No abstract

The adenosine agonists 5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine (NECA), 2-chloroadenosine (2-CLA), N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 2-(phenylamino)adenosine (CV-1808) and R and S isomers of N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA and S-PIA) decreased spontaneous locomotor activity in mice and, except for CPA, did so at doses that did not impair motor coordination, a profile shared by dopamine antagonists. CV-1808, the only agent with higher affinity for A2 as compared with A1 adenosine receptors, displayed the largest separation between locomotor inhibitory and ataxic potency. Like dopamine antagonists, NECA and CV-1808 also decreased hyperactivity caused by d--amphetamine at doses that did not cause ataxia whereas A1-selective adenosine agonists reduced amphetamine's effects only at ataxic doses. Unlike dopamine antagonists, adenosine agonists inhibited apomorphine-induced cage climbing only at doses that caused ataxia. Involvement of central adenosine receptors in these effects was suggested by the significant correlation obtained between potency for locomotor inhibition after IP and ICV administration. Affinity for A1 but not A2 adenosine receptors was significantly correlated with potency for inducing ataxia. These results suggest that the behavioral profile of adenosine agonists in mice is related to their affinity for A1 and A2 adenosine receptors and indicate that adenosine agonists produce certain behavioral effects that are similar to those seen with dopamine antagonists.

To investigate the preferred spatial relationship of the distal phosphonic acid to the alpha-amino acid group of the established competitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) antagonists APH (1) and APV (2), we have prepared a series of ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted (phosphonoalkyl)phenylglycine and -phenylalanine derivatives. With use of a [3H]CPP receptor binding assay, significant binding activity was observed to be critically dependent on both the position of substitution and length of alkyl spacing groups. Two compounds, 4-(phosphonomethyl)-phenylglycine (6, PD 129635) and 3-(phosphonomethyl)phenylalanine (15, PD 130527), displayed receptor-binding affinity comparable to that of APH. Like APH, these compounds were also effective in antagonizing both the proconvulsant and lethal action of NMDA-administered retrobulbar in the mouse. Data are also provided which compare directly the binding efficacy of these compounds against that disclosed recently for the related NMDA antagonist 18 (NPC 451). A preliminary comparison of the structures showing good receptor-binding affinity and in vivo antagonist activity suggests that the NMDA receptor prefers a "folded" rather than "extended" conformation.

No abstract

A structure-based search and screen of our compound library identified N-(2-phenoxyethyl)-4-benzylpiperidine (8) as a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that has high selectivity for the NR1/2B subunit combination (IC(50) = 0.63 microM). We report on the optimization of this lead compound in terms of potency, side effect liability, and in vivo activity. Potency was assayed by electrical recordings in Xenopus oocytes expressing cloned rat NMDA receptors. Side effect liability was assessed by measuring affinity for alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors and inhibition of neuronal K(+) channels. Central bioavailability was gauged indirectly by determining anticonvulsant activity in a mouse maximal electroshock (MES) assay. Making progressive modifications to 8, a hydroxyl substituent on the phenyl ring para to the oxyethyl tether (10a) resulted in a approximately 25-fold increase in NR1A/2B potency (IC(50) = 0.025 microM). p-Methyl substitution on the benzyl ring (10b) produced a approximately 3-fold increase in MES activity (ED(50) = 0.7 mg/kg iv). Introduction of a second hydroxyl group into the C-4 position on the piperidine ring (10e) resulted in a substantial decrease in affinity for alpha(1) receptors and reduction in inhibition of K(+) channels with only a modest decrease in NR1A/2B and MES potencies. Among the compounds described, 10e (4-hydroxy-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)ethyl]-4-(4-methylbenzyl)piperid ine, Co 101244/PD 174494) had the optimum pharmacological profile and was selected for further biological evaluation.