Role of protein kinase C in substance P-induced synaptic depression in the nucleus accumbens in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: This study set out to determine the roles of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) signalling cascades in substance P- (SP-) mediated synaptic depression in the nucleus accumbens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used whole-cell patch recording in rat forebrain slices to study the effects of excitatory and inhibitory modulators of PKA and PKC to determine their effects on SP-induced synaptic depression. RESULTS: We showed that cAMP and PKC, but not PKA, are involved in SP-induced synaptic depression. Bath application of SP (1 microM) depressed evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) by -27.50 +/- 5.6% (n = 8). Pretreatment of slices with 10 microM forskolin or rolipram prevented SP (1 microM) from depressing evoked EPSCs (-0.8 +/- 6.7%, n = 6; p > 0.05 and 1.6 +/- 5.6%, n = 8; p > 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, 8-bromo cAMP (1 mM) also blocked the effect of SP (-0.5 +/- 14.8, n = 4, p > 0.05). However, H-89 (1 microM) did not block the SP-induced synaptic depression (-32.3 +/- 4.0%, n = 4, p < 0.05). By contrast, PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide (1 microM; 4.0 +/- 5.1%, n = 6; p > 0.05) and calphostin C (400 nM; -6.7 +/- 6.5%, n = 4, p > 0.05) both blocked SP-induced synaptic depression. Phorbol dibutyrate caused a synaptic depression of -33.0. +/- 5.0% and abolished the effect of SP (1 microM, -5.9 +/- 8.6%, n = 4, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that PKC and cAMP are involved in SP-induced synaptic depression while PKA is apparently not involved. Involvement of multiple signalling pathways may reflect the fact that SP uses several intermediates to depress EPSCs.

Ultraviolet spectroscopy of anticonvulsant enaminones.

The ultraviolet (UV) spectra of selected enaminones were determined in acidic, alkaline and neutral media and compared to their anticonvulsant activities. The wavelength of maximum absorption and molar absorptivity were compared with the anticonvulsant activity of the selected secondary and tertiary enaminones, and general inferences were made. The UV spectra of the enaminones had hypsochromic shifts in acidic media in comparison with neutral media. Generally, a small hypsochromic shift occurred in alkaline media when compared to the neutral solutions of the enaminones. The tertiary enaminones absorbed UV light at longer wavelength than the secondary enaminones in acidic, neutral and alkaline media. In particular, the tertiary enaminones displayed absorption at the higher end and secondary enaminones towards the lower end of the UV wavelength range 292-315nm in aqueous media. Tertiary enaminones (30-33) which were devoid of the NH proton were found to be uniformly inactive in a mouse model of electroshock seizures, while some secondary enaminones (1, 5-8, 12, 16, 18, 20, 23-25, 28 and 29) had anticonvulsant activity. Thus the NH group of secondary enaminones is very important for anticonvulsant activity, and this agrees with an already established trend in proton NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the para-substitution on the phenyl group in some enaminones result in higher molar absorptivity (epsilon) values that enhance anticonvulsant activity. These results indicate that the anticonvulsant activity of enaminones is not due to electronic effect alone, but is probably due to a combination of factors including electronic and steric effects, lipophilicity, and hydrogen bonding.

GABA(B) receptors modulate short-term potentiation of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in the rat supraoptic nucleus in vitro.

High-frequency stimulation of afferents to the supraoptic nucleus (SON) results in a robust increase in the frequency and amplitude of pharmacologically isolated, tetrodotoxin-resistant, miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) lasting for 5-20 min. This increase in mEPSC frequency, termed short-term potentiation (STP), is tightly coupled to increases in action potential firing in magnocellular neurons (MCNs) suggesting a functional role for STP. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), acting selectively on GABA(B) receptors, has been shown to modulate action potential-dependent EPSCs, as well as mEPSCs in this nucleus. In this study, we examined the role of GABA in STP. Using in vitro hypothalamic slices containing the SON and the nystatin perforated-patch recording technique to record from MCNs, we tested the hypothesis that GABA modulates STP. Baclofen, a GABA(B) receptor agonist, caused a reversible decrease in the frequency of mEPSCs as well as a reduction in the magnitude and duration of STP. GABA(B) receptor antagonists blocked the baclofen-induced decrease in mEPSC frequency and reduction in STP. In addition, the antagonists by themselves increased basal mEPSC frequency while prolonging the duration of STP in most cells. By contrast, picrotoxin, a GABA(A) chloride channel blocker, had no effect on STP.These findings indicate that GABA is tonically present in the SON and its action at the GABA(B) receptor may determine the magnitude and duration of STP.

Antibacterial agents (oxazolidinones, quinolones, macrolides and new agents): patent highlights June to December 2000.

Several patent disclosures were made on oxazolidinone, quinolone, macrolide and new antimicrobial agents between June and December 2000; 26 of these patents are discussed in this review. The exciting report on new oxazolidinone derivatives with potent activity against fastidious Gram-negative organisms is highlighted. Most of the new quinolones are structurally dissimilar to the traditional fluoroquinolones and demonstrate activity against Helicobacter pylori (MIC=0.013 microg/ml). New 14-membered macrolides with broad-spectrum activity including against Mycobacterium avium are also presented. A novel peptidic antibiotic with potent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC<0.0005 microg/ml) is also highlighted.

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activity of dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-[4-(1-methoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydropyridyl)]-3 ,5- pyridinedicarboxylates.

A novel class of dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-[4-(1- methoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydropyridyl)]-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylates (8-14) were synthesized and evaluated as calcium channel antagonists. The differences in activity among members of this new class of compounds was less than one log unit (IC50 range of 1.12 x 10(-6) to 8.57 x 10(-6) M), relative to the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.43 x 10(-8) M). The small differences in potency, irrespective of the size of the dialkyl (Me, Et, i-Pr, i-Bu) ester substituents, is attributed to the fact that the N-CO2Me substituent is too far removed from the C-3 and C-5 ester substituents to undergo non-bonded steric interactions. The 4-[4-(1-methoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydropyridyl) moiety in this new class of compounds is bioisosteric with a C-4 4-nitrophenyl, or a 4-pyridyl, substituent in classical 1,4-dihydropyridines.

Synthesis, rotamer orientation, and calcium channel modulation activities of alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates.

A group of racemic alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates (13a-q) was prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (7a-j) with an alkyl or 2-phenethyl 3-aminocrotonate (11a-d) and nitroacetone (12). Nuclear Overhauser (NOE) studies indicated there is a significant rotamer fraction in solution where the pyridyl nitrogen is oriented above the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, irrespective of whether a substituent is located at the 3- or 6-position. A potential H-bonding interaction between the pyridyl nitrogen free electron pair and the suitably positioned 1,4-dihydropyridine NH moiety may stablize this rotamer orientation. In vitro calcium channel antagonist and agonist activities were determined using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays, respectively. Compounds having an i-Pr ester substituent acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle-selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM), except for the C-4 3-nitro-2-pyridyl compound which exhibited an antagonist effect on both GPLA and GPILSM. In contrast, the compounds with a phenethyl ester group, which exhibited antagonist activity (IC50 = 10(-5)-10(-7) M range) on GPILSM, were devoid of cardiac agonist activity on GPLA. Structure-activity relationships showing the effect of a substituent (Me, CF3, Cl, NO2, Ph) at the 3- or 6-position of a C-4 2-pyridyl moiety and a variety of ester substituents (Me, Et, i-Pr, PhCH2CH2-) upon calcium channel modulation are described. Compounds possessing a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl moiety, in conjuction with an i-Pr ester substituent, are novel 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulators that offer a new drug design approach directed to the treatment of congestive heart failure and may also be useful as probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

Synthesis and calcium channel-modulating effects of alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-pyridyl-5-pyridinecarboxylate racemates and enantiomers.

A group of racemic alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 1,4-dihydro-2,6- dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylate isomers (6-14) were prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of nitroacetone with an alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 3-aminocrotonate and 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Determination of their in vitro calcium channel-modulating activities using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays showed that the 2-pyridyl isomers acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM). In contrast, the 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl isomers acted as calcium channel agonists on both GPLA and GPILSM. In the C-4 2-pyridyl group of compounds, the size of the C-5 alkyl (or cycloalkyl) ester substituent was a determinant of GPILSM antagonist activity where the relative activity profile was cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl > t-Bu, i-Bu, and Et > MeOCH2CH2 > Me. The point of attachment of the C-4 pyridyl substituent was a determinant of GPLA agonist activity where the potency order was generally 4- and 3-pyridyl > 2-pyridyl. (+)-Cyclohexyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-pyridyl)-5- pyridinecarboxylate [(+)-14a] was a less potent calcium antagonist (IC50 = 5.27 x 10(-6) M) than the (-)-enantiomer (IC50 = 7.48 x 10(-8) M) on GPILSM. In the GPLA assay, (+)-14a exhibited a much more potent agonist effect (EC50 = 8.45 x 10(-6) M) relative to the marginal agonist effect produced by (-)-14a. The C-4 2-pyridyl compounds (enantiomers) constitute a novel type of 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator that could provide a new drug design concept directed toward the treatment of congestive heart failure, and for use as probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

Activation of phospholipase D in FRTL-5 thyroid cells by forskolin and dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate.

We demonstrated previously that TSH activates phospholipase D (PLD) via stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC) in Fischer rat thyroid line (FRTL)-5 thyroid cells. To examine the role of the cAMP pathway in the regulation of PLD, we studied the effects of forskolin (0-100 microM; 30 min) and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP; 0-1 mM; 30 min) on PLD activation. FRTL-5 thyroid cells were labeled mainly in phosphatidylcholine with [3H]myristate followed by incubation with 200 mM ethanol before the addition of agonist. PLD was assessed by the measurement of [3H]phosphatidylethanol. Forskolin (100 nM to 100 microM) and dbcAMP (100 pM to 100 microM) increased PLD activity significantly. Maximal responses to forskolin and dbcAMP exceed the PLD responses produced by 100 microU/ml of TSH. To determine whether the effects of forskolin and dbcAMP on PLD occurred as a consequence of PKC activation, FRTL-5 thyroid cells were preincubated for 10 min with the PKC inhibitors, chelerythrine (1 microM) or calphostin C (1 microM), or they were pretreated for 24 h with phorbol myristate acetate (100 nM) to down-regulate PKC. Unlike TSH-mediated PLD activation, these treatments had no effect on PLD activation by cAMP agonists. Forskolin (10 microM; 30 min) had no effect on the subcellular distribution of PKC alpha-, epsilon-, or zeta-isoforms, confirming the lack of involvement of PKC. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, H-89 (10 microM; 30 min) and dideoxyadenosine (5 nM; 10 min) significantly decreased the forskolin- and dbcAMP-mediated PLD activation without any effect on the phorbol ester-mediated PLD response. Following pretreatment with H-89 or dideoxyadenosine, the TSH-mediated PLD response was also significantly reduced. These studies indicate that forskolin and dbcAMP stimulate PLD in FRTL-5 thyroid cells directly via PKA without involvement of PKC. Studies of cells in the presence and absence of ethanol revealed approximately 60% of the phosphatidate plus diacylglycerol produced via TSH occurs via PLD activation. Although TSH-mediated inositol phosphate generation occurred with similar concentrations of TSH that led to PLD activation, 10-fold higher TSH concentrations were required to increase intracellular Ca2+. These results and the lack of a rapid Ca2+ transient following physiological TSH concentrations suggest that alternatives to conventional hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate may initiate PKC activation. Thus, the two major signal transduction systems in the FRTL-5 thyroid cell (PKA and PKC) appear to converge on PLD activation. Stimulation of both of these pathways by TSH may be required for optimal physiological activation of PLD.

Effects of the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor, R59022, on TSH-stimulated iodide organification in porcine thyroid cells.

We and others have demonstrated that protein kinase C (PKC) activators such as the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), inhibit differentiated thyroid function in vitro. However, phorbol-mediated PKC activation differs from that induced by analogues of the endogenous PKC activator, diacylglycerol (DAG). To explore the effects of endogenous PKC activation on differentiated thyroid function, we examined the effects of the DAG kinase inhibitor, R59022, on TSH-mediated iodide organification in porcine thyroid cells. Following incubation of the thyroid cells for 30 min, 20 and 50 mumol/l R59022 inhibited TSH-stimulated iodide organification by 20 and 41%, respectively. Prolonged exposure (36 h) to R59022 was also studied since similar treatment with TPA downregulates PKC activity. Inhibition of TSH-mediated iodide organification was observed with as little as 5 mumol/l R59022 (56% of control, p < 0.01) with maximal inhibition using 50 mumol/l R59022 to 13% of control values (p < 0.001). To demonstrate that these effects were mediated by PKC activation, PKC isoforms were measured by Western blotting following R59022 exposure (50 mumol/l, 30 min). Increased membrane-bound alpha- and zeta-PKC isozymes were observed. This is the first demonstration linking specific PKC isoforms to changes in differentiated thyroid function in vitro. The present data suggest that alpha- and/or zeta-PKC mediate the effects of R59022 on differentiated thyroid function in vitro. Further, a PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (1 mumol/l) was able to partially reverse the effects of prolonged R59022 exposure on TSH-mediated iodide organification. These studies demonstrate that R59022 exposure inhibits TSH-mediated iodide organification in porcine thyroid cells and that these effects are mediated via endogenous PKC activation. These data are consistent with the concept that endogenous PKC acts as a negative modulator of differentiated thyroid function in the porcine thyroid cell.

Regulation of protein kinase C isoforms in FRTL-5 thyroid cells by TSH and phorbol ester.

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) has been observed following TSH exposure in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. However, PKC exists as a family of isoforms displaying individual characteristics. Recently, Wang et al. identified alpha-, delta-, epsilon-, and zeta-PKC in FRTL-5 thyroid cells chronically exposed to TSH. To determine if these PKC isoforms are regulated by TSH, we examined PKC isoforms by Western blotting in FRTL-5 thyroid cells after depletion of TSH followed by short-term TSH exposure (100 microU/mL; 30 min). Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 100 nM, 10 min) served as a positive control. In untreated cells, alpha-, epsilon-, and zeta-PKC isoforms were identified in both cytosolic and membrane fractions. Using the specific antigenic peptide to the respective PKC isoforms identified, each band could be appropriately displaced. PMA caused the translocation of alpha-PKC from the cytosol to the membrane-bound fraction. Although membrane-bound epsilon-PKC and zeta-PKC were increased following PMA exposure, the cytosolic fraction was unaffected. TSH had no effect on the cytosolic fractions of any of the PKC isoforms identified but was able to increase the membrane-bound fractions of alpha-, epsilon-, and zeta-PKC. Although delta-PKC was observed in FRTL-5 thyroid cells cultured in TSH-supplemented medium, delta-PKC disappeared within 24 h of TSH depletion and reappeared 24 h after TSH reexposure with further increases up to 72 h. These studies indicate that the PKC isoforms present in FRTL-5 thyroid cells are regulated by both phorbol ester and TSH and that the duration of TSH exposure differentially regulates delta-PKC. These observations provide further evidence that PKC is a mediator of TSH action in FRTL-5 thyroid cells in vitro.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone activates phospholipase D in FRTL-5 thyroid cells via stimulation of protein kinase C.

We studied whether TSH or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulates the hydrolysis of phospholipids, predominantly phosphatidylcholine, via phospholipase D (PLD) in FRTL-5 thyroid cells and whether this occurs as a consequence of protein kinase C (PKC) activation. FRTL-5 thyroid cells were labeled with [3H]myristate followed by incubation with 200 mM ethanol before the addition of agonist. PLD activity was assessed by the measurement of [3H]phosphatidylethanol from [3H]phospholipid (predominantly [3H]phosphatidylcholine). Compared to control values, bovine TSH (100 microU/ml) increased PLD activity by 480% and 600%, respectively, after 30 and 60 min of exposure. Studies with purified human and bovine TSH revealed similar results, indicating that this effect was due to TSH itself. PMA (100 nM) increased PLD activity at 10 min (630% of the control value), and this effect persisted up to 60 min (600% of the control value). To determine whether the effects of TSH on PLD occurred as a consequence of PKC activation, FRTL-5 thyroid cells were preincubated with the PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (1 microM for 10 min), or were pretreated for 24 h with PMA (100 nM) to down-regulate PKC. PLD stimulation by TSH and PMA was largely abolished by such treatments. These studies indicate that in FRTL-5 thyroid cells, TSH and PMA are capable of stimulating PLD, and that PKC activation is responsible for this stimulation. The role of PLD activation could be to amplify and prolong the PKC signal by further production of diacylglycerol.

Syntheses, calcium channel agonist-antagonist modulation activities, and voltage-clamp studies of isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-pyridinylpyridine-5-carboxylate racemates and enantiomers.

A novel group of racemic isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-pyridinylpyridine-5-carboxylate isomers [(+/-)-12-14] were prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of nitroacetone with isopropyl 3-aminocrotonate and 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Determination of their in vitro calcium channel-modulating activities using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays showed that the 2-pyridinyl isomer (+/-)-12 acted as a dual cardioselective calcium channel agonist (GPLA)/smooth muscle selective calcium channel antagonist (GPILSM). In contrast, the 3-pyridinyl [(+/-)-13] and 4-pyridinyl [(+/-)-14] isomers acted as calcium channel agonists on both GPLA and GPILSM. The agonist effect exhibited by (+/-)-12 on GPLA was inhibited by nifedipine and partially reversed by addition of extracellular Ca2+. In anesthetized rabbits, the 4-pyridinyl isomer (+/-)-14 exhibited a hypertensive effect that was qualitatively similar to that exhibited by the nonselective agonist Bay K 8644 and the 3-pyridinyl isomer (+/)-13, whereas the 2-pyridinyl isomer (+/-)-12 induced a hypotensive effect similar to that of the calcium channel antagonist nifedipine. Similar results were obtained in a spontaneously hypertensive rat model. In vitro studies showed that the (+)-2-pyridinyl enantiomer (+)-12A exhibited agonist activity on both GPILSM and GPLA, but that the (-)-2-pyridinyl enantiomer (-)-12B exhibited agonist activity on GPLA and antagonist activity on GPILSM. Whole-cell voltage-clamp studies using isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes indicated that (-)-12B inhibited the calcium current (ICa), that (+)-12A increased slightly ICa, and that (+/-)-12 inhibited ICa but the latter inhibition was less than that for (-)-12B. (-)-12B effectively inhibited ICa at all membrane potentials examined (-40-50 mV), whereas (+)-12A exhibited a weak agonist effect near the peak of the I-V curve. The 2-pyridinyl isomers (enantiomers) 12 represent a novel type of 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator that could provide a potentially new approach to drug discovery targeted toward the treatment of congestive heart failure and probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

Increased membrane-bound protein kinase C in porcine thyroid cells following TSH exposure.

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) follows its translocation from the cytosol to an active membrane-bound form. Previously, we demonstrated that only high concentrations of partially-purified bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) could translocate PKC in vitro when measured by histone phosphorylation. Measuring PKC by Western blotting, we assessed whether physiological concentrations of human TSH could translocate PKC in porcine thyroid cells. The known PKC stimulator, phorbol ester 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), caused maximal translocation of PKC at 100 nM with a 84.5% decrease in cytosolic PKC and a corresponding 252.1% increase in membrane-bound PKC. Although TSH did not affect cytosolic PKC, human TSH at 1, 10 and 100 microU/ml produced increases compared to control values in membrane-bound PKC of 80.3 +/- 15.8, 66.8 +/- 9.7 and 74.0 +/- 19.8%, respectively (mean +/- SE, p < 0.01 at all TSH concentrations used). These studies provide evidence that physiological concentrations of TSH increase membrane-bound PKC in vitro, a process linked to its activation. In addition, we observed qualitative differences in phorbol ester and TSH-mediated PKC activation.

Downregulation of protein kinase C levels leads to inhibition of GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin secretion from dispersed pituitary cells of goldfish.

We have previously shown that the abilities of the two native goldfish GnRHs, salmon GnRH (sGnRH) and chicken GnRH II (cGnRH II), to stimulate gonadotropin (GtH) secretion and elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels are mimicked by the protein kinase C (PKC) stimulators, 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The ability of PKC inhibitors to attenuate GnRH-stimulated GtH secretion was also demonstrated. In the present study, the involvement of PKC was examined through the reduction of cellular PKC levels by prolonged preincubation of the cells with TPA (TPA desensitization). TPA pretreatment reduced the levels of PKC in fish pituitary cells as measured by immunoblotting (Western blot). Pretreatment of dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in static culture with TPA abolished the GtH responses to sGnRH, cGnRH II and ionomycin, and drastically reduced TPA- and DiC8-stimulated GtH release, but had no major effect on forskolin-induced GtH release. TPA pretreatment also reduces the cell content of GtH in goldfish pituitary cells. Interestingly, treatment with all of the pharmacological secretagogues tested led to a decrease in cellular contents of GtH, however, the two native GnRHs had no such effect. In rapid column perifusion experiments (1-min fractions), the GtH responses induced by both native GnRHs were characterized by an initial acute increase in hormone secretion followed by a 'plateau' phase which is smaller in magnitude relative to the initial phase. TPA pretreatment of perifused cells greatly reduced both the peak and plateau phases of sGnRH- and cGnRHII-stimulated GtH secretion;TPA-induced GtH release is also greatly attenuated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activity of dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-(1-methoxy-carbonyl-4-substituted-1,4- dihydro-pyridyl)]-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylates.

A novel class of dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-[1- methoxycarbonyl-4-(H, Me, n-Bu or Ph)-1,4-dihydropyridyl])-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylates (3-29) were synthesized and evaluated as calcium channel antagonists using the muscarinic receptor mediated Ca2+ dependent contraction of guinea pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM). The differences in activity among members of this new class of compounds was less than one log unit (IC50 range of 8.25 x 10(-6) to 4.36 x 10(-7) M), relative to the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.43 x 10(-8) M). Compounds possessing symmetrical C-3(5) diethoxycarbonyl ester substituents generally exhibited optimum activity. The R3 substituent (H, Me, n-Bu, Ph) at the 4-position of the 4-[3-(1-methoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydropyridyl)] moiety was a determinant of activity. In symmetrical diester compounds, a R3 H substituent provided optimum activity for Me, i-Bu and t-Bu dialkyl ester analogues, whereas a R3 Ph substituent provided optimum activity for Et and i-Pr symmetrical diesters. The test results indicate the 4-[3-(1-methoxycarbonyl-4-substituted-1,4-dihydropyridyl)] substituent in this new class of compounds is bioisosteric with a 4-(3-nitrophenyl), or a 4-(3-pyridyl) substituent in classical 1,4-dihydropyridine antagonists. Compounds possessing large symmetrical dialkyl ester substituents (i-Bu, t-Bu), in conjunction with a 4-[3-(1-methoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridyl)] substituent, permanently inhibited recovery of the KCl-induced response in GPILSM.

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activity of nifedipine analogues containing 4-pyridyl and 3-arylethyloxycarbonyl substituents.

A series of unsymmetrical 3-arylethyl 5-isopropyl ester analogues of nifedipine, in which the 2'-nitrophenyl group at the 4 position is replaced by 2'- or 3'-pyridyl, were prepared and evaluated as calcium channel antagonists. The point of attachment of the pyridyl substituent was a determinant of activity, 2'-pyridyl analogues always being more potent than corresponding 3'-pyridyl analogues. The introduction of a substituent at the para-position of the phenethyl group in 3-phenethyl ester analogues usually enhanced the activity. The most potent compound was 3-(4'-bromophenethyl) 5-isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2'-pyridyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate. It was 82-fold more potent than nifedipine, and it did not exhibit a negative inotropic effect on guinea pig left atrium. Desirable features in 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists of the unsymmetrical 3,5-diester type are therefore a 4-(2-pyridyl) substituent in conjunction with a hydrophobic 3-(4-substituted-phenethyl) ester substituent. The arylethyl ester and the 4-(2'-pyridyl) substituents appear to provide important interdependent contributions to the calcium channel antagonist activity.

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activity of 3-arylmethyl 5-isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(pyridyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylates.

Unsymmetrical aryl(heteroaryl)methyl isopropyl ester analogues of nifedipine, in which the 2-nitrophenyl group at C-4 is replaced by a 2- or 3-pyridyl substituent, were synthesized and evaluated as calcium-channel antagonists using guinea pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle. The point of attachment of the C-4 pyridyl substituent was a determinant of activity where the relative potency order was 2-pyridyl greater than 3-pyridyl. Within the C-4 2-pyridyl series of compounds, and electronegative substituent such as a trifluoromethyl or bromo at the 4 position of the benzyl ester substituent or a nitrogen atom at the 1 position of a 4-pyridylmethyl ester substituent, enhanced activity relative to the unsubstituted benzyl ester analogue. In contrast, in the C-4 3-pyridyl class of compounds, a variety of aryl(heteroaryl)methyl ester substituents did not alter potency to any significant extent. A number of compounds in the C-4 2-pyridyl series possessing 4-pyridylmethyl, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, and 3-pyridylmethyl ester substituents were approximately equipotent to nifedipine. The aryl(heteroaryl)methyl ester and C-4 2-pyridyl substituents therefore appear to provide important interdependent contributions to calcium-channel antagonist activity.

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activity of alkyl cycloalkyl esters of nifedipine containing pyridinyl substituents.

Alkyl cycloalkyl esters of nifedipine (1a) analogues, in which the ortho-nitrophenyl group at position 4 is replaced by pyridinyl (5-19) were synthesized and evaluated as calcium channel antagonists using the muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca(2+)-dependent contraction of guinea pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle. The relative activity profile for unsymmetrical esters (5-15), which indicated the effect of cycloalkyl ring size on activity, was cyclopentyl > cyclohexyl > cyclobutyl. In addition unsymmetrical esters, possessing one R2-cyclohexyl substituent, exhibited an activity profile dependent upon the nature of the R1-alkyl ester substituent with Me > Et, i-Pr, i-Bu > cyclohexyl > t-Bu. The point of attachment of the C-4 pyridinyl substituent was also a determinant of activity for unsymmetrical compounds (R1 = Me, i-Pr; R2 = cyclohexyl, cyclobutyl) where the relative potency order was 2-pyridinyl > 3-pyridinyl > 4-pyridinyl. In contrast, when the R1 and R2-substituents are larger in size (R1 = R2 = cyclohexyl or R1 = i-Pr, R2 = cyclopentyl) the relative activity profile was 3-pyridinyl = 4-pyridinyl > 2-pyridinyl. The C-3 and C-5 ester substituents therefore appear to provide important interdependent contributions to calcium channel antagonist activity, and hence to interaction with the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor site.

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activity of nifedipine analogues containing 1-oxido-2-pyridyl in place of the 2-nitrophenyl moiety.

Analogues (5) of nifedipine (1a), in which the 2-nitrophenyl at position 4 is replaced by 1-oxido-2-pyridyl, were synthesized and evaluated as calcium channel antagonists using the muscarinic receptor-mediated Ca2+-dependent contraction of guinea pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle. The replacement resulted in a significant loss of activity. In the case of the symmetrical dialkyl esters (5a-e), activity was enhanced by increasing the size of the alkyl ester substituents, the relative order of potency being i-Bu congruent to t-Bu greater than i-Pr greater than Et and Me. Our results show that the 1-oxido-2-pyridyl substituent is not a useful isostere of the 2-nitrophenyl moiety of nifedipine. In the synthetic work, Hantzsch condensation of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde 1-oxide (4) with equimolar quantities of alkyl acetoacetates (2) and alkyl 3-aminocrotonates (3) afforded dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(1-oxido-2-pyridyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate s (5).