Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 1- and 8-substituted-3-furfuryl xanthines as adenosine receptor antagonists

The synthesis of an important set of 3-furfurylxanthine derivatives is described. Binding affinities were determined for rat A₁ and human A_2A, A_2B and A₃ receptors. Several of the 3-furfuryl-7-methylxanthine derivatives showed moderate-to-high affinity at human A_2B receptors, the most active compound (10d) having a K_i of 7.4 nM for hA_2B receptors, with selectivities over rA₁ and hA_2A receptors up to 14-fold and 11-fold, respectively. Affinities for hA₃ receptors were very low for all members of the set.     

Norbornyllactone-substituted xanthines as adenosine A(1) receptor antagonists

During the search for second-generation adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist alternatives to the clinical candidate 8-(3-oxa-tricyclo[3.2.1.0(2,4)]oct-6-yl)-1,3-dipropyl-3,7-dihydro-purine-2,6-dione (BG9719), we developed a series of novel xanthines substituted with norbornyl-lactones that possessed high binding affinities for adenosine A(1) receptors and in vivo activity.     

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel 1,3,8- and 1,3,7,8-substituted xanthines as adenosine receptor antagonists

A number of novel xanthines bearing a variety of substituents at positions 1, 3, 7 and 8 were prepared and evaluated for their binding affinity to the human adenosine receptor A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃ subtypes. Several of the 1,3,8- and 1,3,7,8-substituted xanthines showed moderate-to-high affinity at human A_2B and A₁ receptors, with the most active compound (14q) having a pK_i of 7.57 nM for hA_2B receptors and a selectivity over hA_2A receptors of 8.1-fold and hA₁ receptors of 3.7-fold.     

Synthesis of novel 1-alkyl-8-substituted-3-(3-methoxypropyl) xanthines as putative A2B receptor antagonists

In order to identify a high-affinity, selective antagonist for the A_2B subtype adenosine receptor, more than 40 1,8-disubstituted-3-(3-methoxypropyl) xanthines were prepared and evaluated for their binding affinity at recombinant human adenosine receptors, mainly of the A_2A and A_2B subtypes. Some of the 1-ethyl-3-(3-methoxypropyl)-8-aryl substituted derivatives 15(a–m) showed moderate-to-high affinity at human A_2B receptors, with compound 15d showing A_2B selectivity over the other A receptors assayed (A₁, A_2A, A₃) of 34-fold or over.     

Synthesis of 2-amino-5-benzoyl-4-(2-furyl)thiazoles as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

The discovery and synthesis of a series of 2-amino-5-benzoyl-4-(2-furyl)thiazoles as adenosine A_2A receptor antagonists from a small-molecule combinatorial library using a high-throughput radioligand-binding assay is described. Antagonists were further characterized in the A_2A binding assay and an A₁ selectivity assay. Selected examples exhibited excellent affinity for A_2A and good selectivity versus the A₁ receptor.     

3- and 6-Substituted 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines as A1 adenosine receptor allosteric modulators and antagonists

A series of 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines were prepared and evaluated as potential allosteric modulators at the A₁ adenosine receptor. The structure–activity relationships of the 3- and 6-positions of a series of 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines were explored. Despite finding that 3- and 6-substituted 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines possess the ability to recognize an allosteric site on the agonist-occupied A₁AR at relatively high concentrations, the structural modifications we have performed on this scaffold favor the expression of orthosteric antagonist properties over allosteric properties. This research has identified 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines as novel class of orthosteric antagonist of the A₁AR and highlighted the close relationship between structural elements governing allosteric modulation and orthosteric antagonism of agonist function at the A₁AR.     

Synthesis of 4-amino-6-(hetero)arylalkylamino-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one derivatives as potent A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonists

In previous papers (Colotta, V. et al. Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 1999, 332, 39. Colotta, V. et al. J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 1158) we reported the synthesis and binding affinity at bovine (b) A₁ and A_2A and human (h) A₃ adenosine receptors (ARs) of the 4-amino-6-benzylamino-2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (compound A) which resulted in a potent and selective A_2A AR antagonist. Compound A provided the lead compound of a series of 6- or 8-(hetero)arylalkylamino-4-amino-2-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one derivatives (compounds 1–20) which are the object of this paper. Most of the newly synthesized compounds are inactive at hA₃ ARs while they possess both nanomolar bA_2A affinities and different degrees of bA_2A versus bA₁ selectivity. The binding data show that hydrophilic substituents on the benzyl moiety are the most profitable for bA_2A receptor affinity. Furthermore, their steric hindrance seems to play an important role for the bA_2A AR interaction, thus suggesting that the 6-aralkylamino moiety of these ligands interacts with a size-limited binding pocket of this AR subtype. Thus, the SAR studies provided us some new insights about the structural requirements of the bA_2A AR recognition site.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 4-alkoxy-[1'-cyclobutyl-spiro(3,4-dihydrobenzopyran-2,4'-piperidine)] analogues as histamine-3 receptor antagonists

A novel class of 4-alkoxy-[1'-cyclobutyl-spiro(3,4-dihydrobenzopyran-2,4'-piperidine)] analogues were designed and synthesized as H(3)R antagonists. Structure-activity relationship identified sulfone 27 with excellent H(3)R affinities in both humans and rats, and acceptable pharmacokinetic properties. Further, compound 28 achieved single digit nanomolar H(3)R affinities in both species with minimum hERG activity.     

Synthesis of N-pyrimidinyl-2-phenoxyacetamides as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

A series of N-pyrimidinyl-2-phenoxyacetamide adenosine A(2A) antagonists is described. SAR studies led to compound 14 with excellent potency (K(i) = 0.4 nM), selectivity (A(1)/A(2A) > 100), and efficacy (MED 10 mg/kg p.o.) in the rat haloperidol-induced catalepsy model for Parkinson's disease.     

Synthesis and anti-histaminic evaluation of N-phenyl-(alkyl)-5-(dialkylamino)methyl-2-amino-2-oxazolines

New N-phenyl(alkyl)-5-(dialkylamino)methyl-2-amino-2-oxazolines, 5a-e, have been synthesized from the corresponding 3-phenyl(alkyl)carbamoyl-2-iminooxazolidines 2. A two-stage hydrolysis reaction led finally to the corresponding ring-opened N-phenyl(alkyl)-N'-[1-(3-(dialkylamino)-propan-2-ol)]ureas 4. The oxazoline ring was regenerated through an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution involving an halogen atom introduced by the reaction of thionyl chloride on 4. Pharmacological properties of 5a-e were evaluated on histaminic and adrenergic receptors in guinea-pig trachea and rat aorta. Compounds 5b and 5e showed a selective anti-histaminic effect on guinea-pig airways, but a significant response was obtained for a concentration >10(-6) M. No pharmacological activity was obtained with oxazoline 5c whereas oxazolines 5a and 5d seemed to present a non-selective effect on the contractile mechanism of the smooth muscle cell.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-6-fluoro-9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbut-1-yl)purine mono- and diesters as potential prodrugs of penciclovir

2-Amino-6-fluoro-9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbut-1-yl)purine (7), and its mono- and diesters 8-15 were prepared and evaluated for their potential as prodrugs of penciclovir. Treatment of 2-amino-6-chloro-9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbut-1-yl)purine (5) with trimethylamine in THF followed by a reaction of the resulting trimethylammonium chloride salt 6 with KF in DMF afforded 2-amino-6-fluoro-9-(4-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbut-1-yl)purine (7) in 80% yield. Esterification of 7 with an appropriate acid anhydride [Ac2O, (EtCO)2O, (n-PrCO)2O, or (i-PrCO)2O] in DMF in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMAP produced the mono-esters 8-11 in 42-45% yields and diesters 12-15 in 87-99% yields. Of the prodrugs tested in rats, the monoisobutyrate 11 was the most efficiently absorbed and metabolized to 7, showing the mean maximum total concentration of penciclovir (5.5 microg/mL) and 7 (10.8 microg/mL) in the blood was much higher than the mean maximum concentration of penciclovir (11.5 microg/mL) from famciclovir. However, the mean concentrations of penciclovir from 11 were lower than those from famciclovir because of the limited conversion of a major metabolite 7 to penciclovir by adenosine deaminase.     

Synthesis of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrazines as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

Potent and selective antagonists of the adenosine A2A receptor often contain a nitrogen-rich fused-ring heterocyclic core. Replacement of the core with an isomeric ring system has previously been shown to improve target affinity, selectivity, and in vivo activity. This paper describes the preparation, by a novel route, of A2A receptor antagonists containing the [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine nucleus, which is isomeric with the [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine core of a series of known A2A antagonists with in vivo activity in animal models of Parkinson's disease.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-8-alkoxy quinolines as MCHr1 antagonists. Part 3

Prior SAR studies on 2-amino-8-alkoxyquinoline MCHr1 antagonists demonstrated that compounds with acyclic amide-containing sidechains displayed exceptional binding and functional potency, but negligible CNS penetration. Related analogs with acyclic benzylamine-containing sidechains showed greatly improved CNS exposure, but suffered in functional potency. In this report, we demonstrate that cyclization of these benzylic amine sidechains affords compounds that combine the best elements of potency and CNS penetration among this class of antagonists. This is exemplified by compound 21, which has sub-nanomolar MCHr1 binding affinity, good functional potency, and excellent CNS exposure over 24h.     

Synthesis and evaluation of N6-substituted apioadenosines as potential adenosine A3 receptor modulators

Adenosine receptors (ARs) trigger signal transduction pathways inside the cell when activated by extracellular adenosine. Selective modulation of the A₃AR subtype may be beneficial in controlling diseases such as colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we report the synthesis and evaluation of β-d-apio-d-furano- and α-d-apio-l-furanoadenosines and derivatives thereof. Introduction of a 2-methoxy-5-chlorobenzyl group at N⁶ of β-d-apio-d-furanoadenosine afforded an A₃AR antagonist (10c, K_i = 0.98 μM), while a similar modification of an α-d-apio-l-furanoadenosine gave rise to a partial agonist (11c, K_i = 3.07 μM). The structural basis for this difference was examined by docking to an A₃AR model; the antagonist lacked a crucial interaction with Thr94.     

Selective, high affinity A(2B) adenosine receptor antagonists: N-1 monosubstituted 8-(pyrazol-4-yl)xanthines

A series of N-1 monosubstituted 8-pyrazolyl xanthines have been synthesized and evaluated for their affinity for the adenosine receptors (AdoRs). We have discovered two compounds 18 (CVT-7124) and 28 (CVT-6694) that display good affinity for the A(2B) AdoR (K(i)=6 nM and 7 nM, respectively) and greater selectivity for the human A(1), A(2A), and A(3) AdoRs (>1000-, >830-, and >1500-fold; >850-, >700-, and >1280-fold, respectively). CVT-6694 has been shown to block the release of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 from bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC), a process believed to be promoted by activation of A(2B) AdoR.     

Novel 8-(furan-2-yl)-3-substituted thiazolo [5,4-e][1,2,4] triazolo[1,5-c] pyrimidine-2(3H)-thione derivatives as potential adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

Novel thiazolotriazolopyrimidine derivatives (23–33) designed as potential adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) antagonists were synthesized. Molecular docking studies revealed that all compounds (23–33) exhibited strong interaction with A_2AR. The strong interaction of the compounds (23–33) with A_2AR in silico was confirmed by their high binding affinity with human A_2AR stably expressed in HEK293 cells using radioligand-binding assay. The compounds 24–26 demonstrated substantial binding affinity and selectivity for A_2AR as compared to SCH58261, a standard A_2AR antagonist. Decrease in A_2AR-coupled release of endogenous cAMP in treated HEK293 cells demonstrated in vitro A_2AR antagonist potential of the compounds 24–26. Attenuation in haloperidol-induced motor impairments (catalepsy and akinesia) in Swiss albino male mice pre-treated with compounds 24–26 further supports their role in the alleviation of PD symptoms.     

Synthesis and biological activity of trisubstituted adenines as A 2A adenosine receptor antagonists

The discovery of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, has become an attractive field of research. Due to the regulation of D(2) receptor activity by A(2A) adenosine receptor, potent and selective ligands of A(2A) subtype could be useful tools to study neurodegenerative disorders. A series of 2,8-disubstituted-9-ethyladenine derivatives was synthesized and tested in binding affinity assay at human adenosine receptors. New compounds showed good affinity and selectivity at A(2A) receptor versus the other subtypes. The introduction of a bromine atom in 8-position increased the affinity of these compounds, leading to ligands with K(i) in the nanomolar range.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-9-(3-acyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purines and 2-amino-9-(3-alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1- yl)purines as potential prodrugs of penciclovir.

A series of 2-amino-9-(3-acyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purin es (1-8) and 2-amino-9-(3-alkoxycarbonyl-oxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut -1-yl)purines (9-12) were synthesized as potential prodrugs of penciclovir. Treatment of 6-deoxypenciclovir with trimethyl orthoacetate or triethyl orthopropionate (1.2 equiv) in DMF in the presence of p-TsOH.H2O (0.1 equiv) followed by quenching with excess H2O gave the corresponding mono-O-acetyl or mono-O-propionyl compound, 17 or 18, in excellent yields of 95 and 92%, respectively. Reactions of 17 or 18 with an appropriate alkyl (Me, Et, n-Pr, and i-Pr) 4-nitrophenyl carbonate (1.2 equiv) in pyridine in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMAP (0.1 equiv) at 80 degrees C afforded the monoacyl, monocarbonate derivatives of 6-deoxypenciclovir, 1-8, in 86 94% yields. Similar reactions of 6-deoxypenciclovir with 2.1 equiv of alkyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate produced the dicarbonate derivatives 9 12 in 81-83% yields. Of the prodrugs tested in rats, 2-amino-9-(3-acetoxymethyl-4-isopropoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purine (4) achieved the highest mean urinary recovery of penciclovir (36%), followed in order by compounds 2 (35%), 6 (35%), 7 (34%), 10 (34%), 8 (32%), 3 (32%), and famciclovir (31%). The mean urinary recovery of penciclovir and concentrations of penciclovir in the blood from 4 in mice were also slightly higher than those from famciclovir. The in vivo antiviral efficacy of 4 in HSV-1-infected normal BALB/c mice was higher than those of famciclovir and valaciclovir in terms of mortality (100, 80, and 40%) and mean survival time ( > 21, 13+/-5.0 (SEM), and 13+/-1.6 days). Compound 4 demonstrated an effective anti-hepadnaviral response with intrahepatic viral load being reduced by 90%, the viral supercoiled DNA levels reduced by 70% and Pre-S expression inhibited by 30% against duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) in vivo, and did not cause any significant hepatotoxicity after 4 weeks of treatment.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-8-alkoxy quinolines as MCHr1 antagonists. Part 1

A high-throughput screen was performed in order to identify chemotypes that are bound by the melanin concentrating hormone receptor-1 (MCHr1). A novel 2-amino-8-alkoxyquinoline compound (1) was identified and subsequently optimized using a parallel and automated procedure for the rapid production of multiple analogs. The structure-activity relationships that emerged from this effort are described, along with selected pharmacokinetic parameters of compound (d)-61 when dosed orally in diet-induced obese mice.     

Synthesis of 3'-acetamidoadenosine derivatives as potential A3 adenosine receptor agonists

On the basis of high binding affinity of 3'-aminoadenosine derivatives 2b at the human A3 adenosine receptor (AR), 3'-acetamidoadenosine derivatives 3a-e were synthesized from 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glucose via stereoselective hydroboration as a key step. Although all synthesized compounds were totally devoid of binding affinity at the human A3AR, our results revealed that 3'-position of adenosine can only be tolerated with small size of a hydrogen bonding donor like hydroxyl or amino group in the binding site of human A3AR.