Positive allosteric interaction of structurally diverse T-type calcium channel antagonists

Cell Biochem Biophys. 2009;55(2):81-93. doi: 10.1007/s12013-009-9057-4. Epub 2009 Jul 7.

Abstract

Low-voltage-activated (T-type) calcium channels play a role in diverse physiological responses including neuronal burst firing, hormone secretion, and cell growth. To better understand the biological role and therapeutic potential of the target, a number of structurally diverse antagonists have been identified. Multiple drug interaction sites have been identified for L-type calcium channels, suggesting a similar possibility exists for the structurally related T-type channels. Here, we radiolabel a novel amide T-type calcium channel antagonist (TTA-A1) and show that several known antagonists, including mibefradil, flunarizine, and pimozide, displace binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Further, we identify a novel quinazolinone T-type antagonist (TTA-Q4) that enhanced amide radioligand binding, increased affinity in a saturable manner and slowed dissociation. Functional evaluation showed these compounds to be state-dependent antagonists which show a positive allosteric interaction. Consistent with slowing dissociation, the duration of efficacy was prolonged when compounds were co-administered to WAG/Rij rats, a genetic model of absence epilepsy. The development of a T-type calcium channel radioligand has been used to demonstrate structurally distinct TTAs interact at allosteric sites and to confirm the potential for synergistic inhibition of T-type calcium channels with structurally diverse antagonists.

MeSH terms

  • Allosteric Regulation / drug effects
  • Allosteric Site / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / chemistry
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type