Axial chirality and affinity at the GABA(A) receptor of pyrimido[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines and related compounds

The pyrimido[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines (1a-c) and the 8-membered analogues (diazocines 2a and 2b) were separated into their atropisomers with HPLC on a chiral column. High stereochemical stability was observed in the atropisomer of the 8-membered derivatives (2a and 2b), and the 1,4-benzodiazepine (1c) with 2'-chloro at the pendant phenyl showed a lower energy barrier for the conversion between the atropisomers compared with that with the unsubstituted pendant phenyl (1a). The aR isomer of 1a-c was revealed to be the eutomer in GABA(A) receptor binding, and the eutomer 1c-R showed extremely potent activity with an IC(50) value of 1.5 nM.     

Synthesis and in vitro pharmacology at AMPA and kainate preferring glutamate receptors of 4-heteroarylmethylidene glutamate analogues

2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thiazolyl)-4-isoxazolyl]propionic acid (1) is a potent AMPA receptor agonist with moderate affinity for native kainic acid (KA) receptors, whereas (S)-E-4-(2,2-dimethylpropylidene)glutamic acid (3) show high affinity for the GluR5 subtype of KA receptors and much lower affinity for the GluR2 subtype of AMPA receptors. As an attempt to develop new pharmacological tools for studies of GluR5 receptors, (S)-E-4-(2-thiazolylmethylene)glutamic acid (4a) was designed as a structural hybrid between 1 and 3. 4a was shown to be a potent GluR5 agonist and a high affinity ligand and to indiscriminately bind to the AMPA receptor subtypes GluR1-4 with lower affinities. Compounds 4b-h, in which the 2-thiazolyl substituent of 4a was replaced by other heterocyclic rings, which have previously been incorporated as 5-substituents in AMPA analogues, as exemplified by 1 were also synthesized. Compounds 4b-h were either inactive (4e,f) or weaker than 4a as affinity ligands for GluR1-4 and GluR5 with relative potencies comparable with those of the corresponding AMPA analogues as AMPA receptor agonists. Compounds 4a-h may be useful tools for the progressing pharmacophore mapping of the GluR5 agonist binding site.     

Synthesis of anticonvulsive AMPA antagonists: 4-oxo-10-substituted-imidaz

The overstimulation of excitatory amino acid receptors such as the glutamate AMPA receptor has been implicated in the physiopathogenesis of epilepsy as well as in acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. An original series of readily water soluble 4-oxo-10-substituted-imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin-2-carboxylic acid derivatives was synthesized. The most potent derivative 6a exhibited nanomolar binding affinity (IC50 = 35nM) and antagonist activity (IC50 = 6nM) at ionotropic AMPA receptor. This compound also demonstrated potent anticonvulsant properties in MES in mice and rats with long durations of action with ED50 values in the 1-3 mg/kg dose range following ip and iv administration.     

Resolution, configurational assignment, and enantiopharmacology of 2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-methyl-2H- tetrazol-5-yl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionic acid, a potent GluR3- and GluR4-preferring AMPA receptor agonist

We have previously shown that (RS)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)isoxazol -4-yl] propionic acid (2-Me-Tet-AMPA) is a selective agonist at (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, markedly more potent than AMPA itself, whereas the isomeric compound 1-Me-Tet-AMPA is essentially inactive. We here report the enantiopharmacology of 2-Me-Tet-AMPA in radioligand binding and cortical wedge electrophysiological assay systems, and using cloned AMPA (GluR1-4) and kainic acid (KA) (GluR5, 6, and KA2) receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 2-Me-Tet-AMPA was resolved using preparative chiral HPLC. Zwitterion (-)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA was assigned the (R)-configuration based on an X-ray crystallographic analysis supported by the elution order of (-)- and (+)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA using four different chiral HPLC columns and by circular dichroism spectra. None of the compounds tested showed detectable affinity for N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor sites, and (R)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA was essentially inactive in all of the test systems used. Whereas (S)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA showed low affinity (IC(50) = 11 microM) in the [(3)H]KA binding assay, it was significantly more potent (IC(50) = 0.009 microM) than AMPA (IC(50) = 0.039 microM) in the [(3)H]AMPA binding assay, and in agreement with these findings, (S)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA (EC(50) = 0.11 microM) was markedly more potent than AMPA (EC(50) = 3.5 microM) in the electrophysiological cortical wedge model. In contrast to AMPA, which showed comparable potencies (EC(50) = 1.3-3.5 microM) at receptors formed by the AMPA receptor subunits (GluR1-4) in Xenopus oocytes, more potent effects and a substantially higher degree of subunit selectivity were observed for (S)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA: GluR1o (EC(50) = 0.16 microM), GluR1o/GluR2i (EC(50) = 0.12 microM), GluR3o (EC(50) = 0.014 microM) and GluR4o (EC(50) = 0.009 microM). At the KA-preferring receptors GluR5 and GluR6/KA2, (S)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA showed much weaker agonist effects (EC(50) = 8.7 and 15.3 microM, respectively). It is concluded that (S)-2-Me-Tet-AMPA is a subunit-selective and highly potent AMPA receptor agonist and a potentially useful tool for studies of physiological AMPA receptor subtypes.     

Resolution, configurational assignment, and enantiopharmacology at glutamate receptors of 2-amino-3-(3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (ACPA) and demethyl-ACPA

We have previously described (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (ACPA) as a potent agonist at the (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subtype of (S)-glutamic acid (Glu) receptors. We now report the chromatographic resolution of ACPA and (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-carboxy-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (demethyl-ACPA) using a Sumichiral OA-5000 column. The configuration of the enantiomers of both compounds have been assigned based on X-ray crystallographic analyses, supported by circular dichroism spectra and elution orders on chiral HPLC columns. Furthermore, the enantiopharmacology of ACPA and demethyl-ACPA was investigated using radioligand binding and cortical wedge electrophysiological assay systems and cloned metabotropic Glu receptors. (S)-ACPA showed high affinity in AMPA binding (IC(50) = 0.025 microM), low affinity in kainic acid binding (IC(50) = 3.6 microM), and potent AMPA receptor agonist activity on cortical neurons (EC(50) = 0.25 microM), whereas (R)-ACPA was essentially inactive. Like (S)-ACPA, (S)-demethyl-ACPA displayed high AMPA receptor affinity (IC(50) = 0.039 microM), but was found to be a relatively weak AMPA receptor agonist (EC(50) = 12 microM). The stereoselectivity observed for demethyl-ACPA was high when based on AMPA receptor affinity (eudismic ratio = 250), but low when based on electrophysiological activity (eudismic ratio = 10). (R)-Demethyl-ACPA also possessed a weak NMDA receptor antagonist activity (IC(50) = 220 microM). Among the enantiomers tested, only (S)-demethyl-ACPA showed activity at metabotropic receptors, being a weak antagonist at the mGlu(2) receptor subtype (K(B) = 148 microM).     

Atropisomeric trihalobenzocycloheptapyridine analogues provide stereoselective FPT inhibitors with antitumor activity.

Introduction of bromine at the 10-position of 3-bromo-8-chloro-benzocycloheptapyridine analogues of type 3 results in formation of atropisomeric compounds of type (+/-)-1 and (+/-)-2 that are easily separable at room temperature on a ChiralPak AD column providing pure atropisomers, (+)-1, (-)-1, and (+)-2, (-)-2, respectively. Evaluation of the FPT activity of these atropisomers revealed that compounds (+)-1 and (+)-2 were more potent in the FPT enzyme and cellular assay than their (-)-isomer counterparts. Compounds (+)-1 and (+)-2 were found to inhibit FPT processing in COS cells at low micro molar range. They were also found to have excellent cellular antitumor activity. Evaluation of compound (+)-1 and (+)-2 in DLD-tumor model in nude mice revealed that they were efficacious, inhibiting tumor growth by 55 and 63% at 50 mpk, respectively.     

Synthesis and potent anticonvulsant activities of 4-oxo-imidazo[1,2-a]inden

The over-stimulation of excitatory amino acid receptors such as the glutamate AMPA receptor has been suggested to be associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Here we describe an original series of readily water soluble 4-oxo-imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin-8- and -9-carboxylic (acetic) acid derivatives. One of these compounds, 4f, exhibited nanomolar binding affinity, potent competitive antagonism at the ionotropic AMPA receptor and a long duration of anticonvulsant activity after administration by parenteral route in vivo.     

Discovery of atrop fixed alkoxy-aminobenzhydrol derivatives: novel, highly potent and orally efficacious squalene synthase inhibitors

We have recently reported the discovery of the new benzhydrol template, which has a highly potent inhibitory activity for squalene synthase, as typified by compound 1 (SSI IC(50)=0.85 nM). However, it was composed of a pair of easy rotatable atropisomers. In the effort to fix the isomerization, a highly potent alkoxy-aminobenzhydrol scaffold was developed. Some of these acquired compounds demonstrating strong cholesterol synthesis inhibitory activities in a rat hepatic cell. Moreover, two of the series compounds exhibited specific plasma lipid-lowering effects in in vivo animal models.     

Closing in on the AMPA receptor: synthesis and evaluation of 2-acetyl-1-(4'-chlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-7-[11C]methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline as a potential PET tracer

2-Acetyl-1-(4'-chlorophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, one of the most potent non-competitive AMPA antagonists described to date, has been labelled with carbon-11 and tritium and evaluated as a potential ligand for in vivo imaging of AMPA receptors using PET. The carbon-11 labelled compound showed good initial brain uptake in rats, but with rapid clearance and relatively homogenous distribution. In saturation binding studies, the tritiated racemic ligand was found to be highly potent with a Kd of 14.8+/-1.8 nM. We conclude that the low receptor density labelled with this compound, its rapid clearance from the CNS and low specific binding makes it unsuitable as an in vivo PET imaging agent for AMPA receptors.     

α-[3H]Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazolepropionic Acid Binding to Rat Striatal Membranes: Effects of Selective Brain Lesions

The binding of alpha-[3H]amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid ([3H]AMPA), a structural Glu analog, to rat striatal membranes was studied. In the absence of potassium thiocyanate and Cl-/Ca2+, saturation-curve analysis of [3H]AMPA binding suggested that a single class of noninteracting binding sites with a KD value of 340 +/- 27 nM was involved, although AMPA inhibition of [3H]AMPA binding set at a concentration of 100 nM suggested, in contrast, the presence of multiple populations of striatal binding sites. Several other excitatory amino acid receptor agonists and antagonists were tested, and the most potent and selective quisqualic acid (QA) receptor agonists (QA, L-Glu, and AMPA) were found to represent the most potent inhibitors of [3H]AMPA binding. N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonists and antagonists were ineffective as displacers of the [3H]AMPA binding. Lesions of intrastriatal neurons (using kainic acid local injections) and of corticostriatal afferent fibers led 2-3 weeks later to large decreases (63 and 30%, respectively) in striatal [3H]AMPA binding, whereas selective lesion of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway (using nigral injection of 6-hydroxy-dopamine) was without any influence. Taken together, these results suggest that [3H]AMPA binding is primarily associated with postsynaptic intrastriatal neurons. Some [3H]AMPA binding sites may also be located presynaptically on corticostriatal nerve endings. So, in addition to the possibility that [3H]AMPA binding sites may be involved in corticostriatal synaptic transmission, it is interesting that these putative QA-preferring excitatory amino acid receptor sites may also play some role in autoregulatory processes underlying this excitatory synaptic transmission.     

Synthesis of gossypol atropisomers and derivatives and evaluation of their anti-proliferative and anti-oxidant activity

Gossypol 1, gossypolone 2, and a series of bis 3 and half Schiff's bases 4 of gossypol were synthesised and tested for anti-proliferative and anti-oxidant activity. (-)-Gossypol (-)-1 was the most potent inhibitor of the proliferation of the HPV-16 keratinocyte cell line (using an MTT viability assay) with a GI50 of 4.8 microM. The bis Schiff's base of (-)-gossypol with L-tyrosine ethyl ester (-)-3b was the most potent inhibitor of iron/ascorbate dependent lipid peroxidation (using the thiobarbituric acid test), with an IC50 of 11.7 microM, with (-)-gossypol being the next most potent of the series, with an IC50 of 13.1 microM. The results from these initial assays suggest that gossypol, as either a racemic mixture rac-1, or the individual atropisomers (-)-1 or (+)-1, has potential for the treatment of psoriasis.     

Naphtho[2,1-b][1,5] and [1,2-f][1,4]oxazocines as selective NK1 antagonists

Previously we reported on the synthesis and properties of a series of highly potent piperidinyl 2-subsituted-3-cyano-1-naphthamide NK1 antagonists that includes 3 and 4. Here we report our efforts to alleviate a troublesome atropisomeric property of those derivatives by introduction of a tethering bridge that, in addition, could be used to lock the resulting cyclic derivatives in a purported NK1 pharmacophore conformation. Using 3 as a starting point, the naphtho[2,1-b][1,5]oxazocine, 17, was found to contain the optimal ring tether size (8) for retaining NK1 activity, was more NK1 versus NK2 selective, and reduced the number of atropisomers from four to two. Cyclic derivatives 29 and 32, which exist as essentially single atropisomers in the purported pharmacophore conformation, were prepared in the closely related naphtho[1,2-f][1,4]oxazocine series as part of an effort to use mono methyl substitution of the tethering bridge as a conformation stabilizing factor. Both 29 and 32 were found to be less active as NK1 antagonists than the non-methylated parent 28 possibly due to methyl group destabilization of receptor interaction. We discuss the above findings in the context of a previously proposed NK1 pharmacophore model and present a further refinement of that model.     

Atropisomeric property of 1-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-3-[(2R)-amino-2-phenethyl]-5-(2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyluracil

1-(2,6-Difluorobenzyl)-3-[(2R)-amino-2-phenethyl]-5-(2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyluracil (6), a potent and orally active antagonist of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, exists as a pair of atropisomers in solution, which was detected by NMR spectroscopy, and separable by HPLC. In addition to a (R)-configured benzylamine, there is a second stereogenic element due to the presence of a chiral axis between the substituted 5-phenyl group and the uracil core. The rate constant of the interconversion (k = 5.07 x 10(-5) s(-1)) of these two atropisomers was determined by proton NMR analysis of a diastereoisomer-enriched sample in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C, and the corresponding Gibbs free energy DeltaG(#) of rotation barrier (97.4 kJ mol(-1)) was calculated using the Eyring equation. The diastereoisomer half-life at physiological temperature (37 degrees C) in aqueous media was estimated to be about 46 min.     

A novel class of positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors: design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 3-biphenyl-4-yl-4-cyano-5-ethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, LY2059346

The synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of novel and highly potent positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors, 3-biphenyl-4-yl-4-cyano-5-ethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, are described. These studies indicated that higher potency was achieved with ortho substitution of the distal (D) phenyl of the 3-biphenyl ring and resulted in the discovery of a potent pyrrole LY2059346 (23q), that was selected for further evaluation in in vitro native tissue assays and in vivo experiments.     

Bioisosteres of 9-carboxymethyl-4-oxo-imidazo[1,2-a]indeno-[1,2-e]pyrazin-2-carboxylic acid derivatives. Progress towards selective, potent in vivo AMPA antagonists with longer durations of action

A novel series of 2- and 9-disubstituted heterocyclic-fused 4-oxo-indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin derivatives was synthesized. One of them, the 9-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)-4-oxo-5,10-dihydroimidazo[1,2-a]indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin-2-yl phosphonic acid 4i exhibited a strong and a selective binding affinity for the AMPA receptor (IC50 = 13 nM) and demonstrated potent antagonist activity (IC50 = 6nM) at the ionotropic AMPA receptor. This compound also displayed good anticonvulsant properties against electrically-induced convulsions after ip and iv administration with ED50 values between 0.8 and 1 mg/kg. Furthermore, a strong increase in potency was observed when given iv 3 h before test (ED50 = 3.5 instead of 25.6 mg/kg for the corresponding 9-carboxymethyl-2-carboxylic acid analogue). These data confirmed that there is an advantage in replacing the classical carboxy substituents by their bioisosteres such as tetrazole or phosphonic acid groups.     

2-Amino-3-(3-hydroxy-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)propionic acid: resolution, absolute stereochemistry and enantiopharmacology at glutamate receptors

In order to identify new subtype-selective (S)-glutamate (Glu) receptor ligands we have synthesized (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-1,2,5-thiadiazol-4-yl)propionic acid [(RS)-TDPA]. Resolution of (RS)-TDPA by chiral chromatography was performed using a Crownpac CR(+) column affording (R)- and (S)-TDPA of high enantiomeric purity (enantiomeric excess=99.9%). An X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the early eluting enantiomer has R-configuration. Both enantiomers showed high affinity as well as high agonist activity at (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, determined using a [(3)H]AMPA binding assay and an electrophysiological model, respectively. The affinities and agonist activities obtained for (R)-TDPA (IC(50)=0.265 microM and EC(50)=6.6 microM, respectively) and (S)-TDPA (IC(50)=0.065 microM and EC(50)=20 microM, respectively) revealed a remarkably low AMPA receptor stereoselectivity, (S)-TDPA showing the highest affinity and (R)-TDPA the most potent agonist activity. In addition, (S)-TDPA was shown to interact with synaptosomal Glu uptake sites displacing [(3)H](R)-aspartic acid (IC(50 ) approximately 390 microM). An enantiospecific and subtype-selective agonist activity was observed for (S)-TDPA at group I metabotropic Glu (mGlu) receptors (EC(50)=13 microM at mGlu(5) and EC(50)=95 microM at mGlu(1)).     

Synthesis and potent anticonvulsant activities of 4-oxo-imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin-8- and -9-carboxylic (acetic) acid AMPA antagonists

The over-stimulation of excitatory amino acid receptors such as the glutamate AMPA receptor has been suggested to be associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Here we describe an original series of readily water soluble 4-oxo-imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin-8- and -9-carboxylic (acetic) acid derivatives. One of these compounds, 4f, exhibited nanomolar binding affinity, potent competitive antagonism at the ionotropic AMPA receptor and a long duration of anticonvulsant activity after administration by parenteral route in vivo.     

9-Carboxymethyl-5H,10H-imidazo[1,2-a]indeno[1,2-e]pyrazin-4-one-2-carbocylic acid (RPR117824): selective anticonvulsive and neuroprotective AMPA antagonist

Excessive release of glutamate, a potent excitatory neurotransmitter, is thought to play an important role in a variety of acute and chronic neurological disorders, suggesting that excitatory amino acid antagonists may have broad therapeutic potential in neurology. Here, we describe the synthesis, pharmacological properties and neuroprotective activity of 9-carboxymethyl-imidazo-[1-2a]indeno[1-2e]pyrazin-4-one-2-carboxylic acid (RPR117824), an original selective AMPA antagonist. RPR117824 can be obtained through a six-step synthesis starting from (1-oxo-indan-4-yl) acetic acid, which has been validated on a gram-scale with an overall yield of 25%. Monosodium or disodium salts of the compound exhibit excellent solubility in saline (> or = 10 g/L), enabling intravenous administration. RPR117824 displays nanomolar affinity (IC(50)=18 nM) for AMPA receptors and competitive inhibition of electrophysiological responses mediated by AMPA receptors heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes (K(B)=5 nM) and native receptors in rat brain slices (IC(50)=0.36 microM). In in vivo testing, RPR117824 behaves as a powerful blocker of convulsions induced in mice or rats by supramaximal electroshock or chemoconvulsive agents such as pentylenetetrazole, bicuculline, isoniazide, strychnine, 4-aminopyridine and harmaline with half maximal effective doses ranging from 1.5 to 10 mg/kg following subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration. In disease models in rats and gerbils, RPR117824 possesses significant neuroprotective activity in global and focal cerebral ischemia, and brain and spinal cord trauma.     

Discovery of diaminobutane derivatives as Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptor antagonists

We designed and synthesized a series of the polyamine derivatives as potent Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptor antagonists. In the course of this study, we found that the polyamine derivatives exhibited strong hypotensive activity which was undesirable activity for neuroprotective agents. Therefore, we tried to find non-hypotensive antagonists by structural modification of such compounds. Through this derivatization, we obtained the diamine compounds having desired profiles. Especially, compound 8f, which was non-hypotensive and potent Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptor antagonist, showed neuroprotective effects in transient global ischemia models in gerbils.