Mapping the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor binding site by conformationally restrained derivatives of 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3- isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK11195)

Friedlӓnder's synthesis of quinolines as a pivotal step in the development of bioactive heterocyclic derivatives in the current era of medicinal chemistry

In the current scenario of medicinal chemistry, quinoline plays a pivotal role in the design of new heterocyclic compounds with several pharmacological properties, so the search for new synthetic methodologies and their application in drug discovery has been widely studied. So far, many procedures have been performed for the preparation of quinoline scaffolds, among which Friedländer quinoline synthesis plays an important role in obtaining these heterocycles. The Friedländer reaction involves condensation between 2-aminobenzaldehydes and keto-compounds. The quinoline nucleus, once obtained through the Friedländer synthesis, has been extensively modified so that these derivatives can exhibit a large number of biological activities such as anticancer, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antituberculosis, and antileishmanial properties. In this work, the focus is on the applicability of the Friedländer reaction in the synthesis of various types of bioactive heterocyclic quinoline compounds, which to date has not been reported in the context of medicinal chemistry. The main part of this review selectively focuses on research from 2010 to date and will present highlights of the Friedländer quinoline synthesis procedures and findings to address biological and pharmacological activities.

The 18-kDa Translocator Protein PET Tracers as a Diagnostic Marker for Neuroinflammation: Development and Current Standing

Translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa) is an evolutionary, well-preserved, and tryptophan-rich 169-amino-acid protein which localizes on the contact sites between the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes of steroid-synthesizing cells. This mitochondrial protein is implicated in an extensive range of cellular activities, including steroid synthesis, cholesterol transport, apoptosis, mitochondrial respiration, and cell proliferation. The upregulation of TSPO is well documented in diverse disease conditions including neuroinflammation, cancer, brain injury, and inflammation in peripheral organs. On the basis of these outcomes, TSPO has been assumed to be a fascinating subcellular target for early stage imaging of the diseased state and for therapeutic purposes. The main outline of this Review is to give an update on dealing with the advances made in TSPO PET tracers for neuroinflammation, synchronously emphasizing the approaches applied for the design and advancement of new tracers with reference to their structure-activity relationship (SAR).

Exploring Translocator Protein (TSPO) Medicinal Chemistry: An Approach for Targeting Radionuclides and Boron Atoms to Mitochondria

Translocator protein 18 kDa [TSPO or peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)] was identified in the search of binding sites for benzodiazepine anxiolytic drugs in peripheral regions. In these areas, binding sites for TSPO ligands were recognized in steroid-producing tissues. TSPO plays an important role in many cellular functions, and its coding sequence is highly conserved across species. TSPO is located predominantly on the membrane of mitochondria and is overexpressed in several solid cancers. TSPO basal expression in the CNS is low, but it becomes high in neurodegenerative conditions. Thus, TSPO constitutes not only as an outstanding drug target but also as a valuable marker for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. The aim of the present article is to show the lesson we have learned from our activity in TSPO medicinal chemistry and in approaching the targeted delivery to mitochondria by means of TSPO ligands.

Quantification of Macrophage-Driven Inflammation During Myocardial Infarction with 18F-LW223, a Novel TSPO Radiotracer with Binding Independent of the rs6971 Human Polymorphism

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and inflammation is central to tissue response and patient outcomes. The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) has been used in PET as an inflammatory biomarker. The aims of this study were to screen novel, fluorinated, TSPO radiotracers for susceptibility to the rs6971 genetic polymorphism using in vitro competition binding assays in human brain and heart; assess whether the in vivo characteristics of our lead radiotracer, 18F-LW223, are suitable for clinical translation; and validate whether 18F-LW223 can detect macrophage-driven inflammation in a rat MI model. Methods: Fifty-one human brain and 29 human heart tissue samples were screened for the rs6971 polymorphism. Competition binding assays were conducted with 3H-PK11195 and the following ligands: PK11195, PBR28, and our novel compounds (AB5186 and LW223). Naïve rats and mice were used for in vivo PET kinetic studies, radiometabolite studies, and dosimetry experiments. Rats underwent permanent coronary artery ligation and were scanned using PET/CT with an invasive input function at 7 d after MI. For quantification of PET signal in the hypoperfused myocardium, K1 (rate constant for transfer from arterial plasma to tissues) was used as a surrogate marker of perfusion to correct the binding potential for impaired radiotracer transfer from plasma to tissue (BPTC). Results: LW223 binding to TSPO was not susceptible to the rs6971 genetic polymorphism in human brain and heart samples. In rodents, 18F-LW223 displayed a specific uptake consistent with TSPO expression, a slow metabolism in blood (69% of parent at 120 min), a high plasma free fraction of 38.5%, and a suitable dosimetry profile (effective dose of 20.5-24.5 μSv/MBq). 18F-LW223 BPTC was significantly higher in the MI cohort within the infarct territory of the anterior wall relative to the anterior wall of naïve animals (32.7 ± 5.0 vs. 10.0 ± 2.4 cm3/mL/min, P ≤ 0.001). Ex vivo immunofluorescent staining for TSPO and CD68 (macrophage marker) resulted in the same pattern seen with in vivo BPTC analysis. Conclusion:18F-LW223 is not susceptible to the rs6971 genetic polymorphism in in vitro assays, has favorable in vivo characteristics, and is able to accurately map macrophage-driven inflammation after MI.

An update into the medicinal chemistry of translocator protein (TSPO) ligands

The Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been discovered in 1977 as an alternative binding site for the benzodiazepine diazepam. It is an evolutionary well-conserved and tryptophan-rich 169-amino acids protein with five alpha helical transmembrane domains stretching the outer mitochondrial membrane, with the carboxyl-terminus in the cytosol and a short amino-terminus in the intermembrane space of mitochondrion. At this level, together with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), it forms the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). TSPO expression is ubiquitary, with higher levels in steroid producing tissues; in the central nervous system, it is mainly expressed in glial cells and in neurons. TSPO is implicated in a variety of fundamental cellular processes including steroidogenesis, heme biosynthesis, mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell life/death balance, oxidative stress. Altered TSPO expression has been found in some pathological conditions. In particular, high TSPO expression levels have been documented in cancer, neuroinflammation, and brain injury. Conversely, low TSPO expression levels have been evidenced in anxiety disorders. Therefore, TSPO is not only an interesting drug target for therapeutic purpose (anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, etc.), but also a valid diagnostic marker of related-diseases detectable by fluorescent or radiolabeled ligands. The aim of this report is to present an update of previous reviews dealing with the medicinal chemistry of TSPO and to highlight the most outstanding advances in the development of TSPO ligands as potential therapeutic or diagnostic tools, especially referring to the last five years.

Translocator protein ligands based on N-methyl-(quinolin-4-yl)oxypropanamides with properties suitable for PET radioligand development

Modifications to an N-methyl-(quinolin-4-yl)oxypropanamide scaffold were explored to discover leads for developing new radioligands for PET imaging of brain TSPO (translocator protein), a biomarker of neuroinflammation. Whereas contraction of the quinolinyl portion of the scaffold or cyclization of the tertiary amido group abolished high TSPO affinity, insertion of an extra nitrogen atom into the 2-arylquinolinyl portion was effective in retaining sub-nanomolar affinity for rat TSPO, while also decreasing lipophilicity to within the moderate range deemed preferable for a PET radioligand. Replacement of a phenyl group on the amido nitrogen with an isopropyl group was similarly effective. Among others, compound 20 (N-methyl-N-phenyl-2-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4-yloxy]propanamide) appears especially appealing for PET radioligand development, based on high selectivity and high affinity (K_i = 0.5 nM) for rat TSPO, moderate lipophilicity (logD = 2.48), and demonstrated amenability to labeling with carbon-11.

A novel 18F-labelled high affinity agent for PET imaging of the translocator protein

The translocator protein (TSPO) is an important target for imaging focal neuroinflammation in diseases such as brain cancer, stroke and neurodegeneration, but current tracers for non-invasive imaging of TSPO have important limitations. We present the synthesis and evaluation of a novel 3-fluoromethylquinoline-2-carboxamide, AB5186, which was prepared in eight steps using a one-pot two component indium(iii)-catalysed reaction for the rapid and efficient assembly of the 4-phenylquinoline core. Biological assessment and the implementation of a physicochemical study showed AB5186 to have low nanomolar affinity for TSPO, as well as optimal plasma protein binding and membrane permeability properties. Generation of [18F]-AB5186 through 18F incorporation was achieved in good radiochemical yield and subsequent in vitro and ex vivo autoradiography revealed the ability of this compound to bind with specificity to TSPO in mouse glioblastoma xenografts. Initial positron emission tomography imaging of a glioma bearing mouse and a healthy baboon support the potential for [18F]-AB5186 use as a radiotracer for non-invasive TSPO imaging in vivo.

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular C(sp(2))-H imidoylation for the synthesis of six-membered N-heterocycles

A new strategy for the construction of phenanthridine and isoquinoline scaffolds, starting from arenes containing a pending isocyanide moiety under palladium catalysis, has been developed. This process involves sequential intermolecular isocyanide insertion to an aryl palladium(II) intermediate and intramolecular aromatic C-H activation as key steps. Alkyl palladium(II) intermediate lacking β-hydrogen is also applicable to this reaction, generating unique bisheterocyclic scaffolds with three C-C bonds being formed consecutively.

Development of N-methyl-(2-arylquinolin-4-yl)oxypropanamides as leads to PET radioligands for translocator protein (18 kDa)

Translocator protein (18 kDa), known as TSPO, is a recognized biomarker of neuroinflammation. Radioligands with PET accurately quantify TSPO in neuroinflammatory conditions. However, the existence of three human TSPO genotypes that show differential affinity to almost all useful TSPO PET radioligands hampers such studies. There is an unmet need for genotype-insensitive, high-affinity, and moderately lipophilic TSPO ligands that may serve as leads for PET radioligand development. To address this need, we varied the known high-affinity TSPO ligand (l)-N,N-diethyl-2-methyl-3-(2-phenylquinolin-4-yl)propanamide in its aryl scaffold, side chain tether, and pendant substituted amido group while retaining an N-methyl group as a site for labeling with carbon-11. From this effort, oxygen-tethered N-methyl-aryloxypropanamides emerged as new high-affinity TSPO ligands with attenuated lipophilicity, including one example with attractive properties for PET radioligand development, namely N-methyl-N-phenyl-2-{[2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinolin-4-yl]oxy}propanamide (22a; rat K_i = 0.10 nM; human TSPO genotypes K_i = 1.4 nM; clogD = 4.18).

Chichibabin-type condensation of cyclic ketones with 3-R-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-ones

Reactions between substituted 1,2,4-triazines and ketones were investigated. General procedures for one-pot synthesis of hydrogenated derivatives of such polycyclic systems as benzo[c][1,2,4]triazino[1,6-a][2]azecine, [1,2,4]triazino[1,6-f]phenantridine, and dicyclopenta[b,d]pyrido[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazine are described.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-phenylquinazoline-2-carboxamides designed as a novel class of potent ligands of the translocator protein

A series of novel 4-phenylquinazoline-2-carboxamides (1-58) were designed as aza-isosters of PK11195, the well-known 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) reference ligand, and synthesized by means of a very simple and efficient procedure. A number of these derivatives bind to the TSPO with K(i) values in the nanomolar/subnanomolar range, show selectivity toward the central benzodiazepine receptor (BzR) and exhibit structure-affinity relationships consistent with a previously published pharmacophore/topological model of ligand-TSPO interaction.

Solution structures of the prototypical 18 kDa translocator protein ligand, PK 11195, elucidated with 1H/13C NMR spectroscopy and quantum chemistry

Eighteen kilodalton translocator protein (TSPO) is an important target for drug discovery and for clinical molecular imaging of brain and peripheral inflammatory processes. PK 11195 [1a; 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinoline carboxamide] is the major prototypical high-affinity ligand for TSPO. Elucidation of the solution structure of 1a is of interest for understanding small-molecule ligand interactions with the lipophilic binding site of TSPO. Dynamic (1)H/(13)C NMR spectroscopy of 1a revealed four quite stable but interconverting rotamers, due to amide bond and 2-chlorophenyl group rotation. These rotamers have been neglected in previous descriptions of the structure of 1a and of the binding of 1a to TSPO. Here, we used quantum chemistry at the level of B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) to calculate (13)C and (1)H chemical shifts for the rotamers of 1a and for the very weak TSPO ligand, N-desmethyl-PK 11195 (1b). These data, plus experimental NMR data, were then used to characterize the structures of rotamers of 1a and 1b in organic solution. Energy barriers for both the amide bond and 2'-chlorophenyl group rotation of 1a were determined from dynamic (1)H NMR to be similar (ca.17 to 18 kcal/mol), and they compared well with those calculated at the level of B3LYP/6-31G*. Furthermore, the computed barrier for Z to E rotation is considerably lower in 1a(18.7 kcal/mol) than in 1b (25.4 kcal/mol). NMR (NOE) unequivocally demonstrated that the E rotamer of 1a is the more stable in solution by about 0.4 kcal/mol. These detailed structural findings will aid future TSPO ligand design and support the notion that TSPO prefers to bind ligands as amide E-rotamers.

New iodinated quinoline-2-carboxamides for SPECT imaging of the translocator protein

With the aim of developing new SPECT imaging agents for the translocator protein (TSPO), a small library of iodinated quinoline-2-carboxamides have been prepared and tested for binding affinity with TSPO. N,N-Diethyl-3-iodomethyl-4-phenylquinoline-2-carboxamide was found to have excellent affinity (K(i) 12.0 nM), comparable to that of the widely used TSPO imaging agent PK11195.

Synthesis and biological characterization of novel 2-quinolinecarboxamide ligands of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptors bearing technetium-99m or rhenium

Potential receptor imaging agents based on Tc-99m for the in vivo visualization of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) have been designed on the basis of the information provided by the previously published structure-affinity relationship studies, which suggested the existence of tolerance to voluminous substituents in the receptor area interacting with 3-position of the quinoline nucleus of 2-quinolinecarboxamides 5. In the first step of the investigation, the stereoelectronic features of the above-indicated receptor area were also probed by means of 4-phenyl-3-[(1-piperazinyl)methyl]-2-quinolinecarboxamide derivatives bearing different substituents on the terminal piperazine nitrogen atom (compounds 6a-f). The structure-affinity relationship data confirmed the existence of a tolerance to bulky lipophilic substituents and stimulated the design of bifunctional ligands based on the 4-phenyl-3-[(1-piperazinyl)methyl]-2-quinolinecarboxamide moiety (compounds 6h,j,k,m). The submicromolar PBR affinity of rhenium complexes 6j,m suggests that the presence of their metal-ligand moieties with encaged rhenium is fairly compatible with the interaction with the PBR binding site. Thus, in order to obtain information on the in vivo behavior of these bifunctional ligands, (99m)Tc-labeled compounds 6h,k were synthesized and evaluated in preliminary biodistribution and single photon emission tomography (SPET) studies. The results suggest that both tracers do not present a clear preferential distribution in tissues rich in PBR, probably because of their molecular dimensions, which may hamper both the intracellular diffusion toward PBR and the interaction with the binding site.

N-(5-Fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)-N-(2-[131I]iodo-5-methoxybenzyl)acetamide: A Potent Iodinated Radioligand for the Peripheral-type Benzodiazepine Receptor in Brain

To image the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in vivo, we previously developed two positron emission tomography (PET) ligands, N-(2-[11C],5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide ([11C]1a) and its [18F]fluoroethyl analogue ([18F]1b), for the investigation of PBR in the living human brain. This time, using 1a as a leading compound, we designed two novel iodinated analogues, N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)-N-(2-iodo-5-methoxybenzyl)acetamide (3a) and N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-iodo-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide (3b) for the PBR imaging. Ligands 3 were synthesized by the iodination of tributystannyl precursors 10. Radiolabeling for 3 with 131I was carried out by the reaction of 10 with [131I]NaI using H2O2 as an oxidizing agent. In vitro competition experiments determined that 3a exhibited both high affinity and selectivity for PBR (IC50: 7.8 nM) vs CBR (>1 microM). Biodistribution study in mice determined that [131I]3a had a high radioactivity level (1.69% dose/g) in the brain, and its distribution pattern in the brain was consistent with the known distribution of PBR in rodents. Ex vivo autoradiography of the rat brain gave visual evidence that [131I]3a was a potent and specific radioligand for PBR.

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and the cardiovascular system. Implications for drug development

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) are abundant in the cardiovascular system. In the cardiovascular lumen, PBRs are present in platelets, erythrocytes, lymphocytes, and mononuclear cells. In the walls of the cardiovascular system, PBR can be found in the endothelium, the striated cardiac muscle, the vascular smooth muscles, and the mast cells. The subcellular location of PBR is primarily in mitochondria. The PBR complex includes the isoquinoline binding protein (IBP), voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), and adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT). Putative endogenous ligands for PBR include protoporphyrin IX, diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), triakontatetraneuropeptide (TTN), and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Classical synthetic ligands for PBR are the isoquinoline 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methyl-propyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK 11195) and the benzodiazepine 7-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Ro5 4864). Novel PBR ligands include N,N-di-n-hexyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)indole-3-acetamide (FGIN-1-27) and 7-chloro-N,N,5-trimethyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyridazino[4,5-b]indole-1-acetamide (SSR180575), both possessing steroidogenic properties, but while FGIN-1-27 is pro-apoptotic, SSR180575 is anti-apoptotic. Putative PBR functions include regulation of steroidogenesis, apoptosis, cell proliferation, the mitochondrial membrane potential, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, voltage-dependent calcium channels, responses to stress, and microglial activation. PBRs in blood vessel walls appear to take part in responses to trauma such as ischemia. The irreversible PBR antagonist, SSR180575, was found to reduce damage correlated with ischemia. Stress, anxiety disorders, and neurological disorders, as well as their treatment, can affect PBR levels in blood cells. PBRs in blood cells appear to play roles in several aspects of the immune response, such as phagocytosis and the secretion of interleukin-2, interleukin-3, and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Thus, alterations in PBR density in blood cells may have immunological consequences in the affected person. In conclusion, PBR in the cardiovascular system may represent a new target for drug development.

[2-11C]Isopropyl-, [1-11C]Ethyl-, and [11C]Methyl-Labeled Phenoxyphenyl Acetamide Derivatives as Positron Emission Tomography Ligands for the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor: Radiosynthesis, Uptake, and in Vivo Binding in Brain

The peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is widely expressed in peripheral tissues, blood cells, and in glia cells in the brain. We have previously developed two positron emission tomography (PET) ligands, N-(2-[(11)C],5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide ([(11)C]2) and its [(18)F]fluoroethyl analogue ([(18)F]6), for the current investigation of PBR in the human brain. The aim of this study was to label the potent PBR agonist N-(4-chloro-2-phenoxyphenyl)-N-(isopropoxybenzyl)acetamide (3) and its ethyl (7) and methyl (8) homologues with (11)C and to evaluate them as PET ligands for PBR with mice, rats, and monkeys. Ligands [(11)C]3, [(11)C]7, and [(11)C]8 were synthesized by alkylation of phenol precursor 9 with 2-[2-(11)C]iodopropane ([(11)C]10), [1-(11)C]iodoethane ([(11)C]11), and [(11)C]iodomethane ([(11)C]12), respectively. The alkylating agent [(11)C]10 or [(11)C]11 was prepared by reacting CH(3)MgBr with [(11)C]CO(2), followed by reduction with LiAlH(4) and iodination with HI. In vitro quantitative autoradiography determined that 3, 7, and 8 had potent binding affinities (K(i) = 0.07-0.19 nM) for PBR in the rat brain. These [(11)C]ligands could pass across the blood-brain barrier and enter the rat brain (0.17-0.32% of injected dose per gram wet tissue). Ex vivo autoradiography showed that the [(11)C]ligands preferably distributed in the olfactory bulb and cerebellum, two regions with richer PBR density in the rat brain. The co-injection of PBR-selective 2 reduced the [(11)C]ligand binding in the two regions, suggesting that binding in the rat brain was specific to PBR. PET study determined that the [(11)C]ligands preferably accumulate in the occipital cortex of the monkey brain, a region with a high density of PBR in the primate brain. Moreover, in vivo binding of the methyl homologue [(11)C]8 in the monkey brain could be inhibited by PBR-selective 2 or 1, indicating that some of the [(11)C]8 binding was due to PBR. Metabolite analysis demonstrated that these [(11)C]ligands were metabolized by debenzylation to polar products mainly in the plasma.

Synthesis, labeling, and biological evaluation of halogenated 2-quinolinecarboxamides as potential radioligands for the visualization of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors

The previous exploration of the structure-affinity relationships concerning 4-phenyl-2-quinolinecarboxamide peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligands 6 showed as an interesting result the importance of the presence of a chlorine atom in the methylene carbon at position 3 of the quinoline nucleus. The subnanomolar PBR affinity shown by N-benzyl-3-chloromethyl-N-methyl-4-phenyl-2-quinolinecarboxamide (6b) suggested its chlorine atom to be replaced with other halogens in order to optimize the interaction of the quinolinecarboxamide derivatives with PBR and to develop suitable candidates for positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies. The binding studies led to the discovery of fluoromethyl derivative 6a, which showed an IC50 value of 0.11 nM and is, therefore, one of the most potent PBR ligands so far described. Fluoromethyl derivative 6a has been labeled with 11C (t1/2=20.4 min, beta+=99.8%) starting from the corresponding des-methyl precursor (14) using [11C]CH3I in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide in DMF with a 35-40% radiochemical yield (corrected for decay) and 1.5 Ci/micromol of specific radioactivity. Ex vivo rat biodistribution and inhibition (following intravenous pre-administration of PK11195) studies showed that [11C]6a rapidly and specifically accumulated in PBR-rich tissues such as heart, lung, kidney, spleen, and adrenal, and at a lower level in other peripheral organs and in the brain. The images obtained in mouse with small animal YAP-(S)PET essentially confirmed the result of the ex vivo biodistribution experiments. The biological data suggest that [11C]6a is a promising radioligand for peripheral benzodiazepine receptor PET imaging in vivo.

Insight into 2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl acetamides as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands: Synthesis, biological evaluation and 3D-QSAR investigation

The present paper reports the synthesis and binding studies of new 2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl acetamides as selective Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor (PBR) ligands. The variability of substituents at the 3-position was investigated and a 3D-QSAR model was proposed to evaluate the effect of different substitutions on the acetamide moiety. In addition, a subset of the novel compounds showing high affinity for PBR was tested for their ability to modulate the steroid biosynthesis in C6 glioma cells.

Development of a new radioligand, N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)-N-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl-5-methoxybenzyl)acetamide, for pet imaging of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in primate brain

To develop a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for imaging the 'peripheral benzodiazepine receptor' (PBR) in brain and elucidating the relationship between PBR and brain diseases, four analogues (4-7) of N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide (2) were synthesized and evaluated as ligands for PBR. Of these compounds, fluoromethyl (4) and fluoroethyl (5) analogues had similar or higher affinities for PBR than the parent compound 2 (K(i) = 0.16 nM for PBR in rat brain sections). Iodomethyl analogue 6 displayed a moderate affinity, whereas tosyloxyethyl analogue 7 had weak affinity. Radiolabeling was performed for the fluoroalkyl analogues 4 and 5 using fluorine-18 ((18)F, beta(+); 96.7%, T(1/2) = 109.8 min). Ligands [(18)F]4 and [(18)F]5 were respectively synthesized by the alkylation of desmethyl precursor 3 with [(18)F]fluoromethyl iodide ([(18)F]8) and 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl bromide ([(18)F]9). The distribution patterns of [(18)F]4 and [(18)F]5 in mice were consistent with the known distribution of PBR. However, compared with [(18)F]5, [(18)F]4 displayed a high uptake in the bone of mice. The PET image of [(18)F]4 for monkey brain also showed significant radioactivity in the bone, suggesting that this ligand was unstable for in vivo defluorination and was not a useful PET ligand. Ligand [(18)F]5 displayed a high uptake in monkey brain especially in the occipital cortex, a region with richer PBR than the other regions in the brain. The radioactivity level of [(18)F]5 in monkey brain was 1.5 times higher than that of [(11)C]2, and 6 times higher than that of (R)-(1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-[(11)C]methyl,N-(1-methylpropyl)isoquinoline ([(11)C]1). Moreover, the in vivo binding of [(18)F]5 was significantly inhibited by PBR-selective 2 or 1, indicating that the binding of [(18)F]5 in the monkey brain was mainly due to PBR. Metabolite analysis revealed that [(18)F]4 was rapidly metabolized by defluorination to [(18)F]F(-) in the plasma and brain of mice, whereas [(18)F]5 was metabolized by debenzylation to a polar product [(18)F]13 only in the plasma. No radioactive metabolite of [(18)F]5 was detected in the mouse brain. The biological data indicate that [(18)F]5 is a useful PET ligand for PBR and is currently used for imaging PBR in human brain.

Structure-activity relationships in carboxamide derivatives based on the targeted delivery of radionuclides and boron atoms by means of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands

The structure-activity relationship studies on 2-quinolinecarboxamide peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligands have been refined with the aim of using these ligands as carriers of radionuclides and boron atoms. Some new ligands show enhanced affinity and steroidogenic activity with respect to reference compound 1 and are interesting candidates for radiolabeling and PET studies. Moreover, carborane derivative 3q, representing the first example of PBR ligand bearing a carborane cage, can be useful to explore an alternative mechanism in BNCT.

Neuroinflammation of the nigrostriatal pathway during progressive 6-OHDA dopamine degeneration in rats monitored by immunohistochemistry and PET imaging

We investigated the microglial response to progressive dopamine neuron degeneration using in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and postmortem analyses in a Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model induced by unilateral (right side) intrastriatal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Degeneration of the dopamine system was monitored by PET imaging of presynaptic dopamine transporters using a specific ligand (11)C-CFT (2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-fluorophenyl) tropane). Binding of (11)C-CFT was markedly reduced in the striatum indicating dopaminergic degeneration. Parallel PET studies of (11)C-PK11195 (1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3 isoquinoline carboxamide) (specific ligand for activated microglia) showed increased binding in the striatum and substantia nigra indicative of a microglial response. Postmortem immunohistochemical analyses were performed with antibodies against CR3 for microglia/macrophage activation. Using a qualitative postmortem index for microglial activation we found an initially focal, then widespread microglial response at striatal and nigral levels at 4 weeks postlesion. These data support the hypothesis that inflammation is a significant component of progressive dopaminergic degeneration that can be monitored by PET imaging.

Mapping and fitting the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor binding site by carboxamide derivatives. Comparison of different approaches to quantitative ligand-receptor interaction modeling

The synthetic-computational approach to the study of the binding site of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) ligands related to 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK11195, 1) within their receptor (Cappelli et al. J. Med. Chem. 1997, 40, 2910-2921) has been extended. A series of carboxamide derivatives endowed with differently substituted planar aromatic or heteroaromatic systems was designed with the aim of getting further information on the topological requisites of the carbonyl and aromatic moieties for interaction with the PBR binding site. The synthesis of most of these compounds involves Weinreb amidation of the appropriate lactone as the key step. The most potent compound, among the newly synthesized ones, shows a nanomolar PBR affinity similar to that shown by 1 and the presence of a basic N-ethyl-N-benzylaminomethyl group in 3-position of the quinoline nucleus. Thus, it may be considered the first example of a new class of water soluble derivatives of 1. Several computational methods were used to furnish descriptors of the isolated ligands (indirect approaches) able to rationalize the variation in the binding affinity of the enlarged series of compounds. Sound QSAR models are obtained by size and shape descriptors (volume approach) which codify for the short-range contributions to ligand-receptor interactions. Molecular descriptors which explicitly account for the electrostatic contribution to the interaction (CoMFA, CoMSIA, and surface approaches) perform well, but they do not improve the quantitative models. Moreover, useful hints for the identification of the antagonist binding site in the three-dimensional modeling of the receptor (direct approach) were provided by the receptor hypothesis derived by the pharmacophoric approach. The ligand-receptor complexes obtained provided a detailed description of the modalities of the interaction and interesting suggestions for further experiments.

Labeling and evaluation of N-[11C]methylated quinoline-2-carboxamides as potential radioligands for visualization of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors

The novel quinoline-2-carboxamide derivatives N-[methyl-11C]-3-methyl-4-phenyl-N-(phenylmethyl)quinoline-2-carboxamide ([11C]4), (+/-)-N-[methyl-11C]-3-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-4-phenylquinoline-2-carboxamide ([11C]5), and (+/-)-N-[methyl-11C]-3-methyl-4-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(1-methylpropyl)quinoline-2-carboxamide ([11C]6) were labeled with carbon-11 (t1/2 = 20.4 min, beta+ = 99.8%) as potential radioligands for the noninvasive assessment of peripheral benzodiazepine type receptors (PBR) in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET). The radiosynthesis consisted of N-methylation of the desmethyl precursors 3-methyl-4-phenyl-N-(phenylmethyl)quinoline-2-carboxamide (4a), (+/-)-3-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-4-phenylquinoline-2-carboxamide (5a), and (+/-)-4-(2-fluorophenyl)-3-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)quinoline-2-carboxamide (6a) with either [11C]methyl iodide or [11C]methyl triflate in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in dimethylformamide. The radioligands [11C]4, [11C]5, and [11C]6 were synthesized with over 99% radiochemical purity in 30 min, 30 +/- 5% radiochemical yield, calculated at the end of synthesis (EOS) non-decay-corrected, and 2.5 +/- 1.2 Ci/micromol of specific radioactivity. Inhibition studies in rats following intravenous pre-administration of 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK 11195, 1) showed high specific binding to PBR of [11C]4, [11C]5, and [11C]6 in heart, lung, kidney, adrenal gland, spleen, and brain. The biological data suggest that [11C]5, [11C]6, and particularly [11C]4 are promising radioligands for PBR imaging in vivo with PET.

Novel 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives as potent and selective ligands for peripheral benzodiazepine receptors: synthesis, binding affinity, and in vivo studies

The substituent effects at positions 6 and 8 (compounds 17-31) as well as at the amide nitrogen (compounds 32-40) of a series of 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridineacetamides were evaluated at both central (CBR) and peripheral (PBR) benzodiazepine receptors. The structure-activity relationship studies detailed herein indicate the key structural features required for high affinity and selectivity for PBR. Substitution on the imidazopyridine nucleus at position 8 with lipophilic substituents and the presence of one chlorine atom at the para position of the phenyl ring at C(2) are crucial features for high binding affinity and selectivity toward PBR. A small subset of active ligands (i.e., 17, 20, 26, 34, and 35) were evaluated in vitro in Xenopus oocytes expressing cloned human GABA(A) receptors for their effects at CBR and in vivo for their ability to stimulate the synthesis of neurosteroids such as pregnenolone, progesterone, allopregnanolone, and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC). Compounds 17, 20, 26, and 34 markedly increased the levels of neuroactive steroids in plasma and cerebral cortex, unlike compound 35.

Computer modeling of size and shape descriptors of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor antagonists and quantitative structure-affinity/selectivity relationships

Computational chemistry and molecular modeling procedures allow us to define and compute ad hoc size and shape descriptors on the different prototropic forms assumed by drugs in biotest solutions. Together with experimental data measured on a well-identified target receptor, these descriptors are essential elements for obtaining simple, consistent, comparable, and easily interpretable theoretical quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models based on the ligand similarity-target receptor complementarity paradigm. In this context, quantitative size and shape affinity/subtype selectivity relationships have been modeled for a large set of very heterogeneous alpha 1a-, alpha 1b-, and alpha 1c-adrenergic receptor antagonists. The linear QSAR models generated have been validated by predicting both binding affinity and selectivity of a test set of noncongeneric antagonists. The satisfactory results obtained highlight both the simplicity and the versatility of the approach presented.