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Agonist Activity (agonist + activity)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	48%
Chemistry	34%
Life Sciences	17%

Selected Abstracts

Pyrazine Arotinoids with Inverse Agonist Activities on the Retinoid and Rexinoid Receptors

CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 7 2009
José García
Abstract RAR and RXR agonists: A collection of pyrazine-based RAR/RXR ligands were prepared by a series of palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and characterized. Structure,activity relationships were elucidated. Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) ,/,-subtype-selective and retinoid X receptor (RXR) inverse agonist activities are described for pyrazine acrylic acid arotinoid, 14,d. Heterocyclic arotinoids derived from central-region dihalogenated pyrazine scaffolds have been synthesized by consecutive halogen and/or position-selective palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Pyrazines were further functionalized as alkyl ethers or methylamines prior to the last Pd-catalyzed reactions. Transient transactivation studies with the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) ,, ,, and , subtypes and with retinoid X receptor (RXR) , revealed distinct agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist activities for these compounds. Of interest are the RAR,,,-selective inverse agonists with pyrazine acrylic acid structures, in particular 14,c, which is RAR,-selective, and 14,d, a pan-RAR/RXR inverse agonist with more affinity for the RAR subtypes that enhance the interaction of RAR with cognate corepressors. [source]

Alpha-retinals as Rhodopsin Chromophores,Preference for the 9- Z Configuration and Partial Agonist Activity,

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Yajie Wang
The visual pigment rhodopsin, the photosensory element of the rod photoreceptor cell in the vertebrate retina, shows in combination with an endogenous ligand, 11- Z retinal, an astonishing photochemical performance. It exhibits an unprecedented quantum yield (0.67) in a highly defined and ultrafast photoisomerization process. This triggers the conformational changes leading to the active state Meta(rhodopsin) II. Retinal is covalently bound to Lys-296 of the protein opsin in a protonated Schiff base. The resulting positive charge delocalization over the terminal part of the polyene chain of retinal creates a conjugation defect that upon photoexcitation moves to the opposite end of the polyene. Shortening the polyene as in 4,5-dehydro,5,6-dihydro (alpha), 5,6-dihydro or 7,8-dihydro-analogs might facilitate photoisomerization of a 9- Z and a 11- Z bond. Here we describe pigment analogs generated with bovine opsin and 11- Z or 9- Z 4,5-dehydro,5,6-dihydro-retinal that were further characterized by UV,Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. The preference of opsin for native 11- Z retinal over the 9- Z isomer is reversed in 4,5-dehydro,5,6-dihydro-retinal. 9- Z 4,5-dehydro,5,6-dihydro-retinal readily generated a photosensitive pigment. This modification has no effect on the quantum yield, but affects the Batho,blueshifted intermediate (BSI) equilibrium and leads to a strong decrease in the G-protein activation rate because of a downshift of the pKa of the Meta I,Meta II equilibrium. [source]

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling Investigation of Chiral Phenoxyacetic Acid Analogues with PPAR, and PPAR, Agonist Activity

CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 5 2007
Giuseppe Fracchiolla Dr.
Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that govern lipid and glucose homeostasis, and play a central role in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Thus, there is significant interest in developing new and specific agonists for these receptors. Herein we present screening results for a series of chiral phenoxyacetic acid analogues, some of which are potent PPAR, agonists as well as PPAR, agonists. The stereochemistry of these compounds plays an important role in determining their activity; the S,isomers were observed to be more active than the corresponding R,isomers. Interestingly, for one of these analogues, the stereoselectivity toward PPAR, was reversed, and for this reason docking experiments were performed to rationalize this peculiar behavior. [source]

The activities of progesterone receptor isoform A and B are differentially modulated by their ligands in a gene-selective manner

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 1 2008
Joyce C.L. Leo
Abstract It is known that progesterone receptor (PR) isoform A (PR-A) and isoform B (PR-B) may mediate different effects of progesterone. The objective of this study was to determine if the functions of PR isoforms also vary in response to different PR modulators (PRM). The effects of 7 synthetic PRM were tested in MDA-MB-231 cells engineered to express PR-A, PR-B, or both PR isoforms. The effects of progesterone were similar in cells expressing PR-A or PR-B in which it inhibited growth and induced focal adhesion. On the other hand, synthetic PRM modulated the activity of the PR isoforms differently. RU486, CDB4124, 17,-hydroxy CDB4124 and VA2914 exerted agonist activities on cell growth and adhesion via PR-B. Via PR-A, however, these compounds displayed agonist effect on cell growth but induced stellate morphology which was distinct from the agonist's effect. Their dual properties via PR-A were also displayed at the gene expression level: the compounds acted as agonists on cell cycle genes but exhibited antagonistic effect on cell adhesion genes. Introduction of ER, by adenoviral vector to these cells did not change PR-A or PR-B mediated effect of PRM radically, but it causes significant cell rounding and modified the magnitudes of the responses to PRM. The findings suggest that the activities of PR isoforms may be modulated by different PRM through gene-specific regulatory mechanisms. This raises an interesting possibility that PRM may be designed to be PR isoform and cellular pathway selective to achieve targeted therapy in breast cancer. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Separation of cannabinoid receptor affinity and efficacy in delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol side-chain analogues

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2 2001
Graeme Griffin
The activities of a number of side-chain analogues of delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (,8 -THC) in rat cerebellar membrane preparations were tested. The affinities of each compound for the CB1 receptor were compared by their respective abilities to displace [3H]-SR141716A and their efficacies compared by stimulation of [35S]-GTP,S binding. It was found that the affinities varied from 0.19±0.03 nM for 3-norpentyl-3-[6,-cyano,1,,1,-dimethyl]hexyl-,8 -THC to 395±66.3 nM for 5,-[N-(4-chlorophenyl)]-1,,1,-dimethyl-carboxamido-,8 -THC. The efficacies of these compounds varied greatly, ranging from the very low efficacy exhibited to acetylenic compounds such as 1,-heptyn-,8 -THC and 4,-octyn-,8 -THC to higher efficacy compounds such as 5,-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,,1,-dimethyl-,8 -THC and 5,-[N-(4-aminosulphonylphenyl)]-1,,1, dimethyl-carboxamido ,8 -THC. All agonist activities were antagonized by the CB1 -selective antagonist SR141716A. It was found that a ligand's CB1 affinity and efficacy are differentially altered by modifications in the side-chain. Decreasing the flexibility of the side-chain reduced efficacy but largely did not alter affinity. Additionally, the positioning of electrostatic moieties, such as cyano groups, within the side-chain also has contrasting effects on these two properties. In summary, this report details the characterization of a number of novel ,8 -THC analogues in rat cerebellar membranes. It provides the first detailed pharmacological analysis of how the inclusion of electrostatic moieties in the side-chain and also how alteration of the side-chain's flexibility may differentially affect a CB1 cannabinoid receptor ligand's affinity and efficacy. British Journal of Pharmacology (2001) 132, 525,535; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703827 [source]

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) is a PPAR, agonist in an ECV304 cell line

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
David Bishop-Bailey
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR)s are nuclear transcription factors of the steroid receptor super-family. One member, PPAR,, a critical transcription factor in adipogenesis, is expressed in ECV304 cells, and when activated participates in the induction of cell death by apoptosis. Here we describe a clone of ECV304 cells, ECV-ACO.Luc, which stably expresses a reporter gene for PPAR activation. ECV-ACO.Luc respond to the PPAR, agonists, 15-deoxy-,12,14 PGJ2, and ciglitizone, by inducing luciferase expression. Furthermore, using ECV-ACO.Luc, we demonstrate that a newly described PPAR, antagonist, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) has agonist activities. Similar to 15-deoxy-,12,14 PGJ2, BADGE induces PPAR, activation, nuclear localization of the receptor, and induces cell death. British Journal of Pharmacology (2000) 131, 651,654; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0703628 [source]

Pyrazine Arotinoids with Inverse Agonist Activities on the Retinoid and Rexinoid Receptors

Estimation of endogenous adenosine activity at adenosine receptors in guinea-pig ileum using a new pharmacological method

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
K. F. Nilsson
Abstract Aim:, Adenosine modulates neurotransmission and in the intestine adenosine is continuously released both from nerves and from smooth muscle. The main effect is modulation of contractile activity by inhibition of neurotransmitter release and by direct smooth muscle relaxation. Estimation of adenosine concentration at the receptors is difficult due to metabolic inactivation. We hypothesized that endogenous adenosine concentrations can be calculated by using adenosine receptor antagonist and agonist and dose ratio (DR) equations. Methods:, Plexus-containing guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle preparations were made to contract intermittently by electrical field stimulation in organ baths. Schild plot regressions were constructed with 2-chloroadenosine (agonist) and 8-(p -sulfophenyl)theophylline (8-PST; antagonist). In separate experiments the reversing or enhancing effect of 8-PST and the inhibiting effect of 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) were analysed in the absence or presence of an adenosine uptake inhibitor (dilazep), and nucleoside overflow was measured by HPLC. Results:, Using the obtained DR, baseline adenosine concentration was calculated to 28 nm expressed as CADO activity, which increased dose dependently after addition of 10,6 m dilazep to 150 nm (P < 0.05). HPLC measurements yielded a lower fractional increment (80%) in adenosine during dilazep, than found in the pharmacological determination (440%). Conclusion:, Endogenous adenosine is an important modulator of intestinal neuro-effector activity, operating in the linear part of the dose,response curve. Other adenosine-like agonists might contribute to neuromodulation and the derived formulas can be used to calculate endogenous agonist activity, which is markedly affected by nucleoside uptake inhibition. The method described should be suitable for other endogenous signalling molecules in many biological systems. [source]

Expression and regulation of alkaline phosphatases in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 5 2000
Lai-Chen Tsai
The effect of retinoic acid and dexamethasone on alkaline phosphatase (AP) expression was investigated in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Cellular AP activity was induced significantly by retinoic acid or dexamethasone in a time-dependent and dose-dependent fashion. A marked synergistic induction of AP activity was observed when the cells were incubated with both agents simultaneously. Two AP isozymes, tissue-nonspecific (TNAP) and intestinal (IAP), were shown to be expressed in MCF-7 cells as confirmed by the differential rate of thermal inactivation of these isozymes and RT-PCR. Based on the two-isozyme thermal-inactivation model, the specific activities for TNAP and IAP in each sample were analyzed. TNAP activity was induced only by retinoic acid and IAP activity was induced only by dexamethasone. Whereas dexamethasone conferred no significant effect on TNAP activity, retinoic acid was shown to inhibit IAP activity by , 50%. Interestingly, TNAP was found to be the only isozyme activity superinduced when the cells were costimulated with retinoic acid and dexamethasone. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis were then used to demonstrate that the steady-state TNAP mRNA level was also superinduced, which indicates that the superinduction is regulated at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional levels. In the presence of the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486, the dexamethasone-mediated induction of IAP activity was blocked completely as expected. However, the ability of RU486 to antagonize the action of glucocorticoid was greatly compromised in dexamethasone-mediated superinduction of TNAP activity. Furthermore, in the presence of retinoic acid, RU486 behaved as an agonist, and conferred superinduction of TNAP gene expression in the same way as dexamethasone. Taken together, these observations suggest that the induction of IAP activity by dexamethasone and the superinduction of TNAP by dexamethasone were mediated through distinct regulatory pathways. In addition, retinoic acid plays an essential role in the superinduction of TNAP gene expression by enabling dexamethasone to exert its agonist activity, which otherwise has no effect. [source]

The 14-Alkyl- and 14-Alkenyl-5, -methylindolomorphinan Series Provide , -Selective Partial Opioid Agonists

HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 3 2003
Peter Grundt
A series of 14, -alkyl- and 14, -alkenyl-5, -methylindolomorphinans was synthesized and evaluated in opioid binding and functional assays. While being relatively nonselective in binding assays, the 14-cinnamyl and 14-isopentyl members showed selective opioid , -receptor partial agonist activity in [35S]GTP,S assays. [source]

Steroid hormone receptors and coregulators in endocrine-resistant and estrogen-independent breast cancer cells

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2006
Nanna Sarvilinna
Abstract Resistance to hormonal therapy is often a problem in the treatment of breast cancer patients. It has been suggested that resistance could be explained by altered nuclear hormone receptor or coregulator levels or inappropriately increased agonist activity of selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). To test these hypotheses, we have established novel MCF-7 cell line-derived in vitro models of anti-estrogen- and progestin-resistant and estrogen-independent breast cancer by long-term culture in the presence of toremifene and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and in the absence of estradiol, respectively. Using cell growth and multiprobe ribonuclease protection assays, the expression of 5 nuclear hormone receptors and 9 coregulators as well as the alterations in the cell proliferation and target gene transcription in response to hormonal treatments were studied. Progesterone receptor (PR) expression was decreased and silencing mediator for retinoid acid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) and amplified in breast cancer-1 (AIB1) expression increased in anti-estrogen-resistant cells. Estrogen caused PR and ER, upregulation in all cell lines, but we did not observe increased agonist activity of anti-estrogen measured by regulation of these estrogen target genes. Basal ER, levels and estrogenic growth response were decreased and p300/CBP-associated factor (pCAF) and AIB1 upregulated by estrogen in progestin-resistant cells, but coregulator levels were unchanged. Estrogen-independent cells were still estrogen-responsive and PR, nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) and SMRT expression was increased whereas steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1a) and CBP-related protein p300 (p300) expression decreased. Their growth was inhibited by toremifene, but estradiol was able to abrogate this effect, which might have interesting clinical implications concerning the use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Comparison of the binding pockets of two chemically unrelated allosteric antagonists of the mGlu5 receptor and identification of crucial residues involved in the inverse agonism of MPEP

JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2006
Pari Malherbe
Abstract Fenobam [N- (3-chlorophenyl)- N, -(4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-4-oxo-1H -imidazole-2-yl)urea], a clinically validated non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic, has been shown to be a potent and non-competitive metabotropic glutamate (mGlu)-5 receptor antagonist. In the present study, we have used the site-directed mutagenesis coupled with three-dimensional receptor-based pharmacophore modelling to elucidate the interacting mode of fenobam within the seven-transmembrane domain (7TMD) of mGlu5 receptor and its comparison with that of 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), the prototype antagonist. The common residues involved in the recognition of MPEP and fenobam include Pro6543.36, Tyr6583.40, Thr7806.44, Trp7846.48, Phe7876.51, Tyr7916.55 and Ala8097.47. The differentiating residues between both modulators' interacting modes are Arg6473.29, Ser6573.39 and Leu7435.47. Our data suggest that these chemically unrelated mGlu5 antagonists act similarly, probing a functionally unique region of the 7TMD. Using [3H]inositol phosphates accumulation assay, we have also identified the critical residues involved in the inverse agonist effect of MPEP. The mutation W7846.48A completely blocked the inverse agonist activity of MPEP; two mutations F7876.51A and Y7916.55A, caused a drastic decrease in the MPEP inverse agonism. Furthermore, these three mutations led to an increased efficacy of quisqualate without having any effect on its potency. The fact that the residues Trp7846.48 and Phe7876.51 are essential equally in antagonism and inverse agonism effects emphasizes again the key role of these residues and the involvement of a common transmembrane network in receptor inactivation by MPEP. [source]

Binding and functional affinity of some newly synthesized phenethylamine and phenoxypropanolamine derivatives for their agonistic activity at recombinant human ,3 -adrenoceptor

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003
Maruf Ahmed
ABSTRACT ,3 -Adrenoceptor is the predominant ,-adrenoceptor in adipocytes and has drawn much attention during the investigation for anti-obesity and antidiabetes therapeutics. Thirteen new compounds have been evaluated for their potencies and efficacies as ,3 -adrenoceptor agonists on human ,3 - adrenoceptor expressed in COS-7 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using radio ligand binding assay and cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation assay. Phenoxypropanolamine derivatives, SWR-0334NA (([E)-[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-2-pentene,3-yl] phenoxy]acetic acid sodium salt), SWR-0335SA ((E)-[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-2-pentene,3-yl] phenoxy] acetic acid ethanedioic acid), SWR-0342SA (S-(Z)-[4-[[1-[2-[(2-hydroxy,3-phenoxypropyl)]amino]ethyl]-1-pro-penyl]phenoxy] acetic acid ethanedioic acid), SWR-0348SA-SITA ((E)-[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)amino]-2-hexene,3-yl] phenoxy]acetic acid ethanedioic acid) and SWR-0361SA ((E)-N-methyl-[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-2-pentene,3-yl]phenoxy]acetoamide ethanedioic acid) showed higher agonistic activity for the ,3 -adrenoceptor. Among the compounds tested, SWR-0334NA exhibited full agonist activity (%Emax = 100.26) despite its lower binding affinity (pK1 = 6.11). Compounds SWR-0338SA((E)-[4-[5-[(2-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-pentene,3-yl]phenoxy]acetic acid ethanedioic acid), SWR-0339SA (S-(E)-[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-2-pentene,3-yl] phenoxy] acetic acid ethanedioic acid), SWR-0345HA ((E)-2-methyl,3-[4-[2-(2-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl-amino)ethoxy] phenyl]-2-propenoic acid ethyl ester hydrochloride), SWR-0358SA ((E)-(2-methoxy-ethyl)-[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl) amino]-2-pentene,3-yl]phenoxy]acetoamide ethanedioic acid) and SWR-0362SA ((E)-1-[[[4-[5-[(3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-2-pentene ,3-yl]phenoxy]-acetyl]carbonyl]piperidine ethanedioic acid) had moderate agonistic activity and were phenethylamine and phenoxypropanolamine derivatives. Compounds SWR-0065HA ([4-[2-[3-[[(3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-[1,2,4]-triazino(4,5-a)indol)-lyl]oxy]-2-hydroxypropylamino]ethoxy]phenyl]acetic acid methyl ester hydrochloride), SWR-0098NA ((E)-[4-[3-[(2-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-1-butenyl] phenoxy]-acetic acid sodium salt) and SWR-0302HA ([4-[[4-[2-(3-chlorophenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl)amino]-E-2-butenyl]oxy]phenoxy]acetic acid hydrochloride) had very low binding affinity towards ,3 -adreno-ceptors and they did not induce cAMP accumulation. We concluded that compounds SWR-0334NA, SWR-0335SA, SWR-0342SA, SWR-0348SA-SITA and SWR-0361SA were potential agonists of human ,3 - adrenoceptor. Further investigation on their selectivity towards ,3 -adrenoceptor could be useful for the exploration of the physiological properties of the ,3 -adrenoceptor. [source]

(N)-methanocarba-2MeSADP (MRS2365) is a subtype-specific agonist that induces rapid desensitization of the P2Y1 receptor of human platelets

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 4 2006
D. M. BOURDON
Summary., Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) initiates and maintains sustained aggregation of platelets through simultaneous activation of both the Gq -coupled P2Y1 receptor and the Gi -coupled P2Y12 receptor. We recently described the synthesis and P2Y1 receptor-specific agonist activity of (N)-methanocarba-2MeSADP (MRS2365). Consequences of selective activation of the P2Y1 receptor by MRS2365 have been further examined in human platelets. Whereas MRS2365 alone only induced shape change, addition of MRS2365 following epinephrine treatment, which activates the Gi/z -linked, ,2A -adrenergic receptor, resulted in sustained aggregation that was indistinguishable from that observed with ADP. Conversely, the platelet shape change promoted by ADP in the presence of the GPIIb/IIIa antagonist eptifibatide was similar to that promoted by MRS2365. Preaddition of the high affinity P2Y1 receptor antagonist MRS2500 inhibited the effect of MRS2365, whereas addition of MRS2500 subsequent to MRS2365 reversed the MRS2365-induced shape change. Preactivation of the P2Y1 receptor with MRS2365 for 2 min resulted in marked loss of capacity of ADP to induce aggregation as evidenced by a greater than 20-fold rightward shift in the concentration effect curve of ADP. This inhibitory effect of P2Y1 receptor activation was dependent on the concentration of MRS2365 (EC50 = 34 nm). The inhibitory effect of preincubation with MRS2365 was circumvented by activation of the Gq -coupled 5-HT2A receptor suggesting that MRS2365 induces loss of the ADP response as a consequence of desensitization of the Gq -coupled P2Y1 receptor. The time course of MRS2365-induced loss of aggregation response to epinephrine was similar to that observed with ADP. These results further demonstrate the P2Y1 receptor selectivity of MRS2365 and illustrate the occurrence of agonist-induced desensitization of the P2Y1 receptor of human platelets studied in the absence of P2Y12 receptor activation . [source]

Subtype selective kainic acid receptor agonists: Discovery and approaches to rational design

MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 1 2009
Lennart Bunch
Abstract (S)-Glutamic acid (Glu) is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, activating the plethora of glutamate receptors (GluRs). In broad lines, the GluRs are divided into two major classes: the ionotropic Glu receptors (iGluRs) and the metabotropic Glu receptors (mGluRs). Within the iGluRs, five subtypes (KA1, KA2, iGluR5-7) show high affinity and express full agonist activity upon binding of the naturally occurring amino acid kainic acid (KA). Thus these receptors have been named the KA receptors. This review describes all,to our knowledge,published KA receptor agonists. In total, over 100 compounds are described by means of chemical structure and available pharmacological data. With this perspective review, it is our intention to ignite and stimulate inspiration for future design and synthesis of novel subtype selective KA receptor agonists. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 1, 3,28, 2009 [source]

Specific GABAA agonists and partial agonists

THE CHEMICAL RECORD, Issue 6 2002
Povl Krogsgaard-Larsen
Abstract The GABAA receptor system is implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric diseases, making GABAA receptor ligands interesting as potential therapeutic agents. Only a few different classes of structures are currently known as ligands for the GABA recognition site on the hetero-pentameric GABAA receptor complex, reflecting the very strict structural requirements for GABAA receptor recognition and activation. Within the series of compounds showing agonist activity at the GABAA receptor site that have been developed, most of the ligands are structurally derived from the GABAA agonists muscimol, THIP, or isoguvacine, which we developed in the initial stages of the project. Using recombinant GABAA receptors, functional selectivity was demonstrated for a number of compounds, including THIP, showing highly subunit-dependent potency and maximal response. In light of the interest in partial GABAA receptor agonists as potential therapeutics, structure,activity studies of a number of analogs of 4-PIOL, a low-efficacy partial GABAA agonist derived from THIP, have been performed. In this connection, a series of GABAA ligands has been developed that exhibit pharmacological profiles from moderately potent low-efficacy partial GABAA agonist activity to potent and selective antagonist effects. Very little information is available on direct-acting GABAA receptor agonists in clinical studies. However, the results of clinical studies on the effect of the partial GABAA agonist THIP on human sleep patterns show that the functional consequences of a direct-acting agonist are different from those seen after the administration of GABAA receptor modulators, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates. © 2002 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Chem Rec 2: 419,430; 2002: Published online in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.10040 [source]

Estrogen/isoflavone interactions in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2009
J. Mark Cline
Abstract Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogenic components of dietary soy, which are widely consumed for their potential health benefits. Soy isoflavones appear to decrease breast and endometrial cancer risk in human observational studies, but paradoxically stimulate growth of breast cancer cells in culture and uterine enlargement in rodents. We have shown that these compounds are not estrogenic in cynomolgus monkeys even at relatively high doses, but that they reduce estrogen-induced proliferative responses of the breast and endometrium. This effect may be mediated through estrogen receptor interactions and/or modulation of endogenous estrogen metabolism. Interindividual variation in isoflavone absorption and metabolism contributes to the degree of estrogen antagonistic effect. Our recent studies have also shown that individual isoflavone metabolites such as glyceollins may have unique selective estrogen receptor modulator-like activity, acting as tissue-specific antagonists without agonist activity. Rodent studies and human epidemiologic data suggest that timing of exposure and dose relative to endogenous estrogen concentrations are important determinants of effect, and studies of dietary soy on breast development and pubertal maturation are under way. Because soy isoflavones are both abundant in standard monkey chow diets and widely available as dietary supplements for human beings, these findings have broad relevance to the health of human and nonhuman primates. Am. J. Primatol. 71:722,731, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Synthesis, structure and muscarinic agonist activity of substituted N -(silatran-1-ylmethyl)acetamides

APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2010
Vera G. Pukhalskaya
Abstract Substituted N -(silatran-1-ylmethyl)acetamides, N -methyl- N -[1-(3,,7,,10,-trimethylsilatran-1-yl)methyl]acetamide (2a) and N -(2-hydroxyethyl)- N -[1-(3,,7,,10,-trimethylsilatran-1-yl)methyl]acetamide (2b) were prepared by the reactions of triisopropanolamine with N -methyl- N -(trimethoxysilylmethyl)acetamide (1a) and 2,2-dimethoxy-4-acetyl-1-oxa-4-aza-2-silacyclohexane (1b), respectively. According to X-ray data, the structures of the silatrane moieties are superpositions of unsymmetrical and symmetrical stereoisomers. The O , Si coordination between the central atom and exocyclic substituent is absent in both compounds. Silatranes 2a and 2b are partial muscarinic agonists which demonstrate submaximal effect and mimic the effect of acetylcholine by binding directly to cholinoreceptors of the ileal smooth muscle. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Lack of detection of agonist activity by antibodies to platelet-derived growth factor receptor , in a subset of normal and systemic sclerosis patient sera

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 4 2009
Nick Loizos
Objective To investigate whether agonist anti,platelet-derived growth factor receptor , (anti-PDGFR,) antibodies are present in the serum of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Methods Sera were obtained from healthy subjects and scleroderma patients. An electrochemiluminescence binding assay was performed for detection of serum autoantibodies to PDGFR,, PDGFR,, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and colony-stimulating factor receptor 1 (CSFR1). Serum immunoglobulin was purified by protein A/G chromatography. To assess Ig agonist activity, PDGFR,-expressing cells were incubated with pure Ig and the level of receptor phosphorylation determined in an enzyme-linked immunoassay, as well as by Western blotting. Ig agonist activity was also assessed in a mitogenic assay and by MAP kinase activation in a PDGFR,-expressing cell line. Results Sera from 34.3% of the healthy subjects and 32.7% of the SSc patients contained detectable autoantibodies to PDGFR, and PDGFR,, but not EGFR or CSFR1. Purified Ig from these sera was shown to retain PDGFR binding activity and, at 200-1,000 ,g/ml, exhibited no agonist activity in a cell-based PDGFR, phosphorylation assay and did not stimulate a mitogenic response or MAP kinase activation in a PDGFR,-expressing cell line. Two purified Ig samples that were unable to bind PDGFR, did exhibit binding activity to a nonglycosylated form of PDGFR,. Conclusion Although approximately one-third of sera from scleroderma patients contained detectable autoantibodies to PDGFR, these antibodies were not specific to scleroderma, since they were also detected in a similar percentage of samples from normal subjects. PDGFR, agonist activity was not demonstrated when purified Ig from these sera was tested in cell-based assays. [source]

Constitutive activity of cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptors plays an essential role in the protean agonism of (+)AM1241 and L768242

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
I Mancini
Background and purpose:, Cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor-selective agonists have shown anti-nociceptive activity in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and the two agonists most widely used, (+/,)AM1241 [(2-iodo-5-nitrophenyl)-[1-(1-methylpiperidin-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indol-3-yl-methanone] and L768242 [(2,3-dichloro-phenyl)-[5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-indol-1-yl]-methanone] (GW405833), have been suggested to be protean agonists. Here we investigated the role of the constitutive activity of CB2 receptors in (+)AM1241 and L768242 protean agonism. Experimental approach:, Pharmacological profiles of CB2 receptor ligands were evaluated in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing recombinant human (hCB2) or rat (rCB2) receptors, by measuring modulation of cAMP. To assess the influence of constitutive activity on pharmacological profile, constitutive activity was abolished by pretreatment with AM630 [(6-iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl](4-methoxyphenyl) methanone)], followed by extensive washing. Key results:, In cell lines expressing either hCB2 or rCB2 receptors, (+)AM1241 did not reverse forskolin stimulation of cAMP levels. Conversely, L768242 was an inverse agonist at both hCB2 and rCB2 receptors. Abolition of constitutive activity disclosed (+)AM1241 and L768242 agonist activity, while activity of CP55940 [5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R,2R,5R)-5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-propyl)-cyclohexyl]-phenol] was unaffected and AM630 became a neutral antagonist. In presence of constitutively active CB2 receptors, (+)AM1241 antagonized CP55940, but when constitutive activity was abolished, it acted as a partial agonist with additive or antagonistic behaviour, depending on concentration. Conclusions and implications:, These results show that (+)AM1241 and L768242 are protean agonists at both hCB2 and rCB2 receptors. Abolition of constitutive activity reveals the agonist activity of these compounds. Thus, differences between in vivo and in vitro profiles of CB2 receptor agonists could be due to different levels of constitutive activity in recombinant versus native CB2 receptors. [source]

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel UT receptor ligand [Pen5,DTrp7,Dab8]urotensin II(4,11) (UFP-803)

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
Valeria Camarda
The novel urotensin-II (U-II) receptor (UT) ligand, [Pen5,DTrp7,Dab8]U-II(4,11) (UFP-803), was pharmacologically evaluated and compared with urantide in in vitro and in vivo assays. In the rat isolated aorta, UFP-803 was inactive alone but, concentration dependently, displaced the contractile response to U-II to the right, revealing a competitive type of antagonism and a pA2 value of 7.46. In the FLIPR [Ca2+]i assay, performed at room temperature in HEK293hUT and HEK293rUT cells, U-II increased [Ca2+]i with pEC50 values of 8.11 and 8.48. Urantide and UFP-803 were inactive as agonists, but antagonized the actions of U-II by reducing, in a concentration-dependent manner, the agonist maximal effects with apparent pKB values in the range of 8.45,9.05. In a separate series of experiments performed at 37°C using a cuvette-based [Ca2+]i assay and CHOhUT cells, urantide mimicked the [Ca2+]i stimulatory effect of U-II with an intrinsic activity (,) of 0.80, while UFP-803 displayed a small (,=0.21) but consistent residual agonist activity. When the same experiments were repeated at 22°C (a temperature similar to that in FLIPR experiments), urantide displayed a very small intrinsic activity (,=0.11) and UFP-803 was completely inactive as an agonist. In vivo in mice, UFP-803 (10 nmol kg,1) antagonized U-II (1 nmol kg,1)-induced increase in plasma extravasation in various vascular beds, while being inactive alone. In conclusion, UFP-803 is a potent UT receptor ligand which displays competitive/noncompetitive antagonist behavior depending on the assay. While UFP-803 is less potent than urantide, it displayed reduced residual agonist activity and as such may be a useful pharmacological tool. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 92,100. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706438 [source]

Prostanoids in the Therapy of Glaucoma

CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2006
Naruhiro Ishida
ABSTRACT Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the most important risk factors for the development of glaucoma, which is a progressive optic neuropathy. Lowering IOP is currently the only therapeutic approach to the therapy of glaucoma. Since the use of pilocarpine eye drops for glaucoma treatment was reported in the late 1870s, academic researchers and pharmaceutical companies attempted to discover new drugs with more potent, prolonged, and safer IOP-reducing effects. These persistent efforts finally paid off, and prostanoids with FP-receptor agonist activity were found to be very potent IOP-lowering agents. To date, three prostanoids (latanoprost, travoprost and bimatoprost) have been launched in many countries, and now a new FP-receptor agonist, tafluprost, is entering clinical development. All of these prostanoids are superior to the ,-adrenoceptor antagonists in their IOP-lowering efficacy, and no severe side effects have been reported in their long-term clinical use. In addition, tafluprost may be expected to improve ocular blood flow. Hence, prostanoids currently occupy center stage among glaucoma medications. It cannot be denied that in terms of efficacy, safety, patient compliance, and medical economy prostanoids are currently the first-line medicines among ocular antihypertensive drugs. [source]

Incorporation of vinylogous scaffolds in the C-terminal tripeptide of substance P

CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN, Issue 5 2004
S. Claudel
Abstract:, Glycine-9 and leucine-10 of substance P (SP) are critical for (NK)-1 receptor recognition and agonist activity. Pro,(Z)-CH=CH(CH3)-CONH)Leu (or Met) and Pro,((E) -CH=CH(CH3)-CONH)Leu (or Met) have been introduced in the sequence of SP, in order to restrict the conformational flexibility of the C-terminal tripeptide, Gly-Leu-Met-NH2, of SP. Pro,((Z) -CH=C(CH2CH(CH3)2)-CONH)Met-NH2, with an isobutyl substituent to mimic the Leu side-chain, was also incorporated in place of the C-terminal tripeptide. The substituted-SP analogs were tested for their affinity to human NK-1 receptor specific binding sites (NK-1M and NK-1m) and their potency to stimulate adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C in Chinese Hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the human NK-1 receptor. The most potent SP analogs [Pro9,((Z)CH=C(CH3)CONH)Leu10]SP and [Pro9, ((E)CH=C(CH3)CONH)Leu10]SP, are about 100-fold less potent than SP on both binding sites and second messenger pathways. These vinylogous (Z) - or (E) -CH=C(CH3)- or (Z) -CH=C(CH2CH(CH3)2) moieties hamper the correct positioning of the C-terminal tripeptide of SP within both the NK-1M- and NK-1m-specific binding sites. The origin of these lower potencies is related either to an incorrect peptidic backbone conformation and/or an unfavorable receptor interaction of the methyl or isobutyl group. [source]

Indoloquinolizidine,Peptide Hybrids as Multiple Agonists for D1 and D2 Dopamine Receptors

CHEMMEDCHEM, Issue 9 2009
Marc Vendrell
Abstract Multiple-specificity ligands are considered promising pharmacological tools that may show higher efficacy in the treatment of diseases for which the modulation of a single target is therapeutically inadequate. We prepared a set of novel ligands for D1 and D2 dopamine receptors by combining two indolo[2,3- a]quinolizidine scaffolds with various tripeptide moieties. The binding and functional properties of these molecules were determined by radioligand binding studies in brain striatum membranes and by intracellular cAMP production assays in cells expressing different dopamine receptor subtypes. Some indoloquinolizidine,peptide hybrids, mainly with the trans configuration, showed dual agonist activity at both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors and may therefore be useful for testing the therapeutic potential of multivalent drugs on these targets. [source]

Resolution, configurational assignment, and enantiopharmacology at glutamate receptors of 2-amino-3-(3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (ACPA) and demethyl-ACPA,

CHIRALITY, Issue 9 2001
Tommy N. Johansen
Abstract We have previously described (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-carboxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (ACPA) as a potent agonist at the (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subtype of (S)-glutamic acid (Glu) receptors. We now report the chromatographic resolution of ACPA and (RS)-2-amino-3-(3-carboxy-4-isoxazolyl)propionic acid (demethyl-ACPA) using a Sumichiral OA-5000 column. The configuration of the enantiomers of both compounds have been assigned based on X-ray crystallographic analyses, supported by circular dichroism spectra and elution orders on chiral HPLC columns. Furthermore, the enantiopharmacology of ACPA and demethyl-ACPA was investigated using radioligand binding and cortical wedge electrophysiological assay systems and cloned metabotropic Glu receptors. (S)-ACPA showed high affinity in AMPA binding (IC50 = 0.025 ,M), low affinity in kainic acid binding (IC50 = 3.6 ,M), and potent AMPA receptor agonist activity on cortical neurons (EC50 = 0.25 ,M), whereas (R)-ACPA was essentially inactive. Like (S)-ACPA, (S)-demethyl-ACPA displayed high AMPA receptor affinity (IC50 = 0.039 ,M), but was found to be a relatively weak AMPA receptor agonist (EC50 = 12 ,M). The stereoselectivity observed for demethyl-ACPA was high when based on AMPA receptor affinity (eudismic ratio = 250), but low when based on electrophysiological activity (eudismic ratio = 10). (R)-Demethyl-ACPA also possessed a weak NMDA receptor antagonist activity (IC50 = 220 ,M). Among the enantiomers tested, only (S)-demethyl-ACPA showed activity at metabotropic receptors, being a weak antagonist at the mGlu2 receptor subtype (KB = 148 ,M). Chirality 13:523,532, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]