Endogenous and Exogenous Regulation of Human α- and β-Adrenergic Receptors

Abstract

Regulation of human β2-adrenergic receptors in lymphocytes (determined by (±)-125 iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) binding) and α₂-adrenergic receptors in platelets (determined by ³H-yohimbine binding) was studied. While α₂-adrenergic receptor number did not change with age, a significant negative correlation between the number of α₂-adrenergic receptors and age was found; plasma catecholamines, on the contrary, were elevated in the elderly.In healthy women during normal menstrual cycle the number of α₂-adrenergic receptors decreased with increasing plasma estradiol levels.Incubation of lymphocyte membranes with isoprenaline (100 μM) and of platelet membranes with clonidine (1-100 μM) led to a reduction of the number of β₂- and α₂-receptors, respectively, without changes in the K_D-values. Treatment of hypertensive patients with clonidine (3x150 μg/die) for 7 days reduced the number of α₂-adrenergic receptors in platelets. In platelet membranes from such treated patients inhibition of ³H-yohimbine binding by clonidine and adrenaline was not affected by 10-⁴MGTP. It is concluded, that human α- and β-adrenergic receptors undergo regulatory mechanisms similar to those recently described for adrenergic receptors in a variety of animal models.     

The evaluation of novel natural products as inhibitors of human glutathione transferase P1-1

Glutathione transferase P1-1 is over expressed in some cancer cells and contributes to detoxification of anticancer drugs, leading to drug-resistant tumors. The inhibition of human recombinant GSTP1-1 by natural plant products was investigated using 10 compounds isolated from plants indigenous to Southern and Central Africa. Monochlorobimane and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were used to determine GST activity. Each test compound was screened at 33 and 100 µM. Isofuranonapthoquinone (1) (from Bulbine frutescens) showed 68% inhibition at 33 µM, and sesquiterpene lactone (2) (from Dicoma anomala) showed 75% inhibition at 33 μM. The IC₅₀ value of 1 was 6.8 μM. The mode of inhibition was mixed, partial (G site) and noncompetitive (H site) with K_i values of 8.8 and 0.21 µM, respectively. Sesquiterpene 2 did not inhibit the CDNB reaction. Therefore, isofuranonapthoquinone 1 needs further investigations in vivo because of its potent inhibition of GSTP1-1 in vitro.     

Substrate/Inhibitor Properties of Human Deoxycytidine Kinase (dCK) and Thymidine Kinases (Tk1 And Tk2) Towards the Sugar Moiety of Nucleosides,Including O′-Alkyl Analogues

Abstract

Nucleoside analogues with modified sugar moieties have been examined for their substrate/inhibitor specificities towards highly purified deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and thymidine kinases (tetrameric high-affinity form of TK1, and TK2) from human leukemic spleen. In particular, the analogues included the mono-and di-O′-methyl derivatives of dC, dU and dA, syntheses of which are described. In general, purine nucleosides with modified sugar rings were feebler substrates than the corresponding cytosine analogues. Sugar-modified analogues of dU were also relatively poor substrates of TK1 and TK2, but were reasonably good inhibitors, with generally lower K_i values vs TK2 than TK1. An excellent discriminator between TK1 and TK2 was 3′-hexanoylamino-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine, with a K_i of ～600 μM for TK1 and ～0.1 μM for TK2. 3′-OMe-dC was a superior inhibitor of dCK to its 5′-O-methyl congener, consistent with possible participation of the oxygen of the (3′)-OH or (3′)-OMe as proton acceptor in hydrogen bonding with the enzyme. Surprisingly α-dT was a good substrate of both TK1 and TK2, with K_i values of 120 and 30 μM for TK1 and TK2, respectively; and a 3′-branched α-L-deoxycytidine analogue proved to be as good a substrate as its α-D-counterpart. Several 5 ′-substituted analogues of dC were     

The binding of fluorocatecholamines to adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors in rat brain membranes

2-Fluoronorepinephrine (IC₅₀ ≈0.7 μM) is a relatively selective ligand for displacement of radioactive dihydroalprenolol from β₁-adrenergic receptors in membrane preparations from rat cerebral cortex. It is less potent (IC₅₀ ≈10 μM) in displacing dihydroalprenolol from β₂-adrenergic receptors in rat cerebellar membranes and in displacing clonidine from α₂-adrenergic receptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes. It is much less potent (IC₅₀ > 100 μM) in displacing WB-4101 from α₁-adrenergic receptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes. In contrast, 6-fluoronorepinephrine is relatively selective for α-adrenergic receptors, being at least 50–200 times more potent at such receptors than at β-adrenergic receptors. 5-Fluoronorepinephrine like norepinephrine does not exhibit remarkable selectivity towards α- and β-adrenergic receptors. The 2-, 5- and 6-fluorodopamines are more potent ligands at α₁-adrenergic receptors than at α₂- and β-adrenergic receptors but the specificity is not markedly affected by the position of the fluorine substituent. The results suggest that the specificity exhibited by the 2- and 6-fluoronorepinephrine at adrenergic receptors is not primarily due to fluorine-induced changes in the physicochemical properties of the aromatic ring, but instead to stereoselective interactions of the ethanolamine side chain of norepinephrine with fluorine at either the 2- or 6-ring positron. The fluorodopamines like dopamine itself are more potent at dopaminergic than at α- or β-adrenergic receptors. The 2-, 5- and 6-fluorodopamines are all nearly equipotent with dopamine in the displacement of radioactive spiroperidol from dopaminergic receptors in membrane preparations from rat striatum, while the 2- and 6-fluorodopamine are somewhat less potent than dopamine or 5-fluorodopamine in displacement of radioactive apomorphine in striatal membranes.     

N,N –Disubstituted piperazines and homopiperazines: Synthesis and affinities at α4β2* and α7* neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

A series of N, N– disubstituted piperazines and homopiperazines were prepared and evaluated for binding to natural α4β2* and α7* neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) using whole brain membrane. Some compounds exhibited good selectivity for α4β2* nAChRs and did not interact with the α7* nAChRs subtype. The most potent analogs were compounds 8-19 (K_i = 10.4 μM), 8–13 (K_i = 12.0 μM), and 8–24 (K_i = 12.8 μM). Thus, linking together a pyridine π-system and a cyclic amine moiety via a homopiperazine ring affords compounds with low affinity but with good selectivity for α4β2* nAChRs.     

New Halogenated Flavonoids from Adenosma bracteosum and Vitex negundo and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibition

Adenosma bracteosum and Vitex negundo are natural sources of methoxylated flavonoids. Little is known about the α-glucosidase inhibition of multi-methoxylated flavonoid derivatives. Eighteen natural flavonoids were isolated from A. bracteosum and V. negundo. Seven halogenated derivatives were synthesized. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive NMR analysis and high-resolution mass spectroscopy as well as comparisons in literature. All compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibition. Most compounds showed good activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 16.7 to 421.8 μM. 6,8-Dibromocatechin was the most active compound with an IC₅₀ value of 16.7 μM. A molecular docking study was conducted, indicating that those compounds are potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.     

A novel synthetic compound, (Z)-5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one (MHY773) inhibits mushroom tyrosinase

As part of continued efforts for the development of new tyrosinase inhibitors, (Z)-5-(substituted benzylidene)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one derivatives (1a – 1l) were rationally synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory potential in vitro. These compounds were designed and synthesized based on the structural attributes of a β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl scaffold template. Among these compounds, (Z)-5-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzylidene)-2-iminothiazolidin-4-one (1e, MHY773) exhibited the greatest tyrosinase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 2.87 μM and 8.06 μM for monophenolase and diphenolase), and outperformed the positive control, kojic acid (IC₅₀ = 15.59 and 31.61 μM). The kinetic and docking studies demonstrated that MHY773 interacted with active site of tyrosinase. Moreover, a melanin quantification assay demonstrated that MHY773 attenuates α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-induced melanin contents in B16F10 melanoma cells. Taken together, these data suggest that MHY773 suppressed the melanin production via the inhibition of tyrosinase activity. MHY773 is a promising for the development of effective pharmacological and cosmetic agents for skin-whitening.     

Synthesis of blockwise alkylated (1→4) linked trisaccharides as surfactants: influence of configuration of anomeric position on their surface activities

New carbohydrate-based surfactants consisting of hydrophilic cellobiosyl and hydrophobic glucosyl residues, methyl β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-α-d-glucopyranoside 1 (GβGαMα, G: glucopyranosyl residue, α and β: α-(1→4)- and β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds, M: methyl group), 2 (G_βG_βM_α), 3 (G_βG_αM_β), 4 (G_βG_βM_β), 5 (G_βG_αE_α, E: ethyl group), 6 (G_βG_βE_α), 7 (G_βG_αE_β), 8 (G_βG_βE_β) and eight α-and β-glycoside mixtures (a mixture of 1 and 2: 1/2 = 62/38 (9), 32/68 (10); a mixture of 3 and 4: 3/4 = 69/31 (11), 32/68 (12); a mixture of 5 and 6: 5/6 = 62/38 (13), 33/67 (14); a mixture of 7 and 8: 7/8 = 59/41 (15), 29/71 (16)) were synthesized via combined methods consisting of acid-catalyzed alcoholysis of cellulose ethers and glycosylation of phenyl thio-cellobioside derivatives. Their surface activities in aqueous solution depended on their chemical structures: α- or β-(1→4) linkage between hydrophilic cellobiosyl and hydrophobic glucosyl blocks, methyl or ethyl groups of hydrophobic glucosyl block, and α- or β-linked ether group at the C-1 of hydrophobic glucosyl block. The mixing effect of α- and β-glycosides on surface activities was also investigated. As a result, ethyl β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-2,3,6-tri-O-ethyl-β-d-glucopyranoside 7 (G_βG_αE_β) had the highest surface activity, and its critical micellar concentration (CMC) and γ_CMC (surface tension at CMC) values of compound 7 were 0.5 mM (ca. 0.03 wt %) and 34.5 mN/m, respectively. The surface tensions of α- and β-glycoside mixtures except for compounds 9 and 10 were almost equal to those of pure compounds. The syntheses of the mixtures of α- and β-glycosides without purification process are easier than those of pure compounds. Thus, the mixtures should be more practical compounds for industrial use as a surfactant.     

Adrenaline stimulates H2O2 generation in liver via NADPH oxidase

It is known that adrenaline promotes hydroxyl radical generation in isolated rat hepatocytes. The aim of this work was to investigate a potential role of NADPH oxidase (Nox) isoforms for an oxidative stress signal in response to adrenaline in hepatocytes. Enriched plasma membranes from isolated rat liver cells were prepared for this purpose. These membranes showed catalytic activity of Nox isoforms, probably Nox 2 based on its complete inhibition with specific antibodies. NADPH was oxidized to convert O₂ into superoxide radical, later transformed into H₂O₂. This enzymatic activity requires previous activation with either 3 mM Mn²⁺ or guanosine 5′-0-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPγS) plus adrenaline. Experimental conditions for activation and catalytic steps were set up: ATP was not required; S_0.5 for NADPH was 44 μM; S_0.5 for FAD was 8 μM; NADH up to 1 mM was not substrate, and diphenyleneiodonium was inhibitory. Activation with GTPγS plus adrenaline was dose- and Ca²⁺-dependent and proceeded through α₁-adrenergic receptors (AR), whereas β-AR stimulation resulted in inhibition of Nox activity. These results lead us to propose H₂O₂ as additional transduction signal for adrenaline response in hepatic cells.     

Determination of G-protein levels,ADP-ribosylation by cholera and pertussis toxins and the regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in liver plasma membranes from lean and genetically diabetic (db/db)

Liver plasma membranes prepared from genetically diabetic (db/db) mice expressed levels of G_i α-2, G_i α-3 and G-protein β-subunits that were reduced by some 75, 63 and 73% compared with levels seen in membranes from lean animals. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the expression of the 42 and 45 kDa forms of G_s α-subunits. Pertussis toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation of membranes from lean animals identified a single 41 kDa band whose labelling was reduced by some 86% in membranes from diabetic animals. Cholera toxin-catalysed ADP-ribosylation identified two forms of G_s α-subunits whose labelling was about 4-fold greater in membranes from diabetic animals compared with those from lean animals. Maximal stimulations of adenylyl cyclase activity by forskolin (100 μM), GTP (100 μM), p[NH]ppG (100 μM), NaF (10 mM) and glucagon (10 μM) were similar in membranes from lean and diabetic animals, whereas stimulation by isoprenaline (100 μM) was lower by about 22%. Lower concentrations (EC₅₀-60 nM) of p[NH]ppG were needed to activate adenylyl cyclase in membranes from diabetic animals compared to those from lean animals (EC₅₀-158 nM). As well as causing activation, p[NH]ppG was capable of eliciting a pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibitory effect upon forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes from both lean and diabetic animals. However, maximal inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes from diabetic animals was reduced to around 60% of that found using membranes from lean animals. Pertussis toxin-treatment in vivo enhanced maximal stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by glucagon, isoprenaline and p[NH]ppG through a process suggested to be mediated by the abolition of functional G_i activity. The lower levels of expression of G-protein β-subunits, in membranes from diabetic compared with lean animals, is suggested to perturb the equilibria between holomeric and dissociated G-protein subunits. We suggest that this may explain both the enhanced sensitivity of adenylyl cyclase to stimulation by p[NH]ppG in membranes from diabetic animals and the altered ability of pertussis and cholera toxins to catalyse the ADP-ribosylation of G-proteins in membranes from these two animals.     

EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR (EAT) CHALONE EFFECTS ON NASCENT DNA SYNTHESIS AND DNA POLYMERASE ALPHA AND BETA

EAT chalone effects on nascent DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase were examined. Concentration related inhibition of ³H-thymidine (³H-TdR) incorporation into EAT cell DNA was noted over a chalone range of 50–200 μg/ml. RNA synthesis was not affected, but protein synthesis decreased an average of 82% during 3 hr. Nascent DNA pulse-labeled for 2 min was normally incorporated into bulk DNA in the presence of chalone, but crude α and β-polymerase activities were inhibited. Crude DNA polymerase from C₃H mouse kidney and spleen was also partially inhibited by EAT chalone, suggesting non-specific inhibition of DNA polymerase. Preincubation studies of chalone with crude EAT DNA polymerase or ‘gapped’ DNA primer had no effect on chalone activity. Chalone may control mitotic activity by inhibiting α- and β-polymerase activity, thereby decreasing nascent DNA synthesis. Nascent DNA is incorporated normally into bulk DNA in the presence of chalone, indicating that DNA ligase is not inhibited.     

Apparent Co-Sequestration of Immunoreactive Corticotropin, α-Melanot opin, and γ-Lipotropin in Hypothalamic Granules

Abstract: In the present study, the question of whether immunoreactive α-melanotropin (α-MSH₁), corticotropin (ACTH₁), and β-melanotropin (β-MSH₁) are co-sequestered in hypothalamic granules of adult male rats was addressed. When a 900 ×g supernatant fluid prepared from a hypothalamic homogenate was fractionated on continuous sucrose density gradients under non-equilibrium Conditions, two populations of particles containing α-MSH₁, ACTH₁, or β-MSH₁ Were observed. However, when fractionated under equilibrium conditions, the two populations of particles containing α-MSH₁ ACTH₁, or β-MSH₁ were recovered as a single band. This sedimentation characteristic indicates that the particles containing a given peptide differ in size but are similar in density. In their sedimentation, the small particles containing α-MSH₁, ACTH₁, and β-MSH₁ are indistinguishable from granules containing α-MSH₁, whereas the large particles containing α-MSH₁ (ACTH₁, and β-MSH₁ are indistinguishable from synaptosomes containing α-MSH₁, β-MSH₁ had an apparent molecular weight (M.W.) of about 5,000, which is similar to that of γ-lipotropin. ACTH₁ was comprised of three species of molecules: big (M.W. ≥ 10,000), 5.7K (M.W. ≌ 5,700), and 4.5K (M.W. ≌ 4,500). Big ACTH was the predominant and 5.7K ACTH the minor component of ACTH₁ present in granules as well as in synaptosomes. These results are suggestive that α-MSH, ACTH and its precursors, and γ-lipotropin are co-sequestered in hypothalamic granules.     

Modulation of Anopheles gambiae Epsilon glutathione transferase activity by plant natural products in vitro

Elevated glutathione transferase (GST) E2 activity is associated with DDT resistance in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. The search for chemomodulators that inhibit the function of AgGSTE2 would enhance the insecticidal activity of DDT. Therefore, we examined the interaction of novel natural plant products with heterologously expressed An. gambiae GSTE 2 in vitro. Five of the ten compounds, epiphyllocoumarin (Tral-1), knipholone anthrone, isofuranonaphthoquinones (Mr 13/2, Mr13/4) and the polyprenylated benzophenone (GG1) were shown to be potent inhibitors of AgGSTE2 with IC₅₀ values of 1.5 μM, 3.5 μM, 4 μM, 4.3 μM and 4.8 μM respectively. Non-competitive inhibition was obtained for Tral 1 and GG1 with regards to GSH (K_i of 0.24 μM and 0.14 μM respectively). Competitive inhibition for Tral1 was obtained with CDNB (K_i = 0.4 μM) whilst GG1 produced mixed type of inhibition. The K_i and K_i' for GSH for Tral-1 and GG1 were 0.2 μM and 0.1 μM respectively. These results suggest that the novel natural plant products, particularly Tral-1, represent potent AgGSTE2 in vitro inhibitors.     

Synthesis of 1-β-L-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (β-L-Ara-C) and 2′-Deoxy-2′-methylene-β-L-cytidine (β-L-DMDC) as Potential Antineoplastic Agents

Abstract

1-β-L-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (β-L-Ara-C, 7) and 2′-deoxy-2′-methylene-β-L-cytidine (β-L-DMDC, 14) have been synthesized via a multi-step synthesis from L-arabinose. These compounds were tested in vitro against L1210, P388, Sarcoma 180, and CEM cells, and found not to be active at a concentration up to 100 μM. β-L-Ara-C and β-L-DMDC were also tested against HSV-1 and HSV-2 and yielded ID₅₀ values of 100 μM.     

Studies of the Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology of 2′,3′-Dideoxy-β-L-5-fluorocytidine (β-L-FddC) and 2′,3′-Dideoxy-β-L-cytidine (β-L-ddC) In Vivo; and Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluations of 2′,3′-Dideoxy-β-L-5-azacytidine

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics and toxicology of 2′,3′-dideoxy-β-L-5-fluorocytidine (β-L-FddC) and 2′,3′-dideoxy-β-L-cytidine (β-L-ddC) in mice was investigated. In addition, 2′,3′-dideoxy-β-L-5-azacytidine (β-L-5-aza-ddC) and its α-L-anomer (α-L-5-aza-ddC) were synthesized by coupling the silylated 5-azacytosine derivative with 1-O-acetyl-5-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2,3-dideoxy-L-ribofuranose, followed by separation of the α-and β-anomers and were evaluated in vitro against HBV and HIV. β-L-5-aza-ddC was found to show significant anti-HBV activity at approximately the same level as 2′,3′-dideoxy-β-D-cytidine (ddC), which is a known anti-HBV agent. β-L-5-aza-ddC was not cytotoxic to L1210, P388, S-180, and CCRF-CEM cells up to a concentration of 100 μ. Conversely, the α-L-anomer was not active against HBV at the same concentration.     

Urease inhibitors from Hypericum oblongifolium WALL.

The bioassay-guided fractionation of H. oblongifolium has led to the isolation of potent urease inhibitors 1–3. The structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Compound 2 showed a potent enzyme inhibition activity (IC₅₀ 20.96?±?0.93), which is comparatively higher than that for the standard thiourea (IC₅₀ 21.01?±?0.51 μM). Compounds 1 and 3 also showed a significant activity, with IC₅₀ 37.95?±?1.93 and 138.43?±?1.23 μM, respectively. The sub crude fractions (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were tested in vitro for their urease inhibition activity. Fractions F2 and F4 showed significant activity with IC₅₀ 140.37?±?1.93 and 167.43?±?3.03 μM, respectively.     

Characterization of spinach leaf α-l-arabinofuranosidases and β-galactosidases and their synergistic action on an endogenous arabinogalactan-protein

Two β-galaclosidases (β-Galase-I and -II, EC 3.2.1.23) and two α-l -arabinofuranosidases (α-l -Arafase-I and -II. EC 3.2.1.55). were purified from mesophyll tissues of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), using chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, lactose-conjugated Sepharose CL-4B, and Sephadex G-100, or on hydroxylapatite and Sephadex G-150. The apparent molecular mass (M_r) of β-Galase-I and -II, respectively, were estimated to be 38 000 and 58 000 on SDS-PAGE and 64 000 and 60 000 on gel-permeation chromatography, indicating that the former was a dimeric protein. The isoelectric points of β-Galase-I and -II were 6.9 and 5.2, respectively. Both enzymes hydrolyzed maximally p-nitrophenyl (PNP) β-galactoside at pH 4.3, and were activated about 2-fold in the presence of BSA (100 μg ml^?1). The activity of both enzymes was inhibited strongly by heavy metal ions and p-chloromercuriberszoate (p-CMB). d -Galactono-(1→4)-lactone and d -galactal served as potent competitive inhibitors for the enzymes. β-Galase-I and -II could be distinguished from each other in their relative rates and kinetic properties in the hydrolysis of aryl β-galactosides as well as of lactose and galacto-oligosaccharides. In particular. β-Galase-I exhibited a preferential exowise cleavage of β-1,6-galactotriose and β-1.3-galactan. α-l -Arafase-l (M_r 118000) and -II (M, 68 000) were optimally active on PNP α-l -arabinofuranoside at pH 4.8 and gave K_m values of 1.2 and 2.2 mM. respectively. l -Arabino-(1 → 4)-lactone. Ag⁺, and SDS acted as inhibitors for the isozymes. α-l Arafase-I was characterized by its activity to hydrolyze PNP β-d -xylopyranoside besides PNP α-l -arabinofuranoside. inhibition by d -xylose and d -glucono-(1 → 5)-lactone. and less sensitivity to Hg²⁺. Cu²⁺, and p-CMB. Sugar beet arabinan was hydrolyzed rapidly by α-l Arafase-II at one-half the rate for PNP α-l arabinofuranoside, while the polysaccharide was less susceptible to α-l Arafase-I. A spinach leaf arabinogalactan-protein was practically resistant to the action of β-Galases, but its susceptibility to the enzymes increased remarkably after prior hydrolysis with α-l Arafase-Il.     

Retinoic Acid Metabolism Inhibition by 3-Azolylmethyl-1H-indoles and 2, 3 or 5-(α-Azolylbenzyl)-1H-indoles

Among a library of 70 azoles, 8 indole derivatives substituted in the 2-, 3- or 5- position with an azolylmethyl or α-azolylbenzyl chain were evaluated for retinoic acid (RA) metabolism inhibitory activity. The most active inhibitors identified in this study were 5-bromo-1-ethyl-3-methyl-2-[(phenyl)(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-indole (3) (68.9% inhibition) and 5-bromo-1-ethyl-2-[(4-fluorophenyl)(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-3-methyl-1H-indole (6) (60.4% inhibition). At the same concentration (100 μM) ketoconazole exerted similar inhibitory effect (70% inhibition).