Electrophilic derivatives of purines as irreversible inhibitors of A1 adenosine receptors

Ligand-Directed Labeling of the Adenosine A1 Receptor in Living Cells

The study of protein function and dynamics in their native cellular environment is essential for progressing fundamental science. To overcome the requirement of genetic modification of the protein or the limitations of dissociable fluorescent ligands, ligand-directed (LD) chemistry has most recently emerged as a complementary, bioorthogonal approach for labeling native proteins. Here, we describe the rational design, development, and application of the first ligand-directed chemistry approach for labeling the A1AR in living cells. We pharmacologically demonstrate covalent labeling of A1AR expressed in living cells while the orthosteric binding site remains available. The probes were imaged using confocal microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to study A1AR localization and dynamics in living cells. Additionally, the probes allowed visualization of the specific localization of A1ARs endogenously expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. LD probes developed here hold promise for illuminating ligand-binding, receptor signaling, and trafficking of the A1AR in more physiologically relevant environments.

Development of subtype-selective covalent ligands for the adenosine A2B receptor by tuning the reactive group

Signalling through the adenosine receptors (ARs), in particular through the adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR), has been shown to play a role in a variety of pathological conditions, ranging from immune disorders to cancer. Covalent ligands for the A2BAR have the potential to irreversibly block the receptor, as well as inhibit all A2BAR-induced signalling pathways. This will allow a thorough investigation of the pathophysiological role of the receptor. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated a set of potential covalent ligands for the A2BAR. The ligands all contain a core scaffold consisting of a substituted xanthine, varying in type and orientation of electrophilic group (warhead). Here, we find that the right combination of these variables is necessary for a high affinity, irreversible mode of binding and selectivity towards the A2BAR. Altogether, this is the case for sulfonyl fluoride 24 (LUF7982), a covalent ligand that allows for novel ways to interrogate the A2BAR.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CXII: Adenosine Receptors: A Further Update

Our previous International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology report on the nomenclature and classification of adenosine receptors (2011) contained a number of emerging developments with respect to this G protein-coupled receptor subfamily, including protein structure, protein oligomerization, protein diversity, and allosteric modulation by small molecules. Since then, a wealth of new data and results has been added, allowing us to explore novel concepts such as target binding kinetics and biased signaling of adenosine receptors, to examine a multitude of receptor structures and novel ligands, to gauge new pharmacology, and to evaluate clinical trials with adenosine receptor ligands. This review should therefore be considered a further update of our previous reports from 2001 and 2011. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Adenosine receptors (ARs) are of continuing interest for future treatment of chronic and acute disease conditions, including inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative afflictions, and cancer. The design of AR agonists ("biased" or not) and antagonists is largely structure based now, thanks to the tremendous progress in AR structural biology. The A2A- and A2BAR appear to modulate the immune response in tumor biology. Many clinical trials for this indication are ongoing, whereas an A2AAR antagonist (istradefylline) has been approved as an anti-Parkinson agent.

Molecular probes for the human adenosine receptors

Adenosine receptors, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by the endogenous ligand adenosine, have been considered potential therapeutic targets in several disorders. To date however, only very few adenosine receptor modulators have made it to the market. Increased understanding of these receptors is required to improve the success rate of adenosine receptor drug discovery. To improve our understanding of receptor structure and function, over the past decades, a diverse array of molecular probes has been developed and applied. These probes, including radioactive or fluorescent moieties, have proven invaluable in GPCR research in general. Specifically for adenosine receptors, the development and application of covalent or reversible probes, whether radiolabeled or fluorescent, have been instrumental in the discovery of new chemical entities, the characterization and interrogation of adenosine receptor subtypes, and the study of adenosine receptor behavior in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. This review summarizes these applications, and also serves as an invitation to walk another mile to further improve probe characteristics and develop additional tags that allow the investigation of adenosine receptors and other GPCRs in even finer detail.

Design and pharmacological profile of a novel covalent partial agonist for the adenosine A1 receptor

Partial agonists for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provide opportunities for novel pharmacotherapies with enhanced on-target safety compared to full agonists. For the human adenosine A₁ receptor (hA₁AR) this has led to the discovery of capadenoson, which has been in phase IIa clinical trials for heart failure. Accordingly, the design and profiling of novel hA₁AR partial agonists has become an important research focus. In this study, we report on LUF7746, a capadenoson derivative bearing an electrophilic fluorosulfonyl moiety, as an irreversibly binding hA₁AR modulator. Meanwhile, a nonreactive ligand bearing a methylsulfonyl moiety, LUF7747, was designed as a control probe in our study. In a radioligand binding assay, LUF7746's apparent affinity increased to nanomolar range with longer pre-incubation time, suggesting an increasing level of covalent binding over time. Moreover, compared to the reference full agonist CPA, LUF7746 was a partial agonist in a hA₁AR-mediated G protein activation assay and resistant to blockade with an antagonist/inverse agonist. An in silico structure-based docking study combined with site-directed mutagenesis of the hA₁AR demonstrated that amino acid Y271^7.36 was the primary anchor point for the covalent interaction. Additionally, a label-free whole-cell assay was set up to identify LUF7746's irreversible activation of an A₁ receptor-mediated cell morphological response. These results led us to conclude that LUF7746 is a novel covalent hA₁AR partial agonist and a valuable chemical probe for further mapping the receptor activation process. It may also serve as a prototype for a therapeutic approach in which a covalent partial agonist may cause less on-target side effects, conferring enhanced safety compared to a full agonist.

Chemical Probes for the Adenosine Receptors

Research on the adenosine receptors has been supported by the continuous discovery of new chemical probes characterized by more and more affinity and selectivity for the single adenosine receptor subtypes (A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃ adenosine receptors). Furthermore, the development of new techniques for the detection of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) requires new specific probes. In fact, if in the past radioligands were the most important GPCR probes for detection, compound screening and diagnostic purposes, nowadays, increasing importance is given to fluorescent and covalent ligands. In fact, advances in techniques such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and fluorescent polarization, as well as new applications in flow cytometry and different fluorescence-based microscopic techniques, are at the origin of the extensive research of new fluorescent ligands for these receptors. The resurgence of covalent ligands is due in part to a change in the common thinking in the medicinal chemistry community that a covalent drug is necessarily more toxic than a reversible one, and in part to the useful application of covalent ligands in GPCR structural biology. In this review, an updated collection of available chemical probes targeting adenosine receptors is reported.

Novel Irreversible Agonists Acting at the A1 Adenosine Receptor

The A₁ adenosine receptor (A₁AR) is an important G protein-coupled receptor that regulates a range of physiological functions. Herein we report the discovery of novel irreversible agonists acting at the A₁AR, which have the potential to serve as useful research tools for studying receptor structure and function. A series of novel adenosine derivatives bearing electrophilic substituents was synthesized, and four compounds, 8b, 15a, 15b, and 15d, were shown to possess similar potency and efficacy to the reference high efficacy agonist, NECA, in an assay of ERK1/2 phosphorylation assay. Insensitivity to antagonist addition in a real-time, label-free, xCELLigence assay was subsequently used to identify compounds that likely mediated their agonism through an irreversible interaction with the A₁AR. Of these compounds, 15b and 15d were more directly validated as irreversible agonists of the A₁AR using membrane-based [³H]DPCPX and [³⁵S]GTPγS binding experiments.

A covalent antagonist for the human adenosine A2A receptor

The structure of the human A_2A adenosine receptor has been elucidated by X-ray crystallography with a high affinity non-xanthine antagonist, ZM241385, bound to it. This template molecule served as a starting point for the incorporation of reactive moieties that cause the ligand to covalently bind to the receptor. In particular, we incorporated a fluorosulfonyl moiety onto ZM241385, which yielded LUF7445 (4-((3-((7-amino-2-(furan-2-yl)-[1, 2, 4]triazolo[1,5-a][1, 3, 5]triazin-5-yl)amino)propyl)carbamoyl)benzene sulfonyl fluoride). In a radioligand binding assay, LUF7445 acted as a potent antagonist, with an apparent affinity for the hA_2A receptor in the nanomolar range. Its apparent affinity increased with longer incubation time, suggesting an increasing level of covalent binding over time. An in silico A_2A-structure-based docking model was used to study the binding mode of LUF7445. This led us to perform site-directed mutagenesis of the A_2A receptor to probe and validate the target lysine amino acid K153 for covalent binding. Meanwhile, a functional assay combined with wash-out experiments was set up to investigate the efficacy of covalent binding of LUF7445. All these experiments led us to conclude LUF7445 is a valuable molecular tool for further investigating covalent interactions at this receptor. It may also serve as a prototype for a therapeutic approach in which a covalent antagonist may be needed to counteract prolonged and persistent presence of the endogenous ligand adenosine.

Medicinal chemistry of adenosine, P2Y and P2X receptors

Pharmacological tool compounds are now available to define action at the adenosine (ARs), P2Y and P2X receptors. We present a selection of the most commonly used agents to study purines in the nervous system. Some of these compounds, including A1 and A3 AR agonists, P2Y1R and P2Y12R antagonists, and P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 antagonists, are potentially of clinical use in treatment of disorders of the nervous system, such as chronic pain, neurodegeneration and brain injury. Agonists of the A2AAR and P2Y2R are already used clinically, P2Y12R antagonists are widely used antithrombotics and an antagonist of the A2AAR is approved in Japan for treating Parkinson's disease. The selectivity defined for some of the previously introduced compounds has been revised with updated pharmacological characterization, for example, various AR agonists and antagonists were deemed A1AR or A3AR selective based on human data, but species differences indicated a reduction in selectivity ratios in other species. Also, many of the P2R ligands still lack bioavailability due to charged groups or hydrolytic (either enzymatic or chemical) instability. X-ray crystallographic structures of AR and P2YRs have shifted the mode of ligand discovery to structure-based approaches rather than previous empirical approaches. The X-ray structures can be utilized either for in silico screening of chemically diverse libraries for the discovery of novel ligands or for enhancement of the properties of known ligands by chemical modification. Although X-ray structures of the zebrafish P2X4R have been reported, there is scant structural information about ligand recognition in these trimeric ion channels. In summary, there are definitive, selective agonists and antagonists for all of the ARs and some of the P2YRs; while the pharmacochemistry of P2XRs is still in nascent stages. The therapeutic potential of selectively modulating these receptors is continuing to gain interest in such fields as cancer, inflammation, pain, diabetes, ischemic protection and many other conditions. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.

Covalent molecular probes for class A G protein-coupled receptors: advances and applications

Covalent modification of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by employing specific molecular probes has for decades provided a successful strategy to facilitate the elucidation of the structure and function of this pharmacologically important class of membrane proteins. The ligands typically comprise a pharmacophore that generates affinity for a given GPCR and contain a reactive functionality that may form a covalent bond with a suitably positioned amino acid residue. Covalent ligands have been successfully applied to circumvent poor affinity of compounds when stable labeling of receptor populations was required, and they have been used in the isolation, purification, and pharmacological characterization of specific subtypes of GPCRs. Recently, structural studies have demonstrated that covalent molecular probes are effective at stabilizing GPCRs to obtain X-ray crystal structures, thus providing valuable insights for the development of novel therapeutics. Herein, we review covalently binding molecular probes for class A GPCRs with a focus on ligands comprising cross-linking groups that do not require photoactivation and further highlight their significant and diverse applications.

New insights into dihydrogenphosphate recognition with dirhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes bridged by a thiourea moiety

Three thiourea ligands and their dirhenium(i) complexes are reported that show an unusual cooperative binding to two dihydrogenphosphate anions; this could explain the high selectivity for phosphate in many reported anion receptors.

[(3)H]XAC (xanthine amine congener) is a radioligand for A(2)-adenosine receptors in rabbit striatum

The intrinsic affinity of 8-phenylxanthine analogs at striatal A(2)-adenosine receptors is highly species dependent. [(3)H]XAC (8-[2-aminoethyl[amino[carbonyl[methyl[oxyphenyl]]]]]-1,3-dipropylxanthine), although A(1)-selective in the rat brain, binds to A(2) receptors in rabbit striatal membranes with sufficiently high affinity to serve as a radioligand. In the presence of 50 nM CPX (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine), an A(1)-selective antagonist added to eliminate binding to A(1) receptors, [(3)H]XAC exhibits saturable, specific binding (70% of total) to A(2) sites with a K(d) of 3.8 nM and a B(max) of 1.23 pmol/mg protein. At 24 degrees C, the association and dissociation rate constants were 0.13 min(?1) nM(?1) and 0.36 min(?1), respectively. Binding was performed for 1 h, with non-specific binding defined in the presence of 100 ?M NECA (N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine). The potency order for antagonists against 1 nM [(3)H]XAC at rabbit A(2)-receptors was XAC ? N(?)-Me-XAC ? CPX = XCC > 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine > PSPT. The relative potency order for agonists was CGS ? NECA > APEC [= 2-(aminoethylaminocarbonyl-ethylphenylethylamino)-NECA] > PAPA-APEC > ADAC > R-PIA (N(6)-phenylisopropyladenosine) > S-PIA. The ability to characterize central A(2)-adenosine receptors using an antagonist ligand that is chemically functionalized offers the possibility to design affinity labeling probes for this receptor subtype in the brain, similar to those antagonist probes already developed for A(1)-receptors. The results also suggest that affinity columns containing chemically immobilized XAC may be used for isolating central A(2)-adenosine receptors from rabbit striatum.

Xanthines as adenosine receptor antagonists

The natural plant alkaloids caffeine and theophylline were the first adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists described in the literature. They exhibit micromolar affinities and are non-selective. A large number of derivatives and analogues were subsequently synthesized and evaluated as AR antagonists. Very potent antagonists have thus been developed with selectivity for each of the four AR subtypes.

Functionalized congener approach to the design of ligands for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Functionalized congeners, in which a chemically functionalized chain is incorporated at an insensitive site on a pharmacophore, have been designed from the agonist and antagonist ligands of various G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These chain extensions enable a conjugation strategy for detecting and characterizing GPCR structure and function and pharmacological modulation. The focus in many studies of functionalized congeners has been on two families of GPCRs: those responding to extracellular purines and pyrimidines-i.e., adenosine receptors (ARs) and P2Y nucleotide receptors. Functionalized congeners of small molecule as ligands for other GPCRs and non-G protein coupled receptors have also been designed. For example, among biogenic amine neurotransmitter receptors, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists and adrenergic receptor ligands have been studied with a functionalized congener approach. Adenosine A(1), A(2A), and A(3) receptor functionalized congeners have yielded macromolecular conjugates, irreversibly binding AR ligands for receptor inactivation and cross-linking, radioactive probes that use prosthetic groups, immobilized ligands for affinity chromatography, and dual-acting ligands that function as binary drugs. Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers have served as nanocarriers for covalently conjugated AR functionalized congeners. Rational methods of ligand design derived from molecular modeling and templates have been included in these studies. Thus, the design of novel ligands, both small molecules and macromolecular conjugates, for studying the chemical and biological properties of GPCRs have been developed with this approach, has provided researchers with a strategy that is more versatile than the classical medicinal chemical approaches.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships of cardiotonic agents

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) of different cardiotonic agents are presented. A critical analysis of all QSARs provides a very vivid picture of the mechanisms of varying cardiotonic agents. The cardiotonics can be broadly put into 2 categories: cardiac glycosides and nonglycoside cardiotonics, which include phosphodiesterase of type III (PDE III) inhibitors, sympathomimetic (adrenergic) stimulants, A1-selective adenosine antagonists, Ca2+ channel activators and vasopressin antagonists. For cardiac glycosides, QSARs reveal that the position of carbonyl oxygen in their lactone moiety and shifting of the lactone ring from its original position or its replacement by another group would be crucial for their activity. The carbonyl group or its isostere like CN is indicated to be the sole binding entity and the hydrogen bonding through this group is considered to be the most likely binding force. For nonglycoside cardiotonics that include PDE III inhibitors and A1-selective antagonists, a five-point model has been established for their activity, the salient features of which are: (1) the presence of a strong dipole, (2) an adjacent acidic proton, (3) a methyl-sized lipophilic space, (4) a relatively flat overall topography and (5) a basic or hydrogen-bond acceptor site opposite to the dipole. For Ca2+ channel activators, the importance of steric, electrostatic, lipophilic and hydrogen-bonding properties of molecules is indicated, while for vasopressin antagonists the lipophilic and electronic properties are suggested to be the most important.

Differential A(1)-adenosine receptor reserve for inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation and G-protein activation in DDT(1) MF-2 cells

1. The A(1)-adenosine receptor (A(1)AdoR) reserve for N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) mediated inhibition of (-)isoprenaline stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation and stimulation of [(35)S]-guanosine-5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) binding, a measure of guanine nucleotide binding protein (G-protein) activation, was determined in DDT(1) MF-2 cells. 2. Inactivation of the A(1)AdoRs with the chemoreactive ligand 8-cyclopentyl-3-[3-[[4-(fluorosulphonyl)benzoyl]oxy]propyl]-1-p ropylx anthine (FSCPX) caused a progressive rightward shift of the concentration-response curves for CPA to inhibit cyclic AMP accumulation, with a maximum of 10 fold increase in the EC(50) value. In contrast, inactivation of A(1)AdoR's caused only a 1.7 fold rightward shift in the CPA concentration-response for stimulation of [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding. 3. The A(1)AdoR occupancy-response relationship for CPA inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation was hyperbolic with 43% receptor occupancy required to elicit the maximal response, i.e. a 57% A(1)AdoR reserve. In contrast, the A(1)AdoR occupancy-response relationship for CPA mediated stimulation of [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding was linear indicating little or no receptor reserve for G-protein activation. The relationship between CPA stimulation of [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding and cyclic AMP inhibition was also hyperbolic with 44% G-protein activation sufficient to cause maximal inhibition. 4. The data suggest that the A(1)AdoR reserve for CPA mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation occurs at the level of G-protein interaction with adenylyl cyclase. However, each A(1)AdoR appears to activate a constant fraction of the total G-protein population suggesting signal amplification at the receptor-G-protein level which may also contribute to the receptor reserve for CPA.

Irreversible binding of a carbostyril-based agonist and antagonist to the beta-adrenoceptor in DDT1 MF-2 cells and rat aorta

1. The chemoreactive ligands 5(2-(((1'-(4'-isothiocyanatophenylamino)thiocarbonyl)-amino) -2-methylpropyl)amino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril (DCITC) and 8-hydroxy-5(2-(((1'-(4'-isothiocyanatophenylamino)thiocarbonyl+ ++)amino)-2-methylprop-2-yl)amino-1-hydroxyethyl)-carbostyril++ + (HCITC) were synthesized and shown to be potent irreversible antagonist and agonist ligands, respectively, for the beta-adrenoceptor in DDT1 MF-2 (DDT) cells and the rat isolated aorta. 2. In DDT cell membranes DCITC and HCITC inhibited (-)[125I]-iodocyanopindolol (CYP) binding to the beta-adrenoceptor with IC50 values of 1.1 and 18 nM, respectively. (-)-Isoprenaline inhibited [125I]-CYP binding with an IC50 of 355 nM. Pretreatment of membranes with either chemoreactive ligand produced a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in the beta-adrenoceptor content, indicating irreversible receptor binding. DCITC at concentrations up to 10 microM did not stimulate cyclic AMP accumulation in DDT cells nor did it amplify forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation. 3. In the rat isolated aorta, DCITC (0.1 microM) did not affect either the phenylephrine-mediated tissue contraction or the acetylcholine-mediated relaxation. DCITC attenuated the maximal (-)-isoprenaline-mediated relaxation of a phenylephrine contracted aorta in a concentration-dependent manner and shifted the dose-response curves for (-)-isoprenaline to the right. The DCITC-induced decrease in maximal response was not reversed by extensive tissue washing. By use of the operational model of agonism, the calculated dissociation constant for (-)-isoprenaline ws 286 nM and the estimated receptor reserve for this agonist was 23% at the maximal response. 4. HCITC and (-)-isoprenaline stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in DDT cells with pD2 values (negative logarithm to base 10 of EC50) of 7.95 and 7.97, respectively, and both mediated the same maximal stimulation. In the rat isolated aorta, HCITC produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the tissue with a pD2 value of 6.62, whereas the pD2 for (-)-isoprenaline was 7.03. However, HCITC produced a greater maximal relaxation of the tissue than (-)-isoprenaline. The HCITC-mediated stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation and relaxation of the isolated tissue were blocked when the beta-antagonist propranolol was added concurrently. In contrast, once the HCITC-mediated responses were established, the addition of propranolol did not result in any attenuation indicating that HCITC is an irreversible beta-agonist.

Persistent activation by and receptor reserve for an irreversible A1-adenosine receptor agonist in DDT1 MF-2 cells and in guinea pig heart

The p- and m-isothiocyanate adenosine derivatives N6-[4-[[[4-[[[[2-[[[(p-(m)-isothiocyanatophenyl)amino]thiocarbonyl ]am ino]ethyl]amino]carbonyl]methyl]anilino]carbonyl]methyl]phenyl] adenosine (p- and m-DITC-ADAC) were examined for irreversible agonist effects at the A1-adenosine receptor (A1-AdoR) in DDT1 MF-2 (DDT) cells and a functional A1-AdoR response in the guinea pig isolated heart. The p- and m-DITC-ADAC inhibited (-)-isoproterenol stimulated cAMP accumulation in DDT cells in the low nanomolar range, and the maximal responses elicited by both compounds were similar to that for N6-cyclopentyladenosine. Once established, the p-DITC-ADAC-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation in DDT cells was not affected by the addition of the AdoR antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPX). Pretreatment of DDT cells with p-DITC-ADAC (1 microM), followed by washing, reduced [3H]CPX binding to the A1-AdoR by 44% without altering the Kd value for the radioligand to the remaining receptors. The relationship between irreversible A1-AdoR occupancy by p-DITC-ADAC and inhibition of cAMP accumulation revealed a relatively large receptor reserve (64%) for the maximal response. In guinea pig isolated hearts, m-DITC-ADAC (5 microM) prolonged the stimulus to His bundle (SH) interval by 2.1-fold; this response could be prevented by the antagonist 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (5 microM). However, after the SH interval prolongation was established, extensive washout or the addition of 8-cyclopentyltheophylline had little reversal effect on the m-DITC-ADAC response. Binding of [3H]CPX to the guinea pig ventricular membranes after m-DITC-ADAC treatment and washing was reduced by 35%. The A1-AdoR occupancy response relationship for m-DITC-ADAC to prolong the SH interval indicated a small (10-20%) receptor reserve. Both p -and m-DITC-ADAC seem to be irreversible full agonists at the A1-AdoR and may prove to be useful probes to further investigate A1-AdoR structure-function relationships.

An irreversible A1-selective adenosine agonist preconditions rabbit heart

This study tested whether an irreversible agonist of the A1 adenosine receptor, m-DITC ADAC, can mimic the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning in the rabbit heart. Isolated Krebs buffer-perfused rabbit hearts experienced 30 mins of regional ischemia and 120 mins of reperfusion. Infarct size was measured with tetrazolium staining. In untreated hearts 32 +/- 2% of the risk zone infarcted while only 9 +/- 2% infarction was seen in hearts that were preconditioned with 5 mins of global ischemia followed by 10 mins of reperfusion (P < 0.05 versus control). Exposure to 200 nM of the A1-selective agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) for 5 mins followed by 10 mins of washout protected the hearts as well as preconditioning with 13 +/- 7% infarction (P < 0.05 versus control). Protection from CCPA was completely blocked by 200 nM DPCPX (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine) with 34 +/- 7% infarction (P < 0.05 versus CCPA) confirming that protection was via the A1 adenosine receptor. m-DITC ADAC, which irreversibly stimulates the A1 adenosine receptor, also protected the hearts with only 15 +/- 4% infarction (P < 0.05 versus control). It was concluded that m-DITC ADAC does mimic ischemic preconditioning and that an irreversible agonist might be a novel way to provide an extended window of protection to the heart from a single intracoronary injection.

"Cleavable trifunctional" approach to receptor affinity labeling: chemical regeneration of binding to A1-adenosine receptors

A general approach for reversible affinity labeling of receptors has been developed. The objective is to carry out a series of chemical modifications resulting in a covalently-modified, yet functionally-regenerated, receptor protein that also may contain a reporter group. The ligand recognition site of A1-adenosine receptors in bovine brain membranes was probed to demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. Use of disulfide or ester linkages, intended for cleavage by exposure of the labeled receptor to either reducing reagents or hydroxylamine, respectively, was considered. Binding of the antagonist radioligand [3H]CPX was preserved following incubation of the native receptor with 3 M hydroxylamine, while binding was inhibited by the reducing reagent dithiothreitol (DTT) with an IC50 of 0.29 M. Hydroxylamine displaced specific agonist ([3H]PIA) binding in a noncovalent manner. Specific affinity labels containing reactive isothiocyanate groups were synthesized from XCC (8-[4-](carboxymethyl)-oxy]phenyl]-1,3-dipropylxanthine) and shown to bind irreversibly to A1-receptors. The ligands were structurally similar to previously reported xanthine inhibitors (e.g., DITC-XAC: (1989) J. Med. Chem. 32, 1043) except that either a disulfide linkage or an ester linkage was incorporated in the chain between the pharmacophore and the isothiocyanate-substituted ring. These groups were intended for chemical cleavage by thiols or hydroxylamine, respectively. Radioligand binding to A1-receptors was inhibited by these reactive xanthines in a manner that was not reversed by repeated washing. Hydroxylamine or DTT restored a significant fraction of the binding of [3H]CPX in A1-receptors inhibited by the appropriate cleavable xanthine isothiocyanate derivative.

8-(3-Isothiocyanatostyryl)caffeine Is a Selective, Irreversible Inhibitor of Striatal A(2)-Adenosine Receptors

8-(3-Isothiocyanatostyryl)caffeine (ISC) was synthesized and shown to inhibit selectively the binding of [(3)H]CGS 21680 (an A(2a)-selective agonist) at adenosine receptors in striatal membranes. The K(i) value at A(2a)-receptors was found to be 110 nM (rat), with selectivity ratios for A(2a) versus A(1)-receptors in rat, guinea pig, bovine, and rabbit striatum of >100-fold. Preincubation of membranes with ISC caused a dose-dependent, irreversible antagonism of the binding of [(3)H]CGS 21680, with an IC(50) value of 3 μM. The irreversibility is likely due to the presence of the chemically reactive isothiocyanate group, since the binding of the corresponding analogue in which the isothiocyanate was replaced with a chloro group was completely reversible. The potency of ISC to irreversibly inhibit the binding of [(3)H]CGS 21680 in several species varied in the order rat ≈ guinea pig > bovine ≈ rabbit. In all four species, binding of the A(1)-selective agonist [(3)H]R-N(6)-phenylisopropyladenosine was not diminished by pre-treatment with 2 μM ISC. The kinetics of irreversible inhibition of rat A(2a)-receptors by 2 μM ISC gave a t(1/2) of approximately 3 min. Following partial inactivation, the remaining rat A(2a)-binding sites retained the same K(d) value as in control membranes for saturation by [(3)H]CGS 21680. Thus, ISC appears to be a selective affinity label for A(2a)- versus A(1)-receptors in the brain.

Structure-activity relationships of 8-styrylxanthines as A2-selective adenosine antagonists

A series of substituted 8-styryl derivatives of 1,3,7-alkylxanthines was synthesized as potential A2-selective adenosine receptor antagonists, and the potency at rat brain A1- and A2-receptors was studied in radioligand binding experiments. At the xanthine 7-position, only small hydrophobic substituents were tolerated in receptor binding. 7-Methyl analogues were roughly 1 order of magnitude more selective for A2 versus A1 receptors than the corresponding 7-H analogues. 1,3-Dimethylxanthine derivatives tended to be more selective for A2-receptors than the corresponding 1,3-diallyl, diethyl, or dipropyl derivatives. Substitutions of the phenyl ring at the 3-(monosubstituted) and 3,5-(disubstituted) positions were favored. 1,3, 7-Trimethyl-8-(3-chlorostyryl)xanthine was a moderately potent (Ki vs [3H]CGS 21680 was 54 nM) and highly A2-selective (520-fold) adenosine antagonist. 1,3,7-Trimethyl-8-[(3-carboxy-1-oxopropyl)amino] styryl]xanthine was highly A2-selective (250-fold) and of enhanced water solubility (max 19 mM). 1,3-Dipropyl-7-methyl-8-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl) xanthine was a potent (Ki = 24 nM) and very A2-selective (110-fold) adenosine antagonist.

Chemical modification and irreversible inhibition of striatal A2a adenosine receptors

The ligand recognition site of A2a-adenosine receptors in rabbit striatal membranes was probed using non-site-directed labeling reagents and specific affinity labels. Exposure of membranes to diethylpyrocarbonate at a concentration of 2.5 mM, followed by washing, was found to inhibit the binding of [3H]CGS 21680 and [3H]xanthine amine congener to A2a receptors, by 86 and 30%, respectively. Protection from diethylpyrocarbonate inactivation by an adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, and an antagonist, theophylline, suggested the presence of two histidyl residues on the receptor, one associated with agonist binding and the other with antagonist binding. Binding of [3H]CGS 21680 or [3H]xanthine amine congener was partially restored after incubation with 250 mM hydroxylamine, further supporting histidine as the modification site. Preincubation with disulfide-reactive reagents, dithiothreitol or sodium dithionite, at greater than 5 mM inhibited radioligand binding, indicating the presence of essential disulfide bridges in A2a receptors, whereas the concentration of mercaptoethanol required to inhibit binding was greater than 50 mM. A number of isothiocyanate-bearing affinity labels derived from the A2a-selective agonist 2-[(2-aminoethylamino) carbonylethylphenylethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (APEC) were synthesized and found to inhibit A2a receptor binding in rabbit and bovine striatal membranes. Binding to rabbit A1 receptors was not inhibited. Preincubation with the affinity label 4-isothiocyanatophenylaminothiocarbonyl-APEC (100 nM) diminished the Bmax for [3H]CGS 21680 binding by 71%, and the Kd was unaffected, suggesting a direct modification of the ligand binding site. Reversal of 4-isothiocyanatophenylaminothiocarbonyl-APEC inhibition of [3H]CGS 21680 binding with hydroxylamine suggested that the site of modification by the isothiocyanate is a cysteine residue. A bromoacetyl derivative of APEC was ineffective as an affinity label at submicromolar concentrations.

Molecular probes for muscarinic receptors: derivatives of the M1-antagonist telenzepine

Functionalized congeners of the M1-selective muscarinic antagonist telenzepine (4,9-dihydro-3-methyl-4-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)acetyl]-10H- thieno[3,4-b][1,5]benzodiazepin-10-one) were developed and found to bind to the receptor with affinities (Ki values) in approximately the nanomolar range. The derivatives contain a 10-aminodecyl group, which provides a nucleophilic functionality for further derivatization. The attachment of a spacer chain to the distal piperazinyl nitrogen was based on previous findings of enhanced affinity at muscarinic receptors in an analogous series of alkylamino derivatives of pirenzepine [J. Med. Chem. (1991) 34, 2133-2145]. The telenzepine derivatives contain prosthetic groups for radioiodination, protein cross-linking, photoaffinity labeling, and fluorescent labeling and biotin for avidin complexation. The affinity for muscarinic receptors in rat forebrain (mainly m1 subtype) was determined in competitive binding assays vs [3H]-N-methylscopolamine. A (p-aminophenyl)-acetyl derivative for photoaffinity labeling had a Ki value of 0.29 nM at forebrain muscarinic receptors (16-fold higher affinity than telenzepine). A biotin conjugate displayed a Ki value of 0.60 nM at m2-receptors and a 5-fold selectivity versus forebrain. The high affinity of these derivatives makes them suitable for the characterization of muscarinic receptors in pharmacological and spectroscopic studies, for peptide mapping, and for histochemical studies.

Evidence of spare A1-adenosine receptors in guinea pig atrioventricular node

In normoxic, isolated perfused guinea pig hearts instrumented for measurement of atrioventricular nodal conduction time (AVCT), an analysis utilizing the irreversible A1-adenosine (Ado) antagonist, meta-1,3-phenylene diisothiocyanate xanthine amine cogener (m-DITC-XAC), a novel isothiocyanate derivative of 1,3-dialkylxanthine, was used to investigate whether spare A1-Ado receptors exist in the guinea pig atrioventricular (AV) node and the degree of amplification (reserve) between A1-Ado receptor occupancy and dromotropic response (e.g., AVCT slowing). The potency, dose dependency, and kinetic profile (time dependence of washout and washin) of m-DITC-XAC was determined and compared with those of known competitive (reversible) A1-Ado receptor antagonists. In the presence of m-DITC-XAC, Ado and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) produced submaximal dromotropic responses. In a series of 19 hearts, m-DITC-XAC caused 100% apparent antagonism of the effect of Ado on AVCT even after 60 min of washout. In contrast, greater than 90% of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and XAC-induced antagonism of the effect of Ado on AVCT dissipated within 35 min. Unlike XAC, which caused maximal attenuation of Ado's AVCT effect within 5 min and remained constant thereafter, m-DITC-XAC showed marked time- and concentration-dependent behavior. It was found that 5 min of 0.5 microM m-DITC-XAC pretreatment irreversibly inactivated 72% of the A1-Ado receptors mediating the dromotropic effect, and the estimated agonist equilibrium dissociation constant for CPA was 84 +/- 4 nM. The percent of spare A1-Ado receptors at the EC50 and extrapolated maximal S-H interval prolongation levels was 20 and 54%, respectively, and the reserve (coupling amplification) varied from 1 to 2.3 within the 0-50% maximal response range. In summary, m-DITC-XAC appears to specifically and irreversibly antagonize the negative dromotropic effect of Ado and CPA, and guinea pig AV nodal tissue possesses spare A1-Ado receptors.

High affinity acylating antagonists for muscarinic receptors

The muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine and telenzepine were derivatized as alkylamino derivatives at a site on the molecules corresponding to a region of bulk tolerance in receptor binding. The distal primary amino groups were coupled to the cross-linking reagent meta-phenylene diisothiocyanate, resulting in two isothiocyanate derivatives that were found to inhibit muscarinic receptors irreversibly and in a dose-dependent fashion. Preincubation of rat forebrain membranes with an isothiocyanate derivative followed by radioligand binding using [3H]N-methylscopolamine diminished the Bmax value, but did not affect the Kd value. The receptor binding site was not restored upon repeated washing, indicating that irreversible inhibition had occurred. IC50 values for the irreversible inhibition at rat forebrain muscarinic receptors were 0.15 nM and 0.19 nM, for derivatives of pirenzepine and telenzepine, respectively. The isothiocyanate derivative of pirenzepine was non-selective as an irreversible muscarinic inhibitor, and the corresponding derivative prepared from telenzepine was 5-fold selective for forebrain (mainly m1) vs. heart (m2) muscarinic receptors.

Trifunctional agents as a design strategy for tailoring ligand properties: irreversible inhibitors of A1 adenosine receptors

The 1,3-phenylene diisothiocyanate conjugate of XAC (8-[4-[[[[(2-aminoethyl)amino]carbonyl]methyl]- oxy]phenyl]-1,3-dipropylxanthine, a potent A1 selective adenosine antagonist) has been characterized as an irreversible inhibitor of A1 adenosine receptors. To further extend this work, a series of analogues were prepared containing a third substituent in the phenyl isothiocyanate ring, incorporated to modify the physiochemical or spectroscopic properties of the conjugate. Symmetrical trifunctional cross-linking reagents bearing two isothiocyanate groups were prepared as general intermediates for cross-linking functionalized congeners and receptors. Xanthine isothiocyanate derivatives containing hydrophilic, fluorescent, or reactive substituents, linked via an amide, thiourea, or methylene group in the 5-position, were synthesized and found to be irreversible inhibitors of A1 adenosine receptors. The effects of the 5-substituent on water solubility and on the A1/A2 selectivity ratio derived from binding assays in rat brain membranes were examined. Inhibition of binding of [3H]-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine and [3H] CGS21680 (2-[2-[4-carboxyethyl)phenyl]ethyl]amino] adenosine-5'-N-ethylcarboxamide) at central A1 and A2 adenosine receptors, respectively, was measured. A conjugate of XAC and 1,3,5-triisothiocyanatobenzene was 894-fold selective for A1 receptors. Reporter groups, such as fluorescent dyes and a spin-label, were included as chain substituents in the irreversible binding analogues, which were designed for spectroscopic assays, histochemical characterization, and biochemical characterization of the receptor protein.

Agonist derived molecular probes for A2 adenosine receptors

The adenosine agonist 2-(4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino)-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenos ine (CGS21680) was recently reported to be selective for the A2 adenosine receptor subtype, which mediates its hypotensive action. To investigate structure/activity relationships at a distal site, CGS21680 was derivatized using a functionalized congener approach. The carboxylic group of CGS21680 has been esterified to form a methyl ester, which was then treated with ethylenediamine to produce an amine congener. The amine congener was an intermediate for acylation reactions, in which the reactive acyl species contained a reported group, or the precursor for such. For radioiodination, derivatives of p-hydroxyphenylpropionic, 2-thiophenylacetic, and p-aminophenylacetic acids were prepared. The latter derivative (PAPA-APEC) was iodinated electrophilically using [125I]iodide resulting in a radioligand which was used for studies of competition of binding to striatal A2 adenosine receptors in bovine brain. A biotin conjugate and an aryl sulfonate were at least 350-fold selective for A2 receptors. For spectroscopic detection, a derivative of the stable free radical tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) was prepared. For irreversible inhibition of receptors, meta- and para-phenylenediisothiocyanate groups were incorporated in the analogs. We have demonstrated that binding at A2 receptors is relatively insensitive to distal structural changes at the 2-position, and we report high affinity molecular probes for receptor characterization by radioactive, spectroscopic and affinity labelling methodology.

Sulfur-containing 1,3-dialkylxanthine derivatives as selective antagonists at A1-adenosine receptors

Sulfur-containing analogues of 8-substituted xanthines were prepared in an effort to increase selectivity or potency as antagonists at adenosine receptors. Either cyclopentyl or various aryl substituents were utilized at the 8-position, because of the association of these groups with high potency at A1-adenosine receptors. Sulfur was incorporated on the purine ring at positions 2 and/or 6, in the 8-position substituent in the form of 2- or 3-thienyl groups, or via thienyl groups separated from an 8-aryl substituent through an amide-containing chain. The feasibility of using the thienyl group as a prosthetic group for selective iodination via its Hg2+ derivative was explored. Receptor selectivity was determined in binding assays using membrane homogenates from rat cortex [( 3H]-N6-(phenylisopropyl)adenosine as radioligand] or striatum [3H]-5'-(N-ethylcarbamoyl)adenosine as radioligand] for A1- and A2-adenosine receptors, respectively. Generally, 2-thio-8-cycloalkylxanthines were at least as A1 selective as the corresponding oxygen analogue. 2-Thio-8-aryl derivatives tended to be more potent at A2 receptors than the oxygen analogue. 8-[4-[(Carboxy-methyl)oxyl] phenyl]-1,3-dipropyl-2-thioxanthine ethyl ester was greater than 740-fold A1 selective.