Synthesis and evaluation of (17 alpha,20E)-21-[125I]iodo-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-tetraene-3,17 -diol and (17 alpha,20E)-21-[125I]iodo-11 beta-methoxy-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-tetraene-3,17-diol (17 alpha-(iodovinyl)estradiol derivatives) as high specific activity potential radiopharmaceuticals.

Two 17 alpha-[125I]iodovinyl estradiol derivatives 4b,d possessing high specific activity have been prepared and tested as potential radiopharmaceuticals. The use of the 3-acetyl derivatives 2c,e and the replacement of iodine monochloride with sodium iodide and Chloramine-T in THF/phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) permitted us to synthesize no-carrier-added (17 alpha,20E)-21-[125I]iodo-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-tetraene-3,17-d iol (4b) and (17 alpha,20E)-21-[125I]iodo-11 beta-methoxy-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),20-tetraene-3,17-diol (4d) with 50% radiochemical yield and high purity. Although the specific activity represents only half of the theoretical value in some cases, this modified approach is a substantial improvement over the previously published method. Our preliminary distribution studies indicate that although both 4b and 4d localize in the tissues known to have a large concentration of estrogen receptors, 4d accumulates in higher amounts in target tissues and provides a high target to nontarget ratio.

Radioiodinated 2'-iododiazepam: a potential imaging agent for SPECT investigations of benzodiazepine receptors.

2'-Iododiazepam (2'-IDZ) is the diazepam analogue iodinated at the 2'-position of C-5 phenyl ring which was synthesized and evaluated as a potential radiopharmaceutical for investigating brain benzodiazepine receptors by SPECT. The 125I-2'-iododiazepam was synthesized by halogen exchange reaction and purified by HPLC. In vitro competitive binding studies with 3H-diazepam, using rat cortical synaptosomal membranes, showed that the affinity of 2'-IDZ for benzodiazepam receptors was higher than that in diazepam and flumazenil (RO15-1788). Biodistribution studies in mice showed that the brain uptake of 2'-iododiazepam was rapid and profound, and in the brain higher accumulation was found in the cortex than in other regions. Furthermore, the cortical uptake was displaced by benzodiazepinergic compounds. In vivo uptake was assessed by autoradiographic studies. Thus, 2'-iododiazepam bound to benzodiazepine receptors in vivo and therefore holds great potential for in vivo benzodiazepine receptor studies.

Lack of significant estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity of pyrethroid insecticides in three in vitro assays based on classic estrogen receptor alpha-mediated mechanisms.

Estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of pyrethroid insecticides (d-trans-allethrin, cypermethrin, empenthrin, fenvalerate, imiprothrin, permethrin, d-phenothrin and prallethrin) was evaluated using a suite of three in vitro assays based on classic human estrogen receptor alpha (hER alpha)-mediated mechanisms. A mammalian cell-based luciferase reporter gene assay was developed for examining effects on hER alpha-mediated gene activation. hER alpha-independent effects on the gene activation were examined using control cells with constitutive luciferase activation by a herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) promoter for determining appropriate dose levels of test chemicals. Moreover, the test chemical-dependent interaction between hER alpha and a coactivator (transcriptional intermediary factor 2: TIF2) was analyzed by a yeast two-hybrid method, competitive binding to hER alpha being assayed by a fluorescence polarization method. Significant (p < 0.05) positive effects of estrogenic substances (E2/estradiol, diethylstilbestrol, and p-nonylphenol) were detected in all assays. An antiestrogen, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, significantly inhibited E2-mediated transactivation and interaction between hER alpha and TIF2 through hER alpha binding (p < 0.05). However, none of the pyrethroids tested showed significant (p < 0.05) estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects (100 nM-10 microM), indicating that they do not impact on the classic hER alpha-mediated activation pathway in vitro.

Radioiodinated nordiazepam analog for in vivo assessment of benzodiazepine receptors by single photon emission tomography.

2'-Iodo-nordiazepam (2'-IND), a nordiazepam analog iodinated at the 2'-position of the C-5 phenyl ring, was synthesized and evaluated as a potential radiopharmaceutical for investigating brain benzodiazepine receptors by SPECT. [125I]2'-IND was synthesized by the halogen exchange reaction and purified by HPLC. In an in vitro competitive binding study using [3H]diazepam and rat cortical synaptosomol membranes, 2'-IND showed an almost equal affinity for benzodiazepine receptors as diazepam. In a saturation binding study using rat cortical synaptosomal membranes, 2'-IND displayed a Kd of 1.10 nM and a Bmax of 1.87 pmol/mg protein. Biodistribution and metabolism studies in mice showed that [125I]2'-IND exhibited rapid and high accumulation in the brain, and that the cerebral uptake and distribution of this compound occurred in the intact form. Furthermore, the administration of diazepam and flumazenil reduced cortical uptake by approx. 20%, suggesting that the uptake of 2'-IND occurred at least partly in association with benzodiazepine receptors.

Differences in alpha 2u-globulins increased in male rat kidneys following treatment with several alpha 2u-globulin accumulating agents: cystein protease(s) play(s) an important role in production of kidney-type-alpha 2u-globulin.

Effects of alpha 2u-globulin accumulating agents on alpha 2u-globulins in rat kidneys were examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting analysis. Treatment of male animals with decalin (150 mg/kg), 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (50 mg/kg), isophorone (150 mg/kg), d-limonene (150 mg/kg) or 1,4-dichlorobenzene (150 mg/kg) by gavage for 14 consecutive days in each case resulted in a marked intensification of a protein band corresponding to kidney-type-alpha 2u-globulin, with a molecular mass calculated to be approximately 16 kDa. However, intraperitoneal treatment with leupeptin and E-64 (two times 0.07 mmol/kg, for each), well known cystein protease inhibitors, while only slightly increasing this kidney-type-alpha 2u-globulin band, caused the intensification of a approximately 19-kDa molecular mass protein band which was revealed to be a native-type-alpha 2u-globulin by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. These results indicated that at least two types of alpha 2u-globulin can be increased in male rat kidney by chemical treatment. Moreover, cystein protease(s) appear(s) to play an important role in the degradation of alpha 2u-globulin and particularly in the conversion of native-type-alpha 2u-globulin to kidney-type-alpha 2u-globulin in rat kidneys.

Alpha 2u-globulins in the urine of male rats: a reliable indicator for alpha 2u-globulin accumulation in the kidney.

Increases in kidney-type-alpha 2u-globulin (alpha G-K, molecular weight approximately 16 kDa) were detected in the urine of male adult rats treated with d-limonene by immunoblotting analysis using an antiserum which distinguishes native-type-alpha 2u-globulin (alpha G-N, molecular weight approximately 19 kDa) from alpha G-K. When male adult rats received d-limonene by gavage (0-300 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days, dose-dependent increases in urinary excretion of alpha G-K were observed at a dosage level of more than 30 mg/kg/day. This was found to be directly correlated with alterations in the concentration of renal alpha G-K as well as the accumulation of hyaline droplets in proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) epithelial cells in the kidneys. Marked elevation of urinary alpha G-K was also noted following oral treatment of adult male rats with 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP), 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB), decalin and isophorone (ISP) by gavage (1.5 mmol/kg/day) for 7 consecutive days, again in association with increased concentrations of renal alpha G-K and hyaline droplet accumulation in renal PCT epithelial cells. However, no such increases in urinary alpha G-K were observed for male adult rats treated with nephrotoxic chemicals such as puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) (15 mg/kg/day, s.c., 14 consecutive days) or hexachloro-1,3-butadiene (HCBD) (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., 5 consecutive days), lacking the ability to cause kidney accumulation of the hyaline droplets and alpha G-K. The findings in this study thus indicate that measurement of urinary alpha G-K can give a reliable estimates not only of the potential to cause renal accumulation of alpha 2u-globulin but also of its magnitude.

Dissection and weighing of accessory sex glands after formalin fixation, and a 5-day assay using young mature rats are reliable and feasible in the Hershberger assay.

The rodent Hershberger assay has been used predominantly by the pharmaceutical industry to evaluate androgenic and antiandrogenic chemicals for potential therapeutic use. However, this assay has not yet been formally validated and standardized for use in toxicology testing. There are many variations in the protocol used for this assay. The weight of androgen-dependent tissues is a definitive endpoint in the Hershberger assay. To find out the reliable assay protocol with feasibility, although many possible factors may affect assay reliability, the present study consist of a series of three separate experiments focused on method of dissection and weighing of accessory sex glands (ASGs: ventral and dorso-lateral prostate, seminal vesicles together with coagulating glands, and Cowper's glands), animal age and number of doses. Furthermore, male pubertal assay, an alternative to the Hershberger assay, was also examined its reliability. Experiment 1 explored whether reliably accurate ASG weights can be obtained after formalin fixation. The ASGs were collected from castrated male rats (11 weeks of age) treated daily with corn oil, or testosterone propionate (TP, 0.25 mg/kg/day, s.c.) and p,p'-DDE (0 or 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 5 days. One day after the final treatment, the ASGs were removed carefully and weighed separately, and then fixed overnight in a 10% neutral-buffered formalin and weighed again. After that, the tissues were dried overnight in an oven and weighed again. A high correlation between fresh and fixed tissue weights, and a high correlation between fixed and dried tissue weights were noted. The changes in the tissue weight due to fixation were marginal and were proportional to the fresh weights of the individual tissue. Standard deviation of the fixed tissue weight in each group and the magnitude of responses to TP or p,p'-DDE in fixed tissues were equivalent to those in fresh or dried tissues. These findings indicate that formalin fixation does not interfere with interpretation of assay results, and this procedure was used in the subsequent experiments. Experiments 2 and 3 explored whether animal age or treatment duration altered assay sensitivity. In Experiment 2, antiandrogenic effect of p,p'-DDE (100 mg/kg/day) was detected after 5-and 10-day treatment irrespective of animal age (7 vs 11 weeks). In Experiment 3, antiandrogenic effects of flutamide (1 and 10 mg/kg/day) and p,p'-DDE (10 and 100 mg/kg/day) were compared between two different protocols, the 10-day assay using peripubertal rats and the 5-day assay using young mature rats. Results demonstrated that both protocols could significantly detect antiandrogenic effects of flutamide and p,p'-DDE. These findings demonstrate that (1) dissection and weighing of ASGs after formalin fixation is reliable in the Hershberger assay, (2) when this procedure is used, the 5-day Hershberger assay using young mature rats, expected to be more feasible assay than the 10-day assay using peripubertal rats, is also reliable as well as the 10-day assay using peripubertal rats. Furthermore, we confirmed that male pubertal assay with use of dissection and weighing of fixed tissues also reliable.

In vitro evaluation of radioiodinated butyrophenones as radiotracer for dopamine receptor study.

Radioiodinated butyrophenone compounds are attracting the interest of those working on dopamine receptor studies; structure-activity relationship study has revealed the ortho position of the p-fluorobutyrophenone moiety as a very plausible iodination site. Various synthesized butyrophenones iodinated at the ortho position of p-fluorobutyrophenone moiety, 2'-iodohaloperidol (2'-IHP), 2'-iodotrifluperidol (2'-ITP) and 2'-iodospiperone (2'-ISP) were tested for their abilities to inhibit 3H-spiperone (SP) binding for the dopamine (D-2) receptor, together with reference compounds (SP, haloperidol(HP) and 4-iodospiperone (4-ISP]. The order of binding affinity of the tested compounds was SP greater than 2'-ISP greater than HP greater than 4-ISP greater than 2'-IHP greater than 2'-ITP. Whereas, the serotonin (S-2) receptor binding affinity of SP and its iodinated analogues were in the order of SP much greater than 4-ISP greater than 2'-ISP. Furthermore, in the saturation binding study using the striatal membrane preparations, the 2'-ISP displayed a KD of 0.25 nM with maximum number of binding site Bmax of 210 fmol/mg protein. These data indicated the 2'-ISP as holding high affinity for dopamine receptors and a low affinity for serotonin receptors. Thus, the 125I-2'-ISP was a very potent radioligand for in vitro dopamine (D-2) receptor studies, and 123I-2'-ISP holds very promising characteristics as for in vivo dopamine receptor studies, as well.

Benzodiazepines and their metabolites: relationship between binding affinity to the benzodiazepine receptor and pharmacological activity.

Experiments were carried out to study the relationship between binding affinity to the benzodiazepine receptor and pharmacological activity, especially anti-anxiety activity, of clinically useful benzodiazepines. In the in vitro experiments, fludiazepam showed the highest affinity to the benzodiazepine receptor with 4 times more potency than that of diazepam, which paralleled the in vivo activity. Diazepam and nimetazepam also bound with high affinities as expected from their in vivo activities. On the contrary, medazepam and cloxazolam showed extremely low affinities and oxazolam showed no affinity, although they showed moderate in vivo activity. However, their metabolites were found to have both high affinity and in vivo activities. These results strongly suggest that in the case of medazepam, cloxazolam and oxazolam, their metabolites may bind to receptor sites in the brain and then elicit pharmacological action. This conclusion was supported by the fact that a good correlation between the binding affinity and the anti-anxiety activity of the tested compounds was observed.

Radioiodinated 2'-iodospiperone: a new radioligand for in vivo dopamine receptor study.

In vivo dopamine receptor binding of the newly synthesized ligand, 125I-2'-iodospiperone (125I-2'-ISP), was studied in mouse brain. The highest accumulation was found in the striatum. Analysis of the striatal homogenate showed the 125I-2'-ISP to be metabolically stable. Furthermore, this striatal binding was saturable and displaced only by dopaminergic drugs. On the other hand, the accumulation in the cortex was as low as that of the cerebellum and uneffected by the administration of serotoninergic drugs and dopaminergic drugs; results assessed by macroautoradiographic studies. Thus, the newly synthesized 125I-2'-ISP presented high affinity for dopamine receptors in vivo and therefore, holds great potential for the in vivo dopamine receptor studies, provided 123I becomes readily available.

Distribution and metabolism of F6-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in the bones of rats dosed with tritium-labeled compounds.

26,26,26,27,27,27-Hexafluo-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, the hexafluorinated analog of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, has been reported to be several times more potent than the parent compound regarding some vitamin D actions. The reason for enhanced biologic activity in the kidneys and small intestine appears to be related to F6-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 metabolism to ST-232, 26,26,26,27,27,27-hexafluoro-1 alpha, 23S,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, a bioactive 23S-hydroxylated form that is resistant to further metabolism. Since F6-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 is considered to prevent osteoporotic decrease in bone mass by suppressing bone turnover, we here compared the distribution and metabolism of [1 beta-3H]F6-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and [1 beta-3H]1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in bones of rats by autoradiography and radio-HPLC. In the dosed groups, radioactivity was detected locally in the metaphysis, the modeling site in bones. As compared with the [1 beta-3H]1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 case, [1 beta-3H]F6-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 was significantly retained in this site, and moreover, it mainly persisted as unchanged compound and ST-232. These findings indicate that the reason for the higher potency of F6-1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 than 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in bones are linked with increased distribution and reduced metabolism.

Evaluation of in vitro methods for detecting the effects of various chemicals on the human progesterone receptor, with a focus on pyrethroid insecticides.

The progesterone receptor (PR) is associated with physiological events such as implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. Recently, it has become a social concern that chemicals may exert agonistic or antagonistic effects on hormone receptors. Therefore, we examined the effects of various chemicals on the human PR, with a focus on pyrethroid insecticides, using three in vitro methods. Eight pyrethroid insecticides (fenvalerate, d-allethrin, d-phenothrin, prallethrin, empenthrin, permethrin, cypermethrin and imiprothrin), examples of environmental pollutants and positive control chemicals were subjected to a reporter gene assay (luciferase assay) using human breast cancer T-47D cells, a two-hybrid assay and a binding assay using the same whole cells or receptors (cell-free). In none of these did the eight pyrethroid insecticides show any binding to the PR, agonistic or antagonistic effects.

Development of a novel CHL/IU cell line with an incorporated gpt shuttle vector for concurrent analysis of gene mutations and chromosome aberrations.

A cosmid shuttle vector containing the target gene of Escherichia coli gpt coding xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase was constructed. The shuttle vector was designed to be rescued into the gpt-deficient Escherichia coli from Chinese hamster CHL/IU cells through an in vitro packaging method. Mutations occurred at the target gene can be detected with a selective agent, 6-thioguanine (6-TG). The shuttle vector was stably transfected into CHL/IU cells to give several cell lines containing copies of the shuttle vector in the chromosomes. Each cell line exhibited a characteristic rescue efficiency (0 to 1.9 x 10(5) CFU/microgram of genomic DNA) of the shuttle vector and spontaneous mutation frequency (3.9 x 10(-5) to over 10(-2)) at the 6-TG selection. One transgenic cell line (KN63), which showed a higher rescue efficiency and a low spontaneous mutation frequency, was selected and tested for the ability to respond to a genotoxic agent, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). MNNG increased both the mutation frequency at the target gene and the number of the cells with chromosome aberrations. DNA sequence analysis of 6-TG mutants showed that predominant mutations (10/14) were identified as G:C to A:T transitions in MNNG-induced mutants, whereas transversions were predominant (5/9) in spontaneous mutants. These results suggest that this transgenic CHL/IU cell line can be a useful tool for analyzing the relation between gene mutations and chromosome aberrations.

A new semi-automated chromosome analysis system for in vitro chromosomal aberration tests.

We have evaluated a new semi-automated chromosome analysis system, employing the Magiscan human metaphase finder, for in vitro chromosomal aberration tests. The metaphases on a slide are recognized using the main system, a metaphase finder, and their stage coordinates are transferred to the satellite system, a computerized microscope with a motorized stage, by way of a diskette. In the satellite system, a researcher analyzes one metaphase after another at high power (100 x objective) without changing the objective. The effectiveness of the system, in comparison with the manual metaphase finding and analysis, was confirmed in in vitro chromosomal aberration tests using cultured Chinese hamster cells. Structural or numerical aberrations in the cells did not affect the metaphase findings. The system reduces the time for chromosome analysis by a factor of about 4. Moreover, the system provides perfect reproducibility for analyzing procedure. It is concluded that this semi-automated system is useful in in vitro chromosomal aberration tests.

Metabolism of 7-fluoro-6-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimido)-4- (2-propynyl)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (S-53482, flumioxazin) in the rat: II. Identification of reduced metabolites.

On single oral administration of (14)C-S-53482 [7-fluoro-6-(3,4,5, 6-tetrahydrophthalimido)-4-(2-propynyl)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3( 4H)-one, Flumioxazin] labeled at the 1- and 2-positions of tetrahydrophthaloyl group to rats at 1 (low dose) or 100 (high dose) mg/kg, the radiocarbon was almost completely eliminated within 7 days after administration in both groups with generally very low residual (14)C tissue levels. The predominant excretion route was via the feces. The major fecal and urinary metabolites involved reduction or sulfonic acid addition reactions at the 1,2-double bond of the 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide moiety and hydroxylation of the cyclohexene or cyclohexane ring. One urinary and four fecal metabolites were identified using chromatographic techniques and spectroanalyses (NMR and MS). Three of five identified metabolites were unique forms, reduced at the 1,2-double bond of the 3,4,5, 6-tetrahydrophthalimide moiety. On the basis of the metabolites identified in this study, the metabolic pathways of S-53482 in rats are proposed. To specify tissues forming reduced metabolites, an in vitro study was conducted. Reduction was found to take place in red blood cells.

Metabolism of 7-fluoro-6-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimido)-4- (2-propynyl)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (S-53482) in rat. 1. Identification of a sulfonic acid type conjugate.

To examine the metabolic fate of 7-fluoro-6-(3,4,5, 6-tetrahydrophthalimido)-4-(2-propynyl)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3( 4H)-one (S-53482), rats were given a single oral dose of [phenyl-(14)C]-S-53482 at 1 (low) or 100 (high) mg/kg. The radiocarbon was almost completely eliminated within 7 days after administration in both groups. (14)C recoveries (expressed as percentages relative to the dosed (14)C) in feces and urine were 56-72 and 31-43%, respectively, for the low dose and 78-85 and 13-23%, respectively, for the high dose. S-53482 and seven metabolites were identified in urine and feces. Six of them were purified by several chromatographic techniques and identified by spectroanalyses (NMR and MS). Alcohol derivatives and an acetoanilide derivative were isolated from urine. Three sulfonic acid conjugates having a sulfonic acid group incorporated into the double bond of the 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide moiety were isolated from feces. On the basis of the metabolites identified in this study, the metabolic pathways of S-53482 in rats are proposed.

Metabolism of furametpyr. 1. Identification of metabolites and in vitro biotransformation in rats and humans.

Urinary and fecal metabolites in male rats treated with a (14)C-labeled fungicide, furametpyr [N-(1,3-dihydro-1,1, 3-trimethylisobenzofuran-4-yl)-5-chloro-1, 3-dimethylpyrazole-4-carboxamide, Limber], were purified by a combination of chromatographic techniques, and chemical structures of 14 metabolites were identified by spectroanalyses (NMR and MS). The major biotransformation reactions of furametpyr in rats were found to be (1) N-demethylation, (2) oxidation of the methyl group at C3 of the pyrazole ring, (3) oxidation of the methyl group at C1 of the 1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran ring, (4) hydroxylation at C3 of the 1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran ring, and (5) hydroxylation at C7 of the 1, 3-dihydroisobenzofuran ring. In vitro metabolism by recombinant human cytochrome P450 revealed that a major biotransformation in humans is N-demethylation, catalyzed by CYP1A1, 1A2, 2C19, and 3A4.

Metabolism of furametpyr. 2. (14)C excretion, (14)C concentrations in tissues, and amounts of metabolites in rats.

14C-Labeled furametpyr [N-(1,3-dihydro-1,1, 3-trimethylisobenzofuran-4-yl)-5-chloro-1, 3-dimethylpyrazole-4-carboxamide, Limber] was dosed to male and female rats at 1 (low dose) and 200 or 300 mg/kg (high dose). Elimination of furametpyr was rapid, and the dosed (14)C was substantially excreted within 7 days (45.5-53.3% in feces, 44.1-53. 8% in urine, and 0.01% in expired air). However, (14)C excretion rate showed sex- and dose-related differences, more rapid in males at low dose. (14)C concentrations in tissues decreased rapidly to generally low levels at 7 days (<0.004 ppm with the low dose and <1. 1 ppm with the high dose). Forty metabolites were detected, and 13 metabolites and 4 glucuronides were identified. A small amount of unchanged furametpyr was detected in feces (0.1-0.5% of the dose). The major metabolites in tissues were N-demethylated metabolites. In a bile study, 52.5-54.2% of the dosed (14)C was rapidly excreted into bile within 2 days. The absorption ratio was estimated to be >93.7% for the low dose (1 mg/kg). Major metabolites in bile were glucuronic acid conjugates of furametpyr hydroxides. On the basis of the results, furametpyr is substantially absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, rapidly distributed to tissues, extensively metabolized, and excreted into urine and bile or feces.

Tissue distribution and pharmacological potential of SM-16896, a novel oestrogen-bisphosphonate hybrid compound.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is caused mainly by a deficiency of oestrogen with rapid bone loss. To target oestrogen to the bone effectively, we have synthesized and evaluated the effects of a novel hybrid compound of oestrogen and bisphosphonate, SM-16896. The tissue distribution pattern and pharmacological potential are reported. Although the affinity for calf uterine oestrogen receptor was very low (IC50: 73.3 microM; 1/25000 of that of 17beta-oestradiol (2.84 nM)), SM-16896 showed oestrogenic activity. SM-16896 (1 microM) induced a 4.5-fold transcriptional activity in rat osteosarcoma UMR-106 cells compared with vehicle-treated control, when we used the expression vector for human oestrogen receptor and a CAT reporter plasmid containing an oestrogen-responsive element. The distribution of SM-16896 after a subcutaneous administration to 7-week-old female rats was examined by radioluminography using 3H-labelled SM-16896. At 30 min after the administration, significant radioactivity was detected in the bone. At 24 h after administration, a high level of radioactivity was detected in the bone, but in the uterus it was only at a background level. Daily subcutaneous administration of 0.5 mgkg(-1) SM-16896 for 12 weeks (five times per week) to 13-week-old ovariectomized rats suppressed the ovariectomized-induced reduction in bone mineral density. A bone mineral density ratio of 120% was maintained compared with sham-operated rats, whereas a relatively low suppression of uterine weight was observed (about 50% loss compared with sham-operated rats). In the same experiment, the implantation of a 17beta-oestradiol time-release pellet (0.25 mg/pellet/90 days) almost completely suppressed the reduction of both the bone mineral density and uterine tissue weight. It is likely that the effect of SM-16896 on bone was due to its oestrogenic activity, since 1.0 mgkg(-1) SM-18108, the bisphosphonate moiety of this compound, had no effect on bone in 7-week-old ovariectomized rats. The results suggest that SM-16896, a bisphosphonate-conjugated oestrogen, showed a preference profile in the uterus and bone due to its characteristic distribution pattern compared with the natural oestrogen analogue 17beta-oestradiol. Thus, bisphosphonate-conjugated oestrogens have the potential to improve patient compliance in oestrogen therapy by minimizing adverse effects and reducing the frequency of medication.

11C-labeled 2'-iododiazepam for PET studies of benzodiazepine receptors: synthesis and comparison of biodistribution with its radioiodinated compound.

For PET studies of benzodiazepine receptors, N-11C-methyl-2'-iododiazepam (2'-IDZ) was synthesized by N-methylation of its desmethyl derivative with 11C-methyl iodide, and was subsequently purified by HPLC. The labeling and purification procedures were completed within 45 min after 11C-methyl iodide trapping, and the radiochemical yield (corrected for decay) was approximately 40% based on the initial trapped radioactivity of 11C-methyl iodide. Biodistribution studies in mice demonstrated that 11C-2'-IDZ was rapidly and noticeably accumulated in the brain, and subsequently decreased with time. Accumulation was greater in the cortex than in other brain regions. When compared with 125I-2'-IDZ, the distribution was almost the same until 5 min after injection, but levels were low after 20 min. Metabolic studies indicated that the difference between these two compounds in the time course of brain radioactivity distribution may be due to N-demethylation in vivo.