The GABA B receptor agonist CGP44532 and the positive modulator GS39783 reverse some behavioural changes related to positive syndromes of psychosis in mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An important role of GABAergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia was proposed a long time ago, but there is limited data to support this hypothesis. In the present study we decided to investigate GABA(B) receptor ligands in animal models predictive for the antipsychotic activity of drugs. The GABA(B) receptor antagonists CGP51176 and CGP36742, agonist CGP44532 and positive allosteric modulator GS39783 were studied. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The effects of all ligands were investigated in MK-801- and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity tests. The anti-hallucinogenic-like effect of the compounds was screened in the model of head twitches induced by (±)1-(2.5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI). Furthermore, the effect of GS39783 and CGP44532 on DOI-induced frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in slices from mouse brain frontal cortices was investigated. The anti-cataleptic properties of the compounds were also assessed. KEY RESULTS: The GABA(B) receptor activators CGP44532 and GS39783 exhibited antipsychotic-like effects both in the MK-801- and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity tests, as well as in the head-twitch model in mice. Such effects were not observed for the GABA(B) receptor antagonists. DOI-induced increased frequency of spontaneous EPSCs was also decreased by the compounds. Moreover, CGP44532 and GS39783 inhibited haloperidol-induced catalepsy and EPSCs. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These data suggest that selective GABA(B) receptor activators may be useful in the treatment of psychosis.

Antidepressant-like activity of CGP 36742 and CGP 51176, selective GABAB receptor antagonists, in rodents.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A crucial role for the GABAB receptor in depression was proposed several years ago, but there are limited data to support this proposition. Therefore we decided to investigate the antidepressant-like activity of the selective GABAB receptor antagonists CGP 36742 and CGP 51176, and a selective agonist CGP 44532 in models of depression in rats and mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Effects of CGP 36742 and CGP 51176 as well as the agonist CGP 44532 were assessed in the forced swim test in mice. Both antagonists were also investigated in an olfactory bulbectomy (OB) model of depression in rats, while CGP 51176 was also investigated in the chronic mild stress (CMS) rat model of depression. The density of GABAB receptors in the mouse hippocampus after chronic administration of CGP 51176 was also investigated. KEY RESULTS: The GABAB receptor antagonists CGP 36742 and CGP 51176 exhibited antidepressant-like activity in the forced swim test in mice. The GABAB receptor agonist CGP 44532 was not effective in this test, however, it counteracted the antidepressant-like effects of CGP 51176. The antagonists CGP 36742 and CGP 51176 were effective in an OB model of depression in rats. CGP 51176 was also effective in the CMS rat model of depression. Administration of CGP 51176 increased the density of GABAB receptors in the mouse hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These data suggest that selective GABAB receptor antagonists may be useful in treatment of depression, and support an important role for GABA-ergic transmission in this disorder.

Focal neurometabolic alterations in mice deficient for succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase.

Metabolite profiling in succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH; Aldh5a1-/-) deficient mice previously revealed elevated gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and total GABA in urine and total brain and liver extracts. In this study, we extend our metabolic characterization of these mutant mice by documenting elevated GHB and total GABA in homogenates of mutant kidney, pancreas and heart. We quantified beta-alanine (a GABA homolog and putative neurotransmitter) to address its potential role in pathophysiology. We found normal levels of beta-alanine in urine and total homogenates of mutant brain, heart and pancreas, but elevated concentrations in mutant kidney and liver extracts. Amino acid analysis in mutant total brain homogenates revealed no abnormalities except for significantly decreased glutamine, which was normal in mutant liver and kidney extracts. Regional amino acid analysis (frontal cortex, parietal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum) in mutant mice confirmed glutamine results. Glutamine synthetase protein and mRNA levels in homogenates of mutant mouse brain were normal. We profiled organic acid patterns in mutant brain homogenates to assess brain oxidative metabolism and found normal concentrations of Kreb's cycle intermediates but increased 4,5-dihydroxyhexanoic acid (a postulated derivative of succinic semialdehyde) levels. We conclude that SSADH-deficient mice represent a valid metabolic model of human SSADH deficiency, manifesting focal neurometabolic abnormalities which could provide key insights into pathophysiologic mechanisms.

International Union of Pharmacology. XXXIII. Mammalian gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) receptors: structure and function.

The gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) (GABA(B)) receptor was first demonstrated on presynaptic terminals where it serves as an autoreceptor and also as a heteroreceptor to influence transmitter release by suppressing neuronal Ca(2+) conductance. Subsequent studies showed the presence of the receptor on postsynaptic neurones where activation produces an increase in membrane K(+) conductance and associated neuronal hyperpolarization. (-)-Baclofen is a highly selective agonist for GABA(B) receptors, whereas the established GABA(A) receptor antagonists, bicuculline and picrotoxin, do not block GABA(B) receptors. The receptor is G(i)/G(o) protein-coupled with mixed effects on adenylate cyclase activity. The receptor comprises a heterodimer with similar subunits currently designated 1 and 2. These subunits are coupled via coiled-coil domains at their C termini. The evidence for splice variants is critically reviewed. Thus far, no unique pharmacological or functional properties have been assigned to either subunit or the variants. The emergence of high-affinity antagonists for GABA(B) receptors has enabled a synaptic role to be established. However, the antagonists have generally failed to establish the existence of pharmacologically distinct receptor types within the GABA(B) receptor class. The advent of GABA(B1) knockout mice has also failed to provide support for multiple receptor types.

CGP 44532, a GABAB receptor agonist, is hedonically neutral and reduces cocaine-induced enhancement of reward.

Drugs that alter the function of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission seem to reduce cocaine reinforcement, and as such may be useful in pharmacologically treating cocaine addiction. In the present experiment, the anti-cocaine effects of CGP 44532, a phosphinic acid analogue of GABA, and a highly selective GABA(B) receptor agonist were examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats using brain stimulation reward (BSR) paradigm. In this method, the relationship between the rate of bar pressing and the frequency of stimulation pulses was analyzed in two measures: the maximum rate of responding (MAX) and the frequency necessary to sustain half maximal rate of responding known as the locus of rise (LOR). CGP 44532 was found to be hedonically neutral without producing any measurable effects on performance (MAX). It also dose-dependently reduced cocaine-induced BSR enhancement, in the order of 15-31%, as shown by progressive shifts in LOR towards baseline. Thus, in theory, administration of CGP 44532 might reduce cocaine's hedonic effects, while also maintaining patient compliance. Whether this agent would also be effective at curbing craving, a long-term consequence of drug abuse, remains to be determined.

In vivo modulation of ventral tegmental area dopamine and glutamate efflux by local GABA(B) receptors is altered after repeated amphetamine treatment.

The activity of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area is modulated by excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) afferents. GABA, released by intrinsic neurons and by projection neurons originating in the nucleus accumbens and other regions, inhibits dopamine neurons via activation of GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptor subtypes. Using in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats, we investigated the role of ventral tegmental area GABA(B) receptors in modulating levels of dopamine and glutamate within the ventral tegmental area, both in naive rats and in rats treated repeatedly with saline or amphetamine (5 mg/kg i.p., for 5 days). In naive rats, administration of a potent and selective GABA(B) receptor antagonist (CGP 55845A) into the ventral tegmental area elicited a concentration-dependent increase in dopamine levels, but did not alter glutamate levels. In rats tested 3 days after discontinuing repeated amphetamine administration, 50 microM CGP 55845A increased dopamine levels to a greater extent than in saline controls. This difference was no longer present in rats tested 10-14 days after discontinuing repeated amphetamine injections. CGP 55845A (50 microM) had no effect on glutamate levels in the ventral tegmental area of saline-treated rats. However, it produced a robust increase in glutamate levels in rats tested 3 days, but not 10-14 days, after discontinuing repeated amphetamine injections. These results suggest that somatodendritic dopamine release is normally under strong tonic inhibitory control by GABA(B) receptors. Repeated amphetamine administration enhances GABA(B) receptor transmission in the ventral tegmental area during the early withdrawal period, increasing inhibitory tone on both dopamine and glutamate levels. This is the first demonstration, in an intact animal, that drugs of abuse alter GABA(B) receptor transmission in the ventral tegmental area.

Positive allosteric modulation of native and recombinant gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) receptors by 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-(3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-phenol (CGP7930) and its aldehyde analog CGP13501.

The compounds CGP7930 [2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-(3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-phenol] and its close analog CGP13501 were identified as positive modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) (GABA(B)) receptor function. They potentiate GABA-stimulated guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma[(35)S]) binding to membranes from a GABA(B(1b/2)) expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line at low micromolar concentrations and are ineffective in the absence of GABA. The structurally related compounds propofol and malonoben are inactive. Similar effects of CGP7930 are seen in a GTP gamma[(35)S] binding assay using a native GABA(B) receptor preparation (rat brain membranes). Receptor selectivity is demonstrated because no modulation of glutamate-induced GTP gamma[(35)S] binding is seen in a CHO cell line expressing the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2. Dose-response curves with GABA in the presence of different fixed concentrations of CGP7930 reveal an increase of both the potency and maximal efficacy of GABA at the GABA(B(1b/2)) heteromer. Radioligand binding studies show that CGP7930 increases the affinity of agonists but acts at a site different from the agonist binding site. Agonist affinity is not modulated by CGP7930 at homomeric GABA(B(1b)) receptors. In addition to GTP gamma[(35)S] binding, we show that CGP7930 also has modulatory effects in cellular assays such as GABA(B) receptor-mediated activation of inwardly rectifying potassium channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes and Ca(2+) signaling in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Furthermore, we show that CGP7930 enhances the inhibitory effect of L-baclofen on the oscillatory activity of cultured cortical neurons. This first demonstration of positive allosteric modulation at GABA(B) receptors may represent a novel means of therapeutic interference with the GABA-ergic system.

Pharmacologic rescue of lethal seizures in mice deficient in succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase.

Succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH5A1, encoding SSADH deficiency is a defect of 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) degradation that manifests in humans as 4-hydroxybutyric (gamma-hydroxybutyric, GHB) aciduria. It is characterized by a non-specific neurological disorder including psychomotor retardation, language delay, seizures, hypotonia and ataxia. The current therapy, vigabatrin (VGB), is not uniformly successful. Here we report the development of Aldh5a1-deficient mice. At postnatal day 16-22 Aldh5a1-/- mice display ataxia and develop generalized seizures leading to rapid death. We observed increased amounts of GHB and total GABA in urine, brain and liver homogenates and detected significant gliosis in the hippocampus of Aldh5a1-/- mice. We found therapeutic intervention with phenobarbital or phenytoin ineffective, whereas intervention with vigabatrin or the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 35348 (ref. 2) prevented tonic-clonic convulsions and significantly enhanced survival of the mutant mice. Because neurologic deterioration coincided with weaning, we hypothesized the presence of a protective compound in breast milk. Indeed, treatment of mutant mice with the amino acid taurine rescued Aldh5a1-/- mice. These findings provide insight into pathomechanisms and may have therapeutic relevance for the human SSADH deficiency disease and GHB overdose and toxicity.

Epilepsy, hyperalgesia, impaired memory, and loss of pre- and postsynaptic GABA(B) responses in mice lacking GABA(B(1)).

GABA(B) (gamma-aminobutyric acid type B) receptors are important for keeping neuronal excitability under control. Cloned GABA(B) receptors do not show the expected pharmacological diversity of native receptors and it is unknown whether they contribute to pre- as well as postsynaptic functions. Here, we demonstrate that Balb/c mice lacking the GABA(B(1)) subunit are viable, exhibit spontaneous seizures, hyperalgesia, hyperlocomotor activity, and memory impairment. Upon GABA(B) agonist application, null mutant mice show neither the typical muscle relaxation, hypothermia, or delta EEG waves. These behavioral findings are paralleled by a loss of all biochemical and electrophysiological GABA(B) responses in null mutant mice. This demonstrates that GABA(B(1)) is an essential component of pre- and postsynaptic GABA(B) receptors and casts doubt on the existence of proposed receptor subtypes.

Ligands for expression cloning and isolation of GABA(B) receptors.

Outlined is the rationale behind the syntheses of radioligands [125I]CGP64213 and [125I]CGP71872, which led to the identification of cloned GABA(B) receptors 1a and 1b 17 years after the first pharmacological characterisation of native GABA(B) receptors by Bowery et al. [Nature 283 (1980) 92-94]. More recently it was shown that the N-terminal extracellular domains of GABA(B) receptors 1a and 1b contain the binding sites for agonists and antagonists [B. Malitschek et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 56 (1999) 448-454]. In order to isolate the extracellular domain(s) of GABA(B) receptors 1a (or 1b) and to purify and crystallise these proteins a third ligand [125I]CGP84963 was designed, which combines, in one molecule, a GABA(B) receptor binding part, an azidosalicylic acid as photoaffinity moiety and 2-iminobiotin, which binds to avidin in a reversible, pH-dependent fashion [W. Froestl et al., Neuropharmacology 38 (1999) 1641-1646].

Both GABA(B) receptor agonist and antagonists decreased brain stimulation reward in the rat.

The present experiments were designed to determine the role of GABA(B) receptor function on brain stimulation reward. Using a discrete-trial current-intensity threshold procedure, dose-effect functions were generated for the GABA(B) receptor agonist CGP 44532 (0-1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) and the GABA(B) receptor antagonists CGP 56433A (0-10.0 mg/kg, s.c.) and CGP 51176 (0-300.0 mg/kg, s.c.) on brain reward thresholds in rats. The GABA(B) receptor antagonists CGP 56433A and CGP 51176 were used also to examine interaction effects with the GABA(B) receptor agonist CGP 44532 on reward thresholds. Administration of the highest doses of both the GABA(B) receptor agonist and antagonists elevated reward thresholds. Thus, both the agonist and antagonists used induced a reward decrement when administered separately. In addition, the co-administration of either of the two receptor antagonists with the agonist induced an additive effect on thresholds, rather than blocking the agonist-induced threshold elevations. These results suggest that activation of GABA(B) receptors modulates intracranial self-stimulation behavior in a complex fashion, possibly through differential effects of GABA(B) agonists and antagonists on pre- and post-synaptic GABA(B) receptors.

CGP 36216 is a selective antagonist at GABA(B) presynaptic receptors in rat brain.

In rat neocortical preparations maintained in Mg(2+)-free Krebs medium, baclofen depressed the frequency of spontaneous discharges in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50) = 6 microM), sensitive to (3-aminopropyl)ethylphosphinic acid (CGP 36216) (100, 300 and 500 microM) (pA(2) = 3.9 +/- 0.1). By contrast, CGP 36216, up to 1 mM, was ineffective in antagonising baclofen-induced hyperpolarisations, mediated through gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) (GABA(B)) postsynaptic receptors. In electrically stimulated brain slices preloaded with [3H]GABA, CGP 36216 increased [3H]GABA release (IC(50) = 43 microM), which was reversed by baclofen (20 microM). While CGP 36216 is ineffective at GABA(B) postsynaptic receptors, it is appreciably more active at presynaptic receptors.

Comparative activities of the enantiomeric GABA(B) receptor agonists CGP 44532 and 44533 in central and peripheral tissues.

In neocortical slices maintained in Mg(2+)-free Krebs medium, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(B)) receptor agonists baclofen, (3-amino-2(S)-hydroxypropyl)methylphosphinic acid (CGP 44532), and its (R)-enantiomer CGP 44533 depressed the frequency of spontaneous discharges in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50)=10, 6.5, and 50 microM, respectively). These effects were reversibly antagonised by the GABA(B) receptor antagonist (+)-(S)-5,5 dimethylmorpholinyl-2-acetic acid (Sch 50911) (3, 10, and 30 microM) (average pA(2) value=6.0+/-0.2). In neocortical wedges, baclofen, CGP 44532 and CGP 44533 elicited concentration-dependent hyperpolarisations (the EC(50)s were 14, 7.5 and 16 microM, respectively) sensitive to Sch 50911 (1, 5, 10 microM) (average pA(2) value=6.0+/-0.1), whilst they also depressed ileal electrically elicited cholinergic twitch contractions (EC(50)=11, 7, and 50 microM) that were antagonised by Sch 50911 (average pA(2) value=6.0+/-0.1). In electrically stimulated brain slices preloaded with [3H]GABA, baclofen, CGP 44532 and CGP 44533 decreased [3H]GABA release (IC(50)=5, 0.45, and 10 microM); this effect was reversed by Sch 50911 (50 microM). It is concluded that CGP 44532 is a far more potent agonist at GABA(B) autoreceptors than at central or peripheral heteroreceptors.

C-terminal interaction is essential for surface trafficking but not for heteromeric assembly of GABA(b) receptors.

Assembly of fully functional GABA(B) receptors requires heteromerization of the GABA(B(1)) and GABA(B(2)) subunits. It is thought that GABA(B(1)) and GABA(B(2)) undergo coiled-coil dimerization in their cytoplasmic C termini and that assembly is necessary to overcome GABA(B(1)) retention in the endoplasmatic reticulum (ER). We investigated the mechanism underlying GABA(B(1)) trafficking to the cell surface. We identified a signal, RSRR, proximal to the coiled-coil domain of GABA(B(1)) that when deleted or mutagenized allows for surface delivery in the absence of GABA(B(2)). A similar motif, RXR, was recently shown to function as an ER retention/retrieval (ERR/R) signal in K(ATP) channels, demonstrating that G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels use common mechanisms to control surface trafficking. A C-terminal fragment of GABA(B(2)) is able to mask the RSRR signal and to direct the GABA(B(1)) monomer to the cell surface, where it is functionally inert. This indicates that in the heteromer, GABA(B(2)) participates in coupling to the G-protein. Mutagenesis of the C-terminal coiled-coil domains in GABA(B(1)) and GABA(B(2)) supports the possibility that their interaction is involved in shielding the ERR/R signal. However, assembly of heteromeric GABA(B) receptors is possible in the absence of the C-terminal domains, indicating that coiled-coil interaction is not necessary for function. Rather than guaranteeing heterodimerization, as previously assumed, the coiled-coil structure appears to be important for export of the receptor complex from the secretory apparatus.

Determination of the GABA(B) receptor agonist CGP 44532 (3-amino-2-hydroxypropylmethylphosphinic acid) in rat plasma after pre-column derivatization by micro-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with negative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

An assay, based on pre-column derivatization and micro-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, was developed for the determination of the GABA(B) agonist CGP 44532 in rat plasma. CGP 44532, a highly polar 3-amino-2(S)-hydroxypropylmethylphosphinic acid, presented difficulties in developing a chromatographic method for the analysis of the compound in rat plasma. Instead of analyzing the target compound directly, it was derivatized prior to separation to a 4-nitrobenzylcarbamate isopropyliden derivative. In order to reach the required quantitation limit, on-line solid-phase extraction was utilized for sample clean-up and reversed-phase micro-column high-performance liquid chromatography, for separation of the plasma samples. The separated compounds were detected by negative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in selected reaction monitoring mode. The derivatives show good chromatographic and mass spectrometric properties and both the target compound and the internal standard, could be eluted as symmetrical peaks with good signal/noise ratio. The MS-MS detection was selective and sensitive due to the straight fragmentation pattern. After injection of 200-microl sample aliquots, the limit of quantification was 10 ng ml(-1). The analytical assay is usable in the range of 10-500 ng ml(-1).

Mapping the agonist-binding site of GABAB type 1 subunit sheds light on the activation process of GABAB receptors.

The gamma-amino-n-butyric acid type B (GABA(B)) receptor is composed of two subunits, GABA(B)1 and GABA(B)2, belonging to the family 3 heptahelix receptors. These proteins possess two domains, a seven transmembrane core and an extracellular domain containing the agonist binding site. This binding domain is likely to fold like bacterial periplasmic binding proteins that are constituted of two lobes that close upon ligand binding. Here, using molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we have identified residues in the GABA(B)1 subunit that are critical for agonist binding and activation of the heteromeric receptor. Our data suggest that two residues (Ser(246) and Asp(471)) located within lobe I form H bonds and a salt bridge with carboxylic and amino groups of GABA, respectively, demonstrating the pivotal role of lobe I in agonist binding. Interestingly, our data also suggest that a residue within lobe II (Tyr(366)) interacts with the agonists in a closed form model of the binding domain, and its mutation into Ala converts the agonist baclofen into an antagonist. These data demonstrate the pivotal role played by the GABA(B)1 subunit in the activation of the heteromeric GABA(B) receptor and are consistent with the idea that a closed state of the binding domain of family 3 receptors is required for their activation.

Receptors in neurodegenerative diseases.

The ability of trophic factors to regulate developmental neuronal survival and adult nervous system plasticity suggests the use of these molecules to treat neurodegeneration associated with human diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and peripheral sensory neuropathies. Recent biological data on the neutrotrophins NGF and BDNF, on GDNF, CNTF and IGF-I are discussed together with first results from clinical trials. Literature is presented on the three-dimensional structures of these trophic factors and on models proposed for ligand-receptor interactions. Substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanisms of apoptosis. The cascade consisting of interaction of apoptosis-inducing ligands with death receptors, the coupling of this complex to adaptor proteins via death domains, the further recruitment of procaspases via death effector or caspase recruitment domains and the execution of cell death via the effector caspases is briefly outlined.

Ca(2+) requirement for high-affinity gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding at GABA(B) receptors: involvement of serine 269 of the GABA(B)R1 subunit.

The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor type B (GABA(B)R) is constituted of at least two homologous proteins, GABA(B)R1 and GABA(B)R2. These proteins share sequence and structural similarity with metabotropic glutamate and Ca(2+)-sensing receptors, both of which are sensitive to Ca(2+). Using rat brain membranes, we report here that the affinity of GABA and 3-aminopropylphosphinic acid for the GABA(B)R receptor is decreased by a factor >10 in the absence of Ca(2+). Such a large effect of Ca(2+) is not observed with baclofen or the antagonists CGP64213 and CGP56999A. In contrast to baclofen, the potency of GABA in stimulating GTPgammaS binding in rat brain membranes is also decreased by a factor >10 upon Ca(2+) removal. The potency for Ca(2+) in regulating GABA affinity was 37 microM. In cells expressing GABA(B)R1, the potency of GABA, but not of baclofen, in displacing bound (125)I-CGP64213 was similarly decreased in the absence of Ca(2+). To identify residues that are responsible for the Ca(2+) effect, the pharmacological profile and the Ca(2+) sensitivity of a series of GABA(B)R1 mutants were examined. The mutation of Ser269 into Ala was found to decrease the affinity of GABA, but not of baclofen, and the GABA affinity was found not to be affected upon Ca(2+) removal. Finally, the effect of Ca(2+) on the GABA(B) receptor function is no longer observed in cells coexpressing this GABA(B)R1-S269A mutant and the wild-type GABA(B)R2. Taken together, these results show that Ser269, which is conserved in the GABA(B)R1 protein from Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals, is critical for the Ca(2+)-effect on the heteromeric GABA(B) receptor.

Pharmacological re-evaluation of a GABA(B) receptor antagonist CGP 47332A in rat brain.

In rat neocortical slices maintained in Mg(2+)-free Krebs medium, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(B)) receptor agonist baclofen concentration-dependently depressed the frequency of spontaneous discharges (EC(50)=12 microM). This was reversibly antagonised by (R, S)-3-amino-2-hydroxy-propyl-P-n-butyl-phosphinic acid (CGP 47332A) (25, 100, 300 microM) which produced rightwards shifts of the baclofen concentration-response curves (pA(2) value=4.8+/-0.1). In electrically stimulated slices preloaded with [3H]GABA, CGP 47332A increased its release (EC(150)=100 microM) through antagonism of GABA(B) autoreceptors. Although CGP 47332A was some six times weaker on GABA(B) auto- than on heteroreceptors, yet its congener lacking the beta-hydroxy substituent displays equal potency in both binding (IC(50)=38 microM) and GABA(B) autoreceptor functional studies (EC(150)=38 microM) as previously reported [Froestl, W., Mickel, S.J. , Von Sprecher, G., Diel, P.J., Hall, R.G., Maier, L., Strub, D., Melillo, V., Baumann, P.A., Bernasconi, R., Gentsch, C., Hauser, K., Jaekel, J., Karlsson, G., Klebs, K., Maitre, L., Marescaux, C., Pozza, M.F., Schmutz, M., Steinmann, M.W., Van Riezen, H., Vassout, A., Mondadori, C., Olpe, H.R., Waldmeier, P.C., Bittiger, H., Phosphinic acid analogues of GABA: 2. Selective, orally active GABA(B) antagonists. J. Med. Chem. 38 (1995) 3313-3331.].

Ligands for the isolation of GABA(B) receptors [corrected] .

Since the discovery that the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), interacts not only with ionotropic GABA(A) receptors, but also with metabotropic GABA(B) receptors (Bowery et al., 1980) much work has been devoted to the elucidation of the structure of GABA(B) receptors by either affinity chromatography purification or by expression cloning. In 1997 Kaupmann et al. succeeded in cloning two splice variants designated GABA(B) R1a (960 amino acids) and GABA(B) R1b (844 amino acids). Although the amino acid sequences are now known, precise information on the three-dimensional environment of the GABA(B) R1 binding site is still lacking. Recent experiments demonstrated that the amino acids of the seven transmembrane helices are not essential for ligand binding as a soluble GABA(B) receptor fragment is still able to bind antagonists (Malitschek et al., 1999). For the isolation and purification of the soluble N-terminal extracellular domain (NTED) of GABA(B) receptors potent ligands for affinity chromatography were synthesised with the aim of obtaining a crystalline receptor fragment-ligand complex for X-ray structure determination. The most promising ligand [125I]CGP84963 (K(D) = 2 nM) combines, in one molecule, a GABA(B) receptor binding part, an azidosalicylic acid as a photoaffinity moiety separated by a spacer consisting of three GABA molecules from 2-iminobiotin, which binds to avidin in a reversible, pH-dependent fashion.