Synthesis of 5-(tert-alkyl)resorcinols

3'-functionalized adamantyl cannabinoid receptor probes

The aliphatic side chain plays a pivotal role in determining the cannabinergic potency of tricyclic classical cannabinoids, and we have previously shown that this chain could be substituted successfully by adamantyl or other polycyclic groups. In an effort to explore the pharmacophoric features of these conformationally fixed groups, we have synthesized a series of analogues in which the C3 position is substituted directly with an adamantyl group bearing functionality at one of the tertiary carbon atoms. These substituents included the electrophilic isothiocyanate and photoactivatable azido groups, both of which are capable of covalent attachment with the target protein. Our results show that substitution at the 3'-adamantyl position can lead to ligands with improved affinities and CB1/CB2 selectivities. Our work has also led to the development of two successful covalent probes with high affinities for both cannabinoid receptors, namely, the electrophilic isothiocyanate AM994 and the photoactivatable aliphatic azido AM993 analogues.

Novel adamantyl cannabinoids as CB1 receptor probes

In previous studies, compound 1 (AM411), a 3-(1-adamantyl) analogue of the phytocannabinoid (-)-Δ(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(8)-THC), was shown to have improved affinity and selectivity for the CB1 receptor. In this work, we further explored the role of the 1-adamantyl group at the C-3 position in a series of tricyclic cannabinoid analogues modified at the 9-northern aliphatic hydroxyl (NAH) position. Of these, 9-hydroxymethyl hexahydrocannabinol 11 (AM4054) exhibited high CB1 affinity and full agonist profile. In the cAMP assay, the 9-hydroxymethyl cannabinol analogue 24 (AM4089) had a partial agonist profile, with high affinity and moderate selectivity for rCB1 over hCB2. In vivo results in rat models of hypothermia and analgesia were congruent with in vitro data. Our in vivo data indicate that 3-(1-adamantyl) substitution, within NAH cannabinergics, imparts improved pharmacological profiles when compared to the corresponding, traditionally used 3-dimethylheptyl analogues and identifies 11 and 24 as potentially useful in vivo CB1 cannabinergic probes.

A new cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist HU-910 attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death associated with hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cannabinoid CB(2) receptor activation has been reported to attenuate myocardial, cerebral and hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We have investigated the effects of a novel CB(2) receptor agonist ((1S,4R)-2-(2,6-dimethoxy-4-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)phenyl)-7,7-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-en-1-yl)methanol (HU-910) on liver injury induced by 1 h of ischaemia followed by 2, 6 or 24 h of reperfusion, using a well-established mouse model of segmental hepatic I/R.

KEY RESULTS

Displacement of [(3) H]CP55940 by HU-910 from specific binding sites in CHO cell membranes transfected with human CB(2) or CB(1) receptors (hCB(1/2) ) yielded K(i) values of 6 nM and 1.4 µM respectively. HU-910 inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production by hCB(2) CHO cells (EC(50) = 162 nM) and yielded EC(50) of 26.4 nM in [(35) S]GTPγS binding assays using hCB(2) expressing CHO membranes. HU-910 given before ischaemia significantly attenuated levels of I/R-induced hepatic pro-inflammatory chemokines (CCL3 and CXCL2), TNF-α, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1, neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress and cell death. Some of the beneficial effect of HU-910 also persisted when given at the beginning of the reperfusion or 1 h after the ischaemic episode. Furthermore, HU-910 attenuated the bacterial endotoxin-triggered TNF-α production in isolated Kupffer cells and expression of adhesion molecules in primary human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells stimulated with TNF-α. Pretreatment with a CB(2) receptor antagonist attenuated the protective effects of HU-910, while pretreatment with a CB(1) antagonist tended to enhance them.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

HU-910 is a potent CB(2) receptor agonist which may exert protective effects in various diseases associated with inflammation and tissue injury.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.

Chromenopyrazoles: non-psychoactive and selective CB₁ cannabinoid agonists with peripheral antinociceptive properties

The unwanted psychoactive effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists have limited their development as medicines. These CB₁-mediated side effects are due to the fact that CB₁ receptors are largely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). As it is known that CB₁ receptors are also located peripherally, there is growing interest in targeting cannabinoid receptors located outside the brain. A library of chromenopyrazoles designed analogously to the classical cannabinoid cannabinol were synthesized, characterized, and tested for cannabinoid activity. Radioligand binding assays were used to determine their affinities at CB₁ and CB₂ receptors. Structural features required for CB₁/CB₂ affinity and selectivity were explored by molecular modeling. Some compounds in the chromenopyrazole series were observed to be selective CB₁ ligands. These modeling studies suggest that full CB₁ selectivity over CB₂ can be explained by the presence of a pyrazole ring in the structure. The functional activities of selected chromenopyrazoles were evaluated in isolated tissues. In vivo behavioral tests were then carried out on the most effective CB₁ cannabinoid agonist, 13 a. Chromenopyrazole 13 a did not induce modifications in any of the tested parameters on the mouse cannabinoid tetrad, thus discounting CNS-mediated effects. This lack of agonistic activity in the CNS suggests that this compound does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, 13 a can induce antinociception in a rat peripheral model of orofacial pain. Taking into account the negative results obtained with the hot-plate test, the antinociception induced by 13 a in the orofacial test could be mediated through peripheral mechanisms.

Mechanistic Study of a Pd/C-Catalyzed Reduction of Aryl Sulfonates Using the Mg–MeOH–NH4OAc System

A method for the deoxygenation of phenolic hydroxy groups via aryl triflates or mesylates has been established by using a combination of Pd/C-Mg-MeOH. The addition of NH(4)OAc to the system markedly accelerated the reaction rate and expanded the scope of the reaction. Mechanistic studies suggested that a single-electron transfer process from the Pd(0) center to the benzene ring is involved in the reduction of aryl sulfonates and that NH(4)OAc works as a solubilization reagent of the Mg salt and as an accelerator of the electron transfer, thus enhancing the reaction process. Our method was also applicable to the regioselective deuteration of benzene derivatives with CH(3)OD as the solvent and deuterium source: the original hydroxy group could be efficiently replaced with a deuterium atom.

Pd/C-Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Phenol Derivatives Using Mg Metal and MeOH in the Presence of NH4OAc

A Pd/C-catalyzed deoxygenation method of phenolic hydroxyl groups via aryl triflates or mesylates using Mg metal in MeOH at room temperature was developed. The addition of NH4OAc dramatically affects the reactivity and reaction rate. This method is particularly attractive to provide an environmentally benign and widely applicable removal method of phenolic alcohols under quite mild reaction conditions.

Expedient Synthesis of Potent Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist (−)-CP55,940

[reaction: see text] A stereocontrolled synthesis of (-)-CP55,940, a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist, has been attained using a novel aldolization/retro-aldolization interconversion strategy, in which a temporarily generated chiral aldol motif plays essential roles.

Adamantyl cannabinoids: a novel class of cannabinergic ligands

Structure-activity relationship studies have established that the aliphatic side chain plays a pivotal role in determining the cannabinergic potency of tricyclic classical cannabinoids. We have now synthesized a series of analogues in which a variety of adamantyl substituents were introduced at the C3 position of Delta(8)-THC. Our lead compound, (-)-3-(1-adamantyl)-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol (1a, AM411), was found to have robust affinity and selectivity for the CB1 receptor as well as high in vivo potency. The X-ray crystal structure of 1a was determined. Exploration of the side chain conformational space using molecular modeling approaches has allowed us to develop cannabinoid side chain pharmacophore models for the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Our results suggest that although a bulky group at the C3 position of classical cannabinoids could be tolerated by both CB1 and CB2 binding sites, the relative orientation of that group with respect to the tricyclic component can lead to receptor subtype selectivity.

Structure-activity relationships for 1',1'-dimethylalkyl-Delta8-tetrahydrocannabinols

A series of 1',1'-dimethylalkyl-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinol analogues with C-3 side chains of 2-12 carbon atoms has been synthesized and their in vitro and in vivo pharmacology has been evaluated. The lowest member of the series, 1',1'-dimethylethyl-Delta(8)-THC (8, n=0) has good affinity for the CB(1) receptor, but is inactive in vivo. The dimethylpropyl (8, n=1) through dimethyldecyl (8, n=8) all have high affinity for the CB(1) receptor and are full agonists in vivo. 1',1'-Dimethylundecyl-Delta(8)-THC (8, n=9) has significant affinity for the receptor (K(i)=25.8+/-5.8 nM), but has reduced potency in vivo. The dodecyl analogue (8, n=10) has little affinity for the CB(1) receptor and is inactive in vivo. A quantitative structure-activity relationship study of the side chain region of these compounds is consistent with the concept that for optimum affinity and potency the side chain must be of a length which will permit its terminus to loop back in proximity to the phenolic ring of the cannabinoid.

1-Methoxy-, 1-deoxy-11-hydroxy- and 11-hydroxy-1-methoxy-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinols: new selective ligands for the CB2 receptor

Three series of new cannabinoids were prepared and their affinities for the CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid recptors were determined. These are the 1-methoxy-3-(1',1'-dimethylalkyl)-, 1-deoxy-11-hydroxy-3-(1',1'-dimethylalkyl)- and 11-hydroxy-1-methoxy-3-(1',1'-dimethylalkyl)-Delta(8)-tetrahydrocannabinols, which contain alkyl chains from dimethylethyl to dimethylheptyl appended to C-3 of the cannabinoid. All of these compounds have greater affinity for the CB(2) receptor than for the CB(1) receptor, however only 1-methoxy-3-(1',1'-dimethylhexyl)-Delta(8)-THC (JWH-229, 6e) has effectively no affinity for the CB(1) receptor (K(i)=3134+/-110nM) and high affinity for CB(2) (K(i)=18+/-2nM).

Novel cannabinol probes for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors

The observation that the phenolic hydroxyl of THCs was important for binding to the CB1 receptor but not as critical for binding to the CB2 receptor prompted us to extend this finding to the cannabinol (CBN) series. To study the SAR of CBN analogues, CBN derivatives with substitution at the C-1, C-3, and C-9 positions were chosen since these positions have played a key role in the SAR of THCs. CBN-3-(1',1'-dimethylheptyl) analogues were prepared by sulfur dehydrogenation of Delta(8)-THC-3-(1',1'-dimethylheptyl) analogues. 9-Substituted CBN analogues were prepared by the standard sulfur dehydrogenation of 9-substituted Delta(8)-THC analogues (Scheme 1), which in turn were prepared following our previous procedure using selenium dioxide oxidation of the corresponding Delta(8)-THCs followed by sodium chlorite oxidation to give the 9-carboxy-Delta(8)-THC derivatives. 11-Hydroxy-CBN analogues were prepared from the corresponding 9-carbomethoxy-CBN analogues by reduction with LiAlH(4). Deoxy-CBN analogue 14 was prepared from the corresponding Delta(8)-THC analogue 11 by conversion of the phenolic hydroxyl to the phosphate derivative 12, followed by lithium ammonia reduction to provide the deoxy-Delta(8)-THC analogue 13, which in turn was dehydrogenated with sulfur to provide the deoxy-CBN analogue 14 (Scheme 2). The various analogues were assayed for binding both to the brain and the peripheral cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). We have found that the binding profile differs widely between the CBN and the THC series. Specifically, in the CBN series the removal of the phenolic hydroxyl decreases binding affinity to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, whereas in the THC series, CB1 affinity is selectively reduced. Thus, in the CBN series, the selectivity of binding observed with the removal of the hydroxy group is decreased severalfold as compared to what occurs in the THC series. Generally, high affinity for the CB2 receptor was found in analogues when the phenolic hydroxyl was present. The 3-(1', 1'-dimethylheptyl) derivatives were found to have much higher affinities than the CBN analogues, which is in complete agreement with previously reported work by Rhee et al.

3-(1',1'-Dimethylbutyl)-1-deoxy-delta8-THC and related compounds: synthesis of selective ligands for the CB2 receptor

The synthesis and pharmacology of 15 1-deoxy-delta8-THC analogues, several of which have high affinity for the CB2 receptor, are described. The deoxy cannabinoids include 1-deoxy-11-hydroxy-delta8-THC (5), 1-deoxy-delta8-THC (6), 1-deoxy-3-butyl-delta8-THC (7), 1-deoxy-3-hexyl-delta8-THC (8) and a series of 3-(1',1'-dimethylalkyl)-1-deoxy-delta8-THC analogues (2, n = 0-4, 6, 7, where n = the number of carbon atoms in the side chain-2). Three derivatives (17-19) of deoxynabilone (16) were also prepared. The affinities of each compound for the CB1 and CB2 receptors were determined employing previously described procedures. Five of the 3-(1',1'-dimethylalkyl)-1-deoxy-delta8-THC analogues (2, n = 1-5) have high affinity (Ki = < 20 nM) for the CB2 receptor. Four of them (2, n = 1-4) also have little affinity for the CB1 receptor (Ki = > 295 nM). 3-(1',1'-Dimethylbutyl)-1-deoxy-delta8-THC (2, n = 2) has very high affinity for the CB2 receptor (Ki = 3.4 +/- 1.0 nM) and little affinity for the CB1 receptor (Ki = 677 +/- 132 nM).

Enantioselective synthesis and pharmacology of 11-hydroxy-(1'S,2'R)-dimethylheptyl-delta 8-THC

An enantioselective synthesis of the (1'S,2'R)-dimethylheptyl cannabinoid side chain has been developed and employed in the synthesis of 11-hydroxy-(1'S,2'R)-dimethylheptyl-delta 8-THC (3). Pharmacology, in vivo and in vitro, indicate (3) to be one of the most potent traditional cannabinoids known.

Mitsunobu Reaction of Unbiased Cyclic Allylic Alcohols

The stereochemical inversion of unbiased allylic alcohols using triphenylphosphine, diethyl azodicarboxylate, and benzoic acid, commonly known as the Mitsunobu reaction, was studied in three different solvents with specific attention toward the product composition. The results generated for the Mitsunobu reaction of (R)-3-deuterio-2-cyclohexen-1-ol and the cis and trans isomers of 1-deuterio-5-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol, 1-deuterio-5-tert-butyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol, and optically active cis and trans 5-isopropyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol all gave similar product distributions with respect to inversion and retention at the carbinol center as well-as syn and anti S(N)2' type addition when THF or benzene was used as the solvent (CH(2)Cl(2) gave less selective product distributions). Interestingly, it was found that the quasi-equatorial and quasi-axial nature of the starting allylic alcohol does not appear to affect the product distribution for this reaction, nor does methyl substitution at the central carbon of the allylic alcohol. In all cases, significant amounts (8-28%) of non-S(N)2 type products were detected for these sterically unbiased allylic alcohols; only 72-77% of the product was from S(N)2 type reaction when sterically undemanding (R)-3-deuterio-2-cyclohexen-1-ol was subjected to Mitsunobu conditions.