Opioid binding site in EL-4 thymoma cell line

Using EL-4 thymoma cell-line we found a binding site similar to the k opioid receptor of the nervous system. The Scatchard analysis of the binding of [3H] bremazocine indicated a single site with a KD = 60 +/- 17 nM and Bmax = 2.7 +/- 0.8 pmols/10(6) cells (51 pmols/mg total cell proteins). To characterize this binding site, competition studies were performed using selective compounds for the various opioid receptors. The k agonist U-50,488H was the most potent displacer of [3H] bremazocine with an IC50 value = 0.57 microM. The two stereoisomers levorphanol and dextrorphan showed the same affinity for this site (IC50 = 2.9 microM and 1.9 microM respectively). While morphine, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5] enkephalin and beta-endorphin failed to displace, except at very high concentrations, codeine demonstrated a IC50 = 60 microM, that was similar to naloxone (IC50 = 69 microM).     

Organic phenyl arsonic acid compounds with potent antileukemic activity

A series of 12 organic arsonic acid compounds has been synthesized and evaluated against human B-lineage (NALM-6) and T-lineage (MOLT-3) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines. The lead compounds 2-trichloromethyl-4-[4'-(4"-phenylazo)phenylarsonic acid]aminoquinazoline (compound 19, PHI-P518; IC(50)=1.1+/-0.5 microM against NALM-6 and 2.0+/-0.8 microM against MOLT-3) and 2-methylthio-4-(2'-phenylarsonic acid)aminopyrimidine (compound 15, PHI-P381; IC(50)=1.5+/-0.3 microM against NALM-6 and 2.3+/-0.5 microM against MOLT-3) exhibited potent antileukemic activity at low micromolar concentrations.     

The screening and characterization of 6-aminopurine-based xanthine oxidase inhibitors

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a key enzyme which can catalyze xanthine to uric acid causing hyperuricemia in humans. By using the fractionation technique and inhibitory activity assay, an active compound that prevents XO from reacting with xanthine was isolated from wheat leaf. It was identified by the Mass and NMR as 6-aminopurine (adenine). A structure-activity study based on 6-aminopurine was conducted. The inhibition of XO activity by 6-aminopurine (IC(50)=10.89+/-0.13 microM) and its analogues was compared with that by allopurinol (IC(50)=7.82+/-0.12 microM). Among these analogues, 2-chloro-6(methylamino)purine (IC(50)=10.19+/-0.10 microM) and 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-d] pyrimidine (IC(50)=30.26+/-0.23 microM) were found to be potent inhibitors of XO. Kinetics study showed that 2-chloro-6(methylamino)purine is non-competitive, while 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine is competitive against XO.     

Flow cytometric evaluation of antiviral agents against human herpesvirus 6

Antiviral activities of acyclovir (9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl] guanine, ACV), penciclovir (9-[4-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl) butyl] guanine, PCV), ganciclovir ([9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy) methyl] guanine, GCV), and foscarnet (phosphonoformic acid, PFA) were determined against Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) by flow cytometric technique. The technique is based on the detection of gp116 antigen expression in virus infected cells. Susceptibility was defined in terms of drug concentration which reduced the number of cells expressing HHV-6 gp116 antigen with a mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) by 50% as compared to virus infected untreated cells. GCV was found to be most effective against HHV-6 followed by PFA, PCV and ACV. For HHV-6A, the mean 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of GCV and PFA were found to be 3.4 microM and 34.7 microM respectively, whereas the IC50 of ACV and PCV were found to be 53.7 microM and 37.9 microM respectively. For HHV-6B, the IC50 of GCV and PFA were found to be 5.7 microM and 71.4 microM respectively, whereas the IC50 of ACV and PCV were found to be 119.0 microM and 77.8 microM respectively. Flow cytometry is a valuable technique for the evaluation of antiviral compounds against viruses including HHV-6.     

Inhibition of mast cell leukotriene release by thiourea derivatives

Mast cell derived leukotrienes (LT's) play a vital role in pathophysiology of allergy and asthma. We synthesized various analogues of indolyl, naphthyl and phenylethyl substituted halopyridyl, thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl thioureas and examined their in vitro effects on the high affinity IgE receptor/FcERI-mediated mast cell leukotriene release. Of the 22 naphthylethyl thiourea compounds tested, there were seven active compounds and N-[1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(ethyl-4-acetylthiazolyl)]thiourea (17 and 16) (IC(50)=0.002 microM) and N-[1-(1R)-naphthylethyl]-N'-[2-(5-methylpyridyl)]thiourea (5) (IC(50)=0.005 microM) were identified as the lead compounds. Among the 11 indolylethyl thiourea compounds tested, there were seven active compounds and the halopyridyl compounds N-[2-(3-indolylethyl)]-N'-[2-(5-chloropyridyl)]thiourea and N-[2-(3-indolylethyl)]-N'-[2-(5-bromopyridyl)]thiourea were the most active agents and inhibited the LTC(4) release with low micromolar IC(50) values of 4.9 microM and 6.1 microM, respectively. The hydroxylphenyl substituted compounds N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(5-chloropyridyl)]thiourea (IC(50)=12.6 microM), N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(5-bromopyridyl)]thiourea (IC(50)=16.8 microM) and N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(pyridyl)]thiourea (IC(50)=8.5 microM) were the most active pyridyl thiourea agents. Notably, the introduction of electron withdrawing or donating groups had a marked impact on the biological activity of these thiourea derivatives and the Hammett sigma values of their substituents were identified as predictors of their potency. In contrast, experimentally determined partition coefficient values did not correlate with the biological activity of the thiourea compounds which demonstrates that their liphophilicity is not an important factor controlling their mast cell inhibitory effects.     

Direct evidence for the interaction between papaverine and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in canine platelets

The effects of papaverine on specific [3H]-yohimbine binding to canine platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and on the platelet aggregation were assessed and compared with those of verapamil. Both compounds concentration-dependently inhibited [3H]-yohimbine binding with KI values for respective compounds of 0.39 +/- 0.05 microM (n = 3) and 15 +/- 0.19 microM (n = 3). In the presence of either compound KD values in Scatchard analysis of the equilibrium ligand binding increased in concentration-dependent manner, whereas Bmax did not change, indicating competitive inhibition of the ligand binding by these compounds. (-)-Epinephrine (3 microM) potentiation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 0.1 microM) aggregation was inhibited by papaverine with IC50 of 11 +/- 3.6 microM (n = 4). In the same experiments verapamil inhibited the platelet aggregation with lower IC50 (3.1 +/- 0.87 microM, n = 4) in comparison with that for papaverine. These results suggest that papaverine, like verapamil, inhibits physiological response of canine platelets through alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation by direct interaction with the receptors.     

Inhibition of [3H]platelet activating factor (PAF) binding by Zn2+: a possible explanation for its specific PAF antiaggregating effects in human platelets

Zinc ions in the micromolar range exhibited a strong inhibitory activity toward platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced human washed platelet activation, if added prior to this lipid chemical mediator. The concentration of Zn2+ required for 50% inhibition of aggregation (IC50) was inversely proportional to the concentration of PAF present. The IC50 values (in microM) for Zn2+ were 8.8 +/- 3.9, 27 +/- 5.8, and 34 +/- 1.7 against 2, 5, and 10 nM PAF, respectively (n = 3-6). Zn2+ exhibited comparable inhibitory effects on [3H]serotonin secretion and the IC50 values (in microM) were 10 +/- 1.2, 18 +/- 3.5, and 35 +/- 0.0 against 2, 5, and 10 nM PAF, respectively (n = 3). Under the same experimental conditions, aggregation and serotonin secretion induced by ADP (5 microM), arachidonic acid (3.3 microM), or thrombin (0.05 U/ml) were not inhibited. Introduction of Zn2+ within 0-2 min after PAF addition not only blocked further platelet aggregation and [3H]serotonin secretion but also caused reversal of aggregation. Analysis of [3H]PAF binding to platelets showed that Zn2+ as well as unlabeled PAF prevented the specific binding of [3H]PAF. The inhibition of [3H]PAF specific binding was proportional to the concentration of Zn2+ and the IC50 value was 18 +/- 2 microM against 1 nM [3H]PAF (n = 3). Other cations, such as Cd2+, Cu2+, and La3+, were ineffective as inhibitors of PAF at concentrations where Zn2+ showed its maximal effects. However, Cd2+ and Cu2+ at high concentrations exhibited a significant inhibition of the aggregation induced by 10 nM PAF with IC50 values being five- and sevenfold higher, respectively, than the IC50 for Zn2+, and with the IC50 values for inhibition of binding of 1 nM [3H]PAF being 5 and 19 times higher, respectively, than the IC50 for Zn2+. The specific inhibition of PAF-induced platelet activation and PAF binding to platelets suggested strongly that Zn2+ interacted with the functional receptor site of PAF or at a contiguous site.     

Mechanism of vascular relaxation by thaligrisine: functional and binding assays

In the present study we examine the mechanism by which thaligrisine, a bisbenzyltetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, inhibits the contractile response of vascular smooth muscle. The work includes functional studies on rat isolated aorta and tail artery precontracted with noradrenaline or KCl. In other experiments rat aorta was precontracted by caffeine in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. In order to assess whether thaligrisine interacts directly with calcium channel binding sites or with alpha-adrenoceptors we examined the effect of the alkaloid on [3H]-(+)-cis diltiazem, [3H]-nitrendipine and [3H]-prazosin binding to cerebral cortical membranes. The functional studies showed that the alkaloid inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the contractile response induced by depolarization in rat aorta (IC50 = 8.9+/-2.9 microM, n=5) and in tail artery (IC50 = 3.04+/-0.3 microM, n=6) or noradrenaline induced contraction in rat aorta (IC50 = 23.0+/-0.39 microM, n=9) and in tail artery (IC50 = 3.8+/-0.9 microM, n=7). In rat aorta, thaligrisine concentration-dependently inhibited noradrenaline-induced contraction in Ca2+-free solution (IC50 = 13.3 microM, n=18). The alkaloid also relaxed the spontaneous contractile response elicited by extracellular calcium after depletion of noradrenaline-sensitive intracellular stores (IC50 = 7.7 microM, n=4). The radioligand receptor-binding study showed that thaligrisine has higher affinity for [3H]-prazosin than for [3H]-(+)-cis-diltiazem binding sites, with Ki values of 0.048+/-0.007 microM and 1.5+/-1.1 microM respectively. [3H]-nitrendipine binding was not affected by thaligrisine. The present work provides evidence that thaligrisine shows higher affinity for [3H]-prazosin binding site than [3H]-(+)-cis-diltiazem binding sites, in contrast with tetrandrine and isotetrandrine that present similar affinity for both receptors. In functional studies thaligrisine, acted as an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist and as a Ca2+ channel blocker, relaxing noradrenaline or KCl-induced contractions in vascular smooth muscle. This compound specifically inhibits the refilling of internal Ca2+-stores sensitive to noradrenaline, by blocking Ca2+-entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+-channels.     

cis-Dichloroplatinum(II) complexes tethered to 9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamides: synthesis and action in resistant cell lines in vitro.

A series of intercalator-tethered platinum(II) complexes PtLCl(2) have been prepared where L are the diamine ligands N-[2-[(aminoethyl)amino]ethyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide, N-[3-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]propyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide, N-[4-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]butyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide and N-[5-[(aminoethyl)amino]pentyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide and N-[6-[(aminoethyl)amino]hexyl]-9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide. The activity of the complexes was assessed in the CH-1, CH-1cisR, 41M, 41McisR and SKOV-3 cell lines. The compounds with the shorter linker chain lengths are generally the most active against these cell lines and are much more toxic than Pt(en)C1(2). For example, for the n=2 compound the IC(50) values are 0.017 microM (CH-1), 1.7 microM (41M), 1.4 microM (SKOV-3) and the resistance ratios are 51 (CH-1cisR) and 1.6 (41McisR). For the untethered analogue Pt(en)C1(2) the IC(50) values are 2.5 microM (CH-1), 2.9 microM (41M), 45 microM (SKOV-3) and the resistance ratios are 2.8 (CH-1cisR) and 4.1 (41McisR). The very large differential in IC(50) values between the CH-1 and CH-1cisR pair of cell lines for the 9-aminoacridine-4-carboxamide tethered platinum complexes indicates that repair of platinum-induced DNA damage may be a major determinant of the activity of these compounds.     

Novel alkaloids from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia

Four new Stemona alkaloids, sessilistemonamines A-C (1-3, resp.) and dihydrostemoninine (4), were isolated from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by means of in-depth 1D- and 2D-NMR-spectroscopic as well as mass-spectrometric experiments; and the structure of 4 was solved by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The stereoisomeric compounds 1-3 share an unprecedented tetracyclic decahydro-1H-furo[2',3':4,5]cyclopenta[1,2-b]pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine nucleus. Compounds 1 and 2 were found to be moderately active in terms of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibition, with IC50 values of 68.8+/-9.5 and 17.1+/-2.5 microM, resp.     

Oxazolones: new tyrosinase inhibitors; synthesis and their structure-activity relationships

The tyrosinase inhibitory potential of seventeen synthesized oxazolone derivatives has been evaluated and their structure-activity relationships developed in the present work. All the synthesized derivatives, 3-19, demonstrated excellent in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory properties having IC50 values in the range of 1.23+/-0.37-17.73+/-2.69 microM, whereas standard inhibitors l-mimosine and kojic acid have IC50 values 3.68+/-0.02 and 16.67+/-0.52 microM,, respectively. Compounds 4-8 having IC50 values 3.11+/-0.95, 3.51+/-0.25, 3.23+/-0.66, 1.23 +/- 0.37, and 2.15+/-0.75, respectively, were found to be very active members of the series, even better than both the standard inhibitors. However, compounds 3, 9-11, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 19 were found to be better than kojic acid but not l-mimosine. (2-Methyl-4-[E,2Z)-3-phenyl-2-propenyliden]-1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-one (7) bearing a cinnamyol residue at C-4 of oxazolone moiety and an IC50 = 1.23+/-0.37 microM was found to be the most active one among all tested compounds. These studies reveal that the substitution of functional group (s) at C-4 and C-2 positions plays a vital role in the activity of this series of compounds. It is concluded that compound 7 may act as a potential lead molecule to develop new drugs for the treatment of tyrosinase based disorders.     

Development of a scintillation proximity assay for analysis of Na+/Cl- -dependent neurotransmitter transporter activity

Human placental choriocarcinoma (JAR) cells endogenously expressing glycine transporter type 1a (GlyT1a) have been cultured in 96-well scintillating microplates to develop a homogenous screening assay for the detection of GlyT1 antagonists. In these microplates uptake of [14C]glycine was time dependent and saturable with a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 27+/-3 microM. The GlyT1 transport inhibitors sarcosine, ALX-5407, and Org-24598 were tested and shown to block [14C]glycine uptake with expected IC50 values of 37.5+/-4.6 microM, 2.8+/-0.6 nM, and 6.9+/-0.9 nM, respectively. The [14C]glycine uptake process was sensitive to membrane Na+ gradient as blockade of membrane Na+/K+-ATPase by ouabain or Na+ exchanger by benzamil-disrupted glycine accumulation in JAR cells. Glycine influx was not affected by concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide up to 2%. The versatility of this technological approach was further confirmed by the characterization of a saturable [14C]taurine uptake in JAR cells. Taurine transport was of high affinity with a Km of 10.2+/-1.7 microM and fully inhibited by ALX-5407 (IC50=522 +/-83 nM). The developed assay is homogenous, rapid, versatile and amenable to automation for the discovery of new neurotransmitter transporter inhibitors.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of norcantharidin analogues: towards PP1 selectivity

Simple modifications to the anhydride moiety of norcantharidin have lead to the development of a series of analogues displaying modest PP1 inhibition (low muM IC(50)s) comparable to that of norcantharidin (PP1 IC(50)=10.3+/-1.37 microM). However, unlike norcantharidin, which is a potent inhibitor of PP2A (IC(50)=2.69+/-1.37 microM), these analogues show reduced PP2A inhibitory action resulting in the development of selective PP1 inhibitory compounds. Data indicates that the introduction of two ortho-disposed substituents on an aromatic ring, or para-substituent favours PP1 inhibition over PP2A inhibition. Introduction of a p-morphilinoaniline substituent, 35, affords an inhibitor displaying PP1 IC(50)=6.5+/-2.3 microM; and PP2A IC(50)=7.9+/-0.82 microM (PP1/PP2A=0.82); and a 2,4,6-trimethylaniline, 23, displaying PP1 IC(50)=48+/-9; and PP2A IC(5) 85+/-3 microM (PP1/PP2A=0.56). The latter shows a 7-fold improvement in PP1 versus PP2A selectivity when compared with norcantharidin. Subsequent analysis of 23 and 35 as potential PP2B inhibitors revealed modest inhibition with IC(50)s of 89+/-6 and 42+/-3 microM, respectively, and returned with PP1/PP2B selectivities of 0.54 and 0.15. Thus, these analogues are the simplest and most selective PP1 inhibitors retaining potency reported to date.     

Substituted heterocyclic thiourea compounds as a new class of anti-allergic agents inhibiting IgE/Fc epsilon RI receptor mediated mast cell leukotriene release

Mast cell derived leukotrienes (LT's) play a vital role in pathophysiology of allergy and asthma. We synthesized various analogues of indolyl, naphthyl and phenylethyl substituted halopyridyl, thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl thioureas and examined their in vitro effects on the high affinity IgE receptor/Fc epsilon RI-mediated mast cell leukotriene release. Of the 22 naphthylethyl thiourea compounds tested, there were 7 active compounds and N-[1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(ethyl-4-acetylthiazolyl)]thiourea (17 and 16) (IC(50)=0.002 microM) and N-[1-(1R)-naphthylethyl]-N'-[2-(5-methylpyridyl)]thiourea (compound 5) (IC(50)=0.005 microM) were identified as the lead compounds. Among the 11 indolylethyl thiourea compounds tested, there were seven active compounds and the halopyridyl compounds N-[2-(3-indolylethyl)]-N'-[2-(5-chloropyridyl)]thiourea (24) and N-[2-(3-indolylethyl)]-N'-[2-(5-bromopyridyl)]thiourea (25) were the most active agents and inhibited the LTC(4) release with low micromolar IC(50) values of 4.9 and 6.1 microM, respectively. The hydroxylphenyl substituted compounds N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(5-chloropyridyl)]thiourea (37; IC(50)=12.6 microM), N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(5-bromopyridyl)]thiourea (50; IC(50)=16.8 microM) and N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-N'-[2-(pyridyl)]thiourea (35; IC(50)=8.5 microM) were the most active pyridyl thiourea agents. Notably, the introduction of electron withdrawing or donating groups had a marked impact on the biological activity of these thiourea derivatives and the Hammett sigma values of their substituents were identified as predictors of their potency. In contrast, experimentally determined partition coefficient values did not correlate with the biological activity of the thiourea compounds which demonstrates that their liphophilicity is not an important factor controlling their mast cell inhibitory effects. These results establish the substituted halopyridyl, indolyl and naphthyl thiourea compounds as a new chemical class of anti-allergic agents inhibiting IgE receptor/Fc epsilon RI-mediated mast cell LTC(4) release. Further lead optimization efforts may provide the basis for new and effective treatment as well as prevention programs for allergic asthma in clinical settings.     

The uptake by cells of 2-arachidonoylglycerol, an endogenous agonist of cannabinoid receptors.

It is not yet clear if the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is transported into cells through the same membrane transporter mediating the uptake of the other endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA), and whether this process (a) is regulated by cells and (b) limits 2-AG pharmacological actions. We have studied simultaneously the facilitated transport of [14C]AEA and [3H]2-AG into rat C6 glioma cells and found uptake mechanisms with different efficacies but similar affinities for the two compounds (Km 11.0 +/- 2.0 and 15.3 +/- 3.1 microM, Bmax 1.70 +/- 0.30 and 0.24 +/- 0.04 nmol.min-1.mg protein-1, respectively). Despite these similar Km values, 2-AG inhibits [14C]AEA uptake by cells at concentrations (Ki = 30.1 +/- 3.9 microM) significantly higher than those required to either 2-AG or AEA to inhibit [3H]2-AG uptake (Ki = 18.9 +/- 1.8 and 20.5 +/- 3.2 microM, respectively). Furthermore: (a) if C6 cells are incubated simultaneously with identical concentrations of [14C]AEA and [3H]2-AG, only the uptake of the latter compound is significantly decreased as compared to that observed with [3H]2-AG alone; (b) the uptake of [14C]AEA and [3H]2-AG by cells is inhibited with the same potency by AM404 (Ki = 7.5 +/- 0.7 and 10.2 +/- 1.7 microM, respectively) and linvanil (Ki = 9.5 +/- 0.7 and 6.4 +/- 1.2 microM, respectively), two inhibitors of the AEA membrane transporter; (c) nitric oxide (NO) donors enhance the uptake of both [14C]AEA and [3H]2-AG, thus suggesting that 2-AG action can be regulated through NO release; (d) AEA and 2-AG induce a weak release of NO that can be blocked by a CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, and significantly enhanced in the presence of AM404 and linvanil, thus suggesting that transport into C6 cells limits the action of both endocannabinoids.     

Anti-inflammatory flavonoids and pterocarpanoid from Crotalaria pallida and C. assamica

One new isoflavone, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-2'-methoxyisoflavone (3) and seven, and four known compounds were isolated from the barks of Crotalaria pallida and the seeds of C. assamica, respectively. The known compounds, apigenin (1) and 2'-hydroxygenistein (2), isolated from C. pallida, showed significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on the release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme from rat neutrophils in response to formyl-Met-Leu-Phe/cytochalasin B (fMLP/CB) with IC(50) values of 2.8+/-0.1 and 17.7+/-1.9, and 5.9+/-1.4 and 9.7+/-3.5 microM, respectively. The known compounds, daidzein (4) and 2'-hydroxydaidzein (6), isolated from C. pallida, inhibited of the release of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase from rat neutrophils in response to fMLP/CB with IC(50) values of 26.3+/-5.5 and 13.7+/-2.6 microM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 4 also showed significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation in rat neutrophils stimulated with fMLP/CB with IC(50) values of 3.4+/-0.3 and 25.1+/-5.0 microM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 5, previously isolated from C. pallida, showed the inhibition of NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and LPS/interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-stimulated N9 microglial cells with IC(50) values of 10.7+/-0.1 and 13.9+/-1.1 microM, respectively. Flavonoids, suppressed chemical mediators in inflammatory cells, may have value in treatment and prevention of central and peripheral inflammatory diseases associated with excess production of chemical mediators.     

Stereoselectivity for the (R)-Enantiomer of HA-966 (l-Hydroxy-3-Aminopyrrolidone-2) at the Glycine Site of the N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Complex

HA-966 (1-hydroxy-3-aminopyrrolidone-2) is an antagonist at the glycine allosteric site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ionophore complex. Unlike presently known glycine antagonists, HA-966 is chiral. We report stereoselectivity for the (R)-enantiomer at the glycine antagonist site. In [3H]glycine binding, the (R)-enantiomer has an IC50 of 4.1 +/- 0.6 microM. The racemic mixture has an IC50 of 11.2 +/- 0.5 microM, whereas (S)-HA-966 has an IC50 greater than 900 microM. In glycine-stimulated [3H]1-[1-(2- thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine binding, the (R)-enantiomer inhibits with an IC50 of 121 +/- 61 microM, whereas the racemic mixture has an IC50 of 216 +/- 113 microM and (S)-HA-966 is inactive. The inhibition by (R)-HA-966 can be prevented by the addition of glycine. (R)-HA-966 and racemic HA-966, but not (S)-HA-966, also prevent N-methyl-D-aspartate cytotoxicity in cortical cultures. The (R)-enantiomer and, less potently, the (S)-enantiomer inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release from rat hippocampal slices (IC50 values of about 0.3 mM and 1.6 mM, respectively), but only the inhibition by (R)-HA-966 is reversed by added glycine. In glutamate-evoked contractions of the guinea pig ileum, (R)-HA-966 causes a glycine-reversible inhibition (IC50 of about 150 microM), whereas (S)-HA-966 is much less potent (IC50 of greater than 1 mM). These results demonstrate stereoselectivity of the glycine antagonist site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex in a variety of tissues and assays. The stereoselectivity also confirms the specificity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in glutamate-evoked contractions of the guinea pig ileum, and supports their similarity to central N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.     

Secondary metabolites of ponderosa lemon (Citrus pyriformis) and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities

Column chromatography of the dichloromethane fraction from an aqueous methanolic extract of fruit peel of Citrus pyriformis Hassk. (Rutaceae) resulted in the isolation of seven compounds including one coumarin (citropten), two limonoids (limonin and deacetylnomilin), and four sterols (stigmasterol, ergosterol, sitosteryl-3-beta-D-glucoside, and sitosteryl-6'-O-acyl-3-beta-D-glucoside). From the ethyl acetate fraction naringin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin were isolated. The dichloromethane extract of the defatted seeds contained three additional compounds, nomilin, ichangin, and cholesterol. The isolated compounds were identified by MS (EI, CI, and ESI), 1H, 13C, and 2D-NMR spectral data. The limonoids were determined qualitatively by LC-ESI/MS resulting in the identification of 11 limonoid aglycones. The total methanolic extract of the peel and the petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions were screened for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited a significant scavenging activity for DPPH free radicals (IC50 = 132.3 microg/mL). The petroleum ether fraction inhibited 5-lipoxygenase with IC50 = 30.6 microg/mL indicating potential anti-inflammatory properties. Limonin has a potent cytotoxic effect against COS7 cells [IC50 = (35.0 +/- 6.1) microM] compared with acteoside as a positive control [IC50 = (144.5 +/- 10.96) microM].     

Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-(phenoxy)quinoline derivatives. Part 4

A number of 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenoxyquinoline derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory evaluation. 4-[(2-Furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]benzaldehyde (8), with an IC(50) value of 5.0 microM against beta-glucuronidase release, was more potent than its tricyclic furo[2,3-b]quinoline isomer 3a (>30 microM), its 4'-COMe counterpart 7 (7.5 microM), and its oxime derivative 13a (11.4 microM) and methyloxime derivative 13b (>30 microM). For the inhibition of lysozyme release, however, oxime derivative 12a (8.9 microM) and methyloxime derivative 12b (10.4 microM) are more potent than their ketone precursor 7 and their respective tricyclic furo[2,3-b]quinoline counterparts 4a and 4b. Among them, 4-[4-[(2-furan-2-yl)-quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl]but-3-en-2-one (10) is the most active against lysozyme release with an IC(50) value of 4.6 microM, while 8 is the most active against beta-glucuronidase release with an IC(50) value of 5.0 microM. (E)-1-[3-[(2-Furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl] ethanone oxime (11a) is capable of inhibiting both lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase release with IC(50) values of 7.1 and 9.5 microM, respectively. For the inhibition of TNF-alpha formation, 1-[3-[(2-furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl]ethanone (6) is the most potent with an IC(50) value of 2.3 microM which is more potent than genistein (9.1 microM). For the inhibitory activity of fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation, 11a (2.7 microM), 11b (2.8 microM), and 13b (2.2 microM) are three of the most active. None of above compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity.