ABCB1 and ABCG2 drug transporters are differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and expression is modified by cisplatin treatment via altered Wnt signaling.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) is still the most common cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all LC cases but is not a single entity. It is now accepted that, apart from the characteristic driver mutations, the unique molecular signatures of adeno- (AC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), the two most common NSCLC subtypes should be taken into consideration for their management. Therapeutic interventions, however, frequently lead to chemotherapy resistance highlighting the need for in-depth analysis of regulatory mechanisms of multidrug resistance to increase therapeutic efficiency. METHODS: Non-canonical Wnt5a and canonical Wnt7b and ABC transporter expressions were tested in primary human LC (n = 90) resections of AC and SCC. To investigate drug transporter activity, a three dimensional (3D) human lung aggregate tissue model was set up using differentiated primary human lung cell types. Following modification of the canonical, beta-catenin dependent Wnt pathway or treatment with cisplatin, drug transporter analysis was performed at mRNA, protein and functional level using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, immune-fluorescent staining and transport function analysis. RESULTS: Non-canonical Wnt5a is significantly up-regulated in SCC samples making the microenvironment different from AC, where the beta-catenin dependent Wnt7b is more prominent. In primary cancer tissues ABCB1 and ABCG2 expression levels were different in the two NSCLC subtypes. Non-canonical rhWnt5a induced down-regulation of both ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporters in the primary human lung aggregate tissue model recreating the SCC-like transporter pattern. Inhibition of the beta-catenin or canonical Wnt pathway resulted in similar down-regulation of both ABC transporter expression and function. In contrast, cisplatin, the frequently used adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent, activated beta-catenin dependent signaling that lead to up-regulation of both ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporter expression and activity. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the Wnt microenvironment in AC and SCC leads to variations in ABC transporter expression. Cisplatin via induction of canonical Wnt signaling up-regulates ABCB1 and ABCG2 drug transporters that are not transporters for cisplatin itself but are transporters for drugs that are frequently used in combination therapy with cisplatin modulating drug response.

Increased Wnt5a in squamous cell lung carcinoma inhibits endothelial cell motility.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is important both in normal tissue function and disease and represents a key target in lung cancer (LC) therapy. Unfortunately, the two main subtypes of non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) namely, adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) respond differently to anti-angiogenic e.g. anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A treatment with life-threatening side effects, often pulmonary hemorrhage in SCC. The mechanisms behind such adverse reactions are still largely unknown, although peroxisome proliferator activator receptor (PPAR) gamma as well as Wnt-s have been named as molecular regulators of the process. As the Wnt microenvironments in NSCLC subtypes are drastically different, we hypothesized that the particularly high levels of non-canonical Wnt5a in SCC might be responsible for alterations in blood vessel growth and result in serious adverse reactions. METHODS: PPARgamma, VEGF-A, Wnt5a, miR-27b and miR-200b levels were determined in resected adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma samples by qRT-PCR and TaqMan microRNA assay. The role of PPARgamma in VEGF-A expression, and the role of Wnts in overall regulation was investigated using PPARgamma knock-out mice, cancer cell lines and fully human, in vitro 3 dimensional (3D), distal lung tissue aggregates. PPARgamma mRNA and protein levels were tested by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. PPARgamma activity was measured by a PPRE reporter system. The tissue engineered lung tissues expressing basal level and lentivirally delivered VEGF-A were treated with recombinant Wnts, chemical Wnt pathway modifiers, and were subjected to PPARgamma agonist and antagonist treatment. RESULTS: PPARgamma down-regulation and VEGF-A up-regulation are characteristic to both AC and SCC. Increased VEGF-A levels are under direct control of PPARgamma. PPARgamma levels and activity, however, are under Wnt control. Imbalance of both canonical (in AC) and non-canonical (in SCC) Wnts leads to PPARgamma down-regulation. While canonical Wnts down-regulate PPARgamma directly, non-canonical Wnt5a increases miR27b that is known regulator of PPARgamma. CONCLUSION: During carcinogenesis the Wnt microenvironment alters, which can downregulate PPARgamma leading to increased VEGF-A expression. Differences in the Wnt microenvironment in AC and SCC of NSCLC lead to PPARgamma decrease via mechanisms that differentially alter endothelial cell motility and branching which in turn can influence therapeutic response.

Age-related changes in acute central leptin effects on energy balance are promoted by obesity.

Leptin is a key catabolic regulator of food intake (FI) and energy expenditure. Both aging and obesity have been shown to induce leptin-resistance. The present study aimed to analyze age-related changes in the anorexigenic and hypermetabolic responsiveness to acute intracerebroventricular leptin administration in different age-groups of normally fed male Wistar rats (adult and old rats from 3 to 24months of age, NF3 to NF24, respectively). The expressions of the long form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) and inhibitory SOCS3 genes were also assessed by quantitative RT-PCR in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). The influence of high-fat diet-induced obesity (HF) on the anorexigenic leptin effects were also tested in younger and older middle-aged groups (HF6 and HF12). Leptin-induced anorexia varied with age: leptin suppressed re-feeding FI (following 48-h fasting) strongly in young adult (NF3), but not in younger or older middle-aged (NF6 or NF12) or in aging (NF18) rats. However, anorexigenic leptin effects reached statistical significance again in old NF24 rats. Leptin-induced hypermetabolism, on the other hand, showed monotonous age-related decline and disappeared by old age. Ob-Rb expression declined until 12months of age followed by a partial recovery in NF18 and NF24 groups. On the other hand, SOCS3 expression was high in NF6 and NF18 and to some extent in NF24 rats. Age-related alterations of Ob-Rb and SOCS3 expression in the ARC may partly contribute to the explanation of age-related variations in anorexigenic but not hypermetabolic leptin effects. High-fat diet-induced obesity was associated with resistance to leptin-induced anorexia in HF6, similar to that seen in NF6. However, instead of the expected leptin-resistance in HF12, a strong leptin-induced suppression of re-feeding was detected in these obese middle-aged rats. Our results suggest that acute central effects of leptin on anorexia and hypermetabolism change in disparate ways during aging, implying separate mechanisms (e.g. signal transduction pathways) of different leptin actions. The age-related pattern shown by leptin-induced anorexia may contribute to the explanation of middle-aged obesity, and partly to that of aging anorexia. Our findings concerning obese rats are in accord with previous observations on anorexigenic effects of peripherally administered cholecystokinin: diet-induced obesity appeared to accelerate the development of age-related regulatory alterations. Similarly, our present data also raise the possibility that chronic diet-induced obesity promotes responsiveness to centrally applied leptin at least concerning anorexigenic effects.

Biochemical activities of trimetoquinol analogs at human beta(1)- and beta(3)-adrenergic receptors.

The biochemical activities of trimetoquinol (TMQ) analogs were evaluated at the human beta(1)- and beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. In radioligand binding assays, the 1-benzyl iodine-substituted analogs exhibited higher binding affinities at both beta(1)- and beta(3)-AR subtype as compared to TMQ. In cAMP accumulation assays, these analogs exhibited high potencies at both beta(1)- and beta(3)-AR. The 3',5'-diiodo-4'-amino analog of TMQ was the most potent beta(3)-AR agonist, 17-fold more potent at the beta(3)-AR versus the beta(1)-AR. Masking of the 6,7-dihydroxy group of the catechol ring of 3',5'-diiodo-4'-acetamido analog of TMQ, a potent beta(1)- and beta(3)-AR agonist, abolished activity at both beta-AR subtypes. Furthermore, substitution of a strong electron withdrawing group such as the trifluoromethyl moiety at the 1-benzyl ring of TMQ dramatically decreased potency at beta(1)- and beta(3)-AR compared to TMQ. Replacement of the 1-benzyl ring of TMQ with a naphthalene ring did not alter affinity but reduced potency of resulting 1-naphthylmethyl and 2-naphthylmethyl analogs at beta(1)- and beta(3)-AR compared to TMQ. Our results define the structural and electronic properties of substituents on TMQ necessary for potent activation of beta(1)- and beta(3)-AR and suggest that further modifications of the 1-benzyl iodine-substituted analogs may yield potent beta(3)-AR agonists.

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor isoforms and inhibition of prostaglandin H(2) synthases by ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin.

A series of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [S(+)-naproxen, ibuprofen isomers, and indomethacin] were evaluated for their activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and gamma isoforms in CV-1 cells co-transfected with rat PPAR alpha and gamma, and peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE)-luciferase reporter gene plasmids, for stimulation of peroxisomal fatty acyl CoA beta-oxidase activity in H4IIEC3 cells, and for comparative inhibition of ovine prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS)-1 and PGHS-2 and arachidonic acid-induced human platelet activation. Each drug produced a concentration-dependent activation of the PPAR isoforms and fatty acid beta-oxidase activity, inhibition of human arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation and serotonin secretion, and inhibition of PGHS-1 and PGHS-2 activities. For PPARalpha activation in CV-1 and H4IIEC3 cells, and the stimulation of fatty acyl oxidase activity in H4IIEC3 cells, the rank order of stereoselectivity was S(+)- ibuprofen > R(-)-ibuprofen; S(+)-ibuprofen was more potent than indomethacin and naproxen on these parameters. On PPARgamma, the rank order was S(+)-naproxen > indomethacin > S(+)-ibuprofen > R(-)-ibuprofen. Each drug inhibited PGHS-1 activity and platelet aggregation with the same rank order of indomethacin > S(+)-ibuprofen > S(+)-naproxen > R(-)-ibuprofen. Notably, the S(+)-isomer of ibuprofen was 32-, 41-, and 96-fold more potent than the R(-)-isomer for the inhibition of PGHS-1 activity, human platelet aggregation, and serotonin secretion, respectively. On PGHS-2, the ibuprofen isomers showed no selectivity, and indomethacin, S(+)-ibuprofen, and S(+)-naproxen were 6-, 27-, and 5-fold more potent as inhibitors of PGHS-1 than PGHS-2 activity. These results demonstrate that the mechanisms of action of NSAIDs on these cell systems are different, and we propose that the pharmacological effects of NSAIDs may be related to both their profile of inhibition of PGHS enzymes and the activation of PPARalpha and/or PPARgamma isoforms.

Yohimbine dimers exhibiting binding selectivities for human alpha2a- versus alpha2b-adrenergic receptors.

A series of yohimbine dimers was prepared and evaluated at the human alpha2a- and alpha2b-adrenergic receptors (ARs) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. All dimers display higher binding selectivities for alpha2a versus alpha2b subtype than yohimbine, and four compounds (3d, 3e, 3g and 3i) represent the most potent and alpha2a versus alpha2b-AR selective ligands identified so far.

Synthesis and human beta-adrenoceptor activity of 1-(3,5-diiodo-4- methoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-6-ol derivatives in vitro.

Trimetoquinol (1, TMQ) is a potent nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist and a thromboxane A(2)/prostaglandin endoperoxide (TP) receptor antagonist, while 3',5'-diiodo-TMQ (2) exhibits beta(3)-AR selectivity. In search of selective beta(3)-AR agonists as potential drugs for the treatment of human obesity and type II diabetes mellitus, a series of 1-(3, 5-diiodo-4-methoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-6-ols has been prepared and evaluated for their biological activities at human beta(1)-, beta(2)-, and beta(3)-ARs expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The compounds have been synthesized by the Bischler-Napieralski cyclization of corresponding amides followed by NaBH(4) reduction, and the halogens in the aromatic ring A were introduced by direct halogenation of protected compound 11. Whereas halogen substitution in ring A reduced either potency or intrinsic activity on beta(3)-AR, the non-halogen-substituted compounds 8 and 10 were potent, selective, nearly full agonists for beta(3)-AR.

Biochemical and functional characterization of 1-benzyl substituted trimetoquinol affinity analogs on rat and human beta-adrenoceptors.

The site of interaction for the 1-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzyl) group of trimetoquinol (TMQ) with beta-adrenoceptors (beta-ARs) is important for the rational design of highly potent and beta3-AR-selective analogs. 1-Benzyl ring-substituted TMQ analogs were evaluated for binding affinities and biochemical activities (cyclic AMP accumulations) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the rat and human beta3-AR, and for functional activities on isolated rat tissues. Binding affinities (K1 approximately 0.055 to 1.5 microM) for the rat beta3-AR and potencies for adenylyl cyclase activation (K(act) approximately 0.43 to 2;5 nM) of the 3'-monoiodo or 3',5'-diiodo derivatives with 4'-isothiocyanato-, 4'-amino, 4'-acetamido, or 4'-alpha-haloacetamido substitutions were higher than those of (-)-isoproterenol, and comparable to those of BRL 37344 [(+/-)-(R*,R*-[4-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethyl]amino]propyl]ph enoxy]-acetic acid sodium]. A similar rank order of binding affinities (K(i) approximately 0.11 to 2.5 microM) and potencies (K(act) approximately 0.45 to 9.5 nM) was obtained for TMQ analogs on the human beta3-AR. The 4'-acetamido and 4'-alpha-chloroacetamido analogs of 3',5'-diiodoTMQ were more potent than (-)-isoproterenol in rat atria (beta1-AR) and rat trachea (beta2-AR) and exhibited partial agonist activities, whereas full agonist activities were observed in rat esophageal smooth muscle (EC50 approximately 2-8 nM, beta3-AR). 4'-alpha-Chloroacetamido-3',5'-diiodoTMQ-mediated chronotropic responses in atria were sustained and resistant to washout. Further, the 4'-alpha-chloroacetamido and 4'-alpha-bromoacetamido analogs of 3',5'-diiodoTMQ demonstrated significant concentration-dependent irreversible binding to the rat beta3-AR. Reversible beta-AR agonists such as (-)-isoproterenol, BRL 37344, and 4'-acetamido-3',5'-diiodoTMQ or nucleophilic 1-amino acids (lysine, glutathione, cysteine) did not protect against this irreversible binding. Thus, the lipophilic 1-benzyl ring of TMQ analogs interacts with a hydrophobic region of the beta-AR that may represent an exo-site or an allosteric binding site.

Beta-adrenoceptor subtype activities of trimetoquinol derivatives: biochemical studies on human beta-adrenoceptors expressed in chinese hamster ovary cells.

The beta-adrenoceptor activities of trimetoquinol (TMQ) isomers and selected derivatives were evaluated on human beta-adrenoceptor subtypes expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. In cAMP accumulation assays, (-)-TMQ was 214-, 281-, and 776-fold more potent than (+)-TMQ at stimulating beta(1)-, beta(2)-, and beta(3)-adrenoceptor subtypes, respectively. In radioligand binding assays, (-)-TMQ exhibited 123-, 331-, and 5-fold greater affinity than (+)-TMQ for beta(1)-, beta(2)-, and beta(3)-adrenoceptor subtypes, respectively. (-)-TMQ and (+/-)-TMQ activated the human beta(3)-adrenoceptor with an 8.2- and 3.4-fold greater efficacy, respectively, than the reference beta-adrenoceptor agonist (-)-isoproterenol (efficacy = 1). The 3',5'-diiodo analogs of TMQ were partial agonists of the beta(2)-adrenoceptor relative to (-)-isoproterenol, and their potencies were 5- to 10-fold higher at the beta(3)-adrenoceptor as compared with beta(1)-adrenoceptors. Modification of the catechol (6,7-dihydroxy) nucleus, such as replacement of the 7-hydroxy group with a chloro group (7-chloroTMQ), ring fluorination (8-fluoro and 5,8-difluoro analogs), or preparation of bioisosteric tetrahydrothiazolopyridine (THP) derivatives of TMQ yielded compounds that displayed partial agonist activity (relative to (-)-isoproterenol) or were inactive at the beta(2)-adrenoceptor and exhibited beta(3)-adrenoceptor-selective stimulation compared with the beta(1)-adrenoceptor. Furthermore, the 3',5'-diiodo-4'-methoxybenzylTHP derivative of TMQ was 65-fold more potent than the corresponding 3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzylTHP at the human beta(3)-adrenoceptor. Our results indicate that 6, 7-dihydroxy-catechol-modified and 1-benzyl halogen-substituted derivatives of TMQ represent promising leads for the development of beta(3)-adrenoceptor-selective agonists.

Direct effects of ephedrine isomers on human beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes.

Ephedrine and its alkaloids are used for the treatment of asthma, nasal congestion, and obesity. Ephedrine, with two chiral centers, exists as four isomers that exhibit direct and indirect effects on both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors (AR). Our main goal was to study the direct effects of the ephedrine isomers on human beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-AR expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Previous work indicated that the ephedrine isomers are inactive as agonists and that 1R,2S-ephedrine is more potent than the 1S,2R-isomer as an antagonist of catecholamine-induced lipolysis in rat adipose tissue (Lee et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther 190: 249-259, 1974). Stimulation of adenylyl cyclase, associated with cyclic AMP accumulations, was measured by a luciferase reporter gene assay. On human beta1-AR, the rank order of potency (EC50 values, maximal response relative to isoproterenol = 100%) was 1R,2S-ephedrine (0.5 microM, 68%) > 1S,2R-ephedrine (72 microM, 66%) > 1S,2S-pseudoephedrine (309 microM, 53%) = 1R,2R-pseudoephedrine (1122 microM, 53%). On human beta2-AR, the rank order of potency was 1R,2S-ephedrine (0.36 microM, 78%) > 1R,2R-pseudoephedrine (7 microM, 50%) > or = 1S,2S-pseudoephedrine (10 microM, 47%) > 1S,2R-ephedrine (106 microM, 22%). Only 1R,2S-ephedrine showed significant agonist activity on human beta3-AR with an EC50 = 45 betaM and a maximal response of 31%. Our studies demonstrated that (a) stereoselective and rank order differences exist among the direct effects of ephedrine isomers; (b) 1R,2S-ephedrine is the most potent of the four ephedrine isomers on all three human beta-AR; and (c) 1R,2S- ephedrine was nearly equipotent as a beta1-/beta2-AR agonist and the only isomer possessing weak partial agonist activity on beta3-AR.

An efficient cyclic AMP assay for the functional evaluation of beta-adrenergic receptor ligands.

beta-Adrenoceptors are G-protein linked receptors that are positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase. We wanted to develop an alternative method to the detection of cAMP using radioimmunoassay for functional analysis of ligands for human beta-adrenoceptors (ARs). Chinese hamster ovary cells that stably expressed the beta 2-AR were transiently transfected with reporter plasmids containing the firefly luciferase gene under the transcriptional control of 6 or 12 cAMP response elements. The transiently transfected cells (electroporated at 150 volts, single pulse, 70 ms) were grown in 96-well microtiter plates (50,000 cells per well) for 20 hours, exposed to various ligands for 4 hours, and the luciferase activity was assayed. Stimulation of beta-ARs in these transfected cells resulted in a greater than 25-fold induction of luciferase activity. This activity was maximally increased in response to 20 microM forskolin, 1 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and 10-30 nM (-)-isoproterenol. Exposure of cells to (-)-isoproterenol elicited a concentration dependent luciferase response and these effects of (-)-isoproterenol were blocked by propranolol (K(B) = 1.5 nM) and bupranolol (K(B) = 1.9 nM). The concentration of (-)-isoproterenol exhibiting half maximal response was 0.35 nM. This assay offers an excellent alternative to traditional methods of cAMP measurement and has applications to elucidate cAMP mediated signaling pathways in cells.

2-Amino-4-benzyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridines: novel selective beta3-adrenoceptor agonists.

Trimetoquinol (TMQ, 7) is a potent nonselective beta-adrenoceptor (AR) agonist. Replacement of the catechol moiety of TMQ with a 2-aminothiazole group resulted in novel thiazolopyridine derivatives 9-11 which have been synthesized and evaluated for biological activity on human beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-AR. The Bischler-Napieralski reaction has been employed as a novel approach to construct the 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridine ring system. Although in radioligand binding studies analogues 9 and 10 did not show selectivity toward beta3-AR, they exhibited a high degree of selective beta3-AR agonist activity in functional assays. Moreover, the beta3-AR agonist activity of the 2-aminothiazole derivatives is abolished by N-acetylation (analogue 11) or ring opening (analogue 25). This illustrates the importance of the intact 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrothiazolo[5,4-c]pyridine ring for beta3-AR activity.

Mechanisms of peroxisome proliferation by perfluorooctanoic acid and endogenous fatty acids.

1. The effects of endogenous fatty acids and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its analogs on peroxisomal acyl CoA oxidase (ACO) and microsomal laurate hydroxylase (LH) activities were evaluated in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) in CV-1 cells. The rank order for the stimulation of ACO activity in hepatocytes for selected compounds was PFOA >> octanoic acid>octanedioic acid, perfluorooctanol (inactive). Increases in ACO activity by PFOA, like those of ciprofibrate, were associated with a marked increase in peroxisome number and cytosolic occupancy volume. Maximal effects of ciprofibrate and PFOA on the stimulation of ACO activity were not additive, suggesting that these two compounds share a common pathway of peroxisome proliferation. 2. Saturated monocarboxylic acids of C4 to C18 chain length were inactive, and, among dicarboxylic acids, only small elevations (40-45%) in ACO activity were observed with the long-chain C12 and C16 dioic acids. Of the C18 fatty acids tested, only oleic and linoleic acids, at 1 mM, produced a two- to three-fold elevation in ACO and LH activities. In comparison with endogenous fatty acids, PFOA was more potent and exhibited a different time course and greater magnitude of stimulation of ACO and LH activities in cultured hepatocytes. 3. Addition of mitochondrial beta-oxidation inhibitors (3-mercaptopropionic and 2-bromooctanoic acids) did not alter ACO activity in the presence of octanoic acid or octanedioic acid; nor did they modify the stimulation of ACO activity by PFOA. The carnitine palmitoyltransferase I inhibitor 2-bromopalmitic acid produced a 2.5-fold increase in ACO stimulatory activity and reduced both ciprofibrate- and PFOA-mediated stimulations of ACO activity. 4. Cycloheximide treatment reduced PFOA- and ciprofibrate-induced ACO activities; however, the response to oleic acid was not blocked and increased slightly. 5. In rat and human PPARalpha transactivation assays, the rank order of activation was ciprofibrate > PFOA > oleic acid > or = octanoic acid > octanedioic acid or perfluorooctanol (inactive). PFOA, ciprofibrate and oleic acid were activators of rPPARalpha at concentrations that correlated favorably with the changes in ACO activity in cell culture. Octanoic acid did not increase ACO activity and was a weak activator of PPARalpha. 6. Our findings suggest that fatty acids such as oleic acid (endogenous fatty acids) and PFOA (a stable fatty acid) act through more than one pathway to increase ACO activity in rat hepatocytes. We conclude that the potent effects of PFOA are primarily mediated by a mechanism that includes the activation of liver PPARalpha.

Activation of L-type calcium channel by tolazoline derivatives: role of isothiocyanate moiety.

Studies have investigated the pharmacologic mechanism of 2-(4'-isothiocyanatobenzyl) imidazoline (IBI) and analogs for interaction with imidazoline receptors (IRs), alpha-adrenergic receptors (alpha-ARs), and calcium channels in cardiovascular muscle systems. IBI differs from tolazoline by substitution of an electrophilic isothiocyanato (NCS) group. Unlike tolazoline, which is a partial alpha-AR agonist, IBI produced an irreversible, slow-onset, and sustained contraction of rat aorta with an median effective concentration (EC50) value of 5 microM, and a maximal contraction (116%) greater than that of phenylephrine (100%) and tolazoline (59%). The IBI-induced contractions were dependent on calcium channels and independent of alpha-ARs or IRs. Similarly, structure-activity relation studies in rat aortic smooth muscles on a series of synthesized IBI analogs indicated that NCS analogs, but not those without the NCS group, exhibited effects by a non-alpha-AR, non-IR, but a calcium channel-dependent mechanism. Thus the presence of an intact IBI ring in these analogs is not a requirement for these activities. Further, IBI inhibited dihydropyridine (DHP, [3H]PN 200-110 and [3H]Bay K 8644) binding to L-type calcium channels of T-tubule membranes in rabbit skeletal muscle. In contrast to nifedipine, IBI and NCS derivatives (nifedipine-NCS, naphazoline-NCS) only partially (50-88%) displaced specific binding of these radioligands. A single site of noncooperative interaction was observed for nifedipine (nH = 0.97), whereas tolazoline-NCS (IBI, nH = 1.46) and nifedipine-NCS (nH = 1.37) exhibited a positive cooperativity in binding to DHP sites. These receptor-binding data indicate that NCS derivatives bind to L-type calcium channels and interact allosterically with DHP-binding sites. Direct binding of the NCS group to specific nucleophilic protein sites of the calcium channel may be responsible for its activation and the subsequent contractile effects of IBI.

Medetomidine analogs as alpha 2-adrenergic ligands. 3. Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of medetomidine analogs and their potential binding interactions with alpha 2-adrenoceptors involving a "methyl pocket".

The synthesis and the biological evaluation of a new series of medetomidine analogs are reported. The substitution pattern at the phenyl ring of the tetralin analogs had a distinct influence on the alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding affinity. 4-Methylindan analog 6 was the most potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding ligand among these 4-substituted imidazoles, and its alpha 2-adrenoceptor selectivity was greater than the 5-methyl tetralin analog 4c. Ligand-pharmacophore and receptor modeling were combined to rationalize alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding data of the imidazole analogs in terms of ligand-receptor interactions. The structure-activity relationships that were apparent from this and previous studies were qualitatively rationalized by the binding site models of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor. The benzylic methyl group of medetomidine or the naphthyl analog 2a was superimposable with the alpha-methyl group of (-)-alpha-methylnorepinephrine and fit into the proposed "methyl pocket" of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor defined by the residues Leu110, Leu169, Phe391, and Thr395.

Beta-adrenergic receptor and platelet inhibitory activities of a new series of trimetoquinol and related benzazepine analogs.

1. A series of dimethoxy and methylenedioxy analogs of trimetoquinol (TMQ) and structurally related 7-membered ring benzazepines (BA) were evaluated for their pharmacological effects in beta-adrenergic (atria, trachea) and thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor systems (aorta, platelets). 2. Results show that both the 6,7-dihydroxy (catechol) moiety of trimetoquinol and an intact tetrahydroisoquinoline nucleus are essential for maintaining potent beta-stimulating and antithromboxane A2 activities. 3. By contrast, ring enlargement, as in the BA analogs, or masking of the catechol with dimethoxy or methylenedioxy functional groups enhanced the potency of inhibitors on thromboxane A2-independent activation of human platelets induced by bacterial phospholipase C (PLC). 4. The selective blockade of this pathway by these compounds suggests that they may represent a new and novel class of antiplatelet drugs.

Stereoselective effects of chiral clofibric acid analogs on rat peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (rPPAR alpha) activation and peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Enantiomers of a series of substituted analogs of 2-(4-chlorophenoxy) -acetic acid (CPAA) were synthesized and used to examine the influence of steric and structural parameters on peroxisome proliferation. The effects of these compounds were studied on the activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) in CV-1 cells using an in vitro co-transfection assay. Selected sets of isomers were tested for their ability to increase peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) activity in H4IIEC3 (rat Reuber hepatoma) cells. Of the series of 2-substituted analogs studied, the isomers of the nu-propyl and phenyl derivatives of CPAA showed a high degree of stereoselectivity [(S)-isomer >> (R)-isomer]. In general, the potency of the compound to activate the receptor increased with the size of the 2-alkyl substituent. Among the 4-chlorobenzyloxy- and 4-(4'-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy- analogs studied, 2-[4-(4'-chlorophenyl)-benzyloxy]-propanoic acid exhibited a high degree of stereoselectivity in both the biological systems studied [(R) >> (S)]. The congeners of 2-methyl substituted CPAA showed a reverse stereoselectivity (R) > (S)] as compared to the other 2-substituted analogs [(S) > (R)]. Our results indicate that (1) both structural and steric characteristics of CPAA analogs play an important role in the activation of rPPAR alpha and on stimulation of peroxisomal ACO activities, and (2) clofibric acid and analogs exert their peroxisome proliferative effects by interaction with a specific site on a protein. The enantiomers of the 2-nu-propyl and the 2-phenyl CPAA analogs may be useful as mechanistic probes in elucidating the nature of this binding site.

Synthesis and evaluation of trimetoquinol derivatives: novel thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 antagonists with diminished beta-adrenergic agonist activity.

Trimetoquinol (TMQ, 1) is a unique catecholamine with a strong stereodependence for agonism at beta-adrenergic (S > > R) and antagonism at thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TP; R > > S) receptors. Our laboratory has reported the effects of N-alkylation and modification of the trisubstituted benzyl group in these receptor systems. For iodinated derivative 5, maintaining potency in TP receptor systems (112%) was coupled with maintaining limited potency in beta-adrenergic receptor systems (34% for beta 1 and 47% for beta 2). In this study, several diverse TMQ derivatives were prepared to probe for binding interactions specific to a particular receptor system. Planar amidine 2, which was designed to explore the importance of TMQ's chiral center, showed a dramatic loss of potency (< 1%) in each receptor system. Likewise, the homologation of a previously described N-benzyl derivative (3) to the N-phenylethyl derivative 4 also showed reduced potency (< 3%) in both receptor systems. However, modification of the trimethoxybenzyl group of TMQ to a 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzyl group (7) provided a unique lead for TMQ derivatives with significant potency in TP receptor systems (91%) and reduced potency in beta-adrenergic receptor systems (4% for beta 1 and 19% for beta 2).

Iodinated analogs of trimetoquinol as highly potent and selective beta 2-adrenoceptor ligands.

A series of trimetoquinol (1, TMQ) analogs were designed and synthesized based on the lead compound 2, a diiodinated analog of trimetoquinol which exhibits improved selectivity for beta 2-versus beta 1-adrenoceptors (AR). To determine the influence of 1-benzyl substituents of trimetoquinol on beta 2-AR binding affinity and selectivity, we replaced and/or removed the 3'-, 4'-, and 5'-methoxy substituents of trimetoquinol. Replacement of the 4'-methoxy group of 2 with an amino (21c) or acetamido (15) moiety did not significantly alter beta 2-AR and thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TP) receptor affinity. Substitution with a 4'-hydroxy (18) or -iodo (21b) group did not significantly alter beta 2-AR affinity, but greatly reduced TP receptor affinity (380- and 1200-fold, respectively). Further, the beta 2-AR can accommodate larger substituents such as a benzamide at the 4'-position (26b). Other monoiodo derivatives (24, 26a) have similar or slightly lower affinity to both beta 2-AR and TP receptor compared to their diiodo analogs. Interestingly, removal of the 4'-substituent of 3',5'-diiodo analogs increased beta 2-AR affinity with little or no effect on beta 1-AR and TP binding. Thus, analog 21a displayed highly potent (pKi 9.52) and selective (beta 2/beta 1 = 600) binding affinity for beta 2-AR. On the other hand, trifluoromethyl substituents at the 3'- and 5'-positions (27) essentially abolished binding affinity at beta 2-AR and TP receptors. The differential binding effects of the aforementioned trimetoquinol modifications on the receptor systems may reflect differences in the binding pocket that interacts with the benzyl portion of trimetoquinol analogs. Thus, manipulation of the 1-benzyl moiety of trimetoquinol (1) has resulted in analogs that exhibit potent beta 2-AR binding affinity and significantly lower beta 1-AR and TP receptor affinities.