Novel Alexa Fluor-488 labeled antagonist of the A2A adenosine receptor: Application to a fluorescence polarization-based receptor binding assay

Fluorescence polarization (FP) assay has many advantages over the traditional radioreceptor binding studies. We developed an A_2A adenosine receptor (AR) FP assay using a newly synthesized fluorescent antagonist of the A_2AAR (MRS5346), a pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine derivative conjugated to the fluorescent dye Alexa Fluor-488. MRS5346 displayed a K_i value of 111 ± 16 nM in radioligand binding using [³H]CGS21680 and membranes prepared from HEK293 cells stably expressing the human A_2AAR. In a cyclic AMP functional assay, MRS5346 was shown to be an A_2AAR antagonist. MRS5346 did not show any effect on A₁ and A₃ ARs in binding or the A_2BAR in a cyclic AMP assay at 10 μM. Its suitability as a fluorescent tracer was indicated in an initial observation of an FP signal following A_2AAR binding. The FP signal was optimal with 20 nM MRS5346 and 150 μg protein/mL HEK293 membranes. The association and dissociation kinetic parameters were readily determined using this FP assay. The K_d value of MRS5346 calculated from kinetic parameters was 16.5 ± 4.7 nM. In FP competition binding experiments using MRS5346 as a tracer, K_i values of known AR agonists and antagonists consistently agreed with K_i values from radioligand binding. Thus, this FP assay, which eliminates using radioisotopes, appears to be appropriate for both routine receptor binding and high-throughput screening with respect to speed of analysis, displaceable signal and precision. The approach used in the present study could be generally applicable to other GPCRs.     

Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of [I]MRS5127, a high affinity, selective agonist radioligand for the A3 adenosine receptor

A recently reported selective agonist of the human A₃ adenosine receptor (hA₃AR), MRS5127 (1′R,2′R,3′S,4′R,5′S)-4′-[2-chloro-6-(3-iodobenzylamino)-purine]-2′,3′-O-dihydroxy-bicyclo-[3.1.0]hexane, was radioiodinated and characterized pharmacologically. It contains a rigid bicyclic ring system in place of a 5′-truncated ribose moiety, and was selected for radiolabeling due to its nanomolar binding affinity at both human and rat A₃ARs. The radioiodination of the N⁶-3-iodobenzyl substituent by iododestannylation of a 3-(trimethylstannyl)benzyl precursor was achieved in 73% yield, measured after purification by HPLC. [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 bound to the human A₃AR expressed in membranes of stably transfected HEK 293 cells. Specific binding was saturable, competitive, and followed a one-site binding model, with a K_d value of 5.74 ± 0.97 nM. At a concentration equivalent to its K_d, non-specific binding comprised 27 ± 2% of total binding. In kinetic studies, [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 rapidly associated with the hA₃AR (t_1/2 = 0.514 ± 0.014 min), and the affinity calculated from association and dissociation rate constants was 3.50 ± 1.46 nM. The pharmacological profile of ligands in competition experiments with [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 was consistent with the known structure-activity-relationship profile of the hA₃AR. [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 bound with similar high affinity (K_d, nM) to recombinant A₃ARs from mouse (4.90 ± 0.77), rabbit (2.53 ± 0.11), and dog (3.35 ± 0.54). For all of the species tested, MRS5127 exhibited A₃AR agonist activity based on negative coupling to cAMP production. Thus, [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 represents a new species-independent agonist radioligand for the A₃AR. The major advantage of [¹²⁵I]MRS5127 compared with previously used A₃AR radioligands is its high affinity, low degree of non-specific binding, and improved A₃AR selectivity.     

Effector coupling of stably transfected human A3 adenosine receptors in CHO cells

CHO cells stably transfected with adenosine receptors are widely utilized models for binding and functional studies. The effector coupling of human A3 adenosine receptors expressed in such a cellular model was characterized. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein was confirmed and exhibited a pharmacological profile in accordance with agonist binding data. The agonist potency was dependent on the assay system utilized to measure cyclase inhibition. Agonists were more potent in a cell-based assay than in experiments where cyclase inhibition was measured in a membrane preparation suggesting that receptor-effector coupling might be more efficient in intact cells. In addition to the modulation of cyclase activity, stimulation of A3 receptors elicited a Ca2+ response in CHO cells with agonist potencies corresponding to the values for the whole cell cAMP assay. The Ca2+ signal was completely eliminated by pertussis toxin treatment suggesting that it is mediated via betagamma release from a heterotrimeric G protein of the Gi/o family. These results show that cAMP and Ca2+ signaling characteristics of the A3 adenosine receptor are comparable to the ones found for the A1 subtype.     

Multivalent dendrimeric and monomeric adenosine agonists attenuate cell death in HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes expressing the A3 receptor

Multivalent dendrimeric conjugates of GPCR ligands may have increased potency or selectivity in comparison to monomeric ligands, a phenomenon that was tested in a model of cytoprotection in mouse HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Quantitative RT-PCR indicated high expression levels of endogenous A₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors (ARs), but not of A_2B and A₃ARs. Activation of the heterologously expressed human A₃AR in HL-1 cells by AR agonists significantly attenuated cell damage following 4 h exposure to H₂O₂ (750 μM) but not in untransfected cells. The A₃ agonist IB-MECA (EC₅₀ 3.8 μM) and the non-selective agonist NECA (EC₅₀ 3.9 μM) protected A₃ AR-transfected cells against H₂O₂ in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release. A generation 5.5 PAMAM (polyamidoamine) dendrimeric conjugate of a N⁶-chain-functionalized adenosine agonist was synthesized and its mass indicated an average of 60 amide-linked nucleoside moieties out of 256 theoretical attachment sites. It non-selectively activated the A₃AR to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation (IC₅₀ 66 nM) and, similarly, protected A₃-transfected HL-1 cells from apoptosis-inducing H₂O₂ with greater potency (IC₅₀ 35 nM) than monomeric nucleosides. Thus, a PAMAM conjugate retained AR binding affinity and displayed greatly enhanced cardioprotective potency.     

The role of adenosine A2A and A2B receptors in the regulation of TNF-alpha production by human monocytes

Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that regulates many physiological processes through the activation of its four receptors: A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3). Previous studies have identified the involvement of A(2) receptors in the inhibitory activity of adenosine analogues on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated monocytes, but the relative contributions of A(2A) versus A(2B) receptors have not been determined in human primary monocytes. Nor has the role of A(1) and A(3) been clearly identified in the system. The lack of such information impacts on the selection of adenosine receptor agonists for disease intervention. Using LPS-stimulated human primary monocytes, we found that the adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) or the A(2A) receptor agonist, 4-[2-[[6-amino-9-(N-ethyl-b-d-ribofuranuronamidosyl)-9H-purin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]benzenepropanoic acid hydrochloride (CGS21680) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha production, with IC(50)s of 58.4nM (32.7-104.5nM, 95% confidence interval) and 49.2nM (22.7-105.9nM, 95% confidence interval), respectively. The selective A(2A) receptor blocker, 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylaminso]ethyl)phenol (ZM241385, 30nM), antagonized the effects of NECA and CGS21680 (pK(B) estimates were 8.7+/-0.1 and 8.9+/-0.1, respectively), while the selective A(2B) antagonist, N-(4-cyano-phenyl)-2-[4-(2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-purin-8-yl)-phenoxy]-acetamide (MRS1754, 100nM), failed to antagonize the effects of either agonist. Furthermore, neither the A(1) receptor agonist, 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) nor the A(3) receptor agonist, 1-[2-chloro-6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-1-deoxy-N-methyl-b-d-ribofuranuronamide (2-Cl-IB-MECA) showed significant inhibitory activity at concentrations that effectively bind to their respective receptors. We conclude that A(2A) receptor activation is predominantly responsible for the inhibitory effects of adenosine receptor agonists on TNF-alpha production from LPS-stimulated monocytes.     

Pharmacological characterization of novel adenosine ligands in recombinant and native human A2B receptors

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of novel and recognised compounds at human recombinant A(2B) adenosine receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (hA(2B)CHO), in human embryonic kidney 293 (hA(2B)HEK-293) and at endogenous A(2B) receptors in human mast cells (HMC-1). Saturation binding experiments performed using the new high affinity A(2B) adenosine radioligand [(3)H]-N-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-2-[5-(2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-2,3,6,7-tetra hydro-1H-purin-8-yl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yloxy]-acetamide ([(3)H]-MRE 2029F20) revealed a single class of binding sites in hA(2B)CHO, hA(2B)HEK-293 and HMC-1 cells with K(D) (nM) of 1.65+/-0.18, 2.83+/-0.34, 2.62+/-0.27 and B(max) (fmol/mg protein) of 36+/-4, 475+/-50 and 128+/-15, respectively. The pharmacological profile of new compounds, determined in inhibition binding experiments in hA(2B)HEK-293 cells using [(3)H]-MRE 2029F20, showed a rank order of potency typical of the A(2B) receptors with K(i) values in the range 3.2-28nM. In functional assays, recognised agonists and antagonists were studied by evaluating their capability to modulate the cAMP production in hA(2B)CHO and in HMC-1 cells. Novel compounds were able to decrease NECA-stimulated cAMP production in hA(2B)CHO and in HMC-1 cells showing a high potency. New compounds were also able to inhibit cAMP levels in the absence of NECA and in the presence of forskolin stimulation in hA(2B)CHO and in HMC-1 cells. In HEK-293 cells MRE 2029F20 reduced cAMP basal levels with an IC(50) value of 2.9+/-0.3nM. These results suggest that novel compounds are antagonists with an inverse agonist activity in recombinant and native human A(2B) receptors.     

Different efficacy of adenosine and NECA derivatives at the human A3 adenosine receptor: Insight into the receptor activation switch

A₃ Adenosine receptors are promising drug targets for a number of diseases and intense efforts are dedicated to develop selective agonists and antagonists of these receptors. A series of adenosine derivatives with 2-(ar)-alkynyl chains, with high affinity and different degrees of selectivity for human A₃ adenosine receptors was tested for the ability to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase. All these derivatives are partial agonists at A₃ adenosine receptors; their efficacy is not significantly modified by the introduction of small alkyl substituents in the N⁶-position. In contrast, the adenosine-5′-N-ethyluronamide (NECA) analogs of 2-(ar)-alkynyladenosine derivatives are full A₃ agonists. Molecular modeling analyses were performed considering both the conformational behavior of the ligands and the impact of 2- and 5′-substituents on ligand–target interaction. The results suggest an explanation for the different agonistic behavior of adenosine and NECA derivatives, respectively. A sub-pocket of the binding site was analyzed as a crucial interaction domain for receptor activation.     

Thermodynamics of A2B adenosine receptor binding discriminates agonistic from antagonistic behaviour

Thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° of the binding equilibrium of 12 ligands (six agonists and six antagonists) to the A_2B adenosine receptor subtype have been determined by affinity measurements carried out on HEK 293 cells stably transfected with human A_2B adenosine receptors at six different temperatures (4, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 °C) and van’t Hoff plot analysis have been performed. Affinity constants were obtained from saturation experiments of [³H]MRE 2029-F20 or by its displacement in inhibition assays for the other compounds. van’t Hoff plots were essentially linear in the temperature range investigated, showing that the ΔCp° of the binding equilibrium is nearly zero. Thermodynamic parameters are in the range 7 ≤ ΔH° ≤ 23 kJ mol⁻¹and 123 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 219 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for agonists and −40 ≤ ΔH° ≤ −20 kJ mol⁻¹ and 10 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 91 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ for antagonists indicating that agonistic binding is always totally entropy-driven while antagonistic binding is enthalpy and entropy-driven. In the −TΔS° versus ΔH° plot the thermodynamic data are clearly arranged in separate clusters for agonists and antagonists, which, therefore, turn out to be thermodynamically discriminated.     

Activation of the A3 adenosine receptor inhibits fMLP-induced Rac activation in mouse bone marrow neutrophils

Adenosine is released from injured or hypoxic tissues where it exerts numerous anti-inflammatory effects including suppression of neutrophil functions. Although most previous work has implicated the A_2AAR, we have recently shown that selective activation of the abundantly expressed A₃AR inhibits neutrophil superoxide production and chemotaxis providing a potential mechanistic explanation for the efficacy of A₃AR agonists in experimental animal models of inflammation. In this study, we hypothesized that the A₃AR suppresses neutrophil functions by inhibiting the monomeric GTPase Rac, a central regulator of chemokine-directed neutrophil migration and superoxide production. We found that pre-treating neutrophils with the highly selective A₃AR agonist CP-532,903 reduced fMLP-induced Rac activation using an ELISA-based assay that detects all three Rac isoforms. CP-532,903 also inhibited fMLP-induced F-actin formation, a downstream effector function of Rac relevant to neutrophil migration, but not activation of ERK1/2 or p38. Pre-treating neutrophils with CP-532,903 did not stimulate cAMP production or alter fMLP-induced calcium transients, implicating that A₃AR stimulation does not inhibit Rac activation or neutrophil activities by suppressing Ca²⁺ signaling, elevating the intracellular concentration of cAMP, or by cross-desensitizing fMLP receptors. Our results suggest that activation of the A₃AR signals to suppress neutrophil functions by interfering with the monomeric GTPase Rac, thus contributing to the ant-inflammatory actions of adenosine.     

Differential allosteric modulation by amiloride analogues of agonist and antagonist binding at A(1) and A(3) adenosine receptors

The diuretic drug amiloride and its analogues were found previously to be allosteric modulators of antagonist binding to A(2A) adenosine receptors. In this study, the possibility of the allosteric modulation by amiloride analogues of antagonist binding at A(1) and A(3) receptors, as well as agonist binding at A(1), A(2A), and A(3) receptors, was explored. Amiloride analogues increased the dissociation rates of two antagonist radioligands, [3H]8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine ([3H]DPCPX) and [3H]8-ethyl-4-methyl-2-phenyl-(8R)-4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[2,1-i]purin-5-one ([3H]PSB-11), from A(1) and A(3) receptors, respectively. Amiloride and 5-(N,N-dimethyl)amiloride (DMA) were more potent at A(1) receptors than at A(3) receptors, while 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) was more potent at A(3) receptors. Thus, amiloride analogues are allosteric inhibitors of antagonist binding at A(1), A(2A), and A(3) adenosine receptor subtypes. In contrast to their effects on antagonist-occupied receptors, amiloride analogues did not affect the dissociation rates of the A(1) agonist [3H]N(6)-[(R)-phenylisopropyl]adenosine ([3H]R-PIA) from A(1) receptors or the A(2A) agonist [3H]2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl-ethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine ([3H]CGS21680) from A(2A) receptors. The dissociation rate of the A(3) agonist radioligand [125I]N(6)-(4-amino-3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide ([125I]I-AB-MECA) from A(3) receptors was decreased significantly by amiloride analogues. The binding modes of amiloride analogues at agonist-occupied and antagonist-occupied receptors differed markedly, which was demonstrated in all three subtypes of adenosine receptors tested in this study. The effects of the amiloride analogues on the action of the A(3) receptor agonist were explored further using a cyclic AMP functional assay in intact CHO cells expressing the human A(3) receptor. Both binding and functional assays support the allosteric interactions of amiloride analogues with A(3) receptors.     

N6-Substituted adenosine derivatives: selectivity,efficacy, and species differences at A3 adenosine receptors

The activation of the human A(3) adenosine receptor (AR) by a wide range of N(6)-substituted adenosine derivatives was studied in intact CHO cells stably expressing this receptor. Selectivity of binding at rat and human ARs was also determined. Among N(6)-alkyl substitutions, small N(6)-alkyl groups were associated with selectivity for human A(3)ARs vs. rat A(3)ARs, and multiple points of branching were associated with decreased hA(3)AR efficacy. N(6)-Cycloalkyl-substituted adenosines were full (/=6 carbons) hA(3)AR agonists. N(6)-(endo-Norbornyl)adenosine 13 was the most selective for both rat and human A(1)ARs. Numerous N(6)-arylmethyl analogues, including substituted benzyl, tended to be more potent in binding to A(1) and A(3) vs. A(2A)ARs (with variable degrees of partial to full A(3)AR agonisms). A chloro substituent decreased the efficacy depending on its position on the benzyl ring. The A(3)AR affinity and efficacy of N(6)-arylethyl adenosines depended highly on stereochemistry, steric bulk, and ring constraints. Stereoselectivity of binding was demonstrated for N(6)-(R-1-phenylethyl)adenosine vs. N(6)-(S-1-phenylethyl)adenosine, as well as for the N(6)-(1-phenyl-2-pentyl)adenosine, at the rat, but not human A(3)AR. Interestingly, DPMA, a potent agonist for the A(2A)AR (K(i)=4nM), was demonstrated to be a moderately potent antagonist for the human A(3)AR (K(i)=106nM). N(6)-[(1S,2R)-2-Phenyl-1-cyclopropyl]adenosine 48 was 1100-fold more potent in binding to human (K(i)=0.63nM) than rat A(3)ARs. Dual acting A(1)/A(3) agonists (N(6)-3-chlorobenzyl- 29, N(6)-(S-1-phenylethyl)- 39, and 2-chloro-N(6)-(R-phenylisopropyl)adenosine 53) might be useful for cardioprotection.     

Binding thermodynamics at the human cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors

The thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° of the binding equilibrium of agonists and antagonists at cannabinoid CB₁ and CB₂ receptors were determined by means of affinity measurements at different temperatures and van’t Hoff plots were constructed. Affinity constants were measured on CHO cells transfected with the human CB₁ and CB₂ receptors by inhibition assays of the binding of the cannabinoid receptor agonist [³H]-CP-55,940. van’t Hoff plots were linear for agonists and antagonists in the temperature range 0-30 °C. The thermodynamic parameters for CB₁ receptors fall in the ranges 17 ≤ ΔH° ≤ 59 kJ/mol and 213 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 361 kJ/mol for agonists and −52 ≤ ΔH° ≤ −26 kJ/mol and −12 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 38 kJ/mol for antagonists. The thermodynamic parameters for CB₂ receptors fall in the ranges 27 ≤ ΔH° ≤ 48 kJ/mol and 234 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 300 kJ/mol for agonists and −19 ≤ ΔH° ≤ −17 kJ/mol and 43 ≤ ΔS° ≤ 74 kJ/mol for antagonists. Collectively, these data show that agonist binding is always totally entropy-driven while antagonist binding is enthalpy and entropy-driven, indicating that CB₁ and CB₂ receptors are thermodynamically discriminated. These data could give new details on the nature of the forces driving the CB₁ and CB₂ binding at a molecular level. Enthalpy, entropy, free energy and binding affinity for each ligand to its receptor can all be assessed and therefore the optimal binding profile discovered. Carrying out these binding investigations as early as possible in the discovery process increases the probability that a lead compound will become a successful pharmaceutical compound.     

Role of adenosine A3 receptors on CA1 hippocampal neurotransmission during oxygen-glucose deprivation episodes of different duration

The role of adenosine A3 receptors in synaptic transmission under severe (7 min) and shorter (2-5 min) ischemic conditions, obtained by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), was investigated in rat hippocampal slices. The effects of selective A3 agonists or antagonists were examined on field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) extracellularly recorded at the dendritic level of the CA1 pyramidal region. The novel, selective A3 antagonist LJ1251 ((2R,3R,4S)-2-(2-chloro-6-(3-iodobenzylamino)-9H-purin-9-yl)tetrahydrothiophene-3,4-diol, 0.1-10 nM) protected hippocampal slices from irreversible fEPSP depression induced by severe OGD and prevented or delayed the appearance of anoxic depolarization. Similar results were obtained when severe OGD was carried out with a long, receptor-desensitizing exposure to various selective A3 agonists: 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine derivatives Cl-IB-MECA (N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-2-chloro), VT72 (N6-methoxy-2-phenylethynyl), VT158 (N6-methoxy-2-phenylethynyl), VT160 (N6-methoxy-2-(2-pyridinyl)-ethynyl), and VT163 (N6-methoxy-2-p-acetylphenylethynyl) and AR132 (N6-methyl-2-phenylethynyladenosine). The selective A3 antagonist MRS1523 (3-propyl-6-ethyl-5-[(ethylthio)carbonyl]-2-phenyl-4-propyl-3-pyridine carboxylate, 100 nM) reduced fEPSP depression evoked by 2-min OGD and induced a faster recovery of fEPSP amplitude after 5-min OGD. Similar results were obtained for 2- or 5-min OGD applied in the presence of each of the A3 agonists tested. Shorter exposure to A3 agonists significantly delayed the recovery of fEPSP amplitude after 5-min OGD. This indicates that A3 receptors, stimulated by selective A3 agonists, undergo desensitization during OGD. It is inferred that CA1 hippocampal A3 receptors stimulated by adenosine released during brief ischemia (2 and 5 min) might exert A1-like protective effects on neurotransmission. Severe ischemia would transform the A3 receptor-mediated effects from protective to injurious.     

Structural determinants of efficacy at A3 adenosine receptors: modification of the ribose moiety

We have found previously that structural features of adenosine derivatives, particularly at the N6- and 2-positions of adenine, determine the intrinsic efficacy as A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists. Here, we have probed this phenomenon with respect to the ribose moiety using a series of ribose-modified adenosine derivatives, examining binding affinity and activation of the human A3 AR expressed in CHO cells. Both 2'- and 3'-hydroxyl groups in the ribose moiety contribute to A3 AR binding and activation, with 2'-OH being more essential. Thus, the 2'-fluoro substitution eliminated both binding and activation, while a 3'-fluoro substitution led to only a partial reduction of potency and efficacy at the A3 AR. A 5'-uronamide group, known to restore full efficacy in other derivatives, failed to fully overcome the diminished efficacy of 3'-fluoro derivatives. The 4'-thio substitution, which generally enhanced A3 AR potency and selectivity, resulted in 5'-CH2OH analogues (10 and 12) which were partial agonists of the A3 AR. Interestingly, the shifting of the N6-(3-iodobenzyl)adenine moiety from the 1'- to 4'-position had a minor influence on A3 AR selectivity, but transformed 15 into a potent antagonist (16) (Ki = 4.3 nM). Compound 16 antagonized human A3 AR agonist-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP with a K(B) value of 3.0 nM. A novel apio analogue (20) of neplanocin A, was a full A3 AR agonist. The affinities of selected, novel analogues at rat ARs were examined, revealing species differences. In summary, critical structural determinants for human A3 AR activation have been identified, which should prove useful for further understanding the mechanism of receptor activation and development of more potent and selective full agonists, partial agonists and antagonists for A3 ARs.     

Characterization of [H]LUF5834: A novel non-ribose high-affinity agonist radioligand for the adenosine A1 receptor

The adenosine A₁ receptor is a promising therapeutic target for neurological disorders such as cognition deficits and is involved in cardiovascular preconditioning. Classically adenosine receptor agonists were all derivatives of adenosine, and thought to require a D-ribose moiety. More recently, however, the discovery of non-adenosine agonists for the human adenosine A₁ receptor (hA₁R) has challenged this dogma (Beukers et al., 2004). In this study we characterize the tritiated form of one of these compounds, [³H]LUF5834, as the first non-ribose partial agonist radioligand with nanomolar affinity for the hA₁R. Due to its partial agonist efficacy, [³H]LUF5834 labeled both G protein-coupled and uncoupled receptors with a similar high affinity. Using [³H]LUF5834 we performed competition binding experiments to characterize a range of A₁R ligands varying in efficacy from the full agonist CPA to the inverse agonist DPCPX. Surprisingly, in the control condition both agonists and inverse agonists displayed biphasic isotherms. With the addition of 1 mM GTP the high affinity isotherm of agonists or the low affinity isotherm of inverse agonists was lost revealing the mechanism of action of such inverse agonists at the A₁R. Consequently, [³H]LUF5834 represents a novel high affinity radioligand for the A₁R and may prove a useful tool to provide estimates of inverse agonist efficacy at this receptor.     

Modulation of agonist responses at the A(1) adenosine receptor by an irreversible antagonist,receptor-G protein uncoupling and by the G protein activation state

Potency and intrinsic activity of agonists depend on ligand structure, but are also regulated by receptor-G protein stoichiometry. A potential functional reserve in adenosine A(1) receptor-mediated G protein activation was investigated by stimulation of guanosine-5'-(gamma-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding by the full agonist 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) and the partial agonist 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MeSA). Pretreatment of rat brain membranes with the irreversible antagonist 1-propyl-3-[3-[[4-(fluorosulfonyl)benzoyl]oxy]-propyl]-8-cyclopentylxanthine revealed no classical receptor reserve for either agonist. The functional significance of the G protein coupling state of the receptor and occupancy of G proteins by guanine nucleotides was assessed after partial uncoupling of receptor-G protein complexes with N-ethylmaleimide and in the presence of increasing GDP concentrations. Agonist EC(50) values in G protein activation were increased after NEM pretreatment and at higher GDP concentrations, and a decrease in the relative intrinsic activity of MeSA was observed. The shift of agonist concentration-response curves to the right, the decrease in maximal effects and the decrease in relative intrinsic activity of the partial agonist point to a functional reserve which has to be attributed to GDP-free receptor-G protein complexes. The mechanisms of action of FSCPX, NEM and GDP were fully consistent with the two-state model of receptor activation. The apparent reserve revealed by GDP reflects a shift from spontaneously active GDP-free receptor-G protein complexes (RG)(*), which can bind [35S]GTPgammaS, to (RG) occupied by GDP. The abundance of (RG)(*) is favored by agonists and by the absence of GDP.     

In vivo formation of N7-guanine DNA adduct by safrole 2',3'-oxide in mice

Safrole, a naturally occurring product derived from spices and herbs, has been shown to be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in rodents. Safrole 2',3'-oxide (SFO), an electrophilic metabolite of safrole, was shown to react with DNA bases to form detectable DNA adducts in vitro, but not detected in vivo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the formation of N7-(3-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-2-hydroxypropyl)guanine (N7γ-SFO-Gua) resulting from the reaction of SFO with the most nucleophilic site of guanine in vitro and in vivo with a newly developed isotope-dilution high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method. N7γ-SFO-Gua and [(15)N(5)]-N7-(3-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-2-hydroxypropyl)guanine ([(15)N(5)]-N7γ-SFO-Gua) were first synthesized, purified, and characterized. The HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was developed to measure N7γ-SFO-Gua in calf thymus DNA treated with 60μmol of SFO for 72h and in urine samples of mice treated with a single dose of SFO (30mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). In calf thymus DNA, the level of N7γ-SFO-Gua was 2670 adducts per 10(6)nucleotides. In urine of SFO-treated mice, the levels of N7γ-SFO-Gua were 1.02±0.14ng/mg creatinine (n=4) on day 1, 0.73±0.68ng/mg creatinine (n=4) on day 2, and below the limit of quantitation on day 3. These results suggest that SFO can cause in vivo formation of N7γ-SFO-Gua, which may then be rapidly depurinated from the DNA backbone and excreted through urine.     

2-Substituted adenosine derivatives: affinity and efficacy at four subtypes of human adenosine receptors

The affinity and efficacy at four subtypes (A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3)) of human adenosine receptors (ARs) of a wide range of 2-substituted adenosine derivatives were evaluated using radioligand binding assays and a cyclic AMP functional assay in intact CHO cells stably expressing these receptors. Similar to previous studies of the N(6)-position, several 2-substituents were found to be critical structural determinants for the A(3)AR activation. The following adenosine 2-ethers were moderately potent partial agonists (K(i), nM): benzyl (117), 3-chlorobenzyl (72), 2-(3-chlorophenyl)ethyl (41), and 2-(2-naphthyl)ethyl (130). The following adenosine 2-ethers were A(3)AR antagonists: 2,2-diphenylethyl, 2-(2-norbornan)ethyl, R- and S-2-phenylbutyl, and 2-(2-chlorophenyl)ethyl. 2-(S-2-Phenylbutyloxy)adenosine as an A(3)AR antagonist right-shifted the concentration-response curve for the inhibition by NECA of cyclic AMP accumulation with a K(B) value of 212 nM, which is similar to its binding affinity (K(i) = 175 nM). These 2-substituted adenosine derivatives were generally less potent at the A(1)AR in comparison to the A(3)AR, but fully efficacious, with binding K(i) values over 100 nM. The 2-phenylethyl moiety resulted in higher A(3)AR affinity (K(i) in nM) when linked to the 2-position of adenosine through an ether group (54), than when linked through an amine (310) or thioether (1960). 2-[2-(l-Naphthyl)ethyloxy]adenosine (K(i) = 3.8 nM) was found to be the most potent and selective (>50-fold) A(2A) agonist in this series. Mixed A(2A)/A(3)AR agonists have been identified. Interestingly, although most of these compounds were extremely weak at the A(2B)AR, 2-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethyloxy]adenosine (EC(50) = 1.4 microM) and 2-[2-(2-thienyl)-ethyloxy]adenosine (EC(50) = 1.8 microM) were found to be relatively potent A(2B) agonists, although less potent than NECA (EC(50) = 140 nM).     

疟疾防治药物的研究——Ⅹ.2,4-二氨基-6-N1,N2-二取代肼基-喹唑啉类衍生物的合成及其抗疟作用

本文报道了2,4-二氨基-6-N¹,N²-二取代肼基-喹唑啉类衍生物的合成及其抗疟活性的研究。这类化合物的合成是以2,4-二氨基6-取代苄基氨基-喹唑啉为原料经亚硝化、还原成为2,4-二氨基6-(N¹-取代苄基)—肼基喹唑啉,再与相应的醛缩合而成。此类化合物经伯氏鼠疟原虫抑制性治疗初筛表明有少数具有一定的效果。有11个化合物经约氏鼠疟原虫—斯氏按蚊系统病因性初筛有效。其中化合物Ⅱ_1,7,8,11,15和Ⅲ₁口服2.5mg/kg,连续3天,可使受试小鼠全部得到保护。     

Effect of the selective thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, S-1452, on antigen-induced sustained bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Long-lasting bronchial hyperresponsiveness to i.v. acetylcholine was observed in actively sensitized guinea-pigs after aerosol ovalbium exposure. The response became significant at 7 h post-challenge and persisted for at least 120 h compared to the response of unsensitized animals. Pretreatment of animals with the specific thromboxane A₂ receptor antagonist, S-1452 (calcium (1R, 2S, 3S, 4S)-(5Z)-7-(((phenylsulfonyl)amino)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl) hept-5-enoate dihydrate), almost completely inhibited the onset of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as assessed at 24 and 120 h post-challenge. However, it was ineffective when administered at 1 h post-challenge or 2 h before assessment of bronchial responsiveness. Lung vascular injury occured transiently immediately after antigen challenge, the kinetics of injury being associated with those for the production of thromboxane B₂ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The vascular injury was dramatically suppressed by pretreatment with S-1452. These findings suggest that acutely generated thromboxane A₂ plays an important role in the pathogenesis of antigen-induced long-lasting bronchial hyperresponsiveness, probably by producing vascular damage in the lungs.