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Biomedical subjects

E B Nielsen

Publications and source records attributed to E B Nielsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Muscarinic receptor agonists decrease cocaine self-administration rates in drug-naive mice.

(5R,6R)-6-(3-Propylthio-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)-1-azabicyclo[ 3.2.1]octane (PTAC) is a selective muscarinic receptor ligand. The compound exhibits high affinity for central muscarinic receptors with partial agonist mode of action at muscarinic M(2) and M(4) and antagonist mode of action at muscarinic M(1), M(3) and M(5) receptor subtypes. The compound was earlier reported to exhibit functional dopamine receptor antagonism in rodents despite its lack of affinity for dopamine receptors. In the present study, we report that PTAC, as well as the muscarinic receptor agonists pilocarpine and oxotremorine, dose-dependently decreased rates of intravenous self-administration (fixed ratio 1) of the indirect dopamine receptor agonist cocaine in drug naive mice. Similar decreases in cocaine self-administration rates were obtained with the dopamine receptor antagonists olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, fluphenazine and haloperidol. These findings suggest that compounds with partial muscarinic receptor agonist mode of action may be used in the medical treatment of cocaine abuse.

Animals↗

Filter-grown TR146 cells as an in vitro model of human buccal epithelial permeability.

Use of a cell culture model of a specific epithelium requires documentation of its differentiation. This study reports permeability of mannitol concurrent with a profile of differentiation markers of filter-grown TR146 cells, a cell line originating from a human buccal carcinoma, cultivated submerged or at the air-liquid interface for 23 to 31 d. A multilayered squamous epithelial-like tissue was found. The maximal permeability barrier and the most distinct stratification were obtained at day 23, when cultured submerged (apparent permeability coefficient 4.08 +/- 0.15 (x 10(-6)) cm/s; transepithelial electrical resistance 102 +/- 5 omega x cm2). The profile of differentiation markers demonstrated similarities to normal human buccal epithelium by expression of K4, K10, K13, K16, and K19 keratins, plasma membrane-associated transglutaminase, involucrin, and epidermal growth factor receptor. Uniform expression of K5, K8 and K18 was consistent with the carcinogenic origin of TR146 cells. Identical profiles of differentiation markers were obtained irrespective of method or time of culture. Karyotyping proved the human origin of TR146 cells. Three different passages had near triploid (3n+-) chromosome compliments and consistent occurrence of four marker chromosomes [mar4, mar5, mar9, and add(5)(p)], while differences between them defined them as subclones. The results indicate that a submerged filter-grown TR146 cell culture at day 23 of culture has the potential to model the human buccal epithelial barrier for permeation of drugs.

Antigens, Differentiation↗

Behavioral and neurochemical effects of the preferential dopamine D3 receptor agonist cis-8-OH-PBZI.

In the present study we investigated the in vivo pharmacological profile of the benz[e]indole cis-8-hydroxy-3-(n-propyl)],2,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-1H-benz[e]indole (cis-8-OH-PBZI), which has been described as a preferential dopamine D3 receptor agonist in vitro. The compound inhibited spontaneous locomotor activity in mice, an effect which was antagonized by the dopamine D3 receptor antagonist 5,6-dimethoxy-2-(di-u-propylamino) indan (U99194A). Moreover, cis-8-OH-PBZI inhibited conditioned avoidance responding in rats, a preclinical test indicative of antipsychotic efficacy, at doses which did not induce catalepsy. Doses of cis-8-OH-PBZI (6 and 12 mg/kg) that inhibited spontaneous locomotor activity in rats did not affect interstitial levels of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens or dorsolateral striatum. In contrast to the effect of the dopamine receptor agonist (+/-)-2-dipropylamino-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphythalene (7-OH-DPAT), cis-8-OH-PBZI did not induce locomotor activity in reserpinized mice. In conclusion, cis-8-OH-PBZI exhibits a pharmacological profile that suggests it has antipsychotic activity but lacks the motoric side effects often associated with antipsychotic medication. The data suggest a mechanism requiring the activation of postsynaptic dopamine D3 receptors and support the hypothesis that these receptors mediate inhibitory behavioral effects.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Tiagabine exerts an anti-epileptogenic effect in amygdala kindling epileptogenesis in the rat.

Tiagabine (TGB) is a novel antiepileptic drug whose anticonvulsant effects are due to inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transport mediated by the GABA transporter-1. We have previously shown that TGB is effective in acute amygdala kindled seizures, and consequently we wanted to test the hypothesis that TGB also could suppress the development of kindling epileptogenesis. Rats had stereotaxically implanted stimulating/recording electrodes in the basolateral amygdala and recording electrode in the contralateral occipital cortex. Rats were divided in three groups (n = 8 for each group) intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered vehicle, TGB 7.3 micromol/kg and TGB 24.3 micromol/kg, respectively, 30 min before stimulation. TGB dose-dependently suppressed the development of the behavioral seizure score and afterdischarge (AD) duration recorded from the amygdala and cortex. Vehicle treated animals displayed at the 16th stimulation an average behavioral score of 4.7 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SEM) compared to 3.9 +/- 0.2 in the 7.3 micromol/kg TGB treated group and 1.4 +/- 0.3 in the 24.3 micromol/kg TGB treated group. Amygdaloid AD in controls on the 16th stimulation was 92 +/- 10 s compared to 56 +/- 12 s in group 2 and 25 +/- 3 s in group 3. Cortical AD was at the same time 92 +/- 10, 55 +/- 13 and 20 +/- 5 s, respectively. Groups 2 and 3 required four and seven further stimulations, respectively, without TGB administration to reach the AD level in the control group. At the 17th stimulation, rats in group 1 were administered TGB 24.3 micromol/kg and displayed an average behavioral score of 0.5 +/- 0.2. Amygdaloid and cortical AD were both 6 +/- 1 s. Tiagabine 24.3 micromol/kg suppresses both the kindling process and the expression of the fully kindled seizure.

Amygdala↗

NNC-19-1228 and NNC 22-0031, novel neuroleptics with a "mesolimbic-selective" behavioral profile.

NNC 19-1228 [1-(3(6-methylenedioxyphenylcarbamoyloxy) propyl)-4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benzisoxazol-3-yl) piperidine] and NNC 22-0031 [4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benzisoxazol-3-yl) -1-(3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenylcarbamoyloxy) propyl)piperidine] are newly developed compounds with an in vitro pharmacologic profile similar to that of clozapine, i.e., mixed dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 and alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist action. In pharmacological experiments in mice, the compounds inhibited DA D2 receptor binding in vivo at doses that produced only moderate antagonism of methylphenidate (MPD)-induced stereotyped gnawing. However, the compounds were markedly more potent in blocking MPD-induced motility, a model which showed a high degree of sensitivity to alpha 1-adrenergic antagonism, but not 5-HT2 antagonism. In rats, the NNC-compounds blocked conditioned avoidance responding and attenuated the discriminative stimulus effects of amphetamine, but failed to induce catalepsy. These results are discussed in terms of adrenergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic interactions which suggest that the NNC compounds may act as DA antagonists with mesolimbic selectivity, and thus may have efficacy as antipsychotics without coincident extrapyramidal side effects.

Amphetamine↗

Comparison of the preclinical anticonvulsant profiles of tiagabine, lamotrigine, gabapentin and vigabatrin.

Tiagabine is a novel antiepileptic drug which has clinical efficacy against complex refractory and myoclonic seizures. The anticonvulsant mechanism of action of tiagabine results from its blockade of neuronal and glial GABA-uptake, thereby increasing GABA levels in the synaptic cleft. Here we present a comparison of the preclinical anticonvulsant profile of tiagabine with that of lamotrigine, gabapentin and vigabatrin in the following tests (all antiepileptic drugs were administered i.p.): seizures induced by pentylentetrazol (PTZ), 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-b-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) and maximal electroshock (MES); sound induced seizures in DBA/2 mice and finally acute amygdala kindled seizures. Tiagabine was the most potent drug in antagonizing tonic convulsions induced by PTZ, DMCM and sound induced seizures in DBA/2 mice with ED50 values of 2, 2 and 1 mumol/kg, respectively, followed by lamotrigine with ED50 values of 9, 43 and 6 mumol/kg, respectively. Gabapentin and vigabatrin had ED50 values in the same tests of 185, 452, 66 mumol/kg and 2322, > 7740, 3883 mumol/kg, respectively. Tiagabine was the only drug capable of blocking PTZ-induced clonic convulsions (ED50 = 5 mumol/kg), an effect seen at low but not high doses of tiagabine. Lamotrigine was the only drug which antagonized tonic convulsions in the MES test (ED50 = 36 mumol/kg). Therapeutic index (TI) of antiepileptic drugs in NMRI- and DBA/2-mice ranked with decreasing TI lamotrigine > gabapentin > vigabatrin > tiagabine. All drugs reduced the generalized seizures in amygdala kindled rats, but tiagabine and gabapentin furthermore attenuated afterdischarge duration of amygdala kindled seizures. However, an ED50 value against amygdala kindled focal seizures was only obtained for tiagabine (36 mumol/kg). The data here presented show that tiagabine, lamotrigine, gabapentin and vigabatrin possess different preclinical anticonvulsant profiles which is of relevance to the clinical anticonvulsant profiles of the drugs.

Acetates↗

Novel guanylyl cyclase inhibitor potently inhibits cyclic GMP accumulation in endothelial cells and relaxation of bovine pulmonary artery.

The aim of the present study was: 1) to determine the effects of the novel selective inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxaline-1-one) on basal and agonist-stimulated cyclic GMP levels in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells and bovine pulmonary artery strips; 2) to determine its effects on agonist-induced relaxations of bovine pulmonary artery strips; and 3) to compare pulmonary artery cyclic GMP levels with vessel relaxation. ODQ (1 nM-30 microM) inhibited cyclic GMP accumulation in endothelial cells stimulated with S-nitrosoglutathione, nitroprusside and 3-morpholine-sydnonimine at IC50 values of 40 to 100 nM. Complete suppression of cyclic GMP generation was observed at approximately 10 microM. Relaxation of pulmonary artery strips induced by S-nitrosoglutathione, nitroprusside, glycerol trinitrate, nitrite (all endothelium-independent), bradykinin and the Ca++ ionophore A23187 (endothelium-dependent) were antagonized by ODQ (1-10 microM) in a concentration-dependent way. A consistent feature of the inhibitor was that maximal relaxant effects also were reduced. Basal levels and agonist-induced increases in arterial tissue cyclic GMP were inhibited in the same concentration range. However, tissue cyclic GMP production correlated poorly with pulmonary artery relaxation in that relaxations induced by S-nitrosoglutathione were only inhibited in part (50%), whereas rises in cyclic GMP were abolished completely by ODQ (10 microM). Furthermore, at 1 microM, ODQ had no effect on relaxation induced by endothelium-dependent agonists, but prevented entirely stimulation of cyclic GMP accumulation in arterial tissue. These results suggest that ODQ inhibits nitrovasodilator-induced and endothelium-dependent relaxation through inhibition of guanylyl cyclase activation, but also point to the presence of a cyclic GMP-independent component of relaxation in bovine pulmonary artery.

Animals↗

Synthesis and binding properties of [3H]NNC 12-0781, a new radioligand for the dopamine reuptake system.

The tritiated dopamine reuptake inhibitor [3H]NNC 12-0781 ([1-[2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methoxy)-ethyl]-4-(3-(2-furanyl)-2,3-[3H] - propyl)-piperazine) was radiolabelled in one step starting from 1-[2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methoxy)-ethyl]-4-(3-(2-furanyl)-2-propenyl)- piperazine, using tritium gas and PdO as catalyst. The radiochemical purity of [3H]NNC 12-0781 was higher than 99% after HPLC purification with a specific radioactivity of 21 Ci/mmol. [3H]NNC 12-0781 bound specifically to rat striatum in vitro at +4 degrees C with a Kd of 1.76 nM and Bmax of 587 fmol/mg tissue. The nonspecific binding was about 10% at Kd. At +37 degrees C no acceptable binding was observed. The association of [3H]NNC 12-0781 thus has the characteristics of a radioligand for the dopamine transporter in vitro at +4 degrees C.

Animals↗

Potent and selective inhibition of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one.

In brain and other tissues, nitric oxide (NO) operates as a diffusible second messenger that stimulates the soluble form of the guanylyl cylase enzyme and so elicits an accumulation of cGMP in target cells. Inhibitors of NO synthesis have been used to implicate NO in a wide spectrum of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms in the nervous system and elsewhere. The function of cGMP in most tissues, however, has remained obscure. We have now identified a compound, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), that potently and selectively inhibits NO-stimulated guanylyl cyclase activity. In incubated slices of cerebellum, ODQ reversibly inhibited the NO-dependent cGMP response to glutamate receptor agonists (IC50 approximately nM) but did not affect NO synthase activity. The compound did not affect synaptic glutamate receptor function, as assessed in hippocampal slices, nor did it chemically inactivate NO. ODQ did, however, potentially inhibit cGMP generation in response to NO-donating compounds. An action on NO-stimulated soluble guanylyl cyclase was confirmed in studies with the purified enzyme. ODQ failed to inhibit NO-mediated macrophage toxicity, a phenomenon that is unrelated to cGMP, nor did it affect the activity of particulate guanylyl cyclase or adenylyl cyclase. ODQ is the first inhibitor that acts selectively at the level of a physiological NO "receptor" and, as such, it is likely to prove useful for investigating the function of the cGMP pathway in NO signal transduction.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Halothane anesthesia enhances the effect of dopamine uptake inhibition on interstitial levels of striatal dopamine.

The anesthetic, isoflurane, has been shown to potentiate the ability of the dopamine (DA)-uptake inhibitor, nomifensine, to increase the brain interstitial dopamine level ([DA]e). Since the effect of the more commenly used anesthetic, halothane, on this system is unknown, we determined [DA]e by microdialysis in the striatum of rats, conscious or anesthetized with halothane, in the presence of the more selective DA uptake inhibitor, vanoxerine (GBR 12909), or the DA releaser, d-amphetamine. Basal [DA]e was not changed by halothane. However, in halothane-anesthetized rats, the vanoxerine (3 mg/kg i.v.)-induced DA response increased severalfold compared to the response in conscious rats. The initial peak response to d-amphetamine (1 mg/kg i.v.) did not change, but the late response (1-3 h after injection) was augmented in anesthetized rats. Halothane is believed to increase firing of DA neurons in the substantia nigra and, hence, to release striatal DA. We hypothesize that [DA]e is maintained at a normal level during the increased firing by equally increased activity of the DA transporter. However, when the DA transporter is blocked by vanoxerine, the increased DA release is unimpaired and [DA]e rises.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Preparation of a potential positron emission tomographic radioligand for the dopamine transporter.

NNC 12-0722 (1-[2-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)-methoxy)ethyl]-4-methyl piperazine) is a new selective inhibitor of the dopamine transporter. [11C]NNC 12-0722 was prepared by N-methylation of the desmethyl compound with [11C]methyl iodide. The total radiochemical yield of [11C]NNC 12-0722 was 40%-50% with an overall synthesis time of 30-35 min. The radiochemical purity was higher than 99% and the specific radioactivity about 1500 Ci/mmol (55 GBq/mumol). Autoradiographic examination of [11C]NNC 12-0722 binding on whole hemisphere cryosections from human brain post mortem demonstrated specific binding in the caudate nucleus and putamen. In a positron emission tomographic examination of [11C]NNC 12-0722 in a cynomolgus monkey there was a rapid uptake of radioactivity in the brain. In the striatum, a region with a high density of dopamine transporters, the radioactivity was two times higher than in the cerebellum. These results indicate that [11C]NNC 12-0722 may be a useful radioligand for labelling of the dopamine transporter in man.

Animals↗

The synthesis of novel GABA uptake inhibitors. 1. Elucidation of the structure-activity studies leading to the choice of (R)-1-[4,4-bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)-3-butenyl]-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (tiagabine) as an anticonvulsant drug candidate.

A series of different synthetic approaches to novel GABA uptake inhibitors are described, leading to examples which are derivatives of nipecotic acid and guvacine, substituted at nitrogen by 4,4-diaryl-3-butenyl or 2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl moieties. The in vitro value for inhibition of [3H]-GABA uptake in rat synaptosomes was determined for each compound. It was found that the most potent examples are those having a substituent in an "ortho" position in one or both aromatic/heteroaromatic groups. The majority of the compounds described are structurally related to tiagabine, (R)-1-[4,4-bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)-3-butenyl]-3- piperidinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride (NNC 05-0328) and some of the reasoning behind the selection of this compound as a drug candidate is summarized.

Animals↗

NNC-711, a novel potent and selective gamma-aminobutyric acid uptake inhibitor: pharmacological characterization.

NNC-711 (1-(2-(((diphenylmethylene)amino)oxy)ethyl)-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-3- pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride) is a novel, potent and selective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake inhibitor. NNC-711 inhibited synaptosomal (IC50 = 47 nM), neuronal (IC50 = 1238 nM) and glial (IC50 = 636 nM) GABA uptake in vitro NNC-711 lacked affinity for other neurotransmitter receptor binding sites, uptake sites and ion channels examined in vitro. In vivo, NNC-711 was a potent anticonvulsant compound against rodent seizures induced by methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) (ED50 (clonic) = 1.2 mg/kg i.p.), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (ED50 (tonic) = 0.72 mg/kg i.p., mouse; and ED50 (tonic) = 1.7 mg/kg, rat), or audiogenic (ED50 (clonic and tonic) = 0.23 mg/kg i.p.). At higher doses NNC-711 produced behavioral side effects characterized by inhibition of traction (ED50 = 23 mg/kg i.p.), rotarod (ED50 = 10 mg/kg i.p.) and exploratory locomotor activity (ED50 = 45 mg/kg i.p.) in the mouse. Following acute (3-h) in vivo pretreatment with NNC-711, behavioral tolerance developed to its motor impairing side effects (inhibition of traction, rotarod or exploratory locomotor activity) without corresponding tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects. These data suggest that NNC-711 will be useful for future in vitro and in vivo experiments to elucidate the role of the GABA uptake carrier in the central nervous system.

Animals↗

Dopamine receptor occupancy in vivo: behavioral correlates using NNC-112, NNC-687 and NNC-756, new selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonists.

The ability of dopamine D2, mixed D1/D2 and selective D1 receptor antagonists, including NNC-112, NNC-687, NNC-756, to inhibit the in vivo binding of [3H]SCH 23390 or [3H]raclopride to dopamine receptors was studied in mice and rats. Furthermore, the dopamine-antagonistic effects of these drugs were also studied in various behavioral models. Significant levels of in vivo receptor blockade were required for antagonism of typical dopamine agonist-mediated behaviors. However, fewer D1 than D2 receptors had to be blocked to produce similar antagonistic effects. Thus, there may be a greater receptor reserve for D2 receptors than for D1 receptors.

Amphetamine↗

NNC-112, NNC-687 and NNC-756, new selective and highly potent dopamine D1 receptor antagonists.

The neurochemical properties of three novel benzazepine derivatives NNC-112, NNC-687 and NNC-756 were assessed. These compounds inhibited dopamine D1 receptor binding in vitro with low nanomolar to picomolar dissociation constants whereas those for the D2 receptor were in the micromolar range. Contrary to classical neuroleptics, but similar to the atypical neuroleptics, clozapine and fluperlapine, NNC-112, NNC-687 and NNC-756 were relatively more potent in inhibiting dopamine-stimulated adenylyl cyclase than [3H]SCH 23390 binding. Both NNC-112 and NNC-756 had high affinity for the 5-HT2 receptor whereas NNC-687 had low affinity for this receptor. The affinity for other receptors or neurotransmitter transporters was very low. In vivo, the dopamine D1 receptor selective profile of NNC-112, NNC-687 and NNC-756 was evident from the potent inhibition of D1 receptor binding whereas no effect on D2 receptor binding was apparent. In addition, the compounds blocked D1 receptor-mediated rotation in unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, but had no effect on D2-induced rotation. Thus, NNC-112, NNC-687 and NNC-756 are potent and selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonists that may be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Animals↗

Characterization of tiagabine (NO-328), a new potent and selective GABA uptake inhibitor.

Tiagabine (NO-328) (R(-)-N-[4,4-bis(3-methylthien-2-yl)but-3-enyl]nipecotic acid, hydrochloride) is a new centrally acting GABA uptake inhibitor. The anticonvulsant activity of tiagabine was evaluated against seizures induced by methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), pentylenetetrazol, bicuculline, maximal electrostimulation (MES), or high intensity sound. The sedative actions of tiagabine were evaluated in tests for traction, rotarod performance and exploratory behavior. Finally, interoceptive properties of tiagabine were assessed using diazepam-, CGS 9896-, pentylenetetrazol-, or amphetamine-discriminating rats. Tiagabine was an effective anticonvulsant in doses which did not produce sedation or motor debilitation, although it was not potent against MES. In a manner similar to other anti-epileptic drugs, tiagabine potentiated dopaminergic function (methylphenidate-induced gnawing in mice) although it did not substitute for amphetamine in amphetamine-trained animals. Furthermore, although tiagabine antagonized DMCM-induced convulsions, it exhibited neither CGS 9896 or diazepam-like interoceptive effects, nor did it block (or potentiate) pentylenetetrazol-discrimination. Thus, GABA uptake inhibition represents a novel rationale for a valproate-like anticonvulsant drug therapy.

Animals↗

(R)-N-[4,4-bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)but-3-en-1-yl]nipecotic acid binds with high affinity to the brain gamma-aminobutyric acid uptake carrier.

(R)-N-[4,4-Bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)but-3-en-1-yl]nipecotic acid (NO 328) has previously been shown to be a potent anticonvulsant in both mice and rats. Here, we report that NO 328 is a potent inhibitor of gamma-[3H]aminobutyric acid [( 3H]GABA) uptake in a rat forebrain synaptosomal preparation (IC50 = 67 nM) and in primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes. Inhibition of [3H]GABA uptake by NO 328 is apparently of a mixed type when NO 328 is preincubated before [3H]GABA uptake; the inhibition is apparently competitive without preincubation. NO 328 itself is not a substrate for the GABA uptake carrier, but NO 328 is a selective inhibitor of [3H]GABA uptake. Binding to benzodiazepine receptors, histamine H1 receptors, and 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors was inhibited by NO 328 at 5-30 microM, whereas several other receptors and uptake sites were unaffected. [3H]NO 328 showed saturable and reversible binding to rat brain membranes in the presence of NaCl. The specific binding of [3H]NO 328 was inhibited by known inhibitors of [3H]GABA uptake; GABA and the cyclic amino acid GABA uptake inhibitors were, however, less potent than expected. This indicates that the binding site is not identical to, but rather overlapping with, the GABA recognition site of the uptake carrier. The affinity constant for binding of [3H]NO 328 is 18 nM, and the Bmax is 669 pmol/g of original rat forebrain tissue. The regional distribution of NaCl-dependent [3H]NO 328 binding followed that of synaptosomal [3H]GABA uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Amphetamine discrimination: effects of dopamine receptor agonists.

Dopamine (DA) D-1 and D-2 receptor agonists and antagonists were characterized in receptor binding and adenylate cyclase assays with respect to affinity, selectivity and efficacy. The ability of the ligands to interact with the discriminative stimulus effects of d-amphetamine (AMPH) was then assessed. The D-2 agonists, quinpirole, pergolide and CH 29-717, substituted completely for AMPH while neither partial (SKF 38393 and SKF 75670) nor full D-1 receptor agonists (SKF 89626 and SKF 81297) substituted. On the other hand, the selective D-1 and D-2 antagonists all blocked AMPH. The substitution for AMPH by pergolide was blocked by raclopride but not by SCH 23390, indicating D-2 mediation. In contrast, the motor effects of pergolide were blocked by both raclopride and SCH 23390, indicating mixed D-1/D-2 receptor involvement. These results suggest that D-1 and D-2 are equally involved in the expression of functional effects in the DAergic motor systems. Conversely, D-2 receptors may play a primary role in the DA systems involved in the AMPH cue; furthermore, the D-1 and D-2 receptors in the systems are relatively uncoupled.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗