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Xanthine and adenosine derivatives, known to bind to recombinant rat A3 adenosine receptors stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, were characterized in a functional assay consisting of activation of A3 receptor-stimulated binding of [35S]GTPγS in rat RBL-2H3 cell membranes. 1,3-Dibutylxanthine-7-riboside-5′-N-methylcarboxamide (DBXRM, 7b), previously shown to inhibit adenylyl cyclase via rat A3 receptors with full efficacy, appeared to be a partial agonist at the rat A3 receptor of RBL-2H3 cells. Full agonists, such as Cl-IB-MECA or I-AB-MECA, were more potent and effective than the partial agonist DBXRM in causing desensitization of rat A3 receptors, as indicated by loss of [35S]GTPγS binding. At A1 receptors, antagonism of agonist-elicited inhibition of rat adipocyte adenylyl cyclase was observed for several xanthine-7-riboside derivatives that had been shown to be full agonists at rat A3 receptors. A new xanthine riboside (3′-deoxyDBXRM, 7c) was synthesized and found to be a partial agonist at rat A3 receptors and an antagonist at rat A1 receptors. Thus, it is possible for the same compound to stimulate one adenosine receptor subtype (A3) and block another subtype (A1) within the same species.

Adenosine released during myocardial ischemia mediates cardioprotective preconditioning. Multivalent drugs covalently bound to nanocarriers may differ greatly in chemical and biological properties from the corresponding monomeric agents. Here, we conjugated chemically functionalized nucleosides to poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimeric polymers and investigated their effects in rat primary cardiac cell cultures and in the isolated heart. Three conjugates of A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists, chain-functionalized at the C2 or N6 position, were cardioprotective, with greater potency than monomeric agonist Cl-IB-MECA. Multivalent amide-linked MRS5216 was selective for A1 and A3ARs, and triazole-linked MRS5246 and MRS5539 (optionally containing fluorescent label) were A3AR-selective. The conjugates protected ischemic rat cardiomyocytes, an effect blocked by an A3AR antagonist MRS1523, and isolated hearts with significantly improved infarct size, rate of pressure product, and rate of contraction and relaxation. Thus, strategically derivatized nucleosides tethered to biocompatible polymeric carriers display enhanced cardioprotective potency via activation of A3AR on the cardiomyocyte surface.

The ADP-activated P2Y1 receptor is broadly expressed and plays a crucial role in ADP-promoted platelet aggregation. We previously synthesized 2-iodo-N6-methyl–(N)-methanocarba-2′-deoxyadenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate (MRS2500), as a selective, high affinity, competitive antagonist of this receptor. Here we report utilization of a trimethylstannyl precursor molecule for the multistep radiochemical synthesis of a [125I]-labeled form of MRS2500. [125I]MRS2500 bound selectively to Sf9 insect cell membranes expressing the human P2Y1 receptor but did not specifically bind to membranes isolated from empty vector-infected cells. Binding of [125I]MRS2500 to P2Y1 receptors was saturable with a Kd of 1.2 nM. Known agonists and antagonists of the P2Y1 receptor inhibited [125I]MRS2500 binding to P2Y1 receptor-expressing membranes with potencies in agreement with those previously observed in functional assays of this receptor. A high-affinity binding site for [125I]MRS2500 also was observed on intact human platelets (Kd = 0.61 nM) and mouse platelets (Kd = 1.20 nM) that exhibited the pharmacological selectivity of the P2Y1 receptor. The densities of sites observed were 151 sites/platelet and 229 sites/platelet in human and mouse platelets, respectively. In contrast, specific binding was not observed in platelets isolated from P2Y1 receptor (−/−) mice. Taken together, these data illustrate the synthesis and characterization of a novel P2Y1 receptor radioligand and its utility for examining P2Y1 receptors natively expressed on human and mouse platelets.

The structure activity relationship (SAR) of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine derivatives related to ZM241385 as antagonists of the A2A adenosine receptor (AR) was explored through the synthesis of analogues substituted at the 5 position. The A2A AR X-ray structure was used to propose a structural basis for the activity and selectivity of the analogues and to direct the synthetic design strategy to provide access to solvent-exposed regions. Thus, we have identified a point of substitution for the attachment of solubilizing groups to enhance both aqueous solubility and physicochemical properties, maintaining potent interactions with the A2A AR and, in some cases, receptor subtype selectivity. Among the most potent and selective novel compounds were a long-chain ether-containing amine congener 20 (Ki 11.5 nM) and its urethane-protected derivative 14 (Ki 17.8 nM). Compounds 20 and 31 (Ki 11.5 and 16.9 nM, respectively) were readily water soluble up to 10 mM. The analogues were docked in the crystallographic structure of the hA2A AR and in a homology model of the hA3 AR, and the per residue electrostatic and hydrophobic contributions to the binding were assessed and stabilizing factors were proposed.

On the basis of potent and selective binding affinity of truncated 4′-thioadenosine derivatives at the human A3 adenosine receptor (AR), their bioisosteric 4′-oxo derivatives were designed and synthesized from commercially available 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-erythrono lactone. The derivatives tested in AR binding assays were substituted at the C2 and N6 positions. All synthesized nucleosides exhibited potent and selective binding affinity at the human A3 AR. They were less potent than the corresponding 4′-thio analogues, but showed higher selectivity to other subtypes. The 2-Cl series generally were better than the 2-H series in view of binding affinity and selectivity. Among compounds tested, compound 5d (X = Cl, R = 3-bromobenzyl) showed the highest binding affinity (Ki = 13.0±6.9 nM) at the hA3 AR with high selectivity (at least 1000-fold) in comparison to other AR subtypes. Like the corresponding truncated 4′-thio series, compound 5d antagonized the action of an agonist to inhibit forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in hA3 AR-expressing CHO cells. Although the 4′-oxo series were less potent than the 4′-thio series, this class of human A3 AR antagonists is also regarded as another good template for the design of A3 AR antagonists and for further drug development.

Adenosine derivatives were modified with alkynyl groups on N6 substituents for linkage to carriers using Cu(I)-catalyzed click chemistry. Two parallel series, both containing a rigid North-methanocarba (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) ring system in place of ribose, behaved as A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists: (5′-methyluronamides) or partial agonists (4′-truncated). Terminal alkynyl groups on a chain at the 3 position of a N6-benzyl group or simply through a N6–propargyl group were coupled to azido derivatives, which included both small molecules and G4 (fourth-generation) multivalent poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, to form 1,2,3-triazolyl linkers. The small molecular triazoles probed the tolerance in A3AR binding of distal, sterically bulky groups such as 1-adamantyl. Terminal 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl groups anticipated nucleophilic substitution for chain extension and 18F radiolabeling. N6-(4-Fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-triazolylmethyl derivative 32 displayed a Ki of 9.1 nM at A3AR with ~1000-fold subtype selectivity. Multivalent conjugates additionally containing click-linked water-solubilizing polyethylene glycol groups potently activated A3AR in the 5′-methyluronamide, but not 4′ truncated series. N6-Benzyl nucleoside conjugate 43 (apparent Ki 24 nM) maintained binding affinity of the monomer better than a N6-triazolylmethyl derivative. Thus, the N6 region of 5′-methyluronamide derivatives, as modeled in receptor docking, is suitable for functionalization and tethering by click chemistry to achieve high A3AR agonist affinity and enhanced selectivity.

SUMMARY

We recently reported that 2-substitution of N6-benzyladenosine-5'-uronamides greatly enhances selectivity of agonists for rat A3 adenosine receptors J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 3614–3621). Specifically, 2-Chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (2-CI-IB-MECA), which displayed a K1 value of 0.33 nM, is the most selective for A3 receptors yet reported with selectivity versus A1 and A2a receptors of 2500- and 1400-fold, respectively. In order to obtain pharmacological tools for the study of A3 adenosine receptors, two routes for radiolabeling of 2-CI-IB-MECA through incorporation of tritium at the 5'-methylamido group were compared. One route formed a 2',3'-protected nucleoside 5'-carboxylic acid (9), which was condensed with methylamine and deprotected. The more efficient synthesis started from D-ribose and provided 2-CI-IB-MECA (12) in six steps with an overall yield of 5.6 %. Tritium was introduced in the penultimate step by heating N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-2-chloro-2',3'-di-O-acetyl-5'-(methoxycarbonyl)adenosine (17) with [3H]methylamine in methanol at 60 °C for 2 h. The specific activity of [3H]2-CI-IB-MECA was 29 Ci/mmol with a radiochemical purity of 99%.

Adenosine is released in large amounts during myocardial ischemia and is capable of exerting potent cardioprotective effects in the heart. Although these observations on adenosine have been known for a long time, how adenosine acts to achieve its anti-ischemic effect remains incompletely understood. However, recent advances on the chemistry and pharmacology of adenosine receptor ligands have provided important and novel information on the function of adenosine receptor subtypes in the cardiovascular system. The development of model systems for the cardiac actions of adenosine has yielded important insights into its mechanism of action and have begun to elucidate the sequence of signalling events from receptor activation to the actual exertion of its cardioprotective effect. The present review will focus on the adenosine receptors that mediate the potent anti-ischemic effect of adenosine, new ligands at the receptors, potential molecular signalling mechanisms downstream of the receptor, mediators for cardioprotection, and possible clinical applications in cardiovascular disorders.

Adenosine released during cardiac ischemia exerts a potent, protective effect in the heart via activation of A1 or A3 receptors. However, the interaction between the two cardioprotective adenosine receptors and the question of which receptor is the more important anti-ischemic receptor remain largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that activation of both receptors exerted a cardioprotective effect that was significantly greater than activation of either receptor individually. This was accomplished by using a novel design in which new binary conjugates of adenosine A1 and A3 receptor agonists were synthesized and tested in a novel cardiac myocyte model of adenosine-elicited cardioprotection. Binary drugs having mixed selectivity for both A1 and A3 receptors were created through the covalent linking of functionalized congeners of adenosine agonists, each being selective for either the A1 or A3 receptor subtype. MRS 1740 and MRS 1741, thiourea-linked, regioisomers of a binary conjugate, were highly potent and selective in radioligand binding assays for A1 and A3 receptors (Ki values of 0.7–3.5 nm) versus A2A receptors. The myocyte models utilized cultured chick embryo cells, either ventricular cells expressing native adenosine A1 and A3 receptors, or engineered atrial cells, in which either human A3 receptors alone or both human A1 and A3 receptors were expressed. The binary agonist MRS 1741 coactivated A1 and A3 receptors simultaneously, with full cardioprotection (EC50 ~0.1 nm) dependent on expression of both receptors. Thus, co-activation of both adenosine A1 and A3 receptors by the binary A1/A3 agonists represents a novel general cardioprotective approach for the treatment of myocardial ischemia.

A recent conference entitled Purines in Cell Signalling: Targets for New Drugs, held in Rockville, Maryland, in September, 1989, was one indication of the increasing interest in developing agonists and antagonists of P1-(adenosine) and P2-(ATP) purinoceptors [1] as potential therapeutic agents. Extracellular adenosine, acting at its membrane bound A1 and A2 receptors, is a ubiquitous modulator of cellular activity. The purine can arise from several sources including ATP hydrolysis by ectokinase activity in the region of the nerve terminal [2] and from S-adenosylhomocysteine [3] and ATP within the cell. Together with its more stable analogs, adenosine is a potent inhibitor of neurotransmitter release in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and in cardiac, adipose and other tissues. Adenosine can also affect blood pressure and heart rate as well as modulate the function of the immune, inflammatory, gastrointestinal, renal and pulmonary systems, either via its effects on transmitter release or directly via receptor mechanisms altering intracellular transduction processes.

Summary

The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine and the tricyclic muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine and telenzepine have been derivatized using a functionalized congener approach for the purpose of synthesizing high affinity ligand probes that are suitable for conjugation with prosthetic groups, for receptor cross-linking, fluorescent and radioactive detection, etc. A novel fluorescent conjugate of TAC (telenzepine amine congener), an n-decylamino derivative of the ml-selective antagonist, with the fluorescent trisulfonated pyrene dye Cascade Blue may be useful for assaying the receptor as an alternative to radiotracers. In a rat m3 receptor mutant containing a single amino acid substitution in the sixth transmembrane domain (Asn507 to Ala) the parent telenzepine lost 636-fold in affinity, while TAC lost only 27-fold. Thus, the decylamino group of TAC stabilizes the bound state and thus enhances potency by acting as a distal anchor in the receptor binding site. We have built a computer-assisted molecular model of the transmembrane regions of muscarinic receptors based on homology with the G-protein coupled receptor rhodopsin, for which a low resolution structure is known. We have coordinated the antagonist pharmacophore (tricyclic and piperazine moieties) with residues of the third and seventh helices of the rat m3 receptor. Although the decylamino chain of TAC is likely to be highly flexible and may adopt many conformations, we located one possible site for a salt bridge formation with the positively charged −NH3+ group, i.e. Asp113 in helix II.

SUMMARY

Two isomenc isothiocyanate derivatives of the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist xanthine amine cogener (XAC) have been synthesized and found to be potent affinity labels (irreversibly bound ligands) for A1 adenosine receptors. The interaction of m- and p-isomers of 1,3-dipropyl-8-isothiocyanatophenyl(aminothiocarbonyl(2-aminoethylaminocarbonyl(4-methyloxy(phenyl)))))-xanthine (DITC-XAC) with rat brain A1 receptors is of high affinity (EC50 = 27 and 52 nm, respectively) as determined by radioligand competition curves. These compounds reduced the number of A1 receptors (>90% at 500 nm m-DITC-XAC) in brain membranes, without any change in the affinity of the remaining receptors for [125I]N6-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine. Prior reaction of the isothiocyanate moiety with ethylenediamine did not alter the affinity of the XAC derivative for the A1 receptor but eliminated its ability to covalently incorporate into the receptor. Incubation of brain membranes with radiolabeled p- and m-DITC-XAC results in the specific labeling of a Mr 38,000 peptide. This labeling can be blocked with both an A1 adenosine receptor-specific agonist and an antagonist. This specific protein has the same molecular weight as the protein labeled with A1-selective photoaffinity probes. The much higher efficiency of incorporation of these affinity probes compared with photoaffinity probes should make them extremely useful for structural studies of A1 adenosine receptors.

Chronic ingestion of caffeine by mice caused a marked reduction in locomotor exploratory activity. At least 4 days of withdrawal were required to restore activity to normal levels. Stimulatory effects of injected caffeine were lower in chronically treated mice and the biphasic dose-response (stimulatory followed by depressant) curve for injected caffeine was left shifted. Seven days of withdrawal were required before the dose-response curve to caffeine was identical to that of control mice. The depressant effects of a potent xanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 1,3-dipropyl-7-methylxanthine, were blunted in caffeine-treated mice. The depressant effects of A1- and A2-selective adenosine analogs were enhanced after chronic caffeine. There was little or no effect of chronic caffeine on the stimulatory effects of dopaminergic agents (amphetamine, caffeine), while both depressant and stimulatory effects of chollnergic agents (nicotine, oxotremorine, scopolamine) were reduced. The results indicate that chronic caffeine affects functions of adenosine and chollnergic receptors related to regulation of locomotor exploratory activity.

Mast cell degranulation affects many conditions, e.g., asthma and urticaria. We explored the potential role of the P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R) and other P2Y subtypes in degranulation of human LAD2 mast cells. All eight P2YRs were expressed at variable levels in LAD2 cells (quantitative real-time RT-PCR). Gene expression levels of ADP receptors, P2Y1R, P2Y12R, and P2Y13R, were similar, and P2Y11R and P2Y4R were highly expressed at 5.8- and 3.8-fold of P2Y1R, respectively. Least expressed P2Y2R was 40-fold lower than P2Y1R, and P2Y6R and P2Y14R were ≤50 % of P2Y1R. None of the native P2YR agonists alone induced β-hexosaminidase (β-Hex) release, but some nucleotides significantly enhanced β-Hex release induced by C3a or antigen, with a rank efficacy order of ATP > UDPG ≥ ADP >> UDP, UTP. Although P2Y11R and P2Y4R are highly expressed, they did not seem to play a major role in degranulation as neither P2Y4R agonist UTP nor P2Y11R agonists ATPγS and NF546 had a substantial effect. P2Y1R-selective agonist MRS2365 enhanced degranulation, but ~1,000-fold weaker compared to its P2Y1R potency, and the effect of P2Y6R agonist 3-phenacyl-UDP was negligible. The enhancement by ADP and ATP appears mediated via multiple receptors. Both UDPG and a synthetic agonist of the P2Y14R, MRS2690, enhanced C3a-induced β-Hex release, which was inhibited by a P2Y14R antagonist, specific P2Y14R siRNA and pertussis toxin, suggesting a role of P2Y14R activation in promoting human mast cell degranulation.

Molecular modeling of agonist binding to the human A2A adenosine receptor (AR) was assessed and extended in light of crystallographic structures. Heterocyclic adenine nitrogens of co-crystallized agonist overlayed corresponding positions of the heterocyclic base of a bound triazolotriazine antagonist, and ribose moiety was coordinated in a hydrophilic region, as previously predicted based on modeling using the inactive receptor. Automatic agonist docking of 20 known potent nucleoside agonists to agonist-bound A2AAR crystallographic structures predicted new stabilizing protein interactions, to provide a structural basis for previous empirical structure activity relationships consistent with previous mutagenesis results. We predicted binding of novel C2 terminal amino acid conjugates of A2AAR agonist CGS21680 and used these models to interpret effects on binding affinity of newly-synthesized agonists. D-Amino acid conjugates were generally more potent than L- stereoisomers, and free terminal carboxylates more potent than corresponding methyl esters. Amino acid moieties were coordinated close to extracellular loops 2 and 3. Thus, molecular modeling is useful in probing ligand recognition and rational design of GPCR–targeting compounds with specific pharmacological profiles.

Truncated N6-substituted-4′-oxo- and 4′-thioadenosine derivatives with C2 or C8 substitution were studied as dual acting A2A and A3 adenosine receptor (AR) ligands. The lithiation-mediated stannyl transfer and palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions were utilized for functionalization of the C2 position of 6-chloropurine nucleosides. An unsubstituted 6-amino group and a hydrophobic C2 substituent were required for high affinity at the hA2AAR, but hydrophobic C8 substitution abolished binding at the hA2AAR. However, most of synthesized compounds displayed medium to high binding affinity at the hA3AR, regardless of C2 or C8 substitution, and low efficacy in a functional cAMP assay. Several compounds tended to be full hA2AAR agonists. C2 substitution probed geometrically through hA2AAR-docking, was important for binding in order of hexynyl > hexenyl > hexanyl. Compound 4g was the most potent ligand acting dually as hA2AAR agonist and hA3AR antagonist, which might be useful for treatment of asthma or other inflammatory diseases.

Adenosine receptors (ARs), the major targets of caffeine and theophylline, comprise four receptor subtypes designated as A1, A2A, A2B and A3. Over a dozen AR agonists are currently in clinical trials for various conditions, including cardiac arrhythmias, neuropathic pain, myocardial perfusion imaging, cardiac ischemia, inflammatory diseases and cancer. Adenosine (non-selective), regadenoson (A2A) and dipyridamole (act indirectly via ARs) have received regulatory approval for clinical use. The present editorial will give a brief update on the current status of AR agonists in clinical trials.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are attractive targets for pharmaceutical research. With the recent determination of several GPCR X-ray structures, the applicability of structure-based computational methods for ligand identification, such as docking, has increased. Yet, as only about 1% of GPCRs have a known structure, receptor homology modeling remains necessary. In order to investigate the usability of homology models and the inherent selectivity of a particular model in relation to close homologs, we constructed multiple homology models for the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) and docked ∼2.2 M lead-like compounds. High-ranking molecules were tested on the A1AR as well as the close homologs A2AAR and A3AR. While the screen yielded numerous potent and novel ligands (hit rate 21% and highest affinity of 400 nM), it delivered few selective compounds. Moreover, most compounds appeared in the top ranks of only one model. These findings have implications for future screens.

The aim of this study was to examine a possible role for extracellular pyrimidines as inotropic factors for the heart. First, nucleotide plasma levels were measured to evaluate whether UTP is released in patients with coronary heart disease. Then, inotropic effects of pyrimidines were examined in isolated mouse cardiomyocytes. Finally, expression of pyrimidine-selective receptors (a subgroup of the P2 receptors) was studied in human and mouse heart, using real time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Venous plasma levels of UTP were increased (57%) in patients with myocardial infarction. In electrically stimulated cardiomyocytes the stable P2Y2/4 agonist UTPγS increased contraction by 52%, similar to β1-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol (65%). The P2Y6-agonist UDPγS also increased cardiomyocyte contraction (35%), an effect abolished by the P2Y6-blocker MRS2578. The phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 inhibited both the UDPγS and the UTPγS-induced inotropic effect, indicating an IP3-mediated effect via P2Y6 receptors. The P2Y14 agonist UDP-glucose was without effect. Quantification of mRNA with real time polymerase chain reaction revealed P2Y2 as the most abundant pyrimidine receptor expressed in cardiomyocytes from man. Presence of P2Y6 receptor mRNA was detected in both species and confirmed at protein level with Western blot and immunohistochemistry in man. In conclusion, UTP levels are increased in humans during myocardial infarction, giving the first evidence for UTP release in man. UTP is a cardiac inotropic factor most likely by activation of P2Y2 receptors in man. For the first time we demonstrate inotropic effects of UDP, mediated by P2Y6 receptors via an IP3-dependent pathway. Thus, the extracellular pyrimidines (UTP and UDP) could be important inotropic factors involved in the development of cardiac disease.

SUMMARY

The A2a adenosine receptor (AR) mediates several important physiological effects of adenosine, including vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Until recently, no antagonist radioligand of sufficient selectivity or affinity was available. We describe the synthesis and characterization by radioligand binding of 125I-4-(2-[7-amino-2-{2-furyl}{1,2,4}triazolo{2,3-a}-{1,3,5}triazin-5-yl-amino]ethyl)phenol (125I-ZM241385) in membranes from two cell types that express A2a ARs. Membranes from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing a recombinant canine A2a AR bound 125I-ZM241385 with high affinity, and agonist competition experiments with 2-(p-carboxyethyl)-phenylamino-5′-N-carboxamidoadenosine, 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, and (−)-N6-[(R)-phenylisopropyl]adenosine revealed a potency order characteristic of an A2a AR binding site. Membranes from bovine striatum, which contain a native A2a AR, also bound 125I-ZM241385 with similarly high affinity and also displayed a pharmacological profile for displacement of radioligand binding that was consistent with that of an A2a AR. Also, under conditions in which 125I-ZM241385 bound with high affinity to a recombinant rat A2a AR expressed in CHO cells, no specific binding was detectable in membranes from CHO cells expressing functional rat A1, A2b, or A3 ARs, indicating that over the range of concentrations used in radioligand binding assays, 125I-ZM241385 is a highly selective antagonist radioligand for study of A2a ARs within a given species.

SUMMARY

A novel adenosine receptor, the A3 receptor, has recently been cloned. We have systematically investigated the hitherto largely unexplored structure-activity relationships (SARs) for binding at A3 receptors, using 125I-N6-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine as a radioligand and membranes from Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the rat A3-cDNA. As is the case for A1 and A2a, receptors, substitutions at the N6 and 5′ positions of adenosine, the prototypic agonist ligand, may yield fairly potent compounds. However, the highest affinity and A3 selectivity is found for N6,5′-disubstituted compounds, in contrast to A1 and A2a receptors. Thus, N6-benzyladenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamide is highly potent (Ki, 6.8 nM) and moderately selective (13- and 14-fold versus A1 and A2a). The N6 region of the A3 receptor also appears to tolerate hydrophilic substitutions, in sharp contrast to the other subtypes. Potencies of N6,5′-disubstituted compounds in inhibition of adenylate cyclase via A3 receptors parallel their high affinity in the binding assay. None of the typical xanthine or nonxanthine (A1/A2) antagonists tested show any appreciable affinity for rat A3 receptors. 1,3-Dialkylxanthines did not antagonize the A3 agonist-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase. A His residue in helix 6 that is absent in A3 receptors but present in A1/A2 receptors may be causal in this respect. In a molecular model for the rat A3 receptor, this mutation, together with an increased bulkiness of residues surrounding the ligand, make antagonist binding unfavorable when compared with a previously developed A1 receptor model. Second, this A3 receptor model predicted similarities with A1 and A2 receptors in the binding requirements for the ribose moiety and that xanthine-7-ribosides would bind to rat A3 receptors. This hypothesis was supported experimentally by the moderate affinity (Ki 6 μM) of 7-riboside of 1,3-dibutylxanthine, which appears to be a partial agonist at rat A3 receptors. The model presented here, which is consistent with the detailed SAR found in this study, may serve to suggest future chemical modification, site-directed mutagenesis, and SAR studies to further define essential characteristics of the ligand-receptor interaction and to develop even more potent and selective A3 receptor ligands.

Sulfur-containing analogues of 8-substituted xanthines were prepared in an effort to increase selectivity or potency as antagonists at adenosine receptors. Either cyclopentyl or various aryl substituents were utilized at the 8-position, because of the association of these groups with high potency at A1-adenosine receptors. Sulfur was incorporated on the purine ring at positions 2 and/or 6, in the 8-position substituent in the form of 2- or 3-thienyl groups, or via thienyl groups separated from an 8-aryl substituent through an amide-containing chain. The feasibility of using the thienyl group as a prosthetic group for selective iodination via its Hg2+ derivative was explored. Receptor selectivity was determined in binding assays using membrane homogenates from rat cortex [[3H]-N6-(phenylisopropyl) adenosine as radioligand] or striatum [[3H]-5′-(N-ethylcarbamoyl)adenosine as radioligand] for A1- and A2-adenosine receptors, respectively. Generally, 2-thio-8-cycloalkylxanthines were at least as A1 selective as the corresponding oxygen analogue. 2-Thio-8-aryl derivatives tended to be more potent at A2 receptors than the oxygen analogue. 8-[4-[(Carboxymethyl)oxy]phenyl]-1,3-dipropyl-2-thioxanthine ethyl ester was >740-fold A1 selective.

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to search for amino acid residues of the human P2Y1 receptor involved in the binding of the P2 receptor antagonists pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonate (PPADS), its analogue 6-(2′-chloro-phenylazo)-pyridoxal-α5-phosphate (MRS 2210), the suramin analogue 8-8′-[carbonylbis(imino-3,1-phenylene)]bis(1,3,5-naphthalene-trisulfonate) (NF023), and Reactive blue 2. Receptors containing single amino acid replacements at positions in transmembrane helical domains (TMs) 3, 5, 6, and 7 critical for the activation of the receptor by nucleotide agonists were expressed in COS-7 (African green monkey kidney) cells. Inositol phosphate accumulation was induced by 2-methylthioadenosine 5′-diphosphate (2-MeSADP). In wild type human P2Y1 receptors, PPADS (10 to 60 µM), MRS 2210 (10 µM), NF023 (100 µM), and Reactive blue 2 (10 µM) shifted the concentration-response curve of 2-MeSADP in a parallel manner to the right. For PPADS, a pA2 value of 5.2 was estimated. The shifts caused by MRS 2210, NF023, and Reactive blue 2 corresponded to apparent pKB values of 5.6, 5.0, and 5.8, respectively. In K280A mutant receptors, the affinities of PPADS, MRS 2210, NF023, and Reactive blue 2 were about 6- to 60-fold lower than those observed at wild type receptors. The K280A mutation also caused an approximately 1,000-fold increase in the EC50 value of the agonist 2-MeSADP, similar to previous observations. In contrast, no major change in antagonistic potency was observed at receptors with other mutations in TMs 3, 5, 6, and 7. Thus, the residue Lys280 (6.55), which is located within the upper third of TM 6 of the human P2Y1 receptor, is not only critical for the activation of the receptor but also plays an important role in the binding of pyridoxal derivatives and a number of other chemically unrelated P2 receptor antagonists. Lys280 seems to belong to an overlapping region of the respective binding sites.

Summary

The convulsant properties of xanthine amine congener (XAC, 8-(4-(2-aminoethyl)-aminocarboxylmethyloxy)phenyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine) are compared to those of caffeine. Male Swiss albino mice were infused with convulsants through a lateral tail vein. Convulsion thresholds (i.e. the amount of convulsants required to elicit convulsions) of 39.8±2.0 mg/kg (n=10) and 109.8±2.3 mg/kg (n=10) were calculated for XAC and caffeine respectively. Pretreatment of animals with the adenosine receptor agonists 2-chloroadenosine, N6-cyclohexyladenosine or 5′-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (1 mg/kg, i.p., 20 minutes prior to infusion) significantly decreased the seizure threshold of both XAC and caffeine. The adenosine uptake blockers, 6-nitrobenzylthioinosine or dipyridamole (0.25 mg/kg, i.p., 20 minutes prior to infusion) did not significantly affect the seizure threshold to either XAC or caffeine. The benzodiazepine agonist diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p., 20 minutes prior to infusion) significantly increased the seizure threshold to both XAC (p < 0.05) and caffeine (p < 0.01), whereas the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 (10 mg/kg, i.p., 20 minutes prior to infusion) significantly increased the seizure threshold to caffeine (p < 0.01), but not XAC. The results suggest that actions at benzodiazepine receptors may be a tenable hypothesis to explain the convulsant actions of caffeine, but not those of XAC.

SUMMARY

A new high affinity antagonist photoaffinity crosslinking radioligand has been synthesized for use in studying adenosine receptors. This compound, PAPAXAC (8-[-4-[[[[[2-(4-aminophenyl-acetylamino)ethyl]amino]carbonyl]-methyl]oxy]phenyl]-1,3-di-propylxanthine), has been labeled with 125I by a chloramine T method. The radioligand [125I]PAPAXAC binds to A1 adenosine receptors from bovine cerebral cortex with high affinity (KD= 0.1 nM), appropriate stereoselectivity, and A1 adenosine receptor specificity. Binding is not perturbed by guanine nucleotides. Adenylate cyclase assays document that PAPAXAC is an antagonist capable of completely blocking the ability of N6-R-phenyl-2-propyladenosine (R-PIA) to inhibit adenylate cyclase activity via A1 adenosine receptors. [125IPAPAXAC can be incorporated covalently into a peptide of Mr = 40,000 using the heterobifunctional crosslinking agent N-succinimidyl-6-(4′-azido-2′-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate. Covalent labeling can be inhibited with adenosine receptor ligands to demonstrate a potency series of R-PIA > S-PIA > NECA ≫ IBMX. Guanine nucleotides do not decrease covalent incorporation. These results suggest that antagonists such as [125I]PAPAXAC recognize the same A1 adenosine receptor-binding subunit as agonists, such as [125I]AZPNEA, which labels a similar Mr peptide with the same pharmacological potency series. This new antagonist photoaffinity crosslinking probe/radioligand should be of great utility in the molecular characterization of A1 adenosine receptors.