Abstract

Functional studies have demonstrated that adrenoceptor agonist-evoked relaxation is mediated primarily by β₃-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in human bladder. Thus, the use of selective β₃-AR agonists in the pharmacological treatment of overactive bladder is being explored. The present studies investigated the effects of a novel selective β₃-AR agonist, (R)-3′-[[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]ethyl]amino]-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid (GW427353; solabegron) on bladder function in the dog using in vitro and in vivo techniques. GW427353 stimulated cAMP accumulation in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing the human β₃-AR, with an EC₅₀ value of 22 ± 6 nM and an intrinsic activity 90% of isoproterenol. At concentrations of 10,000 nM, GW427353 produced a minimal response in cells expressing either β₁-ARs or β₂-ARs (maximum response <10% of that to isoproterenol). In dog isolated bladder strips, GW427353 evoked relaxation that was attenuated by the nonselective β-AR antagonist bupranolol and 1-(2-ethylphenoxy)-3-[[(1S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl]amino]-(2S)-2-propanol (SR59230A) (reported to have β₃-AR antagonist activity). The relaxation was unaffected by atenolol, a selective β₁-AR antagonist, or (±)-1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-butanol (ICI 118551), a selective β₂-AR antagonist. GW427353 increased the volume required to evoke micturition in the anesthetized dog following acetic acid-evoked bladder irritation, without affecting the ability of the bladder to void. GW427353-evoked effects on bladder parameters in vivo were inhibited by bupranolol. The present study demonstrates that selective activation of β₃-AR with GW427353 evokes bladder relaxation and facilitates bladder storage mechanisms in the dog.