Impact of aromatic substitution on the anticonvulsant activity of new N-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-alkyl-2-azaspiro[4,5]decane-1,3-dione derivatives

A series of N-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-alkyl]-2-azaspiro[4.5]decane-1,3-dione derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant and neurotoxic properties. The main modifications to that series of compounds consisted in the introduction of an aromatic area to the cyclohexane ring as a flexible fragment with conformational freedom (1a-h), or as a rigidified skeleton (2a-h). Except for N-[3-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)-propyl]-8-phenyl-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decane-1,3-dione derivative (1e), all the other compounds displayed anticonvulsant activity in the MES test, but some of them (1c, 2f and 2g) were found to be neurotoxic at a dose of 30 mg/kg, irrespective of their activity. The most potent and relatively weakly neurotoxic analogues of that series, i.e. N-[2-{4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-ethyl]-[7,8-f]benzo-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decane-1,3-dione (2c) and N-[3-{4-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl}-propyl]-[7,8-f] benzo-2-aza-spiro[4.5]decane-1,3-dione (2h) had ED50 values of 205 mg/kg (2c) and 23 mg/kg (2h) respectively, in the MES-test in mice, and showed higher protection than magnesium valproate (ED50 = 211 mg/kg), used as a standard substance.     

Synthesis and evaluation of antioxidant properties of novel 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl) benzimidazole-1-yl]-N-(2-arylmethylene amino) acetamides and 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl) benzimidazole-1-yl]-N-(4-oxo-2-aryl-thiazolidine-3-yl) acetamides-I

Our approach was to synthesize and examine the antioxidant properties of some new 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzimidazole-1-yl]-N-(2-arylmethyleneamino) acetamide (1-18) and 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)benzimidazole-1-yl]-N-(4-oxo-2-aryl-thiazolidine-3-yl)acetamide (1t-18t) derivatives. Their in vitro effects on rat liver microsomal NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation levels (LP assay) and microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities (EROD assay) were determined. The free radical scavenging properties of the compounds were also examined in vitro determining the interaction of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The compounds showed significant effects in the above tests.     

Synthesis, anti-inflammatory and analgesic evaluation of thioxoquinazolinone derivatives

A series of 3-substituted-2-thioxoquinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives have been synthesized and their structures have been elucidated on the basis of IR, (1)H-NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectroscopic studies. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated by Carrageenan induced rat paw edema method and Eddy's hot plate method respectively. Among the synthesized compounds N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(4-oxo-3-phenyl-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-1(2H)methyl)acetamide (PTQ01) showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity. N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-N-(3-(naphthalen-2yl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-1(2H)-yl)methyl)acetamide (NTQ02), N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-N-((3-naphthalen-2-yl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydorquinazolin-1(2H)-ylmethyl)acetamide (NTQ01), N-((3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydoquinazolin-1(2H)-yl)methyl)-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide (ETQ01) N-(3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2thioxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-1(2H)-ylmethyl)-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide (ETQ04), N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-N-((4-oxo-3-phenyl-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydoquinazolin-1(2H)-yl)methyl)acetamide (PTQ02) and N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-N-(3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydoquinazolin-1(2H)-yl)methyl)acetamide (ETQ02) at a dose of 20 mg/kg exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity compared to that of standard drug diclofenac sodium. The compound 2-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)(3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-1-2H)-1ylmethylamino)benzoic acid PTQ03 and sodium 2-(2-((2,6-dichlrophenyl)(3-(4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-1(2H)-yl)methyl)amino)phenylacetate (PTQ04) showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds PTQ01, PTQ02, PTQ04, ETQ01 and ETQ02 showed significant analgesic activity compared with that of standard drug pentazocin.     

Synthesis, anticonvulsant properties and 5-HT1A/5-HT2A receptor affinity of new N-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-propyl]-2-aza-spiro[4.4]nonane and [4.5]decane-1,3-dione derivatives

A series of twenty new N-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-propyl]-2-aza-spiro[4.4]nonane- and [4.5]decane-1,3-dione derivatives were synthesized and their anticonvulsant activity was evaluated in maximal electroshock (MES) and sc pentertazole (sc PTZ) tests. Their neurotoxicity was examined as well. Although no antiseizure properties of the investigated compounds were found in the MES model, eight of them were active in the sc PTZ test and three, namely 2-{3-[4-(2-fluorophenyl)-piperazin-1yl]-propyl}-2-aza-spiro[4.4]nonane-1,3-dione (7), 2-{3-[4-(2-fluorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-propyl}-7-methyl-2-aza-spiro[4.5]-decane-1,3- dione (22) and 2-{3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-propyl}-7-methyl-2-aza-spiro[4.5]-decane-1,3-dione (23) were classified to the Anticonvulsant Screening Program (ASP) 1 class. In addition, since the investigated compounds belong to a class of long-chain arylpiperazines, their serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor affinity was determined. All the 2-OCH3 and 3-Cl derivatives were the most potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands (Ki = 24-143 and 70-107 nM, respectively), whereas the highest 5-HT2A affinity was observed for the unsubstituted and 3-Cl derivatives (Ki = 8-66 nM). No correlation between anticonvulsant and serotonergic activity was observed.     

Synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of new N-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-methyl] derivatives of 3-aryl pyrrolidine-2,5-dione and 2-aza-spiro[4.4]nonane-1,3-dione

A series of N-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)-methyl] derivatives of 3-arylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione and 2-aza-spiro[4.4]nonane-1,3-dione were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity in the maximum electroshock seizure (MES) and metrazole seizure threshold (sc.MET) tests. The most potent in the series were N-[[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methyl]-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (ED50=14.18 mg/kg) and N-[[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-methyl]-3-(3-bromophenyl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (ED50=33.64 mg/kg). Structures of the novel compounds were confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses.     

SP-8203 shows neuroprotective effects and improves cognitive impairment in ischemic brain injury through NMDA receptor

The extracts of earth worms, Eisenia andrei, have been used as a therapeutic agent for stroke in the traditional medicine. It is also reported that the protease fraction separated from the extracts has strong anti-thrombotic activity. Besides anti-thrombotic actions, we found that SP-8203, N-[3-(2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-yl)propyl]-N-{4-[3-(2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-yl)propylamino]butyl}acetamide, derived from the extracts of earth worms blocked N-methyl-_D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in a competitive manner. The neuroprotective effects of SP-8203 were attributable to prevention of Ca²⁺ influx through NMDA receptors. The systemic administration of SP-8203 markedly reduced neuronal death following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. SP-8203 significantly improved spatial learning and memory in the water maze test. These results provided strong pharmacological basis for its potential therapeutic roles in cerebral ischemia.     

The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55212-2 inhibits neurogenic inflammations in airway tissues

We examined the effects of a cannabinoid receptor agonist, (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(4-merpholino)methyl]pyrrolo-[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl)methanone (WIN 55212-2), on various respiratory reactions induced by the activation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent sensory nerves (C-fibers). WIN 55212-2 significantly inhibited capsaicin-induced guinea pig bronchoconstriction, but not the neurokinin A-induced reaction. Intravenous injection of WIN 55212-2 also blocked cigarette smoke-induced rat tracheal plasma extravasation. However, substance P-induced rat tracheal plasma extravasation was not affected by the administration of WIN 55212-2. A cannabinoid CB(2) receptor antagonist, {N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1] heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide} (SR 144528) reduced the inhibitory effects of WIN 55212-2, but not a cannabinoid CB(1) antagonist, [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride] (SR 141716A). A Maxi-K(+) channel opener, 1-(2'-hydroxy-5'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2(3H)benzimidazolone (NS 1619), specifically inhibited capsaicin-induced guinea pig bronchoconstriction and cigarette smoke-induced rat tracheal plasma extravasation. These findings suggest that WIN 55212-2 inhibits the activation of C-fibers via cannabinoid CB(2) receptors and Maxi-K(+) channels and reduces airway neurogenic inflammatory reactions in vivo.     

Synthesis and anticancer activity of novel 2-amino-4-(4-phenylpiperazino)- 1,3,5-triazine derivatives

The synthesis and anticancer activity of novel 2-amino-4-(4-phenylpiperazino)-1,3,5-triazine derivatives 4a-b and 5a-f are described. Compounds 4a, 5a,c and 5f were evaluated by in vitro assays of growth inhibition against several human tumor cell lines. The vitro cytotoxic activity was found for 2-{2-amino-4-[4-(2-chlorophenyl)piperazino]- 1,3,5-triazin-6-yl}-3-(4-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile (5f) (IC50 = 0.45 microM - 1.66 microM), whilst other tested compounds were inactive. Some of the molecular orbital calculations for the tested derivatives were also presented.     

Impurity profile study of zaleplon

Zaleplon is a pyrazolopyrimidine derivative and possesses sedative and hypnotic properties. Seven unknown impurities in zaleplon bulk drug at levels below 0.1% were detected by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The starting material, 3-amino-4-cyanopyrazole and an intermediate, N-[3-[3-(dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-propenyl]-phenyl]-N-ethylacetamide (DOPEA) were also present in the sample at a level below 0.1%. The molecular weights of impurities were determined by LC-MS analysis. These impurities were isolated from crude samples of zaleplon using reverse-phase preparative HPLC. Based on the spectral data the structures of these impurities were characterized as, N-(3-(3-(4-amino-2H-pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidin-6-yl) pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl)-N-ethylacetamide (impurity I); N-[3-(3-carboxamidopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-N-ethylacetamide (impurity II); N-[3-(3-cyanopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]acetamide (impurity III); N-[3-(3-cyanopyrazolo [1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-N-methylacetamide (impurity IV); N-[3-(3-cyanopyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-5-yl)phenyl]-N-ethylacetamide (impurity V); N-[3-(3-cyanopyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-N-ethylamine (impurity VI); N-[3-(3-cyano-6-[(E)-3-((N-ethyl-N-acetyl)amino)phenyl-3-oxoprop-1-enyl] pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl) phenyl]-N-ethylacetamide (impurity VII). Structural elucidation of all impurities by spectral data ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MS and IR) and formation of these impurities are discussed in detail.     

Structure-affinity relationship study on N-[4-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)butyl]arylcarboxamides as potent and selective dopamine D(3) receptor ligands

The benzamide PB12 (N-[2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-3-methoxybenzamide) (1), already reported as potent and selective dopamine D(4) receptor ligand, has been modified searching for structural features that could lead to D(3) receptor affinity. Changes in the aromatic ring linked to N-1 piperazine ring led to the identification of 2-methoxyphenyl and 2,3-dichlorophenyl derivatives (compounds 6 and 13) displaying moderate D(3) affinity (K(i) = 145 and 31 nM, respectively). Intermediate alkyl chain elongation in compounds 1, 6, and 13 improved binding affinity for the D(3) receptor and decreased the D(4) affinity (compounds 18-26). Among these latter compounds, the N-[4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl]-3-methoxybenzamide (19) was further modified with the replacement or of the 2,3-dichlorophenyl moiety (compounds 27-30) or of the 3-methoxyphenyl ring (compounds 31-41). In this way, we identified several high-affinity D(3) ligands (0.13 nM < K(i)'s < 4.97 nM) endowed with high selectivity over D(2), D(4), 5-HT(1A), and alpha(1) receptors. In addition, N-[4-[4-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl]-3-methoxybenzamide (27) and N-[4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butyl]-7-methoxy-2-benzofurancarboxamide (41) appear to be valuable candidates for positron emission tomography (PET) because of their affinity values, lipophilicity properties, and liability of (11)C labeling in the O-methyl position.     

Novel benzimidazoles with potential antimicrobial and antineoplastic activities

The synthesis of some substituted 4-[1-(1-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) alkylamino]-1,5-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-ones and 3-[1-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)alkyl]-2-substituted-4(3H)-quinazolinon es is described. Five compounds displayed in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. Three of these compounds were tested against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice and were inactive.     

Potent dual thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors: classical and nonclassical 2-amino-4-oxo-5-arylthio-substituted-6-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine antifolates

N-{4-[(2-Amino-6-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrothieno[2,3- d]pyrimidin-5-yl)sulfanyl]benzoyl}-L-glutamic acid (4) and nine nonclassical analogues 5-13 were synthesized as potential dual thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibitors. The key intermediate in the synthesis was 2-amino-6-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3 H)-one (16), which was converted to the 5-bromo-substituted compound 17 followed by an Ullmann reaction to afford 5-13. The classical analogue 4 was synthesized by coupling the benzoic acid derivative 19 with diethyl L-glutamate and saponification. Compound 4 is the most potent dual inhibitor of human TS (IC 50 = 40 nM) and human DHFR (IC 50 = 20 nM) known to date. The nonclassical analogues 5- 13 were moderately potent against human TS with IC 50 values ranging from 0.11 to 4.6 microM. The 4-nitrophenyl analogue 7 was the most potent compound in the nonclassical series, demonstrating potent dual inhibitory activities against human TS and DHFR. This study indicated that the 5-substituted 2-amino-4-oxo-6-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold is highly conducive to dual human TS-DHFR inhibitory activity.     

Stereochemical analogs of a muscarinic, ganglionic stimulant. 3. 2,3-Substituted bicyclo(2.2.1)hept-5-enes and -heptanes related to 4-(N-(3-chlorophenyl)carbamoyloxy)-2-butynyltrimethylammonium chloride (McN-A-343).

Preparation of analogs of 4-[N-(3-chlorophenyl)carbamoyloxy]-2-butynyltrimethylammonium chloride (1, McN-A-343), the isomeric 2-trimethylammoniomethyl-3-[N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyloxymethyl]bicyclo [2.2.1]hept-5-ene iodides (10-13), and the corresponding -bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane iodides (14-17) are reported. None of the compounds demonstrated ganglion-stimulating activity similar to 1 or antagonized the effects of 1.     

GABAA receptor pharmacology of fluorinated derivatives of the novel sedative-hypnotic pyrazolopyrimidine indiplon

The function of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA(A) receptors) is enhanced by various clinically important drugs including benzodiazepines that act on an allosteric site formed at the interface between the alpha and gamma subunits. In contrast to classical benzodiazepines, the novel pyrazolopyrimidine indiplon (N-methyl-N-{3-[7-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-1,5,9-triazabicyclo[4.3.0]nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-2-yl]phenyl}acetamide; N-methyl-N-{3-[3-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-yl]phenyl}-acetamide) demonstrates relative binding selectivity for the alpha1 subunit containing receptor subtypes, which are the most frequently expressed in the mammalian central nervous system. To investigate the pharmacological properties at GABA(A) receptors and to promote the development of alpha1 subunit selective radiotracers for positron emission tomography imaging, we have started with the evaluation of various fluorinated indiplon derivatives. Binding affinities were determined in homogenates from newborn and adult rats suggesting an alpha1 preference of the reference compounds indiplon, zaleplon as well as for all newly synthesized indiplon derivatives. In homogenated cerebellar tissue obtained from adult rat brain, known to primarily express alpha1 containing GABA(A) receptors, the high affinity of the basic indiplon structure was only slightly affected by an elongation of the alkyl substituent of the amide N from methyl (indiplon; K(i) 3.1 nM) via ethyl (2a, N-(2-fluoro-ethyl)-N-{3-[3-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-yl]phenyl}-acetamide; K(i) 5.4 nM) to propyl (2b, N-(3-fluoro-propyl)-N-{3-[3-(thiophene-2-carbonyl)-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-yl]phenyl}-acetamide; K(i) 2.4 nM). Whole cell patch-clamp recordings at neuronal and recombinant GABA(A) receptors indicated that the fluorinated derivatives 2a and 2b have a high potency at alpha1beta3gamma2L isoforms comparable to indiplon (EC(50): 105, 158, and 81 nM, respectively), with 2b displaying the most pronounced efficacy at alpha3beta3gamma2L subtypes. In conclusion, the affinity profiles and functional properties of the newly synthesised fluorinated indiplon derivatives make compounds 2a and 2b suitable for the development of [(18)F]-labelled ligands at GABA(A) receptors containing the alpha1 subunit.     

Proton activation does not alter antagonist interaction with the capsaicin-binding pocket of TRPV1

Vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) is activated by chemical ligands (e.g., capsaicin and protons) and heat. In this study, we show that (2E)-3-[2-piperidin-1-yl-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl]-N-quinolin-7-ylacrylamide (AMG6880), 5-chloro-6-[(3R)-3-methyl-4-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-4-(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]piperazin-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl)methanol (AMG7472), and N-(4-tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)tetrahydropyrazine-1(2H)-carboxamide (BCTC) are potent antagonists of rat TRPV1 activation by either capsaicin or protons (pH 5) (defined here as group A antagonists), whereas (2E)-3-(6-tert-butyl-2-methylpyridin-3-yl)-N-(1H-indol-6-yl)acrylamide (AMG0610), capsazepine, and (2E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)acrylamide (SB-366791) are antagonists of capsaicin, but not proton, activation (defined here as group B antagonists). By using capsaicin-sensitive and insensitive rabbit TRPV1 channels, we show that antagonists require the same critical molecular determinants located in the transmembrane domain 3/4 region to block both capsaicin and proton activation, suggesting the presence of a single binding pocket. To determine whether the differential pharmacology is a result of proton activation-induced conformational changes in the capsaicin-binding pocket that alter group B antagonist affinities, we have developed a functional antagonist competition assay. We hypothesized that if group B antagonists bind at the same or an overlapping binding pocket of TRPV1 as group A antagonists, and proton activation does not alter the binding pocket, then group B antagonists should compete with and prevent group A antagonism of TRPV1 activation by protons. Indeed, we found that each of the group B antagonists competed with and prevented BCTC, AMG6880 or AMG7472 antagonism of rat TRPV1 activation by protons with pA2 values similar to those for blocking capsaicin, indicating that proton activation does not alter the conformation of the TRPV1 capsaicin-binding pocket. In conclusion, group A antagonists seem to lock the channel conformation in the closed state, blocking both capsaicin and proton activation.     

Molecular interaction of a potent nonpeptide agonist with the chemokine receptor CCR8

Most nonpeptide antagonists for CC-chemokine receptors share a common pharmacophore with a centrally located, positively charged amine that interacts with the highly conserved glutamic acid (Glu) located in position 6 of transmembrane helix VII (VII:06). We present a novel CCR8 nonpeptide agonist, 8-[3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)benzyl]-1-phenethyl-1,3,8-triaza-spiro[4.5]decan-4-one (LMD-009), that also contains a centrally located, positively charged amine. LMD-009 selectively stimulated CCR8 among the 20 identified human chemokine receptors. It mediated chemotaxis, inositol phosphate accumulation, and calcium release with high potencies (EC50 from 11 to 87 nM) and with efficacies similar to that of the endogenous agonist CCL1, and it competed for 125I-CCL1 binding with an affinity of 66 nM. A series of 29 mutations targeting 25 amino acids broadly distributed in the minor and major ligand-binding pockets of CCR8 uncovered that the binding of LMD-009 and of four analogs [2-(1-(3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)benzyl)-4-hydroxypiperidin-4-yl)benzoic acid (LMD-584), N-ethyl-2-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide (LMD-902), N-(1-(3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)benzyl)piperidin-4-yl)-2-phenyl-4-(pyrrolidin-1yl)butanamide (LMD-268), and N-(1-(3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)benzyl)piperidin-4-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-oxoquinoline-4-carboxamide (LMD-174)] included several key-residues for nonpeptide antagonists targeting CCR1, -2, and -5. It is noteworthy that a decrease in potency of nearly 1000-fold was observed for all five compounds for the Ala substitution of the anchor-point GluVII:06 (Glu(286)) and a gain-of-function of 19-fold was observed for LMD-009 (but not the four other analogs) for the Ala substitution of PheVI:16 (Phe(254)). These structural hallmarks were particularly important in the generation of a model of the molecular mechanism of action for LMD-009. In conclusion, we present the first molecular mapping of the interaction of a nonpeptide agonist with a chemokine receptor and show that the binding pocket of LMD-009 and of analogs overlaps considerably with the binding pockets of CC-chemokine receptor nonpeptide antagonists in general.     

The stimulation of beta(3)-adrenoceptor causes phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 through a G(s)- but not G(i)-dependent pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with three beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists, (+/-)-(R*, R*)-(4-[2-([2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino)propyl]phenoxy)ac etic acid (BRL37344), 4-[3-[(1, 1-dimethylethyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-1, 3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (CGP12177) and [(7S)7-?(2R)2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl-amino?-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydronapht-2-yl]ethyl oxyacetate, hydrochloride (SR58611) induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The phosphorylations were not affected by pretreatment of the adipocytes with pertussis toxin, whereas the same treatment completely abolished lisophosphatidic acid-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, suggesting the role of pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein in the ERK1/2 phosphorylation by stimulation with the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was mimicked by treating the adipocytes with cholera toxin, a direct activator of stimulatory G (G(s)) protein. In addition, the ERK1/2 phosphorylations by the beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists were completely diminished by long-term treatment of the adipocytes with cholera toxin (100 ng/ml, 24 h), whereas that obtained with lisophosphatidic acid stimulation was not. Our findings strongly suggest that the three beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through a G(s) protein-dependent cascade.     

Synthesis of 2-(4-substitutedbenzyl-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl)-n-(1-methyl-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinolin-7-yl)acetamides as inotropic agents

In an attempt to search for more potent positive inotropic agents, a series of N-(4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinolin-7-yl)-2-(substitutedbenzyl-[1,4]diazepan-1-yl)acetamides were synthesized and evaluated for positive inotropic activity by measuring left atrium stroke volume in isolated rabbit heart preparations. Some of these derivatives exhibited favorable activity compared with the standard drug, milrinone, among which 2-(4-(4-methylbenzyl)-[1,4]-diazepan-1-yl)-N-(4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinolin-7-yl)acetamide (6m) was the most potent, increasing stroke volume by 8.38±0.16% (milrinone 2.45± 0.06%) at 3 x 10(-5) m. The chronotropic effects of those compounds having inotropic effects were also evaluated in this work.     

Synthesis of new 1,2,4-triazoles as anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive agents

A series of fifteen new substituted 1,2,4-triazoles (6a – 6o) have been synthesized in order to obtain new agents with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity. The title compounds were synthesized using 4-methylbenzoic acid as a starting reactant. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³ C NMR, FAB⁺ − MS) and elemental analysis (nitrogen analysis). The title compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by the carrageenan induced paw edema method, and some compounds were evaluated for anti-nociceptive activity by the hot plate method and tail immersion method. Compounds N-[3-mercapto-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]-2-piperidin-1-ylacetamide (6f), 2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-[3-mercapto-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]acetamide (6i) and N-[3-mercapto-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]-2-morpholin-4-ylacetamide (6 k) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity compared to other synthesized compounds, and N-[3-mercapto-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]-2-morpholin-4-ylacetamide (6 k) exhibited superior anti-nociceptive activity.     

沙蓬化学成分的分离与鉴定(Ⅱ)

目的对沙蓬地上部分体积分数70%乙醇提取物的水层和乙酸乙酯层萃取物的化学成分进行研究。方法采用反复硅胶柱色谱、ODS柱色谱、Sephadex LH-20柱色谱和半微量制备高效液相色谱分离纯化,根据ESI-MS、EI-MS、1H-NMR和13C-NMR谱学数据进行结构鉴定。结果从体积分数为70%乙醇提取物中分离得到9个单体化合物,分别鉴定为生物碱类化合物N-(4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)acetamide(1)、N-(4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-phenyl)formamide(2)、扑热息痛[p-(acetylamino)phenol,3]、N-(3-chloro-4-hydroxylphenyl)acetamide(4)、N-(2,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide(5)和N-(2,3,5-trichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide(6),2个异黄酮类化合物aya-menin A(7)和irisone B(8),1个酚苷类化合物水扬苷(salicin,9)。结论化合物2为新化合物,化合物1为新天然产物,化合物4～6为扑热息痛(3)的3种新光解产物,化合物7、8为首次从藜科植物中分离得到,化合物9为首次从沙蓬属植物中分离得到。