Synthesis and in Vitro Characterisation of Ifenprodil‐Based Fluorescein Conjugates as GluN1/GluN2B N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate Receptor Antagonists

GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors are involved in many important physiological functions and play a pivotal role in mediating pain as well as in several neurodegenerative disorders. We aimed to develop fluorescent probes to target the GluN2B subunit selectively in order to allow better understanding of the relationships between receptor localisation and physiological importance. Ifenprodil, known as the GluNR2B antagonist of reference, was chosen as the template for the elaboration of probes. We had previously reported a fluorescein conjugate that was shown (by confocal microscopy imaging of DS‐red‐labelled cortical neurons) to bind specifically to GluN2B. To elaborate this probe, we explored the influence of both the nature and the attachment point of the spacer between the fluorophore and the parent compound, ifenprodil. We performed chemical modifications of ifenprodil at the benzylic position and on the phenol ring by introducing secondary amine or amide functions and evaluated alkyl chains from two to 20 bonds either including or not including secondary amide functions as spacers. The previously developed probe was found to display the greatest activity in the inhibition of NMDA‐induced Ca²⁺ influx by calcium imaging experiments on HEK293 cells transfected with the cDNA encoding for GluN1‐1A and GluN2B. Further investigations revealed that this probe had a neuroprotective effect equivalent to that of ifenprodil in a standard test for neurotoxicity. Despite effects of lesser amplitude with these probes relative to ifenprodil, we demonstrated that they displaced [³H]ifenprodil in mouse brain slices in a similar manner.     

[2.2]Paracyclophane-Based TCN-201 Analogs as GluN2A-Selective NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Recent studies have shown the involvement of GluN2A subunit-containing NMDA receptors in various neurological and pathological disorders. In the X-ray crystal structure, TCN-201 ( 1 ) and analogous pyrazine derivatives 2 and 3 adopt a U-shape (hairpin) conformation within the binding site formed by the ligand binding domains of the GluN1 and GluN2A subunits. In order to mimic the resulting π/π-interactions of two aromatic rings in the binding site, a [2.2]paracyclophane system was designed to lock these aromatic rings in a parallel orientation. Acylation of [2.2]paracyclophane ( 5 ) with oxalyl chloride and chloroacetyl chloride and subsequent transformations led to the oxalamide 7 , triazole 10 and benzamides 12 . The GluN2A inhibitory activities of the paracyclophane derivatives were tested with two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology using Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing selectively functional NMDA receptors with GluN2A subunit. The o-iodobenzamide 12 b with the highest similarity to TCN-201 showed the highest GuN2A inhibitory activity of this series of compounds. At a concentration of 10 μM, 12 b reached 36 % of the inhibitory activity of TCN-201 ( 1 ). This result indicates that the [2.2]paracyclophane system is well accepted by the TCN-201 binding site.     

GluN2B‐Selective N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists Derived from 3‐Benzazepines: Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Benzo[7]annulen‐7‐amines

Given their high neuroprotective potential, ligands that block GluN2B‐containing N‐methyl‐D ‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors by interacting with the ifenprodil binding site located on the GluN2B subunit are of great interest for the treatment of various neuronal disorders. In this study, a novel class of GluN2B‐selective NMDA receptor antagonists with the benzo[7]annulene scaffold was prepared and pharmacologically evaluated. The key intermediate, N‐(2‐methoxy‐5‐oxo‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐7‐yl)acetamide ( 11 ), was obtained by cyclization of 3‐acetamido‐5‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)pentanoic acid ( 10 b ). The final reaction steps comprise hydrolysis of the amide, reduction of the ketone, and reductive alkylation, leading to cis‐ and trans‐configured 7‐(ω‐phenylalkylamino)benzo[7]annulen‐5‐ols. High GluN2B affinity was observed with cis‐configured γ‐amino alcohols substituted with a 3‐phenylpropyl moiety at the amino group. Removal of the benzylic hydroxy moiety led to the most potent GluN2B antagonists of this series: 2‐methoxy‐N‐(3‐phenylpropyl)‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐7‐amine ( 20 a , K_i=10 nM ) and 2‐methoxy‐N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐phenylpropyl)‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[7]annulen‐7‐amine ( 23 a , K_i=7.9 nM ). The selectivity over related receptors (phencyclidine binding site of the NMDA receptor, σ₁ and σ₂ receptors) was recorded. In a functional assay measuring the cytoprotective activity of the benzo[7]annulenamines, all tested compounds showed potent NMDA receptor antagonistic activity. Cytotoxicity induced via GluN2A subunit‐containing NMDA receptors was not inhibited by the new ligands.     

Design,Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 3‐Benzazepin‐1‐ols as NR2B‐Selective NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cleavage and reconstitution of a bond in the piperidine ring of ifenprodil ( 1 ) leads to 7‐methoxy‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐3‐benzazepin‐1‐ols, a novel class of NR2B‐selective NMDA receptor antagonists. The secondary amine 7‐methoxy‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐3‐benzazepin‐1‐ol ( 12 ), which was synthesized in six steps starting from 2‐phenylethylamine 3 , represents the central building block for the introduction of several N‐linked residues. A distance of four methylene units between the basic nitrogen atom and the phenyl residue in the side chain results in high NR2B affinity. The 4‐phenylbutyl derivative 13 (WMS‐1405, K_i=5.4 nM ) and the conformationally restricted 4‐phenylcyclohexyl derivative 31 (K_i=10 nM ) represent the most potent NR2B ligands of this series. Whereas 13 shows excellent selectivity, the 4‐phenylcyclohexyl derivative 31 also interacts with σ₁ (K_i=33 nM ) and σ₂ receptors (K_i=82 nM ). In the excitotoxicity assay the phenylbutyl derivative 13 inhibits the glutamate‐induced cytotoxicity with an IC₅₀ value of 360 nM , indicating that 13 is an NMDA antagonist.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Dimeric Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone Receptor Antagonists

A series of homo‐ and heterodimeric compounds encompassing the follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) antagonist (R)‐ 1 and its inactive conformer (S)‐ 1 connected through ethylene glycol spacers of various lengths is described. Evaluation of these compounds reveals that dimeric compounds, with a spacer of sufficient length, bearing two active copies of the antagonist are more potent relative to dimeric compounds in which one of the active pharmacophores is replaced by an inactive conformer. Interestingly, the opposite trend is observed if a short spacer is used, indicating that these compounds may be valuable tools to study FSHR dimerization in greater detail.     

Stereocontrolled Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Azetidine‐2,3‐Dicarboxylic Acids at NMDA Receptors

The four stereoisomers of azetidine‐2,3‐dicaroxylic acid (L ‐trans‐ADC, L ‐cis‐ADC, D ‐trans‐ADC, and D ‐cis‐ADC) were synthesized in a stereocontrolled fashion following two distinct strategies: one providing the two cis‐ADC enantiomers and one giving access to the two trans‐ADC enantiomers. The four azetidinic amino acids were characterized in a radioligand binding assay ([³H]CGP39653) at native NMDA receptors: L ‐trans‐ADC showed the highest affinity (K_i=10 μM ) followed by the D ‐cis‐ADC stereoisomer (21 μM ). In contrast, the two analogues L ‐cis‐ADC and D ‐trans‐ADC were low‐affinity ligands (>100 and 90 μM , respectively). Electrophysiological characterization of the ADC compounds at the four NMDA receptor subtypes NR1/NR2A, NR1/NR2B, NR1/NR2C, and NR1/NR2D expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed that L ‐trans‐ADC displayed the highest agonist potency at NR1/NR2D (EC₅₀=50 μM ), which was 9.4‐, 3.4‐, and 1.9‐fold higher than the respective potencies at NR1/NR2A–C. D ‐cis‐ADC was shown to be a partial agonist at NR1/NR2C and NR1/NR2D with medium‐range micromolar potencies (EC₅₀=720 and 230 μM , respectively). A subsequent in silico ligand–protein docking study suggested an unusual binding mode for these amino acids in the agonist binding site.     

Homology modeling of NR2B modulatory domain of NMDA receptor and analysis of ifenprodil binding

NMDA receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels (iGluRs) that are involved in several important physiological functions such as neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Among iGluRs, NMDA receptors have been perhaps the most actively investigated for their role in chronic neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. Recent studies have shown that the NTD of subunit NR2B modulates ion channel gating through the binding of allosteric modulators such as the prototypical compound ifenprodil. In the present paper, the construction of a three-dimensional model for the NR2B modulatory domain is described and docking calculations allow, for the first time, definition of the ifenprodil binding pose at an atomic level and fully explain all the available structure-activity relationships. Moreover, in an attempt to add further insight into the ifenprodil mechanism of action, as it is not completely clear if it binds and stabilizes an open or a closed conformation of the NR2B modulatory domain, a matter, which is fundamental for the rational design of NMDA antagonists, MD simulations followed by an MM-PBSA analysis were performed. These calculations reveal that the closed conformation of the R1-R2 domain, rather than the open, constitutes the high affinity binding site for ifenprodil and that a profound stabilization of the closed conformation upon ifenprodil binding occurs. Thus, for a rational design and/or for virtual screening experiments, the closed conformation of the R1-R2 domain should be taken into account and our 3D model can provide valuable hints for the design of NR2B-selective antagonists.     

Novel 3‐Carboxy‐ and 3‐Phosphonopyrazoline Amino Acids as Potent and Selective NMDA Receptor Antagonists: Design,Synthesis, and Pharmacological Characterization

The design and synthesis of new N1‐substituted 3‐carboxy‐ and 3‐phosphonopyrazoline and pyrazole amino acids that target the glutamate binding site of NMDA receptors are described. An analysis of the stereochemical requirements for high‐affinity interaction with these receptors was performed. We identified two highly potent and selective competitive NMDA receptor antagonists, (5S,αR)‐ 1 and (5S,αR)‐ 4 , which exhibit good in vitro neuroprotective activity and in vivo anticonvulsant activity by i.p. administration, suggesting that these molecules may have potential use as therapeutic agents.     

Exploring the Polyamine Regulatory Site of the NMDA Receptor: a Parallel Synthesis Approach

The elongated structures of polyamine inverse agonists such as 1,12‐diaminododecane (N12N) and 5‐(4‐aminobutyl)‐2‐thiopheneoctanamine (N4T8N) lend themselves to a combinatorial chemistry approach to explore a potential polyamine pharmacophore at the NMDA receptor. Herein we describe more than 100 new analogues of N4T8N obtained by breaking up the long octanamine arm into a dipeptide chain of equivalent length. Solid‐phase parallel synthesis based on cross‐linked polystyrene and a Wang anchor allowed the low‐scale preparation of four small libraries based on the combination of two amino acid residues (out of Gly, Leu, Phe, Lys, phenylglycine, Tyr, Trp, His, and Arg). The obtained compounds were tested as modulators of [³H]MK‐801 binding to rat brain membranes and of NMDA‐induced currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Compounds with two aromatic residues acted as binding inhibitors (inverse agonists). Compounds with two Lys residues acted as binding stimulators (agonists) and had stimulatory and inhibitory effects on NMDA‐induced currents, depending on the holding potential. High sensitivity of binding inhibition to spermine was conferred by a Tyr residue, whereas a His residue favored high potency at acidic pH.     

Synthesis,Pharmacological Evaluation,and Docking Studies of Novel Pyridazinone‐Based Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Ligands

In recent years, cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB₂R) have emerged as promising therapeutic targets in a wide variety of diseases. Selective ligands of CB₂R are devoid of the psychoactive effects typically observed for CB₁R ligands. Based on our recent studies on a class of pyridazinone 4‐carboxamides, further structural modifications of the pyridazinone core were made to better investigate the structure–activity relationships for this promising scaffold with the aim to develop potent CB₂R ligands. In binding assays, two of the new synthesized compounds [6‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐2‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)‐cis‐N‐(4‐methylcyclohexyl)‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydropyridazine‐4‐carboxamide ( 2 ) and 6‐(4‐chloro‐3‐methylphenyl)‐cis‐N‐(4‐methylcyclohexyl)‐3‐oxo‐2‐pentyl‐2,3‐dihydropyridazine‐4‐carboxamide ( 22 )] showed high CB₂R affinity, with K_i values of 2.1 and 1.6 nm , respectively. In addition, functional assays of these compounds and other new active related derivatives revealed their pharmacological profiles as CB₂R inverse agonists. Compound 22 displayed the highest CB₂R selectivity and potency, presenting a favorable in silico pharmacokinetic profile. Furthermore, a molecular modeling study revealed how 22 produces inverse agonism through blocking the movement of the toggle‐switch residue, W6.48.     

Modulation on C‐ and N‐Terminal Moieties of a Series of Potent and Selective Linear Tachykinin NK2 Receptor Antagonists

Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of new potent tachykinin NK₂ receptor antagonists by the modulation of the C‐ and N‐terminal moieties of ibodutant (MEN 15596, 1 ). The N‐terminal benzo[b]thiophene ring was replaced by different substituted naphthalenes and benzofurans, while further modifications were evaluated at the C‐terminal tetrahydropyran moiety. Most compounds demonstrated a high affinity for the human NK₂ receptor and high in vitro antagonist potency, indicating that a wide range of substituents at both termini can be incorporated in the molecule without detrimental effects on the interactions with the NK₂ receptor. Selected compounds were tested in vivo confirming their activity as NK₂ antagonists. In particular, after both iv and id administration to guinea pig, compound 61 b was able to antagonize NK₂‐induced colonic contractions with a potency and duration‐of‐action fully comparable to the reference compound 1 (MEN 15596, ibodutant).     

The Effect of the Selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor GluN2B Subunit Antagonist CP-101,606 on Cytochrome P450 2D (CYP2D) Expression and Activity in the Rat Liver and Brain

The CYP2D enzymes of the cytochrome P450 superfamily play an important role in psychopharmacology, since they are engaged in the metabolism of psychotropic drugs and endogenous neuroactive substrates, which mediate brain neurotransmission and the therapeutic action of those drugs. The aim of this work was to study the effect of short- and long-term treatment with the selective antagonist of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor, the compound CP-101,606, which possesses antidepressant properties, on CYP2D expression and activity in the liver and brain of male rats. The presented work shows time-, organ- and brain-structure-dependent effects of 5-day and 3-week treatment with CP-101,606 on CYP2D. Five-day treatment with CP-101,606 increased the activity and protein level of CYP2D in the hippocampus. That effect was maintained after the 3-week treatment and was accompanied by enhancement in the CYP2D activity/protein level in the cortex and cerebellum. In contrast, a 3-week treatment with CP-101,606 diminished the CYP2D activity/protein level in the hypothalamus and striatum. In the liver, CP-101,606 decreased CYP2D activity, but not the protein or mRNA level, after 5-day or 3-week treatment. When added in vitro to liver microsomes, CP-101,606 diminished the CYP2D activity during prolonged incubation. While in the brain, the observed decrease in the CYP2D activity after short- and long-term treatment with CP-101,606 seems to be a consequence of the drug effect on enzyme regulation. In the liver, the direct inhibitory effect of reactive metabolites formed from CP-101,606 on the CYP2D activity may be considered. Since CYP2Ds are engaged in the metabolism of endogenous neuroactive substances, it can be assumed that apart from antagonizing the NMDA receptor, CP-101,606 may modify its own pharmacological effect by affecting brain cytochrome P450. On the other hand, an inhibition of the activity of liver CYP2D may slow down the metabolism of co-administered substrates and lead to pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions.     

Early and Delayed Impact of Nanosilver on the Glutamatergic NMDA Receptor Complex in Immature Rat Brain

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the one of the most extensively used nanomaterials. The strong antimicrobial properties of AgNPs have led to their use in a wide range of medical and consumer products. Although the neurotoxicity of AgNPs has been confirmed, the molecular mechanisms have not been extensively studied, particularly in immature organisms. Based on information gained from previous in vitro studies, in the present work, we examine whether ionotropic NMDA glutamate receptors contribute to AgNP-induced neurotoxicity in an animal model of exposure. In brains of immature rats subjected to a low dose of AgNPs, we identified ultrastructural and molecular alterations in the postsynaptic region of synapses where NMDA receptors are localized as a multiprotein complex. We revealed decreased expression of several NMDA receptor complex-related proteins, such as GluN1 and GluN2B subunits, scaffolding proteins PSD95 and SynGAP, as well as neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). Elucidating the changes in NMDA receptor-mediated molecular mechanisms induced by AgNPs, we also identified downregulation of the GluN2B-PSD95-nNOS-cGMP signaling pathway which maintains LTP/LTD processes underlying learning and memory formation during development. This observation is accompanied by decreased density of NMDA receptors, as assessed by a radioligand binding assay. The observed effects are reversible over the post-exposure time. This investigation reveals that NMDA receptors in immature rats are a target of AgNPs, thereby indicating the potential health hazard for children and infants resulting from the extensive use of products containing AgNPs.     

Computational studies to discover a new NR2B/NMDA receptor antagonist and evaluation of pharmacological profile

The ionotropic glutamate NMDA/NR2B receptor and its interaction with ifenprodil-like noncompetitive ligands were investigated by a combined ligand-based and target-based approach. First, we generated 3D pharmacophore hypotheses and identified common chemical features that are shared by a training set of well-known NR2B antagonists. The binding mode of the most representative ligand was also studied by molecular docking. Because the docking results and the suggested 3D pharmacophore model were in good agreement, we obtained new information about the NR2B ifenprodil site. The best pharmacophoric hypothesis was used as a query for in silico screening; this allowed the identification of new "hit". We synthesized "hit-compound" analogues, and some of the molecules showed significant activity both in binding and functional assay as well as in vivo anticonvulsant efficacy in DBA/2 mice. The most active derivatives also exhibited neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced toxicity in HCN-1A cells.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of α4β2 Nicotinic Ligands with a 3‐Fluoropyrrolidine Nucleus

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in many central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. The α₄β₂ subtype has emerged as an important target for the early diagnosis and amelioration of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Herein we report a new class of α₄β₂ receptor ligands characterized by a basic pyrrolidine nucleus, the basicity of which was properly decreased through the insertion of a fluorine atom at the 3‐position, and a pyridine ring carrying at the 3‐position substituents known to positively affect affinity and selectivity toward the α₄β₂ subtype. Derivatives 3‐(((2S,4R)‐4‐fluoropyrrolidin‐2‐yl)methoxy)‐5‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine ( 11 ) and 3‐((4‐fluorophenyl)ethynyl)‐5‐(((2S,4R)‐4‐fluoropyrrolidin‐2‐yl)methoxy)pyridine ( 12 ) were found to be the most promising ligands identified in this study, showing good affinity and selectivity for the α₄β₂ subtype and physicochemical properties predictive of a relevant central nervous system penetration.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of a series of the Agomelatine Analogues as Melatonin MT1/MT2 Agonist and 5‐HT2C Antagonist

Agomelatine is a naphthalenic analogue of melatonin that is in clinical use for the treatment of major depressive disorders. Interestingly, while agomelatine exhibits potent affinity for melatonin receptors, it binds with only moderate affinity to the serotonin 5‐HT_2C receptor. Optimization of agomelatine toward this target could further potentiate its clinical efficacy. To explore this hypothesis and to access derivatives in which a key point of agomelatine metabolism is blocked, a series of naphthalenic derivatives was designed and synthesized as novel analogues of agomelatine. Most of the prepared compounds exhibited good binding affinity at the melatonin MT₁ and MT₂ receptor subtypes. Two compounds, an acetamide and an acrylamide derivative, exhibited good binding affinities at both the human melatonin (MT) receptors and the serotonin 5‐HT_2C receptor subtype, with pK_i values of 7.96 and 7.95 against MT₁, 7.86 and 8.68 against MT2, and 6.64 and 6.44 against 5‐HT_2C, respectively.     

Inhibition of Spinal TRPV1 Reduces NMDA Receptor 2B Phosphorylation and Produces Anti-Nociceptive Effects in Mice with Inflammatory Pain

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) has been implicated in peripheral inflammation and is a mediator of the inflammatory response to various noxious stimuli. However, the interaction between TRPV1 and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the regulation of inflammatory pain remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of intrathecal administration of capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist, on carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain in mice and to identify its interactions with NMDA receptors. Inflammatory pain was induced by intraplantar injection of 2% carrageenan in male ICR mice. To investigate the analgesic effects of capsazepine, pain-related behaviors were evaluated using von Frey filaments and a thermal stimulator placed on the hind paw. TRPV1 expression and NMDA receptor phosphorylation in the spinal cord and glutamate concentration in the spinal cord and serum were measured. Intrathecal treatment with capsazepine significantly attenuated carrageenan-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, carrageenan-enhanced glutamate and phosphorylation of NMDA receptor subunit 2B in the spinal cord were suppressed by capsazepine administration. These results indicate that TRPV1 and NMDA receptors in the spinal cord are associated with inflammatory pain transmission, and inhibition of TRPV1 may reduce inflammatory pain via NMDA receptors.     

Chemical,Pharmacological, and in vitro Metabolic Stability Studies on Enantiomerically Pure RC‐33 Compounds: Promising Neuroprotective Agents Acting as σ1 Receptor Agonists

Our recent research efforts identified racemic RC‐33 as a potent and metabolically stable σ₁ receptor agonist. Herein we describe the isolation of pure RC‐33 enantiomers by chiral chromatography, assignment of their absolute configuration, and in vitro biological studies in order to address the role of chirality in the biological activity of these compounds and their metabolic processing. The binding of enantiopure RC‐33 to the σ₁ receptor was also investigated in silico by molecular dynamics simulations. Both RC‐33 enantiomers showed similar affinities for the σ₁ receptor and appeared to be almost equally effective as σ₁ receptor agonists. However, the R‐configured enantiomer showed higher in vitro hepatic metabolic stability in the presence of NADPH than the S enantiomer. Overall, the results presented herein led us to select (R)‐RC‐33 as the optimal candidate for further in vivo studies in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.