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Biomedical subjects

G Bot

Publications and source records attributed to G Bot.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Endomorphin-1: induction of motor behavior and lack of receptor desensitization.

The endomorphins are recently discovered endogenous agonists for the mu-opioid receptor (Zadina et al., 1997). Endomorphins produce analgesia; however, their role in other brain functions has not been elucidated. We have investigated the behavioral effects of endomorphin-1 in the globus pallidus, a brain region that is rich in mu-opioid receptors and involved in motor control. Bilateral administration of endomorphin-1 in the globus pallidus of rats induced orofacial dyskinesia. This effect was dose-dependent and at the highest dose tested (18 pmol per side) was sustained during the 60 min of observation, indicating that endomorphin-1 does not induce rapid desensitization of this motor response. In agreement with a lack of desensitization of mu-opioid receptors, 3 hr of continuous exposure of the cloned mu receptor to endomorphin-1 did not diminish the subsequent ability of the agonist to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity in cells expressing the cloned mu-opioid receptor. Confirming the involvement of mu-opioid receptors, the behavioral effect of endomorphin-1 in the globus pallidus was blocked by the opioid antagonist naloxone and the mu-selective peptide antagonist Cys(2)-Tyr(3)-Orn(5)-Pen(7) amide (CTOP). Furthermore, the selective mu receptor agonist [d-Ala(2)-N-Me-Phe(4)-Glycol(5)]-enkephalin (DAMGO) also stimulated orofacial dyskinesia when infused into the globus pallidus, albeit transiently. Our findings suggest that endogenous mu agonists may play a role in hyperkinetic movement disorders by inducing sustained activation of pallidal opioid receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Mutagenesis of a single amino acid in the rat mu-opioid receptor discriminates ligand binding.

To investigate the role of Asp114 in the cloned rat mu-opioid receptor for ligand binding, the charged amino acid was mutated to an asparagine to generate the mutant mu receptor D114N. The wild-type mu receptor and the D114N mutant were then stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and the binding affinities of a series of opioids were investigated. The mu-selective agonists [D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin and morphine and the endogenous peptides Met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin exhibited greatly reduced affinities for the D114N mutant compared with the wild-type mu receptor, as did the potent synthetic agonist etorphine. In contrast to the full agonists, the partial agonists buprenorphine and nalorphine and the antagonists diprenorphine and naloxone bound with similar affinities to the wild-type and D114N mutant mu receptors. The reduced affinities of the full agonists for the D114N mutant did not involve an uncoupling of the receptor from G proteins because methadone and etorphine stimulated the D114N mu receptors to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Although the Asp114 to Asn114 mutation reduced full-agonist binding, mutation of His297 to Asn297 in the mu receptor did not but, in contrast, did reduce binding affinity of the partial agonist buprenorphine and the antagonist diprenorphine. These results indicate that some partial agonists and antagonists may have different determinants for binding to the mu receptor than do the prototypical full agonists.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Mutagenesis of the mouse delta opioid receptor converts (-)-buprenorphine from a partial agonist to an antagonist.

An aspartic acid at residue 95 (Asp95) in the delta receptor has previously been shown to be critical for the binding affinity of selective delta agonists. To gain a better understanding of the functional consequence of agonist action at the delta receptor, the Asp95 residue was mutated to an asparagine (D95N) and opioids were tested for binding and functional activation of the wild-type and mutant delta receptors. Selective agonists such as [D-Ser2,D-Leu5]enkephalin-Thr6 (DSLET) and [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) had greatly reduced affinity for the D95N mutant receptor but still inhibited cAMP accumulation, which indicated that the mutant receptor was still functionally coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Antagonist binding was not affected by the Asp95 mutation. Similarly, the partial agonist buprenorphine bound with equally high affinity to the D95N mutant and the wild-type delta receptor, which indicated that Asp95 is not essential for the binding affinity of this opioid. Buprenorphine did not affect cAMP accumulation in HEK 293 cells expressing the D95N mutant, and it blocked the ability of DSLET and bremazocine to inhibit cAMP accumulation via the D95N mutant, which indicated that buprenorphine acts as an antagonist at the D95N mutant. These findings confirm the essential role of Asp95 in the activation of the delta receptor by agonists and reveal a molecular basis of the unique property of buprenorphine.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1998

Fentanyl and its analogs desensitize the cloned mu opioid receptor.

Fentanyl, and its structural analogs lofentanil and sufentanil, are potent analgesics used clinically in the management of pain. However, the high analgesic potency of these compounds is limited by the development of tolerance after chronic use. To investigate whether their tolerance development may be related to mu receptor desensitization, the cloned mouse mu receptor as well as mutant forms of the receptor were stably expressed in HEK 293 cells and tested for their response to continuous opioid treatment. Fentanyl and its analogs potently bound to the mu receptor and effectively inhibited cAMP accumulation. Three-hour pretreatment of mu receptors with fentanyl and its analogs desensitized the mu receptor by uncoupling it from adenylyl cyclase. The fentanyl analogs caused a slight internalization of the mu receptor as accessed by antibody binding to the epitope-tagged mu receptor. Truncation of the mu receptor by removal of its carboxyl terminus at Glu341 did not affect the ability of the fentanyl analogs to bind to and activate the mu receptor nor did it prevent the fentanyl analogs from desensitizing the receptor. In a previous study we showed that morphine did not desensitize the cloned mu receptor even though it is a potent and effective agonist at the mu receptor. Mutagenesis studies revealed that morphine interacts differently with the mu receptor to activate it than do the fentanyl analogs which may explain its lack of desensitization of the mu receptor. These results indicate that desensitization of the mu receptor may be a molecular basis for the development of tolerance to fentanyl and its analogs.

Analgesics, Opioid↗
PubMed1997

Differential opioid agonist regulation of the mouse mu opioid receptor.

Mu opioid receptors mediate the analgesia induced by morphine. Prolonged use of morphine causes tolerance development and dependence. To investigate the molecular basis of tolerance and dependence, the cloned mouse mu opioid receptor with an amino-terminal epitope tag was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, and the effects of prolonged opioid agonist treatment on receptor regulation were examined. In HEK 293 cells the expressed mu receptor showed high affinity, specific, saturable binding of radioligands and a pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. Pretreatment (1 h, 3 h, or overnight) of cells with 1 microM morphine or [D-Ala2MePhe4,Gly(ol)5]enkephalin (DAMGO) resulted in no apparent receptor desensitization, as assessed by opioid inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels. In contrast, the morphine and DAMGO pretreatments (3 h) resulted in a 3-4-fold compensatory increase in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The opioid agonists methadone and buprenorphine are used in the treatment of addiction because of a markedly lower abuse potential. Pretreatment of mu receptor-expressing HEK 293 cells with methadone or buprenorphine abolished the ability of opioids to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. No compensatory increase in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation was found with methadone or buprenorphine; these opioids blocked the compensatory effects observed with morphine and DAMGO. Taken together, these results indicate that methadone and buprenorphine interact differently with the mouse mu receptor than either morphine or DAMGO. The ability of methadone and buprenorphine to desensitize the mu receptor and block the compensatory rise in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation may be an underlying mechanism by which these agents are effective in the treatment of morphine addiction.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗
PubMed1997

Differential agonist regulation of the human kappa-opioid receptor.

Opiates are potent analgesics used clinically in the treatment of pain. A significant drawback to the chronic use and clinical effectiveness of opiates is the development of tolerance. To investigate the cellular mechanisms of tolerance, the cloned human kappa-opioid receptor was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells, and the effects of opioid agonist treatment were examined. The receptor-expressing cells showed specific high-affinity membrane binding for a kappa-selective opioid, 3H-labeled (+)-(5alpha,7alpha,8beta)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidiny l)-1-oxaspiro [4,5] dec-8-yl] benzeneacetamide ([3H]U69,593), and a nonselective opioid antagonist, [3H]diprenorphine. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin or guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) reduced [3H]69,593 binding, indicating that the human K receptor coupled to G proteins of the Gi or Go families in HEK 293 cells. The receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment and was blocked by a kappa-selective antagonist, norbinaltorphimine. A 3-h pretreatment with a kappa-selective agonist, (+/-)-trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl] benzeneacetamide (U50,488), caused receptor down-regulation, whereas no receptor down-regulation was found after levorphanol pretreatment. U50,488 or dynorphin A(1-17) pretreatments (3 h) desensitized the ability of U50,488 or dynorphin A(1-17) to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation, as evidenced by a decrease in functional potency. Also, U50,488 pretreatment desensitized the ability of levorphanol to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. In contrast, pretreatment of cells with either levorphanol or a potent nonselective opioid, etorphine, resulted in no apparent receptor desensitization. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the human kappa receptor is differentially regulated by selective and nonselective opioid agonists, with selective agonists able to desensitize the receptor.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1997

Opioid regulation of the mouse delta-opioid receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells.

Opioid analgesics are used extensively in the management of pain. Although the clinically effective opioids bind with high affinity to the mu-opioid receptor, studies have suggested that the delta-opioid agonists might represent more ideal analgesic agents, with fewer side effects. A limitation to opiate effectiveness is the development of tolerance, an event that has been linked to opioid receptor desensitization. To gain a better understanding of delta-receptor agonist regulation, the cloned mouse delta receptor was stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and the functional effects of agonist pretreatment were examined. With a 3-hr pretreatment protocol, the delta-selective agonists [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin, [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin, and [D-Ser2,Leu5]enkephalin-Thr and the nonselective opioids levorphanol, etorphine, and ethylketocyclazocine were found to desensitize delta receptors. [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin, [D-Ser2,Leu5]enkephalin-Thr, [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin, and etorphine treatments also caused a pronounced internalization of the epitope-tagged delta receptor, suggesting that the desensitization and internalization may be related. In contrast, levorphanol pretreatment did not internalize the receptor but still resulted in a 400-fold reduction in potency, suggesting that prolonged treatment with levorphanol only uncoupled the delta receptor from adenylyl cyclase. In contrast to the desensitization induced by peptide-selective delta agonists, pretreatment with the delta-selective nonpeptide agonist 7-spiroindanyloxymorphone and morphine sensitized the opioid inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. This differential regulation of the delta receptor may be due to variations in the ability of agonists to bind to the receptor. This hypothesis was supported by the finding that a point mutation that converted Asp128 to Asn128 (D128N) diminished the ability of delta-selective agonists to inhibit cAMP accumulation while increasing the potency of morphine to reduce cAMP accumulation. In particular, a lack of desensitization of the delta receptor by morphine may contribute to our understanding of the molecular basis of development of morphine-induced tolerance and dependence.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1997

Molecular regulation of opioid receptors.

Opioid actions are initiated at membrane receptors which couple to cellular effectors through G protein-mediated pathways. In the central nervous system opioids reduce neuronal activity through the inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, the activation of K+ channels and the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. A significant clinical limitation to opioid therapy is the development of tolerance, a biological event that has been linked to agonist effects at the receptor level. Molecular studies on the consequences of opioid receptor regulation will provide a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms involved in the agonist-mediated events in tolerance development.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Induction of Fos-like immunoreactivity by opioids in guinea-pig brain.

In the present study the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of 100 nmol of morphine, the selective mu-receptor agonist DAMGO, the delta-receptor agonist DPDPE and the kappa-receptor agonist U50,488H, on the induction of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) in the guinea-pig brain were investigated using immunohistochemical techniques. Guinea-pigs given i.c.v. injection of opioids showed marked increases in the number of Fos-LI nuclei within a large number of brain regions, several of which, including hypothalamic nuclei, paraventricular thalamic nucleus, the amygdala, periaqueductal gray, superior and inferior colliculi, the piriform and entorhinal cortices, have been shown to be activated under stressful or aversive conditions. Pretreatment with the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, before administration of morphine or U50,488H, inhibited Fos-LI induction indicating that the effects of the opioids were mediated by opioid receptors. U50,488H administration resulted in higher numbers of Fos-LI stained neurons compared to morphine in most regions other than the nucleus accumbens and interpeduncular nucleus. Morphine and DAMGO produced significantly higher numbers of Fos-LI neurons in the nucleus accumbens shell region than U50,488H, which may reflect the more powerful reinforcing/rewarding effects of mu-receptor agonists. Thus the present study supports a critical role for the nucleus accumbens shell region in the reinforcing/rewarding effects of opioids.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1993

Effects of pertussis toxin on behavioural responses of guinea-pigs to centrally administered substance P, quinpirole, carbachol, U-50,488H, morphine and morphine withdrawal.

The effects of pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) on the sedative effect of morphine administered i.c.v. (200 nmol), and on the locomotor and behavioural activation precipitated by naloxone (15 mg/kg s.c.) following treatment with a single dose of morphine (i.c.v., 200 nmol), were investigated in guinea-pigs. Responses to i.c.v. administration of substance P (50 nmol), quinpirole (200 nmol), U50,488H (100 nmol) and carbachol (2 nmol) following PTX pretreatment were also investigated. Following PTX pretreatment, morphine induced mild agitation and the onset of sedation was delayed. Pretreatment with PTX also attenuated the locomotor and some components of behavioural activation induced by substance P, U50,488H, quinpirole and naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal, but failed to attenuate the effects induced by carbachol. These results suggest the involvement of PTX-sensitive G-protein-mediated mechanisms in the sedative effect of morphine in guinea-pigs and in the central stimulating actions of acute morphine withdrawal, U50,488H, substance P, and quinpirole.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1992

Morphine, D-Pen2, D-Pen5 enkephalin and U50,488H differentially affect the locomotor activity and behaviours induced by quinpirole in guinea-pigs.

The effects of morphine D-Pen2, D-Pen5 enkephalin (DPDPE) and U50,488H on the behavioural syndrome elicited by the dopamine (DA) D-2 agonist quinpirole, were investigated. Morphine (1, 5 and 15 mg/kg SC) and morphine administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) (2 x 5 microliters, 10(-3) M; total dose = 10 nmol) produced piloerection and sedation. DPDPE-ICV (2 x 5 microliters and 2 x 10 microliters, 10(-3) M; total doses = 10 and 20 nmol) produced piloerection and sedation similar to morphine. U50,488H (1 mg/kg SC) induced locomotor activity and some stereotyped behaviour, whereas U50,488H (5 and 10 mg/kg SC) induced muscle rigidity and dystonic-like movements. The locomotor and behavioural response elicited by quinpirole (3 mg/kg IP) was attenuated in guinea-pigs pretreated with morphine (1, 5 and 15 mg/kg SC), morphine-ICV (2 x 5 microliters, 10(-3) M), and DPDPE-ICV (2 x 5 microliters and 2 x 10 microliters, 10(-3) M). These effects were reversed by naloxone (15 mg/kg SC). U50,488H (1 mg/kg SC) increased the quinpirole-induced locomotor activity, whereas U50,488H (5 and 10 mg/kg SC) decreased the locomotor activity and stereotyped behaviours produced by quinpirole. These results indicate that the gross behavioural effects of mu, delta and kappa opioids differ in guinea-pigs compared to other rodent species, and suggest differential involvement of these opioid receptor subtypes with DA D-2 receptor-mediated activity.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1992

Effects of intracerebroventricularly administered mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid agonists on locomotor activity of the guinea pig and the pharmacology of the locomotor response to U50,488H.

The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of morphine, the selective mu-agonist DAMGO, the delta-agonist DPDPE, the kappa-preferring peptide dynorphin A(1-13) and the kappa-agonist U50,488H on locomotor behaviour in the guinea pig were investigated. Morphine (total dose = 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 200 nmol), DAMGO and DPDPE (total dose = 0.1, 1, 10, 100 nmol of each) produced piloerection and sedation, indicating that the responses of guinea pigs to mu- and delta-opioid agonists differed from those of rats and mice. In contrast, U50,488H (total dose = 10, 100 nmol) and dynorphin A(1-13) (total dose = 100 nmol) produced increased locomotor activity which was attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone and norbinaltorphimine, thus confirming the involvement of kappa-opioid receptors. Furthermore, pretreatment with spantide, baclofen, muscimol, bicuculline, MK-801, raclopride and atropine also inhibited the U50,488H-induced locomotor activity, suggesting the involvement of GABA, dopamine, excitatory amino acids, substance P and acetylcholine in this response.

3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cycloh↗
PubMed1987

Kinetic characterization of rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase ab hybrid.

Phosphorylase ab was prepared in vitro by partial phosphorylation of rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase b and was isolated by DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. Its phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated subunits could not be distinguished by different affinity to substrates, activators or inhibitors, indicating their coordinated function. In the absence of nucleotide activators, the Km values for Pi and glucose-1-P were 28 mM and 18 mM, respectively. Activity in the presence of 16 mM glucose-1-P was doubled by 10(-4) M AMP or 10(-3) M IMP, mainly by lowering the Km for glucose-1-P. Half-maximum activation was exerted by 2 microM AMP or 0.1 mM IMP. Activation by these nucleotides showed no cooperativity. Glucose exerted competitive inhibition with respect to glucose-1-P, while for the inhibition by glucose-6-P an allosteric mechanism is suggested; the appropriate Ki values were 4.5 mM and 1.5 mM, respectively. The Hill coefficient for glucose-1-P binding was about 1.0, even in the presence of glucose (up to 10 mM), but 10 mM glucose-6-P lowered it to 0.47, indicating a negative heterotropic cooperativity. Effective regulation of the activity of phosphorylase ab by physiological concentrations of Pi, AMP, IMP and glucose-6-P suggests its metabolic control under in vivo condition.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗
PubMed1987

Purification of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase-1 from Drosophila melanogaster.

The catalytic subunit of phosphatase-1 has been purified from Drosophila melanogaster by precipitation with (NH4)2SO4 and ethanol, by affinity chromatography on heparin-Sepharose and by fast protein liquid chromatography on Mono Q beads. The preparation is homogeneous as tested by SDS gel electrophoresis and has a molecular mass of 33,000. The phosphatase specifically dephosphorylates the beta subunit of phosphorylase kinase. Its phosphorylase phosphatase activity is inhibited by inhibitor-1, inhibitor-2, protamine and histone H2B while is stimulated by histone H1.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Effect of ligands on Drosophila phosphorylase a as monitored by its enzymic inactivation.

The dephosphorylation of Drosophila phosphorylase a with the catalytic subunit of fruit-fly protein phosphatase-1 was inhibited by AMP, IMP, ADP, ATP, glucose-6-P, glucose-1-P and UDPG. Glucose, caffeine and glycogen did not influence the reaction. The inhibitory effect of AMP was reduced by glucose and caffeine. The above ligands acted through the modification of phosphorylase a conformation. This conclusion was drawn from the ligands' effect on the dephosphorylation of phosphohistone by Drosophila phosphatase-1 and on the tryptic digestion of fruit-fly phosphorylase a.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Autophosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase and its regulatory function in the dephosphorylation of phosphorylase A.

Autophosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase was measured under conditions that favoured autoactivation. Heparin and troponin C stimulated the autophosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase at pH 6.8 in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The concentration required for the half-maximal stimulation of autophosphorylation for calcium ions was 2 microM in the absence of effectors, whereas 0.7 microM and 0.1 microM in the presence of troponin C and heparin, respectively. Calmodulin increased the rate of autophosphorylation of the alpha subunit only, resulting in a slight increase in the rate of autoactivation of phosphorylase kinase. Troponin C, heparin and polybrene enhanced the rate of autophosphorylation of both alpha and beta subunits. The increased autophosphorylation coincided with an enhancement of kinase activity. Neither of these stimulatory macromolecules had significant influence on the total number of phosphate groups incorporated into the alpha or beta subunits by autophosphorylation. Thio-autophosphorylated form of phosphorylase kinase behaved as an inhibitor in the dephosphorylation of phosphorylase a by the catalytic subunits of phosphatase-1 or phosphatase-2A and by the latent form of phosphatase-2A. Concentration of phosphorylase kinase needed to 50% inhibition was in the range of 0.05-0.08 microM.

Calmodulin↗
PubMed1987

Insoluble glycogen and its interaction with phosphorylase. A novel method for the purification of liver phosphorylase A.

Purified liver glycogen dissolved in Tris-HCl buffer (pH 6.8) was converted into an insoluble polymer by incubation with phosphorylase and glucose 1-phosphate. Elongation of the outer chains of glycogen did not alter the average molecular weight significantly as judged by sedimentation velocity measurements, but the spectrophotometric analysis of glycogen-iodine complexes showed marked differences. Insoluble glycogen could bind rabbit skeletal muscle and liver phosphorylases. The association of insoluble glycogen with phosphorylase could be treated as a distribution equilibrium between glycogen-bound and unbound phosphorylase. Based on the formation of an insoluble glycogen protein complex sedimentable even by low-speed centrifugation, a novel method has been developed for the purification of liver phosphorylase a in a homogeneous form.

Animals↗