I2-imidazoline Binding Sites Research Articles

Fentanyl Structure as a Scaffold for Opioid/Non-Opioid Multitarget Analgesics.

One of the strategies in the search for safe and effective analgesic drugs is the design of multitarget analgesics. Such compounds are intended to have high affinity and activity at more than one molecular target involved in pain modulation. In the present contribution we summarize the attempts in which fentanyl or its substructures were used as a μ-opioid receptor pharmacophoric fragment and a scaffold to which fragments related to non-opioid receptors were attached. The non-opioid ‘second’ targets included proteins as diverse as imidazoline I2 binding sites, CB1 cannabinoid receptor, NK1 tachykinin receptor, D2 dopamine receptor, cyclooxygenases, fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase and σ1 receptor. Reviewing the individual attempts, we outline the chemistry, the obtained pharmacological properties and structure-activity relationships. Finally, we discuss the possible directions for future work.

Increased monoamine oxidase activity and imidazoline binding sites in insulin-resistant adipocytes from obese Zucker rats.

BACKGROUNDDespite overt insulin resistance, adipocytes of genetically obese Zucker rats accumulate the excess of calorie intake in the form of lipids.AIMTo investigate whether factors can replace or reinforce insulin lipogenic action by exploring glucose uptake activation by hydrogen peroxide, since it is produced by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) in adipocytes.METHODS 3H-2-deoxyglucose uptake (2-DG) was determined in adipocytes from obese and lean rats in response to insulin or MAO and SSAO substrates such as tyramine and benzylamine. 14C-tyramine oxidation and binding of imidazolinic radioligands [3H-Idazoxan, 3H-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline] were studied in adipocytes, the liver, and muscle. The influence of in vivo administration of tyramine + vanadium on glucose handling was assessed in lean and obese rats.RESULTS2-DG uptake and lipogenesis stimulation by insulin were dampened in adipocytes from obese rats, when compared to their lean littermates. Tyramine and benzylamine activation of hexose uptake was vanadate-dependent and was also limited, while MAO was increased and SSAO decreased. These changes were adipocyte-specific and accompanied by a greater number of imidazoline I2 binding sites in the obese rat, when compared to the lean. In vitro, tyramine precluded the binding to I2 sites, while in vivo, its administration together with vanadium lowered fasting plasma levels of glucose and triacylglycerols in obese rats. CONCLUSIONThe adipocytes from obese Zucker rats exhibit increased MAO activity and imidazoline binding site number. However, probably as a consequence of SSAO down-regulation, the glucose transport stimulation by tyramine is decreased as much as that of insulin in these insulin-resistant adipocytes. The adipocyte amine oxidases deserve more studies with respect to their putative contribution to the management of glucose and lipid handling.

Novel monoamine oxidase inhibitors based on the privileged 2-imidazoline molecular framework

Series of structurally diverse 2-imidazoline derivatives have been synthesized by condensation of substituted aldehydes with ethylenediamine, Pd-catalyzed N-arylation of 2-imidazolines and by the formation of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles and benzoxazepines from 2-imidazoline-containing precursors. The 2-imidazoline derivatives were evaluated as potential inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. Among the 2-imidazolines, good potency inhibitors were discovered with compound 9p (IC50 = 0.012 µM) being the most potent MAO-B inhibitor, while compound 9d (IC50 = 0.751 µM) was the most potent MAO-A inhibitor of the series. These potencies are in the same range as those of reference MAO inhibitors used in the clinic. Among 33 compounds evaluated, 13 exhibited IC50 values in the submicromolar range for the inhibition of an MAO isoform. It is postulated that the imidazoline moieties of some of these inhibitors may be recognized by the imidazoline I2-binding site of MAO. Good potency MAO inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as depression and Parkinson’s disease, and future application for the treatment of prostate cancer, congestive heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, high potency 2-imidazoline-derived MAO inhibitors may be used as potential probes for the imidazoline binding sites of the MAOs, as well as to determine alternative binding regions of imidazoline within the MAO active site.

DEMENTIA PLATFORM U.K. EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE: HUMAN IN VIVO ASTROGLIAL ACTIVATION IN EARLY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Astrocyte activation and atrophy influence the synaptic health and progression of Alzheimer's disease(AD). A novel PET radioligand at Imperial College London (in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline and Imanova, Ltd.) has shown favourable characteristics in preclinical models. [11C]BU99008 is selective for I2-imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) expressed on the mitochondrial membranes of astrocytes. These I2 imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) increase with astroglial activation in the brain. The primary objective is to assess the uptake of [11C]BU99008 in mild to moderate AD compared to healthy volunteers (HV). We also are exploring the relationship between increased uptake, brain amyloid load and glucose metabolism. Thus far, in two separate cohorts, we have completed analysis of a total of 18 HVs. Non-linear registration of the CIC atlas into native space for each subject's dynamic PET data and generation of regional time-activity data, time-activity curves for frontal, temporal, parietal occipital and hippocampus are being modelled using two-tissue (2TCM) compartmental models using MIAKATTM. Cohort 1 consists of 13 subjects age (54±7yr; mean±SD), data previously presented (Tyacke et al, NRM 2016). The new Cohort 2 consists of a significantly more elderly group of 5 subjects (70±7yr). They showed uptake (VT, ml.cm-3) highest in: nucleus accumbens (152±24), globus pallidus (141±45) and striatum (119±33); intermediate in the insular cortex (87±10), and cingulate cortex (76±12); and lowest in the occipital cortex (63±5) and cerebellum (57±3). These data are in good agreement with those in Cohort 1. However, in cohort 2 there was significantly greater (Student t-test; P<0.05) increase in the regions showing lowest binding in both cohorts. A correlation using all 18 subjects for whole brain binding showed a trend towards a significant increase with age (P=0.06; Spearmans). The [11C]BU99008 PET tracer has demonstrated that the tracer has good brain uptake in humans. More AD, MCI and healthy control subjects are being scanned to evaluate its possible use as a marker of pathology progression in AD. The Medical Research Council Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) is a multi-million pound public-private partnership developed by the MRC. This study was conducted as a component of a developing DPUK Imaging Network experimental medicine programme.

Imidazoline I2 receptors: An update.

Since first introduced more than two decades ago, the research in imidazoline I2 receptors has been steadily increasing. This review provides an update on the current status of I2 receptor pharmacology. Imidazoline I2 receptors or I2 binding sites refer to several (at least four) different proteins that bind to [3H]-idazoxan and [3H]-2-BFI with high affinity. The molecular identities of the proteins remain elusive. One of the proteins (45kD) seems to be consistent with the identity of brain creatine kinase. The biological functions of I2 receptors have been primarily unveiled by the studies of selective I2 receptor ligands. Accumulating evidence suggests that I2 receptor ligands are effective analgesics for persistent and chronic painful conditions such as inflammatory, neuropathic and postoperative pain. One selective I2 receptor ligand, CR4056, has been advanced to phase II clinical trial with the therapeutic indication of chronic inflammatory pain (osteoarthritis). The expansion to the treatment of other chronic pain conditions should be expected if CR4056 could eventually be approved as a new drug. I2 receptor ligands also demonstrate robust discriminative stimulus activity and induce a characteristic discriminative cue in animals. Biochemical and preclinical in vivo investigations also suggest that I2 receptor ligands have neuroprotective activity and modulate body temperature. The emerging discrepancies of a range of purported selective I2 receptor ligands suggest different pharmacological effects mediated by discrete I2 receptor components which likely attribute to the I2 receptor-related proteins. It is proposed that the I2 receptors represent an emerging drug target for the treatment of neurological disorders such as pain and stroke, and deserve more research attention to translate preclinical findings to pharmacotherapies.

Combined Interactions with I1-, I2-Imidazoline Binding Sites and α2-Adrenoceptors To Manage Opioid Addiction.

Tolerance and dependence associated with chronic opioid exposure result from molecular, cellular, and neural network adaptations. Such adaptations concern opioid and nonopioid systems, including α2-adrenoceptors (α2-ARs) and I1- and I2-imidazoline binding sites (IBS). Agmatine, one of the hypothesized endogenous ligands of IBS, targeting several systems including α2-ARs and IBS, proved to be able to regulate opioid-induced analgesia and to attenuate the development of tolerance and dependence. Interested in the complex pharmacological profile of agmatine and considering the nature of its targets, we evaluated two series of imidazolines, rationally designed to simultaneously interact with I1-/I2-IBS or I1-/I2-IBS/α2-ARs. The compounds showing the highest affinities for I1-/I2-IBS or I1-/I2-IBS/α2-ARs have been selected for their in vivo evaluation on opiate withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, 9, displaying I1-/I2-IBS/α2-ARs interaction profile, appears more effective in reducing expression and acquisition of morphine dependence and, therefore, might be considered a promising tool in managing opioid addiction.

Evaluation of 11C-BU99008, a PET Ligand for the Imidazoline2 Binding Sites in Rhesus Brain

The development of a PET radioligand selective for I2-imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) would enable, for the first time, specific, measurable in vivo imaging of this target protein, along with assessment of alterations in expression patterns of this protein in disease pathophysiology. BU99008 was identified as the most promising I2BS radioligand candidate and radiolabeled with (11)C via methylation. The in vivo binding properties of (11)C-BU99008 were assessed in rhesus monkeys to determine brain penetration, brain distribution, binding specificity and selectivity (via the use of the unlabeled blockers), and the most appropriate kinetic model for analyzing data generated with this PET radioligand. (11)C-BU99008 was demonstrated to readily enter the brain, resulting in a heterogeneous distribution (globus pallidus > cortical regions > cerebellum) consistent with the reported regional I2BS densities as determined by human tissue section autoradiography and preclinical in vivo PET studies in the pig. In vivo competition studies revealed that (11)C-BU99008 displayed reversible kinetics specific for the I2BS. The multilinear analysis (MA1) model was the most appropriate analysis method for this PET radioligand in this species. The selective I2BS blocker BU224 was shown to cause a saturable, dose-dependent decrease in (11)C-BU99008 binding in all regions of the brain assessed, further demonstrating the heterogeneous distribution of I2BS protein in the rhesus brain and binding specificity for this radioligand. These data demonstrate that (11)C-BU99008 represents a specific and selective PET radioligand for imaging and quantifying the I2BS, in vivo, in the rhesus monkey. Further work is under way to translate the use of (11)C-BU99008 to the clinic.

Novel analgesic compound CR4056 alleviates mechanical hyperalgesia in a rat model of postoperative pain acting at imidazoline-I2 binding site

Novel analgesic compound CR4056 alleviates mechanical hyperalgesia in a rat model of postoperative pain acting at imidazoline-I2 binding site

Methylation of imidazoline related compounds leads to loss of α2-adrenoceptor affinity. Synthesis and biological evaluation of selective I1 imidazoline receptor ligands

Methylated analogues of imidazoline related compounds (IRC) were prepared; their abilities to bind I1 imidazoline receptors (I1Rs), I2 imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) and α2-adrenoceptor subtypes (α2ARs) were assessed. Methylation of the heterocyclic moiety of IRC resulted in a significant loss of α2AR affinity. Amongst the selective ligands obtained, LNP 630 (4) constitutes the first highly selective I1R agent showing hypotensive activity after intravenous administration.

Favourable involvement of α2A-adrenoreceptor antagonism in the I2-imidazoline binding sites-mediated morphine analgesia enhancement

Aim of the present study was to obtain novel α2-adrenoreceptor (α2-AR) antagonists, possibly endowed with subtype-selectivity. Therefore, inspired by the non subtype-selective α2-AR antagonist idazoxan, we designed 1,4-dioxane derivatives bearing an aromatic area in position 5 or 6 and the imidazoline nucleus in position 2. Among the novel molecules 1–6, compound 2, with a trans stereochemical relationship between 5-phenyl and 2-imidazoline groups, was able to antagonize the sole α2A-subtype. Moreover, 2 showed an affinity at I2-imidazoline binding sites (I2-IBS) comparable to that at α2A-AR. In in vivo studies 2 strongly increased morphine analgesia. This interesting behaviour appeared to be induced by the favourable involvement of α2A-AR antagonism in the I2-IBS-mediated morphine analgesia enhancement.

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [11C]BU99008 as a ligand for the imidazoline I2 binding site

Synthesis and in vivo evaluation of [11C]BU99008 as a ligand for the imidazoline I2 binding site

Comparative effects of idazoxan, efaroxan, and BU 224 on insulin secretion in the rabbit: Not only interaction with pancreatic imidazoline I2 binding sites

The nature of the binding site(s) involved in the insulin secretory activity of imidazoline compo- unds remains unclear. An imidazoline I2 binding site (I2BS) has been neglected since the classic I2 ligand, idazoxan, does not release insulin. Using the rabbit as an appropriate model for the study of this type of binding sites, we have tried to re-evaluate the effects of idazoxan, the selective I2 compound BU 224, and efaroxan on insulin secretion. Mimicking efaroxan, idazoxan and BU 224 potentiated insulin release from perifused islets in the presence of 8 mM glucose. In static incubation, insulin secretion induced by idazoxan and BU 224 exhibited both dose and glucose dependencies. ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel blockade, though at a different site from the SUR1 receptor, with subsequent Ca2+ entry, mediates the insulin releasing effect of the three ligands. However, additional MAO independent intracellular steps in stimulus- secretion coupling linked to PKA and PKC activation are only involved in the effect of BU 224. Therefore, both an I2 related binding site at the channel level shared by the three ligands and a putative I3-intracellularly located binding site stimulated by BU 224 would be mediating insulin release by these compounds. In vivo experiments reassess the abilities of idazoxan and BU 224 to enhance glucose-induced insulin secretion and to elicit a modest blood glucose lowering response.

Synthesis and pharmacological studies of new hybrid derivatives of fentanyl active at the μ-opioid receptor and I2–imidazoline binding sites

Two series of fentanyl-derived hybrid molecules bearing potent I2–imidazoline binding site (IBS) ligands (i.e., guanidine and BU224 moieties) linked with an aliphatic (m=2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 methylene units) or aromatic spacer were prepared. Their affinities for the μ-opioid receptors and for the I2–IBS were determined through competition binding studies on human postmortem brain membranes. Whereas the BU224 hybrid molecules bound to the μ-opioid receptor and the I2–IBS in the micromolar to low micromolar range, the alkaneguanidine series exhibited remarkable affinities in the nanomolar range for both receptors. [35S]GTPγS functional assays were performed on human postmortem brain membranes with selected ligands from each series (4f and 8g) showing the highest dual affinity for the μ-opioid receptor and I2–IBS affinities. Both compounds displayed agonist properties: at the μ-opioid receptor for the alkaneguanidine derivative 4f (spacer: six methylene units) and at a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) which remains to be determined for 8g. The lack of analgesic properties of 4f in vivo (i.e., hot plate and writhing tests in mice), discordant with the good in vitro binding data (Ki μ=1.04±0.28nM, Ki I2=409±238nM), may possibly be due to the low intrinsic efficacy of the compound. Alternatively, a low access to the central nervous system for this kind of hybrid molecules cannot be ruled out. Two new compounds reported here (9f and 13), which were not dual acting, are worth mentioning for their outstanding binding affinities; 9f bound to the μ-opioid receptor with a picomolar affinity (Ki=0.0098±0.0033nM), whereas 13 presented an I2–IBS affinity (Ki=18±11nM) similar to the reference compound BU224.

Characterisation of imidazoline I2 binding sites in pig brain

The imidazoline I2 binding sites in the central nervous system have previously been described in several different species including rat, mouse, rabbit and frog. The present study has investigated the imidazoline I2 binding site, and its relationship to the monoamine oxidase isoforms, in pig whole brain and compared the results obtained with data from other species. Results from saturation binding studies revealed that the imidazoline I2-selective ligand, [3H]2BFI (2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline) labelled a single saturable population of sites with a KD=6.6 nM and Bmax=771.7 fmol/mg protein. The pharmacological characterisation of the sites was similar to that previously reported with a rank order of potency for the imidazoline I2 ligands of 2BFI>BU224>Idazoxan>BU226. Displacement by the imidazoline I1 ligands was low affinity and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors displaced with micromolar affinity. The majority of compounds displaced the binding in a monophasic manner, however, displacement by the putative endogenous ligand, harmane was biphasic. The relative populations of the two monoamine oxidase isoforms revealed a 10 fold greater expression of monoamine oxidase B relative to monoamine oxidase A. These data confirm the presence of imidazoline I2 binding sites in pig brain and show that their pharmacology is characteristic of that seen in other species. The proportion of monoamine oxidase A and B expressed in the pig brain is similar to that seen in the human brain therefore, given the association between imidazoline I2 binding sites and monoamine oxidase, the pig may provide a more useful model for human imidazoline I2 binding sites than other species such as the rat.

Effects of centrally acting antihypertensive drugs on the microcirculation of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We investigated the acute effects of centrally acting antihypertensive drugs on the microcirculation of pentobarbital-anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The effects of the sympatho-inhibitory agents clonidine and rilmenidine, known to activate both alpha2-adrenoceptors and nonadrenergic I1-imidazoline binding sites (I1BS) in the central nervous system, were compared to those of dicyclopropylmethyl-(4,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-yl)-amine hydrochloride (LNP 509), which selectively binds to the I1BS. Terminal mesenteric arterioles were observed by intravital microscopy. Activation of the central sympathetic system with L-glutamate (125 microg, ic) induced marked vasoconstriction of the mesenteric microcirculation (27 +/- 3%; N = 6, P < 0.05). In contrast, the marked hypotensive and bradycardic effects elicited by intracisternal injection of clonidine (1 microg), rilmenidine (7 microg) and LNP 509 (60 microg) were accompanied by significant increases in arteriolar diameter (12 +/- 1, 25 +/- 10 and 21 +/- 4%, respectively; N = 6, P < 0.05). The vasodilating effects of rilmenidine and LNP 509 were two-fold higher than those of clonidine, although they induced an identical hypotensive effect. Central sympathetic inhibition elicited by baclofen (1 microg, ic), a GABA B receptor agonist, also resulted in vasodilation of the SHR microvessels. The acute administration of clonidine, rilmenidine and LNP 509 also induced a significant decrease of cardiac output, whereas a decrease in systemic vascular resistance was observed only after rilmenidine and LNP 509. We conclude that the normalization of blood pressure in SHR induced by centrally acting antihypertensive agents is paralleled by important vasodilation of the mesenteric microcirculation. This effect is more pronounced with substances acting preferentially (rilmenidine) or exclusively (LNP 509) upon I1BS than with those presenting important alpha2-adrenergic activity (clonidine).

Evidence for synergy between alpha(2)-adrenergic and nonadrenergic mechanisms in central blood pressure regulation.

Both alpha(2)-adrenergic and non--alpha(2)-adrenergic mechanisms seem to be involved in the hypotensive effect of imidazoline-like drugs. This study aimed at investigating how these 2 mechanisms work together to modify blood pressure (BP). LNP 509, which appeared in this study to be devoid of alpha(2A)-adrenergic activity, was administered to anesthetized rabbits and wild-type (WT) mice into the cisterna magna and into the fourth ventricle, respectively. Mean arterial pressure decreased by a maximum of 46 +/- 4% and 16 +/- 2%, respectively. In D79N mice, which lack functional alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptors, LNP 509 also reduced mean arterial pressure by 17 +/- 2%. The hypotension induced by LNP 509 (100 microg/kg intracisternally) was prevented by S23757 (1 mg/kg intracisternally), an antagonist highly selective for I(1)-imidazoline binding sites (I(1)BS). A synergy between LNP 509 and the alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist alpha-methylnoradrenaline (alpha-MNA) was observed in rabbits (cisterna magna injection) and in WT mice (fourth ventricle injection) but not, as expected, in D79N mice. Similar to LNP 509 alone, rilmenidine (fourth ventricle injection), which binds both to alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors and to I(1)BS, decreased BP in D79N mice. In WT animals, rilmenidine had a significantly greater effect. Microinjections performed in rabbits showed that the synergism occurred at least in part in the nucleus reticularis lateralis of the brain stem. These results demonstrate that a central imidazoline-sensitive, but non--alpha(2)-adrenergic, mechanism can modify BP by itself. This mechanism, which may involve I(1)BS, interacts synergistically with an alpha(2)-adrenergic mechanism to decrease BP.

I2-Imidazoline Binding Site Affinity of a Structurally Different Type of Ligands

Two families of compounds with affinity towards the I2 imidazoline binding sites are reported. The first is a family of compounds structurally related to agmatine with two guanidine or 2-aminoimidazoline groups at each end of an aliphatic chain of six, eight, nine or 12 methylene groups. Second, and following the model of clonidine, we propose another family of compounds also with two guanidine or 2-aminoimidazoline groups at each end of a chain consisting of two phenyl rings connected by groups such as CH2, CO, NH and SO2. The affinity of the compounds towards the I2 imidazoline binding sites was then evaluated in human brain tissues. In order to determine their pharmacological selectivity versus α2-adrenoceptors, the affinity for these receptors was also evaluated for the compounds with the highest affinities at I2 imidazoline binding sites. The results obtained show that many of the compounds exhibit a considerable affinity towards the I2 imidazoline binding sites. The aliphatic derivatives, in particular, present a very interesting selectivity for the I2 imidazoline binding sites versus the α2 adrenoceptors. To better understand these findings, mono-guanidinium analogues of the aliphatic derivatives were synthesised and tested showing poor affinity for I2 imidazoline binding sites. The importance of these results lies in the novelty of the chemical structures studied (dicationic aliphatic compounds particularly) because they are significantly different to those of the I2 imidazoline binding site ligands reported to date.

Alpha2-adrenoreceptors profile modulation and high antinociceptive activity of (S)-(-)-2-[1-(biphenyl-2-yloxy)ethyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

A number of derivatives structurally related to cirazoline (1) were synthesized and studied with the purpose of modulating alpha2-adrenoreceptors selectivity versus both alpha1-adrenoreceptors and I2 imidazoline binding sites. The most potent alpha2-agonist was 2-[1-(biphenyl-2-yloxy)ethyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (7), whose key pharmacophoric features closely matched those found in the alpha2-agonist 2-(3-exo-(3-phenylprop-1-yl)-2-exo-norbornyl)amino-2-oxazoline (15). (S)-(-)-7 was the most potent of the two enantiomers, confirming the stereospecificity of the interaction with alpha2-adrenoreceptors. This eutomer was tested on two algesiometric paradigms and, because of the interaction with alpha2-adrenoreceptors, showed a potent and long-lasting antinociceptive activity, since it was abolished by the selective alpha2-antagonist RX821002.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrrolinic isosteres of rilmenidine. Discovery of cis-/trans-dicyclopropylmethyl-(4,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-yl)-amine (LNP 509), an I1 imidazoline receptor selective ligand with hypotensive activity.

To find new compounds selective for purported I1 imidazoline receptors (I1Rs) over I2 imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) and alpha2-adrenoceptors (alpha2ARs), a series of pyrrolinic isosteres of rilmenidine has been prepared and their biological activity at I1Rs, I2BS, and alpha2ARs evaluated. This isosteric replacement provided us with compounds which still bound to I1Rs but not to I2BS nor to alpha2ARs. A limited structure-affinity relationship was generated around the heterocyclic moiety of these ligands. One compound in this series, LNP 509 (1e) [cis-/trans-dicyclopropylmethyl-(4,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-pyrrol-2-yl)-amine], had no detectable affinity at alpha2ARs yet was capable of lowering blood pressure after central administration. These pyrrolinic analogues constitute a new chemical class of imidazoline related compounds with high selectivity for the I1Rs. They could be used as new tools in the study of I1Rs and in the conception of new centrally acting hypotensive drugs.

Relationship between I2 imidazoline binding sites and monoamine oxidase B in liver.

Biochemical and pharmacologic studies suggest that I2 imidazoline binding sites (I2BS) represent a heterogeneous family of membrane proteins. Indeed, the imidazoline binding sites located on monoamine oxidases (MAO) A and B display different pharmacologic properties. Recent results suggest that in liver and brain, I2BS may be located on proteins distinct from MAOs. The following observations indicate that in liver and brain, [3H]idazoxan binds exclusively to I2BS located on MAO-B: (1) size exclusion chromatography of digitonin-solubilized preparations from rabbit and human liver showed that [3H]idazoxan-specific binding eluted only in two peaks (approximately 175,000 and approximately 100,000 Da, corresponding to 90% and 10% of the recovered [3H]idazoxan binding) which also contained MAOs as determined by [14C]tyramine oxidation and Western blot analysis; (2) according to previous results obtained in various human and rat tissues, experiments performed in mice liver and brain showed that idazoxan was a potent inhibitor of [125I]-AZIPI photoincorporation to MAO-B but not to MAO-A; (3) in MAO-deficient transgenic mice, [3H]idazoxan binding to liver and brain membranes was completely abolished in MAO-B knockout mice and was not affected in MAO-A knockout mice. Together, these results show that in both liver and brain, I2BS are located exclusively on MAO-B. The imidazoline binding site on MAO-A, which photoincorporates [125I]-AZIPI and displays a low affinity for idazoxan, may not belong to the family of the I2 imidazoline binding sites.