Synthesis and antinociceptive activity of 1-[2-(pyridyl)ethyl] and 1-[2-(dihydropyridyl)ethyl] analogues of fentanyl.

The syntheses and antinociceptive activities of all three isomeric 1-[2-(pyridyl)ethyl]-4-(propionanilido)-piperidine isosteres (11a-c) of fentanyl (1) are described. The 2- (11a), 3- (11b) and 4-pyridyl (11c) isomers exhibited 10, 2 and 0.2 times the antinociceptive activity of fentanyl, respectively. The ED50 values for 11a, 11b, 11c and fentanyl in the rat 4% NaCl-induced writhing test were 0.00023, 0.00085, 0.0087 and 0.0021 mg/kg sc, respectively. The 3-pyridyl (11b) and 4-pyridyl (11c) compounds were further elaborated to the 6-phenyl-1,6-dihydropyridine (12), C-2 H, Me, n-Bu and Ph 1,2-dihydropyridine (13a-d) analogues having a phenoxycarbonyl substituent on the dihydropyridine ring nitrogen. The most active compound in this series was 1-(2-[3-(1-phenoxycarbonyl-6-phenyl-1,6-dihydropyridyl)ethyl ])-4- (propionanilido)piperidine (12), which provided a 58% inhibition of writhing at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg sc. 1-(2-[4-(1-phenoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydropyridyl)ethyl])-4- (propionanilido)piperidine (13a) exhibited an ED50 of 1.3 mg/kg sc, indicating a decrease in antinociceptive activity of about a 100 fold relative to the parent 4-pyridyl compound (11c). The dihydropyridine analogues 12 and 13 exhibit substantial antinociceptive activity relative to meperidine (ED50 = 0.6 mg/kg sc). The muscular rigidity effect induced by the pyridine compounds (11a-c) at a dose of 4 mg/kg sc, was not illicited by the dihydropyridine analogues at the same dose, or at a high dose of 40 mg/kg sc (13a). Compounds 12 and 13 may therefore be useful lead compounds for the development of more useful 4-anilidopiperidines if the antinociceptive activity can be dissociated from the muscular rigidity effect.     

Characterization of nucleoside and DNA adducts formed by S-(1-acetoxymethyl)glutathione and implications for dihalomethane-glutathione conjugates

S-(1-Acetoxymethyl)glutathione (GSCH(2)OAc) was synthesized and used as a model for the reaction of glutathione (GSH)-dihaloalkane conjugates with nucleosides and DNA. Previously, S-[1-(N(2)-deoxyguanosinyl)methyl]GSH had been identified as the major adduct formed in the reaction of GSCH(2)OAc with deoxyguanosine. GSCH(2)OAc was incubated with the three remaining deoxyribonucleosides to identify other possible adducts. Adducts to all three nucleosides were found using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS). The adduct of GSCH(2)OAc and deoxyadenosine was formed in yield of up to 0.05% and was identified as S-[1-(N(7)-deoxyadenosinyl)methyl]GSH. The pyrimidine deoxyribonucleoside adducts were formed more efficiently, resulting in yields of 1 and 2% for the GSCH(2)OAc adducts derived from thymidine and deoxycytidine, respectively, but their lability prevented their structural identification by (1)H NMR. On the basis of the available UV spectra, we propose the structures S-[1-(N(3)-thymidinyl)methyl]GSH and S-[1-(N(4)-deoxycytidinyl)methyl]GSH. Because adduct degradation occurred most rapidly at alkaline and neutral pH values, an enzymatic DNA digestion procedure was developed for the rapid hydrolysis of DNA to deoxyribonucleosides at acidic pH. DNA digests were completed in less than 2 h with a two-step method, which consisted of a 15 min incubation of DNA with high concentrations of deoxyribonuclease II and phosphodiesterase II at pH 4.5, followed by incubation of resulting nucleotides with acid phosphatase. Analysis of the hydrolysis products by HPLC-ESI-MS indicated the presence of the thymidine adduct.     

S-[2-[(2'-carbamoylethyl)amino]ethyl] phosphorothioate and related compounds as potential antiradiation agents

A reinvestigation of the radiation protection activity of S-[2-[(2'-carbamylethyl)amino]ethyl] lithium hydrogen phosphorothioate (4a) revealed that this compound possessed good (70% protection at a dose of 600 mg/kg) activity. The thione and imino bioisosteres of 4, S-[2-(2'-thiocarbamylethylamino)ethyl] lithium hydrogen phosphorothioate (13a) and S-[2-(2'-amidinoethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothioic acid (18b) showed 100% protection at doses of 300 and 150 mg/kg, respectively. The N-methyl (4b) and tert-butyl (4c) analogues of amide 4a, the N-methyl (13b) analogue of the thioamide 13a, the N-methyl (18a) analogue of amidine (18b), and the cyclic amidine S-[2-[[2'-(4,5-dihydroimidozoyl)ethyl]amino]ethyl] lithium hydrogen phosphorothioate (21) all showed 80% protection at the highest dose tested.     

Characterization of 4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2'-pyridinyl)-p-fluorobenzamido]ethyl]piperazine (p-DMPPF) as a new potent 5-HT1A antagonist

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The identification of potent and selective radioligands for the mapping of 5-HT receptors is interesting both for clinical and experimental research. The aim of this study was to compare the potency of a new putative 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, p-DMPPF, (4-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2'-pyridinyl)-p-fluorobenzamido]ethyl]piperazine) with that of the well-known 5-HT(1A) antagonists, WAY-100635 (N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide) and its fluorobenzoyl analogue, p-MPPF (4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-[N-(2'-pyridinyl)-p-fluorobenzamido]ethyl]piperazine). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Single cell extracellular recordings of dorsal raphe (DR) neurones were performed in rat brain slices. The potency of each compound at antagonizing the effect of the 5-HT(1A) agonist, 8-OH-DPAT [8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetraline], was quantified using the Schild equation. The pharmacological profile of p-DMPPF was defined using competition binding assays. KEY RESULTS: Consistently with a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist profile, incubation of slices with an equimolar (10 nM) concentration of each compound markedly reduced the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT on the firing rate of DR neurones, causing a significant rightward shift in its concentration-response curve. The rank order of potency of the antagonists was WAY-100635>p-DMPPF>or=p-MPPF. The sensitivity of DR neurones to the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT was found to be heterogeneous. The binding experiments demonstrated that p-DMPPF is highly selective for 5-HT(1A) receptors, with a K(i) value of 7 nM on these receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The potency of the new compound, p-DMPPF, as a 5-HT(1A) antagonist is similar to that of p-MPPF in our electrophysiological assay. Its selectivity towards 5-HT(1A) receptors makes it a good candidate for clinical development.     

2-Acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazones. 5. 1-[1-(2-Pyridyl)ethyl]-3-thiosemicarbazides as potential antimalarial agents

Reduction of the azomethine bond of 2-acetylpyridine thio- and selenosemicarbazones with sodium borohydride readily afforded the corresponding thio- or selenosemicarbazides when they were N4,N4-disubstituted. This conversion failed, however, when the thio- or selenosemicarbazones were N4-substituted or unsubstituted. A more general route to the desired thio- or selenosemicarbazides consisted of reduction with sodium borohydride of methyl 3-[1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbodithioate to give the 2-pyridylethyl derivative. Displacement of methyl mercaptan from the thio ester moiety of the latter by amines produced 1-[1-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]-3-thiosemicarbazides. These compounds were somewhat more active as antimalarial agents in Plasmodium berghei infected mice than the corresponding thiosemicarbazones; however, the enhancement of activity was accompanied by an increase in toxicity. Compound 7, 3-azabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane-3-carbothioic acid 2-[1-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]hydrazide, is the most potent derivative of 2-acetylpyridine we have evaluated to date.     

Oxygenated analogues of 1-[2-(Diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]- and 1-[2-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazines (GBR 12935 and GBR 12909) as potential extended-action cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents

An investigation into the preparation of potential extended-release cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents afforded a series of compounds related to 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (1a) and 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (1b) (GBR 12935 and GBR 12909, respectively), which were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their ability to bind to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and to inhibit the uptake of [(3)H]-labeled dopamine (DA). The addition of hydroxy and methoxy substituents to the benzene ring on the phenylpropyl moiety of 1a-1d resulted in a series of potent and selective ligands for the DAT (analogues 5-28). The hydroxyl groups were included to incorporate a medium-chain carboxylic acid ester into the molecules, to form oil-soluble prodrugs, amenable to "depot" injection techniques. The introduction of an oxygen-containing functionality to the propyl side chain provided ketones 29 and 30, which demonstrated greatly reduced affinity for the DAT and decreased potency in inhibiting the uptake of [(3)H]DA, and benzylic alcohols 31-36, which were highly potent and selective at binding to the DAT and inhibiting [(3)H]DA uptake. The enantiomers of 32 (34 and 36) were practically identical in biological testing. Compounds 1b, 32, 34, and 36 all demonstrated the ability to decrease cocaine-maintained responding in monkeys without affecting behaviors maintained by food, with 34 and 36 equipotent to each other and both more potent in behavioral tests than the parent compound 1b. Intramuscular injections of compound 41 (the decanoate ester of racemate 32) eliminated cocaine-maintained behavior for about a month following one single injection, without affecting food-maintained behavior. The identification of analogues 32, 34, and 36, thus, provides three potential candidates for esterification and formulation as extended-release cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents.     

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel non-piperazine analogues of 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]- and 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazines as dopamine transporter inhibitors.

A series of novel diamine, amine-amide, and piperazinone analogues of N-[2-(bisarylmethoxy)ethyl]-N'-(phenylpropyl)piperazines, GBR 12909 and 12935, were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of presynaptic monoamine neurotransmitter transporters. The primary objective of the study was to determine the structural requirements for selectivity of ligand binding and potency for neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition. In general, the target compounds retained transporter affinity; however, structural variations produced significant effects on reuptake inhibition and transporter selectivity. For example, analogues prepared by replacing the piperazine ring in the GBR structure with an N, N'-dimethylpropyldiamine moiety displayed enhanced selectivity for binding and reuptake inhibition at the norepinephrine (NE) transporter site (e.g. 4 and 5). Congeners in which the amide nitrogen atom was attached to the aralkyl moiety of the GBR molecule showed moderate affinity (K(i) = 51-61 nM) and selectivity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) site. In contrast, introduction of a carbonyl group adjacent to either nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring (e.g. 25 and 27) was not well tolerated. From the compounds prepared, analogue 16 was selected for further evaluation. With this congener, locomotor activity induced by cocaine at a dose of 20 mg/kg was attenuated with an AD(50) (dose attenuating cocaine-induced stimulation by 50%) of 60.0 +/- 3.6 mg/kg.     

3'-Intercalation of a N2-dG 1R-trans-anti-benzo[c]phenanthrene DNA adduct in an iterated (CG)3 repeat

The conformation of the 1 R,2 S,3 R,4 S-benzo[ c]phenanthrene- N (2)-dG adduct, arising from trans opening of the (+)-1 S,2 R,3 R,4 S- anti-benzo[ c]phenanthrene diol epoxide, was examined in 5'- d(ATCGC XCGGCATG)-3'.5'-d(CATGCCG CGCGAT)-3', where X = 1 R,2 S,3 R,4 S-B[ c]P- N (2)-dG. This duplex, derived from the hisD3052 frameshift tester strain of Salmonella typhimurium, contains a (CG) 3 iterated repeat, a hotspot for frameshift mutagenesis. NMR experiments showed a disconnection in sequential NOE connectivity between X (4) and C (5), and in the complementary strand, they showed another disconnection between G (18) and C (19). In the imino region of the (1)H NMR spectrum, a resonance was observed at the adducted base pair X (4) x C (19). The X (4) N1H and G (18) N1H resonances shifted upfield as compared to the other guanine imino proton resonances. NOEs were observed between X (4) N1H and C (19) N (4)H and between C (5) N (4)H and G (18) N1H, indicating that base pairs X (4) x C (19) and C (5) x G (18) maintained Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding. No NOE connectivity was observed between X (4) and G (18) in the imino region of the spectrum. Chemical shift perturbations of greater than 0.1 ppm were localized at nucleotides X (4) and C (5) in the modified strand and G (18) and C (19) in the complementary strand. A total of 13 NOEs between the protons of the 1 R-B[ c]Ph moiety and the DNA were observed between B[ c]Ph and major groove aromatic or amine protons at base pairs X (4) x C (19) and 3'-neighbor C (5) x G (18). Structural refinement was achieved using molecular dynamics calculations restrained by interproton distances and torsion angle restraints obtained from NMR data. The B[ c]Ph moiety intercalated on the 3'-face of the X (4) x C (19) base pair such that the terminal ring of 1 R-B[ c]Ph threaded the duplex and faced into the major groove. The torsion angle alpha' [X (4)]-N3-C2-N2-B[ c]Ph]-C1 was calculated to be -177 degrees, maintaining an orientation in which the X (4) exocyclic amine remained in plane with the purine. The torsion angle beta' [X (4)]-C2-N2-[B[ c]Ph]-C1-C2 was calculated to be 75 degrees. This value governed the 3'-orientation of the B[ c]Ph moiety with respect to X (4). The helical rise between base pairs X (4) x C (19) and C (5) x G (18) increased and resulted in unwinding of the right-handed helix. The aromatic rings of the B[ c]Ph moiety were below the Watson-Crick hydrogen-bonding face of the modified base pair X (4) x C (19). The B[c]Ph moiety was stacked above nucleotide G (18), in the complementary strand.     

Synthesis of 2-[2-(1-Imidazolyl)ethyl]-4-phenylcycloalka[g]phthalazin-1(2H)-ones as Thromboxane A2 Synthase Inhibitors

A series of 2-[2-(1-imidazolyl)ethyl]-4-phenylcycloalka[g]phthal-azin-1(2H)-ones ( 3a—d ) with variable cycloalkene ring size was prepared and tested in vitro for thromboxane A₂ synthase inhibitory activity.     

Reactivity of cysteine S-conjugate sulfoxides: formation of S-[1-chloro-2-(S-glutathionyl)vinyl]-L-cysteine sulfoxide by the reaction of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide with glutathione.

S-(1,2-Dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) sulfoxide, a putative metabolite of the toxic cysteine S-conjugate DCVC, was synthesized by the reaction of DCVC with H2O2 and characterized by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. DCVC sulfoxide was stable when kept at room temperature overnight in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8-7.8) or when heated in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2 or 7.6) or H2O (pH 3.5 or 10.5) for 20 min at 37 degrees C. However, in the presence of glutathione (GSH), DCVC sulfoxide was readily converted to S-[1-chloro-2-(S-glutathionyl)vinyl]-L-cysteine sulfoxide (I), a product formed by the Michael addition of GSH to DCVC sulfoxide followed by the loss of HCl. Evidence for the mechanism of this reaction was obtained by the finding that DCVC, which cannot act as a Michael acceptor, did not react with GSH under conditions similar to those used with DCVC sulfoxide. When the reaction of DCVC sulfoxide with GSH was carried out at room temperature and pH 7.4, formation of I was complete at 5 min, but when the reaction was carried out for 2 h at pH 6.0 or 4.4 at 37 degrees C, product formation was nearly 37 or 3% of that formed at pH 7.4, respectively; product formation did not increase when the reaction was carried out at pH 8.5. When DCVC sulfoxide (100 mg/kg) was administered to rats, hepatic and renal reduced nonprotein thiol concentrations were decreased at 1 h to 74 and 27% of that in control rats, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Preparation and biodistribution of 1-[2-(3-[125I]iodo-4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]piperazine and 1-[2-(3-[125I]iodo-4-azidophenyl)ethyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] piperazine

The iodinated analogue of 1-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine (PAPP), IPAPP (4), and the corresponding azido compound azido-IPAPP (5) were synthesized. The corresponding no-carrier-added 125I (T1/2 = 60 days, 35-60 keV) labeled compounds were also prepared. High specific binding was observed from in vitro binding studies using rat brain tissue preparation; Ki = 20 and 17.5 nM against [3H]-5-HT. In vivo biodistribution studies in rats showed that azido-[125I]IPAPP passed through intact blood-brain barrier and localized in the brain. Ex vivo autoradiography of rat brain sections exhibited a diffuse uptake pattern, which may be due to specific and nonspecific binding. The results indicate that IPAPP and azido-IPAPP may not be suitable to image the serotonin receptor in the brain.     

N1-Benzoyl-N2-[1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexanes: Development of 4-chlorophenylcarboxamide (calhex 231) as a new calcium sensing receptor ligand demonstrating potent calcilytic activity

A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study was performed principally at the N1 position of N1-arylsulfonyl-N2-[1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexanes, a new family of calcilytics acting at the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). The most active compound in this series was the 4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzenesulfonyl derivative 7e, which displayed an IC50 of 5.4 +/- 0.5 microM with respect to the inhibition of calcium-induced tritiated inositol phosphate ([3H]IP) accumulation in Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells expressing the CaSR. Replacement of the sulfonamide linkage of this compound by a carboxamide led to a 6-fold increase in activity (7m, IC50 = 0.9 +/- 0.2 microM). Among the carboxamides synthesized, one of the most active compounds was the 4-chlorophenylcarboxamide (1S,2S,1'R)-7n (Calhex 231, IC50 = 0.33 +/- 0.02 microM). The absolute configuration of (1S,2S,1'R)-7n was deduced from an X-ray crystallographic study of one of the diastereomers of compound 7d. The stereochemical preference for the (1S,2S,1'R)-isomers can be rationalized on the basis of a three-dimensional model of the calcilytic binding pocket of the CaSR. Removal of the C-1' methyl group or replacement of the 1-naphthyl group by a 2-naphthyl or biphenyl moiety led to appreciable loss of calcilytic activity. Compounds 7e, 7m, and Calhex 231 did not stimulate [3H]IP accumulation in CHO cells expressing or not expressing the CaSR.     

Synthesis of N-[4-[1-ethyl-2-(2,4-diaminofuro[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid as an antifolate

N-[4-[1-Ethyl-2-(2,4-diaminofuro[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)ethyl]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid 3 was designed and synthesized to investigate the effect of homologation of a C9-methyl to an ethyl on dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) inhibition and on antitumor activity. Compound 3 was obtained via a concise seven step synthesis starting from palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of 4-propionylphenol, followed by a Wittig reaction with 2,4-diamino-5-(chloromethyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (6), catalytic hydrogenation, hydrolysis, and standard peptide coupling with diethyl L-glutamate. The biological results indicated that extending the C9-methyl group to an ethyl on the C8-C9 bridge region (analogue 3) doubled the inhibitory potency against recombinant human (rh) DHFR (IC(50) = 0.21 microM) as compared to the C9-methyl analogue 1 and was 4-fold more potent than the C9-H analogue 2. As compared to 1, compound 3 demonstrated increased growth inhibitory potency against several human tumor cell lines in culture with GI(50) values < 1.0 x 10(-8) M. Compound 3 was also a weak inhibitor of rh thymidylate synthase. Compounds 1 and 3 were efficient substrates of human folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). Further evaluation of the cytotoxicity of 3 in methotrexate-resistant CCRF-CEM cell sublines and metabolite protection studies implicated DHFR as the primary intracelluar target. Thus, alkylation of the C9 position in the C8-C9 bridge of the classical 5-substituted 2,4-diaminofuro[2,3-d]pyrimidine is highly conducive to DHFR and tumor inhibitory activity as well as FPGS substrate efficiency.     

Development of long-acting dopamine transporter ligands as potential cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents: chiral hydroxyl-containing derivatives of 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine and 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine

In our search for long-acting agents for the treatment of cocaine abuse, a series of optically pure hydroxylated derivatives of 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (1) and 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (2) (GBR 12909 and GBR 12935, respectively) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The enantiomers of the 2-hydroxylated analogues displayed substantial enantioselectivity. The S enantiomers displayed higher dopamine transporter (DAT) affinity and the R enantiomers were found to interact at the serotonin transporter (SERT) with higher affinity. The two-carbon spacer between the hydroxyl group and the piperazine ring was essential for enantioselectivity, and the length of the alkyl chain between the phenyl group and the piperazine ring influenced binding affinity and selectivity for the DAT and SERT. Phenylethyl analogues had a higher binding affinity for the SERT and a weaker affinity and selectivity for the DAT than the corresponding phenylpropyl analogues. Thus, (S)-(+)-1-[4-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]piperazinyl]-3-phenylpropan-2-ol (6) displayed the highest affinity to the DAT, and (S)-(+)-1-[4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]piperazinyl]-3-phenylpropan-2-ol (8) had the highest selectivity. The latter (8) is one of the most DAT selective ligands known. In accord with the in vitro data, 6 showed greater potency than 7 in elevating extracellular dopamine levels in a microdialysis assay and in inhibiting cocaine-maintained responding in rhesus monkeys.     

Pharmacological antagonism of lethal effects induced by O-isobutyl S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate

O-Isobutyl S-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate (VR) is a structural isomer of a more widely known chemical warfare agent O-ethyl S-[2(diisopropylamino)ethyl]methylphosphonothioate (VX). VR has the potential of being used as military threat/sabotage/terrorist agent. The development of a sound medical countermeasure will undoubtedly enhance not only our medical readiness and ability in VR casualty management, but also our defense posture against the deployment of VR in both combat and politically volatile environments. Acute exposure to a lethal dose of VR has been shown to cause cholinergic hyperfunction, incapacitation, seizures, convulsions, cardiorespiratory depression and death. In this study, pharmacological antagonism of VR-induced cardiorespiratory failure and lethality was investigated in guinea pigs chronically instrumented for concurrent recordings of electrocorticogram, diaphragmatic EMG, Lead II ECG, heart rate and neck skeletal muscle EMG. Thirty (30) min prior to intoxication with a 2 x LD50 dose of VR (22.6 micrograms/kg, s.c.), animals were pretreated with pyridostigmine (0.026 mg/kg, i.m.). Immediately after VR intoxication, animals were given pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM; 25 mg/kg, i.m.) and atropine sulfate (2, 8 or 16 mg/kg, i.m.). In animals that displayed seizures and convulsions, diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.m.) was administered 10 min following the onset of epileptiform activities. Responses to pretreatment/therapy modality were evaluated at 24 h post-VR. All animals survived the 2 x LD50 VR challenge. With the exception of an increased heart rate in response to atropine, the myocardial and diaphragmatic (respiratory) activity profiles appeared normal throughout the course of intoxication and recovery. Animals receiving 2 mg/kg atropine all developed fasciculations, seizures, signs of excessive mucoid/salivary secretion, and needed diazepam adjunct therapy. One-half (50%) of the animals receiving 8 mg/kg atropine developed seizure activities and were given diazepam, whereas the other half only showed a brief period of increase in CNS excitability. No fasciculations, seizures or convulsions were noted in animals receiving 16 mg/kg atropine. In summary, although lethality can be prevented with the pretreatment/therapy modality containing 2 mg/kg atropine and diazepam adjunct, a complete CNS and cardiorespiratory recovery from 2 x LD50 of VR requires a minimum of 8 mg/kg atropine.     

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1beta-methyl-2-[5-(1,2-disubstituted ethyl)pyrrolidin-3-ylthio]carbapenem derivatives

The synthesis of a new series of 1beta-methylcarbapenems having a 5-(1,2-disubstituted ethyl) pyrrolidine moiety is described. Their in vitro antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were tested and the effect of the substituent on the pyrrolidine ring was investigated. A particular compound IIIf having a 1-methoxyimino-2-carbamoylethyl substituted moiety showed the most potent antibacterial activity.     

N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-[2-(7-guaninyl)ethyl]amine, the putative major DNA adduct of cyclophosphamide in vitro and in vivo in the rat

The anti-cancer agent, cyclophosphamide, metabolises to the cytotoxic alkylating agent phosphoramide mustard, which can be dephosphoramidated to give nornitrogen mustard. A rat liver mitochondrial supernatant system was used to study the binding of [chloroethyl 3H]cyclophosphamide to DNA. The reacted DNA was acid-hydrolysed and one major adduct was identified using Sephadex G-10 chromatography, followed by HPLC, using reversed-phase or ion-exchange systems. Further studies, using [14C]guanine as reaction substrate for [chloroethyl 3H]cyclophosphamide, phosphoramide mustard or nornitrogen mustard, demonstrated the main adduct from each reaction had identical chromatographic properties in these systems. The radiolabelled ratio in the [3H]cyclophosphamide-[14C]guanine reaction demonstrated a monoadducted product. From this evidence and from 1H NMR data, the common adduct was putatively identified as a hydroxylated nornitrogen mustard adduct (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-[2-(7-guaninyl)ethyl]amine). In in vivo studies, rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2.775 MBq [3H]cyclophosphamide. Total organ [3H] content and DNA binding levels were ascertained. Maximal levels of [3H] binding to DNA were seen between 1-4 hr with the highest binding levels observed in the bladder. The in vivo adduct was shown, using various HPLC systems, to co-chromatograph with the in vitro adduct and thus the main in vivo adduct was putatively identified as N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-[2-(7-guaninyl)ethyl]amine.     

Interaction between substituted 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl] piperazines and dopamine receptors

Substituted 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]piperazines were tested for their affinity to specific [³H]dopamine binding sites in membrane preparations from the corpus striatum of the rat. In particular, 4-(3-phenyl-2-prop(en)yl)- and 4-(3-phenyl-2-butyl)-substitution yielded compounds potent in displacing [³H]dopamine from its binding sites, with IC₅₀-values in the order of 10 nM. There was a significant correlation between the IC₅₀-values determined in this binding assay and the IC₅₀-values obtained for the same compounds in a previous study on their potency to inhibit the uptake of dopamine in synaptosomal preparations of the striatum of the rat. Current insight in structural requirements for binding to dopamine receptors, as obtained mainly with rigid analogues of dopamine, gives no satisfactory explanation for the dopaminergic activity of the piperazine derivatives tested.