HPLC-based activity profiling approach for the discovery of GABAA receptor ligands using an automated two microelectrode voltage clamp assay on Xenopus oocytes.
An approach for rapid HPLC-based profiling for new GABA (A) ligands of natural origin has been developed. Active extracts are separated by a single injection of 3-10 mg of extract onto a semi-preparative (150 x 10 mm i. d.) HPLC column with gradient elution and time-based fractionation. The microfractions are tested in an automated two-microelectrode voltage-clamp assay on Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant GABA (A) channels composed of alpha (1), beta (2) and gamma (2S) subunits. The protocol has been validated by spiking experiments with inactive extract and the GABA (A) receptor ligand magnolol, and by profiling of active extracts such as valerian extract containing the known GABA (A) receptor ligand valerenic acid. For dereplication of GABA containing extracts, we established a rapid and simple procedure by which GABA is analyzed as OPA derivative by reversed-phase HPLC. This dereplication protocol was validated with plant and fungal extracts which had been previously tested active or inactive in the oocyte assay and with spiking experiments.
Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, Basel, Switzerland.
Hyun Jung
HJ
Kim
Igor
I
Baburin
Sophia
S
Khom
Steffen
S
Hering
Matthias
M
Hamburger
D000818:Animals; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008839:Microelectrodes; D009865:Oocytes; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism*; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; D014981:Xenopus
D018755:GABA Agonists; D008024:Ligands; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A