Ionotropic glutamate receptors.

The glutamate-binding sites of ionotropic glutamate receptors are formed from two extracellular domains of a single subunit. Conformational changes induced by agonist binding produce mechanical processes that are translated into ion gating and receptor desensitization. The interactions between macromolecular assemblies of synaptic proteins and ionotropic glutamate receptors, and their subsequent roles in receptor clustering and specificity are being elucidated. Kainate receptor pharmacology is finally revealing its secrets as a result of the availability of selective pharmacological agents.

4-Hydroxy-1-[2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)ethyl]-4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperidine: a novel, potent, and selective NR1/2B NMDA receptor antagonist.

A structure-based search and screen of our compound library identified N-(2-phenoxyethyl)-4-benzylpiperidine (8) as a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that has high selectivity for the NR1/2B subunit combination (IC(50) = 0.63 microM). We report on the optimization of this lead compound in terms of potency, side effect liability, and in vivo activity. Potency was assayed by electrical recordings in Xenopus oocytes expressing cloned rat NMDA receptors. Side effect liability was assessed by measuring affinity for alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors and inhibition of neuronal K(+) channels. Central bioavailability was gauged indirectly by determining anticonvulsant activity in a mouse maximal electroshock (MES) assay. Making progressive modifications to 8, a hydroxyl substituent on the phenyl ring para to the oxyethyl tether (10a) resulted in a approximately 25-fold increase in NR1A/2B potency (IC(50) = 0.025 microM). p-Methyl substitution on the benzyl ring (10b) produced a approximately 3-fold increase in MES activity (ED(50) = 0.7 mg/kg iv). Introduction of a second hydroxyl group into the C-4 position on the piperidine ring (10e) resulted in a substantial decrease in affinity for alpha(1) receptors and reduction in inhibition of K(+) channels with only a modest decrease in NR1A/2B and MES potencies. Among the compounds described, 10e (4-hydroxy-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)ethyl]-4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperid ine, Co 101244/PD 174494) had the optimum pharmacological profile and was selected for further biological evaluation.

The neuroprotective effect of the novel AMPA receptor antagonist PD152247 (PNQX) in temporary focal ischemia in the rat.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that glutamate contributes to ischemic brain damage through activation of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptor. We tested the novel, selective AMPA receptor antagonist PD152247 (PNQX) in a model of temporary focal ischemia to determine the dose-response relationship and to investigate the contribution of drug-induced hypothermia to the neuroprotective action of AMPA receptor antagonists. METHODS: Temporary focal cerebral ischemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by occluding the middle cerebral artery and both carotid arteries for 3 hours. Body temperature was monitored by telemetry. PNQX was administered intraperitoneally or by intravenous infusion with various doses for 6 hours. Lesion volume was determined after 3 days by stereological methods. RESULTS: PNQX reduced the lesion volume by 51% after intraperitoneal administration. The intravenous dose-response study demonstrated that the lowest effective dose of PNQX was 1.0 mg/kg per hour, which corresponded to a steady state plasma level of 685 ng/mL. Neuroprotection was demonstrated at PNQX plasma concentrations that did not lower body temperature over the entire course of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: AMPA receptor activation plays an important role in the development of ischemic brain damage. Thus, novel AMPA receptor antagonists may be useful for the treatment of stroke in humans.

Subtype-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists: synthesis and biological evaluation of 1-(arylalkynyl)-4-benzylpiperidines.

A search of our compound library for compounds with structural similarity to ifenprodil (5) and haloperidol (7) followed by in vitro screening revealed that 4-benzyl-1-(4-phenyl-3-butynyl)piperidine (8) was a moderately potent and selective antagonist of the NR1A/2B subtype of NMDA receptors. Substitution on the benzyl group of 8 did not significantly affect NR1A/2B potency, while addition of hydrogen bond donors in the para position of the phenyl group enhanced NR1A/2B potency. Addition of a hydroxyl moiety to the 4-position of the piperidine group slightly reduced NR1A/2B potency while reducing alpha-1 adrenergic and dopamine D2 receptor binding affinities substantially, resulting in improved overall selectivity for NR1A/2B receptors. Finally, the butynyl linker was replaced with propynyl or pentynyl. When the phenyl was para substituted with amine or acetamide groups, the NR1A/2B potency order was butynyl > pentynyl >> propynyl. For the para methanesulfonamide or hydroxyl groups, the order was butynyl approximately propynyl > pentynyl. The hydroxyl propyne (48) and butyne (23) were among the most potent NR1A/2B antagonists from this study. They both potentiated the effects of L-DOPA in the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat, a model of Parkinson's disease, dosed at 10 mg/kg ip, but 48 was not active at 30 mg/kg po.

Evidence for overlapping substrate specificity between large neutral amino acid (LNAA) and dipeptide (hPEPT1) transporters for PD 158473, an NMDA antagonist.

PURPOSE: The objective of this research was to investigate the substrate specificity of large neutral amino acid carrier (LNAA) and di/tripeptide (hPEPT1) transporters with respect to PD 158473, an NMDA antagonist. METHODS: Cellular uptake studies were carried out using two types of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO). CHO-K1 cells represent the wild type with inherent large neutral amino acid (LNAA) activity. CHO-PEPT1 cells were generated by stable transfection of hPEPT1 gene into CHO cells. Therefore, these cells possess both LNAA activity and di/tripeptide transporter activities as a result of the transfection. Cellular uptake of PD 158473 was quantified using a HPLC method previously developed in our laboratory. RESULTS: The utility of the CHO-PEPT1 cell model was demonstrated by determining the uptake kinetics of Gly-Sar, a prototypical dipeptide transporter substrate. Uptake kinetics of PD 158473 displayed two carrier-mediated transport components in CHO-PEPT1 cells, while in CHO-K1 cells the relationship was consistent with classic one component Michaelis-Menten kinetics. These results confirmed the affinity of PD 158473 for both LNAA and di/tripeptide transporters. Further, results from inhibition experiments using these two cell types indicate that the high affinity-low capacity system was the LNAA carrier and the low affinity-high capacity carrier was the di/tripeptide transporter. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates overlapping substrate specificity between LNAA carrier and di/tripeptide transporter (hPEPT1) for PD 158473, an amino acid analog. Establishing Structure Transport Relationship (STR) for this overlap will aid in a design strategy for increasing oral absorption or targeting specific drugs to selected tissues.

Synthesis of 1,4,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-9-methyl-6-nitropyrido[3,4-f]- quinoxaline-2,3-dione and related quinoxalinediones: characterization of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (and N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor and anticonvulsant activity.

Four related series of substituted quinoxalinediones containing angular fused-piperidine rings have been synthesized as alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists with potential as neuroprotective agents, primarily for acute therapy immediately following a stroke. The compounds were tested for their affinity to the AMPA, kainate, and strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor sites. In AMPA binding, the most potent compound was 27a (PNQX, IC50 = 63 nM), with affinity comparable to the literature standard 1 (NBQX, IC50 = 52 nM). Other 6-nitro analogs from the 9-aza series had comparable affinity at the AMPA receptor, as did 6-nitro-8-aza derivatives such as 13a (iPNQX, IC50 = 290 nM). The receptor binding profile of 27a differed from that of 1 in that 27a possessed significant affinity at the glycine site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, whereas 1 was essentially inactive. Three compounds, 26c, 26d, and 26e, demonstrated moderate selectivity for kainate relative to AMPA receptors. Selected analogs reported herein as well as in the literature were superimposed to generate an AMPA pharmacophore model, and 6-substituted compounds from the PNQX and iPNQX series were combined and analyzed via quantitative structure-activity relationship techniques. Compounds with high affinity at non-NMDA receptors were further characterized in functional assays in neuronal cell culture and in a cortical wedge preparation. Both 1 and 27a showed comparable effectiveness in an AMPA- and kainate-induced excitoxicity assay. Both inhibited AMPA-induced depolarizations in the cortical wedge. However, 27a also inhibited spontaneous epileptiform discharges in the cortical wedge (reversed by glycine), while 1 was ineffective. The combination of AMPA and NMDA antagonist activity may contribute to the 30-fold difference in potency between 27a and 1 in the maximal electroshock convulsant assay in mice. The significant in vivo potency of 27a suggests that it has potential clinical utility.

Potent, orally active, competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists are substrates for a neutral amino acid uptake system in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

A series of enantiomerically pure (phosphonomethyl)-substituted phenylalanine derivatives related to SDZ EAB 515 (1) were prepared as competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Unlike most known competitive NMDA antagonists, analogs in this series with the S-configuration are potent NMDA antagonists whereas analogs with the unnatural R-configuration are weak NMDA antagonists, as determined by receptor binding experiments and their anticonvulsant action in mice. Examination in a previously reported competitive NMDA pharmacophore model revealed that receptor affinity can be explained partially by a cavity that accommodates the biphenyl ring of 1, while the biphenyl ring of the R-enantiomer 2 extends into a disallowed steric region. We proposed that analogs with the natural S-configuration and a large hydrophobic moiety would have an advantage in vivo over analogs with an R-configuration by being able to use a neutral amino acid uptake system to enhance both peripheral adsorption and transport into the brain. Examination in a system L neutral amino acid transport carrier assay shows that 1 competes with L-Phe for transport in an apparent competitive and stereospecific manner (estimated Ki = 50 microM). The 1- and 2-naphthyl derivatives 3a,3b were found to be among the most potent, competitive NMDA antagonists yet discovered, being ca. 15-fold more potent than 1 in vitro and in vivo, with a long duration of action. The title compound 3a had potent oral activity in MES (ED50 = 5.0 mg/kg). 3a also retains its ability to compete, albeit more weakly than 1 (estimated Ki = 200 microM), for L-Phe uptake to CHO cells. In this series, analogs with the R-configuration are not substrates for the system L neutral amino acid transport carrier. These results provide evidence that central nervous system active agents can be designed as substrates of a neutral amino acid transporter as a means to enhance penetration of the blood-brain barrier.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 4a-phenanthrenamine derivatives acting at the phencyclidine binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex.

A novel series of octahydrophenanthrenamines and their heterocyclic analogues have been synthesized as potential noncompetitive antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex. The compounds were evaluated for their affinity at the phencyclidine (PCP) binding site by determining their ability to displace [3H]TCP from crude rat brain synaptic membranes. A wide range of affinities were observed, with the most potent analogs possessing IC50's equivalent to that of the reference agent MK-801 (3, dizocilpine). NMDA antagonist activity was demonstrated by prevention of glutamate-induced accumulation of [45Ca2+] in cultured rat cortical neurons. Selected compounds were also studied in vivo to determine their ability to prevent the lethal effects of systemically injected NMDA in the mouse. In general, the SAR of the phenanthrenamine series may be summarized as follows: (a) for the amino group at C4a, NHMe > NH2 > NHEt >> NC5H10; (b) for the B-ring substitution, X = CH2 > S > O; (c) unsaturation of the C ring decreases receptor affinity; (d) cis-ring fusion between the B and C rings is desirable; (e) 6-hydroxy or 6-methoxy substitution of the phenanthrenamine system identified an additional hydrogen bonding interaction that substantially increased receptor affinity; (f) spiro analogues (such as 55, IC50 = 3400 nM), which altered the point of attachment of the C ring, caused a substantial reduction in PCP-site affinity. Molecules from this series were useful for refining a pharmacophore model consistent with previous models of the PCP site. In this model, the (R)-(+)-phenanthrenamine 13 superimposes closely onto MK-801 (3), and the angular 4a-amino group is believed to hydrogen bond with a putative receptor site atom. In the phenanthrenamine and thiaphenanthrenamine series, the (R)-(+)-enantiomers (9, 13, and 44) are more potent by approximately 5-10-fold than their corresponding (S)-(-)-enantiomers with respect to their affinity for the PCP site, their ability to prevent accumulation of [45Ca2+] in cultured neuronal cells, and their protection against the lethal effects of NMDA in mice. In general, there was no separation between the dose that prevented NMDA lethality and the dose that produced ataxia in mice, except in the case of the thiaphenanthrenamines 41 and 43. We have not yet obtained evidence that this small separation in activity offers a therapeutic advantage in the treatment of cerebral ischemia or other neurodegenerative disorders.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of hexahydrofluorenamines as noncompetitive antagonists at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

The noncompetitive (PCP) site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex has been implicated in a number of pathologies, including the etiology of ischemic stroke. Recent testing has shown that cis-1,2,3,4,9,9a-hexahydro-N-methyl-4aH-fluoren-4a-amine (1), a rigid analog of PCP, is a potent antagonist at this site (IC50 = 30 nM for displacement of [3H]TCP). On the basis of this finding, a number of derivatives encompassing variations in stereochemistry, amine substitution and position, aromatic and aliphatic ring substitution, and heteroatom ring substitution have been prepared to explore the structure-activity relationships around this ring system. All compounds were evaluated for their PCP receptor affinity; potent compounds were also tested in vitro (cultured neurons) and in vivo (prevention of NMDA-induced lethality in mice). The present hexahydrofluorenamines demonstrated a wide range of potencies, with optimal affinity concentrated in analogs containing a heteroatom (sulfur) in the B ring (IC50 of 11 nM versus [3H]TCP for 16b), methyl substitution on the amine, and R stereochemistry at the 4a position. No significant improvement in affinity was seen with aromatic ring substitution. Aliphatic ring substitution, large amine substituents, and alterations in the position of amine substitution on the ring system resulted in a loss of potency. To explore the effect of simultaneous hydrogen bonding with a putative receptor atom from two directions, the 2-hydroxymethyl derivatives were prepared. This substitution resulted in a loss in receptor binding affinity. Molecular modeling, X-ray, and NMR studies have been used to determine an optimal conformation of the hexahydrofluoreneamines at the receptor site.

Generation of N-methyl-D-aspartate agonist and competitive antagonist pharmacophore models. Design and synthesis of phosphonoalkyl-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines as novel antagonists.

The preparation and binding affinity of a series of tetrahydroisoquinoline carboxylic acids at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of the glutamate receptor is described, together with a molecular modeling analysis of NMDA agonists and antagonists. Using published NMDA ligands, the active analogue mapping approach was employed in the generation of an agonist pharmacophore model. Although known competitive antagonists such as CPP (1) could be superimposed onto the agonist model, to overcome the assumption that they bind to the same receptor site, an independent modeling approach was used to derive a separate pharmacophore model. Development of a competitive antagonist model involved a stepwise approach that included the definition of a preferred geometry for PO3H2-receptor interactions, multiple conformational searches, and the determination of volume and electronic tolerances. This model, which is described in detail, is consistent with observed affinities of potent NMDA antagonists and has provided an explanation for the observed periodicity in affinities for the known antagonists AP5, AP6, and AP7. The features of the agonist and antagonist models are compared, and hypotheses advanced about the nature of the receptor interactions for these two classes of compounds. The pharmacophore models reported herein are consistent with a single recognition site at the NMDA receptor that can accommodate both agonist and antagonist ligands. To assist in first defining and later exploring the predictive power of the competitive antagonist model, a series of conformationally constrained NMDA antagonist (phosphonoalkyl)tetrahydroisoquinoline-1- and 3-carboxylates was prepared. From this work, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5-(2-phosphonoethyl)-3- isoquinolinecarboxylic acid (89) was identified as the most active lead structure, with an IC50 of 270 nM in [3H]CPP binding. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of these novel antagonists are described.

Exploration of N-phosphonoalkyl-, N-phosphonoalkenyl-, and N-(phosphonoalkyl)phenyl-spaced alpha-amino acids as competitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid antagonists.

A series of N-substituted alpha-amino acids containing terminal phosphonic acid groups has been synthesized as potential N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. NMDA receptor affinity was determined by displacement of a known ligand ([3H]CPP) from crude rat brain synaptic membranes; an antagonist action was demonstrated by the inhibition of glutamate-induced accumulation of [45Ca2+] in cultured rat cortical neurons. Receptor affinity was significantly correlated with antagonist activity (Figure 1). Moderate affinity (IC50 = 1-2 microM) was retained for analogues (31 and 32, Table I; and 59 and 66, Table II) with reduced flexibility in their phosphonate side chains and is consistent with entropy playing a role in determining receptor affinity. Modeling studies suggest a folded conformation that brings the distal phosphonic acid group into close proximity with the alpha-carboxylate is required for binding. Each of the active analogues possess entropy-limiting features (double bonds, phenyl rings) in their side chains that allows the superposition of their key NH2, alpha-COOH, and distal PO3H2 groups with those of known competitive antagonists. Affinity decreased for analogues with alpha-carbon substitution, presumably because the alpha-substituent inhibits the folding of these structures into a bioactive conformation and occupies receptor-excluded volume. A complete description of the NMDA antagonist pharmacophore model is provided in a companion paper.

New and versatile approaches to the synthesis of CPP-related competitive NMDA antagonists. Preliminary structure-activity relationships and pharmacological evaluation.

Fourteen new CPP analogues have been prepared with methyl 1-(phenylmethyl) (+/-)-1,2-piperazinedicarboxylate 3 as a versatile synthetic intermediate. Derivatives were evaluated as NMDA ligands by their ability to displace [3H]CPP from rat cortical membranes. The binding affinity of various chain lengths at the N4-position of the CPP analogues, 5a, 5b, and 9a mimics the binding affinity observed for the acyclic derivatives AP6, AP8, and AP5. Analogue 9a, with a single methylene group in its phosphonate side chain, exhibited diminished affinity for the NMDA receptor when compared to the structurally similar piperidine compound CGS 19755. Replacement of the phosphonic acid moiety with monoionizable acidic groups such as a carboxylate or a phosphinate resulted in a reduction of binding affinity. An aryl spacer between the N4-nitrogen and the distal acidic group was detrimental to binding as was alkylation at the N1-position. Steric bulk, however, was better tolerated when a phenyl group was positioned alpha to the phosphonate, as seen with analogues 21 and 22.

Exploration of phenyl-spaced 2-amino-(5-9)-phosphonoalkanoic acids as competitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid antagonists.

To investigate the preferred spatial relationship of the distal phosphonic acid to the alpha-amino acid group of the established competitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) antagonists APH (1) and APV (2), we have prepared a series of ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted (phosphonoalkyl)phenylglycine and -phenylalanine derivatives. With use of a [3H]CPP receptor binding assay, significant binding activity was observed to be critically dependent on both the position of substitution and length of alkyl spacing groups. Two compounds, 4-(phosphonomethyl)-phenylglycine (6, PD 129635) and 3-(phosphonomethyl)phenylalanine (15, PD 130527), displayed receptor-binding affinity comparable to that of APH. Like APH, these compounds were also effective in antagonizing both the proconvulsant and lethal action of NMDA-administered retrobulbar in the mouse. Data are also provided which compare directly the binding efficacy of these compounds against that disclosed recently for the related NMDA antagonist 18 (NPC 451). A preliminary comparison of the structures showing good receptor-binding affinity and in vivo antagonist activity suggests that the NMDA receptor prefers a "folded" rather than "extended" conformation.

5-p-benzoquinonyl-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate: a possible mechanism-based inhibitor of thymidylate synthetase.

The title compound (1), designed as a suicide inhibitor of thymidylate synthetase, can be prepared by silver(II) oxide oxidative demethylation of the corresponding dimethoxyphenyl derivative. Compound 1 shows time-dependent inactivation of thymidylate synthetase (methotrexate-resistant Lactobacillus casei) and saturation kinetics, and the inactivation is responsive to substrate protection. The inactivation is not reversible on prolonged dialysis in attempts to remove the inhibitor. The rate constant for inactivation is 0.065 s-1; the dissociation constant (Ki) was estimated to be 2 microM. The kinetics of this inactivation are compared to inactivation caused by model thiol reagents that do not have affinity for the active site of thymidylate synthetase.