Microencephaly in fetal piglets following in utero inoculation of Zika virus.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that became associated with microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults after its emergence in the Pacific and the Americas in 2015. Newly developed rodent and nonhuman primate models have already revealed important insights into ZIKV-induced neuropathology. Nonhuman primates are phylogenetically closely related to humans and are therefore preferred human surrogates in ZIKV research. However, the use of nonhuman primates, particularly during gestation, raises ethical issues. Considering that pigs also share many anatomical and physiological features with humans, this species may be an attractive alternative human surrogate for ZIKV research. Here, we inoculated 20 porcine fetuses in utero and assessed the effect of ZIKV on brain development 4 weeks later. All inoculated fetuses presented mild to severe neuropathology, characterized by a depletion of neurons in the cerebral cortex. In most cases, neuronal depletion was confined to specific cerebral lobes without affecting brain size, whereas in severe cases a more generalized depletion resulted in microencephaly. Although the virus was widespread in the sows' placenta at the time of necropsy only low levels of viral RNA were detected in fetal brain samples, thereby preventing the identification of primary target cells. Our findings suggest that pigs can be used to study ZIKV-induced neurodevelopmental defects as currently observed in human neonates, varying from stunted brain growth to localized cortical neuronal depletion in the absence of major macroscopic abnormalities.

Preliminary Evaluation of a Bunyavirus Vector for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Replicon particles of Rift Valley fever virus, referred to as nonspreading Rift Valley fever virus (NSR), are intrinsically safe and highly immunogenic. Here, we demonstrate that NSR-infected human dendritic cells can activate CD8(+) T cells in vitro and that prophylactic and therapeutic vaccinations of mice with NSR encoding a tumor-associated CD8 peptide can control the outgrowth of lymphoma cells in vivo. These results suggest that the NSR system holds promise for cancer immunotherapy.

Synthesis and biological activities of (R)-5,6-dihydro-N,N-dimethyl-4H-imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin-5-amine and its metabolites.

The imidazoquinoline (R)-5,6-Dihydro-N,N-dimethyl-4H-imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin-5-amine [(R)-3] is a potent dopamine agonist when tested in animals but surprisingly shows very low affinity in in vitro binding assays. When incubated with mouse or monkey liver S9 microsomes, (R)-3 is metabolized by N-demethylation and oxidation to (R)-5,6-dihydro-5-(methylamino)-4H-imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin-2(1H) -one [(R)-6], intermediate metabolites, where N-demethylation to the imidazoquinoline (R)-4 and where oxidation to the imidazoquinolinone (R)-5 has taken place, are also observed in these incubates. A cross-species study on the metabolism of (R)-3 in vitro has shown large variations in the extent of metabolism from species to species. Imidazoquinolinones (R)-5 and (R)-6 have comparable activity to (R)-3 in animals and also show good dopaminergic (D2) and serotonergic (5HT1A) activities in binding assays. It is probable that these metabolites account at least in part for the in vivo activity found for (R)-3. Efficient syntheses for compounds 3-6 as single enantiomers from quinoline are presented together with information on the biological activities and metabolic stabilities of these compounds.

Pharmacological characterization of U-101387, a dopamine D4 receptor selective antagonist.

Dopamine D2-like receptors play an important role in the pharmacotherapy of psychotic disorders. Molecular and cellular techniques have identified distinct gene products (D2-long, D2-short, D3 and D4) displaying the D2 receptor pharmacology. However, the contribution of each subtype in antipsychotic effects of or their physiological role remain unclear. Here we describe the pharmacological effects of a selective D4 antagonist, U-101387. U-101387 displayed moderately high affinity (Ki = 10 nM) and selectivity for the dopamine D4.2 receptor expressed in clonal cell lines. It lacked measurable affinity for not only other dopamine receptors but also noradrenalin, serotonin and histamine receptor families (Ki > 2000 nM). It fully and dose-dependently antagonized quinpirole-induced cAMP inhibition (without producing any effect by itself) in stably transfected cells. U-101387 also displayed excellent oral bioavailability, brain penetration and other pharmacokinetic characteristics. Unlike classical neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol), U-101387 neither blocked acute behavioral effects of amphetamine or apomorphine nor did it alter spontaneous locomotion by itself. Additionally, U-101387 was without effect in behavioral and biochemical tests predictive of extrapyramidal and neuroendocrine side effects. Consistent with the lack of autoreceptor function of D4, acute administration of U-101387 failed to alter dopamine neuronal firing by itself or reverse the inhibition produced by dopamine agonists and to affect monoamine turnover in areas innervated by the mesencephalic or hypothalamic dopamine neurons. However, U-101387 potently induced c-fos mRNA expression in the infralimbic/ventral prelimbic cortex to a level similar to that produced by the atypical antipsychotic, clozapine. This is consistent with the predominantly cortical distribution of the D4 receptor. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the D4-selective antagonist, U-101387, produces effects that are distinct from those of the nonselective D2 antagonists as well as D3-preferring agents. U-101387 offers a unique tool to understand the role of dopamine D4 receptors in diseases involving central dopamine systems.

Pharmacology of U-91356A, an agonist for the dopamine D2 receptor subtype.

U-91356A [(R)-5,6-dihydro-5-(propylamino)4H-imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin -2-(1H)-one, monohydrochloride], bound with highest affinity to the dopamine D2 receptor subtype, although it also bound with somewhat lower affinities to the dopamine D3 and D4, as well as the 5-HT1A receptor subtypes. In addition to depressing dopamine synthesis and turnover, injection of U-91356A increased striatal acetylcholine concentrations. U-91356A also depressed firing rates of dopamine neurons. In mice, this compound stimulated cage climbing and locomotor activity in reserpinized animals; it also antagonized D-amphetamine-stimulated locomotor activity. It produced contralateral turning in rats with unilateral lesions of the substantia nigra. These data are consistent with roles for the dopamine D2 receptor subtype as a dopamine autoreceptor and as a stimulatory, postsynaptic dopamine receptor.

High-affinity alpha-aminobutyric acid A/benzodiazepine ligands: synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of a new series of tetracyclic imidazoquinoxalines.

A series of tetracyclic imidazoquinoxaline analogs was developed which constrain the carbonyl group of the partial agonist 3-(5-cyclopropyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-5-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl] - 4,5-dihydroimidazo[1,5-alpha]quinoxaline (2, U-91571) away from the benzene ring. These analogs orient the carbonyl group in the opposite direction of the previously reported full agonist 1-(5- cyclopropyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-12,12a-dihydroimidazo[1,5- alpha]pyrrolo [2,1-c]quinoxalin-10(11H)-one (3, U-89267). A number of approaches were utilized to form the "bottom" ring of this tetracyclic ring system including intramolecular cyclizations promoted by Lewis acids or base, as well as metal-carbenoid conditions. The size and substitution pattern of the additional ring was widely varied. Analogs within this series had high affinity for the benzodiazepine receptor on the alpha-aminobutyric acid A chloride ion channel complex. From TBPS shift and Cl- current assays, the in vitro efficacy of compounds within this class ranged from antagonists to partial agonists with only 18a identified as a full agonist. Additionally, several analogs were quite potent at antagonizing metrazole-induced seizures indicating possible anticonvulsant or anxiolytic activity. Unlike 3, analogs in this series did not have high affinity for the diazepam insensitive alpha 6 beta 2 delta 2 subtype. These results suggest that either constraining the carbonyl group away from the benzene ring or the greater planarity that results from the additional cyclic structure provides analogs with partial agonist properties and prevents effective interaction with the alpha 6 beta 2 delta 2 subtype.

Characterization of U-92016A as a selective, orally active, high intrinsic activity 5-hydroxytryptamine1A agonist.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize U-92016A [(+)-R)-2-cyano-N,N-dipropyl-8-amino-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-benz[e] indole] as a 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A receptor agonist and to compare its activity with that of standard 5-HT1A receptor agonists. U-92016A binds with high affinity to human 5-HT1A receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (Ki = 0.2 nM). Radioligand binding studies also indicate that U-92016A is selective for the 5-HT1A receptor over other biogenic amine receptors. In Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human 5HT1A receptor, U-92016A decreased the forskolin-induced increase in cyclic AMP synthesis and had an intrinsic activity of 0.82 relative to 5-HT. U-92016A potently decreased rectal temperature in mice. The maximum temperature decrease was significantly greater than that observed for 8-hydroxy-di-n-propyl aminotetralin, buspirone, gepirone, ipsapirone or flesinoxan. U-92016A also elicited the 5-HT-mediated syndrome in rats and resulted in a dose-related decrease in 5-hydroxytryptophan accumulation. The compound also decreased arterial blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats and inhibited sympathetic nerve activity in cats. In these assays U-92016A displayed excellent potency and a long duration of action. U-92016A also inhibited the firing of dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons and was active in two social interaction assays. The p.o. bioavailability of U-92016A was calculated to be 45%. Taken together, these data indicate that U-92016A is a metabolically stable, p.o. active 5-HT1A receptor agonist with an exceptionally high degree of intrinsic activity.

Pharmacology of a mixed 5-hydroxytryptamine1A/dopamine agonist.

U-67413B (4-hydroxydipropylaminodihydrophenalene) bound with high affinity to both 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)1A and D2-dopamine (DA) receptor sites. U-67413B depressed 5-HT and DA cell firing rates and depressed synthesis of both neurotransmitters. The drug depressed mouse body temperatures by an amount similar to that for buspirone, gepirone and ipsapirone, but less than that for 8-hydroxy-N,N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin. In rats, it produced the 5-HT1A behavioral syndrome. In contrast to 5-HT1A agonists having DA antagonist effects, U-67413B mildly depressed rather than stimulated firing rates of noradrenaline (NA) neurons in the locus ceruleus by a non-alpha-2 receptor mechanism. In behavioral tests designed to measure anxiolytic activities, U-67413B was a slightly more effective anxiolytic than standard 5-HT1A anxiolytics (buspirone, gepirone and ipsapirone). The data are consistent with the hypothesis that effects of 5-HT1A agonists on NA neuron activity are mediated through effects on dopaminergic mechanisms, and that effects on NA neurons could modulate anxiolytic activities of 5-HT1A agonists.

Centrally acting serotonergic and dopaminergic agents. 1. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indole derivatives.

The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of 2,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indole derivatives (3) are described. These compounds are conformationally restricted, angular tricyclic analogs of 2-aminotetralin. The synthesis was achieved in several steps from the corresponding 2-tetralones. The enantiomers of the cis analogs were obtained from either fractional recrystallizations of the diastereomeric salts of di-p-toluoyl-L-(or D)-tartaric acid or an asymmetric synthesis using chiral (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamine. All analogs were evaluated in the in vitro 5-HT1A and D2 binding assays and selected analogs were investigated further in biochemical and behavioral tests. Analogs with 9-methoxy substitution (R1 in 3) showed mixed 5-HT1A agonist and dopamine antagonist activities whereas the corresponding 9-hydroxy analogs displayed selective 5-HT1A agonist activity. The cis analogs were found to be more potent than the corresponding trans analogs and in the cis series, the (3aR)-(-)-enantiomers displayed higher potency. Nitrogen substitution (R2 in 3) with either an n-propyl or an allyl group produced similar activities whereas replacement with a bulky alpha-methylbenzyl group resulted in loss of activity. Analogs without aromatic substitution (R1 = H in 3) still showed good 5-HT1A agonist activity, although less potent than the 9-methoxy series. In this case, the trans analogs possessed equal or higher in vitro 5-HT1A affinity than the corresponding cis analogs. Analogs with either 6-methoxy or 6-hydroxy substitution (R1 in 3) were found to display dopamine antagonist properties. However, only N-allyl analogs showed this activity. In the 6-methoxy-N-allyl series, the cis analog was found to be more potent than the trans analog. Again, between the pair of cis enantiomers, the (3aR)-(-)-enantiomer showed higher potency. Incorporation of an additional methyl group into 9-methoxy cis analogs at C-2 resulted in retention of potent 5-HT1A agonist activity.

Centrally acting serotonergic and dopaminergic agents. 2. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 2,3,3a,4,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-benz[f]indole derivatives.

The conformationally restricted linear tricyclic analogs of 5- and 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralins were investigated for their serotonergic and dopaminergic properties. These cis and trans analogs of 2,3,3a,4,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-benz[f]indole (3), where a five-membered ring is fused between the nitrogen and C-3 carbon of 2-aminotetralin, were synthesized from 5-methoxy- and 8-methoxytetralones. The enantiomers of trans-5-methoxy-N-n-propyl and -N-allyl analogs were obtained via fractional recrystallization of their di-p-toluoyl-L (or D) tartaric acid salts. All analogs were evaluated in the in vitro 5-HT1A and D2 binding assays and selected analogs were investigated further in biochemical and behavioral tests. In the 5-substituted series (R1 in 3), the trans isomers were found to possess higher levels of pharmacological activity then the corresponding cis isomers. The trans-5-methoxy analogs showed selective 5-HT1A receptor activity in vitro but displayed mixed 5-HT1A and D2 agonist properties in vivo. The corresponding trans-5-hydroxy analogs were found to be potent D2 agonists with full intrinsic activity. An examination of nitrogen substitution (R2 in 3) revealed that analogs with either an allyl or an n-propyl group displayed equipotent activities. Substitution with a cyclopropylmethyl or benzyl group resulted in reduced activity. Among the resolved analogs tested, the activity was found to reside exclusively in the (3aS)-(-)-enantiomers. In the 8-substituted series (R1 in 3), only 8-methoxy-N-allyl analogs were synthesized and evaluated. In this case, both cis and trans isomers showed equally weak in vitro 5-HT1A receptor agonist activity devoid of dopaminergic effects. The presence of an additional methyl group at the C-2 position (R3 in 3) of the cis-(+/-)-8-methoxy-N-n-propyl analog resulted in enhancement of in vitro 5-HT1A receptor binding affinity, with the (2 beta,3a alpha,9a alpha)-(+/-)-isomer displaying potency 35 times greater than the (2 alpha,3a alpha,9a alpha)-(+/-)-isomer.

Centrally acting serotonergic agents. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of C-1- or C-3-substituted derivatives of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin.

The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of C-1- or C-3-substituted derivatives of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) are described. These analogs were synthesized via alkylation of the tetralone derivatives followed by reductive amination. All of the analogs were inactive at the dopamine D2 receptor. Among the 8-OMe or 8-OH C-1,N-disubstituted analogs synthesized, the cis analogs were more potent in the 5-HT1A binding assay than the corresponding trans analogs. However, in the case of 1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-N-n-propyl analogs, the trans isomer has a slightly higher 5-HT1A affinity than its cis counterpart. The order of binding potency for C-1 substitution was found to be allyl > hydroxymethyl > n-propyl > cyclopropylmethyl >> carbomethoxy. Interestingly, the 5-OMe analogs were found to be inactive in both the 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 binding assays. In the C-3 allyl-substituted analogs, 5-HT1A agonist activity was found to be considerably lower. In these examples, the trans analogs showed weak 5-HT1A binding activity whereas the cis analogs were inactive. Analogs with C-1,N,N-trisubstitution also showed a marked decrease in 5-HT1A binding affinity. Overall, the SAR study showed that cis C-1 substitution maintains the 5-HT1A agonist activity of 8-OH-DPAT whereas trans C-1 substitution displays somewhat diminished activity. On the other hand, the trans C-3 substitution shows modest agonist activity whereas cis C-3 substitution removes the activity completely.

Animal behavioral and neurochemical effects of the CNS toxic amino acid antitumor agent, acivicin.

The investigational amino acid antitumor agent, acivicin, has been reported to cause dose-related and reversible CNS toxicity in humans characterized by sedation, ataxia, hallucinations, personality changes, and other symptoms. In a series of studies aimed at characterizing this toxicity, we investigated several species as potential animal models, determined the effects of acivicin on neuronal action potentials, and measured drug effects on the brain content of several putative amino acid neurotransmitters. In mice, we were unable to demonstrate any effects of acivicin in a battery of tests used in identifying and classifying CNS-active agents of potential therapeutic utility. In rats, unlike phencyclidine and certain other psychotomimetic drugs, acivicin produced no impairment of shock avoidance or brightness discrimination in animals trained on an automated Y-maze. In contrast to the rodent species, acivicin effects were perceived as resembling those of cyclazocine by rhesus monkeys trained to discriminate between psychoactive drugs and saline by food reinforcement. Cats treated with acivicin exhibited dose-related symptoms of sedation, somnolence, and ataxia. Iontophoretically applied acivicin was shown to have no effect on the spontaneous firing rate of dorsal horn interneurones in spinal cats. At the time of peak CNS symptoms in cats treated with 100 mg/kg acivicin, content of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA; nmoles/mg protein) was elevated from 57-140% in cerebellum, diencephalon, midbrain, and corpus callosum compared to control animals. Brain contents of glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate were not altered in cats experiencing neurotoxicity. These studies have shown that some symptoms of acivicin CNS toxicity are shared by humans and higher non-human species such as the cat and the monkey but not by rodents. Acivicin itself is apparently not a CNS excitant or depressant, but metabolites of the drug could be. Acivicin may also cause increases in the GABA content of localized regions of brain.

Analgesic activities of spinal cord substance P antagonists implicate substance P as a neurotransmitter of pain sensation.

Substance P (SP) injected into intraspinal (i.s.) spaces caused mice to vigorously scratch and bite their skins in an apparent reaction to a perceived cutaneous sensation. The scratching behavior was similar to the reciprocal hindlimb-scratching syndrome (RHS) described for intracranial (i.c.) SP injections. Radiotracer experiments, as well as potency and latency measurements, demonstrated that SP-induced scratching, whether induced by the i.c. or i.s. route, was due to SP receptor stimulation in the cervicothoracic cord. Similarly, biting was due to SP stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord. Mice coated with capsaicin, an irritant chemical, scratched and bit the coated areas in a manner similar to animals injected with i.s. SP. Standard analgesics depressed this scratching behavior elicited by topical capsaicin. Non-analgesic drugs, with the exception of amphetamine, did not affect capsaicin-induced pain. It is concluded that i.s. SP induces a painful sensory experience. Some piperazinone derivatives of substance P's C-terminal hexapeptide are shown to specifically antagonize the scratching induced by i.s. SP with little or no effect on motor behavior. These antagonists depressed scratching elicited by topical capsaicin and were analgesic on the hot-plate test. It is concluded that SP is a natural neurotransmitter for pain and that antagonism of endogenous SP systems causes analgesia.

Two automated locomotor activity tests for dopamine autoreceptor agonists.

In the first test (exploratory activity), pretreated rats explored a novel environment in the dark. The potential autoreceptor agonists apomorphine HCl, N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA), and N-n-propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidine (3-PPP) and its enantiomers decreased the total distance travelled while at the same time paradoxically increasing the number of discrete movements. This is a very different pattern from that of the typical antipsychotic drugs haloperidol HCl and chlorpromazine HCl, and the atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine, which also decreased the total distance travelled but decreased the number of movements. Both groups decreased the distance/movement. In the second test, rats were habituated to the monitors in the light and then treated with test drug and stimulant (d-amphetamine sulfate or apomorphine HCl). Apomorphine HCl, NPA, and (+)3-PPP antagonized amphetamine-stimulated locomotor behavior (total distance) without antagonizing apomorphine-stimulated behavior, suggesting a presynaptic dopamine autoreceptor agonism. EMD 23448 gave equivocal activity. On the other hand, haloperidol HCl, chlorpromazine HCl, and clozapine decreased both amphetamine- and apomorphine-stimulated behavior, suggesting a postsynaptic dopamine antagonism. 3-PPP and (-)3-PPP showed neither pattern in this test.

Stereospecificity of SP1 and SP2 substance P receptors.

Previous studies with N-terminal fragments of substance P (SP) have suggested the existence of two separate SP receptor populations. SP1 receptors are found in guinea pig ilea and rat colons. SP2 receptors are found in mouse spinal cords and rat salivary glands. We have now found that substitution of Gly9 in substance P's C-terminal hexapeptide leads to an analog (L-Pro9 SP6-11) which selectively and potently stimulates SP2 receptors. In contrast, substitution of the same residue with D-Proline results in a potent and selective agonist for SP1 receptors. The data dramatically confirm the distinction between SP1 and SP2 receptors and demonstrate that the two receptors have distinct stereochemical architectures.