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H3 receptor antagonist

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An H3 receptor antagonist is a classification of drugs used to block the action of histamine at the H3 receptor.

Unlike the H1 and H2 receptors which have primarily peripheral actions, but cause sedation if they are blocked in the brain, H3 receptors are primarily found in the brain and are inhibitory autoreceptors located on histaminergic nerve terminals, which modulate the release of histamine. Histamine release in the brain triggers secondary release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and acetylcholine via stimulation of H1 receptors in the cerebral cortex. Consequently, unlike the H1 antagonist antihistamines which are sedating, H3 antagonists have stimulant and nootropic effects, and are being researched as potential drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

Examples of selective H3 antagonists include clobenpropit,[1] ABT-239,[2] ciproxifan,[3] conessine, A-349,821,[4] betahistine, and pitolisant.[5]

History

The histamine H3 receptor (H3R) was discovered in 1983 and was one of the last receptors that were discovered using conventional pharmacological methods.[6] Its structure was discovered later as a part of an effort to identify a commonly expressed G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the central nervous system (CNS).[7] The pharmacology of H3R is very complicated which has made drug development difficult. Many different functional isoforms of the H3R exist which means it could theoretically be possible to target a single isoform specifically. That may, however, be difficult due to genetic variability of the isoforms as well as differing functionality of each one.[8]

H3R ligands have now been classified as agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists, depending on the signaling assay used.[9][10]

Mechanism of Action

The H3R is a GPCR and it has been described as a presynaptic autoreceptor, regulating the release of histamine and also as a heteroreceptor, regulating neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA.[11] The receptor has a high constitutive activity which means that it can signal without being activated by an agonist.[10] H3R regulates the release of neurotransmitters by influencing the amount of intracellular calcium. When activated, it blocks the influx of calcium which leads to inhibition of the release of neurotransmitters.[7] Antagonists of the receptors cause synthesis and release of these neurotransmitters which promotes waking.[12] H3Rs are mostly expressed on the histaminergic neurons of the CNS but can also be found in various areas of the peripheral nervous system.[10] The H3R has been found in high densities in the basal ganglia, hippocampus and cortical areas which are all regions of the brain associated with cognition.[11] The histaminergic system has been described as having a role in the pathophysiology of cognitive symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and narcolepsy.[7]

Development

Early Pharmacophore

In the beginning of development for H3R ligands the focus was on the agonist histamine which contains an imidazole ring in its structure. The structural diversity among H3R is limited and all known H3R agonists today contain an imidazole ring.[10][9] The problem with the imidazole containing compounds was the inhibition of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes which resulted in severe drug interactions.[11][10] They also had difficulty in crossing the blood-brain-barrier. Many compounds were tested but they were too toxic to be useful.[6]

Off target function on H4R and other receptors was also a problem with imidazole-based antagonists. The wide variety of potential pathophysiology of H3R in brain disorders makes H3R antagonists interesting for drug development.[7]

Thioperamide

The first imidazole-based antagonist that was developed was thioperamide which was very potent and selective but was not usable as a drug due to hepatotoxicity. It was originally designed to improve wakefulness and cognition deficit.[6] A recent study showed potential thioperamide treatment of the circadian rhythm of patients with parkinson’s disease.[13]

Chemical structure of thioperamide. Early pharmacophore contained an imidazole ring.
Chemical structure of thioperamide. Early pharmacophore contained an imidazole ring.

New Pharmacophore

The focus turned to non-imidazole H3R antagonists. They do not seem to interact with the CYP family on the same level as imidazole-based H3R antagonists and can reach the CNS more easily. Unfortunately other problems have come up such as strong binding to hERG K+ channel, phospholipidosis as well as problems with P-gp substrate. Strong binding to hERG K+ channel can lead to QT prolongation.[11]

Pitolisant

Pitolisant was the first antagonist /inverse agonist to proceed to clinical trials and is the only drug that has been approved by regulatory authorities in the US and Europe. It is highly selective for the H3 receptor. Pitolisant has high oral bioavailability and easily accesses the brain. It undergoes extensive first-pass effects through the CYP4A4 enzyme in the gut. The whole metabolic pathway has not yet been established but involves a few CYP enzymes.[14] It has been proved to be useful for maintaining waking-state in the daytime for people with narcolepsy.[6] Side effects encountered in clinical trials were found to be dose-dependent. As expected, some of the adverse effects were neuropsychiatric in character most common of which were insomnia, headache and anxiety. Pitolisant can also potentially cause a prolonged QT interval so caution is advised in cardiac patients. Keeping doses as low as possible can minimize risk for adverse events.[14]

It can be found under the tradename Wakix and is considered an orphan drug. It was approved by the European Commission on 31 March 2016. It is available in 4.5 mg and 18 mg tablets.[15]

Chemical structure of Pitolisant. New pharmacophore contain non-imidazole compounds, in the case of Pitolisant, a piperidine ring.
Chemical structure of Pitolisant. New pharmacophore contain non-imidazole compounds, in the case of Pitolisant, a piperidine ring.

Structure Activity Relationship

A general structural pattern that is necessary for the antagonist affinity for H3R has been described. An H3R antagonist needs to have a basic amine group which is linked to an aromatic/lipophilic region that is connected to either a polar group or another basic group or a lipophilic region.[7]

Structure activity relationship for H3R antagonists

Clinical Significance

H3R antagonists/inverse agonists demonstrate a possible way to treat diseases of the CNS for example Alzheimer's disease (AD), attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD), schizophrenia (SCH), pain, and narcolepsy.[16]

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleeping disorder which is characterised by chronic sleepiness. Cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis can also be present in narcolepsy.[17] H3R antagonism leads to histamine release into the cerebrospinal fluid which promotes wakefulness. Therefore, H3R antagonists have been studied in the hope of treating narcolepsy. Pitolisant has been approved for treatment of narcolepsy[7] and other H3R antagonists are in clinical trials.[8]

Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain. Histamine plays a well documented role in AD, however the varying levels of histamine in different areas of the brain make it hard to demonstrate a direct link between histaminergic neurotransmission and AD pathology.[16] In vivo studies have shown that a number of H3R antagonists facilitate learning and memory.[7] Thioperamide blocks H3R and causes an increase in neuronal histamine release which then modifies cognition processes through H1R and H2R and other receptors (e.g. cholinergic and GABA). Degeneration of histaminergic neurons in AD doesn’t correlate to H3R expressions since a large portion of H3R in the brain are located elsewhere deep in cortical and thalamocortical neurons among others.[16]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is most pronounced in children. Current pharmacological treatments consist of stimulant medications (e.g. methylphenidate), non-stimulant medication (e.g. atomoxetine) and α2 agonists. These medications can cause adverse effects and some types have the potential to cause addiction. Developing alternative treatments is therefore desirable. In vivo studies show potential of using H3R antagonists in ADHD to aid in attention and cognitive activity by elevating release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine.[16]

Schizophrenia

In schizophrenia, dopaminergic pathways, among other neurotransmitter systems, play a significant role in the development of the disease.[7][16] Current treatments are based on first and second generation antipsychotics. These drugs are principally dopamine antagonists, and they can cause many undesirable side-effects. Histaminergic neurons also seem to play a role in schizophrenia, and H3 receptors are co-localized with dopamine receptors in GABAergic neurons. H3 receptor antagonists may be useful in treating the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, even if they are not effective in the treatment of its positive symptoms. [7]

References

  1. ^ Yoneyama H, Shimoda A, Araki L, et al. (March 2008). "Efficient approaches to S-alkyl-N-alkylisothioureas: syntheses of histamine H3 antagonist clobenpropit and its analogues". The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 73 (6): 2096–104. doi:10.1021/jo702181x. PMID 18278935.
  2. ^ Fox GB, Esbenshade TA, Pan JB, Radek RJ, Krueger KM, Yao BB, Browman KE, Buckley MJ, Ballard ME, Komater VA, Miner H, Zhang M, Faghih R, Rueter LE, Bitner RS, Drescher KU, Wetter J, Marsh K, Lemaire M, Porsolt RD, Bennani YL, Sullivan JP, Cowart MD, Decker MW, Hancock AA (April 2005). "Pharmacological properties of ABT-239 [4-(2-{2-[(2R)-2-Methylpyrrolidinyl]ethyl}-benzofuran-5-yl)benzonitrile]: II. Neurophysiological characterization and broad preclinical efficacy in cognition and schizophrenia of a potent and selective histamine H3 receptor antagonist". Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 313 (1): 176–90. doi:10.1124/jpet.104.078402. ISSN 1521-0103. PMID 15608077.
  3. ^ Ligneau X, Lin J, Vanni-Mercier G, Jouvet M, Muir JL, Ganellin CR, Stark H, Elz S, Schunack W, Schwartz J (November 1998). "Neurochemical and behavioral effects of ciproxifan, a potent histamine H3-receptor antagonist". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 287 (2): 658–66. PMID 9808693.
  4. ^ Esbenshade TA, Fox GB, Krueger KM, Baranowski JL, Miller TR, Kang CH, Denny LI, Witte DG, Yao BB, Pan JB, Faghih R, Bennani YL, Williams M, Hancock AA (1 September 2004). "Pharmacological and behavioral properties of A-349821, a selective and potent human histamine H3 receptor antagonist". Biochemical Pharmacology. 68 (5): 933–45. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2004.05.048. PMID 15294456.
  5. ^ Ligneau X, Perrin D, Landais L, Camelin JC, Calmels TP, Berrebi-Bertrand I, Lecomte JM, Parmentier R, Anaclet C, Lin JS, Bertaina-Anglade V, la Rochelle CD, d'Aniello F, Rouleau A, Gbahou F, Arrang JM, Ganellin CR, Stark H, Schunack W, Schwartz JC (January 2007). "BF2.649 [1-{3-[3-(4-Chlorophenyl)propoxy]propyl}piperidine, hydrochloride], a nonimidazole inverse agonist/antagonist at the human histamine H3 receptor: Preclinical pharmacology". Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 320 (1): 365–75. doi:10.1124/jpet.106.111039. PMID 17005916.
  6. ^ a b c d Schwartz, Jean-Charles (2011-06-01). "The histamine H3 receptor: from discovery to clinical trials with pitolisant". British Journal of Pharmacology. 163 (4): 713–721. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01286.x. ISSN 1476-5381. PMC 3111674. PMID 21615387.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Sadek, Bassem; Saad, Ali; Sadeq, Adel; Jalal, Fakhreya; Stark, Holger (2016). "Histamine H3 receptor as a potential target for cognitive symptoms in neuropsychiatric diseases". Behavioural Brain Research. 312: 415–430. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.051. PMID 27363923.
  8. ^ a b Berlin, Michael; Boyce, Christopher W.; de Lera Ruiz, Manuel (2011-01-13). "Histamine H3 Receptor as a Drug Discovery Target". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 54 (1): 26–53. doi:10.1021/jm100064d. ISSN 0022-2623. PMID 21062081.
  9. ^ a b Wijtmans, Maikel; Leurs, Rob; Esch, Iwan de (2007-07-01). "Histamine H3 receptor ligands break ground in a remarkable plethora of therapeutic areas". Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 16 (7): 967–985. doi:10.1517/13543784.16.7.967. ISSN 1354-3784. PMID 17594183.
  10. ^ a b c d e Celanire, Sylvain; Wijtmans, Maikel; Talaga, Patrice; Leurs, Rob; Esch, Iwan J.P. de (2005). "Keynote review: Histamine H3 receptor antagonists reach out for the clinic". Drug Discovery Today. 10 (23–24): 1613–1627. doi:10.1016/s1359-6446(05)03625-1. PMID 16376822.
  11. ^ a b c d Gemkow, Mark J.; Davenport, Adam J.; Harich, Silke; Ellenbroek, Bart A.; Cesura, Andrea; Hallett, David (2009). "The histamine H3 receptor as a therapeutic drug target for CNS disorders". Drug Discovery Today. 14 (9–10): 509–515. doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2009.02.011. PMID 19429511.
  12. ^ Ledneczki, Istvan; Tapolcsányi, Pál; Gábor, Eszter; Éles, János; Greiner, István; Schmidt, Éva; Némethy, Zsolt; Kedves, Rita Soukupné; Balázs, Ottilia (2017). "Discovery of novel steroidal histamine H 3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 27 (19): 4525–4530. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.08.060. PMID 28888822.
  13. ^ Masini, D.; Lopes-Aguiar, C.; Bonito-Oliva, A.; Papadia, D.; Andersson, R.; Fisahn, A.; Fisone, G. (2017-04-11). "The histamine H3 receptor antagonist thioperamide rescues circadian rhythm and memory function in experimental parkinsonism". Translational Psychiatry. 7 (4): e1088. doi:10.1038/tp.2017.58. PMC 5416699. PMID 28398338.
  14. ^ a b Kollb-Sielecka, Marta; Demolis, Pierre; Emmerich, Joseph; Markey, Greg; Salmonson, Tomas; Haas, Manuel (2017). "The European Medicines Agency review of pitolisant for treatment of narcolepsy: summary of the scientific assessment by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use". Sleep Medicine. 33: 125–129. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2017.01.002. PMID 28449891.
  15. ^ "European Medicines Agency - Find medicine - Wakix". www.ema.europa.eu. Retrieved 2017-09-27.
  16. ^ a b c d e Vohora, Divya; Bhowmik, Malay (2012). "Histamine H3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists on cognitive and motor processes: relevance to Alzheimer's disease, ADHD, schizophrenia, and drug abuse". Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. 6: 72. doi:10.3389/fnsys.2012.00072. ISSN 1662-5137. PMC 3478588. PMID 23109919.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  17. ^ Scammell, Thomas E. (2015-12-30). "Narcolepsy". New England Journal of Medicine. 373 (27): 2654–2662. doi:10.1056/nejmra1500587. PMID 26716917.
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