Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. 1. Synthesis and in vitro structure-activity relationships of 4-[[[(1H-pyrrol-1-ylacetyl)amino]phenyl]methyl]imidazole derivatives as angiotensin II receptor antagonists

A novel series of non-biphenylyltetrazole angiotensin II receptor antagonists which contain a 1H-pyrrol-1-ylacetyl residue in place of the benzoyl residue in EXP 6803 have been developed. The receptor binding activity of several members of this new series was in the 10(-8) M range, which was better than that of EXP 6803. Introduction of a carboxylic acid moiety at the 2-position of the pyrrole ring enhanced the in vitro binding affinity at the receptor by 10-fold. Compounds containing an acetic acid (18) or a propionic acid residue (20) at the 5-position of the imidazole were more potent than the carboxylic acid analogue (24). The binding IC50 of the most potent compound 20 was 22 nM. Compounds 18, 20, and 24 in their best fit conformations were manually overlayed on that of the template conformation of EXP 6803 and EXP 8623, respectively. The synthesis and structure-activity relationship data are described.     

Studies on nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. III. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-alkylidene-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one derivatives

The ITS-2 sequences from seven worms of the Japanese triploid form of Fasciola, two of Fasciola hepatica from Uruguay and four of Fasciola gigantica from Zambia and Indonesia were determined. The ITS-2 sequences of the Japanese triploid worms were divided into two distinct types, one of which was almost identical to that of F. hepatica and the other to F. gigantica from Indonesia.     

Antihypertensive therapy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and calcium antagonists

ACEIs, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and calcium antagonists are effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive agents but, except in special situations, should be considered alternative drugs for first line therapy until randomized trials show that they are at least as effective as diuretics and beta-blockers in preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for a broad spectrum of hypertensive patients. ACEIs are particularly indicated for managing patients with congestive heart failure due to systolic dysfunction and patients with diabetic nephropathy, especially in Type I diabetes. Theoretically, the AII receptor antagonists will be equally effective for these indications, and randomized trials are now underway to demonstrate this. Special indications for calcium antagonists in the management of hypertension include angina pectoris, and for the non-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate. Isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly is a special indication for long-acting dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, although diuretics are preferred. Calcium antagonists have been particularly effective in managing hypertension induced by cyclosporine. They are contraindicated in CHF due to systolic dysfunction and in the management of acute myocardial infarction. The long-term cardioprotective effect of calcium antagonists after a myocardial infarction has been demonstrated only for verapamil and diltiazem in patients with no evidence of LV dysfunction during their infarction. Calcium antagonists should be prescribed for this purpose only when beta-blockers are poorly-tolerated or contraindicated.     

Nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonists derived from 1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylates and 4-aryl-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylates

Two series of potential angiotensin II antagonists derived from carboxyl-functionalized "diazole" heterocycles have been prepared and evaluated. Initially, a limited investigation of 4-arylimidazole-5-carboxylates led to 2-n-butyl-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-y l] methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (12b), which was found to be a highly potent antagonist of the rabbit aorta AT1 receptor (IC50 0.55 nM). In conscious, normotensive rats, 12b at 0.1 mg/kg iv inhibited the pressor response to AII by 88%, with a duration of > 6 h. More extensively studied was an isosteric series of 3-alkyl-4-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-pyrazole -5- carboxylates bearing aryl, alkyl, or aralkyl substituents at N1. These compounds were available in highly regioselective fashion via condensation of a substituted hydrazine hydrochloride with a 2-(methoxyimino)-4-oxoalkanoate intermediate. In vitro, the most potent pyrazolecarboxylic acids had n-butyl at C3 and were substituted at N1 by such groups as 2,6-dichlorophenyl (19h), 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (19k), benzyl (19t), and phenethyl (19u), all with IC50 values of 0.18-0.24 nM. Although less potent in the receptor assay, 3-n-propylpyrazolecarboxylic acids were at least as effective as their butyl counterparts in vivo. Several of the pyrazolecarboxylic acid derivatives demonstrated potent, long-lasting oral activity in rats. At 1 mg/kg po, the 1-benzyl-3-butyl (19t), 1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-3-propyl (19v), 3-propyl-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) (19y), and 1-benzyl-3-propyl (19z) analogues all gave > or = 75% inhibition of the AII pressor response in the rat model, with duration of action > 23 h.     

Hemodynamic effects of angiotensin II and the influence of angiotensin receptor antagonists in pithed rabbits

We investigated the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II (AII) and the influences of four angiotensin receptor antagonists: losartan, PD123177, BIBS 39, and BIBS 222 in the pithed rabbit preparation. AII (0.03-10 nmol/kg) elicited a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure (BP), left ventricular pressure (LVP), LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), dP/dtmax, and heart rate (HR). The maximal hypertensive effect of AII is comparable to that of norepinephrine (NE), but its effects on LVEDP and HR are weaker than those of NE. On a molar base, AII is approximately 27 times more potent than NE. Propranolol (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) did not significantly influence the AII-induced increase in diastolic BP (DBP) and LVEDP, but it abolished AII-induced positive chronotropic effects over the entire dose range of angiotensin AII studied. Losartan, but not PD123177, shifted the dose-response curves for AII to the right in a parallel manner. BIBS 39 and BIBS 222 also caused rightward shifts of the AII dose-response curve. These experiments indicate that in propranolol-treated pithed rabbits AII causes vasoconstrictor effects in both resistance vessels and in the venous system, which are both mediated by AT1- but not by AT2-receptors. The AII-induced positive chronotropic effect is an indirect action mediated by the stimulation of postsynaptic beta 1-adrenoceptors. BIBS 39 and BIBS 222, two new nonpeptide angiotensin receptor blockers that have affinity for both AT1- and AT2-receptors are also potent antagonists of the cardiovascular effects of AII in pithed rabbits.     

A new class of antihypertensive therapy: angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Despite the availability of safe and efficacious antihypertensive agents, hypertension continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Losartan, the first of a new class of agents, the angiotensin II receptor antagonists, can be administered as monotherapy in the treatment of hypertension or to complement existing therapy. The angiotensin II receptor antagonists block the effects of angiotensin II through preferential binding to angiotensin II receptor subtype AT1 on the cell membrane. Compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they may provide more complete blockade of the renin-angiotensin system and be associated with a lower frequency of cough as a side effect.     

Structural evolution and pharmacology of a novel series of triacid angiotensin II receptor antagonists

cis-4-(4-Phenoxy)-1-[1-oxo-2(R)-[4-[(2-sulfobenzoyl)amino)-1H- imidazol-1-yl]octyl]-L-proline derivatives represent a novel class of potent nonpeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists. These compounds evolved from directed structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on a lead identified by random screening. Further SAR studies revealed that acidic modification of the 4-phenoxy ring system produced a series of triacid derivatives possessing oral activity in pithed rats. The most potent compound, cis-4-[4-(phosphonomethyl)phenoxy]-1-[1-oxo-2(R)-[4-[(2-sulfobenzoyl+ ++) amino]-1H-imidazol-1-yl]octyl]-L-proline (1e), inhibited the pressor response to exogenously administered Ang II for periods up to 8 h following oral dosing. The antihypertensive activity of 1e was evaluated in the Lasix-pretreated conscious spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) where it produced a dose-dependent fall in blood pressure following oral dosing lasting > 12 h. Antagonists such as 1e may serve as useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypertension as well as for studying the role of Ang II in various disease states.     

Design and synthesis of nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists featuring acyclic imidazole-mimicking structural units

Extensive molecular modelling studies, including conformational analysis and the comparison of molecular electrostatic potential distributions, wee used to evaluate structural parameters of new antagonists containing acyclic replacements of the N = C-N imidazole region. The synthesis and the biological screening of a series of acyl biphenyltetrazole derivatives were planned and realized to gain an insight into the structure-activity relationships of this unusual class of Angiotensin II antagonists.     

Nonpeptide endothelin receptor antagonists. XI. Pharmacological characterization of SB 234551, a high-affinity and selective nonpeptide ETA receptor antagonist

The present study describes the pharmacological profile of ((E)-alpha-[[1-butyl-5-[2-[(2-carboxyphenyl)methoxy]-4-methoxy-phenyl ]-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]methlene]-6-methoxy-1,3-benzodioxole-5-propanoic acid) (SB 234551), a high-affinity, nonpeptide endothelin type A (ETA)-selective receptor antagonist. In human cloned ETA and endothelin type B (ETB) receptors, SB 234551 produced a concentration-dependent displacement of [125I]-endothelin-1 with Ki values of 0.13 and 500 nM, respectively. SB 234551 elicited concentration-dependent, rightward competitive shifts in the endothelin-1 concentration-response curves in isolated rat aorta and isolated human pulmonary artery (ETA receptor-mediated vascular contraction) with Kb values of 1.9 and 1.0 nM, respectively. SB 234551 antagonized ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the isolated rabbit pulmonary artery, as demonstrated by concentration-dependent, rightward shifts in the sarafotoxin S6c concentration-response curves (Kb = 555 nM). SB 234551 produced weak functional inhibition of sarafotoxin S6c-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation (IC50 = 7 microM). SB 234551 (10 microM) had no significant effect against contraction produced by several other vasoactive agents and did not significantly influence radioligand binding to a number of diverse receptors. SB 234551 (0. 1-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently inhibited the pressor response to exogenous endothelin-1 in conscious rats. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis in the rat demonstrated that SB 234551 was rapidly absorbed from the GI tract with a bioavailability of 30%. SB 234551 had a plasma half-life of 125 min and a systemic clearance of 25.0 ml/min/kg. The present study demonstrates that SB 234551 is an antagonist with high affinity for the ETA receptor, while sparing the ETB receptor. SB 234551 is a new pharmacological tool that should assist in the elucidation of the role of endothelin in pathophysiology.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives as thromboxane receptor antagonists

New polysubstituted tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives were prepared as thromboxane receptor (TP-receptor) antagonists. Within this series of compounds S 18886 has been identified as an orally active, highly potent antagonist with a very long duration of action in different species.     

4-Diazinyl- and 4-pyridinylimidazoles: potent angiotensin II antagonists. A study of their activity and computational characterization

A series of N-[biphenylyl(tetrazolyl)methyl]-2-butylimidazoles containing variously substituted diazine or pyridine moieties either as their free bases or N-oxide derivatives attached to the 4-position of the imidazole ring was synthesized and tested for interaction with the AT1 receptors of rat adrenal cortex membranes (receptor binding assay). Some compounds were then chosen for further evaluation in vivo in the A II-induced pressor response in conscious normotensive rats. The most potent in the AT1 binding assay were found to be compounds in which the diazine or pyridine ring nitrogen is adjacent to the point of attachment between the two heteroaromatic rings such as 2-butyl-4-(3,6-dimethylpyrazin-2-yl)-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-y l)-biphenyl-4- yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole (3b) or 2-butyl-4-[5-(methoxycarbonyl)pyrid-2-yl]-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol++ +-5- yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole (6c). The binding affinities and oral activities of the pyridine N-oxide imidazoles in which a stabilizing group ortho to the pyridine ring nitrogen is present were markedly improved as in 2-butyl-4-[(3-methoxycarbonyl)-6-methyl-N-oxopyridin-2-yl]-1-[[2'- (1H- tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole 31b. Molecular modeling studies were carried out to determine the molecular electrostatic potential values of related model systems and to correlate their receptor interaction energies with the observed activities of our compounds.     

A new series of imidazolones: highly specific and potent nonpeptide AT1 angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Starting from the structure of the novel nonpeptide AT1 receptor antagonist DuP 753 (losartan), a new series of potent antagonists was designed. In these compounds the central imidazole nucleus was replaced by the dihydroimidazol-4-one structure. The most active compounds had a spirocyclopentane or a spirocyclohexane ring in position 5. Like the imidazole series, the best substituents were the linear butyl chain in position 1 and the [2'-(tetrazol-5-yl)biphenylyl]methyl group in position 3. Antagonistic activity was assessed by the ability of the compounds to competitively inhibit [125I]AII binding to the AT1 subtype receptor and to antagonize AII-induced contractions in rabbit aorta rings. The most active compounds had IC50 values in the nanomolar range. In conscious rats, compounds 4 and 21 antagonized the AII pressor response when administered orally. Compound 21 (SR 47436) was the most active; it was recently shown to also be active in cynomolgus monkeys both intravenously and orally. This molecule is now undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of hypertension.     

Synthesis, biological activity, and molecular modeling of selective 5-HT(2C/2B) receptor antagonists

The synthesis and biological activity are reported for a series of analogues of the previously published indole urea 2 (SB-206553), designed to probe the 5-HT(2C) receptor binding site. Small molecule modeling studies have been used to define a region in space which is allowed at the 5-HT(2C) receptor but disallowed at the 5-HT(2A) receptor. In a complementary approach, docking of 2 into our model of the 5-HT(2C) receptor has allowed us to propose a novel primary binding interaction for this series of diaryl ureas, involving a potential double hydrogen-bonding interaction between the urea carbonyl oxygen of the ligand and two serine residues in the receptor. The difference of two valine residues in the 5-HT(2C) receptor for leucine residues in the 5-HT(2A) receptor is believed to account for the observed 5-HT(2C)/5-HT(2A) selectivity with 2.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in human plasma and urine. I. DuP 532 (L-694,492)

A sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection was developed for the analysis of a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, DuP 532 (L-694,492), in human plasma and urine. The analyte and internal standard are extracted from plasma and urine at a pH between 3.3 to 3.6 by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed on a C6 column with ultraviolet detection at 254 nm. The mobile phase is composed of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer at pH 2.5. The limits of quantification are 6 and 7.5 ng/ml for plasma and urine, respectively.     

Dual antagonists of platelet activating factor and histamine. 3. Synthesis, biological activity and conformational implications of substituted N-acyl-bis-arylcycloheptapiperazines

A series of N-acyl-4-(5,6-dihydro-11H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin- 11-ylidene)piperazines is described that are dual antagonists of PAF and histamine. The structural requirements for activity in this series parallel those of their previously reported piperidinylidene counterparts. Whereas their global minimum energy conformations are different for both series of compounds, computer assisted molecular modeling suggests that a common bioactive conformation is possible.     

The effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists on kidney function in two-kidney, two-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats

We have constructed a subtractive cDNA library from regenerating Retzius cells of the leech, Hirudo medicinalis. It is highly enriched in sequences up-regulated during nerve regeneration. Sequence analysis of selected recombinants has identified both novel sequences and sequences homologous to molecules characterised in other species. Homologies include alpha-tubulin, a calmodulin-like protein, CAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), protein 4.1 and synapsin. These types of proteins are exactly those predicted to be associated with axonal growth and their identification confirms the quality of the library. Most interesting, however, is the isolation of 5 previously uncharacterised cDNAs which appear to be up-regulated during regeneration. Their analysis is likely to provide new information on the molecular mechanisms of neuronal regeneration.     

Studies on the synthesis of cholecystokinin A receptor antagonists. II. Synthesis and cholecystokinin A receptor inhibitory activities of sulfur-containing amide-carboxylic acid derivatives

A number of sulfur-containing amide-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized and tested for cholecystokinin A (CCK-A) receptor inhibitory activity in order to study structure-activity relationships. Significant CCK-A receptor inhibitory activities were found in only two series, that is, sulfoxide-carboxylic acid derivatives (9) and sulfone-carboxylic acid derivatives (10). As the most preferred compound, 5-(3,4-dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-4-(N,N-dipentylcarbamoyl)pent anoic acid (10n) was selected.