Activation of the human estrogen receptor by the antiestrogens ICI 182,780 and tamoxifen in yeast genetic systems: implications for their mechanism of action.

The antiestrogens tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 have been portrayed as competitive antagonists of the estrogen binding site of the alpha-form of the human estrogen receptor (ER). However, in functional studies, neither compound has consistently been able to block estradiol-induced transcription. In this report, three yeast genetic systems were used to investigate the effects of tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 on ER dimerization, transcriptional activation, and the interaction of the receptor with a coactivator, RIP140. Tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 were able to induce ER dimerization and ER-dependent transcription, albeit at up to 15,000-fold higher concentrations than that of estradiol. In the presence of RIP140, the transcription response maximum was increased up to 30-fold for estradiol and both antiestrogens. Whole yeast cell [(3)H]estradiol binding studies demonstrated that tamoxifen could displace the estradiol from the ER, whereas ICI 182,780 treatment resulted in a 4-fold increase in [(3)H]estradiol binding to the receptor. No antagonism of estradiol was observed with tamoxifen or ICI 182,780 in any of the yeast models employed. We have concluded that the antiestrogen activity of compounds like tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 is not caused by their ability to competitively antagonize estradiol binding to the hormone binding site, but possibly by their ability to induce ER-dependent transcription, which in mammalian systems would result in receptor down-regulation. Compounds such as tamoxifen act through the hormone binding site, whereas ICI 182,780 may cause receptor activation through an allosteric binding site.

Environmental estrogens induce transcriptionally active estrogen receptor dimers in yeast: activity potentiated by the coactivator RIP140.

We used three yeast genetic systems to investigate the estrogen-like activity of octylphenol (OP), bisphenol-A (BPA), o,p'-DDT, and o, p'-DDE to induce human estrogen receptor (hER) dimerization and transcriptional activation. We have demonstrated that OP, BPA, and o, p'-DDT can induce hER ligand-dependent dimerization using a yeast two-hybrid assay. All three xenoestrogens, plus estradiol, enhanced estrogen response element (ERE)-dependent transcriptional activation of hER. In the presence of receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140), ERE-dependent activity was dramatically amplified by 100-fold for estradiol, OP, BPA, and o,p'-DDT. A yeast whole-cell [(3)H]estradiol binding assay was developed to determine the site of interaction on the hER. We determined nonspecific binding by parallel incubations run in the presence of 5 microM unlabelled estradiol in PCY2 yeast. At the concentrations tested, unlabeled estradiol, OP, and BPA displaced [(3)H]estradiol in this binding assay, whereas the concentrations of o,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDE tested were insufficient to inhibit binding. Incubating yeast in the presence of increasing concentrations of estradiol and OP (1 microM) or BPA (1 microM) neither blocked nor altered the effect of estradiol on hER activity. We observed no agonistic activity of o,p'-DDE in any of the yeast models used. These results suggest that OP, BPA, and o,p'-DDT exert their estrogen-like activity through the ER in a manner similar to that of estradiol, and the coactivator RIP140 markedly potentiates this activity.

The synthesis and biological activity of a highly selective adenosine A2a receptor agonist.

Three novel nucleosides 1, 2, and 3 were prepared that contained side chains at the 2-position of adenosine. Compound 1 was shown to be the most selective A2a receptor agonist reported to date having an A1/A2 ratio of 2400. In addition, compound 1 was shown to reduce blood pressure in rats and dogs with only minimal effects on heart rate.

Activation of adenosine A3 receptors on macrophages inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Murine macrophage-derived tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene expression has been shown to be dramatically induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide, and to be dependent upon nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) binding sites in its promoter for the lipopolysaccharide induction. Murine J774.1 macrophage cells were found to predominantly express the adenosine A3 receptor RNA relative to adenosine A1 receptor or adenosine A2 receptor RNA. Adenosine receptor agonists, in a dose-dependent manner characteristic of the adenosine A3 receptor, blocked the endotoxin induction of the TNF-alpha gene and TNF-alpha protein expression in the J774.1 macrophage cell line. The adenosine A3 receptor antagonist BW-1433 dose-dependently reversed this adenosine inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha gene expression. Thus, the binding of adenosine receptor agonists to the adenosine A3 receptor interrupts the endotoxin CD14 receptor signal transduction pathway and blocks induction of cytokine TNF-alpha, revealing a novel cross-talk between the murine adenosine A3 receptor and the endotoxin CD14 receptor in J774.1 macrophages.

Effects of the selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL 100,907 on MDMA-induced locomotor stimulation in rats.

(+/-)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) releases dopamine and serotonin in vivo and stimulates locomotor activity. Previous work demonstrated that MDMA-stimulated dopamine release could be reduced by the selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist [R-(+)-a- (2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenylethyl)]-4-piperidinem ethanol] (MDL 100,907). In the present study MDL 100,907 significantly reduced MDMA-stimulated locomotion without affecting basal levels of locomotion. Other agents with 5-HT2A antagonist activity (ritanserin, clozapine, MDL 28,133A, or methiothepin), as well as agents that block 5-HT1A-(propranolol), D2-(haloperidol), or D1 receptors (SCH 23390) also reduced MDMA-stimulated locomotion. Intraventricularly administered 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine decreased regional 5-HT levels and attenuated MDMA-stimulated locomotion. These data support the conclusion that serotonin released onto 5-HT2A receptors contributes to MDMA-stimulated locomotion and suggest that MDMA-stimulated locomotion may be useful as an in vivo behavioral measure of 5-HT2A antagonism. The data also support previous reports of contributions of 5-HT1A, D1 and D2 receptors to MDMA-stimulated locomotion. A preliminary time-course analysis indicating time-dependent contributions of different receptors to MDMA-stimulated locomotion suggests the potential utility of this model for characterizing potential atypical antipsychotic compounds.

Biocatalytic desulfurization of arylsulfonates.

A microbial strain, Klebsiella oxytoca KS3D, has been isolated which is capable of exploiting arylsulfonates as a sole source of sulfur during growth. The desulfurization catalyzed by intact K. oxytoca KS3D results in the conversion of arylsulfonates into the corresponding phenols. Even arylsulfonates carrying substituents which significantly alter steric and electronic characteristics are substrates. Only a single regioisomer is produced from substituted arylsulfonates. Based on the products formed from the biocatalytic desulfurizations and incorporation of isotopic oxygen in phenolic product when the desulfurization is run under 18O-enriched oxygen, hydrolysis mechanisms can be eliminated from consideration. Two reaction types which might mimic the chemistry occurring during microbial desulfurization of arylsulfonates were examined. The first reaction involved conversion of appropriately substituted arylsulfonates into phenols by single electron reduction followed by reaction of the radical anions with molecular oxygen. A second reaction using intramolecular reaction of arylsulfonates and arylsulfones with alkoxy radicals failed to achieve desulfurization. In addition to mechanistic evaluation, desulfurization of arylsulfonates catalyzed by K. oxytoca KS3D is examined from the perspective of its relevance to desulfurization of the organosulfur components of coal and its possible use for industrial manufacture of phenols.

5-Aryl-3-(alkylthio)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles as selective antagonists of strychnine-induced convulsions and potential antispastic agents.

Selected examples from three series of isomeric (alkylthio)-1,2,4-triazoles were prepared and examined for anticonvulsant activity versus strychnine-, maximal-electroshock-, pentylenetetrazole-, and 3-mercaptopropionic-acid-induced seizures in mice. A number of 5-aryl-3-(alkylthio)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles were selective antagonists of strychnine-induced convulsions. The isomeric 3-aryl-5-(alkylthio)- and 5-aryl-3-(alkylthio)-1H-1,2,4-triazoles were essentially inactive as anticonvulsants. The most potent antagonist of strychnine-induced convulsions was 5-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-(methylthio)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (3s), while the most selective antagonist was 5-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-(methylsulfonyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (3aa). The anticonvulsant profiles of these 4H-1,2,4-triazoles suggested that they were acting functionally like glycine receptor agonists. Since it has recently been postulated that compounds possessing glycine-agonist-like properties might be useful in the treatment of spasticity, we examined 5-phenyl-4-methyl-3-(methylsulfonyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (3c) in an in vivo model of spasticity. In this regard, 3c reduced the occurrence of hyperreflexia in rats that had received spinal transections 5-10 weeks previously. While triazole 3c appeared to possess glycine-agonist-like properties in vivo, it did not displace [3H]strychnine binding from rat brain stem/spinal cord membranes in vitro. On the other hand, 3c enhanced muscimol-stimulated 36Cl influx in a rat cerebellar membrane preparation, indicating a possible interaction of these triazoles with the GABAA receptor.

Xanthines with C8 chiral substituents as potent and selective adenosine A1 antagonists.

Several 8-substituted 1,3-dipropylxanthines were synthesized, and their receptor binding affinities at adenosine A1 and A2 receptors were measured. When enantiomeric pairs of compounds were examined, the R enantiomers were significantly more potent than the corresponding S enantiomers. The most potent compound at the A1 receptor was (R)-3,7-dihydro-8-(1-methyl-2-phenylethyl)-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purine-2,6-di one (5a; MDL 102,503), whose Ki value at the A1 receptor was 6.9 nM. However, a more selective compound was (R)-3,7-dihydro-8-(1-phenylpropyl)-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione (5d; MDL 102,234), which had a Ki value of 23.2 nM at the A1 receptor and an A2/A1 ratio of 153.

Apparent regional differences in 5-HT1A binding may reflect [3H]8-OH-DPAT labeling of serotonin uptake sites.

The binding of [3H]8-OH-DPAT and [3H]paroxetine to 5-HT1A and 5-HT uptake sites (respectively) was examined in membranes prepared from bovine dorsal raphe and hippocampus. KD and Bmax values for [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding were indistinguishable in dorsal raphe nucleus and hippocampus. Competition studies with MDL 73,005EF, a selective 5-HT1A ligand, revealed a high and a low affinity site in the dorsal raphe, but only the high affinity component in hippocampal membranes. The low affinity component in the dorsal raphe was reduced in the presence of fluoxetine; saturation isotherms with [3H]paroxetine indicated a 5-fold greater concentration of 5-HT uptake sites in this region. The results are discussed in the context of earlier reports of regional differences in the pharmacology of 5-HT1A receptors and the selectivity of [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding.

Electrophysiological, biochemical and behavioral evidence for 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 mediated control of dopaminergic function.

Several lines of evidence have suggested a link between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in the brain. The interpretation of much of these early data needs careful reevaluation in light of the recent understanding of the plethora of serotonin receptor subtypes, their distribution in the brain and the new findings with more selective serotonin antagonists. Electrophysiological, biochemical and behavioral evidence obtained using highly selective antagonists of the 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptor subtypes, MDL 100,907 or MDL 73,147EF, respectively, supports the thesis that serotonin modulates the dopaminergic system. This modulation is most evident when the dopaminergic system has been activated.

Mechanism of activation of Agrobacterium virulence genes: identification of phenol-binding proteins.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens initiates the expression of pathogenic genes (vir genes) in response to host-derived phenolic signals through a two-component regulatory system consisting of VirA and VirG. alpha-Bromoacetosyringone (ASBr) was developed as an inhibitor of this induction process and found to be a specific and irreversible inhibitor of vir gene induction in this pathogen. Formal replacement of one of the methoxy groups of ASBr with iodine gave an equally effective inhibitor that could carry an 125I label. We report here that the resulting radiolabeled inhibitor does not react with the sensory component of this system, VirA, either in vivo or in vitro. Rather, two small proteins, p10 and p21, bind labeled inhibitor in vivo in a time period that is consistent with the exposure time required for the inhibition of vir gene expression. Labeling to these proteins was protected by preexposure to ASBr but not by alpha-bromo-3,5-dimethoxyacetophenone, a compound of comparable chemical reactivity but previously shown not to inhibit vir gene expression. Our findings suggest that proteins that are not tumor-inducing plasmid-encoded mediate vir gene activation in a step prior to the VirA/VirG two-component regulatory system.

MDL 26,479: a potential cognition enhancer with benzodiazepine inverse agonist-like properties.

1. The present study investigated biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioural properties of the novel cognition enhancer, MDL 26,479 (5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2,4-dimethyl-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione). 2. The 5-aryl-1,2,4-triazole, MDL 26,479, potently (0.22 +/- 0.05 mg kg-1) inhibited [3H]-flumazenil (Ro15-1788) binding in mouse cortex but was ineffective in vitro at displacing radioligand binding to the GABAA receptor complex. 3. Parenteral administration of MDL 26,479 (1 mg kg-1) or the benzodiazepine (BZD) inverse agonist methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM) (0.3 mg kg-1) increased cortical ex vivo binding of [3H]-hemicholinium-3 ([3H]-HC-3), a marker for cholinergic activation. This effect of MDL 26,479 was blocked by pretreatment with the antagonist flumazenil (1 mg kg-1). 4. MDL 26,479 (20 microM) and DMCM (1 microM) increased excitation in the hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) slice preparation; however, unlike DMCM, the effect of MDL 26,479 was not blocked by flumazenil. 5. In behavioural studies, MDL 26,479 did not exhibit adverse properties characteristic of drugs associated with the GABAA receptor complex. It lacked convulsant, anxiogenic, anxiolytic, or depressant effects. Since MDL 26,479 lacks activity with the BZD receptor in vitro we suggest that it acts via the GABAA receptor complex at another site on this receptor or in an as yet undefined manner or an active metabolite is formed in vivo. 6. Previous work showed that MDL 26,479 enhances learning acquisition in animal models.The present study suggests that at least some of the cognition enhancing properties are due to the enhancement of cortical and hippocampal cholinergic function and LTP.

Conformationally restrained, chiral (phenylisopropyl)amino-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines and purines with selectivity for adenosine A1 and A2 receptors.

Two modes of tethering a chiral (phenylisopropyl)amino substituent in pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines and purines have been explored. One mode gave (S)-2,7-dihydro-7-phenyl-2-(phenylmethyl)-5- propoxy-3H-imidazo[1,2-c]pyrazolo-[4,3-e]pyrimidine (12a) and its corresponding R-enantiomer 12b, which were selective for A2 and A1 adenosine receptors, respectively. The corresponding diimidazo[1,2-c:4',5'-e]pyrimidines 12e and 12f were analogously selective. This is the first example where a single chiral recognition unit provides enantiomers with opposite selectivities for adenosine receptors. The second mode gave (2S-trans)-2,7-dihydro-2-methyl-3,7-diphenyl-5- propoxy-3H-imidazo[1,2-c]-pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyrimidine (12c) and its corresponding R-enantiomer 12d. Compounds 12c and 12d were significantly less potent than 12a and 12b at A1 receptors, and were nonselective.

Characterization of the novel 5-HT3 antagonists MDL 73147EF (dolasetron mesilate) and MDL 74156 in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cells.

In radioligand binding experiments, MDL 73147EF and MDL 74156 inhibited the binding of [3H]GR65630 to 5-hydroxy-tryptamine3 (5-HT3) binding sites on membranes prepared from NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma cells. The calculated dissociation constants (KI) were 20.03 +/- 6.58 and 0.44 +/- 0.18 nM, respectively (means +/- S.E.M., n = 6 and 9, respectively). Application of 5-HT (10-50 microM) to voltage-clamped NG108-15 cells elicited a rapidly desensitizing inward membrane current, characteristic for the activation of 5-HT3 receptors. The 5-HT-induced membrane current was suppressed in a reversible, concentration-dependent manner by MDL 73147EF and MDL 74156EF. The concentrations required to block half the 5-HT response (IC50) were 3.8 and 0.1 nM, respectively. It is concluded that both compounds are potent and reversible antagonists at 5-HT3 receptors in this neuroblastoma cell line.

MDL 27,531 selectively reverses strychnine-induced seizures in mice.

1. Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors are primarily localized in the brainstem and spinal cord where they are the major mediators of postsynaptic inhibition. A compound which acts functionally like a glycine receptor agonist would be potentially useful as a pharmacological tool and as a therapeutic agent for treating disorders of glycinergic transmission. 2. MDL 27,531 (4-methyl-3-methylsulphonyl-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole) blocked strychnine-induced tonic extensor seizures in mice following either intraperitoneal (ED50 = 12.8 mg kg-1; 30 min) or oral (ED50 = 7.3 mg kg-1; 30 min) administration. Time course studies revealed a maximal effect at 30-60 min, though significant activity was still seen after 24 h. 3. MDL 27,531 was selective in antagonizing strychnine seizures and little or no activity was seen against seizures produced by other chemical convulsants (bicuculline; quinolinic acid; mercaptopropionic acid); by electrical stimuli (maximal electroshock); or by sensory stimuli (audiogenic seizure susceptible mice). MDL 27,531 blocked pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures with an ED50 = 55 mg kg-1. This profile differed from those of the anticonvulsants diazepam, valproic acid, and diphenylhydantoin. 4. The antagonism of strychnine seizures by MDL 27,531 occurred at doses that did not produce signs of sedation (suppression of spontaneous motor activity), motor ataxia (disruption of rotarod performance), muscle relaxation (inhibition of morphine-induced Straub tail), or CNS depression (potentiation of hexobarbitone sleep time). MDL 27,531 had less side effect potential (as derived from ratios obtained from the above measures) relative to those of the known muscle relaxants diazepam and baclofen. 5. Although MDL 27,531 behaved functionally like a selective agonist at the strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor, the compound did not alter the in vitro binding of [3H]-strychnine to mice brainstem/spinal cord membranes at concentrations of up to 100 microM. In further in vitro binding assays, MDL 27,531 at concentrations of up to 100 microM, did not displace the binding of [3H]-muscimol, [3H]-flunitrazepam, or["S]-t-butylbicyclophosphorthionate to rat cortical membranes. These ligands bind to the 7y-aminobutyric acid (GABA), benzodiazepine, and picrotoxin-convulsant binding sites, respectively.6. MDL 27,531 (10-100mgkg-', i.p.) enhanced binding of the benzodiazepine antagonist [3H]-Ro15-1788 to mouse cerebral cortex in vivo without directly affecting GABA levels.7. Ro 15-1788 (16, 32 mg kg-') significantly blocked the MDL 27,531 antagonism of strychnineinduced seizures, though this antagonism was not competitive. The same doses of Ro 15-1788 produced parallel rightward shifts in the dose-response curves for diazepam inhibition of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, consistent with a competitive antagonism.8. Thus, MDL 27,531 acts functionally like an agonist at the strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor in its capacity to reverse selectively strychnine-induced seizures. Though the precise mechanism of action of MDL 27,531 is unknown, MDL 27,531 may act at an allosteric site on the strychnine-sensitive receptor which produces agonist-like activity.

Mechanism of phenolic activation of Agrobacterium virulence genes: development of a specific inhibitor of bacterial sensor/response systems.

The aglycone of the dihydrodiconiferyl alcohol glycosides, a series of phenolic growth factors able to substitute for some of the hormone requirements of tobacco cell division, are also potent inducers of virulence gene expression in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. However, these factors do not conform to the previously established structural requirements necessary for vir expression. Systematic evaluation of the structural requirements of these inducers has led to a model detailing the role of the phenolics in induction. With this model, a specific inhibitor of vir induction has been developed. This inhibitor does not affect the induction of other genes on the Ti plasmid but irreversibly blocks vir expression. The inhibitor has been used to show that the inducing phenolics must be constantly present to maintain expression of the vir regulon.

Activity and accumulation of cell division-promoting phenolics in tobacco tissue cultures.

Dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol glucosides (DCGs) are derivatives of the phenylpropanoid pathway that have been isolated from Catharansus roseus L. (Vinca rosea) crown gall tumors. Fractions containing purified DCGs have been shown previously to promote the growth of cytokinin-requiring tissues of tobacco in the absence of exogenous cytokinins. In this study, we utilized synthetic DCG isomers to confirm the cell division-promoting activity of DCG isomers A and B and show that they neither promote shoot meristem initiation on Nicotiana tabacum L., cv Havana 425, leaf explants nor induce betacyanin synthesis in amaranth seedlings. Analysis of cultured tobacco pith tissue demonstrated that DCG accumulation was stimulated by cytokinin treatment and correlated with cytokinin-induced cell division. Thus, the accumulation of metabolites that could replace cytokinin in cell division bioassays is stimulated by cytokinins. These data support the model that DCGs are a component of a cytokinin-mediated regulatory circuit controlling cell division.

2,4-Dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones as anticonvulsant agents.

A series of 5-aryl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. In general the members of this series were prepared by the alkaline cyclization of 1-aroyl-4-alkylsemicarbazides. The resulting 2-unsubstituted 3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones were then alkylated, yielding 2,4-dialkyl-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones. Approximately one-third of the compounds examined exhibited activity against both maximal electroshock- and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice. Receptor-binding studies suggest that this activity was not a consequence of activity at either benzodiazepine or NMDA-type glutamate receptors. From this series, compound 45 was selected for further evaluation where it was also found to be active against 3-mercaptopropionic acid, bicuculline, and quinolinic acid induced seizures in mice. In addition, 45 also protected gerbils from hippocampal neuronal degeneration produced by either hypoxia or intrastriatal quinolinic acid injection.

Vegetative/Parasitic transition: control and plasticity in striga development.

Striga asiatica (Scrophulariaceae), an obligate parasite of grasses including many of the world's major grain crops, switches from vegetative to parasitic development by the differentiation of the root meristem into the host attachment organ, the haustorium. This change was induced in culture by the exposure to a single, low molecular weight signal molecule, 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzo-quinone. A concentration of 10(-6) molar quinone and an exposure time of >/=6 hours were required before the developmental process could be completed. With shorter exposure times, haustorial development was prematurely aborted and meristematic elongation was reestablished. The new meristem was capable of developing a second haustorium if reexposed to the signal molecule. These results are discussed in terms of the transition to the parasitic phase and the general control of plant cellular development.