Melatonin.

Melatonin is the principal hormone secreted by the pineal gland, produced in humans with a circadian rhythm characterized by elevated blood levels during the night. It is involved in the regulation of several rhythmic functions in various vertebrates, and participates in the processing of photoperiodic information. Although its role in human physiologic and pathologic processes is not yet completely understood, MLT exerts a number of actions, in physiological or pharmacological concentrations, which could be of interest for future therapeutic uses. The mechanisms involved in MLT actions include interaction with membrane receptors, recently classified as mt1/MT2/MT3, and with nuclear sites corresponding to orphan members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, RZR/ROR; MLT also acts as a radical scavenger, exerting a protective action against various oxidative injuries. The present review is mainly addressed to the medicinal chemistry of ligands at the MLT membrane receptors, focusing on the models of binding interaction published in the literature. Several different pharmacophore and 3D-QSAR models have been reported so far, and a re-consideration of known active compounds, in the light of the recently developed biological tests on cloned receptors, could help to resolve the incongruities among these models; to this end, additional information is becoming available from new, conformationally constrained ligands, and from antagonist compounds with a selective affinity for receptor subtypes.

Deaminoteicoplanin and its derivatives. Synthesis, antibacterial activity, and binding strength to Ac-D-Ala-D-Ala.

Teicoplanin and its acid hydrolysis products were deaminated with hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOS). A few amides of these deaminoteicoplanins were also prepared. The loss of the terminal amino group reduces in vitro activity against staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria to one-half to one-third, while binding strength to Ac-D-Ala-D-Ala, measured by differential UV spectroscopy, is reduced to one-tenth that of teicoplanin. The in vitro activity is further reduced by the presence of serum, and this is attributable to the increased lipophilicity and total negative charge of the deamino compounds. Comparison of UV spectra of deaminoteicoplanins with those of parent compounds made it possible to single out the most acid phenol group of teicoplanin aglycon (OH-4; pK = 8.2).

Benzodiazepine receptor binding and anticonflict activity in a series of 3,6-disubstituted pyridazino[4,3-c]isoquinolines devoid of anticonvulsant properties.

A series of 3,6-disubstituted pyridazino[4,3-c]isoquinolines were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit the binding of [3H]diazepam to rat brain receptors in vitro. Compounds bearing a phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, or methyl group at position 3 and a dialkylamino group at position 6 showed the highest affinity in the binding assay and were subsequently evaluated for their anticonflict and anticonvulsant effects. All of these compounds (5a-1 and 5q) were active in the Vogel rat conflict procedure, but none prevented convulsions in mice induced either by metrazol or bicuculline. 3-Phenyl-6-pyrrolidinylpyridazino[4,3-c]isoquinoline (5d) with a Ki = 11.4 nM in the binding assay exhibited the best potency in the anticonflict assay (MED 5 mg/kg ip) and did not produce neuromuscular impairment at the highest dose tested (50 mg/kg ip).

6-(Alkylamino)-3-aryl-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazines. A new class of benzodiazepine receptor ligands.

Some 6-(alkylamino)-3-aryl-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazines have been shown to displace diazepam from rat brain specific binding sites, in vitro, with Ki (nM) values comparable to those of reference benzodiazepines and to have anticonvulsant (pentylenetetrazole test, mice) and anticonflict activity (Vogel test, rat) in vivo. Separation between the doses causing anticonflict effects (Vogel test, rat) and those impairing motor coordination (rotarod test, rat) has been shown for N,N-bis(2-methoxyethyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-a] phthalazin-6-amine (80). This compound, unlike diazepam, was inactive in counteracting the strychnine (mouse) and maximal electroshock (mouse) induced convulsions and in the "aggressive monkey" model. These differences from the classical benzodiazepines in the animal tests indicate that 80 may have some selective anxiolytic activity.

Synthesis and biological properties of N63-carboxamides of teicoplanin antibiotics. Structure-activity relationships.

The condensation of the carboxyl function of teicoplanin A2 (CTA) and its acidic hydrolysis pseudoaglycons (TB, TC) and aglycon (TD) with amines carrying various functional groups and chains produced amide derivatives with different isoelectric points and lipophilicities. Amide formation did not affect the ability of these compounds to bind to Ac2-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala, a model for the natural peptide binding site in bacterial cell walls. The antimicrobial activities of teicoplanin amides were found to depend mostly on their ionic and lipophilic character and on the type and number of sugars present. Positively charged amides were generally more in vitro active than the respective unmodified antibiotics against Gram-positive organisms. In particular, most basic amides of CTA were markedly more active than teicoplanin against coagulase-negative staphylococci. A few amides of TC and most of those of TD also showed a certain activity against Gram-negative bacteria. In experimental Streptococcus pyogenes septicemia in the mouse, some basic amides were more active than the parent teicoplanins when administered subcutaneously. Some of those of CTA were also slightly more effective than teicoplanin by oral route.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of de(acetylglucosaminyl)didehydrodeoxy derivatives of teicoplanin antibodies.

A series of 34-de(acetylglucosaminyl)-34-deoxy derivatives of 34,35- and 35,52-didehydro teicoplanin antibiotics have been synthesized from teicoplanin and its N-acetylglucosamine containing pseudoaglycons under basic conditions. The structures of these compounds have been determined by 1H NMR, UV, and FAB-MS. 35,52-Unsaturated derivatives maintained in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity to a different extent as well as the ability for binding to Ac2-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala, a bacterial cell-wall model for the site of action of glycopeptide antibiotics. In contrast, 34,35-unsaturated compounds were markedly less active and possessed a negligible affinity for the synthetic tripeptide.

1-(2-Alkanamidoethyl)-6-methoxyindole derivatives: a new class of potent indole melatonin analogues.

A new series of indole melatonin analogues, bearing the amido ethyl side chain attached at the N-1 position of the indole nucleus, were synthesized and tested for their affinity for the melatonin receptor isolated from quail optic tecta in a series of in vitro ligand-binding experiments using 2-[125I]iodomelatonin as the labeled ligand. The biological activity was evaluated using two models: effects on the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in explants from quail optic tecta and evaluation of the GTP gamma S index derived from competition experiments performed in the absence or presence of GTP gamma S. Compounds 2a and 2k-n, obtained by shifting the methoxy group and the ethylamido side chain from the C-5 and C-3 positions of melatonin to the C-6 and N-1 positions of the indole nucleus, exhibited an affinity similar to that of melatonin itself, as well as full agonist activity. Optimization of the C-2 substituent by introducing Br, phenyl, or COOCH3 (2b-d) resulted in a significantly enhanced affinity (in the picomolar range) and improved agonist biological activity. Compounds lacking the methoxy group and bearing an N-alicyclic group (2h-j) behaved as partial agonists or antagonists.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors as antihypertensive agents: 1-[(2-mercaptocycloalkyl)carbonyl]-L-prolines.

The synthesis of 1-[(2-mercaptocyclopentyl)carbonyl]-L-prolines, 1-[(2-mercaptocyclobutyl)carbonyl]-L-prolines and related benzoyl derivatives as pure isomers is described. The abilities of all the compounds to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro and in vivo and to lower the systolic blood pressure in renal hypertensive dogs were determined. Three of them, namely 1-[[2-(benzoylthio)cyclopentyl]carbonyl]-L-proline (10f(R,S], 1-[(2-mercaptocyclopentyl)carbonyl]-L-proline (10g(R,S], and 1-[[2-(benzoylthio)cyclobutyl]carbonyl]-L-proline (16f(R,S], were found to be as potent as captopril in reducing blood pressure. The influence of chirality and ring size on the ACE inhibition is described.

(E)-3-(2-(N-phenylcarbamoyl)vinyl)pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivatives. A novel class of glycine site antagonists.

The synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of novel (E)-3-(2-(N-phenylcarbamoyl)-vinyl)pyrrole-2-carboxylic acids bearing alkyl, acyl, alkoxy, phenyl, and halo substituents at the 4- and 5-positions of the pyrrole ring are reported. These compounds were studied for their in vitro affinity at the strychnine-insensitive glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex. In the [3H]glycine binding assay (E)-4,5-dibromo-3-(2-(N-phenylcarbamoyl)vinyl)pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid 6w (pKi = 7.95 +/- 0.01) and the 4-bromo-5-methyl 6j (pKi = 7.24 +/- 0.01) and 4,5-dimethyl 6g (pKi = 6.70 +/- 0.03) analogues were the most active compounds of the series. Qualitative structure-activity analysis points to a negative correlation between bulk of the C-4 and C-5 substituents and affinity which is enhanced by halo-substituents. QSAR analysis by the Hansch descriptors F, R, pi, and MR, on a subset of compounds with pKi > or = 4, indicates that electron-withdrawing groups at C-4 and C-5 enhance the affinity. Bulk and lipophilicity are also relevant for the substituents at these positions. 6g was found to be a full antagonist (alpha = 0; enhancement of the [3H]TCP binding). The in vivo potency of 6g, 6j, and 6w was evaluated by the inhibition of NMDA-induced convulsions in mice by both the i.v. and po routes; 6w was the most active compound (ED50 = 3 x 10(-3) (0.8-10) g/kg, i.v. and 30 x 10(-3) (4.5-61) g/kg, p.o.). The results of this study indicate that the 3,4-disubstitutedpyrrole-2-carboxylate represents a novel template for the design of new glycine antagonists.

2-N-acylaminoalkylindoles: design and quantitative structure-activity relationship studies leading to MT2-selective melatonin antagonists.

Several indole analogues of melatonin (MLT) were obtained by moving the MLT side chain from C(3) to C(2) of the indole ring. Binding and in vitro functional assays were performed on cloned human MT1 and MT2 receptors, stably transfected in NIH3T3 cells. Quantitative structure-activity relationship studies showed that 4-methoxy-2-(N-acylaminomethyl)indoles, with a benzyl group in position 1, were selective MT2 antagonists and, in particular, N-[(1-p-chlorobenzyl-4-methoxy-1H-indol-2-yl)methyl]propanamide (12) behaved as a pure antagonist at MT1 and MT2 receptors, with a 148-fold selectivity for MT2. We present a topographical model that suggests a lipophilic group, located out of the plane of the indole ring of MLT, as the key feature of the MT2 selective antagonists.

Conformationally restrained melatonin analogues: synthesis, binding affinity for the melatonin receptor, evaluation of the biological activity, and molecular modeling study.

The design, synthesis, and biological profile of several indole melatonin analogues with a conformationally restricted C3 amidoethane side chain are presented. Examination of the accessible conformations of the melatonin side chain led us to explore some of its fully or partially restricted analogues, 2-12, the binding affinity values of which were utilized to gain further insight on the melatonin binding site. Two pharmacophoric models have been devised for melatonin and the active compounds by conformational analysis and superimposition performed using the DISCO program. In these models, the melatonin side chain can adopt a gauche/anti conformation out of the indole plane. Another contribution of this study regards the observation of a possible binding point interaction around the C2 position of the indole, as suggested by the remarkably increased binding affinity observed in the C2-substituted analogues 6 and 9 and especially in the more rigid analogue 5. The biological activity and the efficacy of the new compounds were tested by measuring the inhibition of the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation and the GTP gamma S index. Both analyses demonstrated that all of the compounds were full agonists with the exception of 4 and 9, which showed a slight reduction in efficacy and would seem to be partial agonists.

2-[N-Acylamino(C1-C3)alkyl]indoles as MT1 melatonin receptor partial agonists, antagonists, and putative inverse agonists.

The synthesis of several novel indole melatonin analogues substituted at the 2-position with acylaminomethyl (8-11), acylaminoethyl (5a-k), or acylaminopropyl (13) side chains is reported. On the basis of a novel in vitro functional assay (specific binding of [35S]GTPgammaS), which can discriminate agonist from partial agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist ligands, 5a,g, h,j and 13 were shown to be partial agonists, 5d,e and 8-11 competitive antagonists, and 5b,c,k putative inverse agonists. Binding and functional assays were performed on cloned human MT1 receptor. Structure-activity relationship considerations indicate that N-[1-aryl-2-(4-methoxy-1H-indol-2-yl)(C1-C2)alkyl]alkanamides represent a lead structure for this type of ligands.

Melatonin receptor ligands: synthesis of new melatonin derivatives and comprehensive comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) study.

The CoMFA methodology was applied to melatonin receptor ligands in order to establish quantitative structure-affinity relationships. One hundred thirty-three compounds were considered: they were either collected from literature or newly synthesized in order to gain information about the less explored positions. To this end, various melatonin derivatives were prepared and their affinity for quail optic tecta melatonin receptor was tested. Compounds were aligned on the putative active conformation of melatonin proposed by our previously reported pharmacophore search, and their relative affinities were calculated from the displacement of 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin on different tissues expressing aMT receptors. Compounds were grouped into three sets according to their topology. Subset A: melatonin-like compounds; subset B: N-acyl-2-amino-8-methoxytetralins and related compounds; subset C:N-acyl-phenylalkylamines and related compounds. CoMFA models were derived for each set, using the steric, electrostatic, and lipophilic fields as structural descriptors; the PLS analyses were characterized by good statistical parameters, taking into account the heterogeneity of the binding data, obtained with different experimental protocols. From the CoMFA model for the melatonin-like compounds, besides the well-known positive effect of 2-substitution, a low steric tolerance for substituents in 1, 6, and 7, and a negative effect of electron-rich 4-substituents were observed; the information provided by the newly synthesized compounds was essential for these results. Moreover, a comprehensive model for the 133 compounds, accounting for a common alignment and a common mode of interaction at the melatonin receptor, was derived (Q2 = 0.769, R2 = 0.905). This model validates our previously reported pharmacophore search and offers a clear depiction of the structure-affinity relationships for the melatonin receptor ligands.

Synthesis and SAR of new 5-phenyl-3-ureido-1,5-benzodiazepines as cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonists.

A series of 5-phenyl-3-ureidobenzodiazepine-2,4-diones was synthesized and evaluated as cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor antagonists. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed the importance of the N-1 substituent for potent and selective CCK-B affinity. Addition of substituents at the urea side chain provided in some cases more potent compounds. Moreover the introduction of bulky substituents such as adamantylmethyl at N-1 and resolution of the racemic ureas resulted in our lead compound GV150013.

Zetidoline metabolism by rat liver microsomes. Formation of metabolites with potential neuroleptic activity.

1-(3'-Chlorophenyl)-3-[2-(3,3-dimethyl-1-azetidinyl)ethyl] imidazolidin-2-one, zetidoline, a new neuroleptic agent, when incubated with rat liver microsomes was rapidly metabolized to six free (mets B, D, I, L, M and N) and two conjugated metabolites (mets E and F). Sites of the metabolic attack (oxidation) were primarily the aromatic moiety, then the imidazolidinone and the azetidine rings. The metabolites were purified and structures assigned by means of EI-MS, 1H-NMR and chemical synthesis (mets B, D, L and M). The main metabolites, zetidoline, some chemical analogues and a few known dopamine antagonists were tested as in vitro inhibitors of 3H-zetidoline and 3H-spiperone binding to rat striatal membranes, and as in vivo inducers of prolactin release in female rats (inhibition of the estrus cycle). Two zetidoline metabolites, namely 4'-hydroxy zetidoline (met. B) and 5-hydroxy zetidoline (met. L), were found to have both in vitro and in vivo activities comparable to those of the parent drug. Identification of these active hydroxylated metabolites appears important both in the search of new leads of neuroleptics and for designing pro-drugs derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.

Metabolic fate of zetidoline, a new neuroleptic agent, in man.

Healthy volunteers administered orally a single dose (20 mg) of [2-14C]zetidoline, a new dopamine antagonist, exhibited rapid absorption of radioactivity with peak plasma levels of 250-300 ng/ml achieved in 1 h. The compound underwent intensive metabolic first-pass so that plasma radioactivity was represented mostly by two products, metabolite B endowed with neuroleptic activity, and metabolite D inactive, while unchanged zetidoline was not detected. Disappearance of radioactivity from plasma was rapid with a half-life of 1.78 +/- 0.20 h. The simultaneous assay of plasma prolactin showed increased levels of the hormone (+ 464% at the peak time) up to the 6th h after dosing, with plasma concentration profile which mimic those of metabolite B. The radioactive test-dose was eliminated mainly via the kidneys with an average urinary recovery of 84.7 +/- 1.7% in 4 days (73.4 +/- 1.1% within 8 h). The main urinary metabolite (metabolite G) and two minor ones (metabolites B and D) were purified and their structures assigned by IR, MS and NMR spectroscopy, they are: 1-(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3 [2-(3,3-dimethyl-1-azetidinyl)ethyl]imidazolidin-2-one, metabolite B; 1-[2-(3,3-dimethyl-1-azetidinyl)ethyl]-imidazolidin-2-one, metabolite D and the 4'-O-sulphate ester of metabolite B, metabolite G. The metabolic fate of zetidoline in man follows the same phase I reactions demonstrated in rats and dogs, while the phase II reaction is sulphoconjugation instead of the glucuronidation observed in animals.

Antimetastatic action of a new analog of dacarbazine in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma.

We report the selective antimetastatic properties of 3-(3,3-dimethyl-1-triazenyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazole in the murine transplantable tumor model Lewis lung carcinoma. The compound verifies a previous study on the correlation of antimetastatic, antitumor and cytotoxic properties of aryl- and heteroaryltriazenes with their Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry (EI-MS) behavior. The new analog of dacarbazine exhibits a selective antimetastatic activity accompanied by limited thymus toxicity. The mechanism of action is unclear nevertheless any antiproliferative or cytotoxic effect is excluded.

5-(2-Ethyl-phenyl)-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-1H-[1,2,4]triazole (DL-111-IT) and related compounds induce apoptotic patterns in cultures of human tumor cell lines.

5-(2-Ethyl-phenyl)-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-1H-[1,2,4]triazole (DL-111-IT) and related compounds were extensively studied as anti-gestational agents and some of these molecules were also described as inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase. Polyamine depletion has been frequently related to the induction of apoptosis and consequently we investigated DL-111-IT and analogs for this effect in myeloid (HL60), neuroblastic (SK-N-MC) and epithelial (BeWo) human tumor cell lines, by means of electron microscopy and DNA electrophoresis. HL60 and SK-N-MC appeared notably sensitive to apoptosis, whereas BeWo responsiveness was variable and frequently associated with necrosis. Our results indicate that the contragestational effect of DL-111-IT and analogs is associated with apoptotic deletion of chorionic tissue and that these molecules, due to their effect on human tumor cell lines, can be considered as antiblastic lead compounds.

University education of medicinal chemists: comparison of eight countries.

Medicinal chemists are mainly taught in faculties or schools of pharmacy and are available for employment. Yet major pharmaceutical research companies seek organic chemists, rather than medicinal chemists, for new drug discovery. This apparent contradiction led the Medicinal Chemistry Section of IUPAC to send a questionnaire regarding postgraduate academic education for medicinal chemists to the faculties or schools of pharmacy in eight countries, namely, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, UK and USA. The questionnaire aimed to elicit information about postgraduate medicinal chemistry students, their courses and training, and the occupations taken up after graduation. The replies representing 109 medicinal chemistry departments or sections have been analysed and the results are presented to provide a data base on modern medicinal chemistry curricula for comparative purposes. The information should help guide discussion of the optimum paths to be followed by students in preparation for their careers. The evidence suggests that academic training of medicinal chemists equips them to enter a wide range of occupations, many of which are in industry.

Dechloro teicoplanin antibiotics.

Mono- and didechlorinated derivatives of the antibiotic teicoplanin, its pseudoaglycones and aglycone, and of one amide and ester of deglucoteicoplanin were prepared under selective reductive conditions. The selectivity and rate of dehalogenation were studied and compared to those of vancomycin and deglucovancomycin. The influence of the chlorine substituents on the mechanism of action and antibacterial activity of teicoplanin antibiotics was also investigated.