5-HT(2C) agonists as therapeutics for the treatment of schizophrenia.

The 5-HT(2C) receptor is a highly complex, highly regulated receptor which is widely distributed throughout the brain. The 5-HT(2C) receptor couples to multiple signal transduction pathways leading to engagement of a number of intracellular signaling molecules. Moreover, there are multiple allelic variants of the 5-HT(2C) receptor and the receptor is subject to RNA editing in the coding regions.

Novel triazines as potent and selective phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors.

The identification of highly potent and orally active triazines for the inhibition of PDE10A is reported. The new analogs exhibit low-nanomolar potency for PDE10A, demonstrate high selectivity against all other members of the PDE family, and show desired drug-like properties. Employing structure-based drug design approaches, we investigated the selectivity of PDE10A inhibitors against other known PDE isoforms, by methodically exploring the various sub-regions of the PDE10A ligand binding pocket.

Preclinical assessment of an adjunctive treatment approach for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia using the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist WYE-103914/SEN34625.

Rationale: α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists are proposed as candidate agents for the adjunctive treatment of cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Despite the pursuit of such an approach clinically, it is surprising that the preclinical profile of pro-cognitive agents in conjunction with antipsychotic drugs is currently unexplored.

Objectives: We determined if the memory-enhancing effects of the selective α7 nAChR agonist WYE-103914 were preserved in the presence of the atypical antipsychotic drug risperidone, and if the antipsychotic-like profile of risperidone was preserved in the presence of WYE-103914.

Novel alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists containing a urea moiety: identification and characterization of the potent, selective, and orally efficacious agonist 1-[6-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridin-3-yl]-3-(4-piperidin-1-ylbutyl) urea (SEN34625/WYE-103914).

Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7 nAChR) agonists are promising therapeutic candidates for the treatment of cognitive impairment. We report a series of novel, potent small molecule agonists (4-18) of the alpha7 nAChR deriving from our continuing efforts in the areas of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. One of the compounds of the series containing a urea moiety (16) was further shown to be a selective agonist of the alpha7 nAChR with excellent in vitro and in vivo profiles, brain penetration, and oral bioavailability and demonstrated in vivo efficacy in multiple behavioral cognition models.

Discovery of imidazo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,2-e]pyrazines as a new class of phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitiors.

Novel imidazo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,2-e]pyrazines have been synthesized and characterized as both potent and selective phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitors. For in vitro characterization, inhibition of PDE10A mediated cAMP hydrolysis was used and a QSAR model was established to analyze substitution effects. The outcome of this analysis was complemented by the crystal structure of PDE10A in complex with compound 49.

Potent dihydroquinolinone dopamine D2 partial agonist/serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia.

A dihydroquinolinone moiety was found to be a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor pharmacophore when combined with certain amines. This fragment was coupled with selected D(2) ligands to prepare a series of dual acting compounds with attractive in vitro profiles as dopamine D(2) partial agonists and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Structure-activity studies revealed that the linker plays a key role in contributing to D(2) affinity, function, and SRI activity.

Temporal dysregulation of cortical gene expression in the isolation reared Wistar rat.

The critical sequence of molecular, neurotransmission and synaptic disruptions that underpin the emergence of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia remain to be established with progress only likely using animal models that capture key features of such disorders. We have related the emergence of behavioural, neurochemical and synapse ultrastructure deficits to transcriptional dysregulation in the medial prefrontal cortex of Wistar rats reared in isolation. Isolation reared animals developed sensorimotor deficits at postnatal day 60 which persisted into adulthood.

Estrogen receptor neurobiology and its potential for translation into broad spectrum therapeutics for CNS disorders.

Estrogens are hormones that modulate a diverse array of effects during development and adulthood. The effects of estrogen are mediated by two estrogen receptor (ER) isotypes, ERalpha and ERbeta, which classically function as transcription factors to modulate specific target gene expression and in addition regulate a growing list of intracellular signaling cascades. These receptors share protein sequence homology and protein-motif organization but have distinct differences in their tissue distribution and binding affinities for their ligands.

WS-50030 [7-{4-[3-(1H-inden-3-yl)propyl]piperazin-1-yl}-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one]: a novel dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist/serotonin reuptake inhibitor with preclinical antipsychotic-like and antidepressant-like activity.

The preclinical characterization of WS-50030 [7-{4-[3-(1H-inden-3-yl)propyl]piperazin-1-yl}-1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-one] is described. In vitro binding and functional studies revealed highest affinity to the D(2) receptor (D(2L) K(i), 4.0 nM) and serotonin transporter (K(i), 7.

The orphan GPCR, GPR88, modulates function of the striatal dopamine system: a possible therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders?

In rodents, the orphan G protein-coupled receptor, Gpr88, is highly expressed in brain regions implicated in the pathophysiology of and is modulated by treatments for schizophrenia. We compared striatal function of Gpr88 knockout mice (Gpr88KOs) to wild-type mice using molecular, neurochemical and behavioral tests. Gpr88KOs lacked expression of Gpr88 in striatum, nucleus accumbens and layer IV of cortex.

Tetrahydrocarbazole-based serotonin reuptake inhibitor/dopamine D2 partial agonists for the potential treatment of schizophrenia.

A 5-fluoro-tetrahydrocarbazole serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) building block was combined with a variety of linkers and dopamine D2 receptor ligands in an attempt to identify potent D2 partial agonist/SRI molecules for treatment of schizophrenia. This approach has the potential to treat a broader range of symptoms compared to existing therapies. Selected compounds in this series demonstrate high affinity for both targets and D2 partial agonism in cell-based and in vivo assays.

Phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor activity in preclinical models of the positive, cognitive, and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Following several recent reports that suggest that dual cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitors may present a novel mechanism to treat positive symptoms of schizophrenia, we sought to extend the preclinical characterization of two such compounds, papaverine [1-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dimethoxyisoquinoline] and MP-10 [2-{[4-(1-methyl-4-pyridin-4-yl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenoxy]methyl}quinoline], in a variety of in vivo and in vitro assays. Both of these compounds were active in a range of antipsychotic models, antagonizing apomorphine-induced climbing in mice, inhibiting conditioned avoidance responding in both rats and mice, and blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist-induced deficits in prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle response in rats, while improving baseline sensory gating in mice, all of which strengthen previously reported observations. These compounds also demonstrated activity in several assays intended to probe negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, two disease domains that are underserved by current treatments, with both compounds showing an ability to increase sociality in BALB/cJ mice in the social approach/social avoidance assay, enhance social odor recognition in mice and, in the case of papaverine, improve novel object recognition in rats.

Receptor and behavioral pharmacology of WAY-267464, a non-peptide oxytocin receptor agonist.

The widely reported effects of oxytocin (OT) on CNS function has generated considerable interest in the therapeutic potential for targeting this system for a variety of human psychiatric diseases, including anxiety disorders, autism, schizophrenia, and depression. The utility of synthetic OT, as both a research tool and neurotherapeutic, is limited by the physiochemical properties inherent in most neuropeptides, notably its short half-life and poor blood brain barrier penetration. Subsequently, the discovery and development of non-peptide molecules that act as selective agonists of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) has been an important goal of the field.

WAY-163909, a 5-HT2C agonist, enhances the preclinical potency of current antipsychotics.

Introduction: 5-HT(2C) agonists, by decreasing mesolimbic dopamine without affecting nigrostriatal dopamine, are predicted to have antipsychotic efficacy with low extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). Combining 5-HT(2C) agonists with low doses of existing antipsychotics could increase treatment efficacy while reducing treatment liabilities such as EPS (typical antipsychotics), and the propensity for weight gain (atypical antipsychotics).

Objectives: The objectives of these studies were to combine WAY-163909, a selective 5-HT(2C) agonist, with either the typical antipsychotic haloperidol, or the atypical antipsychotic clozapine, at doses that were ineffective on their own, with the expectation that a shift in potency in several rodent behavior models predictive of antipsychotic activity would occur.

Schizophrenia-related neural and behavioral phenotypes in transgenic mice expressing truncated Disc1.

Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1), identified by positional cloning of a balanced translocation (1;11) with the breakpoint in intron 8 of a large Scottish pedigree, is associated with a range of neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. To model this mutation in mice, we have generated Disc1(tr) transgenic mice expressing 2 copies of truncated Disc1 encoding the first 8 exons using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). With this partial simulation of the human situation, we have discovered a range of phenotypes including a series of novel features not previously reported.

ADX47273 [S-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]-oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone]: a novel metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-selective positive allosteric modulator with preclinical antipsychotic-like and procognitive activities.

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) enhance N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor function and may represent a novel approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. ADX47273 [S-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-{3-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-methanone], a recently identified potent and selective mGlu5 PAM, increased (9-fold) the response to threshold concentration of glutamate (50 nM) in fluorometric Ca(2+) assays (EC(50) = 170 nM) in human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing rat mGlu5. In the same system, ADX47273 dose-dependently shifted mGlu5 receptor glutamate response curve to the left (9-fold at 1 microM) and competed for binding of [(3)H]2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (K(i) = 4.

Activation of estrogen receptor-beta regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity and improves memory.

Estrogens have long been implicated in influencing cognitive processes, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the roles of the estrogen receptors alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) remain unclear. Using pharmacological, biochemical and behavioral techniques, we demonstrate that the effects of estrogen on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory are mediated through ERbeta. Selective ERbeta agonists increased key synaptic proteins in vivo, including PSD-95, synaptophysin and the AMPA-receptor subunit GluR1.

5-HT2C receptor agonists as an innovative approach for psychiatric disorders.

Modulating activity at the 5-HT(2C) receptor holds a tremendous amount of therapeutic promise in multiple psychiatric indications. However, the signaling and regulation of the 5-HT(2C) receptor is highly complex due to multiple signaling pathways and agonist-directed trafficking of this receptor. Moreover, the 5-HT(2C) receptor is differentially regulated via RNA editing in multiple psychiatric disorders and following either pharmacological or environmental manipulation.

Discovery of N1-(6-chloroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazole-5-sulfonyl)tryptamine as a potent, selective, and orally active 5-HT(6) receptor agonist.

N1-Arylsulfonyltryptamines have been identified as 5-HT6 receptor ligands. In particular, N1-(6-chloroimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazole-5-sulfonyl)tryptamine (11q) is a high affinity, potent full agonist (5-HT6 Ki = 2 nM, EC50 = 6.5 nM, Emax = 95.

Antidepressant-like effects of the novel, selective, 5-HT2C receptor agonist WAY-163909 in rodents.

Rationale: Activation of one or more of the serotonin (5-HT) receptors may play a role in mediating the antidepressant effects of SSRIs.

Objective: The present studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of the novel 5-HT2C receptor agonist WAY-163909 in animal models of antidepressant activity (forced swim test (FST), resident-intruder, olfactory bulbectomy (BULB)), in a schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) model of obsessive-compulsive disorder and in a model for evaluating sexual dysfunction.

Results: WAY-163909 (10 mg/kg, i.

Pharmacological profile of the 5-HT(2C) receptor agonist WAY-163909; therapeutic potential in multiple indications.

The 5-HT(2C) receptor subtype has been implicated in a wide variety of conditions including obesity, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, migraine and erectile dysfunction and as a consequence has received considerable attention as a target for drug discovery. Here we review the pharmacological, pharmacokinetic and toxicological profile of WAY-163909 {(7bR,10aR)-1,2,3,4,8,9,10,10a-octahydro-7bH-cyclopenta-[b][1,4]diazepino[6,7,1hi]indole}, a novel 5-HT(2C) receptor selective agonist. Consistent with a potential therapeutic utility in obesity, schizophrenia and depression WAY-163909 was found to have robust dose-dependent effects in animal models of obesity, psychotic-like behavior or depression.

Aplindore (DAB-452), a high affinity selective dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist.

The pharmacology of aplindore (DAB-452) was characterized in CHO-K1 cells stably transfected with the human dopamine D(2) receptor short isoform (CHO-D(2s)) and in a behavioral model for post-synaptic agonism in rats. In [(3)H]-spiperone competition binding studies, aplindore showed high affinity for dopamine D(2) and D(3) receptors and low affinity for the dopamine D(4), serotonin (5-HT)(1A), 5-HT(2) receptors and the alpha1-adrenoceptor. The high potency partial agonist activity of aplindore was demonstrated in [(35)S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-phosphorylation and intracellular calcium flux assay using fluorometric plate reader ([Ca(2+)](i)-FLIPR) format.

WAY-163909 [(7bR,10aR)-1,2,3,4,8,9,10,10a-octahydro-7bH-cyclopenta-[b][1,4]diazepino[6,7,1hi]indole]: A novel 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor-selective agonist with preclinical antipsychotic-like activity.

Serotonin-2C (5-HT2C) receptor antagonists and agonists have been shown to affect dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, with agonists selectively decreasing mesolimbic DA. As antipsychotic efficacy is proposed to be associated with decreased mesolimbic DA neurotransmission by virtue of DA D2 receptor antagonism, the 5-HT2C-selective receptor agonist, WAY-163909 [(7bR,10aR)-1,2, 3,4,8,9,10,10a-octahydro-7bH-cyclopenta-[b][1,4]diazepino[6,7, 1hi]indole], was evaluated in animal models of schizophrenia and in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiology to determine the effects on mesolimbic and nigrostriatal DA neurotransmission. Similar to clozapine, WAY-163909 (1.