A rational approach for the development of reduced-size analogues of neuropeptide Y with high affinity to the Y1 receptor

Four sets of centrally truncated analogues of neuropeptide Y have been synthesized. In each series the N-terminal part was constant, while the C-terminal segment was systematically varied in length. The C- and N-terminal parts were linked by 6-aminohexanoic acid. The affinity to the Y₁ receptor was investigated on human neuroblastoma cells SK-N-MC. Significant differences were found between the series of peptides as well as within each set. Remarkably, the affinity did not solely depend on the length of the segment, and with increasing numbers of residues the IC₅₀ values were not always decreased. With a given N-terminal segment, only one optimal length of the C-terminal segment was found, which suggests that it is not the amino acids themselves but their 3D arrangement and orientation that is important for high receptor affinity.     

Infusion of pregnant rats with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)(8-37), a CGRP receptor antagonist,increases blood pressure and fetal mortality and decreases fetal growth

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is the most potent endogenous vasodilatory peptide, and is involved in the regulation of blood flow to vital organs. We have previously shown that CGRP may be involved in vascular adaptations that occur during pregnancy, and that steroid hormones may be involved in these mechanisms. We hypothesized that endogenous CGRP is required for maintaining blood pressure and fetoplacental growth in pregnant rats, and that progesterone will enhance CGRP effects. The vasodilatory effects of CGRP are known to be inhibited by a competitive CGRP receptor antagonist, the C-terminal fragment CGRP(8-37). In the present study, we investigated whether continuous s.c. infusion of CGRP(8-37) to pregnant rats will reduce fetoplacental growth and increase systolic blood pressure. We also assessed whether progesterone will alter the effects of CGRP(8-37) on blood pressure during postpartum. Groups of five pregnant rats were s.c. infused with varying doses of CGRP(8-37) from Day 17 of pregnancy. Daily systolic blood pressures, pup weight, mortality at term delivery, and fetoplacental weights on Day 20 of gestation were measured. CGRP(8-37) at a dose of 0.083 mg day(-1) kg(-1) body weight (BW) showed no effects; however, doses of 0.33 and 1.33 mg day(-1) kg(-1) BW increased (P < 0.05) blood pressure during pregnancy, and these elevated blood pressures persisted during postpartum with the highest dose used. Progesterone (2 mg per injection, twice a day; s.c.) treatment significantly elevated blood pressure in rats infused with CGRP(8-37) during postpartum, suggesting that progesterone regulates CGRP-induced vascular effects. CGRP(8-37) infusion caused significant reductions in pup weight with an increase in mortality rate, and these effects were dose-dependent. Placental and fetal weights were also decreased prior to term on Day 20 of gestation, 72 h after CGRP(8-37) infusion, indicating effects on uteroplacental tissues. Therefore, we suggest that endogenous CGRP plays an important role in maintaining normal fetoplacental development, fetal survival, and vascular adaptations during pregnancy.     

3-Ethoxy-beta-carboline: a high affinity benzodiazepine receptor ligand with partial inverse agonist properties

3-Ethoxy-beta-carboline binds with high affinity to benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system (Ki approximately equal to 10.1, 15.3, and 25.3 nM in rat cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus, respectively). This compound has pharmacological actions reminiscent of benzodiazepine receptor partial inverse agonists such as FG 7142 and 3-carboethoxy-beta-carboline. Thus, while not a convulsant, 3-ethoxy-beta-carboline potentiated the convulsant actions of pentylenetetrazole in mice. Furthermore, this compound reduced both the time spent and the total entries in the open arms of an elevated plus maze and also inhibited stress-induced ulcer formation, effects that are also observed with benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonists. These findings suggest that 3-ethoxy-beta-carboline is a partial inverse agonist at benzodiazepine receptors which may prove useful for in vivo studies since it has a higher affinity for benzodiazepine receptors and better solubility than the commonly used partial inverse agonist FG 7142. Furthermore, 3-ethoxy-beta-carboline appears to be less vulnerable to metabolic degradation than ester analogs with a similar pharmacological profile such as 3-carboethoxy-beta-carboline.     

Use of high affinity insulin analogues to assess the functional relationships between insulin receptor trafficking, mitogenic signaling and mRNA expression in rat liver

We have investigated the functional relationships between insulin receptor (IR) trafficking, mitogenic signaling and mRNA expression in rat liver and primary hepatocytes. The low-K(d) insulin analogues [His(A8),His(B4), Glu(B10),His(B27)]-human insulin (-HI) (the H2-analogue), [Asp(B10)]HI and [Glu(A13),Glu(B10)]HI, were studied in liver parenchymal cells and compared with wild-type HI and epidermal growth factor (EGF), a mitogenic inducer. The extent and duration of IR endocytosis were markedly increased in response to the H2-analogue and [Asp(B10)]HI compared to wild-type HI, but similar to HI after [Glu(A13),Glu(B10)]HI administration. Importantly, the insulin analogues induced a higher and more prolonged tyrosine phosphorylation of the IR-beta subunit in endosomes compared to authentic HI. A low cell-free endosome-lysosome transfer of the internalized IR was only observed in response to HI and H2-analogue injection. Concomitant with the low endosome-lysosome transfer of the intact IR-beta subunit, 47 and 50 kDa fragments of the IR-beta subunit accumulated in lysosomal fractions. Neither HI nor the insulin analogues promoted the endosomal recruitment and tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, whereas EGF accessed the Shc signaling pathway. Moreover, EGF induced a fast and prolonged activation of Raf-1 and MAP-kinase pathways whereas HI and insulin analogues displayed a moderate and transient effect. Finally, treatment of primary rat hepatocytes with HI and the protease-resistant H2-analogue did not affect the total level and relative expression of isotype A and B of IR mRNA regardless of time of exposure. These results suggest a lack of relationship between IR trafficking, endosomal tyrosine phosphorylation and mitogenic signaling in rat liver in vivo.     

Heterocyclic analogues of 2-aminotetralins with high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine D3 receptor.

A novel series of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolines, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazoles and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazoles has been prepared, having high affinity and selectivity for the dopamine D3 receptor. The 4-methoxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazoline 6i and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole 8 proved to be agonists with among the highest D3 receptor affinities and selectivities reported to date.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of disubstituted N6-cyclopentyladenine analogues: the search for a neutral antagonist with high affinity for the adenosine A1 receptor

Novel 3,8- and 8,9-disubstituted N(6)-cyclopentyladenine derivatives were synthesised in moderate overall yield from 6-chloropurine. The derivatives were made in an attempt to find a new neutral antagonist with high affinity for adenosine A(1) receptors. N(6)-Cyclopentyl-9-methyladenine (N-0840) was used as a lead compound. Binding affinities of the new analogues were determined for human adenosine A(1) and A(3) receptors. Their intrinsic activity was assessed in [35S]GTPgammaS binding experiments. Elongation of the 9-methyl of N-0840 to a 9-propyl substituent was very well tolerated. A 9-benzyl group, on the other hand, caused a decrease in adenosine A(1) receptor affinity. Next, the 8-position was examined in detail, and affinity was increased with appropriate substitution. Most derivatives were A(1)-selective and 20 of the new compounds (6-9, 15-21, 23-26, 28, 31, 33, 35, and 36) had higher adenosine A(1) receptor affinity than the reference substance, N-0840. Compound 31 (N(6)-cyclopentyl-8-(N-methylisopropylamino)-9-methyladenine, LUF 5608) had the highest adenosine A(1) receptor affinity, 7.7 nM. In the [35S]GTPgammaS binding experiments, derivatives 5, 14, 22, 23, 25, 26, 33 and 34 did not significantly change basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding, thus behaving as neutral antagonists. Moreover, four of these compounds (23, 25, 26, and 33) displayed a 4- to 10-fold increased adenosine A(1) receptor affinity (75-206 nM) compared to N-0840 (852 nM). In summary, we synthesised a range of N-0840 analogues with higher affinity for adenosine A(1) receptors. In addition, four new derivatives, LUF 5666 (23), LUF 5668 (25), LUF 5669 (26) and LUF 5674 (33), behaved as neutral antagonists when tested in [35S]GTPgammaS binding studies. Thus, these compounds have improved characteristics as neutral adenosine A(1) receptor antagonists.     

New azole antagonists with high affinity for the P2Y1 receptor

Five-membered-ring heterocyclic urea mimics have been found to be potent and selective antagonists of the P2Y₁ receptor. SAR of the various heterocyclic replacements is presented, as well as side-chain SAR of the more potent thiadiazole ring system which leads to thiadiazole 4c as a new antiplatelet agent.     

Nucleotide sequence of a fragment of the rat tryptophan oxygenase gene showing high affinity to glucocorticoid receptor in vitro.

A nucleotide sequence (3.2 kb) of a DNA region located approximately between introns 4 and 7 of the rat tryptophan oxygenase gene was determined. Using filter binding studies and monoclonal antibodies against the glucocorticoid receptor a high affinity binding of this region to the glucocorticoid receptor was demonstrated.     

Modifications in the bradykinin main chain are not necessary for antagonistic activity in rat blood pressure assay.

Previous studies demonstrated that the presence of a bulky acyl substituent at the N-terminus of B(2) antagonists significantly influenced the interaction of the peptide with B(2) receptors, thus increasing potency in the blood pressure test. Reported results also suggested that even minor changes in the structure of analogues might be of importance in designing more potent B(2) antagonists. On the other hand, it was learned that the effects of acylation might vary substantially with the chemical character of the acyl group. It seemed that either the positive or the negative charge on the N-terminal acyl group influenced the activity of the analogues because a suppressed antagonistic potency due to these modifications was observed.Bearing all these findings in mind, it was decided to check how N-terminal acylation would affect the pharmacological activity of bradykinin. Of the many acylating agents tested previously on B(2) antagonists, it was decided to use acridin-9-ylacetic acid (Ana) and anthracen-9-ylacetic acid (Ata). The potencies of the analogues were assessed by their ability to inhibit vasodepressor response of exogenous BK in conscious rats and by their ability to inhibit the contractions of isolated rat uterus evoked by BK.     

Inhibition of allergic reactions with monoclonal antibody to the high affinity IgE receptor

A mAb that reacts with the high affinity IgE-R on the rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) was used to inhibit allergic reactions. In vitro, the intact mAb BA3 and its Fab fragment inhibited radiolabeled IgE binding to the RBL-2H3 cells. The mAb binds to the IgE-R with a higher affinity than does IgE. Whereas the intact mAb released histamine from the RBL-2H3 cells, the Fab was inactive. The addition of the Fab fragments to RBL-2H3 inhibited the IgE-mediated histamine release reaction. The Fab fragments also inhibited in vivo passive cutaneous reactions in rats when injected intradermally either before or after IgE. The injection of the mAb Fab i.v. before the injection of the IgE into the skin sites also inhibited reactions, although it was less effective. The results demonstrate that anti-R antibodies can be used as a model for inhibiting immediate hypersensitivity reactions.     

Reduced high affinity 5 -dihydrotestosterone receptor capacity in the ventral prostate of the aging rat

Cytoplasmic extracts of ventral prostates obtained from young (50–90 day old) rats 24 hours post orchidectomy contained high affinity binding activity for 5α-dihydrotestosterone which migrated with a sedimentation coefficient of 10–11S on linear sucrose gradients. By contrast, when cytoplasmic extracts were prepared from ventral prostates of aging rats (10–14 months old), 80 percent of the animals evidenced a complete absence of 10–11S binding activity. A single extract prepared from the ventral prostates of the remaining aging animals in the 10–14 month age category had a level of 10–11S binding activity that was about 20 to 25 percent of the value routinely obtained for identical preparations from young animals. Cytoplasmic extracts prepared from the ventral prostate of animals older than 14 months were always found to be devoid of 10–11S binding activity.     

Characterization of the somatogenic receptor in rat liver. Hydrodynamic properties and affinity cross-linking

Rat liver somatogenic receptors have been characterized by gel permeation chromatography, sucrose density gradients in H2O and D2O, and affinity cross-linking using 125I-bovine growth hormone (bGH) as a specific somatogenic receptor ligand. Cross-linking of 125I-bovine growth hormone to a Triton X-100-treated low density fraction isolated from livers of late pregnant rats followed by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions showed three major binders with Mr 95,000, 86,000, and 43,000 and a minor binder of Mr 55,000, after correction for bound ligand assuming a 1:1 binding ratio of ligand-receptor. The Mr 86,000, 55,000, and 43,000 species were recovered in the detergent-soluble supernatant after high-speed centrifugation, whereas the Mr 95,000 species remained Triton X-100 insoluble. Detergent-soluble 125I-bGH-receptor complexes were further analyzed by sedimentation into sucrose density gradients. The sedimentation coefficient was S20,w = 5.2 S and the partial specific volume v = 0.72 ml/g. Gel permeation chromatography on a Sepharose S-400 column indicated a Stokes radius of 61 A for the 125I-bGH-receptor-Triton X-100 complex. Based on these figures, the molecular weight of the complex was calculated as 131,100. The molecular weight of the ligand-free receptor-Triton X-100 complex was calculated as Mr 109,100. Affinity cross-linking and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the 61 A peak from Sephacryl S-400 chromatography (cf. above) showed two binding entities, one major and one minor with Mr values 86,000 and 43,000, respectively, in the absence of reductant. When electrophoresis was run in the presence of reductant the Mr 43,000 species was the major binding entity. Furthermore, two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis (first dimension, nonreducing and second dimension, reducing) showed that a disulfide-linked binder at Mr 43,000 is contained within the Mr 86,000 species. As with pregnant rats, female and male rats both showed 125I-bovine growth hormone binders of Mr 95,000, 84,000, 55,000, 43,000, and additionally an Mr 35,000 binder.     

siRNA-mediated silencing of the 37/67-kDa high affinity laminin receptor in Hep3B cells induces apoptosis

The laminin-binding protein, variously called the 37/67-kDa high affinity laminin receptor or p40, mediates the attachment of normal cells to the laminin network, and also has a role as a ribosomal protein. Over-expression of this protein has been strongly correlated with the metastatic phenotype. However, few studies have investigated the cellular consequence of the ablation of this gene's expression. To address this issue, the expression of the 37/67-kDa high affinity laminin receptor was knocked out with several siRNA constructs via RNA interference in transformed liver (Hep3B) cells. In each case where the message was specifically ablated, apoptosis was induced, as determined by annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and by double staining with annexin V and an antibody directed against the 37/67-kDa high affinity laminin receptor. These results suggest that this protein plays a critical role in maintaining cell viability.     

beta-Amyloid(1-42) binds to alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with high affinity. Implications for Alzheimer's disease pathology

Alzheimer's disease pathology is characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and the loss of cholinergic neurons in the brain. The underlying mechanisms leading to these events are unclear, but the 42-amino acid beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta(1-42)) is involved. Immunohistochemical studies on human sporadic Alzheimer's disease brains demonstrate that Abeta(1-42) and a neuronal pentameric cation channel, the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR), are both present in neuritic plaques and co-localize in individual cortical neurons. Using human brain tissues and cells that overexpress either alpha7nAChR or amyloid precursor protein as the starting material, Abeta(1-42) and alpha7nAChR can be co-immunoprecipitated by the respective specific antibodies, suggesting that they are tightly associated. The formation of the alpha7nAChR.Abeta(1-42) complex can be efficiently suppressed by Abeta(12-28), implying that this Abeta sequence region contains the binding epitope. Receptor binding experiments show that Abeta(1-42) and alpha7nAChR bind with high affinity, and this interaction can be inhibited by alpha7nAChR ligands. Human neuroblastoma cells overexpressing alpha7nAChR are readily killed by Abeta(1-42), whereas alpha7nAChR agonists such as nicotine and epibatidine offered protection. Because Abeta(1-42) inhibits alpha7nAChR-dependent calcium activation and acetylcholine release, two processes critically involved in memory and cognitive functions, and the distribution of alpha7nAChR correlates with neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease brains, we propose that interaction of the alpha7nAChR and Abeta(1-42) is a pivotal mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.     

Mu1: a very high affinity subtype of enkephalin binding sites in rat brain

Displacement studies of [3H]-[D-Ala2-MePhe4-Gly-ol5]-enkephalin ([3H]-DAGO) and [3H]-[D-Ala2-D-Leu5]-enkephalin ([3H]-DADL) by the corresponding unlabeled ligands show that there are at least three classes of sites which bind these enkephalin analogs with high affinity. Using computer modeling, the introduction of the third site significantly improved the goodness of fit in ten consecutive experiments. These sites appear to correspond to the mu, delta and mu 1 sites, with mean dissociation constants of 11, 1.3 and 0.9 nM for DADL and 2.5, 300 and 0.3 nM for DAGO, respectively.     

CGRP受体拮抗剂CGRP8-37对甲醛炎性痛大鼠自发痛反应及脊髓后角NOS表达和NO含量的影响

目的:探讨CGRP受体拮抗剂CGRP8-37对甲醛炎性痛大鼠自发痛反应及脊髓后角NOS表达和NO含量的影响.方法:大鼠足底注射甲醛制造炎性痛模型;计数缩足反射次数反映自发痛程度;NADPH-d组织化学法观察脊髓后角NOS表达;硝酸还原酶法测定NO-3/NO-2含量以反映NO含量.结果:足底注射甲醛后,动物出现自发痛反应行为.足底注射甲醛后24 h,双侧脊髓后角NOS表达及NO含量明显增加.预先鞘内注射CGRP8-37可使甲醛诱导的自发性缩足反射次数明显减少,并可明显抑制甲醛炎性痛诱导的脊髓后角NOS表达及NO含量的增加.结论:甲醛炎性痛时,脊髓后角CGRP受体激活可促进NOS活性表达及NO的产生.     

The saturable high affinity association of factor X to ADP-stimulated monocytes defines a novel function of the Mac-1 receptor

Initiation of the coagulation protease cascade as it assembles on cell surfaces requires limited proteolytic activation of the zymogen factor X. Not previously suspected to be the ligand of an organizing receptor on cell surfaces, we now describe that factor X specifically associates with cells of monocyte lineage and we identify the high affinity receptor for this zymogen. Following stimulation with ADP (10 microM), or with the ionophore ionomycin (1 microM), isolated human monocytes bind 125I-factor X in a saturable fashion with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 21.8-44.9 nM. Equilibrium binding analyses indicate that the reaction is optimal at room temperature, requires Ca2+ ions, and saturates at 128,500 +/- 21,300 molecules of 125I-factor X specifically associated with the cell surface. Molar excess of unlabeled factor X inhibits and reverses the binding, whereas the homologous gamma-carboxylated coagulation proteins factors II, VII, IX, IXa, and Xa are without effect. Similarly, chelation of divalent ions immediately dissociates bound 125I-factor X. The monoblast cell line U 937 and the monocytic cell line THP-1 when stimulated with ADP or ionomycin, bind 125I-factor X with characteristics similar to monocytes. Receptor identity was explored using antibodies to the leukocyte adhesive receptors Mac-1, LFA-1, and p150.95. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the alpha subunit of Mac-1 (M 1/70, LM 2/1) or for the common beta subunit (TS 1/18, 60.3) bound equally to resting and ADP- or ionomycin-stimulated cells and also completely blocked the binding of 125I-factor X to stimulated monocytes, U 937, or THP-1 cells. To distinguish between modulatory effects of the monoclonal antibodies and direct spatial hindrance binding of 125I-factor X to Mac-1 was analyzed directly. OKM10 anti-alpha subunit of Mac-1 monoclonal antibody immunoprecipitated 125I-factor X chemically cross-linked to its receptor on stimulated cells. In addition, the complement protein fragment C3bi, which is a recognized ligand for Mac-1, competitively inhibited the association of 125I-factor X. These findings indicate that human blood monocytes and less differentiated cells of this lineage possess an inducible receptor specific for factor X; and also support the conclusion that the heterodimeric leukocyte adhesive receptor Mac-1 functions as the specific receptor structure. We suggest that the novel properties of this receptor may be of importance in the organization and regulation of certain coagulation protease cascades on the monocyte surface.     

cAMP binds with high affinity and specificity to the androgen receptor from murine skeletal muscle

cAMP binding of the androgen receptor (AR) from murine skeletal muscle was studied. Testosterone affinity chromatography yielded androgen receptor with about 4000-fold purification. Determination of the cAMP binding in the affinity eluate, by adsorption of protein-cAMP complexes to cellulose ester filters or removal of unbound cAMP by dextran-coated charcoal, was not possible, as the observed binding was not stable during the assays. Displacement studies suggest that this is due to a very fast dissociation kinetics of the binding. The problem could be solved by assaying the components of affinity eluate immobilized to a testosterone affinity resin that stabilizes the cAMP-protein complexes. The cAMP binding found in the affinity eluate shows an upward concave Scatchard plot and is compatible with a model containing two independent binding sites with dissociation constants of 7 and 58 nM. However, a larger number of binding sites or negative cooperativity cannot be excluded. Sixteen cAMP binding sites were observed per testosterone binding site. The binding affinity of cAMP exceeds that of cGMP 200-fold, that of cCMP 2000-fold, and that of AMP and 2',3'-cAMP more than 10,000-fold. Results indicate that cAMP is bound by the AR, although it only represents about 1% of the total protein in the affinity eluate: (i) Specific testosterone and cAMP binding of affinity eluate was copurified by affinity chromatography, density gradient centrifugation, and gel filtration. The ratio of cAMP to testosterone binding in each peak was about 16:1, identical with that found in the total affinity eluate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Spontaneous phosphorylation of the receptor with high affinity for IgE in transfected fibroblasts

Receptors with high affinity for IgE, FcepsilonRI, which had been transfected into Chinese hamster ovary fibroblasts exhibit an over 20-fold greater spontaneous phosphorylation at physiological temperatures than the same receptors on the widely studied rat mucosal mast cell line, RBL-2H3. This enhanced phosphorylation was not accounted for either by changes in the src-family kinase responsible for the phosphorylation, by reduced activity of phosphatases, or by spontaneous association of the receptors with microdomains. A variety of approaches failed to detect evidence for stable spontaneous aggregates of the receptor. Whereas the altered posttranslational glycosylation of the receptor's principal ectodomain we detected could promote transient spontaneous aggregation and explain the observed effect, other changes in the membrane milieu cannot be excluded. The functional consequences of such spontaneous phosphorylation are considered.     

Phytosphingosine 1-phosphate: a high affinity ligand for the S1P(4)/Edg-6 receptor

It has been reported recently that the phosphorylated form of the immunomodulator FTY720 activates sphingosine 1-phosphate G protein-coupled receptors [1] and [2]. Therefore, understanding the biology of this new class of receptors will be important in clarifying the immunological function of bioactive lysosphingolipid ligands. The S1P₄ receptor has generated interest due to its lymphoid tissue distribution. While the S1P₄ receptor binds the prototypical ligand, S1P, a survey of other lysosphingolipids demonstrated that 4d-hydroxysphinganine 1-phosphate, more commonly known as phytosphingosine 1-phosphate (PhS1P), binds to S1P₄ with higher affinity. Using radiolabeled S1P (S1³³P), the affinity of PhS1P for the S1P₄ receptor is 1.6 nM, while that of S1P is nearly 50-fold lower (119±20 nM). Radiolabeled PhS1P proved to be superior to S1³³P in routine binding assays due to improved signal-to-noise ratio. The present study demonstrates the utility of a novel radiolabeled probe, PhS1³³P, for in vitro studies of the S1P₄ receptor pharmacology.