptor subtypes. Additionally, there is a good correspondence between binding profiles of recombinant guinea pig 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptor subtypes and to their respective cloned human homologs. However, species differences in binding affinities of a subset of compounds are evident. These data extend previous observations that subtype selective (i.e. 5-HT1D) compounds identified in one species may not discriminate between closely related receptors (i.e. 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D) in all animal model systems.

Cloning and characterization of the guinea pig 5-HT1F receptor subtype: a comparison of the pharmacological profile to the human species homolog.

The anti-migraine compound, sumatriptan, has been shown to have substantial affinity for the cloned human 5-HT1F receptor suggesting that, in addition to 5-HT1B/5-HT1D receptor subtypes, the 5-HT1F receptor may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of migraine. Several investigators have used the guinea pig plasma extravasation model to evaluate potential anti-migraine drugs. Since species differences in the pharmacology of serotonin receptors are well known, we compared the pharmacological profiles of the cloned human and guinea pig 5-HT1F receptors in order to validate the usefulness of the in vivo model in predicting anti-migraine activity of compounds targeted for humans. We have cloned the guinea pig 5-HT1F by homology to the human 5-HT1F receptor and evaluated its pharmacological profile using radioligand binding assays. The cloned guinea pig 5-HT1F gene exhibited 94% amino acid identity to the corresponding human homolog. High affinity (Kd approximately 10 nM) [3H]5-HT binding was detected to membranes obtained from Cos-7 cells transiently expressing the guinea pig 5-HT1F receptor. The cloned guinea pig receptor displayed typical 5-HT1F receptor pharmacology with the following rank order of binding affinities: 5-HT > sumatriptan > 1-NP = DHE > alpha-methyl 5-HT > metergoline > methiothepin > 5-CT. The pharmacological profiles of the cloned guinea pig and human 5-HT1F receptors were very similar as reflected by the high correlation (r2 = 0.72, slope = 0.76) observed between the binding affinities of compounds for these two species homologs. In situ hybridization studies in guinea pig tissue revealed 5-HT1F receptor mRNA expression in the neurons of the trigeminal ganglion, suggesting that the 5-HT1F receptor may play a role in the presynaptic inhibition of neuropeptide release at the level of the intracranial vasculature, thereby blocking the development of neurogenic inflammation. Dorsal root ganglion cells also moderately expressed the 5-HT1F transcripts. The localization of the 5-HT1F receptor to areas involved in the mediation and transfer of nociceptive information implies a role for this receptor in pain processing. These findings indicate that a selective 5-HT1F agonist may be a novel approach to treat migraine.

Characterization of LY344864 as a pharmacological tool to study 5-HT1F receptors: binding affinities, brain penetration and activity in the neurogenic dural inflammation model of migraine.

LY344864 is a selective receptor agonist with an affinity of 6 nM (Ki) at the recently cloned 5-HT1F receptor. It possesses little affinity for the 56 other serotonergic and non-serotonergic neuronal binding sites examined. When examined for its ability to inhibit forskolin-induced cyclic AMP accumulation in cells stably transfected with human 5-HT1F receptors, LY344864 was shown to be a full agonist producing an effect similar in magnitude to serotonin itself. After an intravenous dose of 1 mg/kg, rat plasma LY344864 levels declined with time whereas brain cortex levels remained relatively constant for the first 6 hours after injection. Oral and intravenous LY344864 administration potently inhibited dural protein extravasation caused by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion in rats. Taken together, these data demonstrate that LY344864 is a selective 5-HT1F receptor agonist that can be used to explore both the in vitro and in vivo functions of this receptor.

Differences in ligand binding profiles between cloned rabbit and human 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptors: ketanserin and methiothepin distinguish rabbit 5-HT1D receptor subtypes.

The study of serotonin receptor function has been complicated by the extreme molecular diversity of serotonin receptor subtypes, the lack of selective agonists and antagonists for many of the subtypes, and divergence in the pharmacological properties of a single receptor subtype across different animal species. An example of this pharmacological diversity between species homologues is provided by the 5-HT1D receptor subfamily. To further advance the ability to characterize and pharmacologically compare functional responses mediated by native 5-HT1D receptors, we have cloned the 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes from the rabbit and evaluated their pharmacological profiles using radioligand binding assays. The deduced amino acid sequences of the rabbit 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor genes displayed 60% overall identity [75% transmembrane (TM) identity] to each other and > 90% overall identity (95% TM identity) to their corresponding human homologues. Two compounds were identified in binding assays which discriminated between the closely-related 5-HT1D receptors. Ketanserin exhibited high affinity (pKi = 7.66) and selectivity (> 20-fold) for the 5-HT1D alpha receptor while methiothepin displayed high affinity (pKi = 7.86) and selectivity (16-fold) for the 5-HT1D beta receptor subtype. The rabbit and human recombinant 5-HT1D receptors showed significant intraspecies (rabbit 5-HT1D alpha vs. 5-HT1D beta) and interspecies (i.e. rabbit vs. human 5-HT1D alpha) similarities in their ligand binding profiles. These data suggest that 5-HT1D-mediated responses in rabbit preparations may provide information relevant to the pharmacology of the 5-HT1D receptor subtypes in humans.

Pharmacological characterizations of recombinant human 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes coupled to adenylate cyclase inhibition in clonal cell lines: apparent differences in drug intrinsic efficacies between human 5-HT1D subtypes.

Recombinant human 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes were stably expressed in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts (1D alpha cell line) and Y-1 adrenocortical tumor cells (1D beta cell line), respectively, for pharmacological evaluations of serotonergic compounds to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation (FSCA). [3H]LSD saturation studies indicated that 5-HT1D receptor expression levels were slightly higher in the 1D beta cell line (Bmax = 1334 +/- 134 fmol/mg protein) than in the 1D alpha cell line (Bmax = 900 +/- 218 fmol/mg protein). 5-HT inhibited FSCA with similar potencies (EC50 approximately 2 nM) in both assay systems. The rank order of agonist potencies in both clonal cell lines matched their pharmacological profiles previously determined in binding studies: dihydroergotamine > or = 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) > LSD > or = 5-HT > sumatriptan > 1-naphthylpiperazine (1-NP) > yohimbine > 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH DPAT) > 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), with Ki/EC50 ratios greater than unity. Methiothepin acted as a silent antagonist at both human 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptors with apparent dissociation constants (Kb values) of 12 +/- 1 nM and 3 +/- 1 nM, respectively. Whereas GR 127,935, metergoline, DOI, and quipazine acted as full agonists in the 1D alpha cell line, these compounds behaved as partial agonists in the 1D beta cell line. To determine whether high levels of receptor reserve might mask partial agonist activity in the two second messenger assay systems, studies were performed using the irreversible receptor alkylating agent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). The relationships between receptor occupancy and inhibition of FSCA were determined for 5-HT, sumatriptan, and 1-NP in both clonal cell lines after partial receptor inactivation using Furchgott analysis. Hyperbolic relationships between receptor occupancy and second messenger response were determined for 5-HT in both transfected cell lines. Steep hyperbolic relationships were also found for sumatriptan and 1-NP in the 1D beta cell line whereas nearly linear relationships were observed for these two compounds in the 1D alpha cell line. Moreover, KA/EC50 ratios of these compounds were significantly larger in the 1D beta (10-32) as compared to the 1D alpha (0.9-2.5) cell line. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the two heterologous expression systems contain a differential amount of receptor reserve. Despite the presence of an apparently larger-receptor reserve in the 1D beta cell line, GR 127,935, metergoline, DOI, and quipazine behaved as partial agonists. Although the potencies (EC50 values) of compounds matched their respective affinity constants (Ki values) for the closely-related 5-HT1D subtypes, differences in intrinsic activities were observed for a few compounds between the two 5-HT1D receptor expression systems. Since receptor reserve is dependent on the properties of both the assay system and drug, the observed variations in intrinsic activity, although influenced by the variable amounts of receptor reserve in the two transfected cell lines, reflect primarily system-independent differences in the intrinsic efficacy of the tested compounds at the two human 5-HT1D receptors. Higher intrinsic efficacies of compounds at the human 5-HT1D alpha receptor relative to the human 5-HT1D beta subtype may be responsible for the higher intrinsic activities observed in the 1D alpha cell line, even though receptor reserve is apparently lower in this system.

LY215840, a high-affinity 5-HT7 receptor ligand, blocks serotonin-induced relaxation in canine coronary artery.

The canine coronary artery possesses a smooth muscle relaxant serotonin (5-HT) receptor distinct from previously characterized 5-HT receptors. On the basis of the ability of LY53857 to block weakly coronary smooth muscle relaxation to 5-HT, we examined several structurally related ergolines in endothelium denuded rings of canine coronary artery precontracted with PGF2 alpha (10 microM). 5-HT (10 nM-100 microM)-induced relaxation was antagonized competitively by the ergoline esters LY53857 (-log KB = 6.5) and sergolexole (-log KB = 6.4) and by the ergoline amide amersergide, (-log KB = 6.7). In contrast to the relatively low affinity of these ergolines, LY215840, another ergoline amide, antagonized 5-HT-induced relaxation in a competitive manner with the highest affinity (-log KB = 8.3). This effect was independent of the 5-HT2 receptor affinity of these ergolines, because LY215840, LY53857, sergolexole and amesergide all possessed similar 5-HT2 receptor affinity. Further, all four ergolines possessed affinity for the human 5-HT7 receptor, and LY215840 had the highest 5-HT7 receptor affinity (Ki = 14.7 nM). Finally, in vascular smooth muscle under basal tone, LY215840 (1 microM) blocked the relaxant response to high concentrations of 5-HT and 5-MeOT without altering their contractile potency. LY215840 (1 microM) did not alter contraction to sumatriptan, an agent that lacks relaxant activity. In contrast, LY215840 (1 microM) markedly potentiated contraction to 5-carboxamidotryptamine, the most potent coronary relaxant agonist and the agonist with the highest 5-HT7 receptor affinity. The ability of LY215840 to block the relaxant 5-HT receptor in canine coronary artery may reflect its 5-HT7 receptor antagonist activity and make it a useful tool to probe the relationship between the 5-HT7 receptor and the coronary vasoactive properties of 5-HT.

Ketanserin and ritanserin discriminate between recombinant human 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes.

Compounds able to discriminate functionally between the closely related cloned human 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor subtypes have not been reported previously. In [3H]5-HT competition assays, the classical 5-HT2A receptor antagonists, ritanserin and ketanserin, displayed moderate affinity (pKi = 7.30 and 7.17, respectively) and marked selectivity (22- and 71-fold, respectively) for the recombinant human 5-HT1D alpha subtype relative to the 5-HT1D beta receptor. In contrast, the nonselective 5-HT1/2 receptor antagonist, methiothepin, exhibited similar binding affinities (pKi = 7.64-8.01) for both recombinant 5-HT1D subtypes. The antagonistic properties of these compounds were evaluated for their ability to block 5-HT-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in intact cells stably expressing either 5-HT1D alpha or 5-HT1D beta receptors. All three compounds behaved as antagonists devoid of intrinsic activity in the functional assays. The apparent pKb values determined in functional assays closely matched their pKi values obtained in binding assays. Since ketanserin exhibits significant selectivity for the human 5-HT1D alpha receptor, this antagonist can be used as a pharmacological tool to discriminate between 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptor-mediated responses in human tissues.

Dual coupling of cloned human 5-hydroxytryptamine1D alpha and 5-hydroxytryptamine1D beta receptors stably expressed in murine fibroblasts: inhibition of adenylate cyclase and elevation of intracellular calcium concentrations via pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein(s).

The second messenger coupling of cloned human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta receptors stably expressed in murine fibroblasts (LM (tk-)) was investigated. Clonal cell lines expressing similar receptor densities (Bmax = 750-950 fmol/mg) were used in this study. 5-HT (EC50 = 1.5-2.0 nM) and sumatriptan (EC50 = 6-14 nM), a selective 5-HT1D agonist, produced dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in intact cells transfected with the 5-HT1D alpha or 5-HT1D beta receptor gene. The maximal inhibitory responses elicited by these agonists were slightly greater with the 5-HT1D alpha receptor (approximately 90%) than the 5-HT1D beta receptor (approximately 80%). 5-HT (EC50 = 1.7-2.4 nM) and sumatriptan (EC50 = 8-18 nM) also evoked dose-dependent elevations in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), with EC50 values that were indistinguishable from those for inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Cells expressing 5-HT1D beta receptors displayed significantly larger 5-HT-induced increases in [Ca2+]i than did cells expressing 5-HT1D alpha receptors (206 nM versus 114 nm increase; p < 0.01). Dose-dependent elevations in inositol phosphates (IP) were also observed after application of 5-HT (EC50 = 29-54 nM) or sumatriptan (EC50 = 73-481 nM); the maximal increases in IP accumulation were modest (51-69%) for both 5-HT1D subtypes. In contrast to the cAMP and calcium responses, the concentration-response curves for IP accumulation were shifted to the right at least 10-fold. Methiothepin, a nonselective 5-HT1 antagonist, competitively antagonized the cAMP response, yielding an apparent dissociation constant (Kb) of 3-4 nM for the 5-HT1D receptors. Methiothepin (10 microM) significantly reduced the elevations in [Ca2+]i (> 90%) and IP (> 75%) evoked by saturating concentrations (1 microM) of agonists. All three functional responses were significantly attenuated (> 90%) by pretreatment with 100 ng/ml pertussis toxin. The sumatriptan-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i via activation of the 5-HT1D subtypes may provide a molecular mechanism of action by which sumatriptan could directly constrict cerebral blood vessels and alleviate migraine symptoms.

Human gene S31 encodes the pharmacologically defined serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine1E receptor.

The gene encoding a human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1 receptor subtype was isolated from a human placental genomic library by using oligonucleotide probes derived from transmembrane regions of the cloned human 5-HT1D beta receptor. The deduced amino acid sequence of the genomic clone hp75d is identical to that of the recently isolated, but uncharacterized, novel serotonin receptor gene S31. Transmembrane domain sequence comparison of clone hp75d with other guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors revealed the highest degree of homology (64%) to the 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta subtypes and lower degrees of homology (35-52%) to other serotonergic and catecholaminergic receptors. A stable cell line expressing this gene was established, using murine fibroblasts as the host cell, for pharmacological evaluation. High affinity (Kd = 9.7 nM), saturable (Bmax = 2.4 pmol/mg of protein) [3H]5-HT binding was detected using membranes derived from stable transfectants. Most compounds displayed low affinity (K(i) greater than 200 nM) for the expressed gene, with the exception of 5-HT (K(i) = 10 nM). The rank order of potency of ligands to compete for the [3H]5-HT-labeled site best matched the binding profile of the pharmacologically defined 5-HT1E binding site, 5-HT greater than methysergide greater than ergotamine greater than 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin greater than 5-carboxyamidotryptamine greater than ketanserin. 5'-Guanylylimidodiphosphate decreased high affinity agonist ([3H]5-HT) binding in a dose-dependent manner. 5-HT produced a dose-dependent inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in intact cells stably expressing the 5-HT1E gene. The response was blocked by the nonselective 5-HT1 receptor antagonist methiothepin. The molecular biological and pharmacological data are consistent with the designation that clone hp75d encodes a functional 5-HT1E receptor.

Human serotonin 1D receptor is encoded by a subfamily of two distinct genes: 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta.

The serotonin 1D (5-HT1D) receptor is a pharmacologically defined binding site and functional receptor site. Observed variations in the properties of 5-HT1D receptors in different tissues have led to the speculation that multiple receptor proteins with slightly different properties may exist. We report here the cloning, deduced amino acid sequences, pharmacological properties, and second-messenger coupling of a pair of human 5-HT1D receptor genes, which we have designated 5-HT1D alpha and 5-HT1D beta due to their strong similarities in sequence, pharmacological properties, and second-messenger coupling. Both genes are free of introns in their coding regions, are expressed in the human cerebral cortex, and can couple to inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity. The pharmacological binding properties of these two human receptors are very similar, and match closely the pharmacological properties of human, bovine, and guinea pig 5-HT1D sites. Both receptors exhibit high-affinity binding of sumatriptan, a new anti-migraine medication, and thus are candidates for the pharmacological site of action of this drug.

Expression and pharmacological characterization of a canine 5-hydroxytryptamine1D receptor subtype.

RDC4 is a guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptor clone originally isolated from a canine thyroid cDNA library by Libert and colleagues [Science (Washington D. C.) 244:569-572 (1989)]. We have isolated the corresponding genomic clone for RDC4, have expressed this clone in murine LM (tk-) fibroblasts, and have determined that it encodes a serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine1D (5-HT1D) receptor. RDC4 is an intronless gene encoding a protein of 377 amino acids, which exhibits greatest sequence identity (43%) to the 5-HT1A receptor and lower overall homology to other serotonergic and catecholaminergic receptors. Membranes prepared from murine LM (tk-) fibroblasts stably transfected with this clone were shown to bind [3H]5-HT in a saturable manner and displayed an apparently homogeneous population of high affinity (Kd = 3.6 nM, Bmax = 275 fmol/mg of protein) [3H]5-HT binding sites. High affinity [3H] 5-HT binding was unchanged using assay conditions [1 microM (+/- )-pindolol and 1 microM (R)-(+/- )-SCH 23390) to pharmacologically mask 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1C receptors. Serotonergic ligands displaced specific [3H]5-HT binding with a rank order of potency expected of a 5-HT1D receptor subtype, 5-carboxyamidotryptamine greater than 5-HT greater than yohimbine greater than 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin greater than ketanserin = spiperone greater than zacopride. Further, transfected cells responded to addition of 5-HT by decreasing the level of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. These data indicate that the gene RDC4 encodes a functional 5-HT1D receptor.

Cloning, expression, and pharmacological characterization of a human alpha 2B-adrenergic receptor.

An alpha 2-adrenergic receptor subtype has been isolated from a human genomic spleen library using the human 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptor gene (also known as G-21) as a probe. This adrenergic receptor gene encodes a protein of 450 amino acids and does not contain any consensus sequences for N-linked glycosylation in its amino terminus or extracellular loops. This receptor is also distinguished by the presence of 12 consecutive glutamic acid residues in the region of its third intracellular loop. The deduced amino acid sequence shows greatest homology to previously cloned human alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and has structural similarities to other guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors. The DNA encoding the human alpha 2 receptor was stably transfected into mouse fibroblast Ltk- cells and radioligand binding studies were performed using the alpha 2 antagonist [3H]rauwolscine. [3H]Rauwolscine bound with high affinity (Kd = 0.33 nM) and in a saturable manner (Bmax = 1.4 pmol/mg of protein). Pharmacological characterization of this receptor indicated a rank order of potency of yohimbine greater than prazosin greater than oxymetazoline. Additionally, 100 microM 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate, produced a rightward shift in the epinephrine competition curve, with resultant increases in both the Ki value and Hill coefficient, suggestive of a functional interaction of the cloned receptor with native guanine nucleotide-binding protein(s) of Ltk- membranes. The data presented here are consistent with previous biochemical and pharmacological studies on alpha 2 receptors and are supportive of the designation of this receptor as an alpha 2B subtype.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive guanine nucleotide-binding protein(S) couple adenosine A1 and 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors to the same effector systems in rat hippocampus: biochemical and electrophysiological studies.

Distinct membrane receptors that elicit similar cellular responses may share elements of signal transduction. In the present study, rat hippocampal adenosine (AD) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors were chosen to test this possibility using biochemical and electrophysiological techniques. Responses elicited by the AD receptor that mediates the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in rat hippocampal membranes and hyperpolarization of resting membrane potential (RMP) in rat hippocampal pyramidal cells were characterized and compared, in the same preparation, with those analogous responses elicited by the 5-HT1A receptor. A series of AD agonists including the selective AD A1 agonist (R)-phenylisopropyladenosine [(R)-PIA] inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in rat hippocampal membranes in a concentration-dependent manner. Cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT), a selective AD A1 antagonist, was a potent, competitive antagonist of this response with a dissociation constant (Kb) of 6 nM (Schild analysis). The rank order of agonist EC50 values and antagonist Kb values, as well as stereoselectivity, are consistent with the classification of this receptor as the AD A1 receptor. Spiperone, a potent 5-HT1A antagonist, competitively antagonized 5-HT-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in rat hippocampal membranes with a Kb value of 14 nM. Intracellular recording techniques revealed that AD, (R)-PIA, 5-HT, and 5-carboxyamidotryptamine (5-CT) elicited concentration-dependent hyperpolarization of RMP within the same hippocampal pyramidal cell. The maximal hyperpolarization obtained for the AD or 5-HT analogs was the same for individual pyramidal cells. CPT and spiperone antagonized the hyperpolarization by (R)-PIA and 5-CT, respectively. Saturating concentrations of spiperone failed to antagonize (R)-PIA-mediated responses and CPT did not block responses elicited by 5-HT in either the biochemical or electrophysiological preparations. The combination of saturating concentrations of 5-HT and (R)-PIA evoked nonadditive biochemical responses relative to those observed with (R)-PIA alone. Similarly, electrophysiological experiments conducted under voltage-clamp conditions demonstrated that maximally effective concentrations of AD and 5-CT exhibited nonadditive behavior. Because the amount of outward current elicited when these agonists were coperfused was significantly less than the algebraic sum of the currents evoked individually by these agents, we infer that a population of AD A1 and 5-HT1A receptors activates a common pool of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)