Preparation and purification of an end to end coupled mEGF-dextran conjugate.

The amino terminus of mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) was coupled directly to the aldehyde end of dextran through a reductive amination procedure. The highest coupling efficiency was approximately 80% and could be reached after approximately 24 h of reaction time at pH 8. Gel filtration on Sephadex G-50 Fine removed free mEGF from the conjugate. Preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to separate the conjugate from excess noncharged dextran. The conjugate bound specifically to the EGF receptor on cultured glioma cells as shown in displacement tests with free mEGF. The conjugate was stable in the pH interval 4-9, in 2 M sodium chloride, in 7 M urea, and in human serum and could still bind to the EGF receptor after such treatments. The conjugates are candidates for targeted nuclide therapy.

trans-2-Aryl-N,N-dipropylcyclopropylamines: synthesis and interactions with 5-HT(1A) receptors.

Twelve N,N-dipropyl-substituted derivatives of trans-2-arylcyclopropylamine have been prepared and assayed for their ability to displace [(3)H]-8-OH-DPAT from rat brain 5-HT(1A) receptors. The new derivatives include phenyl (7a), bromo- (7b) and fluorophenyl (7c-e), 2-methoxy-5-fluorophenyl (7h), and 2-hydroxy-5-fluorophenyl (7l) as well as trifluoromethylphenyl (7f) and 2,3-dichlorophenyl (7g) analogues. In the present series of compounds, electron-withdrawing substituents in the phenyl ring appear to decrease the affinity for 5-HT(1A) receptors. In contrast, electron-rich aryl groups, such as 2- or 3-thienyl (7j and 7k, respectively), provide compounds with high affinity. The additional bulk produced by the aromatic moiety in the 2-benzothienyl derivative 7i appears to be detrimental to 5-HT(1A) receptor affinity. The racemic mixtures of the interesting 7j and 7l were resolved into the enantiomers; 7j and 7l exhibited a high enantiomeric 5-HT(1A) receptor affinity ratio (75-fold and 100-fold, respectively). The enantiomers of 7j and 7l were evaluated in vivo by use of biochemical and behavioral tests in rats. Compound (1R,2R)-7j behaved as a partial agonist whereas (1R,2S)-7l appeared as an efficacious 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, stimulating both autoreceptors and postsynaptic receptors.

Intrinsic activity of enantiomers of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and its analogs at 5-hydroxytryptamine1A receptors that are negatively coupled to adenylate cyclase.

Although many different types of compounds have been tested for 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) binding affinity, much remains to be learned about the structural requirements associated with 5-HT1A agonism, partial agonism, and antagonism. The present study uses the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase (FSC) assay as a functional screen in rat hippocampal membranes to examine structure-activity relationships for a series of enantiomers of novel analogs of the prototypic 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). The findings illustrate that there can be large enantiomeric differences in intrinsic activity at the 5-HT1A receptor, independent of enantiomeric effects on binding affinity. Generally, for each enantiomeric pair exhibiting stereoselective 5-HT1A binding, the enantiomer with the higher affinity also displayed the greater amount of 5-HT1A intrinsic activity in the FSC assay. Interestingly, the enantiomers of 8-OH-DPAT itself displayed stereoselective differences in intrinsic activity but not 5-HT1A affinity. Several of the compounds, namely (S)-UH-301, (2R,3R)-CM-12, and (1S,2R)-LEA-146, may have potential as prototypes for selective 5-HT1A antagonists, and (S)-UH-301 itself may be useful as a selective 5-HT1A antagonist. The FSC data presented here are in good agreement with reported measures of in vivo 5-HT1A activity, which were in part the basis of a recently proposed model for the 5-HT1A pharmacophore [J. Med. Chem. 34: 497-510 (1991)].

A 3-D model for 5-HT1A-receptor agonists based on stereoselective methyl-substituted and conformationally restricted analogues of 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin.

The enantiomers of cis- and trans-1,2,3,4,4a,5,10,10a-octahydro-9-hydroxy-1- propylbenzo[g]quinolines (10 and 11, respectively) and the enantiomers of trans-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,10b-octahydro-10- hydroxy-4-propylbenzo[f]quinoline (12) have been synthesized and their stereochemical and conformational characteristics have been studied by use of X-ray crystallography and molecular mechanics (MMP2) calculations. The compounds, which are conformationally restricted analogues of the potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2- (dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 1) have been evaluated for central 5-HT and dopamine receptor stimulating activity by use of biochemical and behavioral tests in rats. In addition, we have evaluated the ability of these compounds and a number of previously reported analogues to displace [3H]-8-OH-DPAT from 5-HT1A-binding sites. The enantiomers of 12 behave as potent 5-HT1A-receptor agonists, whereas the octahydrobenzo[g]quinoline derivatives are much less potent or inactive. In general, the affinities of the compounds correlate well with their agonist potencies. The set of compounds under study is accommodated by a novel computer-graphics-derived model for 5-HT1A-receptor agonism. The model consists of a flexible pharmacophore and a partial receptor-excluded volume.

Effects of stereoselective 5-HT1A agonists on male rat sexual behavior.

The effects on male rat sexual behavior of some new stereoselective 5-HT agonists, related to 8-OH-DPAT, are presented. It was found that (+)cis-8-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-MeDPAT), as well as (-)trans-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-N,N-di-n-propylcyclopropylamine (2-OH-DCPA), and its 3-hydroxy-phenyl analog (3-OH-DCPA), stereoselectively facilitated the male rat sexual behavior, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of intromissions preceding ejaculation, and a shortening of the ejaculation latency. For the former two compounds, studied in further detail, the potency and efficacy appear to be of the same magnitude as previously found for 8-OH-DPAT. The results demonstrate specific 5-HT receptor involvement in the mediation of male rat sexual behavior.

Structural factors of importance for 5-hydroxytryptaminergic activity. Conformational preferences and electrostatic potentials of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and some related agents.

The conformational characteristics of two series of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists, monophenolic N,N-dialkylated 2-aminotetralins and trans-2-phenylcyclopropylamines, have been studied by a combination of experimental (NMR spectroscopy) and theoretical (molecular mechanics and MNDO calculations) methods. In addition, molecular electrostatic potentials have been calculated for selected conformations and the absolute configuration of the potent 5-HT-receptor agonist (+)-cis-8-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin has been determined, by X-ray crystallography of the synthetic precursor, to be 1S,2R. Results obtained are discussed in terms of conformational, steric, and electronic requirements for 5-HT-receptor activation. It is suggested that different conformations of the 5-HT-receptor agonists (1R,2S)-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-N,N-di-n-propylcyclopropylamine [(1R,2S)-4] and its 3-hydroxy isomer (1R,2S)-5 are able to activate 5-HT receptors. The strongly increased stereoselectivity of 2, 4, and 5 as compared to that of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 1) is rationalized on the basis of steric factors. Conformational factors appear to be responsible for the inability of the trans-C1-methyl-substituted derivative of 1 to activate 5-HT receptors.

N,N-Dialkylated monophenolic trans-2-phenylcyclopropylamines: novel central 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists.

N,N-Dialkylated monophenolic derivatives of trans-2-phenylcyclopropylamine were synthesized and tested for central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) receptor stimulating activity by use of a biochemical test method in rats. A hydroxy substituent in the 2- or 3-position of the phenyl ring was required for 5-HT-receptor stimulation. N,N-Diethyl or N,N-di-n-propyl substitution gave the most potent 5-HT-receptor agonists. The 4-hydroxy and 3,4-dihydroxy derivatives of trans-2-phenyl-N,N-di-n-propylcyclopropylamine were inactive at central DA and 5-HT receptors. In contrast, the corresponding 3-hydroxy derivative 18 and some of its derivatives weakly affected both DA and NE synthesis. Two of the most potent 5-HT-receptor agonists, trans-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-N,N-di-n-propylcyclopropylamine (8) and the 3-hydroxy isomer 18 were resolved into the enantiomers. The 1R,2S enantiomers of 8 and 18 displayed 5-HT activity, while the 1S,2R enantiomers were inactive. Compound (1R,2S)-18, but not (1R,2S)-8, weakly affected rat brain DA and NE synthesis.

(+)-cis-8-Hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin: a potent and highly stereoselective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist.

C1-Methylated derivatives of the potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 1) were synthesized and tested for central 5-HT and dopamine receptor activity by use of a biochemical test method in rats. cis-8-Hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8) was found to be a 5-HT receptor agonist. The (+)-enantiomer of 8 had a potency equal to that of 1, whereas (-)-8 and the trans isomer (+/-)-9 were inactive.

Resolved cis- and trans-2-amino-5-methoxy-1-methyltetralins: central dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists.

A series of 35 stereochemically well-defined C1-methyl-substituted derivatives of the potent dopamine (DA) receptor agonist 5-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (5-OH-DPAT) have been synthesized. The compounds were tested for central DA receptor agonistic and antagonistic activity, by use of biochemical and behavioral tests in rats. In addition, the compounds were tested for in vivo interactions with 5,6-dihydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (DiPr-5,6-ADTN). On the basis of pharmacological activity profiles, the active compounds have been classified into four groups: classical pre- and postsynaptic DA receptor agonists, DA receptor agonists with preferential action at presynaptic receptors, pre- and postsynaptic DA receptor antagonists, and DA receptor antagonists with preferential action at presynaptic receptors. Results obtained indicate that both 2R and 2S enantiomers of C5-oxygenated 2-aminotetralins may be able to bind to DA receptors but that only 2S antipodes are able to activate the receptors. O-Methylation of the C5-oxygenated (1S,2R)-2-amino-1-methyltetralin derivatives tends to increase their DA receptor antagonistic activity, whereas decrease of the size of the N-substituent(s) from n-propyl to ethyl or methyl appears to increase their activity at postsynaptic DA receptors.

Conformational analysis of the dopamine-receptor agonist 5-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin and its C(2)-methyl-substituted derivative.

The conformational preferences of the dopamine (DA) receptor agonist 5-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (1) and the DA-inactive 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (2) have been studied by use of molecular mechanics (MMP2) calculations and NMR spectroscopy. A good agreement is demonstrated between the experimentally determined (by NMR) and the calculated (by MMP2) conformational distribution of 1 and 2. In addition, there is a good agreement between bond distances and bond angles in the X-ray structure of the hydrobromide of 1 and those in the corresponding MMP2 conformation. Results obtained demonstrate that the energetically preferred conformations of 1 and 2 are different: Compound 1 preferentially adopts half-chair conformations with a pseudoequatorial nitrogen substituent whereas the low-energy conformations of compound 2 have a pseudoaxial nitrogen substituent. However, the results also indicate that the difference in conformational preferences is too small to account for the dopaminergic inactivity of 2. Therefore it is suggested that the steric bulk of the C(2)-methyl group per se prevents a proper alignment of (2S)-2 with DA receptors.

(+)-UH 232 and (+)-UH 242: novel stereoselective dopamine receptor antagonists with preferential action on autoreceptors.

The (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of the 2-aminotetralin derivatives cis-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (UH 232) and cis-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (UH 242), were pharmacologically evaluated in rats in an extensive series of in vivo biochemical and behavioral experiments. These studies showed that the (+)- and (-)-enantiomers have differential effects on central dopamine (DA) receptors. Thus, (-)-UH 242 is a DA-receptor agonist stimulating both pre- and postsynaptic receptors. (-)-UH 232 is also active as a DA receptor agonist, although with much lower potency than (-)-UH 242. In contrast, (+)-UH 242 and (+)-UH 232 are characterized as DA receptor antagonists. Both (+) forms markedly accelerated DA synthesis and turnover and reversed the biochemical and behavioral effects of apomorphine. Locomotor activity was stimulated by the (+)-enantiomers over a wide dose range; hypomotility was induced only by high doses. The pharmacological profile of the (+)-enantiomers clearly differs from that of classical neuroleptics and suggests a preferential antagonistic action on DA autoreceptors. (+)-UH 232 and (+)-UH 242 may prove useful as experimental tools and as potential therapeutic agents (selectively increasing DA-ergic neurotransmission), e.g. in geriatric practice.

A homologous series of N-alkylated cis-(+)-(1 S, 2 R)-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-aminotetralins: central dopamine receptor antagonists showing profiles ranging from classical antagonism to selectivity for autoreceptors.

N-alkylated and N,N-dialkylated cis-(+)-(1 S, 2 R)-5-methoxy-1-methyl-2-aminotetralins were tested for central dopamine receptor antagonism using in vivo biochemical and behavioral models in rats. The di-methyl analogue showed a profile similar to classical dopamine receptor antagonists. It produced a marked hypomotility including catalepsy and a pronounced increase in dopamine synthesis rate. This compound also displaced DiPr-5, 6-ADTN from striatal binding sites and antagonized the hyperactivity induced by the ligand. In contrast, the mono-propyl analogue increased locomotor activity and dopamine synthesis rate over a wide dose range. This compound failed to antagonize the hyperactivity induced by DiPr-5, 6-ADTN and to displace this in-vivo binding ligand. Thus, the mono-propyl analogue appears to lack postsynaptic dopamine receptor antagonistic properties; it seems to produce its effects via a selective dopamine autoreceptor antagonism. The di-ethyl and di-propyl, but not the dibutyl, analogues were also active in the models used. Whereas the di-ethyl compound shows a profile similar to classical dopamine receptor blockers, the di-propyl compound appears to act preferentially on autoreceptors.

Novel dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists with preferential action on autoreceptors.

The enantiomers of cis-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and its methyl ether have been synthesized. The compounds were tested for central dopamine (DA) receptor activity, by using biochemical and behavioral tests in rats. The (1R,2S)-(-) enantiomers of 1 and 2 are characterized as centrally acting DA-receptor agonists while the corresponding (1S,2R)-(+) enantiomers are characterized as centrally acting DA-receptor antagonists. Compounds (+)-1 and (+)-2 differ from classical neuroleptics in being able to increase DA synthesis rate in a wide dose range without reducing locomotor activity, suggesting a pronounced selectivity for DA autoreceptors. Also the (-) enantiomers seem to act preferentially on DA autoreceptors.

Cardiovascular effects in the Sprague-Dawley rat of 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino) tetralin, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist.

The intravenous administration of 8-hydroxy-2(di-N-propylamino) tetralin, a selective 5-HT receptor agonist, caused a biphasic blood pressure response and bradycardia in Sprague-Dawley rats. The initial pressor response involved peripheral alpha 1-adrenoceptors since it was present in pithed rats and was antagonized by prazosin. Though the intracerebroventricular route of administration was not more effective the hypotension and bradycardia were probably of central origin. The bradycardia was prevented by pretreatment with atropine and propranolol suggesting an involvement of vagal as well as sympathetic activity. These results support the view that central 5-HT receptor activation reduces the blood pressure and heart rate.

Resolved monophenolic 2-aminotetralins and 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,10b-octahydrobenzo[f]quinolines: structural and stereochemical considerations for centrally acting pre- and postsynaptic dopamine-receptor agonists.

A detailed structure-activity relationship is revealed for resolved, centrally acting dopamine (DA) agonists acting on both pre- and postsynaptic DA receptors. The compounds resolved are 5- and 7-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin and cis- and trans-7-hydroxy-4-n-propyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,10b-octahydrobenzo [f]quinoline. By the superimposition of the structures of the more active enantiomers of these compounds with those of known dopaminergic agonists, apomorphine and ergolines, a new DA-receptor model is proposed as an outgrowth of current DA-receptor theories. One of the most important concepts of this receptor model is its emphasis on the possible positions taken by the N-substituents of dopaminergic compounds. One of these positions i sterically well defined while the other direction is sterically less critical. The model has been used to explain the lack of dopaminergic activity of some previously reported structures and also to predict properties of novel structures, including inherent chirality, which should be active at DA receptors. Hopefully, this heuristic DA-receptor model will lead to the discovery of more selective and potent pharmacological tools, which ultimately might lead to the development of therapeutic agents for treating diseases of dopaminergic function in the central nervous system.

Resolved 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine and its analogues: central dopamine receptor activity.

Seven enantiomeric pairs of N-alkyl analogues of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine (3-PPP, 12) have been synthesized and evaluated pharmacologically (biochemistry and behavior) in order to examine their ability to interact with central dopamine (DA) receptors, particularly DA autoreceptors. In the R series it seems as if all compounds behave as classical DA receptor agonists with affinity and intrinsic activity for both pre- and postsynaptic receptors. The same bifunctional profile seems to be valid for the S enantiomers with N-substituents larger or bulkier than n-propyl. Likewise, the S enantiomers with ethyl or n-propyl N-substituents seem to have affinity for both pre- and postsynaptic receptors. In the total series, (S)-(-)-3-PPP [(S)-12] seems to be the most interesting compound both from the theoretical and the therapeutical point of view, possibly attenuating DA function in two different ways by stimulating the presynaptic receptors and blocking the postsynaptic receptors. This compound has been selected for extended pharmacological studies as a potential antipsychotic drug.

8-Hydroxy-2-(alkylamino)tetralins and related compounds as central 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists.

A series of 2-(alkylamino)tetralins related to 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (21) were prepared and tested as dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists. Several of the compounds were potent 5-HT agonists devoid of DA-mimetic effects. N-Ethyl or N-propyl substitution of 8-hydroxy-2-aminotetralin gave the most potent agonists. It was shown that the most potent compound, (+)-21, has the 2R configuration. 5,8-Di-methoxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (31) was found to be a weak DA agonist devoid of 5-HT activity. The corresponding indan derivative, 4,7-dimethoxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)indan (39), has been reported to be active on both DA and 5-HT receptors. The 5-HT-stimulating properties of compounds 21 and 39 as compared to the incapability of compound 31 to activate the 5-HT receptor is tentatively explained by the assumed mode of binding of the compounds to the 5-HT receptor.