Phenylephrine-Induced Contraction in Guinea Pig Thoracic Aorta Is Triggered by Stimulation of α1L-Adrenoceptors Functionally Coupled with Store-Operated Ca2+ Channels and Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Channels.

We examined whether the α1L-adrenoceptor (AR), which shows low affinity (pA2 < 9) for prazosin (an α1-AR antagonist) and high affinity (pA2 ≈ 10) for tamsulosin/silodosin (α1A-AR antagonists), is involved in phenylephrine-induced contractions in the guinea pig (GP) thoracic aorta (TA). Intracellular signaling induced by α1L-AR activation was also examined by focusing on Ca2+ influx pathways. Tension changes of endothelium-denuded TAs were isometrically recorded and mRNA encoding α-ARs/Ca2+ channels and their related molecules were measured using RT-quantitative PCR. Phenylephrine-induced contractions were competitively inhibited by prazosin/tamsulosin, and their pA2 value were calculated to be 8.53/9.74, respectively. These contractions were also inhibited by silodosin concentration-dependently. However, the inhibition was not competitive fashion with the apparent pA2 value being 9.48. In contrast, phenylephrine-induced contractions were not substantially suppressed by L-765314 (an α1B-AR antagonist), BMY 7378 (an α1D-AR antagonist), yohimbine, and idazoxan (α2-AR antagonists). Phenylephrine-induced contractions were markedly inhibited by YM-254890 (a Gq protein inhibitor) or removal of extracellular Ca2+, and partially inhibited by verapamil (a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) inhibitor). The residual contractions in the presence of verapamil were slightly inhibited by LOE 908 (a receptor-operated Ca2+ channel (ROCC) inhibitor) and strongly inhibited by SKF-96365 (a store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC) and ROCC inhibitor). Among the mRNA encoding α-ARs/SOCC-related molecules, α1A-AR (Adra1a)/Orai3, Orai1, and Stim2 were abundant in this tissue. In conclusion, phenylephrine-induced contractions in the GP TA can be triggered by stimulation of Gq protein-coupled α1L-AR, followed by activation of SOCCs and VDCCs.

Modulation of nose-to-brain delivery of a P-glycoprotein (MDR1) substrate model drug (quinidine) in rats.

During the last decades several new drug formulations were developed to target the central nervous system (CNS) from the nasal cavity. However, in these studies less attention was paid to the possible drug-drug interactions in case of multi-drug therapy. In our pilot study first we compared a nasal solution and a nasal gel to demonstrate their distribution in the nasal cavity (3D printed rat skull model and histology). Due to the aspiration induced high mortality at administration of nasal solution the study was continued only with the gel formulation of quinidine. The aim of our experiments was to identify the possible functional role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the drug absorption in nasal cavity and to test drug-drug interactions at nose-to-brain delivery. Therefore, a P-gp substrate model drug, quinidine was tested by intranasal (IN) administration in presence of PSC-833 (specific P-gp inhibitor) given intravenously (IV) or IN and adrenaline (IN) at low (50 ng) or high (20 µg) dose. In control animals the brain penetration of quinidine was at the level of detection limit, but in combination therapy with IV PSC-833 the brain levels increased dramatically, similarly to high dose IN adrenalin, where due to vasoconstriction peripheral distribution was blocked. These results indicate that P-gp has an important role in drug absorption and efflux at nasal cavity, while adrenaline is also able to modify the penetration profile of the P-gp substrate model drug at nasal application as it decreases nose-to-blood absorption, letting more quinidine to reach the brain along with the nasal nerves.

An Assessment of the Permeation Enhancer, 1-phenyl-piperazine (PPZ), on Paracellular Flux Across Rat Intestinal Mucosae in Ussing Chambers.

PURPOSE: 1-phenyl piperazine (PPZ) emerged from a Caco-2 monolayer screen as having high enhancement potential due to a capacity to increase permeation without significant toxicity. Our aim was to further explore the efficacy and toxicity of PPZ in rat ileal and colonic mucosae in order to assess its true translation potential. METHODS: Intestinal mucosae were mounted in Ussing chambers and apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) values of [(14)C]-mannitol and FITC-dextran 4 kDa (FD-4) and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values were obtained following apical addition of PPZ (0.6-60 mM). Exposed issues were assessed for toxicity by histopathology and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Mucosal recovery after exposure was also assessed using TEER readings. RESULTS: PPZ reversibly increased the Papp of both agents across rat ileal and distal colonic mucosae in concentration-dependent fashion, accompanied by TEER reduction, with acceptable levels of tissue damage. The complex mechanism of tight junction opening was part mediated by myosin light chain kinase, stimulation of transepithelial electrogenic chloride secretion, and involved activation of 5-HT4 receptors. CONCLUSIONS: PPZ is an efficacious and benign intestinal permeation enhancer in tissue mucosae. However, its active pharmacology suggest that potential for further development in an oral formulation for poorly permeable molecules will be difficult.

A Novel Binding Mode Reveals Two Distinct Classes of NMDA Receptor GluN2B-selective Antagonists.

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that play key roles in brain physiology and pathology. Because numerous pathologic conditions involve NMDAR overactivation, subunit-selective antagonists hold strong therapeutic potential, although clinical successes remain limited. Among the most promising NMDAR-targeting drugs are allosteric inhibitors of GluN2B-containing receptors. Since the discovery of ifenprodil, a range of GluN2B-selective compounds with strikingly different structural motifs have been identified. This molecular diversity raises the possibility of distinct binding sites, although supporting data are lacking. Using X-ray crystallography, we show that EVT-101, a GluN2B antagonist structurally unrelated to the classic phenylethanolamine pharmacophore, binds at the same GluN1/GluN2B dimer interface as ifenprodil but adopts a remarkably different binding mode involving a distinct subcavity and receptor interactions. Mutagenesis experiments demonstrate that this novel binding site is physiologically relevant. Moreover, in silico docking unveils that GluN2B-selective antagonists broadly divide into two distinct classes according to binding pose. These data widen the allosteric and pharmacological landscape of NMDARs and offer a renewed structural framework for designing next-generation GluN2B antagonists with therapeutic value for brain disorders.

Alfabloqueantes: efectos en la mejora de la disfunción eréctil y el deseo sexual en pacientes con hipertrofia prostática benigna / Alpha blockers: effects on improvement of erectile dysfunction and sexual desire in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy

Objetivos. Valorar el impacto de la HIperplasia benigna de próstata tanto en la CAlidad de vida como en la función Sexual (estudio HICAS), así como los beneficios del uso de alfabloqueantes, en especial la silodosina. Material y método. Estudio epidemiológico observacional, multicéntrico y de ámbito nacional. La recogida de datos se realizó de forma retrospectiva. En el estudio participaron un total de 175 urólogos, que incluyeron 900 pacientes. La estadística descriptiva, de todas las variables de análisis descritas, se ha realizado incluyendo medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para las variables cuantitativas, y frecuencias absolutas y relativas para las variables cualitativas. Resultados. Un 31,6% de los pacientes referían falta de deseo al inicio del tratamiento, porcentaje que disminuyó al 26,6% en el momento actual (p < 0,0001). En el momento de inicio del tratamiento el 64,6% de los pacientes presentaban una disfunción eréctil leve o ausente, aumentando al 71% en el momento actual (p = 0,0002). Conclusiones. La adecuada selección de los pacientes que se pueden beneficiar del tratamiento con alfabloqueantes, y la explicación de los beneficios y efectos secundarios de los mismos redunda no solo en la mejoría de los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior, sino también en los índices de disfunción eréctil. En este caso, silodosina ha demostrado excelentes resultados en ambos campos, tanto administrado como monoterapia como asociado a IPDE5. Así mismo, el uso de silodosina ha mejorado el parámetro de deseo sexual, en contra de lo que ocurre con el uso de inhibidores de la 5-alfa-reductasa (AU)

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia on both quality of life and sexual function as well as the benefits of using alpha-blockers, especially silodosin.Material and methodEpidemiological observational, multicenter nationwide study in which the data collection was performed retrospectively. A total of 175 urologists, who recruited 900 patients, participated in the study. Descriptive statistics of all variables were carried out, including measures of central tendency, dispersion for quantitative variables, and absolute and relative frequencies for qualitative variables.ResultsAt the beginning of treatment, 31.6% of the patients reported a lack of desire. This proportion decreased to 26.6% at the end of the study (P < .0001). When the treatment was initiated, 64.6% of patients had mild or absent erectile dysfunction. This has increased to 71% at the present time (P = .0002).ConclusionsAdequate selection of patients who may benefit from treatment with alpha-blocker, explanation of their benefits and side effects will not only improved lower urinary tract symptoms, but also erectile dysfunction scores. In this case, the most uroselective alpha-blocker silodosin has shown excellent results in both fields, both when administered as monotherapy or associated with PDE5 inhibitors. Furthermore, use of silodosin improved sexual desire parameter as opposed to use of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors (AU)

Synthesis, alpha-adrenoceptors affinity and alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonistic properties of some 1,4-substituted piperazine derivatives.

A series of different 1,4-substituted piperazine derivatives (1-11) was synthesized. It comprised 1-(substituted-phenoxyalkyl)-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine derivatives (1-5); 1,4-bis(substituted-phenoxyethyl)piperazine derivatives (6-8) and 1-(substituted-phenoxy)-3-(substituted-phenoxyalkylpiperazin-1-yl)propan-2-ol derivatives (9-11). All compounds were evaluated for affinity toward alpha 1- and alpha 2-receptors by radioligand binding assays on rat cerebral cortex using [3H]prazosin and [3H]clonidine as specific radioligand, respectively. Furthermore alpha 1-antagonistic properties were checked for most promising compounds (1-5 and 10) by means of inhibition of phenylephrine induced contraction in isolated rat aorta. Antagonistic potency stayed in agreement with radioligand binding results. The most active compounds (1-5) displaced [3H]prazosin from cortical binding sites in low nanomolar range (Ki = 2.1-13.1 nM). Compound 10 showed slightly lower affinity for alpha 1-adrenoceptor (Ki = 781 nM). Compounds 2-5 displayed the strongest antagonistic activity with pA2 values ranging from 8.441 to 8.807. Compound 1 gave a pA2 value of 7.868, while compound 10 showed the weakest antagonistic potency, giving a pA2 value of 6.374. 1-[3-(2-Chloro-6-methylphenoxy)propyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (5) showed the best alpha 1- affinity properties with a Ki(alpha 1) value of 2.1 nM and it was 61.05 fold more selective toward alpha 1 than alpha 2-receptors. The best properties showed 1-[3-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (4) with a Ki(alpha 1) value of 2.4 nM, a 142.13 fold better selectivity to alpha 1 - over alpha 2-adrenoceptors and the best antagonistic potency (pA2 = 8.807). It is worth to emphasized that all most promising compounds possessed an 1-(o-methoxyphenyl)piperazine moiety which probably plays an important role in the affinity to alpha-adrenoceptors.

The paradox of α-adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction revisited.

Activation of coronary vascular α-adrenoceptors results in vasoconstriction which competes with metabolic vasodilation during sympathetic activation. Epicardial conduit vessel constriction is largely mediated by α(1)-adrenoceptors; the constriction of the resistive microcirculation largely by α(2)-adrenoceptors, but also by α(1)-adrenoceptors. There is no firm evidence that α-adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction exerts a beneficial effect on transmural blood flow distribution. In fact, α-blockade in anesthetized and conscious dogs improves blood flow to all transmural layers, during normoperfusion and hypoperfusion. Also, in patients with coronary artery disease, blockade of α(1)- and α(2)-adrenoceptors improves coronary blood flow, myocardial function and metabolism.

An index of relative central α-adrenergic receptor antagonism by antipsychotic medications.

Antipsychotic medications exert variable and clinically significant levels of antagonism at central α-adrenergic receptors. To evaluate the impact of this activity on both clinical and experimental measures, an index estimating the relative activity of these medications is needed. We comprehensively searched the empirical literature testing in vitro binding to mammalian brain α-adrenergic receptors of all antipsychotic medications available for clinical use in the United States as of August 2010 and created a quantitative summary index of the potency of binding to α receptors relative to haloperidol (HALα1 and HALα2 equivalents). The potency of binding at α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors varies widely among these medications, with a 532-fold range for α1 antagonism and a 400-fold range for α2 antagonism among atypical antipsychotics. There is considerable overlap between atypical and typical antipsychotic medication groups on each of these measures. This index of HALα equivalents should facilitate the determination of the effects of α-adrenergic antagonism by these medications on clinical efficacy, side effects, and biological and cognitive measures of illness and treatment.

Transmembrane helices 1 and 6 of the human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2): identification of polar residues important for drug transport.

The human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) mediates efflux of drugs and xenobiotics. In this study, we investigated the role of polar residues within or near the predicted transmembrane α-helices 1 and 6 of BCRP in drug transport. We substituted Asn(387), Gln(398), Asn(629), and Thr(642) with Ala, Thr(402) with Ala and Arg, and Tyr(645) with Phe, and the mutants were stably expressed in human embryonic kidney-293 or Flp-In-293 cells. Immunoblotting and confocal microscopy analysis revealed that all of the mutants were well expressed and predominantly targeted to the plasma membrane. While T402A and T402R showed a significant global reduction in the efflux of mitoxantrone, Hoechst 33342, and BODIPY-prazosin, N629A exhibited significantly increased efflux activities for all of the substrates. N387A and Q398A displayed significantly impaired efflux for mitoxantrone and Hoechst 33342, but not for BODIPY-prazosin. In contrast, T642A and Y645F showed a moderate reduction in Hoechst 33342 efflux only. Drug resistance profiles of human embryonic kidney-293 cells expressing the mutants generally correlated with the efflux data. Furthermore, N629A was associated with a marked increase, and N387A and T402A with a significant reduction, in BCRP ATPase activity. Mutations of some of the polar residues may cause conformational changes, as manifested by the altered binding of the 5D3 antibody to BCRP in the presence of prazosin. The inward-facing homology model of BCRP indicated that Thr(402) within transmembrane 1 may be important for helical interactions, and Asn(629) may be involved in BCRP-substrate interaction. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the functional importance of some of these polar residues in BCRP activity.

Modeling the interactions between alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors and their antagonists.

As crucial members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, alpha (1)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(1)-ARs) are recognized to intervene the actions of endogenous catecholamines such as norepinephrine and epinephrine. So far three distinct alpha(1)-AR subtypes, alpha(1A), alpha(1B) and alpha(1D), have been characterized by functional analysis, radio-ligand binding and molecular biology studies. The alpha(1)-ARs are of therapeutic interest because of their distinct and critical roles in many physiological processes, containing hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, smooth muscle contraction, myocardial inotropy and chronotropy, and hepatic glucose metabolism. Accordingly, designing subtype-selective antagonists for each of the three alpha(1)-AR subtypes has been an enthusiastic region of medicinal research. Even though a large number of studies on GPCRs have been conducted, understanding of how known antagonists bind to alpha(1)-ARs still remains sketchy and has been a serious impediment to search for potent and subtype-selective alpha(1)-AR antagonists because of the lack of detailed experimental structural knowledge. This review deliberates the simulation of alpha(1)-ARs and their interactions with antagonists by using ligand-based (pharmacophore identification and QSAR modeling) and structure-based (comparative modeling and molecular docking) approaches. Combined with experimental data, these computational attempts could improve our understanding of the structural basis of antagonist binding and the molecular basis of receptor activation, thus offering a more reasonable approach in the design of drugs targeting alpha(1)-ARs.

Inhibitory and facilitory actions of isocyanine derivatives at human and rat organic cation transporters 1, 2 and 3: a comparison to human alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtypes.

Organic cation transporters (OCTs), comprising OCT1, OCT2 and OCT3 subtypes, control absorption and elimination of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds in kidney, liver and placenta. In addition, they ensure "uptake2", low-affinity catecholamine clearance in sympathetically-innervated tissue and the CNS. The prototypical OCT ligand, disprocynium24 (D24), recognises OCT3, but its actions at OCT1 and OCT2 remain unknown. Herein, together with two other isocyanine derivatives (AAC291 and AAC301) and chemically-related adrenergic agents, we evaluated actions of D24 at OCTs, monoamine transporters and alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. D24 concentration-dependently suppressed [3H]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) transport at human (h) and rat (r) OCT1, OCT2 and OCT3 in stably transfected HEK293 cells. Interestingly, low concentrations of D24 enhanced transport by h/rOCT2, a substrate-dependent effect suppressed by inhibition of protein kinase C. AAC291 and AAC301 likewise inhibited transport by all classes of h/r OCT and at low concentrations induced even more marked increases in transport by h/rOCT2. Further, by analogy to D24, they displayed antagonist properties at halpha(1A/B/D)-adrenoceptors (Ca2+-flux) and halpha(2A/B/C)-adrenoceptors ([35S]GTPgammaS binding). They were, however, less potent than D24 at serotonin transporters ([3H]citalopram binding) and AAC291 did not bind to dopamine and norepinephrine transporters. The preferential alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor antagonist, AH11110A, the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, RWJ52353, and the adrenergic neurotoxin DSP-4 likewise affected [3H]MPP+ transport, in an OCT-subtype and species-dependent manner. In conclusion, D24, other isocyanine congeners and chemically-related adrenergic agents inhibit OCT-mediated [3H]MPP+ transport, and all drugs display significant activity at alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes, expanding previous reports of promiscuity between pharmacophores recognising alpha-adrenoceptors and OCTs.

Doxazosin-related alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists with prostate antitumor activity.

Doxazosin analogues 1-3 and 1a were synthesized and investigated at alpha1-adrenoceptors and PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. Compound 1 (cyclodoxazosin) was a potent alpha(1B)-adrenoceptor antagonist displaying antiproliferative activity higher than that of doxazosin in cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Because of its antitumor efficacy at low concentrations, lower apoptotic activity in NHDF vs tumor cells, and antiangiogenetic effect, 1 showed a better therapeutic profile relative to doxazosin.

Sedation and antinociception induced by a new pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridine derivative (LASSBio-873) is modulated by activation of muscarinic receptors.

New substances designed for the treatment of anxiety have previously been synthesized, which resulted in the identification of four new pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridine derivatives structurally designed by using zolpidem as lead compound. Among them, LASSBio-873 was the most potent to produce analgesic, sedative and hypnotic effects. Thus, we investigated the possible mechanisms involved in LASSBio-873-induced sedation, as well as its effects on different models of inflammatory pain. LASSBio-873 (4 mg/kg) reduced locomotor activity of mice in the open field test from 205.2+/-25.6 to 87.6+/-16.2 movements/min. Atropine, a non-selective muscarinic antagonist, prevented the LASSBio-873-induced sedation and increased locomotor activity to 192.9+/-30.2 movements/min. In the formalin test, LASSBio-873 (4 mg/kg) significantly reduced the duration of nociceptive behavior during the inflammatory phase, reducing the control reactivity from 197.6+/-14.5s to 84.4+/-10.3s. Carrageenan reduced the latency for the animal reaction from 5.1+/-0.2s (control) to 2.1+/-0.3s which was completely reverted by LASSBio-873 (6 mg/kg) to 5.6+/-0.6s. Atropine prevented the LASSBio-873-induced antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic activities, indicating the interference of the cholinergic system. LASSBio-873 is a novel prototype of drug that modulates muscarinic activity and could be used for neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders and other conditions associated to acute and chronic pain.

Frontal analysis of cell-membrane chromatography for determination of drug-alpha(1D) adrenergic receptor affinity.

The aim of the present study was to determine drug-alpha(1D) adrenergic receptor (AR) affinity by frontal analysis of cell-membrane chromatography (CMC). The cell-membrane stationary phase (CMSP) was prepared by immobilizing rat aorta cell membranes on porous silica, and the resulting CMSP was used to determine drug binding affinity to alpha(1D)-AR by frontal analysis. The CMSP of rat aorta was stable and reproducible. Relative binding affinities (dissociation constant, K(d)) were determined by frontal chromatography for prazosin (166.13+/-18.36 nmol), BMY7378 (537.40+/-30.84 nmol), phentolamine (646.92+/-23.17 nmol), 5-methylurapidil (725.66+/-25.48 nmol), oxymetazoline (910.56+/-40.62 nmol) and methoxamine (1299.27+/-51.73 nmol). These results were consistent with the affinity rank order and showed a good correlation with the affinity of the same compounds for the cloned alpha(1D)-AR subtype obtained from radioligand-binding assay. The study demonstrates that frontal analysis of CMC may be used for direct determination of drug-receptor binding interactions, and that CMC is an alternative reliable method to quantitatively study ligand-receptor interactions.

Pharmacologically relevant receptor binding characteristics and 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity of free Fatty acids contained in saw palmetto extract.

Saw palmetto extract (SPE), used widely for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been shown to bind alpha(1)-adrenergic, muscarinic and 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) calcium channel antagonist receptors. Major constituents of SPE are lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. The aim of this study was to investigate binding affinities of these fatty acids for pharmacologically relevant (alpha(1)-adrenergic, muscarinic and 1,4-DHP) receptors. The fatty acids inhibited specific [(3)H]prazosin binding in rat brain in a concentration-dependent manner with IC(50) values of 23.8 to 136 microg/ml, and specific (+)-[(3)H]PN 200-110 binding with IC(50) values of 24.5 to 79.5 microg/ml. Also, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid and linoleic acid inhibited specific [(3)H]N-methylscopolamine ([(3)H]NMS) binding in rat brain with IC(50) values of 56.4 to 169 microg/ml. Palmitic acid had no effect on specific [(3)H]NMS binding. The affinity of oleic acid, myristic acid and linoleic acid for each receptor was greater than the affinity of SPE. Scatchard analysis revealed that oleic acid and lauric acid caused a significant decrease in the maximal number of binding sites (B(max)) for [(3)H]prazosin, [(3)H]NMS and (+)-[(3)H]PN 200-110. The results suggest that lauric acid and oleic acid bind noncompetitively to alpha(1)-adrenergic, muscarinic and 1,4-DHP calcium channel antagonist receptors. We developed a novel and convenient method of determining 5alpha-reductase activity using LC/MS. With this method, SPE was shown to inhibit 5alpha-reductase activity in rat liver with an IC(50) of 101 microg/ml. Similarly, all the fatty acids except palmitic acid inhibited 5alpha-reductase activity, with IC(50) values of 42.1 to 67.6 microg/ml. In conclusion, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid, major constituents of SPE, exerted binding activities of alpha(1)-adrenergic, muscarinic and 1,4-DHP receptors and inhibited 5alpha-reductase activity.

Attenuating effect of melatonin on pyridoxal-stimulated release of adrenomedullary catecholamines in the rat.

AIMS: To investigate the ability of melatonin (MEL) to suppress adrenomedullary catecholamine (CAT) release in the rat, with pyridoxal (PL) being used as an adrenomedullary stimulus and liver and gastrocnemius muscle glycogenolysis acting as indices of CAT release. MAIN METHODS: MEL (1-4 mg/kg, i.p.) and PL (300 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered separately or together to male Sprague-Dawley rats (275-300 g), and blood samples for the assay of plasma glucose and CATs were periodically collected for up to 3 h after PL. Immediately thereafter, the liver and gastrocnemius muscle were surgically removed and used for the assay of glycogen. The role of adrenoceptors in PL-induced glycogenolysis was examined by parallel experiments in which idazoxan (IDX, 1 mg/kg), propranolol (PRO, 2 mg/kg) or metoprolol (MET, 2 mg/kg) were administered alongside MEL. In addition, MEL (4 mg/kg) was co-administered with taurine (TAU, 2.4 mmol/kg), a known adrenomedullary membrane stabilizer. KEY FINDINGS: MEL attenuated the release of adrenomedullary CATs and accompanying liver and gastrocnemius muscle glycogenolysis due to PL in a dose-dependent manner. A co-treatment with MEL and an adrenoceptor blocker had a greater attenuating effect on PL-induced glycogenolysis and hyperglycemia than MEL but without impinging on the CAT levels seen with MEL alone. Evidence of maximal inhibitory action by MEL on PL-induced plasma CAT elevation was suggested by the about equal levels of plasma CATs after treatments with MEL and with MEL plus TAU. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study demonstrates the modulatory effect of MEL of exogenous origin on adrenomedullary CAT secretion when present in supraphysiological concentrations.

The involvement of urothelial alpha1A adrenergic receptor in controlling the micturition reflex.

The current study was undertaken in an attempt to characterize the functional properties of urothelial alpha1A adrenergic receptors, especially in modulating the micturition reflex. The expression of alpha1A receptors in rat bladder was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. As a functional study, we obtained continuous infusion cystometrograms in conscious rats using noradrenaline (NA) and subtype selective alpha1 adrenergic receptor antagonists, tamsulosin (alpha1A/alpha1D selective) and silodosin (alpha1A superselective). Alpha1A receptors were immunohistochemically detected in rat urothelium. Intravesical infusion of NA (60 microM) significantly shortened the intercontraction interval (ICI). Pretreatment with tamsulosin at a dose of 0.4 microg/kg i.v. abolished intravesical NA infusioninduced reduction of ICI. Neither intravesical infusion of tamsulosin (20 microM) nor that of silodosin (0.2 microM) significantly altered ICI. After intravesical infusion of silodosin, intravesical NA infusion did not affect ICI. Urothelial alpha1A receptors might modulate bladder afferent activity under pathophysiological conditions with augmented concentrations of NA in blood or urine.

Interplay among catecholamine systems: dopamine binds to alpha2-adrenergic receptors in birds and mammals.

Dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors considered to be different based on their pharmacology and signaling pathways. Some receptor subtypes that are members of one family are actually closer in phylogenetic terms to some subtypes belonging to the other family, suggesting that the pharmacological specificity among these receptors from different families is not perfect. Indeed, evidence is accumulating that one amine can cross-talk with receptors belonging to the other system. However, most of these observations were collected in vitro using artificial cell models transfected with cloned receptors, so that the occurrence of this phenomenon in vivo as well as its distribution in the central nervous system is not known. In this study the pharmacological basis of possible in vivo interactions between dopamine and alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors was investigated in quail, zebra finches, and rats. Binding competitions showed that dopamine displaces the binding of the selective alpha(2)-adrenergic ligand, [(3)H]RX821002, in the brain of the three species with an affinity approximately 10-28-fold lower than that of norepinephrine. Dopamine also displaces with an affinity 3-fold lower than norepinephrine the binding of [(3)H]RX821002 to human alpha(h2A)-adrenergic receptors expressed in Sf9 cells. The anatomical distribution of this interaction was assessed in brain slices of quail and rat based on autoradiographic methods. Both norepinephrine and dopamine significantly displace [(3)H]RX821002 binding in all brain nuclei considered. Together, these data provide evidence for an interaction between the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the vertebrate brain, albeit with species variations.

Synthesis, alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist activity, and SAR study of novel arylpiperazine derivatives of phenytoin.

In the search for new antiarrhythmic agents, some active 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine derivatives of phenytoin were obtained as a chemical modification of compound AZ-99 (3-ethyl-1-[2-hydroxy-3-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-propyl]-2,4-dioxo-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine). These compounds possessed structural properties similar to those of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists. In the present study, the affinities of the 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine derivatives (1a-3a) for alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors were evaluated using radioligand ([(3)H]prazosin, [(3)H]clonidine) binding assays. In the next step, a new series of phenylpiperazine derivatives of phenytoin (4a-16a) containing 2-methoxyphenyl-, 2-ethoxyphenyl-, 2-pyridyl- or 2-furoylpiperazine moiety, as well as, various ester or alkyl substituents at 3-position of hydantoin ring were synthesized. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for their affinity to alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors. They have shown affinities for alpha(1)-adrenoceptors at nanomolar to submicromolar range. Some compounds were moderately selective ligands of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. Selected compounds (3a-5a, 7a, 13a, 14a) were also evaluated for their alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonistic properties in functional bioassays. A SAR study indicated that the most active compounds contain 2-alkoxyphenylpiperazine moieties and methyl or 2-methylpropionate substituent at 3-N position in hydantoin. The exchange of 2-alkoxyphenyl moiety into 2-furoyl or 2-pyridyl group significantly decreased affinities for alpha(1)-adrenoceptors. Molecular modelling results obtained using conformational analysis CONFLEX and PM5 method for geometry optimization, allowed for comparison of the spatial properties of tested compounds with pharmacophore model created by Barbaro et al. for the ideal alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist.

Autoradiographic characterization of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors in the human striatum.

Indirect experimental evidence suggests that drugs acting on the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor could be useful in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. In rodent brain, the highest levels of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors are found in the striatum, with lower levels in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In human brain, because of the poor subtype-selectivity of the available alpha(2)-adrenoceptor ligands, the localization of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors has remained unknown. Recently, a selective alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor antagonist, JP-1302, was characterized, and to assess the presence of alpha(2C)-adrenoceptors in human brain, we performed competition binding in vitro receptor autoradiography with JP-1302 and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtype nonselective antagonist [ethyl-(3)H]RS79948-197 on rat and human postmortem brain sections. In striatum of both species, JP-1302 vs. [ethyl-(3)H]RS79948-197 competition binding was biphasic, identifying high- and low-affinity binding sites, whereas in cortex and cerebellum, only low-affinity binding sites were detected. The results indicate that a significant portion of the alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in striatum is of the alpha(2C) subtype, whereas non-alpha(2C)-adreocneptors predominate in cortex and cerebellum. Because the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor subtype distribution pattern appears to be conserved between rodents and humans, results obtained from studies on the role of the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor in rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders may be relevant also for human diseases.