Selective Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligands Research Articles

Hologram QSAR Studies of N,N-Dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides Derivatives as Selective Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligands

Hologram QSAR Studies of N,N-Dialkyl-2-phenylindol-3-ylglyoxylamides Derivatives as Selective Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligands

Suppressive effect of diazepam on IFN-γ production by human T cells

Many studies showed that benzodiazepines could modulate immune responses through interaction with peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) in immune cells but most of the studies were focused on monocytes and macrophages. In the present study, we revealed that diazepam, a mixed-type benzodiazepine, inhibited IFN-γ production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced by anti-CD3 in dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that diazepam could inhibit the frequency of IFN-γ-producing CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. The inhibitory effect of diazepam on IFN-γ production is similar to that of R 05-4864, a selective PBRs ligand. However, D8555, a selective ligand for PBRs in microglia in the central nervous system, is a much weak inhibitor compared with R 05-4864 or diazepam. The inhibitory effect of R 05-4864 could be antagonized by PK11195, which is recognized as selective PBRs antagonist, and suppressive effect of diazepam on T cells is partially antagonized by PK11195. Collectively, these results suggested that diazepam suppressed human T cell function through PBRs.

Development of Ligands for the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) initially characterised as a high affinity binding site for diazepam, is densely distributed in most peripheral organs whilst only moderately expressed in the healthy brain. The predominant cell type expressing the PBR at regions of central nervous system (CNS) pathology are activated microglial cells. Under neuroinflammatory conditions there is an over-expression of PBR binding sites indicating that measurements of PBR density can act as a useful index of brain disease activity. The PBR is now considered a significant therapeutic and diagnostic target which has provided the impetus for PBR ligand development. There are several classes of PBR ligands available including benzodiazepines (Ro5-4864), isoquinoline carboxamides (PK 11195), indoleacetamides (FGIN-1-27), phenoxyphenyl-acetamides (DAA1106) and pyrazolopyrimidines (DPA-713). Subsequent conformationally restrained isoquinoline and indoleacetamide analogues have been synthesised in an attempt to yield PBR ligands with superior affinity and brain kinetics. Even though the PBR has been linked to a number of biochemical processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, steroidogenesis, porphyrin transport and immunomodulation, its exact physiological role is yet to be deciphered. Selective PBR ligands with favourable in vivo binding properties and kinetics is required to gain a more complete understanding on the normal functioning of the PBR and the chemical pathways underlying several pathological conditions. Novel PBR ligands with unique binding properties and functional activity may also generate information on the localisation of the PBR and the possibility of PBR subtypes. This review highlights the main classes of PBR ligands to date. In addition the biological activity and therapeutic potential of certain PBR ligands is discussed.

Peripheral type benzodiazepine receptor in human parathyroid glands: Up-regulation in adenoma

In this study we report the presence of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) in human parathyroid glands and describe the effect of their benzodiazepine type ligands on parathyroid cell function. PBR binding features in normal parathyroid tissue were characterized and compared to parathyroid adenoma, using a specific and selective ligand for PBR, [3H] 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methyl-propyl)-3-isoquinoline-carboxamide ([3H]PK11195). Affinity and density of [3H]PK11195 binding sites in homogenate membrane preparations from adenomatous and normal tissues were determined. Parathyroid adenoma showed a statistically significant 2.2 fold increase of [3H]PK11195 binding sites, while the affinity remained unchanged. Our results represent the first evidence of PBRs in parathyroid glands and suggest for them a role in influencing PTH release. A clear trend of PBR up-regulation in parathyroid adenoma was also found.

Design, synthesis and structure–affinity relationships of aryloxyanilide derivatives as novel peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands

Since the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been primarily found as a high-affinity binding site for diazepam in rat kidney, numerous studies of it have been performed. However, the physiological role and functions of PBR have not been fully elucidated. Currently, we presented the pharmacological profile of two high and selective PBR ligands, N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(4-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide (7-096, DAA1106) (PBR: IC50=0.28 nM) and N-(4-chloro-2-phenoxyphenyl)-N-(2-isopropoxybenzyl)acetamide (7-099, DAA1097) (PBR: IC50=0.92 nM). The compounds are aryloxyanilide derivatives, and identified with known PBR ligands such as benzodiazepine (1, Ro5-4864), isoquinoline (2, PK11195), imidazopyridine (3, Alpidem), and indole (5, FGIN-1-27) derivatives. The aryloxyanilide derivatives, which have been derived by opening the diazepine ring of 1, are a novel class as PBR ligands and have exhibited high and selective affinity for peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs). These novel derivatives would be useful for exploring the functions of PBR. In this paper, the design, synthesis and structure–affinity relationships of aryloxyanilide derivatives are described.

Blocking ICOS in combination with CD28 impairs the proper activation of aggressor Th1 cells but is not necessary for suppression by regulatory T cells

<h2>Abstract</h2> <b>Background & Aims:</b> Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) transformation and proliferation play an important role in liver fibrogenesis, and HSC apoptosis may be involved in the termination of this response. <b>Methods:</b> Expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and PBR-ligand–induced apoptosis were studied in cultured rat liver HSC. <b>Results:</b> Transformation of HSC led to a transient expression of PBR at the messenger RNA and protein level, which was maximal after about 3 and 7 days of culture, respectively, and declined thereafter. Immunoreactive PBR showed a punctate staining and colocalized with mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase and adenine nucleotide translocator 1. The selective PBR ligands 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK11195) and 4' chlorodiazepam (Ro5-4864), but not the centrally acting benzodiazepine ligand clonazepam, induced dose-dependent apoptosis in HSC. The apoptotic potency of PK11195 paralleled the level of PBR expression. PK11195 induced dephosphorylation of protein kinase B/Akt and Bad and a downregulation of Bcl-2. Collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential preceeded PBR-ligand–induced apoptosis. No apoptosis was induced by PK11195 in parenchymal cells, despite the presence of PBR, and PK11195 had no effect in these cells on Bad phosphorylation and Bcl-2 expression. <b>Conclusions:</b> Transformation of HSC leads to a transient expression of PBR and renders the cells sensitive to PBR-ligand–induced apoptosis, involving protein kinase B/Akt and Bad-dependent mechanisms. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;120:1212-1226

Expression of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and apoptosis induction in hepatic stellate cells

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) transformation and proliferation play an important role in liver fibrogenesis, and HSC apoptosis may be involved in the termination of this response. Expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and PBR-ligand-induced apoptosis were studied in cultured rat liver HSC. Transformation of HSC led to a transient expression of PBR at the messenger RNA and protein level, which was maximal after about 3 and 7 days of culture, respectively, and declined thereafter. Immunoreactive PBR showed a punctate staining and colocalized with mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase and adenine nucleotide translocator 1. The selective PBR ligands 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK11195) and 4' chlorodiazepam (Ro5-4864), but not the centrally acting benzodiazepine ligand clonazepam, induced dose-dependent apoptosis in HSC. The apoptotic potency of PK11195 paralleled the level of PBR expression. PK11195 induced dephosphorylation of protein kinase B/Akt and Bad and a downregulation of Bcl-2. Collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential preceeded PBR-ligand-induced apoptosis. No apoptosis was induced by PK11195 in parenchymal cells, despite the presence of PBR, and PK11195 had no effect in these cells on Bad phosphorylation and Bcl-2 expression. Transformation of HSC leads to a transient expression of PBR and renders the cells sensitive to PBR-ligand-induced apoptosis, involving protein kinase B/Akt and Bad-dependent mechanisms.