Affinity For Kappa Opioid Receptors Research Articles

A Bicyclic Analog of the Linear Peptide Arodyn Is a Potent and Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists have potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of stress-induced relapse to substance abuse and mood disorders. The dynorphin A analog arodyn (Ac[Phe1,2,3,Arg4,D-Ala8]dynorphin A-(1-11)-NH2) exhibits potent and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonism. Multiple cyclizations in longer peptides, such as dynorphin and its analogs, can extend the conformational constraint to additional regions of the peptide beyond what is typically constrained by a single cyclization. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of a bicyclic arodyn analog with two constraints in the opioid peptide sequence. The peptide, designed based on structure-activity relationships of monocyclic arodyn analogs, was synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclized by sequential ring-closing metathesis (RCM) in the C- and N-terminal sequences. Molecular modeling studies suggest similar interactions of key aromatic and basic residues in the bicyclic peptide with KOR as found in the cryoEM structure of KOR-bound dynorphin, despite substantial differences in the backbone conformations of the two peptides. The bicyclic peptide's affinities at KOR and mu opioid receptors (MOR) were determined in radioligand binding assays, and its KOR antagonism was determined in the [35S]GTPγS assay in KOR-expressing cells. The bicyclic analog retains KOR affinity and selectivity (Ki = 26 nM, 97-fold selectivity over MOR) similar to arodyn and exhibits potent KOR antagonism in the dynorphin-stimulated [35S]GTPγS assay. This bicyclic peptide represents a promising advance in preparing cyclic opioid peptide ligands and opens avenues for the rational design of additional bicyclic opioid peptide analogs.

Tryptophan Substitution in CJ-15,208 (cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-Trp]) Introduces δ-Opioid Receptor Antagonism, Preventing Antinociceptive Tolerance and Stress-Induced Reinstatement of Extinguished Cocaine-Conditioned Place Preference.

The macrocyclic tetrapeptide CJ-15,208 (cyclo[Phe-D-Pro-Phe-Trp]) and its D-Trp isomer exhibit kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonism which prevents stress-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-conditioned place preference. Here, we evaluated the effects of substitution of Trp and D-Trp on the peptides' opioid activity, antinociceptive tolerance, and the ability to prevent relapse to extinguished drug-CPP. Six analogs were synthesized using a combination of solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclization in solution. The analogs were evaluated in vitro for opioid receptor affinity in radioligand competition binding assays, efficacy in the [35S]GTPγS assay, metabolic stability in mouse liver microsomes, and for opioid activity and selectivity in vivo in the mouse 55 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Potential liabilities of locomotor impairment, respiratory depression, acute tolerance, and conditioned place preference (CPP) were also assessed in vivo, and the ameliorating effect of analogs on the reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-place preference was assessed. Substitutions of other D-amino acids for D-Trp did not affect (or in one case increased) KOR affinity, while two of the three substitutions of an L-amino acid for Trp decreased KOR affinity. In contrast, all but one substitution increased mu opioid receptor (MOR) affinity in vitro. The metabolic stabilities of the analogs were similar to those of their respective parent peptides, with analogs containing a D-amino acid being much more rapidly metabolized than those containing an L-amino acid in this position. In vivo, CJ-15,208 analogs demonstrated antinociception, although potencies varied over an 80-fold range and the mediating opioid receptors differed by substitution. KOR antagonism was lost for all but the D-benzothienylalanine analog, and the 2'-naphthylalanine analog instead demonstrated significant delta opioid receptor (DOR) antagonism. Introduction of DOR antagonism coincided with reduced acute opioid antinociceptive tolerance and prevented stress-induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-CPP.

Conformational Constraint between Aromatic Residue Side Chains in the "Message" Sequence of the Peptide Arodyn Using Ring Closing Metathesis Results in a Potent and Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist.

Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists have recently shown potential for treating drug addiction and mood disorders. The linear acetylated dynorphin A analog arodyn (Ac[Phe1,2,3,Arg4,d-Ala8]dynorphin A-(1-11)NH2), synthesized in our laboratory, demonstrated potent and selective KOR antagonism. Cyclization of arodyn could potentially stabilize the bioactive conformation and enhance its metabolic stability. The cyclization strategy employed involved ring closing metathesis between adjacent meta- or para-substituted Tyr(allyl) residues in the "message" sequence that were predicted in a docking study to yield analogs that would bind to the KOR with binding poses similar to arodyn. Consistent with the modeling, the resulting analogs retained KOR affinity similar to arodyn; the peptides involving cyclization between para O-allyl groups also retained high KOR selectivity, with one analog exhibiting KOR antagonist potency (KB = 15 nM) similar to arodyn. These promising cyclized analogs with constrained aromatic residues represent novel leads for further exploration of KOR pharmacology.

Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of (-)-cis-N-Normetazocine-Based LP1 Derivatives.

(−)-cis-N-Normetazocine represents a rigid scaffold able to mimic the tyramine moiety of endogenous opioid peptides, and the introduction of different N-substituents influences affinity and efficacy of respective ligands at MOR (mu opioid receptor), DOR (delta opioid receptor), and KOR (kappa opioid receptor). We have previously identified LP1, a MOR/DOR multitarget opioid ligand, with an N-phenylpropanamido substituent linked to (−)-cis-N-Normetazocine scaffold. Herein, we report the synthesis, competition binding and calcium mobilization assays of new compounds 10–16 that differ from LP1 by the nature of the N-substituent. In radioligand binding experiments, the compounds 10–13, featured by an electron-withdrawing or electron-donating group in the para position of phenyl ring, displayed improved affinity for KOR (Ki = 0.85–4.80 μM) in comparison to LP1 (7.5 μM). On the contrary, their MOR and DOR affinities were worse (Ki = 0.18–0.28 μM and Ki = 0.38–1.10 μM, respectively) with respect to LP1 values (Ki = 0.049 and 0.033 μM). Analogous trends was recorded for the compounds 14–16, featured by indoline, tetrahydroquinoline, and diphenylamine functionalities in the N-substituent. In calcium mobilization assays, the compound 10 with a p-fluorophenyl in the N-substituent shared the functional profile of LP1 (pEC50MOR = 7.01), although it was less active. Moreover, the p-methyl- (11) and p-cyano- (12) substituted compounds resulted in MOR partial agonists and DOR/KOR antagonists. By contrast, the derivatives 13–15 resulted as MOR antagonists, and the derivative 16 as a MOR/KOR antagonist (pKBMOR = 6.12 and pKBKOR = 6.11). Collectively, these data corroborated the critical role of the N-substituent in (−)-cis-N-Normetazocine scaffold. Thus, the new synthesized compounds could represent a template to achieve a specific agonist, antagonist, or mixed agonist/antagonist functional profile.

Structure-Activity Relationships of the Peptide Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist Zyklophin.

The dynorphin (Dyn) A analogue zyklophin ([N-benzyl-Tyr(1)-cyclo(d-Asp(5),Dap(8))]dynorphin A(1-11)NH2) is a kappa opioid receptor (KOR)-selective antagonist in vitro, is active in vivo, and antagonizes KOR in the CNS after systemic administration. Hence, we synthesized zyklophin analogues to explore the structure-activity relationships of this peptide. The synthesis of selected analogues required modification to introduce the N-terminal amino acid due to poor solubility and/or to avoid epimerization of this residue. Among the N-terminal modifications, the N-phenethyl and N-cyclopropylmethyl substitutions resulted in analogues with the highest KOR affinities. Pharmacological results for the alanine-substituted analogues indicated that Phe(4) and Arg(6), but interestingly not the Tyr(1) phenol, are important for zyklophin's KOR affinity and that Arg(7) was important for KOR antagonist activity. In the GTPγS assay, while all of the cyclic analogues exhibited negligible KOR efficacy, the N-cyclopropylmethyl-Tyr(1) and N-benzyl-Phe(1) analogues were 28- and 11-fold more potent KOR antagonists, respectively, than zyklophin.

Determining pharmacological selectivity of the kappa opioid receptor antagonist LY2456302 using pupillometry as a translational biomarker in rat and human.

Background:Selective kappa opioid receptor antagonism is a promising experimental strategy for the treatment of depression. The kappa opioid receptor antagonist, LY2456302, exhibits ~30-fold higher affinity for kappa opioid receptors over mu opioid receptors, which is the next closest identified pharmacology.Methods:Here, we determined kappa opioid receptor pharmacological selectivity of LY2456302 by assessing mu opioid receptor antagonism using translational pupillometry in rats and humans.Results:In rats, morphine-induced mydriasis was completely blocked by the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (3mg/kg, which produced 90% mu opioid receptor occupancy), while 100 and 300mg/kg LY2456302 (which produced 56% and 87% mu opioid receptor occupancy, respectively) only partially blocked morphine-induced mydriasis. In humans, fentanyl-induced miosis was completely blocked by 50mg naltrexone, and LY2456302 dose-dependently blocked miosis at 25 and 60mg (minimal-to-no blockade at 4–10mg).Conclusions:We demonstrate, for the first time, the use of translational pupillometry in the context of receptor occupancy to identify a clinical dose of LY2456302 achieving maximal kappa opioid receptor occupancy without evidence of significant mu receptor antagonism.

Development of Functionally Selective, Small Molecule Agonists at Kappa Opioid Receptors

The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is widely expressed in the CNS and can serve as a means to modulate pain perception, stress responses, and affective reward states. Therefore, the KOR has become a prominent drug discovery target toward treating pain, depression, and drug addiction. Agonists at KOR can promote G protein coupling and βarrestin2 recruitment as well as multiple downstream signaling pathways, including ERK1/2 MAPK activation. It has been suggested that the physiological effects of KOR activation result from different signaling cascades, with analgesia being G protein-mediated and dysphoria being mediated through βarrestin2 recruitment. Dysphoria associated with KOR activation limits the therapeutic potential in the use of KOR agonists as analgesics; therefore, it may be beneficial to develop KOR agonists that are biased toward G protein coupling and away from βarrestin2 recruitment. Here, we describe two classes of biased KOR agonists that potently activate G protein coupling but weakly recruit βarrestin2. These potent and functionally selective small molecule compounds may prove to be useful tools for refining the therapeutic potential of KOR-directed signaling in vivo.

Synthesis of CJ-15,208, a novel κ-opioid receptor antagonist

The tryptophan isomers of the cyclic tetrapeptide CJ-15,208, reported to be a kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist [Saito, T.; Hirai, H.; Kim, Y. J.; Kojima, Y.; Matsunaga, Y.; Nishida, H.; Sakakibara, T.; Suga, O.; Sujaku, T.; Kojima, N. J. Antibiot. (Tokyo) 2002, 55, 847–854.], were synthesized to determine the tryptophan stereochemistry in the natural product. A strategy was developed to select linear precursor peptides that favor cyclization using molecular modeling, and optimized cyclization conditions are reported. The optical rotation of the l-Trp isomer is consistent with that of the natural product. Unexpectedly both isomers exhibit similar nanomolar affinity for KOR.

Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Activities of Dynorphin A Analogues Cyclized by Ring-Closing Metathesis

Dynorphin A (Dyn A) is an endogenous ligand for kappa opioid receptors. To restrict the conformational mobility, we synthesized several cyclic Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) analogues on solid phase utilizing ring-closing metathesis (RCM) between the side chains of allylglycine (AllGly) residues incorporated in positions 2, 5, and/or 8. Cyclizations between the side chains of AllGly gave reasonable yields (56-74%) of all of the desired cyclic peptides. Both the cis and trans isomers were obtained for all of the cyclic peptides, with the ratio of cis to trans isomers depending on the position and stereochemistry of the AllGly. Most of the cyclic Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) analogues examined exhibit low nanomolar binding affinity for kappa opioid receptors (K(i) = 0.84-11 nM). In two of the three cases, the configuration of the double bond has a significant influence on the opioid receptor affinities and agonist potency. All of the peptides inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity in a concentration-dependent manner with full or close to full agonist activity. These potent Dyn A analogues are the first ones cyclized by RCM.

Dynorphin A (1–13) and responsiveness of the newborn rat to a surrogate nipple: Immediate behavioral consequences and reinforcement effects in conditioning

The role of endogenous opioid system in learning (Pavlovian conditioning) and reinforcement was studied in newborn rats by pairing central injection of dynorphin A (1–13), an endogenous ligand with high affinity for kappa opioid receptors, with a surrogate nipple. For conditioning, the nipple served as the conditioned stimulus and dynorphin as the unconditioned stimulus. Dynorphin was found to elicit an immediate unconditioned, dose-dependent increase in the neonatal responsiveness to a surrogate nipple providing water, an effect apparently mediated through the kappa opioid receptors. This immediate effect of dynorphin was evident in the context of suckling behavior but not in the context of adult-like drinking when water was delivered through an intra-oral cannula. One hour after injection, the unconditioned stimulatory effect of dynorphin had dissipated and no longer affected responsiveness to the nipple. However, pairing of centrally injected dynorphin and suckling on a nipple delivering water substantially enhanced responsiveness to a nipple 1 h later. This suggested conditioning, and hence reinforcement, by the centrally injected dynorphin. The conditioned sustained nipple attachment was mediated through both kappa and mu opioid receptors. These experiments confirm a central role for the brain opioid systems in reinforcement of neonatal behavior on the nipple.

Possible Involvement of Dynorphin A-(1–17) Release via μ1-Opioid Receptors in Spinal Antinociception by Endomorphin-2

The antinociception induced by i.t. or i.c.v. administration of endomorphins is mediated via mu-opioid receptors. However, although endomorphins do not have an appreciable affinity for kappa-opioid receptors, pretreatment with the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine markedly reduces the antinociceptive response to i.c.v. or i.t. administered endomorphin-2 but not endomorphin-1. These results suggest that endomorphin-2 initially stimulates mu-opioid receptors, which subsequently induce the release of dynorphins that act on kappa-opioid receptors to produce antinociception. The present study was performed in mice to determine whether the release of dynorphins by i.t. administered endomorphin-2 is mediated through mu-opioid receptors to produce antinociception. Intrathecal pretreatment with an antiserum against dynorphin A-(1-17), but not against dynorphin B-(1-13) or alpha-neoendorphin, dose-dependently prevented the paw-withdrawal inhibition by endomorphin-2. The pretreatments with these antisera did not affect the endomorphin-1- or [D-Ala(2),MePhe(4),Gly(ol)(5)]enkephalin-induced paw-withdrawal inhibition. The attenuation of endomorphin-2-induced antinociception by i.t. pretreatment with an antiserum against dynorphin A-(1-17) or s.c. pretreatment with norbinaltorphimine was blocked dose-dependently by s.c. pretreatment with the mu-opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine or the mu(1)-opioid receptor antagonist naloxonazine at ultra-low doses that are ineffective against mu-opioid receptor agonists. These results suggest that the spinal antinociception induced by endomorphin-2 is mediated through the stimulation of a distinct subtype of mu(1)-opioid receptor that induces the release of the endogenous kappa-opioid peptide dynorphin A-(1-17) in the spinal cord.

Structure–activity relationships of arodyn, a novel acetylated kappa opioid receptor antagonist*,†

We previously reported that the novel dynorphin A (Dyn A, Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-Arg-Arg-Ile-Arg-Pro-Lys-Leu-Lys-Trp-Asp-Asn-Gln) analog arodyn (Ac[Phe(1,2,3),Arg(4),d-Ala(8)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2), Bennett, M.A., Murray, T.F. & Aldrich, J.V. (2002) J. Med. Chem. vol. 45, pp. 5617-5619) is a kappa opioid receptor-selective peptide [K(i)(kappa) = 10 nm, K(i) ratio (kappa/mu/delta) = 1/174/583] which exhibits antagonist activity at kappa opioid receptors. In this study, a series of arodyn analogs was prepared and evaluated to explore the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of this peptide; this included an alanine scan of the entire arodyn sequence, sequential isomeric d-amino acid substitution in the N-terminal 'message' sequence, NMePhe substitution individually in positions 1-3, and modifications in position 1. The results for the Ala-substituted derivatives indicated that Arg(6) and Arg(7) are the most important residues for arodyn's nanomolar binding affinity for kappa opioid receptors. Ala substitution of the other basic residues (Arg(4), Arg(9) and Lys(11)) resulted in lower decreases in affinity for kappa opioid receptors (three- to fivefold compared with arodyn). Of particular interest, while [Ala(10)]arodyn exhibits similar kappa opioid receptor binding as arodyn, it displays higher kappa vs. mu opioid receptor selectivity [K(i) ratio (kappa/mu) = 1/350] than arodyn because of a twofold loss in affinity at mu opioid receptors. Surprisingly, the Tyr(1) analog exhibits a sevenfold decrease in kappa opioid receptor affinity, indicating that arodyn displays significantly different SAR than Dyn A; [Tyr(1)]arodyn also unexpectedly exhibits inverse agonist activity in the adenylyl cyclase assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing kappa opioid receptors. Substitution of NMePhe in position 1 gave [NMePhe(1)]arodyn which exhibits high affinity [K(i)(kappa) = 4.56 nm] and exceptional selectivity for kappa opioid receptors [K(i) ratio (kappa/mu/delta) = 1/1100/>2170]. This peptide exhibits antagonistic activity in the adenylyl cyclase assay, reversing the agonism of 10 nm Dyn A-(1-13)NH(2). Thus [NMePhe(1)]arodyn is a highly kappa opioid receptor-selective antagonist that could be a useful pharmacological tool to study kappa opioid receptor-mediated activities.

Synthesis and opioid activity of side-chain-to-side-chain cyclic dynorphin A-(1-11) amide analogues cyclized between positions 2 and 5. 1. Substitutions in position 3.

cyclo[d-Asp(2),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-13)NH(2) (Dap, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid; Dyn A, dynorphin A), synthesized previously in our laboratory, showed sub-nanomolar affinity for kappa opioid receptors and potent agonist activity in the guinea pig ileum assay (Arttamangkul et al., J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 2410-2417). Various modifications were made in position 3 of cyclo[d-Asp(2),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) that could influence the opioid receptor affinity, selectivity, and/or efficacy of this peptide. An optimized orthogonal synthetic strategy was developed for the synthesis of these cyclic peptides in which the final peptides could be cleaved from the solid support with trifluoroacetic acid. Substitutions of Gly(3) by Ala, d-Ala, Trp, and d-Trp in cyclo[d-Asp(2),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) and its linear counterpart [d-Asp(2),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) were generally well tolerated by both kappa and micro opioid receptors. Despite differences in the size and stereochemistry of the substitutions, most of the peptides (except for cyclo[d-Asp(2),Pro(3),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) and [d-Asp(2),d-Ala(3), Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2)) exhibited low nanomolar affinity for both kappa (K(i) = 0.21 to 2.2 nM) and micro (K(i) = 0.22 to 7.27 nM) opioid receptors. All of the 3-substituted cyclic and linear analogues synthesized showed reduced affinity for delta opioid receptors. Incorporation of d-Ala at position 3 of cyclo[d-Asp(2),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) exhibited 2-fold higher kappa opioid receptor affinity and 16-fold higher selectivity for kappa over micro opioid receptors than the parent cyclic peptide. In contrast, substitution of Ala at position 3 resulted in an analogue with 2.4-fold lower affinity and very low preference for kappa over micro opioid receptors. The Trp and d-Trp cyclic and linear analogues exhibited similar nanomolar affinities for kappa opioid receptors. cyclo[d-Asp(2),Pro(3),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2) showed the largest decreases in affinity for all three opioid receptors compared to the parent cyclic peptide. Except for cyclo[d-Asp(2), Pro(3),Dap(5)]Dyn A-(1-11)NH(2), which was a partial agonist, all of the cyclic peptides exhibited full agonist activity in the adenylyl cyclase assay using cloned kappa opioid receptors.

Selective protection and functionalization of morphine: synthesis and opioid receptor binding properties of 3-amino-3-desoxymorphine derivatives.

As part of an effort to identify novel opioid receptor interactive agents, we recently prepared a series of 8-(substituted)amino analogues of cyclazocine. We found the chiral 8-phenylamino (NHC(6)H(5)) cyclazocine derivative to have subnanomolar affinity for kappa opioid receptors and a 2-fold lower affinity for mu, opioid receptors. To determine if the benefits of (substituted)amino groups could be extended to the morphine core structure, we have made five novel 3-amino-3-desoxymorphine derivatives of general structure 5 where RR'N = H(2)N, CH(3)NH, (CH(3))(2)N, C(6)H(5)NH, and C(6)H(5)CH(2)NH. Relative to morphine, these derivatives had 38-273-fold, 11-41-fold, and 10-141-fold lower affinity for mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, respectively. Target compounds were made via Pd-catalyzed amination of a morphine 3-trifluoromethylsulfonate substrate where the 6-OH group was protected with a tert-butyldiphenylsilyl group. To make 6-tert-butyldiphenylsilyloxymorphine selectively, a new high-yield method was developed whereby morphine was bis-silylated using normal conditions followed by selective removal of the 3-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl group with catalytic tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

Synthesis and opioid activity of dynorphin A-(1-13)NH2 analogues containing cis- and trans-4-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

It has been proposed that the "message" sequence of dynorphin A (Dyn A) exists in an extended conformation in aqueous solution (Schiller, P. W. Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 1983, 21, 307-312). Molecular modeling suggested that trans-4-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid (trans-ACCA) might function as a conformationally constrained replacement for Gly2-Gly3 of Dyn A in such an extended conformation. ACCA was synthesized by catalytic hydrogenation of p-aminobenzoic acid, and the cis and trans isomers were separated by fractional recrystallization. Analogues of Dyn A-(1-13)-NH2 containing cis- and trans-ACCA were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis using the Fmoc chemical protocol. Results from radioligand binding assays indicated that the peptides have modest affinity for kappa opioid receptors (Ki's = 9.1 and 13.4 nM for [cis-ACCA2-3]- and [trans-ACCA2-3]Dyn A-(1-13)NH2, respectively) and modest kappa-receptor selectivity (Ki ratio (kappa/mu/delta) = 1/13/210 and 1/21/103, respectively). [cis-ACCA2-3]- and [trans-ACCA2-3]Dyn A-(1-13)-NH2 are the first reported Dyn A analogues constrained in the "message" sequence that are selective for kappa receptors. The cis-ACCA analogue showed very weak opioid activity (IC50 = 4.0 microM) in the guinea pig ileum.

Effect of modification of the basic residues of dynorphin A-(1-13) amide on kappa opioid receptor selectivity and opioid activity.

A series of dynorphin A-(1-13) amide (Dyn A-(1-13)NH2) analogues containing lysine or N epsilon-acetyllysine (Lys(Ac)) was prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis and evaluated for opioid receptor affinity in radioligand binding assays and for opioid activity in the guinea pig ileum (GPI). Substitutions were made at positions 6, 7, 9, 11, and 13, the basic amino acids in the C-terminus of the peptide, in order to assess the individual contributions of these residues to the kappa opioid receptor affinity and selectivity of Dyn A-(1-13)NH2. While substitutions of Lys(Ac) for Arg in position 6 did not affect kappa receptor affinity, it enhanced affinity for mu and delta receptors and therefore caused a loss of kappa receptor selectivity. When Lys(Ac) was substituted for Arg9, kappa opioid receptor affinity was enhanced and kappa receptor selectivity was retained. Replacement for Arg7, Lys11, or Lys13 by Lys(Ac) resulted in both decreased affinity and selectivity for kappa receptors. These results demonstrate the importance of Arg6 to the receptor selectivity profile of Dyn A-(1-13)NH2 and indicate that, of the five basic residues in the C-terminus, only Arg9 can be replaced by a nonbasic residue without substantial loss of kappa opioid receptor selectivity.

Substituted 1-(aminomethyl)-2-(arylacetyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines: a novel class of very potent antinociceptive agents with varying degrees of selectivity for kappa and mu opioid receptors.

This study describes the synthesis of a series of novel substituted 1-(aminomethyl)-2-(arylacetyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines, and discusses their structure-activity relationships (SARs) using binding affinity for opioid receptors and antinociceptive potency as the indices of biological activity. The introduction of a hydroxy substituent in position 5 of the isoquinoline nucleus generated a compound, 40, which is 2 times more potent than the previously disclosed unsubstituted analogue 39 in mouse models of antinociception. A QSAR analysis of the 5-substitution clearly demonstrates that antinociceptive activity is inversely associated with the lipophilicity of the substituents. The substituted compounds described herein are less selective for the kappa opioid receptors than the unsubstituted isoquinoline 39. For example, the 5-hydroxy-substituted compound 59 shows high affinity for kappa opioid receptors (Ki kappa = 0.09 nM) and a Ki mu/Ki kappa ratio of only 5. However, a multiple linear regression analysis demonstrates a lack of correlation between antinociceptive activity and affinity for the mu opioid receptor. On the other hand, the correlation between binding affinity to kappa opioid receptor and antinociceptive activity was statistically significant.

Highly selective .kappa. opioid analgesics. 4. Synthesis of some conformationally restricted naphthalene derivatives with high receptor affinity and selectivity

This paper describes the synthesis and kappa and mu opioid receptor binding affinity of some conformationally restrained derivatives of the arylacetamide group in the selective kappa opioid receptor agonist (+/-)-trans-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexyl]benzo [b]thiophene-4-acetamide monohydrochloride (1,PD117302), which is an analogue of U-50, 488. The methyl-substituted derivatives (+/-)-trans-N, alpha-dimethyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzo-[b] thiophene-4-acetamide monohydrochloride (6a,b) possess significantly weaker affinity than 1 for the kappa opioid receptor (Ki = 172 and 3.7 nM, respectively). It is proposed that this is due to the conformational restriction imposed by the methyl group of 6. In order to test this proposal the acenaphthene derivative and the 4,5-dihydro-3H-naphtho [1,8-bc]thiophene derivative were prepared. The acenaphthene derivative (+)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro [4.5]dec-8-yl]acenaphthenecarboxamide monohydrochloride (9) was found to have high kappa opioid receptor affinity and selectivity (kappa Ki = 0.37 +/- 0.05 nM, mu/kappa = 659, delta/kappa = 1562) and is 100 times more potent than morphine as an analgesic in the rat paw pressure test for analgesia after intravenous administration (MPE50 = 0.014 and 1.4 mg/kg, respectively). The 4,5-dihydro-3H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophene derivative (-)-4,5-dihydro-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspiro [4.5]dec-8-yl]-3H-naphthol[1,8-bc]thiophene-5-carboxamide p-toluenesulfonate (17) also has high kappa opioid receptor affinity and selectivity (kappa Ki = 4.65 nM, mu/kappa = 109).

Highly selective .kappa.-opioid analgesics. 3. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-4- or -5-substituted cyclohexyl]arylacetamide derivatives

This paper describes the chemical synthesis, mu/kappa opioid receptor selectivity and analgesic activity of 14 novel N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-4- or -5-substituted-cyclohexyl]arylacetamide derivatives. The prototype kappa-selective agonist, PD117302 (trans-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzo[b]thiophene-4- acetamide, 2) has been regio- and stereoselectively substituted in the C-4 and C-5 positions of the cyclohexyl ring with the methyl ether and spiro tetrahydrofuran groups. It is observed that optimal mu/kappa-receptor selectivity is obtained when the oxygen atom of the methyl ether or the tetrahydrofuran ring is joined to the equatorial C-4 position. Hence, (-)-(5 beta,7 beta,8 alpha)-N-methyl-N-[7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1- oxaspiro[4.5]dec-8-yl]benzo[b]furan-4-acetamide monohydrochloride (21) has exceptionally high kappa opioid receptor affinity and selectivity in vitro (kappa Ki = 0.83 nM, mu/kappa ratio = 1520) is the most potent kappa-selective analgesic ever reported. Compound 21 is 25 times more potent than morphine and 17 times more potent than U-62066 (spiradoline, 19) when assayed by the rat paw pressure test by intravenous administration (MPE50 = 0.024, 0.6, and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively).

Alterations in the stereochemistry of the .kappa.-selective opioid agonist U50,488 result in high-affinity .sigma. ligands

The synthesis and in vitro sigma receptor activity of the two diastereomers of U50,488 [(+/-)-2], namely, (1R,2S)-(+)- cis-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacet ami de [(+)-1] and (1S,2R)-(-)-cis-3,4-dichloro- N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide [(-)-1], are described. (+)-1 and (-)-1 were synthesized from (+/-)-trans-N-methyl-2-aminocyclohexanol [(+/-)-3]. Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) oxidation of the N-t-Boc-protected derivative of (+/-)-3 afforded (+/-)-2-[N- [(tert-butyloxy)carbonyl]-N-methylamino]cyclohexanone [(+/-)-5]. The sequence of enamine formation with pyrrolidine, catalytic reduction, N-deprotection, and optical resolution afforded (1R,2S)-(-)-cis-2-pyrrolidinyl-N-methylcyclohexylamine [(-)-10] and (1S,2R)-(+)-cis-2-pyrrolidinyl-N-methylcyclohexylamine [(+)-10]. The optical purity (greater than 99.5%) of (-)-10 and (+)-10 was determined by HPLC analysis of the diastereomeric ureas formed by reaction with optically pure (R)-alpha-methylbenzyl isocyanate. The absolute configuration of (-)-10 and (+)-10 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry of the bis-(R)-mandelate salt. Condensation of optically pure (-)-10 and (+)-10 with 3,4-dichlorophenylacetic acid furnished (+)-1 and (-)-1, respectively. Compounds (+)-1, (-)-1, (-)-2, and (+)-2 were compared for their binding affinities at kappa opioid, sigma, D2-dopamine, and phencyclidine (PCP) receptors in competitive binding assays using [3H]bremazocine ([3H]BREM) or [3H]U69,593, [3H]-(+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [[3H]-(+)-3-PPP], or [3H]-1,3-di(o-tolyl)guanidine ([3H]DTG), [3H]-(-)-sulpiride [[3H]-(-)SULP], and [3H]-1- [1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]TCP), respectively. In the systems examined, (-)-2 exhibited the highest affinity for kappa receptors, with a Ki of 44 +/- 8 nM. However, (-)-2 also showed moderate affinity for sigma receptors, with a Ki of 594 +/- 3 nM [[3H]-(+)-3-PPP]. The (1R,2R)-(+)-enantiomer, (+)-2, had low affinity for both kappa and sigma receptors, exhibiting Ki values of 1298 +/- 49 nM at kappa ([3H]BREM) and 1270 +/- 168 nM at sigma [[3H]-(+)-3-PPP]. In contrast, the chiral cis compounds (+)-1 and (-)-1 showed high affinity for sigma receptors and negligible affinity for kappa opioid receptors in the [3H]BREM assay. Compound (-)-1 exhibited a Ki of 81 +/- 13 nM at sigma receptors [[3H]-(+)-3-PPP] and 250 +/- 8 nM ([3H]DTG).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)