Long-term effects of JL 13, a potential atypical antipsychotic, on rat dopamine and serotonin receptor subtypes

in Journal of Neuroscience Research (2006), 84(3), 675-682

Changes in dopamine (DA) D-1, D-2, D-3, and D-4 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in rat forebrain regions were autoradiographically quantified after continuous infusion of JL 13 [(5-(4 ... [more ▼]

Changes in dopamine (DA) D-1, D-2, D-3, and D-4 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in rat forebrain regions were autoradiographically quantified after continuous infusion of JL 13 [(5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)8-chloro-pyrido[2,3-b][1,5]benzoxazepine fumarate] for 28 days with osmotic minipumps and compared with the effects of other typical (fluphenazine) and atypical (clozapine, olanzapine, and risperidone) antipsychotic drugs from previous studies. Similar to other typical and atypical antipsychotics, JL 13 increased labeling of D2 receptors in medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and hippocampus (HIP) and D-4 receptors in nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate-putamen (CPu), and HIP In addition, JL 13 increased 5-HT1A and decreased 5-HT2A receptors in MPC and dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), an effect shared by atypical antipsychotics, and may contribute to their psychopharmacological properties. Clozapine and JL 13, but not other antipsychotics, spared D2 receptors in CPu, which may reflect their ability to induce minimal extrapyramidal side effects. In addition, JL 13 but not other typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs increased abundance of D, receptors in CPu and NAc. JL 13 as well as other antipsychotic agents did not alter levels of forebrain D3 receptors. An atypical-like profile of JL 13 on DA and 5-HT receptor subtypes should encourage further development of this compound as a novel atypical anti psychotic drug. (c) 2006Wiley-Liss, Inc. [less ▲]

SK channels control the firing pattern of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vivo

in European Journal of Neuroscience (2005), 22(12), 3111-3121

A vast body of experimental in vitro work and modelling studies suggests that the firing pattern and/or rate of a majority of midbrain dopaminergic neurons may be controlled in part by Ca2+-activated K ... [more ▼]

A vast body of experimental in vitro work and modelling studies suggests that the firing pattern and/or rate of a majority of midbrain dopaminergic neurons may be controlled in part by Ca2+-activated K+ channels of the SK type. However, due to the lack of suitable tools, in vivo evidence is lacking. We have taken advantage of the development of the water-soluble, medium potency SK blocker N-methyl-laudanosine (CH3-L) to test this hypothesis in anaesthetized rats. In the lateral ventral tegmental area, CH3-L iontophoresis onto dopaminergic neurons significantly increased the coefficient of variation of their interspike intervals and the percentage of spikes generated in bursts as compared to the control condition. The effect of CH3-L persisted in the presence of a specific GABA(A) antagonist, suggesting a direct effect. It was robust and reversible, and was also observed in the substantia nigra. Control experiments demonstrated that the effect of CH3-L could be entirely ascribed to its blockade of SK channels. On the other hand, the firing pattern of noradrenergic neurons was much less affected by CH3-L. We provide here the first demonstration of a major role of SK channels in the control of the switch between tonic and burst firing of dopaminergic neurons in physiological conditions. This study also suggests a new strategy to develop modulators of the dopaminergic (DA) system, which could be of interest in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and perhaps other diseases in which DA pathways are dysfunctional. [less ▲]

Synthesis and radioligand binding studies of C-5- and C-8-substituted 1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoliniums as SK channel blockers related to N-methyl-laudanosine and N-methyl-noscapine

in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2005), 48(15), 4972-4982

The synthesis and the 125 I-apamin binding studies of original C-5- and C-8-substituted 143,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoliniums and 1-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)-6,6-dimethyl-4,5 ... [more ▼]

The synthesis and the 125 I-apamin binding studies of original C-5- and C-8-substituted 143,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoliniums and 1-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)-6,6-dimethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridiniums were performed in order to find a reversible and selective SK channel blocker structurally related to N-methyl-laudanosine and N-methyl-noscapine. A bulky alkyl substituent in the C-8 position of the tetrahydroisoquinoline produces a clear increase in the affinity for the apamin sensitive binding sites. The presence of an electron-withdrawing group in the C-5 and C-8 positions is not a suitable substitution for the affinity of drugs structurally related to N-methyl-laudanosine. Thiophenic analogues and 8-methoxy derivatives possess a poor affinity for the apamin sensitive binding sites. Electrophysiological studies performed with the most effective compound showed a blockade of the apamin sensitive afterhyperpolarization in rat dopaminergic neurons. [less ▲]

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-methyl-laudanosine iodide analogues as potential SK channel blockers.

in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry (2005), 13(4), 1201-9

Neuronal action potentials are followed by an afterhyperpolarisation (AHP), which is mediated by small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK channels or KCa2 channels). This AHP plays an important ... [more ▼]

Neuronal action potentials are followed by an afterhyperpolarisation (AHP), which is mediated by small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK channels or KCa2 channels). This AHP plays an important role in regulating neuronal activity and agents modulating AHP amplitude could have a potential therapeutic interest. It was previously shown that N-methyl-bicuculline iodide blocks SK channels but its GABA) activity represents a serious drawback. In view of the structural analogy between bicuculline and laudanosine 14, several N-quaternary analogues of the latter were developed. It was shown that N-methyl-laudanosine 15 (NML) and N-ethyl-laudanosine 16 induce a reversible and relatively specific blockade of the apamin sensitive AHP in dopaminergic neurones with mean IC50s of 15, and 47 microM, respectively. Laudanosine 14, N-butyl-17 and N-benzyl-18 derivatives were less potent. In order to find pharmacophore elements, modifications were performed at different positions such as C-1, C-6 and C-7. Intracellular recordings on rat midbrain dopaminergic neurones were made in order to evaluate the putative blockade of SK channels by these molecules. Simplified structures such as tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives with H or Me at C-1 1-6 presented no significant activity at 300 microM. The presence of a 1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl) moiety seems an important feature. Indeed, compound 8 showed a blockade of the AHP of only 33% at 300 microM while compound 13 blocked it by 67%, respectively, at the same concentration. Binding experiments were also performed. Binding affinities for SK channels are in good agreement with electrophysiological data. These results indicate that the presence of a charged nitrogen group is an essential point for the affinity on SK channels. Finally, because of the similar activity of both enantiomers of NML 19 and 20, the interaction site may present a symmetrical configuration. [less ▲]

Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of cyproterone acetate in human skin

in Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Analysis (2004), 36(1), 133-143

In the framework of a preliminary study on the transdermal penetration of cyproterone acetate (CPA), a simple and rapid procedure involving an extraction step coupled to a HPLC-UV determination has been ... [more ▼]

In the framework of a preliminary study on the transdermal penetration of cyproterone acetate (CPA), a simple and rapid procedure involving an extraction step coupled to a HPLC-UV determination has been developed for the separation and quantification of CPA in the two main skin layers-epidermis and dermis-after local application. The separation of epidermis and dermis layers was carefully carried out by means of a sharp spatula after skin immersion in heated water at 65 degrees C. The two skin layers were then treated separately according to the same process: (1) sample homogenization by vibration after freezing with liquid nitrogen in a Mikro-Dismembrator; (2) CPA extraction with methanol after addition of the internal standard (betamethasone dipropionate); (3) centrifugation; (4) evaporation of a supernatant aliquot; (5) dissolution of the dry residue in methanol and addition of water; (6) centrifugation; (7) injection of a supernatant aliquot into the HPLC system. The separation was achieved on octadecylsilica stationary phase using a mobile phase consisting in a mixture of acetonitrile and water (40:60 (v/v)). The method was then validated using a new approach based on accuracy profiles over a CPA concentration range from 33 to 667 ng/ml for each skin layer. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the determination of CPA to several skin samples after topical application of different gel formulations containing CPA. [less ▲]

Crystal structure of bis(8-chloro-5-(4-methylpiperazinium-1-yl)pyrido[2,3-b][1,5]benzoxazepine) fumarate-fumaric acid solvate (1 : 1), (C17H18ClN4O)(2)(C4H2O4)center dot C4H4O4

in Zeitschrift für Kristallographie. New Crystal Structures (2004), 219(2), 147-149

8-Methyl-6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-11H-pyrido[2,3-b][1,4]benzodiazepine

in Acta Crystallographica Section E-Structure Reports Online (2003), 59(Part 12), 1990-1991

The conformation of the title compound, C18H21N5, is very similar to that observed in other diaryldiazepine structures such as clozapine and clozapine dihydrobromide. N-H...H hydrogen-bond interactions ... [more ▼]

The conformation of the title compound, C18H21N5, is very similar to that observed in other diaryldiazepine structures such as clozapine and clozapine dihydrobromide. N-H...H hydrogen-bond interactions result in the formation of a dimer. [less ▲]

Modulation of small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels: a new challenge in medicinal chemistry.

in Current Medicinal Chemistry (2003), 10(8), 625-47

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels are found in many types of neurons as well as in some other cell types. These channels are selective for K(+) and open when intracellular Ca(2 ... [more ▼]

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels are found in many types of neurons as well as in some other cell types. These channels are selective for K(+) and open when intracellular Ca(2+) rises to omega 500 nM. In neurons, this occurs during and after an action potential. Activation of SK channels hyperpolarizes the membrane, thus reducing cell excitability for several tens or hundreds of milliseconds. This phenomenon is called a afterhyperpolarization (AHP). Three subtypes of SK channels (SK1, SK2, SK3) have been cloned and exhibit a differential localization in the brain. SK channels may play a role in physiological and pathological conditions. They may be involved in the control of memory and cognition. Moreover, they are heavily expressed in the basal ganglia (in particular in the substantia nigra, pars compacta) and in the limbic system, suggesting that they may modulate motricity and emotional behaviour. Based on these facts, SK channel subtypes may be a suitable target for developing novel therapeutic agents, but more work is needed to validate these targets. Hence, there is a great need for selective ligands. Moreover, although the risk of peripheral side-effects for SK channel modulators appears to be low, some questions remain to be investigated. Currently, different molecules are known as SK channel modulators. Apamin is a very potent peptidic agent; it produces a strong blockade of these targets which is only very slowly reversible and it has limited selectivity. Dequalinium was found to be an effective blocker. Different chemical modulations on the dequalinium structure led to the discovery of highly potent bis-quinolinium derivatives such as UCL 1684. Other bis-(2-amino-benzimidazole) derivatives are in development. On the other hand, quaternary salts of bicuculline were reported to be effective in inhibiting AHPs. More recent developments on structurally-related molecules revealed that methyl-laudanosine is a new interesting tool for exploring SK channel pharmacology. Finally, a family of compounds has been shown to facilitate SK channel opening. Such compounds may be useful in treating disorders involving neuronal hyperexcitability. [less ▲]

Methyl-laudanosine: A new pharmacological tool to investigate the function of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels

in Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (The) (2002), 302(3), 1176-1183

Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK channels) underlie the prolonged postspike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) observed in many central neurons and play an important role in modulating ... [more ▼]

Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK channels) underlie the prolonged postspike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) observed in many central neurons and play an important role in modulating neuronal activity. However, a lack of specific and reversible blockers of these channels hampers their study in various experimental conditions. Because previous work has shown that bicuculline salts block these channels, we examined whether related alkaloids, namely laudanosine quaternary derivatives, would produce similar effects. Intracellular recordings were performed on rat midbrain dopaminergic neurons and hippocampus CA1 pyramidal cells. Binding experiments were performed on rat cerebral cortex membranes. Laudanosine, methyl-laudanosine, and ethyl-laudanosine blocked the apamin-sensitive AHP of dopaminergic neurons with mean IC(50) values of 152, 15, and 47 microM, respectively. The benzyl and butyl derivatives were less potent. Methyl-laudanosine had no effect on the I(h) current, action potential parameters, or membrane resistance of dopaminergic cells, or on the decrease in input resistance induced by muscimol, indicating a lack of antagonism at GABA(A) receptors. Interestingly, 100 microM methyl-laudanosine induced a significant increase in spiking frequency of dopaminergic neurons but not of CA1 pyramidal cells, suggesting the possibility of regional selectivity. Binding experiments on laudanosine derivatives were in good agreement with electrophysiological data. Moreover, methyl-laudanosine has no affinity for voltage-gated potassium channels, and its affinity for SK channels (IC(50) 4 microM) is superior to its affinity for muscarinic (IC(50) 114 microM) and neuronal nicotinic (IC(50) > or =367 microM) receptors. Methyl-laudanosine may be a valuable pharmacological tool to investigate the role of SK channels in various experimental models. [less ▲]

Minimal effects of JL 13, a pyridobenzoxazepine derivative with an antipsychotic potential, on circulating prolactin levels in male rats

in Neuroscience Letters (2002), 319(1), 49-52

Antipsychotic therapy is frequently associated with several side effects such as hyperprolactinemia. The influence of a putative antipsychotic JL 13 on prolactin release was assessed after intraperitoneal ... [more ▼]

Antipsychotic therapy is frequently associated with several side effects such as hyperprolactinemia. The influence of a putative antipsychotic JL 13 on prolactin release was assessed after intraperitoneal injection in gentled male rats in comparison with clozapine and haloperidol. A total of 30 or 150 min after administration, whole blood was collected for preparing serum samples. Prolactin was quantified by radioimmunoassay method. At 30 min, JL 13 like clozapine, increased prolactin concentration only at the higher dose (30 mg/kg) while haloperidol at both tested doses induced a dramatic increase of prolactin concentration. At 150 min after injection, only haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg) significantly increased serum prolactin level. This minimal effect on prolactinemia reinforces the similarity of clozapine and JL 13 regarding the atypical antipsychotic profile. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. [less ▲]