Synthesis, properties and biological evaluation of substituted furo[3,2-e] and pyrano[3,2-e]pyrido[4,3-b]indoles

Furo[3,2-e]- and pyrano[3,2-e]pyrido[4,3-b] indoles were synthesized from 1,4,5-trisubstituted 8-hydroxy-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indoles. The intermediates, 10-chloro-6H-furo[3,2-e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole (11), 10-chloro-2,6-dihydro-1H-furo[3,2-e]pyrido-[4,3-b]indole (10) and 11-chloro-2,3-dihydro-3H,7H-pyrano[3,2-e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole (15), were substituted by diamines under thermal conditions (180 degrees C). In contrast, 11-chloro-3H,7H-pyrano[3,2-e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole (14), 9-allyl-1-chloro-4,5-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (9a) and 8-propargyloxy-4,5-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (8) led mainly to 1-aminosubstituted 8-hydroxy-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivatives resulting from an unexpected C3 unit elimination. When examined in three tumour cell lines (L1210 leukaemia, the B16 melanoma and the MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma) the new amino substituted furo[3,2-e]-, dihydrofuro[3,2-e]- and dihydropyrano[3,2-e]-pyrido[4,3-b]indole derivatives revealed cytotoxic properties, especially important for the 2,6-dihydro-1H-furo[3,2-e]pyrido[4,3-b]indole series. The most active compound (12b) significantly inhibits both DNA topoisomerases I and II, and is as potent as Adriamycin at inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing a massive accumulation of L1210 cells in the G2 + M phase of the cell cycle. However, 12b was less active than Adriamycin when tested in vivo against P388 leukaemia or the B16 melanoma tumour models.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 4-amino-substituted 7-methoxy (and 7-hydroxy)- 11-methyl (and 5,11-dimethyl)-10H-pyrido [2,3-b] carbazoles and 4-amino- substituted 11-methyl (and 5,11-dimethyl)-10H-pyrido[3',4':4,5] pyrrolo [3,2-g] quinolines, two new series related to antitumor ellipticine derivatives

2-Acetyl-4-chloro-3-lithiopyridine ethylene glycol ketal (6b) was reacted with 3-formyl-5-methoxy-1-methyl-indole (9) and 3-formyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo [3,2-c] pyridine (12), giving the corresponding expected alcohols. Reduction of these intermediates with triethylsilane trifluoroacetic acid and subsequent cyclodehydration then led to 4-chloro-7-methoxy-10,11-dimethyl-10H-pyrido [2,3-b] carbazole (8a) and the corresponding 7-aza-analog (8b). The synthesis of 4-chloro-11-methyl (and 5,11-dimethyl)-10-unsubstituted derivatives of these two series was performed through an independent pathway, involving condensation of conveniently substituted 2-amino carbazoles (17) and 7-amino-5H-pyrido [4,3-b] indoles (18) with 5-(ethoxymethylene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione, thermal cyclization of the resulting compounds with concomitant decarboxylation to the corresponding tetracyclic fused-4-quinolone systems and final chlorination with phosphorus oxychloride. Nucleophilic substitution of various 4-chloro derivatives was then easily performed in an excess of the required dialkylamino alkylamines at reflux and 4-amino substituted-7-hydroxy-10H- pyrido [2,3-b] carbazoles (25d-e) were obtained from 7-methoxy precursors (25a-b), by demethylation with boron tribromide in methylene chloride at -65 degrees C or with boiling 47% hydrobromic acid. Cytotoxicity determination of all new aminosubstituted derivatives and in vivo antitumor evaluation of the most active compounds clearly show that these two series of ellipticine analogs closely related to highly active products are devoid of antitumor properties in two experimental models shown to be sensitive to ellipticines. The place of the pyridinic nitrogen atom in these series has thus been demonstrated to play a crucial role in antitumor activity.     

Nonclassical 2,4-diamino-8-deazafolate analogues as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductases from rat liver, Pneumocystis carinii, and Toxoplasma gondii

The synthesis and biological activity of 42 6-substituted-2,4-diaminopyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidines (2,4-diamino-8-deazafolate analogues) are reported. The compounds were synthesized in improved yields compared to previous classical analogues using modifications of procedures reported previously by us. Specifically, the S-phenyl-; mono-, di-, and trimethoxyphenyl-; and mono-, di-, and trichlorophenyl-substituted analogues with H or CH3 at the N10 position and methyl and trifluoromethyl phenyl ketone analogues with H, CH3, and CH2C identical to CH at the N10 position were synthesized. The S10 and N10 alpha- and beta-naphthyl analogues along with the N10 CH3 analogues were also synthesized. These compounds were evaluated as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductases (DHFR) from Pneumocystis carinii (pc) and Toxoplasma gondii (tg); selectivity ratios were determined against rat liver (rl) DHFR as the mammalian reference enzyme. Against pcDHFR the IC50 values ranged from 0.038 x 10-6 M for 2,4-diamino-6-[(N-methyl-2'-naphthylamino)methyl]pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine (28) to 5.5 x 10(-6) M for 2,4-diamino-6[(2',4'-dimethoxyanilino)methyl]pyrido[3,2-d]pyrim idi ne (15). N10 methylation in all instances increased potency. None of the analogues were selective for pcDHFR. Against tgDHFR the most potent analogue was 2,4-diamino-6-[(N-methylanilino)methyl]pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine (5) (IC50 0.0084 x 10(-6) M) and the least potent was 2,4-diamino-6[(2'-naphthylamino)methyl]-pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine (37) (IC50 0.16 x 10-6 M). N10 methylation afforded an increase in potency up to 10-fold. In contrast to pcDHFR, several of the 8-deaza analogues were significantly selective for tgDHFR, most notably 2,4-diamino-6-[(2'-chloro-N-methylanilino)-methyl]pyrido[3,2-d] pyrimidine (13), 2,4-diamino-6-[(3',4',5'-trimethoxyanilino)methyl]pyrido[3,2-d]pyr pyrimidine (29), and 2,4-diamino-6-[(2',4',6'-trichloroanilino)methyl]pyrido[3,2-d] pyrimidine (32) which combined high potency at 10-8 M along with selectivities of 8.0, 5.0, and 12.4, respectively. The potency of these three analogues are comparable to the clinically used agent trimetrexate while their selectivities for tgDHFR are 17-43-fold better than trimetrexate.     

Selective inhibition of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase by isoquinoline derivatives

A large series of isoquinoline derivatives was synthesised including derivatives of isoquinoline, isoquinolino[3,4-c]furazan, 1,2-dihydro-1-oxoisoquinoline, 6-oxopyrimido[1,2-d]isoquinoline, benzo[c][1,8]-naphthyridine, pyrazino[2,3-c]isoquinoline and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline as well as further structurally related isoquinoline derivatives and pyrido-2,3-furazans. Representatives of all of these classes of isoquinolines are potent and selective inhibitors of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunit (cAK) from rat liver. The most effective cAK inhibitors are a series of 1,3-di-substituted and 1,3,4-tri-substituted isoquinolines (IC50 values 30-50 nM) (compounds A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5) and 2-ethylcarboxy-3-amino-5,6-dihydro-6-oxobenzo[c] [1,8]naphthyridine (E1) (IC50 0.08 microM). Compounds A1-A5 inhibit cAK in a fashion that is competitive with respect to ATP as substrate. The isoquinoline inhibitors A1-A5 are ineffective or very poor inhibitors of wheat embryo Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) and rat brain Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase C (PKC), chicken gizzard myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and potato tuber cyclic nucleotide-binding phosphatase (Pase). E1 is a moderately effective inhibitor of CDPK and PKC (IC50 values 30 and 61 microM, respectively). The bisisoquinoline-1(2H)-one compound B7 inhibits cAK, CDPK, PKC and MLCK (IC50 values 8, 95, 24 and 7 microM, respectively) as does J1 [2-(p-bromophenyl)pyrrolo-[2,3-c]isoquinoline-5(4H)-one] (IC50 values 2, 50, 44 and 7 microM, respectively). The very potent isoquinoline-derived cAK inhibitors found here involve substitution of the N-containing isoquinoline ring system and these inhibitors show high specificity for cAK.     

A biomechanical comparison of intramedullary nail and crossed lag screw fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis

A series of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-6-ones (4a-p) was prepared by a simple synthetic procedure based on the reaction of hydroxylamine or methoxyamine with 2,3-substituted ethyl 7-dimethylaminovinyl pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-6-carboxylates (3a-p). The antimicrobial activity of the obtained compounds was evaluated on a series of standard strains of Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. None of the tested compounds showed significant activity.     

Kinetic properties of the activator complexes plasmin--staphylokinase and plasmin(ogen)--streptokinase in vitro

The thiazole orange dye 1,1'-(4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-4, 8-diazaundecamethylene)-bis-4-[(3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-2(3H)-benzo-1 ,3-thiazolylidene)methyl]quinolinium tetraiodide (TOTO) binds to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in a sequence selective bis-intercalation. We have examined the binding of derivatives of TOTO with different substituents on the benzothiazole ring. The analogues are the following: 1,1'-(4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-4, 8-diazaundecamethylene)-[4-[3-(benzyl-2, 3-dihydro-2-(3H)-benzothiazolylidene)methyl]quinolinium]-[4-[3-(++ +methy l-2, 3-dihydro-2-(3H)-benzothiazolylidene)methyl]quinolinium]tetraio dide (TOTOBzl) and 1,1'-(4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-4, 8-diazaundecamethylene)-bis-4-[(3-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-2(3H)-benzo-1, 3-thiazole)methyl]quinolinium tetraiodide (TOTOEt). In this paper, we report the synthesis of TOTOBzl and TOTOEt together with the one- and two-dimensional 1H NMR investigations of complexes between these TOTO analogues and the dsDNA oligonucleotide d(CGCTAGCG)2. Both analogues yield extremely stable complexes in which each chromophore is sandwiched between two base pairs in a (5'-CpT-3'):(5'-ApG-3') site. The linker spans over two base pairs in the minor groove. The benzyl group in TOTOBzl and the ethyl groups in TOTOEt is pointing outward in the major groove.     

2,4-Diaminopyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase from Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii

Six previously unknown 2,4-diamino-6-(anilinomethyl)- and 2,4-diamino-6-[(N-methylanilino)-methyl]pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidines (5-10) were synthesized from 2,4-diamino-6-(bromomethyl)-pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine hydrobromide (11.HBr) by treatment with the appropriate aniline or N-methylaniline in dimethylformamide at room temperature, with or without NaHCO3 present. Compounds 5-10 were tested as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase from Pneumocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, and rat liver as a part of a larger effort directed toward the discovery of lipophilic nonclassical antifolates combining high enzyme selectivity and high potency. Of the six analogues tested, the most potent and selective against T. gondii DHFR was 2,4-diamino-6-[(3',4',5'-trimethoxy-N-methylanilono)methyl]pyrido[ 3,2-d d pyrimidine (7), which had an IC50 of 0.0047 microM against this enzyme as compared with 0.026 microM against the rat liver enzyme. The potency of 7 against T. gondii DHFR was similar to that of trimetrexate (TMQ, 1) and piritrexim (PTX, 2) but was > 500-fold greater than that of trimethoprim (TMP, 3). However, while 7 was more selective than either TMQ (19x) or PTX (63x) against this enzyme, its selectivity in comparison with TMP was 8-fold lower. 2,4-Diamino-6-[3',4',5'-trimethoxyanilino)methyl]pyrido[3,2-d]pyri midin e (6) was 17-fold less active than 7 and was also less selective. 2,4-Diamino-6-[(3',4'-dichloro-N-methylanilino)methyl]pyrido[3, 2-d]pyrimidine (10) had an IC50 of 0.022 microM against P. carinii DHFR and was comparable in potency to TMQ and PTX. The species selectivity of 10 for P. carinii versus rat liver DHFR was greater than that of either TMQ (21-fold) or PTX (31-fold). On the other hand, even though 10 was slightly more active than TMQ against the P. carinii enzyme, its selectivity was 7-fold lower than that of TMP. Thus, the goal of combining high enzyme binding activity, which is characteristic of the fused-ring compounds TMQ and PTX, with high selectivity for T. gondii and P. carinii DHFR versus rat liver DHFR, which is characteristic of the monocyclic compound TMP, remained unmet in this limited series.     

Novel naphthoquinones from Conospermum incurvum

During the reisolation of the trimeric naphthoquinone derivative conocurvone [1] from an extract of the Australian shrub Conospermum incurvum, six monomeric naphthoquinones were isolated. These include three novel 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives: 3-methyl-14,15-dihydro-15-hydroxyteretifolione B [3], 3-methyl-14,15-dihydro-15-hydroxyteretifolione B methyl ether [4], and 2,3-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone [5]. In addition, the previously reported compounds 3-methylteretifolione B [6], 3-methylteretifolione B methyl ether [7], and 8-geranyl-2,7-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone [8] were isolated and identified. The structures of the novel 1,4-naphthoquinones were elucidated by spectral methods. While conocurvone [1] is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1-induced cell killing, all of the monomeric naphthoquinone derivatives were inactive against HIV-1.     

2,4-Diaminothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine lipophilic antifolates as inhibitors of Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii dihydrofolate reductase

Ten previously unreported 2,4-diaminothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine lipophilic dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors were synthesized as potential inhibitors of Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii dihydrofolate reductase. Pivaloylation of 2,4-diamino-5-methylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine followed by dibromination with N-bromosuccinimide in the presence of benzoyl peroxide gave 2,4-bis(pivaloylamino)-6-bromo-5-(bromomethyl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimid ine, which after condensation with substituted anilines or N-methylanilines and deprotection with base yielded 2,4-diamino-6-bromo-5-[(substituted anilino)methyl]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines. Removal of the 6-bromo substituent was accomplished with sodium borohydride and palladium chloride. The reaction yields were generally good to excellent. The products were tested as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from P. carinii, T. gondii, and rat liver. Although the IC50 could not be reached for the 6-unsubstituted compounds because of their extremely poor solubility, three of the five 6-bromo derivatives were soluble enough to allow the IC50 to be determined against all three enzymes. 2,4-Diamino-5-[3,5-dichloro-4-(1-pyrrolo)anilino]methyl]- 6-bromothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine was the most active of the 6-bromo derivatives, with an IC50 of 7.5 microM against P. carinii DHFR, but showed no selectivity for either P. carinii or T. gondii DHFR relative to the enzyme from rat liver.     

Condensed heterocyclic compounds: synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of novel thiazolo[3,2-alpha] pyrimidines

In this study, thirty six new 2-benzylidene-7-methyl-3-oxo-5- phenyl-2,3-dihydro-5H-thiazolo[3,2-alpha]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid methyl esters were synthesized and characterized by spectral, crystallographic, and elemental analysis. The antiinflammatory activity of the compounds was tested by the carrageenan hind paw edema test. It was found that compound 6a having a 2-meth-oxyphenyl group at position 5 and a benzylidene group at position 2 was the most potent compound in this series. All the compounds that were tested for ulcer activity gave positive results.     

Exonuclease enhances hybridization efficiency: improved direct cycle sequencing and point mutation detection

The title compounds (6-9) were prepared and evaluated for serotonin 5-HT4 agonistic activity in in vitro tests. Introducing a propyl or allyl group at the 3-position of benzamide caused only a slight enhancement of agonistic activity. Construction of the benzo[b]furan skeleton and 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b]furan skeleton caused a significant enhancement of the activity. 4-amino-N-[2-(1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-5-yl)ethyl]-5-chloro- 2-methylbenzo[b]furan-7-carboxamide (7b) hemifumarate was as potent as cisapride. 4-Amino-N-[2-(1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-5-yl)ethyl]-5-chloro- 2,3-dihydro-2-methylbenzo[b]furan-7-carboxamide (8a) hemifumarate, 4-amino-N-[2-(1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-5-yl)ethyl]-5-chloro- 2,3-dihydro-2-ethylbenzo[b]furan-7-carboxamide (8c) hemifumarate, and 4-amino-N-[2-(1-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-5-yl)ethyl]-5-chloro- 2,3-dimethylbenzo[b]furan-7-carboxamide (8d) hemifumarate were more potent than cisapride. Furthermore, 8a hemifumarate was free from dopamine D1, D2, serotonin 5-HT1, 5-HT2 and muscarine M1, M2 receptor binding activity in the in in vitro tests. On the other hand, construction of the indole skeleton caused a remarkable decrease in activity.     

Selective Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new 2,4-diamino-5-substituted-furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

Nonclassical antifolates, 2,4-diamino-5-substituted-furo[2, 3-d]pyrimidines 3-12 with bridge region variations of C8-S9, C8-N9, and C8-O9 and 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-phenoxyphenyl, 4-phenoxyphenyl, and 2-biphenyl side chains were synthesized as phenyl ring appended analogues of previously reported 2, 4-diamino-5-(anilinomethyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The phenyl ring appended analogues were designed to specifically interact with Phe69 of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from Pneumocystis carinii (pc) to afford selective inhibitors of pcDHFR. Additional substituted phenyl side chains which include 2,5-dichloro, 3,4-dichloro, 3,4,5-trichloro, 3-methoxy, and 2,5-dimethoxy analogues 13-17 were also synthesized. The compounds were prepared by nucleophilic displacement of 2,4-diamino-5-(chloromethyl)furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine(2) with the appropriate thiol, amine, or naphthol. Compound 2 was obtained from 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine and 1, 3-dichloroacetone. The compounds were evaluated as inhibitors against DHFR from P. carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, and rat liver. Two analogues, 2,4-diamino-5-[(2'-naphthylthio)methyl]furo[2, 3-d]pyrimidine (5) and 2,4-diamino-5-[(2'-phenylanilino)methyl]furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (11) showed significant selectivity and potency for pcDHFR compared to trimethoprim. The X-ray crystal structure of 5 with pcDHFR was also carried out, which corroborated the design rationale and indicated a hydrophobic interaction of the naphthalene ring of 5 and Phe69 of pcDHFR which is responsible, in part, for the more than 18-fold selectivity of 5 for pcDHFR as compared with rat liver DHFR.     

5-aryl-2,3-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ols. A novel class of anorectic agents

A series of 5-aryl-2,3-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ols (IV), prepared by the LiA1H4 reduction of the corresponding 9b-aryl-1,2,3,9b-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones (II), was evaluated for suppression of food consumption in rats. One member of this series, 5-p-chlorophenyl-2,3-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ol (6, mazindol), was evaluated in squirrel and capuchin monkeys and found to have anorexic activity approximately equal to d-amphetamine.     

Studies on quinazolines and 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides. 8.1, 2 synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of tricyclic fused quinazolines and 1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides as potential alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists

A series of 2-substituted methyl 2,3-dihydroimidazo[1, 2-c]quinazolin-5(6H)-ones (4), 3-substituted methyl 2, 3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5(6H)-ones (5), 3-substituted methyl 2,3-dihydro-5H-thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-5-ones (15a,b), 3-substituted methyl 2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-5(1H)-ones (16a,b), 3-substituted methyl 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b][1,2, 4]benzothiadiazine 5,5-dioxides (33a,b), 2-substituted methyl imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5(6H)-ones (42-45a,b), 3-substituted methyl imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-5(6H)-ones (50-53a,b), 3-substituted methyl 5H-thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-5-ones (55-56a,b), and 3-substituted methyl 5-(methylthio)-2,3-dihydroimidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline (57) were synthesized as compound 1conformational rigid congeners for pharmacological evaluation as potential alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists. Compounds 4, 5, 33a,b, 44a,b, 45a,b, 52a,b, 53a,b, and 57 were found to possess high affinity for the alpha1-adrenoceptor. Compounds 5 and 57 were the most highly selective and potent alpha1 antagonists with Ki = 0.21 +/- 0.02 and 0.90 +/- 0.08 nM, respectively. The S-enantiomers of these two compounds (Ki = 0.13 +/- 0.01 nM for (S)-(-)-5; Ki = 1.0 +/- 0.2 nM for (S)-(+)-57) were 144-200-fold more potent than the R-enantiomers (Ki = 26 +/- 8 nM for (R)-(+)-5; Ki = 144 +/- 23 nM for (R)-(-)-57). Compound 4 showed 8-fold higher affinity to alpha1A-AR better than alpha1B-AR. These compounds possessed weak to no activity against the 5-HT1A receptor.     

New indole derivatives as potent and selective serotonin uptake inhibitors

A series of new indole derivatives (2-28) has been prepared in the search for novel 5-HT uptake inhibitors. These compounds were obtained by the condensation of N-(chloroalkyl) naphthalenesultam derivatives with the appropriate amine in presence of a base, at reflux of DMF or THF. The yields were moderate (12-56%), except for the piperazine derivative 20 (85%). The affinity of the compounds for uptake site and 5-HT2, alpha 1, and D2 receptors was measured. Some compounds were studied in vivo by their potentiating effect of 5-HTP-induced symptomatology. The most potent and selective (uptake, 5-HT2 versus alpha 1, D2 sites) compounds contain a 3-[(4-piperidinyl)methyl]indole moiety. 5-Fluoro-3-[(4-piperidinyl)methyl]indole itself (compound 1) displayed a high affinity for the uptake site but was devoided of in vivo activity. N-Methylation of this compound abolished the affinity. In contrast N-substitution by a two-carbon chain linked to a naphthalenesultam or related heterocycle led to compounds exhibiting high affinity for the uptake site. One of them, 1-[2-[4-((5-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl-1- piperidinyl]ethyl]-5,6-dihydro-1H,4H-1,2,5-thiadiazolo[4,3,2- ij]quinoline 2,2-dioxide (compound 24), was found as active as fluoxetine in vivo.     

Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of some amino-deoxy 7-hexofuranosylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

7-(6-amino-6-deoxy-beta-D-glucofuranosyl)-5-cyanopyrrolo[2,3 -d]pyrimidine (22) and 7-(3-amino-methyl-3-deoxy-beta-D-allofuranosyl)-5- cyanopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (28) were synthesized by sequentially coupling silylated 4-amino-6-bromo-5- cyanopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine with the corresponding protected sugars 9 and 17, followed by deblocking and catalytic hydrogenation. Conversion of the 5-nitrile in 22 and 28 into a carboxamide gave the corresponding sangivamycin derivatives 23 and 29. Whereas 5'-aminomethyl nucleosides 22 and 23 inhibited the growth of four different human tumor cell lines at microM concentrations, the 3'-aminomethyl analogs 28 and 29 were much less active against these cells.     

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of triazolo[1,5-a]triazine derivatives inhibiting eosinophilia

In continuation of our previous work on eosinophilia inhibitors, we synthesized an additional series of inhibitors, which consisted of 5-amino-1-[(methylamino)thiocarbonyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives and a newly developed series of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine derivatives. We evaluated their inhibitory activity on the airway eosinophilia model, which was induced by the intravenous (iv) injection of Sephadex particles. In the 1,2,4-triazole series with various substituents at the 3 position of the triazole ring such as 2-furyl, pyridyl, and phenoxy, none of derivatives had comparable activity to the previously reported compound GCC-AP0341, 5-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-[(methylamino)thiocarbonyl]-1H-1,2, 4-triazole. In the triazolo[1,5-a]triazine series, 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]-1,3, 5-triazine-7(6H)-thione (3h) was highly potent, and when given orally it had an ID50 value of 0.3 mg/kg, which is comparable to that of GCC-AP0341. The fact that the structure-activity relationship of these two series was quite similar suggests that a common substructure, such as the 1,2,4-triazole ring with a substituted phenyl ring at the 3 position and a thiocarbonyl moiety at the 1 position, could contribute to the activity. Our selected compound 3h was less active than GCC-AP0341 in the antigen-induced hyper-responsiveness model in guinea pigs; however, we plan to carry out further studies on eosinophil functions, especially on their activation, using our two compounds, 3h and GCC-AP0341.     

Cross-linking of proteins by Maillard processes--model reactions of D-glucose or methylglyoxal with butylamine and guanidine derivatives

Advanced Maillard reaction in proteins leads to formation of covalently cross-linked aggregates the chemical nature of which is largely unknown. From model reactions of methylglyoxal and butylamine with creatine or alpha-N-acetyl-L-arginine, one main product each was isolated. These two compounds were identified, on the basis of unequivocal spectroscopic evidence, as 2-[(5-butylimino-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-2-imidazolyl)(methyl)amin o]acetic acid and 2-acetylamino-5-[(5-butylimino-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-2-imidazoly l)amino]pentanoic acid, respectively. Using D-glucose instead of methylglyoxal, two main products each were obtained from reaction with the respective guanidine derivative. The spectroscopic data definitively establish the formation of the diastereoisomeric 2-[(4-butyl-6,7-dihydroxy-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydroimidazo[4,5-b]a zepin-2-yl)(methyl)amino]acetic acid from the reaction with creatine, and of the diastereoisomeric 2-acetylamino-5-[(4-butyl-6,7-dihydroxy-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydroimidazo [4,5-b]azepin-2-yl)amino]pentanoic acid from the reaction with alpha-N-acetyl-L-arginine. All products were isolated in fairly good yield and represent 1:1:1 adducts of the respective reaction partners. Formation of these compounds thus constitutes an efficient reaction pathway for linking primary amines to guanidine derivatives. It seems justified, therefore, to expect cross-linking of proteins by action of reducing carbohydrates to proceed analogously.     

delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a partial agonist of cannabinoid receptors in mouse brain

We measured the ability of the cannabinoid agonists delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and R(+)-[2,3,-dihydro-5-methyl-3- [(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-yl]-(1-napht halenyl) methanone mesylate (WIN 55,212-2) to stimulate guanosine-5'-O-(3-[35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTP gamma S) binding in mouse brain membranes. delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding by about 25% as compared to WIN 55,212-2. This is the first report demonstrating that delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol acts as a partial agonist in stimulating [35S]GTP gamma S binding in the mouse brain.     

Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase encoded by the newly isolated gene GGPS6 from Arabidopsis thaliana is localized in mitochondria

A number of new 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one-based gastrin/CCK-B receptor antagonists related to the archetypal analogue L-365,260, and more closely to the recently reported compound YM022, have been synthesized and evaluated for biological activity. The compounds were screened for their ability to inhibit the binding of [125I]CCK-8 to gastrin/CCK-B receptors prepared from rat brains and that of [3H]L-364,718 to CCK-A receptors from rat pancreas, and were shown to be potent and selective ligands for the gastrin/CCK-B receptor. Functional studies in vivo demonstrated the compounds to be antagonists of the receptor as evidenced by their ability to inhibit pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats. More extensive evaluation in vivo included determination of ED50 values in the rat acid secretion model for selected compounds and an examination of the effect of these compounds on pentagastrin-induced gastric acid secretion in Heidenhain pouch dogs following oral and intravenous administration. Two compounds, i.e. (3R)-N-[1-[(tert-butylcarbonyl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-5-(2-pyri dyl) -1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-N'-[3-(methylamino)phenyl]urea, 15c (YF476), and (3R)-N-[1-[(tert-Butylcarbonyl)methyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-5- (2-pyridyl)-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]-N'-[3-(dimethylamino)phenyl ]urea hydrochloride, 15d, showed potent dose-dependent effects in both models with the former showing excellent oral bioavailability and an ED50 of 21nmol/kg po in dogs. 15c is currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GORD).