Search

Ligand-receptor binding kinetics is receiving increasing attention in the drug research community. The Motulsky and Mahan model, a one-state model, offers a method for measuring the binding kinetics of an unlabelled ligand, with the assumption that the labelled ligand has no preference while binding to distinct states or conformations of a drug target. As such, the one-state model is not applicable if the radioligand displays biphasic binding kinetics to the receptor. receptor ligands. In addition, limitations of the model were investigated as well. H]-NECA was used. The model was further validated by good correlation between simulated results and the experimental data. The two-state model is sufficient to analyse the binding kinetics of an unlabelled ligand, when a radioligand shows biphasic association characteristics. We expect this two-state model to have general applicability for other targets as well. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH KEY RESULTS CONCLUSION

Background and Purpose Allosteric modulation of the mGlu 2 receptor is a potential strategy for treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we describe the in vitro characterization of the mGlu 2 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) JNJ-46281222 and its radiolabelled counterpart [ 3H]-JNJ-46281222. Using this novel tool, we also describe the allosteric effect of orthosteric glutamate binding and the presence of a bound G protein on PAM binding and use computational approaches to further investigate the binding mode. Experimental Approach We have used radioligand binding studies, functional assays, site-directed mutagenesis, homology modelling and molecular dynamics to study the binding of JNJ-46281222. Key Results JNJ-46281222 is an mGlu 2-selective, highly potent PAM with nanomolar affinity ( K D = 1.7 nM). Binding of [ 3H]-JNJ-46281222 was increased by the presence of glutamate and greatly reduced by the presence of GTP, indicating the preference for a G protein bound state of the receptor for PAM binding. Its allosteric binding site was visualized and analysed by a computational docking and molecular dynamics study. The simulations revealed amino acid movements in regions expected to be important for activation. The binding mode was supported by [ 3H]-JNJ-46281222 binding experiments on mutant receptors. Conclusion and Implications Our results obtained with JNJ-46281222 in unlabelled and tritiated form further contribute to our understanding of mGlu 2 allosteric modulation. The computational simulations and mutagenesis provide a plausible binding mode with indications of how the ligand permits allosteric activation. This study is therefore of interest for mGlu 2 and class C receptor drug discovery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE\nDrug-target residence time is an important, yet often overlooked, parameter in drug discovery. Multiple studies have proposed an increased residence time to be beneficial for improved drug efficacy and/or longer duration of action. Currently, there are many drugs on the market targeting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor for the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases. Surprisingly, the kinetic receptor-binding parameters of these analogues have not yet been reported. Therefore, this project focused on determining the receptor-binding kinetics of 12 GnRH peptide agonists, including many marketed drugs.\nEXPERIMENTAL APPROACH\nA novel radioligand-binding competition association assay was developed and optimized for the human GnRH receptor with the use of a radiolabelled peptide agonist, [(125) I]-triptorelin. In addition to radioligand-binding studies, a homogeneous time-resolved FRET Tag-lite™ method was developed as an alternative assay for the same purpose.\nKEY RESULTS\nTwo novel competition association assays were successfully developed and applied to determine the kinetic receptor-binding characteristics of 12 high-affinity GnRH peptide agonists. Results obtained from both methods were highly correlated. Interestingly, the binding kinetics of the peptide agonists were more divergent than their affinities with residence times ranging from 5.6 min (goserelin) to 125 min (deslorelin).\nCONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS\nOur research provides new insights by incorporating kinetic, next to equilibrium, binding parameters in current research and development that can potentially improve future drug discovery targeting the GnRH receptor.

Background and Purpose Many GPCRs can be allosterically modulated by small-molecule ligands. This modulation is best understood in terms of the kinetics of the ligand–receptor interaction. However, many current kinetic assays require at least the (radio)labelling of the orthosteric ligand, which is impractical for studying a range of ligands. Here, we describe the application of a so-called competition association assay at the adenosine A1 receptor for this purpose. Experimental Approach We used a competition association assay to examine the binding kinetics of several unlabelled orthosteric agonists of the A1 receptor in the absence or presence of two allosteric modulators. We also tested three bitopic ligands, in which an orthosteric and an allosteric pharmacophore were covalently linked with different spacer lengths. The relevance of the competition association assay for the binding kinetics of the bitopic ligands was also explored by analysing simulated data. Key Results The binding kinetics of an unlabelled orthosteric ligand were affected by the addition of an allosteric modulator and such effects were probe- and concentration-dependent. Covalently linking the orthosteric and allosteric pharmacophores into one bitopic molecule had a substantial effect on the overall on- or off-rate. Conclusion and Implications The competition association assay is a useful tool for exploring the allosteric modulation of the human adenosine A1 receptor. This assay may have general applicability to study allosteric modulation at other GPCRs as well.

Background and Purpose Drug interference with normal hERG protein trafficking substantially reduces the channel density in the plasma membrane and thereby poses an arrhythmic threat. The chemical substructures important for hERG trafficking inhibition were investigated using pentamidine as a model drug. Furthermore, the relationship between acute ion channel block and correction of trafficking by dofetilide was studied. Experimental Approach hERG and KIR2.1 trafficking in HEK293 cells was evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy after treatment with pentamidine and six pentamidine analogues, and correction with dofetilide and four dofetilide analogues that displayed different abilities to inhibit IKr. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to address mode, number and type of interactions between hERG and dofetilide analogues. Key Results Structural modifications of pentamidine differentially affected plasma membrane levels of hERG and KIR2.1. Modification of the phenyl ring or substituents directly attached to it had the largest effect, affirming the importance of these chemical residues in ion channel binding. PA-4 had the mildest effects on both ion channels. Dofetilide corrected pentamidine-induced hERG, but not KIR2.1 trafficking defects. Dofetilide analogues that displayed high channel affinity, mediated by pi-pi stacks and hydrophobic interactions, also restored hERG protein levels, whereas analogues with low affinity were ineffective. Conclusions and Implications Drug-induced trafficking defects can be minimized if certain chemical features are avoided or ‘synthesized out’; this could influence the design and development of future drugs. Further analysis of such features in hERG trafficking correctors may facilitate the design of a non-blocking corrector for trafficking defective hERG proteins in both congenital and acquired LQTS.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Niacin can effectively treat dyslipidaemic disorders. However, its clinical use is limited due to the cutaneous flushing mediated by the nicotinic acid receptor HCA2. In the current study, we evaluated two partial agonists for HCA2, LUF6281 and LUF6283, with respect to their anti-dyslipidaemic potential and cutaneous flushing effect. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro potency and efficacy studies with niacin and the two HCA2 partial agonists were performed using HEK293T cells stably expressing human HCA2. Normolipidaemic C57BL/6 mice received either niacin or the HCA2 partial agonists (400 mg·kg−1·day−1) once a day for 4 weeks for evaluation of their effects in vivo. KEY RESULTS Radioligand competitive binding assay showed Ki values for LUF6281 and LUF6283 of 3 and 0.55 µM. [35S]-GTPγS binding revealed the rank order of their potency as niacin > LUF6283 > LUF6281. All three compounds reduced plasma VLDL-triglyceride concentrations similarly, while LUF6281 and LUF6283, in contrast to niacin, did not also exhibit the unwanted flushing side effect in C57BL/6 mice. Niacin reduced the expression of lipolytic genes HSL and ATGL in adipose tissue by 50%, whereas LUF6281 and LUF6283 unexpectedly did not. In contrast, the decrease in VLDL-triglyceride concentration induced by LUF6281 and LUF6283 was associated with a parallel >40% reduced expression of APOB within the liver. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The current study identifies LUF6281 and LUF6283, two HCA2 partial agonists of the pyrazole class, as promising drug candidates to achieve the beneficial lipid lowering effect of niacin without producing the unwanted flushing side effect.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The adenosine A2A receptor belongs to the superfamily of GPCRs and is a promising therapeutic target. Traditionally, the discovery of novel agents for the A2A receptor has been guided by their affinity for the receptor. This parameter is determined under equilibrium conditions, largely ignoring the kinetic aspects of the ligand-receptor interaction. The aim of this study was to assess the binding kinetics of A2A receptor agonists and explore a possible relationship with their functional efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We set up, validated and optimized a kinetic radioligand binding assay (a so-called competition association assay) at the A2A receptor from which the binding kinetics of unlabelled ligands were determined. Subsequently, functional efficacies of A2A receptor agonists were determined in two different assays: a novel label-free impedance-based assay and a more traditional cAMP determination. KEY RESULTS A simplified competition association assay yielded an accurate determination of the association and dissociation rates of unlabelled A2A receptor ligands at their receptor. A correlation was observed between the receptor residence time of A2A receptor agonists and their intrinsic efficacies in both functional assays. The affinity of A2A receptor agonists was not correlated to their functional efficacy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study indicates that the molecular basis of different agonist efficacies at the A2A receptor lies within their different residence times at this receptor.

Allosteric modulation of the mGlu2 receptor is a potential strategy for treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we describe the in vitro characterization of the mGlu2 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) JNJ-46281222 and its radiolabelled counterpart [(3) H]-JNJ-46281222. Using this novel tool, we also describe the allosteric effect of orthosteric glutamate binding and the presence of a bound G protein on PAM binding and use computational approaches to further investigate the binding mode.We have used radioligand binding studies, functional assays, site-directed mutagenesis, homology modelling and molecular dynamics to study the binding of JNJ-46281222.JNJ-46281222 is an mGlu2 -selective, highly potent PAM with nanomolar affinity (KD = 1.7 nM). Binding of [(3) H]-JNJ-46281222 was increased by the presence of glutamate and greatly reduced by the presence of GTP, indicating the preference for a G protein bound state of the receptor for PAM binding. Its allosteric binding site was visualized and analysed by a computational docking and molecular dynamics study. The simulations revealed amino acid movements in regions expected to be important for activation. The binding mode was supported by [(3) H]-JNJ-46281222 binding experiments on mutant receptors.Our results obtained with JNJ-46281222 in unlabelled and tritiated form further contribute to our understanding of mGlu2 allosteric modulation. The computational simulations and mutagenesis provide a plausible binding mode with indications of how the ligand permits allosteric activation. This study is therefore of interest for mGlu2 and class C receptor drug discovery.

The interaction of a new nonribose ligand (LUF5831) with the human adenosine A1 receptor was investigated in the present study. Radioligand binding experiments were performed in the absence and presence of diverse allosteric modulators on both wild-type (wt) and mutant (T277A) adenosine A1 receptors. Thermodynamic data were obtained by performing these assays at different temperatures. In addition, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assays were performed. The presence of allosteric modulators had diverse effects on the affinity of LUF5831, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a full agonist, and 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), an inverse agonist/antagonist, for the adenosine A1 receptor. PD81,723, for example, increased the affinity of CPA, while the affinity of LUF5831 was decreased. However, the affinity of DPCPX was decreased even more. In addition, LUF5831 was shown to have an affinity for the mutant (T277A) adenosine A1 receptor (Ki=122±22 nM), whereas CPA's affinity was negligible. The results of temperature-dependent binding assays showed that the binding of LUF5831 was entropy driven, in between the behaviour of CPA binding to the high- and low-affinity states of the receptor, respectively. The inhibition of the forskolin-induced production of cAMP through activation of the wt adenosine A1 receptor showed that LUF5831 had a submaximal effect (37±1%) in comparison to CPA (66±5%). On the mutant receptor, however, neither CPA nor LUF5831 inhibited cAMP production. This study indicates that the nonribose ligand, LUF5831, is a partial agonist for the adenosine A1 receptor. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 147, 533–541. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706655

Drug-target residence time is an important, yet often overlooked, parameter in drug discovery. Multiple studies have proposed an increased residence time to be beneficial for improved drug efficacy and/or longer duration of action. Currently, there are many drugs on the market targeting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor for the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases. Surprisingly, the kinetic receptor-binding parameters of these analogues have not yet been reported. Therefore, this project focused on determining the receptor-binding kinetics of 12 GnRH peptide agonists, including many marketed drugs.A novel radioligand-binding competition association assay was developed and optimized for the human GnRH receptor with the use of a radiolabelled peptide agonist, [(125) I]-triptorelin. In addition to radioligand-binding studies, a homogeneous time-resolved FRET Tag-lite™ method was developed as an alternative assay for the same purpose.Two novel competition association assays were successfully developed and applied to determine the kinetic receptor-binding characteristics of 12 high-affinity GnRH peptide agonists. Results obtained from both methods were highly correlated. Interestingly, the binding kinetics of the peptide agonists were more divergent than their affinities with residence times ranging from 5.6 min (goserelin) to 125 min (deslorelin).Our research provides new insights by incorporating kinetic, next to equilibrium, binding parameters in current research and development that can potentially improve future drug discovery targeting the GnRH receptor.

We compared the changes in binding energy generated by two mutations that shift in divergent directions the constitutive activity of the human β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR). A constitutively activating mutant (CAM) and the double alanine replacement (AA mutant) of catechol-binding serines (S204A, S207A) in helix 5 were stably expressed in CHO cell lines, and used to measure the binding affinities of more than 40 adrenergic ligands. Moreover, the efficacy of the same group of compounds was determined as intrinsic activity for maximal adenylyl cyclase stimulation in wild-type β2AR. Although the two mutations had opposite effects on ligand affinity, the extents of change were in both cases largely correlated with the degree of ligand efficacy. This was particularly evident if the extra loss of binding energy due to hydrogen bond deletion in the AA mutant was taken into account. Thus the data demonstrate that there is an overall linkage between the configuration of the binding pocket and the intrinsic equilibrium between active and inactive receptor forms. We also found that AA mutation-induced affinity changes for catecholamine congeners gradually lacking ethanolamine substituents were linearly correlated to the loss of affinity that such modifications of the ligand cause for wild-type receptor. This indicates that the strength of bonds between catechol ring and helix 5 is critically dependent on the rest of interactions of the β-ethanolamine tail with other residues of the β2-AR binding pocket. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 1715–1722; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704622

A1 adenosine receptor agonists with reduced intrinsic activity may be therapeutically useful as result of an increased selectivity of action. In this study the tissue selectivity of three 8-alkylamino substituted analogues of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) was investigated for haemodynamic and anti-lipolytic effects using an integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic approach. Chronically instrumented male Wistar rats received intravenous infusions of 4.0 mg kg−1 8-methylaminoCPA (8MCPA), 12.0 mg kg−1 8-ethylaminoCPA (8ECPA), 20.0 mg kg−1 8-butylaminoCPA (8BCPA) or vehicle during 15 min. During experimentation, serial arterial blood samples were drawn for the determination of agonist concentrations and plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored continuously. In addition to the CPA analogues, each rat received a rapid bolus infusion of CPA to determine the maximal effects of the full agonist. The concentration-time profiles of the CPA analogues could be described by a bi-exponential function. Values for clearance, volume of distribution at steady state and elimination half-life were 44±5, 48±6 and 39±2 ml min−1 kg−1, 0.97±0.09, 0.84±0.10 and 1.05±0.07 1 kg−1 and 25±2, 28±2 and 40±2 min for 8MCPA, 8ECPA and 8BCPA, respectively (mean±s.e.mean, n=6–8). Different models were used to derive the concentration-effect relationships for heart rate and NEFA, yielding estimates of potency (EC50) and instrinsic activity (Emax) for both effects of the compounds in vivo. On heart rate the compounds acted as partial agonists, with Emax values of −173±14, −131±11 and −71±6 beats min−1 for 8MCPA, 8ECPA and 8BCPA, respectively. These Emax values were significantly lower than the maximal effect of CPA (−208±8 beats min−1). With regard to the anti-lipolytic effect all three compounds were full agonists and lowered NEFA levels to the same extent as CPA (69%). The estimated Emax values were 63±5, 63±4 and 68±2%, respectively. Furthermore, the compounds were more potent in causing anti-lipolytic than cardiovascular effects. The EC50 values for the NEFA and heart rate lowering effects were 37±15, 68±22 and 659±108 ng ml−1 and 164±22, 341±76 and 975±190 ng ml−1 for 8MCPA, 8ECPA and 8BCPA, respectively (mean±s.e.mean, n=6–8). This study demonstrates that partial agonists for the A1 adenosine receptor have increased selectivity of action in vivo. The 8-alkylamino analogues of CPA may be useful anti-lipolytics with less pronounced haemodynamic side effects.

Many GPCRs can be allosterically modulated by small-molecule ligands. This modulation is best understood in terms of the kinetics of the ligand-receptor interaction. However, many current kinetic assays require at least the (radio)labelling of the orthosteric ligand, which is impractical for studying a range of ligands. Here, we describe the application of a so-called competition association assay at the adenosine A1 receptor for this purpose.We used a competition association assay to examine the binding kinetics of several unlabelled orthosteric agonists of the A1 receptor in the absence or presence of two allosteric modulators. We also tested three bitopic ligands, in which an orthosteric and an allosteric pharmacophore were covalently linked with different spacer lengths. The relevance of the competition association assay for the binding kinetics of the bitopic ligands was also explored by analysing simulated data.The binding kinetics of an unlabelled orthosteric ligand were affected by the addition of an allosteric modulator and such effects were probe- and concentration-dependent. Covalently linking the orthosteric and allosteric pharmacophores into one bitopic molecule had a substantial effect on the overall on- or off-rate.The competition association assay is a useful tool for exploring the allosteric modulation of the human adenosine A1 receptor. This assay may have general applicability to study allosteric modulation at other GPCRs as well.

1. The purpose of the present study was to develop an experimental strategy for the quantification of the cardiovascular effects of non-selective adenosine receptor ligands at the adenosine A1 and A2a receptor in vivo. 2-Chloroadenosine (CADO) was used as a model compound. 2. Three groups of normotensive conscious rats received an short intravenous infusion of 1.4 mg kg-1 CADO during constant infusions of the A1-selective antagonist, 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT; 20 micrograms min-1 kg-1), the A2a-selective antagonist, 8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine (CSC; 32 micrograms min-1 kg-1) or the vehicle. The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded continuously during the experiment and serial arterial blood samples were taken for analysis of drug concentrations. The ratio MAP/HR was also calculated, which may reflect changes in total peripheral resistance on the assumption that no changes in stroke volume occur. 3. During the infusion of CPT, CADO produced a reduction in both blood pressure and MAP/HR by activation of the A2a receptor. The concentration-effect relationships were described according to the sigmoidal Emax model, yielding potencies based on free drug concentrations (EC50,u) of 61 and 68 ng ml-1 (202 and 225 nM) for the reduction of blood pressure and MAP/HR, respectively. During the infusion of CSC, an EC50,u value of 41 ng ml-1 (136 nM) was observed for the A1 receptor-mediated reduction in heart rate. The in vivo potencies correlated with reported receptor affinities (Ki(A1) = 300 nM and Ki(A2a) = 80 nM). The maximal reductions in MAP/HR and heart rate were comparable to those of full agonists, with the Emax values of -12 +/- 1 x 10(-2) mmHg b.p.m.-1 and -205 b.p.m. respectively. 4. It is concluded that this integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic approach can be used to obtain quantitative information on the potency and intrinsic activity of new non-selective adenosine receptor agonists at different receptor subtypes in vivo.

1. FPL 67156 (6-N,N-diethyl-beta, gamma-dibromomethylene-D-ATP), is a newly synthesized analogue of ATP. 2. In a rabbit isolated tracheal epithelium preparation, measuring P2U-purinoceptor-dependent chloride secretion, FPL 67156 was discovered to potentiate the responses to UTP but not those to ATP-gamma-S. UTP agonist-concentration effect (E/[A]) curves were shifted to the left by 5-fold in the presence of 100 microM FPL 67156. The differential effect of FPL 67156 on UTP and ATP-gamma-S was hypothesized to be due to the greater susceptibility of UTP to enzymatic dephosphorylation and the ability of FPL 67156 to inhibit this process. 3. FPL 67156 was tested as an ecto-ATPase inhibitor in a human blood cell assay, measuring [gamma 32P]-ATP dephosphorylation. The compound inhibited [gamma 32P]-ATP degradation with a pIC50 of 4.6. 4. FPL 67156 was then tested for its effects on ATP and alpha, beta-methylene-ATP responses at P2X-purinoceptors in the rabbit isolated ear artery. In the concentration range 30 microM-1 mM, the compound potentiated the contractile effects of ATP but not those of alpha, beta-methylene-ATP. At 1 mM, FPL 67156 produced a 34-fold leftward shift of ATP E/[A] curves. 5. The effects of FPL 67156 on ATP E/[A] curves in the rabbit ear artery were analyzed using a theoretical model (Furchgott, 1972) describing the action of an enzyme inhibitor on the effects of a metabolically unstable agonist. This analysis provided an estimate of the pKi for FPL 67156 as an ecto-ATPase inhibitor of 5.2. 6. Using appropriate assays, FPL 67156 was shown to have weak antagonist effects at P2X- and P2T-purinoceptors (pA2 ~ 3.3 and 3.5 respectively), and weak agonist effects at P2u-purinoceptors(p[A 50]~ 3.5).7. The degree of potentiation of ATP and UTP effects elicited by FPL 67156 confirms previous results concerning the influence that ecto-ATPase has on the position of E/[A] curves for metabolically unstable agonists. The magnitude of this influence is predicted to have a major effect on the agonist potency orders currently used to designate purinoceptors.8.This study indicates FPL 67156 to be a potentially valuable probe in studies on the action of nucleotides and in the classification of purinoceptors.

Niacin can effectively treat dyslipidaemic disorders. However, its clinical use is limited due to the cutaneous flushing mediated by the nicotinic acid receptor HCA(2) . In the current study, we evaluated two partial agonists for HCA(2) , LUF6281 and LUF6283, with respect to their anti-dyslipidaemic potential and cutaneous flushing effect.In vitro potency and efficacy studies with niacin and the two HCA(2) partial agonists were performed using HEK293T cells stably expressing human HCA(2) . Normolipidaemic C57BL/6 mice received either niacin or the HCA(2) partial agonists (400 mg·kg(-1) ·day(-1) ) once a day for 4 weeks for evaluation of their effects in vivo.Radioligand competitive binding assay showed K(i) values for LUF6281 and LUF6283 of 3 and 0.55 µM. [(35) S]-GTPγS binding revealed the rank order of their potency as niacinLUF6283LUF6281. All three compounds reduced plasma VLDL-triglyceride concentrations similarly, while LUF6281 and LUF6283, in contrast to niacin, did not also exhibit the unwanted flushing side effect in C57BL/6 mice. Niacin reduced the expression of lipolytic genes HSL and ATGL in adipose tissue by 50%, whereas LUF6281 and LUF6283 unexpectedly did not. In contrast, the decrease in VLDL-triglyceride concentration induced by LUF6281 and LUF6283 was associated with a parallel40% reduced expression of APOB within the liver.The current study identifies LUF6281 and LUF6283, two HCA(2) partial agonists of the pyrazole class, as promising drug candidates to achieve the beneficial lipid lowering effect of niacin without producing the unwanted flushing side effect.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The adenosine A(2A) receptor belongs to the superfamily of GPCRs and is a promising therapeutic target. Traditionally, the discovery of novel agents for the A(2A) receptor has been guided by their affinity for the receptor. This parameter is determined under equilibrium conditions, largely ignoring the kinetic aspects of the ligand-receptor interaction. The aim of this study was to assess the binding kinetics of A(2A) receptor agonists and explore a possible relationship with their functional efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We set up, validated and optimized a kinetic radioligand binding assay (a so-called competition association assay) at the A(2A) receptor from which the binding kinetics of unlabelled ligands were determined. Subsequently, functional efficacies of A(2A) receptor agonists were determined in two different assays: a novel label-free impedance-based assay and a more traditional cAMP determination. KEY RESULTS A simplified competition association assay yielded an accurate determination of the association and dissociation rates of unlabelled A(2A) receptor ligands at their receptor. A correlation was observed between the receptor residence time of A(2A) receptor agonists and their intrinsic efficacies in both functional assays. The affinity of A(2A) receptor agonists was not correlated to their functional efficacy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study indicates that the molecular basis of different agonist efficacies at the A(2A) receptor lies within their different residence times at this receptor.

1. Previous studies have shown that suramin and FPL 66301 are competitive antagonists at the P2X-purinoceptor in the rabbit ear artery. Those studies employed alpha,beta-methylene ATP, a poorly hydrolysable ATP analogue, as the agonist. In this study these compounds have been tested using ATP as the agonist. 2. Suramin, in the concentration range 30-1000 microM, potentiated the contractile effects of ATP, producing a 3-fold leftward shift of the ATP E/[A] curves. FPL 66301, in the concentration range 100-1000 microM, produced a significant but small (approximately 3-fold) rightward shift of the ATP curves. These results are in marked contrast with previous studies using alpha,beta-methylene ATP in which 30-fold rightward shifts were achieved using the same concentration ranges of suramin and FPL 66301. 3. Suramin and FPL 66301 were tested as ecto-ATPase inhibitors in a human blood cell assay. Suramin inhibited the enzyme with a pIC50 of 4.3, FPL 66301 with a pIC50 of 3.3. 4. The pharmacological data were analysed using a theoretical model describing the action of a compound with dual enzyme inhibitory and receptor antagonistic properties on the effects of an agonist susceptible to enzymatic degradation. The model was found to fit the data well using the known pKB estimates for suramin and FPL 66301 and similar relative (but not absolute) pK1 estimates to those obtained for the compounds in the enzyme assay. 5. From this analysis it was concluded that the limited shifts of ATP E/[A] curves produced by suramin and FPL 66301 were the result of 'self-cancellation' of the potentiating (enzyme inhibitory) and rightward-shifting (receptor antagonistic) properties.6. The analysis also indicated that the presence of ecto-ATPase activity in the rabbit ear artery preparation has a marked effect on the apparent potency of ATP. The experimental p[A50] was 3.4,whereas the 'true' value, that is the value which would be obtained in the absence of ecto-ATPase activity, was 6.0, some 400-fold higher.7 Two conclusions are drawn from this study. Firstly, caution must be exercised in the use of suramin and FPL 66301 as tools for receptor classification. Absence of overt antagonism by these compounds when metabolically unstable agonists are used could lead to erroneous claims for receptor subtypes.Secondly, the agonist potency order currently used to designate P2X- purinoceptors may require modification.

1. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the cardiovascular effects of the 2'-, 3'-, 5'-deoxyribose analogues of the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) in vivo. The blood concentration-effect relationships of the compounds were assessed in individual rats and correlated to their receptor binding characteristics. 2. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the compounds were determined after a single intravenous infusion of 0.80 mg kg (-1) (63 micromol kg(-1)of 2' dCPA. The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were monitored continuously during the experiment and serial arterial blood samples were taken for analysis of drug concentration. 3. The relationship between blood concentrations and the reductions in both heart rate and blood pressure were described according to the sigmoidal Emax model. For the bradycardiac effect, the potencies based on free drug concentrations (EC50,u) of 5'dCPA, 3'dCPA, 2'dCPAin blood were 5.9 +/- 1.7, 18 +/- 4 and 260 +/- 70 ng ml (-1) (19 +/- 6, 56 +/- 11 and 830 +/- 210 nM), respectively, and correlated well with the adenosine A1 receptor affinity in vitro. The Emax value of 2'dCPA was significantly less than those of the other compounds, suggesting that this compound may be regarded as a partial agonist when compared to the other analogues. The rank order of the maximal reduction in heart rate of the compounds corresponded well with the order of the GTP-shifts, as determined in vitro. 4. It is concluded that deoxyribose derivatives of CPA may be partial agonists for the adenosine A1 receptor and may serve as tools for further investigation of adenosine receptor partial agonism in vivo.

1. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for the interaction between an adenosine A1 receptor agonist and antagonist in vivo. The adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and the antagonist, 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT) were used as model drugs. The CPA-induced reduction in mean arterial pressure and heart rate were used as measurements of effect. 2. Four groups of eight rats each received 200 micrograms kg-1 of CPA i.v. in 5 min during a steady-state infusion of CPT at a rate of 0, 57, 114 or 228 micrograms kg-1 h-1. The haemodynamic parameters were continuously measured and frequent blood samples were taken to determine the pharmacokinetics of the drugs. 3. CPT had no influence on the pharmacokinetics of CPA and the baseline values of the haemodynamic variables. Furthermore, no clear antagonism by CPT was observed of the CPA-induced reduction in mean arterial pressure. However, CPT antagonized the effect on heart rate, and with increasing CPT concentrations, a parallel shift of the CPA concentration-effect relationship to the right was observed. 4. An agonist-antagonist interaction model was used to characterize the interaction quantitatively. On the basis of this model, the pharmacodynamic parameters of both CPA and CPT could be estimated. For CPA the values were (mean +/- s.e.): Emax = 198 +/- 11 b.p.m., EC50 = 2.1 +/- 0.7 ng ml-1, Hill factor = 2.3 +/- 0.6 and for CPT: EC50 = 3.7 +/- 0.3 ng ml-1 and Hill factor = 3.1 +/- 0.1. 5. It is concluded that the competitive agonist-antagonist interaction model may be of value to characterize quantitatively the pharmacodynamic interactions between adenosine A1 receptor ligands in vivo.

1. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the relationship between the blood concentration and haemodynamic effects of the adenosine A2a receptor agonist, CGS 21680C (the sodium salt of 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadeno sin e) in conscious normotensive rats. 2. Chronically cannulated rats were randomly assigned to three groups which received 300, 1000 or 3000 micrograms kg-1 (0.56, 1.9 or 5.6 mumol kg-1) of CGS 21680C intravenously over 15 min. The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously during the experiment and serial arterial blood samples were taken for analysis of drug concentration. The ratio MAP/HR was also calculated, which may reflect changes in total peripheral resistance on the assumption that no changes in stroke volume occur. 3. For each individual rat the reduction in mean arterial pressure was related to the blood concentration according to the sigmoidal Emax model. The concentration-effect relationships were consistent for the different treatment groups. The potency based on free drug concentrations (EC50,u) was 5.8 ng ml-1 (11 nM) (mean +/- s.e.; n = 19) and correlated well with the reported adenosine A2a receptor affinity (Ki 19 nM). In comparison with the reduction in blood pressure, CGS 21680C exhibited a greater potency for the reduction of the ratio MAP/HR. 4. It is concluded that estimates can be obtained for the potency and intrinsic activity of adenosine A2a receptor agonists in vivo by pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis of mean arterial pressure data in a rat model. In future studies, total peripheral resistance may also be useful as a pharmacodynamic parameter for A24 activation, provided that possible changes of the stroke volume are also assessed.