Ac-[3- and 4-alkylthioproline31]-CCK4 analogs: synthesis and implications for the CCK-B receptor-bound conformation.

It has been reported that substitution of the Met31 residue in Boc-CCK4 (Boc-Trp30-Met31-Asp32-Phe33-NH2, CCK33 numbering) by trans-3-propyl-L-proline yields a highly potent and selective CCK-B agonist. To further explore the structural requirements of the Met31 side chain in the receptor-bound conformation of CCK4, we have synthesized several Ac-CCK4 analogs containing substitution of Met31 by 3- and 4-(alkylthio)-substituted proline derivatives. To this end we have developed novel synthetic routes to enantiomerically pure N-Boc-4-cis- and -trans-(methylthio)prolines and racemic N-Boc-3-cis and -trans-[(4-methylbenzyl)thio]prolines. The protected mercaptoprolines were incorporated into Ac-CCK4 analogs using SPPS and were alkylated using various electrophiles following cleavage from the solid support. Binding assays reveal that 3-(alkylthio)prolines analogs have higher affinities at the CCK-B receptor than the corresponding 4-(alkylthio)proline analogs, and that trans-3-(alkylthio)proline analogs had higher affinities than corresponding cis-3-(alkylthio)proline analogs. Within both the cis- and trans-3-(alkylthio)proline series, the order of potency was found to be Me < Et < n-Pr. The trans-3-(n-propylthio)-L-proline analog demonstrates a higher affinity than that reported for Boc-CCK4[trans-3-propyl-L-Pro31]. Comparison of the low-energy structures calculated for several high-affinity Ac-CCK4 analogs reveal a common geometry which we propose to be the CCK-B receptor-bound conformation. This model shows grouping of the hydrophobic side chains of Trp, Met, and Phe at one side of the molecule and the hydrophilic side chain of Asp and the C-terminal carboxamide at the other side.

Bradykinin and angiotensin II analogs containing a conformationally constrained proline analog.

Three analogs of bradykinin and one of angiotensin II have been prepared in which the naturally occurring proline residues have been replaced by the bicyclic amino acid, 2,4-methanoproline (2,4-MePro). The relative binding affinities for these analogs were determined to be significantly reduced in the cases of the three bradykinin analogs; [2,4-MePro3]-BK retains 1.3%, [2,4-MePro7]-BK retains 0.3% and [2,4-MePro2]-BK retains 0.021% of the binding affinity of bradykinin. Results from other modification at positions three and seven indicate preference for the trans-amide bond preceding these residues implying that other factors, either steric or conformational, are responsible for the decreased affinity for the receptor seen with 2,4-MePro substitution. The retention of significant binding affinity (26%) in the case of [Ile5,2,4-MePro7]-angiotensin II gives direct evidence that the trans-conformation of the proline amide bond is the one recognized by the AII receptor. Only significant retention of activity can be interpreted unambiguously with the use of this proline analog because of its known conformational differences from Pro as well as its increased steric requirements at the receptor.

Renin inhibitors containing esters at the P2-position. Oral activity in a derivative of methyl aminomalonate.

A series of renin inhibitors containing ester side chains at the P2 subsite are potent inhibitors of primate renin. Derivatives containing the diol isostere (ACDMH) at P1-P1' were the most potent inhibitors. Moderate selectivity for renin was observed relative to the closely related aspartic proteinase cathepsin D. The prototype compound, 4 (PD 132002), inhibited pepsin only weakly. In both high-renin normotensive and high-renin renal hypertensive monkeys, 4 produced substantial reductions in blood pressure after oral administration of 30 mg/kg. The maximum drop in blood pressure observed (24 +/- 4 mmHg) in the renal hypertensive monkey model was comparable to the drop produced by an intravenous infusion of saralasin at a maximally effective dose. Both the magnitude and duration of the oral antihypertensive effect of 4 is greater than that produced by enalkiren, CGP-38560, or CP-80794 by direct comparison in the same hypertensive monkey model. The malonate ester derivatives were prepared as ca. 65:35 mixtures of epimers. The kinetics of epimerization of 4 were investigated in detail, and it was shown to equilibrate rapidly at physiological pH (t1/2 less than 2 min). Fractional crystallization was employed to obtain the individual diastereomers in greater than 98% purity, which were indistinguishable in terms of their activity in vitro or in vivo, presumably due to rapid epimerization under the testing conditions.

Cardiotonic agents. 6. Synthesis and inotropic activity of 2,4-dihydro-5-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]-3H-pyrazol-3-ones: ring-contracted analogues of imazodan (CI-914).

A series of 2,4-dihydro-5-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]-3H-pyrazol-3-ones was synthesized and evaluated for positive inotropic activity. Only compounds with two small alkyl groups at C-4 showed significant activity. The structure-activity relationships for optimal inotropic activity are presented and compared with those of the 4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone series. The phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity is also reported and correlated with the substitution pattern at C-4 in the pyrazolone ring.