2'-substituted analogs of cocaine: synthesis and dopamine transporter binding potencies.

A series of 2'-substituted cocaine analogs (4-8) was prepared and evaluated in an in vitro dopamine transporter (DAT) binding assay. Compounds 4-7 were prepared by esterifying the 3 beta-hydroxyl group of ecgonine methyl ester (3) using the appropriate acid chloride in the presence of Et3N and benzene. Compound 3 was obtained from cocaine (1) by hydrolysis using 1N HCl to afford ecgonine.HCl which was subjected to acid catalyzed esterification using methanol saturated with HCl gas. Compound 8 was obtained by hydrogenation of 7 using H2/Pd-C. The IC50 values were calculated from displacement experiment of the radioligand [3H]WIN-35,428 (2). 2'-Aminococaine (8) showed high binding affinity to the DAT (14- and 1.3-fold more active than cocaine and the radioligand 2, respectively). These results, along with previous results, emphasize the importance of a hydrogen-bond donor group at the 2'-position of cocaine to enhance binding affinity to the DAT.

Design and synthesis of isoxazole containing bioisosteres of epibatidine as potent nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists.

An efficient synthesis of isoxazole containing isosteres of epibatidine is described. The synthesis proceeded from N-tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc)-exo-2-(methoxycarbonyl)-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (9). Compound 9 was reacted with the dilithium salt of an appropriately substituted oxime in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Cyclodehydration of the resultant beta-keto oxime and deprotection of the N-Boc group in 5 N aqueous HCl afforded the isoxazole containing isosteres of epibatidine (6-8). The binding affinities of these compounds were determined at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor for the displacement of [3H]cystisine. The unsubstituted isoxazole containing isostere (6) showed the lower binding potency compared to the 3'-methylisoxazole isostere (7). Substitution with a phenyl group at the 3'-position of the isoxazole significantly reduced the binding potency. The in vivo toxicological studies of these analogs were also performed. The LD50 of the analogs ranged in the order: Me > H > Ph.

2beta-Substituted analogues of 4'-iodococaine: synthesis and dopamine transporter binding potencies.

A series of 2beta-substituted analogues of 4'-iodococaine (3) was synthesized and evaluated in an in vitro dopamine transporter (DAT) binding assay. Selective hydrolysis at the 2beta-position of 3 gave the carboxylic acid 15 that served as the intermediate for the synthesis of compounds 4, 5, and 6-11. The 2beta-alkyl derivatives were obtained from ecgonine methyl ester (17) through a series of reactions leading to the aldehyde 20. Wittig reaction of 20 with methyltriphenylphosphorane followed by hydrogenation and benzoylation gave the products 12 and 13. The binding affinity of 4'-iodococaine (3) was 10-fold less than that of cocaine. The hydroxymethane, acetate, amide, benzyl ester, oxidazole, and ethane derivatives of 3 exhibited decreased binding while the vinyl, phenyl, and ethyl esters showed a moderate increase in binding affinity. Only the isopropyl derivative 8 exhibited a 2-fold increase in binding affinity compared with 4'-iodococaine (3). Hydroxylation of 8 at the 2'-position gave 14 which enhanced not only the binding potency at the DAT by another 2-fold but also the selectivity at the DAT over the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. Compound 14 failed to stimulate locomotor activity in C57BL/6J mice over a wide dose range and blocked cocaine-induced locomotor stimulant action.

Synthesis and ligand binding studies of 4'-iodobenzoyl esters of tropanes and piperidines at the dopamine transporter.

Four analogs and two homologs of cocaine, designed as potent cocaine antagonists, were synthesized. The SN2 reaction between ecgonine methyl ester (13) or appropriately substituted piperidinol (19, 21) and appropriately substituted 4-iodobenzoyl chloride gave 4-iodobenzoyl esters of tropanes and piperidines (5-8). 2'-Hydroxycocaine (9) was obtained from 2'-acetoxycocaine (12) by selective transesterification with MeOH saturated with dry HCl gas. 2'-Acetoxycocaine (12) was synthesized from acetylsalicyloyl chloride (23) and ecgonine methyl ester (13). The binding affinities of these compounds were determined at the dopamine transporter for the displacement of [3H]WIN-35428. An iodo group substitution at the 4'-position of cocaine decreased dopamine transporter binding potency, while a hydroxy or acetoxy group at the 2'-position exhibited increased binding potency for the dopamine transporter compared to cocaine (10- and 3.58-fold, respectively). 2'-Hydroxylation also enhanced the bidning potency of 4'-iodococaine (5) by 10-fold. Replacement of the tropane ring with piperidine led to poor binding affinities.

2'-Substitution of cocaine selectively enhances dopamine and norepinephrine transporter binding.

Few studies have characterized the effect of substituents at the 2'-position of cocaine on transporter binding potency and selectivity. We synthesized 2'-OH-, 2'-F- and 2'-acetoxy-cocaines and compared their binding potencies for rat dopamine, norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine transporters to cocaine, 3'-OH-, 4'-OH-, 2'-OH,4'-I-cocaine derivatives, and to the transporter selective ligands WIN 35,428, nisoxetine and paroxetine. Unlike most substitutions, 2'-OH- and 2'-acetoxy-groups increased cocaine's binding potency for the dopamine transporter (10- and 4-fold, respectively). These substituents also enhanced binding to the norepinephrine transporter (52- and 35-fold, respectively) but had less effect on 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter binding. 2'-Hydroxylation also enhanced binding of 4'-I cocaine, an analog with low DA binding potency. The ability of 2'-substituents to substantially increase cocaine binding potency and to alter selectivity for brain transporters indicates the potential importance of the 2'-position in transporter binding.

Selective behavioral alterations on addition of a 4'-phenyl group to cocaine.

We synthesized a cocaine analog in which a phenyl group was added at the para-position of the benzene ring of cocaine. This substitution caused a modest reduction (four-fold compared with cocaine) in binding potency for the primate (Papio) dopamine transporter as judged by displacement of [3H]WIN 35,428 binding from caudate/putamen membranes. Behavioral effects of this structural modification in the mouse were complex and selective, comprising absence of stimulation of locomotor activity, enhanced inhibition of locomotion and reduced lethal potency. Convulsant potency was unaltered. Substituents at the 4'-position of cocaine are important in its actions. Simple changes in the chemical structure of this drug may produce complex and selective changes in its neurochemical and behavioral actions.

Generation of polyclonal catalytic antibodies against cocaine using transition state analogs of cocaine conjugated to diphtheria toxoid.

Six novel transition state analogs (TSAs) of cocaine (10-14 and 17) and one non-cocaine, p-aminophenylphosphonyl ester of cyclohexanol (19), were synthesized and characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR and FAB-MS. (1R)-ecgonine methyl ester or cyclohexanol were subjected to phenylphosphonylation in the presence of dicyclohexyl carbodiimde (DCC) and 4-N,N-dimethyl aminopyridine (4-DMAP). TSA-IV (10), however, was synthesized from norcocaine which was protected with dibromoethane to yield 4 before acid hydrolysis, esterification and phenylphosphonylation were carried out. TSA-III (11) TSA-I (12) and (19), using various length spacer arms, were coupled with the immunogenic protein, diphtheria toxoid (DT). The TSAs coupled with DT were used to immunize mice and after appropriate boosts their sera were tested for the presence and titer of anti-TSA polyclonal antibodies using ELISA. Preliminary results show that the mice immunized with these TSAs produced high titers of polyclonal catalytic antibodies, except for (19), with the ability to hydrolyze the substrate 125I-4'-iodococaine in an in vitro assay, even in the presence of noncatalytic anti-TSA antibodies.

Tissue distribution of 3H-terbutaline in rabbits.

Terbutaline is a widely used, selective beta 2-adrenergic agonist whose penetration into brain has not been demonstrated in laboratory animals. Although its tissue uptake has been reported in some animals, no uptake into brain has been demonstrated. A single dose of 20 microCi of 3H-terbutaline along with 10 mg/kg of unlabeled terbutaline was injected into a rabbit marginal ear vein. The distribution of 3H-terbutaline in several tissues was determined 0.5, 1, 3, or 6 hr later. Radioactivity in the brain was well-maintained over the 6 hr observation period. In most tissues, radioactivity peaked in less than 1 hr, then declined. Radioactivity in the urine was high at all time periods and was highest at 3 hr. Thus, terbutaline or a metabolite(s) does cross the blood-brain barrier in rabbits, and the radioactivity in the rabbit brain does not decrease during the 6 hours following terbutaline injection.

Biodistribution of a novel antiestrogen (Analog II) in the mouse and rat.

The biodistribution of a novel antiestrogen Analog II was determined in the mouse and rat. The tritiated product, [3H]-Analog II was prepared by New England Nuclear and was purified by preparative chromatography using silica gel and petroleum ether/methylene chloride (80:20). The fat tissue had the highest uptake due to the hydrophobic nature of Analog II. The second highest uptake was in the mouse uterine tissue which was greater than that observed in the rat. The differences in biodistribution between the mouse and rat may partially explain the differences in biological activity of Analog II previously observed in these two animal species.

New method for measuring myocardial blood flow by high resolution scintigraphy in the excised dog heart.

The standard method for measuring myocardial blood flow (MBF) with radioactive microspheres requires processing of selected tissue samples usually from the excised heart, and consequent loss of exact relation to myocardial morphology. A computer-based image processing method was developed by using [99mTc]microspheres (mean particle size 20 microns) for quantitative analysis of MBF in 25 dogs. A computer-controlled gamma camera was used to obtain the images of radioactive microsphere distribution in transaxial slices of the ex vivo heart. Any portion of these slice images could be quantitated by using a computer program based on modification of the formula for determining MBF by the standard microsphere method. Regional myocardial perfusion calculated by this technique correlated well with values obtained with reference microspheres (r = 0.96) over a broad range of MBF. The results show that our new method, accurately and with high resolution, delineated zones of differing MBF and confirmed the increase of MBF in surviving myocardium with healing.

An evaluation of diagnostic techniques utilized in the initial workup of pediatric patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

The records of 32 pediatric patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) were reviewed to evaluate the role of various diagnostic techniques used to assess the extent of extramedullary disease. Our findings indicate that adequate screening for hepatosplenomegaly is obtained by clinical assessment and for bone and renal involvement by bone scintigraphy including concomitant renal imaging. We recommend that radiographs be restricted to scintigraphically abnormal areas and/or sites of bone pain. Liver-spleen scintigraphy, gallium studies, intravenous pyelography, and ultrasound studies of the abdomen and pelvis should be utilized only to answer specific clinical questions. Evaluation in this manner reduces both radiation exposure and patient expense, while it adequately defines the extent of disease in these organs.

Estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of novel selenosteroids.

An assay for estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of seven selenoestrogens has been carried out in immature female rats. The estrogenic activity was compared to the in vitro binding affinity data. The study reveals that introduction of selenium substituents on C-16 or C-17 of the steroid nucleus produced a marked reduction in the estrogenic activity. The selenium analogues of ethynylestradiol produced the highest estrogenic activity. None of the compounds produced antiestrogenic activity.

New 75Se-labeled radiopharmaceuticals: 2. Selenium derivatives of aralkylamines.

Two 75Se-labeled aralkylamines, 2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenylseleno)ethylamine hydrochloride (75Se-6) and 1-methylseleno-1-phenylethylmethylamine hydrochloride (75Se-9), were prepared with high specific activity applying two different chemical means starting from [75Se]selenious acid. Tissue distribution studies in rats show high uptake in the lungs with lung/blood ratios of 27/1 and 2.3/1 at 10 min for compound 75Se-9 and 75Se-6, respectively. High adrenal uptake and adrenal-to-blood ratio (15/1 at 2 h) of compound 75Se-9 were observed. This study indicates that aralkylamines can accommodate a Se group and still show high uptake by the organs that contain appreciable amount of dopaminergic receptors.

New selenium-75 labeled radiopharmaceuticals: selenonium analogues of dopamine.

Selenium-75 labeled selenonium analogues of dopamine, [2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]dimethylselenonium iodide (4) and its dihydroxy analogue (7), were prepared by reducing [75Se]selenious acid with sodium borohydride at pH 6.0 and reacting the NaSeH produced with 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)ethane. Tissue distribution studies in rats given the 75Se-labeled selenonium agents intravenously demonstrated high initial heart uptake (2.38% dose/g at 5 min). Prolonged adrenal retention (t1/2 = 10 h) and high adrenal to blood ratio of compound 4 (21/1 at 4 h after injection) were observed. The high uptake and adrenal to blood ratio suggest the potential use of compound 4 as a radiopharmaceutical for the adrenal gland.

Effects of concurrent drug therapy on technetium Tc-99m gluceptate biodistribution.

Drug interactions with technetium Tc-99m gluceptate resulting in altered biodistribution were studied using chart review and animal tests. Charts of nine patients who had abnormal gallbladder uptake of technetium Tc-99m gluceptate during a two-year period were reviewed to obtain data such as concurrent drug therapy, primary diagnosis, and laboratory values. Adult New Zealand white rabbits were then used for testing the biodistribution of technetium Tc-99m gluceptate when administered concurrently with possibly interacting drugs identified in the chart review--penicillamine, penicillin G potassium, penicillin V potassium, acetaminophen, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Chart review revealed no conclusive patterns of altered biodistribution associated with other factors. The data did suggest the possibility that the five drugs listed above might cause increased hepatobiliary clearance of the radiopharmaceutical. Animal tests showed that i.v. penicillamine caused substantial distribution of radioactivity into the gallbladder and small bowel. Minimally increased gallbladder radioactivity occurred when oral acetaminophen and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were administered concurrently. Oral and i.v. penicillins did not increase gallbladder activity. Penicillamine may cause substantial alteration of the biodistribution of technetium Tc-99m gluceptate.

Trends in radiopharmaceutical dispensing in a regional nuclear pharmacy.

Dispensing trends for radiopharmaceuticals at a regional nuclear pharmacy over a 51-month period were studied. dispensing records of a regional nuclear pharmacy were analyzed with a forecasting procedure that uses univariate time data to produce time trends and autoregressive models. The overall number of prescriptions increased from 3500 to 5500 per quarter. Radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear cardiology studies increased from less than 0.1% to 17.5% of total prescriptions dispensed, while radiopharmaceuticals used for brain imaging showed a steady decline from 29% to 11% of total prescriptions dispensed. The demand for other radiopharmaceuticals increased in areas such as renal studies, bone studies, lung studies, liver-function studies, and Ga-67 tumor-uptake studies, and declined slightly for static liver studies. Changes in dispensing trends for radiopharmaceuticals will continue as the practice of nuclear medicine concentrates more on functional studies and as newer imaging techniques become used for other purposes.

Thymic gallium-67 localization in pediatric patients on chemotherapy: concise communication.

Localization of Ga-67 in the thymus has been reported to occur in children. In our control group of 87 patients, 15% of children under 5 yr and 11% of children over 5 yr demonstrated thymic localization. In contrast, in our study group of seven children with acute lymphocytic leukemia or malignant lymphoma, lymphocytic diffuse, treated on a modified non-Hodgkin's lymphoma protocol, Sloan-Kettering LSA2-L2, thymic localization occurred during treatment in five of the seven. We conclude that increased thymic gallium localization in children under chemotherapy for a known malignancy may reflect increased activity of thymic medullary epithelial cells and regeneration of thymic lymphocytes during recovery form involution induced by certain chemotherapeutic agents.

Kit preparation of radioiodinated o-iodohippuran.

The purpose of this study ws to evaluate a kit preparation for radioiodinated o-iodohippuran (I). All ingredients, excluding the radionuclide, were packaged in a ready-to-use kit for easy, quick formulation. Electrophoresis was utilized to evaluate the radiochemical purity of the labeled product and indicated that the radiolabeling technique provided a product with greater than 95% radiochemical purity. Biodistribution studies in rats and rabbits provided an indication of the tissue distribution and localization of the radiopharmaceutical. Computer-generated renogram curves plotted from gamma-camera images of rabbits showed the equivalency of the 131I-labeled I and 123I-labeled I to the commercially available radiopharmaceutical.

Selenium-75-19-selenocholesterol-a new adrenal scanning agent with high concentration in the adrenal medulla.

A tissue distribution study with 75Se-19-selenocholesterol in rats, rabbits, and dogs showed high adrenal concentrations and good adrenal images. In the dog, higher concentrations were obtained in the adrenal medulla than in the cortex at Days 1 and 7 after dosing. Extraction and thin-layer chromatography of the adrenal lipid in dogs given this compound showed that 75Se in the adrenal is still attached to the steroid moiety. A reduction in production costs is expected from its longer shelf life. Selenium-75-19-selenocholesterol is being evaluated in humans not only for routine use as a adrenal cortex scanning agent, but also for the detection of pheochromocytomas and other sympathetic tissue tumors, especially neuroblastomas.