Pyridine Hydrochloride Research Articles

Subcellular distribution and early signalling events of P2X7 receptors from mouse cerebellar granule neurons

The subcellular distribution and early signalling events of P2X7 receptors were studied in mouse cerebellar granule neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings evidenced inwardly directed non-desensitizing currents following adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP; 600µM) or 2′-3′-o-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-adenosine 5′-triphosphate (BzATP; 100µM) administration to cells bathed in a medium with no-added divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+). Nucleotide-activated currents were inhibited by superfusion of 2.5mM Ca2+, 1.2mM Mg2+ or 100nM Brilliant Blue G (BBG), hence indicating the expression of ionotropic P2X7 receptors. Fura-2 calcium imaging showed [Ca2+]i elevations in response to ATP or BzATP at the somas and at a small number of axodendritic regions of granule neurons. Differential sensitivity of these [Ca2+]i increases to three different P2X7 receptor antagonists (100nM BBG, 10μM 4-[(2S)-2-[(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)methylamino]-3-oxo-3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl] phenyl isoquinolinesulfonic acid ester, KN-62, and 1μM 3-(5-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl pyridine hydrochloride hydrate, A-438079) revealed that P2X7 receptors are co-expressed with different P2Y receptors along the plasmalemma of granule neurons. Finally, experiments with the fluorescent dye YO-PRO-1 indicated that prolonged stimulation of P2X7 receptors does not lead to the opening of a membrane pore permeable to large cations. Altogether, our results emphasise the expression of functional P2X7 receptors at both the axodendritic and somatic levels in mouse cerebellar granule neurons, and favour the notion that P2X7 receptors might function in a subcellular localisation-specific manner: presynaptically, by controlling glutamate release, and on the cell somas, by supporting granule neuron survival against glutamate excytotoxicity.

Involvement of serotonergic system in the effect of a metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor antagonist in the novelty-suppressed feeding test

The blockade of metabotropic glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor has been reported to exert antidepressant effects in several animal models. We previously reported that both ketamine and an mGlu5 receptor antagonist exerted an effect in a novelty-suppressed feeding (NSF) test, and that the effect of ketamine may be mediated through an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor-dependent increase in serotonergic transmission. However, the involvement of the serotonergic system in the effect of mGlu5 receptor antagonists in the NSF test is not well understood. Therefore, we examined the roles of the serotonergic system in the effect of an mGlu5 receptor antagonist, 6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP), in the NSF test in mice. The administration of MPEP significantly shortened the latency to feed, which was not attenuated by the AMPA receptor antagonist, 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide (NBQX). The effect of MPEP was abolished by the tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Moreover, the effect of MPEP was blocked by a serotonin (5-HT)2A/2C receptor antagonist, ritanserin, but not by a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, N-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl}-N-(2-pyridynyl) cyclohexane-carboxamide (WAY100635). These results suggest that the effect of an mGlu5 receptor antagonist may be mediated by the serotonergic system, including the stimulation of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor, in an AMPA receptor-independent manner in the NSF test.

Cooperative signaling between homodimers of metabotropic glutamate receptors 1 and 5.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) function as dimers. Recent work suggests that mGluR1 and mGluR5 may physically interact, but the nature and functional consequences of this relationship have not been addressed. In this study, the functional and pharmacological consequences of this interaction were investigated. Using heterologous expression of mGluR cDNA in rat sympathetic neurons from the superior cervical ganglion and inhibition of the native calcium currents as an assay for receptor activation, a functional interdependence between mGluR1 and mGluR5 was demonstrated. In neurons coexpressing these receptors, combining a selective mGluR1 competitive antagonist with either an mGluR1- or mGluR5-selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM) BAY36-7620 [(3aS,6aS)-hexahydro-5-methylene-6a-(2-naphthalenylmethyl)-1H-cyclopenta[c]furan-1-one] or MPEP [2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride], respectively, strongly occluded signaling by both receptors to an approximately equal degree. By contrast, in cells coexpressing mGluR1 and mGluR2, combining the same mGluR1 competitive inhibitor with an mGluR1 or mGluR2 NAM yielded partial and full inhibition of the response, respectively, as expected for independently acting receptors. In neurons expressing mGluR1 and mGluR5, the selective NAMs each strongly inhibited the response to glutamate, suggesting that these receptors do not interact as heterodimers, which would not be inhibited by selective NAMs. Finally, evidence for a similar mGluR1/mGluR5 functional dependence is shown in medium spiny striatal neurons. Together, these data demonstrate cooperative signaling between mGluR1 and mGluR5 in a manner inconsistent with heterodimerization, and thus suggest an interaction between homodimers.

Modulation of neuronal microcircuit activities within the medial prefrontal cortex by mGluR5 positive allosteric modulator.

Suppressing anxiety and fear memory relies on bidirectional projections between the medial prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Positive allosteric modulators of mGluR5 improve cognition in animal models of schizophrenia and retrieval of newly formed associations such as extinction of fear-conditioned behaviour. The increase in neuronal network activities of the medial prefrontal cortex is influenced by both mGluR1 and mGluR5; however, it is not well understood how they modulate network activities and downstream information processing. To map mGluR5-mediated network activity in relation to its emergence as a viable cognitive enhancer, we tested group I mGluR compounds on medial prefrontal cortex network activity via multi-electrode array neuronal spiking and whole-cell patch clamp recordings. Results indicate that mGluR5 activation promotes feed-forward inhibition that depends on recruitment of neuronal activity by carbachol-evoked up states. The rate of neuronal spiking activity under the influence of carbachol was reduced by the mGluR5 positive allosteric modulator, N-(1,3-Diphenyl-1H-pyrazolo-5-yl)-4-nitrobenzamide (VU-29), and enhanced by the mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator, 3-((2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MTEP). Spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents were increased upon application of carbachol and in combination with VU-29. These results emphasize a bias towards tonic mGluR5-mediated inhibition that might serve as a signal-to-noise enhancer of sensory inputs projected from associated limbic areas onto the medial prefrontal cortex neuronal microcircuit.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Chalcone and Pyrazoline Derivatives Bearing Substituted Vanillin Nucleus

A series of novel chalcone 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l and pyrazoline 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k, 5l derivatives have been synthesized as potential antibacterial agents. The pyrazoline derivatives 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k, 5l have been synthesized by reaction of various chalcones 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of acetic acid. The chalcones 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4j, 4k, 4l were prepared by the condensation of key aldehyde 3 with appropriate acetophenone using basic condition and ethanol as a solvent. The key aldehyde 3 has been synthesized by reacting 2‐(chloromethyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxy)pyridine hydrochloride and vanillin. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of 1H‐NMR, mass, IR, and elemental analysis data. All the newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi (Gram‐negative bacteria), Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus (Gram‐positive bacteria) and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (fungi).

ChemInform Abstract: 4‐(N,N‐Dimethylamino)pyridine Hydrochloride as a Recyclable Catalyst for Acylation of Inert Alcohols: Substrate Scope and Reaction Mechanism.

4-(N,N-Dimethylamino)pyridine hydrochloride (DMAP·HCl), a DMAP salt with the simplest structure, was used as a recyclable catalyst for the acylation of inert alcohols and phenols under base-free conditions. The reaction mechanism was investigated in detail for the first time; DMAP·HCl and the acylating reagent directly formed N-acyl-4-(N′,N′-dimethylamino)pyridine chloride, which was attacked by the nucleophilic substrate to form a transient intermediate that released the acylation product and regenerated the DMAP·HCl catalyst.

Two different one-dimensional supramolecular chains formed from the reaction of 2-[1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]quinoline with two different precursors, Co(NO3)2 and CoCl2.

Two different one-dimensional supramolecular chains with Co(II) cations have been synthesized based on the semi-rigid ligand 2-[1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]quinoline (L), obtained by condensation of 2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)quinoline and 4-(chloromethyl)pyridine hydrochloride. Starting from different Co(II) salts, two new compounds have been obtained, viz. catena-poly[[[dinitratocobalt(II)]-μ-2-[1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]quinoline] dichloromethane monosolvate acetonitrile monosolvate], {[Co(NO3)2(C22H16N4)]·CH2Cl2·CH3CN}n, (I) and catena-poly[[[dichloridocobalt(II)]-μ-2-[1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]quinoline] methanol disolvate], {[CoCl2(C22H16N4)]·2CH3OH}n, (II). In (I), the Co(II) centres lie in a distorted octahedral [CoN3O3] coordination environment. {Co(NO3)2L}n units form one-dimensional helical chains, where the L ligand has different directions of twist. The helical chains stack together via interchain π-π interactions to form a two-dimensional sheet, and another type of π-π interaction further connects neighbouring sheets into a three-dimensional framework with hexagonal channels, in which the acetonitrile molecules and disordered dichloromethane molecules are located. In (II), the Co(II) centres lie in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal [CoCl2N3] coordination environment. {CoCl2L}n units form one-dimensional chains. The chains interact via C-H···π and C-H···Cl interactions. The result is that two-dimensional sheets are generated, which are further linked into a three-dimensional framework via interlayer C-H···Cl interactions. When viewed down the crystallographic b axis, the methanol solvent molecules are located in an orderly manner in wave-like channels.

MGluR5 promotes the differentiation of rat neural progenitor cells into cholinergic neurons and activation of extracellular signal-related protein kinases

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) regulate neurogenesis in the mammalian central nervous system during development and throughout adulthood. However, the mechanisms remain unknown. The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of mGluR5 on the differentiation of rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into neurons as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. NPCs were treated with mGluR5 agonist (RS)-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG), mGluR5 siRNA, and antagonist 6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl) pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP), respectively. Three different subtypes of neurons (cholinergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic neurons) were evaluated, and the activation of signaling pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases was determined. Results showed that CHPG caused rat NPCs to differentiate into neurons, whereas mGluR5 siRNA and MPEP inhibited the cell differentiation. The proportion of cholinergic neurons increased with CHPG treatment and decreased after siRNA or MPEP treatment, whereas there were no significant changes in the proportions of GABAergic and dopaminergic neurons after treatment. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels increased after CHPG treatment and decreased after siRNA or MPEP treatment. In conclusion, our findings showed that mGluR5 caused rat NPCs to differentiate into cholinergic neurons by activating ERKs, suggesting that mGluR5 may play a significant role in the mechanism and treatment of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

An Efficient Synthesis of Chrysin

Two routes for the synthesis of the flavones chrysin are described. In the first 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene was converted to 2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyacetophenone and then by condensation with benzaldehyde to 2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxychalcone. The latter was cyclised with iodine and demethylated with pyridine hydrochloride to form chrysin in 53% overall yield. In the second route, 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene was acylated with cinnamic acid to form the chalcone which was then converted to chrysin in 30.7% overall yield.

Behavioral side effects of prophylactic therapies against soman-induced seizures and lethality in rats

Four medical therapies previously shown to exert varying degrees of protection against a convulsant dose of soman were assessed for potential behavioral side effects in a novelty test. In Experiment 1, HI-6 (1-[([4-(aminocarbonyl)pyridino] methoxy)methyl]-2-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]pyridinium) (125 mg/kg), scopolamine (1 mg/kg), physostigmine (0.1 mg/kg), levetiracetam (50 mg/kg), and procyclidine (20 mg/kg) were tested separately. In Experiment 2, the combination of HI-6, scopolamine, and physostigmine (termed the physostigmine regimen) or HI-6, levetiracetam, and procyclidine (termed the procyclidine regimen) were tested. In Experiment 3, the metabotropic glutamate modulators DCG-IV ((2S,2′R,3′R)-2-(2′,3′-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine) (4 mg/kg) and MPEP (2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride) (30 mg/kg) were tested separately or each drug in combination with HI-6 and procyclidine (termed the DCG-IV regimen and the MPEP regimen, respectively). The results showed that the physostigmine and procyclidine regimens both produced severe cognitive impairment (lack of preference for novelty) and reduced locomotor and rearing activities. The DCG-IV and MPEP regimens caused milder deficits on the same behavioral measures. Some relations were seen between prophylactic capacity and degree of behavioral side effects. Only HI-6 or levetiracetam had no adverse effects on behavior. DCG-IV or MPEP produced some impairment, whereas the detrimental effects of scopolamine or procyclidine were pronounced. The relatively high dose of procyclidine (anticholinergic and antiglutamatergic) needed for prophylactic efficacy may have played a major role for the side effects of the regimens in which the drug was used. It was concluded that behavioral side effects are inevitable for potent prophylactic therapies against soman intoxication.

Synthesis of piperidine derivatives fused to a tetrahydrofuran ring

Intramolecular nucleophilic opening of the oxirane ring in tert-butyl 6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-7-oxa-3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-3-carboxylate by the action of excess potassium hydroxide in 75% aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide at 110–120°C gave tert-butyl (3aR,7aS)-3a-hydroxyhexahydrofuro[2,3-c]pyridine-6(2H)-carboxylate whose treatment with POCl3 resulted in elimination of water molecule and tert-butoxycarbonyl group with formation of 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydrofuro[2,3-c]pyridine hydrochloride. The latter reacted with electrophiles (acetic anhydride, methanesulfonyl chloride, and benzaldehyde in combination with sodium triacetoxyhydridoborate) in the presence of triethylamine, yielding the corresponding N-substituted 2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydrofuro[ 2,3-c]pyridine derivatives.

4-(N,N-Dimethylamino)pyridine Hydrochloride as a Recyclable Catalyst for Acylation of Inert Alcohols: Substrate Scope and Reaction Mechanism

4-(N,N-Dimethylamino)pyridine hydrochloride (DMAP·HCl), a DMAP salt with the simplest structure, was used as a recyclable catalyst for the acylation of inert alcohols and phenols under base-free conditions. The reaction mechanism was investigated in detail for the first time; DMAP·HCl and the acylating reagent directly formed N-acyl-4-(N',N'-dimethylamino)pyridine chloride, which was attacked by the nucleophilic substrate to form a transient intermediate that released the acylation product and regenerated the DMAP·HCl catalyst.

Capacities of metabotropic glutamate modulators in counteracting soman-induced seizures in rats

Current treatment of nerve agent poisoning with ionotropic drugs proves inadequate, and alternative treatment strategies are searched for. Based on positive findings with metabotropic glutamate modulators in microinfusion studies, the present study was initiated to examine anticonvulsant effects of MPEP (2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride), a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist, and DCG-IV ((2S,2′R,3′R)-2-(2′,3′-dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine), a metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 agonist, when administered systemically in combinations with HI-6 (1-[([4-(aminocarbonyl)pyridino]methoxy)methyl]-2-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]pyridinium) and procyclidine or HI-6 and levetiracetam relative to the combination of HI-6, procyclidine, and levetiracetam. The results showed that MPEP or DCG-IV combined with HI-6 and procyclidine resulted in substantial antidotal efficacy when administered 20min after onset of seizures elicited by soman. MPEP or DCG-IV combined with HI-6 and levetiracetam did not terminate seizures and preserve lives. When given 20min before challenge with soman, DCG-IV in combination with HI-6 and procyclidine provided protection, whereas MPEP combined with HI-6 and procyclidine did not. Combinations with metabotropic glutamate receptor modulators did not achieve the same high level of antidotal efficacy as the combination of HI-6, procyclidine, and levetiracetam. MPEP alone inhibited pseudocholinesterase activity in the brain markedly. A positive correlation was found between latency to seizure onset or full protection and level of pseudocholinesterase activity in brain. MPEP and DCG-IV can serve as effective anticonvulsants against nerve agent poisoning when combined with HI-6 and procyclidine. Metabotropic glutamate receptor modulators may represent an alternative or supplement to treatment with ionotropic drugs.

Knockdown of Prodynorphin Gene Prevents Cognitive Decline, Reduces Anxiety, and Rescues Loss of Group 1 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Function in Aging

Expression of dynorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide, increases with age and has been associated with memory impairments in rats. In human, prodynorphin (Pdyn) gene polymorphisms might be linked to cognitive function in the elderly. Moreover, elevated dynorphin levels have been reported in postmortem samples from Alzheimer's disease patients. However, the cellular and molecular processes affected by higher dynorphin levels during aging remain unknown. Using Pdyn(-/-) mice, we observed significant changes in the function and expression of Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). Compared with age-matched wild-type (WT) littermates, we found increased expression of mGluR1α and mGluR5 in the hippocampus and cortex of old, but not young, Pdyn(-/-) mice. Increased Group 1 mGluR expression in aged Pdyn(-/-) mice was associated with enhanced mGluR-mediated long-term depression, a form of synaptic plasticity. Notably, whereas aged WT mice developed spatial and recognition memory deficits, aged Pdyn(-/-) mice performed similarly as young mice. Pharmacological treatments with 3-cyano-N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzamide, a positive modulator of mGlu5 receptors, or norbinaltorphimine, an antagonist for dynorphin-targeted κ-opioid receptor, rescued memory in old WT mice. Conversely, mGlu5 receptor antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride impaired spatial memory of old Pdyn(-/-) mice. Intact cognition in aged Pdyn(-/-) mice paralleled with increased expression of Group 1 mGluR-related genes Homer 1a and Arc. Finally, aged Pdyn(-/-) mice displayed less anxiety-related behaviors than age-matched WT mice. Together, our results suggest that elevated Pdyn expression during normal aging reduces mGluR expression and signaling, which in turn impairs cognitive functions and increases anxiety.

The influence of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands on anxiety-like effect of amphetamine withdrawal in rats

Chronic amphetamine use results in anxiety-like states after drug cessation. The aim of the study was to determine a role of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands in amphetamine-evoked withdrawal anxiety in the elevated plus-maze test in rats. In our study memantine (8 and 12 mg/kg), a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist did not reduce amphetamine withdrawal anxiety. Acamprosate (NMDA and metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGluR5) antagonist) at the dose 200 and 400mg/kg showed anxiolytic-like effect, thus increasing the percent of time spent in open arms and a number of open arm entries. mGluR5 selective antagonist, MTEP (3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine hydrochloride) and mGluR2/3 agonist, LY354740 (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid), caused effects similar to acamprosate at doses 1.25-5mg/kg and 2.5-5mg/kg, respectively. None of the glutamate ligands influenced locomotor activity of rats when given to the saline-treated group. Taking into account the positive correlation between amphetamine withdrawal-induced anxiety and relapse to amphetamine taking, our results suggest that modulation of mGluRs may prevent relapse to amphetamine and might pose a new direction in amphetamine abuse therapy.

An Efficient Synthesis of 1-Methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine and Its N6-Substituted Analogues

An efficient synthesis of 1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1<i>H</i>-pyrrolo[2,3-<i>c</i>]pyridine hydrochloride was achieved using simple sodium borohydride reduction of 6-benzyl-1-methyl-1<i>H</i>-pyrrolo[2,3-<i>c</i>]pyridin-6-ium bromide as the key step followed by its debenzylation with hydrogen over palladium on carbon on a multigram scale. Similarly, a series of N⁶-substituted 1-methyl-1<i>H</i>-pyrrolo[2,3-<i>c</i>]pyridin-6-ium halides were synthesized and reduced with sodium borohydride, showing this method to be applicable for the synthesis of different N⁶-substituted 1-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1<i>H</i>-pyrrolo[2,3-<i>c</i>]pyridines.

Persistent Receptor Activity Underlies Group I mGluR-Mediated Cellular Plasticity in CA3 Neuron

Plastic changes in cortical activities induced by group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) stimulation include epileptogenesis, expressed in vitro as the conversion of normal neuronal activity to persistent, prolonged synchronized (ictal) discharges. At present, the mechanism that maintains group I mGluR-induced plasticity is not known. We examined this issue using hippocampal slices from guinea pigs and mice. Agonist [(S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), 30-50 μm)] stimulation of group I mGluRs induces persistent prolonged synchronized (ictal-like) discharges in CA3 that are associated with three identified excitatory cellular responses-suppression of spike afterhyperpolarizations, activation of a voltage-dependent cationic current, and increase in neuronal input resistance. Persistent prolonged synchronized discharges and the underlying excitatory cellular responses maintained following induction were reversibly blocked by mGluR1 antagonists [(S)-+-α-amino-4-carboxy-2-methylbenzeneacetic acid (LY 367385), 50, 100 μm; CPCCOEt (hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester, 100 μm], and to a lesser extent by the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP [2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride, 50 μm]. Activation of persistent cellular responses to DHPG were unaffected by tetrodotoxin (0.5-1 μm) or perfusion with low Ca(2+)(0.2 mm)-Mn(2+)(0.5 mm) media-conditions that suppress endogenous glutamate release. The pharmacological profile of the blocking action of the group I mGluR antagonist MCPG [(RS)-α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine, 50-500 μm] on persistent cellular responses was different from that on cellular responses directly activated by DHPG. These data indicate that transient stimulation of group I mGluRs alters receptor properties, rendering them persistently active in the absence of applied agonist or endogenous glutamate activation. Persistent receptor activities, primarily involving mGluR1, maintain excitatory cellular responses and emergent prolonged synchronized discharges.

Transformations of peroxide ozonolysis products of (R)-Menth-4-en-3-one in the presence of nitrogen-containing organic compounds

The results of ozonolysis of (R)-menth-4-en-3-one in methylene chloride, methanol, or their 1: 1 mixture in the presence of pyridine, triethylamine, or semicarbazide hydrochloride are reported. Probable schemes for the formation of ozonolysis products, including minor ones, are proposed. Nitrogen-containing organic compounds can act as reducing agents toward peroxides or catalyze their rearrangements.

Interaction between the mGlu receptors 5 antagonist, MPEP, and amphetamine on memory and motor functions in mice

Metabotropic glutamate mGlu receptors 5 (mGluR5) receptors are abundant in corticolimbic circuitry where they modulate glutamate and dopamine signal transduction. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that mGluR5 antagonist, (2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride) (MPEP), facilitates dopamine-dependent effects on memory and motor functions. To this aim, we examined the effects of different doses (from 0 to 24 mg/kg) of the mGluR5 antagonist, MPEP, on the modulation of amphetamine-dependent behaviors, namely passive avoidance, locomotor activity, and rotation behavior in intact and dopamine-depleted CD1 male mice. We demonstrated that a low dose (3 mg/kg) of MPEP, which is void of behavioral effects on its own, facilitates amphetamine-induced effects independently on the behavior measured both in naïve and in dopamine-lesioned mice; this synergistic effect is lost when higher doses of MPEP are used. The results are discussed in terms of possible balance between dopamine and glutamate activity in regulating the proper fine tuning of information processing.

P.1.c.001 Effects of (S)-3,4-DCPG, a selective agonist of glutamate mGlu8 receptors, on sleep and wakefulness in the rat

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have multiple actions on neuronal excitability through G-protein-linked modifications of enzymes and ion channels. They act presynaptically to modify glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic transmission and can contribute to long-term changes in synaptic function. The recent identification of subtype-selective agonists and antagonists has permitted evaluation of mGlu receptors as potential targets in the treatment of epilepsy. Agonists acting on group I mGlu receptors (mGlu1 and mGlu5) are convulsant. Antagonists acting on mGlu1 or mGlu5 receptors are anticonvulsant against 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)-induced seizures and in mouse models of generalized motor seizures and absence seizures. The competitive, phenylglycine mGlu1/5 receptor antagonists generally require intracerebroventricular administration for potent anticonvulsant efficacy but noncompetitive antagonists, e.g., (3aS,6aS)-6a-naphthalen-2-ylmethyl-5-methyliden-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]furan-1-on (BAY36-7620), 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP), and 2-methyl-6-(2-phenylethenyl)pyridine (SIB-1893) block generalized seizures with systemic administration. Agonists acting on group II mGlu receptors (mGlu2, mGlu3) to reduce glutamate release are anticonvulsant, e.g., 2R,4R-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate [(2R,4R)-APDC], (+)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740), and (−)-2-oxa-4-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-4,6-dicarboxylate (LY379268). The classical agonists acting on group III mGlu receptors such as l-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid, and l-serine-O-phosphate are acutely proconvulsant with some anticonvulsant activity. The more recently identified agonists (R,S)-4-phosphonophenylglycine [(R,S)-PPG] and (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine [(S)-3,4-DCPG] and (1S,3R,4S)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid [ACPT-1] are all anticonvulsant without proconvulsant effects. Studies in animal models of kindling reveal some efficacy of mGlu receptor ligands against fully kindled limbic seizures. In genetic mouse models, mGlu1/5 antagonists and mGlu2/3 agonists are effective against absence seizures. Thus, antagonists at group I mGlu receptors and agonists at groups II and III mGlu receptors are potential antiepileptic agents, but their clinical usefulness will depend on their acute and chronic side effects. Potential also exists for combining mGlu receptor ligands with other glutamatergic and non-glutamatergic agents to produce an enhanced anticonvulsant effect. This review also discusses what is known about mGlu receptor expression and function in rodent epilepsy models and human epileptic conditions.