Selective EP3 Receptor Antagonists Research Articles

The PGE2 receptor EP3 plays a positive role in the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neuronal activity in the hypothalamus under immobilization stress

BackgroundProstaglandin E2 (PGE2) binds to four receptor subtypes (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) and plays an important role in response to stress. However, the identity of the receptor(s) responsible for PGE2 regulation of neuronal activity and signaling through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis under immobilization stress is unknown. PurposeThe present study aimed to investigate the role of the hypothalamic PGE2 receptors in the activation of the HPA axis and neuronal activity in a rat model of stress. MethodsStress was induced by immobilization of the animals, after which the stress-induced profile of PGE2 receptor signaling in the rat hypothalamus was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effect of a selective EP3 receptor antagonist on corticosterone concentrations and c-Fos immunoreactivity was measured. ResultsExpression of EP2 and EP3 receptor genes, but not EP1 and EP4, was increased following immobilization stress. The EP3 receptor was localized to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and the integrated density of the EP3 receptor was increased after immobilization stress. Rats given L-798,106, a selective antagonist of the EP3 receptor, showed significant attenuation of stress-increased serum corticosterone levels. EP3 antagonist also significantly suppressed the increase in the gene expression of c-Fos and the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells in the PVN of the hypothalamus following immobilization stress. ConclusionsThese results suggest that immobilization stress may result in increased activation of the HPA axis and neuronal activity through regulating the function of the EP3 receptor.

The EP3 receptor regulates water excretion in response to high salt intake

The mechanisms by which prostanoids contribute to the maintenance of whole body water homeostasis are complex and not fully understood. The present study demonstrates that an EP3-dependent feedback mechanism contributes to the regulation of water homeostasis under high-salt conditions. Rats on a normal diet and tap water were placed in metabolic cages and given either sulprostone (20 μg·kg-1·day-1) or vehicle for 3 days to activate EP3 receptors in the thick ascending limb (TAL). Treatment was continued for another 3 days in rats given either 1% NaCl in the drinking water or tap water. Sulprostone decreased expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression by ∼75% in TAL tubules from rats given 1% NaCl concomitant with a ∼60% inhibition of COX-2-dependent PGE2 levels in the kidney. Urine volume increased after ingestion of 1% NaCl but was reduced ∼40% by sulprostone. In contrast, the highly selective EP3 receptor antagonist L-798106 (100 μg·kg-1·day-1), which increased COX-2 expression and renal PGE2 production, increased urine volume in rats given 1% NaCl. Sulprostone increased expression of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in the inner medullary collecting duct plasma membrane in association with an increase in phosphorylation at Ser269 and decrease in Ser261 phosphorylation; antagonism of EP3 with L-798106 reduced AQP2 expression. Thus, although acute activation of EP3 by PGE2 in the TAL and collecting duct inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and AQP2 activity, respectively, chronic activation of EP3 in vivo limits the extent of COX-2-derived PGE2 synthesis, thereby mitigating the inhibitory effects of PGE2 on these transporters and decreasing urine volume.

PGE(2) EP(3) receptor downregulates COX-2 expression in the medullary thick ascending limb induced by hypertonic NaCl.

We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of EP3 receptors enhances cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in the thick ascending limb (TAL) induced by hypertonic stimuli. COX-2 protein expression in the outer medulla increased approximately twofold in mice given free access to 1% NaCl in the drinking water for 3 days. The increase was associated with an approximate threefold elevation in COX-2 mRNA accumulation and an increase in PGE2 production by isolated medullary (m)TAL tubules from 77.3 ± 8.4 to 165.7 ± 10.8 pg/mg protein. Moreover, administration of NS-398 abolished the increase in PGE2 production induced by 1% NaCl. EP3 receptor mRNA levels also increased approximately twofold in the outer medulla of mice that ingested 1% NaCl. The selective EP3 receptor antagonist L-798106 increased COX-2 mRNA by twofold in mTAL tubules, and the elevation in COX-2 protein induced by 1% NaCl increased an additional 50% in mice given L-798106. COX-2 mRNA in primary mTAL cells increased twofold in response to media made hypertonic by the addition of NaCl (400 mosmol/kg H2O). L-798106 increased COX-2 mRNA twofold in isotonic media and fourfold in cells exposed to 400 mosmol/kg H2O. PGE2 production by mTAL cells increased from 79.3 ± 4.6 to 286.7 ± 6.3 pg/mg protein after challenge with 400 mosmol/kg H2O and was inhibited in cells transiently transfected with a lentivirus short hairpin RNA construct targeting exon 5 of COX-2 to silence COX-2. Collectively, the data suggest that local hypertonicity in the mTAL is associated with an increase in COX-2 expression concomitant with elevated EP3 receptor expression, which limits COX-2 activity in this segment of the nephron.

Prostaglandin E2 EP3 receptor regulates the diuretic response to hypertonic stress (892.38)

We recently showed that activation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) EP3 receptors during normal sodium intake is part of a negative feedback mechanism that attenuates cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in the thick ascending limb (TAL). However, the functional effects of this mechanism have not been determined. Since PGE2 exhibits natriuretic and diuretic functions, we determined the consequences of EP3 receptor manipulation and its relationship to COX‐2 expression and activity in response to hypertonic saline stress. EP3 receptor expression in the outer medulla increased about 2‐fold in Sprague‐Dawley rats given free access to 1% NaCl in the drinking water for 7 days compared with tap water; p<0.05. Ingestion of 1% NaCl also increased COX‐2 mRNA accumulation and protein expression in freshly isolated mTAL tubules, an effect that was augmented when EP3 was blocked. Urine volume increased approximately 2.5‐fold during ingestion of 1% NaCl but was reduced by ~40% on days 1‐7 in rats pretreated with a EP3 receptor agonist (sulprostone: 20 μg·kg−1·day−1) for 3 days. The decrease in urine volume was associated with a decline in COX‐2‐dependent PGE2 synthesis. In contrast, the increase in urine volume induced by 1% NaCl intake was significantly augmented after pretreatment with a selective EP3 receptor antagonist (L‐798106: 100 μg·kg−1·day−1) and was associated with an increase in PGE2 synthesis. Collectively, the data suggest that the COX‐2/PGE2 signaling pathway involving EP3 underlies the diuretic response to increased NaCl intake. The mechanism that contributes to these effects is currently under investigation.Grant Funding Source: NIH HL34300, American Heart Association 12GRNT12060350, Fondecyt 1130741, PGB12‐2007 CARE UC‐SQM

Abstract 553: Prostaglandin E2 EP3 Receptor Downregulates COX2 Expression in the Medullary Thick Ascending Limb (mTAL) Induced by Hypertonic NaCl Intake

We recently showed that a novel negative feedback mechanism involving PGE 2 acting on EP3 receptors regulates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the thick ascending limb (TAL) induced by the selective COX-2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of EP3 facilitates COX-2 expression in the TAL induced by ingestion of hypertonic NaCl or exposure of mTAL cells to hypertonic media. COX-2 protein expression in the outer medulla (OM) increased 2.2±0.3 fold in mice given free access to 1% NaCl in the drinking water for 3 days compared with tap water; p<0.05. The increase was associated with a 4-fold elevation in COX-2 mRNA accumulation (tap water: 0.5±0.1 vs 1% NaCl: 1.9±0.4; p<0.05), and higher PGE 2 production by freshly isolated mTAL tubules (tap water: 87.6±9.4 vs 1% NaCl: 203.3±19.3 pg/mg protein; p<0.05). EP3 mRNA levels also increased approximately 2-fold in OM of mice ingesting 1% NaCl (tap water: 0.7±0.2 vs 1% NaCl: 1.3±0.2). Administration of a selective EP3 receptor antagonist (L-798106: 20μg/kg/day) for 2 days increased COX-2 mRNA accumulation in mTAL tubules (L-798106: 2.1±0.1 fold change vs control; p<0.05), and the elevation in COX-2 protein expression induced by 1% NaCl was increased an additional 50% in mice given L-798106. COX-2 mRNA accumulation in primary cultures of mTAL cells increased 2-fold in response to media made hypertonic by addition of NaCl (400 mosmol/kg H 2 O), compared with cells incubated in isotonic media. L-798106 increased COX-2 mRNA 2-fold in isotonic media and 4-fold in cells exposed to 400 mosmol/kg H 2 O. PGE 2 production by mTAL cells increased approximately 4-fold in response to challenge with 400 mosmol/kg H 2 O for 9 hr, and was inhibited in cells transiently transfected with a lentivirus shRNA construct (EGFP-C2-ex5) to silence COX-2 (286.1±14.8 to 64.3±5.2 pg/mg protein; p<0.05). Collectively, the data suggest that local hypertonicity in the mTAL is associated with an increase in COX-2 expression concomitant with elevated EP3 receptor expression, which attenuates COX-2 activity in this segment of the nephron. Moreover, PGE 2 signaling via EP3 receptors in the TAL may be part of a mechanism that regulates mTAL COX-2 expression and function in response to diverse stimuli.

Prostaglandin E2EP3 receptor regulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression in the kidney

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is constitutively expressed and highly regulated in the thick ascending limb (TAL). As COX-2 inhibitors (Coxibs) increase COX-2 expression, we tested the hypothesis that a negative feedback mechanism involving PGE(2) EP3 receptors regulates COX-2 expression in the TAL. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a Coxib [celecoxib (20 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or rofecoxib (10 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1))], with or without sulprostone (20 μg·kg(-1)·day(-1)). Sulprostone was given using two protocols, namely, previous to Coxib treatment (prevention effect; Sulp7-Coxib5 group) and 5 days after initiation of Coxib treatment (regression effect; Coxib10-Sulp5 group). Immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis revealed that the stained area for COX-2-positive TAL cells (μm(2)/field) increased in Coxib-treated rats (Sham: 412 ± 56.3, Coxib: 794 ± 153.3). The Coxib effect was inhibited when sulprostone was used in either the prevention (285 ± 56.9) or regression (345 ± 51.1) protocols. Western blot analysis revealed a 2.1 ± 0.3-fold increase in COX-2 protein expression in the Coxib-treated group, an effect abolished by sulprostone using either the prevention (1.2 ± 0.3-fold) or regression (0.6 ± 0.4-fold vs. control, P < 0.05) protocols. Similarly, the 6.4 ± 0.6-fold increase in COX-2 mRNA abundance induced by Coxibs (P < 0.05) was inhibited by sulprostone; prevention: 0.9 ± 0.3-fold (P < 0.05) and regression: 0.6 ± 0.1 (P < 0.05). Administration of a selective EP3 receptor antagonist, L-798106, also increased the area for COX-2-stained cells, COX-2 mRNA accumulation, and protein expression in the TAL. Collectively, the data suggest that COX-2 levels are regulated by a novel negative feedback loop mediated by PGE(2) acting on its EP3 receptor in the TAL.

3-Urea-1-(phenylmethyl)-pyridones as novel, potent, and selective EP3 receptor antagonists

A series of 3-urea-1-(phenylmethyl)-pyridones was discovered as novel EP3 antagonists via high-throughput screening and subsequent optimization. The synthesis, structure–activity relationships, and optimization of the initial hit that resulted in potent and selective EP3 receptor antagonists such as 11g are described.

3-(2-Aminocarbonylphenyl)propanoic acid analogs as potent and selective EP3 receptor antagonists. Part 3: Synthesis, metabolic stability, and biological evaluation of optically active analogs

A series of 3-(2-aminocarbonylphenyl)propanoic acid analogs possessing the (1R)-1-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-3-methylbutylamine moiety on the carboxyamide side chain were synthesized and evaluated for their binding affinity for the EP1-4 receptors and their antagonist activity for the EP3 receptor. Rational drug design based on the structure of the metabolites in human liver microsomes led us to the discovery of another series of analogs. Several compounds were further evaluated for their in vivo efficacy in rats after oral administration and also for their pharmacokinetic profiles including in vitro stability in the liver microsomes.

1,7-Disubstituted oxyindoles are potent and selective EP3 receptor antagonists

A series of novel 1,7-disubstituted oxyindoles were shown to be potent and selective EP(3) receptor antagonists. Variation of substitution pattern at the C-3 position of indole enhanced in vitro metabolic stability of the resulting derivatives. Series 27a-c showed >1000-fold selectivity over a panel of prostanoid receptors including IP, FP, EP(1), EP(2) and EP(4). These agents also featured low CYP inhibition and good activity in the functional rat platelet aggregation assay.

Discovery of novel N-acylsulfonamide analogs as potent and selective EP3 receptor antagonists

A series of novel N-acylsulfonamide analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their binding affinity and antagonist activity for the EP3 receptor subtype. Representative compounds were also evaluated for their inhibitory effect on PGE(2)-induced uterine contraction in pregnant rats. Among those tested, a series of N-acylbenzenesulfonamide analogs were found to be more potent than the corresponding carboxylic acid analogs in both the in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The structure activity relationships (SAR) are also discussed.

3-(2-Aminocarbonylphenyl)propanoic acid analogs as potent and selective EP3 receptor antagonists. Part 2: Optimization of the side chains to improve in vitro and in vivo potencies

A series of 3-[2-{[(3-methyl-1-phenylbutyl)amino]carbonyl}-4-(phenoxymethyl)phenyl]propanoic acid analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro potency. In most cases, introduction of one or two substituents into the two phenyl moieties resulted in the tendency of an increase or retention of in vitro activities. Several compounds, which showed excellent subtype selectivity, were evaluated for their inhibitory effect against PGE2-induced uterine contraction in pregnant rats, which is thought to be mediated by the EP3 receptor subtype. The structure–activity relationships (SARs) are also discussed.

3-(2-Aminocarbonylphenyl)propanoic acid analogs as potent and selective EP3 receptor antagonists. Part 1: Discovery and exploration of the carboxyamide side chain

A series of 3-(2-aminocarbonyl-4-phenoxymethylphenyl)propanoic acid analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their EP3 antagonist activity in the presence of additive serum albumin. Several compounds were biologically evaluated for their in vivo efficacy with respect to the PGE 2-induced uterine contraction in pregnant rats as well as their pharmacokinetics. The discovery process of these potent and selective EP3 antagonists and their structure activity relationship are also presented.

Discovery of a series of acrylic acids and their derivatives as chemical leads for selective EP3 receptor antagonists

A series of acrylic acids and their structurally related compounds were evaluated for their binding affinity to four EP receptor subtypes (EP1-4). Starting from the initial hit 3, which was discovered in our in-house library, compounds 4 and 5 were identified as new chemical leads as candidates for further optimization towards a selective EP3 receptor antagonist. The identification process of these compounds and their pharmacokinetic profiles are presented.

Discovery of novel aminothiadiazole amides as selective EP3 receptor antagonists

This Letter discloses a series of 2-aminothiadiazole amides as selective EP3 receptor antagonists. SAR optimization resulted in compounds with excellent functional activity in vitro. In addition, efforts to optimize DMPK properties in the rat are discussed. These efforts have resulted in the identification of potent, selective EP3 receptor antagonists with excellent DMPK properties suitable for in vivo studies.

Pharmacological and Molecular Characterization of the Mechanisms Involved in Prostaglandin E2-Induced Mouse Paw Edema

The present study evaluated some of the mechanisms underlying prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced paw edema formation in mice. Intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of PGE2 (0.10-10.0 nmol/paw) into the hindpaw elicited a dose-related edema formation, with a mean ED50 value of 0.42 nmol/paw. The coinjection of selective E-prostanoid (EP)3 [(2E)-N-[(5-bromo-2-methoxyphenyl)-sulfonyl]-3-[5-chloro-2-(2-naphthylmethyl)phenyl]acrylamide; L826266), but not EP2 or EP4 (all 10 nmol/paw), receptor antagonists significantly inhibited PGE2-induced paw edema. Like L826266, the PGE2-induced paw edema was markedly reduced by treatment with pertussis toxin and phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor 1-[6-[[17beta-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U-73122). Likewise, the selective neurokinin (NK)1 receptor antagonist N-[(4R)-4-hydroxy-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl-l-prolyl]-N-methyl-N-phenyl-methyl-3-(2-aphthyl)-l-alaninamide (FK888) and the antagonist of vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) receptors 4'-chloro-3-methoxycinnamanilide (SB366791) (both 1 nmol/paw) also significantly inhibited PGE2-mediated paw edema. Conversely, the selective NK2, NK3, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) CGRP(8-37) receptor antagonists all failed to interfere with PGE2-induced paw edema. The neonatal treatment of mice with capsaicin was also able to reduce PGE2-induced paw edema. The inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) 3-[1-[3-(dimethylaminopropyl]-1H-indol-3-yl]-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione monohydrochloride (GF109203X) and mitogen protein-activated kinases (MAPKs; 30 nmol/paw) c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) (anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol-6(2H)-one; SP600125), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (PD98059), and p38 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole; SB203580], but not protein kinase A, markedly decreased the PGE2-mediated edema formation. The i.pl. injection of PGE2 (3 nmol/paw) induced a significant activation of MAPKs, namely, JNK and p38, an effect that was largely prevented by the selective EP3 receptor antagonist L826266 (10 nmol/paw). Collectively, these findings indicate that edematogenic responses elicited by PGE2 are mediated by EP3 receptor activation, also involving the stimulation of PLC, PKC, and MAPKs pathways and the participation of TRPV1 and NK1 receptors. These results make a considerable contribution to our comprehension of the mechanisms involved in PGE2-mediated inflammatory responses in mice.