Structure-activity relationship studies on 1-[2-(4-Phenylphenoxy)ethyl]pyrrolidine (SC-22716), a potent inhibitor of leukotriene A(4) (LTA(4)) hydrolase.

Leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) is a pro-inflammatory mediator that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis. Since the action of LTA(4) hydrolase is the rate-limiting step for LTB(4) production, this enzyme represents an attractive pharmacological target for the suppression of LTB(4) production. From an in-house screening program, SC-22716 (1, 1-[2-(4-phenylphenoxy)ethyl]pyrrolidine) was identified as a potent inhibitor of LTA(4) hydrolase. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies around this structural class resulted in the identification of a number of novel, potent inhibitors of LTA(4) hydrolase, several of which demonstrated good oral activity in a mouse ex vivo whole blood assay.

Analogs of the delta opioid receptor selective cyclic peptide [2-D-penicillamine,5-D-penicillamine]-enkephalin: 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine and Gly3-Phe4 amide bond isostere substitutions.

In order to develop systemically-active opioid peptides, the delta-selective, opioid pentapeptide [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE) was modified by esterification and by substitution of 2',6'-dimethyltyrosine for tyrosine to yield 4. Compound 4 was on the order of 8- and 800-fold more active than DPDPE in both delta and mu opioid radioligand binding assays, respectively, in rat neural membrane suspensions. Compound 4 was considerably more potent than DPDPE at inhibiting contractions of electrically-stimulated mouse vas deferens in vitro, and this effect was very sensitive to naltrindole, a delta-selective opioid antagonist. These observations can be taken as indication that 4 exerts its effects through delta opioid receptors. This interpretation is supported by the finding that the EC50 value of 4 derived in the smooth muscle assay is very similar to that derived in NG108-15 neuroblastoma cells, a preparation devoid of mu receptors. Unlike DPDPE, 4 exhibited significant, naloxone-sensitive, antinociceptive activity when administered systemically, as measured by inhibition of phenylbenzquinone-induced stretching in mice (ED50 = 2.1 mg/kg). Compound 4 also displayed significant antinociceptive activity following systemic administration as measured by its action in mice to increase latencies for tail withdrawal from radiant heat (ED50 = 50 mg/kg). Compound 4 did not produce morphine-like discriminative stimulus effects in rats trained to discriminate 3.0 mg/kg morphine from vehicle at doses ranging from 30 to 120 mg/kg. This observation can be interpreted as indication that within this dosage range there is an absence of morphine-like subjective effects. Physical dependence, however, could be induced in mice at higher doses of 4 under a progressively-graded, 4-day dose regimen. Congeners of 4 with amide bond surrogates for the Gly-Phe amide bond (oxymethylene, trans-double bond, and bismethylene isosteres) in the cyclic core of DPDPE were prepared in an attempt to increase the antinociceptive activity of 4. While some of the congeners were active in the in vitro assays, they did not display significant antinociceptive activity following systemic administration. The preparation of all the compounds was accomplished by solution-phase methods. The mechanisms which might underlie the biological and systemic activity of 4 are discussed.

Preparation and opioid activity of analogues of the analgesic dipeptide 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosyl-N-(3-phenylpropyl)-D-alaninamide.

A number of analogues of the recently disclosed analgesic dipeptide 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosyl-D-alanine-phenylpropylamide (SC-39566, 2) were prepared. These analogues contained oxymethylene, aminomethylene, ketomethylene, bismethylene, and trans double bond (including vinyl fluoride) isosteric replacements for the amide bond between the D-alanine and phenylpropylamine units in 2. These compounds were tested in opioid binding assays and in the mouse writhing assay for analgesic activity. Though not as potent as 2, the oxymethylene, and trans double bond isosteres showed analgesic activity. The aminomethylene analogues also showed binding activity in subnanomolar concentrations at the mu receptor. The amide bond between 2,6-dimethyl-L-tyrosine and D-alanine units seems to be critical for opioid activity.

Synthesis of enzyme-inhibitory phospholipid analogs. III. A facile synthesis of N-acylaminoethylphosphorylcholines.

A facile and efficient synthesis of N-aceylaminoethylphosphorylcholines, a series of inhibitory substrate analogs of phospholipase A2, is described. The procedure consists of a three-step sequence including: (1) N-acylation of ethanolamine with fatty acid chloride, followed by (2) phosphorylation of the alcohol function using 2-chloro-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane and (3) nucleophilic ring opening of the cyclic phosphate triester (IV) with anhydrous trimethylamine. The resulting isosteric amide analogs of glycol-lecithins have been isolated in high yields. The synthesis is illustrated by the preparation of the compounds containing palmitoyl, stearoyl and lauroyl fatty acid side-chains. The N-acylaminoethylphosphorylcholines have been shown to function as reversible phospholipase A2 inhibitors. They are likely to become a new series of useful substrate analogs and an attractive replacement for the n-alkylphosphorylcholines commonly used as single-chain-carrying phospholipase inhibitors.

Heterocyclic steroids-part IX: Studies on the total synthesis of racemic A-nor-3,7-bisthiaestra-1,5(10),8,14-tetraen-17(e)-ol.

1,6-Bisthia-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroinden-4-one (I) was converted to racemic A-nor-3,7-bisthiaestra-1,5(10),8,14-tetraen-17(e)-o1 (VI).