Reactivity of renal and mesenteric resistance vessels to angiotensin II is mediated by NOXA1/NOX1 and superoxide signaling.

Activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes and the generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress regulate vascular and renal function and contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. The present study examined the role of NOXA1/NOX1 function in vascular reactivity of renal and mesenteric resistance arteries/arterioles of wild-type and Noxa1-/- mice. A major finding was that renal blood flow is less sensitive to acute stimulation by angiotensin II (ANG II) in Noxa1-/- mice compared with wild-type mice, with a direct action on resistance arterioles independent of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. These functional results were reinforced by immunofluorescence evidence of NOXA1/NOX1 protein presence in renal arteries, afferent arterioles, and glomeruli as well as their upregulation by ANG II. In contrast, the renal vascular response to the thromboxane mimetic U46619 was effectively blunted by NO and was similar in both mouse genotypes and thus independent of NOXA1/NOX1 signaling. However, phenylephrine- and ANG II-induced contraction of isolated mesenteric arteries was less pronounced and buffering of vasoconstriction after acetylcholine and nitroprusside stimulation was reduced in Noxa1-/- mice, suggesting endothelial NO-dependent mechanisms. An involvement of NOXA1/NOX1/O2•- signaling in response to ANG II was demonstrated with the specific NOXA1/NOX1 assembly inhibitor C25 and the nonspecific NOX inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and isolated mesenteric resistance arteries. Collectively, our data indicate that the NOX1/NOXA1/O2•- pathway contributes to acute vasoconstriction induced by ANG II in renal and mesenteric vascular beds and may contribute to ANG II-induced hypertension.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Renal reactivity to angiotensin II (ANG II) is mediated by superoxide signaling produced by NADPH oxidase (NOX)A1/NOX1. Acute vasoconstriction of renal arteries by ANG was blunted in Noxa1-/- compared with wild-type mice. NOXA1/NOX1/O2•- signaling was also observed in ANG II stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and isolated mesenteric resistance arteries, indicating that it contributes to ANG II-induced hypertension. A NOXA1/NOX1 assembly inhibitor (C25) has been characterized that inhibits superoxide production and ameliorates the effects of ANG II.

Potent and Selective Tetrahydroisoquinoline Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonists of Lead Compound (3 R)-7-Hydroxy- N-[(1 S)-2-methyl-1-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)propyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide (PDTic).

Past studies have shown that it has been difficult to discover and develop potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonists, particularly compounds having potential for clinical development. In this study, we present a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of a recently discovered new class of tetrahydroisoquinoline κ opioid receptor antagonists which led to (3 R)-7-hydroxy- N-{(1 S)-2-methyl-1-[(-4-methylpiperidine-1-yl)methyl]propyl}-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide (12) (4-Me-PDTic). Compound 12 had a Ke = 0.37 nM in a [35S]GTPγS binding assay and was 645- and >8100-fold selective for the κ relative to the µ and δ opioid receptors, respectively. Calculated log BB and CNS (central nervous system) multiparameter optimization (MPO) and low molecular weight values all predict that 12 will penetrate the brain, and pharmacokinetic studies in rats show that 12 does indeed penetrate the brain.

Potent and Selective Tetrahydroisoquinoline Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonists of Lead Compound (3 R)- N-[1 R)-1-(Cyclohexylmethyl)-2-methylpropyl]-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide (CDTic).

Animal pharmacological studies suggest that potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonists have potential as pharmacotherapies targeting depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (opiates, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine). We recently reported lead compound 1 as a new class of κ opioid receptor antagonists with only one basic amine group. Analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro opioid receptor antagonist properties using a [35S]GTPγS binding assay. All analogues were pure opioid receptor antagonists with no agonist activity. Compounds 1, 8, 9, 13, and 14 ( Ke values 0.058-0.64 nM) are highly potent and highly selective for the κ relative to the µ and δ opioid receptors. Favorable calculated physiochemical properties were confirmed in rat PK studies, demonstrating brain penetration for selected compounds 1, 9, and 13. High κ opioid receptor potency and selectivity and highly favorable calculated physiochemical and PK properties for brain penetration suggest these compounds should be considered for further development.

Simple Tetrahydroisoquinolines Are Potent and Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonists.

Potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonists have been derived from the N-substituted trans-3,4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine class of pure opioid receptor antagonists. In order to determine if the 3-hydroxyphenyl and/or the piperidine amino groups are required for obtaining the pure opioid antagonists, (3R)-7-hydroxy-N-[(1S)-2-methyl-1-(piperidine-1-ylmethyl)propyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroiosquinoline-3-carboxamide (1), which does not have a 4-(3-hydroxyphenyl) group, and (3R)-N-(1R)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-2-methylpropyl]-7-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxamide (2), which does not have a 4-hydroxylphenyl or a piperidine amino group, were synthesized and evaluated for their [35S]GTPγS binding properties at the µ, δ, and κ opioid receptors. Surprisingly compound 1 remained a pure opioid antagonist with a Ke = 6.80 nM at the κ opioid receptor and is 21- and 441-fold selective for the κ receptor relative to the µ and δ opioid receptors, respectively. Even more unexpected and novel is the finding that 2 has a Ke = 0.14 nM at κ and is 1730- and 4570-fold selective for κ relative to the µ and δ opioid receptors, respectively.

Synthesis, Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Binding, and in Vitro and in Vivo Pharmacological Properties of 2'-Fluoro-(substituted thiophenyl)deschloroepibatidine Analogues.

The synthesis, nAChR in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of 2'-fluoro-3'-(substituted thiophenyl)deschloroepibatidine analogues (5a-f, 6a-d, and 7a-c) are presented herein. All had subnanomolar affinity at α4ß2*-nAChRs. Contrary to lead structure epibatidine, a potent nAChR agonist, all were potent α4ß2- and α3ß4-AChR antagonists in an in vitro functional assay. In vivo, the compounds were also nAChR antagonists with various degrees of agonist activity. Compounds 5e, 5f, 6a, 6c, 6d, and 7c had no agonist effects in the tail-flick, hot-plate, hypothermia, or spontaneous activity tests, whereas 5a-d, 7a and 7b did not have agonist activity in the tail-flick and hot-plate tests but, like varenicline, were agonists in the hypothermia and spontaneous activity tests. Compound 6b had agonist activity in all four in vivo tests. All the compounds were antagonists of nicotine-induced antinociception in the tail-flick test, and all except 5c, 5d, 5f, and 6b were antagonists of nicotine-induced antinociception in the hot-plate test. Compound 7c, which had a Ki = 0.86 nM in the binding assay similar potency at α4ß2/α3ß4 with selectivity relative to α7 nAChRs, had an AD50 value of 0.001 µg/kg in the tail-flick test with no agonist activity in the in vitro or in vivo test had one of the more interesting profiles.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Structurally Rigid Analogues of 4-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)piperidine Opioid Receptor Antagonists.

In order to gain additional information concerning the active conformation of the N-substituted trans-3,4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine (1) class of opioid receptor antagonists, procedures were developed for the synthesis of structurally rigid N-substituted-6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane and 3-methyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-4-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes. Evaluation of the conformationally constrained series in a [35S]GTPγS assay showed that structural rigid compounds having the 3-hydroxyphenyl group locked in the piperidine equatorial orientation had potencies equal to or better than similar compounds having more flexible structures similar to 1. The studies of the rigid compounds also suggested that the 3-methyl group present in compound 1 type antagonists may not be necessary for their pure opioid antagonist properties.

Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of JDTic analogs to examine the significance of replacement of the 3-hydroxyphenyl group with pyridine or thiophene bioisosteres.

The potent and selective KOR antagonist JDTic was derived from the N-substituted trans-3,4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine class of pure opioid antagonists. In previous studies we reported that compounds that did not have a hydroxyl on the 3-hydroxyphenyl group and did not have methyl groups at the 3- and 4-position of the piperidine ring were still potent and selective KOR antagonists. In this study we report JDTic analogs 2, 3a-b, 4a-b, and 5, where the 3-hydroxyphenyl ring has been replaced by a 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl or 3-thienyl group and do not have the 3-methyl or 3,4-dimethyl groups, remain potent and selective KOR antagonists. Of these, (3R)-7-hydroxy-N-(1S)-2-methyl-[4-methyl-4-pyridine-3-yl-carboxamide (3b) had the best overall binding potency and selectivity in a [(35)S]GTPγS functional assay, with a Ke=0.18nM at the KOR and 273- and 16,700-fold selectivity for the KOR relative to the MOR and DOR, respectively. Calculated physiochemical properties for 3b suggest that it will cross the blood-brain barrier.

Synthesis, Nicotinic Acetylcholine Binding, and in Vitro and in Vivo Pharmacological Properties of 2'-Fluoro-(carbamoylpyridinyl)deschloroepibatidine Analogues.

In this study, we report the synthesis, nAChR in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of 2'-fluoro-(carbamoylpyridinyl)deschloroepibatidine analogues (5, 6a,b, and 7a,b), which are analogues of our lead structure epibatidine. All of the analogues had subnanomolar binding affinity for α4ß2*-nAChRs, and all were potent antagonists of α4ß2-nAChRs in an in vitro functional assay. Analogues 6a,b were also highly selective for α4ß2- relative to α3ß4- and α7-nAChRs. Surprisingly, all of the analogues were exceptionally potent antagonists of nicotine-induced antinociception in the mouse tail-flick test, relative to standard nAChR antagonists such as DHßE. 2'-Fluoro-(4-carbamoyl-3-pyridinyl)deschloroepitabidine (6a) displayed an attractive combination of properties, including subnanomolar binding affinity (Ki = 0.07 nM), submicromolar inhibition of α4ß2-nAChRs in the functional assay (IC50 = 0.46 µM) with a high degree of selectivity for α4ß2- relative to the α3ß4/α7-nAChRs (54-/348-fold, respectively), potent inhibition of [(3)H]dopamine release mediated by α4ß2*- and α6ß2*-nAChRs in a synaptosomal preparation (IC50 = 21 and 32 nM, respectively), and an AD50 of 0.007 µg/kg as an antagonist of nicotine induced antinociception in the mouse tail-flick test which is 64 250 times more potent than DHßE. These data suggest that compound 6a will be highly useful as a pharmacological tool for studying nAChRs and merits further development.

A selective delta opioid receptor antagonist based on a stilbene core.

Studies of directed ortho metalation reactions on an aromatic substrate with multiple potential directing groups have identified conditions that favor either of two regioisomers. One of these regioisomers has been converted to an analogue of the stilbene pawhuskin A, and been shown to have high selectivity as an antagonist of the delta opioid receptor. Docking studies have suggested that this compound can adopt a conformation similar to naltrindole, a known delta antagonist.

Novel Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of NOP Receptor Agonist 8-[(1S,3aS)-2,3,3a,4,5,6-Hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl]-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (Ro 64-6198).

The nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide (NOP) receptor is a widely expressed GPCR involved in the modulation of pain, anxiety, and motor behaviors. Dissecting the functional properties of this receptor is limited by the lack of systemically active ligands that are brain permeant. The small molecule NOP receptor-selective, full agonist 8-[(1S,3aS)-2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl]-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one (Ro 64-6198) hydrochloride is an active, brain penetrant ligand, but its difficult and cost-prohibitive synthesis limits its widespread use and availability for animal studies. Here, we detail a more efficient and convenient method of synthesis, and use both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assays to fully characterize this ligand. Specifically, we characterize the pharmacodynamics of Ro 64-6198 in cAMP and G-protein coupling in vitro and examine, for the first time, the effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and Ro 64-6198 in arrestin recruitment assays. Further, we examine the effects of Ro 64-6198 on analgesia, anxiety, and locomotor responses in vivo. This new synthesis and pharmacological characterization provide additional insights into the useful, systemically active, NOP receptor agonist Ro 64-6198.

Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of JDTic analogs to examine the significance of the 3- and 4-methyl substituents.

The design and discovery of JDTic as a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist used the N-substituted trans-3,4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine pharmacophore as the lead structure. In order to determine if the 3-methyl or 4-methyl groups were necessary in JDTic and JDTic analogs for antagonistic activity, compounds 4a-c, and 4d-f which have either the 3-methyl or both the 3- and 4-methyl groups removed, respectively, from JDTic and analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro opioid receptor antagonist activities using a [(35)S]GTPγS binding assay. Other ADME properties were also assessed for selected compounds. These studies demonstrated that neither the 3-methyl or 3,4-dimethyl groups present in JDTic and analogs are required to produce potent and selective κ opioid receptor antagonists.

Synthesis, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology properties of 3'-(substituted pyridinyl)-deschloroepibatidine analogs.

Over the last several years we have synthesized and studied the in vitro and in vivo nAChR pharmacological properties of epibatidine (4) analogs. In this study we report the synthesis, nAChR in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of 3'-(substituted pyridinyl)-deschloroepibatidine analogs (5a-e and 6a-e). All of the analogs had high binding affinity for α4ß2(∗)-nAChRs. Several of the analogs were potent antagonists of α4ß2-nAChRs in in vitro efficacy tests and were potent antagonists of nicotine-induced antinociception in the mouse tail-flick test. Compound 6b had a Ki = 0.13 nM in the binding assay, 25- and 46-fold selectivity for the α4ß2(∗)-nAChR relative to the α3ß4- and α7-nAChR, respectively, in the in vitro efficacy test and an AD50 = 0.13 µg/kg in the tail-flick test. Combined with favorable calculated physiochemical properties compared to varenicline, our findings suggest that 6b should be considered for development as a potential pharmacotherapy for treating nicotine addiction and other CNS disorders.

Quantitative Signaling and Structure-Activity Analyses Demonstrate Functional Selectivity at the Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Opioid Receptor.

Comprehensive studies that consolidate selective ligands, quantitative comparisons of G protein versus arrestin-2/3 coupling, together with structure-activity relationship models for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) systems are less commonly employed. Here we examine biased signaling at the nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor (NOPR), the most recently identified member of the opioid receptor family. Using real-time, live-cell assays, we identified the signaling profiles of several NOPR-selective ligands in upstream GPCR signaling (G protein and arrestin pathways) to determine their relative transduction coefficients and signaling bias. Complementing this analysis, we designed novel ligands on the basis of NOPR antagonist J-113,397 [(±)-1-[(3R*,4R*)-1-(cyclooctylmethyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-4-piperidinyl]-3-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one] to explore structure-activity relationships. Our study shows that NOPR is capable of biased signaling, and further, the NOPR selective ligands MCOPPB [1-[1-(1-methylcyclooctyl)-4-piperidinyl]-2-(3R)-3-piperidinyl-1H-benzimidazole trihydrochloride] and NNC 63-0532 [8-(1-naphthalenylmethyl)-4-oxo-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-3-acetic acid, methyl ester] are G protein-biased agonists. Additionally, minor structural modification of J-113,397 can dramatically shift signaling from antagonist to partial agonist activity. We explore these findings with in silico modeling of binding poses. This work is the first to demonstrate functional selectivity and identification of biased ligands at the nociceptin opioid receptor.

In vitro and in vivo neuronal nicotinic receptor properties of (+)- and (-)-pyrido[3,4]homotropane [(+)- and (-)-PHT]: (+)-PHT is a potent and selective full agonist at α6ß2 containing neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Pyrido[3,4]homotropane (PHT) is a conformationally rigid, high affinity analogue of nicotine. (+)-PHT was previously shown to be 266 times more potent than (-)-PHT for inhibition of [(3)H]epibatidine binding to nAChRs but had no antinociceptive activity in mouse tail-flick or hot-plate tests and was not a nicotinic antagonist even when administered intrathecally. While (-)-PHT had no agonist activity, it was a potent, nicotinic antagonist in the test. Here, electrophysiological studies with rat nAChRs show (+)-PHT to be a low efficacy partial agonist selective for α4ß2-nAChRs, relative to α3ß4-nAChRs (15-fold) and α7-nAChRs (45-fold). (-)-PHT was an antagonist with selectivity for α3ß4, relative to α4ß2- (3-fold) and α7- (11-fold) nAChRs. In [(3)H]DA release studies in mice, (+)-PHT was 10-fold more potent than (-)-PHT at α4ß2*-nAChRs and 30-fold more potent at α6ß2*-nAChRs. Studies using α5KO mice suggested that much of the activity at α4ß2*-nAChRs is mediated by the α4ß2α5-nAChR subtype. In conditioned place preference studies, (-)-PHT was more potent than (+)-PHT in blocking nicotine reward. Off-target screens showed (+)- and (-)-PHT to be highly selective for nAChRs. The high potency, full agonism of (+)- and (-)-PHT at α6*-nAChR contrasts with the partial agonism observed for α4*-nAChR, making these ligands intriguing probes for learning more about the pharmacophores for various nAChRs.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of (3R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-N-[(1S)-1-[[(3R,4R)-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1-piperidinyl]methyl]-2-methylpropyl]-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (JDTic) analogues: in vitro pharmacology and ADME profile.

JDTic analogues 4-15 which have the hydroxyl groups replaced with other groups were synthesized and their in vitro efficacy at the µ, δ, and κ opioid receptors determined and compared to JDTic using [(35)S]GTPγS assays. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, and 15 had Ke = 0.024, 0.01, 0.039, 0.02, 0.11, and 0.041 nM compared to the Ke = 0.02 nM for JDTic at the κ receptor and were highly selective for the κ receptor relative to the µ and δ opioid receptors. Unexpectedly, replacement of the 3-hydroxyl substituent of the 4-(3-hydroxyphenyl) group of JDTic with a H, F, or Cl substituent leads to potent and selective KOR antagonists. In vitro studies to determine various ADME properties combined with calculated TPSA, clogP, and logBB values suggests that the potent and selective κ opioid receptors 4, 5, 13, and 14 deserve consideration for further development toward potential drugs for CNS disorders.

Studies toward the Development of Antiproliferative Neoclerodanes from Salvinorin A.

The success rate for central nervous system (CNS) drug candidates in the clinic is relatively low compared to the industry average across other therapeutic areas. Penetration through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the therapeutic target is a major obstacle in development. The rapid CNS penetration of salvinorin A has suggested that the neoclerodane nucleus offers an excellent scaffold for developing antiproliferative compounds that enter the CNS. The Liebeskind-Srogl reaction was used as the main carbon-carbon bond-forming step toward the synthesis of quinone-containing salvinorin A analogues. Quinone-containing salvinorin A analogues were shown to have antiproliferative activity against the MCF7 breast cancer cell line, but show no significant activity at the κ-opioid receptors. In an in vitro model of BBB penetration, quinone-containing salvinorin A analogues were shown to passively diffuse across the cell monolayer. The analogues, however, are substrates of P-glycoprotein, and thus further modification of the molecules is needed to reduce the affinity for the efflux transporter.

Aporphinoid antagonists of 5-HT2A receptors: further evaluation of ring A substituents and the size of ring C.

A series of ring A-modified analogs of nantenine as well as structural variants in ring C were synthesized and evaluated for antagonist activity at 5-HT2A and α1A receptors. Halogenation improves 5-HT2A antagonist potency in molecules containing a C1 methoxyl/C2 methoxyl or C1 methoxyl/C2 hydroxyl moiety. Bromination or iodination (but not chlorination) with the latter moiety also significantly increased α1A antagonist potency. Homologation or contraction of ring C adversely affected antagonist activity at both receptors, implying that a six-membered ring C motif is beneficial for high antagonist potency at both receptors. Molecular docking studies suggest that the improved antagonist activity (by virtue of improved affinity) of C3-halogenated aporphines in this study is attributable to favorable interactions with the C3 halogen and F339 and/or F340.

Evaluation of structural effects on 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonism by aporphines: identification of a new aporphine with 5-HT(2A) antagonist activity.

A set of aporphine analogs related to nantenine was evaluated for antagonist activity at 5-HT2A and α1A adrenergic receptors. With regards to 5-HT2A receptor antagonism, a C2 allyl group is detrimental to activity. The chiral center of nantenine is not important for 5-HT2A antagonist activity, however the N6 nitrogen atom is a critical feature for 5-HT2A antagonism. Compound 12b was the most potent 5-HT2A aporphine antagonist identified in this study and has similar potency to previously identified aporphine antagonists 2 and 3. The ring A and N6 modifications examined were detrimental to α1A antagonism. A slight eutomeric preference for the R enantiomer of nantenine was observed in relation to α1A antagonism.

Effect of the 3- and 4-methyl groups on the opioid receptor properties of N-substituted trans-3,4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidines.

N-substituted trans-3,4-dimethyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidines (2a,b) are opioid receptor antagonists where the antagonist properties are not due to the type of N-substituent. In order to gain a better understanding of the contribution that the 3- and 4-methyl groups make to the pure antagonist properties of 2a,b, we synthesized analogues of 2a,b that lacked the 4-methyl (5a,b), 3-methyl (6a,b), and both the 3- and 4-methyl group (7a,b) and compared their opioid receptor properties. We found that (1) all N-methyl and N-phenylpropyl substituted compounds were nonselective opioid antagonists (2) all N-phenylpropyl analogues were more potent than their N-methyl counterparts, and (3) compounds 2a,b which have both a 3- and 4-methyl substituent, were more potent antagonists than analogues 5a,b, 6a,b, and 7a,b. We also found that the removal of 3-methyl substituent of N-methyl and N-phenylpropyl 3-methyl-4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperazines (8a,b) gives (4a,b), which are opioid antagonists.