Amyloid peptide Abeta(1-42) binds selectively and with picomolar affinity to alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

We have recently reported evidence that a very high affinity interaction between the beta-amyloid peptide Abeta(1-42) and the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR) may be a precipitating event in the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, the kinetics for the binding of Abeta(1-42) to alpha7nAChR and alpha4beta2nAChR were determined using the subtype-selective nicotinic receptor ligands [(3)H]methyllycaconitine and [(3)H]cytisine. Synaptic membranes prepared from rat and guinea pig cerebral cortex and hippocampus were used as the source of receptors. Abeta(1-42) bound to the alpha7nAChR with exceptionally high affinity, as indicated by K(i) values of 4.1 and 5.0 pM for rat and guinea pig receptors, respectively. When compared with the alpha7nAChR, the affinity of Abeta(1-42) for the alpha4beta2nAChR was approximately 5,000-fold lower, as indicated by corresponding K(i) values of 30 and 23nM. The results of this study support the concept that an exceptionally high affinity interaction between Abeta(1-42) and alpha7nAChR could serve as a precipitating factor in the formation of amyloid plaques and thereby contribute to the selective degeneration of cholinergic neurons that originate in the basal forebrain and project to the cortex and hippocampus.     

Synthesis, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding, antinociceptive and seizure properties of methyllycaconitine analogs

A series of methyllycaconitine (1a, MLA) analogs was synthesized where the (S)-2-methylsuccinimidobenzoyl group in MLA was replaced with a (R)-2-methyl, 2,2-dimethyl-, 2,3-dimethyl, 2-phenyl-, and 2-cyclohexylsuccinimidobenzoyl (1b-f) group. The analogs 1b-f were evaluated for their inhibition of [(125)I]iodo-MLA binding at rat brain alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). In order to determine selectivity, MLA and the analogs 1b-f were evaluated for inhibition of binding to rat brain alpha,beta nAChR using [(3)H]epibatidine. At the alpha7 nAChR, MLA showed a K(i) value of 0.87 nM, analogs 1b-e possessed K(i) values of 1.67-2.16 nM, and 1f showed a K(i) value of 26.8 nM. Surprisingly, the analog 1e containing the large phenyl substituent (K(i)=1.67 nM) possessed the highest affinity. None of the compounds possessed appreciable affinity for alpha,beta nAChRs. MLA antagonized nicotine-induced seizures with an AD(50)=2 mg/kg. None of the MLA analogs were as potent as MLA in this assay. MLA and all of the MLA analogs, with the exception of 1b, antagonized nicotine's antinociceptive effects in the tail-flick assay. Compound 1c (K(i)=1.78 nM at alpha7 nAChR) with an AD(50) value of 1.8 mg/kg was 6.7 times more potent than MLA (AD(50)=12 mg/kg) in antagonizing nicotine's antinociceptive effects but was 5-fold less potent than MLA in blocking nicotine-induced seizures. Since MLA has been reported to show neuroprotection against beta-amyloid(1-42), these new analogs which have high alpha7 nAChR affinity and good selectivity relative to alpha,beta nAChRs will be useful biological tools for studying the effects of alpha7 nAChR antagonist and neuroprotection.     

Synthesis and binding affinity at α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of new analogs of epibatidine and epiboxidine containing the 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene ring system

A group of novel racemic nicotinic ligands structurally related to epibatidine or epiboxidine [(±)-10-(±)-17] was synthesized through a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling between the appropriate vinyl triflate and a range of organometallic heterocycles. The target compounds were evaluated for binding affinity at the α4β2 and α7 neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). The set of 3-pyridinyl derivatives (±)-10, (±)-11 and (±)-12 exhibited an affinity for the α4β2 nAChR subtype in the subnanomolar range (K(i) values of 0.20, 0.40 and 0.50nM, respectively) and behaved as α4β2 versus α7 subtype selective ligands. Interestingly, the epiboxidine-related dimethylammonium iodide (±)-17, which retained a good affinity for the α4β2 nAChR (K(i)=13.30nM), tightly bound also to the α7 subtype (K(i)=1.60nM), thus displaying a reversal of the affinity trend among the reference and new nicotinic ligands under investigation.     

bis-Azaaromatic quaternary ammonium analogues: ligands for alpha4beta2* and alpha7* subtypes of neuronal nicotinic receptors

A series of bis-nicotinium, bis-pyridinium, bis-picolinium, bis-quinolinium and bis-isoquinolinium compounds was evaluated for their binding affinity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) using rat brain membranes. N,N'-Decane-1,12-diyl-bis-nicotinium diiodide (bNDI) exhibited the highest affinity for [(3)H]nicotine binding sites (K(i)=330 nM), but did not inhibit [(3)H]methyllycaconitine binding (K(i) >100 microM), indicative of an interaction with alpha4beta2*, but not alpha7* receptor subtypes, respectively. Also, bNDI inhibited (IC(50)=3.76 microM) nicotine-evoked (86)Rb(+) efflux from rat thalamic synaptosomes, indicating antagonist activity at alpha4beta2* nAChRs. N,N'-Dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-quinolinium dibromide (bQDDB) exhibited highest affinity for [(3)H]methyllycaconitine binding sites (K(i)=1.61 microM), but did not inhibit [(3)H]nicotine binding (K(i)>100 microM), demonstrating an interaction with alpha7*, but not alpha4beta2* nAChRs. Thus, variation of N-n-alkyl chain length together with structural modification of the azaaromatic quaternary ammonium moiety afforded selective antagonists for the alpha4beta2* nAChR subtype, as well as ligands with selectivity at alpha7* nAChRs.     

Bisquaternary caracurine V and iso-caracurine V salts as ligands for the muscle type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: SAR and QSAR studies

The binding constants (K(i) values) of 24 caracurine V and 6 iso-caracurine V analogues for the muscle type of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChR) from Torpedo californica were determined in a binding assay using (+/-)-[(3)H]epibatidine as a radioligand. The allyl alcohol group present in the iso-caracurine V ring system was found to be essential for high binding affinity. The most potent compounds are the dimethyl and di-(4-nitrobenzyl)-iso-caracurinium V salts 29 (18 nM), and 31 (79 nM), respectively. Compound 29 and the corresponding diallyl analogue 30 (350 nM) exhibited similar binding affinities as the equally substituted neuromuscular-blocking agents toxiferine I (14 nM) and alcuronium (234 nM), respectively. The SAR results were confirmed by QSAR studies, which additionally revealed that the presence of hydrogen-bond acceptor groups close to the quaternary nitrogen, is detrimental for the nicotinic binding affinity. The diallyl- and dimethylcaracurinium V salts 13 and 27, respectively, which are known to be among the most potent allosteric modulators of M(2) receptors (EC(50)=10 and 8nM, respectively), exhibited rather low nicotinic binding affinities for muscle type nAChR (K(i)=1.5 and 5.2 microM, respectively). Such a large difference in affinity suggests that it is possible to develop compounds with high muscarinic allosteric potency and low or negligible affinities for (alpha1)(2)beta1gammadelta nAChR. Additionally, the iso-caracurine V analogues with binding affinities comparable to those of (+)-tubocurarine and alcuronium could become a new class of neuromuscular-blocking agents.     

Evaluation of 5-(2-(4-pyridinyl)vinyl)-6-chloro-3-(1-methyl-2-(S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy)pyridine and its analogues as PET radioligands for imaging nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

A novel series of compounds derived from the high-affinity nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligand, 5-(2-(4-pyridinyl)vinyl)-6-chloro-3-((1-methyl-2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)methoxy)pyridine (Me-p-PVC), originally developed by Abbott Laboratories, was characterized in vitro in nAChR binding assays at 37 degrees C to show K(i) values in the range of 9-611 pm. Several compounds of this series were radiolabeled with (11)C and evaluated in vivo in mice and monkeys as potential candidates for PET imaging of nAChRs. [(11)C]Me-p-PVC (K(i) =56 pm at 37 degrees C; logD = 1.6) was identified as a radioligand suitable for the in vivo imaging of the alpha 4 beta 2* nAChR subtype. Compared with 2-[(18)F]FA, a PET radioligand that has been successfully used in humans and is characterized by a slow kinetic of brain distribution, [(11)C]Me-p-PVC is more lipophilic. As a result, [(11)C]Me-p-PVC accumulated in the brain more rapidly than 2-[(18)F]FA. Pharmacological evaluation of Me-p-PVC in mice demonstrated that the toxicity of this compound was comparable with or lower than that of 2-FA. Taken together, these results suggest that [(11)C]Me-p-PVC is a promising PET radioligand for studying nAChR occupancy by endogenous and exogenous ligands in the brain in vivo.     

Multiple sugar binding sites in alpha-glucosidase

Twenty-five analogs of D-glucose were examined as reversible inhibitors of yeast alpha-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20). The K(i) values range from 0.38 mM for 6-deoxy-D-glucose (quinovose) to 1.0 M for D-lyxose at pH=6.3 (0.1 M NaCl, 25 degrees ). All the monosaccharides and the three disaccharides (maltose, isomaltose and alpha,alpha-trehalose) were found to be linear competitive inhibitors with respect to alpha-p-nitrophenyl glucoside (pNPG) hydrolysis. Multiple inhibition analysis reveals that there are at least three monosaccharide binding sites on the enzyme. One of these can be occupied by glucose [K(i)=1.8(+/-0.1) mM], one by D-galactose [K(i)=164(+/-11) mM] and one by D-mannose [K(i)=120(+/-9) mM]. The pH dependence for glucose binding closely follows that of V/K [pK(a1)=5.55(+/-0.15), pK(a2)=6.79(+/-0.15)], but the binding of mannose does not. Although the glucose subsite can be occupied simultaneously with the mannose or galactose subsites in the enzyme-product complex, no transglucosylation can be detected between pNPG and either mannose or galactose. This suggests that neither of these nonglucose subsites can be occupied in a productive manner in the covalent glucosyl-enzyme intermediate.     

Aporphine metho salts as neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blockers

(S)-Aporphine metho salts with the 1,2,9,10 oxygenation pattern displaced radioligands from recombinant human alpha7 and alpha4beta2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) at low micromolar concentrations. The affinity of the nonphenolic glaucine methiodide (4) (vs [(3)H]cytisine) was the lowest at alpha4beta2 nAChR (K(i)=10 microM), and predicentrine methiodide (2) and xanthoplanine iodide (3), with free hydroxyl groups at C-2 or C-9, respectively, had the highest affinity at these receptors (K(i) approximately 1 microM), while the affinity of the diphenolic boldine methiodide (1) was intermediate between these values. At homomeric alpha7 nAChR, xanthoplanine had the highest affinity (K(i)=10 microM) vs [(125)I]alpha-bungarotoxin while the other three compounds displaced the radioligand with K(i) values between 15 and 21 microM. At 100 microM, all four compounds inhibited the responses of these receptors to EC(50) concentrations of ACh. The effects of xanthoplanine iodide (3) were studied in more detail. Xanthoplanine fully inhibited the EC(50) ACh responses of both alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nACh receptors with estimated IC(50) values of 9+/-3 microM (alpha7) and 5+/-0.8 microM (alpha4beta2).     

Probes for narcotic receptor mediated phenomena. 43. Synthesis of the ortho-a and para-a, and improved synthesis and optical resolution of the ortho-b and para-b oxide-bridged phenylmorphans: compounds with moderate to low opioid-receptor affinity

N-Phenethyl-substituted ortho-a and para-a oxide-bridged phenylmorphans have been obtained through an improved synthesis and their binding affinity examined at the various opioid receptors. Although the N-phenethyl substituent showed much greater affinity for μ- and κ-opioid receptors than their N-methyl relatives (e.g., K(i)=167 nM and 171 nM at μ- and κ-receptors vs >2800 and 7500 nM for the N-methyl ortho-a oxide-bridged phenylmorphan), the a-isomers were not examined further because of their relatively low affinity. The N-phenethyl substituted ortho-b and para-b oxide-bridged phenylmorphans were also synthesized and their enantiomers were obtained using supercritical fluid chromatography. Of the four enantiomers, only the (+)-ortho-b isomer had moderate affinity for μ- and κ-receptors (K(i)=49 and 42 nM, respectively, and it was found to also have moderate μ- and κ-opioid antagonist activity in the [(35)S]GTP-γ-S assay (K(e)=31 and 26 nM).     

Pharmacological and immunological identification of native alpha7 nicotinic receptors: evidence for homomeric and heteromeric alpha7 receptors

Controversy surrounds the expression of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in adrenal chromaffin cells. In these studies, alpha7 nAChRs expressed in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells are investigated. Using radiolabeled ligand binding techniques, [(125)I]alpha-bungarotoxin (alphaBGT) binding reaches equilibrium within 4 h and is saturable with a K(d) value of 4.2 nM. Using homologous competition experiments, the K(i) for binding of alphaBGT was 1.9 nM. These data are consistent with the expression of homomeric alpha7 nAChRs. Methyllycaconatine (MLA), which binds alpha7 nAChRs with high affinity, inhibits [(125)I]alphaBGT binding in a concentration-dependent manner with a K(i) of 30.6 nM; this value is approximately 10 fold higher than the reported affinity of MLA for alpha7 nAChRs. We also document the ability of bromoacetylcholine (brACh) to alkylate alpha7 nAChRs, as has been previous demonstrated for bovine adrenal alpha3beta4 nAChRs. When adrenal nAChRs are immunoprecipated with mAb319, an antibody which recognizes alpha7 nAChR protein, and then probed with mAb319 using Western blot analysis, a single band of approximately 53 kDa is identified. When adrenal nAChRs are immunoprecipated with mAb35, an antibody which recognizes alpha3 and alpha5 nAChR proteins, and then probed with mAb319 using Western blot analysis, a single band of approximately 53 kDa is identified. Together, these results support the expression of alpha7 nAChRs in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. However, these data suggest that the subunit composition of some of these receptors may include heteromeric alpha7 nAChRs.     

Influence of synthetic peptide corresponding to the ACTH-like sequence of human immunoglobulin G1 on proliferation of lymphoblastoid cells

Influence of the ACTH-like peptide H-Val-Lys-Lys-Pro-Gly-Ser-Ser-Val-Lys-Val-OH corresponding to the sequence 11-20 of the variable part of human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) heavy chain on growth of MT-4 human T-lymphoblastoid cell line was investigated. It was found that the ACTH-like peptide at concentration range 10(-11) -10(-7) M inhibits the proliferation of MT-4 cells. Labeled ACTH 'address segment' [(125)I]ACTH (13-24) was used to establish that MT-4 cells express specific receptors for ACTH (K(d) = 97 pM). The ACTH-like peptide and human ACTH (but not IgG1 heavy chain) were shown to compete with [(125)I]ACTH (13-24) for binding to these receptors (K(i1) = 0.38 nM and K(i2) = 0.34 nM).     

Molecular characterization of Dalpha6 and Dalpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits from Drosophila: formation of a high-affinity alpha-bungarotoxin binding site revealed by expression of subunit chimeras

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate fast synaptic transmission in the insect brain and are target sites for neonicotinoid insecticides. Seven nAChR subunits (four alpha-type and three beta-type) have been cloned previously from Drosophila melanogaster, the model insect system and characterized by heterologous expression. Recently, three further putative nAChR alpha subunits (Dalpha5, Dalpha6 and Dalpha7) with sequence similarity to the vertebrate alpha7 subunit have been identified from Drosophila genome sequence data but there have been no reports, as yet, of their characterization by heterologous expression. In the present study, we report the first isolation of a full-length Dalpha7 cDNA and the independent molecular cloning of Dalpha6. Binding of nicotinic radioligands was not detected to full-length Dalpha6 or Dalpha7 subunits when expressed alone or when or co-expressed with other nAChR subunits in Drosophila or mammalian cell lines, but specific cell-surface binding of [(125)I]alpha-bungarotoxin (K(d) = 0.68 +/- 0.22 nm) and [(3)H]methyllycaconitine (K(d) = 0.27 +/- 0.06 nm) was detected after expression of a subunit chimera containing the ligand-binding domains of Dalpha6 fused to the C-terminal domain of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 5HT(3A). Although cell-surface binding was not detected with a Dalpha7/5HT(3Alpha) chimera expressed alone, co-expression of the two subunit chimeras resulted in significantly enhanced levels of nicotinic radioligand binding (with no change in affinity). This is the first evidence for the formation of a nAChR binding site by heterologously expressed Drosophila nAChR subunits in the absence of a co-expressed vertebrate nAChR subunit. In addition to the formation of homomeric nAChR complexes, evidence has been obtained from both radioligand binding and co-immunoprecipitation studies for the co-assembly of Dalpha6 and Dalpha7 into heteromeric cell surface complexes.     

Transfer of chirality by dithiophosphate ligands and chiral discrimination in the stereoselective formation of square-planar Ni(II) complexes

In the formation reaction of Ni(2+) with the chiral racemic ligand, (R)(R)bdtp(-)/(S)(S)bdtp(-), bdtp(-) = [SSPOCH)CH(3))CH(CH(3))O](-), cyclo- O,O'-[1,2-dimethylethylene] dithiophosphato ion, the meso-complex Ni[(R)(R)(lambda)bdtp][(S)(S)(delta)-bdtp] is stereoselectively produced. The meso-complex was compared with the enantiopure crystals of (+)(589)Ni[(R)(R)(lambda)bdtp](2) or (-)(589)Ni[(S)(S)(delta)bdtp](2), as well as racemic crystals, rac-(+/-)Ni[bdtp](2), which were prepared from the solution containing the two enantiomers in a 1:1 ratio. Dissociation constants in solutions indicate different stability of the meso and enantiopure complexes depending on the solvent, whereas a more efficient crystal packing, weak H-bonding, and nonbonding interactions contribute to stabilization of the meso-species over the racemic one. Molecular structures show that the outer five-membered ligand ring adopts the half-chair conformation C(2) with either the lambda or the delta chirality and the methyl groups are in equatorial (e) positions. Enantiopure ligands of (+)(589)Ni[(R)(R)(lambda)bdtp](2) and (-)(589)Ni[(S)(S)(delta)bdtp](2) induce chirality into the symmetric SSNiSS chromophore with slightly helical distortion. Thus, their CD spectra exhibit weak negative or positive Cotton effects at 662 nm. CD spectra in L(+)- and D(-)diethyltartrate of the meso-complex and racemic crystal, rac-(+/-)Ni[bdtp](2), exhibit different weak Cotton effects of opposite sign. Complexes dissociate in methanol; rac-(+/-)Ni[bdtp](2) in methanol undergoes a crystallization-induced second-order asymmetric transformation which finally yields crystals of the meso-Ni[(R)(R)(lambda)bdtp][(S)(S)(delta)bdtp] complex.     

Synthesis and SAR of 3-arylsulfonyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as potent serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists

Syntheses of a series of novel 3-sulfonyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and their 5-HT(6) receptor antagonistic structure-activity relationship are disclosed. The nature and position of substituents, which affect their receptor antagonistic activity, are analyzed. Among all synthesized derivatives, {3-(3-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-5,7-dimethyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl}-methyl-amine 33 (K(i)=190 pM), (3-phenylsulfonyl-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)-methyl-amine 44 (K(i)=240 pM), (3-phenylsulfonyl-5-metoxymethyl-7-methyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)-methyl-amine 50 (K(i)=270 pM), and (3-phenylsulfonyl-5-methyl-7-metoxymethyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)-methyl-amine 52 (K(i)=280 pM) are the most potent antagonists of the 5-HT(6) receptors.     

Asymmetric synthesis and preliminary evaluation of (R)- and (S)-[11C]bisoprolol, a putative beta1-selective adrenoceptor radioligand

(+/-)-1-[4-(2-Isopropoxyethoxymethyl)-phenoxy]-3-isopropylamino-2-propanol (bisoprolol) is a potent, clinically used beta(1)-adrenergic agent. (R)-(+) and (S)-(-) enantiomers of bisoprolol were labelled with carbon-11 (t(1/2)=20.4 min) as putative tracers for the non-invasive assessment of the beta(1)-adrenoceptor subtype in the human heart and brain with positron emission tomography (PET). The radiosynthesis consisted of reductive alkylation of des-iso-propyl precursor with [2-11C]acetone in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride and acetic acid. The stereo-conservative synthesis of (R)-(+) and (S)-(-)-1-[4-(2-isopropoxyethoxymethyl)-phenoxy]-3-amino-2-propanol to be used as the precursors for the radiosynthesis of [11C]bisoprolol enantiomers was readily accomplished by the use of the corresponding chiral epoxide in three steps starting from the commercially available hydroxybenzyl alcohol. The final labelled product (either (+) or (-)-1-[4-(-isopropoxyethoxymethyl)-phenoxy]-3- [11C]isopropylamino-2-propanol) was obtained in 99% radiochemical purity in 30 min with 15+/-5% (EOS, non-decay corrected) radiochemical yield and 3.5+/-1 Ci/micromol specific radioactivity. Preliminary biological evaluation of the tracer in rats showed that about 30% of heart uptake of [11C](S)-bisoprolol is due to specific binding. The high non-specific uptake in lung might mask the heart uptake, thus precluding the use of [11C](S)-bisoprolol for heart and lung studies by PET. The remarkably high uptake of the tracer in rat brain areas rich of beta-adrenergic receptors such as pituitary (1.8+/-0.3% I.D. at 30 min) was blocked by pre-treatment with the beta-adrenergic antagonists propranolol (45%) and bisoprolol (51%, p<0.05). [11C](S)-bisoprolol deserves further evaluation in other animal models as a putative beta(1) selective radioligand for in vivo investigation of central adrenoceptors.     

Synthesis of 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes as novel ligands for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Alpha series of novel 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane derivatives 4a-f was synthesized and their affinity and selectivity towards alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nAChR subtypes were evaluated. The results of the current study revealed a number of compounds (4a, 4b and 4c) having a very high affinity for alpha4beta2 (K(i) at alpha4beta2 ranging from 0.023 to 0.056 nM) versus alpha7 nAChR subtypes; among these compounds, the 3-(6-bromopyridin-3-yl)-3,6-diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane 4c was found to be the most alpha7alpha4beta2 selective term in receptor binding assays (alpha7alpha4beta2=1295). Moreover, compound 4d also had high affinity for the alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype (K(i)=1.2 nM) with considerably high selectivity (alpha7/alpha4beta2=23300).     

Cyclothiazide binding to functionally active AMPA receptor reveals genuine allosteric interaction with agonist binding sites

The agonist, [3H](-)[S]-1-(2-amino-2-carboxyethyl)-5-fluoro-pyrimidine-2,4-dione ([3H](S)F-Willardiine) binding to functional alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors of resealed plasma membrane vesicles and nerve endings freshly isolated from the rat cerebral cortex displayed two binding sites (K(D1)=33+/-7 nM, B(MAX1)=1.6+/-0.3 pmol/mg protein, K(D2)=720+/-250 nM and B(MAX2)=7.8+/-4.0 pmol/mg protein). The drug which impairs AMPA receptor desensitisation, 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-3-(2-norbornene-5-yl)-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulphonamide-1,1-dioxide (cyclothiazide, CTZ) fully displaced the [3H](S)F-Willardiine binding at a concentration of 500 microM. In the presence of 100 microM CTZ (K(I(CTZ))=60+/-6 microM), both the antagonist [3H]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2,3-dioxo-benzo(F)quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide ([3H]NBQX: K(D)=24+/-4 nM, B(MAX)=12.0+/-0.1 pmol/mg protein) and the high-affinity agonist binding showed similar affinity reduction ([3H](S)F-Willardiine: K(D)=140+/-19 nM, B(MAX)=2.9+/-0.5 pmol/mg protein; [3H]NBQX: K(D)=111+/-34 nM, B(MAX)=12+/-3 pmol/mg protein). To disclose structural correlates underlying genuine allosteric binding interactions, molecular mechanics calculations of CTZ-induced structural changes were performed with the use of PDB data on extracellular GluR2 binding domain dimeric crystals available by now. Hydrogen-bonding and root mean square (rms) values of amino acid residues recognising receptor agonists showed minor alterations in the agonist binding sites itself. Moreover, CTZ binding did not affect dimeric subunit structures significantly. These findings indicated that the structural changes featuring the non-desensitised state could possibly occur to a further site of the extracellular GluR2 binding domain. The increase of agonist efficacy on allosteric CTZ binding may be interpreted in terms of a mechanism involving AMPA receptor desensitisation sequential to activation.     

Synthesis and SAR of 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-aza analogues of 3-aryl-4-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one as NMDA/glycine site antagonists

A series of 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-aza analogues of 3-aryl-4-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one was synthesized and assayed as NMDA/glycine receptor antagonists. The in vitro potency of these antagonists was determined by displacement of the glycine site radioligand [(3)H]5,7-dicholorokynurenic acid ([(3)H]DCKA) in rat brain cortical membranes. Selected compounds were also tested for functional antagonism using electrophysiological assays in Xenopus oocytes expressing cloned NMDA receptor (NR) 1A/2C subunits. Among the 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-aza-3-aryl-4-hydroxyquinoline-2(1H)-ones investigated, 5-aza-7-chloro-4-hydroxy-3-(3-phenoxyphenyl)quinolin-2-(1H)-one (13i) is the most potent antagonist, having an IC(50) value of 110 nM in [(3)H]DCKA binding and a K(b) of 11 nM in the electrophysiology assay. Compound 13i is also an active anticonvulsant when administered systemically in the mouse maximum electroshock-induced seizure test (ED(50)=2.3mg/kg, IP).     

Consequences of linker length alteration of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, SEN12333

A series of ligands based on SEN12333, containing either contracted or elongated alkyl chains, were synthesized and evaluated in molecular docking studies against a homology model of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype. The predicted binding of all ligands was highly similar, with the exception of the analog containing a 5 methylene unit spacer. However, in vitro competition binding assays revealed that the ligands possessed dissimilar binding affinities, with a K(i) range of more than an order of magnitude (K(i)=0.50 to >10 μM), and only SEN12333 itself exhibited functional activity at the α7 nAChR.     

Solvent isotope effects on alpha-glucosidase

The solvent kinetic isotope effects (SKIE) on the yeast alpha-glucosidase-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl and methyl-d-glucopyranoside were measured at 25 degrees C. With p-nitrophenyl-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG), the dependence of k(cat)/K(m) on pH (pD) revealed an unusually large (for glycohydrolases) solvent isotope effect on the pL-independent second-order rate constant, (DOD)(k(cat)/K(m)), of 1.9 (+/-0.3). The two pK(a)s characterizing the pH profile were increased in D(2)O. The shift in pK(a2) of 0.6 units is typical of acids of comparable acidity (pK(a)=6.5), but the increase in pK(a1) (=5.7) of 0.1 unit in going from H(2)O to D(2)O is unusually small. The initial velocities show substrate inhibition (K(is)/K(m) approximately 200) with a small solvent isotope effect on the inhibition constant [(DOD)K(is)=1.1 (+/-0.2)]. The solvent equilibrium isotope effects on the K(is) for the competitive inhibitors D-glucose and alpha-methyl D-glucoside are somewhat higher [(DOD)K(i)=1.5 (+/-0.1)]. Methyl glucoside is much less reactive than pNPG, with k(cat) 230 times lower and k(cat)/K(m) 5 x 10(4) times lower. The solvent isotope effect on k(cat) for this substrate [=1.11 (+/-0. 02)] is lower than that for pNPG [=1.67 (+/-0.07)], consistent with more extensive proton transfer in the transition state for the deglucosylation step than for the glucosylation step.