Interaction of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and N-terminally modified VIP analogs with rat pancreatic, hepatic and pituitary membranes

Six vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) analogs inhibited [125I]iodo-VIP and [125I]iodo-helodermin binding to high-affinity VIP receptors in rat hepatic membranes. They also stimulated adenylate cyclase activity through these receptors, their decreasing order of potency being VIP greater than [D-Ala4]VIP greater than [D-Asp3]VIP greater than [D-Ser2]VIP greater than [D-His1]VIP greater than [D-Phe2]VIP greater than [D-Arg2]VIP, with the latter two peptides acting as partial agonists only. All VIP analogs tested on rat pancreatic membranes were able to stimulate adenylate cyclase, their order of potency being very similar to that observed on hepatic membranes. [D-Ser2]VIP, [D-His1]VIP, [D-Arg2]VIP and [D-Phe2]VIP were partial agonists with an intrinsic activity of, respectively, 0.8, 0.7, 0.35 and 0.09 as compared to that of VIP = 1.0. [D-Phe2]VIP competitively and selectively inhibited VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity (Ki = 0.1 microM). On male rat anterior pituitary homogenates the order of potency of the peptides was VIP greater than [D-Ala4]VIP greater than [D-Asp3]VIP greater than [D-Ser2]VIP greater than [D-His1]VIP. [D-Ser2]VIP and [D-His1]VIP acted as partial agonists. Besides, [D-Phe2]VIP and [D-Arg2]VIP were inactive as well as unable to inhibit VIP-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. These results indicated that (a) the efficacy of VIP receptor/effector coupling depended on the tissue tested; (b) the possibility exists to design a VIP antagonist by appropriate modification in the N-terminal moiety of the molecule.     

Characterization of Nicotinic Receptor-Mediated [3H]Dopamine Release from Synaptosomes Prepared from Mouse Striatum

This study establishes that presynaptic nicotinic receptors modulate dopamine release in the mouse striatum. Nicotinic agonists elicit a dose-dependent increase in the release of [3H]dopamine from synaptosomes prepared from mouse striatum. At low concentrations, this release is Ca2+ dependent, whereas at higher concentrations Ca(2+)-independent, mecamylamine-insensitive release was also observed. The Ca(2+)-dependent nicotine-evoked release was not blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin but was effectively blocked by neuronal bungarotoxin as well as several other nicotinic receptor antagonists. The relationship between potency for stimulation of release for agonists and potency for inhibition of release for antagonists was compared to the affinity of these compounds for the [3H]nicotine binding site. The overall correlation between release and binding potency was not high, but the drugs may be classified into separate groups, each of which has a high correlation with binding. This finding suggests either that more than one nicotinic receptor regulates dopamine release or that not all agonists interact with the same receptor in an identical fashion.     

Structure-activity relationship of [Nphe1]-NC-(1-13)-NH2, a pure and selective nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist.

A series of analogs of the ORL1 receptor antagonist [Nphe1]-NC(1-13)-NH2 was prepared and tested for agonistic and antagonistic activities in the mouse vas deferens, a preparation that shows high sensitivity to nociceptin and related peptides. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the aromatic residue at the N-terminal for antagonism and eventually identify compounds with improved potency. Results indicated that all 23 compounds are inactive as agonists, and the antagonistic potency of the initial template [Nphe1]-NC(1-13)-NH2 is high (pKB 6.43) compared with those of all other compounds except [(S)(betaMe)Nphe1]NC(1-13)-NH2 (pK(B) 6.48). The other 22 compounds can be divided into two groups: 10 show antagonistic potencies (pK(B)) ranging from 5.30 to 5.86, whereas the other 12 compounds are inactive. This study clearly shows that the aromatic ring of Nphe is very critical for the interaction with the ORL1 receptor and can not be enlarged or sterically modified without significant loss of antagonistic potency.     

Discovery and biological evaluation of benzo[a]carbazole-based small molecule agonists of the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor

A novel series of benzo[a]carbazole-based small molecule agonists of the thrombopoietin (Tpo) receptor is reported. Starting from a 3.4 microM high throughput screen hit, members of this series have been identified which are full agonists with functional potency <50 nM and oral bioavailability in mice.     

Human apolipoprotein A-II: nucleotide sequence of a cloned cDNA, and localization of its structural gene on human chromosome 1

[3H]yohimbine, a potent and selective alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist was used to label alpha-adrenoceptors in intact human lymphocytes. Binding of [3H]yohimbine was rapid (t1/2 1.5 -2.0 min) and readily reversed by 10 microM phentolamine (t1/2 = 5 - 6 min) and of high affinity (Kd = 3.7 +/- 0.86 nM). At saturation, the total number of binding sites was 19.9 +/- 5.3 fmol/10(7) lymphocytes. Adrenergic agonists competed for [3H]yohimbine binding sites with an order of potency: clonidine greater than (-) epinephrine greater than (-) norepinephrine greater than (+) epinephrine much greater than (-) isoproterenol; adrenergic antagonists with a potency order of yohimbine greater than phentolamine greater than prazosin. These results indicate the presence of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in human lymphocytes.     

Classification of kinin receptors

This minireview is divided into three parts: the first part refers to the characterization and classification of kinin receptors using agonists and antagonists in isolated tissues (classical pharmacology). Two kinin receptors have been considered on the basis of their distinct pharmacology, namely the B1 receptor of the rabbit aorta (rank order of potency of agonists: LysdesArg9BK > desArg9BK > or = LysBK > BK; apparent affinities of antagonists Lys[Leu8]desArg9BK (pIC50 8.4) > [Leu8]desArg9BK (pIC50 7.4) > HOE 140, a B2 receptor antagonist, pIC50<5.0), and the B2 receptor of the rabbit jugular vein (potency of agonists: LysBK = BK > LysdesArg9BK = desArg9BK and HOE 140 (pIC50 9.0) > Lys[Leu8]desArg9BK, pIC50<5.0). The second part describes species-related B1 receptor subtypes, demonstrated by different pharmacological profiles of agonists and antagonists: human, rabbit and pig subtypes (LysdesArg9BK > desArg9BK and Lys[Leu8]desArg9BK > [Leu8]desArg9BK) and dog, rat, mouse and hamster B1 receptors (desArg9BK = LysdesArg9BK and [Leus]desArg9BK = Lys[Leu8]desArg9BK). Affinities of agonists and antagonists in some species (man, rabbit, pig) are significantly increased (at least 10-fold) by the presence of a Lys at their N-terminus. The last part describes species-related B2 receptor subtypes supported by results obtained with non-peptide receptor agonists (FR 190997) and antagonists (FR 173657). While BK acts as a full agonist in man, rabbit and pig, FR 190997 behaves as a full agonist on human, as partial agonist on rabbit, and as pure antagonist on pig B2 receptors. Various hypotheses are considered to interpret these findings.     

Phosphorylation substrates for protein kinase C in intact pituitary cells: characterization of a receptor-mediated event using novel gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues

The involvement of protein kinase C in the signal transduction of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) action was investigated with a GnRH superagonist, partial agonists, and antagonists in intact rat pituitary cells. Exposure of 32P-labeled cells to GnRH or to the superagonist [D-Nal(2)6]GnRH (200 times GnRH potency in vivo) induced the enhanced phosphorylation of 42-, 34-, 11-, and 10-kDa proteins and the dephosphorylation of a 15-kDa protein as assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/autoradiography. This effect was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by potent GnRH antagonists. At its maximally effective concentration of 10(-9) M, [D-Nal(2)6]GnRH induced an up to 2 times more pronounced phosphorylation of endogenous substrates than GnRH at 10(-7) M. This was in accord with its ability to cause an 8-fold increase in the translocation of protein kinase C to the particulate fraction vs. 3.4-fold for GnRH. This effect correlated with potency for a series of GnRH agonists ( [D-Nal(2)6]GnRH greater than GnRH greater than [Gly2]LH-RH) and was prevented by GnRH antagonists, as assessed by a novel phorbol ester receptor binding assay and by a standard kinase assay. Downregulation of protein kinase C by prolonged incubation of the pituitary cells with high concentrations of active phorbol esters abolished protein kinase C activity and also prevented the phosphorylation induced by GnRH, or [D-Nal(2)6]GnRH. The same effect was obtained by preincubating the cells with the protein kinase C inhibitor H-7. In this study we identify for the first time physiological substrates for protein kinase C in intact pituitary cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Recognition Site Ligands Modulate Activity at the Coupled Glycine Recognition Site

In synaptic plasma membranes from rat forebrain, the potencies of glycine recognition site agonists and antagonists for modulating [3H]1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]TCP) binding and for displacing strychnine-insensitive [3H]glycine binding are altered in the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) recognition site ligands. The NMDA competitive antagonist, cis-4-phosphonomethyl-2-piperidine carboxylate (CGS 19755), reduces [3H]glycine binding, and the reduction can be fully reversed by the NMDA recognition site agonist, L-glutamate. Scatchard analysis of [3H]glycine binding shows that in the presence of CGS 19755 there is no change in Bmax (8.81 vs. 8.79 pmol/mg of protein), but rather a decrease in the affinity of glycine (KD of 0.202 microM vs. 0.129 microM). Similar decreases in affinity are observed for the glycine site agonists, D-serine and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate, in the presence of CGS 19755. In contrast, the affinity of glycine antagonists, 1-hydroxy-3-amino-2-pyrrolidone and 1-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylate, at this [3H]glycine recognition site increases in the presence of CGS 19755. The functional consequence of this change in affinity was addressed using the modulation of [3H]TCP binding. In the presence of L-glutamate, the potency of glycine agonists for the stimulation of [3H]TCP binding increases, whereas the potency of glycine antagonists decreases. These data are consistent with NMDA recognition site ligands, through their interactions at the NMDA recognition site, modulating activity at the associated glycine recognition site.     

Endomorphin 1[psi] and endomorphin 2[psi], endomorphins analogues containing a reduced (CH2NH) amide bond between Tyr1 and Pro2, display partial agonist potency but significant antinociception

Endomorphin 1 (EM1) and endomorphin 2 (EM2) are highly potent and selective mu-opioid receptor agonists and have significant antinociceptive action. In the mu-selective pocket of endomorphins (EMs), Pro2 residue is a spacer and directs the Tyr1 and Trp3/Phe3 side chains into the required orientation. The present work was designed to substitute the peptide bond between Tyr1 and Pro2 of EMs with a reduced (CH2NH) bond and study the agonist potency and antinociception of EM1[psi] (Tyr[psi(CH2NH)]Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2) and EM2[psi] (Tyr[psi(CH2NH)]Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2). Both EM1[psi] and EM2[psi] are partial mu opioid receptor agonists showing significant loss of agonist potency in GPI assay. However, EMs[psi] exhibited potent supraspinal antinociceptive action in vivo. In the mice tail-flick test, EMs[psi] (1, 5, 10 nmol/mouse, i.c.v.) produced potent and short-lasting antinociception in a dose-dependent and naloxone (1 mg/kg) reversed manner. At the highest dose of 10 nmol, the effect of EM2[psi] was prolonged and more significant than that of EM2. In the rat model of formalin injection induced inflammatory pain, EMs[psi] (0.1, 1, 10 nmol/rat, i.c.v.), like EMs, exerted transient but not dose-dependent antinociception. These results suggested that in the mu-selective pocket of EMs, the rigid conformation induced by the peptide bond between Tyr1 and Pro2 is essential to regulate their agonist properties at the mu opioid receptors. However, the increased conformational flexibility induced by the reduced (CH2NH) bond made less influence on their antinociception.     

Methods for the evaluation of drug action at the human melatonin receptor subtypes

NIH3T3 fibroblast cells transfected with the full-length coding regions of the mt1 and MT2 human melatonin receptors stably expressed the receptor, coupled to a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G protein and exhibiting high affinity for melatonin. Both mt1 and MT2 melatonin receptors mediated the incorporation of [35S]GTPgammaS into isolated membranes via receptor-catalyzed exchange of [35S]GTPgammaS for GDP. The relative intrinsic activity and potency of the compounds were subsequently studied by using [35S]GTPgammaS incorporation. The order of potency was equal to the order of apparent affinity. Melatonin and full agonists increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Luzindole did not increase basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding but competitively inhibited melatonin-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding, thus exhibiting antagonist action. Two other mt1 antagonists, 4P-PDOT and N-[(2-phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]cyclobutanecarboxamide, behaved as partial agonists at the MT2 subtype, with relative intrinsic activities of 0.37 and 0.39, respectively. For the first time, these findings show important differences in analogue intrinsic activity between the human mt1 and MT2 melatonin receptor subtypes.     

Characterization of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors in human platelets by binding of a radioactive ligand [3H]yohimbine

[3H]Yohimbine, a potent alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, was used to label the alpha-adrenergic receptors in membranes isolated from human platelets. Binding of [3H]yohimbine to platelet membranes appears to have all the characteristics of binding to alpha-adrenergic receptors. Binding reached a steady state in 2-3 min at 37 degrees C and was completely reversible upon the addition of excess phentolamine or yohimbine (both at 10(-5) M; t1/2 = 2.37 min). [3H]Yohimbine bound to a single class of noncooperative sites with a dissociation constant of 1.74 nM. At saturation, the total number of binding sites was calculated to be 191 fmol/mg protein. [3H]Yohimbine binding was stereo-specifically inhibited by epinephrine: the (-) isomer was 11-times more potent that the (+) isomer. Catecholamine agonists competed for the occupancy of the [3H]yohimbine-binding sites with an order of potency: clonidine greater than (-)-epinephrine greater than (-)-norepinephrine much greater than (-)-isoproterenol. The potent alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phentolamine, competed for the sites whereas the beta-antagonist, (+/-)-propranolol, was very weak inhibitor. 0.1 mM GTP reduced the binding affinity of the agonists, while producing no change in antagonist-binding affinity. Dopamine and serotonin competed only at very high concentrations. Similarly, muscarinic cholinergic ligands were also poor inhibitors of [3H]yohimbine binding. These results suggest that [3H]yohimbine binding to hunan platelet membranes is specific, rapid, saturable, reversible and, therefore, can be successfully used to label alpha 2-adrenergic receptors.     

Guanine nucleotide-sensitive interaction of a radiolabeled agonist with a phospholipase C-linked P2y-purinergic receptor

Analogs of ATP and ADP produce a guanine nucleotide-dependent activation of phospholipase C in turkey erythrocyte membranes with pharmacological properties consistent with those of a P2y-purinergic receptor (Boyer, J. L., Downes, C. P., and Harden, T.K. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 884-890). This study describes the interaction of adenosine-5'-O-2-thio[35S] diphosphate ([35S]ADP beta S) with this putative P2y-purinergic receptor on purified plasma membranes prepared from turkey erythrocytes. In binding assays performed at 30 degrees C, the association rate constant of [35S] was 1.1 x 10(7) M-1 min-1 and the dissociation rate constant was 3.8 x 10(-2) min-1. [35S]ADP beta S bound with high affinity (Kd = 6-10 nM) to an apparently homogeneous population of sites (Bmax = 2-4 pmol/mg protein). ATP and ADP analogs (2-methylthio ATP, ADP beta S, ATP, ADP, 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate, alpha, beta-methylene adenosine-5'-triphosphate, and beta, gamma-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate) inhibited the binding of [35S]ADP beta S with properties consistent with ligand interaction by simple law of mass action kinetics at a single site. The rank order of potency for inhibition of [35S]ADP beta S binding was identical to the potency order observed for these same agonists for stimulation of phospholipase C in turkey erythrocyte ghosts. Guanine nucleotides inhibited [35S]ADP beta S binding in a noncompetitive manner with the following potency order: guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) greater than 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate greater than GTP = GDP greater than guanosine 5'-O-2-(thiodiphosphate). The data are consistent with the idea that [35S]ADP beta S may be used to radiolabel the P2y-purinergic receptor linked to activation of phospholipase C in turkey erythrocyte membranes. In addition, interaction of radiolabeled agonist with the receptor is modified by guanine nucleotides, providing evidence that an agonist-induced receptor/guanine nucleotide regulatory protein complex may be involved in P2y-receptor action.     

Receptors for angiotensin: a critical analysis.

Angiotensin exerts numerous contractile and secretory effects by activating specific receptors. Recent pharmacological findings obtained with this peptide in various laboratories are analyzed, using the order of potency of agonists and the affinity of competitive antagonists as criteria for the classification of receptors for angiotensin in several systems. The analysis is restricted to experiments in which biological effects have been measured. Desensitization (the third criterion for classification of receptors) is discussed and a new protocol is proposed for its utilization. The analysis reveals that receptors for angiotensin in intestinal and vascular smooth muscles, in the heart, and in the vas deferens are all of the same type, while the receptors mediating the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and those subserving the steroidogenic action on the adrenal cortex remain still unidentified. The recently proposed role of ATI as mediator of renin in the adrenal medulla is not substantiated by pharmacological findings with decapeptide antagonists. Moreover, the utilization of ATI as an agonist to determine the order of potency of angiotensins and the use of SQ 20881 as an inhibitor of the converting enzyme have shown serious limitations and should be reconsidered. The hypothetical role of ATIII as mediator of the renin-angiotensin system in the adrenal cortex, at least in other species than the rat, appears to be supported by the high affinity of heptapeptide antagonists for the adrenocortical receptor. However, these antagonists have generally been compared with [Sar1,Ala8]-ATII, A compound which is definitely inadequate for evaluating the affinities of octapeptides in the adrenal cortex. Therefore most of the data supporting the role of ATIII in this system have to be carefully reconsidered. Analogues of ATII are proposed for using as agonists and as antagonists instead of the natural angiotensins (for determining the order of potency of agonists) and instead of [Sar1,Ala8]-ATII (for measuring the affinities of competitive antagonists).     

P2-purinergic receptors activate a guanine nucleotide-dependent phospholipase C in membranes from HL-60 cells

We have previously determined that human neutrophils and monocytes, as well as neutrophil/monocyte progenitor cells, express a subtype of P2-purinergic receptors (for ATP) which activate the inositol phospholipid signalling system. In the present study, membranes prepared from HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells were used to examine the mechanism by which these ATP receptors activate phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) under defined in vitro conditions. Micromolar concentrations of the receptor agonists ATP, UTP, and ATP gamma S stimulated the GTP-dependent formation of inositol bisphosphate (IP2) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3) in washed membranes prepared from undifferentiated HL-60 cells prelabeled with [3H]inositol. The stimulatory effects of these nucleotides on PI-PLC appeared to be mediated through a GTP binding protein since minimal inositol polyphosphate accumulation was observed in the absence of guanine nucleotides. The increased inositol polyphosphate formation triggered by these nucleotide receptor agonists did not result from inhibition of GTP breakdown. Neither was it a consequence of increased [3H]polyphosphatidylinositol levels resulting from enhanced activity of membrane-associated PI- or PIP-kinases. Instead, the stimulated phospholipase activity was apparently receptor-mediated. The rank order of potency observed in these in vitro membrane assays (ATP = UTP greater than ATP gamma S much greater than TTP greater than CTP much greater than beta, gamma-CH-ATP) was similar to that observed with intact HL-60 cells. This order of potency appears to distinguish the P2-purinergic receptors expressed by human phagocytic leukocytes from the P2 gamma-purinergic receptors which activate PI-PLC in turkey erythrocyte membranes.     

Kappa-receptor selective binding of opioid ligands with a heterocyclic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one structure

Previous pharmacological results have suggested that members of the heterocyclic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one-like compounds are potent kappa-opioid receptor specific agonists. One lead molecule of this series. called compound 1 (dimethyl 7-methyl-2,4-di-2-pyridyl-3.7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one-1,5-dicarboxylate) exhibited high affinity for [3H]ethylketocyclazocine and [3H]U-69.593 binding sites in guinea pig cerebellar membranes which known to be a good source for kappa1 receptors. It was shown by molecular modelling that heterocyclic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ones fit very well with the structure of ketazocine, a prototypic kappa-selective benzomorphan compound; when compared to the arylacetamide structure of U-69.593, a specific kappa1-receptor agonist, a similar geometry was found with a slightly different distribution of the charges. It is postulated, that the essential structural skeleton involved in the opioid activity is an aryl-propyl-amine element distributed along the N7-C6-C5-C4-aryl bonds.     

Mechanisms of agonism and inverse agonism at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors

Mechanisms of agonist and inverse agonist action at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor have been studied using the modulation of guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding in membranes of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the receptor (CHO-5-HTA1A cells). A range of agonists increased [35S]GTPgammaS binding with different potencies and to different maximal extents, whereas two compounds, methiothepin and spiperone, inhibited both agonist-stimulated and basal [5S]GTPgammaS binding, thus exhibiting inverse agonism. Potencies of agonists to stimulate [35S]GTPgammaS binding in membranes from CHO-5-HT1A cells were reduced by adding increasing concentrations of GDP to assays, whereas changes in sodium ion concentration did not affect agonist potency. The maximal effect of the agonists was increased by increasing sodium ion concentrations. The affinities of agonists in ligand binding assays were unaffected by changes in sodium ion concentration. Increasing GDP in the assays of the inverse agonists increased potency for spiperone to inhibit [35S]GTPgammaS binding and had no effect for methiothepin, in agreement with the sensitivity of these compounds to guanine nucleotides in ligand binding assays. Potencies for these inverse agonists were unaffected by changes in sodium ion concentration. These data were simulated using the extended ternary complex model. These simulations showed that the data obtained with agonists were consistent with these compounds achieving agonism by stabilising the ternary complex. For inverse agonists, the simulations showed that the mechanism for spiperone may be to stabilise forms of the receptor uncoupled from G proteins. Methiothepin, however, probably does not alter the equilibrium distribution of different receptor species; rather, this inverse agonist may stabilise an inactive form of the receptor that can still couple to G protein.     

2-cyanoaminopyrimidines as a class of antitumor agents that promote tubulin polymerization

A series of 4-chloro-2-cyanoamino-6-fluoroalkylamino-5-phenylpyrimidines was prepared as a result of our efforts to modify a series of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines that proved to be potent anticancer agents with a unique mechanism of tubulin inhibition. On the cyanoamino nitrogen, a methyl group is optimal for activity among alkyl groups introduced. The structure-activity relationship for the rest of the molecule resembles that of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. A lead compound (5) retained in vitro potency compared with TTI-237. In the mechanism of action studies, it behaved in the same manner as TTI-237. In addition, it is also capable of overcoming multidrug resistance due to P-gp. These findings strongly suggest that this series of 2-cyanoaminopyrimidines binds at the same site and in the same binding mode as TTI-237. Further modifications of the 2-cyanoamino group are underway.     

Novel potent antagonists of human neuropeptide Y Y5 receptors. Part 2: substituted benzo[a]cycloheptene derivatives

Novel benzo[a]cycloheptene derivatives were prepared for the purpose of searching new neuropeptide Y-Y5 (NPY-Y5) receptor antagonists. The structure-activity relationships are described and compound 2o (FR226928) showed the most potent affinity for Y5 receptor of all we prepared and was found to have higher potency and better selectivity for Y5 over Y1 receptor affinities when compared with the known lead compound 1.     

Design,synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel imidazolo[1,2-a]pyrimid-5-ones as potent GnRH receptor antagonists

SAR studies of lead GnRH receptor antagonists 2a and 2b reported earlier resulted in the discovery of compound 10b which showed much higher potency (K(i)=4.6 nM, compared with 2b, K(i)=230 nM) in which the 7-position of the imidazolo[1,2-a]pyrimidone core was substituted with a methyl group, and the ester at the 6-position was replaced by the 3-methoxyphenyl group.     

Characterization of a low affinity binding site for N6-substituted adenosine derivatives in rat testis membranes

Abstract

The binding characteristics of radiolabeled N⁶-(cyclohexyl)adenosine ([³H]CHA), N⁶-(R-phenylisopropyl)adenosine ([³H]R-PIA), 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([³H]NECA), and 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl]ethyl-amino-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([³H]CGS 21680), to rat testis membranes were investigated. Specific binding of [³H]CGS 21680, a selective agonist for the A_2a adenosine receptor, was very modest whilst the nonselective agonist [³H]NECA bound to rat testis membranes showing high binding capacity. At least two types of binding sites for [³H]NECA could be identified in rat testis membranes: high affinity sites and high capacity sites. Selective agonists for the At adenosine receptor, [³H]CHA and [³H]R-PIA bound with high affinity to a single class of binding sites. This high affinity binding site showed the typical pharmacological specificity of the A₁ adenosine receptor with a potency order for agonists of CHA R-PIA > NECA > N⁶-(S-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (S-PIA). In order to detect the presence of the A₃ adenosine receptor in these membranes we selectively blocked the A₁ receptor with a large molar excess of a xanthine antagonist, either 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) or xanthine amine congener (XAC). In the presence of an antagonist a low affinity binding site for [³H]CHA and [³H]R-PIA was detected. This low affinity binding site showed a different pharmacological specificity than the high affinity binding site. In fact the potency order for agonists was CHA NECA = R-PIA > S-PIA. This finding suggests that the low affinity binding site represents the A₃ adenosine receptor.