An H3 receptor antagonist is a type of antihistaminic drug used to block the action of histamine at H3 receptors.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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]
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 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 is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain. Though histamine plays a well documented role in AD, the varying levels of histamine in different areas of the brain make it hard to demonstrate a direct link between histaminergic neurotransmission and pathology of AD. [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]
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]
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]
A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell.
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase the activity of the brain. They are used for various purposes, such as enhancing alertness, attention, motivation, cognition, mood, and physical performance. Some of the most common stimulants are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, methylphenidate, and modafinil.
Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound involved in local immune responses communication, as well as regulating physiological functions in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter for the brain, spinal cord, and uterus. Discovered in 1910, histamine has been considered a local hormone (autocoid) because it's produced without involvement of the classic endocrine glands; however, in recent years, histamine has been recognized as a central neurotransmitter. Histamine is involved in the inflammatory response and has a central role as a mediator of itching. As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by basophils and by mast cells found in nearby connective tissues. Histamine increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and some proteins, to allow them to engage pathogens in the infected tissues. It consists of an imidazole ring attached to an ethylamine chain; under physiological conditions, the amino group of the side-chain is protonated.
Histamine H3 receptors are expressed in the central nervous system and to a lesser extent the peripheral nervous system, where they act as autoreceptors in presynaptic histaminergic neurons and control histamine turnover by feedback inhibition of histamine synthesis and release. The H3 receptor has also been shown to presynaptically inhibit the release of a number of other neurotransmitters (i.e. it acts as an inhibitory heteroreceptor) including, but probably not limited to dopamine, GABA, acetylcholine, noradrenaline, histamine and serotonin.
Dopaminergic means "related to dopamine", a common neurotransmitter. Dopaminergic substances or actions increase dopamine-related activity in the brain.
An autoreceptor is a type of receptor located in the membranes of nerve cells. It serves as part of a negative feedback loop in signal transduction. It is only sensitive to the neurotransmitters or hormones released by the neuron on which the autoreceptor sits. Similarly, a heteroreceptor is sensitive to neurotransmitters and hormones that are not released by the cell on which it sits. A given receptor can act as either an autoreceptor or a heteroreceptor, depending upon the type of transmitter released by the cell on which it is embedded.
Cataplexy is a sudden and transient episode of muscle weakness accompanied by full conscious awareness, typically triggered by emotions such as laughing, crying, or terror. Cataplexy is the first symptom to appear in about 10% of cases of narcolepsy, caused by an autoimmune destruction of hypothalamic neurons that produce the neuropeptide hypocretin, which regulates arousal and has a role in stabilization of the transition between wake and sleep states. Cataplexy without narcolepsy is rare and the cause is unknown.
The H1 receptor is a histamine receptor belonging to the family of rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled receptors. This receptor is activated by the biogenic amine histamine. It is expressed in smooth muscles, on vascular endothelial cells, in the heart, and in the central nervous system. The H1 receptor is linked to an intracellular G-protein (Gq) that activates phospholipase C and the inositol triphosphate (IP3) signalling pathway. Antihistamines, which act on this receptor, are used as anti-allergy drugs. The crystal structure of the receptor has been determined (shown on the right/below) and used to discover new histamine H1 receptor ligands in structure-based virtual screening studies.
Trace amines are an endogenous group of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists – and hence, monoaminergic neuromodulators – that are structurally and metabolically related to classical monoamine neurotransmitters. Compared to the classical monoamines, they are present in trace concentrations. They are distributed heterogeneously throughout the mammalian brain and peripheral nervous tissues and exhibit high rates of metabolism. Although they can be synthesized within parent monoamine neurotransmitter systems, there is evidence that suggests that some of them may comprise their own independent neurotransmitter systems.
ABT-239 is an H3-receptor inverse agonist developed by Abbott. It has stimulant and nootropic effects, and has been investigated as a treatment for ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. ABT-239 is more active at the human H3 receptor than comparable agents such as thioperamide, ciproxifan, and cipralisant. It was ultimately dropped from human trials after showing the dangerous cardiac side effect of QT prolongation, but is still widely used in animal research into H3 antagonists / inverse agonists.
Thioperamide is a potent HRH4 antagonist and selective HRH3 antagonist capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier. It was used by Jean-Charles Schwartz in his early experiments regarding the H3 receptor. Thioperamide was found to be an antagonist of histamine autoreceptors, which negatively regulate the release of histamine. The drug enhances the activity of histaminergic neurons by blocking autoreceptors, leading to greater release of histamine.
Ciproxifan is an extremely potent histamine H3 inverse agonist/antagonist.
Antihistamines are drugs which treat allergic rhinitis, common cold, influenza, and other allergies. Typically, people take antihistamines as an inexpensive, generic drug that can be bought without a prescription and provides relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, or hives caused by pollen, dust mites, or animal allergy with few side effects. Antihistamines are usually for short-term treatment. Chronic allergies increase the risk of health problems which antihistamines might not treat, including asthma, sinusitis, and lower respiratory tract infection. Consultation of a medical professional is recommended for those who intend to take antihistamines for longer-term use.
Xanomeline is a small molecule muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist that was first synthesized in a collaboration between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk as an investigational therapeutic being studied for the treatment of central nervous system disorders.
GSK-189,254 is a potent and selective H3 histamine receptor inverse agonist developed by GlaxoSmithKline. It has subnanomolar affinity for the H3 receptor (Ki = 0.2nM) and selectivity of over 10,000x for H3 over other histamine receptor subtypes. Animal studies have shown it to possess not only stimulant and nootropic effects, but also analgesic action suggesting a role for H3 receptors in pain processing in the spinal cord. GSK-189,254 and several other related drugs are currently being investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, as well as possible use in the treatment of conditions such as narcolepsy, or neuropathic pain which do not respond well to conventional analgesic drugs.
Pitolisant, sold under the brand name Wakix among others, is a medication used for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in adults with narcolepsy. It is an inverse agonist of the histamine 3 (H3) receptor (an antihistamine drug specific to that kind of receptors). It represents the first commercially available medication in its class, so that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declares it a first-in-class medication. Pitolisant enhances the activity of histaminergic neurons in the brain that function to improve a person's wakefulness. It was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in March 2016 for narcolepsy with or without cataplexy, and for excessive daytime sleepiness by the FDA in August 2019. The most common side effects include difficulty sleeping, nausea, and feeling worried.
A wakefulness-promoting agent (WPA), or wake-promoting agent, is a drug that increases wakefulness and arousal. They are similar to but distinct from psychostimulants, which not only promote wakefulness but also produce other central nervous system effects, such as improved mood, energy, and motivation. Wakefulness-promoting agents are used to treat narcolepsy and hypersomnia as well as to promote wakefulness and increase performance in healthy people.
Clinical neurochemistry is the field of neurological biochemistry which relates biochemical phenomena to clinical symptomatic manifestations in humans. While neurochemistry is mostly associated with the effects of neurotransmitters and similarly functioning chemicals on neurons themselves, clinical neurochemistry relates these phenomena to system-wide symptoms. Clinical neurochemistry is related to neurogenesis, neuromodulation, neuroplasticity, neuroendocrinology, and neuroimmunology in the context of associating neurological findings at both lower and higher level organismal functions.
Jean-Charles Schwartz, born on May 28, 1936, in Paris, is a French neurobiologist, pharmacist and researcher. Husband of Ketty Schwartz, née Gersen (1937–2007) and father of Olivier, Marc and Emmanuelle. He is a member of the Academy of Sciences. He developed pitolisant, the first clinically approved antagonist for H3 receptors.
Samelisant (INNTooltip International Nonproprietary Name; developmental code name SUVN-G3031) is an experimental wakefulness-promoting agent acting as a selective histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist which is under development for the treatment of narcolepsy. It was also under development for the treatment of cognition disorders and Parkinson's disease, but no recent development has been reported for these indications. As of June 2024, samelisant is in phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of narcolepsy.