Opioid receptor sub-types involved in the control of transmitter release in cortex of the brain of the rat.

Electrical stimulation (3 Hz, 2 msec duration, 5-12 V for 2 min every 20 min) of cortical slices from the rat, previously incubated with [3H]noradrenaline, evoked a release of tritium which was inhibited by morphine, normorphine, Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-MePhe-NH(CH2) 2OH ( RX783006 ) and D-Ala2-D-Leu5-enkephalin ( pIC30 5.90, 6.32, 7.45 and 6.74 respectively). Naloxone did not affect the release of tritium when given alone but antagonised the actions of the opioids, giving a Ke value of about 3 nM irrespective of the particular agonist used, which suggests an action at mu receptors. The delta opioid receptor blocker, ICI154129 , antagonised the opioids only in large concentrations (Ke 21300 nM). In slices previously incubated with [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine, electrical stimulation increased overflow of tritium but neither naloxone nor the opioid agonists affected evoked overflow of tritium at concentrations which were effective in slices incubated with [3H]noradrenaline. It is concluded that stimulation of mu opioid receptors may inhibit release of noradrenaline from central noradrenergic neurones and that these receptors are not present in significant numbers on neurones releasing 5-hydroxytryptamine in the cortex.

Conformationally constrained tachykinin analogues: potent and highly selective neurokinin NK-2 receptor agonists.

The design and synthesis of potent and selective neurokinin NK-2 receptor agonists 12 (GR64349) and 31 are described, together with structure-activity relationships for related analogues. Compound 12 (EC50 = 3.7 nM at NK-2 receptors in the rat colon; selectivity > 1000- and > 300-fold with respect to NK-1 and NK-3 receptors, respectively) was derived by incorporation of a Gly-Leu gamma-lactam conformational constraint into the C-terminal region of the neurokinin A octapeptide analogue [Lys3]-NKA(3-10). Compound 31 (EC50 = 15 nM in rat colon) contains a novel fused-bicyclic constraint at the corresponding site in the substance P hexapeptide analogue [Ava6]-SP(6-11).

Highly potent and selective heptapeptide antagonists of the neurokinin NK-2 receptor.

Incorporation of D-Pro9 into substance P related peptides is known to enhance neurokinin NK-2 receptor agonist potency and selectivity with respect to other neurokinin receptors. We now report that replacement of D-Trp9 by D-Pro9 in the nonselective neurokinin antagonist [Arg5,D-Trp7,9, Nle11]-SP(5-11) gave a partial agonist with NK-2 receptor selectivity. Further incorporation of Pro10 provided the weak but selective NK-2 antagonist Arg-Ala-D-Trp-Phe-D-Pro-Pro-Nle-NH2 (compound 4; NK-2 pKB = 5.9; NK-1 pKB = 4.7; NK-3 pKB less than 4.6). Addition of a suitable lipophilic N-terminal substituent (e.g. Boc, PhCO, cyclohexylcarbonyl) to this compound greatly enhanced NK-2 antagonist activity (compound 10, GR 83074; NK-2 pKB = 8.2), and combined with further optimization of the N-terminal amino acids, provided the extremely potent and selective NK-2 antagonist PhCO-Ala-Ala-D-Trp-Phe-D-Pro-Pro-Nle-NH2 (compound 34, GR 94800; NK-2 pKB = 9.6; NK-1 pKB = 6.4; NK-3 pKB = 6.0). Compounds of this class produced a potent inhibition of NK-2 agonist-induced bronchoconstriction in the anaesthetized guinea-pig.

Ontogeny and characterization of [125I]Bolton Hunter-eledoisin binding sites in rat spinal cord by quantitative autoradiography.

The distribution and characteristics of [125I]Bolton Hunter-eledoisin binding sites in rat lumbar spinal cord were studied during postnatal development by in vitro receptor autoradiography. At three, six and 10 days of age, specific [125I]eledoisin binding was distributed throughout the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord. In contrast, from day 24 onwards, specific binding of [125I]eledoisin was confined to superficial layers of the dorsal horn, with negligible amounts of specific binding in the ventral horn. [125I]Eledoisin binding to neonatal (three day) and adult (eight to 12 weeks) spinal cord sections was characterized using tachykinin agonists. In both dorsal and ventral horns of neonatal spinal cord, the rank order of potency of agonists indicated that the majority (64%) of specific [125I]eledoisin binding was to neurokinin-3 binding sites. The identity of the non-neurokinin-3 sites labelled by [125I]eledoisin remains to be determined. In adult rat spinal cord, [125I]eledoisin appeared to bind exclusively to neurokinin-3 binding sites. These results suggest that major changes take place in the localization of neurokinin-3 receptors during postnatal ontogeny of the rat spinal cord. These changes may reflect an important role for tachykinins in neuronal plasticity of the developing spinal cord.

A microdialysis study on pineal melatonin rhythms in rats after an 8-h phase advance: new characteristics of the underlying pacemaker.

This study describes the use of the microdialysis technique to elucidate specific properties of the circadian pacemaking system in the hypothalamus, by measurement of melatonin production in the pineal gland. Melatonin has appeared to be a reliable marker of the pacemaker activity, which is influenced by the light/dark cycle. A phase shift in the light/dark cycle was applied to perturb the rhythm generating system. An 8-h phase advance resulted in the disappearance of melatonin production over two days, with basal levels comparable to normal daytime levels. In the subsequent return of rhythmic melatonin production, new clock characteristics could be revealed, due to the high time-resolution measurements of microdialysis. While half of the animals still did not show any rhythmicity, the other half of the animals regained rhythmicity with entrained onset of melatonin production, while the offset was variable and not stably entrained to lights on. Ten days after the shift, the system had completely recovered and all animals regained normal rhythmicity, in phase with the new light/dark cycle. The results are interpreted in terms of the two-oscillator model, with one oscillator reacting with a phase advance and the other with a phase delay to adapt to the phase shift.

A rapid and transient synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) by a constitutively expressed type II NO synthase in the guinea-pig suprachiasmatic nucleus.

1. We have measured extracellular NO/NO(2)(-) concentrations in guinea-pig suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) brain slices using fast cyclic voltammetry. A rapid and transient signal equivalent to 2.2+/-0.2 microM NO/NO(2)(-) (mean+/-s.e.mean, n=13) was detected at 1.26 V, the peak oxidation potential for NO, following local electrical stimulation (five pulses of 0.1 ms duration at 100 Hz, delivered every 5 min). 2. The NO/NO(2)(-) signal was inhibited by the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors L-NAME, L-NMMA and the highly selective type II NOS (iNOS) inhibitor 1400 W (Garvey et al., 1997) in a concentration-dependent manner. IC(50) values were 229 microM (65 - 801, n=3, geomean and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.)), 452 nM (88 - 2310, n=5), and 14.2 microM (3.6 - 54.4, n=5), with maximum inhibitions of 82.8+/-6.7, 46.0+/-8.1, and 90.6+/-3.6%, respectively. 3. Exposure of the slices to the protein synthesis inhibitor cyclohexamide or the inhibitor of type II NOS induction dexamethasone immediately following slice cutting, and for a subsequent 4 - 5 h, did not inhibit the NO/NO(2)(-) signal. 4. The evoked NO/NO(2)(-) signal was not reduced following 6 h perfusion in Ca(2+)-free media, consistent with a Ca(2+)-independent type II NOS activity. 5. PCR for type II NOS revealed the presence of this isotype in the SCN, even immediately following removal of the brain. 6. These studies provide the first evidence to suggest a functional, constitutively-active type II NOS within the brain of normal, healthy adult animals, and add type II NOS to the multiple isotypes of NO synthase playing a role within the mammalian SCN.

Investigation into species variants in tachykinin NK1 receptors by use of the non-peptide antagonist, CP-96,345.

The affinity of the non-peptide antagonist CP-96,345 for tachykinin NK1 receptors has been estimated in a range of species by use of both radioligand binding and functional assays. CP-96,345 was 30-120 fold less active at NK1 receptors in rat and mouse than in the other species examined, including man. These results demonstrate the existence of species variations in NK1 receptors.

Effect of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists on responses to selective activation of mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways in the rat.

1. The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists on the behavioural hyperactivity response which results from injection of the neurokinin receptor agonist [pGlu5, MePhe8, Sar9]-substance P (5-11) (DiMe-C7) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the rat midbrain have been determined. 2. Subcutaneous administration of ondansetron (GR38032) (0.001-0.3 mg kg-1), GR65630 (0.01 mg kg-1), ICS 205-930 (0.1 mg kg-1) and MDL 72222 (0.1 mg kg-1), inhibited the DiMe-C7-induced hyperactivity response. 3. The effects of ondansetron on DiMe-C7-induced changes in dopamine and 5-HT metabolism in discrete areas of rat forebrain were studied in order to investigate further the possible mechanism of action of 5-HT3 antagonists in modifying mesolimbic dopaminergic systems. 4. Intra-VTA administration of DiMe-C7 increased levels of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercules and right amygdala, indicating increased mesolimbic dopamine metabolism. DOPAC levels were not significantly increased in the frontal cortex, left amygdala or striatum. Dopamine levels were not altered in any of these brain areas. DiMe-C7 also increased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in the amygdala but this was only statistically significant in the right amygdala. 5-HT levels were not changed significantly by DiMe-C7 treatment. 5. In control rats, pretreatment with ondansetron (0.1 mg kg-1) had no effect on the levels of dopamine, 5-HT or their metabolites, but in rats given DiMe-C7, ondansetron significantly inhibited the increase in DOPAC levels in the nucleus accumbens. 6. These results are in agreement with the proposed facilitatory role of 5-HT3 receptor activation on mesolimbic dopaminergic transmission, and suggest that 5-HT3 antagonists may have important therapeutic indications for the treatment of CNS disorders in which mesolimbic dopamine systems are perturbed.

Depression of primary afferent-evoked responses by GR71251 in the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat.

1. The pharmacological profile of GR71251, a new tachykinin receptor antagonist, and its effect on the responses evoked by stimulation of primary afferent fibres were studied in isolated spinal cord preparations of neonatal rats. Potential changes were recorded extracellularly from a lumbar ventral root (L3-L5). 2. Bath-application of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) at 0.01-3 microM to the spinal cord induced depolarization of the ventral root in normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The NK1 agonist, acetyl-Arg6-septide, and the NK3 agonist, senktide, at 0.01-3 microM, also had potent depolarizing actions whereas two NK2 agonists, beta-Ala8NKA4-10 and Nle10NKA4-10, showed little depolarizing effects at 1 microM. 3. GR71251 (0.3-3 microM) caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curves for SP, acetyl-Arg6-septide and NKA with pA2 values of 6.14, 6.75 or 6.70, respectively. The effects of GR71251 were readily reversible within 15-30 min after its removal. By contrast, GR71251 (1-5 microM) had little effect on the depolarizing responses to NKB and senktide. 4. GR71251 (1-3 microM) did not depress the depolarizing responses to bombesin, neuromedin B and gastrin-releasing peptide in normal artificial CSF. 5. Application of capsaicin to the spinal cord induced a depolarizing response, which was partially depressed by GR71251 (3-10 microM). 6. In the isolated spinal cord preparation, intense electrical stimulation of a dorsal root evoked a slow depolarizing response of the contralateral ventral root of the same segment. A similar slow ventral root depolarization was evoked by electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral saphenous nerve in an isolated spinal cord-saphenous nerve preparation. GR71251 (0.3-10 microM) dose-dependently depressed these slow ventral root potentials.7. In the spinal cord-peripheral nerve preparation, conditioning stimulation of the saphenous nerve evoked an inhibition of the muscle nerve-evoked monosynaptic reflex lasting about 20 s. The late part of the inhibition was markedly depressed by GR71251 (1-3 microM).8. The present results indicate that GR71251 is a potent and specific antagonist for tachykinin receptors in the spinal cord. The present study further provides evidence for the involvement of SP and NKA in the slow ventral root depolarization and the prolonged inhibition of monosynaptic reflex that are evoked by primary afferent stimulation.

Receptors mediating tachykinin-induced contractile responses in guinea-pig trachea.

1. The classification of tachykinin receptors in the guinea-pig trachea has been investigated. This was of interest because, from previous studies, it was not clear whether the guinea-pig trachea contains either a mixture of NK1 and NK2 receptors or, alternatively, a single type of novel tachykinin receptor. 2. In the present study, the guinea-pig trachea was contracted by tachykinin agonists selective for NK1 receptors (substance P methylester (SPOMe) and GR73632) or NK2 receptors (GR64349) but not NK3 receptors (senktide). 3. Against SPOMe and GR73632, the NK1 antagonist, GR71251, behaved as a reversible competitive antagonist having apparent affinity (pKB 7.05 vs SPOMe) consistent with action at NK1 receptors. GR71251 (3 microM) did not antagonize responses to GR64349. 4. The NK2 antagonists L-659,877 and Ac-Leu-Asp-Gln-Trp-Phe-Gly-NH2 (R396) antagonized GR64349 although only R396 appeared to behave competitively (pKB 5.73). Neither L-659,877 (30 microM) nor R396 (30 microM) blocked responses to SPOMe. 5. For L-659,877 and R396, comparison was made between activity in guinea-pig trachea and in preparations known to contain tachykinin receptors predominantly of the NK2 type. In the rabbit trachea, both L-659,877 and R396 had effects similar to those in guinea-pig trachea. In contrast, in the rat colon muscularis mucosae, both L-659,877 and R396 appeared to behave competitively with pKB values against GR64349 of 7.83 and 6.90 respectively. 6. It is concluded that in guinea-pig trachea, contractile responses can be induced by activation of both NK1 and NK2 receptors. The present data are discussed with reference to the proposed existence of subtypes of the NK2 receptor.

The pharmacology of GR203040, a novel, potent and selective non-peptide tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist.

1. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of GR203040 ((2S, 3S)-2-methoxy-5-tetrazol-1-yl-benzyl-(2-phenyl-piperidin-3-y l)-amine), a novel, highly potent and selective non-peptide tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, was investigated in the present study. 2. GR203040 potently inhibited [3H]-substance P binding to human NK1 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and U373 MG astrocytoma cells, and NK1 receptors in ferret and gerbil cortex (pKi values of 10.3, 10.5, 10.1 and 10.1 respectively). GR203040 had lower affinity at rat NK1 receptors (pKi = 8.6) and little affinity for human NK2 receptors (pKi < 5.0) in CHO cells and NK3 receptors in guinea-pig cortex (pKi < 6.0). With the exception of the histamine H1 receptor (pIC50 = 7.5). GR203040 had little affinity (pIC50 < 6.0) at all non-NK1 receptors and ion channels examined. Furthermore, GR203040 produced only weak inhibition of Na+ currents in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma and superior cervical ganglion cells (pIC50 values < 4.0). GR203040 produced only weak antagonism of Ca(2+)-evoked contractions of rat isolated portal vein (pKn = 4.1). The enantiomer of GR203040, GR205608 (2R, 3R)-2-methoxy-5-tetrazol-1-yl-benzyl-(2-phenyl-piperidin-3-y l)-amine), had 10,000 fold lower affinity at the human NK1 receptor expressed in CHO cells (pKi = 6.3). 3. In gerbil ex vivo binding experiments, GR203040 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the binding of [3H]-substance P to cerebral cortical membranes (ED50 = 15 micrograms kg-1 s.c. and 0.42 mg kg-1 p.o.). At 10 micrograms kg-1 s.c., the inhibition of [3H]-substance P binding was maintained for > 6 h. In the rat, GR203040 was less potent (ED50 = 15.4 mg kg-1 s.c.) probably reflecting, at least in part, its lower affinity at the rat NK1 receptor. 4. In guinea-pig isolated ileum and dog isolated middle cerebral and basilar arteries, GR203040 produced a rightward displacement of the concentration-effect curves to substance P methyl ester (SPOMe) with suppression of the maximum agonist response (apparent pKB values of 11.9, 11.2 and 11.1 respectively). 5. In anaesthetized rabbits, GR203040 antagonized reductions in carotid arterial vascular resistance evoked by SPOMe, injected via the lingual artery (DR10 (i.e. the dose producing a dose-ratio of 10) = 1.1 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). At a dose 20 fold greater than its DR10 value (i.e. 22 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), significant antagonism was evident more than 2 h after GR203040 administration. 6. In anaesthetized rats, GR203040 (3 and 10 mg kg-1, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of plasma protein extravasation in dura mater, conjunctiva, eyelid and lip in response to electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. 7. It is concluded that GR203040 is one of the most potent and selective NK1 receptor antagonists yet described, and as such, has considerable potential as a pharmacological tool to characterize the physiological and pathological roles of substance P and NK1 receptors. GR203040 may also have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of conditions such as migraine, emesis and pain.

Adenosine A1 receptor agonist GR79236 suppresses apnea during all sleep stages in the rat.

We tested the hypothesis that N-[(1S, trans)-2-hydroxycyclopentyl]adenosine (GR79236), a novel adenosine A1 receptor agonist, would suppress sleep-related apnea in the rat at doses not associated with hypotension or hypothermia. Nine adult Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented for chronic recording of sleep by electroencephalographic and electromyographic monitoring. Respirations were measured by single chamber plethysmograph, and blood pressure and heart period were transduced by a telemetric implant. Each rat was polygraphically recorded for 6 hours on four occasions in random order, with recordings for an individual animal separated by at least 3 days. Fifteen minutes prior to each recording (0945 hours) each animal received a 1 ml/kg intraperitoneal bolus injection of one of four injectates: saline (control) or 0.03 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, or 3 mg/kg of GR79236. The study was a repeated-measures balanced design such that each animal was recorded exactly once for each injectate. The rate of spontaneous apneas (pauses > 2.5 seconds) was significantly reduced during all sleep stages by all doses of GR79236. At the highest dose, apnea index was reduced by over 70% in both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In contrast, GR79236 had no effect on sleep stage volumes or blood pressure at any dose tested. Heart rate and core temperature were reduced only at the highest dose (3 mg/kg). We conclude that the adenosine A1 receptor agonist GR79236 significantly suppresses apnea expression in all sleep stages at doses not associated with significant changes in sleep architecture, blood pressure, heart rate, or core temperature.

Interactions between 5-HT3 receptors and cerebral dopamine function: implications for the treatment of schizophrenia and psychoactive substance abuse.

This article reviews current knowledge on the interaction between 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acting at 5-HT3 receptors in the CNS, and cerebral dopamine systems. Since 1987, a growing body of behavioural, neurochemical and electrophysiological evidence from animal studies has demonstrated a clear role for 5-HT3 receptors in the modulation of activity of mesolimbic and mesocortical dopamine neurones. This evidence has led to the suggestion that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have potential as novel antipsychotic agents and may also find use in the treatment of psychoactive substance abuse. Data emerging from clinical studies generally support this hypothesis and suggest that 5-HT3 antagonists may prove to be among the first agents available to treat schizophrenia which are not dopamine D2 antagonists and hence lack their side-effect problems.

The anxiolytic-like activity of GR159897, a non-peptide NK2 receptor antagonist, in rodent and primate models of anxiety.

The non-peptide NK2 receptor antagonist, GR159897, was evaluated in two putative models of anxiety, the mouse light-dark box and the marmoset human intruder response test. Effects were compared to the structurally dissimilar NK2 antagonist, (+/-) SR48968 and the benzodiazepines, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide. GR159897 (0.0005-50 micrograms/kg SC) caused significant and dose-dependent increases in the amount of time mice spent in the more aversive light compartment of the light-dark box, with no effect on locomotor activity. (+/-)SR48968 (0.0005-0.5 microgram/kg SC) and diazepam (1-1.75 mg/kg SC), also increased time spent in the light compartment, without effect on locomotor activity. In the marmoset human intruder response test, GR159897 (0.2-50 micrograms/kg SC) significantly increased the amount of time marmosets spent at the front of the cage during confrontation with a human observer ("threat"). Similar effects were produced by (+/-)SR48968 (10-50 micrograms/kg SC) and chlordiazepoxide (0.3-3.0 mg/kg SC). These results provide further evidence, in both rodent and primate species, for the ability of NK2 antagonists to restore behaviours which have been suppressed by novel aversive environments. Such effects indicate that NK2 antagonists may have anxiolytic activity.

Modulation of the rat suprachiasmatic circadian clock by melatonin in vitro.

The pineal hormone melatonin regulates daily and seasonal rhythms, at least in part through an action on the mammalian biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Melatonin was tested in vitro (10(-15)-10(-6) M; ZT9.5-10.5) for its effect on the circadian peak in neuronal firing rate in the rat SCN slice. It produced a concentration-related phase advance (maximum advance = 3 +/- 0.3 h at 10(-9) M, n = 3; minimum effective concentration = 10(-13) M; EC50 = 1.2 x 10(-12) M). The melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole (10(-5) M) blocked the phase-advance produced by melatonin (10(-9) M), whilst having no effect on its own. These data show that the effect of melatonin on the SCN clock, measured via the circadian rhythm of neuronal firing rate in the nuclei, is consistent with a concentration-dependent action via a high affinity melatonin receptor.

Identification of two novel diurnal genes by screening of a rat brain cDNA library.

While the hypothalamus is fundamental for sleep and circadian regulation, the molecular mechanism involved are poorly understood. We have used a differential gene expression technique to identify hypothalamic genes which have altered expression in rat sleep periods. Complex cDNA probes from rat hypothalami removed at Zeitgeber times 4 and 15 were hybridised to rat brain cDNA library girds. From 30 differentially expressed clones, six were further analysed and two were confirmed to exhibit increased expression at Zeitgeber time 4. A Northern blot hybridization of brain, heart, kidney, lung, testis and skin mRNA showed that both clones were brain specific. Therefore, we have identified two novel brain specific diurnally expressed hypothalamic genes. Both genes may have roles in sleep or circadian regulation.

Identification of two novel diurnal genes by screening of a rat brain cDNA library.

While the hypothalamus is fundamental for sleep and circadian regulation, the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. We have used a differential gene expression technique to identify hypothalamic genes which have altered expression in rat sleep periods. Complex cDNA probes from rat hypothalami removed at Zeitgeber times 4 and 15 were hybridised to rat brain cDNA library girds. From 30 differentially expressed clones, six were further analysed and two were confirmed to exhibit increased expression at Zeitgeber time 4. A Northern blot hybridization of brain, heart, kidney, lung, testis and skin mRNA showed that both clones were brain specific. Therefore, we have identified two novel brain specific diurnally expressed hypothalamic genes. Both genes may have roles in sleep or circadian regulation.

Behavioural and biochemical responses following activation of midbrain dopamine pathways by receptor selective neurokinin agonists.

Preferential activation of mesolimbic and nigro-striatal dopamine (DA) pathways by receptor-selective and peptidase-resistant neurokinin (NK) agonists is reported. The DA cell body region of the mesolimbic pathway appears to be activated by NK agonists selective for NK-1 and NK-3 receptors whereas the DA cell bodies in the substantia nigra are under an excitatory NK-2 receptor-mediated influence. Stimulation of the mesolimbic DA pathway by NK-1 (Ava[L-Pro9,N-Me-Leu10]SP (7-11) [GR73632]) or NK-3 (Senktide) agonists increase locomotor activity. Additional studies showed that this elevated motor response observed after intra-VTA infusion of GR73632 was accompanied by a corresponding increase in DA turnover in the terminal fields of this pathway. Similarly, unilateral activation of the nigro-striatal DA pathway by NK-2 selective agonists (Ava (D-Pro9) SP (7-11) [GR51667] or [Lys3,Gly8,R-Lac-Leu9]NKA (3-10) [GR64349]) elicit contralateral rotational activity and an increase in DA turnover in the ipsilateral striatum. The rotational response was attenuated by prior administration of an NK-2 antagonist (cyclo (Gln, Trp, Phe, Gly, Leu, Met)] L-659877]) into the nigra. Peripheral injection of haloperidol, a DA antagonist, also blocked the NK-2 agonist induced rotations.

Further studies on the effects of selective neurokinin agonists upon the activation of micturition reflex in rats. Evidence for a dual NK-1 receptor mediated excitatory and inhibitory activity.

The ability of SP and some selective agonists for NK-1, NK-2 and NK-3 receptor subtypes to interfere with the micturition reflex after intra-arterial (i.a.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration was investigated in the urethane anaesthetized rat. When administered i.a. SP, the selective NK-1 agonist GR 73632 and the selective NK-2 agonists GR 64349 were equipotent to activate micturition reflex, both the tonic or rhythmic bladder contractions. GR 73632 but not GR 64349-induced activation of micturition reflex was antagonized in a dose-dependent manner by the selective NK-1 antagonist GR 82334. After i.c.v. administration SP, GR 73632 and the selective NK-1 agonist [Sar9,Met(0(2))11]-SP but not GR 64349 inhibited saline-induced activation of rhythmic bladder contractions; the order of potency was GR 73632 > [Sar9,Met(0(2))11]SP >> SP. Also the inhibitory effect of GR 73632 was dose-dependently affected by GR 82334. In the two models the selective NK-3 agonist senktide both after i.a. or i.c.v. administration induced neither excitatory or inhibitory activity. These findings suggest that neurokinins activate at the peripheral level the micturition reflex by an interaction at NK-1 and NK-2 receptor subtypes. In addition, NK-1 receptors appear to modulate, at the central level, the inhibition of the micturition reflex.

Receptor-selective, peptidase-resistant agonists at neurokinin NK-1 and NK-2 receptors: new tools for investigating neurokinin function.

The pharmacological profiles of two novel neurokinin agonists have been investigated. delta Ava[L-Pro9,N-MeLeu10]SP(7-11) (GR73632) and [Lys3,Gly8-R-gamma-lactam-Leu9] NKA(3-10) (GR64349) are potent and selective agonists at NK-1 and NK-2 receptors respectively. In the guinea-pig isolated trachea preparation, contractions induced by these agonists were largely unaffected by inclusion of peptidase inhibitors in the bathing medium, indicating that these agonists are resistant to metabolism by peptidases. In the anaesthetised guinea-pig, both agonists were more potent bronchoconstrictor agents than either NKA or the SP analogue, SP methylester. In the anaesthetised rat, the NK-1 agonist, GR73632 was more potent than SP, NKA or NKB at causing the histamine-independent extravasation of plasma proteins into the skin after intradermal administration. The NK-2 agonist, GR64349 and the NK-3 agonist, senktide were without significant effect in this model. These agonists are useful tools for characterizing neurokinin receptor-mediated actions both in vitro and in vivo.