Effects of L-749,329, an ET(A)/ET(B) endothelin receptor antagonist, in a porcine coronary artery injury model of vascular restenosis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in animal models of angioplasty have suggested a role in neointimal hyperplasia for endothelins (ETs), potent vasoconstricting peptides that also exert growth-promoting effects. The present studies were undertaken to test the hypothesis that endothelin receptor blockade can reduce neointimal thickening in injured porcine coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: An ET(A)/ET(B) antagonist, L-749,329, was evaluated as an inhibitor of intimal thickening in a porcine balloon/stent model of coronary artery injury. L-749,329 competitively inhibited [(125)I]ET-1 binding to porcine ET(A) (IC(50) approximately 0.3 nmol/L) or ET(B) (IC(50) approximately 20 nmol/L) receptors and inhibited ET-1-stimulated signaling in cell culture. In anesthetized pigs, big ET-1-stimulated increases in systemic blood pressure were totally inhibited after intravenous infusion of L-749,329 (>/=0.2 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)). In vascular injury studies, pigs were treated with vehicle or L-749,329 (1 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)) beginning 2 days before and continuing 28 days after experimental angioplasty. Left anterior descending, left circumflex, and/or right coronary arteries were injured by inflation of an angioplasty balloon wrapped with a coiled metallic stent. After 28 days, mean neointimal thickness in the L-749,329-treated group was reduced by 9.0% compared with vehicle-treated controls, but this effect was not statistically significant (P=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Blockade of endothelin receptors for 28 days with only a mixed ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist is insufficient to substantially inhibit intimal hyperplasia after balloon/stent coronary artery injury in the pig, in contrast to results with a selective ET(A) antagonist. The effects of selective or mixed ET(A)/ET(B) antagonists in diseased vessels remain to be determined in this model.

Acute hypotensive responses to peptide inhibitors of renin in conscious monkeys: an effect on blood pressure independent of plasma renin inhibition.

In order to investigate the hypotensive mechanisms of action of peptide renin inhibitors, blood pressure responses to five renin inhibitors were compared with those to the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, enalaprilat, in conscious African green and rhesus monkeys. (3S-4S)-4-amino-5-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy pentanoic acid (ACHPA)-containing renin inhibitory peptide (ACRIP) and enalaprilat both decreased blood pressure in euvolemic and volume-depleted African green monkeys. However, while a maximum dose of enalaprilat reduced blood pressure to 80 +/- 4 and 56 +/- 4 mmHg in the euvolemic and volume-depleted monkeys, respectively, ACRIP lowered pressure to life-threatening levels (less than 40 mmHg) under both conditions. The relative potencies of ACRIP and four other renin inhibitors for inhibiting in vitro plasma renin activity (PRA; IC50) were compared with their potencies in reducing blood pressure by 15 mmHg (ED15 mmHg) and lowering blood pressure more than enalaprilat in volume-depleted rhesus monkeys. All renin inhibitors lowered blood pressure significantly beyond the maximal response to enalaprilat. Despite a significant correlation (r = 0.99, P less than 0.05) between the in vitro PRA inhibitory potency and the in vivo ED15 mmHg, doses which lowered blood pressure beyond the maximal responses to enalaprilat were not significantly correlated (r = 0.53, P greater than 0.05) with the in vitro PRA IC50 values. Furthermore, the profound depressor responses to renin inhibitors in rhesus monkeys were accompanied by increases in the heart rate and decreases in pulse pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis of an analogue of tabtoxinine as a potential inhibitor of D-alanine:D-alanine ligase (ADP forming).

The design and synthesis of a potential inhibitor of D-alanine:D-alanine ligase (ADP forming) (EC 6.3.2.4) are described. This enzyme, which catalyzes the second step in the biosynthesis of bacterial peptidoglycan, is believed to generate D-alanyl phosphate as an enzyme-bound intermediate. With tabtoxinine, a potent inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, as a model, beta-lactams 9R and 9S were synthesized as potential precursors of a D-alanyl phosphate mimic.

Design and synthesis of P2-P1'-linked macrocyclic human renin inhibitors.

Using a computer model of the active site of human renin developed at Merck, we designed a series of novel P2-P1'-linked, macrocyclic renin inhibitors 3-10. These unique inhibitors incorporate a transition-state isostere within a 13- or 14-membered ring. The three most active compounds in this family were 13-membered-ring glutamine-derived inhibitor 3, 14-membered-ring diaminopropionic acid derived inhibitor 6, and 13-membered-ring diol 9 (IC50 0.61, 0.59, 0.65 microM, respectively). Modification of inhibitor 3 at P4 led to 56 nM macrocyclic renin inhibitor 39. This study shows the viability of renin inhibitor designs which incorporate a scissile-bond replacement within a macrocycle.

Inhibitors of human renin with C-termini derived from amides and esters of alpha-mercaptoalkanoic acids.

New transition-state analogues bearing C-termini derived from alpha-mercaptoalkanoic acids, esters, and amides were prepared and evaluated as inhibitors of human renin. Addition of alpha-mercaptoalkanoate esters to a chiral Boc-amino epoxide intermediate led ultimately to the target [(2R,3S)-3-(BocPheHis-amino)-4-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-1-butyl]thio derivatives. The corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone analogues were also investigated. Some of these derivatives, including one with a stable BocPhe replacement, were relatively potent inhibitors of human plasma renin, having IC50 values below 10 nM. When selected compounds were administered intravenously to sodium-deficient rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) at 0.06-1 mg/kg, they reduced plasma renin activity by 87-94%. However, the accompanying drop in blood pressure was of short duration.

Discovery of 4-[(Z)-(4-bromophenyl)- (ethoxyimino)methyl]-1'-[(2,4-dimethyl-3- pyridinyl)carbonyl]-4'-methyl-1,4'- bipiperidine N-oxide (SCH 351125): an orally bioavailable human CCR5 antagonist for the treatment of HIV infection.

Structure-activity studies on piperidino-piperidine 3 led to the discovery of SCH 351125 (1), a selective CCR5 antagonist with potent activity against RANTES binding (K(i) = 2 nM), which possesses subnanomolar activity in blocking viral entry and has excellent antiviral potency versus a panel of primary HIV-1 viral isolates. Compound 1, which has good oral bioavailability in rats, dogs, and monkeys, is proposed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HIV-1 and has entered human clinical trials.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: synthesis and biological activity of acyl tripeptide analogues of enalapril.

The synthesis and biological activity of a series of inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (EC 3.4.15.1) are described. Incorporation of the substituted N-carboxymethyl dipeptide design of enalapril (MK-421) into acyl tripeptides and larger peptides yielded potent inhibitors of the enzyme. These can be viewed as substrate analogues in which the carbonyl of the scissile peptide bond is replaced by a CHCO2H group. Several of the analogues described possess inhibitory potency equal to that of enalaprilat (MK-422), but none achieves an increase in potency which would demonstrate additional binding interactions contributed by the extended peptide chain. Application of the design described may be useful for inhibition of other metallopeptidases.

(3-Amino-2-oxoalkyl)phosphonic acids and their analogues as novel inhibitors of D-alanine:D-alanine ligase.

The dipeptide D-alanyl-D-alanine is an essential precursor of bacterial peptidoglycan; thus, blocking its formation is a possible target for the design of novel antibacterial agents. The synthesis of this dipeptide by bacterial D-alanine:D-alanine ligase requires ATP. In analogy with glutamine synthetase, we hypothesized a mechanism for this enzyme involving the intermediacy of D-alanyl phosphate. Several (3-amino-2-oxoalkyl)phosphonic acids and their analogues have been synthesized as possible inhibitory mimics of this proposed intermediate. The most active of them, (3(R)-amino-2-oxobutyl)phosphonic acid (8a) and the corresponding aza analogue (22), were effective ligase inhibitors although they had no significant antibacterial activity. The ligase inhibition of these compounds is consistent with an acyl phosphate displacement step in the mechanism of DAla-DAla ligase.

Non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. 1. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of N-substituted indoles and dihydroindoles.

A series of N-acylated indoles (12-18), N-alkylated indoles (19-24), N-acylated dihydroindoles (26-30), and N-alkylated dihydroindoles (31-34) were synthesized and evaluated in the in vitro AT1 (rabbit aorta) and AT2 (rat midbrain) binding assay. The carboxylic acid 3-[[N-(2-carboxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-5-indolyl]methyl]-5,7-dimeth yl- 2-ethyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (14b) was found to be the most potent AT1 (IC50 = 0.8 nM) antagonist in the N-acylated indole series and displayed a 25-fold higher potency than the parent unsubstituted derivative 14a (AT1 IC50 = 20 nM) and a 22-fold greater potency than the corresponding dihydroindole analog 27 (AT1 IC50 = 18 nM). Replacement of the terminal carboxyl (COOH) of 14a with the bioisostere tetrazole in 16 (AT1 IC50 = 5 nM, AT2 IC50 = 130 nM) not only improved the AT1 potency by 4-fold but also resulted in a 50-fold increase in AT2 activity. In the N-alkylated indole series, the tetrazole 3-[[N-(2-tetrazol-5-yl-6-chlorobenzyl)-5- indolyl]methyl]-5,7-dimethyl-2-ethyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (24) exhibited the highest AT1 (IC50 = 1 nM) activity, revealing a 230-fold increase in AT1 activity as a result of the incorporation of the isosteric tetrazole for the carboxyl (COOH) of 20 and a nearly 9-fold increase over the corresponding deschloro analog 22 (AT1 IC50 = 8.7 nM). Tetrazole 34 was identified as the most potent (AT1 IC50 = 18 nM) AT1 receptor antagonist in a structurally distinct series of compounds derived from N-alkylation of dihydroindole 25. A new class of highly potent (14b, AT1 IC50 = 0.8 nM; 24, AT1 IC50 = 1 nM) AT1-selective non-peptide AII receptor antagonists derived from N-substituted indoles and dihydroindoles is disclosed. Tetrazole 24 of the N-alkylated indole series displayed good in vivo activity by blocking the AII-induced pressor response for 5.5 h after intravenous administration in conscious normotensive rats at a 1.0 mg/kg dose level.

Non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. 2. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of N-substituted (phenylamino)phenylacetic acids and acyl sulfonamides.

The design, synthesis, and biological activity of a new class of highly potent non-peptide AII receptor antagonists derived from N-substituted (phenylamino)phenylacetic acids and acyl sulfonamides which exhibit a high selectivity for the AT1 receptor are described. A series of N-substituted (phenylamino)phenylacetic acids (9) and acyl sulfonamides (16) and a tetrazole derivative (19) were synthesized and evaluated in the in vitro AT1 (rabbit aorta) and AT2 (rat midbrain) binding assay. The (phenylamino)phenylacetic acids 9c (AT1 IC50 = 4 nM, AT2 IC50 = 0.74 microM), 9d (AT1 IC50 = 5.3 nM, AT2 IC50 = 0.49 microM), and 9e (AT1 IC50 = 5.3 nM, AT2 IC50 = 0.56 microM) were found to be the most potent AT1-selective AII antagonists in the acid series. Incorporation of various substituents in the central and bottom phenyl rings led to a decrease in the AT1 and AT2 binding affinity of the resulting compounds. Replacement of the carboxylic acid (CO2H) in 9c, 9d, and 9e with the bioisostere acyl sulfonamide (CONHSO2Ph) resulted in a (5-7)-fold increase in the AT1 potency of 16a (AT1 IC50 = 0.9 nM, AT2 IC50 = 0.2 microM), 16b (AT1 IC50 = 1 nM, AT2 IC50 = 2.9 microM), and 16c (AT1 IC50 = 0.8 nM, AT2 IC50 = 0.42 microM) and yielded acyl sulfonamides with subnanomolar AT1 activity. Incorporation of the acyl sulfonamide (CONHSO2Ph) for the CO2H of 9c not only enhanced the AT1 potency but also effected a marked increase in the AT2 potency of 16a (AT2 IC50 = 0.74 microM of 9c vs 0.2 microM of 16a) and made it the most potent AT2 antagonist in this study. Replacement of the CO2H of 9b with the bioisostere tetrazole resulted in 19 (AT1 IC50 = 15 nM) with a 2-fold loss in the AT1 and a complete loss in the AT2 binding affinity. (Phenylamino)phenylacetic acid 9c demonstrated good oral activity in AII-infused conscious normotensive rats at an oral dose of 1.0 mg/kg by inhibiting the pressor response for > 6 h. Acyl sulfonamides 16a-c displayed excellent in vivo activity by blocking the AII-induced pressor response for > 6 h after oral administration in conscious rats at a 3.0 mg/kg dose level. Both acyl sulfonamides 16a and 16c exhibited superior in vivo activity in rats compared to that of (phenylamino)phenylacetic acid 9c.

Triazolinone biphenylsulfonamide derivatives as orally active angiotensin II antagonists with potent AT1 receptor affinity and enhanced AT2 affinity.

Several series of 2,4-dihydro-2,4,5-trisubstituted-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones with acidic sulfonamide replacements of tetrazole at the 2'-position of the biphenyl-4-ylmethyl side chain at N4 were prepared and tested as angiotensin II (AII) antagonists. Preferred substituents on the triazolinone ring were n-butyl at C5 and 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl at N2. Subnanomolar IC50 values at the AT1 receptor subtype were observed for a variety of acylsulfonamides, including aroyl, heteroaroyl, and cycloalkylcarbonyl derivatives. Certain other acidic sulfonamides, such as sulfonylcarbamates and disulfimides also displayed high affinity for the AT1 receptor. In addition, AT2 binding for some of these compounds was increased by as much as 1000-fold over the corresponding tetrazole (e.g., AT2 IC50 17 nM for the tert-butyl sulfonylcarbamate 92). When evaluated for inhibition of the AII pressor response, the benchmark benzoylsulfonamide 9 (L-159,913) was efficacious in several species and was superior to losartan (1a) in conscious rhesus monkeys. Several subsequent analogues, including the 2-chlorobenzoyl (18), (3-chlorothiophene-2-yl)carbonyl (51), ((S)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropyl)carbonyl (80), and tert-butoxycarbonyl (92) derivatives, were highly effective in rats, surpassing 9 and losartan in duration of action and/or potency. Compound 18 (L-162,223) displayed very prolonged AII antagonism in the rat model (> 24 h at 1 mg/kg iv). At 1 mg/kg po in rats, 18 and 92 (L-162,234) produced 85-87% peak inhibition of the AII pressor response with duration exceeding 6 h. The identification of triazolinone-based sulfonamide derivatives combining high AT1 affinity, considerably enhanced AT2 potency, and favorable in vivo properties provides insights relevant to the design of dual AT1/AT2 receptor antagonists.

Triazolinones as nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonists. 1. Synthesis and evaluation of potent 2,4,5-trisubstituted triazolinones.

A series of 2,4-dihydro-2,4,5-trisubstituted-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones was prepared via several synthetic routes and evaluated as AII receptor antagonists in vitro and in vivo. The preferred compounds contained a [2'-(5-tetrazolyl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl side chain at N4 and an n-butyl group at C5. A number of these bearing an alkyl or aralkyl substituent at N2 showed in vitro potency in the nanomolar range (rabbit aorta membrane receptor), and several of these, e.g., the 2,2-dimethyl-1-propyl analogue (54, IC50 = 2.1 nM), effectively blocked the AII pressor response in conscious rats with significant duration (2.5 h at 1 mg/kg orally for 54). Among analogues possessing aryl substituents at N2, ortho substitution on the phenyl moiety resulted in several derivatives with in vitro potency in the low nanomolar range. One of these, featuring a 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl substituent at N2 (25, IC50 = 1.2 nM), was effective at 1 mg/kg orally in the rat model, with a duration of > 6 h. Implications for hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with the AT1 receptor are discussed.

Synthesis and use of 3-amino-4-phenyl-2-piperidones and 4-amino-2-benzazepin-3-ones as conformationally restricted phenylalanine isosteres in renin inhibitors.

The design of P2-P3 conformational restrictions in renin inhibitors by the use of a renin computer graphic model led to the synthesis of inhibitors containing N-Boc, N-acetyl, and N-phthalyl derivatives of 3(S)-amino-4(R,S)-2-piperidones and 4(S)-amino-2-benzazepinones in place of phenylalanine in the control compound N-acetyl-L-phenylalanyl-N-[4(S)-[(butylamino)carbonyl]-1(S)- (cyclohexylmethyl)-2(S)-hydroxy-5-methylhexyl]-L-norleuci namide (32). The piperidone inhibitors were prepared by utilization of the Evans chiral auxilliary to introduce the amino group with enantioselectivity and also to act as a leaving group in an intramolecular cyclization to the piperidone. The most potent inhibitor, 3(S)-(acetylamino)-alpha(S)-butyl-N-[4(S)- [(butylamino)carbonyl]-1(S)-(cyclohexylmethyl)-2(S)-hydroxy-5- methylhexyl]-2-oxo-4(R)-phenyl-1-piperidineacetamide (18, IC50 = 21 nM), was 25-fold less potent than the acyclic control 32. Considerable dependence of potency with the size of the P4 derivative was observed as had been expected based on the presynthetic modeling studies. Attempts to rationalize the observed potencies on the basis of further molecular modeling studies suggested that the loss in inhibitor potency was due to the conformational restrictions distorting the 3S center from the geometry present in the putative extended conformation present when the inhibitor is bound within the renin active site.

5-chloro-3-(phenylsulfonyl)indole-2-carboxamide: a novel, non-nucleoside inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

A series of highly potent, structurally novel, non-nucleoside RT inhibitors has been described. Low nanomolar concentrations of 5-chloro-3-(phenylsulfonyl)-indole-2-carboxamide (1) inhibit the HIV-1 RT enzyme in vitro and HTLVIIIb viral spread in MT-4 human T-lymphoid cells. Good oral bioavailability was observed in rhesus monkeys upon oral dosing of 1 as a suspension in methocel. When compared to other non-nucleoside inhibitors (e.g. 15-18), 1 possesses improved inhibitory potency with respect to the wild-type RT, as well as the K103N and Y181C mutant enzymes. Additional studies within this class of inhibitors are in progress.

Renin inhibitors containing C-termini derived from mercaptoheterocycles.

A series of transition-state analogues having heterocyclythio C-termini has been synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of human renin. Addition of mercaptoheterocycles to a chiral Boc-amino epoxide intermediate led, after several steps, to the target [(2R,3S)-3-(BocPheHis-amino)-4-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-1-butyl]thio derivatives. Oxidation of the thioether to sulfone was also investigated. Several of the compounds, especially those derived from N1-substituted-5-mercaptotetrazoles or N4-substituted-3-mercapto-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,4-triazoles, were moderately potent inhibitors of human plasma renin, having IC50 values of 30-40 nM. When selected compounds were administered intravenously to sodium-deficient rhesus monkeys at 0.3-1.2 mg/kg, they reduced plasma renin activity by 75-98%. However, this inhibition and the accompanying drop in blood pressure were of short duration.

Nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonists derived from 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylates and 4-aryl-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylates.

Two series of potential angiotensin II antagonists derived from carboxyl-functionalized "diazole" heterocycles have been prepared and evaluated. Initially, a limited investigation of 4-arylimidazole-5-carboxylates led to 2-n-butyl-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-y l] methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (12b), which was found to be a highly potent antagonist of the rabbit aorta AT1 receptor (IC50 0.55 nM). In conscious, normotensive rats, 12b at 0.1 mg/kg iv inhibited the pressor response to AII by 88%, with a duration of > 6 h. More extensively studied was an isosteric series of 3-alkyl-4-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-pyrazole -5- carboxylates bearing aryl, alkyl, or aralkyl substituents at N1. These compounds were available in highly regioselective fashion via condensation of a substituted hydrazine hydrochloride with a 2-(methoxyimino)-4-oxoalkanoate intermediate. In vitro, the most potent pyrazolecarboxylic acids had n-butyl at C3 and were substituted at N1 by such groups as 2,6-dichlorophenyl (19h), 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (19k), benzyl (19t), and phenethyl (19u), all with IC50 values of 0.18-0.24 nM. Although less potent in the receptor assay, 3-n-propylpyrazolecarboxylic acids were at least as effective as their butyl counterparts in vivo. Several of the pyrazolecarboxylic acid derivatives demonstrated potent, long-lasting oral activity in rats. At 1 mg/kg po, the 1-benzyl-3-butyl (19t), 1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-3-propyl (19v), 3-propyl-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) (19y), and 1-benzyl-3-propyl (19z) analogues all gave > or = 75% inhibition of the AII pressor response in the rat model, with duration of action > 23 h.

In vivo pharmacology of a novel AT1 selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist, MK-996.

MK-996, N-(4'-(5,7-dimethyl-2-ethyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl- methyl)1,1'-biphenyl-2-yl)-sulfonylbenzamide, is a potent, orally active, highly selective, nonpeptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist. MK-996 prevents the pressor response to intravenous AII in the conscious rat, dog, and rhesus monkey (ED50, mg/kg; oral/intravenous = 0.067/0.014, 0.035/0.017, and 0.1/0.036, respectively). In the anesthetized chimpanzee, MK-996 (1 mg/kg, iv) produces 100% (peak) inhibition of the AII pressor response and is still active (52%) at 24 h. To our knowledge this pharmacologic profile in the rat, dog, rhesus monkey, and chimpanzee presents the least species variability of any AII receptor antagonist yet described. Responses to methoxamine and arginine vasopressin are not affected by MK-996. In aortic coarcted (high renin) rats, MK-996 (3 mg/kg, by mouth) reduces blood pressure to normotensive (< 120 mm Hg) levels without reflex tachycardia. This dose of MK-996 reduces blood pressure to approximately the same level as both losartan (3 mg/kg, by mouth) and enalapril (3 mg/kg, by mouth) in this model. The duration of antihypertensive activity of MK-996 is similar to enalapril and shorter than losartan at the doses tested. Additionally, in the rat MK-996 does not potentiate the vasodepressor response to bradykinin and completely prevents the ability of AII to stimulate an increase in plasma levels of aldosterone. Therefore, MK-996 is a potent, orally active, nonpeptide AII receptor antagonist with a long duration of action, little species variability, and anti-hypertensive activity.

In vitro pharmacology of an angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist with balanced affinity for AT2 receptors.

L-163,017 (6-[benzoylamino]-7-methyl-2-propyl-3-[[2'-(N-(3-methyl-1-butoxy) carbonylaminosulfonyl) [1,1']-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) inhibited specific 125I-[Sar1, Ile8]angiotensin II binding to angiotensin AT1 receptor (Ki = 0.11-0.20 nM) in rabbit aorta, rat adrenal and human angiotensin AT1 receptor in CHO (Chinese hamster ovary transformed) cells and to AT2 receptor (Ki = 0.14-0.23 nM) in rat adrenal and brain receptors. L-163,017 also had a high affinity in the presence of bovine serum albumin (2 mg/ml), for angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors on human adrenal (Ki 3.9 and 4.3 nM), aorta (Ki 0.45 and 0.96 nM) and kidney (Ki 3.6 and 2.3 nM). The much higher Ki values in human tissues were likely due to the presence of bovine serum albumin in the binding assay buffer since L-163,017 had Ki values of 0.13 +/- 0.04 and 2.0 +/- 0.04 nM in the absence and presence of bovine serum albumin, respectively, in inhibiting 125I-[Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding to angiotensin AT1 receptor in rat adrenal membranes. Scatchard analysis of 125I-[Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II binding in the presence of bovine serum albumin (2 mg/ml) in rabbit aorta and bovine cerebellum indicated a competitive interaction of L-163,017 with angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors (Ki values 2.5 and 2.1 nM respectively). L-163,017 inhibited angiotensin II-induced aldosterone release in rat adrenal demonstrating that L-163,017 acted as a competitive antagonist (pA2 = 9.9) and lacked agonist activity. L-163,017 also inhibited angiotensin II responses in rat vascular tissues. The specificity of L-163,017 was shown by its lack of activity on the above functional responses produced by other agonists and in several binding assays.

In vivo pharmacology of an angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist with balanced affinity for AT2 receptors.

L-163,017 (6-[benzoylamino]-7-methyl-2-propyl-3-[[2'-(N-(3-methyl-1-butoxy) carbonylaminosulfonyl)[1,1']-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5- b]pyridine) is a potent, orally active, nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Conscious rats and dogs were dosed p.o. and i.v.; in both species the plasma bioequivalents are similar at the angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptor sites indicating balanced activity is maintained in vivo. L-163,017 prevents the pressor response to intravenous (i.v.) angiotensin II in the conscious rat, dog, and rhesus monkey. L-163,017 also significantly reduces blood pressure in a renin-dependent model of hypertension, similar to an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (Enalapril) and an angiotensin AT1 receptor-selective antagonist (L-159,282). These studies indicate that neither the angiotensin AT2 receptor nor bradykinin is important in the acute antihypertensive activity of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Pharmacology of L-744,453, a novel nonpeptidyl endothelin antagonist.

L-744,453 ((+/-)3-[4-(1-carboxy-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)methoxy)-3,5-diprop ylphenyl methyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine) is an endothelin (ET) receptor antagonist from a new structural class, the dipropyl-alpha-phenoxyphenylacetic acid derivatives. L-744,453 competitively and reversibly inhibits [125I]-ET-1 binding to Chinese Hamster Ovary cells expressing cloned human ET receptors (K(i)s: hET(A)=4.3 nM; hET(B)=232 nM), and is selective for endothelin receptors compared to other peptide receptors. It is an antagonist of ET-1 stimulated phosphatidyl inositol hydrolysis in rat uterine slices (IC50=220 nM) and exhibits no agonist activity. This compound also inhibits ET-1 stimulated contraction of rat aortic rings with a K(b) value of 50 nM. L-744,453 protects against ET-1 induced lethality in mice after i.v. (AD50=13 mg/kg i.v.) or oral administration. This compound also antagonizes ET-1 induced increases in diastolic blood pressure in conscious normotensive rats (AD50=0.67 mg/kg i.v.) and anesthetized ferrets (AD50=1.6 mg/kg i.v.). L-744,453 is a potent, selective, orally active endothelin antagonist which may be useful in elucidating the role of endothelin in normal and pathophysiological states.