Synthesis of the main metabolite in human blood of the A1 adenosine receptor ligand [18F]CPFPX.

In human blood, the PET radiotracer [(18)F]CPFPX (1) is metabolized to numerous metabolites, one (M1) being the most prominent in plasma 30 min p.i. Because the mass of injected tracer is < or = 5 nmol, concentrations in plasma are too low to analyze. Human liver microsomes generate main metabolites having HPLC retention times identical to those in plasma. HPLC-MS tentatively identified M1 as 2. Synthesis of 2 and identical HPLC-MS spectra of 2 and M1 confirmed that assignment.

Autoradiographic comparison of in vitro binding characteristics of various tritiated adenosine A2A receptor ligands in rat, mouse and pig brain and first ex vivo results.

The adenosine A(2A) receptor in the basal ganglia is involved in the control of movement and plays a role in movement disorders such as Parkinsonism. Developing ligands to evaluate that receptor by noninvasive methods such as positron emission tomography has a high priority. In vitro radioligand binding guides the selection of ligands for in vivo application. This study measured the binding of the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist [(3)H]MSX-2 (3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-8-m-methoxystyryl)-7-methyl-1-propargylxanthine) to rat, mouse and pig brain by autoradiography. Other studies measured binding to membranes from PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Those binding parameters were compared to those of the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist [(3)H]ZM241385 (4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino)ethyl)phenol), the adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist [(3)H]CGS21680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) and the unselective adenosine receptor agonist [(3)H]NECA (5'N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine). The potency order (K(d)) in the three species was [(3)H]ZM241385<[(3)H]MSX-2<[(3)H]NECA<[(3)H]CGS21680. The density of [(3)H]MSX-2 binding sites was greater in the striatum than in the cortex. Preliminary ex vivo experiments showed that by 10min after iv injection, [(3)H]MSX-2 and [(3)H]CGS21680 crossed the blood-brain barrier to the extent of almost 1% ID/g brain tissue, but [(3)H]NECA and [(3)H]ZM241385 to only 0.2% ID/g. The prior administration of unlabeled ZM241385 significantly lowered brain uptake of [(3)H]MSX-2. In conclusion, [(3)H]MSX-2 has a high affinity and sufficient selectivity for the adenosine A(2A) receptor. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Sensitivity to photoisomerization is a limitation. Further investigations assess its suitability as a ligand for imaging the brain adenosine A(2A) receptor.

New 2alpha-tropane amides as potential PET ligands for the dopamine transporter.

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of dopamine transporter (DAT) density in the brain is a potentially valuable tool for studying the etiopathology of degenerative brain disorders. The present study evaluated five new potential competitive inhibitors of DAT as ligands for PET. The evaluation of the new compounds measured their ability to compete with the binding of the reference ligand 2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-[(131)I]iodophenyl)tropane [(131)I]beta-CIT to striatal and cortical membranes from rat and pig brain. Four of the new compounds structurally related to cocaine were synthesized in their 2alpha,3beta configuration; the most potent one, 3beta-(4-iodo-phenyl)-8-methyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2alpha-carboxylic acid (2-fluoro-ethyl)-amide, was synthesized also in the 2beta,3beta configuration. For comparative studies in rat brain and new evaluation in pig brain homogenate, the established compounds beta-CIT, FP-CIT, PE2I and FETT were also synthesized and evaluated. Contrary to expectation, the 2alpha,3beta and 2beta,3beta isomers of 3-(4-iodo-phenyl)-8-methyl-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxylic acid (2-fluoro-ethyl)-amide showed the same affinity constant for rat striatum (K(i)=200 nM+/-34), but in pig striatum and rat and pig cortex the 2alpha,3beta form even had a higher affinity than the 2beta,3beta form.

Metabolism of the A(1)1 adenosine receptor positron emission tomography ligand [18F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([18F]CPFPX) in rodents and humans.

Studies of plasma from mice, rats, and human volunteers evaluated methods for the extraction and quantification of the positron emission tomography ligand [(18)F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([(18)F]CPFPX) and identification of its metabolites in plasma by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of human, mouse, and rat plasma extracts by HPLC identified four identical radioactive metabolites in each species. The low mass of radioligand administered to humans (0.5 - 5 nmol) prevented direct identification of metabolites. However, incubating liver microsomes with CPFPX and analysis by means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified seven compounds, four having the same retention times as the metabolites in human plasma. Analysis of microsomal metabolites by LC-MS identified five [M + H](+) ions of m/z equivalent to hydroxy derivatives, 339, one of m/z equivalent to an oxo derivative, m/z 337, and one of m/z equivalent to a difunctionalized oxo-desaturation species, m/z 335, which is prominent in rat and mouse plasma and is the main metabolite in human plasma. An [M + H](+) ion corresponding to a N-dealkylated derivative was not detected. Thus, like the natural methylxanthines, CPFPX seems to undergo oxidation by liver microsomes but, unlike those methylxanthines, dealkylation did not occur. LC-MS experiments with "in source" fragmentation identified the cyclopentyl moiety to be the most functionalized part of the molecule by liver microsomes and in vivo oxidations. Except for two metabolites, hydroxylated at the N1 propyl chain, all oxidative modifications found took place at the cyclopentyl ring.

Synthesis and evaluation of 7-amino-2-(2(3)-furyl)-5-phenylethylamino-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines as potential A2A adenosine receptor antagonists for positron emission tomography (PET).

The brain A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) participates with the dopamine D2 receptor in the control of movement and also might influence behavior. Because PET is an important tool for studying the roles of receptors in disease, a ligand for imaging the brain A2AAR is desirable. This report describes the synthesis and A2AAR antagonist activities of a panel of phenyl-substituted 7-amino-2-(2-furyl)-5-phenylethylamino-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines, 11aa-af, and their 3-furyl congeners, 11ba-bd. In competitive binding studies all compounds displaced [3H]CGS21680 from the A2AAR with Ki values of 14-33 nM with selectivity for the A2AAR over the A1AR of 5- to 94-fold. Autoradiography of brain sections showed a high level of unspecific binding that obscured specific binding. Thus, these compounds are not promising PET ligands.

6-aryl-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazol-2-ylamines: A1 adenosine receptor agonist allosteric enhancers having improved potency.

Allosteric enhancers (AEs) of the A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) have potential as drugs for treating neurological, cardiovascular, and renal diseases. This report describes the synthesis and evaluation of a series of 6-aryl-8H-indeno[1,2-d]thiazol-2-ylamines that exhibited AE activity at the A(1)AR. Palladium-mediated condensation of arylboronic acids with 5-bromoindan-1-one generated arylindanones 2a-aj for iodine-catalyzed condensation with thiourea, generating 2-aminothiazolium salts 3a-aj. Binding studies using membranes from cells stably expressing human A(1)ARs, A(2A)ARs, or A(3)ARs evaluated AE activity and receptor subtype selectivity. The EC(50) of the AE activities of compounds 3m-o, 3x, and 3ae were 2.2, 1.5, 0.9, 1.0, and 3.0 muM, respectively, substantially lower than that of the well characterized 2-amino-3-aroylthiophene (PD 81,723), >10 microM. The new compounds also have substantially higher maximal AE activity. These compounds had no AE activity at the A(2A)AR and only minimal activity at the A(3)AR.

Derivatives of 4,6-diamino-1,2-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-2H-1-one: potential antagonist ligands for imaging the A2A adenosine receptor by positron emission tomography (PET).

The importance of the brain A2A adenosine receptor (A(2A)AR) in movement disorders urges the development of radiolabeled ligands for imaging those receptors by positron emission tomography (PET). This study evaluated one class of A(2A)AR antagonists, derivatives of 4-amino-6-benzylamino-1,2-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-2H-1-one, 10a, as agents for imaging brain A(2A)ARs by PET.. Modifications of a literature synthesis of 10a efficiently generated analogs 10b-s for pharmacological evaluation. Radioligand binding experiments showed affinities for the rat brain A(2A)AR in the low nanomolar range but similar affinities for the A1AR and substantial unspecific binding. Autoradiography employing [3H]10a, showing that high unspecific binding obscured specific binding to both the A1AR and A(2A)AR. Thus, compounds 10b-s are unsuitable as ligands for imaging brain A(2A)ARs by PET.

18F-CPFPX PET identifies changes in cerebral A1 adenosine receptor density caused by glioma invasion.

UNLABELLED: Adenosine plays a critical role in both tumor proliferation and the cerebral response to tumor invasion. We used 8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-18F-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine (18F-CPFPX) PET to investigate A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) density as a potential indicator of the local cerebral response to glioma invasion. METHODS: A1AR density in F98 glioma-bearing rats was examined by 18F-CPFPX and 3H-CPFPX using PET, quantitative in vitro and ex vivo double-label receptor autoradiography, and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: For all imaging modalities, A1AR signal intensity was increased in a zone surrounding experimental tumors (136%-146% that in control tissue) (P < 0.01). Immunostaining identified activated astrocytes as the main origin of peritumoral A1AR upregulation. The results of a pilot 18F-CPFPX PET study on a patient with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme confirmed increases in A1AR density in the immediate vicinity of the tumor. CONCLUSION: 18F-CPFPX PET is suitable for the detection of peritumoral changes in A1AR density. Molecular imaging with 18F-CPFPX PET may open novel possibilities for gaining experimental and clinical insights into the cerebral response to tumor invasion.

Quantification of cerebral A1 adenosine receptors in humans using [18F]CPFPX and PET.

Adenosine is an important neuromodulator. Basic cerebral effects of adenosine are exerted by the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR), which is accessible in vivo by the novel ligand [F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([F]CPFPX) and positron emission tomography (PET). The present study investigates the applicability of kinetic models to describe the cerebral kinetics of [F]CPFPX in order to quantify A1AR density in vivo. Six healthy volunteers underwent dynamic PET scanning and arterial blood sampling after bolus injection of [F]CPFPX. For quantitative analysis, a standard two-tissue compartment model (2TCM) was compared with a one-tissue compartment model (1TCM) and Logan's graphical analysis (GA). The 2TCM described the cerebral kinetics of [F]CPFPX significantly better than the 1TCM (in all regions and subjects examined). The estimated values of the regional total distribution volumes (DVt) correlated strongly between the 2TCM and GA (linear regression r = 0.99, slope: 1.007). The DVt correlation between the 2TCM and the 1TCM was comparably high, but there was a significant bias towards lower DVt estimates given by the 1TCM (r: 0.99, slope: 0.929). It is concluded that a 2TCM satisfactorily accounts for the cerebral kinetics of [F]CPFPX. GA represents an attractive alternative method of analysis.

Allosteric enhancers of A1 adenosine receptors increase receptor-G protein coupling and counteract Guanine nucleotide effects on agonist binding.

Endogenous ligands of G protein-coupled receptors bind to orthosteric sites that are topologically distinct from allosteric sites. Certain aminothiophenes such as (2-amino-4,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl)-[3-(trifluromethyl)-phenyl]-methanone (PD81,723) and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl-methanone (ATL525) are positive allosteric regulators, or enhancers, of the human A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR). In equilibrium binding assays, 125I-N6-aminobenzyladenosine (125I-ABA) binds to two affinity states of A1AR with KD-high (0.33 microM) and KD-low ( approximately 10 nM). Enhancers have little effect on KD-high but convert all A1AR binding sites to the high-affinity state. Enhancers decrease the potency of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) as an inhibitor of agonist binding by 100-fold and increase agonist-stimulated guanine nucleotide exchange. The association of 125I-ABA to high-affinity receptors on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-hA1 membranes does not follow theoretical single-site association kinetics but is approximated by a bi-exponential equation with t1/2 values of 1.85 and 12.8 min. Allosteric enhancers selectively increase the number of slow binding sites, possibly by stabilizing newly formed receptor-G protein complexes. A new rapid assay method scores enhancer activity on a scale from 0 to 100 based on their ability to prevent the rapid dissociation of 125I-ABA from A1AR in response to GTPgammaS. Compared with PD81,723, ATL525 (100 microM) scores higher (27 versus 79) and has less antagonist activity. ATL525 functionally enhances A1 signaling to inhibit cAMP accumulation in CHO-hA1 cells. These data suggest that simultaneously binding orthosteric and allosteric enhancer ligands convert the A1AR from partly to fully coupled to G proteins and prevents rapid uncoupling upon binding of GTPgammaS.

Evaluation of 18F-CPFPX, a novel adenosine A1 receptor ligand: in vitro autoradiography and high-resolution small animal PET.

UNLABELLED: Adenosine modulates brain activity through 4 G protein-coupled receptors, primarily adenosine A(1) receptors (A(1)ARs). A(1)ARs are heterogeneously distributed throughout the brain and participate in many physiologic processes-for example, the induction of sleep and feedback inhibition of excitatory neurotransmission. There is also evidence that A(1)ARs are involved in brain pathologies, including cerebral ischemia, epilepsy, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, measuring A(1)ARs in the living brain has been a long-standing goal. This report describes the preclinical evaluation of (18)F-8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ((18)F-CPFPX), a novel A(1)AR PET ligand. METHODS: CPFPX, a xanthine-based A(1)AR antagonist, was labeled with either (18)F or (3)H, maintaining identical chemical structures, and evaluated in rats as a putative radioligand for in vivo or in vitro imaging of brain A(1)ARs by quantitative receptor autoradiography and the combination of high-resolution small animal PET and MRI. RESULTS: (3)H-CPFPX bound with nanomolar affinity (K(d), 4.4 nmol/L) to A(1)ARs and showed a distribution typical of cerebral A(1)ARs. In extensive in vitro competition studies, (3)H-CPFPX proved to be a highly selective and specific A(1)AR radioligand. Neither the nonxanthine-type adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist ZM 241385 nor multiple cholinergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic receptor compounds competed for (3)H-CPFPX below the micromolar level. In vivo animal PET and ex vivo autoradiographic experiments measured radioactivity in discrete brain regions after intravenous injection of (18)F-CPFPX. (18)F-CPFPX had excellent in vivo stability and penetrated the blood-brain barrier immediately after injection due to its high lipophilicity. Brain uptake was rapid and particularly high in gray matter regions. Retention of (18)F-CPFPX was highest in the cerebellum, thalamus, and neocortex with evidence of saturable binding. Low binding potentials were found in the midbrain. In vivo displacement PET experiments with the A(1)AR antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine showed a 72% +/- 8% displacement of (18)F-CPFPX. CONCLUSION: (18)F-CPFPX is a highly selective and specific ligand for A(1)ARs and a suitable radioligand for noninvasive PET imaging of A(1)ARs in the living brain. These studies also support the application of high-resolution animal PET as an effective in vivo imaging tool in the evaluation process of new radioligands.

In vivo imaging of adenosine A1 receptors in the human brain with [18F]CPFPX and positron emission tomography.

The important roles played by the A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) in brain physiology and pathology make this receptor a target for in vivo imaging. Here we describe the distribution of A(1)ARs in the living human brain with PET, made possible for the first time by the highly potent and selective A(1)AR antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-[(18)F]fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([(18)F]CPFPX). In vivo data demonstrate a rapid cerebral uptake, peaking at 2.9 +/- 0.6% injected dose/liter at 3.3 +/- 1.3 min, followed by a gradual washout. Consistent with the results of autoradiography, high receptor densities occurred in the putamen and the mediodorsal thalamus. Neocortical regions showed regional differences in [(18)F]CPFPX binding, with high accumulation in temporal > occipital > parietal > frontal lobes and a lower level of binding in the sensorimotor cortex. Ligand accumulation was low in cerebellum, midbrain, and brain stem. Metabolism of [(18)F]CPFPX is rapid outside the central nervous system, but the metabolites do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In conclusion, in vivo application of [(18)F]CPFPX, a highly potent and selective PET ligand, for the first time allows the imaging of A(1)ARs in the living human brain.

2-Amino-3-benzoylthiophene allosteric enhancers of A1 adenosine agonist binding: new 3, 4-, and 5-modifications.

2-Amino-3-aroylthiophenes are agonist allosteric enhancers (AE) at the A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR). Here we report the syntheses of three kinds of novel 2-aminothiophenes and assays of their AE activity at the human A(1)AR (hA(1)AR), namely, (1) 2-amino-4,5-diphenylthiophene-3-carboxylates, 3a-h, (2) 2-amino-3-benzoyl-4,5-diphenylthiophenes, 7a-p, and (3) 2-amino-5-bromo-3-benzoyl-4-phenylthiophenes, 10a-h. An in vitro assay employing the A(1)AR agonist [(125)I]ABA and membranes from CHO-K1 cells stably expressing the hA(1)AR measured an index of AE activity, the ability of a candidate AE to stabilize the agonist-A(1)AR-G protein ternary complex, scored as the percentage of ternary complex remaining after 10 min of dissociation initiated by CPX and GTPgammaS. The AE activity score of 2-amino-4,5-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)thiophene (PD 81,723), which was 19%, served as a standard for comparison. Two 3-carboxythiophene 3-trifluoromethylbenzyl esters, 3d (49%) and 3f (63%), had substantial AE activity. The 3-(1-naphthoyl) substituent of 7e (52%) also supported AE activity. Compounds in series 3 tended to be more potent, 10a and 10c having scores of 91 and 80%, respectively. The activity of 2-amino-5-bromo-3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)thiophene, 10h (26%), is an exception to the rule that a 3-ethoxycarbonyl substituent cannot support AE activity.

Synthesis and evaluation of no-carrier-added 8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-[(18)F]fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine ([(18)F]CPFPX): a potent and selective A(1)-adenosine receptor antagonist for in vivo imaging.

This report describes the precursor synthesis and the no-carrier-added (nca) radiosynthesis of the new A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) antagonist [(18)F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine (CPFPX), 3, with fluorine-18 (half-life = 109.6 min). Nucleophilic radiofluorination of the precursor tosylate 8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-tosyloxypropyl)-7-pivaloyloxymethyl-1-propylxanthine, 2, with nca [(18)F]KF under aminopolyether-mediated conditions (Kryptofix 2.2.2/K(2)CO(3)) followed by deprotection was straightforward and, after formulation, gave the radioligand ready for injection with a radiochemical yield of 45 +/- 7%, a radiochemical purity of >98% and a specific radioactivity of >270 GBq/micromol (>7.2 Ci/micromol). Preparation time averaged 55 min. The synthesis proved reliable for high batch yields ( approximately 7.5 GBq) in routine production (n = 120 runs). The radiotracer was pharmacologically evaluated in vitro and in vivo and its pharmacokinetics in rodents determined in detail. After iv injection a high accumulation of radioactivity occurred in several regions of mouse brain including thalamus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellum. Antagonism by the specific A(1)AR antagonists 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and N(6)-cyclopentyl-9-methyladenine (N-0840), but not with the A(2)AR antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), indicated specific and reversible binding of the radioligand to A(1)AR in cortical and subcortical regions of interest. In mouse blood at least two polar metabolites formed rapidly (50% at 5 min after tracer application). However, chromatographic analyses of brain homogenate extracts taken 60 min pi showed that >98% of radioactivity was unchanged radioligand. Chromatographic isolation and reinjection of peripherally formed radioactive metabolites revealed no accumulation of radioactivity in mouse brain, probably due to the polarity of the metabolites. These preliminary results suggest that nca [(18)F]CPFPX is a useful radioligand for the noninvasive imaging of the brain A(1)AR.

Applications of adenosine receptor ligands in medical imaging by positron emission tomography.

In the last decade the field of purinergic pharmacology has continued to grow as the complexity of the receptor families and the various enzymes involved in purine metabolism have been defined in molecular terms. Adenosine receptors (ARs) are currently divided into the four subclasses A(1)-, A(2A)-, A(2B)- and A(3)AR. The most intensively studied subtypes are the high-affinity A(1) and A(2A) receptors, which are activated by adenosine in nano- to submicromolar concentrations. The clinical importance of the A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) and the A(2A)adenosine receptor (A(2A)AR) makes them attractive targets for radionuclide in vivo imaging. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging modality which can determine biochemical and physiological processes in vivo in a quantitative way by using radiopharmaceuticals labeled with positron emitting radionuclides as (11)C, (13)N, (15)O and (18)F and by measuring the annihilation radiation using a coincidence technique. This includes also measurement of the pharmacokinetics of labeled drugs and the assessment of the effects of drugs on metabolism. In the present article we review the radioligands which are currently available for visualisation and quantification of ARs using PET with a special focus on the A(1)AR and A(2A)AR.

2-Aminothiazoles: a new class of agonist allosteric enhancers of A(1) adenosine receptors.

This report describes the synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a new class of A(1) adenosine receptor agonist allosteric enhancers, 2-aminothiazolium salts. The EC(50) of compounds 6a, 6b, 7, and 8 were 0.3, 4.5, 3.8, and 1.2 microM, substantially lower than that of the 'Gold Standard' 2-amino-3-benzoyl thiophene (PD 81,723), which has an EC(50) of 38 microM.

2-Amino-3-aroyl-4,5-alkylthiophenes: agonist allosteric enhancers at human A(1) adenosine receptors.

2-Amino-3-benzoylthiophenes are allosteric enhancers (AE) of agonist activity at the A(1) adenosine receptor. The present report describes syntheses and assays of the AE activity at the human A(1)AR (hA(1)AR) of a panel of compounds consisting of nine 2-amino-3-aroylthiophenes (3a-i), eight 2-amino-3-benzoyl-4,5-dimethylthiophenes (12a-h), three 3-aroyl-2-carboxy-4,5-dimethylthiophenes (15a-c), 10 2-amino-3-benzoyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[b]thiophenes (17a-j), 14 2-amino-3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophenes (18a-n), and 15 2-amino-3-benzoyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophenes (19a-o). An in vitro assay employing the A(1)AR agonist [(125)I]ABA and membranes from CHO-K1 cells stably expressing the hA(1)AR measured, as an index of AE activity, the ability of a candidate AE to stabilize the agonist-A(1)AR-G protein ternary complex. Compounds 3a-i had little or no AE activity, and compounds 12a-h had only modest activity, evidence that AE activity depended absolutely on the presence of at least a methyl group at C-4 and C-5. Compounds 17a-c lacked AE activity, suggesting the 2-amino group is essential. Polymethylene bridges linked thiophene C-4 and C-5 of compounds 17a-j, 18a-n, and 19a-o. AE activity increased with the size of the -(CH(2))(n)()- bridge, n = 3 < n = 4 < n = 5. The 3-carbethoxy substituents of 17a, 18a, and 19a did not support AE activity, but a 3-aroyl group did. Bulky (or hydrophobic) substituents at the meta and para positions of the 3-benzoyl group and also 3-naphthoyl groups greatly enhanced activity. Thus, the hA(1)AR contains an allosteric binding site able to accommodate 3-aroyl substituents that are bulky and/or hydrophobic but not necessarily planar. A second region in the allosteric binding site interacts constructively with alkyl substituents at thiophene C-4 and/or C-5.