Pharmacologic profile of fezolamine fumarate: a nontricyclic antidepressant in animal models

Fezolamine [N,N-dimethyl-3,4-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole-1-propanamine-(E)-2- butenedioate] is a new, nontricyclic agent under investigation as a potential antidepressant. In vitro, it was 3 to 4 times more selective in blocking synaptosomal uptake of [3H]norepinephrine than uptake of [3H]serotonin or [3H]dopamine. In classical behavioral tests using monoamine-depleted animals, it prevented the depressant effects of reserpine and tetrabenzine. In addition, it was active in the "behavioral despair" procedure. Its potency in three of these models was similar to that of standard tricyclics (e.g., imipramine, amitriptyline) or newer nontricyclic antidepressants (e.g., bupropion). In the mouse mydriasis and oxotremorine antagonism models, anticholinergic properties of fezolamine were weak or absent compared with imipramine and amitriptyline. Locomotor activity in mice was not increased by fezolamine at doses 2 to 16 times greater than effective antidepressant doses, suggesting the absence of central nervous system stimulant properties. Fezolamine did not inhibit monoamine oxidase activity in ex vivo studies and, unlike pargyline, did not produce locomotor hyperactivity in mice pretreated with L-tryptophan. In vitro studies using canine Purkinje tissue suggest that fezolamine has significantly less ability to depress myocardial conduction parameters than similar concentrations of imipramine. In a myocardially infarcted cat model, plasma levels of fezolamine 19 to 28 times greater than those achieved with imipramine were required before inducing significant depression of cardiac function and mean arterial pressure. Fezolamine, unlike imipramine, did not increase sinus rate. Fezolamine may thus show antidepressant efficacy in man with minimal anticholinergic or cardiovascular side effects common to tricyclic antidepressants.     

The effect of the potassium channel activator, cromakalim, on antidepressant drugs in the forced swimming test in mice

Summary— The forced swimming test (FST) is a widely used behavioural model to predict potential antidepressant (AD) action of compounds in humans. It has been previously shown that pretreatment with lithium, quinine and clonidine had additive effects on AD drugs in the FST, an effect proposed to be a result of potassium channel blockade. It is possible that pretreatment with potassium channel openers may induce opposite effects to those seen following pretreatment with potassium channel blockers in the FST. Pretreatment with cromakalim (CROM) (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) antagonized the anti-immobility effects of the mixed noradrenaline (NA)/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors imipramine and amitriptyline ( P < 0.05). CROM administration (0.06 and 1 mg/kg, ip) also blocked the AD-like effects of the specific NA reuptake inhibitor, desipramine, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Pretreatment with CROM via gavage (1 mg/kg) antagonized the AD-like effects of imipramine, amitiptyline, desipramine and paroxetine. CROM treatment (via ip route or gavage) did not have any significant effect on the anti-immobility activity of the atypical AD mianserin at any of the doses employed. Another potassium channel opener, minoxidil (MINOX), which does not cross the blood-brain barrier, was also tested to eliminate the possibility that CROM may be acting via peripheral/local mechanisms. MINOX (32 mg/kg) failed to antagonize anti-immobility effects of any of the AD tested. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that CROM is only acting on drugs involved with neurotransmitter uptake inhibition.     

Effect of a beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation on hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction

To investigate whether beta(2)-adrenoceptors exist on endothelial cells and whether a beta(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation might prevent the development of hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) were cultured and chronically exposed to either 5 mM D-glucose ("normoglycemia") or 20 mM D-glucose ("hyperglycemia"), with or without 100 nM salbutamol in absence or presence of beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118,551 [1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxyl]-3-[(1-methylethyl)-amino]-2-butanol] or beta(1)-antagonist metoprolol. For osmotic control, PAECs were exposed to 15 mM L-glucose. We measured nitric oxide release using the met-hemoglobin assay and assessed beta-adrenoceptor density and subtypes by radioligand binding. Furthermore, we determined intracellular NADH and NADPH using high-performance liquid chromatography. High D-glucose concentrations but not L-glucose led to significantly reduced basal and stimulated nitric oxide release. Chronic salbutamol treatment significantly antagonized the impairment of the nitric oxide response, which was inhibited by ICI 118,551 but not by metoprolol. The number of giant cells was significantly increased in hyperglycemia, which could be prevented by salbutamol. Binding of the radioligand (-)-[(125)I]iodocyanopindolol revealed a total beta-adrenoceptor density of 29.8 +/- 3.7 (normoglycemic) and 30.3 +/- 3.6 (hyperglycemic) fmol/mg protein. Displacement by ICI 118,551 revealed beta-adrenoceptor subtype distribution with 30.3 +/- 4.4 (normoglycemic) and 29.1 +/- 3.8% beta(2)-adrenoceptors. NADH production increased in hyperglycemia, which was completely prevented by salbutamol. We conclude that hyperglycemia in PAEC induces endothelial dysfunction with impaired nitric oxide release and that this can be prevented by beta(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation.     

Effects of pretreatment with clonidine, lithium and quinine on the activities of antidepressant drugs in the mouse tail suspension test

Summary— The aim of the present study was the investigation of pretreatment effects with clonidine (0.06 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [ip]), lithium (1 mEq, ip) or quinine (0.5 mg/kg, ip) on the activities of various drugs acting on noradrenergic and/or serotonergic systems in the mouse tail suspension test. Drugs used in the present study included: the tricyclic antidepressants imipramine and dothiepin, the heterocyclic antidepressant trazodone, the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine, the atypical antidepressants mianserin and iprindole, the 5-HT_1A receptor agonist ipsapirone, the 5-HT_2A/2C receptor antagonist ritanserin, and the 5-HT₃ receptor antagonist ondansetron. Clonidine, lithium and quinine differentially enhanced the effects of several psychotropic drugs administered at sub-active doses. The activity of iprindole (32 mg/kg, ip) was not potentiated by pretreatment with clonidine, lithium or quinine. Our results suggest that lithium exerted additive effects via postsynaptic 5-HT_1A receptor activation, quinine via potassium ion channel blockade of 5-HT₃ receptors, while clonidine did so primarily via action at 5-HT₂ receptors.     

SR 95191, a selective inhibitor of type A monoamine oxidase with dopaminergic properties. I. Psychopharmacological profile in rodents

SR 95191 [3-(2-morpholino-ethyl-amino)-4-cyano-6-phenyl-pyridazine], a novel compound, has been shown in preliminary experiments to inhibit type A monoamine oxidase (MAO). This report describes the activities of SR 95191 in behavioral experiments in mice and rats and shows that SR 95191 has the profile of a selective type A MAO inhibitor (MAOI). Moreover, SR 95191 also possesses dopamine (DA) stimulant properties. The activities of SR 95191 were compared to those of the MAOIs moclobemide, clorgyline, pargyline and l-deprenyl, as well as to those of the antidepressant drugs imipramine, nomifensine and indalpine and to those of the DAergic drugs (+)-amphetamine and apomorphine. SR 95191 p.o. antagonized the effects of reserpine in mice and rats, decreased immobility in the mouse despair test, antagonized haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats and potentiated 5-hydroxytryptophan in mice and rats with an overall potency which was half that of imipramine. SR 95191, like moclobemide, did not potentiate yohimbine-induced lethality and did not antagonize oxotremorine-induced tremor. Like selective type A MAOIs, SR 95191 potentiated 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced tremor without affecting beta-phenethylamine-induced stereotypies in mice. SR 95191 did not antagonize 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-alpha-phenylethylamine-induced hyperthermia. Like all DA stimulant drugs, SR 95191 induced stereotypies in rats, which were blocked by haloperidol and alpha-methylparatyrosine, and induced contralateral turning in mice with a unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. Based on these results, it is postulated that SR 95191 has a unique profile of activity combining the properties of a selective type A MAO inhibitor and those of an atypical DAergic drug.     

姜黄素的抗抑郁作用

背景从植物中尤其是传统中草药中寻找高效、低毒的抗抑郁药成为现代抗抑郁治疗的研究热点.目的采用行为实验和神经化学方法探讨姜黄素的抗抑郁作用及其可能的作用途径.设计随机分组设计,对照实验.单位北京大学基础医学院药理学系.材料实验于2003-11/2004-10在北京大学医学部药理学系实验室完成.选用雄性ICR小鼠240只.方法共4个分实验.①拮抗利血平诱导小鼠体温下降实验选用小鼠60只,随机分成6组对照组,姜黄素1.25,2.50,5.00,10.00 mg/kg组,盐酸丙咪嗪组(10 mg/kg).实验前先测定小鼠的正常体温,然后每组小鼠皮下注射利血平(2.5 mg/kg).18 h后分别给予不同浓度的姜黄素(灌胃)、花生油(0.1 mL/10 g,灌胃)以及盐酸丙咪嗪(10 mg/kg,腹腔注射),分别测定给药后60,90,120,150,180 min小鼠的直肠温度.②5-羟色胺酸诱导的小鼠甩头实验小鼠分组同上,阳性对照药换为盐酸氟西汀.小鼠分别灌胃给予姜黄素4个剂量同前,花生油和氟西汀(10 mg/kg),1 h后从小鼠尾静脉注射5-羟色胺酸(70 mg/kg),观察并记录小鼠在给予5-羟色胺酸后5～10 min内的甩头次数.③高剂量阿扑吗啡诱导的小鼠体温下降实验小鼠分组同上,阳性对照药为盐酸丙咪嗪.小鼠分别灌胃给予4个剂量同前的姜黄素,花生油和盐酸丙咪嗪,1 h后分别皮下注射高剂量的阿扑吗啡(16 mg/kg),分别测定注射阿扑吗啡前及注射后30和60min的直肠温度.④测定小鼠脑内单胺和其代谢产物的含量小鼠分组同上,阳性对照药为盐酸丙咪嗪.小鼠灌胃分别给予4个剂量同前的姜黄素,花生油和盐酸丙咪嗪.用高效液相电化学法测定小鼠脑内单胺及其代谢产物含量.⑤组间比较采用Dunnett'st检验.主要观察指标①在利血平诱导的小鼠体温下降实验中,给药前后体温的变化.②在5-羟色胺酸诱导小鼠甩头实验中,给药后甩头次数是否增加.③在阿扑吗啡诱导体温下降实验中,给药后体温的改变.④测定药物对单胺递质含量的影响.结果小鼠240只均进入结果分析.①利血平诱导的小鼠体温下降实验结果5.00mg/kg和10.00mg/kg姜黄素可以逆转利血平诱导的小鼠体温下降,结果与对照组差异明显(P＜0.05,0.01).姜黄素在10.00mg/kg剂量下的作用与阳性对照药盐酸丙咪嗪相似.②5-羟色胺酸诱导的小鼠甩头实验结果姜黄素(5,10 mg/kg)能显著增加5-羟色胺酸诱导的小鼠的甩头次数(P＜0.05,0.01).③阿扑吗啡诱导体温下降实验结果5.00 mg/kg和10.00 mg/kg姜黄素可以明显拮抗高剂量阿扑吗啡引起的小鼠体温下降,与对照组差异明显(P＜0.05,0.01).④姜黄素在2.50,5.00和10.00 mg/kg剂量可以显著增加小鼠脑内5-羟色胺的含量,在10 mg/kg剂量可以显著增加小鼠脑内去甲肾上腺素、多巴胺的含量.与对照组差异明显(P＜0.05).而姜黄素对其代谢产物5-羟基吲哚乙酸和3,4-二羟基苯乙酸的含量没有明显影响.阳性对照药盐酸丙咪嗪10 mg/kg可以显著增加小鼠脑内5-羟色胺和去甲肾上腺素含量(P＜0.05).结论姜黄素具有抗抑郁作用,其作用发挥可能与单胺神经系统有关.     

Evidence for the involvement of the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems in the antidepressant-like action of riparin III obtained from Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez (Lauraceae) in mice

Previous work has shown that intraperitoneal administration of riparin III (ripIII) reduces immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST), which suggests potential antidepressant activity. As the mechanism of action is not completely understood, this study is aimed at investigating the antidepressant‐like action of ripIII. Following intraperitoneal administration of ripIII at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, there were decreases in the immobility time in the FST and tail suspension test without accompanying changes in ambulation (data not shown). The pretreatment of mice with sulpiride (50 mg/kg, i.p.), prazosin (1 mg/kg, i.p.), yohimbine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and p‐chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg, i.p. for, four consecutive days) significantly prevented the anti‐immobility effect of ripIII in the FST. On the other hand, the anti‐immobility effect of ripIII (50 mg/kg, v.o.) was not altered by pretreatment of mice with SCH23390 (15 μg/kg, i.p.) Furthermore, ripIII potentiated the sleeping latency and sleeping time of the pentobarbital‐induced sleeping time test and also potentiated apomorphine (16 mg/kg, i.p.)‐induced hypothermia in mice. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that the antidepressant‐like effect of ripIII is dependent on its interaction with the serotonergic, noradrenergic (α₁‐ and α₂‐ receptors), and dopaminergic (dopamine D₂ receptors) systems.     

Comparative in vivo and in vitro study of the cardiac effects of midalcipran and imipramine

Midalcipran is a new antidepressant drug inhibiting both noradrenaline and serotonin uptake without any postsynaptic and anticholinergic activities. Its cardiac effects were compared with those of imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant drug. In anaesthetised guinea-pigs intravenous perfusion of imipramine and midalcipran (1 ml/min from a solution at 0.66 mg/ml) brought about ventricular arrhythmias, respectively at 16.5 and 26.4 mg/kg and cardiac arrest at 58 and 97 mg/kg. The safety index (ratio of i.v. lethal dose and ED50 evaluated by the yohimbine test) is 22 times wider for midalcipran than imipramine. In in vitro studies on guinea-pig ventricular myocardium, imipramine exerted a greater class 1 antiarrhythmic effect than midalcipran. The reduction of Vmax was significant at 3 X 10(-6) M for imipramine and 1 X 10(-5) M for midalcipran in normal (4 mM K+) and hyperpolarizing (2.7 mM K+) conditions. At the concentration of 1 X 10(-5) M midalcipran significantly lengthened, whereas imipramine non significantly shortened the action potential durations (APD50, APD90). The results provide confirmation of a lesser depression in sodium conductance with midalcipran as compared to imipramine. Therefore it is proposed that less adverse cardiac effects may be observed at therapeutic doses.     

Anti-immobility activity of different antidepressant drugs using the tail suspension test in normal or reserpinized mice

Summary— The tail suspension test is a screening procedure recently used in mice to detect antidepressant activity of drugs. The ability of amine re-uptake inhibitors to decrease immobility in non-reserpinized and in reserpinized mice was studied. Reserpine (4 mg/kg ip) was injected 4 h previously. Anti-depressants were administered ip, 60 min before tail suspension. Animal activity was recorded for 6 min. Preferential serotonin re-uptake blockers (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, clomipramine) were poorly active in non-reserpinized mice and inactive in reserpine-treated mice. Noradrenergic drugs (desipramine, demexiptiline, viloxazine) were more efficient in reserpinized than in non-reserpinized mice. The mixed serotonin- noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor (imipramine) shows an activity which should be considered between serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors. DA re-uptake inhibitors (amineptine, GBR 12909) exhibited the highest anti-immobility effect in non reserpinized animals but were of low efficacy after reserpine treatment. Amphetamine differed from dopamine re-uptake inhibitors by its better activity in reserpinized animals. Moreover, it was the only drug showing an equal anti-immobility effect in non reserpinized and reserpinized mice because the dose of 8 mg/kg of amphetamine reduced immobility in reserpinised mice with the same intensity as the dose of 4 mg/kg in non reserpinised mice whereas no other drugs tested in this study achieved the same effect. Comparison of anti-immobility activities of putative antidepressants in non-pre-treated and in reserpine-pre-treated mice, using the tail suspension test, may be useful to discriminate amphetamines from antidepressant drugs and to differentiate between categories of amine re-uptake blockers.     

Bupropion does not antagonize cardiovascular actions of clonidine in normal subjects and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Tricyclic antidepressants (TADs) are known to antagonize the hypotensive and sedative actions of clonidine. We compared the effects of bupropion and imipramine pretreatment on the acute hypotensive and sedative actions of clonidine in eight normotensive male subjects in a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Pretreatment with bupropion, 100 mg by mouth three times a day for 9 days, had no effect on baseline supine blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and did not modify the hypotensive, bradycardic, and sedative actions of clonidine. Imipramine, 25 mg by mouth three times a day for 9 days, increased supine and standing HR and decreased standing systolic BP. In half the subjects the hypotensive action of clonidine was reduced 40% to 50% by imipramine. The specific binding of 3H-yohimbine to alpha 2-receptors of platelet membranes was not affected by pretreatment with either antidepressant. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, 16 days of bupropion, 25 mg/kg subcutaneously, had no effect on baseline BP and HR and did not antagonize the hypotensive and bradycardic effects of clonidine, 5 mg/kg iv. Pretreatment with desipramine, 5 mg/kg subcutaneously for 16 days, accelerated baseline HR and reduced cardiovascular actions of clonidine. These observations suggest that not all antidepressants antagonize the effects of clonidine. If the negative interaction between TADs and clonidine is a result of sensitivity of alpha 2-receptors, these receptor changes are not the common denominator of antidepressant activity and may only be seen with TADs.     

Dopaminergic transmission and (+)amphetamine-induced lethality in aggregated mice

In aggregated mice the lethal dose 50% (LD50) of (+)amphetamine was found to be clearly lower than in isolated animals (dose ratio: 6:1), whereas with the pure dopamine uptake inhibitor GBR 12783, the ratio was only 2. Pretreatment of mice with GBR 12783 (20 or 40 mg/kg ip) did not reduce the lethality of (+)amphetamine (10 mg/kg) in aggregated mice. Taking into account their relative affinity for D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, various DA antagonists were opposed to (+)amphetamine (20 mg/kg) in aggregated mice. The specific D1 antagonist SCH 23390 was especially effective (ID50 10 micrograms/kg). The specific D2 antagonists (+/-) sulpiride and metoclopramide were effective for high doses (ID50 = 43 and 19 mg/kg respectively). The dopamine antagonists haloperidol and alpha-flupenthixol, less specific as regards D1 vs D2 receptors, had an ID50 of 66 and 186 micrograms/kg respectively. Association of the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 with the D2 antagonist (+/-) sulpiride resulted in an apparent additive effect for reducing the (+)amphetamine-induced lethality. A semi-chronic treatment with either the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (7 x 20 mg/kg) or (+)amphetamine (6 x 10 mg/kg) performed in isolated mice did not reduce the lethality induced by (+)amphetamine (20 mg/kg) in aggregated mice. The antagonism of the (+)amphetamine-induced lethality in aggregated mice, frequently used to screen meuroleptics, reveals their antagonistic activity towards D1 or D2 dopamine receptor types.     

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine- and 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino-tetralin-induced hypothermia: role and location of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors

The popular drug of abuse 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has complex interactions with thermoregulatory systems, resulting in either hyperthermia or hypothermia. MDMA induces hypothermia when given to animals housed at a low ambient temperature. In this study we report that MDMA (7.5 mg/kg i.p.) given at normal ambient temperatures of 24 to 25 degrees C caused, in conscious freely moving rats, hypothermia (mean decrease from baseline of 1.1 +/- 0.06 degrees C at 40 min). Pretreating animals with a 0.5 mg/kg i.p. dose of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT(1A)) antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY 100635) not only prevented MDMA-induced hypothermia, but resulted in the development of hyperthermia (mean temperature increase from baseline of 0.74 +/- 0.2 degrees C at 120 min). After treatment with WAY 100635, MDMA also elicited an enhanced tachycardia (mean increases in heart rate from baseline of 110 +/- 16 beats/min at 90 min). To identify the location of 5-HT(1A) receptors responsible for hypothermia induced by MDMA, we first investigated the role of 5-HT(1A) receptors in the rostral raphe pallidus (rRP) in decreases in temperature evoked by the known 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino-tetralin (DPAT). Microinjections of 0.5 nmol of WAY 100635 into the rRP significantly attenuated DPAT (0.2 mg/kg i.p.)-elicited hypothermia. In parallel experiments, we found that microinjections of WAY 100635 into the rRP, while significantly augmenting MDMA-mediated tachycardia, did not alter body temperature. These results demonstrate that although hypothermia mediated by both MDMA and DPAT shares a common dependence on the activation of 5-HT(1A) receptors, the location of these receptors is different for each drug.     

Modulation of peripheral beta-1 and alpha-2 receptor sensitivities by the administration of the tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine, alone and in combination with alpha-2 antagonists to rats

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether peripheral beta-1 and alpha-2 receptors are regulated by the tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine. The administration of imipramine alone decreased the sensitivity of peripheral beta-1 receptor activity in anesthetized rats (isoproterenol-induced positive chronotropy) after 11 days, but not after 4 days. The coadministration of the selective alpha-2 antagonists, yohimbine or idazoxan (RX 781094), with imipramine resulted in a decrease in beta-1 receptor sensitivity in anesthetized rats within only 4 days. In isolated spontaneously beating right atria taken from drug-treated rats, beta-1 receptor sensitivity (isoproterenol positive chronotrophy) was not affected by the administration of imipramine for 4 days; however, administration of imipramine for 11 days resulted in significant decrease in beta-1 receptor sensitivity. The coadministration of yohimbine or idazoxan with imipramine resulted in a decrease in beta-1 receptor function in only 4 days. Beta-2 receptor sensitivity (isoproterenol-induced hypotension in anesthetized rats) was not significantly altered under conditions in which beta-1 receptor sensitivity was decreased. The destruction of central catecholamine-containing neurons with 6-hydroxydopamine prevented the subsensitivity of peripheral beta-1 receptor function in anesthetized rats induced by the coadministration of imipramine plus yohimbine (4 days). The sensitivity of peripheral alpha-2 receptors (clonidine-induced inhibition of electrically stimulated rat vas deferens) was depressed after the administration of imipramine alone (4 days) and imipramine plus yohimbine or idazoxan (4 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of PSK on interferon production in tumor-bearing mice

The effect of PSK on the depressed interferon (IF) production in tumor-bearing mice was studied. In tumor-bearing mice, in vitro IF production by spleen cells treated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) was remarkably inhibited. However, these inhibitions were prevented by the intraperitoneal (ip) administration of PSK. Mice were inoculated intravenously (iv) with poly I:C-treated spleen cells, administered with PSK ip at 3 days after the tumor inoculation. When PSK was not given, poly I:C-treated spleen cells did not show an inhibitory effect on tumor growth. In mice given PSK ip, poly I:C-treated spleen cells exerted slightly inhibiting effects on tumor growth. These results suggest that PSK prevented such a modulation in tumor-bearing mice.     

Circadian variation in number and affinity of beta 2-adrenoceptors in lymphocytes of asthmatic patients

To determine whether circadian variation in adrenoceptor function might underlie the 'morning dip' in peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate and its abolition by salbutamol we measured indices of beta-adrenoceptor function (Bmax. and Kd), the ratio FEV1/FVC, and plasma cortisol at 08.00 and 18.00 hours on and off salbutamol (4 mg given orally every 4 h) in five extrinsic asthmatic patients and five normal volunteers. There was a significant circadian variation in receptor numbers (Bmax.) in both the control and asthmatic groups which was not abolished on treatment with salbutamol. Both groups appeared to compensate for loss of receptor number induced by salbutamol administration by increasing receptor affinity. For comparable combinations of drug/time, there was no significant difference between the control and asthmatic groups. We conclude that the 'morning dip' observed in asthmatic patients cannot simply be explained by changes in cell receptor number or affinity, as our results suggest that both groups have intact beta-adrenoceptor function. Nevertheless, our observations of the normal circadian rhythm has important implications for future studies of beta-adrenoceptors in asthmatic patients.     

Antidepressant-like pharmacological profile of a novel triple reuptake inhibitor, (1S,2S)-3-(methylamino)-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol (PRC200-SS)

Due to the putative involvement of dopaminergic circuits in depression, triple reuptake inhibitors are being developed as a new class of antidepressant, which is hypothesized to produce a more rapid onset and better efficacy than current antidepressants selective for serotonin or norepinephrine neurotransmission. (1S,2S)-3-(Methylamino)-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol (PRC200-SS), a new triple reuptake inhibitor, potently bound to the human serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters with K(d) values of 2.3, 0.63, and 18 nM, respectively. Inhibition of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine uptake by PRC200-SS was also shown in cells expressing the corresponding transporter (K(i) values of 2.1, 1.5, and 61 nM, respectively). In vivo, PRC200-SS dose-dependently decreased immobility in the forced-swim test in rats and in the tail-suspension test in mice, models predictive of antidepressant activity, with effects comparable with imipramine. These results in the behavioral models did not seem to result from the stimulation of locomotor activity. Consistent with the in vitro data and behavioral effects, peripheral administration of PRC200-SS (5 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) significantly increased extracellular levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the medial prefrontal cortex, and of serotonin and dopamine in the core of nucleus accumbens, with reduction of levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid compared with levels for saline control. Furthermore, PRC200-SS self-administration, which was used as a marker of abuse liability, was not observed with rats. Therefore, it seems that PRC200-SS may represent a novel triple reuptake inhibitor and possess antidepressant activity.     

Pharmacological profile of binedaline, a new antidepressant drug

The interactions of binedaline (binodaline), a new antidepressant drug, and its main metabolites with neurotransmitter receptors and monoamine uptake sites were studied. In receptor binding assays, binedaline was compared to amitriptyline, imipramine, maprotiline and mianserin. Unlike these drugs binedaline did not show any significant affinity for an alpha adrenergic, muscarinic cholinergic, histamine H1 or serotonin2 (5-HT2) receptors. Binedaline and desmethylbinedaline were potent inhibitors of the uptake of norepinephrine in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex (Ki = 25 and 29 nM, respectively). Binedaline also inhibited 5-HT uptake with a weak affinity (Ki = 847 nM) but was inactive as an inhibitor of dopamine uptake in synaptosomes from rat striatum (Ki greater than 2 microM). No specific binding was found using [3H]binedaline. After 2 weeks of daily administration of binedaline (20 mg/kg i.p.), the number of beta adrenergic recognition sites labeled with [3H]CGP 12177 remained constant in rat forebrain, as did 5-HT2 receptors and benzodiazepine receptors. In contrast a prolonged treatment with maprotiline (20 mg/kg i.p.) increased the apparent Kd value of [3H]CGP 12177 by 43% and the apparent maximal binding value of [3H]RO 15-1788 by 20% as compared to control. Our results indicate that binedaline is comparable to a tricyclic antidepressant drug in inhibiting the norepinephrine uptake but, however, it is devoid of affinity for neurotransmitter receptors. This probably explains why this drug does not induce the classical side effects of tricyclic antidepressant drugs. These results also suggest that a reduction in beta adrenergic, 5-HT2 or benzodiazepine receptors is not always related to an antidepressant chronic treatment.     

Pharmacological profile of moclobemide, a short-acting and reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A

The novel antidepressant moclobemide is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), preferentially of type A. Moclomide was active in three animal models considered predictive for antidepressant activity: 1) it prevented dose-dependently akinesia and blepharospasm induced in mice and rats by Ro 4-1284, a short-acting amine releasing agent. Prevention of akinesia by moclobemide also depended upon the dose of Ro 4-1284. For comparison also, effects of cimoxatone, harmaline, tranylcypromine and clorgyline are presented: 2) in cats, it selectively and dose-dependently suppressed rapid eye movement sleep without disturbing the sleep-wakefulness cycle; and 3) in the behavioral despair test in mice, it decreased the immobility score to a similar degree as amitriptyline or imipramine. In addition, moclobemide potentiated 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced stereotypies in rats with a potency similar to cimoxatone and with a duration of action of less than 24 hr. Moclobemide had almost no effect on the spontaneous behavior in mice, rats, cats and monkeys. Only in higher doses, marginal sedation and slight impairment in motor performance were seen. Moclobemide did not prevent pilcarpine-induced salivation in mice, demonstrating the absence of anticholinergic activity. Blood pressure and heart rate of freely moving, spontaneously hypertensive rats were only slightly decreased for less than 3 hr. Moclobemide moderately potentiated the pressor effect of p.o. tyramine in rats. In conclusion, the reversible MAO inhibitor moclobemide is active in animal models sensitive to all major drugs used in the treatment of depression. In contrast to imipramine-like antidepressants, it lacks anticholinergic activity and it differs from classic MAO inhibitors by potentiating only weakly the pressor effect of p.o. tyramine.     

Rapid down regulation of beta adrenergic receptors by combining antidepressant drugs with forced swim: a model of antidepressant-induced neural adaptation

The hypothesis that behavioral responses to antidepressant drugs in the forced swim test are related to a rapid neural adaptation produced by the combination of drug treatment and swim stress was explored. As a measure of adaptation, brain beta adrenergic receptors were assayed using [3H]dihydroalprenolol [( 3H]DHA) binding to brain membranes from rats that were processed in the forced swim test. The combination of swim stress and imipramine treatment antagonized immobility induced by forced swimming and resulted in a reduction in [3H] DHA binding to membranes from forebrain preparations which did not include the corpus striatum. Administration of antidepressant drugs from other chemical classes, including pargyline, iprindole and nomifensine, also reduced immobility induced by the forced swim and produced a reduction in [3H]DHA binding to forebrain membranes. In homogenates of the corpus striatum, [3H]DHA binding was not altered by swim stress combined with antidepressant drug treatment. Chlordiazepoxide was without an effect on immobility or beta receptor binding when combined with forced swim. Even though atropine and amphetamine exhibited a positive activity in the forced swim test, they did not reduce [3H]DHA binding. Therefore, by combining behavioral and neurochemical analysis of animals processed in the forced swim test, it may be possible to differentiate, with greater confidence, potential antidepressant drugs from "false positives." The present studies support the hypothesis that antidepressant drug action in the forced swim test involves a rapid neural adaptation as reflected by the down regulation of beta adrenergic receptors. Thus, this behavioral paradigm may serve as a model of adaptive mechanisms induced by antidepressant drugs.     

Interactions of flerobuterol, an antidepressant drug candidate, with beta adrenoceptors in the rat brain.

Interactions of dl-flerobuterol with central beta adrenoceptors were investigated. It inhibited the binding of [3H]CGP 12177, a selective beta adrenoceptor ligand, to membranes prepared from rat cerebral cortex, cerebellum, heart and lung. The affinity of dl-flerobuterol was very close in all tissues (Ki approximately 1 microM). In cerebral cortex, binding inhibition of [3H]CGP 12177 was stereospecific, l-flerobuterol (Ki = 483 nM) being 70-fold more potent than d-flerobuterol (Ki = 34 microM). Moreover, dl-flerobuterol (Ki = 926 nM) was 7-fold less potent than isoproterenol (Ki = 140 nM) to displace [3H]CGP 12177 binding, but 5-fold more potent than salbutamol (Ki = 4600 nM). Flerobuterol did not inhibit the radioligand binding to the other receptors at the highest concentration tested, thus leading to a very high beta adrenergic selectivity. Flerobuterol increased the concentration of cyclic AMP in slices of rat cerebral cortex in a dose-dependent manner; this effect was antagonized by atenolol and propranolol. Compared to isoproterenol or norepinephrine, which produced cyclic AMP maximal increases of 380 and 460%, respectively, it showed a weaker activity with a maximal stimulation obtained at 100 microM, corresponding to a cAMP increase of 140% over basal value (100%). These data revealed that flerobuterol possessed a beta adrenergic agonist activity. Moreover, it antagonized competitively the isoproterenol- or norepinephrine-stimulated accumulation of cAMP. At low concentrations of isoproterenol or norepinephrine, the stimulation of adenylate cyclase was only due to the action of flerobuterol, but at higher concentrations, the response of isoproterenol or norepinephrine was competitively blocked by flerobuterol. At 10 microM, isoproterenol surmounted fully this antagonism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)