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E Meller

Publications and source records attributed to E Meller.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Receptor reserve at the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor in the rat cerebral cortex.

N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), an irreversible alpha-2 antagonist, was used to establish and quantitate the receptor reserve at the alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptor mediating inhibition of [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) release in rat cerebral cortical slices. EEDQ treatment had no effect on [3H]NE uptake or base-line release. Four hours after EEDQ treatment (0.8 mg/kg i.p.), the EC50 was shifted 7-fold to the right and there was a 21.5% decrease in the maximal response to the full alpha-2 agonist UK-14304. Using the double-reciprocal plot analysis, the equilibrium activation constant (KA) was calculated to be 1.41 +/- 0.8 microM. Similar analysis of alpha-2 autoreceptor response at various times after 1.6 mg/kg of EEDQ gave similar values for the KA. Therefore, evaluation of either the response of the remaining native receptors after partial irreversible inactivation or the response of newly synthesized receptors after nearly complete irreversible inactivation can be used to determine the KA of the receptor. Comparison of repopulation kinetics analyses for alpha-2 receptor response and estimated receptor number revealed that recovery of maximal response was much faster than actual receptor recovery. By examining the relationship between alpha-2 autoreceptor occupancy and response it was possible to determine that there is approximately a 60 to 70% receptor reserve; only 1.5% of the receptors need to be occupied by UK-14304 in order to obtain 50% of the maximal inhibition of [3H]NE release. The presence of a large receptor reserve must be taken into account when evaluating alpha-2 adrenergic autoreceptor regulation in the rat cerebral cortex.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Receptor reserve at striatal dopamine autoreceptors: implications for selectivity of dopamine agonists.

The dose response curve for apomorphine reversal of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)-induced L-DOPA accumulation in rat striatum was shifted almost 6-fold to the right after partial irreversible blockade (83%) of dopamine (DA) autoreceptors with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ); however, the maximal response was not reduced. In contrast, the major effect of a similar degree of irreversible blockade (86%) on the dose-response curve for the autoreceptor-selective agent EMD 23,448 was a reduction in maximal response (60% of control), indicating that EMD 23,448 is a partial agonist. A large receptor reserve therefore exists at the DA autoreceptor, which may explain in part why many DA agonists are more potent in models pre- than postsynaptic receptor activation.

4-Butyrolactone↗
PubMed1986

Dopamine agonist induced self-mutilative biting behavior in monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brainstem: possible pharmacological model for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

We have investigated the effects of various dopamine (DA) agonists on induction of abnormal involuntary movements (AIM) in a group of monkeys which had denervated nigro-striatal DA neurons for 10-14 years rendered by a unilateral surgical ventromedial tegmental (VMT) lesion of the brainstem. The surgical lesions were placed when the monkeys were 2-4 years old. The administration of mixed DA agonists, such as L-DOPA, apomorphine (Apo) and abeorphine 201-678, elicit a self-mutilative biting behavior (SMB) of the forelimb digits contralateral to the lesion, and spasticity of the contralateral hindlimb. These dysfunctions resemble, in some aspects, the neurological disturbances associated with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The SMB behavior was elicited by mixed DA agonists which predominantly stimulate D1, but not D2 DA receptors, and was prevented or abolished by the D1 DA antagonist SCH 23390 or by the D1 and D2 DA antagonist fluphenazine (Flu), but not by the D2 antagonist (+/-)sulpiride. These results suggest that DA agonist-induced SMB behavior is mediated by D1 and/or by both D1 and D2 DA receptor pathways. To study the relationships between HPRT, the defective enzyme in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, and the DA neuronal systems, we have measured the effects of nigro-striatal DA degeneration and intrastriatal neuronal degeneration on HPRT activity. The unilateral 6-OHDA-induced nigro-striatal DA degeneration does not significantly alter the HPRT activity on the lesioned side of the striatum, while the quinolinic acid-induced intrastriatal neuronal degeneration significantly reduces the enzyme activity. These results suggest that HPRT is localized on intrastriatal neurons which are also known to contain DA receptors. It is postulated that HPRT deficiency in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome results in abnormal guanine nucleotide metabolism which may affect the regulation of DA receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Analysis of [3H]spiperone binding sites in the rat striatum and frontoparietal cortex by means of quantitative receptor autoradiography after inactivation of dopamine receptors by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline in vivo: selective protection by sulpiride in the striatum.

By means of quantitative receptor autoradiography in combination with inactivation of dopamine (DA) receptors by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ), it was demonstrated in the male rat that [3H]spiperone predominantly labels D2 receptors in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and tuberculum olfactorium, and predominantly non-DA receptors in the frontoparietal cortex, probably mainly serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors in layer IV. Furthermore, the [3H]spiperone-labelled D2 receptors found all over the dorsal and ventral striatum appear to be similarly inactivated by EEDQ and protected by the D2 antagonist (+/-) sulpiride but not the D1 antagonist SCH 23390, indicating a homogeneity of the striatal D2 receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The pathophysiological functions mediated by D1 dopamine receptors.

The administration of the D1 DA receptor antagonist SCH 23390 produces catalepsy in rat, and this behavior can be abolished by pretreatment with selective D2 DA receptor agonists. The administration of mixed D1/D2 DA agonists, but not of selective D2 DA agonists, produces SMB behavior in monkeys with surgical unilateral VMT lesions of the brain stem. The DA agonist-induced SMB behavior is abolished by pretreatment of the monkeys with either the D1 DA antagonist SCH 23390 or with the mixed D1/D2 antagonist fluphenazine, but not with the selective D2 antagonist (+/-) sulpiride. A hypothetical relationship between abnormal guanine nucleotide metabolism in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and the development of DA receptor supersensitivity is presented. The possible role of abnormal guanine nucleotide metabolism in some mental disorders associated with DA dysfunctions is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Recovery of alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding and function after irreversible inactivation by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ).

Treatment of rats with N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) resulted in a pronounced loss of alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding ( [3H]RX-781094) and a marked reduction in the ability of the alpha 2-agonist UK-14,304 to inhibit K+-stimulated release of both [3H]NA and [3H]5-HT in cerebral cortex. Repopulation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors was monoexponential with a t1/2 of 4.1 days; functional recovery was also monoexponential, with t1/2 values of 2.4 and 4.6 days for restoration of alpha 2-mediated inhibition of [3H]NA and [3H]5-HT release, respectively. Other studies suggest the difference in functional recovery rate may reflect the presence of a large receptor reserve for autoreceptors relative to heteroreceptors.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1985

Selective D2 dopamine receptor agonists prevent catalepsy induced by SCH 23390, a selective D1 antagonist.

SCH 23390, an apparently selective antagonist of central D1 dopamine receptors, produced profound catalepsy at low doses (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.). Pretreatment with the selective D2 receptor agonists LY 141865, RU 24213 or LY 171555, the active (-) enantiomer of LY 141865, elicited a dose-dependent inhibition of the cataleptic response. Pergolide and apomorphine were also effective. This effect was not due to altered disposition or penetration of SCH 23390 into the brain since pretreatment with a dose of LY 171555 which completely blocked catalepsy had no effect on the ID50 of SCH 23390 to inhibit 3H-cis-piflutixol binding to D1 receptors measured ex vivo. Alternative mechanisms are considered to explain the results, which offer new insights into striatal dopaminergic regulation of motor activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Chronic haloperidol does not alter agonist affinity for dopamine receptors in vitro.

Agonist competition for [3H]spiperone binding to striatal dopamine D2 receptors was studied in rats rendered supersensitive by chronic treatment with haloperidol. The classical dopamine agonist (-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine displaced [3H]spiperone biphasically, with IC50 values of 0.5 and 140 nM for the high and low affinity components, respectively. Neither the relative density nor the affinity of either site for (-)-N-propylnorapomorphine was affected by chronic haloperidol treatment. On the other hand, the novel agonist EMD 23 448 displaced [3H]spiperone monophasically. Although this agent only displays potent dopaminergic agonism in supersensitive animals, chronic treatment with haloperidol likewise did not alter the affinity of this drug for [3H]spiperone binding sites. The results suggest that the enhanced in vivo potency of certain agonists in supersensitive animals is probably not mediated by changes in D2 receptor affinity.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Inactivation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors by N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline in vivo: selective protection by neuroleptics.

Treatment of rats with the peptide coupling agent N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (6 mg/kg i.p.) irreversibly reduced the binding of [3H]spiperone ([3H]SPIP) and cis-[3H] piflutixol to striatal D2 and D1 receptors, respectively, by 70 to 75%. In each instance only the receptor density was affected, without a change in the dissociation constant (Kd) of either radioligand. Pretreatment with sulpiride (200 mg/kg i.p.), a selective D2 antagonist, preferentially protected [3H]SPIP sites against N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline-induced inactivation, whereas pretreatment with SCH 23390 (3 mg/kg i.p.), a putative selective D1 antagonist, preferentially blocked the inactivation of cis-[3H]piflutixol binding sites. N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline markedly reduced radioligand binding to cortical alpha-1 ([3H]prazosin) and alpha-2 [( 3H]yohimbine) receptors (10-20% of control) but had a lesser effect on serotonin-2 ([3H]SPIP) and serotonin-1 ([3H]5-HT) receptors (30-40% of control). Muscarinic cholinergic ([3H] quinuclidinyl benzilate) and beta adrenergic ([3H]dihydroalprenolol) receptors were only slightly affected. None of these nondopaminergic sites were protected by sulpiride or SCH 23390, with the exception of serotonin-2 and serotonin-1 which were partially protected by the latter. SPIP (0.2 mg/kg i.p.), haloperidol (1 mg/kg i.p.) and pimozide (2 mg/kg i.p.) all selectively protected the D2 receptor, whereas cis-flupenthixol (2 mg/kg i.p.) protected both dopamine receptors; its inactive isomer trans-flupenthixol (20 mg/kg i.p.) protected neither. Bulbocapnine (25 mg/kg s.c.) selectively, but partially, protected the D1 site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1984

Differential effects of chronic clorgyline and amfonelic acid on desensitization of striatal dopamine receptors.

Chronic treatment of rats with the MAOI clorgyline significantly reduced the density (Bmax) of cortical beta-adrenergic receptors but did not alter either the Bmax or dissociation constant (Kd) of 3H-spiperone binding to striatal DA receptors. Clorgyline co-treatment also did not significantly affect either behavioral supersensitivity to apomorphine or the increase in 3H-spiperone binding induced by chronic haloperidol. In contrast, repeated treatment with the DA uptake inhibitor amfonelic acid elicited behavioral subsensitivity and reduced striatal 3H-spiperone binding. Furthermore, amfonelic acid co-treatment prevented haloperidol-induced behavioral and receptor binding changes. The possible relevance of these findings in relation to drug choice in clinical trials of receptor sensitivity modification are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Receptor binding profile of tibalosine, a new antihypertensive.

The ability of 1-(2,3-dihydro-5-benzo[b]thienyl]-2-(4-phenylbutylamino)-1- propanol-(erythro) (tibalosine, CP 804 S), a new antihypertensive agent, to interact with 11 different receptors has been studied by binding assays. Tibalosine interacts specifically with alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors and calcium channel binding sites. Ki values (nmol/l) for inhibition of specific binding are 26, 1000, 1000 and 770 respectively for the alpha 1-adrenergic, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors and calcium channel binding sites. The interaction with adrenergic receptors is stereoselective since CP 804 S/T, the threo derivative of tibalosine, exhibits Ki values 8 to 10 times higher than those of tibalosine. The selectivity ratio between alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors is about 400. Tibalosine and CP 804 S/T interact with the low affinity binding sites labelled by 3H-WB 4101 in rat brain membranes. These binding sites for putative Ca2+ channel inhibitors are present in rat heart membranes and have the same characteristics as those in rat brain membranes. These results are discussed in relation with the mechanism of tibalosine antihypertensive effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Alternative Routes for the Synthesis of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid in Maize Leaves : I. Formation from 2-Ketoglutarate via 4,5-Dioxovaleric Acid.

Cell-free extracts from greening maize (Zea mays L.) leaves catalyze the conversion of [(14)C]2-ketoglutarate (KG) to [(14)C]5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in a reaction which requires NADH and an amino donor and shows maximal activity around pH 6.5. The enzymic system is located in the cytosol. This cell fraction contains a low level of ;KG dehydrogenase' activity and a transaminase which catalyzes the conversion of 4,5-dioxovaleric acid (DOVA) to ALA. The transaminase can use glutamate, aspartate, or alanine as amino donor. It is effectively inhibited by aminooxyacetate and ethylenediamine tetraacetate and shows maximal activity at pH 6.7. The activity of DOVA transaminase is only slightly affected by preillumination of leaves and can also be detected in green leaves and in roots.DOVA was isolated from leaves and roots and determined as its benzoquinoxaline derivative. Significant amounts were found only in tissues in which ALA had accumulated or after it was exogenously supplied. DOVA was labeled in vivo by both [(14)C]ALA and [(14)C]KG. Small amounts were also formed from ALA in a cell-free system.It is suggested that DOVA may be an intermediate in the diversion of ALA to respiratory metabolism and that it is not involved in the biosynthesis of this porphyrin precursor.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Efficient transformation of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae.

We have transformed Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae by using derivatives of a plasmid, pAG60, which was designed for transformation of mammalian cells. The plasmid carries the promoter region of the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene linked to the bacterial gene kan, which codes for the enzyme aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase. kan is derived from the Tn5 transposon. Expression of the phosphotransferase permits direct selection of transformed cells by their resistance to the antibiotic G-418. pAG60 is incapable of transforming D. discoideum but is made transformation proficient by cloning D. discoideum sequences into the tetracycline resistance gene. The majority of transformed cells grow and develop normally and differentiate to give G-418-resistant spores. These transformants are unstable and rapidly lose their G-418-resistance during growth in the absence of antibiotic selection. Southern blots show that these unstable G-418-resistant transformants carry the pBR322 and kan sequences of pAG60. The pAG60-D. discoideum recombinant plasmids used for transformation were constructed in a way that might make them mutagenic. We have isolated several developmental mutants after transformation of D. discoideum with libraries of pAG60-D. discoideum recombinant plasmids. These mutants are G-418 resistant and carry pAG60 in their nuclear DNA. We recovered a pAG60-D. discoideum recombinant plasmid from several developmental mutants. This plasmid transforms D. discoideum at an elevated frequency and integrates into the nuclear genome. We speculate that integration can result in insertional inactivation of genes that are essential for differentiation but not for growth. Mutagenic transformation occurred only if the transforming plasmid had homology with D. discoideum nuclear DNA. A mammalian cell transformation vector, pSV2-neo, carried no D. discoideum sequences and was able to transform. However, pSV2-neo transformation was not mutagenic. These results suggest that direct inactivation and recovery of genes that are essential for differentiation of D. discoideum will be possible.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1982

Chronic molindone treatment: relative inability to elicit dopamine receptor supersensitivity in rats.

Chronic treatment of rats with the antipsychotic drug molindone (2.5 mg/kg) did not elicit behavioral supersensitivity to apomorphine (AP) (0.25 mg/kg) or increased striatal 3H-spiroperidol binding, whereas treatment with haloperidol (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) produced manifestations of dopaminergic supersensitivity in both paradigms. Chronic treatment with a high dose of molindone (20 mg/kg) elicited a small, but significant increase in behavioral sensitivity to AP (57%) which was, however, significantly less than that produced by 1 mg/kg haloperidol (126%, P less than 0.01). Apparent tolerance to elevation of striatal and frontal cortical 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels was obtained with chronic molindone treatment (5 or 20 mg/kg). None of the molindone doses used (2.5-50 mg/kg) increased striatal dopamine receptor binding. Scatchard analyses revealed no change in either maximal binding capacity (Bmax) or dissociation constant (Kd). A significant (P less than 0.001) correlation of receptor binding activity and stereotypy score was obtained for haloperidol-, but not molindone-treated rats. These results with molindone in an animal model of tardive dyskinesia suggest that this drug may have a lower potential for eliciting this disorder in humans.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1982

Catabolism of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid to CO(2) by Etiolated Barley Leaves.

The in vivo oxidation of the C(4) and C(5) of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to CO(2) has been studied in etiolated barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Larker) leaves in darkness. The rate of (14)CO(2) evolution from leaves fed [4-(14)C]ALA is strongly inhibited by aminooxyacetate, anaerobiosis, and malonate. The rate of (14)CO(2) evolution from leaves fed [5-(14)C]ALA is also inhibited by these treatments but to a lesser extent. These results suggest that (a) one step in ALA catabolism is a transamination reaction and (b) the C(4) is oxidized to CO(2) via the tricarboxylic acid cycle to a greater extent than is the C(5).

Journal Article↗
PubMed1982

Catabolism of porphobilinogen by etiolated barley leaves.

When [2,4-(14)C]porphobilinogen (PBG) or [2 (aminomethyl),5-(14)C]PBG is administered to etiolated barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Larker) leaves in darkness, label becomes incorporated into CO(2), organic and amino acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins during a 4-hour incubation. Less than 1% of the label, however, is incorporated into porphyrins. The rate of (14)CO(2) evolution from leaves fed [2,4-(14)C]PBG is strongly inhibited by anaerobiosis but is unaffected by aminooxyacetic acid, while the rate of (14)CO(2) evolution from [2(aminomethyl),5-(14)C]PBG is strongly inhibited by aminooxyacetic acid but is not affected by anaerobiosis.THESE RESULTS SUGGEST THAT: (a) exogenous PBG is taken up and metabolized by etiolated barley leaves; (b) PBG is not metabolized exclusively to porphyrins but can be converted to a variety of intermediary metabolites; (c) this metabolism involves reactions which are partially dependent upon O(2) and pyridoxal phosphate.

Journal Article↗