Peripheral-type Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligand Research Articles

Protoporphyrin IX regulates peripheral benzodiazepine receptor associated protein 7 (PAP7) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in K562 cells

BackgroundProtoporphyrin IX (PP IX), the immediate precursor to heme, combines with ferrous iron to make this product. The effects of exogenous PP IX on iron metabolism remain to be elucidated. Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is implicated in the transport of coproporphyrinogen into the mitochondria for conversion to PP IX. We have demonstrated that PBR-Associated Protein 7 (PAP7) bound to the Iron Responsive Element (IRE) isoform of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). PP IX and PAP7 are ligands for PBR, thus, we hypothesized that PAP7 interact with PP IX via PBR. MethodsWe have examined in K562 cells, which can be induced to undergo erythroid differentiation by PP IX and hemin, the effects of PP IX on the expression of PAP7 and other proteins involved in cellular iron metabolism, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), DMT1, ferritin heavy chain (FTH), c-Myc and C/EBPα by western blot and quantitative real time PCR analyses. ResultsPP IX significantly decreased mRNA levels of DMT1 (IRE) and (non-IRE) from 4h. PP IX markedly decreased protein levels of C/EBPα, PAP7 and DMT1. In contrast, hemin, which like PP IX also induces K562 cell differentiation, had no effect on PAP7 or DMT1 expression. ConclusionWe hypothesize that PP IX binds to PBR displacing PAP7 protein, which is then degraded, decreasing the interaction of PAP7 with DMT1 (IRE) and resulting in increased turnover of DMT1. General significanceThese results suggest that exogenous PP IX disrupts iron metabolism by decreasing the protein expression levels of PAP7, DMT1 and C/EBPα.

An Alteration in the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Experimental Glaucoma Monkeys: In vivo Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Glial Activation

We examined lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) degeneration as an indicator for possible diagnosis of glaucoma in experimental glaucoma monkeys using positron emission tomography (PET). Chronic intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation was induced by laser trabeculoplasty in the left eyes of 5 cynomolgus monkeys. Glial cell activation was detected by PET imaging with [11C]PK11195, a PET ligand for peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), before and at 4 weeks after laser treatment (moderate glaucoma stage). At mild, moderate, and advanced experimental glaucoma stages (classified by histological changes based on the extent of axonal loss), brains were stained with cresyl violet, or antibodies against PBR, Iba-1 (a microglial marker), and GFAP (an activated astrocyte marker). In laser-treated eyes, IOP was persistently elevated throughout all observation periods. PET imaging showed increased [11C]PK11195 binding potential in the bilateral LGN at 4 weeks after laser treatment; the increase in the ipsilateral LGN was statistically significant (P<0.05, n = 4). Immunostaining showed bilateral activations of microglia and astrocytes in LGN layers receiving input from the laser-treated eye. PBR-positive cells were observed in LGN layers receiving input from laser-treated eye at all experimental glaucoma stages including the mild glaucoma stage and their localization coincided with Iba-1 positive microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes. These data suggest that glial activation occurs in the LGN at a mild glaucoma stage, and that the LGN degeneration could be detected by a PET imaging with [11C]PK11195 during the moderate experimental glaucoma stage after unilateral ocular hypertension. Therefore, activated glial markers such as PBR in the LGN may be useful in noninvasive molecular imaging for diagnosis of glaucoma.

Protective role of vitamin C in diazepam-induced apoptosis in rat thymocytes

Diazepam, a peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligand, is widely used as a therapeutic agent. On the other hand, peripheral-type benzodiazepines have been shown to induce apoptosis in different immune cell types. In this study, we examined the possible protective role of vitamin C in diazepam-induced apoptosis and evaluated the cellular content of glutathione during this process. Rat thymocytes were incubated for 24 hours with diazepam and increasing concentrations of vitamin C or with diazepam alone. The exposure to diazepam resulted in an increase in apoptotic cell death and decrease in glutathione content in rat thymocytes. Vitamin C was effective in ameliorating the effect of diazepam in rat thymocytes by decreasing the proportion of apoptotic cells and increasing the cellular content of glutathione. These results suggest that vitamin C reduced the diazepam-induced apoptosis in rat thymocytes by restoring the cellular content of glutathione, which may be useful in preventing the diazepam-induced immunosupression (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 31).

Diazepam Enhances Production of Diazepam-Binding Inhibitor (DBI), a Negative Saliva Secretion Regulator, Localized in Rat Salivary Gland

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and central-type benzodiazepine receptor (CBR) in salivary gland play a role in the inhibitory regulation of salivary secretion in rodents. Diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI), an endogenous ligand for PBR, produces neurosteroids, which modulate CBR activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of repetitive administration of diazepam (DZP) on salivary secretion and expression of DBI mRNA and peptide. Moreover, mRNA expression of PBR and pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP), a transcriptional regulator for DBI promoter, was evaluated after repetitive administration of DZP. Repetitive administration, but not single administration, of 0.4 mg/kg DZP caused inhibition of salivary secretion and enhanced expression of DBI, PACAP, and PBR mRNA in rat salivary gland, with an increase in production of DBI peptide. These results suggest that repetitive administration of DZP stimulates DBI production, which may result in an increase in the suppressive effect of DZP on salivary secretion.

Flavonoid류와 diazepam의 시험관 내 MDA-MB-231 유방암세포 증식 억제 효과

Flavonoid류와 진정제의 시험관 내 암세포증식억제효과를 관찰하기 위하여, 암세포의 말초형 benzodiazepine 수용체(이하 PBR로 약함) 활성도와 포도당 활용도에 대한 효과를 유방암 세포를 대상으로 검색하였다. 동시에 이미 항암활성이 잘 알려진 flavonoid류와의 상호작용도 관찰하였다. Fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone)과 diazepam의 암세포 증식 억제 효과는 악성도가 높은 MDA-MB-231 유방암 세포에서 MCF-7 유방암세포보다 저명하게 관찰되었다. MDA-MB-231 유방암세포에서, Apigenin (4',5,7-Trihydroxyflavone)과 fisetin 같은 flavonoid류처럼, <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M 농도의 dazepam을 3일간 처치하였을 때 암세포 증식 억제효과를 나타내었으며, 이는 PBR 배위자들의 암세포 증식 증진효과와는 차이를 나타낸 것이다. Flavonoid 류처럼, MDA-MB-231 유방암세포에서, <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M dazepam의 3일간 처치는 암세포의 PBR mRNA 발현에 큰 영향을 미치지 않았다. <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M diazepam의 6 일간 처치는 암세포의 증식억제 효과가 증가되어 나타났으며, 암세포의 PBR mRNA 발현도 억제되었다. MDA-MB-231 유방암 세포에서, apigenin, fisetin과 diazepam은 포도당 유용도를 억제하였으며, 인슐린에 의한 포도당 유용도 증강효과도 억압하였다. Apigenin은 diazepam의 암세포 증식 억제 효과를 부가적으로 증강시켰다. 요약하면, 본 연구결과는 flavonoid류와 진정제의 시험관내 암세포 증식 억제효과와 부가적인 상호작용을 보여주고 있다. 결론적으로, 본 연구는 향후 좀더 진척된 시험을 위한 실험적인 기반 정보이다. The beneficial use of sedatives is often required for medically ill patients. This study examined the effect of plant flavonoids and diazepam peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) activation and glucose utilization in breast cancer cells, along with their interactions. In estrogen receptor negative MDA-MB-231 cells, the anti-proliferative activity of fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone) and diazepam was more prominent than in estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 cells. Unlike PBR ligands, treatment with <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M concentration of diazepam for 3 days exhibited anti-proliferative effects, while similar to apigenin (4',5,7-Trihydroxyflavone) and fisetin, diazepam hardly affected the PBR mRNA expression by MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M concentration of flavonoids and diazepam for 3 days inhibited the glucose utilization of MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M concentration of flavonoids and diazepam for 6 days showed increased cytotoxicity and reduced the PBR mRNA expression of the MDA-MB-231 cells. Apigenin enhanced diazepam-induced anti-proliferative effects on the MDA-MB-231 cells as well. All together, this study showed the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of flavonoids and diazepam on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, plus additive enhancements. In conclusion, this study provides experimental basis for advanced trials in the future.

Imaging of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in tumor: in vitro binding and in vivo biodistribution of N-benzyl-N-[11C]methyl-2-(7-methyl-8-oxo-2-phenyl-7,8-dihydro-9H-purin-9-yl)acetamide

The aim of this study was to evaluate N-benzyl-N-[(11)C]methyl-2-(7-methyl-8-oxo-2-phenyl-7,8-dihydro-9H-purin-9-yl)acetamide ([(11)C]DAC) as a novel peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligand for tumor imaging. [(11)C]DAC was synthesized by the reaction of a desmethyl precursor with [(11)C]CH(3)I. In vitro uptake of [(11)C]DAC was examined in PBR-expressing C6 glioma and intact murine fibrosarcoma (NFSa) cells. In vivo distribution of [(11)C]DAC was determined using NFSa-bearing mice and small-animal positron emission tomography (PET). [(11)C]DAC showed specific binding to PBR in C6 glioma cells, a standard cell line with high PBR expression. Specific binding of [(11)C]DAC was also confirmed in NFSa cells, a target tumor cell line in this study. Results of PET experiments using NFSa-bearing mice, showed that [(11)C]DAC was taken up specifically into the tumor, and pretreatment with PK11195 abolished the uptake. [(11)C]DAC was taken up into PBR-expressing NFSa. [(11)C]DAC is a promising PET ligand that can be used for imaging PBR in tumor-bearing mice.

In brain mitochondria, calcium and cell death-associated permeability transition are controlled by possibly associated proteins, 2',3'-CNPase, Centaurin-alpha1 and peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, and their substrates/ligands

Mitochondria play a central role in calcium homeostasis and cellular calcium signaling. During cellular calcium overload, mitochondria take up cytosolic calcium, which, in turn, induces opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP), disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell death. PTP is a protein complex changing according to the needs of the cell and responding to different external and internal stimuli. The identity of the PTP is still unresolved. 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) and p42(IP4) (centaurin-alpha1) have been shown to be associated with rat brain mitochondria (RBM), but the exact role of these proteins in mitochondria is still obscure. Localization of p42(IP4) and CNP within the inner membrane and contact sites indicates further functions for these proteins. We found interaction of p42(IP4) with CNP by pull-down binding assay and by immunoprecipitation. Since PTP opening is important in mitochondrial events leading to programmed cell death, we studied whether p42(IP4) and CNP are involved in calcium-induced calcium release and consequently PTP. Simultaneous measurements of the respiratory rate, trans-membrane potential and calcium transport in the mitochondrial suspension were performed. We also developed the method of isolation of functionally active mitochondria from several cell types. We determined the calciumcapacity and lag-phase for PTP opening in mitochondria isolated from p42(IP4)-transfected and from control neuroblastoma cells. Overexpression of p42(IP4) led to promotion of calcium-induced PTP opening. The enzymatic activity of CNP was reduced under PTP opening, whereas the level of CNP detected in RBM before and after PTP opening were unchanged. Involvement of CNP in PTP operation was confirmed in further experiments using mitochondria isolated from CNP-knock-down oligodendrocytes (OLN93 cells). In mitochondria isolated from OLN93 cells transfected with CNP-targeting siRNA, CNP reduction was correlated with facilitation of calcium-induced PTP opening. The CNP substrates, 2',3'-cAMP and 2',3'-cNADP, induced PTP opening in RBM. The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is an 18 kDa mitochondrial membrane protein with still elusive functions. A release of pro-apoptotic factors, AIF and cytochrome c, from RBM was shown at threshold calcium load. Anti-PBR antibody blocked the release of AIF but did not affect the cytochrome c release. The endogenous PBR ligand, protoporphyrin IX, facilitated PTP opening and phosphorylation of the mitochondrial proteins, thus, inducing effects opposite to anti-PBR antibody. This study provides evidence for PBR involvement in PTP opening, controlling the calcium-induced calcium efflux, and AIF release from mitochondria. In summary, our results provide evidence that PBR, CNP and p42(IP4) are involved in regulation of calcium-induced PTP opening, important stage of initiation of programmed cell death.

18F]FEAC and [ 18F]FEDAC: Two novel positron emission tomography ligands for peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in the brain

[ 18F]FEAC ([ 18F] 4a) and [ 18F]FEDAC ([ 18F] 4b) were developed as two novel positron emission tomography (PET) ligands for peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). [ 18F] 4a and [ 18F] 4b were synthesized by fluoroethylation of precursors 8a and 8b with [ 18F]FCH 2CH 2Br ([ 18F] 9), respectively. Small-animal PET scan for a neuroinflammatory rat model showed that the two radioligands had high uptakes of radioactivity in the kainic acid-infused striatum, a brain region where PBR density was increased.

A practical route for synthesizing a PET ligand containing [ 18F]fluorobenzene using reaction of diphenyliodonium salt with [ 18F]F −

The aim of this study was to develop a practical route for preparing a fluorine-18 ([ 18F]) labelled ligand ([ 18F] 1) containing [ 18F]fluorobenzene ring by employing the reaction of diphenyliodonium salt with [ 18F]F −. Diphenyliodonium tosylate ( 2) was synthesized from tributylphenylstannyl compound ( 6) with [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene ( 7). Using this method, [ 18F]DAA1106 ([ 18F] 3a), a positron emission tomography ligand for imaging peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor, was prepared.

In vitro and ex vivo autoradiography studies on peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor binding using [11C]AC-5216 in normal and kainic acid-lesioned rats

AC-5216 was reported as a novel ligand for peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) with a different chemical structure from DAA1106 analogues. This ligand had potent affinity for PBR and selectivity for PBR over other neurotransmitters. We have previously labeled AC-5216 using positron-emitter (11)C. The aim of this study was to evaluate [(11)C]AC-5216 in a rat brain model with neuroinflammation using an autoradiography (ARG) technique. In vitro ARG of normal rat brain showed that [(11)C]AC-5216 accumulated highly in the olfactory bulb, choroid plexus and cerebellum. The distribution pattern agreed with the localization of PBR in the rodent brain. Infusion of kainic acid (KA: 1, 2.5 and 5 nmol) into the rat striatum resulted in neuroinflammation. In vitro and ex vivo ARG revealed that the radioactivity level of [(11)C]AC-5216 was increased significantly in the KA-lesioned striatum compared to the non-lesioned striatum. Increasing the amount of KA infused into the striatum augmented radioactivity in the striatum as well as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the lesioned side. Treatment with a large amount of non-radioactive AC-5216 or PK11195 inhibited the binding of [(11)C]AC-5216 and diminished the difference of radioactivity levels between the lesion and non-lesioned sides. These results demonstrated that [(11)C]AC-5216 had high specific binding to PBR in the KA-lesioned rat brain. Thus, [(11)C]AC-5216 is a promising PET ligand for imaging PBR in a brain with neuroinflammation.

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) aggregation and absence of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR)/PBR association in the mitochondrial membrane as determined by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is responsible for acute control of cholesterol transport across the mitochondrial membrane, however the mechanism of StAR-associated cholesterol transport is unknown and may involve the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)/endozepine system. Several molecules of PBR may associate to form a channel through which cholesterol passes to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and endozepine is the natural ligand for PBR. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) was used to test StAR/PBR/endozepine interactions, PBR aggregation, and the effect of second messengers on interactions. There was no evidence of StAR/PBR, StAR/endozepine, or PBR/endozepine interactions. The StAR and PBR fusion proteins were trafficking to the mitochondria as expected, but the endozepine fusion protein was not localized to the mitochondria indicating that it was not biologically active. Data were obtained indicating that PBR forms aggregates in the mitochondrial membrane. Energy transfer between PBR fusion proteins was dose and time dependent, but there was no effect induced by PK11195 ligand binding or pharmacologic activation of PKA or PKC second messenger pathways. It appears that PBR aggregates in the mitochondrial membrane, however there was no evidence that PBR aggregation is regulated in the acute control of steroidogenesis, or that PBR and StAR interact.

New Fluorescent 2-Phenylindolglyoxylamide Derivatives as Probes Targeting the Peripheral-Type Benzodiazepine Receptor: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation

Fluorescent ligands for the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) featuring the 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl moiety were synthesized, based on N,N-dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides, a potent, selective class of PBR ligands previously described by us. All the new ligands are moderately to highly potent at the PBR, with a complete selectivity over the central benzodiazepine receptor. Results from fluorescence microscopy showed that these probes specifically labeled the PBR at the mitochondrial level in C6 glioma cells.

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor is involved in control of Ca 2+-induced permeability transition pore opening in rat brain mitochondria

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is an 18 kDa mitochondrial membrane protein with still elusive function in cell death. Here, we studied whether PBR is involved in Ca 2+-induced permeability transition pore (PTP) opening in isolated rat brain mitochondria (RBM). PTP opening is important in mitochondrial events leading to programmed cell death. Immunoblots revealed a single 18 kDa anti-PBR antibody-immunoreactive band in purified RBM. Adenine nucleotide transporter, a key PTP component, was found in the PBR-immunoprecipitate. In isolated intact RBM, addition of a specific anti-PBR antibody [H. Li, Z. Yao, B. Degenhardt, G. Teper, V. Papadopoulos, Cholesterol binding at the cholesterol recognition/interaction amino acid consensus (CRAC) of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and inhibition of steroidogenesis by an HIV TAT-CRAC peptide, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 98 (2001) 1267–1272] delayed Ca 2+-induced dissipation of membrane potential ( ψ m) and diminished cyclosporine A-sensitive Ca 2+ efflux, which are both indicative for the suppression of PTP opening. Moreover, anti-PBR antibody caused partial retention of Ca 2+ in the mitochondrial matrix in spite of ψ m dissipation, and reduced activation of respiratory rate at Ca 2+-induced PTP opening. A release of pro-apoptotic factors, AIF and cytochrome c, from RBM was shown at threshold Ca 2+ load. Anti-PBR antibody blocked the release of AIF but did not affect the cytochrome c release. Addition of ATP was able to initiate PTP closing, associated with ψ m restoration and Ca 2+ re-accumulation. At the same time mitochondrial protein phosphorylation (incorporation of 32P from [γ- 32P]ATP) occurred and anti-PBR antibody was able to inhibit phosphorylation of these proteins. The endogenous PBR ligand, protoporphyrin IX, facilitated PTP opening and phosphorylation of the mitochondrial proteins, thus, inducing effects opposite to anti-PBR antibody. This study provides evidence for PBR involvement in PTP opening, controlling the Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ efflux, and AIF release from mitochondria, important stages of initiation of programmed cell death.

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor overexpression and knockdown in human breast cancer cells indicate its prominent role in tumor cell proliferation

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), an 18-kDa high affinity drug and cholesterol binding protein, is expressed at high levels in various cancers. Its expression is positively correlated with aggressive metastatic behavior in human breast cancer cells. To determine the role of PBR in tumor progression, two human mammary carcinoma cell lines were utilized: the non-aggressive MCF-7 cell line, which expresses extremely low PBR levels, and the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 cell line, which has much higher PBR levels. We have generated stably transfected lines of the tetracycline-repressible MCF-7 cell line (MCF-7 Tet-Off) with inducible human PBR cDNA. Induction of PBR expression in MCF-7 Tet-Off cells increased PBR ligand binding and cell proliferation. Transfection of MDA-MB-231 cells with multiple siRNAs complementary to PBR (PBR–siRNAs) led to different levels of PBR mRNA knockdown. Lentiviral-mediated PBR RNA interference in MDA-MB-231 cells decreased PBR levels by 50%. Decreased PBR expression was associated with cell cycle arrest at G2 phase, decreased cell proliferation, and significant increases in the protein levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 WAF/CIP1. These changes were accompanied by p53 activation seen as increased p53 phosphorylation (Ser15). In parallel, increased proteolytic activation of caspase-3 was also observed. Taken together these results suggest that PBR protein expression is directly involved in regulating cell survival and proliferation in human breast cancer cells by influencing signaling mechanisms involved in cell cycle control and apoptosis.

Effects of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor ligands on Ehrlich tumor cell proliferation

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors have been found throughout the body, and particularly, in high numbers, in neoplastic tissues such as the ovary, liver, colon, breast, prostate and brain cancer. Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor expression has been associated with tumor malignity, and its subcellular localization is important to define its function in tumor cells. We investigated the presence of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in Ehrlich tumor cells, and the in vitro effects of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors ligands on tumor cell proliferation. Our results demonstrate the presence of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in the nucleus of Ehrlich tumor cells (85.53 ± 12.60%). They also show that diazepam and Ro5-4864 (peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor agonists) but not clonazepam (a molecule with low affinity for the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor) decreased the percentage of tumor cells in G0–G1 phases and increased that of cells in S-G2-M phases. The effects of those agonists were prevented by PK11195 (a peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor antagonist) that did not produce effects by itself. Altogether, these data suggest that the presence of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor within the nucleus of Ehrlich tumor cells is associated with tumor malignity and proliferation capacity.

The effects of prostaglandin F 2α treatment on peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in the ovary and uterus during pseudopregnancy of rats

A previous study by us indicated that peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) density may be increased in the ovaries and uterus of pregnant rats (Weizman R, Dagan E, Snyder SH, Gavish M. Impact of pregnancy and lactation on GABA A receptor and central-type and peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors. Brain Res 1997;752:7–14). In the present study, the effects of prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α) on PBR density in the ovary and uterus of pseudopregnant rats were assayed. Pseudopregnancy was induced on day 29 post-partum (PP) by s.c. injection of 50 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 3 days later by s.c. injection of 20 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). PBR ligand binding density was assayed with the specific PBR ligand [ 3H]PK 11195. A two-fold increase in ovarian PBR density was observed 2 days after hCG administration compared with vehicle control rats and this effect was maintained for 3 weeks. In the uterus, a three-fold increase in PBR density was observed and this increase was maintained for 1 week after hCG administration. Pseudopregnancy did not appear to affect renal PBR density or affinity. Treatment with PGF 2α, which causes luteolysis, resulted in an approximately 50% reduction of PBR density in the ovaries of pseudopregnant rats at day 53 PP compared to pseudopregnant control rats. Treatment with indomethacin, which prevents the formation of PGF 2α, caused the PBR density in the uterus of pseudopregnant rats at day 53 PP to be twice as high as in pseudopregnant control rats. All the above treatments did not affect the affinity of [ 3H]PK 11195 to ovarian and uterine PBR. These data suggest that PBR density in corpora lutea and uterus during pseudopregnancy is regulated by PGF 2α.

Ro5-4864, a synthetic ligand of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, reduces aging-associated myelin degeneration in the sciatic nerve of male rats

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is a protein predominantly located in the mitochondrial outer membrane that plays an important role in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation. Previous studies have shown an enhanced expression of PBR in the regenerating sciatic nerve, suggesting that this protein may be involved in the regenerative response. The rat sciatic nerve suffers important structural alterations with aging, including alterations in the morphology of myelin sheaths and a decrease in the number of myelinated fibers. In this study, we have assessed the effect of two PBR ligands, Ro5-4864 and PK-11195, to determine whether PBR may influence aging-associated morphological changes in the sciatic nerve. The treatment of 23-month-old, Sprague–Dawley male rats for 1 month with Ro5-4864 significantly reduced the percentage of fibers with myelin decompaction and increased the total number of myelinated fibers. In contrast, PK-11195, a PBR ligand that binds to a different site than Ro5-4864 in the PBR molecule, did not significantly affect any of the parameters analyzed. These findings support the potential role of PBR ligands to prevent aging-associated peripheral nerve degeneration.

The Peripheral-Type Benzodiazepine Receptor and Tumorigenicity: Isoquinoline Binding Protein (IBP) Antisense Knockdown in the C6 Glioma Cell Line

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) are constituted by three protein components, the isoquinoline binding protein (IBP), the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), and the adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT). Recently, we found that high levels of PBR ligand binding in glioma cell lines correlate with in vitro tumorigenicity. To study whether enhanced PBR expression is causative or in response to cancer, we genetically modified C6 glioma cells. Antisense knockdown of the IBP resulted in more than 50% reductions in PBR ligand binding both in the mitochondrial and whole cell fractions, accompanied by similar reductions in IBP levels in these respective fractions. The IBP knockdown was accompanied by a 25% increase in cell number in confluent cultures. This correlated with an 8-fold increase in in vitro tumorigenicity, as assessed by anchorage independent growth. Cell cycle analysis indicated that knockdown of the IBP resulted in a 60% reduction in the number of cells in the pre-G1 apoptosis phase. This paralleled the reduction seen in apoptosis and cell death shown by DNA fragmentation and Trypan blue assays, respectively. Furthermore, knockdown of the IBP appeared to prevent induction of apoptosis by the antineoplastic agent, erucylphosphocholine. In addition, IBP knockdown prevented processing of the caspase 3 component of the apoptosis cascade by the erucylphosphocholine congener, erucylphospho-N,N,N-trimethylammonium. In conclusion, our results suggest that enhanced IBP expression, including enhanced PBR ligand binding, such as occurring in untreated C6 glioma cells, may provide a mechanism to increase apoptotic rates of cancer cells.

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor binding sites in platelets of patients with panic disorder associated to separation anxiety symptoms

Although it is still a matter of debate whether panic disorder (PD) and separation anxiety (SA) are associated or causally linked disorders, some investigators have suggested that SA may be a specific subtype of panic-agoraphobic spectrum. Several psychiatric disorders, including PD, are associated with lower levels of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the kinetic binding parameters of the specific PBR ligand, PK 11195, in platelets from patients with PD in relation to the presence and severity of adulthood SA. Using the specific radioligand, [(3)H] PK 11195, the kinetic binding parameters of PBR were determined on platelet membranes of 27 adult outpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of PD and 18 healthy controls. Patients were assessed with the SCID-I, the Panic Disorder Severity Scale, the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms and the Adult Separation Anxiety Checklist. PD patients had significantly lower PBR density than controls. However, the lower density was only evident in the subgroup of PD patients who also fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for adult separation anxiety disorder. PBR density was negatively correlated with each of the two SA scales total scores. Patients with SA symptoms had significantly lower densities of PBRs. PBR expression might become a useful biological marker of these two associated conditions.

Ro5-4864, a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand, reduces reactive gliosis and protects hippocampal hilar neurons from kainic acid excitotoxicity

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is a critical component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, which is involved in the regulation of cell survival. Different forms of brain injury result in induction of the expression of the PBR in the areas of neurodegeneration, mainly in reactive glial cells. The consequences of induction of PBR expression after brain injury are unknown. To test whether PBR may be involved in the regulation of neuronal survival after injury, we have assessed the effect of two PBR ligands, Ro5-4864 and PK11195, on neuronal loss induced by kainic acid in the hippocampus. Systemic administration of kainic acid to male rats resulted in the induction of a reactive phenotype in astrocytes and microglia and in a significant loss of hilar neurons in the dentate gyrus. Administration of Ro5-4864, before the injection of kainic acid, decreased reactive gliosis in the hilus and prevented hilar neuronal loss. In contrast, PK11195 was unable to reduce reactive gliosis and did not protect hilar neurons from kainic acid. These findings suggest that the PBR is involved in control of neuronal survival and gliosis after brain injury and identify this molecule as a potential target for neuroprotective interventions.