(Phenylmethoxy)phenyl derivatives of omega-oxo- and omega-tetrazolylalkanoic acids and related tetrazoles. Synthesis and evaluation as leukotriene D4 receptor antagonists.

Two series of (phenylmethoxy)phenyl compounds derived from the structure of LY163443 were synthesized and evaluated as leukotriene D4 receptor antagonists. In the omega-[(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]-omega-oxoalkanoic acid series, 5-[4-[(4-acetyl-2-ethyl-3-hydroxyphenyl)methoxy]phenyl]-3,3-dimethyl-5- oxopentanoic acid (8) was the most potent antagonist of LTD4-induced contractions of guinea pig ileum (pKB of 7.60) and LTD4 pressor response in pithed rats (ED50 of 1.4 mg/kg iv). Replacing the carboxylic acid function with 5-tetrazole gave slightly more potent compounds. In the omega-[5-[[(phenylmethoxy)phenyl]alkyl] tetrazolyl]alkanoic acid series, replacing the carboxylic acid with 5-tetrazole gave compounds that were equally effective in the guinea pig ileum but more potent in vivo against the LTD4 pressor response in rat. The pKB value in the guinea pig ileum for 1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4- [[4-[[2-[3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)propyl]-2H-tetrazol-5-yl]methyl ] phenoxy]methyl]phenyl]ethanone (25) was 7.87 and the ED50 for antagonism of the LTD4 pressor response was 4.0 mg/kg iv. The sodium salts of 8 (9) and 25 (26) given by the iv route of administration antagonized LTD4-induced cardiovascular alterations in anesthetized rat and LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pig in a dose-dependent manner. Oral activity was also demonstrated against the LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pig.     

Phenylephrine derivatives as leukotriene D4 antagonists

Two series of phenylephrine derivatives were prepared and tested as inhibitors of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) induced and ovalbumin-induced bronchospasm in the guinea pig. The most potent compound of the urea series, (R)-N,N-diethyl-N-[2-hydroxy-2-[3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl]ethyl]-N- methylurea (3, Wy-47,120), was orally active with ED50's of 56 mg/kg vs. LTD4 and 55 mg/kg vs. ovalbumin. When tested as an antagonist of LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig tracheal strips, 3 was a competitive inhibitor with a p kappa B value of 5.22. In the second series, (R)-3-methyl-5-[3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl]-2-oxazolidinone (26, Wy-47,674) had oral ED50's of 36 mg/kg against LTD4 and 95 mg/kg against ovalbumin. Compound 26 selectively antagonized contractile responses of guinea pig trachea evoked by LTD4 (p kappa B = 6.09). In the cat coronary artery, 3 dilated the preparation and blocked the coronary constrictor effect of LTD4. Compound 3 (0.13 mg/kg, iv) also preserved myocardial integrity in rats 48 h after coronary artery ligation. When tested in the rat alcohol-induced gastric lesion model, 3 and 26 manifested a dose-dependent mucosal protection against ethanol.     

N-[(arylmethoxy)phenyl] carboxylic acids, hydroxamic acids, tetrazoles, and sulfonyl carboxamides. Potent orally active leukotriene D4 antagonists of novel structure

Four series of N-[(arylmethoxy)phenyl] compounds were prepared as leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonists. In the hydroxamic acid series, methyl 3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)benzeneacetohydroxamate (Wy-48,422, 20) was the most potent inhibitor of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction with an oral ED50 of 7.9 mg/kg. Compound 20 also orally inhibited ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig with an ED50 of 3.6 mg/kg. In vitro, against LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig trachea pretreated with indomethacin and 1-cysteine, 20 produced a pKB value of 6.08. In the sulfonyl carboxamide series, N-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzamide (Wy-49,353, 30) was the most potent antagonist. Compound 30 orally inhibited both LTD4- and ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction with ED50s of 0.4 and 20.2 mg/kg, respectively. In vitro, against LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig trachea, 30 produced a pKB value of 7.78. In the carboxylic acid series, which served as intermediates for the above two series, 3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)benzeneacetic acid (Wy-46,016, 5) was the most potent inhibitor of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction (99% at 25 mg/kg, intraduodenally); however, the pKB for this compound was disappointing (5.79). In the tetrazole series, the most potent inhibitor was 2-[[3-(1H-tetrazol-5-ylmethyl)phenoxy]methyl]quinoline (Wy-49,451, 41). The respective inhibitory ED50s were 3.0 mg/kg versus LTD4 and 17.5 mg/kg versus ovalbumin. In the isolated guinea pig trachea, 41 produced a pKB value of 6.70.     

Development of a novel series of styrylquinoline compounds as high-affinity leukotriene D4 receptor antagonists: synthetic and structure-activity studies leading to the discovery of (+-)-3-[[[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)-(E)-ethenyl]phenyl][[3- (dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl]thio]methyl]thio]propionic acid.

Based on LTD4 receptor antagonist activity of 3-(2-quinolinyl-(E)-ethenyl)pyridine (2) found in broad screening, structure-activity studies were carried out which led to the identification of 3-[[[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)-(E)-ethenyl]phenyl][[3- (dimethylamino)-3-oxopropyl]thio]methyl]thio]propionic acid (1, MK-571) as a potent and orally active LTD4 receptor antagonist. These studies demonstrated that a phenyl ring could replace the pyridine in 2 without loss of activity, that 7-halogen substitution in the quinoline group was optimal for binding, that the (E)-ethenyl linkage was optimal, that binding was enhanced by incorporation of a polar acidic group or groups in the 3-position of the aryl ring, and that two acidic groups could be incorporated via a dithioacetal formed from thiopropionic acid and the corresponding styrylquinoline 3-aldehyde to yield compounds such as 20 (IC50 = 3 nM vs [3H]LTD4 binding to the guinea pig lung membrane). It was found that one of the acidic groups could be transformed into a variety of the amides without loss of potency and that the dimethylamide 1 embodied the optimal properties of intrinsic potency (IC50 = 0.8 nM on guinea pig lung LTD4 receptor) and oral in vivo potency in the guinea pig, hyperreactive rat, and squirrel monkey. The evolution of 2 to 1 involves the increase of > 6000-fold in competition for [3H]LTD4 binding to guinea pig lung membrane and a > 40-fold increase in oral activity as measured by inhibition of antigen-induced dyspnea in hyperreactive rats.     

Development of a novel series of (2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl-containing compounds as high-affinity leukotriene receptor antagonists. 1. Initial structure-activity relationships

This series of reports describes the development of orally active, highly potent, specific antagonists of the peptidoleukotrienes containing a (2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl moiety. Described in this first report are the structure-activity relationships that led to a more than a 20-fold improvement of the potency and selectivity of the initial chemical lead (RG 5901). From this series of compounds, RG 7152 (16) was identified and selected for further evaluation in the clinic as an antiasthmatic agent. Compound 16 competitively inhibits [3H]LTD4 binding to membranes from guinea pig lung (Ki = 38 +/- 6 nM) and the spasmogenic activity of LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 in parenchymal lung strips from guinea pigs. Unlike the original lead (RG 5901), compound 16 does not inhibit 5-lipoxygenase from guinea pig PMNs. Following oral administration to guinea pigs, 16 blocks LTD4-induced dermal permeability (ED50 = 6.9 mg/kg), LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction (ED50 = 1.1 mg/kg), antigen-induced bronchoconstriction (ED50 = 2.5 mg/kg), and anaphylactic-induced mortality (ED50 = 16 mg/kg). These studies on structure-activity relationships indicate that there is a requirement for an acidic function and the presence of the (2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl moiety in a specific geometric arrangement.     

Synthesis of [[(naphthalenylmethoxy)- and [[(quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl]amino]oxoalkanoic acid esters. A novel series of leukotriene D4 antagonists and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors

A series of novel [[(naphthalenylmethoxy)- and [[(quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl]amino]oxoalkanoic acid esters have been prepared. These compounds were tested as inhibitors of rat polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) 5-lipoxygenase (LO) in vitro and as inhibitors of ovalbumin (OA) and leukotriene D4 (LTD4) induced bronchospasm in the guinea pig (GP) in vivo. Many naphthalenyl compounds were potent inhibitors of 5-LO, and several quinolinyl compounds were potent inhibitors of LTD4-mediated bronchospasms in the GP. The most potent naphthalenyl compound, 4-[[3-(2-naphthalenylmethoxy)phenyl]hydroxyamino]-4-oxobutanoic acid, methyl ester (6v), had an IC50 of 0.6 microM in the 5-LO assay. The most potent compound in vivo, 4-[[3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl]hydroxyamino]-4-oxobutanoic acid, methyl ester (6e), had ED50's of 3.3 mg/kg and 27.4 mg/kg (intraduodenally) against LTD4- and OA-induced bronchospasm, respectively. When tested as an antagonist of LTD4-induced contraction of isolated GP tracheal spiral strips, 6e was shown to be a competitive inhibitor with a pKB value of 5.33.     

The effect of RG 12525 on leukotriene D4-mediated pulmonary responses in guinea pigs

RG 12525 (5-(2-[4-quinolin-2-yl)methoxyl] phenoxymethyl)benzyl tetrazole) is under investigation as a specific inhibitor of leukotriene D4 (LTD4). The present studies examine the effect of orally administered RG 12525 on LTD4 mediated pulmonary responses in three separate guinea pig models. The compound inhibited antigen-induced mortality in the systemic anaphylaxis model with an ED50 (95% confidence interval) = 2.2 (0.8-6.4) mg/kg. In this model, the activity half-life of RG 12525 was shown to be 6.5 hours and the compound offered significant protection within 15 minutes of administration. RG 12525 also protected against LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in a model measuring changes in pulmonary function with an ED50 = 0.6 (0.4-1.0) mg/kg. The same level of activity was observed in a similar model which monitored changes in pulmonary function in response to exogenous antigen in actively-sensitized guinea pigs. Together, these data indicate that RG 12525 is a potent, orally active LTD4 antagonist which possesses the requisite profile for potential clinical development.     

Leukotriene (LT) receptor antagonists. Heterocycle-linked tetrazoles and carboxylic acids. LY203647

LY171883, 1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]phenyl] ethanone, is an orally active antagonist of LTD4- and LTE4-induced responses in a variety of test systems. We prepared a new series of LT antagonists based on a proposed model of LY171883 binding to the LTE4 receptor in which the n-propyl and tetrazole moieties of LY171883 occupy those parts of the receptor to which the C1-C5 chain and the cysteinyl carboxyl of LTE4 bind, respectively. The new compounds have an acidic function corresponding to the glycine carboxyl of LTD4 linked through a heterocyclic group which is proposed to bind to the LTD4 receptor where the cysteinyl glycine amide bond of LTD4 binds. LY203647, 1-[2-hydroxy-3-propyl-4-[4-[2-[4-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butyl]-2H- tetrazol-5-yl]butoxy]phenyl] ethanone, showed good LTD4 antagonist activity with a suitable pharmacologic and toxicologic profile and has been chosen for clinical evaluation.     

N-[(arylmethoxy)phenyl] and N-[(arylmethoxy)naphthyl] sulfonamides: potent orally active leukotriene D4 antagonists of novel structure

Two series of compounds, N-[(arylmethoxy)phenyl] sulfonamides and N-[(arylmethoxy)naphthyl] sulfonamides, were prepared as leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonists. In the phenyl series, N-[3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)phenyl]-trifluoromethanesulfonamide (Wy-48,252, 16) was the most potent inhibitor of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. With an intragastric ID50 of 0.1 mg/kg (2-h pretreatment), 16 was 300 times more potent than LY-171,883. Compound 16 also intragastrically inhibited ovalbumin-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig with an ID50 of 0.6 mg/kg. In vitro against LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig trachea pretreated with indomethacin and L-cysteine, 16 produced a pKB value of 7.7. In the rat PMN assay 16 inhibited both 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase (IC50's = 4.6 and 3.3 microM). In the naphthyl series, N-[7-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-2-naphthyl]trifluoromethanesulfonamide (Wy-48,090, 47) in addition to potent LTD4 antagonist activity (on isolated guinea pig trachea 47 had a pKB value of 7.04) also had antiinflammatory activity (63% inhibition at 50 mg/kg in the rat carrageenan paw edema assay and 34% inhibition of TPA-induced inflammation at 1 mg/ear in the mouse ear edema model). Perhaps the antiinflammatory activity of 47 was due to its additional activity of inhibiting both 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes (IC50's = 0.23 and 11.9 microM, respectively, in rat PMN).     

SKF 104353, a high affinity antagonist for human and guinea pig lung leukotriene D4 receptor, blocked phosphatidylinositol metabolism and thromboxane synthesis induced by leukotriene D4

SKF 104353 (2(S)-hydroxyl-3(R)-carboxyethylthio)-3-[2-(8-phenyloctyl) phenyl] propanoic acid) is a synthetic structural analog of leukotrienes D4 and E4 (LTD4, LTE4). This compound binds to guinea pig and human lung LTD4 receptors with affinities (Ki) of 5 +/- 2 and 10 +/- 3 nM, respectively. The Ki values of a reference compound, FPL 55712, were 2200 and 4500 nM, respectively, approximately 400- and 500-fold less effective than SKF 104353. LTD4- and LTE4-induced biosynthesis of thromboxane B2 has been shown to be mediated by LTD4 receptors in guinea pig lung in vitro. SKF 104353 did not induce synthesis of TxB2 in this system at concentrations of 1-20 microM. When SKF 104353 and increasing concentrations of LTD4 were incubated with guinea pig lung, the dose response curve of LTD4-induced TxB2 biosynthesis was shifted to the right with a -log[KB] = 8.4 +/- 0.2. LTD4-induced phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis in guinea pig lung has been shown to be the major signal transduction mechanism. In this system, SKF 104353 (1-20 microM) did not promote PI hydrolysis. Pretreatment of the [3H]myo-inositol-labeled guinea pig lung with SKF 104353 shifted the LTD4-induced PI hydrolysis dose response curve to the right, indicating that SKF 104353 inhibited LTD4 receptor-mediated intracellular second messenger formation. These results demonstrate that SKF 104353 is a high affinity, specific LTD4 receptor antagonist. It inhibited LTD4-induced PI hydrolysis and TxB2 biosynthesis in guinea pig lung. SKF 104353 may prove to be an important research tool for research on the activities of leukotrienes and of value therapeutically in the treatment of leukotriene-mediated diseases.     

Evolution of a series of peptidoleukotriene antagonists: synthesis and structure/activity relationships of 1,3,5-substituted indoles and indazoles

1,3,5-Substituted indoles and indazoles have been studied as receptor antagonists of the peptidoleukotrienes. The best of these compounds generally had a methyl group at the N1 position, a [(cyclopentyloxy)carbonyl]amino or 2-cyclopentylacetamido or N'-cyclopentylureido group at the C-5 position, and an arylsulfonyl amide group as part of the acidic chain at the C-3 position of the ring. Such compounds had in vitro dissociation constants (KB) in the range 10(-9) - 10(-11) M on guinea pig trachea against LTE4 as agonist and inhibition constants (Ki) less than or equal to 10(-9) M on guinea pig parenchymal membranes against [3H]LTD4. A number of compounds were orally effective at doses less than or equal to 1 mg/kg in blocking LTD4-induced "dyspnea" in guinea pigs. Compound 45 [N-[4-[[5-[[(cyclopentyloxy)carbonyl]-amino]-1-methylindol-3- yl]methyl]-3-methoxybenzoyl]-2-methylbenzenesulfonamide, ICI 204,219; pKB = 9.67 +/- 0.13, Ki = 0.3 +/- 0.03 nM, po ED50 = 0.3 mg/kg] is currently under clinical investigation for asthma. In the indole series, certain alkylsulfonyl amides possessing a 3-cyanobenzyl substituent at the N-1 position (60, 61) were produced that had KB less than or equal to 10(-9) M on guinea pig trachea.     

Optimization of the quinoline and substituted benzyl moieties of a series of phenyltetrazole leukotriene D4 receptor antagonists.

This report describes the development of a series of highly potent quinoline-based leukotriene D4 (LTD4) receptor antagonists containing an N-benzyl-substituted phenyltetrazole moiety. They were designed to provide both the correct positioning of the acidic function and secondary lipophilic domain required for strong receptor binding. Members of this series possess high activity in blocking LTD4-induced contractions of isolated guinea pig ileum. Compound 32, LY287192 (2-[[5-[3-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-2- yl)ethenyl]phenyl]-2H-tetrazol-2-yl]methyl]-5-fluorobenzoic acid sodium salt), blocked contraction with a pKB value of 9.1 +/- 0.3. Qualitative structure-activity studies have demonstrated specific requirements for the best activity. In particular, ortho substitution of the benzyl group with an acidic function was crucial for maximum potency. In cases similar to 32, where the benzyl group possesses an ortho carboxylate, the N-2-substituted tetrazole isomer showed 100-fold greater activity relative to the corresponding N-1 isomer. This pattern was reversed when the acid was substituted at the para position. The quinoline unit may be replaced by other nitrogen-containing heterocycles.     

Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of the 3-alkyl substituents among a series of hydroxy-acetophenone leukotriene antagonists

LY171883 is an orally active antagonist of leukotriene (LT) D4 and LTE4. A series of related compounds varying the position and nature of the alkyl side chain were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to block LTD4-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. Maximal activity was obtained with n-propyl, n-butyl, and n-pentyl substituents with slightly reduced activity for longer side chains. Polar groups on the side chain substantially reduced activity. Thus, it appears that the leukotriene receptor site requires a nonpolar alkyl group of moderate size at the 3-position on this type of receptor antagonist.     

omega-[(4,6-Diphenyl-2-pyridyl)oxy]alkanoic acid derivatives: a new family of potent and orally active LTB4 antagonists.

A series of omega-[(4,6-diphenyl-2-pyridyl)oxy]alkanoic acid derivatives was prepared which inhibited the binding of leukotriene B4 to its receptors on guinea pig spleen membranes and on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and selectively antagonized the LTB4-induced elastase release in human PMNs. On the basis of these three screens, a structure-activity relationship was investigated. alpha-Substitution on the carboxylic acid side chain led to only small changes in the binding affinities but greatly enhanced the LTB4 antagonist activity. Substitution on the phenyl rings was also evaluated. The terminal carboxylic acid function can be replaced by a tetrazole ring without loss in activity. The best in vitro LTB4 antagonists of this series were investigated in vivo in the inhibition of LTB4-induced leukopenia in rabbits. Compound 9b (RP69698) displayed potent LTB4 antagonist activity, after oral administration, with an ED50 value of 6.7 mg/kg.     

Leukotriene receptor antagonists. 1. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of alkoxyacetophenone derivatives

A series of derivatives of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone(1) were prepared and examined for their ability to block leukotriene D4 (LTD4) induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. Straight-chain carboxylic acids where the carboxyl group was separated from the acetophenone moiety by varying numbers of methylenes were evaluated, and maximum activity was obtained with the pentamethylene acid (6). Examination of ring substitution showed that the 2-propyl-3-hydroxy-4-acetyl substitution pattern was required for maximum LTD4 antagonist activity. Additional chain terminal groups were examined, and the acidic 5-tetrazolyl group separated from the acetophenone moiety by four to seven methylenes (26, 23, 27, 28) gave excellent in vitro and in vivo activities. Compound 26 (LY171883) had the best balance of in vitro and in vivo activity. It lacked bronchospastic activity at the doses administered and has been chosen for clinical evaluation.     

(Methoxyalkyl)thiazoles: a new series of potent, selective, and orally active 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors displaying high enantioselectivity.

(Methoxyalkyl)thiazoles are novel 5-lipoxygenase (5-LPO) inhibitors that are neither redox agents nor iron chelators. Consideration of a hypothetical model of the enzyme active site led to this series which is exemplified by 1-[3-(naphth-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl]-1-(thiazol-2-yl)propy l methyl ether (2d, ICI211965). 2d inhibits cell-free guinea pig 5-LPO activity, LTC4 synthesis in plasma free mouse macrophages, and LTB4 synthesis in rat and human blood (IC50s 0.1 microM, 8 nM, 0.5 microM, and 0.4 microM, respectively) but does not inhibit the synthesis of cyclooxygenase products at concentrations up to 50 microM in macrophages and 100 microM in blood. 2d is orally active in rat (ex vivo ED50 10 mg/kg in blood taken in 1 h after dosing). SAR studies show that high in vitro potency requires methoxy, thiazolyl, and naphthyl groups and depends critically on the substitution pattern. (Methoxyalkyl)thiazoles are chiral. Resolution of 1-methoxy-6-(naphth-2-ylmethoxy)-1-(thiazol-2-yl)indan (2j, ICI216800) shows that (+)-2j is 50-150-fold more potent than (-)-2j in in vitro assays. Thus, (methoxyalkyl)thiazoles are a new series of orally active, selective 5-LPO inhibitors and represent the first class of inhibitors in which inhibition is mediated by specific, enantioselective interactions with the enzyme.     

Non-prostanoid thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists with a dibenzoxepin ring system. 2.

A series of 11-[2-(1-benzimidazolyl)ethylidene]-6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxep in-2- carboxylic acid derivatives and related compounds were synthesized and found to be potent TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists. Each compound synthesized was tested for its ability to displace [3H]U-46619 binding from guinea pig platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the following key elements were required for enhanced activities: (1) an (E)-2-(1-benzimidazolyl)ethylidene side chain in the 11-position of the dibenzoxepin ring system and (2) a carboxyl group in the 2-position of the dibenzoxepin ring system. The studies also indicated that the TXA2/PGH2 receptor binding affinities of this series of compounds in guinea pig platelet were poorly correlated with those in human platelet. Introduction of substituent(s) to the benzimidazole moiety was effective and sodium (E)-11-[2-(5,6-dimethyl-1-benzimidazolyl)ethylidene]- 6,11-dihydrodibenz[b,e]oxepin-2-carboxylate monohydrate (57) recorded the highest affinity for human platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptor with a K(i) value of 1.2 +/- 0.14 nM. It demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on U-46619-induced guinea pig platelet aggregation (in vitro and ex vivo) and human platelet aggregation (in vitro). Compound 57, now designated as KW-3635, is a novel, orally active, and specific TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist with neither TXA2/PGH2 receptor agonistic nor TXA2 synthase inhibitory effects. It is now under clinical evaluation.     

Synthesis of (2E)-2-methyl-3-(4-([4-(quinolin-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl]sulfanyl)phenyl)prop-2-enoic acid (VUFB 20609) and 2-methyl-3-(4-([4-(quinolin-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl]sulfanyl)phenyl)propanoic acid (VUFB 20584) as potential antileukotrienic agents

The syntheses of (2E)-2-methyl-3-(4-([4-(quinolin-2-ylmethoxy)phenyl]sulfanyl)phenyl) prop-2-enoic acid (VUFB 20609) and racemic 2-methyl-3-(4-([4-(quinolin-2-ylmethoxy) phenyl]sulfanyl)phenyl)propanoic acid (VUFB 20584) as new potential antileukotrienic drugs are described. Due to a low reactivity of the 4-substituted aryl bromides (coupling of the 4-substituted aryl bromides do not provide an activating functional group with 4-methoxybenzene-1-thiol), special conditions, in particular specific heterogeneous copper catalysts, were used. Catalytic hydrogenation of the conjugated double bond on Pd/C in the presence of the sulfanyl group is discussed. In-vitro cytotoxicity testing was performed using a microplate colorimetric acid phosphatase assay. Antiplatelet activity was evaluated using an in-vitro test in human platelet-rich plasma. Some substances inhibited arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation.     

Leukotriene receptor antagonists. 4. Synthesis and leukotriene D4/E4 receptor antagonist activity of 4-(alkyl)acetophenone derivatives

Analogues of the leukotriene D4/E4 receptor antagonist LY171883 (1a) were synthesized in which the tetrazole was linked to the hydroxyacetophenone moiety by an all-methylene carbon chain. A key step in the synthesis involved a Wittig olefin-forming reaction between 3-methoxy-2-propylbenzaldehyde and the ylide derived from (4-carboxybutyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide to form the desired carbon chain. A regioselective Fries rearrangement was employed to form the o-hydroxyacetophenone. Compounds in which the tetrazole was separated from the acetophenone by four and five methylene groups were compared to the corresponding derivatives in which an oxygen atom linked the tetrazole chain to the aromatic ring for their ability to antagonize LTD4- or LTE4-induced contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum. When compared to 1a, the "carba" analogue, 7a, showed nearly identical LTD4 antagonist activity. The LTE4 antagonist activity for these two compounds was also identical. In the shorter chain series, the "carba" analogue, 7b, showed enhanced LTD4 antagonist activity and approximately 10-fold greater LTE4 antagonist activity. These results suggest that the oxygen atom para to the acetyl group of 1a and 1b is not of major importance for association with the LTD4 or LTE4 receptor sites in the guinea pig ileum.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of a series of 5-aryl-4,6-dithianonanedioic acids and related compounds: a novel class of leukotriene antagonists

A series of 5-alkynyl- and 5-aryl-4,6-dithianonanedioic acids and related compounds has been prepared for evaluation of leukotriene antagonist activity. The alkynyl compounds were prepared by thioacetal exchange from the corresponding acetylenic acetals. The aryl derivatives were synthesized from the appropriate benzaldehydes, most of which were prepared by one of three general routes: Meyers' oxazolin method, a palladium coupling procedure, and a hydroxybenzaldehyde alkylation. The analogues were examined in vitro for their ability to antagonize an LTD4-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle and to compete with [3H]LTD4 for receptor sites on guinea pig lung membrane. A number of structure-activity relationships have emerged from this study. There is an optimal chain length of 10-12 atoms (or its equivalent) in the lipid tail and two methylenes in the polar region. In the aromatic series, the ortho- and meta-substituted compounds have comparable activity, whereas the para derivatives are inactive. Substitution in the aromatic ring and lipid tail is generally well tolerated, with the terminal phenyl (6) and acetylene (33) analogues having especially good activity. Conformational restriction of either the polar region or lipid tail produced compounds devoid of activity. A number of selected analogues were also evaluated in vivo as antagonists of LTD4-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. The data established these compounds as a novel class of leukotriene antagonists with potential utility for the treatment of asthma and other immediate hypersensitivity diseases.