Guinea-pig Ileum Longitudinal Smooth Muscle Research Articles

Searching for new antiarrhythmic agents: Evaluation of meta-hydroxymexiletine enantiomers

Mexiletine is a very well-known class IB antiarrhythmic drug, whose enantiomers differ in both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, the (R)-isomer being the eutomer on experimental arrhythmias and in binding studies on cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels. meta-Hydroxymexiletine (MHM) is a minor metabolite of mexiletine, which has demonstrated to be more potent than the parent compound. Herein we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of MHM enantiomers for their potential antiarrhythmic activity. The same stereoselectivity pattern observed for mexiletine was found for MHM: the (R)-enantiomer of MHM was the eutomer on ac-arrhythmia also showing a negative inotropism higher than the one displayed by mexiletine and, at the same time, a decreased vasorelaxant activity on guinea-pig left atrium and guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle.

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

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. 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. 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%). 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.

Synthesis, Evaluation of Pharmacological Activities and Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of a Novel Group of bis(4‐Nitroaryl‐1,4‐dihyropyridine)

Voltage-dependent calcium channels are crucial targets for a wide range of clinically active pharmacological agents. From these agents, 1,4-dihydropyridines constitute a group of small organic compounds are based on a core pyridine structure which can both block and enhance calcium currents. They are considered specific for L-Type calcium channels; however, other channel types, and in particular certain T-Type channels, may show sensitivity to dihydropyridine compounds. In this study, we synthesized a novel group of bis-1,4-dihydropyridines using the procedure reported by Dagnino that involved the condensation of n-alkyl diacetoacetate (n = 2-7) with methyl-3-aminocrotonate and nitrophenylaldehyde. The synthesis was run under two conditions: (i) reflux and (ii) microwave. Calcium channels antagonist activity were determined in vitro using guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle assay. Synthesis of these compounds was confirmed with 1H-NMR, IR and mass spectrometry. Then IC(50) of them are calculated and compared with Nifedipine. Finally, the result of this pharmacological assay was used in quantitative structure-activity relationship studies utilizing multiple linear regression analysis. Most of these compounds are less active compared with Nifedipine. Decrease in activity is the result of increase in steric hindrance. The quantitative structure-activity relationship study indicates that the activity is related to the electrostatic and topological parameters and the distance between two C5-esteric groups of 1,4-dihydropyridine rings.

Synthesis, QSAR and Calcium Channel Modulator Activity of New Hexahydroquinoline Derivatives Containing Nitroimidazole

The discovery that 1,4-dihydropyridine class of calcium channel antagonists inhibit Ca2+ influx represented a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In contrast to the effects of known calcium channel blockers of the Nifedipine-type, the so-called calcium channel agonists, such as Bay K8644 and CGP 28392, increase calcium influx by binding at the same receptor regions. Our goal was to discover a dual cardioselective Ca2+-channel agonist/vascular selective smooth muscle Ca2+ channel antagonist third-generation 1,4-dihydropyridine drug which would have a suitable therapeutic profile for treating congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. A series of unsymmetrical alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl ester analogues of 2-methyl-4-(1-methyl)-5-nitro-2-imidazolyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7, 8-hexahydroquinolin-3-arboxylate were synthesized using modified Hantzsch reaction. All compounds show calcium antagonist activity on guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle and some of them show agonist effect activity on guinea-pig auricle. Effect of structural parameters on the Ca2+ channel agonist/antagonist was evaluated by quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis. These compounds could be considered as a synthon for developing a suitable drug for treating CHF patients.

Synthesis, QSAR and Calcium Channel Antagonist Activity of New 1,4‐Dihydropyridine Derivatives Containing 1‐Methyl‐4,5‐dichloroimidazolyl Substituents

A group of dialkyl and diarylester analogues of nifedipine, in which the ortho-nitrophenyl group at position 4 was replaced by a 1-methyl-4,5-dichloroimidazolyl substituent, were synthesized and evaluated as calcium-channel antagonists using the high K(+)concentration of guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle. The structure of all compounds was confirmed by IR,(1)H-NMR, and mass spectra. The calcium-channel antagonist activity of compounds 10a-f demonstrated that compound 10b was the most active and 10f the least active one. With unsymmetrical diesters 12a-k, the most active compound was the ethyl, phenethyl derivative. Structural parameters on the calcium-channel antagonist activity were evaluated by QSAR analysis and a linear correlation was found between the -log IC(50) values of these compounds and their constitutional and topological properties.

Synthesis and calcium channel antagonist activities of new derivatives of dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-phenylisoxazol-3-yl)pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates

The new analogues of nifedipine, in which 2-nitrophenyl group at position 4 is replaced by phenylisoxazolyl substituent, were synthesized. The symmetrical dialkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-phenylisoxazol-3-yl)pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates were prepared by classical Hantzsch condensation, and the asymmetrical analogues were synthesized using a procedure reported by Dagnino that involved the condensation of alkyl acetoacetate with alkyl 3-aminocrotonate and 5-phenylisoxazole-3-carboxaldehyde. The structure of all compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectra. In vitro calcium channel antagonist activities were evaluated as calcium channel antagonists using the high K+ concentration of guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) assay. These compounds exhibited moderate calcium antagonist activity (IC50 = 10−7 to 10− 5 M range) relative to the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.10 ± 0.40 × 10−8 M).

Syntheses, calcium channel agonist-antagonist modulation activities, and nitric oxide release studies of nitrooxyalkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)pyridine-5-carboxylate racemates, enantiomers, and diastereomers.

A novel group of hybrid calcium channel (CC) modulators was prepared where the isopropyl ester moiety of isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)pyridine-5-carboxylate (PN 202-791) was replaced by a variety of nitric oxide (*NO) donor nitrooxyalkyl ester substituents. Enantiomers, or diastereomers, having the (R)-configuration at the C-4 position of the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring (1,4-DHP) exhibited more potent in vitro CC antagonist activity on guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) than compounds having the (4S)-configuration. None of the nitrooxyalkyl compounds exhibited a contraindicated CC agonist effect on GPILSM that would cause smooth muscle contraction. Structure-activity studies showed the enantiomers having the (S)-configuration at the C-4 position of the 1,4-DHP ring or diastereomers having the a (4S)-configuration at the C-4 position of the 1,4-DHP ring in conjunction with a (1R-)-1-methyl-2-nitrooxyethyl ester substituent exhibited the most potent cardiac CC agonist (positive inotropic) activity on guinea pig left atrium (GPLA). This class of compounds releases *NO in vitro that is enhanced by the presence of a thiol such as N-acetylcysteamine. The novel *NO donor (-)-(S,R)-1-methyl-2-nitrooxyethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)pyridine-5-carboxylate [(-)-(S,R)-38], which acts as a dual cardioselective calcium channel agonist (GPLA)/smooth muscle selective calciumchannel antagonist (GPILSM), is a useful lead compound for drug discovery targeted to the treatment of congestive heart failure, and it provides a useful research probe to study the structure-function relationship of calcium channels.

Syntheses, calcium channel agonist‐antagonist modulation effects, and nitric oxide release studies of [3‐(Benzenesulfonyl)furoxan‐4‐yloxy]alkyl 1,4‐Dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐5‐nitro‐4‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl, benzofurazan‐4‐yl, 2‐, 3‐, or 4‐pyridyl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxylates

AbstractA group of racemic 1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐5‐nitro‐3‐pyridinecarboxylates possessing either a C‐4 2‐trifluoromethylphenyl (22–24), benzofurazan‐4‐yl (42–44), 2‐pyridyl (45–47), 3‐pyridyl (48–50), or 4‐pyridyl (51–53), substituent in conjunction with a nitric oxide donor C‐3 ester [3‐(benzenesulfonyl)furoxan‐4‐yloxy]alkyl substituent were synthesized using modified Hantzsch reactions. Compounds 45–53 having a C‐4 2‐, 3‐, or 4‐pyridyl substituent exhibited more potent in vitro calcium channel antagonist activity (IC50's in the 0.46 to 5.23 μM range) on guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) than related analogs having a C‐4 2‐trilfuoromethylphenyl (22–24) or benzofurazan‐4‐yl (42, 44) substituent (IC50 ≥ 29.91 mM). The point of attachment of the pyridyl ring (2‐, 3‐, or 4‐), and the length of the C‐3 ester alkyl spacer [‐CH2(CH2)n, n=1–3], were not determinants of smooth muscle calcium channel antagonist activity. Replacement of the C‐3 ester methyl substituent of Bay K 8644, or the ester isopropyl substituent of the 4‐(pyridyl) isomers 4a‐c by a [3‐(benzensulfonyl)furoxan‐4‐yloxy]alkyl moiety retained the desired calcium channel agonist (positive inotropic) effect on guinea pig left atrium (GPLA). Compounds having C‐4 3‐pyridyl (48–50), or 4‐pyridyl (51–53), substituents were the most potent cardiac positive inotropes (EC50's in the 3.02 to 19.74 μM range) relative to the reference drug Bay K 8644 IC50=0.77 μM). The % nitric oxide released in vitro in the presence of L‐cysteine for this group of compounds was higher (36–74% range) than for the reference drug glycerol trinitrate (20%). A quantitative structure‐activity analysis showed an inverse correlation between a molecular weight (MW) descriptor and % nitric oxide released. Model hybrid (calcium channel modulation, nitric oxide donor) compounds that show dual cardioselective agonist (positive inotropic)/smooth muscle selective antagonist activities constitute a novel type of 1,4‐dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator that provides a potential drug design concept targeted toward the treatment of congestive heart failure, and is a useful probe to study the structure‐function relationship of calcium channels. Drug. Dev. Res. 56:1–16, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Synthesis and calcium channel modulating effects of modified Hantzsch nitrooxyalkyl 1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridinyl or 2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5‐pyridinecarboxylates

AbstractA group of racemic nitrooxyalkyl 1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridinyl or 2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5‐pyridinecarboxylates 8a–o were synthesized using modified Hantzsch reactions. In vitro calcium channel antagonist activities, determined using a guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) assay, showed that compounds 8a–o exhibited weaker calcium antagonist activity (10–5 to 10–7 M range) than the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.43 × 10–8 M). Compounds 8 possessing a C‐4 R1 = 2‐pyridyl substituent were always more potent than the approximately equiactive analogs having an R1 = 3‐pyridyl, 4‐pyridyl or 2‐CF3‐C6H4‐substituent, within each subgroup of nitrooxyalkyl compounds [R2 = – (CH2)nONO2 (n = 2, 3, 4) or –CH(CH2ONO2)2]. Although the length of the R2 = –(CH2)nONO2 substituent (n = 2–4) was not a determinant of smooth muscle calcium antagonist activity when the C‐4 R1‐substituent was 2‐pyridyl, when R1 was a 3‐pyridyl, 4‐pyridyl, or 2‐CF3‐C6H4‐substituent, the relative potency order with respect to the R2 = –(CH2)nONO2 substituent was n = 3 and 4 &gt; n = 2. Replacement of the isopropyl substituent of the ester moiety of the calcium antagonist (±)‐2‐pyridyl 3a by a –(CH2)nONO2 (n = 2–4) moiety increased calcium antagonist activity on GPILSM by 8‐fold. In contrast, replacement of the isopropyl substituent of the ester moiety of the calcium agonists (±)‐3‐pyridyl 3b, (±)‐4‐pyridyl 3c or the methyl substituent of the ester moiety of Bay K8644 by a R2 nitrooxyalkyl substituent resulted in abolition of their calcium agonist effects on GPILSM that is replaced by a smooth muscle calcium antagonist effect. These calcium antagonist data support the concept that incorporation of a nitrooxyalkyl ester substituent constitutes a valuable drug design strategy to enhance Hantzsch 1,4‐dihydropyridine calcium antagonist and/or abolish calcium agonist effects on smooth muscle. Replacement of the isopropyl (8b–c), or the methyl (8d) group by a –CH2CH2ONO2 moiety resulted in retention of the cardiac positive inotropic effect where the relative potency order with respect to the C‐4 substituent was 2‐CF3‐C6H6‐ (8d) &gt; 3‐pyridyl (8b) ≈ 4‐pyridyl (8c). Model hybrid (calcium channel modulation, ·NO release) compounds, that exhibit dual cardioselective agonist / smooth muscle selective antagonist activities, represent a novel type of 1,4‐dihydropyridine CC modulator that offers a potential approach to drug discovery targeted toward the treatment of congestive heart failure and for use as probes to study the structure–function relationship of calcium channels. Drug Dev. Res. 51:225–232, 2000. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Synthesis and calcium channel modulation effects of isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-phenylpyridine-5-carboxylates possessingortho-,meta-, andpara-CH2S(O)nMe and -S(O)nMe (n = 0-2) phenyl substituents

A group of isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-phenylpyridine-5-carboxylates (13–15) possessing ortho-, meta-, and para-CH2S(O)nMe and –S(O)nMe (n = 0–2) phenyl substituents were synthesized using a modified Hantzsch reaction. Calcium channel (CC) modulating activities were determined using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) in vitro assays. This class of –CH2S(O)nMe and –S(O)nMe (n = 0–2) compounds (13–15a–f) exhibited weaker CC antagonist activity on GPILSM (IC50 = > 1.1 × 10–5 to 4.1 × 10–6 M range) than the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.4 × 10–8 M). The oxidation state of the sulfur atom was a determinant of smooth muscle CC antagonist activity where the relative activity profile was generally thio (13, -CH2SMe, -SMe) and sulfonyl (15, -CH2SO2Me, -SO2Me) > sulfinyl (14, -CH2SOMe, -SOMe). The point of attachment of the phenyl substituent was a determinant of activity for the –CH2SMe (13a–c), -CH2SOMe (14a–c) and SOMe (14d–f) isomers where the relative potency order was meta and para > ortho. Compounds in this group (13–15), unlike Bay K 8644 (EC50 = 2.3 × 10–7 M on GPILSM), did not exhibit an agonist effect on GPILSM. The meta-CH2SMe (13b), ortho-CH2SMe (13c), meta-SMe (13e), and ortho-CH2SO2Me (15c) C-4 phenyl derivatives exhibited respectable in vitro cardiac positive inotropic activities (EC50 = 1.00 × 10–6 to 7.57 × 10–6 M range) relative to the reference drug Bay K 8644 (EC50 = 7.70 × 10–7 M) in the GPLA assay. In contrast to Bay K 8644, which acts as an undesirable calcium channel agonist on smooth muscle (GPILSM), compounds 13b (IC50 = 4.11 × 10–6 M), 13c (IC50 = 2.29 × 10–5 M), 13e (IC50 = > 1.20 × 10–5 M) and 15c (IC50 = 6.22 × 10–6 M) exhibited a desirable simultaneous calcium channel antagonist effect on smooth muscle at a similar (13b, 15c), or lower (13c, 13e), concentration relative to its cardiac agonist EC50 value. Model compounds such as 13b, 13c, 13e, and 15c, that exhibit dual cardioselective agonist / smooth muscle selective antagonist activities, represent a novel type of 1,4-dihydropyridine CC modulators that offer a potential approach to drug discovery targeted toward the treatment of congestive heart failure and for use as probes to study the structure–function relationship of calcium channels. Drug Dev. Res. 51:177–186, 2000. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

InsP3, but not novel Ca2+ releasers, contributes to agonist-initiated contraction in rabbit airway smooth muscle.

1. To examine the contributions of the putative Ca2+ releasers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR), and nicotinate adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), to carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction in airway smooth muscle, we measured force development of permeabilized rabbit tracheal smooth muscle, human bronchial smooth muscle and guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle. 2. In the presence of 50 microM GTP, CCh and InsP3 contracted alpha-toxin-permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle dose dependently; the EC50 values for CCh and InsP3 were 1.84 microM and 363 microM, and the maximum responses (normalized to the 30 mM caffeine response) to 100 microM CCh and to 800 microM InsP3 were 206 +/- 13.4 % (mean +/- S.E.M.) and 84.4 +/- 5.3 %, respectively. 3. However, cADPR (10-300 microM), beta-NAD+ (2.5 mM), FK506 (30 microM) and NAADP (100 microM) neither contracted the strip by themselves nor affected the subsequent CCh (1 microM) response. alpha-Toxin-permeabilized bronchial smooth muscle and ileum smooth muscle also responded to caffeine, InsP3 and CCh but not to cADPR. 4. Both 100 microM 8-amino-cADPR, a selective cADPR antagonist, and 100 microM thionicotinamide-NADP, a selective NAADP antagonist, failed to inhibit the CCh response, although procaine abolished the caffeine, InsP3 and CCh responses in the permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle. 5. Although inhibition of the caffeine response by 30 microM ryanodine was nearly complete, approximately 30 % of the InsP3 (300 microM) plus GTP (50 microM) response was retained, and the resultant response disappeared after the caffeine response was evoked in the presence of ryanodine. 6. Heparin (300 microg ml-1) blocked InsP3 (300 microM) and CCh (3 microM) responses in beta-escin-permeabilized tracheal smooth muscle, while Ruthenium Red (100 microM) partially inhibited the CCh response. 7. Collectively, InsP3 but not cADPR or NAADP plays a key role in CCh-initiated contraction, and InsP3 utilizes a single compartment of the caffeine/ryanodine-sensitive stored Ca2+ in airway smooth muscle.

Synthesis, rotamer orientation, and calcium channel modulation activities of alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates.

A group of racemic alkyl and 2-phenethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates (13a-q) was prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (7a-j) with an alkyl or 2-phenethyl 3-aminocrotonate (11a-d) and nitroacetone (12). Nuclear Overhauser (NOE) studies indicated there is a significant rotamer fraction in solution where the pyridyl nitrogen is oriented above the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, irrespective of whether a substituent is located at the 3- or 6-position. A potential H-bonding interaction between the pyridyl nitrogen free electron pair and the suitably positioned 1,4-dihydropyridine NH moiety may stablize this rotamer orientation. In vitro calcium channel antagonist and agonist activities were determined using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays, respectively. Compounds having an i-Pr ester substituent acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle-selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM), except for the C-4 3-nitro-2-pyridyl compound which exhibited an antagonist effect on both GPLA and GPILSM. In contrast, the compounds with a phenethyl ester group, which exhibited antagonist activity (IC50 = 10(-5)-10(-7) M range) on GPILSM, were devoid of cardiac agonist activity on GPLA. Structure-activity relationships showing the effect of a substituent (Me, CF3, Cl, NO2, Ph) at the 3- or 6-position of a C-4 2-pyridyl moiety and a variety of ester substituents (Me, Et, i-Pr, PhCH2CH2-) upon calcium channel modulation are described. Compounds possessing a 3- or 6-substituted-2-pyridyl moiety, in conjuction with an i-Pr ester substituent, are novel 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulators that offer a new drug design approach directed to the treatment of congestive heart failure and may also be useful as probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

Synthesis and Calcium Channel-Modulating Effects of Alkyl (or Cycloalkyl) 1,4-Dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-pyridyl-5-pyridinecarboxylate Racemates and Enantiomers

A group of racemic alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 1,4-dihydro-2,6- dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-, 3-, or 4-pyridyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylate isomers (6-14) were prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of nitroacetone with an alkyl (or cycloalkyl) 3-aminocrotonate and 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Determination of their in vitro calcium channel-modulating activities using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays showed that the 2-pyridyl isomers acted as dual cardioselective calcium channel agonists (GPLA)/smooth muscle selective calcium channel antagonists (GPILSM). In contrast, the 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl isomers acted as calcium channel agonists on both GPLA and GPILSM. In the C-4 2-pyridyl group of compounds, the size of the C-5 alkyl (or cycloalkyl) ester substituent was a determinant of GPILSM antagonist activity where the relative activity profile was cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl > t-Bu, i-Bu, and Et > MeOCH2CH2 > Me. The point of attachment of the C-4 pyridyl substituent was a determinant of GPLA agonist activity where the potency order was generally 4- and 3-pyridyl > 2-pyridyl. (+)-Cyclohexyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-pyridyl)-5- pyridinecarboxylate [(+)-14a] was a less potent calcium antagonist (IC50 = 5.27 x 10(-6) M) than the (-)-enantiomer (IC50 = 7.48 x 10(-8) M) on GPILSM. In the GPLA assay, (+)-14a exhibited a much more potent agonist effect (EC50 = 8.45 x 10(-6) M) relative to the marginal agonist effect produced by (-)-14a. The C-4 2-pyridyl compounds (enantiomers) constitute a novel type of 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator that could provide a new drug design concept directed toward the treatment of congestive heart failure, and for use as probes to study the structure-function relationships of calcium channels.

Stereoselectivity of Butylidenephthalide on Voltage-dependent Calcium Channels in Guinea-pig Isolated Ileum

Two geometric isomers, the Z- and the E- forms, can be separated from synthetic mixtures of butylidenephthalide (Bdph). Z-Bdph (50-100 microM) non-competitively inhibited Ca(2+)-induced contractions in depolarized (K+, 60 mM) guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle, with a pD2' value of 3.88 +/- 0.20 (n = 5). However, E-Bdph (20-100 microM) competitively inhibited these contractions with a pA2 value of 4.56 +/- 0.18 (n = 5) which was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than the pD2' value of Z-Bdph. In contrast, the two isomers had no stereoselective inhibitory action on Ca2+ influx through pre- or post-junctional membranes of cholinergic nerve endings from which the transmitter acetylcholine is released or on Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Therefore, the trans-Z and cis-E forms of Bdph might have geometric stereoselectivity for voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDC) in guinea-pig longitudinal smooth muscle. Both isomers might inhibit more selectively the contractile twitch responses evoked by electrical stimulation than by cumulative acetylcholine- or carbachol-induced transient contractions in guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle.

Synthesis and calcium channel modulating effects of isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(thienyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates.

A group of racemic isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(thienyl)-5-pyridinecarboxylates++ + 7a-f were prepared using a modified Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of a thienylcarboxaldehyde 4a-f with isopropyl 3-aminocrotonate 5 and nitroacetone 6. In vitro calcium channel antagonist activities were determined using a guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) assay. Compounds 7a-f exhibited weaker calcium channel antagonist activity (IC50 = 10(-5) to 10(-7) M range) than the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.43 x 10(-8) M). The point of attachment of the C-4 thienyl ring system was a determinant of antagonist activity [3-thienyl (7b) > 2-thienyl (7a)]. A 5-substituent in the 2-thienyl moiety influenced antagonist activity where the potency order was 5-bromo-2-thienyl 7f > or = 5-methyl-2-thienyl 7c > 2-thienyl 7a. Although the 5-methyl-2-thienyl 7c and 3-methyl-2-thienyl 7d isomers are equipotent antagonists, the 5-bromo-2-thienyl compound 7f appears to be marginally more active than the 4-bromo-2-thienyl isomer 7e. The 2-thienyl compound 7a, unlike the 3-thienyl isomer 7b, exhibited an agonist effect on GPILSM in the absence of the muscarinic agonist carbachol. Effects of the 2-thienyl 7a and 3-thienyl 7b isomers on the magnitude of calcium current were determined in guinea pig ventricular myocytes with voltage clamp techniques. Results showed that 2-thienyl 7a inhibited calcium current (antagonist) when voltage steps were made from a potential of -40 mV. However, when voltage steps were made from -60 mV, 7a enhanced calcium current (agonist). The 3-thienyl isomer 7b had little, if any, effect on calcium current.

Synthesis and smooth muscle calcium channel antagonist effects of alkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(pyridinyl)-5-[2-(4,5-dihydro- 4,4-dimethyloxazolin-2-yl)]-3-pyridinecarboxylates.

A group of racemic alkyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3- or 4-pyridinyl)-5-[2-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyloxazolin-2-yl)-3- pyridinecarboxylates 11a-e were prepared by using the Hantzsch reaction involving condensation of the Knoevenagel adducts 9a-e with 1-[2-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyloxazolin-2-yl)]-1-propen-2-ami ne (10). In contrast, the 4-(2-pyridinyl) analogue 11f was prepared by thionyl chloride mediated cyclization of the 5-¿N-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)aminocarbonyl¿ moiety of 16 to the 5-[2-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyloxazolin-2-yl)] ring system (11f). In vitro calcium channel antagonist activity was determined by using the guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) assay. Compared to the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.43 x 10(-8) M), the title compounds 11 exhibited weak calcium channel antagonist activity (10(-5) to 10(-6) M range). A comparison of compounds 11 having a C-4 3-pyridinyl substituent showed that with respect to the alkyl ester R2-substituent, the relative potency order was i-Bu (11c) > or = i-Pr (11e) > Me (11a). The point of attachment of the C-4 pyridinyl substituent in the isopropyl ester isomeric series of compounds was a determinant of activity where the potency profile was 4-py (11d) > or = 3-py (11e) > 2-py (11f). Although less effective, the 4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyloxazolin-2-yl moiety acts as a bioisostere of the alkyl ester substituent present in classical 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists. The 4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyl-oxaxolin-2-yl ring system is not an effective bioisostere of the 3-nitro group present in 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel agonists since isopropyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-pyridinyl)-5- [2-(4,5-dihydro-4,4-dimethyloxazolin-2-yl)]-3-pyridinecarboxyla te (11f) produced a modest 10% increase in the in vitro contractile force of guinea pig left atrium at a concentration of 1.64 x 10(-7) M, relative to the reference 3-nitro analogue 1 (EC50 = 9.6 x 10(-6) M).

Synthesis and Calcium Channel Modulating Effects of Alkyl 1,4‐Dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(pyridinyl or 2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxylates

AbstractA group of racemic alkyl 1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(pyridinyl or 2‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxylates 11–14 were prepared using the Hantzsch reaction that involved the condensation of 2‐, 3‐ or 4‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde, or 2‐trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde, 8a–d with isopropyl or methyl 3‐aminocrotonate (9a–b) and 5‐(2‐oxopropyl)‐1H‐tetrazole (10a) or 5‐(2‐oxopropyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazole (10b). In vitro calcium channel (CC) antagonist and agonist activities were determined using guinea pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle (GPILSM) and guinea pig left atrium (GPLA) assays, respectively. In the series of compounds 11–14, only compounds 14a and 14b exhibited some weak CC antagonist activity (10−6 M range) relative to the reference drug nifedipine (IC50 = 1.43 × 10−8 M). Compounds 11b‐14b having a 1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl substituent were inactive CC agonists on GPLA. In contrast, compounds 12a‐14a having a 1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl substituent exhibited CC agonist activity on GPLA, but the C‐4 2‐pyridinyl analog 11a exhibited a mild negative inotropic effect. The approximately equipotent CC agonist activity (GPLA) exhibited by the C‐4 pyridinyl 13a and 4‐(2‐trifluoromethylphenyl) 14a compounds compared favorably with that of the reference drug (±)‐Bay K 8644 (EC50 = 7.7 × 10−7 M) indicating that the 1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl moiety is a suitable replacement for the nitro group present in Bay K 8644 with respect to cardiac CC agonist activity. These latter compounds 13a and 14a should serve as useful probes to study the structure‐function relationships of calcium channels.

Beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist activities of ICI-215001, a putative beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist.

1. The present study was undertaken to characterize the beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist activity of ICI-215001 and to determine whether it exhibits additional activities on beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors in isolated spontaneously beating atrium, trachea and ileum of guinea-pig. 2. In guinea-pig atrium, isoprenaline, a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor agonist, caused concentration-dependent, positive chronotropic effects that were inhibited by atenolol, a selective beta 1-antagonist. ICI-215001 also competitively antagonized the increase in heart rate caused by isoprenaline. 3. ICI-215001 exhibited low intrinsic activity at increasing the beating rate of atrium and no activity on resting or induced tone of tracheal strips. 4. In strips of guinea-pig trachea, contracted submaximally with carbachol, isoprenaline, caused concentration-dependent relaxations. Both ICI-118551, a selective beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, and ICI-215001 competitively inhibited the relaxations caused by isoprenaline. 5. In isolated strips of guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle contracted with histamine, isoprenaline and ICI-215001 caused relaxations which were inhibited by alprenolol, a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with modest affinity for beta 3-adrenoceptors, but were resistant to ICI-118551 and atenolol. 6. These results indicate that ICI-215001 exhibits beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist activity as demonstrated by relaxations mediated via atypical beta-adrenoceptors in the longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum. Further, the studies demonstrate that ICI-215001 can act as an antagonist at beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptors in situations where its intrinsic agonist activity is low.

Role of Na+ and protein kinase C in angiotensin desensitization and tachyphylaxis in the guinea-pig ileum.

Simultaneous recordings of the tension and intracellular Ca2+ concentration of guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle strips, as well as 24Na+ and 45Ca2+ influx measurements in cultured myocytes from the same tissue, were used to investigate the mechanisms underlying angiotensin-induced desensitization and tachyphylaxis. Angiotensin II and [2-lysine]-angiotensin II (Lys2All), incubated for prolonged periods (10 min) with muscle strips, induced fading of the contractile response (desensitization) and reappearance of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration oscillations, which were inhibited during the initial increase in cytosolic Ca2+. The desensitization was paralleled, in cultured myocytes, by inhibition of the 45Ca2+ but not of the 24Na+ influxes which were initially stimulated by the peptides. On the other hand, repeated administrations of angiotensin II (but not of Lys2All) caused gradual reduction of the contractile response and of the 24Na+ influx stimulation evoked by the agonist (tachyphylaxis). Treatment with phorbol 12-13 dibutyrate accelerated the desensitization induced by both angiotensin II and by Lys2All and aggravated the tachyphylaxis to angiotensin II. The results support the hypothesis that activation of protein kinase C is responsible for the desensitization and that tachyphylaxis is due to the slow dissociation of angiotensin II from a postulated Na(+)-dependent regulatory site on the receptor.

Interaction of selective compounds with muscarinic receptors at dispersed intestinal smooth muscle cells

1. The characterization of muscarinic receptors on single cells of the guinea-pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle, devoid of neuronal elements, was functionally studied by estimating the affinities of muscarinic antagonists on acetylcholine-induced contractions. 2. Atropine (5 x 10(-11) to 5 x 10(-6) M), 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine methiodide (4-DAMP, 5 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-6) M), cyclohexyl(4-fluoro-phenyl) (3-piperidinopropyl) silanol (pFHHSiD, 5 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) M) as well as pirenzepine (5 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) M) competitively antagonized the acetylcholine-dependent contractions with different affinities (atropine > 4-DAMP > pFHHSiD > pirenzepine). 3. Methoctramine (5 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) M), and AF-DX 116 (5 x 10(-6) and 5 x 10(-5) M) also showed antagonist properties but these deviated from simple competition. These compounds, which discriminate between M2 and M3 receptors, showed a potency lower than that of pirenzepine, the rank order of potencies being pirenzepine > methoctramine > AF-DX 116. When concentrations of AF-DX 116, methoctramine and pirenzepine were increased an unspecific contractile effect occurred. 4. McN-A-343, a partial agonist on intact guinea-pig longitudinal smooth muscle strips, on this preparation induced a weak contraction (about 7% in comparison to control) that was not reversed by antimuscarinic agents. 5. These data indicate that M3 rather than M2 receptor sites are present on this tissue.