Action of partially thiolated polynucleotides on the DNA polymerase alpha from regenerating rat liver.

The effects of partially thiolated polynucleotides on the DNA polymerase alpha from regenerating rat liver were investigated. The enzyme was isolated from the nuclear fraction essentially according to the method of Baril et al.; it was characterized as the alpha polymerase on the basis of its response to synthetic templates and its inhibition with N-ethylmaleimide. Although polycytidylic acid had no effect on the DNA polymerase alpha either as a template or as an inhibitor, partially thiolated polycytidylic acid (MPC) was found to be a potent inhibitor, its activity being directly related to its extent of thiolation (percentage of 5-mercaptocytidylate units in the polymer). In comparison, the DNA polymerase beta which was purified from normal rat liver nuclear fraction, was much less sensitive to inhibition by MPC. Analysis of the inhibition of the alpha polymerase by the method of Lineweaver and Burk showed that the inhibitory action of MPC was competitively reversible with the DNA template, but the binding of the 7.2%-thiolated MPC to the enzyme was much stronger than that of the template (Ki/Km less than 0.03). Polyuridylic acid as such showed some inhibitory activity which increased on partial thiolation, but the 8.4%-thiolated polyuridylic acid was less active than the 7.2% MPC. When MPC was annealed with polyinosinic acid, it lost 80% of its inhibitory activity in the double-stranded configuration. However, 1 to 2%-thiolated DNA isolates were significantly more potent inhibitors than were comparable (1.2%-thiolated) MPC and showed competitive reversibility with the unmodified (but "activated") DNA template. These results indicate that the inhibitory activities of partially thiolated polynucleotides depend not only on the percentage of 5-mercapto groups but also on the configuration, base composition, and other specific structural properties.

Plasma clearance and tissue distribution of partially thiolated polycytidylic acid and its degradation products in rodents.

Radioactive (35S-labeled) partially thiolated polycytidylic acid (MPC) was administered i.v. to male Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood samples were taken at various intervals, and the radioactivity in plasma was determined. The concentration of total radioactivity in plasma decreased rapidly postinjection, independently of the dose, and could not be readily resolved into a series of exponential terms with a high degree of confidence. Coadministration with polyinosinic acid in a 1:1 ratio significantly decreased the clearance of radioactive compounds from the plasma; moreover, the clearance of radioactivity decreased with increasing dose. Complexing with polyinosinic acid also decreased the rate of degradation of [35S]MPC as evidenced by an increase of the trichloroacetic acid-precipitable fraction (i.e., oligonucleotides larger than five to ten nucleotide units), from 0.45 to 0.92 of the total radioactivity in plasma 60 min postinjection. The plasma clearance and organ distribution of radioactivity following injection of [35S]MPC were determined in normal and leukemic RFM/Un mice. About 90% of the 35S radioactivity was removed from the plasma in 5 and 10 min, respectively, in these two groups of mice, and the residual plasma levels of radioactivity at any given time were twice as high in the leukemic group throughout an observation period of 1 hr. Organ distribution studies demonstrated significantly greater (per mg tissue) accumulation of radioactivity in the livers and spleens of the leukemic versus normal mice at all time points, while the corresponding data for the kidneys were similar for the two groups. Another study, comparing the radioactivity in suspended and washed spleen cells harvested 60 min postinjection, indicated that 4 to 10 times more MPC and/or 35S-labeled oligonucleotides were localized and bound intracellularly in the spleens of the leukemic mice. These studies of the pharmacokinetic properties and metabolic degradation of [35S]MPC suggest that this polynucleotide may be protected from degradation by complexing with polyinosinic acid and that preferential accumulation of [35S]MPC occurs in organs infiltrated by leukemic cells.

Dopamine D2 long receptor-deficient mice display alterations in striatum-dependent functions.

The dopamine D2 receptor (D2) system has been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. There are two isoforms of the D2 receptor: the long form (D2L) and the short form (D2S). The two isoforms are generated by alternative splicing of the same gene and differ only by 29 amino acids in their protein structures. Little is known about the distinct functions of either D2 isoform, primarily because selective pharmacological agents are not available. We generated D2L receptor-deficient (D2L-/-) mice by making a subtle mutation in the D2 gene. D2L-/- mice (which still express functional D2S) displayed reduced levels of locomotion and rearing behavior. Interestingly, haloperidol produced significantly less catalepsy and inhibition of locomotor activity in D2L-/- mice. These findings suggest that D2L and D2S may contribute differentially to the regulation of certain motor functions and to the induction of the extrapyramidal side effects associated with the use of typical antipsychotic drugs (e.g., haloperidol). Quinpirole induced a similar initial suppression of locomotor activity in both D2L-/- and wild-type mice. In addition, the D2S receptor in the mutant mice functioned approximately equally well as did D2L as an impulse-modulating autoreceptor. This suggests that the functions of these two isoforms are not dependent on the formation of receptor heterodimers. Our findings may provide novel information for potentially developing improved antipsychotic drugs.

Desulfation of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine sulfate by microsomes from human and rat tissues.

Subcellular preparations from rat liver, brain, and kidney and from human liver were tested for their ability to desulfate T3 sulfate (T3SO4). Activity was found associated with the microsomal fraction: rat liver was the most active, hydrolyzing 76 pmol/min.mg protein of T3SO4 while preparations from rat kidney and brain were about 1/5 and 1/20 as active. Microsomal preparations from human liver obtained at autopsy were as active as fresh rat preparations. Thyroxine sulfate was not an active substrate. Microsomes prepared with dithiothreitol and EDTA in order to detect deiodinating activity maintained T3SO4-desulfating activity. Cytosolic preparations containing arylsulfatase activities failed to desulfate T3SO4. Estrone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and nitrophenyl sulfate are known substrates for microsome-associated arylsulfatase activities, and these compounds were found to inhibit hydrolysis of T3SO4 to various extents. Of these competing sulfatase substrates, only dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate inhibits T3SO4 desulfation completely. In order to determine whether desulfation occurs in intact cells, isolated hepatocytes were incubated in the presence of 7 and 54 microM T3SO4. These cells were found to hydrolyze 1-1.5% of the sulfate ester/h for up to 3 h. The demonstration of this activity raises the possibility that these hepatic cells may be able to reactivate T3SO4, which has generally been regarded as an irreversibly inactivated metabolite.

Studies on the biological activity of triiodothyronine sulfate.

Hepatic microsomes and isolated hepatocytes in short term culture desulfate T3 sulfate (T3SO4). We, therefore, wished to determine whether T3SO4 could mimic the action of thyroid hormone in vitro. T3SO4 had no thyromimetic effect on the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase in human erythrocyte membranes at doses up to 10,000 times the maximally effective dose of T3 (10(-10) mol/L). In GH4C1 pituitary cells, T3SO4 failed to displace [125I]T3 from nuclear receptors in intact cells or soluble preparations. Thus, T3SO4 was not directly thyromimetic in either an isolated human membrane system or a pituitary cell system in which nuclear receptor occupancy correlates with GH synthesis. Thyroid hormones inhibit [3H]glycosaminoglycan synthesis by cultured human dermal fibroblasts, and T3SO4 displayed about 0.5% the activity of T3 at 72 h. Human fibroblasts contained roughly the same level of microsomal p-nitrophenyl sulfatase activity as that previously observed in hepatic microsomes. Propylthiouracil (50 mumol/L) did not affect the action of T3SO4, suggesting that deiodination was not important for this activity of T3SO4. Thus, it appears T3SO4 has no intrinsic biological activity, but, under certain circumstances, may be reactivated by desulfation.

Lack of discrimination by agonists for D2 and D3 dopamine receptors.

The affinities of D3 dopamine receptors for antagonists are similar to those of D2 receptors. D3 receptors have been reported, however, to have affinities nearly 100-fold higher than those of D2 receptors for some agonists, including (+/-)-7-hydroxy-n,n-dipropyl-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT) and quinpirole. This has led to the use of these agonists to try to identify functional responses mediated by D3 receptors in vivo. However, D2 receptors exist in multiple states having high and low affinities for agonists. The G protein-coupled state of D2 receptors is believed to be the functional state of these receptors. When receptors were labeled with the D2 receptor antagonist [125I]-(S)-3-iodo-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5,6- dimethoxysalicylamide ([125I]-NCQ-298) under conditions that promote uncoupling of receptors from G proteins, the affinities of D3 receptors were approximately 130-fold higher than those of D2 receptors for 7-OH-DPAT and quinpirole. When receptors were labeled with the D2 receptor agonist [125I]-(R)trans-7-hydroxy-2-[N-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'- propenyl)-amino]tetralin ([125I]-7-OH-PIPAT) under conditions that favor interactions of receptors with G proteins, the affinities of D3 receptors were less than sevenfold higher than the affinities of D2 receptors for the same drugs. Similarly, small differences in the affinities of D2 and D3 receptors for other agonists were seen when receptors were labeled with [125I]-7-OH-PIPAT. These data demonstrate that putative D3 receptor-selective agonists also interact with a high-affinity, G protein-coupled state of D2 receptors. The similarities in affinities of the agonist-preferring state of D2 and D3 receptors means that currently available agonists cannot be used to discriminate between behavioral effects mediated by D2 and D3 receptors.

Characterization of [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT binding to dopamine D2-like receptors expressed in cell lines.

Recently, [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT [5-hydroxy-2-(N-n-propyl-N-3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)aminotetralin], a derivative of S(-)5-OH-DPAT (5-hydroxy-N,N-di-n-propyl-aminotetralin), was reported to be a better radioiodinated dopamine D2-like receptor ligand than the previously reported iodinated ligand, [125I]R(+)7-OH-PIPAT. Therefore, in the present study, the binding profile of [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT to D2-like receptors expressed in cell lines was established. High binding affinity (Kd = 0.3-0.4 nM) and NaCl sensitivity were displayed with this ligand in membranes of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells expressing either human D2 or rat D3 receptors and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing human dopamine D4 receptors. Specific binding to D2 and D4 receptors was significantly increased in the presence of 2 mM MgCl2 and decreased in the presence of 100 microM 5'-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP). This finding is consistent with reports that 2-aminotetralin compounds display agonist properties. The specific binding to D3 receptors however, was not affected by either MgCl2 or GMP-PNP. This lack of GMP-PNP sensitivity for D3 receptors may result from inadequate G protein-receptor coupling in this cell line. The rank order of potency for inhibition of [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT binding with various dopamine agents was consistent with reported values for D2, D3 and D4 receptors. In membranes prepared from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells infected with baculovirus that contains DNA encoding D3 receptors, [125I]S(-)5-OH-PIPAT recognized only 70% of the receptor population labeled by [125I]NCQ298. This new ligand offers several unique advantages, including high specific activity, high binding affinity and selectivity for D2-like receptors, that make it an excellent probe for the investigation and the characterization of dopamine D2-like receptors.

Synthesis and optical resolution of (R)- and (S)-trans-7-Hydroxy-2-[N-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)amino]tetralin: a new D3 dopamine receptor ligand.

An improved method for synthesis and resolution of (R,S)-trans-7-hydroxy-2-[N-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)amino]tetralin (trans-7-OH-PlPAT,5), a new D3 dopamine receptor ligand, was reported. Both isomers, (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-5, were prepared and characterized. HPLC retention times obtained on a chiral column for these isomers were consistent with those observed for [125I]-(R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-5. Direct radioiodination of an optically resolved tin precursor, (R)-(+)-7, yielded the desired [125I](R)-(+)-5, which is a simpler method for synthesis of this ligand. Binding studies with membrane preparations containing D3 dopamine receptors expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells also suggested that the [125I](R)-(+)-5 is the active isomer (Kd = 0.05 nM). The schemes described may provide an efficient way for synthesizing a large quantity of this new D3 dopamine receptor ligand for in vivo behavior studies.

Synthesis of (R,S)-trans-8-hydroxy-2-[N-n-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)amino]tetral in (trans-8-OH-PIPAT): a new 5-HT1A receptor ligand.

In order to develop tracers with higher specific activity to supplant the currently used [3H]-8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin] for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of 5-HT1A receptors, a new radioiodinated ligand was prepared. (R,S)-trans-8- Hydroxy-2-[N-n-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)amino]tetralin (trans-8-OH-PIPAT), 8, was synthesized by a 10-step reaction. Binding studies with rat hippocampal membrane homogenates showed that 8 exhibited a Ki value of 0.92 nM against (R,S)-[3H]-8-OH-DPAT. Radiolabeled [125I]-8 was prepared from the corresponding tri-n-butyltin precursor via an oxidative iododestannylation reaction with sodium [125I]iodide. Binding studies in the hippocampal homogenates revealed that [125I]-8 bound to a single high-affinity site (Kd = 0.38 +/- 0.03 nM,Bmax = 310 +/- 20 fmol/mg of protein). Competition binding experiments clearly indicated that the new ligand displayed the expected 5-HT1A receptor binding profile. The rank order of potency was (R,S)-trans-8-OH-PIPAT > (R,S)- 8-OH-DPAT > WB4101 > 5-HT > (R,S)-trans-7-OH-PIPAT > (R,S)-7-OH-DPAT > (R,S)-propranolol > spiperone >> ketanserin >> dopamine > atropine. This new ligand offers several unique advantages, including high specific activity, high binding affinity, and low nonspecific binding, all of which make it an excellent probe for the investigation and characterization of 5-HT1A receptors.

Synthesis and resolution of (+-)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-1-(3'-iodophenyl)-3-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- 1H-3- benzazepine (TISCH): a high affinity and selective iodinated ligand for CNS D1 dopamine receptor.

The synthesis and resolution of (+-)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-1-(3'-iodophenyl)-3-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1 H-3- benzazepine, (+/-)-TISCH (8) has been achieved by resolution of intermediate 4, the O-methoxyl, 3'-bromo derivative, as the diastereomeric camphor sulfonate salt. The final products, R-(+)-8 and S-(-)-8, were prepared by treatment of R-(+)- or S-(-)-7, the 3'-tributyltin intermediates, with iodine in chloroform, followed by O-demethylation. By using HPLC with a chiral column, the optical purity (greater than 99%) of the intermediates and the final compounds was determined. Radioiodination was achieved by an iodo-destannylation reaction with sodium [125I]iodide and hydrogen peroxide. As expected, the R-(+)-[125I]-8 (the active isomer) displayed high affinity and selectivity to the CNS D-1 receptor in rat striatum tissue preparation (Kd = 0.205 nM). The rank order of potency was as follows: SCH-23390 (1a) greater than (+/-)-8 greater than (+)-butaclamol greater than spiperone, WB4101 greater than dopamine, 5-HT. After an iv injection, the R-(+)-[125I]-8 penetrated the blood-brain barrier with ease and displayed specific regional distribution corresponding to the D-1 receptor density, while the S-(-)-[125I]-8 showed no specific uptake. The data suggest that the ligand may be useful as a pharmacological tool for characterizing the D-1 dopamine receptor. When labeled with I-123, this ligand is a potential agent for in vivo imaging of CNS D-1 dopamine receptor.

Isoindol-1-one analogues of 4-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2"-pyridyl)-p-iodobenzamido]ethyl]pipera zine (p-MPPI) as 5-HT1A receptor ligands.

In developing radioiodinated antagonists for in vivo imaging of 5-HT1A receptors with SPECT, a series of new arylpiperazine benzamido derivatives, including 4-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2"-pyridyl)-p-iodobenzamido]ethyl]p iperazine (p-MPPI, 31) (Kd = 0.36 nM), as potential ligands for 5-HT1A receptors were reported previously. However, rapid in vivo metabolism may have caused the breakdown of the amide bond of [123I]-31 and rendered this agent obsolete as an in vivo imaging agent in humans. To improve the in vivo stability of 31, a series of cyclized amide analogues were designed and synthesized. In vitro binding, metabolic stability, and in vivo biodistribution of these new derivatives were investigated. Several five-membered-ring isoindol-1-ones displayed very high in vitro binding affinity, especially 2-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl}-6-nitro-3-phenyl-2, 3-dihydroisoindol-1-one, 15, 3-hydroxy-6-iodo-2-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl}- 3- phenyl-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one, 18, and 6-iodo-2-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl}-3-phenyl-2, 3-dihydroisoindol-1-one, 21, which showed Ki values of 0.05, 0.65, and 0.07 nM, respectively. The affinities for 5-HT1A receptors of other cyclized amide derivatives, 5-(4-bromophenyl)-1-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)- piperazin-1-yl]ethyl}pyrrolidin-2-one, 25, 5-(4-iodophenyl)-1-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin- 1-yl]ethyl}pyrrolidin-2-one, 27, and 2-{2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl}-2,3-dihydro- isoindol-1-one, 29, were 1.09, 2.54, and 14.9 nM, respectively. Compared to [125I]-31, iodinated cyclized amide derivatives [125I]-21 and [125I]-27 displayed a slower metabolism in human liver microsomal and cytosolic preparations. Biodistribution of [125I]-21 and [125I]-27 in rats (after an i.v. injection) displayed moderate to low brain uptakes with little or no specific localization in hippocampal region, where 5-HT1A receptors are concentrated. These data indicate that the new iodinated ligands showed high binding affinities and better metabolic stability but displayed unexpectedly low selective binding to 5-HT1A receptors in vivo. Additional structural modifications may be needed to correct the unfavorable properties displayed for these iodinated cyclized amide derivatives for in vivo biodistribution in rats.

Synthesis and characterization of iodobenzamide analogues: potential D-2 dopamine receptor imaging agents.

(S)-N-[(1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-2-hydroxy-3-iodo-6- methoxybenzamide ([123I]IBZM) is a central nervous system (CNS) D-2 dopamine receptor imaging agent. In order to investigate the versatility of this parent structure in specific dopamine receptor localization and the potential for developing new dopamine receptor imaging agents, a series of new iodinated benzamides with fused ring systems, naphthalene (INAP) and benzofuran (IBF), was synthesized and radiolabeled, and the in vivo and in vitro biological properties were characterized. The best analogue of IBZM is IBF (21). The specific binding of [125I]IBF (21) with rat striatal tissue preparation was found to be saturable and displayed a Kd of 0.106 +/- 0.015 nM. Competition data of various receptor ligands for [125I]IBF (21) binding show the following rank order of potency: spiperone greater than IBF (21) greater than IBZM greater than (+)-butaclamol greater than (+/-)-ADTN,6,7 greater than ketanserin greater than SCH-23390 much greater than propranolol. The in vivo biodistribution results confirm that [125I]IBF (21) concentrated in the striatal area after iv injection into rats. The study demonstrates that [123I]IBF (21) is a potential agent for imaging CNS D-2 dopamine receptors.

New conformationally restricted 99mTc N2S2 complexes as myocardial perfusion imaging agents.

In developing 99mTc complexes as potential myocardial imaging agents, a new series of ligands based on a conformationally restricted N2S2 system were investigated. Using piperazine or homopiperazine as the starting material, two N2S2 ligands (4a and 4b) with additional conformation restriction between the two nitrogen donor atoms were synthesized. The 99mTc complexes were prepared by a direct labeling method with tin(II) tartrate as the reducing agent for [99mTc]pertechnetate. The resulting 99mTc complexes were purified through a sulfonpropyl Sephadex column and further purified by HPLC with a reverse-phase column eluting with a solvent system of acetonitrile/buffer. Biodistribution studies in rats showed initial uptake in the heart (0.21%, 0.42% dose/order for [99mTc]4a and 4b at 2 min postinjection). Carrier-added preparation of [99mTc]4b was successful. NMR, IR, UV, crystallographic, and elemental analysis of the [99Tc]4b complex suggest that it contains a TcVO3+ center core and is 1+ charged. The results suggest that this series of 1+ charged 99mTc complexes may have potential as myocardial imaging agents, and further study of the complexes is warranted.

Derivatives of 4-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-(N-2"-pyridinyl-p-iodobenzamido)ethyl]pipera zine (p-MPPI) as 5-HT1A ligands.

A series of new p-alkylbenzamido derivatives of 4-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-(N-2"-pyridinyl)-p- iodobenzamido)ethyl]piperazines (p-MPPI) were prepared. In vitro binding studies suggest that p-methyl and p-ethyl substituents on the benzamido group display the same high binding affinity to 5-HT1A receptors (Ki = 2.2 and 9.3 nM, rat hippocampal homogenates). However, when the substitution groups were larger than a C5 pentyl group, the affinity to 5-HT1A receptors dropped below a useful level (Ki > 50 nM). Several irreversible binding agents (CH2Cl, NHCOCH2Cl) and a photoaffinity labeling compound (m-iodo p-azido) which showed good binding affinity to 5-HT1A receptors were successfully prepared.

Iodinated 2-aminotetralins and 3-amino-1-benzopyrans: ligands for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors.

In developing selective ligands for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, several iodinated 2-aminotetralins and 3-amino-1-benzopyrans, trans-7-hydroxy-2-[N-(3'-iodo-2'- propenyl)amino]tetralin (1), trans-monohydroxy-2-[N-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'-propenyl)amino]tetralin (7-, 5-, and 6-OH-PIPAT) (2, 3, and 4), and trans-monohydroxy-3,4-dihydro-3-[N-propyl-N-(3'-iodo-2'- propenyl)-amino]-2H-1-benzopyran (6- and 8-OH-benzopyrans) (5 and 6), were prepared. These compounds were evaluated for their binding profiles in several membrane preparations: Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells expressing dopamine D2 (non-GTP coupled, low-affinity states) and D3 receptors, HEK293 cells expressing dopamine D2 receptors in high-affinity states (D2H), rat hippocampal homogenates for 5-HT1A receptors, and cerebellar homogenates for sigma receptors. The mono-N-alkylated 2-aminotetralin, 1, displayed high sigma binding (Ki = 1.68 nM) with a moderate D3 binding (Ki = 30.2 nM). Derivatives with one N-propyl and one N-(3'-iodo-2'-propeny) group generally displayed high to moderate affinity to D3 receptors (Ki = 2.90, 1.85, 0.99, 2.20, 31.4, and 6.69 nM for 7-OH-DPAT [7-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin], 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively). It is interesting to note that all of the active D3 ligands also displayed comparable binding to the high affinity states of D2 receptors in HEK293 cells (Ki = 6.6, 3.6, 9.7, and 10.8 nM for 2, 3, 4, and 6, respectively). Among all of the tetralin derivatives tested, 5-OH-PIPAT, 3, showed the highest binding affinity to D3 receptors (Ki = 0.99 nM) and better selectivity (KiD2H/KiD3, KiD2/KiD3, Ki5-HT1A/KiD3 and Ki sigma/KiD3 = 3.64, 327, 48.4, and 1250 nM, respectively), making it the best ligand for studying dopamine D2H and D3 receptors.

Synthesis and characterization of radioiodinated N-(3-iodopropen-1-yl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)tropanes: potential dopamine reuptake site imaging agents.

Methods have been developed for the preparation of radioiodinated N-substituted 2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)tropanes. The syntheses, physical properties, radiolabeling, and characterization of the pharmacological properties of N-(3(Z)-iodopropen-1-yl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)tropane (12) and N-(3(E)-iodopropen-1-yl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)tropane (13) are described. 2 beta-Carbomethoxy-3 beta-(p-substituted-phenyl)tropanes are potent ligands for the dopamine transporter. The radioiodinated derivatives are of interest because of the high uptake and prolonged striatal retention that may result from specific binding to low-capacity, high-affinity, dopamine reuptake sites. Radioiodine was introduced into the 3Z and 3E-position of N-(3-iodopropen-1-yl)-2 beta-carbomethoxy-3 beta-(4-chlorophenyl)tropane by iododemetalation of the corresponding 3-(tri-n-butylstannyl) derivatives. Competition binding data of various dopamine reuptake ligands with rat striatal tissue preparation for either [125I]-12 or [125I]-13 exhibited the following order of potency: E-13 > Z-12 > GBR 12909 >> mazindol >>> (-)-cocaine. Tissue distribution studies in rats showed that the E-13 was the best analogue. E-13 showed high striatal uptake (60 min, 1.23% dose/g; 120 min, 0.61% dose/g) and high striatal to cerebellum ratios (60 min, 15.9/1; 120 min, 16.5/1). These studies indicate that iodine-123-labeled E-13 is a potentially useful agent for imaging the dopamine reuptake sites by single-photon-emission computerized tomography.

(+/-)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-1-(4'-[125I]iodophenyl)-3-methyl-2,3,4,5- tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine: a potential CNS D-1 dopamine receptor imaging agent.

Synthesis, radiolabeling, and in vitro and in vivo properties of an iodinated benzazepine, (+/-)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-1-(4'-[125I]iodophenyl)-3- methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine, [125I]FISCH, as a potential imaging agent for evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) D-1 dopamine receptors in humans, were investigated. After an iv injection, this benzazepine derivative showed good brain uptake in rats (2.27, 1.40, 0.55% dose/whole brain at 2, 15, and 60 min, respectively). The striatum/cerebellum ratio was high (2.47 at 60 min after the injection). The binding affinity of this agent in rat striatum tissue preparation displayed a Kd of 1.43 +/- 0.15 nM. Competition data (in vitro) showed the following rank order of potency: SCH-23390 greater than (+/-)-FISCH greater than (+/-)-IBZP much greater than apomorphine greater than WB 4010 greater than ketanserin approximately spiperone. The preliminary data suggest that the agent is highly selective for the CNS D-1 receptor.

Fluorinated and iodinated dopamine agents: D2 imaging agents for PET and SPECT.

A novel series of dual-labeling D2 dopamine agents (labeled with either 18F or 123I for PET or SPECT imaging, respectively) was investigated. Two desired fluorinated and iodinated dopamine agents, FIDA1, (S)-(-)-2-(2-fluoroethoxy)-5-iodo-3-methoxy-N-[(1-ethyl-2- pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-benzamide, and FIDA2, (R)-(+)-2,3-dimethoxy-5-iodo-N-[(1-(4'-fluorobenzyl)-2- pyrrolidinyl)-methyl]benzamide, were synthesized. Both compounds displayed high affinity to the D2 receptor of rat striatal membrane preparations (Kd = 0.13 and 0.02 nM for FIDA1 and FIDA2, respectively). The biodistribution study in rats exhibited high localization in the striata of the brain with the striatum/cerebellum ratio reaching 29.3 and 13.1 at 1 h post iv injection for FIDA1 and FIDA2, respectively. Imaging studies with [18F]- and [123I]FIDA2 in monkeys, with PET and SPECT, respectively, showed comparable high selective striatal uptake. These results suggest that they are potentially useful D2 dopamine receptor imaging agents for PET and SPECT.

Technetium-99m N,N'-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)-2-aminobenzylamine: technetium-99m complexes of a novel bis(aminoethanethiol) ligand.

A new N2S2 ligand system, N,N'-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropyl)-2- aminobenzylamine, U-BAT, 1, containing uneven amine groups (two amine groups with different pKa values) for complexing [TcVO]3+, was prepared. The reaction of this novel ligand with [99mTc]pertechnetate, in the presence of stannous tartrate as the reducing agent, produces the neutral and lipid-soluble [99mTc]TcVO(U-BAT), TcS2C15H23N2O, 2. However, when the same reaction was carried out at a higher pH, 9-10, and with 30 min of heating (100 degrees C), a second neutral but more lipid-soluble complex, [99mTc]TcVO(OU-BAT), TcS2C15H21N2O, 3, was isolated. The X-ray crystallography data of the 99Tc complexes show square pyramidal coordination with N2S2 as the base and the Tc = O in the apical position. Compound 3 can be derived from 2 by an oxidation of the ligand to form an imine. After iv injection into rats, the neutral and lipid-soluble technetium-99m complexes showed significant brain uptake, 1.54 and 1.07% dose/organ at 2 min for [99mTc]TcVO(U-BAT) and TcVO(OU-BAT), respectively. The novel Tc chemistry of this new ligand system may provide a useful foundation for designing Tc complexes with a built-in redox mechanism.

N-hydroxyalkyl derivatives of 3 beta-phenyltropane and 1-methylspiro[1H-indoline-3,4'-piperidine]: vesamicol analogues with affinity for monoamine transporters.

As part of our ongoing structure-activity studies of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligand 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, 1), 22 N-hydroxy(phenyl)alkyl derivatives of 3 beta-phenyltropane, 6, and 1-methylspiro[1H-indoline-3,4'-piperidine], 7, were synthesized and tested for binding in vitro. Although a few compounds displayed moderately high affinity for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, no compound was more potent than the prototypical vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligand vesamicol. However, a few derivatives of 6 displayed higher affinity for the dopamine transporter than cocaine. We conclude that modification of the piperidyl fragment of 1 will not lead to more potent vesicular acetylcholine transporter ligands.