Synthesis, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of 3-(4-aryl-piperazin-1-ylalkyl)-uracils as uroselective alpha1A-antagonists.

Predominance in the urethra and prostate of the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor subtype, which is believed to be the receptor mediating noradrenaline induced smooth muscle contraction in these tissues, led to the preparation of alpha(1A)-selective antagonists to be tested as uroselective compounds for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thus, a number of selective alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor antagonists were synthesized and assayed in vitro for potency and selectivity. Dog pharmacokinetic parameters of 12 (RO700004) and its metabolite 40 (RO1104253) were established. The relative selectivity of intravenously administered 12, 40 and standard prazosin to inhibit hypogastric nerve stimulation-induced increases in intraurethral prostatic pressure versus phenylephrine-induced increases in diastolic blood pressure in anesthetized dogs was 76, 71 and 0.6, respectively.

Novel inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase/PARP1 and PARP2 identified using a cell-based screen in yeast.

Multicellular organisms must have means of preserving their genomic integrity or face catastrophic consequences such as uncontrolled cell proliferation or massive cell death. One response is a modification of nuclear proteins by the addition and removal of polymers of ADP-ribose that modulate the properties of DNA-binding proteins involved in DNA repair and metabolism. These ADP-ribose units are added by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and removed by poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase. Although budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not possess proteins with significant sequence similarity to the human PARP family of proteins, we identified novel small molecule inhibitors against two family members, PARP1 and PARP2, using a cell-based assay in yeast. The assay was based on the reversal of growth inhibition caused by the heterologous expression of either PARP1 or PARP2. Validation of the assay was achieved by showing that the growth inhibition was relieved by a mutation in a single residue in the catalytic site of PARP1 or PARP2 or exposure of yeast to a known PARP1 inhibitor, 6(5H)-phenanthridinone. In separate experiments, when a putative protein regulator of PARP activity, human poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase, was coexpressed with PARP1 or PARP2, yeast growth was restored. Finally, the inhibitors identified by screening the yeast assay are active in a mammalian PARP biochemical assay and inhibit PARP1 and PARP2 activity in yeast cell extracts. Thus, our data reflect the strength of using yeast to identify small molecule inhibitors of therapeutically relevant gene families, including those that are not found in yeast, such as PARP. The resultant inhibitors have two critical uses (a) as leads for drug development and (b) as tools to dissect cellular function.

Identification of the binding site for a novel class of CCR2b chemokine receptor antagonists: binding to a common chemokine receptor motif within the helical bundle.

Monocyte chemoattracant-1 (MCP-1) stimulates leukocyte chemotaxis to inflammatory sites, such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and asthma, by use of the MCP-1 receptor, CCR2, a member of the G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptor superfamily. These studies identified a family of antagonists, spiropiperidines. One of the more potent compounds blocks MCP-1 binding to CCR2 with a K(d) of 60 nm, but it is unable to block binding to CXCR1, CCR1, or CCR3. These compounds were effective inhibitors of chemotaxis toward MCP-1 but were very poor inhibitors of CCR1-mediated chemotaxis. The compounds are effective blockers of MCP-1-driven inhibition of adenylate cyclase and MCP-1- and MCP-3-driven cytosolic calcium influx; the compounds are not agonists for these pathways. We showed that glutamate 291 (Glu(291)) of CCR2 is a critical residue for high affinity binding and that this residue contributes little to MCP-1 binding to CCR2. The basic nitrogen present in the spiropiperidine compounds may be the interaction partner for Glu(291), because the basicity of this nitrogen was essential for affinity; furthermore, a different class of antagonists, a class that does not have a basic nitrogen (2-carboxypyrroles), were not affected by mutations of Glu(291). In addition to the CCR2 receptor, spiropiperidine compounds have affinity for several biogenic amine receptors. Receptor models indicate that the acidic residue, Glu(291), from transmembrane-7 of CCR2 is in a position similar to the acidic residue contributed from transmembrane-3 of biogenic amine receptors, which may account for the shared affinity of spiropiperidines for these two receptor classes. The models suggest that the acid-base pair, Glu(291) to piperidine nitrogen, anchors the spiropiperidine compound within the transmembrane ovoid bundle. This binding site may overlap with the space required by MCP-1 during binding and signaling; thus the small molecule ligands act as antagonists. An acidic residue in transmembrane region 7 is found in most chemokine receptors and is rare in other serpentine receptors. The model of the binding site may suggest ways to make new small molecule chemokine receptor antagonists, and it may rationalize the design of more potent and selective antagonists.

In vitro alpha1-adrenoceptor pharmacology of Ro 70-0004 and RS-100329, novel alpha1A-adrenoceptor selective antagonists.

It has been hypothesized that in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, selective antagonism of the alpha1A-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction of lower urinary tract tissues may, via a selective relief of outlet obstruction, lead to an improvement in symptoms. The present study describes the alpha1-adrenoceptor (alpha1-AR) subtype selectivities of two novel alpha1-AR antagonists, Ro 70-0004 (aka RS-100975) and a structurally-related compound RS-100329, and compares them with those of prazosin and tamsulosin. Radioligand binding and second-messenger studies in intact CHO-K1 cells expressing human cloned alpha1A-, alpha1B- and alpha1D-AR showed nanomolar affinity and significant alpha1A-AR subtype selectivity for both Ro 70-0004 (pKi 8.9: 60 and 50 fold selectivity) and RS-100329 (pKi 9.6: 126 and 50 fold selectivity) over the alpha1B- and alpha1D-AR subtypes respectively. In contrast, prazosin and tamsulosin showed little subtype selectivity. Noradrenaline-induced contractions of human lower urinary tract (LUT) tissues or rabbit bladder neck were competitively antagonized by Ro 70-0004 (pA2 8.8 and 8.9), RS-100329 (pA2 9.2 and 9.2), tamsulosin (pA2 10.4 and 9.8) and prazosin (pA2 8.7 and 8.3 respectively). Affinity estimates for tamsulosin and prazosin in antagonizing alpha1-AR-mediated contractions of human renal artery (HRA) and rat aorta (RA) were similar to those observed in LUT tissues, whereas Ro 70-0004 and RS-100329 were approximately 100 fold less potent (pA2 values of 6.8/6.8 and 7.3/7.9 in HRA/RA respectively). The alpha1A-AR subtype selectivity of Ro 70-0004 and RS-100329, demonstrated in both cloned and native systems, should allow for an evaluation of the clinical utility of a 'uroselective' agent for the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

N-arylpiperazinyl-N'-propylamino derivatives of heteroaryl amides as functional uroselective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Novel arylpiperazines were identified as alpha 1-adrenoceptor (AR) subtype-selective antagonists by functional in vitro screening. 3-[4-(ortho-Substituted phenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propylamines were derivatized with N,N-dimethyl anthranilamides, nicotinamides, as well as carboxamides of quinoline, 1,8-naphthyridine, pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, isoxazolo[3,4-b]pyridine, imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. Strips of rabbit bladder neck were employed as a predictive assay for antagonism in the human lower tract. Rings of rat aorta were used as a "negative screen" for the test antagonists. Binding to alpha 1-ARs was relatively sensitive to size and electronic features of the arylpiperazine portion of the antagonists and permissive to these features on the heteroaryl carboxamide side. These structure-affinity findings were exploited to produce nicotinamides (e.g. 13ii and 25x) and pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines (e.g. 37f and 37y) ligands with nanomolar affinity at the alpha 1-AR subtype prevalent in the human lower urinary tract(pA2 values: 8.8, 10.7, 9.3, and 9.9, respectively) and displaying 2-3 orders of magnitude selectivity over the alpha 1D-AR.

Selective inhibition of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-1 (cyclooxygenase-1) by valerylsalicylic acid.

Aspirin causes a time-dependent inhibition of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases (PGHS)-1 and -2 by acetylating active site serines present in both isozymes. In the case of PGHS-1, aspirin acetylation blocks cyclooxygenase activity, apparently by preventing arachidonate binding to the cyclooxygenase active site. With PGHS-2, acetylation does not block substrate binding but rather alters the enzyme in such a way that the acetylated form of PGHS-2 produces 15R-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15R-HETE) instead of the usual prostaglandin endoperoxide product. Based on these differences between PGHS-1 and PGHS-2, we reasoned that a salicylate ester containing an acyl group somewhat larger than the acetyl group of aspirin might be a selective inhibitor of PGHS-2. Accordingly, we prepared and tested eight different acyl salicylates as inhibitors of human (h) PGHS-1 and -2 expressed transiently in cos-1 cells. Valeryl(pentanoyl)salicylate (VSA) was the only compound in this series which showed isozyme selectivity, and, surprisingly, VSA inhibited hPGHS-1 much more effectively than hPGHS-2. Inhibition of hPGHS-1 by VSA was time-dependent. VSA also inhibited ovine PGHS-1 but did not inhibit the S530A mutant of ovine PGHS-1. This latter mutant, which lacks the active site serine hydroxyl group, is also refractory to inhibition by acetylsalicylate. Thus, we conclude that VSA acylates the active site serine of PGHS-1. VSA inhibited prostanoid synthesis by serum-starved murine NIH 3T3 cells which express only PGHS-1; in contrast, VSA caused only partial inhibition of prostanoid synthesis by serum-stimulated 3T3 cells which express both PGHS isozymes. Our results establish that VSA can be used as a reasonably selective inhibitor of PGHS-1.

Temporary serine protection in solid phase synthesis of LH-RH analogs.

Methodology for the large-scale, solid-phase synthesis of nafarelin, I, an LH-RH agonist and RS-26306, III, and LH-RH antagonist, is described. N alpha-Boc protected amino acids were used in the synthesis. The only side-chain-protected amino acids required were BocHis(Tos)-OH and BocSer(t-Bu)-OH. The use of temporary protection on serine eliminates the formation of bis-serine derivatives (II and IV), which presents a major limitation to the use of minimal protection schemes for large-scale synthesis. Using this approach, the side-chain protecting groups are cleaved during the synthesis, and HF deprotection in a separate step is not required.

Thrombocytopenia and platelet functional defects in pre-eclampsia: implications for regional anaesthesia.

A prospective, observational study of forty pre-eclamptic patients was conducted to confirm or refute reports of a platelet functional defect superimposed on the consumptive thrombocytopenia of pre-eclampsia. Investigations included a platelet count, in vivo platelet function as assessed by a Duke bleeding time, and in vitro platelet function as assessed by thromboxane B2 and Platelet Factor 3 (PF 3). The overall incidence of thrombocytopenia was 15%. Prolonged bleeding time and slightly decreased availability of PF 3 (evidence of possible platelet dysfunction) was present in 2.5% of patients while 21% had evidence of fibrinolysis with an elevated monoclonal D-dimer. In the assessment of suitability for regional blockade, a platelet count is essential. If the platelet count is between 50 and 100 x 10(9)/l a bleeding time is indicated.

Alkylglycidic acids: potential new hypoglycemic agents.

A series of alkylglycidic acid analogues and derivatives were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit long-chain fatty acid oxidation in vitro and to lower blood sugar in rats. The extent of inhibition of carnitine acyl transferase, the enzyme at the mitochondrial membrane necessary to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for subsequent beta-oxidation, was determined for the series. Structure-activity relationships using in vitro inhibition of [1-14C]palmitic acid oxidation in rat hemidiaphragm muscle indicate that potent activity resides mainly in 2-alkyl (C12-C16) glycidates. Replacement of the oxirane ring with cyclopropyl, thiirane, or other rings diminishes activity, as does substitution of the glycidate ring at the 3-position. In vivo potency in the rat glucose tolerance test roughly parallels the hemidiaphragm results. The lead compound, methyl 2-tetradecylglycidate (8), is a potent hypoglycemic agent following oral administration to several animal species. The hypoglycemic analogues interfere with fatty acid oxidation by specific and irreversible inhibition of mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyl transferase-A.

Funnelweb-spider venom antagonist.

It was found in a series of experiments on anaesthetized monkeys that rat plasma and rat euglobulin fractions contain a substance which could offer some protection against funnelweb-spider envenomation when administered before envenomation or simultaneously with the funnelweb-spider venom. Further work to isolate, identify, and purify this substance is needed.

Analysis of the venom of the Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

Thirteen compounds have been identified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry in the venom of the Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus. The compounds were identified as their trimethylsilyl or pentafluoropropionate derivatives and were citric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, glycerol, urea, glucose, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, spermidine, spermine, tyramine and octopamine. Female venom contained trace quantities of 5-methyoxytryptamine which was not detected in male venom. Quantitative determination of tyramine and octopamine was achieved using chemical ionization (CH4) gas chromatography mass spectrometry and deuterated internal standards.