Channel Inhibition (channel + inhibition)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Quantitative Structure,Activity Relationship Models for Predicting Biological Properties, Developed by Combining Structure- and Ligand-Based Approaches: An Application to the Human Ether-a-go-go-Related Gene Potassium Channel Inhibition

CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN, Issue 4 2009
Alessio Coi
A strategy for developing accurate quantitative structure,activity relationship models enabling predictions of biological properties, when suitable knowledge concerning both ligands and biological target is available, was tested on a data set where molecules are characterized by high structural diversity. Such a strategy was applied to human ether-a-go-go-related gene K+ channel inhibition and consists of a combination of ligand- and structure-based approaches, which can be carried out whenever the three-dimensional structure of the target macromolecule is known or may be modeled with good accuracy. Molecular conformations of ligands were obtained by means of molecular docking, performed in a previously built theoretical model of the channel pore, so that descriptors depending upon the three-dimensional molecular structure were properly computed. A modification of the directed sphere-exclusion algorithm was developed and exploited to properly splitting the whole dataset into Training/Test set pairs. Molecular descriptors, computed by means of the codessa program, were used for the search of reliable quantitative structure,activity relationship models that were subsequently identified through a rigorous validation analysis. Finally, pIC50 values of a prediction set, external to the initial dataset, were predicted and the results confirmed the high predictive power of the model within a quite wide chemical space. [source]


KATP channel openers: Structure-activity relationships and therapeutic potential

MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 2 2004
Raimund Mannhold
Abstract ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) are heteromeric complexes of pore-forming inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunits and regulatory sulfonylurea receptor subunits. KATP channels were identified in a variety of tissues including muscle cells, pancreatic ,-cells, and various neurons. They are regulated by the intracellular ATP/ADP ratio; ATP induces channel inhibition and MgADP induces channel opening. Functionally, KATP channels provide a means of linking the electrical activity of a cell to its metabolic state. Shortening of the cardiac action potential, smooth muscle relaxation, inhibition of both insulin secretion, and neurotransmitter release are mediated via KATP channels. Given their many physiological functions, KATP channels represent promising drug targets. Sulfonylureas like glibenclamide block KATP channels; they are used in the therapy of type 2 diabetes. Openers of KATP channels (KCOs), for example, relax smooth muscle and induce hypotension. KCOs are chemically heterogeneous and include as different classes as the benzopyrans, cyanoguanidines, thioformamides, thiadiazines, and pyridyl nitrates. Examples for new chemical entities more recently developed as KCOs include cyclobutenediones, dihydropyridine related structures, and tertiary carbinols. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 24, No. 2, 213,266, 2004 [source]


Hydrogen Peroxide-Dependent Arteriolar Dilation in Contracting Muscle of Rats Fed Normal and High Salt Diets

MICROCIRCULATION, Issue 8 2007
Paul J. Marvar
ABSTRACT Objective: High dietary salt intake decreases the arteriolar dilation associated with skeletal muscle contraction. Because hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be released from contracting muscle fibers, this study was designed to assess the possible contribution of H2O2 to skeletal muscle functional hyperemia and its sensitivity to dietary salt. Methods: The authors investigated the effect of catalase treatment on arteriolar dilation and hyperemia in contracting spinotrapezius muscle of rats fed a normal salt (0.45%, NS) or high salt (4%, HS) diet for 4 weeks. Catalase-sensitive 2,,7,-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence was measured as an index of H2O2 formation, and the mechanism of arteriolar dilation to H2O2 was probed in each group using pharmacological inhibitors. Results: DCF fluorescence increased with muscle contraction, but not if catalase was present. Catalase also reduced arteriolar dilation and hyperemia during contraction in both dietary groups. Exogenous H2O2 dilated arterioles in both groups, with greater responses in HS rats. Guanylate cyclase inhibition did not affect arteriolar responses to H2O2 in either group, but KCa or KATP channel inhibition equally reduced these responses, and KATP channel inhibition equally reduced functional hyperemia in both groups. Conclusions: These results indicate that locally produced H2O2 contributes to arteriolar dilation and hyperemia in contracting skeletal muscle, and that the effect of H2O2 on arteriolar tone in this vascular bed is mediated largely through K+ channel activation. High dietary salt intake does not reduce the contribution of H2O2 to active hyperemia, or alter the mechanism through which H2O2 relaxes arteriolar smooth muscle. [source]


The insecticide fipronil and its metabolite fipronil sulphone inhibit the rat ,1,2,2L GABAA receptor

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2008

Background and purpose: Fipronil is the active ingredient in a number of widely used insecticides. Human exposure to fipronil leads to symptoms (headache, nausea and seizures) typically associated with the antagonism of GABAA receptors in the brain. In this study, we have examined the modulation of the common brain GABAA receptor subtype by fipronil and its major metabolite, fipronil sulphone. Experimental approach: Whole-cell and single-channel recordings were made from HEK 293 cells transiently expressing rat ,1,2,2L GABAA receptors. Key results: The major effect of fipronil was to increase the rate of current decay in macroscopic recordings. In single-channel recordings, the presence of fipronil resulted in shorter cluster durations without affecting the intracluster open and closed time distributions or the single-channel conductance. The ,1V256S mutation, previously shown alleviate channel inhibition by inhibitory steroids and several insecticides, had a relatively small effect on channel block by fipronil. The mode of action of fipronil sulphone was similar to that of its parent compound but the metabolite was less potent at inhibiting the ,1,2,2L receptor. Conclusions and implications: We conclude that exposure to fipronil induces accumulation of receptors in a novel, long-lived blocked state. This process proceeds in parallel with and independently of, channel desensitization. The lower potency of fipronil sulphone indicates that the conversion serves as a detoxifying process in mammalian brain. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 783,794; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.309; published online 28 July 2008 [source]


Combined hERG channel inhibition and disruption of trafficking in drug-induced long QT syndrome by fluoxetine: a case-study in cardiac safety pharmacology

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
J C Hancox
Drug-induced prolongation of the rate-corrected QT interval (QTCI) on the electrocardiogram occurs as an unwanted effect of diverse clinical and investigational drugs and carries a risk of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. hERG (human ether-à-go-go-related gene) is the gene encoding the ,-subunit of channels mediating the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current, which plays a vital role in repolarising the ventricles of the heart. Most QTCI prolonging drugs can inhibit the function of recombinant hERG K+ channels, consequently in vitro hERG assays are used widely as front-line screens in cardiac safety-testing of novel chemical entities. In this issue, Rajamani and colleagues report a case of QTCI prolongation with the antidepressant fluoxetine and correlate this with a dual effect of the drug and of its major metabolite norfluoxetine on hERG channels. Both compounds were found to produce an acute inhibition of the hERG channel by pharmacological blockade, but in addition they also were able to disrupt the normal trafficking of hERG protein to the cell membrane. Mutations to a key component of the drug binding site in the S6 region of the channel greatly attenuated channel block, but did not impair disruption of trafficking; this suggests that channel block and drug effects on trafficking were mediated by different mechanisms. These findings add to growing evidence for disruption of hERG channel trafficking as a mechanism for drug-induced long QT syndrome and raise questions as to possible limitations of acute screening methods in the assessment of QTcI prolonging liability of drugs in development. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 457,459. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706890 [source]


Quantitative Structure,Activity Relationship Models for Predicting Biological Properties, Developed by Combining Structure- and Ligand-Based Approaches: An Application to the Human Ether-a-go-go-Related Gene Potassium Channel Inhibition

CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN, Issue 4 2009
Alessio Coi
A strategy for developing accurate quantitative structure,activity relationship models enabling predictions of biological properties, when suitable knowledge concerning both ligands and biological target is available, was tested on a data set where molecules are characterized by high structural diversity. Such a strategy was applied to human ether-a-go-go-related gene K+ channel inhibition and consists of a combination of ligand- and structure-based approaches, which can be carried out whenever the three-dimensional structure of the target macromolecule is known or may be modeled with good accuracy. Molecular conformations of ligands were obtained by means of molecular docking, performed in a previously built theoretical model of the channel pore, so that descriptors depending upon the three-dimensional molecular structure were properly computed. A modification of the directed sphere-exclusion algorithm was developed and exploited to properly splitting the whole dataset into Training/Test set pairs. Molecular descriptors, computed by means of the codessa program, were used for the search of reliable quantitative structure,activity relationship models that were subsequently identified through a rigorous validation analysis. Finally, pIC50 values of a prediction set, external to the initial dataset, were predicted and the results confirmed the high predictive power of the model within a quite wide chemical space. [source]


Tonic Potentiation And Attenuation Produced By Membrane Depolarization In Guinea-Pig Trachealis

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2000
Kenichi Yamaki
SUMMARY 1. We studied how membrane depolarization directly affected intracellular Ca2+ signalling when voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCC) were not available in guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle. To block VOCC, we used 3 ,mol/L verapamil, which completely abolished high K+ (20,60 mmol/L)-induced contraction, and elevation of fura-2 signal. 2. Muscle tone was generated by adding Ca2+ to the extracellular Ca2+ -free solution containing prostaglandin (PG)E2 (100 nmol/L) after abolishing basal tone with indomethacin (1 ,mol/L). 3. In the absence of verapamil, high K+ (20,60 mmol/L) solution potentiated 2.4 mmol/L Ca2+ -induced sustained contractions. Even in the presence of 3 ,mol/L verapamil, replacement with 20 and 40 mmol/L K+ solution induced tonic potentiation, which was changed to attenuation with a higher K+ solution (60 mmol/L), lower extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) and pretreatment with cyclopiazonic acid (10 ,mol/L), a Ca2+ sequestration inhibitor. 4. These results indicate that the balance between depolarization-dependent Ca2+ release and receptor-operated cation channel inhibition may determine whether tonic potentiation or attenuation is manifested, depending on the availability of VOCC, the magnitude of the depolarization, [Ca2+]o and Ca2+ content in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. [source]