Adenosine receptor agonists: synthesis and biological evaluation of 1-deaza analogues of adenosine derivatives

In a search for more selective A1 adenosine receptor agonists, N6-[(R)-(-)-1-methyl-2-phenethyl]-1-deazaadenosine (1-deaza-R-PIA, 3a), N6-cyclopentyl-1-deazaadenosine (1-deazaCPA, 3b), N6-cyclohexyl-1-deazaadenosine (1-deazaCHA, 3c), and the corresponding 2-chloro derivatives 2a-c were synthesized from 5,7-dichloro-3-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine. On the other hand, N-ethyl-1'-deoxy-1'-(1-deaza-6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-beta-D-ribofuranu ronamide (1-deazaNECA, 10) was prepared from 7-nitro-3-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, in an attempt to find a more selective A2 agonist. The activity of all deaza analogues at adenosine receptors has been determined in adenylate cyclase and in radioligand binding studies. 1-DeazaNECA proved to be a nonselective agonist at both subtypes of the adenosine receptor. It is about 10-fold less active than NECA but clearly more active than the parent compound 1-deazaadenosine as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and as a stimulator of cyclic AMP accumulation. The N6-substituted 1-deazaadenosines largely retain the A1 agonist activity of their parent compounds, but lose some of their A2 agonist activity. This results in A1-selective compounds, of which N6-cyclopentyl-2-chloro-1-deazaadenosine (1-deaza-2-Cl-CPA, 2b) was identified as the most selective agonist at A1 adenosine receptors so far known. The activity of all 1-deaza analogues confirms that the presence of the nitrogen atom at position 1 of the purine ring is not critical for A1 receptor mediated adenosine actions.

2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine: a highly selective agonist at A1 adenosine receptors

2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) was synthesized as a potential high affinity ligand for A1 adenosine receptors. Binding of [3H]PIA to A1 receptors of rat brain membranes was inhibited by CCPA with a Ki-value of 0.4 nM, compared to a Ki-value of 0.8 nM for the parent compound N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA). Binding of [3H]NECA to A2 receptors of rat striatal membranes was inhibited with a Ki-value of 3900 nM, demonstrating an almost 10,000-fold A1-selectivity of CCPA. CCPA inhibited the activity of rat fat cell membrane adenylate cyclase, a model for the A1 receptor, with an IC50-value of 33 nM, and it stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity of human platelet membranes with an EC50-value of 3500 nM. The more than 100-fold A1-selectivity compares favourably with a 38-fold selectivity of CPA. Thus, CCPA is an agonist at A1 adenosine receptors with a 4-fold higher selectivity and 2-fold higher affinity than CPA, and a considerably higher selectivity than the standard A1 receptor agonist R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA). CCPA represents the agonist with the highest selectivity for A1 receptors reported so far.

Autoradiographic visualization of A1-adenosine receptors in brain and peripheral tissues of rat and guinea pig using 125I-HPIA

A1-adenosine receptors were identified in sections of rat brain and guinea pig kidney with the radioiodinated agonist 125I-N6-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine (125I-HPIA) using in vitro autoradiography. The affinities of adenosine receptor ligands in competing with 125I-HPIA binding to tissue sections were in good agreement with those found in membranes, and indicate that the binding site represents an A1-adenosine receptor. The distribution of 125I-HPIA binding sites in rat brain sections was similar to the pattern of [3H]N6-cyclohexyladenosine ([3H]CHA) binding sites determined previously, with highest densities in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus, the cerebellar cortex, some thalamic nuclei and certain layers of the cerebral cortex. In the guinea pig kidney 125I-HPIA labelled longitudinal structures in the medulla. This study demonstrates that 125I-HPIA allows the autoradiographic detection of A1 adenosine receptors in the brain and peripheral organs and has the advantage of short exposure times.

Separation of solubilized A2 adenosine receptors of human platelets from non-receptor [3H]NECA binding sites by gel filtration

Human platelet membranes were solubilized with the zwitterionic detergent CHAPS (3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) and the solubilized extract subjected to gel filtration. Binding of the adenosine receptor agonist [3H]NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) was measured to the eluted fractions. Two [3H]NECA binding peaks were eluted, the first of them with the void volume. This first peak represented between 10% and 25% of the [3H]NECA binding activity eluted from the column. It bound [3H]NECA in a reversible, saturable and GTP-dependent manner with an affinity of 46 nmol/l and a binding capacity of 510 fmol/mg protein. Various adenosine receptor ligands competed for the binding of [3H]NECA to the first peak with a pharmacological profile characteristic for the A2 adenosine receptor as determined from adenylate cyclase experiments. In contrast, most adenosine receptor ligands did not compete for [3H]NECA binding to the second, major peak. These results suggest that a solubilized A2 receptor-Gs protein complex of human platelets can be separated from other [3H]NECA binding sites by gel filtration. This allows reliable radioligand binding studies of the A2 adenosine receptor of human platelets.

Interactions between intracellular cyclic AMP and agonist-induced inositol phospholipid breakdown in isolated gastric mucosal cells of the rat

The interactions between putative second effector mechanisms for hydrogen ion secretion were studied in isolated gastric cell preparations of the rat containing 60-70% parietal cells. Dibutyryl-cAMP and the compounds which increased the level of cAMP (histamine plus rolipram and forskolin plus rolipram) inhibited the carbachol-induced accumulation of [3H]inositol tris-, bis- and monophosphate. There was both a temporal and quantitative correlation between the increase in cAMP and the inhibition of the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates. Cimetidine attenuated the inhibitory effect of histamine on the formation of [3H]inositol phosphates. The enhancement of the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates by various concentrations of carbachol affected neither the basal nor the histamine-stimulated cAMP levels. In contrast to dibutyryl-cAMP, dibutyryl-cGMP did not modify the carbachol-induced formation of [3H]inositol phosphates. The biologically active phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), which activates protein kinase C, inhibited both the basal and carbachol-induced accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates. We suggest that the inhibition of the formation of inositol trisphosphate by the increase in the intracellular level of cAMP and by the activation of protein kinase C might be intracellular negative feedback systems which prevent the overreaction of the acid-secreting parietal cells under the simultaneous influence of the physiological gastric secretagogues.

Pharmacological characterization of A1 adenosine receptors in isolated rat ventricular myocytes

The aim of the present study was the characterization of adenosine receptors in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. The cAMP-levels of rat ventricular myocytes in the presence of 1 mumol/l isoprenaline were reduced by up to 48% by adenosine analogues; the rank order of potency was: R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (IC50 60 nmol/l), 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (IC50 360 nmol/l) and S-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (IC50 16 mumol/l). The adenosine receptor antagonist XAC ("xanthine amine congener") antagonized the effect of R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine in a concentration-dependent manner with a Ki-value of 20 nmol/l. The A1 receptor-selective radioligand R-N6-125I-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine bound to membranes prepared from rat ventricular myocytes in a saturable manner with a Bmax of 17.7 fmol/mg protein and a KD-value of 1.1 nmol/l. Adenosine analogues competed for the binding with the same rank order of potency as for the inhibition of the isoprenaline-induced cAMP-increase. GTP inhibited radioligand binding with an IC50-value of 73 mumol/l. These results suggest the presence of A1 adenosine receptors on rat ventricular myocytes, which mediate an inhibition of adenylate cyclase. The receptors may be responsible for the effects of adenosine and its analogues on the heart.

8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX)--a selective high affinity antagonist radioligand for A1 adenosine receptors

The properties of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) as an antagonist ligand for A1 adenosine receptors were examined and compared with other radioligands for this receptor. DPCPX competitively antagonized both the inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity via A1 adenosine receptors and the stimulation via A2 adenosine receptors. The Ki-values of this antagonism were 0.45 nM at the A1 receptor of rat fat cells, and 330 nM at the A2 receptor of human platelets, giving a more than 700-fold A1-selectivity. A similar A1-selectivity was determined in radioligand binding studies. Even at high concentrations, DPCPX did not significantly inhibit the soluble cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity of human platelets. [3H]DPCPX (105 Ci/mmol) bound in a saturable manner with high affinity to A1 receptors in membranes of bovine brain and heart, and rat brain and fat cells (KD-values 50-190 pM). Its nonspecific binding was about 1% of total at KD, except in bovine myocardial membranes (about 10%). Binding studies with bovine myocardial membranes allowed the analysis of both the high and low agonist affinity states of this receptor in a tissue with low receptor density. The binding properties of [3H]DPCPX appear superior to those of other agonist and antagonist radioligands for the A1 receptor.

Affinities of barbiturates for the GABA-receptor complex and A1 adenosine receptors: a possible explanation of their excitatory effects

The effects of barbiturates on the GABA-receptor complex and the A1 adenosine receptor were studied. At the GABA-receptor complex the barbiturates inhibited the binding of [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPT) and enhanced the binding of [3H]diazepam. Kinetic and saturation experiments showed that both effects were allosteric. Whereas all barbiturates caused complete inhibition of [35S]TBPT binding, they showed varying degrees of maximal enhancement of [3H]diazepam binding; (+/-)methohexital was identified as the most efficacious compound for this enhancement. At the A1 adenosine receptor all barbiturates inhibited the binding of [3H]N6-phenylisopropyladenosine ([3H]PIA) in a competitive manner. The comparison of the effects on [3H]diazepam and [3H]PIA binding showed that excitatory barbiturates interact preferentially with the A1 adenosine receptor, and sedative/anaesthetic barbiturates with the GABA-receptor complex. It is speculated that the interaction with these two receptors might be the basis of the excitatory versus sedative/anaesthetic properties of barbiturates.

Pentobarbital antagonizes the A1 adenosine receptor-mediated inhibition of hippocampal neurotransmitter release

Barbiturates have been shown to be competitive antagonists at A1 adenosine receptors in radioligand binding studies. The present study investigates the effects of pentobarbital on the A1 receptor-mediated inhibition of neurotransmitter release from rabbit hippocampal slices. The inhibition of the electrically evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline by the A1 receptor agonist (R)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) was antagonized by pentobarbital with an apparent pA2 value of 3.5. Low concentrations of pentobarbital alone altered neither basal nor evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline, whereas 1,000 microM pentobarbital enhanced the basal and reduced the evoked release. In the presence of 8-phenyltheophylline, pentobarbital (200 microM and 1,000 microM) reduced the evoked noradrenaline release. Pentobarbital also antagonized the inhibition of [3H]acetylcholine release by R-PIA. In contrast to the noradrenaline release model, the evoked release of acetylcholine was enhanced by the presence of pentobarbital (50-500 microM), an effect that was lost in the presence of 8-phenyltheophylline. These results indicate that pentobarbital, in addition to a direct inhibitory action at higher concentrations, has a facilitatory effect on neurotransmitter release by blocking presynaptic A1 adenosine receptors. The possible relevance of these findings for the excitatory effects of barbiturates is discussed.

Dual actions of adenosine on rat peritoneal mast cells

The effects of adenosine and its analogues on cAMP-responses and histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells were investigated. The adenosine analogue 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA') activates the adenylate cyclase of the mast cell membranes and elevates the cAMP-levels of the intact mast cells. Both effects are antagonized by methylxanthines, suggesting that they are mediated via an A2 adenosine receptor. Adenosine and its analogues enhance the release of histamine from these cells, when the release is stimulated either by the calcium ionophore A 23187 or by concanavalin A. However, this effect is not antagonized by theophylline or 8-phenyltheophylline. In contrast, it is antagonized by the adenosine uptake blockers S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI) and S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioguanosine (NBTG). It is concluded that adenosine has two different effects on mast cells: it activates adenylate cyclase via an A2 adenosine receptor, and it enhances histamine release via an action at an intracellular site.

The glycoprotein nature of A1 adenosine receptors

A1 adenosine receptors from different tissues and species were photoaffinity labelled and then the carbohydrate content was examined by both enzymatic and chemical treatment. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the labelled membrane receptors shows that neuraminidase treatment alters the electrophoretic mobility of the receptor band indicating the presence of terminal neuraminic acids. Neuraminidase digestion does not influence the binding characteristics of the receptor. The totally deglycosylated receptor protein obtained by chemical treatment has an apparent molecular weight of 32,000.

Agonist photoaffinity labeling of A1 adenosine receptors: persistent activation reveals spare receptors

This study describes experiments investigating the mechanism of activation of A1 adenosine receptors. Isolated rat fat cells were used as a cellular model. The A1 receptors of these cells were covalently labeled with the agonist photoaffinity label R-2-azido-N6-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine. The covalent incorporation of the label into the binding subunit of the receptor was verified by demonstration of specific labeling of a peptide with Mr = 35,000 by the radioiodinated label. Such covalent labeling followed by removal of label not covalently bound led to a concentration-dependent reduction of cellular cAMP levels. This persistent effect of covalent labeling occurred with an IC50 value of 9 nM compared to an IC50 value of 0.9 nM for the direct reduction of cAMP levels by the label. The affinity of the label was determined in binding experiments. The Ki value of 19 nM was about 20 times higher than the corresponding IC50 value of cAMP reduction. Finally, the comparison between covalent binding and its effects suggests that covalently labeled receptors were fully activated. The data are interpreted as evidence for a receptor activation according to the occupancy theory. The analysis of the various concentration-response curves reveals the presence of spare receptors, which can be demonstrated by the method of agonist photoaffinity labeling.

Characterization of the solubilized A1 adenosine receptor from rat brain membranes

A1 adenosine receptors from rat brain membranes were solubilized with the zwitterionic detergent 3-[3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate. The solubilized receptors retained all the characteristics of membrane-bound A1 adenosine receptors. A high and a low agonist affinity state for the radiolabelled agonist (R)-N6-[3H]phenylisopropyladenosine([3H]PIA) with KD values of 0.3 and 12 nM, respectively, were detected. High-affinity agonist binding was regulated by guanine nucleotides. In addition agonist binding was still modulated by divalent cations. The solubilized A1 adenosine receptors could be labelled not only with the agonist [3H]PIA but also with the antagonist 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine. Guanine nucleotides did not affect antagonist binding as reported for membrane-bound receptors. These results suggest that the solubilized receptors are still coupled to the guanine nucleotide binding protein Ni and that all regulatory functions are retained on solubilization.

Effects of temperature and membrane phase transitions on ligand binding to alpha 2-receptors of human platelets

The binding of agonists and antagonists to alpha 2-adrenergic receptors of human platelets was studied. The receptors showed homogeneous affinities for antagonists but two affinity states for the agonist (-)-epinephrine, which were modulated by guanine nucleotides. Van't Hoff plots of antagonist binding had a break point at about 18 degrees and considerable diversity between 18 degrees and 0 degree. Agonist binding to both affinity states showed a similar break point; agonist binding to the high affinity state was characterized by a large entropy component compared to the low affinity state. This entropy component was reduced at higher concentrations of sodium, indicating that it may be due to liberation of sodium ions. Measurements of the fluorescence of 1-anilin-8-naphthalenesulfonate showed thermotropic phase transitions of the platelet membranes at about 17 degrees. The transition temperature was decreased to about 12 degrees by addition of 10 mM octanoic acid. Octanoic acid also shifted the break points of the van't Hoff plot of antagonist and low affinity agonist binding from 18 degrees to 12 degrees. High affinity agonist binding, however, remained unchanged. It is concluded that agonist-specific thermodynamic characteristics of ligand binding to alpha 2-receptors of human platelets can only be investigated by regarding differences between high and low affinity agonist binding. These differences include an entropy increase upon ligand binding, which is in part due to enhanced liberation of sodium ions, and a loss of sensitivity to fluidity changes in the outer layer of the plasma membrane.

Barbiturates are selective antagonists at A1 adenosine receptors

Barbiturates in pharmacologically relevant concentrations inhibit binding of (R)-N6-phenylisopropyl[3H]adenosine ([3H]PIA) to solubilized A1 adenosine receptors in a concentration-dependent, stereospecific, and competitive manner. Ki values are similar to those obtained for membrane-bound receptors and are 31 microM for (+/-)-5-(1,3-dimethyl)-5-ethylbarbituric acid [(+/-)-DMBB] and 89 microM for (+/-)-pentobarbital. Kinetic experiments demonstrate that barbiturates compete directly for the binding site of the receptor. The inhibition of rat striatal adenylate cyclase by unlabelled (R)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine [(R)-PIA] is antagonized by barbiturates in the same concentrations that inhibit radioligand binding. The stimulation of adenylate cyclase via A2 adenosine receptors in membranes from N1E 115 neuroblastoma cells is antagonized only by 10-30 times higher concentrations of barbiturates. It is concluded that barbiturates are selective antagonists at the A1 receptor subtype. In analogy to the excitatory effects of methylxanthines it is suggested that A1 adenosine receptor antagonism may convey excitatory properties to barbiturates.

Photoaffinity labeling of A1-adenosine receptors

The ligand-binding subunit of the A1-adenosine receptor has been identified by photoaffinity labeling. A photolabile derivative of R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine, R-2-azido-N6-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine (R-AHPIA), has been synthesized as a covalent specific ligand for A1-adenosine receptors. In adenylate cyclase studies with membranes of rat fat cells and human platelets, R-AHPIA has adenosine receptor agonist activity with a more than 60-fold selectivity for the A1-subtype. It competes for [3H]N6-phenylisopropyladenosine binding to A1-receptors of rat brain membranes with a Ki value of 1.6 nM. After UV irradiation, R-AHPIA binds irreversibly to the receptor, as indicated by a loss of [3H]N6-phenylisopropyladenosine binding after extensive washing; the Ki value for this photoinactivation is 1.3 nM. The p-hydroxyphenyl substituent of R-AHPIA can be directly radioiodinated to give a photoaffinity label of high specific radioactivity (125I-AHPIA). This compound has a KD value of about 1.5 nM as assessed from saturation and kinetic experiments. Adenosine analogues compete for 125I-AHPIA binding to rat brain membranes with an order of potency characteristic for A1-adenosine receptors. Dissociation curves following UV irradiation at equilibrium demonstrate 30-40% irreversible specific binding. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that the probe is photoincorporated into a single peptide of Mr = 35,000. Labeling of this peptide can be blocked specifically and stereoselectively by adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists in a manner which is typical for the A1-subtype. The results indicate that 125I-AHPIA identifies the ligand-binding subunit of the A1-adenosine receptor, which is a peptide with Mr = 35,000.

Xanthine derivatives as antagonists at A1 and A2 adenosine receptors

A variety of alkylxanthines has been comparatively examined as antagonists of A1 adenosine receptors in rat fat cells, rat and bovine cerebral cortex and of A2 adenosine receptors in human platelets. With few exceptions all xanthine derivatives with 7-position substituents such as diprophylline, proxyfylline, pentoxifylline and etofylline were less potent antagonists than xanthine itself which had Ki-values of 170 mumol/l (A1) and 93 mumol/l (A2). Theophylline, caffeine and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine were more potent than xanthine but nearly equipotent antagonists at both receptor subtypes. 8-Phenyl substituents considerably increased the antagonist potency at A1 and A2 receptors. 1,3-Diethyl-8-phenylxanthine was the most potent A2 antagonist (Ki 0.2 mumol/l) in human platelets. At A1 receptors 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chlorophenyl)xanthine (PACPX) was the most potent antagonist in all three tissues with Ki-values from 0.3 to 8.6 nmol/l. Several 8-phenylxanthine derivatives were remarkably selective antagonists at A1 receptors. 8-Phenyltheophylline was approximately 700 times more potent as antagonist at A1 receptors (bovine brain) than at A2 receptors (human platelets), and PACPX was even 1,600 times more potent as A1 adenosine receptor antagonist. These compounds offer a possibility for a subtype-selective blockade of adenosine receptors.

Demonstration of Ri-type adenosine receptors in bovine myocardium by radioligand binding

Adenosine has been shown to have negative inotropic, chronotropic and dromotropic effects on the heart. The pharmacological profiles of these effects suggest that they are mediated via Ri (A1) adenosine receptors, but a direct demonstration of these receptors is still missing. In the present study we report direct labelling of these receptors with (-)N6-[125I]-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine [( 125I]HPIA)1. The radioligand bound in a saturable and reversible manner to a crude membrane preparation, the Bmax-value was 30.5 fmol/mg protein and the KD-value 1.1 nmol/l. A similar affinity of the ligand was obtained in kinetic and competition experiments. Competition experiments with a variety of adenosine analogues gave a pharmacological profile characteristic of Ri adenosine receptors with high affinities of N6-substituted derivatives and a marked stereospecificity for N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA). Purification of the membrane preparation by density gradient centrifugation resulted in a 30-fold increase in the number of binding sites which was paralleled by a similar increase in the number of binding sites for [3H]ouabain. Guanine nucleotides decreased binding of [125I]HPIA in a dose-dependent manner, but the IC50-values were considerably higher than those reported in other tissues. Finally, binding of [125I]HPIA appeared to be entropy-driven which has been shown to be characteristic of agonist binding to Ri adenosine receptors. These results suggest the presence of Ri adenosine receptors in ventricular myocardium which may be responsible for the mediation of the effects of adenosine and its analogues.

Characterization of [3H]phenobarbital binding to rat brain membranes

The binding of [3H]phenobarbital to rat brain membranes was studied in order to determine its characteristics and specificity. The binding reaction was rapid and occurred at sites of low affinity. (Kd = 700 microM) and very high density (Bmax = 2.7 nmol/mg protein). It was unaffected by temperature changes from 0 degrees C to 95 degrees C and was maximal at pH 5. Detergents in low concentrations markedly decreased the binding, apparently without solubilizing the binding sites. It is concluded that the binding of [3H]phenobarbital is a rather non-specific interaction with the plasma membrane.

Two affinity states of Ri adenosine receptors in brain membranes. Analysis of guanine nucleotide and temperature effects on radioligand binding

The binding of agonists and antagonists to Ri adenosine receptors of synaptosomal membranes from rat and bovine brain was studied. The effects of guanine nucleotides and temperature were analyzed with the aid of computerized curve fitting. Evidence is presented for two different states of the receptor: one of high and one of low affinity for agonists. Antagonists bind to both states with the same affinity. The two states are characterized by saturation, competition, and kinetic experiments with very similar results. Guanine nucleotides cause transition of the high- to the low-affinity state. The ratio of the KD values for the two affinity states is 90-150 in rat brain but only 10 in bovine brain. The proportions of the two affinity states are the same for all agonists tested; in the absence of exogenous guanine nucleotides, 75% of the total receptor population is in the high-affinity state, whereas in the presence of guanine nucleotides only 5% remain in the high-affinity state. Binding of antagonists to the receptor is enthalpy-driven whereas binding of the agonist (-)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine to the high-affinity state of the receptor is entropy-driven. Binding of the agonist to the low-affinity state is enthalpy-driven and thus similar to the binding of antagonists. Our data indicate that guanine nucleotides convert the Ri adenosine receptor from a high- to a low-agonist affinity state and that agonist binding shows thermodynamic differences from antagonist binding only when it is to the high-affinity state of the receptor.

Labelling of Ri adenosine receptors in rat fat cell membranes with (-)-[125iodo]N6-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine

A new adenosine analogue, (-)-iodo-N6-phydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine [(-)-IHPIA], has been developed for radioligand binding studies of Ri adenosine receptors. In addition, the effects of (-)IHPIA on adenosine-mediated responses of rat fat cells have been characterized. (-)IHPIA is slightly less potent at Ri adenosine receptors than (-)N6-phenylisopropyladenosine [(-)PIA] as assessed by adenylate cyclase and lipolysis studies. (-)IHPIA inhibited basal adenylate cyclase activity with an IC50 of 60 nmol/l compared to an IC50 of 16.3 nmol/l for (-)PIA. (-)PIA and (-)IHPIA inhibited adenosine deaminase-stimulated lipolysis of intact rat fat cells with an IC50 of 0.55 and 3.6 nmol/l. The potency of (-)N6-phydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine [(-)HPIA] was intermediate. (-)HPIA has been labelled with carrier-free Na[125I] to very high specific activity (2,175 Ci/mmol) and used as agonist radioligand in binding studies of Ri adenosine receptors. The binding of (-)[125I]HPIA was saturable, reversible and stereospecific. Saturation analysis revealed two affinity states with dissociation constants (KD) of 0.7 and 7.6 nmol/l and maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) of 0.94 and 0.95 pmol/mg protein. The rate constant of association, k1, was 3.7 X 10(8) l X mol-1 X min-1. Binding was slowly reversible with a t1/2 of 88 min. In competition experiments specific binding was most potently inhibited by (-)PIA, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), (-)HPIA and (-)IHPIA, followed by 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and 2-chloroadenosine. 1,3-Diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (DPX) and 8-phenyltheophylline were the most potent adenosine antagonists with Ki-values of 67 and 83 nmol/l, whereas the methylxanthines 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, theophylline and caffeine had Ki-values between 1 and 21 mumol/l.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of barbiturates with adenosine receptors in rat brain

The effects of barbiturates on radioligand binding to inhibitory Ri adenosine receptors of rat brain membranes were investigated. Binding of the adenosine receptor agonist (-)N6-phenylisopropyl[3H]adenosine and the antagonist 1,3-diethyl-8-[3H]phenylxanthine was inhibited by several barbiturates. This inhibition was concentration-dependent and occurred in the range of pharmacologically effective concentrations. Pentobarbital was the most potent of the barbiturates tested with a Ki of 92 mumol/l. The (+)isomers of hexobarbital and mephobarbital were more potent than the respective (-)isomers. Barbituric acid itself did not displace either radioligand in concentrations up to 1 mmol/l. The inhibitory effect of pentobarbital was reversed by a single wash of membranes preincubated with the barbiturate. The presence of pentobarbital caused a decrease of the affinity of the receptor for the antagonist radioligand but did not alter the number of binding sites, suggesting a competitive antagonism. The effects of pentobarbital on radioligand binding to the receptor were not changed by the presence of picrotoxinin nor by the absence of chloride ions. This indicates that they are not mediated via the picrotoxinin binding site. The barbiturates could not be classified as either agonists or antagonists at the Ri adenosine receptor. The presence of GTP did not influence the inhibition of radioligand binding by pentobarbital; this is also observed for antagonists, whereas the affinity of agonists is markedly reduced by GTP. Binding of antagonists to the receptor is enthalpy-driven; the interaction of pentobarbital with the receptor was entropy-driven and the same was true for agonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)