Determining the pharmacologic window of bisphosphonates that mitigates severe injury-induced osteoporosis and muscle calcification, while preserving fracture repair

Following severe injury, biomineralization is disrupted and limited therapeutic options exist to correct these pathologic changes. This study utilized a clinically relevant murine model of polytrauma including a severe injury with concomitant musculoskeletal injuries to identify when bisphosphonate administration can prevent the paradoxical decrease of biomineralization in bone and increased biomineralization in soft tissues, yet not interfere with musculoskeletal repair.

INTRODUCTION

Systemic and intrinsic mechanisms in bone and soft tissues help promote biomineralization to the skeleton, while preventing it in soft tissues. However, severe injury can disrupt this homeostatic biomineralization tropism, leading to adverse patient outcomes due to a paradoxical decrease of biomineralization in bone and increased biomineralization in soft tissues. There remains a need for therapeutics that restore the natural tropism of biomineralization in severely injured patients. Bisphosphonates can elicit potent effects on biomineralization, though with variable impact on musculoskeletal repair. Thus, a critical clinical question remains as to the optimal time to initiate bisphosphonate therapy in patients following a polytrauma, in which bone and muscle are injured in combination with a severe injury, such as a burn.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis that the dichotomous effects of bisphosphonates are dependent upon the time of administration relative to the ongoing biomineralization in reparative bone and soft tissues, this study utilized murine models of isolated injury or polytrauma with a severe injury, in conjunction with sensitive, longitudinal measure of musculoskeletal repair.

RESULTS

This study demonstrated that if administered at the time of injury, bisphosphonates prevented severe injury-induced bone loss and soft tissue calcification, but did not interfere with bone repair or remodeling. However, if administered between 7 and 21 days post-injury, bisphosphonates temporally and spatially localized to sites of active biomineralization, leading to impaired fracture callus remodeling and permanence of soft tissue calcification.

CONCLUSION

There is a specific pharmacologic window following polytrauma that bisphosphonates can prevent the consequences of dysregulated biomineralization, yet not impair musculoskeletal regeneration.

1-Alkyl-3-amino-5-aryl-1H-[1,2,4]triazoles: novel synthesis via cyclization of N-acyl-S-methylisothioureas with alkylhydrazines and their potent corticotropin-releasing factor-1 (CRF(1)) receptor antagonist activities

Cyclizations of alkylhydrazines with N-acyl-S-methylisothioureas, readily synthesized from acyl chlorides, sodium thioisocyanate, dialkylamines then methyl iodide in a one-pot reaction, gave 1-alkyl-3-dialkylamino-5-phenyltriazoles 7 as major products. The regioisomers were assigned through the use of NOE NMR experiments. While bearing a N-bis(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino group, this series of compounds shows very good binding affinity on the human CRF(1) receptor. Among them, 1-methyl-3-[N-bis(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino]-5-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1H-[1,2,4]triazole 7a had the best binding affinity for the CRF(1) receptor (K(i)=9 nM).

Design and synthesis of 2-methyl-2-[4-(2-[5-methyl-2-aryloxazol-4-yl]ethoxy)phenoxy]propionic acids: a new class of dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists

Propionic acid derivative 8, which was designed and synthesized based on putative pharmacophores of known PPARgamma- and PPARalpha-selective compounds, exhibits potent dual PPARalpha/gamma agonist activity as demonstrated by in vitro binding and dose overlap in the newly introduced EOB mouse model for glucose lowering and lipid/cholesterol homeostasis.

Recent advances with the CRF1 receptor: design of small molecule inhibitors, receptor subtypes and clinical indications

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been widely implicated as playing a major role in modulating the endocrine, autonomic, behavioral and immune responses to stress. The recent cloning of multiple receptors for CRF as well as the discovery of non-peptide receptor antagonists for CRF receptors have begun a new era of CRF study. Presently, there are five distinct targets for CRF with unique cDNA sequences, pharmacology and localization. These fall into three distinct classes, encoded by three different genes and have been termed the CRF1 and CRF2 receptors (belonging to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors) and the CRF-binding protein. The CRF2 receptor exists as three splice variants of the same gene and have been designated CRF2a CRF2b and CRF2g. The pharmacology and localization of all of these proteins in brain has been well established. The CRF1 receptor subtype is localized primarily to cortical and cerebellar regions while the CRF2a receptor is localized to subcortical regions including the lateral septum, and paraventricular and ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus. The CRF2b receptor is primarily localized to heart, skeletal muscle and in the brain, to cerebral arterioles and choroid plexus. The CRF2g receptor has most recently been identified in human amygdala. Expression of these receptors in mammalian cell lines has made possible the identification of non-peptide, high affinity, selective receptor antagonists. While the natural mammalian ligands oCRF and r/hCRF have high affinity for the CRF1 receptor subtype, they have lower affinity for the CRF2 receptor family making them ineffective labels for CRF2 receptors. [125I]Sauvagine has been characterized as a high affinity ligand for both the CRF1 and the CRF2 receptor subtypes and has been used in both radioligand binding and receptor autoradiographic studies as a tool to aid in the discovery of selective small molecule receptor antagonists. A number of non-peptide CRF1 receptor antagonists that can specifically and selectively block the CRF1 receptor subtype have recently been identified. Compounds such as CP 154,526 (12), NBI 27914 (129) and Antalarmin (154) inhibit CRF-stimulation of cAMP or CRF-stimulated ACTH release from cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. Furthermore, when administered peripherally, these compounds compete for ex vivo [125I]sauvagine binding to CRF1 receptors in brain sections demonstrating their ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier. In in vivo studies, peripheral administration of these compounds attenuate stress-induced elevations in plasma ACTH levels in rats demonstrating that CRF1 receptors can be blocked in the periphery. Furthermore, peripherally administered CRF1 receptor antagonists have also been demonstrated to inhibit CRF-induced seizure activity. These data clearly demonstrate that non-peptide CRF1 receptor antagonists, when administered systemically, can specifically block central CRF1 receptors and provide tools that can be used to determine the role of CRF1 receptors in various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, these molecules will prove useful in the discovery and development of potential orally active therapeutics for these disorders.

Cutaneous closure after cardiac operations: a controlled, randomized, prospective comparison of intradermal versus staple closures

OBJECTIVE

To determine the difference in wound complication and infection rates between suture and staple closure techniques applied to clean incisions in coronary bypass patients.

BACKGROUND

The true incidence of postoperative wound complications, and their correlation with closure techniques, has been obscured by study designs incorporating small numbers, retrospective short follow-up, uncontrolled host factors, and narrowly defined complications.

METHODS

Sternal and leg wounds were studied prospectively, each patient serving as his or her own control. Two hundred forty-two patients with sternal and saphenous vein harvest wounds had half of each wound closed with staples and the other half with intradermal sutures (484 sternal and 516 leg segments). Wound complications were defined as drainage, erythema, separation, necrosis, seroma, or infection. Infections were identified in the subset having purulent drainage, antibiotic therapy, or debridement. Wounds were examined at discharge, at 1 week after discharge, and at 3 to 4 weeks after operation. Patient preferences for closure type were assessed 3 to 4 weeks after operation.

RESULTS

Neither leg nor sternal wounds had a statistically significant difference in infection rate according to closure method (leg sutured = 9.3% vs. leg stapled = 8.9%; p = 0.99, and sternal sutured = 0.4% vs. sternal stapled = 2.5%; p = 0.128). There was, however, a greater complication rate in stapled segments (leg stapled = 46.9% vs. leg sutured = 32.6%; p = 0.001, and sternal stapled = 14.9% vs. sternal sutured = 3.7%; p = 0.00005). Sutures were favored over staples among patients who expressed a preference (sternal = 75.6%, leg = 74.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

With the host factors controlled by pairing staples and sutures in each patient, we demonstrated a similar incidence of infection but a significantly lower incidence of total wound complications with intradermal suture closure than with staple closure.

Effect of kinematic variables on performance in women during a cross-country ski race

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of uphill cycle velocity, cycle length, and cycle rate in top U.S. female skiers during a multiple lap cross-country ski skating race. Eighteen female cross-country skiers served as subjects at the United States Women's 10-km Freestyle 1995 National Championships. The course consisted of two laps of the same 5-km loop. The selected filming section was an 11-12% uphill grade approximately 400 m long located at the 2.5- and 7.5-km mark. The video sector was approximately 12 m long at the conclusion of the climb. During the climb, the skating technique used by all skiers was the V-1. The results demonstrated that cycle length is positively related to cycle velocity during uphill ski skating and ultimately translates to faster race times by female cross-country ski racers. Lap 2 cycle velocity and cycle length demonstrated the strongest relationship to lap time and total race time. Moreover, cycle rate was not related to cycle velocity or lap race times and was not different between successful and less successful skiers. The slower climbing velocity noted during the latter half of the 10-km race was a consequence of a decreased cycle length and not cycle rate. This suggests that the degree of physical conditioning could be a factor in the ability to maintain cycle length and thus uphill cycle velocity.

Inactivation of ribonucleotide reductase by (E)-2'-fluoromethylene-2'-deoxycytidine 5'-diphosphate: a paradigm for nucleotide mechanism-based inhibitors

Ribonucleotide reductase (RDPR) from Escherichia coli catalyzes the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides and is composed of two homodimeric subunits: R1 and R2. (E)- and (Z)-2'-fluoromethylene-2'-deoxycytidine 5'-diphosphate (FMCDP) are time dependent inactivators of this protein, with approximately 1.5 equiv being sufficient for complete loss of catalytic activity. Inactivation results from loss of the essential tyrosyl radical on R2 and alkylation of R1. Studies using electron spin resonance spectroscopy reveal that tyrosyl radical loss is accompanied by formation of a new, substrate-based radical. Experiments using [6'-14C]-(E)-FMCDP and [5-3H]-(E)-FMCDP reveal that alkylation of R1 is accompanied by release of 0.5 equiv of cytosine and 1.4 equiv of fluoride ion. When R1 is denatured subsequent to inactivation, approximately 1 equiv of label per R1 is observed only in studies carried out with [14C]FMCDP. Under these same conditions with [3H]FMCDP, 1.5 equiv of radiolabel is detected as cytosine. Inactivation of R1 thus results from alkylation by the sugar moiety of FMCDP. While studies to isolate the alkylated amino acid on R1 were unsuccessful, studies using a variety of site-directed mutants of R1 (C462S, C225S, C754/759S, C439S, and E441Q) indicate that E441 or possibly C439 is the modified residue. Inactivation is accompanied by rapid formation of a new chromophore with a lambda max at 334 nm. Dithiothreitol does not protect the enzyme against inactivation by FMCDP, although it does prevent chromophore formation. Two possible mechanisms are proposed to accommodate these experimental observations.

The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor (E)-2'-fluoromethylene-2'-deoxycytidine (MDL 101,731): a potential topical therapy for herpes simplex virus infection

The ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor MDL 101,731 was examined for antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in vitro and in combination with acyclovir in the murine zosteriform model of HSV-1 infection. The in vitro antiviral activity (IC50) for both serotypes of HSV was similar and in the range 23-98 nM for Vero cells. Comparable activities were obtained against acyclovir-resistant viruses. In the zosteriform model, topical combination therapy of MDL 101,731 with acyclovir (5%:5% w/w) applied 48 h after infection was more effective than acyclovir alone and even appeared to promote lesion resolution.

Regression of human breast tumor xenografts in response to (E)-2'-deoxy-2'-(fluoromethylene)cytidine, an inhibitor of ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase

(E)-2'-Deoxy-2'-(fluoromethylene)cytidine (MDL 101,731) is a mechanism-based inhibitor of ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase (J. Stubbe, personal communication), an enzyme involved in DNA synthesis and therefore a potential target for cancer chemotherapy. In the present report, we show that MDL 101,731 inhibits the proliferation of several human breast cancer cell lines, including the estrogen-dependent cell line, MCF-7, and the estrogen-independent cell lines MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-435 in vitro at nanomolar concentrations (50% inhibitory concentration, 15-26 nM). Administration of MDL 101,731 caused marked regression of tumors which formed after s.c. inoculation of all four of the cell lines in athymic (nude) mice. MDA-MB-231 tumors were found to be most sensitive to MDL 101,731 with a 90-100% cure rate at doses of MDL 101,731 between 2 and 20 mg/kg, given as once daily i.p. injections, 5 days/week for as little as 3 weeks. Almost complete cessation of MDA-MB-231 tumor growth was obtained with a dose of 0.5 mg/kg MDL 101,731 following the same dosing regimen. MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-435, and MCF-7 tumors were not as sensitive as MDA-MB-231, but tumor regression of 50, 65, and 80%, respectively, was obtained after 5-6 weeks of treatment. The effects of MDL 101,731 on spontaneous metastasis of MDA-MB-435 cells from the mammary fat pad to the lung was also examined, and it was found that the number of lung metastases was significantly decreased if mice received MDL 101,731 while the primary tumors were growing and after primary tumors were surgically excised. Additionally, preliminary evidence raises the possibility that MDL 101,731 may induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 tumors. Our data suggest that the use of MDL 101,731 for the treatment of breast cancer and possibly other solid tumors should be pursued.

An alternative mechanism for the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in HepG2 cells by N-[(1,5,9)-trimethyldecyl]-4 alpha,10-dimethyl-8-aza-trans-decal-3 beta-ol (MDL 28,815)

Compounds that block hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and secretion may be useful hypocholesterolemic agents. N-[(1,5,9)-trimethyldecyl]-4 alpha,10-dimethyl-8-aza-trans-decal-3 beta-ol (MDL 28,815) has been shown to block cholesterol biosynthesis in 3T3 fibroblasts and it causes cellular accumulation of squalene 2,3-epoxide and squalene 2,3:23,24-diepoxide (squalene epoxides), which suggests that it inhibits 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase. The purpose of the present report was to determine whether MDL 28,815 acts only at the level of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase or whether other enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway are affected. HepG2 cells, grown in lipoprotein-deficient serum, were incubated with MDL 28,815 and 14C-acetate to radiolabel cholesterol and the intermediates in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. Blockade of cholesterol biosynthesis by MDL 28,815 in these cells was associated with the accumulation of two metabolites, one of which was 5 alpha-cholest-8-en-3 beta-ol. The other metabolite was identified by a combination of ultraviolet spectrometry, gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy and analytical high-performance liquid chromatography as 5 alpha-cholest-8,14-dien-3 beta-ol. Maximal blockade of cholesterol biosynthesis was associated with the accumulation of these two metabolites and, in particular, 5 alpha-cholest-8,14-dien-3 beta-ol, rather than with squalene epoxides. These results suggest that MDL 28,815 blocks cholesterol biosynthesis primarily by the inhibition of sterol-delta 14-reductase, and possibly sterol-delta 8-ene isomerase, rather than 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase.

Selective inhibition of T cell activation by an inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase

Defects in the enzymes involved in the pathway of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) metabolism, or inhibition of those enzymes, results in profound immunodeficiency. We have examined MDL 28,842, a novel irreversible inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase), an enzyme involved in AdoMet metabolism, to determine its effect on the immune system and to investigate its potential as an immunosuppressive agent. The stimulation of human mononuclear cell proliferation in vitro with Con A, a T cell mitogen, and PWM, a T-dependent B cell mitogen, were inhibited by MDL 28,842. The 50% inhibitory concentration for both were 0.33 microM. In murine spleen cells, MDL 28,842 was a potent, nontoxic, inhibitor of Con A-stimulated T cell proliferation (IC50 = 0.19 microM) but did not affect LPS-induced B cell proliferation. This selective suppression was also observed when enriched murine T and B cells were stimulated with mitogens, although S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHcy), the substrate of AdoHcyase, was similarly elevated in both populations. In addition to proliferation in response to a number of stimuli, IL-2 production and the expression of IL-2R by mitogen-stimulated T cells were inhibited by MDL 28,842. These results suggest a direct effect of MDL 28,842 on T cells. In vivo, the antibody response to a T cell-dependent Ag, OVA, was inhibited by MDL 28,842. The response of splenic T cells from these animals to OVA in vitro were similarly depressed compared with controls. The results demonstrate that MDL 28,842 is a potent nontoxic immunosuppressive agent, which has selectivity for T cells and therefore may be useful in the treatment of T cell-mediated disorders, such as autoimmune disease and tissue transplantation.

Selective inhibition of T cell activation by an inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase

Defects in the enzymes involved in the pathway of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) metabolism, or inhibition of those enzymes, results in profound immunodeficiency. We have examined MDL 28,842, a novel irreversible inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcyase), an enzyme involved in AdoMet metabolism, to determine its effect on the immune system and to investigate its potential as an immunosuppressive agent. The stimulation of human mononuclear cell proliferation in vitro with Con A, a T cell mitogen, and PWM, a T-dependent B cell mitogen, were inhibited by MDL 28,842. The 50% inhibitory concentration for both were 0.33 microM. In murine spleen cells, MDL 28,842 was a potent, nontoxic, inhibitor of Con A-stimulated T cell proliferation (IC50 = 0.19 microM) but did not affect LPS-induced B cell proliferation. This selective suppression was also observed when enriched murine T and B cells were stimulated with mitogens, although S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHcy), the substrate of AdoHcyase, was similarly elevated in both populations. In addition to proliferation in response to a number of stimuli, IL-2 production and the expression of IL-2R by mitogen-stimulated T cells were inhibited by MDL 28,842. These results suggest a direct effect of MDL 28,842 on T cells. In vivo, the antibody response to a T cell-dependent Ag, OVA, was inhibited by MDL 28,842. The response of splenic T cells from these animals to OVA in vitro were similarly depressed compared with controls. The results demonstrate that MDL 28,842 is a potent nontoxic immunosuppressive agent, which has selectivity for T cells and therefore may be useful in the treatment of T cell-mediated disorders, such as autoimmune disease and tissue transplantation.

Antiretroviral activity of mechanism-based irreversible inhibitors of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase

S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (AdoHcy-nase) is a key enzyme in transmethylation reactions. The objective of the present study was to examine the potential antiretroviral activities of novel mechanism-based irreversible AdoHcy-nase inhibitors. (Z)-4',5'-didehydro-5'-deoxy-5'-fluoroadenosine (ZDDFA), (E)-4',5'-didehydro-5'-deoxy-5'-fluoroadenosine (EDDFA), (Z)-4',5'-didehydro-5'-deoxy-5'-chloroadenosine (ZDDCA) and 5'-deoxy-5'-acetylenic adenosine (DAA) inhibited AdoHcy-nase activity with Ki values of 0.55, 1.04, greater than 10.0 and 3.30 microM, respectively. These four compounds were tested for antiviral activity in vitro against Moloney leukemia virus (MoLV) in the XC-plaque assay. MoLV replication in murine fibroblasts (SC-1) was inhibited by ZDDFA, EDDFA and DAA with IC50 values of 0.05, 0.25 and 3.30 micrograms/ml, respectively. ZDDCA did not inhibit MoLV infection at the concentrations tested. Antiviral activity correlated with the ability of the individual compounds to maintain sustained elevations in intracellular S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) concentrations in the SC-1 cells. ZDDFA, the most potent inhibitor of AdoHcy-nase and MoLV was also the most active in maintaining sustained elevations in intracellular AdoHcy levels. The antiviral activity of ZDDFA was also examined in murine C3H1OT1/2 fibroblasts which constitutively produce MoLV. Pretreatment with ZDDFA (1.0 microgram/ml) for 24 hr inhibited virus production by 88%. Similar to the SC-1 cells, and concomitant with enzyme inhibition, there was a 300-fold increase in AdoHcy levels in ZDDFA (1.0 microgram/ml) treated C3H1OT1/2 cells. Incorporation of a [3H]methyl group from tritiated S-adenosylmethionine into total RNA in C3H1OT1/2 cells was inhibited by ZDDFA without affecting cell viability. These results suggest that mechanism-based inhibitors of AdoHcy-nase, such as ZDDFA, may have potential as antiretroviral agents.

4',5'-unsaturated 5'-halogenated nucleosides. Mechanism-based and competitive inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase

The design and synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-5'-fluoro-4',5'-didehydro-5'-deoxyadenosine (6 and 13, respectively), a new class of mechanism-based inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase, is described. A number of analogues of 6 and 13 were synthesized in order to determine the structure-activity relationship necessary for inhibition of the enzyme. Substitution of chlorine for fluorine in 6 (i.e. 44), addition of an extra chlorine to the 5'-vinyl position (i.e. 51 and 52), modification of the 2'-hydroxyl group to the deoxy (34 and 35) and arabino (36 and 37) nucleosides provided competitive inhibitors of SAH hydrolase. Nucleosides 6 and 13, as well as 5'-deoxy-5',5'-difluoroadenosine (14) proved to be time-dependent inhibitors of SAH hydrolase. All three compounds are postulated to inhibit through the potent electrophile derived from oxidation of the 3'-hydroxyl of 6 or 13 to the ketone (i.e. 3 and/or the E-isomer). Consistent with the proposed mechanism of inactivation of SAH hydrolase by 6, 13, and 14 was the observation that incubation of purified rat liver SAH hydrolase with 6 resulted in release of 1 equiv of fluoride ion (by 19F NMR) and incubation with 14 resulted in release of 2 equiv of fluoride ion. The general synthetic route developed for the synthesis of the title nucleosides utilized the fluoro Pummerer reaction for the introduction of fluorine into the requisite precursors. Preliminary antiretroviral data from Moloney leukemia virus (MoLV) is presented and correlates with SAH hydrolase inhibition. Antiviral activity (IC50 against MoLV) ranged from 0.05 to 10 micrograms/mL.

Antimalarial activity of a 4',5'-unsaturated 5'-fluoroadenosine mechanism-based inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase

A 4',5'-unsaturated 5'-fluoroadenosine inhibitor of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAH hydrolase; EC 3.3.1.1), MDL 28842, was found to inhibit markedly the growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and Plasmodium berghei in mice. Inhibition of P. berghei growth was associated with a large increase in the concentration of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) in the erythrocytes of the mice treated with MDL 28842. This increase in SAH was due apparently to inhibition of the mouse erythrocyte SAH hydrolase activity, because SAH hydrolase activity was undetectable in either P. berghei or P. falciparum isolated from infected erythrocytes, although enzyme activity was readily detected in mouse erythrocyte extracts. Therefore, MDL 28842 probably inhibits plasmodial growth indirectly by adversely changing the milieu of the host erythrocyte. SAH hydrolase represents a worthwhile target for the future development of potent inhibitors for the chemotherapy of malaria.

1-(Thienylalkyl)imidazole-2(3H)-thiones as potent competitive inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase

1-(2-Thienylalkyl)imidazole-2(3H)-thiones (5a-k) are competitive inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and demonstrate the utility of thiophene in the design of potent competitive inhibitors of this enzyme. The structure-activity relationships for these compounds are discussed and compared with those of 1-phenylalkyl-imidazole-2(3H)-thiones (1). With the aid of molecular modeling, an idealized active-site conformer is proposed and an explanation for the difference in activity between the phenyl (1) and thienyl (5) DBH inhibitors is presented. The difference in activity is consistent with our proposal that thiophene may not always be a bioisostere for phenyl. The inhibitor of most interest, 1-[2-(2-thienyl)ethyl]imidazole-2(3H)-thione (5g), was selected for study in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. The changes in dopamine and norepinephrine levels that resulted from oral administration of 5g correlated with the reduction of blood pressure.

Synthesis and cardiotonic activity of novel biimidazoles

A series of substituted 2,2'-bi-1H-imidazoles and related analogues was synthesized and evaluated for inotropic activity. Structure-activity relationship studies based on a nonclassical bioisosteric approach indicated the necessity of a cyano group on one of the imidazole rings to obtain the desired pharmacological profile. 4(5)-Cyano-2,2'-bi-1H-imidazole (15a) was the most potent inotropic agent in the series. It produced a 25% increase in left ventricular dP/dt at 0.16 mg/kg iv (ED25% = 0.16 mg/kg) and increased left ventricular contractile force 60% at 1 mg/kg iv in anesthetized dogs. Compound 15a is a good inhibitor of type IV cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase isolated from dog heart having a potency similar to that of amrinone. Neither 5'-cyano-2,4'-bi-1H-imidazole (44) nor 4-cyano-2,4'-bi-1H-imidazole (48) demonstrated inotropic activity. In addition, the two possible 1,1'-dimethylcyano-2,2'-bi-1H-imidazoles (24 and 25) were inactive, indicating that an acidic NH as well as a cyano group are essential for inotropic activity.

The mechanism of inhibition of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase by fluorine-containing adenosine analogs

(Z)-4',5'-Didehydro-5'-deoxy-5'-fluoroadenosine (I), 5'-deoxy-5'-difluoroadenosine (II), and 4',5'-didehydro-5'-deoxy-5'-fluoroarabinosyl-adenosine (III) are inhibitors of rat liver S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase. Compounds I and II are time-dependent and irreversible inhibitors of the enzyme. Both I and II are oxidized by E.NAD to produce E.NADH, and fluoride anion is formed in the inactivation reaction (0.7 to 1.0 mole fluoride/mole of enzyme subunit, and 1.7 moles fluoride/mole of enzyme subunit from I and II, respectively). The enzyme is stoichiometrically labeled with [8-3H]-I, but the label is lost upon denaturation of the protein either with or without treatment of the labeled complex with sodium borohydride. The compound III, the arabino derivative of I, is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. The mechanism of the inhibition of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase by these inhibitors is discussed.

Metabolism of 2-(2-thienyl)allylamine hydrochloride in the rat: identification of a novel metabolite

A novel metabolite, 2-(2-thienyl)propionic acid, is formed in vivo from 2-(2-thienyl)allylamine hydrochloride. Mass spectral analysis suggested 2-(2-thienyl)propionic acid formation involves loss of the amine moiety followed by reduction of the olefinic group.

Synthesis and renal vasodilator activity of 2-chlorodopamine and N-substituted derivatives

A four-step synthesis of 2-chlorodopamine (2b) is presented as well as methods for the syntheses of the N-methyl, ethyl, and n-propyl analogues (2c-e). Compounds 2b and 2c were essentially equipotent to dopamine for increasing renal blood flow in anesthetized dogs that had been treated with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine. The increases in renal blood flow were blocked by the DA1 antagonist (R)-(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine. Compounds 2d and 2e were significantly less potent than dopamine in the same model; the increases in renal blood flow were attenuated by propranolol and blocked by a combination of propranolol and (R)-(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine. The significance of an o-chloro substituent on dopamine analogues for the activation of the DA1 receptor is briefly discussed.

New bicyclic antidepressant agent. Synthesis and activity of napactadine and related compounds

A number of N,N'-dialkylarylamidines were synthesized and evaluated for antidepressant activity. Several of these compounds were synthesized from the corresponding nitriles by a new method. Slight structural modification in the series caused a marked change in biological activity and led to compounds as active as imipramine. The arylacetamidine, N,N'-dimethyl-2-naphthaleneethanimidamide hydrochloride (33) (napactadine) was selected for clinical study. Forty-eight additional analogues of 33, including a number of N-alkylamidines, were prepared.

Synthesis and chromatographic separation of the glucuronides of (R)- and (S)-propranolol

One of the major metabolites of propranolol (Inderal) is the O-glucuronide. In order to further study its disposition, possible metabolism, and contribution to the antihypertensive effect of propranolol, we have synthesized and separated the two diastereomeric propranolol O-beta-D-glucuronides (9a,b). These compounds were prepared by reaction of naphthol with epichlorohydrin and treatment of the resulting (2RS)-1'-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)naphthalene (2) with sodium azide to give (2RS)-1-(1'-naphthoxy)-3-azido-2-propanol (3). Alkylation of 3 with methyl (2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-1-bromo-1-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosid)uronate (4) gave methyl (2RS)-[1-(1'-naphthoxy)-3-azido-2-propyl-2",3",4"-tri-O-acetyl-beta-D- glucopyranosid]uronate (5a,b). Reductive alkylation, followed by HPLC separation of the diastereomers, gave methyl (2R)- and (2S)-[1-(1'-naphthoxy)-3-(isopropylamino)-2-propyl-2",3",4"-tri-O-acetyl- beta-D-glucopyranosid]uronate (6a,b). Hydrolytic removal of the acetyl and methyl protecting groups gave the free glucuronides, which were then converted to the sodium salts, 9a,b. The stereochemistry of the glycoside linkage was deduced from the 400-MHz 1H NMR spectra. The absolute configuration of the aglycon portion was determined after Glusulase hydrolysis by derivatization with (R)-(+)- or -(-)-alpha-methylbenzyl isocyanate and comparison of the HPLC retention volumes with those of derivatized reference (R)- and (S)-propranolols.

3-N-Substituted aminomethyl derivatives of rifamycin SV. A convenient method of synthesis, cyclization of certain derivatives, and anticellular and antiviral activities of several derivatives

A new synthesis of Mannich bases of rifamycin SV using the Borch2 procedure with rifaldehyde is described. This new synthesis offers two advantages over the previously published method. It provides a route to monoalkyl-aminomethylrifamycins (le-h) and to unsubstituted aminomethylrifamycins that were not accessible by the old procedure. The new method also offers a preparative route to Mannich bases 1a and 1b were needed in multigram quantities for biological testing. In addition, the cyclization of certain of the monoalkylaminomethylrifamycins to the novel N,15-didehydro-15-epi[methano(alkylimino)]rifamycin SV derivatives (2) is described. The anticellular and antiviral effects of representatives of both series of compounds against cultured mouse cells and murine oncornavirus are are discussed.