Abstract
Reduced brain γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) participates in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. GABA scarcely penetrates the brain. We evaluated the pharmacological properties of BL-1020, a novel GABA ester of perphenazine. Oral BL-1020 or perphenazine were assessed in acute and subchronic schizophrenia rat models. Catalepsy, serum prolactin, receptor binding profile and cortical (PFC), hippocampal (Hip) and dopamine (DA) levels were determined. Radioactive [14C] labeled BL-1020 was used for pharmacokinetics (PK). Acute and subchronic treatment with BL-1020 antagonized amphetamine-induced hyperactivity, with significantly lower catalepsy and sedation compared to equimolar perphenazine. At the same time, BL-1020 increased DA release in the PFC and Hip. BL-1020 and perphenazine stimulated prolactin secretion equally. BL-1020 displayed strong DA and serotonin (5HT) receptor inhibition (D2L Kiz = 0.066 nM, D2S Ki = 0.062 nM, 5-HT2A Ki = 0.21 nM). PK data revealed that BL-1020 penetrated the brain. Conclusions: The advantages of BL-1020 for treatment of schizophrenia stem from its being a DA/5HT antagonist and a GABAergic agsonist that releases cortical DA and antagonizes amphetamine-induced hyperactivity with reduced catalepsy and sedation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-13 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | European Neuropsychopharmacology |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Antipsychotics
- Dopamine
- GABA
- Perphenazine
- Schizophrenia
- Serotonin