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Calcium channel agonist and antagonist effects of the stereoisomers of the dihydropyridine 202-791.

The effects of the pure stereoisomers of the novel dihydropyridine 202-791 on voltage sensitive calcium channels in nerve and cardiac muscle were examined. The (-)-isomer blocked depolarization-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ into NG108-15 neuroblastoma X glioma cells, blocked the depolarization-induced release of [3H]-norepinephrine from PC12 cells and reduced the Vmax of the slow response action potential recorded from guinea pig papillary muscle. In contrast, the (+)-isomer enhanced these same processes. In papillary muscle, greater enhancement of the slow responses was observed at lower stimulation frequencies. Thus, the (-) and (+) stereoisomers of 202-791 can be shown to be calcium channel antagonist and agonist respectively.

Action Potentials↗

The calcium channel agonist BAY K8644 enhances the responsiveness of human airway muscle to KCl and histamine but not to carbachol.

The role of calcium channel antagonists in asthma remains controversial. A new compound BAY K8644 is an agonist at the calcium voltage-dependent channel (VDC). Therefore, we studied the effect of BAY K8644 on contraction to KCl, histamine, and carbachol in human bronchus in vitro to assess the role of the VDC in this tissue. Cumulative concentration response curves were obtained to the agonists in bronchial spiral strips in the absence and in the presence of BAY K8644. Contractile responses to histamine were significantly (p less than 0.05) enhanced by BAY K8644 (10(-6) M) at concentrations between 10(-7) M and 3 X 10(-6) M and there was a significant decrease in the histamine EC50 (the concentration producing half the maximal response). Responses to low concentrations of KCl (10(-4) M to 3 X 10(-3) M) were also potentiated. BAY K8644 did not affect carbachol-induced contractions. We conclude that calcium influx through VDC occurs in response to KCl and histamine but not to carbachol. Such findings could explain the variability in efficacy of calcium channel antagonists in inhibiting various forms of bronchospasm.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

The effect of the calcium channel agonist, Bay K-8644 on human vascular smooth muscle.

Bay K-8644, a calcium channel activator, caused a dose-dependent (ED50 = 12.8 nM) elevation of tone in the human umbilical artery. The response to Bay K-8644 was dependent upon extracellular calcium (Ca2+), competitively antagonized by the channel antagonist, nifedipine, and, in addition, the sensitivity to Bay K-8644 was increased by, but not dependent upon, elevating extracellular potassium. Bay K-8644 competitively displaced, IC50 = 1.8 nM, specific [3H]nitrendipine binding to a microsome fraction derived from the umbilical artery, suggesting that the Ca2+ channel activator and the structurally related dihydropyridine antagonists bind to a single site to affect Ca2+ channel function in human vascular smooth muscle.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

The effects of calcium channel agonists and antagonists on the release of endogenous glutamate from cerebellar slices.

The effects of compounds acting at the calcium channel on neurotransmitter release are equivocal. We report here the effects of the antagonists, verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine; the agonists, bay K8644 and the calcium ionophore, A23187 on the release of endogenous glutamate from rat cerebellar slices. Of these compounds, only verapamil and diltiazem modified glutamate release and these were effective at relatively high concentrations (greater than 1 x 10(-5) M). It is suggested that the high-affinity binding sites found in neuronal tissue for the dihydropyridine-like compounds are not involved in neurotransmitter release.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Conformational features of calcium channel agonist and antagonist analogs of nifedipine.

The crystal and molecular structures of methyl 2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,4- dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate and ethyl 4-(2-difluoromethoxyphenyl)-1,4,5,7,-tetrahydro-2-methyl-5-oxof uro[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carboxylate, which are analogs of the calcium channel antagonist nifedipine reported to have agonist activity, have been determined. The conformations of these two agonists are compared with the conformational features shown by nifedipine and related 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists. Common conformational features shown by these agonists and antagonists allow both to bind to the same plasma membrane receptor while subtle differences in hydrogen-bonding activity of the amine group, and ester group orientation and hydrophobic fit, may control the availability of channel open and closed states.

Calcium↗

Effects of dextromethorphan on the seizures induced by kainate and the calcium channel agonist BAY k-8644: comparison with the effects of dextrorphan.

BAY k-8644 (an L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist of the dihydropyridine class) is recognized as a potent convulsant agent. In this study, we used BAY k-8644 to explore the effects of dextromethorphan (DM) and its major metabolite, dextrorphan (DX), on the (pro)convulsant activity regulated by calcium channels. BAY k-8644 (2 mg/kg, s.c) potentiated seizures induced in rats by kainic acid (KA) (10 mg/kg, i.p.). DM appears more efficacious than DX in attenuation of KA-induced seizures. The anticonvulsant effect of a low dose (12.5 mg/kg, s.c.) of DM was reversed by BAY k-8644 (2 mg/kg) challenge. In contrast, BAY k-8644 (1 or 2 mg/kg) did not significantly affect an anticonvulsant effect from a higher dose (25 mg/kg) of either DM or DX. Intracerebroventricular injection of BAY k-8644 (37.5 microg) significantly induced seizures in mice. DM (12.5 or 25 mg/kg) pretreatment more significantly attenuated seizures evoked by BAY k-8644 than did DX (12.5 or 25 mg/kg). Furthermore, seizure activity induced by KA or BAY k-8644 was consistent with respective activator protein-1 DNA binding activity of the hippocampus. Therefore, our results suggest that the anticonvulsant effects of the morphinans involve, at least in part, the L-type calcium channel. They also suggest that DM is a more potent anticonvulsant than DX in the KA and BAY k-8644 seizure models.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Activation of cardiac ryanodine receptors by the calcium channel agonist FPL-64176.

We investigated the possibility that the Ca(2+) channel agonist FPL-64176 (FPL) might also activate the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release channel ryanodine receptor (RyR). The effects of FPL were tested on single channel activity of purified and crude vesicular RyR (RyR2) isolated from human and dog hearts using the planar lipid bilayer technique. FPL (100-200 microM) increased single channel open probability (P(o)) when added to the cytoplasmic side of the channel (P(o) = 0.070 +/- 0.021 in control RyR2; 0.378 +/- 0.086 in 150 microM FPL, n = 9, P < 0.01) by prolonging open times and decreasing closed times without changing current magnitude. FPL had no effect on P(o) when added to the trans (luminal) side of the bilayer (P(o) = 0.079 +/- 0.036 in control and 0.103 +/- 0.066 in FPL, n = 4, no significant difference). The bell-shaped [Ca(2+)] dependence of [(3)H]ryanodine binding and of P(o) was altered by FPL, suggesting that the mechanism by which FPL increases channel activity is by an increase in Ca(2+)-induced activation at low [Ca(2+)] (without a change in threshold) and suppression of Ca(2+)-induced inactivation at high [Ca(2+)]. However, the fact that inactivation was restored at elevated [Ca(2+)] suggests a competitive interaction between Ca(2+) and FPL on inactivation. FPL had no effect on RyR skeletal channels (RyR1), where P(o) was 0.039 +/- 0.005 in control versus 0.030 +/- 0.006 in 150 microM FPL (no significant difference). These results suggest that, in addition to its ability to activate the L-type Ca(2+) channels, FPL activates cardiac RyR2 primarily by reducing the Ca(2+) sensitivity of inactivation.

Animals↗

Impairment of Ca release from mammalian ventricular sarcoplasmic reticulum by the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644.

Positive inotropic concentration of the Ca-channel agonist, Bay K 8644, depressed contraction of canine right ventricular trabecula immediately after a rest period of 8 min, without decreasing action potential plateau amplitude. In contrast, high external Ca and ouabagenin caused only a slight decrease in post-rest contraction. Bay K 8644-induced post-rest depression was inversely related to the extracellular Ca concentration. Hence it could not be due to cellular Ca overload. Since post-rest potentiation is due to increased contribution of Ca from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, these results suggest that Bay K 8644 decrease the amount of releasable Ca from this structure during rest.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Some chemical properties of maitotoxin, a putative calcium channel agonist isolated from a marine dinoflagellate.

Maitotoxion, a putative Ca2+ channel agonist, was isolated from cultures of the marine dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus toxicus as a colorless amorphous solid. The toxin reacted positively to Dragendorff's reagent but not to ninhydrin reagent. The mouse lethality of maitotoxin determined by intraperitoneal injection was 0.13 micrograms/kg. Chemical features of the toxin were elucidated mainly by various spectroscopic measurements. The molecular weight of maitotoxin as a disodium salt was estimated to be 3,424.5 +/- 0.5 from the negative fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass spectrum. The presence of two sulfate ester groups in the molecule was apparent from the IR and mass spectra, and from analyses of solvolysis products. Despite of its large size, maitotoxin seems to have no known repeating units, such as amino acids and sugars, no carbonyl groups, no side chains other than methyls or an exomethylenes, and no carbocycles.

Animals↗

Effects of (+) and (-) enantiomers of calcium channel agonist, Bay K 8644, on mechanical and electrical responses of frog skeletal muscle.

The effects of (+) and (-) enantiomers of Bay K 8644, a Ca2+ channel agonist, on the mechanical and electrical properties of frog skeletal muscle fibers were investigated. In the concentration range of 10(-6) to 10(-5) M, both (+) and (-) enantiomers of Bay K 8644 significantly increased the maximum amplitudes of twitch responses. Both (+) and (-) enantiomers of Bay K 8644, at higher concentrations such as 10(-4) M, greatly depressed the amplitudes of twitches. Potentiating and depressing effects of (-) enantiomer of Bay K 8644 on twitch responses were significantly greater than those of the (+) enantiomer. At all concentrations used, both (+) and (-) enantiomers of Bay K 8644 significantly decreased the area under the tetanic force x time curve. In intracellular recordings, it was found that the depressing effects of both (+) and (-)-Bay K 8644 on tetanic contractions and twitch responses were due to the inhibition of action potentials. The inhibitory effect of (-) enantiomer of Bay K 8644 on action potentials also was significantly greater than that of the (+) enantiomer. In conclusion, present results suggest that, in contrast with cardiac muscle fibers, (+) and (-) enantiomers of Bay K 8644 have similar inhibitory effects on the electrical and mechanical properties of frog skeletal muscle fibers.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Inotropic and calcium kinetic effects of calcium channel agonist and antagonist in isolated cardiac myocytes from cardiomyopathic hamsters.

The mechanism by which heart cells of cardiomyopathic (CM) hamsters become calcium overloaded is not known. We examined the number of slow calcium channels, calcium uptake via slow calcium channels, calcium pool sizes, and the contractile response to Bay K 8644, verapamil, and nifedipine using isolated cardiac myocytes from 8-9-month-old CM hamsters (BIO 14.6) and age-matched normal controls. The number of dihydropyridine binding sites as assessed by specific binding of [3H]PN200-110 was similar in the two groups (control hearts: Bmax = 333 +/- 89 [mean +/- SD] fmol/mg; CM hearts: Bmax = 357 +/- 75 fmol/mg; n = 5 experiments, p = 0.6). Current density through L-type calcium channels was determined using the whole-cell clamp technique (at -50 mV holding potential and -10 mV test potential) and was the same in CM myocytes (17.8 +/- 1.5 [mean +/- SD] pA/pF) and control myocytes (18.6 +/- 2.1 pA/pF) (n = 5 experiments, p = 0.5). The current-voltage relation (test potentials varied from -40 to +50 mV) was also the same in CM and control cells, as was apparent threshold, peak current, and reversal potential. However, the initial rate of 45Ca influx as well as the size of the rapidly exchangeable calcium pool was significantly greater in myocytes obtained from CM than from normal hamsters. In both myocyte preparations, Bay K 8644 increased the rate of 45Ca uptake by 25% at 60 seconds; verapamil decreased 45Ca uptake at 60 seconds by 16% and 17% in normal and CM hamsters, respectively. A similar inhibitory effect was observed with nifedipine. The amplitude of cell motion in cells driven at 1.5 Hz as assessed by an optical-video system increased progressively with increasing concentrations of extracellular calcium or Bay K 8644 in cardiac myocytes from normal or CM hamsters. However, the concentration-effect curves for the two effectors were shifted to the left in CM cells compared with cells from normal hamsters. Both preparations demonstrated similar contractile responses to verapamil and nifedipine. These findings demonstrate that single enzymatically dissociated cardiac myocytes from CM hamsters have impaired contractile properties analogous to those seen in the intact heart and thus provide a useful experimental system in which to study underlying cellular mechanisms operative in this model of heart failure. Our results further indicate that calcium overload in CM hamster cardiac myocytes may not be due to increased calcium influx via dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels, as suggested previously, but rather to abnormalities of intracellular calcium homeostasis.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Effects of the calcium channel agonist, Bay K 8644, on the mechanical output of skeletal muscle fibers.

1. The effects of the calcium agonist, Bay K 8644, on the mechanical output of skeletal muscle were studied in frog semitendinosus fiber bundles and in whole sartorius muscles. 2. Low concentrations of Bay K 8644 (less than or equal to 1 microM) had no significant influence on isometric twitches. Concentrations between 5-20 microM increased peak tension by 28.6 +/- 2.9% while higher concentrations (greater than or equal to 50 microM) initially increased then depressed twitches by 70 +/- 3.5%. 3. 10 microM Bay K 8644 also increased peak tension developed during low frequency stimulation (i.e. less than or equal to 40 Hz), slightly depressed high frequency contractions (i.e. greater than or equal to 80 Hz) but did not reduce maximal tetanic tension which occurred at about 60 Hz. 4. Potentiation of twitches and low frequency tetani and depression of high frequency tetani by Bay K 8644 were partially antagonized by nifedipine (10 microM), low extracellular calcium and D-600 (5 microM). These conditions did not, however, block the depressant actions of greater than or equal to 50 microM Bay K 8644. 5. In skinned fibers, 10 microM Bay K 8644 had no effect on resting or maximal Ca2+ activated tension. Also, 10 microM Bay K 8644 had no effect on caffeine contractures when added to the previous Ca2+ loading solution. 6. These results suggest that Bay K 8644 has both positive and negative inotropic actions on isolated skeletal muscle, which are dependent on drug concentration and muscle activation pattern.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Modulation of the activity of midbrain central gray substance neurons by calcium channel agonists and antagonists in vitro.

Changes in the background impulse activity of midbrain central gray substance neurons have been studied on slice preparations from the rat midbrain upon application of calcium-free solution, an activator of calcium channels, BAY-K 8644 (10 nM), organic (verapamil, 40 microM; D600, 10 microM; nifedipine, 1-10 microM; amiloride, 1 microM) and inorganic (Co2+, 1.5 mM) calcium channel blockers. Besides BAY-K 8644, all the substances inhibited most of the neurons studied. Verapamil, BAY-K 8644 and Co2+ also revealed facilitatory effects. Facilitatory action of BAY-K was most effective in silent neurons and in those previously inhibited by amiloride. Latent period values of inhibition in calcium-free solution and upon application of organic and inorganic blockers have the following sequence: D600 > amiloride > verapamil > Co2+ > nifedipine > calcium-free solution. Maximum rise time had the following order: amiloride > D600 > nifedipine > verapamil > Co2+ > calcium-free solution. Complete suppression of the neuronal activity induced by amiloride lasted twice as long as that induced by calcium-free solution, Co2+ and nifedipine, and six times as long as verapamil-induced suppression. Preliminary application of calcium channel blockers reduced facilitatory and increased inhibitory effects of serotonin and substance P. Data obtained are discussed with the supposition in mind that inhibition of the function of calcium channels in central gray substance neurons could be one of the mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of a series of neurotropic agents after their introduction into this structure.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Effect of calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644 on calcitonin secretion from a rat C-cell line.

Bay K 8644, a novel dihydropyridine, stimulates calcitonin secretion in a dose-dependent manner from a rat medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line, rMTC 6-23, and causes an increase in cytosolic free calcium concentration, as measured by quin-2. These effects are competitively inhibited by nifedipine, and completely abolished in the absence of extracellular calcium. These data suggest that calcium influx via voltage-dependent calcium channels plays a crucial role in the regulation of cytosolic free calcium concentration and calcitonin secretion.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

The stimulatory action of the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644 on isolated duodenal muscle. Antagonism by nifedipine and verapamil.

The action of the novel dihydropyridine analogue Bay K 8644 has been evaluated on the rat isolated duodenal muscle. Bay K 8644 (0.3 nmol/l to 1 pmol/l) increased both the tone and the phasic movements of the duodenum; the maximum response was about 60% of that to acetylcholine. Nifedipine (30 nmol/l) induced a parallel shift of the concentration-response curve to this compound to the right, without depressing the maximum response; conversely, verapamil (30 nmol/l) caused an insurmountable antagonism. Incubation of the strips in Ca2+-free medium reduced the contractile response to the calcium agonist. The spasmogenic effect of Bay K 8644 was inhibited by atropine (0.1 pmol/l) which caused a significant reduction in the maximum response to the compound. The competitive interaction between Bay K 8644 and nifedipine is consistent with an action at the same dihydropyridine binding site in the calcium channel and suggests that these compounds could be selective probes for detecting the dihydropyridine receptor also in the intestinal smooth muscle. The sensitivity of the contractile effect of Bay K 8644 to atropine may indicate an action of this compound in the cholinergic system, probably mediated by a release of acetylcholine from the nerve terminal rather than due to a direct stimulatory action at muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Stereoselective pharmacodynamic action of (+)-S-12967 and (-)-S-12968, isomers of a new slow acting 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative with calcium channel agonistic and antagonistic effects on rat aorta.

The effects of (+)-S-12967 and (-)-S12968, isomers of a new dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) derivative [2(7-amino 2,5-dioxaheptyl) 3-ethoxycarbonyl 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl) 5-methoxycarbonyl 6-methyl 1,4-dihydropyridine] were studied on contractile responses of isolated thoracic aortas from rats and compared to that of nifedipine. The maximal relaxant effect of both isomers was reached in about 2 hr whereas the maximal relaxant effect to nifedipine was obtained within 30 min. The two 1,4-DPH isomers and nifedipine had a far more potent inhibitory effect on potassium (K+) than on noradrenaline (NA) induced contractions. They shifted the K+, Ca2+ and NA-concentration response-curves to the right and depressed the maximal vessel response to these agonists. Nifedipine was about 10 times more potent than the (-)-isomer which again was about 100 times more potent that the (+)-isomer. In contrast to nifedipine (-)-S-12968 and (+)-S-12967 had a dual action on K+ and Ca(2+)-induced contractions as both isomers in low concentrations, 3 x 10(-9)M and 3 x 10(-7)M, respectively, shifted the K(+)-concentration response curves to the left and increased the maximal response. In K(+)-depolarized preparations they increased the response to low Ca(2+)-concentrations without affecting the maximal vessel response at the highest Ca(2+)-concentrations. The result indicates that (+)-S-12967 and (-)-S-12968 possess Ca(2+)-agonistic as well as Ca-antagonistic properties. Compared to nifedipine both isomers are slow acting vasodilators. Their action as regards their potency is stereoselective and the (-)-isomer is more potent than the (+)-isomer.

Animals↗

BAY K 8644, a calcium channel agonist, inhibits renin secretion in vitro.

These experiments were designed to characterize the renin secretory effects of BAY K 8644, a dihydropyridine derivative which acts as a Ca channel agonist. The rat renal cortical slice preparation was used. BAY K 8644 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of basal renin secretion. Although the inhibitory effect was not blocked by nifedipine or by methoxyverapamil in concentrations which effectively block the renin secretory effects of K-depolarization, higher concentrations did block. Moreover, chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA also blocked the inhibitory effect. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the inhibitory effect is mediated by Ca2+ influx. Collectively, the results add to the growing evidence that Ca2+ is an inhibitory second messenger in the renin secretory process.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Staurosporine can inhibit the G1-S transition induced by a calcium channel agonist by blocking the pathway independent of phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase C in rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5).

IGF-I, when added to TSH-primed FRTL-5 cells, can induce a long lasting Ca2+ influx followed by the DNA synthesis. BAY K8644, a Ca2+ channel agonist, can also induce the DNA synthesis in TSH-treated cells. Staurosporine, which is known to be a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C(PKC) strongly inhibited the DNA synthesis caused by these two reagents. However, in PKC-down regulated cells, IGF-I and BAY K8644 could also evoke the DNA synthesis and the inhibitory effect of staurosporine persisted. These inhibitory effects did not relay on inhibition of the Ca2+ influx induced by BAY K8644. Thus these results demonstrate that staurosporine acts at a point distal to Ca2+ influx to inhibit G1-S transition and this staurosporine-sensitive pathway possibly mediates the mitogenic signal in PKC-independent manner.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗