Attenuation of beta2-adrenergic receptors and homocysteine metabolic enzymes cause diabetic cardiomyopathy

Although adrenergic receptors (AR) and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are implicated in heart failure, their role in diabetic cardiomyopathy is not completely understood. We tested the hypothesis that glucose mediated depletion of beta2-AR and HHcy impair contractile function of cardiomyocytes leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy. To prove the hypothesis, cardiac function was assessed in 12 week male diabetic Ins2+/− Akita and C57BL/6 J mice by echocardiography, pressure-volume loop, and contractile function of cardiomyocytes. The results revealed cardiac dysfunction in Akita. To investigate the mechanism, the levels of beta2-AR, GLUT4, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATP-ase-isoform 2 (SERCA-2) and homocysteine (Hcy) metabolic enzymes-cystathionine beta synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma lyase (CTH), and methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) were determined in the heart. It revealed down-regulation of beta2-AR, GLUT4, SERCA-2, CBS, CTH, and MTHFR in Akita. Attenuation of beta2-AR in hyperglycemic condition was also confirmed in cardiomyocytes at in vitro level. Interestingly, the ex vivo treatment of cardiomyocytes with beta2-AR antagonist deteriorated whereas beta-AR agonist ameliorated contractile function. It points to the involvement of beta2-AR in diabetic cardiomyopathy. We conclude that degradation of beta2-AR and impairment of Hcy metabolism is implicated in diabetic cardiomyopathy.     

Synthesis and electrophysiological studies of a novel epibatidine analogue

The new epibatidine analogue exo-2-(2-pyridyl)-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (2PABH) was synthesised. Separation of enantiomers was performed on chiral HPLC chromatography in polar-organic phase mode at 0 degree C. Enantiomeric purity was greater than 99.8%ee for the (-)- and 90.5%ee for the (+)-enantiomer respectively. Optical rotation was determined to be [alpha]23D = +/- 13 degrees. Electrophysiological studies of 2PABH were carried out on alpha 4 beta 2, alpha 3 beta 4 and alpha 7 nAChR subtypes cloned from rat and reconstituted in Xenopus oocytes. Both enantiomers could not significantly activate the heteromeric subtypes. The homomeric alpha 7 nAChR displays a high sensitivity only towards (-)-2PABH. The EC50 for (-)-2PABH and ACh were determined (32.5 +/- 9.5 microM, 137.3 +/- 16.5 microM). (-)-2PABH was shown to be a partial agonist (80% of ACh). Thus the efficacy of 2PABH differs markedly from that of epibatidine. The intramolecular N-N-distance and the spatial pyridine nitrogen orientation play a central role in nAChR recognition.     

Asymmetric synthesis and stereochemical structure-activity relationship of (R)- and (S)-8-[1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-imidazol-1-yl-ethoxy] octanoic acid heptyl ester, a potent inhibitor of allene oxide synthase

The preparation of both enantiomers of 8-[1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-imidazol-1-yl-ethoxy] octanoic acid heptyl ester (JM-8686), a potent inhibitor of allene oxide synthase, has been achieved using 2,4-dichlorophenacyl bromide as a starting material. The key step was the asymmetric reduction of 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-imidazol-1-yl-ethanone with chiral BINAL-H. The products were purified by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to afford pure (R)-JM-8686 and (S)-JM-8686. The inhibitory activities and binding affinities of these enantiomers toward allene oxide synthase were determined. We found that the inhibition potency of (R)-JM-8686 is approximately 200 times greater than that of (S)-JM-8686, with IC(50) values of approximately 5+/-0.2 nM and 950+/-18 nM, respectively. The dissociation constants of (R)-JM-8686 and (S)-JM-8686 with respect to the recombinant allene oxide synthase were approximately 1.4+/-0.3 microM and 4.8+/-0.6 microM, respectively.     

Inhibition of spontaneous beta 2-adrenergic activation rescues beta 1-adrenergic contractile response in cardiomyocytes overexpressing beta 2-adrenoceptor

Cardiac-specific overexpression of the human beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (AR) in transgenic mice (TG4) enhances basal cardiac function due to ligand-independent spontaneous beta(2)-AR activation. However, agonist-mediated stimulation of either beta(1)-AR or beta(2)-AR fails to further enhance contractility in TG4 ventricular myocytes. Although the lack of beta(2)-AR response has been ascribed to an efficient coupling of the receptor to pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i) proteins in addition to G(s), the contractile response to beta(1)-AR stimulation by norepinephrine and an alpha(1)-adrenergic antagonist prazosin is not restored by pertussis toxin treatment despite a G(i) protein elevation of 1.7-fold in TG4 hearts. Since beta-adrenergic receptor kinase, betaARK1, activity remains unaltered, the unresponsiveness of beta(1)-AR is not caused by betaARK1-mediated receptor desensitization. In contrast, pre-incubation of cells with anti-adrenergic reagents such as muscarinic receptor agonist, carbachol (10(-5)m), or a beta(2)-AR inverse agonist, ICI 118,551 (5 x 10(-7)m), to abolish spontaneous beta(2)-AR signaling, both reduce the base-line cAMP and contractility and, surprisingly, restore the beta(1)-AR contractile response. The "rescued" contractile response is completely reversed by a beta(1)-AR antagonist, CGP 20712A. Furthermore, these results from the transgenic animals are corroborated by in vitro acute gene manipulation in cultured wild type adult mouse ventricular myocytes. Adenovirus-directed overexpression of the human beta(2)-AR results in elevated base-line cAMP and contraction associated with a marked attenuation of beta(1)-AR response; carbachol pretreatment fully revives the diminished beta(1)-AR contractile response. Thus, we conclude that constitutive beta(2)-AR activation induces a heterologous desensitization of beta(1)-ARs independent of betaARK1 and G(i) proteins; suppression of the constitutive beta(2)-AR signaling by either a beta(2)-AR inverse agonist or stimulation of the muscarinic receptor rescues the beta(1)-ARs from desensitization, permitting agonist-induced contractile response.     

Chromatographic resolution, characterisation and quantification of VX enantiomers in hemolysed swine blood samples

The present study was initiated to develop a sensitive and highly selective method for the analysis of the enantiomers of the nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate) in blood samples for toxicokinetic and therapeutic research. To achieve this goal, analytical and semi-preparative enantioseparation of VX were carried out with gas and liquid chromatography. The GC chiral stationary phase was HYDRODEX-beta-TBDAc (beta cyclodextrin), on which VX was baseline-resolved. On the chiral HPLC phase CHIRALCEL OD-H the enantiomers of VX were isolated with enantiomeric excess >99.99%. They were characterised by specific optical rotation (+/-25.8degmldm(-1)g(-1) at 20 degrees C and 589nm) and by determination of cholinesterase inhibition rate constants. For the quantitative chiral detection of VX the enantioresolution was realized on the HPLC chiral phase CHIRAL AGP. A specific procedure was developed to isolate VX from swine blood samples thereby stabilising its enantiomers. The limit of detection was 200fg per enantiomer on column. The absolute recovery of the overall sample preparation procedure was 75%. After an intravenous and percutaneous administration of a supralethal dose of VX in anesthetised swine (+)-VX and (-)-VX could be quantified up to 720min.     

Pharmacological evidence for beta2-adrenoceptor in right atria from stressed female rats.

The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate a physiological response to TA2005, a potent m-adrenoceptor (beta2-AR) selective agonist, in right atria isolated from stressed female rats under the influence of the estrous cycle. We obtained concentration-response curves to the agonist in the presence and in the absence of selective antagonists in right atria isolated from female rats submitted to three daily foot-shock sessions (30 min duration, 120 pulses of 1.0 mA, 1.0 s, applied at random intervals of 5-25 s) and sacrificed at estrus or diestrus. Our results showed that the pD2 values of TA2005 were not influenced by estrous cycle phase or foot-shock stress. However, in right atria from stressed rats sacrificed during diestrus, the concentration-response curve to TA2005 was biphasic, with a response being obtained at concentrations of 0.1 nM, whereas during estrus no response was observed at doses lower than 3 nM. ICI 1118,551, a beta2-AR antagonist, abolished the response to nanomolar concentrations of TA2005 in right atria from stressed rats at diestrus, with no changes in agonist pD2 values in right atria from control rats (7.47 +/- 0.09, p > 0.05) but a 3-fold decrease in pD2 values of TA2005 in right atria from foot shock stressed rats (7.90 +/- 0.07, p < or = 0.05). Concentration-response curves to TA2005 in the presence of ICI118,551 were best fitted by a one-site model equation. The beta1-AR antagonist, CGP20712A, shifted to the right only the second part of the concentration-response curves to the agonist, unmasking the putative beta2-AR-mediated response to the agonist in tissues isolated from stressed rats at diestrus. Under this condition, concentration-response curves to the agonist were best fitted by a two-site model equation. pD2 and maximum response of TA2005 interaction with beta1- and putative beta2-adrenoceptor components were calculated. Schild analyses gave a pK(B) value for CGP20712A that was typical for the interaction with beta1-AR in each experimental group. pK(B) values for ICI118,551 could not be obtained in stressed rats sacrificed at diestrus since Schild plot slopes were lower than 1.0. In right atria from control rats, ICI118,551 pK(B) values were similar to reported values for the interaction of the antagonist with beta1-AR. These results confirm that a heterogenous beta-AR population mediating the chronotropic response to catecholamines can be demonstrated in right atria from foot shock stressed female rats sacrificed at diestrus. The stress-induced response seems to be mediated by the beta2-AR subtype. Right atria from rats sacrificed during estrus are protected against stress-induced alterations on the homogeneity of beta-AR population.     

Enhanced in vivo and in vitro contractile responses to beta(2)-adrenergic receptor stimulation in dogs susceptible to lethal arrhythmias.

The response to beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation was evaluated in both isolated cardiomyocytes (video edge detection) and the intact animal (echocardiography) in dogs either susceptible (S) or resistant (R) to ventricular fibrillation induced by a 2-min coronary occlusion during the last minute of exercise. In the intact animal, velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcf) was evaluated both before (n = 27, S = 12 and R = 15) and after myocardial infarction. Before infarction, increasing doses of isoproterenol provoked similar contractile and heart rate responses in each group of dogs. Either beta(1)-AR (bisoprolol) or beta(2)-AR (ICI-118551) antagonists reduced the isoproterenol response, with a larger reduction noted after the beta(1)-AR blockade. In contrast, after infarction, isoproterenol induced a significantly larger Vcf and heart rate response in the susceptible animals that was eliminated by beta(2)-AR blockade. The single-cell isotonic shortening response to isoproterenol (100 nM) was also larger in cells obtained from susceptible compared with resistant dogs and was reduced to a greater extent by beta(2)-AR blockade in the susceptible dog myocytes (S, -48%, n = 6; R, -15%, n = 9). When considered together, these data suggest that myocardial infarction provoked an enhanced beta(2)-AR response in susceptible, but not resistant, animals.     

Enantioselective degradation of hexaconazole in rat hepatic microsomes in vitro

Hexaconazole [(RS)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) hexan-2-ol] is a potent triazole fungicide and consists of a pair of enantiomers. Enantioselective degradation of hexaconazole was investigated in rat hepatic microsomes in vitro. Concentrations of (-)- and (+)-hexaconazole and enantiomer fraction were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with a cellulose-tris-(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-based chiral stationary phase. The t(1/2) of (-)-hexaconazole and (+)-hexaconazole were 23.70 and 13.95 min for rac- hexaconazole and 44.18 and 23.54 for enantiomers examined separately. Furthermore, hexaconazole is configurationally stable in rat hepatic microsomes, demonstrating no chiral inversion from the (-)-hexaconazole to (+)-hexaconazole or vice versa. Intrinsic metabolic clearance of (+)-hexaconazole is 1.12 times than that of (-)-hexaconazole. Interaction study revealed that there was competitive inhibition between (-)-hexaconazole and (+)-hexaconazole. In addition, there was a significant difference between the inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of (-)- to (+)-hexaconazole and (+)- to (-)-hexaconazole [IC(50)(-)/(+)/IC(50)(+)/(-) = 1.88]. These results may have potential implications for better environmental and ecological risk assessment for hexaconazole.     

Equol, a natural estrogenic metabolite from soy isoflavones: convenient preparation and resolution of R- and S-equols and their differing binding and biological activity through estrogen receptors alpha and beta

Equol is a metabolite produced in vivo from the soy phytoestrogen daidzein by the action of gut microflora. It is known to be estrogenic, so human exposure to equol could have significant biological effects. Equol is a chiral molecule that can exist as the enantiomers R-equol and S-equol. To study the biological activity of racemic (+/-)-equol, as well as that of its pure enantiomers, we developed an efficient and convenient method to prepare (+/-)-equol from available isoflavanoid precursors. Furthermore, we optimized a method to separate the enantiomers of equol by chiral HPLC, and we studied for the first time, the activities of the enantiomers on the two estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. In binding assays, S-equol has a high binding affinity, preferential for ERbeta (K(i)[ERbeta]=16 nM; beta/alpha=13 fold), that is comparable to that of genistein (K(i)[ERbeta]=6.7 nM; beta/alpha=16), whereas R-equol binds more weakly and with a preference for ERalpha (K(i)[ERalpha]=50 nM; beta/alpha=0.29). All equol isomers have higher affinity for both ERs than does the biosynthetic precursor daidzein. The availability and the in vitro characterization of the equol enantiomers should enable their biological effects to be studied in detail.     

Expression and functional analysis of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in rabbit submandibular gland

beta-Adrenoceptors (beta-ARs) mediate important physiological functions in salivary glands. Here we investigated the expression and function of beta-AR subtypes in rabbit submandibular gland (SMG). Both beta(1)- and beta(2)-ARs, but not beta(3)-AR, were strongly expressed in rabbit SMG. beta(1)-AR proteins were widely expressed in acinar and ductal cells whereas beta(2)-AR proteins were mainly detected in ductal cells. A [(3)H]-dihydroalprenolol binding assay revealed that beta-AR B(max) was 186+/-11.9 fmol/mg protein and K(d) was 2.71+/-0.23 nM. A competitive binding assay with CGP 20712A, a beta(1)-AR antagonist, indicated that the proportion of beta(1)-AR and beta(2)-AR was 71.9% and 28.1%, respectively. Gland perfusion with the beta-AR agonist isoproterenol induced a significant increase in saliva secretion which was abolished by pretreatment with the non-selective beta-AR antagonist propranolol. Pretreatment with beta(1)- or beta(2)-AR selective antagonists, CGP 20712A or ICI 118551, diminished isoproterenol-induced increase in saliva secretion by 71.2% and 28.8%, respectively. The expression of alpha-amylase mRNA was significantly stimulated by isoproterenol, which was eliminated by propranolol and CGP 20712A. Perfusion with isoproterenol decreased alpha-amylase protein storage in SMG and increased alpha-amylase activity in saliva. These alterations became less significant after pretreatment with propranolol and CGP 20712A. Our results suggest that both beta(1)- and beta(2)-ARs are expressed in rabbit SMG. beta(1)-AR is the predominant subtype and may play an important role in regulating saliva and alpha-amylase secretion.     

Chromatographic enantioseparation by cycloalkylcarbamate derivatives of cellulose and amylose

Cyclopentyl and (+/-)-exo-2-norbornylcarbamates of cellulose and amylose were prepared and their chiral recognition abilities as chiral stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were evaluated. Among these carbamates, cellulose tris(cyclopentylcarbamate) and amylose tris((+/-)-exo-2-norbornylcarbamate) showed particularly high chiral recognition, which is comparable to that of several well-known phenylcarbamate derivatives. The chiral recognition mechanism of cellulose tris(cyclohexylcarbamate), which was previously found to be an effective chiral stationary phase for HPLC, was investigated using NMR spectroscopy. The derivative dissolved in chloroform exhibited the chiral discrimination of several enantiomers in NMR as well as in HPLC. For example, the 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol enantiomers were distinctly discriminated in the (1)H, (13)C, and 2D-NOESY spectra.     

Chiral investigation of midodrine, a long-acting alpha-adrenergic stimulating agent

Midodrine hydrochloride is a peripheral alpha(1)-adrenoreceptor agonist that induces venous and arterial vasoconstriction. Midodrine, after oral or intravenous administration, undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis and releases deglymidodrine, a pharmacologically active metabolite. Midodrine and deglymidodrine have a chiral carbon in the 2-position. To investigate the bioactivity of racemates and enantiomers of the drug and metabolite, three chromatographic chiral stationary phases, Chiralcel OD-H, Chiralcel OD-R, and alpha(1)-AGP, were evaluated for enantiomeric resolution. Good enantioseparation of midodrine racemate was obtained using the Chiralcel OD-H column. This stationary phase was then used to collect separately the midodrine enantiomers. By alkaline hydrolysis of rac-midodrine and each separated enantiomer, rac-deglymidodrine and its enantiomers were prepared. The control of the enantiomeric purity was carried out by alpha(1)-AGP stationary phase, while the hydrolysis of rac-midodrine and its enantiomers was controlled by capillary electrophoresis using trimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin as chiral selector. The pharmacological activity of the two racemates and the two enantiomeric pairs was tested in vitro on a strip of rabbit descending thoracic aorta. The tests continued that the activity of the drug and metabolite is due only to the (-)-enantiomer because neither of the (+)-enantiomers is active.     

N,N-dimethylcarbamyl derivatives of oxazepam

Three N,N-dimethylcarbamyl derivatives of oxazepam (1-(N,N-dimethylcarbamyl)oxazepam, 3-O-(N,N-dimethylcarbamyl)oxazepam, and 1,3-O-bis(N,N-dimethylcarbamyl) oxazepam) and a 3-O-acyl-1-(N,N-dimethylcarbamyl)-oxazepam were synthesized from either oxazepam or demoxepam. Enantiomeric pairs of these derivatives and of camazepam were resolved by high-performance liquid chromatography on at least two of three commercially available chiral stationary phase columns employed. Absolute configurations of resolved enantiomers were established by comparing their circular dichroism spectra to those of enantiomeric oxazepams with known absolute stereochemistry. Similar to those of oxazepam, enantiomers of 1-(N,N-dimethylcarbamyl)oxazepam undergo rapid racemization (t1/2 1.9 min at 23 degrees C and 0.9 min at 37 degrees C) in an aqueous solution at pH 7.5. The (R)-enantiomer of rac-3-O-acyl-1-(N,N-dimethylcarbamyl)oxazepam was hydrolyzed approximately 4.6-fold faster than the (S)-enantiomer by esterases in rat liver microsomes, whereas the (S)-enantiomer was hydrolyzed approximately 43-fold faster than the (R)-enantiomer by esterases in rat brain S9 fraction.     

Coupling of beta-adrenergic receptors to cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels: preferential coupling of the beta1 versus beta2 receptor subtype and evidence for PKA-independent activation of the channel.

Beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) co-exist in mammalian heart, and it is generally accepted that both activate adenylyl cyclase (AC), resulting in increased levels of cAMP and subsequent activation of L-type Ca2+ channels (CaCh). To investigate the contribution of each beta-AR subtype in AC and CaCh coupling, we stably expressed cardiac CaCh alpha1 and beta2 subunits along with either beta1-AR or beta2-AR in CHW fibroblasts. Co-expression of either beta-AR with CaCh subunits conferred responsiveness of AC and CaCh to isoproterenol (ISO), which was not observed in non-transfected cells. ISO-promoted cAMP formation occurred at a lower EC50 through the beta2-AR than through the beta1-AR (0.13 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.14 nM). In contrast, activation of CaCh was more efficacious via the beta1-AR than the beta2-AR (EC50 for CaCh activation = 238 +/- 33 vs. 1057 +/- 113 nM). Pre-treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) had no effect upon the responsiveness of either cAMP formation or CaCh activation through either receptor. We conclude (1) that beta1-ARs exhibit preferential coupling to CaCh activation, versus that observed for the beta2-AR; (2) that this preferential coupling cannot be explained solely by cAMP-dependent processes; and (3) that the relative attenuation of beta2-AR-promoted CaCh activation is not due to receptor coupling to PTX-sensitive G proteins. Thus, it is likely that other subtype-specific, cAMP-independent coupling of the beta-AR to CaCh is present.     

Alpha2-adrenergic agonist modulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding to guanine-nucleotide-binding-proteins in human platelet membranes.

Alpha2-adrenoceptor (alpha2-AR)-regulated binding of the labelled GTP analog, guanosine 5'-O-(3-[35S]thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTPgammaS), to guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) was studied in human platelet membranes. Under optimal conditions, the potent alpha2-AR agonist, 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline (UK 14304), increased the binding of [35S]GTPgammaS up to approximately 1.8 fold, with half-maximal increase at 60 nM and was competitively inhibited by the alpha2-AR antagonist Rauwolscine. The actions of both UK 14304 and Rauwolscine were modulated by monovalent and divalent cation levels, as well as by the concentrations of GDP. [35S]GTPgammaS binding induced by UK 14304 had a Kd value of 4.5 +/- 0.3 nM and a Bmax value of 4.15 +/- 0.40 pmol/mg protein. The rank order of potencies of adrenergic ligands tested in stimulating [3S]GTPgammaS binding and inhibiting forskolin-stimulated c-AMP accumulation was UK 14304> Guanabenz acetate> Oxymetazoline hydrochloride> B-HT 920 dihydrochloride> p-Aminoclonidine hydrochloride> Clonidine hydrochloride. The data presented indicate that enhancement of [35S]GTPgammaS binding by alpha2-AR in human platelet membranes provides a simple functional measure for receptor activation and can be used for determination of potencies and efficacies of ligands at the alpha2-AR.     

Central composite design as a powerful optimisation technique for enantioresolution of the rac-11-dihydrooracin--the principal metabolite of the potential cytostatic drug oracin

Three types of chiral stationary phase were used to achieve chromatographic resolution of enantiomers of rac-11-dihydrooracin (DHO), the principal metabolite of a potential cytostatic drug oracin. Chiralcel OD-R as a chiral stationary phase with mobile phase comprising acetonitrile (modifier) and sodium perchlorate (buffering component) proved to be the most suitable system. Chemometric optimisation based on the Box-Wilson central composite design was employed to find the optimum resolution. The optimum factor space was defined by three parameters: temperature, modifier concentration and buffer concentration. Newly designed chromatographic response functions based on a combination of resolution R(S) and retention time of the last component eluted t(RL) were employed to evaluate the resolution with regard to quality and quantity. Optimum values predicted from those models of response surfaces were in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The chromatographic resolution of DHO enantiomers is suitable for xenobiochemical studies on stereoselectivity and stereospecificity of biotransformation enzymes.     

Enantioseparation of amfepramone (rac-diethylpropion): preparative separation of the enantiomers and enantioselective analysis

The enantiomers of the anorectic drug amfepramone [rac-diethylpropion, rac-2-(diethylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanone; rac-DEP] were separated in the preparative scale by crystallization. With enantiopure di-O-benzoyltartaric acid as salt-forming chiral selector, diastereoisomeric salts of DEP enantiomers with a final purity of more than 97.5% were obtained. Analytical liquid chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for the control of the enantiomeric purity and the stoichiometry of the salts were developed. The enantioseparation of rac-DEP by capillary electrophoresis (CE) using hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) as chiral discriminator and phosphate buffer (pH 3.3) as run buffer led to good separations. HPLC methods were developed using polysaccharide chiral stationary phases (CSP). The separation of the two enantiomers and the two main degradation products (1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione and propiophenone), known from solid and liquid pharmaceutical preparations, was attained in one run on the silica-based CSP cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (Chiralcel OD). The conditions which might affect the enantioselectivity and the quality of the enantiomeric separation were investigated for Chiralcel OD and the related CSP amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (Chiralpak AD). Both CSPs showed very similar chromatographic properties. The separation factors could be influenced significantly by varying the polar organic modifier added to the mobile phase.     

The synthesis and high-level expression of a beta2-adrenergic receptor gene in a tetracycline-inducible stable mammalian cell line

High-level expression of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in functional form is required for structure-function studies. The main goal of the present work was to improve expression levels of beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2-AR) so that biophysical studies involving EPR, NMR, and crystallography can be pursued. Toward this objective, the total synthesis of a codon-optimized hamster beta2-AR gene suitable for high-level expression in mammalian systems has been accomplished. Transient expression of the gene in COS-1 cells resulted in 18 +/- 3 pmol beta2-AR/mg of membrane protein, as measured by saturation binding assay using the beta2-AR antagonist [3H] dihydroalprenolol. Previously, we reported the development of an HEK293S tetracycline-inducible system for high-level expression of rhodopsin. Here, we describe construction of beta2-AR stable cell lines using the HEK293S-TetR-inducible system, which, after induction, express wild-type beta2-AR at levels of 220 +/- 40 pmol/mg of membrane protein corresponding to 50 +/- 8 microg/15-cm plate. This level of expression is the highest reported so far for any wild-type GPCR, other than rhodopsin. The yield of functional receptor using the single-step affinity purification is 12 +/- 3 microg/15-cm plate. This level of expression now makes it feasible to pursue structure-function studies using EPR. Furthermore, scale-up of beta2-AR expression using suspension cultures in a bioreactor should now allow production of enough beta2-AR for the application of biophysical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and crystallography.     

Tryptamine-based human beta3-adrenergic receptor agonists. Part 1: SAR studies of the 7-position of the indole ring

A series of tryptamine-based 2-thiophenesulfonamide derivatives were prepared and their agonistic activity for the beta-adrenergic receptors (ARs) was evaluated. Compound 54, containing 7-methanesulfonyloxy tryptamine, was found to be a highly potent beta3-AR agonist (EC50=0.21 nM, IA=97%) with excellent selectivity for the beta3-AR over the beta1- and beta2-ARs (210- and 86-fold, respectively).